Laws that govern giving - Changes affect charitable efforts for the holidays

Hurricanes, earthquakes, a tsunami.

People responded generously to those natural disasters, one after the other, during the past two years. Unfortunately, that did not make it easy for charitable groups that, day in and day out, cater to South Florida's people in need.

"Yes, it's been a very difficult time," said Pedro del Sol, who until the start of this month was the chief executive officer of Caridad Center. The Boynton Beach center provides medical and dental services to the working poor and farm workers from Palm Beach County. "People are being tapped from everywhere and not just for local needs."

City council amends laws to allow liquor sales on Sundays

The Meridian City Council amended the city code Tuesday to allow sales of liquor by the drink on Sundays in order to accommodate revelers this New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday this year.

The amended alcohol ordinance, Title 1, Chaper 2, Section 1 of the city code, also provides for the sale of liquor by the drink on Memorial Day and Thanksgiving Day. It brings Meridian into line with a section of Ada County Code. Idaho State Code prevents liquor sales on those days, but allows cities and counties to amend their ordinances to include them.

The one exception is Christmas Day. Idaho Code prevents liquor from being sold from 2 a.m. Dec. 25 until 10 a.m. Dec. 26 statewide.

Contact law for rental property owners faces possible changes

LISBON -- Ever tried to find a landlord in event of a problem?

A new state law that requires rental property owners to provide contact information to county auditors went into effect Sept. 28. But the Legislature may water down the bill next year.

Columbiana County Auditor Nancy Milliken said the new law requires rental property owners to provide contact information, including a name, address and telephone number.

The phone numbers, she said, would make it easier for people to get in touch with the owner in case of a problem.

Corporations must provide a name of an officer or manager. People who live outside of Ohio must provide the name of an agent in Ohio who can be contacted.