Accidental overdoses killed took the lives of over 3,000 people in Ohio last year
A state report released Thursday said an average of eight people died of accidental drug overdoses per day in Ohio last year, for a total of 3,050 deaths in 2015. The deaths are blamed on the painkiller fentanyl, which pushed the overdose fatalities to a record-high last year. Authorities say the problem has changed quickly in recent years from painkiller abuse to heroin, fentanyl and stronger drugs. State officials said their strategies to tackle the problem include working with lawmakers to stiffen penalties for fentanyl sales and make it easier to establish opiate treatment programs, as well as expanding a public awareness campaign and an addiction treatment program through drug courts.
Man from Elyria to go to prison for Child Pornography possession
An Elyria man has been sentenced to 30 year in prison. Fredrick Thomas was accused of possessing and distributing child pornography. The FBI raided Thomas’s home last year.
Perry’s Monument part of National Parks 100th Birthday Celebration
The National Park Service is celebrating their 100th birthday this year. Perry’s Monument at Put-in-Bay is also part of the celebration, with events continuing there today including live music, games under the lawn, and concludes with a fireworks show at dusk.
NEXUS Gas Pipeline issues in Medina County
The battle lines over the proposed NEXUS natural gas pipeline across northern Ohio have taken a new turn in nearby Medina County. According to the Medina Gazette, the feds have received letters-of-support from several residents, but those residents say, the letters are fakes.
Women’s Equality Day being Celebrated today
Today is ‘Women’s Equality Day’, which marks the certification of the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote. League of Women Voters Ohio president Carrie Davis told Ohio News Connection that the day is a reminder that democracy takes effort, and that everyone who has the right to vote now, has had to fight to get it and preserve it. Davis recommends Ohio voters ensure their registration is current, decide how to vote and learn about the candidates and issues on the ballot.