(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Health Assessment Surveys
Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA today released the results of health assessment surveys conducted at the East Palestine Health Assessment Clinic, a partnership between the Ohio Department of Health and the Columbiana County Health District, and door-to-door visits conducted by representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Residents completed the After Chemical Exposure (ACE) Community survey to provide valuable information about how they may be impacted by the train derailment. During a visit to the clinic, residents have the opportunity to complete this survey, have their vital signs taken, and be evaluated by a physician. Referrals are made for ongoing care if necessary and certified counselors are available at the clinic.
Of the 168 surveys completed, the most common symptoms reported includes headache, anxiety, coughing, fatigue/tiredness, and irritation, pain, or burning of skin.
The median age of respondents is 57 and most participants are over the age of 18 (94%).
Health Department officials use the information provided to better understand how the derailment incident may be impacting residents and determine appropriate public health response.
Next week’s clinic hours are:
Monday-Tuesday: Noon to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. and can be reached by calling 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
Track Removal Update
Ohio EPA is overseeing operations as tracks and ties are removed from the derailment site in preparation to excavate the soil underneath. Nineteen hundred feet of rail will be pulled up on both sets of tracks. The plan submitted by Norfolk Southern and agreed on by state and federal authorities overseeing the remediation process indicates the entire removal of tracks, excavation of soil, and reconstruction of the rails should be complete by April 30.
Agriculture Meeting
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and state agricultural experts will meet with East Palestine area farmers next week to address concerns about the upcoming planting season. Although ODA currently has no reason to believe that crops planted in soil in the area of East Palestine are not safe, Norfolk Southern is developing a soil sampling plan for residential and agricultural areas. Once finalized, the plan must be approved by the U.S. EPA.
The time and date of next week’s meeting have not yet been determined, but additional information will be provided in a future update.
New Signage
The Village of East Palestine will begin posting signs advising residents to stay out of local waterways where testing and cleaning are taking place. Residents can expect to see the “KEEP OUT” signs posted along Sulphur Run and Leslie Run near the public park, the train derailment site, and elsewhere throughout the village.
Municipal Water Open House
An open house will be held Saturday by the East Palestine municipal water system at the village’s water treatment plant. Plant employees will explain where the city’s wells are located, present ground water and source protection maps, and answer questions about the water system.
Members of the media are welcome to attend from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m., and residents are invited to attend from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The address is 481 Bacon Avenue, East Palestine.
All sampling of East Palestine’s municipal water wells to date have shown no contaminants associated with the derailment.
Private Well Sampling
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
In total, 157 private systems have been sampled. Of those, test results from 57 samples have been verified, and none have shown any harmful contaminant levels associated with the derailment.
The results can be found on the Columbiana County Health Department site at https://www.columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water system sampled should call 330-849-3919.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 3.2 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 210,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 1.9 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 320,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 1,700 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Approximately 190 tons have been hauled to Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 660 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 440 tons have been shipped to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Approximately 440 tons have been hauled to Heritage Environmental Services in North Roachdale, Indiana to be placed in a landfill.
Animal Necropsies
Preliminary reports on six deceased wildlife animals submitted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory show no evidence to support chemical toxicity as a cause of death.
The four racoons, one muskrat, and one snapping turtle were found in or around Sulphur Run earlier this week. Some of the animals submitted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were too decomposed for lab work.
Student Services
Governor DeWine is also announcing that the Learning Aid Ohio program, which provides in-home support services for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to supplement the services they receive in schools, is reserving dedicated slots for children in Columbiana County who have been impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Learning Aid Ohio provides families with financial resources to cover the costs of certain in-home support services, such as tutoring, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, to help children catch up and succeed academically. Learning Aid Ohio is also always recruiting providers to support enrolled learners. For additional information on the program, families and providers can visit LearningOhio.com. Columbiana County families with questions may email learningohio@dsaco.net
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
More Information and Previous Updates: ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine
On 03/02/23 at 11:06 PM Mansfield Police responded to a shooting at the M & S Drive-Thru located at 753 Springmill Street Mansfield, Ohio. An employee of the business called to report a homicide at the location.
Upon officers’ arrival a 26-year-old male was found deceased at the location from a gunshot wound along with another 26-year-old male with a gunshot to his calf. Both victims were transported to Ohio Health-Mansfield.
While officers were investigating the shooting a 24-year-old female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to her foot arrived at Ohio Health Mansfield and was found to have been present at the original dispatched location when the shooting occurred but fled before officers’ arrival.
Major Crime detectives arrived on scene and are working to determine who is responsible for the shooting of three individuals which ultimately caused fatal wounds to one of them. The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending the deceased victim for an autopsy. Once additional details are known they will be released at that time.
Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to please call Major Crimes Detective Ronee Swisher at 419-755-9432.
CINCINNATI – A federal jury convicted former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, 63, of Glenford, Ohio, and former Ohio Republican Party chair Mathew Borges, 50, of Bexley, Ohio, of participating in a racketeering conspiracy.
“As presented by the trial team, Larry Householder illegally sold the statehouse, and thus he ultimately betrayed the great people of Ohio he was elected to serve,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Matt Borges was a willing co-conspirator, who paid bribe money for insider information to assist Householder. Through its verdict today, the jury reaffirmed that the illegal acts committed by both men will not be tolerated and that they should be held accountable.”
“The FBI’s top criminal priority is investigating public corruption to hold elected officials accountable when they commit illegal acts,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “I commend the special agents who investigated this historic case, the FBI analysts and staff who provided integral support, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their successful prosecution.”
The verdict was announced today following a trial that began on Jan. 23 before Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
The government proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Householder and his enterprise conspired to violate the racketeering statute through honest services wire fraud, receipt of millions of dollars in bribes and money laundering.
The conspiracy involved nearly $61 million in bribes paid to a 501(c)(4) entity to pass and uphold a billion-dollar nuclear plant bailout.
According to court documents and trial testimony, from March 2017 to March 2020, the enterprise traded millions of dollars in bribery campaign donations in exchange for Householder’s and the enterprise’s help in passing House Bill 6. The defendants then also worked to corruptly ensure that HB 6 went into effect by defeating a ballot initiative to overturn the legislation.
In March 2017, Householder began receiving quarterly $250,000 payments from the related-energy companies into the bank account of his 501(c)(4), Generation Now. Team Householder spent millions of the company’s dollars to support Householder’s political bid to become Speaker, to support House candidates they believed would back Householder, and for their own personal benefit.
The United States detailed that Householder spent more than half a million dollars of the dark money to pay off his credit card balances, repair his Florida home and settle a business lawsuit.
Borges used approximately $366,000 for his personal benefit.
Borges was budgeted $25,000 to bribe an Ohio Republican operative to try to save House Bill 6. Borges gave the man a $15,000 check in exchange for information on the number of signatures collected on the anti-House Bill 6 ballot referendum.
Householder’s longtime campaign and political strategist, Jeffrey Longstreth, and lobbyist Juan Cespedes, both of Columbus, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering conspiracy. FirstEnergy Corp. signed a deferred prosecution settlement in July 2021, agreeing to pay a $230 million penalty for conspiring to bribe public officials and others.
The racketeering conspiracy as charged in this case is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced today’s verdict. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew C. Singer, Megan Gaffney Painter and Timothy S. Mangan represented the United States in this case.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office today certified the summary of a petition entitled “The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety.” The amendment would add a Section 22 to Article 1 of the state constitution.
The Attorney General’s Office received the petition summary on Feb. 21. The attorney general’s sole role in the petition process is to determine whether the language submitted by the petitioners is a fair and truthful summary of the proposed statute.
The proposal next moves to the Ohio Ballot Board, which will determine whether it contains a single constitutional amendment or more than one. If the board certifies the proposal, the petitioners must then collect signatures from registered voters equal to at least 10% of the vote cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. Those signatures must come from voters in at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties and, for each of those counties, the number must equal at least 5% of the vote cast in the most recent gubernatorial election.
If sufficient signatures are verified by the Ohio Secretary of State at least 65 days before the election, the full text of the proposed amendment will be placed on the ballot in the regular or general election that occurs subsequent to 125 days after the filing of the petition.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
“To address any continuing concerns for potential release of dioxins in the local area resulting from the derailment, out of an abundance of caution (U.S.) EPA will continue to sample for indicator chemicals and will also require Norfolk Southern to begin sampling directly for dioxins. If dioxins are found in the area including East Palestine, (U.S.) EPA will share the information with the public, determine whether the level of contaminants found poses any unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, and direct the immediate cleanup of the area as needed, in coordination with OEPA, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and other partners.”
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 2.1 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 190,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 1.6 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 300,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 1,400 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Approximately 140 tons have been hauled to Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 370 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 440 tons have been shipped to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Approximately 440 tons have been hauled to Heritage Environmental Services in North Roachdale, Indiana to be placed in a landfill.
Municipal Water Testing Update
Both the village and Ohio EPA have committed to independently testing East Palestine’s municipal water wells once a week to ensure that they are free from contaminants associated with the derailment.
Testing results received yesterday by East Palestine showed no detection of contaminants associated with the train derailment in water samples pulled on February 21. Test results from Ohio EPA’s February 21 water sample were returned today and are consistent with the village’s test results.
Private Well Sampling
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Ohio Department of Health, working with the Columbiana County Health District, had received verified laboratory results from 12 additional samples from private water systems as of noon Thursday. Five of those wells showed no detectable contaminants. Seven wells had trace detections at levels well below safe drinking-water standards.
There is no evidence that any of those trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 151 private systems have been sampled. Of those, test results from 57 samples have been verified, and none have shown any harmful contaminant levels associated with the derailment.
The results can be found on the Columbiana County Health Department site at https://www.columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water system sampled should call 330-849-3919.
Animal Necropsies
The Ohio Department of Agriculture reports that final lab results on a six-week-old beef calf that died on February 11, 2023, near East Palestine show no outward evidence of chemical irritation or exposure. Although a specific cause of death could not be identified, there is nothing to support chemical toxicity as a cause of death.
Student Services
Governor DeWine is also announcing that the Learning Aid Ohio program, which provides in-home support services for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to supplement the services they receive in schools, is reserving dedicated slots for children in Columbiana County who have been impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Learning Aid Ohio provides families with financial resources to cover the costs of certain in-home support services, such as tutoring, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, to help children catch up and succeed academically. Learning Aid Ohio is also always recruiting providers to support enrolled learners. For additional information on the program, families and providers can visit LearningOhio.com. Columbiana County families with questions may email learningohio@dsaco.net
Health Assessment Clinic
Walk-ins now are being welcomed at the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine. Appointments can still be made by calling 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888
The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St.
Clinic hours tomorrow are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Attorney General Dave Yost today issued Ohio’s annual report on concealed handgun licensing, showing that a total of 89,782 permits were issued in the state in 2022.
According to the statistics reported to the Attorney General’s Office, county sheriffs issued 27,031 new licenses and 62,751 renewals. Permit holders who wish to renew their licenses must do so every five years.
On June 13, 2022, changes to the law allowed qualifying Ohioans to carry a concealed handgun without a permit while also preserving the permitting system.
Under Ohio law, county sheriffs are responsible for issuing concealed-carry licenses and renewing them, as well as suspending and revoking licenses. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office compiles this annual report, as required by law, about the number of licenses issued each year.
Each sheriff must report concealed handgun license statistics quarterly to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Ohio county sheriffs began issuing concealed-carry licenses in 2004.
To learn more about Ohio’s concealed-carry laws or to view this year’s report and other statistics, please visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ConcealedCarry.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Governor DeWine, First Lady DeWine Visit East Palestine
Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited East Palestine today to see the hazardous waste removal process firsthand. They visited the derailment site where work is underway to remove contaminated soil and they also visited the confluence of Leslie Run and Sulphur Run for an update on surface water testing and cleanup.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 1.8 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 150,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 1.4 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 300,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 700 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, has received approximately 40 tons to be incinerated.
Approximately 200 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 400 tons have been shipped t o U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Hazardous Waste and Derailment Response Training
Governor DeWine announced today that he has spoken with the CEOs of both Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads about the need for increased train derailment response training for first responders.
Because most rail miles in Ohio are in rural areas, volunteer firefighters are most likely to be the first on scene to a train derailment. However, there is currently very little training for volunteers on responding to trail derailments
Governor DeWine reported that the CEOs of both railroads were in favor of working with the State of Ohio to increase railroad-specific training for Ohio’s first responders.
Governor DeWine also announced today that the Ohio Public Utilities Commission currently has up to $800,000 in grant funding available to help Ohio’s smaller fire departments pay for critically important training.
Today through May 31, PUCO will be taking applications for their annual hazardous materials training grant program. Among the opportunities funded through this program are “rail hazardous materials response training” and hazardous material incident response.
Funding for these grants is from fines paid by hazardous material carriers and shippers. More information is available at puco.ohio.gov.
Railway Safety Act of 2023
Today, Senators J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, as well as Senators Marco Rubio (FL) and Josh Hawley (MO), introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2023 in the United States Senate.
The legislation would:
Require rail carriers to give advance notice to state emergency response officials before running trains carrying hazardous materials;
Mandate trains run with at least two-person crews;
Require better monitoring of railcar wheel bearings — which overheated in the Ohio train accident, according to the NTSB, and likely caused the train to jump the tracks; and
Increase penalties for wrongdoing in the industry.
“Over the course of my response to Norfolk Southern’s train derailment disaster, I have called upon Congress to take action regarding federal rail regulations, including looking at the safety issues the East Palestine derailment has raised. I have also called on Congress to change regulations to ensure states are notified when trains carrying hazardous materials are running through those states. Federal statutes pre-empt regulations by the states, so it is important that action is taken by Congress,” said Governor DeWine. “I want to thank Senators Vance and Brown and the other co-sponsors for answering my call for Congress to act swiftly. Because our railways are largely regulated at the federal level, I thank the Senators, as well as Congressman Bill Johnson in the House, for working collaboratively with my administration and answering our call for action in Congress.”
Track Removal Plan
Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA continue work to finalize the process that Norfolk Southern will use to ensure the safe, complete, and effective cleanup of the hazardous waste under the train tracks at the derailment site. Track removal has not yet begun, but work could begin this week.
Municipal Water Testing Update
New lab results show East Palestine’s municipal water supply continues to show no detection of contaminants associated with the train derailment. The municipal water samples were taken by contractors on February 21 from all five of the city’s wells. Ohio EPA also took samples on February 21 and sent the samples to a separate lab. Ohio EPA’s test results are pending.
Sediment Washing
Ohio EPA continues to see positive results from the sediment washing process that is underway in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run. The washing has produced a visible reduction in floating contaminants in the water. The method to capture contaminants is now shifting focus to dissolved contaminants. Work points along the creeks are being condensed but will have increased aeration. The aeration promotes a natural breakdown of the dissolved contaminants.
Private Well Sampling
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Ohio Department of Health, working with the Columbiana County Health District, had received verified laboratory results from 15 additional samples from private water systems as of noon Wednesday. Thirteen of those wells showed no detectable contaminants. Two wells had trace detections at levels well below safe drinking-water standards.
There is no evidence that any those trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 136 private systems have been sampled through Tuesday, Feb. 28. Of those, test results from 45 samples have been verified, and none have shown any harmful contaminant levels associated with the derailment.
The results can be found on the Columbiana County Health Department site at https://www.columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water system sampled should call 330-849-3919.
Air Monitoring
To date, the U.S. EPA has not detected contaminants associated with the derailment while testing air quality within area homes. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919.
Student Services
Governor DeWine is also announcing that the Learning Aid Ohio program, which provides in-home support services for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to supplement the services they receive in schools, is reserving dedicated slots for children in Columbiana County who have been impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Learning Aid Ohio provides families with financial resources to cover the costs of certain in-home support services, such as tutoring, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, to help children catch-up and succeed academically. Learning Aid Ohio is also always recruiting providers to support enrolled learners. For additional information on the program, families and providers can visit LearningOhio.com. Columbiana County families with questions may email learningohio@dsaco.net
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Severe Weather Impacts
Heavy rain in East Palestine on Monday resulted in increased water flow in the contaminated section of Sulphur Run, which remains dammed to the east and west. Any rainwater that enters the contaminated section of the creek is considered contaminated and vacuumed from the site.
Recent rains also caused minor damage to some containment, collection, and stream treatment systems which were expected to be fixed by the railroad today. According to the Ohio EPA, the damage may have caused a small amount of heavily diluted contaminants from Sulphur Run to enter Leslie Run.
Bulk Liquid Transfer
Norfolk Southern has reported that their onsite contaminated liquid storage bins are now approximately 90% full due to the recent rains, necessitating the use of a bulk transfer method for the contaminated liquid.
Contaminated liquid was previously removed from the derailment site by truck and transported directly to licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities. The new bulk disposal method still utilizes semi trucks to remove liquid wastewater from the derailment site, but instead of bringing the wastewater directly to the licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities, the trucks will now offload the wastewater, which is mostly water, into rail cars stationed at the rail yards in Lordstown, Ohio.
This bulk transfer method was approved by the federal and state authorities overseeing the incident response.
The Ohio EPA is overseeing the transfer of the liquid wastewater from the trucks to the rail cars. The U.S. EPA will determine the rail cars’ destination and where the liquids will be disposed of.
Track Removal Plan
Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA are finalizing the process that Norfolk Southern will use to ensure the safe, complete, and effective cleanup of the hazardous waste under the train tracks at the derailment site. Track removal could begin as soon as tomorrow.
Private Well Sampling
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Ohio Department of Health, working with the Columbiana County Health District, today received verified laboratory results from 11 additional samples from private water systems as of noon Tuesday. Six of those wells showed no detectable contaminants. Five wells had trace detections at levels well below safe drinking-water standards. There is no evidence that these trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 126 private water wells in Ohio have been tested, and results have been returned for 30 of those wells, none of which showed evidence of contaminants linked to the train derailment.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water systems sampled should call 330-849-3919. As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA announced the deployment of a Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer mobile laboratory to conduct real-time air monitoring and air sampling analysis during the waste removal process.
To date, the U.S. EPA has not detected contaminants associated with the derailment while testing air quality within area homes. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919.
Wild Animal Necropsies
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be submitting additional deceased wildlife to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) for necropsies. Three raccoons, two muskrats, and one snapping turtle were all recently found dead in or around Sulphur Run.
Final necropsy results on four other animals previously submitted to the ADDL showed no findings to support chemical toxicity as a cause of death. Testing results from one six-week-old beef calf that died on February 11, 2023, are still pending.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
7 defendants sentenced for conspiring to launder more than $11.8 million of online romance scam proceeds
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The final defendant charged in a conspiracy to launder the money generated from online romance scams was sentenced in federal court here today to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Kwame O. Yeboah, 38, of Columbus, conspired to launder more than $1.7 million through bank accounts in his control. As part of his sentence, Yeboah is ordered to pay the $1.7 million in restitution.
Yeboah and six other co-conspirators were convicted and sentenced for laundering the proceeds of online romance scams; they did not conduct the actual online scamming. The total amount generated by romance fraud that these individuals laundered was more than $11.8 million.
The other defendants convicted and sentenced include:
The romance scams involved individuals who created several profiles on online dating sites. They then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere, with whom they cultivated a sense of affection, and often, romance.
After establishing relationships, perpetrators of the romance scams requested money, typically for investment or need-based reasons, and provided account information and directions for where money should be sent. In part, these accounts were in the names of the defendants, their family members and their companies.
Funds were not used for the purposes claimed by the perpetrators of the romance scams. Instead, the co-conspirators conducted transactions designed to conceal, such as withdrawing cash, transferring funds to other accounts, buying official checks, sending wires to Ghana, China, the United States, and more. Part of the conspiracy was for the defendants to move the romance fraud proceeds from the United States to Ghana.
As part of their sentences, the defendants will pay the approximately $11.8 million in total.
Toure was also sentenced for money laundering as part of an unrelated COVID fraud scheme. Another individual submitted a fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The U.S. Small Business Administration approved the COVID disaster-related loan and sent $110,000 in loan proceeds to Toure’s bank account. He then laundered the funds to conceal and disguise the fraud proceeds.
Ahiekpor was also sentenced for Wire Fraud for his role in defrauding the EIDL Program. In June 2020, he obtained a fraudulent $150,000 EIDL for his business. He spent the funds on two boats, an outboard motor, and a boat trailer. Ahiekpor committed part of his fraud scheme while on pretrial release for his money laundering charges, which means he will serve his Wire Fraud sentence after he completes his Money Laundering sentence.
The public can report online romance scams and other internet crimes at ic3.gov.
Experts offer tips for flagging romance scams:
Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. Never provide your financial information or allow your bank accounts to be used for transfers of funds.
Requests for gift cards are also a red flag. The FBI has additional tips and information for protecting against romance and confidence fraud: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday–Friday. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.
Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash on State Route 3 north of Pleasant Home Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County
Canaan Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred at 4:23 p.m. on State Route 3 North of Pleasant Home Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County.
The crash involved a black 2021 Kia Seltos driven by Raven N. Park, age 31, of Seville, Ohio and a black 2007 Jeep Cherokee driven by Damon C. Hart, age 33, of Chippewa Lake, Ohio.
Initial investigation revealed Mr. Hart was southbound on State Route 3. Mrs. Park was traveling northbound on State Route 3. Mr. Hart’s vehicle traveled left of center striking Mrs. Park’s vehicle head on. After impact Mrs. Park’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway.
Mrs. Park was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Hart was transported by Canaan Township Fire Department to Akron General Hospital with serious life threatening injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Unit, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene.
Alcohol does not seem to be a factor in this crash. Both drivers were belted. The crash remains under investigation.
Joe Lyons •
March 3, 2023
On 03/02/23 at 11:06 PM Mansfield Police responded to a shooting at the M & S Drive-Thru located at 753 Springmill Street Mansfield, Ohio. An employee of the business called to report a homicide at the location.
