reated by the Wood County Commissioners, the Wood County Bicentennial Committee exists to

promote the 200th anniversary of the founding of Wood County throughout 2020 and to preserve pictures, memorabilia, and documents concerning the history of Wood County.

The committee will also bring attention to the 125th anniversary of the Wood County Courthouse in 2021. The courthouse opened on September 29, 1896, and remains a stalwart symbol of our county and its unique history.

As part of its mission to both celebrate and preserve 200 years of Wood County history, the Bicentennial Committee has created a digital archive of photographs to expand awareness of Wood County’s rich and diverse history. This digital scrapbook can be viewed at www.woodcounty200.org. The website also includes a calendar of events taking place throughout the year to commemorate Wood County.

Courthouse square‘round the

Winter 2020 Vol. 31, #1Wood County Employees Bowling Green, Ohio www.co.wood.oh.us/employee

CWood County Bicentennial: 1820 - 2020

A History of Wood County, Ohio

Wood County is located on land that was once one of the thickest and most dangerous parts of the Great Black Swamp, and so, while Native American tribes like the Wyandot and Ottawa sometimes traveled through the area, they did so only when absolutely necessary.

After the Battle of Fallen Timbers, the land was deeded to Native Americans as part of the 1795 Treaty of Greenville, but the United States government purchased it back from the Wyandot, Ottawa, Delaware, Potawatomi, Seneca, Shawnee, and Chippewa tribes through the Lower Maumee Treaty of 1817.

On February 12, 1820, the Ohio State Legislature authorized the creation of Wood County, along with 13 other counties, on this land. Wood County was named after Colonel Eleazer D. Wood, who was the planning engineer of Fort Meigs, and it included the area that would eventually separate to become Lucas County in 1835.

Perrysburg was designated as Wood County’s seat in 1822, but it was changed to the more central location of Bowling Green in 1868.

Settlement of the county was extremely difficult. Settlers had to develop an extensive system of ditches in order to drain the rich farmland under the swamp. Today, there are still more than 3,000 miles of drainage ditches keeping the county dry.

In the late 1800s, the first industries came to Wood County with the discovery of oil and natural gas. The first oil field was located in North Baltimore in 1886, but eventually, oil would be found in at least 16 townships. The oil and gas boom of the late 1800s caused a huge population increase, as people flocked to the county with the hopes of making it rich. The population of Wood County was 9,157 in 1850, and by the early 1900s, it was over 60,000.

Wood County currently covers approximately 620 miles of land and water. It includes 19 townships, 21 villages, and five cities. At the time of the 2010 census, the county’s population was just over 125,000, and Bowling Green is currently the largest community in the county.

BIRTHS WEDDINGSErin and Eric Losey (Engineer - Highway Garage) welcomed home their son Easton J. Losey born on October 13, 2019.

Ashly and Ross Peters (Sheriff’s Office) had a baby girl, Addalynn Marie on November, 11, 2019. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz.

Garret (NWWSD) and Jessie Chamberlain had a baby girl, Sawyer Mae on November 19, 2019. Sawyer weighed 3 lbs. and was 17.5 inches.

Ashley and Kevin Hartman (Common Pleas Court 4) are the proud parents of Malcolm William born on November 24, 2019. He weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 22 inches long.

Natalie Perrine (Child Support) and Joe Jenkins are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jack M. Jenkins born on November 28, 2019, 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 19 inches long.

Nathaniel Fitch (NWWSD) and Brienna Flangan welcomed home a baby girl on December 7, 2019. Charlotte Jane weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20 inches long.

Brett and Stephanie Abke (Building Inspection) welcomed home a baby girl on December 8, 2019. Emerson Loren weighed 5 lbs. 15 oz. and was 19.5 inches long.

Tom and Britaney Szymanski (Sheriff’s Office) had a baby girl, Sailor, on December 28, 2019, at 1:19 pm. She weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and was 18 ½ inches long.

Josh and Alaina Graves (Sheriff’s Office) had a baby boy, Maddax, on January 5, 2020, at 6:19 pm. He was 9 lbs. 6 oz. and 20 inches long.

RETIREMENTSMichelle Kempe (Public Defenders) and Doug Ritchie were married on October 4, 2019.Kayla Martin (Juvenile Court) married Chelsea Henning on November 2, 2019.Joshua Nutter (NWWSD) and Paige Dauterman were married on October 5, 2019.

Dog Shelter

• Melody Maurer, Deputy Dog Warden, retired on November 30, 2019, with 15 years of service. Melody also had previous service with the Sheriff’s Office.

Engineer - Highway Garage

• Paul Forgoress, Operator, retired on December 27, 2019, with 17 years of service.

Juvenile Court

• Carol Fox, CASA Director, retired with 29 years of service on December 13, 2019.

Recorder’s Office

• Linda Zackel, Lead Deputy Recorder, retired November 29, 2019, with 21 years of service.

KUDOSCongratulations to the staff at the Historical Museum and Center for their For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio By Way of the Poor Farm exhibit. The exhibit received two awards: The Ohio Local History Alliance award for History Outreach Award for Exhibits and Displays and The Ohio State Historic Preservation Award for Public Education and Awareness.

‘ROUND THE COURTHOUSE

SQUAREpublished quarterly for employees

of Wood County GovernmentNEWSLETTER

COMMITTEE MEMBERSJodi Quintero, Child Support Janese Diem, Commissioners

Ron Dicus, Court Security Ronda Downard, Juvenile Court

Geneen Wise, Probate Court Hillary Powell, Board of DD

Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Email: newsletter@co.wood.oh.us

The next newsletter meeting is Thursday, February 13 at 2:45 p.m.

in the Commissioners’ Office.

The deadline to submit information for the Spring Edition is April 3.

ANNIVERSARIESTim and Cheryl Critton (ADAMHS) celebrated 40 years of marriage on October 20, 2019.

IN THE HEART OF GIVINGThis Valentine’s Day donate a bear (or other new stuffed animal) or a blanket, and get a free cup of Biggby coffee or hot chocolate compliments of the Newsletter Commitee.

Just bring your donation to the Atrium or drive through the Sheriff’s Office sally port between 7:30 and 9 a.m. on February 14.

All items collected will be given to first responders to distribute as needed.

The first step is knowing your numbers. Even if you see your doctor on a regular basis, you are still encouraged to participate in these screenings to learn your health age and set personal goals with the wellness coach. Benefit eligible employees who have not participated in the Wellness Awareness Screenings in 2018 or 2019 can register for a screening by contacting April Hugg at ext. 1373. The screening may be completed any time during 2020. If you completed the screening in 2018 or 2019, you already received credit for this step.To see what else is required, see the 2020 Summary Plan Description. It outlines the quarterly challenges and wellness events.

Want to Save $100? Earn a Medical Deductible Credit for 2021.

RETIREMENT PLANNING WITH DEFERRED COMPENSATIONWith another round of changes announced by the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio, preparing for retirement requires a solid game plan.

Unfortunately, many people haven’t gotten their game plan in order, but the deferred compensation programs can help get you ahead of the rest of the field. Don’t let the thought of planning for retirement leave you frustrated. The deferred compensation programs have the tools and resources to help you create a strategy that will get you going on the right foot.

Playing an active role in planning and saving for your own retirement is an essential part of getting started. There are a lot of people who don’t like thinking about saving and investing for retirement because they believe it’s too complicated. Another thing that keeps people from planning for retirement is the idea that retirement is so far off in the future that they don’t need to get started saving yet. There are also people that are dissatisfied with financial institutions and use that as a reason not to get involved in saving and investing. Don’t let these fears keep you from getting started with your game plan. There’s no time to lose, especially since you already know the retirement game clock is ticking. Ignore sensational headlines and movies that might scare you away from saving and investing. Getting in the game can be as simple as knowing that you want to save $10 to $15 per pay check. It might not seem like much, but it’s a good beginning.

Once you’ve started to save, there are a lot of other strategies you can use to increase your savings rates and take control of your future. These programs are here to help you figure out those next steps. What’s the next play in your game plan? Do you need help determining potential savings goals? How much can you afford to save? What strategies can you follow? If any of these topics are on your mind, get in touch with deferred comp today.

PREMIUM HOLIDAY ANNOUNCED FOR MARCHFor the second time in six months, members of the Employee Health Benefits Plan will notice a little more take home pay.

The Commissioners, the Trustees of the Plan, have approved another insurance “premium holiday” for the month of March 2020, with the employee portion of the monthly premium waived for the first and second pay in March (totaling $97.68 single/$253.96 family). Applicable taxes will be applied as the premiums are generally collected on a pre-tax basis. Spousal premiums will still be collected.

The memo announcing the great news noted, “This holiday premium is due in part to the Trust performing well. Creative plan design, highly engaged consumers, and improved interest rates play a large role in the health of the Trust. We wish to thank employees for being wise consumers when it comes to using the health benefits.

We encourage you to continue to utilize the cost savings features incorporated in the Plan including participation in the Prescription Savings Program through the Wood County Health Center, Wellness Programs, and other cost saving opportunities. “

Ohio Deferred Compensation:Stan Mories moriess@nationwide.com 419.560.0644

County Commissioners Association of Ohio Deferred Compensation:Joel Smith joel.smith@empower-retirement.com 844.446.8658 ext. 23704

Employees Assistance Program Providing free, confidential support for personal & work concerns1.800.607.1522 www.eaphelplink.com

F i v e Ye a r A w a r d sBoard of Developmental Disabilities Linda Cox Kati Graham Belenda Kemp Ian McClure Kristin Nagel Allison Voland Melanie YargerBoard of Elections Tracey PrittsBuilding Inspection Stephanie AbkeBuildings & Grounds Dan BalserChild Support Enforcement Agency Natalie PerrineCommissioners’ Office Rachel RichmondCommon Pleas Court 1 Kelly PersingerHealth Department William Bryant-Bey Ashley Donaldson Tracy Henderly Molly Lambert Rhonda Stoner Kamarose Wildman

Job and Family Services Autumn Chapa Laura Leathers Danielle Lowry Cholena Marinelli Jennifer ReynoldsJuvenile Court Jodi WhitacreJuvenile Residential Center Mikale Campos Chase Freyer Brian KramerProsecuting Attorney’s Office Alyssa Blackburn David Harold Douglas KinderPublic Defender Mary HutchinsonSheriff’s Office Jared L. Cooper Trey Farabee Joy L. Sharp Jessica N. VargasWood Haven Health Care Sarah Mugler Jeff Orlowski Brittany Smith

Te n Ye a r A w a r d sBoard of Developmental Disabilities Danielle Galbraith Rachel Lehman Tim Rice Michael Stanford Muchala SundanoChild Support Enforcement Agency Jodi QuinteroHealth Department Katherine Barricklow

F i f te e n Ye a r A w a r d sBoard of Developmental Disabilities Barbara DusselBoard of Elections Brienne KingBuildings & Grounds Frank DavisChild Support Enforcement Agency Barb TanselClerk of Courts Kathryn Mahlman Julie MarshCourt Security Michael McGillivrayDog Shelter Melody MaurerEngineer - Highway Garage Nick StahlHealth Department Darlene BeggsJob and Family Services Christina Bradner Shannon James Brandy Laux Kimberly Merrow Janelle Smith Kristin WeymerJuvenile Court Danny LaDukeJuvenile Residential Center Bradley BeaversonNorthWest Community Corrections Center Jacob Bowman Steven MartinezProsecuting Attorney’s Office Michelle MossbargerSheriff’s Office Nancy J. Hosley Patrick J. Mormile Jr.Wood Haven Health Care Cindy Dow Stephanie Fulweber

2019 Employee Recognition AwardsOn January 9, 2020, the following employees were recognized for their service to Wood County.

Juvenile Court John DauerProsecuting Attorney’s Office Brandy HartmanSheriff’s Office Elizabeth A. Amos Brian L. Bonnough Nathan Murphy Rachel L. Scherley

Tw e n t y Ye a r A w a r d sAuditor’s Office Collette Dickey Cheryl Frobose Amanda HolmanBoard of Developmental Disabilities Holly Hernandez Beth Instone Kathleen Murray Tina StearnsBuilding Inspection Mark MeyerChild Support Enforcement Agency Jennifer AppelhansHealth Department Jacqueline Mears

Job and Family Services Katty Appelhans Melissa TokarJuvenile Court Holly Ramirez Robin RoeJuvenile Residential Center Greg WortmanPublic Defender BethAnn Crum Elizabeth A. MertzSheriff’s Office Kert J. Appelhans Jill A. HollandWood Haven Health Care Kim Graham Pam Kominek

Photo: County Administrator Andrew Kalmar recognizes Frank McLaughlin for his years of service during the 2019 Employee Recognition Program.

Tw e n t y- F i v e Ye a r A w a r d sBoard of Developmental Disabilities Jason BrownBuildings & Grounds Jim JohnsonClerk of Courts Michelle ErrettDog Shelter Rodney Cook

Health Department Amy JonesJob and Family Services June WaltherJuvenile Residential Center Heather PostProbate Court Jennifer Robeson

T h i r t y Ye a r A w a r d sAuditor’s Office Beth FritzBoard of Developmental Disabilities Mary Beth Lavey Kathleen MangasCommissioners’ Office Andrew KalmarJob and Family Services Vicki Adams Shannan TalbottJuvenile Court Ronda DownardSheriff’s Office Angela L. Brown Eric L. ReynoldsSoil & Water Conservation District Nicki KaleSolid Waste Management District Aaron Bowers Ken VollmarWood Haven Health Care Robin Kaiser Kelly Patton

T h i r t y- F i v e Ye a r A w a r d sBoard of Developmental Disabilities Rhoda BennettPublic Defender Kathleen M. Hamm Paula E. Hudak

Fo r t y Ye a r A w a r dChild Support Enforcement Agency Frank McLaughlin

County employees pledged more than $13,000 during the 2019 United Way Campaign, with an additional $1,900 raised through special events including the Day of Sharing. The campaign had 11% employee participation.

The Wood County Government campaign runs each fall, with payroll deduction available. If you wish to give to United Way, it’s not too late. See your payroll officer for more information.

February 11 is United Way 2-1-1 DayUnited Way 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7, 365-day information and referral line that connects residents in Lucas, Wood and Ottawa County to various health and human services. In the past six months, Wood County residents have reached out to this hot-line for the following services: Food Pantries - 199Electric Service Payment Assistance - 180Rent Payment Assistance - 135Gas Service Payment Assistance - 70Homeless Shelter - 54Mental Health Hotlines - 36

Where Your Dollars Go: Dispelling the Overhead MythWe’ve all seen the Facebook posts, calling out non-profits on their overhead ratio and the percentage of donations that go directly to programming. These are questions that raise eyebrows, and you certainly deserve some answers as donors. What is Overhead? How is it calculated? Nonprofit organizations have tax exemption status, because their work benefits the public good. To be in compliance with the IRS, tax-exempt organizations must file a Form 990 each year, which includes a detailed overview of their expenses such as: programming costs, management and operating costs, and fundraising costs.The overhead ratio is determined by adding “management and operating expenses” to “fundraising expenses”, then dividing by the total cost of operations for the year. So we asked the United Way of Greater Toledo (UWGT) about their overhead ratio. They noted that it hovers around 15%, but this ratio alone is not a good indicator of a nonprofit’s effectiveness. We also asked about their “national” dues. UWGT pays for the United Way brand and receives national resources and support from United Way Worldwide. However, none of the dollars that are raised for United Way in Wood County are paid to support this.For more information on where you dollars go visit www.unitedwaytoledo.org.

MOVING? Notify OPERSOPERS requires employees to report name or address changes directly to OPERS through your on-line OPERS account or via mail. Name changes must be printed and mailed. OPERS will not accept the reported changes from the Auditor’s Office.

Keep in mind that the Auditor’s Address and Name Change Form is still required in addition to this individual reporting requirement for OPERS. This required form can be found on the employee website under the FORMS AND DOCUMENTS tab/Address and Name Change form.

If you noticed an incorrect address on your W-2, chances are you need to report your address change. Per the employee handbook, employees are to report changes in personal information within seven days of the change. This includes address, name, marital status, etc. Based on the change made, different forms may be required for insurance and payroll. These forms should be routed through your payroll officer who will forward the forms to the Auditor’s office on your behalf.

WINTER WEATHER REMINDERSWhile we haven’t had too much of a winter up to this point, just be mindful when parking up against a sidewalk to make sure your bumper does not overhang the curb. This will make it easier for the sidewalks to be shoveled clear of snow. Also remember that with cold temperatures and precipitation come slippery sidewalks and floors. Wear weather appropriate shoes, slow down and walk carefully by shuffling your feet.

ALCOHOL, DRUG ADDICTION, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Deanna Stanton 10/28/19

BUILDING INSPECTION Bryon Traynoff 10/31/19

COMMON PLEAS COURT 4 Kevin Hartman 10/28/19

HEALTH DEPARTMENT Heather Zimmerman 10/30/19 Dr. John Coates 11/26/19

ENGINEER - HIGHWAY GARAGE Michael Shull 11/18/19 Marc Socha 11/18/19

JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES Elizabeth Szozda 12/04/19 Cyle Naderer 12/16/19

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS CENTER Alexander Bryson 11/06/19 Taya Graham 11/12/19 Brandi Okulski 12/10/19

PARK DISTRICT Stephanie Ross 11/7/19

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE Julianne Claydon 10/28/19

TREASURER’S OFFICE Lindsey Ball 10/07/19

WOOD HAVEN HEALTH CARE Vincent Reynold 10/3/19 Tiffany Rettig 10/8/19 Dan Scherger 9/25/19

Don’t forget to change your computer passwords on a regular basis and be creative. Use something unique.

NEW EMPLOYEES

“In 2017, I started going to the Community Health Center for care to assist with the cost of medications on the county plan. I was hesitant but wanted to share that I am glad I did. When I go to the pharmacy there, they know me. I don’t have long lines to wait in, like at large commercial pharmacies. I know that if there are any concerns, need for refills or otherwise that Paul is on top of it and does what is needed to help get things worked out in a timely fashion. It feels like the old time neighborhood Pharmacy Centers of days gone by! I am glad I have had this experience and recommend it to others who are hesitant to make the change.” - Carol Fox, Juvenile Court

Make the switch to the Prescription Savings Program and see how much time and money you can save!Get up to a 90-day fill for only $5. That’s a member savings of up to $520 a year on a Tier 2 medication. To utilize the program, the member must transfer primary care to the Center. But don’t worry, you can still keep your specialist.

See the insurance page on the employee website for full details.

• February 13 - 8:30 to 1:30• May 13 - 8:30 to 1:30• July 15 - 8:30 to 1:30

Donate at an upcoming blood drive in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium. Register at redcrossblood.org using Sponsor Code: woodcoemployees.

Tired of getting the email that your Outlook Mailbox is becoming too large. Make sure you check your Large Mail. Here’s how:• Click on the arrow/triangle next to “Search Folders” in the left

pane• Click on the “Large Mail” folder• Start from the top and work your way down deleting email that

you don’t need.• Empty your Deleted Items folder: To skip the Deleted Items

folder, hold down the shift key when you delete an email and click “Yes” to the confirmation prompt.

Calendar of EventsFebruary1 Opening of “Utopia: A Visual

Storytelling of Our Home” exhibit at the Wood County Historical Center

13 Blood Drive: Alvin L. Perkins Atrium14 Free Biggby Coffee Day Sponsored

by the Newsletter Committee - See where and how on page 2

17 Offices Closed - Presidents’ Day

March11 State of the County Address

Alvin L. Perkins Atrium doors open at 7:30 a.m. with presentation at 8 a.m.

25 Management 101 training for managers

April1 Poker Walk at BGSU - 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the BGSU Perry Field House

8 Job and Family Services Blue Day Lunch and Silent Auction: Alvin L. Perkins Atrium 11 am to 1 p.m.

B E N T Q A S H C Q C U A W T A C X T RO C C W A X A U P K D V J O Q I Q H R ZA I A S Q L H B G B K Z Y V T V E M E ER F J C I B N L E L D R B Y H E V A A HD F T M X F I U A K W F O V D C I M S VO O U O A J S N C O T F A H E P L G U TF S L H R R D U Y L P N L M O M D Z R NE F G Z C F E K J E W J H Z J S W R E HL F L D I W U D R R D W D Q R N I A R OE I L L U H B R N D F P R E E V X R R AC R L O I Z Y Q M E D F N I P Q X E O PT E V H X S E C I F F O S R O T I D U AI H R J B L D B K H I E G G E T G Q P FO S B U Y T Q E M S J I D S V S S S T WN K R E X F K G S R D D Z C H B R Y O KS G I N U R S I N G H O M E I E W H B CN P S T H N M H D X J B I A K L L Z H DJ G H Z N M C L V J W L D R K O B T R NQ X R Q O I A E D F M U J G C T C U E JD A V C C Q R L T N U D T I F Q E O P R

Wood County TriviaI can vote! Where do I go to register?I’m buying a house; Where can I find out how much I owe in property taxes? Where do I pay my property taxes? I can’t afford an attorney, where should I go? I need to get a criminal background check for my job, where do I go? I can’t find my dog, who can help? Who holds the title to all county owned property? Where does my trash go? Which department has been in business serving the elderly since 1868? Where was the original Wood County Seat?

Nursing HomeLandfillSheriff’s OfficePerrysburgPublic DefenderAuditor’s OfficeBoard of ElectionsTreasurerCommissionersDog Shelter

Match the question with the answer. Find the Answers in the word find. Don’t know the answers? See the Frequenty Used Governmental Services and Pro-viders section of the Guide to Wood County Government on the county’s website.