County honors local educator

TIFFIN — The Seneca County Board of Commissioners recognized Tiffin City Schools staff member Chris Monsour, the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year, during their regular meeting Thursday, Oct. 16. Originally chosen from a pool of 11 candidates, one from each of Ohio's Board of Education districts, Monsour was selected from a group of four finalists earlier this year before being publicly named as the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year. Commissioner Brent Busdeker presented a proclamation to Monsour on behalf of the board, thanking him for his contributions to not just the present, but also the future of Seneca County. Additionally at the meeting, representatives from Seneca Conservation District provided quarterly updates to the board in regards to Proving Ground Farm. Marisa Huss, director of tourism and marketing for the Seneca County Collective, discussed early plans for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. As a member of the America 250 committee, Huss shared that she and other members are exploring ways to involve local organizations and schools in countywide historical and cultural celebrations. In other news, the board approved several supplemental appropriations, including: • General Fund (0010) — Travel, $4,000 for winter conference expenses • General Fund (0010) — Other Expenses, $2,232 to correct an overpayment • General Fund (0010) — Indigent Counsel, $40,000 for court-appointed attorneys • Children Services Fund (2078) — Assistance, $300,000 for the remainder of the year • Children Services Fund (2078) — Shared Costs, $200,000 for the remainder of the year Additionally, one resolution was passed, which reads as: A resolution authorizing the memorandum of agreement for deposit of public funds with Old Fort Banking Company on behalf of the Seneca County Clerk of Courts. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23.