Why are flags at half-staff in Ohio?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff.

Flags have been lowered on Ohio's public buildings and grounds throughout Hamilton County, the Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center and the Rhodes Tower on Thursday in honor of former Hamilton County Auditor and State Representative Brigid Kelly, who died on March 26 after a two-year battle with cancer.

"Brigid dedicated much of her career to public service, first as a Norwood City Councilwoman, then as a State Representative, and then as Hamilton County Auditor," said DeWine. "Like many who worked with her, I knew Brigid to be cordial, collaborative, and willing to work with both parties to help advance the interests of Ohioans."

Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset for Kelly's funeral. DeWine said all other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.

Kelly served in the state legislature from 2017 until 2022. She left the statehouse in 2022 to directly serve her community by running for and becoming the Hamilton County auditor. She stepped down from that position just the week before her death.

During her time at the statehouse, she sponsored several bills ranging from legislation to increase the state minimum wage and make feminine hygiene products exempt from sales tax to a bi-partisan bill to legalize and regulate sports gaming, and some lighter legislation like a bill to designate the sugar cookie as the state cookie. 

In a statement, Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said Kelly was "one of the best lawmakers I have had the honor to serve with."

"Brigid’s leadership on issues, from paid family leave to better wages and stronger communities, improved the lives of working Ohio families and charted a course for the next generation of Democratic leadership in our state," Russo said.