COLUMBUS—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on March 8 that Norfolk Southern Corporation has agreed to his idea to improve and expand firefighter training by creating a new first responders training center and expanding its Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program, which travels the company’s 22-state network and trains first responders on how to respond safely to rail incidents.
“The derailment in East Palestine made clear that ensuring first responders are prepared for disasters involving hazardous materials is vitally important to the safety of communities,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Often first responders are volunteers, and their need to have the most up-to-date training and equipment is essential. Today’s commitment by Norfolk Southern is an important next step in the company’s commitment to make the citizens of Ohio and of East Palestine whole after the recent derailment, a commitment Ohio will continue to monitor closely.”
The new safety training center’s mission will be focused on providing additional, free training for first responder across the region, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This effort will also strengthen coordination between railroads and first responders in the event of an emergency response.
At 7:45 a.m. on Friday morning, March 10, the community is invited to cheer on Ada High School wrestlers Marley Bulerin and Clayton McClain as they leave the fire station parking lot for the 2023 OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament.
The Bulldog wrestlers will also be celebrated at the school today, March 9, with a "State Walk." All students will come into the hallway and clap out/cheer for the wrestlers as they leave the building.
The Hardin County Agricultural Society is hosting a cheerleading competition at the Hardin County Fair on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.
The competition is for school squads, recreation squads, local gyms, USASF teams, and individuals/duos. The competition will have tumbling & non-tumbling and stunting & non-stunting divisions in the following categories:
At the March 7 meeting of the Ada Council, all councilors were present. In addition to the Kenton Times and Ada Icon, Ray Finnegan of Aspen Energy was present.
The council reviewed 4 claims registers with Fiscal Officer Patty Navin, learning that PUCO is now charging utility operators an annual registration fee that is part of legislation ensuring that anyone excavating or operating underground facilities follows safe digging practices.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Moving Mr. Finnegan ahead in the agenda, Mayor Dave Retterer opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Finnegan presented information on electricity aggregation opportunities for the Village. Gas and electrical aggregation is being adopted by some area communities, including villages and unincorporated areas. To make this change, aggregation must be passed by local ballot. Additional information on this and other items is in the attached packet.
