Latest news with #Zaleski
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Chemical leak prompts entire Ohio town to be evacuated
A chemical leak in an Ohio town has prompted officials to evacuate hundreds of residents. There was a large release of nitric acid at a powder plant near the village of Zaleski Wednesday morning, WSYX reported, citing local emergency official Robert Czechlewski. A tank with a 5,000-gallon capacity had a leak, which caused the nitric acid to release. Around 3,000 gallons of nitric acid was released, The Telegram News reported, citing officials. It's unclear what caused the leak. The plant, located in McArthur, makes explosives for mining and construction, according to WBNS. Residents of Zaleski, about an hour and 30 minutes' drive southeast of Columbus, were evacuated as a result. According to the World Population Review, Zaleski has a population of just 216 residents. The Vinton County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook Wednesday morning, 'A shelter has been setup at the Vinton County High School for those with no where to go.' Czechlewski said that when the nitric acid was released, it created a chemical reaction, causing a plume of nitric oxide that looked like a red cloud, WOWK reported. Czechlewski said situations like this typically last for a few hours, and that it is dependent on wind conditions. He said the plume is heading northeast. Once the leak is contained, the Environmental Protection Agency said it will monitor the air quality, according to WOWK. The Ohio EPA wrote on Facebook Wednesday afternoon the release of the chemicals has stopped and no injuries have been reported. A spokeswoman for the plant said that all of its employees are safe, per The Telegram News. Most workers were temporarily sent away, while some stayed back to do assessments. The plant has canceled production for the rest of the day. Senator Jon Husted, an Ohio Republican, wrote on X Wednesday afternoon, 'My team and I are closely monitoring the chemical leak in McArthur and remain in contact with federal, state, and local authorities on the situation. Please stay safe, follow local guidance, and reach out to my Columbus office if we can help.'
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas Labor Report shows job growth; slight unemployment rise
SOUTHEAST KANSAS — The Kansas Department of Labor releases a preliminary report for the end of 2024—showing an increase in the unemployment rate, but also an increase in jobs. 'When we see reports like this that come out and we're like slight growth, we get a little excited. But you've really got to put it in perspective,' said Jim Zaleski, Parsons economic development director. Parsons economic development director Jim Zaleski is referring to the 2024 year-end Kansas labor report. 'We've seen the growth across the state and we applaud the Department of Commerce. They've done a great job. Unfortunately, some parts of Kansas, specifically rural, are lagging behind. We're in that flat mode,' said Zaleski. Last December, statewide estimates show non-farm jobs increased by 1,200. The largest increases were in leisure and hospitality, as well as trade, transportation, and utilities. But the state did see a decrease in professional and business services. Parsons city leaders continue to focus on keeping their numbers from dropping. 'We still are focusing on our highest priorities, which are workforce development, of course. But workforce development is made up of two things, and that's housing and child care.' Zaleski says making these priorities can help and bring those jobs to the area. 'We are going to focus on the building blocks so that when we do get that company to come here, we're ready for them to move in.' The unemployment rate was slightly up in December to three point six percent—a full percent increase from December of twenty-three. 'Three point six is still a very healthy unemployment rate, but it's not so low that it dissuades businesses from growing further. And we've really seen that here in our community,' said Blake Benson, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce president. Benson says following the COVID pandemic, unemployment in Kansas was historically low. He feels the 2024 numbers represent a return to normal. 'Balanced growth from our manufacturing sector, from our retail sector, from our service sector to really provide a good, comprehensive, balanced approach to our growth,' said Benson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
