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Columbus, Ohio – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), The Motorists Insurance Group, a key sponsor of the campaign in Ohio, and other safety advocates gathered this morning to launch the annual "Tie One on for Safety" campaign with a message to drive safe, sober and buckled up.
Bob Kent, whose son and two friends were killed by a drunk driver on Christmas day 2004, shared his story as a reminder that driving drunk affects everyone. The Franklin County DUI Task Force also participated in the event to show law enforcement's support for the campaign.
This is the 22nd year for the holiday ribbon campaign which encourages motorists to tie the MADD ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to be safe on the roadways. The campaign also reminds drivers to buckle up, because a seatbelt is the best defense against a drunk driver.
"'Tie One On For Safety' is MADD's largest public awareness campaign to heighten awareness about the dangerous consequences of drinking and driving over the holidays," said Doug Scoles, MADD Mid-Valley executive director. "We're pleased to be partnering with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and for The Motorists Insurance Group's sponsorship. Together, their support and outreach will save lives in Ohio!"
According to ODPS crash statistics, 473 Ohioans were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2007. Of those crashes, 37 of the fatalities occurred between Thanksgiving and New Years. Of those killed in car crashes in 2007, 482 were not wearing their seatbelts.
"I encourage everyone to do their part to be a visible reminder of the dangers of drunk driving by displaying a red ribbon and by making good decisions about driving safe and sober every day of the year," said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. "Together we can help reduce deaths and injuries so that no family has to experience this preventable tragedy."
All of ODPS' divisions are working to remind people to drive safe and sober. The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU), Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) and OSHP and local law enforcement are using stepped up enforcement and educational efforts to prevent injuries and deaths. OIU and OTSO have teamed up and Investigative Unit agents are using alcohol-related crash data to target liquor permit establishments in addition to working with DUI Task Forces to trace the source of alcohol if impaired drivers are stopped at sobriety checkpoints.
Local law enforcement around the state are planning more than 13,000 hours of enforcement this holiday season including 18 sobriety checkpoints and more than 3,000 hours of saturation patrols. These efforts are funded and coordinated by OTSO. OSHP will have a visible presence on the state's highways and OIU will be enforcing liquor laws, including over-serving and underage consumption.
"We need each person's help by actively influencing friends and family to make safe, responsible decisions that save lives," Colonel Richard H. Collins, OSHP superintendent, said. "Simple things like planning ahead to designate a driver if you choose to consume alcohol, and insisting that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up before you leave, can go a long way toward ensuring tragedies do not occur."
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio EPA awards Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation $47,540, and Ohio Interfaith Power and Light $49,838 for environmental education projects with statewide impact. Ten grants were awarded statewide for a total of $444,600.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Conservation has proposed "Project SWEETER (Source Water Environmental Education Teams Enhanced Resources)." The project will equip 34 existing source water environmental education teams with EnviroScape© drinking water and wastewater treatment models. The project also will provide six new teams with EnviroScape© models and Envision 3000© ground water flow models. Regional training workshops will be offered to prepare model users to educate the public about drinking water source protection (both surface and ground water) and storm water and wastewater management. Teams include Soil and Water Conservation District educators and at least two other partner organizations and/or agencies. Ohio EPA Division of Drinking and Ground Waters is collaborating.
Ohio Interfaith Power and Light will offer energy education and energy audits to Ohio congregations, providing educational outreach and technical assistance to at least 50 congregations and 250 households in Ohio. The program will implement energy conservation and efficiency measures at homes and churches. Components include educational workshops, print and Web-based material, webinar training and set-up for energy tracking software, expert energy audits of institutional facilities, training and resources for household audits, congregational and household Web-based carbon footprint calculators, support for energy saving measures, tracking of energy savings, and recognition of participants' energy and emissions savings achievements. The Byrd Polar Research Center is collaborating.
The Ohio Environmental Education Fund is administered by Ohio EPA. Grants up to $50,000 are funded from one-half of the civil penalties collected by the Agency for air and water pollution control violations. Eligible grant recipients include environmental groups, public and private schools, colleges and universities, trade or professional organizations, businesses and state and local governments. Approximately $1 million is given each year.
The next OEEF application deadline is on January 15, 2009. An electronic letter of intent to apply is due on January 8. For additional information, contact the Ohio Environmental Education Fund at (614) 644-2873 or visit its Web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/oeef/.
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Columbus, Ohio – It's important to know Ohio's open burning laws as we work hard to clean up fallen leaves and other yard debris before winter. Ohio EPA urges area residents to follow the rules about burning brush, leaves or other debris.
It is illegal to burn material within the boundaries of any municipal corporation, within 1,000 feet of a municipality with a population of 1,000 to 10,000, and within a mile of a municipality with a population over 10,000. Ohio EPA has received complaints that some people have been burning inside or too close to the Delphos corporation limit.
The rule is in place to protect human health and safety. Open fires, including fires in barrels, can release many kinds of toxic fumes that can lead to breathing difficulties.
Brush, tree trimmings and leaves may be burned only on the property where they are generated if the fire meets the boundary requirements. Garbage, dead animals or material containing rubber, grease or petroleum (such as tires and plastics) cannot be burned in Ohio.
Individuals intending to do any open burning are advised to consult their local communities for information on burning ordinances.
More information on Ohio EPA's open burning regulations is available on the Agency's Web page at http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/facts/openburn.pdf (PDF) and at http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/general/openburning.html.
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Columbus, Ohio – You drive over a patch of black ice, do you know what to do? Your tires are bald, it's icy outside - is it safe to drive? Your car breaks down in a desolate area – do you have the proper items in your vehicle to survive? Being prepared for winter weather also pertains to your vehicle and knowing how to drive in blustery weather.
"If you must be out during a severe winter storm, knowing how to operate a vehicle can help you arrive to your location safely," said Daniel J. Kelso, Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) president. "Make sure your vehicle is in proper working order before heading out and have a safety kit in the vehicle in the event of an emergency."
OII is one of 13 members comprising the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness.
Also, keep an extra gallon of window washer fluid in the trunk – bad weather can occur suddenly and catch you off guard. Good vision is critical, especially when driving in bad weather conditions.
The Ohio Insurance Institute is a trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty industry. Its main objective is to increase understanding of insurance and related safety issues.
Members of the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness include American Red Cross; National Weather Service; Ohio News Network; Emergency Management Association of Ohio; Ohio Citizen Corps; Ohio Insurance Institute; Ohio Emergency Management, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety; Ohio Department of Commerce – State Fire Marshal; and the Ohio Departments of Aging, Education, Health, Insurance and Natural Resources.
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Marietta, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Development is helping to expand the advanced energy market regionally. On Thursday, November 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m., Washington State Community College will host Ohio businesses, economic development professionals, and public officials at the sixth of 10 seminars focused on "Accelerating Ohio's Advanced Energy Supply Chain." The event will offer information on tools, resources, and financial assistance programs for manufacturers to supply the robust wind, solar, biomass, and efficiency industries. The seminar will be held at the Community Room at Washington State Community College, located at 710 Colegate Drive, in Marietta.
"Alternative energy solutions provide an opportunity for Ohio to capture the gains of the advanced energy supply chain," said Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "By adapting our existing manufacturing base to accommodate for advanced energy components, Ohio will reinforce our current strengths in an array of industry sectors from information technology to logistics and distribution."
The events are part of the advanced energy component of Ohio's Jobs Stimulus Plan and will help our state meet the rising demand and cost of energy. The $150 million investment in advanced energy will nurture and attract firms that produce, deliver, and store energy, as well as those that contribute to the industry's supply chain by leveraging our existing manufacturing and distribution strengths. The initiative will support economic interests in areas such as solar manufacturing, advanced coal technologies, biofuels, and energy conservation and efficiency.
By 2025, Ohio is estimated to have more than 5,800 megawatts of new advanced energy capacity due to the landmark energy policy signed by Governor Ted Strickland on May 1, 2008. The Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard, an integral component of the energy law, requires investor-owned electric utilities to supply 25 percent of their retail sales from advanced energy sources with at least 12.5 percent from renewable energy. Annual benchmarks for renewable energy and energy efficiency will also be established beginning in 2009. These provisions will dramatically expand the market for these emerging industries.
Remaining seminars:
For registration and other information, please visit: http://development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/RoadShowSchedule.htm
The seminars are free to the public and sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority. The events have been organized in every region of the state to provide information on technical resources, grants, and incentives to help Ohio companies retool manufacturing capacities and retrain work forces to produce components for the advanced energy industries.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, deal-making, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that he will host six regional forums across the state in November and December focusing on school funding.
The forums will be an opportunity to garner feedback on Ohio's school funding system before the governor introduces his education reform and school funding proposal in 2009.
"Nothing is more important to Ohio's long-term success than improving education," Strickland said. "The future of our economy depends on our ability to make sure all Ohio children have the quality education opportunities they need to build their careers right here in Ohio."
Throughout the summer, Strickland held 11 "Conversation on Education" forums that focused on the six principles for education reform as outlined in his 2008 State of the State address as well as specific education reform policy ideas.
"The first round of education forums gave Ohioans from all regions of the state an opportunity to share their thoughts and expertise on how to truly craft a reformed system of education here in Ohio," Strickland said.
The Web site www.ConversationOnEducation.Org provides the public and forum participants with details about the regional forums and will include ways to submit feedback during and after the forums. The dates, times and locations for the Governor's "Conversation on Education" regional forums are listed below. Each forum will be available through a live Webcast on the Web site.
Most regional forums will also air live on local PBS stations. Stations without a live broadcast will tape and air their local forums following the event. Feeds of the forums will be provided to media outlets by Ohio Government Television.
Educators, business leaders, parents and students, among others, will make up the live studio audience. Watch parties will be organized in other communities in the region hosting the forum.
During the forums, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, First Lady Frances Strickland, University System of Ohio Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut and newly-selected Ohio Department of Education Superintendent Deborah Delisle will attend regional watch parties.
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Columbus, Ohio – Nighttime temperatures started dipping down to the 20s and 30s throughout Ohio late last month. The Buckeye State is already experiencing biting winds, frost advisories and snow showers. Winter is definitely on its way. In a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA), Gov. Ted Strickland has proclaimed the week of Nov. 16 through 22 as Ohio's Winter Safety Awareness Week to help encourage households, schools, businesses and organizations to get ready now for severe winter weather.
"Ohio has had its share of severe weather-related incidents. We recently received federal disaster assistance for severe windstorm damages and prolonged power outages from the remnants of Hurricane Ike," said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán. "Citizens need to have emergency preparedness kits for their homes and vehicles, and practice their emergency plans and fire drills, so they'll know what to do in the event of a severe winter storm or home fire."
OCSWA recommends the following in preparing for the cold, winter months:
Modify your disaster preparedness plans. Every home, school, business and organization should have written plans for the different types of disasters that can impact your establishment. Review the plans with the entire family or staff. Everyone should know what to do in the event of a snow or ice storm, a prolonged power outage, a flood or fire. Prepare and practice drills that require sheltering in place and evacuating the building. Every home plan should include two escape routes from every room. Update your emergency contact list and establish a meeting place away from the home, school or business, so others will know where to find or meet you.
Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio. Every home, school and business should have a tone-alert weather radio with a battery back-up. Weather and public alert radios are programmed to automatically sound an alert during severe weather watches and warnings. Attachments such as vibrating pager devices and bed shakers are available at most electronics stores for people with hearing impairment.
Prepare winter disaster kits for the home and vehicle. Refresh your nonperishable foods and bottled water stored in your disaster kits. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and radios. Winter emergency kits should include warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, new batteries, coats, hats, gloves, a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, first aid kit, and enough nonperishable food and water (one gallon per person, per day) to sustain each family member for at least three days. Have stored food and bottled water and supplies for your pets as well. Ensure that vehicles have annual tune ups and maintenance checks and try to maintain a least a half tank of fuel in vehicles to reduce the chance of fuel-line freeze up.
Prepare and protect your home for winter. Cut and remove low-hanging and dead tree branches. Ice, snow and strong winds can cause tree limbs to break and fall. Have your gutters cleaned. Snow and ice can build up quickly if gutters are clogged with debris. Have auxiliary heaters, furnaces and fireplaces maintenance checked or serviced before use. If using an electric heating element, never leave it unattended or fall asleep while it is plugged in and operating. Check your homeowner's insurance policy. Flood insurance is needed to cover any flood-related damage.
OCSWA is an advocate for family emergency preparedness and is comprised of representatives from the American Red Cross; Emergency Management Association of Ohio; National Weather Service; Ohio Citizen Corps; Ohio Emergency Management Agency, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety; Ohio Insurance Institute; Ohio News Network; Ohio Department of Commerce – State Fire Marshal; and the Ohio Departments of Aging, Education, Health, Insurance and Natural Resources.
For additional information on severe weather preparedness, visit the committee's Web site at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – The open enrollment period for 2009 Medicare coverage runs Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 and the Ohio Department of Insurance — through its OSHIIP program — is urging beneficiaries to call its toll-free hotline or visit a Medicare Check-up Day event for help sorting through the many plan options. Department representatives are also cautioning people to be aware of predatory sales practices, said Director Mary Jo Hudson.
Department staff will also be available the first weekend of open enrollment — Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16 — at 1-800-686-1578 to help Ohio beneficiaries enroll in Medicare coverage for 2009.
"This is the time for beneficiaries — whether they are new to Medicare or reviewing their current coverage — to assure they select a plan that best fits their needs," Director Hudson said. "The Department's OSHIIP Medicare experts can help beneficiaries understand the different coverage options, run plan comparison reports and provide enrollment assistance. Ohioans can call OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 for assistance and can also visit our web site at www.ohioinsurance.gov to learn when a Medicare Check-up Day will be held in their county."
Attendees to the Medicare Check-up Day events are encouraged to bring a list of their prescriptions drugs, dosages and preferred pharmacy, as well as any information on pension, VA or other medical care benefits they are receiving.
The Department is cautioning people with Medicare to be aware of potential predatory sales practices by some insurance agents during open enrollment. Such documented cases include: removing beneficiaries from Original Medicare without their knowledge, enrolling beneficiaries in plans they can't afford and misleading enrollees to believe their physician or hospital accepts their plan.
"I urge people to not be pressured into making quick purchase decisions," Director Hudson said. "In addition, we are reminding agents that we will enforce federal marketing and state conduct requirements, including the prohibition against high-pressure tactics and selling unsuitable products."
During open enrollment, people on Medicare can choose one of several coverage options: 1.) Original Medicare for their health coverage needs and pair it with a stand-alone Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage. 2.) A Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits often including drug coverage. 3.) Or, determine their existing coverage already meets their health insurance needs. The premium cost and covered drugs vary by plan and a late enrollment penalty will apply to certain beneficiaries. Medicare coverage secured through open enrollment will begin Jan. 1, 2009.
Those who qualify for Part D financial assistance, which is secured through the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213, can get help paying their premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Many beneficiaries with limited income and assets will be automatically enrolled into a Part D plan and for financial assistance, while others with slightly higher income will need to apply.
A listing of Medicare Check-Up Days is available on the Department's web site at www.ohioinsurance.gov, along with tips on how consumers and agents can avoid predatory sales practices.
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Columbus, Ohio – When raking fall leaves this season, Ohioans should be aware that leaves can cause water pollution if not managed properly. Ohio EPA recommends property owners consider the best way to manage them based on the types of leaf collection programs in the community.
In the fall, leaves become a common water contaminant in urban areas where concentrated populations overload nature's breakdown process. Excessive amounts of dried leaves can be a source of pollution if not managed properly because they contain significant amounts of soluble nutrients, including phosphorus. When heavy loads of dried leaves wash into streams from storm drains and sewers, the nutrients can cause algae blooms that turn the water bright green and cut off oxygen. This often results in fish kills. A lack of oxygen causes the algae life to eventually die off, making the stream brown and smelly and damaging to the waterway's ecosystems.
If the local community collects leaves by requiring raking to the curb for collection, Ohio EPA suggests checking municipal requirements. If a community allows it, property owners should rake leaves only to a grassy area along the road where runoff water can soak through leaves and into soil. This prevents water from pooling with leaves that wait on streets and curbsides, allowing the decaying nutrients to wash into storm drains.
Storm drains discharge directly into nearby waterways, so unlike sewer lines, these discharges are not treated before entering rivers and streams. Leaves should never be swept or raked directly into storm drains. Avoid using leaf blowers to move leaves and grass clippings onto sidewalks or into streets. This practice is often regulated by local ordinances and can be illegal and involve a fine. Check with your local community to learn local requirements.
To save and reuse nutrients from leaves, Ohio EPA recommends composting leaves in a composting container by combining half green and half brown yard wastes, grass clippings and raked leaves for example, and turning it to cause the mix to heat up and break down. This will contain the leaf nutrients until they convert to rich soil that can be used in gardens to feed plants in the spring. To learn more about composting at home, visit http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/facts/citizens_guide_to_composting.pdf. PDF
Another way to minimize the impact of excess nutrients that drain through local watersheds is to install gutter guards to prevent leaves from collecting. When nutrient-rich leaves fall onto rooftops and get caught in rain gutters, the phosphorus and nitrogen leaches out and is channeled through gutters and pipes into storm drains and sewers.
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Columbus, Ohio – It's the time of year when many employers across the country hold open enrollment periods for their employees to select health insurance coverage. The Ohio Department of Insurance provides these tips to help you make the best choice of the options available for you and your family.
Open enrollment refers to the period of time during which all members of an employers group health insurance plan have the opportunity to enroll in certain benefit programs. During an open enrollment period, insurance carriers the employer chooses to use are required to accept all applicants of the group without underwriting or evidence of insurability. Open enrollment is generally only held once a year. If you miss your company's annual open enrollment, you likely will not be able to enroll in your employer-sponsored health insurance program until next year. Certain exceptions apply for new employees or employees with life changing events.
Make sure to check with your human resources department to see when your company's open enrollment period begins and ends, and when your policy goes into effect.
There are many different types of major medical plans typically offered by employers. For help understanding the fundamental differences between preferred provider organizations (PPO), health maintenance organizations (HMO), point of service plans (POS) or indemnity plans, go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — of which the Department is a member — insurance education web site, www.InsureUonline.org and click on the life situation that most closely matches your own. The health section includes basic information about each type of program.
Plan materials will detail which medical providers (physicians, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, etc.) are considered in-network and out-of-network. They will also detail how much the insurance carrier will pay under each type of plan.
Before making a choice:
In this uncertain market, it's important to carefully evaluate your healthcare costs when making your annual enrollment decisions. While one option might have high monthly premiums and a low deductible, and another might have a low premium but more out-of-pocket expenses, it could be misleading which plan is best for you until you do the figures.
To pick the best coverage, first calculate your healthcare costs from recent years and try to estimate what your costs might be for the coming year. Don't forget to include the cost of doctor's visits, daily medications and any procedures you might be planning.
Next, make a list of the premiums, out-of-pocket expenses and benefits under each plan. Co-payments, deductibles and additional charges for wellness care or specialists (e.g. chiropractic care, cosmetic surgery, etc.) are examples of out-of-pocket expenses that you are responsible to pay. Remember, if you use a medical provider that is out-of-network, you will generally pay more out-of-pocket expenses. Include these fees in your calculations.
Finally, decide how much you can afford to pay.
Other things to keep in mind:
Once enrolled in a health plan, you will not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period, unless there is a life changing event such as a divorce, job change, marriage, birth of a baby or adoption of a child.
If you do not receive insurance cards and/or enrollment information, contact your HR administrator, or call the insurance company.
If you have questions about the insurance company or the information you should receive from them following your enrollment, call the Ohio Department of Insurance consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Columbus Metropolitan Library, Ohio Arts Council and Friends of the Library have once again partnered to bring arts opportunities to artists and the public by presenting a juried art show at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library. In 1998 the two organizations collaborated to create the Ohio Online Visual Artist Registry (OOVAR), a database that showcases the work of more than 900 artists from Ohio and around the world.
The Third Annual Online Visual Artist Registry Juried Art Show features original works of art by 40 Ohio artists. A three-person panel selected the work through a blind jury process. The artist representative on the jury juror is Ron Kroutel, an Athens area artist, who won the juror's choice award during the 2007 OOVAR exhibition.
The artwork will be displayed at The Columbus Metropolitan Main Library in the Humanities, Fine Arts and Recreation Division until November 29, 2008. An award of $1000 will be given for Juror's Choice to Columbus artist Juliette Montague for her piece Heavenly Dreaming. An award of $500 will be presented for People's Choice. People's Choice Award ballots will be accepted through November 8, 2008. The cash awards are provided by Friends of the Library.
The juried show is open to all living artists of Ohio 18 years of age or older. Eighty-nine artists submitted work for the exhibition.
The Ohio Online Visual Artist Registry is free, online, cross-referenced, and useful for collectors, curators or anyone who needs to find artists and artwork. Visit the Ohio Online Visual Artist Registry at www.ohioonlinearts.org.
For more information contact Kathy Signorino at the Ohio Arts Council, 727 E. Main Street, Columbus OH 43205-1796, 614/728-6140 or e-mail kathy.signorino@oac.state.oh.us
The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) mission is to promote reading and guide learning in the pursuit of information, knowledge, and wisdom.
The Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library's mission is to promote library involvement in the life of the community and community involvement in the life of the library, by developing financial and human resources and sponsoring activities and programs.
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.
For a list of artists by city click here. PDF
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Columbus, Ohio – State and local environmental investigators are asking the public for tips to help locate the person(s) responsible for illegally dumping remodeling materials in the Walhalla Ravine area of Clintonville late last month.
Ohio EPA received a call to its emergency spill hotline from a concerned citizen on the morning of October 23. Investigators from the Agency's Division of Emergency and Remedial Response (DERR) and Office of Special Investigations (OSI) responded, as did two deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and an environmental investigator from the city of Columbus.
Investigators found 56 five-gallon buckets, containing materials such as latex paint and sheetrock compound, in Walhalla Creek located at Walhalla Road, near Clinton Heights Avenue and Calumet Road, east of North High Street. One container spilled five gallons of drywall base coat into the ravine. Contractors were hired to clean up the materials. Cleanup was completed the same day and the creek was flushed. Investigators did not observe any dead fish and don't expect any long-term environmental impacts as a result of this incident.
Most of the paint buckets were identified as Sherwin-Williams brand. The caller also noted that he observed a red pick up truck in the area just after midnight on October 23.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Ohio EPA's 24-Hour Emergency Spill Hotline at 1-800-282-9378 or the Franklin County Sheriff's Environmental Crimes Unit at 1-614-462-3558.
Photos of the dump site are available online at: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/photos.html
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Columbus, Ohio – Various household appliances, home maintenance items, computer and electronic equipment and office furniture will be among the items available for bid at the State of Ohio miscellaneous property auction Saturday, November 8.
The auction will be held at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, General Services Division headquarters, 4200 SurfaceRoad, Columbus. The doors open at 8 a.m.; the auction will begin at 9 a.m.
Auction items include hardwood flooring, outdoor street lamps, sewing machines, clothes dryers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, fireproof safes, battery chargers, ladders, a child's outdoor play set and a kiln. To view the items, please visit http://www.das.ohio.gov/gsd/PropFac/Surplus/warehouse/index.htm.
Purchased items must be paid for in full the day of the sale. Cash and credit cards are accepted. All methods of payment other than cash must be approved by the auctioneers, Cassel & Associates.
All purchased items must be picked up by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12. Regular auction warehouse hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The warehouse is open until 6 p.m. on the day of the auction.
Surplus property auctions provide the general public an opportunity to purchase quality goods at reduced prices and enable the state to recoup a portion of its initial investment. Miscellaneous property and vehicle auctions have generated nearly $1.3 million to date during fiscal year 2009.
Public auctions are the last step in the state's surplus program. State agencies declare property as surplus because it is damaged or at the end of its life cycle for government use. The property then is made available to other state agencies, state higher education facilities, tax-supported agencies, municipal corporations and other political subdivisions of the state, including public schools. Remaining property is sold at the public auctions. Auction merchandise also includes items collected by the Transportation Security Administration from airline passengers.
For more information, please contact Jim Rooker at (614) 466-7636 or visit the DAS State and Federal Surplus Services Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus.
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio – With cold temperatures arriving soon, cost-conscious Ohioans will be looking to save money on heating expenses. For many, the solution is burning firewood. Officials at the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) — responsible for enforcing Ohio's firewood laws — remind Ohioans to follow some basic tips when purchasing wood to heat their homes.
It is important for consumers to know firewood rules and regulations prior to a purchase.
Consumers should also be aware that firewood is often home to invasive insects, and when moved, contributes to the spread of these pests. As a result, 44 infested counties in the state have been placed under Emerald Ash Borer quarantine. Firewood cannot be moved out of this quarantine area, and according to law, violators face fines up to $4,000. For a map of Ohio's quarantined counties as well a detailed explanation of the quarantine, visit www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab or call 1-888-OHIO-EAB.
If a problem occurs with a firewood sale, and the seller will not correct the problem, consumers should contact the ODA Division of Weights and Measures at 1-800-282-1955 or contact their local weights and measures inspector located in their county's auditor's office.