Briefs: Ohio Mutual announces merger, more CWD cases, new lead poisoning program
Wisconsin-based United Mutual to merge into Ohio Mutual Insurance Group
Ohio Mutual Insurance Group has reached agreement to merge Medford, Wisconsin-based United Mutual Insurance Company as a subsidiary under Ohio Mutual’s mutual holding company structure. The boards of directors for both organizations voted on May 17 to approve the transaction, subject to regulatory approval and a vote of United Mutual policyholders.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.
Founded in 1878, United Mutual serves nearly 6,000 policyholders in North Central and Western Wisconsin through a network of nearly 40 independent agencies.
Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, founded in 1901 and based in Bucyrus, partners with nearly 400 independent agencies.
Division of Wildlife confirms additional CWD cases in Marion, Wyandot Counties
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has confirmed 11 additional white-tailed deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Marion and Wyandot counties.
Seven of the CWD-positive deer were bucks and four were does. Testing was performed on deer harvested by hunters during the 2022-23 season, as well as on deer taken through targeted removal efforts in February and March. Postseason deer removal is meant to slow the spread of CWD by reducing deer numbers in areas where the disease has been detected.
Since the fall of 2020, a total of 22 wild deer have tested positive for CWD, all in Wyandot and Marion counties — 16 in Wyandot, six in Marion. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer and other similar species, including mule deer, elk, and moose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no strong evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans. Find more information about CWD, including a map of known locations, at ohiodnr.gov/cwd.
Sampling for CWD will continue in the 2023-24 deer hunting season. Special deer hunting regulations and hunting opportunities will be in effect in the disease surveillance area of Hardin, Marion and Wyandot counties.
Program launched to protect Ohioans from lead poisoning
COLUMBUS — The state has introduced a new program aimed at protecting Ohioans in all 88 counties from exposure to toxic lead.
The new Lead Safe Ohio Program will invest $150 million toward state and local efforts to prevent lead poisoning and remediate lead contamination.
Approximately $100 million will go toward lead prevention and mitigation such as lead-safe building certification, screening and testing for lead poisoning, education and outreach, and early intervention for children and families impacted by lead. Remaining funds will be used by the Ohio Department of Development for workforce development, recruitment and retention of lead contractors, and lead remediation services in single-family homes, congregate care shelters and child care facilities constructed before 1978.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: United Mutual merges with Ohio Mutual, more CWD cases, Lead Safe Ohio
