Fatal crashes down, drug seizures up in ’11

In brief

SANDUSKY — The Highway Patrol says initial data show that fewer people died in fatal crashes on Ohio roadways in 2011 and that drug seizures increased, with the highest jump in cocaine.

The patrol said there were 997 confirmed and 32 unconfirmed fatalities in 2011, compared with 1,080 deaths in 2010.

The patrol attributes the changes to a new “Trooper Shield mantra” through which troopers were asked to further improve roadway safety.

The mantra also includes an emphasis on criminal patrols, and increases were seen in the seizure of all drug categories, including a 663 percent rise in cocaine.

Free tax prep for military families

The Ohio Society of CPAS is offering free tax-preparation services to Ohio military families this tax season through a partnership with the Ohio National Guard.

Those interested in taking advantage of the free service may call (888) 959-1212.

Official call for election law’s repeal

COLUMBUS — A proposal to repeal Ohio’s contentious new election law will soon be introduced in the state’s Senate, the leader of the Republican-led chamber said Wednesday.

The law trims early voting in the presidential battleground state, among other changes. It’s been on hold since September, until voters can decide this fall whether it should be tossed out.

Plans to replace the law are still being discussed, Senate President Tom Niehaus told reporters. The New Richmond Republican said it’s too early to tell whether any new legislation could be passed before the general election.

The state’s top election official has called for state lawmakers to scrap the election law, so that it won’t appear on fall ballots.

Bill would toughen laws against scammers

COLUMBUS — Ohio lawmakers will work to negotiate provisions of a bill that would beef-up the state’s ability to go after Internet scammers who use sites such as ebay and Craigslist.

The Senate passed a version of the bill last year, but on Wednesday voted to reject changes made by the House. The measure now goes to a conference committee with members from both chambers.

The bill would allow the state’s attorney general to seek records on phone and Internet activity by suspected cyber fraudsters.