Drivers see jump in gas prices around Ohio since last week

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio drivers are noticing a jump in gas prices compared with a week ago.

Ohio’s average price for a gallon of regular fuel was $2.31 in Monday’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc. That’s 18 cents higher than last week and well above the $2 average from a year ago.

The national average rose to about $2.33 on Monday, a few pennies higher than what it had been for several weeks. The national average was lower at this time last year at $2.06.

AAA has said gas prices would rise as refiners switch from winter-blend to summer-blend gasoline, but there’s also uncertainty because of a possible extension of an agreed crude oil production cut.

Ohio disaster response drill features 500-plus fake victims

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Emergency response agencies planning a large-scale disaster drill around Columbus say over 500 people will be costumed to look like real victims, but there’s no cause for alarm because it’s only an exercise.

Organizers say the Tuesday morning drill will occur mostly at MAPFRE Stadium, though observers may also notice increased activity at John Glenn International Airport, Otterbein University and hospitals in the area. They say the fake victims will be in makeup made to look like real injuries.

The drill involves emergency response agencies from around the area, including police, firefighters, medics and hospital personnel. It’s aimed at better preparing first responders and health systems to respond to a large disaster.