Carroll County OKs $10,832 courthouse window replacement; Wickline named planning director

At the Sept. 18 meeting, Carroll County commissioners heard from Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Ed Eick about water damage caused by aging third-floor windows in the courthouse. The problems include leaking seals, missing trim and corrosion that has led to soaked carpets.

Eick presented bids from two companies, with Canton Glass quoting $10,492 and Bonfert Glass Company of Alliance quoting $10,832. While slightly higher, Bonfert’s proposal included tinted insulated glass to match existing windows and the installation of bronze flashing to stop further leakage. Commissioners approved the Bonfert Glass bid to replace nine windows for $10,832.

In an unrelated matter, Commissioner Chris Modranski said the board recently interviewed three candidates for the economic development and regional planning director position. He recommended hiring Lynda Wickline of Carrollton at a starting wage of $23 per hour with a six-month probationary period. Following the probation, she would be eligible for an increase of up to $1 per hour. Commissioner Wirkner said he felt Wickline would be a good fit for the role.

Commissioners approved Wickline.

In other business, commissioners: 

— PAID the bills of $394,398.81. 

— APPROVED an agreement by and between the board of commissioners and Cardinal Gas Services LLC to commence use of 2 miles of CR 11 (Antigua Road) and 1.5 miles of CR 51 (Cactus Road) for the purpose of ingress to and egress from the Watkins Well Connect, for traffic necessary for the purpose of construction and completion operations of the Watkins Well Connect in Monroe Township. 

— APPROVED permits for the use of the following county highway right of way as recommended by the county engineer: Cardinal Gas Services LLC for installation of a proposed 10-inch-diameter steel natural gas pipeline in Section 17 of Monroe Township, on Antigua Road SW (CR 11) for the Watkins Well Connect, HOP #2; Cardinal Gas Services LLC for a driveway in Monroe Township, on Antigua Road SW (CR 11) for the Watkins Well Connect, TAR #1; Cardinal Gas Services LLC for a driveway in Monroe Township, on Antigua Road SW (CR 11) for the Watkins Well Connect, TAR #2; EOG Resources Inc. for a driveway in Brown Township, on Citrus Road NW (CR 68) for the Blackbird Compressor, PAR #BB1; and Todd Wright for installation of a ¾-inch water service line by directional drilling in Section 24 of Brown Township, on Arrow Road NW (CR 15). 

— ALLOWED Caring Hands to hold its Halloween bake sale on the second floor of the courthouse Friday, Oct. 24, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. 

— HEARD Modranski read an email from local screenwriter Duane Abel, who provided updates on his upcoming film, “A Christmas Drawn Together.” The filming dates are Jan. 4-17, 2026, and will begin and end on the courthouse steps. Residents are encouraged to follow the film on Facebook and Instagram @achristmasdrawntogether to stay up to date on casting announcements, film locations and more.