Rockford school alum leaves $50,000 for park

ROCKFORD - A 1951 Rockford High School graduate left $50,000 from her estate to the village, village council members learned during Tuesday's meeting.

Collette Dugan specified in her will that the money be used to benefit Shanes Park, councilor Greg Pontsler told members.

She died on June 21 at the age of 84, according to her obituary. Dugan attended Bowling Green State University, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education. During her career, she taught in the Celina, Parkway and Crestview school districts, the obituary stated.

Council members thanked the Dugan family for the donation. They discussed what to do with the money, including possibly building a smaller shelter house.

"There are lots of ideas being thrown around," village fiscal officer Lisa Kuhn said. She urged members to continue exploring ideas.

In other business, Pontsler said Steve Thompson has resigned from the village zoning board after seven years of service. Anyone interested in filling Thompson's vacant seat on the three-person board should contact the village office, village administrator Jeff Long told the newspaper.

Members also discussed meeting once a month instead of twice. Council president Steve Gehle said this has been brought up before, and he opposes the idea.

"When we need to do something that requires three readings, you're talking about three months," he said. Members agreed to discuss the matter in the future. One meeting has been canceled so far this year due to a lack of quorum, Kuhn noted.

Kuhn read a statement from police chief Paul May, notifying members the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has granted Parkway Local Schools a hunting permit to help fight an invasion of turkey vultures at the football field.

"This permit will allow for the destruction of up to five buzzards in the area," the statement read. The hunt will occur at about 9 a.m. Saturday, Kuhn said. Area residents can expect to hear gunshots at this time. Police will be on hand to ensure everyone's safety. All questions can be directed to the police department at 419-363-3032, ext. 2.