Please patronize the PWI advertisers!
Scroll Down:
The news for today starts below the ads.

Business News
 

Scroll Down Past Our Advertisers for the Day's News

Scroll Down on the right scroll bar for the Day's News


 

 
May 24, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 13 years.
 

Willshire 9:30 - Willshire  American Legion will conduct services. Brandon Baker from Praise Point will speak
        Pancake Breakfast 7-10:30

Rockford 11:00 - Rockford  American Legion will conduct services with Rockford Methodist Pastor Chip Steffy to Speak
        Presale tickets for chicken dinners at the American Legion

 
May 23, 2018
 

Raffle to benefit Carey, Bill & Benny Scholarship

By Melissa Burtch

The Carey, Bill, & Benny Scholarship was established in 1970 by a group of Parkway residents to honor the memories of Carey Fosnaugh, Parkway Class of 1968, William Miller, Parkway Class of 1965, and  Benny Sapp, Parkway Class of 1967.  These men’s lives were cut short serving their country in Vietnam.  Parkway has had many graduates who have put their lives on the line to serve in the military and by continuing to award the Carey, Bill & Benny Scholarship, all veterans are honored for their service and sacrifice.  With the help of the Rockford American Legion, the Willshire American Legion, and the Willshire Sons of the Legion and other community support this scholarship has been able to continue for 48 years and has awarded thousands of dollars to Parkway graduates.  The stained glass piece of art was handcrafted by Bob Blackwell, an Army and Vietnam veteran, who served with Carey Fosnaugh.  The scholarship is administered by the Leota Braun Charitable Foundation.  100% of raffle proceeds will benefit the Carey, Bill & Benny Scholarship.  Raffle tickets will be sold at both Memorial Day parades in Rockford and Willshire.  Tickets will also be available at The Peoples Bank Rockford branch and Burtch Seed Company.

Pictured with the stained glass art pieces is Mackenzie Sipe, the 2018 Carey, Bill & Benny Scholarship recipient. Photo shared by Nikki Fox

Parkway FFA Chosen As Recipient of Sunrise Cooperative Scholarship Essay

By: Mecaylah Hesse, Parkway FFA Reporter

Parkway’s FFA President, Madison Kroeger, and Reporter, Mecaylah Hesse, worked together to compose an essay of 250 words on how to help feed the world. The essay was submitted for a scholarship, sponsored by Sunrise Cooperative, for the FFA chapter. Sunrise Cooperative chose two out of every FFA Chapter in Ohio to award the scholarship to. The FFA would like to thank Sunrise Cooperative for choosing Parkway FFA as one of the recipients of the scholarship.  

The following is the essay that was submitted for the scholarship: 

“Food Security means every person in the world having adequate access to safe and nutritious food. However, Food Security does not start with just the farmer.  Food production requires a diverse group of industries and individuals. Before a farmer even plants a hybrid variety, geneticists need to develop the technology. Then companies like Sunrise Cooperative must produce mass quantities of the seed. However, it does not stop there. Farmers work day in and day out to produce high quality products that go on to feed the world. Once that product leaves the farm, it requires Ag-merchandisers, food processors, and distributors. Despite this hard work, there are still an estimated 840 million people throughout the world who are not food secure. So how do we bridge the gap to achieve food security for every person on the planet? The global agriculture industry must come together as one to devise a plan and promote sustainable change world-wide by starting in communities that are most at risk for malnutrition and don’t have adequate access to food. Although hunger is not as visible in our community, the Parkway FFA Chapter is working toward food security by educating all ages about agriculture. We also hold annual food drives for our local food pantry. Feeding the world is not a simple task and it will not be solved by one person, industry or government. However, we can all do our part to help those in need and work toward a better tomorrow." 

 
May 21-22, 2018
 

Driver Training Classes to Begin!

MR. E’s DRIVING SCHOOL, LLC

CLASSROOM TIMES            Summer 2018
Sat. May 26th                            8:00 am – 12:15 pm
Tues. May 29th                          8:00 am – 12:15 pm
Wed. May 30th                           8:00 am – 12:15 pm
Thur. May 31th                           8:00 am – 12:15 pm
Fri. June 1st                               8:00 am – 12:15 pm
Sat. June 2nd                             8:00 am – 12:15 pm

 MAKE UP DAY

Mon.       June 4^th                   8:00 am – 12: pm
 

Class will be held in the community room at the high school.

Cost for the class is $ 330.00.
Contracts can be obtained
from Mr. Hinkle or 
in the Parkway High School Office.

Parkway FFA Holds Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance
by Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA held its annual Daddy-Daughter dance on Saturday, May 12, 2018 for girls in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. The girls wore their best dresses and danced the night away while enjoying refreshments and snacks. When first arriving to the dance, the people in attendance went to get their pictures taken by Joyce Dicke. After pictures, the girls were free to enjoy time with their friends and escorts. The FFA would like to thank Joyce Dicke for taking the pictures, the FFA members who volunteered their time to help with the dance, and Chad Ransbottom for DJ'ing the dance.

Rockford Community Days to Feature Artist Todd Buschur
Art below by Todd Buschur

The Lake Area Arts Group will be partnering with Rockford Community Days on 
June 15 and 16 at Shanes Park in Rockford, Ohio.    The Lake Area Arts Group will be exhibiting and demonstrating at the Rockford Community Building on 
Friday June 15th from 6 - 9 pm.  On Saturday, June 16th will be a 
Plein Air event on the grounds of Shanes Park from 11 - 4 pm.

(Plein air painting, is a phrase borrowed from the French equivalent meaning "open air". 
It is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.)

The Featured Artist will be LAAG member - Todd Buschur, a former Parkway Student.  Todd will be in the Shane Hall building exhibiting on Friday - June 15th from 6 - 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm.    

Todd Buschur's  ~  Artist Statement

Creating art is something I must do.  Art is part of what makes me whole. While I am in this world, I, too, need to share my experiences, which I do best through painting. Currently, my approach to the process of painting is a form of prayer and worship to a Creator Who is much greater than I am. Through my daily interactions with people and nature, I receive my greatest inspiration to paint and to glorify the great Creator.

I wish to paint the joy, peace, excitement or wonderment I have felt after being in a certain place or moment. Frequently, these moments come in nature settings, where I often escape to quiet myself. These quiet moments allow me to see more clearly the beauty that is around me. Consequently, through these quiet times, my inspiration comes; and as a result, a painting is formed. As the painting process evolves, I am sometimes led in a different direction from my original intent. For this reason, the physical act of painting can become a spiritual response to the world around me.  Thus, my hope is that the viewer can connect with my work on a deeper level and that the work can bring joy, peace, excitement or wonderment to another.

 

 
May 19-20, 2018
 

Parkway Graduation, Sunday, May 20, 2018

High School Gym 1:30 to 2:30

Valedictorian - Clayton Agler

son of Brent & Michelle Agler, Mendon, OH

Attending Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, majoring in Biology/PreMed

Salutatorian - Logan Huff

son of Bill & Julie Huff, Celina, OH 

Attending UNOH, Lima, OH, majoring in Accounting

Class Flower - Gold-tipped White Rose

Class Motto - "You have one chance, one life, and what you do with it is up to you." P. Sawyer

Class Colors - Purple & Gold

Class Song - "Five More Minutes" by Scotty McCreery

Reese Fokine, center, recently signed with Wabash University to wrestle while he pursues a double major in engineering and political science. Seated on either are his parents, Megan and Tim Fokine. Behind left to right are Coaches Carl Green and Kevin Browning.

 
May 17-18, 2018
 

Holly Patrice Wood inducted into Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame
Photo caption below

Longtime Providence, Rhode Island Newscaster for NBC 10 (WJAR),  Holly “Patrice” Wood, Saturday, May 5, 2018 was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, which is the highest civic honor an individual can receive in Rhode Island.

“I am deeply touched to be selected by the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, to stand with the most revered and accomplished, including my fellow eight inductees,” Wood said as she accepted the award during a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI.

“As I look out into this audience, at each one of you, I see all of the people I have been watching and reporting on for the past 38 years,” she said. “I have been blessed to have a ringside seat to watch all of you at work, and it is a fascinating show. For a journalist in Rhode Island, you are the gift that keeps on giving -- and I mean that in a good way.”

Wood, who moved to Providence from Rockford, Ohio when she was 24 years old, has been working at NBC 10 since February 1980. She is the longest-serving female newscaster in Rhode Island history. Her signature work at NBC 10 includes: Tuesday's Child for Adopt Rhode Island which has seen hundreds of foster children adopted since 2004; and The Golden Apple Awards to deserving teachers in the state.

“I would like to thank Channel 10, Vic Vetters and Scott Isaacs for allowing me to continue to do the job I love so much,” Patrice Wood said. “I want to thank everyone at Channel 10 behind and in front of the camera.”  In addition she thanked her husband of 35 years, Paul Pabis, head engineer at Boston’s WBZ-TV for his unfailing support of her career while the two raised their family. Their two grown children, Stephanie and Jonathan, she honored as public servants. Both are police officers. All three were present for the gala dinner and presentations. Also attending were her sister Sheila Baltzell-Linn and husband Mark Linn from Ohio, her many friends and colleagues from NBC 10 (WJAR), and special family friends she has made over the years living in the community.

Patrice credits, also, her farm family background in Mercer County for her success. She said in her inductee biography that her father, the late Duane Wood, instilled her with a strong work ethic as she and her sisters, Sheila Wood Baltzell-Linn and Colleen Wood O’Steen spent their childhood, caring for farm animals, driving tractors and pulling button weeds out of soybean fields.

Patrice credits her inquisitive nature, determination, and interest in writing from her talented mother, the late Virginia Meyer Wood, a trailblazing reporter at the St. Marys Evening Leader in St. Marys, OH.

Photo Caption:

Robert Burke, RI Heritage Hall of Fame board member, escorted and extended congratulations to Patrice Wood. Patrice received a medal on a ribbon and a statue of the Independent Man. The actual original of this iconic man is on top of the RI Statehouse. He represents freedom and independence. Photo by Sheila Baltzell-Linn 

Photo Caption of the nine inductees above including Holly Patrice Wood:

NBC 10’s Patrice Wood (center) has been inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. From left: Dr. Rudolph E. Tanzi; James P. Riley; Spencer W. Viner, Esq.; Congressman Patrick Kennedy; Wood; Ronald R.S. Picerne; Congressman Ronald Machtley; Kenneth R. Dooley and Judge Francis Darigan, Jr. (RIHHOF Photo courtesy of Richard McCaffrey)

Parkway Senior Haley Hawk Breaks Record
Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing these great pictures!

Congratulations go out to Parkway Senior Haley Hawk who became the OHSAA’s all-time leader in RBI’s in a District Semi-Finals tournament win over Ft. Recovery 13-0 in 5 innings on Wednesday, May 16, 2018.  This career OHSAA softball RBI record is outstanding. Haley will have the record all to herself with 208. The next game will be against Minster, Saturday, may 19, 2018 at 10 AM at Wapakoneta. Haley is third from right at an earlier game.

Parkway Athletic Schedule for the week May 14 – May 19

May 14:

Varsity Softball @ Wapakoneta, Bus departs at 4:00 p.m.  K. Browning driving  

May 15:  

No Athletic Events Scheduled

May 16:

Varsity Softball @ Wapakoneta, Bus departs at 3:00 p.m.  F. Twigg driving

May 17:

HS Track @ Spencerville, Bus departs at 2:30 p.m.  K. Browning driving

May 18:

Potential Varsity Softball @ Wapakoneta, Bus departs at 3:00 p.m.  F. Twigg driving

May 19:

HS Track at Spencerville, Bus departs at 10:00 a.m.  K. Browning driving

Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing these great Spring team pictures!
Visit her website for more pictures!
Click here for Nikki's Photos on Google Plus

Panther Varsity Softball Team

Panther Junior Varsity Softball Team

Panther Girls Varsity Track Team

Panther Boys Varsity Track Team

Varsity and JV Baseball

Road Closing in Butler Township
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Siegrist Jutte Road between Coldwater Creek Road and US 127 in Butler Township for a culvert replacement.  This road will be closed tentatively on May 21, 2018 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 2 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

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

Memorial Weekend Patriotic Concert In The Park

On Friday May 25th, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the band shell of Fountain Park in Van Wert, Ohio. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public.  Music performed on the concert will include Patriotic selections that are intended to reflect, revitalize and rekindle the pride that each of use has as citizens of the best country in the world, the United States of America.  A few of these selections are, Freedom, High School Cadets March by John Philip Sousa, Three Songs of Colonial America, and Summertime. Area military personnel and veterans will also be honored with a Salute To America’s Finest. 

A food stand will be available provided by the Eastern Star starting at 5:30, so come early and enjoy a meal. Bring a coat it may be cool. In the event of inclement weather please listen to the local radio station or visit the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band Facebook page.

Please join the band directed by Richard Sherrick and featuring members from, Van Wert, Elgin, Delphos, Convoy, Chatt, Middle Point, Coldwater, Spencerville and Rockford for this special concert. 

Boutique Opens in Celina
The Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome its
newest member Olive & Ash.  This specialty boutique celebrated their grand
opening on Saturday, May 12 with a ribbon cutting and discounted specials
along with pottery demonstrations.  Olive & Ash, owned and operated by
Stacey Brunswick and Todd Bader features clothing, jewelry, and home goods
and is located at 215 S. Main Street in downtown Celina.  Shop Olive & Ash,
Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm and Saturdays 10a-3pm.  Be sure to stop in and visit
this unique and beautiful boutique in downtown Celina.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Holds ribbon cutting at Rock Solid Performance on Saturday - May 12th  

Rock Solid Performance is  a 24/7 Fitness facility that is passionate about the community and those within it! They believe that everything has to start somewhere, somehow. They feel that starting point must begin with a "Rock Solid" foundation in order to produce results and that is exactly what they are wanting to accomplish at the RSP Gym! If you are looking for a facility and a staff that is not concerned about the almighty $ and having the newest and shiniest equipment, then RSP is the place for you! The clientele and community will always come first here at RSP. Give us a shout to see what all we have to offer in accomplishing whatever fitness or health goals you may have. #NoBadDays

They are located at 193 S Main St. Rockford.  The contact number is (567) 789-4815.

Congratulations on Grand Opening ! 

Damsel in Defense Workshop Coming to Celina – Call to Register

Any high school student and/or their parent are invited to attend a Damsel in Defense workshop sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters. This workshop will focus on situational awareness, OODA Loop, Warrior Mindset, safety tips, and protection ideas.  The workshop is being held at the BBBS Office, 1005 N. Main St, Celina. Please call the office at 419-584-2447 to register for either Wednesday, May 23, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm or Saturday, May 26, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM.

Shanes Crossing Historical Society to Meet
The Shanes Crossing Historical Society will meet on Monday - May 21st at 7pm.  The Guest speaker will be Ralph Stuckman of the Lake Area Arts Group and several artists that will be sharing a Preview to the  Rockford Community Days event.      All are welcome !  :) 

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

2018 Farm Focus Scholarship Winners

Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 in order to promote agriculture in Van Wert County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a degree in an agricultural related field.  Congratulations to our 2018 Scholarship Recipients; Tara Vorst, Middle Point,  the daughter of Chris and Sandy  attends The Ohio State University Majoring in Food Business management. Macala Ashbaugh is the daughter of Rick and Dianna. She is attending Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA, majoring in Ag Business. McKenzie Davis, a Lincolnview graduate is the daughter of Scott andAmber.  She attends The Ohio State University majoring in Agribusiness and applied Economics .  Tanner Matthews the son of Todd and Brenda attends The Ohio State University with a major in Agricultural Systems Management.

 
May 15-16, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 13 years.
 

Rockford Memorial Day Services - Guest Speaker - Pastor Chip Steffy from the Rockford United Methodist Church

Inspired by local observances in the years immediately following the Civil War the first national observance of Decoration Day was held in 1868.  One hundred and fifty years later, now called ‘Memorial Day’ we continue to place flowers and flags on the graves of those who have given ‘their last full measure of devotion’ to our country. 

Guest speaker for the 2018 Memorial Day Observance in Rockford, OH will be Pastor ‘Chip’ Steffy of the Rockford United Methodist Church.   Steffy, whose message will focus on remembrance and honor, will call on the words of U.S. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt as well as share a few thoughts from his brother in law Retired Air Force Colonel Matthew Archer reflecting on his military service to his country.   

Steffy recently learned the story of Roland ‘Dean’ Wiley of Rockford, Oh who in 1917 at the age of 15 enlisted in the Aero Division of the U.S. Army during WW1.  Just nine months later, December 1917, Wiley would become the first casualty from Rockford of what was then called ‘The Great War’.

Steffy is following in the footsteps of his grandfather Clarence D. Steffy and father, William T. Steffy who both spoke many times at Memorial Day Observances in the 1960s and 70s in Alliance, OH.  They were editors for the northeastern Ohio newspaper, The Alliance Review. 

Rev. Thurlow T. ‘Chip’ Steffy has served as the pastor of the Rockford United Methodist Church since 2009.   He and his wife Janet have three grown daughters who along with their families live in the Columbus, OH area.   Before experiencing and following a call to ministry in the early 90s Steffy was a high school band director in Williams County, OH.   He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and holds two master’s degrees from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Rockford Memorial Day Services at Hedges Park beside the Rockford American Legion are planned for Monday - May 28th with the parade starting uptown at 11 AM.

Chicken dinner tickets are offered at $7 each. Prepared by the Rockford Carry Out, the pre-sale tickets can be purchased at: Rockford Carry Out, Barrys' Family Market or the Rockford American Legion Post 508. Chicken dinners will be ready for pick up on the 28th at 11:30 am.

Remember and Honor our Veterans!

Parkway Youth Bound For American Legion Buckeye Boys State

Jared Anderson, a junior at Parkway High School, has been selected by American Post 508 to participate in Amercian Legion Buckeye Boys State, an 8 day intensive education program on Ohio government for high school students.  At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of a franchised citizen.  Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, a band, and recreation.  High School Juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts. 

American Buckeye Boys state will be held June 10-17, 2018 on the campus of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.   American Legion Post 508 is located in Rockford, Ohio.  

Drug Arrests in Mercer County

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today the arrest of three individuals on drug charges related to a traffic stop on Ash Street near Livingston Street in Celina. At 5:48 PM deputies stopped a 2000 Mercury driven by Shawn Krugh, age 29, from Wilshire, Ohio.  Shortly thereafter a Sheriff’s Office K9, Franco, alerted to the vehicle.

During the investigation, it was apparent that Mr. Krugh was under the influence and he was arrested for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence. Passengers inside the vehicle, Wesley Kempton, age 34 of Salamonie, Indiana, and Crystal Mullins, no known address, were also arrested for possession of drugs. Suspected heroin, methamphetamines, drugs abuse instruments and drug paraphernalia were recovered from inside the vehicle.

Mr. Krugh’s bond was set at $10,000 and the bonds of Mr. Kempton and Ms. Mullins were set at $50,000 each. All remain incarcerated in the Mercer County Detention Facility at this time. Sheriff’s Office deputies were assisted by the Heroin Interdiction Team (H.I.T.) and the Celina &  Coldwater  Police Departments

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Hear About Diabetes

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting Dr. Dawn McNaughton will be making a presentation on types of diabetes as well as the diagnosis, effects and treatment of the disease.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, May 15th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

 
May 14, 2018
 

Leota Braun Charitable Foundation Donates to Local Projects
Leota Braun Charitable Foundation donated $150 to each of the following 7 organizations in 2018.

Parkways Backpack Program C.A.L.L. Food Pantry (Kim Carr and Jordon Henkle present the check to Danny and Shirley Williams)

Mendon Union Rec Association

Mendon Festival of Trees

Rockford Community Days Art and Music Festival (Jordan Henkle and Twyla Hayes present the check to Amy Joseph)

Rockford Bicentennial (Jordan Henkle presents the check to Norm Vantilburg, Mike Schumm and Twyla Hayes)

Willshire Park Improvement Fund (Jordan Henkle presents the check to Kim Carr)

Willshire Days (Kim Carr and Jordan Henkle present the check to Dave Kaehr)

Parkway Graduate Karlene Custer Anderson to Compete Nationally in School Bus Road-E-O

Karlene (Custer) Anderson grew up in Rockford, Ohio, in Mercer County. She graduated from Parkway High School in 1983 and moved to the Graham community in 1993. All of Karlene’s children attended Graham Local Schools. She has been married to her husband Richard Anderson for 29 years. Her hobbies include painting and genealogy; through which she has discovered several Revolutionary War Patriots in her family's history. Karlene’s genealogical goal is to become a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution).

For 16 years Karlene has worked for Graham Local School driving a bus, first as a substitute and now having her own route. She has been involved in the School Bus Safety Road-E-O since 2004. She has had various placements in the competitions throughout the years, ranging from first place in regionals to placing at the state level Road-E-O multiple times. In 2006, she tied for first place with a top driver from Celina, Ohio; they both were allowed to compete at the national level in Lake Tahoe, Nevada that year. It was a great accomplishment for her as she had only been driving for 4 years.

This year Karlene placed 4th at regionals in Piqua which moved her on to the state level competition. She then placed first at the competition in Pataskala, Ohio. Her first place win provides an opportunity for her to compete at the national level in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July 2018. Karlene stated, “I am very humbled to be a Graham Local Schools bus driver and I hope that I can make the community proud of me with my performance in Philadelphia.  Driving a bus for Graham Local Schools has meant so much to me because it got me out into the community to get to know people and their families.”

Karlene is the daughter of former Rockford residents, Rolland and Carolyn Custer.

Artist to Lead Workshop

Rockford Community Days and the Lake Area Arts Group are pleased to announce a Paint with an Artist workshop by Jane Perry at the upcoming Community Days event.

The workshop with Jane Perry will be held at the Rockford Community building on June 15th beginning at 6:30 pm.    Please see the attached photo of the painting that will be created that evening.   
You can also view the painting at the Village Office.  This is an acrylic painting on canvas.    

Space is limited to the first 20 people who sign up at the Rockford Village Office.  The cost is $25 cash that will cover the supplies and a donation to Rockford Community Days.   Please call 419-363-3032 ext 1 with any questions.

 
May 12-13, 2018
 

Mother's Day Weekend

 Click Here for all the details by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn.

Join us on Monday - May 21st at 1 pm at the Rockford Village Hall and Museum to share your ROCKFORD MEMORIES.   We will be having a round table discussion.  These memories maybe used in various aspects of the Rockford Bicentennial celebration in 2020.

Community Announcements and events:

Rockford Memorial Day Services - Monday - May 28th.

Parade start - 11 am

Guest speaker - Pastor Chip Steffy from the Rockford UMC

Chicken dinner tickets $7 each. Prepared by the Rockford Carry Out. Pre sale tickets can be purchased at: Rockford Carry Out, Barrys' Family Market or the Rockford American Legion Post 508. Chicken dinners will be ready for pick up on the 28th at 11:30 am.

Remember and Honor our Veterans!

Rockford Community Days ~~ Art and Music Festival – June 15 & 16

24th Annual Car Show – June 15th – West Market St.

Lake Area Arts Group -   Exhibits with local artists featuring

Todd Buschur – Friday – June 15th from 6 – 9 pm

Other Friday Community Days events:  Van Wert Community Band, Mix101.3 WRKD, fireworks

Saturday events -  Fox Family Ride, Lake Area Arts Group – Featuring Todd Buschur, Quarter auction, Parkway Choir – mini musical, George Moore, parade, THE GREAT ESCAPE ROOM, and The Muddsocks.

 
May 10-11, 2018
 

 Nurse Practitioner Joins Van Wert Health Family Medicine Rockford

Rockford, OH – Lisa Rolfes, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), recently joined the practice at Van Wert Health Family Medicine Associates, located in Rockford, Ohio.  Lisa will join medical staff providers Dr. Jerry Sell, Dr. Norman Means, and Rona Dellinger, APRN, CNP.

“Lisa is a tremendous addition to Van Wert Health Rockford, and we are pleased to welcome her to our team,” said Jerry Sell, MD.

Rolfes received her Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and received her Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Kaplan University, which is headquartered in Davenport, Iowa.  Prior to coming to Van Wert Health Rockford, Rolfes worked for St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio as a Registered Nurse in the intensive care unit and post-anesthesia care unit.  

“I love the field of medicine and caring for patients of all ages,” shared Rolfes.  “I especially enjoy helping patients attain better physical and mental health, and ultimately improving their quality of life.”

To schedule an appointment with Lisa Rolfes, APRN, CNP, please call 419-363-3008.  She is accepting new pediatric and adult patients. 

BLIND DATE BAND

IN CONCERT AT THE ROCKFORD BELLE

A concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 19th featuring THE BLIND DATE BAND including saxophone artist Weston Thompson.  The band’s song list includes favorites from the late 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s along with top 40, plus inspiring Christian & Patriotic music.

Band members include Kent Krogman, Dan Schoen, Rick Temple, John Lessick, Weston Thompson and Mike Bruns.

The Rockford Belle is located at the former Rockford Presbyterian Church located at 135 Market St, Rockford, Ohio.

Doors open at 6 pm with the show beginning at 7 pm

$7.00 donations will be accepted at the door, 18 and under admitted free.

                           JOIN US FOR A GREAT TIME !! 

Come Sail away ....   Rockford Community Vacation Bible School 

Shipwrecked ~~  Rescued by Jesus

The BEST Week of the Summer!

Location - New Horizons Community Church

June 11-15 beginning at 9 am till noon each day !

NEW FRIENDS * AMAZNG EXPERIMENTS * CREATIVE GAMES
TROPICAL TREATS * SURPRISING ADVENTURES * INCREDIBLE MUSIC

Our Old Bookcase, May 10, 2018.  Mendon’s Public School & Railroad & Oil Boom Era

.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

Caption:  Mendon’s Public School was constructed in 1888 during the Railroad and Oil Boom

I am seeking photographs and stories of the Oil Boom for the Mercer County Historical Society’s newest book in progress:  “Mercer County Ohio Oil and Gas Well History.”  At the September 9, 2018 exhibit at the Mercer County Historical Museum, Celina, you are invited to bring your photographs to be copied and included in this book.  If you have stories, include the address of the house or farm where the gas or oil wells were located, with stories you recall, e.g. owners, well drillers, any technical stories about the well, about the depth or the number of barrels per day, if you were present when the well was “shot,” and/or any fires or disasters, if the owners used the gas or oil or sold it, or if the wells are still being used.  You know the oil or gas well stories better than I do.  You can write them down or have someone else write or type the stories for you.  Please sign your name and contact information, if I need to call you.

Union Township was settled early in Mercer County’s history.  Andrew Coil laid out the town, Coiltown, in 1823.  Next, Justin Hamilton arrived, and the Village of Guilford was laid out in 1828.  In 1834, Justin Hamilton and Thomas Parrot, proprietors of the town of Guilford, went to John N. Brown, Justice of the Peace, and the town of Mendon was established.  The Town of Mendon was incorporated in 1881, at the beginning of Mendon’s “Golden Age!”

In September 1878, the D.T. & I. Railroad extended its line from Spencerville to Mendon.  The Toledo, Delphos and Burlington later was consolidated into the St. Louis Narrow-Gauge System, and then to the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton (C.H. & D.).  The C.H. & D. narrow gauge track became outdated; as of April 1, 1923, the C.H. & D. Railroad left town.  Mendon suffered an economic loss after a century of growth.  For more history about Mendon and Union Township, see Steven D. Fought’s introduction to the Chapter about Union Township, in the 1978 “History of Mercer County, Ohio.”  See also, Mendon, Ohio’s Sesquicentennial History book, 1834-1984, entitled “Our Heritage, A Time to Remember.”

Back to the financial grow of Mendon in the 1880’s.  The arrival of the Railroad contributed to the business and industrial growth of Mendon.  In 1886, the first oil well was drilled in Celina.  At Mendon, the arrival of the railroad, with the discovery of oil in Union Township, coincided with a 65% increase in population in Mendon in the 1880’s.  The Village experienced three decades of its “Golden Age.”

I seek history and photographs of the oil and gas wells in Mercer County, including Union Township, for this book, “Mercer County Ohio Oil and Gas Well History.”  The June 17, 1896, Mercer County Standard stated, “G. H. Houser has disposed of a big part of his oil territory in the Mendon field in order to devote his time developing the Celina field.”  In March 1897, The Mendon Herald stated, “Leiser, Collins & Co. is preparing to put down a well on Daniel Vesper’s farm.  The Rice, Duncan & Co. is erecting a rig on the Jim Clover farm.  The Dutton Oil Co. has about suspended operations until settled weather.  The Guilford Oil Co. held a meeting Monday evening; an assessment of $800 was made and other matters considered.  W. J. McCullach, the veteran oil operator of Toledo, was a day or two in the Mendon and Spencerville fields.”  The August 18, 1897 Mercer County Standard, under the heading of “The Mendon Field,” stated, “The Dutton Co. well on the Summers is the best in the field.  It has been making 150 bbl’s per day.  The well on the Theo. Emans farm was shot Wednesday with 240 quarts.  It immediately filled and flowed at intervals all day.  The Vesper No. 2 is making a fine showing.  It filled in a short time after being shot. 

The Collins & Yocum well on the Snyder made a great showing.  It started off at the rate of 5 or 6 inches an hour.  There is more work going on and more good wells being drilled than at any other time since the field was opened nearly a year ago.”  These are a few of the oil well stories which I have been reading.

I invite those interested to visit the September 9, 2018 exhibit at the Mercer County Historical Museum, with stories and/or photographs, not only for Union Township, but also for the entire County for the book.

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road,

Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.]

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR SCIENCE CAMP

The Kids’ Outdoor Science Camp, held at 4-H Camp Palmer near Harrison Lake State Park in Fayette, Ohio, is scheduled for June 4-7, 2018.  This popular camp is open to youth from age 8 (and 3rd grade) through 14 (finishing the 8th grade) living in the three state area.

Exciting programs will evolve around this year’s theme, “Science Camp is So Cool!” Campers will explore their natural environment and enjoy outdoor adventure with a scientific focus. They will also have the opportunity to climb high ropes, hike, swim, and canoe along with a host of traditional camp activities including crafts, evening dances and campfire programs.

The camp fee is $160 and covers all program supplies for the four day and three night event

Including: meals, overnight accommodation, t-shirt, activities, and many great camp experiences.

Campers are supervised by a team of trained teen counselors, adult staff, and a nurse who stays camp throughout the week.  Delicious meals are provided family style and small cabins and bunk beds help to develop friendships and social skills.

The capacity of this camp is large but not unlimited.  Early registration is very important to insure acceptance, as camp could fill up before the May 18th deadline.

The Kids’ Outdoor Science Camp is sponsored in cooperation with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Ohio State University Extension Offices of NW Ohio.  For further information or to obtain a registration form please call the OSU Extension, Wood County office at 419-354-9050 or visit our website at wood.osu.edu. (Click on the 4-H Youth Development and Everything Camp).

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Joins Van Wert Health Pediatrics

Van Wert, OH – Van Wert Health Pediatrics is proud to welcome Teri Grothaus, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), to their pediatric team in Van Wert, Ohio.  Teri will join pediatric providers Jane Sande, MD, and Allison Harting, Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP).

“We are excited to have Teri join our pediatric team,” shared Dr. Sande.  “She has a gentle and kind-hearted way of working with patients that makes children and their families feel comfortable.”

Grothaus received her Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from the University of Phoenix and received her Master of Science degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.  Prior to joining the Van Wert Health Pediatrics practice, Grothaus worked for Pediatrics of Lima as a CPNP; at Lutheran Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit; and at Dayton Children’s Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

In addition to more than 24 years of experience working with patients, Grothaus is also a national spokesperson for Safe Haven Baby Boxes and has participated in several medical mission trips to Guatemala with Refuge International, a non-profit organization based out of Longview, Texas. 

“I love what I do and am thrilled to be caring for patients at the Van Wert Health Pediatric practice.  I see myself as both a healthcare provider and an advocate for patients and their families.  It’s important to me to not only treat acute illnesses, but to teach healthy habits early on for each of my patients,” expressed Grothaus.

Grothaus spent much of her early childhood living in the Van Wert area and is a graduate of Delphos Jefferson High School. “I’m thrilled to return to Van Wert and to see many familiar faces. My first pediatric nursing position was at Van Wert Health in 1993.  Though a lot has changed since then, I can confidently say that it’s so good to be home.”

To schedule an appointment with Teri Grothaus, CPNP, please call 419-232-2323.  She is accepting new pediatric patients age newborn up to 18 years old. 

Annual Senior D.A.R.E. Scholarship Luncheon

The Annual Senior D.A.R.E. Scholarship Luncheon was held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the Mercer County Elks. Over 50 students, school staff, and guests attended the luncheon. The ten scholarship winners are: Kyle Naumann - St. Henry High School; Krista Walterbusch, Caroline Moorman, Trey Wolters – Coldwater High School; Dillon Robbins, Blake Germann, Alyssa Boeckman, Shaun Olberding, Hope Ebbing, and Ashley Robinson – Celina High School

The luncheon honors students who have remained true to their 5th grade D.A.R.E. promise. This promise says the student will remain drug, tobacco, and alcohol free.

Other seniors present included: From Celina HS: McKenna Black, Victoria Knapke, Kassidy Fark, Sara Wenning, Paige Duncan, Hannah Rasawehr; from Coldwater HS: Jordan Kline, Jessica Langenkamp, Kourtney Diller; From Ft. Recovery HS: Max Klingshirn, Curtis Grube, Jessica Wendel, Nathan Thornhill; From Parkway HS: Laura Barrett, Gabriel Hagens (applied for scholarship but not present); From St. Henry HS: Karlee Staugler

Guests attending in honor of the seniors were Principal Phil Metz and SADD advisor Michelle Langmeyer – Celina HS; Guidance Counselor Natalie Kanney and Principal Jason Hemmelgarn – Coldwater HS; SADD advisor Julie Billenstein and Principal Marcus Overman - Ft. Recovery HS; Principal Brian Fortkamp and retired 5th grade teacher Sheryl Frahm– Parkway HS; Principal Eric Rosenbeck, Guidance Counselor Betsy Armstrong, SADD advisor Mindy Seifring-- St. Henry HS; Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey, St. Henry Police Chief Bob Garman, Fort Recovery Polic Chief Jared Laux,  Courtney Donovan and Gretchen Rentz - Wright State-Lake Campus; Former D.A.R.E. Booster members, Ken and Violet Taylor; and current D.A.R.E. Booster members Jerry Kanney (president), D.A.R.E. Officers Sue Miller and Don Bird, Amy Miller, Laura Sanford, Casey Nuttle, Kyle Kunk, Joyce Howell.

Commendations were presented to the winners from the offices of Governor John Kasich; Representative Keith Faber, as well as the Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters.

Essays were received from 22 students. The prompt for this essay was ““D.A.R.E.: How it has impacted my life; how I will use these skills to contribute to society.” They also had to document academic achievements and extracurricular activities that reflect the spirit and goals of D.A.R.E., provide two letters of recommendation, and have a parent, principal and guidance counselor sign their paperwork. Ten students were awarded $500 scholarships. All non-scholarship winners each received a coupon compliments of McDonalds.

Gretchen Rentz, Wright State-Lake Campus and Western Ohio Educational Foundation, explained the matching scholarships available to those students who will be attending the Lake Campus Branch.

The guest speaker this year was Joyce Howell, retired teacher and current DARE Booster member. She congratulated the students for their positive decision that they made for themselves and how difficult it is to do. She reflected that alcohol and the pressure to drink is all around them and often accepted by both peers and adults. Joyce was on the scholarship selection committee (which also included Kyle Kunk and Sherry Reineke) and started off talking about “how” the youth made this commitment. From the essays written she came up with the following: the students really like themselves, they developed some talents and interests, they have commitments they are willing to keep (including their DARE promise), they have purpose for their lives, and they have support from others. Then she posed the question: “Why” did you keep your promise? This was because they respect themselves, respect the DARE promise, they had people that they respect that they didn’t want to let down. Also, the youth were responsible, they have too much going for them to want to risk losing it; they “rose above the stupid choices” others around them were making (sometimes even their own family members), and they “wanted to BE role models and had role models” to follow. Joyce also mentioned that “some lost friends along the way, but gained so much more,” including being closer to their family and growing in their faith. “Some gained new friends that think like [them].” Because of this, [they] overcame hardships” and developed a sense of pride in their choices. She asked the students how they felt sitting in the room being recognized today. The students shared they felt proud, accomplished, awesome, grateful. She then commented, “You can’t buy that, drink that or take a pill” for those good feelings. She left the youth with the following advice: “continue to like yourself: the minute you stop developing your talents, interests and commitments” will be when you stop liking yourself. “Perfection is not attainable and never compare yourself to other people.” It’s noisy out there in the world...when you feel that pressure to make certain choices, close your eyes and think. “In the silence you will find the direction you need to go.”

Thank you to the Mercer County Elks for the donation of the meeting area and the luncheon: Kirk Stucke, Bill Link, Gary Depweg who were also all present from the Elks. The Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters would also like to thank all merchants, individuals, and others who continually support this program through their donations and time. Special thanks to McDonald’s Restaurants and Wright State University-Lake Campus’s Western Ohio Educational Foundation for their donations to the D.A.R.E. Scholarship program.  

 
May 8-9, 2018
 

MED Foundation awards $18,250 in scholarships to 16 local high school seniors – Parkway Recipient is Claire Armstrong

The Medical, Educational and Development (MED) Foundation of Mercer Health recently awarded scholarships, a total of $18,250, to local high school students furthering their education in the medical field after graduation. Scholarships were awarded to at least one student from each of the six high schools in Mercer County. 

Students were selected as recipients based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, volunteerism and plans for higher education.

“The Scholarship Program was started in 1992 to help support students interested in pursuing careers that could ultimately help improve the health of the citizens of Mercer County,” Deb Hemmelgarn, Director of the MED Foundation said. “It’s an honor to award these scholarships to local students and help support their future medical careers. We hope that one day they will serve our community as leaders in healthcare.”

The MED Foundation Scholarship Program is funded by the annual Esmonde/Homan Golf Outing and Golf Ball Drop. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, June 8th at the Mercer County Elks.

Due to the success of the golf outing in recent years, the MED Foundation has been able to provide additional scholarships to even more local students. Since 1992, 243 scholarships have been awarded totaling $260,000.

2018 Recipients include: Celina –Blake Germann, Paige Duncan; Coldwater – Claire Kunk, Lauren Bruns, Savannah Seibert; Fort Recovery – Kelsey Jutte, Kristen Keller, Samantha Kahlig; Marion Local – Amber Schmitz, Kylie Albers, Morgan Heckman; Parkway – Claire Armstrong; Saint Henry – Britney Siefring, Lauren Stammen, Olivia Clune, Robyn Lefeld

Claire is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Armstrong and

granddaughter of Mike and Ruth Armstrong and Dr. Jerry and Connie Sell.

Rockford Bicentennial Committee Gives Thanks

The benefit auction for the Rockford Bicentennial celebration, held on April 21, was a huge success thanks to the assistance of many people who made it all happen:

*THANK YOU to the community members who took time from a busy, beautiful Saturday morning to attend the auction and who bid with their hearts and their pocketbooks, making the bidding exciting to watch;

*THANK YOU to the many local businesses and community members who donated hand-crafted items, gift cards, gift certificates, and products to the auction—your contributions “upped the ante” on bidding in many cases;

*THANK YOU to anyone who donated their used items for sale at the auction, as you filled the community building with great items to sell;

*THANK YOU to the Village of Rockford and its great staff for the assistance given before the auction;

*THANK YOU to the Bicentennial Committee members for their help in setting up the auction, moving items to the Community Building, handling concessions and baking pies, and all the other many jobs you did to make this day a success;

*THANK YOU to Justin Miesse of Iron Elements for his assistance in securing the one-of-a-kind collector’s Henry rifle for the raffle (it was a beautiful gun!);

*THANK YOU to anyone who purchased raffle tickets for the rifle (with all tickets being sold!) and congratulations to Jim Gibson for winning the rifle; and finally,

*THANK YOU to DeDe Strickler for his countless hours and expertise in providing auctioneer services and guidance to our committee—without his help we would not have had such a successful auction.

The Community of Rockford is a great place to live, and we look forward to offering more activities and events as we near our 2020 celebration of the Rockford Bicentennial!

National Prescription Drug Take Back Held in April
Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that on April 28, 2018, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office participated in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative.  A drug take back was held in conjunction with the Celina Police Department from 10am – 2pm.  There were 20.25 pounds of pills collected during that time at the Police Department.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will pick up and properly destroy the pills collected from this event along with other take back events held and pills collected in the permanent drug take back box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.  During the scheduled pickup, there will be over 150 pounds of drugs released to the DEA since the last pickup in the fall of 2017.

Sheriff Grey would like to remind the public that old, unused, or unwanted prescription medication can be dropped off any time, without an appointment, at the drop box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.

Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy Holds Graduation
CELINA, OH - On Thursday, May 3, 2018, eleven cadets graduated from the Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy (GLLEA) at Wright State University – Lake Campus. The cadets endured an intense program that began in August of 2017. The cadets have been selected to take the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission Test. Successful completion allows the student to become a law enforcement officer in any jurisdiction in Ohio. All cadets also have the option of continuing to study and earning an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree at the Lake Campus.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Lake Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Jay Albayyari and Director of Student Affairs Sandi Holdheide. John Lenhart, Shelby County Sherriff and Mark Ernst, Commander; all addressed the cadets at the ceremony.  A presentation of certificates recognized each individual cadet, following a showcase of photos and videos from the training exercises. The ceremony concluded with a brief reception for cadets and their family members and friends, as well as many of the thirty-two GLLEA instructors in attendance.

The eleven graduates of the 2018 Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy are Jared Knous, Josh Spicer, Tanner Hindall, Sarah Wise, Mariah Wellman,
Wesley Roby, Adam Baker, Robert Boyd, Scott Buschur, Charlie Eberle, and Alex Schoen.

LAKE AREA ARTS GROUP MEETING
  
The Lake Area Arts Group will meet at the Celina Library, Monday, May14, at 6 PM.

The public is invited to this meeting and to come earlier to view art exhibits.  A woodworking and art demonstration by Ray Feltz and Bob Hart is on the agenda as well as new and emerging opportunities in art techniques.

Jane Perry and Jill Parris will provide  information concerning Rockford Community Days ( June 15-16) where local artists are invited to exhibit and sell their art. 

 
May 7, 2018
 

Remember to Vote on Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Primary Election

Writing Club to Meet
The Stateline Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the Celina public library.  

Writers are asked to bring one, two, or three compositions suitable for publishing and read one of the compositions to the club. 

If time permits, there will be a short writing exercise afterwards.

VW Area Boychoir to perform patriotic concert

[VAN WERT, OHIO, May 4] The Van Wert Area Boychoir will present its spring concert on Sunday, May 13th at 3pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in Van Wert. This spring performance is entitled, “Freedom: A Salute to American Liberty.” The boys will perform numerous patriotic numbers including favorite American hymns and new songs inspired by our national freedom. The choir has been rehearsing these pieces since January and is eager to perform for the community. The concert is free and open to the public, a free will donation will be collected. Refreshments of cookies and punch will be served immediately after the concert.

The Van Wert Area Boychoir is a non-profit organization incorporated in 2004 that is open to all Van Wert area boys grade 3 through 6. The mission of the boychoir is to provide opportunities for boys of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in a quality musical, cultural, and educational experience.

The boychoir rehearses on Sundays from 6-7:30pm each week throughout the school year. The boychoir summer camp will take place July 31, Aug 1 & 2 from 6-8pm at Trinity United Methodist Church. Families with boys interested in joining the choir can get more information by calling 419-513-0554 or 419-238-1962.  The choir is directed by Phillip Winfield of Delphos with Melissa Clay as accompanist and Larry Taylor as arranger and technical director.

Ballot title

The official ballot title is as follows:

Issue 1

To amend the version of Section 1 of Article XI that is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2021, and to enact Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Article XIX of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to establish a process for congressional redistricting.

A majority yes vote is necessary for the amendment to pass.

The proposed amendment would:

End the partisan process for drawing congressional districts, and replace it with a process with the goals of promoting bipartisanship, keeping local communities together, and having district boundaries that are more compact.

Ensure a transparent process by requiring public hearings and allowing public submission of proposed plans.

Require the General Assembly or the Ohio Redistricting Commission to adopt new congressional districts by a bipartisan vote for the plan to be effective for the full 10-year period.

Require that if a plan is adopted by the General Assembly without significant bipartisan support, it cannot be effective for the entire 10-year period and must comply with explicit antigerrymandering requirements.

If passed, the amendment will become effective immediately.

Roadside Herbicide - To spray or not to spray

Roadside herbicide application for the suppression of undesirable vegetation and environmental enhancement, through the use of Environmental Protection Agency approved herbicides, will be performed by licensed personnel along County Roads and Township Roads (in Jefferson and Washington Townships), starting May 10, 2018 extending thru June 10, 2018 according to the Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart.

Anyone who has sensitive areas adjacent to any road right-of-way and does not wish for those areas to be treated must erect signs reading “Do Not Spray”.

For further information, contact the office of the Mercer County Engineer at 419-586-7759.

 
May 5 - 6, 2018
 

Parkway School Board Agenda by Sally Cox for May 8, 2018
Meeting at 6:30 PM

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

The Celina Mercer Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing is scheduled for Friday, May 25 at the Celina Lynx.  The Chamber Golf Outing is the perfect way to kick off your Memorial Day weekend! It is a great day to have a fun and relaxing afternoon of golf and is an excellent opportunity to network with other business people of our community. 

Prizes will also be awarded for closest to the pin, longest putt, and longest drive…and a hole in one on a designated hole can win you a car!!  Golfers will also have the opportunity to win a chance to make a 50’ putt that could win them $5,000.  Many thanks to Rino’s Auto Sales, C-Town Wings and Stammen Insurance for sponsoring these fantastic prizes!    If you are interested in having your business recognized, there is still time to donate raffle items or sponsor a hole! Thanks to all who have generously donated to our golf outing.    

The Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that relies on its membership dues, sponsorships, and fundraising activities.  Please contact the Chamber for more details at www.celinamercer.com or call 419-586-2219.

 
May 3 - 4, 2018
 

Books for Sale

Rockford Carnegie Library is having a Used Book & DVD Sale in the library basement, 162 S. Main St., Rockford, OH. The sale is open to the public and will run May 7-May 31 during normal library hours. Free Will Donation for all materials. 

New Electronic Sign in Shane's Park Advertises Date, Time, Temp and Coming Events

Jeff Long’s Report to Rockford Village Council April 17, 2018

 Click Here for all the details by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn.

Pot Hole issues being addressed once the weather is nice enough for asphalt. 

Street sweeper has been fixed and back in operation.

Trailer park clean up -  have been made an offer to clean up for land swap.  Current estimate to clean up is $30,000 in disposal fees.    Need to post no trespassing signs as people are trying to steal whatever they can get their hands on for scrap.  The Finance committee will review information on April 24th at 7 pm.

Fremont is continuing to expand.  We are looking at putting in a new entrance 33 east to keep semis out of the residential area.  We are looking at a grant of $650,000 for this project.  They are planning job creations of 60+ jobs.   They have signage that they are now taking applications.  Once the entrance is done we will post – No Truck signs.  The current entrance would only be used by employees.

Snow & Ice Statistics

By Jim Wiechart

Mercer County Engineer  

Snow & Ice statistics for winter season 2017-2018

Mercer County, 385.804 miles of roads

12 snow plows average 32 miles per route (one way)

40 days of snow & ice control in winter of 2017-2018

Salt used – 1,252.75 tons = $62,152.82

Grit used – 1.252.75 tons = $10,961.62

            Total material costs during the winter season = $73,114.44

Total regular labor hours on snow & ice = 1,464 hours

               Overtime hours                         = 1,026 hours

Total costs for snow & ice during the season = $269,761.57 (Equip., labor, & material)

Average cost for snow & ice control         2012-2013 season = $635.52/mile

                                                                        2013-2014 season = $1,267.47/mile

                                                                        2014-2015 season = $950.18/mile

                                                                        2015-2016 season = $399.54/mile

                                                                        2016-2017 season = $431.49/mile

                                                                        2017-2018 season = $699.21/mile

DITCH MAINTENANCE SPRAYING BEGINS

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart is announcing that crews are tentatively scheduled to begin the 2018 herbicidal spray application of various open drainage ditches located in Mercer County. Only those ditches that are on the county maintenance program maintained by the Mercer County Engineer’s Office will be sprayed.

Right of Way Management of Saint Joe, Indiana has been awarded the contract this year to apply one application of the E.P.A. approved herbicide, to suppress and control undesirable brush and noxious weeds within the channel and maintenance berm.

Weather permitting, the tentatively scheduled completion date for this year’s herbicidal spray application is June 17, 2018.  Any landowner having questions or concerns regarding the herbicide application, should contact the Mercer County Engineer’s Office, 4195867759.

Twenty First Century Club Meets in March

The Twenty First Century Club met March 27, 2018 at the Methodist Church Café’ Room. The meeting was brought to order by Rozann.

Roll call was then completed with everyone stating their favorite First Lady.

Minutes were read and approved. 

Program: Karla Butler shared interesting stories on Douglas MacArthur’s wife, Jean MacArthur. His mom (Pinky) was very domineering and even moved onto his college campus to keep vigil over what he did.  Douglas and Jean met on a ship to Manila. She called him Sir Boss and he called her Ma’am along with stating she was his constant friend, sweetheart and devoted support.

She was by his side constantly.

Ann Gage then featured Abigail Adams, wife of the 2nd President, John Adams. She had no formal schooling and was often ill during her childhood. Her mom taught her and her siblings to read, write and cipher.  She was known to support Women’s Rights in government and didn’t support slavery.  She and John were 3rd cousins.  They had 6 children in 12 years.  She was called Mrs. President.  They lived in the White House in Washington for only 4 months before his term was complete. 

 
April 28 - May 2, 2018
 

More Parkway Prom Pictures "Retro Country
Shared by Nikk Fox

Scroll down for the Prom King, Prom Queen and their Court

Prom King Ashton Hamrick, Prom Queen Miranda Haynes

 
April 27, 2018
 

Mendon Village Council Hoping for Grant for Water Tower

A $500,000 Ohio Public Works Grant, for which Access Engineering applied on behalf of the Village of Mendon, appears to be in the works. They plan to build a new water tower next to the existing tower.

In other council business, they plan to place a 2.5-mil, 5 year renewal levy on the ballot in November 2018.

Nursing Home Residents Day is Friday

Saturday Sunday and Monday Aleta and Bill, owners,  will be open from 9 AM to 6 PM displaying military memorabilia.

Go to the www.foxfamilyride.com for information.

21st Century Club Members Learn About Two Famous Women

The Twenty First Century Club met on April 24, 2018 at Rockford United Methodist Church.   President Rozann welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.  Roll-Call was completed with everyone stating their favorite baseball team.

The treasurer’s report was given.

Minutes were read and approved. 

After a short meeting, Susan Coburn presented her famous lady,

French born Francoise Gilot who was the muse of Picasso for 10 years and the wife of Jonas Salk for 25 years.

She is still living today at the age of 97 in California and still doing her artwork.

Francois, was a brilliant and talented girl and even today has an excellent recall of memory.

She always loved art and studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, graduating with a degree in Philosophy at the age of 17. She went on to Law School which was her father's intention for her. But at 21 she quit saying she needed to follow her heart. She was a talented artist then. Her father, angry at her defying his order to become a lawyer, beat her badly at her grandmother's home in Paris, tried to have her and her grandmother committed for insanity but  lost his case so he disowned her.  She lived on with her grandmother. She had already met Pablo Picasso, but did not officially start dating him until 5 months after being disowned. Picasso was 61 and Francoise 21. She was an intellectual, was surprised to learn he was attracted to someone so young. But she was attracted to his intellect and creative artistic talent, too. In 1946 in the midst of World War II, they became a couple, although never marrying. They had a son and a daughter together. He had had prior women, a wife and a mistress, and a baby girl and a teenage son when he met Francoise. There was a lot of fighting between Picasso and his ex's. Francois wrote a book about him entitled Life with Picasso. He was portrayed as moody, narcissistic, lacked self-confidence and was verbally abusive. She had to make him get out of bed at 1 PM and then he would work until 2 AM.

She said, "He was a catastrophe I could not avoid." She met many of the great ex-patriots in Paris while living with him. She also learned her artistic craft over the years even as she was his sole support system. She was and still is a very talented artist and her work is sought after.  When she finally left Picasso, he angrily burned all of her artwork. Even then, she said she is grateful for the time she spent with him. She married Mark Simon after that and had another daughter. Then divorced and married Jonas Salk, but the agreement was they could only live together for 6 months at a time and then apart 6 months. She had her last art show in 2015 at age 94 in New Orleans and is credited with over 6000 pieces of art. She also created costumes and masks for the Guggenheim Museum.

Following the presentation, Julie Henkle continued with her  famous lady.

Very well educated, Rachel Robinson graduated in 1922 from the UCLA in California with a degree in science. While in college, at evenings she worked as a riveter (wartime). She had met and intended to marry Jackie Robinson, but he was drafted to the Army. They married later. She always called him Jack. He became a famous baseball player but they both came up against strong discrimination. She stood by his side. In 1972, Jackie died of diabetes, and a year later their son died in a car crash. She worked tirelessly to build her own Real Estate Company, and then created the Jack Robinson Foundation for minority scholars. Both ventures were highly successful.

She wrote a book Jackie Robinson: An Intimate Memoir, a best seller.

She is still living at 96 and has been the recipient of several Medals and awards. The Buck O'Neil award is from the Baseball Hall of Fame, and she and Jackie are the only couple to both be in this prestigious Museum.

Sandra Grooms and Ann Gage served delicious snacks.

The next meeting will be May 22, 2018 at the home of Susan Coburn with Karla Butler assisting.

Any woman interested in joining may contact Sheila Baltzell-Linn at 419-733-3326. 

Parkway May 2018 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
April 25-26, 2018
 

Rev. Katherine Beckett Installed as Pastor at St. Paul's United Church of Christ - Rockford

Above: L to R: Reverend Becky Sunday, Reverend Daniel Busch, Reverend Katherine Beckett and Mr. James Huckemeyer during the installation ceremony.
On April 22, 2018, Rev. Katherine  Beckett, the new pastor at St. Paul's United Church of Christ – Rockford was officially installed. The Liturgy of Installation was held during an afternoon ceremony. Members of the Northwest Ohio Association of the Ohio Conference were in attendance to preside over the installation including Reverend Daniel Busch, Reverend Becky Sunday, and James Huckmeyer. Also, friends and family of Katherine participated in the service including: her friend, Dorothy Hall of Westerville; Reverend Terry Williams of Chillicothe and her sister Karen Zimmerman of Dublin. Other guest included several more of Katherine’s friends and family members from the Columbus area and family from St. Marys, OH.

Karen Zimmerman gave the call to worship. Dorothy Hall  read the scripture from 1 Timothy 2:11-15  that was included in the writing by the  Apostle Paul dealing with his views of women and leadership in the church. Reverend Terry Williams, who gave the Reflection, offered a fresh view of this passage. He cited many examples of how women throughout the Bible have broken all molds in leadership roles, and he reflected on Reverend Katherine and her capable leadership qualities. Williams served alongside her in co-pastoring at a church as well as serving on several committees in the Conference as thus spoke from experience.

Reverend Daniel Busch followed the Reflection with the Installation Addresses and Responses as Katherine and the congregants entered into a covenant to work together through the greater mission to serve Christ through St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. The congregation came forward to participate in the laying on of hands during the Prayer of Installation, asking God’s blessing on the covenant.

The service included joyful music and prayer and was followed by a delicious meal prepared by the women of the church. Beautifully decorated cakes were then served.

Rev. Katherine  Beckett received a Master of Divinity in 2009 and a Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries in 2010 from The Methodist Theological School of Ohio in Delaware, OH. She has served several churches in Ohio and Illinois. 

The community is invited to worship at St. Paul’s at the corner of Oregon and Wabash Roads. Sunday School is at 9 AM. Worship service is at 10 AM.

Learn to be an Umpire for Little League This Summer
A baseball and softball umpiring clinic will be offered for anyone interested in officiating youth summer baseball and softball games in Rockford, Willshire, and/or Mendon for the upcoming summer season. The clinic will be held on Saturday, May 5th from 5:00-8:00pm at Shanes Park in Rockford. Participants who attend the clinic will receive three hours of umpiring instruction and a printed umpiring manual with league rules. The participants' contact information will also be sent to all of the coaches within these towns as they look to assign summer umpires. Participation is free and open to any male or female age 14+ in the area who is interested in umpiring in Rockford, Willshire, or Mendon. Registration for the clinic is required for those planning to attend. To register, contact Ryan Thompson at (419)305-0426 or ryanthompson2000@hotmail.com. If you are unable to attend the May 5th clinic but would still like to be added to the "Umpire Contact List" for the 2018 season, you can provide your information before May 5th to be included on the list. 

 
April 24, 2018
 

Parkway Mini-Relay for Life
Saturday, May 5th - 2018

At the Parkway Football Stadium - 6 pm - midnight

One Day - One Night
One Community ... One Fight.

Parkway Prom 2018 court picture from left to right is Clayton Agler, Bailey Bates, Andrew Baker, Paige Cron, Sydney Crouch, Prom King Ashton Hamrick, Prom Queen Miranda Haynes, Logan Huff, Haley Hawk, Caden May, Tristen McKee, Mackenzie Sipe

Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing her pictures of Promenade, Prom and After Prom

 
April 23, 2018
 

Eagle Scout Finishes Project to Earn His Award

Isaac Osterfeld completed several projects at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Office to earn his Eagle Scout Award.  Thank you Isaac for fixing a light in the basement, painting a bathroom ceiling and building an outdoor bench. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors and Staff are very appreciated of your efforts.

Isaac's parents are Gary and Jeanie Osterfeld.

He is a junior at Coldwater High School

At left: Isaac on the bench he made.

One Injured in Commercial Semi Rollover Crash

Sugar Creek Township – The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a commercial vehicle crash which occurred on State Route 115 north of US Route 30 in Allen County.

On April 19, 2018 at approximately 5:19 A.M., troopers from the Lima Post responded to a report of a commercial rollover crash.  Kermit E. Netherton, age 53, of Findlay, Ohio, was operating a 2015 Freightliner Semi Tractor towing a tanker full of milk.  Mr. Netherton traveled off of the right side of the roadway into the ditch and struck a utility pole before overturning.

Mr. Netherton was transported to St. Rita’s Medical Center by Cairo EMS with non-life threatening injuries.  It is unknown at this time if he was wearing a seat belt.  Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash.  The crash remains under investigation.

The Lima Post was assisted by the Cairo Fire Department, American Electric Power, Allen County Emergency Management Agency, and Beaver Dam Fleet Towing Service. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to never drive distracted or impaired

Van Wert County Hospital is now Van Wert Health
Local hospital unveils new brand

Van Wert, OH (April 18, 2018) – Van Wert Health, formerly known as Van Wert County Hospital, is proud to announce the launch of its new brand, which will modernize the hospital and position it for future growth in the community.

“This is an exciting time for us here at Van Wert Health,” said Jim Pope, President and CEO, Van Wert Health. “We are currently working toward making some positive changes at our hospital that will help us provide a higher level of care for our patients.”

The rebranding, which is being developed by marketing agency Boyden & Youngblutt, can take up to 18 months to be fully implemented. Once finished, it will include a new name, logo, tagline and fully integrated marketing campaign to consistently tell the Van Wert Health story.

“Our new brand is a crucial step to solidifying our dedication to taking a leadership role in moving our community to better health. It reminds our patients that we are dedicated to putting them at the center of everything we do,” said Jim.

Van Wert Health is an independent, nonprofit community hospital that provides comprehensive healthcare to Van Wert County, Ohio, and the surrounding region. They work to meet the health needs of their patients by continually assessing and improving the quality of care they provide. Van Wert Health has served the region since 1905. Their patient-focused approach is at the forefront of their mission to be the best community hospital.  

News Release - Ellen Rager, Director of Patient and Community Relations

Parkway Panther Athletic Calendar for April 23-28, 2018

 
April 21-22, 2018
 

Ballot title

The official ballot title is as follows:

Issue 1

To amend the version of Section 1 of Article XI that is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2021, and to enact Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Article XIX of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to establish a process for congressional redistricting.

A majority yes vote is necessary for the amendment to pass.

The proposed amendment would:

End the partisan process for drawing congressional districts, and replace it with a process with the goals of promoting bipartisanship, keeping local communities together, and having district boundaries that are more compact.

Ensure a transparent process by requiring public hearings and allowing public submission of proposed plans.

Require the General Assembly or the Ohio Redistricting Commission to adopt new congressional districts by a bipartisan vote for the plan to be effective for the full 10-year period.

Require that if a plan is adopted by the General Assembly without significant bipartisan support, it cannot be effective for the entire 10-year period and must comply with explicit antigerrymandering requirements.

If passed, the amendment will become effective immediately.

RADC Members  Reminded of Meeting
The next RADC meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 23rd at 7 pm in the Rockford Library basement. Andrew Peel will be our guest speaker regarding the upcoming fitness center he is starting in Rockford. 

Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society to Meet

The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, May 6th at 2:00 pm at the Richardson Bretz Building 119 West Fulton St., Celina. As always, the meetings are open to the public. We would love to have you join us.

Guest Speaker:  Bob Evers is a St. Henry native who attended the Universities of Dayton and Notre Dame and then settled in the Dayton area where he worked as a chemist at the Air Force Research Laboratory.  He's had a continuing interest in local genealogy and history and has previously spoken at area genealogy meetings.

His topic will be:  Lange Family Journey to St. Henry. The Lange families that settled east of St. Henry about 1850 produced numerous descendants who married into other local families and became part of the area's history.  This talk will focus upon the Lange family origin at Goldenstedt within the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg in Germany, the family members' piecemeal immigration to Cincinnati, and their final migration to the St. Henry area.  In addition to identifying the individual Lange immigrants and their descendants, the presentation will give a brief history of the family at Goldenstedt as well as the immigrants' living circumstances in Cincinnati and St. Henry.

 
April 18-20, 2018
 

Panther Clayton Agler Signs with Lawrence University in Wisconsin
Photo shared by Pat Agler

Congratulations go out to Clayton Agler, Parkway Senior who recently signed his letter of intent to play baseball (Midwest Conference) in Wisconsin at the Lawrence University which is an NCAA Division III school located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Click here for their website.

Clayton has been playing baseball for the Parkway Panthers since he was old enough to enroll in the Little League Program, and is currently playing under Coach Luke Clouse and Assistant Coach Kevin Kramer. The team is doing well this Spring, and Clayton’s averages are .600 hitting with 5 runs scored and has a 2.0 record with 0.00 ERA. His letter of intent says he will play baseball for the Vikings with pitching being his specialty. Clayton will major in biology and pre-med.

Watching the signing above are seated to the left and right of Clayton are  his father and mother, Brent and Michelle Agler. Standing are Kevin Kramer, Parkway Varsity assistant baseball coach, and Parkway Head Varsity Baseball Coach Luke Clouse.

Family Program Planned a Rockford Carnegie Library
Please join us for a Family Program at the Rockford Carnegie Library on Tuesday, April 24 from 6:30-7:30. We’ll be celebrating spring and creating a Green Thumb gift for someone special in our lives. Hint Hint, Mother’s Day is just around the corner dads!  We’ll also read a story, play games and have a snack.

Candidate Travis Faber Assaulted
On April 12, 2018 Travis Faber reported the Celina P.D. that within a few days prior someone had stolen a large campaign sign from the corner of Westbank Rd and US127.  It had been placed on private property with permission.  Review of nearby surveillance footage showed a person in a red Ford pickup truck took the sign on April 9th.

On April 17th Mr. Faber was checking his new sign as he drove by and the red truck was leaving and his sign had been taken.  Mr. Faber asked the man to return the sign.  The man was later identified as 55 year old Frank Urwin of St. Henry. 

Faber parked on the nearby parking lot of the Boardwalk Bar & Grill.  Urwin turned around on US127, pulled onto the parking lot where Mr. Faber was and quickly exited his truck.  He charged at Faber, who was seated in his car.  Urwin opened Faber’s car door and physically assaulted him, pulling him from the car and repeatedly striking him.

Urwin fled the scene.  He was later arrested for assault and theft.  The incident reportedly was sparked by a campaign ad that Urwin did not like.

 
April 14-17, 2018
 

Parkway Varisty Softball Defeats Lincolnview
by Coach Teri Samples
Parkway-Lincolnview softball game that occurred at Lincolnview on April 13, 2018.  Parkway defeated Lincolnview 11-1 in 5 innings.  Macy Henkle got the pitching win for the Panthers.  Leading the offensive attack for the Lady Panthers was Bailey Strickler with 3 singles and a double, going 4-4 at the plate and bringing in 3 RBI's.  Haley Hawk had 2 doubles and single with 2 RBI's.  McKenna Temple was 2-2 with 2 RBI's.  Parkway moves to 6-1 on the season.

 
April 13, 2018
 

Jeff Keller of Mercer Soil and Water Conservation district  and Steve Gehle and Robert Ransbottom of Rockford Tree City talked with the Parkway 3rd grade about trees.   There were around 80 students with a lot of great questions about the importance and benefits of trees. Discussion also included planting and care for trees. Mercer SWCD gave a Norway Blue Spruce with some planting tips to the students.  

Parkway Schhol Board Agenda by Sally Cox for April 16, 2018
Meeting at 6:30 PM Willshire Praise Point Church

2018 Pancake Day Announced in Van Wert

The Van Wert Service Club would like to announce its 2018 Pancake Day fundraising event to be held Saturday, May 5, 2018, in the Van Wert High School commons area.  The event will run from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Along with pancakes, Arby’s of Van Wert is providing their sausage, gravy and biscuits again this year.  With gratitude to Central Insurance Companies and Strategence Capital for being Title Sponsors for this year’s fundraiser.

The annual Pancake Day is the first of two fundraising events in which the Club takes great pride in each year.  The money raised through our fundraising is donated to many worthwhile projects and activities in the Van Wert and surrounding communities.  The Service Club finances the Van Wert County Summer Speech program which offers a crucial and beneficial summer speech program that gives children the ability to retain the speech skills they learned throughout the school year and to grow and add new skills throughout the summer.

The Service Club also supports many local projects, activities, and organizations including: 

Van Wert High School Service Pack, Van Wert Youth Baseball, Van Wert County Junior Fair, Van Wert County Junior Achievement, Buckeye Boys & Girls State, the R.K. Thompson Self Reliance Award program, Van Wert D.A.R.E. program, Van Wert Youth Football, Salvation Army, Van Wert County 4-H, the YWCA Summer Food Program, local Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and many others.

Service Club members would like to invite everyone to join them at this year’s event.  Tickets are $7 each with children age 10 & under free (dine-in only).  Tickets can be purchased at the door or from any Service Club member.  For more information, please email vwserviceclub@gmail.com.

 
April 11-12, 2018
 

Shelby Barnett Graduates with Nursing Degree
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn and Emily Barnett of Rockford are pleased to announce that their daughter, Shelby Barnett Graduated college with her Bachelor’s Degree in the Science of Nursing from Bowling Green State University during the Commencement exercises in December. Shelby finished her degree on the Dean’s List.

Shelby completed the NCLEX licensing examination in February to become a Registered Nurse in the State of Ohio. Shelby applied for and received an Indiana endorsement as she is beginning her career as a Nurse at Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur.

Shelby is the granddaughter of Barbara Decker of Rockford, and Jerry and Sheryl Ellis of Mendon. Shelby was encouraged by other grandparents Butch and Linda Davis of Mendon, and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins who are so proud of her accomplishments!

 
April 9-10, 2018
 

Parkway High School Spring Sports Schedules/Rosters Posted by Lynn Hughes
Click Here to see the Boys Baseball Rosters and Schedules - printable!

Click Here for the Girls Softball Rosters and Schedules - printable!

Click Here for the Co-ed Track Rosters and Schedules - printable!

 
April 7-8, 2018
 

Parkway Panther Athletic Calendar for April 9-14, 2018

Parkway Panther Game Changes for Saturday, April 7, 2018 

Jr. High Track Invitational: CANCELLED

Varsity Softball @ Akron: CANCELLED

JV Softball: will play one game vs. Van Wert beginning at 12:00 p.m.

8th Softball: will play one game @ New Bremen (Bremenfest Park) beginning at 12:00 p.m.

7th Softball: will play one home game vs. Elida beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball: will play one home game vs. Shawnee beginning at 2:00 p.m.

JV Baseball: will play one game @ Celina beginning at 12:00 p.m.

8th Baseball: will play one game @ Celina beginning at 12:00 p.m.

7th Baseball: will play one home game vs. Celina, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE - Save the Barrels in 1920

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

Caption:  “Save the Barrels” was the title of this photograph by Rolfe Cobleigh, in his book, “Handy Farm Devices,” published by the Orange Judd Co., in New York in 1920.

“Do you know any Collectors of old barrels in Mercer County?” is one of the latest requests I received.  I responded that there were coopers who made barrels in the past, but I do not know any person today, who collects old barrels.  I said that I would ask our readers if anyone knows any barrel collectors?

“Coopers” made barrels or casks, and other types of wood round containers, e.g. butter churns.  The coopers used strips of wood, known as “staves” for the walls of the barrels.  Once the cooper made the barrel, a “hooper” fitted the metal hoops around the wooden staves to contain the walls of the barrel.  The coopers often made their own hoops for the barrels, and thus, the coopers were also hoopers.

The coopers adapted their barrels to the needs of their customers.  Since barrels were often used as shipping containers, the barrels were made with the intention of protecting the goods within the barrels.  A Dry Cooper could adapt the barrel for shipping “dry goods,” e.g. farms produce, e.g. fruits and vegetables.  The White Cooper created barrels with straight-staves, e.g. buckets, butter churns, washtubs, which held water, but were not shipped while containing the liquids.  The Wet or Light Cooper made barrels or casks for storage or transportation of liquids which might be under pressure.  The Wet Coopers made the barrels or casks for shipping beer.  For the hunter and/or the military, the Dry-Tight Cooper made “dry-tight” barrels or casks to keep the gunpowder or flour dry.  The General Cooper worked in warehouses or shipping sites, because he was responsible for the goods within the barrels.  The General Cooper had the ability to repair a barrel with a broken stave, without harming the contents of the barrel.

In the photograph above, the book author Rolfe Cobleigh was encouraging farmers to “Save the Barrels!” Cobleigh made an assortment of suggestions for reusing old barrels.  He suggested trimming the wooden staves from half of the barrel, while leaving the hoops on the barrel, and using the removed staves to create a hood for the finished product of a baby cradle.  Another suggestion for reusing old barrels, was to make a water cooler for threshers, by placing a ten gallon stone jar in the barrel and surrounding the jar with charcoal and sawdust, and placing a wet cloth over the top after the jar had been filled with water.

I am not so sure that the young people today, understand the theory of not wasting anything, and for finding new uses of products.  I have heard the statement that today’s generation is the “Throw-away Generation.”  Our generation and the generations before us, knew to take care of what we had.  Maybe that is why a few people do not value the Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society, “To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the public about that History.”  When I have traveled across the country and around the world, I have seen how cultures have preserved their past and preserved their monuments and have preserved their documents and artifacts in their Museums and Libraries. 

I wonder why European, African, Asian, Australian, and South American Countries have preserved their buildings, their art and music, their books, their furniture, their business and industry history, for hundreds or thousands of years.  Our United States is just over two hundred years old.  Families, businesses, service organizations, and even churches are pitching things.  Our Federal, State, and Local Governments, via Records Commission Meetings are de-accessioning documents, with the blessing of our Government.  Some people say that they do not have room to save things.

Will I be the first and last and only Director of the Mercer County Historical Museum, the Riley Home? 

And back to Cobleigh who wanted us to save Barrels.   We also save Barrels with tools at this Museum.

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road,

Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.]

March MINI S.T.A.R. Retreat 2018

The MINI S.T.A.R. (Students Teaching About Resistance) Retreat was held on Saturday, March 17th at St. John Lutheran Church, Celina. The theme was “Under the Sea.” 100 Mercer County 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders attended the event. The goal of this event was to provide the students with a bully-free, drug-free experience full of alternative activities to encourage them to be role models to their peers and community. The retreat also gave the students a chance to learn new skills, be themselves, and make new friends to support them in the difficult times! Under the direction of Amy Miller and Laura Sanford of Foundations Behavioral Health Services, this youth-led prevention event was led by 15 of the high school students from the Mercer County Youth to Youth (Y2Y) group, 10 8th grade “Co-STARs,” along with 15 additional adult volunteers.

Though icy weather delayed the retreat 2 hours, all involved still were able to experience the excitement of MINI S.T.A.R. The day began at 11:00 am with energizers led by the youth and staff volunteers introducing themselves to the attendees. Joyce Howell was the keynote speaker. She shared with them that the two things they always have control over are their efforts and attitude. By focusing on giving 100% effort with a positive attitude, they will get good results. Joyce grew up in Coldwater and raised 3 children with her husband Paul. She taught 8th grade language arts for 30 years total, 2 in Ada, OH, 8 in St. Henry and 20 in Coldwater. Joyce has been retired for 3 years and also currently serves on the DARE Boosters. She was an adult leader at S.T.A.R. for many years, beginning with the very first retreat held!   

Mercer County Y2Y members performed a skit about not sacrificing their self-respect, happiness and success to be “popular” and liked at school. Each student was placed in a “family group” which is a closer-knit group led by high school youth with an adult supervisor. The groups met four times throughout the day to do team-building activities and discuss issues. Each family group was given a pre-picked topic, such as bullying, alcohol, heroin, social media, etc., and came up with a skit and performed them for the parents during closing ceremonies. The student participated in two “How To” sessions including cooking, science experiments, art, drama, sign language, and fitness. Each student could pick one personal growth session; social media safety, girls and boys focused empowerment, how to handle stress, how to deal with peer pressure, or leadership skills. The day ended at 5 pm, after parents/guardians were presented the “Let’s Talk” campaign and then the participants joined in for closing ceremonies, which featured a video presentation of the day and the family group skits.

The MINI S.T.A.R. Retreat is supported by Foundations Behavioral Health Services and funded by a grant from Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund, Inc. Other sponsors include McKirnan Brothers, Inc., Hot Brass Personal Defense, Mercer County DARE Boosters, Preferred Insurance Center, Reynolds and Reynolds, Celina Walmart, Romer’s Catering and Overdrive Entertainment, Celina Grand Lake FOE Women’s Auxiliary, WCSM Radio, and Stars and Stripes Graphix. We are very grateful to St. John Lutheran Church for hosting us this year and the Celina Kiwanis for stuffing the folders.

We also want to thank the adults who taught classes: Craig Hart (Social Media Safety), fitness Shaun Koester (Jazzercise) from Upstage Downtown and Amber Mott (Drum Fitness), Stetson Miller (DUDES), Tom Sanford (Things that Fly), Craig Muhlenkamp (Things that Fly and Leadership), Roberta Donovan (Dealing with Stress), Amy Miller (Cooking), Laura Sanford (Refusal Skills), Ashley Searight (Girls on the Rise), Jodi Pierstorff (Sign Language), Joan Roll (Art), Jodi Wenning (Drama/Public Speaking). Thanks to Craig Muhlenkamp and Craig Hart for providing technical assistance and equipment and Amy Miller for putting together the picture presentation.

Appreciation goes out to the guidance counselors, principals, and school secretaries for their efforts in recruiting students for the retreat and collecting applications, the media for advertising the retreat, and the community for supporting prevention efforts. 

The MINI S.T.A.R. Retreat would not be a success without the support of the parents/guardians who allow their energetic students to attend, the awesome adult staff, and the talented and dedicated High School Mercer County Y2Y leaders and 8th grade Co-S.T.A.R.s including, Celina: Aleisha Mott, Destiny Flynn, Rayne Reisinger, Bella Schnell, Peyton Gilliland, Kaleb Fishbaugh, Nathan Olds; Coldwater: Anthony Kunk, Jordan Kline, Thomas Pax, Cameron Crowell; Ft. Recovery: Ashley Byram, Cameron Romer, Daniel Braun, Elena Evers, Owen Sheridan, Robby LeFevre, Chloe Sutton, Lyvia Kunk; Marion Local: Kendra Wendel; Parkway, Dakota Hays; St. Henry: Leah Roll, Courtney Clune, Kayla Wall, Rachel Speck. Adult staff- Mackenzie Schlepp, Jessica Scheer, Dan Jones, Julie Krieg, Roberta Donovan, Ashley Searight, Claire Hemmelgarn, Craig Hart, Craig Muhlenkamp, Skylar Howell, Kelli Albers, Jodi Wenning, Joan Roll, Becca Cotterman, Tom Sanford.

If you are interested in assisting with future prevention efforts or joining the Mercer County Prevention Coalition whose mission is “to improve the quality of lives of Mercer County residents by preventing the harmful consequences of substance use and abuse among youth, families, and the larger community,” please contact Amy Miller at 419-584-1000 or mercercountyprevention@gmail.com 

 
April 6, 2018
 

The next Parkway Board of Education meeting has been changed to Monday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Praise Point Church in Willshire.

Mock Crash April 10th, 2018 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina
by Monte Diegel, Coordinator

The Mercer County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with numerous local EMS, fire departments, law enforcement agencies and a host of other groups and organizations are preparing to stage a mock crash for all six Mercer County High Schools. We host the mock crash every two years (since 1996) for our county high school students. I am proud to say we have the support of all six Mercer County school districts for our mock crash program. The mock crash program is staged at the Mercer County Fairgrounds with attendance by over 1200 Mercer County junior and senior high school students. This program is all about choices. We stage a mock crash to illustrate the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, texting and driving and/or the use of drugs and driving. Following the mock crash, our students will hear from a speaker who will share her personal tragic true life experience with the students. You should note that our mock crash program is no small undertaking. As of this release, we have some two dozen different Mercer County agencies ,organizations/groups including numerous law enforcement, fire departments, EMS and two medical helicopters that are involved in our mock crash program. In all, there will be over 75 people involved with presenting our mock crash program. Our message is very clear: we don't want to see our young people die on our roadways.

One of the most moving and important parts for our 2018 mock crash program will be when the students are addressed by Miami County resident Laura Cruea . Laura’s high school aged son Joey was killed in 2010 in an accident involving an impaired driver. Laura has a strong message and states “If I can get just one teen to change what they do behind the wheel or their way of thinking, then my son’s death had purpose instead of being another stat. I am his voice now”. This is a very powerful and important message for our Mercer County students to hear.   

Rockford Variety Show Coming April 6 & 7 – Get Tickets NOW!

Rockford Lions Club members Chad Miller, Dick Sapp, and Randy Habegger (left to right) preparing for the 2018 Rockford Variety Show  This year’s production ‘LET’S PLAY’ will be presented Friday and Saturday evenings April 6-7 in the Parkway High School Auditorium. Tickets $7 adults $5 ages 12 and under are available at Henkle Insurance, Barry’s Market, Peoples Bank and First Financial Bank in Rockford.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

LET’S PLAY will include audience participation in a ‘game show’ format similar to the current Ellen DeGeneres television show ‘Game of Games’. Participants will be selected from the audience to compete in one of five games.  The winners of each individual game will compete in the semi-final game of ‘Don't Know? Go!’  The last remaining person lands in the ‘Winner’s Seat’ with the chance to win a special cash prize of $100 dollars. 

If you would like to pre-register your team for one of the contests please email gardnerkimjohn@gmail.com

The Opening and Closing musical numbers of this year’s variety show feature a large choir of area singers and musicians.   In addition to a performance by the Parkway Schools cast of ‘High School Musical’, this year’s show also includes a classic skit from the 70s Rockford Variety Show archives called ‘The Dentist.’

Dancers will perform a Tribute to Michael Jackson as well as a Dance though the generations. Three cast members will also compete in a thrilling "Sing Off". We are delighted that Miss Lake Festival 2017 Clista Hellwarth will be performing in Friday night’s show.  

LET’S PLAY is directed by Kim Gardner, with Rockford area personalities Barry Peel and Brian Shaffer serving as ‘Hosts.’ Louisa Hemmelgarn is the musical accompanist.  The Parkway Pep Band will be entertaining us at intermission and before the show.

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club Annual Variety Show funds scholarships & helps fulfill local community needs & requests.  The Rockford Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

 
April 5, 2018
 

GASPEE DAYS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES PATRICE WOOD OF NBC 10 NEWS AS GRAND MARSHALL FOR THE 53RD ANNUAL GASPEE DAYS PARADE

WARWICK, RI – On Monday, April 2, 2018, The Gaspee Days Committee formally announced Patrice Wood of NBC Channel 10 News as its nominee for Grand Marshall of the 53rd Annual Gaspee Days Parade, who has proudly accepted the role with excitement and nostalgia. “This is always a fun celebration,” Patrice exclaims. “As the fourth great-granddaughter of infantryman James Wood of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, who fought for our freedom, I am honored to be asked to lead this historic and esteemed parade,” says Patrice.

For 53 years, the communities of Historic Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, Cranston, and many around the state of Rhode Island, have celebrated Gaspee Days as a nod to America’s “First Blow for Freedom™” against Great Britain during the revolutionary era. The Gaspee Days Parade is the culmination of a month-long series of community events run by the all-volunteer Gaspee Days Committee to commemorate the burning of H.M.S. Gaspee back in June of 1772. The parade, along with many other Gaspee Days activities bring together people from across several local communities in Warwick and Cranston, to celebrate their pride in our State’s place in history. “The popular Gaspee Days weekend and parade are a time-honored tradition enjoyed by all and I am delighted to be a part of this outstanding tribute to all of our courageous patriots,” Patrice adds.

Just as Patrice expresses her excitement for May and June’s events to come, the chairpersons of this year’s parade share in her passion for the local community and its history. “Having grown up in Warwick, the Gaspee Days Parade has been a part of our lives for many years,” says Steve Miller, Parade Chair alongside his wife, Tracey Miller, who have worked in tandem to make this year’s parade even more spectacular than ever. “We are excited to share this tradition with Patrice, as we have always admired the role she plays in contributing to the local community. She has been a staple of our local news for almost 40 years now and what she has accomplished placing foster children in adoptive homes through ‘Tuesday’s Child’ proves her commitment to community, an ideal we like to live by as well,” adds Tracey Miller, the other Chairperson of the parade. “Little did we know that Patrice had ancestors dating back to the revolutionary war, which only makes us more confident we made the right choice in who should lead our Parade!”

The anticipation for yet another parade bringing together community and history is apparent. Gaspee Days is just around the corner and all those involved are proud to share the exciting news. Welcome to the celebration, Patrice! The Parade will be held on Saturday, June 9 at 10:00 am in Historic Pawtuxet Village through Cranston and Warwick, RI.

Editor's note: Holly Patrice Wood graduated from Parkway High School in 1973. She is the sister of Sheila (Wood) Baltzell-Linn of Celina and Colleen (Wood) O'Steen of Huntsville, AL.

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.

Writers Club to Meet

The Stateline Writers Club is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the Celina public library.  

Writers are asked to compose and share an original, brief, humorous anecdote. 

Afterwards, Barbara Moore will present a lesson on evaluating compositions using scoring guides.   

The public is welcome to attend.

The Mendon-Union Alumni Weekend is slated for May 25th-28th, 2018.  Friday evening May 25th at 7:00 p.m. at the school park, Dave "Butch" Rinderle, will be putting on a free concert.  Hit's of the 60's & 70's.  Saturday, May 26th, at noon, the 122nd Alumni Banquet will be held at the Celina American Legion Post 210.  Invitations will be mailed around April 10th.  The 50 year class of 1968 will be recognized.  Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. 1976 grad, Ron Rasberry and the Rasberry Jam Band will be playing at the school park.  Sunday May 27th, includes a Alumni Golf outing, community church service at 10:00 am, Chicken B*B*Q at noon, ice cream social at the Church of God at 4:30, and Pastor Todd O'Neal of Cincinnati will be singing a gospel concert at the Church of God at 6:30 p.m.  Monday May 28th, starts with the youth breakfast at the Methodist church from 7-11:00 a.m., the annual Memorial day parade honoring fallen Veterans with Celina VFW & American Legion posts, Parkway High School marching band, and local scout troops starts at 8:30 a.m.  The public is invited to all the events and you don't have to be an Mendon-Union Alumni to attend.  The Alumni Banquet on Saturday is the only event that you must register for.  A weekend of fun filled events for all to enjoy!

Early Identification Screening for Parkway Pre-Schoolers
An early identification screening for any 3, 4, or 5 year old child of Parkway Local Schools whose parents are concerned about their child’s speech or any potential developmental delay will be held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Celina First Church of God in Celina, Ohio.  This screening is not a requirement in order to enroll in preschool, but the screening can be used to help identify any potential learning needs.  The screening will include speech and language skills, vision, hearing, and general knowledge.

If you are interested in having your child screened, please call Janice Diller at the Mercer County Educational Service Center at 419-586-6628, ext. 221, by April 20, 2018.

This is a free service provided by your local school district in cooperation with the Mercer County Educational Service Center.

 
April 3-4, 2018
 

Parkway Schools Calendar of Events by Lynn Hughes
for April 2018 - Click here for a printable version

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!  

Public Invited to Candidate Bebate
Event: 84th District Ohio Republican Primary State Representative Debate

Candidates: Travis Faber, Susan Manchester, Aaron Heilers

Date: April 7, 2018

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Celina Moose Lodge #1473, 1120 E. Market St., Celina, OH 45882

Website: https://lakeimprovement.com/ask-the-candidates/

Facebook live stream at: https://www.facebook.com/LakeImprovement/

Parkway High School - 3rd Quarter Honor Roll 2017-2018
by Lisa Miller
Parkway HS Secretary

SENIORS

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Clayton Agler, Claire Armstrong, Laura Barrett, Jared Berry, Paige Cron, Jared Gibson, Haley Hawk, Miranda Haynes, James-David Hileman, Logan Huff

HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Bailey Bates, Reid Etzcorn, Reese Fokine, Ashton Hamrick, Tristen McKee, Justin Rice, Mackenzie Sipe, Trevor Smith, Chanel Walls

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Zachary Albright, Hadassah Armstrong, Paige Carmean, Sydney Crouch, Jeremy Feldes, Eric Hausmann, Courtney Lies, Miah Naseman, Chandler Roof, Megan Zizelman

JUNIORS

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Danielle Eads, Alistair Fahncke, Matthew Gaerke, KeAndra Godsey, Justin Miller, Faith Rollins, Loren Stukey

HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Jared Anderson, Molly Baltzell, Harley Burden, Alexandria Ford, Kara Heck, Mecaylah Hesse, Madison Kroeger, Alyssa Miller, Olivia Scott, Bailey Strickler, Isabella Strunk, Haylee Stukey, Tessa Thatcher

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Shay Bolton, Hannah Eichenauer, Melissa Hauter, Lauren Henderson, Colton Kraner, Rachael Ransbottom, Nicholas Riley, Noah Riley, Faith Shellabarger, Grace Swander, Jonathan Wehe

SOPHOMORES

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Rachel Barrett, Claire Eichler, Macy Henkle, McKenna Johnson, Kristine Kirby, Jason Luth, Sophia Miller, Kyle Roth, Olivia Rutledge, Hailey Stephenson, Ashlyn White

HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Cory Agler, Carley Boeckman, Aaron Bruns, Breyden Bruns, Ansley Burtch, Alexis Cairns, Sidney Doner, Leah Harshman, Lily Hipply, Clarissa Krogman, Brooke May, Hailey Roberts, Grace Rogers, McKenna Temple, Shaelyn Thomas, Alexander Tisdale, Sydney Yoder

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Tori Albright, Rachel Breese, Layne Claudy, Ashlyn Cornett, Autumn Ellis, Wesley Ford, Courtney Harding, Jacob Haver, Nicholas Hawk, Ryan Hesse, Kiersten Roehm, Monica Steen, Gavin Stober, Emily Zimmerman

FRESHMAN

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Avery Boroff, Kaden Boroff, Sierra Freeman, Zoie Huffman, Brayton Luginbill, Kelsey Nichols, Elijah Rich, McKayla Sites

HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Abigail Browning, Treya Conn, Brendan Etzcorn, Remi' Fokine, Hunter Gibson, Dylan Hughes, Kayla Kuhn, Todd Lampy, Lydia Miller, Claire Rutledge, Mackenzie Springer, Tyler Tinkham, Sydney Waters

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Alexzandra Cottman, Grace Etgen, Justan Felver, Savanna Freeman, Anthony Heck, Madalyn Heindel, Claire Langenkamp, Bryce Mihm, Andrea Miller, Makenna Schumm, Adam Stephenson, Seth Stukey, Olivia Sutter

Parkway Middle School Honor Roll
by Michelle Agler, Parkway Middle School Secretary
End of 3rd Quarter 2017-2018 

5TH GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Brayden Bruns

Adria Miller

Alexavier Samples

High Honors

3.5-3.99

Amanda Barrett

Roxlyn Bell

Cali Bollenbacher

Riley Bolton

Shay Boroff

Wyatt Carpenter

Braedn Conn

Gabriel Cross

Gaven Garwood

Karley Harrod

Zoey Henning

Lucas Hileman

Douglas Hughes

Evan Kimmel

Creeden Knittle

Scarlett Laux

McKenzie Matthewson

Jayden Sheets

Meah Suzuki

Elizabeth Winget

5th Grade

Honors 3.0-3.49

Breece Baltzell

Anna Bell

Duke Brehm

Lillian Carpenter

Addisyn Gottschalk

Abby Hague

Landon Hamrick

Brynlea Houser

Colson Jones

Mackenzie Kellermeyer

Wesley Nichols

Tayler Pennell

Aiden Potter

Kaitlyn Rager

Kailyn Regedanz

Maicee Renner

Matthew Roberts

Zachary Rogers

Preston Salway

Mason Schumm

Briann Scudder

Trevor Stearns

Isabella Thornsberry

Derick (Rylee) Vann

Derrick Wagner

Zancer Whitaker

Madison Williams

Landon Younker

6TH GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Trent Rollins

Tyler Rowen

Sarah Sheppard

Jacob Winget

High Honors

 3.5-3.99

Ruby Bennett

Alexis Berry

Breanna Berry

Morgan Bollenbacher

Emilio Bonilla

Logan Green

Meg Henkle

Addisyn Hileman

Ashley Jackson

Madison Louth

Landen May

Alizay Neuenschwander

Audrey Nichols

Lily Noll

Casey Popp

Ellie Prichard

Victoria Shideler

Francesca Steinbrunner

Apollo Thomas

Trent Tinkham

Avery White

Tori Williams

6TH GRADE

Honors 3.0-3.49

Ben Bates

Caiden Berry

Devon Crouch

Olivia Dicke

Harli Garrity

Ryan Hastings

Paige Hirschy

Addysin Leighner

Rhyan Martenies

Caleb Nusbaum

Merissa Price

Abigail Sheets

Julia Sheets

Brittany Sites

Fletcher Smith

Jazmin Smith

Haylee Stahler

Paige Stephenson

Abbi Taylor

Selina Valle

7th GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Aaron Cron

Colin Fokine

Carter Hellwarth

Madison Jacobs

Emiree Knittle

Jackson Kraner

Roman Leszinske

Corban Rich

Emily Schaefer

Brooke Stephenson

Gabrielle Stober

High Honors

 3.5-3.99

Colby Bentz

Avery Cole

Brenden Cottman

Gavin Dicke

Bryce Dorsten

Skyler Fokine

Trenton Garwood

Taylor Gruss

Allison Heitkamp

Allison Hughes

Edin Nichols

Hutch Ridenour

Alison Rowen

Bryant Scudder

Nevaeh Seals

Derek Smith

Ashton Stephenson

Emma Wells

Herminie Williams

7th GRADE

Honors 3.0-3.49

Blayn Aller

Tazmin Archer

Sativa Baker

Abby Baltzell

Aaliyah Baxter

Ariana Bullinger

Karolann Burk

Emily Clutter

Austin Curry

Blayne Fullenkamp

Autumn Gilbreath

Madison Gile

Abby Gilliland

Caden Heindel

Morgan Hunter

Macy Johnson

Adrienne Joseph

Chason Kroft

Cody Lautzenheiser

Dakota Mullholand

Alivia Osborne

Deegan Rager

Cody Smith

Bryce Stearns

Jack Wagner

Alyxandra Yoder

8th GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Leah Eichler

Danielle Huff

Riley Samples

Benjamin Sheppard

Blake Strickler

High Honors

3.5-3.99

Kameryn Altenbach

Jace Armstrong

Cora Barna

Bailey Berry

Grant Bollenbacher

Jada Brister

Hunter Bruns

Camdyn Clay

Isabella Eller

Ashley Hague

Lily Haver

Chase Heitkamp

Cami High

Jaden Hileman

Molly Hileman

Emily Jackson

Paige Jackson

Chasity McGhee

Raegan Roehm

Jacob Rogers

Ashtyn Sipe

Caden Slusher

Makenzie Stephenson

Gracyn Temple

Briana Webb

8th GRADE

Honors 3.0-3.49

Brayla Aller

Alexis Ferrell

Dakota Ganger

Gage Hamrick

Zachary Hawk

Bradin Henkle

Leroy Hess

Faith Jacobs

Dennis Leighner

Tiana McElroy

Parker Mihm

Aidan Morton

Mersaydes Parsons

Noah Purtee

Zaenen Renner

Cade Schoenleben

Kaitlin Shaffner

Nathan Sheets

Chantry Simon

Avamaria Strunk

Montanna Vann

Lane Weirrick

Lacie Wolfe

Bryson Younker

Bryce Zimmerman

Keaton Zizelman

 
March 30 - April 2, 2018
Easter Weekend

 

Parkway April 2018 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Rockford Variety Show Coming April 6 & 7 – Get Tickets NOW!

Rockford Lions Club members Chad Miller, Dick Sapp, and Randy Habegger (left to right) preparing for the 2018 Rockford Variety Show  This year’s production ‘LET’S PLAY’ will be presented Friday and Saturday evenings April 6-7 in the Parkway High School Auditorium. Tickets $7 adults $5 ages 12 and under are available at Henkle Insurance, Barry’s Market, Peoples Bank and First Financial Bank in Rockford.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

LET’S PLAY will include audience participation in a ‘game show’ format similar to the current Ellen DeGeneres television show ‘Game of Games’. Participants will be selected from the audience to compete in one of five games.  The winners of each individual game will compete in the semi-final game of ‘Don't Know? Go!’  The last remaining person lands in the ‘Winner’s Seat’ with the chance to win a special cash prize of $100 dollars. 

If you would like to pre-register your team for one of the contests please email gardnerkimjohn@gmail.com

The Opening and Closing musical numbers of this year’s variety show feature a large choir of area singers and musicians.   In addition to a performance by the Parkway Schools cast of ‘High School Musical’, this year’s show also includes a classic skit from the 70s Rockford Variety Show archives called ‘The Dentist.’

Dancers will perform a Tribute to Michael Jackson as well as a Dance though the generations. Three cast members will also compete in a thrilling "Sing Off". We are delighted that Miss Lake Festival 2017 Clista Hellwarth will be performing in Friday night’s show.  

LET’S PLAY is directed by Kim Gardner, with Rockford area personalities Barry Peel and Brian Shaffer serving as ‘Hosts.’ Louisa Hemmelgarn is the musical accompanist.  The Parkway Pep Band will be entertaining us at intermission and before the show.

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club Annual Variety Show funds scholarships & helps fulfill local community needs & requests.  The Rockford Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Parkway Kindergarten Screening

Parkway Elementary is currently scheduling appointments for kindergarten screening for the 2018-2019 school year.  Students need to be five years old before August 1 to be eligible to attend.  Screening will be held on Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Parkway Elementary School.  If your child is new to Parkway Local Schools, we will need the following on screening day: the official birth certificate, social security card, immunization records, two forms of proof of residency and in the case of divorced parents, a copy of the child custody order.  The birth certificate is from the Department of Vital Statistics (any Ohio county health department) and a fee will be charged.  The hospital complimentary birth certificate will not be accepted.  Immunizations are required to be documented by the 15th day of school.  All students entering kindergarten in the fall will need to go through the screening process.  Please call Michelle in the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext.720 to schedule an appointment.

Reminder - The Rockford Bicentennial Committee meeting will be held on
April 2nd - 7 pm at the Village Hall.  

We will be discussing the final plans for the Fundraiser auction.  

 
March 28-29, 2018
 

Parkway Preschool Registration Night

Parkway Preschool has set their Registration Night for the 2018-2019 school year on Wednesday, April 25 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Parkway Preschool is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star program, which means this program has demonstrated the highest level of quality as rated by ODE. 

On this evening, parents may bring their child to the school to see the rooms as well as meet the teachers.  Registration forms will be available to complete and payment of the $25 registration fee will be accepted.  Once the registration is completed, other forms need to be turned in before the school year begins in August.  If you have further questions, please call the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720.  (Currently enrolled Parkway preschoolers need not attend this event.)

TEXT to 9-1-1 Service Now Available in Mercer County

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announces a major step forward in emergency notification service for Mercer County residents. As of April 2nd, 2018, Mercer County Central Dispatch has the ability to receive emergency text messages via 9-1-1. This service is available to cell phone users with cellular phone service provided by Verizon Wireless, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile and any cellular service provider who use these companies as their provider backbone.  Mercer County becomes the 9th Ohio county and the 1stnorthwest Ohio county to provide text to 9-1-1 service. The text to 9-1-1 service in Mercer County is being provided by  INdigital Telecom of Ft Wayne Indiana.

Customers of Verizon Wireless, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile should keep the following in mind if they send a text to 9-1-1 message:

·         Customers should use the texting option only when calling 9-1-1 is not an option

·         Using a phone to call 9-1-1 is still the most efficient way to reach emergency help. Texting is not always instantaneous, which is critical during a life-threatening emergency.  It may take slightly longer to dispatch emergency service in a text to 9-1-1 situation because of time involved it takes someone to enter the text, the message must go over the network and the 9-1-1 dispatcher must read the text and then text back.

·         Providing location information and nature of the emergency in the 9-1-1 text message is imperative since Mercer County Central Dispatch will receive only an approximate location of the cell phone and will not be able to speak with the person sending the text. Text abbreviations or slang should never be used in order that the intent of the two way dialogue is as clear as possible.

·         Text to 9-1-1 customers must be within range of cellular towers located in Mercer County. If customers are outside of Mercer County or near the county boarders, the message may not reach Mercer County Central Dispatch. If the caller links to a cellular tower that does not support text to 9-1-1 service, the caller should receive an automated message indicating this with instructions to call 9-1-1 instead.

·         Text sent to 9-1-1 have a 160 character limit for each message.

·         Customers must have a mobile phone capable of sending text messages and have subscribed to a texting service with the carrier.

·         Text to 9-1-1 service is available to customers who use a SMS service provided by a cellular provider. Text to 9-1-1 service is not available through third party text messaging applications that can be downloaded to the phone or for applications that do not use SMS technology.

·         Text to 9-1-1 should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services. Non-emergency complaints or issues should still be communicated to Central Dispatch through the non-emergency phone lines.

·         Text to 9-1-1 SMS messaging should only be to communicate between the 9-1-1 dispatcher and the texter; no pictures, videos, other attachments or other recipients should be appended to the message.

·         Callers should never text 9-1-1 while driving.

Communicating with 9-1-1 dispatchers by voice is preferred and more effective than text to 9-1-1.  Voice calling should always be the first choice if possible. Using text to 9-1-1 service should be limited to the following circumstances if possible:

·         When calling 9-1-1 is not possible, such as if the caller is deaf, hearing or speech impaired.

·         If the caller is otherwise unable to speak, because of a medical condition (i.e. stroke)

·         If speaking on the phone would be unsafe such as in the case of abduction or home invasion.

Submitted by Jeff Grey, Sheriff

Cincinnati Reds Day Coming April 15th

Welcome Mercer County Residents!
The Cincinnati  Reds invite you to celebrate Celina/Mercer County  Day with us on April 15th at 1:10PM vs the St. Louis Cardinals.  Take advantage of these great discounts and reserve your seats . Call Mason Smith for group tickets 513-765-7975.

 
March 26-27, 2018
 

Rockford United Methodist Church Maundy Thursday through Easter Services/Activities and Beyond - see ad above with details! Community invited!

March 29th     Maundy Thursday,  A "Living Last Supper"  The Thursday evening worship experience begins @ 7:30 pm in the Rockford United Methodist Church Sanctuary and will include Holy Communion.  This is a dramatic presentation inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's 15th century painting of the same name.    Each of the twelve apostles speak their  mind to themselves, to each other, and to the Lord in light of Jesus' words to them, 'One of you will betray me.'


March 30       Good Friday Crosswalk starts at the RUMC  at 12:00 noon and takes a route to our property on Rockford west Road
Rockford United Methodist Church will offer two interactive  experiences for Good Friday.   The first is a CROSSWALK, a remembrance or  simple re-enactment of Jesus' journey to the cross as recorded in the  gospels.   Jesus was tortured and forced to carry his own cross to his  crucifixion.   A designated person or persons will carry a large wooden  cross and will lead the procession.  Members of the church and community  will follow a pre-determined path from the church walking north on Franklin 
Street to W. Market Street.  The procession will then turn and travel west  on Market Street stopping at a total of eight (8) predetermined stations  along the ¾ mile route before reaching the final station located at the RUMC  property on Rockford West Road just beyond the new Rockford Village  subdivision.   The entire experience will take approximately 45 minutes to 
an hour.   This is the second year for the CROSSWALK through the Rockford community.

Friday evening March 30th community and church members are also invited to participate in an indoor prayer experience called a PRAYER PATH. Created by the RUMC Junior and Senior High youth the Prayer Path is intended for ALL ages and will held in the Rockford UMC sanctuary from 7-9 p.m. This self -guided experience will take approximately 30 minutes.


Easter schedule for April 1st same as last year  7:00 am Sunrise Service and 7:30 breakfast 8:30 and 10:30 worship

April 8th Holy Humor Sunday

Our new logo is: Building ministry with children youth and families so that our community may flourish

Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt

Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt to be held on
Saturday - March 31st - starts at 1 pm SHARP !  Bring your own basket.

Easter Bunny will hand out eggs to children 3 and under.

Bring you camera to take pictures !

3 age groups for the hunt - 4-5, 6-7, 8-10

Event is held RAIN OR SHINE

A BIG THANKS to all the local businesses and individuals that have donated to
make this a success !!  

Parkway Local Schools will be in session on Thursday, March 29th.

Shanes Lodge #377 Free and Accepted Masons Honors Jim Gibson for 35 Years
Plan Next Meeting for conferring Degree on Harrison Oechsle

Shanes Lodge #377 Free and Accepted Masons met on March 5th for their Annual Inspection. Degree work and lodge business practices were approved by 4th Masonic District Deputy Grand Master Richard Gansert of Celina. Before closing lodge, Master Randy Rumple asked Brother Jim Gibson to come forward so that he could be recognized and honored for his 35 years of service as Treasurer of Shanes Lodge. He was given a silver wrist watch with the Masonic Square and Compasses on the face, and the working tools of the three degrees placed on each hour number. Brother Jim shared several stories of his forty one year affiliation with Masonry, which brought back many good memories to the 35 members in attendance. Four different flavors of cake, baked by Ruth Rumple, and ice cream were served to honor Jim, and was enjoyed by all. All members are encouraged to attend our next stated meeting on Monday evening April 2nd at 7:00 pm and also for a special meeting on Saturday morning April 7th at 8:30 am, when the lodge will confer the Master Mason degree on Harrison Oechsle. All meetings are held in the meeting room (south door entrance) of the Eagles Lodge on South Main Street in downtown Rockford.

Photo ID: Randy Rumple left, Jim Gibson center, and Richard Gansert right.

Mercer United Methodist Church Plans AYCE Country Breakfast

Saturday April 7, 2018 from 8 am to Noon in the 
church basement at the Junction of SR 33 and SR 707 Mercer, OH.

Menu:  French Toast, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, 
Sausage Patties, Sausage

Gravy and Biscuits, Cinnamon Rolls, Muffins, etc., 
Fruit and Beverages.
Cost:  $7 for Adults, $5 for Kids 5-12 and 4 and under 
free.

“PLUS, BAKE SALE OF PIES, CAKES, COOKIES, QUICK BREADS AND MUCH MORE.”

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO IMPROVEMENTS FOR OUR CHURCH

Artistry Under The Dome, 2018 - Mercer County’s premier, juried art exhibit and sale planned

The sixth annual Art Fair will be held at St. Charles Senior Living Community, 2860 U.S. Route 127, Carthagena, Ohio, in both the Gaspar Room and in the Auditorium.   It is:  Friday, April 6,   7:00-9:00 p.m.  and Sat., & Sun. April  7  &  8, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

This fine art show includes a variety of media, such as:  pottery, paintings, decorative clay, functional clay, woodwork, glass blown art, photography, jewelry, ceramics, copper, etc.  It features 32 artists who live in Mercer and Auglaize Counties, or have strong roots from these two counties. 

The various artists included in the show this year are:  Jodie Anderson, Julie Baltes,  Tony Beckman, Virgil and Jane Bertke, John Beyke, Mary Boettger,  Randy Burris, Todd Buschur, Brad Cull,  Jane Dippold,  Laura Dirksen, Amy D’Lynn, Doug Fiely, Anna Fisher, Willard  Froelich,  Holly Gray, Debby Gregory, Rhonda Hager, Naomi Harris,  Weston Hirschfeld,  Caleb Luthman, Ken Maggi,  David Maywhoor, Mary Novin,  Marilyn Stull, Amber Temple, Hannah Thees,  Patrick & Diane Timmerman,  Nick Wenning, Shirley Wenning, Jerry Will, and Phil Wood.

This year there are nine artists who are exhibiting in Artistry Under The Dome for the first time.   Their presence and creativity helps to keep the annual event very interesting and enriching.  Those artists who are returning from last year are busy making new creations for your enjoyment.  Each artist will have an eight foot display booth.  Some of the artists will have their items for sale, while others choose not to sell their products.  Also seven high school Art Departments will have some work of their art students on display.  High Schools who plan to participate are:  St. Marys, Marion, Minster, St. Henry, Ft. Recovery, Coldwater, and Celina. 

Serving on the Planning Committee for this event are the following:  Sister Martha Bertke, a Sister of the Precious Blood, who initiated the Art Fair six years ago;  Nick Wenning, Nick is a lifelong artist who taught  local high school art for 39 years; Jane Dippold, known for her paint and paper collages, illustrator of children’s books, etc.; Ralph Stuckman, who taught Art at Wright State Lake Campus for  19 years and is the organizer of LAAG – Lake Area Arts Group;  Julie Baltes who uses various media, drawing, painting, photography and specializes in pencil drawings and portraits to capture that moment in time;  and  Teresa DiSalvo, manager of St. Charles Senior Living Community. 

Artistry Under The Dome is open to the Public.  Free-will donations are appreciated to assist with funding this program.  For more information, go to Facebook:   www.facebook.com/ArtistryUnderTheDome   

BENEFIT AUCTION ROCKFORD BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 - 10 A.M.
ROCKFORD COMMUNITY BUILDING
  
*WINNER OF BICENTENNIAL HENRY GOLDEN BOY GUN RAFFLE ANNOUNCED ON THIS DAY"
  
COME SEE OUR LARGE COLLECTION OF NEW AND GENTLY-USED ITEMS DONATED
FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND BUSINESSES! AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE
ANTIQUE FURNITURE, USED FURNITURE ITEMS BOTH LARGE AND SMALL,
COLLECTIBLES, SPORTING EQUIPMENT, ORIGINAL ART WORK AND ART PIECES,
LAMPS, LIGHTS,  GIFT CERTIFICATES AND MUCH MORE.  WATCH FOR OUR COMPLETE AUCTION LIST COMING SOON!
  
AUCTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:   DEDE STRICKLER
  
FOOD SERVICE AVAILABLE DURING AUCTION, INCLUDING HOMEMADE PIES!
  
Cash or Good Check Accepted - Not Responsible for Accidents - All
Sales Final "As Is"

Auction Items Wanted

The Rockford Bicentennial Committee is still seeking auction items for
its Saturday, April 21st auction beginning at 10 a.m. in the Rockford Community Building.  New and gently-used items continue to come in, including furniture, lamps and lights, sporting goods, and antiques.
  
BUSINESS OWNERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER DONATING AN ITEM FOR THE AUCTION.  Please contact Mike "Spank" Schumm or the Rockford Village Office if your business would like to donate an item or gift
certificate for the auction.
  
All proceeds from the auction will be used for the 2020 Rockford Bicentennial celebration.

  


Tickets Available for Empty Bowls Mercer County

CELINA - Tickets are now available for Our Home Family Resource Center’s fundraising event, Empty Bowls Dinner and Auction. The event will be held at American Legion Post 210 in Celina on Saturday, April 14th, doors open at 6:00pm. The proceeds from this event will lend valuable support to Our Home’s programs and projects here in Mercer County.

Guests at Our Home’s Empty Bowls Dinner & Auction will go home with full bellies, warm hearts, and a pick-your-own, one-of-a-kind souvenir bowl from the 219 bowls painted at Our Home's "Create A Bowl" event in January. 

A $25 ticket includes personal selection of a souvenir bowl and a buffet of savory soups, salad, dessert, and soft drinks. There will be a cash bar available for those who prefer adult beverages.

For an additional $10 dinner guests can reserve a specific souvenir bowl for Our Home’s Empty Bowls Dinner & Auction – this means that instead of picking-your-own-when-you-arrive from whichever bowls remain available; folks can request the bowl that was painted by their partner, child, friend, grandchild or colleague at the “Create A Bowl” event in January. 

“You provide the painter’s name, we look them up on our list, write the bowl number on your dinner ticket, and pre-pick and set aside that bowl for your arrival at the dinner on April 14th”, Deb Simon-Heinfeld, marketing/development coordinator for Our Home explained.

The activities at Empty Bowls Dinner & Auction will include silent auction tables, raffles, and door prizes with all proceeds of the evening directed to Our Home’s programs and projects. Emily Geier will provide live music during registration, dining, and bidding and Jonathan Williams will be the emcee for the evening.

 
March 22-25, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 13 years.

 

March 29th     Maundy Thursday,  A "Living Last Supper"  The Thursday 
evening worship experience begins @ 7:30 pm in the Rockford United Methodist 
Church Sanctuary and will include Holy Communion.  This is a dramatic 
presentation inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's 15th century painting of the 
same name.    Each of the twelve apostles speak their  mind to themselves, 
to each other, and to the Lord in light of Jesus' words to them, 'One of you 
will betray me.'


March 30       Good Friday Crosswalk starts at the RUMC  at 12:00 noon and 
takes a route to our property on Rockford west Road
      Rockford United Methodist Church will offer two interactive 
experiences for Good Friday.   The first is a CROSSWALK, a remembrance or 
simple re-enactment of Jesus' journey to the cross as recorded in the 
gospels.   Jesus was tortured and forced to carry his own cross to his 
crucifixion.   A designated person or persons will carry a large wooden 
cross and will lead the procession.  Members of the church and community 
will follow a pre-determined path from the church walking north on Franklin 
Street to W. Market Street.  The procession will then turn and travel west 
on Market Street stopping at a total of eight (8) predetermined stations 
along the ¾ mile route before reaching the final station located at the RUMC 
property on Rockford West Road just beyond the new Rockford Village 
subdivision.   The entire experience will take approximately 45 minutes to 
an hour.   This is the second year for the CROSSWALK through the Rockford 
community.

    Friday evening March 30th community and church members are also invited 
to participate in an indoor prayer experience called a PRAYER PATH. 
Created by the RUMC Junior and Senior High youth the Prayer Path is intended 
for ALL ages and will held in the Rockford UMC sanctuary from 7-9 p.m. 
This self -guided experience will take approximately 30 minutes.


Easter schedule for April 1st same as last year  7:00 am Sunrise Service and 
7:30 breakfast 8:30 and 10:30 worship

April 8th Holy Humor Sunday

Our new logo is:
Building ministry with children youth and families so that our community may 
flourish

Parkway Panther Football Senior Signs with Baldwin Wallace College
Photo shared by Nikki Fox Photography

Justin Rice signed his letter of intent on Tuesday, 13 March 2018 to play football at Baldwin Wallace University, an NCAA DIII school in Berea, OH (a suburb of Cleveland) which is also the home of the Cleveland Browns practice facility.  He was recruited over the past year for a defensive position at middle linebacker.  Baldwin Wallace is a member of the OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference) and their mascot is the Yellow jackets.  The school has an enrollment of approximately 4000 students.  

Justin plans to study Criminal Justice and would like to pursue a career in law enforcement.  He has received the Dean's Scholarship for academics from Baldwin Wallace.  

While at Parkway Justin has been active in football, basketball, band, choir, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).  He has been on the honor roll every nine weeks throughout high school and has a GPA above 3.5. He has been awarded the MAC (Midwest Athletic Conference) academic award each of his varsity seasons.  He was a team captain during his senior football season and has been an FCA huddle leader the past 2 years and was recognized as an FCA Huddle Leader of the Year recently.  He has also participated in PAWS (Partnering Athletes with Students) and has helped tutor a middle school student that missed a lot of school due to health problems.  Justin is also very active in his church, the Celina Baptist Temple.  He is part of the church choir and also sings special music as part of a trio and quartet for church services.  Outside of sports, Justin enjoys playing his guitar, playing video games with his friends, being with family, watching sports, and hunting and fishing when he has time.  

Shown above front row: Justin with his parents  Robert and Jennifer Rice.

And back row L to R: Parkway coach:   Shane Wellman and Athletic Director Matt Triplett

Library Director Retirement Party Set
Join the family and staff to celebrate the retirement of Rozann Maurer after 30 years as Library Director.

Open House at the Rockford Carnegie Library - Friday, March 30 from 3:00-5:30. 

Youth Groups to Collect Litter

Motorists are asked to use caution in the next few months as youth community groups will be picking up litter in the ditches along many Mercer County Roads.

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart issued the warning recently to protect the various groups of people who will be participating in the Litter Pick-up Program this spring.  “Clean-up crews are set to begin work in late March and typically complete the project by late spring,” Wiechart said. 

The litter pick-up program is a joint project funded by the County Engineer’s Office and Township Trustees who pay recognized civic and community groups who participate.  Safety vests, gloves, bags and disposal fees are funded by the Mercer County Solid Waste District and the Ohio EPA.

Threat Assessment Training Attended
Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that Captain Doug Timmerman, Detective Sgt. Megan Baker, and Sheriff Grey attended a Threat Assessment Seminar in Cleveland hosted by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Secret Service in Cleveland on Tuesday.

“As we deal with more and more people with mental illness in Mercer County, and we watch the violence that occurs throughout the nation, we determined that we need to ensure that we can assess the possible threats in our community,” stated Sheriff Grey.  The workshop covered stalking violence, workplace violence, school shootings, attacks on government officials, and other acts of violence.

The instructor presented on identifying persons of concern, gathering information from various systems that are key to the investigation, including social media and internet postings, and developing an effective management plan.  Other topics included paranoia, anti-government conspiracy theories, and narcissistic personalities. 

“It was a very good workshop and I would encourage other Mercer County Law Enforcement and prosecutors to attend,” stated Sheriff Grey, “sometimes we develop the mentality that it can’t or won’t happen here.”

FREE PROSTATE SCREENING OFFERED AT JOINT TOWNSHIP DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

The Prostate Cancer Education Council recommends that men 40 years of age and older receive an annual prostate exam. The PCEC further recommends that men who have a family history of prostate cancer or who are African-American should initiate annual screenings at the age of 35.

For these reasons, men are urged to call for FREE Prostate Screening!

Joint Township District Memorial Hospital will be offering:

      FREE screenings for men ages 40 – 75 years of age

                            April 3 from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M.

                                    April 5 from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Cancer of the prostate can go undetected for years because there may be no symptoms. The only way to detect prostate cancer in its earliest and most curable stage is by getting a prostate cancer screening which consists of a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). These two tests have helped millions of men identify prostate cancer already and millions more need to become aware of the risks and treatment options. 

For an appointment, please email Jenni Miller at jenmiller@jtdmh.org or call 419-394-6132.

Fatality in Mercer County Claims Life of Man
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today his office is conducting an investigation into a fatal traffic accident. On March 16, 2018 Central Dispatch received numerous 911 calls, at 2:40 PM, regarding a traffic accident at US 127 and Brown Road. 

Through the course of the investigation it was determined that a 2015 Isuzu box truck driven by Joshua Bruns, age 37, of New Bremen was northbound on US 127, and went left of center for an unknown reason.
 

The truck struck a southbound 2005 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Aaron Rose, age 40, of Celina, Ohio. The impact of the crash pushed the Chevrolet through the guard rail and the vehicle rolled onto its side. Mr. Rose was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash by Mercer County Coroner Timothy Heinrichs.

Lutheran Air was called to the scene and transported Mr. Bruns to the Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Celina Squad and Fire Department, members of Mercer County MCERV and the Ohio Department of Transportation. This accident remains under investigation.

 
March 21, 2018
 

Mendon-Union Recreation Association is requesting all the area youth to get out and play! 
If you are interested in playing baseball or softball ages 4-13, sign up for the summer program in Mendon.  Forms are at the Mendon library or for more information call Tom/567-644-4835 or Amanda/419-790-0662.

4-1/4 inches of Snow 3-21-2018
Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!  

Wednesday, March 21, 2018  - Parkway Schools are now closed.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 - Parkway Schools will be on a 2 hour delay
due to a winter storm of snow, icy conditions and wind.
3-5 inches snow and 30 MPH winds predicted

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!      

 
March 20, 2018
 

Spring has arrived!

 
March 17-19, 2018
 

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Easter Egg Hunt Planned in Rockford

The Village of Rockford will hold their annual Easter Egg hunt for the children on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Shanes Park. Be there at 1 PM for the fun.

 
March 15-16, 2018
 

Easter Egg Hunt Planned in Mendon

The Mendon Lions Club will hold their annual Easter Egg hunt for Preschool through 6^th graders on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Village shelter house. Be there at 1 PM for the fun.

Easter Egg Hunt Planned in at Mt. Tabor Church

Mt. Tabor Church of God is sponsoring their annual Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Breakfast is from 9-10 AM with delcious food planned. Registration is at 9:30 AM. Easter Egg Hunt is at 10 AM. There will be 5000 filled eggs for children up to 6^th grade to hunt, a bike raffle, and prizes.

Chatt T-Ball Registration is Now

Call or text 260-223-6474 to register your children.

Babysitting Course Offered
A Babysitting course is being offered March 27th, 28th & April 3rd

from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the JTDMH, 200 St. Clair, St. Mary’s, Ohio 45885.

It is open to Students in 5th, 6th, and 7th Grades. Cost is $15.00

 

Includes class materials  |  Drink provided at break  

Pre-Registration is Required. Each Session is Limited to 20 Participants.

FEATURED INFORMATION:

Babies

Toddlers

Older Children

Meeting Children

Emergency Care

First Aid

Safety

Behavior & Discipline

FOR REGISTRATION & MORE INFORMATION:

Jenni Miller – Community Outreach Coordinator

(419) 394-6132

Email: jenmiller@jtdmh.org

WEATHER SPOTTERS COURSE

Presented by the Wilmington Office of the National Weather Service

Date:               Monday, March 19, 2018

Time:               6:00 PM

Location:         Dicke Hall, Wright State University Lake Campus

Registration is not required for this class!

SPRING WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK

March 18 – 24, 2018

OHIO’S STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL

Will be performed on Wednesday, March 21 @ 9:50 AM

Duck Races for Baseball Fundraiser

Duck Races will be held at 6:30 PM at the Community Building in Rockford on March 17. It is a Baseball Fund Raiser with food, a cash bar, tip boards, and drawings for prizes.

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Discuss Sexuality After Prostate Cancer

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting issues dealing with sexuality after prostate cancer will be presented.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, March 20th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

 
March 13-14, 2018
 

Parkway Schools Calendar of Events by Lynn Hughes
for March 2018 - Click here for a printable version

Mercer Health Removes Visitor Restrictions due to Influenza

As of Friday, March 9th, 2018, visitor restrictions at all Mercer Health locations have been removed.  During a period of heightened influenza cases Mercer Health restricted visitation to protect patients, visitors and staff to help prevent further spread of the illness.  It is still advised to limit visitation if an individual is feeling ill/sick.

Our Old Bookcase, Who knows the history of U.S. Post Offices in Auglaize County?

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Caption:  U.S. Post Office, Saint Marys, Ohio, 1925.  [George Neargarder Post Card Collection]

The history of discontinued post offices is almost a “lost history.”  I have been receiving requests if I know the history of local U.S. Post Offices which have been discontinued.  I will share highlights of local Post Offices in Auglaize County.  Each Village may want to preserve its own Post Office history?

Auglaize County was established in 1848.  I will place the years in which each Post Office was established and/or discontinued.  (When RFD was established, and farmers received their mail at home, many smaller post offices were closed, circa 1903-1905.)

Buckland, 1873-1963; Cridersville, 1857-1959; Deep Cut, 1840-1848; De Loss, 1881-1884; Fryburgh, 1847-1894; Fryburg, 1894-1903; Geyer, 1894-1911; Glynnwood, 1877-1903; Gutman, 1884-1905; Kossuth, 1850-1905; Layton, 1895-1904; Minster, 1839 & still open; Moulton, 1860-1904; New Bremen, 1835 & still open; New Hampshire, 1855 & still open; New Knoxville, 1858 & still open; Pourcelle, 1886-1888; Rassel Creek, 1872-1874; Rinehart, 1856-1872; St. John’s, 1838-1893; Saint Johns, 1893 & still open; Saint Marys, 1825 & still open; Santa Fe, 1881-1954; Sussex, March 11, 1872-June 7, 1872; Uniopolis, Apr. 18, 1851 & still open; Wapakoneta, 1829 and still open; Waynesfield, 1851 & still open.

If the school was hosting a Trivia Contest, the teacher might ask,  “Why was a Post Office established at St. Marys in 1825?  Was it because it was the County Seat, or was it because the Miami & Erie Canal was ‘coming to town,’ or was it because St. Marys was the site of an International Treaty being signed?”  The teacher might also ask, “Where was the shortest time that a specific Post Office in Auglaize County was open?”  The teacher might ask, “How many U.S. Post Offices are still open in Auglaize County?  Before Auglaize County was established, what U.S. Post Offices were established in nearby Counties, and are now located in Auglaize County?”

There is another side to this story that the serious local historian might ask, “What U.S. Military Forts existed during the Indian Wars and later the War of 1812, whereby the U.S. Mail was delivered, on the land which is now Auglaize County?”

When Transportation trails, paths, roads, highways, and interstate highways enter an area, and people begin to settle in that area, methods of Communication follow those routes.  A local historian might ask, “When did the telegraph arrive in Auglaize County; was it due to the arrival of the railroads?”  Another question would be, “What Indian Trails, rivers, U.S. Military Trails, canals, roads, highways, and interstates crossed Auglaize County which influenced the Federal Government and then the U.S. Post Office made the final decision that a Post Office would be established at a particular site?”

Who are the local historians in the small villages who know about the early Post Offices?

 
March 10-12, 2018
 

LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION TO HOST REPUBLICAN PRIMARY DEBATE; PUBLIC INVITED TO MEET CANDIDATES AND ASK QUESTIONS

The Lake Improvement Association will host a debate between Republican primary candidates for the 84th District seat in the Ohio House of Representatives at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Celina Moose Lodge.

 

The public is invited to attend, meet the candidates and ask questions

(GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS) – Republican primary candidates for the 84th District House of Representatives seat will debate during the April Lake Improvement Association meeting. The public is invited to attend the meeting, meet the candidates and submit questions.

The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Celina Moose Lodge.

THE CANDIDATES ARE:

Travis Faber

Susan Manchester

Aaron Heilers

THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES:

Via the LIA website (https://lakeimprovement.com/ask-the-candidates/)

Live at the debate

Live during the debate via the LIA Facebook Live Stream (https://www.facebook.com/LakeImprovement/)

The focus of the debate is Grand Lake St. Marys and how the candidates plan to improve water quality; however, questions on any topic may be submitted.

“Historically, the 84th District seat has been vital to the Lake Improvement Association and the improvement of Grand Lake St. Marys,” said LIA President Nick Rentz. “The Grand Lake St. Marys community needs to make sure we’re represented by our best advocate, and this debate will help us determine who that is.”

To recap:

What: Ohio House of Representatives 84th District Republican Primary Debate

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018

Where: Celina Moose Lodge (1120 E. Market St., Celina, OH, 45822)

THE PUBLIC AND ALL MEDIA MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

The debate will be moderated by WCSM Radio’s Kevin Sandler.

Parkway  Elementary Carnival Coming
The Parkway Elementary carnival is slated to begin at 10 AM and close at 2 PM on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Parkway High School Gym. Magic Show, prizes, cotton candy, giant inflatables and other fun is planned for the children by High 5 and area businesses. Presale tickets at 25 cents each are available at the Parkway Elementary Office.

 

 
March 9, 2018
 

 Click Here for all the details by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn.

Agenda by Sally Cox for March 13, 2018 Special Meeting
at 6:30 PM Parkway School Board
Community Room

Shanes Crossing Historical to Meet
The next meeting of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society will be held on Monday, March 19th, at 7 pm in the museum on East Columbia St in 
Rockford.  Our guest speaker will be Harrison Frech, long time Social Studies teacher at Parkway Schools.  Mr. Frech has done extensive research on Anthony Shane, the founder of our town, and will tell of his findings on the connection between the French and Shane leading up to the early 1800's. The public is invited to the meeting.

 
March 7-8, 2018
 

2018 Rockford Rec Summer Baseball & Softball Registration

The Rockford Recreation Association is now accepting registration forms for the 2018 summer ball season. Leagues are available for boys and girls ages 4-15. Registration forms can be picked up at the Rockford Village Office or downloaded at www.rockfordrec.com. Completed paperwork and registration fees can be mailed to: Rockford Recreation Association - PO Box 16 - Rockford, OH 45882 or can be dropped off at the Rockford Village Office. Registration forms can also be turned in on Saturday, March 10th in the Parkway High School commons from 10:00am-12:00pm. Registration deadline is March 16th!!

Writers Club to Meet
The Stateline Writers Club is scheduled to meet on Saturday, March 17, at 10 a.m. in the Celina public library.   

Members are asked to bring a composition on a topic of their choice.

The public is welcome to attend.

Drug Take Back Collects Unneeded Meds

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that on March 3, 2018, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Mercer Healthy Living Expo.  A drug take back event was held in the parking lot of the Galleria in Celina.  The Sheriff’s Office collected over 6 pounds of unneeded prescription drugs during the event.

Sheriff Grey would like to remind the public that old, unused, or unwanted prescription medication can be dropped off any time, without an appointment, at the drop box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.

Maple Syrup Brunch at 4-H Camp Palmer-Sunday, March 18 in Fayette, OHIO

The public is invited Sunday, March 18 between 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.to 4-H Camp Palmer to learn about Maple Syrup making, ride on wagon rides horse drawn , and eat in our dining hall a brunch with real maple syrup (as long as our supply lasts) for the pancakes. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. highlighting our new shower renovations at the Sauder Recreation Hall.

 
At 12 noon & 1:00 p.m. you can view a Maple Syrup history lesson in the Sauder Recreation Hall. You can see maple trees that have been taped and see ongoing Maple Syrup making in the main camp. Some maple syrup products will be available for purchase. The cost of Pancakes/Sausage/drink-$6.00 or $5.00 for Pancakes/drink (ages 3 and under free) will help support the pool camp project.

4-H Camp Palmer is located in western Fulton County at 26450 County Rd. MN, Fayette, Ohio 43521. For more information on the Maple Syrup Brunch please call 419-237-2247 or www.campplamer.org.

Coldwater Kiwanis Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
Coldwater Kiwanis is sponsoring their annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on Sunday March 25, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Breakfast will be served at Coldwater High School.  Tickets are available from any Kiwanis member or by calling 419-305-2306.  Cost is $6.00 per person.  Children 6 and under eat free.  Walk-ins are welcome.  Proceeds from this event benefit local youth and community service programs.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
March 5-6, 2018
 

Mar 11, 2018 - Daylight Saving Time Starts

When local standard time is about to reach 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 11, 2018, 
 the clocks are turned forward 1 hour to 3:00 AM.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on Mar 11, 2018 than the day before.
There will be more light in the evening then.

Artist from Rockford Teaching Classes at Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert
Shannon Painter-Carpenter Teaching Ceramics

Classic Watercolor: Ongoing, on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. – noon. On-going. $40 art center member price/$45 regular price. Instructor: Pat Rayman. Materials required. Online sign up available. 

 

ArtReach: We have openings available in both age groups and you can sign up anytime. Tuesdays (ages 7–11) and Thursdays (11 and up) 3:30–5 p.m. We are currently accepting students for this great, stress free after-school art program. Sign up forms are available online at wassenbergartcenter.org or at the Wassenberg Art Center office.

 

ArtNights: Every Thursday, 6–8 p.m. Instructors vary. You are welcome to bring your own project, free of charge or sign up for the project we feature, nominal charge. We have some great projects coming up, so be watching social media and the papers. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you are here, hang out with friends, create and relax. Play an instrument? Please do!

 

ArtNight March 15: 6– 8 p.m. Painted Rock Project and Diaspora: Instructor: Shannon Painter-Carpenter. Fee $8

Balloon Clay Bowls: March 6 & 14, 6–8 p.m. Instructor: Shannon Painter-Carpenter. Join us for this two-night class and make a bowl out of...yes a balloon and clay! 
$30 WAC member price $35 Regular price.

Ceramic Fairy Houses: March 15 & 29, 6–8 p.m. Instructor: Shannon Painter-Carpenter There are never enough Fairy Houses for this 2-night class and construct fairy houses just in time for them to move into your spring garden. 
Cost: WAC member: $30. Regular price: $35

 

For more information on classes, exhibits, and events please call the Wassenberg Art Center at: 419.238.6837, email info@wassenbergartcenter.org, or on the web at: http://www.wassenbergartcenter.org

Claire O'Steen Accepts Graduate Assistantship at University of Tennessee

Claire O’Steen has been accepted into the Master of Global Supply Chain Program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Accepting an assistantship as well, Claire will work in a support role to the Haslam College of Business faculty while studying in Tennessee, China, and Germany during the 2-year program. The Global Supply Chain Program accepts ten students from China, ten from Germany, and ten from the US.

Claire recently graduated from the University of Alabama majoring in operations management. She is the daughter of Colleen (Wood) and Wally O’Steen of Huntsville, AL. She is also the niece of Sheila (Wood) Baltzell-Linn and Mark Linn of Celina and Holly Patrice Wood and Paul Pabis of Rehoboth, MA.

New Baseball Dugout Plans are Topic at Lions Club Meeting

Rockford Lions recently welcomed guest speaker Misty Riley representing the Parkway Baseball Program.  Riley shared plans for the expansion of the High School Baseball Dugout that will add a second level for a Press area and allow potential space for indoor batting cages.   Displaying a computer animation of the Dugout expansion are Riley and Lions Club President Denny Hecht.

According to Riley, the ‘Great Panther Duck Races’ will be held Saturday March 17th, 2018 at the Rockford Community Building beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event is presented by the Parkway Baseball Parents and benefits the Parkway Baseball Program.

Preparations continue for the 2018 Rockford Variety Show ‘LET’S’ PLAY’ be held Friday and Saturday evenings April 6-7 @ 7:30 p.m. in the Parkway High School Auditorium.

With Rockford area personalities Barry Peel and Brian Shaffer serving as ‘Hosts,’ LET’S PLAY will include audience participation in a ‘game show’ format similar to the current Ellen DeGeneres television show ‘Game of Games’. Participants will be selected from the audience to compete in one of six games.  Games will include ‘Musical Chairs’, ‘Are You Smarter than a Panther?’ ‘Do You Know Your Spouse?’ ‘What Word?’ ‘What Did You Say?’ and ‘Don’t Know, Then You Go.’  The winners of each individual game will compete in the final game of the evening called ‘Winner’s Seat’ for a special cash prize.  

This year’s show also includes a classic skit from the 70s Rockford Variety Show archives called ‘The Dentist’ as well as a dance tribute to pop music icon ‘Michael Jackson.’  Area vocalists Shay Bolton, Remi Fokine, members of the Parkway Schools cast of ‘High School Musical,’ Shannon Wagner, Jayden Black, Colin Fokine, and members of the Rockford High School Band round out this year’s cast.  Louisa Hemmelgarn serves as musical accompanist.

Tickets for the 2018 Lions Club Variety Show are $7 adults $5 age 12 and under.  Tickets are now available at Henkle Insurance, Barry’s Market, Peoples and First Financial Banks in Rockford.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects like the Annual Variety Show fund scholarships & help fulfill local community needs & requests.   The Rockford Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

21^st Century Club Meets for Two Interesting Programs

The Twenty First Century Club met January 23, 2018 at the home of Cindy Canary. Following roll call,  Twyla Hayes shared an update on the Bicentennial committee.  She stated that a new project is being planned which includes “Barn Quilts.” They will connect the “Barn Quilt” trail from Spencerville to Berne.  

Louisa Hemmelgarnstarted the program by discussing Jane Wilde, the first wife of Stephen Hawking.  They were both from England and met at Cambridge.  Early in their marriage, he was diagnosed with ALS and was given approximately two years to live.  This estimate was inaccurate with Jane and Stephen having been married 25 years before they were divorced. Louisa stated that Jane was a truly devoted wife and was committed to the marriage for the sake of the children.  Jane wrote two books and claimed that during her marriage she had many suicidal thoughts and was miserable.  Her most profound statement in her books was “Fame & Family were separate.”

Twyla Hayes then discussed Betty Ford, wife of Gerald Ford, the 38th President during the years 1974-1977. Twyla shared many interesting facts about Betty Ford including her call name on CB’s being “First Momma”, her support of women’s rights, her promotion of breast cancer awareness, and her founding the Betty Ford Center. One of her most famous quotes was “I loved alcohol, it made me feel warm.” Betty was known for being candid and outspoken. Twyla ended her review by challenging the members to name an important fact about Betty that she didn’t discuss. Ann Gage guessed the right answer: Betty was a dancer.  The members then learned and practiced a few dance steps. 

Delicious snacks were served by the hostesses Cindy and Kim Carr, who also ran the meeting.

The next meeting was held on February 27, 2018 with Julie Henkle and Val Fritzinger hosting the program at the Methodist Church Café Room. Both presenters were ill, but Kim Carr presented Sherry’s program on Lulu Mae Hardaway, who was the inspirational mother of Stevie Wonder. She was born in Alabama and raised by relatives. She married into an abusive relationship and had 3 children. Stevie was the last child, premature, and was blind due to having to be in an incubator. Lulu blamed herself, but Stevie was such a talented child with musical instruments and musical/lyrical talent, that he was a happy child and convinced her to stop blaming herself.

Se helped him write songs. One of her famous lyrics was: ‘Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours.” Stevie was 23 when he won his first Grammy, and he gave her the statue, saying, “Her strength has led us to this place.”

Karla Butler then spoke about Sakajawea, the Shoshone Indian teen who accompanied Lewis an Clark on their expedition to cross the western territory to the Pacific Ocean. Karla said she had been kidnapped from her tribe and won a gambler after which he sold her to a French trapper. This was in 1804 and she was barely 16 years old. She spoke Shoshone, and so her husband was hired to ge a guide, but they really wanted her. She had a baby in April before they left on the rugged trip across the wilderness. When they were hungry she found roots to cook and eat; when Indians were hostile, she smoothed things over; when they tipped over in the river and lost supplies, she dove in the cold water and retrieved their journals and equipment. Her presence in the group meant there would be no war party. She was truly the reason for the success of the trip. She is memorialized in the West by many statues and considered a deity.

 
March 3-4, 2018
 

Mercer-Auglaize County Drug Task Force Completes Drug Arrest
Sheriff Jeff Grey reports a drug arrest made by the Mercer-Auglaize County Drug Task Force.   On 3-2-2018 just after midnight a subject identified as Tiffany B. Hammond, age 29, of 537 Touvelle Street Lot 24B, Celina Ohio was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped at the request of Task Force Officers by Celina Police Department for a traffic violation on East Market Street in Celina. During the stop, Hammond was observed trying to conceal what appeared to be a plastic baggie.  She had removed the baggie from her clothing and was attempting to put the item in her purse.  The baggie was intercepted by Officers on scene and the substance inside was field-tested, which tested positive for methamphetamines.  Also during the stop, Hammond gave officers a false name.  Hammond was arrested on a warrant for Non-Support along with additional charges of obstructing, and possession of drugs.  When Hammond was taken to the booking desk at the Detention Facility she was found to have in her possession (purse) two syringes.  Hammond is currently being held at the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility on a bond of $50,000.00.   Additional charges are being reviewed.  The driver of the vehicle was not arrested.

The Task Force was assisted by the Celina Police Department Officers and a K-9 unit from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.  “The Grand Lake Task Force, the HIT Team, Celina Police, and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office have been extremely busy this week with drug issues,” stated Sheriff Grey, “We all need to continue to work cooperatively to remove this poison from our streets.  It is an uphill battle, but both the Celina Police Department and Mercer County Sheriff’s Office are aligned in fighting this battle together for our citizens.” 

Jeff Grey

Sheriff

2018 Rockford Lions Club Variety Show Coming on April 6-7
Tickets on Sale Now

The Opening and Closing musical numbers of this year’s variety show titled LET’S PLAY will feature a large choir of area singers and musicians.  It’s not too late to join the musical cast.  To express interest in participating contact Kim Gardner at 419-733-7639, use gardnerkimjohn@gmail.com or use Facebook Messenger.  Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons at 2 pm in the Parkway HS Music Rooms.

In addition to songs, dance routines and skits, LET’S PLAY will also include audience participation in a ‘game show’ format similar to the current Ellen DeGeneres television show ‘Game of Games’. Participants will be selected from the audience to compete in one of six games.  The winners of each individual game will compete in the final game called “Winner’s Seat’ for a special prize.   Rockford area personalities Barry Peel and Brian Shaffer will serve as Hosts for LET’S PLAY.

The 2018 Lions Club Variety Show will be held Friday and Saturday evenings April 6-7 in the Parkway High School Auditorium.  Tickets $7 adults $5 students will be available at Henkle Insurance, Barry’s Market, Peoples and First Financial Banks in Rockford beginning March 1st, 2018.

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects fund scholarships & help fulfill local community needs & requests.

The Rockford Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

Parkway Athletic Department Names the Hall of Fame Inductees for 2018
Nikki Taylor Etzler and Fred Morrison were the latest Inductees into the Parkway Athletic Hall of Fame on February 10, 2018 during the JV and Varsity Basketball Games.

Nikki (Taylor) Etzler
Class of 1993

Nikki earned three varsity letters in volleyball, two varsity letters in basketball and one varsity letter in track. She earned 1st team all-state in volleyball her junior year. During her senior season, Nikki was named the MAC volleyball player of the year and earned honorable mention all-state. She earned first team all-MAC and first team all-district honors in both her junior and senior seasons. During her senior season, she was named the district player of the year. She was a member of two MAC championship teams and regional runner-up teams. Nikki attended the university of Memphis where she earned 1st team all-conference honors her freshman and sophomore seasons. She ranks 4th all-time in assists at Memphis.

Fred Morrison
Class of 1978

Fred earned four varsity letters in football and track. He also earned three varsity letters in basketball. In 1977, Fred earned special mention all -state honors, as well as all-Dayton area special mention. Fred was named 1st team all-MAC in football his junior and senior seasons. He earned honorable mention all-MAC his freshman and sophomore seasons. In basketball, Fred was named 1st team all-MAC and 2nd team all-district during his senior season. During his senior year, Fred was named to the District Eight all star team. He was also named to the first team all-Mercer county league his senior season. During his senior season, Fred placed 4th place at the state track meet in the high jump earning all-state honors. He is the Parkway record holder in the high jump, with a jump of 6’7”.

Wednesday, March 7 at 7 PM at Chatt United Methodist
Wednesday, March 14 at 7 PM at St. Paul's United Church of Christ on Oregon Rd.
Wednesday, March 21 at 7 PM at Chatt United Methodist

Maundy Thursday Service 7 PM at St. Paul's United Church of Christ on Oregon Rd.
Good Friday Service at 7:30 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Chatt

Easter at St. Paul's United Church of Christ - 7:30 AM Sunrise service followed by homemade breakfast
Worship at 10 AM

 
March 2, 2018
 

Ball Drop Winner Announced

Congratulations to Gavin Stober, the 3rd Annual Parkway Athletic Booster Club Ball Drop winner.   Gavin was presented with a check for $5,000 from Booster Club President, Bryan Schoenleben.   Gavin bought his ticket from his sister, Gabrielle.  Gabrielle was awarded $50.00 for selling the winning ticket. 

The Parkway Athletic Booster Club would like to thank all athletes and parents for selling tickets.  They would also like to thank  Parkway and surrounding community members for purchasing and supporting Parkway Athletics.   All proceeds made from the ball drop will support Parkway Athletes.  Thank you to Mercer Health for the donation of the balls used for the ball drop.

Picture (L-R)   Gavin Stober, Bryan Schoenleben, Gabrielle Stober

OSU Van Wert County Extension Announces Agronomy Day March 22, 2018

Please join us March 22, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for our informational "Ag Day" to be held on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds in the Jr. Fair Building.

Speakers include Curtis E. Young, Ag Educator from Van Wert County on "Sprayer and Farm Equipment Road Safety and Accidents: Who's Fault is It or are People Just Idiots?" and "Bugs, Slugs and Other Thugs: Insects and Diseases of Field Crops.", Harold Watters, OSU Extension Field Specialist, Agronomy on "What Other Nutrient is Important to Water Quality?" (Fertilizer Applicator Re-certification Training), Fred Pond, Pond Seed Company on "Barley for Malting: Ins and Outs of Barley Production and Marketing.", and Justin Petrosino, Stewart Seeds, Field Agronomist on "Dicamba Certification Training."

Continental breakfast, Lunch, CCA Credits, Commercial PAT credits, Fertilizer applicator re-certification credit, Dicamba certification, Vendors and information everyone can use for $10.  Please register for the meeting by calling the Extension Office at 419-238-1214 on or before March 19, 2018.

 
March 1, 2018
 

Claire O'Steen Accepts Graduate Assistantship at University of Tennessee

Claire O’Steen has been accepted into the Master of Global Supply Chain Program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Accepting an assistantship as well, Claire will work in a support role to the Haslam College of Business faculty while studying in Tennessee, China, and Germany during the 2-year program. The Global Supply Chain Program accepts ten students from China, ten from Germany, and ten from the US.

Claire recently graduated from the University of Alabama majoring in operations management. She is the daughter of Colleen (Wood) and Wally O’Steen of Huntsville, AL. She is also the niece of Sheila (Wood) Baltzell-Linn and Mark Linn of Celina and Holly Patrice Wood and Paul Pabis of Rehoboth, MA.

Our Old Bookcase, March 8, 2018, "Loss of historic sites, on South Ash St. and Lake Shore Drive"

OUR OLD BOOK CASE
By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

Caption:  In September 2015, as I was driving to the Mercer County Historical Museum, via Ash Street, I stopped and photographed the changes taking place along Grand Lake.

I have seen more interest in the history of the Shore around Grand Lake this past couple of years, than I have seen since I was first elected as President of the Mercer County Historical Society, beginning in January 1973.

What happened, that people have become more interested in the history of the Lake Shore?  The answer is that “Change is taking place.”  The land around the lake is receiving more attention as people want to have more time around this lake, whether in recreation or in residing by this lake.  Citizens, who have lived here all of their lives, feel badly seeing the sites of their childhood memories being destroyed.

In view of the photograph above, one historic business was located at 410 S. Ash Street.  The Haneke Iron Works was located there at the turn of the century.  The Haneke Iron Works published an image of its business, with the old Mercer County Fairground’s Race Track, in the background.  That site of the Mercer County Fairground was located east of Warren and Logan Streets, and south of Cherry and Buckeye Streets, on the south side of the Railroad Tracks, by the lake between 1872 and 1893.  In 1894, the Mercer County Fairground was moved to its present site on East Market Street, Celina.  The old Fairground was then used as a park.  Therefore, the Haneke Iron Works was located at this site, prior to 1894, when the Mercer County Fairground was moved to West Market Street.  This information can be found in the book, “The Mercer County Fair, Celina, Ohio, 1852-2002,” edited by Fran Guilbault, and published by the Mercer County Agricultural Society and the Mercer County Historical Society when the Fair Board was celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the first Mercer County Fair in 1852. 

The next business at this site, 410 S. Ash Street, was The Celina Stearic Acid Company, begun by August J. Spieler, in 1907.  Basically, the Celina Stearic Acid Co. purchased tallow and grease, packing house by-products and with heat/cold pressure/vacuum, and catalysts split these fats into their component parts – namely:  Oleic Acid, Stearic Acid and Glycerin.  The Celina Stearic Acid Co. ceased operation in 1962.   Hawk Construction Co. purchased the plant site and removed the older buildings and converted the newer buildings to and storage space.  The office was used later by National Farm Organization. 

This information can be found in the 1978 “Mercer County Ohio History” book which I edited, as Director of the Mercer County Historical Museum, following the 1776-1976 Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration under the direction of the Mercer County Commissioners and with help from the Commissioners’ funding, and the help from their County C.E.T.A.’s Employees and the Mercer County Historical Society volunteers.  The Mercer County Commissioners funded the sections about the Mercer County Elected Officials, the Mercer County Employees, the Mercer County-owned buildings and offices, and those County-employed Staff Members.  The First Printing was in February 1980 and the second Printing was in September 1980.  About 2500 books were sold, and several thousand individuals have copied pages of history from this book, in Businesses, Churches, Schools, Service Organizations, and Families.  Yes, the 1978 “Mercer County Ohio History” book is still providing historical research to the public today, four decades later; it is the gift which “Keeps on giving.”

 I am pleased that local citizens are recognizing the importance of the Mercer County Historical Society Members and our efforts to preserve local history, through exhibits and local history books.  It is a pleasure to me to receive so many responses from the public, each week, through “Our Old Bookcase.”

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road,

Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614]

Area sophomores visited Vantage recently to check out the career tech labs.  Here, Monica Steen, a sophomore from Parkway, works on a stool in the Carpentry lab while Vantage senior TJ Thurston (Van Wert) lends a hand. 

Vantage junior Health Technology students assist Parkway sophomore Brayden Recker with the bed lift during Sophomore Visit Day.

H.I.T. team (Heroin Interdiction Team) Makes Arrests
Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that the H.I.T. team (Heroin Interdiction Team) and the Mercer-Auglaize County Drug Task Force made several arrests within the last 24 hours.

At approximately 1:00 Pm on February 27, 2018 a subject later identified as Thomas Dean Phillips Jr., age 48 of Spencerville, Ohio, was stopped for a traffic violation. During the stop a K9 alerted on the vehicle and Mr. Phillips was found to be in possession of approximately 2 grams of Methamphetamines. Mr. Phillips was arrested for possession of drugs, and held at the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility on a $100,000.00 bond.

Also arrested was Stephen E. Lawson, age 26, of Celina, Ohio. Mr. Lawson was arrested resulting from a controlled buy of narcotics from him, at a local business parking lot. He was found to be in possession of 39 bindles of heroin. He was arrested for trafficking in drugs and possession of drugs, and is being held in the Mercer County Adult Detention Center on a $100,000.00 bond. Seized was a 2004 Ford F150 truck and $1278.00. That arrest led to a local hotel, where additional suspected Heroin, Marijuana, and cash was located, along with assorted drug paraphernalia. Additional charges against other individuals are being reviewed.

Sex Offender Out of Compliance Arrest

Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office has arrested a registered sex offender for the second time this year for Failure to Register a Change of Address.  Tyler L. Lovette, age 24, of Celina,  was taken into custody on February 26, 2018 by Mercer County Sheriff’s deputies after being located walking on East Market Street in Celina.

On January 23, 2018, Mr. Lovette was taken into custody on a Grand Jury Indictment for Failure to Register Change of Address, a felony of the fourth degree.  Mr. Lovette was arrested after he was found hiding in a heating duct in a residence in Celina.  Mr. Lovette had been indicted by a Grand Jury and a warrant was issued for his arrest after he moved from his reported residence and failed to notify the Sheriff’s Office that he had moved.

On February 15, 2018, Mr. Lovette was released from the Mercer County Jail after the Court ordered his bond be changed to an own recognizance bond.  After being released from the Jail, Mr. Lovette never registered his new address, 509 South Mill Street, Celina.  Mr. Lovette, being a Tier I sex-offender, is required by law to register his address within three days with the Sheriff’s Office after release from jail or change of address, both of which applied.

He was charged with Failure to Register Change of Address, another felony of the fourth degree.  He was arraigned on February 28, 2018 by Judge Kathy Speelman of the Celina Municipal Court, and his bond was set at $50,000 subject to ten percent posting.

Drug Arrest Made at Routine Traffic Stop
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that a routine traffic stop ended in a drug arrest. Deputies stopped a 2002 Dodge Truck 303 North Main Street in Celina for not using its turn signal on several occasions. The drivers actions led the deputy to call for a drug dog, which alerted on the vehicle.

The driver of the truck, Michael H. Toler, age 49, Celina, was found to be in possession of several packages of suspected methamphetamine as well as a pipe used to smoke the substance. He was arrested at the scene and transported to the Mercer County Detention Center, where he is being held on charges of possession of a drug abuse instrument, a misdemeanor of the second degree. His bond was set at $100,000.00. Further charges are expected pending review by the Mercer County Prosecutor.

 
February 28, 2018
 

THE ROCKFORD BELLE -- OPRY SHOW
SATURDAY – APRIL 14, 2018
135 MARKET ST ~~ ROCKFORD, OH

Jerry Bolenbaugh along with special guests invite you to a Rockford Opry Show featuring Classic Country, Bluegrass, Rock n Roll, Gospel, and some comedy

Doors open at 6 pm with show beginning at 7 pm.

Cost at the door is $7.00.  18 and under are free.  There will be a 50/50 drawing.

Guests include:  

* Dondie Macklin – Lima, OH * Michelle Limbert from Lima

* Collie Lambert and Steve Scott – from Oakwood

* Joe Killion from Defiance   * Dan Cole – Reading, MI

There is a lot of music experience in all the guests.  All are very talented.

Lake Campus Held Third Annual Mercer-Auglaize Science Day

Five individual projects and three group projects will move on to the district competition

CELINA, OH – On Thursday, February 22, 2018 the Third Annual Mercer-Auglaize Science Day was held at Wright State University – Lake Campus.

Forty-eight middle school students from Marion Local and New Bremen Schools participated in the event. Teachers from these school districts helped mentor their students. These teachers include Amy Poeppelman, New Bremen; Laura Post, Marion Local; Jeff Kaup, Marion Local and Margaret Kuck, Marion Local.

“This was the first year that New Bremen participated in the Mercer-Auglaize Counties Science Day and we are so glad we did. We left the competition with the desire to improve our skills and thought process to try again next year,” said Amy Poeppelman, New Bremen Schools Teacher.

Projects which earn a superior rating earn the right to move on to the district competition being held on March 17th, 2018 at Ohio Northern University. This year five individual projects and three group projects earned a superior rating.

District-bound student Parker Hess of Marion Local said, “I really enjoyed being there and winning a superior. The judges were really nice and I can’t wait until March and the years to come!”

The Mercer-Auglaize County Science Day is part of the Ohio State Science Day which is the largest project-based STEM education program since the late 1940s. The program is designed to help foster curiosity, discovery, innovation and problem-solving skills.

For more information about the Science Day Competition held at the Lake Campus please contact Dr. Courtney Simons at 419-586-0300 or courntey.simons@wright.edu.

Awards

Superior Rating – Individual Projects
Projects earning a superior rating qualify for the district competition being held on March 17, 2018 at Ohio Northern University.

Parker Hess, Marion Local, Plants Growing with Liquid

Audrey Winner, Marion Local, Preferences of Browning Prevention Fruit Treatments

Jayme Buening, Marion Local, Electrical Motors

Ian Rindler, Marion Local, Net or No Net

Jacob Smith, Marion Local, Distances with Gauss Rifles

Superior Rating – Group Projects
Projects earning a superior rating qualify for the district competition being held on March 17, 2018 at Ohio Northern University.

Riley Bruns and Dean Smith, Marion Local, The PSI Effect

Daniel Everman and Ryan Homan, Marion Local, Reacting Rockets

Ethan Heitkamp and Luke Kunkler, Marion Local, Lemon vs Potato vs Celery

Special Awards

Most Innovative Research

Lauren Kuck, Marion Local, Oil Spills- Cleaning Up Wildlife

Awarded to the student or team with the most interesting and creative research project.

Best Research Design
Ian Rindler, Marion Local, Net or No Net

Awarded to the student or team demonstrating the best scientific approach in addressing the research question.

Best Community Connection
Carter Unrast, Marion Local, The Effect of the Blades on a Wind Turbine

Awarded to the student or team whose research demonstrates the greatest relevance and application to the needs of Mercer and Auglaize Counties.

Mercer County and Auglaize School District STEM Trophy
Marion Local Schools
Awarded to the school district demonstrating the most outstanding participation in the Mercer and Auglaize County Science Day Competition.

Extradition Completed
Celina, OH – Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that two Mercer County Sheriff’s Office deputies have just returned from Clark County, Nevada after picking up a subject who was wanted on a warrant from the Mercer County Common Pleas Court.

Two deputies flew to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and arrived late on Tuesday.  Early Wednesday morning,  deputies picked up Alan M. Fill at the Clark County Jail and flew back to the Dayton International Airport.  Mr. Fill was then transported back to the Mercer County Jail where he was incarcerated on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Comply with the conditions of a furlough.  He was booked into the jail shortly after 9:00pm.

This marks the second time that deputies have had to travel to pick up Mr. Fill.  This subject was previously picked up in Yavapai County, Arizona by Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputies on September 15, 2017 for the same Mercer County Common Pleas Court case.  Mr. Fill was picked up and brought back on a Warrant on Indictment for charges of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Theft from a Person in a Protected Class.  This Indictment was issued by a Mercer County Grand Jury in July of 2017.

On November 6, 2017, Mr. Fill was granted a furlough by the court in this case and was ordered to reside at the Men’s House of Hope.  On November 21, 2017, that furlough was modified by the court to allow Mr. Fill to travel outside of the State of Ohio for a funeral.  Mr. Fill was ordered to return to the Men’s House of Hope before noon on November 24, 2017.  Mr. Fill never returned.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Our 28th Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake will be held on Saturday, March 17th at Pla Mor Lanes in Coldwater. 1:00 pm-3:00 pm the high school all-star bowlers will compete for the championship title. 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm will be open for the public to bowl. Team lanes are filling up fast, so call to register your team.  We will also be hosting a Bowl for Kids sake event on Friday, April 6th @ 6:00 pm at Olympic Lanes in Van Wert. Everyone can bowl for 2 hours; receive a Bowl for Kids’ Sake T-Shirt and the chance to win prizes. Please call the BBBS Office at 419-584-2447 to register your team and for more information. Hope to see you at our Bowl for Kids’ Sake event. 

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Caption:  St. Henry Grotto, 1907-1961  [Allen Bernard Post Card Collection]

The scene at left is from Allen Bernard’s book, “Lost Treasures of Granville and Marion Townships, Mercer County, Ohio ~ When It’s Gone. . . IT”S GONE!”    Today, some of those “Lost Treasures” are preserved in our local history books.  Roberta Caito wrote how she values her Memories of local history.

Roberta “Brigitt” Caito, a Granddaughter of Al and Tilly Garman from Coldwater, and a niece of Gene and Roseann Garman, St. Henry, wrote me about the history and photographs which she found in the book, “A History of Saint Henry, Ohio,” which I originally wrote as a requirement from an Ohio History Class I was taking in College.  The St. Henry Catholic Church asked if they could publish my “History of Saint Henry, Ohio,” in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the present Church, (1897-1972).  I will share with you, part of her letter to me:

“Thank you for writing this book, ‘A History of Saint Henry, Ohio.’  I spent the afternoon reading this book.  And I have to admit, some of it brought tears to my eyes.  I miss my Aunt Rose Ann and my Uncle Gene so very much, and I particularly miss that part of my life when I spent some wonderful summers with grandparents in Coldwater, cousins from St. Henry and Celina and my aunts and uncles.  I miss the wonderful festivals my brother and I got to enjoy in St. Henry when we were kids.  Reading this book, seeing the streets in the photographs, just reading some of the surnames. . . it was priceless to me.  The congregation picture on page 71. . . how I wish I could zoom in on the picture and find Gene and Rose Ann!  The 7th and 8th grade picture on page 134, there is Aunt Minne (Tohle) as a youngster.  And there on page 136. . . Aunt Rose Ann in the second row, sixth from the left.  And how about the two Agnes Tohle’s pin the picture on page 170.

“Aunt Rose Ann’s Mom, (we called her Grandma Tohle), had an old home on Main Street; she was such a nice older woman.  I do remember spending a night at her house when we were young with some youngsters from the Tohle family, and I remember how HIGH the bed was!  We needed little step ladders to climb in.  I remember Uncle Gene and I checking out the garden behind her house, and even an old hand pump I played with.

“I wonder if young people today will feel this way about places of their youth when they are getting old.  This is my  73rd year.  I thank God for the people who touched my life so much.  Our Dad was killed in WWI, and there was only my mother and us.  We lived in Elkhart, IN, but had to spend summers and vacations with grandparents when we were young.  My Aunt Rose told me that there were other publications about Saint Henry, but she died before I could acquire copies of those books.  Would someone in Saint Henry know if I can acquire these books?  This book is appreciated and valued.  Couldn’t have had a better gift in my life right now.

“With sincere appreciation.  Roberta.”

If you wish to correspond with Roberta Caito, her email address is bcaito820@aol.com. 

When so many people tell me how much they appreciate my work at the Mercer County Historical Museum, and the local history books I have written and this newspaper column, “Our Old Bookcase,  and the Books and Exhibits by the Historical Society’s Committees, it makes me realize that there are people who appreciate the Mercer County Historical Society and my work with the Society and County Museum.

 [Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road,

Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614]

 
February 24-27, 2018
 

Parkway Plans Band and Choir Concert  
Parkway High School District Preview 
Band and Choir Concert – Planned for Sunday March 4, 2018 at  3 pm.

Henkle Insurance is Under Construction with a Remolding Project at the Main Street Office in Rockford.

McDonald’s Peeler Card Fundraiser

Parkway Elementary students in grades K-2 are currently selling McDonald’s Peeler cards for $10 each.   Each card provides many great Buy 1, Get 1 Free offers for sandwiches, smoothies, salads and more.  They are valid through March 31, 2019 at over 70 northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan locations surrounding us.  Funds raised will be used for student programs such as assemblies, field trips and other enrichment programs to benefit Parkway Elementary students.  Also as a school service project, $1 for each McDonald’s card sold is donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities to help other families in need.  If you don’t know a current K-2 student from Parkway, peeler cards are available in the office on school days from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  The sale continues through Friday, March 2.

Rockford Bicentennial Benefit Auction – Save the Date

Please save the date of Saturday, April 21, for the Rockford Bicentennial Benefit Auction!  The auction, beginning at 10 a.m., will feature a wide variety of new and gently-used items and there will be something for everyone.

A food stand will be available and will include delicious pies to tempt your taste buds.  The winner of the Commemorative Bicentennial Presentation Rifle will also be announced at the auction.

Make plan now for a fun day at the Rockford Bicentennial Benefit Auction on Saturday, April 21, and find some great deals and meals at the same time.  See you then!

Rockford Bicentennial to Raffle Collector Commemorative Presentation Rifle

The Rockford Bicentennial Committee is excited to announce the upcoming raffle of a commemorative presentation rifle, with the winner announced at its bicentennial benefit auction on Saturday, April 21, at the Community Building in Rockford. 

With only 300 tickets being sold, the winner will receive a one-of-a-kind Henry Golden Boy Rifle (22 cal) with a customized serial number unique to our bicentennial celebration!   Tickets are available at the offices of the Village of Rockford and Henkle Insurance as well as from Bicentennial committee members, and tickets are priced at $10 each.  The winner will be required to pass all legal background checks before claiming the rifle.   All proceeds will benefit the Rockford Bicentennial celebration slated for 2020. 

If you need further information, please contact Sherry Shaffer at 419-733-0262.

Drug Take Back Booth Successful
Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that on February 24, 2018, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Grand Lake Health System Health Fair.  A drug take back booth was manned for the event, which was held at the Auglaize-Mercer Family YMCA.  The Sheriff’s Office collected over 5 pounds of unneeded prescription drugs during the event.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will pick up and properly destroy the pills collected from this event along with other take back events held and pills collected in the permanent drug take back box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. 

The Sheriff’s Office holds several drug take back events throughout the year, the next one being at Mercer Healthy Expo on March 3, 2018 at the Galleria in Celina.  Sheriff Grey would like to remind the public that old, unused, or unwanted prescription medication can be dropped off any time, without an appointment, at the drop box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.

ARTS GROUP HOSTS  STUDENT WORKSHOP 

The Lake Area Arts Group will welcome artist Todd Buschur, a 1985 Parkway High School graduate, who will conduct a painting workshop for students on Saturday, March 17, from 10-11:30 at the Richardson Bretz  building in Celina.
Buschur is a landscape artist who works in oil and acrylic paint and has been the art teacher at Graham High School for twenty- nine years.
He graduated from Bluffton University and later earned a Masters of Art and then studied at The International School of Art in Italy. Buschur exhibits his work at the Hailey Gallery in New Albany and his virtual studio website : www.tbuschurstudio.com displays his artwork. Applications for this no cost workshop are available from local school art teachers.

Meet the Artist Reception
The Lake Area Arts Group is sponsoring a "Meet the Artist" reception for Todd Buschur  at CJ Highmarks on Friday, March 16th, from 6-8 pm. Buschur, a former Parkway High School graduate will exhibit some of his paintings and discuss his inspiration from former teachers and some of his techniques he uses in painting landscapes.
Parents and students attending his Saturday workshop, and the public, are welcome to attend and see his art.

Lake Area Arts Group
The Lake Area Arts Group will meet on Monday, March 12, 2018 at the library
in Celina beginning at 6 p.m. Artists and new “members” are to exhibit their
creations with others in attendance. One unique feature will be a new fine
art venture – paint pours on wood with emphasis upon the wood grains!
Representatives from Rockford will present artist opportunities for their
Community Days to be held on June 15 and 16. Attendees, also,  have the
opportunity to learn more about the opening for Todd Buschur at CJ Highmarks on March 16 starting at 6 p.m.
  

Grand Lake Task Force Assist Ohio Adult Parole Authority
On Friday, February 23, 2018., Investigators with Grand Lake Task Force were requested to assist the Ohio Adult Parole Authority at 9219 Township Line Road, Rockford. While assisting APA, Investigators observed a tray of suspected Marijuana along with a baggy of suspected Heroin in the living room in plain view.    Grand Lake Task Force investigators applied for and were granted a Search Warrant for the residence.   During the search, investigators seized suspected Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Heroin, syringes and other assorted Drug Paraphernalia.  

Arrested was 29 year old, Johnathan Robert Dooley for an Adult Parole Authority holder.   Other charges are pending upon review from Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Mercer Health will host the annual Mercer Healthy Living Expo on Saturday, March 3 from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Galleria in Celina.

Prayers requested for Jim Tolan - Click Here

Parkway March 2018 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
February 21-23, 2018

 

More about Barn Quilts 

Are you interested in making a Barn Quilt?  Do you want to make a 12 x 12 for your home?   Do you want to be a part of the Barn Quilt Trail?   Do you want to help Rockford celebrate our Bicentennial in the year 2020?   

If you answered YES to ANY of these questions, then sign up today for the Barn Quilt Class.  It will be held on March 31st at the Rockford United Methodist Church at 9 am.  The Church is located at 202 S Franklin St.   The cost is $15 per person – includes supplies.

There is a limited number of participants, so please reserve your seat early by calling 419-363-2720 and leave a message.  

Sponsored by Rockford Area Development Corporation

Parkway Panther Athletic Calendar for February 19 - 24

By Matt Triplett, AD
February 19: 

No Athletic Events Scheduled

February 20:    

Varsity Girls Basketball Sect. Game @ Allen East, Bus departs at 5:00 p.m.  G. Bronson driving 

VAR/JV Boys Basketball vs. Adams Central, 6:00 p.m.

February 21:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

February 22:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

February 23:

VAR/JV Boys Basketball vs. Minster, 6:00 p.m. 

Varsity Wrestling @ LCC, 6:00 p.m.

February 24:

Varsity Wrestling @ LCC, 9:00 a.m.

Potential Varsity Girls Basketball Sect. Game @ Allen East, Bus departs at 4:00 p.m. TBD driving

MERCER COUNTY ENGINEER DITCH MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart is announcing that over the upcoming construction season that engineer inspection and maintenance personnel will be on-site on many of the 111 miles of Mercer County maintained open drainage ditches and 58 miles of tile throughout Mercer County.

Easements exist along specific drainage infrastructure attributes that allow the necessary evaluation and maintenance of these important drainage elements.  Such things as ditch inspection, spraying for noxious weeds and erosion repairs will occur throughout the year.  “Many people may think that a ditch or tile is solely on private property, but all of Mercer County’s ditch and tile maintenance infrastructure attributes have a maintenance easement on and around the drainage feature.  A fraction of the open ditches and tile in the unincorporated areas are on county maintenance.”  Wiechart stated.

GREASE! To be Presented
Crescent Players present Grease!  St. Henry High School- St. Henry Ohio March 16 & 17 @7PM and March 17 @ 2PM.  James F. Dicke Auditorium-New Bremen Ohio March 23 & 24 @ 7PM and March 24 &25 @ 2PM .  Go to crescentplayers.com to order tickets.  All seats reserved.  Tickets go on sale Feb. 8th.  $10 online and $12 at the door.  Concessions will be available.

Our News Release in February: S.T.A.R. Retreat 2018

The S.T.A.R. (Students Teaching About Resistance) Retreat was held on Saturday, February 17th at St. John Lutheran Church, Celina. This year’s theme was, “Under the Sea.” 72 Mercer County 6th, 7th, and 8th graders attended the event. The goal of this event was to provide the students with a bully-free, drug-free experience full of alternative activities to encourage them to be role models to their peers and community. The retreat also gave the students a chance to learn new skills, be themselves, and make new friends to support them in the difficult times! Under the direction of Laura Sanford and Amy Miller at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, this youth-led prevention event was led by 15 of the high school students from the Mercer County Youth to Youth (Y2Y) group, along with 13 additional adult volunteers.

The day started at 9:00 am with energizers led by the youth volunteers. The staff introduced themselves and their family group “sea creature” and learned the “Under the Sea” S.T.A.R.-geared lyrics that was created by youth leader, Ashley. Joyce Howell was the keynote speaker. She shared with them that the two things they always have control over are their efforts and attitude and by focusing on giving 100% effort with a positive attitude, they will get good results. Joyce also encouraged them to focus on those things that make them TIC- their Talents, Interests, and Commitments. It is so important for them to know and develop these three things so they will not be easily swayed by others and negative comments made towards them will be less hurtful. Joyce grew up in Coldwater and raised 3 children with her husband Paul. She taught 8th grade language arts for 30 years total, 2 in Ada, OH, 8 in St. Henry and 20 in Coldwater. Joyce has been retired for 3 years and also currently serves on the DARE Boosters. She was an adult leader at S.T.A.R. for many years, beginning with the very first retreat held! 

Mercer County Y2Y members performed skits about preventing bullying and remaining drug-free and not scarifying their self-respect, happiness and success to be “popular” and liked at school. Each student was placed in a “family group” which is a closer-knit group led by high school youth with an adult supervising. The groups met four times throughout the day to do team-building activities and discuss issues. Each family group was given a pre-picked topic, such as bullying, alcohol, heroin, etc., and came up with a skit and performed them for the parents during closing ceremonies. Also, each student participated in two “How To” sessions including cooking, science experiments, art, drama, sign language, and fitness. Each student could pick one person growth session; social media safety, girls and boys focused empowerment, how to handle stress, how to deal with peer pressure, or leadership skills. The students had a blast during the dance/game time. The day ended at 9:30 pm, after parents/guardians were presented the “Let’s Talk” campaign and then the participants joined in for closing ceremonies, which featured a video presentation of the day.  

This project is supported by Foundations Behavioral Health Services and funded by a grant from the Mercer County Civic Foundation. Other sponsors include McKirnan Brothers, Inc., Hot Brass Personal Defense, Mercer County DARE Boosters, Preferred Insurance Center, Reynolds and Reynolds, Celina Walmart, Romer’s Catering and Overdrive Entertainment, Celina Grand Lake FOE Women’s Auxiliary, WCSM Radio, and Stars and Stripes Graphix. We are very thankful to St. John Lutheran Church for hosting us this year, the Celina Kiwanis for stuffing the folders, and Joyce Howell being our keynote speaker.

We also want to thank the adults who taught classes: Detective Sergeant Megan Baker from the Sheriff’s Department (Social Media Safety), fitness instructors Tonya Fledderjohann (Jazzercise) from Upstage Downtown and Kelly Lefeld from Be Well. Be Fit (Zumba and Drum Fitness), Stetson Miller (Leadership), Tom Sanford (Things that Fly), Sean Muhlenkamp (dealing with stress and drama classes), Amy Miller (Refusal Skills and Cooking), and Jodi Pierstorff (Sign Language). Thanks to Carl Wuebker for providing technical assistance and equipment and being our Disc Jockey and to our photographers Macy Speith and Haley Heitkamp. Appreciation goes out to the guidance counselors, principals, and school secretaries for their efforts in recruiting students for the retreat and collecting applications, the media for advertising event, and the community for supporting prevention efforts. 

This retreat would not be a success without the support of the parents/guardians who allow their energetic students to attend, the awesome adult staff, and the talented and dedicated High School Mercer County Y2Y leaders including, Celina: Aleisha Mott, Destiny Flynn, Rayne Reisinger; Coldwater: Anthony Kunk, Jordan Kline; Ft. Recovery: Ashley Byram, Cameron Romer, Danielle Kuess, Owen Sheridan, Robby LeFevre; Marion Local, Carri McNeely; Parkway, Dakota Hays; St. Henry: Kylie Miller, Leah Roll, Sammi Gast. Adult staff- Mackenzie Schlepp, McAla Starr, Jessica Scheer, Dan Jones, Lacey Hibner, Roberta Donovan, Ashley Searight, Claire Hemmelgarn, Joan Roll, Jennie Miller, Becca Cotterman, Tom Sanford, Sean Muhlenkamp.

The Mini S.T.A.R. retreat will be held for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students on Saturday, March 17th in Celina.

If you are interested in assisting with future prevention efforts or joining the Mercer County Prevention Coalition whose mission is “to improve the quality of lives of Mercer County residents by preventing the harmful consequences of substance use and abuse among youth, families, and the larger community,” please contact Amy Miller at 419-584-1000 or mercercountyprevention@gmail.com 

 
February 17-20, 2018
 

Parkway Kindergarten Screening

Parkway Elementary is currently scheduling appointments for kindergarten screening for the 2018-2019 school year.  Students need to be five years old before August 1 to be eligible to attend.  Screening will be held on Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Parkway Elementary School.  If your child is new to Parkway Local Schools, we will need the following on screening day: the official birth certificate, social security card, immunization records, two forms of proof of residency and in the case of divorced parents, a copy of the child custody order.  The birth certificate is from the Department of Vital Statistics (any Ohio county health department) and a fee will be charged.  The hospital complimentary birth certificate will not be accepted.  Immunizations are required to be documented by the 15th day of school.  All students entering kindergarten in the fall will need to go through the screening process.  Please call Michelle in the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext.720 to schedule an appointment.

Industrial Accident in Mendon Claims Life
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that his office was called to the scene of an industrial accident at the Village of Mendon Utility Department located at 340 East Market St.  A 911 call was received at 11:32 AM on Thursday, February 15, 2018, for a male stuck in an auger. 

Through the investigation, it was found that 49 year old Brendan Poling, an employee for the Village of Mendon and resident of rural Mendon, had climbed inside the bed of a dump truck carrying salt.  It appeared Poling slipped into the salt auger, where he was later discovered by another village employee.  

Mr. Poling was pronounced deceased at the scene of the incident.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by both the Mendon Fire Department and Celina EMS.

Not Just Livestock! What Is 4-H and How Do I Join?

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the country, with over 6 million youth participating across the country. The 4-H program was started in 1902 by A.B. Graham in Springfield, Ohio. Graham started clubs for youth so they could “learn by doing” which to this day is the 4-H slogan; youth learn by actively participating in educational experiences and projects. Today, the 4-H program is operated in every county in Ohio by Ohio State University Extension and has nearly 444,900 members participating across the state.

In Van Wert County and all across the country, 4-H’ers are still actively following the slogan of learn by doing to develop themselves into caring, contributing citizens and working to follow the 4-H motto of “To Make the Best Better.”

Who is involved in Van Wert County 4-H?

Van Wert County has over 500 active 4-H members involved in 18 community clubs throughout the county. There are around 100 dedicated adult volunteers who work to provide support for clubs, programs and activities.  Community clubs participate in community service projects, clinics, field trips, social events, and fundraisers throughout the year. Other opportunities include project judging, 4-H Camp, state and national events, and exhibiting at the Van Wert County Fair.

Who can join 4-H and what will I do?

Youth who are age 5 and in Kindergarten as of January 1st, 2018 are eligible to join 4-H as a Cloverbud member. Cloverbuds participate in community clubs and non-competitive activities exploring a variety of fun, hands-on interest areas. Youth who are age 8 and in 3rd grade as of January 1st can join 4-H as project members. Project members participate in club activities, select 4-H projects that interest them, go through project judging, and can exhibit their projects at the Van Wert County Fair. Youth age out of 4-H the year they turn 19. Youth are eligible to join 4-H in the county they reside in, if you wish to join 4-H in a different county then where you reside, you should contact the Extension Office of the program you wish to join for more information on eligibility.

How do I join 4-H?

The first step in joining 4-H is to find a community club near your home or school. There are 18 community clubs throughout the county; experience 4-H with a friend and invite them to join with you. Contact the Van Wert County OSU Extension Office at 419-238-1214 today for help in locating the right club for you or visit us on the web at http://vanwert.osu.edu for more club information.

When should I sign up?

You can join 4-H at any time! But, join by the March 15, 2018 to take advantage of all the opportunities throughout the year. First year families and members are given a month of extra time to get their paperwork in past the deadline to help them make the joining process a little easier!  So if you are still looking to join in 2018, it is NOT too late!

What are these projects I keep hearing about?

Members who are age 8 and in the third grade are considered project members and must enroll and complete a minimum of one project each year. There are over 200 4-H projects a member can choose from. Can’t find a project that interests you out of those 200? You can create your own personalized project by taking the self-determined project.

Projects cover a wide range of topic areas. Excluding livestock project, examples of popular projects include: photography, small engines, and natural resource projects such as fishing, foods, rockets, creative writing, and shooting sports such as archery.

Youth can discover all the projects available through the Ohio 4-H Family Guide. These are available through a community club or you can pick one up at the Van Wert County OSU Extension Office or online at www.ohio4h.org.  Also, you can visit Project Central online at http://projectcentral.ohio4h.org to browse projects. Project Central allows you to filter projects by interest areas and skill levels. You can also read reviews from others who have taken the project.

Want to learn more?

The 4-H program is part of the Ohio State University Extension services. For more information on the 4-H program and how to get involved, contact the Van Wert County OSU Extension office at 419-238-1214. The office is located at 1055 S Washington St in Van Wert at the fairgrounds. You can also find more information on their website vanwert.osu.edu or follow Van Wert County 4-H on Facebook at facebook.com/vanwert4h

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo caption:   This image is of the oldest known envelope with the rare Post Mark of Saint Henry’s.  (Image by Jeremy Kessler, Pixelations Digital Photo Imaging, 611 W. Logan, Celina.)

This rare Post Mark, from Saint Henry, Ohio, is post marked, “St. Henry’s, Jan. 31.”  The Post Office at Saint Henry, Ohio was first named, “St. Henry’s, Ohio Post Office.”

The first U.S. Post Office located at the Village of Saint Henry, was named “St. Henry’s, Ohio Post Office,” from 1850 until 1893.  The earliest record of this Saint Henry’s Post Office is dated July 24, 1850, when Fread Seewalde was appointed as the first Postmaster.  The next oldest record of which I acquired is a copy of an original letter by Fread Seewalde, dated December 11, 1865, in answer to the November 18, 1865 letter from the Postmaster General in Washington.  Fread Seewalde wrote that the four nearest Post Offices, to St. Henry’s, Ohio Post Office were the Post Offices at Cranberry Prairie, Fort Recovery, Coldwater, and Carthagena.

Cranberry Prairie Post Office opened Feb. 12, 1851 and closed Dec. 15, 1904.  Fort Recovery Post Office was established in Darke County, October 17, 1837, and then moved to Mercer County, Dec. 9, 1845.  Cold Water Post Office was established Feb. 26, 1847, and closed Apr. 4, 1893, and reopened the next day as Coldwater Post Office.

As of December 9, 1893, the name of this Post Office at the Village of Saint Henry, became known as “Saint Henry, Ohio Post Office.”  Joseph Drahman was appointed as Postmaster that same date.  When Drahman corresponded with the U.S. Post Office Department on March 31, 1894, he named the closest Post Offices as Wendelin and Philothea.  Wendelin Post Office was established Jan. 24, 1883 and closed May 31, 1904.  Philothea Post Office was established  on June 16, 1886 and closed on August 31, 1904. 

The years of 1903-1904-1905 were years when Rural Free Delivery (RFD) was brought to country residents, and the post offices in small villages were discontinued  during that time period  or close years.

I acquired a copy of the envelope with this rare post mark from David Gray, son of Tom and Esther Gray, at Celina.  David now lives at Columbus, Ohio with his family.  On the second Sunday of November, the Mercer County Historical Society hosts an exhibit of Post Cards and Post Marks from Mercer County, at the County Museum.  This year, the 18th Annual Exhibit will be held on Sunday, November 11.  David Gray will be showing his collection of Post Marks.  Bob and Sharon Poor,  and Dale Poeppelman will be displaying their collection of Post Cards.  You are welcome to show your own local history post card photographs on that afternoon.

This year, November 11, 2018, we will also host an exhibit of Post Cards, Photographs, and Stories about West Bank Road.  I have received so many wonderful stories about West Bank, as well as photos, I will put them out on a table, so that you can read them.  If you have stories about West Bank, you have time to write me a letter and share those stories with me, so I will have them for the November 11 exhibit.

Our next exhibit at the Museum is on Sunday afternoon, April 8 (the Sunday after Easter).  The New Idea Historic Preservation Committee is planning an exhibit about New Idea’s History and Hay Equipment.  This NIHP Committee is also in the planning stages of preparing the fourth book in the New Idea Company History Series.  

Game Night Ohio City

The Ohio City Community Building will be open to the public this Wednesday, February 21, 2018, for "Game Night". The building is located on 118 north of the Village and the event will start at 6:00 and last until 9:00. This is a great opportunity to bring together your friends, family, and neighbors for an evening of game playing. You can bring cards, board games, other activities, snacks, and beverages. This is open to the public and there is no charge. For more information contact Scott: 419-953-9511

 
February 16, 2018

 

Save the Date
Please join the library staff and family of Rozann Maurer as we celebrate her retirement from the Rockford Carnegie Library.  We will have an Open House on March 30th from 3:00-5:30 at the Library, so stop by to wish her well!

Parkway School Board Hears Details on Proposed Baseball Press Box Construction

Baseball Coach Luke Clouse wants to construct a new baseball press box for the Parkway Panthers and proposed his ideas to the School Board on Tuesday, February 13 at their regular meeting. Donations would pay for his proposal of a new box placed over the home dugout with a practice facility and batting cage included. There was some discussion and the matter was dropped for now citing more information was needed.

Barn Quilt Project Taking Hold in Rockford

Just as fabric quilts have their own unique history, so do barn quilts.  Even though the name implies that an entire quilt is painted on wood, it generally is only a single quilt block.  After blocks are painted, they are hung on the sides of barns or on front porches or simply just put in the yards.
 

Beginning in the early decade of the 2000's,  barn quilts started showing up again, which is also when the first BARN QUILT TRAIL began which originated in Ohio.   A Barn Quilt Trail consists of many quilt locations throughout the area which are mapped together and used by travelers who visit Barn Quilt Trails.   It is the hope of the Rockford Area Development corporation  to set up a trail bridging the gap between Lima and Spencerville  to the one ending in Berne, Indiana, with the trail ready for visitors beginning in the year of our Rockford Bicentennial in 2020.   Look for more information next month on how you can be involved in making your own quilt.

2017 Local Income Tax Information for All Village of Rockford Residents - Click Here

 
February 15, 2018
 

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Parkway Local Schools Takes the Great Kindness Challenge

Parkway Local Schools encourages community members and businesses to come together and to participate in The Great Kindness Challenge, February 20-23, 2018. The Great Kindness Challenge is a positive, proactive, bullying-prevention initiative that reaches millions of students every year.

Parkway Local Schools is committed to creating a safe and caring school environment for all students. The Parkway 8th Grade Girls groups and leaders challenge students to perform a variety of acts of kindness throughout the week. They have made and posted signs throughout the Parkway school building with kindness quotes along with daily themes to remind students of daily kindness activities.  Activities include thanking various school employees for their service, making new friends, sitting with someone new at lunch, saying “good morning” or “good afternoon” to others, and doing something kind for someone without being asked.

Community members are also invited to participate in kindness activities throughout the week. One opportunity for community members and high school students to help others will be to donate blood at a community blood drive in the high school gym, sponsored by the Parkway FFA on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Great Kindness Challenge for creating a positive school environment. The Challenge is one week where students do as many kind acts as possible to create school climates that are respectful, compassionate, and kind with the hope that students continue to perform acts of kindness throughout the year. 

Rockford Lions Club Members Hear Plans for 2018 Variety Show 

The Opening and Closing musical numbers of this year’s variety show titled LET’S PLAY will feature a large choir of area singers and musicians.  It’s not too late to join the musical cast.  To express interest in participating contact Kim Gardner at 419-733-7639, use gardnerkimjohn@gmail.com or use Facebook Messenger.  Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons at 2 pm in the Parkway HS Music Rooms.

In addition to songs, dance routines and skits, LET’S PLAY will also include audience participation in a ‘game show’ format similar to the current Ellen DeGeneres television show ‘Game of Games’. Participants will be selected from the audience to compete in one of six games.  The winners of each individual game will compete in the final game called “Winner’s Seat’ for a special prize.   Rockford area personalities Barry Peel and Brian Shaffer will serve as Hosts for LET’S PLAY.

The 2018 Lions Club Variety Show will be held Friday and Saturday evenings April 6-7 in the Parkway High School Auditorium.  Tickets $7 adults $5 students will be available at Henkle Insurance, Barry’s Market, Peoples and First Financial Banks in Rockford beginning March 1st, 2018.

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects fund scholarships & help fulfill local community needs & requests.

The Rockford Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

Mercer County Engineer Announces St. Marys River Maintenance Activities

Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart is announcing that over the upcoming several months, engineer inspection and maintenance personnel will be inspecting the entire length of the St. Marys River throughout Mercer County.

Easements exist along this drainage infrastructure that allow the necessary evaluation and maintenance of these important drainage elements.  Such things as ditch inspection, log jam removal and erosion repairs will occur throughout the year.

BECOME AN OSU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER THIS SPRING

The Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program is an international organization designed to provide opportunities for gardening enthusiasts of all types and levels to acquire training in numerous aspects of gardening and landscaping, to develop long-lasting friendships with other MGVs, to learn from other MGVs, and to provide an outlet for those who wish to serve their communities through a unique form of volunteering.  Ohio State University MGVs work together with The Ohio State University Extension to provide such services to their communities as answering gardening questions, beautifying the community, developing community or demonstration gardens, and other horticultural activities.

Applications are being accepted for the Spring MGV Training Class of 2018. OSU MGVs are initially given 50 hours of training on information pertaining to gardens, landscapes, plants, diseases, insects and more!  But the learning does not stop after the initial training programs.  Opportunities for many types of continuing education are provided through multiple training programs offered through OSU Extension both locally and statewide.  After the training class is completed, new MGV interns are to provide 50 hours of volunteer service to the community as volunteer educators. Even though this sounds like a lot of time, it is not difficult to fulfill this requirement.  In fact most quickly exceed this number long before the end of their first year of service.

Van Wert County MGVs created and maintain The Children’s Garden, located in Smiley Park on Leeson Avenue in Van Wert to provide an outdoor learning lab for children of all ages.  Additional projects include: The Garden of the Senses in downtown Van Wert, a garden bus tour and more.

The 2018 MGV Training class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 beginning March 6th and ending April 26 and Saturday March 17th.   Classes will be held at The Lima Branch Campus of OSU. Carpooling will be available. If there is enough interest we will hold a class at the Van Wert County Extension Office located at the Fairgrounds.

Classes will cover a multitude of topics including: Basic Botany, Soil Science, Fruits and Vegetables, Diagnostics, Herbs, Annuals and Perennials, Trees and Shrubs, Entomology, Houseplants, Landscape Maintenance, Plant Pathology, and Pesticide Safety and Use. 

For more information on cost and how to obtain an application for the MGV program in Van Wert County contact Rachel Hoverman at 419-238-1214 or email at hoverman.22@osu.edu.

 
February 13-14, 2018
Valentine's Day!
 

Parkway Music Booster Parents’ Schedule for February 16^th and 20th

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, Feb 16.  Please arrive by 5 PM.  Tiffany Burden, Aaron and Courtney Temple, Mike and Laura Roth, and Luke Stephenson.  

On TUESDAY, FEB 20 , the following parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand.  Please arrive by 5 PM.  If you are unable to work, please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  David and Jennifer Barrett, Brent and Michelle Agler, Jason and Diana Rissner, Greg and Amber Slusser, and Eric and Holly Strunk.  Thank you for your help!

 
February 12, 2018
 

Parkway Board of Education to Meet on February 13, 2018
Special Meeting and Regular Meeting Planned at 6:30 PM
 Click here to see Agenda by Sally Cox

Choir Director Inspires Blood Drive at Parkway
Community is invited to participate along with students and faculty

In honor of Mrs. Leslie Baltzell, Choir Director at Parkway Schools, the Parkway FFA has scheduled a Red Cross Blood Drive  on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the school during the school day.

Mrs. Baltzell suffered complications this past summer with her pregnancy and required blood donated by people just like you.

By donating your blood, you can mean the difference between life and death for a person in need. Register at redcrossblood.org and enter the code parkhs

Or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Hope begins with you!

Parkway 8th Grade Orientation Meeting

There will be a meeting for current 8th Grade students and parents to discuss planning for high school. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, in the Parkway High School Auditorium. Following the session in the auditorium, high school teachers will be available in the High School Commons to answer any questions you may have about high school courses. Please plan to attend this meeting to better assist your 8th grader in planning for the next chapter of their education.

Meetings for Mercer County EMA :

Statewide Tornado Drill               
March 21, 2018 at 9:50 AM

Weather Spotters Class                  

March 19, 2018 at 6:00 PM

at

Dicke Hall

Wright State University Lake Campus

Celina, Ohio

PEEBLES Re-opens in Celina
The Celina Mercer County Chamber is pleased to announce the Grand Re-opening and new membership of the Celina Peebles Store.  Peebles was greatly affected by the tornado experienced in November 2017.  Since then, Peebles has taken that opportunity to completely renovate their store with a fresh and exciting updated look.  The grand opening took place on Thursday, February 8th and over 100 people braved the cold as they waited outside for the store to reopen.  Peebles is located at 1935 Havemann Road in Celina, so be sure to stop for a visit.  Pictured at the ribbon cutting is Chamber Executive Director-Stacy Beougher, District Manager-Jennifer Watkins, Store Manager-Pat Brady, and many stores associates.  Welcome back Peebles!

 
February 9-11, 2018
 

Friday, February 9, 2018 - Parkway Schools will be on a 2 hour delay.
 

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!     

Winter Homecoming 2018 at Parkway
Thank you to Nikki Fox for sharing these great pictures

The Parkway Panthers held their annual Winter Homecoming Ceremony on Friday Evening, February 2, 2018, when they hosted the Ft. Recovery Indians in basketball action. Crowned Homecoming Queen for the evening was Senior Laura Barrett. Her court included left to right below: Freshman McKenna Schumm; Senior Haley Hawk; Queen Laura; Senior Sydney Crouch; Junior Alyssa Miller and Sophomore Lily Hipply. Queen Laura was crowned by 2017 Queen Klista Hellwarth with the sash placed by Tristen McKee.

 
February 8, 2018
 

Happenings at the Rockford Library for February

Valentine Creations  Stop by the library on Monday, February 12th from 3:30-4:30 or 6:30-7:30 to make a special valentine (or two).  Craft supplies will be available.  Decorate a heart cookie to enjoy while making a valentine.  This is a come and go craft: come, create and leave when finished.

Ninjago  The next family program will be Tuesday January 27th at 6:30.  Have some Ninjago fun with stories, games, craft and snacks.

Adult Reading Challenge  In conjunction with other Mercer County libraries, Briarwood Village, Celina Manor, and Van Wert Manor an adult reading challenge for anyone age 50 and older is taking place during the month of February.  Read any book, audio book, or digital book from February 1st-March 1st and enter a drawing for weekly prizes.  The grand prize, to be announced March 2nd, is a Kindle Fire.

The library is open Monday-Thursday 10-8, Fridays 10-5:30 and Saturday 10-2.  New items added to the collection can be found on our website:  www.rcpubliclibrary.org or check us out on Facebook.  For more information about any of the above programs call the library at 419-363-2630.

 
February 7, 2018
 

2018 Parkway Band and Choir BURRITO SALES 

February 5 - 16

Price $2.25 each -  or 25 for $50

* Pay when order is placed

Students to deliver orders March 24th.

Contact any band or choir students to place orders !!  



Any questions contact - Kristi Schaefer 419-790-1662 or 
Dee Weirrick 419-852-1603.

 
February 6, 2018
 

Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - Parkway Schools are now closed.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - Parkway Schools will be on a 2 hour delay.

2 inches of snow on roads.

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!    

Karen Heckman Receives Promotion
Community Sports and Therapy Center has recently promoted Karen D. Heckman to Director of Operations. The rehab company began in 1980 and it currently provides therapy services to Mercer Health and other agencies and schools in the West Central Ohio area.

Heckman joined the CSTC as a staff Physical Therapist in 1993. Executive Director Robert J. Hibner announced that as Director of Operations, Ms. Heckman will be responsible for oversight of the day to day operations of all divisions of the local rehab company including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, massage therapy and athletic training services.

Rockford Bicentennial Committee Seeking Auction Donations

Donations are now being accepted by the Rockford Bicentennial Committee for the Bicentennial Auction slated for Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Rockford Community Building.  The proceeds will fund the year-long celebration activities for the Rockford Bicentennial during 2020.

The committee is accepting preferably new items of collectibles, hand-crafted items, sports memorabilia, fishing equipment, hunting accessories, athletic equipment, home decorating items, art pieces, outdoor living items, or other auction-appropriate pieces.  Very gently used items will be accepted only if those items are in excellent condition.  Clothing items will not be accepted.  We would also appreciate gift certificates to be used at area retailers.

Items can be dropped off at the Rockford Village Office during regular business hours, or if items are too large to drop off, please contact the office for pick-up arrangements at 419-363-3032.

It’s never too early to start considering donation to the Bicentennial Auction next spring, so please consider what you can do to help out this worthy cause.  We hope to see you participating in the many activities being scheduled for the 2020 Rockford Bicentennial celebration, and thank you for doing your part to make this celebration a grand success!

Barn Quilt Project Taking Hold in Rockford

Just as fabric quilts have their own unique history, so do barn quilts.  Even though the name implies that an entire quilt is painted on wood, it generally is only a single quilt block.  After blocks are painted, they are hung on the sides of barns or on front porches or simply just put in the yards.
 

Beginning in the early decade of the 2000's,  barn quilts started showing up again, which is also when the first BARN QUILT TRAIL began which originated in Ohio.   A Barn Quilt Trail consists of many quilt locations throughout the area which are mapped together and used by travelers who visit Barn Quilt Trails.   It is the hope of the Rockford Area Development corporation  to set up a trail bridging the gap between Lima and Spencerville  to the one ending in Berne, Indiana, with the trail ready for visitors beginning in the year of our Rockford Bicentennial in 2020.   Look for more information next month on how you can be involved in making your own quilt.

St. Joseph Regional Burn Center shares

news you can use during Burn Awareness Week

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (February 5, 2018) – Most of us think we're safe from burn injuries. But the truth is, burns can happen to anyone at any time. Because of this, the St. Joseph Regional Burn Center is using Burn Awareness Week to share information that’s important to know year-round.  

Scalding hot liquids, grease fires, car accidents, chemical explosions, house fires, frayed electrical cords, severe sunburns and even frostbite can cause serious scarring, permanent debilitations and even life-threatening infections. That’s why St. Joe burn team members are working around-the-clock to keep the community safe.

Here are some additional facts about burns that might surprise you:

More than 40 percent of all burn injuries occur at home.

About 500,000 people receive treatment for burn injuries each year.

There are 4,000 deaths each year from fire and burn injuries.

About 40,000 people are hospitalized each year for burn injuries.

Burns from ordinary tap water can occur at a temperature of only 111°. Water heated to 130° can cause severe burns in seconds.

When a burn occurs, it is human instinct to attempt to treat the victim immediately. However,
some first aid decisions can actually harm the victim and complicate the burn injury.

Do not apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, fluffy cotton, adhesive bandages, cream or oil spray because these interfere with the healing process.

Do not allow the burn to become contaminated; avoid coughing or breathing on the burn.

Do not bother blistered and dead skin.

Do not give the victim anything to eat if he/she has a severe burn.

Do not immerse a severe burn in cold water or apply cold compresses; this can cause shock.

Do not place a pillow under a victim's head if he/she has an airway burn because the airway could close.

Call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance immediately if:

the victim has a severe or extensive burn

the victim has a chemical or electrical burn

the victim shows signs of shock

the victim has an airway burn

(more)

Burn Awareness Week fact sheet, p. 2

To avoid the risk of infection and scarring, and to assist with healing, wounds need to be cleaned as quickly as possible after an injury occurs.

To treat a minor wound:

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Wear medical gloves, if they are available.

Rinse the wound thoroughly with lukewarm running tap water to help remove dirt, debris and bacteria. Kitchen sprayers are also good for this.

Gently wash the wound with mild soap and a washcloth.

Repeat the washing until the wound is clean.

Bandage the wound, lightly applying an antibiotic ointment first to keep the bandage from sticking to the wound.

Watch the skin around the wound for sensitivity to the bandage.

Apply a clean bandage if the current bandage becomes soiled or wet.

Change the bandage at least twice a day.

Remember, wounds that are deep, large, painful, bleed excessively and/or have large fragments of debris in them should be cleaned and treated by a healthcare professional.

For all other burn related questions, call the St. Joseph Regional Burn Center at (260) 425-3567.

 
February 5, 2018
 

Monday, February 5, 2018 - Parkway Schools will be on a 2 hour delay.

Icy Roads.

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!   

 
February 3-4, 2018
 

Driver Training
Classes to Begin!

MR. E’s DRIVING SCHOOL, LLC

CLASSROOM TIMES            Spring 2018
Sat. Feb 24th                            8:00 am – 12:15 pm
Mon. Feb 26th                            3:45 pm – 7:15 pm
Tue. Feb 27th                             3:45 pm – 7:15 pm
Wed. Feb 28th                            3:45 pm – 7:15 pm
Thur. March 1st                          3:45 pm – 7:15 pm
Fri. March 2nd                            3:45 pm – 7:15 pm
Sat. March 3rd                           8:00 am – 12:15 pm

 MAKE UP DAY

Mon.       March 5^th                   3:30 PM  –  7:30 PM
 

Class will be held in the community room at the high school.

Cost for the class is $ 330.00.
Contracts can be obtained
from Mr. Hinkle or 
in the Parkway High School Office.
419-363-3455
 

Mr. E's Driving School, LLC
Dennis Hinkle
 dhinkle@watchtv.net 
hinkled@parkwayschools.org

 
February 1-2, 2018
Ground Hog Day - February 2, 2018
 

Parkway Concession Stand Workers Reminded

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, Feb 2.  Please arrive by 5 PM.  If  you are unable to work, please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Tom and Shannon Heindel, Chris and Kim Regadanz, David and Sara Stearns, Kerry and Heidi Walls, Caryn Wenning, and Brendan and Maci Bates.

The Jan 12 game has been rescheduled for Tues, Feb 6.  The following Parkway Music Boosters are scheduled to work in the concession stand.  Please arrive by 5 PM.  If you are unable to work, please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  David and Marcia Krogman, Keven and Tammy Rager, Andy and Michelle Rogers,  Galen and Tonya Hesse, Crystal Joseph, and Abbey Everett. 

Parkway JH Lady Panthers Have Undefeated Season - MAC League Champs

(Rockford, OH) - The Parkway Lady Panther Junior High 7th Grade Basketball Team finished their season undefeated with a 16-0 record, capturing the MAC League Champ Title. Their culture of SCHAPE excellence is made up of a committed team of athletes and a dedicated PIT (Panthers In Training) Management Crew.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Senior Night for the winter athletes has been changed to Friday, February 16, 2018 after the conclusion of the JV game.  It has been moved up one week due to the wrestlers being in sectional tournament the following week when it was originally scheduled. 
Sorry for any inconvenience - Parkway Athletic Department

Van Wert County Hospital Job Openings

Director of Patient Financial Services and Maintenance Mechanic/Safety/Security

Click Here for all the details
 

Parkway Schools Calendar of Events by Lynn Hughes
for February 2018 - Click here for a printable version

 
January 31, 2018
 

Rare Super Blue Blood Moon Early AM on Wednesday, January 31, 2018
The super Blue Moon happens before sunrise January 31 for North America and Hawaii. 
Click Here for times and details about this super Blue Moon total eclipse.

 
January 30, 2018
 

Rockford - 2017 Year in Review -
by Mayor Amy Joseph

We would like to recognize several businesses that have made
major investments in Rockford this year:

J & B Equipment - Thank you for purchasing and tearing down 2 older homes and replacing them with a nice truck display on Route 33.

Tastee Twirl - Thank you for tearing down an older home and making improvements in the parking area of your business. This looks very nice as people pass by on Main St.

Betsey's Boutique - Thank you for purchasing the adjacent building for possible expansion and storage. The new front is a nice improvement to our business district.

Rockford Carry Out and Dining - Thank you for the addition to your building to grow your catering business. 
We truly appreciate our local businesses and the investments they are making in the Village.

Additional Village improvements:

3 new homes were built in the Village.

We have continued to make improvements to the Shanes Crossing Subdivision -
completing infrastructure Phase I. Lots will be for sale in the new year.
We have obtained funding for a new Wastewater Treatment plant to be built in the coming year.

At Shanes Park, we used an $80,000 State grant to purchase a new soft surface/obstacle course. We also purchased a new electronic media sign replace
the Shanes Park sign on Route 33.

We recently purchased the Trailer Park on Route 33 to expand Shanes Park for future development.

We completed the Columbia Street reconstruction project with new street,curbs and sidewalks.

The Bicentennial Committee put up banners in the business district to bring awareness to 2020. Future plans for 2018: This spring an artist will be working on a mural to be placed on the South side of the firehouse. Parkway students
will begin working on a mural to be placed on the concrete wall at the end of Market St. Our American Legion is planning to update the memorial park next to their building.

The Police department implemented a new ticket filing system with a State grant.
The department is continuing to keep Rockford drug free with several arrests this year.

Several services are in Rockford to help those that might find a need:

Agape Mobile Food Pantry - comes to Rockford at the Fire Station parking lot on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month.

The Rockford United Methodist Church provides meals on Wednesday evenings during the school year. They also have relocated the Parkway Food Pantry and Helping Hands in the old D & L Classic building on Columbia Street.

Tammy Cheek - purchased and is reviving the old D & L Classic Building. 

Rockford is very proud to have been chosen for a build site for Lots for soldiers. Lots for soldiers has put up a home for a deserving military family. The Rockford community pulled together to donate their time to complete the project. They are also looking for an additional lot in Rockford.

Dash and Dine Open House at Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices
The Otterbein Retirement Community of St. Marys, OH will hold a Dash and Dine Open House on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11408 Cardinal Lane, St. Marys. Stop in anytime between 4:00 PM and 6 PM for tour of the model homes and valuable information about senior lifestyle choices. A light meal will be served for dine in or take-out. Reservations requested by February 6th, Call 419.394.6227.

Parkway February 2018 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
January 29, 2018
 

At the January 3, 2018 meeting, the council had asked that WKRD radio station manager Jim Crocker (who created his own business called Crocker Media Group LLC and a  checking account for it to pay for the radio station expenses) to comply with council requests. Fiscal agent Lisa Kuhn says the village-controlled checking account handles all fiscal business and has since it holds the license of the station opened in 2014. At the meeting Jim was asked to rectify the situation to Lisa Kuhn fiscal agent by the radio station board member and council member meeting on January 9th at 7 pm. Radio Station Board Members were approved.

 Click Here for all the details by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society

Photo caption:  The 782 Uni-Rotary Snow Blower was a part of the New Idea Uni System History, between 1963 and 1999, as a part of the history of Mercer County in the winter time.

The 782 Uni-Rotary Snow Blower was announced in the “Avco New Idea Farm Equipment Dealer News,” in the January-February 1970 issue.  “The rugged 782 Uni-Rotary Snow Blower adds still another function – and another season – to the growing number of jobs Uni-System can do for farmers’ customers.  With its full 9 foot clearing width, the 782 Uni-Rotary Snow Blower is ideal for clearing farm driveways, lanes, and barnyards faster than with a blade or hydraulic loader.”  The 781 Snow Blower was announced two years earlier in 1968. 

The 783 Snow Blower was introduced in 1979.  The book, “Avco Corporation, the First Fifty Years, 1929-1979,” published by the Avco Corporation, at Greenwich, CT., in 1979, made the following statement:  “Since it joined Avco in 1945, New Idea has maintained its reputation as a leader in producing specialized farm implements.  In 1977, the division introduced its largest production line – eleven new attachments – for its unique Uni-System self-propelled harvesting equipment.  The successful Uni-System Power Unit has been in production since 1965.  In 1977, New Idea announces largest new product line – elective Uni-System machines – in history.”  The 783 Snow Blower was front mounted.  The winter workhorse easily removed snow from lanes and barnyards.  The photograph is shown on page 70, “New Idea Company’s Uni-System, 1963-1999, Coldwater, Ohio,”

Coldwater Native Tom Hoyng drove the783 Snow Blower Uni-system, for the Village of Coldwater, in the August 2006 Coldwater Parade.  Hoyng was one of the Founding Members of the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee in 2000.  This Committee held their first New Idea Company Farm Equipment Exhibit at the 2006 Coldwater Community Picnic at the Park. 

The History of the AGCO New Idea Company Snow Blower can be found on pages 41, 49, 60, and 70, in the book, “New Idea Company’s Uni-System, 1963-1999, Coldwater, Ohio,” published in July 2017, by Joyce Alig, Editor and President of the Mercer County Historical Society, and the New Idea Historical Preservation Committee of the Mercer County Historical Society.  This NIHP Committee also published the book, “New Idea Company’s Horse Drawn Manure Spreaders, Maria Stein & Coldwater, Ohio,” in 2013, and the book, “New Idea Company’s Corn Pickers, 1925-1982,” in 2015.  These books have not only been extremely popular with Farmers here in Mid-Western Ohio, but also with Farmers in the Mid-Western States.  Many customers are the children of former New Idea Employees, at Christmas time.

In 1985, “The Coldwater Chronicle,” Coldwater, Ohio, made the announcement that “New Idea’s Uni is 20 years old.”   With that column, three photographs were included.  One photograph was of Carl Bettinger standing with the original New Idea Uni System, which had evolved from “The Brown Mule,” of Minneapolis Moline.  The other two photographs were of New Idea Project Engineers, John Slagle and Bob Stelzer, when New Idea purchased the patents for the Uni from Minneapolis Moline in 1963.

And that is what the Mercer County Historical Society is about, “Preserving Mercer County’s History and Educating the Public about that History.”  We invite you to become a Member of the Mercer County Historical Society.  You are welcome to join our New Idea Historic Preservation Committee as well as our other Exhibit Planners, the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors, the Museum of the Soldier Military and Gun Collectors, the Mercer County Post Card and Post Mark Collectors, and the Local Community Historians of Mercer County.  Send me your address to receive a 2018 Schedule of Events.

Van Wert Barnyard Buddies 4-H Club enjoying a tour of Kenn-Feld during their meeting on Sunday, January 21, 2018

 
January 27-28, 2018
 

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Van Wert County Hospital Job Openings

Director of Patient Financial Services and Maintenance Mechanic/Safety/Security

Click Here for all the details
 

Stammen Insurance Group Announces New Branch Location in the Coldwater Community

February 1, 2018 (Celina, Ohio and Coldwater, Ohio). Stammen Insurance Group, LLC, a local leader in the insurance industry, announces the opening of a branch office in Coldwater, Ohio. The Coldwater branch will be Stammen Insurance Group’s fourth location and will provide them with the opportunity to better serve their growing client base.

The business, currently owned by four Managing Partners: Rob Howell, Cody Muhlenkamp, Jason Stover and Josh Schmackers, was named 2017 Agency of the Year by Celina Insurance Group. Managing Partner and Coldwater Resident, Rob Howell says, “We are excited to expand our operational footprint into Coldwater so we can continue the tradition of providing quality, professional services to businesses and individuals in the communities in which we live.” The new branch will be located in the heart of downtown Coldwater at 124 W. Main St. Coldwater, OH 45828. The doors will officially open on February 1, 2018.

“Our customers are the heart of our business. We pride ourselves on building strong, trustworthy relationships by listening to our clients and doing what’s right for them. Our business values align very well with the values of the Coldwater community.” – Cody Muhlenkamp, Managing Partner and Coldwater Alum.

Stammen Insurance Group is a company backed by 100+ years’ experience in the insurance industry. Since 1919, the heart of their business has been helping their clients protect their family, loved ones and the things that matter most to them. The business specializes in Personal, Business, Farm, Health, Benefits, and Life Insurance and now has four branch locations in the following areas: Celina, St. Marys, St. Henry and Coldwater, Ohio. They are excited to bring their long-standing history of insurance knowledge and expertise to the Coldwater community. For more information about Stammen Insurance, please visit www.stammeninsurance.com.

 
January 25-26, 2018
 

(Left to right) Lion President Dennis, Brian Woods, Kevin Krall (Willshire Lions), Bill Grier (Mendon Lions) during  the Fish Fry check presentation to Parkway Middle School Principal Brian Woods at the December 11th, 2017 Lions Club meeting.   Proceeds from the Annual Lions Club Fish Fry support the Parkway Eighth Grade Class Trip to Washington D.C. each Spring.   The first Parkway Eighth grade class trip was in 1985.  2017 marked the 13th year for the Lions Club Fish Fry at the Rockford Community Building.

Planning for the 2018 Lions Club Variety Show is currently underway.  This year’s production ‘Let’s Play’ will be Friday and Saturday April 6-7, 2018 @ 7:30 p.m. in the Parkway High School Auditorium.  Tickets for ‘Let’s Play’ directed by Kim Gardner will be available at Henkle Insurance, Barry’s Market, Peoples Bank, and the First Financial Bank in Rockford or at the door the evening of the performance. 

Proceeds from the Lions Club Variety Show help to provide scholarships for Parkway High School graduates.  Lions Clubs empower volunteers to serve their local communities, and to meet humanitarian needs.

The Rockford Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

Anyone who had backordered shorts or headbands from the annual Parkway Sophomore Class Sportswear Sale may pick their items up in the Middle School office.

The Mercer County Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 pm at the Mercer County Court House. Please use north entrance. Kip Wright will be conducting a tour of the Mercer County Court House. The public is welcome to attend.

 
January 23-24, 2018
 

Stained Glass Artwork of Local Barn Becomes Fund-Raiser for

Carey, Benny and Bill Scholarship Fund for Parkway Students
 
 

About the Art

 
Pictured above: Photo of the stained glass artwork with light coming through the back.

The stained glass barn was modeled after a barn at the intersection of Routes 33 and 127 in Mercer County, Ohio; near Rockford, Ohio.  It was made in September of 2017 and donated to the Scholarship in October, 2017.  The picture represents a barn of circa 1900, and depicts crops of soybeans in the foreground and corn on the horizon.  A John Deere tractor was added to the foreground for effect.

It is a 3D copper foil stained glass piece.  The John Deere tractor and the big tree sit in front of the barn.  When in the light, the roof of the barn shows thru the green of the tree. The completed picture is about 14"x 20".

 

Pictured Above: Stained glass without back light.

About the Artist and the Story

The artist is Bob Blackwell of Candler, NC who was best friends with Carey Fosnaugh while serving in Vietnam.  Carol and Bob Blackwell have been supporters of the scholarship which honors three local men killed in the Vietnam War: Carey Fosnaugh (of Willshire), Bennie Sapp (of Rockford), and Bill Miller (of Willshire).  A scholarship, started in 1970, is awarded each year to a graduating senior at Parkway High School, because the young soldiers all went to Parkway/Willshire.  The scholarship is administered by the Leota Braun Charitable Foundations.

Bob, who creates stained glass has done several pieces. Since this fund is near to his heart, he wanted to create a piece that could raise money to be used in the fund to help earn proceeds for the scholarships presented each year. The proceeds of this fund, along with donations from each of the American Legions in the area are what comprises the award each year.  The American Legions are the biggest supporters of the fund as well as private donors.

Bob had an idea to use a local barn as a focal point. When Bob and Carol traveled to the Rockford area to visit relatives, he saw the Kimmel barn at US 33 and US 127 at Mercer Ohio.  He photographed the barn and then worked for several months on completing the picture and custom building of a frame and easel.  Pictures of his finished work got around as well as how he was trying to raise funds.

Pictured Left: Photo of the barn belonging to multiple generations of the Kimmel Family.

Before the artwork was able to be auctioned, a private offer was submitted to the Blackwells who accepted the generous offer and now the Carey, Bill and Benny Scholarship Fund has grown through this sum. It is the Blackwells’ hope that the fund will continue to grow through donations.  Bob is even considering another stained glass artwork to sell.

About the Leota Braun Charitable Foundation:

The Foundation is a Community Foundation in Rockford, Ohio:  Contact Information – (419) 238-2000, c/o Herbert Muhlenkamp, PO Box 364, Rockford, Ohio  45882-0364  (EIN) 030388873.  Your tax deductible contributions to the Carey, Bennie, and Bill Scholarship are needed to grow the support for the students; and to honor these three fallen men. 

Mike Henry of PBC Financial Services Becomes Accredited
Jack Hartings, President / CEO of The Peoples Bank Co. announces the recent accreditation of Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC) for Mike Henry of PBC Financial Services.

This accreditation from the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) promotes financial professionals who adhere to a strict code of ethics and provide clients with the highest level of expertise.    

Mike has approximately 20 years of experience in banking and financial planning.  He studied at Bowling Green State University and has his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.  He is an active member in several local communities and enjoys spending time with his family.

Celina Police Department New Release
by Tom Wale, Police Chief

On Sunday, January 21, 2018 the Celina Police Department responded to a report of a person under the hood of a truck at Bud’s Jeep Chrysler at 945 S. Main St., Celina.  Upon arrival officers found the white pickup truck with the hood open.  Officers began searching the area and requested assistance from the Mercer Co. Sheriff’s Office to saturate the area in an attempt to locate the suspect.

Mercer Co. Sherriff’s Deputy Sites located a 2011 Dodge pickup truck parked on Murlin Av. near South St.  He recognized it as a vehicle associated with other property crimes in Mercer and surrounding counties.  The truck is registered to 31 year old Jason Duane Amspaugh of Union City, Ohio. 

As officers were checking the vehicle, which has dark tinted windows which were fogged over, the lights came on and an officer could see a male hunched down inside the cab.  He was later identified as the owner, Jason Amspaugh.  Celina officers and Mercer Co. Sheriff’s Deputies had the truck surrounded and were ordering the Amspaugh out of the truck.

Amspaugh started the truck and accelerated towards Mercer Co. Sheriff’s Deputy, Detective Fortkamp.  Fortkamp was able to get out of the way of the truck as it sped away southbound on Murlin.  Amspaugh struck a parked car and then went south across Schunk Rd., striking a ditch and coming to rest. 

Jason Amspaugh was taken to the Mercer Co. Jail.  His pickup truck was impounded and a search warrant was obtained for the truck from Judge Katherine Speelman.  Celina Police searched the truck and located numerous stolen items, including items stolen from Bud’s Jeep Chrysler. 

Through an on-going investigation involving multiple agencies in surrounding counties and interviews after Amspaugh’s arrest, Detectives with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office applied for and obtained a search warrant through Darke County Common Pleas Court for Amspaugh’s property located at 1036 Ellis Rd., Union City, OH.  An estimated over $75,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered during the execution of the search warrant.  The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and Darke County Prosecutor’s Office.

Amspaugh is being held for a bond of $500,000 as the case is being reviewed by the Mercer County Prosecutor Matthew K. Fox.   Current charges filed are Felonious Assault on a Peace Officer (felony of the 1st degree) and Fleeing (felony of the 3rd degree).

The Rockford Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will be meeting on Thursday, January 25, at 7 p.m. for the purpose of continuing interview discussions for the new director position.  It is anticipated the meeting will be conducted primarily in executive session, although it may convene back to public session at the end of the meeting

 
January 19-22, 2018
 

The Rockford Eagles Aerie 1292 recently donated $1000 to Rockford Traveling Little League Boys Baseball Team. The entire team and their coaches recently accepted the check from Blair Shaffer, Eagles President. According to their Coach Steve Samples, the money will be used for equipment, uniforms and entry fees for the upcoming season in Summer 2018. The boys are enrolled in the Rockford Recreation Program Summer Baseball League on different teams. They then try-out to belong to a traveling team representing Rockford Recreation, and spend their weekends traveling to larger cities to play in tournaments.  Pictured above kneeling: Landen May, Caiden Berry, Fletcher Smith, Braydon Bruns; Row 2: Apolo Thomas, Devin Crouch, Landon Hamrick and Xavier Samples; Back row: Coaches: Steve Samples; Ryan Berry and Cort Smith, Shaffer (Eagles) and Coach Chad Bruns.

The Rockford Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, January 23, at 6 p.m. for the purpose of conducting interviews for the position of library director.  It is anticipated the meeting will be held predominantly in executive session.  The meeting will be held in the library basement meeting room.  No formal action is expected to be taken at this meeting.

Parkway High School - 2nd Quarter Honor Roll 2017-2018
by Lisa Miller
Parkway HS Secretary

SENIORS

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Clayton Agler, Claire Armstrong, Jared Berry, Paige Cron, Reese Fokine, Ashton Hamrick, Logan Huff

HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Laura Barrett, Reid Etzcorn, Jared Gibson, Haley Hawk, Miranda Haynes, James-David (J.D.) Hileman, Miah Naseman, Justin Rice, Mackenzie Sipe, Trevor Smith, Chanel Walls

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Hadassah Armstrong, Bailey Bates, Jeremy Feldes, Courtney Lies, Tristen McKee, Bailey Parris, Chandler Roof, Megan Zizelman

JUNIORS

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Danielle Eads, Alistair Fahncke, Matthew Gaerke, KeAndra Godsey, Justin Miller, Faith Rollins, Haylee Stukey, Loren Stukey, Tessa Thatcher

HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Jared Anderson, Molly Baltzell, Alexandria Ford, Mecaylah Hesse, Madison Kroeger, Alyssa Miller, Olivia Scott, Grace Swander

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Shay Bolton, Harley Burden, Hannah Eichenauer, Melissa Hauter, Kara Heck, Lauren Henderson, Colton Kraner, Nicholas Riley, Preston Stober, Bailey Strickler, Jonathan Wehe

SOPHOMORES

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Rachel Barrett, McKenna Johnson, Kristine Kirby, Olivia Rutledge, Hailey Stephenson, Ashlyn White HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Cory Agler, Carley Boeckman, Aaron Bruns, Breyden Bruns, Alexis Cairns, Claire Eichler, Autumn Ellis, Leah Harshman, Macy Henkle, Lily Hipply, Clarissa Krogman, Jason Luth, Brooke May, Sophia Miller, Hailey Roberts, Kyle Roth, Gavin Stober, McKenna Temple, Shaelyn Thomas, Sydney Yoder

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Tori Albright, Rachel Breese, Ansley Burtch, Ashlyn Cornett, Courtney Harding, Kiersten Roehm, Grace Rogers, Monica Steen, Alexander Tisdale, Emily Zimmerman

FRESHMEN

HIGHEST HONORS (4.00 & Above): Avery Boroff, Kaden Boroff, Sierra Freeman, Zoie Huffman, Brayton Luginbill, Lydia Miller, Elijah Rich HIGH HONORS (3.99 - 3.626): Treya Conn, Remi' Fokine, Savanna Freeman, Dylan Hughes, Kayla Kuhn, Kelsey Nichols, Claire Rutledge, Makenna Schumm, McKayla Sites, Mackenzie Springer, Seth Stukey, Tyler Tinkham, Sydney Waters

HONORS (3.625 - 3.25): Abigail Browning, Alexzandra Cottman, Grace Etgen, Hunter Gibson, Madalyn Heindel, Bryce Mihm, Andrea Miller, Adam Stephenson

 
January 17-18, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 13 years.
 

Thursday, January 18, 2018 - Parkway Schools will be on a 2 hour delay.

Weather related.

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!  

Jessica Wilson Patterson Awarded Advanced Practice Clinician of the Year Award

Jessica Wilson Patterson, 1998 Parkway High School graduate and daughter of David and Lina Wilson of Mendon, was recently awarded "Advanced Practice Clinician of the Year Award” for the Acute Care facilities of Bon Secours Health Systems in Virginia.  The title of an APC encompasses multiple professions to include Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Clinical Nurse Specialists.  Members of the health system leadership were asked to nominate individuals who do an exceptional job in their daily work and who go above an beyond to provide the highest level of care to the communities they serve. Jessica was chosen as the top nominee.  Jessica serves as the Lead Nurse Practitioner at St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian, Virginia, and works directly with the Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery patients.

OHSAA Baseball Umpire Class

The Mid-west Buckeye Umpires' Association will  be hosting a training course for prospective baseball umpires interested in earning OHSAA certification for the upcoming 2018 season. Anyone ages 14+ is eligible to enroll in the class. Cost of the course is $135 - which includes all instructional materials, OHSAA membership fees, rule books, and annual MBUA membership. Classes will be held at Van Wert High School on Monday evenings at 6:00pm beginning February 5th and concluding on March 19th. Course registration and payment can be completed online by visiting www.myohsaa.org and clicking on the "REGISTER" link at the top of the page. Once you have created a free account, click on "Select a Course" and search for "Van Wert." For more information, contact Ryan Thompson at (419)305-0426 or Ron Golemon at (419)513-0439. To ensure that course materials are received prior to the first class, we request that registrations are completed by January 29th.

As a make-up day, Parkway Local Schools will be in session
on Friday, February 16, 2018.

JAMES (JIM) A. WIECHART, P.E., P.S.
~Mercer County Engineer~
RELEASES REPORT FOR 2017 – Click Here

Shanes Crossing Historical Museum Conducting Membership Drive - Donations Listed and Bicentennial News

Shanes Crossing Historical appreciates all memorabilia donations. Recent donations include: Tom and Shirley Pryer – a wool press for making bales; Bryan Stetler – his uncle’s gramophone that still works and cylinder records; Kay and John Thomas – a large old classroom sized Rockford School picture of George Washington; Sheila Baltzell- a scrapbook prepared by her with clippings and pictures she took from the Rockford Sesquicentennial (150th) in 1970; and Connie Sell donated pictures she took of old houses in the area when she developed a home tour for the 175th Rockford Celebration.

The 2020 Rockford Bicentennial Committee meets on the first Monday of each month at the Village Hall and Museum at 7 pm. Public invited to attend ~~ Come share ideas and/or memories! The annual membership drive is being conducted.

Nine Students Successfully Complete Mercer Health’s Babysitter Training

According to Betsy Schoenleben, R.N., Education Coordinator at Mercer Health, the students were trained in proper supervision, basic caregiving skills, and how to respond to an ill or injured child. The students participated in check-offs such as diapering, bottle feeding, and handwashing. As part of the class, Coldwater Police Department and Mercer County Central Dispatch spoke to the students. Students were required to pass a written test to receive certification. Students also viewed a CPR/First Aid video made possible by a donation from the Mercer County Civic Foundation.

“We feel we have provided these students with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely care for children,” Schoenleben said. “However, Mercer Health cannot assume liability concerning the responsibility of these graduates while they are caring for the children of others.”

Summer Babysitting Training Class dates will be posted on mercer-health.com in the spring.

For more information about education services provided by Mercer Health, contact Schoenleben at 419-678-5119.

Photos attached. Pictured in the morning class photo are: Grace Huwer, Riggs Tobe and Rudy Kremer (not pictured: Kelly May). Pictured in the afternoon class are: Aerianna Gann and Kendall Fetters.

Pictured is Matt Overman and Molly Hay accepting their $500.00 check from Mercer County Fatherhood Initiative. Big Brothers Big Sisters and Grand Lake United Methodist Church will co-host a family board game night. 

 

Pictured is Jenny Eyink from the Coldwater PTO accepting her check for the Father Daughter Dance. The Mercer County Fatherhood committee has awarded 7,  $500.00 mini grants to help promote fatherhood in Mercer County.

First Place Winner in MLK Jr. Writing Contest is a Vantage Junior

Congratulations to Cody Gaham, a junior in the Criminal Justice program from Parkway.  He took first place in the state-wide 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Writing & Multimedia Contest sponsored by the Ohio Ciivl Rights Commission.  Only one winner is selected to receive recognition from each grade level!  Cody will be formally recognized and his essay showcased at an award ceremony in Columbus on Feb. 2nd.  

Parkway Middle School Honor Roll
End of 2nd Quarter 2017-2018
by Michelle Agler, Secretary

Click Here for the list of these hard-working students!

Holiday Lights Contest Winner

Ohio City's Pride held its annual "Holiday Lights" contest for Van Wert County. The winner was decided by people that voted on individual images and videos of contestants. This year's winner was Steven Slusser of Gamble Road. 

We would like to thank our sponsors: Tisha Fast-State Farm Agent, Ohio City Express, Ohio City Park Board - Lambert Days, Koating Koncepts, and Bigham Creative Communications 

 
January 16, 2018
 

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - Parkway Schools will be on a 2 hour delay.

Temperature in the morning is expected to be near 4 with wind chills below zero.

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!  

 
January 15, 2018
 

All Parkway Athletic Practices and Events are
Cancelled for Monday, January 15, 2018

Parkway Schools are CLOSED in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
and athletics are cancelled due to Winter Weather Advisory.

Sheriff Jeff Grey cautions drivers to be careful on the icy and snow-drifted roads.
 

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link! 

OUR OLD BOOK CASE
Historical Society Members’ Workshops & Exhibits for 2018.

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo caption:    Mercer County Historical Museum, the Riley Home, is the home of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. is To Preserve Mercer County’s History & To Educate the Public about that History.  The Mercer County Commissioners purchased the Riley Home on May 27, 1975 for “A Home for the Mercer County Historical Society.”  This Museum is “The County Museum,”  and the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. is “The County Historical Society.” 

The 2018 Brochure is being prepared for the events of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc., at the Mercer County Historical Museum, The Riley Home.  For 2018, the Society will be continuing to host programs which continue in popularity:  the April New Idea Co. Exhibit; the June Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors Exhibit; the October Military & Gun Exhibit and November Post Card and Post Mark Exhibit.  These dates are announced in the 2018 Brochure.

The Society is always introducing new programs; this year, two new Workshops are planned.

 The first series of Workshops will be about the history of Fort Adams and the Artifacts found at Fort Adams on the St. Marys River in Dublin Township.  The 2018 Brochure will contain these dates.  You are welcome to become a part of this project.

The second series of Workshops will be about the history of oil and gas wells in Mercer County, including Grand Lake.  The 2018 brochure will contain these Workshop dates, also.  You are welcome to become a part of this project.

The Mercer County Historical Society has printed over thirty history books for the public.  This year, two local history books are in progress.  It usually takes two or three years to gather research, write the book, and then get it printed.  These books are noted in the 2018 Brochure.  The first book in progress is the New Idea Company’s fourth book in the Series.  There are many potential themes for this fourth book, so these next few months will be the review of various options for themes for this book, and for future books.  The workshops are announced in the 2018 Brochure.  You are welcome to become a part of the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee.

The other book in progress is the History of Oil and Gas Wells in Mercer County.  This book has turned out to be a lot bigger than we had anticipated.  I started doing research for this book a couple of years ago and many of you have already brought your stories to the Historical Society at the County Museum.  The research for history of the oil wells on the Lake has been exciting as well as overwhelming.  You are welcome to share your stories about oil and/or gas wells on your land or near-by land in Mercer County.  The Workshop dates are announced in the 2018 Brochure.

A great way to help the Mercer County Historical Society is to renew your Membership, or if you are not a Member, now is a good time to do so.  2018 is a fascinating year for visiting the Workshops; either helping or watching.  Thank you to those of you who have already renewed your 2018 Membership.  Membership Dues are your choice, so it fits everyone’s pocketbook.  If you want a copy of the 2018 Historical Society Brochure, email me or write me.  Those of you who are interested, in preserving Mercer County’s history, you may send your Membership, with your name and address to the Mercer County Historical Society, P.O. Box 512, Celina, OH 45822.   Happy New Year to each of you.

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road,

Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614]

 
January 13-14, 2018
 

Parkway Board of Education to Meet on January 16, 2018
Special Meeting and Regular Meeting Planned at 6:30 PM
 Click here to see Agenda by Sally Cox

2017 National American Legion Legacy Run

On August 12, 2017, Bob Maurer and fellow motorcyclists departed Fort Dodge, Kansas and traveled for 5 days to Fallon, Nevada. He writes, “We called this day as kick stands up. 

(On another August 12, 1968 to be specific I had another kick stands up or maybe I should wheels up. I left the east coast and headed to Vietnam.) 
We followed US 50 the entire way. 

US 50 is called the loneliest highway in the country. Day 6 took us from Fallon to our final destination Reno Nevada, the site of the 2017 National American Legion Convention. Total miles ridden for the event was 1400 miles.

The total donations raised set another record of $1,225,000 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund.

One small town we traveled through was Rocky Ford, Colorado.  It is known as the sweet melon capital and I can agree with that.  At our stop in Pueblo we were served their melon, and it was great.

In all I rode 4930 miles.
There was different scenery but I will take Mercer County any time.

I presented National Commander Charles Schmidt with checks totaling $1750. (See picture above)

Left: Ray Sutton from Ohio City also rode the entire route shown with Bob (right).

Left: Utah/Nevada border.”

Click here: for the Legion Website and an official video of the Legacy Run.

By Bob Maurer

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Discuss New Detection Methods

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting a new method for detecting and managing prostate cancer will be presented.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, January 16th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

 
January 12, 2018
 

Parkway Sporting Events Cancelled for Friday, January 12, 2018
Parkway Schools are CLOSED due to icy weather.

 

All Parkway Evening activities for 1/12/2018 have been cancelled.
The Homecoming Basketball Game for tonight and Homecoming Dance tomorrow are cancelled.  
The Homecoming Boys Basketball Game has been rescheduled for Friday, February 2, 2018.  
The Homecoming Dance is rescheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2018

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link! 

Friday, January 12, 2018 - Parkway Schools will be CLOSED
due to freezing rain and snow expected today and a winter weather advisory posted.

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link!   

Sheets Couple To Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Dave and Diane Sheets, 10620 Neptune-Mendon Rd, Mendon will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday January 20, 2018 with an open house at the Rockford United Methodist Church, Social Room, 202 S. Franklin St, Rockford, OH.  from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

They were married at the Rockford E.U.B. Church with the late Rev. Charles Bradford performing the ceremony.

Dave is the son of the late David and Bernice Sheets, Mendon.  Diane is the daughter of the late Ernie and Betty Mihm, Rockford.

Mr. Sheets and his son, Dave is engaged in farming and operate Sheets Bulldozing.  Mrs. Sheets is employed at Motor Inn. 

The event will be hosted by their son, Dave, his wife, Erica and their two grandsons, Tyler and Jayden Sheets, sister, Elaine and her husband Jim Geyer.

The couple requests no gifts.