Minimum wage hike to affect 215,000 in Ohio
The 15-cent increase in Ohio's minimum wage, set to take effect Tuesday, will boost consumer spending by $43 million, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Economic Policy Institute.
Ohio's minimum wage will increase to $7.85 an hour, bringing in an additional $340 per year for about 215,000 workers. The increase was triggered by a state constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2006 giving annual rate adjustments at the pace of the cost of living.
Ohio is joined by nine states, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, that also will raise state minimum wage rates on New Year's Day, boosting wages for nearly 1 million workers nationwide.
As of Jan. 1, 19 states plus the District of Columbia will have minimum wage rates above the federal level of $7.25 per hour.
Drilling rig put into place in Hartford
HARTFORD - The drilling rig for what is to be Trumbull County's first horizontal well is now on the well pad and being raised into place.
According to Tribune newspartner WYTV, Halcon Resources' Bruglar well site is on Hayes-Orangeville Road in Hartford Township.
Halcon, based in Houston, also is drilling just across the state line in Mercer County, Pa.
The placement of the rig follows an announcement earlier this month from BP that they plan to drill 10 appraisal wells in Trumbull County in 2013. Both companies say these wells will be used to determine the potential of the Utica Shale that underlies their leased acreage.
Youngstown, Canfield holding First Night
Youngstown and Canfield are holding First Night festivities.
In Youngstown, events range from swimming at the YMCA to ice skating at the Covelli Centre.
There also will be hands-on activities at the Oh Wow! Children's Center, 11 W. Federal St., which will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St., also will hold two fireworks displays: one at 9 p.m. and one at midnight.
Canfield - which is marking its 15th First Night - also will be holding a fireworks display at the Canfield Township Park, among other activities.
Buttons for all First Night celebrations will still be available today.
Visit firstnightyoungstownoh.com or firstnightcanfield.com for more information.