Commission approves gate for little-used road

Douglas County commissioners on Monday approved putting a gate across North 300 Road just east of East 2100 Road in Palmyra Township.

Area resident and landowner Don Parr Jr. requested the gate to limit access to the road with the aim of curbing illegal activities.

Commissioners agreed to the gate, but stipulated it would remain in place only if the road received minimum maintenance designation. That designation is given to roads that have little traffic and upkeep.

Though the gate is on North 300 Road near a dead end and is expected to affect few people, commissioners decided such gates only could be placed on roads designated as minimum maintenance byways.

Public works director Keith Browning said there were about 20 gated roads in the county.

Emergency personnel are able to open gates when necessary.

Middle school invites public to Thanksgiving

Ottawa — A community dinner for the Ottawa area is set for Thanksgiving Day in the Ottawa High School Cyclone Room.

Ottawa University international students are invited, along with anyone else in the community. Serving will start at 11 a.m. Nov. 25 and continue until 1:30 p.m. Students, staff and community volunteers will serve the dinner.

Food and drinks are being donated by churches, stores, restaurants, students and staff of Ottawa Middle School. The middle school is the primary organizer of the event.

Transportation to and from the dinner will be provided by the school district.

This will be the fourth year for the community dinner. Last year more than 600 dinners were served.