News Briefs Week of 10/21/19

By: 
Staff Writer

Retired teachers
to meet Oct. 24
The Ottawa County Retired teachers will have their next meeting Thursday, Oct. 24 at noon at the Oak Harbor American Legion, 221 W Park St.
Members will discuss the future of the group, as there is no one willing to take the place of the current officers. If no volunteers for the offices step forward, a plan for the distribution of the treasury will be discussed and acted upon.
The cost of the meal is $13. Information on reservations has been sent by email. For more details, call Sam Preston at 419-862-2625 by Monday, Oct. 21.

Auditor estimates
pipeline valuations

Wood County auditor Matthew Oestreich is estimating public utility assessments will add about $350 million to the county’s total taxable valuation, making the Rover and Nexus pipelines the top two taxpayers in the county.
The Rover pipeline, actually two side-by-side pipelines cross through Bloom, Henry, Jackson, Milton and Perry townships.
With both Rover lines now in operation, the preliminary tax assessment is projected to increase to $255 million from last year’s $57.5 million valuation.
The preliminary assessed valuation of the Nexus pipeline, which crosses through Troy, Webster and Middleton townships, is $92.6 million.
“These large public utility values are a great financial win for Wood County and the entities involved,” Oestreich said.
But he cautioned the figures are preliminary and public utility companies have until Dec. 7 to appeal to the Ohio Department of Taxation to try to lower the valuations.
Pending no appeals, Oestreich said the county’s general fund will realize an increase of about $680,000 over last year. Tax revenues will be received beginning in February 2020.
He said pipeline valuations depreciate over a 30-year cycle.

Pancake fundraiser
A pancake breakfast to benefit the Carroll Township Fire & EMS Scholarship Fund is scheduled for Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the township service complex, 11080 Toussaint-East Rd., Oak Harbor.
The menu will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, hash brown potatoes, juice, milk and coffee.
Dine-in or carryout service will be offered.

Mini-grants
Seven Ohio organizations are receiving Ohio EPA Environmental Education Fund mini-grants for programs focusing on watersheds, water quality, storm water management and rain gardens, geology and land use, and hydroponics. Mini-grants are awarded for up to $5,000. This fall’s grants total $26,263.
Among the mini-grant recipients is Oregon City Schools, which is receiving $2,526 for an augmented reality watershed project to provide hands-on learning about watersheds, nutrient management, storm water management, and habitat restoration to students in Lucas County and surrounding areas. Located in Lake Erie’s Western Basin area, the project is intended to encourage best management practices, awareness, and appreciation of the watershed.

Public hearings
Oregon City Council will conduct three public hearings on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at 5330 Seaman Rd. on the following Special Use Exception requests:
•BP Husky Refining LLC is requesting a Special Use in a C-1 Commercial Industrial Zoned District for the purpose of erecting a telecommunications tower at 4001 Cedar Point Rd.
•Timothy Anderson is seeking a Special Use in an R-1 Low Density Residential Zoned District for the purpose of housing a miniature horse at 5828 Seaman Rd.
•Karen Lewis is seeking a Special Use in an R-2 Medium Density Zoned District for the purpose of housing a Juliana pig at 125 South Coy Rd.

Scholarship
Top students from each of Ohio’s 88 counties will be selected to receive Miami University’s new Governor’s Scholarship, an award that will cover recipients’ full tuition and fees beginning with the 2020 academic year.
The Governor’s Scholarship underscores Miami's continued commitment to affordable college access for Ohio residents. Kiplinger ranked Miami No. 53 in the nation in 2019 among “Best Values in Public Colleges” for in-state residents. Miami has ranked among the 100 “best values” every year since 1998.
“Miami attracts students from across Ohio and the U.S., as well as from around the world,” said Bethany Perkins, director of admission at Miami. “This new scholarship affirms our dedication to educating Ohio’s students and affording them the global education, leadership opportunities and innovative learning experiences offered at Miami.”
Miami’s four-year graduation rate ranks No. 1 among public universities in Ohio and No. 21 among public universities nationally.
For priority consideration, students should apply to Miami by Dec. 1. No additional scholarship application is necessary. Scholarships will be based primarily on academic performance, but financial need also will be considered.

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