News from BG: October 26, 2022
Trick or Treat Night: October 31st

“Trick or Treat” night will be held on Monday, October 31st from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in Bowling Green. Citizens handing out treats should indicate participation by turning on porch lights.

Those driving during the evening of October 31 are asked to drive slowly and with caution, being mindful of the large number of pedestrians that evening.
Fire Prevention Month
Week 4 Message - Open Burning
Having a recreational fire is fairly common and is allowed in the city. A recreational fire is an outdoor fire, burning materials other than rubbish, and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and a height of 2 feet or less. The key, by ordinance it must be used for cooking (think s'mores).

The minimum distance from a structure or combustible material shall be 15 feet if the fire is contained in an approved container. A Chiminea, metal ring, stone/brick, surrounds, outdoor fireplace or a metal container with a wire mesh screen are examples of approved containers.

Visit the Fire Division's webpage for more information!
Tree Commission Photo Contest - Entries Due October 31st
As the leaves begin to change, this is a great time to capture a few more photos for this year's Tree Commission Photo Contest. We are asking citizens to submit photos highlighting trees in all four seasons of the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Love 'Em and Leave 'Em
Keep Your Leaves!

Fall leaves are a valuable resource that most home-owners let go to waste by having them blown or raked into piles curbside, left for City pickup. Leaf collection, hauling, and disposal are a huge annual cost to our City! In addition, the nutrients in the leaves are lost instead of being returned to nourish the soil and the grass or plants that grow on your property.

The best thing you can do with your leaves is… Leave them on your property!

  • Shred them with a lawn mower and leave them in place on your lawn.
  • Compost them in a pile or container (with or without shredding).
  • Shred them and use them as mulch on your borders and flowerbeds.
Oak Grove Cemetery
Decorations Reminder

In preparation for the winter season, the Cemetery Maintenance Crew will be removing all decorations. The exception would be winter grave blankets that have previously been placed on graves. The Director of Public Works requests that all other decorations be removed from Oak Grove Cemetery prior to Monday, November 7, 2022.

It is suggested that anyone wishing to retain the wreaths or decorations, other than blankets, remove them prior to November 7, 2022.
Residents Reminded to Recycle Pumpkins

Residents are encouraged to recycle their pumpkins and gourds in the City’s Yard Waste Recycling Drop Off area (off Tarragon Dr., East of the Public Works Garage). Candles and decorations must be removed before recycling your pumpkins and gourds in one of the three black dumpsters marked for yard waste. All material collected for yard waste recycling is taken to Wood County’s Yard Waste Recycling area to be composted.

Please note: Pumpkins and gourds should NOT be recycled in the Food Waste Recycling Drop Off. This will quickly overwhelm this collection system.  

Additional Pumpkin/Gourd Recycling Options:

•  Compost pumpkins/gourds in place in a backyard pile or bin. Do not have a compost system in place? Place your pumpkins in a discrete area of your yard and allow them to decompose naturally.

•  If you haven't carved your pumpkin yet, you can find recipes online for how to consume your pumpkin, from the seeds to the skin!
Historic Building of the Month: University Hall

The Historic Preservation Commission would like to focus on the oldest and first building on the campus of Bowling Green State University for the Historic Building of the Month!

The University Hall at BGSU is a neoclassical style brick and stone building, constructed in 1915. It was the first building constructed on campus, costing $150,000 to construct (along with Williams Hall). The building was designed by Howard & Merriam Architects and constructed by Steinle Construction Company. The building originally housed the President's office, all administrative functions, classrooms, a theater, and the first basketball court. A traffic circle was originally placed in front of the building, providing vehicular access to campus. The circle, originally wood and dirt, was converted to a paved traffic circle in the 1920s and was removed completely in 1950s. The building has undergone eight substantial interior renovations but still features the grand marble staircase in the main entry which features original plaster detailing.

The building was recently renovated, in 2017, and incorporated sustainability features, including low-emitting materials, natural light, LED lights, reduced water consumption, and renewable energy usage - receiving LEED Gold Certification. The building has been the backdrop of many political events including when JFK gave a speech inside the hall in 1959 and when Joe Biden held a rally outside in 2008. The Board of Trustees intended for the building to be the focal point of campus when they appropriated the funds in 1911, and it recently regained status as a focal point with the completion of the new Alumni Gateway project last month. It is truly a beautiful building inside and out that BGSU has taken great care and investment to maintain as a key building on campus.