Controlled burns at refuge to start
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be conducting prescribed burns Oct. 12 to Nov. 19 at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge where approximately 300 acres will be burned.

The wildlife service will be conducting the controlled burns to eliminate dead vegetation and encourage native plant establishment for next spring.

In addition, the controlled burns eliminate years of built up dead plants that would otherwise increase the risks of wildfires, according to the service, which said detailed burn plans are written and reviewed by officials for each burn conducted.

The refuge covers more than 10,000 acres in Ottawa and Lucas counties.

TMACOG reception
Ottawa County members of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG), and business and community leaders in the county are invited to a reception Oct. 14 from 5-7 p.m., at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor.

Mark Shieldcastle, research director for the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, will discuss regional bird migration and ecotourism in the western basin of Lake Erie and its watersheds.

TMACOG hosts receptions at counties throughout the region each year for members and other local leaders. Primary areas of concern for TMACOG and its members are transportation planning for highways, rail, and bikes and pedestrians; and environmental planning for water quality and air quality.

People who want to attend are asked to contact Greg Gettum at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 419.241.9155, ext 132.

The Ottawa County reception is sponsored by Owens Community College and GenoaBank.

Water system improvements
The Ottawa County commissioners have awarded a contract for the second phase of upgrading the regional water distribution system to Kwest Group, LLC, which submitted a low bid of $589,911.

Hydrants and valves will be replaced along with other improvements.

DD board to meet
The Ottawa County Board of Developmental Disabilities monthly board meeting will be Oct. 18 at  5 p.m. at the board office,  235 N. Toussaint South Rd, Oak Harbor.

Meetings are open to the public

For information about committee meetings call 419-898-0400.

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