From WOOD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The Wood County Commissioners will present the Spirit of Wood County Awards on Sunday, Nov. 22, in recognition of six people who have demonstrated outstanding public and community service.
The 2026 Spirit of Wood County Awards honor winners in six categories:
• Agricultural Leadership – Debbie Belleville
• Education for Civic Responsibility – Delores Black
• Industrial & Economic Development – Jerry Greiner
• Self-Government – Eric Reynolds
• Religion & Liberty – Pastor Deb Conklin
• Lyle R. Fletcher Good Citizenship Award – Becky Williams
The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m.. in the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium of the Wood County Courthouse. The event is free and open to the public. Friends, family members, and colleagues of the award winners are encouraged to attend.
Commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Ted Bowlus, and Craig LaHote will present the awards following brief remarks from the individuals who nominated this year’s recipients.
“These awards remind us that strong communities are built by people who invest their time, talents, and energy in serving others,” Herringshaw said. “We are grateful for this year’s recipients and honored to recognize the lasting difference they have made throughout Wood County.”
The Spirit of Wood County Awards started as part of a larger program for the bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance in 1987, 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.
Nominations are accepted year-round, and those that are not selected are kept on file for two years.
Nomination materials for the Spirit of Wood County Awards can be found here: https://woodcountyohio.gov/213/Spirit-of-Wood-County-Awards.
