Columbus, Ohio – Spring wild turkey hunting opens in all 88 Ohio counties on Monday, April 20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The season continues through Sunday, May 17.
"Based on brood observations, hunters can expect statewide harvest numbers that are similar to last year," said ODNR wildlife biologist Mike Reynolds. "However, counties in southern Ohio that experienced a 17-year cicada emergence last summer may see a noticeable increase in jakes this spring due to high brood survival."
Hunters harvested 20,389 wild turkeys during last year's youth and spring turkey seasons. Reynolds added that Ohio's current wild turkey population is around 200,000. He anticipates as many as 75,000 people, not counting private landowners hunting on their own property, will enjoy Ohio's popular spring wild turkey season.
A special youth-only turkey hunt for those ages 17 and younger will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19. Young hunters must have their hunting licenses and spring wild turkey permits in order to participate and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 years of age or older. The young hunter's turkey season is open statewide with the exception of Lake LaSuAn State Wildlife Area in Williams County. Legal hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to sunset each day during the two-day youth season.
The wild turkey is Ohio's largest game bird. It stands 3 to 4 feet tall and may weigh up to 27 pounds. Legal hunting hours for the regular spring season are one-half hour before sunrise until noon. Hunters are required to have a hunting license and a spring turkey-hunting permit and can take one bearded turkey per day. A second spring turkey permit can be purchased, allowing hunters to take a limit of two bearded wild turkeys.
Shotguns using shot, longbows and crossbows may be used to hunt wild turkeys. It is unlawful to hunt turkeys over bait, to use a live decoy or electronic calling device, or to shoot a wild turkey while it is in a tree. A wild turkey must be properly tagged and taken to an official check station by 2 p.m. on the day it is harvested.
The Division of Wildlife advises turkey hunters to wear hunter orange clothing when entering, leaving, or moving through hunting areas in order to remain visible to others. Additional turkey hunting information is available at www.wildohio.com.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio's rules that protect lakes, rivers, streams and other surface water bodies from pollution were recently drafted and released for public comment in three comprehensive rules packages. While comments continue on these, a stand-alone separate rule-making is being introduced to allow a few time-sensitive items to move forward. The draft changes would include:
Change the submittal, public notice and public hearing requirements for some water quality certifications. The change would exempt Lake Erie projects from the requirement for mandatory public hearings for all projects impacting superior high quality waters, and instead would require hearings when there is significant public interest. Many of these projects are for shoreline work being done by individual homeowners; Ohio EPA has held dozens of hearings on such projects that no one attended. If implemented, this change would avoid using taxpayer resources to hold hearings when there is no public interest. There would continue to be a comment period for all projects, with written comments carrying the same weight as comments spoken at a public hearing.
Revise the designations for humans contacting water in recreation to include three classes that would reflect the intensity and frequency of recreational use. Class A waters would be Ohio's most used canoeing streams and would have criteria comparable to those for beaches. Class B and C waters would have slightly less stringent criteria comparable to the current primary contact level.
Fecal coliform water quality criteria would be replaced with a standard for E. coli to reflect U.S. EPA's recommendations. This is due to scientific studies that link E. coli with incidences of illness among swimmers, which would make it a better health-based indicator.
A change is drafted to restrict disposal of dredge material in the Lake Erie western basin to a maximum of 50,000 cubic yards per applicant for a 12-month duration.
For more information about the water quality revision rules, go to Ohio EPA's Web site: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/rules/draftrules.html. Copies of the draft rules also are available by contacting Bob Heitzman at (614) 644-3075, or by e-mail; bob.heitzman@epa.state.oh.us. Written comments should be mailed to Bob Heitzman, Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049, no later than April 17, 2009.
Ohio EPA plans to propose these rule revisions this spring, and hold a public hearing and a second public comment period at that time. After a second comment period and public hearing is held for the rules package, the Agency will review the second round of comments, consider changes and then adopt the rules.
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Colunbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland has announced the transportation projects selected to receive partial or full funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds made available to Ohio.
In accordance with federal regulations (23 CFR -450.216) and the Ohio Department of Transportation's Public Involvement Process, ODOT is seeking public comment on the list of projects not currently listed in the FY 2008-2011 Ohio Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
The STIP is an updated listing of transportation improvement projects utilizing federal, state, and local funds scheduled for implementation, throughout the state, over the STIP's four year period. It is a financially balanced program which consists of projects for highways, transit, bikeways, rail, and other modes of transportation. The current STIP was approved June 30, 2007. It is amended as needed to incorporate changes in federal funding for transportation projects.
The list of ARRA projects not currently in the STIP may be viewed by following these file links:
Stimulus Project List
Or a paper copy may be requested by sending an email message to the address below.
Following the conclusion of this public review period, these projects will be amended to the STIP.
Any comments concerning this STIP Amendment may be submitted by email to: STIP@dot.state.oh.us or may be mailed to:
Jennifer Townley, Administrator
Office of Systems Planning and Program Management
Ohio Department of Transportation
1980 W. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Written comments must be received by the close of business April 9, 2009.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that 149 transportation infrastructure projects have been prioritized for full or partial funding from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act resources.
"We have identified projects that will put thousands of Ohioans to work quickly," Strickland said. "But to make the best use of these resources, we must also leverage them to create tomorrow's opportunities. In addition to distributing the federal transportation stimulus resources broadly to provide Ohioans in every region with an opportunity to participate in the economic recovery, we are also targeting funds to develop unique regional economic assets. Doing so will strengthen the state's infrastructure system while also bolstering each region's economic vitality in immeasurable ways."
Federal transportation stimulus funds totaling $774 million will be spent in nearly every Ohio county. Based on federal calculations for transportation investment, an estimated 21,257 jobs will be created or retained through these stimulus projects, with thousands of additional jobs likely to be spurred by the economic development that will occur as a result of the projects.
When combined with Recovery Act funds allocated under Ohio's Rural Transit Program, stimulus investments will be made in 87 of Ohio's 88 counties. (Noble County, the remaining county, did not submit a federally-eligible transportation stimulus project; however the state will be investing more than $9.7 million in non-stimulus transportation funds over the next year.)
"Without the leadership of President Obama and the members of Ohio's Congressional Delegation who supported this bill, we would not have this unprecedented opportunity to invest in Ohio's infrastructure" Strickland said.
In addition to selecting projects which met standard federal transportation requirements and Recovery Act guidelines, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Ohio Rail Development Commission and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) collaborated to prioritize many of the 149 projects that meet both the critical infrastructure needs of each region and promote lasting economic growth.
"The Recovery Act resources have put Ohio in a unique position to seize new opportunities and build toward a stronger, more cohesive transportation system in the future," Strickland said. "Consistent with the 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force recommendations, these projects will move Ohio toward a more multi-modal system of transportation that links Ohio's businesses, highways, railways, transit and ports into an advanced and efficient network for moving goods and people," Strickland said.
As part of the state's $774 million stimulus investment, ODOT will invest $603.5 million into 113 separate roadway projects. Of those 113 projects, $242.9 million is dedicated to 30 bridge projects, and $360.6 million to 83 pavement projects.
ODOT will invest $34.5 million into five maritime projects, including major enhancement projects at the Port of Toledo and the City of Lorain's waterfront development along Lake Erie, and along the Ohio River at the South Point Intermodal Facility in Lawrence County, and the Wellsville Intermodal Facility in Columbiana County.
An additional $68.9 million will be directed to 22 separate railroad projects, mostly targeting the state's busy freight rail system.
The state will invest $50.9 million to support improved intermodal connections, including $14 million at Franklin County's Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal and Global Logistics Park, and $6.5 million at Toledo's Airline Junction Intermodal Terminal to connect freight shipments by air, rail, and truck.
The remaining funds (approximately $16.2 million) will be directed to additional planning and engineering, as needed.
Among the highlights of these investments:
In the City of Cleveland, ODOT is addressing the state's most-pressing transportation concern by targeting $200 million in stimulus funds, combined with approximately $200 million in additional state and federal dollars, to build a new five-lane westbound I-90 Innerbelt Bridge. At the same time, the state will invest $20 million to advance the planning and design of the Opportunity Corridor, a proposed 3.3-mile urban roadway to connect I-490 to the growing University Circle.
In Cincinnati, the state will invest a total of $23.5 million in stimulus funds to assist in development of the Riverfront Banks Project and the nearby Intermodal Transit Center. In Columbus, $25 million will widen and improve Parsons and Livingston Avenues as part of the expansion of Nationwide Children's Hospital, one the country's best pediatric health care hospitals.
And in Southeast Ohio, ODOT will expedite construction on the final two phases of the three-phased Nelsonville Bypass by investing $150 million in stimulus funds. Phase one of this new four-lane roadway carrying U.S. Route 33 between the cities of Nelsonville and Logan began last year. Under previous planning, these final two phases were not scheduled to begin until after 2012.
Other notable projects include: $11 million for the Vine Street railroad grade separation project in Lima to prevent trains from blocking access to the city's south side; $8 million dedicated to improvements in Akron along the Main Street Corridor and the new Bridgestone Tech Center; a $6 million intersection close to the I-75/Austin Pike Interchange near Dayton and improvements to the Downtown Dayton Gateway.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Ohio will also receive $29.8 million for Rural Public Transit capital projects, including dollars set aside for rural intercity bus capital projects. Combining the Recovery Act dollars with Ohio's annual federal transit funding, ODOT will be able to fund every rural transit system request for new vehicles.
Recovery Act dollars will also fund critical facility, equipment, and technology needs, allowing Rural Public Transit systems to upgrade from the use of paper and pencil to schedule vehicles and allow the agencies to be more agile and responsive in providing services to Ohioans who rely upon them every day.
Last year, Ohio's 35 Rural Public Transit providers offered more than 2.3 million rides to Ohioans in 36 rural counties. In rural areas, where distances are long to reach essential services, the people who use the system tend to be more transit dependent. They may be unable to drive a car, have no access to a car or cannot afford to operate the car they own. In 2007, over 45% of all riders on Rural Public Transit in Ohio were either elderly or people with disabilities. At some transit systems in Ohio this can be as high as 80%.
"Investing Recovery Act resources to expand our state's robust multimodal network enhances Ohio's strengths in accommodating for a diversity of business interests," said Mark Barbash, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Meaningful, targeted investments in infrastructure and transportation spur both near-term and sustainable economic growth, rendering in our state an interconnected network of unique assets that link Ohio businesses and people."
These stimulus projects will add to the more than $2.1 billion in capital/construction projects ODOT already has planned to undertake over the next 15 months (through state fiscal year 2010). That includes nearly $1.6 billion in investments through the end of this calendar year, encompassing more than 650 transportation projects in each of the state's 88 counties.
Many of these non-stimulus projects will soon begin construction, as part of the department's annual maintenance and modernization efforts identified in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This includes 36 interstate projects and 125 bridge projects on the state's highway system. The ceremonial start to ODOT's 2009 Construction Season is set for April 7th, although a number of construction projects are already active.
"These projects speak to the important transportation needs of our communities, while creating jobs and positioning Ohio for long-term economic growth and stability," said Ohio Transportation Director Jolene Molitoris.
Combined, the stimulus resources and the Department of Transportation's planned state construction spending will total more than $2.8 billion. Together, those investments will create or retain an estimated 79,637 jobs based on federal calculations for transportation investment.
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal government allocated approximately $935.7 million to Ohio through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for transportation projects. Of that amount, $161.5 million was directly sub-allocated, based on federal formula, to Ohio's major metropolitan planning organizations (Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown).
To identify projects to be funded with the remaining $774.1 million, the state established the www.recovery.ohio.gov website, which allowed Ohio communities, municipalities, businesses and other entities to submit transportation project proposals. More than 4,600 highway, transit, rail and aviation project expressions of interest were submitted through the Web site.
Mirroring a similar team at the US Department of Transportation, ODOT established an Ohio TIGER Team (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) to gather in-depth information from local communities on potential projects. After accepting expressions of interest from February 10 through March 3, the ODOT TIGER Team requested additional information from project sponsors on all 4,602 projects. Of that amount, 3,257 funding applications were returned.
The ODOT TIGER Team then reviewed those applications to determine federal eligibility and readiness to proceed with the project. Only 2,222 projects met the FHWA Title 23 federal eligibility guidelines set forth in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
In addition, prioritization was based on criteria established by the FHWA for consideration during project selection: that priority be given to projects in economically distressed areas (characterized by high unemployment and low average income); projects that maximize job creation and economic growth; and projects which could be advanced and completed within certain timeframes.
Under the Recovery Act, 50 percent of the state's transportation stimulus funds must be obligated and assigned to specific projects by June 29, 2009; the remaining amount must be obligated and assigned to specific projects by March 1, 2010; and the majority of all projects must be constructed by March 1, 2012.
To assist in determining job creation potential, the state used a standard Federal Highway Administration calculation - which estimates that for every $1 billion in transportation investment, 27,800 jobs are created - on every project, no matter its location in the state. Using this standard, it is estimated that these stimulus investments alone will generate 21,257 jobs as a result of project construction. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Development predicts thousands of new jobs will be spurred by the economic development that occurs as a result of the projects.
The stimulus-funded projects which are not already on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) will be added, after the federally-required public involvement process and approval by regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations, where needed. ODOT will begin accepting public comment on stimulus projects not already on the STIP.
Governor Strickland stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and transparency in the subsequent contracting of projects funded through the Recovery Act. And he reiterated his support for the establishment of a new, independent, non-partisan deputy inspector general position with authority to monitor distribution of federal recovery resources in Ohio to ensure taxpayers have full confidence in the stimulus process.
"As we put these Recovery Act resources to work quickly and efficiently, we must continue our commitment to taxpayer accountability," Strickland said. "Every project selected for funding will be identified online. Every contract will be selected in a fair and transparent manner and subject to careful scrutiny. And we will require recipients of stimulus resources to account for how every dollar is spent."
The governor also recognized the importance of providing all Ohioans with access to opportunities to participate in the recovery.
"We will follow the letter and the spirit of the law in providing all Ohioans with the broadest possible access to the opportunities that these resources provide," Strickland said.
The State of Ohio will require recipients of Recovery Act resources to post any new job opportunities at both www.OhioMeansJobs.com and Ohio's "One-Stop" sites. At least one site is located in every Ohio county. One-Stops provide a variety of training services and match job seekers with employment opportunities.
Other transportation-related Recovery Act resources have been directly allocated to local communities. Specifically, a total of $161.5 million has been directly allocated to local Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
In the coming weeks, ODOT will be working with the Ohio's eight major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to certify their lists of proposed stimulus investments, to support additional transportation investments and economic growth throughout Ohio. The MPO sub-allocations include $14.1 million to Akron, $6.6 million to Canton, $30.1 million to Cincinnati, $44.2 million to Cleveland, $28 million to Columbus, $17.4 million to Dayton, $11.8 million to Toledo, and $9.3 million to Youngstown. The boards of many of these MPOs have already approved local stimulus project lists.
Ohio will be receiving approximately $150 million in stimulus funds through the Federal Transit Administration specifically directed toward urban public transit.
Ohio's 24 Urban Public Transit systems provide access to jobs, reduce traffic congestion, give individual mobility choices and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In Ohio, over 60% of all trips on urban public transit are work-related. Overall, transit ridership in Ohio was up 4% in 2008 over 2007 figures.
With more than 30% of its fleet beyond useful life, Ohio's Urban Public Transit systems will be able to use the $150 million recovery funds directly allocated to the transit agencies to purchase new vehicles which emit fewer pollutants and reduce operating costs. By directing stimulus funds to capital purchases, local transit dollars can also be redirected at covering operating costs (which cannot be paid for with federal funds).
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Toledo, Ohio – Ohio is preparing for its annual celebration of Lake Erie's diverse coastal region and the cultural and economic resources that contribute to the quality of life and vitality of the region.
The 2009 Coastweeks observance will focus on the preservation and protection of Lake Erie and its watershed through a variety of cleanup events along the shoreline and throughout its watershed. Ohio's program focuses on the theme, "I Can Help Lake Erie." It encourages people to recognize and advocate resource protection while balancing economic, cultural and environmental interests.
"Lake Erie has influenced the growth of Ohio through productive agricultural lands, industries, international harbors and as a recreational destination," said Ed Hammett. "Taking part in a Coastweeks cleanup is a great way for those who benefit from the lake to give back."
This year, Ohioans will demonstrate their commitment to clean, safe beaches and waterways on September 19, International Coastal Cleanup Day. The Ohio Lake Erie Commission coordinates the state's observance, which allows thousands of Ohioans to find solutions for litter that pollutes beaches, streams and tributaries.
Environmental organizations, schools, scout groups, clubs, community groups and individuals throughout Ohio's Lake Erie watershed are encouraged to get involved in this year's Coastweeks by organizing an event.
Visit the OLEC Web site or call (419) 245-2514 to learn more about the 2009 Coastweeks, or to obtain an event planning brochure to organize a cleanup. The OLEC will provide the tools needed to promote an organization's Coastweeks events.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established for the purpose of preserving Lake Erie's natural resources, protecting the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and promoting economic development in the region. The director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as the commission's chairman. Additional members include the directors of the state departments of Transportation, Health, Development, Agriculture and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) and several disability advocacy groups urge Ohioans with disabilities to participate in a series of public forums, billed as community conversations, in April concerning current state budgetary challenges, use of federal stimulus funds, and the future of vocational rehabilitation programs in Ohio.
The community conversations will be held in Akron on April 2, Cincinnati on April 6, Columbus on April 8 and 15, Warren on April 9, Toledo on April 13, and Marietta on April 16. For the locations and times of the forums visit the state agency's Web site at www.rsc.ohio.gov.
Ohioans also can participate in the community conversation by sending comments via e-mail to RSC.MyTwoCents@rsc.state.oh.us, or by mail to the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, Community Conversations, 400 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus, OH 43235-4604.
"We really want to hear from job seekers with disabilities, parents with teenagers with disabilities who are eager to join the workforce, representatives from disability groups, community leaders and stakeholders," said John Connelly, executive director of RSC, the state agency that manages the state's vocational rehabilitation program. "These community conversations will help RSC best deliver services with dwindling resources to a growing population of Ohioans with disabilities. We want to stay focused on the economic realities of people with disabilities-which are employment, community participation and independence."
RSC has prepared online information about some issues confronting job seekers with disabilities. At the RSC home page, select "Community Conversation" to begin the search.
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Columbus, Ohio – Taxpayers seem especially interested in getting their refunds fast this year. If you are among them, the Ohio Department of Taxation has some advice: File your return electronically.
As Ohio's income tax filing season gradually moves toward its peak, choosing I-File, eForms or one of Ohio's other electronic filing options can make the difference between getting a refund in a matter of days or waiting for weeks.
"We know money is tight for many families. The nation is in recession, and, for many taxpayers, getting an income tax refund fast is especially important," Ohio Tax Commissioner Richard A. Levin said. "So it's important to remember that the single fastest way to get an income tax refund in Ohio is to file your return electronically."
For taxpayers who file electronically, refunds are usually available by electronic deposit within five to seven days. In contrast, taxpayers who file on paper close to the April 15, 2009 deadline - when the department will receive more than 100,000 returns each day - may have to wait six to eight weeks to receive a refund check by mail.
"It takes time to open envelopes. It takes time to run returns through our scanners. It takes time to hand type the information that our scanners can't read," Levin said. "By filing electronically, taxpayers can cut through the red tape."
New statistics from the Department of Taxation suggest that interest in refunds is unusually high this year. Through March 9, the department had received close to 2.5 million state income returns, about 194,000 returns ahead of the previous year's pace, or about 7.8 percent. The vast majority of these returns contained requests for refunds. The state received a total of more than 5.5 million returns last year.
School district income tax returns were even farther ahead of last year's pace: about 16.2 percent ahead of the previous year's pace, with more than 712,000 filings as of March 9.
Ohio's electronic filing methods include:
Also, taxpayers who last year used TeleFile, Ohio's dial-by-telephone filing method, may use it again this year.
Every tax filing season also brings changes to the tax code, and this year is no exception. Key differences this year include:
Lower tax rates: The 2008 state income tax tables include a 4.2 percent cut across all income tax brackets when compared to the previous tax year. This round of cuts represented the fourth year of a five-year plan to reduce state income tax rates by 21 percent across all brackets.
New military retirement pay tax exemption: Beginning with the 2008 taxable year, retired military and their survivors may now deduct their military retirement pay in arriving at their Ohio adjusted gross income. Federal civil service retirees who received credit for their military service may also deduct the portion of their pension that reflects that military service.
Taxpayers in search of help have several ways of contacting the Department of Taxation:
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland has proclaimed March 29 through April 4 as Ohio Senior Center Week to recognize the work that senior centers, their staff and volunteers do to enrich lives and strengthen communities and the state. The observance also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the state association that supports and enhances the ability of Ohio's senior center network to effectively serve older adults.
"Senior centers offer services that help their members maintain independence, while also providing opportunities for them to interact with each other and contribute to their communities," said Strickland. "From meals and socialization, to trips, volunteer efforts and educational opportunities, our senior centers provide older Ohioans, baby boomers and others with meaningful and valuable activities."
Ohio Senior Center Week coincides with the annual spring conference of the Ohio Association of Senior Centers (OASC), March 31 through April 1, at the Columbus Hilton at Polaris. OASC was established in 1959 to provide education, training and certification for senior center staff, guidelines for best practice sharing, development of new funding sources and information on legislation and advocacy efforts on behalf of older Ohioans.
"We are so proud to acknowledge this impressive milestone for a very important and influential organization," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Senior centers have been around since the early days of the state's aging network and remain a very important part of its foundation. We could not do what we do without them."
Working in concert with the Department of Aging and other service providers, senior centers strive to promote the dignity, self-determination and well-being of older Ohioans. More than 450 full- and part-time senior centers in Ohio have locations, staff and programs that uniquely reflect the diversity of the people they serve, while they serve as community focal points, bringing generations together. Centers also play a crucial role in Ohio's social services system, through home delivered meals, transportation and other valuable services.
"We hope that all Ohioans will take time this week to learn more about their local senior centers and the opportunities available, and ask how they can get involved," Strickland added.
Senior centers have formed the foundation of the state's aging network since the network was first created. This year, the Ohio Association of Senior Centers celebrates its 50th year of service to the state's more than 450 full- and part-time senior centers.
Senior centers are inextricably linked to their communities. For all the support and services they provide, they are, in large part, reliant on the support of contributors, volunteers, voters, community leaders and others for their continued success.
Senior centers offer older Ohioans, including baby boomers, a place to go for social activities, trips, volunteer opportunities, health screenings, health and consumer education, creative arts, exercise, wholesome meals and more. In many areas, centers also act as community focal points, creating unique intergenerational activities.
Many multipurpose senior centers work with local partners to provide home- and community-based services that allow local residents to age in place instead of moving to more expensive and restrictive institutional care. These services, which include home delivered meals and transportation services, promote the dignity, self-determination and well-being of older Ohioans.
FOR ALL OF THESE REASONS, I, TED STRICKLAND, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby proclaim March 29 - April 4, 2009 as OHIO SENIOR CENTER WEEK throughout the state of Ohio and urge all Ohioans and communities to visit and support their local senior centers.
On this twenty-ninth day of March, 2009;
Ted Strickland
Governor
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Hartville, Ohio – Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs gathered today with legislators and community leaders to celebrate Ohio Agriculture Day and highlight the strong relationship between Ohio's agriculture industry and its emerging bioproducts sector. Farmers William and Jacqueline Garmier received the department's Ambassador of Ohio Agriculture award for their work at Renewable Lubricants, Inc.
Renewable Lubricants, Inc., housed at the Garmier farm in Hartville, is a farm-based business that uses agriculturally-based oils to produce environmentally friendly fluids and lubricants that are used all over the world. The Garmiers are sixth generation family farmers who also grow soybeans, corn, hay, and raise cattle.
"The Garmiers have a pulse on the agriculture industry and its changing trends," said Boggs. "Even under these tough economic conditions, they have adjusted their farming operation and expanded it into a thriving business on the cutting edge of agriculture, focusing on renewable products and green energy. This operation is a shining example of how traditional agriculture fits into our nation's overall movement to meet our ever-growing demands for fuel, energy, and other petroleum-based products."
Bioproducts are commercial and industrial materials that can be made from agricultural products, rather than petroleum. Examples of bioproducts can include everything from lubricants, coatings and ink toner that are made from soybeans, to plastics and molded fiberglass made from corn and plant fibers. Ohio's research laboratories, both public and private, are leading in the development of new bioproducts, such as high performance rubber made from the Russian dandelion — a crop that could be grown in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture chaired the Ohio Agriculture to Chemicals, Polymers and Advanced Materials Task Force, created by the legislature in 2008, to identify ways in which Ohio can become a leader in the bioproducts industry by linking the state's multi-billion food and agriculture industry with its $49 billion chemical and polymer industries. The Ohio Department of Development has named bioproducts as one of nine statewide targeted industries that will position Ohio for future growth and prosperity.
Boggs currently serves as chair of the Third Frontier Bioproducts Advisory Board, which is charged with developing the program plan for the $50 million bioproducts portion of Governor Strickland's and the Ohio General Assembly's $1.57 billion Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan. "On Ohio Agriculture Day we thank our farmers who provide us with food on our tables, clothing on our backs, and shelter over our heads," said Boggs. "And in this new age of agricultural bio-revolution, we thank those who also provide renewable fuel for our cars and trucks, energy for our communities, jobs for our neighbors, and biobased products for our lives."
Every March, Ohio Agriculture Day is celebrated to help educate citizens about the state's agriculture industry and the large role it plays in our everyday lives. Food and agriculture is the top industry in the state; it annually provides $98 billion to the economy and employs one in seven Ohioans.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce will address members of the Ohio Farmer's Union today as part of the organization's Legislative Advocacy Day. With over 77,000 farms throughout the state, Treasurer Boyce has made it a priority to ensure that farmers receive the resources and attention they need during these difficult economic times.
"Farming is one of the most important industries in Ohio, and we need to make sure that as we work to restore our economy that farmers are a part of the equation," said Treasurer Boyce. "Through our Ag-Link Program we help farmers finance the purchase of cutting edge equipment, feed, seed, fertilizer, and fuel with lower interest loans."
The Treasury allocates $125 million annually for the Ag-Link program, and has received 1,772 applications for funding. Recipients of the 2009 Ag-Link reduced-interest loans will be notified by April 6th. In 2008, more than 1,600 farmers in 87 of Ohio's 88 counties benefitted from these reduced-rate loans.
The Ag-Link program is one of several linked deposit programs offered by the Ohio Treasurer's Office. Other linked deposit programs include SaveNOW, GrowNOW, and Bid Ohio. These programs focus on job creation, support for community banks, and reduced-interest-rate loans.
In order to qualify for the Ag-Link program, farms must be for-profit with headquarters and more than half of their land and facilities maintained in Ohio. Additionally, farmers must have a documented need for the reduced interest rate and may request the reduction for up to the first $100,000 of a loan.
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Columbus, Ohio – The month of April is right around the corner. And with that, tornado season in Ohio is soon to begin. April through July are the peak months that tornadoes can occur in Ohio. It is important that everyone knows where to go and what to do if they hear the warning sirens sound.
Governor Ted Strickland has proclaimed March 22-28 as this year's Severe Weather Awareness Week. In a coordinated effort with the governor and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, the sate will participate in a statewide tornado drill and test its Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, March 25 at 9:50 a.m. Schools, businesses and households are encouraged to practice their emergency plans and tornado drills during this time.
The best defense when faced with tornado warnings or any severe weather event is preparedness. Know the weather situation. Have a disaster plan. Practice the plan. Make a supply kit. Be prepared.
A TORNADO is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm. A condensation funnel does not need to reach the ground for a tornado to be present. A debris cloud beneath a thunderstorm is all that is needed to confirm the presence of a tornado.
A TORNADO WATCH is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually issued for four to eight hours. During the tornado watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local TV or radio newscasts for up-to-date weather information.
A TORNADO WARNING is issued by the local National Weather Service when a tornado has been detected by Doppler radar or sighted by storm spotters. A tornado watch does not have to be in effect for a tornado to form. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek safe shelter immediately. Tornado warnings are usually issued for 30 minutes. Continue to listen to your NOAA Weather Radio or local TV or radio newscasts for up-to-date weather information.
Whether practicing a tornado drill or sheltering during a 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
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Columbus, Ohio – Jean Koeller, a native of Dayton, received her undergraduate degree from Wright State University and her Master of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Art and Design in New York City. She also attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in the summer of 1981. She is a 1998 Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist grant recipient and two time recipient of the Montgomery County Culture Awards for Individual Artists. She was awarded Outstanding Alumni for 2005 from Wright State University College of Humanities.
Koeller's work has been shown around the United States and the world. Her work is found in many collections including the Evansville Museum of Art, Springfield Museum of Art, Hoyt Institute of Fine Art, Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, Ohio Supreme Court and Deloitte & Touche among others. She is represented by Keny Galleries in Columbus.
Governor Ted Strickland will present the keynote address at the 2009 Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon on Wednesday, April 1 at 12 p.m. The event will be held at the Columbus Athenaeum at 32 N. Fourth St. in downtown Columbus. Senate President Bill Harris and Speaker of the House Armond Budish will present the awards to each of the 2009 Governor's Award recipients.
Award categories and recipients for the 2009 Governor's Awards for the Arts include: Arts Administration, Marc Folk, Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, (Toledo); Arts Education, Dr. Corwin Georges (Springfield); Arts Patron, Roe Green (Aurora); Business Support of the Arts, Huntington Bank (Statewide); Community Development & Participation, Cityfolk (Dayton); Individual Artist, Derek Mortland and Michael Joseph Ulery, musicians, Sketches of the Inner World; Irma Lazarus Awards, Willis "Bing" Davis, (Dayton); The Honorable Patrick Sweeney, (Cleveland).
The 2009 Governor's Awards ceremony and luncheon will be held in conjunction with Arts Day, Wednesday, April 1. This daylong event demonstrating public value and support for the arts is sponsored by Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation. Arts Day will include an arts advocacy briefing, legislative visits and student exhibitions.
The 2009 Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon are made possible by The National Endowment for the Arts and Ohio Government Telecommunications. Media sponsors include The Columbus Dispatch, Dayton Daily News, Ohio Magazine, Ohio Cable Telecommunications Association, The Blade and Time Warner Cable.
More information about the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon, including a full list of past winners, is available on the Ohio Arts Council Web site at www.oac.state.oh.us/events/GovAwards.
Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation provides education about the arts in Ohio and educates citizens about ways to participate effectively in their government. The OCA Foundation partners with the Ohio Arts Council in the annual presentation of Arts Day and the Governor Arts Awards for the Arts in Ohio ceremony.
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.
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Columbus, Ohio – The 2009 peregrine falcon nesting season is underway in Ohio, following the March 11 appearance of an egg in a nest at the Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland.
Internet users can follow the progress of this and other peregrine nests at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife's peregrine falcon Web page at wildohio.com.
By April, most of Ohio's peregrine falcons will have chosen or re-bonded with a mate and selected a nesting site. As the nesting season progresses, key events such as egg laying, hatching and fledging will be noted on the Web page for each nest.
Additional nests are expected at sites in Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Akron, Toledo and several other communities within the next month.
Because of nesting success in Ohio and across the nation, the peregrine falcon was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999; it is listed as threatened in Ohio, downgraded from endangered in 2008.
Along with several other Midwestern states, Ohio began introducing the birds in 1989. Several pairs were released in cities between 1989 and 1992. Last year in Ohio, 21 nesting pairs of peregrine falcons are estimated to have successfully hatched and fledged 65 young. An estimate was made because actual counts were unavailable for five nesting attempts.
Federal funds for the peregrine falcon project and other wildlife diversity efforts of the Division of Wildlife are provided through the State Wildlife Grant Program, which targets species with greatest conservation need.
The Division's peregrine falcon management program is funded by the sale of cardinal license plates and by contributions to the state Wildlife Diversity & Endangered Species Check-off Fund. Taxpayers may donate directly or designate all or part of their state income tax refunds to the effort by checking the box on line 27 of the 2008 Ohio Income Tax Form or line 19 on the Ohio 1040 EZ form. Donations can also be made online at wildohio.com. Click on Falcon Watch 2009 and then the column on the right side of the page.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Supreme Court of Ohio today unveiled five paintings of some of the first African American pilots who flew World War II combat missions and played a major role in the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The paintings, from the Tuskegee Airmen Series, feature five men of the nearly 1,000 who completed the flight course at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama between 1941 and 1945. The 332nd Fighter Group was composed of African American pilots and ground support personnel who trained at Tuskegee Field and became collectively known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
The portraits, which were painted in 2007 and donated to the Supreme Court by Delaware artist Robert E. Tanner Sr., feature:
Hundreds of Tuskegee Airmen saw combat in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa by escorting bomber aircraft on missions. The 332nd Fighter Group amassed an enviable combat record, which in many ways remains unequaled.
Besides their historic significance, the Tuskegee Airmen have an Ohio connection: after WWII, the 332nd Fighter Group was stationed at Lockbourne Army Air Base (now Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base) in March 1946. An Ohio Historical Marker erected in Ohio's 2003 bicentennial year celebrates this fact. "In July 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order No. 9981, which mandated 'equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed forces.' The Tuskegee Airmen played a major role in the integration of all U.S. military forces."
The 332nd Fighter Group remained at Lockbourne until its deactivation in June 1949. March 13 marks the day that Davis assumed command of the Lockbourne base more than 60 years ago.
Tanner said as a young boy he had a fascination with WWII aircraft, particularly the P-51 Mustangs that were flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. His interest in the Mustang was renewed as an adult as he learned more about the Tuskegee Airmen.
Nostalgia for the Mustang and the local connection with the Tuskegee Airmen is what he "hoped to capture on canvas." He began the series of paintings with Generals Davis and James "because of their significant role in the Tuskegee story," he said. "After that it was just an art choice because there were so many incredible stories of the Tuskegee men and women. I felt these five would be representative of all the airmen who played a role in the defense of our country during our war years."
In accepting the gift on behalf of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer also saluted the service of the Tuskegee Airmen. "This generous donation spotlights an important part of our country's military history," he said. "The local connection to these paintings makes a compelling case for history buffs, in addition to art lovers, to visit the Ohio Judicial Center to view the Tuskegee Airmen paintings."
Chief Justice Moyer also noted the timeliness of the installation of the paintings. Last year, the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site was dedicated at the Alabama air field used to train the pilots.
The works are on display in the Judicial Education Center, a classroom used to train judges and court personnel.
To schedule a tour of the artwork — including the Tuskegee Airmen paintings — on display at Ohio Judicial Center, call 614.387.9223 or email courttours@sc.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Claim denials from insurance companies were the number one complaint of Ohio insurance consumers in 2008, according to statistics released by the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Nearly one-third of the 6,506 consumer complaints received by the Department dealt with the denial of claims by insurance companies. Of these, the majority related to denial of health insurance claims. As a result of reviewing the total number of complaints, the Department saved or recovered more than $9.7 million for Ohioans in 2008. The Department's consumer services staff fielded 128,061 phone calls in 2008. There were 634 fewer consumer complaints filed in 2008, down from 7,140 complaints in 2007.
A closed complaint is a complaint that has been reviewed and resolved to the satisfaction of the state or jurisdiction in which it is filed. The following lists show the top five types of consumer complaints for Ohio and the United States:
A total of 195,669 nationwide consumer complaints were reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 2008. This represents a 8.2 percent decrease from the number of nationwide consumer complaints reported during the 2007 calendar year. This information is based on the submission of closed complaint data to the NAIC from the state insurance departments. Aggregate data can be accessed on the NAIC's web site, www.naic.org.
For more information about auto, home and health insurance options, and tips for choosing the coverage that is right for you and your family, go to www.insureUonline.org.
Ohio consumers who would like to file a complaint against their insurance company or have questions to ask can do so by calling the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 or online at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – As St. Patrick's Day festivities are being planned throughout Ohio, the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is reminding all motorists that designating a sober driver before the fun begins is the best way to keep your luck running strong.
"St. Patrick's Day is supposed to be a time to celebrate Irish heritage and gather with friends, but it can quickly end in tragedy due to impaired driving," said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. "If you plan on drinking, don't rely on luck to keep you safe or keep you out of trouble. Be responsible and take appropriate precautions."
Preliminary statistics for 2008 show that there were 261 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in nine deaths, on Ohio's roads from March 14 through the 18 - the time frame directly leading up to and including St. Patrick's Day. Over the past five years, 851 people have lost their lives to drunk driving crashes over the St. Patrick's Day holiday nationwide.
To prevent deaths and injuries, ODPS is partnering with local law enforcement and safety advocates around the state to increase enforcement on Ohio's roads and remind people to plan ahead to designate a sober driver. This St. Patrick's Day, more than 65 law enforcement agencies will be increasing their patrols or conducting sobriety checkpoints, logging in more than 4,000 hours of enforcement through federal grants provided by ODPS' Ohio Traffic Safety Office. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will have a visible presence on the state's highways and Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) agents will be doing compliance checks in permit establishments as well as working with local law enforcement.
ODPS and its partners want everyone to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day holiday, but strongly recommend taking appropriate steps in advance to avoid the serious consequences of driving impaired. Impaired driving not only increases your chances of a crash that may cause death or serious injury, but can also lead to trauma and the financial cost of a crash or arrest. For bars and establishments, over-serving or serving underage could also mean costly fines, suspension or revocation of their liquor permit.
OIU and other safety partners have been working to educate motorists and establishment owners of these consequences in advance by passing out St. Patrick's Day coasters reminding people of the dangers of driving impaired and that over-serving is against the law.
Plan before the festivities begin and follow these simple tips to keep yourself and others safe:
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Columbus, Ohio – Under the popular game show "Jeopardy" mythical category of Ohio Boating Facts, name the state's number one county for the highest number of watercraft registrations. If one were to answer: "What is Franklin County?", then that would be the correct answer.
The total number of Ohio-registered watercraft in 2008 was tabulated at 411,366, a decrease from 415,562 watercraft registered in 2007, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. Ohio watercraft registrations are valid for a three-year period. The total number of Ohio-registered watercraft in 2005 was 412,804.
"The better comparison for watercraft registration numbers is to evaluate them in a three-year increment when, for example, boats registered in 2005 were due for registration renewals in 2008," said Rick Barrera, manager of the Division of Watercraft's registration and titling section. "From that standpoint, we saw a very slight decrease in Ohio watercraft registrations over that three-year period of 2005 to 2008."
Franklin County had the highest number with 26,130 registered watercraft in 2008. It was then followed by Cuyahoga - 23,908; Hamilton - 17,765; Summit - 18,880 and Montgomery - 15,627.
The most significant trend in Ohio watercraft registrations is a significant growth in ownership of canoes and kayaks. Registration records show the number of Ohio-registered canoes and kayaks rose from 60,065 in 2003 to 80.640 in 2008, an increase of 34 percent. Overall, canoe and kayak account for 19 percent of all Ohio-registered watercraft.
Boats, sailboats, inflatable watercraft, canoes, kayaks, jet-propelled personal watercraft such as Jet Skis and Waverunners, rowboats and most other floating vessels are required to be registered for use on state waterways. A complete listing of watercraft registration statistics and other registration requirements and procedures can be found online at www.ohiodnr.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Various household appliances, sporting goods and computer and electronic equipment will be among the items available for bid at the State of Ohio miscellaneous property auction Saturday, March 14.
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.
Auction items include a fishing pole and reel, softball bats, tennis rackets, a pool table, a golf club, a double oven, a double refrigerator, glass display cases, two big screen televisions and personal digital assistants. To view the items, please visit http://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/GeneralServices/Surplus/WarehouseNextAuction/tabid/232/Default.aspx.
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, March 18. 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 more than $1.8 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.
The next auction after this March 14 auction is a vehicle auction, which will be held April 11.
For more information, please contact Jim Rooker at (614) 466-7636 or visit the DAS State and Federal Surplus Services Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and Lt. 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 2008. The March edition of the magazine will highlight the award and Ohio's economic accomplishments, which include 12 cities around the state with top 10 rankings.
"This award serves as an important reminder that our commitment to phasing in comprehensive tax reforms, while investing in sustainable sectors of the economy, is positioning Ohio for recovery and long-term economic growth," Strickland said. "But we will not rest for a moment in the midst of this national recession. Our budget continues to prioritize investments in education, health care and job-creating tax relief to encourage capital investment and grow Ohio's economy."
"The combination of a meaningful, targeted investment strategy, when coupled with our state's comprehensive tax reform, is leading companies to discover just how beneficial a capital investment in Ohio can be," said Lt. Governor Fisher. "Ohio's strengths in innovation and manufacturing excellence render a diverse economic portfolio that is attractive from a broad span of business perspectives."
This year marks the seventh time Ohio has been awarded the Governor's Cup, receiving the award in 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003, 2006, and 2007. The occasion marks the third win in a row for Ohio and the state's fourth in six years.
"Businesses continue to discover the benefits of investing in Ohio," said Mark Barbash, interim director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Site Selection's award of the Governor's Cup to Ohio for the third consecutive year designates our state as the preferred location for capital investment, where companies find a state of perfect balance between business pursuits and quality of life."
Governor Strickland attributes Ohio's third consecutive Governor's Cup win to the state's manufacturing strengths, logistics capabilities, skilled workforce, and our competitive business environment.
"This award is an important reminder that even during challenging times, we can and must find ways to attract business and create jobs," said Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish. "Let us use this momentum to continue building and growing Ohio's economy with innovation and creative solutions."
The City of Dayton played an outstanding role this year, ranking number one in the category for mid-sized metropolitan areas with populations between 200,000 and one million.
"We are proud to be recognized for our role in helping Ohio earn the Governor's Cup award for successful economic development expansion activities over the past year," Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin said. "Despite challenging economic conditions, this award illustrates that Dayton and the surrounding region is making steady progress in our efforts to stimulate economic growth. Local efforts to turn formerly vacant brownfield sites into exciting new development opportunities, like Tech Town, are clearly being recognized by industry analysts who monitor these new trends."
Conway Data, Site Selection's publisher, has since 1978 annually recognized the 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.
"As with Ohio's previous Governor's Cup wins, the 2008 award demonstrates that companies will invest in those industrial states that are taking the steps needed to be competitive, especially in today's economic context," says Mark Arend, editor in chief of Site Selection. "It is not enough to say your state is 'pro-business.' Site selectors are looking for specific measures to be in place, and Ohio is delivering."
"I am pleased that Ohio has gained more national recognition for our commitment to creating jobs and cultivating economic development to improve the lives of all Ohioans," said Ohio Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro. "I hope this award is a building block toward our goal of a brighter and more prosperous future for every corner of the state."
The magazine's yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as "the industry scoreboard." Ohio won the award with 503 projects; Texas placed second with 497 projects, followed by Michigan (296), Pennsylvania (290) and North Carolina (245). More Ohio cities ranked in the top 10 metropolitan and micropolitan categories for new and expanded corporate facilities than any other state in the nation.
Dayton, Akron and Toledo swept the top three spots ahead of all other mid-sized metropolitan areas with a population between 200,000 and one million, with Youngstown tied for 7th. Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland ranked 4th, 8th and 9th respectively among metropolitan areas with populations of over one million. Wooster, Ashtabula and Wapakoneta ranked 6th, 7th, and 9th respectively among micropolitan cities of 10,000 to 50,000 in population.
We congratulate all of these cities on their recognition, indicating the diligent efforts of their elected officials, economic development professionals, and private sector leaders as they worked together to retain and attract capital investment in our state.
Additional information about the Governor's Cup is available at the Site Selection magazine Web site.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohioans are urged to be aware of the state's outdoor burning regulations and take necessary precautions if they are planning to burn debris, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry.
Ohio law states that outdoor debris burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during March, April, and May. Burning is limited in the spring due to the abundance of dry fuel on the ground before small, grassy fuels green up with moisture.
"About 500 wildfires are reported during spring wildfire season burning around 3000 acres," said David Lytle, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. "Longer daylight hours combined with gusty spring winds increase the risk of wildfires. All it takes is a little wind to cause a debris fire to escape control and spread."
If a fire does escape control, immediately contact the local fire department. An escaped wildfire, even one burning in grass or weeds, is dangerous. Violators of Ohio's burning regulations are subject to citations and fines. Residents should also check Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulations and consult with local fire officials about burning conditions.
The Ohio Division of Forestry offers these safety tips for burning debris outdoors:
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today announced his support for establishing an independent deputy inspector general to monitor federal Recovery Act resource expenditures.
Also today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office announced that Ohio is one of 16 states that will participate in ongoing reviews of the use of Recovery Act resources, providing additional federal monitoring and transparency.
"Ohio taxpayers deserve nothing less than a full and transparent accounting of how the federal stimulus resources will be spent in their communities to create and save thousands of Ohio jobs and promote lasting economic growth," Strickland said. "I support the establishment of a new, independent, non-partisan deputy inspector general position with authority to monitor distribution of federal recovery resources in Ohio to ensure taxpayers have full confidence in the stimulus process."
Yesterday, the Ohio House Finance Committee voted to include this language in the transportation budget. The model is well-established in Ohio, as demonstrated by deputy inspector general positions at the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation and Industrial Commission
"I am hopeful that other legislators will see the value of establishing rigorous oversight through an independent deputy inspector general," Strickland said.
Ohio was one of the first states to establish a public Web site, Recovery.ohio.gov, to provide information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and to ensure that all eligible entities seeking federal stimulus resources are provided with an opportunity to apply for funds, and that they are considered fairly and equally. This website will also serve as the portal through which Ohioans will find the full details of future stimulus expenditures.
"My administration will continue to work in a bipartisan way with members of the Ohio congressional delegation, Ohio General Assembly and other leaders throughout the state to make certain that we put these resources to work in our communities in the manner most accountable to taxpayers and to the federal government," Strickland said.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today unveiled the Ohio Benefit Bank's "OBB Express," a mobile unit that will be used in communities across the state to help low- and mid-income Ohioans connect with potential work supports and other public benefits through a Web-based, counselor-assisted program.
The Ohio Benefit Bank is a partnership between the Ohio Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and more than 400 faith-based, non-profit, governmental and private-sector partners.
"The Ohio Benefit Bank is a critical tool in the fight against poverty in our state," Strickland said. "Not only does the program help restore stability for our low- and moderate-income working families, it helps the state make better use of available federal funds – in turn, boosting Ohio's economy."
Benefits that can be claimed through OBB include health care coverage, home energy assistance, child care subsidies, food stamps and tax filing assistance. The OBB Express will be staffed by two full-time counselors, who will travel the state helping families qualify for these important programs through local community events at schools, libraries, churches and other locations. The mobile program will supplement OBB's existing outreach efforts, which include onsite locations in nearly all 88 Ohio counties.
The van is funded through a major grant from The Columbus Foundation and was built at Farber's Specialty Vehicles of Reynoldsburg.
Among the van's key features are two fixed work stations with monitors and laptops; eight removable work stations including wireless laptops, two wireless printers, tables and chairs; roll-out awning and pavilion tent for outdoor events; and a roof-mounted satellite for Internet access virtually anywhere in the state.
"The OBB Express will give more Ohioans the opportunity to take advantage of the Benefit Bank's important services during a time when many are experiencing economic hardships," Strickland said. "I commend the staff of the Ohio Benefit Bank and The Columbus Foundation for their time and commitment to this successful collaboration."
Each year, more than $1.6 billion in tax credits and other work support benefits go unclaimed by eligible Ohioans who do not apply. More than 95 percent of these credits are federal funds.
Since September 1, 2006, OBB has grown to more than 870 sites, sponsored by more than 800 different faith-based, community and private sector organizations. More than 3,700 counselors across Ohio are trained to use the OBB to help low- and moderate-income Ohioans claim tax credits and public benefits for which they are eligible. Since the program's inception, OBB has helped more than 50,000 Ohioans claim more than $80 million in tax credits and public benefits.
To learn more about the Ohio Benefit Bank or to locate a site nearest you, call 1-800-648-1176 or visit www.OBB.Ohio.Gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Communities across Ohio have until April 1 to apply for a share of approximately $4.6 million in funding available for recreational boating access facility projects on the state's waterways, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The Cooperative Boating Access Facilities grant program is administered by the ODNR Division of Watercraft. Funding is provided through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of watercraft registration and titling fees, a portion of the state motor fuels tax and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Grants are available for various projects, including boat launch ramps, docks and improvements or repairs to existing boating access facilities. The Cooperative Boating Access Facilities program has provided more than $62 million for boating access projects statewide since 1960.
Grant applications are scored on a competitive basis and are available at www.ohiodnr.gov and by calling (614) 265-6443.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Governor's Office today announced an update to the federal stimulus disbursement process for drinking water and water pollution control infrastructure stimulus projects provided to the state through existing revolving loan funding formulas.
Ohio EPA currently estimates distribution of drinking water and water pollution control stimulus project funds will total approximately $276.5 million. Currently, Ohio EPA has received project funding requests for approximately $4 billion through Recovery.ohio.gov.
US EPA issued final guidance to states on Monday, March 2, 2009, regarding the award and administration of stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. In this guidance US EPA recommends that states submit applications as soon as possible to allow for states to meet ARRA and statutory deadlines.
"These important resources will create construction jobs and further develop Ohio's water infrastructure to protect human health and the environment," Governor Ted Strickland said. "Both the water pollution control and drinking water infrastructure resources will help to ensure a safe and adequate supply of drinking water for Ohioans."
All applicants interested in completing an Ohio EPA drinking water or water pollution control project interest submission for consideration must observe the following dates and deadlines:
March 6, 2009 by 5 PM: Final date to submit expressions of interest for drinking water and water pollution control infrastructure projects to http://recovery.ohio.gov/. Applicants should be sure to use the Infrastructure category and appropriate subcategory (either Drinking Water State Revolving Fund or Clean Water State Revolving Fund) provided on the web based form.
March 13, 2009 by 5 PM: All drinking water infrastructure pre-applications and water pollution control infrastructure nomination forms must be completed and provided to Ohio EPA.
Note that these deadlines apply to the drinking water and water pollution control funds only, not other infrastructure elements of Ohio's share of the stimulus resources. For example, these deadlines to do not apply to other funding streams through Ohio EPA, such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign.
Ohio EPA will continue to contact applicants who submit (or have already submitted) expressions of interest for drinking water and water pollution control projects to Recovery.ohio.gov.
Applicants who submit expressions of interest for drinking water infrastructure projects will be given information on how to access and complete a pre-application which should be completed and returned to the agency as soon as possible, but no later than March 13. Applicants seeking technical assistance from Ohio EPA on drinking water projects may contact: stacy.barna@epa.state.oh.us.
Applicants who submit expressions of interest for water pollution control projects will be given information on how to access and complete a nomination form which will need to be returned to the agency as soon as possible, but no later than March 13. (Note: Some applicants may have already received and/or completed the pre-application or nomination form.) Applicants seeking technical assistance from Ohio EPA on water pollution control projects may contact: becky.hegyi@epa.state.oh.us.
Once all applicants have completed their expression of interest and submitted their pre-application or nomination form, Ohio EPA will follow state and federal law and US EPA guidance to prioritize the list of projects for funding. Following this process, Ohio EPA will release a draft Intended Use Plan (IUP) for both the drinking water and water pollution control projects. The draft IUP will include a project priority list and will be subject to public notice, public comment and public hearing requirements.
As of today, 15,000 total project interest forms have been submitted through Recovery.ohio.gov, Ohio's virtual headquarters for information regarding the infrastructure and other unbudgeted elements of the ARRA, which has been online for three weeks.
Additional information and links to the federal requirements can be found at www.recovery.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Insurance is available to assist Ohioans with questions about COBRA and other state group continuation coverage for workers who lose their jobs Director Mary Jo Hudson announced today.
On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly called the Stimulus Plan. The new law provides a subsidy that may reduce by 65% the cost of COBRA and other state group continuation coverage for workers who lose their jobs.
"Ohioans who are unsure of where to turn for health care coverage information in these tough economic times should turn to the Ohio Department of Insurance for educational assistance and information," Director Hudson said. "We will work with consumers to provide help and resources."
The new law could provide the following benefits for eligible workers who have lost their jobs:
Individuals who lose group health coverage because of an involuntary termination ("former employees") between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 are eligible for a 65% federal subsidy of their federal COBRA premiums for up to 9 months or state continuation coverage premiums for up to 6 months.
This subsidy is not available to workers whose income in the year they receive the subsidy exceeds $125,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples filing joint tax returns. Spouses, former spouses and dependent children are eligible for premium assistance if their coverage is through the former employee who was involuntarily terminated. However, individuals receiving continuation coverage due to a qualifying event other than involuntary termination, such as divorce or a child reaching the age at which coverage ends, are not eligible for premium assistance. If an individual takes advantage of the subsidy and in the same year exceeds the income limit, he or she must repay the subsidy.
Employers are required to send a notice to former employees so that former employees can elect to continue their group coverage and receive the subsidy. Former employees will have from the first day they are eligible until 60 days after receiving the notice to enroll. Further details about enrollment will be provided by the federal Department of Labor. For the most up-to-date information, contact the Department of Labor at 1-866-444-3272 or visit http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html.
Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today that as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Ohio National Guard will receive more than $8.5 million for capital improvements to its facilities across the state.
"These funds will help us modernize and restore 22 National Guard facilities across the state while also putting more Ohioans to work," Strickland said. "Not only will we extend the lives of the facilities, but we will reduce our operating expenses and be more environmentally friendly."
The National Guard Bureau began collecting information on "shovel ready" projects from state National Guards in November 2008 in anticipation of a federal stimulus bill. The Bureau focused on roofing projects and projects related to energy efficiency. In the final bill, approximately $266 million was made available for these types of National Guard capital improvement projects nationwide.
Three of the projects will install solar panels at National Guard facilities.
"The stimulus package will fund Ohio National Guard renewable energy projects, installing solar panels at locations in Columbus, Toledo and at the Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center in Newton Falls," said Maj. Gen Gregory L. Wayt, the adjutant general. "These projects will save the National Guard about $78,000 in utility costs within the first year of operation, and will generate about 375,000 Kilowatt hours of electricity per year."
The 22 projects will differ in planning and implementation time, but the goal is to move projects forward as soon as possible. The federal stimulus bill requires that these funds be obligated by the end of September 2010.