Wood County Court-Appointed Special Advocates Wanted!

Please join us at our Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn the role of CASA volunteers and how you can become involved in Wood County. Click the Zoom link below on June 12th at 10 AM.

CASA Volunteers advocate for the best interest of children who have experienced abuse and neglect, most of which are in foster care. They get to know the child and their family, and make recommendations to the court regarding services and placement to help families remain strong. You can learn more at https://nationalcasagal.org/childstory.

If you are unable to attend this session or would prefer a one-on-one conversation about this volunteer opportunity, please reach out to our office by phone at 419-352-3554 or email at casa@woodcountyohio.gov. For more information about our program, please visit the Wood County CASA website.

Zoom Link

Wood County Dog Shelter Adoption Event

The Wood County Commissioners, Craig LaHote, Theodore H. Bowlus, and Doris I. Herringshaw are pleased to announce a one-day Adoption Event to be held at the Wood County Dog Shelter on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 11am-3pm. To encourage adoptions, the dog adoption fee of $75 will be waived for the one-day event. Adopters will still be required to purchase a 2023 Wood County Dog License for $14.00 at the time of adoption. Adopters will also leave the Shelter with a 2023 Dog Park Membership and a goodie bag for their new family member.

This event is in recognition of National Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Day, celebrated on April 30, to help raise awareness for the thousands of animals waiting for their forever homes in shelters across the nation.

To learn more about the dogs available for adoption at the Wood County Dog Shelter, visit the Wood County website at www.co.wood.oh.us/dogshelter/ or visit the Wood County Dog Shelter at 1912 E. Gypsy Lane, Bowling Green, Ohio.

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The Wood County Museum is closed to the public until further notice.

The Wood County Museum is closed to the public until further notice. On December 27 the Wood County Museum suffered a devastating loss with 8 radiators bursting. Significant water exposure in exhibit and collections spaces resulted in damage to a small number of artifacts and larger damage to ceilings and floors. Exhibits were effected by varying degrees and require reprinting of text panels and updated fabrication of certain exhibit rooms. While the museum site is owned by the Wood County Commissioners, collections, exhibits, and all programming is managed by the Wood County Historical Society. Repair to the museum requires us to close until everything can be fixed, impacting revenue generated by daily admission, programming, and events. If you would like to help us with a donation and/or by becoming a Wood County Historical Society member, please use the links below. Thank you again for your patience during this difficult time. We can’t wait to open our doors to the community again.

Make a Donation Become a Member

2023 Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week

The Wood County Emergency Management Agency reminds residents and businesses that Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio will be March 19th – 25th. There will be a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 22nd at 9:50 a.m. Outdoor warning sirens in Wood County will be activated for the statewide drill. The National Weather Service will also activate the NOAA Weather Radio Alert System at that time to test weather radios and announce the drill. Residents and businesses should take this opportunity to establish, review, and practice their procedures in seeking safe shelter when severe weather occurs. Everyone should stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions when a “watch” is issued and be prepared to take immediate safety measures in the event a “warning” is issued or weather conditions warrant taking action. It is important for everyone to have a safety action plan for severe weather before storms threaten the area. For more information on severe storms and storm safety, please contact the Wood County Emergency Management Agency at (419) 354-9269 or visit the National Weather Service web-site at www.nws.noaa.gov or the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness web-site at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov

Wood County Job and Family Services Change in Lobby Hours

Wood County Job and Family Services will have limited lobby hours starting on Monday, February 27, 2023. These hours will be in effect until further notice. The agency is limiting the hours due to the many federal changes that it is currently addressing.

The lobby will be OPEN as follows:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday – 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The agency will be keeping their Facebook page and website up to date if there are any changes to the above hours.

Job and Family Services staff will still be processing cases and information. During the times that the lobby is closed, any person who still needs assistance during this lobby closure can opt to do one of the following:

1. Leave documents or applications in our drop box located at the front of the building.

2. Fax documents or applications to (419) 353-6091

3. Submit documents or applications via email to: Wood-County-Public-Assistance@jfs.ohio.gov

4. Create an online account at BENEFITS.OHIO.GOV so that you can submit applications, report changes and obtain information regarding your public assistance benefits, including childcare.

5. Call our call center at 1-844-640-6446 to report changes, complete interviews and ask basic questions regarding your SNAP, TANF or Medicaid benefits.

6. Call our office at (419) 352-7566 for help with nursing home or waiver assistance.

7. To make a child abuse report, call the hotline at (419) 354-9669.

8. Looking for employment, resume assistance, or other employment related services? Check out OhioMeansJobs.com for all your resources or call (419) 352-4172.

9. Unemployment questions or needing to apply? Unemployment.ohio.gov has the application and a live chat feature to help you through the process.

10. Help with rent, utilities, car repair or food referrals? Please call (419) 352-7566 ext. 8492.

Mahlman Sworn in as Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts

Douglas F. Cubberley, Wood County Clerk of Courts, is pleased to announce that Kathryn M. Mahlman was sworn in as Chief Deputy Clerk before the Honorable Matthew L. Reger on December 5th.

Kathryn M. (Wilhelm) Mahlman was hired in as a bookkeeper for the Wood County Clerk of Courts in 2005 after completing a temporary position with the Wood County Commissioners in 2004. Katie is cross-trained in both Legal and Title Offices and has, with her team, performed the fiscal and HR responsibilities for both offices for the past 18 years.

Katie was promoted to Legal Office Supervisor in 2018. She has been an integral part in moving the Clerk of Courts Office forward including the 2006 implementation of a new Case Management system, E-Filing and Document Imaging Upgrade in 2019, and a complete office remodel in 2020.

Katie has represented the Clerk’s Office on various County committees and groups such as the Wood County Health Benefits Committee, Spousal Exception Review Committee, and the HR Group.

Katie is a graduate of Bowling Green High School and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration (focus in accounting) from Ohio Northern University. She resides in rural Wood County, outside of Rudolph, with her husband Robert and two sons. She is an active member and volunteer of St. Louis Parish, Custar. Her involvements include Editor of the Parish Newsletter, Treasurer of the St. Louis School PTAA, and volunteering in her children’s various sports and 4-H activities.

Wood County Administrator to Retire

The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, announce the retirement of Andrew Kalmar, County Administrator. His last day as County Administrator will be Friday, July 1, 2022.

Mr. Kalmar started as County Administrator in January 2000, following the retirement of Richard Edwards. Prior to his service with the County Commissioners Mr. Kalmar served as Director of the Wood County Park District. He is originally from Troy, Ohio, and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a Master of Public Administration degree.

During Mr. Kalmar’s tenure, Wood County has maintained a strong financial position, experienced significant economic development, and made key improvements to county facilities and departmental operations including the construction of the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium. Mr. Kalmar was also instrumental in guiding the county through the challenges of the pandemic over the last several years. Commissioner Doris Herringshaw stated, “Andrew’s great character and leadership will be missed as he has worked to assemble a great team of department heads that will lead Wood County comfortably into the future. His contributions have helped make Wood County a great place to live and work, and we appreciate his many years of service.”

The Commissioners are planning a retirement reception in Mr. Kalmar’s honor on Thursday, June 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the Fifth Floor of the County Office Building.

The Wood County Commissioners appointed Carri Stanley as the new County Administrator effective July 3, 2022. Ms. Stanley was appointed Assistant County Administrator in 2019.

For additional information, please contact Doris Herringshaw, Wood County Commissioner.

Wood County Police Memorial Service

The Wood County Police Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday May 18, 2022, at 12:00 Noon. We are planning on holding this service on the front steps of the courthouse. However, if it rains, we will hold the service in the Atrium. Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher, Wood County Commissioners, and State Representative Ghanbari will be making presentations during this service. We also wanted to also pass on that at about 12:20 PM, we will be paying tribute with a 21-gun salute.

This service is open to the public

Commissioners Authorize Change to Internet Auction

Effective May 11, 2022, the Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, transitioned the internet auction service to GovDeals.

County owned personal property not needed for public use is listed for sale to the general public and other public entities for a 10-day period, following an initial five-day “Classified” listing for county departments.

Users of the internet auction and those interested in such property may register for GovDeals using the Internet Auction Quick Link provided on the County’s website.  If previously enrolled in LightGov, re-enrollment in the new service is required.

The change to the new vendor also includes electronic payments directly through the bidders’s GovDeal’s bidder account. The successful bidder will have five business days to provide full payment and 10 days to schedule a pick-up of purchased items.

GovDeals provides technical assistance to users by calling 800.613.0156 ext. 2, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays. For additional information regarding the internet auction process in general, contact the Wood County Commissioners’ Office at 419.354.9100.

Wood County To Host OneOhio Local Meeting

On Monday, April 11, 2022, Wood County will host a meeting regarding the OneOhio plan and opportunities for distribution of settlement funds from State opioid litigation settlements. The meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Wood County Commissioners’ Hearing Room located in the Wood County Courthouse complex in Bowling Green. Political subdivisions and agencies interested in seeking funding through the OneOhio Foundation Board are strongly encouraged to attend. The process to submit funding proposals and the by-laws for Region 17 will be discussed.

Under the OneOhio Memorandum of Understanding, Wood County is part of Region 17 which includes Sandusky, Seneca, Hancock, Crawford, Hardin, Ottawa, and Wyandot Counties. The regional board will receive and evaluate local funding proposals in order to make recommendations to the OneOhio State Foundation Board. County Commissioner Ted Bowlus will represent the interests of Wood County and its local governments and agencies on the Region 17 board.

Commissioners To Present State Of The County Address

The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, will present the 2022 State of the County Address on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The address will be recorded and available at 9:00 a.m. on the website for the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. During the week following the address, the Wood County Annual Report will arrive in mailboxes across the county.

Traditionally, the State of the County Address has been an in-person event presented at the Wood County Courthouse. Due to pandemic restrictions in 2021, the Commissioners presented a recorded address, and they believe that is the best course of action for 2022. They anticipate returning to a live event in 2023.

Link to BG Chamber of Commerce

Commissioner LaHote Joins Statewide Risk Pool In Receiving National Recognition

The County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA), a risk-sharing pool designed for counties, is pleased to announce it received Recognition from the Association of Governmental Risk Pools (AGRiP) for adopting industry best practices. Wood County Commissioner Craig LaHote currently serves as Board Treasurer and has been an active board member since 2019.

“Receiving Recognition from AGRIP is a true testament to the level of professionalism to which the CORSA board of directors and staff adhere. CORSA is among a small percentage of the AGRIP membership that is able to meet the standards required to receive recognition,” CORSA Managing Director John Brownlee said. “I am extremely grateful to Commissioner LaHote for his dedication to our board. This recognition would not have been possible without his hard work and expertise.”

The AGRiP Recognition requires pools to undergo a rigorous self-assessment to ensure pool operations meet professional standards and industry best practices. Any pool that meets the advisory standards is granted Recognition for three years, helping assure its governing body and members are operating as effectively as they expect. Approximately a quarter of the 213 AGRiP members have achieved AGRiP Recognition.

CORSA is a member-owned property and liability risk sharing pool sponsored by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. CORSA is governed by nine directors who are county commissioners from member counties and provides property and liability coverage as well as risk management services to 66 counties and 41 county-affiliated public entities.

Spirit of Wood County Awards, November 7th

The Wood County Commissioners will recognize eight individuals from across the county with the 2021 Spirit of Wood County Awards on November 7th at 2 p.m. in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium, at the Wood County Courthouse Complex.

The 2021 award recipients include Bowling Green residents Alan Sundermeier, Agricultural Leadership; and Beatriz Maya, Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom; Village of Grand Rapids resident Deb Archambo, Education for Civic Responsibility; Center Township resident Jack Jones, Industrial/Economic Development; Perrysburg residents Walter Churchill, Jr., Industrial/Economic Development; and Irma Wolf, Self-Government; the Robert Bettinger Family of Washington Township and Deb Buker, to be awarded posthumously, were each selected for the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.

The Spirit of Wood County Awards are presented to current and former citizens of Wood County in recognition of outstanding service to their communities and Wood County. The County Commissioners have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.

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Wood County Courthouse Guided Tours

The Wood County Bicentennial Committee and the Wood County Commissioners invite the public to explore the historic Wood County Courthouse during guided tours that will take place from 1 – 4 p.m. on October 30, 2021.

The tours are part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Wood County in 2020, and the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Wood County Courthouse on September 29, 2021.

Tours will take place every 30 minutes, led by Wood County Common Pleas Court Judge Matthew Reger, Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn and former Wood County Auditor Michael Sibbersen, to explore areas of the courthouse that are not typically open to the public.

Each tour group will be limited to 13 people, and everyone must wear a mask while inside the courthouse.

Tours must be reserved ahead of time by emailing Aaron Krukowski at akrukowski@woodcountyohio.gov or by calling Judge Reger’s office at 419-354-9210.

Wood County Title Office Change of Hours

Effective November 1, 2021 the Wood County Clerk of Courts Title Office will adopt the following hours of operation:

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Tuesday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Please note that the Title Office will be closed on Saturdays.

These hours are being implemented on a trial basis and will be reviewed after six months.

County Offices to Observe Juneteenth on July 2, 2021

The Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus, on Thursday, agreed that most Wood County government offices will be closed on Friday, July 2, 2021, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday. While the actual holiday was Saturday, June 19, and would have been observed by the County offices on June 18, the manner in which it was declared by the President and the Governor unfortunately left no time for preparation.

Wood County government will observe Juneteenth on June 19, annually beginning in 2022 and each year thereafter.

Dog Shelter Closure

The Wood County Dog Shelter will be closed on Friday, July 2, 2021 through Monday, July 5, 2021 due to the holiday weekend:

The following services are available online:

Dog License Sales

Viewing adoptable dogs

For additional information, please contact the Wood County Dog Shelter by calling, (419) 354-9242.

Wood County Announces Small Business Relief Program Round 2

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.

Veterans Service Office Taking Applications

Applications are being accepted through 4 p.m. on September 14, 2020, for an unclassified, Director/ Veterans Service Officer for the Wood County Veterans Service Commission. The Center is available to advise and assist more than 15,500 Wood County veterans and their families in obtaining rights and benefits available to them.

Interested applicants must be a Veteran as defined by the Veterans Administration with at least a Bachelor’s degree supplemented by a minimum of five years of managerial/budgeting experience. A valid driver’s license is also required.

Salary range for this FLSA exempt position is $60,000 to $95,000 and is dependent on qualifications of the successful candidate. Benefits include membership in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) in addition to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance.

The complete position description and required employment application are available on the Wood County website, www.co.wood.oh.us, or visit the Wood County Commissioners’ Office, Fifth Floor, County Office Building, One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Perrysburg Township Recycling Site

Perrysburg Township and the Wood County Solid Waste Management District regret to announce that beginning on September 1, 2020, the 24/7 residential recycling drop-off site located behind the Perrysburg Township offices at 26609 Lime City Road, will no longer accept cardboard. The Perrysburg Township site has struggled for many months with overfull containers, primarily due to the high volume of cardboard, uncollapsed boxes and commercial use.

Although intended to be open 24/7, the Perrysburg Township site is routinely closed four days per week due to the containers being full. The nine containers at the site are dumped twice each week on Wednesday and on Saturday and the site is closed when all containers are full. Opened as a 24/7 residential recycling facility in summer 2018, the original operating plan called for six containers, to be picked up once a week. Despite the addition of three containers and doubling the number of pick up days, the site is overwhelmed with material. The Wood County Solid Waste Management District currently pays over $50,000 per year to fund the recycling program at Perrysburg Township, including a $12,500 payment to Perrysburg Township to maintain the site.

After several months of consideration, Perrysburg Township officials requested this change in operation. It is the hope of the Township and the District that the elimination of cardboard will allow the site to remain open as a 24/7 public service for residential recycling of metal cans, plastic bottles, jugs and containers, mixed paper, wax cartons and food and beverage glass. Individuals who desire to continue recycling cardboard may take their cardboard to the Bowling Green Recycling Center located at 1040 N. College Drive, Bowling Green, Ohio.

Perrysburg Township and the Solid Waste Management District ask for the cooperation of residents in making this transition. New signage will be posted at the Perrysburg Township site to remind residents that cardboard is no longer accepted. While hopeful that residents voluntarily comply with this change in operation, residents should be aware that violations of posted regulations are a criminal trespass, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree under Ohio Revised Code 2911.21. The facility is under video surveillance and local law enforcement may issue criminal citations for observed violations.

Wood County Announces Small Business Relief Program

Today, the Wood County Commissioners, Doris Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Ted Bowlus approved the use of up to $250,000 of federal CARES Act funds for the Wood County Small Business Relief Program. The new program will provide eligible small businesses with up to $5000 to cover business interruption expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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, August 3 through 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 14, 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 already received federal assistance. 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. Applications received will be drawn randomly for review, rather than on a first-come-first-served basis.

On June 23, 2020, the Wood County Auditor received $4.16 million in federal CARES Act funding for distribution to cities, villages, townships, and the county. Through this distribution, Wood County government received $1.34 million that can be used to offset costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commissioners' Resume In-person Meetings in Public Session

Beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners will resume in-person meetings in public session. Commissioners’ session is held every Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 9:15 a.m. The session meetings will take place in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room. Masks and social distancing are required. At this time, public session will remain accessible by teleconference. Access details regarding teleconference participation are included on the required public posting for each meeting.

We still encourage all people to Please Call Before You Come.  The Courthouse Complex and County Government buildings are open. Staff in these offices and departments may be able to assist you over the phone. To obtain phone numbers to County offices and departments, please refer to this document on the county website: Guide to Wood County Government

To obtain information by phone, please call (419)354-9000 or 1-866-860-4140 (toll free).

As a reminder, all visitors entering the Courthouse Complex should wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth.  Please be prepared for this.  Wood County is unable to provide masks to visitors. Additionally, all visitors will have their temperature taken and be asked several health questions before being permitted to proceed.  If they have a fever greater than 100 degrees, they must wait while a representative of the office they wish to visit is contacted.

Courthouse Visitation COVID-19 Guidelines

The Courthouse Complex remains open. However, access to many County offices and departments is restricted. To obtain phone numbers to County offices and departments, please access the County website's Guide to Wood County Government.  To obtain information by phone, please call (419)354-9000 or 1-866-860-4140 (toll free).

All visitors entering the Courthouse Complex should wear a mask, scarf, or other covering on their face prior to entering the building. This will become a requirement on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Please be prepared for this. Wood County is unable to provide masks to visitors. Additionally, all visitors will have their temperature taken and be asked several health questions before being permitted to proceed. If they have a fever greater than 100 degrees, they must wait while a representative of the office they wish to visit is contacted.

Wood County Landfill – The Landfill is operating and accepting traffic from commercial haulers, contractors/businesses and municipalities, however the individual public drop-off will open on May 1, 2020. Anyone entering the building will be required to wear a mask, scarf, or covering on their face while at the payment window. Please come prepared as masks will not be provided.

Wood County Residential Recycling Drop-Off Sites – The Wood County Residential Recycling Drop-Off Sites are open. The County is experiencing an increased usage at all of the sites. The County requests that individuals place only allowable materials in the bins and refrain from placing excess materials on the ground. People placing items on the ground may be cited by local law enforcement for littering. If the bins are full, the site is closed. The bins are emptied weekly on Wednesday. Please be respectful of our host communities and other people by helping to keep the sites clean and orderly. To obtain information about the residential recycling program and rules of operation, please access the Solid Waste District website: www.recyclewoodcounty.org

County Commissioners’ Session – Public session of the Board will occur on Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. Thursday session meetings are cancelled at this time. The Commissioners will be participating in Board session remotely by audio conference call. The conference call will be made available to the public in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room. Social distancing will be strictly enforced. Directions to participate in the teleconference will be posted with the weekly agenda on the County website. Minimal business will be handled in session during the public emergency.

Thank you. Be safe. Be clean. Help each other.

United States Census 2020

Every 10 years, the @uscensusbureau undertakes a mammoth task: counting all the people residing in the United States. This count affects the allocation of funding for our community’s public resources (e.g., roads, hospitals, schools), how we plan for the future, and our voice in government. Learn more about the importance of the #2020Census and how to participate: https://www.2020census.gov/.

BG Kiwanis Gives to Wood County Veterans Memorial

Patrick Pauken, President of the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club presented a $5,000 check to Jack Jones, Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Wood County Veterans Memorial. Pauken stated, “The members of Bowling Green Kiwanis are pleased to contribute to this memorial project. The primary mission of Kiwanis is to serve children, and this revitalized memorial will show respect for our fallen military members, while helping children to understand the sacrifices that have been made to keep America free.”

The existing Wood County Veterans Memorial was established on the southwest 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. Email: Vmemorial@co.wood.oh.us

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 →

County eNews -Sign Up Now

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.

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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

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

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 →