70% of child support collected

DAYTON — New data from the federal fiscal year that ended in September show the collection of child support payments has improved in Ohio. The Department of Job and Family Services says Ohio collected nearly 70% of current child support owed statewide, pushing it above the national average of 65.8%. The Dayton Daily News reports the agency collects and distributes nearly $2 billion annually for the support of more than 1 million children, through child support enforcement agencies in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. The high collection rate came after the Office of Child Support led an initiative to help county agencies pursue a 70% collection rate. Agency officials say the office established goals for each county and provided them with regular performance reports.

Bust of Orville Wright found

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — The National Park Service says a bust of Orville Wright that was stolen from the Wright Brothers National Memorial on the North Carolina coast has been found. A visitor to the beach at Kill Devil Hills called authorities in Dare County to say the bust was tucked into some dunes. The park service said initially that the monument was damaged either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. The granite base on which the bust was mounted had been toppled and damaged. An investigation continues into the theft as well as damage to the granite base. Homeowners have been asked to review security video footage for suspicious activity.

Teen faces new charges in fire

AKRON — A 15-year-old boy who authorities say deliberately set a home on fire faces new delinquency charges including aggravated murder in the death of his disabled grandfather. The charges were added in Summit County Juvenile Court Monday after 71-year-old Thomas Allen III died Friday from injuries suffered in last month’s fire in Akron. Police have said the teen admitted to setting the fire. A dog was killed in the fire. The teen also is charged with aggravated arson and cruelty to animals.

Cuyahoga jailers plead guilty

CLEVELAND — Two officers from a troubled Ohio jail who repeatedly punched an inmate restrained in a chair have pleaded guilty to charges related to the beating recorded on surveillance video. Cuyahoga County Jail officers Nicholas Evans and Timothy Dugan were accused of leaving the man in the restraint chair after the March incident and failing to get him proper medical care. Evans on Tuesday pleaded guilty to attempted felonious assault and tampering with evidence. Dugan pleaded guilty to attempted abduction and misdemeanor assault. Dugan also agreed to cooperate with investigators in several cases that are on-going or still under investigation.

Medicare changes allowed

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s next open enrollment period for Medicare is underway. It began Tuesday. Ohioans have until Dec. 7 to sign up or make changes to their coverage under the government health insurance plan. The state’s Department of Aging and Department of Insurance urge all Ohioans with Medicare to review their coverage options while the window is open to make sure they’re choosing the best plan to meet their changing health needs and their budgets. The Insurance Department will be hosting “check-up” events across the state through its Ohio Senior Health Insurance Program and making counselors available. Officials say consumers may stay on Medicare and shop for a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, or they can select the Medicare Advantage Plan, which typically provides comprehensive health coverage benefits alongside drug benefits.

Updated license needed in a year

COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is reminding travelers they have less than a year to obtain federally compliant driver’s licenses and IDs needed for future air travel. State officials say fewer than one in three Ohioans have obtained the beefed-up identification, which requires extra documents including at least two showing proof of residency. The government will no longer recognize standard driver’s licenses and state ID cards for boarding a plane beginning on Oct. 1, 2020. Travelers will need the updated card or other compliant ID such as a passport or military ID. Non-compliant licenses and IDs can still be used for driving and voting. Congress approved the new cards in 2005 following the Sept. 11 attacks as a way of preventing identity theft and fraud.