Chief of police steps aside in Ottawa

Ottawa — The Ottawa Police Department on Friday said farewell to its retiring police chief.

Jeff Herrman passed his duties to Dennis Butler, a former captain of the Alexandria, Va., Police Department. Butler, who was hired by Ottawa City Manager Weldon Padgett in May, worked for the Alexandria department for 24 years.

Butler was selected from among 68 applicants from 22 states.

Hermann had been chief for 15 years.

Motorcyclists to raise funds for toddlers

A motorcycle ride today will benefit the Ottawa-Wellsville Infant-Toddler Program.

The ride begins at 1 p.m. today in Forest Park in Ottawa and takes the motorcyclists through Baldwin, Vinland, around Lone Star Lake and finally to the Ottawa Applebee’s, 2341 S. Oak St., for food and drink specials.

Riders will receive playing cards along the way, and the rider with the highest poker hand will receive a cash prize.

Registration is available at the event and will be $15 per rider. Additional poker hands are $5 apiece and T-shirts will be sold at $10 for an extra large or $12 for an extra-extra large. All money raised benefits the program.

The Infant-Toddler Program helps children from birth to 3-years-old who have developmental disabilities.