News Briefs

Community input
survey under way
As it approaches its fifth year of a 10-year operating levy, the Park District of Ottawa County (PDOC) is seeking community input on its goals and work on behalf of the people of Ottawa County.
A Community Input Survey asking respondents to review and rate operating goals, share ideas for amenities, and grade the performance of the park district is available online through Nov. 29 at surveymonkey.com/r/ParkDistrictofOttawaCountyFeedback.
Paper copies are available at the park district office, located at 3979 E Knoll Crest Dr., Port Clinton, and can be requested by calling 419-707-4051.
The park district has identified 13 goals for its operation through the current levy period and beyond. The current 0.6-mill levy expires at the end of 2029 and was passed by voters in the 2020 General Election. Some of the goals outlined in the survey include developing new park sites and preserving natural spaces, continuing to award parks and trails improvement grants to political subdivisions, public schools and public libraries in Ottawa County, preserving natural resources in the county, improving water access in the Portage River corridor, and more as listed in the public survey.
Respondents are also asked to provide opinions on how the park district is performing, where the entity may be missing the mark, and amenities to be included in new parks created throughout the county.
The survey is being conducted by Environmental Design Group (EDG), hired by the park district in May 2024 to facilitate the development of a strategic plan. EDG disciplines include civil engineering, landscape architecture, planning, surveying, environmental sciences, transportation and construction administration.
For more details, contact Jannah Wilson, park district executive director, at 419-707-4051 or jwilson@ottawacountyparksoh.org.

P.E.R.I. meeting
P.E.R.I. Chapter # 93, Lucas County District 1, will meet Thursday, Nov 21, from 1-2:15 p.m. at the Hungarian Club of Toledo, 224 Paine Ave.
Extra parking is available across the street at the Birmingham Library. Meeting attendees are asked to use the farthest parking spots from the library entrance.
Bring questions regarding O.P.E.R.S. benefits, Wage Elimination Provision (WEP), Government Offset Provision (GPO) and Medicare denials.
All P.E.R.I. members, pre-O.P.E.R.S and O.P.E.R.S. retirees of Lucas County and nearby areas are invited to attend. Masks welcome. Refreshments will be available during the break.

Police raising
meal funds for
those in need
On Thanksgiving Day, the Oak Harbor Police Department will deliver meals to needy community residents in the village and surrounding areas. The meals will be made and donated by American Legion Post #114.
"We are proud to provide Thanksgiving meals to those in need in our community. This initiative reflects our commitment to support our residents, letting them know that we are here for them while also ensuring that no one has to spend the holiday without a warm meal," said Oak Harbor Police Chief Eric Parker.
Mayor Quinton Babcock echoed the sentiment, stating, "It's important to look after our neighbors, especially during the holiday season. I'm grateful to the Oak Harbor Police Department and the American Legion for going above and beyond to support residents who may be struggling or just need a kind gesture."
Donations are currently being collected, and contributions can be made directly to the Oak Harbor Police Auxiliary Fund. To donate, simply drop off a check or cash at the police department's dispatch window. Any contribution is appreciated.
The meal delivery is part of an annual drive that also includes Christmas, during which the department raises funds to help families in need with food, toys, utility bills, and more.
The police department delivers about 50 Thanksgiving meals each year, and is prepared to assist anyone in need beyond that number, the chief said.
If you know of someone who may be alone and would like to add them to the list to receive a meal, contact the Oak Harbor Police at 419-898-2055 or private message the department via its Facebook page: "Oak Harbor, Ohio Police Department."

Memorial highway
bill introduced
State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) delivered sponsor testimony Tuesday for House Bill 611 to honor U.S. Army Private First Class Jerry Bockbrader, who was killed in action May 20, 1968, at the age of 20 while serving in the Vietnam War.
HB 611 would designate the Jerry Bockbrader Memorial Highway along State Route 199, between West South Boundary Street and State Route 105, in honor of the fallen soldier.
“Pfc. Bockbrader’s bravery and commitment to duty embody the very best of what it means to serve our country,” Ghanbari said. “This small but meaningful gesture would help ensure that future generations remember his sacrifice and the sacrifices of all who served in Vietnam.”
Bockbrader, of Perrysburg, served with distinction as a Light Weapons Infantryman assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Throughout his service, he earned numerous commendations, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Purple Heart Medal.

Nissen Road to
be closed for
ditch work
The Ottawa County Engineer’s Office will be relocating the ditch on Nissen Road, between State Route 163 and Witty Road.
Work will begin Nov. 18 and continue through Dec. 6, excluding weekends and holidays.
The road will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emergency vehicles, school buses, and local traffic will be accommodated but should expect delays.
Other motorists should use alternate routes.

B-C-S senior
citizens luncheon
set for Dec. 14

The Benton-Carroll-Salem Christmas luncheon for senior citizens will be held Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Oak Harbor High School auditorium and cafeteria.
Reservations should be entered by Dec. 1 by calling 419-898-6210.