Ohio Settles with Air Duct Cleaning Businesses, Offers Tips to Avoid Scams

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a settlement with Scott M. Loewenstine, owner of the Duct Doctor, Ltd., to resolve concerns that his Columbus-area duct cleaning operation violated Ohio consumer law. As a result of the negotiations, Loewenstine has paid more than $15,000 in consumer restitution.

State Patrol Rolling Out New “Truck Shield” Program

As part of the kick-off for the summer travel season, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Ohio Trucking Association, rolled out a new program today dubbed Truck Shield. This program is designed for truck drivers and aims to train these drivers to assist law as extra sets of eyes and ears on the road.

Ohio Bill Expected to Help Those with Records Get Jobs

Ohioans with criminal records will find it easier to get jobs, become licensed in construction trades and get a driver’s license under legislation passed yesterday by both houses of the General Assembly.

Gov. John Kasich will sign the “collateral sanctions” bill when it reaches his desk, spokesman Rob Nichols said.

Memorial Day weekend is Kickoff of 7th Annual Amazing Treasures

The Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with a number of area attractions, are looking forward to this summer and community participation in Marion’s Amazing Treasures VII promotion. The playing card promotion starts Memorial Day weekend and will run through Labor Day weekend.

Government Offices Closing for Holiday

In observation of the Memorial Day holiday, all divisions of Marion Public Health will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2012. The closing will include the WIC office and the Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing, Vital Statistics and Administrative Divisions.

Commissioner Candidate Holding Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Ayers Ratliff, a candidate in the November election for Marion County Commissioner, is inviting the public to a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tri-Rivers Career Center, 2222 Marion Mount Gilead Road, Marion, Ohio.  Ticket prices are $25.00 for a single ticket and $40.00 for a couple.

OSU Leaders to Recommend Tuition Increase

Ohio State University leaders Wednesday announced they will recommend a 3.2 percent increase in undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for the 2012-13 academic year. Translated into dollars, in-state Ohio State undergraduates will see an annual increase of $312 for a typical two-semester academic year.

Ohio Supreme Court Rules Smoking Ban is Constitutional

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine praised the unanimous Ohio Supreme Court ruling issued today that upheld both the constitutionality and the state's enforcement of the citizen-initiated and voter-approved law restricting workplace smoking. Zeno's bar in Columbus, which owes more than $40,000 as a repeat violator of the smoking ban, had challenged the law.

New Book on War of 1812 Offered by Marion Historical Society

In conjunction with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the Marion County Historical Society has released its latest publication.  The War of 1812 – The Role of the Area Now Known as Marion County, Ohio features a review of key events of the war from national, state and local perspectives.

Deadline Nearing to Apply for Homestead Tax Exemption

Marion County Auditor, Joan Kasotis, is reminding Marion County taxpayers that the deadline for applying for both real estate and manufactured home tax savings through the Homestead Program is Monday, June 4, 2012.