Regional news

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Governor DeWine announced on March 1 that he has spoken with the CEOs of both Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads about the need for increased train derailment response training for first responders. 

Because most rail miles in Ohio are in rural areas, volunteer firefighters are most likely to be the first on scene to a train derailment. However, there is currently very little training for volunteers on responding to trail derailments.

Governor DeWine reported that the CEOs of both railroads were in favor of working with the State of Ohio to increase railroad-specific training for Ohio's first responders.

Governor DeWine also announced that the Ohio Public Utilities Commission currently has up to $800,000 in grant funding available to help Ohio's smaller fire departments pay for critically important training.

Today through May 31, PUCO will be taking applications for their annual hazardous materials training grant program. Among the opportunities funded through this program are “rail hazardous materials response training” and hazardous material incident response.

Funding for these grants is from fines paid by hazardous material carriers and shippers. More information is available at www.puco.ohio.gov. 

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Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year will begin on Monday, March 6, 2023 and continue through Friday, March 17, 2023. To register your child please go to www.adabulldogs.org/ and click on the Final Forms link.

Please be prepared to upload the following documents: Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Immunization Record (even if incomplete), Custody Document (if applicable) and Proof of Residency.

Once all paperwork is complete and required documents are uploaded, you will be emailed a link to sign up for a screening time. Screening will be held on May 11 and 12, 2023 and will be held on a first come, first served basis. 

The schools note, "We look forward to meeting you and your child. If you have any questions, please call the office at 419-634-2341."

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Been thinking about joining the thirtieth annual Hardin Leadership class? March 1 is the registration deadline. Find the registration form HERE.

The program is designed for the development of informed and effective community leaders. Nine monthly sessions will focus on the knowledge/skills required by today's community leader, such as public speaking, conflict management, and marketing.

This year’s program will be offered in morning sessions, March through November. A tuition fee of $350.00 per person covers the expenses of the program.

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Have your memories of more wintry weather grown dim? Here is the January 2023 weather summary from NWS weather observer Guy Verhoff of Pandora.

January Weather Observations Chart

JANUARY 2023 - PANDORA OBSERVATIONS

Avg. Temp 34.3

Normal Avg. Temp 25.4

Normal Avg. Prec 2.26

Max Temp 58 on the 19th

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ArtSpace/Lima will host the 35th Annual Kewpee High School Art Invitational from February 15-March 1, 2023.

Kewpee Restaurants have sponsored this exhibition and will once again highlight student artists from area high schools. Artists from eighteen area high schools entered work to be exhibited.

The work is categorized in nine areas: Ceramics, Digital Media, Drawing, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

There are awards in each of the entry categories, a Best of Show, and a Dr. Sullivan Award. Awards will be presented during the opening reception on Wednesday, February 15, from 6:30-8:00 pm.

PHOTO from Artspace/Lima Facebook

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Make designating a sober driver your game plan this Super Bowl Sunday

COLUMBUS–As people gather for Super Bowl parties on Sunday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol urges fans to refrain from driving impaired. If you plan on consuming alcohol, don’t drive and plan ahead to designate a sober driver.

In an effort to keep our roadways safe this Super Bowl Sunday, troopers will be cracking down on impaired drivers. You can do your part by reminding friends and family that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

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