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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today the following appointments to state university boards of trustees.
The Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees
Fran Voll, of Marion, has been named to the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees for a nine-year term. Voll is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and a former women´s basketball coach and assistant athletic director at the university. He currently serves on the BGSU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Voll is currently employed by the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.
The Kent State University Board of Trustees
Dennis Eckart, of Concord, has been named to the Kent State University Board of Trustees for a nine-year term. Eckart graduated from Xavier University in 1971 and received his law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1974. Eckart served as a U.S. Congressman from 1981-1993 and as a member of the Ohio General Assembly from 1975-1980. He was the president/CEO of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association from 2000-2003 and is currently self-employed.
The Ohio University Board of Trustees
Sandra Anderson, of Dublin, has been appointed to the Ohio University Board of Trustees for a nine-year term. A 1973 graduate of Ohio University, Anderson has served several years on the Dean´s Advisory Board of the Scripps College of Communication. Anderson grew up on a farm in Ross County and graduated from McClain High School in Highland County. Anderson is currently employed by Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease LLP.
Tracy Kelly, of Lancaster, has been named to the Ohio University Board of Trustees as a student member for a two-year term. Kelly has maintained a GPA of 3.391 since enrollment in 2000. She received the Outstanding Female Student Leader Award for the OU Lancaster Campus in 2007 and is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, the OU Lancaster Campus Student Senate, and the Leadership Enhancement Acquisition Delegation (L.E.A.D.) Team.
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees
Algenon Marbley, of Columbus, has been named to the Ohio State University Board of Trustees for a nine-year term. Marbley received his bachelor´s degree from the University of North Carolina and law degree from Northwestern University. Marbley has served since 1997 as judge for the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division. He previously worked as a partner in the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease.
Debra Van Camp, of Lancaster, has been named to the Ohio State University Board of Trustees as a student member for a two-year term. Van Camp, a sophomore at Ohio State, is studying agriculture and maintains a 3.72 GPA. She is a recipient of the Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship, National FFA scholarship, and served as the deputy director of Marketing Research in the Undergraduate Student Government. During the summer of 2006, she traveled to China to attend the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences for five months.
The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees
Harry Meshel, of Youngstown, has been named to the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees for a nine-year term. Meshel graduated from East High School in Youngstown and the Youngstown College School of Business Administration. He received his master´s degree from Columbia University. Meshel served as the state senator for the 33rd District from 1971-1993, spending 1983-1984 as the president and majority leader of the Senate, and 1985-1990 as the Senate´s minority leader.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order creating a council that will develop a plan to establish a cabinet-level Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Ohio veterans have bravely and honorably served our nation around the world," Strickland said. "This executive order lays the foundation to ensure Ohio´s veterans and their families will always have a strong voice in state government."
The 22-member study council will identify existing state services that are provided to veterans and their families; examine ways in which state services to veterans and their families can be aligned and reorganized into a new cabinet-level department; and compile these findings in a report of recommendations that the governor will receive by no later than December 31, 2007.
The governor appointed Merle Pratt to serve as chair of the council. Additionally, the council will consist of representatives from a wide spectrum of veterans organizations as well as public officials.
Pratt is currently the director of constituent services and the veterans/military and fraternal liaison for Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann. He chairs the Ohio Attorney General Office Veterans Advisory Council, and is a past chairman and current member of the Governor´s Veterans Advisory Committee. Pratt served in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, retiring after 26 years of service.
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Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today sent the following letter to President George W. Bush via certified mail:
Via Certified Letter
May 29, 2007
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush:
For the second time in under two months, the Department of Defense issued an alert order for deployment of Ohio National Guard Soldiers. The most recent alert order was issued on May 26, 2007, for Soldiers in the 838th Military Police Company in Youngstown, Ohio, reporting to Fort Dix on September 28, 2007.
When the first alert order was issued on April 9, 2007, involving four Army National Guard brigade combat teams, including the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Ohio, I immediately wrote to you, asking for your assurance that prior to deployment, every Ohio Soldier is provided with the most up-to-date equipment and that every Ohio Soldier receives appropriate training.
I have yet to receive a response. And now, another alert order has been issued for Soldiers in the Ohio National Guard.
I remain concerned for the continued and unprecedented sacrifice our men and women in the Ohio National Guard bear in relation to the ongoing conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. As Governor of Ohio, I will continue to press for assurances that every Ohio Soldier is provided with the most up-to-date equipment and that every Ohio Soldier receives appropriate training. As I have expressed earlier, our Soldiers and their families deserve nothing less.
Mr. President, the men and women serving in the Ohio National Guard, the citizens of Ohio, and I as Commander in Chief of the Ohio National Guard deserve to have our questions answered. Consequently, I am asking for a timely response to the following questions:
On behalf of the men and women serving in the Ohio National Guard and their families, I trust that you will respond promptly to these questions.
Sincerely,
Ted Strickland
Governor, State of Ohio
cc: Defense Secretary Robert Gates
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and former state Sen. C.J. Prentiss, the Governor´s Special Representative for Closing the Achievement Gap, will host a conference tomorrow, May 30, in Columbus focused on increasing the graduation rate of African American males.
"The low graduation rate of African American males is a problem with widespread implications for our state," Strickland said. "We need to work to keep these young people in school -- for the benefit of themselves, our communities and the economic strength of the state."
In the 2004-05 school year, only 64.4 percent of black males graduated from high school in Ohio, compared to white males at 88.2 percent. Overall in the 2004-05 school year, 68.4 percent of black students graduated from high school in Ohio, while 89.8 percent of white students graduated.
"We all know that many high schools in urban Ohio graduate only half their students," Prentiss said. "That's not a problem -- that's a crisis."
In addition, black males score consistently lower than both white and Hispanic males on the Ohio Graduation Test, which is required for graduation.
Prentiss has spent the past month meeting with mayors, superintendents, ministers and community leaders across Ohio to increase awareness of the issue and encourage collective efforts to increase the African American male graduation rate.
"Our message is one of shared responsibility and targeted action," Prentiss said. "We need students to become more serious, parents to intervene in their children´s lives, and teachers and schools to have the professional knowledge and support to reach all students. We need businesses to do their part with jobs and internships, and the community in many cases to step in when these young men need guidance and direction."
The Governor´s Conference on Increasing the High School Graduation Rate for African American Male Students will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 30 at the Columbus Convention Center. More than 1,500 Ohioans have already pre-registered for the event; on-site registration will be available from 8-9 a.m.
The conference will include breakout sessions, workshops, regional planning sessions and panel speakers. Governor Strickland will address the conference at noon.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following proclamation in honor of Memorial Day on Monday, May 28:
In observance of Memorial Day, May 28, 2007, a day for all Ohioans to pause to reflect and rededicate ourselves to a spirit of sacrifice to community, state, and nation, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds and at all military posts throughout the State from sunrise until noon on this Memorial Day.
The Congress, by Public Law, has also designated the minute beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. I ask that all Ohioans pause to remember those Americans and Ohioans who gave of their lives in support of the freedoms and blessings of liberty enjoyed by all of us.
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Enforcement campaign aimed at saving lives, increasing seat belt use to 85 percent
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Public Safety is joining more than 800 Ohio law enforcement agencies and 12,000 law enforcement and highway safety officials from across the country for the annual national "Click It or Ticket" enforcement campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of the proper use of seat belts.
Law enforcement efforts are increasing during the two-week nationwide mobilization, which runs through June 3. City and countywide events are planned throughout the state to help increase awareness on the importance of buckling up. Signs and banners promoting seat belt use have also been distributed to each county.
"While Ohio's seat belt usage rate has steadily increased in recent years, too many of our loved ones continue to die on our roadways," said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. "Buckling up only takes a few seconds and is the single most effective way to protect yourself from injury and even death in a motor vehicle crash."
Through observational seat belt surveys conducted last year, Ohio's overall seat belt usage rate reached 82 percent, an increase from 79 percent in 2005. The 2007 statewide seat belt usage rate goal is 85 percent.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), males ages 18-34, pickup truck occupants, individuals residing in rural areas and nighttime drivers are among those least likely to buckle up. In 2005, more than 15,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Approximately 59 percent of those passenger vehicle occupants killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash.
The proportion of unbuckled deaths at night is considerably higher than the nearly as alarming 44 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were not wearing their seat belts and were killed during daytime hours across the nation that same year.
On April 6, 2007, a new Ohio law took effect requiring children ages 4-15 to be properly restrained in a child seat, booster seat, or safety belt while being transported in a motor vehicle. Violators will be charged with a minor misdemeanor and will be fined not less than $25.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is taking extra steps to make this weekend's holiday travel as safe and efficient as possible. This is the first major travel weekend of the summer and ODOT expects to see increased traffic volumes over the weekend.
To keep traffic moving through the state's construction zones during peak travel times, ODOT works to open additional lanes of traffic and requires contractors to maintain at least two lanes of traffic in each direction where possible on the interstates. But some closures are unavoidable and motorists should always use caution when traveling through construction zones, even when it appears there is no work occurring. With construction season in full swing, many zones have narrowed lanes, traffic shifts, unexpected conditions or could cause congestion.
Knowing where closures and construction zones are ahead of time can reduce frustration and delays for travelers. Motorists can get up-to-date construction, road condition and travel information at any time at www.buckeyetraffic.org. Here are highlights of the major projects that will impact the largest number of travelers this weekend(a link to the complete statewide list of projects follows):
Interstate 90, Lake County (Northeast Ohio)
Widening and rehabilitation of I-90 between SR 306 and SR 615. Traffic in both directions is shifted onto the westbound side of the roadway. The ramp from SR 615 to I-90 eastbound is closed for the construction season, as well as the rest area in the eastbound direction. While the permanent work zone remains in place, crews will not be active between Saturday, May 26 and Monday, May 28 and there will be no additional closures on these days.
Interstate 70/Interstate 75, Montgomery County (Western Ohio)
Reconstruction of the I-70/I-75 interchange just north of Dayton including various ramps and bridges. Two lanes of traffic are
maintained in each direction on I-70 and I-75. While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the weekend and there will be no additional closures.
Interstate 275, Hamilton County (Southwest Ohio)
Major reconstruction and widening of I-275 from just east of Winton
road to just east of U.S. 42. Three lanes of traffic are being maintained in each direction, but motorists should use extreme
caution, expect traffic shifts and congestion in this work zone. While the permanent work zone restrictions remain in place, work is suspended over the weekend and there will be no additional closures.
ODOT is also reminding motorists to buckle up as part of the national Click It or Ticket initiative. As part of the campaign, law enforcement will be on the lookout for, and will ticket, motorists who are not buckled up. ODOT is helping to target these motorists by posting banners at rest areas across the state and promoting Buckle Up messages on freeway message signs statewide. Coast to Coast, day or night, the message is simple – Click It or Ticket.
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Ohio State Parks offer affordable fun that's just a short drive away
Columbus, Ohio – The approaching Memorial Day weekend kicks off the state's camping and recreational travel season, and Ohioans are reminded that high gas prices don't have to dampen summer holidays and vacations.
"With 74 state parks and 57 state park campgrounds, Ohioans don't have to travel far to enjoy relaxing getaways and outdoor adventures," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "We're rolling out the red carpet and showcasing new offerings and park improvements to give even greater value to our affordable family fun."
Recent improvements at state park campgrounds include newly updated electrical service at Deer Creek in Fayette and Pickaway counties. Electrical hookups are now offered at 10 campsites at Kiser Lake in Champaign County; and electrical hookups will be available in June at Findley in Lorain County.
For campers who want to stay connected to their e-mail while enjoying the outdoors, several state park campgrounds now offer free wireless Internet access, including Alum Creek (Delaware County), East Harbor (Ottawa County), Grand Lake St. Marys (Auglaize and Mercer counties), Hueston Woods (Preble and Butler counties), Jackson Lake (Jackson County), and Rocky Fork (Highland County). Some additional parks will offer Wi-Fi later this summer.
Many state parks offer recreational pursuits for campers, like miniature golf courses, volleyball and basketball courts, bike and boat rentals. A handful of parks also have archery ranges and disc golf courses in day-use areas available to all park guests. Some of the newest offerings are archery ranges at Hocking Hills and Punderson state parks; shuffleboard courts at Delaware, Lake Alma and Mt. Gilead state parks; and disc golf at Findley and Pike Lake state parks.
Reservations are encouraged, but are not necessary in Ohio State Parks campgrounds. Internet reservations can be made at www.ohiostateparks.org. Campers without Internet access can call toll free 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727) for reservations.
Many reservable campsites are already booked for the Memorial Day weekend, but there are still walk-in campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers without reservations for the holiday are encouraged to view the campground availability page for updates.
Ohio State Parks offers more than 9,000 campsites in 57 family campgrounds. Amenities run the gamut from fully developed sites with electrical hookups, showers and camp stores to primitive walk-in areas.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) recently amended trade assistance and unemployment compensation benefit eligibility policies to include clearer definitions of "lack of work." By broadening the definition of lack of work, workers accepting buyouts offered under voluntary workforce reduction programs could be eligible for trade unemployment benefits.
"We are committed to ensuring that Ohio workers are equipped with all available resources to assist them in a quick transition back into the workforce," Helen Jones-Kelley, ODJFS Director said. "As companies introduce innovative streamlining programs we must make sure our policies address those changes so workers who are dislocated due to a lack of work are eligible for the programs intended to help them."
Under previous policy, some workers who voluntarily accepted employer-approved separation plans were viewed as choosing to leave and not considered eligible for trade benefits. In the new policy, effective May 17, 2007, lack of work now includes any job loss, including retirements, occurring as the result of an employer approved staff reduction effort due to lack of work. Adversely affected workers must still meet other eligibility requirements to receive trade or unemployment benefits. The change in policy comes in response to the employer approved separation plan accepted by numerous Delphi/GM autoworkers last year as part of a major workforce reduction effort in the auto industry.
The federally-funded Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program provides additional benefits to individuals whose jobs have been lost as a result of foreign trade as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. These benefits include training allowances, job search assistance and relocation expense reimbursement. Other trade assistance which may be available include extended unemployment benefits, also known as Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA), and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance, a wage supplement for workers over age 50 who become re-employed within 26 weeks of separation.
Unemployment compensation benefits provide temporary and partial wage replacement to eligible workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. Ohio employers fund the unemployment compensation benefits system through insurance taxes paid into the Ohio Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. More than $1 billion in unemployment benefits were paid to Ohio workers during the past year.
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Ohio Department of Natural Resources Cautions to Think Safety Before Leaving the Dock
Columbus, Ohio – The "Wear the Gear" life jacket safety awareness campaign takes on added importance with the National Safe Boating Week observance, May 19-25, and the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, which kicks off the state´s boating season.
"Boating safety ultimately begins with the choices and decisions boaters make before leaving the dock," said Michael Quinn, acting chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. "The decision to put on a life jacket before the boat gets underway is the most important one. In emergency situations, it may be impossible to locate stowed life jackets quickly or get them on and properly adjusted."
The Division of Watercraft says 85 percent of boating fatalities result from drowning. In most cases, victims were not wearing life jackets.
Boaters also are reminded to limit alcohol consumption and stay sober while on the water. A boat operator is considered legally impaired when blood alcohol content exceeds .08 percent. Other boating safety tips include keeping a proper lookout for other boaters and objects in the water, staying alert to boating and weather conditions, and being prepared to provide emergency assistance when needed.
State watercraft officers and local marine patrols will be out in full force during the holiday weekend, patrolling state waterways to enforce state boating rules.
In April, the Division of Watercraft awarded a total of $567,504 in marine patrol grants to 31 local communities to assist in enforcing watercraft laws and maintaining safe boating on state waterways. The grants are used by local law enforcement agencies to provide emergency response to boating accidents, routine patrols on area waterways and to purchase safety equipment for use on their patrol vessels.
Additional information on boating safety, rules, public launch ramps, boating education courses and other related programs is available at ohiodnr.com.
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Awareness Week Illustrates Potential Emerald Ash Borer Impact
Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland has proclaimed May 20-26 Ohio Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week to remind citizens to refrain from moving firewood as the camping season kicks off over Memorial Day weekend. Firewood is a major culprit adding to the spread of the ash tree-killing insect and the devastation of Ohio´s ash trees.
"From our streets to our parks to our forests, ash trees are a staple landscape and environmental component," Strickland said. "Emerald Ash Borer threatens these valued ash trees and billions more throughout the nation, and it´s important that we all remember to protect our trees by buying and burning local firewood."
To help draw attention to the week, volunteers across Ohio are participating in a regional initiative to tag ash trees with signs and caution tape, reminding citizens of the importance of the state´s ash tree resources. Volunteer groups plan to tag 5,000 ash trees in locales throughout Ohio, varying from municipal streets to private and public campgrounds to zoos to bike and walking trails. Ohio´s efforts and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week declaration is part of a multi-state effort to bring light to the EAB situation and the risks of moving firewood.
EAB threatens the state´s 5 billion ash trees and has been found in 27 of the state´s 88 counties. To slow the spread of the devastating insect, state quarantines make it illegal to move hardwood firewood and ash tree materials, which could harbor the pest, out of infested counties. Violators could face fines up to $4,000. A federal quarantine also makes it illegal to take hardwood firewood out of the state of Ohio without federal certification.
Ash trees infested with EAB typically die within five years. The pest belongs to a group of metallic wood-boring beetles. Adults are dark green, one-half inch in length and one-eighth inch wide, and fly only from early May until September. Larvae spend the rest of the year beneath the bark of ash trees, damaging the trees´ water- and nutrient-transporting tissue. When the larvae emerge as adults, they leave behind D-shaped exit holes in the bark about one-eighth inch wide.
Governor Strickland encourages Ohioans to join in the EAB battle this week by:
For more information, call 1-888-OHIO-EAB or go to www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today released the following statements following General Motors' (GM) announcement that it will make a $335 million investment in its Toledo (Lucas County) Powertrain facility where it will add production of six-speed transmissions; and a $67.8 million investment in its Defiance (Defiance County) Casting facility where the company plans to expand engine block capacity. The projects will result in the retention of 1,350 jobs in Defiance and 1,600 jobs in Toledo, where 600 employees will begin production of a new, front wheel six-speed transmission.
"General Motors' continued investment in its Ohio manufacturing facilities is good news for Ohio workers and a testament to the great value of our highly skilled workforce," said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. "I commend the UAW, GM and Ohio's leaders on the federal, state, county and local levels for helping to provide the competitive climate to support these investments."
"We are pleased that GM will expand production in Toledo and Defiance, a total investment of more than $400 million to retain 2,950 Ohio jobs. GM's continued investment in these quality facilities demonstrates its dedication to Ohio and our workforce," said Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Advanced manufacturing projects are key to the success of Ohio's auto industry and we look forward to continued partnerships to further strengthen our competitiveness in industries that are experiencing dynamic change."
Ohio's automotive industry:
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland signed today an executive order establishing a policy that bans discrimination of current or prospective state employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Text of Executive Order Follows:
Executive Order 2007 – 10S
Establishing Policy Against Discrimination
Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
Ted Strickland, Governor
ATTEST: Jennifer Brunner, Secretary of State
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Highlight Importance of Ash Trees and Threat of Moving Firewood
Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland will join surrounding states to declare May 20-26, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week. As part of a multi-state initiative to build awareness about the ash-tree killing insect, volunteers throughout Ohio will tag ash trees with signs and caution tape to remind citizens about the importance of the state's ash trees and the threat of moving firewood.
EAB threatens the state's 5 billion ash trees and has been found in 26 Ohio counties. To slow the spread of the devastating insect, quarantines make it illegal to move hardwood firewood and ash tree materials, which could harbor the pest, out of infested counties and out of the state. This is an important message as camping season kicks off over the Memorial Day weekend.
For more information on EAB, call 1-888-OHIO-EAB or visit www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab.
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Columbus, Ohio – Law enforcement officers at selected state parks will again conduct traffic blitzes during peak visitation periods this summer to encourage heightened roadway safety and promote seat belt and proper child restraint use.
The effort is part of the nationwide "Click it, or ticket!" campaign to increase roadway safety by encouraging motorists (and their passengers) to buckle up.
A grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety will help state park officers increase their patrol efforts and raise public awareness of state laws regarding speed, seat belt and proper child restraint use, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
"Our state parks are such popular destinations, it makes sense for us to participate in this national effort," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "The same good driving habits that make for safe highways - like watching your speed and buckling up - make for safer parks."
In addition to special patrols on the Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day holiday weekends, Ohio State Parks will also conduct traffic blitzes on Friday and Saturday, June 15-16 and August 3-4. In addition to the patrols, speed-alert trailers will be used at several locations to remind motorists to watch their speeds in areas where pedestrians and bicyclists may be sharing park roads.
The following Ohio State Parks are participating: Alum Creek in Delaware County, Buck Creek in Clark County, Caesar Creek in Warren and Clinton counties, Cleveland Lakefront in Cuyahoga County, East Fork in Clermont County, Hueston Woods in Preble and Butler counties, Lake Milton in Mahoning County, Maumee Bay in Lucas County, Mohican in Ashland County, Mosquito Lake in Trumbull County, Portage Lakes in Summit County, Salt Fork in Guernsey County and West Branch in Portage County.
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Largest Grant Awarded to a State
Columbus, Ohio – Lt. Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Department of Development's (ODOD) Urban Development Division has been awarded $2 million from the United States Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) for brownfield revitalization. Ohio received the largest grant awarded to a state: $1 million for hazardous substance removal and $1 million for petroleum remediation.
"We are pleased that Ohio's brownfield revitalization efforts are being recognized at the national level with such a significant grant to the state," said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "These funds by the U.S. EPA will allow Ohio to expand its capabilities in helping our communities to restore blighted and distressed areas for future development."
ODOD will utilize the EPA grant through the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund in partnership with the city of Hamilton to support the cleanup of properties with hazardous substance contamination in the city. The petroleum remediation portion of the grant will allow ODOD to collaborate with the Ohio Department of Commerce in the clean up of former gas stations across the state. Loan applications for interested communities will be available in Fall 2007 through ODOD's Urban Development Division.
Additionally, seven Ohio communities received grants from the U.S. EPA for their own brownfield revitalization projects. Barberton, Cleveland, Ironton, Lorain, Sandusky, Springfield and Tiffin received awards ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 for hazardous substance and petroleum assessments and remediation.
The Ohio Department of Development's brownfield redevelopment efforts innovatively combine federal resources along with Clean Ohio Fund programs to further locally driven brownfield redevelopment throughout Ohio. Since 2002 the Clean Ohio Fund program has invested through 151 grants over $153 million to 67 communities across the state for brownfield remediation and environmental assessments. In observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds and at all military posts throughout the State from sunrise until sunset Tuesday, May 15, 2007.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following proclamation in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Tuesday, May 15:
In observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds and at all military posts throughout the State from sunrise until sunset Tuesday, May 15, 2007.
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Local Celebrations to Focus on Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-Being
Columbus, Ohio – Tomorrow, the Ohio Department of Aging will join with area agencies on aging, local senior centers and other organizations that make up Ohio's aging network to celebrate Senior Citizens Day. Communities throughout the state will host activities ranging from health fairs and award luncheons, to dances and family outings. A list of statewide events is available on the department's Web site at www.goldenbuckeye.com/oam/.
"Ohio's older citizens are varied, vibrant and vivacious. They are role models who have led, and continue to lead, by positive examples of active aging," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. "Throughout their lives, older Ohioans have contributed to their communities, making them what they are today. It is fitting that these communities give back to them on this special day."
Senior Citizens Day is the cornerstone of Older Americans Month, a nationwide observation held each May. Ohio's theme for celebrations this year is "Be Your Best: Body, Mind and Spirit!" emphasizing personal responsibility to maintain or enhance physical well-being through exercise and diet, enrich minds through training and education, and embolden spirits through volunteerism and community service.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Senior Citizens Day in Ohio.
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Agency Stresses Overall Health and Wellness During Older Americans Month
Columbus, Ohio – Far too many Americans fail to incorporate mental health into their health choices, yet overall health and wellness are not possible without it. While the Department of Aging is celebrating Older Americans Month, it reminds Ohioans that May is also Mental Health Month, and taking care of our mental state is necessary in order for Ohioans of any age to be their best in body, mind and spirit.
"Each day, older Ohioans face a variety of health challenges, such as how to eat right, get enough sleep and exercise as they should," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Unhealthy choices can make a person susceptible to a range of health problems. This really is no different whether you are talking about a person's physical or mental wellness."
Mental health is the ability to cope with daily life and the challenges it brings. Mental health is a continuum, with good mental health and wellness on one end, and severe, untreated mental illness on the other. When people have "good" mental health, they deal better with what comes their way. By contrast, "poor" mental health - feeling overwhelmed by stress or suffering with an untreated mental illness - can make even day-to-day life difficult.
"Mental and behavioral health issues, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse, affect people of all ages and at all stages of life," Riley added "They can have serious impacts on relationships, physical health and overall quality of life. The good news is that, in most cases, treatment works and people do get better, regardless of age. It is never too late."
Through the Older Ohioans Behavioral Health Network, the state's 12 Area Agencies on Aging have created partnerships with local mental and behavioral health boards. These partnerships make it easier for seniors and their families to access the care, services and supports they need for overall wellness. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.
Ohio's Network of Care, a new Web site launched in March, also connects individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness to critical information, communication and advocacy tools. Currently, 77 counties participate in the site, which provides a comprehensive directory of service providers and helps visitors connect with the right services at the right time.
About Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month was established in 1963 and is sponsored nationally by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Ohio Department of Aging supports the statewide observation in cooperation with Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers and the entire aging network. More information...Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointments of Sandra Stephenson as director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Bill Harper as assistant director of the Department of Mental Health.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will hold a public meeting in Athens on Wednesday, May 16th to discuss proposed abandoned mine projects being considered in four southeastern Ohio counties. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the conference room of the ODNR district office at 360 E. State Street.
Staff members from the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management will be on hand to discuss environmental and public health and safety issues associated with Ohio mines that were abandoned prior to August 3, 1977, when legislation addressing the problem went into effect.
They will discuss the policies and procedures of Ohio's Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program and present a list of proposed projects for Belmont, Gallia, Hocking and Perry counties.
Meeting attendees are encouraged to present details of their own abandoned mine problems in these counties, as well as Athens, Guernsey, Jackson, Lawrence, Licking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Vinton and Washington counties, and to check on eligibility for funding.
In May, ODNR will apply for approximately $4.36 million in federal grant money from the U.S. Department of the Interior to fund abandoned mine clean-ups during the next year throughout the northeastern and southeastern Ohio coal mining region. Part of that money is earmarked for five non-emergency projects in southeastern Ohio.
ODNR proposes to spend about $1,190,000 on construction for these projects. Also included in the $4.36 million grant is $759,000 to improve streams impacted by acid mine drainage, including four sites within the Monday Creek drainage basin in Perry County, and $1.8 million to address emergency abandoned mine land problems in the coal region.
Projects proposed for the southeastern Ohio mining district will accomplish the following:
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointments of Sandra Stephenson as director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Bill Harper as assistant director of the Department of Mental Health.
Stephenson, 59, has served since 1987 as executive director of Southeast, Inc., a non-profit behavioral health organization based in Columbus.
"I have known Sandy for many years and have always admired her strong commitment to providing high quality mental health services to Ohio's citizens," Strickland said. "She is a strong advocate for those individuals and families coping with mental illness. I have complete confidence in her ability to be a compassionate and effective manager of the Department of Mental Health."
Stephenson's appointment marks Strickland's last cabinet level appointment.
Harper, 52, has been the director of the Lorain County Board of Mental Health since 2002.
"Bill's leadership in mental health work has served communities across Ohio," Strickland said. "I believe he will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the state level."
Sandra Stephenson, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health
As executive director at Southeast, Inc., Stephenson oversees an annual budget of $27 million, 350 staff members and several statewide locations. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced significant expansion, marked by the annual budget's growth from $4 million in 1987 to the current $27 million.
Stephenson worked in private clinical practice for the Community Family Health Center from 1984-1990; from 1983-1987, she served as associate executive director of the Southeast Community Mental Health Center. She previously served as program director for the Columbus Area Community Mental Health Center and as mental health clinician for North Central Community Health Services.
Stephenson graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in social welfare in 1974 and a master's degree in social work in 1975. She also received a master's degree in public administration from Ohio State University in 1980.
"I look forward to working with Governor Strickland to assure the best support, care and treatment are available for those Ohioans who are struggling with mental illness and are working to reclaim healthy and productive lives," Stephenson said.
Stephenson has served as a member of several boards and community organizations related to mental health and has received numerous recognitions for her efforts and the work of Southeast, Inc.
Stephenson will begin as director of the Department of Mental Health on June 4. As director, she will earn an annual salary of $126,000.
The mission of Ohio's mental health system is to establish mental health as a cornerstone of health in Ohio, and ensure that quality mental health care is available to all Ohioans at all stages of life. The Department of Mental Health's major responsibilities are to support and monitor local systems of care, provide quality inpatient services, provide quality community services, improve mental health services to children and adolescents, improve mental health linkages to the criminal justice system and provide quality support services.
Bill Harper, Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health
Harper has served as executive director of the Lorain County Board of Mental Health since 2002.
From 1994-2002, Harper was the executive director of Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton Counties, an alcohol, drug addition and mental health services board. He served as the executive director of the Four County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services in Archbold from 1987-1994.
Harper previously worked as an assistant professor for social work at Bowling Green State University from 1984-1994, the director of Client Services/Programs for Quadco Rehabilitation Center in Stryker, Ohio, from 1983-1987, the social work director for Cambridge Mental Health and Developmental Center from 1981-1983, and as a social worker at Lima State Hospital from 1977-1979.
"I look forward to working with mental health consumers and their families, county boards and provider networks and our state-operated behavioral health organizations to provide high quality services to adults and children in Ohio needing support, encouragement, treatment and rehabilitation to overcome mental illness," Harper said.
Harper received a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in 1976, and master's degrees in public administration and social work from Ohio State University in 1981.
Harper will begin as assistant director of the Department of Mental Health on June 4. As assistant director, Harper will earn an annual salary of $120,000.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will host a state surplus property auction Saturday, May 12 at 4200 Surface Road, Columbus.
Gates open at 8 a.m. The auction begins at 9 a.m. Only cash and credit cards will be accepted. Full payment will be required on the day of the auction.
Items up for bid include:
Surplus property auctions permit the public to purchase quality goods that state agencies no longer need. State surplus auctions have generated more than $3 million during fiscal year 2007.
The Ohio Department of Administrative Services, under the leadership of Director Hugh Quill, provides centralized services to state agencies.
For more information, please contact DAS State and Federal Surplus Services at (614) 466-7636 or visit www.ohio.gov/surplus.
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Columbus, Ohio – A recently enacted Ohio law places new requirements on discount medical plans to provide greater consumer protection and gives the Ohio Department of Insurance certain oversight authority over the previously unregulated plans.
Discount medical plans secure negotiated price discounts and charge consumers a monthly fee. With a discount medical plan, a person pays a monthly fee and receives discounts from doctors and hospitals within the plan's network. Discount medical plans are not insurance because the member remains responsible for paying all medical bills. The new law requires that all advertisements and sales materials clearly state that the discount medical plan is not insurance.
"The new disclosure requirements are intended to reduce consumer confusion and assure that discount medical plans are not marketed as insurance," Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson said. "Discount plans must now market their products appropriately and follow the letter of the law."
The new law requires discount medical plans to have written agreements with network doctors and hospitals to ensure that consumers receive promised discounts. The plans also must comply with other disclosure, policy cancellation and refund requirements. The new law gives the Department authority to investigate and take action against discount medical plans that violate the law.
The new discount medical plan law was contained in Senate Bill 5 from the 126th Ohio General Assembly and became effective in late March.
Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about discount medical plans and their insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.ohioinsurance.gov.
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Toledo, Ohio – Restoring and protecting Lake Erie, Ohio's Great Lake, will again be the focus of the Coastweeks observance, scheduled this year from Wednesday, September 5, to Saturday, September 22.
Ohio's Coastweeks is part of an annual nationwide effort to educate the public about protecting America's coastlines. Coordinated by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC), Ohio's focus is Lake Erie and its watershed.
Last year, beach walks, cleanups, and nature programs were examples of the activities that took place during Coastweeks. This year, Ohio's Coastweeks will again focus on cleanup events. International Coastal Cleanup Day takes place on Saturday, September 15; it is the world's largest one-day volunteer effort to clean up coastlines and waterways. The Maumee Remedial Action Plan (RAP) is coordinating its annual Clean Your Streams program on the same day and will feature several clean-up locations in northwest Ohio.
Environmental organizations, schools, scout groups, clubs, community groups and individuals throughout Ohio's Lake Erie watershed are encouraged to make a difference and get involved in this year's Coastweeks by organizing an event.
Visit the OLEC web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo/cw/calendar.html or call 419-245-2514 to learn more about Coastweeks, or to obtain an event application form to organize an event. The OLEC will provide the tools needed to promote Coastweeks events.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources, protect the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and promote economic development of 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 – Kimberly A. Zurz, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce and Chair of the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, today encouraged Ohioans who are facing the possibility of foreclosure to call their lender and explain their financial situation.
Foreclosures in Ohio increased 23.6% from 2005 to 2006 with more than 79,000 filings in 2006. (Source: Policy Matters Ohio) The number of foreclosures is expected to increase in the next two years as many adjustable rate mortgages with lower "teaser" rates are reset to higher interest rates and higher monthly payments.
"It is important for borrowers who face the possibility of foreclosure to take action. Borrowers should call their lender immediately and explain their financial situation. Do not procrastinate!" Director Zurz said.
Many lenders understand that individuals and families can face temporary job loss, serious illness or other major life events that can impact their ability to pay their mortgage. These lenders are willing to work with borrowers who notify them as soon as they are experiencing financial trouble.
Borrowers should ask their lender if they can participate in a "work out" resolution, an agreement between the borrower and lender to resume payments and to pay the past due amount over a period of time. Sometimes lenders will allow a "loan modification" which might lower the interest rate or extend the final due date of the loan – making the monthly payments lower.
If the borrower is unsuccessful in reaching a resolution with their lender, the Department of Commerce is encouraging Ohioans to call the Homeownership Preservation Association's HOPE Hotline toll free at 888-995-HOPE (4673). This free hotline is staffed by counselors, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
"The Foreclosure Prevention Task Force has received very positive feedback on how the HOPE Hotline offers creative solutions to help individuals and families stay in their homes. It has a proven record of success," Director Zurz said.
The Homeownership Preservation Association partners with mortgage lenders, non-profit organizations and government agencies to assist homeowners. The Foundation announced recently that they are receiving more than 300 calls per day to the HOPE hotline. Approximately 100 of these calls are from Ohio residents.
In addition to contacting their lender and/or the HOPE Hotline, Director Zurz recommends that Ohioans search out and read information about foreclosure prevention.
The Department of Commerce has recently updated its website with additional foreclosure prevention information. The information is available at www.com.state.oh.us and visitors should click on "Foreclosure Information." On this page, the HOPE Hotline is featured along with a variety of material that explains how Ohioans can save their home from foreclosure. The website includes two new Department of Commerce publications titled: "Foreclosure -- Don't Let It Happen To You" and "Foreclosure Prevention: ‘Work Out' Resolutions."
The new brochures and other publications are also available by calling the department's Office of Consumer Affairs toll-free hotline at 1-866-278-0003.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency Refinancing Program
Director Zurz also serves as Chair of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, which in April unveiled a refinancing program designed to help burdened borrowers in Ohio.
The Opportunity Loan is a refinance program that provides an affordable 30-year, fixed-rate financing alternative to borrowers who feel their current loan does not fit their financial circumstances. Interested borrowers should visit the Ohio Housing Finance Agency's website at www.ohiohome.org to view the list of 150 lending institutions throughout Ohio that work with OHFA.
Foreclosure Prevention Task Force
Governor Ted Strickland established the Foreclosure Prevention Task Force to provide a unified and coordinated statewide response to the dramatic increase in the number of foreclosures in Ohio. The Governor charged the task force to focus on:
"The Task Force is working vigorously to do everything in our power to assist Ohioans so they can stay in their homes," Director Zurz said.
The task force includes representatives from local, state and federal governments, housing advocacy organizations, and various associations representing municipalities, counties and lenders.
Ohioans who are facing foreclosure or who have been through the foreclosure process are invited to testify before the Foreclosure Prevention Task Force. The public testimony will be heard on Monday, May 21 at 1 p.m. at the Ohio Department of Commerce, 77 S. High St., 23rd Floor, Columbus. Individuals who are interested in testifying should call Cindy Flaherty of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency at (614) 728-7479 or e-mail her at cflaherty@ohiohome.org.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio Department of Aging today officially kick off Older Americans Month in Ohio. The President of the United States designates each May as a time to celebrate the accomplishments of older citizens, express gratitude for their contributions to society and encourage them to live vibrant, meaningful lives. Ohio's theme for Older Americans Month 2007 is "Be Your Best: Body, Mind and Spirit!"
"Seniors are living longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives through personal responsibility, healthy choices and community supports," said Strickland. "I urge all Ohioans and communities to celebrate the many ways individuals of any age can maintain or enhance their physical well-being through exercise and diet, enrich their minds through training and education, and embolden their spirits through volunteerism and community service."
"Older Ohioans can, and do, inspire family members, neighbors and community leaders by striving to be their best in body, mind and spirit," added Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. "Aging actively is a choice. Only by making certain life style choices can we truly be our best."
The Department of Aging encourages communities, senior centers, organizations and individuals to organize public events to celebrate Older Americans Month and, in particular, Senior Citizens Day, which is May 15. Local events vary, but traditionally include health fairs, awards luncheons and dinners, dances, outings, day trips and more. The department has created a special Web page that lists activities from all over the state, throughout the month. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/oam/ to find an event near you or list your event. The site also includes posters, logos and sample materials to help organizations plan and promote celebrations.
About Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month was established in 1963 and is sponsored nationally by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Ohio Department of Aging supports the statewide observation in cooperation with Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers and the entire aging network.
Learn more about Older Americans Month
About ODA
The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.