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PICTURE FILE FOR KNAPPSNEWS.COM
MERCER COUNTY JUNIOR FAIR
LIVESTOCK SALE
AUGUST 19, 2010

KYLE KNAPKE SHOWING HIS GRAND CHAMPION BARROW
WAS THE HIT OF THE NIGHT

KARISSA WILL WITH HER GRAND CHAMPION MARKET LAMB
WHICH BROUGHT $1000

KANDACE EICHENAUER WITH HER RESERVE CHAMPION
MARKET LAMB FOR NEW RECORD $1200

RIGGS FLORENCE WITH HIS CHAMPION RATE OF GAIN

KADEN WILL FIRST YEAR SHOWMANSHIP

TAYLOR MUHLENKAMP WITH HER GRAND CHAMPION MEAT GOAT
WHICH SOLD FOR $1100

WHITNEY WILL WITH HER RESERVE CHAMPION MEAT GOATWHICH WAS
SOLD FOR $450

KEITH WENDEL WITH GALLON OF GOAT MILK WHICH
BROUGHT $875

KYLE KNAPKE WITH HIS GRAND CHAMPION BARROW
WHICH SET NEW RECORD OF $3400

ALISON TOBE RESERVE CHAMPION OVERALL WHICH
BROUGHT $2200

DEREK KNAPKE WITH RESERVE CHAMPION BARROW
WHICH BROUGHT $450

BROOKE KNAPKE WITH RESERVE CHAMPION GILT
WHICH BROUGHT $500

KELLY ROSE WITH SENIOR HERDSMAN AWARD

Gallon of dairy milk from cow owned by Jake Hein
which brought $11,800

Erin Weirrick with a dozen eggs which sold for $700

Marissa Spoltman with her grand champion of market rabbits
which brought $1300

Lisa Hoenie with champion pen of market turkeys
which brought $700

Megan Weirrick with reserve pen of market turkeys
which sold for $600

Jake Marchal with his champion pen of broilers which brought
$375

Amanda Lochtefeld with reserve pen of meat
rabbits which brought $400

Elliot Keller with her grand champion pen of
roasters which brought $500

Fair Board member Pat Schmitt with his daughter, Noelle,
2010 Poultry Queen

Rebecca Phares with her reserve pen of broilers which
brought $250

Hailey Platfoot with her grand champion steer sold for $3250

Ben Siefring with his reserve champion steer which set
a new record of $3500
FORT RECOVERY MUSEUM GRAND RE-OPENING
Fort Recovery, Ohio
JULY 11, 2010
2;30 P.M.




























LOCKKEEPER'S HOUSE

CONTRACTORS

LOCK ONE

NEW BREMEN GAZEBO

PRESENTERS

PRESENTATION OF COLORS

LARRY DICKE

NEW BREMEN MAYOR JEFF PAPE

SCOTT FREY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
SOUTHWEST AUGLAIZE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

STATE SENATOR KEITH FABER

NEAL BRADY, ECECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MIAMI ERIE CANAL
CORRIDOR ASSOCIATION

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

KEY DAY PRESENTATION







26th ANNUAL APPRECIATION DINNER
CENTER FOR NEUROLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
April 26, 2010
Fort Recovery American Legion

Director Joan Kiser introduces the staff

Jay Hogenkamp, Chairman of the Board

Jane Switzer and Sara Link(left)--5 year volunteers

Sandy Overman--15 Year Board Trustee

Verena Langenkamp--25 year Volunteer

Charlene and Bob Conrad discuss how Center
has helped their son

Jesse Conrad has been helped by the Center

Dale Uhlenhake and his wife Sharon

Lighting of Memorial Candles

Father Larry Wyen
6TH ANNUAL MERCER COUNTY SPORT STACKING TOURNAMENT
APRIL 17, 2010
CELINA I.C.

4th Grade Champions Marion Local Blue Flash

4th Grade Second Place Coldwater 5 Blind Mice

4th Grade individual winners Parker Link, Troy Buchler,
Seth Pierron, Sam Broering

5th Grade Champions St. Henry Big Red

5th Grade Second Place, Marion Local Gold Flash

Nathan Robinson, first place individual 5th Grade

Carrie Grieshop, third place individual 5th Grade
(not shown) Jared Bergman, second place individual
5th grade





















80th Annual Fort Recovery FFA Banquet
April 8, 2010
Fort Recovery Elementary Auditeria

Star Awards Kelsey Brokman, Dekalb Award;
Mark Post, Star Farmer; Cody Kaiser, Star Agriculture,
Eric Brackman, Star Greenhand

American FFA Degrees 2010 Beverly Lennartz,
Kelly Thien, Chris Gehret, Tom Will

State FFA Degrees 2010 Laura Braun, Riggs Florence,
Craig Fortkamp, Nathan Fortkamp, Craig Fullenkamp,
Zach Guggenbiller, Stephanie Heitkamp, Dustin Homan,
Jessica Link, Megan Rammel, Emily Schoenlein,
Aaron Sutter, Alan Vogel, Stacy Will

Steven Gower, Honorary Member is welcomed
by the Officers

President Cody Kaiser

Joe Hawk, Advisor

Michael Gower, Advisory

Pat Niekamp, Superintendent

Jeffrey Hobbs, High School Principal









Ken Lamm Auctioneer

Frank C. Murray, Master of Ceremonies

Chris Kuenning, Advisor

Victoria Barlett, Morgan Felver, Tannar Rutschilling

Morgan Felver

Victoria Barlett

Tannar Rutschilling

Frank C. Murray

Kimberly Rompilla, 2009 Chamber President

Kimberly Rompilla presents award to Trustee Deb Zwez

Pam Prater, 2010 Chamber President

Business of the Year, Pro Pet LLC

Ambassador Award, Jan and Jim Heinrich

Most Improved Property, First Financial Bank

Outstanding Business Person, John Wale

Non Profit Business of the Year, Auglaize County
Historical Society

Emerging Business of the Year, Snap Fitness

Kraig Noble presents Builder of Bridges Awards

Ray Barber, Builder of Bridges Award

Fern Johns, Builder of Bridges Award with one
of last year's winners, John Andreoni

Rhonda Shelby introduces Mrs. Jim Nupher

Mrs. Nupher accepts Builder of Bridges Award
for her husband, Rev. Jim Nupher

Memorial High School Mallet Percussion Ensemble

Kelly Kill, Executive Director St. Marys Area
Chamber of Commerce

Fern Johns and family members

Fern Johns Family

Tess Kaup Fort Recovery Citizen of the Year
Tess, Tom, Spencer, Hannah

Tess and Tom Kaup

Phil, Emily, and Karen Bauer

Mary Diller and Tess Kaup

Helen and Cy LeFevre; Toni and Greg LeFevre

Roger Lennartz

Diane Cooper

Bob Walter, Chamber President

Dr. Ed Hosbach, Emcee

Roger Broerman, Mayor

Ken Romer

Emily Bauer

Cy LeFevre and Jim Zehringer

Cy LeFevre

Nick Jutte, Ivan Kaffenberger, Roger Lennartz

Roger Lennartz

Mary Diller

Mary Diller and Tess Kaup

Tess Kaup

Senator Keith Faber

Jerry Laffin presents award to Diane Cooper
OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
RECOGNITION DINNER AND ANNUAL MEETING
MARCH 11, 2010
CELINA EAGLES


Ron Obringer, Alan Siefring, Shawn Everman, Cayla Hellwarth,
Biomedical Award Winner, Rita Dennis

Deb Hemmlegarn, Executive Director

Ed Homan, Board Member

Greg Homan

Linda Schoenherr, Board Secretary

Jerry Siefring, Board Chairman

Jeff Pontsler, Board Member

Diana Bertke, Board Member

Miss Ohio Erica Gelhaus


Cayla Hellwarth, Miss Lake Festival; Ellen Bryan, Miss Miami Valley

Cayla Hellwarth presents Biomedical Achievement Award

Cayla Hellwarth receives Outstanding Youth Award
from Ellen Bryan

Ron Obringer receives Disaster Response Award
from Ellen Bryan

Miss Ohio signs autographs









Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce
Annual Awards Banquet
February 25, 2010
Galleria, Celina, Ohio

Jim Coons, Shirley Gross, Pam Buschur, Robin Elston, Janet White

Robin Elston

Jim Coons

Jim Coons and Josh Vorhees

Janet White

Shirley Gross

Janet White and Shirley Gross

Pam Buschur

Mike and Brenda Robinson

Rev. Kenny Baker and Rev. Tim Clutter

Heather Kaiser, M.D., Chris Provaznik

Sharon LaRue

Brenda and Mike Robinson

Sharon LaRue, Brenda and Mike Robinson; Chris Pravaznik,
Mary Jo Dues, Heather Kaiser, M.D., Kellie Pearson, Rev. Clutter,
Rev. Baker

Jill Otte, Chris Pravaznik, Heather Kaiser, M.D., Kellie Pearson
Kathy Wendel, Nancy Jones, Mary Jo Dues, Judy Broering,
Mandy Fleck

Mark Obringer, President

Pastor Allan Brown

Dan Broering, Treasurer
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Dr. Greg Homan, Vice President

Lisa Niekamp-Urwin

Mayor Lavern Stamen

John Yoder, Past President

John Yoder and Mark Obringer present Business
of the Year to Les Quinter and Doug Koesters of
Central Soft Water

Gary Bruns of The Mister Shoppe accepts
Business of the Year Award

Tom Homan. Sr. and Dave Homan of Homan
Real Estate Accept Business of the Year

Tom Homan, Sr. of Homan Real Estate

Eric Thomas, Coldwater Engineer/Village Administrator

Mark Obringer congratulates David McDonough
and Dale Bertke of Schwieterman's Pharmacy
Community Improvement Award

Doug Klosterman, President of Mercer Health
Board of Governors accepts Community Improvement
Award

Dr. Greg Homan presents Organization of the Year Award
to Marty Krieg and Bob Rutschilling of Thanks to
Our Yanks

Chuck Meyer is Citizen of the Year

Dr. Greg Homan presents Volunteer of the year
to Marge Homan

Mark Obringer passes the gavel to Dr. Greg Homan

Gary Bruns and Mister Shoppe staff accept
Business of the Year Award from Dr. Greg Homan
and Mark Obringer

Award Winners poise for group picture

Mark Obringer, Chuck Meyer, Citizen of the Year,
and Dr. Greg Homan

Mark Obringer, Marty Krieg and Bob Rutschilling
of Thanks to Our Yanks, Organization of the Year, and
Dr. Greg Homan

Mark Obringer, Tom Homan, Sr, Dave Homan,
Business of the Year, Homan Real Estate, and Dr.
Greg Homan

Mark Obringer, Paula Detterman, Mercer Health CEO,
Doug Klosterman, Board President, and Dr. Greg Homan,
Community Improvement Award

Business of the Year, Central Soft Water, Matt
Vogel, Doug Koesters, Les Quinter, Jana Muhlenkamp recognized
by Mark Obringer and Dr. Greg Homan

Marge Homan, Volunteer of the Year recognized
by Mark Obringer and Dr. Greg Homan

Schwieterman's Pharmacy Dale Bertke and David
McDonough recognized by Mark Obringer and
Dr. Greg Homan for Community Improvement
Mercer County Pheasants Forever
Chapter 745
7th Annual Banquet
St. Henry American Legion
January 30, 2010

Jonas Foote, Master of the Evening Program

Senator Keith Faber and Represenative Jim
Zehringer

President Bill Knapke recognizes Lila Miller of
Southmoor Sportsman Club

Secretary Brian Miller announces his appointment
to state level

Brian Miller presents state awards to Bill Knapke

Jordan Gross and Jacob Frysinger win scholarships

Kyle VanTilburg's key opens the lock

Auctioneer Larry Keller

Cassandra Homan, Chandra Heitamp, Mindy Homan,
Rachel Stiwell

Bill Knapke Sells ballon game chances

Shelia Mergess

Susie Liette

Mike Schmidtz

Judge Mary Pat Zitter

Gene Lennartz

Bill Ringo

Jay Frysinger

Kyle Vantilburg's key opens the gun case

Gary Gross

Matt VanTilburg wins "Pick of the Litter"

Michelle Kiser

Jack Link

Tracy Westgerdes

Ruth Hosier

Ken Lefeld

Michael Niekamp

Larry Acheson


Everett Frank
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Linda Guggenbiller


Scott Frey, Executive Director Southwestern Auglaize
County Chamber of Commerce

Scott Frey recognizes Susan Quellhorst 2009 Chamber
President

Brittany Wierwille

Rev. Dr. David A. Williams

Cory Noonan representating Jim Jordon

Representative John Adams

Senator Steve Buehrer

Minster Mayor Dennis Kitzmiller

New Knoxville Mayor Keith Leffel

New Bremen Mayor Jeff Pape



Mark Mattraw and Ryan Heitkamp

Ryan Heitkamp and Mark Mattraw

Ryan Heitkamp and Mark Mattraw



Ted Shuttleworth

Father Thomas Dorn

Mayor Roger Broerman

Kyle Wendel

Dennis Denny and Kyle Wendel


Scoutmaster Tom Fullenkamp


Ryan Heitkamp and Mark Mattraw

Mark Mattraw and his parents

Ryan Heitkamp and his parents

Judge Mary Pat Zitter



Representative Jim Zehringer


Ryan Heitkamp

Mark Mattraw

Mayor Roger Broerman

Pastor Allen Brown



Tom Knapke, Master of Ceremonies

2010 Cattlemen Queen Olivia Houts is recognized by Representative
Jim Zehringer and Senator Keith Faber

Secretary Mary Siefring and Queen Olivia Houts

Ernie and Gladys Kuess, Cattlemen of the Year

Tom Knapke, Keith Faber, Jim Zehringer, Vern Shroyer,
Randy Seeger, John Wenning, Kenny Puthoff
Mercer Landmark Beef Supporter Award

Jim Hoorman, OSU Ag Education Specialist

Dave Puthoff. Ohio Cattlemen's Association

Brother Nick discussed aid to Haiti and gave the
invocation

David Crone, Ventriloquist and Eugene

The Rope Trick

Dave Crone and Curtis

David Crone and Wilbur

Mark Houts. Wibur, David Crone, and Edna

Wilbur, David, and Edna

David Crone and Jim Zehringer

Keith Faber and David Crone

Senator Faber, David Crone, and Rep. Zehringer

Mary Siefring, Secretary and Public Relations

Students help Tom Knapke with door prizes
2009 Celebration and Appreciation
Luncheon
United Way of Auglaize County
St. Marys Eagles
January 14, 2010
Randy Fisher, Executive Director of United Way of Auglaize County
Scott Frey Executive Director of Southwestern Auglaize County
Chamber of Commerce
Vern Doenges
Vern Doenges
Darla Gossard
Trena Chiles and Darla Gossard
Randy Fisher presents awards
Commissioner Doug Spencer
Commissioner Doug Spencer
Doug Spencer and Joy Winget
Bob Huecker and Doug Spencer
Bob Huecker
Randy Fisher and Gail Walter
Mendon Lions and Santa
Family Christmas Dinner
Ann and Josh Heppard Performers
November, 2009
Josh and Anna Heppard
Santa Claus
Dan Crouch and Santa
Santa and Shelby
Santa and Jerry Rolsten
Santa and Joan Dudgeon
Donnie Dudgeon and Santa
Nancy Krugh and Santa
Helen Rolsten and Santa
Santa and Josh Heppard
Olene Grieshop, Santa, Ginny Miller
Bill Grier and Santa
Anna Heppard and Santa
Joan Dudgeon and Santa
Santa and Ron Krugh
Santa and John Adams
Merle Stelzer and Shelby
NEWS UPDATE FOR JANUARY 10, 2010

There will be a "Send Off Celebration for Miss Ohio Eric Gelhaus
on Sunday, January 10 at Romer's in St. Henry at 2 p.m. She will be
competing for Miss America in Las Vegas at the end of
January, 2010.
SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE JANUARY 4, 2010
RIBBON CUTTING HELD FOR ADULT DETENTION CENTER

Ric Axline, John Bruns, Sheriff Jeff Grey, Bob Nuding, Jerry Laffin, Judge
Jeff Ingraham
The Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony were held on Monday, January 4 at the new Adult Detention Facility and Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
Several staff, county leaders, and Jail Advisory members, and community members were on hand for the dedication.

Commissioner John Bruns
John Bruns, chairman of the Mercer County Commissioners gave the introduction and welcome. The group moved outside briefly for the flag raising by the Sheriff’s Office Deputies.

Steve Merrill
Steve Merrill sang the National Anthem and Captain Jodie Lange led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sheriff's Deputies Raise the flags
Commissioner Jerry Laffin and Sheriff Jeff Grey addressed the group. Commissioner Laffin gave a brief history of the decision to build a jail along with the decisions to put it on the ballot, selection of an architect, and selection of the site. He thanked the many people involved in the process including the various contractor.

Commissioner Jerry Laffin
Sheriff Jeff Grey reviewed the history of the construction and also thanked the many people involved in the project. He also thanked the Jail Advisory Committee and the general public for their support of the project. Allthough some of the staff have moved to the new jail, prisoners will not be moved to the new location until February.

Sheriff Jeff Grey
Commissoner Bob Nuding led several dignitaries, including the commissioners, Judge Jeffrey Ingraham, and others in the actual ribbon cutting. Rev. Randy Christian, Sheriff’s Office Chaplain, gave the benediction.

Pastor Randy Christian
Tours were then given to the members of the public present for the dedication ceremonies.
NEWS UPDATE FOR JANUARY 11, 2010

Mr. Greg Kulwicki
Mr. Wendell Schick, Financial Aid Director at the University of Northwestern Ohio will be available at St. Henry High School Wednesday, January 13 at 6:30 P.M. He will explain the do's and dont's of submitting the FAFSA and give an overview of the financial aid process.
The FAFSA is required by all schools, if you desire to seek financial aid. Estimates of federal income tax returns for 2009 may be saved on the FAFSA web site. Using your 2008 tax return, and your FAFSA on the Web Worksheet go to the web site and fill out you estimated FAFSA. Please attempt to save your estimated FAFSA before attending the meeting . This will generate questions for Mr Schick.
When your 2009 federal income tax return is completed you can return to you estimated FAFSA and fill in the exact figures before final submission. Parents will have the opportunity to work on line and Mr. Schick will be available to address concerns that arise when filling out the form.
FAFSA on the Web Worksheets can be obtained by going to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and click on the second bullet under the #1.
Additional assistance will be available on Sunday, February 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lake Campus for College Goal Sunday
Dr. Jim Sayer will retire from the university on June 30, 2010

Dean James Sayer
CELINA, Ohio – James E. Sayer, Ph.D., Dean of Wright State University – Lake Campus, will be retiring on June 30, 2010. Sayer is in his thirty-sixth year of service at Wright State University. The past two and a half years he has served as the Dean of the Lake Campus. Before coming to the Lake Campus Sayer completed 18 years as Chair of the Department of Communications at WSU Dayton.
Since arriving in 2007 at the Lake Campus, Dean Sayer has overseen the completion of the $9 million renovation and construction project, as well as brought new programs such as criminal justice, computer science and mechanical engineering to the region. He has watched the enrollment increase 61% during his tenure at the Lake Campus, and remains connected to the community through the columns he publishes in several local newspapers.
Sayer earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University, a master’s degree from the University of Arizona and his Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University. Along with his career at Wright State University, Sayer completed four years of service at the University of Arizona which has earned him 40 years of teaching service credit, the maximum pension level. These circumstances led Dean Sayer to make the difficult decision to retire, in hopes that his replacement will continue the momentum.
A committee has been formed and a national search will soon begin to find Sayer’s replacement. “Whoever he or she turns out to be, that person will come to a campus that is completely renovated, that has an expanding curriculum, and a very hard-working faculty and staff,” says Sayer. “Given how wonderful our Lake Campus is and how equally wonderful this area is, I am certain that a really good replacement will be found.”
Lake Campus Inviting Former Players to Basketball Game
Alumni Network and Student Government teaming to recognize all athletes
CELINA, OH –
WHO: All former Lake Campus men’s and women’s basketball players, cheerleaders and coaches
WHAT: Lake Campus Men’s and Women’s Basketball Game vs. Rhodes State College
WHERE: Mercer-Auglaize County YMCA in Celina, OH
WHEN: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
5pm: Women’s Tip-off
7pm: Men’s Tip-off
Wright State University – Lake Campus is inviting all former men’s and women’s basketball players, cheerleaders and coaches to the Lakers basketball game on Wednesday, January 20 for an evening full of memories, entertainment and recognition.
The Lakers will take on rival Rhodes State College with the women’s game beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the men’s following at 7:00 p.m. Former players in attendance will be announced at half time of both games.
As part of the celebration, the Lake Campus Alumni Network and Lake Campus Student Government are hosting “Spirit Day.” Activities will include food, prizes and festivities all day at the Lake Campus for students, faculty and staff.
For more information, or if you are a former Laker of know of a past player who would like to participate, please contact Pat Howard at 419-586-0300 or pat.howard@wright.edu.
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Country Cousins 4-H Club Meeting
by Anna Jenkins
On January 4, 2010 , the Country Cousins held their first meeting of the new year. The meeting was from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Coldwater Police Station. Our president Keith Wendel started the meeting. Fourteen of the fifteen members were present, along with three Clover Buds. The roll call was taken by Amanda Lochtefeld, and the pledges were led by Jesse Jenkins who led the Pledge of Allegiance and Cody Heiby who led the 4-H Pledge.
We are looking into finding open spots to sponsor a horse trophy and poultry, and are as usual sponsoring a rabbbit trophy. To raise our awareness around the flu season, we did a hidden germs worksheet, "Find the Hidden Germs." Then we all got our groove on to "cha-Cha Slide Part 2," organized by our Activities Director, Jesse Jenkins.
Our next meeting will be held on February 1, 2010 at the Coldwater Police Station.
Anna Jenkins
NEWS UPDATE FOR JANUARY 4, 2010
United Way of Auglaize County Seeks Volunteers for Tax Preparation
For the last two years the United Way of Auglaize County and the Ohio Benefit Bank have partnered to bring free tax preparation for qualified individuals and families in Auglaize County whose incomes were below $56,000. This year as we gear up for another successful effort we are looking for volunteers to help us implement the program.
The United Way of Auglaize County is offering free training for all volunteers to become a vital part of community-based efforts to help individuals and families file their taxes and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits and benefits. Training will be held at the Wapakoneta High School on Saturday January 9, 2010 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and lunch will be provided. Anyone interested should call the United Way of Auglaize County office by Tuesday January 5, 2010 to reserve your spot in the training.
The United Way of Auglaize County positively impacts our community by focusing on the building blocks to a better life: Education, Health, and Financial Stability. We are a local organization serving local needs. For more information or to make a donation please contact our office at 419-739-7717 or visit our website at www.auglaizeunitedway.org.
Ag Breakfast Scheduled for January 7, 2010
Good morning! This is your reminder that the next Ag Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 7:32 am in the large first-floor conference room of the Central Services Building in Celina. Breakfast will be $6.00.
Staff from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will present information on Animal Disease Outbreak Preparedness
WHO SHOULD REPRESENT OHIO IN STATUARY HALL?

Senator Keith Faber
If you have visited our nation’s Capitol Building, you may have wandered through Statuary Hall on your way from the magnificent Rotunda to the House wing of the building. Back in 1864, Congress authorized each of the states to furnish statues in either marble or bronze to commemorate the civic or military achievements of two individuals who hail from that state. Since the 1880s, Ohio has been represented by marble likenesses of former President of the United States and congressman from Ohio James Garfield, and former congressman and Ohio Governor William Allen.
A federal law change in 2000 established a procedure by which states may petition to exchange their statutes and fostered a movement in Ohio to replace the statue of Governor Allen with an individual who better represents the values and traditions of Ohio. William Allen opposed the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War -- a view inconsistent with Ohio’s distinguished history as a stop on the Underground Railroad and at the forefront of the abolition movement. In 2006, the Ohio General Assembly formally passed a bill to establish a bipartisan panel of legislators and tasked them with finding a suitable replacement for Governor Allen. It is important to note that when the decision is made, the replacement statue will be funded with privately-raised dollars.
This year, the committee has held field hearings across the state to learn about the lives and accomplishments of great Ohioans like inventor Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, Shawnee leader and warrior Tecumseh, Union General and former President Ulysses S. Grant, former President Rutherford B. Hayes, Olympian Jesse Owens, abolitionist James Ashley and Major League Baseball player William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy. Unfortunately, it seems the more the Committee learns about the lives of these individuals, the more difficult the decision becomes to choose just one.
More hearings are planned in the coming months, but you also have an opportunity to weigh in on the discussion by visiting www.legacyforohio.org. To be eligible for consideration, the individual must be deceased and must have been a resident of Ohio. This is a great opportunity for parents to encourage their children to learn about Ohio history and to form their own opinions about who they’d like to see representing our state in the U.S. Capitol.
Though there are certainly more pressing public policy issues on which the General Assembly must remain focused over the next year, the work of the Statuary Committee has served as a welcome reminder of Ohio’s proud heritage and of the strength of its people throughout our history. Ohio-bred inventors, scientists, athletes, war heroes, business and civic leaders and entertainers have contributed greatly to the fabric of our nation and will continue to do so in the years ahead.
As always, I welcome you views on state government issues. Please contact my office via e-mail: sd12@senate.state.oh.us, via phone: (614) 466-7505 or via mail: State Senator Keith Faber, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
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Red Cross Update for January 2010
Health & Safety classes First Aid Thursday, January 12th 6-9:30 pm Child/Infant CPR Thursday, January 21st 6-9:30pm Adult CPR Tuesday, January 26th 6-9:30pm Aquatics Classes Lifeguard classes are starting soon. Call the YMCA to register 419-586-9622 Disaster Classes Foundations of Disaster Mental Health- Saturday, January 9th 8-5pm. This course has been approved by the Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage & Family Therapist Board for 6.5 hours of continuing education for Counselors, Social Workers, & Marriage & Family Therapists and has been approved for 6.5 contact hours for RNs. Upcoming Blood Drives Monday Jan 4th @ Celina K of C 12 noon-6 pm Saturday, Jan 9th @ Burkettsville Shelter House 8-12noon Monday, January 11th @ Maria Stein American Legion 11:30-6;30 pm Monday January 11th @ Coldwater American Legion 12noon-6pm Wednesday, January 27th @ St Henry American Legion 12:30-6:30pm **January is Blood Donor Recognition Month**. Please help me in thanking all of our dedicated Red Cross Blood Donors! Thank You Donors for helping the Red Cross save lives! Mark your calendars! Volunteer Recognition Dinner to be held on March 11th 6pm at the Eagles Holiday Mail for Heroes was a rewarding success! Mid-December 1000’s of Holiday Cards arrived at the Mercer County Chapter. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, the cards were screened and distributed to local veterans, deployed military members and their families. Participating in this campaign provided the opportunity to especially remember those who currently serve or that have served our country in the past and their loved ones who support and stand by them during this holiday season. The cards were very much appreciated by the servicepersons and veterans and we have received numerous thank you cards & calls from military persons. One local serviceman stationed in Iraq stated, “Thank you for helping to make this time of year joyous for deployed soldiers. Although we would prefer to be home this time of year, what we do is important enough that we are apart from friends and Family members. Thank you to the Red Cross and the volunteers who participated in this gift.” Service to the Armed Forces due to the generosity of a couple of local donors, the Mercer County Chapter was also able to provide comfort packs to some of our local service persons & veterans. The gift consisted of fruit, a ham, candies and other Holiday items. Thanks to the volunteers and donors for helping the Red Cross bring a little Christmas Cheer to those that are serving our great country! Also thank you to Operation Freedom Support for assisting with the postage. Best of Luck to Erica Gelhaus at the Miss America pageant on January 30th! Erica is a supporter of the American Red Cross and a dedicated blood donor. Best of Luck and safe travels to Erica and her family. The American Red Cross is thankful to Erica for her support and we are very proud of her many accomplishments!! The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization & is not a government agency. Our chapter relies on the generosity of the citizens in Mercer County to fulfill the Red Cross mission to prevent, prepare, & respond to disasters. 419-586-2201 Fax 419-586-2499 email redcross@bright.net mercercounty.redcross.org
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Mercer County Fair Board December 1, 2009 Minutes
Attendees: Jeff Selhorst, Ryan Muhlenkamp, Mike Fullenkamp, Jay Hein, Robin Link, Nick Grier, Ivan Knapp, Pat Schmitt, Jerry Bollenbacher, Randy Canary, Kris Hinton, Steve Schulte, Jackie Lacy
Guests: Cheryl McKirnan, Don Adams, Glen Florence, Alyssa Muhlenkamp, Larry Bowers, Michael Gower, Alan Post, Joe Bey, Bill Hemmelgarn, Mike Osterholt, Mikayla Rauch, Deb Hemmelgarn
Meeting called to order by President Jeff Selhorst.
Minutes: Ivan Knapp made a motion to accept the November minutes, seconded by Jay Hein. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurers
Report: Steve Schulte gave a brief treasurer’s report since Emily Breymaier was not present. Pat Schmitt made a motion to accept the report, seconded by Jerry Bollenbacher. Motion passed.
Monthly
Bills: Ryan Muhlenkamp made a motion to pay the monthly bills, seconded by Kris Hinton. Motion passed.
Guests: Mikayla Rauch said she was here representing the Junior Fairboard.
Mike Osterholt, Deb Hemmelgarn, and Bill Hemmelgarn were here representing the go kart races. They said if the Fairboard would like them to come back to the fair they were interested in being here. After some discussion on the day for the event, track work, and sponsorships, Kris made a motion to have them back at the same cost of $800, seconded by Jay. Motion passed.
Alyssa Muhlenkamp said she is here representing the Junior Fairboard. She said they would like to have the sheep show by breed and show by weight in breed. Ryan said he would attend the next Junior Fairboard meeting but felt this could be done okay. Ryan made a motion for junior fair show market lamb by breed, seconded by Randy Canary. Motion passed.
Alan Post and Michael Gower presented a new FFA Food Stand Proposal. They showed a diagram of the size, looks, etc. and asked for procedure help in getting this done. The Fairboard is in favor for them to proceed to see what needs to be done. They will meet with Jim Wiechart and the Buildings & Grounds Committee.
Alan Post said the Parkway FFA and another group will be doing a day on community service on the grounds in April.
Cheryl McKirnan presented the Junior Fair expenses for 2010. She also asked to be reimbursed for two registrations to the OFMA convention in January for her and another advisor going to the convention. Pat made a motion to reimburse the $80 to Cheryl, seconded by Randy. Motion passed.
Glen Florence said the black top project is not moving too fast. He has gotten various prices. Steve said he spoke with Jim Wiechart today and the $9,900 is the accurate figure.
Fair
Managers
Report: Steve Schulte presented a 2010 budget for the society. Jay made a motion to accept the budget, seconded by Kris. Motion passed.
Jackie explained the budget that Emily would like to have for fair entertainment. Robin Link made a motion to set the entertainment budget at $8,000, do not have the Jungle Island Zoo back this year, and to be able to do contracts at the convention with board final approval. A second to the motion was made by Pat. Motion passed.
Committee
Report: Ryan reported that the committee met with the Auction Committee. Those on the Fairboard who attended were: Ryan, Jay, Steve, and Pat. Jay said the meeting went well. They understand they have to be accounted for. Jay wants to work with them with the dairy. Officers were elected: President-Seth Kohnen, Vice President-Allen Spoltman, and Secretary-Carrie Fortkamp. The treasurer position was tabled at this time. Steve Knapke is still on the committee and Alan Post is on the committee. It doesn’t look like Barb Kohnen will be on the committee. The meeting was 180 degree change from the last meeting with them.
There was a short discussion on resending the motion about handling the gallon of milk and it was decided to hold of on taking any action.
Steve said he volunteered Jackie to help with checks etc. He said the best part of the meeting is that the Auction Committee has $5,000-$10,000 for the Jr. Fr. Building and $5,000 for the Long Range Committee.
Nick Grier explained that grandstand events group met and they recommend one night of demo derby. Tug a truck could be a possibility for Friday and he has sponsors if it is held that night.
Robin Link and Jackie explained a Community Garage Sale event for April 17th with the proceeds going to the Jr. Fr. Building. Jay made a motion to have the event, seconded by Randy. Motion passed.
Old
Business: Community Christmas – need volunteers to man the bonfire.
Saturday – Mike Fullenkamp and Randy
Sunday – Jeff & Janel and Steve
Grandstand Schedule – discussion on what and when
Jerry Bollenbacher said this year would probably break even on horses with three days of races. In 2011 possibly only have two days of races. Ivan made a motion to have harness races Sunday at 1:30 p.m., Monday at 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Mike made a second to the motion. Motion passed.
New
Business: Jerry made a motion to have the January Fairboard meeting on January 12th because of being at the convention, seconded by Randy. Motion passed.
Jerry presented his speed budget. Jerry made a motion to pass the budget, seconded by Kris. Motion passed.
It was agreed the committee would look over the vendor contracts and come back at the next meeting with any recommendations.
Fair theme – voted and decided – A Wheelin’ Squealin’ Good Time
Misc.
Comments: Jerry made a motion to pay the $55 credit card insurance fee, seconded by Randy. Motion passed.
Jackie explained about the Extravaganza Raffle at the convention if anyone was interested in participating.
Jackie reminded everyone about the Fairboard Christmas Party.
Randy made a motion to donate $100 towards the American Legion food baskets, seconded by Jay. Motion passed.
At 10:25 p.m. Ivan made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Nick. Motion passed.
Auction Committee Elects Officers
Ryan Muhlenkamp reported that the Fair Board committee met with the Auction Committee at the end of November, 2009 Those on the Fairboard who attended were: Ryan Muhlenkamp, Jay Hein, Steve Schulte, and Pat Schmitt. Jay said the meeting went well. They understand they have to be accounted for. Jay wants to work with them with the dairy. Officers were elected: President-Seth Kohnen, Vice President-Allen Spoltman, and Secretary-Carrie Fortkamp. The treasurer position was tabled at this time. Steve Knapke is still on the committee and Alan Post is on the committee. It doesn’t look like Barb Kohnen will be on the committee. The meeting was 180 degree change from the last meeting with them.
There was a short discussion on resending the motion about handling the gallon of milk and it was decided to hold off on taking any action.
Steve said he volunteered Jackie to help with checks etc. He said the best part of the meeting is that the Auction Committee has $5,000-$10,000 for the Jr. Fr. Building and $5,000 for the Long Range Committee.
FFA Proposes Construction of New Food Stand

Alan Post and Michael Gower presented a new FFA Food Stand Proposal. They showed a diagram of the size, looks, etc. and asked for procedure help in getting this done. The Fairboard is in favor for them to proceed to see what needs to be done. They will meet with Jim Wiechart and the Buildings & Grounds Committee.
The Supervisors and Staff of the Mercer Soil & Water Conservation District remind producers to use best management practices on their land especially when dealing with winter manure application. Ohio’s livestock producers are at the risk of losing the sometimes necessary option of winter manure application if pollution problems resulting from wintertime manure spreading occur. To protect this option, farmers and applicators need to guard water quality by minimizing winter application and by following the current USDA/NRCS Practice Standard #633 when winter manure application is unavoidable.
Ohio has not implemented any rules on the manure application window for small to medium size livestock farm operations. However, there are suggested guidelines (#633) in place that if implemented will greatly reduce or eliminate the potential for nutrients to enter into watercourses, road ditches, streams and rivers. Anyone applying manure should be aware of all catch basins, watercourses, concentrated field flow areas, grassed waterways, riser pipes, tile inlets, culvert pipes and tile blowouts. In the winter, the ground becomes frozen with snow and ice and any manure applied to the surface will run when the sun shines or the ground begins to thaw out. The soil cannot absorb manure if the ground is already saturated.
Winter manure application is not encouraged and should be avoided when possible. However, some producers do not have the capabilities to store manure for the entire winter period. Some ways to protect surface and ground water in the winter months is to cover more acres thus applying less manure per acre. Split applications on the same land may also be an option.
Ground covered fields that have at least 90% surface residue remaining are good to utilize in the winter months. This includes all grain residue remaining after harvest including corn fodder, wheat stubble and old hay fields or winter cover cropped fields including wheat, oats and rye sowed into silage fields. Ground that does not meet the 90% ground cover criteria is corn silage fields, clipped and baled wheat stubble, tilled ground and hay ground that has less than a couple inches of new growth after the last harvest.
Liquid applications are limited to 5,000 gallons per acre and solid manure is limited to 10 wet tons of manure. Manure shall not be applied on more than 20 contiguous acres. Contiguous acres for application are to be separated by a break of at least 200’ of non manured land. Utilize the areas that are furthest from streams, road ditches, rivers, surface tile inlets and bodies of water. A 200’ minimum setback distance from manure sensitive areas is also suggested (this includes but is not limited to wells, catch basins, road ditches and concentrated flow areas).
For some farmers, adding storage capacity would help. Others might need to manage applications more carefully. Federal incentive dollars through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) may be available to producers to increase storage capacity and to develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). For more information about manure application criteria, EQIP or other manure management issues, contact the SWCD office at 419-586-3289.
Ohio School for the Blind to March in Rose Day Parade
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Click here for pictures of Town Hall Christmas
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