Oral rabies vaccination program to begin

STEUBENVILLE — Oral rabies vaccine baits will be distributed across the region beginning this weekend, according to officials with the Jefferson County General Health District.

Beginning Saturday, approximately 300,000 ONRAB baits containing oral rabies vaccine will be distributed across a 1,700-square-mile bait zone in eastern Ohio, targeting raccoons and other wildlife. The baits will be dropped by low-flying airplanes and helicopters across a vaccination area that includes parts of Jefferson, Harrison, Columbiana, Belmont and Carroll counties.

The ORV baits are blister packets containing liquid vaccine coated with an edible vanilla-scented wax designed to attract raccoons. Each bait is marked with a toll-free number, 1-888-574-6656, for information. Officials recommend that anyone who finds a bait leave it undisturbed so wildlife can consume it.

If a bait is intact and in an open area, it may be moved deeper into woods or brush where animals are more likely to find it. People are advised to wear gloves or use a towel when handling baits and to wash their hands afterward.

Pet owners are advised not to attempt to take baits away from pets, as bites could result in exposure to the vaccine. While the baits are not harmful to pets, ingestion of multiple baits may cause temporary stomach upset. Anyone exposed to the liquid vaccine should wash their hands immediately.

The program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Division, is part of a nationwide effort to vaccinate raccoons and prevent the spread of rabies in the eastern United States.

McDonald’s to help Imagination Library

STEUBENVILLE — The Locke Family McDonald’s locations in the Steubenville area will host a fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and provide books for local children.

During the fundraiser, 20% of all product sales will be donated to help provide books to children in Steubenville and surrounding communities.

Dolly Parton launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 to benefit children in her home county in East Tennessee. Her vision was to foster a love of reading among preschool children and their families. The program provides each child with a specially selected, age-appropriate book each month, mailed directly to their homes. Today, the Imagination Library partners with local affiliates to bring the program to communities around the world.

“We’re proud to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and help bring the joy of reading to children in our communities,” said Trey Locke, McDonald’s owner/operator. “This fundraiser is a simple way for our customers to make a meaningful impact — just by enjoying a meal, they’re helping put books into the hands of local kids.”

Participating locations include 2106 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville; 140 Main St., Wintersville; 1850 Franklin St., Toronto; and 100 Lisbon St., Wellsville.

Customers can participate through a variety of ordering options, including curbside orders, integrated delivery through the McDonald’s app, in-store pickup and drive-through orders using the code from the app.

Chorale sets spring concert

STEUBENVILLE — The Ohio Valley Chorale is preparing for its spring concert.

This year’s event — titled “United in Song: Songs of Faith and Freedom” — will be held at 3 p.m. April 26 at First Westminster Presbyterian Church, 235 N. Fourth St, according to Robb Townsend, chorale president.

A portion of the concert will include a presentation of patriotic songs as part of the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States, officials said. A variety of other selections of music will be included.

Erik James Lucas will conduct the chorale, with Ellen Fast serving as accompanist.

An addition to this year’s presentation will be Flora Shoe, an American Sign Language interpreter.

There’s no charge to attend, but a free-will offering will be collected. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information, visit the chorale’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/OVchorale or send an e-mail to ovechorale@gmail.com.

Chorale officials thanked area residents, churches and businesses for their continued support, which allows the group to produce two shows each year.

JVS board to meet

BLOOMINGDALE — The board of education of the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School District will hold its regular meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The meeting will be held in the boardroom at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, 1509 county Highway 22A, Bloomingdale.

Special council meeting set in Follansbee

FOLLANSBEE — Follansbee City Council will hold a special meeting at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers.

The agenda will include the budget, an insurance bid review, a street employee hire and the city manager’s contract.