Distracted driving law produces results

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and leaders from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), a division of The Ohio Department of Public Safety, are encouraged by new data that shows the state’s strengthened distracted driving law is making a positive impact on Ohio’s roadways.

“Ohio’s new law went into effect a little over a month ago, and it’s already making a difference,” said Governor DeWine. “I’m glad to see that Ohio drivers are making safety a priority and putting their phones down while they drive.”

The law makes it illegal in most cases for drivers to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device. The violation is now considered a primary offense, meaning any officer can pull over a driver immediately if they witness a violation.

The data analysis from Cambridge Mobile Telematics(CMT) shows a 9.1% reduction in distracted driving in Ohio since April 4. This has helped prevent 540 crashes, one fatality, and $13 million in economic damages. In March, Ohio drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 39 seconds interacting with their phones for every hour of driving. From April 4 through May 3, Ohio drivers used their phones while driving for 1 minute and 30 seconds, a 9-second drop.

“We are pleased that Ohio drivers are taking this new law seriously and beginning to change their behavior, but there is still more work to do,” said Emily Davidson, executive director of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

“There is no acceptable level of distracted driving. This behavior is dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. The goal is for all drivers to put their phones down for the entire time they are behind the wheel.” A public awareness campaign is underway now to teach drivers about the new law. The “Phones Down. It’s The Law.” campaign includes television and radio ads, billboards, social media, and a new website at phonesdown.ohio. gov. The campaign will be active during the law’s six-month grace period where the Ohio State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement will be issuing warnings as part of the effort to educate drivers. As of May 10, over 2,100 campaign materials have been distributed to traffic safety partners across Ohio.

Cub Scouts offer summer adventures

By Ed Banks Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ – The first Cub Scout packs were first registered in 1930 and are a program of Boy Scouts of America. The Cub Scouts have now evolved into an organization that offers programs to children in kindergarten through the fifth grade. The packs admit both boys and girls and promote a “family pack” mentality by encouraging parents and guardians to participate, too.

Locally, Pack 269 leads 28 members in their programs. The groups meet at the Presbyterian Church on Market Street in Cadiz.

“The packs are divided into four groups,” said Den leader Cory Patton.

“The kindergarten group is the Lions, the first graders are the Tigers, the second graders are the Wolves, and the third graders are the Bears. The fourth graders are called ‘Weblos’ (meaning, we be loyal scouts), and the fifth graders are the Arrows of Light, but the two older groups combine to meet together.”

Today, there are Cub Scouts active in Harrison, Belmont, Jefferson, and Carroll Counties.

The programs offered are achievement-based in nature. The scouts do activities and tasks to earn medals for their belts and patches to distinguish their rank. Recently, members of Pack 269 received a visit from the Cadiz Fire Department, who shared the workings and the responsibilities of the Department. The pack also experienced a day camp, where they made and launched rockets, played games, used bouncy balls, met with a game warden, and did other outdoor activities. The camp was held at Sandcrest Reservation.

“One thing that remains in our groups is the pinewood derby, and the exciting process of the competition,” added Patton. “We have seen local businesses support the event in many ways, and it is something we look forward to doing.”

On Wednesday evenings, the ‘Lions’ and the ‘Tigers’ meet at 5 p.m., the ‘Wolves’ meet at 7 p.m., and the Bears meet at 4 p.m.” The Weblos/ Arrows of Light meet on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. Patton would like to hear from families of children who may be interested in joining the Cub Scouts. Because the program runs year-round, members can join the pack at any time. Call Cody Patton at 740-381-5907.

Campsites welcome pets

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is pleased to announce that all MWCD campsites are now officially 100% pet friendly!

In addition, select cabins at each lake will now allow pets.

“We love our pets and know our guests do too. Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in popularity of families traveling and camping with pets,” said Adria Bergeron, director of Marketing and Communications. “Our camp areas have been mostly pet-friendly for many years, but demand has caused us to review our rules, and as a result pet-restricted areas are a thing of the past.”

Some tips on camping with your well-behaved pet include ensuring they are up-to-date on required vaccinations, registration, and identification. In addition, don’t forget to pack a dog bowl and food, dog water dish, outdoor toys, and most importantly, a leash!

The MWCD lakes offer hiking trails, marinas with boat rentals, and plenty of green space to allow your furry family member to enjoy nature. While Atwood Lake Park is currently the only location with a dog park, more locations are under consideration in the future. While pets will be permitted in all areas, they must be on a leash and owners must clean up after their pets. Those not following the rules will be asked to leave the parks. For cabins, a non-refundable $50-per-pet fee will also be applied for cabin guests.

Dear Editor, I am writing this letter concerning the property where the old post office is located. I would suggest that if, and when, this building is removed, that this property would be used to create a walk-through park dedicated to all first responders: law enforcement, fire and rescue, and EMS. This would thereby keep that corner open to enhance visibility and safety to all traffic converging at the intersection of Grant Street, St. Clair Avenue, and South Main Street.

I think the community would be well served by this.

Sincerely, Wayne Cope Cadiz