By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The recently condemned East Street home shined a light on a serious issue in Bucyrus and Police Chief Dave Koepke hopes that a new program might help.
Koepke presented the Crime Free Rental Housing Program to the Bucyrus City Council during Wednesday night’s special meeting. This program is designed to reduce crime, drugs, and gangs that may occur in small rental properties. It consists of a four-hour long seminar that covers topics such as the city’s Criminal Activity Nuisance ordinance, crime prevention and risk management, and working with the local police.
The property at 536 East St. was condemned Aug. 1 after a drug bust and subsequent inspections occurred at the residence.
During a National Night Out party held in the 500 block of East Street Tuesday night, Koepke said the residents there were grateful for the action taken on the property.
“Things are much better on South East Street,” Koepke said. He added that the actions taken on the property was a team effort between the police and fire departments, the city’s Street and Zoning departments, and the law director.
Koepke said they needed to continue to make sure that all aspects of the city worked together to put an end to properties like the one on East Street.
“The part we don’t always see with the vacant lots here, the vacant lots there is the landlords’ being overwhelmed,” Koepke said. “Maybe we need a little bit of dedication to a little change to avoid neglect of homes.”
He later added that keeping houses drug-free and neighborhoods safe was an ongoing process. “We’ll work on making it better,” Koepke stated.
The program was submitted to the Health and Safety Committee for consideration.
Members of the Crawford County General Health District were also on hand to address concerns over mosquitoes and vaccinations.
Kate Siefert, Director of Environmental Health, explained that arboviruses like West Nile virus, Chikungunya, and Lyme disease were transmitted through the bite of a mosquito or tick. The northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens) was the most common mosquito to the area. It is most active at night.
According to Siefert, West Nile virus is now considered pandemic due to how widespread it is; however, humans have built immunity to it. Most humans have already contracted West Nile virus or have been exposed to it. She added that not everyone exposed to it develop symptoms and that it is not transmitted person to person.
There have not yet been any confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Ohio for 2014.
The United States has seen an increase in Chikungunya, mainly due to people who have traveled to the Caribbean islands. Humans are not dead-end hosts for Chikungunya; meaning that any mosquito that bites an infected human can transmit that disease to the next human it bites. Symptoms of the Chikungunya virus are treatable but scientists have not yet created a vaccine for it. Siefert added that anyone who has contracted the Chikungunya virus has been asked by doctors to isolate themselves to avoid transmitting it to the local mosquito population.
Mayor Jeff Reser said that the city has sprayed for mosquitos once so far this year. Without any complaints arising, Reser said they may not spray again unless the weather changes.
For homeowners, Siefert said to reduce mosquitos by eliminating their breeding sites, apply larval and adult mosquito control, and implement regular insecticide resistance monitoring. She warned that a mosquito population can develop immunity to a pesticide used repeatedly over time.
Cynda Brause, RN, Director of Nursing for the Crawford County General Health District, advised council that there are immunizations children still need for the start of school. Currently, all schools are requiring that kindergarteners be vaccinated before the start of school. Students entering seventh grade are required to have a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster shot.
The Crawford County General Health District will be holding a kindergarten vaccine clinic from 1 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 12 at its location at 1520 Isaac Beal Rd. Though parents can bring their children by, the Health District would prefer it if appointments were made in advance.
Vaccine clinics for children of all ages are held every Thursday. Additional clinics are held in New Washington and Crestline.
To make an appointment call 419-562-5871.
Larry West of the Bratwurst Festival Committee reminded Council that the Bratwurst Festival will be Aug. 14 -16. Opening ceremonies will take place at noon on Thursday.
The 36th annual Best “Wurst” Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16. Registration for the race will begin that morning at 7.
The Crawford County Arts Council will be holding its second art competition in the HomeCare Matters building during the festival. An art sale will also take place from 1 to 7 p.m. during the festival in the Crawford County Partnership for Education and Economic Development building located at 117 E. Mansfield St.
Due to a lack of council members present, Council President Sis Love announced there were not able to entertain the eight pieces of legislation on the agenda. A special council meeting will be set at a later date specifically to deal with the legislation.