State grants awarded to local communities

SANDUSKY — Local communities were included in recent grant announcements from state agencies for drinking water, mosquito control and celebrating the 250th birthday of the U.S.. The Ohio EPA announced it has given out more than $2.7 million of grants to 116 public water systems in 58 counties to protect and improve drinking water. Among the local areas, organizations and entities obtaining funds: The village of Attica received $9,550 through emergency generator grants The village of Attica received $20,000 through water audit/water loss grants The Ohio EPA also announced it has awarded $650,000 in grants to 33 health departments across the state to aid with mosquito control. The grants are aimed at reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile, La Crosse Encephalitis, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis: • The Wyandot County Department of Health received a $12,212 grant. • The Wood County Health Department got a $20,248 grant. America 250-Ohio Commission, the state organization tasked with observing the 250th birthday of the U.S. in 2026, announced it has awarded $5,000 each to 57 organizations across the state of Ohio. The total amount is about $278,800: • Ottawa County received $4,800 for its Call to Duty Salute project. Veterans from the American Revolution to the present will be recognized with a trail of markers at local cemeteries and a series of public dedication ceremonies will be held. "The Ottawa County America-250 Committee is working hard to plan a once-in-a-lifetime celebration to recognize America's 250th birthday," Ottawa County commissioner Mark Coppeler said. • Wyandot County Archaeological and Historical Society received $5,000 for its Sharing Our County's Heritage: From the Wyandottes to the Present project. The Upper Sandusky Community Committee plans to share stories about various aspects of Wyandot County history through a variety of methods, including inviting Chief Billy Friend and cultural historians from the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma to share how the American Revolution and later events impacted their citizens with students, residents and a podcast along with other initatives.