Mayor Dean Meyer gave a state of the village address at the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce meeting. He talked about completing a strategic plan for Ottawa. The plan was put together by an outside company from recommendations from council members and residents. It will focus on public spaces, neighborhoods, streets, and trails for the next 5 to 10 years. He says it is good to have a plan moving forward.
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About 70 million Americans will see a boost of about 8.7% in their Social Security checks starting as soon as Friday. Â The raise in benefits will go to both those receiving regular social security and supplemental security income benefits.
 The hike in the cost-of-living adjustments is the highest since 1981, based on inflation.  Average payouts will increase by more than $140 per month.  An added benefit for recipients is that Medicare premiums are going down, while social security benefits go up.
Ten area programs that provide assistance to area children get a boost with a donation from the Exchange Club. The assistance provided by these agencies ranges from mentoring to positive life choices and sports to a new pair of shoes. Donations like this help to continue their mission with the children.
Allen Madlock received the Chief William K. Davenport Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an African American Student enrolled in Apollo's Basic Police Academy. Madlock received the scholarship after many individuals recognized his passion to work in law enforcement -- in addition to his overall goal of helping youth in the community find their way in life.
West-central Ohio experienced the driest second half of June on record, and the dry conditions combined with periods of extreme heat put crops under a good deal of stress. Currently, 49% of corn in Ohio is rated good to excellent, down from 80% in early July of 2021.
Three students were able to receive a boost in their pursuit for a degree in nursing. The Lima Memorial Auxiliary awarded two $1,500 scholarships to Carlie Vanmeter (Lima Central Catholic) and Emilee Horstman (Ottawa Glandorf High School), and awarded a $2,000 Volunteen Scholarship to Addalyn Allen (Wapakoneta High School).
The Oheneba Soccer Academy is a Lima-based organization that aims to help bolster kid's feelings of self-worth and value, which will in turn help boost confidence. A game was held on collet street next to safety city, and organizers hope that kids learn important life lessons through the game of soccer.
The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center getting a boost with the passage of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
An area group looking to bring change to the black community hosted an event to get a perspective on future initiatives. The group Building One's Opportunities Starting Today or BOOST hosted a wrap session in a packed room.Throughout the night the panel of BOOST members discussed the importance of teaching the community about financial literacy.