Judge Ingraham Addresses Worth Graduates

(NOTE TO READER) HERE YOU WILL FIND SOME STORIES THAT ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN ANOTHER FILE. (Updated November, 2008)

This file includes stories from October, September, and August, 2008, Add November, December, January, 2009 (added February, March, April, 2009 Also, added is August, 2009, Also added October and November, 2009, added December, 2009

Jacob Eilerman
Celina, Ohio/USA – (1/18/10) Vince Franz, Vice President of Actuarial Services, is pleased to announce that Jacob Eilerman has joined Celina Insurance Group.

Jacob graduated summa cum laude from the University of Toledo in 2008. In addition to earning both a Mathematics and Economics degree, he was tapped as the Economic Department's outstanding graduating senior and earned a spot on the University of Toledo's elite President's list. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Actuarial Science from Ball State University and expects to graduate in May of 2011. In his new role as an Actuarial Analyst Trainee, he is responsible for delivering business intelligence data on a regular and on-request basis including providing maintenance, training and enhancements on Celina's data warehouse. Jacob's other responsibilities involve producing business projections, predictive modeling applications and pricing reviews of Personal, Commercial, and Farm lines of business.

Franz comments, "Jacob's stellar college performance attracted us to him immediately. He is an example of talent returning to Mercer county, and I know he will be a valuable resource for our department."

Jacob currently resides in his hometown of Coldwater, Ohio.

Founded in 1914, Celina Insurance Group is a family of mutual property and casualty insurance companies. Celina underwrites auto, non-standard auto, home, commercial auto, commercial property and casualty, umbrella and farm coverages in eight Midwestern states. Celina Insurance Group is represented by some 600 agencies and employs 168 people.

Bowling Fund Raiser

Cost $25.00 per person 5 people per team

Total 125.00 per team

Dates & Times

We the Bowling committee, would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in the upcoming 2010 Mercer County Go-Kart Racing Fund Raiser. This year it will be held at Miracle Lanes in Ft. Recovery. Come and enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun with us in Ft. Recovery along with Cliff Wendel, the proprietor of Miracle Lanes.

Send Entries to:

- Raffle Drawing will take place following the last shift bowling on Saturday back at the St Henry Nite Club (approx 11:00 p.m.)

Free Bus Ride from St Henry Nite Club –Bus Leaves 30 Minutes before Bowling Time

Proceeds will go toward purchase of Equipment for Go Kart Racing, in return will raise money for the Red Cross

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Celina-Mercer County Chamber Awards Bqnquet:

The Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, February 25^th at The Galleria in Celina. Tickets are on sale now for $25 each or a corporate table of 8 for $195. The evening will begin with a social hour with appetizers, cash bar and a delicious dinner. Past President Janet White and 2010 President Shirley Gross will review the chamber’s activities and goals.

The annual chamber awards will be given out at the end of the program. Awards are given for business of the year, citizen of the year, humanitarian and achievement awards. Nominate a business or person of your choice by calling the chamber at 419 586-2219 or by filling out the nomination form online at www.celinamercer.com.

In keeping with one of the chamber’s 2010 goal of using more local talent, goods, and services, Celina native and international business consultant Robin Elston, owner and CEO of Elston Consulting LLC will be our guest speaker. Elston Consulting LLC specializes in improving their clients’ commitment, productivity, and results in both their personal and business lives. They work with clients in all kinds of situations, from making continual improvement, to planning major acquisition or downsizing, to overhauling the organization’s strategic plan. Elston Consulting’s success in helping clients comes from the rare combination of extensive experience, scientific thought processes, and the most innovative programs specifically designed to meet each client’s needs.

Open to the public but space is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Chamber at 419 586-2219 or email info@celinamercer.com.

The Parkway FFA members throughout the month of November were selling fruit to the public. The sale consisted of apples, navels, tangelos, grapefruit, BBQ Sauce, peanuts, and many other things that appealed to many people. The fruit was received in the middle of December and was packaged in the next two days. It was then delivered to the customers within the week, or even the day. The members are still taking in their money if you have not paid for your fruit.

As the Parkway FFA Chapter, there were 753.50 boxes sold. This amounts to approximately 19,800 dollars brought in through this fundraiser. This sale is up 64 boxes from last year, but still not the top selling year yet!

The Parkway FFA Chapter uses these funds to pay for many activities and events that the students experience throughout the year. Some of these events are State and National Convention, CDE events, Officer Retreat, furnishing the fair food stand, and many other opportunities that teach students lessons and give them memories. The Parkway FFA Chapter would like to thank the communities for buying fruit and supporting your Parkway FFA Chapter!

The Parkway FFA on Saturday December 19^th, 2009 sent a Varsity Parliamentary Procedure team to compete at State finals in Columbus. Within the month, the Parliamentary team had won sub-districts and placed 2^nd at districts to earn their bid to state.

The team had practiced very hard in the mornings before school to prepare for this event. The team also went up on Friday night and stayed at a nearby hotel in order to practice and get more sleep for the event. The team bonded over supper at Mongolian Grill and practiced more meetings and questions in the hotel’s suite.

The team consisted of Claire Burtch, Seth Houts, Stephany Hesse, Corbin Hellwarth- President, Zach Searight- Vice President, Abby Evans- Treasurer, Olivia Houts- Student Advisor, Caden Hellwarth- Sentinel, Destinee Guggenbiller- Secretary, and Danielle Matthews- Reporter.

The team placed 4^th in their room with a score of 1048.25. This placed them at 18^th overall.

Picture first row: Abby Evans, Stephany Hesse, Claire Burtch, Destinee Guggenbiller, Olivia Houts, and Seth Houts.

Second row: Danielle Matthews, Caden Hellwarth, Corbin Hellwarth, and Zach Searight.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer Auglaize and Van Wert Counties is gearing up for its 20^th annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake Fundraiser, the donor-funded volunteer-supported agency wants to remind area communities that it needs funding as well as volunteers.

Each year, for more than four decades, Bowl For Kids’ Sake has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies through out the country. The premiere fundraiser provides a way for mentors and their friends and families, as well as caring people who might not have time to mentor, to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Independent studies find “Littles” are more likely to be successful in school, avoid violent, harmful and illegal behaviors and activities, and have strong relationships with their families and others. Children served through Big Brothers Big Sisters are primarily those of single, low-income or incarcerated parents.

Nationwide every year, the Big Brothers Big Sisters network raises 20 million dollars through this effort. Those wishing to begin impacting children’s lives right in our community can participate by challenging themselves to raise money and have fun doing it by participating in Bowl For Kids Sake events taking place across the three county area. Celina, Minster and Van Wert will host the event this year. Celina Plaza Lanes and Minster Community Lanes will take place on Sunday, March 14 and Van Wert Community Lanes will take place on Sunday, March 21^st. Be a person who can affect change now by participating and/or donating to support Bowl for Kids' Sake! You can request a packet or sign up your team by calling 419-394-2990 or visit our website at www.bbbsma.com.

The New Bremen Senior Citizens regular monthly meeting will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Senior Citizens Center, 700 East Monroe St., New Bremen.

Grand Lake Health System will be checking blood pressures 30 minutes prior to the 2:00 meeting. Members and guests are welcome to participate.

Paul Hoverman from Niswonger Performing Arts Center will be discussing upcoming productions. Matt Kovacic from Life Line Screenings will give a presentation on “Community Health Screening” which will be held on March 12, 2010 at the Senior Citizens center.

Any senior citizen in the area 55 & older is invited to attend and join in the fellowship. Guests are always welcome to any of the meetings.

Following the attendance drawing, a light lunch served by Irma Hoying, Helen Wissman, Joe & Marie Wendeln.

For information on rentals call Lowell Quellhorst @ 419-629-3352; quilts Mary Hespe @ 419-629-0704. All other information call Suzanne Heuker @ 419-629-2206 or Rita Heitkamp @ 419-629-2877

I want to remind everyone that we've got the Annual State of the Villages Breakfast coming up on Thursday January 28th, 2010. This year's event is sponsored once again by The St Marys Evening Leader and The Community Post. Chamber member Main Street Station will cater the breakfast for us again as well.

If you've not RSVP'd already, please get with the Chamber of Commerce to reserve your place. The cost is $8.00 and we can invoice you, or just send a check after you RSVP.

Scott M. Frey
Executive Director
Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce
107 West Monroe Street, Suite 2 PO Box 3
New Bremen, OH 45869
Phone (419) 629-0313 Fax (419) 629-0411
Cell (419) 204-8729
www.auglaize.org

THE FORT RECOVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WILL AGAIN HONOR THE INDIVIDUALS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO HAVE RENDERED OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FORT RECOVERY COMMUNITY. THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS WILL BE HELD DURING A BANQUET ON SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010 AT THE FORT RECOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITERIA. THE BANQUET WILL BEGIN WITH A SOCIAL HOUR AT 6:00 P.M. FOLLOWED BY A DINNER AND PROGRAM.

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY FOR BOTH “CITIZEN OF THE YEAR” AND “HALL OF FAME” AWARDS:

THE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE PERSON WHO HAS GIVEN OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FT RECOVERY COMMUNITY DURING 2009.

THE HALL OF FAME AWARD(S) WILL BE PRESENTED TO A CITIZEN(S) WHO HAS GIVEN OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FT RECOVERY COMMUNITY IN PAST YEARS.

NOMINATION FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010 AND ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: FT RECOVERY LIBRARY, POST OFFICE, MERCER SAVINGS BANK, SECOND NATIONAL BANK AND FIRST FINANCIAL BANK.

TICKETS FOR THE BANQUET MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ANY CHAMBER MEMBER OR BY CALLING 375-2530.

Bill Montgomery and Rob Howell

January 18, 2009, Celina, OH—The week of September 13-17, 2009 saw Celinans Rob Howell and Bill Montgomery join 130 other " Men of Good Cheer" in Cooperstown, New York, for the Legends of Baseball's World Series.

Playing on historic Doubleday Field, their team won 6 and lost 4 (by a total of 5 runs) making it to the second round of the playoffs before bowing out in a 1-0 loss.

Howell, Celina ACME Baseball's Head Coach, went 2-0 on the mound, batted over .500, and played errorless defense. Montgomery, President of Celina Insurance Group, had an on-base-percentage of nearly .700 and caught 7 of the 10 games.

For more information, please visit: legendsofbaseball.com.

USDA Rural Development and Farm Service Agency’s Ohio Office to Host Forum on Jobs, Economic Growth

WHO: Tony Logan, USDA Rural Development State Director and Steve Maurer, State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency

WHAT: USDA Rural Development State Director Tony Logan and Steve Maurer, State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency, will hold a community forum on job creation and economic growth. The forum is a follow-up to the Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth that President Obama hosted at the White House on December 3.

WHY: The roundtable will give residents and business owners an opportunity to discuss ways to accelerate job growth in rural America. The President has asked his Cabinet to gather ideas from local communities on ways to grow the economy and put Americans back to work. The ideas collected at these roundtables will be presented to President Obama beginning in January.

CONTACT: Michael Jones (Rural Development) at 614-255-2394 or Christina Reed (Farm Service Agency) at 614-255-2527.

We’re making progress. The American public has reached out to help and their support is getting to Haiti.

* More than 400 Red Cross workers from around the world as well as several thousands of local volunteers are addressing urgent needs and mobilizing a massive response operation in Haiti.
* The Red Cross is providing a wide range of help and support in the form of food, water, relief supplies, field hospitals, emotional support, sanitation facilities and family linking services for the people of Haiti.

Relief materials are being delivered, and more help is on the way by air, land and sea.

* American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern is in the Dominican Republic, meeting with Red Cross leadership from around the world, and will travel to Haiti on Tuesday to visit relief operations.
* Today (Monday), American Red Cross workers are delivering basic supplies to people gathering in camps near Croix Deprez.
* First aid posts have been set up in the streets, outside the damaged American Red Cross office, where volunteers from Haiti and other countries are working side-by-side to clean and stitch up wounds amidst the rubble.
* In the days ahead, the American Red Cross will begin to provide supplies for temporary shelters in Haiti. Kits, containing tarps, rope and tools, as well as tents and blankets, will be made available for an initial 20,000 families.
* Over the weekend, planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance arrived in the region, delivering a field hospital and much needed materials such as tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets. Three additional shipments of relief items should arrive on Monday and Tuesday in the Dominican Republic before being trucked into Haiti.
* The Red Cross is training dozens of Creole-speaking volunteers who will work as translators on the USNS Comfort when Haitians will be brought aboard for medical care.
* The Red Cross spent the weekend delivering clean drinking water to survivors gathering in six different communities Latrines have also been built to help address sanitation issues.
* The Red Cross is treating crush injuries and triaging people for surgery outside a hospital in downtown Port-au-Prince. Two additional Red Cross hospitals and three health outreach teams are expected to be operational within the day (Monday).

This is a massive urban disaster of unprecedented proportions, and we know that this is going to be a costly long-term recovery operation.

* Terrible times like these bring out the best in people, and we are grateful for the support being given to the American Red Cross.
* People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org <https://arcmail2k.redcross.org/Exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.redcross.org/> or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

The Red Cross is helping reconnect families that have been separated by the earthquake.

* As of Sunday morning, more than 22,000 people had registered with a special Red Cross Web site to help people search for their loved ones. The Web site of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) enables people in Haiti and abroad to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake. The web address is: www.icrc.org/familylinks <https://arcmail2k.redcross.org/Exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.icrc.org/familylinks> . People in Haiti are registering to let their loved ones know they are safe and well.

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Deb Hemmelgarn
Executive Director
Mercer County Chapter
American Red Cross

office 419-586-2201
cell 419-852-4624
redcross.org
mercercountyredcross.org

Three area Lions Clubs donated $2000 toward the annual Parkway eighth grade trip to Washington D.C.trip. Sixty-eight students plus chaperons will make the trip April 11-17.

The majority of the contribution was raised by the Annual Fish Fry held at the Rockford Communlity Building. Help was provided by members of the Rockford. Willshire, and Mendon Lions clubs.

On hand for the check presentation were Kevin Krall, president of the Willshire Lions Club; Randy Haebegger, president of the Rockford Lions Club; Ivan Knapp, president of the Mendon Lions Club (not shown) and Rockford Middle School principal, Stephen Baumgartner, accepting the check.

Three of Parkway’s FBLA officers reported on their recent trip to the National Convention in Florida to the Rockford Chamber of Commerce on January 14. The Chamber had help provide funds for the trip. Those given the report were Rachel Roebuck, local chapter president; Kaitlin Roehm, vice president; and Taylor Lautzenheiser, secretary.

The girls attended a variety of workshops including those on careers and college (Fast Track to College), fund raising and working together, and making life decisions.

They also shared samples of cookies they are selling at local basketball games to raise money. They explained that the cookies are baked on a special portable oven that their teacher has obtained.

Members of the local FBLA have been working with the Rockford Chamber on a variety of projects

Can't get to Haiti to physically help but I figured we could offer our prayers. Please spread this information. We are having a PRAYER SERVICE for the victims and survivors of Haiti on Tuesday January 19th at 7:30 pm at St Rose Catholic Church in St Rose Ohio I hope we can fill the church

The American Red Cross today is releasing an additional $9 million for earthquake relief in Haiti, bringing our commitment to $10 million.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti near the capital of Port au Prince caused catastrophic damage and significant loss of life, with estimates that up to 3 million people may be affected.

Our partners within the global Red Cross network are also responding to the urgent humanitarian need.

The American Red Cross has seen an outpouring of support and concern from the public.

The American Red Cross has received more than $3 million as of 9 a.m. EST – through a third party mobile fundraising effort to support our relief efforts in Haiti.

The Red Cross provided blood and blood products to the US Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. That blood, requested by the US Navy, was shipped by the US Navy to their facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Haitian evacuees and patients.

Locally, the Mercer County Chapter of the American Red Cross is able to accept donations at their office at 909 E Wayne St. Suite 124, Celina, Ohio 45822 Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. For individuals interested in donating goods or supplies, please contact International Services of Hope at 419/878-8584.
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Deb Hemmelgarn
Executive Director
Mercer County Chapter
American Red Cross

office 419-586-2201
cell 419-852-4624
redcross.org
mercercountyredcross.org

COLUMBUS, OH – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today received a briefing from The Adjutant General of Ohio, Major General Gregory Wayt of the Ohio National Guard regarding ongoing relief efforts being performed by the men and women of the 179^th Airlift Wing of the Mansfield Air National Guard Base. In response, Brown issued the following statement:

“My heart goes out to the people of Haiti in the wake of this devastation. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve and work to recover and overcome this tragedy.

“Ohioans have risen to the call of duty in this emergency. The Ohio National Guard responded immediately to the U.S. Southern Command’s order for Haitian relief efforts, and planes from Mansfield were the first on the ground in Haiti. From the men and women of the 179^th , the service members at Wright Patterson, and Ohio’s other disaster relief personnel being deployed, you are true heroes.”

Brown has been working with his Senate colleagues to make sure that relief efforts get the resources they need and are not unnecessarily hampered by red tape. Brown joined 22 of his Senate colleagues to call for fast track increased funding for the Haitian relief effort as soon as possible.

“Robust and immediate U.S. assistance to Haiti in the wake of this catastrophe is vital to support stability in that fragile country, and is in our own national security interest” the Senators wrote in the letter.

Brown has previously worked with Drs. Paul Farmer and Jim Yong Kim, co-founders of international health organization Partners in Health (PIH), to address the devastation caused health disparities and poverty in Haiti. PIH and other international aid groups are working closely with emergency workers like those based in Ohio to save lives and provide relief for the people of Haiti as they recover from the deadliest natural disaster in the nation’s history.

For more information about the relief efforts or for those who have loved ones in Haiti, the U.S. State Department has emergency resources available HERE.

The United Way of Auglaize County will be holding a Free Tax Filing Clinic in Waynesfield on Saturday February 13 2010 at Waynesfield Local Schools. Filings will be done by appointment only and will be done from 10:00 am to 3:00. Please call the United Way of Auglaize County office at (419) 739-7717 to schedule an appointment.

The United Way of Auglaize County is again partnering with the Ohio Benefit Bank to offer the clinics to qualifying families.

The Benefit Bank is an internet-based, counselor-assisted service that helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families file for tax credits and benefits for which they are eligible. And since it is a free service, people who file their taxes with The United Way of Auglaize County are able to keep more money in their pockets.

The tax clinics are offered to anyone whose household income is less than $57,000.

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.

Randy Fisher

Executive Director

United Way of Auglaize County

Phone: (419) 739-7717

Mobile: (419) 235-5028

Learn more about your local United Way: www.auglaizeunitedway.org

The Mercer County Bar Association is pleased to announce that it will once again be sponsoring its annual Law Day Essay Contest. The competition is open to all 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students in Mercer County. The Mercer County Bar Association is providing prizes to the winners as follows: $100.00 for first place, $75.00 for second place, and $50.00 for third place. In addition, the winners and their sponsoring teachers will be invited to a luncheon and courthouse awards presentation with members of the local bar association.

The Law Day theme is chosen each year by the ABA. The theme for Law Day 2010 is "Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges." Suggested essay topics include:

1. What does the "right to privacy" mean in light of the Internet, social networking sites, and the easy access to personal information that they provide? Does your opinion change depending on whether it is a private entity or the government collecting the information? \

2. In these days of fiscal crisis, who should be responsible for providing and paying for medical coverage in this country? Why should they bear that responsibility?

3. When addressing the threat of terrorism, what rights should the government have to search you and your luggage when you are at an airport preparing to get on an airplane?

Essays should be post marked by April 15, 2010 and mailed to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office at 119 North Walnut Street, Celina, OH 45822. Participants should provide contact information so that the winners can be notified.

As indicated in last month’s minutes, we are now collecting for the 2010 Memberships. Please forward your membership payment with the Membership form on the back of these minutes. If you are uncertain about your membership, please contact Bill Winner (419) 925-4175 or Barb Kahlig (419) 925-6301.

The Ag Ed Advisory Committee is assisting the Marion Local School Administration in all aspects of the Ag Ed program design. A new teacher will be hired by May, 2010. The Ag Ed Boosters will be remodeling the Home Economics room for use as an Ag Ed Room. The group will also be involved in the 8^th grade orientation to be held on January 25, informing the incoming freshman of the Ag Ed opportunities available to them. All fall 2010 high school students are also invited to determine whether some of the Ag Ed curriculum might fit their interests.

The next Ag Ed boosters meeting will be held on Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Chickasaw Fire House at 8 pm. All are invited.

We were informed that Tom’s Construction received the bid for the Maria Stein area sewer project.

The next Business Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Laura Walker from the Grand Lake/Wabash Watershed Alliance (GLWWA) will be speaking about "nutrient management". Following her presentation, she will answer questions about the watershed and the quality of water flowing into Grand lake St. Marys. Lunch will be provided by Town Tavern. If you would like to attend, please contact Barb Kahlig or Jim Keller by Monday, January 18.

The Annual Community Address and Lunch will be held on April 11, 2010. Our guest speaker will be Retired Air Force Colonel Walter Bills who grew up on a farm about a mile north of the Maria Stein Center. He is one of us. Colonel Bills, a fighter/instructor pilot, will be sharing his life story covering his many experiences and how growing up in the Marion Community prepared him for a successful military career. Additional information will be forthcoming in the February minutes.

Chickasaw Park Board Report – For information on renting the park shelters, call Sandy Niekamp at 925-4960. The village council has selected Fanning & Howey to design and bid the required additional lagoon at their waste treatment plant.

Osgood Park Board Report – For information on renting the park shelters, call Alan Wendel at 419-582-4502. Tumbusch Construction has started on the sewer project. A lift station north of the village is one of the first items being installed.

Marion Township Park Board – For information or concerns about the park, call Ron Hartings at 925-4804.

Elaine Pierron informed us that the Board of Education had their yearly organization meeting. Ron Winner was sworn in as President, Greg Garmann as Vice President.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00p.m. by a motion from Sr. Barbara Ann Hoying and seconded by Mark Hardesty.

The next meeting of the MCDO is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at 7:00p.m at the Marion Township Building.

on how we can assist local businesses. Please fill out this brief (less than 5 minutes)

Pamela Buschur
Executive Director
Celina Mercer Co. Chamber of Commerce
419 586-2219

Lock One Community Arts invites everyone from ages 8 to 108 for a special presentation of Cashore Marionettes. The performance is at 7:00 PM on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the James F. Dicke Auditorium at New Bremen High School.

Cashore Marionettes redefines the art of puppetry with unmatched artistry and engineering. Award-winning artist Joseph Cashore creates and manipulates these amazingly lifelike marionettes in a performance entitled Simple Gifts. The program is a series of touching characters and scenes from everyday life set to stunning music by such composers as Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland.

Each scene's characters will enchant the audience from a galloping horse being chased by a butterfly, to mother comforting her child, to "Maestro Janos Zelinka", a violinist. The Maestro will convinced you that he is really playing the classical piece, The Lark Ascending.

The moving and humorous performances have astounded audiences in Europe, Far East and across North America including stops at the Kennedy Center, Annenberg Center and many others.

Mr. Cashore has received numerous awards including a Pew Charitable Trusts' Fellowship for Performance Art, based upon his artistic accomplishment. He has also received a Henson Foundation Grant, an award intended to help promote puppetry to adult audiences. Mr. Cashore has been awarded the highest honor an American puppeteer can receive, a UNIMA Citation of Excellence. UNIMA states that Citations are "awarded to shows that touch their audiences deeply; that totally engage, enchant and enthrall."

CELINA, OH - The Annual Entrepreneur Fair to be held on February 6, 2010 at the Vantage Career Center in Van Wert, OH. The OSU Extension Van Wert County Economic Development Office, the Wright State University Business Enterprise Center, the Van Wert Area Business Innovation Center and the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce will be co-hosting the event.

WHAT: Annual Entrepreneur Fair is available to anyone who wants to start their own business and is not sure where to begin

For more information please contact Julie Miller, Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center (BEC) Director, at 419-586-0375 or julie.miller@wright.edu.

NEWS UPDATE FOR JANUARY 12, 2010

CELINA STREET CLOSING

The City of Celina will close the intersection of Wayne & Buckeye Streets on Tuesday, 01-12-10 for water line trenching. The intersection will be closed at 8:00 AM and remain closed for the entire day. Truck and commercial traffic will have to use Main Street and Myers Road to get around the construction area. Local vehicular traffic may opt to use residential streets. Unless there are unforeseen complications the Wayne Street should open back up late in the afternoon or early evening. The continued construction on Buckeye Street will cause intermittent detours.

Chief David Slusser

Airport Board Meeting Rescheduled

Please post: The Lakefield Airport Authority Board meeting scheduled for Monday, January 11^th is rescheduled for Monday, January 18^that 6:00pm.

Scott Arnold

Lakefield Authority Secretary

Fort Recovery Foundation Taking Applications

The Fort Recovery Community Foundation is now taking requests for distributions for the year 2010. The purpose of the funds being distributed is to enhance recreational and/or cultural experiences of the Fort Recovery residents and anyone attending one of the various public or private parks or institutions in the Fort Recovery area. The request can be made for equipment, maintenance, facilities, future construction, entertainment, or performances that are projects of non-profit organizations.

To be considered for funds, requests must be submitted in writing by March 31, 2010.

Please send submissions to the Fort Recovery Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Fort Recovery, OH 45846. Questions can be directed to Mary Ann Badgett at 419-375-4317.

United Way of Auglaize County Invites Media to Volunteer Luncheon

By Randy Fisher, Executive Director

Please join us for lunch as we celebrate the hard work of our volunteers in 2009!

In honor of those who helped make 2009 a success the United Way of Auglaize County will be holding our 2^ndAnnual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Luncheon Thursday January 14^th 2009 at the St. Marys Eagles beginning at 11:30 and ending sometime around 1:00.

The agenda for the luncheon will be an overview of the 2009 campaign, celebrating 2009’s accomplishments and the presentation of our 2^nd United Way of Auglaize County Volunteer of the Year award.

There will be no cost for lunch but please RSVP to the United Way office no later than 5:00 Tuesday January 12^th 2009.

Midwest Electric/Touchstone Energy Scholarships

Local youth could compete for $30,000 in scholarships through Midwest Electric and Ohio’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives

January 11, 2010

For Immediate Release

West Central Ohio high school seniors could be eligible for college scholarships from Midwest Electric and the Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC).

Midwest Electric now has two scholarship programs - a general scholarship for students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5; and the Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship for students with at least a 2.75 GPA and have overcome adversity or personal challenges in pursuit of their goals.

For the general scholarship, six student finalists will compete for $4,500 in scholarships from Midwest Electric. Three boys and three girls will vie for two $1,000 scholarships, two $750 and two $500 awards.

The top boy and girl finalists will represent Midwest Electric in the OREC competition in Columbus where they will compete against students representing other Ohio electric cooperatives. OREC awards two scholarships each in the following amounts: $2,755; $1,925; $1,650; $1,540; $1,430; $1,320; $1,200.

For the Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship, Midwest Electric will award one $1,000 winner, and OREC will give four $1,630 awards.

To be eligible for the 2010 scholarship programs, applicants must be graduating seniors who have all the basic credits for college, vocational or technical school entrance. Applicants must be a child or legal ward of a Midwest Electric member.

Other provisions apply. Contact your high school guidance counselor or Midwest Electric for more information or an application.

Completed applications are due at Midwest Electric by February 19, 2010. For an application, students may visit www.midwestrec.com and click on the My Community page for the scholarship link. Or, call Kecia Schmerge at Midwest Electric, 1-800-962-3830, or e-mail kschmerge@midwestrec.com.

Based in St. Marys, Midwest Electric is the customer-owned electric cooperative for 10,500 homes, farms and businesses in Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, VanWert, Shelby, Putnam and Darke counties.

Matt Berry

Manager, Customer Service

Midwest Electric

06029 County Road 33A

St. Marys, OH 45885

1-800-962-3830

mberry@midwestrec.com

Coldwater Police Department

2009 Annual Report

Police Chief Randy Waltmire

	Yearly Total		Yearly Total
		CALLS FOR SERVICE	13057
REPORTS TAKEN	867	COMPLAINTS	2555
Accident	71	TRAFFIC
Administrative	8	Persons Cited	206
Alcohol	21	Traffic Charges	339
Assault	18	Warnings Issued	490
B&E /Burglary	29	Parking Tickets	10
Bad Checks	10	Miles Patrolled	73199
Department Assists	278	ASSISTS	852
Domestic	26	Motorist Assists	466
Drug	37	Vehicle Unlocks	116
General	110	Squad Assists	267
Homicide	0	Fire Dept. Assists	36
Missing Persons	5	COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT	5610
Property Damage	28	Open Doors (businesses)	44
Recovery	33	Residential checks	1376
Robbery	2	Bank Escorts	136
Sex Crime	13	Funeral Escorts	71
Theft	66	Mental Health Transports	11
Theft-Vehicle	5	Public Talks	41
Traffic	98	Alarms	81
		Other Special Details	2056
		Follow Up Investigations	2013 (3-09)
		CRIMINAL ARRESTS
		Misdemeanor Arrests	147
		Felony Arrest	15
		Juvenile Arrests	35

Chief Randy Waltmire
Coldwater, Ohio Police
303 W. Main St.
Coldwater, OH 45828
(419) 678-2356
waltmire@coldwaterpd.com

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

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.

I want to personally thank you for the contributions you’ve made to broadband expansion and use planning in Mercer County. The plans and resources you help to provide will provide meaningful advances in education, economic development, access to healthcare and government services, and a myriad of benefits for those who need better access to fast, reliable broadband.

As you may have heard, Sage Cutler, Southwestern Regional State Operations Manager is no longer with Connect Ohio. We are grateful for the groundwork laid by Sage and wish him well in his new undertakings. Connect Ohio understands the immense importance of continuity in local planning, and has plans to ensure that there is no interruption in the forward momentum that your teams already have.

The next meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, January 28, 2010, will be conducted as scheduled at 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. A follow up email with the location will be sent soon. We will discuss Mercer County’s last-mile availability project, as well as the opportunities to increase awareness and education via broadband connections. Other community priorities for Mercer County will be discussed and put into project form. There will also be a discussion on opportunities for application to the grant monies available through the ARRA funding.

Over the next few weeks, we will transition a new State Operations Manager to your region who will help to continue the work already under way in your community. We expect to have the transition to an experienced Connect Ohio Field Director in place by January 21^st. During this time of transition, I will be conducting the meetings and maintaining the projects. All scheduled meetings and all project plans will continue as planned, without interruption.

Again, I want to relay my gratitude to community leaders such as yourself who give of their time and talent to make a better community. I am confident that the opportunities ahead of us will be better realized for your participation, and we are anxious to help with the development of plans, projects, and the supply of resources that will help to bring your vision to life. Thank you for your continuing service. I look forward to meeting you the 28^th.

Upcoming hearings to give general public a chance to tell panel who they think should represent Ohio in Statuary Hall

Columbus — Ohio history buffs have a week or more to prepare for the opportunity to make their case to the Ohio General Assembly’s Statuary Committee about which Ohioan would best represent Ohio as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol. State Senator Mark Wagoner (R-Ottawa Hills) who chairs the committee is encouraging any Ohioan with an opinion to sign up to testify at one of two upcoming hearings on January 21^st and January 28^th at the Statehouse.

Both hearings will be held at 9:00 am in the Senate Finance Hearing Room of the Statehouse. The Chairman has asked that testimony be limited to five-minute presentations, giving more people the chance to testify and that written testimony be submitted three days in advance (January 18^th for the hearing on January 21^st and January 25^th for the hearing on January 28^th) so that copies can be provided for members of the committee. Those who wish to weigh in without appearing before the committee may simply submit their written testimony for the committee to consider. Nominations must be for an Ohioan who is deceased and testimony should clearly articulate why that individual should be Ohio’s ultimate pick.

National Statuary Hall was created by federal law in 1864 and allowed each state to provide two statues honoring worthy individuals from their state who have contributed to history. For more than 120 years, Ohio has bee represented by former President of the United States, Union general and U.S. Representative from Ohio, James A. 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 began an effort 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, which is 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.

That panel has spent months traveling the state to learn about the lives and achievements of distinguished Ohioans, including former presidents, inventors, civic and social leaders, military heroes and athletes. In all, nearly 40 names have been submitted for consideration.

It is important to note that when the decision is made, the replacement statue will be funded with privately-raised dollars.

The Statuary Committee is comprised of Chairman, Senator Wagoner, Vice Chairman, Representative Tom Letson (D-Warren), Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), Representative Richard Adams (R-Troy), Senator Karen Gillmor (R-Tiffin) and Representative Tyrone Yates (D-Cincinnati).

For more information about the Statuary Committee or to sign up to testify, please contact:

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Tours were then given to the members of the public present for the dedication ceremonies.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Minutes: Ivan Knapp made a motion to accept the November minutes, seconded by Jay Hein. Motion passed unanimously.

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.

Bills: Ryan Muhlenkamp made a motion to pay the monthly bills, seconded by Kris Hinton. Motion passed.

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.

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.

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 17^th with the proceeds going to the Jr. Fr. Building. Jay made a motion to have the event, seconded by Randy. Motion passed.

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.

Business: Jerry made a motion to have the January Fairboard meeting on January 12^th 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.

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.

Randy made a motion to donate $100 towards the American Legion food baskets, seconded by Jay. Motion passed.

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.

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.