Briefs: Funding approved for safety upgrades in Richland County
PUCO approves rail crossing upgrades in 15 counties
COLUMBUS — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Wednesday approved $1.17 million in safety upgrades at more than 100 rail crossings in 15 counties, including Richland County.
Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (WLE) will install LED lights at grade crossings in Richland and 10 other counties. The PUCO will pay $7,500 for each crossing, for a total of $517,500. WLE will pay for any costs exceeding $7,500 for each crossing. Similar upgrades are also planned along railways in southern Ohio. Plans call for all upgrades to be completed by April 2024.
To increase public safety during construction, local governments may seek PUCO funding for the cost of safety improvements such as rumble strips, illumination, improved signage or other enhancements at project locations. Funding for such improvements may not exceed $5,000 per project.
The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine the need for installing active warning devices. Since the PUCO began implementing these evaluations, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has decreased from 356 in 1990 to 61 in 2022.
The Ohio Rail Hotline, at 866-814-RAIL (7245), provides Ohioans with a toll-free resource for all railroad crossing questions or visit gradecrossings.puco.ohio.gov.
April 12 is 'Wear Blue Day'
As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Richland County Children Services (RCCS) is urging local residents to "wear blue" on Wednesday.
Wear Blue Day is an annual statewide event to spread awareness. On this day local businesses, offices, schools, agencies and retail outlets are asked to wear blue to show unity against child abuse and neglect. Participants can take pictures of themselves wearing blue and send them via email to Brigitte.Coles@jfs.ohio.gov for publication on the agency’s website and Facebook page.
As part of Wear Blue Day on Wednesday, Buckeye Bakery at 21 E. Fourth St. will give the first 100 customers wearing blue a free blue ribbon cookie.
Free statewide 'Welcome to Medicare' events available to Ohioans
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding free in-person and virtual "Welcome to Medicare" events across Ohio from April through June for Ohioans new to Medicare.
During the events, OSHIIP representatives provide an overview of Medicare, Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplemental insurance plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines. One-on-one follow-up counseling sessions can be scheduled.
To access Welcome to Medicare events schedules, visit insurance.ohio.gov. OSHIIP representatives are also available at 800-686-1578 and oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov to answer Medicare questions.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: PUCO OKs funding for rail crossing upgrades in Richland County
