2017 Jackson Township Fall Newsletter

Replacement ladder truck in service After 16 years in service, Ladder 202 was retired in 2017, and the Jackson Township Fire Department added a new Sutphen ladder truck to its fleet. “The priority of the Jackson Township Fire Department is to provide for the safety of our community and our firefighters,” said Fire Chief Randy Little. “We accomplish this through excellent training, equipment and vehicles. Without the continual support of this community and the board of trustees led by Chairman David Burris all this would not be possible.” Burris, who is the board’s fire department liaison, has an ongoing commitment to keeping the community and Pictured (from left) are Jackson Township Fire Chief Randy employees safe and has wholeheartedly supported year Little, Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Quincel and David Burris, after year to help provide the Jackson Township Fire chairman of the Jackson Township Board of Trustees, with Department with the best equipment and facilities. new Ladder 202. New road signs improve township safety “Trustee Jim Rauck, who is the road department liaison Jackson Township received an Ohio Department of for the board of trustees, provides road department Transportation grant for nearly $25,000 for new high- crew members with oversight from his vast knowledge reflective roadway safety signs. The new signs include a and subject-matter expertise,” said Service Director variety of regulatory signs such as stop signs, speed limit Rex Blair. “Mr. Rauck’s ongoing support allows the signs and cautionary signs. The township received 195 township’s road workers to do the best job possible and signs to replace nearly half of all of its signs saving the provide residents with exceptional services.” township $14,055. The new signs meet all the current regulations for sign reflectivity meaning they are more visible along dark country roads than previous signs because of special coatings and paints used when the signs were manufactured. The new signs offer safety benefits even during daylight hours because many of them are larger or have different size lettering to make them easier to read and see. Additionally, township officials in cooperation with the village of Urbancrest secured approval for an additional 154 signs for the village totaling $11,196. Behind-the-scenes cooperation among county, state and local governments saves money and oftentimes Jackson Township Road Department employees pictured with Trustee Jim Rauck (from left) are Tony Mowery, seasonal improves their communities in tangible ways. worker Jarrett Poole, Pat Stage and Bob Snyder.

PAGE 2 Jackson Township News FALL 2017 Get Grassy! Clean water by the yard Keep it on the lawn for clean water. Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District Fertilizers and lawn-care chemicals are intended recently launched its Get Grassy! lawn-care program for the lawn not driveways, sidewalks or roads. Grass to complement its suite of backyard conservation clippings and mulched leaves can also be kept on the programming. Although FSWCD did not usually lawn or composted, but should not be allowed to clog consider lawns when thinking about conservation, storm drains or wash away. Even “natural” products can numerous studies demonstrate that healthy lawns do a cause nutrient pollution and spur algae growth. If you good job of absorbing rainfall and are an effective way decide to use pesticides or herbicides to meet your lawn- to prevent polluted runoff. care goals, be sure to follow label instructions, consider Get Grassy! is reinforced by the U.S. Environmental spot application and safely dispose of any unused Protection Agency that recognizes lawn-care practices products properly as hazardous waste. as part of its national menu of best-management practices for storm water. Because urban Franklin Choose natives for biodiversity. County residents work, play and live around turf grass, Healthy bird, butterfly and bee populations are not there is a lot of potential. Lawn-care and environmental supported by lawns because turf grass is not allowed stewardship are not mutually exclusive however; care to bloom, provides no pollen, nectar or shade, and is for both with the following few simple guidelines. functionally limited. Native plants provide energy to animals directly or indirectly as much as 29 times more than non-natives. Learn more. Lean more about our Get Grassy! lawn-care program and the Community Backyards rebate program at franklinswcd.org. Find simple, common-sense lawn care tips at getgrassy.org, and take the pledge to remind you to keep your lawn healthy. Article was reprinted with permission from FSWCD.

PAGE 3 Jackson Township News FALL 2017 Fire Chief’s Space heater tips corner • Keep three feet of clearance on all sides of space heaters. With summer coming • Never place clothing or other objects on space heaters. to an end, it is never too • Turn space heaters off when leaving the home. early to start thinking • Do not locate space heaters near furniture or drapes. about keeping your • Never use extension cords to power space heaters. family safe during the cooler months. Busy Holiday tips school schedules and • Use battery-powered candles to light Halloween jack- several holidays make Fire Chief Randy Little o-lanterns instead of candles. protecting your home • Make sure your child’s costume is made of flame- and family from harm more important than ever. retardant material. Please use the following list to ensure your home • Use only fire-retardant holiday decorations. is safe. • Ensure that all lights and extension cords have been tested by an organization like Factory Mutual or Fireplace tips Underwriter’s Laboratory. • Have your chimney and fireplace inspected once a year to make sure it is safe to use. Smoke alarms • Use fireplace screens to prevent sparks and debris • Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide inside the fireplace. detectors every spring and fall when changing clocks • Never use accelerants like gasoline or kerosene for Daylight Savings Time. to start a fire. • If your fireplace uses natural gas or propane have the connections and lines inspected prior to use. • Never leave a fire unattended. • Never store or place combustibles within three feet of your fireplace; this includes firewood. • Outdoor fireplaces can be just as dangerous. • Observe all safety precautions when using them as well. Lt. Josh Hammond Firefighter of the Year Jackson Township Division of Fire named Lt. Joshua Hammond 2017 Firefighter of the Year during its annual awards banquet. Hammond’s peers were impressed with his drive toward excellence in all aspects of the job.

PAGE 4 Jackson Township News FALL 2017 Trustee Trustee Trustee Fiscal Officer Chairman David Burris Stephen Bowshier Jim Rauck Ron Grossman Visit www.jacksontwp.org for important phone numbers and meeting schedules. From the Franklin County Sheriff play in making Community and law enforcement Franklin County a In today’s volatile atmosphere of perceived mistrust, great place to live. these two entities have experienced a rift that calls for PACT — Pastors a positive response. After all, it is a known fact that and Cops Together we are stronger when there is a solid bond between the PACT is modeled community and those charged with protecting it. after a similar When I first ran for sheriff, I made it one of the planks in program in Dayton my campaign that there was going to be a new dedication and brings faith to strengthening the ties that bind us all together. With leaders together to the start of our new Community Response Bureau, the partner with the pledge is being fulfilled. Franklin County I must say that within Franklin County there is Sheriff’s Office more harmony that in many other locales. Under my in working to help during sudden tragedies, or other predecessor, Sheriff Scott, there was a good relationship violent events in giving comfort to those in need. between each other. However, I have felt that there could Sheriff’s STAR be much more, and that more is happening. Consider the There are so many unsung heroes within Franklin following programs. County, and it is time for them to be recognized. Community Advisory Council Each month, a personal certificate of recognition will Members of the community will be invited to be presented to shine the light on a resident doing participate in this program where citizens come together extraordinary things making a positive impact in his quarterly to discuss issues of concern in various county or her community. neighborhoods and how we can come together to find I invite you to be a part of strengthening our common creative solutions. bonds and continue to make Franklin County a great The Community Liaison Unit place to live. Whether it is interacting with some of the vibrant minority For more information about these programs, contact communities or working with townships, the members Ariel Link in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Community of this unit will build stronger, personal relationships Response Bureau at [email protected] that allow everyone to better understand the roll we all or (614) 525-4265. Jackson Township News and Updates editor: Public Information Officer Lynn Bruno / [email protected] or (614) 945-5045 Printing by Wright Graphic Design Ohio Revised Code Section 505.07(a) permits the use of public funds for newsletters.