SEPTEMBER, 2010 CALENDAR

THUR SEPT 2  AG BREAKFAST, 7:30 A.M.; COMMISSIONERS, 9 A.M.

MON SEPT 6 LABOR DAY, DURBIN BEAN BAKE

TUE  SEPT 7  FAIR BOARD MEETING, 7:30 P.M.; COMMISSIONERS, 9 A.M.; LAKE MEETING AT FIELD HOUSE, 7 P.M.

THUR SEPT 9  COMMISSIONERS, 9 A.M.; DARE BOOSTERS, 4 P.M.

FRI, SAT, SUN  SEPT 10,11,12 CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT AT FORT RECOVERY

 SAT SEPT 11 REUNION AT ILDEWILD 12 NOON

 SAT SUN MON SEPT 11, 12 13 FALL FESTIVAL AT FAIR GROUNDS

MON SEPT 13 COLDWATER COUNCIL AT 7 P.M.

TUE SEPT 14 COMMISSIONERS AT 9 A.M. COLDWATER BOE, 6 P.M.;  FORT RECOVERY BOE AT 7:30 P.M.

THUR SEPT 16 COMMISSIONERS AT 9 A.M.

MON SEPT 20  MENDON LIONS AT 7:30 P.M

TUE SEPT 21 COMMISSIONERS AT 9 A.M.

THUR SEPT 23 COMMISSIONERS AT 9 A.M.

SAT SEPT 25 WINGFEST AT FAIR GROUNDS

SUN SEPT 26 TIME CAPSULE AT MUSEUM

MON SEPT 27 COLDWATER COUNCIL AT 7 P.M.

TUE SEPT 28 COMMISSIONERS AT 9 A.M.

THUR SEPT 30 COMMISSIONERS AT 9 A.M.

ST. MARYS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE   MAY 2010   CHAMBERGRAM     CALENDAR OF EVENTS ~MAY~   May 1 Community Garage Sales 9:00am-1:00pm Aug. Co. Hazardous Waste Day 11:00am-2:00pm Book Signing @ Canalside Book Shop May 3 4:00pm Lake Development Corp., CVB office May 4 4:30pm Community Improvement Corp., City offices May 11 Katterhenry Investment Group Dinner Seminar-CJ's Highmarks-Sidney May 13 7:30am CVB, CVB office 11:30am Women in Business, Northmoor Golf Club May 14 15 9:00am-5:00pm Yard & Bake Sale-St. Marys Youth Center May 16 1:00pm St. Marys Optimist Bike Safety Rodeo May 22 8:30am St. Marys Beautification-Gazebo 2:00pm D.A.R.E. Golf Outing 5:00pm Varsity Lanes Bar Olympics 7:00pm United Way Reverse Raffle May 29 8:00am Covered Bridge Farmers Market May 31 Memorial Day - Chamber office closed   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   Cisco Lawn & Landscape Garden Center   2006 Ivy Ct. St. Marys, OH 45885 419-394-3061 ciscolawn@gmail.com   Cisco Lawn & Landscape Garden Center is family owned and run since 1994. Call for all your landscaping, lawn maintenance, retaining walls, commercial & residential mowing, pavers, mulching and trimming needs. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   Dex One Corporation   1935 Elida Rd. Lima, OH 45805 800-717-7181 419-222-5173 www.dexone.com   Dex One Corporation is a leading marketing services company that helps local businesses reach, win and keep ready-to-buy customers. Our highly-skilled, locally based marketing consultants offer a wide range of marketing products and services that help businesses get found more than 1.5 billion times each year by actively shopping consumers. We offer local businesses personalized marketing consulting services and exposure across a broad network of local marketing products - including our "official" print, online and mobile yellow pages and search solutions, as well as major search engines. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   DogsRus Styling Boutique & Barkery   430 W. Spring St. St. Marys, OH 45885 419-300-dogs(3647) www.dogsrusbarkery.com dogsrus@bright.net DogsRus is a professional dog groomer offering creative styling, coloring & nail trimming & painting. They also offer natural dog treats, shampoos, colognes, dental care products, leashes and collars. Founded in August, 2005, DogsRus is locally owned & operated. They are K-9 CPR Certified, a member of the National Dog Groomers Association and a graduate of NASH Academy of Animal Arts. Hours: M, T, TH, Fr - 8am-3pm Wed - 12:30pm-7pm.   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   Creative Catering By Cathy Flinn 525 Defiance Rd St. Marys, OH  45885 419-394-3231 419-394-0331 FAX ................................     Creative Catering has been a standing business in St. Marys for more than 17 years.  One of the "grass roots" catering companies here and much was learned from the previous women who were kind enough to share their secrets!  Some of the most important advice was never compromise quality, always try your best to hand pick your own fruits and produce, make as much as you can from scratch, always treat your employees & the public that hire you, with respect and consideration, and never ask an employee to do something you yourself wouldn't do.  Cathy strives to use this advice in every event.                                                                                                                               Choosing purposely to stay a small business, thus allowing her to select her own product, has its advantages and disadvantages! Cathy enjoys being hands-on in the business and although Creative Catering has done gatherings/weddings of 425+, Cathy and a staff of one other person do all the prep & production of the customers food. That takes time and patience as well as a strong back!   With two sons that are both graduates of La Cordon Bleu @ Pennsylvania Culinary, their expertise contributes to the business. Cathy consults with them regularly on different avenues that are best for the customer. She does many small dinner parties and the appetizers and dinners get very tedious, but there isn't a whole lot of food that Creative Catering won't take on.    Cathy has always chosen not to have a storefront and has located her business, which is fully licensed by Auglaize County, attached to her residence, allowing her extra time for honing her culinary skills. Although sometimes she never gets away from the job, she can still say she loves what she does with a smile!   Cathy has a wonderful staff, most of which have been with her for many years. They are a great group of girls that will bend over backward to show appreciation to the customer.   Cathy has recently set up a new web site @ www.creativebycathyflinn.com. Check it out to view the menu and what they can provide to the guests. Creative Catering hopes to serve you and your event in the future!   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   Schedule for St. Marys Beautification 2010 May 22, 2010 June 26, 2010 July 24, 2010 August 21, 2010 September 12, 2010 (In conjunction with Historical Walking Tour) October 9, 2010     Please meet at the Gazebo in Memorial Park at 8:30 a.m. (except for the September date) and assignments will be given out at that time.   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   Book Release and Book Signing for  Fat Charley Makley and the Dillinger Gang: The Great American Crime Spree of 1933-1934 by Robert Howard Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 11:00am-1:00pm Canalside Book Shop in St. Marys, Ohio   On Saturday, May 1st, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, author Robert Howard will be at Canalside Book Shop in St. Marys to sign copies of his new book, Fat Charley Makley and the Dillinger Gang: The Great American Crime Spree of 1933-1934.  Anyone who is unable to be at the book signing can pre-order the book at Canalside Book Shop, and it will be autographed and held for later pick-up.    Fat Charley Makley and the Dillinger Gang follows Makley from his childhood in St. Marys, Ohio, to a criminal career that marked him as one of America's most wanted men. It takes us from his early bank robberies in West Central Ohio and Missouri to his eventual incarceration in three different state prisons, featuring a detailed account of his incredible twelve-month crime escapade with Harry Pierpont and John Dillinger. It culminates with Makley's death at the Ohio Penitentiary-a death that surprisingly was NOT in the electric chair.   Individual chapters are devoted to the spectacular ten-man escape from the Indiana State Prison at Michigan City; the colorful robbery of Makley's hometown bank; the tragic murder of Sheriff Jess Sarber in Lima, Ohio; the gang's eventual capture in a highly unlikely location; and the "Siege of Lima," a nearly surrealistic event during the Makley and Pierpont trials. The reader is transported from small-town Ohio to the wide-open speakeasy city of Chicago, and from the sunny beaches of Florida to the wild-west atmosphere of Tucson, Arizona.   The author, Robert 'Buz' Howard,  is a lifelong resident of St. Marys, Ohio, also the home of Charley Makley. After decades of exposure to Makley lore-some of the stories seemingly factual, and others downright outlandish-Howard took a special interest in the local rogue while studying the life of another well-known St. Marys native, the author Jim Tully, who had been Makley's childhood friend. Howard, an English instructor at St. Marys Memorial High School, is currently in his forty-sixth year of a career as a teacher and coach. Fat Charley Makley and the Dillinger Gang is his first book, except for a local project called Roughrider Retrospectives, a history of St. Marys football.   A synopsis of Fat Charley Makley and the Dillinger Gang and excerpts from it can be read at the Canalside Book Shop Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Marys-OH/Canalside-Book-Shop/102066721954.   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX     XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX        XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX With spring finally here, don't forget to watch for motorcycles & kids!   XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX     2010 Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees Tim Bigham, Mercer Savings Bank Randy Bosler, TSC Communications Robbie Burke, R.J. Burke Insurance Agency Mick Temen, Omni Manufacturing Teri Hirschfeld, Con-Ag/Quality Ready Mix Steve Katterheinrich, SK Contracting Ali Khokhar, America's Best Value Inn Ronald Kremer, Wright State University Lake Campus Anne Larger, Joint Township District Memorial Hospital Frank C. Murray, Acme Metal and Manufacturing Company Joan Novotny, First Financial Bank Aaron Olsen, Veyance Technologies Inc. Pam Prater, Golden Living Center Jeremy Rable, Rable's Auto Service Kimberli Rompilla, Spectacular Adventures Marv Ruppert, Ruppert Insurance Kevin Schmidt, Midwest Electric Jeff Squire, Noble, Montague & Moul Linda Vogel, People's Bank Derek Vogel, Vogel Insurance Permanent Board Positions City Safety & Service Director, Tom Hitchcock City Community Development Director, Todd Fleagle St. Marys City Schools, Mary Riepenhoff   Officers Pam Prater, President Tim Bigham, Vice President Ronald Kremer, Treasurer Kimberli Rompilla, Immediate Past President Staff Kelly Kill, Executive Director Amy Bowersock, Administrative Assistant XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce 301 E. Spring St.             Phone: (419) 300-4611 St. Marys, Ohio 45885       Fax: (419) 300-6202 kelly@stmarysohio.org amy@stmarysohio.org www.stmarysohio.org XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   Mission Statement     The mission of the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce is to provide a business climate which enhances economic growth and improves the quality of life for everyone working and living in the St. Marys area.

NEWS UPDATE FOR MARCH, 2010

Coldwater Police Report for March, 2010

Coldwater Police Chief Randy Waltmire

Below are the March 2010 police activity statistics as well as year to date totals.

Thank You

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

__BARRACUDA_SI

NEWS UPDATE FOR APRIL 5, 2010

Franklin B. Walter Banquet

            The annual Franklin B. Walter Award Banquet will be held on Wednesday, April 7 at the Fort Recovery Middle School Auditeria at 6:30 p.m.  Top scholastic seniors from each of the six schools in the county will be honored.  The top senior from this group will be selected to participate in a state recognition program later in the spring.  Another important part of this program will be recognition by each of the students of the teacher who had most influence in their school experience.

Mercer County Franklin B. Walter Nominees for 2010

                                       Gina Everman

Name:                               Gina Everman

School:                              Celina High School

Parents:                            Michael and Marie Everman

College:                             Ball State University

Major:                               Speech-Language Pathology

Teacher of Influence:       Patricia Franzer

                                                  Alexander Kramer

Name:                               Alexander Kramer

School:                              Coldwater High School

Parents:                            Bill and Patti

College:                             University of Dayton

Major:                               Chemical Engineering

Teacher of Influence:       Mark Hamberg

                                                Emily Bauer

Name:                               Emily Bauer

School:                              Ft. Recovery High School

Parents:                            Philip and Karen

College:                             Ball State University, Xavier University, or Fransiscan University of

                                          Stuebenville

Major:                               Education

Teacher of Influence:       Robyn Armstrong

                                                      Megan Schaefer

Name:                               Megan Schaefer

School:                              Marion Local High School

Parents:                            Dave and Cheryl

College:                             Miami University

Major:                               Pre-Med

Teacher of Influence:       Lynne Yates

                                                          Claire Burtch

Name:                               Claire Burtch

School:                              Parkway High School

Parents:                            Ed and Melissa

College:                             Undecided

Major:                               Food Science and Nutrition

Teacher of Influence:       Leah Etgen

                             Anthony Lefeld

Name:                               Anthony Lefeld

School:                              St. Henry High School

Parents:                            James and Rose Lefeld

College:                             University of Notre Dame

Major:                               Physics

Teacher of Influence:       Randy Hoying

NEWS UPDATE FOR APRIL 5, 2010

              Secur Com Inc. Joins Celina- Mercer County Chamber

SecurCom Inc, a Verizon Wireless dealer has joined the  Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.  They are located at 471 Southeastern Ave. in St. Henry (State Route 118).  Phone 419 763-1243  SecurCom Inc. can now accept Celina Mercer County Chamber gift certificates. 

Pictured from left to right:

Tanya Prenger, SecurCom Sales Associate

Lindsay Hess, SecurCom Sales Associate

Angela Koverman, Operations Manager, Cellular

Kindra Butler, RCS Construction -Chamber Ambassador

Kathy Rindler, Sunset Tours, Chamber Ambassador

Tonya Huber, Cooper Farms, Chamber Ambassador

Pam Buschur, Chamber Director

Celina Police Investigate Internet Crime

The Celina Police Department served a search warrant in the 800 block of W. Market Street at approximately 9:45AM Thursday morning.  The warrant authorized officers to search the premises for computer and printer components, shipping packing and receipts and other items related to the fraudulent purchase of merchandise via the Internet. 

            The Police Department received the original complaint on Monday, 03-29-10 from a computer supply company that had discovered a shipment of merchandise delivered to that address had been paid for with a fraudulent credit card account.  Investigators obtained a search warrant, which was served when a second shipment of merchandise was delivered to that same address this morning.  The order placed for delivery this morning was valued at approximately $9900.00.  The Celina Police Department worked with officials from OPTIONS DIRECT of Athol, Massachusetts and FEDEX to insure that officers were able to recover the merchandise delivered on Thursday morning.  That purchase had also been made with a fraudulent credit card. 

            After serving the warrant it was determined that the shipment delivered on Monday had already been re-shipped via United Parcel Service.  The Police Department was able to contact UPS officials and stop the delivery of that merchandise, which had been shipped to another country.  Seizing and recovering that shipment saved the victim company from over $9800.00 in loss.

            The resident of the home involved cooperated with Celina officers upon being served with the search warrant, indicating that he was just trying to earn extra income through an internet job offering.  His name is being withheld pending a determination by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office on which, if any formal charges may be filed.  The suspect indicated there had been a minimal number of other shipments to him over the last six to eight weeks.  He was being paid a fee to “re-ship” merchandise delivered to him to other addresses.

Consumers need to remember the old saying; “If it sounds too good to be true…it probably is”, when responding to Internet offers.  When someone offers to pay you to serve as a middleman for what should be a common transaction, it should serve as a clue that something is amiss.  Middlemen are paid to help conceal the identity of the end user, and that end user wants to conceal his identity to insure that he is not in line to be arrested when the truth comes out.

St. Henry FFA Members Participate in the Marysville Invitational

By Chelsea Tobe

Members of the St. Henry FFA Chapter left their mark at the Marysville Invitational. The Poultry Team finished with a 2^nd place finish. Dillan Schulze finished 1^st overall, and Isacc Marchal placed 6^th. The Wildlife Management Team placed 5^th as a team. Jacob Rindler took a 4^th place overall finish. Lastly, the General Livestock Team finished 42^nd. Congratulations to all participants!

St. Henry FFA participates in the St. Henry, St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By Chelsea Tobe

The St. Henry FFA held a place in the recent parade celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.  The FFA drove through the parade presenting the John Deere that was recently restored by the Tractor Restoration Team. The FFA also showed off their recycling trailer. The trailer is located in the school parking lot, and is available to the public. Thanks to all members who came out to represent the St. Henry FFA Chapter.

                St. Henry FFA Members Rank at State Contest

By Chelsea Tobe

Recently, members of the St. Henry FFA Chapter participated in the State Contest. The Poultry Team placed 5^th overall. Members Jake Marchal and Dillan Schulze placed 10^th and 18^th respectively. The Wildlife Management Team placed 7^th, with Jacob Rindler finishing 5^th, and Cassie Arling finishing 42^nd. Lastly the Dairy Team finished with 14^th place. Zach Seifring placed 56^th, Mitchell Dirksen placed 59^th, and Mitchell Broering placed 65^th. Congratulations to all participants!

Members of the St. Henry Ag Mechanics Team Place 1^st

                                By Chelsea Tobe

The St. Henry FFA Ag Mechanics Team finished with a 1^st place finish at the District Level in the recent contest. Junior Ethan Tobe finished 1^st place overall individual. Senior Mitchell Broering had a 4^th place finish, and results are still pending for Senior Jon Pottkotter. Congratulations to the Ag Mechanics Team on their 1^st place finish!

St. Henry FFA Celebrates National FFA week

                            By Chelsea Tobe

Members of the St. Henry FFA prepared for National FFA Week by getting together on a Friday morning at Pla-More Lanes in Coldwater to bowl as a chapter. Students met before school to enjoy breakfast and exhibit their skills on the lanes. The turn-out was good, the food was delicious, and the laughter was plenty.  Thanks to all who attended. Later in FFA Week, the members presented their annual Tractor Cade. Students stood outside and waved as 27 tractors of all shapes and sizes paraded down Columbus Street. One of the tractors in line was the John Deere that was restored by last year’s Tractor Restoration Team. Big thanks go out to the members who drove tractors for helping to celebrate FFA Week! Finally, another activity that took place was a daily lunch activity. Each day middle school and high school students identified different samples. Monday was Milk identification, where students had to figure out the difference between soy, rice, 2%, buttermilk, and organic milk. On Tuesday students identified different tools. Wednesday was the identification of different cuts of sausage. Thursday was bread identification. Lastly, Friday was cheese identification. Friday also drew the end of National FFA Week. Thanks to everyone who helped make this week possible!

St. Henry FFA Members Participate in Public Speaking and Job Interview

By Chelsea Tobe

Members of the St. Henry FFA left their mark at the recent Public Speaking Contest. District qualifiers include: Jacob Rindler in Extemporaneous Speaking, Isaac Marchal in Beginning Prepared Speaking, and Aaron Post in Creed Speaking. The Sub-District Participants include: Kaitlyn Schmitmeyer and Michaela Stammen in Creed Speaking, and Doug Lefeld in Beginning Prepared. St. Henry FFA Members also participated in Job Interview. These members include: Derek Broering, Ben Werling, and Ashley Huelskamp. Congratulations to all qualifiers and participants

Jay County Civic Theatre

Announces Our Spring Production of

JOSEPH  And the    AMAZING TECHNICOLOR  DREAMCOAT

           Lyrics by                       Music by                                    Directed & choreographed by:

Tim Rice              Andrew Lloyd Webber                         Ric VanSkyock

April 15– 17, 21-23, 2010    7:00 p.m.

April 18 & 25, 2010    2:00 p.m.

Arts Place, Inc.   131 E Walnut St.  Portland, IN 47371 (260)726-4809

Based on the Biblical Old Testament story of Joseph, this show is a lively spectacle of color and music. “Joseph” is noted for its family-friendly storyline, universal themes and catchy music ranging from Calypso to Country , Rock to rockabilly and some classic Vegas, Elvis, Pharaoh thrown in for good measure.  This Amazing show has been delighting audiences worldwide for over 40 years.

This production marks the directorial return of Ric VanSkyock.  Ric returns from working on the East Coast as a performer & choreographer for Six Flags Amusement Parks and Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Joseph’s amazing cast stars over 50 talented locals, including:   Soprano, Beverly Wolford, reviving her role as the Narrator.

We are also pleased to announce from Colombia University, Victor Souffrant, staring as Joseph.  This talented young tenor is currently preparing for his 2011 Broadway debut in the title role of Disney’s 
Aladdin.  In addition, Victor will also be directing our June performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “EVITA”.

Mark your calendars, and be sure not to miss these wonderfully talented performers as we promise, this wonderful “feel good” production is sure to have you dancing and singing in the aisles!

Adults $10      Students $7                 Family Night Special   April 15, all tickets $7

We are pleased to offer a reduced group rate For One Performance ONLY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010    Ticket prices are $7  each when purchasing  10 or more tickets.

To place your order for reserved seats for your group of 10 or more contact:

Arts Place, Inc at 260-726-4809 and mention the group rate

Jay County Civic Theatre Inc

Announces

Open Auditions for Our Production of

                                                                   EVITA

Directed & choreographed by:      Victor Souffrant

Monday, April 19 at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm,                 Tuesday, April 20 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

ARTS PLACE INC, PORTLAND INDIANA

131 E Walnut St, Portland, Indiana  (260)726-4809

Please prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song of your choice. An accompanist will be provided. Please provide sheet music in the correct key, or bring an instrumental track. Acapella auditions will not be allowed. Dress comfortably and be prepared to learn a dance combination.   Looking to cast:

Show dates are June 3^rd – 5^th & 10^th – 12^th   2010.

EVITA narrates the story of the rise and fall of Argentina’s first lady, Eva Peron, and is played out in this sung-through musical which made Elaine Paige a star, was filmed with Madonna and recently revived in London with Argentinean power-house Elena Roger. "Don’t Cry for Me Argentina", "Oh What a Circus" and "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" were all hit records.

Relay for Life with Donkeys

             Linda Kramer is announcing that on Sunday, April 18, 12 noon to 4 p.m.there will be a different type of event in the Relay for Life.  Jeffrey, the donkey, would like to invite any person who has always wanted to lead a donkey, mule, or horse to come to Mendon in front of P&G Mart.  Blueberry, Waffle, and Popper will be there for people tro lead them for their part in the Relay for Life. Any donation will be appreciated and given to the American Cancer Society.

            These animals have good friends who have had cancer and would like to support ACS for the help and generosity the organization continues to give.   Won’t you help Blueberry, Waffle, and Popper meet their goal of the day.  This event will be the same day as the Sportsmen’s Swap Meet across the street in Mendon.

             Linda Kramer will answer any questions for the “Animal Gang”at 419-795-5405 for this event.

For:        Family Services Planning Committee

When:    Tuesday, April 20, 2010  (Public Meeting Date to be Placed in Newspapers.)

Time:     8:30 a.m.        

WHERE:    MERCER COUNTY CENTRAL SERVICES BUILDING, MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM - FIRST FLOOR   220 W. Livingston   

                Street, First Floor, Celina OH

AGENCY CONTACT:    Terry Couts, Mercer County JFS (419-586-5106, ext. 508)
                                 Debra Farrell, Sources - Chairperson (419-584-1550)

MEETING AGENDA:      

I. NEW BUSINESS:

    A. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting - 09/15/2009 (See Attached - Microsoft Word format)

    B. Structure / Role of Family Services Planning Committee - Ohio Revised Code 329.06  (See attached - .tif picture file)
   
II. WORK UNIT REPORTS:

     A. Social Services Report, R. Jason Cupp  (2009 Statistics attached - Excel spreadsheet)

     B. Income Maintenance / PRC Report, Rosalie Moeller  (copy attached - .tif picture file)

     C. Customer Service Report, Terry Couts   (copies attached - Excel spreadsheets)

Ohio Law prohibits signs on trees and poles.

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart has issued a reminder that the Ohio Revised Code prohibits the erection of signs or affixing signs, posters or advertisement to any tree or utility pole within the right-of-way of any public highway.

            Political candidates, campaign workers and supporters of issues appearing on the ballot are reminded that these signs are subject to removal

Tri-Moraine Audubon Society

By Carol M. Bertrand, Publicity Chair

Carol M. Bertrand

           Tri-Moraine Audubon Society will feature “Nature’s Wonders” on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Agricultural Service Center, 3900 Campus Drive, OSU-Lima,  Take the Mumaugh Drive entrance at the OSU-Campus.  Building is first one to your left.  The meeting is free and open to the public.

            Russell Reynolds, winner of the 1^st Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp competiltion and Audubon Society member will show his outstanding photography of birds, bugs, mammals, wildflowers, etc.  Russell and his wife Janice have traveled extensively throughout Tri-Moraine’s eight-county service area and will share the rich diversity of nature they have been privileged to observe.  A few special sightings outside the area will also be included.

            The theme for the Ohio Division of Wildlife inaugural 2010 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp wass “birds” and Russell’s photograph of a Baltimore oriole took top honors..  The new collectible wildlife stamp is available for $15.  A new species will be featured each year.  Proceeds from the sale of the stamps will help fund efforts to restore, conserve, and enhance wildlife and habitat.  Efforts such as the one that brought eagles back to the Buckeye state.  The Society’s mini bookstore will be on display at the meeting and copies of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp will be available for sale.  The stamp may be ordered online at WILDOHIOSTAMP.COM

             Tri-Moraine Audubon Society’s Satturday, April 17 field trip to the St. Marys River, Grand Lake St. Marys Important Bird Area to celebrate spring migration.  Bald eagles, a heron rookery, ducks, and many songbirds should be sighted as participants explore various locations including lakes, the fish hatchery, and 40 Acre Pone.  Field trippers will carpool departing at 9 a.m. from the Eastgate Mall, parking behind Wendy’s, 309. Lima.  Those wishing to meet the group in St. Marys should meet at the north end of the 40 Acre Pond around 9:30 a.m.  Dress for the weather, being a sack lunch (or money to stop somewhere in St. Maryss/Celina), binoculars, and field guides.  The chapter’s spotting scope will be available for use.  Contact Anne Smedley at 419-222-3271 for additional information.  The field trip is free and open to the public. Beginning and experiences birders are welcome.

NEWS UPDATE FOR APRIL 1, 2010

                     NB NK Rotary Annual Easter Egg Hunt location moved

(New Bremen) 

The Annual New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt has been moved to Bremenfest Park in New Bremen. The event will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 3^rd, 2010.

Man Arrested for Ransacking Vehicles

Formal charges have been filed against the adult apprehended ransacking vehicles in the early morning hours of March 25, 2010.  Celina officers apprehended two subjects involved after officers responded to a call of two subjects rummaging through cars on Sugar Street at 3:33AM Thursday morning.  The department had already received calls of vehicles being going through on the west side of town.  Responding officers located two suspects, a male juvenile and an 18-year old male, in the IC Church lot.  Follow-up investigation led to the recovery a large amount of change from the suspects, automotive electronics and other items that had been stashed along a nearby alley.

Spencer A. Kouts, (18), 1730 Settlers Lane, Celina, has been charged with a felony count of burglary and a misdemeanor count of theft.  This is based upon the suspects entering an attached garage to ransack a vehicle that was parked inside.  Kouts has been ordered held on a $100,000 bond.  The 17-year old juvenile suspect, who was released to his mother’s custody, faces similar charges in Mercer County Juvenile Court.  The Celina Police Department is still searching for owners for property that was recovered at the time of these arrests.   If you were a victim of this type of crime last week and have not reported it please contact the Celina Police Department at 419-586-2345.

Ft. Recovery FFA Participates in Public Speaking Contests

Melissa Lochtefeld, Nathan Fortkamp, Eric Brackman, Samantha Tobe

     FT. RECOVERY, OH – The Ft. Recovery FFA Chapter recently participated in the Sub District Public Speaking Contest held at Minster High School.  The FFA Public Speaking Contest helps to develop agricultural leadership by providing FFA members the opportunity to participate in agricultural public speaking activities.  Schools included in the sub district competition include Coldwater, Ft. Recovery, Minster, New Bremen, St. Henry, and St. Mary’s.  Three freshman members, Eric Brackman, Melissa Lochtefeld, and Samantha Tobe participated in the FFA Creed Speaking Contest and all received a GOLD rating.  Eric Brackman placed 2^nd in his contest. Nathan Fortkamp participated in the Prepared Speech Contest, which evaluates a members' ability to communicate a prepared and rehearsed speech of 6-8 minutes and placed 1^st qualifying himself for district competition.

Ft. Recovery FFA Agriculture Sales Team Compete

 Emily Schoenlein, Caitlin Gehret, Nathan Fortkamp, Stacy Will

Ft. Recovery, OH - The Agriculture Sales team recently competed and placed 3^rd in the district contest.  Team members were Nathan Fortkamp, Caitlin Gehret, Emily Schoenlein and Stacy Will. The team was tested over the sales industry, and also prepared a sales presentation about different types of turkey for a group of judges.  This contest allowed the team to show their knowledge and skills on the marketing process.  The Fort Recovery FFA Chapter would like to congratulate the team for there successes

Coldwater Explorers 4-H Club

By Eric Stammen

On March 16^th Coldwater Explorers 4-H Club bagged Easter candy, for the club fundraiser, at the Steelworkers Building in Coldwater.  After the candy bagging was complete, a shortened monthly meeting was held.  The meeting was called to order by Vice President Krista Hemmelgarn.  The Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H Pledge were recited. There were 19 members, 2 advisors, and 3 guests present.   It was decided to do storytime at the Coldwater Library on Wednesday, March 31^st at 6:00.  Members were reminded to be at the library by 5:15 for final preparation.  The theme for the night will be “Animals”.  Each club family is to bring a story book about animals and members are to bring a stuffed animal.  The park will be contacted about the club volunteering to pickup sticks possibly during Holy Week.  It was also decided to do a campout at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park toward the end of June.  A final date will be decided as summer nears.   The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 12^th at 7:00 at the United Methodist Church basement.    Respectfully Submitted, Erica Stammen, Reporter

Celina Insurance Receives Hermes/ADDY® Award

By Heather Zehringer

March 29, 2010, Celina, OH— Celina Insurance Group has been recognized in the 2010 Hermes/ADDY® Competition from the Greater Dayton Advertising Association and American Advertising Federation.

A silver award was presented to the company in the interactive media: business to business category for its redesigned public website. On hand to accept the award were Adam Bollenbacher, the company’s graphic designer, and Heather Zehringer, communications manager. This was the company’s first submission to the competition.

The ADDY® Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting over 50,000 entries every year in local ADDY® competitions. The mission of the ADDY competition is to recognize and reward creative excellence in the art of advertising.
Founded in 1914, Celina Insurance Group is a family of mutual property and casualty insurance companies. Celina underwrites auto, non-standard auto, farm, home, commercial auto and property insurance, as well as umbrella and casualty coverage in eight Midwestern states. Celina Insurance Group is represented by some 600 independent agencies and employs 168 people.

Parkway FBLA Attends State Leadership Conference

The parkway FBLA recently attended the State Leadership Conference in Dublin Ohio. The Leadership Conference is a time for student to showcase their hard work for the year and be recognized for their accomplishments. This year Parkway Students were honored in may categories. Earning first place recognitions were Alex Dicke in Accounting II, Kaitlin Roehm in Computer Applications, Alyssa Cochran in FBLA Principles and Procedures, Tiffany Bienz in Word Processing I, and Amanda Tribolet in Word Processing II. Earning second place awards were; Alex Dicke in Business Law and Caleb Frank in Computer Applications. Parkway FBLA brought home over 70 awards from the leadership conference including the second place trophy for the coveted Gold Seal Chapter Award.

Parkway is also honored to have three state officers this year. Tiffany Bienz was elected Northwest Region Vice President, Brandi Roehm was elected State Historian, and Laura Smith was elected State Parliamentarian. These three individuals will serve for the 2010 – 2011 school year and are looking forward to the challenges they will face as local chapter officers and state officers.

Parkway FFA Holds Annual FFA Week

By Danielle Mathews

            The Parkway FFA held the annual FFA Week during the week of February 22^nd-26^th. Throughout the week, there were many activities held such as Ag Olympics, dress up days and a petting zoo to get the students more informed about agriculture.

            On Monday, students were able to dress-up by wearing their favorite FFA t-shirt to school. Many different convention, CDE, and chapter shirts could be seen throughout the high school.

            Tuesday allowed the students at Parkway to pull out those flannel shirts and cowboy boots for the dress up day was Cowgirl/Cowboy/Flannel day. Many different types of flannels were seen within the school, not just the FFA members. During lunch times on Tuesday, an Ag Olympic was held. It was known as the chicken fling because you had to fling stuffed chickens into the hula hoops to earn so many points. First place went to Josh Stein; second place was a four-way tie between Devin Adams, Laura Smith, Tommy McDonough, and Danielle Matthews.

            Wednesday the 24^th was known as Camouflage Day. Students were decked out in Camo shirts, pants, boots, hats, and overalls. The Ag Olympic was Milk Chug to see who could chug milk the fastest. First place went to Brandon Leonard, second Caleb French, and third Brandon Hodge. FFA members also held a petting zoo for students in preschool through fourth grade throughout the day. There were many different farm animals such as pigs, a cow, horses, donkeys, ducks, and chickens. The elementary students really enjoyed the animals and some said they can’t wait till next year.

            Thursday was the busy day for many FFA members. The morning began bright and early with students coming in to make omelets for the staff breakfast. There were 45 Parkway staff members present and 14 FFA members. Many teachers complimented the students on their cooking skills. Donations received at the breakfast will go towards Children’s Medical Center in Dayton. Thursday was also truck drive-in day. Students could drive their trucks in and register to compete for many different awards. The awards won were: Biggest- Caitlin Grier, Smallest- Jackie King, Newest- Olivia Houts, Oldest- Mark Sheets, and Cleanest: Danielle Matthews. The dress-up day was Carhartt gear. The options were unlimited as many hats, boots, gloves, overalls, shirts, and you name it were worn on this day. The Ag Olympic during lunch was Milk the Cow. Students milked the fake cow for two minutes to see how much they could get. First place went to Lando Bruns, second to Devin Adams, and third Zach Searight.

            Friday was supposed to be the last day for FFA Week, but school was unfortunately cancelled. The tractor drive-in day will be held sometime in March or April. The Ag Olympic and Duct Tape day will be cancelled until next year.

            Thursday and Friday the FFA held the aluminum can drive. Students of all grades could bring in aluminum cans and compete for an award between the elementary, middle, and high school parts. Community members were invited to bring in their cans to the Ag Shop as well. Since school was cancelled on Friday, the FFA allowed cans to be brought in on Monday and Tuesday as well. The money made from this drive will be given to Children’s Medical Center in Dayton.

            The Parkway FFA would like to thank everyone for participating in FFA Week and making the aluminum can drive a success!

picture- Claire Burtch, Danielle Matthews, and Jackie King dressed up as Cowgirls for Tuesday

picture- A second grader holding onto a baby goat while visiting the petting zoo

picture- Crysti Hoehamer, Justin Berry, Trevor Eishen, Danielle Matthews, and Brandon Dellinger decked out in Camo

picture- A third grader petting the momma goat in the pen at the petting zoo

Congressmen Jordan and Latta to visit Midwest Electric, speak with co-op members

U.S. Congressmen Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) and Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) will be at Midwest Electric’s office Wednesday, April 7, for a discussion with about 200 Midwest Electric members who belong to the cooperative’s political action committee. The meeting will start with breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the Congressmen at 8:30 a.m.

Jordan and Latta will discuss current political events, such as health care, energy and the economy, and take questions from the audience. The media is invited to attend and cover the event. The event is not open to the general public; only Midwest Electric members who belong to Co-op Owners for Political Action are invited, along with the news media.

                           JC Walkers 2010 Relay For Life Fundraiser

Have you seen the purple cancer ribbons at Lakeshore Park and at the courthouse?  JC Walkers will be making these ribbons available for you to put a loved ones name on “in memory of” or “in honor of”.  The ribbons will be displayed for approximately 3 weeks prior to the 2010 Relay For Life of Mercer County and a week following.  The ribbons will be available in 8 feet and 4 feet tall sizes.

 The initial cost for the 8’ size would be $75.00 and for the 4’ the initial cost would be $40.00.  If you rent the “Ribbon” the first year and want to renew it the following year the costs would be $50.00 for the 8’ and $25.00 for the 4’ model.

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I would like to reserve a ribbon for the 2009 Relay For Life of Mercer County.  ____ 8’ size     ____ 4’ size

____ In memory of _______________________________________

____ In honor of _________________________________________

Given by _______________________________________________

Address __________________________      Phone______________

Send payment to Bill Stover, 1919 Meadowview Dr., Celina, Ohio 45822.  Call 419-586-7692 or 419-586-2933 for more information.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Mercer County.

Sandy Smalley receives the ABCD Award

Celina, Ohio – Celina Manor, 1001 Myers Road, named Sandy Smalley the ABCD Award winner for the month of January.

            Sandy joined the Celina Manor team in February of 1991 and works as a State Tested Nursing

Assistant.

             Sandy has 3 daughters and 1 son, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She has racehorses. She enjoys spending time with her family which she adores.

           When asked why Service Excellence is important to Sandy she stated, “The Service Excellence program is important because it reflects on the quality of care I give the residents and also on

Celina Manor. It gives me confidence to know that I made a residents day; at times it is challenging but a good feeling knowing that I made someone’s day happier. One thing I must say, I share this Service Excellence award with my fellow employees because I believe it takes everyone, not just one person singled out each month. So I applaud all my fellow employees because without them I couldn’t have this award.”

        Sandy was chosen for this award through nominations from our “Helping Hands” and “Peer Pat on the Back” programs.  “Helping Hands” is a program which gives residents and their families the opportunity to nominate employees that have gone Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.  Co-workers also get the opportunity to identify great work of others through the “Peer Pat on the Back” program.

         Congratulations Sandy!  Job well done!

Administrative Professional Day Luncheon

Administrative Professional Day Luncheon –April 21^st

Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus will be the guest for the Celina Mercer County Chamber’s Annual Administrative

Professional Day Luncheon which is planned for Wednesday, April 21^st at Romer’s in Celina.  Miss Ohio will speak briefly about her experiences in the Miss Ohio and Miss America pageants.  Erica will also be on hand to sign autographs and sing a song

or two. 

As in the past each participant will receive a goodie bag filled with surprises, a great lunch, and lots and lots of door prizes will be given away.  From 11:30am to 1:30pm you can just relax or be pampered with mini-massages, foot reflexology, taste the many samples of food and coffees.  Even if you only have an hour to spare, you can still register to win the door prizes.  This chamber event always sells out, so call today.  Tickets are $17 per person. This event is open to the public.   Call the Celina Mercer County Chamber at 419 586-2219 or email info@celinamercer.com.   To see all chamber events and activities, visit www.celinamercer.com.

As an advertising opportunity, we are hosting Administrative Professional Day Luncheonon April 21^st at Romer’s in Celina.  We are selling tickets and each person who purchases a ticket receives a goodie bag.  You are cordially invited to put something in this goodie bag.  Any type of promotional item is welcome.  We need 200 and must be dropped off to chamber by April 16^th.   SNAP Fitness is sponsoring Miss Ohio.

Tickets are on sale now at the chamber office.  $17 per person includes great lunch,goodie bag filled with surprises, vendor booths, Miss Ohio, etc.

Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Initiative

An important message from the Grand Lake St Marys Restoration Committee:

Business Owners, Managers and Front Line Staff

You are invited to an educational presentation concerning the projects planned in 2010 aimed at improving the water quality of Grand Lake St. Marys. Learn about these efforts so you and/or your staff can answer customer and visitor inquiries about the lake’s water quality issues. There will be two sessions of this free, one hour presentation, for your convenience.

Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Initiative

April 8, 2010

8am & 2 pm

Wright State University Lake Campus

Room 177

Many groups and countless individuals are working together to try to make a difference. Make sure you and your staff know all the facts so that you can share the information with your customers. We look forward to seeing you and/or representatives from your business at the Campus on the 8^th. Please forward this to other business colleagues you think may be interested in learning more about this important issue.

Thank you for your interest in improving this important asset,

Grand Lake St. Mary Restoration Committee

Celina Police Report Scam

The Celina Police Department has received multiple questions and complaints about a sweepstakes offer that local residents have been receiving.  The names involved are different, but each case involves a check for an amount around $4450.00.  When they make telephone contact with the office they are referred to the victims are instructed to deposit the check.  The fraudulent checks will clear initially, but will be determined to be fraudulent as they reach higher security levels within the banking systems.  By that time the victims have been contacted and instructed to pay fees or taxes out of the initial deposit.  Both the initial deposit amount and any fees paid are lost by the victim. 

Names involved in the scam include LIFE PRODUCTS CORP, SUSQUEHANNA BANK, HOLDEN FINANCIAL SERVICES and GLOBAL CLEARANCE.  Anyone receiving mailings of this nature should contact a banking or law enforcement official to confirm any offer is legitimate.  The biggest clue is that these types of scams normally claim to be based in another country.  If you have never been to Canada, Britan, Nigeria or other locations to purchase play the lottery it would be really hard for you to be holding the winning ticket.   

Celina Police Arrest Two

Celina officers apprehended two subjects involved in ransacking parked vehicles early Thursday morning.  Officers responded to a call of two subjects rummaging through cars on Sugar Street at 3:33AM Thursday morning.  The department had already received calls of vehicles being going through on the west side of town.  Responding officers located two suspects, a male juvenile and an 18-year old male, in the IC Church lot.  Follow-up investigation led to the recovery a large amount of change from the suspects and automotive electronics that had been stashed along an alley.

The juvenile suspect was released to his mother’s custody.  The male was incarcerated at the Mercer County Adult Detention facility.  His name is being withheld, pending the filing of formal charges.  The Celina Police Department received five calls of vehicles being gone through overnight

Over 850 Attend Mercer Healthy Living Expo

            Planning officials for the first ever Mercer Healthy Living Expo held on Saturday, March 20, at the Galleria termed the event a great success with over 850 persons attending.

            According Renee Kinney, RN, Director of Wellness Services at Mercer Health, there were over 60 booths set up that were geared for both children and adults. She says, “The response from area service organizations and businesses was overwhelming! I think this was the first time this area has ever seen so many health service agencies gathered in one place.”

            In addition to the many exhibits, COSI on wheels was also present. Ken Obringer, Director of Marketing & Communications at Mercer Health, reported that the area got increasingly busy as the morning went on. He says, “COSI set up 20 different science activities for the children to try out. It was both educational and fun. I want to thank the Mercer County Chronicle for sponsoring them.”

            Obringer says, “In addition to COSI, a number of other booths had other types of activities for the children. There was a coloring contest and craft activities as well as development screenings.”

            There were also many adult screenings that were offered at the Expo. Kinney states, “There were many different types of screenings offered throughout the morning, Mercer health offered osteoporosis screenings, height/weight/Body Fat Analysis (BFA) information, dermascan screenings, blood pressure screenings, and a number of different blood tests. Other screenings were for the foot, eyes, and mouth by local podiatrists, optometrists, and dentists. We also had an Alzheimer’s screening offered by an area nursing home.”

            Mercer Health sends thanks to Dannon Yogurt and the Mercer County Chronicle for their support of the event. Obringer says, “Dannon was kind enough to contribute a variety of different types of yogurt to serve, and the Mercer County Chronicle donated the rental fee for COSI and put together a map that was distributed at the event.”

            Organizations participating in the event included Mercer County Head Start, OUR Home, American Cancer Society, Snap Fitness, Gateway Outreach Center, Celina Manor, Mercer County Help Me Grow, Miller House, Mercer County DARE Program, OSU Extension Service, The Laurels of Shane Hill, Life Connections of Ohio, Innergy Fitness, Dentistry For You, Mercer County WIC, Dept. of Children Services, Ft. Recovery Family Medicine, and Family Audiology Associates. Other agencies included Lifetime Vision Care, Briarwood Village, Family Crisis Network, Dr. Sara Shockney, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Chief Supermarket, Fort Fitness-N-More, Grand Lake Podiatry, Community Sports & Therapy, The Revival Spa, Drs. Dickman, Kettler & Brunner, Auglaize-Mercer County Family Y, The Gardens at Celina and St. Henry, Mercer County Health Department, Grand Lake Regional Cancer Center, Mercer County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Mercer County Job & Family Services, West Central Ohio Regional Healthcare Alliance (WCORHA), Mercer County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Wellness To The Core, Tri-Star Vocational School plus a number of displays by Mercer Health.

            Both Obringer and Kinney expressed their sincere thanks to everyone who not only attended this year’s event but also to all of the exhibitors.

Parkway FFA Students Compete at Sub-District Public Speaking

Rachel Hesse, Caden Hellwarth, Corbin Hellwarth

            The Parkway FFA Chapter on Tuesday, February 23^rd, sent three students to compete in sub-districts at Delphos for the Public Speaking Contest. The three students who participated were Rachel Hesse, Corbin Hellwarth, and Caden Hellwarth.

            Rachel Hesse participated in the Creed Speaking Contest, which is for Greenhand members only. They are required to say the FFA Creed from memory along with answering questions about the Creed itself. Rachel received a gold rating along with a second place finish. Corbin and Caden Hellwarth both participated in the Extemporaneous Speaking Contest. This contest requires the student to draw a random Ag-related topic out of a hat. The students are given thirty minutes to research the topic and come up with a four to six minute speech. Corbin and Caden both received a gold rating. Corbin placed first and Caden placed second.

            Corbin Hellwarth and Rachel Hesse have both moved on to districts which will be held at Kalida on March 2^nd.

            The Chapter would like to congratulate these students on a nice job and wish Corbin and Rachel the best of luck at districts!

Members in picture left to right- Rachel Hesse, Caden Hellwarth, and Corbin Hellwarth

Mercer Health To Purchase Coldwater Property

            On Wednesday, March 24, the Mercer Health Board of Governors and Board of Trustees each formally approved purchase of the former Briarwood Nursing Home located next to Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater, Ohio.

            According to Don Kahlig, Board of Trustees President, the purchase of this property gives Mercer Health room for expansion in the future. He says, “We were landlocked. The acquisition of this parcel gives us the opportunity to look at future programs and allows us more flexibility as the health needs of the community change.”

            Paula Detterman, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Health, states, “This provides Mercer Health with a rare opportunity to expand our grounds. It allows us to examine how we can free up space within the hospital. More importantly, it gives us options that we previously did not have to meet the health needs of the future.” 

            The property itself consists of almost 4 acres of land and is owned by HCF Realty of Briarwood, Inc. The former Nursing Home facility has over 33,300 square feet of space. The Board of Trustees approved the purchase price of $400,000.

            Detterman explained the price offered was very good for the amount of land and building space involved.

            Steve Wilder, Executive Vice President of HCF, Inc., states, “We are pleased that our former site will continue to be used for healthcare purposes. We felt it was important to support the needs of the community in which we serve.”

Currently, there are no specific future plans for the facility. Detterman says, “This new space opens up a wide range of possibilities for Mercer Health. We will be exploring how we can best serve the community while efficiently using our resources.”

            The Briarwood Manor Nursing Home was put up for sale prior to the opening of Briarwood Village in spring, 2009.

            In other business conducted at the Mercer Health Board of Governors meeting, the budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins April 1 was approved. The new budget projects gross revenue of over $85 million dollars with net revenue of $46 million. Operating expenses are projected to be over $45 million.

            They also received an update on the final phase of the construction project that includes a Women’s Center. Lisa Klenke, Vice President of Patient Services, reported that final inspection of the area has been completed and that plans are now underway to move diagnostic equipment into the new area.

            The Board also granted approval to enter into an agreement with Cleveland Clinic Laboratories as Mercer Health’s reference lab. Laura Rolfes, Director of Laboratory Services, explains that reference labs are used for the more complex lab test and for low volume tests. Mercer Health projects this new agreement will mean lower costs, decreased turnaround time, and will help Ohio’s economy by keeping dollars in the state. This new contract and its projected savings is a result of Mercer Health’s involvement in the Ohio State Health Network (OSHN).

            Chief Executive Officer Paula Detterman reported that Donna Kueterman has been chosen as the new Laboratory Services Director. She will replace Laura Rolfes who is retiring at the end of April.

Section of Cassella-Montezuma Road Closed

          The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is announcing the closing of Cassella-Montezuma Road between Depweg Road and State Route 274 in Marion Township for a culvert replacement. This structure will be closed tentatively on March 29, 2010 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately one to two weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

          Any questions, contact the Mercer County Engineer's Office at 419-586-7759.

SENATE APPROVES BILL TO EDUCATE EXPECTANT

 PARENTS ABOUT CORD BLOOD BANKING

            Many expectant parents may not be aware that the blood in their baby’s umbilical cord holds tremendous potential to help save lives. Currently, the stem cells in cord blood are used to battle the effects of more than 75 different diseases, including cancers like leukemia, genetic disorders and immune system disorders. Scientists are also hopeful that cord blood could be used in the future to treat victims of stroke, heart attack and spinal cord injuries, as well as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

There has been great debate in this country in recent years over the morality of embryonic stem cell research, and leaders in several states, including Ohio, have rightly fought to stop this killing of innocent human life. There are no ethical issues, however, associated with cord blood stem cell research, because the blood is collected after the baby has been delivered and the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut.

Despite its life-saving qualities, cord blood is normally discarded after a child is born, but a process known as cord blood banking allows families to save this valuable resource for potential future medical use. Parents can choose to anonymously donate their child’s cord blood to a public bank for use in research or by a patient in need. Families can also pay to establish a private bank where cord blood cells are stored for exclusive use by the baby or to help treat family members who may suffer from a life-threatening condition.

In an effort to further cord blood research and help save lives, the Ohio House and Senate unanimously approved legislation this past week designed to better educate expectant parents about umbilical cord blood banking. House Bill 102, which I co-sponsored, requires the Ohio Department of Health to make printable publications available on its web site containing “standardized, objective information” about cord blood banking. The bill also says ODH must encourage physicians, nurses and other medical professionals to make these resources available to pregnant women prior to their third trimester.

HB 102 also includes a provision to ensure health care institutions and medical professionals will not be subject to civil liability, criminal prosecution or professional disciplinary action for acting in good faith to provide materials to pregnant women about cord blood banking.

Currently, several states, including Texas, Illinois, Arizona, New York, California, Michigan and Georgia, have approved similar legislation.

Expectant parents will continue to have the ultimate say about what happens with their child’s umbilical cord blood, but the hope is that by helping families understand their options for cord blood banking, it will increase donations, expand research opportunities and help strengthen treatment options for Ohioans stricken with a number of potentially fatal diseases.  HB 102 is about promoting ethical stem cell research and working to save lives.

For more information about the bill, please visit the Ohio General Assembly website at www.legislature.state.oh.us.

I also encourage residents from the 1^st Senate District to contact me with any questions, thoughts or concerns about state government issues. You can write me, Senator Steve Buehrer, Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, or contact me by phone at (614) 466-8150. I can also be reached by email at SD01@senate.state.oh.us.  In addition, for more information about my work in the Ohio Senate, please visit my page on the new Senate website at www.ohiosenate.gov/steve-buehrer. 

Mercer County Fair Board March 2, 2010 Minutes

Attendees:      Jeff Selhorst, Emily Breymaier, Kris Hinton, Nick Grier, Connie Fuller, Ryan Muhlenkamp, Mike Fullenkamp, Jay Hein, Robin Link, Pat Schmitt, Randy Canary, Ivan Knapp, Jerry Bollenbacher, Adam Carpenter, Steve Schulte, Jackie Lacy

Guests:           Larry Bowers, Amanda Geier, Joe Bey, Ben Siefring, Roger Siegrist, Cheryl McKirnan, Randy Highley, Scott Pierstorff, Mike Baker

                        Meeting called to order by President Jeff Selhorst.

Minutes:         Randy Canary made a motion to accept the February minutes, seconded by Emily Breymaier.  Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s

Report:           Steve Schulte gave a brief treasurer’s report.  Ivan Knapp made a motion to accept the report, seconded by Jay Hein.  Motion passed.

Monthly

Bills:               Emily made a motion to pay the monthly bills, seconded by Jerry Bollenbacher.  Motion passed.

Guests:           Roger Siegrist and Ben Siefring brought in the changes for the steer show in 2011 for the fair book.

                        Randy Highley and Scott Pierstorff were here with concerns about having the demo on Thursday.  They are planning a couple of additional demo events and are concerned about having enough time.  Jeff Selhorst explained it was decided to have the tug a truck on Saturday because of having sponsors if the event was held that day.

                        Amanda Geier was here to find out the decision for having a junior fair gilt show.  Jeff said he spoke with Steve Seitz who thought it would be a good idea to let the junior fair do the gilt show.  The senior fair numbers have been down for that event.  The senior fair will no longer have a gilt show.

                        Cheryl McKirnan said the junior fair board has not had a meeting because of weather to get clarification of some changes they would like.  She went over the auction committee changes.

                        Steve introduced Mike Baker who books music events.  Mike explained some things he’s done and how he recommends groups.  He recommended 56 Daze for the beer gardens during the fair.

Fair

Managers

Report:           Steve Schulte reported on:

·        FFA lunch stand – still moving forward.  Commissioners drawing up lease.  The stand should be done by fair.

·        Picnic tables – Parkway Industrial Arts program would like to build six tables for the fairgrounds.  Material would be $75 each.  Ft. Recovery Lumber will cover ½ the cost and would like the Fairboard to cover ½.  Ryan Muhlenkamp made a motion for the Fairboard to cover 6 tables at $37.50 each, seconded by Kris Hinton.  Motion passed.  Steve asked that a 1/8 page ad be put in the fair book to thank Ft. Recovery Lumber.

·        Wing Festival – need a committee and date to meet.  Those who want to be on committee are Emily, Ryan, Jeff, Randy, and Connie.  Discussed date for event.  Ivan made a motion to hold the event September 18^th, seconded by Mike Fullenkamp.  Motion passed with one Nay vote.

·        Bands for beer gardens – Randy made a motion to have 56 Daze on Friday, seconded by Jay.  Motion passed.  Robin Link made a motion to have Clark Station on Sunday, seconded by Nick Grier.  Motion passed with two Nay votes.

·        State camping permit drawing for $2,000.  Some other discussion on what else will need to be done.  Pat Schmitt made a motion to have the drawing done, seconded by Mike.  Motion passed.

·        Gate admission – there was a discussion on raising the cost.  Ivan made a motion to raise the daily gate cost to $9.00, seconded by Ryan.  Hand count vote 8-5, Aye.  Motion passed.

Committee

Report:           Jerry reported that we will be doing four billboards again and the costs.  He said Chamber Day will be Sunday at the harness races. He explained the USTA Member ship cost.  For the matching funds he would like to order the handouts again like he did last year.  Jerry made a motion to pay the membership and purchase the handouts, seconded by Adam Carpenter.  Motion passed.

                        Kris said we will not need to pay postage to get the tractors here for the kiddies tractor pull.  He knows someone who will be going there and has agreed to pick up the tractors.

                        Robin explained the advertising budget including the billboards.  Robin made a motion to accept the $9,000 budget, seconded by Nick.  Motion passed.

Old

Business:        Junior Fair changes – Kris made a motion to have the steer show changes take effect for the 2011 and the gilt show for 2010, seconded by Jay.  Motion passed.  

New

Business:        Ohio Fair Funds racing portion 16,040 – Randy made a motion to put this in a CD until needed for fair, seconded by Emily.  Motion passed.

                        Restroom cleaning – $2,000 and $3,960 – Ryan made a motion to accept the bid from Johnny Nash at $2,000, seconded by Emily.

                        Radios – there was some discussion on quality of sound.  Ivan made a motion to accept the bid from Greg Peck at $1,030, seconded by Adam.  Vote 1 Aye – 13 Nays.  Motion failed.  Ryan made a motion to accept the $1,385 bid from McAfee, seconded by Randy.  Motion passed.

                        Trophies - $1,002 and $1,770 – Randy made a motion to accept the bid from McSports of $1,002, seconded by Jay.  Motion passed.

                        Portable toilets - $2,360 and $1,610 – A motion to accept the bid from Grier’s at $1,610 was made by Pat, seconded by Adam.  Motion passed with Nick abstaining.

                        Fair book printing - $5,015 and $3,545.90 – after some discussion Ivan made a motion to go with the bid of $5,015 from Missing Links, seconded by Emily.  Motion passed with Robin abstaining.

                        Starting times – Kris made a motion to have the Motocross, Tug a Truck, and Demo to start at 6:30 on their event night, seconded by Nick.  Motion passed.

                        Fair book cover vote results – 1^st place Ellie Stammen, 2^nd place tie Leah Dues and Breah Anderson, 4^th place Lindsey Schulze, and 5^th place Elizabeth Evers

Misc.

Comments:     District Meeting March 20^th – Steve, Jeff, and Emily said they would attend.  Kris made a motion to pay mileage and meal costs, seconded by Mike.  Motion passed.

                        Administrative Day – Jerry made a motion to give two weekly passes for door prizes, seconded by Emily.  Motion passed.

                        At 10:30 p.m. Ivan made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Adam.  Motion passed.

MENDON LIONS NEWSLETTER

MARCH 15, 2010

ISSUE 12

            What a winter, especially the snows of February that came one after another.  Here we are half way into March with Spring officially announced on March 20 and this evening’s main event getting the eggs ready for Saturday, April 3.  With help from young and old, the Easter eggs we work to prepare are snatched up by the Mendon youth in a few seconds.  If you look away you will miss the whole thing.

Preparing the Easter Eggs is a Lions Family Affair

This evening’s preparation lasts only for a few seconds

when the kids arrive for the hunt

The Mendon Lions are also preparing for the annual Soup and Sandwich/Auction on March 27. As we enter into are busiest time of the year, next year’s officers have been selected with the list to be read three times before this year is over.

They are as follows: President, Matt Grunden; 1^st vice president, Ron Krugh; 2^nd vice president, Bill Grier. Secretary, Olene Grieshop; Treasurer, Nancy Krugh.

1^st year Trustee, Dan Crouch; 1^st year Trustee, Jerry Rolsten; 2^nd year Trustee, Cindy Grier; 2^nd Year Trustee, Elaine Maurer; Lion Tamer, Merle Stelzer; Tail Twister, Don Dudgeon; Song Leader, Ned Baltzell.

We are happy this evening to welcome two new Lions.  They are Richard and Bobbie Collins.  They are coming just in time to help and become active members of the Mendon Lions Club.  We are also happy to have with us this evening Merle Stelzer’s son and granddaughter, both of who have been with us several times before.  We are always happy to welcome family members.

Here are the minutes from the March 1 meeting, thanks to secretary Olene Grieshop.  Following the pledge to the flag, song, prayer, and a delicious meal, ,we spent most of the meeting preparing for the Soup and Sandwich/auction.

The Lion members introduced themselves to our guests Bobbie and Richard Collins.

The Minutes were read.  Lion Merle made a motion to accept the reading of the minutes.  2^nd by Lion Bill motion carried.

The Treasurer’s report from March 1^st was tabled until the next meeting.

The Soup, Sandwich and Auction is scheduled to be held on Sat., March 27^th. Flyers were handed out to remind members of the food to be donated and the set up and work times.  Lion Ron passed out  the tickets for the Soup, Sandwich Supper and Auction.

Program Calendar is as follows: March 15 we will be filling Easter Eggs, April 5 Juvenile Judge Mary Pat Zitter will be our guest.    April 19, Lion Ann has invited Jim Godwin who is celebrating his 50^th anniversary is the Motorcycle Business.  May 3, Lion Joann has invited Tasch Schulte, Activities Director from the Mercer

County Senior Citizens Center...  The last program of the year will be sponsored by Lion Nancy on May 17.  June 3,4, and 5 is the Firecracker Festival.

Lion Olene and Lion Jerry updated their information about the up coming Memorial Day Program. Lion Olene is going to hang flyers in the businesses in Mendon to collect more names of people serving in the armed forces.

 Lion Ned passed out a flyer on Eligible Activities of where the grant money could be spent if Mendon receives it. Any Lions member who resides in Mendon is welcome to attend the Town Meeting.

Tail Twister Lion Don collected small fines from each Lion Member.

Lion Olene asked if we would consider donating to the Choosing Life Pregnancy Center who addressed the club last month.  Lion Dan moved to donate $100 and Lion Jerry seconded it. Motion carried.

Lion Nancy received an e-mail asking if we would like to donate to the Cancer Association of Mercer County Hopefest  2010 which is being held May 7^th, 2010. Lion Ned moved donate $100 and Lion Jerry 2^nd it. Motion carried.

Lion Jerry explained to our guests how the Lions got started on the Shelter House project, and explained to them how we help the Community in different areas.

Lion Nancy has 20 doz. plastic Easter Eggs. We need a total of 60 doz. for our April 3 Easter Egg hunt. Lion Bill is going to get the extra 40 doz. eggs and the 25 lbs. of candy we need to fill the eggs at our March 15 meeting.

SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE FOR MARCH 25, 2010

ST. MARYS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BANQUET

FERN JOHNS FAMILY  (Builder of Bridges awards: Fern Johns,

Ray Barber, and Rev. Jim Nupher)

(Note: there are more pictures of the Chamber Banquet on

the Pictures Page)

NEWS UPDATE FOR MARCH 29, 2010

AMERICAN RED CROSS, MERCER COUNTY CHAPTER  Recognition Dinner

Ron Obringer, Alan Siefring, Shaun Everman, Cayla Hellwarth

Marilyn Frahm, Rita Dennis

On Thursday, March 11^th the American Red Cross, Mercer County Chapter held their Annual Recognition  Dinner and Annual Meeting at the Celina Eagles. All volunteers, donors and partners were recognized and thanked for their outstanding dedication, commitment and hard work that they have given the American Red Cross of Mercer County.

The dinner also gave the Mercer County Chapter of the American Red Cross the opportunity to present the following awards with the assistance of Erica Gelhaus, Miss Ohio, Cayla Hellwarth, Miss Lake Festival & Ellen Bryan, Miss Miami Valley: 

The Biomedical Achievement Award  which was presented to Marilyn Frahm an American Red Cross Blood Services volunteer who has fostered innovative practices to achieve strategic priorities. Marilyn has provided an incredible amount of time and effort to ensure the blood services in Mercer County maintains a viable asset to the many patients in need of blood in our local hospitals. Marilyn is also a board member at the Ohio-Indiana Regional Blood Services Center~   

Outstanding Youth Award is presented to any volunteer who has shown commitment to the mission of the American Red Cross at the chapter level.  Cayla Hellwarth, the current Miss Lake Festival, has selected the American Red Cross as her platform. She not only represents the Red Cross very well, but the entire Mercer County. Cayla has  recently held a fundraiser for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and raised over $500 for them. Cayla will be competing for Miss Ohio in June. Best of Luck Cayla!

Disaster Preparedness & Response Award is an award that honors a disaster volunteer who has made a measurable impact on the America Red Cross, the community and the clients we serve. This year’s award went to Ron “Obie” Obringer who volunteers on local and national levels and has been instrumental in securing local donations and equipment for our disaster services program. 

Health & Safety Services Award This award was presented to Rita Dennis whose outstanding contributions have led to the expansion and improvement of the American Red Cross Health & Safety Services at the local chapter.  Rita is very generous of her time and has helped our chapter several times when we were in need of quick assistance. She has also updated our Sport Safety Training and will be implementing the first American Red Cross Family Caregiving Program for those in our area that provide care to an elderly or chronically ill family member at the Miller House. This free seven part series will begin in April and each session will last approximately 1 hour. 

Extra Mile Award This award recognizes Coldwell Banker Lake Shore Realty and Deb Borns who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help our chapter. Due to their generosity our chapter has an awesome office that offers a safe and easily accessible place to provide our many services, offer Health & Safety Classes, meetings and has a lot of storage for disaster supplies.

Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service this award honors a volunteer whose performance over a period of several years has substantially exceeded the volunteer’s original commitment to the American Red Cross.  This year Alan Siefring and Shaun Everman were both selected for the Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service They have demonstrated exceptional performance and extensive personal commitment to several projects that has contributed to the improvement & expansion of American Red Cross services to our community. Alan and Shaun also serve on the kart committee, are the flagmen for the races and are the chairpersons for the bowling event held to raise money for equipment for our largest fundraiser the kart races. Additionally, they also maintain the trailer and the equipment following each event. Thanks to both of these gentlemen for their time, reliability, dedication and hard-work!

Congratulations were also extended to the recipients of the awards given out at the Indiana Ohio blood region Recognition Luncheon.

Outstanding Blood Donor~Walt Fleck~162 units and 6 times in the last year

Outstanding Volunteer Service Award~ Jerry & Rita Siefring

Creative Genius Award~ Pete Lisi with CHS   creative ways to promote blood drive

The Faithful Friend Award~ The Mercer County Chapter loyal support to blood services

The Lifesaver Award~ The Mercer County Chapter especially accommodating in times of need

“Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors, supporters & partners. To the volunteers who are willing to leave their homes whenever the call comes to make sure a local family who has lost their home to a fire has a place to sleep tonight, and clothes to wear and food to eat tomorrow, I appreciate each one of you.  Thanks to those who have learned how to save lives through first aid and CPR and the people who have taught them those skills, our community is a safer place because of them.  I am also honored to extend my appreciation to the volunteers that assist with serving our dedicated military personnel and their loved ones. Thank you to everyone who rolls up their sleeve to give blood, or takes out a pen to write a check to support the work of the American Red Cross. Our success and growth is made possible by the generosity of the people in this community -- people who donate their blood, money and time. Each of you are the “heart” of the American Red Cross!” stated Deb Hemmelgarn, Executive Director of the Mercer County Chapter.

As part of the Annual Meeting of the Mercer County Chapter of the Red Cross, Dawn Hellwarth, Jamie Lewis, Maria Suhr, & Tammy Barger were all selected to serve a three year term on the Board of Directors and the following board members were nominated to serve a second three-year term on the Board of Directors: Chuck Sanning,  Butch Duerr, Jerry Siefring, Rita Siefring

The Mercer County Chapter has also decided to establish an Associate Board which will allow Mercer County youth from each school in the county to become more involved with the local chapter of the Red Cross. The chapter would like to welcome the first member, Ashley Kunkler of St. Henry High School. Anyone interested in information about the Associate Board of Directors is welcome to contact the Red Cross office at 419-586-2201.  The 2010 slate of officers are: Chair – Jerry Siefring, Vice Chair –  Greg Homan, Secretary – Linda Schoenherr

Following the Annual Meeting, Erica Gelhaus spoke of her many adventures and achievements as the reigning Miss Ohio. Erica’s success in donating blood to the American Red Cross for her first time and initiating the very first blood drive at the State House, ranked high on her list of personal achievements! Following an entertaining song that was sung by Erica, she was thanked for her continued support of the Red Cross.

Thank you to the events’ sponsors~ Visions Awards, Werling & Sons, Cooper Farms, Beckman & Gast, Gel’s IGA, Celina Eagles & Louie, and Floral Reflections. Your generosity is truly appreciated. Our gratitude is also extended to Erica Gelhaus, Ellen Bryan and Cayla Hellwarth for their continued support of the American Red Cross.

Mercer County Drug Bust

Assisting the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office with service of drug indictments led the Celina Police Department to the arrest of an additional suspect for possession of heroin and oxycontin (oxycodone) and the service of a search warrant upon an apartment located at 230 W. Logan St.

Celina Police officers located Christina Hall and Jerrod Muhlenkamp at their residence at 230 W. Logon Street.  Both were subjects of Mercer County Grand Jury indictments being held by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.  While waiting for members of the Grand Lake Drug Task Force to arrive on the scene Celina officers observed a male exit the home and run from the scene.  He was pursued and apprehended in the 100 block of W. Logan Street where he was found to be in possession of both oxycontin and heroin.  That suspect was found to be Joseph D. Wischmeyer (31), of Celina.  Celina officers transported Hall and Wischmeyer from the scene and responding Mercer County deputies took custody of Muhlenkamp.

Based upon the follow-up information from Wischmeyer’s arrest the Celina Police Department obtained a search warrant for the apartment at 230 W. Logan Street.  During the service of that warrant prescription drugs, suspected heroin, syringes, scales and other drug paraphernalia were seized.  The investigation is continuing and additional felony charges are possible.

Staff Appreciation Luncheon

By Scott Frey

As in the past, we are offering an opportunity for you to market your business at the Staff Appreciation Luncheon by becoming a Table Exhibitor , by donating a door prize, or by donating 175 bag stuffers.

Click Here for your exhibitor registration form.  Fill out your preference and return it to us by Friday, April 16th.  The sooner, the better!  (For those of you I have already spoken with about marketing your business at this event, go ahead and fill this out and send it back for our recrods please.)

EPC and LEPC Meetings

1)     Mercer County EMA Board Meeting  - Tuesday, April 6, 2010 @ 12:05 PM

      in the EMA Office, 214 W. Livingston St., Celina

2)     Mercer County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) – Thursday, April 8, 2010 @ 7:30 AM

In the Central Services Building, 220 W. Livingston St., Celina

Get your soil tested

By Laura Walker

There are 158 lawn and garden soil sample coupons available at this time.  For just $5, anyone with land in the Grand Lake St. Marys or Wabash River Watersheds can have their lawn or garden soil tested.  This is at least a $10 savings from the typical fee.  Cost sharing on these samples is the Lake Improvement Association, Grand Lake/Wabash Watershed Alliance and Helena Agronomic Center, Coldwater.

To purchase a soil sample coupon; go to the Mercer Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 220 West Livingston Street, Celina, Ohio, or to Helena Agronomic Center, Burkettsville-St. Henry Road, south of Coldwater.  You will receive instructions on how to take your sample and a sample bag.  Bags can be returned to Helena or the SWCD.

Collecting a soil sample prior to applying lawn or garden fertilizer will determine the actual fertilizer needs of your lawn or garden.  The amount of Phosporous (P) in fertilizer is designated by the middle number of a fertilizer.  Proper lawn and garden fertilization techniques play an important role in preventing polluted surface runoff from entering nearby streams, Grand Lake St. Marys and the Wabash River. 

Equipment needed to take a soil sample:

            clean plastic bucket, soil probe and quart-sized plastic or paper bag

Follow these steps to properly collect a lawn soil sample (recommended method):

Step 1:  Label bags appropriately.

Step 2:  Walking in a zig-zag pattern, use the soil probe to take ten sub-samples and place them in the plastic bucket.

Step 3:  Samples should be taken 3-4 inches deep.  Remove any foreign material on the surface prior to using the soil probe.

Step 4:  Mix sub-samples thoroughly and place the correct amount of soil (according to your laboratory) into the bags.

Step 5:  Take labeled bags and other required materials to your laboratory.

Fertilizers have a series of three numbers on the label.  These numbers represent the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.  When purchasing fertilizer look for the bag with a zero in the middle, designating no phosphorus.

For more information on this program contact the watershed coordinator, Laura Walker at laura.walker@mercercountyohio.org or 419-586-3289.

Mercer County Relay for Life

The event will be held at Lake Shore Park (same as last year) on Saturday, June 12, and Sunday June 13.

The torch walk will begin at the Gazebo at 2:00 p.m., followed by the survivor lap. Opening ceremonies are at 2:30 p.m. The event will end with non-denominational church services at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday.  When I have a confirmed schedule, I will pass it along. 

There will be a fundraiser - 5K Run on Saturday, May 22, at 9:00 a.m. sharp, sponsored by Reynolds & Reynolds.  I have attached a flyer with more information.

SENATE WORKS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN

 OHIO CONCEALED CARRY LAW

            When the General Assembly approved Ohio’s concealed carry law in April 2004, gun control advocates wrongly predicted that our cities and local communities would be transformed into a scene straight out of the movie Tombstone, where outlaws rule the streets and shoot-outs outside the local restaurant or grocery store are a daily occurrence.

Six years later, local sheriffs’ offices in Ohio have issued nearly 200,000 concealed carry licenses to law-abiding Ohioans, including 56,691 last year, according to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.  The doomsday scenarios painted by these anti-gun groups couldn’t be further from reality. There have been no spikes in violence, and thousands of Ohio gun owners are now able to legally carry a firearm for protection.

Also, as more Ohioans have chosen to exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, the Legislature has taken several important steps to improve the state’s concealed carry law to reduce burdensome and unnecessary restrictions on license holders. 

In 2006, my colleagues and I approved House Bill 347, which worked to eliminate several confusing provisions in the state’s concealed carry law to make it easier for lawful gun owners to comply. Most notably, in an effort to create consistency in gun laws from community to community, the bill prohibited local governments from passing firearm rules that were stricter than state law. At the time, several cities and villages had their own gun restrictions in place, creating a patchwork of rules across Ohio that made it difficult for concealed carry license holders traveling the state to know the law.

Two years later, I fought to pass Senate Bill 184, which established Ohio’s Castle Doctrine, affirming the right of every Ohioan to defend themselves and their family from violent intruders in their home. The bill also helped to clarify parts of Ohio’s concealed carry statute that had placed an unintentional burden on lawful license holders, while making it easier for police officers to enforce the law.

Continuing this important effort, I recently co-sponsored bipartisan legislation in the Senate that would further update our state’s concealed carry law to make it easier for law-abiding Ohioans to exercise their constitutional rights. Senate Bill 239, which is sponsored by State Senator Tim Schaffer and State Senator Shannon Jones, would eliminate burdensome restrictions on transporting a firearm in a car and remove a prohibition against carrying a concealed weapon into restaurants that serve alcohol.

Currently, concealed carry licensees, who are traveling in a vehicle with a firearm, must either place it in a holster, closed glove compartment, locked case or in a purse that is kept in plain sight. Of the 48 states with a concealed carry license law, Ohio is the only state that specifies how a handgun must be carried in a vehicle. These restrictions put a potentially costly burden on concealed carry license holders in Ohio who could face court proceedings and even incarceration if they violate these complex car storage requirements.

SB 239 would simply remove this unnecessary provision in the law, while preserving strict penalties for any person who fails to follow several important rules meant to protect law enforcement, licensees and other motorists during traffic stops, including the rule that a driver must promptly notify a police officer of the presence of a loaded handgun.

In addition, SB 239 would eliminate Ohio’s current restriction on carrying a concealed weapon into a restaurant that serves alcohol, as long as the license holder is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to OpenCarry.org, 42 states currently allow law-abiding licensees to carry their firearms into restaurants if they are not drinking. This includes every state that borders Ohio. It is important to note that nothing in the bill would mandate that a restaurant allow firearms on their property.

SB 239 is another common sense step in the General Assembly’s ongoing effort to modernize Ohio’s concealed carry laws to ease the burden on lawful gun owners in our state while protecting all aspects of public safety.  I will work hard in the coming weeks to move this important bill forward, and I will continue to do all I can in the Legislature to protect and strengthen Ohioans’ Second Amendment rights.

For more information on SB 239, please visit the Ohio General Assembly website at www.legislature.state.oh.us.

Energy efficient appliances rebate program launches March 26; Ohio credits expected to go quickly

COLUMBUS, Ohio – March 22, 2010 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) wants to make consumers aware rebates for the purchase of energy efficient appliances will become available March 26 when the Ohio Department of Development launches the Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program it administers.

The program was made available through funding from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Its goal is to boost interest in Energy Star-rated appliances, which can increase efficiency in Ohio homes and help consumers save money on monthly energy bills.

 “This program underscores the importance energy efficiency has for Ohioans,” Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander said. “Consumers who take advantage of the rebates will see considerable savings on the purchase of new appliances and will save on energy and water costs for years to come.”

 Ohio has about $10.5 million to offer through more than 89,000 rebates for refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers, high-efficiency gas water heaters and electric heat pump water heaters. Rebates range from $100-$250. The Ohio Department of Development anticipates the rebates will be exhausted in a few weeks. Consumers considering the purchase of a new appliance in conjunction with this program should act quickly to receive a rebate.

 “We are pleased to help implement this federal stimulus program which will go a long way in helping Ohioans become more energy efficient and save on critical home energy and water costs,” said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “We anticipate a high interest level and will work diligently to accommodate each request in a timely manner but encourage consumers to move quickly to take advantage of these savings.”

To qualify, a purchase must be made on or after March 26. The old appliance must be properly recycled. Only one rebate per appliance type per household will be honored. More information, applications for rebates and a list of qualifying appliances are available at www.OhioApplianceRebate.com.

 Ohioans are expected to save 11,656,501 kilowatt-hours (kWh), and 449,755 therms, and reduce water consumption by 175,652,211 gallons annually from the new appliances installed because of this program.

Mended Hearts Meeting

    Mended Hearts will meet on Tuesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. in Meeting Room #2at Mercer Health.  Julie Hemmelgarn, registered dietician will speak on “Heart Healthy Eating Out. “

    Family and friends are invited. Refreshements will be served.  This group meets the last Tuesday of the month September through May.  If you have any questions, call 419-678-5180.

Closing of Cassella-Montezuma Road

          The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is announcing the closing of Cassella-Montezuma Road between Depweg Road and State Route 274 in Marion Township for a culvert replacement. This structure will be closed tentatively on March 29, 2010 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately one to two weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

          Any  questions, contact the Mercer County Engineer's Office at 419-586-7759.

Mercer County 4-H Youth Get Boost from

National Paper Clover Campaign, Tractor Supply Co.