From WOOD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Nominations are being accepted now through the end of August for the Spirit of Wood County Awards, a long-standing local tradition to recognize residents who demonstrate outstanding community service, personal integrity, and dedication to improving life in Wood County.
The Spirit of Wood County Awards honor people whose actions reflect the values of civic responsibility, leadership, and commitment to the common good.
The awards started as part of a larger program in 1987 for the bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance, which established government framework for what is now the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota. The following year, the Wood County commissioners continued the awards as an annual recognition of exceptional community service and dedication.
While some of the titles and descriptions have changed over the years, the Spirit of Wood County Awards still serve as a tribute to the values and people who help maintain a thriving and engaged community.
Awards are offered in seven categories and will be presented at an event later this year. Anyone can nominate a current or former Wood County resident by submitting a form available at www.woodcountyohio.gov, along with a statement describing the individual’s achievements, public involvement, and community impact in one of the following categories:
- Agricultural leadership: awarded for leadership, innovation, and outstanding stewardship within Wood County’s agricultural community
- Education for civic responsibility: celebrates individuals who promote civic awareness, community involvement, and responsible citizenship through education or outreach
- Industrial and economic development: honors those who have made significant contributions to the business climate, workforce development, or economic growth
- Liberty through law and human freedom: acknowledges efforts that advance justice, protect individual rights, and support human freedom within the community
- Religion and liberty: recognizes a person whose contributions highlight the relationship between faith, service, and personal liberty
- Self-government: honors individuals whose work strengthens representative governance, local leadership, and public enagement
- The Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award: presented to an individual whose broad, long-term service exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication to Wood County.
Anyone with questions can contact the commissioners’ office at 419-354-9100. Completed nomination materials can be sent by email to commissioners@woodcountyohio.gov or by mail to Spirit of Wood County Awards, Wood County Commissioners, One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green, OH 43402.
