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Posted: 6/27/2012 4:49:02 PM

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today expressed his support for a new law signed by Governor John Kasich. House Bill 262, sponsored by Representative Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), also known as the Safe Harbor Law, focuses on human trafficking and will increase the penalties for suspects and improve care for victims.
"Human trafficking is happening in Ohio and we must do everything possible to stop it," said Attorney General DeWine.  "Many of the victims of these crimes don't know what to do once they're no longer chained to the sex trade.  This law will help us help them."
 
The new law will:
• Create new procedures for a diversion program for juvenile trafficking victims
• Allow records of adult human trafficking victims to be expunged
• Change a human trafficking charge to a first degree felony with a mandatory prison term of at least ten years in prison
• Require convicted human traffickers to register as sex offenders
In 2011, Attorney General DeWine established a Human Trafficking Commission to find solutions Ohio's human trafficking problem.   Members of the commission recently worked in partnership with the Governor's Human Trafficking Task Force to develop ideas and recommendations that could be used in conjunction with the Safe Harbor Law.
Members of the Human Trafficking Task Force submitted those recommendations to Governor Kasich today.  Some of the recommendations include:
 
• Adopting a response protocol model to be used for the treatment of human trafficking victims
• Providing youth prevention services to at-risk youth
• Providing training for law enforcement, nurses, and teachers
• Creating a statewide public awareness campaign on human trafficking
• Creating a statewide hotline number for victims, law enforcement, and the public
"My office fully supports the recommendations made to the Governor today, and I look forward to working with him on this issue," said DeWine.  "Law enforcement can't solve the human trafficking problem alone, which is why teaching the public about the problem is so crucial."
The newly signed Safe Harbor Law goes into effect immediately.


The Ohio Cannabis Rights Amendment is a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to ensure the rights of Ohioans to the use of therapeutic cannabis and legalize the production of hemp. Would you vote in favor of such an amendment?
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May 18, 2013
10:00:00 AM
- Child Safety Day
Location:
- Riverside Park, Mount Vernon
Description:
- Family Fun day coordinated by Mount Vernon Exchange Club on Saturday, may 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverside Park.
5:00:00 PM
- Spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Shrine Hospitals
Location:
- 115 Central Avenue, Utica
Description:
- Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Shrine Hospitals. Shrine Hospitals offer medical care to crippled, burned and orthopedic children at no charge to family. Our Menu is Homemade Spaghetti & Meatball, salad, Garlic Bread, and Home Made Pies & Beverage. Door Prizes: 32” flat screen TV and 10 gift certificates, May 18, 2013, 5-7PM, at the Church of Christ, 115 Central Ave., Utica. For tickets Call Bob Shaw 892-3501, Jim Wray 892-3471, or Bill Ross 504-4024 Limited Seating Pre Sale tickets

May 19, 2013
There are currently no events scheduled for today.

May 20, 2013
There are currently no events scheduled for today.

May 21, 2013
7:00:00 PM
- Book Discussion: Assassination Vacation
Location:
- Public Library of Mount Vernon, 201 N. Main Street
Description:
- As the summer vacation season begins, the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County will discuss “Assassination Vacation,” by Sarah Vowell at its next adult book discussion on Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 p.m. at the main library, 201 N. Mulberry Street. The discussion will be led by Linette Porter-Metler, PLMVKC Community Relations. Author Vowell has been described as a “cross between Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jon Stewart and Wednesday Addams” with her talent for detail, trivia and her quirky wit—whether in person, as a regular figure on television, radio or the movies, or by her writing. In this hard-to-put-down book, she shares her personal pilgrimage to learn more about the events people and places associated with the assassination of three American presidents: Lincoln, McKinley and Garfield. She takes her readers (as she takes her friends and family) through her own journey to historical enlightenment in this story of discovery and obsession. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Participants will be eligible to win a copy of the June adult book discussion book, “Swamplandia,” by Karen Russell, donated by Friends of the Library. Free copies of the book are available at the main or branch libraries, or can be purchased at local bookstores including Paragraphs Bookstore, Colonial Books and Kid’s Shelf, and Kenyon College Bookstore.

May 22, 2013
6:30:00 PM
- Free Movie Night - "Silver Linings Playbook"
Location:
- Public Library of Mount Vernon, 201 N. Main Street
Description:
- The Academy Award film "Silver Linings Playbook" (rated R) will be the free movie night feature on Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. The romantic comedy-drama, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper, walks a tightrope between pure entertainment and an insider’s look at a family struggling with mental health issues as they look for the silver lining in the eccentricities of everyday life. Due to language and adult theme, no one under age 17 will be permitted to attend unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free popcorn. For information, stop by the main library at 201 N. Mulberry Street, call 740-392-BOOK (2665) Ext. 243, visit www.knox.net or email communityrelations@knox.net.

May 23, 2013
10:00:00 AM
- Free Depression screenings
Location:
- Station Break, 160 Howard Street, Mount Vernono
Description:
- Wednesday, May 23rd, NAMI of Knox/Licking Counties offers FREE depression screenings, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 N, at Station Break Senior Center, 160 Howard Street, Mount Vernon. Call 740-397-3088.

May 24, 2013
There are currently no events scheduled for today.