Lawrence Township trustees urge trail safety during deer season

At the Nov. 13 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Don Ackerman, trustee, cautioned people using the Towpath Trail to wear orange during deer season. Other bright colors can help, he said, but orange is customary and the most visible color to wear.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the 2025-2026 deer season dates are as follows:

—Youth gun and archery: Sept. 27 to Feb. 1

—Gun season: Dec. 1-7 and Dec. 20-21

—Muzzleloader: Jan 3-6

Ackerman also asked users of the Towpath Trail and the River Park Trail through Wilkshire Hills to use trash cans or take trash with them when they leave. The township is short one road crew member for the winter, so this will help.

In public comments, Bolivar Fire Chief Shawn Lynch informed trustees that the ladder truck will be out of commission for about a month while it is being repaired. He also congratulated Ackerman and President Mike Haueter for being re-elected to the board of trustees.

Both Haueter and Ackerman were elected to four-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026 and ending Dec. 31, 2029.

Reports—

Street Supervisor Perry Myers brought attention to the newly paved parking lot at the township building and said he was working on crack sealing some streets, but which it is taking a bit longer than expected as he is working out some kinks in the new machine.

Myers also said the trucks have been winterized and prepared for ice and snow.

Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley said members of the zoning commission met recently and discussed the possibility of establishing parking restrictions on township roads, particularly during heavy winter snows.

Weekley said he will consult with the township’s attorney to see if the township has the authority to institute such regulations.

Trustee Matt Ritterbeck said he has been working with Millersburg Electric, Blasenhauer Plumbing and Columbia Gas to get the new generator in working order. He asked the board to approve $1,277 to purchase another regulator and have it installed by Blasenhauer Plumbing, saying it was needed in order to provide the proper gas pressure to the generator.

Trustees approved the purchase and Ritterbeck said he is hoping to have the new regulator installed by Friday, Nov. 21.

Ackerman said the township will be moving ahead with a newsletter and asked each department to provide ideas for articles that will make the newsletter useful to township residents.

Administrative Assistant Betty Milliken asked if the board wished to give the customary $50 holiday gift cards to members of the zoning commission and the board of zoning appeals. Trustees approved the purchase and reminded residents that members of both boards are not paid for their service to the community.

Fiscal Officer Ann Ackerman said she has registered to attend the year-end Uniform Accounting Network training in Columbus. She also said she will present some resolutions at the next meeting in preparation of the year’s end.

Meetings rescheduled—

The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees meet the second and last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW in Bolivar.

However, due to the Nov. 27 meeting falling on Thanksgiving this year, the meeting will be moved to Tuesday, Nov. 25. The Dec. 25 meeting is rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 29. All meetings are at 7 p.m. and are open to the public.