News from BG: March 17, 2021
MAYOR'S CORNER
As we enter a new year, one full of promise, I wanted to take some space in this week’s eNews to build upon my message from the 2021 State of the City address. I think we can all agree that 2020 was unique in so many ways. All of us have endured so much since the pandemic hit and have been challenged in ways none of us could have expected. One thing I have come to expect, however, is that the Bowling Green community can meet any challenge presented to it – especially when we work together as a community, which we have done time and time again. I am proud of the way we collectively made our way through last year and how I anticipate we will move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is going to be important as we get into warmer weather that we continue to adhere to the practices we developed and maintained during 2020. We have so many things to look forward to – spring weather, baseball, outdoor events, and so much more. Better days are ahead, let’s make sure we get there quicker by continuing to work hard.

There is a lot in the works for 2021 and our city has a very active agenda. Below is a list of some of my priorities:

  • Update the Zoning Code
  • Begin construction of the new City Building
  • Infrastructure Improvements – paving, water, and sewer projects. (check out the capital projects map for details!)
  • Refresh our approach to economic development
  • Sustainability – monitor the pilot residential food waste compost program; receive and analyze the Sustainability Advisory Committee’s report, and determine a way forward.

All of these goals and more were outlined during the 2021 State of the City Address. If you have not yet watched it, I invite you to do so by following this LINK.

I often mention that I am extremely proud of our community. My hope is that we emerge from this difficult pandemic energized to embrace the numerous opportunities that lie ahead for us. I look forward to working together with all of you and hope that you will share in my optimism that our community has much to look forward to in the days and years ahead. Thank you and I wish all of you the very best!
PILOT RESIDENTIAL FOOD WASTE DROP OFF
To help reduce the amount of food waste being sent to landfills, the City of Bowling Green is launching a 6-month Pilot Residential Food Waste Drop Off. The Drop Off will be available to Bowling Green residents beginning Friday, March 26, 2021. The City is working with GoZero to place 64-gallon containers behind the Public Works garage, near the public Yard Waste Drop Off, on Tarragon Drive.

The area will be clearly marked with signs identifying where to drop off residential food waste and brochures will be available listing the accepted materials and program guidelines....MORE
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Clear Choices Clean Water
Clean Up After Your Pet

The connection between our water supply and our pets’ waste might not be obvious, but that doesn’t mean it’s trivial. Take a look at the numbers:

An estimated 47% of U.S. households have at least one dog. That amounts to approximately 53 million dogs.
Each of those 53 million dogs produces about 0.75 pounds of waste every day. That equals about 400 pounds of poo every year for every household–about 6.3 BILLION pounds nationally.

But what happens to all that waste? After all, it would fill a space the size of a football field about 800 feet high. If it isn’t picked up and disposed of properly, it could end up in our waterways. That means the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs we play in, get our drinking water from, and more. How does that work? The rain washes it away. Every time it rains, some of the poo left laying around is washed out of the yard, down a storm drain, and into a waterway.

Click here to Learn More, Join Others, and Make a Pledge to clean up after your pet.
Looking for Leprechauns Family Scavenger Hunt

You and your family are invited to participate in a free and fun family activity. From March 12th to March 21st, the Parks & Recreation Department will have Leprechauns hiding in the woods in Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve.

Record the number next to the hiding leprechaun in the corresponding spaces and bring your TRACKING SHEET to the Bowling Green Community Center, 1245 W Newton Road to collect your candy prizes! As a family you will receive one piece of candy for every correct answer. (Limit 20 per family please.)

Copies of the tracking sheet are also available outside the Nature Center Office.

May the luck of the Leprechauns be with you on your search!
B.G. Transit
Free Ride to COVID Vaccine

The City of Bowling Green announces free B.G. Transit rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination events (including the one scheduled for March 23 at the Bowling Green Training and Community Center). It is recommended requests for transportation be made at least 24 hours in advance of the time needed and passengers must tell the call-taker the transport is for a COVID-19 vaccination to receive the free fares to and from the location. Call-takers will then verify the destination as eligible in order to provide free fare approval. It is preferential your return trip is made at the same time. 

To schedule a ride, call 1-800-579-4299. Call 419-354-6203 for added information about the B.G. Transit. General operating information (to include service area, days and hours of operation) is also found here. 

Check out the rest of this news release...
WEEKLY UPDATE
COVID-19 Vaccines:

  • Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines has expanded recently:
  • To review vaccine eligibility guidelines and updates, click HERE or call 419-823-9512.

  • All three vaccines that are currently available are safe and effective, and provide strong protection against serious COVID-19 illness.
  • Get more information from CDC.

  • Vaccine appointments are available now with several local providers.
  • Get contact information for vaccine providers, and what we know about how they schedule appointments, HERE
  • To hear a recorded message about Wood County’s vaccine campaign, call 419-823-9528.
  • Some local providers, like Wood County Health Department, Mercy Health and Wood County Hospital, make additional appointments available starting at noon on Fridays.