News Briefs Week of 11/11/19

Solar technology grants
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, recently joined representatives and researchers from the University of Toledo and Eaton Corporation at a press conference announcing $8,700,000 in Department of Energy (DOE) funding that will support the two organizations in their research and development of solar technology. The University of Toledo awards follow on the recent and major award the University received from the U.S. Air Force in April.
The grants are a part of $128 million in federal funding that DOE is awarding to 75 research projects across the country to advance solar technologies, which will lower solar electricity costs while working to boost solar manufacturing, reduce red tape, and make solar systems more resilient to cyberattacks. The funds were awarded competitively, and both highlight and strengthen Northern Ohio’s national leadership in solar technology research.
“Advancing global leadership in solar energy technology continues to be a critical focus of the University, and we are proud of the incredible progress and determination of our researchers,” said Dr. Frank Calzonetti, University of Toledo’s Vice President of Research. “In the last few months alone, nearly $14 million in competitive federal funding has now been awarded to faculty and students working on cutting-edge solar technology in the UToledo Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Technology. Providing a strong research underpinning of our region's solar energy industry is central to our mission.”

Senior events
Upcoming community events held at Perrysburg Commons Retirement Center for seniors include a Veteran’s Day breakfast on Monday, Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. at Heartland of Perrysburg, located at 10540 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg. A complimentary breakfast will be served to all veterans. Schaller American Legion will be presenting a flag ceremony at 8:30 a.m.
On Friday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., there will be a community Euchre tournament with refreshments and prizes. This tournament is held the 3rd Friday/monthly.
St. Luke’s Family Medicine Lecture Series will host a monthly lecture series. This month’s topic will be “Depression and Anxiety,” presented by Dr. Manny Jean-Louis, M.D. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 10:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served following the presentation. RSVP requested at 419-874-1931.

Waterline repair
An East Broadway waterline repair in Northwood will take place Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 22. East Broadway Street, from Wales Road to Andrus Road. will be closed for waterline repair. Detour includes Wales Road; Tracy Road; Andrus Road. Additionally, on Friday, Nov. 22, through December, lane restrictions are possible on East Broadway, from Wales Road to Andrus Road for waterline repair. Local access will be maintained. The project is expected to be completed in January, 2020. The estimated cost of the project is $500,000.
The Northwest Water and Sewer District delivers water and sewer services to over 20,000 customers in Wood, Sandusky, and Hancock counties. Although many of its projects are performed underground, utility work can impact roads through its service area.

Meeting date change
The Woodmore Board of Education has changed the date of its regular monthly meeting from
Nov. 21 to Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.
The board will meet at the high school media center, 633 Fremont St., Elmore.

Two arrested
Two persons were arrested last week in Ottawa County and charged with several offenses after a sheriff’s deputy observed their vehicle speeding through an intersection with a stop sign on Elmore Eastern Road.
The driver, Rickey Frank, 40, New Castle, Pa., was charged Nov. 4 with driving under suspension and reckless operation. The sheriff’s department said he also had outstanding felony warrants from another Ohio jurisdiction. He was lodged at the county detention center.
The passenger, Rachel Nicholas, 45, Chicago, Ill, was charged with possession of cocaine and Schedule 4 drugs. She was released on bond on Nov. 5.
According to the sheriff’s report, Frank’s eastbound vehicle went through the intersection at about 60 miles per hour and nearly stuck a southbound vehicle.
The deputy stopped the vehicle about a half mile past State Rt. 590.
The drugs were located after the deputy requested assistance from the department’s K-9 unit. The search also found Nicholas had $1,713 in cash.
The Elmore Police Department also assisted at the scene.

Donation for wreaths
The Lake Township trustees Tuesday approved a donation of $1,500 to the Wreaths Across America program for wreaths to be placed on the graves of military veterans at Lake Township Cemetery.
For the past four years, Jeff Pettit, a trustee, has been organizing an effort to have wreaths placed on the veterans’ graves. A car show held in May at Friendship Park raised about $1,500, he said.
In all, he’s been able to raise about $10,000 each year but it hasn’t been enough to purchase wreaths for all of the 2,300 veteran grave sites at the cemetery.
This year, the Wreaths Across America program will be held Dec. 14 at noon.
To volunteer at Lake Township contact Pettit at 419 838-6855.