Butler bridge project funding, library events, sandhill crane survey

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will dedicate nearly $28 million to support local projects to repair, replace or demolish 24 aging bridges in Ohio, including the East Elm Street bridge in Butler. The project will receive $751,894 for fiscal year 2026.

Funding from the Municipal Bridge Program has been allotted to support the total replacement of 16 bridges, the repair of four bridges, and the demolition of four bridges. Although ODOT considers the 20 bridges being repaired/replaced safe for traffic, significant improvements are necessary to ensure that the structures do not become dangerous in the future. The four bridges that will be demolished have each been out of use for several years.

Grants will pay for up to 95% of the eligible costs for bridge construction and inspection. A funding limit of $2 million is set per project, and a local match is required for construction projects.

SHELBY — Marvin Memorial Library will present "A Night with Elvis" at The Black Fork Commons Amphitheater at 5 p.m. Wednesday featuring Elvis impersonator Jay Freeman.

The Grunt Grub food truck will be available. All are welcome to attend. People attending should bring a lawn chair.

CRESTLINE — During the months of June and July, the Crestline Public Library is accepting pet food and supplies in lieu of a fine. All material must be returned. The value of the pet food/supply must be at least half the value of the fine.

Suggested donations include: Purina dry dog food or Iams dry dog food (not expired), Purina dry or Iams dry kitten food (not expired), bleach, paper towels, Nylabones, Milk Bones and cat toys.

All of the collected pet supplies will go to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County.

COLUMBUS — Observers reported 357 sandhill cranes in Ohio during the volunteer-driven 2023 Midwest Crane Count on April 15, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The survey was conducted in 30 pre-selected counties during the cranes' nesting season to monitor Ohio's growing breeding population of sandhill cranes. Cranes were observed in 24 of those counties. Counties were selected based on the availability of wetland habitat that cranes use for nesting. None were reported in Richland County this year. Last year, four were counted.

The sandhill crane was once extirpated from Ohio. They returned to Wayne County in 1987 to breed and have been slowly expanding since. They are still listed as a threatened species in Ohio.

● Shelby City Council Ad Hoc Sidewalk Committee, 2 p.m. Wednesday, conference room, 5 Water St., Shelby

● Shelby City Council Safety Committee, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, conference room, 5 Water St., Shelby