Seneca County Commissioners honor Ralph Weinandy’s 100 birthday
By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
During the Dec. 19 Seneca County Commissioners’ meeting, the commissioners celebrated the life of Alvada resident Ralph Weinandy, who will turn 100 years old on Dec. 28. Commissioner Bill Frankart read a proclamation from the commissioners honoring the veteran, farmer and postal worker.
“The Seneca County Commissioners want to honor Ralph Weinandy for 100 years of service to his family, his community, and his country,” Commissioner Frankart said. “We wish you many more happy years.”
Weinandy said his 100th birthday is “just like any other day.” He reached his 100th year, he said, by living “day by day.” He was grateful for the recognition from the commissioners.
“This is the first time something like this happened,” he said.
On Dec. 18, Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Bryce Riggs, was named the Interim President & CEO of Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP), effective on Dec. 19. He replaces former TSEP president, Aaron Montz, who resigned from the position. Riggs, who will continue his duties at the chamber, attended the commissioners’ meeting to talk about his new position.
“I’m looking forward to working with you and the staff and the board of trustees and all the entities,” he told the commissioners.
Riggs signed a one-year contract with the TSEP Board of Trustees.
“We’ll meet early next year and figure out what the future looks like for the organization,” Riggs said.
Riggs’ work at the chamber has transformed the community, bringing Seneca County to the national stage and providing vital support to small businesses. The commissioners are excited to see how Riggs will continue to further impact the growth and economic health of the community.
“Thanks for stepping up. We look forward to working with you,” Commissioner Frankart said.
During the commissioners’ report, the commissioners talked about the many meetings and events they recently attended. Commissioners Frankart and Paradiso, as well as Seneca County Administrator Barb Patterson, attended the Seneca County Township Association Meeting and Dinner at The Chandelier on Dec. 12.
Among other activities, Commissioner Frankart spoke at a local Boy Scouts meeting, and Commissioner Paradiso attended a Seneca County EMS meeting. He said that Seneca County EMS will take over EMS service in Eden Township on Jan. 1.
“The trustees and taxpayers are really excited,” he said.
Administrator Patterson attended a naturalization ceremony at Tiffin University, where she watched 85 people become U.S. citizens.
“It was all-inspiring to see that,” she said. “That was definitely a proud moment to be an American.”
Mike Dittoe of High Bridge Consulting, who works as a government affairs lobbyist, met with the commissioners by phone during the commissioners’ meeting. Dittoe has provided consulting services to the commissioners’ office for several years, but he will leave High Bridge to become the Chief of Staff of the Ohio House on Jan. 6.
During the call, Dittoe introduced his replacement, Patrick Schwartz, who brings years of experience to the position.
“We’ve worked together for many, many years,” Dittoe said. “He’s a seasoned pro in the lobbying community and well-respected.”
In other business, the commissioners approved four budget adjustments and 16 supplemental appropriations. They also passed ten resolutions, including a resolution terminating the real estate lease agreement with the Seneca Regional Planning Commission for office space on Washington St. in Tiffin. Commissioner Frankart announced that, as of January, 2025, all county townships will now participate in regional planning. The office space is no longer needed because Seneca County Auditor Julie Adkins has assumed the regional planning duties in her office.
Commissioner Paradiso thanked Commissioner Frankart for his efforts to streamline regional planning services.
“You’ve done a good job with regional planning,” he said