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May 9-16, 2022
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 17 years!
 

Mendon-Union Alumni Association
Plans Reunion Activities
The Mendon-Union Alumni Association will be having their Annual Alumni Weekend June 3,4,& 5, 2022.  Friday's events kick off at 5 to 9 p.m. with a collector Car, Truck, and Motorcycle cruise-in downtown, Saturday has Bingo at the Farm Store at 11:00 a.m., At 5 p.m. the 126th Annual Alumni Banquet will be held at the Celina American Legion Post 210, the 50 year class of 1972 will be this year's banquet honorees.  The 45 year class of 1977 will be recognized as a group. Trivia by Egghead Entertainment following the banquet at 7:30 p.m.  Sunday features a BBQ Chicken dinner by Rockford Carry Out at noon, the Mendon First Church of God will host a freewill offering supper from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the church prior to the Titanic drama.  At 6:30 p.m. the Church of God will host a 1 hr. 20 min. drama inside the church.  Titanic, an evening with Capt. E.J. Smith and Molly Brown.  The drama is performed by Mark & Margaret Hyre, of Ann Arbor, Mich, and depicts the final hours aboard the "Greatest Ship ever built", the Titanic before it sinks.  The actors use factual documentation of the event, and incorporate time period costumes, music and photographs to bring the story to life. Their goal is not only to entertain, but hopefully educate about one of the greatest tragedies in maritime history.  This is a free event, open to the public, not just Mendon Alumni, hosted by the Mendon First Church of God, organized by the Mendon-Union Alumni Assoc, and sponsored by 10 area Mendon businesses.  We hope that you the public, will come and enjoy the evening with us.

Memorial Day Events in Rockford

The Rockford American Legion Post Post 508 will be holding their annual
  Memorial Day Services, Monday - May 30, 2022. All area veterans and
  Post 508 members are invited to join us at both or either service.
  The public is invited to our first ceremony to honor our all fallen
  veterans at Riverside Cemetery at 10 am.
  Flags have been placed on each veterans' grave markers, a 21 gun
  salute will be given, and TAPS will be played.
  
  The Memorial Day parade will begin at approximately 11 am (When the
  band arrives!) beginning at the Fire Station and
  travel north on Main street to the service at Hedges Park. This year
  we are honored to have Ben Sapp, Director of the Mazza Museum at the
  University of Findlay, as our Guest Speaker. New Horizons Community
  Church lead pastor Ken Meyer will be offering the prayers. Post 508
  SAL member Mike Heiser will be the MC.
  
  The Rockford American Legion will be holding a barbecue chicken
  dinner fundraiser.
  The cost will be $10 - Tickets are pre-sale only and are available at
  Rockford American Legion, Barrys Family Market, and The Rockford
  Carryout. Chicken dinners will be available for pick
  up at the Rockford American Legion immediately following the
  ceremony.

Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

Memorial Weekend Patriotic Concert In The Park

On Friday May 27th, 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, Let Freedom Ring, Echoes of the Civil War, Van Wert American Legion Band March, God Bless America, and God Bless the U.S.A. Other selections will include music of the Ukrainian Nation Anthem and Beautiful Savior. Area military personnel and veterans will also be honored with a Salute To America’s Finest.  In the event of inclement weather the concert will be held at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center Auditorium. Please listen to the local radio station or visit the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band Face Book page for updates.

The band members and director are excited to present this live performance. Please join the band directed by Richard Sherrick and members from, Van Wert, Ohio City, Delphos, Convoy, Chat, Middle Point, Coldwater, Defiance, Spencerville, Celina and Rockford for this special concert. 

The band will also be providing music for the Ohio City American Legion Memorial Day Ceremonies on Monday May 30th at 10:00 A.M.

Pictured is the VWACCB performing August 2021 in Celina, Ohio amphitheater.

Rockford Carnegie Library Summer Meeting Schedule Announced
The Rockford Carnegie Library Board of Trustees has established its summer meeting schedule as follows:

June:  no meeting

Tuesday, July 12 @ 4 p.m.:  regular meeting plus approval of 2023  budget

August:  no meeting

Please be sure to stop in during the summer months and see the great updates made to the library!

LIMA AREA YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO PRESENT CONCERT ON MAY 15

Lima, OH (May 13, 2022) – The Lima Area Youth Orchestra returns to the concert stage for their 2021-2022 season finale on Sunday, May 15 at 4PM in the Lima Senior High School auditorium (1 Spartan Way, Lima, OH 45801). The program will be led by LAYO Music Director Sarah Waters and Co-Conductor Joseph MacBenn. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10.00 for adults; $5.00 for students and seniors.

The concert will feature a wide variety of symphonic music, including Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, a perennial favorite from Leroy Anderson: The Syncopated Clock, an arrangement of Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer, Bach’s Brandenburg Sinfonia, and will feature concert master Madison Burkholder on a Vivaldi concerto.

New to the LAYO program is the Cadet Program which is open without audition to students with only one or two years of string experience. The Cadets will present two works on their own and join LAYO for a version of the 1812 Overture and the Can-Can. The Cadet program was founded and is led by Mr. Joseph Macbenn, co-conductor of LAYO.

Members of LAYO are students from the Lima area that are selected through audition. In person auditions for next year will be held June 11 and we are also accepting virtual auditions.  Please check our website for details: limaareayouthorchestra.org

The Lima Area Youth Orchestra is sponsored by: The Lima Symphony Orchestra and The Lima Noon Optimist Club

Tickets (available for purchase at the door):

$10 adults

$5 students and seniors

The Lima Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to preserving musical excellence as a living part of our community. Serving communities throughout West Central Ohio, the Lima Symphony annually presents five subscription concerts, a family concert, Music by Candlelight concerts and an annual New Year’s Eve Pops concert.

Pastor Steve Howell Preaching Message of Forgiveness

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, May 22, 2022. This congregation is blessed to have retired Pastor Steve Howell in the pulpit that day.

 Steve’s lesson on Sunday, May 22, 2022 will come from the Bible Book of John 18:15-26  entitled “Peter’s Denial – Jesus’ Forgiveness”. Steve has been bringing us the many lessons of John as he covers Jesus’ life and death for our salvation.

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Sunday School is at 9:30 am. Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly. All children are invited to these very special Bible learning experiences and craft activities.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please join us as we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Two Coldwater Men Arrested for Drug Possession
CELINA, OH- Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced this morning the arrest of Zachary Frazier, 31,  Coldwater, and Alan Bricher, 29, Coldwater, for drug possession, fifth degree felonies.  Mercer County Sheriff’s Detectives, acting on information that they had received surveilled Frazier as he went to the Dayton, OH area to purchase fentanyl on Thursday evening.

When Frazier came back to Mercer County, a Deputy Sheriff in a marked Mercer County Sheriff’s Car stopped Frazier for lanes of travel violations on State Route 118 near Lange Road.  Detectives then contacted Coldwater Police as they had the only K9 on duty in the county.  Coldwater K9 Franko alerted to the vehicle.  A search was conducted of the vehicle and several baggies were located  in the vehicle. The baggies contained fentanyl.  Detectives weighed the fentanyl and it had a combined gross weight of 47.53 grams (47,530 milligrams) .  A fatal dose of fentanyl is considered 2 milligrams.  Frazier was then taken into custody without incident.  Bond was set by Celina Municipal Court Judge Kathryn Speelman at $250,000, subject to 10%.

With the information gathered at the traffic stop, detectives were able to apply for and receive a night time search warrant that was executed at Bricher’s residence on Second Avenue, Coldwater.  During the execution of the search warrant, additional narcotics and drug paraphernalia were seized.  Detectives were assisted in serving the search warrant by the Coldwater Police Department.  Bricher was taken into custody without incident and his bond was also set by Celina Municipal Court Judge Kathryn Speelman at $250,000, subject to 10%.  The prosecutor’s office assisted throughout the evening with legal advice and search warrant preparation.

Jeff Grey, Sheriff

Western Ohio Civil War Roundtable Western Ohio Civil War Roundtable to Meet

Western Ohio Civil War Roundtable Western Ohio Civil War Roundtable is a membership organization formed to study the history of the American Civil War and advance the memory of the great conflict. We are supported only by membership dues and contributions. As a commitment to greater understanding, our meetings are open to the public. NEXT MEETING MAY 26, 2022 Richardson - Bretz Building 119 W. Fulton St. Celina, Ohio

Mike Klinger is a former Delphos resident who has carried a lifelong interest in the Civil War. he has a handful of ancestors connected to the 118th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment that was organized in Delphos circa August 1862. Mike speaks to our Roundtable on May 26 Among Klinger’s relatives with ties to the 118th regiment: A great-great-grandfather and his brother, plus a great-great-great-uncle who wrote a diary about experiences related to the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. “They’ve been unsung heroes,” Klinger said. Their accomplishments have been overlooked until now. Mike Klinger did extensive research about that regiment and published a book with the self-explanatory title “The History of the 118th Ohio Volunteer Infantry XXIIIrd Corps

Energy Control Insulation Sponsors Honor Flight to Washington, DC

Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI) is slated to celebrate its 36th flight to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

Energy Control Insulation is the Full-Flight Sponsor for Flight #36. David & Janet Bell are proud owners of Energy Control. Both served during Vietnam. David Bell was an enlisted Marine who was wounded in Vietnam and a recipient of the Purple Heart. Janet Bell served 26 years between the Air Force and the Indiana Air National Guard and rose to the rank of Colonel. She was the highest ranking female JAG officer in the ANG at the time of her military retirement.

The May 25th Honor Flight currently consists of a total of 86 veterans: 3 WWII veterans, 13 Korean War veterans, 45 Cold War veterans and 17 Vietnam War veterans. An additional 8 veterans who served in Afghanistan, Desert Storm (or various eras) are also included. Of these veterans, 35 served in more than one era. To date, 2,618 veterans have been transported to Washington by Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, to reflect upon the memorials built in their honor.

Veteran families traveling together to Washington include:

Air Force veterans Darryl Smith, and his Air Force veteran wife, Joyce Smith, along with their daughter, Amanda Asbury, M.D., active duty Air Force Medical Officer.
 
Three veteran brothers, Army veteran Stephen Batchelder, Army veteran John Batchelder, and Marine veteran Larry Batchelder.  Also, Navy veteran Laura Clauser, daughter of Stephen Batchelder, will be on the Honor Flight. And, Angela Murphy, daughter of Stephen Batchelder will be serving as guardian for her dad, two uncles, and her sister, Laura Clauser.
 
Air Force veteran Robert Young and his Air Force veteran son, Rory Young, will be on the Honor Flight.

Due to construction at the airport, no welcome home festivities are permitted.

Honor Flight NE Indiana, Inc. is a volunteer, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Stateline Writer's Club will Meet Soon

The Stateline Writers Club will meet Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m. in the Mercer County District Memorial Public Library meeting room.

The writing theme is "A time when you had a tough choice and how you decided what to do." Ron Aragon, member, will present a writing lesson.

The club is open to anyone interested in writing. Members read their brief stories at each meeting.

ercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office received a 911 call at 8:12 AM on Sunday morning advising of traffic crash on County Road 219A.   The investigation revealed that 57 year old Louis B Badgett Jr of 5480 Club Island Road Celina, Ohio was driving his 2002 Chevrolet eastbound on County Road 219A just east of Dicke Road.  Badgett traveled off of the right side of the roadway, down into the ditch and out into the field.  The vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to rest on its top. Badgett was pronounced deceased at the scene.   It appeared the crash likely occurred several hours before anyone reported it. Grey advised that due to the location of the crash, the vehicle’s final resting place and the darkness, it would have been hard for anyone to see the vehicle in the field over night.   

Assisting the deputies at the scene were the Montezuma Fire Department, Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers (MCERV) and Coldwater EMS.   

This marks the fourth (4) fatal traffic crash in Mercer County this year.

LAKE AREA ARTS GROUP NEWS
    
    A beginner water color class will be Wednesday, May 18th from 1-3pm at
    the Art Center, 110 South, Main St., Celina. Cost is $25 with all
    supplies furnished with instructor Corrine Craft from St. Marys.
    Contact lakeareaartsgroup@gmail.com with name and contact info.
    
    LAAG has just printed a Lake Area Community Arts Guide for art lovers
    and visitors to explore artist studios, area businesses that sell
    locally produced art, and community art centers. Inside the brochure
    is a map guide that features art places to visit and is available free
    of charge at the Celina Art Center and numerous locations around the
    Grand Lake area.
    
    The Second Annual Grand Lake Juried Art Show sponsored by LAAG and the
    Celina Area Photo Club will be July 2-29th. Registration and entry fee
    deadline is Wednesday, June 10th. To receive an entry form email
    lakeareaartsgroup@gmail.com

Mercer Health’s MED Foundation Awards 18 Scholarships

The Medical, Educational and Development Foundation of Mercer Health (commonly known as the MED Foundation) was created in 1988 with the mission to cultivate philanthropic relationships that enhance Mercer Health’s ability to fulfill its mission and vision.   In 1992, the MED Foundation Scholarship Program was created to help support the selection of careers in the healthcare profession by offering scholarships to graduating seniors from each of the Mercer County schools who are pursuing an education in healthcare. Based upon qualified candidates, at least one (1) scholarship is awarded to a student from each of the six (6) high schools in Mercer County. Scholarships are awarded based on evaluation and assessments to meet future healthcare needs.

The Scholarship Program is funded by the Esmonde- Homan Golf Outing held annually in June. 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.

This year, The MED Foundation is awarding 18 scholarships totaling $18,250.00. Since the inception of the Scholarship Program in 1992, as of this year, 309 scholarships have been awarded totaling $328,200.00

This year’s recipients for Parkway are:  

Leah Eichler and Riley Samples

 Parkway School Board Agenda for a Organizational Meeting on May 11, 2022 at 6:00 pm
by Sally Cox

 
May 1-8, 2022
 

Rockford Eagles Donates to Marathon X through Rod and Barb Carpenter Who Raised Money for this Local Non-Profit

By Sheila Baltzell 5-5-2022

The Rockford Eagles Aerie 1292 recently donated $1000 to the Kingdom Harvest Ministries, Rockford and Celina OH, under the leadership of Pastor Justin Monfort, Tom Sanford, Pastor Ken Meyer and Matt Rhynehart.

Raising money for this worthy cause are Rod and Barb Carpenter of Celina who have committed to fund raising efforts for many projects over the past 6 years.

Pictured above are (l to r) Rod Carpenter, fund raiser and Tom Beahrs, treasurer of the Eagles. Rod accepted the check on behalf of Kingdom Harvest Ministries. In the past, the Eagles membership has given back to the community through donations to Community Health Professionals, Autism Speaks, Mercer County Cancer Association, Parkway Back Pack Project, Lots for Soldiers and the Parkway Booster Club. These donations have helped fund many projects in countless ways. 

Rod explains the program to which the Eagles donated, “The students and schools of Celina and Parkway have directly benefited from the Kingdom Harvest Ministries Program as the principles of the Bible they teach help influence the better behavior of the students.  By coming to know God’s laws and boundaries, students will be better equipped morally as well as spiritually to combat the evils of our age.” 

He went on to say, “Indirectly, this benefits businesses and the community as these students then transfer the values of integrity and hard work into the community in which they live. Students who are diligent to pursue the word of God are overall better workers and better stewards of God’s possessions.”

“In 2014, Ohio enacted O.R.C 3313.6022 Released time courses for religious instruction.  No tax dollars go to support the KHM program. To date, the Carpenters have raised $30,000 for KHM. KHM's vision for the future is to continue to serve the communities of Rockford and Celina.  Lord willing, they would like to expand their efforts into the surrounding areas.” 

Rod added that, “Our previous 10 benefits have raised over $400,000.  This money benefited one family, nine non-profits, and one Endowed Scholarship Fund which will provide 5 $1000 scholarships to Tri Star students this school year and continue to generate scholarships forever.”

Barb and Rod are still accepting funds for Kingdom Harvest Ministries and ask that you give them a call at 419-236-9136 or email them at carpenter@bright.net to learn how you can help.

Since 1985, when the first Washington DC trip was made by the Parkway Class of 1989, the excitement and learning experience of the Panthers has once again taken place. Administrator Mr. Wood, teachers, and parents chaperoned 90 8th graders, Class of 2026 from Sunday, April 10, 2022 through Thursday, April 14, 2022. The pictures below were taken on the day of their appointment to visit Arlington National Cemetery and lay the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Arlington National Cemetery’s most iconic memorial. This tradition stands as one of the biggest highlights of the trip for students. It is a solemn and reverent service in memory of a buried soldier from World War I and later wars' unknown soldiers were added in 1958 and 1984. Shown below are the students selected for this honor. Left to right, the wreath layers chosen for the task were: Ethan Pond; Rylan Lyons; Brittyn Bruns; and Taylor Muhlenkamp. Other places on the educational trip to our capital included: the Capitol Building; Ford Theater where President Lincoln was shot; the Holocaust Museum; World War II Memorial; the Pentagon; and other locations of historical significance which the students had been learning about before their trip. Send your pictures of the trip to editor@parkway indepedendent.com to have them posted here.

DITCH MAINTENANCE SPRAYING BEGINS

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart is announcing that crews are tentatively scheduled to begin the 2022 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, St. Joseph, IN 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 May 31, 2022.  Any landowner having questions or concerns regarding the herbicide application, should contact the Mercer County Engineer’s Office, 4195867759.

VWCF SOON ACCEPTING UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
by Joel Germann

The Van Wert County Foundation will begin accepting Undergraduate Scholarship Applications for the 2022-2023 school year on May 15th.

Scholarships are based on residency, high school that the student graduated from, and college grade point average. They are available for any recognized field of study leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Students with full-time status who have completed their first year of post-secondary study are eligible to have their application considered, provided they have a 2.75 accumulative grade point average. Students who have been previously granted a scholarship must maintain a 3.0 accumulative grade point average to be eligible for continual grants. A student can receive a maximum of 3 grants. Required application documentation includes an Official Transcript. The official transcript must include the Spring 2022 semester and should be emailed/mailed directly to the VWCF after the semester ends by your enrolled institution. An applicant must have been a resident of Van Wert or Paulding Counties when they graduated from one of the following eligible High Schools: Antwerp, Crestview, Delphos Jefferson, Delphos St. John’s, Lincolnview, Parkway, Paulding, Spencerville, Vantage, Van Wert, and Wayne Trace. All graduates of Delphos Jefferson and Delphos St. John’s are eligible regardless of county of residence.

The deadline for applying is Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 11:59 pm. Applications may be found online at www.vanwertcountyfoundation.org. Students with questions can call the VWCF at (419) 238-1743 or reach out via email at info@vanwertcountyfoundation.org. The Van Wert County Foundation office is located at 138 East Main Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.

Our Old Bookcase, sent May 5, 2022, Harrison Frech, Historian, for May 12, 2022

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

Photo Caption:  Harrison Frech’s newest History book, photo Mendon Civil War Monument.

Harrison Frech, Mercer County’s finest scholar in local history, has produced another milestone in his career.  His first book was entitled “Anthony Shane, Metis Interpreter:  A Bridge between Two Cultures, Scout, Interpreter, Town Founder, and Witness to History,”

Frech’s newest book, “Wars, Mobs, Riot, Cholera, Amnesia and Bombing:  Stories of Area People and Incidents,” is another successful story of local history.  Frech relates his theme to citizens from Willshire.  However, his stories are based on events in Mercer and Van Wert Counties.

His first Chapter is “Finding the lost Soldier of Chickamauga,” follows the Civil War Soldier throughout his life time with a loss of his memory , seeking his identity.

The second Chapter, “Doctor John Pearce and the 1854 Willshire’s Cholera Epidemic, “ follows Pearce in his quest to find a medical solution to preventing or caring for the Cholera epidemic.

The third Chapter, “Mobs of Mercer County, 1843-1918,” relates the 1843 flooding of Grand Lake Reservoir before the State paid landowners, whereby Mercer County Government Officials were responsible for the flooding of the Lake.  Frech also highlighted the Randolph Freedmen and Women who were stopped from disembarking from the Miami and Erie Canal, at New Bremen.  Frech also retold the old story of the Mary Secaur murder.

Next week, I will write about the three last chapters of Harrison Frech’s book.

I have the deepest respect for Harrison Frech’s academic research and his ability to use his broad knowledge of local, state and national history, to weave the stories, to create a readable book for every citizen.  Whether a reader “likes history or not,” is not the point.  These stories allow us to better understand how we reach to stressful events within this two County area. 

Contact your local Library to see a copy of this heart-touching book.

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883, histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

Food Safety

By Samuel Shriver

(VAN WERT) As we enter festival season, the Van Wert County Health Department is working to keep the public safe from food-borne illnesses.

The Health Department is active in providing educational resources for those wanting to sell food at the various events in the county.

Food trucks are very popular at local festivals. Ohio requires that every person that intends to prepare or sell food from a movable vehicle, portable structure, or watercraft that routinely changes location must obtain a Mobile Food Service Operation or Retail Food Establishment license.

There is a review process before the granting of a license and there is a fee of $159 annually.

Two different licenses are available through the Van Wert County Health Department for events, a Mobile License, and a Temporary License. A Temporary License is event-based and a Mobile License is a yearly license giving the operator the option of operating wherever in the State of Ohio all year long. The Mobile License has a lot more requirements than a Temporary License such as a three-compartment sink with drainboards on both ends, a hand wash as well as other requirements. A temporary license can allow the vendor to have a portable cooler with a spigot filled with hot water for handwashing.

Operators from other counties can get a Mobile License in their hometown county in Ohio and sell in our county at an event but a license must be available at the event for viewing. Mobile Licenses can be obtained in your home county but those licenses will be able to be used in all of Ohio.

Those applying for the Mobile License need to sub their application at least 10 days before an event and those applying for a Temporary License have to sub an application at least seven days prior to an event.

As a reminder to people who sell food items made at their homes, there are certain rules to follow.

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, a “Home Bakery” is permitted to make non-potentially hazardous bakery products like cookies, bread, brownies, cakes, and fruit pies and potentially hazardous bakery products like cheesecakes, cream pies, custard pies, and pumpkin pies.

These home-baked goods can be sold from your home or through grocery stores, convenience stores, farm markets, farmers’ markets, and other retail establishments.

All food items must be properly labeled.

A Home Bakery must be licensed and inspected by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Food Safety.

There is an annual fee of $10.

To arrange an inspection contact the ODA Division of Food Safety at 1-800-282-1955 ext. 4366 or email foodsafety@agri.ohio.gov.

If you are involved in a Cottage Food Production Operation a license is not required.

Ohio Revised Code defines Cottage Food Operation as a person who, in the person’s home, produces food items that are not potentially hazardous foods, including bakery products, jams, jellies, candy, fruit, butter, and similar products specified in rules. These foods must be labeled properly or they will be considered misbranded or adulterated.

For more information, contact Kelly Freewalt, Registered Environmental Health Specialist at the Van Wert County Health Department at 419-238-0808 EXT. 108 or you can email her at kdues@vanwertcountyhealth.org.

Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

Parkway May 2022 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Mercer County PERI Chapter #13 to Meet
Mercer County PERI Chapter #13 will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at the Hopewell Grange Hall on the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina.  Coffee, juice and doughnuts will be available beginning at 9:30 AM.  The business meeting will start at 10:00 AM.  Members planning on attending the Annual District #2 meeting on Thursday June 16th in Lima are reminded that registration/fee can be submitted at this meeting.  

Following the business portion of the meeting, members and guests will be offered the opportunity to tour the Call Ministries with special attention to the Aquaponics area.  This unique program utilizes the environment of fish to nourish plants.  This should take about 30 to 45 minutes. Call Ministries is located at 420 North Brandon St.  We will consider carpooling to the Call building.

Members that may have questions about these activities should feel free to call Secretary, Sharon Heitbrink at 567-644-2302 or Treasurer, Mary Wright at 419-305-2901.

Sharon Heitbrink, Secretary, Mercer County PERI

Comic Book Artist Workshop
Comic Book Art at ArtSpace in partnership with Alter Ego’s Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 7th , ArtSpace/Lima is announcing a Comic Book Art Activity for all ages. Bryan Moss, comic book artist, will be on hand to demonstrate and assist young artists to create their own characters and stories from 10:00 to 2:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. All materials will be provided. ArtSpace is located at 65 Town Square, Lima, OH. For more information, please call Sally Windle, 419-222-1721

Our Old Bookcase, sent April 7, 2022, Shaffer’s Station  P.O.,  for April  14, 2022

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

Photo Caption: Shaffer’s Station Post Office did not last for one year in Dublin Township. 

On the U.S. Atlas, dated 1895, three post offices were marked in Dublin Township:  Shaffer’s Station, Rockford, and Mercer.  The Cartographer (Map Maker) was correct in placing Shaffer’s Station on the C.J. & M. Railroad, as the last stop in Mercer County, prior to entering Van Wert County, Ohio.

The Cartographer who placed the Shaffer’s Station Post Office in Dublin Township, Mercer County, on the 1895 Map of Ohio, in the 1895 U.S. Atlas made a major error of about a decade.  The Shaffer’s Station Post Office did not exist in 1895.

Three Railroads crossed Mercer County, in 1895.  (1)  The Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw (C.J. & M.) crossed Mercer County, as running north from the Cincinnati  area, to crossing the Ohio-Michigan State Line.   (2)   The Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton (C.H.& D.) went north from Dayton, crossing into Mercer County via Marion, Franklin, Jefferson, Dublin Townships, where it turned northeast through Mendon, to crossing Byrd’s Station in the Van Wert/Auglaize County Lines.  (3)  The Lake Erie and Western (L.E. & W.) Railroad entered Mercer County from Indiana, at Fort Recovery, going through Ferner, through Coldwater, to Celina, and then east on the north side of Grand Lake, until it entered Auglaize County.

In Dublin Township, Shaffer’s Station Post Office was located in Dublin Township, where State Route 118 intersected the C.J. & M. Railroad, just south of the Van Wert County Line.  This Post Office was established August 4, 1886, and Joseph G. Baker was the Proposed Post Master for this Station.  Shaffer’s Station Post Office did not last the first year in existence!  Shaffer’s Station Post Office was established August 4, 1886, and was closed the next spring on June 6, 1887.  The mail was then transferred to Shanes Crossing, which later was named Rockford, which was located two and a half miles south.

Roger and Carolyn (Shaffer) Jamieson, Monmouth Rd., Van Wert, emailed me on October 10, 2016, that they owned the Shaffer Farm, on the Van Wert-Mercer County Line Road.  They wrote that their plat map showed a Shaffer’s Station and Post Office, and a #5 Baltzell School, and a one room school, on this farm.  I saved their email.   A “Thank you,” goes to them for preserving this heritage.

Rockford was also located on the C.J. & M. Railroad.  Dublin Township’s oldest Post Office, also Mercer County’s oldest Post Office, was located there.  June 23, 1820, Anthony Shane platted Shanesville.  June 19, 1866, Shanes Crossing was incorporated.  In 1890, the Village name was changed to Rockford.  The Village of Shanes Crossing, Shanesville, and Rockford is one and the same village.  October 4, 1823, The U.S. Post Office was established at Shanes Crossing and was discontinued on July 8, 1890, whereby the mail was sent to Rockford.  The Rockford Post Office was established July 9, 1890.

The Cartographer also was correct when he placed the Village of Mercer on the C.H. & D. Railroad.  At this site, Ruckmans Post Office was established June 22, 1832 , and discontinued April 21, 1837, and mail was transferred to Mercer Post Office.  Mercer Post Office was established April 22, 1837 and discontinued October 19, 1957, and mail was transferred to Mendon (in Union Township).  Mercer Post Office was formerly known as Ruckmans Post Office.

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

Saint Henry, Ohio 45883,  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

Come Hear Pastor Steve Howell St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, May 8, 2022. Retired Pastor Steve Howell will be in the pulpit to continue with his teaching on the book of John 17:6-23 for those of you who like to follow the scriptures. His sermon is entitled “Jesus’ Prayer for Oneness”.

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Sunday School is at 9:30 AM and Children’s Church is on the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th Sundays during the worship service.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page, run by Karen Ousley, for information as well.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Civic Theatre announces youth shows

Van Wert Civic Theater is pleased to announce their summer Youth Theater shows.  On Sunday, May 15 and Monday, May 16, directors Emily Gehle, Alyssa Taylor, and Griffin Waltmire will hold auditions by appointment for “Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr”.   Any youth ages 5 - 18 can schedule an audition from 7 - 9 PM on either night.  The show features those familiar songs like “Under the Sea '' and characters such as Ariel and Flounder. 

Rehearsals primarily will be 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Mondays - Thursdays at the theater.  Performances are June 23, 24, 25, and 26.  Tickets go on sale to the public June 20.

The second opportunity for young people to get on stage is the play “Hey Diddle Diddle: The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon.”   Director Monica Campbell will hold auditions by appointment Sunday, June 19 and Monday, June 20.  Performances will be July 30, 31 and August 1.  A cat plays the fiddle; the cow jumps over the moon while the little dog laughs; and the dish runs away with the spoon…but then what? A group of storytellers are challenged to continue the story of the dish and the spoon from Hey Diddle Diddle. The tales that they spin find the dish and spoon fleeing from the Abominable Snowman, encountering the witch from Hansel and Gretel, becoming spies, and even fighting bad sushi.  All ages will love watching this funny play.

Young people ages 6 - 18  are invited to audition.  There are a variety of roles available both speaking and nonspeaking.    Rehearsals primarily will be 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Mondays - Thursdays at the theatre.  July 24 - 28 will be technical and dress rehearsals. 

To schedule an audition for either show via online form, visit vwct.org. 

All auditions, rehearsals, and performances will be held at the Van Wert Civic Theatre at 118 South Race Street in Van Wert.

Our Old Bookcase, sent April 28, 2022, Liberty Twp., Landfair School for May 5, 2022
OUR OLD BOOK CASE by Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society.

Photo Caption: Landfair School stood in Liberty Township, at the corner of Erastus Durbin Rd & Frahm Pike.

In 2007, I made the decision to create Township History books, for the purpose of sharing information about how to do local historical research, for people who love researching and/or writing local history and/or genealogy books.  Between 2007 and 2012,  I published eight Township books;  Butler, Center, Franklin, Granville, Hopewell, Liberty, Marion and Washington.   I wanted these books to be rich in historical knowledge, but cost friendly for anyone seeking these books.  Each booklet costs five dollars, plus two dollar postage.

In 2008, for the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc., I published the book, “Passport Mercer County Ohio History, Liberty Township.”  The following Villages are included:  Brehm, Burrville, Chattanooga, Durbin, Hinton (Pierstorff Store), Price, Scudder, Skeel’s Cross Roads, and Striptown.  Ten Township Schools were listed in Liberty Township:  Hinton (Lincoln), Deitsch, Chatt, Weisenborn, Center, Landfair, Carmel, Scudder, Skeels, and Joint School for Liberty & Hopewell Township.  Liberty Township’s Churches and Cemeteries are also listed in this book.

Do you recall the Farmers Institute?  I remember our Elementary School Classes visiting Chattanooga to attend this Farmers Institute.  Stories are told about tornadoes, oil fields, big old barns, and Geology Surveys of Liberty Township.  A Migrant Camp existed at Tama Road, east of St. Rt. 49.  Various organizations were a part of Liberty Township, e.g. Ancient Order of Gleaners, 4-H Clubs, Chattanooga Grange Hall, Chattanooga Mausoleum Association, Chattanooga Red Hat Chicks, and the Dolph Gray Post G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic for Civil War Veterans).  Three pages list old and current businesses at Chattanooga.  Durbin House and Store, stood at Durbin Corners, at the intersection of Erastus Durbin Road and Mud Pike.  The Durbin Bean Bake has always been a popular event.

Brehm had a U.S. Post Office, July 24, 1890 – December 31, 1897; the mail was then sent to Hinton.   Hinton Post Office was established April 25, 1890 and was located at various sites.  Hinton Post Office was discontinued on December 31, 1904, and mail was transferred to Celina.  Hinton Corners or Pierstorff Store stood at the intersection of Erastus Durbin Road and Oregon Road.  Price Post Office was at the intersection of Burrville and Carmel Church Roads, Feb. 17, 1867 until August 23, 1880; the mail was then sent to Skeels X Roads.  Skeel’s  Cross Roads Post Office went through various names and various sites, May 11, 1850 until  May 31, 1905 and then sent to Celina.  Scudder was located at the intersection of Skeels Road and Wabash Road.  Scudder Post Office existed from October 19, 1889 until August 31, 1903, and mail was then sent to Celina.

Chattanooga’s Post Office opened September 18, 1882 until January 29, 1904, followed by the next Post Office, at a new site, 250 feet South of the other Post Office.  That Post Office was discontinued May 31, 1905 and mail was sent to Rockford.  Chattanooga hosted Baseball teams, as did other small villages in Mercer County.  The most famous Pro Baseball player from Chattanooga was Bruno Betzel.  I will have to write about Bruno Betzel’s Professional Baseball years another day.

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883, histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

 
April 26-30, 2022
 

The Stateline Writer's Club in Celina recently presented its Excellence in Writing Award to Emma Whistler

Emma, the daughter of Mick and Renee Whistler, received a certificate and cash prize.  Mrs. Katie Gudorf, the head of the English department at Celina High School, was instrumental in selecting Emma for this award. Teacher Ms. Black also helped Emma by critiquing her writing and improving it through multiple drafts. Emma’s love of reading young adult writers has inspired her to write about her own life and helps her to improve her creative side as well. The Celina High School senior also enjoys bowling as a hobby as well as working at CBY. She is set to seek a degree in secondary education with a focus on English at Kentucky Wesleyan College after she graduates this Spring. 

The Stateline Writers Club is open to everyone interested in creative writing. The club meets the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Mercer County District Memorial Library in Celina. Members read the brief stories they have written on the monthly topic. A writing lesson often follows the readings.

Western Ohio Civil War Roundtable to Meet on Thursday, April 28, 2022
Civil War Artifacts & Memories Jim Bowsher will be the featured speaker for the April 28 meeting of the Western Ohio Civil War Roundtable. Jim has an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts, and every one of them has an interesting story. Jim is the local authority on incredible stuff. He is the Master of the Temple of Tolerance a unique place in Wapakoneta that offers a respite from the everyday grind. There you’ll find peace, and whimsey combined with mind blowing structures that’ll have you wondering just how one man could put together such a collection. Over the years, we have introduced Jim as a local historian, collector, and raconteur. Some of you may know Jim as an archeologist, geologist, teacher, folklorist, storyteller, and writer. For sure, when Jim is the speaker you know you are in for an exciting evening that covers the waterfront. He’s walked astride the wreckage of the Steamship Sultana, The worst maritime disaster in American history. He’s brought us a copy of a map of the Vicksburg campaign from the wallet of General John Logan. He has allowed us to handle a leather whip laced with lead weights that was used to whip slaves. The meeting comes to order at 7:15 at the Richardson Bretz Building in downtown Celina. BE ADVISED: the roadway in front of our meeting place is under serious repair and is closed to traffic. Access to the meeting may be found through the alley that passes beside the public library. Hope you can make it!

The Rockford Area Development Corporation will meet on Monday, April 25, 2022  at 7 pm at the Rockford Library. 

Rockford Ohio Chamber of Commerce to Host Spring Fling on Saturday - April 30th

Rockford OH - The Rockford Ohio Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the hosting of 2022 Spring Fling, to
be held in downtown Rockford, Ohio April 30, 2022. The event will start at 10:00 am with businesses participating with
specials, activities, and more.
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April 30th’s Spring Fling will also feature an open-air vendor market, which will be available from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
and is a rain or shine event. Vendors include custom wood carvings and specialty made wood signs, many bakers and
fundraising bake sales, handmade goods, local honey and home goods.

Additionally, patrons of Rockford’s Spring Fling can expect to experience a car show, make-and-take craft at the library
just in time for Mother’s Day, food trucks, a 50/50 raffle and other raffle opportunities. Prizes include meat bundles from
Barrys’ Family Market, Dayton Dragons tickets, flower baskets and more.

Mark your calendar and support small business and local businesses by attending Rockford’s Spring Fling, April 30, 2022
in the heart of Rockford, Ohio.

Parkway Students Experience Educational Entertainment
by Tafi Stober

(Van Wert, OH) Van Wert was the destination for exploration for Parkway's 2nd Grade Class of Star Students. Van Wert Live presented a Niswonger Behind The Scenes Experience that provided a chance for the students to be a star for the day. Tour Guides, Gary Taylor, Mary Pope, Tina Decker, and Tafi Stober led the students to four stations (Box Office - Amy McGovern and Jerry Beard, Marketing + Creatives - Quincy Thompson and Weston Thompson, Greenroom (Michelle Agler), and Stage - Hugh Saunier and Matt Saunier) that provided insights on what was done leading up to their performance day. The Van Wert Live Staff provided engaging opportunities that were informative mixed with memorable fun.

Parkway 2nd Grade Teacher Brandi Bruns shares, "The field trip to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center was a great learning experience for our second graders! They were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of the theater. There were many hands-on experiences for the students that made for a memorable day! We hope to be able to make this experience a yearly field trip that is both educational and entertaining for our students."

The students ended their Van Wert excursion at The Brumback Library to discover "Books In A Castle" with Librarian Jan Carr. The beautiful grounds of the library also provided very popular nature sightings of black squirrels and robin nests. There are fascinating discoveries in Van Wert and Joel Germann, Director of Engagement and Outreach for the Van Wert County Foundation, was present to share some of those Downtown discoveries that are in motion with Van Wert Forward.

Van Wert Health to Offer Discounted Sports Physicals for Student Athletes

April 21, 2022, Van Wert, OH – Van Wert Health announced their annual initiative to offer sports physicals for local student athletes in grades 7-12 at four schools in the surrounding area. In order to play school sports, all student athletes are required by state law to receive an annual physical each academic year for health and safety reasons.    

All physicals will take place at the respective high school for a reduced fee of $10 each.  Each physical will be administered by a certified health provider, and schools will ensure there is privacy for students during each physical examination.

The sports physicals are not intended to replace a student’s regular physical exam with their primary care provider, but it will meet state of Ohio requirements for student athletes. In the case of a patient not being cleared to participate (from the findings of the sports physical), he or she will need to have a follow up exam with a pediatrician or primary care provider.

Appointments are required for sports physicals performed at the schools and may be scheduled online at: vanwerthealth.org/sportsphysicals

Van Wert City Schools: May 3 and 16 from 8:00 AM – 12:00PM

Ottoville Local Schools: May 11 from 8:00 AM – 12:00PM

Lincolnview Local Schools: May 24 from 8:00 AM – 12:00PM

Crestview Local Schools: June 1 from 8:00 AM – 12:00PM

Each student athlete who plans on receiving a physical must bring a completed Preparticipation Physical Evaluation form. 

If students are unable to attend a sports physical at their respective school, they may make an appointment with any Van Wert Health primary care physician or advanced nurse practitioner for a sports physical, or may go to the Walk-in Clinic (no appointment needed) for a reduced fee of $25 between May 1 - July 31. 

More information and a link to the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation form is available at: vanwerthealth.org/sportsphysicals

Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

Click here to read Rockford Village Council minutes April 19, 2022 by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Items of Interest - Annexation of 50+ acres of land from Dublin Township for a new industrial park.
Water tower discussion.

Farm Focus Announces Scholarship Recipients       

The recipients of the 2022 Farm Focus, Inc scholarships are Brooke Bockey and Hanna Scaggs awarded $1,000 each, and Evan Bowersock and Kathryn Williamson awarded $500 each.

Bockey is a 2019 Spencerville High School graduate attending The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. She is an Animal Science major and plans to continue her education to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Scaggs is a 2020 Lincolnview High School graduate attending Wright State University Lake Campus majoring in Agribusiness. Her career goal is agricultural financing and loans.

Bowersock will be a 2022 graduate of Lincolnview High school. He plans to attend Wright State University Lake Campus in the fall majoring in Agriculture.

Williamson will be a 2022 graduate of Crestview High school and plans to attend Wright State University Lake Campus in the fall majoring in Animal Science.

Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 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.

The  regular board of education meeting for the Parkway Local School District has been changed to Wednesday, May 11 @ 6:30 p.m. in the community room.

Pastor Doug Meyer Coming to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford
Family Celebration Dinner Planned

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Retired Pastor Doug Meyer will be back in the pulpit. He will have a Children’s time before Children’s Church! Please join us and bring your youngsters.

Doug’s lesson on Sunday, May 1, 2022 will come from the Bible chapter Luke 24:13-35 entitled “Becoming Strong at the Broken Places”.

Following the service will be the annual Family Celebration Dinner provided by Women’s Fellowship. Menu includes ham, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, hot vegetable, deviled eggs, variety of salads and lots of homemade desserts.

Doug has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Sunday School is at 9:30 am. Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly. All children are invited to these very special Bible learning experiences and craft activities.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Spring Activities Planned at the Rockford Carnegie Library
Rockford Carnegie Library will be hosting a free will donation book sale, starting Saturday, April 30th from 10am-2pm during Rockford’s Spring Fling. The sale will continue during library hours (M-TH 10-7, F 10-5:30, & S 10-2) until May 8th, located in the library’s basement, wheelchair accessible by elevator.

The library will host a Mother’s Day craft for kids on April 30th, during Spring Fling, from 10am-2pm.

Stop by and check out the library renovations. A huge thank you goes out to Parkway’s FFA classes who moved all the bookshelves and furniture three times to allow for the carpet installation. Henkle Construction and Enyart Flooring also helped make the project possible.   

Book Club: May 2nd at 2pm & 6pm discussing Going There by Katie Couric.

Preschool Play Group: Monday, 5/2 & Tuesday 5/3 10-11am at the library. Last Play Group - Monday, 5/9 & Tuesday 5/10 10-? party at Shanes Park (weather permitting/otherwise at the library). Please pack a sack lunch for a picnic after we play. The library will provide desserts!

It’s hard to believe the kids will be out of school in less than a month! Summer Reading Programs will begin June 14th (to avoid interfering with Rockford VBS). More information to come. Sign up will start May 19th. 

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

Photo Caption: 1978 Mercer County Ohio History Book & Mercer County Commissioners

In 1976, the United States of America was celebrating its Bicentennial, 1776-1976.  Mercer County celebrated this Bicentennial with local and county events.  At the conclusion of this Bicentennial Celebration, the request was made for a County History Book. 

The Mercer County Commissioners met with Joyce Alig, President of the Mercer County Historical Society, and asked her to edit this Mercer County History Book, with the agreement that they would financially support this book, for the Mercer County Government and the Mercer County Schools.  On December 12, 1978, the Commissioners passed Resolution # 551, whereby, “It is necessary to transfer funds to Code A 13 b 1, General Fund, Education, Historical Society.”  On that same date, the Commissioners Ralph Dicke, Walter Schmiesing and Ralph Klosterman, read minutes of the December 8, 1978 Meeting, whereby bills which had been filed and docketed in the Auditor’s Office, were presented and allowed. Two line items were listed:  Mercer County Historical Society, for the County History Book, and the Mercer County Historical Society to also include the Local School Superintendents History (the history of the schools in Mercer County.)

Joyce Alig edited this 1978 Mercer County History Book, with the Copyright of the Library of Congress Cataloging Data.  Mercer County Historical Society Members volunteered with the many chapters in this 976 page book.  The City of Celina and the Villages of each Township were included.  The history of businesses, schools, churches, and service organizations were included.  Family histories were included in each of the Townships.  The first printing of 2000 books was dated February 1980.   The Books sold out within the first week.  The second printing was completed in September 1980. 

The Mercer County Engineer’s Office provided an incredible about of research, with a current Map of each of the fourteen Townships, marking each of the churches, schools, and cemeteries in each Township.    For the last forty years, hundreds of citizens have used these maps as they sought the locations and the names of the early churches, schools, and cemeteries. 

In respect to the value of this 1978 Mercer County Ohio History Book, this is the “most-read, local history book,” and this book is the “most copied local history book, not only by villages, schools, churches, and families, but also students doing research” in Mercer County.

Since this is my 50th year serving as elected President of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc., I thank each of you who took the time to acknowledge to me your appreciation for this tremendous effort in preserving Mercer County’s History, not only for this 1978 Mercer County History Book, but also, for the thirty local history books I have edited for this County.

I was recently asked how much the County is paying me for my work with the Mercer County Historical Museum.  The answer is “Nothing.”  In 2004, the Mercer County Commissioners ceased all funds to the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.  In 2004, the County also ceased their OPERS Position of Director of the Mercer County Historical Museum.  The Mercer County Commissioners own the Museum building and fund the building and grounds maintenance.  Thank the Maintenance crew as they do excellent work at the County Museum.  Mercer County Commissioners work for Mercer County Citizens.

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

 Saint Henry, Ohio 45883,  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

Parkway High School 3rd Quarter Honor Roll 
by Lisa Miller

SENIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Grant Bollenbacher, Leah Eichler, Cami High, Molly Hileman, Danielle Huff, Faith Jacobs, Jacob Rogers, Riley Samples, Kaitlin Shaffner, Benjamin Sheppard, Chantry Simon, Ashtyn Sipe, Blake Strickler, Gracyn Temple, Briana Webb 

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Cora Barna, Ashley Hague, Bryce Harding, Jaden Hileman, Paige Jackson, Raegan Roehm, Gabriel Schaaf, Cade Schoenleben, Avamaria Strunk, Lane Weirrick

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Aiden Anderson, Bailey Berry, Camdyn Clay, Nathan Sheets, Caden Slusher, Keaton Zizelman

JUNIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Colby Bentz, Aaron Cron, Gavin Dicke, Trenton Garwood, Madison Gile, Carter Hellwarth, Jackson Kraner, Corban Rich, Emily Schaefer, Nevaeh Seals, Derek Smith, Brooke Stephenson, Gabrielle Stober

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Sveva Bernardelli, Caden Heindel, Madison Jacobs, Adrienne Joseph, Emiree Knittle, Edin Nichols, Hutch Ridenour, Jace Rissner, Alison Rowen, Jocie Waters, Alyxandra Yoder

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Aaliyah Baxter, Kassidy Decker-Krogman, Blayne Fullenkamp, Allison Hughes, Roman Leszinske, Deegan Rager, Bryant Scudder, Emree Sinning, Roman Stoner

SOPHOMORES

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Breanna Berry, Harli Grunden, Meg Henkle, Ashley Jackson, Madison Louth, William Molloy, Lily Noll, Trent Rollins, Tyler Rowen, Sarah Sheppard, Francesca Steinbrunner, Woodrow Tinkham, Jacob Winget

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Ruby Bennett, Alexis Berry, Morgan Bollenbacher, Martina Eisenberg, Logan Green, Addisyn Hileman, Addysin Leighner, Audrey Nichols, Justin Parsons, Fletcher Smith, Paige Stephenson, Avery White, Tori Williams

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Brandon Chalfant, Samuel Clenny, Aaron Hipply, Samara McDonald, Alizay Neuenschwander, Merissa Price, Ellie Prichard, Emma Prichard, Brittany Sites, Apollo Thomas, Kathryn Trisel

FRESHMEN

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Amanda Barrett, Cali Bollenbacher, Shay Boroff, Brayden Bruns, Emerson Esselstein, Zoey Henning, Evan Kimmel, Adria Miller, Alexavier Samples, Cora Schumm, Isabella Thornsberry

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Kylie Barker, Gabriel Cross, Gaven Garwood, Creeden Knittle, Scarlett Laux, Ashton Minnich, Kaitlyn Rager, Matthew Roberts, Abbygale Schaffer, Helana Sinning

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Ryleigh Barker, Riley Bolton, Matthias Byer, Braedn Conn, Nevaeh Etgen, Jersie Evans, Ethan Fireoved, Abby Hague, Kailyn Regedanz, Alayna Reigle, Wyatt Seals, Meah Suzuki, Andrew Taylor, Ethan Tuttle, Derick Vann, Derrick Wagner

Camp Encourage Returns

EverHeart Hospice is excited to host Camp Encourage: Colors, Coping, & Connection on Friday, June 17th, and Saturday, June 18th, 2022. This complimentary workshop is for children who have experienced the death of someone they loved and provides them a place to come together in an atmosphere of love and acceptance.

This year’s Camp Encourage will be presented in a workshop format with three different time slots to choose from: Friday, June 17th from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm; Friday, June 17th from 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm; or Saturday, June 18th from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. The workshop is open to any child ages 6 to 15, courtesy of EverHeart Hospice.

Colors, Coping, & Connection will guide children to cope through creative adventures with hands-on activities and a meal. Each session will be held outdoors at their Greenville Office located at 1350 N. Broadway Street.

Camp Encourage has been a longstanding event at EverHeart Hospice since 2000. With a core value of being Community-Focused, Camp Encourage is just one of the many ways EverHeart reaches out to serve area communities.

Sarah DePoy, Camp Director and Bereavement Coordinator with EverHeart Hospice, is looking forward to bringing back camp this year, as they have been unable to hold it in person for the past two years due to Covid. She shared, “I am very excited to be able to host camp in person again!  Although camp will look different than previous years, the goal is still the same, to provide children with the tools and support they need through their grieving process.”

Erica Wood, Business Development Specialist with EverHeart, shared that camp would not be possible if not for the generous donors and their donations to camp each year. “The donations we receive from grants and contributions truly make a difference by allowing us to think of new activities we can provide for the kids to help them on their journey through grief. We want to thank everyone who has donated over the years to Camp Encourage.”

Applications are available online at www.everhearthospice.org under “News and Events, Camp Encourage.” For more information, please contact Camp Director Sarah DePoy at 937-316-0005.

Bridge Closing Planned
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Burkettsville-St. Henry Road between State Route 119 and Carthagena Road in Granville Township for a bridge replacement.  This road will be closed tentatively on April 25, 2022 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 2-3 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

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

Spring planting & open ditch maintenance

The Mercer County Commissioners and the Mercer County Engineer would like to remind those who plant and till the fields around the county this spring to remember to avoid planting in the roadway right-of-way.  The Engineer and the Commissioner’s Office have maps that identify the varied widths of the road right-of-way throughout the county.  More specifically, sight problems limiting the ability of the traveling public to see, can be particularly hazardous.

Also, a reminder to those along county-maintained open ditches.  By law there is a maintenance easement for access adjacent to the tops of banks of the open ditches.  We encourage the use of filter strips to eliminate sedimentation and soil erosion adjacent to the open ditches.  Keep in mind that our maintenance crews use the easement for access for the maintenance operations we perform (the spraying of weeds and brush is the most significant maintenance operation). 

Should you have any questions related to these requirements, please feel free to call the Commissioners’ Office at 419-586-3178 or the Engineer’s Office at 419-586-7759. Email the office at karen.heinrichs@engineer.mercercountyohio.gov

LIMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2022-2023 SEASON

Lima, OH (April 20, 2022) – The Lima Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce our 2022-2023 season: One Heart, Many Voices. The Lima Symphony’s most eclectic season yet, and the third for Music Director Andrew Crust, brings to the stage voices of new and old, classical and popular, reinvented and reimagined. Experience the power and creativity of classical music with masterpieces of Mozart, Salieri, and Debussy; film music of John Williams; popular music of Fleetwood Mac; and vibrant new voices of Gulda, Wijeratne, and more. The season will feature world-class guest artists, as well as LSO musicians and the LSO Symphony Chorus.

“After two seasons of constant uncertainty which challenged the LSO to create new programming and explore new venues, I am thrilled to be moving ahead cautiously and safely with our 22/23 season, which is brimming with new discoveries, venerated classics and world-class guest artist talents,” says Music Director Andrew Crust. “With our treasured orchestra and chorus, we strive to create a cultural oasis for the whole community. There's something for absolutely everyone next season, and we look forward to seeing you all at Crouse Performance Hall and various other community venues throughout the county!”

Season Outline:

Grand Series 1: October 22, 2022 – Folklore and Fusion

Listen as the Lima Symphony tells captivating tales from the near to far East through musical fantasy. Opening this incredible season are the subtle and varied sounds of the Indian Tabla, drums that composer Dinuk Wijeratne describes as being able to speak – almost as if they have a tongue. Performed by master tabla player Sandeep Das, the compelling complexity of North Indian classical music combines seamlessly with the orchestra in unexpected ways. Completing this musical voyage is Rimsky-Korsakov’s romantic masterpiece Scheherazade, inspired by folklore from One Thousand and One Arabian Nights.

Dinuk Wijeratne - Concerto for Tabla and Orchestra

            Sandeep Das, tabla solo

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade

            Michael Houff, violin solo

Grand Series 2: November 18, 2022 – Past and Present Sounds

Embark on a musical odyssey that embraces the past through a modern lens! Opening with Valerie Coleman’s 2021 Fanfare for Uncommon Times, this program presents new takes on old ideas. Gulda’s rhythmic Cello Concerto runs the gamut of musical styles from Renaissance Dance to Rock and Roll, German Ländler to big band jazz, and everything in between! Oiseaux bleus et sauvages (Birds Blue and Wild), Morlock’s playful take on birdsong, embodies a sense of mysticism. And pioneering American composer Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2 “Romantic” combines power and tenderness reminiscent of 19th century Romanticism.

Valerie Coleman - Fanfare for Uncommon Times

Friedrich Gulda - Cello Concerto

Henry Shapard, solo cello

Jocelyn Morlock - Oiseaux bleus et sauvages

Howard Hanson - Symphony No. 2 “Romantic”

Grand Series 3: December 10, 2022 – Bells, Brass & Bows

Featuring the Lima Symphony Chorus

Experience the many flavors of Christmas with the Lima Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. From Ellington’s bright and jazzy rendition of “The Nutcracker,” Britten’s regal Men of Goodwill, sentimental favorites by John Williams from “Home Alone,” and Robert Russell Bennett’s lush carol settings in The Many Moods of Christmas, the sacred and popular come together in joyful jubilation.

Featured Repertoire:

Coleridge-Taylor - Christmas Overture   

Bennett/Shaw - The Many Moods of Christmas

Ellington/Tyzik - The Nutcracker Suite                                                   

Britten - Men of Goodwill

Biebl - Ave Maria

Williams - Somewhere in my Memory from “Home Alone”

NYE Pops: December 31, 2022 - Never Break the Chain – The Music of Fleetwood Mac

Jeans n’ Classics

Johnny Rutledge, Kathryn Rose, Rique Franks

The Lima Symphony welcomes Jeans n’ Classics back to our stage for “Never Break the Chain – The Music of Fleetwood Mac.” Hailed as one of the greatest pop groups of all time, Fleetwood Mac’s iconic music combines piercing lyrics, smooth harmonies, and a high-energy rock and roll feel that continues to resonate with fans from every generation. Ring in the New Year with more than 50 years of top hits including The Chain, Rhiannon, Landslide, Everywhere, Dream, Don’t Stop, and many more.

Harp by Candlelight: January 21/22, 2023

Alix Raspé, harp soloist

Erin Torres, flute soloist

Carmen Granger, viola soloist

Delight in the serenity of harp and flute by the subdued hues of candlelight. Featuring soloists from the Lima Symphony, the bright and delicate tones of strings and winds sparkle through works by Debussy, Mozart, Pärt, and Tchaikovsky. Performed in Northwest Ohio’s most beautiful historic churches, our annual Candlelight Concerts offer listeners a musical experience steeped in tradition and veneration.

Arvo Pärt - Fratres for Strings and Percussion

Claude Debussy - Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp                                        

Claude Debussy- Syrinx for solo flute

Claude Debussy - Danse sacrée et danse profane, for Harp and Strings

Gustav Mahler- Adagietto from Symphony No. 5

Wolfgang A. Mozart - Concerto for Harp and Flute, Movement 2

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Serenade for Strings, Movement 1

February 12, 2023 – Family Concert: Wall to Wall Percussion (*US Première)

Vern Griffiths, percussion and host

Buckets, drums, cymbals, sticks, and don’t forget the kitchen sink! We will need it all for this presentation of “Wall to Wall Percussion” created and performed by acclaimed Canadian percussionist Vern Griffiths. Full of funky beats, audience participation, and inspirational ideas, this foot-stomping fast-moving percussion bonanza will have you itching to pull out the pots and pans to create a symphony of your own!

Featured Repertoire:

Vern Griffiths – Kitchen Concerto

G.H. Green/Bill Cahn – Xylophonia

Khachaturian – Sabre Dance

Freedman – Oiseaux Exotique: Conga

Schifrin – Mission Impossible

Grand Series 4: March 18, 2023 – Mozart and Salieri

Featuring the Lima Symphony Chorus

Immortalized in both book and film, Mozart and Salieri come to life once again on the concert stage – not in competition but in complement. The first half of the program highlights the cosmopolitan and refined Salieri, a composer whose fame and recognition have often been overshadowed by Mozart’s vivacious and prodigious talent. Finishing the evening is Mozart’s final prophetic accomplishment: a Requiem mass. Left unfinished upon his own untimely death, this mysterious work remains one of the most powerful and profound in the classical music canon.

Antonio Salieri - La grotta di Trofonio (Overture)                                  

Antonio Salieri - Sinfonia in D Major “Veneziana”

Josquin des Prez – Mille Regretz

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Requiem

Grand Series 5: April 15, 2023 – The Music of John Williams

Experience the magic of the movies through the scores of John Williams. Relive the most awe-inspiring film moments of the past 60 years through live performance as the Lima Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present music from beloved films including E.T., Harry Potter, Schindler's List, Angela’s Ashes, Indiana Jones, Amistad, Star Wars, and more.

The Lima Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to preserving musical excellence as a living part of our community. Serving communities throughout West Central Ohio, the Lima Symphony annually presents five subscription concerts, a family concert, Candlelight concerts, and an annual New Year’s Eve Pops concert.

 For more information about the Lima Symphony Orchestra or for tickets, please contact the Lima Symphony at 419-222-5701 or www.limasymphony.com.

New Executive Director for Mercer County CASA 

On April 15, 2022, Judge Matthew L. Gilmore and Magistrate Richard M. Delzeith welcomed Andrea King as the new Executive Director of the CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Mercer County Program.  Ms. King replaces the recently retired Nick Schulze and Kip Wright.  Judge Gilmore stated, “This program would not be where it is at today if were not for Nick and Kip’s hard work.  Nick and Kip’s dedication to helping the children of Mercer County is unparalleled.  I know that Andrea will continue to lead this program in the right direction to help the vulnerable children of Mercer County.” 

Ms. King comes to the CASA of Mercer County Program with an extensive background in social work and helping children.  Ms. King graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.  Ms. King became a licensed social worker in 2007, and she is currently working as a school-based mental health therapist at Piqua High School. 

The CASA of Mercer County Executive Director trains and prepares the CASA volunteers to advocate for abused, neglected, and/or dependent children of Mercer County. The CASA volunteer, as soon as they are assigned to a child, will learn as much as they can about the child and their environment in order to know what is in that child’s best interest.  It is a CASA volunteer’s goal to help the child emerge from the trauma or abuse and neglect, and be placed in a safe environment where they can thrive.

For an application or additional information, please contact: Mercer County Juvenile Court at (419) 586-1249 or by email at: CASA@mercercountycourts.com 

First United Methodist Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry Allowing In-Shopping
The Cooperative Ministries is a group of churches in the area that coordinate the Food Pantry and Bread & Bowl Meals that are housed at the First United Methodist Church on the corner of Jefferson Street and Central Avenue in Van Wert. 

 First United Methodist Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry will once again be open for guests to choose their groceries.  We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support through the pandemic!  It has roughly been 2 ½ years since we have allowed guests to come into the pantry and we are excited to be able to return to being a “Choice Pantry.”  Starting on Monday, May 2nd the food pantry will allow one guest at a time to come into the pantry and choose their food.  Pantry volunteers will be there to help as needed.  Check-in will continue to take place on the first floor inside the Central Avenue doors.  If you would like to wear a mask, please feel free to do so.  The FUMC Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry is open weekly Monday & Wednesday from 1-3pm and Friday from 10am -12pm.  The pantry is open to all Van Wert County residents.   

The Bread and Bowl is a warm meal that is served every Friday evening at 6pm.  Each week the meal is served by a different church or community agency and since the pandemic it has been a carryout only.  Starting May 6th, the meal will be served in the basement.  The doors will open at 4pm for guests to come and enjoy some fellowship. The meal will be served at 6pm.  You may still choose to get carryout meals as well.  Masks are optional.  The Cooperative Ministries is a nonprofit organization that solely relies on financial contributions from area churches, organizations, and individuals.  If your church is not involved, we encourage you to join us in helping our friends and neighbors in Van Wert County. You may inquire or send donations to FUMC Cooperative Ministries at 113 W. Central Ave. Van Wert, OH  45891 or phone 419/238-0631 ext. 307 and ask for Teresa. 

 
April 14-25, 2022
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 17 years!
 

Saturday – April 16th – Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt at 1 PM

 
April 12-13, 2022
 

Parkway Schools are now closed on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 and
will be having its first Remote Learning Day.
 

Parkway Schools are now on a 3 hour delay
for Tuesday, April 12, 2022
due to dense fog in the area.
 

Parkway Schools are on a
2 hour delay
for Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Fog.

New rates posted here for the Shanes Park Building Rentals

Van Wert Health Hospital this month was named one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the United States for 2022 by the Chartis Center for Rural Health

“This designation recognizes the clinical and operational excellence of our team of dedicated physicians, nurses, clinical staff, and support staff.  This honor solidifies their hard work and dedication, and is especially significant coming after encountering a global pandemic,” according to Jim Pope, President and CEO.

To determine the top 100 rural hospitals, the Chartis Center used the Hospital Strength Index, which assesses performance in eight pillars of performance: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and financial efficiency.

Pope said being included in the Top 100 nationally is a reflection of the organization’s daily commitment to provide the community access to the highest quality of care, delivered with compassion, while remaining a financially viable organization that can serve future generations of northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana residents.

Over the course of the last 12 years, the Chartis Center Index has grown to become the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. The Index framework is widely used across the nation by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints and state offices of rural health, which provide access to Index analytics through grant-funded initiatives.

“We are proud to serve this community and these accolades are really about the quality work our team is doing every day to provide excellent patient-centered care,” Pope said.

Good Friday Service in Van Wert
Please join us for THE VAN WERT COUNTY/COMMUNITY-WIDE Ecumenical Good Friday Service!  A Van Wert tradition for over 70 years will continue this Good Friday, April 15 at First United Methodist Church in downtown Van Wert. The procession of the cross will start at 11:45 AM at the YWCA on Cherry Street. Anyone wishing to participate should gather by 11:45 AM at the YWCA. The cross will be carried down Main Street to Jefferson Street and then into the sanctuary of First UM Church.

The service will start at 12:05 PM.  There are 9 pastors representing 11 congregations involved for 2022.  There will be musical offerings by a community choir, the vocal ensemble, "In Spiritu", musicians, dancers and dramatists all telling the story of Good Friday from the birth of Jesus being foretold to Mary until His crucifixion & burial.

A liturgical dance with Grace Spieles as Mary & Noah Krites as the boy Jesus is sure to be special moment in the service as the choir sings Joseph Martin's "Pieta" with Kristen Gillespie playing flute and Scott Turner on the Noehren pipe organ.  A dramatization of Luke 22: 66-71/Luke 23 will also be given along with music being interspersed with scripture, prayer and testimony given by Pastor Thomas Emery.

All are welcome to attend and continue this Good Friday tradition! Any questions may be directed to FUMC's office at 419-238-0631.

Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

Parkway April 2022 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Raising Money for Scholarships
Rockford Chamber Raffle tickets on sale now --  Tickets are $5 each.
    
Drawing will be held during Spring Fling -  April 30th.
  
If interested  - Checks to Rockford Chamber -
PO Box 175, Rockford, OH  45882  --- memo -  Raffle tickets.    
Lisa Kuhn will fill out a ticket for you and send a copy of the ticket back to you.
  
If local - Lisa can make arrangements to meet up with you or stop in at the
Village office.
  
 Thanks for supporting Rockford Chamber Scholarships!

Financial Wellness Presentation Plannned 
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce and First Financial are Co-Sponsoring  a Financial Wellness presentation. Developing a Business Plan is scheduled for Wednesday April 20th at 5:30 pm at the Rockford Library.  

In this FREE workshop, business owners will learn the eight parts of a business plan and what to consider when writing a business plan. At the end of the workshop, business owners will have a blueprint or first draft of a business
plan.
    
For more information or to RSVP this event please contact the Rockford Village office at 419-363-3032 ext. 1

PHIL’S ONE STOP FUNDS TWO HONOR FLIGHTS IN A ROW

Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI) is slated to celebrate its 35th flight to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

The last HFNEI Honor Flight, taken in October of 2019, was sponsored and paid for by Phil’s One Stop of Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio. Once again, two and a half years later, Phil’s One Stop is proud to sponsor the flight. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, flights were suspended in 2020 and 2021.

Honor Flight #35 currently consists of a total of 81 veterans: 4 WWII veterans, 28 Korean War veterans, 36 Cold War veterans and 13 Vietnam War veterans. Of these veterans, 32 served in two or more eras. To date, 2,538 veterans have been transported to Washington by Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, to reflect upon the memorials built in their honor.

Thanks to Phil and Renee Carper, owners and operators of 24 Marathon Oil Service stations, Phil’s One Stop has raised and donated more than $200,000 to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana over the past three years.

Renee Carper said, “We are honored that we can do this for our men and women who served in our armed forces. It is the least we can do to honor these veterans who have fought to keep our country free.”

Due to construction at the airport, no welcome home festivities are permitted.

Recently elected Honor Flight Northeast Indiana President, Cathy Berkshire said, “We are thrilled to be flying again! With a challenging schedule of three flights planned for the spring season, we hope to catch up a bit on the list of veterans who have been very patiently awaiting their well-deserved trip to Washington. There are no words to express our gratitude to the Carpers for their generosity.”

Honor Flight NE Indiana, Inc. is a volunteer, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

If media are interested in joining us at the 122nd Fighter Wing on April 27, please RSVP with Staff Sergeant Rita Jimenez, rita.jimenez.1@us.af.mil 260-478-3477 no later than Thursday April 21, 2022. Journalists are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination for base entry when they RSVP. Names, driver's license numbers and date of birth will be needed for security purposes.

*Media escort will take place at 4:30 a.m. from the main gate. Please plan to arrive early to pass through security.

*Honor Flight Northeast Indiana Inc. is not endorsed or funded by the Indiana Air National Guard.

Free - Rockford Opry Show
Presented by Jerry Bolenbaugh

Rockford Community Building
420 N Holly Lane, Rockford, OH  

Sunday - April 24th, 2022 - 1 pm

This is not an open mic show --- many great entertainers.

Information - contact Jerry at 419-363-3794 or 567-644-8117

 
April 8-11, 2022
 

MAY 3, 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION

Military & Overseas Absentee Voting: Begins March 18

Deadline to Register to Vote: April 4

Early In-Person Voting: Begins April 5 and includes the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before Election Day
(MERCER COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN CELINA OHIO)

Absentee Voting By Mail: Begins April 5

Election Day: May 3 (Polls Open 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.)

Snow & Ice statistics for winter season 2021-2022

Mercer County, 385.7 miles of roads

13 snow plows average 29-30 miles per route (one way)

22 days of snow & ice control in winter of 2021-2022

Total miles driven = 30,252

Salt used – 996 tons = $75,158.17

Grit used – 996 tons = $9,462.01

            Total material costs during the winter season = $84,620.18

Total regular labor hours on snow & ice = 1,043.50 hours

               Overtime hours                         = 505.50 hours

Total costs for snow & ice during the season = $215,969.87 (Equip., labor, & material)

Average cost for snow & ice control per mile of roadway:

                                                                        2016-2017 season = $431.49/mile

                                                                        2017-2018 season = $699.21/mile

                                                                        2018-2019 season = $758.47/mile          

                                                                        2019-2020 season = $759.97/mile

                                                                        2020-2021 season = $998.72/mile

                                                                        2021-2022 season = $559.94/mile

by Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart

 
April 1-7, 2022
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 17 years!
 

Rockford Lions Quarter Auction
Plans are underway for the 2022 Rockford Lions Quarter Auction. The Quarter Auction will be held Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 at the Rockford Community Building, 420 Holly Lane in Rockford. Doors will open at 12 noon.  The auction will begin at 1:00 pm.  Paddles will be $4 each and All-In paddles will be $35 each at the door. A light lunch will also be available. The first Lions Club Quarter Auction, under the direction of project chair LeeAnn Frank, was held in 2019. 

The 28th annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-In will be held on Friday, June 17th, 2022 in conjunction with Rockford Community Days. 

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects like the Quarter Auction and the Car Show and Cruise-In fund scholarships and help fulfill community needs and requests.

At the Rockford High School Senior Awards ceremony in 2021, four $500 scholarships were presented to 2021 graduates; Kelsey Nichols, Dylan Hughes, Grace Etgen, and Treya Conn.

The Rockford Lions Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm at the Rockford Village Offices on E. Columbia Street in Rockford.  The next meeting will be March 14th, 2022.

 
March 24-31, 2022
 

Pastor Doug Meyer Coming to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Retired Pastor Doug Meyer will be back in the pulpit. He will have a Children’s time before Children’s Church which usually involves his homemade cookies! Please join us and bring your youngsters.

Doug’s lesson on Sunday , April 3, 2022 will come from the Bible chapter Philippians 3:8 entitled “Stay Focused on the Goal”. This chapter is written by The Apostle Paul.

Doug has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Sunday School is at 9:30 am. Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly. All children are invited to these very special Bible learning experiences and craft activities.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

21^st Century Club Meets – Hears About President Ulysses S. Grant

The Twenty First Century Club met on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at the Rockford United Methodist Church Tea Room for a regular meeting with 8 members present. President Julie Henkle welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.  Roll-Call was completed with everyone stating a favorite vacation destination. Minutes were read by Kim Carr and approved. The treasurer’s report was given. There was some discussion about the May meeting which will be held at the Rockford Historical Museum at 6:30 or 7 PM. Janet Steffy and Kim Carr will provide a “Tea” that evening. The treasurer’s report was $285.09.

“Our Story/Ohio’s Story” the theme for the year was continued as Ann Gage presented a really good program on Ohioan Ulysses S. Grant. He was born Hiram Ulysses Grant in Point Pleasant, Ohio in southern Ohio in 1822. His ancestry was English and Ulster Scots. His father was a successful tanner, and Ulysses hated the tanning chores and did other things around the farm instead. At 17 he was enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point, not because he wanted to be a soldier, but because he wanted an education. It is at the academy enrollment that he was mistakenly enrolled as Ulysses S. Grant which was a clerical error. To correct it he would have had to wait a full year and re-enroll. So he just changed his name. His friends thereafter called him U.S. Grant, Uncle Sam or Sam for short. Early in his career after the academy, he met and married Julia Dent. They had four children. He served in the Mexican-American War under Major General Zachary Taylor  (1846-48). He then went west to the state of Washington and was promoted to a captain at Ft. Vancouver. In 1853 he left the military during peace time, but found over the next 7 years he was not very good in the business world. Then the anti-slavery sentiment brought him back into the military to be the top commander for the Union side of the Civil War. Grant was close to President Lincoln. After the war, he became an inexperienced president in 1846. He served 2 terms during the Reconstruction period which were tumultuous for him. Ann concluded with the trick question of who is buried in Grant’s tomb. He and Julia are interred inside the tomb on the Hudson River in New York City but their crypt is above ground.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Toni Fisher’s house. Contact Sheila Baltzell-Linn at 419-733-3326 if you are interested in attending a meeting. Members are reminded to invite an interested visitor or friend to come with them to this meeting and bring a canned item or side dishes for the food pantry.

 
March 22-23, 2022
 

Come Hear Pastor Steve Howell St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Retired Pastor Steve Howell will be in the pulpit continue with the book of John 15:18 – 16:4 for those of you who like to follow the scriptures. His sermon is entitled “Persecution”.

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.  

Sunday School is at 9:30 AM and children’s church is on the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th Sundays during the worship service.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well which is run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

 
March 19-21, 2022
 

Oldest Rockford Water Tower – There are two in the Village

Article and photo by Brad Now, Village Council Member
This tower was built in 1931 at a cost of $16,000 (which includes interest on the bonds.) 15 bonds of $1,000 each were sold covering a period of 15 years (1931-1946) with an annual interest rate of 5%.

This $15,000 included extending the infrastructure (water pipes) from the old waterworks, located close to the present one on South Franklin to the present location of this tower. This price also included some fire hydrants as well as the new water tower.

”Adjusted for inflation, $16,000 would be close to $300,000 in today’s money. Unfortunately, a new tower will probably cost around $1.25 million dollars. But, fortunately because of grants from the state we will be responsible for an amount in the very general area as residents were back in those days. So, I guess that is good!”, said Brad.

Click here to read Rockford Village Council minutes March 15, 2022 by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Items of interest: Mayor Amy Joseph was hired as a part-time park manager since no one volunteered to be on the Shanes Park Board and it was disbanded. This new job position will be posted in the fall so others may apply if desired. Mayor Joseph had been doing this job as a volunteer since the retirement of volunteer Sandy Schaffner. Visit shanesparkrentals@gmail.com for proposed new rates by council.

Rockford Community Announcements and events:

Saturday - March 19 – Great Panther Duck Races  - Community Building

Saturday – April 2 – Lions Club Quarter Auction – Community Building

Saturday – April 16th – Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt

Wednesday – April 20th --  Rockford Chamber and First Financial Sponsoring  - Financial Wellness presentation - Developing a Business Plan at 5:30 pm at the Rockford Library. Look for registration information soon.  *** In this workshop, participants will learn the eight parts of a business plan and what to consider when writing a business plan. At the end of the workshop, business owners will have a blueprint or first draft of a business plan.

Saturday – April 30th – Chamber Spring Fling – Main Street

Saturday – April 30th – Parkway Prom – High School

Parkway School Board Working on proposed new $3.2 million Athletic Complex Details
The Parkway School Board met on March 15, 2022 and discussed a proposed $3.2 million acquisition, rescontruction or improvement of a proposed athletic building. The  re-crowning of the football field and resurfacing the track will not exceed $300,000 and $150,000 respectively. Visit school board minutes here. Click here to go to http://www.parkwayschools.org/administration/parkway_board_of_education/2021-2022_school_year for Board Secretary Sally Cox's most current School Board Agendas and Minutes.

Mercer County EMA announces
the Statewide Tornado Drill March 23, 2022 at 9:50 AM

4-H Camp Palmer All Camp Clean Up Planned for Saturday, March 26, 2022
4-H Camp Palmer prepares for it 75th year anniversary in 2022

To open and prepare the grounds at 4-H Camp Palmer, we need volunteer help.
Does your club or organization need a service project? An adult must accompany youth ages 8-15 years of age. Please be prepared to bring own rakes, work gloves.

The clean-up morning is scheduled for Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am Please check in at the covered bridge entrance for work assignments.

Some of our main projects will include leaf raking, picking up sticks, mulching trails, and removing pool cover at 10:00 a.m. (Please note no cabin cleaning this year)

The camp is located at 26450 County Road MN, Fayette, Ohio right next to Harrison Lake State Park. For more information about the cleanup call Bill Goodson at 419-237-2247 or goodson.34@osu.edu

March 2022 Roundtable Scheduled

David Walker will be our guest speaker on Thursday, March 24, 2022. David will appear in character as Confederate President Jefferson Davis. His topic will be "What Caused the War  -  Why Southerners Fought". David has performed this talk before National Civil War gatherings to considerable acclaim. Invite a friend...the public is invited to our meetings. Meetings are held at the Richardson Bretz Building in downtown Celina. Meeting is called to order at 7:15 PM.

Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

VWHS Theatre Announces 2022 Musical

On April 7, 8, and 9, 2022, join Van Wert High School Theatre as we present Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) at 7pm at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) includes music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and is based on the new book by Douglas Carter Beane, and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. Enjoy this new Broadway version full of spectacle, wit, and classic songs. Contact  m_bloomfield@vwcs.net for ticket information.

VAN WERT FORWARD REACHES $26 MILLION CLOSING FOR PHASE ONE OF DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Central Insurance invests $17 million in multi-phase development project

Van Wert Forward is pleased to announce Central Insurance as a financial partner in the restoration and revitalization of downtown Van Wert. Central, alongside The Van Wert County Foundation, has invested significant resources in the multi-phase development project that will create new, welcoming, multi-use spaces and positively impact quality of life for generations to come.

“Central was founded in Van Wert nearly 150 years ago—and this is where we’ll be 150 years from now,” says Central CEO & President Evan Purmort. “This is our home, and we’re committed to making Van Wert better and better for the people who live and work here. Partnering with Van Wert Forward to revitalize our downtown is just another step in building a legacy for the community we love.”

The Van Wert Forward project is led by the Van Wert County Foundation which has acquired over fifty parcels in downtown Van Wert. Eleven of these parcels are prepped for phase one construction of the Van Wert Forward project and include almost 35,000 square feet of leasable commercial space (12 commercial units) and 29,000 square feet of leasable residential space (37 residential units). Financial closing for the approximately $26 million downtown project occurred on March 11. Full construction on the project will begin immediately.

Van Wert Forward was awarded approximately $15 million worth of state and federal historic and new market tax credits through the National Parks Service, Ohio Department of Development, Finance Fund (Columbus, OH), and Brownfield Revitalization, LLC (Raleigh, NC). Central Insurance has invested $12.1 million with respect to the awarded tax credits associated with the project. Additionally, Central has provided approximately $4.9 million of equity capital to Van Wert Forward. The Van Wert County Foundation has provided approximately $5.6 million in equity capital. The project was additionally awarded $157,000 from the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program administered at the federal level by the National Park Service, Department of Interior, and by the Ohio History Connection and Heritage Ohio. Furthermore, the Van Wert County Foundation received a $1.5 million Vibrant Communities Grant from JobsOhio for project use.

The Van Wert Port Authority is also partnering on the project. The Port Authority is providing a capital lease on the parcels, which affords nearly $1 million in savings on the sales tax of Phase One construction materials.

In addition, the City of Van Wert granted this phase of the Van Wert Forward project a tax exemption for improvements made to the project for 90% of the assessed value for ten years. This savings has an estimated value of $1.5 million.

The Central Mutual Insurance Company was founded in Van Wert, Ohio, in 1876 and has since evolved into Central Insurance, a property and casualty insurance carrier providing premium coverage for hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses across the country. Central is based in Van Wert and operates regional offices in Boston, Atlanta, and Dallas with satellite offices in Columbus and Salt Lake City. Central Insurance has combined assets of more than $2 billion. Central’s A.M. Best rating is A (Excellent).

The Van Wert County Foundation is a philanthropic organization focused on creating a well-resourced and thriving quality of life for Van Wert County, Ohio.

The lead developer for the project is Pago USA (Fort Wayne, IN) in association with Model Group (Cincinnati, OH). Van Wert Forward is transforming quality of place by planning, developing, and sustaining the built environment in downtown Van Wert. For more information visit Van Wert Forward’s website vanwertforward.org, or contact the Director of Engagement and Outreach, Joel Germann, joel@vanwertforward.org.

 
March 15-18, 2022
 

PEA Offering Education Scholarship

The Parkway Education Association (PEA) will be offering a $1000 scholarship to a Parkway alumnus that is in college/university studying to become an educator. Requirements for the scholarship are:

1) Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time college sophomore, junior, or senior for the upcoming fall semester (2022).

2) Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

3) Applicant must be enrolled in teacher education classes.

4) Applicant must be a graduate of Parkway High School or be the son/daughter of a PEA member.

5) Applications are due by April 8, 2022.

Any interested applicants should complete the form at: https://forms.gle/6XpDXv9bZS65tVE57

Any inquiries can be e-mailed to parkwayeducationassociation@gmail.com .

Come Hear Sheriff Jeff Grey at St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey will be in the pulpit .

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s Country Church – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Visit the Rock and Mineral Show in Columbus
The Rock and Mineral Show will be in the Ohio Building (the round one) at the Ohio State Fairgrounds/Expo Center, Columbus, Ohio, the first weekend in April 2022, Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3.  Geologists and Geology Rock Collectors will be with exhibits to answer questions.  Beautiful polished stones for jewelry will be for sale.  This jewelry is exquisite and “one of a kind,” each related to its own stone and artistry.  The prices are reasonable for everyone’s choices.  The Children’s Free Exhibits and Games are planned to encourage children and their families to appreciate the rocks in their environments.

Health Department looks back at beginnings of COVID-19
by Samuel Shriver

VAN WERT, OH. March 16, 2022 ― It was March 26, 2020, when Van Wert County recorded its first COVID-19 case. The Van Wert County General Health District then sprang into action.

“We urgently met the afternoon when the first case was confirmed,” said Dr. Paul Kalogerou, Health Commissioner of the Van Wert County Health Department. “Immediately, our emergency preparedness went into effect and our pandemic response plan was executed. We were able to bring in the Emergency Management Agency to work with us. The measures that have been effective in previous pandemics were implemented.”

Kathy Will, nursing director at the health department and staff, began the contact tracing process and measures to help minimize the effect of the virus. The health department staff had to not only work on helping to fight COVID-19 in our community but also continue in their own work areas.

“We were able to maintain service throughout the whole pandemic, which I think was a big asset to our maintaining those programs for the community and for the financial stability within the health department,” Will said. “We dedicated certain staff to doing the contact tracing, the phone calls and that preserved the rest of the health department activities that were going on.”

Rick McCoy, director of the Van Wert County Emergency Management Agency, recognized this wasn’t going to be over quickly.

“Knowing that this was probably going to last a while, we had to do some thinking on how to prioritize a lot of time to COVID,” McCoy said. “With the other things still going on and then bringing individuals together, that was the big thing and that happens on any disaster when you’re opening your emergency operations center and of course, we did that here.”

Jeanette Konz, administrator for the health department said they could see cases rising elsewhere and were aware it was likely coming to Van Wert County.

“Since this was kind of an evolving event, we were actually able to open our incident command internally prior to our first case so we were a little more prepared and ready for it,” Konz said.

The Ohio Department of Health proved to be a valuable asset in preparing for an increase in cases early on in the pandemic.

“The state was instrumental in getting us equipment, masks, gowns, gloves, PPE, not only for ourselves but for people in the community,” Will said. “EMA (Emergency Management Agency) was able to order and then we were the supply recipient within the county and then those were distributed to those agencies that needed it so the state was very helpful in that.”

Communications proved to be a key factor in coordinating a response.

“We were doing conference calls with the 88 directors in Ohio at least several times a week so that we were getting updates on what was known about the virus, how we should respond across the state and of course the big thing became PPE or personal protective equipment, how to get that. Fortunately, we had some stockpiled in the county for such an event like this but knowing that we were going to go through that quickly,” McCoy said.

The health department was well-versed on what to do in case of a pandemic.

“We’d actually have drills and prepare and walk through the actions of the various responsibilities. So when this came to our county, we were able to put in our pandemic response…we were ready. Those drills were primarily for a short epidemic, three or four days, but this was obviously much longer and challenged us all,” Dr. Kalogerou said.

McCoy says that Van Wert County was out in front when it came to planning for the pandemic.

“We were actually ahead of the Northwestern Ohio Consortium. When they came together a number of years ago and started putting things together, they were actually looking at what we had done here so that pre-planning was very important,” McCoy said.

One thing that has come out of the pandemic is an appreciation for the volunteers that helped at the health department from doing anything from answering the phones to administering vaccination.

“I think our biggest asset that we gained through the whole pandemic was our volunteers,” Will said. “We have tremendous volunteers. We couldn’t have fully accomplished anything that we did without those volunteers from answering the phones to helping organize clinics. Today they’re still coming in, filing, sorting and helping with clinics. We couldn’t do it without them. Those volunteers have made a big, big difference.”

Until the pandemic hit, many people might not have known what the health department did in the community.

“It’s kind of pushed us out there a little bit more into the light and so hopefully this will help some people come to us for information or that we would become more of a resource within the community,” Konz said.

But not everybody agreed with the role the health department played in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Some chose not to get vaccinated or wear a mask.

“Our role has always been to inform the public of the responsible data out there that’s available to them, to the measures that work that stop this virus, to slow its spread and to minimize disease and deaths. Our job is to continue to inform and be a resource for the community, for businesses, for healthcare partners, for educators, students and families. We’ll continue to empower the public to make responsible and sensible decisions about their health. Each person has their own choice of how he or she is going to manage this but we know our role is to help people protect themselves, inform them to prevent disease and to minimize the risk of acquiring the disease,” Dr. Kalogerou said.

Will agrees.

“Even in the schools, we worked really hard to just inform and get the information to superintendents and educators. We’ve learned that you can’t mandate but we can educate. You can inform but it is something that each individual has their right to decide what they’re going to do so that was kind of difficult because we thought whatever we said they would do and we found that that was not always the case,” Will said.

One thing that Will learned through all of this is next time they should bring in the volunteers sooner.

“We just thought we could handle it all. We thought it was going to end soon but once we implemented the use of the volunteers it really lightened the load,” Will said.

Konz says she would change how they dealt with the effects of stress on the health department staff.

“I agree with Kathy and instituting some of that sooner and maybe even looking back at our own staff and the stress that they were under. We did bring in a group to kind of help us debrief and to help us get through some of the stress and maybe we should have started that in the beginning. You know, helping to encourage to keep staff going because there was a lot of burnout and a lot of stress,” Konz said.

McCoy believes the coordinated efforts played out as planned.

“I don’t think I would change much. I think everybody came together. All of our key officials came together as we had always planned and we all discussed what we felt was best for the community. We tried to get information out and I think that’s the big thing of keeping the public informed as much as we can with as much reliable information as we can. I think locally, we tried to give as much information as possible and that’s the key thing that communication has to be going back and forth, that we’re listening to the public, the public is listening to us and I don’t think I would change that at all,” McCoy said.

 
March 5-14, 2022
 

March 13, 2022 - Daylight Saving Time Starts

When local standard time is about to reach
Sunday, March 13, 2022, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned forward 1 hour to
Sunday, March 13, 2022, 3:00:00 am local daylight time instead.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on Mar 13, 2022 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening.

Also called Spring Forward, Summer Time, and Daylight Savings Time.

Dana Smith Shares a Message of Protection

Dana Smith, from The Belle in Rockford,  recently brought a message to St. Paul's Country Church with the help of his young companion in baseball catcher's gear. Dana said he would never send a catcher behind home plate without his protective gear. Neither will God send us out to fight Satan without our protective gear. Paul wrote to the Ephesians 6:10-18:

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Come Hear Pastor Steve Howell St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Retired Pastor Steve Howell will be in the pulpit continue with the book of John 15:1-8 for those of you who like to follow the scriptures. His sermon is entitled “Jesus the True Vine”.

In his prior lesson from John 14, Pastor Steve reminded those present that Jesus told his disciples, “If you love me, keep my commands.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. Those who love me will obey my teachings. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well which is run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rockford Lions Quarter Auction
Plans are underway for the 2022 Rockford Lions Quarter Auction. The Quarter Auction will be held Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 at the Rockford Community Building, 420 Holly Lane in Rockford. Doors will open at 12 noon.  The auction will begin at 1:00 pm.  Paddles will be $4 each and All-In paddles will be $35 each at the door. A light lunch will also be available. The first Lions Club Quarter Auction, under the direction of project chair LeeAnn Frank, was held in 2019. 

The 28th annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-In will be held on Friday, June 17th, 2022 in conjunction with Rockford Community Days. 

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects like the Quarter Auction and the Car Show and Cruise-In fund scholarships and help fulfill community needs and requests.

At the Rockford High School Senior Awards ceremony in 2021, four $500 scholarships were presented to 2021 graduates; Kelsey Nichols, Dylan Hughes, Grace Etgen, and Treya Conn.

The Rockford Lions Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm at the Rockford Village Offices on E. Columbia Street in Rockford.  The next meeting will be March 14th, 2022.

The Parkway School Board met on February 14, 2022 and approved the creation of a Capital Project Fund for three projects.

Their goal is to resurface the track, re-crown the football field and either build an athletic facility or improve an existing athletic building.

Nothing is decided yet, except the creation of the fund.

Rockford is bringing back a Main Street Event called Spring Fling.
Planning is underway for the event to be held at 10 AM on Saturday, 2022.
Mark your calendars.

VAN WERT FORWARD RECEIVES $2.6 MILLION IN TAX CREDITS
Ohio Department of Development announces transformational mixed-use development program recipients The Van Wert County Foundation, the vision driving force behind Van Wert Forward, is pleased to announce that Van Wert Forward recently received an award of $2.6 million in tax credits from the Transformational Mixed-Use Development (TMUD) Program administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The TMUD credits are awarded to organizations that demonstrate and ability to spur conomic growth and social well-being that produces long-term, positive change for a community. Van Wert is one of ten cities to be awarded TMUD credits in this competitive application process, and Van Wert Forward is one of thirteen projects included as a recipient in this round of TMUD applications. To be considered for an award, a project must include a minimum of two uses benefitting the community’s public members. Van Wert Forward Phase One has a number of mixed-use spaces with four buildings including space for commercial units on the first floor and plans for residential units above them. Phase One buildings contain approximately 63,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use space in Van Wert’s historic downtown. Van Wert Forward is transforming quality of place by planning, developing and sustaining the built environment in downtown Van Wert and is vision-driven by The Van Wert County Foundation. For more information visit Van Wert Forward’s website vanwertforward.org, or contact the Director of Engagement and Outreach, Joel Germann, joel@vanwertforward.org

 
March 1-4, 2022
 

The Rockford Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at 4 pm in the library basement meeting room.  The public is invited to attend.  

Mercer County PERI Chapter # 13 Plans to Meet

Mercer County PERI Chapter # 13 will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at the Hopewell Grange Hall.  The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM with guest speaker, Richard Delzeith, Magistrate for the Mercer County Juvenile Probate Court.  Mr. Delzeith will explain the purpose and goals of the newly formed volunteer program, CASA of Mercer County.  This Court Appointed Special Advocates program is one of the newest of its type in Ohio.

The Chapter business meeting will follow the presentation.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts will be available beginning at 9:30. 

VWHS Musical Tickets on Sale

The Van Wert High School Theatre Department would like to share information pertaining to ticket sales for our 2022 spring musical, Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Performance dates are April 7-9, 2022 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Show begins at 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online using our website link at VWHSTheatre.weebly.com, at an in person sale date, or at the door on performance nights. All ticket specifics on our website. Tickets go on sale to the General Public starting March 7th. Reserved and General Admission Seating available. Thank you for your continued support of our students and program.

First United Methodist Church, Van Wert invites Families and Children to Preschool Open House

A Preschool Open House will be held at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 10 from 6:00-7:30 pm. Parents will also be able to register, tour and meet the teachers.

First Church is located at the corner of Central Avenue and Jefferson Street, across from Fountain Park in Van Wert, OH.

We offer a half-day program from 8:30-11:30 am two, three or four days a week. The curriculum is guided by the Ohio Department of Education's Early Learning Standards and incorporates Christian principles daily. We participate in monthly field trips, theme parties, progress monitoring and assessments, weekly Chapel, Christmas and Spring programs and much more. Our goal is to prepare children for Kindergarten in a loving Christ-centered environment.

For more information please contact Administrator Marilyn Agler by phone at 419-238-0631 ext. 308, by email magler@wcoil.com or register online at fumpreschool.com.

News Release for Farm Focus Inc. Scholarship

Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 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.
                                                                                   

Farm Focus Inc. is offering a minimum of three scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to high school seniors interested in majoring in an Agricultural related program at a university, college, or technical school.

In addition to seniors, full time students already enrolled in an undergraduate program

in agriculture are also eligible to apply. This also means that a successful applicant  

from previous years can reapply again this year.

The applicant must be a Van Wert County resident. Minimum grade point is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship funds will be submitted directly to the educational institution by Farm Focus Inc. upon receipt of proof of enrollment or a copy of a tuition invoice.

 

Scholarship applications have been sent to all nine area high schools where Van Wert

County students may be enrolled, so please contact your High School Guidance

Counselor, or FFA Instructor for your scholarship application. 

 

 The application is available at the OSU Van Wert County Extension office at 1055 South Washington Street, Van Wert OH 45891, or email; FarmFocusScholarship@gmail.com .   Scholarship application is in a PDF file format and can be emailed or put on a jump drive. Questions should be emailed.

All completed applications must be emailed, mailed and postmarked or delivered in person no later than April 1,2022 to the OSU Van Wert County Extension Office.

Lima Symphony Orchestra Brings Back Live Symphony Storytimes

Lima, OH (March 1, 2022) – The Lima Symphony Orchestra’s popular Symphony Storytime program returns to libraries in the region during March and April. Featuring performances by musicians from the Lima Symphony Orchestra, this program will focus on the theme of emotions. Live programs will happen at the following locations:

Tuesday, March 8 at 6 PM – Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Pkwy, Ottawa, OH 45875)

Thursday, March 10 at 10:30 AM - Mercer County District Library (303 N Main St, Celina, OH 45822)

Tuesday, March 22 at 5:30 PM - Bluffton Public Library (145 S Main St, Bluffton, OH 45817)

Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 PM - New Bremen Public Library (45 S Washington St, New Bremen, OH 45869)

Thursday, April 7 at 6 PM - Auglaize County Public District Library (203 Perry St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895)

For this innovative program, children and their families will enjoy outstanding newer publications featuring the theme of “emotions.” This program features In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek, Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, all accompanied by live music from Lima Symphony Orchestra musicians. The program will draw parallels between musical concepts such as major and minor to various emotions, using musical examples to accompany the stories. With a focus on creative movement and music literacy, "Symphony Storytime" is designed to spark children’s imaginations and foster a lifelong love of and appreciation for music. This program is appropriate for all ages and is free and open to the public.

Books:

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey (2014)

Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin (2019)

Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna (2013)

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (2017)

Music Selections:

St. Louis Blues by W.C. Handy

Romanian Folk Dance No. 6 Maruntel by Bela Bartok

“Jupiter” from The Planets by Gustav Holst

Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven

These performances are part of the Lima Symphony’s ongoing commitment to music education and their firm belief that music and the other arts are critical tools in building strong communities.  This project is supported by the following underwriters:

Symphony Storytime Sponsors:

AC Dienstberger Foundation

G.A. Wintzer & Son Co.

State Bank

Thermal Gard Window and Door

Van Wert County Foundation

Mercer County Civic Foundation

LAAG to Meet

The Lake Area Arts Group will meet Wednesday March 9th at 6 pm at the
art center located at 110 S. Main St., Celina ( entrance thru Brew
Nation). Guest speaker will be Rhonda Hager who will be sharing her
knife pallet art featured in LAAG’s March art class. Her award
winning paintings have depicted lake related themes which were
inspired from local photography. Other topics will be the July Art
Show in Celina, and the Plein Air event on September 3rd during Celina
Fall Festival. Local artists are invited to participate in all these
activities.

Other classes are also available including a three week watercolor
class with Debby Gregory which will begin March 16th. Information and
registration for this class and others can be found on our Facebook
page or by emailing lakeareaartsgroup@gmail.com
  
LAAG will also be sponsoring a Paint an Sip fundraiser on Thursday,
March 31st from 6-9pm at the art center in Celina. Cost of the event
is $40.00 with $10.00 going to LAAG. Wine and all supplies are
provided to complete a finished canvas painting of a spring scene with
no experience needed. Tammy Sharpe of Painting Memories will lead the
evening. Reservations and ticket purchase information is on LAAG’s
Facebook page and the spring painting can be viewed.
The Lake Area Arts Group is a nonprofit group and they hope to offer
more classes to the community thru this fundraiser.

Who are the Inventors?

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

Photo Caption:   Who are the inventors in our Nation?  Who are the inventors in Mercer County, Ohio?

Eryl Davies wrote this book, “Inventions,” which was published by Dorling Kindersley, in London, New York, and Stuttgart in 1995.  I love this book!  This book not only records Inventions from 20,000 B.C. to the Twentieth Century, but also describes the creative Inventors and the environment which inspired the Inventors.  These people brought changes to the world.

I have a deep respect for people who take their knowledge and their experiences and their environmental surroundings and bring new ideas about making a better world for generations to come.  I have a deep respect for local citizens who see a need for a better way of life here in Western Ohio.  Look around and see the schools, churches, service organizations, businesses and industries,  who are leaders and volunteers who plan and implement changes for the better, here in Western Ohio.

Take time to recognize the remarkable changes in our past, of which we benefit from their knowledge and their hard work.  These citizens deserve to be honored for their contributions to our way of life.

Who invented the Water Wheel and/or the Wind Mill which provided power in the agricultural areas?  Who invented typewriters and/or computers?  Who was inspired to create our vehicles?  Who invented the spinning wheels and/or the sewing machine which led to the industry of manufacturing clothes?  Who invented the lighting system which powers the electric lights throughout the world?  What technical person invented the creation of bricks for buildings and foundations for bridges?  Who captured fire and brought heat to warm our homes and other buildings?  Who invented the wonderful kitchen equipment of stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers?  Who invented improvements for medical research, which keep us healthy?  Who invented time-keeping devices, i.e. clocks and/or watches to help everyone to organize time better? Who invented the creation of money for the exchange of goods?  Who invented the U.S. Postal System, which passes information throughout the world?  Who invented movies and television sets, which brings entertainment, sports, news, etc.?  Who invented weights and measurements and calculators and electronic equipment which make our lives easier?

Who invented fashions in design, from clothing to businesses and interior decorations of homes?  Who invented automobiles, trucks, four-wheelers, motorcycles and bicycles?  Who created the ideas of roads and government authority over interstate highways?  Who invented firearms for hunters and/or arms for Military protection?  Who invented boats and fishing equipment for fishermen?  Who invented children’s toys?  Who invented agricultural equipment which improved the rural industry?  Who created all of the inventions which provided for space travel today?  Who invented games, from sports’ events to a simple game of cards?

The Mercer County Historical Society contributes to recognizing the importance of local citizens and their contributions to Mid-Western Ohio.  I know that my daily emails and phone calls with requests for information about local history and appointments at the Mercer County Historical Museum, keep me busy!  Thank you to everyone who shares with me, that they appreciate my work with local history.

What contribution do you make with creative ideas in your home and Community?

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883,  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

 
February 26-28, 2022
 

Come Hear Carrie Cubberley at St. Paul’s Country Church
St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH welcomes Carrie Cubberley to the pulpit on Sunday, March 6, 2021.

Her message, entitled “Listen to the Story” is based on the Gospel Lesson Luke 4:1-13 ~ for those of you who like to follow the scriptures.

Carrie is the daughter of Pastor Doug and Mrs. Sheila Meyer and is from Celina where she is an English teacher at Celina High School.

We are a Bible-based church and the community is invited to come and join us at 10 AM.

Sunday School starts at 9:30 AM.

Please call Becky Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s UCC – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well.

St. Paul’s Country Church Lenten Schedule:

Ash Wednesday Service, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 7 PM St. Paul’s Country Church

Sunday, March 6, 2022 10 AM – Carrie Cubberley
Lenten Service, Wednesday, March 9,^, 2022, 7 PM Chatt Methodist – Becky Shope

Sunday, March 13, 2022 10 AM – Steve Howell

Lenten Service, Wednesday, March 16,^, 2022, 7 PM St. Paul’s – Tom Brunstrup
Sunday, March 20, 2022 10 AM – Sheriff Jeff Grey

Lenten Service, Wednesday, March 23,^, 2022, 7 PM Chatt Methodist – Becky Shope
Sunday, March 27, 2022 10 AM – Steve Howell

Lenten Service, Wednesday, March 30,^, 2022, 7 PM St. Paul’s – Tom Brunstrup

Sunday, April 3, 2022 10 AM – Doug Meyer

Lenten Service, Wednesday, April 6,^, 2022, 7 PM Chatt Methodist – Doug Meyer

Palm Sunday Service, Sunday, April 10, 2022 10 AM – Steve Howell

Maundy Thursday Service, April 14, 2022, 7 PM St. Paul’s – Doug Meyer
Good Friday Service, Friday, April 15, 2022 Community Service, 7 PM Zion Lutheran in Chatt

Easter Sunrise Breakfast and Service, Sunday, April 17^th , 8 AM, Breakfast 8:30 AM

Easter Service, Sunday, April 17, 2022 10 AM – Doug Meyer

Sunday, April 24, 2022 – Steve Howell

Please call Becky Jo Shope at 419-363-2227 or 419-733-3216 for more information.

 
February 25, 2022
 

Parkway Schools are now CLOSED
for Friday, February 25, 2022

Parkway Schools are on a
2 hour delay
for Friday, February 25, 2022
Weather-related.

Freezing rain and sleet. 1-3 inches of snow expected on top of that.

 
February 24, 2022
 

Parkway Schools are on a
2 hour delay
for Thursday, February 24, 2022
Weather-related.

Winter Storm Oaklee is coming through with ice and snow.

Winter Homecoming Court and Queen at Parkway

Parkway High School held its annual winter homecoming ceremony on Saturday, February 12, 2022. Attendants included freshman Amanda Barrett, sophomore Avery White, junior Emree Sinning, and seniors Cami High, Gracyn Temple, and Faith Jacobs. The Senior Class President, Dani Huff, crowned the 2022 queen, Cami High. Congratulations, ladies!

Captions:

Group photo left to right: Amanda Barrett, Avery White, Faiths Jacobs, Cami High, Gracyn Temple, and Emree Sinning.

Area Youth for Christ to Host First Annual Be the Story Fundraising Banquet

(Van Wert, OH) West Central Ohio Youth for Christ is pleased to present the first annual Be the Story Fundraising Banquet. The event is on April 8, 2022, at 6:00 PM at Calvary Evangelical Church at 10686 Van Wert-Decatur Road, Van Wert, OH  45891. The purpose of the event is to share dynamic new developments happening in the ministry that are impacting lives in West Central Ohio. Featured will be an update from Executive Director, Brad Petrie, as well as youth who will share their testimonies and pastors will highlight their experiences with Youth for Christ. There are many ways to be part of the Youth for Christ Story. Any member of the community is welcome to attend and see what Youth for Christ is up to now! To RSVP, call 419-238-1370 or visit wcohio.yfc.net by March 25, 2022. Event Sponsorship is available by contacting the Community Engagement Coordinator, Kirsten Brunswick, at kbrunswick@wcohyfc.com.

West Central Ohio Youth for Christ is a relational ministry that reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to prayer and the Word of God, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement. West Central Ohio Youth for Christ serves all of Van Wert County, Mercer County, Auglaize County, and part of Allen County. To learn more, visit wcohio.yfc.net or West Central Ohio Youth for Christ on Facebook.

Parkway Elementary Kindergarten Registration

Parkway Elementary will be holding their Kindergarten Screening on April 7 and 8 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Students need to be five years old before August 1 to be eligible to attend.  Parents or guardians requesting open enrollment for their kindergarten student to Parkway Local Schools should also register at this time.

If your child is new to Parkway Local Schools, the following should be brought to the school on the day of screening: the official birth certificate, social security card, immunization records, one form of proof of residency and any court documents pertaining to the custody/guardianship of the student (divorce, foster, etc.)  The birth certificate is from the Department of Vital Statistics (if born in Ohio, from any Ohio county health department) where 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 for the 2022-2023 school year.  

Appointments may be set by calling Michelle in the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720 to register your child for a screening time.

Parkway Preschool Preview Night

Parkway Preschool will be holding a Preview Night for the 2022-2023 school year (previously known as Registration Night) on Tuesday, March 15.  Two sessions will be held  - one at 4:00 p.m. and another at 5:00 p.m. We ask parents to call the elementary office to register for the session you will attend to help with planning.  Children are welcome to attend with parents.  This evening will consist of an opening session with a preview of our preschool, tour of the rooms by teachers and a chance to complete the online registration form and pay the fee.  Copies of birth certificates, social security cards and immunizations may also be made.

Did you know that children who participate in a quality preschool enter Kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies and stronger basic math skills than those who do not?  Give your young child’s education a boost by enrolling them in our Five-Star “Step Up to Quality” rated program at Parkway Preschool.

Children ages 3 (by August 1) through 5 are eligible to enroll and should be fully potty trained. You may start the online registration process at this Preschool Preview as we will have computers available after each session.

Once the registration is submitted, a $25 fee (check made payable to Parkway Preschool or cash) will be needed to complete your child's registration and receive the necessary forms to finalize enrollment.  Until the registration is paid, your enrollment is NOT locked in.  Once the registration fee is paid, you will be emailed the other required forms that may be completed online.  

Our grant program offers financial assistance for those who qualify. Limited grant money is available for the 2022-2023 school year.  Free or reduced tuition can only be awarded to students who will be 4 years of age by September 30, 2022.  

We also offer a preschool classroom in conjunction with The Mercer County Educational Service Center. The Ohio Department of Education allows us to have eight children with special needs in the AM and PM and eight typical children in the AM and PM sessions, making a total of 16 children per session. Our preschool classrooms are in session four half days, Monday through Thursday. 

Please call the Elementary Office by March 14 to register to attend our Parkway Preschool Preview Night at 419-363-3045 ext. 720. Current Parkway preschool students need not attend.

LIMA SYMPHONY TEAMS UP WITH ARMSTRONG AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM FOR MARCH 6 FAMILY CONCERT 

Lima, OH (February 24, 2022) – The Lima Symphony Orchestra teams up with the Armstrong Air and Space Museum to present an Outer Space Symphony on Sunday, March 6 at 3 PM at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center (7 Town Square, Lima, OH 45801). The program, dreamed up by Music Director Andrew Crust, celebrates Wapakoneta’s hometown hero, Neil Armstrong.

Kooky puppet and history hoodlum Wyatt Green will lead the audience on a journey as we discover who Neil Armstrong was and what lies just over the horizon and in the outer reaches of our solar system. The audience will learn about Armstrong’s amazing journey to the moon and back through music, slides, and interviews that will be shown during the concert. Space-themed merchandise will be available for purchase in the lobby before the show. So, grab the kids and blast off for outer space with your Lima Symphony Orchestra!

This concert is exclusively underwritten by:  Webb Insurance Agency

Featured Repertoire:

John Williams                       Star Wars: Main Title

John Philip Sousa   Stars and Stripes Forever

Gustav Holst             “Mars” from The Planets

John Williams                       ET: Adventures on Earth

Antonin Dvorak        Symphony No. 9, Finale

John Williams                       Summon the Heroes

Ferde Grofé               Grand Canyon Suite: Sunrise

Tickets:

$10 – General Admission Seating

Tickets can be purchased online at www.limasymphony.com or by calling the symphony office at 419-222-5701. Program books are available digitally through the LSO website.

The Lima Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to preserving musical excellence as a living part of our community. Serving communities throughout West Central Ohio, the Lima Symphony annually presents five subscription concerts, a family concert, Music by Candlelight concerts, and an annual New Year’s Eve Pops concert.

Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

Parkway March 2022 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Mercer County Health District COVID-19 Situation Update – February 23, 2022

CELINA - As of February 23, 2022, the Mercer County Health District (MCHD) reports 7,858 confirmed cases, 1,789 probable cases, 7,596 recovered cases, 6 known hospitalizations, 134 COVID-19 deaths, and 25 probable deaths of COVID-19 among Mercer County residents. In addition, there have been 90 cases who have passed away due to causes other than COVID-19. Under the use of MCHD’s internal reinfection protocol, there have been 357 reinfection cases of COVID-19. Today, there are 42 known active cases of COVID-19 in Mercer County.

According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), 15,495 Mercer County residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, 7,839 Mercer County residents have received a booster dose. Of those residents who have been fully vaccinated, 43 were hospitalized for COVID-19 and have since recovered. Sixteen have passed away. There are currently 2 fully vaccinated residents hospitalized for COVID-19.

The transmission rate of COVID-19 in Mercer County has decreased from high to substantial. A substantial transmission rate is defined as 50 to 99.99 new cases per 100,000 people in a 7-day period or a test positivity rate between 8 and 9.99 percent. Mercer County has seen 97.15 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days and has a test positivity rate of 8.39%. This data can be found here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view. 

The MCHD continues to encourage community members to maintain good hygiene practices, stay home when sick, consider wearing a mask in indoor public places, and avoid crowded indoor places to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal viruses.

Individuals who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 or influenza are encouraged to consider getting vaccinated. MCHD continues to offer appointments for COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Please call 419-586-3251, Option 2, to ask questions or schedule an appointment. Additional vaccine information can be found at https://mchdohio.org/.

Actor, Writer, Filmmaker Daniel Roebuck to Appear in Van Wert

Daniel Roebuck, an actor best known for roles including Deputy Marshal Robert Biggs in The Fugitive and its spinoff film U.S. Marshals, plus television roles in Lost, Matlock and more, is coming to Van Wert on Mar. 13 for a special showing of a 2017 film he wrote, directed, and starred in called, “Getting Grace.”

Donna Saunders, owner of the Van Wert Cinemas, befriended Roebuck at a cinema convention last year. Roebuck offered to come to her theaters in Bryan and Van Wert to present Getting Grace and to meet patrons, take photos, and sign autographs.

Roebuck will be at Van Wert Cinemas for a “Red Carpet Event” during all showings on Sun. Mar. 13 – 12 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.

Getting Grace is about a teen dying of cancer who crashes a funeral home to find out what will happen to her after she dies, but ends up teaching an awkward funeral director how to celebrate life. The film is rated PG-13 and was the winner of five awards at the Northeast Film Festival.

“The film deals with the subject of the end-of-life and dying in an honest and humorous manner,” said Saunders. “We partnered with our local hospice agency here in Van Wert, CHP Home Care & Hospice, to make this a community event.”

Hospice staff from CHP will attend showings on Mar. 13 to answer questions about the services it provides locally for people facing a terminal illness. All of the admissions proceeds from the film’s showings from Mar. 11 – 17 are being donated to CHP Home Care & Hospice, a nonprofit, 501c3 organization.

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 62 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.

Arrest made in death of 2 year old Ezra Siegrist

Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey today announced the conclusion of the investigation into the death of Ezra G. Siegrist, age 2, 61 S. High Street, Montezuma. 

Grey reported that on February 11, 2020, at 5:30 AM, Mercer County 9-1-1 received a call that a young child was laying face down and unresponsive. The child was administered CPR by a family member, then deputies, until EMS arrived.  EMS transported the child to Mercer Health, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The child was then transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy at the direction of Mercer County Coroner Dr. Timothy Heinrichs.  The determination of the autopsy was that Ezra died of methamphetamine intoxication, Dr. Heinrichs ruled the death a homicide.

Mercer County detectives began an investigation into the death to determine how Ezra ingested the methamphetamine.  Detectives interviewed several people, some who were cooperative, some who were not.  This slowed the investigation process.

At the conclusion of the investigation, detectives presented the complete investigation to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.  Mercer County Prosecutor Matt Fox then  presented the case to the grand jury on February 17, 2022.

The Grand Jury returned an indictment of Brandon A. Edwards, age 29, of Celina, for the following:

              Count 1 - Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony of the first degree

              Count 2 - Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony of the third degree

              Count 3 - Aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree

              Count 4 – Endangering Children, a felony of the second degree

              Count 5 – Endangering Children, a felony of the third degree

              Count 6 – Endangering Children, a misdemeanor of the first degree

              Count 7 – Endangering Children, a misdemeanor of the first degree

              Count 8 – Domestic Violence, a misdemeanor of the first degree

Mr. Edwards was living at the residence at the time and was in a relationship with Ezra’s mother.

Mr. Edwards was arrested on February 18, 2022 by Mercer County Sheriff’s deputies and is being held in the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility awaiting a court appearance.

The Sheriff’s Office will have no further comment on this case and would refer any questions to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for their patience as detectives pursued this investigation.

Jeff Grey

Sheriff

Parkway Middle School

 Second Quarter Honor Roll 21-22

5th Grade:  

Highest Honor Roll

Ford, Kayliann (Kayli) 

Korte, Bosten 

Severt, Steven (Jack) 

Stover, Jaxson 

Tong, Carson 

Triplett, Savada

High Honor Roll

Baker, Jacklyn 

Baucher, Alivia 

Brehm, Kallie 

Burtch, Brooklyn 

Carpenter, Sage

Cottman, Lydia 

Eller, Kade 

Hays, Ella 

Imwalle, Allison 

Jacobs, Aubrey

Knapke, Isabelle

Korte, Cohen 

Laux, Ezekiel 

Miller, Alicia 

Nichols, Lindsay 

Piper, Michael  

Rodriguez-Perez, Angel (Leo) 

Sinning, Stella 

Sipe, Abigail 

Stover, Hadley 

Uncapher, Baylee 

Winget, Gabriel 

Yoder, Greer  

Zizelman, Corbin 

Honor Roll

Ackley, Emma  

Bell, Chloe  

Bradley, Branson  

Brehm, Rylee  

Burnett, Halen  

Clifford, Walker  

Eguia, Jaxton  

Ferron, James  

Fisher, Gavin  

Hileman, Maxton 

Louth, Chase 

Luginbill, Rogan  

McDorman, Sierra 

McIntire, Bradley 

Neuenschwander, Mazie  

Pancake, Claire 

Parrish, Ramsey 

Sawmiller, Aiden  

Snell, McKenzie  

VanDyke, Ava 

_____________________________________

6th Grade:

Highest Honor Roll

Eichler, Lydia 

Peel, Jaymin  

Schwieterman, Perry  

Stover, KJae 

Williamson, Abigail (Abby

High Honor Roll

Anderson, Trey  

Bollenbacher, Jaxson 

Bransteter, Case 

Fox, Levon 

Hess, Kymberly 

Ketchum, Colin 

Kraner, Addilynn 

Lyons, Branson  

Mathewson, Mason  

Menchhofer, Isaac  

Minnich, Trevor 

Moeller, Elayna  

Muhlenkamp, Ella  

Muhlenkamp, Peyton  

Noll, Andee 

Nuttle, Dylan 

Painter, Bryson 

Pennell, Piper 

Rasbach, Chayse 

Roth, Albany 

Schumm, Drayden  

Stauffer, Carson 

Thomas, Cade 

Trisel, William (Will)  

Twigg, Tyson 

VanTrees, Emma 

Young, Maddisynne (Maddy)

Honor Roll

Bash, Tyler

Buogo, Maria 

Garrity, Sterling 

Harner, Ellie 

Heitkamp, Nicole (Nicki) 

Knapke, Rowen 

Leighner, Justin 

Murphy, Marley 

Petit, Jonathan  

Reigle, Nathan 

Schmidt, Amelia 

Suzuki, Cohen 

Tangeman, Cooper 

Tarilang, Dora 

Whitaker, Magnus 

Williams, Obadiah 

Yaney, Addyson 

____________________________

7th Grade:

Highest Honor Roll

Blount, Freya (Freya) 

Hays, Lillian 

Pancake, Wyatt 

Rich, Magdalene  

Stover, Madelyn 

Winget, Grace

High Honors

Ackley, Mason 

Arnold, Kelsie 

Bennett, Charles 

Bollenbacher, Dylan 

Booher, Luke 

Carpenter, Rhen  

Denney, Bethany 

Everett, Aisley 

Fullenkamp, Kara 

Haines, Oliver 

Hughes, Megan  

Kellermeyer, Kelsie  

Langenkamp, Cami  

Litteral, Kohen  

Quickstad, Jaymie  

Ridenour, Gwyneth  

Rogers, Adalynn (Addie) 

Sheets, Luke  

Shirk, Robert 

Sites, Lexie 

Thomas, Jensen 

Tickle, Samuel 

Triplett, Jacoby  

Williams, Arwen  

Young, Isabell 

Honor Roll

Bentz, Morgan 

Clay, Holden 

Eguia, Piper 

Kiser, Faith 

Knapke, Austin 

Louth, Morgan  

Nusbaum, Taylor  

Rutledge, Tyler 

Slone, Damen 

Taylor, Deagan  

Wenning, Jaden  

Westgerdes, Gavin  

Winters, Tobin 

Younker, Kylie 

__________________________________

8th Grade:

Highest Honor Roll

Barna, Carlee 

Bruns, Brittyn  

Clifford, Olivia  

Dailey, Lola (Addison)  

Frese, Payton  

Heitkamp, Trevor  

Kirby, Carson  

Moeller, Natalie  

Muhlenkamp, Taylor  

Pond, Ethan 

Putman, Ella 

Stolly, Nathaniel 

Temple, Emmery  

Tong, Christina

High Honors

Boroff, Lennox (Lenny) 

Boroff, Meagan  

Crouch, Miley 

Fisher, Addison 

Fullenkamp, Logan 

Gilliland, Kaleb 

Harner, Steven (Kolt) 

Johnson, Parker 

Kiser, Grace 

Lyons, Parker 

Lyons, Rylan 

McDonald, Russell 

Miehls, Maddie  

Muhlenkamp, Ashtlynn 

Neff, Josiah 

Nichols, Megan 

Peel, Milee 

Perry, Haley 

Pond, Ava 

Reigle, Addison  

Schaefer, Jordyn  

Schumm, Eli  

Sill, Gabryelle 

Smith, Colbie  

Thornsberry, Kyndra 

 Velez, Analicia  

Winters, Lucian (Luca) 

Honor Roll

Bragg, Graydon  

Castleman, Hayden  

Eller, Dakota 

Green, Jaden 

Hays, Caden 

Houts, Maddoxx  

Minnich, Taylor  

Rissner, Zavier (Zav)  

Schoenleben, Bryn  

Stetler, Owen

Wallace, Troy  

Welling, Gabriel  

Yoder, John (Jack)  

Yoder-Wagoner, Rowan 

Zimmerman, Kendra 

Parkway Middle School

 First Quarter Honor Roll 21-22

5th Grade:  

Highest Honor Roll

Brehm, Kallie

Imwalle, Allison

Korte, Bosten

Korte, Cohen

Laux, Ezekiel

Stover, Jaxson

Tong, Carson

High Honor Roll

Baucher, Alivia

Burtch, Brooklyn

Cottman, Lydia,

Eller, Kade

Ford, Kayliann (Kayli)  

Hays, Ella 

 Jacobs, Aubrey 

Knapke, Isabelle 

 Louth, Chase  

Luginbill, Rogan  

Miller, Alicia  Neuenschwander, Mazie

Nichols, Lindsay 

Pancake, Claire  

Severt, Steven (Jack)  Sinning, Stella 

 Sipe, Abigail  

Stover, Hadley  

Triplett, Savada  Uncapher, Baylee 

 Winget, Gabriel  

Yoder, Greer 

Honor Roll

Ackley, Emma  

Baker, Israel 

 Baker, Jacklyn  

Bradley, Branson  

Burnett, Halen  

Carpenter, Sage  

Eguia, Jaxton  

Ferron, James  

Fisher, Gavin  

Hileman, Maxton 

McDorman,Sierra  

McIntire, Bradley  

Parrish, Ramsey  

Piper, Michael 

Sawmiller, Aiden  

Snell, McKenzie  

VanDyke, Ava 

Walker, Logan (L.J.) 

Winget, Lydia  

Zizelman, Corbin 

_____________________________________

6th Grade:

Highest Honor Roll

Eichler, Lydia 

Menchhofer, Isaac 

Peel, Jaymin 

Stover, KJae 

Williamson, Abigail (Abby) 

High Honor Roll

Anderson, Trey 

Bransteter, Case 

Fox, Levon 

Garrity, Sterling 

Ketchum, Colin 

Lyons, Branson  

Mathewson, Mason 

Moeller, Elayna  

Muhlenkamp, Peyton  

Murphy, Marley 

Noll, Andee 

Nuttle, Dylan 

Painter, Bryson 

Rasbach, Chayse 

Schumm, Drayden  

Schwieterman, Perry  

Stauffer, Carson 

Thomas, Cade 

Trisel, William (Will)  

Twigg, Tyson 

VanTrees, Emma 

Williams, Obadiah 

Honor Roll

Bollenbacher, Jaxson 

Buogo, Maria 

Clay, Makynlie  

England, Carter  

Harner, Ellie

Heitkamp, Nicole (Nicki)  

Hess, Kymberly

Knapke, Rowen 

Kraner, Addilynn  

Minnich, Trevor  

Muhlenkamp, Ella 

Pennell, Piper 

Petit, Jonathan 

Reigle, Nathan 

Roth, Albany 

Schmidt, Amelia 

Suzuki, Cohen 

Vannette, Stella  

Whitaker, Magnus 

Yaney, Addyson 

Young, Maddisynne (Maddy)

7th Grade:

Highest Honor Roll

Ackley, Mason 

 Bennett, Charles 

 Hays, Lillian 

 Hughes, Megan 

 Stover, Madelyn 

 Winget, Grace 

High Honors

Arnold, Kelsie 

Bailey, Zavior 

Blount, Freya (Freya)  

Bollenbacher, Dylan  

Booher, Luke 

Carpenter, Rhen 

Denney, Bethany 

Fullenkamp, Kara 

Haines, Oliver  

Kellermeyer, Kelsie 

Kiser, Faith 

Knapke, Austin  

Langenkamp, Cami  

Litteral, Kohen 

Pancake, Wyatt  

Quickstad, Jaymie 

Rich, Magdalene  

Ridenour, Gwyneth 

Rogers, Adalynn 

Sheets, Luke  

Shirk, Robert 

Sites, Lexie 

Thomas, Jensen 

Tickle, Samuel 

Triplett, Jacoby  

Westgerdes, Gavin  

Williams, Arwen 

Young, Isabell 

Honor Roll

Baker, Davin 

Bentz, Morgan 

Clay, Holden 

Eguia, Piper 

Everett, Aisley 

Lange, Jayda 

Louth, Morgan 

Miller, Mackenzie  

Nusbaum, Taylor  

Rutledge, Tyler 

Slone, Damen 

Springer, Xavier 

Taylor, Deagan 

Wenning, Jaden

Winters, Tobin 

Younker, Kylie 

8th Grade:

Highest Honor Roll

Barna, Carlee 

Bruns, Brittyn 

Dailey, Lola (Addison) 

Frese, Payton  

Moeller, Natalie 

Stolly, Nathaniel  

Temple, Emmery  

Thornsberry, Kyndra  

Tong, Christina 

8th Grade

High Honors

Castleman, Hayden 

Clifford, Olivia 

Crouch, Miley 

Fullenkamp, Logan  

Gilliland, Kaleb

Harner, Steven (Kolt)  

Heitkamp, Trevor

Houts, Maddoxx  

Johnson, Parker 

Kirby, Carson 

Lyons, Parker  

Lyons, Rylan  

McDonald, Russell 

Miehls, Maddie  

Muhlenkamp, Taylor  

Neff, Josiah 

Nichols, Megan 

Peel, Milee 

Perry, Haley 

Pond, Ava 

Pond, Ethan 

Putman, Ella 

Schaefer, Jordyn 

Schoenleben, Bryn  

Schumm, Eli 

Sill, Gabryelle 

Smith, Colbie 

Velez, Analicia 

Winters, Lucian (Luca)  

Yoder, John (Jack) 

Honor Roll

Ayers, Hayden 

Boroff, Lennox (Lenny) 

Boroff, Meagan 

Bragg, Graydon 

Brown, Tara 

Chalfant, Tyler 

Doner, Blake 

Eller, Dakota 

Fisher, Addison 

Green, Jaden 

Hays, Caden 

Kiser, Grace 

Miller, Troy 

Minnich, Taylor 

Mosier, Madison 

Muhlenkamp, Ashtlynn 

Reigle, Addison 

Rissner, Zavier 

Stetler, Owen 

Wallace, Troy 

Welling, Gabriel 

Zimmerman, Kendra 

 
February 19-23, 2022
 

Emma Wells Coming to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Emma Wells, youth leader at The Belle in Rockford, will be in the pulpit.

Emma’s lesson on Sunday will be from the Psalter Psalms 27:14 entitled “Wait for Me”.

Sunday School is at 9:30 am.

Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well (run by Karen Ousley).

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

 
February 16-18, 2022
 

Parkway Schools are  CLOSED for Friday, February 18, 2022.

Parkway Schools are on a
2 hour delay
for Friday, February 18, 2022
Weather-related.

Winter Storm Miles is coming through with ice and snow.

Click here to read Rockford Village Council minutes February 15, 2022 by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Items of interest: The Village is trading land with Dublin Township Trustees in order to annex 51+ acres to the Village Business Park.
Also, they need volunteers for the Easter Egg Hunt coming up.

Rockford Community Announcements and events:

Monday – February 21 – Office closed for President’s Day

Saturday – March 12 – St. Teresa Family Fun Night – open to the public - Community Building

Saturday - March 19 – Great Panther Duck Races  - Community Building

Saturday – April 2 – Lions Club Quarter Auction – Community Building

Saturday – April 16th – Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday – April 30th – Chamber Spring Fling – Main Street

Saturday – April 30th – Parkway Prom – High School

Coldwater Kiwanis to Host Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
Coldwater Kiwanis Club annual Pancake & Sausage breakfast will return on Sunday, March 27 from 8 a.m. – 12 noon, as a drive thru only. The club hopes to bring back the in-person event in 2023. Chairperson Denny Riethman said, “The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast has been an annual tradition for our club, and we are thrilled to bring it back to the community.”

The drive thru Pancake and Sausage Breakfast will be at the Coldwater Schools in the Circle Drive. Each meal will contain 5 pancakes and 5 sausage links, along with syrup, butter, and utensils. There are no presales.  Meals cost $5 per person at pick-up and all proceeds from the event help fund Coldwater Kiwanis support of children’s programs in the Coldwater school and community.

Founded in 1969 the Coldwater Kiwanis Club has been serving children of the community by providing programs and funding that enhance their educational opportunities and quality of life. In the last 20 years, our club has donated over $500,000 to these causes. Our members are parents, grandparents, teachers, local business owners and employees, and anyone interested in supporting the youth of the community. Kiwanis also sponsors the Coldwater Schools K-Kids Club (4th Grade) Builders Club (JH), Key Club (HS), and Mercer County AKtion Club (for adults with disabilities).

 
February 12-15, 2022
 

Dana Smith, The Belle Lay Leader Coming to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, February 20, 2022. Dana Smith, Lay Leader at The Belle in Rockford, will be in the pulpit.

Dana’s lesson on Sunday will be from the Epistle of Ephesians 6: 10-18 entitled “Armor Up”. An epistle is a letter directed or sent to a person or group of people, usually an elegant and formal didactic letter. The letters in the New Testament from Apostles to Christians are usually referred to as epistles. Dana’s will be a letter written by St. Paul to the Ephesians.

Dana delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Sunday School is at 9:30 am.

Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well (run by Karen Ousley).

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second Traffic Fatality in Mercer County Investigated by Sheriff’s Deputies

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on Saturday, February 12th, 2022.  Grey advised that Mercer County Central Dispatch received a call at 1:47 PM of a traffic crash that occurred at 9155 US Rte. 127 in Hopewell Township. 

Grey advised that the investigation revealed that 69 year old Marjorie M Gehm,  9155 US Rte. 127 Celina, Ohio was at her mailbox and attempting to cross back West over US Rte. 127, when she was struck by a Southbound 2020 Dodge Truck being driven by 22 year old Kevin N McLane of 11496 Hiawatha Path Lakeview, Ohio. 

Gehm was pronounced dead at the scene.  McLane reported no injuries and received moderate damage to his truck.

Assisting at the scene were members of the Celina Fire Department, Celina EMS and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.    

This crash remains under investigation at this time and will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

This is Mercer County’s second fatal crash in 2022. 

Jeff Grey
Sheriff

Mercer County Sheriff’s Office

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH, over the course of two years, made the decision to become an Independent Church in the Fall of 2021. They voted to disassociate from the United Church of Christ denomination, researched other denominations, chose to be an Independent Church and renamed their church. Their name is legally changed to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford and all legal and official paperwork has been completed.

The membership invites anyone looking for a Bible based church to join us at weekly worship services on Sundays at 10 AM, and weekly Sunday School at 9:30 AM. Children’s Church/Message is the first, third and fifth Sundays during the worship service. Two retired pastors are filling the pulpit, and provide meaningful messages from the Bible: Rev. Steve Howell and Rev. Doug Meyer. Occasionally, other pastors fill in including Tom Sanford and Larry May and other guest speakers.

Weekly news releases are placed in the area newspapers including: www.parkwayindependent.com; The Photo Star; http://www.MercerCountyOutlook.com; and The Daily Standard. The church FaceBook page is St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford.

St. Paul’s is a 155 year old traditional church welcoming you.

Please call Becky Jo Shope at 419-942-1374 or 419-363-2227 for more information.
 

 
February 5-11, 2022
 

Historical Marker Photo Needed
Visionmark Nameplate in New Bremen has been asked to make a historical marker for the town of Mendon, to mark the site of the C.H. & D. tracks and train depot.

The Sesquicentennial book for Mendon, 1834-1984, had a photo of the depot, but it is “blurry.” 

If anyone has a clearer photo of the C.H.& D. Railroad and Train Depot to be used for this Historical Marker at Mendon, please contact Susan Williams at VisionMark Nameplate.

Susan’s email address is swilliams@vmNameplate.com. 

Her phone # is  419-977-3131, ext. 20.

 Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

WILLSHIRE BICENTENNIAL DINNER

2022 is the Bicentennial of Capt. James Riley founding Willshire. He named the town in honor of William Willshire who rescued Capt. Riley and his crew from slavery in the Sahara after they were shipwrecked off the Western Sahara coast in 1816.

In 1817 Riley published 'Sufferings In Africa' the tale of their capture, enslavement, and eventual release. Abraham Lincoln listed this book as one of the 3 most influential books that influenced his views of slavery.

We will be privileged to hear from Dr. Darrell Groman, O.D., at the 'We Love Willshire' Bicentennial dinner celebration, Feb. 26th.

Dr. Groman has had an interest in Capt. Riley since the age of 8, growing up by and explorinig Riley Creek in Bluffton, OH. He will again be portraying Capt. Riley in period appropriate surveyor clothing that would have been worn and tell of his explorations of the area.

 “History Comes Alive!” when Capt. Riley is in the house and we hope to see you at Hillside Bed and Breakfast on Feb. 26th at 6 P.M. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Dinner will be catered by the Rockford Carryout and tickets are available at the Willshire Village Office, the Photo Star, or the Rockford Village Hall for $20. You can also call or text 419-495-4022 for tickets. Deadline to purchase is Feb. 17th.

Mercer County Health District COVID-19 Situation Update – February 9, 2022
by Paige Keysor

CELINA - As of February 9, 2022, the Mercer County Health District (MCHD) reports 7,777 confirmed cases, 1,767 probable cases, 7,464 recovered cases, 11 known hospitalizations, 129 COVID-19 deaths, and 23 probable deaths of COVID-19 among Mercer County residents. In addition, there have been 86 cases who have passed away due to causes other than COVID-19. Under the use of MCHD’s internal reinfection protocol, there have been 337 reinfection cases of COVID-19. Today, there are 107 known active cases of COVID-19 in Mercer County.

According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), 15,415 Mercer County residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, 7,714 Mercer County residents have received a booster dose. Of those residents who have been fully vaccinated, 40 were hospitalized for COVID-19 and have since recovered. Thirteen have passed away. There are currently 6 fully vaccinated residents hospitalized for COVID-19. 

The transmission rate of COVID-19 in Mercer County continues to be high. A high transmission rate is defined as 100 or more new cases per 100,000 people in a 7-day period or a test positivity rate of 10% or higher. Mercer County has seen 286 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days and has a test positivity rate of 25.33%. This data can be found here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view. 

The MCHD continues to urge community members to maintain good hygiene practices, stay home when sick, consider wearing a mask in indoor public places, and avoid crowded indoor places to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal viruses.

Individuals who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 or influenza are strongly encouraged to consider getting vaccinated. MCHD continues to offer appointments for COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Please call 419-586-3251, Option 2, to ask questions or schedule an appointment. Additional vaccine information can be found at https://mchdohio.org/.

Our Old Bookcase, sent Feb. 10, 2022, Grand Lake’s Off-Shore Oil Wells, for Feb. 17, 2022

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

Photo Caption:  The unbelievable story about the “Grand Lake Off Shore Oil Wells,” was the day the Board of Public Works, Canal Commission Members tried to force Landowners with Off Shore Oil Wells, to pay for leases in 1892.

The June 17, 1886 “Mercer County Standard” reported about the first successful oil well put down in Celina, Ohio.  Mercer County citizens immediately began their quest for oil and gas wells.  Land owners around Grand Lake began to drill for oil on the sandy beaches behind their homes.  The number of barrels per day that those oil wells were producing set off “The Oil Boom of Grand Lake.” 

When the first successful oil well was drilled in Celina the news flew across the nation via the railroad transportation for newspaper distribution.  Petroleum interested citizens in Pennsylvania immediately traveled to Celina & Mercer County, trying to lease land or purchase land, in hopes of striking it rich!  The politically wise oil men advised local citizens around Grand Lake, to lease land from the State, and to say the lease was for agricultural purposes (and not gas or oil wells). 

In the meantime, the weather took a turn for a rainy season.  The February 24, 1887 “Mercer County Standard,” reported the high water in Mercer and Auglaize Counties.  That change in the environment resulted in the fact that the level of the lake rose.  Therefore, the platforms of the oil derricks located on the perimeter of the lake, which had been drilled on land, were then flooded in the spring of 1887.  In 1887, these oil wells were identified as “under water,” or “Off Shore Oil wells.”

When the financially aware Board of Public Works, Canal Commission Members saw the potential of making money from the local land owners around Grand Lake, they immediately called for an exact survey of the Grand Lake area, which resulted in the 1889 Survey of Grand Lake.  The State Officials then knew names of the land owners around the lake.   The State held their interviews of the land owners at the Fountain Hotel, at St. Marys, Ohio, beginning on March 7, 1892 through April 16, 1892.  The State lost their scheme to force landowners with oil wells around the lake to pay for leases for oil wells, because the landowners had already filed for leases for agricultural purposes.  (It certainly was not their fault that there happened to be oil on that land!) 

This “Off Shore Oil Well,” was the first “Off Shore Oil well, in Ohio.  Pennsylvania had “Off-Shore Oil Wells,” earlier than Ohio’s wells.  In fact, I had a telephone call from Saudi Arabia, from an American Geologist.  “Off Shore Oil Wells” existed for over two thousand years on those lakes.  Remember the Biblical Story about the Virgins having oil for their lamps?  The ladies went to the lakes where oil was “bubbling up,” and placed bricks to encircle those oil bubbles.  They then scraped the oil off of the top of the brick wells, for their own use.

Many citizens and organizations and “wanna-be historians,” spread the Myth that Grand Lake “had the First Off Shore Oil Wells in the World.”   For example, look at the Plaque at the East side of Grand Lake!  Look at the Posters in front of some businesses!  True stories about off shore oil wells can be found on pages 5, 45-47, and 63-88, in my recent book, “Oil & Gas Boom, Mercer County & Midwest Ohio.”  To acquire a copy of this latest book published by the Mercer County Historical Society,“ contact Joyce Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society.

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883,  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

Civil War Round Table Guest Speaker John Hyter
Western Ohio Civil War Round Table invites the community and members to hear the upcoming speaker this month. John Hyter, probes the question with us, "Was it Treason?"  What do you think? Was there a legal right for rebellion against the United States? How would you argue the case before the courts? 

Southerners saw Federal forces as invaders. Right or Wrong?

Think about it, and be prepared to discuss various views on the question. “Was it Treason?” Probably, there is no correct answer. We'll see what John has to say!

Join us at 7:15 PM at the Richardson - Bretz Building in downtown Celina. Thursday February 24, 2022.

Parkway School Board Agenda for a Organizational Meeting on February 14, 2022 at 6:00 pm
by Sally Cox

Click here to read Rockford Village Council minutes January 18, 2022 by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Pastor Doug Meyer Returns to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, February 13, 2022. Retired Pastor Doug Meyer will be back in the pulpit. He will have a Children’s time before Children’s Church which usually involves cookies!

Doug’s lesson on Sunday will be from the Gospel of Mark 10: 17-30 entitled “Running for Life”.

Doug has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Sunday School is at 9:30 am. Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well (run by Karen Ousley).

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

VAN WERT ― The Community Health Assessment is currently underway in Van Wert County.
It's the primary tool of public health practice and its aim is to describe
the health of the community by gathering information on community members'
health status, community health needs and other local health problems. It
seeks to identify target populations that may be at increased risk of poor
health outcomes and to gain a better understanding of their needs, as well
as assess the larger community environment and how it relates to the health
of individuals.

The Community Health Assessment is a foundation for local public health
planning. The development and completion of the survey gives the health
department and other key community organizations the opportunity to hear
directly from residents about their public and community health concerns. As
the collective group reviews the survey results, a Community Health
Improvement Plan will be developed to address, through policies and
initiatives, methods to improve the overall health and well-being of our
community.

For over a decade, Van Wert County has completed a Community Health
Assessment. For the 2022 survey, the health department has contracted with
OHIO Alliance for Population Health through Ohio University. The team from
OHIO will help compile the primary and secondary data, assist with community
engagement activities, and analyze the information.

The Van Wert County General Health District and other community partners use
the survey information for various purposes. The health department is
required to complete this survey every five years as part of the public
health accreditation process. The data is also used to apply for grant
funding and to support department services such as the Help Me Grow Home
Visitor program.

We request that only one person from household complete the survey which can
be found online at
<https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xDguVn5Q65Iwg6?fbclid=IwAR20bFujOSj
XytnvRqzFzYLl6bkVv9lAauBl2o9FC3ckLwppsEbJmzOZ5MY>
https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xDguVn5Q65Iwg6 . Some will be
getting the survey in the mail.

By Samuel Shriver

Our Old Bookcase, sent Feb. 3, 2022, storm on Grand Lake, for Feb. 11, 2022

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

Photo Caption:  Disastrous Storm, January 15, 1906, on Grand Lake & Mercer County.

Today, a salute goes to our local newspapers in Mercer County, for contributing to the detailed preservation of Mercer County’s rich history.  The story of the January 1906 storm across Grand Lake and Mercer County was recorded by the “Mercer County Standard,” at Celina, Ohio, on January 19, 1906.

The most terrific windstorm that has visited this section for many years, swept over the county last Monday afternoon, after a mid-winter electrical storm.  In this city the rain fell in torrents, while in the south and west part of the county a heavy hail storm followed the flashes of lightning and peals of thunder.

Heavy damage was done throughout the oil fields, and derricks in all sections are down.  On the Schunck lease, south-west of town, pumper Frank Johnson had a narrow escape from being caught beneath a falling derrick.  On the Riley lease east of town, a number of derricks were overturned, and one of the pump houses blown down, badly damaging the engine.  The derrick on the Brandon lease west of town was overturned by the gale.  Willis Felver, of Liberty Township, was driving along the Mud Pike just as a derrick toppled over, and the terrific gust overturned and badly mashed his buggy, but luckily Mr. Felver and his horse escaped uninjured. 

In this city [Celina], window glasses were blown out, slating was blown from many roofs, and it was even reported bricks were blown from the sidewalks.  The first disturbing of the elements passed with a beautiful sunset, but about 6:30 another terrific blast hit this city.  From all sections of the county have come reports of barns and dwellings being overturned, trees uprooted and telephone poles blown down, thus destroying telephone communications to many parts of the county.  In this city much damage of a minor character was done, many chimneys being toppled over. 

A number of buildings were blown down at the Fair ground.  A number of windows were blown in at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Dickman, East Wayne Street.  Windows were also blown in at Dr. Hattery’s residence on East Market and at the Maggie Shepherd building on Main.  The front of the Adolph Meuther saloon on South Main was blown in.  A chimney on the C.S. Younger dwelling, across the railroad, on East Market, was blown off.  Much damage was done at the furniture factory, lumber being scattered around and many windows broken.  At the Estry & Stephenson Lumber yard, lumber was scattered in all directions.

Signs all over town were blown down, umbrellas blown wrong-side-out and pedestrians were nearly all badly winded.  Jonas Thomas, of Center Township, was a victim of Monday night’s storm, and he was compelled to come to town and invest in a big double window.  The tornado and cyclone insurance agents of this city have received reports.

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883.  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

High School Student Helps at Van Wert LIVE
Van Wert LIVE would like to formally introduce a new face on the operational staff. Van Wert High School CEO student Sam Moonshower joins the team of entertainment professionals as a Marketing Intern. Sam is a senior at Van Wert and plans to attend college majoring in broadcasting or marketing. At Van Wert High School, Sam is a proud member of BETA Club and The National Honor Society. He also is a Cougar Athlete on the soccer and tennis teams.

"Through the CEO Program at school, I get to work with Van Wert LIVE to further my knowledge of communications, networking, and marketing," shared Sam.

In the course of a very busy marketing day, taking time to manage a new staff member can be challenging. However, Quincy Thompson, Marketing Director of Van Wert Live events, is very pleased with the contributions Sam has made towards accomplishing strategy tactics.

"Sam has already blown us away with his eager initiative to start a 'Fast Facts about the NPAC' Social media campaign. We are confident in his skills and eager to see how his creativity will drive our communication strategy forward throughout the rest of the year," states Quincy. 

Sam's talented efforts can be witnessed by observing the Niswonger Performing Facebook page and Van Wert Live Instagram feed of Fast Facts and more. Van Wert LIVE is honored to dedicate time to the professional developments of high school students by providing experiences that are SO GOOD they come back to Van Wert.

HIT Arrests by Mercer County Sheriff and Celina Police
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey and Celina Police Chief Tom Wale report that their deputies / officers worked cooperatively yesterday (1-18-2022) on a HIT Detail (Heroin Interdiction Team).  They report that the HIT Team made 13 traffic stops, issued 10 written warnings,  issued 3 traffic citations and arrested 2 people. 

Arrested was Matthew J Millisor, age 48 of Grove City, Ohio.  Millisor was arrested on one count of Possession of Methamphetamine, a Felony of the fifth degree.  Millisor’s bond was set at $50,000.00 subject to 10 percent.

Also arrested was James M Carder, age 62,  5402 Lakewood Drive Celina, Ohio.  Carder was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Arson, a Misdemeanor of the first degree.   Carder was booked into the jail and posted bond a short time later.

Grey and Wale advise that their agencies efforts in the ongoing HIT Details conducted several times a year have seen a decrease in the amount of drug arrests.  Both Grey and Wale remind the community that both agencies will continue their work together to slow the use and sale of drugs in Celina and throughout Mercer county.   The community is asked to continue to provide drug tips to our deputies / officers.  Grey and Wale stated that this is a community effort  to keep our community safe.

 
February 1-4, 2022
 

Friday, February 4, 2022 at 10:30 AM

Parkway Schools have canceled all games and practices today, Friday, 2/4/2022.

Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 4 PM

Alert: Sheriff Grey has issued a Level 3 snow alert for all of Mercer County. Roadways are extremely hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.
Some are impassible. Only travel if absolutely necessary.

Sheriff Grey stated,

"LEVEL THREE IS NOT SUBJECTIVE, WHEN MERCER COUNTY IS UNDER A LEVEL THREE, MOST ROADWAYS ARE IMPASSABLE.  THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE ONLY DECLARES SNOW LEVELS FOR UN-INCORPORATED AREAS AS CELINA AND VILLAGES MAY HAVE DIFFERENT ROAD CONDITIONS INSIDE THEIR MUNICIPALITIES”.

"IN A LEVEL THREE, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE PULLS THEIR CRUISERS OFF THE ROADWAYS AND WILL ONLY RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES AS THE ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE AND DEPUTIES MAY NEED A COUNTY OR STATE SNOW PLOW TO LEAD THEM TO THE CALL SO THEY CAN GET THROUGH."

“IN THE EVENT OF A LEVEL THREE, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WILL HAVE A CAR STATIONED AT THE MENDON FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HANDLE CALLS IN THE NORTH, ONE AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HANDLE CALLS IN THE CENTRAL AREAS, AND ONE AT THE ST. HENRY FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HANDLE CALLS IN THE SOUTH. WE THANK THOSE FIRE DEPARTMENTS FOR ALLOWING US TO USE THEIR STATIONS.”

Parkway Schools are  CLOSED for Friday, February 4, 2022.
Winter Storm Conditions.

Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 2 PM

Alert: Sheriff Grey has issued a Level 2 snow alert for all of Mercer County. Roadways are very hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.
Roads are slick. Use caution.

Sheriff Grey stated, “I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT I AM VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT ANNOUNCING SNOW LEVELS.   

LEVEL ONE AND LEVEL TWO ARE PRETTY SUBJECTIVE, BUT WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS. 

LEVEL THREE IS NOT SUBJECTIVE, WHEN MERCER COUNTY IS UNDER A LEVEL THREE, MOST ROADWAYS ARE IMPASSABLE.  THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE ONLY DECLARES SNOW LEVELS FOR UN-INCORPORATED AREAS AS CELINA AND VILLAGES MAY HAVE DIFFERENT ROAD CONDITIONS INSIDE THEIR MUNICIPALITIES”.

IN A LEVEL THREE, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE PULLS THEIR CRUISERS OFF THE ROADWAYS AND WILL ONLY RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES AS THE ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE AND DEPUTIES MAY NEED A COUNTY OR STATE SNOW PLOW TO LEAD THEM TO THE CALL SO THEY CAN GET THROUGH."

Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 9 AM

Alert: Sheriff Grey has issued a Level 1 snow alert for all of Mercer County. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Use caution.

Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Prepares Snow Storm "Landon"

CELINA, OH (1-31-22) – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced for the public to assist as bad weather approaches this week.The Sheriff's Department will respond to calls.

Ways to listen for Sheriff's news & updates: watch TV and listen to local radio stations;  visit www.mercercountysheriffohio.gov ; or text MERCERSO to 888777 ; download the NIXLE App ; the sheriff's app and their Facebook Page.

Sheriff Grey reminds the public NOT to call 9-1-1- or Central Dispatch to ask about road conditions.

Sheriff Grey stated, “I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT I AM VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT ANNOUNCING SNOW LEVELS.   

LEVEL ONE AND LEVEL TWO ARE PRETTY SUBJECTIVE, BUT WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS. 

LEVEL THREE IS NOT SUBJECTIVE, WHEN MERCER COUNTY IS UNDER A LEVEL THREE, MOST ROADWAYS ARE IMPASSABLE.  THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE ONLY DECLARES SNOW LEVELS FOR UN-INCORPORATED AREAS AS CELINA AND VILLAGES MAY HAVE DIFFERENT ROAD CONDITIONS INSIDE THEIR MUNICIPALITIES”.

IN A LEVEL THREE, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE PULLS THEIR CRUISERS OFF THE ROADWAYS AND WILL ONLY RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES AS THE ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE AND DEPUTIES MAY NEED A COUNTY OR STATE SNOW PLOW TO LEAD THEM TO THE CALL SO THEY CAN GET THROUGH."

Sheriff Grey stated,

“IN THE EVENT OF A LEVEL THREE, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WILL HAVE A CAR STATIONED AT THE MENDON FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HANDLE CALLS IN THE NORTH, ONE AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HANDLE CALLS IN THE CENTRAL AREAS, AND ONE AT THE ST. HENRY FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HANDLE CALLS IN THE SOUTH. WE THANK THOSE FIRE DEPARTMENTS FOR ALLOWING US TO USE THEIR STATIONS.”

Parkway Schools are  CLOSED for Thursday, February 3, 2022.
Winter Storm Conditions.

Sheriff Jeff Grey cautions motorists about slick, snow-covered roads in Mercer County.

Parkway Schools have canceled all evening activities
for Wednesday, February 2, 2022

**********

Major Snowstorm "Landon"
has been dumping rain on the area since the morning
of Wednesday, February 2, 2022 and will continue through around 8 PM when it will turn to snow and freezing rain.
Expected snowfall is 3-5 inches on Wednesday night and
5-8 inches on Thursday according the The Weather Channel.

Click here to read Rockford Village Council minutes February 1, 2022 by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Come Hear Reverend Larry May at St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH welcomes retired Reverend Larry K. May to the pulpit at 10 AM on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Reverend May will also be serving the holy sacrament of communion during the service.

Larry has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from the United Church of Christ Church and was a pastor at St. Paul’s for many years.

Sunday School is at 9:30 AM weekly. Children’s Church will be held during the worship service.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page, run by Karen Ousley, for information as well.

 Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

 St. Paul's Country Church of Rockford Church Calendar

National Take A Child To The Library Day

National Take A Child To The Library Day is Saturday, February 5. Stop in at The Rockford Carnegie Library from 10 am-2pm and enjoy all the library has to offer. Light refreshments will be served.

Make a Valentine for an area Nursing Home Resident. Pick up some books and a take & make craft for kids.

For adults, during the month of February, check out one of our wrapped Blind Date Books. Fill out the “Rate Your Date” slip inside your book and return it to be entered for a Chamber Gift Certificate. Will it be Comical? Romantic? Suspenseful? Historic? Or a complete bore! This is a great opportunity to discover a new author.

The library continues to offer the following in-person programs: Play Group, Homeschool Program, Monthly Family Program, and Book Club. Play Group, for children 0-6, is offered Monday’s or Tuesday’s from 10-11am. Come enjoy a story, craft, snack, and open play. The library has a Homeschool Program offered on Wednesday’s from 1:30-3pm. Children in K-6th grade enjoy books, crafts, stem projects, cooking, games, etc. February’s Family Program will be Tuesday, 2/15 from 6:30-7:30 with an Olympic theme.  The first Monday of the month we offer an Adult Book Club. February’s book is The Sugar House by Laura Lippman and March’s book is Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks. Contact the library for additional information on our programs.

The library continues to offer curbside pickup if you are not comfortable coming in. Parents and caregivers, we can put together a themed book bundle. For example, books on things that go (planes, trains, and cars), dinosaurs, manners, etc.

Download the SEO Libraries App or Libby App on your phone or tablet. Here you can manage your Rockford account, search the catalog, renew and reserve books. This app also gives you access to the Ohio Digital Library. Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and videos for FREE. Read in your browser or download for offline enjoyment. Choose from over 200,000 titles. Compatible with most computers & devices. All you need is your library card and 4-digit pin. (Unless you told us otherwise your pin is the last 4-digits of your phone #.) If you need assistance contact the library at 419-363-2630 or stop in.

 

OHSAA Basball Umpire Class Coming Up February 16th
The Mid-west Buckeye Umpires' Association will  be hosting a training course for prospective baseball umpires interested in earning OHSAA certification for the upcoming 2022 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 on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm beginning on February 16th through March 16th. Classes will consist of virtual Zoom instruction on Tuesdays and "in-person" instruction on Wednesday evenings at Van Wert HS during the duration of the course. The first class will be held in-person at Van Wert HS on Wednesday, February 16th at 6:00pm. 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 "Baseball - Van Wert." For more information, contact Ryan Thompson at (419)305-0426.

Amy Brenner Becomes CPR Instructor for EverHeart Hospice

Amy Brenner, Training and Development Coordinator at  EverHeart Hospicerecently completed the courses and training necessary to become a CPR instructor. Becoming an instructor starts with an application and an active CPR provider license. The next step is to complete four online courses through the American Heart Association and an evaluation of your CPR skills through a CPR training center. A written examination must be passed once the classroom portion of instruction is completed. When you pass your exam, your first CPR class is monitored by a training center representative. 

Stephanie Crum, EverHeart Hospice’s Chief Quality Officer, is also a CPR Instructor for the agency and has maintained this status for two and a half years. You must be observed every two years while teaching a class to maintain instructor status. When asked about the CPR training EverHeart offers its staff, Stephanie shared how thankful she was for new equipment funded by The Women’s Giving Circle, a group of donors that support the agency and its mission.

Amy became an official instructor in December. When asked about her accomplishment, Amy stated, “Having two certified CPR instructors at EverHeart allows for us to train our staff on demand without the constraints of scheduling with an offsite source. We maintain CPR certification for all staff members who provide care for our patients in any capacity. We feel that Basic Life Support is a crucial skill to have, not only for the patients we serve but for the community we serve.”

EverHeart Hospice can be reached at 800-417-7535.  

 
January 29-31, 2022
 

Parkway Schools are on a
3 hour delay
for Monday, January 31, 2022
Water-related - low water pressure.

Village office fiscal clerk, Lisa Kuhn reported on January 31, 2022,
that the Village of Rockford was experiencing depressurization problems in both of the village's towers around 4:30 AM. The controls are fixed now.
The water department requests that residents only use water as needed until noon on January 31, 2021.
The towers should be re-filled by then.

Winter Homecoming at Parkway on Friday, February 4, 2022

The Parkway Student Government is pleased to invite all community members and alumni to the annual winter homecoming festivities. This year’s homecoming game, which sees the Parkway boys basketball team facing off against Coldwater, will be held on Friday, February 4th, with the JV game starting at 6:00 pm. The homecoming festivities will be held between the JV and Varsity games. A winter homecoming dance will be held for Parkway students following the varsity game. This year, the attendants of Parkway’s Homecoming Court include Freshman Amanda Barrett, Sophomore Avery White, and Junior Emree Sinning. The three Senior candidates for Homecoming Queen are Cami High, Faith Jacobs, and Gracyn Temple. Ticket prices are $7 presale and $8 at the gate. Come and enjoy the efforts of the Parkway basketball team, pep band, and student body, and find out which lucky senior is crowned Homecoming Queen! 

Picture:
Front Row: Junior: Emree Sinning, Sophomore: Avery White, Freshman: Amanda Barrett
Back Row: Seniors: Cami High, Faith Jacobs, Gracyn Temple

Parkway February 2022 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Saturday Funday at St. Paul’s Country Church

On Saturday, November 27, 2021, a special Saturday Funday was held at St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford. Area parents dropped off their children for a day of Bible stories, crafts, fun activities and food with the teachers from St. Paul’s. Their parents were able to do some shopping or wrapping.

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St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH recently made a generous donation to the House of Hope Project for Men and Women in Celina. According to Sandy Huckemeyer, director of both facilities, these programs have been highly successful in helping recovering addicts get their lives back on track. Picture here, Sandy accepts the donation  from life-long member Jill (Bollenbacher) Thomas. “Donations keep House of Hope on track and are always appreciated,” said Sandy.

St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH recently made a generous donation to the Helping Hands Ministry in Rockford to benefit the Food Pantry and second hand store. Karla Butler, who runs the store for First United Methodist Church accepted the check from life-long St. Paul’s member Mary Schmidt of Celina.

 
January 26-28, 2022
 

Parkway Schools are on a
2 hour delay
for Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Weather-related.
 

Morning temps recorded at -3
with -15 wind chill according to Weather Services.

 
January 21-25, 2022
 

Parkway Schools are on a
2 hour delay
for Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Weather-related.
 

2 inches of snow and cold temps
 including slick roads reported by
Mercer County Sheriff's Department.
 

Celina Police Report a Pedestrian Being Hit by a Car

On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at about 3:45 AM, Celina Police responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck by car on Deford St, near Cron St., Celina.  Upon arrival it was discovered that 39 year old Jeremiah Williams of Celina had been struck by a 2003 BMW sedan driven by 31 year old Katie Dunno, also of Celina.

Through the investigation it was found that the car was southbound and struck Williams as he was walking in the middle of the road.  It was also found that Dunno appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested for OVI.  Dunno is being held in the Mercer County Jail on a $100,000 bond subject to 10% while the case is reviewed by the Mercer County Prosecutor, Matthew Fox.

Williams injuries, though serious, appear to be non-life threatening.  The car received moderate damage.

Rockford Area Development Committee will be meeting, January 24^th, 2022 at 7 pm in the Rockford library basement.  Discussion will be about membership, possible upcoming projects, and continuation of the RADC. 

Annual Report for 2021 by Mercer County Engineer James Wiechart
Click Here to Read all kinds of interesting facts about our roads, bridges, equipment purchases
and so much more!

Pastor Doug Meyer Coming to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Retired Pastor Doug Meyer will be back in the pulpit. He will have a Children’s time before Children’s Church which usually involves cookies!

Doug’s lesson on Sunday , January 30, 2022 will be from the Gospel of Matthew 5:21-37 entitled “Choices”.

Doug has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Sunday School is at 9:30 am. Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Photo Caption:  The interior of Dwyer Theatre was filled.  Were you there, for your Saturday night date?

Once automobiles became popular in the 1920’s, theatres offered an entertainment to families prior to the arrival of television in private homes, in the 1950’s.  Local Communities each hosted a theatre.  Several theatres existed in Celina.  Celina’s first theatre stood at 217 South Main.  Another theatre was located at 202 S. Main. The Lakona Theatre, which became the Ohio Theatre, stood at 120 West Market. The West Fayette Theatre stood just west of Main Street.  A theatre stood at 232 South Main, at the site of Walls Auto Parts.  The Lake Theatre stood on South Main in 1945.

Celina Cinemas stood at 116 North Main, and became the “last theatre standing” in Celina.  Many Octogenarians remember Leo and Minnie Dwyer, and their involvement with the theatre.  In 1906 Leo E. Dwyer opened the first movie theatre at Peru, Indiana.  Dwyer went to the local music store to hire a piano player, to play during the “silent movies.”  Dwyer met Minnie Luscher, and the rest is history.  Mrs. Minnie Dwyer became involved in the business.  They sold their theatre and worked their way to California, in vaudeville theatres, dance pavilions, and movie houses.  They next lived in Columbus, Ohio.

Being an electrician, Dwyer opened a repair shop to work on the precision movie projectors in Columbus..  Dwyer became nationally famous in the motion picture field.  He threw a picture of 75 feet by 100 feet, a distance of 350 feet.  His repair shop grew, and he opened a branch store in Cincinnati and Cleveland.  In 1927, he sold his Theatre Equipment business to the National Theatre Supply Co.

Dwyers often passed through Celina during their travels.  They purchased the summer cottage formerly owned by Harold Neely at Villa Nova.  Harold Neely played a rare role in the petroleum business.  Harold Neely authored the book, “Wildcatting from Pennsylvania to Texas,” which was published by The Fair Press, Terre Haute, IN, Neely published his book with the copyright, in 1976.  A copy of his book is located at the Saint Marys Public Library, St. Marys, Ohio.   Neely purchased a cottage near Villa Nova on the west side of St. Marys.  Neely was a part of the St. Marys Drilling Company and the Neely-Clover Company, which went on to drilling gas wells across the State of Indiana on to the Midwest.  Neely returned to Pennsylvania.  Neely’s involvement in the petroleum business, is included in the book, “Oil & Gas Boom, Mercer County and Midwest Ohio,” on pages 92 and 63-88.

The Dwyers acquired the Lake Theatre, Lakona Theatre, and Fayette Theatre.  In 1945, the site at 116 North Main, Celina became available.  The old buildings were razed: the Courthouse Restaurant, Jameson’s Restaurant, Kingsley’s Barber Shop and Mendenhall Hat Store.  The Dwyers employed New York architects, John and Drew Eberson, who had built over 500 theatres throughout the world. Dwyer and his friend, Phil Chakeres of Springfield, Ohio planned the Celina theatre, as the Chakeres-Dwyer Theatre Co.  Maurice Young, NY Rau Decorating Co., who designed the lobby in Radio City Music Hall, designed the murals and decorations in this Celina theatre, which included air conditioning. 

The sudden death of Leo Dwyer in 1947 was a shock.  Minnie Dwyer proceeded with the construction of the building and the business.  The Dwyer name lives on at Dwyer-Mercer County Library, and Dwyer Hall at Wright State University Lake Campus.

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883.  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

EverHeart Hospice Receives Proceeds from Cooper Farms Turkey Trot 5K

Cooper Farms recently presented EverHeart Hospice with a check for $2,000, raised from their 14th Annual Turkey Trot 5K. This yearly tradition is a highlight for many each November, this year hosting 230 runners!

When asked about this year’s event, Hillary Stein, race coordinator and team member at Cooper Farms, shared, “We are very pleased with how this year’s race turned out.  Everyone seemed to have a fantastic time!  It was great seeing everyone come out to support such a great cause!”

Erica Wood, Business Development Specialist at EverHeart Hospice, accepted the check on EverHeart’s behalf. She shared, “EverHeart Hospice is truly thankful for the generosity and support that Cooper Farms has shown our agency and its mission each year. This year, the proceeds will help us with our Legacy Program, which provides keepsake items for our patients’ families to help them remember their loved ones. These items currently include heartbeat bears and hand photographs. Contributions like this will help us grow our program in hopes of adding new items in the future.”

Mark your calendars for next year’s Turkey Trot, set for Saturday, November 5th, 2022. You may find additional information on Cooper.

 
January 17-20, 2022
 

Parkway Area Lions Club Members Present Proceeds from Fish Fry

Parkway Middle School principal Brian Woods (left) receives a donation of $2665 from Rockford Lions president Dennis Hecht at the January 10th Lions Club meeting.  

Proceeds from the Lions Club Chicken Dinner held in October of 2021 at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 South Main Street benefit the Parkway Eighth Grade Class Trip to Washington DC later this year. The project is supported by the Rockford, Willshire, and Mendon Lions Clubs, led by Dennis Hecht, Kevin Krall, and Catlin Grier respectively.

Plans are underway for the 2022 Rockford Lions Quarter Auction, under the direction of project chair LeeAnn Frank.  The Quarter Auction will be held Friday, April 2nd, 2022 at the Rockford Community Building, 420 Holly Lane in Rockford. Doors will open at 12 noon.  The auction will begin at 1:00 pm.  Paddles will be $4 each and All-In paddles will be $35 each at the door. A light lunch will also be available. The first Lions Club Quarter Auction was held in 2019. 

The 28th annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-In will be held on Friday, June 17th, 2022 in conjunction with Rockford Community Days. 

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects like the Chicken Dinner, Quarter Auction and the Car Show and Cruise-In fund scholarships and help fulfill community needs and requests.

On February 14th the Rockford Lions Club will resume meeting on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm at the Rockford Village Offices on E. Columbia Street. 

Our Old Bookcase, sent Jan. 13, 2022,  Zenz City Festival, for Jan. 20, 2022

= = = = =

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

Photo Caption:  “The Grand Lawn Fete was held at Zenz City, under the auspices of the C. K. of A. on Sunday, September 20, 1908.  John Zenz invited everyone to enjoy the shade of the old apple trees of John Zenz’s Grove.”  This advertisement was posted in the September 19, 1908 “Saint Henry Advocate” newspaper, at St. Henry, Ohio.

A century ago, the way of life was changing in Mercer County.  Small villages had been established by settlers.  Prior to the Railroads arriving in 1879, and the early 1880’s, roads provided for the transportation via horses, and/or horses and buggies.  Oxen pulled wagons laden with the products needed by the settlers.  The small villages often were constructed around a general store on one corner, a grain mill on another corner, with a school and church on the other corners. 

Rural Free Delivery, “RFD” changed Post Offices by having Rural Mail Carriers deliver mail to mail boxes across the country side.   The Post Office at Zenz City was known as the Violet Post Office.  It can be identified on the 1888 and 1900 Maps in Mercer County’s local Atlases.  Violet Post Office was established July 8, 1886, and was discontinued on May 31, 1904, and the mail was sent to the Post Office at Fort Recovery.

George Zenz arrived in Mercer County, after the Civil War.  He established a store and managed it, until 1885, when he devoted his time to farming, and his wife Barbara took charge of the store.  She retired in 1903, and their son John Zenz, became the owner.  In 1899, John married Rose Brandewie.  John constructed the large cement block home, in 1905, for his family.  The home was an architectural landmark.  After World War I, in 1917, the Zenz Store was sold to Andrew Forthofter.   The village became known as “Sharpsburg,” but was neither platted nor incorporated.   Florence M. Rose provided this information for the “1978 Mercer County History Book.”

The small villages throughout Mercer County continue to exist as neighbors create their community activities.  The rural general stores have not always survived.  The rural churches have often survived.  The rural school houses were closed and the students became a part of the larger school districts.  Few grain mills still exist today.

When I drive through the rural communities, I am fascinated by the old buildings and big old barns. 

I do not see many silos which I saw when I was studying the barns of Mercer County.  I cannot tell you how many compliments I have received for the local history books that we have published at the Mercer County Historical Society, over the years.  This year is my 50th Year of being elected as President of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.  I sincerely thank the local citizens for sharing their heritage with the Historical Society.  The Mercer County Historical Museum and Historical Society serve Mercer Countians well.  We will soon be announcing our public programs, throughout the year, in this column.

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883.  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092.

Come Hear Pastor Steve Howell St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Retired Pastor Steve Howell will be in the pulpit continue with the book of John 14:15-24. His sermon is entitled “True Love”.

In his prior lesson from John 14, Pastor Steve reminded those present that Jesus told his disciples, “not to be troubled because I give you hope. Peace I leave with you and not the peace that the world offers.” Steve reminded us that we all look for peace in our own ways. We look at sunsets, oceans, mountains and more. But Jesus’ peace is not based on surroundings that fall apart. Have a relationship with Jesus Christ and focus on Him, and you will know peace.

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

There will be a meeting after the service and a meal for all members of the church.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Above: Pastor Steve serves communion during advent with Becky shop assisting.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Home Family Resource Center Welcomes Jennifer Yoder as the New Marketing & Development Coordinator.

Celina, OH, January 13th, 2022 – Jen Yoder is a multi-passionate business strategist with over 20 years in the marketing field. She recently took over as Our Home’s Marketing & Development Coordinator. Jen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, with a major in marketing, and a minor in psychology. Her professional experience is in project management, digital marketing strategy, brand awareness, and event planning. Jen joined our team in November and trained alongside Deb, who left Our Home to enjoy retirement. Jen’s first major project will be the 5th annual Empty Bowls Mercer County fundraiser to be held on April 2, 2022. Jen is looking forward to using her talents and experience to help spread Our Home’s mission and help the organization grow.

Jen and her husband Corey Yoder have been married for almost 13 years. They married in 2009, and Moved to Celina in 2011 after Corey completed his service in the US Navy. They reside in Celina with their two children.

Our Home’s Director, Kevin Draiss, says, “In the few months Jen has been with us, she has not only demonstrated a passion for her position, but, more importantly, has demonstrated her heart to assist our Mercer County friends and neighbors in their time of personal crisis. We are fortunate to have her on our team.”

Our Home Family Resource Center has been helping Mercer County residents survive, rebuild, and overcome since 1995. It consists of the Family Crisis Network, RAFT Visitation Center, and Direct Services & Referral. For more on Our Home, its programs, or what you can do to help, visit our website https://www.ourhomefrc.com/

LAKE AREA ARTS GROUP FUNDRAISER
  
A Paint and Sip Art fundraiser sponsored by the Lake Area Arts Group
(LAAG) will be on Thursday,January 27th from 6-9 pm at the LAAG
gallery 110 S. Main, Celina.
Cost is $40.00 with $10.00 going to LAAG . Paint and Sip conducted by
Painting Memories Tammy Sharp provides canvass and all supplies to
complete a 16x20 valentine theme painting. Wine or beverage is
provided.
Get some friends or family together and have fun painting with no
experience needed.
See the painting and sign up for tickets at the link on the
lakeareaartsgroup FB page or email thelakeareaartsgroup@gmail.com for
more information.

Two Arrested on Drug Charges

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced the arrest of two (2) people today.  Grey advised that Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputies and Deputies and officers assigned to Grand Lake Drug Task Force have been working jointly for months on this investigation.  The investigation began due to numerous tips that were received involving the arrestees.  

Katrina M Fuson, 30, 6730 St Rte. 219 Celina, was arrested on one count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs a Felony of the Second Degree, one count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs a Felony of the Third Degree and one count of Trafficking in Drugs a Felony of the Fourth Degree.   Fuson’s bond was set at $100,000.00 with a ten percent provision by Celina Municipal Court Judge Kathryn Speelman.

Also charged was 39 year old Philip M Rasawehr of 6730 St Rte. 219 Celina, who is currently in the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility serving time on an unrelated charge.  He was served today with charges of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs a Felony of the Second Degree and Aggravated Possession of Drugs a Felony of the Third Degree.  Rasawehr’s bond was also set at $100,000.00 with a ten percent provision by Judge Speelman.   

After Fusion’s arrest deputies applied for and received a search warrant for the her residence.   The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office assisted with the search warrant preparation and legal advice throughout the investigation.

Currently, deputies are still at the residence executing the search warrant.  This case remains under investigation and no other information will be released at this time.

 Anuszkiewicz and Cusick Exhibition Mercy Health 2nd Floor Gallery in Lima, OH 

There is a new colorful exhibit at Mercy Health, located on the second floor. The 3-Dimensoinal work on pedestals is from Debb Cusick, glass artist. Originally from Lima, her work incorporates the landscapes, images and colors of the west, her home for 40 years. She studied at The Art Academy of Cincinnati and also with the acclaimed Narcissus Quagliata. Her piece, ‘Apothecary’ hangs in the Smithsonian. Debb loves to include color, dance, and whimsical elements in her windows, lighting, and sculpture. The 2-dimensional work hanging on the walls is from the David L. Anderson collection. The artist featured is Richard Anuszkiewicz, one of the founders and foremost exponents of Op Art, a movement founded in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley were his primary counterparts. In 1964, Life magazine called him "one of the new wizards of Op". He described his work as the subtle chemistry of colors, which makes the geometry glow, “as if light were leaking out from behind it." The work is part of the ArtSpace/Lima Permanent Collection. The exhibit is part of an ongoing partnership between ArtSpace and Mercy Health, with the belief that art can influence mood and promote healing. ArtSpace brings a variety of visual art to viewers every three months to the second-floor gallery.

 
January 12-16, 2022
 

Trio to Enter Parkway Athletic Hall of Fame

Two former Parkway Athletes and one former Mendon Athlete will enter the Hall of Fame on Friday, January 21, 2022 at approximately 6:30 PM between the JV and Varsity Game at Parkway High School. There will be a reception to meet the Hall of Fame inductees.

They include Jordan Thompson, Rebekah (Roehm) Agner and Mike Griggs.

JORDAN THOMPSON CLASS OF 2008 Jordan earned 12 varsity letters during his high school athletic career competing in football, basketball, and baseball for the Panthers. On the baseball diamond, Jordan played catcher for the Panthers and was named 1st team All Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) during his Junior and Senior seasons. In basketball, Jordan scored 720 career points and pulled down 580 career rebounds over the course of his 4 seasons on the hardwood. He was named 1st Team All MAC during his senior season. On the football field, Jordan recorded a school record 476 total tackles on defense, and also holds the single season tackle record with 157 . He was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year during both his Junior and Senior seasons, and was also selected as Division V Co Defensive Player of the Year in the state of Ohio as a senior. On offense Jordan recorded 1,693 career rushing yards, and 23 rushing touchdowns. During his Senior campaign in 2007, the Panthers posted an 8-2 record, led by Head Coach Ed Kuhn. Jordan rushed for 14 touchdowns and threw for 19 more, finishing the season with a school record for passing yards in a single season with 2,172. In all, Jordan accounted for 50 touchdowns in his career. After high school, Jordan continued his academic and athletic career at Ohio University and earned his engineering degree in 2012. While in Athens, Jordan started in 47 consecutive games at tight end for the Bobcats catching 60 passes for 666 yards and 6 touchdowns for head coach Frank Solich. After college Jordan signed with the Detroit Lions on April 28, 2014, and made his NFL debut on October 19, 2014, against the New Orleans Saints. Jordan played for the Lions until May 2016, becoming the first Parkway Panther to play in the NFL.

REBEKAH (ROEHM) AGNER CLASS OF 2006 Rebekah earned three varsity letters in volleyball. She was a member of the 2005 State Runner-Up Volleyball team. She holds the school record for kills in a season with 549 and for a career with 1,213. Rebekah holds the record for blocks in a season with 87 and for a career with 214. Rebekah was named 1st team all Midwest Athletic Conference in 2004 and 2005. She was the District 8 Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005. Rebekah earned 2nd team All-Ohio in 2004 and First Team All-Ohio in 2005. Rebekah attended IPFW (Indiana/Purdue Fort Wayne) where she was a 4 year letter winner. She was named to the 1st team All-Summit League in 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2009, she was named the Summit League Tournament MVP while leading her team to their very first NCAA tournament appearance. She was named the IPFW Athlete of the Year in 2010. Rebekah currently ranks in the top 10 in several categories at IPFW including kills, kills per set, attack attempts, aces, block assists, points, points per set and matches played.

MIKE GRIGGS MENDON-UNION CLASS OF 1973 Mike earned 10 varsity letters at Mendon-Union; 4 in basketball, 4 in baseball and 2 in cross country. In basketball, Mike scored 1,524 points during his career. He was a three-time Mercer County League (MCL) All-Star while becoming the first player to lead the league in scoring three straight seasons. He was named the MCL Player of the Year in 1972. Mike also earned District 8 All Star status in 1973. In baseball, Mike was twice named to the MCL All-Star team. He attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where he went on to earn 7 varsity letters; 4 in basketball and 3 in baseball. In basketball, Mike is 20th in career scoring with 1,152 points and 12th in career assists with 282. He was named First Team All-Conference in 1977 on the best team in school history at 24-4. Mike was elected to the Rose-Hulman Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.

Together on Christmas 2021

Rockford area churches combined this year to serve the community with a free meal, Together on Christmas.  In the beautifully decorated Rockford Community Building, a delicious meal of chicken in cream sauce, baked pork chop, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade stuffing, green beans, roll and a dessert buffet was provided for dine in/sit down or as takeout.  More than 100 servants worked to provide this labor of love along with 50 dessert bakers.  Approximately 550 meals were served on Christmas Day.

Bridge Inspection

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart announced recently that the yearly bridge inspections of Mercer County’s 379 bridges on township and county roads have been completed.  Engineer Wiechart completed the inspections before the end of 2021.

“Bridge inspection is completed annually for several very important reasons.  First our bridge maintenance/work orders are generated directly from our yearly inspections.  Secondly, decisions on future bridge replacements/rehabilitations are made as a result of the condition ratings garnered from the inspection.  Third and most importantly, we inspect them to protect the public that uses them each day.” 

In Ohio, the professionally licensed and elected County Engineer manages and oversees bridge inspections on township and county roadways.  Any questions, concerns about bridges may be directed to the engineer’s office.

St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH recently made a generous donation to C.A.L.L Ministries to benefit the Parkway and Celina Back Pack Programs as well as the Food Pantry. Arlene Steinbrunner, volunteer for C.A.L.L Ministries accepted the check from church member Bob Cook.

 

Donation to Kingdom Harvest Ministries

St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH recently made a donation to Kingdom Harvest Ministries. Tom Sanford, director of the program accepted the check from member Sheila Baltzell-Linn.

KHM teaches Bible classes at off-site locations, during the school day, to interested students at Celina and Parkway Schools. They are the first program to also offer college credit for the classes.

 
January 8-11, 2022
 

Pastor Doug Meyer Returns to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, January 16, 2022. Retired Pastor Doug Meyer will be back in the pulpit. He will have a Children’s time before Children’s Church which usually involves cookies!

Doug’s lesson on January 2, 2022 was based on the Gospel lesson of Matthew 2:1-12 and entitled “You Can Never Go Home the Same Way” covered the Bible lesson of Epiphany when the wise men came to worship the newborn Jesus. They had stopped at King Herod’s seeking directions. Herod asked that they return to him when their task was complete, so that they would bring King Herod the directions so he could go and worship as well. But angels warned them not to return to Herod who was plotting to kill Jesus. They went home by a different route. Pastor Doug reminded us that when we meet and truly embrace Jesus, we can never go home the same way again. Our lives are changed forever.

Doug’s lesson on Sunday , January 16, 2022 will be from the Gospel of Mark 2: 1-12 entitled “Whatever it Takes”.

Doug has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.  

Sunday School is at 9:30 am. Children’s Message and Children’s Church are on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays monthly.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Winter Reminder from Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart and Snowplow crews

During snow and ice removal nothing prevents crews from doing a safe and efficient job of clearing roadways more than abandoned vehicles on and along county roadways that either slow or obstruct snowplows from getting county roads open.

Here are a few winter safety driving tips that hopefully will allow snowplow crews to provide safe travel this winter for Mercer County motorists:

If you have to travel during hazardous conditions, use common sense and adjust your speed to surrounding road conditions and slow down.

When following a snowplow, be vigilant and stay back far enough so you can be seen in the snowplow driver’s mirrors.  All snowplows have starting and stopping points on their routes and at times unexpected backing by the truck may be necessary.  A lot of turning around at intersections occur.

Many of the township and county road pavements are one-lane or narrower.  Never attempt to pass from behind in these circumstances.

When approaching a snowplow coming toward you on a typical two-lane road, give some room to those large trucks and pull over as far as you safely can.  The tip of the blade usually is at or around the centerline of the pavement.

Be vigilant at intersections and provide plenty of room.  Plows may have to clear the edges of the radius of the intersection of snow and ice, which require many forward and reverse operations at the intersection area.

If clearing driveway, do not push snow to the approach side of mailbox (place it on the exit side of the mailbox).

Stay abreast of the road conditions and advisories issued by the local media.

Children’s Activities at St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

Christmas Eve was recently enjoyed by the children and the congregation at St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford.

On Friday, December 24, 2021 at 7 PM the children of St. Paul’s Church practiced and held a very special Childrens’ Play for the Christmas Eve service. Entitled “Manger Tales” – a Christmas point of View from the animals, the “animals” were interviewed about hosting the newborn Baby Jesus in their stable in Bethlehem. Christmas hymns were also sung by candlelight.

Click on smaller thumbnail photos to enlarge them.

 
January 4-7, 2022
 

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office received a 911 call at 6:49 AM this morning.  The caller reported an injury accident involving a car and semi and that one of the vehicles was in a pond. 

The investigation found that 65 year old Adil Sabanagic of Utica, New York, was driving his 2016 Volvo semi westbound on St Rte 29 near Harris Road.  36 year old Atsushi Tanaka of Sidney, Ohio was driving a 2021 Honda and was also westbound on St Rte 29.   Sabanagic was slowing or stopped in traffic to turn South on Harris Road.  It appears that Sabanagic may have missed his turn and began backing up to make the turn, when the trailer blocked part of the roadway.  Tanaka struck the back of the trailer.  Tanaka went off of the North side of the roadway, down the ditch, through a fence and came to rest submerged in a pond. 

The Celina Fire Department dive team was called to assist in rescue efforts for Tanaka.  Tanaka was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Grey reports that there is a witness to the crash as well as video of the crash that deputies are reviewing.  At this time the crash remains under investigation.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of the Celina Fire Department, Celina EMS, Saint Mary’s EMS, Ohio State Patrol and the Mercer County EMA.  Mercer County Coroner, Dr. Timothy Heinrichs was also notified of the crash and released the body to a local funeral home.

The Village of Rockford - 2022 Council  and Mayor


Back - Chris Heitkamp - Safety Committee, Luke Stephenson - Utility Committee,  Brad Now - Economic Development

Front - Mary Beougher - Service Committee, Mayor Amy Joseph,  Jessica Yoder- Rules Committee,
and Ron Searight - Finance Committee.

Thank you for serving!

Parkway School Board Agenda for a Organizational Meeting on January 12, 2022 at 6:00 pm
by Sally Cox

Parkway School Board Agenda for a Regular Meeting on January 12, 2022 at 6:30 pm
by Sally Cox

Parkway January 2022 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

The Voice Of The Buckeyes To Speak At The Niswonger

(Van Wert, OH) - The Ohio State Buckeyes scripted yet another successful season ending in a Rose Bowl Victory in Pasadena, CA. The Voice Of The Buckeyes, Paul Keels, was with them every step of the way for every play. Van Wert Live along with Presenting Sponsor, The Ohio State Alumni Association of Van Wert and Paulding Counties, is pleased to announce that Paul Keels will bring his distinguished voice and power-play stories to The Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 PM. 

Tickets from $19-29 are on sale now to Van Wert Live Members and release to the public on Friday, January 21. VWLive Memberships begin as low as $100 and provide 365 days of early buying opportunities for all Van Wert Live events.

Paul Keels’ booming voice fills rooms and cars with an unmistakable beat. His crisp play-calling on the radio of Ohio State football and basketball never leaves the listener in doubt. It’s graphic, efficient, and spot-on. Keels is now inextricably linked with the Buckeyes whose games he’s called for a score of years; through two national titles and three trips to the Final Four.

Players and coaches come and go. Yet schools’ longtime play-by-play announcers are as recognizable as the teams they cover. Fans think of them as longtime friends, those who share in the joy of victories and commiserate in the misery of defeats. They are forever part of the tapestry, drawing pictures of the familiar and the unfamiliar.

In this unimaginable world of digital conveniences, picture painting on the radio is a disappearing art. For years, radio was a necessity. It kept fans abreast. Still, today, there are many vibrant announcers who’ve presided over their friendly microphones for thirty or more years. They get it. Each one is an artist with his own distinct brush and palette.

Paul will share stories from his book "If These Walls Could Talk", which recollects his years with Ohio State’s football and basketball teams - coaches he’s covered, some of the big players with whom he interacted, and naturally, some of the big moments he witnessed.

2022 Annual sponsors making live entertainment happen in Van Wert are Central Insurance, First Federal Bank of Van Wert, and Statewide Ford-Lincoln. 

Mercer County Health District COVID-19 Situation Update – January 5, 2022
By Paige Keysor 

CELINA - As of January 5, 2022, the Mercer County Health District (MCHD) reports 6,281 confirmed cases, 1,412 probable cases, 5,853 recovered cases, 15 known hospitalizations, 112 COVID-19 deaths, and 22 probable deaths of COVID-19 among Mercer County residents. In addition, there have been 76 cases who have passed away due to causes other than COVID-19. Under the use of MCHD’s internal reinfection protocol, there have been 105 reinfection cases of COVID-19. Today, there are 248 known active cases of COVID-19 in Mercer County.

There have been 162 confirmed and 50 probable cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated Mercer County residents. Of those individuals, 25 were hospitalized and have since recovered. Three fully vaccinated residents are currently hospitalized. Six have passed away.

The transmission rate of COVID-19 in Mercer County continues to be high. A high transmission rate is defined as 100 or more new cases per 100,000 people in a 7-day period or a test positivity rate of 10% or higher. Mercer County has seen 488 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days and has a test positivity rate of 25.57%. This data can be found here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view. 

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, MCHD urges community members to maintain good hygiene practices, stay home when sick, and avoid crowded indoor places to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal viruses.

The MCHD continues to offer the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for first, second, third, and booster doses by appointment at the health department. More information on local COVID-19 vaccination opportunities can be found at  https://mchdohio.org/. Please call 419-586-3251, Option 2, to ask questions or schedule an appointment.

Lima Symphony Orchestra Brings Back Live Symphony Storytimes

Lima, OH (January 4, 2022) – The Lima Symphony Orchestra’s popular Symphony Storytime program returns over the next two weeks to libraries in Wapakoneta and Celina. Featuring a duet of Lima Symphony Orchestra musicians, this program will focus on the theme of opposites in music. Live programs will happen at the following locations:

Tuesday, January 11 at 10:30 AM - Auglaize County Public District Library (203 Perry St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895)

Tuesday, January 18 at 10:30 AM – Mercer County District Library (303 N Main St, Celina, OH 45822)

For this innovative program, children and their families will enjoy outstanding newer publications featuring the theme of “opposites.” This program features Big is Big (and little, little), by J. Patrick Lewis, Big Bear, Small Mouse by Karma Wilson, and The Tortoise or the Hare by Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison, all accompanied by live music from Lima Symphony Orchestra musicians. The program will draw parallels between concepts of contrast using musical examples to accompany the stories. With a focus on creative movement and music literacy, "Symphony Storytime" is designed to spark children’s imaginations and foster a lifelong love of and appreciation for music. This program is appropriate for all ages and is free and open to the public.

Books:

Big is Big (and little, little) by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Bob Barner (2007)

Big Bear, Small Mouse by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman (2016)

The Tortoise or the Hare by Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison, illustrated by Joe Cepeda (2010)

Music Selections:

The Cakewalk from “Children’s Corner Suite” L. 113 by Claude Debussy

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies from “The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky

In The Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg

Minuet by Johann Sebastian Bach

These performances are part of the Lima Symphony’s ongoing commitment to music education and their firm belief that music and the other arts are critical tools in building strong communities.  This project is supported by the following underwriters:

Symphony Storytime Sponsors:

AC Dienstberger Foundation

G.A. Wintzer & Son Co.

State Bank

Thermal Gard Window and Door

Van Wert County Foundation

Mercer County Civic Foundation

 
January 1-3, 2022
 

CASA of Mercer County Swears in 9 New Court Appointed Special Advocates for Mercer County Children.

CASA of Mercer County is pleased to announce that it has sworn in 9 volunteers in its inaugural swearing-in ceremony for the Mercer County Juvenile Court on December 20, 2021.  Mercer County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Matthew L. Gilmore presided over the ceremony and sworn in the new volunteers.  Mercer County Juvenile Court Magistrate Richard M. Delzeith was present as the Court Administrator for CASA of Mercer County.  CASA of Mercer County Executive Director Nick Schulze and Coordinator of Volunteer Services Kip Wright were also present.

Please join the program in congratulating the following volunteers as Mercer County’s first set of Court Appointed Special Advocates:

Chuck Meyer of New Bremen, who is currently employed at Crown Equipment in New Bremen.

Deb Hemmelgarn of St. Henry, who is currently employed at the MED Foundation in Coldwater.

Nikki Hemmelgarn of Coldwater, who is currently employed as a teacher in Coldwater.

Beth Smalley of Celina, who is currently employed at Mercer County ESC in Celina.

Angela Gibbons of Celina, who is currently employed at Crown Equipment in New Bremen.

Lisa Post of Celina, who was formerly employed at The Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus.

Sandy Dieringer of Celina, who was formerly employed at Foundations Behavioral Health Services in Celina.

Tannar Rutschilling of Celina, who is currently employed at Crown Equipment in New Bremen.

Ted Bertke of Celina, who was formerly employed at Leugers Insurance in Maria Stein.

The swearing-in ceremony was the final step taken by these community members after 30 hours of pre-service training prior to being sworn in to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Training equips community volunteers with all the skills needed to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected.

Now, as Court Appointed Special Advocates these volunteers will be appointed to cases open in juvenile court due to abuse, neglect, and/or dependency. They are then tasked with getting to know the children, becoming familiar with their special circumstances, and then making recommendations to the Court on what is in the children’s best interest. EVERY CHILD deserves someone in their corner amplifying their voice and their story. CASA volunteers are ordinary community members that make an extraordinary difference in the lives of children.

CASA of Mercer County is now accepting applications for its next training. They would love to talk to you about this new and impactful volunteer experience. If you would like to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of children in your county, check out CASA of Mercer County at www.mercercountycasa.org or on Facebook.

Come Hear Pastor Steve Howell St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Retired Pastor Steve Howell will be in the pulpit continue with the book of John 14:25-31. His sermon is entitled “Jesus – Our Peace”.

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

 
December 28-31, 2021
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 17 years!
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 
December 24-27, 2021
 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 
December 22-23, 2021
 

New Business in Celina MADE Home and MADE Apparel
Recently the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure to participate in the Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting of their newest member MADE Home & MADE Apparel. This new business located at 216 W. Fayette Street in Celina, OH offers a collection of home décor, gifts, and goods. This beautifully revived store front will bring you inspiration and a passion for making your house a home. They also specialize in screen print services as well. You can find information on Facebook but be sure to stop by and take a look for yourself. The store also accepts the Celina/Mercer Chamber Gift Certificates as well. Welcome to the chamber MADE Home / MADE Apparel. Pictured are Stacy Beougher, Chamber Director, Mayor Jeff Hazel, owners Emily Schiavone and Brooke Bader along with their families.

Willshire Hosting New Year's Day 5K

The first event celebrating Willshire's Bicentennial in 2022 is Capt. Riley's River Run 5K/Fun Run on January 1st, 2022. Join us for a refreshing run around the village settled by Capt. James Riley in 1822.

The run starts at 10 A.M.on New Year's Day. Registration begins at 9 A.M. at the Willshire American Legion on State St. in Willshire.

5K entry is $10 for those 16 and over. A second member of the same household is $8 and a family entry is $25 (same household). Under 16 is $5.

Fun Run entry is $7 for 16 and over, $3 under 16, and $13 for a family entry. Make checks payable to L.B.C.F. with 'Willshire Becentennial' on the memo line. There is an entry form pinned on the 'Willshire Bicentennial 2022' Facebook page.

Text/call 419-495-4022 entrants name(s) so that we know how many to plan for and for any questions you have.

If you're interested in a T-shirt or Hoodie, they can be ordered from The Kidz Treehouse  in Rockford.

(December 22, 2021) – ADVANCED INSURANCE GROUP
The owners of four local insurance agencies have announced a definitive merger agreement, which will greatly enhance their product and service offerings to customers in the Van Wert, Delphos and surrounding communities. The four companies involved in the merger are: Purmort Brothers Insurance Agency in Van Wert, Rhoades Insurance Agency in Van Wert, Schmit-Massa Insurance Agency in Delphos, and Jerry Gilden’s Nationwide Insurance Agency in Delphos and Van Wert.

NOW OPERATING AS ADVANCED INSURANCE GROUP

Purmort Brothers, Rhoades, Schmit-Massa and Jerry Gilden’s Nationwide Insurance Agencies have worked long and hard to create professional businesses that provide outstanding services to our community. These four companies, along with Aaron Anspach and Adam Anspach who also have a longstanding experience in the insurance industry, will now be operating as ADVANCED INSURANCE GROUP. The merger and name change will go into effect immediately.

Aaron and Adam Anspach bring to Advanced Insurance Group a combined 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry – with a background in personal and farm lines, commercial underwriting, claims and marketing. Aaron and Adam will be working hand-in-hand with the owners of Purmort Brothers, Rhoades, Schmit-Massa and Jerry Gilden’s Nationwide Insurance Agencies to ensure a smooth transition to the new brand under Advanced Insurance Group. Under this new partnership, customers can expect to work with the same knowledgeable and friendly staff they have come to know and trust throughout the years – with the addition of new employees and leadership to continue to grow stronger together.

Advanced Insurance Group will have 2 permanent locations: Van Wert and Delphos. The Van Wert location will be moving to the Purmort Brothers location at 101 W. Crawford Street, and the Delphos location will be moving to 403 N. Main Street. The staff and business leaders at all four merging agencies will remain the same and continue to work with customers as they join together under the Advanced Insurance Group brand. As demonstrated through each agency’s continuous involvement throughout the years, Advanced Insurance Group is deeply committed to staying in both communities.

For more information, please contact Adam Anspach by calling 419.238.6214.

 
December 17-21, 2021
 

Christmas is Coming!

Together on Christmas is Back!

TOGETHER ON CHRISTMAS, a free dinner on Christmas Day, returns December 25th, 2021 to the Rockford Community Building.  Begun in 2005 as a ministry outreach of the Rockford United Methodist Church, the first FREE Christmas Day Dinner was intended to serve hungry and lonely people who might not have a traditional Christmas Day dinner nor family with whom to share it. 

The 2020 event was cancelled in response to the COVID pandemic and Ohio health and safety guidelines for large gatherings. The 2021 return of TOGETHER ON CHRISTMAS is now a community event led by members and friends of the Rockford United Methodist, Rockford Bell Community, New Horizons Community, and St. Teresa Catholic churches.  

TOGETHER ON CHRISTMAS offers a free Christmas dinner to residents of Rockford and the surrounding area.  The Rockford Community Building is located at 402 Holly Lane near Shanes Park.   The 2021 Dinner will be served from 10:30- 1 pm. The 2021 menu includes chicken breast in cream sauce, baked pork chop, mashed potatoes & gravy, homemade dressing (stuffing), green beans, rolls/butter, and a dessert buffet.  

For additional information contact the Rockford United Methodist Church office at 419-363-3230, by email office.mgr.rumc@bright.net or at www.rumcoh.org.  Rev. ‘Chip’ Steffy is the pastor.

Rockford Business of the Year Announced

The Rockford Ohio Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Second Crossing Brew Co. as the 2021 Business of the
Year.   Their commitment and tireless involvement to the Rockford community has not gone unnoticed.
We are grateful and blessed to have you!

Photo -  owners


Todd McKee, Luke Stephenson,  and Luke Clouse  

HFNEI Announces Honor Flights President Change

Dennis Covert, President of Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI), announced that effective January 19, 2022, he is voluntarily stepping-down as President.  

Dennis has been involved with HFNEI since 2010 and has served as president for 5 ½ years.  Mr. Covert stated; “It has been an honor and privilege to serve as president of HFNEI.  I loved my time as president and I look forward to serving as a member of the Board of Directors and continuing our mission of transporting veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials that were built in their honor.”
 
Cathy Berkshire was elected as in-coming President of HFNEI at a Board of Directors meeting on November 17, 2021.  Cathy has been involved with HFNEI since 2009.  She has worked on fund-raising efforts, served as a guardian, bus leader, trip leader, and since 2014 has served as corporate secretary.  President-elect Cathy Berkshire said; “I serve on the HFNEI Board of directors in memory of all my family members that have served this great country since 1940.  I truly feel honored and blessed to serve our veterans with this amazing organization.  I am eager and excited to resume our Honor Flights in Spring 2022.”
 
Three Honor Flights are scheduled from Fort Wayne in the Spring of 2022.  For more information about upcoming flights, visit our website:  www.hfnei.org; Facebook:  www.facebook.com/hfnei  or call the Honor Flight phone at 260-633-0049.

Honor Flight NE Indiana, Inc. is a volunteer, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

LIMA SYMPHONY RETURNS TO THE STAGE ON DECEMBER 31 FOR “CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR”

Lima, OH (December 17, 2021) – The Lima Symphony Orchestra returns to the stage on Friday, December 31 at 7:30 PM at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center (7 Town Square, Lima, OH 45801) for “Classical Mystery Tour” – a symphonic evening of The Beatles with the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Called “the world’s best Beatles show with symphony orchestra,” this concert faithfully honors the musical legacy of The Beatles. Led by Music Director Andrew Crust and Beatles’ reenactors Jim Owen, Tony Kishman, Joe Bithorn, and Chris Camilleri, this concert presents an authentic tribute to The Beatles’ most memorable hits with full orchestral backing.

Imagine what it would have been like to hear The Beatles perform live with a symphony orchestra. Well, now you can! The four musicians of “Classical Mystery Tour” present a faithful interpretation of familiar Beatles tunes with the rich orchestral backing of their later studio hits. From the brass bands of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to the lush string accompaniment of Yesterday, this show allows you experience the Beatles as you never have before: live with your favorite hometown symphony! Delighting audiences for over 20 years, “Classical Mystery Tour” has performed with orchestras around the world, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

This concert is underwritten by the following sponsor:

Reineke Family Dealerships

Tickets:  $30.   Tickets can be purchased online at www.limasymphony.com or by calling the symphony office at 419-222-5701.

The Lima Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to preserving musical excellence as a living part of our community. Serving communities throughout West Central Ohio, the Lima Symphony annually presents five subscription concerts, a family concert, Mozart by Candlelight concerts and an annual New Year’s Eve Pops concert.

Come Hear Pastor Steve Howell St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford and also Service on Christmas Eve

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, December 26, 2021. During this most Holy of seasons, Retired Pastor Steve Howell will continue with the book of John 14:1-7 and Matthew 2:1-12. His sermon is entitled “Jesus – The Way, Truth and Life”.

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

There will be a Congregational meeting after the service to vote for new Consistory Officers.

St. Paul’s Country Church will hold a very special Childrens’ Play on Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24, 2021 at 7 PM. It is entitled Manger Tales – a Christmas point of View from the animals. Candlelight Christmas hymns will be sung. Join us at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, Ohio.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENDENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Snow –do not plow onto roadways

The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is reminding residents living on county and township roadways not to leave snow plowed from private driveways on the roadway.

Ohio law prohibits the placement of injurious material or any obstruction on a highway except that which is placed on the roadway by a proper authority, such as salt or grit the county and townships use to treat icy roads. 

If it is found that snow displaced from a private drive onto a roadway contributes to an accident, the individual who placed it there could be found liable.

According to Sheriff Jeff Grey of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, placing injurious materials or obstructing the roadway is a criminal offense.

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

 
December 9-16, 2021

 

Join the members of the Belle Church in Rockford for a Christmas Concert with Blind Date providing the music and Shanon Wagner singing at 3 PM on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Santa Claus and refreshments.

Pastor Doug Meyer Returns to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to their worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, December 19, 2021. During this most Holy of seasons, Retired Pastor Doug Meyer will continue with the Advent story. He will have a Children’s time before Children’s Church.

Doug has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

There will be a Congregational meeting after the service.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us once or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

St. Paul’s Country Church Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

St. Paul’s Country Church will hold a very special Childrens’ Play on Christmas Eve, Friday December 24, 2021 at 7 PM. It is entitled Manger Tales – a Christmas point of View from the animals. It will be adorable in candlelight. Christmas hymns will be sung. Join us at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, Ohio.

New Release 12/16/2021 by Tom Wales, Celina Chief of Police

On 12/15/2021 the School Resource Office and the Celina City Schools investigated an incident of children playing a gun game using candy canes as “guns”.  It became a bit rambunctious and a teacher put a stop to it.  That was all it was.

This turned into a rumor posted by an irresponsible parent on social media.  The post began “I don’t know, but…”  This resulted in some kids being kept home and numerous calls to the Celina Police Department and the City Schools.

There never was a threat to the schools or students out of this incident.  This was childish horseplay.  We urge people to not run with rumors and make these uniformed and irresponsible posts.

Mercer County Health District COVID-19 Situation Update – December 15, 2021
by Paige Keysor

CELINA - As of December 15, 2021, the Mercer County Health District (MCHD) reports 5,909 confirmed cases, 1,301 probable cases, 5,585 recovered cases, 10 known hospitalizations, 109 COVID-19 deaths, and 22 probable deaths of COVID-19 among Mercer County residents. In addition, there have been 71 confirmed cases who have passed away due to causes other than COVID-19. Under the use of MCHD’s internal reinfection protocol, there have been 82 reinfections of COVID-19 out of the cumulative total of confirmed cases. Today, there are 152 known active cases of COVID-19 in Mercer County.

There have been 134 confirmed and 42 probable cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated Mercer County residents. Of those individuals, 23 were hospitalized and have since recovered. Six have passed away.

The transmission rate of COVID-19 in Mercer County continues to be high. A high transmission rate is defined as 100 or more new cases per 100,000 people in a 7-day period or a test positivity rate of 10% or higher. Mercer County has seen 388 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days and has a test positivity rate of 20.29%. This data can be found here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view. 

As the holiday season approaches, MCHD continues to encourage community members to be mindful in taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal viruses. The MCHD advises individuals to maintain good hygiene practices, stay home when sick, and avoid crowded indoor places.

The MCHD continues to offer the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for first, second, third, and booster doses by appointment at the health department. More information on local COVID-19 vaccination opportunities can be found at  https://mchdohio.org/. Please call 419-586-3251, Option 2, to ask questions or schedule an appointment.

Van Wert County General Health District reports COVID Cases

By Britt Menchhofer

On December 16, 2021, the Van Wert County General Health District reports an increase in 116 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Thursday, December 9, 2021 for a total of 4,552 confirmed cases.  There are 9 known hospitalizations of county residents due to COVID-19. To date, the health department has given 13,626 COVID-19 vaccinations. 

The Van Wert County General Health District will hold a walk-in clinic for COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds EMR Room (behind the fair office) from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.  Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for first, second, and booster doses as eligible.  Pfizer vaccine has been approved for ages 5 and up and Moderna for those age 18 and up.  To receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination, a person must have received Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago or Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago. Please bring your photo id and any insurance info. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present as well as proof of age such as a shot record or birth certificate.  If looking to receive a booster vaccine, proof of prior COVID-19 vaccination is required.  The health department is not making appointments at this time, as all clinics are walk-in only.

 Calvary Evangelical Church Calendar

The Rockford Carnegie Library will be meeting in regular session on Tuesday, December 14 at 4 p.m. in the library basement. The public is always welcome to attend.

 
December 7-8, 2021
 

Come Hear Pastor Steve Howell at St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH invites you to worship service at 10 AM on Sunday, December 12, 2021 During this most Holy of seasons, Retired Pastor Steve Howell will continue with two powerful Gospel messages from Luke 2:1-14 and John 13:1-17. His message is Entitled : Jesus – the Footwasher ~ for those of you who like to follow the scriptures.   

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well, run by Karen Ousley.

We are an INDEPENENT church following the Bible – please consider joining us one or twice, at least, to see for yourself how we worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

 
December 1-6, 2021
 

Mercer County dog tags available at the Rockford Village Office during
regular business hours until January 31, 2022.

Our Old Bookcase, sent Dec. 2, 2021, Prohibition, for Dec. 9, 2021

= = = = =

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

Photo Caption:  Drinking alcohol always provided humor for cartoonists!  Prohibition can be identified as intemperance, indulgence, debauchery, drinking bout, intoxication, libations, drunkenness, insobriety, bacchanalia, or boozing.

December 5, 1933, Prohibition ended in the United States of America, with the 21st Amendment, repealing of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Prohibition began with the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, by declaring the production, transport, and sale of intoxicating liquor illegal,  on January 16, 1920.

Prohibition began without any planning by those against the use of liquor.  A Minnesota Representative tried to introduce legislation which would replace bartenders with bootleggers.  At the time of the “Roaring Twenties,” those who were recommending temperance found their voice.  The bootleggers and their peers had a hay day by way of ignoring their opposition.  During Prohibition, newspapers stated that more than a million gallons of alcohol were prescribed for “medicinal purposes.”

Mercer County had its own prohibition stories. Mescher’s Stoop at Maria Stein advertised Wood Shoe Beer.  In 1903, the Star Brewing Company was organized.  After the 18th Amendment, their name was changed to the Star Beverage Company.  In St. Henry, the restaurant adjacent to the Railroad Depot, advertised “Whiskey Sandwiches.”  While I was writing the book about Mercer County’s Big Old Barns, the farmers told stories about “cookin,” grain on the floor of the barn.  In Liberty Township, a man called me that he had found a hidden room in his house, with an entry from the basement through the floor.  The house was probably built around the 1920’s, during Prohibition times.  The hidden room provided a space for storing the liquor bottles.

The October 3, 1900 “Mercer County Bote reported that 16 counties in Ohio went dry as a result of the elections under the Rose Law, and that 287 saloons were put out of business.  Newspapers reported frequent arrests for bootlegging and hundreds of quarts of “booze” were said to be sold in Celina each week.

Carrie Nation was the most famous female Prohibitionist.  She broke up saloons with her hatchet.  Over 300 women from 16 states established the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union on November 18, 1874.  The W.C.T.U. existed here in Mercer County.  In spite of Prohibition’s ending, some Townships continued to be “dry.”  Carrie Nation passed away in 1911, and never saw the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. 

On December 29, 2005 “Our Old Bookcase,” I wrote more details about local bootlegging during Prohibition.   The stories which have been told to me, have always given me a smile.  Everyone who tells  about Brewing Bathtub Gin, Cookin’ Corn Liquor, Running Booze, Dry Dicks, and Hooch Hounds never fail to make me laugh.  If I were to write a book about Prohibition in Mercer County, I would want to identify the story tellers.   That is not going to happen!

Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, Ohio 45883.  histalig@bright.net  or 419-852-0092 or 419-763-5682. 

Van Wert Giving Tuesday Big Success

#GivingTuesday, a global day of giving, was celebrated recently across the globe and throughout the local community. The Van Wert County Foundation commemorated the day by matching donations made to endowed community organization funds. The funds were established by community non-profit organizations so they may operate in perpetuity. 

The Van Wert County Foundation celebrated giving by matching donations (up to $10,000 per fund) made to VWCF Charitable Organization Endowment Funds on #GivingTuesday. Individuals and businesses donated to one or multiple VWCF Charitable Organization Endowment Funds, essentially doubling the gift with the match. Those who gave to The Van Wert County Foundation’s #GivingTuesday initiative donated online and brought donations to the office.

The initiative was a success with a total preliminary endowed amount of $186,675.92  including the  VWCF match.

Plans for #GivingTuesday 2022 (November 29, 2022) are already in the works.

 
November 16-30, 2021
 

Stateline Writer’s Club to meet
The Stateline Writers Club will meet Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Mercer County District Library in Celina at 10 a.m. The writing topic is" "A Favorite Childhood Memory."

Angela Karen, computer technician for St. Marys Community Library, will be the guest speaker.

Come Hear Pastor Doug Meyer at St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford
St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH welcomes retired Pastor Doug Meyer back to the pulpit on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

His message, entitled “Who Puts Us Together Again?” is based on the Gospel Lesson John 18:33-37 ~ for those of you who like to follow the scriptures.

Pastor Doug will also be having The Children’s Message during the service. His home baked cookies are usually involved with the lesson, and the children really look forward to this time with Doug. Junior Church will follow.

Doug delivers a powerful message for those thirsting for the word of God.

Please come and join us at 10 AM.

Please call Becky Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services.

Visit the St. Paul’s UCC – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well.

 

Chatt Community Thanksgiving Service Planned

St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford, at the corner of Oregon and Wabash Roads, west of Rockford, are hosting the Chatt Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 7 PM. Area Lutheran Pastor Adam Poe will be in the pulpit. A fellowship time of homemade cookies, coffee and water will follow. Everyone is invited!

VWHS THEATRE PERFORMS FALL PLAY

Van Wert High School Theatre Department invites the community to our fall play, Murder at Rundown Abbey by Craig Sodaro, that will be performed at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 16 and Thursday, November 18 at 7:30pm. Students are looking forward to sharing this two act family friendly mystery-comedy set in the 1920s. Sam Splayed, an American private eye in London, is seeking a new case. He quickly finds himself at the Crumbledown ancestral home ready to solve a mysterious murder. Tensions are high and family members start to complicate matters. Will Sam solve the crime? Join us this Tuesday and Thursday to see who committed the crime and if Detective Splayed solved the case. Your support and ticket purchase will allow us to continue high quality productions! It’s our first live show back on the stage since November 2019. Murder at Rundown Abbey is produced with special arrangement by Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. in Englewood, Colorado. Tickets ($6) will be available at the door.

 
November 11-15, 2021
 

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

Please join the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Robert Reed Shaffer as the 2021 Rockford Citizen of the Year!

(Reed is shown above on the right in his American Legion Uniform)

The Rockford Chamber Citizen of the year is given to a person who shows a dedicated interest in the community through
participation and leadership. This person gives unselfishly of his or her time as a volunteer to improve the quality of life in
Rockford. Without a doubt Reed Shaffer is a fine example for the citizens of Rockford.

Robert Reed Shaffer is a 1966 Parkway High School graduate.
He has been married to Nancy Feasel Shaffer since November 1971.
That is an impressive Fifty years!
He is a devoted family man and loving grandfather.

He is a retired Celina Reynolds & Reynolds employee of 38 ½ years.
Reed served in the U. S. Army Reserves 1970 - 1976, his rank was Specialist 5.
He participates in flag presentations every fall at PHS Football games and in Veteran’s Day services at the local nursing
home.
Reed was instrumental in the planning and organizing of the beautiful Rockford Veteran Memorial at Hedges Park & the
Dedication Service of the Rockford Veteran Memorial with the impressive United States Air Force jet flyover.
He arranged for our older veterans to ride a wagon in the 2021 Memorial Day Parade.
Reed you are a husband, father, grandfather, and solid community member.

Congratulations, Reed, and thank you for your contributions and leadership to our community and village. The Veteran’s
Memorial will be something that all Rockford residence will take pride in for years to come.

Mercer County Civic Foundation Honors Grant Recipients
The Mercer County Civic Foundation hosted a breakfast earlier this month for its 2021 grant recipients. Among its beneficiaries were Program Coordinators for Our Home Family Resource Center‘s Direct Services Program, RAFT Supervised Visitation Program, and Family Crisis Network Program. The Civic Foundation makes grants annually to local non-profit organizations, with the mission of enhancing the quality of life for the people of Mercer County.  

“We sincerely appreciate the Foundation’s investment into this county through our programs” stated Our Home’s marketing/development coordinator Deb Simon-Heinfeld. “These grants provide important support for three programs that, together, impact the lives of thousands of Mercer County residents, helping them to survive domestic violence and sexual assault, rebuild parent-child relationships, and overcome financial emergencies and food insecurity” she explained.

Our Home’s Family Crisis Network provides unique, essential services for community members affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Through advocacy, education, and counseling victims develop the strength and courage they need to believe that they have the right to be safe and to see that there is a way out of their violent situation. These victims are transformed into independent, self-sufficient survivors ready to stand up for themselves and their children. 

The RAFT Visitation Center at Our Home is the only non-governmental program of its kind in Mercer and its adjacent counties. Issues such as divorce, separation, paternity rights, addiction, and domestic violence make supervised visitation essential for both the safety of the children and their healthy development.

Children benefit from the safe, homelike atmosphere of the RAFT Center where they can feel comfortable and secure while meeting with their parent(s). Rebuilding the bond between parent and child is crucial in healthy child development and can affect school performance, self-esteem, and relationships across their lives.

And, Our Home’s Direct Services & Referral Program serves as the central intake point for local emergency assistance. Direct Services staff are responsible for assessing needs, logging and tracking services, and then collaborating with local churches and agencies (public & private) to provide help to the individual or family.

Direct Services’ approach to responding to those in need benefits the people we serve by streamlining the request for assistance process and increasing accessibility to resources they need to overcome financial shortfalls. It also benefits the churches and agencies Our Home works with by eliminating duplication and reducing fraud; and, benefits community members and foundations by maximizing the impact of their benevolence.

Our Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at 117 W. Fayette Street in Celina. For more information, visit www.ourhomefrc.com or call 419-586-4663. Learn more about Mercer County Civic Foundation at: http://mercercountycivicfdn.org/about/

Christmas at Fountain Park
Opening Night Announced:  2021 Christmas at Fountain Park

(November 9, 2021 - Van Wert, OH) The Van Wert Service Club, Optimist Club of Van Wert, Main Street Van Wert and the Van Wert Parks Department are bringing the holiday spirit again this year, with Christmas at Fountain Park opening ceremonies to be held November 24, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Opening night activities include: The Mayor of Van Wert will light the park, Santa will be onsite to see if you have been naughty or nice. We will have characters around for photo opportunities. The Girl Scouts will provide hot chocolate/cookies, and our local YMCA is providing coffee/donuts. Van Wert High School Select Choir will be onsite singing Christmas songs, and Ice Creations will do a live demo of their ice sculpting.

After opening night, patrons can anticipate the seasonal display November 25-January 1, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm nightly, weather permitting. The Girl Scouts will be there every Friday and Saturday through Dec 17 with hot chocolate/cookies from opening until 9:00pm. Candy canes will be available all season, thanks to a large donation from Spangler Candy in Bryan, OH.

The Van Wert Service Club, Optimist Club of Van Wert, Main Street Van Wert and The Van Wert Parks Department would like to thank the following sponsors and volunteers for their support.

Civil War Roundtable
The November Civil War Roundtable meeting is Thursday, November 18. Our speaker will be Professor Brian Dirck, who is a Lincoln expert. He will discuss plans for his new book on the 16th President, and will likely touch upon his time teaching about Lincoln in Japan while on a Fulbright Scholarship.

Family Program at Rockford Library

Join us at The Rockford Carnegie Library for a Family Program on Tuesday, November 16 from 6:30-7:30. We’ll be making a craft, reading a story, playing games and having a snack.

Monday, December 6 is Book Club at 2:00 OR 6:00 pm. This month’s discussion will be over two books. You are welcome to read both or just one. The books are Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke and Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. Stop by the library to pick up a copy.

Genealogical Society to meet
The November meeting of the Mercer County Chapter of the Genealogical Society will be held Sunday, November 14th at 2pm.

Our presenter for the meeting is Donna Vanover.  She will be presenting "A Pressing History" and share her interest in irons. As President of the Pressing Irons and Trivet Collectors of America she has traveled globally to better understand the history of these interesting, if somewhat, ordinary household objects. She will be appearing in period costume.

Please mark your calendars now for this session.

Meeting location is the Richardson-Bretz Bldg. at 117 South Fulton Street, Celina, Ohio and starts at 2PM.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 
November 10, 2021
 

Parkway Schools are upgraded to a
3 hour delay due to fog

Parkway Schools are on a
2 hour delay due to fog
for Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Your business could sponsor this weather delay.

Local Wreaths Across America

If you would like to purchase a wreath for a veteran's grave, please order before November 27. The wreaths will be available for pick up at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, on December 18, after the noon ceremony.

For more information, contact Mickey McConahay at 419.605.8889 or email mcconahay@watchtv.net.

 
November 8-9, 2021
 

Veterans’ Service coming to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH is planning the annual Veterans’ Service at 10 AM on Sunday, November 14, 2021 for our veterans. Retired Pastor Steve Howell will follow with delivery of the message entitled A Very Costly Gift based on John 12:1-8 ~ for those of you who like to follow the scriptures.   

Steve has been in the ministry for 50 years and is retired from Grace Missionary Church in Celina. He delivers a powerful message from the Bible.

A Congregational Meeting is planned for November 14, 2021 where a vote will be taken by the members.

St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford will host the Chatt Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday evening, November 21, 2021 at 7 PM. Pastor Adam Poe will be in the pulpit. A social time will follow with homemade cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and water. Everyone is invited.

The Board of Christian Education is planning a full day of supervised children’s activities and lunch on Saturday, November 27, 2021. Planned from 10 AM -3 PM community parents and grandparents should contact Jill Thomas at 419-942-1540 or Michelle Thomas 419-953-1749 to register children. Parents may stay with their child or plan their own outing.

Please call Becky Jo Shope 419-363-2227 for any questions regarding the worship services and especially about the Veterans’ Service.

Visit the St. Paul’s – Rockford Facebook Page for information as well.

 
November 5-7, 2021
 

Van Wert County General Health District Report

By Britt Menchhofer

On November 4, 2021, the Van Wert County General Health District reports 2 additional COVID-19 deaths of residents of Van Wert County, bringing the total number of COVID-19 deaths to 76.  The Van Wert County General Health District would like to express our deepest sympathies for the family and friends of the deceased.  The age ranges of the deceased are 70-79 years and 100-109 years.  Today, the health department reports an increase in 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Thursday, October 28, 2021 for a total of 3,761 confirmed cases.  There are 8 known hospitalizations of county residents due to COVID-19. To date, the health department has given 12,502 COVID-19 vaccinations. 

The week of November 8, 2021, both the Flu Vaccination Clinic and the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic will be moved to Wednesday, November 10, 2021.  Flu vaccinations will be available from 8:30 to 11:00 am and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.  Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for first, second, and booster doses as eligible.  Pfizer vaccine has been approved for ages 5 and up and Moderna for those age 18 and up.  To receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination, a person must have received Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago or Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago. Please bring your photo id and any insurance info. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present as well as proof of age such as a shot record or birth certificate.  If looking to receive a booster vaccine, proof of prior COVID-19 vaccination is required.  The health department is not making appointments at this time, as all clinics are walk-in only.

Mercer County Health District COVID-19 Situation Update – November 4, 2021 Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine

By Paige Keysor                             

CELINA - On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine for vaccination against COVID-19 for children ages 5 to 11 years. The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a two-dose primary series, three weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms). 

The MCHD has received the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine and will begin administering the vaccine tomorrow, Friday, November 5, 2021. For more information regarding the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine or to schedule an appointment, please call 419-586-3251, Option 2.

Parents or guardians should bring their child’s insurance card(s) and a completed COVID-19 registration form to their appointment. The registration form is available to pick up at the MCHD office or on the MCHD website, www.mchdohio.org.

Local Businesses and Employees Participate in Seller Server Training

On Monday, October 18, 2021, The Mercer County Prevention Coalition hosted two Seller-Server Trainings held for alcohol permit holders and servers. The previous Seller-Server Training was held in April 2019.

Agent Michael Coopman from the Ohio Investigative Unit presented information on the A.S.K. program (Alcohol Server Knowledge). The Ohio state course is designed for bartenders, sellers, and servers and was filled with knowledge and techniques to become a responsible server/seller of alcohol and liquor regulations.  Covered were topics such as:  how to protect yourself and your establishment from liability; how to check IDs; how to identify a fake ID; levels of intoxication; recognizing the signs of intoxication; recognizing minors; and interventions.  Agent Coopman also covered what the Ohio penalties and fines are for a business or server who is found in non-compliance. 

There were 26 bartenders, servers and sellers in attendance from the following 14 businesses in Mercer County.  Five participants were from the Celina Moose and 4 from the Celina American Legion Post 210.  Each of the following businesses had 2 in attendance: Duckfoots, McSober’s, It’s It, Wagon Wheel Nite Club, Celina Spirits, Celina Knights of Columbus, Wendeline 2.0, and Celina Fraternal Order of Eagles. There was one participant representing Plaza Bowling Lanes and Romer’s Catering.

The Server-Seller Training is a project of the Mercer County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) as a result of the 2016 Community Health Assessment, which indicated alcohol/substance abuse as the number one health issue in Mercer County.  Alcohol/substance abuse prevention is also a priority again as a result of our 2019 Community Health Assessment and the Community Health Improvement Plan which is currently being made.

Thank you to all who participated and recognized the importance of keeping our community safe.  Look for future training provided by the Ohio Investigative Unit and the Mercer County Prevention Coalition.  Agent Michael Coopman is available to provide this free training for local businesses who sell alcohol. He can be contacted at 513-942-0610. The A.S.K. program can help businesses: reduce exposure to alcohol liability lawsuits, ensure safety for you, your customer and your community; reduce penalties for alcohol violations; help lower your business’s insurance premiums; improve customer service and professionalism and protect yourself from Ohio liquor law violations!

Thanks to the Mercer County Prevention Coalition for donating two $25 door prize gift certificates at each session.  Thank you  Agent Coopman for teaching this excellent training.

For those interested in joining or finding out more about ways to reduce alcohol and other drug use/abuse in our community, please consider joining the Mercer County Prevention Coalition.  For more information contact mercercountyprevention@gmail.com.

Grief Toolkits Distributed to Area Children

EverHeart Hospice has distributed grief toolkits to area children coping with the loss of someone special in their lives. 

Typically, EverHeart Hospice hosts their annual Camp Encourage for children aged 6-15 experiencing loss. The camp provides a supportive and welcoming environment for children to sort through their feelings and lets them know they are not alone in these thoughts. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person camp was canceled for 2021, but the organization still wanted to provide support for the campers. The toolkits were designed to meet this need in a format that could be personally delivered to each child at home. 

“We knew that just because the camp was canceled this year, that doesn’t mean their grief was canceled,” said Sarah DePoy, Bereavement Coordinator at EverHeart Hospice. "The past year has been an emotional roller coaster for everyone, and we want these children to know they are still supported.”

The way children experience and express their grief varies from child to child. The goal of the box is to provide coping skills to help children self-regulate their emotions. Each toolkit contains a variety of sensory objects for children to explore as an outlet for the emotions they may be experiencing. 

Instructions for how each item can aid in this process were provided in the boxes. Examples of items provided include journals, tangrams, coloring books, and stress balls, among several others. In total, about 30 toolkits, packaged in a vintage-style lunch tin, were distributed. 

Just like Camp Encourage, the Grief toolkits were provided to children free of charge thanks to the generosity of community donations and grants.

The response to the toolkits from caretakers was overwhelmingly positive, and several children have expressed interest in volunteering for Camp Encourage in the future. 

"To have such young children already realizing that they can make a positive impact on future generations of campers because of a program we were able to provide to them is humbling,” shared DePoy.

EverHeart Hospice is hopeful that Camp Encourage will resume in person for 2022.

To learn more about Camp Encourage or the Bereavement Support available from EverHeart Hospice, call 1-800-417-7535 or visit their website at everhearthospice.org.

Madagascar The Musical Coming to Van Wert

(Van Wert, OH) - Jeffery-Mohr Family Dentistry presents the stage spectacular, Madagascar The Musical at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are now on sale to Van Wert Live Members. On sale to the public begins on Monday, November 22, 2021.

All of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends from Madagascar escape the zoo and onto the stage in Madagascar Live, a wild musical spectacular based on the blockbuster DreamWorks film. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they escape from their home at New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This celebration of friendship is brought vividly to life by imaginative sets and costumes, action-packed adventure, and spectacular new songs that will inspire you to move it, move it in the aisles.

Annual sponsors making live entertainment happen in Van Wert are Central Insurance, First Federal Bank of Van Wert, and Statewide Ford-Lincoln. 

VWLive Event and Membership information can be found at vanwertlive.com or through the Box Office by phone 419-238-6722 or in-person from Noon - 4 PM, Tuesday through Thursday, and Noon - 6 PM on Friday.

The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation presenting VWLive events is powered by the Van Wert County Foundation. The Box Office is located within the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 SR 118 S, Van Wert.

Van Wert Health Eases Visitor Restrictions
Beginning Wednesday, November 3, 2021, Van Wert Health – Hospital will ease some of its restrictions for visiting patients in the hospital. In all patient care areas, visiting hours are from 8 AM – 8 PM daily.

Expanding visitation has substantial benefits to our patients and their loved ones. We look at visitors as an added layer of our patient support team” shared Elizabeth Neuschwanger, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.  “The virus is better understood now than when it first appeared.  With proper protocols in place, safe visitation is possible.”

The visitation guidelines are available to view online at: vanwerthealth.org/visit.  A summary of the updates includes:

·       Two visitors per day, 12 years or older, for inpatient adults and pediatrics who do not have COVID-19.

·       One adult visitor per day for inpatient adults with COVID-19 and two adult visitors per day for inpatient pediatrics with COVID-19.

·       Labor and delivery patients may have two visitors at a time.  Siblings are welcome to visit and will be counted as one of the permitted visitors.

As a reminder, the hospital screens each visitor at the entrance to the building and everyone is required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. If a visitor does not have a mask, Van Wert Health will provide one.

Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Check with your medical provider, pharmacy, or local health department to ask questions or to arrange for your vaccine.

 
November 3-4, 2021
 

St. Marys, Ohio Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-12 noon at St. Paul's Church. The next orientation is Monday, November 8, 2021.

Interested people should cal 419-998-2956 to register or just come in on the day of the orientation.

Parkway School Board Agenda for a Regular Meeting on November 8, 2021 at 6:30 pm
by Sally Cox

Parkway November 2021 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Angel Tree Planned
Preparations for Mercer County Angel Tree are in full swing, even though Christmas is a few months away.

Angel Tree, established in 2005, brings together the efforts of area agencies, organizations, churches and businesses to provide Christmas gifts for local families. This heart-warming, inspiring event provides Christmas joy to children all across the county and stands as a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration in our region.

Committee members estimate that Angel Tree will provide Christmas gifts for over 800 children this year. The goal is for every child to receive two toys and one outfit and for each item to be selected specifically for that child by the child’s parent/guardian at Angel Tree Shopping Days on December 9th and 10th.

All income-eligible parents in Mercer County are asked to complete an application for Angel Tree online at www.ourhomefrc.com. Once the application is successfully submitted, parents/guardians will receive an email invitation to Angel Tree.

“We began accepting applications for gifts several weeks ago,” Deb Simon-Heinfeld, Our Home’s Marketing/Development Coordinator explained. “Now, we are looking for ‘Christmas Angels’ to make these children’s dreams come true!”

According to Simon-Heinfeld there are several ways local folks can “earn their Angel wings”: purchasing gifts, volunteering, or providing financial support.

Purchasing gifts: Groups take Angel Tree gift tags and display them on a tree so the group’s members, staff, or customers can purchase and donate gifts. They collect the gifts and deliver them to the program by December 6th. To request gift tags, contact Betty Leininger at 419-586-1352.

Volunteering: Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help setup, sort gifts, and “shop” with parents. Help will be needed each day, December 7th through December 10th, for various roles. Note: Masks are required for volunteers and program participants. To volunteer, contact Diane Martens at 419-586-3645.

Providing Financial Support: Monetary gifts help the committee purchase wrapping paper, provide families food/toiletry bags, buy items for unfilled gift tags, and cover program expenses. Mail or drop off donations to Our Home at 117 West Fayette St., Celina, OH 45822. Alternately, donations can be made online at ourhomefrc.com by clicking the blue donate button on the homepage. Please make checks payable to “Our Home”.

If you have any questions about the Angel Tree program, please feel free to contact Our Home at 419-586-4663.

Traffic Fatality in Hopewell Township
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that deputies are investigating a fatal traffic crash.  Grey advised that his office received a 911 call at 12:08 PM yesterday, (11-1-2021) reporting a crash at the intersection of Hoenie Road and Oregon Road in Hopewell Township.

The investigation found that 32 year old Richard Daniel Medina of 613 S Branson Street Marion, Indiana was operating 1997 Ford Aspire Westbound on Oregon Road.  49 year old Donald Joseph Bird of 705 Eden Ave Coldwater, Ohio was operating a 2013 Dodge Journey Southbound on Hoenie Road.  Medina failed to yield at the intersection.  The two vehicles collided and traveled off of the roadway and into a field. 

Both subjects were taken to Mercer Health by members of the Celina EMS.  Medina was later airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Later that evening Medina died from his injuries.

Assisting at the scene were members of the Celina Fire Department and EMS.

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team was called to the scene to assist in the investigation.   At the time of this release this case remains under investigation.

Sheriff Jeff Grey

Fatal Crash in Celina
This morning at 8:46AM, 11-01-2021, the Celina Police Department responded to a fatal traffic crash which occurred on SR29 at Havemann Rd.  Through the preliminary investigation it was determined that 25 year old Ryan M. Lageman of New Bremen was driving a red 1991 Ford Ranger pickup truck southbound on Havemann Rd. as he entered the intersection of SR29 with a green traffic signal.  At the same time, 56 year old Kewal Pooni of Manitoba, Canada, was driving a 2016 Peterbilt semi-truck with trailer westbound on SR29 and also entered the intersection.  Pooni entered the intersection against a red traffic light.

Ryan Lageman had severe injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later at Jt. Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys.  Kewal Pooni was not injured.  Both vehicles were heavily damaged.  Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected.  There were no other occupants in either vehicle.  Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Tom Wale
Celina Chief of Police

 
November 1-2, 2021
 

Remember!
November 7, 2021 - Daylight Saving Time Ends

Local daylight savings time changes:

Sunday, November 7, 2021, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to
Sunday, November 7, 2021, 1:00:00 am local standard time instead.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 7, 2021 than the day before. There will be more light in the morning.

Also called Fall Back and Winter Time.

Remembrance Memorial Service coming to St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford

The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church, located at 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH is planning the annual Remembrance Memorial Service at 10 AM on Sunday, November 7, 2021 for the families and friends of the members who have passed on this year. A catered meal will follow.