News from BG: September 23, 2020
2020 Census - Respond by September 30th!
It's not too late to respond to the 2020 Census. Households can respond by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire they received, by responding ONLINE, or by phone at 844-330-2020. Those who respond will not need to be visited to obtain their census response.

Field data collection will end by September 30, 2020. Self-response options will also close on that date to permit the commencement of data processing. Under this plan, the Census Bureau intends to meet a similar level of household responses as collected in prior censuses, including outreach to hard-to-count communities...MORE
Batteries
The Safe Way To Recycle

Do NOT dispose of batteries in your curbside recycling container! Recently, lithium batteries have caused fires at the local recycling transfer station, jeopardizing worker safety and disrupting service.

Batteries require specialized recycling and proper disposal outlets. Some batteries are easier to dispose of than others and some pose a greater risk to the environment than others. 

Rechargeable Batteries should be disposed of properly to prevent toxic heavy metals from leaching into the environment. Check out the RECYCLE COACH "What Goes Where?" feature for a list of local disposal options.

Alkaline Batteries may be disposed of with your regular garbage. Since 1993 most battery manufacturers have eliminated all of the added mercury from alkaline batteries reducing the health and environmental risk they once posed.
Efficiency Smart Challenge
Deadline - Sept. 30

Spending more time at home means using more electricity. And using more electricity means higher electric bills. Fortunately, your energy usage is within your control and there are actions you can take to reduce it. Efficiency Smart has launched the Home Energy Challenge to help you get started.

The challenge includes three steps to encourage you to investigate items in your home that use electricity, identify ways to reduce your consumption, and motivate you to become more energy efficient. In addition to any savings from using less energy, you'll be rewarded with energy-saving products for completing all three steps...MORE


2020 General Election
Information

Registered voters have three choices for voting in the upcoming election:

Absentee by Mail: Accepting applications now. Registered voters will be sent an application in the mail by the Sec. of State in September. Ballots may be returned by mail or dropped off at the Drop Box located outside the Wood County Courthouse Main Entrance.

Early Voting: Voting will begin October 6. Location: Wood County Courthouse Atrium, One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green, OH.

At the Polls on Election Day: November 3rd from 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Contact the Wood County Board of Elections for further guidance.
2020 Fire Hydrant Flushing - Begins This Week
The Water Distribution Division will begin the process of flushing and testing fire hydrants this week. Crews will begin by flushing the transmission mains and then will move into the 4th Ward. Once complete in the 4th Ward, they will move on to Ward 1, followed by Ward 2, and then Ward 3. This work will be on-going for several weeks occurring daily, Monday - Friday, between the hours of 7:30 am and 3:30 pm.

During the program, water consumers may experience rusty or discolored water. This condition is temporary with water quality returning to normal as flushing is completed. Customers are encouraged to check their cold water supply prior to using the water. If discoloration is discovered, customers should flush their cold water line only for a short period of time until the discoloration clears....MORE
Refuse & Recycling Container Address Labels
The Public Works Department has resumed the work of placing address labels on all refuse and recycling containers that are picked up by the City. Crews have completed the majority of Wards 1 & 2 and have begun Wards 3 & 4. City employees will be applying labels on containers placed at the curb on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday’s collection route.

Residents, whose scheduled collection day is on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday, are asked to help in this effort by placing containers – full or empty – at the curb on their regular collection day. Containers should not be pulled back to the house until 4:00 PM that day. This will help crews move through streets efficiently, missing as few addresses as possible. This work will be ongoing over the next several months and...MORE