Former Contractor Sentenced in Multi Million Dollar Ohio Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Case

Former Contractor Sentenced in Multi Million Dollar Ohio Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Case

Columbus, Ohio- In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased unemployment of millions of Americans, Congress passed various programs to address the crisis, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. The PUA program expanded and loosened unemployment eligibility requirements for recipients. Consequently, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), the agency responsible for distributing PUA benefits in Ohio, received an unprecedented number of unemployment compensation claims. This increase in claims necessitated ODJFS to hire intermittent and […]

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Kenton Hardin Hosts Soroptimist Regional Conference in Columbus

Standing in front is SI Midwestern Region Secretary Karen Kier and SI Midwestern Region Governor Ruth Waggoner. Standing in back is SI Midwestern Region Treasurer Maylene Deckling and SI District 2 Director Laura Ferguson.Kenton/Hardin County Soroptimist International The Soroptimist International Midwestern Region held a conference from April 24 to 26 at the Marriott Bonvoy Columbus Hotel. SI District 2’s Kenton-Hardin Co. served as the host club. The conference was successful with workshops and sharing of ideas between attendees. Sixteen members […]

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ODVS to Exhibit at Women Veterans Engage 2026 Conference in Columbus

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) will be exhibiting at the Women Veterans Engage 2026 Conference: Ohio Women in Uniform: Past, Present & Supporters. The event highlights the achievements and contributions of women in uniform throughout Ohio’s history, while connecting veterans, families, stakeholders, and community supporters. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about ODVS programs, resources, and support services. Keynote speaker Shelly Rood, an Army intelligence leader and founder of Mission Ambition LLC, will headline the […]

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News

Two Former ODJFS Workers Sentenced in Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Case

Columbus, Ohio, April 28, 2026- In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased unemployment of millions of Americans, Congress passed various programs to address the crisis, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. The PUA program expanded and loosened eligibility unemployment requirements for recipients. Consequently, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), the agency responsible for distributing PUA benefits in Ohio, received an unprecedented number of unemployment compensation claims. This increase in claims necessitated ODJFS to […]

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News

Lima Allen County Chamber to Host Ribbon Cutting for Art of Transformation

The Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Art of Transformation with an official ribbon cutting ceremony tomorrow morning. It will start at 11:30 Wednesday morning at 461 Charles Street in Spencerville. Art of Transformation is redefining mental health and trauma healing through Reclaym., its signature method. They offer workshops, coaching, immersive experiences, and upcoming certification programs through the Art of Transformation Institute, serving teens, adults, and professionals.

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News

Driver Escapes Injury After Semi Rolls Down Embankment on I-75

Bath Township – On April 27, 2026, at approximately 7:13 P.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a commercial semi-truck on I-75, driving down an embankment and overturning, in Bath Township, Allen County. Almazbek Omurzakov, age 50, from Greenville, South Carolina was southbound on I-75 driving a 2020 Volvo semi. Mr. Omurzakov drove off the right side of the roadway, through a guardrail, and overturned down an embankment. Mr. Omurzakov was wearing […]

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Featured

Ryan Newland Named OhioHealth Hardin Senior Advisor of Operations

OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital has named Ryan Newland, BSN, RN, as Senior Advisor of Operations, effective April 24, 2026. Newland brings more than two decades of healthcare experience and a deep connection to Hardin County into the role. In this role he will partner with leaders and teams across the hospital to support day-to-day operations and advance work that strengthens patient care and the overall patient experience. A graduate of Upper Scioto Valley High School, Newland began his healthcare career […]

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News

Elwood Motorsports Sweeps Opening Round of 2026 ProAm Series at MCC Cincinnati

Elwood Motorsport Team LLC The Forest-based Elwood Motorsports Team headed south to the Motorsports Country Club in Cincinnati for the opening round of the 2026 ProAm series this past weekend. Alan Elwood, driver of the Performance Powder Coating Quest Federal Credit Union number 5 cruised to a sweep at the beautiful MCC circuit. Elwood Motorsport Team LLC Elwood set fast time in qualifying, then cruised to a commanding win in the pre-final. Alan started on the pole for the final […]

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Helping Careers Academy Offering Free Summer Program for Area Students

The Helping Careers Academy is offering a free four‑day summer program for area students currently in 8th grade through current high‑school seniors, running from 9 AM to 12 PM with sessions available July 13–16, July 20–23, or July 27–30 at the PASS Bellefontaine Office. Participants will explore career paths, learn job‑seeking and financial‑literacy skills, meet real professionals, and students who attend all four days will receive a $50 Walmart gift card. Space is limited. The application deadline is Friday, June […]

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