CG appoints Lammers as Police Chief

By Nancy Kline

Sentinel Staff Writer

COLUMBUS GROVE – Russell Lammers has been sworn in as the Columbus Grove Police Chief.

At the start of their council meeting, Columbus Grove Mayor Ken Wright swore Lammers in as the new police chief. During the Feb. 13 council meeting, Chief Sean Hiler announced he had decided to resign.

Lammers has been full-time with the Columbus Grove Police Department since 2017. He is a 2012 Kalida High School graduate and has been a police officer since 2012. He has also worked with the Kalida and Glandorf Police Departments.

Russell and his wife Kirsten have one child.

In a related topic Council member Todd Wolfe recommended Lammers attend the upcoming Easter egg hunt at Hall Avenue Park to introduce himself to the community.

In other business, the council approved the 2023 contract to have the Putnam County YMCA operate the Columbus Grove swimming pool. The village agreed to pay the Putnam County YMCA $46,705 plus full chemical costs to operate the pool this year.

Village tax administrator Shana Kerns said past costs for the village to operate the pool was approximately $55,000 annually.

Council members also approved Hohenbrink Contractors to do the East Sycamore project for blacktops, curbs, and sidewalks. They are also doing the West Sycamore project.

Property owners who installed a shed without the required zoning variance will be notified of the steps they have to take to avoid receiving a $117 daily misdemeanor fine.

Council members discussed various ways to keep the public notified of the progress of the planned new fire station. It was noted the design work is now complete for the project.