The Paulding Soil & Water Conservation District has been working with public and private landowners to safeguard natural resources and promote conservation for 71 years. The Paulding SWCD seeks to serve the residents of Paulding County in the areas of technical assistance, conservation education, manure management, equipment rental, and serving as conservation program implementation. The district is governed by a board of 5 elected community members who meet monthly to discuss soil and water quality issues that directly affect community resources. Implementation of Best Management Practices, reducing nutrients in water sources, and managing programs laid out by the Ohio Department of Agriculture are the priorities of the Board. Soil and Water District staff work for the Board and carry out the daily tasks to reach these goals.
Currently there are two board member candidates who are up for re-election this year. The first, Joe Barker, resides in Antwerp and is an active in his church and manages a local non-profit radio station. Joe is also a 5th generation farmer and looks forward to passing on this legacy to future generations. The second candidate, Bryce Mills, is also seeking re-election. He is from Haviland, Ohio and is also active in his church. He is a lifetime Paulding County resident who prides himself on being a dependable and hardworking farmer.
Voting for the Paulding SWCD Board of Supervisors election has begun, and there are several ways that voters are able to cast a ballot. Early absentee voting began August 22nd and will continue until Sept. 25th. You are able to vote if you reside or own land in Paulding County and are over the age of 18. Eligible voters must complete a ballot application in its entirety for validation. Ballots can be found at the Paulding SWCD office, located at 900 Fairground Dr. Ste. B, Paulding, OH 45879. They can be returned to the same office by mail or delivered in person. Additionally, voting will take place on Sept. 11th at the Paulding SWCD Annual Meeting which will be held at the Auglaize Golf Club, 19062 OH-111, Defiance, OH 43512, beginning at 5:30pm. Dinner will be served following the meeting and the cost is $15 per ticket, however, anyone may stop by to cast their ballot during this time and a ticket is not required to do so. Please reach out to the Paulding SWCD office at Paulding@PauldingSWCD.org or by phone at 419-399-4771 with any questions.