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Putnam County Health Department issues warning for bat carrying rabies

Posted by Staff on July 19, 2024 - 7:10am

The Putnam County Health Department has received confirmation from the Ohio Department of Health that a bat from the county has tested positive for rabies. A resident from Union Township brought a bat to the health department for testing after an incident with their dog.

This is the first rabid bat to test positive in Putnam County since 2006. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals and can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.

According to Health Commissioner, Kim Rieman, "Bats provide many benefits such as pollination and pest control but are also a known source of rabies." Rieman added, "Residents should not fear spending time outside, but exercise caution around bats due to the risk of rabies." Pets should be kept nearby and monitored for any signs of illness.

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Ohio’s 988 lifeline has responded to nearly 340K in two years

Posted by Staff on July 17, 2024 - 6:00am

The State of Ohio has announced that two years after its debut, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a proven safety net for thousands of Ohioans each month who face emotional distress or thoughts of suicide.

Since its launch on July 16, 2022, the service has grown steadily. In that time, Ohio’s 19 call centers – the most of any state in the nation – have responded to nearly 340,000 calls, texts, and chats: an average of more than 14,000 contacts each month.

Ohio 988’s average speed-to-answer rate is 25 seconds, compared to 36 seconds nationally, and since its launch, the average amount of calls rolling over to the national 988 network is just 2%, reflecting a workforce capacity that allows the vast majority of calls from Ohioans to be answered in-state, by individuals with knowledge of local resources that can make a difference in a crisis.

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Ohio Sales Tax Holiday expanded in 2024

Posted by Staff on July 15, 2024 - 7:26am

Starting in 2024, the State of Ohio has expanded its sales tax holiday from a long weekend to ten full days: 12 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8.

Also, more purchases are eligible. In the past, the focus was on items families need for the start of school. Now, the sales tax holiday applies to “all tangible personal property that is $500 or less except watercraft or outboard motor required to be titled pursuant to Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code, a motor vehicle, an alcoholic beverage, tobacco, a vapor product, or an item that contains marijuana.”

As a result, businesses as well as families benefit from the holiday. The new guidelines should also benefit restaurants, which will not charge sales tax on dine-in meals during the 10-day period (except for alcohol).

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Field reports from ODW officers, July 2024

Posted by Staff on July 15, 2024 - 6:00am

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
During Ohio’s white-tailed deer gun hunting season in 2023, State Wildlife Officer Nathan Robinson, assigned to Van Wert County, and State Wildlife Officer Supervisor Troy Reimund observed a hunter carrying a shotgun who avoided the patrol vehicle.

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July 12 ODOT construction update

Posted by Staff on July 13, 2024 - 6:00am

The Ohio Department of Transportation has reported the following roadwork and traffic impacts near Bluffton in Allen County.

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Local grant opportunity for community improvements

Posted by Staff on July 12, 2024 - 6:00am

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is seeking grant proposals for two community improvement opportunities: one for community garthering spaces and one for neighborhood revitalization.

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