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Columbus, Ohio – Spring has arrived and Ohio's landscape will soon be teeming with color as vibrant wildflowers begin to pop up in fields, valleys and forests, along roadsides and trails, and in yards around the state. But perhaps the best places to see these beautiful displays are in state parks and state nature preserves.
"Warming temperatures and longer days in March, April and May bring color to Ohio's landscape," said Lynn Boydelatour, chief naturalist of Ohio State Parks. "The best way to enjoy the display is by attending one of the many wildflower walks and educational events hosted by our state parks and nature preserves."
Visitors to any state park or state nature preserve are reminded that collecting wildflowers is prohibited. Here's a list of upcoming wildflower-related events:
Wildflower Walkers Hike, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 3 at the nature center. For information, call 419-348-7679.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls Hike, Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County - 10 a.m., Saturday, April 19 at the Ash Cave Parking Lot. For information, call 740-385-6841.
Wildflower Hike, Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County - 1 p.m., Saturday, April 19 at the nature center. For information, call 513-523-6347.
Wildflower Walk, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 19 at the Hope Furnace parking lot. For information, call 740-596-5253.
Spring Wildflower Walk, Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 19. A two-mile walk through nature's spring carpet. For information, call 419-892-2784.
Stone House Wildflower Walk, Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County, 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at the Kennedy Stone House trail head. For information, call 740-439-3521.
Wildflowers of Goll Woods, Goll Woods State Nature Preserve in Fulton County, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 26. This Discovery Series event is a guided tour of beautiful spring ephemerals, including several trillium species. Call 419-445-1775 for information.
Flora-Quest '08, Shawnee State Park and Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Scioto County, Friday-Sunday, May 2-4. Pre-registration and a fee are required. Visit www.flora-quest.com for more information.
Spring Wildflower Hike, Lake White State Park in Pike County, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 3 at the park's main parking lot. Call 740-493-2212 for information.
Wildflower Walkers Hike, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 8 at the nature center. Call 419-348-7679 for information.
Annual Lakeside Daisy Open House, Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve in Ottawa County, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 10. For information on this Discovery Series event, call 440-433-4919.
Mothers' Day Wildflower Walk, Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County, 1 p.m., Saturday, May 10 at the campground office, near the intersection of Cheshire and Old State roads. Call 740-548-4631.
Lilac Walk, Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County, week of May 11-18. Take a self-guided stroll down the Lilac Trail and enjoy the beautiful colors and fragrances. The walk begins on the south side of Ward Road, east of Division Street. Call 419-746-2546 for information.
Tour of Kelleys Island Natural Areas, Kelleys Island in Ottawa County, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Event is limited to 24 participants. Lottery selection - send postcard with name, address, daytime phone and number in party (not to exceed four) to ODNR-DNAP, 2715 Cleveland Road West, Huron, Ohio 44839. Deadline: April 15.
Spring Wildflower Hike, Pike Lake State Park in Pike County, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 17 at the amphitheater. Hayrides will be offered at 7 p.m., following the hike. For information call 740-493-2212.
Lou Campbell Open House, Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve in Lucas County, noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 18. More than 30 state-listed plants; no permit required for open house. Call 419-445-1775.
Spring Into Life Hike, Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County, 10 a.m., Saturday, May 24 at the day lodge. For information, call 513-897-2437.
Spring Hike at Eagle Creek, Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve in Portage County, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. Guided tours at 10 a.m. or noon. Call 440-632-3010 for information.
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Columbus, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that Ohio's 29-county Appalachian Region will be featured in the April issue of the National Geographic Travel magazine, a publication of the National Geographic Society. First Lady Frances Strickland joined Rick Peltz, Alternate Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, Fred Deel, Director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the National Geographic Society Saturday to unveil the Appalachian Driving Trails Map, an insert in the magazine that features trails from each of the 13 states within the Appalachian Mountain range. The First Lady unveiled the map at the Spotlight on Appalachia Art, Music and Travel Show at the Fort Steuben Mall in Steubenville (Jefferson County).
"The rolling hills of Appalachian Ohio offer unparalleled beauty and wonder," said First Lady Strickland. "The Driving Trails Map is a wonderful resource for visitors from across the country to enjoy the scenery and history of this region as much as Ted and I do."
National Geographic features four Ohio trails on the map; The Appalachian Adventure Trail in Pike, Jackson, Meigs, Vinton and Athens counties; and the Clothesline of Quilts Trail in southern Ohio. The Quilt Barn paintings had their origin in Adams County and now have spread across the United States. The other two trails for Ohio are multi-state trails: The Ohio River National Scenic Byway, sharing the trail with Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia; and The National Road entering Ohio from the east and shared with West Virginia, Pennsylvania; and Maryland.
"From the stunning scenery of the Appalachian countryside to the unique and historic destinations located along these trails, Ohio's Appalachian region features countless opportunities for tourism and is an outstanding vacation location," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "The Appalachian Driving Trails Map is a creative way to promote these sites while increasing tourism and business sales in a region where tourism is a major contributor to local economies."
This map was produced by National Geographic Travel magazine in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission Tourism Council as a vehicle to increase tourism and the retail sales in the Appalachian Region, benefiting the businesses and artists along the trails. The release of the map is expected to directly impact the economy of 18 counties and have an indirect impact on an additional 11 counties in Ohio's Appalachian region. The Governor's Office of Appalachia provided a $15,000 grant toward the production and distribution of the map. The Appalachian Regional Commission has also launched an interactive Web site, www.visitappalachia.com, which features all twenty eight trails in the thirteen states and allows visitors to download itineraries and plan trips to the trails.
The Governor's Office of Appalachia is a division of the Department of Development and represents the interests of the 29 counties comprising East Central, Southeast, and Southern Ohio. The Office works on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington, D.C. to support local, regional, state and federal initiatives that allow the people of Ohio's Appalachian region to obtain economic, educational, and community prosperity.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio EPA and the North American Climate Registry will hold a business workshop for companies considering voluntarily reporting greenhouse gas emissions to the Climate Registry.
The half day workshop will be held Friday, April 18, 2008 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and will introduce businesses to:
The workshop will be held on the 31st floor of the Vern Riffe Center in South B&C room, 77 South High Street, Columbus. You can reserve a seat by registering online any time at http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dir/workshop.html.
In an effort to document greenhouse gases generated in Ohio, Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski, who represents Ohio as a Climate Registry board member, asked Ohio business leaders to consider reporting emissions to The Climate Registry in a January letter, announcing, "Ohio businesses can play a key leadership role at both the national and state level, in recognizing and addressing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change."
The Climate Registry is a collaboration between states, provinces and tribes aimed at developing and managing a common greenhouse gas emissions reporting system that supports various greenhouse gas emission reporting and reduction policies for its members and reporting entities.
A report released in October 2007 from the World Resources Institute shows the latest measure of greenhouse gases in the U.S. Ohio generated 19 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the Midwest and four percent nationally. The report also shows Ohio has successfully decreased the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the industrial sector by nearly 29 percent. This is the largest decrease of any Midwest state in this sector, brought about by switching to less carbon-intensive fuels.
To learn more about The Climate Registry, visit its Web site at http://www.theclimateregistry.org. The site includes detailed information about how the registry will actually operate, including measuring, verifying, reporting and tracking procedures and other critical information. To contact Ohio EPA concerning The Climate Registry, e-mail Robyn Kenney at robyn.kenney@epa.state.oh.us, or call 614-644-3425.
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Columbus, Ohio –The Ohio Library and Information Network, OhioLINK, today released its 2007 Annual Snapshot Report in celebration of 15 years of service to higher education in Ohio. The report illustrates how the 87-member consortium of Ohio college and university libraries delivers cost-effective access to information resources, supports quality teaching and learning, and enables world-class research at Ohio colleges and universities.
Key findings in this year's report include:
"OhioLINK shows the excellence that can be achieved through collaboration by Ohio's colleges and universities," Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Fingerhut said. "Thanks to the combination of state and institutional funding for OhioLINK, students and faculty across Ohio have access to world-class library and information services, exceeding what any institution, even a large university, could provide on its own."
OhioLINK is a cooperative venture of the Ohio Board of Regents, Ohio's 13 universities, freestanding medical college, and 23 community colleges in the University System of Ohio, 49 private colleges and research universities across the state, and the State Library of Ohio. OhioLINK serves more than 600,000 students,faculty and staff, providing them with access to more than 46 million books and other library items, millions of electronic articles from 12,000 journals, electronic research databases, e-books, theses and dissertations from Ohio students, to thousands of images, videos and sounds.
The 2007 Annual Snapshot Report can be viewed at http://www.ohiolink.edu/about/snapshot2007.pdf. PDF
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Columbus, Ohio – In order to help meet his goal of dramatically expanding the level of training and education of Ohio workers, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order that reassigns key workforce programs to the Department of Development and the Ohio Board of Regents.
"I am determined to make sure that Ohio's workforce development programs are more effective and responsive to the needs of workers and businesses in Ohio," Strickland said. "This transition will bring our workforce development programs more in line with the specific missions and goals of our state departments and will allow our program to create new job opportunities, link workers with employers and help Ohio businesses be better prepared to complete globally."
Under the executive order, the Ohio Department of Development will assume responsibility for all services related to employers by transferring authority of the Workforce Investment Act discretionary programs and one-stop business support programs currently housed at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Additionally, the Board of Regents will transfer targeted-industry training grants to the Department of Development to maximize the business community's usage of those funds.
The Ohio Board of Regents will assume responsibility for the Ohio Skills Bank, which works to insure that Ohio's educational institutions are providing programs and training in most in demand by the private sector. The Ohio Skills Bank is currently housed at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will remain responsible for programs primarily involving services to individuals, such as linking workers to employers and unemployment compensation.
"The Department of Development is not alone in its mission to grow jobs for Ohio: economic development is the responsibility of every state agency, and this transformation will enable each agency to better serve our core customers – the workers of our state," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "This realignment will improve performance and accountability; better align resources and reduce redundancy; and set in place a system for sharing information and measuring program and service outcomes across state agencies."
Among the programs the Department of Development will be responsible for are the Targeted Industries Training Grant Program and the Ohio Workforce Guarantee. The Targeted Industries Training Grant Program is a training reimbursement program that supports up to 75% of the total documented costs of training and related services for companies with less than 100 employees or 50 % of training for companies with 100 or more employees.
The Ohio Workforce Guarantee Program is a $3.5 million program that provides training grants of up to $750,000 to companies that are relocating to Ohio or expanding operations within the state. Under the program, funds are made available to companies to train incumbent workers, avert layoffs through business assistance, and collaborate with public education and training institutions statewide to offer credit and certification training for workers.
"This realignment of our workforce systems will help the University System of Ohio seamlessly link education, workforce development, and the needs of business," Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut said. These initiatives are critical as our educational institutions become demand-driven engines of economic development."
The Ohio Skills Bank will fundamentally reframe the relationship between regional adult education and training and their surrounding communities, turning adult educational institutions into demand-driven engines of economic development.
"This reprioritization will allow ODJFS to focus on what we do best-- provide individuals and families with solutions to temporary challenges as they navigate the barriers of job loss and employment," Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Helen Jones Kelley said. "We will link Ohioans with the technology to assist in their job search as they secure employment and explore new career options."
By moving some of the department's current workforce development programs, the Ohio Department of Job and Family services will be able to better focus on providing temporary workforce solutions to Ohioans through unemployment services. The department will continue to link Ohioans who are out of work with Ohio employers.
In addition, through interagency agreements, the restructuring will allow for smoother and better-coordinated information sharing among the three agencies. For Job and Family Services, this will primarily mean the sharing of labor market information. The Department of Development will share its strategic research, and the Board of Regents will share data obtained through its Higher Education Information System.
The transition project will begin on July 1, 2008, but the transition of staff will be formalized in the within the next 90 days. Affected funds will transition from Job and Family Services and Board of Regents to the Development Department over the course of the next 12 to 24 months, depending upon existing contracts and/or financial commitments.
The entire executive order is below:
Executive Order 2008 – 05S
Making Ohio More Competitive in the Global Economy by Consolidating and Transitioning Ohio's Workforce Development Programs
Ted Strickland, Governor
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Columbus, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that more than $8.9 million in grants have been awarded to 12 entities for the advancement of fuel cell research and production in Ohio. The funds were awarded through the Ohio Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program and are expected to create more than 2,000 jobs.
The 12 companies and research collaborations received awards to assist in Research, Development, and Commercialization Projects of fuel cell technologies or were awarded grants for fuel cell and related technology Market Readiness Demonstration projects.
"Strategic investments from Ohio's Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program have established our state as a global leader in fuel cell innovations," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development and Chair of the Third Frontier Commission. "The investments made today will provide additional opportunities for the development and deployment of fuel cell technologies and will continue to spur economic growth in this important industry."
2008 Fuel Cell Program Awards for Market Readiness Demonstrations Projects
HydroGen Corporation, located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) was awarded $525,140 for Improved Fuel Cell Power Plant Efficiency Using Cogeneration. HydroGen has completed the construction of the plant at ASHTA Chemicals and has determined that the electrical efficiency of the plant as constructed will be 33 percent. The target efficiency is 44 percent. This project aims to increase the electrical efficiency at the ASHTA Chemical plant. To improve the overall system efficiency and the project's economic viability, HydroGen will add an Organic Rankine Cycle heat recovery unit that will provide additional electric generation to counterbalance the parasitic losses due to the need for hydrogen compression and the non-linear load profile resulting from operating a single fuel cell module.
2008 Fuel Cell Awards for Research, Development, & Commercialization Projects
Crown Equipment Corp., located in New Bremen (Auglaize County) was awarded $977,270 for its Qualification of Lift Trucks for Battery Replacement Fuel Cells project. This project is to qualify targeted models of Crown Equipment's lift trucks to be powered by commercially available battery replacement fuel cell power packs such as those being utilized by Plug Power. Crown will target and qualify as many of its truck models eligible for fuel cell equipment as is practical. This qualification is a critical step in the widespread adoption of fuel cell powered lift trucks.
American Trim, located in Lima (Allen County) was awarded $1 million for its Agile Hybrid Joining of Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates project. American Trim will demonstrate that a 100-percent, full function, scale hydrogen fuel cell product can be made that is cost competitive when compared with an internal combustion engine. Attaining this goal will require the use of new technology that can reliably join foil plates without the complications of other methods.
Energy Technologies, Inc., located in Mansfield (Richland County) was awarded $ 1 million for its Development of a Robust Fuel Cell Generator for Military Applications project. Energy Technologies, Inc., will deliver a fully functional 1.5 kW Tactical Fuel Cell power plant prototype that includes the fuel cell module, replaceable/refillable hydrogen fuel canisters, power electronics, military-spec packaging, all subcomponents, and application and operation manuals. In addition, Energy Technologies intends to establish a new Ohio-based business named Tactical Fuel Cells, in which they will work with Michigan-based fuel cell manufacturer Energy Conversion Devices to produce fuel cell generation sets in the 2 to 10 kW range.
NexTech Materials, Ltd., located in Lewis Center (Delaware County) was awarded $1 million for its Cell Manufacturing for 100+kW SOFC Power Generation System project. NexTech Materials will fabricate and validate "ultra-large" area planar solid oxide fuel cells to be incorporated into 100+ kW power generation systems. Funds will be used to acquire equipment adequate for near-term production needs, establish testing capability for large area cell validation and support an Ohio State University development model.
Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US), Inc., located in North Canton (Stark County) was awarded $ 1 million for the development of a High-Pressure Stack Block Test System for a Fuel Cell Power Module Overhaul Facility. Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems is developing a MW-scale solid oxide fuel cell for stationary power generation. This project will help Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a stack block test system and develop a conceptual design for a generator module overhaul facility. This project will also assist Stark State College in developing its fuel cell technician training program, which will offer real world experience to students. Stark State College will assess the training needs of facility personnel and incorporate them into future curriculum.
UltraCell of Ohio, located in Vandalia (Montgomery County) was awarded $1 million for its Increasing Productivity and Reliability of Reformed Methanol Micro Fuel Cells project. The goal of this project is to increase UltraCell's maximum manufacturing capability for its first product, the XX25, a portable, reformed methanol fuel cell, from 800 units/month to more than 3,000 units/month. Completion of the project will move UltraCell's fuel cell from the demonstration phase to market entry.
Catacel Corporation, located in Garrettsville (Portage County) was awarded $445,614 for its High Volume Coating Process for Fuel Cell Catalytic Inserts project. Catacel has developed a catalytic coating process that it uses to produce inexpensive metal foil components for heat exchangers used in fuel cell reformers and other energy conversion processes. This project is aimed at increasing the production rate of one of the key components called an "insert". Catacel will build a pilot-scale production line to develop its catalyst-coated inserts.
GrafTech International Holdings, Inc., located in Parma (Cuyahoga County) was awarded $973,154 toward the commercialization of GRAFCELL Bipolar Plates for Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell Systems. GrafTech will develop and commercialize bipolar plates for phosphoric acid fuel cells using its expanded natural graphite technology. These activities will build upon GrafTech's prior work developing bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The goal is to develop a plate with performance equivalent to existing materials but at a much lower cost. GrafTech will produce sheets of graphite material that will then be machined into bipolar plates that will be tested by various fuel cell system developers.
Refractory Specialties Incorporated, located in Sebring (Mahoning County) was awarded $400,000 for its High Purity, Robust Kiln Furniture for Low Cost SOFC Manufacturing project. Refractory Specialties proposes to drive down the cost of manufacturing Solid Oxide Fuel Cell's by developing a kiln setter material that, with a suitable coating, has shown to meet performance requirements. Currently available kiln setters do not meet the technical performance or life requirements of the fuel cell industry. Refractory Specialities will scale-up the setter fabrication and coating process to sizes that could be used for testing by potential customers
2008 Fuel Cell Awards for Applied Research and Development
Akron Polymer Systems, located in Akron (Summit County) was awarded $349,644 for its Nanocomposite Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells that Operate at High Temperatures project. Akron Polymer Systems will combine the enabling non-aqueous proton carrier technology, that they previously developed under a federal research and development grant, with inorganic nanoparticle technology to prepare a proton electrolyte membrane (PEM) that is suitable for extended use under conditions of high temperature and low relative humidity. They will also produce and test membrane electrode assemblies for use in automotive power systems, portable power systems, and small power systems as well as in military applications such as unmanned air vehicles and directed energy weapons.
Kent State University, located in Kent (Portage County) was awarded $299,548 for its Third Generation PEFC Catalytic Layers project. Platinum loading is a significant contributor to the cost of PEM fuel cells. Kent State University has developed a new approach using a very thin platinum shell on a nickel nano-wire substrate, which decreases the number of subsurface platinum atoms in the catalyst. General Motors has shown interest in testing these materials under its standard testing protocols, however the quantity of material required far exceeds Kent State University's production capacity. This project will allow Kent State University to explore a higher yield catalyst fabrication process and to design and install this equipment at Kent State University.
Created in 2002, the Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative is a $103 million program that aims to spur job creation in Ohio while positioning the State as a national leader in the growing fuel cell industry. The initiative is an integral part of the Third Frontier Project, a $1.6 billion high-tech research program designed to create jobs and bring new products to market.
To date, more than $70 million in funds have been awarded to Fuel Cell projects across the state.
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Columbus, Ohio – The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved amendments to the Ohio Department of Aging's Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program that, among other provisions, allow the department to open the program to current assisted living facility residents who have qualified for Medicaid, but otherwise would have been required to move to a nursing home for care under the old guidelines.
The Assisted Living Waiver Program, launched in July 2006, was initially open to eligible individuals currently residing in a nursing facility or enrolled in a home- and community-based waiver program, such as PASSPORT, Choices or Home Care. The approved amendments expand eligibility to include individuals who have been current residents of Ohio assisted living facilities for at least six months.
"Older Ohioans have never been more diverse than they are today, and that diversity includes a range of preferences about how and where they wish to receive the care they need as they age," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "Ensuring continued access to assisted living services to those who are already benefitting from them is a crucial step to providing real choice in long-term care."
Assisted living promotes aging in place by supporting consumer desire for independence, choice and privacy. The services help preserve the independence of the individual, as well as maintain ties to family and friends.
In addition to the guidelines above, interested participants must also be age 21 or older; need hands-on assistance with certain tasks such as dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, eating or mobility; meet the financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility (as determined by the county Department of Job and Family Services); be able to pay room and board costs established by the state and reside in a licensed residential care facility certified by the Department of Aging to provide assisted living services.
Facilities interested in accepting waiver participants must be licensed as residential care facilities by the Ohio Department of Health and certified by the Ohio Department of Aging as an Assisted Living Provider. Consumers can find participating facilities in their area by visiting the Long-term Care Consumer Guide Web site (www.ltcohio.org) and using the keyword: "waiver."
For information about consumer enrollment or provider certification, contact your local PASSPORT administrative agency or call toll-free 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the area agency on aging serving your community.
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Columbus, Ohio – In conjunction with Ohio Spring Severe Weather Awareness week (March 23-29), Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson has provided important insurance tips and is reminding Ohioans to include a review of their insurance policies as part of their storm season preparation. Ohioans are also encouraged to visit the Department's new Severe Weather On-line Toolkit at www.ohioinsurance.gov.
"Spring weather in Ohio is unpredictable with flooding, hail, lightning, and tornadoes all having the potential to cause major property damage and possible financial loss," Director Hudson said. "Ohioans should take the time now to work with their insurance agent to ensure they have adequate coverage to protect against the state's volatile weather."
Advance Insurance Planning Tips:
If You Have Suffered Damage to Your Property Due to a Storm:
The Department's new Severe Weather On-line Toolkit, available at www.ohioinsurance.gov, provides guidance on what steps to take when filing an insurance claim in the event that property is damaged in a storm. The toolkit also has important information on obtaining flood insurance as well as web links to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP).
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.ohioinsurance.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Floods aren't the only threat posed by the recent heavy rains, Attorney General Marc Dann warned today. As high water levels saturate the state, the Attorney General advised consumers to watch out for storm-chasing contractors that prey upon victims of storm and flood damage.
"As the news portrays the storm and flood damage it creates a breeding ground for scams," said Attorney General Dann. "Scam artists take advantage of vulnerable consumers who are desperate and in a hurry to fix their homes after flooding or storm damage. These floods could bring a wave of home improvement fraud into the state," he said.
Home improvement fraud occurs when contractors fail to provide estimates and charge unexpected costs, or when they fail to complete the work they were paid to do. They may do poor quality work or never do any work at all. They usually make great offers to fix a problem, but they vanish after taking consumers' money.
The Attorney General also warned that as the water subsides, high levels of mold could increase the potential for fraud. Flood-damaged houses that are not properly repaired can develop mold, which can cause severe health problems and dramatically decrease property values.
"During the next several months, we could see an influx of scam artists offering mold remediation," said Attorney General Dann. "Ohioans need to be very careful about whom they trust to repair their homes."
To help consumers avoid home improvement scams, the Attorney General offered the following advice:
"Homeowner's insurance does not always cover flood damage consumers should check with their insurance companies to see if they have flood coverage," said Attorney General Dann.
If you believe you are the victim of a home improvement scam or any consumer fraud, contact the Attorney General's Office at 1-877-AG4OHIO (1-877-244-6446) or www.ag4ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Department of Development's Entrepreneurship and Small Business and Minority Business Enterprise Divisions, along with Small Business Administration Columbus District office, are cosponsoring the third annual Ohio Business Matchmaker Conference on March 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wright State University Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, in Dayton. The conference links small business participants with potential contracting opportunities with government agencies and prime contractors.
"There are many local, state, and federal government contracting opportunities that Ohio's small and minority-owned businesses can tap into that will increase their sales and competitiveness," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "The Ohio Business Matchmaker helps to maximize contracting dollars to small and minority business owners by helping them learn how to secure government contracts and sub-contracts."
Business Matchmaker provides small businesses with a unique opportunity to meet with buyers and sellers of goods and services. More than 600 buying organizations and small businesses will hold one-on-one meetings that last approximately 15 - 20 minutes and allow buyers and sellers to discuss their products, services, and capabilities. Small businesses present capability statements and learn about the purchasing process of buying organizations. Buyers will represent city, state, county, and federal agencies, as well as prime contractors and other organizations with combined purchasing budgets representing hundreds of millions of dollars. There will also be opportunity throughout the day for buyers and sellers to network.
In addition to one-on-one matchmaking meetings, the event offers seminars for small businesses about selling to the government, United State General Services Administration schedules, government certification, marketing to prime contractors, online government marketing tools, and business teaming arrangements.
The Ohio Department of Development's Minority Business Enterprise Division works to create a business environment in Ohio that assists in the growth and development of minority-owned businesses, working closely with minority, female, and small businesses to help them obtain financing, bonding, and contracts in the public and private sector. The division provides assistance through the Minority Contractors and Business Assistance Program, Management and Technical Services, and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.
The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division manages a variety of programs and initiatives that assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in growing and finding success in Ohio. The Division also hosts the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio program, which provides consulting and training assistance to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and improved management. The Centers are supported through a partnership among the Ohio Department of Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and several of Ohio's chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and economic development agencies.
For more information about the Ohio Business Matchmaker Conference, visit www.vetsbizmatch.com or contact Ken Klein with the Small Business Administration at (614) 469-6860 ext. 261 or via e-mail at kenneth.klein@sba.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today urged Ohioans to reach out to family and friends to make sure they are filing federal income tax returns this year so they can preserve their right to receive the economic stimulus payments recently authorized by Congress.
Most taxpayers file a federal income tax return every year and have no cause for concern. However, Social Security recipients and veterans who receive disability payments from the Veterans Administration – and who do not normally file a federal return because their income isn't taxable – are at risk of missing out.
Taxpayers who don't file a federal tax return this year will not receive a stimulus payment, even if they are otherwise eligible. Governor Strickland said today it is important for all taxpayers who think they may be eligible for a stimulus payment to file a federal return this year.
"If you have a parent or a neighbor you think may be receiving Social Security or VA benefits, take the time to explain why it is important to file a federal return this year," Strickland said. "We don't want anyone to miss out on an opportunity to receive this stimulus payment. This is real money that could make a real difference in the lives of hardworking Ohioans and help our economy."
The Ohio Department of Taxation estimates that stimulus payments will add up to about $3.9 billion for Ohio taxpayers who normally file a federal return. Senior citizens who don't normally file could be eligible for as much as another $200 million.
At stake are federal economic stimulus payments that will range from $300 to $600 for individuals and from $600 to $1,200 for married couples filing jointly.
To qualify for a stimulus payment, taxpayers must file a federal tax return that shows at least $3,000 in qualifying income from 2007.
Certain kinds of income that are not taxable, such as Social Security retirement, may be used to meet the $3,000 threshold. Other forms of nontaxable income that can be used toward the $3,000 threshold include Social Security disability benefits; tier 1 railroad retirement benefits; VA disability compensation, pension or survivor's benefits; and earned income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not qualify.
The stimulus payment will not reduce the amount of other benefit payments. It is also not considered taxable income for either federal or state purposes.
To receive the stimulus payments, taxpayers who normally do not file a return should file IRS form 1040 or 1040A. The words "Stimulus Payment" should be written across the top of the form.
The Internal Revenue Service has devoted a section of its Web site, www.irs.gov, to questions and answers about the stimulus payments. Taxpayers also began receiving letters from the IRS last week alerting them about eligibility for the payments. A special IRS mailing later this month is targeted at senior citizens and veterans who don't normally file a return, reminding them that they must file this year to receive the payments.
Senior citizens and low-income Ohioans looking for free help with completing returns may contact the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program; call (800) 906-9887 for the closest walk-in site. The AARP also operates a network of free walk-in tax assistance sites through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program; call (888) 337-7669 for the nearest location.
For online information concerning all aspects of the 2008 economic stimulus payments, please visit the IRS stimulus information center at: http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=177937,00.html
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Columbus, Ohio – When the outdoor warning sirens sound, do you know what to do? When you hear the wail of the warning sirens, it means that severe, life-threatening storms, such as tornadoes, have been spotted in your area. Seek immediate shelter.
Many areas in Ohio have a network of outdoor emergency alert sirens that aid in early notification of weather emergencies. The sirens are designed as an outdoor warning system to alert area residents of threatening conditions. County emergency management agencies test their sirens on a regular basis.
Governor Ted Strickland has proclaimed March 23-29 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. In a coordinated effort with the governor and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, the state will participate in a statewide tornado drill and test its Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, March 26 at 9:50 a.m. Schools, businesses and households are encouraged to exercise their emergency plans and tornado drills during this time.
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They are spawned from powerful thunderstorms and can cause death and destruction in mere seconds. April through July mark the peak months that tornadoes can occur in Ohio – usually between the hours of 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. But as history has shown, tornadoes can happen at any time during any month.
The best defense when faced with tornadoes or any severe weather incident is preparedness. Know the conditions. Make a plan. Practice the plan. Be prepared.
A Tornado WATCH means conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. When a watch is issued, be prepared to seek shelter and stay tuned to a NOAA Weather Radio or local TV or radio station for weather updates.
A Tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted in your area. Seek immediate shelter. Most communities in Ohio have special sirens to warn of an approaching tornado. NOAA Weather Radios and local TV and radio stations will broadcast information about severe weather through special weather bulletins and newscasts.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio or television newscasts for up-to-date weather information. When a tornado watch is issued, review your emergency preparedness plan. Don't wait for the watch to become a warning.
Look for approaching storms. Tornado danger signs can include a dark, often greenish or orange-gray sky; large hail; large, dark and low-lying clouds (rotating or funnel-shaped); sudden, loud roar that is similar to a freight train. If you see or hear any of these signs, prepare to take immediate shelter.
During a tornado drill or tornado warning, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourages everyone to DUCK.
D – Go DOWN to the lowest level
U – Get UNDER something
C – COVER your head
K – KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed
If you are in a building, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level, such as a bathroom, closet or interior hallway, that is away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Do not open windows.
If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little or no protection from tornadoes.
If you are outside with no shelter, lie in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass or bridge. You will be exposed to stronger winds and flying debris.
For additional information on tornado safety and severe weather emergency preparedness, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Web site at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the Ohio Department of Development's Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division and Minority Business Enterprise Division have again joined forces with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Dayton and Columbus Urban Leagues to sponsor a series of small business seminars for minority business owners. The initiative is a broad effort to strengthen and expand business ownership among minorities and will be offered from March through November.
"We are excited to partner with the Columbus and Dayton Urban Leagues on these important seminars that support the success of small and minority businesses," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "This partnership demonstrates the many innovative ways we can work together to foster new opportunities by providing more comprehensive services that address the needs of Ohio's minority businesses."
The seminar series was developed specifically to address the needs of minority business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Representatives from Small Business Development Centers, Small Business Administration and the Urban League will give in-depth overviews of small business programs and services available to assist minority entrepreneurs and business owners. The seminars will provide information on how to pursue resources including: establishing a business; operating a business; loan programs; free counseling; and training.
All seminars will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Dayton Urban League, located at 907 West 5th Street in Dayton and the Columbus Urban League, 788 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Columbus. The seminars are free of charge, but registration is required. Interested business owners can learn more about the seminar series or may register by contacting the Columbus Small Business Administration office at (614) 469-6860 ext. 282 or by visiting www.entrepreneurohio.org.
The Ohio Department of Development's Minority Business Enterprise Division works to create a business environment in Ohio that assists in the growth and development of minority-owned businesses, working closely with minority, female, and small businesses to help them obtain financing, bonding, and contracts in the public and private sector. The division provides assistance through the Minority Contractors and Business Assistance Program, Management and Technical Services and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.
The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division manages a variety of programs and initiatives that assist small businesses in growing and finding success in Ohio. The Division also hosts the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio program, which provides consulting and training assistance to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and improved management. The Centers are supported through a partnership among the Ohio Department of Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and several of Ohio's chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and economic development agencies.
A schedule of series seminars follows:
The Resource Network (Small Business Resources Partners)
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, March 20, 2008
Understanding Your Credit
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, April 24, 2008
Access to Capital (Building Better Banking Relationships)
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, May 22, 2008
Starting Right & Beyond (Legal, Accounting & Insurance)
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, June 26, 2008
Small Business Certification (SBA 8a, Surety Bonding)
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, July 24, 2008
Small Business Procurement Opportunities
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, August 28, 2008
Small Business Franchise Opportunities
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, September 25, 2008
Small Business Marketing
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, October 23, 2008
Small Business Match-Net
Dayton Urban League - Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Columbus Urban League - Thursday, November 20, 2008
Top | More Ohio Department of Development Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – From now through October, Ohio EPA is collecting updated information from communities about their projected costs for water and sewer improvements. In a survey recently released by U.S. EPA, Ohio reported a 33 percent increase in total capital needs, from $8.8 billion in 2000 to $12.9 billion in 2004.
U.S. EPA is offering Web training seminars to provide communities with the training and information they need to support 2008 data entry efforts. They will be held on:
For information on how to participate visit: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/defa/cwnswebseminar.html.
Combined sewer overflow abatement needs increased in Ohio by 56 percent, or $6.3 billion, compared to $4 billion in 2000. Other wastewater treatment needs include wastewater treatment plant improvements, wastewater collection and piping system improvements, stormwater management needs and home septic system improvements. In 2004, 76 percent of Ohio residents (8.7 million) were depending on public water treatment facilities.
The 2004 survey also examined nonpoint source control costs. Nonpoint source pollution is cited as Ohio's primary water quality problem, according to Ohio's Integrated Report released in January: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/tmdl/2008IntReport/index.html. The 2004 survey estimates costs for implementing these water quality improvements.
To address nonpoint sources, communities estimated costs for carefully crafted development and land use plans that minimize water impacts from agriculture, mining and quarrying, and residential and business development, and costs for water resource restoration and protection projects.
While needs have increased, funding available to Ohio communities has decreased. Ohio receives funding to aid communities with water quality improvement projects through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The proposed 2009 federal budget reduces funding available nationwide to $555 million - the lowest funding level in program history.
To learn more about Ohio's needs described in the 2004 report to Congress, go to: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/defa/whatsnew.html
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Columbus, Ohio – As spring approaches and the last of winter's snow and ice melts away, outdoor enthusiasts are reminded that waterways remain frigid and some rivers and streams could be near or at flood stage in coming weeks. These conditions pose special hazards to early season boaters and anglers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
High and fast stream currents, downed trees that act as "strainers," undercut and eroded banks, standing waves at the bottom of chutes and other underwater obstacles can be dangerous to anyone walking, wading or boating in or near a waterway.
"It's a time of year when extra precautions are needed to ensure that the strength and speed of the river does not exceed your skill capabilities or that of your equipment," said Pamela S. Dillon, chief of the Division of Watercraft.
ODNR recommends "scouting" a stream before launching a boat in an unfamiliar area. Boaters are urged to file a float plan with a responsible person and be prepared to get wet by dressing in layers of synthetic materials with a wind-resistant outer shell. Capsizing or falling unexpectedly into cold water can be life threatening to anyone who is not prepared!
The Division of Watercraft further advises to properly wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating, and when wading and fishing in rivers or streams. Boaters should use extra caution when in the vicinity of lowhead dams, making sure boats are properly loaded with people and gear. Additional safety tips on boating during the early spring are available at ohiodnr.com.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the State of Ohio's foreclosure prevention public awareness campaign — Save the Dream. The multi-media campaign is aimed at helping Ohioans take action to save their dream of homeownership.
Ohio has the nation's highest foreclosure rate, according to a recent report by the Mortgage Bankers Association. The Save the Dream campaign includes radio and television advertisements, an information-rich Web site at www.savethedream.ohio.gov, and a telephone hotline (888-404-4674.)
The campaign supports the number one recommendation in the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Task Force's report submitted to Governor Ted Strickland last year. The recommendation was for a public awareness campaign and borrower outreach events to encourage homeowners to contact their mortgage servicer if they are having trouble making their mortgage payment or are facing a reset of an adjustable rate mortgage.
"Foreclosure is devastating, not just to individuals and families, but to entire neighborhoods and communities," said Governor Ted Strickland. "Unfortunately, many Ohioans facing possible foreclosure don't know where to turn. The Save the Dream campaign directs Ohioans to the information and organizations they need to contact and work with to save their homes."
The multi-media campaign was unveiled today by Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and Director of Commerce Kimberly Zurz, who chaired the Foreclosure Prevention Task Force.
"The Strickland Administration is committed to providing Ohioans with the information and tools they need to prevent foreclosures. We are focused on doing everything we can to help Ohioans save the dream of homeownership," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development.
Director Zurz said the Web site provides detailed information on the foreclosure process and highlights how Ohioans can take action to save their home. "We strongly encourage Ohioans concerned about foreclosure to immediately contact their mortgage loan servicer, work with a HUD-approved housing counselor, and visit the Save the Dream Web site to learn more about foreclosure prevention," she said.
Homeowner Cheryl Price, of Columbus, and Kathy Werkmeister, director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's HUD-approved homeownership counseling program, participated in today's announcement. By taking action and working with a HUD-approved housing counselor, Ms. Price was able to save her home from foreclosure.
Doug Garver, Executive Director of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, said his agency will be distributing nearly $3.1 million in housing counseling funds to 18 organizations around the state to increase the availability of foreclosure counseling and boost those organization's services.
The Save the Dream campaign was developed by the Ohio Department of Commerce in cooperation with several state agencies and demonstrates a coordinated effort to combat Ohio's higher foreclosure rate.
The core message of the Save the Dream campaign is for homeowners to:
The television and radio advertisements will run statewide from March through August. The ads, which will be mailed to advertising managers next week, can be viewed on the Save the Dream Web site. The $135,000 advertising campaign is being financed through the Ohio Real Estate Commission's Education and Research Fund.
The Web site provides information on the foreclosure process, available resources in each county, tips on avoiding "rescue" scams, and answers to frequently asked questions. It also includes video testimonials from two homeowners who sought help from HUD-approved housing counselors to save their homes and an overview of what homeowners can expect when working with a counselor.
The campaign will be supported by the Save the Dream Hotline (toll free at 888-404-4674), located at the Ohio Department of Development. Ohioans who call the hotline will be asked a series of questions, and some calls will be forwarded to an approved housing counselor. Questions from callers who may require legal assistance will be e-mailed to Attorney General Marc Dann's office.
The Save the Dream slogan also has been used by Michigan's state housing development authority. Ohio adopted the phrase with the permission of Michigan authorities, and officials hope that other states will adopt it for their foreclosure prevention initiatives.
Ohio's borrower outreach efforts began last year, even before the task force's final report and recommendations were presented. The Department of Commerce has sponsored six Borrower Outreach Day events in Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus, Nelsonville, the Toledo area and Youngstown. In addition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last year sponsored a Homeownership Preservation Clinic in Cleveland that was supported by the State of Ohio. More than 1,700 Ohioans have attended one of the borrower outreach events.
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Columbus, Ohio – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Conservation Farm Family Awards. The awards program is coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil & Water Conservation and co-sponsored by Ohio Farmer Magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
Nomination forms can be obtained from county Soil & Water Conservation Districts, local Ohio Farm Bureau Federation offices, or Ohio Farmer Magazine. They must be returned by May 1 to Ohio Farmer Magazine, 117 W. Main St., Suite 202, Lancaster, OH 43130.
Begun in 1984, the Conservation Farmer Awards Program recognizes farm families who are doing an outstanding job of managing natural and human resources in such a way as to meet the twin goals of production and conservation.
Individual farmers, partnerships, or family farm corporations are eligible for nomination, provided a substantial portion of their income is derived from farming. Judging is based on the nominee's use of new and traditional conservation techniques; comprehensive management; individual initiative in applying conservation measures; and the nominee's willingness to share conservation information, experiences and philosophy with others.
Five area finalists will be chosen from around the state. These top conservation farm families will be recognized at the annual Farm Science Review in September. They will also receive a $400 check courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer Magazine.
Agriculture is Ohio's largest industry and the largest land user in the state. Nearly 60 percent of Ohio's land is used for crop production and pasture. Not surprisingly, farming has a big impact on the state's land, water, woodland and wildlife resources. The key to maintaining a balance between this important industry's contribution to Ohio's economy and the environment is conservation and wise resource management.
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Columbus, Ohio – With many Ohio school districts getting a jump on the 2010 requirement to provide personal finance education for high school students, the state is more than doubling the number of workshops it will offer this year for teachers looking for classroom ideas and lesson plans.
Fifteen sessions of the two-day Teachers Academy program, sponsored by Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray, the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Council on Economic Education, will be offered throughout the state between April and August 2008.
A $50 registration fee is required, though scholarships are available for teachers who qualify. Some Teachers Academy locations will also offer two semester-hours or three quarter-hours of graduate credit. Charges for the credit will be determined by each university. Professional development contact hours are available for all Teachers Academy attendees.
Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray said that the inaugural Teachers Academy workshops offered last year attracted more than 200 teachers.
Following is a complete list of the 2008 Teachers Academy schedule. For complete information on each session, including registration contact information and scholarship applications, log onto www.YourMoneyNOWOnline.org and click on "Teachers."
April 5 & 19: Mansfield
June 16 & 17: Warrensville Heights
June 17 & 18: Uniontown
June 19 & 20: Athens
June 18, 19 & 20: Cincinnati
June 19 & 20: Middleburg Heights
June 19 & July 10: Online Sessions
June 23 & 24: Ashland
June 24 & 25: Uniontown
June 24 & 25: Dayton
June 24 & 25: Holland
June 26 & 27: Warren
August 11 & 12: Middleburg Heights
August 14 & 15: Warrensville Heights
August 14 & 15: Dayton
Top | More Ohio Treasurer of State Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Various computer and electronic equipment and office furniture will be among the items available for purchase at the state of Ohio surplus auction Saturday, March 15.
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 sale will be conducted by Cassel & Associates.
A variety of digital cameras, flat-screen monitors, computer desks, fitness equipment, car and truck tires and a refrigerator will be auctioned.
Purchased items must be paid for in full the day of the sale. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Cassel & Associates must approve all methods of payment other than cash.
All purchased items must be picked up by 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. 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. Warehouse and vehicle auctions have generated nearly $3 million to date during fiscal year 2008.
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 options and directions, contact Jim Rooker at (614) 466-7636 or visit the State and Federal Surplus Services Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Emergency Management Agency is continuing monitoring and assessment of statewide recovery activities as Ohioans dig out from a major winter storm that dumped more than a foot of snow on many areas of the state during the past 48 hours. As of 9 a.m. this morning, local sheriffs' departments reported Level Three snow emergencies in six counties, Level Two snow emergencies in 43 counties and Level One snow emergencies in 11 counties.
County emergency management officials statewide are continuing to work closely with Ohio EMA in assessing the impact of the storm, with no counties reporting any declarations or requests for state assistance.
From 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Sunday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated 2,166 crashes, with 215 involving injuries. Crash numbers reduced significantly during the period between 2 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday; an indication many Ohioans heeded the advice of state officials to remain off roadways during the evening hours Saturday.
Crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation are continuing to work extended hours to clear the state's highway system. As of 9 a.m. Sunday, 1,028 ODOT snow plows were in service statewide. Crews made significant progress overnight, clearing most of the areas where drifting was occurring along major highways. ODOT crews will continue efforts through Monday to get roadways scraped of all snow down to the pavement to allow additional treatments of salt. Currently, all major interstates remain open. Motorists should continue to exercise caution as many areas of highways across the state continue to have a hard-packed snow covered surface. Drivers are also encouraged to give snow plows plenty of room to continue their work: Don't Crowd the Plows!
For up-to-date road conditions, ODOT reminds motorists to log on to www.buckeyetraffic.org or travelers may call the Ohio State Highway Patrol's toll-free road condition hotline, 1-888-2-OH-ROAD (264-7623).
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the following appointments to Ohio boards and commissions.
Cheryl Roberto, of Upper Arlington, has most recently served as the director of the City of Columbus' Department of Public Utilities. In this role, she administered an annual operating budget of $400 million and managed a municipal public utility that supplied more than one million people with water, wastewater, storm water management and electric services.
Roberto previously served as the deputy director for operations for the Department of Public Utilities, as a policy advisor to the mayor and as an assistant city attorney for the City of Columbus. As an attorney, she has more than a dozen years of experience in consumer and environmental protection matters.
Roberto received a bachelor's degree from Kent State University in 1984 and a law degree from the Ohio State University in 1987.
K. Michael Benz, of Concord Township, is president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Cleveland. Benz previously served as director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and as executive vice president of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association. He is a member of the Mandel Center Executive Advisory Network and serves in a director role for the Cleveland Zoological Society, the Better Business Bureau, and the Center for Contemporary Music.
Bruce Murphy, of Strongsville, is president of KeyBank Community Development Banking. Murphy previously spent 12 years with Mellon National Bank in Pittsburgh. He is currently a member of the Community Reinvestment Committee of the Consumer Bankers Association, Leadership Cleveland, board president of the United Black Fund, and a board member of the A.M. McGregor Foundation. He received a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in public management from the University of Pittsburgh.
John Paradore, of Elida, recently retired from Ford Motor Company's Lima Engine Plant after 30 years of manufacturing experience. Among his accomplishments with Ford, Paradore worked with then-governor George Voinovich to form the UAW-Ford-Rhodes State Training Center. Paradore is currently a member of the Lima Task Force for Allen County Correctional Institution, Lima-Allen County Auto Task Force, President of UAW Lima Troy CAP Council, and Local Family Council of UAW-Ford Family Service and Learning Center.
The State Board of Examiners of Architects issues certificates of registration to architects. The Board may, at its discretion, issue registration certificates by examination or based on the credentials of the applicant.
Patrick J. Beam, of Lima, has been a landscape architect with Bassett Associates for more than 30 years. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects as well as the Lima YMCA Design and Development Committee. Beam received a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from the Ohio State University in 1976.
The Industrial Commission Nominating Council makes recommendations to the Governor for the appointment of members to the Industrial Commission.
Tim Burga, of Westerville, is the chief of staff and director of government affairs at the Ohio AFL-CIO. Prior to his work with the AFL-CIO, Burga served as director of government relations for the Career College Association in Washington, D.C. Burga holds a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University's Arneson Institute of Applied Politics.
The State Board of Cosmetology examines applicants for a license or licensure, strives to ensure the better education of practitioners, and establishes rules regulating the proper conduct and sanitation of cosmetological establishments and schools. The Board may employ inspectors to conduct examinations, grant permits and certificates, and enforce rules and regulations adopted by the Board.
NeCole Cumberlander, of Solon, is the owner, dean, and co-founder of the Ohio Academy of Paul Mitchell, a cosmetology school in Twinsburg. She is involved with the Professional Beauty Association, where she serves as a governing council member. In 2006, the National Association of Women Business Owners recognized her as one of the Top Ten Women Business Owners of Northeast Ohio. Cumberlander received a degree from the Ohio State School of Cosmetology in 1988.
Bernadine Neal, of Columbus, is a cosmetology instructor with Columbus Public Schools. Neal is a member of the Ohio Cosmetology Career Teachers Association, the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology Exam Committee, and the NECC Cosmetology Advisory Committee. She received her bachelor's degree in home economics from Spalding University and her cosmetology licensure from the Nationwide Beauty Academy School.
Marilyn Huheey, of Columbus, is an ophthalmologist in private practice as well as a member of the medical staff at Grant Hospital and the Ohio State University. She received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Ohio University in 1958, a master's degree in physiology from the University of Oklahoma in 1966, and a doctor of medicine from the University of Kentucky in 1970.
The Ohio Organized Crime Investigation Commission was established to coordinate investigations of organized criminal activity and to cooperate with the departments and officers of the U.S. government in the suppression of such criminal activity.
Victor Vigluicci, of Ravenna, is currently the prosecutor in Portage County. He previously served as acting judge and referee for the Portage County Municipal Court and worked in private practice. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Portage County Children's Advocacy Center board of trustees, National District Attorneys Association, and serves as the president of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association. Vigluicci graduated from Walsh College in 1974 and received a law degree from the University of Akron in 1977.
The Commission on Minority Health was established to promote health and the prevention of disease among members of minority groups. Each year the commission distributes grants from available funds to community-based health groups to be used to promote health and the prevention of disease among members of minority groups.
Cynthia B. O'Neal, of Mansfield, has most recently served as director of central purchasing for Richland County. O'Neal received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Concerned Black Men of Mansfield in 2005 and the Dorothy Burch Woman of the Year Award from the Ohio Conference NAACP in 2004. She is currently a member of the Richland County Red Cross Board and University College Access Network Board.
Charles Modlin, of Cleveland, is a kidney transplant surgeon, urologist, and founder and director of the Cleveland Clinic Minority Men's Health Center. He is active on several boards and his accolades include the 2006 Ohio Commission on Minority Health Leadership Award, the 2006 Kappa Alpha PSI Humanitarian Award and the 2006 National Technical Association Physician of the Year Award. Modlin earned a bachelor's degree in 1983 and a medical degree in 1987 from Northwestern University.
Walter Bowers, of Cincinnati, is a physician in private practice. He also serves on the University of Cincinnati admissions committee and as a volunteer assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. He is president of the Cincinnati Medical Association and serves on the board of directors for the Black Male Coalition. Bowers received a bachelor's degree from the Tuskegee Institute in 1967 and a medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1975.
The State Auctioneers Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Agriculture on the area of auctioneer licensure. This includes the qualifications and examination for licensure, and the issuance and revocation of licenses.
Steve Remias, of Chagrin Falls, is an auctioneer with Owner, Seek, and Find Auction Co. From 1997-2006, he also worked as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Hunter. A Vietnam veteran, Remias served in the U.S. Navy, receiving an honorable discharge in 1972. He received a bachelor's degree from Kent State University-Geauga branch in 1977, and a master's degree in technical education from the University of Akron in 1984.
The Water and Sewer Commission has administrative control over the Water and Sewer Rotary Fund. The fund loans money to cover agricultural land assessments resulting from the construction of water and sewer lines relative to economic development projects.
James A. Ruen, of Continental, is director of the Development Corporation of Continental, where he has worked for a total of 35 years. He has served in the past as mayor and councilman for the village of Continental, as Putnam County Commissioner, and as an administrative assistant for the Ohio Department of Transportation, district one. Active in his local community, Ruen is on the board of directors for the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation and serves as trustee officer for American Legion post 541.
The State Board of Uniform State Laws determines the best means of effecting nationwide uniformity of conveyance, form and execution of laws by collecting and digesting data on prevailing national and foreign laws in certain areas.
Alexandra T. Schimmer, of Columbus, is a lawyer with Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. She is a member of the Ohio Civil Gideon Project and has served as a lecturer for the Ohio Law and Citizenship Conference. Schimmer previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable R. Guy Cole, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals, sixth circuit. She received a bachelor's degree from Princeton University, a master's degree in philosophy from Cambridge University as a Fulbright Fellow and a law degree from Yale Law School.
The State Personnel Board of Review hears appeals, as provided by law, of public employees in the classified civil service. The issues the board deals with are: reductions in pay, job abolishment, layoffs, suspensions, discharges, assignments and reassignments of public employees who appeal these actions.
Adriana Sfalcin, of Columbus, is executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and Affiliates, where she oversees corporate programming, human resource policy, public relations and finance. She also serves as the executive director of the Ohio Jewelers Association, managing day-to-day operations and government policy decisions. Sfalcin is a graduate of the Columbus Business College.
The Motor Vehicles Dealers Board implements and enforces rules and regulations necessary to conduct hearings on the issuance, suspension or revocation of motor vehicle dealer licenses. Additionally, the board hears appeals on refusal to issue licenses for dealers and/or salesmen.
Roberto Vazquez, of Galloway, is general sales manager at Germain Lexus of Dublin. Having extensive experience in automobile sales, Vazquez previously served as new car manager for Germain Toyota and Toyota Northeast. He received an associate's degree from Clark Technical College in 1983 and a bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University in 1986.
The Industrial Technology and Enterprise Advisory Board was developed to advise and assist the Ohio Development Financing Commission.
Thomas Washbush, of Dublin, is a partner with Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan, and Aronoff LLP. Washbush has also served in various legal capacities for Frost, Brown, Todd LLC, Purcell and Scott, Co., LPA, and the Ohio Department of Development. He serves as mediator for the Columbus Bar Association and as a sounding board member for Columbus Public Schools. Washbush received a bachelor's degree and law degree from Capital University.
The Rehabilitation Services Commission exists to develop programs beneficial to the handicapped.
William Bauer, of Marietta, is an assistant professor in the Department of Education at Marietta College. Bauer has served on the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, the statewide Consumer Advisory Council, and has received the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Lifetime Achievement Award. He received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 1984, a master's degree from the Ohio State University in 2002, and a Ph.D. in rehabilitation services from the Ohio State University in 2003.
The Medical Quality Foundation Board, in a manner consistent with federal income tax exemption status, funds activities to improve the quality of medical care rendered to the public.
Richard Castrop, of Athens, is president and CEO of the O'Bleness Health System. He served as a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio Hospital Association from 1999 to 2003. Castrop received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Dayton in 1972 and a master's degree in hospital administration from Xavier University in 1977.
The Accountancy Board sets forth rules of professional conduct to ensure the maintenance of a high standard of integrity within the accounting profession. It is responsible for conducting CPA examinations and subsequent certification for "Certified Public Accountants".
Margaret Houston, of Dayton, is an accountancy lecturer at Wright State University. Houston is a Becker CPA Exam Review Instructor and has worked for Deloitte and Touche as a senior accountant. She is currently a member of the nominating committee for the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Houston received a bachelor's degree and an MBA from Wright State University.
The Ohio Venture Capital Authority is charged with establishing the terms and conditions of an investment policy governing the deployment of the Ohio Venture Capital Fund Program, which aims to increase private investment capital for Ohio companies in the early stages of business development.
John G. Nestor, of Cleveland, is senior managing partner, president, and chief executive officer of Kirtland Capital Partners. Nestor previously worked 16 years for Continental Illinois Bank in Chicago. He serves as a trustee of the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation, as an advisory board member of the Generation Foundation and Gordon Square Arts District, and as the chairman of Essex Crane Rental. Nestor holds an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, and a master's degree in urban studies from Loyola University of Chicago.
The State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors examines applicants for engineers' and surveyors' licenses, issues licenses, and revokes licenses.
Chandra Shah, of Cincinnati, is the chief executive officer and chairman of the board at Balke Engineers. Shah is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Concrete Institute, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Railway Engineers Association. He received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Gujrat University in India in 1956, a master's degree in structural engineering from the University of Iowa in 1961, and an MBA from Xavier University in 1983.
The Commission on Fatherhood organizes a state summit on fatherhood every four years and prepares a report each year that identifies resources available to fund fatherhood-related programs.
Peter Lawson Jones, of Cleveland, is a Cuyahoga County Commissioner who served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1997 to 2002. He served on the city council of Shaker Heights from 1984 to 1991, including a stint as vice mayor from 1988 to 1989. He is on the board of directors for Shoes and Clothes for Kids and Reclaim Our Democracy. He received a bachelor degree and law degree from Harvard University.
The Council on Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services meets quarterly to review the development of statewide plans for alcohol and other drug prevention, treatment and recovery services and to act as an advisory body to the director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.
Janet Wade-Watts, of Malta, is the executive director of Perry Behavioral Health Choices, Inc. Wade-Watts previously served as clinical director of the Appalachian Women's Recovery Center and as a substance abuse counselor at the Morgan County and Perry County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Councils. She graduated from Muskingum Area Technical College in 1981.
The Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation prepares a plan to reduce tobacco use by Ohioans, with emphasis on reducing the use of tobacco by youth, minority, regional populations, pregnant women, and others who may be disproportionately affected by the use of tobacco.
Mary Ann Pilotte, of Columbus, served most recently as the senior vice president of marketing for Wendy's International, Inc. Pilotte serves on the board for the Association of National Advertisers and is a trustee and executive committee vice president for the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Columbus. She received a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and an MBA from St. Louis University.
The Ohio Historical Society Board of Trustees establishes and maintains a state museum. It collects, for preservation and public display, historical documents, books, machinery, and other objects deemed to be of historical significance. It also maintains existing memorials and monuments which have been placed in its care.
Glenda Greenwood, of Springfield, has been vice president of Huntington Bank since 2003. She has been active on the boards of numerous local civic organizations, including Altrusa International, Downtown Springfield Association, Clark County Historical Society, Springfield Marketing and Advertising Council, Springfield Arts Council, Red Cross, YMCA and the United Way. Greenwood holds a bachelor's degree from Taylor University in Indiana and attended the Ohio School of Bank Marketing at Miami University.
The Partnership for Continued Learning was established to promote systemic approaches to education by supporting regional efforts to foster collaboration among providers of preschool through postsecondary education, identifying the workforce needs of private sector employers in the state, and making recommendations for facilitating collaboration among providers of preschool through postsecondary education and for maintaining a high-quality workforce in the state.
Mattie B. James, of Columbus, is the president and CEO of the Child Development Council of Franklin County. Under her leadership, CDCFC has garnered many achievements, creating and/or participating in programs such as Project PARTNERS, Project REACH, Help Me Grow, and CDCFC's Fatherhood Initiative. James is also a member of the Educational Council for the United Way of Central Ohio, as well as the National and Ohio Head Start Associations. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from West Virginia State College.
Jerome Tatar, of Kettering, currently serves on the board of trustees and the grants committee of the Dayton Foundation. Tatar also serves on the advisory committee for the Fast Forward Center in Dayton, supporting out-of-school youth. He is a former trustee and chair of Sinclair Community College, and formerly served on the Governor's Commission for Higher Education and the Economy, co-chairing the Access and Success Committee.
Rita Rice Morris, of Portsmouth, has served as president of Shawnee State University since 2002. Morris was previously provost and vice president for academic affairs for Lewis-Clark State College. Morris is active in the Inter-University Council of Ohio, the Ohio College Association, the Southern Ohio Medical Center, and Information Technology Alliance of Appalachian Ohio. She received a bachelor's degree from California State University-Long Beach in 1968, a master's degree from Northern Illinois University in 1970, and a doctor of communications from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1978.
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Columbus, Ohio – State Fire Marshal Michael P. Bell is reminding Ohioans to make a potentially lifesaving change when they move their clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 9th: Change the batteries in your smoke detectors!
In conjunction with the public education program "Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries," the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal and local fire departments across the state encourage Ohioans to make it a habit to change the batteries in their smoke detectors at least twice a year – at the beginning and end of daylight savings time.
"The facts speak clearly – only a working smoke detector can save your life," said Marshal Bell. "Ohioans can greatly reduce tragic fire deaths and injuries by performing the simple task of replacing smoke detector batteries. By taking the time to change the batteries and by testing them monthly, you may save your life, the lives of your family members and your property if fire ever breaks out in your home."
Marshal Bell said firefighters still find that smoke detectors, which typically retail for less than $10, are often not present in homes or are not functional. To date in 2008, more than 35 people have died in fires reported to the Division of State Fire Marshal. Smoke detectors were present and functioning in only three of those fires.
Smoke detectors, when properly installed and maintained, provide early warning when fire occurs. For the greatest protection, install a smoke detector on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area. Also, develop an escape plan and make sure every family member knows what to do if the fire alarm does sound.
Test smoke detectors at least once each month to ensure that they are working properly. Vacuum the dust from inside the detector at least once every year. Batteries in battery-operated detectors should be changed twice a year or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use. A disabled detector cannot save your life. In addition, smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years or according to the manufacturer's specifications.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today joined members of Ohio's business and economic development communities and Ohio General Assembly to announce that the State of Ohio has been awarded Site Selection magazine's Governor's Cup Award for leading the nation in new and expanded facilities in 2007. The March edition of the magazine will highlight the award and Ohio's economic accomplishments.
"Ohio is once again proving to the nation, and the world, its leadership in attracting and supporting new and expanded business facilities," said Governor Strickland. "This award would not be possible our strong partnership with local governments and business professionals from across the state."
"In the 21st Century, businesses can choose to locate anywhere in the world and in order to compete, we're creating a business environment that supports their success in a global economy," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We've been focusing on a faster, higher quality, and more flexible response to the economic development needs of Ohio's citizens, communities, and businesses. The Governor's Cup Award and Ohio's common-sense approach to securing and retaining business investment demonstrate that Ohio is up to the challenge."
Governor Strickland also attributes the win to Ohio's improved tax climate that gives Ohio the lowest capital investment tax rate in the Midwest, the state's world-class infrastructure, Ohio's commitment to education reform, workforce development, and global competitiveness.
In an earlier statement Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted and Ohio Senate President Bill Harris said:
"By lowering taxes and instituting fiscal discipline we have laid the groundwork for economic progress for our state, and people are taking notice. Today, Ohio is investing in high-tech research and disciplines that will help develop the highly-skilled workforce of tomorrow. These are all qualities business and industry look for when they establish and grow their companies.
"Today's award is a validation of our strategy to secure new investments – a strategy built on lowering taxes on earning and investing in our state and building a talented workforce to fill the jobs of the future."
"This honor speaks to the direction Ohio is taking to draw in business and create the jobs that will sustain the state and make us a hub for innovation and technology in the 21st Century economy," said Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty. "It shows the nation what we already know: that Ohio is a place where people can succeed and thrive."
Conway Data, Site Selection's publisher, has since 1978 annually recognized the U.S. state with the most new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by its New Plant database. The New Plant database focuses on new corporate location projects that meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least $1 million, (b) create at least 50 new jobs or (c) add at least 20,000 sq. ft. of new floor area.
"Winning the Governor's Cup for corporate expansion activity the previous calendar year indicates that the governor's economic development agenda — and those who implement it — are well attuned to the location requirements of investors in commercial facilities," said Mark Arend, editor in chief of Site Selection. "Because we track announcements of new and expanding facilities, the benefits in terms of job creation have yet to be fully realized."
"We must ensure that Ohio fosters a healthier business climate, and this award clearly shows that we as a state are succeeding in our efforts to attract new businesses and jobs," Senate Minority Leader Ray Miller said. "We are creating partnerships to improve our economic development strategy in a way that prepares our workers to compete in the global economy. The success we have and will continue to achieve is the result of teamwork and a commitment to responsive and responsible fiscal management."
The magazine's yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as "the industry scoreboard." Ohio won the award with 399 projects; Illinois placed second with 362 projects, followed by Tennessee (293), North Carolina (291) and Texas (281).
"This award is a very direct result of the dedication and responsive performance of the local economic development organizations on the front lines of economic development," said Jessica Johnson, President of the Ohio Economic Development Association. "This recognition also reflects the success of the partnership between the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Business Development Coalition and Team Ohio, the Ohio Economic Development Association's sales division, in promoting new investment in Ohio in 2007."
This year marks the sixth time Ohio has been awarded the Governor's Cup, receiving the award in 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003, and 2006.
Additional information about the Governor's Cup is available at the Site Selection magazine Web site at www.siteselection.com
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Ohio farmers wanting to preserve their farmland through the Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP) can now find the 2008 application online at the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Web site. The applications, due May 25, are used by the department to evaluate and purchase agricultural easements in efforts to preserve the state's farmland.
The program is supported by the Clean Ohio Fund, which is in its seventh and final year, and will distribute $3.125 million to farmland owners wanting to keep their land forever in agricultural use. The department uses these funds to purchase farm easements from landowners who score the highest in the state's competitive application system.
"Our program was originally created as a pilot, and each year we've enhanced it to better support Ohio's preservation needs," said Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. "Governor Strickland's Building Ohio Jobs proposal, a $1.7 billion investment in Ohio's economy and infrastructure that will create tens of thousands of new jobs, includes a $400-million bond renewal for the Clean Ohio Fund. If passed, this money will help to continue preserving the state's most valued natural resource for generations to come."
To apply for the program, farmers must work through a sponsoring organization like a local land trust, a Soil and Water Conservation District, or group of local officials. These sponsors fill out and submit applications on behalf of interested landowners, who are also required to be enrolled in a Current Agricultural Use Valuation, must be located in an agricultural district, and are willing to donate at least 25 percent of the easement's points-based appraised value.
Applicants can earn up to 150 points on the two-tiered application, based on several factors. Section one of the application focuses on development pressure, soils, proximity to protected properties, local development and preservation initiatives, and farm conservation plans. Section two includes narrative questions regarding the farm and its unique appeal to AEPP. Applicants also have the opportunity to earn three extra points if the land is located in a county that has not yet received AEPP funding.
"This year we've added an incentive for counties that have not yet participated in the program to reinforce our commitment to stimulate local preservation efforts," Boggs said. "We hope this will encourage local governments and organizations to look to the future and begin prioritizing the preservation of our valued farmland."
Through the agricultural easement program, landowners agree to keep land in agricultural use and give up the right to develop the land. This is done through an agricultural easement, which is a voluntary, legal agreement that limits the use of land to only agricultural use. Landowners retain ownership and management of the land, and can sell or pass along their farm to others. However, the easement permanently remains with the land, prohibiting any future non-farm development.
Since the Clean Ohio AEPP began in 2002, the state has successfully preserved more than 23,600 acres (including several pending agreements from 2007) with roughly $22 million. This is only part of the $400-million Clean Ohio bond package passed by voters in 2000, which allocated money to farmland preservation, brownfield redevelopment, rails to trails, and the protection of open spaces. This is the last official round of Clean Ohio funding.
For more information on Clean Ohio, the AEPP, or for a copy of the 2008 application, visit the department's Web site at www.ohioagriculture.gov/farmland or contact the Office of Farmland Preservation at 614-728-6210.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that troopers will operate a lowmanpower OVI checkpoint to deter and intercept impaired drivers this week.
The county where the checkpoint will be held will be announced the day prior to the checkpoint, and the location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint.
The checkpoint will be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes.
"On average, there are more than 16,000 alcohol-related traffic crashes that kill more than 450 people each year in Ohio," Colonel Richard H. Collins, superintendent of the Patrol, said. "These checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways."
If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don't let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.
Operational support for the sobriety checkpoints will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.