LISBON — Oral rabies baiting will begin Saturday by the Ohio Department of Health and U.S. Department of Agriculture throughout Columbiana County and Lisbon and other Ohio counties, with residents asked not to touch the baits that are meant for raccoons.

Columbiana County Health District Health Services Administrator Amanda Amato announced the annual bait drop during her report to the health board Wednesday. The bait drop will continue through May 13, weather permitting.

She said the same bait as last year will be used, with a marshmallow flavor so the animals will want to eat the bait. She said 300,000 baits will be dropped by airplane, another 180,000 by car and 140,000 by ground.

Health Commissioner Dr. Wesley Vins announced Drug Take Back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at East Liverpool City Hospital, but reminded residents there are several secure drop boxes throughout the county at police departments where drugs can be dropped off 24/7.

Public Information Officer and Director of Environmental Health Laura Fauss gave some tips about home gardens and how fresh food can help health, but to use care regarding where the garden is located, using fresh water, try to keep animals out, take care in the tools used (not the same shovel for animal waste) and handwashing after being in the garden.

She also thanked the employees and staff for what they do, noting that last week was public health week.

Vins also announced there will be insert placed in the Morning Journal regarding safe sleep for babies and cribs. The topic of cribs and car seats came up at the last health board meeting with a lot of discussion regarding not having anything in the crib with a baby. Sleep sacks are now provided with the cribs the health district distributes. Anyone can come to the health district office to have their car seat checked.

In other business, the board authorized a resolution to accept a $200,000 grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the 2026 WPCLF septic system installation or repair program. WPCLF stands for Water Pollution Control Loan Fund. Bids for the next round of projects are due by 4 p.m. May 19.

The board also approved the second reading of the plumbing plan review fee, to go from three separate fees to one fee of $60 for commercial building projects.

mgreier@mojonews.com