
Natural Resources Officers helping boaters prepare for safe fun on the water
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft is helping boaters get ready for a safe and enjoyable season on the water with free vessel safety checks. These voluntary inspections, conducted by ODNR Natural Resources Officers, ensure that boats are properly equipped with all legally required safety gear before setting out for the season.
Boaters are encouraged to bring their vessels, fully prepped as if heading out on the water, to one of the scheduled safety check locations. Officers will inspect boats for required equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights, while also providing helpful tips to ensure a safe and successful boating season.

ODNR NROs will be available this spring to assist the public in conducting free vessel safety checks.
“Vessel safety checks are a great opportunity for boaters to make sure their boats and trailers are ready for the season before hitting the water,” said Cindy Bellar, ODNR Boating Law Administrator. “These inspections give boaters peace of mind, knowing they have the necessary equipment to meet legal requirements and stay safe on the water.”
Boaters who pass the inspection will receive a vessel safety check (VSC) decal, showing compliance with Ohio’s safety requirements. If an issue is found, officers will provide guidance on how to correct it.
ODNR urges boaters to check the Ohio Required Equipment charts for their type of vessel and ensure all legally required items are on board before arriving at an inspection. Boaters who are unable to attend a scheduled safety check can contact their nearest ODNR watercraft office to arrange an inspection.
Upcoming free vessel safety checks:
April
Sunday, April 6:
Friday, April 11:
Saturday April 12:
Sunday, April 27:
May
Saturday, May 3:
Saturday, May 17:
Sunday, May 18:
Friday, May 23:
June
Saturday, June 21
For more information on boating safety and regulations, visit ohiodnr.gov/boating. Don’t wait until you’re on the water to discover you’re missing something. Get peace of mind with a free vessel safety check.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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Editor’s Note: High Resolution Photo
For more information, contact:
Karina Cheung, ODNR Office of Communications
Media Line: 614-265-6860
Mobile: 614-202-4756
or
Dave Parsons, ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft
Mobile: 740-504-6884
Board of Health
Sidney-Shelby County
202 W. Poplar Street, Sidney, OH 45365
February 25, 2024
Contact: Kent Topp, REHS, Director of Environmental Health
Health Department Schedules Clean Up Day-April 5, 2025
The Sidney-Shelby County Health Department has scheduled two clean-up day sites for Saturday, April 5th. This community effort is being organized by the Health Department in partnership with Township officials and the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District. Solid waste containers will be made available by funds from the Health Department, Shelby County Township Trustees, the North Central Ohio Solid Waste District, the OEPA & the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District.
Kent Topp, REHS, Director of Environmental Health for the Sidney-Shelby County Health Department said solid waste trucks and containers will be located in McLean Township at the Daniels Picnic Area at Lake Loramie State Park and in Franklin Township at the Township building on Co. Road 25a.
Shelby County residents may bring household garbage and solid waste items for disposal such as large item trash and junk. However, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, batteries, yard waste, burn barrel ashes and liquid items such as herbicides & pesticides will not be accepted during the clean-up day. Tires will be accepted this year as long as the homeowner has pre-registered their tires by calling the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District at (937)492-6520. Scrap metal will also be collected for recycling. The sites will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please go to shelbycountyhealthdept.org for more details
For more information, please contact Kent Topp (937)498-7249; McLean Township Trustees: Craig Bergman (937)606-0063, Robert Hoying (937)295-2410, and Greg Ruhenkamp (937)441-0875; and Franklin Township Trustees: Roger Schulze (937)538-6111,
Alex Berner (937)638-8629, and Alan Michael (937)538-1703.
c: Sidney Daily News
Hits 105.5
Here at Lake Loramie and multiple other lakes, there is a period of time allowed for dog exercise. During this time, dogs may be off their leash with owner/handerler suppervion. Please refer to the attached document for additional information.
LLIA membership form for 2025. See form for Membership levels.
Mail to
Lake Loramie Improvement Association (LLIA)
Po. Box 80
Minster, OH. 45865
Your membership makes a difference!
