Ohio Drivers Prepare For Holiday/Summer Travel

May 26, 2021 Mike Smith 1 Comment

(COLUMBUS) – With a significant rebound in travel expected this Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Ohio State Highway Patrol and AAA are urging drivers to prepare for holiday traffic.

2020 was a record low year for holiday travel. This year, AAA is predicting a 57% increase in the number of Ohioans traveling this Memorial Day weekend and a 52% increase in the number of Ohioans taking holiday road trips. Between Thursday, May 27 and Monday, May 31, AAA predicts more than 1.7 million Ohioans will travel at least 50 miles from home. More than 95% of these travelers will drive to their destinations.

As many prepare for their first road trip in over a year, AAA encourages motorists to ensure their cars are road trip ready, so they don’t become one of the 468,000 drivers that will call AAA for roadside assistance this holiday weekend.

“As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine and consumer confidence grows, Americans are demonstrating a strong desire to travel this Memorial Day,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “This pent-up demand will result in a significant increase in Memorial Day travel, which is a strong indicator for summer, though we must all remember to continue taking important safety precautions.”

With the increase in travel on Ohio roads, ODOT will work to reduce the size of work zones and remove as many lane closures as possible for the upcoming holiday weekend.

“We want everyone to reach their destination and return home safely. It is so important to focus on the road, the signage, and obey the speed limit, especially in work zones,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.

Plan ahead by using OHGO.com to see real-time traffic conditions, more than 800 live traffic cameras, and construction project locations.

As part of the Click it or Ticket campaign and the 6-State Trooper Project, safety belt usage will be a primary focus of the Ohio State Highway Patrol during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Last year in Ohio, 20 people were killed in fatal crashes over the holiday weekend. Of those fatalities in which a safety belt was available, 50% were unbelted. Additionally, the Patrol will be focusing on impaired driving. During last year’s holiday weekend, 10 of the 20 fatal crashes involved impairment. Over the course of the weekend, troopers will be highly visible on Ohio’s roadways encouraging drivers to wear their safety belts and to drive sober.

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Hillsboro Ends 19 Year Drought With District Baseball Championship

May 26, 2021 Mike Smith

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

Despite losing a 4-0 lead, the Hillsboro Indians came up with clutch hits when they needed it, going extra innings to beat Unioto 6-5 for the Division 2 District Baseball Championship at V.A. Memorial Stadium.

The championship is the first for the Indians in 19 years.

Hillsboro got out of the gates quickly, with a Zach Humphries RBI single in the first for a 1-0 lead. Brayden Hisling’s RBI double in the second inning made it 2-0, with two more runs being notched on the scoreboard in the fourth inning on a two run single by Ryan Scott, who was also the starting Indians pitcher. That made it 4-0 Hillsboro.

Scott was sailing along on the mound until Unioto’s Cameron DeBord led-off with a fourth inning triple, then scored when Carson DeBord singled his brother home making it 4-1.

That’s the way it remained until the bottom of the sixth, when the Tanks added two runs to cut the deficit to 4-3, with a double off the bat of Carson DeBord followed by a Landyn Patterson RBI triple and a D.C. Dailey run scoring double.

Heading into the last at-bat in regulation innings for the Shermans, the bottom of the 7th inning provided Unioto the opportunity to tie the game at 4-4, with an Ashton Crace single to get things started. But hopes seemed to be dashed as the next two Unioto hitters were retired, but Carson DeBord evened the score with an RBI single before the inning ended and went into the 8th.

Hillsboro put a two-spot on the scoreboard in the top of the 8th inning, starting with Ryan Scott’s RBI hit for a 5-4 lead, then another run was added for a 6-4 lead, which again put the Shermans on the brink. With Hillsboro reliever Brad Miller retiring two Unioto batters with a man on, a controversial play put the game in jeopardy for the Indians.

Ashton Crace lifted a shallow fly to right center with two Hillsboro outfielders diving for the ball, but the second base umpire motioned the catch was made, which would have ended the game as a Hillsboro win. But, after a conference between the three umpires, that call was changed to say the ball was trapped, making the score 6-5 and putting Unioto runners on first and second base.

(Umpire conference leads to no-catch call against Hillsboro)

But, Miller struck-out the next batter to end the game and propel the Indians into the D-2 Regional Semis next week.

Miller was credited with the win for his 1.3 innings of work.

Multiple hit games came from Hillsboro’s Korbin Adams at 2/3 and Unioto’s Carson DeBord’s 3/4.

(23-6) Hillsboro now faces the East District winner at 5pm June 3rd at Teays Valley High School.

Unioto’s closes at (24-6).

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Meals On A Budget Workshop

May 25, 2021 Mike Smith

Article Presented By Classic Brands

Piketon – The Workforce & Business Development Program at the Community Action Committee of Pike County will be hosting a “Meals on a Budget” Workshop, a no-cost opportunity providing in-depth information on how to create a meal budget for households, and how to plan meals to make the most of the available budget. During the workshop, attendees will receive tools and information to use in creating their own meal budget. Participants attending will receive a recipe book and additional tools. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 30^th at the OhioMeansJobs Career Center at 941 Market Street in Piketon from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

“This workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn how to get the most out of your grocery budget,“ stated Erica Jones, co-instructor. “The information that we share during the workshop will help gain a new perspective on how easy it is to make planning meals more fun, than work.”

“One of the exciting aspects of this workshop is learning how to create and use a money-saving meal budget,” stated Ashley Stewart, co-instructor, “as well as, providing information that people need such as meal planning for events and parties. That can become very costly.”

The workshop is made possible through the Financial Literacy Program, operated by the Workforce & Business Development Program. The Financial Literacy Program provides financial education services such as the Free Income Tax Preparation offered to the community, and the Workforce & Business Development Program is proud to partner with State Farm to offer this program to the community.

For health safety, this workshop is limited to 10 attendees. Registration is required to attend this event. Please contact Ashley Stewart at (740) 289 – 2371 at extension 7034, or via email: astewart@pikecac.org

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National Safe Boating Week

May 25, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS) – National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 22-28, 2021, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

“Safe boating is smart boating,” said Mary Mertz, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). “While we want you to have fun on the water while making memories with your family and friends, the most important thing is to boat responsibly.”

Ohio statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2020, and that 84% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.

“Life jackets can’t save lives unless you wear them,” said Mertz. “Make sure you are prepared whether you are fishing or just enjoying cruising on your boat.”

The National Safe Boating Council and the ODNR recommend these tips for boaters:

Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters. Go here for a list of options.
Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.
Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.
Use an engine cut-off device. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.
Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly 83% of all Ohio boating accidents in 2020 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.
Never boat under the influence. In 2020, a BUI was involved in 23% of Ohio’s recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

The Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The campaign offers a variety of free and paid resources to support local boating safety education efforts. Learn more at www.safeboatingcampaign.com.

Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 75 state parks and waterways.

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Hall Of Fame Athlete Passes After Long Fight With Cancer

May 25, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Atomic Speedway

A local man, who was a member of the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame, has died of cancer.

66-year-old Dan E. Ater of Clarksburg was well-known for his athletic exploits at Adena High School in the early 1970’s, then later carried that ability to become one of harness racings great drivers.

“Ater died at his residence Monday morning following a courageous 20-year battle with cancer”, according to the obituary from Haller Funeral Home.

Before becoming a successful harness racing driver and trainer, Ater was known for his athleticism in track, football and basketball at Adena High School. Ater placed second in low hurdles and third in the high hurdles on Adena’s 1972 State Championship team, the first Ross County high school to ever win a state team sports title.

Ater was also a Deerfield Township Trustee for 24 years.

Graveside services will be held at 11am Friday, May 28, in Ater Cemetery, Clarksburg. In keeping with his request, calling hours will be from 1pm-8pm Thursday at Dan’s horse barn, 1702 Stingy Lane, Clarksburg, OH, 43115.

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Paint Valley Wins D-4 District Baseball Championship Among Monday Area Games

May 25, 2021 Mike Smith

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

Coach Combs talks about the Bearcats 9-8 District title win

The (15-12) Paint Valley Bearcats showed how their tough SVC regular season can payoff in post-season play, beating higher seeded (17-6-1) Eastern Meigs 9-8 for the Division 4 District Baseball Championship at V.A. Memorial Stadium, Monday night.

The Bearcats fell behind 5-0, but rallied with 6 unanswered runs for a 6-5 lead. The Eagles tied it 6-6 in the sixth inning, before Paint Valley surged ahead with 3 runs in the bottom of the sixth for a 9-6 advantage.

Eastern Meigs in their final at-bat, made a comeback effort with two runs to make it 9-8, but a diving catch by Blaine Parker on a low line drive to right ended the game to hand PV the title.

In their come from behind effort, Brock Blanton drew a bases loaded walk to give the Bearcats their first lead of the game at 6-5, then after the Eagles tied the score at 6-6, it was Connor Free’s RBI hit that gave them the lead at 7-6, and what turned out to be the much-needed insurance runs coming around on a two-run single by Beau Blankenship making it 9-6.

That proved to be critical, after Eastern Meigs scored twice in the top of the 7th and had the tying run in scoring position when Parker’s diving catch ended the game.

Dax Estep got the win, working 4 innings, yielding 3 hits, and fanning 5.

At the plate, Paint Valley was led by Conor Free and Beau Blankenship- each with two hits, with Free driving in 4 runs.

The official line score for the Bearcats was 9 runs, 9 hits and committed 3 errors, while Eastern Meigs had 8 runs, 7 hits and had 4 costly errors.

Paint Valley now advances to the Division 4 Regional Semis at Lancaster’s Beaver Field vs Lucasville Valley on June 3rd at 2pm.

(18-11) Lucasville Valley advanced out of the Chillicothe #2 District with a 7-1 win over (14-13) Huntington, earlier in the day Monday.

The Indian’s George Arnett picked up the win on the mound, yielding only 6 Huntsmen hits to go along with assistance from Huntington, who struggled in the field with 6 errors in the game.

Valley score a run in the first, then the flood gates opened in the third inning when they added 6 more tallies for a 7-0 advantage.

Huntington’s lone run came in the fourth inning.

The Huntsmen see their season end with a (14-13) record.

Elsewhere in district baseball action:

(Division 3)

Minford beat Adena 11-1 in 5 innings and Meigs beat River Valley 7-2. Meigs will face Minford Wednesday in the district finals at V.A. Memorial Stadium at 3pm.

Wheelersburg topped Portsmouth 5-2, while Eastern Brown rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Piketon 6-2. Wheelersburg will play Eastern Brown in the 6pm district final, Wednesday at VA.

(Division 2)

The Unioto Shermans avenged a 9-3 loss at Miami Trace more than a week ago, this time in the district semis, 6-1. The victory places the Shermans up against Hillsboro in the Division 2 District Final Tuesday at 5pm at V.A. Memorial Stadium, with the winner headed to The Sweet 16.

Hillsboro advanced with a 2-0 win over Sheridan.

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Vax-A-Million Spurs More Vaccinations In Fayette & Ross Counties

May 24, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

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

VAX-A-MILLION UPDATE

Governor DeWine announced today that Ohio continues to see increased uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine following the announcement of the Ohio Vax-a-Million promotion.

From May 14 through May 19 as compared to May 7 through May 12, vaccinations in Ohio increased 94 percent among those 16 and 17 years old, 46 percent among those 18 and 19 years old, and 55 percent among those between 20 and 49 years old.

Through that period, vaccinations are up 113% in Fayette County and 107% in Ross County.

In total, 2,758,470 individual Ohioans have registered for the $1 million Vax-a-Million drawing and 104,386 young Ohioans have registered for the scholarship drawings. Ohio’s first Vax-a-Million drawing will take place at 7:29 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26.

Registration for this Wednesday’s drawing ended at midnight but vaccinated Ohioans can register for subsequent drawings at ohiovaxamillion.com or by calling 833-4-ASK-ODH. Once you register, your entry will be carried over for future drawings; Ohio Lottery will remove duplicate entries.

VACCINE UPTAKE AMONG OHIO MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES

Governor DeWine called on managed care companies to continue efforts to increase vaccine uptake among Ohio Medicaid beneficiaries. Right now, the vaccine uptake among Medicaid beneficiaries is 22 percent as compared to a 45 percent uptake among Ohioans overall.

Governor DeWine initially challenged managed care plans to implement new efforts earlier this month, and since then, new efforts include:

Partnering with pharmacies and providing incentives, such as gift cards, to those on Medicaid who are vaccinated at a pharmacy.
Incentivizing pharmacists to counsel those picking up prescriptions about vaccinations.
Working with local health departments, community providers, and faith-based initiatives to help spread the word about vaccination events to those on Medicaid.
Providing staff to help run vaccination events when needed and providing transportation to make sure people can get to and from the vaccination locations.
Tailoring strategies to meet people where they are, such as identifying individuals who can’t leave their homes and working with providers to go to these locations to administer vaccinations.
Working with providers to help them create vaccine opportunities outside of normal business hours.

ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

Governor DeWine today clarified information about isolation and quarantine in regard to Ohio’s school students.

Beginning on June 2 and in accordance with CDC guidance, vaccinated children do not have to quarantine or be tested if they are exposed to COVID-19. Unvaccinated children who are exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine if the exposure took place outside of a classroom setting where masks were required to be worn. Unvaccinated children should also isolate if they test positive for the coronavirus. Local health departments should determine if quarantine or isolation should occur.

“While these are not state health orders, isolation and quarantine are standard infection control practices that have been used successfully for hundreds of years,” said Governor DeWine. “These practices are the same practices that are used for many other communicable diseases including measles and mumps.”

Individual school districts will decide whether or not to continue masking and social distancing in school settings.

NEXT ROUND OF TECHCRED

Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced today that the next round of TechCred runs June 1st through June 30 at 3:00 p.m.

Ohio businesses can visit TechCred.Ohio.gov to apply and help their employees earn a short-term, technology-focused credential at no cost. Not only can businesses upskill their current employees, but they can upskill those they plan to hire as long as they are on the payroll at the time of reimbursement.

More than 1,100 Ohio businesses have used TechCred, creating the opportunity for 19,841 technology-focused credentials to be earned by Ohio employees.

CASE DATA/VACCINE INFORMATION

In-depth COVID-19 data for Ohio: coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Ohio’s central scheduling system: gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov

Ohio mass vaccination information: coronavirus.ohio.gov/massvaccinationclinics

All vaccine providers: vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov

More vaccine information: coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine

Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

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Camp Cattail Unveils Recent Improvements

May 24, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Classic Brands

Improvements to the restrooms at Camp Cattail are now complete, thanks to grant funding for the camp for the developmentally disabled.

Improvements include:

Men’s side: 2 urinals, 1 stall that is ADA complaint, Women’s side: 2 stalls that are ADA compliant, new sinks, new showerheads/shower, and new roof/drop ceiling/new lighting.

Bathrooms are open open Thursday afternoons through weekend.

Ross County Board of D.D. Community Outreach Director Courtney Lewis said- “Camp Cattail was rewarded a grant from the Landrum Endowment Fund. This second annual grant round was designed to support nonprofit and public organizations serving those with developmental disabilities in Ross County by working across the areas of community advocacy, inclusion, and employment, while also supporting parents and families. Camp Cattail Inc. received funding to increase the accessibility and overall experience of its day camp programs, which engage children and adults with developmental disabilities in activities such as walking and fishing. Grant funding will allow the camp to update its restrooms to be more accessible and up-to-date.”

The Landrum Endowment Fund was created in 2016 after George Landrum, a lifelong resident of Ross County, left an endowment of $1.2 million to the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities, also known as the Pioneer Center. George’s brother, John Landrum, received over 30 years of service from the Pioneer Center.

Camp Cattail Board Member and Human Resources Director Brady Ratzlaff, said- “Last year in early February/March (2020), Camp Cattail updated the shelter house (roof, siding, gutters…etc.) prior to COVID-19. This project was funded by Camp Cattail through the Chillicothe Enduro Riders Club event, Camp’s Benefit fundraiser, and other donations in 2019.”

Ratzlaff continued- “In 2020, we were unable to have the yearly benefit in August due to COVID-19, so we sought out a grant from the Landrum fund to help update our bathrooms. The bathrooms had outdated toilets, plumbing, and the roof was in despair. We were awarded $25,000 from the Landrum grant for Steve Core with Core’s Quality Home Repairs to makeover the bathrooms. The total project cost was $28,014.14. The difference in the grant and project costs has been paid with funds raised in previous events in the community. The bathrooms are now easily accessible for individuals with disabilities. The project was completed just in time for our summer camps.”

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Pickaway County Among Communities To Benefit From Ohio Tax Credit Authority Projects

May 24, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today announced the approval of assistance for nine projects set to create 3,214 new jobs and retain 4,520 jobs statewide. During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. Collectively, the projects are expected to result in more than $187 million in new payroll and spur more than $606 million in investments across Ohio. Projects approved by the TCA include:

CENTRAL
Bath & Body Works Direct Inc., village of Commercial Point (Pickaway Co.), cities of Columbus, New Albany, and Reynoldsburg (Franklin Co.), expects to create 500 full-time positions, generating $18.3 million in new annual payroll and retaining $135 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Commercial Point. Bath & Body Works is a retail store chain that specializes in shower gels, lotions, fragrance mists, perfumes, creams, candles, and home fragrances. The TCA approved a 1.421 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Transcendia Inc., village of Hebron (Licking Co.), expects to create 36 full-time positions, generating $1.9 million in new annual payroll and retaining $8 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Hebron. Transcendia manufactures plastic films and other plastic products. The TCA approved a 1.274 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

NORTHWEST
Matsu Ohio Inc. (Matsu Automotive Group), village of Edgerton (Williams Co.), expects to create 104 full-time positions, generating $3.6 million in new annual payroll and retaining $8.6 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Edgerton. Matsu Automotive Group is a stamping plant that provides body parts and welding and assembly capabilities. The TCA approved a 1.124 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Peloton Interactive Inc., Troy Township (Wood Co.), expects to create 2,174 full-time positions, generating $138 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s new project in Troy Township. Peloton is a leading interactive fitness platform and creates connected, technology-enabled fitness products and digital content. The TCA approved a 2.301 percent, 15-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

SOUTHWEST
Magnode LLC, city of Trenton (Butler Co.), expects to create 171 full-time positions, generating $10.6 million in new annual payroll and retaining $16 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Trenton. Magnode is an aluminum extrusion manufacturer. The TCA approved a 1.811 percent, nine-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Sentrilock LLC, West Chester township (Butler Co.), expects to create 79 full-time positions, generating $4.3 million in new annual payroll and retaining $9.5 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in West Chester. Sentrilock makes access management lockboxes and software to help administer, grant, and control access typically used in the real estate market. The TCA approved a 1.494 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

StarStone US Intermediaries Inc., city of Cincinnati (Hamilton Co.), expects to create 40 full-time positions, generating $4.5 million in new annual payroll and retaining $3.3 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s consolidation project in Cincinnati. StarStone is a specialty insurer providing property casualty and specialty insurance. The TCA approved a 1.936 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

WESTERN
Aptima Inc., city of Fairborn (Greene Co.), expects to create 15 full-time positions, generating $1.1 million in new annual payroll and retaining $3.2 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Fairborn. Aptima is a human-centered research, development, and engineering company. The TCA approved a 1.375 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Resonetics LLC, city of Kettering (Montgomery Co.), expects to create 95 full-time positions, generating $5 million in new annual payroll and retaining $7.3 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Kettering. Resonetics manufactures and develops laser micro components for the healthcare industry. The TCA approved a 1.493 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

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Older Americans Month

May 24, 2021 Mike Smith

Presented By Atomic Speedway

(Columbus) — May is Older Americans Month. The 2021 theme for Older Americans Month, established by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, is “Communities of Strength.”

Communities of Strength

Ohio has more than 2.8 million residents age 60 or older, who account for nearly one quarter (24.3%) of our total population. Older Ohioans are a key source of our state’s strength, drawing on lifetimes of experiences, successes, difficulties, and resilience. Ohio is rich in this respect.

In tough times, communities find strength in their people and people find strength in their communities. Over the past year, we have seen friends, neighbors, and businesses come together in unprecedented and often unexpected ways to support one another.

Strength is built and shown not only by bold acts, but also small ones of day-to-day life shared with one another. When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences—through action, story, or service—we help build strong communities.

To go along with celebrating our senior population, the state of Ohio urges safety in the home-place as most Ohioans prefer to stay in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. However, as we age, our physical and social needs can change, and our homes that have kept us safe for so long may no longer be appropriate for our current situation. Sometimes, only minor changes are needed to make your home safe again.

Home maintenance, repair and modification services help older Ohioans preserve existing property values and make structural modifications or repairs necessary to help them live safely.

Home maintenance includes a variety of critical routine services, such as inspecting furnaces and water heaters, fixing or replacing torn window screens or broken panes, or replacing electrical fuses.
Home repairs include repair or installation of heating and air conditioning equipment; minor plumbing or electrical repair; repair or replacement of gutters, shingles, flashing or other roofing; and repairs to eliminate holes or other hazards in flooring or stairs.
Home modification makes the physical environment more functional and accessible, enabling people with disabilities to perform daily activities with greater independence. Examples include building ramps, widening doorways, installing grab bars and other assistive devices.

Funding for these services comes from a combination of public and private funding and local resources. Work is provided by licensed contractors and others.

Contact your area agency on aging to learn about Older Americans Month activities in your community as well as safety tips for their homes.

#StoriesOfStrength

Ohio is fostering communities of strength by creating opportunities to share stories, learn from each other, and celebrate connections and resilience. There are many things we all can do to nurture ourselves, reinforce our strength, and continue to thrive. We want to hear your story!

Submit your #StoriesOfStrength