by Dan Starcher | Jan 30, 2026 | Blog
🐝 Now Hiring: County Apiary Inspector (Part-Time, Seasonal) 🐝
Are you an experienced beekeeper with a passion for protecting honey bee health? The county is seeking a County Apiary Inspector to help safeguard local apiaries from diseases and pests while supporting Ohio’s beekeeping community.
Applicants must submit a required application (downloadable from https://www.wayneohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Employment-Application-fillable.pdf) and email it by February 13, 2026, to commissioners@wayneohio.org or drop it off at the Wayne County Commissioners’ Office, 428 West Liberty Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Questions? Call 330-287-5400.
### Description ###
County Apiary Inspector Position Listing
Position: County Apiary Inspector
Hours: Part-Time, Seasonal
Appointed by County Commissioners or Authorized County Official.
Compensation: Pay based on Colony’s inspected. Part time with funding up to $5,000 per year.
Definition: As an authorized representative of the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the County Apiary Inspector inspects honey bee colonies within the appointing county to prevent the introduction, dissemination, and establishment of honey bee diseases and pests, as required by sections 909.01 to 909.18 inclusive of the Ohio Revised Code and Rules 901:5-55-01 to 901:5-55-08 inclusive. Inspection results require confidentiality and discretion.
Training and Experience: Minimum three years beekeeping experience, good “people skills” and attention to details. The applicant should be able to work independently, maintain and submit records punctually. The person must have his/her apiaries registered with the State of Ohio.
Duties/Responsibilities/Abilities:
1) Inspect all colonies of registered apiaries within appointing county;
2) Complete and submit inspection reports within the time frame requested by ODA;
3) Complete monthly reports;
4) Answer questions from local beekeepers based on knowledge of facts;
5) Ability to recognize common honey bee pests and diseases
6) Understanding approved control methods for honey bee diseases and pests;
7) Ability to properly manipulate a honey bee colony;
8) Ability to effectively communicate with the public;
9) Ability to work alone;
10) Ability to lift heavy objects
Additional Requirements:
1) must not be allergic to honey bee stings;
2) must hold and maintain acceptable driving record;
3) must have reliable transportation;
4) subject to varying environmental conditions.
by Dan Starcher | Jan 5, 2026 | Blog
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting nine fatal crashes resulting in nine fatalities on Ohio’s roadways during the 2025-2026 New Year’s holiday, according to provisional statistics. The five-day reporting period began at midnight on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2025.
Of the nine fatalities, at least one occurred when a safety belt was available but not used. During the reporting period, troopers made 4,470 traffic enforcement contacts, including 238 OVI arrests, 297 distracted driving, and 469 safety belt citations. Franklin County had the most incidents among all counties, with 464, followed by Lorain, Mahoning, and Medina counties.
The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity. A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available HERE.
by Dan Starcher | Dec 10, 2025 | Blog
Data Privacy Week in Ohio: Why It Matters — and What You Can Do
by Dan Starcher, Communications Coordinator for Wayne County
WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio, Dec. 10, 2025–Every January, communities and organizations nationwide observe Data Privacy Week — a time to reflect on how we manage, protect, and respect personal information in our increasingly digital lives. In Ohio, the Attorney General’s Office uses this week to highlight practical privacy advice and remind residents of the importance of vigilance.
What is Data Privacy Week
Data Privacy Week is an annual initiative — a time for individuals and organizations to raise awareness around online privacy and data protection. As the Attorney General’s Office explains, the goal is twofold: to help people realize they have control over their personal data, and to encourage businesses and institutions to treat users’ data with the care and respect it deserves.
Though officially observed over a short span each January, the underlying message is perennial: personal data deserves protection all year long.
Why It Matters in Ohio
In a world where digital services — from social media to banking, shopping to schoolwork — touch nearly every part of daily life, data privacy is not just a nicety. It’s essential for protecting identity, financial well-being, and personal security. As the Attorney General’s Office notes, unsafe data habits can pave the way for identity theft, fraud, and other abuses.
Moreover, the volume of data collected by apps, websites, and services has grown dramatically. Many ask permission to access sensitive information — location, contacts, photos, even device-level data — often in exchange for free or low-cost services. That convenience comes with a responsibility: consumers must carefully weigh whether the tradeoff is worth it.
Ohio Attorney General’s Privacy Recommendations
To help Ohioans protect themselves, the Attorney General’s Office offers a straightforward set of actionable recommendations.
Here are some top tips that will help safeguard your data:
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security even if a password is compromised.
- Be cautious with suspicious communications. Don’t give out personal information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly — whether by phone, email, or text. If you suspect fraud, verify the identity of the caller or sender through legitimate, trusted channels.
- Review privacy settings and permissions. Whether on social media, apps, or browsers, adjust privacy settings to control what data is shared — and periodically revisit those settings.
- Think carefully about convenience vs. privacy. Some apps or services request permissions that may not be essential. Ask yourself whether granting access is really necessary for the service you want.
- Dispose of devices responsibly. Even small devices — USB drives, memory cards, old phones — can contain personal data. Before discarding or giving them away, wipe or destroy them securely.
What You Can Do — Beyond Data Privacy Week
Observing Data Privacy Week is a useful reminder, but good data hygiene practices should extend far beyond one week. Here are some proactive steps:
Audit your digital footprint: review which apps and services you use, and what permissions you granted.
Use tools designed for privacy: password managers, privacy-focused browsers, or virtual private networks (VPNs) — when appropriate.
Educate yourself and family members about phishing, scams, and data safety best practices.
Stay informed about evolving data laws and consumer protections.
Final Thought
Data Privacy Week offers an important moment for Ohioans to pause, reflect, and recommit to protecting personal information — but more importantly, it serves as a prompt to build lasting habits. As digital tools continue to evolve, so too must our approach to privacy.
By following guidance from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and integrating smart security practices into daily life, every Ohioan can play a part in safeguarding their data — today and every day.
by Dan Starcher | Nov 21, 2025 | Blog
By Dan Starcher, Communications Coordinator for Wayne County
WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio, Nov 21, 2025–Ohio offers several Energy Assistance Programs to help income-eligible households manage their heating and electric expenses more effectively. If you or someone you know could benefit from an energy assistance program, here’s a breakdown of what’s available and how to apply.
Programs Available in Ohio
- Ohio’s Energy Assistance Programs are designed to meet different household needs:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP provides a benefit that is applied directly to your utility bill to help cover heating costs.
- Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP)
Offered to households facing utility disconnection, this provides emergency financial assistance applied directly to your bill.
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)
PIPP is a payment plan that caps your monthly utility payments at a percentage of your household income — typically 5% or 10%, depending on your heating source.
- Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)
HWAP helps make your home more energy efficient by improving insulation, heating systems, and overall energy performance — saving you money long term.
- Electric Partnership Program (EPP)
EPP works with utilities and communities to provide energy-saving tools and upgrades for qualifying households.
- For HWAP and EPP, you can find your local provider by visiting energyhelp.ohio.gov.
Three ways to apply:
- Online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
- By mail, using a paper application and sending it with copies of your documents to the listed P.O. Box. LINK TO DOWNLOAD FORM
- In person, by scheduling an appointment with your local energy assistance provider or HWAP/EPP provider.
- Please note: Applications submitted online or by mail can take up to 12 weeks to process, so applying early is strongly encouraged.
To complete your application, be prepared to provide:
- Proof of citizenship for each household member
- Proof of income (from the last 30 days or last 12 months)
- Copies of your most recent utility bills
- Disability verification, if applicable
- Who Qualifies as a Household? (A household is defined as one person or a group of people living together as a single economic unit and sharing energy costs.)
Renters, if you live in federally subsidized housing and have a utility bill in your name, you may still be eligible. You’ll need documentation such as:
- A copy of your utility bill
- A lease or rental agreement
- Or a signed letter from your landlord confirming your responsibility
Eligible heat sources. To qualify, your home’s primary heating source must be one of the following:
- Gas or electric utility service
- Permanent fuel tank (oil or propane)
- Legal fireplace using wood
- Properly vented wood or coal stove/furnace
Residents of hospitals, nursing facilities, or publicly operated group housing (such as some community residences or shelters) are not eligible.
HEAP benefit depends on:
- Federal funding levels
- Household size
- Household income
- Primary heating source
- HEAP benefits are generally paid directly to your utility provider.
If you’re reapplying for PIPP, your payment amount will be based on 5% or 10% of your total household income, depending on your heat source.
Income Guidelines
- For most programs, households must fall at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
- For households larger than 8 people, income limits use 60% of the State Median Income (SMI).
- For HWAP, eligibility can go up to 200% of the FPG, with adjustments for larger households.
Why these programs matter
Energy assistance programs can make a real difference — keeping families warm in the winter, helping manage monthly bills, and improving long-term energy efficiency at home.
If you think you may qualify, don’t wait. Start your application at energyhelp.ohio.gov and explore which programs are right for you.
Ohio’s Energy Assistance Programs are available from July 2025 through May 2026, so mark your calendar and apply early.
by Dan Starcher | Jun 11, 2025 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio, June 11, 2025 – The Wayne County Commissioners recognized Elder Abuse Awareness Day recently during a regular session. “Wayne County had more than 400 Adult Protective Services cases reported from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024,” Commissioner Dave McMillen read from a proclamation. “Older adults have the right to live free from harm, with peace and dignity.”
The Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services will continue to collaborate with advocates and professionals to raise awareness and help fight elder abuse.
