T.R.A.O. is the largest and oldest towing association in Ohio.
(79)
One of our members called and let me know that he was informed by law enforcement that there is a group, believed to be out of the Dayton area that is stealing tow trucks when left unattended. One truck in particular was found stripped down. Remind your drivers to keep an eye out for suspicious situations and people. Also, remind them to try their best not to leave their truck in an vulnerable situation for these bandits.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Rodney “Rod” Brock of Brock’s Automotive and Towing of Malta, Ohio. Rod is the brother of Region 7 TRAO Director, Bruce Brock. We are asking that all that can send a truck to participate in the procession on Tuesday August 6th, please do.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Sharon Colwell. Sharon and her husband Tom Colwell of AC Automotive & Towing, have been longtime members of TRAO. Tom has asked for some help. He is currently in a rehabilitation center because of falling and breaking his hip. While in there, his wife, passed away and they were not financially secure enough to cover the expenses. Their daughter, Amber Colwell, has been helping by setting up a gofund.me for anyone that can help.
I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of a family friend, Amber Colwell. Amber unex… Amy Winkler needs your support for Help Amber Colwell Lay Her Mom to Rest
Our thoughts and prayers go our to the family of Rodney "Rod" Brock of Brock's Automotive & Towing of Malta, Ohio. Rodney is the brother of Bruce Brock - TRAO Region 7 Director. Tow truck Procession will be on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Details will be posted.
Rodney Brock Obituary.....
Rodney A. Brock, 68, of McConnelsville passed away July 31, 2024 at the Highland Oaks Health Center in McConnelsville. He was born December 31, 1955 in Marietta a son of the late, H. Robert Brock and M. Rosalie Lane Brock. Rodney was a 1974 graduate of Morgan High School and was a member of the National Honor Society and VICA. He was an Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow of the B.S.A. Rod also attended the National Scout Jamboree in Piedmont, New Mexico. He was the former co-owner of Brock's Automotive of Malta where he worked for many years in the family business. Rod was a member of the Corinthian Lodge #111 F. & A.M. of McConnelsville. He was also an avid bowler and participated in many bowling tournaments. He is survived by two brothers, Jeff Brock and Bruce Brock both of McConnelsville, several aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends at Highland Oaks Health Center. Friends and family may call Monday, August 5, 2024 from 2-4 & 5-8 p.m. at Miller-Huck Funeral Home in McConnelsville with a masonic service to be held at 8 p.m. A funeral service will be Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Harold French officiating. Rod will be laid to rest in Deerfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Deerfield Cemetery or to Highland Oaks Health Center patient's activities fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.miller-huck.com
Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Announce Ohio Driver’s Licenses and IDs Can Now Be Added to Apple Wallet
""""""""""""""""""""""""OHIO TOWER ALERT"""""""""""""""""""""""
SB94 SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 21, 2024
DETAILS BELOW:
A member has reached out and has an urgent request for prayers for their grandchild that may have a life-threatening issue. Thank you in advance and may God be with and watch over each of you and keep you safe !!
As a direct result of TRAA advocacy efforts during our Hill Day and subsequent lobbing, the bill includes the following report language: Legislative Update: Congressional Language to FTC Regarding Tow
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dolores Mullins. Dolores and her late husband, Virgil Mullins, of North Dayton Truck Service have been members of TRAO for many years. Dolores was a founding member of WTRAO.
Obituary for Dolores Jean Mullins (Goode), 1935 - 2024 Dayton, OH. View ceremony time and location and leave condolences here.
Long time TRAO members Doug & Jenni Bevis of Bevis Towing, are asking for your support and prayers for their 4 month old grandson who has been diagnosed with liver cancer. This little guy has a lot more things to accomplish !
Hi, my name is Kayleen and I am looking to help the sweetest family as they navigate… Kayleen Kramb needs your support for Please help baby Mason fight cancer
Posting for TRAO Region 8 Director - Mike Rokiski of Milford Towing....
TRAO Region 8 Meeting will be held Wednesday May 8, @ 7 PM.
It will be held at Milford Towing located at
799 US 50 Milford Ohio 45150
Burgers, hot dogs and NON Alcoholic Beverages will be served.
AAA Cincinnati will be a guest speaker and is sponsoring the dinner!
Hope to see you all there!
The board is meeting today in Columbus. What is something you'd like to add to the wishlist? What's your company's biggest headache? What's something you'd like to see changed in the industry?
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Eugene "Gene" Moore of Kenworth of Cincinnati. Gene was always willing to take calls during or after hours to help towers figure out any problems with their trucks. His knowledge was exceptional.
Obituary For Eugene Moore
Eugene “Gene” Moore Jr. entered the gates of heaven with his savior Jesus Christ on Monday April 8, 2024. Gene was born on November 17, 1967 in Hamilton the son of the late Eugene and Mary Lou (nee Broughton) Moore. Gene always looked forward to having special rides on his motorcycle with family and friends, he was the best jack of all trades and relaxed with a fishing pole in his hands. Gene was a family man who loved and adored his family more than any earthly possession, he lived for his wife, daughter and grandchildren. Gene was a loving man who shared his many talents by helping everyone he came in contact with, he had a heart for people and showed by his love and compassion by doing for others, he would put himself aside and serve with a servant’s heart to many in need, he had a heart of gold. Gene was a loving husband who adored his surviving wife and soulmate Tonya J. Moore of 34 years. Gene was a loving and caring father to his pride and joy surviving daughter Tamara N. (Donald) Adams, papaw to the light of his life Noah R. and Kinslee N. Adams. Gene was preceded in death by his father, mother, grandmother and a niece. Gene leaves behind many family members, many special friends and his spirit pet sweetie pie all who will miss him dearly, a void that just can’t be filled until we see you again. Visitation will be on Saturday April 13, 2024 at THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME 3080 Homeward Way at Rt. 4, Fairfield from 12:00PM until the time of the funeral at 2:00PM with Rev, Larry Peters officiating. Online condolences can be made at www.websterfuneralhomes.co
The towing community in Youngstown, Ohio came together to help support the Boy Scouts of America Pack 9022. We had a blast, and the winner was Carl's Towing out of Austintown. Nice job everyone, we'll do it again next year!
As the extreme weather approaches Ohio, I am sending prayers of safety for each and every one of you that will be out on the roadways. Be extra cautious and get home safe !!
We'd like to take a minute and wish our President a very happy "80th" birthday! Happy Birthday Connie we appreciate all you do! 🥳
Now is the time to support your state association. A lot is going on right now. We are here for you.
Online Appplication Company Name* Address* Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country County* Email* Website Telephone* Fax Company Representative* First Last Spouse Year Business was started Number of Employees Other Association Memberships Please Check a...
Back from DC ! It was a very successful trip and many contacts were made ! The photo does not show the total amount of people that showed to support the Towing Industry ! It shows the people from state associations that came to support the industry. We all gathered and split up to enable us to divide and conquer. There were well over 100 meetings with different offices of Senators and Representatives. The issues we were there to discuss were well received and I truly feel that our industry is better understood by so many more because of these meetings. Some of the legislative priorities that we addressed with everyone we met with were :
** To address and explain why Towing Fees are outside of the FTC's Scope **
We explained that Congress has already delegated regulation of towing practices and pricing - and it is NOT to the FTC. We also explained that TRAA has already been in communication and held meetings with FMSCA about a plan of action and resolution for this matter. The Towing Industry was thrown into the Junk Fees bill on February 7th during the 11th hour without consulting the Towing Industry as a way to slip it in under the radar.
** To promote Move Over Efforts **
We applauded and thanked Senate members for helping pass the Move Over Resolution through the Senate and asked all House Representatives to either Co-Sponsor or vote to push the bill through the House.
** Oppose Legislation that allows for Larger Trucks on Roadways **
We addressed the issues that the increase of larger truck size and weight would increase the threat to motorist safety as well as the safety of tow operators and all traffic incident management disciplines on our nation's roadways.
** Consider Towing Industry Concerns when Implementing Electric Vehicle Policy**
We addressed issues that our industry has with EVs from storage to contamination to hazardous health threats and asked that the towing industry have a seat at the table to address concerns and give input as the EV industry adopts further practices concerning EVs.
We had quite a few Representatives that came as guest speakers which were in support of our Industry. They were from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the House Committee on Rules.
My Takeaway...
I learned that the issues listed above as well as others have been being addressed even before they have been brought to the attention of the Towers and encourage all groups, organizations or individuals to work TOGETHER and UNITE for the good of the Towing Industry. It is not a matter of what group, organization or individual can say they WIN. It is a matter of uniting as one so that we may show our strength in numbers which will send a united message, which in turn will result in the "WIN" for the Towing Industry !!!
For those coming to celebrate the life of Bud Rodgers- details are below.
Bud’s son would also like to invite those in attendance to a catered dinner beginning at 4:00pm on Tuesday February 13th in Vienna. The location will be announced to those attending both Monday and Tuesday as well as a takeaway with directions.
Family and friends may visit from 3:00-8:00PM on Monday February 12, 2024 at Packard Music Hall, located at 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW in Warren and from 10-11:00 on Tuesday February 13, 2024 at Packard Music Hall. Funeral services will follow at 11:00AM, officiated by Rev. Jim Baer.
After services, family and close friends will process to Trumbull County Fairgrounds where friends from towing companies, fair friends, police, fire departments, and EMS can line the midway for Bud’s last ride through the fairgrounds and on to his final resting place.
If you would like to participate in Bud’s final send off at the fairgrounds, please be lined up on the Midway by 12:00-12:15pm. Please enter through gate A off of Hoagland Blackstaub Rd where you will be directed on where to go. The fairgrounds will be open beginning at 9:00am on Tuesday.
🧡
https://www.lanefuneralhomes.com/obituaries/harry-rodgers
If anyone has trucks available, it would be awesome to honor Bud Rodgers during his last ride on February 13th. Details are in the post:
To Our Family and Friends-
Please join us in honoring a person who was larger than life. Details are below of the timeline of events.
After services, family and close friends will proceed to Trumbull County Fairgrounds where friends and family from the First Responder and Towing communities will line the midway for Bud’s last ride through the fairground and onto his final resting place.
If you would like to participate in Bud’s final send off at the fairgrounds, please be lined up on the Midway by 12pm. Please enter through gate A off of Hoagland Blackstaub Rd where you will be directed on where to go.
Dinner and gathering of friends and family after the procession will be announced the day of the funeral as well as at the fairground.
The obituary and in lieu of flowers details will be shared within the coming days.
Sharing info for a tow truck procession for Bud.
To Our Family and Friends-
Please join us in honoring a person who was larger than life. Details are below of the timeline of events.
After services, family and close friends will proceed to Trumbull County Fairgrounds where friends and family from the First Responder and Towing communities will line the midway for Bud’s last ride through the fairground and onto his final resting place.
If you would like to participate in Bud’s final send off at the fairgrounds, please be lined up on the Midway by 12pm. Please enter through gate A off of Hoagland Blackstaub Rd where you will be directed on where to go.
Dinner and gathering of friends and family after the procession will be announced the day of the funeral as well as at the fairground.
The obituary and in lieu of flowers details will be shared within the coming days.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Bud Rodgers, long time TRAO member and great supporter of the Midwest Regional Tow Show. He will be greatly missed. The following is what was posted from his family........
It is with great sadness that we let everyone know that Bud Rodgers has passed away earlier today unexpectedly. During this time we ask that you please keep Bud in your thoughts as he flies high with the angels.
We also ask for prayers and privacy for his son, Harry, his mother, Arlene, the love of his life, Merrilly, and the entire Rodgers family as they deal with such a huge loss and how to navigate this world without him. Bud was one in a million and the world will not shine as bright with him gone.
Funeral arrangements will be made and we will keep everyone updated as to the date and time of services. Thank you for being part of our lives and your support of Bud’s Towing. We will continue to make Bud proud.
This Bud’s For You.
TRAO Region 8 will be having their first meeting of the year and asked that we post the following information:
We will have our First Region 8 TRAO meeting of 2024 on February 6th, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Century Inn located at 10675 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215.
Please attend, You have a voice! Power comes in Numbers to accomplish positive goals for all.
Please feel free to forward to any Region 8 members who I have forgotten. We will be updating email addresses at the meeting as well.
Any questions please feel free to contact me!
Thank you,
Katelyn Boeppler
Fox Towing Inc.-Vice President
TRAO Region 8 Secretary
Watch the meeting live if you can't join in person!
https://boxcast.tv/channel/bmm8u7ppiy5btjaofoyr
Live stream begins at 6pm! Ask questions in the chat during the live stream!
APTO, TRAO and Shumaker & Advisors will be discussing the steps planned to advocate for a PPI rate increase - and the Call to Action for Ohio Towers.
The PUCO did not increase the PPI towing and storage fees when the rates were reviewed in 2023. That means it has been 6 years since there has been a rate increase. The time has come for the Ohio Towers to take a stand and fight the PUCO results. The PPI Rate importance cannot be understated. Whether PPI Towing or Police Towing, the PPI rate must be addressed.
WHEN: February 1st, 2024
TIME: 6:00 - 8:00pm
WHERE: Quest Conference Center - 9200 Worthington Rd, Ste 400 Westerville, OH 43082
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Ray Drumheller (Drumheller's Towing & Recovery of Waynesboro, VA). Information for the Tow Processional are in the post below.
On Saturday, February 3rd, a tow processional will leave Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville at 11:30am crossing Afton Mountain and coming thru Waynesboro on Broad Street at approximately 12:10pm, ending at Crossroads Baptist Church. This is the towing industry’s way of recognizing a fellow tower and showing honor for his service.
Also on Saturday, February 3rd, the family will receive friends from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Crossroads Baptist Church, 31 Crossroads Lane in Fishersville. A memorial service will follow at 3pm conducted by Pastor Heath Spivey.
https://www.thackerbrothers.com/obituary/Ray-Drumheller
January 24, 2024
To: ALL TRAO/APTO Members
Re: PRIVATE PROPERTY RATES/ PUCO - CALL TO ACTION
The PUCO’s recent review of the PPI rates was a disappointment. Unfortunately, the PUCO did not increase the PPI towing and storage fees when the rates were reviewed in 2023. That means it has been 6 years since there has been a rate increase. An increasing number of agencies are now incorporating the PUCO PPI rate as a reference point when negotiating police towing rates. Given its status as the sole statewide regulated rate, the PUCO PPI rate serves as a benchmark against which all other towing fees are measured and compared.
The time has come for the Ohio Towers to take a stand and fight the PUCO results. The PPI Rate importance cannot be understated. Whether PPI Towing or Police Towing, the PPI rate must be addressed. In November 2023, the TRAO and APTO Private Property Committee retained Attorney Steve Lesser to review the PUCO Case concerning the PPI rate review and suggest our path moving forward.
About Steve Lesser:
Steve Lesser is currently with the Benesch law firm but had a long career inside the PUCO as the Deputy Director of the Transportation Department, Administrative Law Judge/Attorney Examiner in the Legal Department, Chief of Staff, and then held a five-year term as a PUCO Commissioner. Steve comes highly recommended to work with the towing industry based on his extensive experience, knowledge, and capabilities representing clients through the complex regulatory processes of the PUCO.
Here is a link to Steve’s bio to learn more about him: https://www.beneschlaw.com/people/steven-d-lesser.html
Mr. Lesser’s recommendations:
Mr. Lesser is currently recommending two different options for Ohio Towers to challenge the PUCO’s decision to increase the PPI rate and has asked for a couple weeks to research each option:
1. Waive the Rule
or
2. A Self Complaint
Mr. Lesser could start as early as February 2024, but there is no estimate on how long it could take since it is dependent on PUCO case load. However, the goal of the industry is to challenge the decision and find a path forward to receive a fair and just review of the PPI rate we believe deserves to be increased.
Moving Forward...
TRAO and APTO are moving forward with Attorney Lesser. To make this happen, your help is required. Here is a breakdown of what is needed.
#1: Raise the funds to cover the legal expenses. We are estimating the cost to be approximately $50,000 for Legal Expenses. Money must be raised through donations to pay attorney fees.
• Funds must be raised by 2/12/2024
• All donations will only be spent toward legal fees, with receipt provided
• One company has donated $ 10,000 to get the process started
• TRAO and APTO agreed to equally raise $ 20,000 each
#2: Company testimonials from 4 companies
Mr. Lesser will need individual companies’ financial information to help demonstrate the negative financial impact of rising costs and the stagnant PPI rate. Although general financial information was provided to the PUCO, detailed financial testimonials from a few Ohio towing companies are needed to explain the negative impact more adequately. We must have companies in place by 2/12/2024.
For those companies that would like to provide this information:
• Company names will not be used, but referred to as Company A, B, C, etc. so no one will know the companies who participated.
• Companies will interact with Mr. Lesser directly with Attorney privilege protections.
• If PUCO requests to know the company names, Mr. Lesser will have the records sealed, therefore not accessible in public record. Mr. Lesser states this in almost all cases the names remain sealed.
• Contact: Megan Lashutka at [email protected] for more information
On behalf of TRAO and APTO, we appreciate your consideration to join the battle for an increase in PPI rates.
Please consider donating by clicking this link:
https://trao.org/donation/
Or
Mail Check to:
TRAO Legal Fund
500 W. Main St., Batavia, OH 45103
All money donated to TRAO Legal Fund will solely be used for legal expenses.
Questions? Reach out to one of the following:
Connie Rohrich- TRAO President – (513) 623-5594
Bruce Bender – TRAO Administrator – (513) 791-3555
Megan Lashutka – [email protected]
Cincinnati, OH
45103
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For those that chose not to be here... Mark the calendar for next year! 😉
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Harrison Avenue
Affordable Towing and Recovery
Boyle Road
