Darke County Ohio News

Transportation Director Outlines the “State of ODOT”
COLUMBUS (Tuesday, May 29, 2012) – Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jerry Wray today opened the state agency’s doors to the public for an insider’s look at the “State of ODOT” and its current short-term and long-term financial outlook. “Our transportation system, and therefore our transportation department, impacts everyone’s life, every day,” Wray said. “It impacts our economy, our jobs, our safety and our quality of life. And it’s a responsibility none of us take lightly... read more.

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel... Innovative STAR Plus Program
Helps Keep Ohio Taxpayer Dollars in Community Banks - COLUMBUS - State Treasurer Josh Mandel announced today that Ohio would become the first state in the nation to offer an innovative new program that will provide safe and competitive returns on cash deposits for Ohio local governments and aims to help keep Ohio public funds in Ohio banks. The STAR Plus program is modeled after established... read more.

Mail Magazine 24... Study to show Gov. Walker’s Reforms are Saving Taxpayers Big
by M.D. Kittle - While a lightning rod for controversy and recall, Wisconsin’s Act 10 has paid significant dividends to taxpayers, according to a new analysis by the Beacon Hill Institute for Public Policy Research, at Suffolk University in Boston. [1] Act 10, which curbed collective bargaining for most unionized public employees, in the whole has saved taxpayers more than $1 billion, according to The... read more.

Rasmussen...What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, May 26, 2012 - The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer for many Americans, and it’s a good time to take stock of where the nation’s at. First, there’s the size of government. Sixty-four percent (64%) of Likely U.S. Voters prefer a government with fewer services and lower taxes over one with more services and higher taxes. That’s consistent with findings in regular surveys for years. Just 25% prefer a government with more services and higher taxes... read more.

Ohio DoT...ODOT Launches Program Aimed at Generating Millions in New Revenue
COLUMBUS (Monday, May 21, 2012) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is hoping to generate millions of dollars in new money by launching a program that will permit advertising and sponsorship opportunities at interstate rest areas and welcome centers throughout Ohio. Beginning today, the department is seeking competitive bids for the Sponsorship, Maintenance, and Advertising Revenue Tartgeted (SMART) program.... read more.

State Rep. Jim Buchy... Legislature passes “SharedWork Ohio” Program
COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 484, legislation that creates the “SharedWork Ohio” Program. The bill creates a program in which an employer who participates in the SharedWork Ohio program reduces the number of hours worked by employees in lieu of layoffs. Under the bill, an employer who wishes to participate in the program must submit a plan to... read more.

Washington Free Beacon... Bundler of Sunshine, by Patrick Howley
Obama Bundler’s husband has received more than a billion in DOE solar loans - May 22, 2012 - New disclosures show that one of President Obama’s bundlers is the wife of an executive at an energy company that received a more-than-$1.2 billion Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee for a solar power plant. Arvia Few is a bundler for the Obama re-election campaign who has promised to raise between $50,000 and $100,000. She began bundling for Obama in the first quarter of 2012. Her husband... read more.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine... Significant Recovery Rate of Missing Children in 2011
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that the Ohio Missing Persons Unit, along with local law enforcement agencies, had a 98.4 percent recovery rate of missing children in 2011. “I am pleased that of the nearly 19,000 children reported missing in Ohio last year, Ohio’s local officers and our Missing Person’s Unit helped bring almost every child home,” said Attorney General... read more.

Darke County Sheriff’s Office... Injury accident involving Motorcycle near New Madison
Two injured, one CareFlighted - On May 28, 2012 at approximately 4:40 PM Darke County Deputies, along with Tri Village Rescue, Hollansburg Fire and CareFlight were dispatched to the 2300 Block of Hollansburg-Richmond Road in reference to a serious injury accident involving a motorcycle. Preliminary investigation revealed a 1983 Honda motorcycle driven by Charles C. Tucker III, 27, Richmond Indiana was north bound... read more.

AG Mike DeWine… Beach Waterpark sued for Failure to Deliver
(CINCINNATI) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against the owners and operators of The Beach Waterpark in Mason, Ohio. The lawsuit charges the waterpark with failure to deliver, a violation of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act. “It’s unfortunate when a long-standing Ohio business closes,” Attorney General DeWine said. “But The Beach Waterpark took money from thousands of consumers and never delivered promised services. That’s unacceptable.” The... read more.

Secretary of State Jon Husted... Husted Expands “Vote in Honor of a Veteran” Program
COLUMBUS – With Memorial Day just around the corner, Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced a new, social media component to the successful “Vote in Honor of a Veteran” initiative. “Vote in Honor of a Veteran has been a great way for Ohioans to honor special veterans who fight for our freedoms every day, while raising awareness about the importance of voting and being active participants in our... read more.

WHIO-TV Video update... Woman injured in Darke Co. rollover crash, Staff Report
DARKE COUNTY, Ohio — A woman was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton following a crash at the intersection of Katzenberger and Sebring-Warner Roads around 10:45 p.m. Thursday. “It sounded like World War II or something going on out here,” said Jerry Doff, who lives in the area of the crash. “There were about six explosions and they just kept going on and on.” Deputies said Linda Davis, of Greenville, was driving eastbound on Katzenberger, and when she approached... read more.

The Morning Journal... Elyria could benefit from turnpike privatization, By Kaylee Remington
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - ELYRIA — Mayor Holly Brinda and other Lorain County mayors and managers met with state officials last week to talk about Gov. John Kasich’s idea of privatizing the Ohio Turnpike. Kasich’s proposal could be an opportunity for Elyria to receive funds back, Brinda told City Council last night, though she added she hasn’t decided if she is for the idea of privatizing it. “I haven’t taken a position one way or another,” Brinda said, “There are many against this for many different... read more.

Dayton Daily News... Going green costing Ohio millions, By Jackie Borchardt
ODOT is spending millions of dollars on biofuel to help the environment and farmers throughout the state. - Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Transportation spent an extra $3.3 million during the last four years on biofuels, according to a state auditor’s report, but clean fuel advocates say the benefits far outweigh higher prices at the pump. Since July 2006, ODOT and other state agencies have been required to fill their vehicles with blended biodiesel when available... read more.

Ohio Supreme Court... Justice Stratton Announces Retirement
May 22, 2012 - The second longest serving justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, announced today her intention to retire by the end of the year. Appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court by then-Gov. George Voinovich, she assumed office on March 7, 1996. Ohio voters elected Justice Stratton to three six-year terms on the court, the most recent in 2008... read more.

Yahoo... Factbox: Tax provisions in Obama’s healthcare law, By Kim Dixon
May 16, 2012 - (Reuters) - President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul law contains a slew of new tax provisions, and their fate is unclear as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs the law’s constitutionality. Some have been put into effect in the two years since Obama signed the law, including a tanning salon tax and tax credits for small businesses. Other provisions will be phased in over time. A ruling on the law is expected in late June. Here is a look at major tax provisions in Obama’s Patient... read more.

Darke County Sheriff... Single vehicle injury accident
On May 24, 2012 at approximately 10:44pm. Darke County 911 received a call in reference to a one vehicle injury accident at the intersection of Katezenberger Road and Sebring-Warner Road. Darke County Deputies were dispatched to the scene along with Greenville Township Fire, Greenville Township Rescue and CareFlight. Initial investigation revealed that a blue Monte Carlo, driven by Linda Davis of Greenville, was eastbound on Katezenberger Road. As Davis’ vehicle approached Sebring... read more.

The Hill... Rahall: Keystone oil pipeline will be dropped from final highway bill, By Ben Geman
05/17/12 - A senior House Democrat who supports the Keystone XL oil pipeline predicted Thursday that the project will be left on the cutting room floor in House-Senate negotiations over transportation legislation. “My guess is that it would not be in the final product,” said Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The comments are the latest sign that backers of the pipeline will face hurdles winning its inclusion in the bill to reauthorize popular... read more.

Kasich Communication Department... Economic Development efforts help create 1,217 jobs
18 Companies Expected to Expand or Open Operations around Ohio - COLUMBUS – Gov. John R. Kasich today announced the approval of 18 proposals that are expected to collectively create 1,217 jobs and retain 4,576 jobs. Through collaboration and communication between the Governor’s Office, JobsOhio and its regional partners, these projects were delivered to the Ohio Tax Credit Authority and approved on Monday... read more.

State Senator Bill Beagle... Plan to Protect Public from Meth Labs Introduced
Proposal holds property owners accountable for cleanup costs - COLUMBUS – Legislation was introduced today to tackle illicit methamphetamine production across Ohio and hold property owners accountable for costs associated with meth lab cleanup. Sponsored by State Senators Frank LaRose (R - Copley) and Bill Beagle (R - Tipp City), the measure directs the Ohio Department of Health to study and create rules... read more.

ABC 22 News Video... Boy Called Hero in Darke County Fire That Damaged Home
GREENVILLE TWP. -- A house fire in Greenville Township leaves a man homeless, but it could have been much worse if not for the man’s young neighbor. The fire broke out around 7:30pm Tuesday on Wood Avenue. Mr. Mitchell owns the home and says he was cooking some brats on his grill, when the next thing he knew, a neighbor boy was ringing his doorbell. “I looked outside and over to the... read more.

WHIO-TV video... Reward for Greenville stabbing suspect doubles
GREENVILLE, Ohio — A Greenville man who is wanted on a charge of attempted murder remains on the loose. Jamel Gray is accused of stabbing a former girlfriend in mid-April. Now, authorities said a reward for information leading his arrest had doubled. According to police, a $500 reward has doubled to $1,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. On April 19, his girlfriend was found... read more.

Rasmussen... Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, May 19, 2012 - Unlike four years ago, Barack Obama now has a record to run on – and run against. The economy, the health care law, bailouts, stimulus spending, the changes from the so-called Arab Spring and much more will be hot topics of discussion in the months ahead. Right now, Republican challenger Mitt Romney and the president are closely matched in the daily Presidential Tracking Poll, but improving economic perceptions would cheer the Obama camp. “Forget... read more.

Attorney General Mike DeWine… Medicaid fraud suspect arrested
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today the arrest of a North Carolina man accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Ohio’s Medicaid Program. Special agents with the Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Section assisted the Concord, North Carolina, Police Department in arresting Augustine Kotee, 39, at his residence in Concord last night. A Franklin County... read more.

State Senator Keith Faber... Midmark Receives Funds for Job Creation, Operations Expansion
Versailles-based company is a leader in human and animal healthcare industries - COLUMBUS — State Senator Keith Faber (R- Celina) announced Monday the release of $100,000 through a state Rapid Outreach Grant to assist Midmark Corporation in their efforts to expand operations and add new full-time positions. Midmark is a leading manufacturer of healthcare products that impact millions of people each day in... read more.

CNS News... States Exploit Loophole to Meet Spending Requirements to Get Federal Welfare Money
(CNSNews.com) – States are exploiting a loophole in the federal welfare reform law enacted in 1996 in order to meet the state spending requirements to get a full dose federal welfare funds, Rep. Geoff Davis, chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources. “Many States have scoured their budgets to find other current program spending--such as for Pre-K, child care, and after school programs--they could report as TANF spending,” Davis said at a hearing... read more.

Dayton Business Journal...Air Force Marathon sells out in record time, by Joe Cogliano
Despite adding 1,500 slots this year, the Air Force Marathon sold out in record time. Officials said the final 50 spots for the full marathon were snapped up Friday to make the sell-out official. The event — which includes full and half marathon’s as well as 10K and 5K runs — has grown to 15,000 participants, more than double the number for just four years ago. “I’m amazed at how this race has taken on a life of its own.... read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner... Fast & Furious: House Leaders Demand Answers from AG
WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Oversight & Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder this morning demanding full cooperation with the ongoing investigation into the “Fast and Furious” operation and the death of Border Agent Brian Terry. The letter states that the Department of Justice has not sufficiently complied with a... read more.

WHIO-TV Video... Darke Co. toddler found face down in pool
DARKE COUNTY, Ohio — Authorities said a 1-year-old was left unattended in a pool and nearly drowned Sunday night in Greenville Township. Emergency responders were called to 5341 Warvel Road when the couple who lives in the house reported that the child was drowning in the family pool, the Greenville Township Rescue Squad said. CareFlight was called to the scene... read more.

Midmark... State Tax Incentives for Versailles Manufacturing Facility Expansion Approved
Editor: On Monday, CNO noted that while a number of support positions will be moved to Dayton with the announced expansion, there will be local manufacturing growth. The following press release announces tax incentives to accommodate this growth. VERSAILLES, Ohio – (May 21, 2012) – Midmark Corporation, the most trusted name in medical, dental and veterinary... read more.

Cleveland Plain Dealer... Emergency rooms in Ohio agree to tighten up rules on doling out painkillers
By Aaron Marshall - COLUMBUS, Ohio - Emergency rooms across Ohio will no longer be an easy stop for large supplies of painkillers under new guidelines announced Monday by Gov. John Kasich. The Republican governor announced a new policy under which emergency rooms will limit prescriptions for opiates and other painkillers to a 72-hour supply except in rare cases. The new guidelines agreed to by hospitals with emergency rooms across Ohio is aimed at keeping prescription drugs... read more.

Governor Kasich Communications Office... Partnership Will Identify Permanent Homes for Children in Foster Care - COLUMBUS, OHIO – A partnership between the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption will help identify permanent homes for children awaiting adoption. ODJFS Director Michael Colbert announced this morning that the agency plans to spend $2.3 million, including $1.1 million in state funding, to hire specialized, child-focused recruiters whose sole mission will be to find adoptive families for older children in foster care... read more.

Midmark Announces Plans for Expansion and New Offices
Includes enhancements to Versailles manufacturing facility and new offices in Dayton, Ohio - Editor: County News Online has learned that while the number of positions moving to Dayton (noted below) is approximate, 42 positions in the production area will be added locally, with up to 20 additional local support staff over the next three years. VERSAILLES, Ohio – (May 18, 2012) – ... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Training sought for township fiscal officers, By Dean Narciso and Quan Truong
Township fiscal officers react to proposed law - Monday May 14, 2012 - Ohio’s more than 1,300 township fiscal officers reconcile bank accounts, authorize purchases and maintain financial statements, often overseeing million-dollar budgets. Yet none is required to have even the most-basic bookkeeping training. A proposed state law would beef up training and require ongoing education for all government-finance officers as a way to reign in corruption and mismanagement. “One bad apple spoils the... read more.

Attorney General DeWine... Older Ohioans Job Opportunity Scams
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – During Older Americans Month in May, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is warning Ohio senior citizens to be cautious of job opportunity scams that could cost them thousands of dollars. “In these tough economic times, offers to work from home can seem like a good way to earn money,” said Attorney General Mike DeWine. “We want to warn Ohio’s seniors to be on guard against scammers... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Kasich fights GOP on education changes, By Joe Vardon and Catherine Candisky
Proposed amendments would alter more than a dozen aspects of Kasich’s plan - Tuesday May 8, 2012 - Gov. John Kasich fought back against Senate Republicans changes to his third-grade reading guarantee today, arguing they would “weaken efforts to improve education for Ohio’s children.” In an e-mailed statement, Kasich said he was “troubled by moves underway in the Senate,” but focused his comments entirely on a GOP lawmaker’s proposal to water down Kasich’s third-grade reading... read more.

WHIO-TV... Beer found at scene of Darke Co. rollover, By Steve Baker, Northern Bureau Chief
DARKE COUNTY, Ohio — Darke County deputies arrive at the scene of a traffic crash to find numerous cans of beer scattered, and the lone driver seriously injured. The crash happened on Beamsville-Union City Road, east of State Route 49. The time was 10:12 p.m. Wednesday night. An Indiana man claimed to have swerved to avoid a deer. He then lost control of his car, struck a telephone pole and flipped over several times, according to deputies. Sergio Miranda-Saucedo of Union City, Indiana was... read more.

Roll Call... Five Budgets Fail in Senate, By Humberto Sanchez
May 16, 2012 - The Senate defeated five budget proposals offered by Republicans today, as the GOP sought to hammer Democrats for not producing a budget resolution this year and for not putting one on the Senate floor in the previous two years. “Where in the world is it?” asked Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on the floor, adding that Democrats have shirked one of their... read more.

Massive gridlock at hoagies eatery, By Neda Semnani
May 17, 2012 - Can breaking bread be the start of something beautiful between President Barack Obama and Speaker John Boehner? One day after Boehner threw down a debt limit gauntlet, Obama hosted Congressional leaders at the White House, greeting them with olive-oil-soaked hoagies. Fresh from a small-business roundtable at Taylor Gourmet, the president ordered takeout... read more.

WHIO-TV Video... ‘Get the Carp Outta Here’ fishing tournament GLSM, By Steve Baker
GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS, Ohio — The second annual “Get the Carp Outta Here” fishing tournament is underway this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18,19 and 20. Three-thousand dollars in prize money will be given away. Last year the tournament was the first weekend in June. It was scheduled for earlier this year. In 2011 four-tons of carp were taken from the lake by tournament... read more.

Rasmussen... What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, May 12, 2012 - President Obama ended the week with media praise loud in his ears over his endorsement of gay marriage, while his Republican challenger Mitt Romney crossed the 50% threshold against the president for the first time in Rasmussen Reports’ daily Presidential Tracking Poll. It’s a long way to Election Day, but Romney’s lead was a reminder that this contest is still all about the economy. Just 37% of Likely Voters nationwide give the president good or... read more.

Darke County Sheriff’s Office... Injury accident near Ansonia
Ansonia -On May 16, 2012 at approximately 10:12 p.m. Darke County Deputies, along with Ansonia Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to Beamsville Union City Rd. east of Detling Rd. in reference to a one vehicle rollover accident. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1997 Chevy Cavalier, driven by Sergio Miranda-Saucedo (23) of Union City, IN, was westbound on Beamsville Union City Rd. Saucedo stated that deer were on the roadway and he swerved to miss the deer. Saucedo went off the... read more.

Attorney General DeWine... New Law expands ability to collect DNA Data
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today applauded the passing of Senate Bill 268, which was signed into law today by Ohio Governor John Kasich. The law gives investigators expanded ability to collect DNA from a person who authorities have probable cause to believe committed a felony crime. “The new law will help expand our DNA database and ultimately lead to identifying suspects in many... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Mass layoffs hit lowest level since 2006, by DBJ Staff
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - The number of mass layoffs dropped to their lowest level since 2006 during the first quarter, according to new data on the economy. There were 1,077 mass layoffs nationwide in the first quarter, hitting 182,101 workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is down from the 1,490 layoffs affecting 225,456 workers in the first quarter of 2011. In Ohio, there were 62 mass... read more.

WHIO-TV... Greenville police conducting death investigation, By Steve Baker
GREENVILLE, Ohio — On Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at approximately 5:02 a.m., officers of the Greenville Police Department were dispatch to Wayne ER reference an unresponsive female. Prior to officers’ arrival, doctors had pronounced the victim, 21-year-old Briana Smith, of Greenville, deceased. The victim was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office. Preliminary investigations revealed that witnesses stated the victim was observed injecting heroin prior to becoming... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Obesity rates expand, medical costs reach $150 billion
by Laura Englehart, Reporter - Monday, May 14, 2012 - Despite attempts by some schools, lawmakers, businesses and insurance providers to curb obesity, waistlines continue to expand. That means the health care costs associated with obesity continue to climb, and hits businesses and the economy as the recovery is still trying to pick up steam. Though obesity rate climbs have slowed... read more.

WHIO-TV Video... Workforce Center breaks ground in Greenville
GREENVILLE, Ohio — When it comes time to retool the workforce in Darke County based on the needs of the manufacturing industry, the workers will be trained in their home county. The county is setting up a Workforce Development Center in Greenville at the Career Tech Center, which is part of the Greenville City School District. The center will be operated in cooperation with... read more.

Kim Komando... California moves to stop employers demanding Facebook passwords
The move is part of a wave of legislative activity to block the practice, By Cameron Scott
May 10, 2012 08:41 PM ET13 Comments . What’s this? IDG News Service - The California assembly passed a bill on Thursday that prevents employers from demanding job applicants’ passwords for accounts on Facebook or other social networking sites. The bill passedunanimously and will now head to the state senate. Similar legislation was introduced Thursday in.... read more.

New York Times...Degrees of Debt - A Generation Hobbled by the Soaring Cost of College
ADA, Ohio — Kelsey Griffith graduates on Sunday from Ohio Northern University. To start paying off her $120,000 in student debt, she is already working two restaurant jobs and will soon give up her apartment here to live with her parents. Her mother, who co-signed on the loans, is taking out a life insurance policy on her daughter. "If anything ever happened, God forbid, that is my debt also,” said Ms. Griffith’s mother... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Ohio near bottom in U.S. for government jobs, by DBJ Staff
Ohio is not consumed by government workers. In fact, the state ranks near the bottom when it comes to the percentage of workers employed by government entities. According to an On Numbers analysis of seasonally adjusted data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , government jobs in Ohio totaled 764,900 in March. That equates to 14.9 percent of the state’s workforce and put it at No. 41 among the states for government employment.... read more.

WHIO-TV...Another defendant pleads in Darke Co. meth lab bust, By Steve Baker
DARKE COUNTY, Ohio — On Monday, May 14th, 46 year old Christopher Berry Brock of Tennessee entered a plea of guilty before Judge Jonathan P. Hein of the Darke County Common Pleas Court on one count of attempted illegal manufacture of drugs (rriethamphetamirie), a felony of the second degree. Brock was found guilty and a sentencing hearing followed immediately. The Court then ordered Brock to serve... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Yahoo CEO under fire over alleged false degree
Monday, May 7, 2012 - The hedge fund that is trying to replace Yahoo Inc. directors on Friday called for the company to fire CEO Scott Thompson and dismiss board member Patti Hart because of misinformation provided about their education. A second large Yahoo shareholder also has joined in the call. Third Point LLC pointed out on Thursday that Thompson’s bio on the company Web site and in proxy materials filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission claimed he earned a... read more.

Motorcyclist hits deer near Palestine
Palestine- On May 13, 2012 at approximately 10:27 p.m. Darke County Deputies, along with Tri-Village Rescue and Liberty Township Fire, were dispatched to US36 and Hollansburg Tampico Rd in reference to a motorcycle/deer accident. Initial investigation revealed that a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Jason M. Keith (35) of Modoc, IN was eastbound on US36 when a deer ran across the road... read more.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine... Pilot Program for “Aged-Out” Foster Care Youth
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today a new pilot program to help homeless 18 to 24 year-olds who often have trouble receiving assistance and are disproportionately victims of crime. The Older Youth Victim of Crime Initiative will focus especially on those who have “aged-out” of the foster care system. “The systems and services that may have helped support foster children... read more.

Cincinnati Enquirer... Kasich: No more for local governments
Governor covers a lot of ground in conversation - DOWNTOWN — State money will not be restored for local governments, Gov. John R. Kasich told The Enquirer in a wide-ranging discussion with the newspaper’s editorial board and reporters. Thursday’s discussion was the governor’s first with the board since taking office in January 2011 elected. Kasich also talked about the economy, President Barack Obama, charter... read more.

Greenville Fire Department... Multiple fires controlled at Fram Group
May 11, 2012 - At 2:26 PM hours on Friday May 11, The City of Greenville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at the Fram Group facility at 851 Jackson St. Upon arrival fire crews found that a vent stack and a cure oven on was on fire. As personnel were completing extinguishment of this fire, plant personnel notified them that another fire was inside the building. It was... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Ohioans want income-tax cut from ‘frack’ tax hike, poll says
Ohio voters back Gov. John Kasich’s proposal to raise taxes on shale fracking and use the revenue for an across-the-board state income tax cut, a new poll released today indicates. “This looks like an issue on which Gov. Kasich has the voters behind him,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, which has been taking surveys in Ohio for several years. Sixty percent approve of Kasich’s plan, 32 percent are against, the poll shows. The... read more.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine... End Smoking in Youth-Rated Films
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today joined Attorneys General from 37 states and territories in calling for the end of smoking being depicted in youth-rated films. The request was made in a letter sent to the chairmen and CEOs of ten major motion picture studios. “Each time the industry releases another movie that depicts smoking, it does so with the full knowledge it will bring harm... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Last crew member from Enola Gay to appear at Dayton Air show
by Joe Cogliano - Thursday, May 10, 2012 - The last surviving crew member of the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb will make a rare appearance at the 2012 Vectren Dayton Air Show. Show officials announced Thursday that Major Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk — who served as navigator on the August 6, 1945 flight of the Enola Gay to Hiroshima, Japan — will be meeting with spectators at the Humana... read more.

Investors.com... Economy: Blue States Worse Than Red Under Obama, By John Merline
Barack Obama entered the national spotlight with a rousing 2004 Democratic convention speech that talked about how it was wrong “to slice and dice our country into red states and blue states.” Last week he reiterated the point in a tweet to his Twitter followers, saying that “there are no red states or blue states, just the United States.” But when it comes to the economic recovery, there has been a clear difference. It turns out that blue states have done worse economically than have red states under... read more.

CNS News... 324,000 Women Dropped Out of Labor Force in Last Two Months
By Terence P. Jeffrey - Number of Women Not in Labor Force Hits Historic High - May 9, 2012 (CNSNews.com) - 324,000 women dropped out of the nation’s civilian labor force in March and April as the number of women not in the labor force hit an all-time historical high of 53,321,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The civilian labor force consists of all people in the United States... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Report: Ohio home prices down 3% in March
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Ohio home prices have slid faster than the national average during the past year, a California research firm said Tuesday. Santa Ana, Calif.-based CoreLogic Inc.’s home price index showed that Ohio single-family home prices fell by 3.3 percent between March 2011 and March 2012. That compares with a decline of 0.6 percent nationwide. Among its neighbors, Ohio is the only state to see... read more.

Darke County Economic Development... Shale Industry Could Produce Local Opportunity
Stegall and Bowers learn about supply chain opportunities for local business - CAMBRIDGE, OH- As Ohio’s shale energy initiative picks up speed, as well as the economy surrounding the industry, opportunities to benefit from the emerging industry are increasing across the state and region. To learn more about how Darke County businesses can benefit from this potential multi-billion dollar industry, Darke County Commissioner Mike Stegall and Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers represented the county... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Grand Lake St. Marys had algae in March, tests show
Warnings won’t be posted till late May - Tests show toxic blue-green algae were growing in Grand Lake St. Marys as early as March this year. The most-recent test, on April 18, detected the liver toxin produced by the algae at a concentration seven times higher than what the state uses to advise older visitors, young children and people with weakened immune systems not to wade or swim. State... read more.

WHIO-TV Video... $1M bond for man accused of trying to kill wife, By Steve Baker
Man in trouble before with a gun, in trouble again - DARKE COUNTY, Ohio — A bond of $1 million was set for Justin Douglas Thomas during a video arraignment in Darke County on a charge of attempted murder Wednesday. Judge Jonathan Hein entered a plea of not guilty on Thomas’ behalf and appointed a public attorney to defend him. Hein followed the recommendation of the... read more.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine... $3.8 Million for School Drug Prevention Programs Awarded
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Today Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that 190 law enforcement agencies will share several million dollars in grant money to keep anti-drug programs in Ohio’s schools. The $3.8 million Drug Use Prevention Grants will help pay to keep school resource officers and DARE officers on school grounds. The money will also expand the focus of the anti-drug campaign to include the dangers of prescription drugs, as well as drugs like marijuana, cocaine and heroin... read more.

Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers... Virtual Law Office Program announced for Darke County
The Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project is pleased to announce the launch of its new Virtual Law Office Program. This program will utilize innovative technology to bridge the gap between the available Pro Bono Attorneys in the Dayton Metro Area and Low Income Darke County Residents facing civil legal issues and who could not otherwise afford an Attorney... read more.

CNS News...Women Outnumber Men in Professional Field But Earn Half the Pay
May 3, 2012 - Women outpaced men in professional and related fields in 2010, but earned almost half the pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS found that 29.3 percent of women were employed full-time in professional and related fields in 2010, compared to 19 percent of men. However, under the category of management, professional and related occupation, women earned $669 a week in... read more.

USA Today... Best sites to determine your home’s value, By Kim Komando
If you haven’t checked to see how much your home is worth lately, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. Real estate websites can help you analyze where you stand with your home’s value. Nationally, the median list price of a single family home is $189,900, up 5.6 percent compared to March 2011, according to Realtor.com. Here’s another good-news statistic: Inventory of for-sale single family homes is down 21.5 percent on.... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Fifth Third joins big banks seeking to replace lost fees
Monday, April 30, 2012 - Fifth Third Bancorp is changing its strategy for how it charges fees to customers as it joins other banks across the country in seeking to replace lose fees, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier. Fifth Third, the largest bank in Dayton, launched four key products in the past few years, two of which CEO Kevin Kabat said are not available from any bank anywhere. And the revenue those products generate.... read more.

Darke County Sheriff’s Department...North Star Man Charged With Attempted Murder
On Monday, May 7, 2012 at approximately 4:10 p.m., the Darke County 911 Center received a call from a wife reporting that she had been slapped during a domestic dispute where threats of personal injury had been made; adding that her husband was now going after his gun. Darke County deputies were immediately dispatched to 13394 US Route 127 in northern Darke County which is a few miles south of North Star.... read more.

Rasmussen... What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, May 05, 2012 - President Obama officially launches his reelection campaign today with appearances in Ohio and Virginia, states critical to his reelection, and recent polling shows both are in play. But overall, it’s been another so-so week for the president, with his well-received plan for winding down the war in Afghanistan offset by another anemic jobs report. The president continues to holds a slight lead over likely GOP nominee Mitt Romney in combined polling of the key swing... read more.

Kim Komando... Child online safety plans unveiled by Brussels
Controls on who can use apps for mobiles are almost non-existent, warns the commission - The system is part of a series of proposals Brussels has put forward to make the net safer for children. It says children are in danger of finding inappropriate material because ways to control where they can go are “fragmented”. More details of the authentication scheme will be published on 30 May. In its draft proposals, the... read more.

CNS News... USDA Presses Oil Industry to Support 15-Percent Ethanol Blend, By Susan Jones
May 4, 2012 - (CNSNews.com) - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is pressing oil companies to back fuel-blends that contain less gasoline and more ethanol. He says it will “increase America’s energy security and spur additional job creation,” particularly in rural areas -- a priority for the Obama administration.
Oil industry support is necessary if high-ethanol blends are to become commercially... read more.

Yahoo... Only 115,000 jobs added in April; unemployment rate dips to 8.1 percent
By Liz Goodwin | The Lookout - Only 115,000 jobs were added to the economy in April, according to the Labor Department, while the unemployment rate dipped slightly to 8.1 percent. The slight drop in the unemployment rate is due to the nearly 350,000 unemployed people who gave up looking for work last month and dropped out of the labor force entirely. At least 200,000 jobs would have had to be added last month just to keep up with the growth in the labor market. April’s report missed expectations... read more.

Bloomberg... Romney Raises Bar on What Constitutes Good Unemployment Rate, By John McCormick
May 4, 2012 - Mitt Romney raised the bar for what comprises an unemployment rate worth celebrating as he used the latest jobs figures to criticize President Barack Obama’s management of the economy while campaigning in Pennsylvania. “Anything over four percent is not cause for celebration,” the presumptive Republican presidential nominee said inside a warehouse of a specialized cement and corrosion- resistant materials manufacturer in Pittsburgh. “I’m going to get America working... read more.

Business Courier... JobsOhio lands thousands of jobs in 1Q
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - JobsOhio helped land commitments for 5,526 new jobs for the state and retain 11,805 others in the first quarter of the year, according to data released by the private economic development corporation Tuesday. Columbus Business First reported that in addition, JobsOhio received capital investment commitments totaling $2 billion from the 70 projects it was involved with during the first three months of the year. The organization helps companies land state-backed loans... read more.

Attorney General Mike DeWine... 25th Annual Ohio Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony
(LONDON, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and members of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy joined law enforcement officers from throughout the state today to honor six Ohio peace officers who died in the line of duty in 2011. “Every day, Ohio’s peace officers, just like officers across the country, put themselves between us, our family, and harm’s way,” said Attorney General DeWine during... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... CEO Magazine: Ohio gains ground as business state, by Joe Cogliano
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Ohio gained six spots in the latest poll of where CEOs prefer to do business, according to Chief Executive magazine’s annual Best & Worst States Survey. The Buckeye State ranked no. 35 in this year’s survey, released Wednesday. For the eighth year in a row, CEOs bestowed the no. 1 rating on Texas. The Best & Worst States Survey measures the sentiment of... read more.

Darke County Sheriff’s Office... One vehicle injury accident on Arcanum Bears Mill Road
On May 4, 2012 at approximately 12:43 PM Darke County Deputies, along with Arcanum Fire, Arcanum Rescue and CareFlight were dispatched to the 3500 Block of Arcanum Bears Mill Road in reference to a one vehicle injury accident. Preliminary investigation revealed a green 1995 GMC van, driven by Carol Simason, 49, Gordon, Ohio was southbound on Arcanum Bears Mill Road when she traveled off the right side of the ro... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Senate passes bill to ban driver texts
Measure also bars young drivers from using any hand-held device - Ohio is another step closer to becoming the 38th state to ban texting while driving and the first to prevent its youngest drivers from talking or typing on any hand-held electronic device. Despite lingering questions over enforcement, the Senate today voted 25-8 to approve the bill. It says drivers younger than 18 cannot use any hand-held electronic device — such as cellphones, tablets and GPS direction-finders — and makes it a... read more.

Attorney General Mike DeWine... Navy VA Fugitive Bobby Thompson arrested
(CLEVELAND, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott announced at a press conference in Cleveland today that long-time fugitive Bobby Thompson has been arrested in Portland, Oregon. A tip led investigators to his location, where he has been under surveillance for the past week. He surrendered when approached at his home in Portland last night. “We are... read more.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich... Jobs-friendly climate continues to spur investment
11 Companies Expected to Create 885 Jobs - COLUMBUS—Gov. John R. Kasich today announced that several economic development projects are on track to positively impact communities across the state. Adding to the long list of companies choosing to expand in Ohio or move operations here, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) today approved eleven projects brought to them by JobsOhio, the state’s private, not-for-profit economic development entity. In all, 885 jobs are expected to be created... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Analyst: Apple stock to hit $1 trillion market cap
Friday, April 27, 2012 - Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, the most bullish analyst covering Apple Inc., raised his estimates after the company’s big earnings this week, predicting it will become the first trillion-dollar company sometime next year. That is based on White raising his stock price target to $1,111 a share from the $1,001 estimate he projected earlier this month. He is also basing his prediction on the company... read more.

Rasmussen... What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - Despite media fixation on the scream of the week, most Americans remain focused on the essentials, and their views on them are consistent over time, even if the Political Class continues to ignore them. Take the auto bailouts. They’ve been unpopular since day one, and they’re still unpopular. Admittedly, thanks to the political spin out of Washington, the bailouts are a bit less unpopular because many Americans incorrectly believe the government made money or broke even on them... read more.

Dayton Business Journal...Report names Top 20 states for gas price savings, by DBJ Staff
Monday, April 23, 2012 - Ohio is one of the top states for gas price savings expected from new fuel-efficiency standards President Barack Obama has ordered to be implemented, according to a report this past week by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The 54.5 mpg by 2025 standard, set to be finalized in August, will double today’s average level of fuel efficiency, according to NRDC. That is projected to save... read more.

Ohio Supreme Court...Third District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
April 24, 2012 - Judge John Willamowski of the Third District Court of Appeals served as a visiting judge on the Supreme Court of Ohio today and heard oral arguments in the case involving Ohio’s legislative redistricting. Judge Willamowski was selected to sit in place of Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton,who recused herself from Wilson v. Kasich, (Case No. 2012-0019). The case centers on whether the Apportionment Board violated... read more.

Mail Magazine 24... After Massive Losses, Stimulus-Backed Company Asks for More Taxpayer Cash
by Lachlan Markay - A financially troubled green energy company has seen its stock prices plummet to below a dollar per share (UPDATE: see below) since receiving a nearly $250 million federal grant in 2009. The company lost $257.7 million last year. Two of its clients make up half of its business, and one is also struggling financially. But none of that has stopped A123 Systems, which manufactures batteries for electric vehicles, from applying for another $233 million in federal backing through... read more.

Christian Science Monitor... Romney vs. Obama: weak challenger faces weak incumbent
By Linda Feldmann - For Mitt Romney, now begins the hard part. Five decisive primary victories Tuesday confirmed that he will be the Republican Party’s presidential nominee in November. But as Mr. Romney squares off against President Obama, he faces multiple challenges. Romney is still not well known to general election voters, and polls show he faces a massive deficit on likability... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Ohio mass layoffs jump in March
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Ohio workers were laid off en masse in March at more than double the rate they were a year ago, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last month, 48 employers laid off at least 50 workers, up from 22 mass layoff events in March 2011. Those layoffs resulted in 4,638 initial claims for unemployment insurance in March, up from 1,891 a... read more.

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