Shelby rolls out storefront grants | Regional arrest linked to social media tip | Ohio sales tax holiday dates
By David Jacobs
Shelby storefront grant program offers funding
The city of Shelby is assisting Central Business District commercial property and business owners in improving storefront appearances by providing grants for part of the cost of eligible improvements, the municipal government announced Friday.
“Eligible improvements include exterior painting, signage, awnings, facade cleaning or restoration, sidewalks, lighting, storefront security devices, new roofs, permanent flower boxes, planters and related exterior work,” the announcement on the “facade improvement program said.
Grants are reimbursable and typically capped at $10,000 per project, subject to committee review, number of applicants and project impact, the city said.
Grants are limited to one per business or storefront each year and apply only to properties in the Shelby Central Business District, the application shows.
“All improvements must comply with all city building code and sign size standards,” the application states. “All improvements must be performed within the calendar year of approval unless a written extension is granted by the city.”
Applicants need to contact Jessica Gribben, Shelby economic development manager, at 419-342-4159 to schedule an appointment prior to beginning the application process.
Applications with all documentation are due June 16, the city said.
CLICK here for more details and a link to the grant application.
SEE a map of the Shelby Central Business District here.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Social media feedback leads Loudonville police to suspect in Butler
LOUDONVILLE -- A suspect in a theft and trespassing investigation was arrested in Richland County's Butler community following public tips sparked by a surveillance video post, Loudonville police reported Friday.
Earlier in the week, Loudonville police posted video and photos of a suspect and vehicle on the department's Facebook page.
"With assistance from the public, the suspect and place of residence were quickly identified," police said in a news release update Friday.
On Wednesday, police had received a report of a theft and criminal trespassing incident in the 200 block of West Main Street, Loudonville. The case dates back to May 25.
Officers on Thursday obtained a search warrant for what was identified as the suspect's home in Butler.
The stolen items were located inside the residence, police said. The suspect, whose name was not immediately available on Friday, was arrested at the scene.
Charges being filed include theft, criminal trespassing, possession of criminal tools, and criminal mischief, police said.
Assisting the Loudonville police in the search warrant execution were the Butler Police Department, Bellville Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
"The Loudonville Police Department would like to extend its thanks to the citizens who assisted in the quick identification of the suspect, and to the other police agencies who assisted with the search warrant," it said in a statement.
REGION
Willard police logged more than 100 calls in a recent week. See the list here
Richland County, Ohio agency makes request after wrong-state alert mix-up
The Richland County Emergency Management Agency in Ohio on Friday asked local residents to review and confirm their RCAlerts notification settings, following the mistaken delivery of weather alerts a day earlier that were intended for Richland County, South Carolina.
In an “important notice” Facebook post, the Richland County, Ohio agency directed users to log into the RCAlerts system at https://member.everbridge.net/92944702898181/login and confirm their preferences. It stated that users who have not accessed the system since before Aug. 1, 2024, must create a new login. The system can be logged into here.
"Once logged in, you can update and customize your alert preferences to ensure you continue receiving timely and accurate notifications," the Richland County, Ohio EMA said in its statement Friday.
It said that it continues "to actively research this matter and ensure the proper notifications are being sent for our county."
"We apologize for any inconvenience and confusion this has caused," the statement added.
At least two text messages, two emails and two automated phone calls were received by Richland County, Ohio, residents warning of a severe thunderstorm in South Carolina on Thursday. The Richland County Emergency Management Agency in Ohio reported the incident the same evening and confirmed it was under review.
Weather observations from Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport in Richland County, Ohio, showed fair conditions and no storms in the area at the time the alerts were received.
OHIO
Dates set for Ohio sales tax holiday
Ohio's 2025 Sales Tax Holiday will run for two full weeks, beginning at 12 a.m. on Aug. 1, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 14, the Governor’s Office announced Friday.
During the holiday, shoppers will be able to make qualifying purchases both in-store and online without paying state sales tax.
In 2024, Ohio’s sales tax holiday was expanded to include more items and run for a longer period. Instead of the usual three days, it lasted 10 days and was expanded to include a wide range of items up to $500, rather than limited to school supplies.
“The timing of this year’s sales tax holiday not only supports families preparing for back-to-school, but also provides relief on other important household needs,” Governor DeWine said in a statement.
The tax exemption does not apply to services or to purchases of motor vehicles, watercraft, outboard motors, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, or any item containing marijuana.
For full details, including eligible items and frequently asked questions, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation’s Sales Tax Holiday page. People can also contact the department at 1-888-405-4039.
COMMUNITY
HAPPENING TODAY (Saturday, May 31)
Shel-Bee Festival making Shelby debut
The city of Shelby will mark its Bee City USA designation with the inaugural Shel-Bee Festival, transforming Black Fork Commons Plaza into a hive of activity with food trucks, live music, local vendors and pollinator education on Saturday, May 31.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Shelby and features a full lineup of attractions for all ages, as promoted on the festival’s official Facebook page.
Highlights include free kids’ activities, a scavenger hunt, craft vendors, honey and pollinator plant sales, a bouncy house and music.
See the preview article here.
WEATHER
Shelby forecast (live updates)
Huron County region (live updates)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Showcasing Shelby High School Class of 2025 (with links to all graduation articles, videos, photos)
Arrangements for former Mayor Hunter
Shelby launches legislative step to give firehouse new life
Shelby Fire shows support as 4 honored by state for explosion response (with video)
Shelby photo gallery: Memorial Day parade and observances
AT A GLANCE
Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
