4‑H club granted permission to place Rainbow Bridge pet memorial on courthouse lawn

Members of the Findlay Sherrod Wildlife Explorers 4‑H club asked commissioners for permission to place a Rainbow Bridge pet memorial on the west side of the Steele County courthouse lawn; commissioners approved the request at the Aug. 5 meeting. A club reporter introduced the proposal, and club officers identified themselves as Tia (treasurer) and Kyana (president). The club said it has 35 members, will pay for the bridge and materials, will paint and seal the structure, and will maintain it going forward. The club proposed siting the bridge under trees on the west side of the courthouse lawn and including a sign explaining the memorial's purpose and an opportunity for residents to place a collar or other memento on the structure. Commissioners asked whether the club would cover costs and maintenance; the club said it would. A commissioner moved to approve placement on the west lawn; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. No county funds were committed. County staff will coordinate placement logistics and ensure the structure meets any site or safety requirements before installation.