More on Richland bear | heat on way | Ohio farmers market bounty | more
By David Jacobs
Black bear only 5th Richland County sighting in 3 decades
RICHLAND COUNTY -- A bear that died as a result of a collision with a pickup truck over the weekend in Perry Township involved only the fifth black bear sighting in Richland County since the early 1990s, the Ohio Division of Wildlife reported Tuesday.
"Black bears are rare in Ohio and are considered endangered in the state," the division reports.
The 18-year-old pickup truck driver was not injured in the crash that occurred at 7:01 a.m. June 14 on State Route 546 near Black Road, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
"Due to the injuries sustained to the bear, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was contacted and the bear had to be euthanized on scene," the patrol said in a statement.
The 2021 Dodge Ram pickup truck was pulling a livestock trailer northbound on State Route 546. The bear entered State Route 546 from the west when it was struck, the patrol said.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources officers took the bear from the scene.
Troopers from the Mansfield post responded to the crash.
"Wildlife experts determined the bear had to be euthanized at the scene because of the injuries it sustained," the division noted.
The Ohio wildlife division tracks black bear sightings. "By reporting your sightings, you can help researchers better understand black bear populations, their habitat preferences, and how far they travel," it said in a statement.
Report black bear and other rare wildlife sightings here, the division noted via social media: https://ow.ly/Ct6G50WaS6g
HOT WEATHER
"The hottest weather so far this summer season may arrive late this weekend into early next week with air temperatures in the lower to middle 90s and the heat indices approaching 100 degrees," the National Weather Service said on Tuesday.
Graphic below courtesy of weather service
Shelby forecast (live updates)
Huron County region (live updates)
OHIO FARMERS MARKETS/BOUNTY
Editor’s note: As farmers markets continue in full swing around Ohio, including in Shelby, Ohio journalist Gary Gardiner brings it home in this piece from The Westerville News in suburban Columbus. He offers up some excellent writing in this piece, “Market Veggies Make The Meal” in the post below.
SHELBY LAW ENFORCEMENT
Three new reports are available from Shelby police. List: Shelby police calls (June 12-June 16)
Willard addresses rising use of E-bikes, E-scooters
The city of Willard is sharing some guidelines involving E-bikes and E-scooters.
OHIO STATEHOUSE
Rep. John Votes in Support of House Bill 3
State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) recently voted in support of House Bill 3 – the "School Bus Safety Act," her office announced this week.
The legislation establishes new measures to enhance school bus safety, increase penalties for violations, provide grant funding for schools to apply for equipment specific to their school’s needs, and educate the public about school bus-related laws, a news release stated.
“I am proud to support the School Bus Safety Act which gives schools and law enforcement more tools to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school,” said Rep. John, a former Shelby mayor.
The School Bus Safety Act makes the following changes:
-- Increases penalties for illegally passing stopped school buses
-- Authorizes installation of school bus cameras for the sole purpose of recording violations of illegally passing stopped school buses.
-- Develops a School Bus Safety Fund & Grant Program for schools to apply and improve safety features on school buses
Creates public education initiatives on school bus safety
-- Designates August as “School Bus Safety Month”
House Bill 3 works to strengthen enforcement against school bus safety violations, promote safer transportation options, and educate drivers about their legal obligations, aiming to reduce accidents and improve safety for students, the release said.
House Bill 3 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Shelby lands $609,000 in Ohio funding
Downtown Shelby shop to close | lookaheads: Shelby City Council, school board | 2 obituaries | more
Teen motorcyclist acts to avoid Shelby crash | 7 new police reports | 1 obituary | more
Shelby's Madison Henkel state champ in Ohio Division II long jump
Shelby Health launching free clinics in community
$300K campaign launched to replace Shelby's historic mausoleum
Showcasing Shelby High School Class of 2025 (with links to all graduation articles, videos, photos)
AT A GLANCE
Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
