6/21/2012 - South Side Leader
     

ODNR Division of Watercraft targeting impaired boaters during Operation Dry Water

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft is working with state and local marine agencies in a nationwide crackdown on alcohol-impaired boating during Operation Dry Water this weekend, June 22-24.

This fourth annual event, initiated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, is designed to deter drunken boating, according to ODNR officials.

ODNR officials state alcohol is involved in approximately one in three boating-related accidents on Ohio waterways. Operation Dry Water is an organized national effort that focuses greater awareness on the need for smart and sober boating and for boaters to stay safe on the water.

According to ODNR officials, in 2011 during the effort, Division of Watercraft officers contacted 1,907 boaters and made eight arrests for boating while intoxicated during a weekend-long effort. A total of 112 other alcohol and boating-related violations were issued, in addition to 503 boating safety warnings. No boating-related fatalities were recorded.

Nationally, marine patrol officers made contact with 36,277 recreational boaters and issued a total of 2,522 citations, according to ODNR officials. There were 283 arrests made for boating while intoxicated, and 5,320 safety warnings were issued.

Operation Dry Water also seeks to remove boat operators who may be under the influence of drugs.

For more information, visit www.ohiodnr.com.

American Red Cross, Teamsters Local 507 reach agreement

GREATER AKRON — American Red Cross officials announced June 18 they received notification that a new collective bargaining contract has been ratified with Teamsters Local 507 in its Northern Ohio Blood Services Region.

According to Christy Sabaka, Red Cross communications manager, the Red Cross is grateful Teamsters members have agreed to the terms of the new contract and will start to return to work as soon as this week. This union represents 236 blood collection operation employees, she said.

Sabaka said the new agreement is equitable and balanced in achieving the needs of both the Red Cross and Teamsters members, and is sensitive to the financial pressures that health care providers are experiencing in today’s economic environment. With an agreement in place, she said the Red Cross is looking forward to the employees returning to work and together focusing attention on ensuring a sufficient blood supply for the hospitals and patients the Red Cross serves.

The Red Cross has reached 23 other agreements with local labor unions since this past summer, according to Sabaka.

Summit for Kids nominations being accepted

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Organizers of the third annual Summit for Kids are seeking nominations of community youth groups, nonprofit agencies and organizations, businesses and individual youths that have participated in an outstanding collaborative project, event or activity that helped improve the lives of children and families in the community.

Each winner will earn a speaking role during the Summit for Kids luncheon Aug. 17 at noon at the John S. Knight Center. Winners can tell the audience about their project, its successes and future goals, according to organizers.

More information on the award guidelines and selection process and the application form are available at www.summitforkids.net. The Summit for Kids family expo will take place Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

— By Kathleen Folkerth

County continues Tax Installment Plan

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Property owners unable to pay their full second-half tax bills can take part in the Tax Installment Plan (TIP) offered through the Summit County Fiscal Office. The second-half 2011 real estate tax bills were mailed starting June 8, according to Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise.

Scalise said the program provides relief through monthly installment payments for residential homeowners who are facing financial difficulties.

Property owners who pay their real estate taxes directly to the Fiscal Office but cannot pay the second-half amount due can avoid late payment penalties by enrolling in TIP, said Scalise. To be eligible, all taxes and assessments must be current. The deadline to sign up is July 13, which is also the last day to pay second-half 2011 real estate taxes.

Full payment must be received by Nov. 15 to avoid the statutory 10 percent penalty for late payment. There is a 5 percent enrollment charge, which is calculated on the current amount of taxes due. 

Only owner-occupied properties qualify. Homeowners who participate in the Fiscal Office’s Delinquent Tax Program are not eligible. In addition, the TIP program is not available to commercial owners or those homeowners who escrow their taxes with a mortgage lender.

For more information or to enroll, call the Fiscal Office at 330-643-2869 or go to www.co.summit.oh.us/fiscaloffice.

— By Kathleen Folkerth

FirstEnergy warning customers of utility scam

GREATER AKRON — FirstEnergy Corp. is warning customers of its 10 electric distribution companies to be wary of bogus claims that President Barack Obama will help pay utility bills for residential customers through a special federal program.

Reported in numerous states, the scam involves customers being asked to provide sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, which presents an identity-theft risk, according FirstEnergy officials. The scammers then supply customers with a phony bank routing number to pay their bills. However, no government funds are applied to customer accounts and the full balance remains due.

According to FirstEnergy officials, scam victims have been hit by individuals going door-to-door, making phone calls, posting fliers and using email, text-messaging and social media.

FirstEnergy officials encourage customers to be vigilant at all times and to notify local police if they become a victim of this fraudulent scheme.

According to FirstEnergy officials, customers should note the following:

• FirstEnergy employees do not ask for sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers.

• Customers only should use authorized methods to pay electric bills.

• Customers should check for proper identification before allowing utility employees into their homes.

• FirstEnergy employees always carry photo identification and many wear uniforms and drive clearly marked company vehicles.

• FirstEnergy utility employees typically visit a home only in response to a service request. If no one scheduled an appointment, do not allow the person through the door.

To verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to be a FirstEnergy utility employee, or for any other concerns, contact a FirstEnergy Contact Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 800-633-4766 (Ohio Edison) or 800-589-3101 (The Illuminating Co.). For more information, visit www.firstenergycorp.com.

Cooling assistance available

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Air conditioners and financial assistance with electric bills for the hot summer months are available this summer through Akron Summit Community Action (ASCA) for qualifying residents.

The 2012 Summer Cooling Program will be offered until Aug. 31. The benefit amount per household has increased this year to $250, an increase of $75 from previous years, according to ASCA officials.

Income-eligible households in Summit County can receive assistance to pay their electric bill and/or receive an air conditioner valued up to $250, ASCA officials said. This assistance is provided once per cooling season.

Households also can be eligible if they have received a disconnection notice, if a member has a medical condition that would benefit from assistance (verified by physician documentation) or where there’s a member who is 60 or older.

To apply for assistance, applicants must provide proof of income for all residents 18 years of age or older for either three or 12 months; a copy of the most recent utility bill; Social Security numbers and birth dates for all residents in the home; and medical documentation in cases required to show medical need.

To be considered for assistance, call the Summer Crisis Program appointment line at 866-504-7400. Appointments will be scheduled Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All appointments must be made through the appointment line, ASCA officials said.

— By Kathleen Folkerth

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