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Local News

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Council reaffirms utility policy
Oiler's Lube Express - Findlay
By ERIC SCHAADT

Staff Writer

McCOMB -- McComb Council on Monday reaffirmed its policy of cutting off service to village utility customers who don't pay bills on time.

"There has to be a line in the sand," Councilwoman Sheila Clark said.

Last September, council stopped offering payment plans for utility bills after too many people were abusing the option.

Some council members said Monday they have been approached by people hoping to avoid having their service cut off.

However, village officials maintained that the same people routinely had been taking advantage of the system.

An exact number of those facing cutoffs was not available Monday.

"They know they're in trouble. They know they need help," said Councilwoman Bonnie Van Sickle, who chairs council's Water Sewer and Gas Committee.

"Basically, enough's enough," Village Administrator Kevin Siferd said.

"We've been taken advantage of," Siferd said. "It's the same thing month after month after month."

The cost to reconnect water service after it has been cut off is $25.

The fee to reconnect gas service varies, but can be up to $75, according to village officials.

Separately, the oath of office was administered to Councilman-elect Dennis Turner as well as incumbents Robin Rader, Gordon Myers and Van Sickle.

They each will serve a four-year term starting next month.

Separately, Siferd praised council for finishing a storm/sanitary sewer lines separation project this year.

That was the main accomplishment for 2009, he said.

In other business, council:

• Heard that an anonymous donor has given the village a new Christmas decoration to be placed over Main Street next year.

• Will seek a Natures Work grant to help pay for a bike path in the village park.

Schaadt: 419-427-8414,

Send an e-mail to Eric Schaadt


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1 Comment

j wrote:
Good Job
“ Those who regularly abuse the system should be fined and required to make a security deposit before they can reconnect. Every one should applaud McComb for seeing a problem and actually acting to help bring cost down for all the citizens who do pay their bills regularly. Findlay council are you seeing how things are done when they need to be, even when they may not be popular with certain vocal groups and individuals. ”
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News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.


Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.


Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.


Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.


Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.