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

Business News
 

Scroll Down Past Our Advertisers for the Day's News

Click Here for the Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Website

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


 

 
July 27, 2017
Parkway Independent - Celebrating 12 years of bringing news to the Parkway area communities.

 

Reminder Parkway Youth Football Camp K-6

inside the Track 6-8pm Thurs and Fri.  Bring water.  Cleats preferred.  Athletic Dress.

Limberlost to present ‘Swift Night Out’

State Historic Site to host an educational event on chimney swift birds

GENEVA, Ind. – The public is invited to the Limberlost State Historic Site Visitor Center on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. for Swift Night Out, a free, family-friendly event, all about the chimney swift bird. These small birds are known for their aerial acrobatics and distinctive “chippering” sound.

“Chimney swifts are fascinating birds that are important for the number of insects they eat,” said Nicky Ball, Limberlost State Historic Site manager. “They are definitely unknown and underappreciated by most people.”

A program will be presented in the Limberlost Visitor Center classroom at 7:30 p.m., followed by a “swift sit” in downtown Geneva to watch the birds in flight. As the sun goes down, visitors will watch the swifts take shelter for the night in the chimneys of Geneva residents. Unlike other birds, chimney swifts are unable to perch upright and can only cling to vertical surfaces.

Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs for this free nature program. Donations are encouraged.

This event is sponsored by Geneva Dental Clinic and Berne Ready Mix.

For more information on Swift Night Out, please contact Curt Burnette, Limberlost State Historic Site program developer, at 260.368.7428 or cburnette@indianamuseum.org.

Limberlost State Historic Site in Adams County and the Loblolly Marsh Wetland Preserve in Jay County are located near Geneva in northeastern Indiana. Part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Limberlost admission is free for Indiana State Museum & Historic Site members. General admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children. The Historic Site is located at 200 E. 6th St. in Geneva, Ind., just off U.S. Highway 27.

Our Old Bookcase, August 3, 2017 Antique Farm Equipment Exhibit at Coldwater Picnic August 5-6, 2017

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

Photo caption:  New Idea Farm Equipment and Antique Tractors will be on exhibit at the Coldwater Community Park Picnic, Saturday and Sunday, August 5-6, 2017.

Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, 2017 the Antique Tractors and New Idea Farm Equipment Exhibit will be hosted by the Members of the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee of the Mercer County Historical Society, at the north side of the Park, at the Coldwater Community Picnic at the Park. 

The New Idea Farm Equipment Exhibit will include New Idea products; for example: Manure Spreaders, Wagons, Hand Corn Shellers, Elevators, Balers, Lime Spreaders,  Hay Harvesting Equipment, Mounted Corn Pickers and Uni-System Corn Pickers, and other Uni-System Equipment..  The white tents will hold smaller collections, for example, New Idea Equipment Manuals, photographs, original wood patters by Orville Ranly and collections of New Idea Memorabilia by the Members of the New Idea Committee.

The Antique Tractors will include early tractors, hosted by the area tractor collectors.  Rare Tractors, as well as Gasoline Engines will be there. 

The New Idea History Book Series #2 about New Idea Company’s Corn Pickers and #3 about New Idea Company’s Uni-System will be on Exhibit.  For those of you who have not yet picked up your copy of these books, the books will be waiting for you at this Picnic.

The New Idea Farm Equipment and Antique Tractors Exhibit has been held by the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee Members and local farmers, since they held their First Exhibit beginning in 2005 at the Coldwater Community Picnic.  The New Idea Historic Committee was established by the Mercer County Historical Society in January 2000, following the December 1999 closing of the AGCO New Idea Company at Coldwater.  The NIHP Members have been meeting monthly, January through October since 2000, with a goal to preserve New Idea’s history by holding New Idea Manual Sales, and by hosting New Idea Farm Equipment and Antique Tractor Exhibits at Coldwater Community Picnic, Van Wert Old Fashioned Farmers Days, Greenville’s Farm Power of the Past, and Sandwich Farm Equipment at Sandwich, Illinois.  They have published a Series of three New Idea History Books. 

The 2017 Members of the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee include Alvin Alig, Richard Bashore, Ken Coffman, Vance Engle, Ron Fischer, Tom Fischer, Lavern Heuing, Jim Jutte, Joe Karafit, Joe Kuhn, Orville Kunk, Leo Lefeld, Linus Lefeld, Frank Mohlman, Don Muhlenkamp, Phil Naumann, Leroy Peters, Gary Rismiller, Bernard “Pete” Schaefer, Bob Stelzer. Jim Weiler, and Ollie Wendel.  Stop by this Exhibit at the Coldwater Community Picnic, and thank the Members for preserving your rural heritage in Coldwater as a part of Mercer County.  If this Committee had not preserved New Idea’s history, too much of that New Idea History would have been filed in history’s dustbin.

Thank the Mercer County Commissioners for creating plans for the Mercer County Historical Society in 1957 by including funds in their County Budget for 1958 to plan and implement the Mercer County Historical Society and Mercer County Historical Museum.  The Mercer County Historical Society has several dedicated committees, each with a separate project designed to preserve the many facets of Mercer County’s history and to educate the public about that 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]

A Classic Rock Release at The Niswonger

(Van Wert, OH) - Who’s ready to rock? As the finale of this week’s packed individual release schedule, Thursday, July 27 marks the release date for Australian rock legends Little River Band. Starting at noon, patrons can purchase individual tickets for these musicians rockers from down under who are set to rock The Niswonger Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 PM.

Little River Band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975. It was originally a blend of musicians who had enjoyed success in other Australian rock acts. Their new focus was to get airplay on American radio, and they achieved that goal with good songwriting, powerful vocals, and guitar harmonies. They immediately claimed their place as one of the great vocal bands of the '70s...and the '80s. Between 1976 and 1983, chart success in America includes the following singles: It's a Long Way There, Help Is on Its Way, Happy Anniversary, Reminiscing, Lady, Cool Change, Lonesome Loser, The Night Owls, Take It Easy On Me, Man On Your Mind, We Two, and The Other Guy.

Little River Band is considered to be one of Australia's most significant bands. Worldwide album and CD sales now top 30 million. They also set a record for having Top 10 hits for 6 consecutive years...the first band to achieve that mark. LRB was rightfully inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame at the 18th Annual ARIA Music Awards of 2004.

Along with Presenting Sponsor US Bank, Little River Band is made whole by the contributions of 17-18 Season Sponsors Chuck & Karen Koch, StateWide Ford Lincoln and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank.

Tickets to Little River Band can be purchased through the Box Office Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 4 PM at 419-238-NPAC 6722 and online at NPACVW.ORG.

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is located at 10700 SR 118 South, Van Wert, OH.

M*A*S*H Star Jamie Farr Coming to Niswonger

He made his name as Maxwell Q. Klinger on the hit television show M*A*S*H in the 1970s and 1980s, and now he’ll make his mark at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Tuesdays with Morrie Starring starring Jamie Farr is the stage adaptation of Mitch Albom’s hit autobiographical novel coming to The Niswonger Sunday, October 8 at 3:00 PM presented by Community Health Professionals.

Tuesdays with Morrie is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie's appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig's Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life. Jamie Farr is absolutely brilliant as Morrie.

Basketball Coach Jim Valvano once said that there are three things you should do every day: You you should learn something, you should laugh and you should be moved to tears. Tuesdays with Morrie fulfills all three of these requirements.

"Tuesdays with Morrie is only 80 minutes long, but I guarantee it will make you laugh, cry, think and feel, all in that limited time span." -The Star

Along with Presenting Sponsor Community Health Professionals, this event is made complete with the 17-18 Season Sponsors Chuck & Karen Koch, StateWide Ford Lincoln, and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank.

Tickets to Tuesdays with Morrie Starring starring  Jamie Farr can be purchased through the Box Office Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 4 PM at 419-238-6722 or online at NPACVW.ORG.

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

2017-2018 Parkway Preschool

August 1 is the deadline to register for preschool for the 2017-2018 school at Parkway Preschool.

We currently have openings for the Tuesday/Thursday morning and afternoon classes, Monday/Wednesday afternoon classes and Monday - Thursday morning classes.  Children must be 3, 4 or 5 to attend and fully potty trained.  Financial assistance is available; however, the preschooler must be 4 years old by August 1 to qualify.

Our preschool is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star program, which means this program has demonstrated the highest level of quality as rated by the Ohio Department of Education.

Registration forms are available in the district and elementary office or the Rockford Carnegie Library.  Once the registration is completed and the registration fee paid, the forms packet needs to be turned in before the school year begins on August 23.  We offer both two half-day classes and four half-day classes.  Morning classes are 8:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and afternoon classes are 12:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.  

If you have further questions, please call the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720. 

 
July 22-26, 2017
 

Dr. Tom Baltzell New Onsite Owner of Marysville Animal Care Center

Marysville Animal Care Center, LLC has added a new fulltime veterinarian, Dr. Thomas “Tom” Baltzell, DVM to its team. Dr. Baltzell had been working at the clinic since October 2016, but has recently become the new onsite owner.

Dr. Tad Sullivan, the founder and previous owner, is still seeing clients. Continuing the family-owned style business, Dr. Baltzell will be joined by his wife Dr. Ann Baltzell, DVM, as well as co-owners Dr. Brian Carson and Dr. Eric Ratliff.

“We look forward to continuing Dr. Sullivan’s commitment to the community, their clients, and patients,” said Dr. Tom Baltzell.

Shown left are practicing doctors at the clinic: Dr. TadSullivan, Dr. Ann Baltzell, Dr. Tom Baltzell, and Dr. Bethany Gibson

Upon graduating from Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, Dr. Tom Baltzell joined a mixed animal practice in Urbana. He later moved to Columbus and became the owner of a clinic in 2005 and was eventually the chief-of-staff of a multi-site practice there. He has particular interest in internal medicine and soft tissue surgeries.

While the Marysville Animal Care Center focuses on companion animal medicine, he and his partners each bring unique areas of focus.

His partner, Dr. Carson has a particular interest in oncology (treatment of cancer) and critical care, while Dr. Ratliff exclusively performs advanced surgery and orthopedics.

Dr. Ann Baltzell is most interested in preventative care and challenging medical cases.

“We are bringing additional services to the area to minimize the need for residents to drive to Columbus for their pet’s more complex needs,” said Dr. Tom Baltzell.

The doctors’ commitments and roots in the community were factors in making the practice a home.

Dr. Ratliff’s wife, Diane Smith Ratliff, was born and raised in Marysville and is a 1979 MHS graduate. Dr. Carson and his family live in Lewis Center.

Dr. Tom Baltzell is originally from Rockford, OH, a graduate of Parkway High School, and is also a graduate of University of Toledo for his undergraduate degree. Dr. Ann Baltzell is originally from Celina, OH, a graduate of Celina High school and is also a graduate of Ohio State University for her undergraduate degree as well as Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine for her graduate degree. Doctors Tom and Ann have four children and a boxer named Vinny. Dr. Tom is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a Cubmaster of Pack 550 in Dublin.

Dr. Tom Baltzell is the son of Sheila (Wood) Baltzell of Celina and the late Larry Baltzell.

Dr. Ann Baltzell is the daughter of Paul and Kathy (Siebert) Bonvillian.

Marysville Animal Care Center is a full service veterinary hospital that also offers boarding to assist its clients. Currently the clinic provides veterinary  services to the Union County Sheriff’s Office’s canine unit.

Other births - click here

WJAR Night Team brings home the Emmy for Best Evening Newscast

Pictured is NBC10 anchor Patrice Wood and 11PM producer Ben Wilcox with the Emmy Award.

WJAR’s coverage of the Taunton, Massachusetts Galleria Mall stabbings the evening of May 10, 2016 earned NBC-WJAR Channel 10’s  11pm news an Emmy for Best Evening Newscast in New England outside of Boston and Hartford.  

“From the newsroom to the control room to the field, this team achieved something we haven’t done in recent memory, and that is a top honor for a single newscast,” read the news release by the TV station. “Congratulations to our Night Team colleagues who provided excellent coverage for this Emmy win:”

Jessica Botelho, web editor

Jennifer Bray, assignment editor

Brian Crandall, reporter

Kevin Dahlquist, director

Doug Monahan, director

Ryan Pickering, photographer

George Ramos, photographer

Matt Reed, reporter

Michelle San Miguel, reporter

Paul Tierney, photographer

Ben Wilcox, producer

Patrice Wood, anchor

Editor's note: Patrice Wood is Holly Patrice Wood, who grew up in Rockford and graduated from Parkway High School in 1973.

 
July 20-21, 2017
 

The Sportsman Club in Willshire  (East on State Route 81) will be holding their annual Trade Days and Flea Market on August 4th and 5th. there will be hunting and fishing items, flea market items, q vendors auction at 6 PM Saturday.

Free admission; everyone invited; lunch stand with breakfast and sandwiches served. contact info: 419-495-2730.

Praise Point church will offer Vacation Bible School from 6-8 PM at the church in Willshire on Thursday and Friday, July 27-28, 2017.

Camp Out is the theme and is for children Pre-K through 5th grade.

Contact info: 419-495-2074.

127 Yard Sale is coming August 2 through August 5, 2017

Tommy McDonough and Amber Swander of Rockford announce their engagement. He is the son of Larry and Tammy McDonough of Rockford, and she is the daughter of Nikki and (the late) Brad Swander of Willshire. Both are Parkway graduates. Tommy is also a graduate of University of Northwestern Ohio in agriculture and is self employed. Nikki is a graduate of Wright State University Lake Campus in education and employed as a teacher at Parkway Schools.

The wedding is Saturday, July 22 at 3:30 PM.

Rockford Carnegie Library to have Reading Party for The Summer Reading Participants and their Families

The Rockford Carnegie Library will have a summer Reading Party on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 11:30 PM in Shanes Park.

Jerry and Cheri (Clifton) Schaadt Celebrated their 50th Anniversary

Jerry and Cheri (Clifton) Schaadt celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Sunday, July 16, 2017. They were married 50 years ago to the day in 1967 at United Brethren in Christ Church in Wren.

They have one daughter Cheri (Scott) Rolsten of Mendon and two sons: Jerry Jr (Christine) of Union KY, and Neil (Ginny) of Greensboro, NC. They have seven grandchildren, whom they love to visit.

The couple celebrated in their church, St. Paul's United Church of Christ on Sunday, July 16, 2017 with their family present and a private celebration later.

Cheryl Ann Programs Plant Tree in Shanes Park

Thank you to Cheryl Ann Programs and A & A Greenhouse for planting a
Sunset Maple at Shanes Park in Rockford to celebrate the Cheryl Ann Programs
50 year Anniversary.

Pictured top: Dee and Norm VanTilburg, Bob Ransbottom - Rockford Tree Commission Vice President,
Shanes Park Board members Marlene Roebuck and Joyce Emans and 
Sandy Schaffner - Shanes Park Board President

Thank you to Lisa Kuhn, Fiscal Officer, for the pictures and info.

Business Enterprise Center at Wright State University-Lake Campus
August 2017 Class Schedule Line-Up

"STARTING RIGHT” (Pre-Business Seminar Held Monthly)
Each month the BEC hosts the Starting Right class for individuals planning to start a small business. This two-hour class gives you information to help you decide if business ownership is right for you and can assist you in starting your business the “Wright Way.” After attending the Starting Right class, you are entitled to free individualized business counseling. Must Pre-Register For All BEC Classes!

* We recommend all new business owners attend this class. 

QuickBooks for Small/Medium Businesses

Learn the best methods to record, track, and manage your hard-earned dollars. QuickBooks makes it easy to organize all of your financial data so you can manage your money, pay your bills, and track customer’s payments efficiently. Always know your business’s finances or inventory. Join Carla for 12-hours of software training on this highly-rated accounting software to help improve your bottom line! Participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate.

Peer to Supervisor
A new position of authority means new challenges, new responsibilities, and learning new skills. Carla can teach you to communicate effectively, discover when to be flexible or firm, earn trust and gain respect from past peers, develop your own management style, learn how to motivate your people and understand how to handle difficult situations. You won’t want to miss this informative class!

Handling Conflicts/Interpersonal Relationships

The challenge with conflict lies in how you deal with it. Would you like to improve how you handle sensitive people and situations? Carla will describe how to approach communication, emotions, and behavioral issues and to view conflict as an opportunity. This course can help employees and employers who need to work on understanding others and developing relationships. Harmony is just a class away!

For more information about the BEC and its programs, call Carol Jones at 419-586-0902, email Carol.jones@wright.edu.

The Rockford Chamber welcomes Lots for Soldier home recipients - The Hamptons !
The Blessing of the Home and dedication took place on June 18th.

Lake Festival 5K

Registrations for the Lake Festival 5K run in Celina are being taken now at the Celina-Mercer County   Chamber of Commerce. 

The 5K run, a fundraiser for the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, will be held Saturday,  July 29, 2017 at 8 A.M. The 5K begins at Lake Shore Park in Celina with the course traversing along West Bank Road.  This race is part of the Mercer Health 5K Challenge running series. 

The deadline to pre-register is July 28.  Pre-registration is $12.00 without a running tech shirt and $25.00 with a running tech shirt till July 12  

Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female runners with an award of a $100.00 for a course record.  Medals will be awarded to first, second and third place in each age group with special awards to be given to the runner coming from furthest distance, the youngest and oldest runner.

There will be water on the course, splits at 1 mile and 2 mile marks.  Refreshments will be served at the finish.

Thank you to the following sponsors:  Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, Celina Insurance Group,  Mercer Savings Bank,  Behms Restaurant and  Landing, Celina Tent,  Dynamic Federal Credit Union, State Farm Brian Stephan, Schwieterman Pharmacy,  McKirman  Brothers, Celina Lions, and Mercer Health.

Registration forms are available online at www.celina-mercer.com or www.mercer-health5kchallenge.com or at the local chamber office at 121 E. Logan St. Celina.

For more information call the chamber at 419-586-2219. 

 
July 18-19, 2017
 

Village Rockford conducting sewer tests this week. If you have questions, please call 363-3032 ext. 1.

State Plowing Contest at Maurer Farm in Mendon

On July 29 at 9 AM the state plowing contest will take place in Mendon at the Maurer Farms location on State Route 707. Novice, Junior and Senior Classes.

Call Don Hays for info at 419-363-3806.

Tree Planting Ceremony

Cheryl Ann Programs have been working in Mercer County for 50 years.  To celebrate this
anniversary, they are planting trees in Mercer County Parks.  A tree planting ceremony will take place
at Shanes Park in Rockford, on Wednesday - July 19th from 1 - 2 pm.    The public is welcome
to attend.  Ice Cream will be served after the planting.

Drug Take-Back Planned in Rockford

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a Drug Take-back Event for getting rid of old and unused medication. It is at the Rockford Fire Station on Main street in Rockford on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 9-noon. Pills accepted ~ No liquids or needles.

Rockford is Busy with Projects

1.  Columbia Street project - almost done !

2.  Shanes Crossing Subdivision beginnings - lots for sale now !
     Contact Jeff Long at 419-363-3032 ext 4

Ice Cream Social

Sunday, July 30

4:30-6:30

Rockford UM Church Social Room

202 South Franklin St.

Rockford, OH 45882

 
July 14-17, 2017
 

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.

2017 Lambert Days Coming – July 21-23

The Ohio City Park Association and the Lambert Days Committee has finalized the 2017 Lambert Days festival.

Lambert Days is always the third “full” weekend in July. This year’s dates are from the 21st-23rd. This is also the 50th anniversary of Ohio City celebrating the life of John W. Lambert and his invention of “America’s First Automobile”. For general information about Lambert Days please contact Jason Parrish (567) 259-9460, Brenda Weaver (419) 965-2000, Scott Bigham (419) 953-9511 or Ralph Riley (419) 965-2443. We will be having a community-wide garage sale for more information contact Laura Morgan (419) 965-2515. We will also be providing food all weekend in our newly renovated Community Building on State Route 118. Our website: lambertdays.com

FRIDAY - Our festivities start off with a Steak Dinner (carry-out is available) on Friday at 4:00. The Ohio City American Legion Harvey Lewis Post 346 will have a flag rising ceremony at 5:00. The kids’ games and inflatables will also open at 5:00. At 6:00 we have our Wiffleball Homerun derby for information contact Lorenzo Frye (419) 771-7037. We will be providing entertainment in the tent a 6:00 featuring Cass Blue. At 7:00 we are having Adult Wiffleball for more information contact Brian Bassett (419) 203-8203. We have a Texas Hold ‘em Tournament that starts at 7:00, along with Monte Carlo Night that starts at 8:00 for more information contact Jeff Agler (419) 513-0580. Our entertainment for Friday night starts at 8:00 and will be the band: Colt & Crew. We will also have our Fireworks Display at 10:15 (Saturday night is the rain date).

SATURDAY – Saturday morning begins with our Softball Tournament at 8:00, for more information contact Brian Bassett (419) 203-8203. We also have our Co-ed Volleyball Tournament that starts at 9:00 for more information you can contact Tim Matthews (419) 203-2976. Our Kids’ Wiffleball Tournament starts at 10:00 for more information contact Lorenzo Frye (419) 771-7037. Kids’ Games and Inflatables continue at 11:00. Cornhole Tournament registration and 3on3 Basketball Tournament registration starts at 12 and both tournament starts at 1:00, for more information on Cornhole contact Josh Agler (567) 259-9941 and for 3on3 basketball contact Scott Bigham (419) 953-9511. Our Hog Roast Dinner starts at 4:00 and carry-out is available. We will also have music under the tent by Jeff Unterbrink at 4:00. We have Bingo at 5:00, and we finish the night with Megan White and Cadillac Ranch.

The Rockford United Methodist Church is planning its annual Ice Cream Social for Sunday, July 30, 2017. It is from 4:30 to 6:30 and features homemade food and homemade ice cream. Soooo delicious!

All proceeds go to support the Mission Projects of the United Methodist Women. Church is located at 202 S. Franklin in Rockford. Everyone is invited!

Open House for Thomas Couple Planned

Rockford United Methodist Church will host an Open House on Sunday, July 23 to honor John and Kay (Kettering) Thomas before their move to Georgia.

John and Kay have been in this area all of their lives and have touched the lives of many along the way. John worked at New Idea in Coldwater for many years.

Kay taught in the Parkway Elementary School for years until her retirement. Her second career presented many opportunities for traveling with Riverside Charter.

The Thomas' two children, Mark and Diane, and their grandchildren, Owen and Caroline, residents of Georgia, are awaiting the reuniting of family.

The Open House will begin at 2pm in the church Social Room. Please plan to stop in to reminisce and wish John and Kay all good things as they begin the next chapter of their lives in Georgia.

 
July 12-13, 2017
 

Parkway Junior High Football Camp is Monday July 17, 2017 at 4:30 PM

Picture from 2016

13th Annual Shane’s Crossing 5k Run/Walk

Saturday, July 15th 2017 @ 8:30 A.M.

Race Location: Starts and ends at Shane’s Park, 705 W. Front Street, Rockford, OH.

Times: Pre‐registration post-marked by July 7, 2016 (July 5th to guarantee shirt)

Day of Race Registration begins at 7:30am

(New this year!) ½ Mile Run for ages 12 & Under begins at 8:00am

Opening Ceremonies begin at 8:15am

Click Here for the full details with entry form in printable PDF format to fill out and send in. Address included to Steve Fisher, event coordinator.

 
July 10-11, 2017
 

The National Weather Service and Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey issued a tornado warning for Rockford  on Monday, July 10, 2017 about 8:30 PM, and shortly thereafter, the pop-up hit. The tornado was sighted by residents around the Tama Road area south of Rockford and it reportedly touched down as the storm traveled from Tama Road southeasterly through the village of Mercer at US Route 33 and 127 angling across to St. Marys, OH.  It was followed by a severe thunderstorm warning by Sheriff Grey until 11 PM which produced nonstop thunder and lightning for a period of time. 4/10 inches of rain fell with that storm. 4 inches of rain was reported in the extreme northeast corner of Mercer County near Spencerville.

Eyewitness, Sherry Shaffer commented, "

Sheila,  we watched this from north of us (south and west of Rockford) almost on top of Rockford.  Our daughter was home and had gone to Rockford and said the wind was really bad.  The cloud moved more slowly than ones we've seen before. 

At one point the cone tipped and you could see a defined circle with an empty middle.   It took almost 10 minutes for it to move from over Rockford to this point.  Reminded me of a lumbering giant.   Very amazing.  

Sherry."

Picture by Sherry Shaffer as it moves over Rockford

Picture above by Sherry Shaffer as it moves toward Mercer and begins to take shape.

The picture below (by Sheila Baltzell) is a look north from Celina at the shelf cloud which produced the tornado. According to reports, a National Weather Service expert confirmed that a tornado did touch down near Winkler and Jordan Roads west of Rockford. No property damage was reported.

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for Sponsoring the Weather Channel Link above!

OLIVE BRANCH TO HAVE SUPER HERO VBS

Calling all Super heroes!   Olive Branch Church will have a free two day VBS this Friday and Saturday, July 14th and 15th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Kids ages 4 through entering 6th grade are invited to participate in the fun.                                                                                                                                 

This is going to be one SUPER VBS!   It will be a great opportunity for kids to discover that some of the people found in the bible were great bible heroes.  Those stories will help inspire kids to realize how they can be a great hero too by trusting God and having faith in Jesus who is our Ultimate Super Hero!   Each story will concentrate on*superpowers* that we receive by God.  Because of Jesus and through the HolySpirit, we can ALL have these “powers”.                                                                                                                                                                                          Each day will also include high energy songs, fun recreation and really neat crafts.  Each child will receive their own Super Hero cape and mask!   A free lunch will also be provided each day. Olive Branch is located between Ohio City and Rockford on State Route 118.

If you have questions call 419 203-7723.

 
July 7-9, 2017
 

Rockford EMS Plans Open House and Health Fair
The Rockford EMS is planning an Open House and Health Fair at their facility on Main Street in Rockford on Saturday July 29, 2017 from 9-noon.  It is all free with blood pressure and glucose checks, CPR presentations and ambulance tours, free giveaways and volunteer opportunities. Contact rockfordems@gmail.com

Meeting Date Change

Because of the July 4th Holiday - the Rockford Bicentennial Committee meeting has
been changed to July 10th - Rockford Village Hall - 7 pm.

Mercer County EMA Posts Meeting Dates

EMA Advisory Board Meeting

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

EMA Office          
Celina                        12:05 PM

LEPC Meeting &

PUBLIC CRITIQUE of HAZMAT EXERCISE

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Central Services Building 
2nd Floor Conference Room
Celina            7:30 AM

No Lost Time

Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart announced recently that for the 2nd quarter of 2017, its full time and seasonal work force of 35 employees recorded no (0) lost time injuries as related to on the job injuries.

“Achieving quarterly benchmarks of no lost time injuries is a direct result of our employees collaboratively embracing a safety culture.  Kudos to our workforce in achieving this milestone.  With safety being a priority, our folks are working smarter and staying healthier.”  Wiechart stated.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

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

Photo caption:   The Village of Cassella is located at the intersection of St. Rt. 119 and Cassella-Montezuma Road.  Do any readers recognize these old buildings at Cassella?

This Cassella post card was being sold over ebay, by Jim and Donna Dehne from Richardson, Texas.  There is a connection between the early settlement in Mercer County, Ohio  and Texas.  After the turn of the century, in the early 1900’s, several Mercer County families moved to Texas.  The railroads were being used for travel as well as transportation of goods, and the U.S. Mail.  Post cards were a popular method of communication among families “here and there.”   This is my theory as to how the Cassella post card made it to Texas.

The Church at Cassella was named the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, and was formed in 1847.  With the migration of German citizens in the 1830’s and 1840’s, St. Rt. 119 was right on the direct route of settlers entering Mercer County, from the Miami & Erie Canal at Minster. 

The village of Cassella was platted as Marysville in 1860.  On June 5, 1878, John Cron, Post Master wrote, “The Post Office name of my office is Cassella.  Its local name is Marysville.”  [The Cassella Post Office was discontinued June 15, 1905.]  The 1876 Map of Mercer County stated that John Cron was Postmaster at Cassella Post Office in 1876.  The 1882 “History of Van Wert and Mercer Counties, Ohio,” edited by R. Sutton, stated that John Cron was the Postmaster at Cappella [Cassella] from 1868-1876.  The U.S. Post Office states that the Cassella Post Office was established in 1878.  [Remember the old adage, “Read not to believe nor disbelieve, but to weigh and consider.”]  Studying this photograph, it appears to me that the building on the left side of the photograph may have been the local General Store.  Often the early Villages had the Post Office mail, in their local General Stores.  I wonder if this building in Cassella was the site of their first Post Office?

The October 16, 1980 Mercer County Chronicle newspaper carried photographs and a story of the fire in the store room of the Cassella Tavern.  The area fire departments arrived quickly and prevented the fire from spreading to the main building.  At that time, Dennis (Spanky) Kessen and Tommy (Tammy) Kessen were the owners.  The newspaper reported that this tavern had been an old landmark in Cassella and dated back to the Civil War.  Cassella was platted in 1860; it is possible the first General Store did date back to the Civil War, in the 1860’s.  The 1980 newspaper photograph of the Cassella Tavern building resembles the building on the Cassella Post Card above.

In 1976, the newspaper borrowed a photograph from Henry J. Leugers, of the interior of Cassella Saloon, dated about 1911.  I wonder if this was the same building, known as the Cassella Tavern?

I re-read the “History of Cassella,” written by Oscar Eifert, for the 1978 “Mercer County History Book.”  For those seeking the early history of Cassella, the early names for the local village included Marysville, Kappella, Frogtown, and Dog Town.  In the 1980’s Ray Feltz volunteered at the Mercer County Historical Museum.  Ray would tell stories of Frog Town and Dog Town.

When I retired as Director of the Mercer County Historical Museum in 2004, I wrote several Township History books, for people doing research on a specific Township within Mercer County.  The “Passport to Mercer County Ohio History, Marion Township,” includes a bibliography of historical resources of Marion Township Villages and Sites, including Cassella’s history.   The Village of Cassella will have its 160thBirthday in 2020.   Who is interested in writing a book about Cassella’s history for 2020?  Who wants to help the Mercer County Historical Society to preserve Cassella’s history as a part of Mercer County’s 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]

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

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

Photo caption:   This February 17, 2011 letter from U.S. Board on Geographic Names to Charles H. Ayers, at Celina, confirms the local lake’s name as “Grand Lake.” 

Questions keep coming across my desk about the “official” name of the local lake between Mercer & Auglaize Counties.  I have written about the many names of this lake, over the years.  This February 17, 2011 letter printed above should remove any doubt about the name of “Grand Lake.”

Questions keep coming across my desk about how Saint Marys gained and lost the status of being the Mercer County Seat.  On February 16, 2017, I wrote about St. Marys being the Mercer County Seat from 1824 until September 12, 1839, when the County Seat was moved to Celina.  I asked if anyone knew why the County Seat was moved from St. Marys to Celina.

John Valentine, New Bremen, sent me a copy of a page from Frank Shuffelton’s book, “The Saint Marys Story, 1823-1973,” written for the Village’s Sesquicentennial.  On page 28, Shuffelton wrote:

            “When this area was laid out by the State Legislature in 1820, the County of Mercer contained the western half of Auglaize County.  [Auglaize County was not founded until 1848, which resulted in St. Marys, New Bremen and Minster being a part of Mercer County, 1824-1847.  As of 1848 the three villages became a part of the newly formed County, Auglaize County.]  In 1824, the proprietors of Saint Marys, (Murray, Houston and McCorkle), gave the County Commissioners 31 of the 68 plotted lots.  These lots were sold by the Commissioners to raise funds for the establishment of the county to build a courthouse, a jail, and provide operating monies.  By virtue of this gift, the new County was successfully established.  Sixteen years later, in 1840, the controlling votes of the Commissioners passed to elect members of the western most parts of Mercer County.  They wanted the County seat to be closer to themselves.  Consequently, they moved the Courthouse and all to Celina, much to the unhappiness of Saint Marys.  In 1848, a new County of Auglaize was formed.  An Election was held soon to choose a site for the new County seat.  Wapakoneta wanted it as being close to the geographical center while Saint Marys pushed its claim of being nearer the center of population.”   Auglaize Countians can check those records at the Auglaize County Courthouse.  Shuffelton recommended in the introduction to his 1973 book, that Saint Marys plan for its Bicentennial celebration in 2023.  I do hope that Auglaize County includes the facts about the elections in the 1830’s and 1840’s for their Bicentennial Celebration.

The first week of April, 2017, I contacted the Mercer County Board of Elections twice, and asked them to provide the public records about the public elections in the 1830’s and 1840’s.  I have not heard from them as of this July.  The public is interested in the information which may confirm the story about why the Courthouse was moved to Celina.

When I was writing the “History of the Mercer County Courthouse,” for the Mercer County Commissioners, for the 75th Celebration of the current Courthouse in 1998, I did not find a record of a meeting of the Mercer County Commissioners which recorded why they made the decision and/or passed a Resolution to change the site of the Mercer County Seat.  I did find the Mercer County Commissioners’ Journal that the Commissioners held their first meeting at Celina, dated September 12, 1839.

Decisions to move an Ohio County Courthouse, from one Village to another Village should have been a public record in 1839.  Was this decision about a County Public Building Site, a private decision made behind closed doors?   In the “Ohio Sunshine Laws, An open Government Resource Manual,” from the Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, the statement is made, “Over 200 years of Sunshine:  Reflections on Open Government.”

[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]

New Troopers Assigned to the Van Wert Patrol Post

VAN WERT - The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol has two new troopers serving at the post.

Troopers Chase Black and Austin Adams graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy on March 24, 2017 after 26 weeks of intense paramilitary training.

Courses completed by the Patrol’s 161th class included crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense, and emergency vehicle operations.

The troopers recently completed their field-training period and are now serving the Van Wert and Paulding county communities.

Austin Adams

Chase Black

Sign-Up For Wren Rib Roast Cook-off

It’s Rib Cook-off time again!  The 14^th Annual Wren Rib Roast Cookoff will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 during the Homecoming festivities.  This year’s theme will be “Backyard Bonfire BBQ”.  Cooks are asked to consider adding a flare of creativity with their main entry and/or side dishes that connect to the theme.

Contestants will need to provide any equipment and supplies necessary for the cook-off. Western-style pork ribs will be provided, at no cost, to each contestant on the Thursday before the contest. All types of spices, marinades, and “secret recipes” are encouraged.  All types of cookers and any fuel sources will be accepted.  Cooking will take place outside the Wrenway Wiffleball Park, with judging starting at 11:30 am.  Ribs will be judged on taste and tenderness.  A separate prize will be given for presentation, sauce and best side dish.  For the third consecutive year, a “People’s Choice” award will once again be presented. Visiting rib enthusiasts can enter a drawing to be one of two “celebrity judges”.  All ribs must be prepared on-site the day of the contest.

To sign up or find out more information, please call James Lautzenheiser at (216) 262-2805. You may also reach him at james.lautzenheiser@yahoo.com. Only the first 15 amateur cooks who register will be permitted to participate.  Deadline to enter is Tuesday, August 1, 2017.  T-shirts will be available to order prior to August 1^st.

Faith Bible Institute for Adults Coming to Liberty Baptist Church

(Van Wert) Open enrollment has begun for the Faith Bible Institute for adults which is held at the Liberty Baptist Church at 501 E. Third Street, Van Wert, Ohio.  FBI is a once a week Bible Institute with 3 hours of college level studies each Thurs. night beginning at 6 pm. The first session for this year’s fall semester is Aug. 24, 2017. The last night for this semester is Dec. 14.  The DVD instructor is John Yates, who founded Faith Bible Institute in 1985.  FBI courses have been held in churches in 47 U S states and 7 different continents.  Although FBI is designed to bring a practical Bible education to lay people to enrich your Christian lives and help you better understand the Bible, FBI is also an excellent tool to encourage Sunday School teachers, Bible teachers, as well as Pastors, evangelists and missionaries. Each night of studies includes one Old Testament Bible lesson, one New Testament Bible lesson and one Bible doctrine theology lesson.  This 2017 fall semester will cover:  the Separate Kingdoms of Israel & Judah, the New Testament Epistles of  Paul, and the theology course will be on the Doctrine of  Salvation.   If you attend Faith Bible Institute every semester for 3 years, you will study every book of the Bible. Some Bible Colleges will also accept FBI credits towards higher degrees. Your host and director of the Van Wert classes is Mr. Fred Heimann and Pastor Jim C. Burns is the pastor of the host church.   You may enroll online at:  www.fbiclass.com & enter classes for "Van Wert."  If you have any questions about the area Faith Bible Institute classes for the fall semester you may contact Fred Heimann at 260-413-2873, or view the Faith Bible Institute’s web site at:  www.fbiclass.com.

 
July 5-6, 2017
 

Couple Celebrates 50th Wedding Anniversary

Jason E. & Rae S. Dull will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on July 14, 2017. They were married July 14th, 1967 at the United Methodist Church in Pleasant Mills IN.

Jay & Rae have five daughters: Jenni (Bobby) Brewer of Celina OH; Julie (Chris) Coppler of Decatur IN; June (Jason) Arnold of Celina OH; Jessica (Len) Archibald of Lima OH; & Joelle (Travis) Pond of Celina OH.

In their golden years, Jay & Rae love to spend time with their family, especially their 15 grandchildren & 4 great grandchildren. They also love to sit on the glider, on their front porch, and take in all the outdoors has to offer.

Parkway Board of Education to Meet on July 11, 2017 - Click here to see Agenda by Sally Cox

Reminder to Pull over and STOP for All Public Safety Vehicles

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reminds motorists that the Ohio Revised 

Code 4511.45 requires all vehicles to yield the right of way to public safety 

vehicles.  Public safety vehicles are Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement

 vehicles using emergency flashing red or blue lights and sirens. 

The law requires you to stop as close as possible to the right side of the 

roadway and remain in that position until the public safety vehicle has 

passed.

The Sheriff’s Office has received complaints regarding vehicles that refuse 

to yield to emergency vehicles. Vehicles that do not stop and/or pull to the 

right of the roadway may be charged with a misdemeanor of the fourth 

degree on a first offense. Maximum penalty is $250 fine and 30 days in jail. 

Sheriff Grey reminds motorists to drive safely and allow those responding 

to emergencies get to their destination safely as well, they may be 

responding to help someone you know. 

Writers Invited

The Stateline Writers Club is scheduled to meet on Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m. in the Celina public library.  The suggested composition topic is a summer activity.

If time permits, the meeting will include a writing activity.

Rockford Rec Fall Sports Registration - Flag Football & Soccer 

The Rockford Recreation Association is currently accepting registration forms for the 2017 fall sports season. Registration and medical forms can be printed from www.rockfordrec.com, the Rockford Rec Facebook page, or picked up at the Rockford Village Office. Registration deadline for all fall programs is August 6th.

The 2017 Fall Soccer League is open to boys and girls entering grades K-6. Games will be played on Sunday afternoons at Shanes Park through the months of September and October. The registration fee is $25.00 per child and each participant will receive a team jersey. Each player is required to provide their own shin guards. 

The 2017 Fall Flag Football League is open to boys and girls entering grades 1-6. Flag football games will be played on Monday evenings at Shanes park through the months of September and October. The registration fee is $25.00 per child and each participant will receive a team jersey and a mouthpiece. Mouthpieces are required to participate at all practices and games. 

Completed registration forms, medical forms, and registration fees can be dropped off at the Rockford Village Office or mailed to Rockford Rec. - PO Box 16 - Rockford, OH 45882. 

 
July 1-4, 2017
Happy Independence Day!

 

Taste of Celina – Very Fun and Delicious Event

A Taste of Celina Block Party and Car Show is scheduled for Friday, July 14th in downtown Celina.  The festivities will be downtown Main Street in Celina from 5-10pm. You will be able to taste the unique specialties of several different Celina restaurants and caterers.  Food items will require 1 to 4 food tickets which will be available at the ticket tent for $1 each.  If you wish to avoid the lines, presale tickets are on sale now at the Celina Mercer County Chamber office located at 121 East Logan Street in Celina.  Buy 20 tickets; get one free for a limited time! 

Tables and chairs will align the streets so you can sit and enjoy food and friends while also listening to live music by Will Freed and Friends. Beer and wine tasting will also be available inside some of the downtown restaurants.   Several local establishments will be open after the event closes with special entertainment.  Feel free to browse through the unique specialty shops that downtown has to offer.  Again this year at the south end of Main Street is the cruise in car show.  The evening has so much to offer with food, friends, and fun at the Taste of Celina Block Party and Carshow.

For more information, call the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce at 419-586-2219.  

 
Picture from 2016

13th Annual Shane’s Crossing 5k Run/Walk

Saturday, July 15th 2017 @ 8:30 A.M.

Race Location: Starts and ends at Shane’s Park, 705 W. Front Street, Rockford, OH.

Times: Pre‐registration post-marked by July 7, 2016 (July 5th to guarantee shirt)

Day of Race Registration begins at 7:30am

(New this year!) ½ Mile Run for ages 12 & Under begins at 8:00am

Opening Ceremonies begin at 8:15am

Click Here for the full details with entry form in printable PDF format to fill out and send in. Address included to Steve Fisher, event coordinator.

 
June 28-30, 2017

 

Artist from Urbana, Native of Rockford Area, to Speak on Radio Show

Todd Buschur will be interviewed on the Spectrum radio show by Kevin
Sandler on WCSM on Friday, July 7. He will talk about his own art plus his
involvement in the Lake Area Arts Group. Todd is a Parkway graduate and now teaches art in Urbana, OH. His personal artwork is shown in the area ~ one such place being Eastview Park in Celina, OH.

Northmen and Cathy to Perform in Rockford

The Northmen and Cathy will be in concert at Rockford United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 9, at 8:30 and 10:30 worship services. The Northmen and Cathy are celebrating 28 years as a full-time Christian music ministry. The group consists of three members. Lead singer is Alan Godsey, Alan’s wife, Cathy, sings alto and plays piano. Singing baritone is Brad Luzadder.

The Northmen and Cathy are a ministry that entertains and uplifts the Christian, as well as reaches out to a lost and dying world to let them know that Jesus still saves.

Rockford United Methodist Church is located at 202 South Franklin Street, where Chip Steffy is lead pastor. Please join us when the Northmen and Cathy come to entertain and inspire us.

MILITARY FAMILY RECEIVES NEW HOME

For Jonathan and Kami Hampton, looking to the organization Lots for Soldiers for a home didn’t seem like the real-deal at first.

"When I first heard of Lots for Soldiers, I thought it was kind of a too-good-to-be-true type of things and it turned out to be a really great organization that really cares about the veterans," Jonathan Hampton said.

But now, the town of Rockford is welcoming in the Hampton family after helping build a home for the couple and their young son with a house dedication and raising of the American flag. Lots for Soldiers helps out military families by bringing the community together to build them a home on a donated residential lot, and it’s just a way to give back to those that have served or are serving now.

"We found a that there are a whole host of people out there that want to say thank you in some fashion for the veterans' service but they don't know how to do it, so we actually started to provide a way for them to say thanks," said Homer Burnett, Board President of Lots for Soldiers.

That community has been very warm towards Jonathan, who is a career counselor and recruiter for the Ohio National Guard and Kami, who is a licensed practical nurse - a community that they are excited to be a part of soon.

"We're looking forward to the community because they're a close knit community - both of us come from bigger communities, not really big cities, but bigger than this, where they're not as close knit," said Kami Hampton.

This is the second home that Lots for Soldiers has donated, and they’re planning to build more this coming fall.

Local Veterans helped with the dedication.

Lake Area Arts to Meet

The Lake Area Arts Group will meet on Wednesday, July 12 at the
Richardson-Bretz building beginning at 6 p.m. Items will include given art creations, 2D and 3D art at the Celina CityAdministrative building, and stations at Eastview Park. Otherpertinent points will include the following: 1. Public art at
Montgomery Field, 2.Mercer County Fair booth for art, 3. new methods in art by Emilie Fisher, a graduate of Parkway High School, and 4.2017-18 LAAG programs.

Public is invited.

Tia Caffee of Willshire will have solo exhibits for the month of July at CJ Highmarks in Celina. Her artistic creations 
will be admired by many, many people. 

Public is encouraged and welcome to visit.

Ice Cream Social Planned

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Serving from 4:30-7pm

Homemade ice cream, pies, cakes, sandwiches

St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell Twp.

9009 State Route 118, Celina, OH

(Corner of St. Rt. 118 & Oregon Rd.)

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Mercer Health Weight Management Center continues

with Weight Management Support Program

Gentle Yoga Demonstration

The Weight Management Center at Mercer Health will be holding a special, free speaker event on Monday, July 10, at 6:00pm at Mercer Health’s West Campus location.  Join Jenna Moody, Certified Gentle Yoga Instructor, as she explains and demonstrates the art of Gentle Yoga, as well as her own personal weight loss journey.  Registration is preferred for this event.

The Mercer Health Weight Management Center also continues to offer several other Weight Management programs throughout the year.  The following programs are now available through Mercer Health’s Weight Management Center:

1)      Medical Weight loss is now available, with the addition of Lindsey Moeller, CNP, to the Weight Management Center staff.  This offers medically managed weight loss, including surgical and non-surgical interventions, weight loss medications, and appointments specialized to discuss your personal weight loss needs.

2)      The weight loss surgery program continues to grow, and now includes laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery.  The required informational seminar is now available online anytime at www.mercer-health.com. 

3)      Rev It Up!® Weight Management is a 9-week interactive lifestyle program led by our registered dietitian that covers topics such as behavior modification, hunger and fullness signals, fluid needs, meal timing, aerobic exercise, and more. The next 9-week session begins this fall.

4)      The Medifast® Program offers a structured meal plan that incorporates specially formulated Medifast meal replacement and snack products to achieve a low calorie, low carbohydrate diet.  To begin the Medifast program, view the required “Introduction to Medifast” class online anytime at www.mercer-health.com.

5)      The MedGem Indirect Calorimeter is a handheld device that determines an individual’s resting metabolic rate.  This test also includes an interpretation with a registered dietitian to determine an appropriate caloric level for weight loss.  Tests are scheduled on a patient by patient basis.

6)      The monthly Weight Management Support Group Program is held the second Monday of each month at 6:00pm at Mercer Health West Campus meeting room.

To register for the Support Program, or for more information about this program or other Weight Management Programs available at Mercer Health, contact the Weight Management Center at 419-678-8446. 

Redskin Classic 5K

The Redskin Classic 5K walk/run will be Sunday July 2th 2017 at 8:45 A.M. at St. Henry, Ohio.  This event is sponsored by P. T. Services with the proceeds to benefit community improvements and events.

This walk/run is part of the Mercer Health 5K Challenge Series.

The course will start and finish on Columbus St. near the high school.  Race day registration will be at the school for $13.00 with no shirt.

Mail completed form and check to: P.T. Services c/o Connie Buschur, 452 Stachler Dr. St. Henry, Ohio 45883.  If you wish to receive race results, please visit www.mercerhealth5kchallenge.com .  For information call 419-678-4444.

Those who complete all eight challenge races will receive a half-zip, Dri-fit pullover.  Those who complete six races will receive a T-shirt.  Good running!

 
June 23-27, 2017
 

Corn in Right of Way

Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart is reminding landowners and farmers that corn that has been planted and is encroaching in the road right-of-ways can be a very serious sight problem on the narrower township and county roads.  “Such sight problems limiting the ability of the traveling public to see, can be particularly hazardous; causing the very real and dangerous potential for intersection accidents,” Wiechart said.

The Mercer County Engineer’s Office requests that landowners review these intersections where they have corn planted and if they see sight problems, they lessen the hazard by removing that portion of the crop that is obstructing the clear line of sight.  Details regarding existing township and county road right-of-ways may be obtained by contacting the engineer’s office.

Taste of Celina - Great Food, Music and Community

Friday, July 14, 2017 from 5 to 10 PM; Great Food; Car Show; Music by Will Freed and Friends.

Public Service Announcement

The Village of Rockford will begin a project of smoking the sewer system.  This will begin on July 5th and may continue for up to 2 weeks.  You may see white smoke coming up out of the ground – do not be alarmed.

41st Old Fashioned Farmers Days coming to Van Wert Fairground

Plan now to take in the fun at the Old Fashioned Farmers’ Days Event to be held June 29 through July 2, 2017. Tractors, engines, equipment food and fun. See the ad and website link at the top of the Parkway Independent.

 
June 22, 2017
 

RADC Members, to Meet in Rockford in august
The Rockford Area Development Corporation meeting is cancelled for Monday, June 26th at 7pm in the Rockford Library basement.
There is no July Meeting. The August meeting is planned.

Jeanne (Clouse) Osterfeld Hired as New Parkway Superintendent

The Parkway Local School Board on Tuesday, June 13, voted to hire Jeanne (Clouse) Osterfeld as their new Superintendent, offering her a two year contract beginning on August 1, 2017 . She will make $94,500 salary per year. A native of Rockford, Osterfeld is a Parkway graduate herself and is the daughter of Bill and Sharon (Hamrick) Clouse of Rockford.

The board thanked the public and staff for their input, through an online survey, as they deliberated on the pool of candidates. The board was looking for a student-first candidate with strong leadership and communications skills.  Mrs. Osterfeld will come to Parkway from Versailles Middle School where she has been serving several years as the principal.

Greg Puthoff, the current superintendent, will retire after 8 years in the position and 4 years as high school principal at Parkway.  

Greg Puthoff Retiring as Parkway Superintendent on July 31, 2017 – Moving on in his Educational Career

Greg Puthoff has been at the helm of Parkway for 8 years as Superintendent and 4 years as high school principal. He plans to retire at the end of the month. 

He grew up on a small farm outside of St. Henry where he enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball during high school. He received a Football Scholarship to Ohio University.  Greg credits his
brother in law who was a teacher and influenced Greg’s  decision to go in to Education.

Greg ~ early on in his career ~ set an Educational goal to become a Superintendent. As the High School Principal at Parkway for four years , he was able to apply for the position of Superintendent when Mr. Karst retired.

Greg’s most memorable moments include several things.  When he first came to Parkway, the Parkway School Building was built. In June 2006, he helped move students and administrators into the new building in Rockford.  He is also proud of the fact that Parkway became an Excellent rated School District three years in a row.    One big challenge, in his first year was the dilemma of the Parkway District losing $20,000 per year for Opened Enrolled Students (who were attending school elsewhere. Greg is roud to say that in the 2016-2017 school year, Parkway has a positive $420,000 for Open Enrolled Students.

For Greg, his proudest personal moments at Parkway were actually three ~ he said, “My proudest moments were handing my three sons their Graduation Diplomas.”

Greg enjoys spending time with his family. His wife Jenifer is a teacher in the Crestview School District.

Their sons are busy, too.  Jacob graduated from Ball State and is working for Garman/Miller Architects in Minster Ohio. Jared is a Junior at Hillsdale College majoring in Economics. And, Joshua will be a Freshman at the University of Toledo majoring in Mechanical Engineering. 

Greg welcomes Jeanne Osterfeld as the new Parkway Superintendent. Greg’s retirement plans include a new job. He has accepted a position as the Paulding Elementary Principal in Paulding OH starting on August 2, 2017.

21^st Century Club Learn About Child’s Play and Yahtzee

The Twenty First Century Club met on May 23, 2017 at Twyla Hayes’ business office.  Vice President Rozann welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.  Roll-Call was completed with everyone stating their favorite game.

The treasurer’s report was not available.

Minutes were read and approved. Twyla reviewed some of the Rockford Bicentennial updates and  suggested that the 21st Century Club consider hosting an old-fashioned “tea”.  The group also discussed inviting new members to join the club. Any woman interested in joining may also contact Sheila Baltzell at 419-733-3326.  A slate of officers was presented  for the 2017-2018 year:

President: Rozann Maurer; VP: Karla Butler; Treasurer: Valerie Frizinger: Reporter: Sheila Baltzell; and Secretary: Kim Carr

The officers were approved by the members.

The theme for the year “Start to Finish” has been about all aspects of different games with outgoing president Lani Stein and outgoing vice-president leading the group.

The last program for the current club year was presented by Ann Gage speaking of some of the people that have influenced her life the most. She recalls that her family didn’t play games when she was a child.  She sewed, crocheted, tatted, and played with paper dolls.  She displayed many of her paper doll items with Patty Page, Rosemary Clooney and Bob Cummings being represented.  She discussed some of her life long collections: earrings; napkins (almost 600); and marbles - with some of them being from her grandfather’s collection.

She then shared the rules of Yahtzee (stating that she had never played it.)

Following Ann was member Susan Coburn who then shared what she learned about Mancala.  She stated it originated in the 6th-7th century possibly in southern Iraq.  It is a two person game, using a board and markers that can be stones, beach glass, acorns, marbles, and many other variations. 

She reviewed the rules and then each member played several games.

Twyla Hayes and Cindy Canary then served delicious snacks with a red-white-blue theme to represent the upcoming Memorial Day.

The next meeting will be in September 2017.

Plans Being Finalized For  52nd Annual Willshire Days  

Plans are nearly completed for the 52nd annual Willshire Days, scheduled
for June 23rd, 24th and 25th.

The park will have many activities going on Friday evening and Saturday.
Those activities include inflatables, carnival games,  bingo, face painting,
the ODNR archery trailer and Hover Archery.

Community wide garage sales and the second annual Willshire Days Swap Meet
will open early on Friday morning. A list of participating garage sales will
be available at local businesses. Watch for crafters/vendors to be setting
up in the park along the path on the northeast side of the park on Saturday
morning.

The Car Show will be well underway prior to the Flag Raising ceremony at
6:00 p.m. Activities during Friday evening include a Talent Show Pageant,
and Lions Club Bingo.  New to the entertainment stage will be rock band Muddsock
featuring area singer, Garry Heck.

Activities on Saturday will begin early as the Willshire Fire Department
and Ladies Auxiliary will be serving a breakfast at the fire station for all
to enjoy. Breakfast will include pancake, sausages, biscuits with gravy and
scrambled eggs.  

Inflatables, and games,  along with  concessions will open
at 11:30 a.m.  The annual parade begins at 4:00 p.m. Following the parade
the park will again be filled with many activities including free pony
rides, kids tractor pull and Willshire native, Aaron Roehm. He will be
entertaining all ages with a magic show. Plan to be there early as he will
be making balloon sculptures prior to the show.

Rounding out the evening entertainment will be "Evolution" featuring Willshire's own Matt Motycka.
The band features the sounds of acoustic rock from the 80s and 90s. 

Sunday will feature a Chicken Dinner. Presale tickets are available from
any Willshire Youth Activities member or player, members of the  Willshire
Fire Dept. and/or at the Photo Star.

Contact numbers for the various activities are as follows: Car Show (Bryan
Hess, 419-910-1558), Crafts/Vendors (Renee Linn, 419-953-8961), Garage Sales
(Village Office, 419-495-2704), Pageants (Angela at 419-953-4865 or Audrey
at 567-259-8527), Parade (Karen Hunziker, 419-495-2802 or Paulette Stauffer,
419-203-2579), Swap Meet (Rod Vore, 260-223-9985), General Information (Jodi
Berry, 567-259-7818).

 
June 20-21, 2017
Summer Solstice and First Day of Summer
 

Parkway Grads Deliver Home Sewn Clothing to Mission in Haiti

By Ty Habegger

On May 20th the Rockford United Methodist Church held a “Girls Night Out” event to sew girl’s dresses and boy’s shorts to be given to impoverished children in Haiti. Over 130 dresses and a dozen pairs of shorts were made.

This clothing was delivered by the “Hope Has a Name” mission team from Lafayette, IN which included Parkway alums Ty & Laura (Linn) Habegger. The team presented the dresses on June 6th to the pastor at a church in rural Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti to be distributed amongst the children of the village. The women and children in the village were overcome with joy at the generous gift.

The “Hope Has A Name” mission team is a part of First Assembly Community Ministries in Lafayette, IN and consisted of 19 team members from Lafayette, Logansport, and Attica, Indiana. The team worked in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti from June 2-9th. During this time the team partnered with the organization, Convoy of Hope in constructing an addition on to a school building, delivering used laptop computers and French books for the school, and helped in training the school teachers and nurses at the church clinic. Overall it was a very successful and rewarding trip for all.

ROCKFORD LIONS CLUB AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS

Claire Fisher, Alivia Stover, Sydney Swygart, and Megan Weirrick each received a $500.00 Scholarship from the Rockford Lions Club during the Senior Awards Night held at Parkway High School in May.  Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects, like the Annual Variety Show, fund scholarships and help to fulfill local community needs & requests. 

Lion President Lee Ann Frank recently presented varsity baseball coach Luke Clouse with a donation in support of the Parkway Baseball program. 

Members of the Rockford Lions were a part of the Rockford Community Days Parade on Saturday afternoon June 17th.   Planning for 2018 projects will continue throughout the summer.

The Rockford Lions Club meets at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.

Drug Arrest Made

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his agency had received a drug tip, that led to the arrest of a local man.   Grey reported that his agency received the tip on June 15th, 2017 shortly after 9am.   Deputies from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and a patrolman from the Celina Police Department went to the 7000 block of Havemann Road and located the suspect at 9:29 am.  The suspect was reported to be in possession of drugs.

Deputies checked the male suspect and found that he was in possession of over 5 grams of Methamphetamines.  Arrested was 35 year old Michael James Wilson Jr. of 219 E Wayne Street Celina, Ohio.  Wilson is currently being held in the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony of the 5th degree.  Wilson’s bond has been set at $125,000.00 subject to ten percent.

“Tips have increased as of late and so have our arrests,” stated Sheriff Grey.   Grey stated that he is asking his citizens to continue help his office by leaving tips. 

2017 4TH OF JULY “HOLIDAY AT HOME”

The “Holiday at Home” Committee would like to extend their annual invitation to all Van Wert County to join them for the July 4th  festivities. 

On Friday evening, June 30, a Star Spangled Spectacular concert will be presented in Fountain Park.  The American and patriotic music presented by Crafton Beck and the Lima Pops Orchestra will set the tone for the upcoming July 4th celebration.  The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. with food being served starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Van Wert VFW located at the corner of Jackson and Shannon will start out the July 4th by serving breakfast.   They will be serving pancakes and sausage and biscuits and gravy from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The 24th Annual Historical Society Bike Tour is a scenic tour through Van Wert County.  Tour departs (at 7:30 a.m.) and returns at Jubilee Park.  Both pre-registration and day of race registrations are available by contacting Lionel Enyart.

At 11:00 a.m., the annual 4th of July parade will begin.  Parade lineup begins at the corner of Cherry & Main Streets (YWCA). The parade will proceed down Main Street to Shannon Street (YMCA) at which time it will turn north onto Shannon and end at Jackson Street.  For a parade form or more information, contact Linda Stutz at 419-238-4192 (until 4:00 p.m.) or 419-238-2901 (after 4:30 p.m.)

In conjunction with the “Holiday at Home” celebration, the Van Wert County Historical Society will be hosting their annual craft, food and fun.  Such things as free train rides and games and activities for the kids will be on the Museum grounds located at 602 N. Washington Street.  Food will be ongoing from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Service again this year will be by the Van Wert Rotary Club with the assistance of Scout Troop 35.   Music will be presented in the Gazebo by the Merry Gentlemen presenting the National Anthem at Noon with the Boy Scouts flag raising.    Additional presentations will be made at 12:15 by Randy Long; 1:00 The Community Band and from 2:00 Aaron Roehm’s magic & balloons. 

The 4th of July “Holiday at Home” wouldn’t be much of a celebration without a spectacular fireworks display.  American Fireworks will be presenting a fireworks display you won’t soon forget.  The fireworks will be shot off at the Van Wert City School property on St. Rt. 118 (Shannon Street) south of Van Wert at approximately 10:00 p.m.   The fireworks are made possible by a grant from the Van Wert County Foundation and many other Van Wert County merchants.   

 
June 17-19, 2017
 

Summer Reading is for all ages at Rockford Carnegie Library!

The summer reading program for the preschool and elementary age children will continue on Tuesday, June 20th and Wednesday, June 21st at 10:30.  This week, on Wednesday the 21st only, members of the Grand Lake Mariners will be here to meet and greet with the children.

All teens and children signed up for the summer reading program by Friday, June 30th will be entered in a drawing for 4 (four) Kings Island tickets.  

All teens and adults can enter a drawing by signing an entry slip with their name and phone number.  Prizes will be awarded the last week of July.  We have some Kindle Fire 7's among other prizes to give away.

Plans Being Finalized For  52nd Annual Willshire Days  

Plans are nearly completed for the 52nd annual Willshire Days, scheduled
for June 23rd, 24th and 25th.

The park will have many activities going on Friday evening and Saturday.
Those activities include inflatables, carnival games,  bingo, face painting,
the ODNR archery trailer and Hover Archery.

Community wide garage sales and the second annual Willshire Days Swap Meet
will open early on Friday morning. A list of participating garage sales will
be available at local businesses. Watch for crafters/vendors to be setting
up in the park along the path on the northeast side of the park on Saturday
morning.

The Car Show will be well underway prior to the Flag Raising ceremony at
6:00 p.m. Activities during Friday evening include a Talent Show Pageant,
and Lions Club Bingo.  New to the entertainment stage will be rock band Muddsock
featuring area singer, Garry Heck.

Activities on Saturday will begin early as the Willshire Fire Department
and Ladies Auxiliary will be serving a breakfast at the fire station for all
to enjoy. Breakfast will include pancake, sausages, biscuits with gravy and
scrambled eggs.  

Inflatables, and games,  along with  concessions will open
at 11:30 a.m.  The annual parade begins at 4:00 p.m. Following the parade
the park will again be filled with many activities including free pony
rides, kids tractor pull and Willshire native, Aaron Roehm. He will be
entertaining all ages with a magic show. Plan to be there early as he will
be making balloon sculptures prior to the show.

Rounding out the evening entertainment will be "Evolution" featuring Willshire's own Matt Motycka.
The band features the sounds of acoustic rock from the 80s and 90s. 

Sunday will feature a Chicken Dinner. Presale tickets are available from
any Willshire Youth Activities member or player, members of the  Willshire
Fire Dept. and/or at the Photo Star.

Contact numbers for the various activities are as follows: Car Show (Bryan
Hess, 419-910-1558), Crafts/Vendors (Renee Linn, 419-953-8961), Garage Sales
(Village Office, 419-495-2704), Pageants (Angela at 419-953-4865 or Audrey
at 567-259-8527), Parade (Karen Hunziker, 419-495-2802 or Paulette Stauffer,
419-203-2579), Swap Meet (Rod Vore, 260-223-9985), General Information (Jodi
Berry, 567-259-7818).

 
June 16, 2017
 

Parkway 8th Graders Enjoy Annual Class Trip to Washington DC April 9-14th

Principal Brian Woods commented on the recent trip to Washington DC by 8th graders and their chaperones, “We had a great trip to Washington D.C.! The weather was beautiful with high's in the 70's each day and no rain. We started our trip in Philadelphia (second year for this) and then headed to D.C.”

Two coach busses full of excited students traveled through the night of April 9th and began touring early on Monday morning April 10, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA where they saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the US Mint. They all enjoyed the Constitution Center’s "Rocky Steps".  Traveling on, they made DC by evening and took a tour of “The Mall” and checked into the hotel.

First thing on April 11, everyone took the White House Walk - North Side and then headed to the museums including: American History, Natural History, Air & Space National Archives, U.S. Marine Corps Museum 3:30 Mt. Vernon Estate & Educational Center and then finished up the long day with the Alexandria Colonial Tour . On April 12, 2017 busses delivered the students to Arlington Cemetery where students  watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the unknown soldier and four students from Parkway conducted the Wreath-Laying Ceremony . Students also visited the Kennedy Graves .  That afternoon they all met with Congressman Latta at the  Capitol and saw the Library of Congress .  Students also visited the  Martin Luther King, Jr. and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials, Pentagon, 9-11 Memorial before heading to their hotels for the night.  On April 13, 2017 they loaded up the busses for the trip home, but they still had a full day of sight-seeing to do. Thursday was the Lincoln / Vietnam / Korean Memorials, Ford's Theatre: Museum, Theatre Walk Thru, Petersen House, Educational Center World War II Memorial, U.S. Holocaust Permanent Exhibit, National Archives – and  Jefferson Memorial. After dinner, they took in two more sights Air Force Memorial and  Iwo Jima Memorial before traveling through the night to arrive home  at Parkway Middle School on Friday April 14, 2017.

Students selected by their peers to participate in the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery - Kelsey Nichols, Kaden Boroff, Elijah Rich, Avery Boroff

Group pic at the White House

Girls taking a break at the National Sculpture Garden with the National Archives building in the background.

Students at the Marine Corp Museum

Students at John F. Kennedy grave site at Arlington  

Students participating in the wreath laying ceremony

Group photo at the Capitol

Students getting "rubbing" of names on Vietnam Memorial wall.

Rockford Community Prepares for Upcoming Bicentennial Celebration

The members of the Rockford community are now making plans for the Rockford Bicentennial to be recognized in 2020.  The year-long celebration will feature the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Rockford (Shanes Crossing) and all the great history that has made this village what it is today.  The events will be kicked off with a formal celebration ball in December 2019.

Members of the community and surrounding area who consider the Rockford area their home are encouraged to join in the planning of this grand celebration.  It will take many hands to make this celebration a success, so your participation would be appreciated.

The Bicentennial Celebration Committee meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Rockford Village Hall.  Please consider being a part of this very exciting celebration.

Gun Raffle to Benefit Bicentennial Celebration Plans

The Rockford Bicentennial Celebration Committee will be holding a gun raffle during the Rockford Community Days this year, with the guns being awarded at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, in front of the log cabin in Shanes Park.  A limited number of tickets are still available for purchase.  Being given away are a Remington 870 Mag and a 9MM Smith & Wesson Shield, with the guns being furnished by Iron Elements of Celina, Ohio. 

Tickets can still be purchased on Friday, June 16, at the Community Days Car Show in downtown Rockford, located at the Bicentennial T-shirt table at the car show.  All proceeds will help with the Rockford Bicentennial celebration to be held in 2020.  Thank you for your support of our upcoming bicentennial celebration!

Road to Close for Bridge Work

The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Rauh Road between Pine Road and St. Anthony Road in Washington Township for a bridge rehabilitation.  This road will be closed tentatively on June 19, 2017 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 5 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

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

Taste of Celina - Great Food, Music and Community

Friday, July 14, 2017 from 5 to 10 PM

2017-2018 Parkway Preschool

Parkway Preschool is currently accepting registrations for the 2017-2018 school year.  Our preschool is once again a Step Up to Quality Five-Star program, which means this program has demonstrated the highest level of quality as rated by the Ohio Department of Education.

Registration forms are available in the district office or on our website under Parents>>School Forms Download>>Preschool Forms and Documents.  Once the registration is completed and the registration fee paid, the forms packet needs to be turned in on Back to School Night, August 15 or before preschool begins (August 23).  Morning classes are 8:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and afternoon classes are 12:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.  

We currently have openings for the Tuesday/Thursday morning and afternoon classes as well as the Monday/Wednesday afternoon classes.  Children must be 3, 4 or 5 to attend and fully potty trained.  Financial assistance is available; however, the preschooler must be 4 years old by August 1 to qualify.

Sign-up as soon as possible as the deadline to register is August 1, 2017.  If you have further questions, please call the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720. 

 
June 8-15, 2017
 

Flag Day is June 14, 2017
Fly your American flag!

Lots For Soldiers - Rockford Home Dedication - Community Invited

Please plan to attend as we honor a deserving member of
the United States Armed Forces and his family.  We will be
turning over the keys to their new home located at:

310 Holly Lane, Rockford
June 18th, 2017 
1 to 3 pm

Parkway Board of Education to Meet on June 13, 2017 - Click here to see Agenda by Sally Cox

Rockford Police Department Serves Search Warrant

Mercer County Sheriff, Jeff Grey reports that his deputies and officers of the Celina Police Department working as the Grand Lake Task Force and a member of the Rockford Police Department served a search warrant for a residence in Rockford on Tuesday, June 6.  The Sheriff’s Office had received an anonymous tip at 7:05 am of possible drug activity at 214 West Walnut Street in Rockford, Ohio.   Deputies applied for and received a Search Warrant for the residence with the information that they had.  At 4:44 pm, the search warrant was issued and served. 

Deputies and officers found three (3) people hiding inside the residence.   All three people were detained and their information checked.   Two people were found to have outstanding warrants, they were taken into custody. The third person was questioned and released.

Arrested was 24 year old James Charles – Phillip Higgins II.  Higgins last known address is listed as 2405 Gannon Road Howell, Michigan.   Higgins had an outstanding bench warrant out of Auglaize County for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with a bond $10,000.00.

Also arrested was 34 year old Stephanie Clare Boeckman of 1730 Celina Road Lot 15 St.Marys, Ohio.   Boeckman had an active Felony Warrant out of Mercer County for Aggravated Possession of Drugs.  There was No Bond on her warrant.

During the search of the residence, deputies and officers found suspected Methamphetamines, small amount of marijuana, syringes and other drug paraphernalia. 

A copy of this investigation will be sent to the Mercer County Prosecutors Office for their review of additional charges. 

Sheriff Grey reminds citizens that every tip that is received by his office will be looked into.  Grey stated that some tips have instant results, while others begin long term investigations.  Grey stated that it will take all of us, Law Enforcement, Courts and the citizens to combat our drug problem.    Grey stated that tips can be left on the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office web site. 

Click Here - Parkway Middle School Supply List for 2017-2018

Honor Roll ~ Parkway Middle School ~ 4th Nine Weeks 2016-2017 SY ~ by Michelle Agler
Click Here

Community Announcement – Ice Cream Social

What:              Salem Church Ice Cream Social, Venedocia, Ohio

When:                        Friday, June 16, 4:30 – 7:00 pm

Description:   Featuring Venedocia Lion’s Club Sausage and Sycamore Ice Cream along with other dinner and dessert items.

Where:           Venedocia Lions Club Building, air conditioned, next to the recreation park and ball field. Venedocia is west of Lima and southeast of Van Wert on State Route 116.

Church Background: 

Almost like a cathedral arising out of corn fields, Salem Presbyterian Church was built in 1897. It features beautiful stain glass windows and a Welsh heritage singing festival every year on Labor Day Sunday night.

Venedocia Background:

Venedocia was settled by Welsh immigrates in the early and mid-1800s. Many came for religious expression of being able to sing four part harmony rather than single line as the Anglican Church severely enforced by British troops. Governor Bebb of Ohio, a Welshman himself, organized the settlement.

Auction Donations Now Accepted for Annual TV-44 Auction

Donations are being accepted now for the 2017 TV-44 auction. Items of interest include quality furniture, automobiles, collectables, sports memorabilia, vehicles, tools, timeshares, trips, and other items of value. Garage sale and boutique items also accepted.

TV-44 is a 501-c3 non-profit association and the annual auction serves as the station’s largest one day fundraiser. Hundreds converge on the TV-44 studio grounds, 1844 Baty Rd., and enjoy a day under the big tent. This year’s auction is September 9.

Proceeds from the auction benefit youth and family focused community programming including The Holiday Music Festival, Whiz Quiz, Faith & Friends, Sports Report, and the hundreds of high school sporting events covered each year on WOSN.

This year TV-44 is celebrating 35 years of serving the community. The annual fundraising auction is a tool used to support this viewer supported local TV station.

Donations for the annual auction can be brought to the TV-44 studios, 1844 Baty Rd, Lima, Monday-Thursday, 10am – 3pm.  Call in advance for Friday drop-offs. Additionally, if you are downsizing or depleting items from an estate, the TV-44 auction is capable of accepting your large load items. All donations are tax-deductable according to what is allowed by law. 

For more information, call (419) 339-4444 and ask for Jennifer or Michele.

Stateline Writers Club
The Stateline Writers Club is scheduled to meet on Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m. in the Celina public library.  The suggested composition topics are "graduation" or "change."

If time permits, a language arts lesson will follow.

The public is welcome to attend.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

2017 Graduates - Parkway Scholarship Winners - Open PDF and Rotate Clockwise

Bryan Area Foundation Grant & Others for new High Ropes Project at 4-H Camp Palmer

Fayette, OHIO

The Camp Palmer staff and board are very thankful for a $12,000 grant from Bryan Area Foundations for the new high ropes project at camp. Other recent grants for this project have also included: $2500 grant from Defiance Area Foundation, $2500 grant from North Western Electric Trust Round Up and $500 grant from Midwest Electric Community Connection. 4-H Camp Palmer, Inc. serves youth from eleven counties in northwest Ohio and many groups from across the state, Michigan and Indiana.  The new high ropes course scheduled for full completion by spring of 2018 replaces our original course that was built in 1990.

4-H resident camps will begin their 70 year of operation at 4-H Camp Palmer during the month of June and July. Eleven Counties in northwest Ohio including: Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams and Wood County offer 5 day, 4 night camps for youth ages 9-14 years of age. Registrations are taking place at the respective 4-H Extension office of your county; non 4-H youth are welcome to join in for these camps.

For addition information concerning camp enrollment or to donate toward the high ropes project, please call 419-237-2247 or email 4hcamppalmer@gmail.com.  4-H Camp Palmer is a non-profit 501c3 organization.

LOCAL FOOD PANTRY OPENS IN NEW LOCATION

For more than a decade Parkway Local School District residents contacted their local churches in advance for food assistance through the Parkway Ministerial Association Food Pantry.   The pantry enjoyed district-wide support.   

Beginning Saturday, June 24th, 2017, to better serve area communities and fulfill food assistance needs, residents of the Parkway School District may come in person to the new Parkway Local Food Pantry located on East Columbia Street in Rockford. 

The Parkway Local Food Pantry will be open the fourth Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m.   Those who need food assistance will be asked to show proof of residency in the school district and provide the names of those in their household.  

The new Parkway Local Food Pantry on East Columbia Street, is facilitated by the Rockford United Methodist Church, and guided by the biblical command to ‘…serve one another in love’ found in Galatians 5:13.   

Serving the Rockford community since April of 2009, the Helping Hands Thrift Store helps to provide Parkway families with clothing and some household items.   Helping Hands, located at 131 S. Main Street in Rockford, is open Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-1 p.m.  

For more information contact the office of the Rockford UMC 202 S. Franklin Street, 419-363-3230.

In addition to the local resources, since February 2017 Mercer County residents who qualify under the Job and Family Services Poverty guidelines may receive food assistance through the Agape’ Mobile Rural Food Pantry a creative cooperative of churches, businesses, and individuals based in Sidney, OH.  

The Mobile Pantry travels to Mendon and Rockford on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month and to Fort Recovery on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.    

Rockford, Ohio - Shanes Crossing Subdivision lots for sale - 
Please contact:  Jeff Long - Village Administration at 
151 E Columbia St. or by email at jeff.long@rockfordohio.org

Click Here for the subdivision layout

Click Here for the subdivision rules

 
June 5-7, 2017
 

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for Sponsoring the Weather Channel Link above!

JOIN US FOR ROCKFORD COMMUNITY DAYS - JUNE 16 & 17:

  
  Summer's here!! That means it's festival time. Rockford Community Days
  is gearing up and almost ready to go. We are so excited to welcome a
  new event this year. Racing for Relief will be making their Rockford
  debut on Sat June 17th. Joins us in supporting the event and help them
  raise money for area fire depts.
  
  Other events include Pageants with a purpose. This is a pageant that
  teaches girls how to be brave and help them to be supportive and
  collect canned goods and money for local charity. The ever growing car
  show will be back on Friday evening. On Saturday a Cake walk and
  grocery game will be available for all to participate. Who doesn't
  love homemade baked goods and prizes?
  
  Friday night June 17 after the car show our entertainment includes
  Brother Believe me and our oh so popular fireworks display.
  
  Saturdays line up also includes inflates with a water slide, vendor
  event, community wide garage sales, fox family ride and we will top
  off the night with Karmas Pawn in beer garden.
  
  We are still accepting entries for garage sale, vendor event, and
  pageant. Also accepting donation for cake walk and grocery game. Also
  accepting monetary donations to help cover our expenses.
  
  Volunteers needed to help run inflatables and beer servers. Wanna make
  money for your organization ask me how.
  
  Contacts Amy Joseph or Amy Noll
  419.953.7874 or 419.953.8761
  Visit "Rockford Community Days" on Facebook for more details and share
  info with friends and family.

 
June 2-4, 2017
 

Hooray for Parkway Runners – 7th at State in Relay

Parkway's Girls 4x100 team qualified for the State Final on Saturday June 3, 2017 @ 10:20 at Jesse Owens Stadium at OSU. The 4x100 Team consisted of Clista Hellwarth, Rachel Barrett, Ansley Burtch, and Sydney Crouch.

Parkway 's Girls 4x100 team finished in 7th place at State Track Meet

Fatal Traffic Crash

Mercer County Sheriff, Jeff Grey reports that his office is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred in Washington Township.   The investigation found that 52 year old Alice L Buschor of 2577 Mud Pike Celina, Ohio was Southbound on Township Line Road North of St. Rte 29.    Buschor went off of the west side of the roadway, overcorrected, lost control of her vehicle and went off of the west side of the roadway again. Buschor struck a utility pole and rolled her 2001 Ford F-150.   Buschor was ejected from her vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.   

There were two witnesses of the crash and both stated that speed was not a factor.   The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by members of the Celina Fire Department / EMS and  Mercer County Coroner, Dr. Timothy Heinrichs

Sheriff Grey reports that this marks the second fatal crash in Mercer County for 2017.

Jonesy Strictly Bluegrass Festival 

Date:  June 16,17,18 - Father's Day Weekend 

Place: Jay County Fairgrounds 

Come enjoy Great American Music & Camping! 

National and Regional Acts 

7 Bands will be performing.   

Friday 1:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

Sunday 12p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Admission Price:  $15.00 a day per person. 

Camping/Admission

$45.00 Weekend Pass Per Person - Included Camping & Electric 

$40.00 Weekend Pass Per Person - Rough Camping 

Campers can start arriving  Wednesday 06/14 or Thursday 06/15 with an additional 

$10  a day.  

NEW OUTLOOK 

 Leading the group, New Outlook is husband & wife team Lori & Brad Lambert.  Lori's been impressing crowds with her upright bass and powerful lead and harmony vocals that are reminiscent of some of the greats. Dolly Parton, Connie Smith, and more. She grew up listening to the Country Gentlemen and Lester Flatt & Scruggs and a huge fan of the Boys from Indiana. Brad brings to the band his own style of soul stirrin' and hard-driving banjo pickin'. Brad's lead and harmony vocals are not easily mistaken, he's in a class all his own. Brad's ability to pick up almost any instrument and play along, makes him a well rounded musician.  New Outlook also has a great group of musicians.  Mike Dean on Banjo and Brian Scott on mandolin!  Visit their website to take a listen www.newoutlookbg.com 

THE WAYFARERS

Hailing from rural Southeast Ohio, The Wayfarers emerged onto the scene in early 2010 playing their own form of American Roots music. While much of their repertoire is drawn from the Appalachian tradition they revere, The Wayfarers fuse tight musicianship - centered largely by the fiddle - with the high energy that characterized early mountain music. With old-time radio shows setting the example, their style encompasses Appalachian dance music, traditional mountain fiddle tunes, and pre-bluegrass music of the 1920's - resulting in a dose of nostalgic Americana. Their spirited approach to live performance is infectious, and people of all ages are drawn in to the sounds of thumping washtub bass, driving guitars, sawing fiddles, and rich harmonies. Whether it's at a large festival or barn square dance, a rock venue or a busy street corner, The Wayfarers continue to carry this music forward with creativity and authenticity, making it contemporary and fun. 

The Wayfarers have been featured on the national PBS television series "Song of the Mountains", toured much of the Midwest and Southern Appalachians, released 4 studio albums, and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in bluegrass & country music; including Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Dailey & Vincent, Lonesome River Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Raybon, Jerry Douglas, and many many more.

https://www.thewayfarersband.com/

TOMMY WEBB BAND

Here is one of those "sleepers" that comes from time to time---
this one from out of the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Tommy Webb is a fine, powerful 
singer with a distinctive voice.   

http://www.tommywebb.fanspace.com/

Evan Lanier & The Bluegrass Express

True Gospel Echos

Mark Poe

River Ramblers

The next Rockford Bicentennial Committee meeting will be
held on Monday - June 5th at 7 pm - Village Hall.

Zuma 5K Challenge 

The 2017 Mercer Health 5K Challenge season will kick off with the 25nd annual Zuma 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Montezuma.

This road race is part of the Montezuma picnic with proceeds to go to community improvements.

Registration is at the shelter house at Zuma Park.  The race will begin at the Franklin Township Fire House and will finish inside our beautiful Park.

Pre-registration for 5K is $20.00 including a T-shirt, or $13.00 with no shirt.  Early registration must be postmarked by June 2, 2017.  Make checks payable to: South Shore Zuma, Inc.  Mail entries to: Stacy Braun P.O. Box 125 Montezuma, Ohio 45866 Race day entry fee is $15.00 with no shirt.

For more information contact Stacy Braun at 419-733-8218 or stacy_braun@hotmail.com.

 This year for the Mercer Health Countywide 5-K Challenge, run all eight races and earn a half-zip dri-fit pullover.  As in pasted years run six of eight of the Mercer Health Countywide 5-K Challenge  and receive a T-shirt. Good running.

 
June 1, 2017
Parkway Independent - Celebrating 12 years of bringing news to the Parkway area communities.

 

Challenger Baseball/Softball League Coming to Rockford!

On Sunday, June 4th, Rockford will host the Mercer County Challenger Baseball/Softball League at Shanes Park. Two games will be played on that day - starting at 5:00pm and 6:00pm. Prior to the start of each game, lineups will be announced and the National Anthem will be played. Music, dancing, and other fun activities are scheduled between innings.

The Challenger Division of Little League Baseball was established in 1989 as a separate division to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.  Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.

Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players. Challenger games can be played as tee ball games, coach pitch, player pitch, or a combination of the three. One of the benefits of having a Challenger Division is that it encourages the use of "buddies" for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.

There will be three Parkway students playing on these teams - along with students from all of the other school districts in Mercer County. Come to Shanes Park and cheer them on - like all of our children, they love playing for a big crowd! This is a great opportunity for our community to support such a wonderful event!!

In the event of inclement weather on June 4th, the game will be move indoors to the Parkway High School gymnasium.

41st Old Fashioned Farmers Days coming to Van Wert Fairground

Plan now to take in the fun at the Old Fashioned Farmers’ Days Event to be held June 29 through July 2, 2017. Tractors, engines, equipment food and fun. See the ad and website link at the top of the Parkway Independent.

Our Old Bookcase, June 1, 2017. Mercer Co. Indian Relic Collectors - June 25 exhibit

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

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

Photo caption:  The Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors will be sharing their Prehistoric Artifact Collections at the Mercer County Historical Museum for the 37th year on June 25th.

“A Picture is worth a thousand words,” is the phrase which I recalled when I wanted to clarify that the photograph above illustrated previous exhibits by the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors displaying their artifacts at the Mercer County Historical Museum.   When I checked Bartlett’s book, “Familiar Quotations,” I learned that statement paraphrased the ancient Chinese quotation, “One picture is worth more than ten thousand words.” 

The word “artifacts” is used to describe “anything made by man.”  Therefore, stone tools created by man thousands of years ago are identified as” artifacts.”  Arrow heads, stone axes, and slate pendants are known as “prehistoric artifacts,” because they were made by man thousands of years ago, before history books were written.  Look at the cemeteries at the marble monuments; a thousand years from now, historians may identify the monuments as artifacts made by man in the 20th and/or the 21st Centuries.

These  Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors are Prehistoric Artifact  Collectors who have a passion for collecting the artifacts which range in age up to a thousand to ten thousand years old.  The Collectors are dedicated to learning how the artifacts were used and whether the artifacts are slate, flint, or granite.  They study the flint colors because that knowledge of geology may tell them where the flint was found which was used for a particular arrow head.  Some people come to the Mercer County Historical Museum and ask for identification of artifacts made from a rich multi-colored rose and wine color. Ohioans know these beautiful stones come from the Flint Ridge area of Ohio.  Others ask about a green colored stone, with the name of “Mercer” and are surprised that those “Mercer artifacts” do not come stones found from Mercer County, Ohio, but originated in Indiana.  Geologists can often look at a stone piece and identify the place where that stone originated, whether in Ohio or elsewhere.  Geologists are able to determine the source of marble used in government buildings or churches, by looking at the color and pattern on the marble.

Other Collectors find stones which had been worked into the shape of an animal.  A few beautiful “Bird Stones,” are exhibited at the Mercer County Historical Museum Exhibit.  Some black slate stones had been created into beautiful pendants. 

Remember that trade was important to prehistoric people.  During the winter, many groups of early man, traveled south, to a  warmer climate. . . just like many Mercer Countians travel to Florida in the wintertime today.  For thousands of years, early man moved  through South America, Central America and North America at a time when farming did not tie them to one place.  The artifacts I have seen in Museums in South and Central American countries are very similar to the artifacts I have seen in the United States and Canada and as far north as Alaska.  Prehistoric man had his own trade routes across land and rivers.

If you appreciate the prehistoric artifacts which  were made thousands of years ago by people living right here in Mercer County, you should visit the Mercer County Historical Museum,  one block east of the Mercer County Courthouse, and see the Prehistoric Artifact Exhibit by the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors, on Sunday, June 25th.  I hope to see you there.

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.]

 
May 30-31, 2017
Parkway Independent - Celebrating 12 years of bringing news to the Parkway area communities.

 

Memorial Day Parades in Mendon, Willshire and Rockford Draw Great Crowds

Sunny and warm weather and the news of Memorial Day Parades and Speakers brought out large crowds at Mendon, Willshire and Rockford on Monday May 29, 2017. At Mendon, The Celina VFW and Auxiliary, Celina American Legion and Auxiliary, and the Vietnam Veterans Organization led the meaningful service at the town park and at the St. Marys River. The parade route to the river was led by the flag bearers. The Parkway Band played and kept the tempo. After a short talk by Commander Gerald Ward, the auxiliary women and the scouting children threw cut flowers into the river as a memorial to the war dead,  Pastor Brandon Baker from Praise Point Church gave the message after the walk back to the park. He served and was injured in Iraq and gave a heart-felt message on his encounters with other injured soldiers and watching the flag draped coffins. They gave the ultimate sacrifice ~ their lives. Baker said it is up to us to never forget them. A 21 gun salute followed. A breakfast was served to all at the Methodist Church.

At Willshire, the rains made a soggy cemetery on the edge of town. But a long crowd of people walked from the Willshire American Legion to it, and they joined those waiting. Commander Dick Edgel led the crowd in prayer, the Parkway Band provided Patriotic Music, and Ben Sapp of Findlay, namesake of his uncle, fallen Vietnam soldier, Benjamin Sapp of Rockford, gave a meaningful speech. His message was that of the honor he carried for his family. He often heard from people who knew his uncle and spoke kindly of him and thanked Ben for his uncle’s service and paying the ultimate price for our freedom.  A 21 gun salute followed. Aleta Weis and Willshire Home Furnishings again displayed her military memorabilia. The group then marched back to the river in downtown Willshire to cast flowers on the water in memoriam.

The last parade in Rockford had not only the band and the scouts, but the 4-H club and our community veterans as well. They followed the band and the Legion Flag Bearers to Hedge’s Park beside the Rockford American Legion Post, where the post commander Mike Heiser greeted everyone with a welcome and prayers. He then introduced retired Army Major Mike Pontius, Rockford native and Parkway graduate of 1973.

Mike outlined the history of Memorial Day and named some of the local soldiers in the many wars. Some lost their lives in the wars; others lived to tell their stories. Mike also shared his pathway to becoming a Major in the Army and how his life growing up in Rockford inspired him to become a military man. Older classmates, the Vietnam War, and soldiers returning gave him inspiration to join the Army and then go on to graduate from West Point. A 21 gun salute followed.

The legion served chicken dinners.

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge them.

Parkway Girls Relay Break School Record

Parkway’s team of Clista Hellwarth, Sydney Crouch, Rachel Barrett and Ansley Burtch broke the school record in the 4x100 meter relay during regionals on Friday May 26, 2017 . Time: 50.46. They beat the record of their coach Jennifer (Frahm) Fisher’s relay team from 1985.

Rockford Council Members Approve Price Hike for Sewer Rates
On Tuesday, May 16, the Rockford Village council approved a $4 per month sewer rate hike to begin in 2018.  In addition, property owners will pay $15.50 for their first 2,000 gallons used and then $2.60 for each 1000 gallons more they consume. There is a waste water treatment plant renovation coming up and the rate hike will help Rockford become eligible  for $490,000 in community Development Block Grant monies. Click here to read the council minutes by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn.

Haley Hawk Wins MAC Player of the Year – Esselstein Wins Coach
Congratulations to Haley Hawk who was recently named the Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year

Congratulations to Mark Esselstein, her coach, for winning the MAC Coach of the Year.

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge.

Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest of Unruly Rockford Man

On May 29th, 2017 deputies from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and officers from Coldwater, St. Henry and Celina Police Departments attempted to stop a car on St Rte. 703 near Its It.   The deputies were attempting to stop the car due to the fact that the driver was wanted for a domestic violence incident that had occurred earlier in the evening. 

The investigation found that the wanted male rammed his 2000 Lincoln car into the wall at a local bar and left the scene.  This would be the same location that the earlier domestic had taken place.   The male then got into another crash at Kozy Kampground prior to the deputies / officers coming in contact with him.   The male had sustained heavy damage to his vehicle and was driving on three (3) tires. 

The male driver was losing parts off of his vehicle as he was driving.  It was reported that speeds never exceed 15 mile per hour.   Celina PD did use “Stop Sticks” on the suspects’ vehicle on Us Rte. 127 and Monroe Road.   The vehicle came to a stop in a private drive at that intersection.   The male was found to be on his cell phone when he stopped.  The male then stripped down to the point that he was wearing no clothing. 

The male was taken into custody, but was able to slip out of his cuffs.  When deputies and Officers tried to re cuff him, he resisted and was tazed.  The male was later transported to Mercer Health for medical clearance prior to being transported to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $750,000.00 bond (subject to 10%) by Celina Municipal Court Judge Scheer. 

Arrested was 41 year old Mitchell Dale Mullins of 5567 Ross Road Rockford, Ohio.   Mullins is currently charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVI), Domestic Violence, Resisting Arrest and Stop Sign Violation.   This case will be sent to the Mercer County Prosecutors Office for review of additional charges.   Mullins does have prior Domestic Violence convictions.

Nicole Schumm, Parkway Graduate of 1994, Obtains Credentials
as International Board certified Lactation Consultant

One of Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center nurses, Nicole Schumm, RN, BSN, IBCLC®, has obtained the credentials certifying her as an International Board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC®) by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE).  According to the IBLCE, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants function and contribute as members of the maternal-child health team providing support to breastfeeding families.  Working together with mothers, families, policymakers and the community, IBCLC® certificants provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding.

Schumm, an OB nurse since 1999 has a strong passion for supporting breastfeeding.  She states, “I want to help each mother reach her breastfeeding goals. If a mother wants to breastfeed, I will do anything I can to help her be successful.”

To become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Schumm completed 90 hours of education and 1,000 clinical hours before applying for an exam.  Schumm states, “It took about a year and a half to complete the process.  I am so excited to be able to offer this service to the community.”  Schumm works with mothers in the hospital after delivery but she also follows up after birth to see how breastfeeding is going and to see if they have any questions.  “While in the hospital and over phone conversations, I make it well known that I can be reached at any time.” Schumm shares.

Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center Manager, Linda Finke, states, “At the Childbirth Center, it is our goal that all patients receive the support they want and need.  Nearly 75% of our moms attempt breastfeeding so with a dedicated lactation consultant on our team, we are able to provide one-on-one breastfeeding support for all moms especially those who may have less than ideal experiences such as latching difficulties or pain with nursing.”

In addition to lactation support, Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center offers a wide variety of education including Childbirth Education Classes, Breastfeeding Class, Big Brother/Big Sister Class, a Mom’s Support Group, and Infant Massage.  For more information about Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center, visit www.mercer-health.com.

Schumm, a graduate of the University of St. Francis and Wright State University, lives in Celina with her husband Jon and their two children. 

Van Wert Hospital Plans New Entrance and Services to North Side of Hospital

 
May 27-29, 2017
 

Happy Memorial Day

Willshire - 9:30 AM

Rockford - 10:30 AM

Rockford Memorial Day to Feature Retired Army Major

The Rockford American Legion will be having a Chicken Dinner.  Tickets are on sale now for $7.  Tickets can be purchased at Barrys Family Market, the Rockford Carry Out and the American Legion.   Chicken dinners will be served beginning at 11 am on May 29th behind the American Legion.  

Any Veterans interested in participating in the Memorial Day Ceremony - please contact Tony King at 567-644-2284

The parade will begin at approximately 10:30 am.  The parade route will end at the American Legion. The guest speaker for the service will be Mike Pontius, Rockford native and retired Army Major.

Mike Pontius graduated in 1973 from Parkway Local High School and shortly thereafter joined the US Army as a private.  His enlisted assignments included Basic Training at Fort Ord, CA, advanced training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN and initial assignment at Fort Sheridan, IL.  He was selected to attend and graduated from the US Army West Point Preparatory School, Fort Monmouth, NJ.  This led him to the US Military Academy. 

After graduating from West Point in 1980 as a Second Lieutenant, Mike attended Airborne and the Armor Officers Basic Course.  His first assignment was helping to create the Opposing Forces at the National Training Center, Ft Irwin, CA.  In fact, he led the first battle of the first “War Game” at Fort Irwin and served in various positions such as tank platoon leader, support platoon leader and adjutant.  Mike transferred to Fort Knox, KY,  attended the Armor Officers Advanced Course, the Joint Firepower Course and served as an Operational Test Officer at the US Army Armor and Engineer Board.  His final assignment at Fort Knox was as Company Commander of Company A, 3rd of the 81st Armor Regiment, 1st Armor Training Brigade. 

At this juncture, Mike’s Army career changed in focus from Operations to Research, Development and Acquisition.  Following some professional development assignments, he served as the Assistant Project Manager for Armor Training Devices, as the Assistant Project Manager for Construction and Material Handling Equipment and as the Assistant Project Manager for the M113 Armored Family of Vehicles.  During this period, Mike also was the Assistant Director of the University of Texas Center for Professional Development and Training.  While in these assignments, Mike worked on the Command Post Vehicle GUARDFIST I and II, ATWESS, ADATS, Stingray, Electric Gun and ATLAS programs plus Task Force XXI Exercises.

Mike retired from the US Army in 1996 as a Major and for over the next 20 years has been working in the private sector performing Program and Contracts Management with the federal government.  He is currently the Senior Program Manager and Operations Manager for DUCOM, Incorporated.  Some of his most recent contract work includes providing over 160 mechanics and supply personnel in Iraq to repair US Army Vehicles, providing supply experts in Afghanistan, performing inspections of Ground System vehicles after returning from theater and being repaired throughout the United States, providing experts in Depot Operations in Anniston Army Depot and the FFA Depot in Oklahoma City.  Mike has also provided support with multiple contracts since 2009 for the Army Sustainment Command that included deploying at locations throughout the world, the Logistics Modernization Program and Global Combat Support Systems-Army.  These programs are replacing the stovepipe legacy systems of Army property accountability, wholesale and retail supply, maintenance information systems, funding/resource management and Army Preposition Stocks.

In addition to being a Parkway graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and has earned a Master of Business Administration Degree University of Texas, Austin, TX.  Mike has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Award w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star.  Mike and his wife Cindy live in Fair Haven, MI. 

 
May 24-26, 2017
 

Up to Five Inches of Rain Falls on Area on May 24 and May 25
Where Chatt Reported the Most!

Thanks to Our Weather Sponsor Henkle Insurance for Shooting and Sponsoring these great pictures!

House and barn on the curves at Tama Road near Chatt - Black Creek overflows.

Chatt  Ball Diamond

Mercer Landmark in Chatt

Bridge at Wabash and St. Rt 707. This is also Black Creek.

St. Rt. 707 just east of Wabash Road - this is near where one young driver from St. Marys had her car swept off the road. Chatt Fire Department pulled her car out and she was unharmed.

Flood Reminders
Editor's Note: Van Wert County had 5 inches of rain as well in the May 24-May 25 Storm

The Van Wert County Health Department would like to provide information on water safety, flood water clean up, and food safety for residents and businesses dealing with flooding. 

Water Safety

·         Only use water from a safe source for drinking and washing or preparing food.

·         Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters, if it is available.

·         If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil or disinfect water to make it safe. (see steps below)

·         If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact the Van Wert County Health Department at 419-238-0808 extension 105.

Flood Water Clean Up

·         Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

·         Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.

·         Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).

·         Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.

·         Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.

·         Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.

·         After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).

·         Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

Food Safety

·         Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.

·         Discard any food and beverage that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water.

·         Food containers that are waterproof include undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and “retort pouches” (like flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches).

·         Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops, and crimped caps.

·         Also discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods if they have come in contact with flood water, because they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

·         Discard any food in damaged cans. Damaged cans are those with swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting that is severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener.

·         Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers) with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available).

·         Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water. Allow to air dry.

Willshire - 9:30 AM

Rockford - 10:30 AM

CHATT Vacation Bible School

Zion Lutheran and Chatt UMC will hold our yearly VBS June 26th-30th at Chatt UMC from 9 AM-noon.  Kids ages 3 years to those finishing 6th grade are welcome and older kids and adults are invited to come enjoy and help out as 
well! The theme this year will be Maker Fun Factory--Created by God, Built for a Purpose!  Mark your calendars and join us in June!  Call Jessica Temple at 419-942-3344 with questions or to pre-register.

SPLASH PAD FUN BEGINS

The Village of Rockford and Shanes Park would like to announce that the Splash Pad is now open for the season.   The cost is FREE !  Hours of operation are 10 am - 8 pm - every day until Labor Day.

Memorial Weekend Patriotic Concert In The Park

Great news!!! Due to weather, the Memorial Weekend Concert by the VWACCB schedule for Friday May 26, will be held on the stage of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center starting at 7:00 P.M.

On Friday May 26th, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the band shell of Fountain Park in Van Wert, Ohio. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public.  Music performed on the concert will include Patriotic selections that are intended to reflect, revitalize and rekindle the pride that each of use has as citizens of the best country in the world, the United States of America.  A few of these selections are, Civil War Suite, King Cotton March by John Philip Sousa, Georgia On My Mind, and Sea of Tranquility. Area military personnel and veterans will also be honored with a Salute To America’s Finest. 

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

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

The Village of Rockford - Shanes Park

Iris and Peonies in beautiful bloom.  

Ready to install the new Obstacle course playground
equipment ! 

Beware of Phone Scammers

Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office has received information of a phone scam circulating in the area, where the scammer “spoofs” the caller ID to show up as if a business within the county is calling, making it more likely for someone to answer the call and give the scammer an opportunity to gain valuable information.  The storyline the scammer uses most times does not fit with the legitimate service the spoofed business provides.

Caller ID “spoofing” occurs when a scam artist causes a different telephone number to appear on your Caller ID display then the number they are truly calling from in an effort to disguise their identity.  This technique is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity.

“I urge you to never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.  In doing so, you open yourself up to identity theft and all sorts of other personal and financial issue.”-states Sheriff Jeff Grey

Sheriff Grey suggests that you hang up if you do receive a questionable call from a local business number, and call the business back with the phone number that either you have listed on your account statement if you do current business with them or a number you have obtained from the phonebook.  Do not call a business back with a number the scammer provides you to verify their authenticity as it is likely linked back to the scammer. 

“We are fortunate to have so many exceptional businesses in Mercer County and ask that you continue to trust in them and continue contacting them for services!”

-Sheriff Jeff Grey

State Patrol Investigating Crash On US 224

Harrison Township – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle minor injury crash that occurred on U.S. 224 just east of State Route 49 south, in Van Wert County.  

On May 16, 2017, at approximately 3:11 P.M., a 2015 International, operated by Tyler Amborski , age 21, of Toledo, Ohio was entering U.S. 224 from a private drive and failed to yield the right of way to an eastbound 1994 Peterbilt, driven by Gerald Lake, age 70, of Hamilton, Ohio. Mr. Lake’s vehicle sideswiped the Amborski vehicle causing Mr. Lake to drive off of the right side of the road. Once in the ditch, the Lake vehicle began to overturn when it slid across both lanes and came to final rest on its top. The Amborski vehicle came to rest in the middle of the road.

Seatbelts were in use at the time of the crash and alcohol is not believed to be a factor. Both drivers declined treatment at the scene. The Amborski vehicle had four occupants, however no injury was reported. U.S. 224 was closed for approximately 7 hours for recovery and clean-up efforts, but has since been re-opened. The crash remains under investigation.

State Troopers with the Van Wert Post were assisted on scene by the Licensing and Commercial Standards Division of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Wren Fire and EMS, Van Wert County EMA, Hoagy Towing and Recovery, and the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office.  

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to use caution at intersections or private drives allowing ample time for vehicles which have the right of way, always buckle up, and never drive distracted or impaired.

Rockford Rec. Summer Co-ed Sand Volleyball League

The Rockford Recreation Association will be hosting an adult co-ed sand volleyball power league that will be played on Sunday evenings at Shanes Park during the months of June and July. The cost to register a team for the 2017 sand volleyball league is $80 and t-shirts will be awarded to the league champions. For more information, or to register a team, contact Brandi Bruns at (419)733-0369. 

Culvert Replacement

The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Watkins Road between Union City Road and Jenkins Road in Gibson Township for a culvert replacement.  This road will be closed tentatively on May 23, 2017 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 3 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

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

Mercer County Drug Abuse Resistance Education Graduation

Celina fifth grader students completed the Mercer County Drug Abuse Resistance Education program with a graduation ceremony Monday May 15th.  Celina Intermidate School principal, Mr. Wenning, opened the program. The special guests were Detective Chad Fortkamp of the Mercer County Sheriff Office,  Jerry Kanney, Amy Miller and Laura Sanford  of the Mercer County D.A.R.E.  Boosters. The keynote speaker was Alexandria Chapin, anchor person for WLIO news.   Ms. Chapin remembered her time at C.I.S. and the importance of keeping her fifth grade  commitment to be drug free .  The essay winners reading their work were: Bella Carpenter, Sara Tester, Haley Sprague, Nafisa Jumabeave, Austin Uhrick, Crofford Black, Max Baumstark and Grant Duncan.  Kami Butcher was also a winner but unable to attend. The homeroom teachers prestened the certificates to the students. Those teacher are Jess Homan, Brittany Green, Andy Waesch, Mark Binkley, Brooke Wellman, Toby Siefring, Mark Loughridge, and Kelly Keck.  D.A.R.E. Officer Sue Miller present the Honor Students with medals. Those reciving the special recognition were: Bella Carpenter, Zach Greber, Makayla Rosario, Hailee Sprague, Anna Hemmelgarn, Grace Gramza, Piper Gilland, Skylar Valdez, Julia Vehorn, Caitlyn Nuding, Alecia Eischen, and Micheala Minnich. Each student also received  a D.A.R.E. shirt. The techers assisting Deputy Miller with the program were Kelly Keck and Mark Binkley.

Roadside Herbicide ~ To spray or not to spray

Roadside herbicide application for the suppression of undesirable vegetation and environmental enhancement, through the use of Environmental Protection Agency approved herbicides, will be performed by licensed personnel along County Roads and Township Roads (in Jefferson and Washington Townships), starting May 22, extending thru June 10, 2017 according to the Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart.

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

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

2017 Farm Focus Scholarship Winners

Farm Focus Inc. was founded in 1974 in order to promote agriculture in Van Wert

County and the surrounding area. It is their continued mission to assist Van Wert

County students through a scholarship program that will enable them to pursue a

degree in an agricultural related field.  Congratulations to our 2017 Scholarship

Recipients;  Tara Vorst, Middle Point,  the daughter of Chris and Sandy is a Junior at The Ohio State University Majoring in Food Science.  Macala Ashbaugh ,a recent Lincolnview graduate is the  daughter of Rick and Dianna. She will be attending Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA, majoring in  Agriculture Education and Ag Business. McKenzie Davis, another recent Lincolnview graduate is the daughter of Scott and Amber.  She will be attending the Ohio State University majoring in Agribusiness. Joel Germann the son  of Doug and Marcia, a Crestview Graduate will be attending The University of Alabama with a focus on Microbiology.

Business Enterprise Center at Wright State University-Lake Campus
June’s Class Schedule Line-Up

CELINA, OH – The Business Enterprise Center (BEC) at Wright State University–Lake Campus has announced the June 2017 schedule of classes. There is still time to register for workshops scheduled for May & June. Upcoming classes include the following workshops:

"STARTING RIGHT” (Pre-Business Seminar Held Monthly)
Each month the BEC hosts the Starting Right class for individuals planning to start a small business. This two-hour class gives you information to help you decide if business ownership is right for you and can assist you in starting your business the “Wright Way.” After attending the Starting Right class, you are entitled to free individualized business counseling. We can help with most issues pertaining to financials for your business—cash flow, pricing, supply costs, record-keeping, etc. We also assist with your Business Plan, some marketing and advertising features, demographics, HR issues, etc. 

 We recommend all new business owners attend this class. 

Advanced Business Planning
Join Jon Heffner as he teaches continuous business improvement to business owners and managers who want to ensure the company’s future progress and development through feasibility, finances, and operations. Take an in-depth look at operating guidelines for products/services, policies/procedures, and personnel. Discussion will be focused on market analysis, research, financial forecast, and budgeting. By properly understanding business planning, you will be able to keep your business sustainable and healthy!

The Business Enterprise Center (BEC) at Wright State University-Lake Campus provides free, comprehensive counseling and management training to new and existing small businesses. In addition to workshops, one-on-one counseling appointments are scheduled individually to ensure convenience and confidentiality. The BEC office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about the BEC and its programs, call Carol Jones at 419-586-0902 or email Carol.jones@wright.edu

 
May 17-23, 2017
 

Parkway Schools will be dismissing at 12:15 on Wednesday, May 24
to allow fans to attend the softball game or track meet

Parkway Local Schools Class of 2017 Announces Graduation

Graduation will be Sunday, May 21, at 1:30 P.M. at Parkway High School Gymnasium.

Valedictorian is Caleb Rollins, son of Jason & Deb Rollins of Rockford, OH. He plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology, majoring in Mathematics.

Salutatorian is Clista Hellwarth, daughter of Garrett & Judy Hellwarth of Celina, OH. She plans to attend University of Saint Francis, major in Nursing

Events at the Rockford Carnegie Library

Book Sale:  A used book sale starts Wednesday, May 17th and will end on Friday, June 9th.  The book sale is open during regular library hours (Mon-Thurs 10-8, Fri 10-5:30, and Sat 10-2).  Donations are accepted for items taken which helps to support the Friends of the Library.

Artwork:  New artwork, by Amber Temple, is on display upstairs.  This artwork is rotated to the different libraries each month.  Elementary artwork is on display in the downstairs meeting room.  Mrs. Painter-Carpenter chooses several different elementary artists' work to frame and show.

Summer Reading Program:  "Build a Better World" is the theme for the summer reading program this year.  Sign-up begins when school is out and the first programs will begin June 13th.  More information will be coming about this program.

 
May 16, 2017
 

Press Release Coldwater K of C Picnic

The 50th Annual K of C Picnic is slated for June 2nd,3rd  and 4th on the grounds of Holy Trinity Church.  The Picnic activities will begin on Friday evening at 7:00  with live entertainment from Kaitlyn Schmit and Steve Rosenbeck along with food, drinks and inflatable jumpies for kids. 

The Craft beer lineup will  to include offerings of Tailspin Brewing Company from Coldwater along with Moeller Brew Barn from Maria Stein, along with Bud & Bud Light on draft as well. In total 8 to 10 different beers on tap and available for purchase for adults 21 and over.  All the traditional games, food and drinks will be offered throughout the weekend!

Saturday night will begin after 5:00 Mass with many activities including a corn hole tournament, kids activity tent and inflatables. Entertainment will be by local band, Empty Tank

Sunday activities will begin after 12:00 Mass with continued fun for the entire family including the Kiddie Tractor Pull, free pony rides, live entertainment throughout the day, including The American Kings  which is 50's & 60's band based out of Cincinnati which begin playing after 6:00 Mass. We will again have BBQ chicken dinners prepared by Rocky Bernard with curbside pickup available beginning at 4:00.

The purpose of the picnic is to provide an entertaining weekend of activities for everyone to enjoy while allowing our Council to raise money that is shared with various cluster programs  and organizations and throughout the entire community.

 Like us on facebook  at Coldwater K of C Picnic

National Prevention Week

Facts brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com

Sunday, May 14:

Parents are the #1 preventative factor when it comes to kids deciding whether or not to drink. Regular two-way conversations around the dangers of alcohol and other drugs decreases a youth’s chance of using substances by 50%. Talk early and talk often, they hear you! For more info visit www.starttalking.ohio.gov

Facts brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com We also wish all mothers, a very happy and safe Mother’s Day!

Monday, May 15th:

According to the Center for Disease Control, “heroin use is a part of a larger substance abuse problem. Nearly all people who used heroin also used at least 1 other drug and most used at least 3 other drugs. People who are addicted to alcohol are 2x more likely to become addicted to heroin.

People who are addicted to marijuana are 3X more likely to be addicted to heroin.

People who are addicted to cocaine are 15 X more likely to be addicted to heroin.

People who are addicted to prescription opioid painkillers are 40X more likely to be addicted to heroin.”

Fact brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com

Tuesday, May 16th:

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, About 4 in 10 people who start drinking before the age of 15 will eventually become alcoholics. Drinking alcohol (or using other drugs) is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing throughout adolescence and well into young adulthood. Drinking during this critical growth period can lead to lifelong damage in brain function, particularly as it relates to memory, motor skills (ability to move) and coordination. The longer people wait to start drinking or using other drugs, the more significantly they decrease their chances of addiction.

Fact brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com

Wednesday, May 17th:

“1 in 6 teens have used a prescription drug to get high or change their mood.” Many times these meds come from their parent’s or grandparent’s medicine cabinet without the adult even knowing. The Mercer County Prevention Coalition encourages everyone to safeguard your medicines and to properly dispose of expired or unneeded medications at either Coldwater’s Police Department or your local Sherriff’s Department, which can be done 24/7, no questions asked.  Please don’t be someone else’s drug dealer unknowingly.

Fact brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com

Thursday, May 18th:

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, repeated drug use can reset the brain’s “pleasure meter” so that without drugs you feel hopeless and sad, and the normal things that brought happiness will no longer do it. “Most drugs of abuse directly or indirectly target the brain’s reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine.  Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure.  When activated at normal levels, this system rewards our natural behaviors. Overstimulating the system with drugs, however, produces euphoric effects, which strongly reinforce the behavior of drug use—teaching the user to repeat it.” https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

Fact brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com

Friday, May 19th:

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 90% of Americans with a substance abuse problem started smoking, drinking alcohol, or using other drugs before the age of 18.  The longer people wait to start drinking or using other drugs, the more significantly they decrease their chances of addiction.

Fact brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com

Saturday, May 20th:

One major research study reported that a single cannabis joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as up to five regular cigarettes smoked one after another.  Also, "1 in 11 people who have ever used marijuana will become dependent on it; this risk rises to one in six when use begins in adolescence" (White House Office of National Drug Control Policy).

Fact brought to you by the Mercer County Prevention Coalition in celebration of National Prevention Week. For more information or to find out how to become involved in prevention efforts, contact Laura or Amy at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, 419-584-1000 or like “Mercer and Auglaize Drug Prevention” on Facebook or visit www.grandlakehappenings.com

https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week/repeated-drug-use-can-reset-brain-s-pleasure-meter-so-without-drug

                                                                                                                                               
SUMMER LUNCH IN THE PARKS RETURNS FOR A FOURTH YEAR

Since 2014, churches in the Parkway School District have worked together to provide a nutritious lunch each Wednesday during the summer for children of all ages.  This year’s weekly Summer Lunch effort will begin June 14th at Shanes Park in Rockford and also June 14th at the Shelter house at the Ball Park in Mendon and runs through Wednesday, August 16, 2017.

Summer Lunch in the Parks is a one hour weekly event from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.  It will be facilitated by servants from the various churches and held rain or shine.   This is NOT a babysitting service.     Inspired by the Backpack Program, a school-year initiative to feed young students on weekends and holidays, the Summer Lunch in the Parks program will provide a meal for all students and their guardians who attend.    Rockford and Mendon residents are encouraged to look for signs or banners in their community each  Wednesday and pass along news of the lunch opportunity to their friends.

Churches directly involved include the Rockford United Methodist Church, New Horizons Community Church, Mendon Church of God, Mendon United Methodist Church, St Johns Hopewell Lutheran Church, and the St Teresa Catholic Church.    The past three years individuals, area community agencies, and local mission committees have donated funds specifically to support the Summer Lunch in the Parks Program.   Donations may be directed to the Parkway Ministerial Association PO Box 412 Rockford, OH 45882.  

Lots for Soldiers Home has New Family

Lots for Soldiers is pleased to announce that 310 Holly Lane in Rockford, Ohio has been awarded to SSG Jonathan Hampton, his wife Kami and son Michael.

SSG Hampton is a recruiter for the National Guard and Kami is an LPN.

The Hamptons look forward to living in and becoming active participants in the 
Rockford Community.  They are currently looking for a church in the area.

The formal ceremony and turning over of the keys will take place in June.

 
May 15, 2017
 

On April 24th, the Parkway Softball team held a benefit for the Alexis Bickle Scholarship fund.  Lexi was a member of their softball team who died in a car accident last October 2016. 

There was a tournament; food; and raffle.

The softball team (a week later at a game) presented a donation to the Alexis Bickle Scholarship Fund, to her parents.

The teammates sincerely thank the following for their generous contributions to the benefit:

Parkway Softball (players and parents)              

Parkway Baseball                           

Parkway Track                     

Parkway Girls Basketball   

Parkway Athletic Boosters

Rockford Carryout

Burtch Seed                         

Henkle Insurance               

Henkle Construction                      

Kidz Treehouse                               

Peoples Bank                                  

Matt Swygart

Jim Shaffer Realty

Residents of the Rockford Community   

They also say a special thanks to the following area teams that generously donated to the scholarship fund.    

Coldwater Softball              

Lima Bath Baseball

"Even though we are competitors on the field, these teams demonstrated the true meaning of team."             

Because of the generous contributions from the community and area softball and baseball teams, the benefit was a huge success.  Parkway softball, along with the community, presented Lexi’s parents, Don and Mary Bickle, the proceeds from the benefit in the amount of $5,500.00.  We thank the community and area schools for their support.  "We miss you Bick!" wrote the teammates.

The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education has scheduled the following work session related to the Superintendent search:

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room

The work session will be held in executive session.  No action will be taken.

Shanes Park Beautification Society – April report


April 2017 –  A rainy, cold, windy month to be cleaning out flower beds.  Time spent on the project was 21 ½ hours.  We removed 7 cart loads and 7 – 5gallon buckets of trimmings and leaves.

We lost several plants over the winter, but some of the baby plants are coming up.  We mostly lose plants do to people walking though the flowers beds.  Please be courteous to our volunteers who spend a lot of time trying to keep Shanes Park looking it’s best. 

THANK YOU Clete and Irene Schmit for cleaning up the area of the front entrance, the new hall and taking care of the trees.

THANK YOU Norm and Dee VanTilburg for cleaning up the area by the Log Cabin.

THANK YOU Nancy Leighner for cleanup, spraying weeds, and planting bulbs in the Splash Pad area.

THANK YOU Marlene Roebuck for helping with the flower beds.

The new project at the bridge is coming together.  We are starting a bird sanctuary. 
(Picture attached) 
So far, 9 bird nests have been spotted on the west side of the park.


The Shanes Park Beautification Society.

11 High School Seniors Awarded College Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 6, 2017 The District 8 Fellowship of Christian Athletes, WTLW TV-44, and Store & Haul, Inc. were pleased to award 11 college scholarships at the recent FCA District 8 Spring Banquet

The following individuals each received a $500 scholarship to be used for higher education plans:   Megan Weirrick (Parkway), Christian Deardorff (Kenton), Cora Millay (Crestview), Daniel Berning (Ft. Loramie), Derek Jay (St. Marys), Gabrielle Lyon (Liberty-Benton), Garrett Eikenbary (Liberty-Benton), Garrett Kisseberth (Cory-Rawson), Hope Yahl (St. Marys), Livi Stover (Parkway), Mackenzie Davis (Lincholnview).

The 11 recipients were selected by the FCA District 8 Board, from all of the scholarship applicants. Decisions were based on the individual’s Christian testimony and service, and involvement in school activities.  

The 2017 District 8 FCA Spring Banquet took place April 30 at Lima Community Church and featured former NFL Coach Steve Hagan as the keynote speaker.

There are currently FCA chapters in 45 high schools and 4 colleges within the District 8 region of Ohio, as well as5 coaches groups. For more information about area chapters, or to learn how to start a chapter or coach’s  in your school district, contact FCA District 8 Director Andy Lynch at alynch@fca.org or (419) 339-4444.

The Stateline Writers Club to meet

The Stateline Writers Club is scheduled to meet on Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m. in the Celina public library.  The suggested composition topics are "veterans" or "mothers."

If time permits, a language arts lesson will follow.

The public is welcome to attend.

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Discuss Genetics Role in Cancer

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting there will be a presentation on the role that genetics plays in the diagnosis of cancer and assessing the risk of cancer in family members. The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, May 16th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

 
May 13-14, 2017
 

Happy Mother's Day!

 
May 12, 2017
 

National Prevention Week

National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental and/or substance use disorders.

SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week was from May 14 to 20, 2017. Each year around this observance, communities and organizations across the country come together to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.

The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:

Involve communities in raising awareness about behavioral health issues and implementing prevention strategies;

Foster partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health; and

Promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications.

National Prevention Week is held each year during the third week of May—near the start of summer, an important time for school, communities, and prevention professionals to re-focus on prevention! Adolescents and full-time college students most often use substances for the first time during June or July, according to SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data.

This year, the Mercer County Prevention Coalition with collaborations from Tri-Star and Reynolds and Reynolds, designed and printed placemats.  The restaurant style placemats titled “What You Need to Know About Drugs” was distributed to local eateries throughout the county.  They were designed to be starter pieces with families as they are enjoying their meal.  The placemats have local, state, and country wide information, along with a couple of fun activities.  If you use a mat or see a sign, thank the manager for supporting Mercer County Prevention Coalition!

Otterbein Showcase of Residents Lives and Style Show

Friday May 12, 2017 in the Meyer Community Room from 1-3 PM

Rockford Memorial Day to Feature Retired Army Major

The Rockford American Legion will be having a Chicken Dinner.  Tickets are on sale now for $7.  Tickets can be purchased at Barrys Family Market, the Rockford Carry Out and the American Legion.   Chicken dinners will be served beginning at 11 am on May 29th behind the American Legion.  

Any Veterans interested in participating in the Memorial Day Ceremony - please contact Tony King at 567-644-2284

The parade will begin at approximately 10:30 am.  The parade route will end at the American Legion. The guest speaker for the service will be Mike Pontius, Rockford native and retired Army Major.

Mike Pontius graduated in 1973 from Parkway Local High School and shortly thereafter joined the US Army as a private.  His enlisted assignments included Basic Training at Fort Ord, CA, advanced training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN and initial assignment at Fort Sheridan, IL.  He was selected to attend and graduated from the US Army West Point Preparatory School, Fort Monmouth, NJ.  This led him to the US Military Academy. 

After graduating from West Point in 1980 as a Second Lieutenant, Mike attended Airborne and the Armor Officers Basic Course.  His first assignment was helping to create the Opposing Forces at the National Training Center, Ft Irwin, CA.  In fact, he led the first battle of the first “War Game” at Fort Irwin and served in various positions such as tank platoon leader, support platoon leader and adjutant.  Mike transferred to Fort Knox, KY,  attended the Armor Officers Advanced Course, the Joint Firepower Course and served as an Operational Test Officer at the US Army Armor and Engineer Board.  His final assignment at Fort Knox was as Company Commander of Company A, 3rd of the 81st Armor Regiment, 1st Armor Training Brigade. 

At this juncture, Mike’s Army career changed in focus from Operations to Research, Development and Acquisition.  Following some professional development assignments, he served as the Assistant Project Manager for Armor Training Devices, as the Assistant Project Manager for Construction and Material Handling Equipment and as the Assistant Project Manager for the M113 Armored Family of Vehicles.  During this period, Mike also was the Assistant Director of the University of Texas Center for Professional Development and Training.  While in these assignments, Mike worked on the Command Post Vehicle GUARDFIST I and II, ATWESS, ADATS, Stingray, Electric Gun and ATLAS programs plus Task Force XXI Exercises.

Mike retired from the US Army in 1996 as a Major and for over the next 20 years has been working in the private sector performing Program and Contracts Management with the federal government.  He is currently the Senior Program Manager and Operations Manager for DUCOM, Incorporated.  Some of his most recent contract work includes providing over 160 mechanics and supply personnel in Iraq to repair US Army Vehicles, providing supply experts in Afghanistan, performing inspections of Ground System vehicles after returning from theater and being repaired throughout the United States, providing experts in Depot Operations in Anniston Army Depot and the FFA Depot in Oklahoma City.  Mike has also provided support with multiple contracts since 2009 for the Army Sustainment Command that included deploying at locations throughout the world, the Logistics Modernization Program and Global Combat Support Systems-Army.  These programs are replacing the stovepipe legacy systems of Army property accountability, wholesale and retail supply, maintenance information systems, funding/resource management and Army Preposition Stocks.

In addition to being a Parkway graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and has earned a Master of Business Administration Degree University of Texas, Austin, TX.  Mike has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Award w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star.  Mike and his wife Cindy live in Fair Haven, MI. 

Public Invited to Attend Parkway Panther Track Banquet

The Parkway Panther Track program is extending an open invitation to Panther Nation to attend an awards banquet on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:00 PM in the Parkway High School Commons. A free dinner sponsored by friends and family of the Parkway Track athletes will be served at 6:00 PM followed by player recognition by Head Coaches, Dan Cairns and Steve Fisher. The dinner will feature some of Rockford's finest food establishments including Rockford Carry Out, Subway and TJ's as well as Frickers. Drinks have been provided by Chief Supermarket. Grab a Panther fan and join our Coaches and Athletes in a celebration of the 2017 Panther Track Team success. Parents and players can RSVP the number attending to Coach Cairns at 440-773-2120. An RSVP is not necessary for attendance of the public. All are welcome and encouraged to be a part of the Panther Nation Pride.

Work Crews Busy – Drivers Use Caution

Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart is issuing a reminder that it’s that time of year again, when county road, bridge and mower crews are in more active operations throughout Mercer County.  We are asking that motorists heed warning signs that crews display; and further, request that they take extra precaution and reduce speed when approaching mowers or areas where county road or bridge work is being done.

Fourteen Cadets Graduate from Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy

CELINA, OH - On Thursday, May 4, 2017, fourteen cadets graduated from the Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy (GLLEA) at Wright State University – Lake Campus. The cadets endured an intense 715-hour program that began in August of 2016. The cadets have been selected to take the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission Test. Successful completion allows the student to become a law enforcement officer in any jurisdiction in Ohio. All cadets also have the option of continuing to study for the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, one of the recently-added programs being offered at the Lake Campus.

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

Above photo:
The fourteen graduates of the 2017 Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy include:
Bottom row, from left: OPOTA Academy Instructor Kip Wright, Jacob Allen, Kassi Edwards, Mitchel Karner, Shane Greives, Clayton Lyle, Logan Newbauer, Kristen Nixon.

Top row, from left: Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart, Lake Campus Dean & CAO Jay Albayyari, Ethan Clouner, Aaron Hall, Nathaniel Kramer, Tristan Moore, Ledgen Parker, Trey Hecht, Thomas Walter and GLLEA Commander Mark Ernst.

Lutheran Health Network plans $500 million investment for Enhancements

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (May 11, 2017) – Lutheran Health Network announced today that it is launching a major, multi-year capital investment plan to enhance patient care, increase access to health services and upgrade its hospital facilities. The $500 million investment will positively impact thousands of patients in the region who seek the highest level of healthcare.

“Combined with our continued investment in the employees of LHN, this significant plan underscores our commitment to provide top-quality care for our patients,” said Brian Bauer, chief executive officer, Lutheran Health Network. “We are going to improve and expand our hospitals and we’re doing it with a focus on modernized designs that create the best possible experience for our patients – and a streamlined, effective environment for the physicians and employees who deliver care. Our various boards, medical staffs, patients and employees will be engaged in developing and finalizing these investments to serve our communities.”

The capital plan will touch nearly every entity that is part of Lutheran Health Network, beginning with numerous investments at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, including the following projects:

FACILITY REFRESH: Top to bottom renovation of Lutheran Hospital to upgrade and update numerous patient and guest services areas with a focus on convenient access, modern design and efficient patient care.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EXPANSION: Major renovation of the hospital’s emergency department, including a new eight-bed transition unit for short-term patient monitoring, which will free up exam and treatment space during busy periods to improve patient wait times. Phase one of this project will begin the week of May 15.

HEART AND VASCULAR CENTER: Development of a comprehensive outpatient cardiovascular center attached to the existing heart pavilion to bring all specialized services and cardiovascular physician practices to one facility for ease of patient access.

ADVANCED DIGESTIVE TREATMENT CENTER: Consolidation of two separate endoscopy suites, diagnostic testing and therapeutics into one advanced care setting to increase availability of procedures for the growing number of patients with digestive concerns.

OUTPATIENT CENTERS: Multiple new outpatient centers providing close-to-home urgent and walk-in care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, family medicine, therapies and other healthcare services in counties beyond Allen County.

“This is a transformative investment that will modernize Lutheran Hospital and take patient care to the next level,” said Bauer. “We are really excited to begin the design work immediately and expect to start and complete some of the construction this year. We will announce additional capital projects across the network as details are finalized with a goal of completing the entire half-billion dollar investment over five to six years. In addition to improving our network facilities, this investment will create construction jobs and have a positive economic impact on our communities.”

Lutheran Health Network estimates its economic impact was approximately $618 million in 2016. The network paid local taxes totaling $17.7 million.

Lutheran Health Network is also making other important investments to serve residents of northeastern Indiana. Over the past seven years, 173 physicians have been recruited to network hospital medical staffs, including primary care physicians and specialists in areas such as neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery and emergency medicine. Physician recruitment remains a top priority in 2017, with seven new physicians already recruited this year.

“As we invest in our facilities, we know how important it is to build a strong medical team, so we are also growing our physician base,” said Bauer. “We currently employ more than 300 physicians and nurse practitioners and we also work closely with many independent physicians who have chosen Lutheran for their patients because of our commitment to high-quality, safe patient care.”

The $500 million capital investment planned over the next several years is in addition to approximately $400 million invested in Lutheran Health Network over the past decade. Lutheran Health Network facilities that will be included in the overall capital investment include Bluffton Regional Medical Center, Dukes Memorial Hospital, Dupont Hospital, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Lutheran Hospital, The Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne, St. Joseph Hospital and The Orthopedic Hospital.

About Lutheran Health Network

Lutheran Health Network includes eight hospitals, more than 100 physician practice locations, 10 urgent care centers, the area’s first freestanding emergency department, eight outpatient imaging centers, and Lutheran ground and air transport services. Lutheran delivers primary and specialty physician care, acute care hospital services and highly specialized care, such as heart and kidney transplants, burn center services, and a dedicated Children’s Hospital. More than 900 physicians serve on the medical staffs of Lutheran Health Network hospitals and over 7,000 employees support Lutheran’s commitment to provide patients with quality, compassionate care.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Rockford Vacation Bible School -  June 5th - 9th   9 am - 11:30 am
New Horizons Community Church -   Maker Fun Factory
Games, Snacks, Experiments, Music and Surprises
Call 419-363-2064


 

 
May 9-11, 2017
 

Thanks to Our Weather Sponsor Henkle Insurance for Sponsoring these great pictures!

Haley O’Steen Receives Excellence in Teaching Award

Haley O’Steen has received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Georgia. Each year the University of Georgia recognizes graduate students who have demonstrated superior teaching skills and contributed to teaching beyond their own classroom responsibilities through the Excellence in Teaching Awards administered by the Graduate School.

Haley is pursuing a PhD in finance. She has taught Financial Management and Financial Modeling to juniors and seniors in Terry College of Business since 2014. She coordinates the other teaching assistants in the Finance Department and has taught traditional courses as well as an online course for the UGA online BBA degree. She is the daughter of Colleen (Wood) and Wally O’Steen of Huntsville, AL. She is also the niece of Sheila Baltzell of Celina and Holly Wood and Paul Pabis of Rehoboth, MA.

Claire O’Steen recently won the Certificate of Merit for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Service from the University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Commerce. She received the award as part of Honors Day at a reception and ceremony sponsored by the Department of Information Systems, Statistics, and Management Science.
Claire was chosen for the award based on her high grade point average and service to the college as an ambassador for the University co-op program. She is a senior at the University of Alabama majoring in operations management and is the daughter of Colleen (Wood) and Wally O’Steen of Huntsville, AL. She is also the niece of Sheila (Wood) Baltzell of Celina and Holly Patrice Wood and Paul Pabis of Rehoboth, MA.

 
May 6-8, 2017
 

Mother's Day Coming!

Rivertrail Rd north of Rockford is closed due to high water, reported Sheriff Jeff Grey at 2:09 PM on Sunday May 7, 2017.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

2017-2018 Parkway Preschool Registration

Parkway Preschool is currently accepting registrations for the 2017-2018 school year.  Our preschool is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star program, which means this program has demonstrated the highest level of quality as rated by the Ohio Department of Education.

Registration forms are available in the elementary office during school hours.  Once the registration is completed and the registration fee paid, the forms packet needs to be turned in before the school year begins on August 23.  We offer both two half-day classes and four half-day classes.  Morning classes are 8:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and afternoon classes are 12:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.  

As of May 3, 2017, we currently have openings for the Tuesday/Thursday morning and afternoon classes, Monday/Wednesday afternoon classes and Monday - Thursday morning classes.  Children must be 3, 4 or 5 to attend and fully potty trained.  Financial assistance is available; however, the preschooler must be 4 years old by August 1 to qualify.

If you have further questions, please call the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720. 

 
May 5, 2017
 

Basic Pistol Safety Course

Hosted by Tri-Tactical Training Group, LLC

Saturday, May 20 at 8 AM - 5 PM

Parkway Local Schools Community Room

400 Buckeye St, Rockford, Ohio 45882

Course exceeds requirements for one to obtain their Ohio Carry Concealed permit. Course is $115 w pistol $130.00 to rent, we utilize a Firearms simulator and will analyze your shooting ability and place you in a realistic gunfight all prior to live fire. This course is one of the most update and realistic programs in Ohio and will give you the true understanding of what it takes to carry a firearm for personal protection, This is not the standard NRA course, it is a real life course. Parents are encouraged to bring children to begin the firearms safety knowledge. Children 8-13 free 14-17 $25 18-20 $50. All participants receive certificates.

Contact Chris 4193059665 to sign up or with any questions. 

$25 deposit required and sent to Tri-Tactical Training Group LLC at 6440 Norwalk Rd Suite J Medina Ohio 44256

tritactraining@yahoo.com

Christian Horse Camp Coming Up
C. & C Bible Fellowship announces their 2017,  2 day 1 night Christian horse camp. The date for this camp Is June 3 and 4 and is for ages 9 through 13. This camp is for boys and girls from beginners to advance riders. The camp will be located at the C. & C Bible Fellowship campus at 4383 S 150 E Berne, Indiana. Participants must be registered by May 29 at 3:30 pm. Register early because there  are only so many spots available. Come join the fun, riding, games, food, and meet new friends. For more information call 260 223 6392  or 260 589 9022 today.

 
May 4, 2017
 

Summer Baseball/Softball Umpires Needed

Rockford, Willshire, and Mendon are looking for interested individuals to umpire summer baseball and softball games. Umpires for most baseball and softball games are required to be at least 14 years old. If you are interested in helping out this summer and earning some extra cash, please contact Ryan Thompson at (419)305-0426 or ryanthompson2000@hotmail.com by Sunday, May 7th with your contact information. This information will be sent to local coaches for them to use when assigning umpires for upcoming summer games. 

First Traffic Fatality in Mercer County Happens at 33 & 127

Mercer County Sheriff, Jeff Grey reports that his office is investigating a fatal traffic crash occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017 at 1:46 pm at the intersection of US 33 and US 127.   The preliminary investigation shows that a 2015 Freightliner (Straight Truck) being driven by 59 year old Timothy A Humbert of 5233 Millwright Place Fort Wayne, Indiana was northbound  on Us Rte. 127.   A 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix was east bound on Us Rte. 33, being driven by 36 year old April L Hall of 222 N Enterprise Street Celina, Ohio. Both vehicles collided in the intersection and traveled off of the Northeast corner of the roadway and struck a pole before coming to rest.  Hall was transported to Van Wert Hospital, where she was later air lifted to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio.   A passenger in Hall’s vehicle, 30 year old Brandi M Duke of 4909 Nicholson Drive Celina, Ohio was also transported to Van Wert Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

Timothy Humbert was transported by EMS to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital (St. Mary’s, Ohio).  

The accident remains under investigation at this time.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Rockford Fire Department, Celina Fire/ EMS, Rockford EMS, Rockford PD and MCERV (Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers).

This marks the first traffic fatality of 2017 in Mercer County.

Submitted by Douglas J Timmerman, Captain

Mercer County Sheriff's Office

Calvary Preschool Final Program Planned

Calvary Preschool is holding its final program after 50 years in business.  The program will begin at 6:00 PM on Sunday May 14 at Calvary Evangelical Church, 10686 Van Wert Decatur Road.  This year’s theme is The Fruit of the Spirit.  The classes will present songs related to that theme, and each class will present a poem relating to Mother’s Day.  Certificates of attendance will be presented to the three-year-old class under the direction of Issa Ickes.  The four-year-olds will receive certificates of completion from teacher Julie Stewart.  Vicki Chavarria’s Pre-K Plus will receive diplomas.  Calvary Preschool has been under the direction of Marilyn Agler.  The staff invites the community to attend this final presentation.

Parkway May 9, 2017 School Board meeting will be held at the Parkway School Community Room
 – Click here for the agenda

 
May 3, 2017
 

Open House Slated for Family Health Care on May 3rd

Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio, Inc. has relocated to 1191 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, Ohio and will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, May 3rd from 4-7PM. The Board of Directors and staff of Family Health Care cordially invite the community to join them in celebration on this day! Light refreshments will be served and tours of the facility given.  

Read below for a brief historical background of Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio, Inc. and the service it offers to the community as a Community Health Center!
                
There have been many changes in services and facilities for Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio, which was established in February 2004. At that time, a Nurse Practitioner who worked in the emergency room saw first-hand the need for primary care services to the underserved population of our community.

Before the Family Heath Care was established, the local emergency room was the only source of care for many of their patients. Community Health Professionals and the Van Wert County Hospital and the Van Wert County Hospital assisted with getting Family Health Care on their feet when they were first established. Family Health Care provides primary care services and just recently added dental services. In 2016 Family Health Care saw 3019 patients and provided 8853 visits to those patients.

Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio provides care to people of all ages and financial situations including low-cost, sliding-fee scale basis (based on household income), almost all types of insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and self-pay. Individuals come in at the minimum of $20.00 an office visit for primary care and $35.00 for dental care. The health center provides a means for families with limited resources to obtain basic health care. Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Family Health Care receives enhanced reimbursement to see Medicaid and Medicare patients. Family Health Care is ran by a board of directors being an FQHC 51% of their board is consumers of the Health Center. Meeting Your Health Needs Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio, Inc. provides services including: OBTAIN medical histories and perform physical examinations; TREAT stable, chronic diseases and acute illnesses and minor injuries; DIAGNOSE and MANAGE chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure; ORDER, perform and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays; PRESCRIBE medications and treatments; PROVIDE health maintenance for adults, including annual physical exams and family planning; PROMOTE positive health behaviors and self-care skills through EDUCATION and COUNSELING; RECOGNIZE complicated medical conditions that require referral to a doctor or hospital; COLLABORATE with physicians and community agencies as needed, and increasing access to care and services.  In Serving the Community- Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio, Inc. is not only for the under-insured. Patients of all ages and economic conditions are accepted including those with: Medicare, Medicaid, Health Insurance, and Self-Pay: on a sliding scale depending on financial situation (documentation required). Fees for services to the under-insured are based on federal poverty guidelines. Being a family health care provider is important to us as we seek to provide care that will make a positive impact in our clients’ lives.

Patrol Focuses on Motorcycle Safety

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

COLUMBUS - May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorcyclists to ride trained and sober. Also, motorists should be aware there will be an increase in motorcycles on the roadways with the warmer weather.

In 2016, motorcycle-involved crashes resulted in 194 fatal crashes, which is an increase of 45 percent since 2014. Another 3,768 crashes resulted in injuries. Only 25 percent of the motorcyclists killed in crashes were wearing helmets. Ohio requires helmets for riders under 18 and drivers with less than one year of motorcycle experience. Passengers on motorcycles must wear helmets when the driver is required to do so.

Motorcyclists can help protect themselves and others from injury or death by taking a training class and wearing safety equipment. Of the 1,829 citations the Patrol handed out to motorcyclists in 2016, 23 percent were for operating a motorcycle without a proper license. Riding sober is also very important. Last year, 38 percent of the fatal crashes involving motorcycles were alcohol and/or drug related.

Of course, motorcycle safety is not solely the responsibility of motorcyclists. Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings and other vehicles sharing the roadway. Motorists should keep in mind:

A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway.

Give motorcyclists a full lane of travel.

Look for motorcyclists on the highway, at intersections and any time you are changing lanes.

Allow plenty of space in front of the vehicle you are driving and do not follow a motorcycle too closely.

For more information visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov.

A statistical map detailing citations and other motorcycle related information can be found at

http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/Motorcycle_Bulletin_2017.pdf

Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society to Meet

Steve Dorsten will be the guest speaker at the May 7th meeting of the Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.  His topic will be, The Miami Erie Canal.. ..Start to Finish.  Mr. Dorsten worked on the canal for the state of Ohio for 38years.   He serves on many state and local organizations concerning the canal . The meetings are held in the Richardson Bretz Building in Celina and begin at 2:00. The public is welcome.

Presenting The All New Enrich Community Concert Series 17-18

For Niswonger Performing Arts Center

(Van Wert, OH) - Since 1953, the Community Concert Series has been enriching lives. Unverferth Family Dentistry and Roger & Kay Okuley present the new and outrageously culture filled 2017-2018 Enrich Community Concert Series. This series with deep roots in Van Wert Heritage is infused with lively performances that bring virtuosic musicianship and eclectic art forms from around the world to the Niswonger stage. These four rare performances were carefully selected to be packaged together for a value price to make entertainment accessible, affordable, and awe inspiring - all for as low as $75.

Friday, October 13 - The 5 Browns

            The 5 Browns bring the series to life by delivering on their dream to wake up classical music by introducing it to the widest, largest and most excited audience they can find. Their five-piano arrangements reveal a deep connection to the intent of their material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to their sound.

Sunday, November 5 - “Sundaes With The Symphony” featuring Van Wert native, Gerhardt Zimmermann

            The wildly accomplished Gerhardt Zimmerman, musical director of the Canton Symphony will be welcomed back home to Van Wert when he brings his 75 member fully professional and critically acclaimed orchestra to the Niswonger Stage.

Saturday, December 9 - Christmas with The Texas Tenors

            The smokin’ hot cowboys are back! This Christmas season will certainly heat up with the return of The Texas Tenors. This emmy award winning trio has become known as America’s Favorite New Tenors. They treat audiences to a unique blend of country, classical, broadway, and current pop music. The Texas Tenors use breathtaking vocals, humor and a touch of cowboy charm to create an unforgettable live Christmas show.

Sunday, February 18 - Cirque Zuma Zuma

            It’s like nothing the Niswonger has seen before. Art fueled by pure adrenaline will mesmerize the whole family with Cirque Zuma Zuma. Described as an African-style Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Zuma Zuma brings the energy with amazing acrobatic feats set to an exciting musical score. Daredevil acrobats, gymnastics, jumping, juggling, balancing, contortionism and much, much more will leave the audience breathless. Cirque Zuma Zuma is a unique twist on entertainment and a perfect event to Enrich the lives of audiences of all ages.

Packaged together for your enjoyment and presented by Unverferth Family Dentistry and Roger & Kay Okueley, the New Enrich Community Concert Series is an entertainment adventure made complete with the supporting sponsorship of Taylor Auto Sales, Tisha Fast - State Farm Agent, Van Wert County Hospital, Central Insurance Companies, Eaton, First Financial Bancorp, and E&R Trailer.

Willow Bend Country Club has partnered with the Enrich Community Concert Series to provide four (4) buffet dinners to accompany the events. Patrons can dine in style before each event for just $60.

Become a member of the Enrich Community Concert Series and receive reserved seating, advanced ticketing, a Truly D’Vine Member Reception Invitation prior to each event and VIP opportunities to meet the stars!

Sales Dates:

            Member Sales - Monday, May 1 at Noon

            General Sales - Monday, May 12 at Noon

Tickets can be purchased through the Box Office Monday through Friday, Noon to 4 PM and online at NPACVW.ORG

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is located at 10700 SR 118 South, Van Wert, OH.

National Drug Take Back Event a Success

Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that on April 29, 2017, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office participated in the National Drug Take Back Event, to coincide with the National Take Back Initiative.  The event was held at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.   The Sheriff’s Office collected over 23 pounds of unneeded prescription drugs during the event.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will pick up and properly destroy the pills collected from this event along with other take back events held and pills collected in the permanent drug take back box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.  Since the beginning of the Sheriff’s Office’s involvement in the Drug Take Back Initiative in 2012, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office alone has collected nearly 1100 pounds of unwanted drugs.

The Sheriff’s Office holds several drug take back events throughout the year.  Sheriff Grey would like to remind the public that old, unused, or unwanted prescription medication can be dropped off any time, without an appointment, at the drop box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.

Mendon-Union Alumni Weekend Filled with Activities

 The Mendon-Union Alumni Weekend will be May 26th-29th.  Friday evening May 26th, Roger & Jo DeMange will be performing a free concert in the park at the former Mendon School grounds at 6:30 p.m.  Singing hits of the 60's.  On Saturday May 27th, the Alumni Banquet will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Celina American Legion Post 210, in Celina.  Jerry Johnson, class of 1966, is master of ceremonies.  Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., Jeff Davisson will be performing a free concert in the park at the former Mendon School grounds.  Singing a little bit country and little rock-n-roll of the 1970's.  Sunday morning May 28th @ 8 a.m. the Annual Alumni golf outing will be held at Deerfield Golf Course in Rockford.  At noon on Sunday, presale B*B*Q chicken dinners, will be available at the Mendon Methodist Church drive thru.  On Sunday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social at the Mendon First Church of God.  At 7 p.m. Curtis O'Dell of Hodgenville, Ky. performs as Mark Twain at the Mendon First Church of God.  Pre-Sale tickets are $10.  No tickets will be sold at the door.  Monday May 29th, from 7:00-11:00 a.m. Methodist Youth Breakfast at the Church, at 8:30 a.m. the Annual Memorial Day parade honoring local veterans, featuring the Parkway Marching Band, Celina VFW and American Legion Ladies Aux. local scout troops, and guest speaker.  For more information on any of the events call 419-795-5511.

Celina Farmers Market Opens May 6

The Celina Farmers Market is opening Saturday, May 6th on Courthouse Square in downtown Celina.  The Market will offer homemade baked goods, soaps, produce, handcrafted jewelry, and so much more.  The Celina Farmers Market is open every Saturday from May - September from 9am-12 noon and features many local growers.  If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Farmers Market, contact the Celina Mercer Chamber of Commerce at 419-586-2219.  Enjoy some homemade goodness at the Celina Farmers Market, sponsored by the Celina Chamber and the Celina Merchants Association.

One Injured in Motorcycle Crash on US 24

Paulding County – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single vehicle injury crash that occurred on US 24 near the US 127 interchange in Paulding County.

At approximately 4:56 pm a 2006 Honda Goldwing motorcycle driven by Michael W. Richards, age 52, of Marion, Indiana was traveling eastbound on US 24.  Mr. Richards was negotiating a curve when his motorcycle traveled off the left side of the roadway. The motorcycle continued into the median where it overturned ejecting Mr. Richards.

Mr. Richards sustained serious injuries and was flown from the scene by Samaritan to Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, IN for treatment of his injuries. 

Mr. Richards was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and alcohol use is not suspected to be a factor in the crash.  The crash remains under investigation.

The Van Wert Post was assisted by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Cecil/Crane Township Fire Department, Paulding EMS, Samaritan, and R & O Service.

 
May 2, 2017
 

Today is Election Day

George Erik Moore and Kathryn Speelman Square off for Position of Celina Municipal Court Judge

 
May 1, 2017
 

Parkway May 2017 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
April 27-30, 2017
 

Lots for Soldiers Open House

There will be an open house on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, from 1-3 p.m. at the Rockford house, located at 220 Holly Lane. All honorably discharged and currently serving military members are invited to check out our newest build. Come see what Lots For Soldiers is all about!

School Board to Meet

The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education will have a work session and go into executive session Friday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. in the Community room.  No action will be taken.

"Go Fly a Kite!"

Family program at the Rockford Carnegie Library on Thursday, April 27th at 6:30.
Make a kite, enjoy a story, some games and a snack.  All are welcome.

Big Brothers Big Sisters All-Star Bowl for Kids’ Sake

Big Brothers Big Sisters All-Star Bowl for Kids’ Sake was held on March 18th and 31st. This year was the first for a High School Bowling All-Star competition. The top 5 female high school bowlers and the top 5 male high school bowlers were awarded medals.  We would like to thank our entire sponsor list who supported this event. Corporate Sponsors were Cooper Family Foundation, Haubert & Howe Associates, Kohls, and Nerium.  Event Sponsors were Emerson, LCS. INC, Lefeld Welding, Post Printing, Reynolds & Reynolds, St. Henry Tile, The Marsh Foundation, St. Marys Foundation, Superior Credit Union, and VFW Post 5713. The Big Sponsors were Bud’s Chevrolet, Celina Eagles, Dynamic Federal Credit Union, Eaton, Grand Lake Health System, Holiday Inn/Comfort Inn, Second National Bank, St. Marys Foundry, Stammen/Ruppert Insurance, Van Wert Propane, and Wetzel MC.  Lane sponsors were Advanced Biological Marketing, CAPT, Celina Moose, Citizen National bank, Fort recovery VFW, Francis Furniture, Hogenkamp and Sons, Minster Service Club, RCS Construction, Statewide Ford Lincoln, St. Henry Bank, VW Service Club, and St. Marys VFW.  T-Shirt Sponsors were Cotterman & Company and Klingshirn & Sons. The Little Sponsors were Celina Manor, Community Insurance, Homan & Stucke, VW Elks, VW Service Club, and Wendel Poultry.  A big thank you to Rick Hartings from Pla Mor Lanes and all the high school bowlers who participated in the First Annual High School All-Star Bowling tournament. T-Shirts were given to every bowler and there were chances to win 50/50 as well as raffle prizes. This event raised $14,000.00 and it will support our five Lunch Clubs, four after school Buddies programs, one Supper Club and the 100 Community One-on-One matches.  Big Brothers Big Sisters serves over 300 children in Mercer, Auglaize and Van Wert Counties and are planning to expand our programs and services.  We currently have Bigs and Littles on a waiting list.  Please call our office at 419-584-2447 if you would like more information on becoming a Big or enrolling a Little.

Drug Take Back Planned
Celina OH – On Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a drug take back event as part of the National Drug Take Back Initiative. During this event, the public will have the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to The Mercer County Detention Facility parking lot at 4835 State Route 29. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Please do not bring syringes or liquids.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

So far in 2017, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office has collected over 81 pounds of prescription drugs from the Drug Drop Box located in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office and from take back events. The public is reminded that if they are unable to make it to the organized take back event, the drop box in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office is available 24 hours a day.

 
April 25-26, 2017
 

Snow & Ice statistics for Winter Season 2016-2017
By Jim Wiechart - Mercer County Engineer

Mercer County, 384.129 miles of roads

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

24 days of snow & ice control in winter of 2016-2017

Salt used – 1032 tons  =  $57,106.91

Grit used – 1032 tons  =    $8,772.01

            Total material costs during the winter season = $65,878.92

Total regular labor hours on snow & ice = 784.00 hours

               Overtime hours                         = 507.50 hours

Total costs for snow & ice during the season = $165,747.15 (Equip., labor, & material)

Average cost for snow & ice control         2011-2012 season = $264.91/mile

                                                                        2012-2013 season = $635.52/mile

                                                                        2013-2014 season = $1,267.47/mile

                                                                        2014-2015 season = $950.18/mile

                                                                        2015-2016 season = $399.54/mile

                                                                        2016-2017 season = $431.49/mile

Artists’ Work Featured in Station Displays at Eastview Park in Celina
Beautiful Print by Artist Todd Buschur, Parkway Graduate, Among Them

Submitted by Ralph Stuckman

Rockford Village Council Looks to Community Development Block Grant
to Upgrade Wastewater  Treatment Plant

Rockford Village will apply for a $490K Community Development Block Grant to help pay for a $1.5 million upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant. Motion by Councilman Gehle to approve the 2017 Rockford Recreation Board Officers. Click Here for the meeting minutes from April 18, 2017 by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn.

Our Old Bookcase, April 27, 2017, Mercer County’s 1963 Banner Fair

By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society
Photo caption:  Mercer Count’s 1963  111th Banner Fair Book listed historic businesses.

The 1963 book for the 111th Banner Fair at the Mercer County Fairgrounds was a gift to my husband Alvin from our friends Gary and Rita Rismiller of Darke County.  They belong to the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee and appreciate local history.

Alvin would pick up this 1963 Fair book, in the evening, and look at all of the names of people he knew in the 1960’s.  I thought this book might bring back good memories to you, also.

The Mercer County Agricultural Society hosted the Banner Fair with a goal of promoting and encouraging agriculture, industry, science, art and other interests of Mercer County.  In this 1963 book, the Society preserved the history of businesses and their owners by listing the names of the advertisers in their Fair Book.  In 1963, many local businesses were family-owned.   Have times changed?

I attended the Bicentennial Planning meeting of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society at Rockford, this month.  One of the topics they discussed was the names of old businesses listed in the old Rockford Press Newspapers.  Rockford Citizens do business in the Village, as well as people from the country, and the nearby villages of Mendon, Mercer, Neptune, Chattanooga, and Tama,   Therefore,  it may be of interest to local citizens of Rockford and nearby Villages, to see the businesses which advertised in the 1963 Mercer County Banner Fair book. 

Rockford:  Bigham’s Cities Service, Carr and Shindeldecker Standard Oil Products,  Dean Hellwarth Pioneer Corn, Dinner Bell, Farmers Grain & Supply Co., Fast Auction Sales, J. Dolan Purdy Insurance, Ken’s Barber Shop, Ketcham’s Funeral Service and Furniture, Lloyd Motor Sales, Lugbihl Feed Mill, Paul Dudgeon Seed Co., Paul E. Miller & Son Mil-Ket Farm, Ole Sites & George Jr. Schroyer & Glenn Hasis Bulk Lime & Fertilizer Spreading, Pierstorff Seed Farms, Polar Stores, Inc., Rockford Locker Service, Rockford Lumber Co., Sharp Canning, Inc., The Rockford National Bank, Rockford Stone Co., and The Rockford Press.

Chattanooga:  Andrew’s Garage & Saw Mill, Berne Equity Exchange Co., Bollenbacher’s Cash Store, Carl Schroeder Beef & Dairy, Fisher & Sons Farm Implements, Inc., Kenneth Hoblet Auctioneer, and Wendel Bros. Motor Sales,

Mendon:  A. and T. Sohio Service, Archer Pipe & Supply, Bud Hays Barber Shop,  Carol’s Beauty Shop, Claud Hansel’s Recreation Hall, Dick & Sons, Don Nuding-Rockford Agri-Limestone, Drake & Shaffer Motor Sales, Ellis Insurance, Fisher’s Market and Locker Service, Griggs Garage, Krogmans Garage, L.W. Diegel Sales, Maurer’s Hardware, Mendon Farm Store, Mendon Live Stock Exchange, Mendon Service Co., and Ray’s Pure Oil Station.

Mercer:  Beougher’s General Store,  and Motor Inn Truck Stop.

Neptune:  Roebuck’s Elevator, and Schnarre’s Garage and Implement Sales,

Tama:  Berne Equity Exchange Co., and Canary Bros. Concrete,

For you local historians of these Villages, how many of these family businesses are still in the family?

The Mercer County Fair Board is planning an historic celebration.  Will businesses advertise in the Fair Book because they want their name to be remembered in Mercer County’s 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.] 

Golf Outing Planned at Mercer County Elks

The Celina Mercer Chamber Golf Outing is fast approaching! Start off your Memorial Day weekend by teeing off on Friday, May 26 at the Mercer County Elks!  We invite you all to bring a team and join in on the fun.  All golf levels are welcomed.  It's a great day of golf, door prizes, and fun!   If you would like your business recognized at this event we are accepting raffle items and sponsorship. It will be a great way to promote your business and give to a great event.  If you would like more information on registering a team or donating, please contact the Chamber today at 419-586-2219.  

Culvert Replacement in Gibson Township
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Watkins Road between Meiring Road and Burrville Road in Gibson Township for a culvert replacement.  This road will be closed tentatively on April 17, 2017 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 3 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

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

 
April 21-24, 2017
 

Sydney Crouch Breaks Parkway Long Jump Record
Sydney Crouch broke school record with her long jump 18 feet 2 inches.

Thank you to Nikki Fox for providing these great shots of the track meet. See more of the meet at the link below:

http://www.nfoxphoto.com/album-2

Click on smaller thumbnails below to enlarge pictures!

It’s a Girl Thing  Hosted by Van Wert Medical Services OB/GYN Clinic
Van Wert, Ohio -- Over 60 girls and their moms (or another trusted friend) gathered together on Thursday, April 6 for an annual event called “It’s a Girl Thing” which focuses on preparing girls ages 9-13 for the physical and mental changes that come with puberty.  Jennifer Hohman, M.D. and Shane Gerber, C.N.P. were the main presenters and gave the girls information and tools that they will need to navigate adolescence with confidence, strength, and kindness. 

The event was planned by the staff from the Van Wert Medical Services OB/GYN Clinic with additional financial support from Van Wert County Hospital and the Lima Area Health Education Center.  Girls in attendance were treated to pizza, snacks, and prizes.  We would like to thank the staff at the Van Wert Medical Services OB/GYN Clinic for their dedication in organizing this event each year.  Additionally, thank you to the YWCA of Van Wert County for hosting the event at their facility.

Photo Information: Staff from the Van Wert Medical Services OB/GYN Clinic 

Wine Tasting at Dues Nursery/Spade and Barrell

There will be a Wine Tasting Event on April 28, 2017 from 6-9:30 PM

At Dues Nursery , 4380 Monroe Rd., Celina. Cook your own pizza in their pizza oven; pizza supplies available. Call 419-586-1290 to RSVP

Parkway's Mini Relay for Life

May 12th   6 pm - 12 am

At the Parkway Football Field

Join in and celebrate life with food, games, face painting, luminaries and more!

 

Rockford  RADC Members to meet
The next meeting of the RADC is Monday, April 24th at 7pm in the Rockford Library basement. Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes as members will be walking the Main Street of Rockford for ideas on improvements.
The  2017 RADC Membership Drive is underway.

The Great April Adventure in Celina

The Great April Adventure in Celina will be FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH 5:00PM-10:00PM in DOWNTOWN CELINA

Grand prize and door prize drawings begin at 9:30pm at Brew Nation. Participating businesses!

Teams up to 4 People (Must be 18) will complete task at participating businesses Complete all tasks and be entered for team prize of $300 cash

$25 Pre-Registration fee is due by 4/21/17 ($40 after 4/21)
Registration fee is non-refundable
Sign up at the Chamber office or call 419-586-2219

$300 CASH GRAND PRIZE PLUS DOOR PRIZES

Participating Businesses:

Celina Mercer Chamber of Commerce Brew Nation Speak Easy 211 Club Martinis on Main Venetian Gardens 21st Century Kitchens Hot Brass Personal Defense Celina Music Store POSH Nails

The Shanes Park Beautification -  March update.

After a very windy February and March -  38 carts of limbs and sticks were picked up at
the park.   This totaled of 58 hours of time.

We are looking for some volunteers to help wash and clean up the playhouses
at the park.  

We can always use help in park clean up !    We appreciate our volunteers !


Message from the Shanes Park Beautification Society

More Beautiful Flowers and a New Sidewalk in Shanes Park
 

Rabbit Quality Assurance Training on Saturday, April 29th, 2017

“Quality Assurance Training is a requirement each year from the Ohio Department of Agriculture for all youth exhibiting livestock.”

With so many youth exhibiting rabbits in Van Wert County, there will be a Quality Assurance training on Saturday, April 29th, from 9:00am-11:00am, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds Extension Office Meeting room. Since an animal project is truly a family involvement project, we are inviting and encouraging at least 1 parent to attend this training also. We are planning sessions for younger 4-H’ers, older 4-H’ers, and parents.

Remember you must attend one of the Quality Assurance Training sessions to exhibit Market Rabbits (meat pen of 3 and/or single fryer), or any market type livestock at the fair. Note: cloverbud participants are exempt, but encouraged to attend and learn.

When arriving make sure to sign in with you name and club, and sign out at the conclusion of the training session. 

BLIND DATE IN CONCERT 

THE BLIND DATE BAND WILL BE IN CONCERT AT THE ROCKFORD BELLE on Saturday, May 20th.   Blind Date is a group of five guys who love playing music together. All the members have been playing for more years than they care to remember. This gives them a unique perspective of the music from several generations.

Focusing mainly on songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s they bring together such eclectic tastes that, like a blind date you may have had, you never know what you’re going to get. Sing along with them on songs you may not have heard for years, but will instantly recognize, including many from one-hit-wonders. This is music that lives on long after the artists have faded away. Always entertaining and family-friendly, let John, Kent, Dan, Rick and Mike take you on a journey to a time when life was simpler, cars were faster, and music came from AM radio

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

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

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

* Guest appearance by Weston Thompson  Saxophone artist!

KEEPING TOM ROGER’s DREAM ALIVE --- bringing fellowship to the community WITH MUSIC !!

Motor Coach Association coming to Mercer County Fairgrounds

Monaco International is one of the largest chapters of motor coach owners in the Family Motor Coach Association.  They host several rallies every year in a variety of locations.  Each rally brings more than 150 families to that area.  We are excited to announce that Monaco International has chosen the Mercer County Fairgrounds to host their Great American 4th of July Rally.  Guests will be in Celina anytime between July 1 - 11th with the main event being held July 5th-7th.  This is a great event for the fairgrounds and our communities, as they will be out and about visiting our area.  Let's roll out the red carpet and welcome them to Mercer County! We need your help!  The Celina Chamber will be providing welcome bags to each family that attends. How can you help?

*Provide items to help fill the bags (160 bags total) Coozies, pens, notepads, coupons or whatever you like to put in the bags. (any amount of items will be accepted)

*Donate a door prize to be given at their meetings

*Welcome Monaco International on any outdoor marquees or signage

*...or anything else you can think of!

Help us welcome Monaco International to Celina and the Mercer County Fairgrounds.  Let's show them why we are the best! 

Thank you in advance for any items.  Please have items to the Mercer County Chamber office by June 9th or call 419-586-2219 if you would like someone to pick up the items for you

Claire O’Steen recently won the Certificate of Merit for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Service from the University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Commerce. She received the award as part of Honors Day at a reception and ceremony sponsored by the Department of Information Systems, Statistics, and Management Science.
Claire was chosen for the award based on her high grade point average and service to the college as an ambassador for the University co-op program. She is a senior at the University of Alabama majoring in operations management and is the daughter of Colleen (Wood) and Wally O’Steen of Huntsville, AL. She is also the niece of Sheila (Wood) Baltzell of Celina and Holly Patrice Wood and Paul Pabis of Rehoboth, MA.

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

Above 2017: Mercer County D.A.R.E. Scholarship Winners: Carly Link, Megan Schoenlein, Alivia Stover, Kraig Gruss, Makayla Hoying, Lauren McDonough, Ashtyn Phlipot, Alyssa Cisco, Cami Mohler, Alyssa Hoyng

The Annual Senior D.A.R.E. Scholarship Luncheon was held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at the Mercer County Elks. Over 60 students, school staff, and guests attended the luncheon. The ten scholarship winners are: Lauren McDonough, Cami Mohler, Alyssa Hoyng, Ashtyn Phlipot and Alyssa Cisco – Celina High School; Kraig Gruss – Coldwater High School; Carly Link - Ft. Recovery High School; Megan Schoenlein - Marion Local High School; Alivia Stover – Parkway High School; Makayla Hoying - St. Henry High School.

Other Seniors attending included: From Celina HS: Alyssa Wilkins, Karlee Huber, Allison Yaney Conner Ewing, Nicole Bowsher, Caleb Gladhill, Nathan Robinson, Zach Meeker; from Ft. Recovery HS: Ashton Hoying, Brooke Gower, Chassity Hemmelgarn, and Kyle Fullenkamp; From Marion Local HS: Marie Wilker; From Parkway HS: Alyx Slusher, Abby Sutter, Megan Weirrick, Tessa Morton, and Coleton Lautzenheiser; From St. Henry HS: Ashley Ray, Brittany Howe, Emily Greer, and Sean Muhlenkamp.

Guests attending in honor of the seniors were Principal Phil Metz and SADD advisor Michelle Langmeyer – Celina HS; Guidance Counselor Natalie Kanney and Principal Jason Hemmelgarn – Coldwater HS; SADD advisor Julie Billenstein - Ft. Recovery HS; Principal Tim Goodwin and Guidance Counselor Jenny Dippold – Marion Local HS; Principal Brian Fortkamp – Parkway HS; Principal Eric Rosenbeck and Guidance Counselor Betsy Armstrong -- St. Henry HS; Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey, Carol Hone - guest speaker; County Commissioners: Jerry Laffin and Rick Muhlenkamp; Courtney Donovan and Linda Helentjaris - Wright State-Lake Campus; Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel, Former D.A.R.E. Booster members, Shirley and Tom Pryer, Ken and Violet Taylor; and current D.A.R.E. Booster members Jerry Kanney (president), D.A.R.E. Officer Sue Miller, Amy Miller, Laura Sanford, and Casey Nuttle.

Commendations were presented to the students from the offices of Governor John Kasich; Senator Matt Huffman; Representative Keith Faber, as well as the Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters. The luncheon honors students who have remained true to their 5th grade D.A.R.E. promise. This promise says the student will remain drug, tobacco, and alcohol free.

Essays were received from 38 students. The prompt for this essay dealt with how D.A.R.E. made an impact on the student’s life starting in 5th grade and how the program provided tools for them to deal with situations they faced since then. The essays are numbered and given to the judges for selection of scholarship winners.  The judges do not know the essay writers until after the top 10 are chosen. Ten students were awarded $500 scholarships. All non-scholarship winners each received a coupon compliments of McDonalds.

Courtney Donovan, Lake Campus and Western Ohio Educational Foundation, explained the matching scholarships available to those students who will be attending the Lake Campus.

Carol Hone, Mercer County Civic Foundation, was the speaker for this event. She is a retired teacher from Celina City Schools. The theme of her inspirational speech was to always leave positive deposits. She also encouraged the students to find one person they look up to as a hero (teacher, coach, parent, pastor) who will never give up on them. And before they do something, to ask themselves, “would I do this in front of that person?” She also said, “someone, somewhere will always be watching you. What will you be teaching them?” Carol then discussed how when she was a 6th grade teacher, that she would have the kids write a prediction for their future. She then sends these letters to the students their senior year of high school. The hardest part is when she comes across a letter of a student that has passed away due to illness, an accident, or poor choices. She then writes a letter to the parent of the child about the positive deposits that student left while he/she was in her class. She concluded her speech reading a poem that she had her students memorize, which was called “Kids Who are Different” by Digby Wolfe. It ended with: “It’s their difference that makes them unique.”

Thanks goes out to the Elks for the donation of the meeting area and the luncheon: Amy Kemper (cook), Kirk Stucke, Bill Link, Alan Albers, and Exalted Ruler Ed Rump who were also all present from the Elks. The Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters would also like to thank all merchants, individuals, and others who continually support this program through their donations and time. Special thanks go to McDonald’s Restaurants and Wright State University-Lake Campus for their donations to the luncheon.

Above: All Mercer County DARE Seniors 

 
April 20, 2017
 

Brad Baltzell Celebrates 30 Years at Fremont Company
Brad Baltzell of Rockford was recently recognized at Fremont Company in Rockford. He has worked there 30 years and is head of the Ketchup cooking operation.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Parkway Pre-School Screenings Available

An early identification screening for any 3, 4, or 5 year old child of Parkway Local Schools whose parents are concerned about their child’s speech or any potential developmental delay will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Celina First Church of God in Celina, Ohio.  This screening is not a requirement in order to enroll in preschool, but the screening can be used to help identify any potential learning needs.  The screening will include speech and language skills, vision, hearing, and general knowledge.

If you are interested in having your child screened, please call Janice Diller at the Mercer County Educational Service Center at 419-586-6628, ext. 221, by May 11, 2017.

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

School Choice Already Exists Across Ohio - Editorial

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will visit Van Wert County on Thursday, April 20th at the invitation of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten.  During her expected visit, Ms. DeVos will tour Van Wert City Schools to see one instance of how public education works in West Central Ohio.  This is a great opportunity for our sister district to showcase their ongoing efforts to promote their students’ well-being, develop and enrich their staff, and collaborate with members of their community to grow their district through public education.

What cannot be lost during this visit is the drastic difference in opinion between our local communities and the Secretary of Education.  Ms. DeVos is an advocate for increased voucher programs and for-profit education centers in Ohio and around our country.  Her efforts are masqueraded by a rollout of buzzwords that include grandiose visions of “school choice” for families.  What needs to be made clear for Ohioans--particularly those in our region--we already have school choice options for our students, and that Ms. DeVos’ educational suggestions, rooted in for-profit voucher programs, amount to the theft of public education at the expense of our students and district taxpayers.

The responsibility for public education is not something that starts and ends with school administrators, teachers, and support personnel.  It is not merely a collection of assessments and checkpoints for students on their way into the workforce or onto further training or education. True “school choice” lies with our many communities across Ohio and our collective capacity to participate in the public education process.  It is our civic responsibility to support candidates for public office to supervise, manage and oversee the function and operation of our public school districts.  It is our civic duty to ask tough questions of teachers and administrators when reports show that improvement is necessary for our students and communities. It is our civic opportunity to consider tax levies that could be utilized to renovate, improve or retask elements of a school district for the constantly evolving mission of public education for our children and their eventual children.

School voucher programs in Ohio and around the country are not all connected to the type of for-profit scheming that we have seen in Michigan and in other parts of the country; however the recent rollout of voucher proposals in Columbus and around our nation by those that share the DeVos mindset for community destabilization cannot be tolerated by our Ohio citizens.  We cannot rob a community trust for an unchecked, enterprising gamble.  If we are not vigilant, our state coffers will be emptied of revenue initially aimed at supporting our public school districts and redirected at commercial “academies” and “schools” associated with benefitting shareholders rather than developing students and communities for a better tomorrow in the State of Ohio.

We have always had a choice in Ohio, and many of us have used that opportunity to be involved in our local school districts as much as possible.  This new “choice” is a carefully packaged and convenient “fox in the henhouse” that is designed to prey upon parents’ desires to promote a better future for their children.  The only obvious choice that we have in Ohio is to continue to invest in our local districts, and work together to make sure that they are in a position to meet the needs of our students and communities in the future.  While it is important that Van Wert and other communities in Ohio and around the country welcome Ms. DeVos with an open-mind, we must be ever diligent to avoid the cheap parlor tricks associated with the branding of new, “school choice” rollouts by the current Secretary of Education and state legislators that might introduce her brand of education.

Submitted by James Lautzenheiser, President
Crestview Employees’ Association (OFT-AFT)
Crestview Local Schools - Convoy, Ohio
lautzenheiser.james@crestviewknights.com

(216) 262-2805 - Cell

Lake Campus Engineering Department to Host Trebuchet Contest

On  Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 9am-2pm at the Mercer-Auglaize Counties YMCA – Celina, OH, close to one dozen teams from Coldwater, Parkway, Versailles and Arlington High Schools will compete in the Trebuchet Contest. This is an engineering design challenge presented to high school students. Students apply math and science to develop a small-scale trebuchet to launch squash balls towards a target. There are two teams competing against one another. Each team has four trebuchets. Each trebuchet has a target next to it. One objective of this competition is to challenge students to develop a well-designed machine capable of accurate trajectories. The more accurate the trebuchet, the more targets they can eliminate from the opposing team.

The competition is a tournament style challenge.  Wright State engineering students will serve as judges and Engineering faculty are sponsoring the event.

Rockford Police Arrest Male on Sexual Contact with a Minor Charges

On April 17th, 2017 the Rockford Police received a complaint of an adult having had sexual contact with a minor. An investigation was conducted by Rockford Police and Children Services. Ryan M. Mills (39) of Rockford was arrested for sexual conduct with a minor, who is not the spouse of the offender a Felony of the third degree. Mr. Mills is being held on $500,000.00 bond. The victim’s name is not being released. Chief Paul May would like to thank the St. Mary’s Police for their cooperation in the investigation. 

Superintendent Search at Parkway Continues
The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education has scheduled the following work session related to the Superintendent search:

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room

The work session will be held in executive session.  No action will be taken.

 
April 18-19, 2017
 

Red Cross Needs Volunteers at Van Wert County Hospital
Van Wert, Ohio -- Are you looking for a way to give back to your community?  The American Red Cross – Hospital Program is looking for volunteers to help in a variety of areas at Van Wert County Hospital.  Volunteering only takes a few hours each week and is a great way to serve others and bring a smile to someone’s face!  If you are interested in volunteering for the American Red Cross – Hospital Program, please call Carol Hennis at 419-203-6030 to find out how to get started.  We’d love to add you to our great group of caring volunteers!

Pictured below are volunteers currently serving in the American Red Cross – Volunteer Program.

Twenty First Century Club Meets

The Twenty First Century Club met on March 28, 2017 at the Rockford Methodist Café room.  Vice President Rozann Maurer welcomed everyone. 

The program began with Karla Butler presenting a power point lesson about the “Chutes and Ladders originally called Snakes and Ladders.  She shared details about the history and rules of the game.  She stated that it is an ancient game called Moksha Patam from Indian played between two or more players. Ladders and Snakes (later Chutes since snakes were frightening) are pictured on a gridded board and connect two squares. By the luck of rolling the die players move their game piece, from the start (bottom square) to the finish (top square), helped or hindered by ladders and snakes (chutes) respectively. Historically, it was a game to teach Hindu morality lessons with the ladders being virtues and the snakes being vices. Later Milton Bradley created their own version and it is still popular today.

Louisa Hemmelgarn continued the program with Candy Land trivia which everyone enjoyed. The game was designed in 1948 by Eleanor Abbott, while she was recovering from polio. Other sick children in her hospital  loved the game and convinced Abbott to submit the game to the Milton Bradley Company. The game was bought by Milton Bradley and first published in 1949 as a temporary fill in for their then main product line, school supply. Candy Land became Milton Bradley's best selling game surpassing its previous top seller, Uncle Wiggly.

The race revolves around a storyline about finding King Kandy, the lost king of Candy Land. The board has a winding, linear track made of 134 spaces, most red, green, blue, yellow, orange or purple. The remaining pink spaces are named locations such as Candy Cane Forest and Gum Drop Mountain, or characters such as Queen Frostine and Gramma Nutt. The board has three colored spaces marked with a dot. Two of these spaces were designated as "cherry pitfalls" and the other was situated in Molasses Swamp. A player who lands on such a space is stuck until the correct color is drawn.  A spinner is used to move players along the track. Club members remembered both of these games well.

Ann Gage and Sherry Shaffer served candy themed snacks.

Blessing of the Bikes

The Legion Riders of Celina American Post 210 invite all motorcycle riders to their 3rd annual Blessing of the Bikes.  It will be held on Saturday May 13, 2017 at 11:30 at the Post parking lot located at 2501 St Rt 703, Celina Ohio.

You do not have to be a member of the  American Legion, Sons of the Legion, Auxiliary , or Legion Member.  Just show up on your motorcycle.

The St Marys American Legion is sponsoring their SIDS Ride after the Blessing of the Bikes.  You are invited to join them for the event.  The Legion Post is just down the road on St Rt 703.

 
April 15-17, 2017
Easter Weekend
 

Grandparents’ Day for 2017
Calvary Preschool is planning the annual Grandparents’ Day for 2017.  There will be two days for this event, Monday April 24 and Tuesday April 25.  Mrs. Chavarria’s Pre-K Plus and Mrs. Stewart’s Red class will host their guests on Monday, while Mrs. Ickes’s Three’s and Mrs. Stewart’s Blue classes will hold their day on Tuesday.  Grandparents and special guests are asked to arrive at 10:30 for a time of music presented by the classes and then join their students for fun activities in the Fellowship Hall.

Calvary Preschool is located at 10686 Van Wert Decatur Road.  Registrations are being accepted for the 2017-2018 school year.  There are currently openings in all age groups, three to five years old.  For information, contact Marilyn Agler, director, at 567-259-3103 or by e-mail at preschool@calvaryelife.org.

 

Our Old Bookcase

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

Photo caption:  Shanes Crossing (1888) was known as “Half Way Cross,” in 1755.

Shanes Crossing Historical Society invited me to their meeting in 2014, when they were discussing ideas for their 200th Anniversary Celebration in 2020 (Twenty-Twenty).   We shared many ideas about how various communities in Mercer County had celebrated anniversaries of their historical events.

Now that they have had three years to consider various plans, they invited me to return this April.  I went back to my computer, to see if I had kept my outline of plans related to their history, the last time I was there.  At that time, I was impressed with the depth of thought which they had applied to their ideas at those early planning meetings. 

When I was writing about inventions, I wrote, “Creative individuals are thinkers and dreamers; they are the ones who come up with the light bulb moment.”  Today, I am asking the thinkers and dreamers to create ideas for a local community to plan and implement for their historic celebrations.

Prehistoric Artifact collectors of arrow heads, stone axes, flint pieces, and shards of pottery, have found extensive examples of artifacts along the Saint Marys River in Dublin Township.  Map collectors may have early maps of Mercer County.  The earliest map I have found which identifies a site in Mercer County, is the 1755 English map which includes “Half Way Cross,” which refers to the site of Shanes Crossing of the St. Marys River.  (This Crossing was half way between two Indian Villages; do you know their names?) 

Military Historians study military action which relate to people in Mercer County.  In Dublin Township, during the 1790’s Indian Wars, the U.S. Military constructed Fort Adams and crossed the St. Marys River.  During the War of 1812, the U.S. Military crossed the St.  Marys River.   Treaties were made between the Native American Tribes and the U.S. Government, in the early 1800’s.  Anthony Shane played an important role during that time period.  Shanes Crossing Historical Society has Members who study this heritage.  Local organizations honor our Military Veterans in several ways.  German Prisoners of War worked for local businesses in Rockford, in the 1940’s. 

Transportation History is studied about rivers, trails, railroads, airports, and high ways.  Rockford can  claim history for each of these methods of travel.  Communication History is another topic, with studies of the social events, written history, Morse Code, newspapers, telephones, cell phones and computers.

Communities study their Township and Village Government histories, Business histories, School histories, Library history, Church histories, and Service Organization histories.  Community events’ history includes arts and music programs, parades, festivals, fairs, and holiday celebrations.  Sports historians not only study school sports, but also study adult and children’s sports of baseball, basketball, and other options, including local swimming pools, and race tracks.   Architectural styles in family histories of homes would be of interest.  The untold stories of Prohibition in the 1930’s might find a place for story-telling?  Those oral histories of the community may need a night of “Twice Told Tales.”

The easiest reference books for you to read about Rockford’s history are Mercer County History books and Rockford’s History books at the local Libraries in Mercer County.  You may email Mike Schumm at MDSchumm@roadrunner.com and share your knowledge and your ideas of projects for Rockford’s 200th Anniversary in 2020, with Shanes Crossing Historical Society.

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.] 

Shanes Crossing Historical Society to Meet

The next meeting of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society will be held on
Monday - April 17th at 7 pm at the museum located at 151 E Columbia St.

Our guest speaker will be Joyce Alig, President of the Mercer County Historical
Society.  Joyce will be talking about our Rockford history and the
importance of local people becoming involved in the upcoming
Bicentennial.

The public is invited to attend the meeting. 

 
April 13-14, 2017
 

NBC 10 anchor Patrice Wood (Rockford Native) to Deliver Commencement Address at Roger Williams University and Receive Honorary Degree

Dr. Pablo Rodriguez will Receive Honorary Degree during May 20 ceremony

BRISTOL, R.I., April 10, 2017 ­­– NBC 10 anchor Patrice Wood will deliver the commencement address at the Roger Williams University graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 20, 2017.

Wood, who has been delivering the news at Channel 10 (WJAR) in Rhode Island for more than 37 years, will be joined at the graduation ceremony by her husband, Paul Pabis, who is receiving a master’s degree in leadership from RWU, and by her daughter, Stephanie, who is receiving a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from RWU. Wood will receive an honorary degree in communications.

The university also will confer an honorary degree to Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, chair of the Women & Infants Health Care Alliance, president and CEO of Women’s Care, former medical director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island, and a clinical associate professor at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School.

Some 1,080 undergraduate and graduate students will take part in the 2017 commencement exercises, which will begin with a processional at the Bristol campus, One Old Ferry Road. The procession will enter a tent on RWU’s main athletic field at 9:30 a.m., and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

“Many universities honor certain individuals at their commencement ceremonies by inviting them to deliver an address to the graduates or by awarding them an honorary degree — and Roger Williams University is no exception to this tradition,” RWU President Donald J. Farish said. “We think it is particularly important to recognize those who have contributed to the public good and who reflect our institutional mission of ‘strengthening society.’ This year, we honor two such individuals, well-known to many Rhode Islanders, whose life work reflects a deep and abiding commitment to making Rhode Island a better place: Patrice Wood and Dr. Pablo Rodriguez.”

Wood’s first name is Holly (yes, Holly Wood); her middle name is Patrice. She grew up on a farm in Rockford, Ohio, where she and her two sisters worked taking care of pigs and horses, driving tractors and pulling weeds out of soybean fields. Her father was a farmer, and her mother was a newspaper reporter.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Wood studied journalism, receiving a bachelor’s degree in from Bowling Green State University. She worked as a news anchor/reporter for WDHO-TV in Toledo, Ohio, and held several news positions with WBGU-TV in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Wood joined NBC 10 in 1980. In addition to anchoring the 5, 6 and 11 o’clock news, she’s also known for her weekly “Tuesday's Child”  reports, which feature children in state care who need permanent homes. Those reports have resulted in numerous children being matched with adoptive families. She has received many volunteer and professional awards, including the prestigious Silver Circle award from the New England Association of Television Arts and Sciences and the Congressional Angels in Adoption Award.

Rodriguez is a well-known community leader and active participant in civic and charitable organizations, both locally and nationally. He is past chair of the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, the Rhode Island Foundation, the International Institute of RI, the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee, RI Project AIDS and the Democracy Compact. He led a $1.5 million capital campaign to benefit Progreso Latino, the leading social service agency for new immigrants. He was involved in the Health Care Reform Commission, which was in charge of drafting the RIte Care legislation in Rhode Island. And he was chair of the Minority Health Advisory Committee and the Minority AIDS Taskforce.

Rodriguez has received many awards for his community involvement, including the Community Service Award from the American Medical Association in 1994 and Planned Parenthood of RI in 1996. The John Hope Settlement House gave him their highest honor, the Paris Vaughn Sterett Award for community service, and the Ministers Alliance gave him with the Martin Luther King Service Award. Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza has called him the inspiring force behind the creation of the Latino Policy Institute at RWU, which Elorza co-founded. Also, he is a host of radio and television programs. He co-founded and serves as chairman and CEO of 1290-AM, Latino Public Radio.

About RWU: With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning. At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today’s employers demand. Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.

 
April 12, 2017
 

New pricing is listed with dates available at this link - Click Here

 
April 10-11, 2017
 

Coach Mark Esselstein Posts 500th Career Win
By Amber Slusher

Saturday, April 8, 2017 marked Coach Mark Esselstein’s 500th Career Win as the Parkway Softball Coach.  This win came as the 2017 Parkway Softball Team defeated Archbold and Crestview in a Quad at Parkway.  On this date, the Members of the 1997 State Final 4 softball team surprised Coach Esselstein with an impromptu reunion and recognition  on the field.  The team was the 1^st softball team in school history to advance to the State tournament.  Members present were Dr. Andrea Fisher, Jennifer Garwood Schmidt, Leslie Bowen Maurice, Amber Scheidt Slusher, Dawn Mathewson May, Amanda Schumm Triplett, Lisa Miller England and Brandi Stover Bruns.  The team was Coached by Coach Mark Esselstein and Coach Rex Miller. 
Congratulations again to Coach E on 500 wins!

Members of the 1997 State Final 4 softball team

The team was the 1^st softball team in school history to advance to the State tournament.  Members present were Dr. Andrea Fisher, Jennifer Garwood Schmidt, Leslie Bowen Maurice, Amber Scheidt Slusher, Dawn Mathewson May, Amanda Schumm Triplett, Lisa Miller England and Brandi Stover Bruns.

 
April 8-9, 2017
 

Armed Robbery in Celina ~ NEWS RELEASE 04/09/2017 

Clay Junod

Today, April 9th, 2017, the Celina Police Department responded to a call of an armed robbery at the Best Western Hotel at 2020 Holiday Dr., Celina.  At about 4:15PM a man, later identified as 34 year old Clay A. Junod, produced a handgun.  He grabbed the female clerk and demanded cash.  Junod left the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the area on foot.

An extensive search of the area was conducted along with searches of multiple locations in Celina where Junod is known to frequent.  Clay Junod has not been apprehended and is considered to be armed and dangerous.  Junod is a white male, 5’10”, 225 pounds, short brown hair and blue eyes.  Last seen wearing blue jeans, a white shirt and black jacket.  It is believed that he has since changed clothes.   

The Celina Police Department was assisted by deputies from the Mercer Co. Sheriff’s Office as well as the Mercer County Prosecutor Matthew K. Fox.  Judge James J. Scheer has issued an arrest warrant for Clay Junod on a charge of aggravated robbery.

If you know the whereabouts of Clay Junod or if you see him, please call the Celina Police Department at 419-586-2345.  If he is not in Celina call your local law enforcement agency.  DO NOT approach Junod or attempt to apprehend or hold him for police.

Celina Municipal Court Prosecutor / Celina Law Director / Mercer
County Attorney George Erik Moore Running for Municipal Court Judge

Celina Municipal Court Prosecutor / Celina Law Director / Mercer
County Attorney George Erik Moore is excited to announce that he is
running for Municipal Court Judge in the upcoming Republican Primary
Election on May 2, 2017.  This is a county-wide race.

George is a fifth-generation Mercer County native, is married to
Lindsey with three children, and is very-active in numerous community
and governmental activities.  His deeply-held family and religious
roots have taught him the benefits of “faith, family, and hard
work”.
 
Not only has he helped recover civil judgments and settlement for
clients in excess of several Million Dollars with the law firm of
Faber & Associates in Celina, he has also prosecuted over 8,000 cases
at the Municipal Court since being elected in 2012, including
appearing at over 250 trials, jury trials, and hearings.  He fully
understands the “ins and outs” of how this court works, and has
developed a “5 Point Plan for a Safer Mercer County”, which will
be paid for by those using the court (and not by all of the
taxpayers). 

 *Create a “Diversion Program” for certain minor non-violent
first-time offenses to not go on a person’s record upon completion of an educational program 

* “Harsher sentences” for ongoing repeat offenders

 

* Create a “probation department” to help repeat offenders comply
with court orders, and to help those with drug addictions 

*“Evening court” as an option for citizens who work during regular
business hours (including victims and witnesses)

 

* “Technology upgrades” to court to make the court more accessible,
and to keep law enforcement officers on the street

George has not sought or accepted any “political endorsements”
from anybody affiliated with the court, including from lawyers or from
law enforcement, in order to remain as fair and impartial as possible
if elected judge.

George is honored to have the support of so many people from
all-across Mercer County, and humbly asks for your vote on May 2.

 
April 7, 2017
 

Click here for more action shots by Nikki

Public Notice - Mercer County Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Mercer County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be conducting its annual hazardous material exercise on April 12, 2015 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Mercer County Fairgrounds behind the Mercer County EMS / EMA / LEPC office. This year’s exercise is a full scale exercise with activation of the County Emergency Operations Center.

Spring planting & open ditch maintenance

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

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

Should you have any questions related to these requirements, please feel free to call the Commissioners Office at 419-586-3178 or the Engineer’s Office at 419-586-7759.

Parkway April 11, 2017 School Board meeting will be held at the Praise Point Church in Willshire – Click here for the agenda

Sponsors Are Appreciated

Thank you to the Following Sponsors for your continued support of Caden Slusher and the Northwest Ohio Basketball Club:

Chatt Insurance, Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Betseys Boutique, Rockford Carryout, TJ's. Willshire Drive In, Laurels of Shane Hill, Vancrest Healthcare Centers, Kitchens Inc.

Your Support is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

Patrol Investigates A Motorcycle Crash

Paulding – The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a motorcycle crash at approximately 8:15 PM. The crash occurred on US-24 .1m east of mile-post 13 in Crane Township, Paulding County. The crash was north of the Village of Paulding. 

A 2008 Harley Davison motorcycle, driven by 32 year old Barron P. Elder of Hudson, Michigan, was westbound on US 24. The motorcycle drove off the left side of the roadway, into the center median, and overturned.    

Barron P. Elder Scot E. Elwood did have a helmet on, and was ejected from the motorcycle. He was flown from the scene to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana by Parkview Samaritan Air Ambulance, and is listed in serious condition. 

The Highway Patrol was assisted by Paulding Fire Department and Paulding Rescue, Paulding Sheriff’s Department.  The crash remains under investigation.

 
April 6, 2017
 

The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education has scheduled the following work sessions related to the Superintendent search:

            Monday, April 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room

            Wednesday, April 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room

The work sessions will be held in executive session.  No action will be taken, according to Debbie Pierce, Treasurer.

Stateline Writer’s Club to Meet
The Stateline Writer's Club will meet on Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m. in the Celina public library.  

Celina librarian Jay Miley will deliver a presentation on blogging.

The suggested composition topic for the April meeting is short piece about "a local historical place, person or thing."   Writers are expected to cite sources. 

The public is welcome to attend.

 
April 5, 2017
 

Recently the last old trees at the site of the old Parkway School Building on Franklin Street in Rockford were cut down by the Village maintenance crew. Some residents expressed their memories of sitting under the majestic oak trees and having class when it was hot in the school building, playing tag under the old walnut tree and having art class outside so sketches could be made of the trees.

Thanks to Marcia Ripley for sharing these pictures.

 
April 4, 2017
 

Parkway Athletic Booster meeting is Wednesday, April 5 at 6:00

Van Wert Medical Services Announces Dr. Gammill as Internal Medicine Physician

VAN WERT, Ohio – Van Wert Medical Services welcomes Todd Gammill, M.D., as a physician in internal medicine. Gammill joins Christine Ulrich, C.N.P. and Scott Jarvis, M.D. in Suite 105 of the Van Wert Health Center, which is located at 140 Fox Road, Van Wert, Ohio.  Dr. Gammill is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology.

 “One of the things that I enjoy most about being a physician is really listening to my patients.  I like being able to make an impact on their lives,” Dr. Gammill said. He will treat patients with acute and chronic medical problems and sees adult patients with a broad spectrum of illnesses.

 Dr. Gammill was a cardiologist with Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas, before coming to Van Wert. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arkansas in 1979 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.  Dr. Gammill also completed a Fellowship in Cardiology at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis.

 Dr. Gammill welcomes new patients to his office and accepts most insurance plans.  At his office, you will find courteous and friendly staff, same day appointments, and exceptional medical care.  To schedule an appointment, please call 419-238-7727.

Lake Campus Happenings – April 2017

CELINA, OH – As the 2016-2017 academic year comes to an end for Wright State University – Lake Campus, there are many events occurring during the month of April that are free and open to the public. Some events may require registration. Please see details below for further information.

Active Shooter Awareness Training

Would you know how to protect yourself if an assailant would enter your school, workplace, church, or other public area?  Join us for one of these interactive, instructional courses.  Training is sponsored and hosted by the Wright State University Crime Prevention Unit.  FREE and open to the public!  Seating is limited – please RSVP for one session totyler.pottkotter@wright.edu.

Monday, April 10, 2:00-4:00pm

OR Tuesday, April 11, 6:00-8:00pm

177 Dwyer Hall

Faculty Research Symposium

This year’s event will showcase 30+ research posters from a combination of 20+ faculty and 35+ students, representing a variety of discipline and research interests.  Come see what is happening within our academic programs and ongoing research projects at the Lake Campus and beyond!

Email jill.puthoff@wright.edu with questions.

Thursday, April 20

11:00am-1:30pm

James F. Dicke Hall

Sign Language Concert

This annual event features a variety of hit songs interpreted in American Sign Language by our very own Lake Campus students. Enjoy the music and the visual version of the lyrics! FREE and open to the public!

Email jodi.pierstorff@wright.edu with questions.

Friday, April 21

7:00pm

James F. Dicke Hall

Graphic Design, Multimedia & Photography Display

View our large showcase of graphic design, multimedia, and photography displays from Lake Campus students.  A variety of mediums will be featured from campus courses in these fields.  Students will be available to discuss their graphic design portfolios from noon-2pm.

Email teresa.richter@wright.edu with questions.

Thursday, April 27

9:00am-5:00pm (open house format)

James F. Dicke Hall

Reservations Now Open for “Farce of Nature” 

Van Wert, OH- Off Stage Productions concludes its 2016-2017 season with “Farce of Nature”, a Jones Hope Wooten comedy. This two-act comical farce will be directed by Mandy Fifer. Mark your calendars and plan to attend one of our seven performances, opening Saturday, April 22nd. Additional show dates are Sunday April 23rd*, Friday, Saturday & Sunday April 28th-30th*, and Friday & Saturday May 5th & 6th. Doors open at 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, *12:30 pm for Sunday matinees, at the Van Wert County Senior Center (220 Fox Road, Van Wert, OH). A buffet style meal provided by Romer’s Catering will be served starting at 7:00 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm (*1:00pm meal and 2:00pm show on the Sunday matinees). 

THE STORY: The non-stop hilarity of this Southern-fried farce highlights one day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas. Meet D. Gene Wilburn, the owner and proprietor of the Reel 'Em Inn, the finest little fishing lodge in the Ozarks. Well, it used to be, but lately business is down, tourists are few, and the lone guest who's just checked in—an extremely jittery Carmine DeLuca from Chicago—is only there due to a location shift in the Witness Protection Program. Doesn't anybody just want to fish anymore? Certainly not D. Gene's frustrated wife, Wanelle, who's fed up with their lackluster romantic life. She's taken drastic steps to improve it through hypnotic suggestion. D. Gene's feisty sister Maxie has her own problems, chief among them battling ageism to resume her career in law enforcement. She's determined to prove her worth by keeping Carmine DeLuca alive through the weekend—a task that's going to prove to be much harder than she bargained for since she keeps losing both her gun and the bullets. And she never anticipated the gangster Carmine’s been dodging for the last five years, Sonny Barbosa, is about to walk through the door. This side-splittingly funny Jones Hope Wooten comedy is guaranteed to win your audiences—hook, line, and sinker. 

Join our cast and creative team and you will be sure to laugh out loud as you watch all of this action play out at the Reel ‘Em Inn lodge. 

Wanelle Wilburn - Jewell Kurtz 
D. Gene Wilburn - Dan Bulau 
Jenna Sealy - Kelly Smith 
Maxie Wilburn Suggs - Terri Stevens 
Carmine DeLuca - Matt Krol 
Ty Wilburn - Jonathan Dennie 
Lola Barbosa - Mary Yackey 
Sonny Barbosa - Travis Nihiser 
Roxanne Thorne - Staci Kaufman 

Reservations for members open at 10:00 am on Monday, April 3rd and on Wednesday, April 5th for the general public and are open daily. Reservations close at 6:00 pm each day, and can be made by calling 419-605-6708. Ticket prices are $28 for the dinner and show. Reservations must be secured with a credit card, and any cancellations must be made by the Wednesday prior to show date (for full refund). Off Stage Productions can be found online at http://www.offstagetheatre.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OffStageProductions 

Find out more about us. Contact one of our members or call (419) 605-6708.

 
April 1-3, 2017
 

Parkway High School Art and Business Students tour Chicago
The Parkway High School Art and Business students attended a fieldtrip to the “Windy City” of Chicago. The group activities included a boat tour of the architecture of Chicago, a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago, behind the scene tour of Solider Field, Shed aquarium, and a trip up the Willis Tower. Students learned about the history of Chicago, including the great fire of Chicago. While on the boat tour students learned about the cost of each building, time involved in building the structure, and with some buildings they learned about the miles of materials used to build the structure.

While visiting the Art Institute, students had time to visit the main exhibit which was dedicated to James Whistler, including his famous painting of his mother. Students had the chance to visit many of the different galleries such as an armor exhibit, modern art, and a showcase of the Chicago Board of Trades prior to the technology changes of today. Students were engaged with something that sparked their interest during the visit.

There was time for students to take in the taste of Chicago while they visited Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile during meal times. Groups visited Chicago Pizzerias to take in a deep dish pizza, while others visited Michael Jordan’s steak house or Harry Carries dinner. Students enjoyed the opportunity to try something new and take in the big city at lunch time.

Day two of the trip was dedicated to the business of Chicago, where students had the chance to take a behind the scene tour of Soldier Field. The most exciting part of the tour was sitting in the luxury boxes and seeing the field from that view, as well as a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. The group was amazed when told the cost per seat and guaranteed number of years for the contract. Later, the tour was a trip to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower Skydeck. While in line to visit the tower, students were exposed to the planning, costs, and strategic planning of the building. Students could then see a birds eye view of the Chicago landscape.

The Parkway Art and Business program would like to thank K&K Tours (Celina, Ohio) for helping put this great tour together and helping our students experience Chicago. Portions of this trip were paid through fundraising efforts by the Parkway Business program, and we would like to thank the community for their continued support of fundraising efforts. These trips are a great way for our students to see how they fit into a larger world.

Parkway Preschool Registration Night

Parkway Preschool has set their Registration Night for the 2017-2018 school year on Wednesday, April 26 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Parkway Preschool is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star program, which means this program has demonstrated the highest level of quality as rated by ODE.

On this night, parents may bring their child to the school to see the rooms as well as meet the teachers.  Registration forms will be available to complete and payment of the $25 registration fee will be accepted.  Once the registration is completed, other forms need to be turned in before the school year begins in August.  There are changes for the 2017-2018 school year, so be sure to attend on this evening.  If you have further questions, please call the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720.  (Currently enrolled Parkway preschoolers do not need to attend.)

THE ROCKFORD BELLE -- OPRY SHOW

SATURDAY – APRIL 8, 2017

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

* Dan Cole – Reading, MI 

* Collie Lambert and Steve Scott – from Oakwood

* Mike Kaufman and Joe Killion from Defiance 

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

Jerry started the band “The Originals” in the early 1970’s playing weddings, club and other events.  He retired with the band in 1978.   But the music stayed with him and in 2005, Jerry bought a guitar and the bug got to him again!   He sings Classic Country and enjoys it.  He currently plays in Oakwood, Definance, Contenential, Lima, and Uniopolis – all Ohio locations.  He enjoys playing music with different people.  The people and the audiences are REALLY GOOD PEOPLE !!

2017 MINI S.T.A.R. Retreat

The first Mercer County Mini S.T.A.R. (Students Teaching About Resistance) Retreat was held for 4th and 5th grade students on Saturday, March 18th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Celina. This year’s theme was, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Say No to Drugs. Say Yes to Pizza!” 64 Mercer County 4th and 5th graders attended the retreat and the goal was to provide the youth with a positive, drug-free experience full of alternative activities. The retreat also gave them a chance to learn new skills, be themselves, and make new friends to support them during difficult times! Laura Sanford, the Prevention Coordinator at Foundations Behavioral Health Services, directed the youth-led prevention event. The retreat was mostly ran by 14 of the high school students from the Mercer County S.T.O.P. (Students Teaching Others Prevention) Group. Having the High School students lead allowed them to be role models to their peers and the community. The retreat was also assisted by 17 local adult volunteers. 

The day started at 9 am with games and energizers led by the teens and adults. The staff introduced themselves and shared why they say “no to drugs and yes to (something important to them).” The high school students also performed skits about preventing bullying, peer pressure and remaining drug-free.

The 4th and 5th graders were each placed in a closer-knit “family group” led by the high school students with adult supervision. Family groups met 3 times throughout the day to do team-building activities, discuss activities and any issues someone might be facing. The youth took part in two “How To” sessions such as juggling, fitness fair, crafts, self-defense or introduction to the arts. They also attended one Personal Growth workshop.  Youth could choose either Social Media Safety, Girl Talk 101, Guy Talk 101, Health/Relaxation, Peer Pressure/Defensive Strategies, or Communication/Resolving Conflict. The “How To” and “Personal Growth” sessions were led by the high school students along with local community adult volunteers.

The day ended at 5:00pm after some VERY LOUD energizers and a video presentation for the parents/guardians showcasing the day’s events.  A skit led by Sean Muhlenkamp, S.T.O.P. President and the rest of the high school students was performed to a Chariots of Fire theme. The skit demonstrated with determination and the support of family and friends you can resist using drugs and alcohol.   A special recognition by his peers was given to Sean for his long-time dedication to the S.T.O.P group and the S.T.A.R. retreats.  He is a senior at St. Henry High School and participates in Cross Country and Track.  Sean first attended the S.T.A.R. Retreat as an 8th grader was a member of the S.T.O.P. Group and has helped with the retreat for all 4 years through high school.  Sean will be greatly missed and we wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors. 

The Mini S.T.A.R. Retreat was made possible by a grant from the Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund, Inc. and support from Foundations Behavioral Health Services. T-shirts were sponsored by McKirnan Brothers, Inc., Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters, Monfort Family McDonalds, Preferred Insurance Center, Walmart, Hot Brass Personal Defense, Grand Lake Auxiliary FOE 1291 and 4-U Office Supplies. 

Special thank you to:

·         Detective Sergeant Megan Baker from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department for teaching the Social Media “How To” Session

·         Fitness Fair instructors: Amber Mott (Drum Fitness), Christina Dicke and Shaun Koester from Upstage Downtown (Jazzercise); Kelly Lefeld from Be Well. Be Fit (Zumba & Pound)

·         Andrea Cahill from Hot Brass Personal Defense for helping teach Self-Defense and the Peer Pressures/Defensive Strategies session

·         Craig Muhlenkamp for teaching the Juggling class and helping with electronic needs

·         Brittany Swartz who made the closing ceremony video

·         Carl Wuebker for helping with electronic needs and taking pictures

·         Co-worker, Amy Miller for helping A LOT and keeping things organized

·         Interns Claire Hemmelgarn and Skyler Howell

·         Celina Kiwanis Club for putting the youth folders together with all the necessary papers

·         Guidance counselors/principals and school secretaries for helping to recruit the youth

·         St. John’s Lutheran Church aka The Purple Door Church for the use of their building and for all their accommodations assistance

·         All the adults and high school students who volunteered their time

·         All the parents who came and the awesome 4th and 5th graders that made today possible

High School S.T.O.P Leaders include: Celina School - Aleisha Mott, Kaitlyn Smith, Bransen Miller and Rayne Reisinger; Coldwater School - Ian Cahill, Anthony Kunk; Ft. Recovery School - Owen Sheridan (vice president), Ashley Bryam, and Troy Kunk; Marion Local - Carrie McNeely; St. Henry - Sean Muhlenkamp (president), Leah Roll, Grant Garke, Alexis Heath. Adult staff included: Laura Sanford, Amy Miller, Andrea Cahill, Becca Cotterman, Roberta Donovan, Craig Muhlenkamp, Dan Jones, Gina Kittle, Crystal Pyles, Joan Roll, Tom Sanford, Cassie and Wayne Schaaf, Jodi Wenning, Carl Wuebker, Skylar Howell, and Ashley Searight.

Business Enterprise Center at Wright State University-Lake Campus 
Announces Upcoming Class Schedule

CELINA, OH – The Business Enterprise Center (BEC) at Wright State University – Lake Campus has announced the Spring 2017 schedule of classes. There is still time to register for workshops scheduled for April or May. Upcoming classes include the following workshops:

Microsoft Outlook

Want a better way to organize your busy home or office? Join Carla as you learn the capabilities of Microsoft Outlook to keep your schedule in order. The course will teach you how to utilize e-mail, online calendaring, task & contact manager, along with the journal & note taking options. Share your task lists and calendar with colleagues. Schedule meetings with minimum hassle. Exchange folders with co-workers. Make this powerful software work for you! This class is for new and current users wanting to expand their use of Outlook.

Date: April 5, 2017 from 5-8pm (3 hours)
Location: 196 Dwyer Hall
Instructor: Carla Hirschfeld
Cost: $50/person

"STARTING RIGHT” (Pre-Business Seminar Held Monthly)
Each month the BEC hosts the Starting Right class for individuals planning to start a small business. This two-hour class gives you information to help you decide if business ownership is right for you and can assist you in starting your business the “Wright Way.” After attending the Starting Right class, you are entitled to free individualized business counseling. We can help with most issues pertaining to financials for your business—cash flow, pricing, supply costs, record-keeping, etc. We also assist with your Business Plan, some marketing and advertising features, demographics, HR issues, etc. 

 We recommend all new business owners attend this class. 

Dates: April 20, 2017

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Room: 126 Trenary Hall

Cost is $35 per business

QuickBooks
Before you start making money in business, you need to figure out how you will record, track, and manage each of your hard-earned dollars. QuickBooks, the #1 recommended accounting software for small business, makes it easy to organize all of your financial data in one central location so that you can manage your money, pay your bills, and track payments from your customers efficiently. Always know exactly where your business stands with QuickBooks. Join Ron Kremer for 12-hours of software training on this highly-rated accounting software to help improve your bottom line! All participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate.

Dates: May 1, 2, 3 & 4 2017
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Instructor: Carla Hirschfeld
Room: 196 Dwyer Hall
Cost: $135/person

The Business Enterprise Center (BEC) at Wright State University-Lake Campus provides free, comprehensive counseling and management training to new and existing small businesses. In addition to workshops, one-on-one counseling appointments are scheduled individually to ensure convenience and confidentiality. The BEC office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2017 BEC Summer Class Schedule will be announced in mid-April.

For more information about the BEC and its programs, call Carol Jones at 419-586-0902 or email Carol.jones@wright.edu or call Rachel Stoker at 419-586-0355, email Rachel.stoker@wright.edu

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
March 31, 2017
 

Parkway April 2017 Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
March 28-30, 2017
 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently Parkway Local Schools a hunting permit to deal with an invasion of turkey vultures on the football field. Rockford Police Chief Paul May says up to 5 of the buzzards will hunted on April 1, 2017. Call him at 419-363-3032, ext 2, for more information.

Rockford Resident to Sing in Annual Show
John Foster, a Rockford resident, will be in a Sound Waves Chorus annual
show on Saturday, April 8th to be held in the St. Marys High School auditorium.
Shows are 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets available at the door. John
has sung bass in this group since 2003.

Panther Varsity Baseball

Parkway Varsity Softball Team - Click Here

Junior High Track

High School Track - Click Here for more Pictures

 
March 25-27, 2017
 

Pam Buschur Retiring
We at the Celina Mercer Co. Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you all to stop by for an Open House on Thursday, March 30 from 10:00am-4:00pm to wish Pam Buschur a Happy Retirement!!!  Light refreshments will be available.  Our office is located at 121 E. Logan Street, Celina, OH.

You will also have the opportunity to meet the new Chamber Director, Stacy Beougher.  We look forward to you stopping by to wish Pam well!!

Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society Plan Meeting

Sunday April 2, at 2:00 the Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet.  Mary Ann Olding  will be the  guest speaker.  She has an extensive background conducting original historical research on Ohio’s ethnic architecture and rural settlement patterns.  Ms. Olding has served as a regional preservation officer for the Ohio Historical Society, a graduate instructor in the history department at Wright State University, director of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, and professor and advisor at the Union Institute and University.    Olding has spent 35 years researching Ohio rural Black settlements established before the Civil War.  Mercer County’s Carthagena early Black settlement will be the topic of Sunday’s program.  The public is welcome to attend. The meetings are held at the Richardson Bretz Building in Celina.

Brad Now of Rockford on March 21, 2017 was welcomed on as a new council member filling the vacated seat of Bob Dooley. Dooley's seat would have expired in November. Now will consider if he wants to run for that seat once this term is over. The new subdivision is in the stage of the issuance of bonds to pay for construction  - $200,000. Two cul-de-sacs, a main street and 13 lots are planned. Rogers Avenue, Youngblutt Drive and Belle Drive are the names planned in honor of Tom rogers, former landover. Columbia Street is currently under re-construction. Click here for more details.

 
March 24, 2017
 

Litter Pickup – Youth groups to collect litter

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

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

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

Parkway 8th Grade Baseball Team - Click Here for the other teams by Nikki Fox

 
March 22-23, 2017
 

Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt
A fun Easter Egg Hunt for the kids is coming to Shanes Park on Saturday, April 15th at 1 pm.

** Bring your own basket

Age groups up to 10 can join in the hunt.

Sponsored by:  SHANES PARK BOARD

Parkway Middle School Spring Sports Schedules Posted by  Lisa Miller
Click Here to see the Junior High schedules in printable format!

Parkway High School Spring Sports Schedules Posted by Lisa Miller
Click Here to see the Baseball Schedules - printable!

Click Here for the Softball Schedules - printable!

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

Pictures coming soon by Nikki Fox . . . .

PUBLIC NOTICE ROAD CLOSING

The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Hayes Road between State Route 197 and Oregon Road in Center Township for a culvert replacement.  This road will be closed tentatively on March 23, 2017 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 2 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

Great April Adventure

Celina Mercer Chamber along with the Celina Retail Association will once
again be hosting the Great April Adventure.  This fun filled evening is
Friday, April 28 beginning at 5pm in downtown Celina. 

Teams of 2 to 4 people will travel to downtown Celina businesses and
complete an adventure at each location.  This is similar to the Amazing Race
but it is not a race.  Pre-registration is $25 per team by April 21st  at
the Celina Mercer Co. Chamber office located at 121 E. Logan Street, Celina.
After April 21st, it is $40 per team.  Registration fee is nonrefundable.
Space is limited.  To register your team call the Chamber at 419.586.2219.
Must be 18 to play.  You must complete all tasks to be eligible for the $300
cash prize drawing and other door prizes.  Get ready for an adventure in
downtown Celina!

Unique Woodmasters Joins Celina Mercer Co Chamber

Lawrence and William Schoen, Co-Owners of Unique Woodmasters, LLC has joined the Celina Mercer Co. Chamber.  They specialize in furniture restoration
such as stripping, repairs, finishing, chair cane & rush.  Together they
have over 20 years' experience in woodworking with Entertainment Centers,
Custom Cabinetry, Heirloom Quality Reproductions, Licensed Corian
Fabricator, and much more. For more information contact Willam or Lawrence
at 419-268-WOOD or visit their website at www.Uniquewoodmasters.com.

JEG Business Solutions joins Celina Mercer Co Chamber

Jon Grimm, owner of JEG Business Solutions has joined the Celina Mercer
County Chamber of Commerce.  JEG Business Solutions helps businesses grow in five key ways.  They are specialized tax incentives, credit card merchant audit,
waste and recycling audit, work comp audit,  and parcel shipping expense audit.  Jon Grimm is a Senior Agent with Stryde Solutions.   Jon Grimm's team works with clients on a national level to identify Specialized Tax Incentives and Expense Reductions.  To reach Jon, email jg31673@gmail.com or visit
www.strydeadvisors.com/136631. 

Suspicious Person Arrested

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office investigated a suspicious person on Monday March 20th, 2017 that resulted in the arrest of an Ohio City man.  Grey reports that dispatch received a 911 call at 9:37 AM from a resident in Washington Township, who reported that there was a suspicious male in a truck in his driveway.   Deputies responded to the call along with an officer from the Coldwater Police Department.  When deputies arrived they found the male to be disoriented and unaware of his surroundings.   It was found that the vehicle was not registered to the operator and contact could not be made with the registered owner of the truck.  The registered owner was from Lima, Ohio.    Deputies called a wrecker to tow the truck from the scene.   When the truck was moved from the scene small baggies were found.  The baggies contained Methamphetamines.   The male was arrested and transported to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.

Arrested was 47 year old Shane Richard Burk of 15921 St Rte. 709 lot 58 Ohio City, Ohio.   Burk is currently being held in jail on a $150,000.00 bond set by Celina Municipal Court Judge James Scheer.   Burk is being charged with Possession of Drugs a Felony of the fifth degree.  The case is being sent to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review of additional charges.

Grey stressed the importance of citizens to calling his office with information; this is a perfect example of a vigilant citizen and his deputies working together.  We will continue our efforts to combat the drug problem and we appreciate the assistance of our citizens.

Sheriff Jeff Grey

Mercer County Sheriff’s Office

Art's Muffler and Tire joins Chamber
Art's Muffler and Tire has joined the Celina Mercer Chamber of Commerce.
Their experience staff can assist with all your automotive needs from
reliable muffler and tire work, oil changes, wheel alignment, and general
repair.  Art's Muffler and Tire is located at 212 E. Fayette St. here in
Celina.  They can be reached at 419-586-1518 or visit their website at
www.artsmufflerandtire.com for more information.
You can count on Art's for all of your auto work. No job is too small or
large for this dedicated crew. Bring your vehicle in to their shop today!

Honor Roll ~ Parkway High School ~ 2nd Nine Weeks 2016-2017 SY ~ by Sandee Bollenbacher
Click Here

 
March 21, 2017
 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to fog for Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Parkway Schools are now closed for Tuesday, March 21, 2017

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

Parkway Junior Class ACT test is rescheduled and will be given on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

Parkway School Board and Administration invite you to please go to the Parkway Schools Web Page and complete the survey for Community Input for Parkway's Next Superintendent.

www.parkwayschools.org

THE ROCKFORD BELLE -- OPRY SHOW
SATURDAY – APRIL 8, 2017
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

* Dan Cole – Reading, MI * Collie Lambert and Steve Scott – from Oakwood

* Mike Kaufman and Joe Killion from Defiance  

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



Jerry started the band “The Originals” in the early 1970’s playing weddings, club and other events.  He retired with the band in 1978.   But the music stayed with him and in 2005, Jerry bought a guitar and the bug got to him again!   He sings Classic Country and enjoys it.  He currently plays in Oakwood, Definance, Contenential, Lima, and Uniopolis – all Ohio locations.  He enjoys playing music with different people.  The people and the audiences are REALLY GOOD PEOPLE !! 

For more information contact Jerry at 419-363-3794.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

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

Photo caption:  Burkettsville Community Fire Department.  Back row:  Frank Bueter, __?__, and Nip Wehrkamp.  Front Row:  __?__, Willie Rammel.  Can you identify the two men and Nip Wehrkamp’s first name? 

Thanks to Dennis Hemmelgarn for sharing this photograph with the Mercer County Historical Society.  Can you identify the date and type of fire truck in the photograph?  When was the front of the Fire Department building remodeled, from the smaller arched entry, to the larger entry today?  The history of Mercer County is often illustrated in old photographs, and with the help of local citizens, that history is identified and preserved. 

The Burkettsville Community Fire Department Members placed the history of their Fire Department in the 1978 “Mercer County History” book, on page 367.  Burkettsville Fire Department was organized October 26, 1900 with about twenty members, with Stephen Oliger as chief.  The Department first had a hand pumper.  They had monthly meetings and examined the fire equipment.  For water supply, the town dug cisterns located at various places in the middle of the street.  January 11, 1915, the Fire Chief asked the Burkettsville Board of Council to put up markers at the village cisterns for easy identification. 

The old pumper type was discontinued around 1920.  On August 4, 1936 the present fire department was organized with Officers and the Burkettsville Council as the executive committee.  The 1936 truck was the first truck.  [What fire equipment did the citizens use between 1920’s and 1936? ]  The next fire truck was a 1952 truck and the 1936 truck was converted to a tank wagon.  The 1952 truck was replaced in 1968.  Over the years, the number of fires varied from year to year.  Some years there were as many as twenty fires or more a year.  Other times there were as few as half dozen.  The biggest fire the department ever had was the Burkettsville Novitiate on State Route 118, on January 1, 1971. 

As of 1978, the department served an area of over 200 certificate holders (farmers), in addition to the residents of New Weston and Burkettsville.  As of 1978, the department had three trucks:  a 1975 grass fire unit; a 1965 pumper, and a 1968 tank truck.  At that time, there were twenty-three members on the Burkettsville Fire Department, which was made up of all volunteers.  Funds for the department originated from assessments from the townships, the towns and the farmers.

I invite the Burkettsville Fire Department Members to update their history since 1978, and share a copy of that history with the Mercer County Historical Society, because the Mercer County Historical Society’s Mission is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that history.

Sunday, April 2, 1:00 – 4:00, an exhibit of old photographs related to the history of Burkettsville will be on exhibit at the Mercer County Historical Museum, 130 East Market, (a block east of the Courthouse). 

An Exhibit about New Idea Company’s history will also be on exhibit that April 2 Sunday afternoon.  You and your family can have the pleasure of seeing both temporary exhibits about the history of Burkettsville and the New Idea Company as well as the permanent exhibits at the Mercer County Historical Museum.  Your Mercer County Historical Museum is important to you and your family & friends. 

Burkettsville area citizens (Mercer & Darke Counties) are invited to bring their old photographs to exhibit at the County Museum, on April 2.  (I will be at the Museum by 11:30; you may come early if you wish.)  Your help will be appreciated by the Sunday afternoon Guests at the Mercer County Historical Museum.

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

 
March 18-20, 2017
 

Brand It Marketing Wins Regional BEST OF NAMA Award Rockford, OH (March 17th, 2017)

Ohio marketing agency, Brand It Marketing Communications, has been awarded two first place awards for BEST OF Region VI through the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). Both Region VI awards are for the work they produced for client Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) in the Direct Mail for farmers, growers and ranchers (flat) and Direct Mail for dealers, distributors, sales reps or others serving agribusiness (three dimensional) categories.

The award-winning “SabrEx for Wheat/Cereals Mailer” and “Trichoderma Takes a Little Digging” direct mail pieces were both developed for the Van Wert, OH company, Advanced Biological Marketing.

For the Wheat/Cereals Mailer, Brand It Marketing worked with ABM to identify a target audience in a territory which did not have a history working with ABM. The goal and successful outcome was to create product brand awareness and to show the advantages of using SabrEx for Wheat, even on naked (untreated) seed. The second campaign, Trichoderma Takes a Little Digging, was used to show appreciation and generate interest at the ASTA (American Seed Trade Association) annual meeting in Chicago. Trichoderma works in the roots of the plant, in the soil. The piece explained what Trichoderma is and what it does.

The “BEST OF NAMA” honors and awards the best of the best in agricultural marketing communications. All submissions to NAMA are evaluated for agricultural marketing effectiveness and creativity, and are handselected by a panel of roughly 50 industry experts. The BEST OF NAMA competition originated in 1988 to honor outstanding work by NAMA members, while educating members of the agriculture industry and feature top-of-the-line advertising. These awards have helped to raise the quality of the agricultural industry’s overall communication efforts throughout the years.

Brand It Marketing will advance to compete at the National level for both awards. The national awards ceremony will take place on April 26th, 2017 at the Sheraton Dallas hotel. About Brand It Marketing Communications Brand It Marketing is a full-service marketing agency with a combined 100+ years of experience in the print, media, web, and campaign industries. They are an established team of innovative designers, thinkers, and creative strategists focused on helping your business grow. Many of their clients use them as their marketing arm to become experts in their industry and manage their overall brand image. Brand It Marketing operates under guiding principles based upon integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.

About Advanced Biological Marketing Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) provides solutions for commercial agriculture using biological seed treatments that increase a crop’s potential and yield. Its product line includes biological seed enhancements for corn, soybeans, wheat, and many other crops across the globe. ABM headquarters are in Van Wert, OH.

Clean up Day for Shanes Park Decided

The Shanes Park Beautification Society is gearing up for the spring planting season.
We will begin with our first clean up day on April 4th at 9 am - note new time !

We will continue to meet throughout the spring and summer on the 1st and 3rd
Tuesdays of each month.

We appreciate anyone that would like to help us get ready for the flower season
and help with general clean up of our BEAUTIFUL Shanes Park.  All are welcome !

"No Act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted."  -AESOP


The Shanes Park Beautification Society 

Steve Kuhn, Vice President of Operations at The Reynolds and Reynolds Company in Celina, announced that local employees raised $27,638 for the recent 2017 Celina Combined Services Appeal Drive, while The Reynolds and Reynolds Company Foundation contributed an additional $10,000 to the Drive. Reynolds, along with their employees, have been big supporters of the drive for many years. Pictured are Sharon Heckler, Joy Heyne and Lynn Knapschaeffer of the Reynolds Events & Activities Team, along with Steve Kuhn.

 
March 17, 2017
St. Patrick's Day

 

All You Can Eat Country Breakfast in Mercer
Mercer United Methodist Church is having an All You Can Eat Country
Breakfast Saturday April 1, 2017 from 8 am to Noon at the church at
the Junction of SR 33 and SR 707 Mercer, OH.
Menu:  Johnny Cakes (NEW), Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Patties,
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Cinnamon Rolls, Fruit and Beverages.
Cost:  $7 for Adults, $5 for Kids 5-12 and 4 and under free.
“PLUS, BAKE SALE OF PIES, CAKES, COOKIES, FUDGE PUDDLES, HOMEMADE
NOODLES AND MUCH MORE.”
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS REPAIR OF THE BRICK ON OUR CHURCH
BUILDING.

Lima Area Concert Band Coming to Rockford
What is the Lima Area Concert Band? Why are they coming to Rockford? Larry Seibert, a Mendon native and more recently a citizen of Rockford, has played with the Lima Area Concert Band for more than 10 years. 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. Larry spearheaded a concert of the Lima Area Concert Band that was held at the Parkway High School Auditorium in August of 2016. On January 28, 2017 Larry lost his valiant fight with esophageal cancer before he could perform in the Lima Area Concert Band 2017 season. In his honor his family is carrying on his dream by sponsoring another August Concert here in Rockford. Won't you please join us as we celebrate Larry's vision and enjoy the wonderful music as performed by the extremely talented musicians of the Lima Area Concert Band? Join us August 27, 2017 at 3:00 pm at the Parkway High School Auditorium Adult tickets - $7 Children ages 10-17 - $5 Refreshments served following concert All proceeds to benefit Parkway High School Band.

HIGH 5 Organization Elementary CARNIVAL at Parkway Schools

The High 5 Parent Organization at Parkway Schools is planning their annual Elementary Carnival with the sponsorship of area businesses. It is going to be a fun-filled day with family activities including games, prizes and food. There is a raffle for some really awesome prizes!  Profits from this event go back into the Parkway Elementary Classrooms for the benefit of the students!

All kinds of kid-friendly games like ball toss; fish for a prize; beanbag toss; race tracks; balloon fun and so much more will entertain the whole family.  A magician, face painting, and a bounce house are also planned.

Plan your day at the CARNIVAL on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 10 AM to 2PM in the Parkway Gymnasium.

 
March 16, 2017
 

Our Old Bookcase - St. Marys Parochial School, Ft. Recovery, OH 
by Joyce Alig
Click Here for the article

 
March 15, 2017
 

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Host Radiation Oncologist

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 there will be a presentation by Dr. Perry Williams, Radiation Oncologist at the Grand Lake Radiation Oncology Center in Celina.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, March 21st 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.

Theme for Week is "4-H Grows Here"
The Van Wert County Commissioners proclaimed March 13-18 as Van Wert County 4-H Week. The theme for the week is "4-H Grows Here". Four Buckeye Ambassadors and 4-H Educator Heather Gottke joined the Commissioners Todd Wolfrum and Thad Lichtensteiger (Stan Owens, absent) for a proclamation ceremony at the annex building in Van Wert.

Buckeye Ambassadors participating in the ceremony included: Sam Price of the Bunny Hoppers, McKenzie Davis of Hoaglin Farmers, Macala Ashbaugh of Hoaglin Farmers, and Abbey Bradford of the Bunny Hoppers.