Read this article very carefully-you'll see that the Gross Man (a former smoker) doesn't care about toledo's rat problem as long as he can punish those evil smokers.



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Article published Friday, May 23, 2008
3 smoke-ban complaints snuffed
Inspectors didn't interview bar officials; bad state advice faulted

By JULIE M. McKINNON
BLADE STAFF WRITER


Smoking ban fines of $100 each against three Toledo bars were dismissed yesterday because inspectors did not interview bar officials.

State officials had advised inspector not to do so if they felt confrontations could result.

Under Ohio's ban, nspectors from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department and elsewhere statewide must either interview establishment officials on-site or call them before issuing a fine.

Fines were dismissed against The Sportsman, 1025 Starr Ave.; Anchor Inn, 4950 Suder Ave., and Debi's Southwyck Lounge, 5345 Heatherdowns Blvd.

Health board member Theodore Rowen, a lawyer, said it was reprehensible that erroneous advice from state health officials prompted the dismissals.

Toledo-Lucas County Health Department inspectors found violations at each bar, which a hearing officer confirmed.

The three establishments probably will have more complaints filed against them that will be investigated, and inspectors in recent months have corrected the issue causing yesterday's dismissals by interviewing all bar officials, said Dr. David Grossman, health commissioner. "They aren't getting away with it," he said.

Ohio Department of Health officials advised local inspectors not to interview bar officials if they feel unsafe, and this is the first time that part of the ban has been questioned, said Kristopher Weiss, a department spokesman.

Enforcement of Ohio's smoking ban, which largely is done by local health departments, began about a year ago.

"There has been a learning curve," Mr. Weiss said. "It's been a learning curve for us. It has been a learning curve for our [local health department] partners."

During yesterday's health board meeting, members upheld a hearing officer's determination to fine four establishments cited for smoking ban violations.

All four can appeal the board's decisions to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

Fines of $100 each for second violations were upheld for the American Legion, 204 Illinois Ave., Maumee, and Rumpus Room, 2212 Consaul St. Fines of $500 each for third violations were upheld for Pour House, 4301 Bennett Rd., and Beer Thirty, 1316 Front St.

The board is awaiting a hearing officer's decision on appeals of five more smoking ban citations, and three hearings are set for Thursday. Hearings for seven more appeals have not yet been scheduled.

Also, board members learned the health department is cutting one of two rodent control positions July 1 because of lack of funding. The employee in that job will be transferred to an open spot elsewhere.

Toledo is receiving less federal Community Development Block Grant money, so it cut $53,000 from the health department that was used to help fund the position, Dr. Grossman said.

The health department gets rid of rats and other rodents in public places, such as alleys.

"We're going to do what we can, but it's going to be one person," Dr. Grossman said.

Contact Julie M. McKinnon at:
jmckinnon@theblade.com
or 419-724-6087.

I looked up to see the danger that might come from rats. The first return on my google search was from King County, Washington and their Public Health website. It says:

Rats are dangerous! They can ruin your food, destroy things in your home and start electrical fires. Rats and their fleas can carry disease. If you have any questions and you reside in or the property in question is in King County, feel free to call the Public Health Environmental Health Office at (206) 205-4394.

Other things the website says:

The time to act is before the signs (droppings) of a rat or mouse.


DEAD RATS must first be wrapped in newspaper, or placed in a plastic bag before putting it in a tightly covered garbage can. Injured or sick rats must be killed, then wrapped and put in the garbage can. Try not to touch the dead rat. Use gloves if possible.

WASH YOUR HANDS WITH HOT WATER AND SOAP AFTER GETTING RID OF DEAD RATS! (even if you used gloves).

If you are cleaning out a building that has been closed up, such as a cabin, shed, or garage, or areas where rodent nesting material have been found, follow these steps.

1. Air out the building for at least 30 minutes by opening windows and doors. Leave the building while it is airing out.

2. Wear latex or rubber gloves and a dust mask while cleaning.
3. Avoid raising dust that may spread the virus through the air: Do not vacuum, sweep or dust. Carefully wet down areas with disinfectant before cleaning.
4. Use rags, sponges and mops that have been soaked in the disinfectant solution to wipe down counter tops, cabinets and drawers, mop floors and baseboards.
5. Mix a solution of 1 cup bleach to 10 cups water or use a household disinfectant.
6. Steam clean carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
7. Thoroughly spray or soak any dead mice, droppings, or nesting areas with disinfectant or bleach solution.
8. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water and detergent. Set the dryer on high.
9. To dispose of contaminated items, including dead mice, put them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and put it in another plastic bag. Seal the outer bag and put it in your outdoor garbage can.
10. When you are done, disinfect or throw away the gloves you used. Wash your hands or shower with soap and hot water.
learn more

Hantavirus Facts
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe illness caused by infection from exposure to the droppings of wild rodents that carry the virus.

Filthy little beasts if you ask me. I'd say rats pose a real threat to humans. And they cut half the rat catcher positions so they could continue to fully fund their childish snoop patrol? Too bad FORCES doesn't have Jackass of the Week anymore. You'd have a winner.