News Briefs Week Of 2/21/2022

By: 
Staff Writer

Library celebrates
“Clifford” Feb. 14
The Wood County District Public Library is celebrating book birthdays throughout the winter.
Join the library for a birthday celebration for Norman Bridwell, author of the beloved “Clifford the Big Red Dog” books and characters on Monday, Feb. 14 from 3-5 p.m. at the Walbridge Library, 108 N. Main St., and the Bowling Green Library, 251 N. Main St.
The library will have books, games, crafts, and a special treat.
For more information, call 419-352-8253, email woodkids@wcdpl.org or visit wcdpl.org.

Tree Commission
The City of Oregon’s Tree Commission will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. in the city’s community room, 5330 Seaman Rd. The public is invited.

Camp Perry offers
ice fishing access
Anglers looking for an access point to Lake Erie for ice fishing are encouraged to visit Camp Perry in Ottawa County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Camp Perry is an Ohio National Guard training facility located near Port Clinton, on the shore of Lake Erie.
Ice fishing access at Camp Perry will be open when ice conditions allow, and when the firing range is not in use. Anglers are encouraged to call 888-889-7010 before arriving to check availability. The base has 200 parking spots available each day and will be filled in a first-come, first-served fashion. Ice fishing parking is available from 4:30 a.m.-10 p.m. All vehicles are required to exit the base prior to the closing time.
All vehicles are required to check in upon arrival. The parking fee is $15 per vehicle, per day. Parking is permitted in designated locations only.
Camp Perry is located at 1000 North Lawrence Drive, No. 600, Port Clinton. For more information, call 888-889-7010.
Visit ohiodnr.gov for ice fishing safety tips and additional information. Follow the Division of Wildlife’s Your Wild Ohio Angler page on Facebook for the latest updates on fishing in Ohio.

Free concert set
The Music Business Technology students from Owens Community College will present the third concert of the 2021-22 Accent on the Arts series Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, located at 7270 Biniker Rd., Perrysburg.
The concert will feature Westbound Situation, which blends the precision of classical chamber music, the rhythmic drive of bluegrass, and the colorful expression of jazz into a new style of chamber music – chambergrass. The quartet – comprised of Grant Flick on violin, Jake Howard on mandolin, Zach Brown on cello, and Jacob Warren on bass – mixes composition and improvisation seamlessly into their entirely memorized arrangements. Read more about them at WestboundSituation.com.

Owens Preview Day
Owens Community College welcomes community members and prospective new students to explore academic programs and more at the annual President’s Day Preview from 10 a.m-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21 on the Toledo-area Campus.
The preview event will begin at Veterans Hall, 363 Depot Rd., Perrysburg. Parking is recommended in the lot next to Founders Hall.
“Our faculty and staff will be available to talk about our more than 70 academic programs and our transfer options to four-year colleges and universities,” said Erin Kramer, Director of Admissions. “In addition to academics, the Owens experience includes our dedicated support services such as academic advising as well as our student clubs and organizations. We will have representatives at the President’s Day Preview to discuss these services that benefit student success.”
Campus tours will also be available. Sign up in advance owens.edu/preview. Masks will be required indoors.
The event will also feature selective health admission sessions about 13 programs in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, such as Registered Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Surgical Technology and more.
An overview of financial aid will be offered as well.

United Way 2-1-1 Day
United Way 2-1-1 – a free, 24/7, 365-day health and human services referral resource for anyone in Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties – received more than 100,000 contacts from the community in 2021.
The update was announced ahead of the organization’s annual “2-1-1 Day” celebration, which happened on Feb. 11.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, our 2-1-1 community resource advisors have done an amazing job of handling the exponential growth in call volume,” said Wendy Pestrue, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Toledo.
“From helping with vaccine registration to assisting folks through the housing crisis, it’s because of 2-1-1 and the data they are capturing that we are able to make informed decisions on how we, as an organization, can work with our partners and address the challenges facing our community,” Pestrue said.
“I am proud to lead our 2-1-1 team as we have been experiencing unprecedented call volume over the last two years,” said Sandra DeSteno, director of 2-1-1. “I’m thankful that more people are familiar with our service across Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties.
“Compared to 2020, the volume of contacts increased by 53%. This includes phone calls, online chats, text messages and emails, on top of nearly 20,000 webpage visits we had to 211nwo.org,” she said.
To speak with a 2-1-1 community resource advisor, dial two, one, one; text your ZIP code to 898-211; or send an instant message at 211nwo.org.

Sleigh rides offered
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Spiegel Grove, the estate of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, during Presidents’ Day weekend.
South Creek Clydesdales will offer sleigh rides on Saturday, Feb. 19; Sunday, Feb. 20 and Monday, Feb. 21 from 1-4 p.m.
Tickets are $5.50 per person for ages 3 and older and free for ages 2 and younger. They may be purchased online at rbhayes.org/news/2022/01/31/general/celebrate-presidents-day-with-horse-drawn-sleigh-ride-through-presidential-estate/.
Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets will also be sold the days of the rides at the museum front desk, pending availability. In-person sleigh and trolley ticket sales end at 3:45 p.m. each day.
The sleigh can fit four people at a time. Riders who are not vaccinated for COVID-19 must wear a face covering.
Rides will be offered whether or not there is snow, however, if the wind chill is below zero or there are thunderstorms, rides will be canceled. For updates, visit rbhayes.org or Hayes Presidential’s social media pages.
If Hayes Presidential cancels the rides, refunds for the ticket price will be issued. Otherwise, there are no refunds.
The rides are a nostalgic trip through the beautiful, wooded estate, past the historic Victorian Hayes Home and down Lover’s Lane, a favorite pine-tree lined spot on the grounds.
The Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is located at Spiegel Grove at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont.
For information, call 419-332-2081, visit rbhayes.org or visit Hayes Presidential’s social media pages.

Volunteers welcome
The Eastwood Community Wreaths Across America Committee invites volunteers to help remove wreaths from graves at Webster Township, New Belleville Ridge, Eisenhour, and Troy Township cemeteries on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 9 a.m.
The groups will move on to remaining cemeteries after wreath removal is complete at these cemeteries.
“We would like to thank everyone who sponsored wreaths this year,” said committee member Becky Dippman. “Our campaign was a huge success because of your generosity.”

Grant, scholarship
deadline nearing
The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is accepting grant and scholarship applications for 2022-2023 through Tuesday, March 1.
Each year, the foundation provides support to local nonprofit organizations and students. In 2021, it gave more than $53,000 in grants and more than $152,000 in scholarships.
“It’s important for high school seniors to finish and submit their scholarship applications now to meet the March deadlines determined by their school,” said Dave Slosser, OCCF scholarship chair. “Students may access details about
foundation scholarships and the application process through their high school guidance office.”
The foundation anticipates awarding more than 120 individual scholarships this year, ranging from $400 to $3,500 each. Each scholarship has a set of unique requirements established by the fund donor’s wishes. While the majority of OCCF scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, there are several scholarships available for non-traditional students, college students seeking to study abroad and students at a specific college. Learn more at ottawaccf.org/scholarships.
In addition to scholarships, community grant applications are also being accepted through March 1. Interested organizations can find a link to the application portal as well as guidelines for grant seekers online at ottawaccf.org/grants.
Questions regarding grants or scholarships may be directed to ottawaccf@gmail.com or visit the foundation office, 306 Madison St. in Port Clinton Wednesdays between noon and 3 p.m.

Orchid Show
returns to zoo
Despite the cold temperatures, the Toledo Zoo is abloom this month, thanks to the Orchid Show, on display Feb. 11-27 in the ProMedica Museum of Natural History and Aquarium.
Visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant colors, delightful scents and interesting backstories of rare and exotic orchids from around the world.
In addition to more than 1,700 orchids, the three-week show includes a variety of classes, demonstrations and workshops. With topics ranging from how to care for orchids to how to photograph one, or make your own terrarium, there truly is something for everyone.
Visitors will see a “bee’s eye view” of what orchids look like to pollinators. Many types of orchids are ultraviolet fluorescent, primarily in their reproductive parts in an attempt to focus the pollinator.
There is also an opportunity for the public to order an orchid from the virtual plant sale beginning Feb. 11. Pick-up will be on Thursday, March 3 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Toledo Zoo’s Orchid Show runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The event is included with Zoo admission. For more information, visit toledozoo.org/orchidshow.

Fatal crash
The Sandusky Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Feb. 4 on State Rt. 19 south of W. Oak Harbor Southeast Road in Salem Township.
Bret Gaskalla, 18, was northbound on Rt. 19 when his vehicle slid sideways into the southbound lane and was struck on the passenger side.
Richard May, 17, a passenger, sustained fatal injuries. May was wearing a seatbelt, the highway patrol said.
Gaskalla was flown by LifeFlight to St. Vincent’s Medical Center, where he later died.
The driver of the other vehicle, John Hurst, 34, had minor injuries.

Grants available
for demolition of
vacant properties
Grant funding that would pay for the demolition of qualified vacant commercial and residential properties is available in Wood County.
The Wood County Planning Commission and the county commissioners are overseeing the grants.
Properties must have the permission of owners to be demolished. The deadline to submit projects is Feb. 22, 2022.
For information contact the planning commission at 419-354-9128.

2 file for re-election
Two Wood County officials have filed petitions with the county board of elections to seek another term to their respective offices.
Common Pleas Judge Matthew L. Reger recently filed his petitions, seeking a second term.
In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Reger currently serves as administrative judge for the common pleas court. He oversees court administration, domestic relations, and probation offices.
Judge Reger has also served as court security judge, member of the judicial advisory board for the Northwest Community Corrections Center, and member of the Maumee Watershed Conservation District Court.
Wood County Auditor Matthew Oestreich filed petitions to seek re-election to that office. Oestreich has served as county auditor since October 2017, previously serving as assistant chief deputy auditor.
He brings 21 years of public sector experience to the office. While serving as weights and measures Inspector in 2006, Oestreich was the recipient of the Frank P. Gallo award, which recognizes excellence in the area of weights and measures. As Auditor, Oestreich was recently presented with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, an award the office has received for 20 consecutive years.
He currently serves as secretary/treasurer of the Northwest District of the County Auditor’s Association of Ohio.

Meeting change
The Woodmore Board of Education has changed the date of its regular February meeting from Feb. 17 to Feb. 16 at 6 p.m.
The board will meet at the Woodmore High School Media Center, 633 Fremont St., Elmore.

Campground bill
goes to governor
State Representative D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, said House Bill 229 passed within the General Assembly last Wednesday.
Rep Swearingen is a primary sponsor of the bill with State Rep. Shane Wilkin, R-Hillsboro.
“This legislation assists campground owners, operators, and workers by stating that they are not legally responsible for circumstances that are out of the owner’s control such as injuries resulting from unforeseen environmental risks,” Swearingen said.
The bill does not prevent campground owners and operators from being held responsible for any injuries resulting from circumstances within their control, he said
The bill now goes to the governor for his signature.

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