News Briefs Week of 7/1/19

By: 
Staff Writer

Lake Farmer's Market
The Lake Twp. Farmers Market, fresh off their spring events, starts their Tuesday night markets beginning July 2 in Downtown Walbridge. The market plans on traveling around within Lake Township this year, bringing crafters, vendors, and other farmers market related items to Walbridge, Millbury and Moline on a monthly basis

"July we will be in Walbridge, August we move on to Millbury at Veterans Park, then on to Moline at Z3 Controls in September, and finish our season back in Walbridge in October", market coordinator Richard Jensen said. "The market is always looking for farmers, gardeners, crafters, and vendors who want to share their produce, crafts, and products with the community."

If anyone is interested in participating they are encouraged to send an email to laketwpfarmersmarket@gmail.com for more details.

Junk watercraft legislation
State Rep. Steve Arndt (R-Port Clinton) announced the passage of House Bill 211, his legislation that defines the term “junk watercraft vessel or outboard motor” and prohibits leaving junk watercraft/outboard motor on property. This legislation gives local authorities the same tools to address this problem as they would a junk vehicle. “In marinas, campgrounds, and private properties throughout Ohio, abandoned boats currently sit and deteriorate because of a complicated process in place to obtain titles to these vessels,” said Rep. Arndt. “H.B. 211 is needed legislation that would simplify this process and help property owners and communities throughout the state remove these junk watercraft from their properties.”
HB 211 defines a junk watercraft vessel or outboard motor as any vessel that is three years or older, is apparently inoperable, and has a fair market value of $1,500 or less.
HB 211 passed the Ohio House with 90 affirmative votes and no negative votes and now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Foundation awards
$49,000 in grants
The Ottawa County Community Foundation awarded more than $49,000 in competitive grants to 29 local non-profit organizations at the annual Grant Awards Breakfast held June 20.
The event celebrated the work of a variety of charitable organizations whose projects and programs address current and emerging needs throughout Ottawa County in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, safe and positive living environment, natural resources and the arts.
The Foundation thanked each organization that identified a need and submitted a grant request.
The 2019 grant recipients included:
• Terra College Foundation – Supplies and snacks for Kids College.
• Oak Harbor Log Cabin Association – Support for summer concert series at the Log Cabin.
• Harris-Elmore Public Library – Materials to display and preserve Ottawa County artifacts.
• Stein Hospice Services, Inc. – Supplies for kid’s bereavement program/Camp Good Grief.
• Oak House – Sturdy stackable banquet chairs for participant use.
• Dr. John E Braun Memorial Park – Add an electrical power to pole barn in the park.
• Joyful Connections – Furniture and refrigerator, for family use during visits.
• The Salvation Army – Send at-risk children to weeklong Salvation Army Camp.
• Catawba Island Historical Society – Storage shelves for archival protection of artifacts.
• Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council – “Beached Fish” for deposit of recyclable bottles/city beach.
• Cultivate the Clover of Ottawa County – Training of camp counselors for three 4-H camps.
• Ottawa County Museum – Convert two boarded windows to display cases.
• Light House Sober Living – Sober living activities to support adults with addiction.
• Nightingales Harvest – Provide cancer families with gas/transportation; advertising.
• Friends of Port Clinton Parks – Installation of second small pavilion in Lakeview Park.
• Musical Arts Series in Port Clinton – Provide live music concerts at local senior communities.
• Engaging Opportunities Foundation – Startup renovation of Christy’s Corner Café.
• Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center – Support Port Clinton summer lunch program, laptop computer for Grandlove advocate and TNT Mentoring school spirit T-shirts.
• Ottawa County Family & Children First Council – Assist at-risk families not eligible for other programs.
• ARC of Ottawa County – Summer camp for children with developmental disabilities.
• Oak Harbor Lions Club – Community LED billboard sign to be used by non-profits.
• Oak Harbor Tree Commission – Purchase trees for east and west gateways into Oak Harbor.
• Playmakers Civic Theatre – Replace master lighting control board for stage lighting.
• Harris Elmore Fire Department – Purchase SCBA face mask nameplates for firefighters.
• Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County – Materials for construction of a single-family house.
• Luther Home of Mercy – Establish a scout troop for LHM residents.
The Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Since the first grant was awarded in 2003, cumulative grants to support charitable organizations and projects total over $440,000.
Funding for these grants is made possible from several unrestricted Community Funds held by the Ottawa County Community Foundation including the Kenneth and Naomi Akins Family Fund, Bob and Grace Armbruster Fund, Lenore Peterson Blackburn Fund, Earl J. Johnson Fund, OCCF Fund, Lenore Peterson-Blackburn Fund, Dr. James I. and Priscella Rhiel Fund, Paul H. Rofkar Community Needs Fund, Harry Stensen Memorial Fund, and Dave and Jeanne Thierwechter Fund, as well as one Donor Advised Fund and cash donations.

4 County Group for
Collaborative Growth
Economic development and workforce development organizations in Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties are partnering together under the 4CG initiative. 4CG represents the 4 County Group 4 Collaborative Growth. The group began working together six years ago to collectively address the region’s workforce challenges.
Initially, 4CG focused its efforts on Manufacturing Month (October) with manufacturing bus tours for educators, speaker events, and manufacturing/career showcases.
The showcase events provide the opportunity for ninth-grade students and school leaders to experience today’s work environment and skill sets through interactive stations designed by local manufacturers, businesses, and skilled trade organizations.
Recently, Huron, Sandusky and Seneca counties came together to support Ottawa County in the development of a Rapid Response Plan to address the potential closure of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant. Out of this plan, the counties will begin a comprehensive workforce analysis, with wage and benefit information and strategic priorities developed to assist potential impacted employees and local employers within this labor shed.
This analysis and plan project has received support from the Area 7 Workforce Development Board and the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services. Phase I of the project (the workforce analysis and wage and benefit survey) is fully funded and was awarded to consulting firm, Poggemeyer Design Groups with subcontracted services through Bowling Green State University Center for Regional Development.
4CG’s consultant, Poggemeyer, will provide assistance in obtaining funding for Phase II of the project implementation, thereby minimizing the need for financial assistance from the economic development organizations, counties, communities, and businesses.

WCCOA board
seeks nominees
The Wood County Committee on Aging is seeking candidates to serve on the WCCOA Governing Board for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
Candidates must be Wood County residents and at least 60 years old or leaders in the community. There are five elected positions open.
Nomination forms are available for download at www.wccoa.net or contact the Wood County Senior Center at 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935. Completed forms must be returned to the Nomination Committee Chair, WCCOA, 305 North Main St., Bowling Green, OH 43402 on or before Aug. 9, 2019.
The Governing Board sets policies and conducts the affairs of the WCCOA. Board members are expected to attend the monthly board meeting and to serve on at least one committee. Other important board responsibilities include:
• Support the WCCOA mission, strategic planning goals and program activities.
• Maintain fiduciary responsibility, including establishing a budget, assuring legal needs are met, and providing stability and viability of the WCCOA.
• Attend monthly Governing Board meetings held the second Wednesday of each month.
• Attend an orientation session for new board members.
• Financially contribute to fundraising campaigns and the Friends of WCCOA based on personal ability.
• Serve as an ambassador for WCCOA to the public at large, encourage understanding of agency programs and challenges, and stimulate participation of seniors 60 and older.

Northwood meeting
There will be a community meeting in Northwood on July 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Northwood city hall, 600 Wales Road.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a variety of progress projects with residents, including potential transportation improvements along Woodville Road. The possible improvements include a roundabout at Lemoyne and Woodville Road, and also gateway and bridge enhancements at I-75/Wales Road and along I-280.
Northwood recently had a Safety Study conducted for Woodville Road, from State Route 579 (Williston Rd.) to Norcross Drive. The preliminary findings and recommendations of the study will be discussed at the meeting.
The meeting will also discuss an interchange beautification project being considered at I-280/Woodville Road.
The meeting will contain a brief presentation of the findings and recommended improvements.
The study was conducted by the Mannick & Smith Group Inc. as a result of a high accident rate in the corridor of Woodville Road from Norcross to St. Rte 579.

Navarre picnic
The MEAGHER 43605 Foundation is inviting the public to attend “Our Community Celebration Picnic” at Navarre Park. Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. Come out and celebrate the unity of the community. There will be family friendly activities throughout the day to participate in. Bring food and drinks to share in the buffet style picnic feast celebration. Impact Toledo has family friendly activities planned from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Road reconstruction
As part of the 2019 Roadway Improvement Program, the City of Oregon has awarded a contract to Ropper Construction for reconstructing and paving Athens Road between Navarre Avenue and Dustin Road and Dustin Road at the dead end of Athens Road.
Construction on the project was expected to begin on Monday, July 1, 2019. Some work began the week of June 24, including staking, saw cutting, and the construction of a temporary access road. Parking will be prohibited on the street for the duration of the project. The project construction will require the closing of sections of the roadway in stages to perform various repairs that include full removal and replacement of stone base, replacing curb and gutter, installation of pavement underdrains, replacement of curb inlets and partial replacement of driveway aprons.
Due to the nature of the work, access to driveways within the project limits will need to be interrupted during some stages of the construction operation. The city and contractor will notify property owners when access to their driveway will be affected by the scheduled work.

Hearing set
A pre-trial hearing is set for July 1 in Wood County Common Pleas Court for Jonathon C. Wright, 24, Toledo, who faces 64 charges involving offenses against minor children.
Lake Township police on June 7 arrested Wright on a warrant near his home on Navarre Ave.
Bond was set at $500,000.
Charges included rape, attempted rape, gross sexual imposition and pandering obscenity involving a minor. In all, he faces more than 60 felony charges.

Road work to start
Benton Township has contracted for work on Lindsey-Limestone Road, which will be closed during construction.
Work is set to begin July 8 and is expected to continue through Aug. 2. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.
Through traffic will be prohibited. Buses, emergency vehicles and local traffic will be permitted.
For more information contact the Ottawa County engineer’s office.

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