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 2, 2020 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Nov. 2, 2020 — Throughout the month of November, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is conducting an online survey to identify traffic safety concerns and obtain feedback about interactions with the agency.
The 2020 Public Survey is anonymous and takes approximately five minutes to complete. The survey is designed to be used as a platform for organizational learning, asking specific questions related to traffic safety issues and previous interactions with OSHP employees. The survey is created in accordance with standards of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
OSHP is committed to providing professional law enforcement services focused on deterring crime and promoting traffic safety to improve the quality of life for the citizens and visitors of Ohio. Please consider taking the survey to help us better serve you.
To take the survey please visit: https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov, the direct link to the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020SurveyOSHP.
Posted by By Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.
by Dan Starcher | Oct 19, 2020 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Oct. 19, 2020 – The week of October 19 through 23 has been designated National School Bus Safety Week. This year’s theme, “Red Lights Mean STOP!” serves as a reminder for students, parents, teachers, and the community to keep school bus safety at the forefront.
From 2017 to 2019, there were 3,967 crashes involving school buses reported in Ohio. During that time frame, five people were killed in five crashes and 1,322 injuries. None of those killed in these crashes were passengers on the buses.
“Ohio drivers need to watch for school buses–especially when they stop to drop off or pick up our students,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Working together, we can ensure that school buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school.”
Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a bus comes to a stop, flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus is picking up or dropping off students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus resumes traveling.
Also from 2017 to 2019, troopers cited 1,999 drivers who passed a school bus when they were required to stop.
“Although drivers are required to stop for school buses loading or unloading passengers, children should not rely on motorists to do so,” said Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. “Children exiting the bus should always stop and look both ways before crossing the street, remaining alert for any sudden traffic.”
Troopers will be highly visible this week along school bus routes and in school zones to ensure the safety of students.
For a complete statistical breakdown of school bus violations and crashes, visit https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/links/School_Bus_Bulletin_2020.pdf.
Posted by By Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.
by Dan Starcher | May 8, 2020 | Blog
2020CENSUS.GOV, May, 2020 — In order to protect the health and safety of our workforce and the public, the Census Bureau has taken the following safety measures prior to resuming field operations:
- Secured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitizer for field and office staff;
- Conducted deep cleaning of office workspaces;
- Developed mandatory COVID-19 training (outlining steps for staying safe while performing field duties);
- Practicing social distancing, including shift work, in offices;
- Maximizing telework, when possible.
During this unprecedented time, protecting the health and safety of our employees and the American public continues to be the Census Bureau’s top priority. 2020 Census field operations have resumed in select locations across the nation.
The phased return-to-work plan adheres to guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management as well as federal, state and local authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The U.S. Census Bureau continues to accept applications for temporary part-time positions with the 2020 Census. Although many job offers have been made, there is still an opportunity for jobs to be offered.
For additional information, or to apply click HERE.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.
by Dan Starcher | Dec 17, 2019 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, Dec. 2019 — With the winter holidays just weeks away, Ohio residents may want to consider giving gifts that will help family members and friends sustain themselves during the event of a disaster or home emergency. Items to build an emergency preparedness kit can make unique and useful holiday gifts.
“If you’re still looking for a good gift for that hard-to-buy-for loved one, consider giving the gift of preparedness,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “This may jumpstart them on the road toward preparedness and could make a huge difference in a disaster or emergency – maybe even save a life.”
Ideas for emergency preparedness gift items include:
– Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank NOAA Weather Radio with Tone Alert
– Battery-Operated or Hand-Crank Flashlight or Lantern with Extra Batteries
– Walkie-Talkies, Extra Batteries
– Solar-Powered Cell Phone Charger
– Combination Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector
– Fire Extinguisher
– Activity Books, Playing Cards and Board Games for Kids (in case the power goes out)
– Water Bottle with Built-In Filter (personal water filter)
– Multipurpose Tool or Swiss Army Knife
– Personal Hygiene Comfort Kit: shampoo, body wash, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Holiday shoppers may also want to consider giving a winter car kit equipped with a snow brush, ice scraper, emergency flares, jumper cables, shovel, a blanket, and a travel-size first aid kit. For animal lovers: a pet disaster kit with a food and water dish, pet food, bottled water, and a leash or pet carrier.
Over the next couple of weeks, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency will highlight these emergency preparedness gift ideas on Facebook and Twitter.
For additional information on emergency preparedness and winter weather safety, visit ReadyOhio at www.ready.ohio.gov.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.
