LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Allen County Safe Community Coalition continues its mission of improving roadway safety across the county through education, awareness and community outreach programs aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
The coalition, which is funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and operates through the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission, partners with local schools, senior centers and community organizations to promote safe driving habits.
Its outreach efforts focus on increasing seat belt usage, preventing impaired driving and raising awareness about motorcycle safety.
New this year, the coalition introduced a safe driving scholarship in partnership with local attorney Michael J. Tremoulis. The program awarded two $2,500 scholarships to local students who demonstrated a commitment to safe driving practices.
"He wanted to put out a scholarship, two scholarships for $2,500 each. And so he worked with our coalition to kind of advertise, promote this in the schools since we go in and talk to a lot of high school students anyway," said Megan Kinnear of the Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition.
The scholarship recipients are Parker Will and Sydney Rostofer, both students at Delphos St. John's High School.
Kinnear also announced that she will be stepping away from her role with the coalition. Retiring Bath Township Fire Chief Joseph Kitchen will assume leadership responsibilities moving forward.
The Allen County Safe Community Coalition plans to continue its educational efforts throughout the community as it works to make local roadways safer for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
