Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed Senate Bill 288, which significantly strengthens laws in Ohio related to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. The bill, which was initially part of House Bill 283 sponsored by representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), contains several safety measures championed by Governor DeWine, including a wide ban on using and holding a phone while driving. Senate Bill 288, sponsored by Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), designates the use of cell phones and other electronic communications devices while driving as a primary traffic offense for all drivers and allows law enforcement to immediately pull over a distracted driver upon witnessing a violation. 

Here is this week's court activity from Van Wert County Court of Common Pleas for the week of December 21, 2022. 

Kayla Monfort with Activate Allen County explains, "There's just so many partners and so many collaborators are coming to the table to really look at these issues and that's really a testament too the work of Activate but also the work of so many community partners that are willing to come to that table, willing to have those conversations and put the work in to what it takes to improve the health of our youth and our entire community."

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshop was held at the Lima Community Church Axis Center, where various community leaders attended to learn more about how they can improve the area. An emphasis was placed on seeking different opinions, and including the voices of everyone when making an informed decision.

A meeting was held to continue the progression to hiring a new Chief of Police.  The Lima Civil Service Board held a meeting on Wednesday where they went over Assessment Center options that they can bring in for the Chief of Police hiring process.

It is aimed at supporting healthy behaviors in local childcare facilities. They are looking to give out six $500 grants to agencies that want to make changes to become more active and healthier for their small clients. To apply you need to provide an improvement plan and how you will implement it along with a self-assessment.

Strong wind gusts playing havoc with power lines Saturday causing isolated power outages for thousands of customers throughout our region.

In 2017 the Allen County Community Health Needs assessment showed that 5% of adults were without health care coverage in the county.