Mercer county commemorative bell - cast during
the summer of 2003
KNAPPSNEWS BULLETIN BOARD
Welcome to Knappsnews.com Mercer-Auglaize Counties Independent News Service. This website provides a combination of features and news stories about West Central, Ohio. The features include stories about local people, events, travel, and history. The news items which will be updated weekly provide a table of contents, a summary of major news stories, and indepth stories with photographs. Stories and photographs on this website are copyrighted.
Latest update, June, 2009. (Note: time and date are based on user's computer and are as accurate accordingly.)
Comments and suggestions may be made at ivanknapp@bright.net.
Table of Contents
News Update for June 27-29, 2009
Photos of Mercer Health Emergency Department Open House
Mercer Health Offers Tours of New Emergency Department on June 28
Miss Lake Festival Scholarship Program Tickets on Sale
Leadership Class Hold Graduation
Lake Campus Welcomes "Fight Club"
Coldwater Board of Education June 29 Agenda
New USDA Rural Development Energy Programs
Mercer Health to Become Tobacco Free Facility July 1
Lake Campus Launches Barge Built by Faculty and Students
Lake Campus Honors 2009 Academic Achievers
News Update for June 24, 2009
Arts in the Park Raku Firing at St. Marys Covered Bridge
Future Workforce Forum Planned for Monday in Minster
"Creative Watercolor" Class Scheduled
Representative Jim Zehringer to Address Mercer County Ag Breakfast
Ohio-Indiana Table Top Exercise Planned
Coldwater Council Purchases Bucket Truck
Miss Ohio Available for Speaking Engagements
News Update for June 22, 2009
Photos of Erica Gelhaus Miss Ohio's Homecoming
Street Work to Begin in New Bremen
Erika Gelhaus Crowned Miss Ohio
Bair Pharmacy Joins Chamber of Commerce
MCDO Minutes for June 16, 2009
Brown to Announce Bill to Help Auto Suppliers
Frontier, Verizon Merger Needs Scrutiny and Local Public Hearings
Special News Release
News Update June 17, 2009
Erica Gelhaus and Heather Waterman Win First Night Preliminaries at Miss Ohio Contest
Photos of Audubon Canoe Trip on the St. Marys River
CAPT Honored for Donating DARE Shirts
Public Hearing on Marion Township Sewer Project
Ellen Bryan Featured in USA Today
Joe Hammond Addresses Safety Council
Choosing Life Pregnancy Center Joins Chamber
Golden Triangle Concerts Feature Variety of Music
Engineer Warns Against Planting Corn at Corners
News Update for June 15, 2009
Fort Recovery Vocational Scholarships Awarded
Celina Insurance Holds Farm Night with Mariners
Lowe's and Kobalt Tools Donate Tools to Tri Star
Bellas Guest Waiters Night Pays Off for Lake Campus
C.O.L.T. Minutes for May 14, 2009
Inaugural Riverside Wine Festival to be held in Findlay
Tri Star's Home Energy Efficiency Rates Well
Representative Zehringer Welcomes Versailles FFA to Statehouse
Uhlenhake Places Eighth in State Contest
Faber: Senate Passes Balanced Fiscally-Sound Budget
Mercer County Blood Drive on June 17
ABE Graduation Scheduled for June 23
Photos of 2009 National Trails Day Program and Towpath Dedication
Special News Release
Jared Ebbing Appointed Mercer County Economic Development Director
News Update for June 8, 2009
Fort Recovery State Museum Newsletter for June, 2009
DARE Boosters Minutes for June 5, 2009
Mercer County Fair Board Minutes for June 2, 2009
Jason C. Thomas Enters No Contest Pleas
News Update for June 3, 2009
United Way of Auglaize County Reports Results of Reverse Raffle
Southwest Chamber Board to Meet in Minster on June 9
O.U.R. Home Board Minutes for April 21, 2009
Faber Amendment Would Provide More Capital Funds for Parks
GLWWA Events Cancelled and Rescheduled
Funding to Improve Water Quality in Grand Lake St. Marys
Coldwater Police Report for May, 2009
Amber Moeller Receives Scholarship
Stateline Writers Practice for Special Program in June
News Update for June 1, 2009
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Scholarship Winner
Lake Campus Commencement Set for June 12
Tri Star Students Win at Ford/AAA Contest
Firefighters Assistance Fund Not Endorsed Locally
Mercer Health Foundation Golf Open is June 10
Lake Campus Graduate Assistant Katie Thobe Receives Award
Auglaize County Alumni Band Concert
USDA Energy Grant and Loan Guarantee Program Announced
Winners of 53rd Annual June Art Exhibit Announced
College Community Arts Council Hosts Event for Students from India
DARE Boosters May 1, 2009 Minutes
News Update for May 25, 2009 Section II
Photos of Kerns Car Giveaway to Celina Senior Stacie Farley
Photos of Fort Recovery Local Schools Employee Banquet
Photos of Celina Memorial Day Services
Photos of Mendon Memorial Day Services
Photos of Grand Lake Regional Cancer Center Open House
Photos of Mercer County Senior Day
Miss Lake Festival Scholarship Program
Golden Triangle Concert Series Debuts May 31
Mercer County Celebrates Senior Day
The Grand Lake Area Safety Council
The Celina-Mercer County Chamber Golf Outing
Arts Partnership Announces Courtyard Concerts
Mississinawa Valley Taiko Drummers Peform on Statehouse Lawn
Annual "Boogie on Main Street" to Kick Off Summer
Celina Police Department Teams Up with Other Law Enforcement Departments
Trevor Elliott Heading to National Competition
Faber: Funding Released to Support Fuel Cell Industry in Auglaize County
Jacqueline S. Nathan Chosen as Co-Juror
Linda Bollenbacher Named Outstanding Administrative Assistant
MED Foundation Awards Scholarships
Cost of "Global Warming" Legislation topic at Midwest Electric Annual Meeting
News Update for May 25, 2009
Jared Ebbing is Logical Candidate
Mary Fisher Named Outstanding Senior of the Year
St. Henry Class of 2009 Scholarships
News Update for May 18, 2009
Emergency Medical Services Week
Kerns Gives Celina Senior Car for Fourth Year
Dr. Solomon Beraki Joins Mercer Health Medical Staff
Mercer County Pheasants Forever #745 Minutes for May 11, 2009
Farm Biologist Report from John Wallace
All-League Baseball Midwest Athletic Conference 2009
All-League Softball Midwest Athletic Conference 2009
Special News Story for May 15, 2009
Four Fort Recovery Friends Forever
News Update for May 13, 2009
DARE Boosters Sponsor Walk-a-thon
Grand Lake Regional Cancer Center Celebrating 5 Years
Sarah Osterholt Receives American Red Cross Scholarship
Healthy Dieting Tips While Vacationing--Next Dine and Discover Program
Celina High School Student Council to Host State Conference
Parkway FFA Awards Burtch Seed as Honorary Member
Celina Police to Host Child Safety Seat Technician Training
New Bremen Senior Citizens to Hold Memorial Day Service
Representative Jim Zehringer Welcomes East Echoes Choir to Statehouse
Closing of Section of St. Anthony Road
Celina Mercer County Chamber Golf Outing
Mercer Savings Bank Donates to Lake Campus
Closing Section of Old Town Road
Fort Recovery Board of Education May 12, 2009 Minutes
News Update for May 11, 2009
St. Henry Agricultural Engineeering Team Takes First Place in State
Senior EXPO to Feature Exhibits and Talks
Celina Police Chief to Address City Council
Lake Campus Dairy Judging Team
Coldwater School Board Agenda for May 12, 2009
Lake Campus Staff Gives Back to Community
Construction Class Hosting Open House
Brown Announces New Initiative to Support Terminally III
Engineering Information Session to be Held at Lake Campus
Coldwater Police Report for April, 2009
Mercer County Pheasants Forever #745 Minutes for April 13
Mercer County Chapter of the American Red Cross Receives Grant
Red Cross Thanks Celina First Church of God
You Aren't Going to Believe This One
Parkway FFA Presents Community with Blue and Gold Award
United Way of Auglaize County to Hold Reverse Raffle
Stateline Writers to Have Special Program in June
Sheriff Jeff Grey Releases Information on Another Drug Arrest
Special News Stories
Photos of Law Day Essay Contest Winners Presentation
Photos of Important Bird Area Dedication
Photos of 25th Anniversary Center for Neurological Development
Photos of Dedication of Statue of Red-Haired Nance
Photos of the 80th Annual Parkway FFA Banquet
Photos of Auglaize & Mercer Counties CVB Luncheon
Photos of 79th Fort Recovery FFA Annual Banquet
Photos of Mercer Health Life Connection Flag Raising
Photos of Easter Alive March 27-28, 2009
Photos of Mercer County Fair Sponsorship Dinner
Photos of GLWWA Advisory Board Visit to Mercer County Jail Site
Photos of Mercer County FFA Invitational
Photos of Coldwater Welcoming Home Corporal Kyle Sudhoff
Photos of the 5th Annual Rockford Business Expo 09
Photos of Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Photos of Briarwood Village Dedication Ceremony
Photos of Mercer County Senior Citizens Carry-In Lunch
Photos of Conservation Seminar February 28, 2009
Photos of Mercer County Harness Horsemen's Annual Banquet
Photos of the WCSM's Spring Fling
Photos of the Celina-Mercer County Chamber Banquet
Photos of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Photos of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Photos of 25th Annual WCSM Bridal Show
Photos Sixth Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet (click on People Page)
Photos of the S.T.A.R. Weekend January, 2009
Photos of the Mercer County Cattlemen's Banquet 2009
NEWS UPDATE FOR JUNE 27-29, 2009
THE MISS LAKE FESTIVAL SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM ANNOUNCES TICKET SALES
Erica Gelhaus Miss Ohio
The Miss Lake Festival and the Miss Lake Festival Outstanding Teen Pageant will kick off the Celina Lake Festival events on Monday, July 20 2009 at the Celina High School Field house, with Preshow to begin at 7:30 pm and show to start at 8:00pm. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, June 29, 2009, at the Celina Music Store. Ticket prices are $10 and $12.
The Miss Lake Festival Scholarship Program is a Preliminary of the Miss Ohio and Miss America Organization’s. The program provides young women the opportunity to earn scholarship awards and participate in activities designed to enhance their personal development and promote causes that are important to her.
Ellen Bryan, 4th Runner-up Miss Ohio
The Miss Lake Festival Scholarship Program is happy to announce that Erica Gelhaus, the current resigning Miss Ohio 2009, will be appearing live on stage at the 2009 Miss Lake Festival Pageant. The 2009 Miss Lake Festival Pageant will feature eight young women from Mercer County competing for scholarships and the title of Miss Lake Festival 2009. The pageant will also feature six young ladies competing for scholarships and the title of Miss Lake Festival Outstanding Teen 2009. The 2009 winners will also have the opportunity to represent Mercer County at the state Miss Ohio and Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen Scholarship Program in June 2010. Miss Lake Festival, Co-Director Melissa Hoying said she is impressed with the caliber of this year’s contestants. “We are very pleased with the number of intelligent, ambitious and talented young women who have entered the competition,” Hoying said. “With the number of outstanding contestants, it will be a challenging task for the judges to choose the next Miss Lake Festival and the new Miss Lake Festival Outstanding Teen.”
Erica Gelhaus will appear on stage at the as an emcee, performer and presenter along with Ellen Bryan, the current reigning Miss Lake Festival 2008. Recently Erica was crowned Miss Ohio 2009 and took home $12,000 in college scholarships. Ellen Bryan, current Miss Lake Festival was Fourth Runner Up to Erica and was awarded $3,500 in college scholarships.
For further information, please contact Melissa Hoying Co-Director of Miss Lake Festival Scholarship Program at 419-733-0814
Leadership Class Holds Graduation
Leadership Class Graduates
The Leadership In Action Class of 2009 held their graduation dinner on Thursday, June 25th at Briarwood Village. This leadership class is facilitated
by the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. One day a month from September thru June, this class traveled and toured Mercer County. Each class was a unique opportunity to experience private businesses, government and nonprofit agencies, health facilities, and much more. Applications for the next leadership class will be taken beginning July 15th. Contact the Celina Mercer County Chamber at 419 586-2219 for further details or visit www.celinamercer.com.
Pictured from left to right (back row) Kurt Duncan- CAPT Angie Lefeld -Mercer Health Heather Zehringer - Celina Insurance Group Darlene Snavely -CA Employment Services Brent Stocksdale -Wright State Lake Campus Ben Uhlenhake - Peoples Bank Co. Eric Ireland -The Gardens at Celina Jana Homan- Briarwood Village Jayme Moorman - Dynamic Federal Credit Union
Pictured from left to right (front row) Karen Heinrichs -Mercer Co. Engineer's Office Michelle May -Cooper Foods Lanette Briley - Colonial Nursing Home Stephanie Crum - State of the Heart Hospice Toni Klosterman -State of the Heart Hospice
Wright State University–Lake Campus Welcome “Fight Club”
FREE concert features WSU’S renowned a capella men’s septet
The Wright State University “Fight Club” consists of seven WSU students who sing a capella pop, barbershop and classical doo-wop songs.
CELINA, OH – The Lake Campus will host the Wright State University “Fight Club” for a FREE outdoor concert on Friday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Crown Amphitheatre. Lawn and bleacher seating is available; patrons are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Performing a capella pop, barbershop and classical doo-wop songs, the “Fight Club” was created in spring 2008 when members of the WSU Men’s Chorale recognized an opportunity to bring music to local schools. This mission allowed the group to perform recently for the Lake Campus Junior Scholars. The group, consisting of all WSU students and Men’s Chorale members recently won the Dayton Daily News/Dayton Dragons National Anthem Competition.
Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer, who collaborated with the Dayton Music Department to bring the performance to Mercer County, hopes to see more concerts in the future. “Our outdoor Crown Amphitheatre is just a wonderful setting – the venue overlooks Grand Lake, and the acoustics are good. Plan to come to campus to hear some good singing under a beautiful summer sky!”
In the event of inclement weather the performance will be canceled; refer to the Lake Campus Web site and your local stations for updates.
For more information contact Sandi Holdheide, Director of Student Services/Public Relations, at 419-586-0359.
Coldwater Exempted Village Schools June 29 Agenda
Board of Education Meeting
Special Meeting – Work Session
Board Room - Central Office Annex
AGENDA
I. Roll Call and Verification of Notice
The board was assured that all notice requirements of ORC Section 121.22 and implementing rules adopted by the board thereunder had been complied with for this meeting.
II. Hearing of Visitors
Scheduled: Kendra Chiles
Stacey Pohlman
From the Floor:
III. Set Agenda
IV. Business & Records
A. Review of district finances
B. Update on funding
V. Superintendent’s Section
A. OGT/OAT Test Scores
B. Discussion Only – First Reading – High School Staff Handbook
VI. Resolutions
(All items may be voted upon in one motion.)
A. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to
approve the final amendment of FY09 appropriations.
B. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to approve the temporary FY10 appropriations.
C. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to approve the listing of credit cards:
*VISA (for administrative use only, ordering done for district in central office)
*Wal-mart (for staff use)
*Speedway (for staff use, cards signed out individually by bus drivers and maintenance personnel)
All cards are handled in the same manner as cash, with personnel signing out cards and being responsible for safe return of cards. Purchase orders are required to be in place prior to use of cards.
D. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to accept the following students for open enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year:
*Adam Diller, a staff member’s child (was not included on original list)
*Briana Burke, new student to our distric
E. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to approve the middle school staff handbook for the 2009-2010 school year as presented.
F. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to approve the
payment of severance to Sharon Ontrop as presented.
G. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to approve the
possible transfer contingent upon availability of funds:
Transfer FROM Gen. Fund (001) TO Sev. Trust Fund (035) - $*****(amount
to be determined based upon availability of funds but no more than $150,000)
(treasurer will report final amount at July 14, 2009 board of education meeting)
H. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to approve the
following advance returns:
FROM Title VI-b (516-9909) TO Gen. Fund (001) $30,000
FROM Title I (572-9909) TO Gen. Fund (001) $15,000
FROM Title V (573-9909) TO Gen. Fund (001) $1,000
FROM Title IV (584-9909) TO Gen. Fund (001) $2,000
FROM Title II-D (573-9909) TO Gen. Fund (001) $2,000
FROM 21st Century (599-9810) TO Gen. Fund (001) $20,000
FROM Title II-A (590-9909) TO Gen. Fund (001) $15,00
I. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education approve the request for an executive session for the purpose of discussing compensation, employment of personnel, and preparing for negotiations.
J. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to accept the hiring of Stacey Pohlman, 5th Grade Language Arts Teacher, for the 2009-2010 school year.
K. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to accept the hiring of Kendra Chiles, Intervention Specialist, for the 2009-2010 school year.
L. It is recommended that the Coldwater EVSD Board of Education resolve to accept the hiring of the following marching band assistants for the 2009-2010 school year:
Jud Lehman and Leslie Baltzell.
VII. Adjournment
Important Dates:
Regular Board Meeting – July 20, 2009 – 6 pm – Central Office Annex (NOTE: special date)
Regular Board Meeting – August 11, 2009 – 6 pm – Central Office Annex
New USDA Rural Development Energy Programs
USDA Rural Development recently published Notices concerning two new programs made possible by last year’s Farm Bill. A “Notice of Contract Proposal” (NOCP) was published June 12 announcing payments to Eligible Advanced Biofuel Producers, (Section 9005). Payments are possible to eligible biofuel producers for the production of fuel derived from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Payment amounts will depend upon the number of producers participating. Applications must be received in our State Office here in Columbus by August 11, 2009.
A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Repowering Assistance Payments to Eligible Biorefineries, (Section 9004) was also published in the Federal Register on June 12. This program will make payments to eligible biorefineries to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to provide process heat or power in the operation of eligible biorefineries. Applications are due in our National Office by November 1, 2009. There will be $20 million available.
Keep in mind applications for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP Section 9007) applications are due in our office no later than 4:30 PM on July 31, 2009. Construction projects are encouraged to submit their information for environmental review earlier if possible.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Randy Monhemius at 614-255-2424 or Randy.Monhemius@oh.usda.gov
Mercer Health To Become Tobacco Free Facility July 1
At their regular monthly meeting held on June 24, the Mercer Health Board of Governors gave final approval on a policy that will allow Mercer Health to become a tobacco free campus on July 1.
In her presentation to the Board, Peggy Schultz, Director of Human Resources, mentioned that Mercer Health is hoping the transition will be a smooth one. A plan has been approved that will prohibit the use of tobacco by employees and encourages the patients and visitors to also refrain from smoking while they are on any Mercer Health campus.
She says, “We are hoping to keep a tobacco free environment at not only Mercer County Community Hospital but at all facilities in which Mercer Health has a presence.”
Tobacco related products that will not be permitted on Mercer Health property include (but are not limited to) cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chew, or dip tobacco.
Schultz says, “We are encouraging our hospital staff to remind those on our grounds who are using a tobacco product to please refrain from doing so. We are also posting signs and removing all ash trays to remind those coming to our facility about our new policy.”
For those who are patients, packets will be given to them to help them refrain from tobacco usage. Schultz says, “While this transition may be difficult, we are committed to helping those who may need assistance.”
In other business before the board, Chief Executive Officer Jim Wermert showed quality measurement data from Health & Human Services (HHS) that showed that of eleven hospitals in the area, Mercer Health scored highest in seven out of the ten of the areas of care that were measured.
He explained, “HHS has begun making these comparisons so that patients can have a better idea of the quality of care that they are receiving. All hospitals are required to ask the same questions of their patients when they are surveyed. At least 300 patients must be surveyed by each hospital. We are very proud to have scored so highly, and we are committed to continuing this high standard of care and to making improvements wherever possible.”
Wermert also reported that the new Emergency Department is scheduled to open next Wednesday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m. An Open House for the public will be held on Sunday, June 28, from Noon to 4 p.m.
Board member Tony Gonzalez gave an update on the Chief Executive Officer search to replace Jim Wermert who will be retiring in October. He stated that the search is continuing and that they will have someone in place in time for Wermert’s October 1 retirement date.
On the financial side, Wermert reported an income over expenses for May of $222,213. Since the beginning of the fiscal year in April, 2009, income has exceeded expenses by $401,024.
Lake Campus Launches Barge Built By Faculty and Students
The Maiden Voyage of the Matrix is deemed a success
The barge designed and built by Lake Campus faculty and students was
put into water for the very first time to test the hydrodynamics of the
watercraft.
CELINA, Ohio –Grand Lake St. Marys was the setting for
the maiden voyage of “Matrix,” designed and built by
Lake Campus faculty and
students. The barge towed behind the Lake Campus pontoon, was videotaped by
occupants of a canoe in order to test the hydrodynamics of the boat. The
video will be analyzed by the faculty and students, who were very pleased in
the Matrix’s performance.
For more information please contact Dr. Guy Vandegrift at 419-586-0334 or visit http://www.wright.edu/~guy.vandegrift.
Lake Campus Honors 2009 Academic Achievers
Outstanding 2-year and 4-year students recognized
Angela King, Dean James Sayer, Teri Bailey, Connie Bilimek
Celina, Ohio — Wright State University (WSU)-Lake Campus recently recognized the 2009 Academic Honors Award recipients, celebrating students who achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher after accumulating a minimum of 12 credit hours in their studies at Wright State. There were 256 students honored for Academic Excellence for the 2008-09 school year. Due to construction, a formal program was not held this year; students received their awards in the mail.
Each year, Excellence Awards are given to graduating students with the highest GPA in both a 2-year and 4-year degree program. This year’s honorees at the associate level were Teri Bailey of Coldwater, who received an associate of technical study degree, and Angela King of Celina, who received an associate of arts in communication. Both maintained a 4.0 GPA and will continue with the bachelor’s program in organizational leadership at the Lake Campus.
The Excellence Award recipient in a 4-year program was Connie Bilimek, formerly of Van Wert, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. Bilimek maintained a 4.0 GPA at the Lake Campus.
Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer presented Excellence Award winners with a certificate and a $100 cash prize prior to Lake Campus Commencement on June 12. Each honoree’s name was also engraved on a plaque that will grace the Lake Campus halls.
For more information about the Academic Honors Awards program, which will be reinstated next year for 2009-10 upon completion of the building project, please contact Sandi Holdheide, Director of Student Services/Public Relations, at sandi.holdheide@wright.edu or 419-586-0300.
AcademicHonors_2009.jpg:
2009 Academic Excellence Award
winners include, from left, Angela King, Celina; Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer;
Teri Bailey, Coldwater; and Connie Bilimek, formerly of Van Wert. All of these
winners achieved a 4.0 GPA in their Wright
State studies, and received a
cash award and certificate.
Mercer Health To Offer New Emergency Department Tours on June 28
Mercer Health announced today that they will be offering the community a chance to tour their new Emergency Department from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. It is located at Mercer County Community Hospital, 800 W. Main Street, Coldwater.
According to Ken Obringer, Director of Marketing & Communications, the new Department will begin seeing patients next week beginning on July 1. He says, “The open house gives everyone in the community the opportunity to see our new Emergency Department before we open it. I think they will be pleased with what they are going to see. There are many nice features here that our current Emergency Department does not provide.”
Marilyn Napier, Emergency Department Nurse Manager, states, “We have added over 16,000 square feet. Of that footage, over 13,000 is for our new Emergency Department. The rooms have been designed with patient comfort and safety in mind. Each room is equipped with its own television, and every room has windows to the outside and above every door to give a more spacious feel.
“We also have a private consultation room that allows the Emergency Doctor to talk with the family in private. This room includes a telephone so that additional family members can be called if necessary. It also features a telephone that we can use to help us communicate with someone who does not speak English.”
Napier explains that all of the rooms are private. She says, “That is a huge improvement over what we have currently. Every patient who comes here will now have the privacy of their own exam room. We also want those waiting to feel as comfortable as possible. That’s why we have included a very nice waiting area that is part of our new lobby area. Although the new lobby is only partially completed (the rest will be done during phase 2 of the project), it is quite impressive when you walk in.”
Napier talked about the new separate entrance for patients arriving by ambulance. She explains, “We now will have an entrance for those coming in an ambulance that will not be seen by the general public. Currently, we have only one entrance for everyone coming in to see us. With this new addition, it will be much more private for everyone.”
Planning for the current project began in 2006. At that time an outline was developed and preliminary plans were drawn up. Fanning & Howey were chosen as the architects for the project. In May, 2008, the ground breaking ceremony was held, and construction began in June, 2008. Obringer says, “We are scheduled to begin seeing patients on July 1.”
The completion of a new Emergency Department is phase one of the project. The second phase will greatly expand the new lobby area. It will also include a new gift shop, a vending machine area that will have tables and chairs, an outpatient registration area, and convenient access to the laboratory, imaging services, cardiology services, the Women’s Health Center, and other outpatient testing services. Chief Executive Officer Jim Wermert says, “We are looking to complete this project toward the end of this year or early next year.”
Persons coming to the Open House on June 28 are asked to use the Cedar Street entrance to gain easy access to the new Emergency Department. Free refreshments will be served.
NEWS UPDATE FOR JUNE 24, 2009
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FUTURE WORKFORCE FORUM PLANNED FOR MINSTER ON MONDAY
JOB SEEKERS MAY FIND DIRECTION AT FUTURE WORKFORCE FORUM
To enable area residents to plan and prepare for employment and training needs in the months and years ahead, a Future Workforce Forum is planned for Monday, June 29.
A cooperative effort among the Minster Local Schools, Southwestern Auglaize Chamber, and members of the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Consortium, panels will discuss employment trends and directions in the forseeable future, and also training programs that are available to meet those employment needs.
The session will be held at the Minster Middle School large group meeting room on Monday from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. There is no charge to attend, and light refreshments will be available.
The forum is designed to inform those who are seeking employment, deciding on a course of study, or who would like to update their skills. The forum will also be valuable to those who are currently employed, but are looking to further their careers through higher education.
Jon Horn, Director of Workforce Development at Rhodes State College, said that an overview of the Ohio Skills Bank initiative will be presented. Horn, along with other higher education representatives will be on hand to identify training programs that will prepare workers to meet anticipated needs in west central Ohio, including cooperative education and internship programs.
Local employers from a cross-section of the business sector will identify needs they see on the horizon for their workforce. Industrial manufacturing, food service production and health care businesses will be represented, among others.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 419-629-0313.
Mercer Health Lake Festival 5K Run registrations are now being taken at the
Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. This 5K run is a fundraiser
for the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. The 5K run is scheduled for Saturday, July 25 beginning in Lakeshore Park in Celina. A beautiful out and bank
course along West Bank Road, this is a certified course. Deadline to pre-register is July 15th. Pre-registration is $11 without a shirt and $20 with a shirt. These are running tech shirts. After July 15th and up to the day of the race, registration is $15 without a shirt. If available, a running tech shirt can be purchased for $10 the day of the race.
Trophies
will be awarded to the top three male and female runners. Medals will be
awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each
age group. Special awards will be given to the runner coming from the
furthest distance, and for the youngest and oldest runners.
A $150 will be awarded to the male or female runners who set a new course
record. There will be water on the course, splits at 1 mile, and at 2 mile
marks. Refreshments will be served at the finish.
A special thank you to our sponsors Celina Mercer Co. Chamber, Mercer Health, Celina Lions Club, and McKirnan Brothers Inc.
This race is a part of the Mercer Health 5K Challenge Running Series. Registration forms are available online at www.celinamercer.com or www.mercerhealth5kchallenge.com. You may also register at the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce at 226 North Main Street in Celina. For further details or questions, call the Chamber at 419 586-2219.
Our eCommunity Leadership Team meeting is this Thursday, June 25th at 10:00 am at the Central Services Building, 220 West Livingston Street, in Celina.
We will be reviewing the newly created Strategic Technology Plan, including the top 3 priority projects identified for the county focusing on Awareness, Availability, and Applications. I have attached a brief summary of each.
The Project Teams will begin putting together details for each project at this time, including the initial components and timeframes.
See you Thursday.
Sage Cutler
Field Director, Southwest Region
Connect
Ohio
Mobile: 740.223.6377
Email:
scutler@ConnectOhio.org
Connect Ohio is a division of Connected Nation, Inc.
Mercer - Priority Project 1 – Awareness & Education
Vision
Help citizens and organizations understand the value and benefits to be realized by using the internet more effectively. The ultimate goal of the Team is to create and sustain an educated community that can compete in today’s global economy.
Mission
Perception of need - find ways to encourage more citizens to use broadband and related technologies, by helping them become more familiar and comfortable in their use and understanding. Creating additional awareness within the county regarding the benefits and value of using broadband technology.
Goals
1. Develop an inventory of all technology training resources available in the county.
2. Increase citizen use of computers and the Internet.
3. Improve basic computer skills, and reduce the fear factor.
4. Increase awareness and usage of online resources.
5. Higher Education can assist with training sessions and classes
6. Collaboration between K12, HE, and Vocational schools – develop virtual classrooms
7. Training on how to use it – demonstrate the benefits. Residential, Business, and Staff.
Objectives
1. Improve comfort level with technology.
2. Inventory and make available education/training resources in the County.
3. Develop additional education, training and awareness materials as needed to further the use of technology and broadband applications, including remediation training.
4. Use K12 facilities for evening classes.
5. Expand local HE offerings – WSU, OSU, etc.
6. Provide training on areas such as eBay, ePayments, internet searching, etc.
7. Increase and improve the use of existing resources at library and schools.
8. Overcoming Fear Factor – age/generation issues.
Actions
1. Inventory current computer training and resources offered throughout the county.
2. Identify the benefits and value – needs/interests – to drive adoption and use.
3. Showcase success stories and champions – to “see” the benefits. Newspaper article highlighting someone who has just started using the internet-overcoming fears.
4. Provide free Community Workshops and training sessions. Gather grant information to cover costs.
5. Use Mobile Labs – to take it the rural areas – mobile “hotspot”. Engage students to help.
6. Identify target audience(s) - determine the areas that are lagging in education/awareness and identify appropriate community resource and materials needed to fill those gaps.
7. Use the free LSTA state library program – Learning Express Library – web based resource. Can do online assessments for individuals – to find out where they need additional training.
8. Work with other project teams to increase awareness levels
Measurement Criteria & Timeline Targets
tbd
Implementation Team
Team Leader: Andy Smith
Project Team Members: Chris Gibbs, Greg Homan, Cindy Berning, Tracy Houser, Tal Bates, Kevin Hellman
Mercer - Priority Project 2 – Rural Access
Vision
Expand infrastructure by creating a collaborative partnership between local providers, government, business and residences to provide competitive broadband to all under served areas of the county to increase economic growth, improve healthcare and educational opportunities.
Mission
Provide broadband internet coverage to all areas of the county to enhance and enrich the lives of the citizens by bringing advances and connections in education, healthcare, economic development, employment, entertainment and world wide communication.
Objectives
1. Work with WISP and local service providers to enable wireless service in the county.
2. Fiber link to connect all school buildings.
3. Identify and list all county broadband providers and resources.
4. Develop business and government partnership to enable this to happen
5. Find ways to help offset cost of monthly service for low income families while at the same time creating a sustainable business model for the WISP and/or local service provider.
6. Add wifi hotspots around the county
7. Encourage collaboration between providers – to partner on project
8. Wireless access for government agencies – 911, ems, police, etc – county wide
9. Increase bandwidth for business – wireless or wired – with reliable and redundant connections.
10. Upgrade government connections – connect all agencies and departments, cities, and townships.
Actions
1. Find WISP and dark fiber holders.
2. Find Fiber provider for backhaul.
3. Get funding via PWC, EDA, and/or State of Ohio Third Frontier or Federal Stimulus
4. Develop plans and agreements on what will happen and when.
5. Use funding to also help offset the cost of the CPE’s, in addition to the other equipment.
6. Identify locations for hotspots around the community.
7. Use existing resources where possible.
8. Engage to a positive outcome, a discussion with dark fiber holders and wireless providers in the county for improved consistent coverages and speed.
Measurement Criteria & Timeline Targets
TBD
Implementation Team
Team Leader: Mike Boley
Project Team Members: Jerry Laffin, Bob Nuding
Mercer - Priority Project 3 - Online Applications & Resources
Vision
Increase meaningful online communications with citizens. Implement online tools and applications for small business, government, and other organizations in the county.
Mission
Develop online applications and websites to integrate and share information between citizens and local government, business, and community organizations. One of the big applications mentioned is to create portable individual medical records for healthcare information.
Goals
1. Integrated approach to online information for local government agencies and other organizations in the county.
2. Develop shared resources such as video conference equipment.
3. Improved online presence for entire community
4. Linked and shared websites for all organizations.
5. Improve standards for data exchange
Objectives
1. Identify community website or links.
2. Expand B2B, B2C and B2G applications & identify opportunities for each.
3. Website development and online registrations.
4. Use of web cameras, VoIP, online payments, etc
5. Improved websites and active content for local organizations.
6. Promote online payments, and other online registrations and credit card transactions for citizen/consumer use.
7. Automate processes for CBO’s - volunteer management, resource sharing, etc.
Actions