The Ottawa River Coalition is now accepting applications for their Beth Seibert Environmental Scholarship! Applications are open through July 30th, 2025.
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Press Release written and provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Ohio State Director Jonathan McCracken today announced an investment of $22.4 million in loans and grants to four Ohio recipients that are intended to improve Ohio’s rural electric, water, and solid waste management infrastructure. “Ohio Rural Development is committed to increasing investments in Ohio’s rural communities to ensure that they continue to have access to essential services like clean water and reliable, affordable power,” said McCracken. “These investments today underscore USDA’s commitment to ensuring our rural communities have the resources they need to be competitive, sustain economic growth, and improve the quality of life for their residents.”
November 7, 2024, Press Release from the Allen Soil and Water Conservation District: Winter is right around the corner and many homeowners are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures to complete autumn yard maintenance before the ground freezes. This includes the last-minute application of fertilizer onto lawns.It’s important to remember that a lawn or garden that is fertilized should be tested every three years. For a little amount of time, postage, and a small processing fee, a lot of helpful information about one of the most significant assets on your property can be learned. Soil testing is essential because over-fertilizing is so easy to do since many don’t give it much thought when applying it. However, excess fertilizer is washed into our rivers and streams every time it rains. Once it gets to the river, it causes algae problems, robs oxygen from the water, and is a leading contributor of poor water quality. Statistics show that those who put fertilizer on their yards tend to do at eight times the amount farmers put on crop fields.
October 18, 2024, Press Release from the Allen Soil and water Conservation District: The cooler weather has arrived and many homeowners around the county are raking up leaves, cutting back perennials, and just generally prepping yards, and gardens for the long winter ahead. But what few people realize is that caring for the soil should be a part of the autumn yard routine. Soil testing is especially essential if fertilizer is used. Over-fertilizing is so easy to do that many don’t give it much thought when applying it. Excess fertilizer is washed into our rivers and streams every time it rains. From there it causes algae problems, robs oxygen from the water, and is a leading contributor of poor water quality.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources unveiled a newly completed wetland project in Allen County. Area residents and partners gathered to tour the Baughman Project, which spans 19 acres in the northern part of the county near the Allen Oakwood Prison. Over the last year, native vegetation was planted, basins were dug, and pipes were put in place to create 3 main wetlands areas. The hope is these additions will drastically reduce flooding, which has been negatively impacting the surrounding roads, neighborhoods, and property values for around 30 years.
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Despite the moderate drought affecting the region, we're told Lima's water supply is in good shape.
September 19, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine: (COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced that nearly three dozen communities will receive funding to complete critical infrastructure and neighborhood improvement projects that enhance the quality of life for Ohioans. More than $18.2 million in Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants will be awarded to 34 communities for projects such as upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, road and sidewalk replacement, park improvements, recreation enhancements, new fire trucks, and more.
Residents had the chance on Tuesday night to give their feedback to the City of Lima ahead of a reconstruction project. The feedback is in relation to the Catalpa and Holmes Reconstruction Project within the Jefferson Manor Subdivision. The nearly $2 million project would reconstruct existing roadway on Catalpa Avenue between Sugar Street and Simons Avenue and on Holmes Avenue between Sugar Street and Catalpa Avenue. The project would also construct new curbs and gutters, storm sewers, water lines, sidewalks, and signage with a goal to improve infrastructure and drainage.
The City of Lima is planning a major infrastructure project to improve a south Lima neighborhood. The nearly $2 million project will bring new storm sewers, water lines, streets, sidewalks, gutters, and more. It will encompass the Holmes and Catalpa area known as the Jefferson Manor subdivision. There have been several drainage complaints due to the undersized drainage system, and with recent redevelopment efforts to existing housing, now is the time to make improvements.
Lima residents can expect their monthly water bills to increase over the next 3 years. Monday night at Lima City Council, council members approved legislation to raise monthly water charges of potable and non-potable water. For the minimum user who uses less than 300 cubic feet of water per month, monthly water rates will increase 49 cents in 2025, 52 cents in 2026, and 53 cents in 2027. The average user will see a $1 monthly increase each year from 2025 through 2027. Following council, we talked with Utilities Director, Mike Caprella, about why it is necessary for these changes to occur.