8/16/17 – 5:16 A.M.

The eminent domain process continues for two properties in the path of a Blanchard River diversion channel in Ottawa. The Courier reports the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District gave an update on the issue Tuesday. The group believes the issue should settle by mid-October. Officials believe the courts will side with them and not the property owners.

Eminent domain allows the conservancy to take land for public use. The law says the conservancy has to pay a fair price for the property they take. In this case, the property owners say the conservancy hasn’t followed state law in the process.

The properties in question sit near an oxbow in the Blanchard River west of Ottawa-Glandorf High School. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the channel would move water out of Ottawa faster when water is running high.

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