News Briefs

‘Historical Jerusalem
Twp.’ Book available
Author and historian, CPT Elvis Shepherd OSDF, has authorized a special promotion for his recently published book, “Historical Jerusalem Township on the Lake.”
Fewer than 100 of the coffee table-style books are available, Sheperd, author, genealogist and historian, has discounted the price to $59.99 from the retail prices of $69.99 until Christmas Day. The 455-page book contains many pictures and maps and a wealth of information about the area.
To obtain a copy of the book, call Wanda at 419-496-7544 or Gladieux Home Center at 5120 Navarre Ave., Oregon, during normal business hours.

Ohio named lead
in class-action suit
Ohio to Lead Class-Action Lawsuit Against Software Company Blamed for $75.9M in Pension-Fund Losses
A federal judge has appointed Ohio as lead plaintiff in a securities class-action lawsuit against ZoomInfo Technologies Inc., a software company accused of deliberately misleading investors, fueling $75.9 million in losses for two state pension funds.
In a motion filed on Nov. 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Yost sought the lead-plaintiff status on behalf of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System. The lawsuit accuses ZoomInfo of committing securities fraud by concealing a slowing demand for its product after a temporary revenue boost early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Late last week, U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright ruled in Ohio’s favor.

Clerk of courts
hours changing
Lucas County Clerk of Courts, J. Bernie Quilter announced that the hours of operation for his offices will be changing effective Jan. 1, 2025.
The Automobile and Watercraft Title Division’s hours of operation will be 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The General Trial, Appellate and Domestic Relations Division’s hours of operation will be 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Both divisions will be closed in observance of all legal holidays.
Call 419-213-4405 for more information.

2024 property values
added to AREIS online
The State of Ohio Tax Commission approved the 2024 property values for Lucas County.
These final values are now available online through the Auditor’s Real Estate Information System (AREIS) at icare.co.lucas.oh.us. Notice of final value postcards will also be mailed to all property owners who filed an informal property value review with the Lucas County Auditor last fall.
“One of my cardinal values as an elected official is transparency. Sending out property value notices is not required, but I want to share as much information with residents as possible,” Auditor Katie Moline said. “I am notifying residents of these values now because the State of Ohio has officially finalized them.
“If property owners disagree that their final 2024 property value are what the property would yield on a fair and open market, they still have an opportunity to file a challenge. To challenge the value, property owners can file a complaint against the valuation of real property with the Lucas County Board of Revision. According to Ohio law, this complaint must be filed between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2025, to challenge the 2024 value. No complaints can be filed outside of these dates,” Moline said.
More information about the Board of Revision and the filing requirements is available online at co.lucas.oh.us/bor.
“My office stands ready to assist and answer any questions regarding the State-mandated Property Revaluation and how to challenge the value at the Lucas County Board of Revision,” Moline said. “I encourage residents to contact my office and have their voices heard.”
Although property value can be challenged with the Board of Revision, property taxes cannot. Property taxes are determined by municipalities and by voters at the ballot box and are not subject to a Board of Revision challenge. Property taxes and property values are not the same and do not rise at a dollar-for-dollar rate. House Bill 920 keeps property taxes from increasing dollar for dollar with the property value updates. Large swings in property taxes occur when new levies or replacement levies are passed by the vote of citizens. Several levies passed at the ballot box in November and March this year, including four new levies that will increase property taxes county-wide.
Property owners who have questions about the Board of Revision process may call the Lucas County Auditor’s Office at 419-213-4406.

Holiday Homecoming
Beeker’s General Store, downtown Pemberville, will host its annual “Holiday Homecoming” Friday, Dec. 27- Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Decked out for the holidays, the 1876 general store features feather trees, old fashioned candy, nostalgic Christmas décor, vintage finds, unique gifts and more.
Beeker’s will be open daily from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., except for Sunday, when hours will be 12-4 p.m. Guests will be treated to complimentary refreshments and samples.
Beeker’s is located at 226 E. Front St. Call 419-287-3274 or visit facebook/beekersgeneralstore for more details.

Hospice of NW Ohio
seeking volunteers
Hospice of Northwest Ohio has an immediate need for volunteers who are licensed hairdressers or barbers. These volunteers will help improve the quality of life for hospice patients in our community.
Hair care volunteers provide basic haircuts only for patients living in their homes or at nursing homes throughout Wood, Lucas, Fulton, Henry, Ottawa and Monroe counties.
Free volunteer training is provided. Learn about the Hospice volunteer program at hospicenwo.org or by calling 419-931-5534.

Blood donations needed
The American Red Cross is asking donors to give blood or platelets now to help those in need enjoy the rest of the holiday season with loved ones. Donors with type O negative blood and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now so patients can continue to receive the care they count on in the coming weeks.
Those who come to give through Jan. 3, 2025, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
To extend a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-26, 2025, during National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Phone scam reported
Ottawa County Sheriff Stephen Levorchick is warning residents about a scam involving threats of arrest for not paying outstanding fines.
Sheriff Levorchick said scammers will call victims and claim to be a deputy with the sheriff’s office, telling the victim he or she has failed to pay a fine or court costs from a case at the state or federal level.
The callers threaten arrests if the fines aren’t paid.
In one recent incident, someone used an application often called a “Spoof” application to make it appear the caller was calling from a phone number in the sheriff’s office.
In other incidents, suspects have used deputies’ names and demanded money from the victim.
Sheriff Levorchick said his office doesn’t collect fine money directly. Also, his office won’t ask for fines to be paid with Bitcoin, gift cards, or money orders and won’t ask for fines or court costs to be paid over the phone.
For more information call the non-emergency number of the sheriff’s office: 419-734-4404.