Reward goes up for farm crime info

PORT CLINTON — The Ottawa County Farm Bureau doubled the amount of reward money that can be awarded for information relating to crime on county farms. The farm bureau is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to convictions for crimes that occurred on farms. Members of the bureau made the announcement at a joint press conference with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office on Thursday. The previous reward amount was $2,500. Sheriff Steve Levorchick, joined by farm bureau president Dean Schiller and member Sheldon Miller, spoke about increasing the reward as a way to create awareness of crime on farms — like theft of tools and other property — and to act as a deterrent for potential criminals. Levorchick and the farm bureau also reminded drivers to be careful and courteous around large, slow-moving farm vehicles as planting season approaches. "Please be aware and understanding of their slow travel," he said. "They're putting food on the table. Instead of yelling at them, thank them." People need to meet certain conditions to be eligible for reward money. In addition to the conviction requirement, people must be members of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau to be eligible, must report the crime to law enforcement first and must also have a sign denoting the reward amount displayed on their property. People can get copies of the reward signs or make claims by contacting the Ottawa County Farm Bureau's office in Woodville. Ottawa County farm facts: • Acres of farm: 122,000 • About 500 farms • County farm bureau members: 660