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*WEEK IN REVIEW*
Friday, March 29, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

"For the week ending March 29, 2024
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*Monday, March 25, 2024*

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Governor DeWine speaks at Athens High School.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited Loveland, Gallipolis, and Athens following his announcement [ [link removed] ] of new projects to revitalize communities and stimulate transformational change in Appalachia.

The projects will be funded as part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program, which was developed by the DeWine-Husted Administration and Ohio General Assembly to infuse $500 million into Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region.?



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Governor DeWine applauded [ [link removed] ] a change made to the state?s administrative rules that require emergency departments to report nonfatal drug overdoses to the Ohio Department of Health.

The Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review approved the addition of rule 3701-3-16 to the Ohio Administrative Code. The rule will take effect April 8.

?"We must continue to work tirelessly to address the overdose crisis, to support those in recovery, and to encourage wellness to prevent addiction in the first place," said Governor DeWine.

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*Tuesday, March 26, 2024*

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Governor DeWine announced [ [link removed] ] that the state has distributed 1 million fentanyl test strips in an initiative to combat the opioid crisis. The strips serve as crucial tools in harm reduction efforts, allowing users to test substances for the presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has been increasingly found laced in various street drugs, contributing significantly to overdose fatalities.

?By providing access to fentanyl test strips, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and potentially avert tragic consequences associated with opioid use," said Governor DeWine.

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*Wednesday, March 27, 2024*

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Sunset at Indian Lake

Governor DeWine announced [ [link removed] ] that Indian Lake State Park will reopen on Friday, March 29, following damage from the tornado and severe storms that struck Logan County on March 14. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff, local community members, and volunteer groups from across Ohio, this beloved recreation destination is ready to welcome back visitors well ahead of the start of the summer season.

?Ohioans are resilient, and we have been diligent in assuring the health and safety of residents in the weeks following the tornadoes and severe storms in western Ohio,? said Governor DeWine. ?Indian Lake State Park is a wonderful destination for Ohioans and visitors to enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation, and its reopening is a step toward rebuilding our communities.?



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Governor DeWine issued the following statement on the death of former Hamilton County Auditor and State Representative Brigid Kelly:

"Fran and I are saddened by the death of Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly. Brigid dedicated much of her career to public service, first as a Norwood City Councilwoman, then as a State Representative, and then as Hamilton County Auditor. Like many who worked with her, I knew Brigid to be cordial, collaborative, and willing to work with both parties to help advance the interests of Ohioans. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Brigid?s husband, Steve, and her entire family."

In honor of the life and service of former State Representative Brigid Kelly, Governor DeWine ordered [ [link removed] ] the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Hamilton County, the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes Tower from sunrise to sunset on the day of her funeral.

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LightSound device

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) have joined forces [ [link removed] ] to introduce LightSound [ [link removed] ] technology at Ohio state parks and wildlife areas, enhancing accessibility for Ohioans who are blind or have low vision during the April 8 solar eclipse. ?

?Ensuring accessibility for all Ohioans is a priority for our administration,? Governor DeWine said. ?By partnering with OOD and ODNR to introduce LightSound technology, we're taking meaningful steps to leave no Ohioan behind, especially during significant events like the solar eclipse."



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Governor DeWine issued the following statement regarding the death of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman:

?Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.?

?Joe was a Senate colleague who put country over party. He cared deeply about our country and the people he served.? He was a man of great integrity. I was proud to work together with Joe on a number of issues including legislation to combat underage drinking on college campuses.??

?He was a good man, who lived his faith. He was the first Jewish nominee for vice president, and he exhibited graciousness in defeat when the 2000 election was called for the Bush-Cheney ticket.

?Fran and I send our condolences to Hadassah and their entire family. May Joe?s memory be a blessing."

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*Thursday, March 28, 2024*

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Enrolled Acres

Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture announced [ [link removed] ] more than 1.8 million acres are now enrolled in H2Ohio, a comprehensive water quality plan designed to address complex issues affecting Lake Erie. The results of the most recent sign-up period show a 32% increase in enrolled acres when compared wiith previous sign ups.

?Ohio?s farmers initially stepped up when H2Ohio was announced to be part of the solution to the water quality issues we see in Lake Erie,? said Governor DeWine. ?Today we are announcing that even more of Ohio?s farmers are dedicated to doing their part, and we appreciate their willingness to participate in the effort to improve Ohio?s water quality. ?



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*Friday, March 29, 2024*

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Front cover of 2024 travel guide

Governor DeWine released [ [link removed] ] the "2024 State of Ohio Travel Guide" produced by TourismOhio, inviting visitors and residents to explore must-see attractions and offering inspiration for dining and overnight stays, in addition to Ohio trip-planning resources. Travelers can view the guide online or receive a free copy by mail.?

?It?s wonderful to see all of Ohio?s unique and exciting destinations and also learn about some creative and truly innovative Ohioans showing the spirit of our great state,? said Governor DeWine. ?Fran and I hope the guide encourages people to come experience the heart of it all for themselves ? because we know when they visit Ohio, they?ll fall in love with it.??



*VIEW 2024 TRAVEL GUIDE* [ [link removed] ]


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Governor DeWine announced [ [link removed] ] the availability $4 million in substance abuse grants over the next two years as part of the Ohio Deflection and Pre-Arrest Diversion Grant Program, administered by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

??Helping those with substance abuse issues with recovery is an important strategy to reduce crime and the stress it places on our corrections system,? Governor DeWine said. ?These grants will allow local communities challenged by high overdose rates to develop, expand, or enhance substance use deflection and pre-arrest diversion programs, to identify, treat, and support those impacted by the use and misuse of opioids, stimulants, and other substances.?

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Photo of Katelyn Dickey

Governor DeWine announced [ [link removed] ] the appointment of Katelyn Dickey to the 7th District Court of Appeals.?

Dickey, of Lisbon, will assume office on April 10, 2024, and will be taking the seat formerly held by Judge David D'Apolito, who resigned at the beginning of the year. She will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and will need to run for election in November 2024 to retain the seat.?



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March 15 Indian Lake

Following this week?s damage assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the 11-county area affected by this month?s tornadoes, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has initiated several federal and state disaster aid mechanisms [ [link removed] ] which could bring financial relief to Ohioans affected by the severe weather incidents.

?After the recent tornadoes in Indian Lake and the surrounding region, I promised that we would do all we can to support those who lost their homes or businesses, or had their homes or businesses severely damaged, to help them on the road to recovery,? said Governor DeWine. ?Today I am initiating several steps for potential relief for Indian Lake and the surrounding communities.?

FEMA declarations are granted at the discretion of the President and often take several months for a decision to be issued after the Governor?s application [ [link removed] ].



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*Governor's Appointments on Mar. 29, 2024* [ [link removed] ]


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