08/23/18 – 1:10 P.M.

Arlington businesses are struggling to bring in business due to the construction on Main Street in the village. J.R. Lovell of Appleseed IGA said that the construction has pushed people away.

J.R. Lovell

Appleseed IGA has fliers up to promote local businesses and ask that people continue to support them. The store has also allowed other businesses to advertise in their store.

Local business representatives have been meeting to talk about how construction is affecting their shops. Ellen Gilfillen of Infinity Salon and Wellness explained that they are trying to bring business back to the area.

Ellen Gilfillen

Gilfillen said that there will be an advertisement in The Courier. She added that her salon has been doing its own sales and contests to drive up business.

8/23/18 – 10:44 A.M.

The process of fixing a broken drainage tile near the Hancock County landfill is getting started. County Commissioner Mark Gazarek says it’s causing a roadway issue in the area…

Audio: Mark Gazarek

Gazarek says the tile is on private property. However, the majority of the landfill drains into it, which makes it the county’s responsibility as well.

Hancock Soil & Water will likely asses the landowners who tie into the drainage tile for the cost of the repairs.

8/23/18 – 7:45 A.M.

The Veterans Service Commission of Putnam County is looking to recognize local veterans. The agency is asking you to nominate people for the Putnam County Veteran of the Year award. They’ll name the winner at a recognition dinner on October 20 in Leipsic.

You can get nomination forms at 336 E. Main Street in Ottawa. For more information call 419-523-4478.

MORE: The Courier

8/23/18 – 7:19 A.M.

Utility rates will go up in Pandora next month. The Putnam County Sentinel reports the village council approved the increases at their most recent meeting. Residents will notice the new rates on the billing due on October 15.

The base water rate is moving to $18. The base sewer rate is moving to $15.50.

MORE: Putnam County Sentinel

8/23/18 – 5:27 A.M.

Putnam County election officials are looking at some changes in the future. The Putnam County Sentinel reports new voting machines are likely in the works. Board of Elections member Tony Schroeder spoke with the newspaper and said they’ll likely start looking at new machines after this year’s general election. Schroeder says that will give voters a few elections to adjust to new machines before the presidential election in 2020.

Putnam County expects to get around $525,000 from the state to buy the equipment.

Schroeder says the board of elections is also looking at reducing the number of polling locations. He says the move would save the county money and reduce the amount of equipment needed.

MORE: Putnam County Sentinel