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Avery's Memory Honored with Renaming of Facility in Ft. Wayne
Above: The ceremony is led by Community and Food Bank Leaders.
She had proven
herself as a compassionate leader and in 2011, Ft. Wayne Mayor Tom Henry
awarded Avery with the Key to the Fort for her commitment to the
community. She was also awarded the 2015 Sagamore of the Wabash Award,
presented by Governor Mike Pence for distinguished service.
Above: Family shown left to right: Mr. and Mrs.
Hicham Mannir and son; Jane's daughter, Allison Avery with fiance,
Chase; Jane's brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Judy Avery; Jane's
husband Bill Hoover; daughter, Beth Anne Mannir with friend Rusty.
Daughter Maureen "Mo" Jeffrey was unable to attend.
The Food Bank administrators and employees were in attendance, as well as Jane's family and the Community Harvest Board of Directors. The dedication ceremony was held at 999 East Tillman Road in Fort Wayne on Tuesday, June 14th, at 4:00pm
Jane Avery was known as a compassionate woman who respected all individuals.
Community Harvest Board Member and District Manager for Kroger Chris Gomez said "She truly made an impact on everyone she met." Jane's leadership took her to Feeding America national committees and food bank work groups, where she served as chairperson for the Feeding America Central Region network, which represented nearly half of Feeding America's food banks. Jane worked on national programs and disaster relief efforts and became a trusted advisor to leaders on the 2008 Farm Bill. Because of this national work, she was, in 2009, presented with the "Distinguished Hoosier Award" by then Governor Mitch Daniels, and in 2010 named a finalist for the Indiana Torchbearer Award. In 2011, she was named the Journal Gazette's 2008 "Citizen of the Year."
As a child growing up in Rockford, Jane helped out in her parents' local grocery store. Working alongside her brothers and sister, she once said she learned about managing food from her family's guiding hand. After high school, she went on to attend Saint Francis College in Fort Wayne (BA in Social Work) and then Taylor University in Fort Wayne for an MBA. She worked at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne (where she managed the ElderMed Program), Catholic Charities, and parish work at the former Saint Paul's Catholic Church in downtown Fort Wayne before she took on the long-time Executive Directorship of Community Harvest Food Bank (CHFB) of Northeast Indiana. Avery is survived by her husband, Bill Hoover, and her daughters Elizabeth Mannir, Mo Jeffrey and Allison Avery.
Thank you to Deb (Bollenbacher)
Reichard and Beckie (Bollenbacher) McMillen for recommending this
dedication to one of Rockford's own.
Click here for Jane's obituary.
Thank you to Henkle
Insurance for being our PWI weather sponsor!
Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge
Road to Close for Culvert Replacement
Any additional questions, contact the Mercer County Engineer's Office at 419-586-7759.
Fun & Fitness Fridays - at Shane's Park
For additional info, contact Jennifer Barrett 419-605-7305.
Council Meets to Discuss
Proposed Subdivision
Click here to read the Rockford Council News for this and other council business.
Sign-Up For Wren Rib Roast Cook-off
It's Rib Cook-off time again! The 13th Annual Wren Rib Roast Cookoff will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 during the Homecoming festivities. This year's theme will be "Southern Family BBQ". Cooks are asked to consider a regional flare from their favorite Southern city or state for the contest.
Contestants will need to provide any equipment necessary. Western-style pork ribs will be provided to each contestant on the Thursday before the contest. All types of spices, marinades, and "secret recipes" are encouraged. All types of cookers and any fuel sources will be accepted. Cooking will take place outside the Wrenway Wiffleball Park, with judging starting at 11:30 am. Ribs will be judged on taste and tenderness. A separate prize will be given for presentation, sauce and best side dish. For the second year, a "People's Choice" award will once again be presented. Visiting rib enthusiasts can enter a drawing to be one of two "celebrity judges". All ribs must be prepared on-site the day of the contest.To sign up or find out more information, please call James Lautzenheiser at (216) 262-2805.
Company Donates
Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank the Nerium Company for their $10,000.00 match during our recent Bowl for Kids Sake. Nerium, an anti-aging company, founded in 2011 is the largest donor to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. This is the first time Nerium matched Big Brother Big Sisters of Mercer, Auglaize and Van Wert Counties and it is the largest match. Also, 30% of Nerium's proceeds go toward medical research. Ty and Stacey Leffler, Jodi Veit and Sherri Hodge who are Brand Partners were very instrumental in securing these funds to help our local program.
Two Wonderful Bands Combine for One BIG Show on July 8th
Dane Newlove (above) with the help of the current St. Mary's band director Craig French formed the St. Mary's Band. Both bands that are guaranteed to please all listeners will perform a variety of music.
The Van Wert band will feature two of their members Paula Linn and Scott Turner, on a piano
duet titled Spiritual Rhapsodies. A caution to our audience that we have been having some problems with these two musicians concerning who should have top billing and dominate the spot light. A food stand will be available prior to the concert provided by the District Eastern Star beginning at 5:30. Please join the bands featuring over 100 members from a 5 county area for this special concert. In the event of inclement weather, we will try to move the concert to an indoor venue to be announced. Please listen to the local radio station for this information. The Van Wert Band will also perform at the Van Wert Museum July 4th from 1:00- 2:00 P.M.
The Payne (Ohio) Ball Association will be hosting two all-star tournaments the weekend of July 8, July 9 and July 10 at the Payne Community Park.
A boys 8 & under coach-pitch baseball tournament will be played with teams guaranteed three games in the tournament.
Also, a girls 8 & under coach-pitch softball tournament will take place on those three days as well with all teams guaranteed to play three games.
Individual awards will be award after each game as well as the top two teams will be recognized with individual awards to all players.
For more information, please contact Kevin Wannemacher at (419) 399-7243 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Registration and payment must be received to confirm your spot.
Taste of Celina
Hospital Listed in Top 100
"Our strong local communities are a result of strong community services including education and healthcare. Here at Mercer Health we take our responsibility as stewards of community health very seriously. Nearly 2,100 hospital systems fall into the rural category and we are pleased to fall in the top 100," shares Klenke.
In addition, Mercer Health landed on Becker's Hospital Review, 100 Great Community Hospitals for 2016. Becker's is the leading hospital magazine for hospital business news and analysis for hospital and health system executives. Becker's has published a version of this list annually since 2011. This is the fifth year the list has included 100 hospitals. For the purposes of this list, Becker's defines a "community hospital" as one with fewer than 550 beds that have minimal teaching programs.
A release from Becker's states, "The hospitals on this list are spread across the country, some not far from major metro areas and some in rural communities. Regardless of location or whether they are affiliated with a major system, these hospitals are vital parts of their respective communities."
The Becker's editorial team selected hospitals for inclusion based on rankings and awards from organizations including iVantage Health Analytics, Truven Health Analytics, Healthgrades, CareChex, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Leapfrog Group. Included organizations have earned recognition from one or more of these organizations. The list of the 100 Great Community Hospitals and more information can be found at www.beckershospitalreview.com.
George Boyles, Senior Vice President and CFO states, "To be included in the Becker's list is outstanding. To be considered among the top in the nation is a major distinction. Our team is definitely among the best and we thank them for the outstanding service they provide to our community."
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: Paul Leasor, St. Marys, and Werner Schmiesing, Minster, were comparing notes about their Pre-Historic Artifact Collections on June 27, 2010, at the Mercer County Historical Museum, Celina. The public is invited to the June 26, 2016 Artifact Exhibit & Homecoming Celebration.
Welcome to the Homecoming Celebration of the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors at the 36th Annual Prehistoric Artifact Exhibit, at the Mercer County Historical Museum, 130 East Market, Celina, on Sunday, June 26, 2016, 1:00 – 4:00. The word "artifact," means "any piece made by human work." Therefore, the Prehistoric Artifacts are prehistoric tools made by prehistoric man, thousands of years ago.
Hundreds of Flint Arrowheads; Slate Pendants, Gorgets and Bannerstones; Bird Stones; Stone Axes and Hammerstones; Celts; Adzes, and other artifacts will be on exhibit. The Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors are showing their own private collections of Artifacts, which is a One-Of-A-Kind Exhibit.
The Native Americans used these Artifacts, between 1000 and 10,000 years ago, following the Ice Age in North America. These tools show the skill, knowledge, and craftsmanship of their trade. Sometimes, we forget to give credit to the early Native Americans for creating stone tools and practicing their survival skills. These Native Americans deserve our respect as they lived here for thousands of years.
BYOA! Bring Your Own Artifacts to this June 26th Sunday afternoon Exhibit, and ask the Expert Collectors for information about your Artifacts. This is not the Antique Road Show as seen on television. This is the Prehistoric Artifact Exhibit Road Show at 130 East Market Street, Celina, at the Mercer County Historical Museum.
The only other Prehistoric Exhibit at the Mercer County Historical Museum is the Prehistoric Elk exhibit, from Cranberry Prairie. This particular Elk was the "one who got away," when a Prehistoric Hunter hit the Elk with a spear point, but the Elk disappeared in the swamp land, over 9000 years ago. These old Elk bones were preserved in the swamp land and were discovered 9000 years later, by the men working with the ditching machine on this Prairie, in 1982. This rare discovery was reported in the Fall 1984 issue of the "Ohio Archaeologist" Magazine.
The Mercer County Historical Society Members are issuing a Special Homecoming Invitation to each of the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors who have exhibited their Collections these past 35 years at the Mercer County Historical Museum, to come and spend time with friends and guests who have visited the Annual Artifact Exhibits. Not every Collector has to bring his collection, but every Collector is invited to attend this Homecoming Celebration.
I need your help. Also on display will be photographs taken at the Artifact Exhibits these past 35 years. Not all of the photographs have names listed. I invite you to help the Mercer County Historical Society to preserve the History of the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors by making certain that each person on each photograph is identified. Without your help, some of the persons on the photographs remain unidentified. Each Collector is important at this Homecoming Celebration of the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors at the Mercer County Historical Museum, on Sunday, June 26.
Parkway Local
School Board Special Meeting
Wright State University-Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center's
Offers June Workshops for Business Owners/Workforce
Business Consulting Customized Workforce Training Advanced Manufacturing Training
Celina, Ohio – Did you know that the Business Enterprise Center (BEC) has helped thousands of new business start-ups since 1985? Today free business consultation services are still offered to new and existing businesses throughout our area due to a number of local banks, economic development agencies, community foundations, and counties donations which help offset costs.
Non-credit Class Offerings in Summer at WSU-Lake Campus
· PREPARING & WORKING WITH BUDGETS (Part of our finance series)
Are you in charge of budgeting at the office? Do you have a project or idea but you're not sure how much it will cost? You need a budget! Ron will teach the components of a budget to make your plans a reality. You will learn how to generate a budget using income, expenses, how to estimate project costs, and how to modify your budget to fit your needs. This class is for anyone who is new to budgets as well as those who handle budgets on a daily basis. All levels of learners are welcome!
Class Date: July 7, 2016; 5:30-7:30 p.m. {2 hours} Instructor Ron Kremer;
Room: 119 Trenary Hall; Wright State University-Lake Campus; Cost $40 p/person
Microsoft Publisher is an easy-to-use design program which can create professional results. You can use Publisher's tools to produce flyers, invitations, certificates, newsletters, and other marketing materials. Carla will teach you how to resize pictures/objects, add text boxes, and apply other formatting. You will learn features how to layer pictures, complete mail merges and table edits, and use drawing tools. This three-hour class will give Publisher users the ability to make attractive documents for all occasions!
Class Dates: July 11, 2016; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. {3 hours}; Instructor: Carla Hirschfeld;
Room: 192 Dwyer Hall; Wright State University-Lake Campus; Cost: $55 p/person
· "STARTING RIGHT" (Pre-Business Seminar Held Monthly)
Each month the BEC hosts the Starting Right class for individuals planning to start a small business. This two-hour class gives you information to help you decide if business ownership is right for you and assists you in starting your business the "Wright Way." After the class, you are entitled to free, individualized business counseling. We help with most issues pertaining to financials for your business—cash flow, pricing, supply costs, record-keeping, etc. We also assist with your Business Plan narrative as well as marketing and advertising, researching demographics, HR issues, etc.
Class Date: Thursday, July 21, 2016; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Room 126 Trenary Hall,
Wright State University-Lake Campus; Cost is $35 p/business.
We recommend all new business owners attend this class.
To register for any classes or to get information about the BEC programs, call the Wright State University-Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center at (419) 586-0902 or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Calvary Evangelical Church Updates
Stetler and Miller Families Announce Engagement
Stetler/Miller Engagement Announcement Brian and Kendra Stetler, Celina, Ohio announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter Megan Stetler, to Scott Miller, son of Nick and Lisa Miller, Convoy, Ohio. The bride elect is a graduate of Celina High School and attends Rhodes State College majoring in business. She is employed by Pax Machine and Dentistry for You, Celina. The prospective groom is a graduate of Crestview High School and attends Wright State University - Lake Campus majoring in business. He is employed by Cooper Farms, St. Henry. The couple is planning a July 30, 2016 wedding at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Celina. A reception will be held at the Galleria, Celina
Parkway Sports Physicals are today,
June 23, 2016 at Parkway High School
Come to the 40th Old Fashioned Farmers' Days in Van Wert at the
OUR OLD BOOKCASE - Prehistoric Relic Exhibit on Sunday, June 26 at Mercer County Historical Museum
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: These prehistoric artifacts, which are thousands of years old, are on exhibit at the Guatemala Museum in Central America. Notice the similarity and differences of the artifacts found in Central America, compared to the artifacts found by the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors, here in Mercer County.
The Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors will hold their 36th Annual Prehistoric Artifact Exhibit, at the Mercer County Historical Museum, 130 East Market, Celina, on Sunday, June 26, 2016, 1:00 – 4:00.
The public is invited to bring their own arrowheads, bannerstones, gorgets, stone axes, birdstones, spear points, etc., to ask for information from the Collectors.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or firstname.lastname@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
OUR OLD BOOKCASE - Come to the 40th Old Fashioned Farmers' Days in Van Wert at the Fairgrounds!
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: Ron Gruss, Rockford, Ohio, exhibited this Mogul Tractor at the July 1992 Lake Festival Exhibit of Antique Tractors & Trucks at the Mercer county Historical Museum, after he had exhibited this tractor at the Old Fashioned Farmers Days at the Fourth of July Exhibit at Van Wert. The Old Fashioned Farmers Days will be held, June 30 through July 3, 2016 at Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
This history is a tribute to the area collectors of Antique Tractors, and their families, who exhibited their Tractors at the Celina City Founders Square Parking Lot, adjacent to the Mercer County Historical Museum for twenty-seven years, from 1977 until 2003. When I retired as Director of the Mercer County Historical Museum, the Celina Lake Festival moved the Antique Tractor show to the Mercer County Commissioners' Parking Lot. That exhibit is no longer held at that site.
For the past four decades, the Old Fashioned Farmers Association has hosted "Old Fashioned Farmers Days," at Van Wert. This Show originally began at Paul Clay's Farm at Rockford. A few years, they hosted the Show at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. The Show kept growing, and now the Old Fashioned Farmers host Old Fashioned Farmers Days, with the Van Wert County Agricultural Society at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
The 40th Annual Exhibit of the Van Wert County Old Fashioned Farmers Days, June 30 through July 3, 2016 will feature Tractors Oliver, Minneapolis Moline, Co-op Tractors, Equipment, Hit & Miss Engines, and a host of activities. A list of Activities is on the website: http://www.oldfashionedfarmersdays.com . Watch for news releases in the area newspapers about this popular show.
The Agricultural Heritage of Mid-Western Ohio is the Agribusiness economical base of these Western Counties. The Agricultural Heritage touches most families either directly or indirectly. Have you read the local history books about New Idea's history, first of the NI Horse Drawn Manure Spreaders and second of the NI Corn Pickers? Have you read the local history book, "Those Magnificent Big Barns of Mercer County," which features the heritage and architectural descriptions of over a thousand big old barns, some of which are no longer standing? Are you looking forward to the next NIHP book about the history of the NI Uni-System?
May I ask you, if you and/or your relatives are honestly interested in preserving the rural agricultural heritage of Mercer County, and/or nearby Counties? When I see several thousand guests and their families attend the annual Van Wert Old Fashioned Farmers Days at Van Wert, each July, I believe they are interested in preserving local history. When we visit the annual Tri State Gas Engine and Antique Tractor Exhibit at Portland, Indiana, in August, I see several thousand guests and their families enjoying those days honoring their agricultural heritage.
These events require hundreds of volunteers to plan and implement. For the past four decades, as I have served as President of the Mercer County Historical Society, I have respected the several hundred volunteers who have worked to preserve local history at the Mercer County Historical Museum, year after year. However, I fear if our Historical Society Volunteers retire, who will step up to the plate and continue to preserve Mercer County's heritage? When I am contacted by tourists seeking history of Mercer County, I ask them who told them to contact me. They give me the names of the Mercer County Commissioners, the Auglaize-Mercer County Visitors Bureau, the City of Celina Website, the Chamber of Commerce, the Mercer County Library, the Mercer County Extension Office, the Mercer County Engineer's Office, and other organizations or businesses. Each of those Offices have a paid staff. The Mercer County Historical Museum has no paid staff. If you are interested in preserving the rural agricultural heritage of Mercer County, at the Mercer County Historical Museum, email me or write me a letter. Thanks.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or email@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Mercer County EMA Meetings
EMA Advisory Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 2016
EMA Office Celina 12:05 PM
LEPC Meeting Has Been Scheduled for:
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Central Services Building Celina 7:30 AM
2nd Floor Conference Room
Contact the Mercer County EMA @ 419-586-6468
MERCER CO. PERI MEETING July 12, 2016
The Mercer County PERI meeting will be held, Tuesday July 12, at 10:00 A.M. at the Hopewell Grange at the Mercer County Fairground. For PERI Early Birds, coffee, juice and donuts will be served at 9:30 A.M.
Ohio Senator Keith Faber will be the July 12 speaker for PERI Members. Senator Faber will discuss his work with the Ohio Senate, as well as his work with Citizens of the 12th Senate District. This program will give the PERI Members an opportunity to talk with Senator Faber and ask questions related to our Ohio Public Employment Retirees. Senator Faber will have a personal interest in our PERI organization, because when he retires, we will invite him to become a Member of our Mercer County PERI organization.
Annual Sock Hop in Rockford Planned – Save the Date
The 7th Annual Sock
Hop and Cruise in will be held on
Parkway Graduate of 2016 Taylor Andrews Wins Prestigious New Award
Taylor Andrews, 18
year old daughter of Scott and Jannaya Andrews, recently walked away
from the 47th annual ASIFA (East Animated Film Festival) in
New York City with the Women in Animation-Excellence in Animation
Filmmaking Rising Star award.
Click Here to see the announcement.
Taylor was honored at the Parkway High School Academic Awards Assembly for Seniors in May. Mr. Browning and Mr. Kuhn formally presented Andrews with the award and treated the crowd of peers, parents, and grandparents to a showing of the short film and honored her as a gifted artist who is passionate about learning her trade.
According to Taylor, was always an artist, even doing advanced work in pre-school. She never drew "stick people"; she had an eye for detail, her parents learned early on. She attended Zion Lutheran School in Decatur, IN through the 8th grade and participated in art. According to Taylor, though, she really began to love art and develop her talents when she entered high school at Parkway and became a student of Ed Kuhn. "I felt free in his classes to safely express myself. I could always do whatever I wanted, and Mr. Kuhn would help me if I needed something. Throughout high school, I took every art class I could: Art 1; Ceramics; Painting: Drawing; and then became a student in Interactive Media with Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Browning as teachers. I learned to use the MicroSoft Anime Studio Pro and learned to combine the different types of art with animation and sound."
Of the animation, The Dream, she based it on a popular 1932 Picasso oil painting called The Dream, of a sleeping woman. Taylor favors cubism, and fell in love with his work. Her idea of having the woman awake was her interpretation of the theme of the short film Rising Star award: Sisterhood. As the woman awakes in her animation, a girl scout sticks with her as she looks at all the other paintings in the room where "she has hung on the wall for so long". Taylor said, "The woman awakens and sees her surroundings in a different way as she looks at the other paintings. I am so proud of this award and what it means: for young women sticking together. And, I am so proud to be the first recipient."
Taylor has been accepted at the University of St. Francis in Ft. Wayne in the fall, where she plans to major in animation, with a minor in art education.
Taylor invites you to view her animation below:
Click here for The Decatur Daily Democrat's posting
This is the First Day of Summer, Monday, June 20, 2016, and the day will be the longest at 14 hours and a rare Full Moon will be in site tonight. The summer solstice and the full moon (called a Strawberry Moon) have not been in sync for 70 years. Hot today and stormy this evening!
Thank you to Henkle Insurance for being our PWI weather sponsor!
The Parkway Music Boosters have been given the incredible opportunity to host the Lima Area Concert Band. Parkway has been added to their 2016 Calendar for Sunday, August 7th in the Parkway High School Auditorium. Doors open at 2 pm with the concert beginning at 3 pm. $7.00 suggested donation at the door will benefit the Parkway High School Band.
We greatly appreciate our local sponsors:
Aqua Tech, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, the Rockford Lions Club,
Karen Seibert LMT, LLC, M. Bruns Plbg, H.V.A.C & Elec., The Parkway Independent,
First Financial Bank, Eichhorn Jewelry, Inc. and Four U Office Supplies.
April Showers brought May Flowers and lots and lots of Weeds
Perennials have been planted and weeded.
THANK YOU to A & A Greenhouse for the donation of 2 flats and annuals that were also planted.
THANK YOU to Fred Vann for the donation of 100 mixed tulip bulbs that were planted.
THANK YOU to the person that made a large donation of daffodils at the Village Office.
They have been planted.
Most of the flowers you see at Shanes Park have come from Joyce Emans yard or starts from local gardens. We like to think of these gestures as gifts of friendship to Shanes Park.
THANK YOU to Norm VanTilburg and Mike Schumm for mowing and cleaning the area around the log cabin.
THANK YOU to Clete and Irene Schmidt for weeding and spraying around the Welcome sign and around trees.
THANK YOU to Nancy Leighner for weeding, spraying and planting some seeds at the Splash Pad.
THANK YOU to Donna Riley and Marlene Roebuck who remain faithful in their volunteer efforts weeding and planting flowers.
When driving by, biking, or walking around the park, take notice of all the different varieties of flowers in bloom – it's always changing !!
Shultz Huber & Associates Announces Team Member Promotions
Shultz Huber & Associates, a certified public accounting firm with locations throughout northwest Ohio, recently the announced the promotion of Stacey Baer and Steve Samples.
Stacey Baer, Certified Public Accountant, has been promoted to principal with the firm. Baer joined the firm in 1998 and is experienced in assisting large and small businesses in a variety of industries with individual and business tax preparation and software consulting, evaluation and implementation.
Baer is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and holds a degrees in accounting and marketing from Defiance College. She is a member of The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She currently serves on the Van Wert County YWCA finance committee, is the treasurer of the board of directors for the Van Wert Youth Football Association, and is treasurer for the Van Wert Football Tailgate Tour.
Baer works primarily in the Van Wert office but is available to clients at any of the firm's five locations. She resides with her family in Van Wert.
Steve Samples, Certified Public Accountant, has been promoted to principal with the firm. Samples joined the firm in 1995 and provides accounting and tax services to businesses in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, agriculture and franchise operations. Samples also heads the firm's forensic accounting services.
He has a degree in accounting from Miami University and is a member of The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the American College of Forensic Examiners. Samples is involved with the Van Wert Rotary Club and is the treasurer for the Van Wert Community Improvement Corporation.
Samples works primarily in the Van Wert office but is available to clients at any of the firm's five locations. He resides in the Rockford area with his wife, Teri, and their family.
Shultz Huber & Associates, Inc. is a full service accounting, tax and business consulting firm specializing in assisting businesses and their owners plan for their future and achieve their goals in an ever-changing financial and regulatory environment. Offices are located in Archbold, Bryan, Defiance, St. Marys, and Van Wert.
Man Incarcerated After Search of Vehicle
The Niswonger Unveils The Ten Years Of WOW! Season
By Tafi Stober
(Van Wert, OH) - Ten years of fun - Ten years of big name entertainment - Ten years of WOW! The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is celebrating a milestone season with Ten years of WOW! It's been ten years in the making and it's going to be simply over-the-top! There has never been a better time to explore the arts at the Niswonger, so jump in and see how to escape the norm with entertainment and inspiration from the Niswonger Ten Years of WOW 2016-2017 Season!
The Niswonger's 10th Anniversary Season kicks off with two of the most influential men in the Jazz world. Sunday, September 24th at 7:30pm. Chuck & Karen Koch along with Jim and Theresa Robideau present Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright. These Jazz legends have you dancing in the aisles and singing along the whole night. With Butler's captivating and powerful catalogue of hit songs combined with Albright's signature searing and soulful sax arrangements, there is no better place to be than at the Niswonger! Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright - Sunday, September 24th!
These days are ours, happy and free with Happy Days Live presented by Kevin Laing, D.D.S., on Saturday October 1st at 7:30pm! Take a trip down memory lane with Potsie and Ralph as they celebrate the show's 40th anniversary! Anson Williams and Donny Most will be sharing some of their favorite moments from Happy Days along with rare photos, live music, and never before seen video about their coming-of-age experiences on the show. Happy Days Live! Saturday, October 1st - what a day, ready to race to you at the Niswonger!
Prepare to go into the wild right here at the Niswonger! Back by popular demand is America's favorite zoo keeper and his favorite furry friends in Jack Hanna Into the Wild LIVE Saturday, October 8th at 3pm presented by Belna Petroleum! Hanna's insight into the protection and conservation of our planet's wildlife combined with a live show full of some of your favorite endangered animals will leave you with a renewed appreciation for all creatures, great and small. Jack Hanna Into the Wild LIVE Saturday, October 8th at the Niswonger!
A night of praise and worship is coming to the Niswonger Sunday, October 16th with Christian chart-topper Colton Dixon presented by Youth for Christ! This American Idol alum has been making waves in the Christian Music industry with smash hits "More of You" and "Limitless" off his sophomore album "Anchor." With his edgy rock sound and inspiring lyrics, this is a concert at the Niswonger you won't want to miss with Colton Dixon, Sunday, October 16th at 7:30 PM.
You've seen the movies, you've watched the award winning Television competition, now get ready for some aca-mazing talent with the brand new a capella group Vocalosity Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30pm presented by Slusher's Jewelry. Founded by the artistic producer of both Pitch Perfect and The Sing-Off, Deke Sharon, this group features 12 dynamic voices singing some of today's chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements too incredible to miss. Get ready to dust off your aca-chops and sing along with Vocalosity at the Niswonger! Saturday, October 22nd!
We'll start walkin' your way if you start walking toward the Niswonger for a night of country hits with Diamond Rio, Saturday, October 29th at 7:30pm courtesy of Celina Moving & Storage. This six-time vocal group of the year will take you on a journey through award-winning country history with some of their biggest hits off their timeless records from the 80s and 90s. Bring those back-road country memories to life at the Niswonger with Diamond Rio, Saturday, October 29th!
Everybody's favorite syrup-loving Christmas Elf is venturing through the candy-cane forest to come to the Niswonger on Monday, November 21st at 7:30pm in Elf The Musical On Tour, presented by First Federal Bank. This heart-warming, side-splitting family musical will be sure to get you in the mood for Christmas and have you embracing your inner elf as Buddy the Elf helps his naughty-list father remember the true meaning of Christmas. This is a modern day Christmas classic you won't want to miss at the Niswonger with Elf The Musical On Tour, Monday, November 21st!
She helped the Niswonger say hello in 2007, now we're helping her say farewell. It's Sandi Patty: Christmas Blessings, Sunday December 4th at 7:30pm. After a long award-winning career, Sandi Patty is visiting over 90 cities across the globe to perform one last time for all her life-long fans. It will be a historic evening you'll never forget full of Grammy and Dove award winning music from Sandi Patty: Christmas Blessings on December 4th!
Celebrate a family tradition as the legacy continues with The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza presented by Belna Petroleum on Saturday, December 10th at 7:30pm. Starring the Osmond Brothers and the Lennon Sisters, The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza brings all the variety that made Andy's holiday specials so spectacular. With this tribute to Andy, the man who started it all, the most wonderful time of the year just got better at the Niswonger with The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Saturday, December 10th!
"Swinging" into town just in time for Christmas and back by popular demand is John Tesh's Big Band Christmas, on Saturday, December 17th at 7:30pm presented by Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. You'll be sure to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with John Tesh singing and playing alongside his 14-piece big band playing all your favorite holiday hits in bold, brassy, big band style! Fun for all ages, this popular media personality is sure to entertain all generations when this Grammy award winning Christmas spectacular hits the stage.
The Niswonger's premier 2017 event will take you back in time with The Time Jumpers Featuring Vince Gill Saturday, February 4th at 7:30pm presented by the Kenn-Feld Group. Every member of this multi Grammy nominated country group has made major contributions to the richness and vigor of country music. This time, The Time Jumpers are bringing along country music legend Vince Gill for a night of country nostalgia you can't afford to miss on February 4th.
We're bringing all the glitz and glamour of musical theater to the Niswonger on Sunday, February 12th at 2pm and again at 7:30pm, with the Broadway classic - 42nd Street presented by BeeGee Realty. Bright lights, sparkling costumes, and huge dance numbers await you as you follow starry-eyed Peggy Sawyer as she leaves small town life to pursue her dream of becoming a Broadway star! You'll be laughing and singing along in this quintessential backstage musical classic set to hit the Niswonger stage Sunday, February 12th!
Won't you be our neighbor? The Niswonger and Jeffery - Mohr Family Dentistry welcome Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live for two kid friendly shows of pure Tiger-ific fun Saturday, February 25th at 11am and again at 2pm. This award winning PBS KIDS show continues the legacy of Mister Roger's Neighborhood to a whole new generation with the friendly tiger, Daniel and his friends as they explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe. This interactive musical filled with singing, dancing, laughter and grr-ific surprises will warm the hearts of all generations on Saturday, February 25th!
Come together right now at the Niswonger as you go on a musical journey through the life and times of the world's most celebrated band in Broadway's RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles, presented by Vancrest Health Care Centers on Monday, March 6th at 7:30pm. This stunning concert experience takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that has been nationally compared to the real thing. Enjoy all your favorite Beatles hits from "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to "Hard Day's Night," and "Yellow Submarine" to "Hey Jude." You won't be able to "Let It Be" when this live multi-media spectacular hits the stage.
Experience your favorite iconic artists through a whole new medium at the Niswonger with Artrageous, Saturday, March 11th at 7:30 presented by TAG Menswear. With a palette that mixes captivating vocals, intricate choreography, and huge portraits painted before your very eyes, this interactive artistic extravaganza takes you on a unique visual and musical journey packed with wild inspiration, creativity, and fun for the whole family! The artists pay tribute to a variety of art forms, pop icons, and musical genres culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings. You'll be part of the show at this one of a kind crossover experience - only at the Niswonger!
Last season he brought the house down with his rendition of "O Holy Night," now he's back for more! Joanne Wolford and Family in memory of Roger Wolford proudly present David Phelps: Good Friday Concert on Friday, April 14th at 7:30pm. Phelps' masterful melodies have been burned into critically acclaimed songs that have echoed the walls of Carnegie Hall, the White House, and countless churches around the world. Celebrate one of the most reverent days of the year at the Niswonger with the return of David Phelps for a Good Friday Concert, Friday, April 14th!
At the Niswonger, we just want to keep on loving you! That's why we're closing the 2016-17 Grand Series with REO Speedwagon Saturday, April 29th at 7:30pm presented by US Bank! With their long list of hits from their incredibly successful career as an American Rock Classic, REO Speedwagon will have the Niswonger rockin' long into the night. This high octane Grand Series Finale will leave you wanting more, Saturday, April 29th at the Niswonger!
The Niswonger SPEAKER SERIES brings noted names to the stage who further our understanding, challenge our thinking and have us teetering on the edge of our seat to hear which Cincinnati Reds great just hit the home run!
It all begins on September 20th when Westwood Behavioral Health Center shares valuable and culturally relevant information by providing a free, and very insightful presentation by Los Angeles free-lance journalist, Sam Quinones. On Sunday, September 18th at 3:00pm, Author Sam Quinone touches on the increasing opiate usage and subsequent heroin addiction across the nation in his latest book Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic. This presentation includes his experiences, observations, and perspective followed by a panel discussion comprised of local officials. The Niswonger cares about our communities and wants to offer this event is free to the public.
It's time to be inspired at the Niswonger with inspirational speaker and author, Jon Gordon, Sunday, October 2nd at 3:00pm presented by Central Insurance Companies. Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. Professional sports teams, fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals, you name it - have put Gordon's principles to the test with incredible results. For an evening of inspiration, look no further than Jon Gordon, Sunday, October 2nd, only at the Niswonger!
"And this one belongs to the Reds!" If you've listened to a Cincinnati Reds game in the past 40 years, you'll be sure to recognize our final event of the Niswonger Speaker Series. The voice of the Cincinnati Reds, Marty Brennaman, Monday, November 7th at 7:30 pm presented by Lee Kinstle GM Sales and Service. Known for his opinionated, zealous style and love for the Cincinnati Reds led him to be named Ohio Sportscaster of the Year multiple times.. This Niswonger Speaker Series Finale belongs to the Reds with Marty Brennaman, Monday November 17th!
This opportunity comes only once in ten years, so we wanted to go BIG! Scott Niswonger, Central Insurance, The Van Wert County Foundation, with additional support from The Kenn-Feld Group, are bringing one of the biggest events Ohio has ever seen to Van Wert. Presenting, The Gala: Ten Years Of WOW featuring Bernadette Peters and the Boston Pops Orchestra, Saturday, April 1st at 8:00pm! An evening ten years in the making, this black-tie optional event is above and beyond anything the Niswonger has seen yet. Join us for a night of music, laughter, family, and friends as we celebrate ten years of WOW at a once in a lifetime event! The Gala: Ten Years Of WOW featuring Bernadette Peters and The Boston Pops Orchestra, Saturday, April 1st - Only at the Niswonger!
This spectacular milestone season celebrating ten years of WOW is one for the record books and certainly one you won't want to miss!. So, let's get this 10th anniversary party started! Member Sales begin June 16, Grand Series Sales begin June 29 and the Select Series provides early buying opportunities by bundling 3 or more events beginning July 7. Summer hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to four or get your tickets online/anytime at NPACVW.ORG. Jump in and celebrate Ten Years Of WOW! with us, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
Enjoy Community Days in Rockford - June 17 and 18th!
Rockford Rec.
Fall Sports Signup
NFL Punt, Pass, & Kick in Rockford
Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony Held
CELINA, Ohio – The Western Ohio Educational Foundation and Wright State University – Lake Campus held their Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony on Tuesday, June 7th in James F. Dicke Hall located at the Lake Campus. This year 128 students were awarded over $275,000. Awards ranged from a few hundred dollars in book scholarships to full-tuition.
The Western Ohio Education Foundation (WOEF) is made up of a group of community members from Auglaize, Darke, Mercer and Van Wert Counties who work tirelessly to provide scholarships and other benefits to Lake Campus students. Since 1995 the WOEF Board has awarded more than $3 million in scholarship funds. The Lake Campus Scholarship Fund would not be in existence without community donations and the tireless efforts of Julie Miller, WOEF Board Development Officer and Sandy Gilbert, Coordinator of the Scholarship Program at the Lake Campus.
Scholarship sponsors in attendance were Lester E. Brandewie, Dorothy A. & Lester E. Brandewie & Family Scholarship; Pete Falk, Crown Scholarships; Jerry Lehman, First National Bank New Bremen Scholarship; Dennis Hirt, (WOEF President) The Reynolds & Reynolds Foundation Scholarship; Chad Tester, Wayne Trails, A Lincoln Electric Company Scholarship; Julie M. Miller, STEM Scholarship; Chris Noble, Ruth & Willis Winters Nursing Scholarship; Brenda Lange, Setex, Inc. Scholarship; Kelly Lloyd, First Financial Bank Scholarship and Dan Hosek, AAP St. Marys Scholarship.
Writing Club to Meet
2016 Farm Focus Scholarship Winners
Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 in order to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field. Congratulations to our 2016 Scholarship Recipients; Katie Vorst, Delphos, the daughter of Chris and Sandy Vorst, is a senior at The Ohio State University majoring in Agribusiness and Applied Economics. Tanner Matthews is the son of Todd and Brenda Matthews, a recent graduate of Parkway H.S. will be a Freshmen at The Ohio State University majoring in Agriculture Systems Management. Travis Lichtensteiger, Convoy, the son of David and Janice Lichtensteiger will be attending The Ohio State University, or Morehead University as a freshmen majoring in agronomy. Tyler Matthews, the son of Todd and Brenda Matthews will be a senior at The Ohio State University majoring in Ag Systems Management. Tara Vorst, the daughter of Chris and Sandy Vorst will be a sophomore at The Ohio State University majoring in Agriculture Education.
Football Parents' meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 6:30 pm at Parkway High School for HS Football players to meet Coach Wellmen ad pick up their summer schedule
Corn in Right of Way
Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart is reminding landowners and farmers that corn that has been planted and is encroaching in the road right-of-ways can be a very serious sight problem on the narrower township and county roads. "Such sight problems limiting the ability of the traveling public to see, can be particularly hazardous; causing the very real and dangerous potential for intersection accidents," Wiechart said.
The Mercer County Engineer's Office requests that landowners review these intersections where they have corn planted and if they see sight problems, they lessen the hazard by removing that portion of the crop that is obstructing the clear line of sight. Details regarding existing township and county road right-of-ways may be obtained by contacting the engineer's office.
Road Closed Signs on State Route 29
Bridge Closing Slated
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Township Line Road between Fox Road and Stachler Road in Gibson/Granville Township for a culvert replacement. This road will be closed tentatively on June 13, 2016 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
New CEO Announced for Van Wert County Hospital
Van Wert, OH – June 13, 2016 – The Van Wert County Hospital Association Board of Directors announces James "Jim" Pope as Chief Executive Officer and President. Pope brings more than 30 years of executive experience to the hospital with strengths in health operations, strategic leadership and planning, and rural healthcare markets. Pope will begin his new role on July 1, 2016.
After an extensive national search, the Board of Directors selected Pope, who best fit the candidate profile from the pool of candidates. "The board, medical staff, and leadership are very pleased with Jim's long-standing, successful career in healthcare administration. We are fortunate to have attracted Jim's talents and 30 years of executive leadership experience," said Gary Clay, Board Chair, Van Wert County Hospital.
Pope will join Van Wert County Hospital following 5 years as CEO and President of Sylvania Franciscan Health, now CHI Sylvania Franciscan Health, a nonprofit health system in Sylvania, Ohio. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Pope is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
"We believe Jim will be an asset to Van Wert County Hospital and will build upon the legacy of the organization that began over 110 years ago. Jim is a top health care executive here in the Midwest. We look forward to bringing his talent to our organization," Mike Holliday, Chief Financial Officer, Van Wert County Hospital.
Jim has a master's degree in Hospital and Health Administration from Xavier University and a B.S. in Management/Health Care from Park University in Parkville, Missouri. "I am honored to join the high caliber team at Van Wert County Hospital," said Pope. "It's obvious that the entire team is made up of dedicated employees and a board of directors who truly care about the hospital and the health care that is provided in the community." Jim and his wife, Mary, have been married for 33 years and have four adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. The Popes will be moving to Van Wert at the end of the month.
Van Wert County Hospital will host an open house for the community to meet Pope on Tuesday, June 28 from 3:00-4:30 PM in Conference Room A.
PARKWAY LOCAL BOARD Of EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
Planned for June 14, 2016
Parkway Schools Community Room, Rockford, OH
Click here for the agenda by Sally Cox
Parkway Baseball Club Off to a Great Start
The Parkway Baseball Club has competed in three tournaments so far this Spring and has captured 2 titles and a semi final finish. The team won their host 12 team tournament in May against an always tough Convoy team. The Parkway squad then traveled to Bluffton, Indiana to play in the Indiana Bandits tournament, capturing the 1 seed before falling to a solid Kendallville team in the semi finals. This past weekend (June 11-12, 2016) the team traveled to Lima to play in the 16 team Best of the Northwest tourney. The boys went 5-0 capturing the 1 seed and eventually playing Wapak in the championship winning 3-2 in a great game. The team will travel to Versailles this weekend for the annual Versailles 10u tournament playing Coldwater Friday night to kick things off.
Parkway 10U
On Your Mark, Get Set...Read!
The summer reading program is off and running. There are special programs on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 for preschool through elementary age children. Adults and teens can enter their name in a drawing for each book read. The theme this year ties in with the Summer Olympics which will be held later this summer.
Continued reading during the summer months is vital to children being ready to return to school in the fall. There are no requirements for a certain number of books to be read or at what reading level.
22nd Annual Rockford Community Days Car Show
Rockford Community Days
Garage Sale
Rockford Community Days Coming
Rockford Community
Days Committee is gearing up for this year's festival to be held June
17th & 18th. The weekend will kick off with Community wide garage
sales. Evening activities will begin with the popular annual car show
Stop by
our dunk tank to get your chance to dunk some of the area's finest
including Police Chief Paul May and Sergeant Brian Stetler.
There are lots of fabulous prizes to win at the annual quarter auction.
Afterwards take a break for the afternoon
Public Notice
Chattanooga Vacation Bible School Planned
Calling all children ages 3 through those just completing 6th grade! Come and join in the Chattanooga Community VBS for a week of "CAVEQUEST", where you will learn about "Following Jesus – The Light of the World"! The adventure will be held June 20th-24th from 9AM – 12PM daily at Zion Lutheran Church, located at the corner of State Route 49 and Tama Road. Each day will be filled with games, music, food, laughter, and lots of other surprises. This will be one adventure that you won't want to miss. The Chattanooga Community VBS is sponsored by Chattanooga United Methodist Church and Zion Lutheran Church – Chatt. For further information or to pre-register, call Jessica Temple (419.942.3344) or Kendra Miller (419.495.2655).
Rockford Community Days Coming
Rockford Community
Days Committee is gearing up for this year's festival to be held June
17th & 18th. The weekend will kick off with Community wide garage
sales. Evening activities will begin with the popular annual car show
Ohio City Concert
"Arts in the Park" is always the second Friday of the month from May to September. This is a free community concert that is possible through selling of memory bricks, donations and sponsorships.
Annual Willshire Days Coming
Willshire Days will be June 24, 25 and 26th in the Willshire Park. Activities are inflatables, carnival games, archery, and lawn games. There is a community wide garage sale and a first time swap meet planned. There is also a car show, Talent Show and Lion's Club Bingo. A pancake breakfast, parade and pony rides are all part of the event.
The Willshire Fire Department and Willshire Youth Activities members are selling Chicken Dinner Presale tickets for Sunday.
Rockford Community Days
Garage Sale
Blues From
Coast to Coast Comes to Rockford Ohio
Employment Opportunities at Van Wert County Hospital -
Click Here for this job
Auction Donations Now Accepted for Annual TV-44 Auction
Donations are being accepted now for the 2016 TV-44 auction. Items of interest include quality furniture, automobiles, collectables, sports memorabilia, vehicles, tools, timeshares, trips, and other items of value. Garage sale and boutique items also accepted.
TV-44 is a 501-c3 non-profit association and the annual auction serves as the station's largest one day fundraiser. Hundreds converge on the TV-44 studio grounds, 1844 Baty Rd., and enjoy a day under the big tent. This year's auction is September 10.
Proceeds from the auction benefit community focused programming including The Holiday Music Festival, Whiz Quiz, Faith & Friends, Sports Report, and the hundreds of high school sporting events covered each year on WOSN.
TV-44 strives to be a positive, uplifting television station for the entire community.
Donations for the annual auction can be brought to the TV-44 studios, 1844 Baty Rd, Lima, Monday-Thursday, 10am – 3pm. Call in advance for Friday drop-offs. Additionally, if you are downsizing or depleting items from an estate, remember the TV-44 auction as an option. All donations are tax-deductible according to what is allowed by law.
For more information, call (419) 339-4444 and ask for Jennifer or Michele.
Printable Parkway Middle School Supply List for 2016-2017 by Michelle Agler - Click Here
St. John Lutheran Hopewell to Host Kenya Missionary Sunday, June 12
K-8 Flag-coloring Contest Sponsored by the Grand Lake Patriots
To encourage interest in Freedom Days, the Grand Lake Patriots will be awarding prizes for a patriotic flag-coloring contest open to children going into grades K-8. The flag-coloring pages and rules are available at the Grand Lake Patriots' face book site or by emailing email@example.com . Entries, one per person, should be submitted to Laura Pease at the Mercer County Auditor's office, room 105, in the Mercer County Courthouse, Celina, Ohio. Entry deadline is June 20.
Children's submissions will be grouped in 3 divisions: grades K-3, grades 4-6, and grades 7-8. 1st prize for each division will be a weekly Ride Packet for the Mercer County Fair; 2nd prize for each division will be $25 cash, the cost of a $50 Treasury Savings Bond; 3rd prize for each division will be a Rush Revere book.
Winners will be notified by phone, and prizes will be awarded on the steps of the Mercer County Courthouse at 4 PM, Friday, July 1st. All entries will be displayed on the Mercer County Court House Rotunda walls from June 20th to June 30th. Judging will be by public ballot. Ballots and ballot boxes will be provided at the Court House, with one vote per person per contestant age category.
Churches, organizations, libraries, and restaurants are welcome to print and distribute the flag- coloring contest pages, along with the rules, for distribution.
Zuma 5K Run/Walk
Summer Lunch in the
Niswonger Performing Arts Center Unveiling A Season Of WOW! on June 15
(Van Wert, OH) -
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is celebrating 10 Years of WOW!
with a season of shows like no other. Be among the first to know who
will be coming to the Niswonger Stage in the new season at the Niswonger
2016-17 Season Unveiling Press Conference Event on Wednesday, June 15 at
Noon at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Season Sponsors, Chuck
and Karen Koch, Statewide Ford Lincoln and Van Wert Federal Savings
Bank, along with event sponsors, media partners, members and
all past and future patrons are
invited to take part in an event that unveils each of the 25 shows that
will WOW audiences this season.
Guest Column from
State Representative Jim Buchy
Here we go again! The Bureau of Worker's Comp (BWC) has again slashed rates for private sector employers. Since 2011, BWC has saved employers $463 million annually. This represents a combined rate decrease of 28.2 percent and over $4.3 billion in cuts over the past 5 years. Additionally, Ohio's local governments and schools have saved over $670 million and are experiencing their lowest rates in 30 years.
Traditionally, workers' compensation insurance has been one of the most costly expenses for employers. Over the past 5 years, Steve Buehrer and his team have done an impeccable job demonstrating how state agencies can cut costs and save taxpayers money. Through conservative policies, strong investment management, and an increased focus on safety, the BWC has been able to make these savings possible.
To achieve over $4.3 billion in savings passed on to employers, BWC has made a number of cuts. Average rates for private and public employers have dropped by 28.2 percent and 30 percent respectively. In fiscal years 2013 and 2015, conservative fiscal management allowed BWC to issue two $1 billion rebates. $1.2 billion in credits were issued to employers which allowed the transition to a modernized billing system which adds more flexible payment options and reduces premiums. Finally, the safety grant program was tripled to $15 million annually, helping businesses improve safe practices and reduce claims. Since this increase, $40 million in grants have been awarded and injury claims have dropped by 9 percent.
The Grow Ohio program is another BWC initiative which has saved new businesses money. This includes at least a 25 percent discount to new policies or early entry into group-experience rating, which encourages new business growth. Additionally, their one-time forgiveness program prevents costly penalties for simple first-time mistakes.
Recently, BWC announced another rate cut for private employers, which will add to these savings. This new reduction will reduce average rates by 8.6 percent, resulting in annual savings of $113 million over the next year. These new savings are set to begin on July 1st. These new reductions are based on a statewide average and individual employer savings will depend on a number of factors including expected future costs in their industry, the company's recent claims history, and participation in various BWC programs. Employers are encouraged to visit bwc.ohio.gov to learn about programs that can assist in lowering their workers' compensation costs through workplace safety improvements.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchymay2016
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: Ron Gruss, Rockford, Ohio, exhibited this Mogul Tractor at the July 1992 Lake Festival Exhibit of Antique Tractors & Trucks at the Mercer county Historical Museum, after he had exhibited this tractor at the Old Fashioned Farmers Days at the Fourth of July Exhibit at Van Wert. The Old Fashioned Farmers Days will be held, June 30 through July 3, 2016 at Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
This history is a tribute to the area collectors of Antique Tractors, and their families, who exhibited their Tractors at the Celina City Founders Square Parking Lot, adjacent to the Mercer County Historical Museum for twenty-seven years, from 1977 until 2003. When I retired as Director of the Mercer County Historical Museum, the Celina Lake Festival moved the Antique Tractor show to the Mercer County Commissioners' Parking Lot. That exhibit is no longer held at that site.
For the past four decades, the Old Fashioned Farmers Association has hosted "Old Fashioned Farmers Days," at Van Wert. This Show originally began at Paul Clay's Farm at Rockford. A few years, they hosted the Show at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. The Show kept growing, and now the Old Fashioned Farmers host Old Fashioned Farmers Days, with the Van Wert County Agricultural Society at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
The 40th Annual Exhibit of the Van Wert County Old Fashioned Farmers Days, June 30 through July 3, 2016 will feature Tractors Oliver, Minneapolis Moline, Co-op Tractors, Equipment, Hit & Miss Engines, and a host of activities. A list of Activities is on the website: http://www.oldfashionedfarmersdays.com . Watch for news releases in the area newspapers about this popular show.
The Agricultural Heritage of Mid-Western Ohio is the Agribusiness economical base of these Western Counties. The Agricultural Heritage touches most families either directly or indirectly. Have you read the local history books about New Idea's history, first of the NI Horse Drawn Manure Spreaders and second of the NI Corn Pickers? Have you read the local history book, "Those Magnificent Big Barns of Mercer County," which features the heritage and architectural descriptions of over a thousand big old barns, some of which are no longer standing? Are you looking forward to the next NIHP book about the history of the NI Uni-System?
May I ask you, if you and/or your relatives are honestly interested in preserving the rural agricultural heritage of Mercer County, and/or nearby Counties? When I see several thousand guests and their families attend the annual Van Wert Old Fashioned Farmers Days at Van Wert, each July, I believe they are interested in preserving local history. When we visit the annual Tri State Gas Engine and Antique Tractor Exhibit at Portland, Indiana, in August, I see several thousand guests and their families enjoying those days honoring their agricultural heritage.
These events require hundreds of volunteers to plan and implement. For the past four decades, as I have served as President of the Mercer County Historical Society, I have respected the several hundred volunteers who have worked to preserve local history at the Mercer County Historical Museum, year after year. However, I fear if our Historical Society Volunteers retire, who will step up to the plate and continue to preserve Mercer County's heritage? When I am contacted by tourists seeking history of Mercer County, I ask them who told them to contact me. They give me the names of the Mercer County Commissioners, the Auglaize-Mercer County Visitors Bureau, the City of Celina Website, the Chamber of Commerce, the Mercer County Library, the Mercer County Extension Office, the Mercer County Engineer's Office, and other organizations or businesses. Each of those Offices have a paid staff. The Mercer County Historical Museum has no paid staff. If you are interested in preserving the rural agricultural heritage of Mercer County, at the Mercer County Historical Museum, email me or write me a letter. Thanks.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or email@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Eagle Scout Nominee Leads effort for an Artillery Piece
for Venedocia Memorial Park
Patriotic Spencerville Junior High Student and Eagle Scout nominee, Dominic Adkins, is leading the effort of placing a US Marine Corps 105 Howitzer in Memorial Park in Venedocia, Ohio. Adkins worked through Congressman Robert Latta and the complex Marine Corps paperwork in obtaining the cannon that was decommissioned in Columbus, Ohio. The cannon needs to be sandblasted and painted to be in agreement with the Marine Corps allocation for the artillery piece. The work needs to be done soon or it will be returned to the Marines. Adkins is leading the effort to raise $1,500 in donations to pay for the painting and the chain-enclosed pad for the piece. The piece is parked at the park for review.
Veteran John Lloyd, who began work on the park and continued for the last 25 years, takes pride that Dominic Adkins was able to obtain the artillery piece. Lloyd was an artillery man in the service and appreciates the cannon.
Rev. Thomas Emery, of Salem Church, stated, "Dominic Adkins exemplifies all that is great about America. He is hard working, honest, and caring about others. He started the project and followed it to near completion. He needs the final assistance with raising the needed funds to complete a community monument to our fallen heroes."
Memorial Park is
next to the Venedocia Cemetary on Route 116, north of the Village of
4-H Club Meets and with
Local Veterans in Ohio City
Mercer Health Weight Management Center to hold Rev It Up!® Program
The Mercer Health Weight Management Center will hold a 9-week weight management program titled Rev It Up!® to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle. The next 9-week program will begin on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Classes will be held at 12:00pm and 5:30pm at the Mercer Health Weight Management Center, located at the Mercer Health West Campus. Participants in this program will meet each Tuesday for 9 consecutive weeks.
Rev It Up!® Weight Management is a 9-week behavior modification, interactive lifestyle program led by a registered dietitian that covers topics such as 'revving' up your metabolism, hunger and fullness signals, fluid needs, meal timing, simplified portion guidelines, eating out strategies, aerobic exercise, and more. This program is appropriate for those looking to lose weight as well as those wanting to learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The program also includes ongoing support after the 9 week program.
The Rev It Up! ® Program includes a Rev It Up!® book, weekly weigh-ins, pre- and post-program body measurements and lab work, class material, CalorieKing® book, mood magnet, and a MedGem Indirect Calorimeter session.
Over 165 people have participated in the Rev It Up!® Program. At the conclusion of the last session, one participant, who lost 12.8% of their body weight during the program, stated "This program was so beneficial in that I learned awareness on so many levels. I am now aware of what, when, why and how much I eat. I am conscious of these now. I would recommend this program to anyone as this class has been very informative as well as a lot of FUN."
Another sated "I was able to implement change right off from the beginning of the program, and am I am now equipped to continue making changes as time goes by. I think anyone would benefit from this program."
If you are interested in participating in this program and would like more information, pricing, or to register for the Rev It Up!® program, please contact the Mercer Health Weight Management Center at 419-678-8446
Chicken Barbeque for 4-H Benefit
The 4-H Chicken Barbecue is a long time event in Van Wert County. It is one of the few fund raisers put on by the Van Wert County 4-H Council. The funds from this event are used to support 4-H endeavors such as 4-H Camp, camp scholarships, awards and to support 4-H members at the Jr. Fair. Please join us for hassle-free dinner on June 14th, 2016 and support the Van Wert County 4-H program. We will do the cooking for you!
New school vaccine requirements mandated by Senate Bill 121, could make the 2016/2017 back-to-school season busier than ever.
Parents are urged to make sure their child's immunizations are up-to-date before the start of the new school year.
Ohio Law now requires that:
7 th Graders must receive: 1 dose of the Tdap and the meningitis vaccine
12th Graders must receive: a second dose of the meningitis vaccine (unless the first dose was administered after the student's 16th birthday)
We have added additional immunization clinic times to prepare for the increase in vaccinations.
The Mercer County-Celina City Health Department recommends that parents make appointments early in order to avoid the before-school-rush/long wait times.
Well Child appointments can be scheduled with your child's health care provider.
Immunization Clinics for 2016 (by-appointment only):
For more information or to schedule your appointment, call (419) 586-3251 ext. 1270.
There are also scheduled immunization appointments during the week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30a.m.-3:30p.m., per nurse availability.
Parents should bring their child's immunization history, insurance card and completed immunization forms (available on our website).
Go to www.mccchd.org/health-services/health-services-forms to print the forms and read the vaccine information sheets to learn about the recommended immunizations to protect your adolescent.
Mercer County Police Agencies to Train in Ft. Recovery
The Mercer County
Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Fort Recovery Police
Department, is hosting active school shooter training for deputies and
other Mercer County Police Agencies on
Tuesday, June 7and Wednesday
June 8. The training is a one day class, it will be repeated the
second day so we can get all officers/deputies through it.
The morning will be a presentation/classroom type instruction, the afternoon will be actual scenarios.
Sheriff Grey says they will be using simulation training weapons and want the public to be aware. There will be a visible law enforcement presence around the school as well as a large amount of police vehicles in the area. Signs will also be posted around the property warning the public to stay clear of the training.
The class will run from 8 AM – till approximately 4 PM each day at the Fort Recovery High School
Memorial Day in Mendon, Willshire and Rockford 2016
Memorial Day in
Mendon, Willshire and Rockford could note have been more perfect. The
day began sunny, breezy and warm, and continued to be a beautiful day
all the way through.
At the Mendon ceremony at 8:30 AM, an early riser, the Celina American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Vets, Auxiliary Women, and Girls' and Boys' scouting troops conducted the flag and gun volley and "taps" ceremony with a march to the St. Marys River Bridge, where the women and children of the community cast fresh cut flowers upon the water in memory of those who lost their lives for our freedom. A return to the freshly renovated park in downtown Mendon, was flowed by music by the Parkway High School Marching band under the direction of Band Director Ryan Twigg and assistant Leslie Baltzell. Reverend Jake Boroff of the Mendon Church of God gave the invocation and introduced Alvie Louth, a retired Army Special Units Commander, who served 21 years in the military seeing tours of duty in the Middle East. He spoke on the history of Memorial Day, and then gave a personal account of accompanying (back to Maryland in the USA) a soldier's remains who was killed in an attack that Louth himself survived in Afghanistan. He talked to the crowd about why and how some give all for their country and lay down their lives. He will never forget these fallen soldiers and Memorial Day will forever be a day of remembrance and recognition. Alvie now lives in Mercer County and works for the local post office. A pancake and sausage breakfast was held in a local church.
At the Willshire ceremony at 9:30, the Parkway Band and the Willshire American Legion, Auxiliary, and Boy and Girl Scouts, marched from the downtown area to the cemetery on the East side of town. The mausoleum was open for people to enter and pay tribute. Outside, the gravestones were handsomely decorated with flowers and American Flags for the veterans. Willshire American Legion Commander Dick Edgell led the group in a prayer and the honoring of the flag, and introduced speaker, Discipleship Pastor at Praise Point Church, Brandon Baker. New to the area, Baker started by telling some things about himself, and that he could not get his uniform on anymore ~ only the boots. Then he offered a simple analogy of a chicken and a pig, living on a farm and serving the farmer compared to "giving some and giving all in service". He followed with some of his experiences in the Middle East where he learned the meaning of some soldiers giving all for their country. It is why he especially appreciates a day like Memorial Day for honor and tribute. The Legion Auxiliary and children laid poppy wreaths on the crosses. Taps was played after the legion shot the volley in memory.
Rockford's program began around 11 AM, with a parade by the Marching band, American Legion and Sons of Legion Members in Rockford, and the Girl and Boy Scouts. At the destination Hedge's Park, the crowd heard speaker Harrison Frech speak on the casualties and injured from our area during the Civil War, A local historian and retired school history teacher at Parkway, Frech gave faces and life to the many names of soldiers buried in our local cemeteries. Not only was combat deadly, but the mere act of enlisting brought down healthy men when they mingled with terrible diseases in those camps. Prisoners often died in the filth of prisons from disease and injuries. They left behind families who loved them and suffered terrible losses when their sons and husbands and fathers never returned home. In giving their "all" to the service of their country, Frech reminded the crowd that they preserved our union and abolished slavery. A chicken dinner was served by the Legion members.
Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing her pictures of the Rockford Parade. See more of her beautiful pictures by clicking here.
Sheila Baltzell took Willshire and Mendon pictures.
Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them.Mendon:
|Rockford - Thank you Nikki Fox! See more of her beautiful pictures by clicking here.
Sutters To Celebrate Golden Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Sutter of rural Willshire will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The former Judith A. Merinar and LeRoy L. Sutter were united in marriage May 28, 1966 at the IC Church in Celina.
They are the parents of a daughter, Marcy (Brad) Shue of Statesville, North Carolina and a son, Aaron of Rockford. They have five grandchildren: Jaymie and LeeAnn McNeal in North Carolina and Logan, Abby and Olivia Sutter in Rockford.
LeRoy retired from Goodyear in St. Marys in 2000 with 33 years of service. Judy had worked over 40 years as an RN in geriatric nursing before retiring in 2006.
Blues Guitarist to
New York City Blue Hall of Fame Guitar Boss - Dave Fields will be at The Rockford Belle on
FRIDAY - June 3rd. Doors open at 6 pm. Show starts at 7 pm. $10 cover
Dave will have a special acoustic solo and will also be featuring Cass Blue and her Blue's Band.
* Please note this is a FRIDAY concert instead of the usual Saturday night concert.
The next
Rockford Bicentennial Committee meeting will be
Ohio Strengthens Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy For Recreational Waters "Know Before You Go" via BeachGuard website
COLUMBUS – With the arrival of warmer temperatures and increased recreational water activities in Ohio, the state is further strengthening its approach to addressing harmful algal blooms in recreational waters like state park lake beaches and boat ramps. "We are strengthening our approach by helping Ohioans better understand recreational water quality before they begin activities, and by issuing public health advisories earlier solely based on the levels of harmful algal bloom toxins," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). "As we continue to better understand harmful algal blooms and the toxins they may produce, we have eliminated the previous requirement for a probable case of an algal bloom-related human illness or a pet death before issuing an elevated recreational public health advisory." Other updates to the state's harmful algal bloom strategy include designating the state's BeachGuard website as the single resource for advising the public about recreational water quality, consolidating information previously posted separately on multiple agency websites. "We are encouraging people to 'know before you go' by checking our BeachGuard website," Dr. DiOrio said. "BeachGuard lists any recreational public health advisories and water quality data for some toxins and E. coli bacteria for Ohio state park lake beaches and boat ramps as well as participating non-state public and private beaches." BeachGuard is accessible directly at www.odh.ohio.gov/healthybeaches or at ohioalgaeinfo.com which also offers other extensive harmful algal bloom information and resources provided by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and ODH. Some signage has been updated to help Ohioans know what the water quality is at state park beaches, boat ramps and participating non-state public and private recreational waters: An educational white sign will be posted at state park beaches and boat ramps. The white sign· describes what algal blooms could look like and advises that people be on the alert and avoid them. (more) A recreational public health advisory will be issued when an algal bloom is visually confirmed· and/or when toxin levels are equal to or exceed a designated threshold. For microcystin, this threshold is 6 parts per billion. An orange sign marked "Warning" will be added to the white sign, noting that an algal bloom is present and/or algal toxins have been detected, and that swimming and wading are not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, those with certain medical conditions, and pets. An elevated recreational public health advisory will be issued when algal toxin levels are equal· to or exceed a designated threshold. For microcystin, this threshold is 20 parts per billion. A red sign marked "Danger" will be added to the white sign, noting that algal toxins at unsafe levels have been detected, and to avoid all contact with the water. A type of bacteria often called blue-green algae is commonly found in Ohio lakes, ponds, and slowmoving rivers. Under the right conditions, such as warm temperatures, sunlight, and excessive amounts of nutrients in the water which may result from rain runoff, the numbers of blue-green algae can dramatically increase or "bloom." Although many species of blue-green algae are not harmful, some can trigger algal blooms which may be visible as thick mats or scum on the surface of the water and can vary in color, including bluish-green, bright green, or even red or maroon. Microcystin has been the algal toxin most commonly found in Ohio recreational waters in recent years. The most common ways that people and animals come into contact with algal bloom-contaminated water are by swallowing the water, through contact with skin during swimming or wading, or by breathing in aerosolized water droplets or spray such as when tubing or water skiing. Depending on the type and levels of algal toxins in the water and type of contact, health effects of algal bloom exposure can range from a rash, hives, blisters, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain to numbness, dizziness, abnormal liver function, difficulty breathing and death. These symptoms can occur more quickly and severely in dogs and other animals. Individuals should seek medical attention if they believe that they have been exposed to algal toxins and are having adverse health effects. Contact a veterinarian immediately if pets and other animals have been exposed to contaminated water and show signs of illness. Owners of non-state public and private recreational waters experiencing a harmful algal bloom are encouraged to follow the state's updated strategy, too. The full State of Ohio Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy for Recreational Waters is available at ohioalgaeinfo.com. The state's algal bloom strategy may continue to evolve in the future based on new information, such as after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency develops algal bloom exposure criteria which are expected to be released by 2017.
* 2016
Village of Rockford Memorial Day Celebration *
The Village of Rockford will be celebrating Memorial Day – Monday – May 30th with a parade, a special speaker and a chicken dinner.
The Memorial Day Parade will begin at approximately 11 am and end at the Rockford American Legion. The speaker will be Mr. Harrison Frech. The American Legion will be having a chicken dinner. Tickets are pre sale only. Tickets can be purchased at the Legion and Barrys Market.
Willshire Memorial Day Celebration
The parade will start at approximately 9:30 AM at the American Legion and march to the cemetery. Guest Speaker is Discipleship Pastor at Praise Point Church, Brandon Baker.
Mendon Memorial Day Celebration
The parade will start at approximately 8:30 AM. The Celina American Legion will conduct services.
The Parkway High School Marching Band will provide music for all three parades!
Baby Hospitalized - Prayers Requested
Six month old Meryn Denning is hospitalized at Nationwide Children's Hospital. 700 Children's Drive, Room H12B.44,Columbus, OH 43205.
Prayers for her are requested by the family.
She is the daughter of Brad and Tiffany (Baltzell) Denning.
Patrol to Focus on Seat Belts and Impaired Drivers
VAN WERT – The Ohio State Highway Patrol wants motorists to drive cautiously when out during Memorial Day, as troopers tend to see an increase in traffic deaths over this weekend. Troopers and local law enforcement will join together to work towards a fatality-free holiday weekend on Ohio roads.
Seven of the 16 statewide traffic deaths during the Memorial Day weekend in 2015 were related to impairment, equaling 44 percent. To stay safe over the weekend, the Patrol is urging motorists to never drive impaired and always designate a sober driver.
The Patrol made 546 OVI arrests during the Memorial Day weekend in 2015.
The Van Wert Post is focusing on the safety of motorists traveling through the area. "The Van Wert Post is responsible for nearly 800 square miles of roads in Van Wert and Paulding Counties," said Sergeant Jonathon Gray, assistant post commander at the Van Wert Post. "You will see troopers patrolling this weekend in proactive enforcement efforts to ensure motorists are not impaired, unbelted, or driving distracted."
In addition, as part of the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization running through June 5, troopers will have a zero tolerance policy for those not wearing a safety belt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, almost 50 percent of occupants of fatal crashes nationwide in 2015 were not restrained; this highlights the need for increased enforcement and awareness of safety belt use.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report any type of impaired drivers or drug activity.
Hospital Volunteers Make Donation
· New CPR Training Equipment used for both internal education and community education
· New Easy Access Chairs for Outpatient Waiting Areas at Mercer County Community Hospital
· Halo Infant SleepSacks for every newborn at the Childbirth Center
Ohio's Infant Mortality Rate has been below national average, however, Linda Finke, Childbirth Center Manager at Mercer Health indicates, "With the education that is being done on Safe Sleep and the implementation and support of SleepSacks, we are able to help improve those rates. Thankfully our rates in the local community have always been good but we want to continue and improve."
Eagle Scout Project
Benefits Rockford Shanes Park
The Village of
Rockford and The Rockford Recreation Association would like
Sutters To Celebrate Golden Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Sutter of rural Willshire will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The former Judith A. Merinar and LeRoy L. Sutter were united in marriage May 28, 1966 at the IC Church in Celina.
They are the parents of a daughter, Marcy (Brad) Shue of Statesville, North Carolina and a son, Aaron of Rockford. They have five grandchildren: Jaymie and LeeAnn McNeal in North Carolina and Logan, Abby and Olivia Sutter in Rockford.
LeRoy retired from Goodyear in St. Marys in 2000 with 33 years of service. Judy had worked over 40 years as an RN in geriatric nursing before retiring in 2006.
Rockford recently was recognized as a Tree City USA at the
Thanks for Nikki Fox of Fox Photography for sharing this picture.
* 2016
Village of Rockford Memorial Day Celebration *
The Village of Rockford will be celebrating Memorial Day – Monday – May 30th with a parade, a special speaker and a chicken dinner.
The Memorial Day Parade will begin at approximately 11 am and end at the Rockford American Legion. The speaker will be Mr. Harrison Frech. The American Legion will be having a chicken dinner. Tickets are pre sale only. Tickets can be purchased at the Legion and Barrys Market.
Willshire Memorial Day Celebration
The parade will start at approximately 9:30 AM at the American Legion and march to the cemetery. Guest Speaker is Discipleship Pastor at Praise Point Church, Brandon Baker.
Mendon Memorial Day Celebration
The parade will start at approximately 8:30 AM. Beginning at the park, all assembled will march to the river for a flower casting ceremony by the Celina American Legion, Celina VFW, Celina DAV Chapter 76 and Celina Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, and then returning to the park. There, the group will conduct services, and the speaker will be Alvie Louth who is a member of the Mendon Cristmas Tree Festival. The area Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts will be participating as well.
The Parkway High School Marching Band will provide music for all three parades!
Memorial Day Weekend Special Tribute Exhibit in Willshire
Aleta's devotion to her father and his service has led her to spearhead this event. Weiss has spent countless hours preparing each donation and planning the occasion. She and Bill would like to honor veterans past and present, and they would like the public to share in this experience through the display at the store. Nursing Home Resident Activity Directors may call for more information to Willshire Home Furnishings at 419.495.2833.
Philothea Road to Close
Any additional questions, contact the Mercer County Engineer's Office at 419-586-7759.
Rockford United
Methodist Invites Children to Cave Quest Community
A summer kids' event called Cave Quest VBS will be hosted at Rockford
Community Days Parade 2016
The Venedocia Lads and Lassies Meet to Work on Projects
RADC MEMBERS to Meet in Rockford
The next meeting is Monday, May 23rd at 7:30 pm in the Rockford Library basement. A turkey farm is in the beginning stages just west of town on McDonough's land near Holly Lane and the future site of the new subdivision. This will be a topic of discussion.
Ribeiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Lima, OH Team Travels to
Toledo to Compete
The Ribeiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Lima, OH
team traveled to Toledo on May 21, 2016 to compete at the Toledo
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Open.
Rockford Chamber Congratulates Scholarship Winner
The Rockford
Chamber would like to congratulate Shelbe Eddington for
Rockford Post Office Re-Organizing
Parkway Graduates Class of 2016 on Sunday, May 22, 2016
Principal Brian Fortkamp, Parkway High School, presented the class of 2016 to the Parkway School Board Members to be graduated on Sunday, May 22, 2016.
The classmates were
looking sharp in their black and gold-trimmed gowns and black mortar
Mackaid Beery class president, addressed the group. Salutatorian Tanner Matthews spoke of fond memories and the last day they would ever be all together as a group. Valedictorian Samantha Wehe gave a meaningful list of all the things she hoped for her classmates as they continue with their lives.
The Senior Choir sang the class song See You Again by Khalifa. The Parkway High School Band played throughout. The traditional video followed with baby pictures and senior pictures prepared by Chad Ransbottom.
List of graduates - Click Here
Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing pictures!
Memorial Weekend Patriotic Concert In The Park
On Friday May 27th, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the band shell of Fountain Park in Van Wert, Ohio. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public. Music performed on the concert will include Patriotic selections that are intended to reflect, revitalize and rekindle the pride that each of use has as citizens of the best country in the world, the United States of America. A few of these selections are, Bruce Springsteen Medley, The Minnesota March by John Philip Sousa, Fanfare for the Everyday Super Heroes that will honor those that make a daily difference in our lives. Area military personnel and veterans will also be honored with a Salute To America's Finest.
No food stand will be available, so you may choose to dine at one of our local eateries. Bring a coat it may be cool. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held across the street in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church.
Please join the band directed by Richard Sherrick and featuring members from, Van Wert, Elgin, Delphos, Convoy, Chat, Middle Point, Spencerville and Rockford for this special concert.
RADC MEMBERS to Meet in Rockford
Parkway Graduation on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 1:30
The Parkway High School is planning graduation of their 73 seniors on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 1:30 PM in the Parkway High School Gymnasium in Rockford. Samantha Wehe of Willshire is the Valedictorian and plans to attend Wright State University (International Studies). Her parents are Bob and Holly (Thompson) Wehe. Tanner Matthews of Ohio City is the Salutatorian, plans to study at Ohio State University (agribusiness), and is the son of Todd and Brenda Matthews. Officers of the class include: McKade Beery (president); Kevin Flaugher (vp); Shay Horn (secy); Samantha Wehe (tres); and Sage Dugan (reporter). Motto: Together we have Experienced Life. Separately, we will pursue our dreams. Forever, our memories will remain. Colors: black and vega gold; flower: red rose; song: See You Again by Khalifa.
Blind Date will be in concert at the Rockford Belle on May 21st. Doors open at 6 pm. Show starts at 7 pm.
Parkway NHS Makes Thoughtful Donation
Some members of the Parkway National Honor Society presented a $325 check to Mike Fox, representative of the Fox Family Ride organization. This organization helps connect local families that have children with autism with itaalk. Itaalk is a foundation that provides interactive technology to children with autism and spectrum disorders. The Fox Family Ride organization will be raffling off a 2016 Harley Davidson Softail Slim. See the organization's website for more details.
Congratulations to Parkway Students and Their Teachers and Staff for Scoring High on State Testing and Winning the First-Ever Ohio Momentum Award for 2015 – Click here to see the award letter.
Shared by Superintendent Greg Puthoff
Rockford Rec. Summer Co-ed Sand Volleyball League
The Rockford Recreation Association will be hosting an adult co-ed sand volleyball power league that will be played on Sunday evenings at Shanes Park during the months of June and July. The cost to register a team for the 2016 sand volleyball league is $80 and t-shirts will be awarded to the league champions. For more information, or to register a team, contact Brandi Bruns at (419)733-0369.
* 2016
Village of Rockford Memorial Day Celebration *
Column from State Representative Jim Buchy
Over the past few months we have learned a lot about the water crisis in Flint, Michigan and I must say that I am appalled by the failure of their local government to do what's right for the people of Flint. The reason we have laws is to reinforce the Ten Commandments. Now is not the time to react in Ohio by passing laws that focus solely on lead concerns considering the many lingering dangers on Ohio's drinking water sources.
For decades
communities have failed to upgrade their public water and waste water
infrastructure and now many small towns and cities are trying to carve a
new path forward to safe water systems. Other municipalities are
celebrating their good fortunes and efforts to provide citizens high
quality H2O. For those municipalities who have not had the dedication
of Bobby Boucher from the 1998 Adam Sandler Film "Waterboy," we should
work with them to correct the wrong doing.
In western Ohio, we must recognize the efforts by cities such as Celina where harmful toxins are sometimes present in the drinking water source, but is always removed from the water as it is purified and made safe for drinking.
In another Ohio city, decisions have been made in the past that put its citizens and surrounding areas at risk because of their inability to purify the water and upgrade their community's infrastructure.
Maintaining the capital resources necessary to clean waste water and provide clean drinking water are costly, but should be a priority for every local government. We cannot allow the crisis in Flint to misdirect our efforts solely to lead contamination concerns. We must continue to promote communities who take care of their water systems and provide a nudge to those who need to take the right steps to improve their aging systems.
To solve these drinking water problems we need to return to the basics, follow the Ten Commandments, and expect those entrusted with caring for their community to do the job correctly.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchymay2016
Kakes & Dreams Joins
Celina Mercer Co. Chamber
Shanes Park Beautification Society
Rockford United
Methodist Invites Children to Cave Quest Community
A summer kids' event called Cave Quest VBS will be hosted at Rockford
Stateline Writers Club to Write About Toys
The Stateline Writers Club will meet at the Mercer County District Library on May 21, 2016, from 10:00 am until Noon. These who plan on attending are asked to write a short article about "toys." Shirley Knox is planning on doing a program about postcards. The public is invited to attend.
Coldwater K of C Picnic
The 49th Annual K of C Picnic is slated for June 3rd, 4th and 5th on the grounds of Holy Trinity Church in Coldwater, Ohio. New this year, the picnic will be kicking off activities on Friday evening with live entertainment from Kaitlyn Schmit and Steve Rosenbeck along with food, drinks and inflatable jumpies for kids.
The Craft beer lineup has been expanded to include offerings of Tailspin Brewing Company from Coldwater along with Moeller Brew Barn from Maria Stein, along with Bud & Bud Light on draft as well. In total 8 to 10 different beers on tap and available for purchase for adults 21 and over. All the traditional games, food and drinks will be offered throughout the weekend!
Saturday night will begin after 5:00 Mass with many activities including a corn hole tournament, kids activity tent and inflatables. Entertainment will be by local band, Night Fall.
Sunday activities will begin after 12:00 Mass with continued fun for the entire family including the Kiddie Tractor Pull, free pony rides, live entertainment throughout the day, ending with Country Mile in the evening. We will again have BBQ chicken dinners prepared by Rocky Bernard with curbside pickup available beginning at 4:00.
The purpose of the picnic is to provide an entertaining weekend of activities for everyone to enjoy while allowing our Council to raise money that is shared with various cluster programs and organizations and throughout the entire community.
For the entire picnic schedule visit http://www.kofc1991.org/picnic.html or follow us on Face book at Coldwater K of C Picnic.
Work Crews – Mercer
Big Used Book Sale at Rockford Library Ongoing will end on Friday, May 27th
Come browse the huge selection of good used books at the library during regular library hours. This collection is all new - all the books from the last sale were donated elsewhere. Donations will be accepted for books taken.
The library also has two printers for sale for $50.00 each or best offer.
The library's hours are Monday-Thursday 10-8, Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-2. For more information call the library at 419-363-2630.
MED Foundation awards $13,000 in scholarships to 13 local students
The Medical, Educational and Development (MED) Foundation of Mercer Health recently awarded 13 scholarships, for a total of $13,000, to local students furthering their education in a medical field after their high school graduation. Scholarships were awarded to at least one student from each of the six schools in Mercer County.
Mindy Kremer, Senior Director of Development, Marketing and Community Relations at Mercer Health states, "We have been providing scholarships since 1992. The total amount awarded over those years has reached $226,700 to 202 recipients. Each year we hold a golf outing, the Esmonde-Homan Memorial Golf Outing, with its proceeds directly funding our scholarship program. We are honored that we can provide these scholarships to local students and are excited about their future as healthcare providers, hopefully coming back to serve our local community."
Recipients include: Celina – Hana Grabow, Mallory McMurray and Nicole Crites; Coldwater – Anna Jenkins, Leanna Wolters and Megan Frilling; Ft. Recovery – Caitlyn Huelskamp, Kirsten Jutte, Megan Hipple and Corinne Stone; Marion Local – Hannah Moeller; and St. Henry – Alyssa Siefring and Evan Lefeld.
Annual Pomona
Grange Strawberry Supper Coming
It will be held at the Unity Grange on St. Anthony Road. Go 2-1/2 miles south of Wabash on St. Anthony Rd or 2-1/4 miles east of St. Anthony, OH. Chicken and Ham Sandwiches and Chips PLUS all of the strawberries and shortcakes you can eat!
Serving times (
4:30-7:00 pm)
Carry-outs available, but bring your own containers. Handicapped accessible building.
Lima Physical Therapist to Address Men's Prostate Cancer Group
Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer. At the next meeting a presentation will be conducted by Amy Edwards, a physical therapist specializing in treating men who have had prostate cancer treatment. The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, May 17th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend. For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Parkway 10U Baseball Tournament to be held this weekend May 13th-15th at Shane's Park.
Full concession stand will be available with burgers, hot dogs, popcorn etc. Tourney T-shirts will also be for sale.
The hometown Parkway 10u team will begin pool play at 6pm Friday and at 2pm and 6pm Saturday.
Sunday a single elimination tournament will begin at 11am.
Teams include: Parkway, Van Wert, Coldwater, Versailles, Celina, Minster, Ft. Loramie, Marysville, Ft. Recovery, Decatur, Crestview, Evergreen.
Come on out for a great weekend of youth travel baseball!!!!!
The Parkway Local Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. The purpose of the meeting will be to hire personnel.
Western Ohio Educational Foundation (WOEF)
Awards Scholarship Donations from St. Marys K of C
Supporting Students…Transforming Communities
Celina, Ohio – For over 50 years, the Western Ohio Educational Foundation (WOEF) has responded to the educational needs of residents in Auglaize, Darke, Mercer and Van Wert counties by providing the resources to allow residents access to college instruction. The foundation secured the funding to build and operate an institution of higher education. Since 1962, WOEF has remained strongly committed to the success of the Lake Campus.
Minster Bank, a long-time supporter of Wright State University-Lake Campus, contributed $1,000 to the Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) Fund for the 2016/2017 academic year. The AES award was established in 1995 and is available to 22 regional high schools. The schools' top student can claim this scholarship to attend class at the Lake Campus.
For nearly a century, Minster Bank has been helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their dreams by offering a variety of personal, business, and private wealth management services. As long-time friends of the university, Minster Bank has contributed and supported the WOEF scholarship programs Minster Bank is a proud supporter of our current RISE. SHINE. Fundraising campaign which will prepare knowledgeable employees in engineering, business, agriculture, and healthcare.
History Channel
American Pickers Team Coming to Ohio
Blues Guitarist to
Parkway 8th Graders
and Chaperones Alike Love the Trip to Philadelphia, PA and Washington,
The fast pass continued n the afternoon, when they went to the Washington Monument, and then participated in a Wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A tour of the U.S. Capital followed and the U.S. Marine Corps Museum. Mt. Vernon, mansion home of President George Washington, and a walking tour of Alexandria took the touring students right to the end of the day.
The last day included some very touching memorials of President Lincoln, the Korean and the Vietnam Memorials. Iwo Jima, a subway trip to the Pentagon/911 Memorial, the Holocaust Museum, a walk through of the Kennedy performing Arts Center, followed by the Air Force Memorial took the travelers right to the end of the trip and their busses home. What an awesome adventure for the students of Parkway, whio had prepared for the trip by raising money and learning EVERYTHING they could in class about the history of our great country. Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, community members and organizations who helped make this trip possible.
Here are pictures by Brian Woods. Thank you for sharing!
Wreath Laying
Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery - Wreath Layers were - front,
Breyden Bruns and Hailey Stephenson. back, Aaron Bruns and Alexis
Cairns. These students were selected by their peers.
Parkway Class of '67 Planning now for 2017
50th Reunion
Parkway Students to Travel Overseas
The Parkway Student Travelers are planning a big overseas trip this summer. Anita Morton is their trip advisor and accompanying 11 travelers. At the end of May , they will fly to and first visit Paris (France), followed by these cities and countries: Rotterdam (Germany), Lucerne (Switzerland), Venice (Italy), and finally Munich (Germany). The group will return mid June. The students have worked hard for 4 years doing fundraisers to offset the cost of the trip.
Thinking of Joining Cub Scouts?
Kevin Browning is the Cubmaster for Willshire. Contact him at 260-413-0277 for information.
Ballot Board Certifies the Ohioans for Medical Marijuana Amendment As Single Ballot Issue
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Ballot Board today certified the proposed constitutional amendment known as �Ohioans for Medical Marijuana� as a single ballot issue.
Petitioners will now need to collect 305,591 signatures, which is equal to 10 percent of the total vote cast for governor in 2014, in order to place the issue on the ballot.
As part of the total number of signatures needed to place the measure on the ballot, petitioners must also have collected signatures from at least 44 of Ohio's 88 counties, and within each of those counties, collect enough signatures equal to five percent of the total vote cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election, 2014.
Secretary Husted serves as the Chairman of the Ohio Ballot Board in his official capacity as the Ohio Secretary of State. Other members include State Senator Bill Coley, State Representative Kathleen Clyde, Former State Senator Nina Turner and Mr. William Morgan. Ballot Board meetings are open to the public.
Ballot Board Certifies the Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Amendment As Single Ballot Issue
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Ballot Board today certified the proposed constitutional amendment known as the �Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Amendment as a single ballot issue.
Petitioners will now need to collect 305,591 signatures, which is equal to 10 percent of the total vote cast for governor in 2014, in order to place the issue on the ballot.
As part of the total number of signatures needed to place the measure on the ballot, petitioners must also have collected signatures from at least 44 of Ohio's 88 counties, and within each of those counties, collect enough signatures equal to five percent of the total vote cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election, 2014.
Secretary Husted serves as the Chairman of the Ohio Ballot Board in his official capacity as the Ohio Secretary of State. Other members include State Senator Bill Coley, State Senator Michael Skindell, State Representative Kathleen Clyde and Mr. William Morgan. Ballot Board meetings are open to the public.
Parkway Academic Alumni Hall of Fame Admitting Three Leaders
Ms. Karen Bollenbacher Casey, Class of 1966, received her Juris Doctor from The Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University, Doctoral program in Health Education & Counseling at OSU, M. A. in Public Administration from OSU, B.A. in Psychology from Ohio Dominican College, and a Diploma in Nursing from Mount Carmel School of Nursing.
Ms. Casey retired after serving for seven years as a CEO for Franklin County Domestic Court & Juvenile Branch in Columbus, Ohio. As Court Director, Ms. Casey was responsible for a 400 employee Court with 5 Judges, managing a $25 M+ budget, a 132 bed juvenile detention center along with developing and coordinating behavioral health and social services for youth and families. Prior to this, Ms. Casey was Court Executive Director for 7 years and Assistant Court Director in Franklin County for 5 years. Earlier in her career, Ms. Casey worked with Community Counseling and mental health agencies for the Franklin County Board of Mental Health.
Achievements and Community Involvement are exemplified by service on numerous boards including as a Trustee on the Mount Carmel College of Nursing, the Maryhaven, Inc., and the Alliance for Cooperative Justice, Central Ohio Center for Alcohol Services, Upper Arlington Quality of Life Commission, and Safety Committee Chair for German Village. Past service includes a Moritz Scholar Mentor, Emeritus member of the Moritz College of Law National Council. Ms. Casey is a trustee for a charitable trust to provide monies to support research into chronic childhood diseases at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. She works with the Office of Academic Affairs at OSU & the Ohio Scholarship Challenge initiative to raise undergrad scholarship monies for Parkway High School students who attend OSU. Ms. Casey raises funds to send underprivileged elementary students to summer camp for the arts by singing in a community choral group which donates ticket sales to an endowment fund for the children.
Mr. James Ripley, Class of 1964, earned a B.A. in Political Science & M.A. in Journalism, both from The Ohio State University.
Mr. Ripley retired in 2009, yet served as chair of the Mesa Historical Society from 2010-2011. He led an initiative to recognize his church as a Mesa Historic Landmark. Prior to this, Mr. Ripley was a journalist from 1972-2009. Work experience began as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone from 1969-1972 helping farmers increase rice yields by turning swamps into fields. He served as a political reporter for the Columbus Citizen-Journal covering John Glenn's 1974 Senate race, traveling throughout the state with Glenn and his wife. He was an Ohio statehouse reporter for Scripps-Howard News Service which included covering Ohio legislature for three Ohio newspapers, followed by being a state/national political reporter for Dayton Daily News. His first major assignment with the Daily News was covering the blizzard of 1977 by riding on an Army Reserves helicopter to Greenville, OH. Mr. Ripley covered the Rhodes/Celeste gubernatorial race and 1980 presidential primaries in New Hampshire, Illinois, and Ohio. He interviewed many prominent politicians including President Carter, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and covered debates between Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. From 1982-1992, Mr. Ripley was Assistant City Editor, City Editor & Metro Editor, serving nearly ten years in Dayton, OH. Mr. Ripley moved up to managing editor at the Mesa (AZ) Tribune until 2009.
Some of Mr. Ripley's accomplishments include his assignment as lead convention reporter and receiving two first place Ohio AP newspaper awards – one for investigative reporting and one for a series on Ohio prisons while in Dayton. By 2003, the Associated Press Managing Editors Association named Mr. Ripley's paper, the East Valley Tribune, the best newspaper in the state. In 2009 when Mr. Ripley was the newspaper's executive editor, a team of his reporters received a Pulitzer Prize for local reporting for a project done in 2008. Mr. Ripley had hired all members of the team as well as the project editor who directly supervised them.
Herbert A Schumm, MD, Class of 1978 was awarded a B.S. in Chemistry from Huntington College, M.D. Wright State University School of Medicine, Family Medicine Residency from St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Edgewood, KY.
Dr. Schumm is President of St. Rita's Professional Services, Lima, OH, since 2012, where he leads and over-sees operations for 23 physician practices. He implemented multiple programs including a professional behavior program for medical staff, PerfectServe messaging and management system, MedMined – an infection prevention tool while Chief Medical Officer for St. Rita's Health Partners from 2000-2015. Dr. Schumm was honored as a Legend of St. Ritas in 2014. His medical career began with a private Family Medicine Practice from 1989-2000.
Dr. Schumm's community service includes serving as President of West Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians (WCOPCP) – a grass roots organization to bring community-based, private practice primary care physicians together with a common vision to improve patient care and reduce cost with a managed care environment. He is a board member of Cornerstone Alliance Inc. (CAI). CAI is a collaboration between WCOPCP and St. Rita's which covers a network of 10 counties. Dr. Schumm currently serves on the Lima Area Medical Education Development Board and he served on the West Central Ohio Surgery Endoscopy Center Board for 10 years. He also serves on his church board, teaches and leads small groups, WTLW-Channel 44 Board of Directors, Chairman of the board for Huntington University, and Allen County Port Authority board, along with numerous professional society memberships. Dr. Schumm has taken short term medical mission trips to Honduras, Peru, and Haiti. He and his wife, Paula, have hosted players for Lima Express basketball and Lima Locos baseball team.
Parkway Class of 1966 Plans Reunion and Looks for Classmates
The Parkway High School Class of 1966 is in the process of planning a 50-year reunion for Saturday, September 17, 2016. The planning committee is at work gathering current addresses of class members and sending out "Save the Date" cards. A reservation form and survey will be mailed in late July.
In addition, the committee is seeking contact information for the following classmates:
Judy Jacks
Kathy Young
Anyone with questions concerning the reunion or with further information on the classmates listed above should contact :
Steve Graham
(937) 845-9242 or firstname.lastname@example.com or
Dennis and Lynn Hinkle
(419) 363-3455 or email@example.com
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: Who is the young man who was fishing on a pier off of West Bank Road in June 1965? Who was the photographer?
West Bank Road must have been an exciting summer place 40 some years ago. I receive so many requests about the restaurants, the places selling bait, the summer residences, and the wooden fishing piers off of West Bank Road. I remember driving along West Bank Road in the 1950's; do you?
I am sure that those of you who grew up around Celina, remember these names and places better than I do. Also, many citizens of Dayton and Lima and nearby villages, rented sites on West Bank Road.
Since this photograph is dated June 1965, I checked the 1968 Celina Directory, which listed owners of sites along West Bank, going south: Carter Villa on The Lake Cottages, Joe. L. Graham, Joe and Vi's Cottages, Dale Roebuck, Vincent Pompeo, Carl D. Miller, Miller's Cottages, R.A. Deeters, Deeter Cottages, Clarence Wehrkamp, Wehrkamp Resort, Fullers Cottages, Donisi's Pizza, Geo. Donisi, Bob Weitz, Robert Elswick, Leroy Huber, Victor Parker, Cledith Hiser.
At that point, South Sugar Street intersected with West Bank Road. The list of owners continued: Chas. Steen, Helen Boroff, Dave's Resort, Stanley Humbert, Barney's Place, Harold Mull, Midway Lounge, James Welch.
After 1900, post card photographs of sites around the lake were popular. The local restaurants around the lake preserve the history of Grand Lake Saint Marys by posting old photographs on their walls. These photographs attract the attention of their guests, and contribute to the preservation of the visual image of history of Grand Lake, as well as the memories of people about those old photographs.
On the second Sunday of November, November 13, the Mercer County Historical Society is hosting the 16th Annual Post Card and Post Mark Exhibit at the Mercer County Historical Museum, 130 East Market, Celina. A great way for preserving the history of this lake is through citizens who remember spending time at these sites around Grand Lake. The Post Cards preserve history.
The local photographs taken with the old Brownie Cameras always tell a story. The June 1965 photograph above shows how peaceful it was to be fishing on the Lake, next to the cottages along West Bank Road. Do you have photographs along West Bank Road, or other sites around Grand Lake, that you would show us at the Museum at the November 13 Exhibit? Another time to visit the Museum, to show us your photographs or post cards is Sunday afternoon, June 26, when the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors host the 36th Annual Prehistoric Artifact Exhibit on the lawn.
Photographs and Post Cards preserve local history as well as any written history book. You are invited to help the Mercer County Historical Society preserve the history of Grand Lake Saint Marys. My last thought at studying this photograph, is that it would be great to return to a quieter time in our lives, and go fishing along West Bank Road.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or email@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Learning About Flag Respect
The 4-H Camp Counselors would like to thank C/SMSgt Damon Watkins Jr. and C/MSgt Conner Army for coming to their Camp Counselor meeting on Sunday, May 1st, 2016. These gentlemen represented the Civil Air Patrol very well showing their knowledge of Flag respect and Flag Lowering ceremonies.
2016 Ohio City "Arts in the Park" Planned
This band is alive! They own the stage and deliver passion to the audience. Their array of original tunes is born from life experiences and events. The Adam Andrews Blues Band's stomping ground is NW Ohio and NE Indiana... and ever expanding...
Goal: Bring into existence blues music that has been missing from everybody's palate up to this point. There has been a void and this band aims to fill it. "When they find our music, we want blues fans to experience the feeling of finally finding what they've been looking and waiting for, for a long time." - Adam Andrews
"I've been on that journey myself - combing used CD stores for some amazingly awesome find in a blues band; surprisingly great; new yet familiar to the soul; timeless songs that today are rare to find. So I set out on a journey to write those songs that have been missing. We strive to bring to life songs that seem so familiar it's like you've heard them before, yet, you know you haven't because they are so good you would certainly have remembered them." - Adam Andrews
The village of Ohio City and the Memorial Park Fund will be providing entertainment every second Friday of the month this summer. May 13th, June 10th, July 8th, August 12th, and September 9th. Light concessions are available and personal beverages are welcome. All information can be found on the village website: villageofohiocity.org. Don't forget to "like" us of Facebook.
If your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor or a co-sponsor for one of these year's events, please contact us at 419-953-9511. They are filling up fast.
4-H Exhibitors – Animal
Weigh-in for Van Wert Fair
Hog exhibitors will be asked to pick up identification tags for their animals and return the paperwork and required photo identification, in lieu of physically tagging on location. No hogs are to be brought onto the fairgrounds for any of the tagging events. FFA Members will be given tags by their advisors. 4-H Members can pick up their tags on June 4th, 2016 during the weigh-in for dairy feeders, goats, and sheep at the south end of the fairgrounds near the Farm Focus Arena. Tags can be picked up from 8:00am-10:30am.
On May 15 at 6:00pm Calvary Preschool will hold the spring program. The theme this year is "Super Heroes". Scripture and songs related to some of the heroes in the Bible will be presented by all classes.. A video presentation will be shown before receiving of diplomas for four's and five's. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The students participating in the program are:
Taylor Breece Felicity Bowen Isabel Merkle
Jaspen Dodge Kayden Calayo Mara Myers
Carlie Harris Jacqueline Dennie George Powell
Chloe Schrader Avah Dothan Onyx Reiter
Hazel Smith Shamiya Jones Irelyn Sully
Avan Torres
Dawson bowman Olivia Hostetler Kyleigh Cummings Ivy Lippi
Kennedy Hart Lukas Laukhuf Drew Custer Adelyn Maxey
Kenneth Hart Benjamin Schaffner Joshua Denman Bellamy Miller
Logan Heffelfinger Gracie Wood Paylin Gray Elijah Owens
Raelynn Hire Evelyn Petrie
Adam Baer Neleah Bowen Halen Burnett
Kathryn Kundert Dancia Taylor
The Preschool teaching staff for the school year is:
Issa Ickes, three-year-olds Julie Stewart, four-year-olds
Vicki Chavarria, older four's & five-year-olds Melissa Wallace, aide
The Calvary Preschool is located at 10686 Van Wert Decatur Road. The preschool is accepting registrations for the fall program. Contact Marilyn Agler, Administrator at the preschool office @567-259-3103 or go to www.calvaryelife.org for information. Forms are available under the Preschool tab.
If no one is in the office when you call, please leave a message or call 419-203-2699. Appointments can be scheduled at your convenience during the summer. The last day of school for all students is May 20 from 9:00-11:00 AM to celebrate the last day of school with the Calvary Carnival. School begins next fall with Orientation on Tuesday, August 23 with morning or evening sessions. Pictures, of your child, will be taken for ID badges before and after orientation in order to be ready for the first day of classes. The first day of school is August 29.
Happy Mother's Day
Employment Opportunities at Van Wert County Hospital -
Click Here for these job
Acute Care Nursing Director
Environmental Services Worker
Patient and Community Relations Coordinator
PARKWAY LOCAL BOARD Of EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
Planned for May 10, 2016
Parkway Schools Community Room, Rockford, OH
Click here for the agenda by Sally Cox
Come and Help in the Park
|Driver Training Classes to Begin - Enroll Today
MR. E's DRIVING SCHOOL
SAT. May 28rd 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
TUE. May 31st 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
WED. June 1st 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
THUR. June 2nd 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
FRI. June 3rd 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
SAT. June 4th 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
MON. June 6th
Mr. E's Driving
School, LLC
(Van Wert, OH) – After the jazziest finale the Niswonger has ever seen courtesy of Brian Culbertson, the Niswonger has set its sight on the 2016-17 tenth anniversary season. While the Grand Series is still set to be revealed later this summer, the Niswonger gives a teaser to the great things that lie ahead next season with the Community Concert Series.
This is the 64th Community Concert Series in Van Wert presented by Okuley Unverferth Dentistry along with the 2016-17 Season Sponsors: Chuck and Karen Koch, StateWide Ford Lincoln, and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank. This series includes a variety of fun for the whole family with five whole events for as low as $75!
Here are some of the great things to come:
Sunday, Sept. 18, 2:00 PM – Guy & Ralna
Since their days on the Lawrence Welk Show from 1970-82, they have become one of the most endearing couples still touring and spreading good, wholesome music throughout the United States. Their fans love them on television and now can enjoy them LIVE at the Niswonger!
Sunday, Oct. 23, 7:30 PM – Doc Severinsen & His Big Band
The incomparable oc Severinsen from the golden age of television as Johnny Carson's Tonight Show band leader, brings his Big Band back out on the road in Once More with Feeling. Doc still brings his trademark wit, incredible trumpet playing and flamboyant fashion statements to the Niswonger stage performing all of his favorite tunes backed up by his incredible Big Band!
Saturday, Mar. 18, 7:30 PM – Broadway & Beyond Ft. J. Mark McVey
Internationally famed singer and Broadway performer J. Mark McVey joins the Heartland Vocal Artists in a tribute to the American musical theatre tradition and the American songbook. Audiences will delight in the artistry of McVey, whose stage credits include over 3,268 performances portraying the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, coupled with the Heartland Vocal Artists and Pops Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Robert Nance make this show an experience to remember!
Sunday, Apr. 30, 3:00 PM – Mutts Gone Nuts & Robert Post Comedy Theatre
"I laughed until I wept!" exclaimed First Lady Barbara Bush. Audiences won't believe their eyes at this comedy magic spectacular variety show, "Mutts Gone Nuts." The whole family from kids to grandparents will love these cuddly canines. For added fun, The Niswonger has added Robert Post, a seasoned comic who has toured the world bringing his own style of laughter inducing humor to audiences from Japan to the United States. This will be an afternoon filled with non-stop laughter from beginning to end.
Saturday, May 6, 7:30 PM – The Hitmen
The 2016-17 Community Concert Series comes to a rousing end with the legendary performers of some of the most iconic songs over the past few generations. Frankie Valli and the Four Season, Carole King, Tommy James, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Vanessa Williams, Chicago, and many, many more! It will be a night of memories with the voices who actually made the hits on the Niswonger stage.This full stage production experience with video and music will be a trip right down memory lane.
Supporting sponsors for the Series includes Central Insurance Companies, E & R Trailer, Eaton Corp., First Financial Bancorp, Taylor Auto Sales, and Tisha Fast – State Farm Agent.
2016-17 Community concert series packages can be purchased online at NPACVW.ORG and through the Box Office Mon.-Fri., Noon-4 PM at 419-238-6722.
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is located at 10700 SR 118 South, Van Wert, OH.
Township Line Road to Close
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Township Line Road between Philothea Road and Carthagena Road in Recovery/Butler Township for a culvert replacement. This road will be closed tentatively on May 9, 2016 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 4 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
Any additional questions, contact the Mercer County Engineer's Office at 419-586-7759.
Shanes Park Board would like to give a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to those that have generously given towards our New Shane Hall project. To make reservations, call Sandy Schaffner at 419-363-3872.
Blind Date will be in concert at the Rockford Belle on May 21st. Doors open at 6 pm. Show starts at 7 pm.
Self Defense Class To Be Presented by Dr. Clark
Dr. Curtis Clark will present a Self Defense Class on May 9th at 6 p.m. at Mercer County Community Hospital, Luken Room. Learn how to break holds, think in a critical situation and how to react. Participants should wear casual attire and tennis shoes.
Mercer County Grand Jury Finding in Officer ShootingThe Mercer County Grand Jury, according to a release by Matt Fox, Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney, on April 28, 2016 reviewed the facts and circumstances concerning the November 29, 2015 use of deadly force by Trooper Brandon M. Chaney of the Ohio State Highway Patrol resulting in the death of Justin D. McHenry. After considering the testimony of the witness and the evidence presented, the Grand Jury found and held that the actions of Justin D. McHenry towards Trooper Brandon M. Chaney presented the imminent threat of serious physical harm or death toward Trooper Brandon M. Chaney. Therefore the Grand Jury concluded that Trooper Brandon M. Chaney was reasonable and justified in his use of deadly force against Justin D. McHenry.
Parkway Students Win District Science Fair – Move to State Competition
Jace Armstrong, Colin Fokine, and Skyler Fokine, Parkway students of Barb Shellabarger, 5th and 6th grade science teacher, and Katie Kraner, Gifted Intervention Specialist, attended the District Science Day at Ohio Northern University on March 19th and won a Superior rating on their project – "Evaluation of Drones in Wind."
They had previously won a Superior Rating at Wright State Lake Campus Local Competition, leading them to the district designation.
Square Garage Sale Coming
Country Square Garage Sale. Southeast of Rockford May 5, 6 & 7 beginning at 9 am. Eichar, Herman and Keopple roads - look for the signs on St Rt 118, 707, 127 and US 33. Furniture, children's clothes, toys, household items and much more.
Square Garage Sale Coming
Parkway Prom 2016 Has Sweet Theme of Candy Land
Click here for more pictures on the website by Nikki Fox - thanks for sharing Nikki!
Click on smaller thumbnails below to enlarge
Click here for lots more great pictures shared by Nikki Fox on the Parkway High School page!
Square Garage Sale Coming
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
The Annual Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) Van Wert County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon or until sold out. The Plant Sale will be held in the Jr. Fair Building on the fairgrounds.
The proceeds from the sale will benefit the OSUE Van Wert County Master Gardener Volunteers' projects, such as the Garden of the Senses, Children's Garden, and their educational activities for the community.
The Plant Sale will feature potted herbs, both culinary and aromatic, plus a variety of hardy chrysanthemums. Gardening items will also be available.
Stop by the Jr. Fair Building on Saturday morning, April 30, to purchase herbs or mums to beautify your outdoor living spaces or as a gift for that special gardener in your family.
Second Person in
Rockford Dollar General Armed Robbery Behind Bars
Rozann Maurer, Library Director, applied for a grant to automate the library card catalog system back then, and with it came the program called Uniform Accounting Network (UAN). A software written by the Auditor of the State of Ohio, it was designed for public entities to use, and 1800 currently do, including 251 libraries. Bob explained that Rockford's Library is 240th in size and was a leader in automation and accounting with him being selected as one of 30 fiscal officers to use the new software at that time. The library got rid of the old paper card catalog and went to electronic searching, check-ins and check-outs.
Bob also was selected in 2002 to beta-test a new version of the UAN and also assist with the training of others on the software. The computer system was free-standing, but can be used online now. Multiple users can work in the same library on the UAN doing additional things besides the accounting, things like payroll, yearend reports and online direct deposit. In addition, Bob re-wrote the accounting handbook twice over the years with the latest in electronic format. While at Rockford Carnegie, he was hired from 2000 to 2012 as the fiscal officer for the St. Marys Library.
Bob was honored in May of 2005 when his fellow fiscal officers elected him president of the Ohio Library Fiscal Officers Association, a position he held for three years. Also during that time, Bob was elected to the Ohio Library Council Accounting Division Action Council, and served 6 years, one year as the chairman. Under his leadership, they sponsored a Central Public Investing and Management training to prepare fiscal officers for the certification of investing (some libraries do this).
Once he retires, he will continue to be a visiting clerk for the UAN, anywhere the State needs him to travel and help out.
Other activities of Bob's over the years include high school graduation; a tour of duty in Viet Nam in the Army; pursuing and getting his Associates Degree in Accounting from International Business College in Ft. Wayne; marrying Rozann and raising a family with her. They had twin daughters and now have 4 grandchildren. Bob also, farmed and continues to help with that, on the Palmer Family Sesquicentennial Farm near Mercer where they still live. They have a grain farm, but also some cattle. Seven generations have lived in the Palmer Family Home (Great Great Grandma built the house), which his daughter Megan lives in with her family. He continues to serve on the Leota Braun Foundation as the executive director and is a board member of the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District and he was the Dublin Township fiscal officer for 6 years. He enjoys riding his motorcycle and intends to take more trips after retirement. He will ride again on Memorial Day in the Rolling Thunder Riders from Fairfax Virginia to the tomb of the unknown Civil War Soldier Ceremony.
And he annual participates in the American Legion Riders (Charitable Wing) Legacy Run to raise money for the Legacy Scholarship for children of American military servicemen and women who were killed in service to our country.
When asked about the history of the library, he recognized the board members he has worked with over the years including the current members: Jim Gibson; Art Bader; Georgiana Wilson; Ryan Sipe; Marge Gehle; Shannon Painter Carpenter; and Lisa Kuhn. The Rockford Carnegie Library is a single entity in Mercer County. They are 1 of 4 libraries operating in Mercer County along with the Mercer County Public Library and its branches, The Ft. Recovery Public Library and the Coldwater Public Library. Each has a board of directors. Bob explained that in 2009 State Funding was drastically cut to all the libraries. It meant lay-offs or reduction in hours of service to the public. Community levies saved the libraries in the area and hours were restored as well as the ability to purchase. Rockford Carnegie Library's main structure was built in 1913 and the new part in 1970. The 100 year old brick was repaired on the old part in 2014.
Bob is looking forward to retirement although it looks like he'll still be plenty busy.
If you'd like to congratulate Bob, send him a card to 5850 Mercer Road, Mendon, OH 45862.
Bob Maurer Preparing for His 8th Ride in the American Legion Riders Legacy Run
Bob Maurer, a Viet Nam Veteran, is still serving his fellow military comrades. On August 22, 2016, he will be heading out on his motorcycle for his 8th ride in the American Legion Riders Legacy Run to raise Scholarship Funds for the children of men and women who have lost their lives in military service to the USA. In its 11th year, the riders have raised over $1 million a year in the last two years. Bob said, "We will travel 1300 miles in 5 days heading through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and arriving in Tupelo, Mississippi where the riders will congregate before we head back together to Cincinnati, Ohio for the American Legion National Convention. It is always a great time and can get emotional for those who have been helped by our fund raising efforts and share their stories. Donations to the cause can be given directly to Bob before he leaves or on the secure website at www.legion.org or www.legion.org/riders.
Venedocia Lads and Lassies
The Venedocia Lads and Lassies held there last meeting at the Venedocia Lions club on April 14th at 7:00p.m. The pledges were led by club member Tara Radabaugh. Roll call was taken by club member Allison Bowser. Health report was given by club member Chloe Etzcorn. Safty report was also taken by club member Ava Millagan. Club Member Rory Youngpeter had a presentation on how to make a fruit punch drink. The Venedocia Lads and Lassies discussed donating tie blankets. The club also discussed the Annual Trash pick up which was held on Saturday April 16th. The next meeting will be held May 12 at the Venedocia Lions club at 7:00.
Leadership In Action Class of 2016 Goes to Columbus
Leadership In Action Class of 2016 toured the Ohio Supreme Court and
Statehouse on Thursday, April 21st for State Government Day.
Parkway National Honor Society Takes on New York
On March 22nd, 2016 NHS members and chaperones headed to New York City. The chapter left Rockford on Tuesday night and arrived in New York on Wednesday morning. The chapter began their Wednesday morning by touring Ellis Island, and then proceeded to go on a tour around Upper Manhattan. On the chapter's way to supper, the students were able to get their first look at Times Square on their way to Hard Rock Café. After supper, the students ended their night by watching the Broadway show "Wicked", then traveled back into New Jersey to go to their hotel. On Thursday, the students started their morning by going on a tour of Lower Manhattan. Later, the group was able to tour the Radio City Music Hall, and then the chapter was able to shop around Times Square before eating dinner at Buca di Beppo . On their final day of the trip, students went to The Today Show where they were on national TV, followed by shopping in Time Square before loading the bus to head home. The trip was a success and the students enjoyed the opportunity to go to New York City.
A big Thank You to the following businesses that allowed Girl Scout Troop # 20677 to have their 2016 Cookie Booths there:
Eve's Chatt Bar , Willshire Drive In, Rockford Carry-Out , Hair To Stay, and Magic Mirror
*We still have cookies left $4.00 a box ~ please call 419-363-3722 THANKS !
Perennial Plant Sale in Fountain Park
The Evergreen
Garden Club will be having its annual perennial plant sale in Fountain
Perennial plants will be dug from garden club members' own gardens and sold at a very reasonable price. A large selection of many different varieties will be for sale.
All proceeds from the sale will be used for civic beautification projects sponsored by The Evergreen Garden Club. Some of those projects include purchasing, planting and maintaining the flowers in Fountain Park; maintaining the herb garden at the Van Wert County Historical Museum; maintaining the friendship garden at Camp Clay; and decorating the Brumback Library for the Christmas holiday season.
Help the environment—go green—plant perennials.
Van Wert County Health Collaborative Plans Public Discussion
The community health assessment was conducted to collect data to show the health and health behaviors of Van Wert County youth and adults and then identify the health needs. Britney Ward, the director of community health improvement for the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, will present the findings of the 2015 Van Wert County Community Health Needs Assessment. Ward will highlight key findings from the surveys, such as:
- one in six
teens in Van Wert County has had at least one alcoholic drink
- in the past year, there were 50 drug overdoses in the community, and
- seventy-two percent of Van Wert County adults are overweight or obese.
A panel
of experts will also attend the event to discuss what these
The Van Wert County Health Collaborative hopes that area educators, parents, county officials and others interested in the health of Van Wert will join together to talk about the major health needs of Van Wert County .
Registration for the event begins at 9:30 a.m. prior to the beginning of the presentation and discussion. The event will take place in the community room at Vantage Career Center.
One Killed in Two Vehicle Crash on State Route 114 in Paulding County
Grover Hill– The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on State Route 114 near the village of Grover Hill in Paulding County.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. William Bates, 63, of Grover Hill was driving east on State Route 114 near mile post 8 when his 2002 GMC pickup truck collided head on with a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by Kyle Childs, 27, of Payne. Mr. Child's vehicle was westbound on State Route 114 and determined to have driven left of center and struck Mr. Bates' vehicle. Mr. Bates was pronounced dead at the scene by Paulding County Coroner Dr. Joseph Kuhn. Mr. Childs was transported to Paulding County Hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The crash resulted in a brief closure of State Route 114 east of Grover Hill. The roadway has since been reopened. Mr. Childs was wearing a seat belt. Evidence suggests that Mr. Bates was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
Charges in the incident are pending. The crash remains under investigation.
The Van Wert Post was assisted by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, Grover Hill Fire and EMS, Parkview Samaritan Life Flight, and Gideon's Towing Services.
Businesses and Individuals Can Help At-Risk Youth
The Youth Business Alliance (YBA) is now accepting referrals for at-risk Mercer County youth who would benefit from participating in an organized sport or activity but need assistance with the cost. The Mercer County Prevention Coalition's Youth Alternatives working group has developed the YBA, in conjunction with Foundations Behavioral Health Services, a non-profit, 501(c)(3). The YBA is a sponsorship program enabling at-risk youth, in Mercer County, with the opportunity to enroll in and attend local programs, activities, and events which may otherwise be out of their reach and, in return, stay drug-free! All youth selected to participate in the YBA will be referred by local agencies/personnel who can verify that the youth would not otherwise be able to engage in these activities. If you are an area business or individual interested in donating to the cause, there are 3 support levels: $10-$99 Donor Level, $100-$499 Sponsor Level & $500-Up Mentor Level. We would like to thank you, by placing your business name or logo on T-Shirts, posters, fliers and other media based upon the amount of your contribution. The Mercer County Prevention Coalition's missions is "to improve the quality of lives of Mercer County residents by preventing the harmful consequences of substance use and abuse among youth, families, and the larger community." For more information or if you are interested in joining the Coalition, contact Laura Sanford at (419) 584-1000 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Will Meet
New Chamber Member -Agility Foot & Ankle Specialty Center LLC
Dr. Darby Wehrley has opened an office at 405 Myers Road in Celina. Agility Foot & Ankle Specialty Center LLC has joined
the Celina Mercer Co. Chamber of Commerce. With offices also in New Bremen and Portland, Agility Foot & Ankle Specialty Center strives to provide you the best foot and ankle health care possible, tailored to your specific needs. For more information, visit www.agility-foot.com or contact them at 567-890-3668.
Memorial Day Weekend Special Tribute Exhibit in Willshire
Aleta's devotion to her father and his service has led her to spearhead this event. Weiss has spent countless hours preparing each donation and planning the occasion. She and Bill would like to honor veterans past and present, and they would like the public to share in this experience through the display at the store. Nursing Home Resident Activity Directors may call for more information to Willshire Home Furnishings at 419.495.2833.
Fight the Bite: Take Precautions to Prevent Mosquito-Borne and Tick-Borne Diseases Including Zika virus, West Nile virus and Lyme disease
COLUMBUS – With the
arrival of mosquito and tick season in Ohio, the Ohio Department of
Health (ODH) urges Ohioans to "fight the bite" and take precautions to
prevent mosquito bites and tick bites to avoid diseases they may carry,
such as Zika virus, West Nile virus and Lyme disease. In Ohio, ticks are
usually active April through September, and mosquitoes May through
October. "You can take some simple precautions at home and when
traveling to prevent potentially serious mosquitoborne and tick-borne
diseases," said ODH Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio. "Zika virus has
received a lot of attention as a disease that can be transmitted by some
mosquitoes, but there are other mosquito-borne diseases as well,
including West Nile virus. Ticks also can transmit diseases like Lyme
disease." Mosquitoes The primary mosquito that transmits Zika virus is
found in the tropics and southern U.S., but it is not known to be
established in Ohio. A "cousin" of the mosquito is found in parts of
Ohio and may potentially transmit Zika virus. A type of mosquito found
in Ohio can transmit West Nile virus, and the state reported 35 cases
last year. Mosquitoes can live indoors and outdoors, and some species
bite during the day while others bite at dusk and dawn. Here are some
tips to avoid mosquito bites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases: If
you are outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long
pants, a longsleeved·
shirt, shoes and socks. Wear light-colored clothing, which is less
attractive to mosquitoes.·
Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent and follow the label directions.·
Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin, an insecticide (do not
apply permethrin·
directly to skin). Install or repair screens on windows and doors to
keep mosquitoes out of your home.·
Here are some tips to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your
home: Eliminate standing water.·
Empty or remove water-holding containers, such as buckets, unused
flower pots and bird baths.·
Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly.·
Keep child wading pools empty and on their sides when not being used.·
(more) Ticks Ohio ticks can transmit a variety of diseases, including
Lyme disease, and the state reported 154 cases last year. Here are some
tips to avoid tick bites and prevent tick-borne diseases: Avoid direct
contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass
and leaf·
litter, and by walking in the center of trails. Wear clothing and gear
treated with permethrin, an insecticide (do not apply permethrin·
directly to skin). Use EPA-registered tick repellent and follow the
label directions.·
Here are some tips for finding and removing ticks attached to your body
using fine-tipped tweezers: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick
as close to the skin's surface as possible.·
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick,
which can cause the·
mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove
the mouth parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth
easily, leave it alone and let the skin heal. After removing the tick,
thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an·
iodine scrub or soap and water. Dispose of a live tick by submersing it
in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it·
tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with
your fingers. Avoid folklore remedies such as "painting" a tick with
nail polish or petroleum jelly or using heat·
to make the tick detach from your skin. Go to the ODH website at
odh.ohio.gov for more information about how to prevent mosquito-borne
and tickborne diseases and other information and resources.
Rockford Rec. Announces Summer Soccer Camp Dates
The Mercer County PERI meeting will be held, Tuesday May 10, at 10:00 A.M. at the Hopewell Grange at the Mercer County Fairground. For PERI Early Birds, coffee, juice and donuts will be served at 9:30 A.M.
Mrs. Lynn Franck, Maria Stein, will be the speaker for PERI Members. Mrs. Franck is the Program Director of Lake Nursing and the Clinical Nursing Instructor at Wright State University Lake Campus. She will share the exciting news that a Nursing Program will begin this Autumn Semester at our Lake Campus. She will also share information about the Rural Doctor Program at the Lake Campus. These Programs will provide education to many local students desiring to go into Medical practice, with expectations of being employed at our local hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices and nursing homes. This type of Medical Program has been discussed at the Lake Campus with Wright State University Trustees, local WSU Administrators and Instructors, Western Ohio Education Foundation Members, Medical institutions, and local civic organizations, for nearly four decades. Local interest has resulted in the planning and implementation of this Medical Program. Since the Program will begin this Autumn, it is up to local Citizens to give this Program our support in all areas. This Medical Program is so important for the health of our Western Ohio Citizens.
Senior D.A.R.E. Scholarship Luncheon
Picture of Scholarship Winners above: Front: Stetson Miller, Taylor Hesse, Mallory McMurray, Leanna Wolters, Kara Shaffer; Back: Jacob Rasawehr, Danielle Williams, Kelly Jutte, Cameron Dzendzel, Braden Conn
Picture of all students who attended above.
The Annual Senior D.A.R.E. Scholarship Luncheon was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at the Mercer County Elks. Over 60 students, school staff, and guests attended the luncheon. Guests attending in honor of the seniors were Celina HS principal - Phil Metz; Celina SADD advisor - Michelle Langmeyer; Coldwater HS principal - Jason Hemmelgarn; Ft. Recovery HS Principal - Jeff Hobbs; Ft. Recovery SADD Advisor - Julie Billenstein; Marion Local guidance counselor - Jenny Dippold; Parkway HS Principal - Brian Fortkamp; St. Henry HS Principal - Eric Rosenbeck; St. Henry SADD advisor - Mindy Siefring; St. Henry Guidance Counselor - Betsy Armstrong; Nancy Heppeard; Tom and Shirley Pryer; Sheriff Jeff Grey; Mercer County Commissioners Jerry Laffin and Rick Muhlenkamp; WOEF board member - Julie Miller; and DARE booster members: Jerry Kanney (President), Officer Sue Miller, Laura Sanford, Mike Eyink, Joyce Howell, and Nick Wilker.
Commendations were presented to the students from Representative Jim Buchy, Ohio House of Representatives, state of Ohio; Wright State University – Lake Campus, and the Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters. The luncheon honors students who have remained true to their 5th grade D.A.R.E. promise. This promise says the student will remain drug, tobacco, and alcohol free.
Essays were received from 28 students. Ten students were awarded $500 scholarships. The scholarship winners were: Danielle Williams, Kara Shaffer, Jacob Rasawehr, Stetson Miller, Mallory McMurray, Camaryn Dzendzel, and Braden Conn - Celina; Taylor Hesse - Parkway; Kelly Jutte and Leanna Wolters - Coldwater.
Other students attending the luncheon included: Celina - Patricia Dennis, Haley McGillvary, Elizabeth Garwood, Nicole Crites, Roman Mitchell, Brandon Conn, Monica Ebbing, Cassandra Germann, Jenna Braun; Coldwater- Ryan Gruss, Jenna Raffel, Bobby Klosterman; Ft. Recovery- Chelsea Timmerman, Rachel Kaup, Cori Stone, Megan Hipple, Jackson Hobbs, Mikayla Post, Caitlyn Huelskamp; Marion Local- John Schwieterman, Maria Kramer; Parkway-Conner Morton; St. Henry- Lindsey Schulze, Mitchell Franzer, Tyler Knapke, Jacob Rindler. All students attending also received a coupon compliments of McDonalds.
Julie Miller, Western Ohio Educational Foundation, presented Kara Shaffer and Leanna Wolters with matching $500 scholarships to Wright State University-Lake Campus for the fall of 2016. If other D.A.R.E. Scholarship winners enroll at the Lake Campus for fall 2016, they will also be eligible to receive the $500 scholarship.
Casey Nuttle, was the speaker for this event. Casey started his teaching career at Mendon Union where he developed his interest in computers. From there he taught and coached at Parkway where he also served as a principal. Casey then served several years as the Tech Coordinator for Mercer County Schools. He finished his career as the Tech Coordinator at Coldwater and has since retired. He now works part time in the Tech Department at Parkway and a local funeral home. The theme of the speech was about making connections. Connections made today, may influence opportunities in the future. He also encouraged them to remain true to themselves and their values.
The Mercer County Elks donated the meeting area and the luncheon. The Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters would like to thank all merchants, individuals, and others who continually support this program through their donations and time. Special thanks go to Mercer County Elks (especially Kirk Stucke and Gary Depweg for cooking our meal), McDonald's Restaurants, and Wright State University-Lake Campus for their donations to the luncheon.
Grandparents Day a Success
On April 18 & 19, the Calvary Preschool held their Grandparents Day for the preschool classes. Grandparents came to the fellowship hall for refreshments and social time. The classes performed three songs for the grandparents. Following the songs the grandparents joined their grandchild playing several games. After the games, the children led their guests to their classrooms and gave handmade gifts to each guest.
Calvary Preschool is accepting registrations for our fall program. The preschool program is designed to help children develop intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. If you would like to see your child in a setting where Christian values and Biblical teaching are stressed, please consider Calvary Preschool. Forms are available on line at www.calvaryelife.org under the preschool tab. Forms are also available in the Preschool office Monday –Friday mornings between 8:00 and noon, or the church office between 9:00 – 4:00 Monday thru Thursday and 9:00 -1:00 on Friday, or contact Marilyn Agler by phone at 567-259-3103 or email at email@example.com to set up a tour of our facility.
Calvary Preschool is located at 10686 Van Wert Decatur Road, Van Wert.
4-H Senior Scholarship Winners Announced
The Van Wert County 4-H Enrichment Board is proud to announce this year's scholarship recipients. Selected are outstanding 4-H members who are well-rounded individuals pursuing their continuing education. These scholarships are made possible by the many donors to the Enrichment Fund.
This year's recipients are:
Maddie Pohlman is the daughter of Paul and Donna Pohlman, Maddie is a 9 year member of the Delphos Pathfinders. She has served as an officer in her club, taken many clothing projects, exhibited goats. She has also won many Fashion Show modeling awards, Fashion
Board 4 years, 4-H Camp Counselor 3 years. A Senior at Delphos St Johns, she is a Basketball-Captain, NHS, Jr Optimist, Mission Society-President, Choir, 2015 Delphos Canal Day Queen, Volleyball-Captain and Peony Queen Candidate. Her favorite 4-H memories include 4-H camp, especially the line dances and songs, and all the new friends she made through camp. She also really enjoyed the Fashion Board. "4-H has taught me various leadership skills and has led me to making many new friendships." Maddie plans to attend The Ohio State Univ. majoring in Dietetics.
Sophia Wilson a Senior at Delphos Jefferson, Sophie is the daughter of Mike and Wendy Wilson. She is a 10 year member of the Delphos Pathfinders. She has held many officer positions in her club, exhibited market and breeding sheep, beef feeder calves. She is a 4-H Camp Counselor, Jr. Fair board member and Buckeye Ambassador. At school she is active in FFA, President, Cheerleading, Softball and FCA.
Her favorite 4-H memories are going to the Fair every year, being on the Jr. fair board and being a camp counselor. "4-H has opened up my love for agriculture. When I started 4-H, I wasn't too excited about it, but now I am to the point where I will be attending an agriculture based college. Sophie will be attending OSU ATI with a dual major in animal science and agribusiness.
Whitney Welker is the daughter of Michael and Ruth Welker. She is a 10 year member of the Venedocia Lads and Lassies where she has served many offices. She is a Jr. Fair Board Member, Buckeye Ambassador and CarTeens. She was the 2015 Beef Princess.
A Senior at Lincolnview she is active in NHS, Science Club, French Club, Student Council, Track, Beta Club and 1st Baptist Youth Group. Her favorite 4-H memories are of 2014 fair when she made tons of new friends and won Grand and Reserve Champion Performance Lamb. " 4-H has benefitted me by teaching me responsibility, leadership and making lifetime friendships." Whitney plans to attend UNOH for Agri Business
Chloee Gamble is the daughter of Greg and Keely Gamble. She is an 8 year member of the Shooting Stars 4-H Club. She has taken many Misc. and Livestock projects. Chloee was the 2015 Van Wert County Jr Fair Queen. She is a Jr. Fair Board Member, 4H Endowment Board Member. A Senior at Van Wert H.S. she is involved with NHS, Beta Club, Student Council, Spanish Club, Cross Country, Track, Swimming, FCA, and Jr. Rotarian. Her favorite 4-H memory is attending 4-H camp and being the 2015 VW County Fair Queen.
" 4-H has benefited me by providing me with confidence that I never thought I could have. It has given me great opportunities of things to do, and has taught me everything from how to raise an animal to how to build a bedroom." Chloee plans to major in speech pathology.
Tanner Matthews is the son of Todd and Brenda Matthews. He is a 9 year member of the Barnyard Buddies. He has held office positions in his club, taken many beef and swine projects where he as won championships and showmanship awards. A Senior a Parkway, Tanner is in Band, Football-capt. Basketball-Capt. NHS, FFA-Pres. and a Franklin B Walter Scholarship nominee. His favorite memories are summer evenings walking his calves with his sibling and neighborhood kids. One time they had 7 kids all walking and helping each other out.
" 4-H has benefited me by showing me that hard work pays off, responsibility, and how to manage time. Because of my 4-H experiences I will always be a step ahead." Tanner plans to attend The Ohio State Univ. and majoring in Agricultural Systems Management, and eventually find a job close to home so that he may farm part time.
Pictured (L-R) Back, Sophia Wilson and Tanner Matthews. Front, Whitney Welker, and Chloee Gamble. Not pictured is Maddie Pohlman.
Lima Area
Concert Band Coming to Parkway
The Parkway Music Boosters have been given the incredible opportunity to host the Lima Area Concert Band. Parkway has been added to their 2016 Calendar for Sunday, August 7th at 3 pm in the Parkway High School Auditorium.
We Need Community Support to Sponsor this Event ! While ANY donation is greatly appreciated, we would like to suggest 10 businesses to give a $100 sponsorship to help pay for the band and to help with advertising. This band draws supporters from all over the area and the surrounding communities. What better way to support this special event and advertise your business at the same time !! All sponsors will be named in the advertising and on the flyers. A suggested $7 donation at the door will then go to benefit the Parkway Music Booster program.
Your donation can be mailed to: Parkway Music Boosters, PO Box 451,
Rockford, OH 45882. Please make note in the memo that your donation is for the Lima Area Concert Band Event.
Your consideration and support is greatly appreciated to make this event happen.
Liberty Baptist Kicks Off New Sunday School Campaign Sunday April 24
(Van Wert) Rev. Jim Tomasik, Walk Thru the Bible Instructor and International School Project representative traveled to Van Wert last week (from Indianapolis, IN) and announced to the guests of last Sunday's Walk Thru the Bible Seminar that the Liberty Baptist Church at 501 E. Third St. in Van Wert, OH will be one of the many churches in the United States that will host the six week Sunday School campaign called "God's Grand Story." God's Grand Story will be presented with a brief video followed by group discussions each Sunday morning at 9:30 in all Liberty Baptist Sunday School classes from the 3rd grade on up through the teen department and all 3 adult Sunday School classes.
Visitors and guests and new church seekers are encouraged to come starting with the first lesson being presented Sunday, April 24, 2016. The lessons will progress and help participating students receive the main "picture" of the piece by piece puzzle of the Old Testament of the Bible that appears to be somewhat confusing by some who do not understand how the pieces fit together to make a very beautiful and practical picture pointing to Jesus Christ as the world's Messiah and Savior.
All classes are free, and a guide book which includes daily devotions and a daily personal journal page may be purchased at the church next Sunday for only $5.00.
For more information contact Sr. Pastor, Jim C. Burns at: 419-203-4759 or see the God's Grand Story web site at: walkthru.org/ggs-resources
(Story Submitted by Pastor Jim C. Burns)
One Suspect Arrested in Rockford Armed Robbery
The Rockford Police are reporting that they have made an arrest in the Armed Robbery at the Dollar General store. An arrest warrant was obtained for John Smead (49) of New Haven Indiana in connection with the robbery. Rockford Police assisted New Haven Police and Allen County Swat with the execution of a search warrant in New Haven Indiana on April 20th, 2016. John Smead is being held on 500,000.00 bond and is waiting extradition back to Mercer County OH. Police Chief Paul May would like to thank New Haven Police Department, Allen , Adams ,Mercer , Van Wert Sheriff Offices and Celina Police Department for all there efforts in helping with this case. Chief May also thanks the countless citizens and business owners that provided information. A second male is still at large.
Capital Campaign Underway at Mercer Health for Major Expansion Project
by Sheila Baltzell 4-2-2016
The MED Foundation of Mercer Health, the volunteer philanthropic arm of the health organization has taken on the challenge to raise the necessary funds to support the exciting new project of a new wing at the hospital located on Main Street in Coldwater, OH. Mindy Kremer, Senior Director of Development, Marketing and Community Relations recently explained the reasons and needs for this expansion, the history of health care in our community, and the timeline in place for the estimated 2017 ground-breaking ceremony and construction commencement.
Lisa Klenke, CEO and George Boyles, Senior Vice President and CFO, recently announced the three story addition which will be directly connected to the existing west entrance of the current hospital, adding nearly 54,000 square feet will feature a new state-of-the-art surgical suite, all private inpatient rooms and increased space for outpatient services. Parking will move west in front of the former Briarwood faciality now owned by the hospital.
Mindy Kremer explained that the expansion is necessary to keep up with the growing demand for surgical services which have seen nearly 25% growth in the past 2 years. She said, "Currently, the surgery department is located in the original 1950 building. The expansion will meet the needs of the surgical volume growth by providing adequate space and improved functioning. Private rooms in all inpatient spaces have been a long-time request from the community and is the gold standard in new hospital construction. In addition to privacy, private rooms allow for better infection control and can reduce noise disturbances thereby improving patient sleep. Outpatient services equate for nearly 75% of all services provided at the hospital, a major shift from the traditional care model. Currently many of the outpatient services are decentralized, including injections and infusions, chemotherapy, pain management, central line and implanted port care. The expansion will meet the needs of outpatient growth while allowing for increased accessibility for patients and visitors."
The $24 million addition will add 54,000 square feet to the current 119,000, equipment will be carried over, and digital radiology is a priority for this project. A Telestroke System using iPads to tele-dock with a neurologist in seconds will save precious time for stroke patients.
The campaign will be 1/3 funded, 1/3 financed and 1/3 benevolent donations.
The current administration of Mercer Health looks back to the vision of the founding fathers of Our Lady of Mercer Hospital. Joseph Oppenheim and other leaders promised in 1950 to provide quality, local healthcare. The community has always rallied around every project. In 1969, Kremer mentioned that the Sisters of Mercer could not longer operate the hospital, and concerned board members worked together with seven townships in Mercer County to form the joint township hospital district in 1972. Today it is still successfully governed through the Ohio Revised Code, by local township government, one of only a handful in the state to claim that status. And, during the 70's and 80's, the hospital saw renovations and additions as needs grew. The townships involvement meant a new Emergency Room, 24 hours a day, became a reality. A Community Medical Center in Celina, Mercer County Home Health Agency and Mercer Health Home Care all came into being by the end of 1987.
The pictures below tell a story of community pride and caring, and the new addition is being welcomed in that same sense of generosity and excitement for the future.
More information about this major expansion project is available by contacting the MED Foundation of Mercer Health or by visiting www.mercer-health.com. Learn about all areas of Mercer Health, and how you can suppor the future of healthcare in your own community.
Second Person of Interest in Arm Robbery
Chief Paul P May III
Armed Robbery in Rockford
Chief Paul P May III
Click on the smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge pictures of the suspect.
Historical Society to Hear Parkway Exchange Students
The Shanes Crossing
Historical Society will meet on Thursday, April 28th at
Breaking and Entering Attempted – One Arrest Made
Sheriff Jeff Grey announces the arrest of individual suspected of attempted breaking and entering. Arrested was James Baker, age 34, from 208 Reynolds Ave, Spencerville Ohio. Baker is currently being held on a charge of criminal trespass.
On Sunday 4-17-2016 at 3:51 AM Central Dispatch received a call from the home owner at 4960 Kittle Road. The home owner reported he caught two subjects on his property and he was holding them at gunpoint until Deputies could arrive. Prior to law enforcement arrival, one of the male subjects took off on foot.
Deputies recovered items that were left by the suspects near their vehicle that was parked in the victim's driveway. Deputies recovered a black box containing several baggies of suspected methamphetamine, pills that are suspected of being morphine, a bag of suspected marijuana, and a pocket scale commonly used for measuring drugs. The substance in the baggies was field tested, and tested positive for methamphetamine. Seized was a 2005 Hyundai belonging to Baker. Baker was transported to the Adult Detention Facility and held on $125,000.00 bond subject to 10%.
Deputies were assisted by the Coldwater Police Department. Deputies are expected to apply for a search warrant for the vehicle, and the case will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor for consideration of additional charges.
Deputies are currently seeking the second male who took off on foot. He is described as being 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. Please contact the Sheriff's office for any information on the identity of this male.
This incident remains under investigation.
Heroin Interdiction Team Makes Arrests
Sheriff Jeff Grey and Celina Chief Tom Wale announce drug arrests made by HIT (Heroin Interdiction Team). Arrested were Christopher Haynes, Age 23 from 3342 Oregon Road, Celina, and Sydney E. Dicke, Age 20 from 211 South Franklin, New Bremen. Haynes was arrested for Obstruction and Possession of Heroin. Dicke were arrested for Possession Heroin.
On Saturday April 16, 2016 at 1:19 PM HIT conducted a traffic stop in Celina in the area of Touvelle and Bruns Ave. During the stop Dicke was acting suspicious and was observed trying to move something under her clothes. Dicke eventually turned over a baggie that contained several capsules that she had concealed internally. The capsules were field tested, and tested positive for heroin. The driver of the vehicle (Haynes) admitted the heroin belonged to him and asked Dicke to conceal it. Haynes and Dicke were transported to the Adult Detention Facility and held on $125,000.00 bond subject to 10%.
This traffic stop was a result of HIT surveillance and tips received by the public. This investigation is ongoing, and will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor for consideration of additional charges.
Spring Planting and Open Ditch Maintenance Reminders
The Mercer County
Commissioners and the Mercer County Engineer would like to remind those
who plant and till the fields around the county this spring to remember
to avoid planting in the roadway right-of-way. The Engineer and the
Commissioner's Office have maps that identify the varied widths of the
road right-of-way throughout the county. More specifically, sight
problems limiting the ability of the traveling public to see, can be
particularly hazardous.
Should you have any questions related to these requirements, please feel free to call the Commissioners Office at 419-586-3178 or the Engineer's Office at 419-586-7759.
Winds of Change: Art Exhibit Call-for-Entry
WHERE: Wassenberg Art Center, 214 South Washington Street, Van Wert OH 45891
INTAKE DATES: Thurs 4/29–Fri 4/30–Sat 5/1, 1–5 p.m. Please call for an alternative time. No entries accepted after 5/1 at 5 p.m.
COST: $25 entry fee ($20 WAC members)
CONTACT: 419-238-6837 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
PHOTO CAPTION: No photo
Call for entry! Winds of Change Exhibit. The wind can be exhilarating. It can also be challenging. So can change. Wassenberg Art Center is challenging artists to contemplate the breezes that tickle our imaginations. The Wassenberg Art Center will be accepting wind-themed artwork in painting, drawing, photography, and sculptural mediums. Artists are encouraged to consider the effect of wind and wind-based clean energy in their lives and in the regional landscape. Do you make mobiles, kinetic sculptures, or wind-swept landscapes? This exhibit is for you. Please submit your work, entry form, and fee before the May 1 deadline. You may enter up to 4 pieces. All works meeting submission requirements will be judged for the following cash awards: First Place: $400, Second Place: $150, Third Place: $75. Please call 419.238.6837 or visit www.wassenbergartcenter.org for complete detailed information. Entry deadline is May 1, 5 p.m.
The exhibit opens on May 7 and a closing reception is scheduled for Friday, May 27, 6–9 p.m. Featured performer, international blues musician Radoslav Lorkovic, of Chicago, will be returning to provide live music on our baby grand and his accordion. Free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar.
A Q & A & Presentation with Dan Litchfield of Iberdrola Renewables Thursday, 5/26: 6 p.m.
Regular Exhibit Dates: 5/8–5/29, Tuesday–Sunday: 1–5 p.m. (closed Monday)
Closed Mondays Call: 419.238.6837 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Wassenberg Art Center's regular gallery hours are: Tuesday – Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Wassenberg Art Center is a not-for-profit community art center, which provides 10–12 free exhibits, events and art programming throughout the year. www.wassenbergartcenter.org
4-H Carteens Scholarship Winners Announced
The Van Wert County 4-H Council is pleased to present two seniors with Carteens Facilitators Scholarships for their hard work and dedication to the Carteens program. These teens work closely with Retired State Trooper Rick Reaver to help educate first time traffic offenders. Once the offenders have completed the program, the ticket is not part of their record and the only costs to them are the participation in the program. Those proceeds benefit the program for supplies, and also scholarships for the youth facilitators that work with Rick.
This year's recipients are:
Whitney Welker is the daughter of Michael and Ruth Welker. She is a 10 year member of the Venedocia Lads and Lassies where she has served many offices. She is a Jr. Fair Board Member, Buckeye Ambassador and CarTeens. She was the 2015 Beef Princess.
A Senior at Lincolnview she is active in NHS, Science Club, French Club, Student Council, Track, Beta Club and 1st Baptist Youth Group. Her favorite 4-H memories are of 2014 fair when she made tons of new friends and won Grand and Reserve Champion Performance Lamb. " 4-H has benefitted me by teaching me responsibility, leadership and making lifetime friendships." Whitney plans to attend UNOH for Agri Business
Chris Kraner- A 7 year member of the Ohio City Blue Ribbon Workers, Chris is the son of Mitch and Robin Kraner. He has held many offices in his club and has taken many Natural Resource projects. He is a CarTeen, Jr. Fair Board Member and has received Black Inc Awards and outstanding project awards.
A Senior at Van Wert, Chris is in Beta Club, NHS, Quiz Bowl Team, Soccer, VW Renaissance, Red Cross Volunteer, Jr. Rotarian and VW Historical Society Curator. His favorite 4-H memories are his 4-H meetings and getting to know the local Veterans when his club laid flags with them at the cemetery.
"4-H has given me many opportunities to lead." He will attend IPFW entering into the field of education.
Ohio 4-H CARTEENS has proven to be a valuable tool in educating Ohio's teen drivers and saving lives on Ohio roads. In addition, communities are strengthened by bringing together teens and adults representing local agencies and organizations that are working to address this need. Teens also gain leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills. Data collected from 4-H CARTEENS participants indicate a significant reduction in second-time traffic offenses, increased use of safety belts, reduced drinking and driving, and an increased use of caution when driving. More than 80 percent of the participants in a recent survey said they planned to use more caution when driving and will increase their use of seat belts. Many Ohio counties have received an award of honor from the National Safety Council Youth Division in recognition of their program impacts.
Pictured (L-R) Whitney Welker, and Chris Kraner
THE ROCKFORD BELLE -- OPRY SHOW - Reminder!
Jerry Bolenbaugh along with special guests invite you to a Rockford Opry Show featuring Classic Country, Bluegrass, Rock n Roll, Gospel, and some comedy !!
Doors open at 6 pm with show beginning at 7 pm.
Cost at the door is $7.00. 18 and under are free. There will be a 50/50 drawing.
Guests include:
* Kim Epple from Defiance * Michelle Limbert from Lima
* Randy Moore from Gover Hill * Collie Lambert and Steve Scott – from Oakwood
* Mike Kaufman and Joe Killion from Defiance
There is a lot of music experience in all the guests. All are very talented.
Jerry started the band "The Originals" in the early 1970's playing weddings, club and other events. He retired with the band in 1978. But the music stayed with him and in 2005, Jerry bought a guitar and the bug got to him again! He sings Classic Country and enjoys it. He currently plays in Oakwood, Defiance, Contenential, Grover Hill, and Uniopolis – all Ohio locations. He enjoys playing music with different people. The people and the audiences are REALLY GOOD PEOPLE !!
Jason E. Ford Awarded Prestigious National Science
Foundation Research Fellowship in Chemistry Field
Jason E. Ford, 2011 Parkway Graduate, and 2015 Graduate of Ohio State University with a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, has just been named one of 2000 students to receive a research fellowship from The National Science Foundation. Jason is currently a master/doctorate student at Stanford University in California. He is studying Chemistry, Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods. The fellowship will be for 3 years as Jason pursues his degree. He is the son of Steve and Stacie Ford of Rockford. Click here to read the full article and look him up on the awardee's list for 2016.
To spray or not to spray
Roadside herbicide
application for the suppression of undesirable vegetation and
environmental enhancement, through the use of Environmental Protection
Agency approved herbicides, will be performed by licensed personnel
along County Roads and Township Roads (in Jefferson and Washington
Townships), starting May 1, extending thru May 30, 2016 according to the
Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart.
For further information, contact the office of the Mercer County Engineer at 419-586-7759.
Rep. Buchy Honors Fort Recovery High School Football Team
Columbus—Recently, State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) presented a resolution to the Fort Recovery High School football team honoring them as the 2015 Division VII State Champion.
"This state championship is really special as the first of many football state championships to come in Fort Recovery," Buchy said. "The young men presented themselves as true champions before the legislature and represented the best aspects of what makes western Ohio the best place in the world to live, work and rear a family."
The Fort Recovery Indians defeated Perenial Power Mogadore with a score of 33 to 14 in the Division VII Championship game at Ohio Stadium. This was the Indians first time playing in a championship game and they finished the season with a record of 13-2.
The Fort Recovery High School football team was present, along with Coach Niekamp, to receive the resolution during the Ohio House session.
Win this Motorcycle ~ buy a $10 ticket for a chance to
win this Brand New 2016 Harley Soft-tail Slim
Mike Fox has tickets for sale and can be reached at 419-733-7466.
PARKWAY LOCAL BOARD Of EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
Planned for APRIL 18, 2016
Rockford Eagles – Aerie 1292 Gold Sponsor for
Fox Family Ride for Autism - Poker Run
and Auction Benefit
Autism Speaks - World Autism Month 2016 was the perfect time for Rockford Eagles Aerie 1292 to donate a Gold Sponsorship to The Fox Family Ride for Autism. Presenting the check to Mike Fox, left is Blair Shaffer (right). The Eagles were a major sponsor for the Inaugural Fox Family Autism Ride last year.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016, during Rockford Community Days with biker registration from 9-10:30 AM. The donation is $20 per rider and $15 per passenger. First bike out is 10; last bike out is 10:30; last bike in is 3:30. Five Mercer County stops include: Community Building in Rockford, Duck Foot Landing, Fish Mo's, Hole in the Wall, Padua Pub and McSober's.
A New Harley Motorcyle Raffle for a 2016 Soft-tail Slim worth $17,000 (Tickets $10 each - 2500 to be sold, generously donated through the help of Toledo Harley Davidson), a 50-50 raffle, a Silent Auction and a Hog Roast have been added to the events.
A hog roast meal (hogs donated by Kuhn Farms Rockford) is included for the motorcyclists. The pulled pork and fixin's will be prepared by visiting Chef for the day "The Little Hen" of North Carolina (Regan Stachler) who is featured as a top award winner in the North Carolina Competition Dining Series (Farm to Table Cuisine). Presale Dinner Tickets are available for purchase at 4 locations: Mayor Amy Joseph's House, Village Hall, Barry's Market, and TJ's!
Dinners are $7 and a portion of the presale dinners sold will benefit Rockford Community Days, too.
The Fox Family from Rockford, in honor of their autistic grandson/nephew/cousin, Alex, who is now 11, have decided to use all Benefit Proceeds this year for the 18 identified Mercer County (K-12) Kids with Autism (6 school districts). Alex is the son of Holly Fox Snyder, daughter of the late Gary and Delight Fox. For years, Holly, Alex's dad and their families have been participating in motorcycle runs and other fund raisers for Autism Awareness The site for Autism is World Autism Awareness Day - Autism Speaks . Alex has used an iTaalk iPad since the age of 6. According to Mike and Nikki Fox of Rockford, the success of the ride last year for the eleven Parkway Autistic children, prompted the family to spread the money to other Mercer County schools in order to help them, too. 58 Bikers and 38 riders participated in the event last year.
The Autism Poker Run, Children's Go-Fish Bicycle Run, Harley Raffle, 50-50 Raffle and Silent Auction will also feature a Hog Roast after the run. The organization ~ iTaalk Autism Foundation ~ (read the full article below) will purchase iPads® equipped with special apps that Autistic children can use to communicate with others and learn. Mike Fox, Alex's uncle said the device has been significant in the life of his nephew and many others, but they are expensive. Some apps are $300 a piece. He recently learned of the success of the Parkway students who received the iPads® last fall when Parkway teachers of Autistic children in Parkway, Chad Sapp and Laura (Carter) Yoder, confirmed that some increased their grade levels by 3 years. The goal for the Fox Family is to raise enough money to buy and give each Autistic child in Mercer County one of the special iTaalk iPads® which includes all apps fully loaded and training for students, parents and teachers.
The Rockford Eagles (photo: Blair Shaffer (left) presents a check to Mike Fox) recently donated $1000 to become a Gold Sponsor.
The Go Fish bicycle ride for children and adults will meet at the Community Building and register at 2:15 with bicycles out at 2:45 pm. All ages welcome! Even adults! The route will not cross over St Rt 33 so it will be safer. A Go Fish card will be picked up at each stop, and the riders with the most matches will be put in a drawing for a new bicycle.
Mike can be reached at 419-733-7466 and the website for registration is: http://nfoxphoto.wix.com/fox-family-ride
Click here to visit their Facebook Page.
Please use this link to make your own donation to this event: http://www.itaalk.org/#!fox-family-ride/cl34
The Fox Family from
Rockford is Sponsoring 2nd Annual Fox Family Ride for
Information on Austism
Autism is properly classified as an epidemic, and a recent study revealed 1 in 56 children have some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The lifetime incremental cost of education, treatment and care of a person with autism is $3.2 million. Clearly this is a tremendous additional cost on families and on communities...unless we prioritize finding innovative approaches to working with children with Autism.
The iTaalk Autism Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit that works to introduce and educate on cost effective and appropriate interactive technology for individuals with autism and related disorders. We continue to endorse traditional therapy programs such as a 30-hour per week Applied Behavioral Analysis program are the most effective treatment for children, but seek to bring attention to how much more progress could be made if the child also had access to an interactive device with educational apps, for which they were trained to use by their teachers and therapists. The immediate and inexhaustible interaction with a device such as an iPad®, would reinforce language, fine motor skills, cause & effect and other key skills for children with autism – thereby enhancing the therapist's impact in a very cost-effective manner.
Last year, nearly 100 individuals with autism were granted an iPad® by iTaalk, and over 1,000 service providers and parents were provided with the necessary education on using an iPad® with individuals with special needs.
How you can help...
Become a sponsor for the Fox Family Ride for Autism
The Fox Family Ride for Autism is asking local businesses, corporations and/or individuals to become sponsors! The donations can be monetary or material in nature. Donations made will be utilized in an auction to raise funds. Money raised from the auction goes directly to iTaalk and will be used to fund the purchase of devices, educational applications, and a full-day iPad training for local parents, teachers and autism caregivers!
We hope you will consider this opportunity to partner with the Fox Family and iTaalk! Visit itaalk.org and click on the Programs tab to find out more about the Fox Family Ride and to become a donor today! Any questions regarding our organization and fund management policies are gladly answered, contact Tammy at email@example.com, or visit www.itaalk.org for answers to FAQs about The iTaalk Autism Foundation. If you have questions about the Fox Family Ride for Autism and how to get involved please contact Holly at (419)-787-7857 or by email at email@example.com.
Please use this link to make your own donation to this event: http://www.itaalk.org/#!fox-family-ride/cl34
Tammy Eisenreich
Spade and Barrel Wine
Garden Opens at Dues Nursery near Coldwater
Wine tasting event is set for Friday, April 22, 2016, 6PM to 9:30 PM
Call 419-586-1290 to RSVP
The Rockford Chamber, through the Crime Awareness Fund, donated the funds to purchase body cams for the Rockford Police Department. Thank you, Rockford Police, for all you do in keeping our community a great place to live and raise a family.
Little League Baseball/Softball Umpiring Clinic
Pain Management Services Enhanced at Mercer Health
Dr. Keith Snow, Pain Management Specialist, has joined Mercer Health Medical Staff providing Pain Management Services at Mercer Health's Outpatient Center. Dr. Keith Snow provides evaluation and treatment of pain. No physician referrals are required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Mercer Health Outpatient Center at 419-678-5681.
Mercer Health's Outpatient Center provides local access to a wide range of outpatient healthcare services and specialty care providers and is conveniently located on the second floor at Mercer County Community Hospital.
Update on Bones found
in State Park on January 3, 2016
Detectives have searched NamUS (National Missing and Unidentified Person System) data bases for missing persons in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. So far, 6 people were located who fit our description: Male, between 20-35, 5"7" to 6'1" and missing between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.
Ohio BCI tested a bone for DNA and were able to extract a partial DNA profile. This profile has been loaded into the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) Data base. At this point, there have been no hits, but I stress this is a partial profile only.
Other bones were sent to the University of North Texas. Their work will take approximately 6 months. They have been in possession of the bones for about 2 months. Once we receive their results, we will release what information they are able to provide.
Detectives have contacted multiple agencies about the six people in an attempt to learn as much as we can about each missing person. It is important to understand, even if we get DNA, if the DNA is not in a database, it will be difficult, if not impossible to identify the deceased. Without an identity, this case will be nearly impossible to solve. It is critical in missing person cases that DNA be uploaded into the NamUS database. If DNA is not available from the missing person, then it is imperative that DNA is received from the mother of the missing person to attempt identification.
The Annual Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) Van Wert County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon or until sold out. The Plant Sale will be held in the Jr. Fair Building on the fairgrounds.
The proceeds from the sale will benefit the OSUE Van Wert County Master Gardener Volunteers' projects, such as the Garden of the Senses, Children's Garden, and their educational activities for the community.
The Plant Sale will feature potted herbs, both culinary and aromatic, plus a variety of hardy chrysanthemums. Gardening items will also be available.
Stop by the Jr. Fair Building on Saturday morning, April 30, to purchase herbs or mums to beautify your outdoor living spaces or as a gift for that special gardener in your family.
Donation Made to Shanes ParkRockford Community Days Inc. has donated $2,550 to the Shanes Park
Board. Accepting the check on the left is Sandy Shaffner - park board President. Amy Joseph- Rockford Community Days president, presented the check with Ellie Harner- Sweet little helper from Miss Mamys Daycare. The monies will be used to purchase the table and chairs for the New Shane Hall. This makes a total of $4550 Rockford Community Days Inc was able to put towards the New Building that is nearing
completion! A huge THANK YOU to all our sponsors and patrons! With out YOU these donations would not be possible.
The Lightning Thief to be performed by New York Acting Troupe at Parkway
New York City's Theatreworks USA will perform "The Lightning Thief," a musical adaptation of the first book in Rick Riordan's popular "Percy Jackson & the Olympians" series, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, in the Parkway High School Auditorium.
After a brief New York City-area tour in spring 2014, The Lightning Thief began its national tour in fall 2014. The Lightning Thief is able, as are all Theatreworks USA productions, to play a wide range of venues, from large Broadway-sized performing arts centers in major metropolitan areas to elementary school cafeterias in small towns. Last summer's Off-Broadway production of "The Lightning Thief" was nominated for an Outstanding Musical from the Lortel Awards and for Best Family Show from the Off Broadway Alliance!
Parkway students in grades three through eight will see this show during the school day and a second show will be open to the public that evening at 6 pm. The show is approximately one hour in length and recommended for audiences 8 years old and up.
Get 25% off your 6 p.m. show ticket price by ordering your ticket early! Tickets are $7.50 presale at showtix4u.com or $10.00 the day of the show. All proceeds go to Parkway Elementary High 5, a parent teacher organization working to increase the educational opportunities for our students.
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: This Burkettsville Map, is from the 1900 Atlas of Mercer County, Ohio, by J.E. Hamburger. This Map will be one of the many old maps related to Mercer County's history, from 1755 to the present, on Exhibit on Sunday, May 8, at the Mercer County Historical Museum.
The old Maps of Mercer County and Northwest Ohio provide a history for United States and Ohio History Students and Teachers. How many historic sites can you identify on this map of Burkettsville?
Leo Huber's book, "Centennial St. Bernard Parish, Burkettsville, Ohio, 1874-1974," contributes to the preservation of Burkettsville's history. I have been studying the history of Burkettsville because information has been requested about Gilbert's Railroad Depot at Burkettsville. The old Railroad Depot site is identified on the East side of the Cincinnati Northern Railroad Tracks and west of Washington Street, on the 1900 Map of Burkettsville, shown above.
Mark J. Camp, in his book "Railroad Depots of West Central Ohio," published by Arcadia, in 2005, included a 1947 photograph of Gilbert's Railroad Depot. The depot may have been closed about 1959. Does anyone have old photographs of this Railroad Depot, with trains arriving? If the Depot was closed in 1959, there should be local citizens who remember that Depot; would you share this history?
When I was doing research for the History of Saint Henry, there was a reference, in the German Newspaper, "Deutsches Kleeblatt," later known as "Der Mercer County Bote," which stated that the first train arrived at St. Henry on December 22, 1883. The train arrived from the south; that would confirm that that train went through Burkettsville, before arriving at St. Henry in 1883.
The land where Burkettsville is located, was in Darke County, until the Mercer and Darke County Lines were changed, when Auglaize County was formed in 1848. The section of Mercer County, south of the Boundary Line, or the old 1795 Indian Treaty Line, became Gibson Township, and the land in Granville and Marion Township, which was located south of the Treaty Line, was in Darke County until 1848. That change in the County Line between Mercer and Darke Counties, resulted in the Mercer-Darke County Line running east and west along Burkettsville's Main Street. Therefore, the north side of Main Street became a part of Mercer County, and the south side of Main Street remained a part of Darke County. The recent Grade School was in Darke County, and was a part of St. Henry District Schools.
John S. Gallagher and Alan H. Patera's "Post Offices of Ohio," stated that the Burkettsville Post Office was established May 26, 1873. The Village of Burkettsville was platted in 1876. Gallagher and Patera stated that Burkettsville's Post Office was located in Darke County, from June 6, 1881, until July 6, 1914. I wrote about the Burkettsville Post Office history, on January 13, 2013, in "Our Old Bookcase." Does anyone have old envelopes or post cards with Post Marks from Burkettsville Post Office?
On the above map, the 1900 site of the old School is noted on the north site of Main Street, east of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Does anyone have photographs of that old School building? The 1900 map notes a Tile Factory located on the south side of Main Street, two blocks east of the Railroad Tracks.
On the second Sunday of May, May 8, 1:00 – 4:00, at the Mercer County Historical Museum, 130 East Market, Celina, the Mercer County Historical Society is hosting an Exhibit of old maps of early Indian Trails, former Trading Posts, Military Trails of 1790's and 1812-14, and the establishment of Mercer County in 1820, followed by maps of Mercer County Villages in the 1930's and 1940's. The Plat Maps from the 1888 and 1900 Mercer County Atlases will be part of this Exhibit. Copies of old map books will be for sale. This will be an educational experience, not only for students, but also for history and social studies teachers, and University students and scholars in Mid-Western Ohio.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or firstname.lastname@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Upcoming Events with C. & C. Bible Fellowship
C. & C. Bible Fellowship staff are inviting all graduates from all local schools, plus any single through the age of 20 years old, to come to an evening of Fun Fun Fun at the C. & C Bible Fellowship Campus this Saturday April 16 at 4:00. The evening will include many activities, plus pizza and drink will be available for purchase. Later that evening there will a movie and popcorn available. C. & C Bible Fellowship has worked with young adults for over 27 years offering a place for young adults to meet together for fun and spiritual growth verses what the world has to offer our youth. Please encourage your son, daughters, grand kids, friends to come and enjoy the evening of fun.
C. & C Bible Fellowship is located at 4383 S 150 E Berne Indiana, at the big RED barn.
C. & C Bible Fellowship, Young Adult Ministry, Rural Berne Indiana announces an evening of Praise and Worship at the South Adams School auditorium Saturday April 23 at 7:00. This evening will feature many local talents. Tab Beechler, Ryan Hirschy, Dr. Fisher and family, Henry Wickey, Brad Byerly and more. Admission is free but a free will offering will be taken to support C. & C Bible Fellowship ministries expensive for the balance of 2016 budget. Please come and enjoy,
This concert is open to all ages.
Drug Task Force Makes Arrests
On April 11, 2016 at approximately 3:40 PM Task Force deputies conducted a buy bust operation, with heroin being purchased. Uniform deputies along with Celina Police officers secured the residence on Touvelle Street while a search warrant was applied for, and granted. Task Force deputies recovered multiple used and unused syringes, suspected methamphetamine, assorted prescription medication, multiple empty capsules with suspected heroin residue inside, a small amount of cash, and various other drug paraphernalia.
This operation was a result of several tips received by the public and an investigation by the Task Force. The investigation is ongoing, and will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor for consideration of additional charges
Writers Club to Meet
Van Wert County 4-H Club receives Innovator Award
The Ohio 4-H Innovator Award recognizes adult and/or youth volunteers who have developed new programs, county projects, or activities. This award was presented to the 4-H Exchange Club of Van Wert County on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the Ohio 4-H Conference in Columbus, Ohio.
Cindy Harting and Jay Gamble are the organizational advisors for the 4-H Exchange Club in Van Wert County. Each year the club travels or hosts 4-H'ers from other states to exchange ideas, cultures and make new friends. In order to raise funds for their trips and to host the clubs hold a number of fundraisers. The fundraisers are all a big part of their success, but the Holiday Light Show has been a new experience and highly innovative for our area. Since 2007 the club has been hosting the holiday light show. It has grown from around 10 displays to 86 large displays along the path. By tuning your radio, you can listen to holiday music in your car, and follow the signs and candy canes to direct you through the path. In 2014 approximately 1600 car loads of people went through the show to see all of the lights on display!
The Exchange members are responsible for helping put the lights up, decide where they will be located, and collecting donations for the programs that are handed out. The members also stand to collect money every weekend after Thanksgiving through Christmas (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). They have also arranged for four guest appearances from Santa for kids to see, and two dates when visitors can enjoy Horse-Drawn Wagon rides. The club has learned how to promote their event, adding advertisement to local magazines, newspapers, and media. Through it all the adult leadership in this club has ensured that the kids make this a fun and fulfilling experience. Katie Hughes a member of the club tells us that "We put a lot of hours on Saturday and Sunday starting the last weekend in October to get ready. Each family works 3-4 nights for the show".
Pictured are (L-R) Jay Gamble, Griffin Waltmire, and Cindy Harting.
Riley Signs with University of Northwestern Ohio
Parkway's Jensen Riley, who graduates in 2016, recently signed his letter of intent to play baseball for four years and go to college at University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima. He plans to major in Robotics and Business. He is the son of Misty and Curt Riley of Rockford, shown above with him. Also shown are Jensen's Parkway Assistant Baseball Coach Eric Stachler and Head Baseball Coach Luke Clouse. Picture shared by Nikki Fox.
Council Moves to Drop Auxiliary Police Officers
Volunteer Auxiliary Police Officers in Rockford will be a thing of the past.
Police Chief Paul May says they will begin interviewing for two new part-time officers which will bring the part-time force up to 6. Click here to read the Rockford Council News for this and other council business.
Parkway FCA hosts FREE concert
Parkway FCA will host a concert on Tuesday, April 19th from 7:00-8:30 pm in the high school auditorium in Rockford. This is a FREE concert featuring the band Plain Cities. Plain Cities is a three piece pop/rock band based out of Columbus, Ohio. They are currently on tour all across the United States. Plain Cities' mission is to produce music that encourages students to develop strong personal goals and positive self-worth. During the concert there will be a guest speaker, Brad Hurtig. Brad grew up as a typical student-athlete in a small town in Ohio much like our surrounding small towns. A devastating accident resulted in the amputation of both of his hands. Brad's determination led him to rejoining his football team and receiving all-state honors, all while playing with no hands. You won't want to miss his inspiring story! This is a free event open to the public sponsored by Parkway Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Thank You to Sponsors
Caden Slusher would
like to thank the area businesses that support him and the Northwest
Ohio Basketball Club Golf Scramble:
Jason Ford Shares Chemistry Experience With Students
By: PHS Senior Karie Gangwer
Jason Ford, a 2011 graduate of Parkway and a recent graduate of Ohio State University, visited Mrs. Morton's Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Physics classes on March 21st and 22nd. Jason has his Bachelor's degree in chemistry and is now working on his Doctorate in theoretical chemistry at Stanford University. For the A&P classes, Jason presented them with a blood buffer lab. Students were able to demonstrate the buffering solution found in your blood, connecting chemistry to the human body. For the biology classes, Jason began a discussion idea based on an article about bananas and how they are being struck by a disease that is incurable and pretty much wipes out banana plantations within a matter of years. The bananas we eat now are clones of a single genetic strand, so if this disease strikes, the banana may be gone from all grocery shelves. Mr. Ford discussed differences between genetic engineering and genetically modified foods. His study in chemistry links to proteins that could play roles in genetics. Finally, for Mrs. Morton's physics classes, Jason began a discussion about bio mechanics and why you should lift things a certain way to minimize torque on certain parts of the body. Students related their study of rational motion to the body and the amount of torque sustained by joints like the elbow and knee.
Rockford Rec. Hosts
2016 Pitch, Hit, & Run Competition - This is
postponed due to the weather
The Rockford Recreation Association will host their annual MLB Pitch, Hit, & Run competition at Shanes Park on Sunday, April 10th at 1:00pm. All boys and girls, ages 7-14 (age determined as of July 17th, 2016), compete in separate age divisions and participants have the opportunity to advance through four levels of competition including Local, Regional, MLB Team Championships (held at all 30 MLB ballparks) and the National Finals at the MLB All-Star Game. Rescheduled for April 17, 2016 at 1 PM
Lots of Fun Planned for the
120th Mendon-Union
Alumni Banquet
Volunteer Luncheon Planned at Van Wert County Hospital
Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy
In western Ohio, we enjoy the good fortune of traditional family farms that use the latest technologies to provide affordable, wholesome options at our local grocery stores. All-to-often it seems our local agriculture is under attack by those who oppose traditional family farms. In particular a push for cage-free chickens raises concerns about our ability to provide enough food to feed the world.
Popular marketing trends are providing a larger consumer base for meats and eggs that are raised in these less efficient manners. As farmers respond to these fads it is changing our farm outcomes for generations. The demands of this fad call for abandoning the advanced techniques that have defined our ability to provide the most affordable and wholesome food products ever available in the marketplace. Consumer choice is something that I've always supported but we must be cautious of misleading marketing campaigns.
When they market cage free chickens they forget to point out that the chickens live and walk in their own manure, as opposed to caged chickens which are elevated off the floor and allow for regular cleaning, increasing sanitation and health. Free range chickens are also free to peck at one another, leading to injuries and higher mortality rates and lower yields not-to-mention damaged or bruised meat.
Barns with caged chickens can house one third to two thirds more chickens, further reducing costs and environmental impacts, while fulfilling the needs of our local grocery stores and those hungry around the world.
Advancements in animal breeding and mechanization have led to drastic increases in the yields over the past century. According to the USDA, productivity of farms has tripled from 1948 to 2000. Automated collection and cleaning of eggs has made them affordable and easily accessible today while keeping the exact same nutritional value of eggs from uncaged chickens. Our family farms simply cannot meet today's egg and chicken demand with yesterday's farming techniques.
The war on production agriculture threatens our ability to provide affordable, healthy food for our families and future generations. All-to-often this fad condemns traditional family farms and tries to push us back to technology that is half a century outdated.
The truth is, the people behind this fad don't want us to eat protein and want to increase the price of wholesome food. Please join me in eating only food from traditional family farms. Let's call it, "eat traditional!"
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyapril2016
Parkway Preschool/Pre-K Registration Night
Parkway Preschool/Pre-K has set their Registration Night for the 2016-2017 school year for Wednesday, April 27 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Parkway Preschool is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star program, which means this program has demonstrated the highest level of quality as rated by the Ohio Department of Education.
On this night, parents may bring their child to the school to see the rooms as well as meet the teachers. Registration forms will be available to complete and payment of the registration fee will be accepted. Once the registration is completed, other forms need to be turned in before the school year begins in September. Have more questions about preschool? Please call the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720. (Currently enrolled Parkway preschoolers do not need to attend.)
Gehle Transport Celebrates 40 years
The Rockford
Chamber would like to congratulate Chamber member,
Grand Lake Patriots to Sponsor Events
. . . and coming in May: Agenda 2: Masters of Deceit documentary (from the award winning producer of Agenda 21: Grinding America Down) Thursday, May 12@ 7 PM Lefeld Community Building, Mercer Co. Fairgrounds, W. Market St, Celina
The Shawn and Kay Meyer family will share their experiences working for the Ted Cruz campaign in South Carolina, in Ohio, and in Wisconsin at the April 14 Grand Lake Patriots' meeting. The program starts at 7 PM in the Lefeld Community Building at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, W. Market Street, in Celina. Pastor Shawn Meyer has written for two national conservative e-news sites, and is a contributor to The Daily Standard, Celina, Ohio, pastor's column. He is the author of two children's books. He and his wife Kay are the parents of 7 children. Several of the older children, along with other teens from the Mercer County area, are involved in political volunteer work through Generation Joshua. Both programs are sponsored by the Grand Lake Patriots. The public is invited. The Lefeld Community Building is handicapped accessible. The Grand Lake Patriots organization does not endorse any political candidate nor does the organization endorse any political party.
Lieutenant Governor of Ohio to Speak at GOP Event
The 2016 Mercer County GOP Reagan Day Dinner will feature Lieutenant Governor of Ohio Mary Taylor on Thursday, April 14, 2016
6:00PM Doors Open/Social Time 6:30PM Dinner
$25 per person or sponsor a table of 8 for $250
Romer's Catering 321 South Eastern Avenue St. Henry, Ohio
RSVP by April 7 at firstname.lastname@example.com Or call 419-586-8120 (then dial 2)
Capital Campaign Underway at Mercer Health for Major Expansion Project
by Sheila Baltzell 4-2-2016
The MED Foundation of Mercer Health, the volunteer philanthropic arm of the health organization has taken on the challenge to raise the necessary funds to support the exciting new project of a new wing at the hospital located on Main Street in Coldwater, OH. Mindy Kremer, Senior Director of Development, Marketing and Community Relations recently explained the reasons and needs for this expansion, the history of health care in our community, and the timeline in place for the estimated 2017 ground-breaking ceremony and construction commencement.
Lisa Klenke, CEO and George Boyles, Senior Vice President and CFO, recently announced the three story addition which will be directly connected to the existing west entrance of the current hospital, adding nearly 54,000 square feet will feature a new state-of-the-art surgical suite, all private inpatient rooms and increased space for outpatient services. Parking will move west in front of the former Briarwood faciality now owned by the hospital.
Mindy Kremer explained that the expansion is necessary to keep up with the growing demand for surgical services which have seen nearly 25% growth in the past 2 years. She said, "Currently, the surgery department is located in the original 1950 building. The expansion will meet the needs of the surgical volume growth by providing adequate space and improved functioning. Private rooms in all inpatient spaces have been a long-time request from the community and is the gold standard in new hospital construction. In addition to privacy, private rooms allow for better infection control and can reduce noise disturbances thereby improving patient sleep. Outpatient services equate for nearly 75% of all services provided at the hospital, a major shift from the traditional care model. Currently many of the outpatient services are decentralized, including injections and infusions, chemotherapy, pain management, central line and implanted port care. The expansion will meet the needs of outpatient growth while allowing for increased accessibility for patients and visitors."
The $24 million addition will add 54,000 square feet to the current 119,000, equipment will be carried over, and digital radiology is a priority for this project. A Telestroke System using iPads to tele-dock with a neurologist in seconds will save precious time for stroke patients.
The campaign will be 1/3 funded, 1/3 financed and 1/3 benevolent donations.
The current administration of Mercer Health looks back to the vision of the founding fathers of Our Lady of Mercer Hospital. Joseph Oppenheim and other leaders promised in 1950 to provide quality, local healthcare. The community has always rallied around every project. In 1969, Kremer mentioned that the Sisters of Mercer could not longer operate the hospital, and concerned board members worked together with seven townships in Mercer County to form the joint township hospital district in 1972. Today it is still successfully governed through the Ohio Revised Code, by local township government, one of only a handful in the state to claim that status. And, during the 70's and 80's, the hospital saw renovations and additions as needs grew. The townships involvement meant a new Emergency Room, 24 hours a day, became a reality. A Community Medical Center in Celina, Mercer County Home Health Agency and Mercer Health Home Care all came into being by the end of 1987.
The pictures below tell a story of community pride and caring, and the new addition is being welcomed in that same sense of generosity and excitement for the future.
More information about this major expansion project is available by contacting the MED Foundation of Mercer Health or by visiting www.mercer-health.com. Learn about all areas of Mercer Health, and how you can suppor the future of healthcare in your own community.
Calling All Band Members
On Monday April 25th, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will begin rehearsals for the upcoming concert season. The rehearsals are held each Monday in the New Van Wert High School band room, located off S.R 118 from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. The band is open to anyone wishing to play his or her instrument in a concert band. Current members vary in age, and playing ability but have the common interest of performing and making great band music. The members come from, Van Wert, Lima, Delphos, Convoy, Spencerville, Chat, Middle Point, Decatur and Rockford. It truly is a Van Wert Area Band.
Retired Parkway Band director Richard Sherrick directs the band. The goals are to present a variety of music that is both musically enjoyable to the listener and challenging to the performer. If you have any questions regarding participation in the band please call or text 419-230-6808, or just come to the first rehearsal. Please consider becoming a member of our organization this coming season.
Parkway Kindergarten Screening
Parkway Elementary is currently scheduling appointments for kindergarten screening for the 2016-2017 school year. Students need to be five years old before August 1 to be eligible to attend. Screening will be held on Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Parkway Elementary School. On screening day, it will be necessary for parents/guardians to present an official birth certificate from the Department of Vital Statistics (any county health department). The vital statistics department will require a fee for this copy. The hospital complimentary birth certificate will not be accepted. Parents will also need to supply their child's social security card, immunization records, two forms of proof of residency and custody papers (if applicable) to photocopy. Immunizations are required to be documented by the 15th day of school. All students entering kindergarten in the fall will need to go through the screening process. Please call Michelle in the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext.720 to schedule an appointment.
Congratulations to the hard-working 5th-8th Graders at
Parkway Middle School
Click below to see who made:
Parkway Middle School Honor Roll
End of 3rd Quarter 2015-2016
President & CEO of Catholic Charities USA Coming to Dayton
Dayton, Ohio (April 1, 2016) – Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, the President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, will visit Dayton on Wednesday, April 27 to help celebrate the 95th anniversary of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV). During her visit, she will address attendees at the CSSMV Annual Leadership Luncheon.
Sister Donna is the first woman to lead the 105 year-old social services network that is recognized as one of the largest charities in the United States. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, Markham serves as a key public policy adviser and advocate for services for the poor and marginalized. An Adrian Dominican sister with a doctorate in clinical psychology, she has served in leadership positions in behavioral healthcare both in Canada and the U.S., and is an internationally-recognized author and speaker in areas pertaining to transformational leadership, organizational change management and the effective treatment of the mentally ill. She is currently engaged in global peace initiatives directed toward building bridges of understanding and collaboration among women leaders.
Also attending the Leadership Luncheon will be Bonnie K. Burman, Sc.D., Director of the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA). Catholic Social Services will be presenting a Community Partner Award to ODA in recognition of the state agency's long-standing partnership in helping CSSMV provide services and support to older adults.
The CSSMV Annual Leadership Luncheon will take place at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. During the luncheon, CSSMV CEO Laura Roesch will also provide an annual report on local social service initiatives and recognize leaders and organizations who have helped to forward the agency's mission.
Tickets for the Annual Leadership Luncheon are $25 per person. Reservations can be made online at cssmv.org/leadership or by calling (937) 223-7217 ext. 1141.
Community Sports and Therapy Center Offers Certified Lymphedema Services
Community Sports and Therapy Center is pleased to announce that one of their physical therapists, Melanie Sowers, DPT, has recently completed her extensive training to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). Melanie completed her training in the four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy.
The Community Sports and Therapy Center has provided specialty services for Lymphedema treatment for over ten years. Melanie has eight years of experience treating patients with Lymphedema. Melanie recently underwent further advanced training and completed the extensive coursework required to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. With this advanced training and certification Melanie will continue to provide the most current and up-to-date treatment for her patients with lymphedema.
"Treatment techniques for any condition change over the years and as our caseload of lymphedema patients continues to grow we wanted to make sure we were able to provide our patients with the most up-to-date treatment techniques available," stated Melanie.
What exactly is lymphedema? Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part usually occurring in the one arm or leg, but it may be present in both arms or both legs. It can also occur in the hands or feet, or even in the chest, back, face, neck, abdomen, or genitals. It is the result of abnormal accumulation of protein-rich edema fluid in the affected area due to lymph vessels being unable to transport lymph fluid (or waste products) back into circulation, causing it to accumulate, resulting in chronic swelling. If left untreated it may result in hardening skin tissue. Lymphedema is a long-term condition that requires a change in lifestyle in certain ways to cope with it.
Research shows that although Lymphedema afflicts approximately 1% of the U.S. population (nearly 3 million Americans), there is a shortage of lymphedema information, and the problems it creates are poorly understood.
Lymphedema is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema is caused by malformations of the lymphatic system, most commonly in women. Symptoms may be present at birth or may develop later, often during puberty or pregnancy and without obvious cause. Primary lymphedema is most common in the legs, but may also occur in the arms or torso. Secondary lymphedema is much more common and is the result of surgery or is a side effect of radiation therapy for cancer. It occurs most commonly in the arms, but may also develop in the legs. Secondary forms may also occur after traumatic injury, infection of the lymphatic system, or severe chronic venous insufficiency.
Initial symptoms of lymphedema include tightness or heaviness in the affected area as well as swelling characterized by "pitting' which is recognizable when skin is depressed for a few seconds and the indentation does not immediately disappear.
Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goal of treatment is to reduce the swelling and maintain the reduction. For a majority of patients, this can be achieved by the skillful application of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which is safe, reliable and non-invasive. This includes Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), a gentle manual lymphatic therapy technique, to activate the lymphatic system, and move the lymph fluid out of the affection region and reduce the swelling. This is performed in conjunction with compression bandages to the affected areas.
Treatments are individualized per patient needs and performed three to five days a week, depending on the severity. Once swelling is reduced the patient is fitted with a graduated compression garment, educated on ongoing self-care and performing self-manual lymph drainage and therapeutic exercises.
"It is very rewarding to see the improvement in patient's conditions as we work with them," Melanie stated. "We spend a lengthy amount of time with our patients and really get to know them on a personal level while we treat them. It is a very gratifying experience."
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: Several Train Car loads of New Idea Manure Spreaders had been sent to Saint Marys, Ohio, in 1909. The new owners of the NI Spreaders lined up for their Parade Photograph.
The above photograph of the Parade of the new owners of the 1909 New Idea Spreaders at Saint Marys, was in the files of the History of the New Idea Company, Coldwater, Ohio. The New Idea Company influenced agricultural practices, not only in Ohio and the United States, but also around the World.
To improve the soil, farmers had been spreading manure on their fields, for centuries. As improved technology came to farm equipment in the 1800's, change also arrived with "modern" manure spreaders. W.E. Martin, Oconee, Georgia, had an early patent on a manure spreaders, dated October 4, 1870. Early inventors were inspired by the 1776-1876 Centennial Celebration in the United States, and filed patents for hundreds of technical improvements in the 1870's and 1880's. History books give credit to Joseph Sargent Kemp, Syracuse, NY (originally from Ontario, Canada) as the "Inventor of the first practical manure spreader," in 1877. Kemp continued improving the spreaders, with more patents, and became quite successful in his manure spreader business. In the 1880's, other inventors also applied for patents on spreaders. For additional information about the early history of manure spreaders, see the book, "New Idea Company's Horse Drawn Manure Spreaders, Maria Stein & Coldwater, Ohio."
Joseph Oppenheim, as of October 18, 1899, had the factory of the New Idea Spreader Works constructed at Maria Stein, Ohio. Sometimes, local citizens try to give Joseph Oppenheim credit "for inventing the manure spreader," and/or "for inventing the wide spread manure spreader." What Joseph Oppenheim and his family did for the success of the New Idea Manure Spreader, can be recognized by two "game changing" achievements. First, on February 17, 1900, Joseph Oppenheim filed his Application for his First Patent, for which he received the Patent No. 648,519 on May 1, 1900. His Patent of his idea of changing the beaters at the back of the spreader, so that each beater was placed an angle from the sides of the wagon, caused a "wide spreader" feature to the NI Spreader, which attracted farmers to the product. Second, the manufacture and marketing of the NI Spreader was the second reason for the success of the New Idea Company Spreader. The continued growth of the NI Company began with a move to Coldwater, Ohio between the years 1907 and 1912. The growth of the NI Company can be attributed to the Oppenheim Family leadership, and their continued successful patents on the NI Spreader, as well as to their hard-working, responsible NI Employees.
One example of marketing the New Idea Spreaders was that the Oppenheim Family employed salesmen across the countryside. The railroads provided quick transportation for the salesmen as well as for the delivery of the NI Spreaders. The Oppenheim Family put the NI Spreaders on train cars and shipped them as far east as New York State, and west to Kansas and beyond. When the NI Spreaders arrived at the town railroad depot, the New Idea Representatives not only organized a Parade through Town for their new customers, but also hired a professional photographer to record the event.
As I studied the above photograph, I saw the name "Gordon," on the banner. The name Gordon reminded me of the Gordon State Park, 1924-1930's, located at the west side of St. Marys, at the edge of Grand Lake Saint Marys. I went to the book, "Souvenir Book Commemorating Home Coming Week, St. Marys, Ohio, July 1 – 7, 1907," to compare the buildings on the photograph above, with the photographs in the 1907 book. For those who are interested in local history, visit the local history section at the St. Marys Public Library, as well as other area libraries.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or firstname.lastname@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Sign-up for Summer Ball in Ohio City
Ohio City Youth Activities is still accepting players for their 2016 Summer Ball Program. Please contact Laura Morgan 419-965-2515 or Sean Kennedy 419-576-6429 if interested or for more information.
Fountain Park Summer Music Series 2016
The Van Wert County Foundation has announced its 2016 Fountain Park Summer Music Series. It features eight free concerts in downtown Van Wert's Fountain Park. All concerts are on Friday nights, beginning at 7:00 pm. Food service is available by 5:30 pm from various non-profit organizations in Van Wert County.
This is the 15th season for Fountain Park Summer concerts presented by The Van Wert County Foundation in cooperation with the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation. This season includes a wide variety of entertainment and will even include an outdoor family movie on July 1 following the Lima Pops Orchestra concert. The movie is in cooperation with Main Street Van Wert.
The season kicks off with its traditional opener on Friday night of the Peony and Artrageous Festival weekend. The entire line-up is listed below:
Friday, June 3 The Together Band
The Together Band, established in the 70's, has been entertaining crowds in a tri-state area for more than four decades. Together provides an action packed show that delivers a classic rock, funk, soul, and feel good music experience for all ages. The band features a 9-piece ensemble of undeniable rhythm section, electrifying horns, and dynamic vocals from all band members.
Friday, June 17 Madrigal- The Ultimate Tribute to Carlos Santana
This Cincinnati based band of professional musicians offer up a true Carlos Santana concert experience. Led by Jose Madrigal, a Mexican immigrant who was home schooled on the guitar by his father, a guitar professor at Northern Kentucky University, Jose was a recording artist for 20th Century Fox and Columbia Records. Surrounded by a talented group of outstanding musicians, you won't want to miss this Santana experience!
Friday, June 24 Beginnings- The Ultimate Tribute to Chicago
Out of their love and respect for one of the greatest American Rock Bands of all time, this group, comprised of veteran musicians of the New York music scene got their beginning in 2002. Since then, they have been sharing the wonderful music of the Chicago songbook with audiences all over the country including Disney's Epcot Center, Atlantic City's Resort Casino, and the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas.
Friday, July 1 Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra
Maestro Crafton Beck returns to Van Wert with the Lima Pops Orchestra to herald another July 4th celebration. Van Wert is proud to be one of the few cities in the state to feature a live Pops Orchestra for its 4th of July weekend. Bring your flags and wear your patriotism proudly on your sleeve as we celebrate America with the Lima Symphony Pops. It's always a crowd pleaser! Be sure to stick around after the concert to experience a family movie time in Fountain Park on a huge inflatable screen and concert sound system.
Friday, July 15 Natural Wonder- The Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience
Gabriel Bello, a #1 Billboard ranked vocalist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, along with a crack rhythm section and full-fledged horn ensemble recreate some of the best loved songs of our time by the phenomenal Stevie Wonder. Since its inception in 2012, Natural Wonder has wowed audiences for the American Heart Association, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the House of Blues in Orlando and Myrtle Beach as well as BB Kings in New York.
Friday, July 22 Chris Higbee
The former lead singer of Poverty Neck Hillbillies, this high energy fiddling cowboy puts on a show you will not forget. Often compared to another fiddling singer, Charlie Daniels, Higbee has been known to fiddle his way to the top of rooftops and rock the music from anywhere imaginable. Chris Higbee and his band will create an exciting and fun evening in Fountain Park for everyone to enjoy!
Friday, July 29 Feller and Hill and the Bluegrass Buckaroos
Tom Feller and Chris Hill have made quick work of establishing themselves as among the top vocal groups in bluegrass winning over fans and disc jockeys in their few short years of existence. Combining their love of traditional bluegrass, classic country and their newly released all-Gospel album, they have become a leader in the industry. Their tight harmonies and great songs have compared them to Buck Owens and the Osborne Brothers.
Friday, August 12 The McCartney Years- The premier McCartney concert experience featuring the music of the Beatles & Wings live! Relive the time of knitted vests, bell bottoms, 25-cent gas, cassette players, and long hair. Welcome to the 70"s and some of the greatest music of the century. The Fountain Park Summer Music Series closes its season with this timeless live concert experience- one you will remember all year long!
In addition to these outstanding concerts, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band under the direction of Richard Sherrick will be in concert in Fountain Park on Fridays, May 27, July 8, and August 19 beginning at 7:00 pm.
The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park to enjoy these free concerts, underwritten through the Saltzgaber Music Fund of The Van Wert County Foundation. Paul Hoverman is the Coordinator of Performing Arts and Seth Baker is the Executive Secretary.
In the case of weather issues, Fountain Park Summer concerts sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation will be moved into the Niswonger Performing Arts Center located 10700 SR 118 South in Van Wert, OH. Fountain Park is located on the west end of downtown Van Wert, corner of W. Main and Jefferson Streets.
Rockford's 21st Century Club Members Enjoy Winter Meetings Group Invites Interested Women to Attend
The Rockford 21st Century Club has been enjoying being "On the Road Again" with their year's theme. Meeting at the Rockford United Methodist Church, on February 23, 2016, the members assembled with Julie Henkle and Toni Fisher co-hostessing and serving a delicious fruit and vegetable dessert following the program about the Wassenberg Center, the Van Wert Courthouse and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Program. Sherry Shaffer and Rozann Maurer conducted the program. Interesting facts about the NPAC and its founder, Scott Niswonger, and how the project came-about, were shared. Then the details of the Van Wert County Courthouse and its renovations were discussed. Its architecture is unique to the area. Then on March 22, 2016, Barb Painter hosted the meeting at her home with Kim Carr serving as co-hostess. Susan Colburn and Toni Fisher engaged the members with information about the many places to visit in New Bremen. They covered the New Bremen Bicycle Museum, the recently built authentic Lock Keepers House on the Miami Erie Canal and the Lock One Community Arts Center. Following lively discussion, refreshments were served. The next meeting will be in the home of Karla Butler on April 26, 2016 at 7 PM. Valerie Fritzinger plans to do the program topic of the Mercer County Cross Tipped Churches, Barbara Painter will follow with the Shrine of the Holy Relics and Sheila Baltzell will delve into the history and current times of Grand Lake St. Marys. If you'd like to join the group for the evening contact, Sheila at 419-733-3326.
Ohio Genealogical Society to Meet
The Mercer County
Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday
Food Drive Conducted by OSU Alumni Club
Jeffery-Mohr Dentistry
685 Fox Road
Stahl, Stoller, Meyer Insurance Agency
111 N Washington Street
In Paulding County collection boxes will be placed:
Animal Clinic of Paulding
1030 W Wayne Street
Paulding, Oh
Williamson Insurance Agency
101 E Main Street
Payne, Oh
The Antwerp Elementary third grade classes will also be participating in the food drive collection.
The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Van Wert and Paulding County will be delivering the collected food items and presenting a check to each food bank in both Paulding and Van Wert Counties at the conclusion of The Ohio State University Alumni Association's Volunteer Month of Service.
(Photo caption) Members of The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Van Wert and Paulding Counties prepare for the Ohio State University Alumni Association's Volunteer Month of Service. from left Emily Tempel, Missie Bowman, Carl Jeffery
VWHS Seniors Conclude Unbroken Study at the Niswonger
Van Wert High
School seniors under the guidance of Mrs. Myra Hamrick and Mr. Keith
Utendorf completed their study of Unbroken on March 6th when they
attended Luke Zamperini's lecture at the Niswonger Performing Arts
Center. Luke Zamperini is the son of Olympic athlete, WWII POW survivor,
and subject of Unbroken, the novel inspired by his life story that was
eventually translated to film in 2014.
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is located at 10700 SR 118 S Van Wert, OH 45891.
Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy
In western Ohio our family farms are working diligently to provide high quality wholesome food to the world. Yet, elitist vegetarians and the HSUS are working to destroy production agriculture piece by piece.
In particular you can find evidence of the misinformation campaign when examining the latest marketing techniques in this country. This is why you see a push for food labeling in grocery stores that tricks consumers into thinking one food is healthier than another with no scientific proof of benefit.
Take for instance the argument against meat that has been treated with antibiotics. The use of antibiotics keeps our livestock healthy. Those who practice animal husbandry are concerned first and foremost about animal safety and the quality of the product brought to market.
If agriculture responds to the scare tactics employed by anti-meat activists and ill advised marketers they may risk the future of the farming industry. We must not abandon the advanced techniques that modern farming has brought to our traditional family farms. Antibiotic free farms will see reduced production and cause food prices to soar. Consumers deserve a choice and in ag country we have a responsibility to ensure that their decisions are grounded in facts.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and meat packing plants are very serious about drug residue requirements. You cannot give an animal antibiotics and then send it to the packing house. Livestock that enters the food supply is always antibiotic free.
Many families have decided to reduce antibiotic intake in their homes, but livestock antibiotics are what keeps the meat healthy and are very different from the human antibiotics. There is a growing misconception that antibiotics are used as a type of growth promoter in livestock and that these same antibiotics will end up in the meat we consume. This is simply not true and we must be skeptical of any claim that antibiotics are unsafe for animals or we will see the options for dinner consist of rice and bananas. Now you try to find me rice and bananas that are "local."
The term "antibiotic free" is not allowed in meat package labeling by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is simply a marketing term used to mislead the public. In reality, livestock raised with antibiotics are simply kept disease-free and healthy ensuring a better product when marketed.
The war on production agriculture threatens our ability to provide affordable, healthy, nutritious food for our families. It also threatens the economic stability of our communities' family farms. We cannot allow fads to take our traditional family farms back in time.. Those fighting caged chickens, gestation crates and medicine for livestock seem to be in favor of a vegetarian society.
Stand with our traditional family farms that produce the most wholesome and best food in the world. Please join me in eating only food from traditional family farms. Let's call it, "eat traditional!"
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchymarch2016
Snow & Ice Statistics
By Jim Wiechart, Mercer County Engineer
Snow & Ice statistics for winter season 2015-2016
Mercer County, 384.129 miles of roads
12 snow plows average 32 miles per route (one way)
19 days of snow & ice control in winter of 2015-2016
Salt used – 612.50 tons = $52,178.92
Grit used – 612.50 tons = $5,053.17
Total material costs during the winter season = $57,232.09
Total regular labor hours on snow & ice = 917.00 hours
Overtime hours = 227.50 hours
Total costs for snow & ice during the season = $147,172.88 (Equip., labor, & material)
Average cost for snow & ice control 2010-2011 season = $1,073.46/mile
2011-2012 season = $264.91/mile
2012-2013 season = $635.52/mile
2013-2014 season = $1,267.47/mile
2014-2015 season = $950.18/mile2015-2016 season = $383.13/mile
Biggby Coffee Holds Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Connie and Jon Sell, celebrated with the help of their friends and family from Rockford and St Mary's with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. They reported, "We made 502 cups of coffee on our opening day and beat the Biggby corporation record for new store openings. Our great new employees worked very hard and are getting faster and faster every day. We just love the new friends we are making and enjoy being a place for friends to gather to share fun and delicious hot, cold and frozen coffee, tea, and steamers."
All Team Pictures provided by Nikki
Panther Baseball Schedules - Click Here for a Printable Format
Panther Softball Schedules - Click Here for a Printable Format
Panther Track and Field Schedules - Click Here for a Printable Format
Celina Farmers' Market
Rockford Rec. Hosts
2016 Pitch, Hit, & Run Competition
Rockford Chamber of Commerce Minutes by Lisa Kuhn
Bridge Closing on Wabash Road
Rockford Area Development Corporation to Meet
The Rockford Area
Development Corporation Membership drive is on
Rockford Red Hat Ladies Meet
The members of
the Rockford Red Hat Ladies Society toured the Shanes
The Cornerstone Shop Celebrates Grand Re-opening in New Bremen
Local New Bremen store completes expansion makeover
New Bremen, OH — March 17, 2016—The Cornerstone Shop in New Bremen has recently finished a large expansion and remodel to their store. The store is still located at 452 South Washington Street, St. Rt. 66, Amsterdam Shopping Center, New Bremen, Ohio.
The Cornerstone Shop will have their Grand Re-opening celebration Monday, March 28 through Saturday, April 2. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, March 28 to commemorate the newly remodeled and expanded store. The shop will also be offering over 50 door prizes supplied from their vendors throughout the week.
"We are very excited to be opening our newly remodeled store after two weeks of renovations and countless months of preparation. This is something we are truly honored to be able to accomplish and cannot wait for our loyal clients to visit the beautiful new space," Angie Topp, Owner.
They offer Christian Based-Décor, books and more.
For more information please visit The Cornerstone Shop at 452 South Washington Street, St. Rt. 66, Amsterdam Shopping Center, New Bremen, OH 45869 or call 419-629-3472.
Welcome New Chamber
member- Gilmore & Delzeith Co., LPA
Venedocia Lads and Lassies
Club News Reporter: Avery Mueller
The Venedocia Lads and Lassies held their meeting March 17th, 2016. The group confirmed final details and volunteer work for the Venedocia Pancake and Sausage event which took place on March 19th at the Venedocia Lions Club. The club reviewed officer positions and responsibilities and also discussed the 4H ByLaws and Constitution. Members of the group were given a Heath Report by club member Tara Radabaugh, Safety report by club member Drew Welker, and a craft demonstration was given by club member Madison Pugh. The Lads and Lassies will holding their next meeting April 14, 2016 at 7p.m. at the Venedocia Lions Club
CALENDAR OF EVENTS / PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR EMA and LEPC
EMA Advisory Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
EMA Office Celina 12:05 PM
LEPC Meeting Has Been Scheduled for:
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Central Services Building Celina 7:30 AM
2nd Floor Conference Room
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: At the request of New Idea Company at Coldwater, the Coldwater FFA Advisor Dennis Reithman and FFA Members refinished an old New Idea Spreader, dated 1912-1914. They placed the NI Spreader at the Agricultural Hall of Fame in Kansas, in 1984.
In 1984, the Coldwater FFA Advisor Dennis Riethman was contacted by the New Idea Company, asking if the FFA Chapter would want to refinish an old 1912-1914 NI Spreader. After completing the project, the FFA Members decided to place the NI Spreader in the Agricultural Hall of Fame, at 630 N 126th St, Bonner Springs, Kansas, about 15 miles west of Kansas City. The Chronicle carried a photograph of the Agricultural Hall of Fame Director Harold Adkins accepting the New Idea Spreader from New Idea Vice President Tom Kinzenbaw, FFA Advisor Dennis Reithman, and FFA Members Luke Timmerman, Steve Muhlenkamp and Bret Bertke. This Museum can be found on the Internet.
While visiting Farm Museums these past four decades, the most common piece of agricultural equipment in Mercer County, Ohio, which appears in United States and Canada's Farm Museums, is the New Idea Farm Equipment.
When Alvin and I were driving west across the southern Provinces of Canada, Alvin stopped at a private rural museum. Several pieces of equipment were parked across the back fence row. Alvin pointed out an old New Idea Transplanter which showed the signs of weathering, among the weeds.
When we were visiting the Howard County Historical Society's Seiberling Mansion in Kokomo, Indiana, I talked with the Executive Director Dave Broman about the oil and gas boom in NE Indiana and NW Ohio. Since we were from Mercer County, Ohio, Broman asked if I knew John Powell. John Powell was from Kokomo, and is noted for his invention of the first successful mechanical Two-Row P.T.O. Corn Picker, which he sold to the New Idea Company for production at Coldwater, in 1925. New Idea made improvements to this New Idea No. 2 Corn Picker and put it into production in 1928. A 1928 New Idea Corn Picker is on exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum at Dearborn, Michigan.
When I was doing research for the History of the Mercer County Historical Society, in the Mercer County Commissioners' 1957 Journal, I found the July 26, 1957 Resolution to set a Public Hearing on the Tax Budget, for August 9, 1957. At that August 9, 1957 Budget Meeting, the Mercer County Commissioners adopted the 1958 budget, which not only included Fort Recovery Historical Society as it had done in previous years, but for the first time included the Mercer County Historical Society in their 1958 Budget. The Commissioners asked Roscoe Riley, Carroll Stubbs and Carleton Reiser to plan and implement a County Historical Society and Museum, of which Stubbs filed the Articles of Incorporation for the Mercer County Historical Society on October 31, 1957. While I was reading the Commissioners' Journal for 1957, I read their February 26, 1957 Resolution # 32, which stated, "Whereas, It is deemed necessary to purchase a Spreader for the Mercer County Home, and its following quotation having been received, The Coldwater Implement Co., Coldwater, Ohio, . . . Resolved to purchase one New Idea Spreader with used Truck Tires, (and allowing for 2 old Spreaders), at their quoted price of $460.00." The vote was unanimous with Commissioners Hartings, Davis and Suhr.
April 3, Sunday afternoon, 1:00 – 4:00, New Idea History will be highlighted at the Mercer County Historical Museum. This Exhibit includes New Idea Farm Equipment models, posters, manuals, and related history. Former New Idea Employees are invited to bring their photographs and stories related to the New Idea Uni-System to this April 3 Exhibit. The New Idea Historical Preservation Committee Members will be Hosts for the day. For questions, contact Members of the NIHP Committee, or else contact Joyce Alig President of the Mercer County Historical Society.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or firstname.lastname@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Break-in's Followed by Arrests
Sheriff Jeff Grey and Sheriff Toby Spencer report that their offices working cooperatively have made arrests involving multiple cars being broken into in Mercer and Darke County. Darke County Sheriff's Detectives along with officers from Versailles Police Department developed information involving multiple car and business break ins in their jurisdictions in recent weeks. The information identified suspects from Mercer County. Surveillance was conducted on the suspects and information developed that led to the issuance of arrest warrants in Mercer County. Cases were developed in Darke County and are under review for additional charges in Darke County.
Arrested was Zachary Huff address is at large, age 20. Mr. Huff was arrested at 616 West North Street in Coldwater. Huff has initially been charged with 2 counts of breaking and entering, being felonies of the 5th degree, and 4 counts of theft, being misdemeanors of the first degree.
Justin Miller age 21. Miller was arrested for possession of heroin during the arrest of Huff.
An additional male Mason Self, address is at large, age 21 was arrested at 3500 Wild Cherry Ave, Celina. Self has initially been charged with 2 counts of breaking and entering, felonies of the 5th degree, and 4 counts of theft, being misdemeanors of the first degree.
Additional charges are expected to be filed against Self and Huff.
This is an example of several agencies working together with a common goal. Without the information and cooperation of Law Enforcement, these arrests would not have been possible.
4-H Camp Palmer All Camp Clean Up April 2
In order to open and improve the grounds at 4-H Camp Palmer, we need volunteer help. Does your club or organization need a service project? Youth ages 8-15 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers on April 2 will be provided a picnic lunch-12:30 p.m. Please be prepared to bring own rakes, work gloves and scrap rags. (camp will supply cleaning products)
The clean-up day is scheduled for Saturday, April 2 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please check in at the covered bridge entrance for work assignments. If individuals or groups can only help part of the day you are still encouraged to come.
Some of our main projects will include: leaf raking, cabin cleaning, cleaning flowerbeds and the general grounds. Anyone planning to help should contact Suzy Summers at 419-237-2247 or email at firstname.lastname@example.com by March 31 so we can include you in the lunch count.
For those unable to make the April 02 work date, other times can be arranged. 4-H Camp Palmer will be fully opening camp for their 69th year of serving resident 4-H campers, school outdoor education programs, band camps, team building and challenge course leadership experiences, retreat groups, family reunions and more.
The camp is located at 26450 County Road MN, Fayette, Ohio right next to Harrison Lake State Park.
Shanes Crossing Historical Society to Host Speaker Mike Bruns
The Shanes Crossing
Historical Society will meet on Thursday - March 31st at 7:30 pm in the
museum in Rockford.
Mercer Health Weight Management Center announces
"Back on Track" Weight Management Class
Ready to get your weight loss journey 'Back on Track'?
The Weight Management Center at Mercer Health will be holding a special event titled 'Back on Track' on Monday, April 11, at 6:00pm at Mercer Health's West Campus location. This free class, presented by Judy Broering, RD, LD, will be held annually, and is appropriate for those that are ready to get their weight loss journey 'Back on Track', whether after a recent weight gain, struggle with an extended weight plateau, or feeling like the "new you" is slipping away. This 'Back on Track' Program will provide the education, structure, encouragement, and support one may need to get back on their weight loss journey and to reach and maintain a weight loss goal. Registration is required for this event.
To register for the 'Back on Track' program, or for more information about this program or other Weight Management Programs available at Mercer Health, contact the Weight Management Center at 419-678-8446.
Four Vantage BPA Students Heading to Nationals
And then there were four…Twenty-three Vantage business students competed recently at the Ohio BPA competition in Columbus and four will move on to the final step - the National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts!
Alexis Forester, an Interactive Media senior from Crestview placed 2nd in the Computer Modeling contest, while Medical Office Management senior Lexi Doster from Continental qualified for nationals in the Integrated Office Applications competition.
In addition to the national qualifiers, several students placed in the top 10 of their contest. Network Systems students receiving Top 10 medals include: Drayson Wenzlick (Paulding) - Computer Network Technology, Cullen Wenzlick, (Paulding) C++ Programming, Austin Metz (Parkway) - Computer Security, Christian Lintermoot, (Lincolnview), Justin Moenter (Delphos St. John's), and Cory Miller (Lincolnview) - Computer Animation Team, Nathan Poling (Parkway), Collin Wilson (Parkway), and Sam Roughton (Paulding) - Parliamentary Procedure Tea. From Interactive Media, senior Serena Drake (Antwerp) – Digital Publishing and the Interactive Media Parliamentary Procedure Team of Domino Daugherty (Antwerp), Alexa Longberry (Ft. Jennings), Will Placke (Van Wert), and Madison Smith (Van Wert).
The national qualifiers, along with their teachers, will be a part of the 2016 Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference "This Is Our Time" from May 5 – May 9 in Boston, Massachusetts. Thousands of students from across the country will gather there to compete, showcase their business aptitudes and develop leadership skills. The National Leadership Conference is the culmination of the BPA year filled with hard work and dedication put into competitions, Torch Awards, leadership development, service and more. Activities will include general sessions with keynote speakers, business meetings, leadership workshops, contests, and the election of national officers.
Congratulations to all who competed at the state
competition and good luck to those advancing to Nationals!
Vantage Business Professional of America (BPA) 2016 National qualifiers show off their hardware! (l to r): Spencer Wannemacher, Alexis Forester, Lexi Doster, and Kenneth Pinks-Liebert.
Easter Service at Liberty Baptist
(Van Wert) According to Sr. Pastor Jim C. Burns, a special Easter Service is slated for Sunday, March 27 at the Liberty Baptist Church, 501 E. Third St. Van Wert, Ohio. A free breakfast will be served by the Liberty men in the church's fellowship hall from 8:30 to 10 am followed by a joint Easter worship service in the church auditorium at 10:45 am. A free nursery and Kid's Church is provided. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 419-238-2273.
A Good
Friday Multi Media Worship Experience - Plan Now to Attend
A Community Choir comprised of singers from local and area churches
Rockford United Methodist Church Easter Evensts
Maundy Thursday-
Service of Shadows- Thursday, March 24 @ 8:00 p.m
Good Friday- March
25 @ 7:00 p.m. at Parkway Local Schools
"Champion of Love"
Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service @
7:00 a.m. with a Sunrise Breakfast serving afterwards
Easter Egg Hunt on March 26, 2016
The New Bremen – New Knoxville Rotary and the New Bremen Parks Department will once again be hosting the 2016 Easter Egg Hunt on March 26, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. It will be held at the Jaycee Park which is located south of the Crown Pavilion between Plum and Cherry Street. All children, up to sixth grade, are encouraged to participate. A variety of candy will be hidden in each egg, with special prizes being hidden in selected eggs. New to the event this year will be a Grandparents Easter Egg Hunt. This event is open to the public and is free of cost. In the case of inclement weather, this event will be moved to the New Bremen Junior High Gym. https://www.facebook.com/NewBremenNewKnoxvilleRotaryClub
Youth Groups to Collect Roadside Litter
Motorists are asked to use caution in the next few months as youth community groups will be picking up litter in the ditches along many Mercer County Roads.
Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart issued the warning recently to protect the various groups of people who will be participating in the Litter Pick-up Program this spring. "Clean-up crews are set to begin work in late March and typically complete the project by late spring," Wiechart said.
The litter pick-up program is a joint project funded by the County Engineer's Office and Township Trustees who pay recognized civic and community groups who participate. Safety vests, gloves, bags and disposal fees are funded by the Mercer County Solid Waste District and the Ohio EPA.
The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education meeting for April has been changed to Monday, April 18, 2016. The start time will be 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Praise Point Church in Willshire.
It's Girl Scout
Cookie Time !
For more info. call : Toni Hauter 567-644-4310
Parkway Science Teacher Works with Parkway Graduate to Bring Science Alive for Students
Mrs. Anita (Farmer) Morton, Parkway High School's Biology, Anatomy, Physics and Chemistry Teacher is working with 2011 Parkway Graduate Jason Ford on a project sponsored by the American Chemical Society. The two are bringing science to real life for the students at Parkway through Skype and real visits by Jason. The American Chemical Society, (click here http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education.html ) sponsors this program, and Jason Ford, through his doctoral program at Stanford University (click here: https://www.stanford.edu/ ) in Stanford California, is the mentor for Parkway students.
Anita is a 1987 graduate of Parkway and came back to Parkway High School after graduating in 1991 from Huntington College with a degree in Biology and Biology Education. She earned her Master in Education in 1998 from Indiana Wesleyan. She loves science and Jason Ford was one of the many Parkway students who came to love science through her dedication. Jason went straight to Ohio State University and graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor degree in Chemistry. At Stanford, he pursues a combined Master/Doctorate in Chemistry and gives back to the students of Parkway through this mentorship program.
Jason, in November, and several times since, has skyped in real time with Anita's classes several times. He has spoken with all of them about the real world applications of Science and not simply the theoretical side of it. They ask good questions, according to Anita, and Jason explains to them the life he is pursuing within his graduate student experience. Jason and Anita have planned two special days with the students at Parkway, On Monday and Tuesday, March 21 and 22, 2016, Jason will be co-teaching classes with Anita as the students work on chemistry experiments (provided by the American Chemical Association) that Jason has specifically set-up for them.
Co-incidentally, in November of 2015, after Jason Ford skyped with the classes at Parkway, the students had a surprise visit from Devin Stover, another of Anita's science students, who now attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Engineering University in Arizona. The excitement he shared over his very first semester of engineering, was another boost to Anita's science program at Parkway, and went right along with Jason's encouragement to Parkway students.
The Parkway students in Biology, Anatomy, Physics and Chemistry are looking forward to meeting Jason in person, asking him even more questions since their skype session, and conducting fun experiments.
Thank you to the American Chemical Society for this opportunity!
The Mercer County Educational Service Center Offers Preschool Screening Program for the district preschoolers of Parkway
Under the program, children ages 3-5 will be screened in a variety of developmental areas. Possible screenings include vision and hearing acuity, fine motor coordination, speech and language development, visual and auditory memory and perception, and general information.
The screening for Parkway School District is scheduled as follows:
April 15, 2016 Rockford First United Methodist Church 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
All preschoolers attending any private or public preschool need to have physicals. If you have a form from your preschool, please bring it along with you on screening day. Our team will complete the hearing and vision portion for you free of charge.
Please register by contacting your elementary school secretary at 419-363-3045, ext. 720, by April 8, 2016.
Parkway STEM Students Take Top Honors at
Auglaize/Mercer County
On February 25th,
five Parkway students participated in the first Auglaize/Mercer County
Science Day competition at Wright State University. This event is just
one of the ongoing efforts to implement STEM programs in both
Parkway Board Approves Purchase of New Security System
The Parkway School Board on March 9, 2016 discussed and approved the purchase of a new Security Camera System for the school. The cost will be $71,000. Citing poor picture resolution and cameras not working, they are looking forward to a summer install of the new advanced cameras and storage by Securitec One Inc of Medina, OH.
Residents of Northern Mercer County Keep an Eye on Wind Turbine Activity in Southern Van Wert County
The group, Neighbors United, with spokespersons Roy Thompson and Gary Fisher, recently met with the Mercer County Commissioners to discuss a proposed wind turbine project in southern Van Wert County. They are concerned about the new company, Apex Clean Energy who has bought the rights to Long Prairie Wind which originally was looking to expand into northern Mercer County. contact Roy at email@example.com for more information.
|Rockford Village Council meets on March 15, 2016 the Rockford Village Hall. Click Here to see the Minutes.
Pancake & Sausage Breakfast in Ohio City
The Ohio City Fire and EMS Department will be holding its annual breakfast on Saturday April 2nd, 2016 at the Ohio City Community Building from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. This breakfast will include all you can eat pancakes & sausage, sausage gravy & biscuits and eggs. Donations will be accepted for this event at the door by filling a firefighter's boot. The proceeds of this event will go towards purchasing needed equipment for the department. The fire department invites the public to come out and enjoy the food while supporting your local volunteers.
Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy
Help the School Districts; Help the Students
In western Ohio, we have the best schools in the state. Ohio's public high schools were ranked 7th in the Nation in 2015 by US News and World Report. Ohio needs to continue to support and empower the local school systems to give our children the highest quality education available.
It is important that we work to reduce state interference with this high quality education. Our local teaching professionals know how to get the job done and when they have proven it year in and year out we should recognize that by letting them do their jobs.
Our local Senators, Faber and Hite recognize the success of our schools and have taken the lead by introducing a bill to exempt the highest performing schools from certain state mandates. Senate Bill 3 will reduce bureaucracy; focus on locally driven teacher improvement and cut state testing times.
We know our local school administrators can determine a teacher's ability to prepare students in math, reading, science, or a vocational technology program. We need to allow these administrators to make the most appropriate staffing decisions for their schools.
In particular we need to improve connections between industry and the classroom and make it easier for a successfully industry partner to enter the classroom as a highly skilled teacher. SB 3 will remove barriers to the teaching profession and streamline the process to a teacher certification. Our schools deserve the freedom to select the best educator for an open position because our students deserve the best teachers.
The Ohio teacher evaluation system is clunky and bogged down by unneeded bureaucracy and paper work. School administrators know the track record of teachers, the results of teachers, and they know which teachers are good, and which ones need improvement.
When you ask an administrator which teacher needs the most improvement in the building the can tell you. Yet, when reading their file it appears that teacher is who's who in American education. We need to reduce the bureaucracy and encourage administrators to spend time with their lowest performing teachers and encourage them to document real improvement. By removing state mandates, our local administrators will be able to pat the best teachers on the back and provide clarity for those who struggle.
Cookie cutter mandates don't work in the schools in western Ohio because we are better than that. By reducing state testing, and letting our teachers and administrators know they are in charge of their schools we will see better results. Our schools are the best and should be recognized for their hard work by this needed reduction of state mandates.
Senators Faber and Hite took an important lead by recognizing the exceptional efforts of our local schools. We should be working to reduce Ohio's mandates on the highest performing schools because they know best how to educate children. By reducing bureaucracy; focusing on locally driven teacher improvement and cutting state testing times we will be able to encourage our successful local schools and future growth from those wishing to receive the rewards of being in that upper echelon of education.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchymarch2016
New Bremen Senior Citizens
New Bremen Senior Citizens will meet for regular meeting on March 23 at 2:00 at 700 E Monroe St NB.
Starting on April 7th. And every other Thursday after we will be having chair exercise at 10:00am. This is open to the public and it is for Men and Woman both.
Senior Citizens will be having a Bake Sale on Sat. March 26 at the Senior Center for 9:00 to 12 noon.
Also we will be selling colored Easter Eggs for $3.00 a dozen.
For hall rentals call Ed Hueker at 419-629-2206. Please call Mary Hespe at 429-629-0704 for any quilting you need done. These ladies do a great job.
Remember our garage sale coming up on April 15 and 16.
Lindsey Moeller, MS, ACNP-BC, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Joina Mercer Health Weight Management Center Team
Lindsey Moeller, MS, ACNP-BC, Certified Nurse Practitioner, joined the Mercer Health Weight Management Center Team in January 2016. Lindsey will provide medically managed weight loss services, and will also see surgical patients in the Weight Management Center clinic three to four days a week.
Prior to joining the Mercer Health team, Lindsey spent the last 10 years working at The Ohio State University Medical Center & James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, OH. She started her career working as a Registered Nurse caring for patients battling a variety of cancers, administering chemotherapy, and providing care before and after surgery as well as radiation. After receiving her Master's Degree from Wright State University and becoming a Board Certified Adult-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Lindsey moved to the Medical Intensive Care Unit at OSU Medical Center, and worked as a nurse practitioner. Here she worked with a variety of cancer and non-cancer patients who were critically ill. Lindsey also worked as a traveling nurse prior to working at The Ohio State University and spent time in Boston, San Diego, and San Francisco.
Lindsey's extensive job experience has given her the opportunity to work with thousands of patients battling obesity in addition to their cancer and other medical problems. Lindsey states: "I have seen the complications that can be caused by obesity. I believe it is a disease just like high blood pressure and it takes dedicated healthcare providers to treat this disease. As a nurse practitioner in bariatrics, I want to help treat each patient individually and design a treatment plan for obesity that is life changing! By treating obesity, other medical problems are potentially reversible and/or preventable. This is why I am so excited for this opportunity to work at Mercer Health in the Weight Management Clinic! We share a vision to grow the program by expanding nonsurgical programs with classes, support groups, meal replacements, coaching, medications, and having more appointment times/days available. With these changes, our goal is to serve more patients and impact more lives in the community! The mission of Mercer Health is to positively steer our community's health and we believe our program can assist with achieving this goal."
Lindsey now resides in Minster, OH with her husband and two young sons. In Lindsey's spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, exploring different lifestyles and foods, attending church on Sundays, gardening, trying new recipes, organizing, running, group fitness classes, and bowling.
To schedule an appointment with Lindsey or to learn about the services available at the Weight Management Center, please contact us at 419-678-THIN(8446).
The Van Wert Blooms
Event Is A Hot Ticket!
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Have you visited an old Victorian Home and watched the sun's rays shining through the colored glass window panes? Have you watched the changes in color in the stained glass windows in church, during changes in the seasons? For over a thousand years, colored glass has brought beauty into our lives.
Glass making is an art and has a history of its own. The book, "Art in Glass," illustrates the extensive glass collection at The Toledo Museum of Art. The earliest surviving glass vessels are Egyptian and date about 1500 years before Christ, i.e. about 3500 years ago. The earlier small, solid beads and inlays can be related to ceramic glasses which have a history in Egypt, dating back 4000 years.
The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York, published the book, "Glassmaking, America's First Industry," by Jane Shadel Spillman, in 1976. Spillman wrote about six men who arrived in the "new world," to make glass, in 1608. The glass making industry began along the Eastern Seaboard. Soon, glass makers crossed the Alleghenies, and arrived in what is now Ohio. Glass blowers produced a variety of products. Pressed Glass was introduced. When the oil and gas boom hit Eastern Ohio, the discovery that kerosene could be refined from petroleum resulted that the kerosene lamps required glass chimneys in order to burn properly. Glass chimneys and kerosene lamps were popular before electric lights arrived.
Two years ago, Robert Tong, a local historian at Findlay, Ohio, contacted me, about the glass factories in Celina. The Gas and Oil Boom in the 1880's and 1890's in North West and Central West Ohio Villages resulted in a short-lived industry, the glass factories. Tong wrote about the influence that the gas and oil boom in Northwestern Ohio had on the glass industry. He explained that the glass industry needed the heat from the gas wells, in order to produce the glass. The gas was a perfect fuel to be used in the glass factories. The gas burnt very hot and clean, making it ideal for the glass factories.
Findlay was the first boom town for glass in this part of Ohio. As the glass factories became successful, Findlay had 25 glass factories, within a few years, making it the second largest glass town in American next to Pittsburg, PA. Findlay lured the manufacturers of glass, by promising them free gas, free land, or maybe a cash incentive. The glass companies each would employ from 60 to 200 employees. This industry was a financial boost to the local economy. In fact, Findlay was the town who supplied many of the officers in Celina's first glass plant, the "Celina Colored Plate and Window Glass Company." The production of flat glass for windows changed the building construction business in this area. How many old Victorian homes in Celina and Mercer County were blessed with these colored glass windows?
Sunday afternoon, March 13, 2013, you are invited to visit The Mercer County Historical Museum, the Riley Home, built by Calvin Riley in 1896, and see the two colored glass windows in this Victorian Home. At 2:00 PM., Robert Tong, author of hist new book, "Boom Town or Not? Story of Celina, Ohio's Glass Industry," will speak about his adventures not only in studying the Glass Industry in North Western Ohio, but also in studying the history of the Glass Industry in Celina. Tong will host an exhibit of his collection of early Colored Glass from local glass factories. We invited Tong to also be available for book signing, for copies of his new book.
Next week, March 10, I will share with you, more information about Robert Tong's research on the history of the Glass Industry in Celina. Tong walked the grounds at the sites of the old Glass Factories in Celina, as well as read the microfilm of the old Daily Standard Newspapers, to create one exciting history book about this little know history of Celina and Mercer County.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or firstname.lastname@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Cast Announced for Comedy "Buying the Moose"
Van Wert, OH- Off Stage Productions, Inc. concludes its 2015-2016 season and announces the cast for their upcoming dinner theatre show, "Buying the Moose", by Michael G. Wilmot. This two-act comedy will be Co-Directed by Matt MtCastle and Dustin Manson. Mark your calendars and plan to attend one of our six performances, opening on Saturday, April 23rd. Additional show dates are Sunday April 24th*, Friday, Saturday & Sunday April 29th-May 1st*, and one final performance on Friday May 6th. Doors open at 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, *12:30 pm for Sunday matinees, at the Van Wert County Senior Center (220 Fox Road, Van Wert, OH). A buffet style meal will be served starting at 7:00 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm (*1:00pm meal and 2:00pm show on the Sunday matinees). We are very pleased to announce and welcome Balyeats as our new caterer, a home-town favorite known for their delicious menu selections and home-made pies.
Directors Matt and Dustin have announced the cast for "Buying the Moose". You may recognize the actor's names, because all of them have been on our stage previously.
Cheryl: Angie Spry
Greg: Travis Nihiser
Betty: Mary Yackey
Rob: Dan Bulau
Stage Manager: Whitney Nihiser
Reservations for members open at 10:00 am on Monday, April 4th and on Wednesday, April 6th for the general public and are open daily. Reservations close at 6:00 pm each day. Off Stage Productions can be found online at http://www.offstagetheatre.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OffStageProductions
Students Teaching About Resistance
The S.T.A.R. (Students Teaching About Resistance) Retreat was held on Saturday, February 27th at Wright State University-Lake Campus. This year's theme was, "Back to the Past: Keeping it Drug-Free Through the Ages." 68 Mercer County 6th, 7th, and 8th graders attended the event. The goal of this event was to provide the youth with a positive, drug-free experience full of alternative activities, allowing them to be role models to their peers and community. The retreat also gave the youth a chance to learn new skills, be themselves, and make new friends to support them in the difficult times! Under the direction of Laura Sanford, the Prevention Coordinator at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, this youth-led prevention event was led mostly by 18 of the high school students from the Mercer County S.T.O.P. (Students Teaching Others Prevention) Group. 16 additional adult volunteers also assisted with the event.
The day started at 9 am with games and energizers led by the volunteers. The staff introduced themselves and a "back to the past" item they brought and shared its importance to them. Keynote Speaker, Jerry Kanney provided all those in attendance some great words of encouragement. Jerry is a retired teacher and principal and has participated and organized various prevention programs throughout the years, including local Get REAL (Responsible Enough About Life) Weeks. Jerry is currently the president of the DARE boosters. He talked about the importance of being happy, healthy, and successful and the significance of making positive life choices. Also, life is very similar to a smorgasbord, as you have a lot of choices, but you have to have a plan of what you want. Goals are important and needed to live happy, healthy, and successful. Following Jerry's encouragement, several youth leaders talked about how they are "Above the Influence" of the pressures of life, including being someone they aren't, dealing with stress and depression, body image, dating, bullying, media influence, and using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. An excerpt of the presentation was, "We have many influences that cause us to act or think the way we do. But remember, be your own person. Be Above the Influence!"
There were some introductory activities and the high school students performed skits about preventing bullying and remaining drug-free. Each participant was placed in a "family group" which is a closer-knit group led by high school students with an adult supervising. This group met 4 times throughout the day to do team-building activities and discuss activities and issues. Also, each youth took part in one "How To" activity such as juggling, dancing, warm fuzzies, self-defense or guitar which were led by volunteers (mostly high school, some adults). Also, each student attended two Personal Growth workshops, which consisted of social media and bullying prevention, Girl Talk 101, Guy Talk 101, Relaxation and Dealing with Stress, Peer Pressure and Defensive Tactics, and Communication and Resolving Conflict, which were mostly led by the high school students. Some of the high school students shared personal testimonies on why they choose to stay drug and alcohol free and encouraged the youth in attendance to make healthy, positive choices too! There was a dance/free time as well. There were also family group "Minute to Win It" competitions throughout the day, plenty of energizers, and a lot of laughter and fun! The day ended at 9:30 pm, after parents/guardians joined us for closing ceremonies, which featured a video presentation of the day, energizers, and two skits presented by the high school role models.
This year, S.T.A.R. was funded by a grant from the Mercer County Civic Foundation and support from Foundations Behavioral Health Services. T-shirts were sponsored by Mercer County Civic Foundation, Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters, McDonald's, Preferred Insurance Center, Walmart, Avanulo, Hot Brass Personal Defense and 4-U Office Supplies.
High School Leaders included, from Celina: Ian Cahill, Logan Ream, Danielle Williams; Coldwater: Jordan Kline, Kraig Gruss, Ellie Day, Sierra Keller, Colby Homan, and AJ Kunk; Ft. Recovery: Miranda Petit, Conner Lennartz, Elli Keller, Elaina Leon, Owen Sheridan; St. Henry: Vannessa Goewert, Sean Muhlenkamp, Aubrey Rammel, and Leah Roll. Adult Volunteers included, Foundations: Laura Sanford, Matt Ronan, and Roberta Donovan; Brooke Bambauer, Becca Cotterman, Crystal Fordney, Craig Hart, Claire Hemmelgarn, Libby Goedde, Craig Muhlenkamp, Joan Roll, Tom Sanford, Cassie Schaaf, Wayne Schaaf (photographer), and Carl Wuebker.
Laura also sends special thanks to the talented and eager high school role models who led this event, the awesome adult staff, the energized youth who attended, the parents of all those involved, Foundations for their support in the program, those businesses who made donations, Craig Muhlenkamp for lending us his juggling equipment and teaching the juggling class, Carl Wuebker who volunteered his disc jockey talents, Andrea Cahill from Hot Brass Personal Defense for teaching the self-defense class, the media for helping to advertise the event to public, Wayne Schaaf and Craig Hart for putting together the video for closing ceremonies, Celina Cinemas for donating movie tickets for prizes, and Celina Intermediate Schools for lending us the guitars. Appreciation also goes out to the Wright State-Lake Campus staff for the use of their facilities, the guidance counselors and other school personnel for their efforts in recruiting youth for the event, and the community for supporting prevention efforts.
If you are interested in assisting with future prevention efforts or joining the Mercer County Prevention Coalition whose mission is "to improve the quality of lives of Mercer County residents by preventing the harmful consequences of substance use and abuse among youth, families, and the larger community," please contact Laura Sanford, prevention coordinator at Foundations, 419-584-1000 or email@example.com
Celina Day at the Great American BallparkCelina Day at the Great American Ballpark is scheduled for Sunday, April
24th. The Cincinnati Reds will be playing the Chicago Cubs at 1:10pm. As part of family day at the ballpark, the first 8000 kids 14 years or younger will receive a
Super Hero Fathead Wall Decal presented by College Advantage.
One lucky person will throw out one of the first pitches and another will be
Captain of the Game. Discounted tickets are on sale now at
www.reds.com/celina. You do not need to be from Celina. These discounted tickets are available to anyone.
To get the best available seats, buy your tickets today.
For more information, call the Celina Mercer County Chamber (419) 586 2219
Coldwater Elementary PTO Carnival
On Sunday, March 20th, the Coldwater Kiwanis will open their season by selling burgers at the Coldwater Elementary PTO Carnival. We will be located in the circle drive in front of the high school from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. Carry outs will be available with specials for a dozen hamburgers or cheeseburgers. Everyone is invited.
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: This Coldwater photograph needs identification. Can you identify the well drilling equipment? Who are the people on the photograph?
Today, I am asking for your help in identification of this photograph.
The Holy Trinity Catholic Church steeple can be seen on the north side of this photograph. The Holy Trinity Catholic Church was dedicated October 9, 1899. Therefore, this photograph was taken after that date. The street running south from this Church would be St. Rt. 118.
On the southwest corner of St. Rt. 118 and St. Rt. 219 (Main Street), the J.F. Hoyng Hardware Co. was preceded by the Kleinhenz Gardner Hardware Store. J. F. Hoyng, in the book, "Coldwater at 150,"told that he began working at that Hardware Store, in 1891, when he was 14 years old. Many of you remember Joseph F. Hoyng, and Ernest, LaMont, and James, at the J.F. Hoyng Hardware Co. Look at the building on the left side of this photograph. Is this the building which belonged to the Hardware Co., or is this building standing on the south side of the Hardware Co.? Apparently, there is a small building south of the large building; was this a home or some other building?
Today, on the southeast corner of this intersection, the U.S. Post Office stands. Obviously, this old photograph preceded the Post Office. Do you remember the family home which stood at this corner, preceding the Post Office? Do you recognize the building standing south of that building? Is this building still standing and used for another purpose, or has it been torn down? Who owned the house, south of this building?
In the foreground of this photograph, it appears that the men are drilling a well. What can you tell me about this scene? The water wagon is there to provide the water for the stationary steam engine, used as the power source for the drill. Notice the cable and pulley system. Is that some type of rocker arm attached to the drill? Would you identify the vertical, ladder-like structure, holding the drill, as a derrick, or by another name? I am not the technical person to identify this structure. You do not have to be from Coldwater to understand the technology of drilling a well. Please share your knowledge with me.
Can you identify the men working on this well? Can you identify the three children are sitting on the water wagon? The children may have been related to the owner of the land, or else to the men drilling the well? The one element which I see missing from this photograph, is that there are no other people standing in the background watching the entire event. Where are the Sidewalk Superintendents?
May I ask if you will write this information and either mail it to me, or email it to me? When you call me on the telephone with information, I am glad to hear from you. However, since this photograph holds so much of information about Coldwater's history, please write what you know and send it to me. Call your friends and ask them what they remember about this site. Visit the Coldwater citizens at Briarwood, and ask what they remember about this time period in Coldwater's history. Thank you for your help.
The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is to preserve Mercer County's history and to educate the public about that history. I am asking you to help preserve the history of Coldwater, as a part of Mercer County's history. The only way we are going to preserve the history of this photograph is by hearing from those of you who recognize information about this photograph.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or firstname.lastname@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
It's Girl Scout Cookie Time !
Rockford G.S. Troop # 20677 Cookie Booth :
Sat. March 19 10
am – Noon
For more info. call : Toni Hauter 567-644-4310
The Jazzy Chef – Catering Business Opens in Rockford
The Village of
Rockford ( under the direction of Joyce Emans) is looking for
volunteers for the 2016 SHANES PARK BEAUTIFICATION SOCIETY season.
What Is 4-H and How Do I Join?
4-H is the largest youth development organization in the country, with over 6 million youth participating across the country. The 4-H program was started in 1902 by A.B. Graham in Springfield, Ohio. Graham started clubs for youth so they could "learn by doing" which to this day is the 4-H slogan; youth learn by actively participating in educational experiences and projects. Today, the 4-H program is operated in every county in Ohio by Ohio State University Extension and has nearly 216,000 members participating across the state.
In Van Wert County and all across the country, 4-H'ers are still actively following the slogan of learn by doing to develop themselves into caring, contributing citizens and working to follow the 4-H motto of "To Make the Best Better."
Who is involved in Van Wert County 4-H?
Van Wert County has over 500 active 4-H members involved in 20 community clubs throughout the county. There are around 100 dedicated adult volunteers who work to provide support for clubs, programs and activities. Community clubs participate in community service projects, clinics, field trips, social events, and fundraisers throughout the year. Other opportunities include project judging, 4-H Camp, state and national events, and exhibiting at the Van Wert County Fair.
Who can join 4-H and what will I do?
Youth who are age 5 and in Kindergarten as of January 1st, 2016 are eligible to join 4-H as a Cloverbud member. Cloverbuds participate in community clubs and non-competitive activities exploring a variety of fun, hands-on interest areas. Youth who are age 8 and in 3rd grade as of January 1st can join 4-H as project members. Project members participate in club activities, select 4-H projects that interest them, go through project judging, and can exhibit their projects at the Van Wert County Fair. Youth age out of 4-H the year they turn 19. Youth are eligible to join 4-H in the county they reside in, if you wish to join 4-H in a different county then where you reside, you should contact the Extension Office of the program you wish to join for more information on eligibility.
How do I join 4-H?
The first step in joining 4-H is to find a community club near your home or school. There are 20 community clubs throughout the county; experience 4-H with a friend and invite them to join with you. Contact the Van Wert County OSU Extension Office at 419-238-1214 today for help in locating the right club for you or visit us on the web at http://vanwert.osu.edu for more club information.
When should I sign up?
You can join 4-H at any time! But, join by the March 15, 2016 to take advantage of all the opportunities throughout the year. First year families and members are given a month of extra time to get their paperwork in past the deadline to help them make the joining process a little easier! We like to have new member paperwork no later than April 15th, 2016. So if you are still looking to join in 2016, it is NOT too late!
What are these projects I keep hearing about?
Members who are age 8 and in the third grade are considered project members and must enroll and complete a minimum of one project each year. There are over 200 4-H projects a member can choose from. Can't find a project that interests you out of those 200? You can create your own personalized project by taking the self-determined project.
Projects cover a wide range of topic areas. Excluding livestock project, examples of popular projects include: photography, small engines, natural resource projects such as fishing, foods, rockets, creative writing, and shooting sports such as archery.
Youth can discover all the projects available through the Ohio 4-H Family Guide. These are available through a community club or you can pick one up at the Van Wert County OSU Extension Office or online at www.ohio4h.org. Also, you can visit Project Central online at http://www.ohio4h.org/families/family-guide to browse projects. Project Central allows you to filter projects by interest areas and skill levels. You can also read reviews from others who have taken the project.
Want to learn more?
The 4-H program is part of the Ohio State University Extension services. For more information on the 4-H program and how to get involved, contact the Van Wert County OSU Extension office at 419-238-1214. The office is located at 1055 S Washington St in Van Wert at the fairgrounds. You can also find more information on their website vanwert.osu.edu or follow Van Wert County 4-H on Facebook at facebook.com/vanwert4h
Maple Syrup Brunch at 4-H Camp Palmer-Sunday, March 20
Daylight Saving Time to Change this Weekend on March
13, 2016 "Spring Forward"
Daylight Saving Time (DST) will end at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 13, 2016. The mornings will get darker and the evenings lighter and those living in participating states of the United States will lose a extra hour in bed.
So turn your clocks forward one hour!
Happy 60th Birthday to Mark Linn of Rockford on March 22, 2016!
It's Girl Scout Cookie Time !
Rockford G.S. Troop # 20677
Cookie Booth :
Sat. March 12 10 am – Noon @ Eve's Chatt Bar
Sat. March 12 2 pm – 4 pm @ Willshire Drive-In
For more info. call : Toni Hauter 567-644-4310
State Public Speaking
By Laura Barrett at firstname.lastname@example.com
On March 12, 2016, Maggie Houts and Clista Hellwarth went to Marysville, Ohio to compete in the state prepared and extemporaneous speaking contests. At this level of the contest, Clista got 3rd in prepared speaking and Maggie got 3rd in extemporaneous speaking. Great job ladies we are very proud of your accomplishments this year.
Biggby Coffee #475
Coffee Shop to Open Tuesday, March 22 in St. Marys, Ohio
Jon Sell and his mom, Connie Sell of Rockford, have become baristas and co-partners and bought their own coffee franchise to open Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in the Shop at St. Marys Shopping Center in St. Marys, OH (Kroger and Kohl's Shopping Center at the intersection of US Route 33 and St. Rt 66). Biggby Coffee #475 is at 488 Fortman Drive in the same strip as JT's Restaurant, Great Clips, Verizon Wireless. It is on the east end of the strip with a great place for drive through and a large dine-in area featuring cheery orange, green and yellow décor. The Biggby Sign is hung!
Exciting new careers have opened up for them as Jon switches gears after 15 years as an Environmental Consultant for a Civil Engineering Firm in Atlanta, Georgia (Biology Graduate of Taylor University), and Connie recently retired after 36 years doing medical accounting for Rockford Medical Associates in Rockford. And, they are hiring 20-24 employees to help them with their new venture!
Jon and Connie trained with their parent company, Biggby Coffee in East Lansing, Michigan and learned to make all of those delicious coffee drinks that Biggby is known for across the Midwest, the closest one being in Lima, OH, until now. (Biggby's is 21 years old and stretches from Michigan in the North across many states to Florida and Texas in the South.) Then the two mentored at the Lima shop with the great crew and owner Peggy Rector. Biggby's is a community based company that sells franchises and sees this as the best way to encourage a loyal customer base. Jon and Connie Sell are excited to be working in the St. Marys and surrounding communities to fully be a part of upcoming activities and events. They are looking forward to welcoming new customers and getting to know them personally.
The Biggby mission is all about values, and the Sells trained on respecting customer's time, remembering the customer on return visits and making the customer happy ~ Biggby's Mission Plan is "B" Happy – Have Fun Atmosphere!"
Biggby's best coffees include: French Roast; Costa Rica; Ruwanda Blend, and Black and Tan. Fair Trade Coffees include: French Roast, Black and Tan and Ruwanda Blend. If you're looking for organic, they include French Roast, Black and Tan, and Costa Rica.Filtered water is used and coffee beans are roasted twice a week in Michigan.
"Coffees are served
hot, iced or frozen with the most delicious velvetized milk," raves
Connie who also explained, "Cream, 2%, half & half, soy and skim are
all velvetized is a special process which aerates the above in a special
Biggby process that stretches and rolls to make the product lighter and
Jerry, Jon and Connie work on remodeling the coffee shop space in St. Marys.
Flavor additions (thick) include: chocolate; caramels; mocha-mocha; white chocolate; marshmallow; and sugar free options. Thin syrups come in these flavorings: vanilla; strawberry; raspberry, hazelnut and many more fruit and nut flavors. Plain Espressos and plain coffee are another option for those who like their coffee simple.
Teas, served hot or cold include Chai, green teas, tisane, peppermint, cinnamon, and others with velvetized milk if desired.
Hot chocolate is another favorite served hot, iced or frozen. Fruit drinks ~ smoothies ~ are another offering which can be customized, as well. Red Bull crème freezes offer a caffeine option, and they even serve an herbal caffeine called Zip.
Cider drinks return in the Fall, and new drinks roll-out each season.
Complimenting their drinks are fresh baked muffins and a brunch bagel called a Bragel. Made fresh on an asiago or honey wheat bagel, the bragel comes with your choice of ham & cheddar or turkey or chicken with soft havarti cheese or a chocolate & cream cheese "Tuxedo". Dine in their spacious coffee shop or take-out.
They are mostly a take-out business and will run it Green. Paper cups are biodegradable and all packaging will be recycled.
Download the Biggby SmartPhone App and gather E-rewards and get Biggby coupons for #'s of coffee.
Get a Biggby Card at their store and after the 12th coffee bought, get the 13th free.
Connie trains in Lima above.
Watch for coupons to come out exclusively for the New Biggby's in St. Marys.
Their coffee shop will be open 6 AM till 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 7 AM through 9 PM on Sunday. Free WIFI for all customers!
Friend them on their Biggby Coffee 475 Facebook page run by family members Jenny and Riley. Visit the Parkway Independent and are newspapers for coupons, too.
Jon and Connie invite you to join them on March 22nd for their Grand Opening Day!
Ham Loaf Dinner Coming as Fund Raiser
The Rockford
Bicentennial Committee will be sponsoring a Ham Loaf Dinner
Superintendents form advocacy group, launch public survey
Superintendents from nearly 40 school districts, career centers and educational service centers spanning 10-plus counties have formed a network to advocate for positive changes in public education that they believe will make for better schools.
Click below for the survey and to read the rest of the letter.
It's Girl Scout Cookie Time !
Rockford G.S. Troop # 20677
Cookie Booth :
Sat. March 12 10 am – Noon @ Eve's Chatt Bar
Sat. March 12 2 pm – 4 pm @ Willshire Drive-In
For more info. call : Toni Hauter 567-644-4310
Congratulations to The Challenger Basketball Team for
Pictures shared by photographer Nikki Fox. Thanks!
Click here for more pictures online: http://www.nfoxphoto.com/#!album-2/c21pw
Mercer Health Weight Management Center to hold Rev It Up!® Program
The Mercer Health Weight Management Center will hold a 9-week weight management program titled Rev It Up!® to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle. The next 9-week program will begin on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. Classes will be held at 12:00pm and 5:30pm at the Mercer Health Weight Management Center, located at the Mercer Health West Campus. Participants in this program will meet each Wednesday for 9 consecutive weeks.
Rev It Up!® Weight Management is a 9-week behavior modification, interactive lifestyle program led by a registered dietitian that covers topics such as 'revving' up your metabolism, hunger and fullness signals, fluid needs, meal timing, simplified portion guidelines, eating out strategies, aerobic exercise, and more. This program is appropriate for those looking to lose weight as well as those wanting to learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The program also includes ongoing support after the 9 week program.
The Rev It Up! ® Program includes a Rev It Up!® book, weekly weigh-ins, pre- and post-program body measurements and lab work, class material, CalorieKing® book, mood magnet, and a MedGem Indirect Calorimeter session.
Over 150 people have participated in the Rev It Up!® Program. At the conclusion of the last session, one participant, who lost 12.8% of their body weight during the program, stated "This program was so beneficial in that I learned awareness on so many levels. I am now aware of what, when, why and how much I eat. I am conscious of these now. I would recommend this program to anyone as this class has been very informative as well as a lot of FUN."
Another sated "I was able to implement change right off from the beginning of the program, and am I am now equipped to continue making changes as time goes by. I think anyone would benefit from this program."
If you are interested in participating in this program and would like more information, pricing, or to register for the Rev It Up!® program, please contact the Mercer Health Weight Management Center at 419-678-8446.
Easter Egg Hunt in
Rockford Community Days - 22nd Annual Car Show - June 17th - 4 to 9 pm
Summer Recreation Ball Program Sign-up in Willshire
Saturday March 12
from 9-11 AM at the Willshire American Legion
Summer Recreation Ball Program Sign-up in RockfordSaturday March 12 is the deadline. Do it online at www.rockfordrec.com
Parkway FFA Week
By Laura Barrett at email@example.com
What a great week for the Parkway FFA! From February 22nd to 26th our chapter celebrated National FFA week. To kick off the week we held a luncheon for all members and staff. All week we collected canned goods for the local food pantry, at the end of the week we delivered a total of 3,385 canned goods! Wednesday the petting zoo was set up in the ag shop and all K-3 students came to see the animals! We also held the truck drive-in on Thursday and apple pie bake-off on Friday. Winners for the truck drive-in contest were, Jensen Riley with newest, Tanner Matthews with cleanest, David Gause with oldest, Peyton Hamrick with Biggest and Job Beir with smallest. For the apple pie bake-off, best tasting pies went to, Taylor Hesse, Courtney Lies, and Lauren Henderson. Congratulations winners and thank you everyone who made this awesome week possible!
District Speaking Contest
By Laura Barrett at firstname.lastname@example.com
On February 24th at Spencerville High School, Clista Hellwarth and Maggie Houts competed in the district planned and extemporaneous speaking contests. In the prepared speaking contest (Clista), participants are required to write a speech and preform it in front of a judge. In the extemporaneous speaking contest (Maggie), members are asked questions and talk about them on the spot. Both girls did very well and will be moving on to the next contest! Maggie placed 2nd and Clista placed 1st . Good luck to both girls at state on March 12th.
Sub District Public Speaking
By Laura Barrett at email@example.com
On February 17th Parkway students competed at the sub district division in, creed speaking, prepared public speaking and extemporaneous speaking. The girls who participated in creed speaking placed 3rd (Tessa Thatcher), 5th (Madison Kroeger), and 12th (Mecaylah Hesse). Clista placed 2nd and Maggie placed 1st in their respective divisions of the prepared and extemporaneous contests. Good luck to Maggie and Clista in the district contest February 24th! L to right Tessa Thatcher, Madison Kroeger, Macaylah Hesse, Clista Hellwarth, and Maggie Houts
Plan Now for the Upcoming The Rockford Belle - Opry Show
Plan Now for the Upcoming The Rockford Belle - Opry Show
to be held on
Saturday - April 23rd.
4-H Craft and Vendor Show
Join us this Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 11:00am-5:00pm for the first 4-H Craft & Vendor show! The show will be at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, in the Jr. Fair Building and Extension Meeting Rooms! The event is free to attend, with food available for purchase. There are over 50 booths scheduled to attend this event! From home décor, to health and beauty, jewelry, baby items, and more! The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance at this event, to take pictures with everyone!
Proceeds from this event go to fund the camp counselor costs for 4-H Camp. In order for all of them to attend camp, it costs a little more than $4,000 to the local program. The counselors are responsible for planning, facilitating, and making 4-H camp happen! Please come and support the 4-H Craft and Vendor Show fundraiser this Sunday!
Local Farm to Donate Hog to Youth through Donor Market Hog Program
Wortman Family Farm is donating one healthy, high quality market hog to one Van Wert County Jr. Fair member. The selected recipient will be required to raise the market hog and exhibit it at the Van Wert County Fair. Wortman Family Farm representatives will be available for help and guidance throughout the summer, but not financially responsible for the care of the animal. This program is designed to let interested youth learn and grow through raising a quality market livestock project.
Youth who are interested should fill out an application and turn it in to the OSU Extension Office no later than Friday, April 8th, 2016. Please go to http://go.osu.edu/vwfair and scroll to the bottom for application and full rules of the program. Applications are available at the OSU Extension Office at 1055 S Washington St, Van Wert, OH 45891. This is open to both FFA and 4-H members.
A Good
Friday Multi Media Worship Experience - Plan Now to Attend
A Community Choir comprised of singers from local and area churches
PARKWAY LOCAL BOARD Of EDUCATION
The Great Panther Duck Races and Much, Much More!!
The Wrenway Park Wiffleball Warehouse committee is in search of your memories from the last 24 years of Wren Wiffleball. We are looking for pictures, news articles, or video clips. Please identify the year, people involved, team name, etc., if possible.
These items cannot be returned, so please submit digitally to firstname.lastname@example.com. Deadline is July 1st, 2016.
Biggby Coffee #475
Coffee Shop to Open Tuesday, March 22 in St. Marys, Ohio
Jon Sell and his mom, Connie Sell of Rockford, have become baristas and co-partners and bought their own coffee franchise to open Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in the Shop at St. Marys Shopping Center in St. Marys, OH (Kroger and Kohl's Shopping Center at the intersection of US Route 33 and St. Rt 66). Biggby Coffee #475 is at 488 Fortman Drive in the same strip as JT's Restaurant, Great Clips, Verizon Wireless. It is on the east end of the strip with a great place for drive through and a large dine-in area featuring cheery orange, green and yellow décor. The Biggby Sign is hung!
Exciting new careers have opened up for them as Jon switches gears after 15 years as an Environmental Consultant for a Civil Engineering Firm in Atlanta, Georgia (Biology Graduate of Taylor University), and Connie recently retired after 36 years doing medical accounting for Rockford Medical Associates in Rockford. And, they are hiring 20-24 employees to help them with their new venture!
Jon and Connie trained with their parent company, Biggby Coffee in East Lansing, Michigan and learned to make all of those delicious coffee drinks that Biggby is known for across the Midwest, the closest one being in Lima, OH, until now. (Biggby's is 21 years old and stretches from Michigan in the North across many states to Florida and Texas in the South.) Then the two mentored at the Lima shop with the great crew and owner Peggy Rector. Biggby's is a community based company that sells franchises and sees this as the best way to encourage a loyal customer base. Jon and Connie Sell are excited to be working in the St. Marys and surrounding communities to fully be a part of upcoming activities and events. They are looking forward to welcoming new customers and getting to know them personally.
The Biggby mission is all about values, and the Sells trained on respecting customer's time, remembering the customer on return visits and making the customer happy ~ Biggby's Mission Plan is "B" Happy – Have Fun Atmosphere!"
Biggby's best coffees include: French Roast; Costa Rica; Ruwanda Blend, and Black and Tan. Fair Trade Coffees include: French Roast, Black and Tan and Ruwanda Blend. If you're looking for organic, they include French Roast, Black and Tan, and Costa Rica.Filtered water is used and coffee beans are roasted twice a week in Michigan.
"Coffees are served
hot, iced or frozen with the most delicious velvetized milk," raves
Connie who also explained, "Cream, 2%, half & half, soy and skim are
all velvetized is a special process which aerates the above in a special
Biggby process that stretches and rolls to make the product lighter and
Jerry, Jon and Connie work on remodeling the coffee shop space in St. Marys.
Flavor additions (thick) include: chocolate; caramels; mocha-mocha; white chocolate; marshmallow; and sugar free options. Thin syrups come in these flavorings: vanilla; strawberry; raspberry, hazelnut and many more fruit and nut flavors. Plain Espressos and plain coffee are another option for those who like their coffee simple.
Teas, served hot or cold include Chai, green teas, tisane, peppermint, cinnamon, and others with velvetized milk if desired.
Hot chocolate is another favorite served hot, iced or frozen. Fruit drinks ~ smoothies ~ are another offering which can be customized, as well. Red Bull crème freezes offer a caffeine option, and they even serve an herbal caffeine called Zip.
Cider drinks return in the Fall, and new drinks roll-out each season.
Complimenting their drinks are fresh baked muffins and a brunch bagel called a Bragel. Made fresh on an asiago or honey wheat bagel, the bragel comes with your choice of ham & cheddar or turkey or chicken with soft havarti cheese or a chocolate & cream cheese "Tuxedo". Dine in their spacious coffee shop or take-out.
They are mostly a take-out business and will run it Green. Paper cups are biodegradable and all packaging will be recycled.
Download the Biggby SmartPhone App and gather E-rewards and get Biggby coupons for #'s of coffee.
Get a Biggby Card at their store and after the 12th coffee bought, get the 13th free.
Connie trains in Lima above.
Watch for coupons to come out exclusively for the New Biggby's in St. Marys.
Their coffee shop will be open 6 AM till 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 7 AM through 9 PM on Sunday. Free WIFI for all customers!
Friend them on their Biggby Coffee 475 Facebook page run by family members Jenny and Riley. Visit the Parkway Independent and are newspapers for coupons, too.
Jon and Connie invite you to join them on March 22nd for their Grand Opening Day!
Peyton Hamrick Send-off to State Panther-Style
Congratulations to Senior Peyton Hamrick for many years of wrestling
dedication that saw this Panther send-off on Thursday morning as he
traveled to Columbus for the State Wrestling Tournament. According to a
release by his Coach Kevin Browning around noon on Thursday, March 3,
2016, "Peyton was not allowed to wrestle in the State Wrestling
Tournament due to circumstances beyond his control." Peyton's winning
Senior season speaks for itself, and he is a champion to the Parkway
Varsity Wrestling Program and Parkway Schools! Enjoy the pictures below
by Nikki Fox.
SPRING SPORTS PICTURES for Parkway Athletes by Nikki Fox
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
3:15-3:45 Varsity/JV Baseball
3:45-4:15 JH Baseball
4:15-4:45 Varsity/JV Softball
4:45-5:15 JH Softball
5:15-6:00 High School Track
6:00-6:30 JH Track
KBA- 2016 Youth for Christ Basketball Tournament results announced
On Sunday, February 28th the annual KBA Tournament was held at the Van Wert High School.
This was the third year for KBA basketball which is facilitated by West Central Ohio Youth for Christ. 12 teams and over 100 players and coaches from Crestview, Delphos, Lincolnview, Parkway and Van Wert schools participated. Thanks to all the parents and fans that joined in the fun, we are looking forward to next year's season.
The winning tournament team is from Parkway.
Back row left to right: Derrick Mosier, Caleb Rollins, Conner Morton, Caleb Carlson
Front row left to right: Coach: Caleb Rodriguez, Conner Lyons, Bailey Rodriguez, Jensen Riley, Noah Riley
We would like to thank all of this year's sponsors: Title Sponsor: Pizza Hut, Tournament Sponsor: CBJ Farms/Store N Haul and ABM, Bank of Berne, Calvary Evangelical, Essential Solutions, Fricker's/Custom Audio, Leland Smith Insurance, Merkle Insurance, Olympic Lanes, Parkway Ministerial Assn, Pac a Sak, Slusher's Jewelry, Trinity Friends, Van Wert County Foundation, Van Wert Federal Savings and Wallace Plumbing.
YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement. GIVE LIFE TO YOUR STORY.
Reminder ~
Stateline Writers Club
to Meet
Lima Surgeon to Address Men's Prostate Cancer Group
Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer. At the next meeting a presentation by Dr. Jaber Alanzi, a urologist with Midwest Surgical Specialists, will be conducted. The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, March 8th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend. For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or email@example.com.
Guest Column from
State Representative Jim Buchy
A year ago when the Ohio Department of Education decided to proceed with the new PARCC test, despite its questionable results, they raised eyebrows. As part of the Common Core roll-out, PARCC faced considerable concern from parents, teachers and the like. All signs pointed to potential PARCC failure, but the Ohio Department of Education elected to proceed and have since spent considerable time responding to the consequences of that decision.
The latest issue has arisen because the State Report Cards failed to acknowledge the failure of the PARCC test to accurately measure local student growth. As a result changes have been made but the best recommendation this year is to ignore the state report card and look for better, more accurate results next year.
The legislature recognized the looming concerns of the PARCC test and acted swiftly to provide safe harbor to teachers, schools and students so that they would not be harmed by the results of the untested, unproven, and eventually failed PARCC test. It only makes sense that when discrepancies appeared in the state report card students, teachers and schools would be held harmless from those results and spared public embarrassment associated with scores that do not accurately reflect student performance.
Many parents had their children take the test, yet an unprecedented number of parents had their children "opt-out." Although I would have preferred the students take the test, it is the responsibility of state leaders to recognize the impact of these opt-outs and respond. We do not anticipate this large scale problem in the future because state legislators voted to stop the PARCC test.
When the school report cards for last year were released, the high number of opt-outs had a considerable impact. Because of the way the scores are calculated, all opt-outs appeared as zeroes, while they should not have been factored into the scores at all. We have some of the best schools in the state, but the impact of opt-outs caused our schools to appear in the bottom tier when compared to other schools.
Thanks to the efforts of local administrators, the Department of Education recognized the damaging impacts of these false report cards and decided to release new ratings that no longer consider opt-outs. While these new scores provide a better snapshot of the actual results, they still do not effectively show how our students progressed over the school year.
My recommendation to parents, students, teachers, and administrators is simple; if you want to review the local state report card, make sure you are looking at the adjusted score. You can view the adjusted scores at a website I have created tinyurl.com/adjustedreportcards However, it must be noted that these local report card scores are still not entirely accurate because of the failed PARCC exams. The best thing we can do this year is ignore the state report card because it is not accurate.
In western Ohio we have the best schools in the state. What we have been doing has been proven effective, so we should keep moving forward with what works. Our students, teachers, and administrators are top notch and set the standard for the rest of the state to strive for.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchymarch2016
State Representative Buchy Releases Opt-Out
Information on Adjusted Report Cards
Buchy Voices Growing Concerns About the Impact of Opt-Outs on Local Schools
COLUMBUS- State Representative Jim Buchy (R- Greenville) has released adjusted report cards for schools in Auglaize, Darke, Mercer and Shelby counties as concerns grow about the impact on local scores from students who opted out of the 2014-2015 PARCC examinations.
In December, legislators introduced House Bill 420, which would have required the Ohio Department of Education to issue data to account for students whose parents elected for their child to "opt-out" of PARCC examinations.
"The Ohio Department of Education has issued some adjusted grades, but have been unable to effectively communicate the impacts of opt-outs on the report cards," Buchy said. "Upon the release of the report cards last month, I was surprised how difficult it was to review accurate scores."
Representative Buchy has been working with ODE officials to ensure that the entirety of the Department's website reflects the modified rankings for Ohio's schools. In an effort to let residents of the 84th House District know how their schools performed, he has issued adjusted report cards for the 27 schools in Auglaize, Darke, Mercer and Shelby counties.
"In all the years I have served in the legislature I have never before been driven to do the job of a bureaucratic agency for them," Buchy said. "The data on the adjusted report cards reflects data I have received from the Ohio Department of Education, but it more clearly reflects the impacts of those who did not take the test."
Representative Buchy has posted the adjusted report cards at tinyurl.com/adjustedreportcards These report cards are unofficial and serve only as a way of reviewing school results to consider the impact of the high level of "opt-outs." The Ohio Department of Education has posted official results at www.reportcard.education.ohio.gov
Representative Buchy has made protecting children and communities from the results of the failed PARCC test a primary goal. He was the author of House Bill 7, which passed through the legislature in February of 2015 to extend safe harbor to all Ohio students to ensure that students could not be harmed by the results of the unproven, untested PARCC examinations. At that time, Representative Buchy spoke publically about the importance of all students taking the PARCC test with an understanding that it could not result in them being held back or having their class grades impacted.
Click Here for the 84th District Spreadsheet
Ohio City Youth
T-ball (Boys and Girls): 3-7, Coach Peach (Boys and Girls): 6-8, Boys Farm League: 7-10, Girls Farmette League 7-10, Boys Little League: 11-12, Girls Buckeye: 11-12, Boys Pony League: 13-15, and Girls 4 County: 13-15.
There will be a $35 fee for one child, $60 for two children, and $75 for three children.
Benefit for Jeff Secaur
Family and friends are hosting a benefit for Jeff Secaur of Decatur who was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2015 which had also moved to his liver. The benefit is on Sunday March 13, 2016 at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 1703 High Street in Decatur, IN. The benefit is scheduled from 12pm - 8pm with a dinner provided to the public by friends and family. There will be a free will donation for dinner. Live music from Cass Blue, Drunken Uncles (Geel's Family and friends), Loud Mouth Soup, Full Speed Reverse, Kill the Rabbit, and Kenny Taylor. Also performances by local dance company Razz M' Jazz, raffles, bake sale, and a silent and Chinese auction are currently being planned.
Jeff works at Crown in Celina, raises his two young children, and has had a lot of expense with treatments in Chicago, and surgical removal of the affected areas.
contributions are welcomed and will be placed in an account at Wells
Fargo for Jeff that he can withdraw as needed for medical and travel
expenses. All monetary donations, big or small, would greatly be
appreciated, and may be sent to
Wells Fargo 1 Yorkshire Dr
Decatur, IN 46733
Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay for Wednesday, March 2, 2016 ~ due weather conditions.
5th Annual Wine Tasting
The 5th Annual Wine Tasting in Rockford will take place on March 5th at the Rockford Community Building from 7 – 10 pm. Pre-sale tickets will be $20. Tickets the day of the event will be $25. The pre sale tickets are ON SALE NOW at Barrys Family Market and the Rockford Village Office.
* Tickets good for 6 tastings and appetizers. 50/50 and door prizes!
Come with friends to visit and try new wines !
All proceeds to benefit Community Days activities – June 17-19.
Any questions call Amy Joseph @ 419-953-7874 or
Amy Noll 419-953-8761.
Peyton Hamrick, Parkway Wrestler, Going to State on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday (March 3,4,5)
Parkway School Board, in October, officially made Wrestling a Varsity Sport. Coach Kevin Browning and his team of wrestlers had been working hard for years as a club sport. Their determination paid off when the board recognized them, and now one of their own, Peyton Hamrick, is headed to State Tournament action after qualifying at District III Tournaments on February 27, 2016. Good Luck Peyton!
Congratulations to Parkway Schools for High Scores
on the State Report Card
K-3 Literacy and Graduation Rates
Progress/Value Added
Longtime Parkway Athletic Director and Two Parkway Coaches Resign
Parkway Athletic Director, Doug Hughes, head football coach Dan Cairns and head basketball coach Rick Hickman all resigned those positions at Parkway Schools. Letters of resignation were submitted last week.
Mary Ann Olding, Historical Researcher, to Speak in Celina About Carthagena
Sunday, March 6 at 2:00pm the Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet. The speaker will be Mary Ann Olding.
Mary Ann Olding has spent over 40 years conducting original historical research on Ohio's ethnic architecture and rural settlement patterns that include field and literature searches on German, black and mulatto, and Jewish communities. Her unorthodox, yet scholarly and inductive, studies have been presented at local, state, and national conferences. Extensive architectural and historical research from 1978-79 for "The Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches" resulted in one of the nation's most extensive thematic nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
After earning bachelor and master degrees in history and English education at Wright State University in Dayton, she served from 1977-1985 as a regional historic preservation officer for the Ohio Historical Society, taught American Architecture in the graduate program in the history department at Wright State from 1985-1996, served ten years as director of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, and from 1995-2005 was a professor and advisor from at the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati. In 1995, she founded Old World Research to conduct projects in research, writing, and publishing.
Since 2006, traveling as an independent research, she has been to Baracoa, Cuba, fifteen times. Last year, she began to organize an art and artists exchange and exhibits between cities in Cuba and in the United States.
Her topic Sunday will be the early Black settlement of Carthagena in Mercer County Ohio. This meeting is free and the public is welcome.
Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Coming to Coldwater
Coldwater Kiwanis is sponsoring their annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on Sunday March 13, 2015, from 8:00am to 12:30pm. Breakfast will be served at the Coldwater High School Commons. Tickets are available from any Kiwanis member or by calling 419-678-2419. Cost is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under eat free. Walk-ins are welcome. Proceeds from this event benefit local youth and community service programs.
DOT/FMCSA Regulations Presentation Offered to Local Employers
"DOT/FMCSA regulations can be overwhelming for employers." states Renee Kinney, Director of Occupational Health Services at Mercer Health. "We invite area employers and business leaders who are subject to DOT (Department of Transportation) Regulations to learn more."
Mike Blackburn, with Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, will lead a discussion on these topics on March 22, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Mercer Health Hospital-Sanderell Board Room. Blackburn will outline information for a better understanding on DOT/FMCSA regulations and how it affects individual businesses.
The presentation is hosted by Mercer Health Occupational Health Services. In affiliation with the West Central Ohio Regional Healthcare Alliance (WCORHA), Mercer Health offers businesses and industries, large and small, special services designed to protect the health and wellness of their employees and the integrity of their company.
To register to attend the presentation, please email Ami Boley, firstname.lastname@example.com or phone 419-584-0398, no later than March 15, 2016.
Building on a Promise: Mercer Health Announces Major Expansion Project
At the 7th Annual Friends of the MED Foundation Dinner on Sunday, January 31st, Mercer Health announced a major expansion project estimated to begin in 2017. The MED Foundation of Mercer Health cultivates philanthropic relationships to enhance Mercer Health's ability to enhance health care within the local community.
Lisa Klenke, CEO and George Boyles, Senior Vice President and CFO, unveiled a three story addition directly connected to the existing west entrance of the current hospital. The addition which is estimated to add nearly 54,000 square feet will feature a new surgical suite, all private inpatient rooms and increased space for outpatient services.
Mindy Kremer, Senior Director of Development, Marketing and Community Relations, shared, "In order to continue to meet the healthcare needs of the community, an expansion project is necessary. Surgical services have seen nearly 25% growth in the past 2 years. Currently, the surgery department is located in the original 1950 building. The expansion will meet the needs of the surgical volume growth by providing adequate space and improved functioning. Private rooms in all inpatient spaces have been a long-time request from the community and is the gold standard in new hospital construction. In addition to privacy, private rooms allow for better infection control and can reduce noise disturbances thereby improving patient sleep. Outpatient services equate for nearly 75% of all services provided at the hospital, a major shift from the traditional care model. Currently many of the outpatient services are decentralized, including injections and infusions, chemotherapy, pain management, central line and implanted port care. The expansion will meet the needs of outpatient growth while allowing for increased accessibility for patients and visitors."
Kremer continues, "We are building on a promise made nearly 70 years ago by the forefathers of this organization, to provide quality, local healthcare. We are so honored that the community has enthusiastically supported us through the years and we welcome the continued support as we continue to meet the healthcare needs of our community."
More information about this major expansion project is available by contacting the MED Foundation of Mercer Health or by visiting www.mercer-health.com.
Sign-up for Summer Ball Season for Mendon Union Youth
The MURA summer
ball season is quickly approaching. Sign up will be Sunday March 6
from 1-3 PM at P&G Mini Mart. Additional days & times will be March 7,
8, and 9 from 5-7 PM also at P&G Mini Mart. T-Ball, coach pitch,
baseball & softball teams will be formed for girls and boys ages 4-12.
Fees range from $25 to $35 and ball players may participate in fund
raisers to offset sign up fees.
Mercer Health
Weight Management Center continues
The Weight Management Center at Mercer Health will be holding a special, FREE event and support group presenting live fitness demonstrations on Monday, March 14, at 6:00pm at Mercer Health's West Campus location. This month's free class is presented by Kelly Lefeld, certified Zumba instructor, with Be Well. Be Fit. Kelly will discuss some of the new exercise classes available in our area and provide live demonstrations of some of these classes, such as Pound or Zumba. If you've heard of these classes but have been hesitant to try it, this is the perfect opportunity to learn what they are all about.
The Mercer Health Weight Management Center also continues to offer several other Weight Management programs throughout the year. The following programs are now available through Mercer Health's Weight Management Center:
1) The weight loss surgery program continues to grow, and now includes laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. The required informational seminar is now available online anytime at www.mercer-health.com.
2) Rev It Up!® Weight Management is a 9-week interactive lifestyle program led by our registered dietitian that covers topics such as behavior modification, hunger and fullness signals, fluid needs, meal timing, aerobic exercise, and more. The next 9-week session begins March 30.
3) The Medifast® Program offers a structured meal plan that incorporates specially formulated Medifast meal replacement and snack products to achieve a low calorie, low carbohydrate diet. To begin the Medifast program, view the required "Introduction to Medifast" class online anytime at www.mercer-health.com.
4) The MedGem Indirect Calorimeter is a handheld device that determines an individual's resting metabolic rate. This test also includes an interpretation with a registered dietitian to determine an appropriate caloric level for weight loss. Tests are scheduled on a patient by patient basis.
5) The monthly Weight Management Support Group Program is held the second Monday of each month at 6:00pm at Mercer Health West Campus meeting room.
To register for the Support Program, or for more information about this program or other Weight Management Programs available at Mercer Health, contact the Weight Management Center at 419-678-8446.
Parkway Jr High and
High School students participated in the
The American School
Band Directors Association was founded by Dale
Brian Stephan
State Farm Joins Chamber
2016 Livestock Quality Assurance Dates
Quality Assurance is a state required training program for any 4-H or FFA member who is planning to exhibit market livestock at the 2016 junior fair. This includes rabbits which is a change from previous years. The Ohio State University Extension is hosting the first QA in 2016 at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Sunday March 6th, starting at 2:00pm until approximately 4:00pm. Members must register at the Jr. Fair Building upon arrival the day of the event. Further instructions will be provided at this time.
Members eligible for test out it will be offered starting at 1:00pm at the Jr. Fair Building. Test out is offered one hour prior to start of event. The second general QA offered in Van Wert County will be on Thursday April 7th from 7:00pm to approximately 9:00pm with test out option starting at 6:00pm.
Exhibitors who are taking a rabbit project are invited to take part in the rabbit QA scheduled for Thursday, April 14th, 2016. The event is at the Extension Office and will start at 6:30pm. Members who attend the Sheep and Goat Clinic on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016 can also get credit for QA, as well as those who attend the livestock clinic in May. Dates for the livestock clinic are not set yet, but will be announced as soon as possible.
In case of inclement weather for any of these events should check the OSU Extension webpage at http://vanwert.osu.edu or the Van Wert 4-H Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/vanwert4h
HIGH 5 Organization Elementary Carnival at Parkway Schools
The High 5 Parent Organization at Parkway Schools is planning their annual Elementary Carnival with the sponsorship of area businesses. It is going to be a fun-filled day with family activities including games, prizes and food. There is a raffle for an iPad Mini4 and the Carnival Grand Prize is an iPod Touch! Profits from this event go back into the Parkway Elementary Classrooms for the benefit of the students!
All kinds of kid-friendly games like ball toss; fish for a prize; beanbag toss; race tracks; balloon fun and so much more will entertain the whole family. A magician, face painting, and a bounce house are also planned.
Plan your day at the CARNIVAL on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 10 AM to 2PM in the Parkway Gymnasium.
Fox Family Ride for Autism Coming Soon!
The 2nd Annual Fox
Family Ride for Autism will be held on June 18th, 2016.
Congratulations to Mike Hoehn ~ 30 Years in at the United States Postal
Mike says the biggest change in his 30 years has been by far the automation of sorting the mail. When he started as a clerk in Lima, they were still sorting all mail by hand except for a few big city offices. Over time, all post offices have been automated and machines do all the sorting. Mail comes in fully in order for placing in mailboxes on a route or into postal boxes. Sadly, this means fewer employees.
Mike said of his 14 years there, "I loved my time in Rockford because my co-workers, are an awesome group of people and the community is a wonderful place with wonderful people. I could always depend on my employees to cheerfully do more than I expected. And I always found the customers to be friendly and gracious. I miss all of them already." Over the years, he could always count on fresh cut bouquets from local flower beds to grace the front counter, homemade cookies and candy at Christmas and lots of interesting conversation.
His best memory was the time he turned 50 years old and walked into the post office back room to find it filled with black and multi-colored balloons and decorations on the walls. "What a surprise, and they had cake, too!"
Over the years Mike has seen Willshire, Ohio City and Mendon Post Offices reduce in force with clerks covering the duties, the routes coming to Rockford, and Mike handling the postmaster work a couple days a week. He thanks the communities for bringing their business to the post office. The 10-12 employees he has supervised over the years, through him a nice retirement party, and proclaimed him " . . . a boss who will be hard to replace."
Sarah Kimmet is the Interim Temporary Officer in Charge, and she comes from the Celina Post Office. Soon the United States Post Office will name a permanent replacement for Mike, who looking forward to some warm weather soon and other camping and traveling trips with his wife, Karen.
5th Annual Wine Tasting
The 5th Annual Wine Tasting in Rockford will take place on March 5th at the Rockford Community Building from 7 – 10 pm. Pre-sale tickets will be $20. Tickets the day of the event will be $25. The pre sale tickets are ON SALE NOW at Barrys Family Market and the Rockford Village Office.
* Tickets good for 6 tastings and appetizers. 50/50 and door prizes!
Come with friends to visit and try new wines !
All proceeds to benefit Community Days activities – June 17-19.
Any questions call Amy Joseph @ 419-953-7874 or
Amy Noll 419-953-8761.
Thursday morning weightlifting at Parkway Schools is cancelled.
Parkway Local Board of Education Special Meeting
The Parkway Local Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. The board will go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. No business will be conducted.
LEAP into Something Great
This is Leap Year so why not LEAP into Something Great by supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer, Auglaize and Van Wert Counties. You can do something great by becoming a BIG or referring a LITTLE. You can also do something great by participating in our Annual Bowl for Kids Sake. March 19th 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm at Plaza Lanes in Celina. April 1 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm at Olympic Lanes in Van Wert. April 9th 7:00 pm at Astro Lanes in Wapakoneta. Call 419-584-2447 for more information.
A Good
Friday Multi Media Worship Experience - Plan Now to Attend
the Date for Molly's Birthday Open House
Molly Beougher's Family is celebrating her 90th Birthday with an Open House on Sunday March 13th from 2-4 PM at New Horizons Community Church in Rockford. Please come and celebrate!
Parkway Booster Club Basketball Drop Fundraiser Success
The Parkway Athletic Booster Club would like to congratulate Bill Huff the $5,000 winner of our Basketball Drop Fundraiser.
Other winners include Logan Huff ($50 seller of winning ticket) and Carson Ford ($50 top sales) .
We would like to sincerely thank the following:
Our supportive community members who both purchased and helped sell tickets. Together we sold 909 tickets.
Mercer Health for the donation and use of the basketballs.
Rural King for donating the snow fence.
Parkway maintenance staff for use of equipment and help engineering the ball drop.
Jeff Ford, Bryan Schoenleben, and Brent Agler for engineering the drop.
Parkway Phys. Ed. staff for use of equipment.
Coach Mike Schumm, Amanda and Matt Triplett, Betsy Schoenleben, Susan Ford, Misty Riley, and Greg Slusher for helping with the practice drops.
Michelle Agler for numbering the balls, coordinating sales and collecting tickets.
Sherriff Jeff Gray and Pastor Dave Souers for serving as judges for the event.
Mark Wulfhorst for serving as emcee for the event.
We would also like to thank the Parkway students who helped the night of the event. It was special to see the Parkway students surrounding the ball drop as it took place. THEY are the reason we do fundraisers like this!!! We are looking at this being a yearly event.
Again, thank you to all involved and for the support of our Parkway athletes!!!
Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge them.
Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing these pictures. Click here for more by Nikki: http://www.nfoxphoto.com/#!album-2/c21pw
REMINDER FROM THE MUSIC BOOSTERS ----- PLEASE COME AND PICK UP YOUR BURRITOS BY 1PM ON Saturday, February 20, 2015. THEY ARE READY IN THE HS COMMONS
Race Car Day at Rockford Library
The next family program will be Monday, February, 29th at 6:30 at the Rockford Carnegie Library. This family program is designed for all ages and will feature activities about race cars. For more information call the library at 419-363-2630.
McDonald's Peeler Sale
Parkway Elementary School students (grades K – 2) are currently selling McDonald's Peelers. Each card sells for $10 and provides many, great Buy 1, Get 1 Free offers for sandwiches, smoothies, salads and more! Cards are valid through March 31, 2017 at over 100 Dayton, Miami Valley and east Indiana locations surrounding us! Great value and easy to use – coupons simply peel-off to redeem! Funds raised will be used for student programs such as assemblies, field trips, and other enrichment programs to benefit your children. Also as a school service project, $1 from each McDonald's card sold is donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities to help other families in need. Contact any Parkway Elementary student (K-2) to purchase or cards are available in the Elementary Office. Final turn in day for orders and money is Friday, March 4.
Venedocia Lads and Lassies
News Reporter: Avery Mueller
4-H Meets in Venedocia
The Venedocia Lads and Lassies held their first meeting February 18th. Pledges were led by Dominic Bonifas and roll call was taken by Nancy Bonifas the Group Advisor. Club officer nominations and elections for the group were completed at this meeting. The group discussed options for their Community Club project and will be discussing this further at the next meeting. The Venedocia Lads and Lassies will be holding the Annual Pancake and Sausage event March 19th at the Venedocia Lions Club from 6am until 2pm. The Lads and Lassies next meeting will be held March 17th at 7p.m.
Parkway Kindergarten Screening
Parkway Elementary is currently scheduling appointments for kindergarten screening for the 2016-2017 school year. Students need to be five years old before August 1 to be eligible to attend. Screening will be held on Thursday, April 7 and Friday, April 8 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Parkway Elementary School. On screening day, it will be necessary for parents/guardians to present an official birth certificate from the Department of Vital Statistics (any county health department). The vital statistics department will require a fee for this copy. The hospital complimentary birth certificate will not be accepted. Parents will also need to supply their child's social security card, immunization records, two forms of proof of residency and custody papers (if applicable) to photocopy. Immunizations are required to be documented by the 15th day of school. All students entering kindergarten in the fall will need to go through the screening process. Please call Michelle in the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext.720 to schedule an appointment.
Missing Mom, Jinny Wood, who passed away a year ago today 2-19-2015. This picture
was of her 85th birthday in 2015. She was the life of the party. Bet
she's singing in the Heavenly Choir. Love you, Mom! Sheila
(Wood) Baltzell
Calvary Preschool Sets Parent-Teacher Conferences in February and Early Registration in March
Calvary Preschool will be holding parent-teacher conferences on February 24, 25 and 26. The times on Wednesday are from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with time slots available every 20 minutes for parents to attend. Thursday and Friday times are 8:00 to 11:30 each day, with 20 minute time slots for the parent to select the best time.
Early registration for the 2016-2017 school year will be held at the Calvary Preschool on Wednesday March 2 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm and on Thursday from 7:30 am to 12:00 noon. Interested parents may tour the preschool and have questions answered during these times, as well as receive the needed forms for enrolling their child in the preschool program. Classes for 3's meet on Monday & Friday or Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 am. The students must be 3 years of age by August 1 to attend. The 4's classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Students must be 4 years of age by August 1 to attend this class. Pre-K Plus is a class for those who are not quite yet ready for Kindergarten but have been through the 4's class or for those whose parents do not want them to start Kindergarten because of late summer birthdays. This class meets Monday through Thursdays from 8:30am to 11:30 am. More information is available on the Calvary Evangelical Church website under the Preschool tab or by calling 567-259-3103 or emailing email@example.com.
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: This Post Card photograph of South Wayne St., Fort Recovery was facing south from the stoplight. Note, the Post Card identified this Village as "Fort Recovery," but the official name of the Village was "Recovery." This photograph was taken over a Century ago.
"Bessie," at Muncie, IN sent this card to Mrs. O.C. Ruley, Portland, Indiana, dated June 8, 1915. The photograph appears to be older, than 1915. The buggies preceded the arrival of automobiles, c. 1907.
Some business buildings are still standing, on South Wayne Street. The mill on the east side of the street, is no longer there, nor is the two story home south of the mill. On the west side of the street, the "boarding house," is gone. The Mary Help of Christian Catholic Church is no longer on that site, but the stained glass windows have been preserved at the new Church building site on Sharpsburg Road.
Since this post card has the post mark dated 1915, I went to the 1916-1921 Mercer County Directory, to check the businesses that advertised in the "Business Directory." [Remember that not every business advertised in these directories. Many small businesses existed at that time.] The following list of Fort Recovery businesses were listed in this Directory: Agricultural Implements: Chas. O. Burke, John Coughlin, Hull Bros.; Auctioneers: Robert H. Scott; Bakers: Meekes & Rammel; Banks: Fort Recovery Banking Co; Billiards and Pool: Chas. Meinerding, Perry Ray, John Snyder; Blacksmiths: Anthony Henkel, Ranly Bros., A.R. Resler, Eph Vantrees; Builders and Contractors: Michael Faller, Henry Mannix, R. Lyons Norton, E. Wagner & Sons; Carriages and Wagons: Coughlin & Burke, Gotlieb Schaaf; Cigars and Tobacco: M.J. Langloh, The Fort Cigar Co.; Clothing: Wm. Sunderman; Coal: E.T.Adams; Confectionery and Ice Cream: John G. Valz; Dentists: L. G. McClelland, C.A. Brown [12 years in business]; Drugs: John F. Adams, Huddle Drug Co.; Dry Goods: R.M. Morvilius, Stephen N. Siefert, Frank J. Sonderman & Co.; Excelsior Manufacturer: N. P. Huntwork; Fertilizers: The Fort Recovery Fertilizer Co.; Flour and Feed: Chas Faller, Jos. E. Heffner; Fruit and Produce: The J.A. Long Co.; Furniture and Funeral Directors: Franks & Bonvillain, W. H. May [est. 1895].
The 1916-1921 list of Fort Recovery Businesses continued: Garages: W.T. Benbow, Carl Stein, E.J. Woeste; General Stores: E.W. McClintock, M. Saunders, N. Warren, Mary A. Wellman, Weiler & Long; Grain and Hay: Clark, Pearson & Lyon, The Jay Grain Co.; Grocers: John Beumer, Michael Coughlin, H.B. Potkotter, H.W. Rabe, [Telephone 42], E.J.Sanner, W.O. Slemmer; Hardware: The Fort Recovery Hardware Co., F.H. Harris, H.H. Kleinhenz, M. Velton, E. Wangler [Telephone 41]; Hotels: C.E. Neil, Jos. E. Vankirk; Ink: Schneider Ink Co.; Insurance: Joseph Passman; Jewelers: Jacob A. Bauer, E. Hoke; Laundries: C.J. Fox; Lime and Cement: Emil Wagner; Liveries: Frank Jones, Geo. E. Money; Lumber: Fort Recovery Lumber Co., Noah Huntwork, Geo A. Reuter, W.E. Wilson; Marble and Granite: J.E. Premer; Meats: H.G. Schneider, G. F. Wagner; Men's Furnishings: Maurice Blumberg; Millinery: Miss Frances King, Fisher & Anthony; Newspapers and Printers: Fort Recovery Tribune-Journal-Publisher Emmet Mannix; Opthalmology: Dr. F.E. Hoke; Physicians: W.A. Leiser, Fred Miller; J.V. Richardson, Martin Taylor; Photographers: Harry McDaniel; Plumbers: Claude T. Getman; Restaurants: G.J. Volz, Wm. D. Wilson, Wm. I. Wolfe; Saloons: Bryan & Burke; Wm. Reinders, Steinle & Vogel; Shoes: Adam Beach [Est. 1887], Bosse Shoe Store, Leo Hildbold, The Montgomery-Mayers Shoe Co.; Shoe Repairers: B.C. Hooper, Peter Schlenbecker; Stoves: Burkheimer & Schindler, Chas T. Scheid; Tailors: Otto Sommers; Telephone Companies: The Fort Recovery Telephone Co.; Tile Manufacturers: The Fort Recovery Tile Co.; Tinners: Wm. F. King; Veterinarians: Earl Morningstar; Wall Paper: V.H. Bissell. This Business list is a reflection of Fort Recovery Family Names, yesterday and today.
This list of Businesses, 1916-1921, illustrates how busy the Village of Recovery was, one century ago. Who collects local history of businesses in this Village today?
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or email@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
Where will the entrance to the new Rockford Subdivision
Rockford Council holds public meeting to discuss
Columbia Street extension into the new housing subdivision.
The Mercer County Health Care Fund held by the Mercer County Civic Foundation has donated funds to support several services provided by Mercer Health, including Mercer Health's Disease Management Center, Surgery Department and Doctors' Urgent Care
Mercer Health Disease Management Center receives Sara Stedy Transfer Device Mercer Health's Disease Management Center's goal is to provide evidence based practice and education through a team of physicians, registered nurses and registered dietitians to meet the health care needs of patients, focusing on wounds, diabetes, infectious diseases, ostomy and vascular disease. Jodi Homan, Supervisor of Medical Center Operations and Doctors' Urgent Care of Mercer Health, states, "The vast majority of patients who utilize the Disease Management clinic represent our local elderly population. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. In 2013, direct medical costs of falls reached $34 billion while 25,500 older adults died from unintentional falls. With the financial support of the Mercer County Health Care Fund held by the Mercer County Civic Foundation, we have purchased a Sara Stedy Transfer Device which will provide necessary support to our patients."
The Sara Stedy Transfer Device is an enhanced standing and transfer aid that offers patients as well as staff a device to assist with a decreased risk of injury or fall during a transfer or assisting patients to stand while receiving care at the Disease Management Center. Homan continues, "we are grateful for the Mercer County Health Care Fund and the Mercer County Civic Foundation's continued support. The Sara Stedy will help us to provide the best and safest care to our most vulnerable patients who are at the highest risk of falls."
Mercer Health Surgery Department
Mercer Health offers a wide variety of surgeries and procedures including general surgery, orthopedic, bariatric, gynecological, ophthalmologic (eyes), urological, ENT (ears, nose and throat), plastic, podiatry, laser, endoscopy and more. In recent years, the volume of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures at Mercer Health has grown exponentially. Last year, the surgical department reached a record breaking 5,310 procedures. Susan Miller, Director of Surgery at Mercer Health states, "Surgeons require the use of various types of surgical equipment to perform surgery safely. The new surgical equipment made available through the financial support of the Mercer County Health Care Fund and the Mercer County Civic Foundation is much appreciated."
The surgery department at Mercer Health received a myringotomy set used by surgeons during fine detail surgery involving the ear. A bone curette set was also received and will be used by orthopedic surgeons for total joint (knee, hip) procedures. Miller continues, "The new surgical equipment for the Surgical Department will benefit the surgeons at Mercer Health and the many patients who are in need of our surgical services. Both of these items are necessary for proper care and treatment of the patient."
Mercer Health Doctors' Urgent Care
Annually, nearly 10,000 people walk-in to Doctors' Urgent Care to receive non-emergent care. "Our policy at Doctors' Urgent Care is to treat our patients based upon medical need. Our "Fast Track" treatment plan allows patients to get medical attention as soon as space is available. The addition of the vital sign monitors will facilitate patient care by replacing the need to manually take and record vital sign readings for blood pressure and pulse." states Jenny Conn, Director of Emergency Services at Mercer Health. Conn continues, "Furthermore, the accuracy of a patient's vitals sets the baseline for the emergent necessity of care. Fast, accurate vitals with the Vital Sign Monitor will help ensure patient comfort while maintaining a high standard of clinical accuracy while providing the best care our patients have come to rely on."
Deb Hemmelgarn, MED Foundation Coordinator, states, "Mercer Health is grateful for the continued support from the Mercer County Health Care Fund, the Mercer County Civic Foundation and their Board of Directors. As a community anchor, Mercer Health remains focused on setting the pace for health in our community by providing quality and compassionate health care services, quality employment and strong economic support to the local community. The support of the Mercer County Health Care Fund and the Mercer County Civic Foundation helps us to continue to meet our mission to meet the healthcare needs of our community."
Six hundred and fifty sophomores came to Vantage on Wednesday, Feb. 3, for "Sophomore Visitation Day". Each sophomore had the opportunity to investigate and explore two different career technical programs of interest to them. During each one-hour visit, there were hands-on activities, demonstrations and presentations prepared especially for them.
Vantage Cosmetology students staged a style show for the 10th graders, while those visiting Welding got a chance to try out the virtual welder. Visitors to Auto Body used their artistic talent to "pinstripe" by hand and practiced using the paint gun in the booth. In Auto Technology, students learned how to use the tire balancer and the rim clamp and had a contest to see how quickly they could replace a spark plug. Sophomores in Network Systems got to use some of the latest technology – Oculus 3D Rift Virtual Reality, Google Cardboard, and Google Glass, while those visiting Interactive Media got to work with the 3D printer. In Construction Equipment Technology, students tried out the zero turn mower and skid steer. There was a lot going on.
Here are a few frequently asked questions – and answers - about coming to high school at Vantage.
Q: Can I go to college after Vantage?
Q: Can I receive college credits through my high school class at Vantage?
A: YES! Many programs have articulation agreements with local colleges which provide some college credit for Vantage coursework. Some courses are College Credit Plus.
Q: Can I participate in home school sports and
A: There is NO tuition to attend Vantage. Each program has a fee of $75, which covers the cost of tools, supplies, equipment, and one full uniform.
Q: When are applications due at Vantage?
A: Sophomore and junior students who are considering attending Vantage should be aware that the priority application deadline is March 9, 2016. Interested students may complete and submit an online application form by using this address http://tinyurl.com/lec2nqa to access the application form. Students may continue to enroll throughout the spring and summer however, first choice programs may already be filled. Visit the Vantage website for complete information vantagecareercenter.com
Vantage offers 17 different high school career technical programs. If you have any questions, please talk to your school counselor or call Student Services at Vantage at 419-238-5411 or 1-800-686-3944 ext. 2032. You can always check out the Vantage website vantagecareercenter.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @vccstudents.
Celebrate Vantage's 40th Anniversary on Monday,
February 22, from
Alex Altenbach, a sophomore from Parkway, pays close attention as Vantage senior Michael Romes (Lincolnview) tells him how to operate CNC mill in the Precision Machining lab.
Guest Column from
State Representative Jim Buchy
The Bureau of Worker's Compensation has been hard at work finding ways to save Ohio's businesses money. Since taking over BWC in 2011, administrator Steve Buehrer has done an excellent job of streamlining the BWC and reducing costs to Ohio businesses. Worker's compensation is one of the largest expenses Ohio's businesses face but since 2011 premiums have fallen 21.4% to the lowest average rate in 35 years. These efforts have even led Forbes to name Ohio the 15th best state for businesses.
This year, businesses will see a number of new changes that will further streamline the worker's compensation process and save even more money. For instance, last month employers transitioned to prospective billing which provides many benefits like a base-rate reduction of 2% for private employers, allowing more flexible payment options, more opportunities for BWC to provide quotes online and over the phone, and increased ability to detect non-compliance and fraud.
Another major change taking place this year with BWC is the partnership with United States Insurance Services and Zurich to help employers who do business in multiple states purchase worker's compensation coverage for employees working outside of Ohio. Last year, the Ohio General Assembly passed a bill allowing BWC the authority to contract with an insurer to provide this coverage. Previously, BWC coverage only applied to workers temporarily working out of state and any injury claims filed outside of Ohio were met with complications that subjected Ohio businesses to fines and penalties from other states.
This new partnership will allow businesses to contract with a licensed insurance provider through BWC to ensure proper worker's compensation coverage for their employees working out of state. With this optional coverage, the insurance vendor will issue policies and cover out-of-state claims. With these new rules, businesses who work across state lines will be able to save money by preventing fees and penalties for lack of coverage in other states.
These changes are especially important in the 84th House District. Western Ohio is home to many businesses that already do business in Indian, or those hoping to one day expand. Having this new coverage option will simplify the process so businesses can work across state lines without worrying about maintaining multiple worker's compensation policies or the risks of penalty for insufficient coverage.
For public employers this program went into effect in January, making the worker's compensation program more effective for the taxpayer and reducing problematic situations for local governments. For private sector businesses this optional coverage will be available very soon.
For those interested in purchasing this additional coverage, the majority of the business must be in Ohio. Business owners can apply by contacting the BWC, who will determine eligibility and premiums.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyfebruary2016
Mercer County EMA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS / MEETING Listings:
Spring Weather Awareness Week March 20 - 26, 2016
Statewide Tornado Drill March 23, 2016 at 9:50 AM
Weather Spotters Class New Location & Time!
March 29, 2016 at 6:00 PM
Dicke Hall
Wright State University Lake Campus
Celina, Ohio
Comprehensive Annual Health Fair to be held on Saturday, March 5th –
Mercer Health will once again host the most comprehensive annual health fair in the area on Saturday, March 5th from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Galleria in Celina. Nearly 50 exhibits from local organizations will offer free and discounted health screenings, health information and much more. Also included in the event is a Blood Drive, Prescriptions Drug Take Back, Jump House, Live Demonstrations and more!
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: Irma Klaus rode the Orphan Train from New York to Fort Recovery, Ohio whereby she was introduced to her new family. Many Mercer Countians have ancestors who "Rode the Orphan Train."
December 6, 2001, I wrote about the Orphan Trains which came to Mercer County, Ohio from the Orphanage at New York City. Following that story, I have received a variety of telephone calls and written correspondence about the Orphan Trains. Apparently, my story about the Orphan Trains inspired others to learn more about this topic. Following my December 6, 2001 history of the Orphan Trains, area organizations held programs about this topic, and newspaper journalists wrote about this topic.
On Monday, the First of February, 2016 I received another request for information about this topic. Therefore, I will share more of this information about the Orphan Trains, locally and nationally.
During the Civil War, fathers were lost and the mothers were sometimes left without means to support their children. Also, sometimes mothers died young, and the family left behind had difficulties in raising the children. Sometimes families or neighbors took those children into their homes. Sometimes the children were sent to Orphanages or else to County Homes. After World War I, our United States Government, as well as local Governments began to provide programs to help those in need of assistance.
Before the Civil War, Charles Loring Brace, a young minister who worked with the poor in New York City, founded the Children's Aid Society. He created the plan of placing the children, of all ages, in homes across the United States. Many times, the children found homes where they lived better than they had lived in NYC. Sometimes, if things were not working out well, the children were placed with another family. The Members of the Children's Aid Society checked on these children at their new homes. The families were requested to take the children to church and to put them in school, and to file an annual written report to the Society.
With today's generation seeking their past relatives, they also seek information about their ancestors who came to Ohio on the Orphan Trains. People, who have contacted me in the past about their ancestors and the Orphan Trains, are welcome to tell me if they do or do not want to share their experiences with others, because people ask me about Mercer Countians being on the Orphan Trains. For those who write and share their stories, I place their letters in Mercer County Archival Collections about the Orphan Trains.
I will give suggestions for those who are seeking more information about their own relatives for this "little known history of Mercer County, Ohio." The Indiana Historical Society, in their Fall 1993 issue of their magazine, "Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History," included Marilyn Irvin Holt's article, "West to Indiana on the Orphan Trains," whereby she stated that perhaps, 200,000 children and teenagers were transported out of eastern cities to rural communities. I have three books about the Orphan Train. Andrea Warren's "We Rode the Orphan Trains," was published by Houghton Mifflin Co., in Boston 2001. Jane Peart wrote about the Orphan Trains in the latter half of the 19th Century, in her book, "Orphan Train West," published by Fleming Revell, in 1990. Jane Peart also wrote "The Orphan Train Trilogy," published by Guideposts, NY, in 1990. The June 8, 2002 Daily Standard carried a story of the "Orphan Trains." The December 21, 2003 Lima News interviewed Charline Craig at St. Marys, about her husband John S. Craig who rode the Orphan Train, and was adopted by a family in Kansas. The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County, IN, held a public program in October 2010, about the Orphan Train passengers. This story of the Orphan Trains is an extensive untold story of our Nation's History. Perhaps, some Mercer Countian will accept the challenge and write a History of the NYC Orphans who rode Orphan Trains to Mercer County? Each person's story is important to Mercer County's heritage.
21st Century Club Meets on January 26, 2016 at Regular Meeting
She then proceeded
to the beautiful Mercer County Courthouse. She shared memories of her
mom being the health nurse for Mercer County for 35 years and how Ann
spent a lot of time at the Courthouse as a child because of her mom's
job. She recalled being able to go to the roof of the courthouse for a
view of the city (of course that area is now closed to the public)
Her closing remark: "Appreciate what is in your own backyard. Remember kindness, safety, family, faith, and hard work."
(Janie Miller was to feature Ft Recovery but she was not able to attend and will share her info at another time.)
Delicious refreshments were enjoyed by all. The next meeting will be on February 23 at 7 pm at the home of Julie Henkle with Toni Fisher co-hosting. The program will be all about Van Wert: Wassenberg Art Center, Van Wert County Courthouse and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center presented by Sherry Shaffer, Rozann Maurer and Louisa Hemmelgarn.
Call Sheila Baltzell at 419-733-3326 is you are an area woman interested in joining us!
Wright State
University-Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center's
Business Consulting Customized Workforce Training Advanced Manufacturing Training
Celina, Ohio – Did you know that the Business Enterprise Center (BEC) has helped thousands of new business start-ups since 1985? Today free business consultation services are still offered to new and existing businesses throughout our area due to a number of local banks, economic development agencies, community foundations, and counties donations which help offset costs.
Non-credit Class Offerings at WSU-Lake Campus
Join Kyle Stoker, IT professional at Coldwater Machine Co., as he teaches the importance of online security. Social and professional networking, online bill payments, online education, and running online searches are common for today's Internet user. But, is your personal information safe? Do you know how to keep your personal information personal? Find out who all can access your phone number, e-mail, social security number, credit card info, or family pictures? Join Kyle as he shows how to keep our information safe from hackers and identity thieves. Prepare yourself for the world of online connectivity! Don't miss this important and timely training!
Class Date: February 23, 2016; 5:00-7:30 p.m. {2.5 hours}; Instructor Kyle Stoker;
Room: 192 Dwyer Hall; Wright State University-Lake Campus; Cost $40 p/person
Before you start making money in business, you need to figure out the best methods to record, track, and manage your hard-earned dollars. QuickBooks, the #1 recommended accounting software for small businesses, makes it easy to organize all of your financial data in one central location so that you can manage your money, pay your bills, and track customer's payments efficiently. Always know the exact financial or product inventory of your business with QuickBooks. Join Ron for 12-hours of software training on this highly-rated accounting software to help improve your bottom line! Participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate.
Dates: February 29-March 1, 2, & 3, 2016; Time: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.: Instructor: Ron Kremer;
Rm: 196 Dwyer Hall, Wright State University-Lake Campus; Cost: $125 p/person
To register for any classes or to get information about the BEC programs, call the Wright State University-Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center at (419) 586-0355 or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Click Here for Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Cases Heard in 2016
Luke Zamperini Tells The Rest Of The Unbroken Story
Luke Zamperini had a front row seat for a majority of the life of a man that has been the subject of award winning books and movies. Luke Zamperini will come to the Niswonger on Sunday, March 6 at 3:00 PM to share many of the untold stories that he was told by his father, Louis Zamperini, as bedtime stories.
Could you endure a
plane crash?
Louise Zamperini overcame great odds and his life story is compelling, inspiring and life changing. Adults and children alike will not want to miss this opportunity to hear what made Louis Zamperini a legend in our day.
Volunteers Shine in Rockford
Shrek to be Performed Locally
The Crescent Players present Shrek the Musical. Performances at James F. Dicke Auditorium, 901 E. Monroe, New Bremen, OH March 12, 13, 18 , 19 @ 7 pm and March 13, 19, 20 @ 2pm. Presale tickets are $8 (children/students/sr. citizens) and $10 (adults) at the Minster and St. Henry True Value Hardware or online at "http://www.tinyurl.com/crescentshow"crescentshow Tickets will be $2 more at the door. Concessions will be available. Questions? Contact 419-678-4643 Shrek the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)Music by Jeanine Tsori and Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Based on the Dream Works Animation Motion Picture and book by William Steig.
Click Here for an Infection Prevention Registered Nursing Position to be filled
Parkway HS Drama construction time for Monday 2/15/16 has been cancelled.
Patrice Wood To Be Honored With Wheeler School Community Spirit Award
2015 Joseph Le, former executive director of Providence-based Center for Southeast Asians
2014 Richard Rose, Assistant US Attorney
2013 Angelo Garcia, founder and head of school, Segue Institute for Learning
2012 Mamie Catlin, in absentia, founder of Camp Street Community Ministries
2011 Teny Gross, executive director, RI Institute for the Study and Practice of Non-Violence
2010 G. Gail Davis, educator/coach, Rhode Island College Student-Athlete Center
2009 Jim Vincent, Manager of Constituent Relations, RI Housing
2008 Len Cabral, Master Storyteller
2007 Armeather Gibbs, United Way executive
2006 Healthcare and community activist Dr. Pablo Rodriguez
2005 Educator and founder of Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program Rob DeBlois
2004 RI Superior Court Judge Ed Clifton
A reminder to Parkway students and parents that Friday, February 12, 2016 is a Make Up Day, and school will be in session.
5th Annual Wine Tasting
Believe in Ohio STEM Registry – 2 From County Selected
Tonja Rammel
and James Wiechart
Tonja Rammel, Crown Equipment's Environmental, Health and Safety Manager, and James Wiechart, Mercer County Engineer are among the 81 professionals named.
Honorees are graduates of Ohio high schools, have attended higher education in Ohio or elsewhere, and are now gainfully employed or retired in a STEM field in Ohio. "The Believe in Ohio Exemplars have shown success in various STEM professions (agriculture, aviation and aerospace, communication and information technology, etc.), and they demonstrate the career possibilities available right here in Ohio," said Stephen J. McConoughey, PhD, CEO of The Ohio Academy of Science and Co-Director of Believe in Ohio. "Believe in Ohio builds on student research while also developing additional skills needed in highly technical jobs. This program takes work-force development one step further by also serving to create future jobs in Ohio through entrepreneurship and innovation," he continued. Believe in Ohio is a student STEM entrepreneurship program of The Ohio Academy of Science, in cooperation with Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio, and funded by The Ohio General Assembly through The Ohio Board of Regents. This program encourages Ohio's next generation to pursue their futures in Ohio by inventing products and services through the application of science, technology, engineering.
Spade and Barrel Wine Garden Opens at Dues Nursery near Coldwater
Libera Concert Cancelled – Replaced with The American Boycoir
(Van Wert, OH) - The Niswonger sadly announces the cancellation of a season concert event. Libera, scheduled for Sunday, April 3 at 3 PM was forced to cancel their tour date in the United States. Libra deeply regrets disappointing their fans but due to circumstances outside of their control, was forced to cancel. Libera has created a video message to convey their regrets.
has dazzled audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication, spirited presentation, and ensemble virtuosity. The Boychoir performs regularly with world-class orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and is often featured with such illustrious conductors as James Levine, Charles Dutoit, and Alan Gilbert. As an icon of American musical excellence, the Boychoir has been invited to sing for every sitting U.S. President since John F. Kennedy. Touring frequently at home and abroad as preeminent ambassadors, the American Boychoir spreads messages of beauty and hope through outstanding musical achievement.
CLICK: Experience their sound and learn more about The American Boychoir.
Tickets for The American Boychoir are now available from the Box Office from Noon - 4 PM, M-F or online at NPACVW.ORG. Current Libera ticketholders can simply use their ticket for The American Boychoir. Please note the date change from April 3 to April 10 at 3 PM.
The Niswonger is located at 10700 SR 118 South, Van Wert, Ohio.
Ohio Reports First Zika Virus Case
Van Wert County Hospital has information which can be accessed by clicking on their blog here: http://www.vanwerthospital.org/community/blog/your-checkup/2016/02/04/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-zika-virus
Van Wert County Hospital Preventing Type 2 Diabetes with Proven Program
Join Other Group Lifestyle Balance™ Program Participants in Learning How to Make Healthy Changes in Van Wert
Van Wert Community members are preventing type 2 diabetes together with the Group Lifestyle Balance™ Program. Van Wert County Hospital is excited to offer this lifestyle change intervention. Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, groups of participants learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress.
People with pre-diabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels — are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 3 years if they do not take steps to prevent it.
"One in three American adults has pre-diabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater," said Anne Dunn, Wellness Program Coordinator & Lifestyle Coach. "The Group Lifestyle Balance™ Program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one's peers."
Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. Group Lifestyle Balance™ Program groups meet once a week for 12 weeks, then once a month for 9 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The program's group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles. Each session is led by trained lifestyle coaches.
The Group Lifestyle Balance Program™ was developed by the Diabetes Prevention Support Center faculty of the University of Pittsburgh and is a modification of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Prevention Program. The local program will begin meeting at the Gaylord E. Leslie Wellness Center, on Thursday, February 11th at 12 Noon.
The Group Lifestyle Balance™ Program is based on research that showed that people with pre-diabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
Nationwide implementation of the program could save the U.S. health care system $5.7 billion and prevent about 885,000 future cases of type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that can lead to health problems including heart attack; stroke; blindness; kidney failure; or loss of toes, feet, or legs.
"Small changes can add up to a big difference," added Cindy Cook, Education Coordinator and Lifestyle Coach. "Working with a trained lifestyle coach who provides guidance, Group Lifestyle Balance™ Program participants make lasting changes together."
People are more likely to have pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes if they:
Are 45 years of age or older;
Are overweight;
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or
Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
Van Wert County Hospital will be offering a new group on Thursdays at 12 pm at the Gaylord E. Leslie Wellness Center. The cost of the program is $249 and includes a pedometer, Calorie King booklet, tracking booklets, participant booklets, support and encouragement toward your health related goals. Couples are eligible to participate for only $15 more. To learn more about Van Wert County Hospital's program, call the Wellness Program Coordinator at (419) 238 – 2390 or email email@example.com.
The Group Lifestyle Balance™ (GLB) Program being offered by Van Wert County Hospital is a comprehensive lifestyle behavior change program adapted directly from the successful lifestyle intervention used in the National Institutes of Health funded Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
Submitted by Anne Dunn, Wellness Program Coordinator
Farm Focus Inc. Scholarship
Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 in order to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field. Farm Focus Inc. is offering three one-thousand dollar scholarships to high school seniors interested in majoring in an Agricultural related program at a university, college, or technical school. In addition to seniors, full time students already enrolled in an undergraduate program in agriculture are also eligible to apply. This also means that a successful applicant last year can reapply again this year. The applicant must be a Van Wert County resident. Minimum grade point is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship funds will be submitted directly to the educational institution by Farm Focus Inc. upon receipt of proof of enrollment or a copy of a tuition invoiceScholarship Applications have been sent to all nine area high schools where Van Wert County students may be enrolled, so please contact your High School Guidance Counselor, or FFA Instructor for your scholarship form.Additional copies of the application are available at the OSU Van Wert County Extension office at 1055 South Washington Street, Van Wert OH 45891. Questions should be directed to: 419-238-1214. All completed applications must be postmarked or delivered in person no later than March 15th to the Van Wert County Extension Office.
* Rockford Income Tax Information and Reminders *
Shanes Crossing Historical Society to Meet – Author John Vining to Speak
Rockford Village Council meets on February 2,
2016 the Rockford Village Hall.
Click Here to see
the Minutes.
These upcoming community events and items of business including Columbia Street were discussed:
Rockford Upcoming Community events:
February 6th - The Northmen & Cathy at The Rockford Belle.
Doors open at 6 pm. Cost $10
March 5th - Wine Tasting - Rockford Community Building. Doors open at 6:30pm. Presale tickets $20 – available at the Village Office and Barrys Family Market
March 12th – St. Teresa Parish – Family Fun Night – Open to the public
Rockford Community Building
March 19th – Parkway Carnival – Parkway High School
March 19th – Parkway Duck Races – Rockford Community Building
March 26th – Easter Egg Hunt – Shanes Park – 1 pm
PARKWAY LOCAL BOARD Of EDUCATION
Parkway 8th Grade Orientation Meeting Set
Current 8th grade students at Parkway Middle School and their parents are invited to attend a High School Orientation meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.
An information session will be held in the auditorium to explain new High School graduation requirements, course options available at Parkway High School, and information on making the most of your high school years. High School teachers will be available in the Commons after the information session until 8:30 p.m. to answer questions you may have about any of their classes. Information from the meeting will help the students to decide which classes to take in the 2016-17 school year as they will be registering for them in the near future.
Click Here for a Licensed Practical Nursing Position to be filled
College Credit Plus Meeting
Parkway students and parents of students in grades 6-11 are invited to an informational meeting on College Credit Plus. The meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 29 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert. We will be joining parents and students from Van Wert County schools for the opening session presented by local colleges. The group will then be divided by school districts into smaller rooms to go over each school district's policies on earning college credit while attending high school. Additional information was sent home with students in grades 6-11 this year and is also posted on the Parkway website under "High School", "Guidance" links. Please attend this meeting to get answers to your questions about College Credit Plus.
The Rockford Village will be holding a Public Meeting on February 9th at 6 pm to discuss Columbia St. The public is encouraged to attend - especially those living on Columbia St. The meeting will take place at the Village Hall.
Get Rid of Old Tires
Tire Amnesty Day on
Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds from 9:00 AM to
No Dealers
No tires on Rims
Call 419-586-3695 at Mercer County Solid Waste Mgt. District for more information.
This will be held at the Vantage Career Center in Van Wert, OH
February 23-24
Please RSVP by February 19th as seats are limited.
To Register Contact:
Grace Gonzales
BWC Lima Service Office
(419) 227-4006
Guest Column from State
Representative Jim Buchy
President Obama is forcing new gun control policies on Americans. In doing so he's trampling on the Constitution. It is time for states to stand up against these regulations that have gone too far.
In January, President Obama went around Congress to expand U.S. gun control laws using an executive action that many are calling illegal. The President has made it clear that he thinks taking guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens will make the country safer, but he does nothing to stop illegal, black market sales of firearms.
Only 3 percent of violent crimes are committed by criminals who bought their guns at a legal gun store, but as many as 40 percent of criminals bought their guns on the black market. This order does nothing to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals buying their guns on the black market. President Obama has disregarded the constitutional rights of Ohioans.
By intruding into our individual health records, President Obama may create a national "no gun list," which is just another step by Washington to destroy the Second Amendment. Law-abiding gun owners already verify their mental ability to have a firearm. We don't need more bureaucracy to vet the mental ability of law-abiding Ohioans.
The lack of governing in Washington calls for more power at the state level. Ohio must protect the rights of our citizens by nullifying these federal gun laws within the state. Founding fathers James Madison and Thomas Jefferson both argued that states are sovereign and have the right to nullify federal gun law within the state, and so the very people who designed our Constitution support this action.
Nullifying President Obama's actions would send a clear signal that Ohio will protect the rights of Ohioans as guaranteed by the Constitution. By standing up to Obama's decrees, Ohio will show Washington that Buckeyes are fed up with executive overreach that threatens the integrity of the Constitution.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyfebruary2016
"Rolling over drugs" SKATING PARTIES
WHO? All Mercer County 3rd-6th Grade Students
WHAT? Skating parties in celebration of our awesome Mercer County
Tuesday, February 16th for 3rd-6th graders; Doors open at 5:30 pm; Skating and games are from 6:00-8:00 pm; Pick-up is by 8:30 pm. $6 per person. Families are welcome to come for free, but aren't permitted to skate.
Sunday, March 6th for 3rd-6th graders; Doors open at 1:30 pm and skating is from 1:45-3:45 pm. Pick-up is by 4:00 pm. $6 per person. Families are welcome to come for free, but aren't permitted to skate.
Don't like to skate? Come play pool and arcade/video games instead and meet some awesome and positive youth!!! Come to one or both!
WHERE? WOODLAND ROLLERDOME, 2600 Celina Road, St. Marys, Ohio
COST? $6 per skater and this includes your Skate Rental!! Feel free to bring your own skates, however the price will still be the same. If bringing your own rollerblades or skates, please make sure they are clean and free of rocks/stones/dirt!
Drinks and snacks are sold separately.
WHY? These skating parties are a fundraiser for the newly formed "Mercer County Prevention Coalition" whose mission is "to improve the quality of lives of Mercer County residents by preventing the harmful consequences of substance use and abuse among youth, families, and the larger community." Parents are welcome to join our efforts! Please contact Laura for more information on how you can get involved!
Contact for Questions: Laura Sanford, Prevention Coordinator
Foundations Behavioral Health Services ~ Celina
419-584-1000 ~ firstname.lastname@example.com
Mercer County REMINDER
Ohio Law prohibits signs on trees and poles.
Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart has issued a reminder that the Ohio Revised Code prohibits the erection of signs or affixing signs, posters or advertisement to any tree or utility pole within the right-of-way of any public highway.
Lima Area Concert
Band Coming to Parkway High School Auditorium
The Parkway Music Boosters have been given the incredible opportunity to host the Lima Area Concert Band. Parkway has been added to their 2016 Calendar for Sunday, August 7th at 3 pm in the Parkway High School Auditorium.
We Need Community Support to Sponsor this Event ! While ANY donation is greatly appreciated, we would like to suggest 10 businesses to give a $100 sponsorship to help pay for the band and to help with advertising. This band draws supporters from all over the area and the surrounding communities. What better way to support this special event and advertise your business at the same time !! All sponsors will be named in the advertising and on the flyers. A suggested $7 donation at the door will then go to benefit the Parkway Music Booster program.
Your donation can be mailed to: Parkway Music Boosters, PO Box 451,
Rockford, OH 45882. Please make note in the memo that your donation is for the Lima Area Concert Band Event.
Parkway Winter Homecoming Dance Pictures
Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing!
Visit her website below:
Click Here for more of Nikki's Homecoming Photos
SLS Teaching the Latest in Minimally Invasive Surgery to Communities with A Need for Advanced, Efficient Medicine
Miami, FL—In response to a need for better quality medical care in developing countries, beginning next month SLS, the largest multi-disciplinary surgical society in North America, will introduce the latest in minimally invasive surgical techniques to communities around the world, as well as younger surgeons who can benefit the most from the newest research in surgical education. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to minimize blood loss and hospital stay, which is even more important in countries with fewer resources.
"This is an opportunity for us as a society to present what we know to communities who cannot yet capture this kind of education because they lack the resources to attend worldwide medical meetings or come face to face with experts in our field, says Dr. Paul Wetter, chairman of SLS. "For the first time, we are going to them to teach the latest techniques in minimally invasive surgery."
The SLS course, which will be called "Tips and Tricks in Minimally Invasive Surgery," will be taught by academics from a variety of medical disciplines in Romania, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Columbia as a part of a ten-city tour that will also reach more industrialized nations such as China, as well as military bases in the United States. Primarily funded by SLS, the two day course will allow academic experts in general surgery, gynecology, urology and other disciplines to teach basic minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques, using the latest research, which will include specific, common conditions, how to avoid complications, pain, and complex surgical conditions.
"By doing on this, we are bringing a multi-specialty vision in minimally invasive surgery to the rest of the world," says Dr. Maurice Chung, president of SLS, director of women's health service, Van Wert County Hospital, Ohio and a professor at University of Toledo School of Medicine.
The course will also be developed for the military, with the first lecture at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. The six-hour course, which has not yet been advertised, has already attracted dozens of attendees and is scheduled for February 16th, 2016.
"Supplementing the training of these important institutions and for military based hospitals is important work," says Dr. Richard Satava, a general surgeon and Professor Emeritus of Surgery at the University of Washington, Seattle, and a former senior science advisor at the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. "They are targeting the younger generation of doctors—many that have fewer resources and the greatest need."
The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation's leading group of multi-specialty surgeons, including general surgery, urology, OB-GYN and others, SLS advocates for minimally invasive surgery and improved surgical outcomes for all these specialties. It is a voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of roughly 6,000 surgeons. www.sls.org
OFF STAGE PRODUCTIONS to hold auditions for
Off Stage Productions, a community theatre company providing quality and affordable dinner theatre, proudly announces open auditions for its Spring production "Buying the Moose", written by Michael G. Wilmot. This comedy will be Co-Directed by Matt MtCastle and Dustin Manson.
OPEN AUDITIONS are set for Sunday, Feb. 14th and Tuesday, Feb.16th at 7 PM at the Van Wert Senior Center located at 220 Fox Road, Van Wert. We will be looking to cast 4 adults (2 male, 2 female). No prior acting experience necessary to audition. Scripts are available for review before auditions at Premier Financial, 211 S. Walnut Street, Van Wert. Call 419-605-6708 for more information. Performance dates will be April 23, 24, 29, 30 and May 1 & 6.
After his wife discovers him with a blow up doll which is wearing one of her dresses, Rob is out in the cold when she, for some reason, assumes the worst! Rob connects with his brother Greg while his wife connects with Greg's wife. The result is a comedy with heart and personal discoveries.
Michael G. Wilmot, a resident of London, Ontario, is a former free-lance writer for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" monologue and Kevin Nealon on Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" before turning to playwriting in 2007. His works have been presented in England, Canada and The United States.
GREG: (Rob's brother).
BETTY: (Rob's wife)
CHERYL: (Greg's wife)
Characters can be any adult age providing their ages make sense relative to the other characters.
Come audition for our Spring show! Prepare to join the group and have the time of your life while entertaining patrons in a relaxing and comfortable setting! Stay tuned for forthcoming announcements indicating show times and reservation information of the six shows held at the Senior Center at 220 Fox Road, Van Wert, OH. Off Stage Productions can be found online at http://www.offstagetheatre.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OffStageProductions
Find out more about us. Contact one of our members. Find out what it really means to be "Buying the Moose"!
Parkway Winter
Homecoming Queen Jasmine Forman
Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing these great pictures!
|Click Here for more of Nikki's Homecoming Photos
What Would You Do?
Imagine if your life was turned upside down with the news that you are not going to get any better and the only chance of seeing your daughters grow up is to have a double lung transplant. Well that was a real life situation for Brad and Nikki Swander. Brad has been battling with a lung disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis) and went searching for the answers that might give him some hope.
Pulmonary Fibrosis is a condition in which the tissue deep in your lungs becomes scarred over time. The tissue gets thick and stiff and makes it hard for you to catch your breath, and your blood may not get enough oxygen. All of the body's functions depend on delivery of a steady supply of oxygen. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in many cases, the cause remains unknown.
There is no cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis and every individual diagnosed has a unique experience with the disease. Some patients remain in stable condition for an extended period of time and others may experience a rapid progression of symptoms.
The research in his case has been going on for over a year now. Brad was really sick and was going through several surgeries before the diagnosis was that he needed to be put on oxygen. He so much wanted to be able to go back to work but was not going to be able to until he improved enough to be off oxygen. Well that day never came, and the need for oxygen became a lifeline for Brad. Brad is now living with the reality that he will be on oxygen until he has his double lung transplant surgery. Even though Brad has been approved for the double transplant surgery, he has to overcome many tests and levels before he can actually be on the official list.
Well that makes for many challenges as a father of three daughters (Amber, Madison and Grace). Brad has had to quit work and Nikki continues to work to support the family. The expenses for the continued medical tests, upcoming surgery, travel to and from Indianapolis and supporting a family of five continues to be a challenge for the family. The communities where Brad and Nikki live have really stepped up to do several benefits to assist in the financial burden. The Parkway Basketball team had a spaghetti dinner benefit and the Willshire Youth Activities had a 50/50 drawing at their Basket Bingo event. Brad and Nikki attend the Praise Point Church in Willshire and the church family as well is holding an event to assist the family. The event is a Soup & Sandwich dinner on Saturday, Feb. 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 555 Decatur Rd. in Willshire. The Spiritual Care Commission is organizing this event with a variety of soups, sandwiches and desserts. They are also holding a silent auction with many items that have been donated to raise money for the Swander family. If you are interested in coming, the cost is a "FREE WILL" donation to the family and all money raised will help with medical costs. If you are interested in helping or donating to this event, please contact 419-495-2769. If you are interested in following Brad's journey, like "Breathe For Brad" on Facebook.
Click Here for a Licensed Practical Nursing Position to be filled
Driver Training
Classes to Begin!
MR. E's DRIVING SCHOOL
CLASSROOM TIMES Spring 2016
SAT. Feb. 20th 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
MON. Feb. 22nd 3:45 PM – 7:15 PM
TUE. Feb. 23rd 3:45 PM – 7:15 PM
WED. Feb. 24th 3:45 PM – 7:15 PM
THUR. Feb. 25th 3:45 PM – 7:15 PM
FRI. Feb. 26th 3:45 PM – 7:15 PM
SAT. Feb. 27th 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Make up dates are Feb. 29th from 3:30PM to 7:30 PM.
Community Health Professionals of Mercer County
Hosting Dinner and Auction to Benefit Hospice
On Saturday, March 12, 2016, the Community Health Professionals of Mercer County will be hosting a Dinner and Auction to Benefit their Hospice Patients. Featuring Ken Groves, a comedian/Ventriloquist, the event will be held at The Overdrive, south of Celina on State Route 127. Doors open at 5 PM. Dinner is at 6 PM. Show will follow. Live and silent auctions will be throughout the evening. All seats are reserved. Early Bird Tickets are on sale now for $20 until February 22. From February 23 to March 4th the price goes up to $25 each. Deadline is Friday March 4th. Call 419-586-1999 to order tickets and for more information.
Congratulations to Parkway Winter Homecoming Queen and Court
Junior Attendant
Claudia Etgen, Senior Attendant Alli Harner, Queen Jasmine Forman,
Senior Attendant Allison Pancake, Sophomore Attendant Tayah Renner,
Freshman Attendant Molly Baltzell.
Thank you Nikki Fox for this great shot of the royal young ladies at the New Knoxville Game and ceremony on Friday, January 29, 2016. More pictures are coming!
Come to the Genealogy Society Meeting
Support Panther Baseball – Buy Panther Apparel
It's that time again! The annual Baseball apparel fundraiser is back! Order forms have been passed out in all elementary school homeroom classes. Forms are also available to be picked up by students and community members in the middle school and high school offices.
There is also a link on the Parkway Local Schools website so forms can be printed off. The website is www.parkwayschools.org.
Under "Athletics" there is a link for the "Baseball Fundraiser 2016". Click on that link to find the order form and pictures of the items. Orders will not be accepted via email so please have the form filled out with the correct money amount and turned in to Coach Clouse in any of the offices by Wednesday February 24th.
We will send the Items home with your student and notify the community with a Ohio Alert when the items have been received. We have used the money raised from this fundraiser to help purchase uniforms, training equipment, and make improvements to Don Black Field.
Thanks for your support!
Coach Luke Clouse
Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy
Recently, our children have come under increased pressure due to a drastic increase in school testing. With the number of testing hours reaching a threshold that bordered on unhealthy for our children, it was clear that the legislature needed to step in to help reduce the stress level placed on the students.
This is why I introduced House Bill 7 last year, which provided safe harbor to students taking the PARCC test. The PARCC test, which has since been a proven failure, already had a safe harbor provision for the teachers and districts, however HB 7 extended that protection to those who need it the most; our children.
Even though HB 7 proposed safe harbor for students many families still chose to "opt-out" their children. The PARCC test was an unproven, untested examination. Following the failure of this test Ohio lawmakers voted to end the PARCC testing ensuring it will not be used in the future.
The state education report card grade is scheduled to be released in February, posing problems for local districts because scores will reflect zeros for students who did not take the PARCC. Projections show that our local schools will see their scores drop as much as 40 points ranking them as D's or F's because bureaucrats have refused to recognize the impact of the opposition to PARCC testing.
In order to right this wrong, I am pushing for a bill that will require the Ohio Department of Education to adjust the performance index score on the state report card for students who opted out of the failed PARCC test. This is an emergency measure that needs to be passed this month so our students are not unfairly punished for opting-out of an inadequate standardized test. Without emergency legislation, the Ohio Department of Education will release false scores, eliminating the legislature's intent for a safe harbor.
We have the best and brightest education minds right here in west-central Ohio. I am confident that if these education professionals come together to develop a program, Ohio will certainly prove to have superior public education.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjanuary2016
Mercer Health
Weight Management Center continues with
Weight Management Support Program
The Weight Management Center at Mercer Health will be holding a special, FREE event and support group titled 'Meats & Spices 101 on Monday, February 8, at 6:00pm at Mercer Health's West Campus location. This month's free class is presented by Barb Hennard, MA, Extension Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences at The Ohio State Extension Office. This program will discuss what types of spices pair best with which types of foods, how to make your own spice mix, as well as how to buy and prepare the best cut, or leanest types, of meats.
The Mercer Health Weight Management Center also continues to offer several other Weight Management programs throughout the year. The following programs are now available through Mercer Health's Weight Management Center:
1) The weight loss surgery program continues to grow, and now includes laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. The required informational seminar is now available online anytime at www.mercer-health.com.
2) Rev It Up!® Weight Management is a 9-week interactive lifestyle program led by our registered dietitian that covers topics such as behavior modification, hunger and fullness signals, fluid needs, meal timing, aerobic exercise, and more. The next 9-week session begins in March.
3) The Medifast® Program offers a structured meal plan that incorporates specially formulated Medifast meal replacement and snack products to achieve a low calorie, low carbohydrate diet. To begin the Medifast program, view the required "Introduction to Medifast" class online anytime at www.mercer-health.com.
4) The MedGem Indirect Calorimeter is a handheld device that determines an individual's resting metabolic rate. This test also includes an interpretation with a registered dietitian to determine an appropriate caloric level for weight loss. Tests are scheduled on a patient by patient basis.
5) The monthly Weight Management Support Group Program is held the second Monday of each month at 6:00pm at Mercer Health West Campus meeting room.
To register for the Support Program, or for more information about this program or other Weight Management Programs available at Mercer Health, contact the Weight Management Center at 419-678-8446.
Relay for Life Fundraiser
The Ohio City "Relay for Life" team is having a fundraiser this Saturday, January 30th at the Community Building on 118. There will be a Soup and Sandwich supper that starts at 6:00 pm, along with Texas Hold 'em tournament sign-up, followed by music from 7:00 on. The team will also be having a reverse raffle with tickets that cost twenty dollars. There will be eight pay-offs for a total of $1,250. There will also be miscellaneous basket raffles throughout the night.
The "Adam Andrews Blues Band" will begin at 7:00 followed by "Three on the Tree". There will be a cash bar with all proceeds going to the cancer research. For more information contact the Village of Ohio City: 419-965-2255
The 7th annual Lima
"Honoring Our Native Heritage" Powwow, will be held February 20th and
21st 2016 at the United Auto Workers Hall, 1440 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima,
OH. The doors open at 10:00 AM both Saturday and Sunday. Grand entry
will be at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday and at 1:00 PM on Sunday.
Co-host Drums for
the powwow are Sky Hawk and Southern Singers. Other invited drum, Chaske
Ho`tain; Head dancers are Justin Kwascigroh and Shawnee Waters. George
Reiter is the announcer, Shawn Reilly, the Head Veteran, and the Arena
Director is Aaron Stevens
An auction of Native crafts, etc. donated by the vendors, will be held during short intervals throughout both days.
There will be vendors from several states in the United States, Canada, and South America with their offerings of many varieties of hand made Native American merchandise. They will have everything from beads and craft supplies, fur and leather clothing to tomahawks, knives, and bow and arrows, turquoise jewelry, t-shirts, and art work.
Of course, there will be the Indian frybread and Indian tacos, Buffalo burgers, Shawnee dogs, corn soup, nachos/cheese, fried dill pickles and more to warm you and satisfy those hunger pangs.
The admission fee is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for those over 62 and children between the ages of 6 and 12. Those under 6 and over 90 are free.
A powwow is spiritual, exciting, entertaining, beautiful and educational, all in one, under one roof. A moving experience you won't want to miss! Come feel the heartbeat of the drum and learn more about the Native ways. The public will be invited to participate in many of the dances, and don't miss the candy dance for the youngsters!
Host motel for the powwow is The Howard Johnson Hotel, 419-222-0004.
For information, call or e-mail Phyllis Davis-Kill 419-203-0377, email@example.com or John Thompson, 419-587-3474. Vendor information call or e-mail Terri Brewster 419-648-9230, or email@example.com
Rockford Village Council meets on January 19,
2016 the Rockford Village Hall.
Click Here to see
the Minutes.
Committees were discussed in length with mission statements and codes of conduct.
By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo Caption: Interurban car, for Western Ohio Railway, at corner of Main and Monroe Streets, New Bremen. Credit: "Auglaize County Postcard Image," by George L. Neargarder , published by the Auglaize County Historical Society, 2008.
When we were visiting the New England States, we came across this Museum of old Interurban cars for the Electric Railways. I purchased a copy of the book, "The Lima Route," by Scott D. Trostel, published by CAM-TECH Pub., Fletcher, Ohio. Trostel wrote about several lines of the Electric Railway in Western Ohio, whereby I found some of the resources about the Western Ohio Railway. After we toured the Museum, we rode the restored Interurban cars on the old tracks, and then we were able to walk through a barn with restored cars as well as cars waiting to be restored. The old wood was sanded and varnished to perfection and the old brass was polished to shine in the sunlight.
Sometimes people confuse the term "Restoration," with the word, "Refinish." "Restoration" means to restore an object back to its original condition, as much as possible, by using old parts, measuring exactly if parts have to be made, and by using original colors. To "Refinish" an object means to clean it up, and use any modern means necessary to "make it look good," whether it is exactly like the original. . . or not. When I state that the Interurban Cars had been restored, those cars truly looked exactly like brand new vehicles, just built over a Century ago!
The Western Ohio Electric Railway provided transportation to and from communities throughout Ohio. Most cities became centers for the Electric Railways and people could travel by one Interurban and then change cars at another city. Nearby Lima and Dayton had Electric Railway Centers. The Western Ohio Railway opened between Wapakoneta and St. Marys, and between St. Marys and Minster in 1902. The first scheduled public movement of cars out of New Bremen was reported on April 29, 1902. The Line opened to Minster on May 19, 1902.
By July 1902, the ten mile extension from St. Marys to Celina had opened, paralleling Grand Lake. For those of you who remember, a car barn and a freight house stood on the southeast corner of East Market and Cherry Street intersection. When construction workers were tearing down the building, the men told that they came across some of the original tracks, a few feet down! I was surprised that Market Street level had become that much higher this past century.
In 1903, the Electric Railway opened from Wapakoneta to Piqua. By 1905, the link was made to Toledo. In 1911, the Minster and Loramie Railway opened. The 1986 "Timeline" magazine by the Ohio Historical Society, carried an article by H. Roger Grant, about the Interurban. Grant wrote that by World War I, the Interurban mileage in Ohio peaked at 2,798 miles, a national record. He commented that three decades later, the Interurban was mostly a memory.
In "Auglaize County Postcard Images," Neargarder wrote the following history: "In 1931, the Western Ohio abandoned its equipment and the tracks were removed in New Bremen. The Minster Line was discontinued in 1932. At St. Marys, the Western Ohio Power Plant generated electricity for the Western Ohio Railway Company Traction Line. It was located behind the Interurban car barn at 625 South Wayne Street. The plant generated power for the entire system from 1900 to 1932 and provided power to many nearby communities as well. The plant was torn down in 1958." George Neargarder has served as an excellent County Historian to Auglaize County Communities, not only in working with the Auglaize County Historical Society, but also in collecting and preserving the history of Auglaize County. His books can be found at the Auglaize County Historical Museum, and at the area Libraries.
[The Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883, or firstname.lastname@example.com or 419-678-2614.]
|Reminder: the next Rockford Bicentennial Committee Meeting will be held on Monday - February 1st at 7 pm - Village Hall and Museum.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer, Auglaize and Van Wert Counties
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer, Auglaize and Van Wert Counties would like to welcome some new faces. Nikki Sawmiller, on the left, joined the Board of Directors at the January meeting. She lives in Wapakoneta with her husband Jerry and their three children. She is employed by the Wapak Police Department and recently danced in the BBBS Dancing with the Big Stars event. She joined the Board of Directors because she enjoys doing community activities to promote her city and the positive interactions she has had with BBBS. Molly Hay, on the right, became the Executive Director at the recent Board Meeting. Molly and her husband Jim live in Celina. She has experience as an Elementary Principal and recently retired from Wright State University. She has been on the Board of Directors for the past 15 years and is looking forward to this new career. She is passionate about the youth in our community and is excited about the future of BBBS. If you would like to know more information about BBBS, please call 419-584-2447.
Annual Chamber Awards Banquet
The Annual Awards Banquet of the Celina Mercer County Chamber will be held on Thursday, March 3rd at the Galleria in Celina. Social time will begin at 5:30pm with dinner at 6pm. The program will begin at 7pm with awards given out after the guest speaker's presentation.
We are excited to announce our speaker this year is Bruce Boguski. Bruce was in a car accident at the age of 18 and was paralyzed from the neck down. After two years, he regained full use of his body and went on to become a two-time Ohio state champion in racquetball and played on a state championship softball team. He has been a baseball coach and assistant football coach at the high school level, as well as a tennis coach at the college level.
Today, he spends most of his time making speeches throughout North America. He has made over 1,800 presentations to student groups, educators, associations, chambers of commerce, large and small corporations, secretarial groups, and government agencies. He is one of the most "in-demand" speakers in the country, doing nearly 100 presentations each year. Bruce is the author of several recent books and CDs….he is also a huge proponent of living a healthy lifestyle.
Sponsors for this
year's awards banquet are Cooper Farms, Second National Bank,
Chamber awards
applications are being taken and must be in by Friday, February 12th.
Tickets are on sale now for $25 each or you can purchase a corporate table of
eight for $195. RSVPs are due by Feb. 21st. Call the Celina Mercer County Chamber for tickets or further information at 419 586-2219 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Private Pesticide Applicator License Recertification and Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training Available
Farmers who hold a Private Pesticide Applicator License that expires in 2016 can attend one of two recertification trainings being offered in Van Wert County.
The 2016 Recertification Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) dates are Friday, February 5 and Wednesday, March 9, 2016. Each recertification training date also has an accompanying 2-hour Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training (FACT). The 2-hour FACT sessions are ONLY for farmers/producers who already hold an Ohio private pesticide applicator license.
The February 5 training begins with recertification PAT in the morning. Presentations start promptly at 9:00 a.m. and continue to noon. Please plan on arriving before 8:45 a.m. for check-in/registration/paying of fees. The FACT Training will be conducted in the afternoon from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Both trainings will be held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, 1055 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, OH in the Jr. Fair building. Enter the fairgrounds through Gate 2.
The March 9 trainings, a late afternoon-evening program, will be held at the Delphos Eagles Aerie #471 Hall, 1600 East 5th Street, Delphos, OH. This program will start with the 2-hour FACT training at 3:00 p.m. The PAT training will follow in the evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Again 2-hour FACT trainings are only for those who currently hold an Ohio Pesticide Applicator License.
Both facilities are handicap accessible. Each session will offer a full recertification for CORE and Categories 1 (Field Crops), 2 (Forage Crops & Livestock), 6 (Fumigation), and 7 (Specialty Uses), plus special arrangements for those carrying Categories 3 (Fruit & Vegetable Crops), 4 (Nursery & Forest Crops including Christmas Trees) and 5 (Greenhouse). These categories will be scheduled after the standard recertification session. A $35 fee is charged for the PAT trainings. FACT trainings are free. OSU Extension encourages anyone planning to attend either the February 5 or March 9 trainings to pay at the OSU office in advance of the meeting to speed up registration on the day of the meeting. If one does not pay in advance, the fee will be collected at the door. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to allow for preparation for the meeting.
If neither session in Van Wert County fits within your schedule, please visit http://pested.osu.edu for a list of neighboring counties and their corresponding recertification sessions or call or visit the Extension Office for assistance. Please note that sessions outside of Van Wert County may require pre-registration as well.
These sessions are for farmers and others who already possess a Private Pesticide Applicators License. There are NO Commercial Pesticide Applicator credits available at these meetings. Commercial pesticide applicators need to attend one of the State Commercial Pesticide Applicator Conferences. Farmers and others wishing to obtain a new pesticide license should visit http://pested.osu.edu/privatelicense.html for more information.
For additional information on pesticide applicator license recertification or for information on obtaining a pesticide applicator license, please contact Curtis Young, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator for the Van Wert County Extension Office at 419-238-1214 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Wright State
University-Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center
Business Consulting Customized Workforce Training Advanced Manufacturing Training
Celina, Ohio – Did you know that the Business Enterprise Center (BEC) has helped thousands of new business start-ups since 1985? Today free business consultation services are still offered to new and existing businesses throughout our area due to a number of local banks, economic development agencies, community foundations, and counties donations which help offset costs.
Non-credit Class Offerings at WSU-Lake Campus
Microsoft Excel is widely recognized as the best spreadsheet software application for businesses. In this series of classes, you will learn how to create a spreadsheet, input necessary data, create charges and reports, and learn how to use Excel formulas in basic to complex computations. Join Carla as she delves into the world of references, charts, and functions! Certificates of completion will be printed for all participants completing the total 12-hour workshop (both sessions).
Dates: Basic/Intermediate: February 1 & 3, 2016; Time: 5 to 8 p.m.; {6 hrs.}; Room 192 Dwyer Hall
Intermediate/Advanced: February 8 & 10, 2016; Time 5 to 8 p.m.; {6 hrs.} Room 192 Dwyer Hall
Instructor: Carla Hirschfeld; Wright State University-Lake Campus
Cost: $65 p/person for each set of workshops ~or~ $125 p/person for all four classes!
Is your resume a little out of date? Are your interviewing skills a little rusty? Allow Carol and Rachel to get you up-to-date with current resume formatting trends. Learn the "do's" and "don'ts" of interviewing. Create or refresh your resume to clearly reflect your skills and abilities. Prepare yourself to ace an interview while presenting yourself professionally. All ages, majors, and careers are welcome to attend. This class is FREE to current Wright State University students and Alumni! Don't miss out on this opportunity to prepare yourself now for a better future!
Class Date: February 11, 2016; 4:00-6:00 p.m. {2 hours}; Room: 229 Dwyer Hall ~or~
February 27, 2016; 9:30-11:30 a.m. {2 hours}; Room 111 Trenary Hall
Instructors: Carol Jones & Rachel Stoker; Wright State University-Lake Campus;
Cost $35 p/person; Free to WSU Students & Alumni
To register for any classes or to get information about the BEC programs, call the Wright State University-Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center at (419) 586-0355 or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Drug Facts Week
Brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition and the Mercer County S.T.O.P. (Students Teaching Others Prevention) Group. For more information or to find out how to become involved, contact Laura at Foundations Behavioral Health Services. 419-584-1000.
Fact 1:
When prescription drugs are abused, they can be addictive &put the person at risk for harmful health effects, such as overdose.
There are three kinds of prescription drugs that are commonly abused.
Opioids—painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin, or codeine
Depressants—like those used to relieve anxiety or help a person sleep, such as Valium or Xanax
Stimulants—like those used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Adderall and Ritalin
-Prescription drugs are often a bridge to heroin. Many people get addicted to prescription drugs, then turn to heroin because it's cheaper to buy on the streets and sometimes more accessible.
Fact 2:
Drinking alcohol (or using other drugs) is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing throughout adolescence and well into young adulthood. Drinking during this critical growth period can lead to lifelong damage in brain function, particularly as it relates to memory, motor skills (ability to move) and coordination.
Teens that begin drinking at age 15 or younger are 4 times more likely to become an alcoholic than someone who begins drinking at age 21.
Fact 3:
Here are a few of the chemicals in tobacco smoke and other places they are found:
Acetone – found in nail polish remover.
Acetic Acid – an ingredient in hair dye.
Ammonia – a common household cleaner.
Arsenic – used in rat poison.
Benzene – found in rubber cement.
Butane – used in lighter fluid.
Fact 4:
One major research study reported that a single cannabis joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as up to five regular cigarettes smoked one after another. Also, "1 in 11 people who have ever used marijuana will become dependent on it; this risk rises to one in six when use begins in adolescence" (White House Office of National Drug Control Policy).
Fact 5: Nicotine is the active ingredient in tobacco and is used in e-cigarettes as well, and it's what makes it addictive. Nicotine reaches the brain within 8 seconds after someone inhales tobacco smoke. Nicotine can also enter the bloodstream through the mucous membranes that line the mouth (if tobacco is chewed) or nose (if snuff is used), and even through the skin. Pure nicotine could easily send someone into cardiac arrest if consumed by itself, but it's mixed with other chemicals to lessen the effects.
Fact 6: There is no known "safe" amount of alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol use appears to be the most harmful during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy; however, drinking alcohol anytime during pregnancy can be harmful to both the mother and the developing baby.
Fact 7: Regular alcohol or other drug use changes the functioning of the brain. Using substances repeatedly can result in:
Tolerance—more of the drug is needed to achieve the same "high"
Dependence—the need to continue use of the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Addiction—a devastating brain disease where, without proper treatment, people can't stop using drugs even when they really want to and even after it causes terrible consequences to their health and other parts of their lives
Calvary Evangelical Church Updates
By Kyle Wright
Assistant Athletic Director and Sports Information Director
Morgan Steinbrunner enjoyed one of the most efficient hitting days in NAIA volleyball history.
In the same year.
Two of Steinbrunner's performances from her recently completed junior year in the Indiana University East volleyball program appear in the updated NAIA volleyball Top 10s record book.
Steinbrunner's hitting average of. 889 in the Red Wolves' win against Governors State University on Sept. 26 was the fifth-best single-match hitting percentage in NAIA history.
Three weeks later, Steinbrunner hit for an .875 average in an Oct. 17 victory against Brescia University - tied for the eighth-best single-match hitting percentage in NAIA history.
A player must have a minimum of 15 attacks in a match to qualify for the "Highest Hitting Percentage" section of the NAIA record book. Steinbrunner (Rockford, Ohio/Parkway High School) is the only player who appears twice in the "Highest Hitting Percentage" top 10.
"This is kind of unreal, honestly," Steinbrunner said when shown her name in the updated record book. "Even as a little kid, you dream of being a person who does something like that in college.
"I felt my game improved this season, and it is just the best feeling in the world to see that kind of recognition in the record books."
Steinbrunner put away 16 kills and 18 attempts without an error in IU East's three-set victory against Governors State, a match played at Purdue University Calumet.
"I actually didn't think I was doing very well," Steinbrunner remembered. "And then after about my 10th swing, I thought, 'OK, I'm in a rhythm.' Once I felt like that, I knew it was going to be a good match."
Steinbrunner had 14 kills in 16 attempts without an error three weeks later at home against Brescia - and the Red Wolves needed every one of those kills to rally for a four-set win.
"That one, I came out and was ready and could feel it was going to be a good match," Steinbrunner said. "I think I was hitting 1.000 up until the third set, and Coach (Abby Niekamp) didn't want to show me the stats because she didn't want to jinx it."
Steinbrunner finished her junior season with 2.13 kills and 0.87 blocks per set - both career bests.
"Morgan is one of the hardest working players I've had the pleasure of working with, and to see her being recognized for some of her accomplishments is a true testament to that," Niekamp said. "One goal that she's set for herself is becoming a consistent go-to hitter. I think being able to see that goal play out in record form will only increase her motivation going into her senior year. I look forward to seeing her on that list again next year."
IU East is an NAIA program. IU East is one of 14 NAIA programs with 20 or more wins in each of the past seven seasons.
Link to record book: http://www.naia.org/fls/27900/1NAIA/SportsInfo/RegularSeason/VB_RegularSeason.pdf?SPSID=640698&SPID=96227&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=27900
Main Street Van
Wert announces return of popular Downtown Chocolate Walk
Your next visit downtown might be a little bit sweeter! The MSVW merchant committee is pleased to announce the return of the Downtown Chocolate Walk, Friday evening, February 5th. Participating businesses will be open for this special event from 4-8pm. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for a pair, and must be purchased or reserved in advance.
The evening of the event, 'chocolate walkers' will begin at the MSVW office to pick up a special Chocolate Bag & map. Then relax and savor the evening while strolling at your leisure through the participating businesses downtown. Show your event bag at each Chocolate Stop on the map to sample or collect nearly 20 chocolate treats! A horse drawn trolley will help make sure walkers visit every location on the map. The evening will conclude at the Wassenberg Art Center, with gourmet chocolate samples, wine tasting, and live music.
A full list of participating businesses will be announced 1 week before the event. Ticket holders will visit businesses they are familiar with & learn about ones they may not know. What a fun way to visit someplace new or get reacquainted with the stores & offices downtown.
Grab your friends or invite someone special and enjoy this excursion through downtown Van Wert. A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased in person at the MSVW office, 136 E. Main Street, or at Truly D'vine Bread Co, 117 W Main Street, in Van Wert. Tickets may also be reserved over the phone. For more information, visit www.mainstreetvanwert.org or call 419-238-6911.
Kim Brandt Organizes Calvary Preschool 9-1-1 Program
Calvary Preschool recently hosted the 9-1-1 Program, organized by Kim Brandt. The boys and girls learned what to do in a real emergency situation through video and hands-on practice of dialing 9-1-1. The children practiced the numbers, then dialed them on a telephone. This gave the boys and girls an opportunity to practice a conversation with an actual dispatcher. The Calvary Preschool teachers and students were grateful to Kim and Shelly for offering this important information and application.
Calvary Preschool is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. For more information, contact director Marilyn Agler at the preschool office at 567-259-3103 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. The preschool is located one mile west on Business Route 224 at Sidle Road in Van Wert, 10686 Van Wert Decatur Road.
Rockford Chamber
Seeks Christmas Decorative Lights and Greenery
Youth Group Charity
Auction Planned for Missions
The youth hold this auction to raise money for their mission trip in June. On the trip, the High School youth perform minor home repairs such as building wheelchair ramps, porch and roof repair and painting for the low income and elderly. In addition to the repairs, the youth share their faith with the residents of the homes by inviting them to share a lunch and take part in daily devotions.
There will be lots and lots of wonderful items to be auctioned. The items include new and used furniture, household items, collectables, gift certificates for local services, restuarents, and department stores and much more. Also there is a concession stand serving delicious home made food including sandwiches and pie. Everyone in the community is welcome to come and join in the fun. Any questions please contact Cindy Snyder at 419-586-2332.
Celebrating 40 years of Workforce Education!
Vantage Career Center --1976-2016
Your Choice. Your Career. Your Success.
Your area career center. Need I say more? Vantage connects real people with real jobs, helping make real livelihoods for students and their families. We've been helping high school students and adult learners for 40 years. And we know what it means to you.
As superintendent, I always enjoy the real life stories of people whose lives have been touched by Vantage staff and the skills we provide. Our staff helps students who are working full-time jobs, who come to school sleepy, and share their paychecks with a single parent, to help make ends meet. We help young people who know what they want to do in life and throw themselves wholeheartedly into their education at Vantage to make that dream come true. We encourage some students to stick with it, come to school, go to work, and know it WILL make a difference. And there's no greater joy than listening to these students thank a teacher or staff member for helping them to steer them on the right path.
As a lifetime educator, I also know career technical education is a vital part of local workforce development and economic development. Why? Because Vantage alumni tend to stay in our local communities, working as auto technicians, welders, secretaries and office support, network systems analysts, programmers, machinists, cosmetologists, and healthcare STNA's. There are so many jobs that our students and alumni fill. They live local, spending their paychecks in our communities, and helping our local businesses to survive. Retention and expansion of local business is 90 percent of economic development. Especially in rural Ohio. And Vantage alumni ARE a huge percentage of our community.
Vantage offers high school training in 16 different career programs, as well as a variety of customized training for interested employers, and full-time workforce programs for displaced workers and anyone who wants a career change. Real people in real jobs. People connecting with their local communities. Vantage staff "get it". We've done it for 40 years--and as superintendent, I have the pleasure of spreading the good news about our caring staff and awesome school.
The Vantage career technical planning district covers Van Wert and Paulding counties, and parts of Putnam and Mercer counties. Vantage provides juniors, seniors and adults of all ages, with entry-level and advanced job skills to find employment. We're proud of what we do. Our staff knows it's about real people wanting to improve their lives, looking for a better job, or their first job, or a second income to start their own business or help out at home.
Thank you for supporting Vantage and our mission for the past 40 years. I invite you to attend our Open House on Monday evening, February 22, 2016 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm and celebrate our 40th year of changing lives.
PUCO to hold aggregation workshop at Rockford Carnegie Library
COLUMBUS, OHIO (Jan. 21, 2016) – Have you been approached by door-to-door energy marketers or received literature in the mail about shopping for your electricity or natural gas? Want to l