04.30.2010: ODOT Urges No Phones in Construction Zones
04.29.2010: Cincinnati's Air Quality Upgraded
04.29.2010: Lab Equipment Featured at May 8 Auction
04.28.2010: Scammers Target Medicare Recipients in Ohio
04.28.2010: Governor Recognizes May as Time to Celebrate Older Ohioans
04.27.2010: Got an All Purpose Vehicle? Make Sure You Are Covered!
04.26.2010: Vote for Clark Montessori Junior and Senior High School in Commencement Challenge
04.23.2010: Governor Strickland Announces Appointments
04.23.2010: 2009-2010 HEAP Winter Crisis Program Assists More Than 187,000 Households
04.22.2010: May 1 and 2 are Ohio's Free Fishing Days
04.21.2010: Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program Dates Extended to Accommodate High Demand
04.20.2010: Medicare Announces $1.6 Million in Funding for Ohio's Medicare Assistance Program
04.16.2010: Winners Named at Statewide MLK Oratorical Contest
04.15.2010: Governor Urges Ohioans to Complete and Return Census Forms
04.13.2010: ODNR Helps Anchor New Ohio Outdoors Expo At State Fairgrounds
04.12.2010: ODOT Lights Way for Ohio's 'Solar Highways' of the Future
04.12.2010: Grants Will Improve Four Ohio State Parks
04.09.2010: Tax Scammers Pose as IRS
04.08.2010: Ohioans Advised to Beware of Health Care Scams
04.08.2010: Debit Card Skimming Scams Ohio Consumers
04.07.2010: Apply Now for Farmers Market Access Project Funds
04.07.2010: Generous Deer Hunters Double Venison Donations to Ohioans in Need
04.07.2010: Igniting Ohio's Economic Engine: ODOT's Historic Construction Season Officially Underway
04.06.2010: 2009's Best Spots for Reeling in Trophy-Sized Fish in Ohio
04.06.2010: Governor Announces Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Appointments
04.05.2010: Ohio Makes Getting to School Safer for Students
04.05.2010: Governor Strickland Signs Senate Bill 77
04.02.2010: Governor's Statement on the Passing of Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer
04.02.2010: Governor Expands State's Work to Combat Prescription Drug Abuse
04.01.2010: Answers to Common Census Questions
Columbus, Ohio – You might say the O in ODOT represents Oprah today.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is joining forces with celebrity Oprah Winfrey to urge "No Phones in Construction Zones" - as part of Oprah's first National No Phone Zone Day to be featured on her national television talk show Friday.
"With all the variables in work zones - the cones, signs, equipment and workers - it's even more important to pay attention, slow down and hang up the phone in the cone zone," said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris. "Simply putting down the phone while traveling through construction zones could help save lives."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Oprah.com, a recent study found that 71 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 49 admit to texting or talking on the phone while driving.
This year, Ohio safety experts are taking special aim at motorists who are using cell phones while driving through highway construction zones.
In 2009, there were 5,012 crashes in work zones along Ohio's roadways. 13 people lost their lives. While the numbers are down from the year before, it still represents one work zone crash every two hours in Ohio.
With more than 1600 transportation construction projects underway this summer - with projects in every county in the state - safety experts say it's even more critical that drivers be alert, avoid distractions such as cell phone, and follow posted speed limits when traveling through construction zones.
An ODOT analysis shows that the causes of most work zone related crashes are speeding, vehicles following too close together, and drivers making improper lane changes.
To help drivers safely navigate Ohio's historic construction season, ODOT is offering the latest information on all of the construction projects in Ohio that might impact travel on www.BuckeyeTraffic.org. ODOT's premier website offers up-to-the-minute road conditions and details on highway construction projects in every area of the state.
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Columbus, Ohio – U.S. EPA has officially recognized that air quality in the Cincinnati-Hamilton area meets the 1997 federal ozone standard. In Ohio, the area includes Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties. The entire state of Ohio is now meeting the 1997 federal ozone standard.
Cincinnati's Air Quality Upgraded"Today we celebrate that the entire state of Ohio, for the first time, is meeting the 1997 ozone standard," said Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski. "Air quality in the Cincinnati area and throughout the state has improved, but our work is not done. We all need to continue our efforts to meet the newer more stringent ozone standard now in place."
"EPA congratulates Ohio on reaching statewide attainment of the health-based ozone standard. Ohio has achieved this milestone through sound air quality planning and effective pollution control programs. With this accomplishment, Ohio has helped to ensure that its residents are breathing cleaner air," said EPA Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur.
Air quality data from 2007-2009 showed that the Cincinnati-Hamilton area is meeting the 1997 national ozone standard. When asking for redesignation, Ohio was required to demonstrate that the metropolitan area will be able to maintain compliance with the ozone standard for 10 years. Current air pollution controls to limit ozone-causing emissions will enable the area to maintain the air quality.
Ground-level ozone is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. The pollutants are released from cars, factories and a wide variety of other sources. Ozone can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
While the area now meets the ozone standard U.S. EPA finalized in 1997, the area does not comply with the proposed new (and more stringent) ozone standard for which U.S. EPA will be designating nonattainment areas in 2011.
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Columbus, Ohio – Microscopes and other laboratory equipment will be among the items available for bid at the State of Ohio miscellaneous property auction Saturday, May 8.
The auction will be held at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, General Services Division headquarters, 4200 Surface Road, Columbus. The doors open at 8 a.m.; the auction will begin at 9 a.m.
The wide variety of auction items includes laboratory, electronic and computer equipment as well as office furniture, tools and outboard boat motors.
Purchased items must be paid for in full the day of the sale. Cash and credit cards are accepted. All methods of payment other than cash must be approved by the auctioneers, Cassel & Associates.
All purchased items must be picked up by 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 12. Regular auction warehouse hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The warehouse is open until 6 p.m. on the day of the auction.
Surplus property auctions provide the general public an opportunity to purchase quality goods at reduced prices and enable the state to recoup a portion of its initial investment. Miscellaneous property and vehicle auctions generated nearly $2.5 million during fiscal year 2009.
Public auctions are the last step in the state's surplus program. State agencies declare property as surplus because it is damaged or at the end of its life cycle for government use. The property then is made available to other state agencies, state higher education facilities, tax-supported agencies, municipal corporations and other political subdivisions of the state, including public schools. Remaining property is sold at the public auctions. Auction merchandise also includes items collected by the Transportation Security Administration from airline passengers.
For more information, please contact Jim Rooker at 614.466.7636 or visit the DAS State and Federal Surplus Services Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus.
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Columbus, Ohio – Over the past several weeks, the Ohio Attorney General's Office has seen an influx of complaints against scammers who make reference to the Medicare program in a ploy to get consumer information. Attorney General Richard Cordray today warns Ohioans to be wary of unsolicited phone calls from "Medicare" seeking personal information.
"We have received notice from 28 Ohioans who were contacted by someone identifying themselves as a Medicare representative," said Cordray. "All of the calls came from the phone number (866) 234-2255 and, in each, the caller requested personal information including bank account numbers. Ohioans should never give out personal information through unsolicited contact whether it be by phone or e-mail."
Cordray said this Medicare scam targeted consumers from locations across the state, including Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Coshocton, Fairfield, Lima, Lisbon, Mansfield, Stow and Warren. The callers claimed that they needed consumers' bank account information to issue a new benefits card and threatened to terminate the consumers' benefits if they did not provide that information.
Cordray offers the following tips to avoid phone scams:
To report a scam or to file a consumer complaint, contact Attorney General Cordray's office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland has recognized May 2010 as Older Americans Month in Ohio and Tuesday, May 18, as Senior Citizens Day. The Ohio Department of Aging supports and promotes celebrations for Older Americans Month and Senior Citizens Day in communities all over the state. The theme for 2010 is "Age Strong! Live Long!"
"Today's older Ohioans span three generations and have lived through hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity," said Governor Strickland. "They have pioneered technologies in medicine, communications and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women and disabled Americans. It is important and very fitting to celebrate the history and heritage of older Americans during this month."
"These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much," added Barbara E. Riley, director of the department.
The department encourages communities, senior centers, organizations and individuals to host public events to celebrate seniors in their communities. Local events traditionally include health fairs, luncheons, dances, outings, day trips and more. The department's Web site, www.aging.ohio.gov/news/olderamericansmonth/, lists activities throughout the month from across the state and also provides resources to help organizations and individuals plan and promote events.
The department also is holding an Older Americans Month photo contest to launch its new page on Facebook, the popular social networking Web site. To enter, Facebook members can visit the department's page on Facebook, become a fan and post their photo (limit one entry per individual) by May 9, 2010. Department staff will select the top three submissions, which will be featured on the department's Older Americans Month Web page, as well as on the department's page on Facebook.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohioans who plan on spending the warm weather months riding an All Purpose Vehicle (APV) should be aware that recent changes to Ohio law now require certain APV's to be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If you own one of these vehicles that needs to be registered, your insurance coverage, particularly the liability coverage provided by your homeowners insurance policy, could be affected, said Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson.
A standard homeowner's policy does provide liability coverage for certain motor vehicles under specific, limited circumstances. However, the liability coverage in the homeowner's policy that may have applied to your APV may no longer exist due to the change in Ohio law that now requires the APV to be registered.
In order to determine if your homeowner's policy's liability coverage is still providing insurance protection when operating your APV, Director Hudson makes the follow recommendations:
It is important to note that if an APV owner were to cause an accident and did not have insurance, they could potentially face legal action and significant long-term debt. The owner could end up paying for one accident for the rest of their life. The Department strongly encourages consumers to talk with their insurance agent to discuss the risks of operating any APV without insurance and the insurance options that are available.
For additional information about this and other types of insurance coverage, please visit the Department's website, www.insurance.ohio.gov or call the Department's Consumer Service's hotline at 1-800-686-1526.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today encouraged Ohioans to vote online for Clark Montessori Junior High and High School of Cincinnati as they compete in President Barack Obama's first annual Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. Strickland also congratulated students, teachers and staff at Clark Montessori for being selected as one of the six finalist from applicants across the nation.
"I'm proud of the students, teachers and staff at Clark Montessori High School for their commitment to educational excellence," Strickland said. "I am encouraging all Ohioans to support these deserving Ohio students by voting online by Thursday. Welcoming the President of the United States to speak at their commencement would provide Clark Montessori's graduating seniors with an inspirational and historic experience that we can all be proud of."
Ohioans can vote online at www.WhiteHouse.gov/Commencement until the end of the day on Thursday, April 29.
Clark Montessori Junior and Senior High School has been named as one of six finalist chosen based on their dedication to providing students with an excellent education that will prepare them to graduate ready for college and career choices.
Applications were judged based on the schools' performance, four essay questions and supplemental data. The six finalists were selected for their dedication to academic excellence and for showing how they are helping prepare students to graduate college and career ready, and prepared to meet the President's goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.
President Obama will select the national winner from the three high schools with the highest average ratings. The Commencement Challenge winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 and the President will visit the winning high school to deliver the commencement address later this spring.
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced appointments to several state boards and commissions.
The Board of Regents advises and assists the governor, the General Assembly, the state universities and the state agencies concerned with higher education on matters of long range financing and development of the state's higher education facilities.
Patricia Ackerman, of Richmond Heights, currently serves as the executive director of the Chalkdust Education Foundation. She is a retired public school educator who served as a teacher, principal and K-12 curriculum administrator. Ackerman also serves as a member of the Ohio University Foundation Board and previously served as the president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. She received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University, a master's degree from Cleveland State University and a doctorate from Kent State University.
The Miami University Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Jagdish Bhati, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the president of Optimum Management. He previously served as the chief operating officer and a partner with McGrath Group Management and as a program director of network systems technical support operations for Lucent Technology USA. Bhati has also served as a member of the Lucent Support Services Employee Reward and Recognition Program, Lucent Saudi Arabia Team Excellence Award Program and the EMEA Kenan/CSG Systems Professional Service Group Leadership Team. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Jodhpur and a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati.
The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Leonard Schiavone, of Youngstown, currently serves as a partner for the law firm of Friedman & Rummell and as the president of Metro Land Title since 1999. He also serves as a member of the North Side Citizens Coalition for Community Development and previously served as a board member for the Youngstown City Health Department. Schiavone received a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 1970 and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1977.
The NEOUCOM Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Daisy Alford-Smith, of Aurora, has served as the chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio since 2007. She previously served as the chief operating officer of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and the International commission on Health Care Professions from 2004-2006 and as the director of the Summit County Department of Job & Family Services from 1998-2004. Alford-Smith currently serves as member of the Health Systems Agency of North Central Ohio Trustee Board. She received a bachelor's degree from Excelsior College Albany, a master's degree from the University of Akron, and a doctorate from Cleveland State University.
The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority administers the state's 529 college savings plan, CollegeAdvantage. The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority makes the final determination on the price of a tuition credit or tuition unit, the designation of bonds as college saving bonds, and the selection and approval of investment agents for the authority's various college savings programs.
Barbara Gellman-Danley, of Rio Grande, has served as the president of the University of Rio Grande since 2009. She previously served as the vice chancellor for academic affairs and system integration at the Ohio Board of Regents from 2008-2009 and as the president of Antioch University McGregor from 1999-2008. Gellman-Danley also currently serves as a member of the National Community College Advisory Council. She received a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University in 1974, a master's degree from Simmons College in 1975, and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1986.
The Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission studies the existing criminal statutes and Ohio Laws, sentencing patterns throughout the state and the available correctional resources. The results of this study shall be used to develop and recommend to the General Assembly a comprehensive criminal sentencing structure.
Kathleen Hamm, of Toledo, has served as the chief public defender in the Wood County Public Defender's Office since 1990. She previously served as the assistant public defender in the Wood County Public Defender's Office from 1984-1990. Hamm received a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and a law degree from the University of Toledo in 1983.
The State Medical Board receives applications and conducts examinations for certificates of persons desiring to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state of Ohio. The board also may revoke existing licenses or certificates of doctors and surgeons in Ohio.
Krishnamurthi Ramprasad, of Cincinnati, has served as a physician for the Greater Cincinnati Gastroenterology Associates since 1991. He also serves as a gastroenterology instructor at the VA Hospital in Cincinnati. Ramprasad received the 2007 Best Doctor Award by the Western Hills Mercy Hospital. He received a medical degree from Madras Medical College in 1975.
The Ohio Public Defender Commission appoints the state public defender and establishes rules for the conduct of county public defenders and county appointed counsel systems across the state. In addition, the commission advises the governor, General Assembly and Ohio Supreme Court on the operation of the State Public Defender's Office and county public defenders and counsel systems.
Mary Donovan, of Cincinnati, has served as the managing attorney for Donovan Law since 2001. She previously served as the president of the Indiana Right-of-Way Company from 2001-2004. Donovan also served as police officer for the City of Cincinnati from 1987-1990 and as the president of the Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in 2009. She received a bachelor's degree from Mt. St. Joseph in 1998 and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2001.
Ben Espy, of Columbus, previously served as the executive assistant attorney general for the State of Ohio from 2007-2008. He also served as an attorney in private practice from 1977-2007 and as a state senator from 1992-2002. Espy also serves as a board member for the Columbus Medical Association Foundation and the Central Benefits USA Health Care Foundation. He received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University in 1965 and a law degree from Howard University in 1968.
Samuel Porter, of Columbus, has served as a partner for the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur since 1953. He also serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Adena Regional Medical Center as well as numerous other civic and community organizations. Porter received a bachelor's degree from Amherst College and a law degree from the Ohio State University.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers affordable housing opportunities for Ohioans from rental assistance to homeownership. OHFA provides access to financial resources for the development and management of affordable, safe and sanitary housing. The agency's programs serve first-time homebuyers, renters, senior citizens and other populations with special needs who otherwise might not be able to afford quality housing.
William Martin, of Concord, has served as the president and owner of Barrington Homes since 1975. He is also currently serving as a presidential advisor and executive committee member for the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland. Martin studied accounting and finance at the Ohio State University and Lake Erie College.
The Ohio Steel Industry Advisory Council is responsible for conducting an examination of existing federal and Ohio laws that currently affect the production and consumption of Ohio steel, problems that the Ohio steel industry currently faces, including foreign competition and the economic climate for the Ohio steel industry, and other matters relevant to the future of the steel industry in this state. The Council also submits an annual report to legislative leaders and advises local and state government officials.
Brenda Schulz, of Powell, has served as a controller for Nucor Steel in Marion since 2008. She previously served as the controller for Nucor Cold Finish in Wisconsin from 2005-2008. Schulz received a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Wayne State College in 2001 and 2005, respectively.
David McCall, of Reynoldsburg, currently works for the United Steelworkers. He received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1974 and completed the Harvard Trade Union Program in 1990.
The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Committee coordinates investigations of organized criminal activity and cooperates with the departments and officers of the U.S. government in the suppression of criminal activity.
Victor Vigluicci, of Rootstown, has served as a prosecuting attorney for Portage County since 1994. He previously served as an attorney in private practice from 1977-1994. Vigluccil also serves as a member of the National District Attorneys Association. He received a bachelor's degree from Walsh College in 1974 and a master's degree from University of Akron in 1977.
The Waterways Safety Council reports to the chief of the Division of Watercraft on plans and programs for the construction, maintenance and operation of refuge harbors and coordination with shore erosion projects. It also submits to the governor recommendations for amendments to Ohio laws relating to refuge and light craft vessel harbor.
Douglas McLarnan, of Gambier, previously served as a social work supervisor for the Knox County Children's Services Department before retiring. He also served as a firefighter and EMT for the College Township Fire Department. McLarnan was appointed as the first commissioner of the Knox County Park District in 1995 and became the district's operations manager in 2003. He was elected as a trustee of College Township in 2000.
The Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology adopts rules to ensure ethical standards of practice by licensed speech pathologists and audiologists, determines the nature and scope of examinations to be administered to applicants and evaluates the qualifications of all applicants, and supervises the examination of applicants and determines by rule the minimum examination score for licensure.
Amy Thorpe, of Maumee, has worked at the Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children's Hospital since 1996. She was previously employed by the Northwest Ohio Speech Language Rehabilitation Services from 1995-1996. Thorpe is currently performing research at the Toledo Children's Hospital. She serves as a member of Toledo Children's Hospital Feeding Team and a member of the Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Clinic of Northwest Ohio. Thorpe received a bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University in 1990.
Columbus, Ohio – Director of the Ohio Department of Development Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced that 187,288 low-income households were assisted with winter heating costs through the 2009-2010 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program. The program ran from November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. Ohio expended approximately $45 million for the Winter Crisis Program, allowing an average household benefit of $239.
"We are pleased to be able to assist so many Ohio families who are facing hardships such as the cost of heating their homes," Patt-McDaniel said. "Our local community action agencies across the state continue to be instrumental partners helping eligible Ohioans access the assistance they need.”
The HEAP Winter Crisis Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division, provides assistance once per heating season to income-eligible households that have been disconnected, are being threatened with disconnection, or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. Approximately 180,000 households were served during the 2008-2009 Winter Crisis Program.
In addition, the regular Home Energy Assistance Program has assisted 404,870 households, with an average household benefit of $250. Applications for regular HEAP assistance will be accepted through May 31, 2010. Qualifying for HEAP is dependent on the size of the household and the total gross household income over the past three months, which must be at or below 200 percent of the 2009 federal poverty guidelines listed below:
| Size of Household | Yearly Income | Income in the Past Three Months |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,660 | $ 5,415 |
| 2 | $29,140 | $ 7,285 |
| 3 | $36,620 | $ 9,155 |
| 4 | $44,100 | $11,025 |
| 5 | $51,580 | $12,895 |
| 6 | $59,060 | $14,765 |
| 7 | $66,540 | $16,635 |
| 8 | $74,020 | $18,505 |
For more information about the Home Energy Assistance Program visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of "Free Fishing Days" on May 1 and 2 and experience the great fishing Ohio has to offer, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. For these two days only, Ohio anglers may fish in any of the state's public waters without having to buy a fishing license.
During the rest of the year, anglers 16 years of age and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters. An Ohio fishing license is one of the best recreation bargains available, costing only $19 a year for residents.
Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free fishing license at any license vendor. Residents age 66 and older who were born on or after January 1, 1938 are eligible to obtain a reduced cost ($10) senior fishing license. A one-day fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that later can be applied toward the cost of an annual fishing license. Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor outfitters, major department stores, as well as on the Internet at wildohio.com.
Ohio's Free Fishing Days were established in 1993 to promote fishing and allow Ohioans to experience fishing before buying a license. The offer is open to Ohio residents, and extends to all public waters including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. An estimated 1.3 million people fish each year in Ohio.
Great fishing exists around the state and throughout the year. In late winter and early spring, anglers reel in excellent catches of steelhead trout and walleye from northern Ohio streams. Spring also means great saugeye and crappie fishing. During the summer months, the fishing heats up on Lake Erie for yellow perch, walleye and smallmouth bass, while anglers on the Ohio River enjoy excellent striped bass fishing.
The Free Fishing Days weekend offers Ohioans of all ages the chance to experience the fun of fishing. For anyone taking a young angler, there's nothing more rewarding than teaching a kid to fish. Here are some helpful tips:
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced the dates for consumers to secure nearly $2 million in remaining rebates from the Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program have been extended. Consumers can join the wait list for refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers until all available funds are depleted. The original program end date for these appliances was set for April 19, 2010.
"We are extremely pleased with the unprecedented number of Ohioans benefiting from this federal stimulus program increase business sales, stimulating manufacturers' production, and improving household energy efficiency for consumers," Patt-McDaniel said.
Due to high consumer demand, the Ohio Department of Development will reallocate the remaining balance of rebate funds from refrigerators to allow those on the wait lists for dishwashers and clothes washers to receive a rebate. Once funds are reallocated, Ohio consumers who registered for the wait list will be notified by email that they have a rebate reservation. They will then be eligible to purchase and redeem their appliance rebates within three days.
To accommodate high demand in delivering products directly to consumers, the Ohio Department of Development has issued a 30-day extension for submitting required documentation to the rebate processor. Consumers now have a total of 60 days after the appliance purchase date to mail their original receipt and other required documentation, claiming a portion of the nearly $2 million in remaining rebate funds.
"The Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program has had a positive influence on consumers being conscious of the benefits of purchasing and using energy efficient products," said Debbie Jones of Trio TV & Appliance, Inc. in Lancaster. "We have been very pleased with the response from consumers and have gained new customers who have previously not shopped in our store. The paperwork is easy, and our customers are able to make their reservation over the phone if they do not have a computer. It is a "win-win" situation for everyone."
"We are extremely appreciative of the appliance stimulus program, and so are our customers," said Randy LoFaso, Sears Store Manager in Canton. "Whether customers were already in the market for a new appliance, looking to upgrade, or just wanting to go green and save some money on energy, the event attracted a plethora of customers. Overall, we found the program to be a huge success that provided our customers with an excellent opportunity and gave us a great boost in sales."
Since more than 75 percent of the total rebates have been redeemed, the Ohio Department of Development encourages Ohio residents to continue reserving rebates or joining a wait list for those appliances that currently have no available balance of rebate funds. After the program end date of May 24, 2010 for high-efficiency gas storage and electric heat pump water heaters, the Ohio Department of Development may reallocate any remaining balances to those registered on the wait lists for other appliances.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Insurance's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) has received nearly $1.6 million in funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) to continue its efforts to target people on Medicare with limited incomes and beneficiaries with disabilities.
CMS distributed nearly $41.6 million to the 54 existing State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) in the United States and its territories on April 1, 2010 to help people with Medicare get more information about their health choices. Additionally, CMS will dole out approximately $1.5 million in performance grants to SHIPs in September to be used to continue to expand and provide one-on-one counseling and community-based outreach to all people with Medicare. OSHIIP is funded in part by CMS and the State of Ohio.
In 2009, OSHIIP counseled approximately 58,000 Ohioans with Medicare, including about 11,200 with limited incomes and 5,800 beneficiaries with disabilities. A total of 850 outreach events were conducted that reached more than 513,000 Ohioans.
Since early this year, OSHIIP has been strategically working to reach the state's limited income beneficiaries through targeted print, radio, television, billboard and bus advertising combined with grassroots outreach initiatives to explain plan options and the availability of financial assistance.
OSHIIP's staff and a statewide network of trained volunteers educate consumers about Medicare and related insurance topics. Beneficiaries can call OSHIIP's toll-free hotline at 1-800-686-1578 for Medicare information, which is also available on the Department's web site at www.insurance.ohio.gov. Specific plan information can also be obtained at www.medicare.gov.
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Akron, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut today announced Ohio's Centers of Excellence in Enabling Technologies: Advanced Materials and Sensors, at The University of Akron's Goodyear Polymer Center.
The Centers, at five universities throughout the state, are committed to focusing their academic and research activities on advanced materials and sensors technology development to create jobs and strengthen Ohio's ability to bring innovative technologies to commercialization.
"We are establishing Centers of Excellence to help make Ohio schools the best in the nation at turning research into economic development and new jobs," Strickland said. "Because we know that the innovative and cutting-edge work of our public and private universities provides a solid foundation on which to strengthen Ohio's economy.
"Committing resources and research to the development of advanced materials and sensors will allow Ohio to bring cutting-edge technologies to reality and create good jobs for Ohioans in our growing industries," Strickland said. "I'm proud to announce these Centers today and am excited to see the innovative work they will accomplish in the future."
The Centers are located at the following universities:
Youngstown State University was also identified as an Emerging Center of Excellence in Materials Science and Engineering, which indicates the university's significant progress toward becoming a Center of Excellence.
The Centers of Excellence, as outlined in Ohio's 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education, will position the University System of Ohio to be a magnet for talent and a leader in innovation and entrepreneurial activity. The Centers will accomplish this by developing distinct missions for each institution that are recognized by students, faculty and business leaders, while eliminating unnecessary competition for resources, students and faculty within the state.
"Higher education is continuing to focus its resources on those strengths that can drive economic growth in Ohio," said Chancellor Fingerhut. "The Centers of Excellence in Advanced Materials and Sensors will drive the innovations that will help Ohio companies compete on a global scale and create more jobs."
Ohio's strength in the production of iron and steel, polymers, and various chemicals has positioned the state to make scientific and technological breakthroughs in new, advanced materials that are revolutionizing many industrial and consumer products.
From its early roots in tire production and support for the auto industry to supplying today's growth industries, Ohio continues to be a world leader in the polymer industry. And by focusing their efforts on niche markets in liquid crystal technology, Ohio universities, companies and institutions are developing innovative technology and creating a world-class hub for liquid crystal research and development, as well as commercialization.
The state's world-class competencies in advanced materials have also been a major focus for investment by Ohio's Third Frontier program. Whether improving on more mature energy technologies or leading the development of next generation innovations, research and commercialization of advanced materials and sensors is making Ohio a recognized source for alternative and renewable energy solutions.
This Centers of Excellence category focuses on technologies that cross-cut Ohio's growth industries such as advanced materials and sensors. Four other categories are specific to Ohio's growth industries – advanced energy, biomedicine and health care, advanced transportation and aerospace, and agriculture, food production and bioproducts. A sixth group is focused on enhancing the quality of life around the state through additional programs that are essential in building communities and attracting the best and brightest to Ohio. There will be additional Centers related to advanced materials and sensors released in the advanced transportation and aerospace category as those centers specifically relate to that industry.
Today marks the fourth Ohio Centers of Excellence announcement. In October 2009, the governor and chancellor announced Ohio's Centers of Excellence in Advanced Energy at eight of the state's universities. Ohio's Centers of Excellence in Biomedicine and Health Care at 14 universities were announced in February. Last month, Governor Strickland and Chancellor Fingerhut announced Ohio's Center of Excellence in Agriculture, Food Production and Bioproducts at The Ohio State University's Food Industry Center.
For more information, see Ohio Centers of Excellence and the 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education.
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio students inspired by the lessons and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. presented original speeches on his teachings during the 11th Annual Statewide MLK Oratorical Contest held today in Columbus. Thirty-eight regional contest winners from grades kindergarten through 12 spoke before family, friends and judges at the King Arts Complex.
Speakers were judged on performance, originality and composition. The following speakers placed first, second and third in their respective divisions:
First-place finishers are invited to speak at the 2011 Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration on January 13. The celebration and speech contest are sponsored by the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. The commission is housed in the Equal Opportunity Division of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.
"Dr. King would be proud to see part of his dream realized through the talented, diverse young people of Ohio who are participating in this oratorical contest," said Stacey Brinkley, chair of the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today encouraged Buckeyes to show the Wolverines of Michigan that Ohioans can make a comeback in completing and returning their census forms.
Currently, Michigan is ahead of Ohio with a 72 percent participation rate. Ohio's participation rate is 71 percent, ahead of the national participation rate of 67 percent. The national mail participation rate was 72 percent in 2001.
On April 1, Governor Ted Strickland accepted a friendly wager from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm in an effort to encourage 100 percent participation in returning 2010 U.S. Census forms. Governors Strickland and Granholm agreed that the state with the higher percentage of Census forms returned by mail by April 22 will have its state tree planted in the state with the lower rate of return.
"Ohioans have closed the gap and are only behind Michigan by one percent," Strickland said. "I encourage all Ohio residents to complete and return their Census form to help ensure our state receives adequate federal resources that provide assistance to those most in need. Let's get ahead of Michigan so we can plant a beautiful Buckeye tree on their home turf."
In an effort to provide the public with easy-to-access information about the Census, the Ohio Complete Count Committee, which informs Ohioans on the critical importance of the 2010 Census, has added new features to its Web site, www.census.ohio.gov.
Some of the new Web site features include:
If you did not receive a 2010 Census form or cannot locate it, call (866) 872-6868 or visit www.census.ohio.gov to find a Questionnaire Assistance Center or a "Be Counted" site in your area, where forms are available. Residents are encouraged to use the online submission form to report households that have not received a Census form.
For more information about Ohio's 2010 Census efforts visit www.census.ohio.gov.
Columbus, Ohio – April 18-24, 2010 is National Volunteer Week and the Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman are encouraging all Ohioans, but especially our older neighbors, to join the volunteer ombudsman program. Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, help resolve problems and offer information to residents and family members about resident rights, quality of care and quality of life.
"National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate people in action," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "The actions of volunteer ombudsmen make big differences in the lives of facility residents. They are the eyes and ears of the long-term care ombudsman program and very often provide a voice for the consumer when he or she needs it most."
"Volunteer ombudsmen derive satisfaction from helping residents and making their lives better," added Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman. "Their most important role is letting facility residents know they have an advocate if they need help with a problem. Working together with residents, their family and the staff of the facility, they help ensure excellent care and attention."
Ohio's ombudsman program includes the state ombudsman, regional ombudsmen and hundreds of volunteers and paid staff. Volunteers complete a nationally recognized certification program that equips them for their unique roles. Then, they go into service in facilities in their communities. Learn more about the ombudsman program and volunteer opportunities at www.aging.ohio.gov/services/ombudsman/.
National Volunteer Week, a signature event of the Points of Light Institute, celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities across the nation. Visit www.pointsoflight.org.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today selected Franklin County Probate Court Judge Eric Brown to fill the chief justice vacancy created by the untimely death of the late Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer.
Brown will join the Ohio Supreme Court on Monday, May 3.
"It is with great sadness that we face a vacancy on Ohio's high court after the death of a friend and extraordinary public servant," Strickland said. "But I believe that Eric is now the best person to serve as chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. Eric's 30 years of public service combined with his management experience and legal knowledge and expertise, inside and outside of government, make him uniquely qualified to lead the court."
As judge of the Franklin County Probate Court, the largest single-judge probate court in Ohio, Brown oversees a staff of 50 employees, including seven magistrates. While serving on the probate court, he was appointed to serve on the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure. He was elected to the Probate Court in 2008.
He also currently serves as an appointed board member of the Franklin County Criminal Justice Planning Board, a board that provides oversight for criminal and juvenile programs funded through the county.
Prior to election to the Probate Court, Brown, 56, served as a magistrate on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for two years (2003-2005) before he was elected to a judgeship on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division in 2004. As a Common Pleas judge, he presided over more than 5,000 cases, of which nearly 3,000 were civil cases and more than 2,100 were criminal cases.
"The late Chief Justice Moyer left a tremendous legacy of professionalism, collaboration and respect for justice, and I am humbled to succeed him as Ohio's chief justice," Brown said.
From 1992-2002, Eric served as an assistant attorney general for Ohio Attorneys General Lee Fisher and Betty Montgomery. He served as the tobacco litigation counsel from 1996-2002. His work on that case included preparing and filing the lawsuit; managing the team of assistant attorneys general and special counsels working on the case; participating in negotiations; and implementing and enforcing the settlement in Ohio. During his time in the Office of the Ohio Attorney General, he also served as the assistant chief of the consumer protection section. There, Brown supervised a staff of 65, including lawyers, investigators and a consumer complaint unit to investigate and resolve consumer disputes.
"Nearly 10 weeks ago I made it clear that I thought Eric should be the next chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, and my selection of him to fill this unfortunate vacancy on the court is a reflection of my continued belief that he has the skills and life experiences to be an effective chief justice," Strickland said.
Brown began his law career in Cleveland in private practice handling a wide array of legal issues, including legal services for the elderly and their families to criminal and civil litigation and business and real estate transactions.
Brown was an elected member of the Mayfield City School District Board of Education from 1978-1992. Before joining the legal profession, he was a small business owner in Cleveland. He established and operated the American Pool Supply and Service Company, a residential and commercial swimming pool service business, and sold the company in 1979.
As chief justice, Brown's salary will be $150,850.
Brown received a bachelor's degree in history from Cleveland State University in 1975 and a law degree from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 1979. He's been married for more than 36 years to Marilyn Brown, currently a Franklin County commissioner. They have two daughters: Beryl, a lawyer with the Ohio Industrial Commission, and Daryn, a stage manager and event planner in New York City. Eric and Marilyn have three grandsons: Vincent, 6, Max, 3, and Alex, 6 weeks. The Browns are members of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Columbus.
Brown's appointment will create a vacancy on the Franklin County Probate Court. The governor will ask the Ohio Judicial Application Review Panel to make three recommendations to him to fill that vacancy. An announcement regarding the application timeline for filling that vacancy will be forthcoming before the end of this week.
Columbus, Ohio – With an increasing number of Ohioans enjoying the state's waterways, trails and campgrounds, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is promoting outdoor recreational opportunities at PaddlePalooza - Ohio's Outdoors Expo. The event is open April 30 from 4-8 p.m. and May 1, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking and biking enthusiasts from across the state will converge in the Ohio Expo Center's Lausche Building for PaddlePalooza, which will feature displays from ODNR's Division of Watercraft and Ohio State Parks, located at booths 512-515. ODNR staff will be on hand to promote Ohio's great trails, paddling and camping opportunities.
As an added convenience for event goers who purchase a canoe or kayak at the show, the Division of Watercraft is offering on-site sales of watercraft registrations and alternative registration at their PaddlePalooza booth.
PaddlePalooza will also feature an indoor kayak demonstration pool and certified instructors from Columbus Outdoor Pursuits and a number of ongoing seminars on subjects including car-topping equipment and techniques, rigging kayaks for fishing, selecting the right mountain bike or camping tent, and new product introductions and reviews.
Exhibits will feature the latest in canoes, kayaks and paddle gear, mountain bikes, camping equipment from local retailers. Canoe rental liveries and guides will share what they have to offer Ohioans seeking an outdoor water adventure. A number of local paddling, hiking and biking clubs will be on hand to answer outdoor-related questions.
Admission to PaddlePalooza is $10 for adults; $5 for children age 16 and younger; kids under age 5 admitted free of charge. Discount coupons will be available at select local outdoor retailers. Visit www.paddlepalooza.net for more information.
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Columbus, Ohio – Harnessing the state's emerging expertise in solar energy in Northwest Ohio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is partnering with the University of Toledo (UT) to create the state's first "solar highway" of the future.
Using federal funds designated by Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, ODOT will invest $1.5 million to install and study a solar array within highway right of way along Interstate 280 near the Veterans' Glass City Skyway.
In addition to employing university researchers, this innovative energy project will use solar products supplied by companies located in Northwest Ohio.
"It's a win, win for all involved," explained ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris. "This study project not only supports a growing industry in Ohio, but it also identifies new ways for ODOT to reduce energy consumption and potentially save tax dollars by trimming our electric bill."
"The Veterans' Glass City Skyway is our civic cathedral here in the solar capital of the Midwest," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. "With leading edge technology, the Skyway will help light the way to a new and brighter future for our regional economy."
Once the solar panels are installed this summer, the energy collected will be used to assist in powering the impressive lighting system on the Skyway into downtown Toledo.
For the next two years, The University of Toledo will conduct research on the energy produced by the photovoltaic cells in the array and the practical construction and maintenance - including the savings that can be generated - as ODOT considers future "solar highways" across the state.
"This project is a great example of the expertise The University of Toledo and the UT Transportation Center can bring to the table as solar and alternative energy are increasingly integrated into transportation systems across the state and the nation," said UT President Lloyd Jacobs. "The Ohio Department of Transportation is displaying tremendous leadership and we're proud to partner with them."
Installation will begin late this spring along I-280 south of Central Avenue and west of Galena Street, creating an ideal south-facing position for the solar panels. The solar array is expected to begin generating electricity by the end of this Summer.
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Columbus, Ohio – A variety of improvements will happen at Findley, Lake Alma, Little Miami and Paint Creek state parks thanks to grant funding provided by the Ohio State Parks Legacy Foundation, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This year's grants will help fund a playground at Lake Alma, a disc golf course at Paint Creek, storage buildings to help volunteers maintain the Little Miami bike trail, and a butterfly watching facility at Findley. The grants will go to each of the four parks' non-profit friends groups.
The Ohio State Parks Legacy Foundation is a private, non-profit organization funded by donations from state park enthusiasts, community groups and businesses. It operates independent of the park system and state government and its funds are managed by the Columbus Foundation.
There are 54 non-profit friends groups at Ohio State Parks and each one can apply to the foundation for funds to help support improvement projects at their parks. State Park friends groups are community-based private organizations created by citizens to fund improvements with local private contributions.
The Legacy foundation awards grants each year to friends groups working on improvement projects at their state parks. Projects funded in recent years include shelter houses, nature center programs, disc golf courses and playgrounds. For more information about the foundation and to make a donation, go to www.osplegacy.org.
The grant awards were announced at the fifth annual Friends for the Preservation of Ohio State Parks spring symposium held at Maumee Bay State Park lodge on Saturday, April 10.
The Friends for the Preservation of Ohio State Parks was created to serve as an umbrella group for the individual friends groups and to advocate for the state park system. It sponsors the annual symposium to share ideas for fundraising and improvement projects and to hear updates from state officials. More information is available at www.fposp.org.
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Columbus, Ohio – As Ohioans file taxes and await their tax refunds, Attorney General Richard Cordray today warns that scammers are using IRS phishing ploys to try to steal personal information.
"This tax season, scammers are pretending to be the IRS to make their ploys seem legitimate," Attorney General Cordray said. "They're using the IRS logo to send phony e-mails with phony tax information. The real IRS won't send e-mails to discuss this information."
In one case, a Washington County consumer reported receiving an e-mail message on IRS letterhead. The message said the IRS would send her tax refund to her credit card company. (Suspiciously, her husband, who filed jointly, did not receive this message.) To receive her refund, the e-mail said the consumer had to click on a link that said "Complete Formular."
Similarly, a Franklin County consumer received an official-looking e-mail that indicated she was eligible for an additional IRS refund.
Attorney General Cordray reminded consumers that the IRS does not discuss tax account information with consumers via e-mail and that they should watch for red flags, including:
If you receive a suspicious e-mail that claims to come from the IRS, forward it to the IRS at Phishing@IRS.gov. Remember not to click on any links in the message.
For more consumer information or to report a scam, visit Attorney General Cordray's office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
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Columbus, Ohio – The recent passage of health care reform could provide scam artists and criminals an opportunity to confuse and defraud the public, warns Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson.
"We are hearing reports in the media of people going door to door selling fake insurance policies," said Director Hudson. "Some are trying to trick consumers into buying coverage in a non-existing ‘limited enrollment' period that they falsely claim was made possible by the new legislation. It's important that Ohioans make sure they are dealing with licensed insurance agents before purchasing any products."
Consumers should look out for various warning signs or "red flags" from supposed agents selling fake health insurance products, such as:
Ohioans who feel they are a victim of health insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Department's Fraud and Enforcement division by calling 1-800-686-1527. Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio consumers who use debit cards at gas pumps and ATMs could run the risk of being scammed through devices called skimmers, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray cautioned today.
"Skimmers are designed to steal debit card numbers and corresponding account information stored on the card's magnetic strip. They often are camouflaged to fit gas pumps and ATMs, and they may be equipped with hidden cameras," explained Cordray. "The cameras take snapshots of debit card PIN numbers as consumers enter them. Once the scammers have acquired the account information, they use it to make unauthorized purchases and withdrawals."
Corday said that with this scam, awareness is the best defense. It can be difficult to avoid the scam entirely, but consumers can mitigate the effects by carefully monitoring their accounts and limiting the places they use their debit cards.
Cordray offers the following tips:
Skimming can occur with credit cards as well as debit cards. Because of this, consumers should pay close attention to their credit card statements to watch for any unauthorized activity.
If you believe that you are a victim of this scam, notify your local law enforcement and contact your bank immediately.
To report scams or to file a consumer complaint, contact Attorney General Cordray's office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio – In an effort to make fresh produce more available to all Ohioans, the Ohio Department of Agriculture is providing grants to farmers markets through the Farmers Market Access Project to help fund new infrastructure to accept Electronic Benefits Transfer.
This would allow the electronic processing of food assistance through the Ohio Department of Job &Family Services' Direction Card. All funding will be used to promote Ohio agriculture and to advance the long-term economic viability and sustainability of Ohio's specialty crop industry while promoting food security for nutrition assistance recipients at Ohio farmers markets.
"This program is one more effort by the state to increase access to healthy food for all Ohioans," said Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. "The department continues work to further strengthen the logistical supply line between the state's farmers who grow nutritious local foods and its consumers, which is underscored by Gov. Strickland's Ohio Neighborhood Harvest initiative."
The Ohio Neighborhood Harvest initiative is a statewide effort to ensure that Ohioans in every neighborhood have access to locally grown, affordable and healthy food.
Funds for the Farmers Market Access Project were made available by congressional appropriation, with $26,000 available for 2010. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis and are subject to available funding. Awarded grants will range from $500 to $1,000.
The goals of the Farmers Market Access Project, as well as the Ohio Neighborhood Harvest, are to increase healthy food choices for all Ohioans and to promote the sale of Ohio foods, which will benefit Ohio farmers and the state economy. There are approximately 180 farmers markets in the state that may be eligible to accept food assistance benefits through this program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture research estimates that for every dollar in food assistance benefits that is dispersed, $1.84 is generated in economic activity.
A farmers market is a location where several producers congregate to offer fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and other agricultural products. These markets are often located in a public parking lot or at a local fairground. During the harvest season, most markets are open once or twice a week. For a listing of Ohio's farmers markets, visit www.ohioproud.org.
For more information about the Farmers Market Access Project, or to apply, visit www.agri.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 116,750 pounds of venison to local food banks through the 2009-10 deer hunting season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.
The 116,750 pounds of venison equals approximately 467,000 meals for Ohioans in need. Last year, FHFH collected 54,800 pounds of venison throughout the season. A total of 2,336 deer was donated this deer hunting season compared to 1,096 in 2008-09 and 418 in 2007-08.
"With the dedication of FHFH local coordinators and Ohio hunters' generosity, this deer donation program has grown every year," said Jim Marshall, assistant chief of the Division of Wildlife. "I expect next year's donation numbers to be even better."
The Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry for the last three years in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. A subsidy grant was provided in allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by local Ohio FHFH chapters. The division subsidizes this program as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.
Venison that is donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are currently 65 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.
Currently, there are 30 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the "Local FHFH" page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties that they serve.
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Columbus, Ohio – With investments being made in every county of Ohio and in every major mode of transportation, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is "igniting Ohio's economic engine" with today's official start of the largest construction season in state history.
During the 2010 season, ODOT will award more than $2 billion in transportation construction projects – outnumbering investments in past seasons by more than 30 percent.
"These investments will put more Ohioans to work building our state's transportation infrastructure in one construction season than ever before," said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, who officially kicked off the state's construction season in Columbus. "When you add together the projects that are already under construction and those stimulus projects made possible by the Recovery Act, there will be more than $4 billion in active construction going on this summer."
ODOT and its local transportation partners will have more than 1,600 projects under construction this year, including more than 130 interstate projects, 300 resurfacing/pavement upgrade projects, 290 bridge and culvert modernizations, 30 pedestrian and bikeway improvements, and seven maritime projects at Ohio's water ports along the Ohio River and Lake Erie.
"Ohio's historic investments in transportation are helping to ignite the state's economic engine by creating jobs, modernizing our aging infrastructure, and giving our citizens and businesses real choices in travel and shipping," said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris. "Through these investments, we are creating a true 21st Century multi-modal transportation system that will strengthen Ohio's competitive position in national and global markets and revitalize our cities and towns."
The largest project to be awarded this year will also represent the state's largest single investment in Ohio history: the $450 million Interstate 90 Innerbelt Bridge in downtown Cleveland. Although construction isn't expected until 2011, designers and engineers will begin work this summer on expedited efforts to replace the Innerbelt Bridge under a unique design-build contract to be awarded this fall.
Other major construction projects to begin work this season include the $57.6 million second phase of the modernization of I-75 through downtown Dayton; a $14 million stimulus-funded project to better connect the Rickenbacker Airport and Intermodal Terminal near Columbus and an $11 million bridge widening project on I-270 in southern Franklin County; and a $23 million, five-mile major upgrade of I-70 in Belmont County.
New construction will also begin on a $6.2 million pavement upgrade along I-70 near Zanesville; the $6.8 million stimulus-funded crane replacement project at the Port of Toledo and the $89.5 million reconstruction of I-475 in Lucas County; the $38.5 million major modernization of I-90 in Ashtabula County; and the $25 million State Route 4 Bypass in Butler County (near Cincinnati) which will include construction of the state's first "superstreet" intersections to relieve increasing congestion.
"Just as important as the number of projects under construction this year is the number of paychecks these investments are helping to write," said ODOT Director Molitoris, who pointed to a well-studied formula from the Federal Highway Administration showing that every $1 billion invested in highways and bridge impacts 27,800 jobs.
With more than $4 billion in active construction this year alone, Ohio's transportation investments will positively impact an estimated 111,000 jobs, ranging from direct jobs on construction sites, indirect jobs at companies that supply materials and good for construction, and spin-off jobs that benefit from all of the investment.
Increased construction on Ohio's roadways will require greater attention to safety by Ohio's motorists. An ODOT safety analysis shows 4,933 crashes in work zones along Ohio's roadways last year. 13 people lost their lives.
"There are a lot of variables in work zones – the cones, signs, equipment and workers. With reduced speed limits and traffic lane shifts, it's important to slow down and be aware of your surroundings in a work zone at all times of the day – for everyone's safety," added Director Molitoris.
To help drivers safely navigate Ohio's historic construction season, ODOT is offering the latest information on all of the construction projects in Ohio that might impact travel on www.BuckeyeTraffic.org. ODOT's premier website offers up-to-the-minute road conditions and details on highway construction projects in every area of the state.
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Columbus, Ohio – Lake Erie and a dozen inland lakes were among the best places to reel in "Fish Ohio" catches, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The "Fish Ohio" program recognized noteworthy catches among 19 fish species in 2009.
With 2.25 million Lake Erie water acres, 451 miles of the Ohio River, 40,000 miles of streams, about 200 inland lakes and thousands of private ponds, Ohio anglers have great opportunities to catch fish that qualify for the "Fish Ohio" recognition program. Among the state's best "Fish Ohio" waters in 2009 were:
Trophy walleye received the highest number of entries with 2,235. Lake Erie was the top place to catch them, followed by the Maumee and Sandusky rivers and Pymatuning Lake. Catches of yellow perch were the second most caught fish at the lake with 1,376 entries. Mosquito Lake Reservoir in Trumbull County followed in the yellow perch take.
Lake Erie is also the top lake for smallmouth bass, followed by the Ohio River, Rocky River, Piedmont Lake in Belmont County and the Big Darby Creek. Steelhead (rainbow trout) also found Lake Erie most productive, with Rocky River, Grand River, Conneaut Creek and the Ashtabula River following in suit.
Indian Lake in Logan County led the list for trophy saugeye catches followed by Buckeye Lake in Fairfield, Perry and Licking counties, Scioto River, Alum Creek Lake in Delaware County and Leesville Lake in Carroll County. The number one "Fish Ohio" lake for "muskie" catches was Alum Creek, followed by West Branch Reservoir in Portage County, Clear Fork Reservoir in Richland County and Piedmont Lake in Tuscarawas County.
While a majority of entries for sunfish, crappies, channel catfish and largemouth bass were caught in private ponds, these species also were plentiful in many public waterways. Mosquito Lake led the "Fish Ohio" entries in the crappie category with Pymatuning Lake in Ashtabula County, West Branch Reservoir and Lake Erie completing the list. The number of Fish Ohio entries for sunfish were second only to those for walleye. Lake La Su An in Williams County and Portage Lakes in Summit County were the two most productive for trophy panfish.
The Ohio River topped the list for qualifying catches of channel catfish in a public waterway. Hoover Reservoir in Delaware and Franklin counties, Mosquito Lake and the Maumee River also proved to be hot spots for channel catfish action. The top "Fish Ohio" area for largemouth bass was Portage Lakes with Chippewa Lake in Medina County, Salt Fork Lake in Guernsey County and the ponds on AEP's ReCreation lands also noted for trophy catches of largemouth.
During 2009, the "Fish Ohio" program recognized 14,000 anglers from Ohio and 40 other states for trophy catches. Each angler with a qualifying "Fish Ohio" catch receives a certificate and lapel pin. The 2009 pin featured a bluegill; the 2010 pin will display a walleye. Since 1976, more than 425,000 anglers have been recognized for "Fish Ohio" catches.
Individuals who catch four "Fish Ohio" fish in a single year qualify as Master Anglers. The Master Angler pin is similar to the "Fish Ohio" pin, except it is gold in color. Anyone interested in submitting an entry in the "Fish Ohio" program should complete the online registration, available at fishohio.org.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced appointments to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.
In addition to the Governor's 10 appointments, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs serves on the 13-member board, as well a selection from both the House Speaker and Senate President.
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is charged with establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio. The board will strive to maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and raised food, and protect Ohio farms and families.
Tony Forshey, of Columbus, currently serves as the state veterinarian for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. He also serves as the co-chairman of the Swine Update Program in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Ohio State University and chairman of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Swine Sub-Committee to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Forshey has been recognized by his peers for his work on swine committees and has received numerous awards, including the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association's Meritorious Award. He received a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the Ohio State University.
Leon Weaver, of Montpelier, serves as the owner and operator of Bridgewater Dairy. He also serves as a member of the board of directors for the Ohio Livestock Coalition and the Ohio Dairy Industry Forum. He previously served as the president of the Ohio Dairy Industry Forum and as a professor at the University of California's Veterinarian Medicine School. Weaver received a bachelor's degree from Goshen College in 1968 and a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971.
Jeff Wuebker, of Versailles, has served as the co-owner of Wuebker Farms since 2001. He also serves as the president of the Ohio Soybean Association and is a member of the Ohio Corn Growers Association and the Ohio Cattleman's Association. Wuebker was named Outstanding Young Farmer by the Ohio Farm Bureau in 2005. He received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University in 1993.
Bobby Moser, of Dublin, has served as the vice president for agricultural administration and the dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at the Ohio State University since 1991. He previously served as the associate dean of agriculture and extension program director at the University of Missouri from 1986-1988 and as an associate professor at the University of Nebraska. Moser received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Oklahoma State University. He also received a doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 1972.
Jeffrey LeJeune, of Wooster, has served as an associate professor for Food and Animal Health at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at the Ohio State University since 2007 and previously served as an assistant professor at the Ohio State University from 2001-2007. LeJeune also currently serves as the chair of the Agriculture Animal Care and Use Committee at the Ohio State University and received the 2009 OARDC Distinguished Research Award in 2009. He received a bachelor's degree from the Universite de Moncton and a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Prince Edward Island. LeJeune also received a Ph.D. from Washington State University in 2000.
Harold Dates, of Cincinnati, has served as the president and CEO of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Cincinnati since 1986, previously serving as the assistant general manager from 1975-1986. Dates also previously served as the community center director for the City of Cincinnati from 1971-1973. He received the Glenn Summerlin Award from the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators in 2009. Dates received a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1969.
Jerry Lahmers, of Newcomerstown, currently owns and operates a family farm that includes a cow/calf feedlot and grain operations. He previously served as a veterinarian who treated and cared for animals in Tuscarawas County for 29 years. Lahmers also serves as the president of the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau and Tuscarawas County Parks Department. He also served as a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing board from 2000-2005. Lahmers received a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the Ohio State University.
Lisa M. Hamler-Fugitt, of Reynoldsburg, currently serves as the executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and as the legislative liaison for the Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. She previously served as the public policy director and the statewide food and nutrition program coordinator for the Ohio Hunger Task Force. Hamler-Fugitt has researched, written, and secured over $200 million in grants to support various anti-hunger programs. She received an associate's degree from South Oklahoma Junior College.
Robert Cole, of Gahanna, served in various roles for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for over 33 years, including serving as the executive director of the USDA's Franklin County Office and as acting state director in 2003. He retired from the U.S Department of Agriculture in 2003. Cole continues to help manage his family's farm in Mississippi and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Dayton. He received a bachelor's degree from Alcorn A&M College in 1970.
Stacey Atherton, of Newark, has served as the co-owner for Shipley Farms since 2009. She previously served as a manager for Shipley Farms from 2006-2009. Atherton has also served as a 4-H club advisor for the Licking County Jersey Club since 2006 and is a member of the Ohio Dairy Producers and the Ohio Farm Bureau. She received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University in 2006.
Columbus, Ohio – With projects aimed at keeping children from walking in the streets or along train tracks to increasing the number of police officers watching over school zones, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will invest a record $11 million to make getting to school safer for students in 41 Ohio communities.
The $11 million in federal transportation funds to be invested this year will represent the most ODOT has invested in its successful Safe Routes to School program since it began in 2004.
In all, ODOT will fund 66 projects ranging in size from $1,650 to $500,000.
Among the largest projects to be funded, the city of Columbus will receive $500,000 to construct new sidewalks and a safer railroad crossing to prevent children at Westmoor Middle and Valleyview Elementary schools from walking along dangerous railroad tracks to get to school. The city will receive an additional $500,000 for new signage and crosswalks to provide for safer intersections near two elementary schools.
Other large investments include the village of Sheffield who will receive $500,000 for a new walkway to connect large residential areas to Sheffield Middle and William Barr Elementary schools. Approximately 1,400 students are expected to use the walkway when it is complete. The village of Chagrin Falls will also receive $500,000 for pavement markings, which will increase visibility at intersections.
Other construction projects include: 100,000 to the city of Athens for construction of two hillside stairwells to serve two schools and $105,000 to the city of Gahanna for construction of a designated bike lane along a busy roadway.
Another 17 communities around Ohio will receive funding to increase law enforcement near school zones or to develop educational materials and events which encourage more students to walk or bike to school. This includes $1,650 to the city of Cambridge for safety town designed to teach elementary students about roadway safety.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, since 1980, the prevalence of obesity has tripled among school-age children, and it remains high at approximately 17%. Aimed at elementary and middle schools, ODOT's Safe Routes to School program is part of a national movement to create safe, convenient, and fun opportunities for children to walk and bike to and from schools.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed Senate Bill 77.
State Senator David Goodman sponsored SB 77, which expands DNA testing for certain convicted felons, eliminates DNA testing for felons who pleaded guilty or no contest, preserves biological evidence in criminal proceeding and improves eyewitness identification procedures.
"This bill updates Ohio's DNA law and will play a significant role in the modernization of Ohio's system of criminal justice," Strickland said. "The new procedures will help improve criminal investigations and save lives."
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today released the following statement on the passing of Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer.
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and Ohio's Chief Justice, Thomas Moyer. I was honored when Tom swore me in as governor. That was the beginning of a warm and close working relationship – the kind of mutually respectful relationship you always envision leaders of different branches of government having. But that was Tom: dignified, respectful, thoughtful and always concerned for the well-being of others. It was never about him. Tom unselfishly served the people of Ohio for so many years. I know he was very much looking forward to his retirement, but he loved what he did. In recent years, he was a leader and a partner in Ohio's bipartisan efforts to fight foreclosure and to take a serious and comprehensive look at corrections reform. He spoke passionately and convincingly for reducing the influence of money in judicial elections.
"This is a sad time for Tom's family and the people of Ohio. Frances and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife Mary, their family, his colleagues and the many Ohioans he served during his distinguished tenure as the longest-serving chief justice in the United States."
In honor of the life and service of Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio upon sunrise on Monday, April 5 until sunset the day of the Chief Justice's burial.
On This 2nd Day of April, 2010
Ted Strickland
Governor
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order that expands the state's role and establishes a more comprehensive, coordinated approach to combating prescription drug abuse across Ohio.
Strickland expressed his support for the licensure of pain clinics, and called on all doctors and pharmacists to check the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System – a prescription tracking database – every time they prescribe or dispense pain medication. He announced that the state has set aside $250,000 in Justice Assistance Grants that local law enforcement can apply for to expand or improve their efforts.
"Pain medication, when abused, ceases to treat pain and instead causes it," Strickland said. "Too many lives have been lost and too many people have become lost chasing these pills. Prescription drug abuse is a menace that must be fought with every available tool. So today we are creating a new tool to help us take on this public health emergency."
Prescription drug abuse has been identified as a rising public health problem on the national level and has reached an epidemic in Ohio. Ohio's death rate due to unintentional drug poisoning has increased more than 300 percent from 1999 to 2007, and is now the leading cause of injury death in Ohio.
"Prescription drug abuse is made possible by several different actors," Strickland said. "Much of this abuse is fed by pill mills – where prescriptions and pills are dispensed in exchange for cash. And so to all the pill mills out there making a profit by selling a poison, let me be clear. We're coming for you. What you do is illegal and immoral, and we will fight you with everything we have.
"Pain management is a legitimate medical concern and in no way will we interfere with necessary medical responses to chronic pain. But there is no place for physicians or pharmacists who are not meeting any acceptable standard of care and are apparently dispensing prescriptions not as a means to help a patient but as a means to enrich themselves."
The executive order establishes a task force that will help unite the ongoing efforts at the federal, state and local levels, and build on their work to address this rising problem.
The Ohio Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force (OPDATF) will be charged with researching the issue and identifying public health, law enforcement, legislative and additional strategies to reduce the danger of prescription drug abuse in Ohio.
The task force will include officials from public safety and public health, from medical and pharmacy backgrounds, and from local, state and federal government. It will regularly report its findings and recommendations to the governor and to the leaders of the Ohio General Assembly.
Strickland designated Ohio Department of Public Safety Assistant Director George Maier as chair of the Ohio Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force and Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin Jackson as the task force's vice chair.
"As prescription drug abuse has become a growing epidemic in communities across Ohio, law enforcement has been challenged in its efforts to combat this problem with limited tools and resources," said Maier. "Under the governor's leadership, Ohio is taking the necessary steps to curb this problem with the establishment of this task force and development of an action plan to aid Ohio's communities in this fight."
"Prescription drug abuse is harming Ohioans at an epidemic level," said Dr. Jackson. "I look forward to working on the task force with my colleagues to address this critical public health issue."
In addition to establishing the task force, Strickland called on all doctors and pharmacists to check the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) – a prescription tracking database – every time they prescribe or dispense an opioid or opioid derivative (pain medication). Today, all pharmacists report into this system, but only one in five use the system when filling prescriptions. Strickland charged the task force with pursuing additional strategies to increase use of OARRS by doctors and pharmacists.
Strickland also announced that the state has set aside $250,000 in Justice Assistance Grants that local law enforcement can apply for to expand or improve their efforts.
The Ohio Department of Health has launched a Web site with additional details on prescription drug abuse and prevention efforts at www.odh.ohio.gov/drugoverdose.
Strickland credited the efforts of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who has been tackling the prescription drug abuse issue on the federal level. On March 25, Brown's office convened a first-of-its-kind roundtable that brought together federal officials from the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and state officials from the Attorney General's office, Department of Health, and Department of Jobs and Family Services. Local law enforcement and judicial representatives also attended the meeting to share their first-hand experiences with this issue. The meeting was held at the PACAAR Medical Center at the Adena Hospital System in Chillicothe.
"As I've said from the beginning, we need to treat this problem like the dangerous epidemic it is. That means cooperation on a federal, state, and local level," Brown said. "I applaud Governor Strickland for addressing this dangerous prescription drug abuse that threatens the health of Ohioans and the fabric of our communities. Earlier this month, I held a first-of-its kind roundtable that convened the federal and state agencies that need to work together to tackle this problem. If we are going to root out the drug dealers and pill mills and prevent addiction, then it will take neighbors and local leaders organizing their communities and pushing their government to fight back."
On March 1, Brown wrote to President Barack Obama offering his support for the President's proposals to combat prescription drug fraud and Medicaid abuse. Brown asked for the President's help in stamping out prescription drug fraud in Ohio, by addressing substance abuse problems and ending the misuse of taxpayer dollars.
Columbus, Ohio – ave questions about completing your 2010 Census form? By now, thousands of Ohioans have received the Census in the mail, but many are uncertain how to answer some of the questions. Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce has created a list of some common problems and answers to help residents complete the questionnaire.
"I encourage Ohioans to take just 10 minutes to answer 10 questions that will affect funding in Ohio for the next 10 years," said Treasurer Boyce. "For every Census form that is returned by mail, you save the Census Bureau from sending a person to your home to follow-up. Door-to-door follow-up costs $57 per household."
Treasurer Boyce said that the Census is critically important to all communities across the state. Results from the Census will determine the distribution of $400 billion in federal funds. Those funds are used for job training centers, emergency services, schools, senior citizen centers and many construction projects.
The 84 service centers are located across the state. The service centers will remain open through April 19, 2010. Each center is staffed so you can receive in-person information and language assistance to complete the Census form.
For more information about the Census, visit: www.census.ohio.gov.
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