Towpath Radio Grand Rapids Mayor Discusses Maumee River Conditions and Flood Readiness
Written by Towpath Radio on February 10, 2026
GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio — Grand Rapids Village Council met Monday, Feb. 9, at the Historic Town Hall, where Mayor John Berry urged residents to stay prepared for potential flooding if rain or rapid snowmelt causes the Maumee River to rise quickly.
Berry said ice on the Maumee measured about 10 inches thick last weekend and remains heavier upstream, with low water levels limiting flow. He cautioned that a sudden thaw or heavy rainfall could quickly change conditions.
“Be prepared, because if it comes fast — water — we might get some water in town,” Berry said. “I’m not trying to scare anybody, but there’s things you should do to be prepared. You should have sandbags kept around from the last flood. If you didn’t, the village has some.”
Council approved payment of $32,548.01 in bills from Jan. 23 through Feb. 5 and handled other routine business.
Council President Rachel Smith summarized the recent Council of the Whole meeting, which focused on ongoing work to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). She said members discussed boundary adjustments, possible ordinance edits, and revisions to the proposed map. Once updates are complete, another meeting will be scheduled.
Also during the meeting, a representative from Frontier detailed plans to upgrade the village’s broadband network by replacing existing copper lines with fiber during the second quarter. Frontier, now owned by Verizon, expects the project to expand faster internet service. Much of Grand Rapids is currently served by M2X Communications based in McClure.
The Building, Lands and Parks Committee is set to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Town Hall to discuss potential 2026 projects.
Grand Rapids Village Council meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
