Post-meeting release 8/31/23

Commissioners hear from Ohio Attorney General’s office representative Thursday

[Tiffin, OH – Aug. 31, 2023] – The Seneca County Board of Commissioners heard an update from Ohio Attorney General’s Office Regional Director Kim Priestap Thursday morning.
Priestap said she visited the commissioners to provide them updates on the work that is being done in the county. She said in the past few weeks she had met with Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Wyandot Executive Director Mircea Handru, Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens, Seneca County Veterans Service Office Director Tara Balliett and local judges.
Priestap said one of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s priorities is to champion the veterans response program. She also outlined several programs and initiatives that could benefit local entities.
Priestap said one area that AG is responsible for is regulating non-profit organizations. She said one way the office assists non-profits is by helping with training. One example of this is Charitable University, which is a brief educational opportunity to learn about the four pillars of non-profit organizations.
In other action, the commissioners agreed to make changes to a resolution approved last week to ban wildlife hunting on county-owned property.
The board heard from members of the Izaak Walton League of Seneca County and from Seneca Conservation District personnel. The group asked the commissioners if the decision to ban wildlife hunting would impact planned hunts on property owned by the conservation district. Some of these hunts include those organized for people with handicaps, veterans and youths.
The commissioners told the group that the decision to ban wildlife hunting due to liability concerns and safety issues was not meant to impact the planned events and hunting at Proving Ground Farm, formerly known as Miller Conservation Farm.
The board agreed to amend the resolution to provide more clarity and directed County Administrator Barb Patterson to draft amendments to be reviewed during next week’s board meeting.
In other business, Commissioner Bill Frankart said that he attended the Ohio District Five Area Agency on Aging’s Outstanding Senior Citizen and Community Service Award Ceremony on Wednesday.
The commissioners were honored to sign onto a proclamation recognizing Leonard Skonecki, of Fostoria, as Seneca County’s Outstanding Senior Citizen for 2023.
Skonecki’s journey started with public service at Dayton State Hospital before returning to his hometown. Over 25 years, he’s become integral to Seneca County, contributing to Fostoria Library, ‘Fostoria Focus’ newspaper and a local radio show. His Excellence in Media Award (2002) underscores his storytelling passion and empathy, showcased through stories of nursing home residents.
Skonecki’s impact spans organizations—he led the Historical Society for 15+ years, fundraised and contributed to history DVDs. Historical portrayals like Governor Charles Foster and Abraham Lincoln enriched local programs. He supports veterans through Sons of the American Legion, ceremonies and memorial services.
Dedicated to education, Skonecki leads book groups at Good Shepherd Home, organizes city tours and assists the Knights of Columbus’ charitable events. His commitment to his hometown is evident, seen in his Leadership Seneca County involvement and support.
Recognizing Skonecki as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of 2023 honors his lifetime of selflessness, community engagement, and commitment, enriching Seneca County’s fabric.
In new business, the commissioners approved all financial adjustments and the one resolution from the meeting agenda.