Through a new “management letter” from the State of Ohio Auditor, the Van Buren School District incurred excessive charges when four Van Buren School officials spent three nights in downtown Columbus in a “trendy fashion-forward loft-style hotel with luxurious amenities.”  The auditor’s office also found Superintendent Tim Myers and Treasurer Cheryl Swisher took at least two school days off with pay when their office carpets were cleaned.  According to the auditor’s office, the letter is meant to point out weaknesses and offer recommendations.  In response to the letter, Superintendent Myers said the school board “is encouraged, but not required, to follow the recommendations.”
 

Starting today, Ohio drivers can now show their proof of insurance to police officers and state agencies on an electronic device.  Drivers can use cell phones, computers, tablets or other similar wireless devices.  Paper versions of proof of insurance will still be accepted.

Findlay could become one of the first cities to participate in the state’s “open checkbook” project.  The project is an online database that provides comprehensive details of government finances.  The state database launched December 2 with Ohio’s financial information being the first available.  Findlay’s information may be viewable by the middle of 2015.  The “open checkbook” can be found on ohio.gov.

Current Toledo City Councilman and former Toledo Mayor Jack Ford passed away Saturday morning at the age of 67.  The cause of death is unknown at this time but it was confirmed that he was ill and went into cardiac arrest at his home.  Ford was elected as elected as mayor in 2001 and served from 2002 to 2006.  He also served in the Ohio House of Representatives for seven years and was the first African-American minority leader. 
 

Ohio lawmakers are close to agreeing on a plan aimed at reducing farm runoff that feeds the toxic algae in Lake Erie.  Leaders in the Ohio House and Senate expect to vote this coming week on what would be the first legislation passed to slow the spread of the algae since last August.  The plan includes banning farmers from spreading livestock manure on frozen and rain-soaked fields or when heavy rain is in the immediate forecast — something environmental groups and farm organizations agree shouldn't be done.