Morning Read

OHIOANS URGED TO AVOID HIGH, FAST-MOVING WATER – Ohio has experienced steady rains and rising waters in the past week. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) urges Ohioans and visitors to avoid high, fast-moving water in rivers and streams.

“With the increased amount of rain, extra precautions are essential to ensure that the strength, depth and speed of a river does not exceed people’s swimming or paddling skills or that of their equipment,” said ODNR Director Jim Zehringer. “Always remember to a wear life jacket while boating. It’s a simple decision that can save lives.”

The rain is expected to continue throughout the weekend for much of Ohio so lakes, rivers and streams will remain high and swift moving creating and concealing hazards. These conditions pose dangers for boaters, swimmers, paddlers and anglers.

COBURN GALLERY AT ASHLAND TO HOST ART EXHIBITION – The Coburn Gallery at Ashland University will host an exhibition titled “The Fine Art of Plein Air,” which will feature paintings from the officers and board of the Ohio Plein Air Society. The exhibition will run from June 28 through Aug. 2.

“En plein air” is a French expres­sion mean­ing “in the open air,” and it references the act of paint­ing outdoors with the artist’s subject matter in view. Plein air artists evoke the spirit of this art form which began in the mid-1800s, most famously with the Impressionist artists. The essence of plein air is capturing the color and natural lighting within the landscape as the painting is created.

Exhibiting Central Ohio OPAS artists include Bridgette Turner, Carol Cosgrove, Chuck Marshal, Doreen St. John, Karen LaValley, Marty Husted, Robin Roberts, Susi Havens-Bezairre and Tamar Rudavsky.

STATE MEETING PLANNED – The Minority Development Financing Advisory Board will meet on June 23 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in Columbus at the Vern Riffe Building, 77 South High Street, on the 31st Floor in room South A. The Minority Development Financing Advisory Board provides the director of the Ohio Development Services Agency with recommendations for assistance through the Minority Business Direct Loan Program and the Minority Business Bonding Program.