Auglaize County board ready for Election Day

With the 2021 election less than a week away, the Ohio Secretary of State’s office has not issued specific guidances to election officials related to keeping voters safe from the coronavirus.

Not to worry, however. Local officials have you covered.

“Basically it’s using common sense. We know what the CDC recommendations are, so we are going to go ahead and try to have it be as safe as possible,” Board of Elections Director Michelle Wilcox said. “Masks are not mandated, but if you want to wear one that’s fine.”

Many of last year’s recommendations will still be taken to heart.

“We will have our personal protective equipment available to wipe things down in order to be proactive. A tub of personal protective equipment will be available at each precinct.”

Voter bags at polling locations will have masks available for voters to use.

It’s a thin year for ballot issues; most are township related:

* Wayne Township has proposed an additional 0.7 mill levy for five years for cemetery maintenance, and a 2.5 mill levy renewal for five years, for emergency services;

* New Knoxville has a 2 mill levy renewal for five years for fire and EMS,

* Jackson Township has a 3 mill levy renewal for three years for fire and EMS,

* Logan Township has a 1 mill replacement levy for a continuing period of time for fire and EMS.

* Washington Township has 2 mill, five year levy renewal for fire and EMS.

*Minster residents have a 3 mill, three year renewal for a fire and EMS levy.

* Those in the Minster Local School District face for a 1.05 mill total for a five year renewal for a school district levy. That is a 0.25 mill increase.

For those in Logan Township, Shawnee Local School District, has a 5.9997 mill levy renewal for 10 years for emergency requirements.

For those in Salem Township, Spencerville Local School District, voters will see a one percent income tax for current expenses.

There are a number of candidate issues throughout the county:

* Two candidates are on the ballot for St. Mary city treasurer: Frank Thomas and Kathy Fleagle. Neither has held the office before. In the city’s second ward, three new residents are vying to represent that ward on city council: Ashley Randolph, David Lunz and Kyle Schmel.

* Waynesfield voters will chose among seven candidates running to fill four open seats. Council members Vicki Zimmerman, Scott Newland and Ronda Knox are competing against Timothy Walti, former council member William Motter, Deborah Ball and Jesselyn Winegardner.

* Five candidates have expressed interest in serving on Minster Village Council where four spots are available. Council members Curt

Albers, Craig Oldiges, Travis Wilges, and Craig Sherman, are all on the ballot as well as newcomer Forrest Kitzmiller,

* In the New Bremen Board of Education race, candidates are competing for three openings. Suzanne Wells, Michelle Bambauer, and Michelle Busse will be on the ballot as will Kurt Rammel, although Rammel has withdrawn.

* In German Township there are two trustee positions will be on the ballot. Current trustees David Albers and Robert Heitkamp are seeking re-election; Mike Varno hopes to unseat one of them.

In Logan Township current trustee Sam Kellerman is seeking re-election while Todd Place and current zoning inspector Mark Lee are vying for a trustee seat as well.