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Local News

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Bluffton fire chief planning to retire
Edward Jones - Findlay
By MICHELLE REITER

STAFF WRITER

BLUFFTON -- Bluffton Fire Chief Dan Bowden on Monday announced his plans to retire after 20 years of service.

The announcement came in the form of a letter of resignation read to Bluffton Village Council by Mayor Fred Rodabaugh.

A new fire chief, Jon Kinn, will likely be sworn in by late December.

Bowden told council it's time for someone with more "time, energy and fresh ideas" to take over as chief.

Mayor Rodabaugh praised Bowden's service. "He's done a marvelous job," Rodabaugh said.

Council also gave a first reading to its 2010 budget, but the budget is expected to change significantly before its third and final reading next month, according to Jamie Mehaffie, the village administrator.

Separately, Mehaffie said the downtown Streetscape project is essentially finished. Miller Cable will be reinstalling a loop detector on West Elm Street that was damaged when the street was paved.

The traffic signals that replaced four-way stop signs on Main Street have confused some drivers, Mehaffie said, but no accidents have occurred.

He said pedestrians should note that crossing signals will not appear for those crossing Main Street until they press the traffic button.

Separately, the village recently applied for a $22,000 grant through the Allen County Health Department to buy bike racks and signs, and to fund printing costs for the master plan of a bike path the village is planning to construct in the next few years. Mehaffie said he does not know when the village will hear whether it received the grant.

Separately, council approved the second reading of a contract between Bluffton, the Allen County Sheriff's Office and the Allen County commissioners for police, fire and emergency medical service dispatch services. The contract will cost Bluffton about $32,000.

Reiter: 419-427-8497

Send an e-mail to Michelle Reiter


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  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
Kyle wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
To Tim
“ It's a very good possibility that a plow with it's blade up was not a City of Findlay plow. Many people have their own plows and... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 1:17:57 PM
SNOW REMOVAL wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
SNOW REMOVAL
“ IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE SNOW REMOVAL CALL MIKE (419) 236-9474...NO NEED TO PICK UP A SHOVEL OR CRANK UP THE SNOWBLOWER... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:42:55 PM
HLB wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
That's really sad...
“ You know, people are rude enough most of the time in this city and this last storm when random folks pulled together and I saw t... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:32:18 PM
rob wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
pile of snow
“ I cannot believe someone would call up and complain that a pile of snnow was blocking their view. What is this world coming to.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 11:38:49 AM
tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
put the blades down this time
“ Can someone please tell me why I see and saw several snowplows driving down streets that needed plowed with the blades up? ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM
Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
To Debbie..
“ I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM
Steve wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
unknown
“ That would be a personal responsibility choice. We all know what the winter situation is in NW Ohio and we all should be prepar... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:56:48 AM
J wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Citizen........
“ Findlay is located in Hancock County..... Therefore, yes. If Hancock Co goes into a level 3 that includes Findlay.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:17:27 AM
Debbie wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3
“ Weathertech09~ would you like the hospital to be closed because no one is there to care for you or a loved one due to being cite... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:04:12 AM
STEVE wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
LEVEL 3
“ Citizen, Is the City of Findlay in Hancock County? I believe the article ref all the cars stuck in the snow Barker specifically... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 8:55:52 AM
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Findlay Implement: John Deere
News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.