Ash borer quarantine is expanded

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio - Ohio's emerald ash borer quarantine was expanded yesterday to include another part of central Ohio, Delaware County's Orange Township.

The bulk of the state's infestation is in northwest Ohio, where 14 counties are under quarantine. The state of Michigan and seven counties in Indiana have similar restrictions.

In Ohio, violators caught moving ash logs, trees, nursery stock, and other banned materials can face Ohio Department of Agriculture fines of up to $4,000 per violation.

The state agency yesterday noted cases in which courts in Fulton, Hancock, and Wood counties recently issued $1,600 in fines against nine Ohio residents and four Michigan residents for such violations.