By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
New Washington Village Council started off the month of February continuing the newly minted tradition of recognizing those who make the community great.
St. Bernard’s School was the February recipient and the second group to be recognized by New Washington Council.
“You only have to think for a little bit to realize that there are many things that make our community great,” Mayor Ben Lash said. “In my experience the students and the schools are the pulse of the village. Buckeye Central is great and tonight we recognize another great school St. Bernard’s.”
Mayor Lash also noted that on top of an education St. Bernard’s adds faith to the community, and that St. Bernard’s is a tremendous asset to the community.
Members of the St. Bernard’s Administration were on hand to accept the recognition.
In Mayor Lash’s report to council he noted that he had met with Buckeye Recreation about the future of the swimming pool. Lash noted that the group is making progress with managers and lifeguards. Lash added that he felt that the managers and assistant managers needed a pay increase, which was approved by Buckeye Recreation.
Lash added in his report on the pool that managers will make $10 an hour with assistant managers making $9.50. Lifeguards will start at $8.15 per hour and will be reimbursed after completion of the Red Cross certification course, as well as re-certification after three years.
Norm Lucius asked who would handle the chemicals and cleaning of the pool to which Steve Aichholz noted that the chemicals and cleaning would be separate as in the past and that he would be handling that duty. Aichholz also added that there will be one manager and three assistant managers, and they will be meeting soon to work on the schedule for the year. Aichholz closed by explaining that the lifeguards would only be reimbursed after they complete 20 hours of work.
In New Washington Police Chief Jeff Shook’s report to the council he noted that in between meetings nothing out of the ordinary took place with the exception of a school lockdown. Shook added that through the work of the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department and the New Washington Police Department that everything went smoothly.
Shook also added that the new squad SUV is now being utilized and that the old cruiser was re-striped to match the new vehicle.
New Washington Council approved the purchase of a trailer for the street department. Lucius presented different prices and said he felt that the trailer priced at $5,250 was the best one as the 7 by 12 foot trailer was the cheapest and had all of the other features that more expensive ones had. Lucius added that $200 to $250 would be added to the cost for break control hookups.
Council approved the dates of June 23, and 24 for the Community Garage Sale. Registration for the community sale is $3 and registration forms can be picked up at Gochenour’s and First Federal Bank of New Washington. The forms will be available in May.