Statewide Litter Prevention Campaign Launched

April 23, 2021 Mike Smith

The Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have unveiled a statewide litter campaign to prioritize and promote the conversation around litter in Ohio.

“Litter is ugly and costly,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Earth Day is a great opportunity to recognize what each of us can do to help protect our planet. One of the things we can all do is help clean up litter – because a little bit of litter is a big problem.”

Research shows that 42% of Ohioans admit to having littered in the past month. Litter impacts many facets of Ohio, including Ohio’s transportation system, state parks, beach fronts, and waterways.

At the state level, litter remains a costly problem. ODOT alone has spent at least $48.6 million to deal with litter since 2011. Last year, staff at ODOT spent 151,410 hours picking up trash.

“Every year ODOT crews have to divert their attention from important maintenance work to pick up other people’s trash,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “If we can work together to reduce the amount of litter that collects on our roadways, our crews can spend less time picking up trash and more time on critical maintenance work like pothole and guardrail repairs.”

Additionally, many state parks saw a significant increase in visitors last year who spent time hiking, biking, and swimming. This includes Alum Creek State Park, which saw a nearly 300% increase in beach use during peak summertime. Those large crowds left behind a lot of trash and proved to be a challenge for cleanup crews.

“Ohio’s public lands belong to everyone,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Litter spoils our experience with nature, but we are committed to doing our part to keep our beautiful landscapes pristine.”

The campaign, A Little Litter is a Big Problem, is designed to show Ohioans the impact their litter can have. Inappropriately discarding an empty container or banana peel adds to the larger statewide problem. This campaign is meant to show the full scale of this issue, giving Ohioans a whole new visual perspective on litter.

This effort signals a transition from a mostly reactive approach to litter by incorporating a preventative strategy into the state’s efforts by drawing attention to the problem of litter in the state and reminding Ohioans they each have a role to play in reducing its harmful impact.

“Accumulated litter can threaten wildlife and create public health concerns,” said Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson. “Ohioans can help make every day Earth Day by doing your part to keep Ohio beautiful and litter free.”

The agencies will host a litter summit this spring, to rally together with partner organizations to combat the liter problem. The agencies are seeking local governments, environmentally focused groups, businesses, educational institutions, and additional community organizations to partner with to spread the campaign even further. Research shows that while 28% of people recall a message against litter, they do not recall the actual message. Working with stakeholders and various groups across the state will counteract this statistic.

Organizations interested in attending the summit can email web.requests@epa.ohio.gov and use “litter” in the subject line. Additional details about the litter campaign and spring summit are forthcoming.

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Earth Gathering Moved To April 25th

April 23, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

A full slate of activities, entertainment and vendors are planned for the 21st Annual Earth Gathering in Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park, April 25th, a delay of one day due to forecasts of rain on Saturday.

The event is scheduled for 11am-6pm at the lawn of the Pump House Center For The Arts. The Chillicothe Art League 22nd-annual Spring Open Exhibition is on display inside the gallery in conjunction with the Earth Gathering. The Pump House will extend its hours during the Earth Gathering festival.

Organizations include Chillicothe Art League, City of Chillicothe Tree Commission, League of Women Voters, Ross Litter Control & Recycling with RPHF Solid Waste District, Chillicothe Trails with Ross Co. Park District.

Here is the line-up of entertainment and activities:

EG Band Lineup

11 TBA

12pm Matt Moon (Rockbridge)

1pm The Greater Goods (local)

2pm Jesse Powers (Columbus)

3pm Ben True & the Basement Collective (local)

4pm Hillbilly Chic (local old-time bluegrass)

5pm Big Jim & the Twins (local/ 60’s-era music)

Two Roasting Joes and Livy Cakes will serve coffee and desserts
Vendors will be selling hemp, beaded and fine silver jewelry, crystals and gemstones, honey products of all kinds, candles, soaps and personal care products, argon oil products, hand-crafted cloth and leather purses, hats, tanks original t-shirt designs, coin guitar picks, natural healing remedies, heirloom seeds, Native-American inspired jewelry and purses, and relaxation massage, 2D art and cards.

Loving Healthy Farms from Cincinnati-area will be the official food vendor (Menu attached)

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Fayette County Sheriff Elected President Of National Sheriff’s Association

April 23, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It!

Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth has been elected to a term as President of the National Sheriff’s Association.

The NSA represents sheriffs around the nation, assisting in training for public safety as well as lobbying state and federal elected officials on behalf of the elected law enforcement leaders they represent.

A swearing-in ceremony for Sheriff Stanforth will be conducted in Washington Court House, honoring him with this national position.

The ceremony will be held at 2pm May 8th at the Heritage Memorial Church, located at 1867 Old U.AS. 35 NW in Washington Court House.

A reception is planned, following the event.

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Weekly ODOT Road Construction Reports

April 23, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Weekly Construction Update
WEEK OF APRIL 26, 2021
Chillicothe, Ohio (Thursday, April 22, 2021) – The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Ross County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting.

State Route 104 Resurfacing – S.R. 104 will be reduced to one lane daily between Fairgrounds Road and the Pickaway County Line from 7 AM to 5 PM, Mon-Fri starting April 19. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

State Route 28 Resurfacing – S.R. 28 will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM between S.R. 138 and Harper Station Road starting April 15. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Scioto Trails State Park Culvert Replacement – Scioto Trails Forest Road 5 will be closed for 60 days near the intersection with Stony Creek Road starting March 22. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

Tar Hollow State Park Slide Repair – Park Road 10 will be closed for 30 days in Tar Hollow State Park for a slide repair project starting March 15 at 7 AM. Estimated completion: May 14.

Ross County Guardrail Replacement – Various county roads will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM starting March 1. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

U.S. 23 Slide Repair – U.S. 23 northbound will experience intermittent single-lane closures south of S.R. 372. Restrictions will be set up as needed for construction. When in effect, restrictions will occur between 7 AM and 5 PM. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Pike County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting.

U.S. 23 Signal Upgrade – U.S. 23 will be reduced to one lane in each direction daily from 7 AM to 5 PM on either side of the intersection with Second Street immediately south of the village of Waverly beginning March 24. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

S.R. 772 Slide Repair – S.R. 772 will be reduced to one, 13-foot lane between S.R. 124 and McKinney Road starting March 15 at 7 AM. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Pike Lake State Park Resurfacing – Various park roads in Pike Lake State Park will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM – 5 PM starting March 15. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

S.R. 32/Shyville Road Intersection Improvement – Beginning March 15, traffic lanes on S.R. 32 will be shifted in advance of construction of a new RCUT intersection design. S.R. 32 is reduced to one lane in each direction immediately east and west of the Shyville Road intersection. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Highland County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting.

NEW* S.R. 247 Culvert Replacement – S.R. 247 will be closed for three days immediately north of S.R. 785 starting April 26 at 7:30 AM. Traffic will be detoured via S.R. 785 and S.R. 73. Estimated completion: April 28 by 5 PM

S.R. 28/S.R. 138/S.R. 753 Resurfacing – This project will resurface portions of three routes in Highland County starting April 19: S.R. 28 between Leesburg and Greenfield; S.R. 138 between 7^th Street and Jefferson Street in the village of Greenfield; S.R. 753 between Snake Road and McKell Avenue. The affected routes will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM during construction. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

U.S. 62 Resurfacing – U.S. 62 will be reduced to one lane between the village of Hillsboro and Warlamount Road daily from 7 AM to 5 PM starting March 29. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Scioto County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting.

NEW* State Route 73 Culvert Replacement – S.R. 73 will be closed 0.25 miles west of Zeufle Drive on April 23 at 7 AM. Traffic will be detoured via S.R. 348 and S.R. 104. Estimated completion: April 23 by 7 PM

U.S. 52 Culvert replacements – This project will replace two culverts along U.S. 52 starting April 1. The first culvert is located east of Upper Twin Creek Road. The second culvert is located between Pond Run Road and Ziegler Lane. Construction for both culverts will occur simultaneously. For both locations, traffic on U.S. 52 will be maintained in one lane using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Riverfront Multi-Use Path – This project will construct a multi-use path between Front Street and Offnere Street beginning April 1. Traffic on affected city streets and school roads will be maintained in one lane using flaggers as needed. Restrictions may occur daily between 7:30 AM and 5 PM. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

U.S. 23/Feurt Hill Road Intersection Improvement – Feurt Hill Road may be reduced to one lane as needed during construction, with traffic maintained using flaggers. Two lanes in each direction will be maintained on U.S. 23 throughout construction. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

The following construction and maintenance projects are anticipated to affect highways in Adams County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting.

S.R. 32 Resurfacing – S.R. 32 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Tranquility Pike and S.R. 73 starting April 5. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

District-wide Reflective Pavement Marker Installation – Currently working in Adams County. Beginning March 22, work will commence on various routes throughout the district from 7 AM to 5 PM daily. Traffic on two lane roadways will be maintained in one lane using flaggers. Traffic on four lane roadways will be maintained in at least one lane in each direction during work hours. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Brown County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting.

U.S. 52 Culvert Replacement – U.S. 52 will be reduced to one lane between Elk River Road and Logan Gap Road starting April 12 at 7 AM. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

S.R. 41 Slide Repair – S.R. 41 will be reduced to one lane between Meffords Run Road and Catbird Lane starting at 7 AM on April 19. Traffic will be maintained using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

Village of Aberdeen Sidewalk Upgrades – This project will install new pedestrian facilities in the village of Aberdeen at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Elm Street starting March 29. Traffic on U.S. 52 will be maintained in one lane in each direction throughout construction, with minor traffic impacts possible. Estimated completion: Summer 2021

The following construction and maintenance projects are anticipated to affect highways in Lawrence County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting.

NEW* S.R. 775 Double Bridge Replacement – S.R. 775 will be reduced to one lane north and south of Venisonham-Camp Branch Road beginning May 10. The road will be closed for this construction. Traffic on C.R. 64 (Venisonham-Camp Branch Road) will be maintained in one lane using temporary signals for construction of the bridge immediately south of the intersection. During periods of closure, traffic will be detoured via S.R. 141, S.R. 378, and S.R. 217. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

NEW* S.R. 217 Slide Repair – S.R. 217 will be closed for five days beginning April 26 approximately one mile east of Big Paddy Road. Traffic will be detoured via S.R. 218, S.R. 553, and S.R. 7. Estimated completion: April 30 by 5 PM

S.R. 243/S.R. 378 Resurfacing – This project will resurface segments of both S.R. 243 and S.R. 378, as well as replace a culvert on S.R. 378. Traffic on the affected routes will be reduced to one lane daily from 7 AM to 5 PM beginning April 1. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

U.S. 52 Bridge Repair and Maintenance – This project will perform various maintenance and repair work to several bridges along U.S. 52 starting April 1. Traffic will be maintained in one, 10-foot lane in each direction of U.S. 52 throughout construction. This project will include two, 14-day ramp closures at the U.S. 52/S.R. 93 interchange. During the ramp closures, traffic will be detoured via U.S. 52 and S.R. 141. Estimated completion: Fall 2021

State Route 7 Rockslide Remediation – S.R. 7 southbound between Buffalo Creek Road and Tallow Ridge Road is reduced to one, 12-foot lane. Additional traffic control measures may be necessary as construction progresses. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

The following is for Fayette County:
State Route 753
NEW IMPACTS
SR 753 between Hukill Rd. and Bogus Rd. will close in both directions starting Monday, April 19 through Friday, April 30 for culvert replacement. Detour: SR 753 to SR 41 to SR 35 to SR 753 or reverse.

U.S. Route 62
U.S. Route 62 intersection safety – Add new left turn lanes on U.S. 62 at the SR 38 intersection. Estimated completion: Spring 2021

The following is for Pickaway County:
U.S. Route 62
CONTINUING IMPACTS
U.S. Route 62 Bridge Replacement – The U.S. 62 bridge over Deer Creek will close starting Monday, March 15 through September 2021 for bridge replacement. Detour: U.S. 62 to I-71 to SR 56 to U.S. 62 or reverse.

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Paint Valley ADAMH Board Seeks Levy Renewal On November Ballot

April 22, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Atomic Speedway

Penny Dehner, CEO of the Paint Valley ADAMH Board is promoting a November 2nd Levy Renewal for one mill over ten years, that will maintain existing tax dollars coming in from the five-county area of Ross, Pike, Pickaway, Fayette and Highland counties.

“The levy dollars bring in actually more dollars for our board than what we received in federal and state funding. So, the levy is extremely important for us, that most people don’t know that we as an ADAMB Board are not allowed to provide direct services, so we contract with area agencies to cover those that have little or no insurance. We want to make sure that we break down the barriers so if thou are having a mental health issue or substance abuse issue, that you can reach out for help and the ADAMH Board is there to help pay for some of those costs for you.”

Dehner pointed out that while they do receive many grants from state and local government along with other agencies, those funds can not sustain the operation of the five-county board with out the taxpayer levy that is in place, for which they are seeking the removal.

Paint Valley ADAMH has served the area for the past half-century.

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OHSAA Expands Football Playoffs To 16 Teams Per Region

April 22, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It!

(COLUMBUS) – The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors approved the 2021 football tournament regulations Thursday during its April Board meeting that included proposals from the OHSAA staff to increase the number of playoff qualifiers and change the format of the regional playoffs.

The number of playoff qualifiers will expand to 16 schools per region. In addition, the higher seeded team will host first and second round playoff games, instead of only the first round, before neutral sites are used beginning with the regional semifinals. In the first round, the No. 16 seed will play at the No. 1 seed, the No. 15 seed will play at the No. 2 seed, etc.

“Last fall we received overwhelmingly positive feedback when we allowed every team to enter the football playoffs due to the shortened season because of COVID-19,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. “We know there are some who want to keep the football postseason to a smaller number of schools, but the postseason tournament gives such a positive experience for our student-athletes, the schools and their communities that we felt strongly about giving that opportunity to more schools to make the playoffs. And football remains the only OHSAA sport in which not every team automatically qualifies for the postseason.”

The OHSAA is also exploring adding a strength of schedule component to the Harbin computer ratings, which are used to determine the playoff qualifiers. A strength of schedule component could be added in 2022.

The site of the state championship games has not yet been determined, but the format will include one game Thursday, December 2, and two games each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 3-5.

During the regional semifinals and regional finals at neutral sites, the higher seeded team will be the designated home team. The OHSAA then determines the sites and matchups for the state semifinals.

The expansion will increase the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 448. Last year there were 709 schools in Ohio that played 11-man football. Since 1999, eight schools in each region have qualified for the playoffs. In May 2020, the OHSAA announced that the football playoffs would expand to 12 teams per region in 2021 and the top four seeds in each region would have a first-round bye. Expanding to 16 schools per region does not add a week to the postseason since it was already now six weeks, it simply eliminates the byes.

During the first five rounds of the playoffs, Division I, II, III and IV schools will play on Friday nights, while Division V, VI and VII schools will play on Saturday nights.

2021 OHSAA Football Playoff Schedule

October 29-30 – First Round at Higher Seeded Teams

November 5-6 – Regional Quarterfinals at Higher Seeded Teams

November 12-13 – Regional Semifinals at Neutral Sites

November 19-20 – Regional Finals at Neutral Sites

November 26-27 – State Semifinals at Neutral Sites

December 2-5 – State Championships, Site TBD, one game Thursday, two games each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The OHSAA football playoffs began in 1972 when only 12 schools qualified for the playoffs (four schools in each of three classes). Expansion first came in 1980 when the OHSAA changed to five divisions with eight teams each (40 total qualifiers). A sixth division was added in 1994 (96 total qualifiers) and the number of qualifiers was increased to eight schools per region in 1999 (192 total qualifiers). A seventh division was added in 2013 to bring the number of qualifiers to 224.

As a reminder, in January the Board approved the general football regulations, which permit schools to fulfill two of the required five acclimatization days in July in advance of official practice beginning on Sunday, August 1. Two scrimmages are permitted between August 6-14, with either or both scrimmages permitted to be jamboree games.

The first Friday of the regular-season is August 20, and the regular-season will conclude on Saturday, October 23.

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Recommendation Made For New Paint Valley Boys Basketball Coach

April 22, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

A selection committee tasked with finding a new boys varsity basketball coach at Paint Valley High School has made their recommendation to the board of education, according to a member of the selection committee.

Former Adena High School and Ohio University-Chillicothe Coach Jason Smith has been recommended by the five-person committee, which included Paint Valley HS Principal Joe Holbert, Athletic Director Lew Ewry, Board of Education Member Dave Shoemaker and community members Casey McFadden and Randy Chrisman.

If hired by the Paint Valley Board of Education, Smith would replace Bob Williams, who is being non-renewed as the Bearcats coach. Williams led the Bearcats program over the last few seasons.

In five seasons as the Warriors coach, Smith from a one-win team his first year, to 12 and 16 wins in his final two seasons. That included trips to the district tournament his final season.

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May Blood Drives Slated For Pickaway & Fayette Counties

April 22, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Atomic Speedway

(Below are the blood drives that are open to the public in May for Pickaway County)

Pickaway County District Library – Koch Meeting Room

Tuesday May 4^th

12:00pm-6:00pm

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org, sponsor code: CirclevilleLibrary

OhioHealth Berger Hospital – Drive will be held at the Trinity Lutheran located at 135 East Mound Street

Wednesday May 5^th

8:30am-1:30pm

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS, or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: BergerHospital

AMVETS Post 2256 – Circleville

Sunday May 9^th

12:00pm-5:00pm

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: AmvetsPost2256

Trinity Lutheran Church – Noecher Hall

Wednesday March 19^th

10:00am-4:00pm

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: TLC

AMVETS Post 2256 – Circleville

$10 Walmart Gift Cards For ALL Donors, while supplies last

Saturday May 22^nd

12:00pm-6:00pm

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: AmvetsPost2256

St. Joseph Catholic Church – Parish Center

Friday May 28^th

2:00pm-7:00pm

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: StJosephCatholic

(Fayette County Blood Drives)

Fayette County Community– Crossroads Christian Church

Monday May 10^th

1pm-7pm

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: FayetteCounty

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2021 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Now Available

April 22, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It

(COLUMBUS) – The northern cardinal was adopted by the Ohio General Assembly as the state bird in 1933 and has been revered for its beauty and melodic songs for generations. Easily identifiable, the cardinal is one of Ohio’s most iconic species. All Ohioans and supporters of wildlife conservation can celebrate this colorful bird by purchasing the 12th annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

“We are thrilled to feature the beautiful northern cardinal on this year’s Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “The stamp and this amazing photo will promote wildlife diversity in Ohio. Purchasing a legacy stamp gives all Ohioans a chance to directly contribute to the future of wildlife. A stamp makes a fun gift for birders and other conservation supporters and comes with the added benefit of a 25% discount at Ohio state park lodges.”

The Ohio Legacy Stamp can be purchased online through Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System and at any location that sells hunting and fishing licenses. A mail-in form is also available at wildohio.gov. Stamps will be mailed in approximately four to six weeks after purchase.

A male cardinal’s bright red plumage and crested head give it a unique look among native Ohio birds. A female cardinal has a red tail and wings, with softer red and brown body feathers to provide camouflage during spring nesting. The cardinal is also well known for its enduring song, which is an early sign of spring.

The winning cardinal photo for the 12th annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp was submitted by Deborah Morrison of Bowerston in Harrison County. The contest was judged during the virtual Wildlife Diversity Partners Conference in August 2020. The photos were judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, and overall impact. The contest was open to Buckeye State residents.

Fourteen dollars of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp sold are invested in the state’s Wildlife Diversity Fund. This fund supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of free wildlife educational materials, as well as efforts to restore and conserve endangered and threatened species, such as the lake sturgeon, Karner blue butterfly, Indiana bat, and hellbender.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

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Governor Talks Vaccinations, Unemployment Benefits and Law Enforcement In Press Conference

April 22, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

VACCINATIONS AND VIRUS SPREAD

As of today, 38 percent of Ohioans have received at least one coronavirus vaccination shot. Although cases have plateaued, virus variants are more contagious among those who have not been vaccinated.

“Just because the numbers are getting better and more people are getting vaccinated, the virus is now more dangerous than it was a few months ago for those who haven’t been vaccinated,” said Governor DeWine.

“Unvaccinated Ohioans lack the same protection against this virus as those who are vaccinated,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, chief medical officer at the Ohio Department of Health. “The virus is now in more contagious forms that put younger people at much greater risk, including the risk of ending up in the hospital. Essentially, the new variants have evolved to stick much more easily to our cells, so it takes less of the virus and less exposure to make one sick. Add to that the fact that more older Ohioans have been vaccinated, and it adds up to mean that if you’re young and unvaccinated, what may not have been much of a concern to you this fall should be a concern now.”

Dr. Vanderhoff also warned that Ohioans should not count on herd immunity until more people are vaccinated.

The vaccine is now more widely available and there is no shortage. Ohioans can visit gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov to look for open appointments or call 833-4-ASK-ODH to book an appointment over the phone. Ohio’s mass vaccination clinic at the Wolstein Center in downtown Cleveland is also now booking appointments for next week. First doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be offered. Appointments for the mass vaccination clinic can be booked via the aforementioned methods.

UNEMPLOYEMENT SYSTEM UPDATES

In an effort to continually improve Ohioans’ experiences with the Ohio Unemployment Office, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Interim Director Matt Damschroder shared several action updates.

The ODJFS team has been working with the Public-Private Partnership (P3 Team) to make improvements to the call center, which now has an average call handle time of less than 10 minutes (the lowest since the pandemic started). There is also real progress on the claims backlog. In addition, new tools have been implemented to enhance fraud detection including additional identity verification requirements and new IT measures, such as Experian and LexisNexis technology, to verify the identity of unemployment applications.

LAW ENFORCEMENT REFORM EFFORTS

Today, Governor DeWine outlined law enforcement reform efforts made in the past year, efforts that are pending, and efforts that will be announced in the near future.

“As we go forward as a nation, we must learn from the tragic death of George Floyd,” said Governor DeWine. “His death laid bare some of our deep divisions in this country. My goal and my job every day is to do what I can do to unite people, to show them what they have in common.”

Governor DeWine took several executive actions regarding law enforcement reform last year, including:

On June 17, 2020, Governor DeWine ordered every cabinet agency to review use-of-force policies and ban the use of choke holds unless deadly force would be otherwise authorized.
Governor DeWine ordered the Ohio State Highway Patrol to begin outfitting troopers with body cameras in addition to dash cameras. The purchase of these body cameras is underway.
Governor DeWine established the Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment within the Office of Criminal Justice Services.
Governor DeWine ordered the Ohio Community Police Collaborative to develop a standard for law enforcement’s response to mass protests. That standard has been adopted.

In his proposed budget that is now before the Ohio General Assembly, Governor DeWine recommended:

$10 million in grant money to assist local police agencies to buy body cameras.
$1 million in grant funding to support local police agencies’ innovative initiatives to recruit women and minorities into law enforcement careers.

Governor DeWine also announced today that legislation will soon be introduced by State Representative Phil Plummer that will increase accountability and transparency in law enforcement.

The bill is expected to:

Establish a peace officer oversight board similar to oversight boards in other professions
Establish a use-of-force database
Establish an officer-discipline database
Require the independent investigation of officer-involved critical incidents
Establish an independent, sustainable funding source for law enforcement training in Ohio

Many of these proposals were recommended by Governor DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost in June.

The forthcoming bill was developed with the help of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office; veteran law enforcement officers; organizations, including the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association; and in consultation with civil rights leaders and activists.

STATEWIDE LITTER CAMPAIGN

Governor DeWine announced a new statewide litter campaign that will be led by the Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio Department of Transportation. The campaign will prioritize and educate Ohioans on how a little litter contributes to the bigger, statewide problem. Part of the campaign will include various events held by the agencies and engagement with partner organizations, including a spring litter summit.