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December 13-14, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

St.. Paul's United Church of Christ, Oregon and Wabash Roads,
10 AM, Sunday, December 23, 2018 Worship Service
6 PM, Monday, December 24, 2018 Candlelight and Music Service

Rockford United Methodist Church, Franklin St. in Rockford,
Sun., December 23 • 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Worship Experience
Mon., December  24 • 7 & 10pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Parkway Panthers Weekly Update for December 17 – January 5

By A.D. Matt Triplett

December 17:
JH Girls Basketball vs. Antwerp, 5:00 p.m. Football Concessions
JH Boys @ Adams Central, 5:00 p.m.
9th Boys Basketball vs. Minster, 6:00 p.m.
 

December 18:
HS Girls Basketball vs. Waynesfield-Goshen, 6:00 p.m. Softball Concessions
JH Girls Basketball @ Coldwater, 5:00 p.m.
 

December 19:No Athletic Events Scheduled
 

December 20: HS Girls Basketball @ Celina, 6:00 p.m.
JH Boys Basketball vs. Spencerville, 5:00 p.m. Softball Concessions
 

December 21:
No Athletic Events Scheduled

December 22:
Varsity Wrestling Invitational, 9:00 a.m. Football Concessions
Boys Bowling vs. Minster, @ Coldwater 9:45 a.m.
Girls Bowling vs. Minster, @ Coldwater 1:00 p.m.
HS Boys Basketball @ St. Mary’s, 6:00 p.m.


December 27:
HS Girls vs. South Adams, 6:00 p.m. Baseball Concessions
9th Boys Basketball vs. Coldwater, 6:00 p.m. (PLAYED IN JH GYM)
 

December 28:
HS Boys Basketball @ North Central Tournament
 

December 29:
HS Boys Basketball @ North Central Tournament
Boys Bowling vs. Fort Loramie, 9:45 a.m.
Girls Bowling vs. Fort Loramie, 1:00 p.m.
 

January 3:
HS Girls Basketball vs. Coldwater, 6:00 p.m. (Only 2 JV Quarters) Track Concessions
JH Boys Basketball vs. Coldwater, 5:00 p.m. Baseball Concessions
HS Wrestling @ Coldwater, 6:30 p.m.
 

January 4:
HS Boys Basketball @ Coldwater, 6:00 p.m.
 

January 5:
JH Wrestling @ Spencerville, 10:00 a.m.
HS Boys Bowling vs. Russia, @ Union City, 9:45 a.m.
HS Girls Bowling vs. Russia, @ Union City, 1:00 p.m.
HS Boys Basketball @ Lehman Catholic, 6:00 p.m.
 

Parkway Panthers Weekly Update for December 10 – 15, 2018

By A.D. Matt Triplett

December 11:
JH Girls Basketball vs. Fort Recovery, 5:00 p.m. Baseball Concessions
Varsity Wrestling @ Jay County, 6:00 p.m.
 

December 12:
No Athletic Events Scheduled
 

December 13:
HS Girls Basketball @ Fort Recovery, 6:00 p.m.
JH Boys Basketball @ Fort Recovery, 5:00 p.m.
 

December 14:
HS Boys Basketball vs. Fort Recovery, 6:00 p.m.
 

December 15:
Varsity Wrestling @ Edgerton, 9:00 a.m.
Boys Bowling vs. Marion Local, @ Minster, 9:45 a.m.
Girls Bowling vs. Marion Local, @ Minster, 1:00 p.m.
HS Girls Basketball @ Antwerp, 1:00 p.m.
JH Girls @ South Adams, 10:00 a.m.
JH Boys @ South Adams, 1:00 p.m.
 

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, December 14, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, December 14, 2018 for the game against Ft. Recovery.

David and Marcia Krogman; Carrie Heck; Galen and Tonya Hesse; Nikki and Alan Barna; Jason and Jennifer Fullenkamp; Katherine Abrovmavich; Ben and Leah Etgen; and Ronald and Sandra Jacobs.

Please arrive by 5:00 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

 
December 11-12, 2018
 

Custom One-of-a-King Henry Golden 357 Mag to be Raffled

The Rockford Bicentennial Committee is sponsoring a gun raffle to
help offset costs for the Bicentennial Celebration in 2020.   The 
gun is a Custom One-of-a-King Henry Golden 357 Mag.  
Only 300 tickets to be sold.  $10 donation. 
Drawing on April 1, 2019.  Tickets available at the 
Rockford Village office or from committee members.

The next Bicentennial Committee meeting will be held on
January 7th at 7 pm - Village Office and Museum.  
Helpers are needed ! 

Several Articles by Parkway FFA Reporter
Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA's Molly Irma Donation

In September 2018, the Parkway FFA donated $1500 to Dayton’s Children’s hospital in honor of Molly Irma Kramer. Molly’s father, Kevin Kramer, is a junior high English teacher at Parkway. The FFA wanted to contribute in any way they could to support the Kramer family. In Mr. Kevin Kramer’s description of Molly Irma’s condition, he stated,  

“Molly was born on November 27th, 2017.  Upon birth Molly was rushed to Dayton Children’s Hospital because she was unable to breath independently.  Molly spent her first 19 days on the NICU floor of Dayton Children’s Hospital.  Over the course of Molly’s life, she has experienced several Emergency Room visits, various hospital stays, and a day to day life that requires ongoing specialized care to meet her daily living needs.  In July of 2018 Molly was hospitalized and diagnosed with a rare congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum referred to as Dandy Walker Syndrome, in addition she was diagnosed with a very rare seizure disorder, Infantile Spasms.  Molly has a long journey ahead of her full of hard work, many medications, multiple therapies, and various medical equipment needs.   Molly and the Kramer’s are blessed to have such supportive families, friends, community, and medical support teams.  Despite the difficulties and obstacles in front of her, Molly will continue to move mountains little by little, day by day.” 

The money was raised from the chapters monthly recycling where FFA members meet for four hours to take in and sort community members’ recyclable goods. The Parkway FFA recycling day takes place every third Saturday of every month and anyone is welcome to bring their plastics, paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, and tin cans to recycle and support the Parkway FFA.

Parkway FFA Teaches Second Graders About Agriculture
On October 16th and 18th, Parkway FFA went down to the second-grade classrooms to teach the students about agriculture. Two classes learned about the growing cycle of pumpkins while the other two learned about harvesting crops. Members interacted with the students in educating them about the two subjects while keeping it interesting for the children. The young students showed much enthusiasm for the crafts that went with the lesson and are looking forward to November’s PALS.

2018-2019 Ag Technology and Mechanics State Team Competes 

The Parkway FFA members that were interested in being a part of the 2018-2019 Ag Technology and Mechanics state team took the online portion of the CDE in mid-October. Results determined which four members would qualify for the December 2018 contest. According to the results Noah Riley, Colton Kraner, and David Sheets will be returning from the 2017-2018 team which participated in the contest at the beginning of this October. The fourth participant joining them will be senior member Nick Riley. Due to rule changes, the contest is in transition of taking place in December and the testing taking place in the October of the same year as opposed to competing in October and testing in April the year before. The boys intend on working hard in the upcoming months to be proficient in their competition.

Second Graders Learn About Turkeys, Potatoes and Pumpkins
On November 16th and November 20th, 2018 Parkway FFA’s senior members went down to teach the second graders about turkeys and potatoes while the junior members taught the first-grade classes about pumpkins. Two second grade classes learned about the different parts of a turkey and made a craft of a turkey to identify the different parts. The other two classes learned about different ways to grow potatoes and different foods made of potatoes. The first-graders learned about the different kinds of pumpkins, how to grow pumpkins, and what pumpkins are used for. The FFA enjoys teaching the young students about agriculture and intend to create a different lesson plan each month for the remaining of the school year. 

District 4 Food Science CDE

On November 8th, 2018, 4 members from the Parkway FFA traveled to Wayne Trace to participate in the District 4 Food Science CDE. Participants for Parkway’s team were Shay Bolton, Ansley Burtch, Alexis Cairns, and Sophia Miller. This competition consisted of establishing different aromas, determining different food safety and sanitation procedures, and creating their own fantasy food product and label. As a team, Parkway placed 7th out of 15 teams. 

Pictured- (Top Step to Bottom Step) Sophia Miller, Alexis Cairns, Ansley Burtch, and Shay Bolton

Parkway FFA Members Visit Ohio State University

On November 16th, 2018, Parkway FFA members who chose to attend, traveled to Columbus, Ohio to visit The Ohio State football stadium and watch an Ohio State hockey game. To begin the trip, they joined FFA chapters all over Ohio to take a tour of The Ohio State football stadium. As soon as they got off the bus, members walked across the field through the tunnels. They then went up to the second floor to see the recruiting room and where players commit to playing for the Buckeyes. After the recruiting room students visited The Ohio State band room where the OSU band members spend countless hours rehearsing for the upcoming games. They then went to a presidential suite and learned about the extreme cleansing that goes into the rooms before each home football game. And finally, the last stop of the tour was the press box. There were three layers of tables for the reporters to sit at and narrate each player’s moves for the fans over the radio. After departing the stadium, members went to eat at PizzaCucinova, a build-your-own pizza restaurant. After fueling up, Parkway members went to the Ohio State versus Wisconsin hockey game and experienced a Buckeye win.

Pictured: 

OSU Hockey Game- (Left to Right) Tessa Thatcher, Madison Kroeger, Alyssa Miller, and Mecaylah Hesse

Snow Plow Rodeo Team for Mercer County Compete and Win

Mercer County Engineer employees participated in a regional County Engineer Snow Plow Rodeo on November 20, 2018 held at the Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima.  Every other year Mercer County Engineer snow and ice control crews participate with their counterparts from Allen and Auglaize counties in competitions testing their skills against others in their profession.  The activity allows the crews to network with others in the region about snow and ice control and other county engineer work efforts.  Every other year one of the three counties involved take turns hosting the event.

This year the Mercer County A-team (Tony Knapke, Todd Freeman, Darren Porter and  Mike Steinlage) came in first.  The Mercer County B-team (Dusty Messner, Gary Schaublin, Gary Kuhn and Dick Gray) came in second.

In the individual competitions, Mike Steinlage placed first in backhoe and Dusty Messner placed 2nd in snow plow driving.

“Part of the day involves competition and displaying individual skills in snow and ice control, as well as other equipment operation,” Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart says.  “Another part of the day involves a training and safety program.  I think the most important part of the day for the guys is the ability to communicate and share what is working and what is not working in their operations with others in the region.  It is important to recognize the success our folks had in this competition and it demonstrates their skills and abilities in operating equipment.”

Wiechart offers the following guidelines for motorists to follow as they travel this winter season:

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.

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 no push snow to wrong side of mailbox (the low side).

Keep track of the road conditions and advisories issued by the local media.

Snow Plow 1st Place Team:Tony Knapke, Todd Freeman, Darren Porter and Mike Steinlage

Snow Plow 2nd Place Team: Dusty Messner, Gary Schaublin, Gary Kuhn and Dick Gray
 

Snow Plow 2nd Place Individual: Dusty Messner

Backhoe 1st Place Individual: Mike Steinlage

 
December 8-10, 2018
 

Fremont Company Employees Collect for Food Pantry
Special thanks to the Fremont Company Employees in Rockford whose contributions to the Parkway Local Food Pantry will make a difference in the community.

Picture from the left are:

Tyler Westgerdes, Jerry Kroeger, Ken Pond, Pastor Chip Steffy with Rockford United Methodist Church, and RUMC Youth Director Nathan Rupp.

Our December Rockford Arts Exhibiter is Jill Parris

Jill was born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1961 with a “natural ability to paint.” Although her life journey did not lead her down the path to pursue a formal education in art, Jill always believed God was calling her beyond what began as a hobby into a direction where she could share her talents and passion for art with others. In 2007, Jill received her certification in One Stroke Painting Techniques (Donna Dewberry) before going on to train with master artist Jerry Yarnell in 2011. Yarnell described Jill as having a natural painting ability and has since helped Jill refine her talent. Jill has attended art exhibits in Mercer County, Ohio and is involved with the Lake Area Arts Group. Presently, her work
is proudly on display at area businesses and has a sentimental place in the homes of her friends and family.  “art is too important not to share” ~

Jill's exhibit can be seen at the Rockford Village Hall during business hours through the month of December.    All are welcome to stop by!

Rockford Council Meets on December 4, 2018
Best Decorated House Contest
Report on Christmas in the Park Success
Christmas Day Dinner at Shane's Park by Rockford Methodist Church Members
Click here to read the council minutes by Fiscal Agent, Lisa Kuhn

Rockford Car Show organizers retire - donate funds

The Village of Rockford and the Rockford Community Days committee would like to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to Jerry Bolenbaugh and Clete Schmidt for their 20+ years of dedication to the Rockford Car Show that has been held in conjunction with Rockford Community Days.

As Jerry and Clete retire, they are donating last year’s profit of $3,300 to the Rockford American Legion Post 508 Veterans Memorial fundraising
efforts.  Thank you for this generous donation!

Any individuals and/or business that would like to donate to the
Rockford American Legion Post 508 Veterans Memorial should direct checks
to the Leota Braun Foundation, Box 364, Rockford, OH  45882.  Please
note "Post 508 Veterans Memorial"  on the memo line.

Pictured above:

Jerry Boloenbaugh -  Car Show Committee, Mike Schumm - Bicentennial Committee,
Reed Shaffer - American Legion Representative, Clete Schmidt - Car Show Committee,
Jeff Long - Village Administrator, Norm VanTilburg - Bicentennial Committee

New Hope Program - 12 week support group for people who suffer from Anxiety, Panic Attacks or Depression
C & C Bible Fellowship, located out side of Berne, Indiana, offer again this year a program called New Hope. New hope is in its 12 year and is a 12 week support group for people who suffer from Anxiety, Panic Attacks or Depression.  The group will meet each Monday night from 7:00 PM to 8:30 pm for 12 weeks starting Monday January 7, 2019. This support group is for anyone who suffers from one of the conditions mentioned above whether it is minor or extreme in their life.

Success examples:

New Hope had a lady attended from Roanoke Indiana who could not leave her home due to panic attacks. With her husband’s help she attended this class for 12 week  and sometime later she was able to begin employment at a local bank.

There was a lady who had so much anxiety when she drove in snow that she would suffer a full blown panic attack.  After she attended this class she now drives in snow with no problem.

There was a man from Wells County Indiana who stated that this support group saved his life.

A young man who suffered these conditions said he received more help attending this support group then he received from counseling in the past number of years.

Not all people experience these total results but most do show great improvement if they are willing to work hard..

This program does in no way suggest that attendees go off medication prescribed by a  professional Doctor, or stop attending counseling. This support group is meant to be an additional self help program to help people improve their life.

Sign up starts now through December 28, 2018. Class space is limited so call today.  Call C. & C. Bible Fellowship Inc. at 260-223-6392. Ask for Bill Hirschy, New Hope facilitator.

St. Paul's United Church of Christ - Christmas Eve Service 6 PM

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
December 6-7, 2018
 

Parkway Local Board of Education Special Meeting 

The Parkway Local Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the community room.  The purpose of the meeting will be to vote on the football bleacher project. 

Parkway Schools Calendar of Events by Makayla McAvoy
for December 2018 - Click here for a printable version

What a weekend for Panther JV and Varsity Basketball
4 games - 4 wins!  
Story and pictures by James Leighner

Friday November 30, 2018 was Waynesfield Goshen. Both the JV and Varsity teams had little trouble coming out on top.

Saturday, December 1, 2018 the Panthers faced off against the Botkin's Trojans.  

The Panther JV led their game most of the way, but the Trojans hit a pair of last second free throws to force OT.  In the overtime period the Panthers would strike first, and hold the lead the rest of the way.

The Trojans put up a good fight, but in the end, Panther Varsity by 8, winning 61 -53.

Link to Botkins’ Game pictures:

Click Here for more Botkins Game Pictures by James Leighner.

Link to Waynesfield Goshen Game pictures

Click here for his pictures of the win at Waynesfield Goshen.

 
December 4-5, 2018
 

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Saturday, December 8, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Saturday, December 8, 2018 for the game against Crestview.

Doug and Jennifer Rich; Dave and Patty Hipply; Mike and Tara Baltzell; Jason and Kristina Boroff; Gerald Kroeger; Benjamin and Jeannette Ford; Greg and Tabitha Bolton; and Stephanie Severt.

Please arrive by 5:00 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

Parkway December 2018 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Parkway's Jr High girls were at St Marys on Thursday night 11-29-2018 to play the Rough Riders.  

7th grade girls would be defeated.

The 8th grade girls had a much harder challenge in the Rough Riders that with the opener at Delphos, but they would rise to it and win.  Off to a good start, 8th grade girls are 2 - 0.

Photos & info shared by James Leighner - Thank you!

Click Here for more great pictures of this game by James Leighner.

Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them!

Parkway’s Jr High Girls Basketball started their season last Tuesday, November 27, 2018 in Delphos against the Blue Jays.  The 7th grade girls ended up getting defeated, but the 8th grade girls had an impressive victory. Photos & info shared by James Leighner - Thank you!

Click Here for more of the Parkway - St. Johns Game Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them!

Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them!

 
December 1-3, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

VW Area Boychoir to perform Christmas Concert

The Van Wert Area Boychoir will present a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 9th at 2pm at Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert. This Christmas performance is entitled, “Fantasia Noel.” The boys will perform many popular numbers including recognizable Christmas songs and new arrangements inspired by traditional carols. The choir has been rehearsing these pieces since August and is eager to perform them for the community. This concert is free and open to the public, a free will donation will be collected. Refreshments of cookies and punch will be served immediately after the concert.

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

The boychoir rehearses on Sundays from 6-7:30pm each week throughout the school year. Families with boys interested in joining can learn more by calling 419-513-0554 or 419-238-1962.  The choir is directed by Phillip Winfield with Melissa Clay as accompanist and Larry Taylor as arranger and technical director.

Christmas in the Park Well-Attended and Volunteers Thanked

Monty and daughters with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Parkway Elementary Music Students Entertaining!

Monty Gibbons, organizer of Rockford’s recent 2018 Christmas in the Park held recently thanks everyone for their help with the event.  He reported that 27 lighted displays were set-up and enjoyed by over 300 people who stopped in to have coffee/hot chocolate from the Jonathan Sell’s Bigbee Shop in St. Marys. Monty thanked Bigbee’s as well as cookie donation bakers:  Crystal Gehm Severt; Deb Schumm Rollins; Laurels Nursing Home and Marketing Director Leah Hays;  Carol Jeffries; Claudia Hileman Sidenbender; and  Loretta Hays.
Monty said, “We actually had just the right amount of cookies needed. Probably gonna ask for one more dozen per donation next year because I really think we will get bigger.”

Monty also said, “Thanks to Jonathan Sell and Bigbee coffee. We served over 300 people and drank every drop! Shannon Wagner, Parkway Music teacher brought  students to sing and who sounded amazing and really made it a true Christmas atmosphere. Carl and Donna Pond - I can’t say thank you enough because you two truly were the stars of the night. Nathan Laura Putman,  Thank you also for taking pictures of the kids with Santa and Mrs Claus. People are loving their photos. Overall this was truly a winning experience and came off just like I had hoped. Thanks everyone and MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

Also recognized by Monty Gibbons are: Tom Beahrs; Blair Shaffer; and Bubba Temple, Village Employees who kept the park trimmed up until the event; as welll as Village Fiscal Employee Lisa Kuhn for helped with collecting gifts and lots of other details. Thank you Joyce Emans decorated Shane’s hall.

* Rockford's best decorated house contest - prize package will be
presented on December 24th. Over $1,200 in prizes have been donated so far to the winner!

Picture above was taken at a previous Christmas in the Park.

Christmas Concert with Blind Date and Kim Gardner

The Laurels of Shane Hill and DJ Auto Repair along with
Mike Bruns Plumbing, Heating, and Electric presents the 3rd Annual Christmas Concert

Blind Date Band with special guest Kim Gardner

Sunday - December 16th at 2 pm at The Rockford Belle

Non-perishable food donation will be collected for the
local food pantry.

Free admission
Refreshments
Pictures with Santa 

 
November 29-30, 2018
 

Parkway Schools are now closed for Friday, November 30, 2018.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to fog for Friday, November 30, 2018

Widespread fog affecting many schools.

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

Thanks to Pat Agler for sharing these pictures!

Thanks to Pat Agler for sharing these pictures!

Varsity Girls Basketball Team

Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Team

Photo Coming Soon by Pat Agler

Thanks to Pat Agler for sharing these pictures!

Varsity Boys Basketball Team

Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Team

 
November 26-28, 2018
 

Get in the Spirit – Parkway Band and Choir Christmas Concerts
The Parkway High School band and choir invites you to their upcoming Christmas Concert on Sunday December 2 at 3 PM in the auditorium!

The students are looking forward to bringing you the special sounds of the holiday season!

The 7th and 8th grade Parkway Middle School band and choir will perform on Monday, December 3 at 6:30 PM.

Mailbox Repair Notice

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart is announcing the policy covering replacement and repair of mailboxes damaged by county crews plowing snow.

Mailboxes and posts damaged by snow and ice thrown from plow blades will not be repaired by the Engineer’s office.  Boxes and posts damaged by contact from a plow blade or truck will be replaced by the Engineer’s office, using light-weight standard steel mailboxes and posts.

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.

Placing injurious materials or obstructing the roadway is a criminal offense, according to Sheriff Jeff Grey of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

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

On Sunday, November 25th at 6 PM, The Mendon Festival of Trees Committee members are planning a lighting ceremony at the Gazebo in the park in Mendon. It will be a kick-off to the Christmas Festival and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Trees at Town Hall. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance and talk to the children. Hot Chocolate will be served. The event includes Christmas caroling.

Later on December 7th and 8th, the Festival of Trees will take place at Town Hall with 80 decorated trees to enjoy.

Come and enjoy the Spirit of Christmas.

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, November 30, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, November 30, 2018 for the game against Waynesfield-Goshen.

Jeff and Jennifer Armstrong; Deb and Scott Call; Stephanie Wilson and Walter Simon; Eric and Amanda White; Shane and Carla Barna; Stephen and Trisha Bentz; and Brad and Alyssa Joseph.

Please arrive by 5:00 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Saturday, December 1, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Saturday, December 1, 2018 for the game against Botkins.

Bryan and Karen Strickler; Andrew and Destinee Knittle; Gary and Amanda Fox; John and Tricia Ridenour; Rick Rutledge; Cale and Tara Williamson; and Kirk and Samantha Dull.

Please arrive by 5:00 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

 
November 21-25, 2018
 

Thank you for your service Mike Schaffner ~ U.S. Naval Chief Petty Officer 
Francis and Sandy Schaffner accept certificate of appreciation on Mike's behalf from the Village of Rockford
and Mayor Amy Joseph.

RADC meeting will be Monday, November 26th at 7 pm in the library basement. We will be discussing 2019 membership, passing out candy canes at the 4 way stop and Lucas Luginbill from Luginbill Construction as our guest speaker

Our Old Bookcase, Nov. 29, 2018.   A rare Indian Motorcycle

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

Photo caption:  This 1902 Indian Motorcycle was featured at the U.S. National Museum in 1953.  The United States Government believes in Preservation of our Heritage at our National Museums.

How would you motorcycle riders like to put this 1902 Indian Motorcycle on your Wish List for December Christmas shopping?  Most likely, a lot of current motorcycle riders or retired riders, would like an Indian under the Christmas Tree.

The 1902 Indian Motorcycle in the photograph above, was featured in the Catalog of the Cycle Collection of the Division of Engineering at the United States National Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, at Washington, D.C.  Smith Hempstone Oliver, the author of this 1953 Catalog, was one of the authorities on uni-cycles, bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles, military bicycles, as well as motorcycles. 

In this Catalog, Oliver described this 1902 Indian.  The design was conceived in 1901 by the noted bicycle racer Oscar Hedstrom for the Hemdee Mfg. Co., later to be known as the Indian Motocycle Co. of Springfield, Massachusetts.  The motorcycle was equipped with a 1 ¾ horsepower, 1 cylinder, 4 cycle, air-cooled, gasoline engine with an automatic intake valve and a cam-actuated exhaust valve.

About fifteen years before the introduction of the Indian, two Germans are given credit for the first gas-engined motorcycles in 1885.  Gottlieb Daimler was the first to use an internal combustion engine which was powered by gasoline.  His fellow worker Wilhelm Maybach developed the Petroleum Reitwagen.  A reiten is a rider; obviously, a wagen is a wagon.  Thus, Petroleum Reitwagen would have a loose translation of “motor wagon rider.”

The 1880’s and 1890’s was a period of inventions in the United States, related to the latest innovations around the world, exhibited at the U.S. Centennial’s World Fair in 1876.  A motorcycle was just one of the many new ideas, not only in Germany but also in other European Countries, as well as here in the United States.  Charles Metz began the first production of motorcycles in Waltham, Massachusetts.  In 1901, the Indian Motorcycle Company began production of their motorcycle.   Two years later, in  1903, Harley-Davidson launched their production of their motorcycles with their signature V-Twin engine.   

As we travel across the States in the summertime, Alvin not only stops at Museums and Libraries for me, he also stops at Motorcycle Museums.  I am always surprised at the motorcycle history which is preserved by these museums.  Often, the motorcycle museums are owned by private organizations or private families.  Right here in Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is located east of Columbus, at 13515 Yarmouth Drive, in Pickerington, Ohio. 

When I see photographs or post card photographs related to motorcycle exhibits or motorcycle clubs here in Mercer County, I consider these photographs as some of the best methods of preservation of local Motorcycle History.  A few local citizens have placed old photographs related to motorcycles under the care of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. at the Mercer County Historical Museum.  If you wish to contribute to the preservation of the history of motorcycles and their riders here in Mercer County, you are most welcome to place copies of your photographs with the Mercer County Historical Society.  You are also invited to write down your own memories of riding Motorcycles here in Mercer County.  The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is to preserve local history.

Mercer County Chapter of Ohio Genealogical Society Plan Annual Christmas Get-Together

The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, December 2nd at 2:00 pm at the Richardson Bretz Building 119 West Fulton St., Celina.

Annual Christmas get together. Induction of First Families and Pioneer Families.  Also, Sue Miller will present “A Sentimental Journey”. This is a 3-year project she shares with her sister, Annie Miller and is a recreation of a 1940’s farm house.

As always, the meetings are open to the public. We would love to have you join us. Refreshment served.

 
November 19-20, 2018
 

Alspach Gearhart Jurczyk Funeral Homes Announce
Purchase of Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home 
Services, Name, and Staffing at Ketcham’s Remains the Same

By Sheila Baltzell 11-20-2018

Marcia N. Ripley, longtime owner of her family business, Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, and Tim Jurczyk, Andy Gearhart, and Sean Sauer co-owners of the Alspach Gearhart Jurczyk Funeral Homes in Van Wert announced recently that Alspach Gearhart Jurzyck has purchased Ketcham’s from Marcia.

The agreement was completed in July 2017, and the gentlemen at Alspach Gearhart Jurczyk have been helping Marcia since that time, learning the Ketcham customer family base and getting to know the area. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group to take over the reins; they were the right people,” said Marcia. “They fit in so well because they are a family-based operation just like Ketcham-Ripley. We all endeavor to serve our families.”

Tim, Andy and Sean began last year by taking care of all the behind-the-scenes tasks, including answering phones, providing livery service, embalming and care of the deceased, meeting with the families and helping with visitations and funeral services. They also handle all of the custom designing and printing of the funeral stationary. Alspach-Gearhart also offers funeral pre-planning, just like Ketcham’s. 

In addition to custom designed stationary, Tim, Andy and Sean also bring some additional services to Ketcham’s. Alpach Gearhart operate their own crematory in Van Wert, offer an updated website with grief support options, offer an expanded line of caskets and urns in wood, metal and unique designs, specialty gifts and jewelry, as well as offering pet cremation services through their access to a reliable Pet Crematory contractor, Paws and  Remember in Ft. Wayne and Toledo.

The name will remain the same, Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home. In the past, laws required the owners’ names to be part of the funeral home title - but no more. According to Andy Gearhart, that law changed in the past several years. They intend to keep the Ketcham-Ripley name. They also employ Marcia as Funeral Director/Embalmer as well as Peggy Williams and Michelle Agler, who are employed part-time to help with services. “Families come to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home because of Marcia and her dedication and compassion. She truly cares about the people of Rockford, and we want her to continue caring for them for years to come,” says Sean.
 

At the Van Wert and Convoy locations, the staff includes owners and funeral directors/embalmers Tim Jurczyk, Andy Gearhart and Sean Sauer. Steve Alspaugh, a Parkway graduate and former resident of Rockford, works for them part-time as Funeral Home Attendant. He is joined by Stuart Wyatt in that same capacity.

Marcia Nelle Ripley is the Fifth Generation of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, of the Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home as well as their family floor covering business. She is the daughter of the late Carl and late Lucille Ripley. After graduating from The University of Cincinnati, with a degree in Psychology, she entered Mortuary College, and received her licenses as an embalmer and a Funeral Director, in 1975. After her parents passed away, Marcia was responsible for both businesses. On June 30, 2005 the Ketcham’s Furniture & Floor Coverings Business was closed.

Ketcham’s is located at 111 West First Street, in Rockford. 419-363-3981

Website is www.ketchamripley.com

Alspach Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory is located at 722 S Washington Street, in Van Wert, OH 45891; phone number 419-238-1112.

Gearhart and Jurzyck Funeral Home is located at 655 N. Main St., Convoy, OH 45832; phone number 419-749-4338.

Website is www.alspachgearhart.com

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home of Van Wert started in business over 110 years ago in Middle Point and organized by Rev. E.F. Gamble in 1903. After only two years, it became necessary to move the business to larger quarters and Rev. Gamble selected Van Wert as the location of the young and flourishing institution. 

In 1926, Rev. Gamble was joined in his business by Gordon H. Alspach (pronounced al-spaw), who had married Rev. Gamble’s daughter, Grace. Shortly thereafter, the name of the company was changed to Gamble & Alspach. Rev. Gamble remained active in the business until his death in 1934, but the funeral home continued operating under the Gamble & Alspach name until 1955 when it changed to Alspach Funeral Home.

In 1957, Gordon and Grace Alspach’s youngest son, John, started his career at the funeral home. John worked with his father until Gordon’s death in 1975. Shortly after Gordon’s death, Michael Gearhart was hired in 1975. Tim Jurczyk joined the funeral home in 1988. 

In 1989, Alspach Funeral Home became Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, the name it still bears today. John ran the business until his retirement in 1993, at which point Gearhart and Jurczyk bought the funeral home from John who later passed away in 2009.

1996 saw the addition of the Van Wert Crematory. Investing in a brand new state-of-the-art crematory, Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home became the only full service on-site crematory in Van Wert County- which still holds true today.

In 1998 the Van Wert business opened its doors in the neighboring community of Convoy, Ohio with the construction of a brand new facility, Gearhart & Jurczyk Funeral Home, to better serve the clientele of western Van Wert County. 

Andrew Gearhart (above) joined the staff of Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Gearhart & Jurczyk Funeral Home in 2001. In 2003, Michael Gearhart sold his ownership shares to Tim Jurczyk and Andy Gearhart, but he continued to remain active in the business until his death in 2016.

Sean Sauer (above) joined the firm as a funeral director and embalmer in 2015 and became a partner in 2016. Sean brought many personalizing innovations to the business including: speciality urns shown; ashes preserved in blown glass; thumbprint jewelry personalization; and online grief counseling services.

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory and Gearhart & Jurczyk Funeral Home are honored to serve the families in our area and proud to be in be in their 5th generation of local ownership, just like Ketcham’s.

Click Here for a past article on Marcia Ripley and her family business.

On Sunday, November 25th at 6 PM, The Mendon Festival of Trees Committee members are planning a lighting ceremony at the Gazebo in the park in Mendon. It will be a kick-off to the Christmas Festival and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Trees at Town Hall. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance and talk to the children. Hot Chocolate will be served. The event includes Christmas caroling.

Later on December 7th and 8th, the Festival of Trees will take place at Town Hall with 80 decorated trees to enjoy.

Come and enjoy the Spirit of Christmas.

 
November 17-18, 2018
 

WREN CHRISTMAS SOCIETY NEWS

The Wren Christmas Society put up decorations in Wren on Saturday, November 17th and the Grand Illumination will be held on Saturday, Nov. 24th at dark (approximately 6:00 pm).  The winner of the Create your own Christmas scene will be announced on Tuesday, and that child will get to turn on the lights this year. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in Wren at the Santa House at the corner of St. Rt. 49 and Jackson Street on Saturday, December 15th and Friday and Saturday, December 21st and 22nd from 6 to 8 pm.  Carriage rides, hot chocolate and cookies will be available during Santa hours.

Parkway Middle School Honor Roll
by Michelle Agler, Parkway Middle School Secretary
1st Quarter 2018-2019
Congratulations to the Panther Achievers!
Click Here!

The Rockford Bicentennial committee will be meeting on 
Monday - December 3rd at 7 pm at the Village Office & Museum

 
November 16, 2018
 

Jane Perry – Area Artist Featured at Village Office
Beginning this month, Rockford Area artists will be setting up exhibits in local
businesses to celebrate our local (some hidden)  talents !    Our first exhibit will
feature Jane Perry.  Her exhibit can be seen at the Rockford Village Office during
regular business hours.  Some items will be for sale !  This exhibit of several
different art mediums will be featured until the end of November.   

Jane is a member of the Lake Area Arts Group.  She has taken 3 years of art classes and after that was self- taught.  She started working in oils and has been interested in art for over 25 years.  

** Are you interested in exhibiting your artwork?  Are you a business 
willing to have local artists exhibit in your location ?  If so,  please contact 
Lisa Kuhn at the Rockford Village office at 419-363-3032 ext 1.  
We will be featuring a new artist and new location each month.

Their Duty was to Serve; Our Duty is to Remember

The Rockford American Legion Post 508 and the Rockford Bicentennial committee are working together to construct a Veterans Memorial in Hedges Park.    The memorial will consist of 5 monuments - 1 of each of the branches of the military:  The Navy, The Marines, The Coast Guard, The Army, and The Air Force.  They will be designed to honor the men and women who have served our country. 

Also included in the Veterans Memorial will be 3 flags: 1 American Flag, 1 Ohio State Flag and 1 POW Flag.   Around these flags and memorial will be a walking path and some benches.

The Veterans Memorial will be located beside the American Legion and is located on State Route 33 in Rockford.  This memorial will be seen not only by the local community but by the many travelers passing by Hedges Park.  We believe this Veterans Memorial will be a benefit to our community.

All around our county memorials stand to honor those who served in uniform and the battles they fought to protect our nation’s freedoms.   We need your financial help for this to become a reality in our community.

Please consider a donation to this community project.   Checks should be made out to the Leota Braun Foundation with “Post 508 Veterans Memorial” on the memo line.

Each donation will be tax deductible.   Mail to:  Leota Braun Foundation, PO Box 364, Rockford, Oh 45882.   The plan is to have donations received by May 27th, 2019.  We will give an update at the Memorial Day Service.  The Veterans Memorial is to be dedicated at the May 2020 Memorial Day Service – the Bicentennial Year. 

Please see the attached rough draft!   We need your support to make this a reality !!         

Thank you for your time and consideration.   Please direct any questions to the

Rockford Village Office at 419-363-3032 ext 1.

Reed Shaffer, American Legion Representative

Jeff Long, Rockford Village Administrator / Bicentennial Coordinator

Mike Schumm, VP of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society/ Bicentennial Coordinator

Area Lions Club Holds Fish Fry and Plans Other Events

Rockford Lions member Dennis Hecht (right) is pictured with several members of the Parkway Local Schools seventh and eighth grade classes who assisted with the 13th Annual Lions Fish Fry on Saturday evening, November 3rd at the Rockford Community Building.   All proceeds from the 2018 Fish Fry help to support the Parkway 8th Grade Class Trip to Washington DC in Spring 2019. Members of the Rockford, Mendon, and Willshire Lions Clubs work together on this project each year. 

Planning continues for two new Rockford Lions projects in 2019 including a Quarter Auction to be held at the Rockford Community Building on Saturday, March 30th, 2019 beginning at 12 noon.   Lion Lee Ann Frank is the chairperson.   Rockford Lions will also take the lead for the 25th Annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-In on Friday, June 14th, 2019 in downtown Rockford.  Registration begins at 4 pm.  Lion Jeremy Heiser is the contact person.   

Proceeds from Rockford Lions projects fund scholarships & help fulfill local community needs & requests. Globally Lions are involved in five humanitarian areas: Diabetes, Environment, Hunger, Childhood Cancer, and Vision.

The Rockford Lions Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 26th and December 10th, 2018 at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street. 

Dancing with the Big Stars 2018

Dancing with the Big Stars 2018 will be held on Saturday, November 17th at the Overdrive in Celina.  Matinee tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 419-584-2447. Doors will open at 1:00 pm and the show will begin at 1:30.

The Dinner performance doors will open at 5:00, dinner at 6:00 and the dancing to begin around 7:00. 

 
November 13-15, 2018
 

Parkway Schools are now CLOSED for Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to icy roads for Thursday, November 15, 2018

Sheriff Jeff Grey warns of icy and treacherous roads.

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

Rockford Eagles Donates to Parkway Panther Football Program

By Sheila Baltzell 11-15-2018

The Rockford Eagles Aerie 1292 recently donated $1000 to the Parkway Panther Football Program, Rockford, OH. Pictured at left is Eagles President Brad Baltzell presenting the check to head football coach Rob “Dusty” Rutledge. The money will be used for equipment, dummies and balls for summer practice and conditioning. In the past year, the Eagles membership has given back to the community through donations to Community Health Professionals, Austism 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.

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Hear About Local Cancer Organization

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting the Cancer Association of Auglaize County will be giving a presentation about the services they offer for local people who are battling cancer of any type.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, November 20th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

Christmas in the Park 
Sunday - November 25th from 6 - 8 pm
Shanes Park - Rockford, Ohio

A Fun Night with family and friends !

FREE Coffee & Hot Chocolate from Biggby's in St. Mary's!
Cookies from local bakers !
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Log Cabin!
Laura Putman Photography will be taking FREE photos
with children and Santa !

Christmas lights and music to kick off the Christmas season !

* Rockford's best decorated house contest - prize package will be
presented on December 24th.

Picture at left was taken at a previous Christmas in the Park.

8th Graders Tour Vantage

Over 850 eighth graders from area schools were able to get a taste of what their future could look like as they experienced hands-on activities in seventeen different Vantage programs, during a recent visit.

Eighth graders toured the Culinary Arts lab and restaurant as students prepared homemade noodles and desserts in the kitchen for the annual Thanksgiving buffet. The Cup and Saucer restaurant is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly, and takes reservations throughout the school year. In the Industrial Mechanics lab, eighth graders were able to operate RAMTEC (Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing Technology Education Collaborative) robotics machines and engage in the same equipment and technology as industry leaders. Criminal Justice students demonstrated proper techniques when handcuffing and allowed eighth graders to operate some of the features in the cruiser. Eighth graders also had a chance to test their fabrication skills by fusing two pieces of metal together using the virtual reality welder.

This exploration activity is especially helpful by allowing students to gain a perspective of career options available to them and what skills are being used. Students also become more aware of how their interests and abilities can be developed into a rewarding career.

It’s great to host these 8th graders and give them a chance to see what career technical education at Vantage is all about! 

CAPTION 1:  Parkway 8^th graders program the FANUC robot in an attempt to pick up blocks in the Industrial Mechanics lab.

Our Old Bookcase, Nov. 21, 2018.   What happened to the Men’s Club on the water front?
OUR OLD BOOK CASE  By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

Photo caption:  What happened to the “men only” Club House, known as Phi Delta Kappa Club House, along the water front at Mercelina Park, at Celina, Ohio?

I just had to smile when I came across this post card photograph of the Phi Delta Kappa Club House.  Other post cards and photographs, which were related to this club, were also in this file. 

One photograph was dated, “Sunday afternoon, 1912.”  Apparently, the men held their meetings on Sunday afternoons, without inviting girl friends or wives and children.  On the back of the photograph, the following statement was written:  “National Fraternity Phi Delta Kappa, Ohio Chapter, Celina, Ohio, at Club House on Mercelina Park, Celina.  Seven Members were absent, including custodian of this picture, Bronsart Gilberg.”  Twenty-seven men, dressed in their suits, white shirts, and ties, were on this photograph, by the photographer ”Boosz Photo Shop.”

Another post card with a photograph of the Phi Delta Kappa Club House, was dated May 3, 1922, addressed to Miss Leta Love, 98 Buttles Ave., Columbus, Ohio.  The message was written, “Am feeling better and am doing everything just right.  R. Y. P.”

Another post card featured a photograph of the interior meeting room, with three windows on the back wall, which might suggest that this “private club,” met on the second floor of the Club House.  The interior wall included two framed doors with transoms above the door frames.  A flag was positioned above the two doors.  In front of the wall was located a library table, with one chair behind the table.  In the foreground were wood backed chairs facing the library table.  Apparently, the library table was for the President to face the Club Members during their official meetings.

As I look back at this historic photograph, I compare it to today’s meetings of various organizations.  How many private men’s clubs meet in Mercer County today?  Do men wear suits and white shirts and ties at meetings today?  As I recall the days when men wore wool suits, white shirts with starched collars, and ties, I do not think that the men liked to wear those white shirts with starched collars.  In fact, I do not think that the women, who did the laundry, appreciated starching those white shirts and collars and drying the clothes on the clothes lines outside, and then ironing those shirts.  In fact, I know a lot of women who were happy when white shirts evolved into “permanent press,” shirts, and the shirts went into automatic washing machines and dryers.  What happened to the irons and ironing boards?  (They went away.)  What happened to the private men’s clubs?  Did they go away, also?

To be fair, not all of the men’s meeting places “went away” at that time.  Fat’s Stag Bar, at 117 West Fayette Street, was still listed in the 1977 “Mercer County & Celina Directory.”  I grew up in Fort Recovery; I was never in Fat’s Stag Bar, but I would think that from the name, it was a men’s only bar. 

I do not know the history of Fat’s Stag Bar, nor the history of the Phi Delta Kappa Club.  Perhaps, Celina residents will write down their memories and/or the history of the Phi Delta Kappa Club House, and/or the history of Fat’s Stag Bar, and mail it or email it to me, in order for the Mercer County Historical Society to preserve this history?  Those stories just have to contribute to great local history. 

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.

VWHS THEATRE ANNOUNCES FALL PLAY CAST      

Van Wert High School Theatre members are preparing for their upcoming production of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and adapted by Scott Davidson. This classic, written in 1868, shares what family, love, life, and tradition mean. As we journey with the March family through milestones, we continue to learn lessons that ring true today as they did 140 years ago.

The cast and crew for the production include the following students: Aeris Blakeley as Meg March, Michaella Johnson as Josephine March, Anna Wasson as Amy March, Nicole Palazzolo as Beth March, Cassie Welker as Marmee, and Josh Reichert as Mr. March. Other family members include Alli Morrow as Aunt March, Storm Matthews as Hannah, the maid, Dane Chiles as John Brooke, and Devon West as Theodore Lawrence. Friends of the Marches include Hannah Kraner as Mrs. Gardener, Shayenne Bojanowski as Sallie Gardener, Grace Doctor as Belle Moffat, and Sydney Maller as Annie Moffat. Stage crew consists of stage manager Erienne Cassidy, assistant stage manager Clayton Doctor, Zach Lape, Elise Klausing, Isabella Smith, Anna Cassidy, Brendan Browning, Sophie Rutkowski, Jaryn Pierce, Allison Hauter, Cal Wolfrum, Gracie Price, Aubree Baer, Tiana Groves, Max Laney, and Devoney Sidle.      

Show time for the production is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. this Friday, November 16, and Saturday, November 17, 2018, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  Tickets may be purchased by visiting or calling the box office at 419-238-NPAC. Tickets will be available at the door also.  All tickets are $6. Little Women is produced with special arrangement by Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. in Englewood, Colorado. Thank you for supporting the students of Van Wert High School Theatre as we strive to create, perform, and inspire the Van Wert community.  

 
November 10-12, 2018
 

Happy Veterans' Day to the Men and Women
Who Served so Bravely for Our Freedom

1st Quarter Honor Roll for Parkway High School - Congratulations!
by Lisa Miller

SENIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Jared Anderson, Alistair Fahncke, Matthew Gaerke, KeAndra Godsey, Melissa Hauter, Mecaylah Hesse, Colton Kraner, Madison Kroeger, Faith Rollins, Olivia Scott, Tessa Thatcher

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)
Molly Baltzell, Shay Bolton, Alexandria Ford, Alyssa Miller, Nicholas Riley, Noah Riley, Owen Sinning, Preston Stober, Bailey Strickler, Isabella Strunk, Loren Stukey, Grace Swander

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Evan Boroff, Kara Heck, Conner Lyons, Rachel Perry, Haylee Stukey, Jonathan Wehe

JUNIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Rachel Barrett, Alexis Cairns, Macy Henkle, McKenna Johnson, Kristine Kirby, Jason Luth, Kyle Roth, Olivia Rutledge, Hailey Stephenson, Alexander Tisdale, Ashlyn White

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Cory Agler, Carley Boeckman, Aaron Bruns, Breyden Bruns, Ansley Burtch, Claire Eichler, Leah Harshman, Nicholas Hawk, Ryan Hesse, Clarissa Krogman, Brooke May, Sophia Miller, Kiersten Roehm, Gavin Stober, Shaelyn Thomas, Sydney Yoder

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Tori Albright, Tim Bloos, Ashlyn Cornett, Sidney Doner, Ryann Fox, Emma Gause, Courtney Harding, Katie Hauter, Lily Hipply, Caleb Kinney, Bryce Lowery, Hailey Roberts, Grace Rogers, David Sheets, McKenna Temple, Corey Walls, Emily Zimmerman

SOPHOMORES

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Avery Boroff, Kaden Boroff, Treya Conn, Remi' Fokine, Savanna Freeman, Sierra Freeman, Zoie Huffman, Brayton Luginbill, Lydia Miller, Kelsey Nichols, Elijah Rich, Claire Rutledge, Makenna Schumm, Mackenzie Springer

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Abigail Browning, Grace Etgen, Brendan Etzcorn, Justan Felver, Dylan Hughes, Kayla Kuhn, Tyler Tinkham, Sydney Waters

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Breanna Beeks, Alexzandra Cottman, Brody Dorsten, Graham Farmer, Audrey Ford, Georgia Gangwer, Hunter Gibson, Madalyn Heindel, Clara Hellwarth, Claire Langenkamp, Serena McMurry, Bryce Mihm, Andrea Miller, Chaz Neuenschwander, Haydn Ridenour, McKayla Sites, Seth Stukey

FRESHMEN

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Elise Darrigan, Danielle Huff, Riley Samples, Benjamin Sheppard

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Kameryn Altenbach, Cora Barna, Grant Bollenbacher, Leah Eichler, Alexander Gile, Lily Haver, Cami High, Molly Hileman, Paige Jackson, Chasity McGhee, Mersaydes Parsons, Raegan Roehm, Jacob Rogers, Gabriel Schaaf, Ashtyn Sipe, Caden Slusher, Makenzie Stephenson, Blake Strickler, Gracyn Temple, Briana Webb

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Aiden Anderson, Alex Anderson, Jace Armstrong, Bailey Berry, Hunter Bruns, Camdyn Clay, Chase Heitkamp, Jaden Hileman, Parker Mihm, Cade Schoenleben, Chantry Simon, Avamaria Strunk, Montanna Vann, Lane Weirrick

Holiday Magic Flower Show Planned
The Designing Women Floral Club is sponsoring a flower show. “Holiday Magic” on Saturday December 1. It will be at the Richardson Bretz Building in Celina
Floral Entry Set up is 8-10 am, and open to public 12-4.
Pre-registration of entries is required by November 15. Contact Marily Schweitzer at 567-510-5285 to enter and info on the designs. Judging by accredited OAGC judge.

Mercer County Board of Elections Poll Worker Honored
The Villages of Mendon and Rockford would like express our gratitude to Vernon Wynk for his services over the 10+ years on election days !  Vernon has been a valuable member of the Mercer County Board of Elections team and we will greatly miss him.   Thank you Vern !  Enjoy your retirement. 

At left - Dan Minnich Voting Location Manager in Rockford and Vernon Wynk.

 
November 10-12, 2018
 

Shanes Crossing Historical Society Speaker Harrison Frech
Topic: Cholera Plague of 1854 in Willshire
The next meeting of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society will be held on 
November 19th at 7 pm in the museum located on East Columbia Street in
Rockford.  Our guest speaker will be Harrison Frech.  Harrison has spoken at
many of our meetings and the audience enjoys hearing him tell stories about
some of the many findings from his extensive studies of our local history.  At 
this meeting he will present his findings of the cholera plague of 1854 in
Willshire.  The public is invited to attend the meeting.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Officers Needed
  
The Rockford Ohio Chamber of Commerce is looking for area business
owners and members who are interested in holding positions for the
following roles: President, Treasurer, Secretary. There are also three
board member positions available. Interested parties can contact the
chamber by emailing chamber@rockfordalive.org or contacting Lisa Kuhn
at the Village Hall - 419-363-3032 ext 1.
  
The Executive Committee will serve as the guiding force and leadership
for the Chamber, while working with Chamber members on special
projects and other volunteer and fundraising opportunities. It is the
goal of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce to assist in actively
promoting area businesses, increasing membership and develop engaging
networking opportunities, while raising funds to reinvest back into
our business community. Current and new Chamber members can anticipate
a more focused direction and open lines of communication in the years
to come.
  
Our Mission: The Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Inc., exists to bring
together business, government, and civic interests to enhance the
economic and social environment of the Rockford, Ohio, area. The
Rockford Chamber is to be an advocate of as well as a means for
business improvement and economic growth while at the same time
providing benefits to its members and to the community at large. Visit
the Chamber on the web at www.rockfordalive.org, or on facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/rockfordohiochamberofcommerce/

Parkway School Board Agenda by Sally Cox for November 13, 2018

Stateline Writers Club to Meet
The Stateline Writers Club is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 17,  On this date only, the meeting place will be the St. Marys library.  The suggested writing topic is "a winter debacle."   Afterwards, a lesson on how to compose a book-jacket autobiography will be presented.  The public is welcome to attend.

Soup Supper and Bake Sale Coming to Mendon
The Mercer United Methodist Church is having an All You Can Eat Soup Supper and Bake Sale, Saturday November 10, 2018 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. We are located at 5595 Mercer Road at the junction of State Routes 33 and 707 in Mercer, OH. There will be homemade Chili, Pastor Craig’s special HOT chili, Vegetable & Noodle soups; Sloppy Joes & Chicken Sandwiches, Hotdogs, Coney Dogs, Deluxe Salad Bar and delicious Homemade Pies and beverages.  Cost is $8.00 for adults 13 and up, kids 5-12 $5.00 and kids 4 and under free.

Carry outs are available.

We are also having a Bake Sale during the Soup Supper.  There will be homemade noodles, Angel food cakes, cookies, pies, popcorn balls, and lots more.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT VARIOUS MISSION PROJECTS

 
November 3-5, 2018
 

Retirement Party Planned for Mike Schaffner, U. S. Naval Chief Petty Officer
If you Know Mike, Come and Celebrate with him and his family!
"Chief Petty Officer Mike Schaffner, son of Francis (Moose) & Sandy Schaffner, Parkway class of 93, will retire from US Navy on November 30th. He cordially invites those who know him to an informal celebration of 24 years of service. Please join us on November 24th, 1~3 pm at Rockford community building. Mike requests no gifts, just come for a fun time. Refreshments provided. "

Van Wert Health Hosts Free Veteran’s Day Lunch

Van Wert, OH –  On Sunday, November 11th, Van Wert Health is honoring our nation’s veterans with a free lunch as a thank you for their service and dedication to our nation.

All active, inactive, and military personnel and a guest are invited to enjoy this free lunch any time between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM on Sunday, November 11 at the Van Wert Health Cafeteria.  The menu will include prime rib, chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and dessert. 

“Van Wert Health is proud to support our nation’s military servicemen and women.  We cannot thank them enough for the commitment and sacrifices they have made to defend our country,” shared Jim Pope, President and CEO of Van Wert Health. 

The Van Wert Health Cafeteria is located at 1250 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio.  Guests are invited to enter through the main entrance of the hospital.

Rockford Club Meets in October

The Twenty-First Century Club members met on October 23, 2018 at Rockford United Methodist Church Cafe with Karla Butler, president and Toni Fisher vice-president presiding. The Club theme for the year is Remarkable Women.

A short meeting was completed with the reading of the minutes from September by secretary Kim Carr and the treasurer’s report. Role call was memorable concerts. Members were reminded to continue to bring items for the food pantry as well as plastic bottle caps and Walmart bags for the back pack program.

President Karla Butler then mentioned a remarkable woman named Emma Rowena Gatewood, who at the age of 67 decided to hike the Applacian Trail. She was an ultra light hiker, meaning she traveled without much of anything except a coat sewn from a shower curtain, back pack sewn from denim and a tent. Grandma Gatewood was the first woman to hike the 2,168 mile trail in the 1950’s. Her hike raised awareness for the need to preserve it when she was featured in the National Geographic Magazine.

Louisa Hemmelgarn presented a power point presentation program complete with music sung by the subject of the program,  Ella Ftizgerald. She had no traditional family life, but became the 1st Lady of Song as well as the most popular singer in the USA. Starting out in NY-Harlem, where she went to live after her mother died, Ella attended and Amatuer Night Contest at the Apollo Theater, and received 3 encores. An instant success, she sang with different bands in NYC until Marilyn Monroe gave her some help in Hollywood. Ella’s first smash hit was “A Tisket, a Tasket” something she wrote about the Nursery Rhyme for children. She even sang it in the movies later. In 1938 she sang a follow-up song, “I Found My Yellow Basket”, and her solo career took off in 1942. Her own invention, vocal jazz scat singing became popular. It is vocal improvisation with wordless vocables - nonsense syllables. People loved it. She sang for 40 years with the Philharmonic Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and was the first African American to sign at the Copacabana Night Club in New York. She founded a Child Care Center in 1976 for protecting children in foster care, and died at the age of 79 with diabetic complications.

Twyla Hayes reported on the Remarkable Woman, Ann Landers, famed advice columnist. Twyla asked, “From whom do you get advice?” Members were asked to share that person’s name and then offer some sage advice to the group later in the program. Twyla offered a biography of Ann Landers, a  Russian Jewish woman who was born in Souix City Iowa, and had a twin sister Abigail Van Buren, who was also an advice columnist. Ann Landers was born Esther Pauline Landers (called Eppy). The twins were bitter rivals for a decade, but both became syndicated and made it rich. They were actually very public in their dispute with each over which started when Abigail decided to become an advice columnist after Ann’s success. She did not discuss it or ask Ann if she was ok with that decision. Twyla said that Ann wanted to be a twin, but Abigail didn’t and there were ripples in their relationship even though they had a double wedding! Later they made up. Ann married Jules Ledderer, who founded a successful car rental company. Twyla said in comparing the two women on advice, Abby offered quick and often funny one-liners. Ann gave in-depth advice. Ann only gave bad advice 3 times over her 50 year career and had to recant her words on: wedding rice exploding birds; deadly Halloween candy; and trust fund money. She worked well into her early nineties taking her copyrighted column name with her. Then the members shared some funny and important advice – mainly from their moms!

The homemade refreshments were delicious by Cindy Canary and Ann Gage.

The next meeting will be held on November  27, 2018, 7 PM, at Hostess Rozann Maurer’s house in Mercer. Katherine Becket will be assisting Rozann with  refreshments. Members Ann Gage and Valerie Fritzinger will be providing the program on Barbara Walters and Grace Hopper.  Contact Sheila Baltzell at 419-733-3326 if you’d like to learn more about this club.

Remember to Vote on November 6, 2018

 
November 2, 2018
 

Parkway Schools Calendar of Events by Makayla McAvoy
for November 2018 - Click here for a printable version

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

SPRAY PAINT WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY LOCAL ARTIST
  
The Lake Area Arts Group will sponsor spray paint artist and Coldwater
resident Ben Heyne who will be offering a free workshop for students
on Saturday, November 17th from 10-11:30 . Participants will meet at
Armcorp Construction, 8511 St.Route 703 ,Celina, and spray paint their
own project. Heyne says " there are no rules in this type of medium
and any mistakes can be creative" He will be stressing this idea in
the workshop which is open to 7th thru 12th grade. Applications are
available from art teachers in area schools.
  
Heyne grew up with talented uncles who encouraged him and he tried all
types of art media during high school including jewelry making, drawing
and sculpture. Heyne says" The path with art is endless" and he hopes
to share his passion with students participating in the workshop. For
more information student can contact : m.bertke@hometowncable.net and
also check out Ben Heyne's Facebook page.
  
submitted by Mary Rampe, LAKE AREA ARTS GROUP

Santa Claus is Comin’ to the Niswonger

(Van Wert, OH) - It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Arriving at the Niswonger to kick off the Christmas season is Christmas Wonderland, a dazzling holiday spectacular for 2 shows only: Saturday, November 24 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, November 25 at 3 PM. Presented by Ciao! MedSpa, Christmas Wonderland features glittering costumes, a wonderful cast, and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.

The entire family can start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable Christmas Journey with your favorite Christmas songs. Holiday favorites include: ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Winter Wonderland,’ ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ ‘Chestnuts Roasting By an Open Fire,’ ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘Away in a Manger,’ ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ ‘Let it Snow,’ ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing,’ ‘Deck the Halls,’ ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ ‘O Holy Night,’ and many more Christmas standards.

Christmas will arrive as the wonderful cast of singers and dancers from London and New York transform the stage into a magical winter wonderland of Christmas joy. With breathtaking glittering costumes, and spectacular sets and scenery, the show parades its way through the wonder of Christmas and the excitement of the holiday season.

Christmas Wonderland is a glamorous Broadway style presentation that has thrilled audiences in the USA, The U.K. and round the world. The spectacular show is produced by Spirit Productions and David King, the multi award-winning and internationally acclaimed British theatre producer who became known to American audiences through the megahit musical, Spirit of the Dance which became one of the biggest dance shows in the world, playing to more than 30 million people worldwide. Spirit shows have toured in more than 30 countries and they are the first producer from the Western world to have three consecutive tours in China. Spirit Productions owns The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach and The King’s Castle Theatre in Branson, Missouri, where their shows play year-round.

Along with Presenting Sponsor Ciao! MedSpa, the Robideau Family is the proud NPAC Family Sponsor for IGNITE 18-19. Season Sponsors include Chuck & Karen Koch, StateWide Ford Lincoln, and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank.

Tickets for Christmas Wonderland can be purchased at the Box Office Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM at 419-238-6722 and online at NPACVW.ORG.
 

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is located at 10700 SR 118 S, Van Wert, Ohio.

Our Old Bookcase, November 1, 2018, Old Post Cards & Old Post Marks

Photo caption:  Vast Collection of Vintage Post Cards which have Rare Post Marks from Mercer County’s closed Post Offices will be on Exhibit, Sunday, November 11, 1:00 – 4:00 at the Mercer County Historical Museum.

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

Forgotten Post Card Photographs of Dance Halls where Dance Bands played for guests to dance with partners, at Gordon State Park at St. Marys, and Edgewater Park at Celina are displayed.

Fishing and eating and meeting Friends on West Bank Road at the White Front Lunch Room with Ben Adams, and Grubbs’ Cottages gave great memories to local senior citizens. 

Taking Boats out and stopping for a sandwich and gas at Coldwater Creek Landing provided cool refreshment on the Lake in the summertime.  Dancing on New Year’s Eve at Mercelina Park when it was so cold that the punch froze and the horses’ hooves froze to the Ice was part of the party.

Visit the Mercer County Historical Museum, Sunday afternoon, November 11, 2018, 1:00 – 4:00. 

See the Vintage Post Cards of local scenes by Post Card Collectors Sharon and Bob Poor & Dale Poeppelman in Room I.  See the Rare Post Marks from closed Mercer County’s closed Post Offices by former Celina citizen David Gray, in Room I.  Visit the once-in-a-lifetime collection of Post Cards from West Bank Road, on exhibit in Room II.  Do you have post cards and/or photographs to put on Exhibit for just this Sunday afternoon, November 11?  I hope so.

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.

 
November 1, 2018
 

Going to the Horse Races Benefit Planned

Saturday November 10th, 2018

At Rockford Community Building

Presale tickets:  $20.00/person, $30.00/couple. 

Tickets at the door are $25.00/person, $40.00/couple

Ticket includes meal, drinks, snacks.

Doors open at 5:00 pm        Meal: 5:30-6:30 pm
Horse Races start at 7 pm
Buy Your Own Stable Now to Join in the Race Fun!
Deadline for Stable Purchases in November 2, 2018.

There will be 50/50, live auction items, tip boards.

Proceeds Benefit Parkway Athletic Booster Club

Les Nichols 567-644-1483 or Cheryl Nichols

567-644-1482 OR nichols@bright.net

Remember to Vote on November 6, 2018

To Read Older Articles - Click Here

 
October 30-31, 2018
 

Reminder to the Parkway Community

Daylight saving time (DST) ends on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 2 a.m. ET. Most Americans will set their clocks back an hour at this time. This makes for darker days, but they will gain an extra hour of sleep.

Rockford United Methodist Church Thanks Fremont Company

Rockford United Methodist Church would like to thank the Fremont Company and their employees for their generosity in donating $710.00.

Because of their kindness, the church will be able to purchase an AED to be stationed within the church for any future medical needs.

RUMC is very thankful for this donation from the Fremont Company and their employees!  Their stewardship will not go unnoticed.

Shown in the picture is L to R:

    Tyler Westgerdes- Fremont Production Manager

    Pastor Chip Steffy- Rockford United Methodist

    Ken Pond- Fremont Plant Manager

    Derek Pryer- H.R. Specialist

Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Member

Hometown Creations was opened in April 2016 as a small Home, Garden & Gift Store. Since opening, there have been several expansions to accommodate customers needs and increased inventory including customer favorites Specialty Foods and Crossroads Candles. Hometown Creations carry Ohio State Buckeye items, Celina Bulldog apparel and accessories, and are excited to announce the new customized school leggings. Hometown Creations is supportive in the community by participating Celina’s Special Events such as Midnight Gladness , the Holiday Open House, as well as others. During the Holiday Open House they began a tradition of cooking homemade soup over a open fire to share with their customers as a Thank You for all of their support throughout the year. Find them on their Facebook pages; HOMETOWN CREATIONS for home, garden and gifts and HOMETOWN CREATIONS APPAREL & ACCESSORIES for all of our Celina Apparel and Customized Leggings. They will soon launch their new website www.hometowncreationsllc.com so that customers may order leggings & various items with the option to pick up or ship. Be sure to stop by and visit this unique and charming gift store, you will certainly find something you will love! Hometown Creations is located at 5360 Fairground Rd, Celina and can be reached at 567-890-0635. Store hours vary and appointments are also available to schedule by phone or feel free to email them at hometowncreations@bright.net

Genealogical Society to Meet

The Mercer County Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, November 4th at 2:00 pm at the Richardson-Bretz Building, 115 West Fulton St. Celina, OH.  

Guest speaker will be Mindy Kremer, Senior Director of Development, Marketing and Community Relations at Mercer Health. 

Mercer Heath: Past, Present and Future

Since 1950, the Mercer Health organization has provided quality, local, healthcare services to Mercer County and the surrounding communities.  Today, Mercer Health offers a full continuum of healthcare services to our community with locations in Celina, Coldwater, Ft. Recovery, St. Henry and New Bremen and is slated to open a 60,000+ square foot, three-story expansion this Fall. Learn more about the history of your local healthcare provider, its local economic impact and its current journey of technology integration, expansion and more.

The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments served.

Parkway November 2018 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
October 27-29, 2018
 

Mom to Mom Sale
The Van Wert Co. Fair is having a Mom to Mom Sale on Saturday November 3rd. Early Bird doors open at 8, and general admission is at 9am. Tickets are $2.00 for general and $5.00 for early bird. To register call the office at 419-238-9270 or 419-203-7894. 

Be sure to top out at the YMCA after the Mom to Mom sale for their Ladies Day Out event from 10am to 2pm.

Parkway FFA Judges Soil at Hardin Northern
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter
19hessm@parkwayschools.org

Wednesday, September 19th, Parkway FFA took 28 participants to Hardin Northern soil judging competition. 21 of those members judged Rural soil and 7 judged Urban soil. Members had to determine different characteristics of the soil and determine what type of soil it was. Such characteristics include the filtration class, the depth, and the texture. As a team, Parkway’s Rural soil judging team took first place and Urban took thirteenth. As individuals, Jared Anderson placed highest for Parkway’s Rural soils team in third place and Faith Shellabarger placed highest for Parkway’s Urban soils team in thirty-second place. 

Rural Team

Urban Team

Click Here for Other Parkway FFA News

Parkway FFA Members Participate in State Ag Contests
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter
19hessm@parkwayschools.org

On October 5th, 2018 Parkway FFA members Colton Kraner, Noah Riley, and David Sheets along with former member Trevor Smith traveled to the Waterman Dairy Center to participate in the state Ag Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE. The team had to complete multiple hands on activities such as welding, driving a skid-loader, adjusting planters, surveying land slope, applying fertilizer, and wiring electricity in addition to completing an online test. As a team, they placed sixth out of ten. As individuals, Noah Riley placed fourteenth, Trevor Smith placed nineteenth, David Sheets placed twenty-fifth, and Colton Kraner placed twenty-eighth out of forty participants. Top placed participant for Parkway, Noah Riley, said “it was a good and educational experience.” 

Pictured: (Left to Right) Noah Riley, Trevor Smith, David Sheets, and Nick Riley

Parkway FFA Competes in Urban Soil Judging Competition
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter
19hessm@parkwayschools.org

Urban and Rural District Soil Judging Competers and Some Qualifiers
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter
19hessm@parkwayschools.orgg

On September 27, ten Parkway FFA members traveled to McComb, Ohio to compete in both Urban and Rural district soil judging competitions. The Rural team consisted of Leah Harshman, Justan Felver, Alyssa Miller, Jared Anderson, and Ansley Burtch. They placed sixth out of thirty, but unfortunately didn’t qualify for the state competition. The Urban team, however, did qualify for state by placing fourth out of twenty teams. This team included Colton Kraner, Grace Etgen, Brendon Doner, Faith Shellabarger, and Clara Hellwarth. The top four participants from Parkway FFA Urban soil judging team will participate in the state competition on October 13th, 2018. 

Pictured: The top four participants from the Parkway FFA Urban soil judging team. (Left to Right) Faith Shellabarger, Grace Etgen, Brendon Doner, and Colton Kraner.

Mercer County Soil Judging
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter
19hessm@parkwayschools.org

On September 21, 2018 the Parkway FFA traveled to the Mercer County Soil Judging CDE with 28 participants. This competition, in addition to the previous one at Hardin Northern, would determine which four students from each the Urban and the Rural teams would be selected to continue to the district soil judging competition. Parkway FFA members Jared Anderson, from the Rural soils team, and Faith Shellabarger, from the Urban soils team, both received first place as individuals in their separate categories. 

Shop - n - Dine

Lasagna Dinner & Craft Show - Sunday - November 11th - 11 am - 2 pm
Rockford Community Building - located just off 33 West, Rockford, OHIO
  
Bring your appetite & do some Christmas shopping !!
  
Serving Lasagna, garlic Bread, Green Beans, Salad bar, cookies
  and drinks.
  
Tickets sold at:
  
Henkle Insurance & Rockford Village Hall
  
Adults $8 - Children 10 under - $5
  
~~ carry out available ~~
  
Sponsored by the Rockford Bicentennial Committee

Job Fair Planned in Van Wert
The Van Wert Co. Fair is having a Job Fair in the Junior Fair Building on Friday November 2nd from 10am to 2pm. Admission is free! If you are interested in registering your business contact us at 419-238-9270 or 419-605-5600. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/167943257412011/ 

 
October 26, 2018
 

Mr. E's Driving School Change in Starting Date
Saturday, Oct 27th Class Cancelled - 1st Class is now Monday, Oct 29th
Click Here for driver training details on the Business Directory

Ohio City
Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 5-7 PM; Costume judging follows at fire department on Main Street.

Ohio City Park Board Sponsored Event
There is also a chili soup and peanut butter sandwich supper at the Park Building on SR 118 with a band to follow.
A costume contest with prizes will begin at 10 PM.
 

Willshire
Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 4-6 PM; Costume judging and other events follow in the park at 6:15.
The Parkway Band will perform in the park at 6:15 PM. Snacks provided.

Rockford

Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 5-6:30 PM; Costume judging follows at 7 PM at the fire house on Main Street.
Laura Putman Photography will be at Shanes Park from 4 -5 pm before Trick or Treating taking FREE photos of your children in costume.

The Laurels at Rockford

Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 2:30 to 3:30. Free hot dogs , chips and candy.
They are sponsoring a coloring contest. Public invited.

Mendon

Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 4-6 PM; Costume judging follows at 7 PM at the fire department.
A chili supper with soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinks is planned as well from 4-7PM.

Chatt

Trunk or Treat at Zion Lutheran Church on Sunday October 28th at 5 PM. Costumes welcomed.
Soup and sandwiches served afterwards with a few activities planned by Zion Lutheran and Chatt Methodist Churches.

REMINDER - Senior Night Recognition

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, October 26, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, October 26, 2018 for the game against St. Henry.

Ryan and Ashley Clay, Matthew and Amy Jackson, Tiffany Hamilton, Angie Stephenson, Dave and Patty Hipply, Alex and Beverly Rowan, Chad and Lindsay Hamrick, Jason and Sheila Tewksbury, and Jeremy and Seth and Jodi Zimmerman.

Please arrive by 6:00 PM due to Senior Night.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

Lake Area Arts Group to Meet with Artist Twyla Hayes Featured
The Lake Area Arts Group will meet on Monday night, the 12th of November,
at 6 pm at the local library in Celina. Some highlights will include sample of thumb paintings, duo creations, and wood artistry. Twyla Hayes of Rockford will
be the featured artist. This meeting is open to all interested people.

Plan Now to Eat-Out on Friday, November 16, 2018
Annual Chili Supper will be held on Friday, November 16, 2018
from 4:30-7:30pm.
The public is invited to the event at the Rockford Community Bldg., 420 North Holly Lane, Rockford, Ohio 

The menu includes chili, chicken noodle soup, sloppy Joes and creamed
chicken, hot dogs,  chili dogs, applesauce, veggies and desserts

Dine in, Carry out or Drive Thru 
Free will donation will be accepted. 
Raffle Drawing will be held to benefit the Religious Education Program
of St Teresa Parish.

Sponsored by St Teresa Catholic Church 4227 State Route 707, Rockford,
Ohio

 
October 25, 2018
 

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Minutes by Lisa Kuhn

http://www.rockfordalive.com/category/news/minutes/rcoc-minutes/

 
October 23-24, 2018
 

Rockford Lions Planning Fish Fry
Rockford Lions are making final preparations for the 13th Annual Lions Fish Fry at the Rockford Community Building in Shanes Park on Saturday evening, November 3rd, 2018 from 4:30 to 7 pm.  Proceeds from the annual event support the Parkway Schools Eighth Grade Class Trip to Washington D.C. each spring.  Fish Fry Tickets are $7.00 each and are available from members of the current Parkway Eighth Grade Class, or by calling Lion Dennis Hecht at 419-852-9818. 

Rockford Lions Club Hears Council on Aging Director

Monday evening Sept. 24th, Sharon Green, executive director of the Mercer County Council on Aging spoke to the Rockford Lions Club. Green, standing next to Lion President Darrell Sheppard, outlined the changing public perception of the Council on Aging as she described the four areas of service available to Mercer County residents age 60 and up. Chore Services, Homemaker services, Transportation Services, and Outreach Services are facilitated by trained and vetted staff members. For more information, contact The Mercer County Council on Aging, 217 Riley Street in Celina. 419-586-1644 www.mccoa.net

Rockford Lions are also preparing for two new events in 2019; a Quarter Auction on Saturday, March 30th to be held at the Rockford Community Building and sponsorship of the 25th Annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-In on Friday, June 14th on West Market Street in Rockford. 

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects like the annual Fish Fry fund scholarships & help fulfill local community needs & requests.    The next meeting of the Rockford Lions Club will be Monday, November 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Parkway Local Board of Education Special Meeting 

The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. in the community room.   The purpose of the meeting will be the Five Year Forecast presentation.

THE ROCKFORD BELLE -- OPRY SHOW
SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 3, 2018
135 MARKET ST ~~ ROCKFORD, OH

Jerry Bolenbaugh along with special guests invite you to a Rockford Opry Show featuring Classic Country, Bluegrass, Rock n Roll, Gospel, and some comedy!! 
Doors open at 6 pm with show beginning at 7 pm.

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

Guests include:  

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

* Collie Lambert and Steve Scott – from Oakwood

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

*  Mike Kaufman – Defiance * Ken & Rhonda Foltz – Bryant, IN

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

Mercer County Angel Tree Program Preparing for Christmas
Although Christmas may still be a few months off, preparations for the Mercer County Angel Tree Program are already in full swing.

Angel Tree was established in 2005 to bring together the efforts of the many local agencies, organizations, churches and businesses who were trying to provide gifts for local families. Today, this heart-warming, inspiring event provides Christmas joy to children all across the county and stands as a testament to power of partnership and collaboration in our region.

Last year, the Angel Tree program provided over 2500 gifts to area children. To meet that level of need, the program relies on local organizations and people to assist in several ways: purchasing gifts, volunteering, or making cash donations.

Purchasing gifts: A group can take a number of Angel Tree tags and display them on a tree to allow group members, staff, or customers the opportunity to personally donate gifts, which the group collects for the program. To request tags, contact Betty Leininger at 419-586-1352.

Volunteering: Several hundred volunteers are needed to set up on December 6, and to help with “shopping” and wrapping on December 7. To volunteer or for more information, contact Diane Martens at 419-586-3645.

Donating: Monetary gifts help to provide gift boxes for children 13-15 years old, to purchase gifts for children 0-12 years old, and to offer extra items for the families. If you would like to make a donation, you can mail it or bring it to Our Home at 117 West Fayette St. in Celina. (Make checks payable to Our Home.)

Angel Tree would not be possible without the generosity and support received from the Mercer County community and the hard work and dedication of the Mercer County Angel Tree committee members. This year’s committee includes Joan Carr, Diane Martens, Janice Klenke, Denise Pogue, Shawn Thieman, Edna Backs, Tammy Kramer, Jody Kramer, Karla Kessler, Sylvia Hux, Anne Ly, and Michelle Van Arsdel.

If you have any questions the Angel Tree program, please feel free to contact Our Home at 419-586-4663.

 
October 19-22, 2018
 

Ohio City
Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 5-7 PM; Costume judging follows at fire department on Main Street.

Willshire
Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 4-6 PM; Costume judging and other events follow in the park at 6:15.

Rockford

Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 5-6:30 PM; Costume judging follows at 7 PM at the fire house on Main Street.
Laura Putman Photography will be at Shanes Park from 4 -5 pm before Trick or Treating taking FREE photos of your children in costume.

Mendon

Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 4-6 PM; Costume judging follows at 7 PM at the fire department.
A chili supper with soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinks is planned as well from 4-7PM.

Parkway Middle School Conferences

Parkway Middle School will be holding parent-teacher conferences on November 1st, November 15th, and November 19th. Conference times for all evenings will be from 4:30-8:00 p.m. Conference scheduling forms have already been sent home with all students.  You may pick up extra forms in the Middle School office.

As a reminder to parents and students, due to conferences and Thanksgiving break, there is NO SCHOOL on November 21 through November 26.  School will resume on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

Traffic Update for First Phase of Van Wert Health Construction Project

Van Wert, OH – Van Wert Health is asking all patients and visitors to carefully watch signage while on the main campus of Van Wert Health in order to navigate safety around the construction zones.  The campus is now marked with red arrows to route patients directly to the main entrance of the Emergency Room.  Additional blue arrows, which are painted on the pavement and on signage around the campus, are being used to direct outpatients, visitors, and vendors to an alternate parking lot during the first phase of construction for the Van Wert Health Surgery and Inpatient Expansion Project. 

The expansion project includes a new two-story, 84,000 square-foot facility which will help further address the health care needs of residents and visitors in our area. 

Laurels of Shane Hill Welcomes New Administrator

Sierra Saylor recently joined the Laurels of Shane Hill team as their administrator.  Originally from St. Marys, OH, she graduated from The Ohio State University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science. In 2015, she received her Master’s degree from Utica College in Healthcare Administration. Sierra is also CEAL certified and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She and her husband live in Willshire with their two dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Rockford United Methodist Church Plans Another Year of Kids Club and Meals

The members of Rockford United Methodist Church are planning another fun year of Kids Club and Meals afterwards at their location on 110 South Franklin St. in Rockford, OH 45882

(419) 363-3230

Kids Club starts September 5th and will run every Wednesday after school from 3:30 to 5 PM. The service is free but sign-up is necessary. Get your forms at the church or Parkway Elementary School office. Intended for ages K-5th, children are transported from Parkway School to R.U.M.C.  where snacks, playing games, making crafts, and learning a Bible lesson makes for a fun after school program.  

A free community meal follows with Bible Study through December. Everyone is invited!

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

War Trophies at the Museum exhibit, this coming Sunday.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

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

 
Photo caption:  War Trophies on exhibit at Mercer County Historical Museum, Sunday October 28

The above photograph features the World War II era P-38 pistol, a German World War I era Iron Cross, a German World War II Era Fallschirmjager (parachutist) badge and a Gulf War Iraqi shoulder board, which are a part of the exhibit at the Mercer County Historical Museum, Sunday afternoon, October 28.

Those of you who remember your German language, you are aware that the German words are often a combination of individual words put together, to create a meaning of the related words.  However, my German language skills are “nicht sehr gut,”  meaning my skills are not so good.  I may have erred in my translation of the word “Fallschirmjager,”

Brian Williamson of the Museum of the Soldier translated this word to mean, “a parachutist.”  That does make sense.  First, the word, “Schirm,” means a shelter, like an umbrella.  The German word for umbrella is “Regenschirm.”  The word for rain is “Regen.” Therefore, to be protected from the rain by an umbrella, the word is “Regenschirm.”  The work “Jager” would mean a hunter.  Therefore, a “schirmjager,” might mean to protect someone from the hunter.  And to complete the process, the word “Fall,” may mean to fall.  Thus, Fall + Schirm + Jager = A parachute is something used to protect a falling person from the hunter, or the enemy hunter.

Perhaps, I should expect that High School German Students may be laughing at my translation . . . or I wonder how many schools still teach the German language.  My grandson told me that he had to take Chinese for a foreign language because his school neither had German Teachers nor Latin Teachers.   I wondered how many Mercer County students would have a need to speak Chinese.   Do your grandchildren study the Chinese language?  How many Mercer Countians speak the Chinese language?

I just hope that it does not take a World War to see our Military bringing home war trophies from China.  That is a terrible thought to have.  I do not want war with any country.  Prevention of war is high on anyone’s list.  Defense of our National freedom, when all negotiations fail, is an alternative that I would see for War to happen.   We have seen too many wars in our lifetime.  I respect our Military personnel, and I want them to be protected from any enemy.  The German word for foe or enemy is “fiend.”  We could use a Fiendschirm. . . a hundred percent protection for each and every Member of our Military personnel from any enemy.

As President of the Mercer County Historical Society, I receive letters of requests for historical research.  Often, requests are for family research about their Mercer County, Ohio relatives who served in the Military.  A recent letter requests information about James McClurg, a Civil War Veteran.  He has quite a story to tell, but information is difficult to find.  I will have this letter of request on exhibit for you to read, at the Sunday, October 28 Military Exhibit by the Museum of the Soldier.  The Museum of the Soldier’s Directors always seek information about the Military person related to the exhibits at the Museum of the Soldier.  Their quest is what makes their Museum of the Soldier so outstanding.

Visit the Mercer County Historical Museum, Sunday, afternoon, October 28, 1:00 – 4:00, and meet Brian Williamson and Jim Waechter, and see their exhibit they brought from the Museum of the Soldier to the Mercer County Historical Museum, for you to enjoy.   Guten Tag, or Good Day.

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.

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

Photo caption:  Civil War Veteran Israel Cook’s January 3, 1864 Discharge Paper, was what he brought home to Celina, Ohio, after his service in Company F, 4th Regiment, of Ohio Cavalry Volunteers.  Cook was enrolled on the 11th day of September 1861. 

“What they brought home; War Trophies of the returning GI,” is the theme of the 18th Annual Military and Antique Gun Exhibit by the Museum of the Soldier, held at the Mercer County Historical Museum, 130 East Market, Celina, on Sunday, October 28, 2018, 1:00 – 4:00.  Brian Williamson and Jim Waechter, from the Museum of the Soldier in Portland, Indiana will be bringing Military Exhibits from that Museum.

May I ask the American Legion Members and the Veterans of Foreign Wars what they brought home with them, from their time in the Service of our Country?  Our United States Military Veterans are invited to bring their own collections “which they brought home with them,” to show the public on this same Sunday afternoon.  You are more than welcome to share your collections and talk with each other as well as the Guests of the Mercer County Historical Museum.

When you visit this Military Exhibit Sunday afternoon, October 28, you are also welcome to walk through the exhibits of the Mercer County Historical Museum.  The County Museum’s historic Military Exhibit includes collections from the Revolutionary War through our Country’s Military History today.  The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.   Our Military History is an important facet of our Mercer County Heritage.  You are most welcome to become a Member of the Mercer County Historical Society and help preserve our County’s heritage.   I ask you, if you are proud of your Mercer County Heritage, will you be so thoughtful as to help preserve the Mercer County Historical Museum through this Century?

For those of you who want to visit the Museum of the Soldier, it is located at 510 East Arch Street, Portland, Indiana, and is open on Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 in November, and by appointment  Their email address is museum@bright.net   Jim Waechter’s cell phone number is 260-729-7017.

Visit the Mercer County Historical Museum, Sunday, afternoon, October 28, and meet Brian Williamson and Jim Waechter, and see their exhibit they brought from the Museum of the Soldier to the Mercer County Historical Museum, for you to enjoy.   

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.

 
October 15-18, 2018
 

Lost Dog Sought - Reward
Molly went missing on Saturday 10/6 in the vicinity of Oregon & Erastus-Durbin Roads.  She busted off her lead in the dark - found no sign of collar or cable so she may be dragging it.  Apprehensive of people, may respond to whistle.   There have been a couple sightings of a dog matching this description around Chatt, and also Frahm Pike/Township Line Road area.   If seen, please contact 419-305-1805.  Reward.  Thank you

Sheriff’s Department Receives Grant

Celina, OH - Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today his office has received word from the Ohio Department of Public Safety that his office has once again received a grant to aide our deputies in reducing traffic related fatalities and serious injury accidents in Mercer County.

The grant allows deputies to spend more time targeting problem areas while on patrol.  The grant is broken down into two focus areas. The first for $19,616.63, titled Repeat Offenders for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), will focus on looking for subjects driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within our county. The second part of the grant, valued at $14,577.75, is State and Community Highway Safety. This part of the grant allows us to have our deputies focus on driving laws and ensure all motorists are safe while on the roads of Mercer County.  

Sheriff Grey stated, “As we enter this fall we would remind drivers that farm equipment is out at times late at night, so please use extra caution and don’t drink and drive, the risk you take is not worth the results.” 

Further inquiries can be directed to Chief Deputy Gery Thobe at 419-586-7724.

 
October 12-14, 2018
 

High Speed Chase of Driver in Stolen Vehicle Ends in Crash
Rockford Police Chief Paul May in Pursuit
by Sheriff Jeff Grey
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports his office has in custody a 37-year-old Lucas J. Jackson from 4470 290th Street Toledo, Ohio.

At 10:05 AM Central dispatch received multiple 9-1-1 calls of an injury crash on Hoenie Road, south of Fast Road involving two vehicles.  Jackson was involved in the initial crash on Hoenie Road.  Jackson was reported to be traveling at a high rate of speed when he struck the rear of a 2001 Honda driven by a male subject from Celina, Ohio (Name withheld pending further investigation).  Jackson then threatened the driver of a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, who stopped to help crash victims, with a screw driver.  Jackson stole the Grand Am and fled the scene (owner of the Grand Am, and driver of Grand Am being withheld pending further investigation).

Rockford Police Chief May who was coming to assist deputies passed Jackson in the stolen Pontiac west bound on State Route 707.  Chief May turned and pursued Jackson.  Pursuit speeds reached 70 mph, Jackson then lost control of the vehicle east of Erastus Durbin Road and rolled into a field where he was trapped inside.

Jackson was  extricated from the vehicle and transported by Rockford Squad to Mercer Health.  Jackson is currently being treated at Mercer Health under guard of deputies from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the hospital by Coldwater PD.   The driver of the Honda was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies were assisted at the scenes by Rockford Police Department, Celina Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, MCERV, and Mercer County EMS, Celina and Rockford Fire Departments.

No other information is being released as prosecutors will be reviewing the case for the appropriate charges to be filed. These incidents remain under investigation.

Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them.

THE ROCKFORD CARNEGIE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL HAVE A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY. OCTOBER 15, AT 7 PM IN THE LIBRARY MEETING ROOM TO DISCUSS THE EMPLOYMENT AND COMPENSATION OF PERSONNEL.

Rockford Club Begins New Year

The Twenty-First Century Club members met for their first dinner meeting of the year on September 24, 2018 at Rockford United Methodist Church Social Room with Karla Butler, president and Toni Fisher vice-president presiding and serving a delicious meal of baked chicken, potatoes and green beans, and salad, with fresh fruit and homemade cookies for dessert. The Club theme for the year is Remarkable Women, and will involve a learning experience on the history of feisty and sometimes difficult women who achieved greatness.

A short meeting was completed with the reading of the minutes from May by secretary Kim Carr and the treasurer’s report. Role call was mentioning something we have recently learned and the responses were very interesting. Members decided to continue to bring items for the food pantry as well as plastic bottle caps and Walmart bags for the back pack program. Three new members were inducted into the club: Kara Ransbottom and Karen Nuttle introduced by sponsor Karla Butler; and Katherine Beckett introduced by sponsor Sheila Baltzell-Linn. The late Rachel Webb was along-time  member and memories of her were shared. Members also briefly discussed the upcoming Rockford Bi-Centennial, and possible ways for the club to participate.

President Karla Butler handed out the programs and discussed the theme of Remarkable Women, mentioning one she learned about while on a mission trip to Henderson Settlement in Belle County, Kentucky this summer. Her name is Uhla Hall – and she founded Mud Creek Medicine – the fight for the ignored and poor peoples of Appalachia and their plight. Uhla was born in a “holler” and at the age of 5 took food to a family near her home needing help. At the age of 14, she went to New Your to work in a cannery and wound up organizing the workers for better conditions. She would up arrested, and they found she had lied about her age (18).

In the 1950’s she organized knitting and pie baking groups to get people to socialize. In 1962 she stole her husband’s truck and took a woman (with complications) to the hospital to deliver her baby. She had to threaten them to accept the woman as a patient. In 1960’s, the Kennedys learned of the situation and lended their support.The CAC was formed and clean drinking water and real roads became the focus of Uhla.

Uhla went to Georgia and trained the Volunteers & Service to America workers on how to talk to the people. She was paid as a professional activist.  She did a survey and learned that men and women’s health care, domestic violence, contaminated creek water and power and corruption in the coal mining industry were the most important problems to the Appalachian folk. So she started a clinic herself in a trailer, got doctors to volunteer and in the first week they saw 481 people who had never seen a doctor in their life. Because of Black lung from the coal mines and her fight for better conditions, for the workers, she became a target and her clinic was burned. Uhla got right back up and with insurance money from the loss, she applied for a grant needing matching funds. She raised even more money to rebuild a 400K facility with equipment.

The next meeting will be held on October  23, 2018, 7 PM, at the Rockford Methodist Church Café. Ann Gage, with Cindy Canary assisting, will handle refreshments. Members Twyla Hays and Louisa will be providing the program on
Ann Landers and Ella Fitzgerald.  Contact Sheila Baltzell at 419-733-3326 if you’d like to learn more about this club.

Plan now to attend the Otterbein SeniorLife St. Marys Community for their Fall Fest on Saturday, October 13 from 11 AM to 2 PM. Music by the Muleskinner Band
Face Painting & Caricature Drawings; Apple Press Demonstrations; Horse Drawn Carriage Rides; Kettle Corn, Caramel Apples, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes; Door Prizes

Plan now to attend the Physical Therapy Fair at Otterbein SeniorLife St. Marys Community on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 3-5 PM in the Meyer Community Room.

Neck and Shoulder massages; Therapist Relay Races; Exercise demonstrations; Dessert Bar; tour of therapy gyms and rehab suites;
screenings fpr balance, pain, mobility, vestibular and neurological disorders and much more!

Ohio City
Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 5-7 PM; Costume judging follows at fire department on Main Street.

Willshire
Saturday, October 27, 2018, Trick or Treat 4-6 PM; Costume judging and other events follow in the park at 6:15.

Rockford
Details coming

Mendon

Details coming

 
October 9 -11, 2018
 

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, October 12, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, October 12, 2018 for the game against Delphos St. Johns

Michael and Katie Huffman, Les and Cheryl Nichols, Christina Sutter, Michael and Melissa Burtch, Zach and Abbey Neuenschwander, Brendan and Marci Bates, and Jeremy and Lisa Aller.

Please arrive by 6:00 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

Two Panther Revues by Parkway Choirs Coming to the Auditorium

Twyla Hayes, Chamber Emcee, took the podium, welcoming guests and introducing all speakers.  She mentioned the Rockford Bicentennial Plans  are coming along great with a mural soon to be painted on the wall of the Fire Department. The 200th Birthday Celebration of Rockford coming in 2020 is keeping organizers busy.  She also named many businesses with expansions and improvements to their buildings and decor creating a more beautiful village.

Stacy Beougher, current Celina/Mercer Chamber of Commerce Director, speaker for the evening, told of her start at the former Celina Racquet Club in Celina at age 15 when she got her first job in Customer Service. She loved it and has served her many years in that capacity. She believes service training and fundamentals of leadership are important in service industries, and the time taken in training employees is critical. At the Celina/Mercer Chamber, she sees her job as promoting all businesses and their events.

Chamber President Mary Beougher then came forward to mention that the last welcome sign on the north edge of Rockford is completed. Following her were Nancy Leighner and Rachel Hayes, two from Rockford who recently completed the 2018 Leadership in Action Program through the Celina/Mercer Chamber.

They both agreed that it was more than worthwhile as they engaged in many activities and had wonderful opportunities to see county businesses and government at work. “The experiences energized me”, said Rachel.

Mary Beougher then continued by presenting awards to new businesses: Rock Solid Performance (Andrew Peel); The Fix Functional Massage Therapy (Luke Stephenson); Homes at Ohio’s Edge Realty (Tammy Cheek); Duncan Oil and Rockford Shopperstop.

Business Anniversaries included: Gourmet Gifts by Kristi (20 years), Miss Mamy’s Playground (20 years) and First Financial Bank (155 years).

Then Tom Burtch took the podium and presented the Business of the Year Award to Brand It Marketing Communications, in business since 2004 and owned by Twyla and Pete Hayes. Combining their talents in graphic designing and agri-business, they created a niche in the growing world of marketing. Tom read a long list of accomplishments by the duo including growing from a 2 employee company to an 8 employee operation. Twyla and Pete are always involved in community projects, including the 2020 Bicentennial coming up, and are always willing to give of their time.

Then the time came to name the winner of the Citizen of the Year for 2018, which went to Steven McBride Thompson, presented by Barbara Pedroza, last year’s winner.

The video, carefully prepared by Stacie Ford, was played and everyone stood to applaud and congratulate Steve following an endearing look at his life.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year 2018 Named
Steven McBride Thompson Celebrated on Monday, October 8, 2018
Researched and Written by Stacie Ford

Born February 17, 1948 in Van Wert, Ohio to parents, Ernest and Gertrude, Steve was raised in Rockford and lived there most of his life with the exception of a year on a Navajo Mission in New Mexico.  He was the second of five children- with siblings the late Robert, Paul, Ann and Phil. His parents were teachers, and as a child, he learned to play music by ear. He also enjoyed building things like radios.

He graduated from Parkway High School The Class of 1966 and went on to attend Huntington College for three years while majoring in Education.  There was one notable person who made a lasting impression on him during high school - industrial arts teacher, Ted Hakes. This influence was the vehicle directing his career choice to become a self-employed construction contractor during his entire working career. Many buildings in Rockford have been remodeled by him.

He married the love of his life, Marcia, on September 7, 1974 at the Continental United Methodist Church. Two years later, the couple was baptized  in Dan Henkle’s pond and then became members of the Rockford United Methodist Church. This is the same church where he has served as Trustee and Maintenance worker for several years; Parishioners can witness him making a joyful noise by playing instruments such as the guitar, trumpet, fiddle, banjo, and harmonica in the band on Sunday Mornings. Over the years, several updates and new installations have been made at the Rockford United Methodist Church; one item, the beautiful  7 foot cross, created by Steve, graces the sanctuary.

Together, the couple have raised two children, Julie and Curtis - their pride and joy! The engaging father and grandfather enjoys attending music recitals and sporting events, and dotes on his beloved family by building them special handcrafted gifts made of wood. Grandchildren Alaina, Sloane, Madison, Paxton and Grayden are the proud beneficiaries of projects such as doll cradles, rocking chairs, a tool bench and a special handmade kite. Being a teacher at heart, our recipient involves family members in the making of such items.

His parents, aunts and uncles were important in his life, especially Uncle Nelson who ran the Navajo Mission in New Mexico. While there doing maintenance work, he lived with his brother Paul and learned many things about God, faith, and serving others. Many people who know him, know of his strong convictions and belief in the Bible, and his unwavering ability to speak out as a Christian believer.

Steve has many hobbies including repairing vintage radios and TVs, playing music, collecting license plates, bicycle riding and visiting friends, and fixing things around town. One of the oldest homes in Rockford is owned and remodeled by this truly gifted jack-of-all tradesman!

His active memberships include Shanes Crossing Historical Society, Rockford Lions Club, Parkway Booster Club, and The American Legion Post #508- where the stars and stripes hold a special place in his heart. He shows allegiance to his country and honors those that have fallen by marching in Memorial Day parades. The patriot flies a flag at his home and shows family support through the purchase of veteran bricks at Shanes Park. Steve recently installed a solar light on the flag pole there.

“I’m just doing what I love to do,” said Steve, of his countless hours of service, maintenance tasks and projects which have been donated to our community.  Steve has built benches at Shanes Park; repaired and painted the Log House in the park; donated and installed a stained glass window and chandeliers from the former Grace EUB Church in town hall; performed maintenance repairs at the American Legion; and, methodically painted the state-owned metal Rockford signs as you enter the corporation limits.  Oftentimes, a friend or two can be seen working together on such projects with him, including Reed Shaffer, Lowell Beougher and Mike Schumm.

It has been a blessing for Steve to live in the small village of Rockford, and he shows his devotion by donating many items from Rockford’s past to the museum. Rockford history aficionados can enjoy books, news articles, pictures, postcards and the replica model of the Rockford railroad station.

Rockford, Ohio is a better place to live due to Steve’s exceptional attention to detail, genuine caring touch and ambitious drive to get things accomplished. God, family and service are the predominant factors in this man’s life. Community members can take a lesson from his quiet, humble demeanor, whose lifelong contributions echo immeasurable lasting rewards to the senses at every turn throughout the village at Rockford!

Congratulations Steven McBride Thompson on becoming 2018 Citizen of the Year.   

 
October 6-8, 2018
 

Parkway Sub Sales Fundraiser Underway
See advertisement above.
The Parkway Music Booster’s annual sub sandwich sale is currently underway.  The subs have been sold for many years and continue to be a favorite of many.    This year three different subs will be made: “The Original” (bologna, pork loaf, beef stick, American and Swiss cheeses), ham (ham, American and Swiss cheeses), and turkey breast (turkey, American and Swiss cheeses).  Prices are as follows: 1 for $4, 3 for $10, 6 for $18, and 12 for $32. 

Students in grades 6-12 who are involved with the band or choir programs at Parkway will be selling the subs.  Selling dates are now through Oct. 12th   The subs will be made at the school on Saturday, Nov. 10th and will be ready for the students to deliver at that time. 

All profits from the sub sales will go directly to the Parkway Music Boosters and will be used to support the bands and choirs.  The sales are a great way to get a delicious sandwich while providing support to our students. 

 
If you would like to purchase subs or have further questions, please call Kendra Miller at 419.495.2655.

Dancing with the Big Stars 2018

Dancing with the Big Stars 2018 will be held on Saturday, November 17th at the Overdrive in Celina.  Matinee tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 419-584-2447. Doors will open at 1:00 pm and the show will begin at 1:30.

Stateline Writers Club to Meet
The Stateline Writers Club is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, at the Celina public library.  The suggested writing topic is "something scary."   The public is welcome.

 
October 4-5, 2018
 

Parkway Schools Calendar of Events by Makayla McAvoy
for October 2018 - Click here for a printable version

Free Movie Night at Rockford United Methodist Church

Rockford United Methodist Church will be holding a FREE MOVIE NIGHT on Saturday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the

church's Social Room located at 202 South Franklin Street in Rockford, Ohio.  For more information, please call the church

office at 419-363-3230

The FREE MOVIE being shown is "Paul-Apostle of Christ."  A free-will donation will be accepted. 

Any profits will go toward sending Bibles to persecuted believers.  All is welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship.

Jim Bowsher of Wapakoneta Coming to Rockford
The next meeting of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society will be held on 
October 15th at 7 pm in the museum located on East Columbia Street in Rockford.
Our guest speaker will be Jim Bowsher of Wapakoneta.  Jim has spoken at many
of our meetings.  The audience enjoys hearing him tell stories as he shows
many different historical items he has collected over the years.  
The public is invited to attend.  

Parkway FFA Chapter’s Senior Class Teaches Delicious Lesson on Soil Layers

By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter
19hessm@parkwayschools.org

On September 13th and 19th, the Parkway FFA Chapter’s senior class went down to spend an hour with the Parkway second-grade class. During this hour, members taught the children about the different layers of soil and their purposes. After sitting patiently during the lesson, the second-grade students were rewarded with dirt pudding. Each member gave the children a different item for the pudding to represent the different layers of soil. On the bottom, a solid Oreo cookie to represent bed rock. Above the cookie was a layer of crumbled Oreos to represent parent material. Then vanilla pudding to represent sub-soil, chocolate pudding to represent top soil, and sprinkles to represent organic materials such as grass. To top off the dirt pudding the young students also got gummy worms. Members would like to thank Parkway’s second grade teachers for allowing the FFA to spend an hour with their students for the education of Agriculture. 

Image 1 (Jack)- FFA Member Jack Wehe helping the students with their sprinkles.

Image 2 (Preston)- FFA Member Preston Stober helping the students with their pudding.

Image 3 (President Maddy Teaching)- FFA President Madison Kroeger quizzing the children at the end of their lesson.

Image 4 (Students Enjoying Their Dirt Pudding)- A small group of students from Mrs. Kirby's class enjoying their dirt pudding.

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge.

A CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GIFTS 

ROCKFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - HARVEST JUBILEE
202 S. Franklin St, Rockford

Celebrating a Bountiful Harvest by Sharing God's Talents and Gifts

Sunday - October 14, 2018 

Supper served at 5:30 pm - Presentation of Gifts at 6:30 pm

We invite you to share in a FREE appreciation dinner followed by
an evening that will showcase God's talents and gifts at work
in our community.

We ask you to please come and share in the Spirit led evening of praise !

Parkway Sub Sales Fundraiser Underway
The Parkway Music Booster’s annual sub sandwich sale is currently underway.  The subs have been sold for many years and continue to be a favorite of many.    This year three different subs will be made: “The Original” (bologna, pork loaf, beef stick, American and Swiss cheeses), ham (ham, American and Swiss cheeses), and turkey breast (turkey, American and Swiss cheeses).  Prices are as follows: 1 for $4, 3 for $10, 6 for $18, and 12 for $32. 

Students in grades 6-12 who are involved with the band or choir programs at Parkway will be selling the subs.  Selling dates are now through Oct. 12th   The subs will be made at the school on Saturday, Nov. 10th and will be ready for the students to deliver at that time. 

All profits from the sub sales will go directly to the Parkway Music Boosters and will be used to support the bands and choirs.  The sales are a great way to get a delicious sandwich while providing support to our students. 

 
If you would like to purchase subs or have further questions, please call Kendra Miller at 419.495.2655.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Mums for Sale by Parkway FFA
The Parkway FFA Chapter Mum sale is every fall, but who grows and cares for the mums changes from year to year. This year, Parkway junior Leah Harshman volunteered to grow the mums. Leah started her journey in the beginning of June, starting with 250 plants varying in colors of red, purple, yellow, orange, and white. When asked how the process has been, Leah replied, “It is not too hard, but I have enjoyed raising the mums.” The money Leah earns from selling these mums will be going toward getting her State FFA Degree, as a certain profit made is a requirement to earn the State FFA Degree. The pot sizes and prices are: 8” pot for $5, 10” for 2 colors (in the same pot) for $10, $12 for 3 colors in a 10” pot, or a large Terracotta pot with double colors for $12. If you are interested in supporting Leah and the Parkway FFA Chapter, stop by the Rockford Carryout on October the 6th and 7th to purchase your mums from Leah! If you can’t make it to the Carryout, you may contact Leah at 419-605-8099 to buy mums. 

By: Kiersten Roehm (Parkway FFA Historian)

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50’s Dance Planned in Rockford to support Rockford’s Bicentennial
Rock with the 50's - Dig out your poodle skirt & dance the night away for
Rockford's Bicentennial.

Live music by The Bulldogs - Saturday - October 20th at the 
Rockford Community Building.  Doors open at 6 pm - starts at 7 pm
$10 per person at the door

Giveaways - Concessions available -

Thank you to our Farming Community for Supporting this event !

 
October 1 - 3, 2018
 

2018 Parkway Football Homecoming Court - Queen Kara Heck

Photos by James Leighner - thanks for sharing!

Freshman Danielle Huff, Junior Ashlyn White, Senior Lauren Henderson, 2017 Queen Bailey Bates, 2018 Queen Kara Heck, Senior Molly Baltzell and Sophomore Kayla Kuhn

Friday, September 38, 2018 Parkway versus Ft. Recovery

Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them!

Parkway October 2018 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
September 29-30, 2018
 

Local Young Fire-fighters Honor 9-11 With 120 Stair Climb
Two members of the Willshire Fire Department participated in the Columbus 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Sunday September 9, 2018. Brandon Joseph and Preston Browning climbed 120 flights of stairs in full fire gear to honor those lives lost in the World Trade Center collapse of 9-11-01. The two men were given a name badge of a fallen firefighter or EMT and asked to dedicate their climb to the memory of that individual. At the end of the climb the participants read the name of the fallen and rang the fire bell in honor. The event took place at the Chase Building in Downtown Columbus and the money raised benefits the FDNY CSU and the programs provided by the NFFF to support the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters. More information, and information for the 2019 stair climb can be found at http://events.firehero.org/site/TR?fr_id=2010&pg=entry.

From left to right: Brandon Joseph and Preston Browning

Thank you for sharing this article and photo, Kevin A. Browning!

The next Bicentennial Committee meeting will be held at the Village Hall and Museum
on Monday - October 1st at 7 pm.    All are welcome !

Colleen (Wood ) O’Steen, Parkway High School Graduate Publishes Christian Book, Holds Book-Signing in Alabama and Will Present her Journey at Atlanta Women’s Weekend in October 2018

From Will to Power: Seven Days to Spiritual Self-Discipline - Amazon Details

Published by Colleen O'Steen in 2016, her book on becoming a disciplined Spiritual Christian, is gaining recognition in the Christian World. She was recently invited to a book signing in her home state of Alabama. Photos and and interview are available here:

https://www.facebook.com/CEIBookstore/ - Click Here

Atlanta Women’s Weekend Features Author Colleen Wood O’Steen

REFLECTION FRIDAY & SATURDAY                                            OCTOBER 12-13, 2018

The Atlanta Women’s Weekend, Located In Alpharetta, GA, is an annual eveant dedicated to bringing Christian Women together to Praise God and Study the Bible. The goal is to encourage wome to grow in God’s word.

The Atlanta Women’s Weekend is not supported by, organized by, run by, or directed by any particular church. They are individual Christian women helping other women grow in the Lord our God. See their information: Facebook.

The theme for 2018 is "Reflection," from James 1:23-24, “For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a  man who looks at his natural face in the mirror; For once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.”

Colleen is one of the 2018 Workshop Leaders

Colleen O'Steen

Colleen O’Steen is an Ohio native and has lived in the Huntsville, Alabama area since 1987. She is a professional writer having worked in game, animated film, and virtual reality development in the defense industry, in promotion and marketing in the software industry, as a narrator, and as a television news anchor and reporter.

Colleen recently published From Will to Power, a book on spiritual self-discipline, and also performed the audiobook version. She is a Bible class teacher/coordinator and has designed teaching materials, including the board game, Apostles in Action, and multimedia presentations for the classroom covering the New Testament. Her current project is a book on rearing children with spiritual grit, written with her three grown daughters, Haley, Rosalind, and Claire.

Colleen received a graduate certificate in instructional design from George Washington University, a Master’s degree in English from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication/Broadcast News from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She and her husband, Wally, have been married since 1987.

Colleen grew up near Rockford, OH on a farm. Her parents are the late Duane and Virginia (Meyer) Wood. Her sisters are Sheila Wood Baltzell-Linn, Celina and

Holly Patrice Wood of Providence RI.

2018 Mercer County Fair- Parkway FFA

By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter
19hessm@parkwayschools.org

Parkway FFA had a successful week at the 2018 Mercer County Fair. The first day of fair, August 10, multiple Parkway FFA members received awards for their projects. Sidney Doner was awarded best Alfalfa Hay, Lance Weirrick received best tractor restoration, Trevor Smith was awarded for the best bench and sign, Bryce Mihm received best horse-shoe star, and Jared Anderson won best-in-class for his night stand. The rest of the week consisted of maintaining the food stand which was a very successful fundraiser. The Parkway and Ft. Recovery FFA chapters worked together to provide food and drinks for the fair-goersto raise money for the chapters’ upcoming events that would take place throughout the school year. The Parkway FFA would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donations to the food stand: 

Mercer Landmark Inc. 

First Bank 

The Fremont Company 

Pictured Above: Food stand 1- Rachel Barrett (Left) and Grace Etgen (Right)

Left to right below - Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge.

Food stand 2- Ft. Recovery members and Mr. Alan Post

Food stand 3- The Parkway and Ft. Recovery FFA food stand at the Mercer County Fair

Fair 1- (Left to Right) Lance Weirrick, Bryce Mihm, Jared Anderson, and Trevor Smith

Fair 2- Corey Walls 

 
September 28, 2018
 

Parkway Homecoming Court for 2018
Left ot Right: Freshman Dani Huff; Junior Ashlyn White; Senior Kara Heck; Senior Lauren Henderson;
Senior Molly Baltzell; Sophomore Kayla Kuhn.
The Panthers take on Ft. Recovery on Friday, September 28, 2018.
The queen will be crowned at the game.

 

Parkway Plans 2018 Fall Homecoming

Parkway High School's annual Fall Homecoming will be held Friday, September 28.
The events for the evening are outlined below: 

6:45 p.m.  - Parade begins at the high school parking lot
7:00 p.m. - Homecoming ceremony at the football field
7:30 p.m. - Varsity Football vs. Fort Recovery

Click Here for the details of the lovely young ladies above.

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, September 28, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, September 28, 2018 for the Homecoming Games (Ft. Recovery):

Brian and Lindsay Gruss, Rick and Cary Roehm, Lisa and Ryan Sheppard, Justin and Summer Ellis, Chris and Tracy Heitkamp, Brad and Justina High, Len and Kim Eller, and Tammy Schaaf.

Please arrive by 6:00 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

 
September 26-27, 2018
 

Portion of Winkler Road to Close for Bridge Replacement
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Winkler Road between State Route 49 and Short Road in Blackcreek Township for a bridge replacement.  This road will be closed tentatively on October 1, 2018 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 6-8 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

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

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

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

Our Old Bookcase, September 27, 2018, 109 pound Turtle for Turtle Soup!

Photo caption:  Wilbur Meinerding and his friend stood next to the shell of a 109 pound turtle, the largest fresh water turtle ever brought to the Beckman and Gast Company to be used for turtle soup, at St. Henry!

How many local citizens worked at the Canning Factory at the Beckman and Gast Company at St. Henry in the 1950’s?  Who remembers making their famous Turtle Soup?  Who remembers eating that Turtle Soup on Friday?  There was a time, prior to the Ecumenical Council in the 1960’s, when Members of the Catholic Church did not eat meat on Friday that they ate turtle soup because eating turtle soup was not considered “eating meat!”  Turtle soup was sometimes called “Friday Chili.”

In the 1950’s, the Beckman and Gast Company at Saint Henry was doing a flourishing business all over the country, and were selling turtle soup to institutions, hotels, hospitals, schools, etc.  What brought about the rise and fall of the sales of turtle soup?

The Depression era in the 1930’s brought an economic need to the Beckman and Gast Company, for the creation of jobs in the winter, because the company had only been a seasonal employer for canning tomatoes, juice and puree.  Lewis Gast had heard of Joe Schnell, who was known for “making the best home-made turtle soup in the country,” at his restaurant at Piqua.  Beckman and Gast talked with Schnell about making turtle soup on a commercial basis, but Joe died unexpectedly and carried his secret formula for turtle soup to the grave.  Beckman and Gast saw a need for creating their own recipe for making turtle soup, and began experimenting until they hit upon a satisfactory formula for turtle soup, which was a grand success.  By the 1950’s, this product was a successful product for the Company.

The decline of turtle soup sales was partially attributed to the economy.  With the environmental protection laws of marine life in the 1960’s, the acquisition of turtles became more difficult, and the price of turtles increased enough to make their sales cost-prohibitive for the company.  As mentioned above, the Catholic Church was no longer asking its Members to not eat meat on Friday, which resulted in a decline in turtle soup sales.

The loss of having turtle soup on the menu was a loss to restaurants and to mothers preparing meals for the family. Thinking back to our meals and desserts of our childhood, we have lost a part of our good heritage that we took for granted.  Personally, I would like a dish of home-made ice cream, made with real cream from the cow, and fresh strawberries from the garden (and not from some greenhouse)!  What memories do you have from your childhood meals that you would like to have on your dinner table this evening? 

Another note of local history was carried in the October 25, 2012 “Community Post” at Minster.  Larry Prenger translated the German script, one hundred years ago, that read:  “The barn on the Gast Canning Farm half a mile south of Coldwater was destroyed by fire last week!”  Therefore, that fire would have been about the third week of October in 1912.  A thanks goes to Larry Prenger and the Community Post for preserving local history for midwestern Ohio.

Parkway Varsity Boys Golf Scores
by Coach Joe Falk

Celina Lynx, 9/10/2018 Parkway 211 against  New Knoxville 222
Team members: Mason Baxter (was the Medalist); Mason Baxter; Breyden Bruns; Adam Stephenson; Kaden Boroff, Jay Anderson and Gabe Schaff.

Catholic Social Services Events

Concert of Caring, a fundraising event benefiting the Sidney Office of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Lehman Catholic High School in Sidney.

Entertainment for the 5th Annual Concert of Caring includes the Cincinnati Steel Ensemble, guitarist Danny Schneible, and the Dayton-based band This Side Up. 

Admission to the event is $50 per person and includes reserved table seating, open bar (beer and wine), dinner, entertainment, and the chance to bid on a variety of Silent Auction items donated by businesses, individuals, and local artisans.  

Bishop Binzer of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will celebrate the Catholic Mass for event attendees in the Lehman Chapel at 5:00 p.m. 

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour and music by the Cincinnati Steel Ensemble, a 13-piece steel pan band directed by Michael Wendeln.  Wendeln is a native of Piqua and a 1999 graduate of Lehman Catholic.  Dinner will follow at 7:00 p.m., catered by The Spot restaurant and accompanied by local guitarist Danny Schneible.  The featured band  – This Side Up – will take the stage from 8-11 p.m. to provide a variety of music for dancing and high-energy fun.

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

Van Wert County Fairground, aerial view of the Race track, 1920.  (Credit for this Post Card photograph, Lester Bensman  Collection).

W.A. Marker, Secretary, invited the public to the Van Wert County Fair, September 6-10, 1920.  This is his letter of invitation:

            “You are one of the 20,000 automobile owners invited to attend Our Fair.  The Fair Mecca for 1920 is Van Wert.

            “If you miss Our Fair, this year, you’ll miss one of the best in all the country.  Big exhibits in great variety – Fast Races – Free Acts  - Much to instruct you and much to make you laugh.  Come. Bring the Family.

            “All that is needed to insure a week of pleasure and profit is pleasant weather and a determination on  your part to attend The Van Wert County Fair, September 6-7-8-9 and 10, 1920.  W.A. Marker, Secretary.”

“The History of Van Wert County, Ohio,” was published by the Van Wert County Historical Society, Van Wert, Ohio, in 1981.  They included the history of their Van Wert County Fair.  The first Van Wert County Fair was held in 1856, on a four or five acre plot in the Northeast corner of the present Fairgrounds.  By 1900, the grounds covered 54 acres.  It was the first Fair to prohibit liquor and ban all gambling on its grounds.  One of the big attractions was the hot air balloon ascension.  The Northwest section of the Fairgrounds contained the grandstand and race track – one of the major attractions of the Fair.  In 1929, this grandstand burned down.  The grandstand was rebuilt, and placed in its present location.  This book is at your Van Wert County Library for you to learn more about your County History.

The early activities at this County Fair at Van Wert were similar to activities at other County Fairs across Ohio.   However, as the years went by, the Fairgrounds became a center of activities for other programs.  One activity which involved not only Van Wert Citizens, but also citizens from Mercer, Auglaize, Darke, and Paulding Counties and nearby Indiana Counties is the Old Fashioned Farmers Days whereby the Old Fashioned Farmers Association not only hosts exhibits of antique tractors and farm equipment, but also hosts a series of related activities. 

Van Wert is fortunate to have an active Fair Board and active local organizations.  If you do not have a brochure of the programs held throughout the year at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, I suggest that you call the Van Wert County Fair board and ask for a brochure of their activities, or else ask for a copy of their Fair Book.

When was the last time that you attended a County Fair?  Perhaps, it is time for you to re-acquaint yourself with all of the fun, not only at Van Wert County Fair, but also at the other area County Fairs.  Plan ahead for next summer’s Fun at the County Fairs.

Nutcracker Ballet Coming to Van Wert
(Van Wert, OH) - Get ready for Christmas Entertainment with the Niswonger. Of course that includes the art-filled Christmas classic that releases Wednesday, September 12, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, performed by the revered Ballet Theatre of Toledo, presented by Belna Petroleum. The Nutcracker will feature two performances Saturday, December 1 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM.

Christmas is a treasured time at the Niswonger as families throughout the region steal away from the hustle and bustle and relax together for memory making moments from the Niswonger stage of inspiration. The Christmas Season begins with a classic family favorite, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Ballet that features a LIVE Pit Orchestra. This lavish and spectacular ballet choreographed by Nigel Burgoine is legendary and will keep you on the edge of your seat with some unexpected surprises from the original classic. Delight the family with a night of seasonal artistry filled with “Sugar Plum Fairies” and oh-so-sweet memories.

Enjoy the Sugar Plum Fairy Dining Experience! This special Willow Bend Buffet begins at 5 PM. This fine dining experience adds a touch of elegance to the evening and ensures you get to the show on time. Call 419-238-0111 for reservations.

Along with Presenting Sponsor Belna Petroleum, Supporting Sponsors include Betsey’s Boutique, Humble Bumble, and NPAC Family Sponsor The Robideau Family. Season Sponsors for Ignite 18-19 include Chuck & Karen Koch, StateWide Ford Lincoln, and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank.

 

Tickets for Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker can be purchased through the Box Office Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM at 419-238-6722 and online at NPACVW.ORG

Citizen Academy to Start Soon with Mercer County Sheriff’s Department
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that his office will be hosting a Citizen Academy in October - November of 2018.  The purpose of the academy is to give residents of Mercer County the opportunity to see an overview of Sheriff’s Office, and how it differs from other law enforcement agencies.

This will be the fifth citizen’s academy for the Sheriff’s Office.  The first Mercer County Citizen’s Academy was hosted in 2013 and culminated in the graduation of (11) students.  We have had (60) students graduate from the academy since it was established. 

The classes have consisted of citizens from different backgrounds, age groups, and geographical areas of Mercer County.  The participants attend classes that are in lecture format, observe demonstrations, take tours of the facilities, and participate in hands on training sessions.  They are also provided with an opportunity to “job shadow” with staff members.

The 2018 academy will take place from October 23, 2018 until November 15, 2018, and will usually be held two evenings per week for a four week period.  The classes will begin at 6 p.m. and will last for 2-3 hours per session.

The academy is open to residents of Mercer County, who are at least 21 year old.   A background check is required.  Class size is limit.  Interested persons can stop at the Sheriff’s Office during office hours or go to our website at www.mercercountysheriff.org to obtain an application packet.  Completed applications need to be returned to the Sheriff’s Office by October 8, 2018.  If anyone has any questions they may contact Citizen’s Academy Coordinator, Sergeant Jay Wehrkamp, at (419) 586-7724.

Jeff Grey, Sheriff
Mercer County Sheriff’s Office
4835 SR 29
Celina, OH  45822
(419)586-7724

www.mercercountysheriff.org

 
September 24-25, 2018
 

Parkway's outside phone lines are down until around 10:00 am Tuesday.

Autumnfest Food, Auction and Fun Coming on October 14, 2018

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1522 Oregon Rd., Rockford, OH will be having their annual  “AUTUMNFEST”  on Sunday , October 14, 2018.

The evening begins with delicious food at 4:30.  The menu includes  Creamed Chicken, Roast beef and Hot dogs.  They will also be serving noodle and cheesy potato soup.  Pie and ice cream will also be included.

The church has once again secured the services of Tom & Eric Robbins for the auction which will begin at 5:30p.m.  Tom has been the auctioneer  for several years and has the ability to liven up the entire evening and make it fun for everyone.

The proceeds from the evening will be used for Call Food Pantry, Celina and Parkway Backpack Program and for future projects for the Women’s Fellowship.

Everyone is  invited to this event.

Mt. Tabor Church of God is hosting a women's retreat on November 9 & 10th.  It is called the Align Conference.

 
September 22-23, 2018
 

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, September 28, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, September 28, 2018 for the Homecoming Games (Ft. Recovery):

Brian and Lindsay Gruss, Rick and Cary Roehm, Lisa and Ryan Sheppard, Justin and Summer Ellis, Chris and Tracy Heitkamp, Brad and Justina High, Len and Kim Eller, and Tammy Schaaf.

Please arrive by 6:00 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

Parkway Varsity Boys Golf MAC Scores
by Coach Joe Falk

Parkway finished 8th at the MAC Tournament, 9th in the final league standings. Mason Baxter -87 Breyden Bruns 104, Gabe Schaaf 100, Caden Slusher 106 for a 397 total. Mason Baxter made first team all MAC.

Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society to Meet
The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, October 7th at 2:00 pm at the Richardson Bretz Building 119 West Fulton St., Celina.

Speaker will be author, David Kimmel. “Outrage in Ohio: A Rural Murder, Lynching, and Mystery”.

David Kimmel is a professor of English at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. He is also a descendant of one of the suspects in the Mary Secaur murder which took place in Mercer County, Ohio in 1872.

As always, the meetings are open to the public. We would love to have you join us. Refreshment served.

Parkway Panther Athletic Schedule for September 24-29

 

September 24:

HS Volleyball @ LCC, 5:30 p.m.

JH Volleyball @ St. Mary’s, 5:00 p.m.

 

September 25:  

Girls Golf @ Sectionals, 9:00 a.m.

JH Volleyball vs. St. Henry, 5:00 p.m.  Boys Basketball Concessions

 

September 26:

No Athletic Events Scheduled
 

September 27:

Boys Golf @ Sectionals, 9:00 a.m.

HS Volleyball @ St. Henry, 5:30 p.m.

JH Volleyball @ LCC, 5:00 p.m.

JH Football @ Fort Recovery, 5:00 p.m.

 

September 28:

Varsity Football vs. Fort Recovery, 7:30 p.m.

 

September 29:

JV Football @ Fort Recovery, 10:00 a.m.

Cross Country @ Botkins Invitational, 10:00 a.m.

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey Makes Traffic Stop Arrests Suspected Drugs
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that his office is investigating a traffic stop that led to the seizure of more than 29 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

On September 20th at approximately 8:10 PM a deputy was on routine patrol when he noticed a passenger inside a vehicle attempting to cover his face. A short time later the vehicle went left of center and a registration check indicated the registered owner of the vehicle’s license was under suspension. The description of the registered owner matched the individual driving the vehicle.  The vehicle was stopped on Staeger Road near State Route 29.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Katelynn Campbell, who did not possess a valid driver’s license. The male passenger was asked for identification and advised he did not have any with him, and provided a false name and date of birth.  A K9 from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene. The K9 alerted on the passenger side of the vehicle for the presence of narcotics. The vehicle was searched and deputies recovered the ID of the passenger, a wallet and several baggies with suspected methamphetamine inside.   Deputies also recovered an unloaded .25 caliber Phoenix Arms handgun under the driver’s seat.

Arrested were the driver of the vehicle, Katelynn Campbell, age 26, of Hollansburg, Ohio and the passenger, Bailey S. Parker, age 19, of Van Wert, Ohio. While being transported to the Mercer County Detention facility, Ms. Campbell advised she also had drugs hidden internally in her body cavity. After a body scan at the detention facility more narcotics were located.

Both Campbell and Parker are presently being held in the Mercer County Detention facility on $100,000.00 bond. The case will be forwarded for review by the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.

Parkway Boys Golf Match Play Format
Varsity: Parkway 3  Celina 2

Mason Baxter (P) over Lance Mawer 3 and 2

Breyden Bruns (P) over David Kramer 3 and 2

Nate Boley  ( C ) over Duncan Morton 1 up

Brecken Adams ( C ) over Jay Anderson 2 and 1

Andy Metz (P) over Tyler Johnson 2 and 1

 
September 21, 2018
 

Free Movie Night at Rockford United Methodist Church

Rockford United Methodist Church will be holding a FREE MOVIE NIGHT on Saturday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the

church's Social Room located at 202 South Franklin Street in Rockford, Ohio.  For more information, please call the church

office at 419-363-3230

The FREE MOVIE being shown is "Paul-Apostle of Christ."  A free-will donation will be accepted. 

Any profits will go toward sending Bibles to persecuted believers.  All is welcome to come and enjoy some fellowship.

 
September 20, 2018
 

Enjoy the Sock Hop This Weekend!

The 9th Annual Rockford Belle Sock Hop & Cruise in will be held on
September 22nd with Blind Date Band and Guests.

Classic cars cruise in starts at 4 pm (no entry fees) 
with 50's, 60's, 70's music from 5 - 8 pm.

Food tent available by the Belle Crew and DJ Auto.

Bring your lawn chairs for a Rockin good time !

Free Will donations support The Belle.

11^th Annual Celebrate 4-H Camp Palmer Day-Free event! Camp Open House

Sunday, October 7 - 11 am-4 pm & 5k run/walk at 9:30am

The general public is invited to a day of celebration and fun geared to the whole family family and for all ages. The event will take place at 4-H Camp Palmer in Fulton County-26450 County Rd. MN, Fayette Ohio 43521. 4-H Camp Palmer is owned and operated by 11 counties in northwest Ohio and also is an outreach of Ohio State University Extension. 

Please join us for a fun day!  Activities may include:  carnival games with pumpkin painting, wagon rides, camp store, zip line, rifle, nature center,

climbing tower, archery, gaga ball, canoeing, and flying squirrel ….

Free will offering picnic lunch will be provided on a first come, first serve   basis served from 12 noon-2:30 p.m. Also there will be craft and specialty vendors in Woodland lodge.  (more information on www.camppalmer.org)

October 7- 3rd Annual 5K run/walk beginning at 9:30 am prior to Celebrate activities. The race course will start at camp and end in the center of camp. Route will include roads around camp and Harrison Lake State Park. Awards will be given to top finishers in each age group. You may print a registration from www.camppalmer.com  or register online at Davesraces.com

For additional information, please call 419-237-2247 or email 4hcamppalmer@gmail.com

BROWN ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $139,000 FOR FIREFIGHTERS IN CONVOY

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $139,980 to the Convoy Fire and EMS for operations and safety through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program.

“Ohio firefighters and first-responders work every day to protect our families,” said Brown. “We must support our first-responder organizations so that communities like Convoy have the resources to shield families and homes from fire hazards.”

The AFG Program supports fire departments across the country to ensure the safety of both first-responders and the public. The program provides funds for supplemental training, upgrades to protective equipment, facility modifications, and other supplies that protect firefighters and first-responders in moments of crisis. Grants are awarded to fire department-based and non-affiliated EMS organizations that best address the priorities of the AFG Program. More information about the AFG Program can be found here.

Interested fire departments can contact Brown’s grant coordinator to receive information about federal grant opportunities by clicking here.

Van Wert County Community Health Surveys
To Be Conducted During September and October 2018

Van Wert, OH – This week, the Van Wert County Health Collaborative, which is an initiative led by Van Wert Health and other supporting community organizations, will begin its survey of Van Wert County residents as part of a community health assessment process. The Van Wert County Health Collaborative is working closely with the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio and researchers at the University of Toledo to conduct the survey. Over the next two months 1,200 Van Wert County residents will be randomly selected to participate in a health survey. Residents of Van Wert County who are randomly selected are urged to complete and return the survey.

The anonymous survey asks participants to answer questions about general health, risk and protective health factors, and access to health care. These answers will create a snapshot of the health of Van Wert County residents. The results will guide many public and private agencies in their program planning over the next several years by identifying key health problems. The final community health assessment report will be published in the Spring 2019 at which time the results will be used to prioritize needs and create a community health improvement plan.

If there are any questions or concerns about this survey, please contact Van Wert Health at info@vanwerthealth.org or by calling 419-238-2390.

 
September 19, 2018
 

PANTHERS WIN AGAINST VERSAILLES!!!

Story and Photos by James Leighner – Thank you for sharing, James!

On Friday, September 14, 2018, the Panthers hosted the Versailles Tigers.  

What a night it was for Panther Football.  The Panthers first quarter performance was almost unbelievable as they out scored the Tigers 21-7.  After that it became quite a defensive battle as neither team would find the end zone for the remainder of the game. 

You could just feel the excitement in the stadium growing as the 3rd quarter passed and the 4th quarter started to wind down.   The Panther offense kept grinding it out, eating away the clock. The defense kept slamming the door anytime Versailles started to gain momentum.  

Our Panthers again proved that they don't hang their heads and they don't give up!  What a night for Panther Football and a much needed win.  Hats off to the Panther players and coaches.  You guys earned it.

The Panthers will travel to Minster this Friday night, September 21, 2018 to take on the Wildcats in search of another win.  Hope to see everyone there!  Let’s get out there, show some Panther pride and support our team!

Click here for more great shots by James Leighner

Click smaller thumbnails below to enlarge:

 
September 17-18, 2018
 

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Hear About Life Stages

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting Jim Saluke will be giving a presentation on approaching the various stages of our life, especially the later stages. .  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, September 18th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

Parkway Class of 1963 Celebrates 55 Years
The Parkway Class of 1963 held its 55th class reunion on September 15 at the Rockford Community Building.  A delicious meal was catered by The Rockford Carry Out.  The committee members were John Schaadt, Jerry Reigle, and Denny Hoffhines. Attending were: front row, left: Judy (Merinar) Sutter, Elaine (Westerberg) Deitsch, Karen (Ray) May, Cathy (Kimmel) Mirtes, Cheryl (Baker) Hamrick, Candy (Brehm) Courtney, Carolyn (Walls) John; second row:  Bill Copeland, Don Frahm, Verna (Wollet) Winkler, Nancy (Sapp) Kline, Judy (Stewart) Dix, John Schaadt, Denny Hoffhines; third row: Ron Frahm, Doug Huffman, John Shafer, Francis Schaffner, Dan Reichard, Dean Osborn, Laverne Hamrick, and Jerry Reigle.  Not shown: Dave Rasawehr

COUNTY REMINDER

Ohio Law prohibits signs on trees and poles.

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

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

Barn Quilts for Sale in Rockford - Bicentennial Project

When in Rockford, remember to stop by to see the Barn Quilts on sale now at the
Village Office and Museum located at 151 E Columbia St.   If you want to design
your own, contact Barb Pedroza at 419-305-1272.

New Member Joins Rockford Lions Club
Rockford Lions Rod Heiser (left) and Denny Hecht (right) welcomed Jeremy Heiser, (center) as a new member at our September 10th meeting. 

Plans are underway for the 13th Annual Lions Fish Fry on Saturday evening, November 3rd from 4:30-7 pm at the Rockford Community Building.   Members of the Rockford, Mendon, and Willshire Lions Clubs work together on this project.  All proceeds from the 2018 Fish Fry will help to support the Parkway 8th Grade Class Trip to Washington DC in Spring 2019. Tickets ($7 each) will soon be available from any Parkway Eighth Grade student or in the Parkway Middle School Office.

Rockford Lions are also planning several new projects for 2019.  Details will be released in the coming weeks.   Proceeds from these projects fund scholarships & help fulfill local community needs & requests. Globally Lions are involved in five humanitarian areas: Diabetes, Environment, Hunger, Childhood Cancer, and Vision.

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

Michelle Houts, Local Author to Speak in October

Rockford Carnegie Library is getting ready to welcome local author Michelle Houts, to the Parkway Elementary and Middle School on Friday, October 12! Michelle will be bringing her wit, wisdom, and wonderful books to share with the Parkway students. Her books are available for checkout in the elementary and high school libraries as well as at the Rockford Carnegie Library. The library is sending home order forms for Michelle's books and will have them available at the Rockford Carnegie Library. She will make time to sign them on October 12 if you or your child would like to have it personalized. The public is welcome to order books and/or attend the school visit in the auditorium at the following presentation times: 8:30-9:15 am (2nd-4th), 9:45-10:30 am (K & 1st), 12:15-1:15 pm (7th & 8th), and 1:30-2:30 pm (5th & 6th). Questions? Call the library at 419-363-2630. To learn more about Michelle and her books check out https://michellehouts.com/  

 
September 15-16, 2018
 

Rockford Carnegie Library Announces Fall Events for the Whole Family
The Rockford Carnegie Library has some exciting programs coming your way. Playgroup has begun and will be held on Tuesday’s from 10-11a.m. It’s a time for preschool age kids to interact with stories, create crafts and most importantly, PLAY with kids their age. You don’t need to attend every week just come when it fits into your schedule. Contact us if you’re interested in seeing an afternoon or evening Playgroup form.

Our first Family Program of the school year will be Thursday, September 27 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for family members of all ages to spend some quality time together with a story, craft, snack and game. September’s theme is fall. Family Program’s will be offered monthly in the libraries basement.

We are excited to partner up with local artist and Lake Area Arts Group member, Jill Parris. She will teach a workshop on fundamental acrylic painting techniques. The workshop will cover things like blending and creating realistic clouds, trees, grass, etc. It is completely FREE but does require pre-registration by contacting the library (space is limited). Open to ages 12 and up.

Did you know we offer Home Bound Services to individuals in their homes or in nursing home facilities? One of our staff members will deliver materials tailored to the patron’s interests on a regular basis. Large Print books and audiobooks are very popular with our home bound patrons. This service provides patrons with a hobby as well as an enjoyable personal visit with a member of the library staff. We can also deliver to home daycares. Call the library to arrange a visit.

Other benefits Rockford Carnegie Library offers: our books are labeled with AR Levels to help students working to meet their AR goals; you can return books checked out from Celina and Mendon to our location and vice versa; and we exchange materials with 237 locations across Ohio so chances are we can get whatever it is you’re looking for.

Come discovery what your local library is all about, 162 South Main Street, Rockford. Call 419-363-2630 or email sm@rcpubliclibrary.org to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook.

 
September 14, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

Parkway Schools are now closed for Friday, September 14, 2018.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to fog for Friday, September 14, 2018

Widespread fog affecting many schools.

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

 
September 12-13, 2018
 

The next meeting of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society will be held on
Monday - September 17th at 7 pm in the museum located on East Columbia St in
Rockford.  Our guest speaker will be David Kimmel who has done extensive
research on the murder of Mary Secaur in 1872 on Tama Road in Liberty Township.

David has written a book "Outrage in Ohio, a rural murder, lynching and mystery"
which follows the life of Mary through her death and the hanging of two young
men who were supposedly involved in the murder.  David may have copies
of the book for sale and will autograph them.  The public is encouraged to attend

 
September 11, 2018
 

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, September 14, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, September 14, 2018  (Versailles):

Rita Buffenbarger, Bill and Julie Huff, Tom and Shannon Heindel, Anissa and Carey Waters, Rob and Mitzi Frank, Tom and Julie Hileman, and David and Jennifer Barrett.

Please arrive by 6:30 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 

 

Patriot Day
Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. Many Americans refer Patriot Day as 9/11 or September 11.

Parkway Schools are now closed for Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to fog for Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Widespread fog affecting many schools.

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

 
September 8-10, 2018
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

Rockford United Methodist Church Plans Another Year of Kids Club and Meals

The members of Rockford United Methodist Church are planning another fun year of Kids Club and Meals afterwards at their location on 110 South Franklin St. in Rockford, OH 45882

(419) 363-3230

Kids Club starts September 5th and will run every Wednesday after school from 3:30 to 5 PM. The service is free but sign-up is necessary. Get your forms at the church or Parkway Elementary School office. Intended for ages K-5th children are transported from Parkway School to R.U.M.C.  where snacks, playing games, making crafts, and learning a Bible lesson makes for a fun after school program.  

A free community meal follows with Bible Study through December. Everyone is invited!

Reminder! Lima Area Concert Band Coming to Parkway High School

The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert band will be held on Sunday, September 9th at 3 pm in the auditorium at Parkway High School located at 400 W Buckeye St. in Rockford.

Adult tickets - $7 and Students - free
All proceeds will benefit the Parkway High School band.

The Lima Area Concert Band has been performing since 1971.  The band is
comprised of seventy volunteer musicians who all share the love of music.  The
members of the LACB are a living testimony that music truly is a lifetime activity.
It is a means of expression that encourages personal challenge, camaraderie, well spent
leisure time, and just plain fun.  It is a shining example of the value of music 
education in our schools.  

Larry Seibert, a Mendon native and more recently a citizen of Rockford, had played with the Lima Area Concert Band for more than 10 years playing the bassoon.  One of Larry's dreams was to offer the caliper of music that the Lima Area concert Band plays to his Rockford family and friends and to show to the local band students that playing music shouldn't end after high school.  

Please join us as we celebrate Larry's life and enjoy the wonderful music as performed by the extremely talented musicians of the Lima Area Concert Band. 

 
September 6-7, 2018
 

Poultry Winners – Van Wert County Fair

            Senior Poultry Showman Winner Trophy            Won by:         Torie Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Venedocia Lads & Lassies

            Int. Poultry Showman         Trophy            Won by:         Cody Gamble

            Sponsored by:          Delphos Pathfinders

            Junior Poultry Showmanship Winner     Trophy            Won by:         Morgan Anspach

            Sponsored by:          Carl and LaDonna Wollenhaupt

            Champion Poultry Showman        Chair  Won by:         Brooke Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Welch Trophy

            Champion Bantam Breeding Pen            Trophy            Won by:         Cody Gamble

            Sponsored by:          Ohio City Blue Ribbon Workers 4-H Club

            Champion Standard Breeding Pen          Trophy            Won by:         Breanna Shellabarger

            Sponsored by:          In Memory of Elwyn & Ethel Long by Carl & LaDonna

            Champion Bantam  Trophy            Won by:         Katie Gamble

            Sponsored by:          Stoller Farms, Inc.

            Champion Large Fowl        Trophy            Won by:         Breck Evans

            Sponsored by:          Carl and LaDonna Wollenhaupt

            Best Eggs      Cash  Won by:         Trey Evans

            Sponsored by:          Davis Farms

            Second Best Eggs   Cash  Won by:         Gracie Mull

            Sponsored by:          Davis Farms

            Grand Champion Broiler Pen        Banner           Won by:         Maceyn Snyder

            Sponsored by:          Century Trading Company

            Champion Broiler Pen        Trophy            Won by:         Maceyn Snyder

            Sponsored by:          Delphos Pathfinders

            Reserve Champion Broiler Pen    Trophy            Won by:         Torie Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Westwood Family Dental

            Reserve Champion Broiler Pen    Banner           Won by:         Torie Bockey

            Sponsored by:          NO DONOR

            Grand Champion Roaster Pen     Banner           Won by:         Torie Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Flat Lands Supply

            Grand Champion Roaster Pen     Trophy            Won by:         Torie Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Westwood Family Dental

            Reserve Champion Roaster Pen  Banner           Won by:         Brooke Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Century Trading Company

            Reserve Champion Bantam          Trophy            Won by:         Katie Gamble

            Sponsored by:          Vantage FFA

            Reserve Champion Roaster Pen  Trophy            Won by:         Brooke Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Westwood Family Dental

            Reserve Chamption Large Fowl   Trophy            Won by:         Nick Evans

            Sponsored by:          Hamrick Co. Line Farms, Willshire, Ohio

            Grand Champion Poultry Project  Trophy            Won by:         Breck Evans

            Sponsored by:          In Memory of Kenneth and Helen Mongold

            Broiler Pen Flight 1 1st Place        Medallion      Won by:         Nick Evans

            Sponsored by:          Staley Poultry Production LLC

            Broiler Pen Flight 2 1st Place        Medallion      Won by:         Trey Evans

            Sponsored by:          Van Wert SWCD

            Broiler Pen Flight 2 1st Place        Medallion      Won by:         Cody Gamble

            Sponsored by:          Harrison Jolly Boosters

            Broiler Pen Flight 4 1st Place        Medallion      Won by:         Maceyn Snyder

            Sponsored by:          Gibson's Barnyard BBQ

            Roaster Pen Flight 1 1st Place      Medallion      Won by:         Brooke Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Staley Poultry Production LLC

            Roaster Pen Flight 2 1st Place      Medallion      Won by:         Torie Bockey

            Sponsored by:          Van Wert SWCD

            Roaster Pen Flight 3 1st Place      Medallion      Won by:         Clayton Leeth

            Sponsored by:          Harrison Jolly Boosters

            Roaster Pen Flight 4 1st Place      Medallion      Won by:         Lauren Anspach

            Sponsored by:          Gibson's Barnyard BBQ

            Saturday, September 01, 2018      Page 2 of 2

Dairy Winners- Van Wert County Fair

            Senior Dairy Showman          Trophy Won by:           Connor Sheets

            Sponsored by: Macabob Farms

            Intermediate Dairy Showman Trophy Won by:           Kaleb Kraner

            Sponsored by: Crestview FFA

            Champion Dairy Showman    Chair   Won by:           Korey Oechsle

            Sponsored by: Jandi-K Farm

            Champion Jr Holstein Female            Trophy Won by:           Korey Oechsle

            Sponsored by: Hempfling Dairy Farm

            Champion Senior Holstein Female     Chair   Won by:           Korey Oechsle

            Sponsored by: Ren Bow Farm

            Champion Jersey Female      Cash    Won by:           Grant Mefferd

            Sponsored by: William C. Weldy and Family

            Champion Holstein Female    Cash    Won by:           Korey Oechsle

            Sponsored by: Call-Del Farm-J.R. & Angi Kaverman

            Grand Champion Dairy Female         Cowbell           Won by:           Korey Oechsle

            Sponsored by: Dairy Farmers of America

            Grand Champion Dairy Female         Banner            Won by:           Korey Oechsle

            Sponsored by: Gina Dairy

            Reserve Champion Dairy Female      Banner            Won by:           Grant Mefferd

            Sponsored by: Jim & Cheri Oechsle Family

            Friday, August 31, 2018        

2018 Van Wert County Fair Jr. Fair Herdsman Awards

Horse Herdsman

Junior: Paige Smith

Senior: Jacob Dealey

Swine Herdsman

Junior: Quintin Parrish

Senior: Jase Delgado

Turkey Flocksperson

Junior: Braxton Williamson

Senior: Evan Scarlett

Poultry Flocksperson

Junior: Breanna Shellabarger

Senior: Cody Gamble

Sheep

Junior: Tennesy Coil

Senior: Alex Wyatt

Goat Herdsman

Junior: Kale Kundert

Senior: Brynn Mollenkopf

Dairy

Junior: Courtney Mefferd

Senior: Christina Keen

Rabbit

Junior: Kaiven Welch

Senior: Katie Houter

Dairy Feeder:

Junior: Cole Miller

Senior: Kirsten Kline

Beef

Junior: Boone Baxter

Senior: Lili Dietrich

 
September 5, 2018
 

Goat Winners – Van Wert County Fair

            Senior Goat Showmanship           Trophy            Won by:         Cody Gamble

            Sponsored by:          Greif

            Intermediate Goat Showmanship Trophy            Won by:         Chloe Kroeger

            Sponsored by:          Sponsored by F & S Floor Covering

            Junior Goat Showmanship            Trophy            Won by:         Kale Kundert

            Sponsored by:          The Chris Lobsiger Family

            Champion Goat Showman            Chair  Won by:         Lillian Hempfling

            Sponsored by:          Phil & Chris Campbell

            Grand Champion Meat Goat Female       Trophy            Won by:         Lillian Hempfling

            Sponsored by:          Ag Credit

            Reserve Champion Meat Goat Female   Trophy            Won by:         Lillian Hempfling

            Sponsored by:          Citizen's National Bank: Pat Ryan

            Grand Champion Dairy Goat Female      Trophy            Won by:         Kale Kundert

            Sponsored by:          Darle, Linda, Seth, and Aaron Baker

            Reserve Champion Dairy Goat Female   Trophy            Won by:         Kale Kundert

            Sponsored by:          Crestview FFA

            Grand Champion Dairy Market Goat        Trophy            Won by:         Katie Hughes

            Sponsored by:          Lee's Ace Hardware

            Grand Champion Dairy Market Goat        Banner           Won by:         Katie Hughes

            Sponsored by:          Darle, Linda, Seth, and Aaron Baker

            Reserve Champion Dairy Market Goat    Trophy            Won by:         Chamberlynn Couts

            Sponsored by:          Darle, Linda, Seth, and Aaron Baker

            Reserve Champion Dairy Market Goat    Banner           Won by:         Chamberlynn Couts

            Sponsored by:          Darle, Linda, Seth, and Aaron Baker

            Boer Market Wether Class 1 1st    Trophy            Won by:         Brynn Mollenkopf

            Sponsored by:          Convoy Foxhunters

            Boer Market Wether Class 1 2nd  Trophy            Won by:         Ezra Friesner

            Sponsored by:          Ohio City Blue Ribbon Workers 4-H Club

            Boer Market Wether Class 2 1st    Trophy            Won by:         Austin Arnold

            Sponsored by:          Kenn-Feld Group

            Boer Market Wether Class 2 2nd  Trophy            Won by:         Austin Arnold

            Sponsored by:          Shooting Stars 4-H Club

            Boer Market Wether Class 3 1st    Trophy            Won by:         Lillian Hempfling

            Sponsored by:          Hall Lumber Co. Inc.

            Boer Market Wether Class 3 2nd  Trophy            Won by:         Katie Hauter

            Sponsored by:          Ram and Ewe Farms

            Boer Market Wether Class 4 1st    Trophy            Won by:         Tara Radabaugh

            Sponsored by:          Germann Goats

            Boer Market Wether Class 4 2nd  Trophy            Won by:         Lillian Hempfling

            Sponsored by:          Logan Heffelfinger

            Grand Champion Boer Market Goat         Trophy            Won by:         Lillian Hempfling

            Sponsored by:          In Memory of Gary Richey

            Grand Champion Boer Market Goat         Banner           Won by:         Lillian Hempfling

            Sponsored by:          Darle, Linda, Seth, and Aaron Baker

            Reserve Champion Boer Market Goat     Trophy            Won by:         Tara Radabaugh

            Sponsored by:          Citizen's National Bank: Al Saylor

            Reserve Champion Boer Market Goat     Banner           Won by:         Tara Radabaugh

            Sponsored by:          Darle, Linda, Seth, and Aaron Baker

            Market Goat 2nd Best Rate of Gain          Feed Scoop  Won by:         Korbin Hartman

            Sponsored by:          C&J Agri Service - John Bonifas

            Best Pigmey Goat    Trophy            Won by:         Cody Gamble

            Sponsored by:          Ram and Ewe Farms

Dairy Feeder Winners – Van Wert County Fair

            Sr. Dairy Feeder Calf Showman   Trophy            Won by:         Kassidy Klinger

            Sponsored by:          Mercer Landmark Ohio City and Glenmore Branches

            Senior Showman 2nd         Trophy            Won by:         Rayana Thatcher

            Sponsored by:          Clark Ringwald Family

            Intermediate Dairy Feeder Showman      Trophy            Won by:         Elyssa Renner

            Sponsored by:          Bob and Denise Pugh and Family

            Intermediate Showman 2nd          Trophy            Won by:         Lindsey Barnes

            Sponsored by:          Clark Ringwald Family

            Jr. Dairy Feeder Calf Showman    Trophy            Won by:         Clayton Mosier

            Sponsored by:          Gene and Drema Arn Family

            Junior Showman 2nd         Trophy            Won by:         Baylee Miller

            Sponsored by:          Clark Ringwald Family

            Champion Feeder Calf Showman           Chair  Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Allmandinger Custom Bailing

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat One        Trophy            Won by:         Rayana Thatcher

            Sponsored by:          The Ream Family

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 1        Trophy            Won by:         Luke Heffelfinger

            Sponsored by:          Richard L. Miller Realtor And Auctioneers

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat Two        Trophy            Won by:         Ryan Renner

            Sponsored by:          Waltz Meats

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 2        Trophy            Won by:         Grant Zielke

            Sponsored by:          Richard L. Miller Realtor And Auctioneers

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat Three     Trophy            Won by:         Clayton Mosier

            Sponsored by:          Ayers Mechanical Group

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 3        Trophy            Won by:         Elyssa Renner

            Sponsored by:          Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3035 Delphos

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat Four       Trophy            Won by:         Elyssa Renner

            Sponsored by:          Jack and Sharon Bolenbaugh

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 4        Trophy            Won by:         Kirsten Kline

            Sponsored by:          Richard L. Miller Realtor And Auctioneers

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat Five        Trophy            Won by:         Ryan Renner

            Sponsored by:          Wrenco Trophy and Sportswear

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 5        Trophy            Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Richard L. Miller Realtor And Auctioneers

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat Six          Trophy            Won by:         Emma Bowersock

            Sponsored by:          Keber Family Farms

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 6        Trophy            Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3035 Delphos

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat 7 Trophy            Won by:         Emma Bowersock

            Sponsored by:          The Ream Family

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 7        Trophy            Won by:         Logan Williams

            Sponsored by:          Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3035 Delphos

            Dairy Feeder Calf Winner Heat 8 Trophy            Won by:         Abbi Marbaugh

            Sponsored by:          Sponsored by F & S Floor Covering

            Dairy Feeder Calf 2nd Place Heat 8        Trophy            Won by:         Alexis Bowen

            Sponsored by:          Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3035 Delphos

            Dairy Feeder Calf: Best Rate of Gain       Feed Scoop  Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Pure Line Food Company Middle Point, OH

            Champion Dairy Feeder Calf        Trophy            Won by:         Clayton Mosier

            Sponsored by:          Allmandinger Cattle Farms

            GrandChampion Dairy Feeder Calf         Banner           Won by:         Clayton Mosier

            Sponsored by:          Wellman Seeds

            Reserve Champion Dairy Feeder Calf    Trophy            Won by:         Elyssa Renner

            Sponsored by:          Van Wert Co. Jr. Fair Board

            Reserve Champion Dairy Feeder Calf    Banner           Won by:         Elyssa Renner

            Sponsored by:          Randy Mueller Family

            Beef Winners – Van Wert County Fair        

            Senior Beef Showman       Trophy            Won by:         Liliana Dietrich

            Sponsored by:          Van Wert County Foundation Black Inc. Award

            Intermediate Beef Showman         Trophy            Won by:         Addie Sorgen

            Sponsored by:          Scott Equity Exchange

            Junior Beef Showman        Trophy            Won by:         Boone Baxter

            Sponsored by:          Holdgreve Beef Farm

            Champion Beef Showman            Chair  Won by:         Austin Sorgen

            Sponsored by:          Van Wert County Foundation Black Inc. Award

            Champion Supreme Female Overall       Banner           Won by:         Liliana Dietrich

            Sponsored by:          Van Wert Co. Cattlemen

            Reserve Supreme Female Overall           Banner           Won by:         Bryer Parrish

            Sponsored by:          Buckeye Angus-Chiangus Farms-Craig McNall & Sons

            Grand Champion Beef Feeder Calf         Banner           Won by:         Alexis Parrish

            Sponsored by:          Logan Heffelfinger

            Champion Beef Feeder      Cash  Won by:         Alexis Parrish

            Sponsored by:          Beef it Up 4-H Club - In Memory of Justin Adam

            Reserve Champion Beef Feeder Calf     Banner           Won by:         Abigail Dietrich

            Sponsored by:          Convoy Tastee Freeze

            Reserve Champion Beef Feeder  Cash  Won by:         Abigail Dietrich

            Sponsored by:          Churchview Farm - Simmentals

            Dairy Steer Best Rate of Gain       Feed Scoop  Won by:         Brendan Karl

            Sponsored by:          Keber Family Farms

            Dairy Steer 2nd Best Rate of Gain           Feed Scoop  Won by:         Maddie Gerdeman

            Sponsored by:          Convoy Tastee Freeze

            Grand Champion Dairy Steer        Banner           Won by:         Betty Vorst

            Sponsored by:          Jerry & Irene Luersman

            Champion Dairy Steer        Trophy            Won by:         Betty Vorst

            Sponsored by:          The Chris Vorst Family

            Reserve Champion Dairy Steer    Trophy            Won by:         Ethan Kemler

            Sponsored by:          Mike & Diane Owens

            Reserve Champion Dairy Steer    Banner           Won by:         Ethan Kemler

            Sponsored by:          Ryan Mohr Seed Becks Hybrids

            Performance Steer Best Rate of Gain      Feed Scoop  Won by:         Ryan Bowsher

            Sponsored by:          First Federal Savings and Loan

            Performance Steer 2nd Best Rate of Gain          Feed Scoop  Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Gene and Drema Arn Family

            Grand Champion Performance Steer      Banner           Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Arn Acres

            Champion Performance Steer      Trophy            Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          First Federal Savings and Loan

            Reserve Champion Performance Steer  Trophy            Won by:         Ryan Bowsher

            Sponsored by:          Vantage FFA

            Reserve Champion Performance Steer  Banner           Won by:         Ryan Bowsher

            Sponsored by:          Wellman Seeds

            Show Steer 1st Weight Class        Trophy            Won by:         Morgan Miller

            Sponsored by:          In Memory of Andy Kemler By Double T Farm

            Show Steer 2nd Weight Class      Trophy            Won by:         Austin Sorgen

            Sponsored by:          Vantage FFA

            Show Steer 3rd Weight Class       Trophy            Won by:         Austin Sorgen

            Sponsored by:          Vantage FFA

            Show Steer Best Rate of Gain      Feed Scoop  Won by:         Caden Ringwald

            Sponsored by:          Delphos Pathfinders

            Show Steer 2nd Best Rate of Gain          Feed Scoop  Won by:         Morgan Miller

            Sponsored by:          Double T Farm

            Grand Champion Show Steer       Banner           Won by:         Austin Sorgen

            Sponsored by:          Dave Allmandinger Family

            Champion Show Steer       Trophy            Won by:         Austin Sorgen

            Sponsored by:          Kenn-Feld Group

            Reserve Champion Show Steer   Banner           Won by:         Landin Burch

            Sponsored by:          Jerry & Irene Luersman

            Reserve Champion Show Steer   Trophy            Won by:         Landin Burch

            Sponsored by:          Holdgreve Beef Farm

            Dairy Steer Drive 1 Winner            Trophy            Won by:         Betty Vorst

            Sponsored by:          Matthews Farms

            Dairy Steer Drive 2 Winner            Trophy            Won by:         Leslie Marbaugh

            2nd Place Show Steer 1st Weight Class Trophy            Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Miller Farms

            2nd Place Show Steer 2nd Weight Class           Trophy            Won by:         Landin Burch

            Sponsored by:          Magnum Farms & Transport

            2nd Place Show Steer 3rd Weight Class            Trophy            Won by:         Jake Bowersock

            Sponsored by:          Tim & Jackie Miller Family

            Performance Steer Drive 1 1st Place       Trophy            Won by:         Brett Schumm

            Sponsored by:          Amber Davis - Schrader Reality

            Performance Steer Drive 1 2nd Place     Trophy            Won by:         Ryan Bowsher

            Sponsored by:          Pond Seed Company

            Dairy Steer Drive 1 2nd Place       Trophy            Won by:         Ethan Kemler

            Sponsored by:          Pond Seed Company

            Dairy Steer Drive 2 2nd Place       Trophy            Won by:         Maddie Gerdeman

            Sponsored by:          Pond Seed Company

 
September 1-4, 2018
 

Parkway Versus Spencerville 8-31-2018

Story and Photos by James Leighner – Thank you for sharing, James!
Our Parkway Panthers hosted the Spencerville Bear Cats in the season's 1st home game.  

The Panther's got off to a slow start, finding themselves down two touchdowns only 5 minutes into the first quarter.

After the 2nd Spencerville score, the Panther's new head coach "Dusty" called time out and held a quick "Motivational Seminar" with the players.  I don't know what he said, but everyone there could see the results.  It was as if a different team walked back out on that field. 

The Panthers would then come back and score the next 2 touchdowns.  Spencerville would however find the end zone one more time before the half.  Halftime score Parkway 13, Bear Cats 21.

The second half proved just as exciting as the first.  Panthers had the only 3 quarter TD along with a 2 point conversion that would tie the game at 21. 
 

Spencerville scored midway in the 4th quarter to regain the lead and would intercept a pass on the Panthers final drive with just under minute left on the clock.  Final score Panthers 21 , Bear Cats 28.

No we didn't get that win, but just like in the first game with Crestview, the team DID NOT GIVE UP!  They didn't hang their heads when down, they kept going and kept fighting, right down to the end.

GO PANTHERS!

Click Here for the link to more of James' pictures. 

Click here for more Panther Football pictures.

Parkway September 2018 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Job Opening at Local Church
Rockford United Methodist Church is seeking to fill part-time custodian position. Flexible hours.

Direct inquiries to 419-363-3230 or email officie.mgr.rumc@bright.net

Lake Improvement Association Opposes ODA's Proposed Distressed Watershed Rule Changes; Asks Public to Voice Opposition by Sept. 7

GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS -- The Lake Improvement Association has issued the following statement: 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is proposing that the manure ban in the Grand Lake Watershed be lifted and producers be allowed to spread manure at all times of the year. This would replace the current rule, implemented in 2011, that prohibits manure spreading from Dec. 15 to March 15. 


The link to this proposed legislation change is listed below:
 

https://bit.ly/2N6r55n 


It is the opinion of the Lake Improvement Association that this new set of standards being proposed is an effort by ODA to have uniformity for both the Western Lake Erie basin as well as The Grand Lake Watershed. 


On behalf of the thousands of members and concerned citizens that The Lake Improvement Association represents, we feel that any changes that complicate manure spreading rules in our watershed at this time would be reckless and unfounded given the advances that have been made in decreasing nutrients from fields. This progress our producers have made in nutrient reduction is detailed in Dr. Steven Jacqeumin’s published research here:  


https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/jeq/pdfs/47/1/113?search-result=1


With this in mind, the Lake Improvement Association vehemently opposes the proposed changes in the distressed watershed package for Grand Lake St. Marys.


Furthermore, the proposed rule changes were drafted, voted on, and listed for public comment without contacting any individuals who are dealing with the watershed on a daily basis at the local level. Additionally, this new package was quietly released on a Friday before a holiday weekend with only a 7-day window for public comment. We find this unbecoming as it seems like an attempt to skirt public reaction. 


The Lake Improvement Association requests that these questions be answered immediately :
 

·        There is published data to prove that our current watershed rules are decreasing nutrients leaving fields in the GLSM watershed. Do you (ODA) have equivalent data to prove that these rule changes will be equally or more effective than the current rule set?

·        Is it possible to keep the current manure ban and add the chemical fertilizer, weather provisions, and application practices in the new proposal for the GLSM distressed watershed package? 

·        Does ODA feel that these new proposals are realistically enforceable? 

·        If yes, what has changed since the last distressed watershed package was issued? The manure ban was put into place, as it was the only viable plan that provided realistic enforcement opportunities.

 
Please voice your opposition to the proposed manure changes by Sept. 7, 2018, by emailing AGReComments@agri.ohio.gov. That is the email address for public comments, and the most critical action you can take today. In addition, please consider emailing your representatives. You can do so via https://democracy.io and https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative. 

Media contact: 

Brian Morris
Vice President, Lake Improvement Association
brianmorrispr@gmail.com

 
August 31, 2018
 

The Panther varsity football team traveled to Crestview last Friday, August 24th  to open the season against the Knights.

The Knights did take an early lead and would continue to lead the whole way.  But that doesn't mean our Panthers didn’t give us any excitement.   Even while behind the team continued to play and kept their heads held high.  They did not give up! 

Click below for awesome game pictures by James - Thank you for sharing!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/er1FkNRUyBYkiCYu7

Click smaller thumbnails below to enlarge:

Parkway Panther Seniors by James Leighner

 
August 29-30, 2018
 

Rockford United Methodist Church Plans Another Year of Kids Club and Meals

The members of Rockford United Methodist Church are planning another fun year of Kids Club and Meals afterwards at their location on 110 South Franklin St. in Rockford, OH 45882

(419) 363-3230

Kids Club starts September 5th and will run every Wednesday after school from 3:30 to 5 PM. The service is free but sign-up is necessary. Get your forms at the church or Parkway Elementary School office. Intended for ages K-5th children are transported from Parkway School to R.U.M.C.  where snacks, playing games, making crafts, and learning a Bible lesson makes for a fun after school program.  A free community meal follows. Everyone is invited!

Parkway Boys Golfers Take on Crestview and Win on August 28, 2018
by Coach Joe Falk

Under match play rules, the Parkway Panthers defeated the Crestview Knights 6-0 at the Celina Lynx Golf Club (par 36) for their first win of the year.


 

Mason Baxter (P) over Coleton Lautzenheiser (CV) 3 and 2

Breyden Bruns (P) over Dillon Underwood (CV) 1 up

Adam Stephenson (P) over Will Sharpe (CV) 5 and 4

Caden Slusher (P) over Olivia Skelton (CV) 3 up

Hunter Gibson (P) over Scott Bowen (CV) 4 up

Kaden Boroff (P) over Tanner Myers (CV) 5 and 4

In addition, Kaden Boroff made a hole in one on  #3 a 157 yard, par 3 .

Parkway Varsity Boys Golf Scores
by Coach Joe Falk

Celina Lynx, 8/27/2018 Parkway 206 against  Versailles 192
Team members: Mason Baxter (was the Medalist); Mason Baxter; Breyden Bruns; Adam Stephenson; Andy Metz; Hunter Bruns and Jay Anderson.

Arrowhead Golf Club, 8/23/2018 Parkway 209 against  New Bremen 203
Team members: Mason Baxter (was the medalist); Breyden Bruns; Adam Stephenson; Andy Metz; Hunter Gibson; Caden Slusher; Gabe Schaaf.

Celina Mercer Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Four U
The Celina Mercer Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome their newest member Four U Packaging & Supplies.  Four U Packaging & Supplies is your go to for just about any type of project or service.  Four U offers a complete janitorial supply list to handle any and all projects.  Four U Packaging offers the best products from paper, packaging, hazard & spill control, chemicals, food service, equipment, parts, and so much more.  Located a 7980 Havemann Rd in Celina, OH, Four U Packaging will assist you in finding what products will best fit your needs.  Four U Packaging can be reached at 419-586-5393.  Chamber Executive Director Stacy Beougher welcomed Jeremy and Dee Uhlenhake of Four U. 

Special Presentation to be Given at the Next Genealogy Meeting
The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, September 9th at 2:00 pm at the Richardson Bretz Building 119 West Fulton St., Celina.

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of St. Paul Catholic Church, Sharpsburg, OH. Nancy Ables and Helen LeFevre will give a presentation on the history of the town, church and school.

As always, the meetings are open to the public. We would love to have you join us. Refreshment served.

 
August 27-28, 2018
 

Come to the Van Wert County Fair August 29 through September 3, 2018
See Fair information and links on the ad above.

Celina Police Department Reports Car in Lake

On Sunday, August 26, 2018, at about 9:55PM, officers from the Celina Police Department responded to a report of a car in the lake just off of the intersection of Lakeshore Dr. and Ash St.  Upon arrival they found a 2009 Nissan Altima in the water, partially submerged.  The driver, 61 year old David H. Szwajkowski of Schererville, Indiana, was out of the car, but, still in the water.  He was pulled from the water by a responding officer.  He was uninjured.

Mr. Szwajkowski stated he thought he was in a turnaround area when he drove into the water.  Mr. Szwajkowski submitted to field sobriety testing and subsequently a breath test.  He tested .172 BAC, over twice the legal limit.  He was arrested and charged with OVI and held at the Mercer Co. Adult Detention Center.

The Rockford Bicentennial committee will be meeting on 
Monday - September 10th at 7 pm.   

*Note date change because of the Labor Day Holiday.

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday August 31, 2018

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday August 31, 2018  (Spencerville). Please arrive by 6:30 PM.  If you are unable to work please make arrangements for someone to work for you or contact Heather Barker at 419-305-1345.  Thank you for your help! 
Ryan and Kelly Sipe, Luke Stephenson, Don and Sara Beeks, Chuck and Brenda Smith, Sam and DeVona Albright, John and Kelly Stephenson, Eric and Amanda White and Melissa Kauffman

 
August 25-26, 2018
 

Rockford Announces Community Events at Council Meeting on August 21, 2018
by Lisa Kuhn, Fiscal Agent

Click Here for the rest of the news!

September 8th – Fall Craft and Vendor Show – 10 am – 3 pm at the Shanes Park Community Building

September 9th – The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert Band - $7 donation – Parkway Auditorium – 3 pm - Proceeds go to Parkway Band

September 22nd – 9th Annual Sock Hop and Cruise in @ The Rockford Belle - 4 – 8 pm

September 22nd – Rockford Fire Department / Open House – Chicken dinner – Reverse Raffle – 5 -7 pm – tickets on sale now !

September 29th – Mercer County Household Hazardous Waste Day and Steel drop off – Mercer County Fairgrounds – 9 – 1 pm

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Fall Craft & Vendor Show

Saturday - September 8th - 10 am - 3 pm

Rockford Community Building
420 Holly Lane, Rockford, OH  

There will be concessions 

Admission - $1.00 12 yrs & up.

Proceeds benefit - Parkway Music Boosters.

Fifth Annual Dancing with the Big Stars Coming on November 17, 2018

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer, Auglaize and Van Wert Counties would like to announce the Fifth Annual Dancing with the Big Stars on November 17th, and tickets are on sale.

The 2018 cast includes 9 couples this year.
Couple 1: Ethan Westgerdes (Brew Nation) and Lisa Heckman.
Couple 2: Fr. Matt (Ft. Recovery Catholic Cluster) and Barb Powell.
Couple 3: Carrie Rosenbeck (Home Experts Realty) and Mark Heckman.
Couple 4: Shawnta Selzer (Briarwood Village) and Dennis Fulmer.
Couple 5: Axel Lundstrom (Dannon Yougurt) and Stacy Smuts.
Couple 6: Debbie Wagner (Mary Kay) and Andrew Heckman.
Couple 7: Pete Lisi (Celina City Schools) and Kathyrn Braunworth.
Couple 8: Terri Berning (Marion Local Schools) and Jeff Schnippel.
Couple 9: Kirk Stucker (Mercer County Elks) and Jill Fulmer.

The professional dancers represent several dance studios throughout our servicing area, including:  Boyds Dance Studio, The Dance Centre, and Wagner Dance.  We also have professional dancers representing Crown, Schnippel Electric, US Postal Service, ValCo Company, Director of Children’s Ministy at Forest Park, and Nidec Minster Company.

Dancers will be taking lessons, rehearsing their dances and soliciting funds over the next few months. The BIG Star Award will be announced at the dinner performance and is based on the celebrity dancer that raises the most money on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition, a Judge’s Choice Award will be given to the couple that has the best dance performance based on the judges’ critiques.

The night’s featured judges are Jane Diller, Lucy Staugler and Eric (Bruno) Wellman.

You can purchase the tickets by calling 419-584-2447.  The dancers have been working hard on their routine, and it will be a performance you won’t want to miss. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that appreciates your support.

Many Attend Rockford Council Meeting on August 7, 2018 to Comment
About Duncan Oil Owned - Rockford Road Dog (Formerly T.J's Grocerette)
Requesting Liquor Permit

Fremont Canning Company to Expand

Click here to read the council minutes by Fiscal Agent, Lisa Kuhn
 

Duncan Oil / Rockford RoadDog recently requested a TREX transfer for a liquor permit to the Village.    
Council voted to reject the request.     Discussion was held with many village residents in attendance.

Gehle did some research and feels that competition in business is good, however, Mercer County has already decided that we have enough liquor permits based on our population, and we would be going against that quota by allowing a transfer to take place.   We are maxed out on permits and shouldn’t allow one to be transferred in. 

Motion Pontsler to deny the TREX transfer for a liquor permit.  Second Gehle.  Now called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Now = y, Young = y,  Heitkamp – abstain conflict of interest.   The request has been denied.

Also in exciting news, the Fremont Canning Company is doing a $27 million warehouse expansion that will require special access from U.S. Route 33 on the east edge of Rockford. Council reminds residents that they are hiring approximately 70 people.  This will be a boost to Rockford!

The Rockford Chamber congratulates - Courtney Lies, Pakrway Graduate of 2018!   She was awarded the Chamber Scholarship on Wednesday - May 16^th, 2018   

Rockford Council Passes RESOLUTION 06-18 on June 16, 2018
Read Council Minutes here by Lisa Kuhn, Fiscal Officer

A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE VILLAGE’S INTENT TO PROCEED TO PLACE ON THE NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT A 2.8 MIL RENEWAL LEVY FOR GENERAL FUND EXPENSES FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD.

 
August 23-24, 2018
 

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

 
Photo caption:   At Rockford, stand on the corner of Pearl and Main Streets and look to the North.  Compare Rockford’s past Main Street, with its present Main Street today.

Rockford’s Main Street at the corner of Pearl Street, is an outstanding example of Main Streets in rural America, a Century ago.  The top photograph is on a post card, dated May 21, 1908.

The bottom photograph is a post card, facing north, on the same street corner.  In 2001, I worked with Members of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society Norman Van Tilburg, Dan Henkle and Robert Thompson as we prepared the book, “Our Post Card Past; Rockford, Ohio,”  in celebration of Ohio’s Bicentennial 1803 – 2003.  This book was a part of a series, which included “Mercer County’s Post Card Past,” “Celina’s Post Card Past,” and “Grand Lake’s Post Card Past.”

The old “photograph” post cards produced at the turn of the past Century, preserve local history with a clear image of the sites in Mercer County.  When we can compare a photograph with a close-up image of a few buildings on Main Streets, with  a photograph of buildings for a block or two, this gives us a perspective of the range of buildings on Main Street.  The ornate brick buildings stand shoulder to shoulder with the frame buildings. 

With the help of a magnifying glass we can sometimes read the names of the buildings and/or of the advertisements or signs.  On the top photographs, look at the sidewalks; would they be constructed of concrete?  Would the wooden pole on the corner be for electric wires?  I see a fire hydrant on the corner on the left side of the photograph.  On the right side of the photograph, would that tower contain the siren for the Fire Department?

Rockford will soon be celebrating two centuries of progress in 2020, honoring the June 23, 1820 date when the Village of Shanesville was platted by Anthony Shane.

How many citizens in Rockford or Dublin Township, or across Mercer County, or else in other places across the U.S.A. have old post cards related to the History of Rockford?  If you have already showed  your old photographs and post card photographs to the Shanes Crossing Historical Society, that is great.  Don’t wait until 2020 and realize the you have old photos or post cards back in drawers, attics, or albums, which you could have provided copies of the photos and/or post cards to the 200th Celebration Committee.

Along with the rest of citizens living in the area of Rockford, and those former citizens of Rockford, and the rest of Mercer County citizens and nearby counties’ citizens, I look forward to visiting Rockford in 2020 and seeing the historical exhibits and attending the historical programs planned and implemented by today’s Rockford Citizens.  Rockford’s past citizens have produced a fine community today.  People who honor Mercer County’s heritage are among the outstanding citizens of Mercer County.

Mercer County Post Cards and Mercer County’s “closed” Post Office Post Marks, will be on exhibit at the Mercer County Historical Museum, on Sunday afternoon, November 11.  You are most welcome to bring your own post cards to show the public that afternoon.

[Mercer County Historical Society President Joyce Alig, may be contacted at 3054 Burk-St. Henry Road, Saint Henry, OH 45883,  or histalig@bright.net or 419-678-2614.

Wassenberg to Hold Art Event
The Wassenberg Art Center, Van Wert, will be accepting entries for their 41st Annual Wassenberg Art Center Photography Exhibit. Amateur, professional and youth photographers are encouraged to submit their work for this revered photography tradition. This is a juried exhibit entry does not guarantee exhibition. There are over $1300 in total cash prizes. Entry deadline is Thursday, September 14, 2018, midnight.

The exhibit will be on view through October 27.

For more information on classes, exhibits, and events please call the Wassenberg Art Center at: 419.238.6837.

New Member Joins Celina Mercer County Chamber

The Celina Mercer Co. Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome one of their newest members...Performance Physical Therapy & Wellness. Performance Therapy is independent and locally owned with clinics in Coldwater and Fort Recovery. Jacqui Broering, Owner, began working as a Physical Therapy Assistant, then a Physical Therapist and lastly, a Clinic Director. The experience gained was instrumental in gaining the knowledge-base and experience for managing a clinic. Yet, Jacqui feels her greatest strength is the passion she has for the profession.

"We understand that people in this area are hard-working and take pride in what they do. This is the foundation for which this clinic is based." Their staff of therapists will work with you to achieve your goals. The goal is simple…deliver the best care possible! For more information or clinic services you can contact Performance Therapy and Wellness at 730 E. Main Street in Coldwater or call 419-763-1464. Your success is their goal!

Vantage welcomes new staff for the 2018-2019 school year  Pictured left to right:  Audrey Stechschulte, Math, Melissa McClurg, OTC Adult Education Director, Dianna Ashbaugh, Assistant Treasurer, Anna Baker, Superintendent Secretary, Mickey McConahay, School Counselor, and Gary Cearns, Welding Instructor.

 
August 21-22, 2018
 

Prayer Walk Precedes New School Year
The Prayer Walk for our Schools was held Saturday, August 18, 2018. Sponsored by Rockford United Methodist Church, approximately 30 people took part in walking the perimeter of the Parkway School, stopping to pray at each entrance/area of activity. This is an annual event, held just as school begins for a new school year.

School Supplies Donated

Volunteers sort supplies received during Our Home Family Resource Center’s 2018 Back-To-School Supply Drive. Thanks to the generosity of our Mercer County community, 306 children in need from all across the county (Celina, Coldwater, Immaculate Conception, St. Henry, Parkway, and Ft. Recovery) will return to school with new book bags and essential school supplies.  

Parkway Varsity Boys Golf Scores
by Coach Joe Falk

Celina Lynx, 8/20/2018 Parkway 207 against  Marion Local 201
Team members: Mason Baxter; Breyden Bruns; Adam Stephenson; Kaden Boroff; Andy Metz; and Caden Slusher

Mercer County Elks, 8/16/2018 Parkway 205 against  Coldwater 162
Team members: Mason Baxter; Breyden Bruns; Adam Stephenson; Andy Metz; Hunter Bruns and Gabe Schaaf.

 
August 20, 2018
 

Parkway Schools Begins on Monday, August 20, 2018
Please be careful as you drive! Watch for our students!

Click here for the 2018 Parkway High School Football Team Roster

Click here for the 2018 Parkway High School Golf Teams Rosters

Click here for the 2018 Parkway High School Cross Country Team Roster

Click here for the 2018 Parkway Middle School Cross Country Team Roster

Click here for the 2018 Parkway High School Volleyball Team Roster

Click here for the 2018 Parkway Junior High Football Team Roster

Click here for the 2018 Parkway Junior High Volleyball Team Roster

 
August 15-19, 2018
 

Parkway August 2018 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Parkway offers a FREE online service to help manage your student’s meal account. You can view balances, view history, and receive an automatic low balance notification. To register go to www.k12paymentcenter.com

MEAL CHARGING GUIDELINES K-4th will be allowed to charge 5 meals, then 3 courtesy meals at no charge if a payment has not been received. No more meals will be offered until a payment is received. 5-8th will be allowed to charge 3 meals, then will be offered 3 courtesy meals at no charge if a payment has not been received. No more meals will be offered until a payment is received. 9-12th will be allowed to charge 1 meal. No courtesy meals will be offered. No more meals will be offered until a payment is received.

Parkway Panthers Weekly Update for August 20 - 25

By A.D. Matt Triplett

August 20:

Girls Golf @ Marion Local, 4:30 p.m.

Boys Golf vs. Marion Local, 4:30 p.m.

August 21:  

Boys Golf vs. LCC, 4:30 p.m.

Cross Country @ Marion Local, 4:30 p.m.

August 22:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

August 23:

Girls Golf vs. New Bremen, 4:30 p.m.

Boys Golf @ New Bremen, 4:30 p.m.

JH Football vs. Anna, 5:00 p.m.

HS Volleyball @ Adams Central, 5:30 p.m.

JH vs. Adams Central, 5:00 p.m.

August 24:

Varsity Football @ Crestview, 7:00 p.m.

August 25:

JV Football vs. Crestview, 10:00 a.m.

Cross Country @ Celina Rotary Invite, 9:00 a.m.

Varsity Volleyball, Panther Invite, 9:00 a.m.

Van Wert Health Plans $45M Hospital Expansion

Van Wert, OH – Van Wert Health today announced major plans to expand and improve critical areas of the hospital.  The new $45 million expansion will be built on the site of the current Van Wert Health main campus and construction is expected to take approximately 2 years. 

“The health providers at Van Wert Health are top notch and the growing health care needs of our community are simply different today than they were 58 years ago when the hospital was built,” said Jim Pope, President and CEO of Van Wert Health. “Upgrades are needed and after much research, we determined it was more cost-effective to build a new facility which will enhance the services we offer, rather than to attempt to upgrade and retrofit the original facilities. We face capacity issues on a daily basis, and improving and expanding health care options is integral to our mission to be the Best Community Hospital.”

When complete, the current hospital will be anchored by a new two-story, 84,000 square-foot facility which will help further address the health care needs of residents and visitors in our area.  “This addition to our campus will greatly benefit our ability to take care of more patients and to give them the best experience for all of their health care needs right here in Van Wert,” shared Pope. “Over time, the current hospital building will be upgraded and will house business offices and help with our expanding physician office space needs.  This major expansion will raise the bar on what a community hospital can – and should – be,” Pope continued.

Plans for the major expansion include:

State-of-the-art surgery area which will  increase Van Wert Health’s surgical capacity, including:

Four large surgery suites to accommodate today’s more advanced surgical equipment

Three endoscopy rooms

16 private pre-surgical and post-operative rooms

Post-anesthesia care unit

New pre-admission testing area with convenient access to lab and x-ray services

Private post-surgery pick-up area

New, more private patient registration area

All new, private acute care patient rooms

Dedicated critical care area including five intensive care unit rooms

All new labor and delivery rooms, C-section suite, and additional OB/GYN rooms

Enhanced space for IT to support new information and clinical data systems

New café

New lobby and parking lot to make visiting Van Wert Health more comfortable and convenient for patients and visitors.

“It’s astonishing to see how far we’ve come with the support of the community. We are making history with this expansion project, which will ensure the best health care possible is available for Van Wert and the surrounding communities, right in their own backyard,” said Tim Jurczyk, chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Van Wert Health.

“The City of Van Wert is happy with the Van Wert Health announcement that they are expanding the inpatient and surgical facilities of the hospital,” said Van Wert City Mayor, Jerry Mazur.  “By making such a significant investment in our community, Van Wert Health is making it clear that they are committed to providing the very best care to the people in northwest Ohio.”

An official groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 16 and construction is expected to start in mid-September.  Throughout the construction process, traffic on the main campus is expected to be temporarily re-routed. Patients and visitors are requested to carefully watch for directional signs to navigate safely around the construction zones.  Signs will be clearly posted and updates will be posted in local media outlets and on social media. 

The expanded hospital is being designed from the ground up by Design Collaborative, Inc. and the construction project will be managed by Weigand Construction. 

About Van Wert Health

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

 
August 13-14, 2018
 

New Horizons Community Church Summer Bash
New Horizons Community Church is hosting a FREE community event! Our end of summer bash will take place on Sunday, August 19th from 4-6:30 PM. There will be free food, live music by “Blind Date”, inflatables, pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids! Please join us for a time of fun and fellowship!

 Memory Sharing for Rockford 
A meeting will be held on Monday, August 20th at 1:00pm for all interested in sharing their memories of growing up in Rockford.  The meeting will be a roundtable discussion held in the Village Hall and is open to the public.  If you have any memories you would like to share but cannot attend, feel free to contact the village office at 419-363-3032.  

THE ILLUSIONISTS  – LIVE FROM BROADWAY COMES TO VAN WERT

(VAN WERT, OH) - On the heels of a highly successful multi-city tour and run on Broadway, the world’s best-selling touring magic show, THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ (theillusionistslive.com), will play at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Thursday, October 11 as part of its North American tour in 2018. Tickets for THE ILLUSIONISTS are on sale now  at the Niswonger Box Office: NPACVW.ORG or 419-238-6722

THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment. Conceived by Simon Painter, the show’s creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson and director Neil Dorward.

Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

The Niswonger is located at 10700 SR 118 S, Van Wert, Ohio. For more information visit online www.npacvw.org.

Parkway School Board Agenda by Sally Cox for August 14, 2018

Rockford United Methodist Church Annual School Prayer Walk on Saturday
The Rockford United Methodist Church will sponsor the annual School Prayer Walk on Saturday, August 18th at 8:30 a.m. This is open to anyone who would like to lift up the 2018-2019 school year in prayer.  Participants will meet outside of the Parkway High School entrance and prayer will be offered there.  The group will then walk around (or use any wheeled device appropriate for sidewalks) the outside of the school, stopping at various locations to pray.  Specific groups and programs will be lifted up.  Participants may either offer a prayer out loud as led, or pray silently as others lead prayer.  The School Prayer Walk will last approximately one hour.

 
August 9-12, 2018
 

Lima Area Concert Band Coming to Parkway High School

The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert band will be held on Sunday, September 9th at 3 pm in the auditorium at Parkway High School located at 400 W Buckeye St. in Rockford.

Adult tickets - $7 and Students - free
All proceeds will benefit the Parkway High School band.

The Lima Area Concert Band has been performing since 1971.  The band is
comprised of seventy volunteer musicians who all share the love of music.  The
members of the LACB are a living testimony that music truly is a lifetime activity.
It is a means of expression that encourages personal challenge, camaraderie, well spent
leisure time, and just plain fun.  It is a shining example of the value of music 
education in our schools.  

Larry Seibert, a Mendon native and more recently a citizen of Rockford, had played with the Lima Area Concert Band for more than 10 years playing the bassoon.  One of Larry's dreams was to offer the caliper of music that the Lima Area concert Band plays to his Rockford family and friends and to show to the local band students that playing music shouldn't end after high school.  

Please join us as we celebrate Larry's life and enjoy the wonderful music as performed by the extremely talented musicians of the Lima Area Concert Band. 

Wabash Telephone Company now has speeds up to 1 gig for your Internet.

Visit them at www.wabash.com or call 419-942-1111 for the details.

 
August 8, 2018
 

Don Speck of SpeckShots to Shoot Fall Sports Pictures at Parkway

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

8:30 AM  Senior Athletes Picture at Football Field
9:00 AM Jr. High/HS Cheerleaders at Football Field

10:00 AM Cross Country at Football Field

10:30 AM Volleyball in Gym

1:00 PM  Band

3:30 PM HS Football at Football Field

4:30 PM Jr. High Football at Football Field

5:30 PM Jr. High Volleyball at Football Field

 
August 7, 2018
 

Mission Trip Completed to Henderson Settlement

The Henderson Settlement Project (HSP) Mission Team from the Rockford United Methodist Church spent a week in July at Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky.  Henderson Settlement serves the people in the Bell County, Kentucky area.  This year, the HSP Mission Team was joined by three members of the St. John Lutheran Hopewell Church.  With the financial support of the two congregations, materials were purchased so that a storage shed was built and sided for a family.  The team also delivered to the Henderson Settlement Food Pantry food and personal hygiene items that were generously donated throughout the year or were purchased in nearby towns while at Henderson Settlement.   

Several members of the team worked throughout the week in the food pantry and the thrift store, which are both ministries of Henderson Settlement. 

Each day of work camp begins with morning devotions with the other 180 campers and ends with an evening program that includes learning about the missions of Henderson Settlement, a time of sharing and communion, and music entertainment by a local Appalachian band.

Members of the Team left to right: Dick Edgell, Dennis Hecht, Casey Nuttle, Warren Menchhofer, Keith Canary, Kara Rupp, Loren Shindeldecker, Barb Pedroza, Karla Butler, Pastor Chip Steffy. kneeling: Nathan Rupp, Jordan, Tina (missing: Janet Steffy)

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures to enlarge them.

 
August 4-6, 2018
 

$7 Adults and $4 Children.

 
August 1-3, 2018
 

The Singing Auctioneer®, Dane Bailey, is coming to Rockford United Methodist Church
Community Invited!

On August 12 at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship times, Dane will perform at Rockford United Methodist Church at 202 South Franklin St., Rockford, Ohio 45882

In 1969 Dane felt a call to the ministry.  In 1975 Dane started seminary at Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, IN and that fall did his first concert.  He has been traveling, ministering, and entertaining at churches, conferences, conventions, fairs, festivals, campgrounds, restaurants and banquets, as well as on radio and television ever since.  He also traveled with a gospel quartet for approximately four years.   In 2006, Dane was honored with an invitation to sing at the “Pageant of Peace,” an annual event held at the National Christmas Tree on the ellipse near the Whitehouse in Washington, DC.  

In 2001, Dane was able to take another step in his music career by stepping out as a full time singer-recording artist.  He now travels throughout the United States doing over one hundred concerts and averaging about 13,000 miles a year.  He has fifteen recordings and 2 live concert DVD to his credit.  His music recordings are a mixture of music genre with most of them being Southern Gospel.  Believing that laughter lightens the heart, Dane released an all comedy project, “Laughin’ Time,” and with his traveling to our nation’s capitol for Christmas,   2006, released a project, “Live at Christmas.”   In 2008, He released a big band project “Coast To Coast,” and a variety project, “Just Singing’.”   In the fall of 2009, he released the new patriotic project, “I Pledge Allegiance,” in CD and DVD.   “You Ask For It” released in 2010, and his 2011 release, “WOW, ‘member this” and in 2013, “Everybody Ought To Know,” and in 2014 “Heaven-Home” are all old songs you won’t want to miss.  Then 2016 brought a completely different direction of gospel music with “Jazz and Grass.”

Dane is a “real for sure auctioneer” and a growing part of his travels includes auctioneering, entertaining, and emceeing for benefit functions.  He sells a lot of pies and cakes.  He is a real estate broker, and an instructor at the Reppert’s School of Auctioneering, Indianapolis, IN.  He was a partner in Martin and Bailey Auction Realty in Fort Wayne, IN.

For more information on Dane, go to www.SingingAuctioneer.com.

 
July 29-31, 2018

 

Meet the New Coach Night Planned in Rockford
by Sheila Baltzell 7-30-2018

A new Football coach has been hired for Parkway High School, and the community is going all out to introduce him.

Meet Our New Parkway High School Head Football Coach Rob “Dusty” Rutledge will be held on Monday, August 20, at 7:00 pm at the Rockford Eagles Fellowship Hall (South Door). It is sponsored by these Rockford organizations: Lions Club, Eagles, Sons of American Legion and Masonic Lodge. Refreshments of pizza, and home made ice cream will follow the meeting event.

For questions, call/text Randy Rumple at 419-790-5859 or email randy.rumple.rr@gmail.com

Dusty Rutledge Biography

Year in College Athletics: 29th

Dusty is the son of Bob and Kathy McGough Rutledge formerly of Rockford. From an early age, he was fascinated with football, says his mom and dad. “He spent entire weekends in front of the television watching games.” 

He played football from Parkway Junior High school on up until he graduated Parkway High School in 1986. From there Rob went on to play football at Fairmont State in Virginia. He was a three year letterman in college. He also coached for Fairmont.

Dusty went on to become a coach from 1994-1996 at Glenville State where he  was the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator under Rich Rodriguez for three seasons (1994-96). He assisted Rodriguez during the seasons when the Pioneers earned three WVIAC titles. West Virginia and then to Bloomington, Indiana University. It was here, that Dusty felt he had the greatest years of his career from 1997-2000.

From 2000-2007, Dusty headed back to West Virginia at the University of WVA as their video coordinator. He supervised 2 fulltime photographers and 2 college editors as they followed the team to 6 straight Gator Bowls and 1 Sugar Bowl.

From 2008-2010, Rob found his way to his childhood Mecca, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He worked for the coaching team of Rich Rodriguez, head coach, as the Director of External Affairs. Dusty’s job was to build relationships with ex-football players. Dusty mentioned that, by this time in his career, he felt he was the luckiest “kid” on the planet. All this time he had been able to work with the best football players around. He loved it! But his greatest heroes even now, are not the players, but his own late Grandpa Jake Rutledge, his father, Bob Rutledge and his Uncle Keith Rutledge. They all told him, “Go after your dreams!” And, Dusty did.

In 2009, Dusty met the love of his life, Jennifer King, and his marriage to her made him an instant dad to his beautiful and intelligent step-daughters, Maegan and Elizabeth.

When Coach Rich Rodriguez and the coaching team was leaving Michigan and heading to the University of Arizona. Dusty was not willing to uproot his new family, and so he declined an the offer to follow the team.

Fortunately for Dusty, Mike Barwis, the top-rated strength coach in the United States, who  was once at University of West Virginia knew Rob and hired him into the new Gym venture he was starting in Ypsilanti Michigan. Barwis Methods is the premier place to go if one is an athlete who needs rehabilitation or just wants to get stronger. 

In 2015 when his daughters graduated from college, Dusty moved with his family to Arizona to become the University of Arizona football analyst for the 2015 season, before becoming the Director of High School Relations, Camps and Clinics in 2016. 

In his position, Rutledge worked closely with day-to-day operational aspects of the program, including practice organization and the Rich Rodriguez Football Camps.

Dusty comes to Parkway from Arizona State. Welcome Home Dusty!

Parkway Printable 2018 Fall Sports Schedules:

Click on the link to find the schedule you want to print.

Parkway Cross Country Match Schedule

Parkway Golf Match Schedule

Parkway Varsity and JV Football Game Schedules

Parkway Varsity and JV Volleyball Game Schedules

Parkway Junior High School Schedules
for Football, Volleyball and Cross Country

 
July 26-28, 2018

 

Medicare 101 Course Coming to Rockford
Wednesday, August 8, 6:30 pm - Medicare 101 at the Rockford Carnegie Library, 162 S Main St, Rockford. This course teaches you the basics of Medicare and what options you have with your health insurance as you or a loved one retire. The Mercer County Council on Aging will walk you through eligibility, possible penalties and what to anticipate. If you are already on Medicare, they can address additional questions you may have, as well as potential cost savings options.  All are welcome for this FREE educational event.  

Parkway School Registration Days

Parkway Local Schools will be holding Registration Days on Tuesday, August 7 and Wednesday, August 8 from noon - 6:00 p.m. Only those students in K -12 who are new to the district need to register. Our registration process can now be completed online. After August 1, please call the appropriate office at 419-363-3045 for website information and to schedule a time to bring the necessary documents to the school to finalize the registration process on one of these two days.

Back to School Night at Parkway

Parkway Local Schools will be holding their annual Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 14 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This evening serves as an open house for parents and students in Preschool - 12 to visit their classroom, meet their teachers and bring their supplies to school. There will be no Back to School packets mailed this year as we have converted to online forms. Instructions on completing these forms will be mailed the week of July 30, along with cafeteria information. Those students in grades K-4 who are new to the school district are asked to meet in the Elementary Gym at 6:00 p.m. to meet with Mr. Esselstein Elementary Principal. Mrs. Pam Smith, Cafeteria Supervisor,  will be available to add money to students' lunch accounts. That evening, bus drivers will also be available. The first day of school for Parkway Local Schools is Monday, August 20.

Concert In The Park in Van Wert