By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

New Washington Village Council received good tidings from North Central Electric Cooperative at their Monday evening meeting.

Shortly after the previous meetings’ minutes were approved, Teri Lease from the North Central Electric Cooperative presented New Washington Council President Joe Blum and Mayor Ben Lash with a check totaling $1,117.78. The check was part of the local electric company’s Capital Credits refund program.

New Washington Village Council approved Fire Chief Mark Heefner’s request to apply for a grant through the North Central Electric People’s Fund for the purchase of a generator with lights.

In Heefner’s report to council he noted that there were no runs for the fire department between meetings, and nothing new had come up since the last meeting on the Mansfield Brass fire. Norm Lucius spoke on the matter as well, noting that he had been in contact with plant owner Russ Nelson who had expressed hope to have the plant reopen in 6-8 months. Lucius also added that he plans to meet with Nelson on Thursday. Village Solicitor Tim Obringer offered to reach out to Nelson if Lucius’ meeting with Nelson fails to take place.

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In Police Chief Jeff Shook’s report to council he said that the new police vehicle is currently being outfitted and should be ready in the next couple of weeks.

Steve Aichholz provided the yearly totals from the most recent Central Joint Ambulance District meeting. New Washington had a total of 55 calls with Cranberry Township having 20 calls in 2016. Aichholz also updated council on current CJAD news noting Life Support Ambulance Service’s purchase of a location at 7900 Middletown Road, Bucyrus EMS providing mutual aid to the ambulance service, as well as the ambulance service contract expiring in November.

Mayor Lash asked Aichholz about response times to the village and Aichholz reported that everything was ok and within the estimated times.

Village Administrator Julie Cronau reported that she had received the OPWC letter for paving of state routes 103 and 602 within the village. Cronau explained that no timetable for the project was given.