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State Fire Marshal announces $8M in state funding to support volunteer fire departments serving Ohio’s small counties

Applications are now being accepted for the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal’s 2026 Small County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) Grant. Established recently by the 136th General Assembly via House Bill 96, the nonrenewable grant makes a total of $8 million in funding available for eligible fire departments across the state. Those departments can apply for up to $50,000 each to strengthen their operations, enhance safety and better serve their communities.

Obituaries

Andrew "Buddy" Pauckner Jr.

Andrew "Buddy" Pauckner Jr., 76, of New Vienna, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.  

Opinions

Meetings (mostly) are a waste of my time

One of the telltale signs of a bad meeting is food. If you walk into a conference room and there are donuts or bagels, coffee, juices and soft drinks, you're in for a long meeting. It's even worse when the dimwit who demanded the meeting orders sandwiches around noon. You can kiss productivity goodbye for that entire day.