Spirit of Wood County Awards

May 27, 2011 -- The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins, invite area citizens to join with them in honoring the 2011 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients at a special ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2011. The ceremony will be held at the Wood County Historical Center, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green.

The 2011 award winners include Bowling Green residents Richard Martin for Agricultural Leadership, Elaine Paulette McEwen for Education for Civic Responsibility, Barbara Keller for Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom, and Rebecca Bhaer for Self-Government; Perrysburg Resident Douglas Pratt for the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award; and former Wood County resident Daryl Stockburger for Industrial/Economic Development.

Financial Assistance Approved for County Road and Bridge Projects

May 19, 2011 – The Ohio Public Works Commission recently approved $1,174,559 in financial assistance for road and bridge projects in Wood County. According to Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins, four grants totaling $849,884 and one interest free loan application in the amount of $324,779 were approved.

Projects funded include the Greensburg Pike Bridge rehabilitation at the South Branch of the Portage River ($264,000 grant); Dairy View Road Bridge replacement/road improvement at the CSX railroad ($88,416 grant); Dunbridge Road over Lois Harbour Ditch at the CSX railroad ($325,000 grant); Bahnsen Road improvement at I-280 ($172,364 grant); and Huffman Road improvements ($324,779 loan).

The Ohio Public Works Commission was created to assist in financing local public infrastructure improvements under the State Capital Improvement Program and the Local Transportation Improvements Program.  These programs provide grants, loans, and financing for local debt support and credit enhancement. 

Bids will be accepted for these projects later this year. Specific questions regarding these projects may be directed to Raymond Huber, Wood County Engineer, by calling 419.354.9060.

FY10 CHIP Grant Targets North Baltimore

The Wood County Planning Commission is the recipient of grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development to assist income qualified homeowners in North Baltimore in the areas of Deweyville Road, Tarr Street, Quarry Road, and Mitchell Road.

Rehabilitation assistance is available to bring properties up to Residential Rehabilitation Standards. Rehabilitation may include updating electrical, plumbing, hot water heaters, heating, foundations, water/sewer hook-ups, roof repairs/replacement, ramps and accessibility improvements, siding, doors, and windows. 

Home Repair assistance is available for repairs that pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants. Repairs may include repairs/replacement of furnace, hot water heater, plumbing, roofing, electrical, water/sewer hook-ups, ramps and accessibility improvements.

For additional information visit the Wood County Planning Commission’s Website, or call Poggemeyer Design Group at 1-877-836-3206.

Nominations Sought for Spirit of Wood County Awards

March 21, 2011  -- Nominations are being accepted through April 29 for the annual Spirit of Wood County Awards that will be presented on June 12. Wood County residents are invited to nominate current or former county residents for one of seven awards: Agricultural Leadership; Industrial/Economic Development; Education for Civic Responsibility; Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom; Religion and Liberty; Self-Government; and the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award.   Click for more information.

Commissioners Release Annual Report On-line

March 17, 2011  -- Today, the Board of County Commissioners released the on-line version of the 2010 Wood County Annual Report, which highlights the accomplishments of various County offices during the year.  A printed version of the report will be mailed to households in the County. To request a printed copy please e-mail the Commissioners' Office or call 419.354.9100. 

State of the County Address

March 16, 2011 -- Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins presented their annual State of the County Address on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in the Courthouse Complex Atrium.  The event was sponsored by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Business Council and the Wood County Economic Development Commission.  The annual address provided an opportunity for the public to hear the Commissioners’ perspectives on the important events that occurred in Wood County during 2010 and the goals for 2011.  Slide Show from Presentation

 

Board Organizes for 2011

January 11, 2011 – James F. Carter of Grand Rapids was recently re-elected President of the Wood County Board of Commissioners for calendar year 2011. Commissioner Tim W. Brown of Bowling Green was elected vice-president. 

The Board voted to 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.  The Commissioners also plan to host Town Hall meetings throughout the County.

Department of Job and Family Services Recognized by Ohio Economic Development Association

November 5, 2010 -- The Wood County Department of Job and Family Services was recently named the first place Award Winner for Excellence in Strategic Workforce Planning by the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA). Wood County JobSolutions was recognized for their outstanding work to improve the economic wellbeing of the community, as well as their leadership in this area.

The OEDA supports efforts by state, regional, and local governments and other organizations to strengthen the economic climate in Ohio, foster employment growth and expand economic opportunities for Ohio's citizens. The award was presented at the 2010 OEDA Annual Summit, held October 25 - 27 in Columbus.

Spirit of Wood County Awards

May 24, 2010 -- The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins, cordially invites area citizens to join with them in honoring the 2010 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients at a special ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The ceremony will be held at the Wood County Historical Center, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green.

Scheduled to receive awards are Harold Bower of North Baltimore; Mary K. Williams of Portage; Bernard Murphy of Perrysburg; Richard Edwards, Edie Olds, and Jayne Roth of Bowling Green.  Former Bowling Green resident Raymond Fischer is also scheduled for recognition. 

Commissioners Release Annual Report On-line

March 23, 2010  -- Today, the Board of County Commissioners released the on-line version of the 2009 Wood County Annual Report, which highlights the accomplishments of various County offices during the year.  A printed version of the report will be mailed to households in the County. To request a printed copy please e-mail the Commissioners' Office or call 419.354.9100. 

State of the County Address

March 23, 2010 -- Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins presented their annual State of the County Address on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, in the Courthouse Complex Atrium.  The event was sponsored by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Business Council.  The annual address provided an opportunity for the public to hear the Commissioners’ perspectives on the important events that occurred in Wood County during 2009 and the goals for 2010.  Slide Show from Presentation

Board Organizes for 2010

January 12, 2010 – On Monday, James F. Carter of Grand Rapids was re-elected President of the Wood County Board of Commissioners for calendar year 2010. Commissioner Tim W. Brown of Bowling Green was elected vice-president.  MORE

 

Notice of Continued First Hearing for Jack Stearns Joint County Ditch #2473

January 4, 2010 -- The Joint Boards of Wood, Hancock and Seneca Counties wish to remind the affected landowners that all interested parties are welcome to attend the next Continued First Hearing for the Jack L. Stearns Joint County Ditch #2473.  The hearing will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 4:00 p.m., at the UAW Fellowship Hall, 625 Plaza Drive, Fostoria, Ohio.  The previous hearing was held July 30, 2009.

Wood County Bond Rating Affirmed by Moody's

October 14, 2009 -- The Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins, joined by County Auditor Mike Sibbersen announced that Moody’s Investor Services has affirmed the county’s Aa3 bond rating. Wood County has maintained a Aa3 bond rating from Moody’s Investor Services since 1998. This is the second highest bond rating of any county in the state of Ohio.  MORE

Commissioners Declare Recovery Zone

September 21, 2009 -- On Monday, September 21, the Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins, designated all of Wood County as a recovery zone, for the purposes of issuing Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds and Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. 
     Both types of bonds were authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  By designating the recovery zone, the Commissioners are enabling political subdivisions to access $8,835,000 in Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds, and private entities to access $13,253,000 in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds.  For further information, contact the Wood County Economic Development Commission.

Road Improvement Work Scheduled to Begin

August 19, 2009 – The Commissioners recently awarded bids for road improvements for Roachton and Tracy Roads.  Bids for both projects were significantly under the Engineer’s estimate.
   The Roachton Road project was awarded to The Shelly Company of Maumee at a cost of $369,997.30, a total of $104,111.70 under the $474,109 Engineer’s estimate. The project will extend from State Route 65 to the CSX railroad crossing in Middleton and Perrysburg Townships and the City of Perrysburg.  Work is scheduled for completion on October 23.
   Miller Brothers Construction of Archbold was awarded the Tracy Road project at a bid of $698,849.41, a total of $235,530.59 under the Engineer’s estimate.  This project includes reconstruction and widening at the intersection of State Route 795 in Lake and Perrysburg Townships.  November 30 is the anticipated completion date.
  For more information regarding these projects, please contact Wood County Engineer Raymond Huber.

Saturday Hours Changed at Wood County Landfill

 

June 30, 2009 – Beginning August 1 the Wood County Landfill will change its hours of operation on Saturdays to 8 a.m. to Noon. Monday through Friday hours will remain 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The Wood County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins, upon recommendation from Ken Rieman, Solid Waste Management District Director, approved the change in hours as a cost saving measure.  Overall tonnage at the Landfill is down 20 percent from the previous year. 

July Designated as Wood County Flag Month
Order a Wood County Flag through July 31 

June 30, 2009 – On Thursday July 2, at 9:30 a.m. Wood County Commissioners Jim Carter, Tim Brown and Alvin Perkins will officially designate July as Wood County Flag Month.  In recognition of Wood County Flag Month, county residents are invited to purchase an outdoor Wood County Flag from The Flag Lady’s Flag Store in Columbus at a reduced cost through July 31.  The original price is $92 per flag. The final cost will be determined based on the total number of Wood County flag orders received.  However, if more than 12 orders are received, the cost will be $42 each plus tax and shipping.  A sample flag is on display in the Courthouse Complex Atrium for citizens to view. 

Spirit of Wood County Award Winners Announced

June 18, 2009 -- The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins presented the 2009 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients during a special ceremony on June 14.  Award recipients included Mark S. Kelly (Education for Civic Responsibility), Robert H. Bettinger (Industrial/Economic Development), Rev. Kristel Asmus (Religion and Liberty) , and John Helm (Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom) all of Bowling Green; Douglas Troutner (Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship) of North Baltimore; and David Adams (Self Government) of Portage.  Posthumous awards will also be presented to Richard and David Van Vorhis (Agricultural Leadership) and Chris Miller (Special Spirit of Wood County Award).

 

County Offices Implement Standard Toll Free Number

 

March 10, 2009 – Effective July 6, 2009, the lines that provide toll-free telephone service to the Wood County Offices will be disconnected.  As a replacement, the County implemented a standard toll free number, 1.866.860.4140.  This toll-free number is already in place and working.

 

The numbers that will be disconnected include: 

    Deshler/Hoytville -- 419.278.3797
    Grand Rapids -- 419.832.1541

    Fostoria/Risingsun -- 419.457.4545

    Perrysburg/Toledo --  419.243.4223

    Luckey/Stony Ridge -- 419.833.5211

    North Baltimore/Bloomdale -- 419.257.3259

Board Organizes for 2009

January 13, 2009 – On Monday, James F. Carter of Grand Rapids was re-elected President of the Wood County Board of Commissioners for calendar year 2008. Commissioner Tim W. Brown of Bowling Green was elected vice-president.  MORE

New County Phone System Installed

 

October 6, 2008 -- A new phone system for the Wood County Government Offices in Bowling Green is currently being installed.   Minor service disruptions may occur as the system is added to each office and department during October and November.  Should citizens experience problems reaching county offices, they are encouraged to try their call again.  For further information contact the Wood County Commissioners’ Office at 419.354.9100 or commissioners@co.wood.oh.us.

Spirit of Wood County Award Winners Announced

June 16, 2008 -- The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins presented the 2008 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients during a special ceremony yesterday. Award recipients included Harold Weihl (Agricultural Leadership), Dorothea Barker (Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship), Rex Huffman (Industrial/Economic Development), and Rev. Thomas Gaiser (Religion and Liberty) all of Bowling Green and Dr. Christa Adams (Education for Civic Responsibility) from Perrysburg.  A special award presentation was also made in recognition of the contributions of Bowling Green State University President Dr. Sidney Ribeau.  

 

State of the County Address Scheduled for March 17

 

March 10, 2009 -- Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins presented their annual State of the County Address, on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at the Wood County District Public Library in Bowling Green.  The event was sponsored by the Business Council of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and the Wood County Economic Development Commission.  The annual address provides an opportunity for the public to hear the Commissioners’ perspectives on the important events that occurred in Wood County during 2008 and the goals for 2009.  View slide show from the State of the County Address.

New Wood County Project to Protect Environmental Health

May 1, 2008 -- Today, State Representative Randy Gardner and State Senator Mark Wagoner joined with the Wood County Commissioners and representatives of the Wood County Health Department and Bowling Green State University to announce plans to request $2,000,000 through the upcoming state capital budget process for construction of an addition to the Health Department building in Bowling Green.  The addition will provide a joint-use facility to enable continued, collaborative research between the Health Department and BGSU for environmental health in the areas of surface and ground water quality, biosolids and industrial pollutants, and emergency preparedness.  The proposed facility will also serve as a regional environmental education and training center.

Federal Income Tax Refund Offset Program Removes Age Limitation for Child Support Collection

Bowling Green, Ohio – November 29, 2007 – Each year, the Wood County Child Support Enforcement Agency utilizes the Federal Tax Offset program to seize almost three-quarters of a million dollars for families.  The Program retains the tax refund of payors who are more than $500.00 behind in their obligation to their children, and in most cases sends the funds on to the families.  MORE

Wood County Government Named Healthy Worksite

Bowling Green, Ohio  -- November 20, 2007 --  Wood County Government has been named a Healthy Ohio "Healthy Worksite Award" recipient, which is given only to Ohio employers that make a serious commitment to employee health.  The award is part of a larger program called Healthy Ohio, a statewide initiative of the Ohio Department of Health to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It acknowledges efforts to facilitate and encourage good employee health, enhance productivity and ensure a healthy work environment.  Wood County Government was one of 22 employers in the State to receive recognition.  MORE

Grant Funds Available to Assist with Connecting to Sanitary Sewer Systems

April 22, 2008 -- The Wood County Planning Commission in cooperation with the Northwestern Water and Sewer District is pleased to announce that grant funds from the Ohio Department of Development are available to assist homeowners in Wood County with costs associated with connecting to sanitary sewer systems throughout the county.  Specifically, these funds will be used to cover costs such as septic tank abandonment, trenching, and connecting to sanitary sewer lines.  MORE

Grant Funds Available to Assist with Septic Systems

April 22, 2008 -- The Wood County Planning Commission in cooperation with the Wood County Health Department is pleased to announce that grant funds from the Ohio Department of Development are available to assist homeowners in Wood County with the replacement of failed or non functioning septic systems.  Funds will be used to cover the total cost of a new, compliant septic system.   MORE

Wood County Receives CHIP Grant to Assist Residents

October 12, 2007 --The Ohio Department of Development recently awarded Wood County with a $544,000 Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) grant. 

 

The Wood County Commissioners, James F. Carter, Tim W. Brown, and Alvin L. Perkins, and Director for the Wood County Planning Commission, Dave Steiner, announced that the grant will be disbursed in the following manner: $40,000 of the funds will be used to help fund the construction of two Habitat For Humanity homes in the County, with the remaining funds to be utilized for private owner rehabilitation, down payment assistance, and grant administration. 

 

The purpose of this grant is to assist low to moderate income homeowners in Wood County with home repairs and to offer down payment assistance to low and moderate income homebuyers.

 

Program eligibility is determined by income levels, and is available to income qualified residents of Wood County’s Villages and Townships.  The grant will be fully underway by January 2008 and applications for assistance will be available until December 15, 2007.   Individuals interested in obtaining an application for this program can call Poggemeyer Design Group toll free at 877-836-3206. 

 

Questions about the grant should be directed to Mr. Steiner at 419-354-9128.  The Planning Office is located on the fifth floor of the County Office Building.

Wood County Dog Shelter Recognized

Spirit of Wood County Award Winners

June 19, 2007 -- The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins recently honored six area residents with Spirit of Wood County Awards during a special ceremony at the Wood County Historical Center on June 10.

 

Receiving awards were Bowling Green residents Sharon Bronsink, Religion and Liberty; Marcella Duncan, Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award;  Margie Harris, Education for Civic Responsibility; and Daniel Spitler, Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom.  Betty Montgomery received the Self-Government Award and a posthumous award for Agricultural Leadership was made in recognition of the contributions of Keith Sibbersen of Perrysburg.  

 

The Spirit of Wood County Awards, presented in conjunction with Wood County Heritage Days, are awarded to citizens of Wood County who show outstanding qualities in bettering Wood County as a whole.  The categories for these awards includes: Agricultural Leadership, Education for Civic Responsibility, Liberty Through Law/Human Freedom, Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award, Religion and Liberty, and Self-Government.  The County Commissioners have been honoring outstanding citizens since 1987. 

Commissioners Release Annual Report On-line

March 15, 2007  -- Today, the Board of County Commissioners released the on-line version of the 2006 Wood County Annual Report, which highlights the accomplishments of various County offices during the year.  A printed version of the report will be mailed to households in the County. To request a printed copy please e-mail the Commissioners' Office or call
419.354.9100. 

Board Organizes for 2007

January 10, 2007 – On Monday, James F. Carter of Grand Rapids was
re-elected President of the Wood County Board of Commissioners for calendar year 2007. Commissioner Tim W. Brown of Bowling Green was elected vice-president. 

 

Wood County Welcomes Bass Pro to Rossford

 

October 17, 2006 -- Wood County Commissioners James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins, welcomed Bass Pro President James Hagale this morning and signed an agreement to refund to Bass Pro 75 percent of the county sales tax generated by sales at its proposed Rossford location for 10 years.  Under the agreement, Bass Pro will construct a $50 million retail facility, employ 250 full-time equivalent employees, draw at least 50% of their customers from over 100 miles away, and produce annual sales of at least $50 million. 

 

"We’re excited to be here. We’re very excited to be a catalyst," Mr. Hagale said, explaining that he expects Bass Pro to attract numerous other businesses to the area where I-75 and the Ohio Turnpike come together. "We think this is a terrific retail destination -- the intersection of Main Street and Main Street." 

2006 Annual Informational Statement Released for Wood County

September 26, 2006 --  The 2006 Annual Financial Information Statement was released today by the Wood County Commissioners.  Click here to view the document.  

New Emergency Management Director Named for Wood County 

September 26, 2006 --  The Wood County Commissioners appointed Bradley Gilbert, of Elmore, to the position of Director for the Wood County Emergency Management Agency during today’s Commissioners’ session.    Gilbert, a graduate of Bowling Green State University, currently serves as a volunteer firefighter and Assistant E.M.S. Chief for the Harris Township-Elmore Fire Department and has served 11 years as the Public Information Officer for the Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency.  He will be leaving his current position of 21 years with the Ottawa County Sanitary Engineering Department as a Technical Coordinator.  He will begin employment with Wood County on November 6. 

Commissioners Provide Assistance to Mosquito Control Program

July 25, 2006 – The Wood County Commissioners, James Carter, Tim Brown, and Alvin Perkins recently presented the acting Health Commissioner Brad Espen with a $6,000 check to provide further assistance with the mosquito control program, through the Wood County Health Department. The program provides free larvicide “dunks” which are available at various locations in the county including the Health Department; Lake and Perrysburg Township Trustees Buildings; Village Halls in Grand Rapids, Millbury, North Baltimore, Pemberville and Weston; and at the City of Perrysburg Street Division. Residents may request the Health Department staff to come out and place longer-lasting briquettes containing mosquito hormone interrupters in large areas of standing water. To request more information on the mosquito control program, county residents can contact the Wood County Health Department at 419/352-8402.

Commissioners Continue Collaborative Effort
Between  JFS and ADAMHS

July 6, 2006 -- The Wood County Commissioners, James F. Carter, Tim W. Brown, and Alvin L. Perkins, recently entered into an agreement, to provide up to $60,000, continuing a five-year collaborative effort between the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services and the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board.  more...

Spirit Of Wood County Award Winners

June 11, 2006 -- The Board of County Commissioners, Jim Carter, Tim Brown,  and Alvin Perkins honored the 2006 Spirit of Wood County Award recipients at a special ceremony held at the Wood County Historical Center in Bowling Green.

Award recipients included:  Michael Keys of Wayne, Agricultural Leadership; Michelle Story of Wayne, Education for Civic Responsibility; James Rossler, Jr. of Rossford, Industrial/Economic Development; Rev. William and Rev. Karen Thompson of Bowling Green, Religion and Liberty; James Ryan of Jerry City, Self-Government; and C. Robert Boyd of Perrysburg, the Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award. One posthumous special award was presented in recognition of the contributions of Jodie Stearns of Bloomdale.