With more snow on the way, the City of Lima is asking for residents' help to make the plowing process more productive. Crews are still out trying to clean up the remaining snow on the city streets. But that becomes difficult when vehicles are not being moved. If you have a driveway, please park there, and if not, try and move to a space that has already been cleared.

Millions of Americans are under winter weather advisories and if you’re one of them, it’s important to make sure you’re staying safe – especially when shoveling snow. “Snow removal is actually pretty dangerous. Most commonly, we see people that strain their lower back while shoveling all the snow, mostly because snow is deceptively heavy,” said Carole Parsons, MD, emergency medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic. “A lot of people choose to scoop and throw the snow when it may actually be a little bit safer to try and push it instead.”

January 10, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – With winter settling across the state, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is reminding outdoor enthusiasts that “No Ice is Safe Ice” as part of its ongoing commitment to safety and education. Frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers may appear inviting for recreational activities, but ODNR urges all Ohioans to prioritize safety while enjoying winter pastimes.

With the winter months nearly upon us, it's time to start preparing for harsher conditions. Yesterday began Winter Safety Awareness Week, and everyone should make sure they have what they need to combat the unpredictable weather. Put in place an emergency plan to make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. Test your heating systems and your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure everything is in working order. And stock up on essentials in case you're stuck in your home for an extended period of time.

October 14, 2024, Press Release from the American Red Cross: LIMA, Ohio, October 14, 2024— The American Red Cross Indiana Region is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers to join our disaster team to help locally and/or deploy for major national disaster relief efforts. Interested community members are urged to sign up today at redcross.org/volunteer. All candidates must complete the necessary training. Applicants who don’t have disaster experience, but have supervision, management or organization skills; a strong desire to help others; and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, are encouraged to apply.

It is not a shock that it has been very dry lately. According to the Drought Monitor issued on September 26th, all of west-central Ohio is in at least moderate drought with severe drought to the north and southeast of Lima. Extreme and exceptional drought has ravaged much of central and southeastern Ohio. On Friday, I traveled to the Auglaize County Ohio State University Extension Office in Wapakoneta where I was told that topsoil conditions are not great.