Briefs: Upcoming road closings, plea for blood donors, Ohioans with Disabilities aid

Two road closings begin next week

The Ohio Department of Transportation says Ohio 98, between Ohio 598 and Baker Road in Richland County, will close Tuesday for a culvert replacement. The detour route for northbound motorists will be Ohio 98 to Ohio 598, north on Ohio 598 to Ohio 61, south on Ohio 61 to Ohio 98, and reverse for southbound motorists. The project is expected to be completed Aug. 31.

Due to water main repairs, the City of Mansfield will close South Home Road from Park Avenue West to Harding Avenue starting at 8 a.m. Monday. The road is expected to reopen by Aug. 7. Construction signs will be posted at the work site.

Red Cross needs help to avert a blood shortage

After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The following blood drives are currently scheduled in Richland County in August:

• Aug. 2, noon – 6 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
• Aug. 2, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lucas Community Center, 252 W. Main Str., Lucas
• Aug. 8, noon – 6 p.m., Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 48 Church St., Bellville
• Aug. 9, noon – 6 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
• Aug. 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Heartland Church, 2505 Lexington Springmill Road S., Lexington
• Aug. 10, noon – 6 p.m., Resurrection Parish, 2600 Lexington Ave., Lexington

The Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of “Meg 2: The Trench” to celebrate a summer of sharks and help stave off a summer blood and platelet shortage. All who come to give through Aug. 12 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Those who come to give throughout the month of August will also get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.

Ohioans with disabilities eligible for $7,000 in education support this fall

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin L. Miller have announced that up to $7,000 per person is available to Ohioans with disabilities for college, training and credentialing programs for the 2023 fall term.

The OOD Education Support Funds help students with disabilities in their pursuit of continued education. OOD will provide all eligible college and non-traditional students with disabilities up to $7,000, while participating in OOD services, to be used for tuition or educational expenses during the upcoming fall term. This includes students with disabilities participating in colleges, apprenticeships, trade schools and credentialing programs.

For more information and to apply for OOD services, visit OODWorks.com.