Ohio Rx system now links to bordering states
COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s prescription-monitoring system now allows doctors and pharmacists to more easily double-check whether patients have been prescribed controlled substances in all five bordering states, plus some farther away.
The Board of Pharmacy says the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System now connects with a similar program in Pennsylvania, incorporating the last of Ohio’s neighbors. OARRS users can request patient information from 20-plus states, some as far away as Massachusetts or New Mexico.
The system streamlines how providers access prescription information to help prevent misuse of painkillers and other drugs. It’s a key tool in fighting Ohio’s deadly addictions epidemic.
Use of OARRS is growing as it is integrated into more pharmacy and health care records systems. It reached a new high in June with 365,000 patient reports requested in one day.
Law changes considered for teen drivers
COLUMBUS (AP) — Legislators in Ohio are considering a bill that would increase the amount of time new drivers would have to hold permits.
The bill was introduced to the house by Representatives Gary Scherer and Michael Sheehy. Drivers under the age of 18 would be required to hold an instruction permit for one year instead of six months if the proposed law passes. Probationary permit holders would also be prohibited from driving from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Impact Teen Drivers, a group that advocates for safer teen driving, has come out in support of the proposed law changes.
The bill hasn’t been assigned to a House committee yet. It must clear the House and Senate by December 2018.
Lawmakers propose $15M for Toledo base
TOLEDO (AP) — A proposal being debated in Congress could mean millions of dollars to build new hangars for a unit of the Ohio Air National Guard.
The Blade newspaper reports the money would be directed to the 180th Fighter Wing, based at the Toledo Air National Guard Base.
A House committee has voted in favor of $15 million to replace temporary fabric shelters built in 2008. The new permanent metal hangars would house jets that are always on alert for the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also called NORAD.
Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio has urged the Senate Armed Services Committee to approve the funding as well.
Buckeye Lake July 4th boat parade resumes
BUCKEYE LAKE (AP) — Residents of a central Ohio lake community near a deteriorated dam have celebrated the return of the annual July 4th boat parade.
The event on Buckeye Lake resumed Tuesday after low water levels forced its suspension the past two years.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that normal boat operations have returned this summer at the lake.
A $110 million project to repair the dam is underway with completion expected a year from this fall.
Authorities concluded that several hundred homes, docks and other structures built into the 180-year-old earthen dam weakened it.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined the 4.1-mile dam was at risk of failing. Water levels were reduced while repairs were made, hurting local tourist activities.
Homeless man beaten to death
CLEVELAND (AP) — A medical examiner says a 70-year-old homeless man found dead in the garage of an abandoned house was beaten to death.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner says Roger Carte died of blunt force trauma with injuries on his head, neck, torso, arms and legs.
Cleveland.com reports Wednesday that Carte’s death has been ruled a homicide. No arrests have been made.
Carte’s body was found after someone placed an anonymous call to Cleveland police on June 25 about a man found dead inside a garage in a vacant house.
Off-duty deputy shoots dog
CLEVELAND (AP) — Police say an off-duty sheriff’s deputy shot a pit bill in Cleveland after it attacked the woman who owned it and a 6-year-old girl.
Police say the dog attacked the 32-year-old woman and the girl Tuesday night on the city’s west side before the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s deputy shot it.
The girl is reported in critical condition in MetroHealth Medical Center.
Police probe suspected drowning
LORAIN (AP) — Officials have opened an investigation after the body of a missing swimmer was recovered in Lake Erie.
A spokesman with the Coast Guard says 20-year-old Christopher Recznik was last seen swimming with his friends Tuesday about 60 yards from shore.
Police say they believe Recznik was overcome by waves, which were 2 to 3 feet high at the time.
Investigators say two people tried to reach Recznik, but they were unable to. Lorain Police Capt. Roger Watkins says the county dive team found the man’s body around 8:40 p.m.
Police say they are treating Recznik’s death as a drowning, but it is still under investigation.
Teen saves man at diner
CINCINNATI (AP) — It was only his second day on the job, but one 16-year-old has been credited with helping save a man’s life.
WKRC-TV reports Austin Goddard was cleaning a table at Skyline Chili in Cincinnati when a man collapsed where he was eating.
Austin says he ran to the man and started performing CPR. The man was later rushed to a hospital.
A few days later, the man’s family came to back to the restaurant with a photo of him smiling in his hospital bed in front of a tray of chili.
Austin says he’s just glad he was able to save a life. Last year, all of the students in his 10th grade class at South Ripley High School in Indiana were certified in CPR.
