A replacement supply of potassium iodide is now available for persons living or working within the 10-mile emergency planning zone surrounding the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Plant, the Ottawa County Health Department announced last week.

Potassium iodide (KI) can protect the thyroid gland if properly administered in the event of an off-site leak of radioactive iodine from the plant, health department officials said, adding the best precaution for residents in the zone is to follow evacuation recommendations for their area if so advised during an emergency.

“The administration of KI is meant to be a supplement to evacuation or sheltering in place, and not a replacement for these actions,” said Ottawa County Health Commissioner Nancy Osborn. “The public should not delay evacuation or leave shelter in order to obtain KI.”

The Ohio Department of Health provided KI tablets to the Ottawa and Toledo-Lucas County Health Departments and emergency management agencies in 2002. Those departments, in turn, made the tablets available to those who worked or lived within the 10-mile zone.

Schools, nursing homes, hospitals, fire and police departments, and detention facilities were also provided with KI stockpiles.

Tablets distributed to the general public in 2002 was granted a two-year shelf life extension by the Food and Drug Administration in 2007. That extension expired on May 31 this year.

The public is advised to dispose of KI with an expired date on the package and contact the county health department for information on receiving a replacement supply.

Flag month
Having designated July as Wood County Flag Month, the Wood County commissioners are inviting residents to purchase a county flag from The Flag Lady’s Flag Store in Columbus at a reduced cost through July 31.

The commissioners said the flag symbolized the community history and “sense of place.”

“The blue background is adapted from the U.S. flag and calls to mind our national bonds. The red of the Wood County silhouette and ribbon symbolized the lifeblood of all the men and women who have lived amidst the Great Black Swamp. Wood County is shown prominently on the gold field of the State of Ohio. The harvest gold represents our rich agricultural heritage. Nineteen white stars, one for each township, signify the bright future of our county and all her diverse citizens. Finally, 1820 is the year Wood County was established,” a statement from the commissioners says.

A sample flag is on display in the courthouse complex atrium.

Zoning hearing
A hearing is scheduled for July 21 at 7 p.m. to hear a zoning amendment request from Owens Lake LLC , Tracy Road, Lake Township.

The company is asking for a zoning change for a 0.5-acre parcel from A-1 agricultural to B-2 general commercial adjacent to the Owens Lake Apartments.

Richard Welling, a township trustee, said the company intends to construct a carry-out store and self-service laundry on the parcel.

The hearing will be held in the township administration building.

New bridge plans
The Ottawa County Commissioners have authorized the county engineer to invite letters of interest from qualified engineering firms for design of a new bridge to replace the existing structure on Benton-Carroll Road over Toussaint Creek. The selection process will be according to Ohio Department of Transportation Standards.

MRDD board to meet
The Ottawa County Board of Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities will meet July 20 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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