The Logan County Mayors Association met Wednesday evening at the Logan County Animal Shelter, where leaders from Bellefontaine, Lakeview, Rushsylvania, Zanesfield, Huntsville, and Russells Point gathered to share community updates and discuss countywide issues.
The biggest decision of the night came at the end of the meeting when the mayors voted to permanently establish a countywide Beggars Night schedule.
Beginning this year and continuing every year moving forward, trick-or-treating in Logan County will be held October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The vote marks the first time the mayors have agreed to make the date and time a permanent annual tradition; in years past, they fluctuated.
Lakeview
Lakeview Mayor Elaine Fagan-Moore reported the village continues working through insurance matters while becoming more involved in the community.
She said the village ball diamonds have been busy throughout the summer and announced that Lakeview will host its second annual National Night Out with the Washington Township Police Department on August 5.
Moore also said the Indian Lake’s Fourth of July celebration was a success and construction has officially begun on the new municipal building, replacing the one destroyed in the March 2024 tornado.
She added she will be speaking at the upcoming Our Lady of Fatima Shrine dedication.
Rushsylvania
Mayor Jason Miller reported new playground equipment has been installed, along with sidewalk improvements.
The village continues working on additional infrastructure upgrades and street paving projects.
Zanesfield
Mayor Joe Fawcett announced a community block party this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring 17 vendors.
They also look forward to the ribbon cutting of a new mural on the side of Firehouse Pizza.
The mural was created through a partnership between LOCO Art, the Logan County Visitors Bureau, and Benjamin Logan High School art students.
Huntsville
Newly appointed Mayor Ty Klofta said he is still getting settled into the position.
He noted that mowing and property maintenance remain common concerns in the village and encouraged neighbors to help one another keep the community looking its best.
Russells Point
Mayor Jason Huffman praised Rushsylvania’s recent fireworks display and said the Indian Lake fireworks celebration was also successful, with local law enforcement helping clear traffic quickly afterward.
He reported the village splash pad has seen heavy use this summer and said officials continue working to improve and expand village parks.
Upcoming events include the Fairview Avenue Craft Show on October 10 and the weekly Tuesday evening Cruise-In at McDonald’s throughout the summer.
Huffman also said the village is exploring becoming a Tree City USA community and that a new housing development is being considered for Orchard Island.
Bellefontaine
Mayor Dave Crissman said continued residential growth is helping Bellefontaine expand, noting that while growth brings opportunities, it also comes with challenges.
He called the America 250 fireworks celebration a tremendous success and said he hopes Bellefontaine will continue hosting a fireworks display in future years.
Crissman highlighted the city’s new west-side splash pad, saying it has been packed with families and joking that he hopes the equipment gets “worn out” from so much use.
He also announced Hoffman Pool will close in mid-August as demolition begins on the aging facility.
The more than $10 million replacement project is expected to be completed by Memorial Day 2027.
The current pool is losing approximately 3,500 gallons of water each day due to leaks.
Other city updates included:
- Pineapple Palooza takes place Saturday in downtown Bellefontaine.
- Hot Summer Nights Cruise-In is scheduled for August 8.
- Papa Johns and Jersey Mike’s will soon be opening as new restaurants in the city.
- A new mural is being painted in Canby Alley.
- An old telephone booth will be installed near the Canby Building as a photo opportunity.
County Updates
Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder announced plans for an America 250 Parade on Sunday, September 20, in Bellefontaine.
Commissioners hope to make it the largest parade the county has ever hosted and intentionally selected the date so all local high school marching bands can participate.
EMA Director Helen Norris reported the agency has been fully staffed since March for the first time in quite some time.
The mayors also unanimously accepted the resignation of West Liberty Mayor Brad Hudson from the EMA Board and approved the appointment of Belle Center Mayor Lance Houchin to fill the position.
Sheriff’s Office
Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds said improvements continue at the sheriff’s office, including upgrades around the property and continued success with the jail garden.
He reported the jail, now over 25 years old, continues to require ongoing maintenance and improvements.
The sheriff is seeking a new jail cook following a recent resignation and said inmate healthcare is now provided through TeamHealth.
The jail currently averages about 65 inmates daily.
The sheriff’s office is also exploring an agreement to house inmates from Clark County, which could generate additional revenue.
Dodds said three deputies are currently attending the police academy, with one expected to graduate in August.
While the office has recruited many young deputies, attracting experienced officers remains a challenge.
The county’s dispatch center is also in need of additional staff.
Animal Shelter
Logan County Dog Warden Jake Boyd provided an update on the county’s new animal shelter.
Dog adoption fees are $145, while cats can be adopted for $100.
Since the shelter opened in March, 96 dogs have been adopted.
So far this year, the shelter has cared for 268 dogs, with 133 returned to their owners.
Dogs spend an average of 12 days at the shelter before adoption or reclaim.
Boyd also discussed Avery’s Law and encouraged local mayors to help educate residents about the legislation.
Following the meeting, the mayors toured the Logan County Animal Shelter.
