Ohio governor says he needs leverage over drug makers
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Gov. John Kasich says he needs more leverage over pharmaceutical companies to help drive down the cost of health care.
Kasich said on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday that drug expenses are the biggest driver of costs in Ohio’s Medicaid program, which serves poor children and families.
The Republican Kasich said there’s not enough conversation about how to lower the cost of medicine. He says governors should have more ability to exclude high-cost drugs from Medicaid coverage.
Kasich has bucked his own party in pushing for expansion of Medicaid as a way to provide more people with health insurance.
The governor said he’s concerned about Congress’ proposed $880 billion cut to Medicaid and its effect on people with mental illness, opiate addiction or chronic diseases.
Coach wins Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati on 7th try
CINCINNATI (AP) — A high school cross country coach has won Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon on her seventh running of the race.
Kerry Lee captured the women’s division in 2:53:55 on Sunday. The 42-year-old Lee was second last year, and in 2015, 2013 and 2011. She was third in 2012 and 2014.
Lee coaches at Anderson High School in suburban Cincinnati. Second place went to Wendy Marshall, of Cincinnati, and third place to Katie Aerni, of Belington, West Virginia.
Jack Randall, of Dayton, won the men’s race in 2:33:46. The 22-year-old Randall graduated last weekend from the University of Cincinnati.
Emmett Saulnier, of Terrace Park, was the men’s runner up, with Brian Korody, of Cincinnati, placing third.
Organizers say more than 37,000 people registered for various events over the three days.
Plant fined $570,000 after worker loses hand, part of arm
OREGON, Ohio (AP) — An auto parts maker in Ohio is being fined nearly $600,000 after a worker in Oregon lost his right hand and part of his arm in an industrial accident.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the accident should have been prevented and cited the plant in suburban Toledo for three of its highest safety violations.
Autoneum North America makes automotive insulation at its factory in Oregon. Investigators say a 46-year-old man was feeding scrap material into an unguarded shredding machine in December when he was hurt.
Federal officials cited the company for lacking proper protective guards and failing to train workers on proper operating procedures.
Messages seeking comment were left with Autoneum North America on Friday.
The company has 15 days to appeal or pay the $570,000 fine.
Police say 10-year-old Ohio boy injured in drive-by shooting
CINCINNATI (AP) — Police say a 10-year-old Ohio boy was hit at least twice when someone drove down a street randomly shooting.
The gunfire happened early Saturday evening in Cincinnati.
Police say at least 10 shots were fired. The boy is in critical but stable condition. Police say his injuries aren’t life-threatening.
Authorities say the child was playing outside in the front yard at a relative’s house at the time.
No arrests have been made.
Ohio aviation policy panel seeks experts from public
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio is looking for members of the public with expertise in aviation and aerospace technology to serve on a state panel.
Those interested in one of 14 public slots on the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee have until Friday at 4:30 p.m. to apply. They could include military representatives, academic experts or industry leaders. Those chosen will represent a diverse geographic mix.
State Sen. Bill Beagle, a Tipp City Republican, chairs the committee. He says aviation and aerospace aren’t just part of Ohio’s past but an important part of its economic future. The panel will work to develop policies for enhancing the industry in Ohio.
Besides public members, the panel includes three legislators each from the Ohio Senate and Ohio House and a member appointed by the governor.
Dam proposals to reduce Ohio flooding not popular with all
SHELBY, Ohio (AP) — Proposals to use dams to reduce flooding along the branch of an Ohio river aren’t universally popular.
The Black Fork, a branch of the Mohican River, has frequently flooded around Shelby, with recent events in 2007, 2011 and 2013.
The 2007 flood destroyed 51 businesses and homes and flooded many farm fields.
The Mansfield News Journal reports that three proposals to address flooding all include five or six dams at costs ranging from $45 million to $68 million.
Joe Gies, Shelby projects coordinator, says the dams would be located to slow water before it gets to Shelby, about 74 miles north of Columbus.
Farmers fear dams upriver from Shelby would delay plantings by temporarily making fields too wet.
Program trains ‘citizen scientists’ to search for bumblebees
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A new program will train Ohio residents to identify and document bumblebees, now an endangered species.
Participants in the Ohio Bee Atlas use an online program to record their findings.
University of Akron biology professor Randy Mitchell tells the Akron Beacon Journal that extra eyes will be helpful in surveying the population.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the rusty patched bumblebee was once widespread in prairies, woodlands, marshes, fields, parks and gardens in Ohio.
Habitat loss, disease, pesticides, farming and climate change have contributed to the population decline.
Partners in the Ohio Bee Atlas include Summit Metro Parks, the University of Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland Metroparks, the Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity, Ohio State University and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
