Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
Group makes plans to assist with GOBA
MECCA
By Margie Wuebker
NEW BREMEN - The Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association plans to be involved when the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure pedals into the area in June.
MECCA board members discussed the June 19-21 event during a Monday night meeting. Nearly 3,000 bicyclists are expected to stay on the grounds around New Bremen High School.
MECCA Director Neal Brady said work is under way on presentations regarding the Great Flood of 1913, a disaster that contributed to the demise of the canal. The presentations are one way the organization will support the event.
In other news, members talked about work that continues on a trail network. The association is working with Shelby County and Lockington officials. Plans also call for a trail tie-in with Miami County in the coming months. National Trail Day observance is June 1.
Locally, an open house is planned 4-6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the lockkeeper's house. Visitors will have an opportunity to view plans for a path connecting downtown New Bremen and the Kuenning-Dicke Natural Area along the historic canal. The project is being undertaken, in part, with federal transportation enhancement funds distributed through the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Village officials will speak at 5 p.m. to provide a brief project update, followed by an opportunity for citizens to make public comments. Citizens are asked to limit their statements to less than three minutes.
Brady said the all-weather path, which he labeled "a wonderful addition to the canal," can be used by pedestrians, bikers and the handicapped.
Elected to office as part of the annual meeting were Steve Dorsten, president; Lou Homan, vice president; William White, treasurer; Ben Richard, secretary; and Jim Vetter, at-large officer.
New board members include Sam Bonifas of Spencerville, Randy Henkener of St. Marys and Tim Martin, a Dannon Company representative. Reappointed as board members were Jim Bernhold, Stan Davis and Lynn Smith.
The board's next meeting is 7 p.m. March 18 in the MECCA office on South Washington Street in New Bremen. Meetings are held on a bi-monthly basis.
