Briefs: Richland County awarded $178,000 to help fight crime
Ohio communities awarded $5 million in Justice Assistance Grants
COLUMBUS — Nearly $5 million in federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) have been awarded to help communities prevent and control crime. The annual grants support the crime prevention work of law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, corrections facilities, crime victim and witness initiatives, and others.
Richland County was awarded three grants totaling $178,403. More than half — $84,936 — is going to METRICH. The Mansfield Police Department will receive $43,467 for training while the remaining $50,000 is going to the Shelby Police Department for communication upgrades.
In total, 149 projects were funded in 57 counties. The grants are administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services.
JAG funds may be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, strategic planning, research and evaluation (including forensics), data collection, training, personnel, equipment, forensic laboratories, supplies, contractual support, and criminal justice information systems. They are designed as seed money to establish new and promising programs that improve the criminal justice system.
Ontario to hold tree-lighting ceremony, craft show
The City of Ontario’s annual Christmas tree lighting will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. next Thursday at Marshall Park.
Activities include performances by the Rhapsody in Blue Show Choir, jazz band and band auxiliary, hot chocolate and cookies, and the arrival of Santa Claus at 5:45 p.m. At 6 p.m. the winners of the Ontario Lions club coloring contest will be announced.
The City of Ontario’s annual Craft Show will be held 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Admission is $2 per person or a new toy (no stuffed animals). All proceeds will benefit the Ontario Lions Club community projects and the Ontario Recreation Department.
All toys will go to the Springfield Township Fire Department and Ontario Police Department’s toy drive.
Christmas season is underway at Oak Hill Cottage
The Richland County Historical Society's Oak Hill Cottage is hosting holiday tours. Sunday tours from 2-5 p.m. will continue through Dec. 18. New this year are two evening “Gaslight Tours” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 16. An additional 7:30 p.m. tour will be added if needed. Leave a message at 419-524-1765 to make a reservation for these evening tours.
The annual Ghosts of Christmas Past event will be from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 3. This event is unique in many ways, combining a historical portrayal of past residents and visitors to Oak Hill, with a walk-through experience unlike the usual guided tours.
All tours at Oak Hill are $5 for Adults and $1 for children 12 years and under. Children in arms are free. For more information, oakhillcottage.org.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Richland County awarded three Justice Assistance Grants
