News from BG: February 9, 2022
Community Feedback Regarding Use of Remaining ARPA Funds
In 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) to help communities recover from the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of $7.3 million has been allocated to the City of Bowling Green. City Council has approved the following investments:

  • Residential paving ($3,000,000)
  • MARCS Communication Equipment (radios) to improve public safety communications ($350,000)
  • City Park Paving Project, which will include road widening, a walking path, and security improvements (cameras & lighting) ($250,000)
  • Inclusive Playground Support for Wood County Plays’ Carter Park Project ($100,000)
  • Housing Grants ($300,000 over three years)

Following the guiding principles – one-time use of one-time funds, use must be allowable as determined by the US Department of Treasury, avoid duplicated use of funds already in place for other programs/projects, and projects must have a community-wide impact – the City is looking for community feedback to guide the use of the remaining funds, which may be spent over the next three years.

Residents are encouraged to fill out the Community Feedback Form. The online form has also been made available at a kiosk located at the Wood County Library, 251 N. Main Street, as well as the City’s Community Development Office, located on the 2nd Floor of the City Building, 304 N. Church Street.

Responses may be submitted through March 11, 2022. All responses will be compiled and shared in a final report.
Snow Streets & Snow Emergencies
Snow streets are designated throughout Bowling Green and are marked with blue and white signs. Vehicles parked on a snow street must be removed within 2 hours after a Snow Emergency is declared. If a Snow Emergency is declared overnight, vehicles must be moved by 9AM. Snow Emergencies are typically called for when the City receives 2"+ of snow. Vehicles parked in violation of snow regulations are subject to towing at the owner's expense and/or a citation.....Read More on Snow Emergencies

SNOW EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

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LOCAL NEWS SOURCES
Tips for Reducing Utility Bills During Colder Months

Colder temperatures can lead to an increase in your utility bill. Whether heating your home with electric or gas, your appliances will be working overtime to keep your residence warm when temperatures drop. To avoid “sticker shock” on next month’s utility bill, limit the use of space heaters when possible. Also, keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature and resist the urge to turn it up. Add a layer of clothing or an extra blanket instead.

An energy audit can be a great way to identify areas in your home where insulation and other energy saving features can be applied.
In the short term, you can seal air leaks, where you feel cold drafts, by installing DIY plastic insulation kits on windows and by placing draft stoppers along the base of doors....Continue Reading Tips for Reducing Utility Bills
Efficiency Smart Energy
For Good Contest

This February, Efficiency Smart wants to give you the opportunity to give back through the Energy for Good contest. You can show your love for your favorite local human services nonprofit by nominating it to win up to $5,000* in energy efficiency improvements from Efficiency Smart! Efficiency Smart will also work with the winning nonprofit to provide recommendations and identify potential improvements. These improvements will help the winning nonprofit reduce its maintenance and operating costs, so they can spend more money and energy on the people they’re helping.

Efficiency Smart will randomly select three nominated organizations as finalists for the Energy for Good contest and hold a vote. The nonprofit receiving the most votes at the end of the contest will win the $5,000 prize. (*Spoiler Alert!* They may also randomly select a handful of nonprofits from the list of nominees for a $100 donation.)
Fire Division
Space Heater Safety Tips

Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S. homes. According to the NFPA, fire departments respond to approximately 52,000 fires involving heating equipment each year.

The NFPA offers these tips for safe space heater use:

•Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
•Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people.
•Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
•Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
•Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
•Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic.
•Never block an exit.
•Keep children away from the space heater.
•Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet.
•Never use an extension cord.
•Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.

If your space heater catches fire, call 911 immediately. If possible, close the door to the room where the space heater is located before exiting the building.
The City of Bowling Green is currently accepting applications for several open positions. Interested applicants may review current Job Postings and the Application Process on the City's website.

Contact the Human Resources Department if additional assistance is required.
COVID-19 vaccines are available through Wood County Health Department and other local providers. Appointments for Wood County Health Department vaccine clinics can be scheduled through ArmorVax, and most clinics allow walk-ins.

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines Approved for Children 5 to 11 Years Old; Boosters Approved for Children 12 and older:

The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine for children five through 11 years old and CDC has issued a recommendation that children in this age group be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for children age five through 11 is administered as a two-dose series, three weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms). The vaccine was found to be nearly 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children five through 11 years old. The vaccine’s safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children in this age group and no serious side effects have been detected in the ongoing study. 

CDC has expanded eligibility for booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old and recommends that adolescents age 12 to 17 receive a booster five months after their initial Pfizer vaccination series.