"Buckeye Chuck Predicts Early Spring for Ohio in 2024"
Buckeye Chuck, Ohio's official groundhog, has predicted an early spring for 2024, in line with the tradition of Groundhog Day. The forecast was delivered in Marion, Ohio, and was broadcast live on Buckeye Chuck's Facebook fan page and 1490-AM WMRN. Buckeye Chuck, who has been making predictions since the 1970s, was declared the official State Groundhog by the Ohio General Assembly in 1979. Last year, a stuffed groundhog made the prediction due to complaints from PETA, but a new Buckeye Chuck, named Murray, has returned this year to make the forecast. Groundhog Day is celebrated on Feb. 2, with its traditions originating from Candlemas and the anticipation of planting crops.