Ohio gov. signs bill creating state artifact

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. John Kasich has signed legislation establishing an object called the Adena Pipe as the official state artifact.

The prehistoric effigy pipe was linked to the ancient Adena culture and was found in 1901 in a burial mound near Chillicothe.

Students at the Columbus School for Girls fought for the measure for several years. Fourth-graders at the school began working on the proposal in 2009. Subsequent classes kept pushing it as they learned about the legislative process and the political system.

Kasich inked the measure today surrounded by more than 100 of the school’s students.

Lawmakers who approved the bill praised the girls for their persistence and civic involvement.