2007 Year End Report

2007 is a year we will all remember for various reasons.

The City of Wauseon suffered through many adversities such as the fire that destroyed much of our downtown including six businesses, a hailstorm which caused damage to autos and homes costing 100's of thousands of dollars. The closure of Sterling Dairy, which cost our community many jobs as well as a cornerstone business in Wauseon.

Rather than dwell on the negatives, we need to look at all the positives that we enjoyed last year.

In 2007:

We welcomed two new restaurants to Wauseon - Dairy Queen and the Grasshopper.

Riley Tractor Parks moved their operation into Wauseon.

A plan to rebuild downtown Wauseon, including a 20 unit hotel, restaurant and five retail spaces is under way.

The Fulton County Health Center built a Dialysis Center.

Sara's Garden completed the Hope Center.

IAC announced 260 jobs will be added along with a pledge to remain in Wauseon for 20 years.

Sterlena Pride purchased the assets of Sterling processing plant and began production in February 2008.

Sewer separations continued through 2007 to remain in compliance with state mandates.

The pump station on Burr Road was replaced.

A Free Medical Clinic was opened in Wauseon through the generosity of many volunteers offering medical services to the uninsured and under insured in Fulton County.

The completion of the Booth Detention Pond is a major step in solving the flooding problems for the City.

The transfer of the Recycling Center to the county has been a positive move for both Wauseon and Fulton County.

As with all successful projects, the accomplishments in 2007 were made possible by the efforts of many individuals working together toward a common goal.
I would like to thank Wauseon City Council, staff, department heads, and all City employees for their dedication.
Thank you also the Fulton County Commissioners and Clinton Township Trustees for their continued support and co-operation. I would also like to thank Carrie Nixon and Dan Garvin for their service to Wauseon. A special thank you to Governor Strickland and Lieu. Gov. Fisher, Rep. Bruce Goodwin and Sen. Steve Buehrer for their efforts, which were instrumental in the downtown rebuilding project.
I would like to welcome Steve Buehrer, Tom McWatters and Shane Chamberlin; I look forward to working with all of you.

As always, it is the citizens of Wauseon that make this community special, a community where volunteers are not a thing of the past, but rather a way of life.