By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

New Washington Village Council started off the new year in a celebratory mood Monday night, as they began their newly instituted program of commending those who make the village great.

Buckeye Central became the first recipient of the recognition program Monday evening. Speaking about the school’s selection Mayor Ben Lash noted that the council chose to start with Buckeye Central because the school district was the heart and soul of the community.

In giving the commendation Lash recalled a time in which the boys and girls basketball teams were in the state playoffs. Lash noted that the Ohio High School Athletic Association changed start times of both the boys and girls games in order for the community to have enough time to make both trips and cheer on their Bucks and Buckettes.

After clerk Julie Cronau read the proclamation, members of the Buckeye Central School District Board of Education and administrative staff accepted the recognition on behalf of the school district.

Related content: Dutchtown council to have recognition program

Another proclamation and commendation was handed down at the meeting. Honoring former New Washington Fire Department Chief Richard Ackerman, Lash proclaimed that January 2017 be known as Richard Ackerman Service Appreciation Month in recognition for Ackerman’s 50 years of service to the New Washington Fire Department.

Current New Washington Fire Chief Mark Heefner gave a quick update on Mansfield Brass during his report to council. Heefner noted that the claims adjuster had been in contact with him and that a representative for the insurance company would be in town on Wednesday to try to finalize the insurance claim on the fire. Heefner added that he, along with the claims adjuster, has been unable to contact New Tech, which is currently the policy holder on Mansfield Brass.

Related content: Fire consumes Mansfield Brass

Heefner requested and received council’s approval for the fire department to participate in an arson seminar in Ashland in February, as well as training in Bowling Green in March. Council also approved Heefner’s request to apply for a grant through the State Fire Marshal’s Office for the purchase of a washer to wash the fire equipment at the completion of a run.

Council approved councilman Joe Blum as the president of the council for the 2017 year.