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Cincinnati, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and the Cincinnati USA Partnership today announced that one of the world's leading information technology companies has chosen the Cincinnati USA region to establish its North American Delivery Center.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global IT services, business solutions and outsourcing company, began working with the Cincinnati USA Partnership in February of this year to review a number of sites across the region before choosing Clermont County as the location for the delivery center. The company cites a large pool of highly skilled workers as well as excellent access to customers as reasons for its choice.
"Tata Consultancy Services' investment in southwestern Ohio shows that we have the workforce, infrastructure and expertise that high–tech companies need to thrive in a global marketplace," Governor Strickland said. "This investment brings promise to our state's economy by advancing the jobs and services that will carry us into the future."
"The Cincinnati USA Partnership is proud to have worked with TCS throughout their entire site selection process," said Neil Hensley, Senior Director of Economic Development, Cincinnati USA Partnership. "We will continue to work closely with TCS as they formally join the more than 2,000 other business technology firms in our region."
"Clermont County welcomes Tata Consultancy Services with open arms," said Clermont County Commission President Bob Proud. "The Ridgewood Corporate Center is truly a perfect location for the North American Delivery Center of this innovative and prestigious world–class company."
TCS is a division of the Tata Group, which is one of India's oldest, largest and most respected business conglomerates with 96 operating companies and $22 billion in revenues. TCS contributed $4.3 billion to that value in 2006 – 2007.
The state has offered TCS incentives worth more than $19 million for investment in Clermont County, including a 90 percent, eight–year Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit, valued at more than $15 million. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved the tax credit on September 24.
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Columbus, Ohio – Approximately 188 vehicles will be available for bid when State and Federal Surplus hosts an auction Saturday, Oct 13 at 4200 Surface Road, Columbus.
The vehicles include cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles and boats. To view the list of vehicles and their photos, click here.
The auction begins at 10 a.m.; gates open at 8 a.m. Vehicles may be inspected Oct. 9 through 12. Vehicle engines may be started only on Oct. 12. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The lot will be closed Oct. 8 in observance of Columbus Day.
A minimum payment of 25 percent may be made on the day of the auction with the balance due by 2 p.m. the following Monday. Deposits will be forfeited to the State of Ohio in the event of late payment. Successful bidders will be able to purchase 30–day temporary license tags at the auction for $10.00 in cash.
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. Surplus vehicle auctions generated nearly $3 million for the state's investment recovery fund during fiscal year 2007.
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 is then made available to other state agencies, state colleges and universities, tax–supported agencies, municipal corporations and other political subdivisions of the state, including public schools. Remaining property is sold at the public auctions.
For more information, including payment requirements and directions, visit the State and Federal Surplus Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus or call (614) 466–2670.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio EPA will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on October 10, 2007, to present information and accept comments about a draft wastewater discharge permit for AK Steel Corporation, 17400 Route 16, Coshocton.
The meeting will take place at the Coshocton Public Library, 655 Main St., Coshocton. A public hearing will follow a brief question and answer session. Production at the AK Steel facility has increased and therefore the company has asked to be allowed to increase the pollutants it discharges to the Muskingum River. The modification of the wastewater permit would ensure that the river's water quality would be protected. The discharge could not exceed chemical–specific water quality standards that protect aquatic life and human health. The additional discharge would, however, result in a change from current water quality conditions in the Muskingum River.
Ohio EPA will accept written comments on the draft permit through the close of business October 17, 2007. Anyone may submit comments or request to be on the mailing list for information. Ohio EPA will take all public comments into consideration before deciding whether to issue or deny the permit.
To comment or receive information on the wastewater discharge draft permit, write to: Patti Smith, Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water, Permits Processing Unit, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216�.
The application and other related materials are available for review at Ohio EPA's Southeast District Office in Logan by calling Angie Hardesty at (740) 380�.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio students again performed better than the national average on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in both fourth- and eighth-grade reading and mathematics this year. Ohio's overall scores increased in each of the four assessments. Black and Hispanic students achieved the largest gains, thus narrowing the gaps with white students.
"We have seen a big jump in Ohio's fourth-grade reading and mathematics proficiency levels as well as an increase in eighth-grade mathematics," said Susan Tave Zelman, superintendent of public instruction. "I am delighted by the progress of our fourth-graders and happy that eighth-graders are holding their own, well above eighth-graders nationally."
All 50 states are required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act to participate in biennial NAEP assessments in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and mathematics. NAEP – also known as the Nation's Report Card – is the only nationally representative measure of student academic progress over time.
"Today's results confirm what we saw on our state tests where students in Ohio have improved in both subjects," Zelman said. "Ohio can be proud of our students' gains in reading and mathematics. I commend Ohio's educators and our students on their continuing efforts which are producing stronger results and narrowing Ohio's achievement gaps."
Overall, mathematics scores increased from the last NAEP administration in 2005. "Our mathematics scores again rose in fourth grade and also improved in eighth grade," Zelman said. "We have made impressive gains, which are important to the future success of our students during what will be a lifetime of global competition."
The average scale score in mathematics for Ohio fourth-graders was 245, above the national rate of 239. Only four states scored significantly higher than Ohio in this category: Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey.
The average scale score in mathematics for Ohio eighth-graders was 285, above the national rate of 280. Seven states scored significantly higher than Ohio in this category: Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota and Vermont.
Ohio continues to outperform the national average in reading. Fourth-graders made substantial gains.
"While fourth-graders made significant progress in reading, eighth-grade scores are flat," Zelman said. "Still, our reading results are among the best in the nation. I encourage all Ohioans to strengthen their reading skills and the time spent reading. Through strong reading skills, the world is open to everyone."
The average scale score in reading for all Ohio fourth-graders was 226, above the national rate of 220. Only three states scored significantly higher than Ohio in this category: Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey.
The average scale score in reading for all Ohio eighth-graders was 268, above the national average of 261. Only two states scored significantly higher than Ohio in this category: Massachusetts and Vermont.
Achievement gaps between black and white students narrowed for each fourth- and eighth-grade assessment in 2007, compared to 2005.
In fourth-grade reading, the average score for black students rose by seven points, while the average score for white students rose by 1.5 points, narrowing the black-white achievement gap in fourth-grade reading by 5.5 points. Only two states scored significantly higher than Ohio's black fourth-grade students in reading.
In fourth-grade mathematics, the average score for black students rose by nearly four points, while the average score for white students rose by one point, narrowing the black-white achievement gap in fourth-grade mathematics by 2.95 points. Only one state significantly outperformed Ohio's black fourth-grade students in mathematics.
Although sample sizes were small, Ohio Hispanic students scored highest among all states in eighth-grade reading at 260, compared to 246 nationally, and second highest among all states in eighth-grade mathematics at 276, well above the national average of 264. In fourth-grade reading, Ohio Hispanic students, at 214, also scored higher than the national average, at 204. Slight improvement in fourth-grade mathematics occurred for Ohio's Hispanic students whose average score was 231, fairly comparable to the U.S. average score of 227. (Sample sizes of Ohio Hispanic students taking part in NAEP assessments before 2005 were too small to provide statistically reliable data.)
In reading, Ohio girls continue to outperform boys in both grades, even with increases for both fourth-grade girls and boys. The average score for fourth-grade girls was 228, compared to fourth-grade boys at 223; for eighth-grade girls it was 272, compared to eighth-grade boys at 264.
In fourth-grade mathematics, Ohio boys had an average score of 246, compared to the girls who had an average score of 243. In eighth-grade mathematics, Ohio boys, at 286, outperformed girls, at 283, though the difference was not statistically significant according to NAEP.
Low-income students continue to score lower than those from wealthier families, based on average scores of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches. However, achievement gaps also narrowed between low-income students and students from wealthier families for each fourth- and eighth-grade assessment in 2007, compared to 2005. Like all Ohio students, average scores for low-income students increased on three out of four of the assessments, narrowing the achievement gap for fourth-grade reading by four points and fourth-grade mathematics by two points.
Compared to neighboring states, Ohio continues to achieve at some of the highest levels, exceeding that of most neighboring states.
In Ohio, 14,546 students participated in the 2007 NAEP, including 3,543 eighth-grade students in reading and 3,417 in mathematics, and 3,740 fourth-grade students in reading and 3,846 in mathematics.
Ohio administers state assessments that show the state is moving in the right direction in both mathematics and reading, Zelman said.
"Because Ohio assessments are different from NAEP assessments, we must look at both NAEP and state test scores for a clearer vision of what is occurring in Ohio," Zelman said. "I am pleased to note that state assessments also show achievement improving in mathematics and reading. Clearly, we are continuing to make progress in Ohio."
NAEP is the only nationally representative and continuous assessment of what students across the country know and are able to do in various subjects. Results are reported in three ways: by scale scores, by selected percentiles and by percentage of students performing at or above basic, proficient and advanced achievement levels.
NAEP is a sample assessment and does not provide results for individual students, schools or districts. Schools are selected through demographic sampling. Students are selected through random sampling. Because no student takes a complete NAEP assessment, individual results are not possible.
NAEP began in 1969 as a national measure of student progress. Assessments are given in reading, mathematics, science, writing, U.S. history, geography, civics, economics and the arts. State assessments began in 1990. Assessments are given in reading, mathematics, science and writing.
Effective with the 2003 NAEP assessment, the No Child Left Behind Act mandated that all states and districts receiving Title I funding participate in the biennial NAEP assessments in reading and mathematics in grades four and eight. In addition, Ohio law requires participation of all selected Ohio schools in any NAEP assessment.
The National Center for Education Statistics at the U.S. Department of Education is responsible for carrying out the NAEP project. NAEP policy is established by the National Assessment Governing Board, an independent, bipartisan group whose members include governors, state legislators, local and state school officials, educators, business representatives and members of the general public. Congress created the 26-member Governing Board in 1988 to set NAEP policy.
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Columbus, Ohio – There's no better way to experience the magic of Ohio's Fall Color season than with a woodland trek through a state park, forest or nature preserve.
ODNR foresters are predicting a color–drenched autumn across most of the state, as cool nights and sunny days turn woodlands vibrant shades of red, orange, gold and yellow.
Hiking provides some of the best and most intimate ways to view this annual natural phenomenon. Ohio's state parks, forests and nature preserves offer hundreds of miles of trails through some of the state's most picturesque terrain. ODNR has compiled a list of the best locations to visit this autumn and view the change of seasons.
Nelson–Kennedy Ledges State Park (Portage County) – Three miles of hiking trails featuring unusual rock formations with names like Indian Pass and Old Maid's Kitchen. Best for experienced hikers and adults.
Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) – Sixteen miles of hiking trails and 23 miles of bridle trails that border on the gorge of Little Beaver Creek, a state wild and scenic river.
Findley State Park (Lorain County) – Ten miles of hiking and mountain biking trails (including part of the Buckeye Trail) that run through portions of a scenic old–growth forest.
Mohican State Park–Mohican Memorial State Forest (Ashland/Richland counties) – Thirty–seven miles of hiking trails, including some multiple–use trails, that slice rolling hills and the Clear Fork River Gorge, designated a National Natural Landmark.
Quail Hollow State Park (Stark County) – Twelve miles of hiking trails, including a one–mile paved path, are a good place for beginning hikers. This is one of the most picturesque urban parks in Ohio.
Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve (Richland County) – Three hiking trails meander through this 148–acre preserve, one of the oldest in the state. Some trees here are 100 to 200 years old.
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (Licking County) – Six trails of varying lengths cut this 970–acre preserve which lies on the Licking River Gorge.
Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve (Hardin County) – More than 1,000 acres of natural wooded habitat with a one–mile trail that abounds with plant and animal life.
Barkcamp State Park (Belmont County) – Four miles of hiking trails and 24 miles of bridle trails through one of the most biologically diverse forests in Ohio. Less–frequented trails, great for beginners.
Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County) – Fourteen miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of bridle trails that circle a 2,952–acre lake.
Burr Oak State Park (Morgan County) – Extensive hiking on back woodland trails and across beautiful rolling hills.
Lake Hope State Park and Zaleski State Forest (Vinton County) – Seventeen miles of hiking trails and four miles of mountain bike trails in the park alone. A 23–mile backpack trail meanders through the forest in one of the most picturesque parts of Ohio. Along the way, hikers can visit Native American sites, the legendary Moonville tunnel and some of the best wild turkey and white–tailed deer habitat in the state.
Great Seal State Park (Ross County) – Five miles of hiking trails and 17 miles of bridle and mountain bike trails that run along the Appalachian escarpment.
Scioto Trail State Park and State Forest (Ross County) – Twelve miles of hiking trails along the Scioto River lie completely within the park; 26 miles of bridle and hiking trails lie within the forest. This very remote area is abundant with wildlife.
Tar Hollow State Park and State Forest (Ross County) – Forty–six miles of hiking trails and 25 miles of bridle trails, as well as 2.5 miles of mountain bike trails pass through deep ravines and dense woodlands of the park and forest. Portions of the Logan and Buckeye trails pass through the forest.
Hocking Hills State Park and State Forest (Hocking County) – Twenty–four miles of hiking trails lie within the park and nine miles of hiking and bridle trails lie within the forest in an area famous for its rock formations, waterfalls, caves and beautiful natural scenery. Portions of the Buckeye Trail pass through the state forest that also has designated repelling and rock–climbing areas.
Shawnee State Park and State Forest (Scioto County) – A 60–mile backpacking trail winds through the 65,000–acre state forest – the largest in Ohio. A hike provides spectacular vistas of the Ohio River Valley. An 8,000–acre portion is the only true back country wilderness area in the state.
East Fork State Park (Clermont County) – Eighty–five miles of hiking trails, fifty–five miles of bridle trails and forty–six miles of backpack trails, as well as five miles of mountain bike trails make this one of the most popular parks in southwest Ohio. Portions of the Buckeye, North Country and National Scenic trails cut through this park which lies on the east fork of the Little Miami River.
Caesar Creek State Park (Warren County) – Forty–three miles of hiking trails and 31 miles of bridle trails, as well as five miles of mountain bike trails through forests and around a 2,800–acre lake. The park is one of the best fossil–hunting areas in the state.
Hueston Woods State Park (Preble County) – Ten miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of bridle trails and 12 miles of mountain bike trails run through an old–growth maple forest. The park also features a resort lodge.
John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve (Greene County) – Hikers can travel between the villages of Clifton and Yellow Springs along the scenic Little Miami River Gorge and visit historic overlooks along the way.
Kiser Lake State Park (Champaign County) – Five miles of easy trails make this out–of–the–way park a mecca for beginning hikers. Trails lead through rolling woodlands and diverse wetlands.
Indian Lake State Park (Logan County) – Seven miles of hiking trails along a 5,800–acre lake. Three miles of trailway are paved for cyclists and rollerbladers.
For more information on trailways in Ohio's state parks, state forests and state nature preserves, visit ohiodnr.com.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski announced the creation of a new recognition program to honor companies and organizations that are committed to environmental compliance and demonstrate outstanding achievements in reducing pollution. Nominations for the Governor's Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Stewardship will be accepted through November 15, 2007.
Ohio EPA is seeking applicants who show a commitment to environmental stewardship through:
The awards program is open to any business, industry, trade association, professional organization or local government of Ohio. Applicants may nominate their own organizations. Nominations by second parties are also welcome.
Nominees receiving the highest scores based on the evaluation of written nomination materials will be subject to a site visit by Ohio EPA's Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention. The site visit is intended to provide reviewers with an opportunity to directly evaluate the nominated activities. Information collected during the site visit will be used as one of the criteria for selecting the final award winners.
Nomination instructions are available at: www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/stewardship.html.
Nomination instructions can also be requested by e–mailing p2mail@epa.state.oh.us or calling 800–329–7518 or 614–644–3469.
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Columbus, Ohio – By 2012, nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. workforce will be age 55 or older, up from just under 13 percent in 2000, according to an AARP study. When faced with the declining proportion of younger workers and projected labor shortages many employers will need to turn to mature, experienced workers in order to maintain a competitive edge. National Employ Older Workers Week is observed from September 23–29 to encourage businesses to consider the benefits of older employees.
"Americans age 55 or older are a dedicated and experienced core of our workforce," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Their contributions to the nation as paid workers and volunteers in both the private and public sectors are immeasurable."
Employers rate older workers high on factors such as judgment, commitment to quality, attendance and punctuality. These qualities, coupled with their sense of loyalty, make older workers an attractive resource for employers seeking workers and mentors for younger employees.
By 2008, 40 percent of the labor force will be 45 or older, and eight million more Americans age 55 and older will be in the labor force than in 1998. This population of mature workers includes individuals who are retiring at young ages and want second careers, individuals who choose to work beyond age 65 and some who want a regular source of income, but not necessarily a full–time job.
Ohio helps low–income older adults find employment through the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP), administered by the Ohio Department of Aging. Older adults gain work skills through training and work experience, increasing their value to prospective employers.
Governor Ted Strickland's Turnaround Ohio initiative stresses making the state a stronger competitor in the global marketplace. Later this fall, Governor Strickland and the Department of Aging will convene a group of business leaders and human resources professionals at the Governor's Conference on Aging. Topics will include the impact of mature workers on the economy and the benefits, both financial and experiential, of mature workers continuing to earn and contributing to business development.
Read the Governor's Proclamation.
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Columbus, Ohio – To underscore the important obligation attorneys have in facilitating public access to justice, the Supreme Court of Ohio today issued a statement encouraging Ohio attorneys to regularly provide pro bono legal services and to report their voluntary legal activities.
"The Court recognizes that many Ohio lawyers honor their professional commitment by regularly providing pro bono legal services or financial support to pro bono programs," the Court said in its statement. "The Court encourages lawyers to continue providing these essential services and to respond to this call by seeking to engage in new or additional pro bono opportunities."
Today's statement reemphasizes what the Court has said previously. In 1997, the Supreme Court issued a Statement on Professionalism that recognized each lawyer's obligation to engage in activities that promote the common good, including the provision of and support for pro bono representation to indigent clients. Again, in 2007, in the Preamble to the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, the Court reemphasized the importance of this obligation.
In addition to these statements, the Court has regularly allocated funding to the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation to aid in the development and coordination of pro bono activities throughout Ohio. Since 2003, the Court has provided more than $2.6 million to support pro bono programs and other activities of the Foundation. These funds have been allocated from the biennial licensing fees collected from Ohio lawyers.
The Court took the action in response to recommendations made last year by the Supreme Court Task Force on Pro Se and Indigent Litigants, the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation. The task force had recommended that the Court adopt a rule making it mandatory for Ohio attorneys to report their participation in pro bono activities. In addition, the task force recommended that the Court adopt a rule proposed by the American Bar Association, known as Model Rule 6.1, which among other things defines specific activities that qualify as pro bono work and sets a goal of 50 hours per year of pro bono work for attorneys. The task force's other recommendations are still under consideration.
In its statement, the Court announced that it is developing a system in cooperation with the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation, by which Ohio lawyers will be able to voluntarily report their pro bono work. The information gathered through such reporting will demonstrate the commitment of the legal profession to serving the public good and also will serve as a constant reminder to the bar of the importance of pro bono service, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer said.
"We are thankful to the members of the task force and the legal organizations for their hard work and recommendations," Chief Justice Moyer said. "At this time, the Court has elected to call on Ohio attorneys to voluntarily report their pro bono representation and financial support for legal aid programs. The ranks of Ohio lawyers are filled with hard working professionals who take seriously their obligation to facilitate equal access to justice for all. This is a way of encouraging even more pro bono work without a bureaucratic mandate."
The Court's statement will be published in booklet form along with the Statement on Professionalism, which is made available to Ohio's more than 42,000 registered attorneys.
Read the full statement issued by the Court.
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski today announced he is launching a new voluntary program to encourage Ohio facilities to reduce the pollutants they release to the environment. Tox-Minus will initially focus on 100 of the top toxic chemical reporters (based on the most current publicly available 2005 Toxic Release Inventory data), but the program is open to any company that wants to participate.
Ohio continues to rank among the top states nationally for toxic releases to the environment. "Even though these are legal and controlled releases that don't necessarily pose an identifiable public health risk, I think we can and should do better," Korleski said. "I am determined to reduce toxic emissions so that Ohio is no longer at the top of the national rankings and I invite these companies to help me achieve that goal."
Korleski is launching Tox-Minus during National Pollution Prevention Week. He recently contacted 100 facilities and encouraged them to participate. When unveiling the new program at today's annual all–agency staff meeting, he outlined a few key aspects of Tox-Minus:
Companies should notify Ohio EPA by October 15, 2007, of their commitment to participate in Tox-Minus. Ohio EPA is not setting mandatory reduction goals for companies. Each company will be asked to identify its own reduction goals for TRI chemical emissions including waste, air and/or water emissions. Companies are asked to achieve their reduction goals within a five year time frame. Participants will provide a brief annual report on their accomplishments.
An important aspect of Tox-Minus is recognizing participants for outstanding environmental projects and their contributions to reducing emissions. Ohio EPA will publicize participant names and summarize success stories and accomplishments through an annual Tox-Minus progress report, media announcements and a Web site.
The Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention can conduct site visits to help companies identify pollution prevention strategies; assist companies with their reduction goals; and provide guidance on how to prepare annual progress reports.
More information about the Tox-Minus program is available at: www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/tox-minus.html.
More information about National Pollution Prevention Week is available at: http://www.p2.org/p2week/index.cfm.
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Columbus, Ohio – Companies that provide video service over cables or wires in Ohio will be able to apply for a 10-year, statewide franchise under a new law that goes into effect September 24.
On June 25, 2007, Governor Ted Strickland signed Senate Bill 117, which replaces the current local video-service franchise process with the statewide one. Until now, a company that wanted to provide cable or wire video services had to negotiate a local franchise from each municipality or township.
"Ohio's consumers and businesses stand to benefit greatly from this change," Governor Strickland said. "It will bring additional investment to our state, resulting in lower costs and more choices for our consumers."
The law requires the Director of Commerce to administer statewide video-service franchising.
"We are prepared to start accepting applications on September 24," said Kimberly Zurz, Director of Commerce.
The Director also was given the authority to investigate any allegation that a statewide video-service franchisee violated or failed to comply with certain provisions of the law.
However, the Director does not have any authority to regulate the rates, terms or conditions of a provider's service – including the networks or television stations that the video-services company decides to carry – or to regulate satellite video service.
The statewide licenses are expected to accelerate the expansion of state-of-the-art infrastructure to deliver video and broadband services to Ohioans, some of whom have not had access to high-speed data services. The licenses also will bring new competition to existing cable and satellite video providers. Satellite video-service providers were not covered by the law.
Video-service providers that are operating under an expired local franchise agreement must file for a statewide license by Dec. 24, although they are being urged to file earlier. Providers with current franchise agreements can continue operating under their existing local agreements until they expire, but those franchises cannot be renewed or extended.
A provider that is operating under an existing local agreement may still submit an application for a statewide license if another provider either offers – or files to offer – video service in that local area, or if the Federal Communications Commission has determined that that local area has effective competition.
The law includes a number of consumer protections. Statewide franchisees are required to give customers:
In addition, statewide providers in most cases must restore service within 72 hours after a subscriber reports a service interruption or other problem, and the companies cannot disconnect a customer's video service for nonpayment before the bill is at least 45 days past due.
Video-service providers are required to pay a $2,000 application fee when they apply for a statewide video-service franchise. The fee cannot be recovered from customers' bills.
Beginning September 24, providers and subscribers with questions or issues dealing with statewide video-service franchises can call the Department of Commerce toll-free number, 877-207-2225.
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Columbus, Ohio – The 2007 Ohio Lake Erie Awards were presented today to Norm Schultz, president emeritus of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, and to the Ashtabula River RAP/Partnership, which has worked for 19 years to clean up the mouth of that important Lake Erie tributary.
Sean Logan, chairman of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) made the presentation, which is given annually to an individual and organization that has demonstrated exceptional stewardship of Lake Erie.
"It is an honor to help recognize Norm Schultz and the Ashtabula River RAP/Partnership for their long-standing commitment to the stewardship of Ohio's waters," said ODNR Director Sean Logan. "They recognize and embody the extent to which our economic health and the health of our natural resources are connected. They have been great friends to Lake Erie and have supported us as we work to create a state where business, families and nature can prosper."
Schultz served as the president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association for 33 years and remains a leading advocate for Ohio boaters, especially Lake Erie boaters. He is founder of the North American In-Water Boat Show at Cedar Point, which has been the largest in-water boat show on the Great Lakes for 32 years.
The Boating Association of Ohio, which Schultz formed in 1980, combines the interests of boat manufacturers, dealers and owners into one political voice. It has helped enact more than a dozen pieces of legislation, including doubling the amount of financial resources for the ODNR Division of Watercraft for boating safety, education, law enforcement and public access. The association helped reduce the taxes on boat purchases and improve titling procedures.
Schultz has served on the Waterways Safety Council for 22 years. The council oversees boating programs for the ODNR Division of Watercraft. He was also named "Boater of the Year" by the Greater Cleveland Boating Association and the Lake Erie Safe Boating Council, and received the Irv Rosenthal Award – the highest honor of the Marine Retailers Association of America. The U.S. Coast Guard has honored Schultz with its Meritorious Services Award – the organization's highest civilian award.
The Ashtabula River RAP/Partnership has worked since 1988 to restore the lower 2 miles of the Ashtabula River by removing contaminated sediments. Identified as a Great Lakes Area of Concern in 1985, this portion of the river has been contaminated for many years by industrial activity.
Following 12 years of effort, the partnership succeeded in obtaining a $25 million award under the Great Lakes Legacy Act – matched by another $25 million in state and local funds – to remove 500,000 cubic yards of sediment containing various chemicals and pollutants from the river bottom and dispose of them in an upland landfill. The partnership has persisted in keeping this project "high profile," enlisting the aid of state, local and federal entities, as well as concerned citizens. Dredging is now slated for completion by the end of this year.
The dredging project is the largest single step to removing the Ashtabula River from the International Joint Commission's list of 43 Areas of Concern. The Areas of Concern were designated in the 1987 annex to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreements for harbors and tributaries that require special attention to restore the beneficial uses of the area and the ability to support aquatic life.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the dates of the special election for Ohio's Fifth Congressional District.
"In an effort to ensure an expedited election for the people of the Fifth District while keeping the cost and burden to local boards of election minimal, the special primary election will be held on the scheduled regular election day, Tuesday November 6," Strickland said. "The special general election will follow five weeks later on Tuesday, December 11, 2007."
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Tax Commissioner Richard A. Levin today warned senior citizens to be on the look out for individuals who are attempting to charge seniors fees in order to help sign up for the homestead exemption.
"Applying for the homestead exemption is free. All you have to do is fill out a simple, one–page form," Levin said. "We are offering meaningful property tax relief to senior citizens, and I'd hate to see it siphoned off by middle men trying to make a quick buck."
Levin said he's aware of at least one taxpayer in Athens County who received a letter from an accounting firm offering to fill out the homestead application form for a $60 fee. Meanwhile, at least one site on the Internet – homesteadtaxexemption.com – is offering to mail taxpayers a homestead exemption application for a $9.95 fee.
In fact, applications for the homestead exemption are free –– available for download at tax.ohio.gov or from any county auditor. Taxpayers needing help may contact their local county auditor or call the Ohio Department of Taxation's hotline for individual taxpayers at (800) 282–1780.
Levin said it doesn't appear to be illegal for individuals to charge a fee to help fill out a homestead exemption form. "But these schemes are troubling," he said. "The fact is, Ohio's county auditors are more than happy to help sign seniors up, at no charge."
The expansion and overhaul of Ohio's homestead exemption was a key component of the two–year state budget bill signed into law on June 30 by Governor Ted Strickland.
The changes, approved by the Ohio General Assembly, have simplified the homestead exemption and extended it an additional 550,000 homeowners.
All senior citizen homeowners and all permanently and totally disabled homeowners – regardless of income – may now use the exemption to shield $25,000 of the market value of their home from property taxes.
The deadline to sign up for the new homestead exemption in time for tax bills payable next year is Oct. 1, 2007.
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs today announced nearly $15,000 in cost-share advertising funds were recently awarded to 10 Ohio farmers' markets through Ohio's Rural Rehabilitation Program.
"The Farmers' Market Cost-Share Advertising Program is an excellent way to help increase the profitability of low-income farmers, while helping to revitalize the local economies where these farmers' markets reside," Boggs said.
Ohio's more than 140 non–profit farmers' market operations were eligible to participate in the Farmers' Market Cost–Share Advertising Program, which was created to increase the number of participating farm vendors and to boost consumer traffic. Ten of these markets received cost–share advertising funds for fiscal year 2007–2008:
The Farmers' Market Cost–Share Advertising Program reimburses up to 50 percent, but no more than $1,500, of valid documented expenses for advertising Ohio's non–profit farmers' market operations. Eligible advertising expenses include print, radio, billboard, and television promotions.
ODA administers the Ohio Rural Rehabilitation Program under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program's advisory board – made up of farmers, agricultural educators, and industry representatives – reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the USDA on which applications should be funded. Only non–profit organizations are eligible for the grants, which must go to projects benefiting low–income farmers.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) will honor two individuals, a hospital and a mental health program for their efforts to increase access to care in rural Ohio. The awards will be given Sept. 18, at the Rural Health Information Technology Conference at Ohio University in Athens.
"Addressing disparities in health care is one of my priorities," said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D., who is one of the featured speakers at the conference. "These honorees were chosen because of their passionate efforts to address such disparities. I hope others will follow the examples they set."
The winners are:
Rural Health Administrator: Kathleen Trace, director of Ohio University's College of Osteopathic Medicine's Community Health Program. Under Trace's leadership, the program established a free clinic in Athens County and expanded clinics in Meigs and Washington counties; the clinics provide free exams, treatments and referrals to uninsured residents.
Rural Health Program: Interprofessional Partners for Appalachian Children, Athens. This new program increases access to quality mental health services for young children and includes assessment teams consisting of a physician, a mental health specialist, an audiologist, a speech therapist and a family care advocate.
Rural Health Provider: Theresa Ulrich of Perry County. During her 26 years with Perry County Family Practice and membership in the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, Ulrich helped hospitals and clinics develop rural health programs, allowing financially challenged but critical rural health care systems to survive.
Rural Hospital: Bucyrus Community. Honored for its recent expansion, Bucyrus Community is also recognized for its Affair of the Heart and Hearty Man's Bowl programs, which conduct cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, respectively, for the Buff Up Bucyrus program and for its partnerships with community and business leaders to conduct area health fairs.
The awards will be given during the RHIOhio: Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Ohio Conference at Ohio University. RHIOhio will advance the dialogue on building partnerships, infrastructure and understanding around health information technologies (HIT) in rural areas and highlight the evolving federal, state and local initiatives aimed at implementing a wide range of HIT, telecommunications infrastructure and health care partnerships. For the full agenda, follow this link: http://www.oucom.ohio.edu/rhiohio/Agenda.htm.
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Columbus, Ohio – Televisions, tables and toys will be among the many items being auctioned by State and Federal Surplus on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 4200 Surface Road, Columbus.
The doors will open at 8 a.m. The auction begins at 9 a.m.
The hundreds of other items for sale include computers and GPS units as well as a wide range of other electronic equipment and office furniture. To view some of the items, please click here.
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 auctions generated nearly $1.2 million during fiscal year 2007 for the state Investment Recovery Fund.
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 is then 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, including payment requirements and directions, visit the State and Federal Surplus Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus or call (614) 466-7636.
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Columbus, Ohio – Department of Administrative Services Director Hugh Quill announced today that the third-party review of the recent loss of a state data device is complete and that the state government is taking steps to conclude its response.
"In its review, Interhack concludes that the state needs to ensure that data security is seen as an ongoing process," Director Quill said. "I couldn't agree more. The governor's data security executive order calls for that approach and, at the governor's direction, the administration is developing a plan to establish a state chief information security officer."
Interhack, a Columbus-based information assurance and computer forensics company was contracted by the state in June to analyze the stolen backup tape to verify the state's review of the tape and to conduct an independent review of data security at OAKS – the Ohio Administrative Knowledge System. In two reports finalized Monday morning, Interhack reported finding an additional data set with sensitive information on the tape and provided state officials its analysis of OAKS security.
"The completion of this review means that we have all available information to help us execute security measures and procedures that will help us prevent this sort of incident in the future," Governor Ted Strickland said.
Highlights of Interhack's reports:
Backup Tape – Additional sensitive information was discovered. This includes:The names and federal employee identification numbers of 40,088 additional businesses were also identified. The file was being used at the OAKS project to populate and test E–Controlling Board, a state of Ohio Controlling Board business application.
Quill said on Monday that the state will assist individuals and former employees included in the last file in the same manner as before. Letters from DAS, signed by Quill, will be sent on Wednesday. The letters will contain information regarding Debix enrollment and contact information for those with further questions.
Quill also said that Debix enrollment will not close until October 31 to allow adequate time for those who wish to initiate the service to do so.
"This was an unfortunate situation, but I believe we have put people first and done our best to provide a level of protection and comfort for those affected," Quill said.
For more information and to look up whether an individual's data was on the device, the public may go to www.ohio.gov/idprotect.
OAKS & Statewide Data Security – Interhack found that OAKS security has been heightened in the wake of the backup tape theft. The firm's chief recommendation was for the state to create an independent chief information security officer. The governor has asked the Department of Administrative Services and the Office of Information Technology to prepare a proposal for Interhack's recommendations.
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Columbus, Ohio – On behalf of Gov. Ted Strickland, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency today asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to amend the federal disaster declaration for northern Ohio counties that were affected by severe weather and flooding Aug. 20 – 28, requesting the designation of public assistance programs for seven counties.
Should federal officials approve the amended declaration, certain flood related damages and response/recovery costs incurred by state, county and local governments and some private non-profits such as educational and medical institutions in Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Richland, and Wyandot counties will be eligible for federal aid.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, is available for debris removal and disposal, and disaster-related emergency services that protect lives and public property from further damage, such as shelter operations and emergency-responder overtime. Public Assistance also helps to repair or replace damaged public facilities, such as:
Hancock County and Putnam County were the most heavily impacted counties in terms of damage to infrastructure, with nearly $20 million in damage. Joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessments conducted Sept. 5 determined approximately $11.7 million in public sector damages within Hancock County, with more than $8.3 million in estimated public sector damages in Putnam County. The overall cost for response and recovery efforts in the seven county area is $26.7 million.
Preliminary damage assessments for public assistance in other counties were: Richland County, $3.59 million; Allen County, $780,467; Wyandot County, $741,407; Crawford County, $604,023; Hardin County, $604,510.
Public assistance is provided on a cost-sharing basis, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the eligible expenses and state and local governments funding the rest.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following proclamation in honor of Representative Paul Gillmor:
Ohio grieves at the tragic and sudden loss of Congressman Paul Gillmor. For more than 40 years -- from the Ohio Statehouse to the United States Congress — Congressman Gillmor devoted his life to serving the people of Ohio.
Therefore, in observance of the life and service of Congressman Paul Gillmor, 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 until sunset on September 6, 2007.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement on the loss of Representative Paul Gillmor:
"I am very saddened by the loss of Congressman Paul Gillmor. Frances and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and constituents. Paul was a friend and a colleague. I count myself as fortunate to have served with him on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Ohio has lost a truly decent and devoted public servant."