Comment period runs through April 11
COLUMBUS __The Ohio Department of Transportation is accepting public comments on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2026 through 2029. The plan identifies the multi-modal transportation improvement projects that are scheduled for some phase of implementation throughout the state over the next four years.
The draft documents will be available for public review and comment through April 11, 2025.
COLUMBUS– The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife confirmed that 24 white-tailed deer taken during the 2024-25 hunting season tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). A total of 5,783 deer were tested. Twenty-three deer were taken by hunters in Allen, Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties. For the first time, a deer harvested by a hunter in Morrow County also tested positive for CWD.
CWD is a neurological disease that is fatal to white-tailed deer and other similar species, including mule deer, elk and moose. Once an animal is infected, there is no cure for CWD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no strong evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans. Find more information on CWD at www.ohiodnr.gov/cwd/ READ MORE
The Ohio Department of Taxation has announced that, effective April 9, 2025, in accordance with the passage of HB 366, to support the Organized Crime Commission Fund, the fee associated with new vendor’s license applications will increase from twenty-five ($25) dollars to fifty ($50) dollars.
This includes county vendor’s and transient vendor’s licenses.
A Trinity Lutheran School open house is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at 105 Allen Street, Jenera. Come and meet the teachers and check out the classrooms, gym and playground.
Learn more about tuition assistance and the Ohio EdChoice program which decreases tuition costs for students in kindergarten-8th grade. Sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks will be available from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
The Allen County Educational Service Center and Apollo Career Center will host the annual Allen County College Fair, which will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., at Apollo Career Center. This event provides high school students the opportunity to connect with various colleges and universities, providing them with valuable information and resources for those looking at postsecondary options.
By Casey Heilman Allen SWCD District Administrator
Since 1982 the Allen Soil and Water Conservation District has been offering pond and lake owners the opportunity to stock their water conveniently and cheaply.
Stocking your pond is a great way to ensure a healthy food chain between plants, fish and other life. A healthy pond requires healthy fish to help keep a more balanced ecosystem. Not only do these fish help keep the pesky insect population down, but by eating the excess nutrients that aquatic plants give off, they are also working to keep water clear and balanced. READ MORE
