Ohio Bill Could Begin the End to Landline Phones

A bill moving through the Ohio General Assembly would relieve phone companies from their responsibility to provide basic phone service for all residents even when unprofitable. Senate Bill 271 would allow companies to discontinue basic landline service beginning in 2013 if the area is deemed “competitive” by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

MTC, OSUM to Benefit from Capital Budget Bill

State Representatives Jeff McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Dorothy Pelanda (R-Marysville)  have announced the passage of House Bill 482, the capital budget bill. Universities statewide will be benefitting from the capital budget bill, including those in Marion County.

Marion Red Cross is Seeking Volunteers

The Marion County Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for enthusiastic and caring people who want to make a difference. Persons who are willing to share their skills and time are needed in the area of Disaster Services.

Ruth Honored for Sales Achievement

Roger L. Ruth, Marion, Ohio, a representative of Modern Woodmen of America, has been named to Modern Woodmen’s President’s Cabinet.  This distinction recognizes Ruth’s high achievement in life insurance sales and ranking among the organization’s top representatives nationwide.

New Law Allows More Opportunities for Micro-Distillers

A new law went into effect last week eliminating restrictions on the number of manufacturing licenses that can be issued for micro-distilleries in Ohio.  House Bill 243, signed into law by Governor John R. Kasich, allows more businesses to operate, expand and create jobs in Ohio.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Rob Bank

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says they have made an arrest in the attempted bank robbery at Commercial Savings Bank, 195 Barks Road West. A media release says that Vencil William Medley II, 34, of Marion was arrested on Friday, March 23.

Ohio Unemployment Rate Down a Tick

Ohio's unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in February, down from 7.7 percent in January, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment rose 28,300 over the month from the revised 5,119,300 in January to 5,147,600 in February.

Freeman Sought for Probation Violation

The Marion County Adult Probation Department is seeking 33-year-old Travis Freeman for a probation violation. He is a white male, 5'10" tall and 155 lbs with blue eyes and brown hair. His last known address is 840 Gebhart Street in Marion.

Unemployment Benefits Running Out for Many Ohioans

Ohio’s falling unemployment is good news for many workers — unless you are among the thousands who have been out of a job for a long time. With a 7.7 percent jobless rate, Ohio no longer qualifies for as many weeks of emergency unemployment benefits provided by Congress to help states weather the recession.

Dance Group Holding Rummage Sale

Bethlehem Dance Education and Ministry Arts. 645 East Church Street in Marion, is holding a rummage sale to raise fund for the dancers’ Zion Worship Arts/Missions in Charlotte, NC and for dance trips. The sale is Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 9:00am to 4:00pm.