Briefs: DNA testing backlog funding, plea for blood donors, Crestline ribbon cutting

Mansfield, other Ohio communities awarded funding to address DNA testing backlog

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, D-OH, has announced that he secured $3,365,875 to reduce and eventually eliminate the backlog of forensic DNA casework in Ohio. These investments will provide needed technology and software to process DNA evidence in criminal cases, staff training, travel associated with training, and overtime pay to assist forensic laboratories in meeting expected caseloads and enhancing overall lab capacity.

The City of Mansfield was awarded $250,000 for personnel costs, overtime to maintain case processing turnaround time, continuing education and trainings for DNA analysts, and new DNA processing software and technologies.

Also awarded monies were the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Cuyahoga, Hamilton and Lake counties, and the City of Columbus.

Red Cross facing a national blood shortage

The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors.

Four blood drives are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Richland County. Schedule an appointment to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Calm Dog Project party and ribbon cutting to be held Wednesday

CRESTLINE — The Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Calm Dog Project at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Kelly Park, Crestline. This ceremony will be held during the Calm Dog Project’s “TAIL-gate Party,” which will take place from 5-7 p.m. in the Kelly Park “BARK-ing lot.”

The event will include a meet-and-greet with business owner, dog trainer and advocate Casey Biederman of the Calm Dog Project. Biederman is celebrating over three years in the pet industry by committing her knowledge and experience to training dogs — and their people

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Winners will be drawn for mini-raffle prizes as well as a grand prize raffle for two training sessions (a $175 value). The event will also feature photo opportunities, Four Paws dog treats and information about dog training.

This is a dog-friendly event with all dogs required to be on a leash at all times. Children and behaviorally-challenged dogs should be especially well-supervised.

Upcoming meeting:

● Madison Local Board of Education (work session originally scheduled for Monday), 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Board of Education office, 1379 Grace St., Mansfield

Mansfield News Journal