Regional news

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Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two 
During the spring walleye run, anglers travel from all over the country to catch their limit of fish. While working sportfishing enforcement along the Maumee River, State Wildlife Officer Nathan Robinson, assigned to Van Wert County, and State Wildlife Officer Ethan Bingham, assigned to Williams County, observed a group of anglers snag several walleye. The fish were placed on stringers and the anglers continued to fish. The officers contacted the anglers, confiscated the snagged fish, and issued multiple summonses for the violations.   

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By Paula Scott

The Motter Metro Park in Bluffton, one of 15 Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District locations with pathways to explore, has a deceptively modest entrance and description. With 1.5 miles of trail, you might expect a hike with naturalist Dan Hodges to be a brief jaunt. And perhaps you've never pulled off at the entrance at 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road.

But for those who visited the park on a summer evening in July–in the company of a naturalist and other park enthusiasts–it proved to be a leisurely, flower-filled treat.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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