News from BG: April 26, 2023
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April Historic Building of the Month: 307 W. Wooster

The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission has selected the Froney-Millikin House at 307 W. Wooster St as the historic building of the month for April 2023. The house was built in 1888 with the original address of 46 Union Street (Union Street was changed to Wooster Street.)

As you enter this magnificent home, you can feel its history. The wraparound porch, double front doors, grand staircase, parlor and living room appointed with a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, the charming dining room with crystal chandelier, and an historically updated modern kitchen all give you a sense of what it was like to live in the Victorian era. This house is a treasure trove of the family that has occupied it since 1896—six generations have loved and enjoyed this grand old girl.

The house was built in 1888 by Albert Froney, founder of A Froney & Co., Bowling Green’s largest dry goods store of the period. Froney was a community organizer and community leader....Continue Reading Historic Building of Month
Annual Hazardous Materials Exercise
The Wood County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is required by Ohio law to conduct a hazardous materials exercise once every year. This year, the LEPC will conduct a full-scale exercise from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. As a result, Pike Street, from North Enterprise to Thurstin Avenue will be closed for the duration of the exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to practice emergency response and protective action procedures in the City of Bowling Green.

The Wood County LEPC will be simulating a potential hazardous materials situation warranting a response from first responders. This exercise will take place out of the roadway to minimize disruption to those living and working in the area and for the safety of those participating.

The simulation will take place primarily on the property of Bowling Green State University in parking lots three and four. The public will also see exercise activity in the immediate vicinity, including near the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Wood County Hospital and at Mercy-Perrysburg ER in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Members of the public can expect to see smoke and a large response presence near and on the BGSU campus. Along with simulated smoke, community members can expect to hear emergency sirens and see personnel in hazmat suits and various first responders in uniform. In addition, the Bowen-Thompson Student Union will be the site for briefings before and after the exercise, and several rooms will be utilized for American Red Cross sheltering scenarios. Please remember, this is only an exercise and will not pose any threats to the public.

This event will take place in coordination with the City of Bowling Green, Bowling Green Fire Division, Bowling Green Police Division, Bowling Green State University, Wood County Hospital, Wood County Emergency Management Agency, The American Red Cross and Mercy-Perrysburg Hospital. Several other departments and agencies will also be participating in this exercise.

If you have any questions or concerns about this exercise, please contact the Wood County LEPC/ EMA at 419-354-9269 or Email WC LEPC/EMA
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Callery Pear Trees Added to Ohio's Invasive List

By this time of year, residents have probably noticed the fragrant (but not necessarily pleasant smelling) blossoms of the Callery pear trees throughout the city and neighboring communities. Callery pear is a tree species that is highly invasive. An invasive species is a non-native species that causes harm to the environment, economy, human, animal, or plant health. Callery pear is particularly invasive because it spreads and reproduces so easily that it overtakes natural areas and chokes out other desirable native species. Cultivars and varieties of Callery pears include Cleveland select, Whitehouse, Bradford, among others. 

Beginning in January 2023, Callery pear was added to the list of banned invasive plants in Ohio, making it illegal to produce, plant, or sell these trees in the state. 

This species is dominating roadway medians, rights of way, and natural areas around the state and can be easily identified this time of year by the white, flowering blossoms. The new ban on the plant won’t stop the spread of the invasive plant, but it will help reduce further introduction.

The ban does not regulate existing plants, so residents should not panic if this tree is currently planted on their property. However, removal of existing trees will aid in the reduction of the spread of this plant. Over time, the City’s Arborist will be strategically removing, and replacing, Callery pears that are planted on City property and rights-of-way. 

Touch A Truck + Fundraiser
May 20, 2023

The Leadership BG Class of 2023 invites the public to a Touch-A-Truck fundraiser supporting the Bowling Green Firefighters Community Benefit Fund on May 20th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Bowling Green Community Center. This free family event allows children of all ages a hands-on opportunity to explore various vehicles and meet the people who build, protect, and serve our community. Bowling Green’s own fire trucks, ambulance, police cruiser, trash truck, and utility vehicles will be on display as well as the Wood County Sheriff MRAP truck and a semi-truck provided by Whiteford Kenworth.

Admission to the Touch-A-Truck event is a suggested donation of $10, with all proceeds going to The Bowling Green Firefighters Community Benefit Fund. Additionally, this event will hold a hydrant drop for a chance to win $500. Squish fire hydrants will be available for purchase during the event for $10 each and will be dropped from the ladder truck at 11:45 AM; the hydrant that lands closest to the target will take home the prize!

Bowling Green Fire Division firefighters recently established this nonprofit to help fill fire safety gaps in the community by providing Knox Home Boxes, 10-year smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and scholarships to high school students pursuing a career in fire or EMS.
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Ride of Silence
May 17, 2023

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the 7th annual Bowling Green Ride of Silence will start and end at the Veterans Building Parking Lot, located at City Park. The ride will cover ~6 miles, with a speed no faster than 12 MPH, and will have an escort provided by the Bowling Green Police Division. Helmets are required. This event is free and open to the public and no registration is required. The ride will depart promptly at 7:00 PM after a short presentation; participants should arrive by 6:30 PM.

Prior to the ride, we will remember Eric Ramlow, who was killed in 2016 while riding on Sand Ridge Road. We will also remember Larry Sattler, who was killed in 2020 while riding along Oil Center Road, Tom Santoro, Robert Rausch, Sierah Joughin, Douglas Kania, Matthew Billings, James Lambert, Emilee Gagnon, Harvey Bell III, Andy Gast, Jimmy Hughey, Jeff Roth and others prior to the start of the ride.

This is a community event supported by the City of Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Police Division, the Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission, We Are Traffic, TMACOG, Maumee Valley Adventurers, and the Toledo Area Bicyclists.
2023 Summer Guide
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is excited to release the 2023 Summer Youth Program Guide, which contains information on camps, sports, safety town, swim lessons, theater programs, and more.

Resident registration began on April 24th, and non-resident registration begins on May 8th. For questions or more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 419-354-6223.