The Logan County Mayors Association gathered Wednesday evening for their regularly scheduled meeting in Bellefontaine, with a range of county-wide updates and initiatives discussed.
Logan County Sheriff’s Deputy Jake Boyd spoke to the group about the new animal shelter currently under construction at the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Boyd asked each village to consider sponsoring a kennel at a cost of $4,000.
He highlighted the financial benefit to the county, noting that Logan County had previously paid Shelby County $65,000 annually to accept unlimited dogs—a cost to be eliminated by the new facility.
The shelter is also receiving support from other local entities.
Recently, the United Way pledged to sponsor the veterinary room.
The Logan County Commissioners have also pledged to donate $118,000 for technology needs at the shelter.
Deputy Boyd also made a unique request: any unused or out-of-service fire hydrants from the villages could be donated to the shelter.
These will be painted, labeled with the name of their original village, and placed in the outdoor dog area as decorative features.
Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds and Commisssioner Mike Yoder were also on hand and told the group they support the project and would appreciate their contributions.
Bike Trail and Property Updates
The Logan-Union-Champaign (LUC) Regional Planning Commission reported progress on expanding the county’s bike trail system.
Plans are underway to extend the trail from Bellefontaine to Huntsville and on to Indian Lake.
They also reported that paving between Bellefontaine and Urbana will soon be underway.
The Logan County Prosecutor’s Office informed the group of several upcoming Sheriff Sales this fall.
If properties do not sell, villages will have the opportunity to acquire them.
Fall Events Scheduled
The association also set a county-wide Beggars Night for Thursday, October 30th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The Village of West Liberty will host its Spooktacular on October 23rd during the same time slot.
Village Reports
West Liberty’s new Village Administrator, Richard Ford, shared several updates.
A “Cash Mob” is scheduled for July 17 at 12:30 p.m., a Garden Tour and Ice Cream Social is planned for July 26, and planning is underway for Labor Day festivities hosted by the Lions Club.
Rushsylvania reported a successful spring and summer season, including high traffic during May’s village-wide garage sales and a well-attended Independence Day celebration in late June.
They’re currently awaiting responses on grant applications for village revitalization.
A Car Show is planned for August 23rd from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Degraff Mayor Stephanie Orsborne noted that their third annual Car Show will take place this Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in downtown, with last year’s event drawing over 200 vehicles.
The village recently wrapped up a multi-year revitalization project that included upgrades to the water treatment plant, sewer lines, sidewalks, and other infrastructure, totaling $1.5 million, funded through a state grant.
Osborne also highlighted improvements at the local school, including a new field house and football stadium renovation.
Lakeview Mayor Fagan Moore reported a successful Memorial Day and Indian Lake fireworks celebration with few issues.
Coming up in August are the Wacky Boat Races at Lakeview Harbor.
Mayor Fagan Moore also praised her utility department, which was recently recognized for reliability by the American Public Power Association.
She reported that water infrastructure improvements from U.S. Route 33 to the Midway area are currently out to bid, with EPA review underway.
She also noted the recent relocation of the village recycling center.
The next meeting of the Logan County Mayors Association is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. in Rushsylvania.
