News Briefs Week Of 1/10/2022

LMH receives grant
Joaquin Cintron Vega, President and CEO of Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH), has announced that the agency has been awarded a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Grant for FY21.
The funding is given to public housing authorities so that they can administer the FSS program and pay the salaries of program coordinators.
The FSS program enables HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies with the help of the training they receive from the FSS program.
“True to our mission, the FSS program allows us to support each individual and family we work with in becoming their best selves,” said Rachel Gagnon, LMH chief of staff. “We know that by creating pathways for an improved quality of life and self-sufficiency we can, in turn, collectively achieve a strong, vibrant community. We are grateful to HUD for this opportunity, and we celebrate those who will achieve so much because of their hard work in the program.”
LMH has four FSS coordinators funded by this program who are currently working with 188 active participants.
Some of the most immediate needs of LMH’s residents that are supported by the program include, but are not limited to:
• Access to educational and credentialing programs to encourage skill development.
• Worker readiness, job training, job placement and job retention services.
• Access to affordable daycare facilities.
• Financial literacy and planning services.
• Mobility counseling and housing search assistance for voucher holders.
• More affordable housing in safe neighborhoods that also have employment opportunities and community amenities.

Auditions set
Fremont Community Theatre and Director Cyrus Foos announced open auditions for “Waiting for Godot,” Jan. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. at the theatre, 1551 Dickinson St., Fremont.
The character list includes Estragon (male, no specified age); Vladimir (male, no specified age); Lucky (male, no specified age); Pozzo (male, no specified age); Youngster (no specified gender, `tween age).
Those auditioning for the role of Lucky are asked to review the monologue. Scripts are available for perusal in advance of the auditions by contacting Foos at 567-201-7115 (call/text) or email cfoos445@gmail.com.
Performances dates are March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20.

Museum closure
The Wood County Museum will be closed to the public for self-guided tours of the main building beginning Monday, Jan. 10 and will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 1.
The closure is needed to ensure the continued safety of visitors while large objects and structures for a new exhibit are installed and moved into place.
During the temporary closure, the public can still explore the museum grounds, which are open as part of a partnership with the Wood County Park District. The museum gift shop will remain open. Museum staff will be on site for office business 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Upon the reopening in February, the popular “Mary & Carl Bach Story” and “For Comfort & Convenience” exhibits will still be on display for visitors to see.
In April, visitors can expect to see a new exhibit “Allure & Illusion: A Rose Colored Romance.” The exhibit will showcase wedding dresses once worn by local community members. The exhibit will also feature the Frank Kalan Harlequin Romance Cover Art collection from Bowling Green State University Browne Popular Culture Library.
The Wood County Museum is located at 13600 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. Stay connected with the museum by following Wood County Museum on Facebook and Instagram.

Drug arrest on Rt. 2
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has filed felony drug charges against a Michigan man after a traffic stop in Ottawa County.
During the stop, troopers seized five pounds of methamphetamine, 130 grams of cocaine and 214 grams of suspected fentanyl worth approximately $43,500.
On Jan. 2, at 10:18 p.m., troopers stopped a rented 2020 Chevrolet Impala with Florida registration for a speed violation on State Rte 2. Troopers detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed a burnt marijuana joint in the center console. An additional search revealed the contraband.
The passenger, Markum Boyd, 34, Detroit, was incarcerated in the Ottawa County Jail and charged with possession and trafficking in methamphetamine and cocaine, all first-degree felonies.
If convicted, he could face up to 44 years in prison and up to an $80,000 fine.

Eastwood board
organizing for ‘22
The Eastwood school board will hold its organizational meeting for 2022 and a budget hearing on Jan. 10 at the administrative office, 120 E. College Ave., Pemberville.
The board has scheduled its organizational meeting for 7:30 a.m. when a president and vice president of the board will be chosen as well as committee assignments.
The board will also consider a recommendation to approve substitute teachers at a rate of $125 per day and a resolution to allow Brian Myers to serve as the Covid-19 safety representative for the band trip to Disney World in April.
The board will conduct the 2022-23 budget review following the organizational meeting.