​West Liberty has launched Citizen Notifications and a new mobile app, Feel @ Home WL, developed by GOGov. Citizen Notifications allows West Liberty to easily connect with residents through a mobile app. The app also enables residents to connect with West Liberty and is available for download in the App Store and Google Play online stores.

In the app, residents will find:

• Links to the website
• News & updates
• Village Newsletter
• Ongoing events
• And more...

I wanted to share this beautiful new mural at Sherman Ricketts Memorial Park which is the West Liberty Trail head for the Simon Kenton Bike Path.  The mural was a gift from the Ricketts family and Mr. Carmen Scott.  We are very appreciative of this beautiful addition to the park for our visitors on the bike path.

When:  June 27, 2023 leaving from Town Hall at 9 am and returning at 4 pm
Why:  To thank our Veterans for their service as a small token of our appreciation.
 
Transportation is being provided at a discount by Cardinal Motor Coach.  The rest of the cost is being paid for with a gracious donation by Mary Rutan Health.

The bus is handicap accessible and will be able to handle wheelchairs. 
 
Each Veteran may bring one Guest.  Please RSVP by May 31, 2023 to the West Liberty Village Office at 937.465.2716 if you have not already reserved your spot.  We have 12 Veterans who have already voiced interest in going.
 
Box lunches will be provided by the museum with the cost covered by Brenda Snyder owner of Pig In A Pickle food truck.   If you have dietary restrictions please leave those with the Clerk’s Office when you call to reserve your spot.

Congratulations to West Liberty's Business of the Month for April 2023: Theresa's Gingerbread House. We visited this morning to present the winners with their award.

​Enjoy these photos of West Liberty Police Officer Mancini at the Easter Egg Hunt at Quest Church on Saturday, April 1st.

The West Liberty Lions Club is hosting another community Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2nd at 3pm at Lions Club Park.
Proudly sponsored by Marie's Candies, the Easter Egg Hunt is open to all kids 5th grade and younger. Children will be grouped by age.

The Village hosted “How to Know When You Are Being Scammed” on March 20 at 6 pm at Green Hills Foundation Hall. The presentation ,by Shawn Suter owner of Your Hometown Techs, can be found below.

Topics included: a) How to spot online scams and spam accounts including phone scams; b) What to do if you have been scammed; c) The most common types of scams currently: Payday Loan Scams, One-Time Password Bot Scams, IRS or Government Imposter Scams, Charitable Donations Scams, Phishing Emails, and the Grandparent Scams.
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The West Liberty Village Council met in regular session on March 13, 2023.  The meeting began with Council enjoying Michael’s Pizza in honor of the Logan County Pizza Bracket for “Best Pizza in the County” with a reminder to residents that voting begins on March 14.  Council also enjoyed white chocolate peanut butter fancies in honor of Logan Lawn and Landscaping being Business of the Month for March and owner Jake Vitt’s favorite Marie’s Candies.
           
Councilwoman Jayne Griffith provided an update on fundraisers for the Columbus Street Bridge and that the structural engineers will be giving an evaluation of the bridge deck as soon as the weather gets warmer.
           
​An internet radio station was launched last Thursday by Michael Layne who graduated from West Liberty-Salem and is currently living in Indiana.  This community radio will focus on some faith-based music and programming and will allow local churches to broadcast to a local, as well as, international audiences.  Currently the station is playing a variety of music of faith but will be expanding the programming to include: Bishop Mike in the Morning, Bound to Excel with Dr. Michael Layne, a community calendar for events, birthdays, anniversaries, and a view from the Village in the future for listeners to hear what is going on in the West Liberty area.  The station is provided free of charge to the Village.  To listen to the station:  www.wlfpradio.com

An update was given to Council regarding the water main breaks in the Village.  Superintendent Hudson’s notes to the Board of Public Affairs was shared with Council. Residents with water or sewer issues are asked to contact the Board of Public Affairs to resolve any concerns.  The Board of Public Affairs is elected separately from the Council.

There was discussion regarding the planning for the April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse and how we can work with Logan and Champaign counties.  Future meetings for both counties regarding the planning for this event will be on the website and the Town Hall sign for public involvement in this major event.

The Village is still waiting on a proposal from Liberty Township regarding the Town Hall.  A review of the property and other taxes paid to the township was discussed.

The registered Contractors list is found at the www.mywestliberty.com website under the resident tab then government.  Clerk Boyd said that 27 are registered so far and residents may stop in her office to see contact information on the individual contractors.

There is a meeting scheduled for March 14 with the Land Bank for further discussion regarding asbestos removal at the old elementary building on West Columbus Street.  Information regarding this will be discussed at the next Council meeting on March 27 at 7 pm.
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Council adjourned at 9:15 pm

Submitted by Tammy Allison- Mary Rutan Health

​Six area organizations and agencies have come together to conduct the fifth comprehensive Community Health & Needs Assessment (CHA) for Logan County. As part of this assessment, The Center for Marketing and Opinion Research (CMOR), an Ohio-based research company, has been selected to conduct a confidential survey on behalf of Mary Rutan Health, the Logan County Health District, United Way of Logan County, Community Health and Wellness Partners, the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Services Board of Logan & Champaign County and Logan County Job and Family Services.

In the coming weeks, community members may receive a call or e-mail invitation to take the survey. The information you provide will be confidential. A summary of the input of those interviewed will be prepared for the lead organizations without knowing who said what or tying names to individual responses. Each survey will last approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

The information will be shared later this year during a Community Call-to-Action event. During this event, the findings will be reviewed and the greatest areas of need and risk for Logan County will be identified and prioritized for action to be taken.

“This assessment and process allow us to build stronger relationships with our community, identify needs and dedicate and secure funding and other resources toward programs that clearly benefit the residents of Logan County and our community,” said Tammy Allison, MRH Vice President of Community Health & Outreach.

Some of the accomplishments achieved from the findings of our earlier community needs assessments include; improving access to care through the opening of a federally qualified health center and an urgent care to address non-emergent medical needs on nights and weekends, the implementation of the 211 call system to inform area residents of available community resources 24/7, the opening of a domestic violence shelter, and collaborative efforts of community partners to address behavioral health, substance abuse, workforce development and affordable housing needs in Logan County.

Community members are invited and encouraged to participate in this important community survey. The voices of our community members matter.

Questions regarding the CHA survey may be directed to Mary Rutan Community Health & Outreach department at 937-599-7005 or the Logan County Health District at 937-592-9040.

​Mayor Jill McKelvey gave some thoughts on her appreciation for the business members in attendance and their importance to the village. In the past year, the West Liberty council has created the Community Reinvestment Areas that include the entire incorporated areas of the Village where property owners can receive tax incentives for investing in real property improvements. The Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Program is a direct incentive property tax exemption program. Jayne Griffith with the West Liberty City Council also spoke about the fundraising they have been doing to raise funds for the West Columbus Street Bridge project. They are currently selling sponsorships for the 2024 West Liberty Calendar. 2023 Calendars are also available through the Village office.

Mayor McKelvey then talked about the Business of the Month distinction that was started a year ago. The Village Council nominates 3 businesses each month then those 3 businesses are emailed out to WLBA members to vote on a winner. The very first Business of the Month was Elle A. Design in April of 2022. The latest Business of the Month was Tami Cox and Country Friends of Ohio in January 2023. Mayor Jill then spoke about getting ready to award the very first Business of the Year. The nominees were the previous year’s Business of the Month winners along with any other businesses nominated by the community. These included Hillside Greenhouse, Ohio Caverns, Jones Country Store, Heaven’s Dew, Theresa’s Gingerbread House, LeVan’s Excavating, Tiffany’s Touch, Elle A. Design, MCC Thrift Store, Thoman’s IGA, Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor, The People’s Savings and Loan, Michael’s Pizza, Solomon’s Garage, Marie’s Candies, and Malia Hughes Powered by Fathom Realty.

The 2022 Business of the Year is Solomon’s Garage. Owners Dave and Katie Neer both grew up in West Liberty and graduated from West Liberty-Salem High School. They opened Solomon’s in the village in 2012. Not only are they outstanding business owners willing to offer support to new entrepreneurs when they opened Neer & Farm but the countless hours they have given to the WLBA through Katie’s work as secretary and Dave and his team of Technicians who provided judging for our first car show during the June Street Market.

All members are encouraged to participate in the monthly meetings as well as any event committees. The next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9th at 5:30 pm at Mad River Farm Market. If you are interested in joining the West Liberty Business Association, please email wlba@mywestliberty.com for more information.