Hey:
Welcome to RR!!! You've definitely come to the right place.
I might as well start off with telling you that I an NOT from your area, so I don't know location specific info. However, I will try to help you if I can.
As for programming your new scanner, you will need to read the manual on how to do that. I can explain some of it to you (I have a Pro-106 which is basically your radio with a radioshack logo on it). Hit program, then F1 for new, then F1 for talkgroup, scroll down to System and make sure that is says 'new', then press select. Then enter the data that it requires(system type, Control Channels, ect...). Read your stock manual, or the one at the link I provided below for more info on how to do this.
Also I would
STRONGLY suggest that you post to the Ohio forum. Those folks will be able to help you much more than I can. And, whats more important,
THEY KNOW THE AREA. The reason I suggest this is because most people who check the New User forum regularly will just be able to help with general info(i.e. they probably aren't from your area). The information that you will need to program can be found there and in the Database. However, they will know whether your area uses digital or not, ect....(in other words they have the local info).Just tell them what you said here, about your location, what kind of scanner you have, what you wish to monitor, and anything else that you want to know!
Here's a link to the ohio forum:
Radioreference Forums-Ohio Radio Discussion Forum
Also, another link that you might like:
Easier To Read Pro-106/197-PSR-500/600 Scanner Manual
This manual is much easier to understand then the stock manual.
Sincerely,
gr8rcall