Regional news

The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Hancock County during the week of July 24. All outlined work is weather permitting.

Interstate 75 southbound between the village of Bluffton and the U.S. 68/SR 15 interchange in the city of Findlay will be restricted to the left (passing) lane on Wednesday, July 26, for pavement repairs.

U.S. 30 between State Route 235 and U.S. 68 will be restricted to the right (driving) lane for resurfacing. Work zone speed limits are in effect.

State Route 103 just east of State Route 698 may have temporary lane restrictions for culvert work.

COLUMBUS, OH (July 18, 2023) - Due to improved air quality conditions throughout the state, Ohio EPA has cancelled the statewide Air Quality Advisory. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is now having less of an impact throughout the state. The most recent statewide advisory expired at end of day, Monday, July 17, 2023.

COLUMBUS, OH (July 17, 2023) - Ohio EPA is issuing a statewide Air Quality Advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires again continues to adversely impact air quality. The advisory is in effect through the end of, July 17. Ohio EPA expects the Air Quality Index to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy” ranges.

When air quality is in this range, people who are in sensitive groups (due to medical conditions, exposure conditions, or innate susceptibility) may experience health effects during outdoor activities. To decrease the potential for health issues, sensitive groups of people (children, elderly, people with asthma or COPD) should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.

To see real-time air quality in your area, visit the AirNow website.

Vaccination funding received, July 21 disaster preparedness event, window a/c fundraising

The Area Agency on Aging 3 was recently awarded funding that will allow the AAA3 to provide outreach and education on the importance of flu, pneumonia, shingles and COVID-19 vaccines for older adults and individuals living with a disability. The award comes from the Administration for Community Living through USAging's Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative. 

AAA3's initiatives could include hosting community vaccine clinics, providing in-home vaccinations, transportation to vaccination sites, and conducting outreach and education, among other activities.

Disaster Preparedness Event: Friday, July 21 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at North West Corp Apartments, |404 North West Street, Lima. AAA3 will host a free event for adults 55 and over. Participants will receive a free starter disaster preparedness kit and information packets, and general training for disaster, fire, tornadoes, etc.

The Silver Birch Foundation has purchased 10 a/c units to have on site for when the agency starts getting requests and there are no other alternatives. A fundraising campaign to support this program is being conducted through Wednesday, July 26. Donations can be made via cash or check (payable to Silver Birch Foundation).

By Casey Heilman, District Administrator  

Are you tired of seeing litter on the streets, in parks, and on our roadways  of Allen County? If so, it's time to stand up and take action! Sign up to be  a part of the Adopt A Roadway program and help restore pride in our community. 

Volunteers are needed to help keep litter from reaching our streams and  wreaking havoc on our waterways and drinking water. Those who want  to lend a hand are asked to clean up their adopted area two times a year. Trash bags, gloves, and safety vests are supplied. 

Regular participants in the program can have a sign placed at their  adopted area with their name on it. These signs credit those who work to  keep the area clean and remind others not to litter. The program is open to individuals, families, business and groups who want to add their  special area to the growing list of adopted roadways.  

The Lima/Allen County Regional Planning Commission (LACRPC) will host an open house at 10:00 a.m. on July 18 regarding the Long-Range Transportation Plan update. The plan includes a budget to guide improvements for public transportation facilities and infrastructure for the next 20 years. View the plan HERE.

The event will include a presentation and Q&A session. All members of the public are encouraged and welcome to attend this event at the RTA Administration Building Conference Room 200 E. High Street Lima, Oh 45801. Light refreshments will be provided. Free transportation is also being offered by the Lima-Allen Regional Transit Authoritty; hop on any RTA fixed bus route and tell the driver you’re on your way to the open house for a free ride to and from this event courtesy of RTA. (View the Monday-Friday Bluffton Route 9 HERE.)

Another meeting will be held from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on July 19 at the planning commission's office, 130 W. North St., Lima.

The plan will be open for public comment from Monday through July 31 at www.lacrpc.com.

For more information, contact Public Outreach and Community Program Planner Shaunna Basinger at [email protected].

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