Category: For The Record

Official Minutes from Village Council Meetings.

May 2020 minutes from Village Council Meetings…….

Here are the latest Village Council meeting  minutes received from the Village Clerk, Kathi Bucher :

 

VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE COUNCIL MEETING May 5, 2020 MINUTES

 

I.             Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Goldner called the meeting to order at 6:15 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

II.          Roll Call:

Mayor Janet Goldner-Here, Matt Beegle-Here, Tim Engard -Here, Mike Julien- Here, Aaron Patterson-Here, Mike Soltis- Here, Leisa Zeigler-Here, Student Representative- Mali Combs-absent

Clerk Kathi Bucher- Present, Legal Counsel-Joel Kuhlman-Present

 Motion to excuse Ms. Combs, made by Mr. Patterson. Second by Mr. Beegle. All approved.

 III.       Approval of the Minutes:

Motion to approve the minutes from the April 14 meeting made by Mr. Patterson. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

Motion to approve the minutes from the April 21 meeting made by Mr. Patterson. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

IV.             Public Participation:

None

 Letters and Communications:

Mr. Patterson wanted to know if there had been any interest in the open council seat. There have been three. He was approached by Dino Woodruff who was questioning the Eagles water bill as it was very high. Running water upstairs.

 

Mr. Soltis curious about how we can support the restaurants in town/shut down the street and have an open restaurant. Are restaurants interested?  Had a resident ask about the town lights, cars going way too fast down the street.  Lights are owned by the Village, AEP and Hancock Wood. Maybe children signs posted. What about the street plan? Send out a copy of the plan so residents know. Mr. Julien suggested to do a five-year program.

 Administrative Reports:

Finance Officer:  Webinar on utility software that is better and cheaper. Stimulus money has been received.  One thousand dollars from our insurance company. Workers comp will be sending out reimbursements. The 200 Block funding has been identified. Sick leave act applies 80 extended hours for employees. Mr. Patterson was curious if there have been any issues with the water bills due to the COVID? A few aren’t paying, no late fee but most are paying.  Maybe set something up for those who wish to donate and help can.

 

            EMS Chief:    

Fire Chief:                   everyone staying healthy

Police Chief:

Utility Director:          follow up on the water bill; meeting tomorrow

DPW Superintendent: meeting tomorrow     

Village Administrator: OPWC-Ord tonight on the agenda; NRG-Prebid meeting is scheduled for May 26; ED-property on Quarry looking at financial assistance; DRP-downtown installation of lights, arms etc. CSX- still nothing; OEPA-water compliant reports working with Dan; AEP- agreed manhole construction for 25 year- then pay. Quarry Road- who’s responsible?

Clerk:  nothing; was asked to find out about meetings where council members can learn more on legislation.  Mr. Kuhlman said there is a Lawyer one in November in Dublin. It is three days.  Really good.

Appointed Legal counsel:  nothing going on at this time

Mayor:  Memorial Day has been cancelled. There will be something virtual.  There was no Arbor Day as it was too wet. Gazebo and trees are being planned for the sewer department area. Upcoming meetings were discussed.

Standing Committees:

            Economic and Community Development (Ms. Zeigler)

Ms. Zeigler sat in on the software meeting. It is user friendly. Maybe have another meeting so others can       take part in it. Mr. Soltis was asking once the roads are done the buildings are still the same. He knows of areas that have redone store fronts. Look into a grant, Chamber, owners and Village get involved.

Public Safety (Mr. Soltis)

            Street parking, remove the cars from the street, sweeping and plowing. Apartment             residents are parking on Main Street.         

            Personnel, Policy and Ordinance Review (Mr. Julien)

Add the unusual circumstances page to the from of the policy books.  Put this on the next meetings agenda. All members go over this in small sections.

            Public Works (Mr. Beegle)

Nothing. Mention of the 200 Block businesses having sidewalks done at the cost offered to the Village.

            Public Utilities (Mr. Patterson)

            Nothing          

            Finance and Technology (Ms. Engard)

            Nothing

  • New Legislation, Resolutions, Motions or Business

Mr. Patterson made a motion to read Ordinance 2020-17 by number and title only for its first reading, suspend the second and third reading. Second by Mr. Engard. All approved.

Ordinance 2020-17 read by number and title only by the mayor.

ORDINANCE 2020 – 17     AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH PETERMAN ASSOCIATES INC. FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING DESIGN PLANNING, COST ESTIMATING, AND PERIODIC CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION FOR A NEW UV DISINFECTION SYSTEM AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $20,760 AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY

Amend wording to director.

Mr. Patterson made a motion to adopt with amendment. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

Mr. Patterson made a motion to read Ordinance 2020-18 for its first reading, suspend the second and third readings.  Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

Ordinance 2020-18 read by number and title only by mayor.

ORDINANCE 2020 – 18     AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO ACCEPT THE BID SUBMITTAL FROM B&J CONCRETE AND CONSTRUCTION OF TOLEDO, OHIO AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ROAD RECONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLING SIDEWALKS FOR THE 200 BLOCK OF NORTH MAIN STREET AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY

 Mr. Patterson made a motion to adopt as an emergency. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

 IX.             Second Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions

None

 

  1. Third Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions

Mr. Beegle made a motion to read Ordinance 2020-07 by for its third reading. Second by Mr. Engard.

Ordinance 2020-07 read by number and title only by the mayor.

ORDINANCE 2020 – 07   AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITION AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE, OHIO.

        

            Mr. Patterson made a motion to adopt. Second by Mr. Julien. All approved.

 

Mr. Beegle made a motion to read Ordinance 2020-08 by number and title only for its third reading. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

            Ordinance 2020-08 read by number and title only by the mayor.

 

ORDINANCE 2020 – 08   AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE

ADMINISTRATOR TO ADVERTISE A REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FROM QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOCUSED ON WATER, WASTEWATER, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORTATION RELATED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

         

Mr. Julien made a motion to adopt. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

  1. Other New Business

Tables

         XII.    Other Old Business

            Nothing

 Payment of the Bills

Ms. Zeigler made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $208,457.73. Second by Mr. Patterson. All approved.

 Adjournment

Mr. Patterson made a motion to adjourn. All approved                                                                                 
   Kathi R. Bucher, Clerk

 

COUNCIL MEETING, May 19 MINUTES

 I.             Pledge of Allegiance

 Mayor Goldner called the meeting to order at 6:15 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

II          Roll Call:

 Mayor Janet Goldner-Here, Matt Beegle- absent, Tim Engard -Here, Mike Julien- Here, Aaron Patterson-Here, Mike Soltis- Here, Leisa Zeigler-Here, ST REP- Mali Combs-absent

Clerk Kathi Bucher- Present, Legal Counsel-Joel Kuhlman-Present

Motion to excuse Mr. Beegle and Ms. Combs made by Ms. Zeigler. Second by Mr. Patterson. All approved.

III.       Approval of the Minutes:

Ms. Zeigler made a motion to approve the minutes from May 5. Second by Mr. Patterson. All approved.

IV.             Public Participation:

COVID

  1. Letters and Communications:

-Opening of the Park? Plan to open June 1.

-Memorial Day- churches to ring bells at 9; video to follow; put a candle on your porch for the day in remembrance of all Veterans.

-Water on Gillette- still an issue; low spot in his yard

-Text on dumping into the Rocky Ford- test to be done, July 1 they have someone coming in to check, allowed 4x’s per year to dump and we are within the EPA guidelines

 Administrative Reports:

Finance Officer:  Gas tax down; EMS billing down, runs are down; we are balanced. There will be a public hearing on June 23 at 6:15 for the JEDD. Regular meeting to follow. Money from this should be earmarked

COTW-raises, not done yet COVID hit

             EMS Chief:    

Fire Chief:

Police Chief:                                       nothing

Utility Director:

DPW Superintendent:

Village Administrator:

OPWC- preconstruction meeting- Columbia Gas is redoing lines around the 200 block. NRG-project has been extended. ECD- Mr. Dickerson will have a report in June. UV-onsite review and assessment has started. JEDD- Public meeting June 24. June 1 Mr Beegle is done, three interested candidates

Clerk:  nothing

Appointed Legal counsel:  billing hours down; be aware abuse reports are down, with no one out and about

Mayor:  nothing

  • Standing Committees:

             Economic and Community Development (Ms Zeigler)

                        Nothing

Public Safety (Mr. Soltis)

                        Nothing          

            Personnel, Policy and Ordinance Review (Mr. Julien)

                        Policy manuel-page to adopt on unusual circumstances

            Mr. Julien made a motion to adopt. Second by Mr. Patterson. All approved.

            Public Works (Mr. Beegle)

                        Nothing

            Public Utilities (Mr. Patterson)

                        Executive session at the end  

            Finance and Technology (Ms. Engard)

                        Nothing

  • New Legislation, Resolutions, Motions or Business

Mr. Patterson made a motion that Ordinance 2020-19 be read by number and title only for its first reading, suspended the second and third reading. Second by Mr. Engard. All approved.

Ordinance 2020-19 read by number and title only by the mayor.

ORDINANCE 2020 – 19   AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CT CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION AND RESIDENT PROJECT REPRESENTATION FOR THE NORTH MAIN STREET PHASE 2 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Patterson made the motion to adopt as an emergency. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

 IX.             Second Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions

None

 Third Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions

None

  1. Other New Business

Nothing

         XII.    Other Old Business

            Nothing

 Payment of the Bills

Ms. Zeigler made a motion to pay the bills in the sum of $133,441,21. Second by Mr. Engard. All approved.

Motion to move into executive session by Mr. Patterson Second by Mr. Engard at 7:17pm. All approved.

Return to regular session at 7:27 pm.

 Adjournment

Mr. Patterson made a motion to adjourn. All in favor- everyone                                    
  Kathi R. Bucher, Clerk

 

 

 

    

 

 

Don’t Drink and Drive

All too often 4th of July festivities turn tragic on the nation’s roads…..

Americans love to celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, food, and fireworks. But all too often the festivities turn tragic on the nation’s roads. This American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk-driving crashes.



Over the 4th of July holiday period in 2018 (6 p.m. July 3 to 5:59 a.m. July 5):

  • 193 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. 40% (78) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired crashes. This compares to 2017 when 38% of the July 4 holiday period fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
  • 71% of those who died in alcohol-impaired crashes were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcyclist with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .15 or higher

Keep your 4th of July celebrations safe by designating a sober driver, not driving distracted, and always wearing your seatbelt.
 
For More Information:

  • Lt. Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
  • Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator: 419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

New Website for Wood County Auditor’s Office

The public is encouraged to visit the new site and explore its features.  How-to videos are available on the site for additional information and instruction…..

The Wood County Auditor’s office is pleased to announce the launch of their new web site on July 1, 2020.  The link to this new property search page can be accessed at https://www.co.wood.oh.us/auditor or at https://auditor.co.wood.oh.us. 

Some key upgrades of the site include oblique imagery, integration with Google Street View and Bing Maps, and improved printing capabilities.   The property search field now autocompletes after a few characters are typed, making searches quicker and easier for users. 

The site also contains a levy estimator.  A valuable tool for tax payers, the levy estimator shows the financial impact of each upcoming levy specific to any parcel selected. 

This upgraded site is compatible with mobile devices.  Wood County Auditor Matthew Oestreich states, “We recognize a lot of houses do not have a home computer anymore—many people use tablets or phones as their main computer. This web site is touchscreen-friendly for those devices.”   

 After researching and weighing options, this web site upgrade occurred with no additional costs to the county.  In fact, there is a slight annual cost-savings from the previous web hosting company.

The public is encouraged to visit the new site and explore its features.  How-to videos are available on the site for additional information and instruction. 

Official Minutes from Village Council Special Meeting

Held June 2, 2020…….

Here are the Minutes from the special Village Council meeting held on June 2, 2020 for the purpose of appointing a new council member to fill the vacant seat.

 VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday June 2, 2020

6:15 PM

Minutes

 

  1. Pledge of Allegiance

 

  1. Roll Call

 

Mayor Janet Goldner-Here, Tim Engard -Here, Mike Julien- Here, Aaron Patterson-Here, Mike Soltis- Here, Leisa Zeigler-Here

Clerk Kathi Bucher- Present, Legal Counsel-Joel Kuhlman-Present

 

III.             Filling the vacancy of Council caused by the resignation of Matt Beegle

             from Council effective 6-1-2020.  The appointment is to fill the unexpired

             term ending 12-31-2021.   Three (3) citizens have expressed interest and met the

             deadline for the application process.  They are Bill Cook, Don Hendren, and Jim

             Thompson.

 

  1. Nominations – Council Members may nominate one or all three of the candidates for the position.

 

Council Member __Patterson____________ nominates ____Bill Cooke___________ to fill

the vacancy.  Second by _Soltis______.

 

Council Member ___Zeigler_____ nominates __Jim Thompson____ to fill

the vacancy.  Second by _Julien_____.

 

Council Member ____________________ nominates _______________ to fill

the vacancy.  Second by ____________.

 

 

  1. The Vote – The first candidate who receives a majority vote shall be selected to fill the position.

 

                        Candidate ___Bill Cook_______ Yes __3_______ No ___2____

 

                        Candidate __________________ Yes _________  No ________

 

                        Candidate __________________ Yes _________  No ________

              

IV.             Oath of Office for Council Member _____Bill Cook______

 

V.                Old Business

Mr. Patterson is requesting the topics of parks and cemeteries be added to this meeting.

Public Works- started to mow but there was a lot of water.

Mon/Tues- Park; Wed- Cemetery; mowing and weeding needs done, pile of bricks, stone finally moved, complaints on media- too wet! Mr. Julien mentioned that the old cemetery needs some attention, looked bad for Memorial Day. Headstones moved-contact the family. But into budget next year for maintaining headstones and footers. 

 

COTW- have chiefs there for complaints

 

Parks- skate park and frisbee golf are open- Mayor’s decision to keep the Park closed. Powell’s is open. Leave up to the parent to decide. Water on at the Park. No water at the cemetery as there is a broken line they are working on finding.

Change hours at the Park?- dawn to dusk?

 

Mr. Patterson asked for his Ordinance book. It’s in the office. Also, to have a special meeting at COTW to open park.

 

VI.             Adjournment   

 

Mr. Patterson made a motion to adjourn at 7:31. Second by Ms. Zeigler. All approved.

Minutes from Henry Township Trustees Meeting

From June 9, 2020…..

HENRY TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES    REGULAR MEETING, June 9, 2020

The regular meeting of the Henry Township Trustees was called to order by Chairman Wymer with the following members responding to roll call:  Present:  Baltz, Brumbaugh, Wymer.  Absent:  None.

It was moved by Brumbaugh seconded by Baltz to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 26, 2020 as presented.   Roll call:  Ayes:  Baltz, Brumbaugh, Wymer.  Nays:  None.

Motion carried.

It was moved by Wymer, seconded by Brumbaugh to approve the Clerk’s Monthly Financial Report for May 2020 as presented.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Baltz, Brumbaugh, Wymer.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Baltz seconded by Brumbaugh that bills be approved for payment and checks issued for expenses totaling $ 11,120.35

Roll call:  Ayes:  Baltz, Brumbaugh, Wymer.  Nays:  None.  Motion Carried.

 Guests Present:  Chris North – Zoning Inspector

Old Business

None

New Business

Wymer inquired about a quote for a surface treatment on Cherry St. – waiting on Wood Co. Eng.

C.North reported on an inquiry from Northpoint Development regarding the area previously re-zoned.

F.O. reminded the board that the JEDD hearing will take place during the next meeting on 6/23/2020.

It was moved by Baltz, seconded by Wymer that the following Resolution of Necessity be filed with the Wood County Auditor:

5 year – 2 mil Road District starting 2020

Roll call:  Ayes:  Baltz, Brumbaugh ,Wymer Nays:  None.  Motion Carried.

There being no further action to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned upon motion.

Submitted by Matt Davis, Fiscal Officer

Wood County Health Commissioner Resigning

Will become BGSU’s Chief Health Officer…..

 

Ben Batey is committed to growing public health partnerships in new role

 

BOWLING GREEN — Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Batey has accepted an offer to become the Chief Health Officer of Bowling Green State University. Batey intends to continue working to protect and improve public health in Wood County through a proposed partnership between BGSU and Wood County Health Department.

Further details will be discussed at a special meeting of the Wood County Board of Health at 6 p.m. Monday.

Batey submitted his resignation to the Board of Health on Wednesday. He will remain in his role as health commissioner until July 24. The board will conduct a thorough search for a new health commissioner. The position will be posted at www.WoodCountyHealth.org.

BGSU President Rodney Rogers will be involved in the discussion on Monday as the two organizations consider a partnership agreement to advance public health priorities in Wood County and across Northwest Ohio.

The proposed partnership is designed to enhance public health instruction, practice, research and workforce development and to improve public health in Wood County. The two entities will collaborate on mutually agreed upon projects that provide educational opportunities for BGSU students and assistance to Health Department employees in serving the public health needs of the Wood County community.

“It has been an absolute honor to serve as the Wood County Health Commissioner and to work with such a great Board of Health, staff, and community partners,” Batey said. “We have accomplished many wonderful achievements to benefit health in Wood County over the years. I’m looking forward to continuing to support the Wood County Health Department and improving public health partnerships in my new role at BGSU.”

The 60-member staff of Wood County Health Department serves more than 125,000 residents through a wide variety of programs and services. The Health Department recently celebrated 100 years of protecting and promoting public health.

The Wood County Board of Health appointed Batey as Wood County’s 14th Health Commissioner in 2014. He previously served as CEO of Wood County Community Health Center, director of nursing, and epidemiologist at Wood County Health Department.

“We appreciate Ben’s excellent leadership and contributions to public health, especially through such challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cathleen Nelson, president of the Wood County Board of Health.

“We’re excited to maintain a professional relationship with Ben in his new role as we collaborate to find ways to continue advancing public health in Wood County. I’m confident that our experienced staff can maintain the momentum established during his time with the Health Department.”

Access the Wood County of Health meeting using the link below, or by calling 571-317-3122 and entering access code 775-630-309.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/775630309

The mission of Wood County Health Department is to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect the health of everyone in Wood County. Our Community Health Center provides comprehensive medical services for men, women and children. We welcome all patients, including uninsured or underinsured clients, regardless of their ability to pay, and we accept most third-party insurance. For more information, visit www.WoodCountyHealth.org.

Village Summary of Legislation Passed

At the May 19 and June 23, 2020 Meeting….

 

SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION PASSED

BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE

AT THE May 19 and June 23, 2020 MEETING

 

This is a summary of legislation passed by the Council of the Village of North Baltimore on the 19 of May and _23__ day of June 2020, as the full text of the legislation may be viewed at the office of the Clerk of the Village of North Baltimore.  Copies of the full text of said legislation may be purchased at the Office of the Clerk at $ .25 per page.

ORDINANCE 2020 – 19   AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CT CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION AND RESIDENT PROJECT REPRESENTATION FOR THE NORTH MAIN STREET PHASE 2 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

ORDINANCE 2020–20 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO DIRECT THE PURCHASE OF A BOAT AND TRAILER FOR USE BY THE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $15,910 AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY

ORDINANCE 2020 – 21    AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE AGREEMENT TO CREATE THE VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE-HENRY TOWNSHIP JOINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT JEDD AGREEMENT AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY

I, Kathi R. Bucher, Clerk of the Village of North Baltimore, Ohio hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinances/Resolution passed by Council on May 19 and June 23, 2020 approved by the Mayor on May 19 and  June 23 , 2020, and which was duly published according to the law on the NBXpress on the following dates: June 25, 2020

 

 

 

Northwestern Water and Sewer District Annual Water Quality Reports

Printed copies are available upon request…… 

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio, – At The Northwestern Water and Sewer District (The District) there is nothing more important than providing our customers with safe, reliable water.

As part of this mission, every year we publicize our water quality reports.  In 1996, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act by adding a provision requiring all community water systems to deliver a brief annual water quality report. The annual report is referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Because The District distributes water from multiple sources, we issue a total of thirteen reports across Wood, Hancock, Henry, and Sandusky counties.  Note that the reports a summarize information for the previous calendar year. Therefore, the most recently released reports will list the previous year in their title.

CLICK HERE TO FIND CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORTS FOR 2019

The CCR includes information on our source water (i.e., rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or aquifers), the levels of any detected contaminants, compliance with drinking water rules, plus some educational material.

The CCR is developed in accordance with the EPA guidance document which explains all of the requirements for report content, format, and distribution.

Printed copies are available upon request.  Contact Emily Freeman at 419-354-9090 EX 156 or efreeman@nwwsd.org.

2020 Census Workers Announce New Counting Schedule

Will Count Population Experiencing Homelessness in September…..

The U.S. Census Bureau has announced the new schedule for counting people experiencing homelessness in the 2020 Census. The operation was originally scheduled for March 30, March 31 and April 1, but health and safety concerns with COVID-19 forced us to delay these activities.

Between September 22 and 24, the Census Bureau now plans to send specially trained census takers to count people at shelters, soup kitchens, regularly scheduled mobile food vans, and locations previously identified by the Census Bureau where people are known to sleep outdoors (like under bridges) and at all-night businesses (such as transit stations and 24-hour laundromats). People experiencing homelessness will be counted where they are staying when census takers visit between September 22-24.

 In preparation for counting people experiencing homelessness, the Census Bureau is coordinating with local service providers and consulting with advocacy groups and other stakeholders, throughout the country to adjust our operations accordingly for this audience in response to COVID-19. We have also worked with the administrators at these different service provider locations to utilize rosters to ensure a complete count of this population. Census takers will follow the latest local public health guidance regarding the use of personal protective equipment and social distancing.

Census statistics are crucial to programs and service providers that support people experiencing homelessness. A complete and accurate 2020 Census can ultimately help organizations provide better services, more food and improved shelter options to those in need.

 For more information, visit 2020census.gov.

UPDATE: Local students named to Bluffton’s undergraduate dean’s list

For Spring 2020 term…..

BLUFFTON, Ohio—Bluffton University has announced the dean’s list for undergraduate students for the spring 2020 term.

Students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher are eligible for the dean’s list.

 Bluffton University students from your area named to the dean’s list are:

Nora Hemminger, McComb

Morgan Wright, North Baltimore, Ohio

 Morgan was scheduled to graduate on May 3, 2020 but due to Covid- 19 Commencement has been moved to July 18 th. Morgan earned her BA in Mathematics with a minor in Education Studies.

(Congratulations!)

At Bluffton University, our sense of a greater purpose develops students of exceptional character and expansive vision. For 120 years we’ve been learning, experiencing and bettering the world together.

Located on a 65-acre residential campus in northwest Ohio and lined with abundant natural beauty, Bluffton University offers more than 80 majors, minors and programs for undergraduate students with nationally accredited programs in dietetics, education, music and social work. Bluffton also offers programs for working adults including degree-completion programs in accounting, organizational management and RN to BSN as well as graduate programs in business administration (MBA), education and organizational management.

Founded in 1899 and affiliated with Mennonite Church USA, the university has an enrollment of around 1,000 students and features 16 NCAA Division III athletic teams. Bluffton’s legacy is expressed in its enduring values of discovery, community, respect and service which are woven into the academic program and campus community. Bluffton graduates are prepared for life; 99 percent are employed, in graduate school or completing long-term service within six months of graduation.

Governor DeWine Signs Bills Into Law

Today, June 19, 2020………..

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following four bills into law. 

House Bill 11 prohibits insurance plans from placing limitations on tobacco cessation services, and creates a grant program related to infant mortality.   

House Bill 65 requires child daycare centers to provide parental notice of a serious risk violation.

House Bill 481 authorizes conveyance of state-owned real property.

House Bill 164 prohibits public schools from restricting a student’s religious expression while at school.