News from BG: April 14, 2021
APRIL IS NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH!

The Fair Housing Act was signed into law on April 11, 1968, one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability and familial status.

April is National Fair Housing Month, and the City of Bowling Green proclaims endorsement and commitment to the policy of fair and equal access to housing. The City of Bowling Green further encourages the citizens of the municipality to acquaint themselves with their rights that are protected under the law, and join in reaffirming a commitment to Fair Housing for all regardless of race, color, religion, nation origin, sex, familial status, or handicap (disability).
The City is undertaking various additional marketing campaigns throughout the month in an effort to ensure all residents know their rights under the Fair Housing Act, and how to seek assistance with Fair Housing matters.

The City of Bowling Green supports fair housing efforts to eliminate discrimination in housing by providing education to seekers of housing, rental property owners/managers and others regarding state and federal fair housing laws; monitors local advertising for potential fair housing violations; and reports violations of the fair housing acts to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. If you are a resident of the City of Bowling Green, we are ready to help you with any problem of housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated you may contact us at (419) 354-6221 or [email protected].
APRIL BRUSH COLLECTION
The window to register your address for an April Brush Collection has closed. The next opportunity to register will be in May.

For those who registered, the collection will begin on April 19. Brush will only be collected from registered addresses. For addresses on the list, please follow the guidelines posted HERE

If you missed the registration window, and are unable to wait until the May collection, the Wood County Landfill accepts brush, for a small fee, at their Yard Waste Recycling area. The brush is NOT added to the landfill itself, it is added to the pile that will be turned into mulch next year.
CITY ARBORIST UPDATE
City Arborist, Grant Jones, came to Bowling Green in 2016. During the past 5 years he's continued to expand on and improve the City's Urban Forestry program...planting new trees, improving safety and reliability through tree maintenance/line clearance, educating community members of all ages, and assisting residents with tree concerns.

Grant has accepted a Forestry Superintendent position in Oak Park, IL, and his last day with Bowling Green is Friday, April 16th. We thank Grant for his hard work and wish him and his family well!

"Working here has been great! Trees have long been important to Bowling Green, and it has been fun to be a small part of that. I will miss the City’s staff and residents!" ~Grant

Grant will be hard to replace, but the City is actively seeking a qualified Arborist to continue this important work. Until the position is filled, residents may contact the Public Works Department at 419-354-6227 with tree concerns or questions.
Tree Photo Contest

Now's a perfect time to capture some spring photos of the blooming trees!

The City of Bowling Green Tree Commission has announced its 4th annual photo contest. The Commissioners want to raise awareness of Bowling Green’s Urban Forest that is found both on public and private property.

In 2021 we are asking citizens to submit photos highlighting trees in all four seasons of the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall.

The contest runs through October 31, 2021. In November the public will vote for the top photo in each category. The top photo will receive a $25 gift certificate from a local nursery or garden center. For more details and to submit a photo click HERE.
Join Our Team!

The City of Bowling Green is seeking an accomplished financial administrator to join its executive team to direct and coordinate the activities of the City’s Finance Department, which includes the City’s Income Tax Office. The deadline for making application is 4:30 p.m. on April 20, 2021.

The City is also seeking an Arborist. This position provides technical guidance and supervises urban forestry activities. Deadline for making application is 4:30 p.m. on April 26, 2021.

Full job descriptions and application details for both positions are available HERE

You may reach the Personnel Department by phone at (419) 354-6200.
April is Native Plants Month

Ohio became of one of the first States in the country to have a law designating an entire month to native plants in 2019 (and we might be the first!). Since then, Ohio has been working with other States to develop similar legislation. But the final goal was always bigger! After months of working with Senator Portman’s office, Ohio has lead the effort to make April 2021 National Native Plant Month!

Now the goal is to spread the word and encourage everyone to celebrate by hosting native plant educational programs, planting trees, removing invasive plants, working with school children, replacing lawn areas with new native plant habitats, supporting pollinators, and pulling together as a country this April to support our ecosystems.... MORE

WEEKLY UPDATE
COVID-19 Vaccines:

  • Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines has expanded:
  • To review vaccine eligibility guidelines and updates, click HERE or call 419-823-9512.

  • All three vaccines that are currently available are safe and effective, and provide strong protection against serious COVID-19 illness.
  • Get more information from CDC.

  • Vaccine appointments are available now with several local providers.
  • Get contact information for vaccine providers, and what we know about how they schedule appointments, HERE
  • To hear a recorded message about Wood County’s vaccine campaign, call 419-823-9528.
  • Some local providers, like Wood County Health Department, Mercy Health and Wood County Hospital, make additional appointments available starting at noon on Fridays.