When does a tornado warning become a reality? Derek Witt, meteorologist for WTVG-13 Toledo, knows all too well, and at the annual banquet and meeting of the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District on Wednesday, Sept. 20 will give an overview of the June tornado that devastated some homes and farms in Salem Township.

Witt will talk about the quick developing weather pattern that caused the event. We will have additional information on the follow-up response from the community and officials and the progress that has been made to recover.

There will also be the camaraderie of the 71st annual gathering of the Ottawa District, and a veritable feast. Tickets are $10, and the banquet features a choice of BBQ chicken or beef brisket, sides and a variety of pies. The SWCD crew can promise it will be “finger lickin’ good”!

Members can cast ballots from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to elect two SWCD supervisors.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. The SWCD Cooperator of the Year honors will also be awarded to an individual, business or agency for outstanding support for conservation efforts.

Contact the District Office at (419-898-1595 or becky.simpson@ottawaswcd.com) where staff members will assist with tickets or call Board of Supervisors that include Rich Thorbahn, Todd Hecht, Roland Sandrock, Jim Sass or Bill Hartman. You can now order your tickets online at ottawaswcd.com.