Gov. Gary Herbert has signed a series of bills bringing an end to the special legislative session.

The governor signed two major bills making changes to the laws governing medical cannabis and beer.

Lawmakers approved a change to allow grocery and convenience stores a one-week grace period to purchase and store 4% beer before it can be sold to customers as the cap is lifted from 3.2% beer on Nov. 1.

Additionally, legislators passed changes to the state’s medical cannabis bill.

We had a great time at the 2^nd annual #artypartyakron hosted by the Summit County CASA/GAL Volunteer Board. This juried art show at Akrona Galleries featured 100 works of art from local young artists ranging from pre-school to college. The art was auctioned off at a fun and exciting event with all proceeds going to the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County. The mission of the CASA program is: To provide every child who enters the court system as a result of allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency with a trained community volunteer to advocate what is in the child’s best interest.

As vice-chair of the CASA Board, I am grateful for State and Federal’s event sponsorship and support of this important work in Summit County.