Ohio's media outlets coverage of concealed carry hits fever-pitch

Ohio's media outlets are continuing to provide extensive coverage of the pending implementation of Ohio's new concealed carry reform law.

We wish we had time to evaluate and comment on potential inaccuracies in each one, but it's just coming too fast. As always, read with a watchful eye, and keep in mind the credibility of the source!

Athens Messenger: Concealed-carry licensees limited to certain areas
Many Athens County businesses are still considering whether they will allow customers to bring a concealed handgun onto their premises.

Thursday is the first day when residents can apply for a concealed-carry license, and so far, few businesses have taken steps to prevent weapons in their buildings by installing signs.

Canton Repository: Gun law’s details vague
Ohioans may start carrying concealed guns Thursday, but questions remain about how the state’s new weapons law will be put into practice. One question is when applicants will get their permits. The law gives sheriff’s departments 45 days to issue or deny a permit and some have said they will not be issuing licenses immediately.

Another question is what permits will look like. The law says the permits have to have a photo and information such as name, address and age, but the way the permit looks is up to the sheriffs.

Chillicothe Gazette: Some questions arise as to where concealed guns will be permitted

Ohioans for Concealed Carry recently sent letters to several cities advising them they cannot ban concealed handguns from public open lands.

Gerard Valentino, central Ohio coordinator for the group, said municipalities cannot place further restrictions on concealed handguns than what is outlined in the bill. The bill does not specify public parks or fairgrounds as gun-free zones.

Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio prepares to bear arms
In January, Ohio become the 37th state to enact a law allowing residents who pass a gun safety course and a criminal and mental competency background check to carry a concealed handgun. Kentucky and Indiana are among states with similar laws.

Sheriffs in Greater Cincinnati have distributed hundreds of applications to people who want to carry concealed firearms and instructors have been flooded with Ohio gun owners who want to take training to get such a license.

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Sheriff's offices expect rush of concealed-gun applicants
Local sheriffs are bracing for a potential stampede on Thursday when Ohio's new concealed-carry law goes into effect.

"We expect an onslaught initially, but we are hoping it will die down in a few weeks," said Ashtabula County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Howard Shetler.

In Lorain County, the sheriff said he expects lines out the door.

Gallipolis Daily Tribine: Gearing up for concealed carry applications
According to the National Rifle Association, more than half of all Americans live in Right-to-Carry states. Currently, there are only four states that do not allow any form of Right-to-Carry.

“Despite ominous predictions by gun-ban groups, data shows that states with Right-to-Carry laws experience significantly less crime,” said Chris Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. “On average, Right-to-Carry states have a 24 percent lower violent crime rate than states without the self-protection law.”

Gannett News Service: Debate rages on: Will more guns make us safer?
Gerard Valentino looks into Ohio's future and sees a state with lower crime rates and better-protected citizens, thanks to the ability for Ohioans to carry concealed guns.

"A lot of people are hoping something bad happens," said the central Ohio coordinator for Ohioans for Concealed Carry. "They are going to be disappointed."

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Dealers: Several factors go into finding the right gun
Joe Pittenger hasn't seen a significant increase in his handgun sales yet, but he is seeing a lot more customers.

"They're looking for information before they get their permit and buy a gun," said Pittenger, owner of Hunters' Hideout in Orient. "The greatest increase is in the women and novice gun buyers. There are a lot more questions coming in."

Marietta Times: Concealed carry stirs interest
An estimated 600 to 1,000 people are expected to apply for concealed carry permits in Washington County after a new law allowing people to carry handguns takes effect Thursday.

"We have been receiving a lot of telephone calls and questions about the permit process," said Washington County Chief Deputy Larry Mincks. "We're anticipating this to keep us pretty busy for the next nine to 12 months."

Marion Star: Belmont County sheriff expects 'flood' of applicants
Criminals in Ohio have been carrying guns for years - and now the rest of Ohio will get its chance.

But whether the law is ultimately effective at making people safer may never really be determined.

Gerard Valentino, central Ohio coordinator for Ohioans for Concealed Carry, said Michigan crime rates dropped after it passed a concealed-carry bill in 2001.

"Our expectation is we'll see something close to that," he said.

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More locals going for guns

It may be weeks before the first permit is issued, but Ohio's concealed carry weapons law has already meant more customers for local gun dealers.

Handguns are in demand and dealers and firearms instructors are encouraging people to buy guns they are comfortable handling. They are also peddling gun cases, holsters and a little common sense.

NBC 4 Columbus: Concealed Carry Law Raises Concern About Vehicle Safety
Some citizens believe this stipulation makes the law too restrictive.

"What if you're waiting at the light, a carjacker comes up, he's got a gun on you, your gun is secured -- you have no means of defense," said Jon Eager, a gun owner.

Newark Advocate: Speaker: Guns create violence, not prevent it
Two days before Ohio's concealed-carry law takes effect, gun control advocate Michael Beard, the founder and president of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, spoke at Denison University to discuss "Shooting Straight on Guns: How the Gun Lobby's Distortions are Destroying Public Safety."

His message was met with mixed reaction.

Keith Hill from Dresden said, "You were fed parts and bits and pieces of the story and not the whole story, and he did it time after time after time."

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Meeting aims to clarify gun laws
Tony Ghiloni, 40, of Newark, said he thinks the new law is "great" and plans to apply for a permit.

"I think it's my duty as a law-abiding citizen," Ghiloni said, adding safety and security are two reasons why he plans to get a permit.

Tiffin Advertiser Tribune: Prepare, then apply for concealed weapon permit
The Seneca County Sheriff's Office would like to advise applicants for concealed-carry permits on what to expect starting Thursday, when applications become available.

Starting Thursday, the regular hours for applying for permits are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lt. William Eckelberry of Seneca County Sheriff's office said people who cannot apply during these hours are permitted to apply for permits in Seneca's adjoining counties.

"We're just gonna take them first come, first served," Eckelberry said. "Hopefully the rush will be over in a week or week-and-a-half."

Toledo Blade: Concealed-carry permit applications by appointment only in Lucas, Wood

If you want to apply for a concealed weapon permit in Lucas or Wood counties, local sheriffs are asking that you make an appointment, please.

"We need to have some order. We can't have people hanging in the lobby and pounding on the door," Sheriff James Telb said. "Hopefully, people are patient with us."

He expects 1,000 to 1,500 applicants during the first few months Ohio's concealed-carry law is in effect. Appointments will be scheduled on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those hours could be extended into the evening or on weekends if the office isn't able to accommodate everyone.

"We'll see how it goes the first week or two," Sheriff Telb said.

Youngstown Vindicator: Sheriffs expect lines to be long
Statewide, some sheriffs will not be surprised to find camped on their doorstep Thursday morning hundreds of men and women eager to be among the first to apply for a concealed-carry license.

"I've heard that some people intend to show up here at 4:30 [a.m.]," said Maj. Michael Budd at the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department.

Zanesville Times Recorder: Concealed carry has its share of opponents
Although many Ohioans will line up Thursday to obtain concealed carry weapons licenses, there are others who find the whole concept unsettling.

Jeannie Mitchell of Zanesville doesn't think carrying a concealed weapon is a good idea.

"I think there's going to be a lot more killing," Mitchell said. "I know that people who have been in trouble won't be able to get one, but I just can't see the whole population packing a gun."