The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus approved the use of up to $200,000 of federal CARES Act funds for a
second round of the Wood County Small Business Relief Program.
TThe program will provide eligible small businesses with up to $5,000 to cover business interruption expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, the
Commissioners approved the use of $250,000 for this purpose. In that first round just 17 applications were received, with ten receiving grants. For round two,
the program rules have been slightly modified to encourage more businesses to apply. Wade Gottschalk, Director of the Wood County Office of Economic Development
will administer the program.
Business owners can obtain application materials from the Wood County Office of Economic Development’s website at woodcountyedc.com. Applications will be
accepted from 8:30 a.m. Monday, November 9, through 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2020.
To participate in the program, the business must have less than $1 million in gross annual revenue, have 30 or fewer employees, have experienced a decrease in
gross revenue of 25% or more due to COVID-19, and have not received greater than $5,000 of federal assistance from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) or Economic
Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). All expenses must be related to the business interruption caused by COVID-19. Eligible expenses include: Mortgage costs; Rent or
lease costs; Expenses for utilities; Salaries, wages and compensation paid to employees; Materials and supplies related to interruption of the business caused by
required closures; and Personal Protective Equipment or other COVID-19 related costs such as expenses related to compliance with Responsible Restart Ohio.
To date, Wood County government has received $6.7 million in federal CARES Act funding. This money is to be used to offset costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commissioners have agreed to subgrant funds to many eligible entities in Wood County, including the Wood County Committee on Aging, Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental
Health Services Board, Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Cocoon Shelter, Park District, Northwestern Water & Sewer District, as well as all offices and departments
of county government.
Donor Provides Tree for Courthouse Lawn
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus are pleased to announce the planting of a new Heritage Oak tree on the east lawn of the Wood County Courthouse.
All expenses for the new tree were paid by a donor. North Branch Nursery in Pemberville worked with Steve Blausey, Wood County Facilities Director, to complete the planting.
In April of this year, two prominent oak trees that had grown in that location for nearly 100 years, were removed due to declining health and out of caution for people, vehicles, and the Courthouse.
As part of the tree removal, viable sections of the tree trunks were salvaged, sawn into lumber, and are currently being dried. While there is no immediate plan for use of this lumber, it will be saved
for future projects of importance to Wood County.
The Commissioners extend their sincere thanks to the donor, and are pleased to begin the next 100 years with an oak tree in this location.
For more information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator
Penny War Helps Veterans Memorial Project
Students from Bowling Green Middle School and Otsego Junior High School recently held a Penny War to raise $2,022.39 for the Wood County Veterans Memorial project. Inspiration for the
event came from a news opinion article written by Joe Boyle last spring. Teachers Pat Carney from BGMS and Charlie Spencer from OJHS worked together to organize the event.
The rules of the Penny War were simple. Each school had two buckets in the cafeteria, one labeled BGMS, and the other OJHS. Pennies and paper money dropped into a bucket resulted in
positive points for the school. Silver coins dropped into a bucket resulted in negative points.
The BGMS Builder's Club (sponsored by the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club) helped with implementation of the Penny War. Club Advisor, Laura Johns, a BGMS teacher, helped to promote the friendly
rivalry event at the school and organized many hours of counting change. In the end, the Bowling Green Middle School raised $1522.39, with the Otsego Junior High School collecting $500.
The existing Wood County Veterans Memorial was established on the southeast corner of the Courthouse lawn in 1950. Memorials for Korea and Vietnam were added, but time and weather have taken
their toll and the site today is clearly in need of help to respectfully recognize the people who gave their lives. Therefore, a group of Wood County veterans worked to design a new Veterans Memorial
plaza that will recognize all county residents who died in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and Afghanistan along with our Gold Star Families. The $400,000 project will create an
area that is accessible to people with disabilities, and is conducive to memorial services. Donations for the project can be made to the Bowling Green Community Foundation/Wood County Veterans Memorial,
P.O. Box 1175, Bowling Green, OH 43402. Vmemorial@co.wood.oh.us
For more information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator
Spirit of Wood County Awards
Nine individuals from across Wood County are scheduled for recognition by the Wood County Commissioners on November 3, as they present the annual Spirit of Wood County Awards at 2 p.m. in the
Alvin L. Perkins Atrium, at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.
The 2019 award recipients include Rossford resident Bradley Gilbert, Self-Government; Middleton Township resident Collette Dickey, Agricultural Leadership; former Bowling Green resident
Father Mark Davis, Religion and Liberty; Perrysburg Township residents Reeve Kelsey, Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom; Julie Danko, Education for Civic Responsibility; Philip Rudolph Sr.,
Industrial/Economic Development; and Weston Township resident George Stossel was selected for the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.
The Spirit of Wood County Awards, are awarded to current and former citizens of Wood County who show outstanding qualities in bettering Wood County as a whole. The County Commissioners
have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.
Commissioners Select Assistant County Administrator
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, are pleased to announce the selection of Carri Stanley as their new Assistant County Administrator.
Mrs. Stanley’s duties will include preparation and management of the county budget, supervision of the fiscal staff within the Commissioners’ Office, and working closely with the County
Administrator to guide projects for County offices and departments. The Assistant County Administrator also serves as the Director of the Wood County Solid Waste Management District,
including the Wood County Landfill. Her employment with the Commissioners’ Office will begin on September 16, 2019.
Mrs. Stanley is a graduate of Elmwood High School, the University of Findlay, and the University of Toledo College of Law. She currently serves as a Senior Assistant Prosecutor in
the Office of the Wood County Prosecuting Attorney where she has worked in the Civil Division since 2008. In this position she provides legal advice, contract and bidding document review,
and legal research to county officials, boards, commissions, departments, townships, school districts, and the health district. From 1999 to 2007, she served as the Project Director for the
Putnam County Commissioners where she directed the county budget process, served as liaison among county departments and elected officials, managed environmental programs, capital projects,
and human resource activities.
For additional information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator.
CodeRED Notification System
Wood County is proud to announce the launch of its new CodeRED community notification system to send important alerts and
time-sensitive messages to staff members and residents. Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification
system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as road closures
and trash collection schedule changes, snow plow schedules and other county services. Upon evaluating the previous notification
system and other available options, the county chose CodeRED for its innovative features, user-friendly platform, and wide-spread
adoption rates across the country.
Check it out here: Wood County CodeRED
Medal of Honor Recipient to be Recognized
Memorial for Wood County Veterans to be Announced
Medal of Honor recipient, Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers, Jr., US Navy, will be recognized
on Wednesday, May 8 at 10:30 am on the front lawn of the Wood County Courthouse.
The inscription of Master Chief Byers name will be unveiled on the Medal of Honor monument, part of the Veterans Memorial
site. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2016 for actions in Afghanistan, distinguishing himself by heroic gallantry as
an Assault Team Member attached to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on December 8, 2012. Master
Chief Byers, a former resident of Grand Rapids and 1997 graduate of Otsego High School, is the first service member from
Wood County to receive the Medal of Honor since the Civil War.
The Medal of Honor monument was dedicated at the Wood County Veterans Memorial on the Courthouse grounds on November 10,
2012, as part of a Veterans Day service. The monument was dedicated to six Civil War soldiers who were awarded the Medal
of Honor for actions of heroism during the war. Five of the six Civil War soldiers were part of the famed Andrew’s Raiders
of the 21st Ohio Infantry: Wilson W. Brown, Robert Buffum, Elihu H. Mason, John A. Wilson and Mark Wood. The other Wood
County soldier to receive the Medal of Honor was Charles A. Thompson. He was recognized for heroism after his regiment was
surrounded in Spotsylvania, Virginia.
At the conclusion of the Medal of Honor event the Wood County Commissioners will unveil plans for renovation, restoration,
and expansion of the Memorial for Wood County Veterans. This will include an artist rendering of the project and fundraising information.
Aged Trees at Courthouse to be Removed
For nearly 100 years two oak trees have grown prominently on the east lawn of the Wood County Courthouse.
Over the past 20 years the health of these trees has been in decline and selective trimming has been
performed to remove dead limbs. Based on an evaluation performed by the Bowling Green City Arborist,
the Wood County Commissioners have concluded that the condition of the trees is such that they must
be removed to ensure the safety of people passing below them and the Courthouse. Tree removal work
will commence on Friday, May 3, 2019 (weather permitting).
As part of the tree removal, any viable sections of tree trunks will be salvaged, sawn into lumber,
and kiln dried. While there is no immediate plan for use of this lumber, it will be saved for a future
project of importance to Wood County.
The remaining limbs will be cut into firewood lengths, stacked at the curb lawn along Summit Street,
and will be available free to anyone wishing to take them.
For additional information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator.
LaHote Elected to the CORSA Board of Directors
The County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) announces that Wood County Commissioner Craig LaHote has been selected to serve on the CORSA board of directors.
He was elected to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner John Love, who retired as of Dec. 31, 2018.
“CORSA has long been a leader in providing comprehensive property and liability coverage as well as high-quality risk management services that save county dollars,”
LaHote said. “Wood County is proud to be a member, and I’m looking forward to serving on the board.”
Commissioners from CORSA member counties are eligible to serve on the board and are elected by the board and the membership at the Annual Meeting held in August.
Board members may serve four consecutive, two-year terms.
“I am excited to welcome Commissioner LaHote to the board. His willingness to share his expertise with CORSA will further our vision of being the leader in providing
Ohio counties with exceptional value, service and protection of assets,” said CORSA Managing Director John Brownlee.
CORSA, established in 1987 by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio as a service program, is a self-insured property and liability pool for county government.
Currently, 66 of the 88 counties are members.
Commissioners Select Emergency Management Director
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, are pleased to announce the selection of Jeff Klein as their new Director
of the Emergency Management Agency. The EMA Director serves a key role in the coordination of local, state, and national resources that may be needed to mitigate,
prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of a disaster. Mr. Klein, from Perrysburg, Ohio, will begin his new role on March 29, 2019, with the retirement
of current Director Brad Gilbert.
Mr. Klein currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Wood County Emergency Management Agency, beginning in 2017. He has 32 years of fire service experience having worked
most recently for the City of Perrysburg, beginning in 1991, serving as a Firefighter-Paramedic, Assistant Fire Chief, and ten years as Fire Chief. He is a graduate of Bowsher
High School, Columbia Southern University with a degree in Fire Science, and the Ohio Fire Executive Program.
For additional information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator.
Commissioners Urge NO Vote on State Issue 1
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, today passed a resolution stating their opposition to State Issue 1, the proposed amendment
to the Ohio Constitution. The Commissioners urge citizens to vote NO on Issue 1 because, if passed, they believe it will expose citizens across Ohio to increased substance
abuse activity, place an undue burden on Wood County taxpayers who will be obligated to pay for treatment services mandated by the new law, further burden county taxpayers
who will bear the cost of re-sentencing previously convicted offenders, and attract additional criminal drug activity to Ohio.
Additionally, the Commissioners believe placing this issue in the Ohio Constitution is poor government. The fight against illegal opioid and substance abuse is being waged
on many fronts - Issue 1 will decimate any progress made to this point, and eliminate the ability of Judges and Courts to effectively treat substance abuse.
Click here for a copy of the resolution. For additional information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator.
Spirit Of Wood County Awards to be Awarded on October 28
Nine individuals from across Wood County are scheduled for recognition by the Wood County Commissioners on October 28, as they present the annual Spirit of Wood
County Awards at 2 p.m. in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium, at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.
The 2018 award recipients include Pemberville resident Tom Oberhouse, Industrial/Economic Development; Jackson Township resident Mark Drewes, Agricultural Leadership;
former North Baltimore resident Richard Adams, Religion and Liberty; Middleton Township resident Robert Pollex, Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom; and Rossford resident
Charles Cox, Education for Civic Responsibility. Bowling Green residents Ann Harris Householder, Mildred Broka, and Michael Sibbersen were selected for the Lyle R. Fletcher
Good Citizenship Award. Also being recognized posthumously for his service to Wood County is David Chilson of Plain Township.
The Spirit of Wood County Awards, are awarded to citizens of Wood County who show outstanding qualities in bettering Wood County as a whole. The County Commissioners
have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.
Commissioners Support Prostate Cancer Awareness
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, are pleased to join with Stan Korducki, President of Wood County Hospital and Dr. Dhaval
Parikh, Cancer Care Center Medical Director, in support of prostate cancer awareness during the month of September. A short presentation will be made on Wednesday,
September 5, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the Maurer Family Cancer Care Center, located in the medical office building next to the Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green.
Every year, an estimated 165,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about 29,430 will die of the disease. Additionally, men with relatives with a history
of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, but have a five-year survival rate of nearly 100% if it is caught early
For additional information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator.
Commissioners, Clerk of Courts Help Engineer
with Road and Bridge Funding
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig
LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, announced that they will transfer
$2,100,000 to a fund that will be used to assist the County
Engineer, John Musteric to build and repair county bridges and
roads. For the Commissioners' initial transfer, $1,800,00
will come from the Wood County Building Inspection cash balance,
while $300,000 will come from the conveyance fee that is used to
fund the Wood County Office of Economic Development.
Additionally, they agreed to dedicate $200,000 of county sales
tax revenue annually for five years ($1,000,000 total) to add to
the new fund. Clerk of Courts, Cindy Hofner also committed
$100,000 by transferring revenue from the Auto Title Fund.
In May of this year, following two public hearings that
included a presentation on the health of the county roads and
bridges by Mr. Musteric, the Commissioners approved a $5
increase to the county vehicle license fee. This increase
was approved, the Commissioners stated that they would review
the cash balances of some county departments to determine if
additional funding could be made available to the Engineer for
roads and bridges. By combining the new vehicle license
fee revenue with the funds transferred from the Commissioners
and Clerk of Courts, over the next five years the Engineer will
have new funding of approximately $6,450,000 to build and repair
county bridges and roads.
The Building Inspection cash balance, generated from permit
fees, currently has a balance of $3.8 million, amounting to more
than two years of current operating costs. With three
large-scale industrial projects being announced in Wood County
within the past four months the Commissioners anticipate that
the permit revenue will again outpace expenditures for 2018.
The current Building Inspection cash balance has grown due to
good management and the sheer volume of Building Inspection
permit fees generated over many years. The construction
climate in Wood County continues to be robust, especially with
commercial and industrial projects. The Wood County
Commissioners believe that putting this surplus revenue to work
repairing and building roads and bridges is an excellent
investment in Wood County.
Nominations Sought for Spirit of Wood County Awards
Nominations for the 2018 Spirit of Wood County Awards are being accepted through August 15. Commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote and Ted Bowlus encourage residents of
Wood County to nominate current or former residents for one of seven awards that will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 28 during a special ceremony in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.
The seven award categories include Agricultural Leadership; Industrial/Economic Development; Education for Civic Responsibility; Liberty through Law/Human Freedom; Religion and Liberty;
Self-Government; and the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.
Nomination forms and category descriptions are available on the Wood County website, www.co.wood.oh.us, by following the “Spirit Awards” link. A list of previous award recipients is
also posted on the website. Forms may also be obtained by contacting the Commissioners’ Office at 419-354-9100 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In celebration of the Bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the Ohio Northwest Ordinance and U.S. Constitution Bicentennial Commission developed the Spirit of ‘87 Awards Program. The awards were established to
recognize and honor citizens at the local level whose daily actions embody the principles set forth in the Northwest Ordinance. Nominations were taken in six different categories directly
related to the Ordinance. Every Ohio community was able to participate in the program and local Spirit of ‘87 Award honorees qualified for statewide recognition.
In 1988 the Commissioners decided to continue with the awards to honor the service of Wood County citizens. Although the names of some awards have changed over the years, the spirit of the awards is alive today.
Wood County Crisis Line - 419-502-HOPE (4673)
As the face of healthcare continues to change, the Wood County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS) closely monitors services that support the residents of Wood County.
Beginning July 1, 2018, Unison Health will be managing the Wood County Crisis line and providing prescreens for Wood County residents.
Even as this transition occurs, the Wood County ADAMHS Board and Unison Health are committed to ensuring continuity of care for clients and stakeholders throughout
the community. If you or someone you know exhibits signs of a mental health crisis, including: feeling excessively sad or anxious, hopelessness, feeling like harming
others or self, and/or thoughts of suicide - the new crisis service line should be accessed immediately by calling 419-502-HOPE (4673). The crisis line is available 24/7.
With over 250 dedicated staff members serving nearly 8,000 adults, adolescents and children throughout Northwest Ohio — Unison Health is a leading resource for people seeking
access to behavioral health, substance abuse treatment and primary healthcare. The partnership between the Wood County ADAMHS Board and Unison Health ensures crisis services for
the residents of Wood County continue to be easily accessed now and into the future.
VACANCY - Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris I. Herringshaw, Craig LaHote and Theodore H. Bowlus seek to fill a vacancy on the Wood County Alcohol,
Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS) pursuant to ORC §340.02. Eligible candidates shall be a resident of Wood County and be
interested in mental health services or alcohol, drug addiction or gambling addiction services. Experience in business, finance, law, health care,
personnel, or government preferred.
People employed by entities that contract with the ADAMHS Board are not eligible to be appointed.
Interested candidates shall complete an Application for Volunteer Service, available at the Commissioners’ Office, or on the Commissioners’
website at www.co.wood.oh.us/commissioners/forms, and submit it to the Commissioners’ Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 8, 2018.
Commissioners Select Historical Center Director
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, are pleased to announce the selection
of Kelli Kling as the new Director of the Wood County Historical Center. Kelli has been a member of the Historical Center staff since 2003,
serving initially as Assistant to the Director, which evolved into Marketing and Events Coordinator. Throughout this time she has done significant
work to plan and promote exhibits, events, and programs at the Historical Center. The appointment will take effect immediately.
Kelli is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications, and Master of Education in Career and Technology Education degrees.
She has been significantly involved with the Black Swamp Arts Festival, the Bowling Green Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Main Street Bowling Green.
For additional information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator.
Commissioners Emphasize
No Farm Equipment Permit
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, along with County Engineer John Musteric, recently discussed proposed permits
and fees for overweight vehicles that travel county roads. While the initial proposed fee schedule included a Blanket Permit for all Farm Equipment (tractors,
combines, etc.), the Commissioners and Engineer agreed that this is not necessary. Therefore, even if the proposed Overweight Vehicle Permit Fee schedule is approved
in the future, there will be no fee for farm equipment.
The only permit fee that could affect farmers is for vehicles that exceed 87,000 pounds – most likely
semi-trucks hauling grain.
The goal of the Overweight Vehicle Permit program is to protect county roads and bridges from damage. Overweight vehicles that travel state routes are required to
obtain a permit from the Ohio Department of Transportation. These same overweight vehicles travel state routes legally, then exit onto county and township roads with
no permits or regard for the capacity of the roads or bridges. Therefore, the Commissioners, Engineer, and Sheriff have been discussing a permit program for county
roads as allowed by the Ohio Revised Code. These discussions are ongoing.
For additional information, please contact Andrew S. Kalmar, Wood County Administrator.
Local Leaders Join in Event to Kick Off Week of Appreciation for Those on the Front Lines of Ohio's Opioid Epidemic
The Alcohol Drug Addiction Mental Health Board and the Wood County Commissioners, will be hosting a community event to honor those on the front lines fighting the Opiate
epidemic. This event will be held on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium at the Wood County Courthouse. The public is invited.
With the message of “Bringing Help. Bringing Hope. Thank You” this event includes expressions of appreciation by those whose lives were saved and are in recovery, along
with family members, who shared stories of how their lives were changed thanks to the individual who helped them. Expressions of appreciation will include a Proclamation
by the Wood County Commissioners, statements by State Senator Randy Gardner and State Representative Theresa Gavarone, a reading of a resolution from Governor John Kasich
and a resolution by the Wood County ADAMHS Board. Throughout the remainder of the week, individual first responder departments throughout Wood County will be visited and
provided thank you cards, videos and lunch to honor their efforts.
We recognize the individuals on the front lines who are working to eradicate the scourge of opiates, and help individuals coping with addiction recover every day,
despite the increased safety risks to these heroes. Their life-saving work allows for recovery to begin, with treatment and supports.
“We sponsored the Week of Appreciation because we hear of the day-to-day the difficulty and pain so many of our front-line workers face as they work to help individuals
in the greatest need. The positive impact that recovery from addiction can have on individuals, families, job growth, community safety, and overall economic development
cannot be overlooked,” stated Board Executive Director Tom Clemons. “Treatment Works and People do Recover. Saving individuals and helping to open the door to recovery
for those living in Wood County who need treatment services and supports is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. Our community will be stronger for it,”
concluded Director Clemons.
Wood County has made prevention, treatment and recovery supports for those with an Opiate addiction a priority as evidenced by the creation of the Wood County Opiate
Task force. Each month the group of about 45 concerned community members meet to the tackle the problem head on by hosting numerous town hall and community events to
bringing awareness and unique solutions to the county.
Wood County Park District Board of Commissioners Application Process
Wood County Probate Court Judge David Woessner will be accepting letters of interest and resumes for appointment to the Wood County Park District Board of Commissioners.
Letters of interest for appointment, as well as resumes or supporting material, must be received at the Wood County Probate Court by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2017.
The Wood County Probate Court is located on the second floor of the Wood County Courthouse. Its mailing address is Wood County Probate Court, One Courthouse Square,
Bowling Green, OH 43402.
Commissioners Refinance Bond, Saving Taxpayers Money
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus recently refinanced the bond that was used to finance significant capital
improvements to the Wood County District Public Library. The original bond was issued in 2002 and refinanced in 2007 with an interest rate of 5.5%.
The newly refinanced bond has a value of $2,665,000, and based on the new interest rate of 2.16%, Wood County taxpayers will save $441,996. Bond payments will end in December 2027.
In 2001, voters in the library district approved a 0.041 mill, 25 year bond issue that generated $4,950,000 for the purpose of renovating, improving and adding to
the existing main public library facility of the Wood County Public Library District, including equipment, furnishings, parking facilities and site improvements.
Michael Penrod, Director of the Wood County District Public Library stated, “Please let the Commissioners know how much we here at WCDPL appreciate all they do for
us as our Appointing Authority AND as our Taxing Authority! This savings for the taxpayer is awesome!”
For additional information, please contact Kelly O’Boyle, Assistant Wood County Administrator.
Spirit of Wood County Awards set to be Awarded on October 22
Twelve Wood County residents are scheduled for recognition by the Wood County Commissioners on October 22, as they present the annual Spirit of Wood County
Awards at 2 p.m. in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium, at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.
The 2017 award recipients include Bowling Green residents
Barbara Rothrock, Industrial/Economic Development; Reverends
Mary Jane and Gary Saunders, Religion and Liberty; Dan Van
Vorhis, Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom; Tim Brown,
Self-Government; and Gwen Andrix and Amy Holland, Lyle R.
Fletcher Good Citizenship. Mary Kuhlman of Pemberville is the
recipient of the Education for Civic Responsibility Award. Also
being recognized for Agricultural Leadership are the Leadership
BG Ag Day Organizers, Gordon and Cathy Wenig, Paul Herringshaw,
and Lesley Riker.
The Spirit of Wood County Awards, are awarded to citizens of Wood County who show outstanding qualities in bettering Wood County as a whole.
The County Commissioners have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.
Nominations Sought for Spirit of Wood County Awards
Nominations for the 2017 Spirit of Wood County Awards are being accepted through August 15. Commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote and Ted Bowlus
encourage residents of Wood County to nominate current or former residents for one of seven awards that will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 22 during
a special ceremony in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.
The seven award categories include Agricultural Leadership; Industrial/Economic Development; Education for Civic Responsibility; Liberty through Law/Human Freedom;
Religion and Liberty; Self-Government; and the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.
Nomination forms and category descriptions are available here: Nominations
by following the “Spirit Awards” link. A list of previous award recipients is also posted on the website. Forms may also be obtained by contacting the Commissioners’
Office at 419/354-9100 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In celebration of the Bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the Ohio Northwest Ordinance and U.S. Constitution Bicentennial Commission developed the
Spirit of ‘87 Awards Program. The awards were established to recognize and honor citizens at the local level whose daily actions embody the principles set forth
in the Northwest Ordinance. Nominations were taken in six different categories directly related to the Ordinance. Every Ohio community was able to participate in
the program and local Spirit of ‘87 Award honorees qualified for statewide recognition.
In 1988 the Wood County Commissioners decided to continue with the awards to honor the service of Wood County citizens. Although the names of some awards have
changed over the years, the spirit of the awards is alive today.
Road Closures and Detours in the Perrysburg Area
Perrysburg has quite a few projects in the works that are leading to some road closures and detours.
To see all of the closures and their recommended detours, please click here: Detour Routes
Intersection of Roachton Rd. and Hull Prairie Rd. - Closed
from May 30th to July 17
Fort Meigs Rd. between Five Point Rd. and Roachton Rd. -
Closed from April 25th to June 27
SR. 25 - restricted traffic flow on the I-475 overpass from
June 12 to October 31
SR. 25 - Closed end of August weekend from Friday at 9 PM to
to Monday at 6 AM
I-475 South exit ramp to SR. 25 - Closed for 5 weeks starting
around the middle of July
I-475 North exit ramp to SR. 25 - Closed for 4 weeks starting
round the end of August
McCutcheonville Rd. / SR. 199 (North of Eckel Jct. Rd.) -
Restricted traffic flow from July 31 to November 31
McCutcheonville Rd. / SR. 199 (South of Eckel Jct. Rd.) -
Closed from September 5 to October 15
VACANCY - Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris I. Herringshaw, Craig LaHote and Theodore H. Bowlus seek to fill a vacancy on the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction
and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS) pursuant to ORC §340.02. Eligible candidates shall be a resident of Wood County and be interested in mental health
services or alcohol, drug addiction or gambling addiction services. Experience in business, finance, law, health care, personnel, or government preferred.
People employed by entities that contract with the ADAMHS Board are not eligible to be appointed.
Interested candidates shall complete an Application for Volunteer Service, available at the Commissioners’ Office, or on the Commissioners’ website at:
Commissioners Forms, and submit it to the Commissioners’ Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on February 10, 2017.
Commissioners Organize for 2017
The Board of Wood County Commissioners, Doris I. Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Theodore H. Bowlus met on January 9, 2017, as required by Ohio law, to organize for the year.
Commissioner Herringshaw of Liberty Township will serve as President of the Wood County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner LaHote of Perrysburg Township will serve as
Vice-President.
The Board will continue conducting regular meetings on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with Open Forum on regular meeting days following regular business. The Open Forum allows
citizens to speak with the Board without scheduling a meeting time. Town Hall meetings are also in the process of being scheduled throughout the County. Times and locations will
be announced as they are scheduled.
As President of the Board, Commissioner Herringshaw will serve on a number of boards and commissions including the Board of Revisions, Courthouse Complex Buildings and Grounds
Committee, Investment Advisory Committee, OSU Extension Service Advisory Committee, and Solid Waste Policy Committee. Commissioner Herringshaw will also serve on the Agriculture
and Rural Affairs Committee for the County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio and the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) Board of Trustees and Air Quality
Committee
Commissioner LaHote will serve on the County’s Automatic Data Processing Board, Community Corrections Board, Court Security Advisory Committee, Dangerous Wild Animal Response
Team, Investment Advisory Committee, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and Records Commission. Other committee assignments include the TMACOG Freight Committee and Wastewater
Committee. Commissioner LaHote was named as an alternate on the TMACOG Board of Trustees along with Commissioner Bowlus and W. David Steiner, Planning Commission Director.
Commissioner Bowlus of Center Township was selected to serve on the County’s Erie Basin Resource Conservation and Development Council and Family and Children’s First Council,
along with TMACOG Portage River Basin Council, Transportation Council and Water Quality Council.
In addition, all three commissioners serve on the Community Improvement Corporation, Debt Review Committee, Financial Report Review Committee, and Planning Commission.
All meeting agendas are posted 24 hours in advance and can be viewed on the commissioners’ website at www.co.wood.oh.us/commissioners
Spirit of Wood County Awards Set for October 23rd
Four Wood County residents are scheduled for recognition by County Commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Joel Kuhlman on October 23, as
they present the annual Spirit of Wood County Awards at 2 p.m. in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium, at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.
Award recipients include Dan Henry of Washington Township, Agricultural Leadership; Brian Tucker of Bowling Green, Education for Civic Responsibility;
and Jean Gamble of Bowling Green, Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award. Janet Stoudinger, who served as the mayor of Wayne, will be recognized posthumously
with an award in Self-Government.
The Spirit of Wood County Awards, are awarded to citizens of Wood County who show outstanding qualities in bettering Wood County as a whole. The County
Commissioners have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.
eNews
The Board of Wood County Commissioners is excited to introduce the County’s
First Electronic Newsletter. The newsletter is intended to provide citizens with
relevant information regarding County operations. We believe it is vital to keep
the citizens informed and involved in the County. The newsletter will be published
and distributed by email periodically. It will available on the County's website
as well as the Commissioners’ Facebook page.
If you would like to be added to future distributions, then please send an email
to enews@co.wood.oh.us.
Wood County eNews →
Public Meeting Notice
The Wood County Engineer and the City of Perrysburg is sponsoring a Public Meeting to Display details of the proposed Roundabout at the intersection
of Roachton and Hull Prairie Roads on October 6, 2016 from 5pm – 7pm at the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 201 West Indiana Ave., Perrysburg OH 43551
Vacancies on the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote and Joel Kuhlman seek to fill three vacancies on the Wood County Board of Developmental
Disabilities (WCBDD). Eligible candidates shall be a resident of Wood County and have training and experience in business, finance, law, health care, personnel,
or government. One candidate must be eligible for services or be an immediate family member of an individual who is eligible for services from WCBDD.
Interested candidates shall complete an Application for Volunteer Service, available at the Commissioners’ Office, or on the Commissioners’ website at
www.co.wood.oh.us/commissioners/forms and submit it to the Commissioners’ Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 14, 2016. Additional information can be
obtained by calling (419)354-9100 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Commissioners Appoint Facilities Director In-Training
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Joel Kuhlman appointed Nicholas Foos of Risingsun to
serve as Facilities Director In-Training. Mr. Foos will serve along-side the current Facilities Director, Tim Hainen, to become
familiar with county facilities, as Hainen is set to retire in 2017. The Facilities Director is responsible for maintaining all
county owned facilities including the Courthouse Complex, East Gypsy Lane Complex, County Highway Garage, and satellite offices.
His employment with Wood County will begin on August 29, 2016.
Mr. Foos has been employed by Bayes Inc. of Perrysburg, a mechanical contracting business, since 2001. As Project Superintendent,
he has been directly responsible for significant projects involving the installation of plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC systems.
His work has included project planning and coordination, direct supervision of project staff, work with other trades, as well as
architects, engineers, and project owners. Mr. Foos is a graduate of Lakota High School and is a Pipefitter Journeyman trained by
the Piping Industry Training Center in Northwood – United Association, Local Union #50.
The Wood County Commissioners are pleased to make this appointment and very much look forward to working with Mr. Foos.
Nominations Sought for Spirit of Wood County Awards
Nominations for the 2016 Spirit of Wood County Awards are being accepted through August 15.
Commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote and Joel Kuhlman encourage residents of Wood County
to nominate current or former residents for one of seven awards that will be presented at 2 p.m. on
Sunday, October 23 during a special ceremony in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.
The seven award categories include Agricultural Leadership; Industrial/Economic Development; Education for Civic Responsibility;
Liberty through Law/Human Freedom; Religion and Liberty; Self-Government; and the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.
Nomination forms and category descriptions are available on the Wood County website, www.co.wood.oh.us, by following the “Spirit Awards” link.
A list of previous award recipients is also posted on the website. Forms may also be obtained by contacting the Commissioners’ Office at 419/354-9100
between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In celebration of the Bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the Ohio Northwest Ordinance and U.S. Constitution Bicentennial Commission
developed the Spirit of ‘87 Awards Program. The awards were established to recognize and honor citizens at the local level whose daily actions embody the
principles set forth in the Northwest Ordinance. Nominations were taken in six different categories directly related to the Ordinance. Every Ohio community
was able to participate in the program and local Spirit of ‘87 Award honorees qualified for statewide recognition.
In 1988 the Wood County Commissioners decided to continue with the awards to honor services rendered by Wood County citizens. Although the names of
some awards have changed over the years, the spirit of the awards is alive today.
Land Use Survey
The Wood County Planning Commission is creating a new future land use plan
to guide development and preservation throughout Wood County (all townships).
We need to know what you think the county's biggest opportunities and challenges
are. Please visit our website and complete a brief survey before the end of
March 2016. Please share the link with your friends and neighbors, or stop into
the Planning Commission office to fill out the survey in person.
Thank You!
Land Use Survey →
Commissioners Approve Resolutions Regarding State Issues
The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Joel Kuhlman, and Craig LaHote, voted today to approve three resolutions regarding
issues appearing on the November 3 election ballot.
The first resolution is in support of State Issue 1, which creates a bipartisan process for drawing legislative districts within the State of Ohio.
The second resolution is in support of State Issue 2, which protects the initiative process from being used for personal economic benefit by adoption an
anti-monopoly amendment to the Ohio Constitution.
The third resolution is in opposition to State Issue 3, which would grant a monopoly for the commercial production and sale of marijuana.
The three resolutions are avalable here:
Support State
Issue 1
Support State Issue 2
Oppose State Issue 3
Spirit of Wood County Award Winners Named
The Board of County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Joel Kuhlman, and Craig LaHote invite area citizens to join them in honoring the
2015 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients at a special ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 25. The ceremony will be held in the Courthouse
Complex Atrium.
The 2015 award winners include Ed Ciecka and John Fawcett for Self-Government, Thom Headley for Education for Civic Responsibility, and Steve Powell for
Agricultural Leadership; and Jim Carter for Industrial/Economic Development. Nick Ezzone and Dianna Temple will be awarded the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.
The Spirit of Wood County Awards are awarded to citizens of Wood County who show outstanding qualities in bettering Wood County as a whole.
The County Commissioners have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987.
Any questions about this program should be directed to the Wood County Commissioners’ Office at 419.354.9100.
Read More →
Commissioners to Host Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Job and Family Services Children's services Visitation Center
Bowling Green, Ohio – July 16, 2015 -- The Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Doris Herringshaw, and Joel Kuhlman,
welcome the public to a short ribbon cutting ceremony followed by an open house to be held at Wood County Job and Family
Services Children’s Services Center on July 23, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. The Children’s Services Center addition project is
a 10,846 square foot expansion and renovation of the JFS building.
Nominations Sought for Spirit of Wood County
Awards
Nominations for the 2015 Spirit of Wood County Awards are being
accepted through August 15. Commissioners
James Carter, Doris Herringshaw, and Joel Kuhlman encourage
residents of Wood County to nominate current or former residents
for one of seven awards that will be presented at 2 p.m. on
Sunday, October 25 during a special ceremony in the Courthouse
Complex Atrium.
The seven award categories include Agricultural Leadership;
Industrial/Economic Development; Education for Civic
Responsibility; Liberty through Law/Human Freedom; Religion and
Liberty; Self-Government; and the Lyle R. Fletcher Good
Citizenship Award.
Nomination forms and category descriptions are available on the
Wood County website,
www.co.wood.oh.us, by following the “Spirit Awards”
link. A list of previous award recipients is
also posted on the website. Forms may also be
obtained by contacting the Commissioners’ Office at 419/354-9100
between 8:30 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
In celebration of the Bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance of
1787, the Ohio Northwest Ordinance and U.S. Constitution
Bicentennial Commission developed the Spirit of ‘87 Awards
Program. The awards were established to
recognize and honor citizens at the local level whose daily
actions embody the principles set forth in the Northwest
Ordinance. Nominations were taken in six different categories
directly related to the Ordinance. Every Ohio
community was able to participate in the program and local
Spirit of ‘87 Award honorees qualified for statewide
recognition.
In 1988 the Wood County Commissioners decided to continue
with the awards to honor services rendered by Wood County
citizens. Although the names of some awards have changed over
the years, the spirit of the awards is alive today.
New Dog Shelter Operating Hours
Bowling Green, Ohio – January 22, 2015 -- The Wood County Commissioners,
James Carter, Doris Herringshaw, and Joel Kuhlman, working with Chief Dog Warden
Andrew Snyder, have set new hours of operation for the Wood County Dog Shelter.
The Shelter will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
and Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; Thursday from 8:30 am to
noon and 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm; and Saturday 9:00 am to noon.
This new schedule will go into effect Monday, February 2, 2015
Dog License Renewal Information
Starting December 1, 2014 dog licenses must be renewed for the 2015 calendar year.
License applications after January 31, 2015 are subject to a late penalty. Please click
here
for the 2015 Dog License Sales Information document for rates, deadlines, and license sales locations.
Wood County Expands Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
The Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Doris Herringshaw, and Joel Kuhlman are pleased to announce
the expansion of the Non-Emergency Transportation program effective November 3.
County residents needing transportation for non-emergency treatment including medical or mental
health appointments in Wood County can call 1-844-353-6779 to speak to a NET-Plus Transportation Coordinator.
At the present time, transportation to physical health appointments will only be available to those consumers
who are at or below 200% of the poverty level with limited assets. Those with mental health or drug abuse
treatment appointments within Wood County should be able to get the transportation without regard to income.
Due to the use of Federal and State funding, a screening process will be utilized to determine eligibility of
consumers for the transportation services. The partnering agencies are continuing to discuss options for
consumers above the 200% poverty level.
Since the NET-Plus program is for non-emergency transports, all calls must be made at least ten days in advance of appointments.
The Wood County NET-Plus transportation program is an expansion of the current Non-Emergency Transportation (NET)
operated by the Department of Job and Family Services. Partnering agencies include The Wood County Department of
Job and Family Services, Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, and the Children’s Resource Center.
CONTACT: Dave Wigent, Director, Wood County Department of Job & Family Services 419-352-7566
2014 Spirit of Wood County Awards September 20, 2014
Join us as we present the 2014 Spirit of Wood County Awards September 20, 2014 at 2 p.m.
at the Wood County Historical Center. For a list of award recipients, visit our
website, www.co.wood.oh.us/commissioners, and follow the
Spirit Awards link.
Commissioners Announce a One Year 50% Levy Reduction
Bowling Green, Ohio – September 4, 2014 -- The Wood County Commissioners,
James Carter, Doris Herringshaw, and Joel Kuhlman, working with Job and Family
Services Director Dave Wigent, have requested the Wood County Budget Commission
to once again reduce collections of the Adult and Protective Services Levy by 50%
during 2015. This reduction will continue to save County taxpayers roughly $1.83
million. The JFS staff has been extremely responsible with expenditures relating
to this levy, which is what has enabled the reduced collection for another year.
This is the fourth time that the Commissioners and JFS in cooperation with the
Budget Commission have been able to voluntarily reduce levy collection since 2000.
Released by: Wood County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Northwestern Water and Sewer District
As of approximately 9:30 am Monday, August 4, 2014, the City of Toledo officially announced the "do not drink" advisor for the City of Toledo public water is lifted.
This includes the public water supplied to the City of
Perrysburg and the services areas of the Northwestern Water &
Sewer District who are supplied by the City of Toledo public
water system.
The City of Toledo has informed the public that the public
water supply is now safe to consume. Prior to using the
public water, the City of Toledo, Toledo-Lucas County Health
Department, and the Wood County Health District have provided
recommended procedures for residents, restaurants, and
healthcare providers to follow as a precaution before consuming
the water. Links to the precautionary procedures are
below:
Information for residents, restaurants and healthcare facilities
Information regarding clearing out plumbing appliances including
water filters
Official Press
Release
Commissioners Announce New Hours for County Departments
Child Support Enforcement Agency:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday - effective January 2014
Job and Family Services:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Dog Shelter:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday
8:30 to Noon and 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday
Probate Court Guardian Program Seeking Volunteers
Probate Court is seeking volunteers to act as guardians for community members who are no longer able to care for themselves. A volunteer guardian is responsible for making decisions in the best interest of the incompetent adult, known legally as a "ward".
Update on the Peregrine Falcon Chicks
As of this morning, the chicks are beginning to stretch their wings. Check the FalconCam page for an update.
FalconCam →
2013 Spirit of Wood County Award Winners Named
The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Doris Herringshaw, and Joel Kuhlman, invite area citizens to join them in honoring the 2013 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients at a special ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. The ceremony will be held at the Wood County Historical Center, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green.
The 2013 award winners include former Bowling Green Mayor John Quinn for Self-Government, Pemberville businessman Todd Sheets for Industrial/Economic Development, and Perrysburg resident David Little for Agricultural Leadership. Judith Justus from Perrysburg and Gregg Glamm, DDS, from North Baltimore will be presented the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.
The Spirit of Wood County Awards, presented in conjunction with Wood County Heritage Days, are awarded to citizens of Wood County who show outstanding qualities in bettering Wood County as a whole. The County Commissioners have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987.
Any questions about this program should be directed to the Wood County Commissioners? Office at 419.354.9100.
Commissioners Sponsor TIGER Application to Expand Northwest Ohio Terminal
The Wood County Commissioners, in cooperation with CSX, will seek U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) TIGER funding for half of a $42 million project to expand CSX's Northwest Ohio Terminal.
Located in Henry Township, west of North Baltimore, the facility is the cornerstone of CSX's double-stack freight rail corridor between East Coast sea ports and the Midwest, employing nearly 300 people and transferring approximately two million freight containers annually.
"The Northwest Ohio Terminal has rapidly emerged as an engine of growth for Wood County," said Wade Gottschalk, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission. "The Northwest Ohio Terminal has created opportunity for major businesses and distribution centers to locate here, and we are excited for this next phase of growth to our region."
The expansion project would add eight additional tracks, install two additional wide span cranes and extend the process area by 2,300 feet. The TIGER grant application will seek $21 million of the $42 million cost of the project, with CSX committing the remaining funding for the expansion.
Currently, the Northwest Ohio Terminal spans 500 acres and employs nearly 300 people. The facility manages more than 30 trains per day over 24,000 feet of process track and 75,000 feet of classification track with parking capacity for approximately 280 units. The terminal opened in 2011 following a private investment of $175 million by CSX and other partners. This private investment leveraged additional infrastructure investment in the nearby area including a new configuration of State Route 18, a grade separation at Liberty Hi Road and the intermodal facility, and an extension of water and sewer capacity.
The terminal's location is ideal in terms of rail and highway connectivity, and provides a critical link along the National Gateway, a public-private partnership which supports the movement of double-stacked intermodal containers on rail cars by raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new terminals along existing rail routes. When complete, the National Gateway will benefit CSX customers by improving service reliability and transit times, reduce highway congestion, and enhance the environment by converting more than 14 billion highway miles to rail and decreasing fuel consumption by nearly 2 billion gallons.
Falcon Chicks!
This year the falcons incubated their eggs out of the camera's view, so there are no video clips and very few still photos of the incubation process and the chicks. Bob Ford from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) checked in on the chicks on April 25th and snapped a few pictures of the chicks and the protective mother. There were 5 eggs laid, 2 chicks hatched with a potential for a 3rd, and the 2 eggs pushed of to the side are not expected to produce any chicks.
The banding process for the chicks is scheduled for Thursday, May 16th at 10:30 AM in the Courthouse Complex Atrium, the public is welcome to come and watch as the ODNR staff provide a brief education on the falcons and the banding process.
Please click on the following link to go to the FalconCam page, then scroll down to the bottom to find the links to the photos taken by ODNR.
FalconCam →
County Receives Grants for Bridge Projects
February 6, 2013 - Bowling Green, Ohio
The Ohio Public Works Commission awarded funding to assist with two Wood County bridge replacement projects. Commissioners James Carter, Doris Herringshaw, and Joel Kuhlman, received notice of the grant funding totaling $468,092 earlier this week.
Projects funded through these grants include Stearns Road at the intersection of Pursell Road in Perry Township and Pemberville Road over the Toussaint Creek in Troy Township. The estimated costs for these projects total $964,674, with bidding expected later this year.
Construction for these projects will be coordinated through the Office of the Wood County Engineer, Raymond Huber. Specific questions regarding these projects may be directed to Mr. Huber by calling 419/354-9060.
Commissioners Organize for 2013
January 30, 2013 - Bowling Green, Ohio
James F. Carter of Grand Rapids will serve as President of the Wood County Board of Commissioners for calendar year 2013. Newly appointed Commissioner Doris I. Herringshaw of Liberty Township will serve as Vice-President.
The Board will continue conducting regular meetings on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with Open Forum on regular meeting days following regular business. The Open Forum allows citizens to speak with the Board without scheduling a meeting time. Town Hall meetings are also in the process of being scheduled throughout the County. Times and locations will be announced as they are scheduled.
As President of the Board, Commissioner Carter will serve on a number of boards and commissions including the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) Board of Trustees, Community Corrections Board, Investment Advisory Committee, Financial Report Review Committee, Family & Children's First Council, Records Commission, and Solid Waste Policy Committee. Commissioner Carter also serves on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee for the County Commissioners' Association of Ohio.
Commissioner Herringshaw will serve on the County's Automatic Data Processing Board, Investment Advisory Committee, and OSU Extension Service Advisory Committee. Other committee assignments include the TMACOG Air Quality Committee and Portage River Basin Council. She was also named as an alternate on the TMACOG Board of Trustees along with W. David Steiner, Planning Commission Director. Commissioner Herringshaw will also serve on a the Erie Basin Resource Conservation and Development Council.
Commissioner Joel M. Kuhlman of Bowling Green was selected to serve on the County's Board of Revisions, Courthouse Buildings & Grounds Committee, Court Security Advisory Committee, and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). He will also serve on the TMACOG Freight Committee and Transportation Council. He will also serve as an alternate on the TMACOG Board of Trustees.
In addition, all three commissioners serve on the Debt Review Committee, Planning Commission, and Community Improvement Corporation.
All meeting agendas are posted 24 hours in advance and can be viewed on the commissioners' website at www.co.wood.oh.us/commissioners.
Commissioners Appoint Director for the Wood County Historical Museum
Dana Nemeth has been selected by the Wood County Commissioners, James F. Carter, Tim W. Brown, and Joel M. Kuhlman, as the Director of the Wood County Historical Museum.
Ms. Nemeth is a familiar face around the Historical Center as she served as a volunteer, former collections manager, and former Wood County Historical Society Board member.
A Bowling Green native, Ms. Nemeth is a graduate of BGSU with a Master of Arts in Popular Culture and is currently working on receiving her Master of Library and Information Science with a specialization in Museum Studies from Kent State University.
She previously worked at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York; The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan; and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. Most recently she served as a Library Associate at the Jerome Library's Center for Archival Collections.
Commissioners Appoint Executive Director for Economic Development
Wade Gottschalk of Bowling Green has been selected by the Wood County Commissioners, James F. Carter, Tim W. Brown, and Joel M. Kuhlman, to lead the Wood County Office of Economic Development as Executive Director.
Gottschalk has served as Associate Director of this office since 2001 and was instrumental in shepherding many significant projects over that period of time, such as the CSX Intermodal Terminal in Henry Township, the new FedEx Ground facility and First Solar expansion projects Perrysburg Township, and Calphalon in Middleton Township.
Gottschalk is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree. As Executive Director Mr. Gottschalk will work closely with the Wood County Economic Development Commission, with whom the County Commissioners contract for economic development services throughout Wood County. He replaces Tom Blaha who retired in July.
Spirit of Wood County Award Winners Recognized on June 10
The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown, and Joel Kuhlman, recently honored six area residents during the 2012 Spirit of Wood County Awards. The ceremony was held on June 10 at the Wood County Historical Center.
The 2012 award winners include Walbridge resident William Hirzel for Agricultural Leadership, Bowling Green residents Hugh Caumartin for Education for Civic Responsibility and Gary Spencer for Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom, former Northwood City Administrator Pat Bacon for Self-Government, and North Baltimore resident George Thompson for the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award. A Spirit of Wood County Award was also presented to former Wood County Commissioner Alvin Perkins of Bowling Green.
Dangerous and Vicious Dog Law Changes Affect County Dog Owners
Revised dangerous and vicious dog laws in Ohio become effective on May 22, creating new requirements and standards for dog owners in Ohio. The Wood County Dog Warden,
Andrew Snyder, provides the following information to advise county residents of the changes.
Under this revised law if reasonable cause exists and a dog meets the applicable definition, the dog warden or law enforcement officer is required to designate a dog as a nuisance, dangerous, and/or vicious. All unprovoked dog bites will also result in the dog's automatic designation as a dangerous or vicious dog.
Dog owners whose dogs have been deemed nuisance, dangerous, or vicious will receive notice from the designating officer of such designation. The owner may request a hearing to contest the designation but must file the request in writing within 10 days of the designation to the municipal or county court that has territorial jurisdiction over the residence of the
dogs owner, keeper, or harborer.
The owner, keeper, or harborer of a dangerous or vicious dog must comply with the following requirements:
- post signs indicating the presence of a dangerous or vicious dog,
- spay or neuter the dog,
- microchip the dog,
- obtain and maintain current rabies vaccinations,
- may have to obtain specific liability insurance coverage, and
- must register the dangerous or vicious dog annually.
The required registration of a dangerous or vicious dog with the Wood County Auditor costs $50 annually. This is in addition to the regular annual dog registration and license fee of $14, or $28 if purchased after the required timeframe.
Confinement of the dangerous or vicious dog must also be in accordance with new, stricter requirements. Persons who are convicted of or plead guilty to certain felony offenses may not own, possess, have custody of or reside in a residence with a dangerous dog or an unspayed or unneutered dog older than twelve weeks of age.
Section 955.11 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) creates and defines three new classifications of dogs as follows:
NUISANCE DOG: 955.11(A)(3)(a) ORC
Subject to 955.11(a)(3)(b), nuisance dog means a dog that without provocation and while off the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer has chased or approached a person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack or has attempted to bite or otherwise endanger any person.
DANGEROUS DOG: 955.11(A)(1)(a) ORC
Subject to 955.11(a)(1)(b), dangerous dog means a dog that, without provocation, has done any of the following:
(i) caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person
(ii) killed another dog
(iii) been the subject of a third or subsequent violation of ORC Section 955.22(c) (i.e., failure to maintain reasonable control of the dog or failure to keep the dog physically confined at all times.)
VICIOUS DOG: 955.11(A)(6)(a) ORC
Subject to 955.11(a)(6)(b), vicious dog means a dog that, without provocation, has killed or caused serious injury to any person.
The Wood County Dog Shelter encourages dog owners in Wood County to become familiar with the new laws and to contact the shelter for more information, 419.354.9242 or visit www.co.wood.oh.us.
Courthouse Peregrine Falcons
The two Peregrine Falcon parents enjoyed the mild winter and never left the high perch of the Wood County Courthouse clock tower. Last week, the female falcon started to lay her eggs and currently she is taking care of three eggs. The following link will take you to a live feed of the falcon nest, Internet Explorer is required and you may be asked to confirm the installation of a small piece of software from ACTi. This ACTi software is required in order for Internet Explorer to successfully display the video. Please be patient when the page loads, depending on the number of viewers, it could take up to a minute.
FalconCam →
Commissioners Release Annual Report On-line
Today, the Board of County Commissioners released the on-line version of the 2011 Wood County Annual Report, which highlights the accomplishments of various County offices during the year. A printed version of the report will be mailed to households in the County. To request a printed copy please e-mail the Commissioners' Office or call 419.354.9100.
State of the County Address
Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Joel Kuhlman presented the annual State of the County Address in the Courthouse Complex Atrium. The event was sponsored by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Business Council. The annual address provided an opportunity for the public to hear the Commissioners perspectives on the important events that occurred in Wood County during 2011 and the goals for 2012.
Slide Show from Presentation →
