Township residents petition for road conversion
The Wells County Commissioners are once again considering the next steps regarding a “hold out” for road conversion.
Dave Dickes, Ossian, spoke with the commissioners Monday about his road, County Road 1100N between 450E and the county line. According to Dickes, there is one property owner who has refused to sign over the needed additional right-of-way. This additional space permits the county to widen the road and maintain a safe ditch line.
Larry Heckber, Jefferson Township trustee, advised there had also been damage to a township cemetery due to the gravel road’s traffic.
Dickes put together a petition for paving the gravel road, and “most everyone” had signed. Subsequently, Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar said he wanted the group to appeal directly to the commissioners.
County Attorney Ted Storer advised that the county could speak with the property owner but would ultimately have to seek legal options should they not give up the necessary right-of-way.
Highway Department begins moving into new building
The Wells County Highway Department has begun their move into their new building, Supervisor Shawn Bonar reported Monday.
Bonar said the department had begun to move minor equipment into the building and was prepared to make the transition. However, the County Commissioners advised they first wanted to ensure the building was properly insured.
Bonar added that there are still some projects being completed at the building, like painting, some electrical work and cleaning.
Commissioner to consider Zanesville park contribution
A representative from the Zanesville Lions Club Park asked the county for financial support for the park’s upkeep on Monday.
Melba Edwards advised she had read the commissioners had pledged their support in a fundraising campaign for the Markle Fish and Game Park at their Jan. 16 meeting. While Markle is in Wells County, the park resides in Huntington County. Subsequently, she wondered if the commissioners would consider supporting their in-county efforts.
At the time, Edwards did not have a specific project or project estimate, and Commissioner Stringer asked her to create a proposal and return to a meeting.
Other updates were:
• Bill Kelly, rural Bluffton, spoke with the drainage board about an issue with the drainage on his property. Gerber advised he would visit the area with Bonar to assess what was going on.
• The commissioners approved the purchase of eight AEDs; funds had previously been allocated for the purchase.
• An order was approved to allow employee compensation for the emergency closure of the courthouse last week.
• The commissioners re-appointed Mike Lautzenheiser to the Poka-Bache Connector Task Force, this time with a three-year term instead of a one-year term.
• The Wells County Council appointed Council member Scott Ezley to the Ossian Economic Development.
Parks Department building receives upgrades
A Bluffton Parks Department maintenance building has recently received new insulation and siding.
Brandy Fiechter, superintendent of the Bluffton Parks Department, told the Park Board the contractor upgraded the building’s siding at no additional cost.
Also during Thursday’s meeting, the board approved serving alcohol at the Chicks Run, Yoga Wine Down, Bites and Flights and Parlor City Trot this year. Board members Rick McEvoy, Christine Zadylak and Susan Campbell voted in favor, and John Gerber was absent.
Fiechter also announced that Parlor City Trot will be included in a race series from the Road Runners Club of America.
— Compiled by Holly Gaskill
