FR to get second traffic light

FORT RECOVERY — It won’t be a one-stoplight village anymore.

Bids for installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Elm and Butler streets will be opened Thursday.

Fort Recovery Village Council heard project updates Monday as well as news of utility superintendent Ryan Thien’s resignation.

The village has been working with Ohio Department of Transportation for months to allow for a new traffic light at the village intersection, which also serves as the intersection of Ohio 49 and Ohio 119. Fort Recovery decided in October to move forward with the process, which involved engineering work and selecting a contractor. The village posted an advertisement for bids Oct. 26. Village administrator Randy Diller noted several businesses have expressed interest in the project. Delivery for the device is expected to take nearly a year. 

Council also learned Thien submitted his letter of resignation effective this week. Diller confirmed Thien has accepted a job elsewhere, and council decided in executive session Monday to advertise for the open position.

Diller reminded council members that Fort Recovery Merchants Association will be hosting its Christmas Open House from Thursday through Sunday in the village. Activities include visits from Santa Claus on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in Krenning Park, a tree-lighting ceremony at 7:15 p.m. Thursday in Krenning Park, a live nativity scene Sunday in the open lot next to A Simple Touch, horse and carriage rides Sunday at Fort Recovery State Museum and holiday shopping each day. 

(For a complete list of activities and times, visit the merchants association’s Facebook page.)

Also Monday, council:

•Amended its wage ordinance to give a probationary raise of 75 cents to Haiden Stidam, who has been with the police department for six months.

•Learned plans to do paving and drainage work on the driveway at Fort Site Park will be delayed until spring. However, patch work will be completed Monday, Nov. 13, along several streets including Butler Street, Caldwell Street near its intersection with George Street and Fort Site Street near Fort Site Fuel gas station.

•Heard lights have been installed along the recreational trail at Fort Recovery Community Park, and lights are also expected to be installed soon along Wabash Road at its intersection with First Street.