Solutions Letter
 An update from Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell  | Spring 2015
 FROM OUR  BLOG                                                  Solutions@Law  
RULING LEAVES ROOM FOR LOCAL CONTROL OF O&G DEVELOPMENT

By Alan D. Wenger

The recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling that upheld the ODNR's statewide preemption over local municipal governments' regulating oil and gas development within their municipal boundaries appears to have also left room for possible broad local regulation of oil and gas development. Read the full blog post here.
NEW OSHA RULES REQUIRE BETTER PROCESSES TO TRACK ACCIDENTS

By Matthew M. Ries

Recent changes in federal laws covering workplace-injury reporting make it more important for employers to have reliable systems for documenting and reporting serious accidents. The laws will challenge many employers, but OSHA is taking steps to help. Read the full blog post here.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE 
REQUESTING INFO UNDER FOIA

By Vito J. Abruzzino

Under the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, any person has a right to obtain records from a U.S. governmental agency. The process can be challenging, but a good understanding of the rules and pitfalls can support a successful request. Read the full blog post here.
EMPLOYERS MUST FOLLOW NEW 
DIRECT CARE OT RULES BY JULY 1

By Martin J. Boetcher

Employers have until July 1 to start complying with new overtime regulations for those who provide home care services. The new rules clarify that most such individuals are no longer considered exempt and must be paid overtime. Read the full blog post here.
WEIGH DOWNSIDE OF ARBITRATION CLAUSES IN BUSINESS CONTRACTS

By James L. Blomstrom

Many businesses attempt to minimize litigation costs and speed dispute resolution by requiring any disputes to be settled by binding arbitration. However, the benefits of commercial arbitration sometime come with risks and costs of their own. Read the full blog post here.

  NEWS ITEMS

WENGER HONORED WITH CHAMBER SPIRIT AWARD



ALAN D. WENGER, left, with Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber President Tom Humphries, receives the 2015 Donald Cagigas Spirit of the Chamber Award. The award recognizes "exceptional dedication, commitment and accomplishments on behalf of the Regional Chamber" and was presented at the group's annual meeting Thursday at Mr. Anthony's. Wenger is chair of HHM's oil and gas law group and its business and employment law group. He has counseled landowners, including large landowner groups, on leasing, pipelines and other oil and gas matters, and has written and presented extensively on such issues. He was instrumental in chamber campaigns supporting all four defeats of an anti-development "community bill of rights" measure in Youngstown.

PORT AUTHORITY WINS RULING 
IN HHM LAWSUIT OVER LEASES 

 

A lawsuit developed by JIM BLOMSTROM and HHM's oil & gas law group for the Western Reserve Port Authority won a favorable ruling in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court last week. The ruling affirms the port's rejection of leases signed in the 1970s, when royalties were lower. The port wants to negotiate a new lease once it confirms the ruling will not be appealed. News of the ruling was reported here in The Vindicator.

MILLICH CHOSEN AS PRESENTER 
FOR NATIONAL OIL & GAS WEBINAR 

 

GEORGE M. MILLICH will be one of the two presenting lawyers at a national webinar today for advisers of landowners with oil and gas income. The webinar, sponsored by the National Business Institute, will be  webcast from NBI's offices in Eau Claire, Wis. Read more here.
BOETCHER DISCUSSES EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE AT SALEM SAFETY COUNCIL

MARTIN J. BOETCHER discussed employee discipline at the Salem Area Safety Council's February meeting. His presentation, "Dealing With Employees Who Don't Follow the Rules," covered types of employee infractions, types of discipline, concerns about claims of discrimination and retaliation, and suggestions for handling discipline. Boetcher can be reached here.
ABRUZZINO AWARDED AMONG YOUNG PROFESSIONALS


VITO J. ABRUZZINO accepted this award at the recent Mahoning Valley Young Professionals Club 25 Under 35 Awards banquet at Stambaugh Auditorium. The awards spotlight local professionals who have made strides in their careers while contributing to the community. Abruzzino joined HHM in 2013 and practices in litigation, criminal defense, military and veterans matters and oil & gas law. A Columbiana resident, he serves on the boards of the Salem Regional Medical Center and Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. 

COOMBS ELECTED TO LEADERSHIP
POST IN REGIONAL SCOUT COUNCIL

FREDERICK S. COOMBS III was recently elected Council Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America's six-county Greater Western Reserve Council. He will oversee operating procedures for scouting groups and lead the network of unit and district commissioners. 

  COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

HHM BACKS COMMUNITY EVENTS, CAUSES 

 

HHM was proud to support the 20th annual Mad About the Arts in February at Stambaugh Auditorium. Proceeds benefit McDonough Museum and WYSU. Other recent and upcoming activities sponsored by HHM and its lawyers and staff include the following:
  • Salem Regional Medical Center's Hearts & Stars Ball
  • Leadership Mahoning Valley's Justice Day
  • Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber's annual meeting
  • Columbiana County All-Star Basketball Game
  • Turning Point Counseling's annual fundraiser
  • Hope House's Night at the Races fundraiser

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The Solutions Letter is published by Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell. Comments can be directed to any of our practice group chairs:

  • Oil & Gas: Alan D. Wenger, 330.744.1111 or by email. 
  • Litigation: William L. Hawley, 330.392.1541 or by email. 
  • Public Sector: Neil D. Schor, 330.744.1111 or by email. 
  • Creditors Rights & Bankruptcy: Frederick S. Coombs III, 330.744.1111 or by email. 
  • Business & Employment: Alan D. Wenger, 330.744.1111 or by email. 
  • Estate Planning & Probate: George P. Millich, 330.744.1111 or by email.