by Dan Starcher | Apr 25, 2022 | Blog, Uncategorized
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, Apr. 25, 2022 — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation today recognizing April 22-29, 2022, as Ohio State Parks Week.
“From Maumee Bay to Forked Run, our state parks add so much to our quality of life and make Ohio a great place to live,” said Governor DeWine. “I encourage you to celebrate our state parks by taking time to get outside and enjoy a walk along a Storybook Trail with your family, a day on the water with friends, or a hike to some of Ohio’s most scenic spots.”
In partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio State Parks Foundation, Governor DeWine is inviting everyone to visit a state park near them from April 22-29, 2022. A full list of programming and activities happening at Ohio state parks is available on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ event calendar.
Ohioans are lucky to have 75 state parks to choose from where they can visit with family and friends and enjoy, learn about, and support the beautiful landscape and natural features of Ohio. Visitors can experience thousands of miles of trails, mountain biking, beaches, disc golf, and much more.
“Our state parks offer a little bit of everything, no matter what your family is looking for,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “From a hike along the trails at the southern tip of the Buckeye State to a sunset paddle along the shores of Lake Erie, our parks offer tranquility, adventure, and everything in between.”
Governor DeWine announced the purchase and plans for Ohio’s 76th state park near Xenia in 2021. The park will feature an interpretation center developed in partnership with the three federally recognized Shawnee tribes and the Ohio History Connection. Construction is planned to begin in the summer of 2022, and the facility is expected to open in the fall of 2023.
The state of Ohio has a rich history of parks, starting in 1949 when Buckeye Lake was officially named Ohio’s first state park. The area used to be touted as “Ohio’s Inland Seashore” and the “Atlantic City of the Middle West.” During the early 20th century, the lake shores were lined with hotels and restaurants meant for families who came to experience amusement park rides, a skating rink, and arcade games.
Governor DeWine and ODNR announced the creation of the Ohio State Parks Foundation last year to protect and enhance Ohio’s parks and advocate for their future. Visit www.ohiostateparksfoundation.org to vote for your favorite state park.
by Wayne Ohio | Dec 6, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 5, 2021 — Today Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on the death of former U.S. Senator Bob Dole.
“We just heard that our friend, former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, has died. A few weeks ago, Fran and I received a surprise call from Elizabeth and him. When I entered the Senate, he was the Senate Leader. He was a courageous, tough, strong, and compassionate man, who loved his country deeply.
“He was grievously wounded in Italy during World War II and was lucky to have survived those devastating injuries at all. He was bedridden — his body wracked by pain. He could hardly even move.
“But, he knew that we have to work if we’re going to succeed. And, he worked. He worked through the pain and the rebuilding — and he became one of America’s most important leaders in of the last half-century.
“Even after he left the Senate, he never stopped working. He led the efforts to see to it that the brave men and women who fought so valiantly for our nation during WWII are honored with a national memorial. He turned the plans for that memorial into a reality. I have talked to WWII veterans who made the ‘honor flight’ to Washington to visit the memorial, who were both surprised and delighted to be greeted there by Bob Dole, himself!
“When he was running for President, Fran and I have a very fond memory campaigning with Senator Dole and Elizabeth on the campaign bus with our young daughter Anna and the Oak Ridge Boys. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget.
“Bob Dole was all about making a difference and changing things for the better. He had a ‘let’s get it done’ attitude. When we talked to him the last time, he still had that same zest for life and strong spirit that I always saw when I served with him.
“Today, America has lost a hero and a statesman, and Fran and I will dearly miss our friend. Bob Dole was a man of indisputable integrity, honor, and leadership, and I am proud and honored to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from this extraordinary man.
“We send our love to Elizabeth and his daughter Robin.”
by Wayne Ohio | Oct 21, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, October 21, 2021 — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Registrar Charles Norman today unveiled Ohio’s next generation of standard license plates.
The Ohio BMV designed the new “Sunrise in Ohio” license plate with input from Governor and First Lady DeWine, who took inspiration from the Great Seal of Ohio, the state’s diverse landscapes, Ohio’s past and present innovations, and the state’s bold, bright future.
“We wanted Ohio’s new license plate to reflect the heart and soul of our state and to encapsulate where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going,” said Governor DeWine. “The imagery on our new license plate symbolizes what makes Ohio beautiful, unique, and extraordinary.”
“Growing up and living in Ohio throughout our entire lives, Mike and I love the Ohio story,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. “With the new license plate, we wanted to feature Ohio’s beauty, talent, and rich history, while emphasizing with each new sunrise in Ohio, comes a new day and opportunity forward for an even brighter future.”
The “Sunrise in Ohio” license plate pays tribute to Ohio’s majestic waterways and rolling landscape. A farm field represents Ohio’s strong roots in agriculture, while a skyline represents Ohio’s momentum as a leader in technology and innovation. The airplane symbolizes Ohio’s history as the Birthplace of Aviation, and a child swinging from a tree with a dog nearby symbolizes Ohio’s youth and future generations.
“We are pleased and honored to be able to offer this new license plate to our customers,” said Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman. “We look forward to seeing the “Sunrise in Ohio” plate proudly displayed on our great state’s roadways soon.”
The new plate will be available to drivers online at bmv.ohio.gov and at all local deputy registrar locations beginning on Dec. 29, 2021.
Over the past 20 years, four new standard license plate designs have been introduced, including the “Bicentennial” plate in 2001, the “Sunburst” plate in 2003, the “Beautiful Ohio” plate in 2009, and the “Ohio Pride” plate in 2013.
by Wayne Ohio | Mar 22, 2020 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, March 22, 2020 — On Sunday, March 22, under the direction of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH issued a director’s order to require all Ohioans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 beginning at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 23, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020. This order prohibits holding gatherings of any size and closes all nonessential businesses. It does NOT prohibit essential activities like going to the grocery store, receiving medical care, or taking your pet for a walk. Residents can return home from out of state and can leave the state. View the order HERE.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County Government.
by Wayne Ohio | Dec 23, 2019 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 2019 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive sober this holiday season. Troopers will focus on removing impaired drivers from our roadways in an effort to reduce fatal and injury crashes.
In 2018, there were 10 fatal crashes that killed 11 people during the five-day holiday period. Of the 10 fatalities in which safety belts were available, seven were unbelted. Additionally, five crashes and six fatalities were OVI related.
“Incidents of impaired driving increase during the holiday season as people visit family and friends,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Please don’t risk your life or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel while impaired.”
During last year’s reporting period, the Patrol made 405 arrests for OVI. Last year’s reporting period ran from Friday, December 21 through Tuesday, December 25. This year’s reporting period is December 24 and 25.
“We take impaired driving seriously and remain dedicated to promoting safety on Ohio’s roadways,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro. “You can save lives and make our roads safer when you designate a sober driver.”
The Patrol reminds drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or make other arrangements. Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the Patrol by calling #677.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County Government.
