Kathy Oliver recognized for service to county

TIFFIN — Members of the Seneca County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday to recognize Kathy Oliver with a proclamation for her 24 years of service to Seneca County Job & Family Services. Speaking on Oliver's years of service was Judge Jay Meyer of the Seneca County Probate Court. Meyer began by sharing that it is difficult to say goodbye to Oliver, and that it will be difficult to fill her shoes. "She (Kathy) has been there since I was first elected judge, so I'd like to begin by saying thank you for not only being a good friend, but for also being an easy phone call," said Meyer. He continued, sharing that in county government there are always tough decisions to be made, and while the two may have had prior disagreements, Meyer is grateful to have had those moments with an individual such as Oliver. "I go around state to state and have discussions with other juvenile judges, and when they talk about their relationships with their respective departments of Job & Family Services, they often say that it is caustic," shared Meyer. "I am proud to always have been able to respond with, 'I don't know what you are talking about." The commissioners each spoke in regards to Oliver's service to not only the county, but also the community, noting that over her 24 years of service 18 different commissioners were witness to her contributions. Commissioner Brent Busdeker read a proclamation formally recognizing Oliver for her achievements and contributions before moving forward with the meeting. From the garden Additionally at the meeting, the commissioners heard an update from the Seneca County Master Gardeners Association. Steve Detillion, publicity chairperson, began by sharing that the organization has a number of upcoming events, some as early as next week, and throughout the remainder of the year. "2026 is projected to be a big year for us as well," shared Detillion at the meeting. Volunteer Coordinator Susan Nighswander continued, sharing several updates on the flower beds they maintain throughout the county, including at the commissioners' office. "Our floral arranging workshop on June 8th went very well, which we hosted with the hopes that more people will enter their flowers in the fair this year," said Nighswander. Detillion also noted at their recent plant sale, despite weather setbacks, they were able to sell a total of 1,067 plants, saying the event was a success in his eyes. In other news Prior to recognizing Oliver or hearing an update from the Seneca County Master Gardeners, the commissioners welcomed members of both the Hancock County and Crawford County Boards of Commissioners for two brief, separate joint-ditch district hearings. Additionally, two pieces of legislation were passed at the meeting: • A resolution authorizing Anthony Paradiso, president of the board of commissioners, to sign the 2026 workers' compensation group retrospective rating plan agreement between Seneca County and the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. • A resolution entering into a memorandum of understanding with the cities of Tiffin and Fostoria for the common need for an IT technician for law enforcement support and services. According to County Administrator Barb Patterson, this resolution is in regards to the ProPhoenix software portion at the two cities police departments (Tiffin and Fostoria) as well as at the Sheriff's Office. During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents continued to voice their concerns regarding the proposed Seneca Poultry LLC, to be located at 1539 W. County Road 90, Tiffin. Many residents voiced concerns in regards to the facility's effect on water quality, specifically in regards to runoff from poultry manure produced at the facility. Responding to some of those concerns was the owner of the proposed facility, John Bolte. After sharing some of his educational and agricultural background, Bolte responded to residents in attendance and encouraged them to attend an upcoming public hearing on July 15 regarding the matter. The hearing is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., and will take place in Building #25 at the Seneca County Fairgrounds. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 17.