News Briefs Week Of 1/9/2023

Assistant county
prosecutor to
speak Jan. 11
Wood County Senior Assistant County Prosecutor Brian Boos will address members of Lake Township Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch groups on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the township office, located at 27975 Cummings Rd., at the corner of Cummings Road and SR 795.
The public is invited. Registration is not required.
Boos will describe how criminal charges are filed, how the criminal justice system works, and the legal ramifications of protecting lives and property.
“He will not be giving legal advice at this meeting,” said Lake Township Police Department’s crime prevention officer and community policing officer Ron Craig. “Instead, he will give information on what the laws say about these topics.”
Boos is also unable to discuss any pending cases but will take questions from the audience.
“Most citizens are not aware of the details of how our system of criminal justice works. They think we are able to make an arrest based solely on what they report to us, but it’s not always that simple. Certain evidence is required to make an arrest and it’s the duty of law enforcement officials to gather that evidence,” Craig said.
Boos will also describe the difference between misdemeanor and felony charges, and how court proceedings work for both.
Craig said the purpose of the discussion is to give the public a better picture of how the criminal justice system really works, and not the way it is portrayed on television and in the movies, where crimes are solved in an hour or two.
“We also hope people will walk away from this meeting with a better understanding of how law enforcement personnel interact with local and county officials to protect the public,” he said.
For more information, call Craig at 419-481-6354.

Silent Movie Night
The ongoing Live! In The House Concert Series continues with Silent Movie Night Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St.
The film, “The Kid Brother,” starring silent comedy legend Harold Lloyd, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Pianist Lynne Long will provide musical accompaniment.
Tickets are $12 and are available at Beeker’s General Store, at the door or by contacting Carol at 419-287-4848.

Camera Club
TOPICS Camera Club, a non-profit organization open to everyone, will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Monclova Community Center, located at 8115 Monclova Rd., Monclova.

Feed Your Mind
The Wood County District Public Library’s Adult Winter Reads Program kicks off Monday, Jan. 9. The theme for 2023 is Feed You Mind.
Starting Jan. 9, patrons can visit library branches in Walbridge or Bowling Green, or visit wcdpl.org/winter-reads-2023 to submit forms for every book, audiobook or e-book they complete. Submit titles and authors for a chance to win prizes like a WCDPL mug, a lunch bag full of treats, a $100 gift card, and the grand prize of an iPad.
Drawings will take place Jan. 27, Feb. 17, and March 13. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing, entries must be submitted by Friday, March 13 at 6 p.m. Participants must be 18 or older to win.
This program is supported by the estate of Julia Rentz. For more information, call 419-352-5050, email woodref@wcdpl.org or visit wcdpl.org/winter-reads-2023.

CASA meeting
Those who are interested in learning more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in Wood County are invited to a volunteer meeting Monday, Jan. 9 at 10 a.m.
The meeting will be held via Zoom. To join, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85677424773#success.
The no-pressure session will be led by a volunteer who will answer questions about the program.
CASA volunteers advocate for the best interest of children who have experienced abuse and neglect, some of whom are in foster care. CASAs get to know the child and their family and make recommendations to the court regarding services and placement to help families remain strong. Volunteers must be 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, complete an extensive background check, and participate in 30 hours of pre-service training. The average CASA volunteer donates five to 10 hours per month to their CASA case.
Those who are unable to attend the virtual meeting may obtain more information by emailing casa@woodcountyohio.gov.

Commissioners organize
The Board of Wood County Commissioners, Doris I. Herringshaw, Craig LaHote, and Theodore H. Bowlus met Jan. 3, and as required by Ohio law, organized for 2023.
LaHote, of Perrysburg Township, will serve as president of the Wood County Board of Commissioners. Bowlus, of Center Township, will serve as vice-president.
The board will continue conducting regular meetings on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with open forum on regular meeting days following regular business. The open forum allows citizens to speak with the board without scheduling a meeting time.
All meeting agendas are posted 24 hours in advance and can be viewed on the commissioners’ website at co.wood.oh.us/commissioners.

Ohio Wildlife Officer
applications accepted
Applications are being accepted now through Sunday, Jan. 29 for the next Ohio Wildlife Officer training school, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The Division of Wildlife is seeking to fill up to 15 wildlife officer positions throughout Ohio. Training begins in August 2023.
Ohio wildlife officers enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways, and property. This is the Division of Wildlife’s 32nd Wildlife Officer Training Academy. Those interested can complete an application at careers.ohio.gov.
“Our officers combine law enforcement, conservation, and public service in a career that makes a difference for Ohio’s communities and wildlife,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “They serve from Lake Erie to the Ohio River and in every county, supporting the mission of the Division of Wildlife.”
Ohio wildlife officers speak to clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs and perform fish and wildlife surveys. Wildlife officers also provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related recreation, and work closely with law enforcement partners in their communities.
To be considered for the wildlife officer training school, applicants must be 21 years of age upon completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course and possess a valid driver license. Completion of at least a minimum of core course work in an associate degree or undergraduate program in natural resources, fisheries and wildlife conservation, natural sciences, biology, criminal justice, environmental law enforcement, agriculture, or a related field is required.
Eighteen months of training or experience in the above fields may also be acceptable, as would 18 months of training or experience in the U.S. military with an occupational specialty related to law enforcement or investigations. Other qualifications include meeting physical fitness standards, completing a background check, and passing a psychological exam and drug screening.
For more information about becoming an Ohio wildlife officer, visit ohiodnr.gov/careers.

Gavarone named
Majority Whip
State Senator Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, was sworn in as Majority Whip of the Ohio Senate during opening day ceremonies at the Ohio Statehouse.
The ceremony marked the beginning of the 135th General Assembly.
As Majority Whip, Senator Gavarone will serve on the Senate Republican leadership team and will be responsible for monitoring legislation and securing votes for legislation on the Senate floor.
Gavarone will continue to serve as State Senator for the 2nd Senate District, which encompasses all or parts of Erie, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties.

AG launches resource for nonprofits
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced the launch of a new training and accountability resource for Ohio nonprofits called Charitable University or CharitableU.
This online learning platform is designed to educate members of charity boards about both their legal obligations, as well as best practices for running their organizations.
“Every time an Ohioan gives money to a charity, he or she is performing act of faith,” AG Yost said. “We want to make sure that board members and charity leaders are faithful stewards of the money they receive.”
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office oversees more than 60,000 active nonprofit organizations annually, with combined assets of more than $300 billion. The AGO’s Charitable Law section is charged with ensuring public trust in the charitable sector through transparency and accountability; enforcing standards; and holding bad actors accountable.
Users registering in the CharitableU system will find a series of short webinars and resources that are critical for effective leadership. Trainings on the platform cover the following “pillars”: board governance, financial operations and internal controls, filings and recordkeeping, and fundraising. Additional webinars will be added to each CharitableU curriculum pillar throughout the year.
To encourage organizations to be fraud free in 2023, completion of CharitableU will now be required for nonprofits who wish to apply for grant funds available from the Attorney General’s Office.
For transparency, organizations who complete CharitableU will be listed on the CharitableU website. Users will receive a certificate for completing the training, which will expire after three years as laws and best practices continually evolve.

Home dedication
A dedication of a home constructed by Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 2:30 p.m.
The home is located at 562 Ames St., Elmore