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March 26, 2019
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

Open Doors USA Director to Speak at Rockford United Methodist Church
On Saturday evening April 6th at 5:30 pm, Robert B., Senior Director of Mobilization for Open Doors USA will join us for an International Dinner and time of conversation in the Rockford UMC social room.  Open Doors USA is an organization that supports persecuted believers in more than 60 countries where it is most difficult for Christians.  A former pastor and church planter, Robert lived overseas working with immigrants and refugees before serving in his current post.  He recently traveled to the Middle East and to South Asia with Open Doors.  He continues serving the local church as a lay elder.  Please pray for Robert in the days leading up to his visit with us.  Members and friends of area churches are welcome to attend.  To properly prepare meal for all, please contact the Rockford UMC church office 419-363-3230 to indicate your interest and attendance.

Night of Hope Against Heroin

Taking Place Live in the TV-44 Studio

“We are tired of seeing people hurting and dying and how lives are being torn apart because of the heroin problem. We have dealt with heroin first hand and beat it! We want to give that hope to others!

We want to open up the communication to start talking about the issue of drugs and heroin. If we never talk about it and it's always taboo, our friends, family and children will never know that it's a very serious issue until it's too late. We are hoping that this concert and the awareness and the hope, will stop people from trying it and doing heroin and the ones that are on it, will give them hope to get off of it! “

Those are the words of Benjamin & Missy Budde, organizers of  The Night of Hope Against Heroin, scheduled to take place LIVE in the TV-44 studio, Saturday, March 30, 7pm.

This event will include speakers, testimonial videos, and local musicians, all with a unified message that there is freedom from the chains of addiction.

Slated speakers include: Kenton Mayor Randy Manns, Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey, Josh & Nikki Meeker, Brad Crouch, Tim Shadley, and Ben Budde.

Individuals are welcome to attend this event in the TV-44 studio. Limited seating is available. Call 419-339-4444 to secure seating. Doors open March 30, 6:30pm.  The Night of Hope Against Heroin will also be broadcast live on TV-44 from 7-8pm, Saturday, March 30. TV-44, a non-profit locally owned Christian TV station,  is located at 1844 Baty Rd., Lima, OH 45807

Bicentennial Committee to Meet
A reminder that the next Bicentennial Committee meeting will be held next
Monday - April 1st at 7 pm - Village Hall.

RAFFLE DRAWING will be held for the One of a Kind - Henry Golden 357 mag.

Several tickets still available at the Village office.  $10 donation.

Stateline Writer's Club to Meet

The Stateline Writer's Club is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Celina public library.  The writing topic is open.  The public is welcome to attend.

 
March 23-25, 2019
 

Clever Clovers 4-H Club in Van Wert Busy with Project
by Noah Krites, new reporter for the Clever Clovers 4-H club in Van Wert. 

The first meeting of the Clever Clovers was held February 25 at 6:30 in the VWMS Healthy choices room. The meeting included the election of officers. They are as follows: President-Gabby Perkins, Vice president-Maria Bagley, Secretary-Grace Linton, Treasurer-Kayla Krites, Media secretary-Noah Krites, Health and Safety- Lindsay Hatcher and Lizzie Spath, and Community service-Aubree Bear. Members were reminded that dues are $10 and books are $6 each. Project enrollment is due by April 1. Upcoming events include the County 4-H recycling project and the 4-H BBQ chicken dinner in early June.

The Clever Clovers had another meeting on March 11 at 6:30 with 15 members and 3 guest parents present. The pledges were led by Leah Krites and Elizabeth.  Roll call was taken by writing your favorite animal and your name on a piece of paper. The health and safety report was given by Lindsay about plastic. BPA used to be in a lot of plastic items but has been removed for safety reasons. It is hazardous to the hormone system of the body. In other activities we started to learn about energy and what starts energy. Recreation included writing types of energy from pictures. The next meeting will be on March 25 from 6:30-7:30 at the VWMS healthy choices room.

** Pictures are of 4-H members working on their energy project/pictures.  

March 26:
Varsity & JV Softball @ St. Mary’s, 5:00 p.m.
8th Softball vs. Shawnee, 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Baseball @ Spencerville, 5:00 p.m.
JV Baseball vs. Spencerville, 5:00 p.m.
8th Baseball vs. Crestview, 5:00 p.m.

March 27:
No Athletic Events Scheduled

March 28:
HS Track @ New Bremen, 4:30 p.m.
JH Track @ St. Henry, 4:30 p.m.
Varsity & JV Softball vs. Celina, 5:00 p.m. (JV @ Shane’s Park #3)
Varsity & JV Baseball vs. Celina, 5:00 p.m. (JV @ Shane’s Park #4)
March 29:
Varsity & JV Softball vs. Shawnee, 5:00 p.m. (JV @ Shane’s Park #3)

March 30:
Varsity Softball @ Wapakoneta, 12:00 p.m.
JV Softball vs. Wapakoneta, 12:00 p.m.
Varsity & JV Baseball @ Jefferson, Varsity at Noon, JV to follow. Single game each.
8th Baseball vs. St. Mary’s, 12:00 p.m.
7th Baseball @ St. Mary’s, 12:00 p.m.


 

Van Wert County 4-H Program Plans to Replace Wooden Benches with recycled Ones
The Van Wert County 4-H Program is participating in “A Bench for Caps” (ABC) program with Green Tree Plastics to help replace the wooden benches on the fairgrounds with 100% recycled plastic lumber made from caps, lids, and otherwise unusable plastic tops. Each 4-H Club in the county has been challenged to collect 250lbs of acceptable, clean caps to then be produced into an eight foot bench with a back. In addition to the plastic members will be fundraising or seeking donations to pay for the benches in the amount of $350.00 plus engraving costs.

The ABC Program is specifically designed for youth. Youth will be responsible for helping with collecting, sorting, and weighing caps to ensure that all the guidelines are met to submit to Green Tree Plastics for the bench production.

The benches produced from this program will be given permanent locations on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds for visitors to sit and enjoy. In the future the 4-H Program hopes to organize beautification of each bench area in a contest so everyone can benefit from the functionality and beauty of this project.

The ten-year goal is that 10 benches be added to the Fairgrounds each year as permanent seating. There are a number of ways the community can help 4-H’er achieve this goal! First, please collect items as listed from the acceptable plastic lid and cap list. Taking the time to rinse the lid will eliminate a lot of sanitary and smelly issues for us, so run it under the sink please. Fill up a grocery sack and give the caps and lids to any Van Wert County 4-H’er you know. Each 4-H club has their own piles of caps and are working to get their own 250lbs so it can be identified as their own bench. You can also drop the lids off at the Ohio State University Extension Office Monday-Friday from the hours of 8:00am-4:30pm located at the Fairgrounds or the Senior Fair Board Office.

Caps for 2019 benches will be collected until June 11, 2019 at the Chicken BBQ and can be dropped off at the drive-through or inside the commercial building at the fairgrounds. Caps without designation to a 4-H Club will be distributed to help make as many benches as possible.

Any person, business, or entity interested in helping with the project through collections or financial assistance can contact Heather Gottke at the Extension Office at (419) 238-1214 or by email at gottke.4@osu.edu. Through the community’s support and the power of the youth in 4-H here in Van Wert County we hope we can truly make a difference!

Vantage staff would like to invite you to Vantage on Wednesday, March 27 from 12:30 to 12:45 as Ohio Superintendent, Paolo DeMaria briefly visits Vantage and talks with some of our students and staff members.

Litter Pickup News - 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.

Exciting New Technology For Honor Flight

Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI) has launched a new way for veterans of the area to sign up for their free honor flight.  After months of development, HFNEI has launched an ONLINE application opportunity.  Now veterans and guardians can visit the website to fill out online applications for upcoming flights. This not only will increase the ease for the veterans but streamline the efficiency from the operations perspective, reducing potential mistakes from transcribing from paper applications.

Honor Flight recognizes that there are many veterans who are not comfortable using a computer and they will continue to gladly accept paper applications from any veteran or guardian that does not wish to utilize the online version.  
 
The new online digital application process would not have been possible without long time support from Symplexity, a local cybersecurity and IT solution company here in Fort Wayne. Their dedicated support assisted in developing an electronic database for veteran and guardian flight processing several years ago, and their continued assistance in improving processes has allowed HFNEI to more efficiently serve veterans from all wars and conflicts.

HFNEI Board President Dennis Covert shares “The on-line application process is a major upgrade for HFNEI and is already being widely accepted. Within hours of posting the availability of the on-line application process, we began receiving veteran and guardian applications.”
 
Honor Flight Northeast Indiana is currently looking for Korean veterans. They continue to make WWII veterans a priority while accepting applications for Vietnam veterans and all subsequent conflicts.  Veterans may visit their website at www.hfnei.org and follow the Apply Now link to get signed up for a free flight to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Classic Country & Bluegrass Jam - Free Public Event

Sunday - April 14th - 1:30 pm - ??
Rockford Community Building  ** Note new location
420 N Holly Lane


Bring your acoustic instruments and HAVE FUN !!

Room to dance   :)

Concessions available ~~~  50/50 drawing

Presented by Jerry Bolenbaugh - 419-363-3794

 
March 22, 2019
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

Rockford Carnegie Library Plans Two Events
Hop on in to the Rockford Carnegie Library's Family Program on Thursday, March 28 from 6:30-7:30. There will be a bunny themed story, craft, game and snack. All "Peeps" welcome.

 

Remember the Book Club will be meeting on Monday, April 1st at 2:00 or 6:30 to discuss The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks By Rebecca Skloot. 

Saint Charles will host Seventh Annual ‘Artistry Under the Dome’

Artistry Under the Dome is set for Friday, April 5, 7-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Saint Charles Senior Living Community, 2860 US 127, Celina, Ohio.

This art fair, now in its seventh year, showcases the amazing talents and works of artists either residing in or originally from Mercer and Auglaize Counties. This premier juried art exhibit and sale features 30 artists and includes some student art work from seven area high schools.  

There is no entrance fee; however, free-will donations are gladly accepted. 

Over 1,000 people attend the event each year. There, they can meet the wonderful artists, enjoy the beautiful artwork and consider purchasing items, which make amazing gifts for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and even next Christmas.

First held in 2013, this annual extravaganza continues to grow in prestige, scope, and size. It exposes creators of all sorts to a wide audience and art lovers to a wide variety of works. Various types of art medium will be on hand, including pottery, woodwork, glass art, copper, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, clay and more.

The following artists are participating in the Art Fair this year:  Julie Baltes, Kathleen Bauer, Tony Beckman,  Virg & Jane Bertke,  John Beyke,  Mary Boettger, Todd Buschur, Sherry Chandler, Brad Cull, Berry Davis & Collette Fortin,  Jane Dippold,  Ray Feltz,  Doug Fiely, Anna Fisher,  Amelia Goff,  Holly Gray, Peggy Green, Debby Gregory,  Rhonda Hager,

Caleb Luthman, Ken Maggi, David Maywhoor, Joan Muhlenkamp, Margo Sharp,  Marilyn Stall, Amber Temple, Hannah Thees, Nick Wenning, Shirley Wenning, Jerry Will.

For more info:  Go to facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ArtistryUnderTheDome

 
March 20-21, 2019
 

Phone Scam Advisory by Sheriff Jeff Grey

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today his office received notice of a potential scam in Mercer County. Deputies were contacted by an individual who indicated he received a phone call from someone who identified themselves as a Deputy Sheriff, and advising the subject there was a warrant for his arrest. The individual advised him to go to the Sheriff’s Office and put money inside the Kiosk using his own name.

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office does not phone people regarding warrants requesting money. Warrants can be checked on the Sheriff’s Office website, www.mercerountysheriff.org. Sheriff Grey urges caution when dealing with individuals on the phone, as phone numbers can be “Spoofed” to appear like a local phone number.

All You Can Eat Pancake & Sausage Breakfast in Coldwater

Coldwater Kiwanis is sponsoring their annual All You Can Eat Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on Sunday March 31, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Breakfast will be served at Coldwater High School.  Tickets are available from any Kiwanis member or by contacting Steve Steinbrunner atllstnbrnnr@gmail.com.  Cost is $6.00 per person.  Children 6 and under eat free.  Walk-ins are welcome.  Proceeds from this event benefit local youth and community service programs.

Parkway Preschool Registration Night

Parkway Preschool has set their Registration Night for the 2019-2020 school year on Wednesday, April 3 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Parkway Preschool is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star program, which means this program has demonstrated the highest level of quality as rated by ODE.

On this evening, parents may bring their child to the school to see the rooms as well as meet the teachers.  Registration forms will be available to complete and payment of the $25 registration fee will be accepted.  Once the registration is completed, other forms need to be turned in before the school year begins in August.  Children must be 3 years old by August 1.  If you have further questions, please call the elementary office at 419-363-3045 ext. 720.  (Currently enrolled Parkway preschoolers need not attend this event.)

Incident in the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility
on 3-20-2019

Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey released a few details about a suspected drug overdose inside the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  At approximately 3:29 PM today, inmates alerted corrections staff of a male inmate who was not responding and not breathing.  Corrections officers immediately responded to the dorm where an inmate had started CPR.  The on duty corrections nurse responded and rendered aid while Central Dispatch alerted the Celina EMS personnel.

When EMS personnel arrived, they took over treatment of the inmate.  EMS administered NARCAN to the inmate.  The inmate was transported by EMS to Mercer Health, a deputy sheriff followed for security.  The inmate, a male, is  being held in the facility on several felony offenses of violence.  His name is being withheld at this time due to medical privacy laws and no additional charges have yet been filed.

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 units were called in to search the dorm.  A search warrant for blood and urine of the inmate was applied for.  “Drugs getting into detention facilities is becoming a nationwide problem,” stated Sheriff Grey, “Mercer County is no different.”  Grey expressed frustration at inmates resourcefulness in getting contraband into the jail.  The jail has a body scanner that has detected drugs hidden inside body cavities, but inmates still are successful from time to time  smuggling drugs in.  Detectives are investigating to attempt to determine how the drugs got into the facility.

“I would like to commend the inmates for their quick action and alerting staff of the emergency,” stated Sheriff Grey, “Had they not done that, this young man probably would’ve died.”

Sheriff  Jeff Grey

Old Bookcase, March 28, 2019, New Idea Horn Shredder

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

The New Idea Horn Shredder was a part of New Idea Farm Equipment Company, a subsidiary of Avco Manufacturing Corporation at Coldwater, Ohio in the 1950’s.  

Photo caption:  The New Idea Horn Shredder shredded corn stalks by 3 shredding heads.  Do you recognize the tractor driver in the photograph in the 1950’s?  This photograph will be a part of the Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2019 exhibit of New Idea Hay Tools at the Mercer County Historical Museum.

 “The New Idea” Spreader Factory, was begun by Joseph Oppenheim, as Manufacturer and Proprietor, at Maria Stein, Ohio.  [This Company name was used on their Letterhead of the Stationery in 1899.]  In spite of local lore, Joseph Oppenheim did not invent the manure spreader.  Manure spreaders were in production across the United States two decades earlier.  A successful manufacturer of spreaders was Joseph Sargent Kemp, who filed his first Patent for improvements to the manure spreader on February 28, 1877, and continued with filing patents, and was noted as the “inventor of the first practical manure spreader,” in 1877, by history books.  The Kemp & Burpee Company was organized at Syracuse, New York in  1880-1881.  An interesting note of Mercer County history, is that J.A. Meinerding Hardware and Implement Shop at Fort Recovery was advertising “The Great Western Endless Manure Spreader,” on February 16, 1905, at the same time period as New Idea was being established. 

February 17, 1900, Joseph Oppenheim filed his Application for his first Patent, which he received the Patent No. 648,519 on May 1, 1900.  The secret of Oppenheim’s success was that he created the idea of having the paddles at the back of the spreader, deflect the manure to both sides of the spreader, instead of directly in back of the spreader.  Through a series of continued “new ideas,” the Company continued to file patents and produce farm equipment for century, until December 1999. 

In 1907, the Village of Coldwater made an agreement with the NI Spreader works to move from Maria Stein to Coldwater, and production began at Coldwater in August 1907.  Production of the spreaders continued at Maria Stein, until 1911.  As 1912, production ceased at Maria Stein.  In 1930, the Company purchased Sandwich Manufacturing Company.  As of 1935, the Company was recognized as New Idea, Inc.  In 1945, the Company was purchased and became known as New Idea Farm Equipment Company, a subsidiary of AVCO Manufacturing Corporation, Coldwater, Ohio.  In 1951, the Company purchased Horn Manufacturing, which was located at Fort Dodge, Iowa.  This history is from  the book, “New Idea Company’s Horse Drawn Manure Spreaders, Maria Stein & Coldwater, Ohio,” by the Members of the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee, of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. in 2013.

In 1951 New Idea Company purchased Horn Manufacturing, Fort Dodge, Iowa.  The New Idea Horn Shredders came into use in the 1950’s.  The New Idea-Horn All Steel Wagon Boxes have been on exhibit at the Coldwater Community Picnic, these past years.  (The New Idea Equipment and Antique Tractors are on exhibit every other year at the Coldwater Community Picnic, and this August 2019 will again be at the Coldwater Park.)  Will a New Idea Horn Shredder be there this year?

The Niswonger Unveils the 2019-20 ENRICH Community Concert Series

(Van Wert, OH) - The tradition grows with a spectacular, value-packed 2019-20 Enrich Community Concert Series presented by Unverferth Dentistry and Roger and Kay Okuley. Since 1953, artists and entertainers from the around the globe have made their mark on the Van Wert community and enriched lives of those in it as a part of the Community Concert Series. The Niswonger is proud to continue this Van Wert institution by putting together four monumental acts that have been carefully selected to bring culture, joy, and wonder that’s incredibly affordable.

Catapult, the magic of shadow dancing, kicks off Enrich by pushing the limits of both mind and imagination. As seen on NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent, Catapult is a troupe of shadow dancers who work behind a screen to create seemingly impossible dancing silhouettes of the world around us. In their near decade of existence, Catapult has amazed audiences with their family friendly show full of music, humor, breathtaking visuals, and engaging storylines on Saturday, October 12 at 3:00 P.

The Swingles are coming to the Niswonger, bringing with them a holiday flare on Sunday, December 1 at 3:00 P. This five-time Grammy winning a cappella group, formerly known as The Swingle Singers, has astounded audiences for over half a century with their barrier-breaking vocals and delightful harmonies. The audience will sing-a-long to holiday classics and original songs by The Swingles.

Do-wop puts a bit of spunk into the holiday season when The Midtown Men come to town on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30 P. The 60s-era group consisting of four original cast members of the Broadway hit Jersey Boys, deliver their sweet harmonies performing both holiday and hits. Alongside their band, The Midtown Men have captivated audiences over the course of more than 2,000 performances. 

Neil Diamond fans rejoice with a rocking full-production tribute show, I AM, HE SAID that leaves fans astounded.  Matt, Jeff, and Tommy Vee (nephew and sons of 60's pop-star Bobby Vee) bring the hits of Neil Diamond to life in a spectacular show that features Neil Diamond’s classics such as Sweet Caroline, I Am, He Said, Cracklin’ Rosie, Song Sung Blue and many more. This show has rocked venues of more than 23,000 people and will now entertain from the Niswonger stage on Saturday, March 21, 2020.

The new ENRICH Community Concert Series is a musical adventure that is packaged together at a tremendous savings from $85 for all four events. ENRICH Members receive reserved seating and advanced ticketing along with VIP opportunities to meet the stars. ENRICH Memberships are on sale now from $50 - $200. General sales begin Monday, April 8. The series package is a savings of up to 26% from single event ticket prices. 

Supporting Sponsors for the ENRICH Series are Taylor Auto Sales, Inc, State-Farm Tisha Fast Agent, Van Wert Health, E&R Trailer - Shurco Trailers, Putman Law Offices - Attorney Shaun Putman, First Financial Bank.

Season Sponsors for the 2019-20 NPAC Season are Statewide Ford-Lincoln, Chuck & Karen Koch and Central Insurance Companies.

Memberships are available through the Box Office at 419-238-NPAC. Find out more at NPACVW.ORG. The Box Office is open 10A - 5P, MON-FRI and located at 10700 SR 118 S, Van Wert, OH.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
March 18-19, 2019
 

Parkway's Annual FFA Week

By: Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA Reporter

This past week, February 18th- February 22nd, 2019 the Parkway FFA chapter held their annual FFA week. Although the week was shortened by weather conditions and cancellations, Parkway FFA was still able to hold all planned events. Tuesday, February 19th, the apple dessert bake-off and truck drive-in was held. There were 6 winners for the apple dessert contest between the top 3 best looking and top 3 best tasting (winners are listed below). The truck drive-in had 5 winners including the smallest truck, biggest truck, cleanest truck, newest truck, and oldest truck (winners are listed below). Then on Thursday, February 21st, the tractor drive-in was held. With many participants, 6 were awarded prizes for the biggest, smallest, cleanest, newest, oldest, and best overall tractors (winners listed below). Finally, to wrap up the short-but-fun week, Parkway FFA held their annual petting zoo and member luncheon on Friday, February 22nd. Grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade were invited to go down to the Ag shop and see various farm animals that were brought in by FFA members including chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats, calves, lambs, and a donkey. In addition, the FFA held a week-long canned food drive to help collect canned goods to donate to the local food pantry. The Parkway FFA would like to thank all members who participated in the week’s activities.  

Top 3 Best Looking Desserts: 

1. Keaton Zizleman 

2. Gracyn Temple 

3. Aiden Anderson 

Top 3 Best Tasting Desserts: 

1. Aiden Anderson 

2. Parker Mihm 

3. Gracyn Temple 

Truck Drive-In Winners: 

Smallest- Leah Harshman 

Biggest- Bryce Mihm 

Cleanest- Cory Agler 

Newest-Conner Lyons 

Oldest- Adam Stephenson 

Tractor Drive-In Winners: 

Smallest- Tyler Rider 

Biggest- Colton Kraner 

Cleanest- Corey Walls 

Newest- Conner Walls 

Oldest- Bryce Mihm 

Best Overall- Lance Weirrick 

Click smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge:

Parkway FFA Members Participate in the Mercer County CDE Invitational

By: Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA Reporter

On Saturday, March 16th, 2019 the Parkway FFA took multiple CDE teams to the Mercer County CDE Invitational. The agronomy team placed 3rd out of 14 teams, equine management placed 19th out of 38 teams, general livestock placed 59th out of 61 teams, milk quality and products placed 2nd out of 5 teams, and the wildlife team placed 18th out of 20 teams. Congratulations to all the participants and good luck at the state competition which will take place on March 23, 2019.  

Parkway FFA Participates in Ag Mechanic Skills CDE

By: Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA Reporter

On Friday, March 8th, 2019 Parkway FFA members Colton Kraner, Justin Felver, and David Sheets traveled to Vantage Career Center to participate in the Ag Mechanic Skills CDE. They were required to determine different mechanical parts, oils, and welds. As a team, the boys placed 7th out of 16 teams. As individuals, Kraner placed 30th, Felver placed 15th, and Sheets placed 18th out of 48 participants.  

Parkway FFA Participates in the Marysville CDE Invitational

By: Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA Reporter

On Saturday, March 2nd, several Parkway FFA members attended the annual Marysville Invitational for spring CDE’s. Parkway had a team for the following contests: general livestock, equine management, wildlife, agronomy, and dairy foods. General livestock placed 82 out of 100 teams, equine management placed 54 out of 70 teams, wildlife placed 13 out of 50 teams, agronomy placed 8 out of 23 teams, and dairy foods placed 8 out of 22 teams. In addition to these five teams, Kiersten Roehm went as an individual for public speaking in extemporaneous and placed 5th. The next competition the teams will compete in is the Mercer County invitational on March 16th.  

 
March 16-17, 2019
 

Did you know that in 1961, Rockford High School
had a record 450 graduates attend their alumni reunion, with the oldest being an 1895 graduate named Clara Penn (who wrote articles in the early 1900's for a bimonthly publication called 'The Kindergarten Primary Magazine')?

Rockford Historical Snippet
by Mike Schumm

Click here for other interesting Rockford Historical Articles and Bicentennial News.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Old Bookcase, March 21, 2019, Coldwater FFA

Photo caption:  “Jerry Vogt’s F.F.A. Class at Coldwater School.  A 1957 Ford is in the background,” was written on the back of this old photograph.

The man wearing the white shirt with the tie must be Jerry Vogt, the Coldwater High School F.F.A. Teacher.  Who are the other half dozen F.F.A. Members on the photograph?  Can you identify the piece of equipment?  Was it made at New Idea?

I invite you to visit  the April 7 Sunday afternoon Exhibit about New Idea Hay Tools, at the Mercer County Historical Museum, 130 East Market, Celina, 1:00 – 4:00.  

The first fifty Guests on Sunday, April 7, who identify these F.F.A. Members on the photograph correctly, will receive a free copy of the book, “100th Anniversary New Idea, A Century of Excellence, 1899-1999.”  Whoever identifies the owner of that 1957 Ford will also receive a free copy of this book.

Since the automobile in the photograph was identified as a 1957 Ford, that would suggest that Coldwater High School Graduation Classes of 1957 through 1961 would recognize these F.F.A. Members.

“New Idea Company’s Hay Tools,”  is the theme of the New Idea Historic Preservation Committee’s fourth book in this Series of books about New Idea Company’s History.  The NIHP Committee Members have been doing research about the history of the Hay Tools manufactured by Employees of the New Idea Company at Coldwater, Ohio.  If you are interested in a copy of this book about New Idea Hay Tools, we will mail you a notice when the book is ready, if you sign your name and address.  Since the book is in progress, no price has been established yet.

This year, 2019, the August 3-4 Exhibit at the  Coldwater Community Picnic at the Park, will feature New Idea Company’s Hay Tools, as well as Antique Tractors.  We are always seeking New Idea Farm Equipment for our Exhibit at the Park in August.  If you have New Idea Farm Equipment and/or antique tractors, you wish to exhibit in August, tell our Members of the NIHP Committee or tell me.

I just received an email from Kathy Shepherd, at Lilburn, Georgia, that she started a FACEBOOK PAGE FOR COLDWATER.  She said that they were discussing The Buckeye at Coldwater. She mentioned about U.S. Soldier’s Uniforms were sewn at The Buckeye.  Her email address is kshepherd70@gmail.com if you wish to write her.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.  We must be doing something right, considering how many local history books the Society sells.  We must be doing something right, considering how many compliments we receive for our work with the Mercer County 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.]

Genealogical Society to Meet in April
The Mercer County Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, April 7th at 2:00 pm at the Richardson-Bretz Building, 119 West Fulton St. Celina, OH.  Our guest speaker will be Susan Talbot-Stanaway.  World War 1 Posters: For the Hearts and Minds of Ordinary People. Focusing on World War I posters and their importance in national history. She is the retired Director of the Zanesville Museum of Art. She is an art historian, concentrating on American Art, and has curated over 500 exhibitions. The meeting is open and the public is welcome to attend. Refreshments served.

Updates on Athletic Schedule for March 18 - 23, 2019 by AD Matt Triplett

March 18:
Varsity Baseball scrimmage vs. Fort Jennings, 5:00 p.m.

March 19:
Varsity/JV Softball scrimmage @ Bath, 5:00

March 20:
Varsity Baseball scrimmage vs. Van Wert, 3:45 p.m.

March 21:
Varsity Baseball scrimmage vs. Lincolnview, 5:00 p.m.
JV Baseball @ 5:00 p.m at Lincolnview

March 22:
No Athletic Events Scheduled

March 23:
Varsity Softball @ Houston, 12:00 p.m.
 

 
March 15, 2019
 

Parkway Grad To Make TV Debut
Viewing Party at New Horizons Community Church

Designer Ty Pennington (Above Left), most famously known for his role on Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and Parkway Graduate Jordan Thompson (Above Right) pose for a picture on the set of “While You Were Out” a new home renovation show set to air on HGTV & TLC March 16th at 9PM. A viewing party is being held Saturday night at New Horizons Community Church in Rockford at 8:30PM.

Jordan Thompson, a graduate of Parkway High School Class of 2008, will be making his TV debut appearing as a carpenter on the reality TV show “While You Were Out” on March 16th at 9PM. The show will air simultaneously on two networks - HGTV and TLC – each Saturday night for four weeks straight. Over the last several months Thompson has been working with your favorite reality TV designers to help bring their ideas to life for lucky homeowners during a surprise $10,000 room renovation. Each episode will feature two houses and four designers. Be sure to tune in to see the chaos and excitement surrounding these major home renovation projects that are finished in under 48 hours!

New Horizons Community Church in Rockford will be hosting a viewing party starting at 8:30PM Saturday night March 16th. Jordan will joining us to answer any questions about the episode and the steps taken to finish each project on time and under budget. Come join us for a fun evening of entertainment as Jordan will be watching this episode for the first time with us on the big screen!

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

American Legion Helps Fund Student Trip to DC

The Rockford American Legion Post 508 makes a $600 donation towards the Parkway Eighth grade Washington DC trip.  Pictured from left are Terry McMillen, Post 508; Brian Woods, Parkway Middle School Principal; and Terry Joseph, Post 508.

2019 Van Wert Fountain Park Summer Music Series

Paul Hoverman, Coordinator of the Performing Arts at The Van Wert County Foundation, has announced the list of concerts for the 2019 Fountain Park Summer Music Series. The 2019 edition of the popular and lively summer series takes you on a journey through genres of rock from the birth of rock and roll to glam rock and southern rock, jumping over to pop, country and twirling the twang of rockabilly and folk rock into the mix.  
All Fountain Park Summer Concerts are on Friday and open, free to the public. Concerts begin promptly at 7 PM. The Fountain Park Summer Music Series, now in its 18th year, is powered by The Van Wert County Foundation, in cooperation with the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation Department.
 

Friday, June 7        Turn It Up, The Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience

Friday, June 21    Bless the Rains- The Ultimate Toto Tribute Experience
Friday, June 28     Daryl Wayne Dasher
Friday, July 5        Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra

Friday, July 12        Waylin, Willie, Cash- Outlaws and Highwaymen

Friday, July 19        Satisfaction- The International Rolling Stones Show

Friday, August 2    The Everly Set

Friday, August 9    John Denver Tribute featuring Ted Vigil

Weather Spotters Take Notice

Mercer & Auglaize County Offices of Homeland Security & Emergency Management are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Weather Spotter Course presented by the Wilmington Office of the National Weather Service on:

Thursday, April 11, 2019 @ 6:00 PM

The class will be held in Dicke Hall, Wright State University Lake Campus,

7600 Lake Campus Dr, Celina, Ohio

Registration is NOT REQUIRED for this evening class.

This is an excellent training class for anyone. Even if you have taken this class before, there is always more that can be learned! Mike Robbins, Director, encourages every facility in Mercer County to have trained spotters available who are able to identify threats and give an internal warning.

Remember, a trained eye is still the best detection device available to identify tornados.

SPRING WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK

MARCH 17 – MARCH 23, 2019

OHIO’S STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL

will be performed on

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019 AT 9:50 AM

Preparedness Doesn’t Cost …………… It Pays!!!!

Wren Christmas Society Planning Soup and Sandwich Fundraiser

The Wren Christmas Society will be holding a Soup and Sandwich fundraiser on Sunday, April 7th, 2019 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Wren Eagles Nest (new community building) at 110 West Jackson Street. 

The choice of soups will be chili or potato soup.  The choice of sandwiches will be pulled pork or creamed chicken.  There will be a choice of cookies, cupcakes or brownies for dessert, with coffee, punch or water to drink. 

The cost will be by donation.  Suggested donation is $8.  Carryout will be available. 

The money raised will be used to replace worn out, damaged pole wraps. 

The Wren Christmas Society would like to thank everyone for their continued support in our efforts to make our little community sparkle at Christmastime. 

 
March 14, 2019
 

Biggby Coffee Joins Celina Mercer Co. Chamber
The Celina Mercer Co. Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Grand Opening of their newest chamber member, Biggby Coffee.  The newly renovated building is located at 615 Grand Lake Road right here in Celina.  Biggby Coffee offers specialty coffees, smoothies, bragels, muffins, and so much more.  John Sell, owner and operator of the St. Marys store was excited to open a second location right here in Celina and bring their brand to our community.  Biggby Coffee is open Monday – Saturday 5:30a-8:00p and Sundays 7:00a-8:00p.  Pictured is Chamber Executive Director Stacy Beougher, Mayor Jeff Hazel, Owner John Sell, and management staff and family.   The Chamber welcomes Biggby Coffee.

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Hear About Outreach Programs

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting a presentation will be given by Lesia Arnett, Customer Relations Manager at Grand Lake Health Systems, on the various outreach programs offered by the system.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, March 19^th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

Parkway Elementary Carnival set for March 17

The annual Parkway Elementary Carnival is coming March 17.  Come join us for a day of affordable family fun in the high school commons and gym. There will be carnival games, balloon animals, face painting, sand art, giant inflatables, and prizes.  In addition, there will be a magic show performed by Aaron Roehm. There will also be a raffle drawing during the carnival.

The fun starts at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the activities are only 25 cents each.  Pre-sale tickets are available in the elementary office and tickets will be available in the high school commons area.  See You At the Carnival!

Statewide Community Outbreak of Hepatitis A

Outbreaks of hepatitis A virus infection are occurring nationwide, including Ohio. In June 2018, the Ohio Department of Health declared a Statewide Community Outbreak of hepatitis A after observing an increase in cases linked to certain risk factors since the beginning of 2018. The Mercer County Health District is reporting two confirmed cases of hepatitis A in its jurisdiction. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver disease that usually spreads when a person ingests fecal matter – even in microscopic amounts- from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the stool of an infected person, such as through sex. Good hand-washing and vaccination are the best ways to prevent hepatitis A in at-risk individuals. Individuals who have one or more risk factors for hepatitis A, call Mercer County Health District at 419-586-3251 to see about getting vaccinated. People at increased risk for hepatitis A in Ohio’s Statewide Community Outbreak include those with direct contact with known cases, men who have sex with men, people who use illicit drugs whether they are injected or not, people who are incarcerated, and people experiencing homelessness. The disease spreads easily from person to person and can range from mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs two to six weeks after exposure to the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, clay-colored stools and jaundice. People who believe that they are at high risk for hepatitis A infection, people who know that they have been exposed to someone with hepatitis A, or individuals who experience symptoms of hepatitis A should contact their healthcare provider.

 
March 12-13, 2019
 

 
March 9-11, 2019
 

Van Wert Health Opens Temporary ER Entrance

Van Wert, OH – Beginning Friday, March 8, 2019, patients and families should use the new, temporary entrance for the Emergency Room at Van Wert Health, located under the Red Canopy.  The new Emergency Room entrance is located directly east of the current ER entrance.  Large signs will be in place to mark the entrance location.

This will continue to be the entrance throughout the construction process of the Surgery and Inpatient Expansion Project.  “The safety of our patients, visitors, and employees is always a top priority, and we wanted to ensure everyone can quickly and safely access the Emergency Room in the midst of the construction happening at the hospital,” shared Mark Johnston, Van Wert Health Project Manager for Construction. 

Construction of the Surgery and Inpatient Expansion Project is on-schedule.  The towers that can be easily seen on the construction site are pre-cast concrete towers for the new stair cases and elevators. 

For the latest updates about the construction progress, follow Van Wert Health via Facebook or Instagram.

Parkway School Board Agenda for Regular Meeting
by Sally Cox for March 12, 2019

Shanes Crossing Historical to Meet and Host German Exchange Students
The next Shanes Crossing Historical Society meeting will be held on 
March 18th at 7 pm - at the Rockford Village Hall.  
Guest speakers will be Parkway Exchange students from Germany.

 
March 7-8, 2019
 

Remember!
Sunday, March 10, 2019 - Daylight Saving Time Starts

Local Standard Time will change to Daylight Savings Time on
Sunday, March 10, 2019, at 2:00 am when clocks are turned forward 1 hour.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on March 10, 2019 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening.

It is also called Spring Forward, Summer Time, and Daylight Savings Time.

Joel Henkle Named New Head Football Coach at Parkway

Coach Joel Henkle was recently named the new head football coach by Parkway School Board.  Coach “Dusty” Rob Rutledge recently indicated he would not be returning for a 2^nd season at Parkway. Joel is a graduate of Parkway High School where he played football and basketball.  A graduate of Ball State University, he began working for the family business at Henkle Insurance Agency as an insurance agent several years ago. Joel has been coaching football at Parkway, spending several years with the junior high team and then two years with the varsity team.

 
March 4-6, 2019
 

A 50-50 Drawing will be held.

Click here to visit the Lions Club Facebook Page for a look at the items already donated to the event.

 
March 1-3, 2019
 

Mercer County Peri Chapter #13 Plan Meeting

The Mercer County Peri Chapter #13 will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Hopewell Grange Hall on the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina, Ohio.  Guest speaker will be Janie Timmerman representing The St. Anthony Dinner Theater.

Early birds are welcome to coffee, juice, and donuts beginning at 9:30 AM.

Parkway March 2019 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
February 27-28, 2019
 

Larry and Shirley May Celebrating 65^th Anniversary
March 20, 2019 marks the 65th Wedding Anniversary of Larry and Shirley May.  We, their children, Cindy May Cook ~ Kay May ~ Tim May, would be honored if you would take time out of your busy schedule and send them congratulations on achieving this amazing milestone in their life. Reverend Larry and Mrs. Shirley May made their home for many years in the Rockford area, raising their family, while he served at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ near Chattanooga.

Their address is:   1517 Page St.    Port Charlotte, FL     33952

Rockford Club Meets in February

The Twenty-First Century Club members met on a cold and windy February 26, 2019 at the Rockford United Methodist Church Café Room with Karla Butler, president and Toni Fisher vice-president presiding. The Club theme for the year is Remarkable Women.

Karla opened with a rundown of famous Women’s Rights Marches from 1789 to present day which resulted in social changes for women. A meeting was then completed with the reading of the minutes from January and the treasurer’s report. Role call was the member’s favorite book or author. Members were reminded to continue to bring items for the food pantry. There was lengthy discussion on a 2020 Rockford Bicentennial activity.

 

Kara Ransbottom presented the first part of the program about a quiet and intelligent environmentalist/scientist named Rachel Carson. A preliminary documentary preceded the talk. Kara explained that she became an unlikely American Activist when she began seeing evidence and did research on the effects of the chemical DDT in the 1960’s.  The widespread use of DDT for the eradication of bugs was hailed as a wonderful thing because it killed mosquitoes that caused Malaria. But unfortunately, it had widespread consequences including breast cancer and disruption of the food chain when it killed the food of smaller animals. An introvert, Carson showed her research to others and tried to get someone to act, but when that failed to happen, she wrote a book at the age of 56 entitled Silent Spring which became an instant best seller. She was in the spotlight but got the attention of President John F. Kennedy and environmental activists who pressured the government into creating the Toxic Substances Control Act in 1976. The chemical industry fought back and attacked her personally because she was a woman scientist, but her research was quality and they lost the battle over DDT. She died of breast cancer before she won the fight.

Sheila Baltzell-Linn then covered the famous British mystery writer, Dame Agatha (Miller) Christie Mallowan. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling novelist of all time. Her novels have sold roughly 2 billion copies, and her estate claims that her works come third in the rankings of the world's most-widely published books. Born in a seaside village in southern England to a semi-wealthy family, she had the means to travel especially after marrying an archeologist. Her most famous detective characters are Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Poirot was fashioned after the Belgian soldiers she cared for during WW2 and Marple was crafted upon the image of her grandmother. Beginning with The Mysterious Affair at Styles, her career as a mystery writer took off.

Her book, Mousetrap is the longest running show off Broadway. The most recent re-make of Murder on the Orient Express, was set in Turkey, which she visited with her husband. This mystery features 12 murderers!

In keeping with the mystery writer theme, the hostesses Julie Henkle and Sandra Grooms welcomed the group with hot tea and later served “Death by Chocolate Cake”, “Hot on Your Trail” snack mix and “Killer” Fruit Salad. The members enjoyed figuring-out the ingredients to the salad.

The next meeting will be held on March 26, 2019 7 PM, at the home of Louisa Rumple with Twyla Hayes assisting.  Susan Coburn and Katherine Beckett will provide the program. New members are always welcome, so contact Sheila Baltzell at 419-733-3326 if you’d like to attend a program to see what 21^st Century Club is all about.

 
February 23-26, 2019
 

Meeting at the Parkway Stadium Open to the Public
On Thursday, February 28, from 5:00-6:00, the Parkway football stadium will  be open to the public.  District staff will be available to review the concerns of the current structure and to answer questions regarding the upcoming bleacher/press box project.  

Celebrating 150 Years Of German Culture Through Song

This year the Fort Wayne Maennerchor/ Damenchor is proudly "Celebrating its 150th year of German Culture through Song". Throughout these years the Maennerchor/ Damenchor has presented free concerts, opened to the public, in which we sing traditional German songs in the German language.

Celebrating 150 years of German Culture Through Song, we invite the community to come and celebrate with us.

Fruelingsfest (Spring Concert) and Dinner
Sponsor: Ft. Wayne Maennerchor/ Damenchor
Where: Park Edelweiss Clubhouse, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Ft. Wayne, IN
When: Saturday, March 23, 2019
Time: Doors: 5:00 pm, Dinner 6:00 PM, Concert: 7:00 PM
Cost for dinner: Adults: $12.00 / Children, $6.00

Dinner consists of traditional German Schlachtfest (Bratwurst) and all the trimmings. The Chorus is the Ft. Wayne Maennerchor/ Damenchor directed by Thomas Remenschneider, former director of the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic Chorus. Also presenting winners of local high schools essay contest regarding German customs and traditions. Questions please call, Patti Knox, (260) 444-3634.

Empty Bowls Mercer County Dinner & Auction Tickets Available

CELINA - Tickets are on sale for Our Home Family Resource Center’s annual fundraising event, Empty Bowls Mercer County Dinner and Auction. This year’s event will be held at American Legion Post 210 in Celina on Saturday, March 30th. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner will begin at 6:30pm.

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

For an additional $10 dinner guests can reserve a specific souvenir bowl. This means folks can have a special keepsake bowl, one that was painted by their partner, child, grandchild or themselves at the “Create A Bowl” event.

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

Reserved and general admission tickets are available at Our Home, 117 W Fayette Street in Celina and general admission tickets are available at Chief Supermarkets in Celina and Coldwater.

Our Home is located at 117 W. Fayette Street in Celina. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the organization’s work is possible with resources provided through monetary and in-kind donations from private individuals, groups, organizations, and corporations and money awarded through grants.

MERCER COUNTY ENGINEER DITCH MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

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

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

Rockford Carnegie Library Plans Dr. Seuss Fun & Book Discussions

Come honor Dr. Seuss's birthday with a Seuss themed story, craft, game, and snack. The Family Program will be held at The Rockford Carnegie Library on Thursday, February 28 at 6:30.

The library's new book discussion group will meet Monday, March 4 at 2:00 OR 6:30 pm (same discussion to accommodate everyone's schedule). The book being discussed is “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate.

The next book discussion will be April 1, over The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks By Rebecca Skloot. Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951 after dying of cervical cancer —became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and more. A riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew. It’s a story inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we’re made of. Her story was made into an HBO movie by Oprah Winfrey. Stop by the library to get your copy of the book, book on cd, and/or movie.

Come to the Bicentennial Committee Meeting
The next Rockford Bicentennial Committee meeting will be held on
Monday - March 4th - Village Hall and Museum at 7 pm.

We need committee members to bring unsold gun raffle tickets and
turn in money for those that have been sold.  

The Gun Raffle drawing will be at the April 1st meeting.

BROWN ANNOUNCES OFFER OF APPOINTMENT TO CONVOY RESIDENT FOR U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the U.S. Military Academy at West Point has extended an offer of appointment to Olivia Skelton of Convoy. Brown nominated Olivia for West Point.

Olivia is a senior at Crestview High School and is a member of the golf and softball teams. She was also offered an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.  

“Today’s students will be the next generation of military leaders, and I’m proud Olivia has been offered the opportunity to attend one of our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Brown. “Olivia worked hard for this achievement and has demonstrated the leadership and commitment to service needed to represent our country and values. Her family and community should be proud of this honor.”

Each year, Brown nominates up to 10 students for each service academy requiring congressional recommendations: the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. A nomination does not guarantee acceptance into a service academy. The Academy’s Admissions Board ultimately decides who receives an appointment.

The nominations are based on the recommendation of a Service Academy Selection Advisory Committee, assembled by Brown. This committee – comprised of former academy graduates, active service members, veterans, parents of academy attendees, and community leaders from throughout the state – conducted rigorous interviews before selecting the final candidates.

Our Old Bookcase by Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Ohio Historical Society, Inc.

Old Bookcase, Feb. 28, 2019. St. Marys Nursing Home, postmark 1948

Photo caption:  The St. Marys Nursing Home, 518 Jackson Street, post card was postmarked 1946.  The Post Card was placed in George L. Neargarder’s book, “Auglaize County Postcard Images,” and published by the Auglaize County Historical Society in 2008.

John Marshall, host of the Radio Program, “On the Road Ohio,” emailed me and shared how he sometimes uses topics from “Our Old Bookcase,” on his Radio Program.  With this email, he shared with me that his grandmother died of cancer.  John’s mother remembered visiting her mother at a Sanitarium at St.  Marys, sometime in the late 1940’s or early 1950’s.  John requested information about this topic.

I looked at George Neargarder’s book, “Auglaize County Postcard Images,” and found the photograph pictured above.  The post card was dated 1946; therefore, I wondered if this Nursing Home was the place his Grandmother went for treatment of her cancer.

Next, I looked at the “Souvenir book commemorating Home Coming Week, July 1 to 7, 1907, St. Marys, Ohio,” and found the history of Dr. C.L. Sheppard’s Cancer Sanitarium and Hospital,  Dr. Clark L. Sheppard was proprietor of the Sheppard Cancer Sanitarium on South Main Street, in 1907.  Dr. Sheppard was born in Michigan in 1860.  As Sheppard grew up, he worked at a saw mill, until he was 22 years old.  He studied medicine about five years, and he began manufacturing a well known cancer remedy, which made his name famous.  He located a Sanitarium for the treatment of Cancer at Findlay, Ohio, for ten years.  In 1897, he moved to Upper Sandusky and established the Sheppard Sanitarium for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. 

In September 1905, Dr. Sheppard moved to St.  Marys, and leased the former Main Street House, and established a Cancer Sanitarium and Hospital.  The 1907 book about St. Mary’s Homecoming, stated that Dr. C. L. Sheppard’s Cancer Sanitarium and Hospital was a large and commodious structure, which provided the specialty of treating cancers, tumors and chronic diseases, and that his patients came from all parts of this county and Canada.

May I ask the local historians of St. Marys, if they remember Dr. Sheppard’s Cancer Sanitarium and Hospital on South Main Street?  Many local historians may recall the St. Marys Nursing Home, at 518 Jackson Street, St. Marys, as illustrated in the post card image above.  If you have information or memories about either one of these institutions, would you write John Marshall at his email address:  JohnMarshall@cngbr.com and share your memories? 

Over the years, when I had questions about Auglaize County History, I asked George Fisher, President of the Auglaize County Historical Society, in the 1970’s.  Then I met George L. Neargarder, well known author of local history books in Auglaize County.  I miss both gentlemen, and their vast knowledge of local history.  Now, the current Auglaize County Historical Society and community historical societies are carrying on the Mission to preserve Auglaize County’s History.  

May I ask you readers who value local history of Western Ohio, do you support the people who preserve your local history?  Do you show your support by becoming a Member of the local historical Society?  If not, it is time to do so.  If you do not want to become an active member, then become a Silent Supporting Member.  Let your local historical societies know that you appreciate their work.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.  Today, I was requested to find information about a Cancer Treatment Center at St. Marys.  Auglaize and Mercer Counties have much

history in common.

 
February 21-22, 2019
 

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link

and providing these Winter Wonderland Pictures

from Shanes Park on 2-20-2019!

RADC to Meet
The next RADC meeting will be Monday, February 25th at 7 pm in the basement of the Library. Raha Harrod of Mercer Metal will be our guest speaker for the evening so please join us to hear more about Raha and Johnnie's business.

 
February 20, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are now closed for Wednesday, February 20, 2019 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to road conditions for Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

Freezing Rain and Wintry Mix. Icy Roads.

Please use extreme caution if traveling! Stay Safe in Mercer County.
 

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

Three inches of heavy wet stuff by Sheila Baltzell-Linn 2-20-2019.

Mercer County Ohio Genealogical Society Invites Public
The Mercer County Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, March 3rd at 2:00 pm at the Richardson-Bretz Building, 115 West Fulton St. Celina, OH.  Our guest speaker will be Hannah Wiest. She will be presenting Layers of History. 

Women’s Fashion During the War Between the States

Hannah Wiest, local American Civil War historian, will present a revealing history about ladies’ fashion and undergarments during the early 1860's. She will expose each layer and the purpose of the individual garments and explain how the fabric content, print, dress style, and cut all revealed a woman’s class, age, and social standing. Wiest will be dressed in a complete ensemble and have many other garments to show as well as a PowerPoint presentation.

The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments served.

Civic Theatre Holding Auditions for Little Shop of Horrors
By Mary Ann Falk

Van Wert Civic Theatre will be holding auditions for the final show of their season, Little Shop of Horrors.   Director Chad Kraner and Music Director Dee Fisher are seeking singers and non-singers to audition on Sunday, February 24 and Monday, February 25 at 7 p.m. at the theatre located at 118 S. Race Street in Van Wert.  There literally is a role of anyone high school age and up.  Those auditioning for singing roles should prepare 90 seconds of a song that showcases their vocal abilities.  Accompaniment will be provided. 

Little Shop of Horrors will run May 2 - 12.  Those wanting more information can visit vwct.org or email Kraner at chad@vwct.org. 

Parkway 8th grade orientation is scheduled for Thursday 2/21/19 at 6:30pm in the Parkway Auditorium.

Parkway Drama Club to Entertain - Reminder
The Parkway Drama Club will be presenting "Seussical the Musical, Jr." on Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23 in the Parkway High School Auditorium. Both performances will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for K-12 students.

The story is told by Cat in the Hat, who narrates that tale of Horton the Elephant as he tries to save the Who's.  Many Dr. Seuss characters, including Mayor and Mrs. Who and their child, Jo Jo, Maizy LaBird, Gertrude and her Amazing tail, the Sour Kangaroo, Thing 1 & 2, the Grinch and Yertle the Turtle all make appearances in this fun musical presentation.

Vantage Open House & “Taste of Vantage”

Vantage Career Center will hold an Open House and Taste of Vantage on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:30 pm to celebrate National Career and Technical Education Month, which runs through February.

The Open House will highlight both the high school and Ohio Technical Center adult education programs, and is open to the public. “Vantage is opening up the building so our local communities we serve can see and experience how our high school and adult students learn every day” according to Community Relations Coordinator Miriam Owens.  “This is a chance for prospective and current high school students and their parents, community members, business partners, alumni, and interested adult learners to see what opportunities are available to them at Vantage. We’re also highlighting our newest OTC Adult Education Firefighter program and have local employers stationed throughout the building to speak with our guests. Any community member interested in touring our labs will not want to miss this opportunity to attend the Open House.”

Vantage high school and OTC Adult Education instructors will be in their career technical labs, while students demonstrate the skills they’ve learned.

Career technical education is a strong force that contributes to the support of the local economy.  It allows students an opportunity to be career and college ready, graduating with industry certifications and credentials, college credit, and hands-on experience in their field. For graduating seniors and adults who are looking to continue their education, the Ohio Technical Center at Vantage provides an opportunity to advance your career path in a short amount of time, for a nominal amount of money.

The popular “Taste of Vantage” will be held in conjunction with Open House.  Six area restaurants will be offering a delicious sampling of some of their most talked about cuisine.  For just $5 at the door, you can purchase a strip of 6 tickets.  One ticket will get you one food sample.  All proceeds support the Vantage school-wide Student Activity Fund.  Enjoy chicken wings from Millie’s Café in Ottoville. Taste a pork slider from Gibson’s Barnyard BBQ from Convoy. Try a variety of meatballs from Van Wert’s Black Angus on Main.  Warm up with a cup coffee and sweet cinnamon roll from Brewed Expression of Van Wert.  Try award winning ice cream from The Creamery of Delphos as well as Pizza Hut Pizza.

The Vantage Culinary Arts program will be serving their fabulous homemade Mexican chips and salsa. Don’t be late because the food goes fast!

You could be the winner of a wooden Vantage bench being raffled off, ticket prices are one ticket for $1 or six tickets for $5. DJ Ron Burt from Magic Moment Entertainment will be the emcee for the evening and will announce the special demonstrations and activities going on throughout the building. Listen for WERT Radio to come to you LIVE with several interviews from our amazing administrative team members and instructor.

To learn more about the Vantage Open House, visit vantagecareercenter.com or the Vantage Career Center Facebook page.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Vantage BPA Winners
Congratulations to the Vantage Business Professionals of America (BPA) regional competition winners on their accomplishments!  Out of the 77 students who attended, 36 were given awards in their division and 25 will move on to state competition held in Columbus, Ohio. Good Luck to all of the Vantage BPA state qualifiers.

 
February 19, 2019
 

Missing Mom, Jinny Wood, who passed away 4 years ago today 2-19-2015. This picture was of her at 85 around her birthday. The hat was a gift from Holly. Mom was the life of the party. Bet she's singing in the Heavenly Choir. Love and miss you, Mom! Sheila (Wood) Baltzell-Linn

 

700 SOPHOMORES VISIT VANTAGE

Area sophomores visited Vantage recently to check out the 17 Vantage high school career tech labs. Precision Machining Instructor gave a group of sophomores a tour of the lab while senior Precision Machining student Gage Etgen (Parkway) demonstrated how the CNC lathe works.    

Over 700 sophomores from our 13 associate school districts came to Vantage on Wednesday, Feb. 6, for “Sophomore Visitation Day”. Each sophomore had the opportunity to investigate and explore two different career technical programs of interest to them.  During each one-hour visit, there were hands-on activities, demonstrations and presentations prepared especially for them. 

Vantage Cosmetology students staged a fashion and style show for the 10th graders, while those visiting Welding got a chance to try out the virtual welder.  Visitors to Auto Body used their artistic talent to create an airbrush painting and practiced using the virtual painter program.  In Auto Technology, students learned how to use the tire balancer and the rim clamp and had a contest to see how quickly they could replace a spark plug.  Sophomores in Network Systems got to use some of the latest technology – Oculus 3D Rift Virtual Reality and Google Glass, while those visiting Interactive Media got to work with the 3D printer.  In Construction Equipment Technology, students were able to operate a backhoe, forklift and other large machinery.

Here are a few frequently asked questions – and answers - about coming to high school at Vantage.

Q:  Can I go to college after Vantage?
A:  Vantage prepares not just career ready students, but also those who are college bound. About 42% of Vantage graduates continue their education immediately after high school graduation at a two or four year college. Students are urged to check with their school counselor to be sure that all requirements for college entrance are met.

Q: Can I receive college credits through my high school class at Vantage?

A:  YES! Many programs have articulation agreements with local colleges which provide some college credit for Vantage coursework.  Some courses are College Credit Plus.

Q:  Can I participate in home school sports and activities?
A:  YES!  Students are encouraged to stay involved in extracurricular activities at their home school, such as sports, pep band, drama, etc. 
Q:  What is the tuition to attend Vantage?

A:  There is NO tuition to attend Vantage.  Each program has a fee of $100, which covers the cost of tools, supplies, equipment, and one full uniform. 

Q:  When are applications due at Vantage?

A:  Sophomore and junior students who are considering attending Vantage should be aware that the priority application deadline is March 6, 2019.  Interested students may complete and submit an online application form by using this address https://tinyurl.com/yd2yad66 to access the application form.  Students may continue to enroll throughout the spring and summer however, first choice programs may already be filled.  Visit the Vantage website for complete information vantagecareercenter.com

Vantage offers 17 different high school career technical programs.  If you have any questions, please talk to your school counselor or call Student Services at Vantage at 419-238-5411 or 1-800-686-3944 ext. 2032.  You can always check out the Vantage website vantagecareercenter.com, like and follow us Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @vccstudents.

Vantage will celebrate Career and Technical Education month at the annual Open House on Monday, February 25, from 5:00 – 7:30 pm.  All the labs will be open and there will be special demonstrations and activities. There will be an important Parent Information Session in the Community Room from 6:00 to 6:30 pm designed to answer questions about your student’s opportunities at Vantage.  You’ll be able to speak with local employers linked to the program your student in interested in throughout the building. Area restaurants will be onsite @ “A Taste of Vantage” for you to sample their food for a minimal cost, with proceeds going to the Vantage Student Activity Fund.  We hope you can make it to our Open House!

 
February 18, 2019 - President's Day
 

Local 3D Visualization Software Entrepreneur Bill Miller of Rockford Working with ODOT

Bill Miller of Rockford was recently featured in a video by the Ohio Department of Transportation. The video on YouTube (Click Here – see Bill’s story at runtime 7.20 minutes) features the 2018 Civil Rights Symposium and looks inside ODOT's Office of Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion. Video/Edit by Dylan Spitz.

Amy Schmidt District 7consultant contract manager for 6 years, introduces Bill on the video. She’s had an even longer career at ODOT.

She loves to meet new people and met Bill Miller at an Outreach District program (for business owners with disabilities) where the office of diversity and inclusion had several people come in to do a presentation to how to do business with ODOT. While interacting with Bill, they realized he had something that ODOT had not thought of using before ~Three D visualization programs.

Because they wanted to learn more, they had Bill come in and present to others at ODOT. He offered impressive software work. He was referred to as inspiring!

Bill graduated from Parkway High School in 1988.

He later graduated from Wright State University Lake Campus with an Associate Degree in engineering.

He then formed his own business called: Miller Consulting & Visualization Service LLC for Drafting and Design Residential and (3D Modeling, Rendering, and Animation).

Bill’s minority business now does work for ODOT District 7 in Sidney, OH with his engineering software skills. He is under contract for 2 years. His good friend, Todd Henkle commented, “One of his projects was to produce 3d video of exit routes for the District 7 office in the event of an emergency - so that the employees could view the building by video to memorize exits. That entailed taking one dimensional drawings of the building and converting them into a 3D rendering. From there he built the videos. He is currently under contract with ODOT to do more projects and is waiting on his next assignment.”

He is DBE Certified by Ohio Department of Transportation as well as SBE Certified by Ohio Department of Transportation.

Bill also has an EDGE Business Certification: standing for Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE). This program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in obtaining state government contracts in the following areas: construction, architecture and engineering; professional services; goods and services; and information technology services.

Because of EDGE, Bill was able to make the contact with ODOT. Click here for EDGE details online.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has a Diversity Program that has its roots in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states that "No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

On the video, Lauren Purdy, Deputy Director of the ODOT Division of Opportunity Diversity and Inclusion discusses the program and ODOT’s commitment to reach out and help minorities in these areas in all ways. The video discusses ways in which they knock down barriers.

For instance the department of ODI provides a Contracted Compliance Officer for District Eight who checks to be sure workers are receiving proper pay, that no discrimination occurs, and that contractors are not taking advantage of their workers.

Another area of Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion is their division of outreach managers to businesses. These 4 individuals are liaisons for small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses. Their job is to help demystify ODOT through outreach events and level the playing field for all. They spread the word of ODOT and opportunities for people.

Besides the video featuring Bill Miller, visit the website for details on the program
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/ODI/SDBE/Pages/DBE.aspx

Bill’s business is a tremendous success story!

To reach out and congratulate Bill, email him at wmiller@mcvs-3d.com.

He was born to Kenny and Shirley Miller of Rockford in 1969 who are both equally proud of his accomplishments.

Bill enjoys computers, horseback riding and tubing in the snow. His friends at Henkle Insurance provided these great pictures. Thanks!

Huiss Couple Celebrates Birth of Second Son
Joshua and Michelle (Linn) Huiss, Fayetteville, NC, announce the birth of their second son.
Warren Joseph Huiss was born Saturday, February 16, 2019
at Central Carolina Hospital, Sanford, NC at 10:41 AM.

He weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 oz and measured 21 inches long. Grandparents are Mark L. Linn and Sheila Baltzell-Linn of Celina, Debra & Allan Farrell of Greenville, Michael and Heidi Huiss of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Great Grandparents are Duane and Pat Linn of Rockford and the late Paul and Ruth Laux, Raymond and Rita Klingbeil of Sunbury, and the late Ann and Elmer Huiss. Warren is welcomed home by his big brother, Roan, age 2.

Parkway Schools are now closed for Monday, February 18, 2019 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to road conditions for Monday, February 18, 2019

Freezing Rain. Icy Roads.

Sheriff Jeff Grey issued a warning on Sunday night at 5:30 PM.
Deputies are advising of slick and hazardous roadways due to freezing rain. Please use extreme caution if traveling! Stay Safe! in Mercer County.
 

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

 
February 16-17, 2019
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

Freezing Rain Making Roads Slick at 1 PM

Sheriff Jeff Grey Issues Warning of Hazardous Roadways
in Mercer County at 5:30 PM - Stresses Caution While Driving

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

The Rockford Belle Community Church opened recently at 135 W. Market Street. It is advertised as a Christ centered community church that is worship based. They are trained in scriptures and looking to glorify God by reaching out to the world and preaching God's Word to all. Join them every Sunday Morning for Worship with Bonnie Smith, Interim Pastor and Mark Rutledge assisting. Phone 937-634-6646 for information.

 
February 13-15, 2019
Happy Valentine's Day
 

Rockford Club Meets in January

The Twenty-First Century Club members met on a cold and wintry January 22, 2019 at the Rockford United Methodist Church Café Room with Karla Butler, president and Toni Fisher vice-president presiding. The Club theme for the year is Remarkable Women.

A short meeting was completed with the reading of the minutes from November and the treasurer’s report. Role call was member’s special cause. Members were reminded to continue to bring items for the food pantry.

Rozann Maurer and Julie Henkle offered a reporter-interviewer style program about a feisty woman named Maggie Kuhn, American Activist.  Maggie’s dad was brilliant and her mom was 39 before Maggie was born and was a feisty character herself. Known for founding the Gray Panthers movement, after she was forced to retire from her job at the then-mandatory retirement age of 65, she wrote a book: No Stone Unturned: The Life and Times of Maggie Kuhn, Get Out There and Do Something about Injustice. She never married, never wanted children but had lots of boyfriends. She never liked jokes about old people and negatives attitudes toward women.

They then gave a report on the life of Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Nancy and Susan were sisters. Nancy survived breast cancer, but Susan did not. Nancy promised her dying sister she would work for a cure in her memory and the foundation has evolved, over the past 30 years, into the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. The Foundation is fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Their success has been phenomenal.

Delicious warm apple crisp with ice cream and crunchy snacks were served by Kim Carr, hostess and Sheila Baltzell-Linn, co-hostess.

The next meeting will be held on February 26, 2019 7 PM, at the home of Julie Henkle.  New members are always welcome, so contact Sheila Baltzell at 419-733-3326 if you’d like to attend a program to see what 21^st Century Club is all about.

News Release for Farm Focus Inc. Scholarship

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.
                                                                                   

Farm Focus Inc. is offering three one thousand dollar scholarships to high school seniors interested in majoring in an Agricultural related program at a university, college, or technical school.

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

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

last year can reapply  again this year.

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

 

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

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

Counselor, or FFA Instructor for your scholarship application. 

 

 The application is available at the OSU Van Wert County Extension office at 1055 South Washington Street, Van Wert OH 45891, or email; Deb Knapke at: Knapke.45@osu.edu .   Scholarship is in a PDF file form; can be emailed or put on a jump drive.   Questions should be directed to: 419-238-1214. All completed applications must be postmarked or delivered in person no later than March 15th to the OSU Van Wert County Extension Office.

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, February 15, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, February 15, 2019 for the game against New Knoxville.

Brian and Melissa Etzcorn; Mike and Laura Roth; John and Donna Felver; Kevin and Tammy Rager; Robert and Brenda Brown; David and Sara Stearns; and Tim Heindel.

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

Updates on Athletic Schedule by AD Matt Triplett
THESE CONTESTS HAVE BEEN RE-SCHEDULED. SOME ARE STILL ON THE ORIGINAL DATES.

Wrestling:

JH & HS Wrestling at home (JH Gym) February 14th. JH wrestles at 5:00 p.m. and HS wrestles at 6:00 p.m.

HS Sectional Tournament: @ Lima Central Catholic HS, February 22nd, 6:00 p.m. and February 23rd, 9:30 a.m. NO PRE-SALE TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!  

Girls Basketball:

JH Basketball seasons are completed. Congratulations to the 8th grade team for winning back-to-back MAC tournament titles!

HS Girls: @ New Knoxville, February 14th, JV tip at 6:00 p.m.

Sectional Tournament: @ Coldwater HS, vs. Waynesfield-Goshen, February 19th, 8:00 p.m. NO PRE-SALE TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!

Boys Basketball:

JH Basketball seasons are completed.

9th Boys: Freshman Tournament game at Versailles, February 16th, 10:20 a.m. vs. St. Henry.

HS Boys: Home vs. New Knoxville, February 15th, JV tip at 6:00 p.m.  Senior Night for Boys Basketball, Cheerleading and Wrestling.

@ Adams Central, February 16th, JV tip at 6:00 p.m.

Home vs. Bradford, February 18th, JV tip at 6:00 p.m.

@ Minster, February 22, JV tip at 6:00 p.m.

Sectional Tournament: @Paulding HS, vs. Lincolnview, February 26th, 6:15 p.m. NO PRE-SALE TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!  

Boys and Girls Bowling:

Sectional Tournament Information: Both teams bowl at Astro Lanes in Wapakoneta.

Girls Sectional: February 15th at 5:00 p.m.

Boys Sectional: February 16th at 12:00 p.m.

 
February 12, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are now Closed for Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

 Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to road conditions for Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Freezing Rain in the area. Icy Roads.

Sheriff Jeff Grey issued a warning on Monday night at 9:30 PM.
Deputies are advising of slick and hazardous roadways due to freezing rain. Please use extreme caution if traveling! Stay Safe! in Mercer County.
 

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

 
February 11, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are now Closed for Monday, February 11, 2019.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to road conditions for Monday, February 11, 2019

Sheriff Jeff Grey issued a warning on Sunday afternoon at 2:25 PM
about snow-covered,
slick roadways in Mercer County.
Fog is also being reported.
Drive with caution.
 

2 inches of wintry mix!

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

The Rockford Carnegie Library will meet in regular session
on Tuesday, February 12, at the Library Meeting Room at 4 p.m.

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Monday, February 18 Make-up game against Bradford

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Monday, February 18  which is a make-up game for the cancelled: Saturday, January 19, 2019 game against Bradford.

Andy and Shannon Wagner; Christopher and Erin Cole; Steve and Teri Samples; Scott and Angie Ransbottom; Matthew and Heidi Tinkham; Scott and Tomi Lautzenheiser; and Kyle and Mary Osbourne.

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

 
February 9-10, 2019
 

Rockford Council Meets on February 5, 2019

2019 WRKD Radio Station Board of Directors – voted on and approved: Steve Gehle ,Todd Henkle, Chris Rasbach, Kevin Browning who had been serving as directors for the past year.

The State Attorney General's office is now involved with the case concerning concerning former manager Jim Crocker (and his business Crocker Media Group LLC) who was dismissed as general manager of WRKD radio station back in January 2018.

Click here to read this and back minutes by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Rockford Community Events by Lisa Kuhn
Saturday am – February 16th - New Horizons Student Ministries - bottle cap  collection to benefit the Veterans Memorial

(Will be 3rd Saturday of each month)

Saturday – March 9 – Family Fun Night - Community Building

Saturday – March 16 – Parkway Carnival – Parkway High School

Saturday – March 16 – Duck Races – Community Building

Saturday – March 23 – Benefit for Bryan Schoenleben – Community Building

Saturday – March 30 – Lions Club Quarter Auction – Community Building

 
February 7-8, 2019
 

Parkway Drama Club to Entertain
The Parkway Drama Club will be presenting "Seussical the Musical, Jr." on Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23 in the Parkway High School Auditorium. Both performances will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for K-12 students.

The story is told by Cat in the Hat, who narrates that tale of Horton the Elephant as he tries to save the Who's.  Many Dr. Seuss characters, including Mayor and Mrs. Who and their child, Jo Jo, Maizy LaBird, Gertrude and her Amazing tail, the Sour Kangaroo, Thing 1 & 2, the Grinch and Yertle the Turtle all make appearances in this fun musical presentation.

Making Bryan Great Again - Benefit for Bryan Schoenleben

March 23, 2019 at the Rockford Community Building
Doors open at 5 pm - Music at 7 - featuring DJ J.R. Sigler

All proceeds to benefit Bryan's kidney transplant.

Donations can be made to
B. Schoenleben Benefit
10303 Erastus Durbin Rd.
Rockford, OH  45882

REGIONAL MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING OFFERED

Do you have an interest in gardening, want to improve your skills, and at the same time, enjoy volunteering and sharing your knowledge with others?  Multiple county OSU Extension offices will partner to host a Master Gardener Volunteer training course for new Master Gardener Volunteers this spring.

The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested Ohio residents who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local Ohio State University Extension county office.  Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!

Classes will be held on the Ohio State University Lima Campus beginning with orientation on Tuesday, March 5 and classes being held each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. beginning March 7 and continuing through April 25. Additionally, a daylong seminar on Saturday, March 16, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is required for the course as well.

The training course is open to interested volunteers from any county with the volunteer commitment to be completed in the volunteer’s home county program.

The cost of the training is $150.00 and includes the training manual and materials for the class. The program requires 50 hours of class room training and a commitment of 50 hours volunteer time to become a certified Master Gardener Volunteer. There is also a requirement for a background check at the volunteer’s expense. Carpooling will be available from the Van Wert County Extension Office.

More information is available at: vanwert.osu.edu and clicking on the Master Gardener link or by contacting Van Wert County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator Rachel Hoverman at 419-238-1214 or hoverman.22@osu.edu.

Parkway Schools Calendar of Events by Makayla McAvoy
for February 2019 - Click here for a printable version

 
February 4-6, 2019
 

Bigger than Ever – Christmas With RUMC Fun Facts
Info Provided by Rockford Methodist Church – Tina Waltmire
The church volunteers served 603 who came to the Shanes Park Community Building with an additional 168 carryout meals plus 79  to a total of 850 meals served – the biggest crowd ever.

30 people prepared 500 lbs of turkey

48 people donated desserts like homemade pies, cakes and cookies.

 

Santa was there to hand out candy canes and pass on holiday cheer to each person.

Meet the Artist on February 16, 2019

Rockford Artist, Twyla Hayes, owner of Brand It Marketing, is exhibiting her art work during the month of February at the Rockford Carry Out (RCO) located at 156 S Main Street, Rockford.  

On Saturday - February 16th the RCO will host a Meet the Artist event from noon - 2 pm.  

The public is welcome to stop in to watch Twyla watercolor paint and ask her questions. The RCO will donate a portion of that day's proceeds to the Rockford Community Days Arts and Music Festival held in June at Shanes Park.

 

The painting shown is a watercolor of the Marblehead Lighthouse on Lake Erie created in 1996.

New Fair Secretary Named in Van Wert County
News Release and photo by Quincy Thompson
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society would like to introduce Mike Poling as their new Fair Secretary! Poling is a lifetime resident of Van Wert County and currently resides in Washington Township with his wife Berneil. He has a daughter Abbigail who resides in Ankeny, Iowa. He is currently employed as an independent sales rep for Stine Seed Company and continues to farm with his father Larry Poling. He was a director on the Van Wert County Fair board from 2013 through 2018. He is currently serving his sixth year as a state trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. He is a graduate of Lincolnview High School and he has an associate degree in agri-business from Owens Technical College.

Did you know that Rockford once had 4 brickyards
and a hub and spoke factory for making wooden wheels?

Rockford Historical Snippet
by Mike Schumm

Click here for other interesting Rockford Historical Articles and Bicentennial News.

Lake Area Arts Group to Meet 
The Lake Area Arts Group meets 6 pm, Monday, February 11th at the
Celina Public Library. The meeting is open to the public where
attendees will see a YouTube video of wood turning artist Ray Feltz
and Laney Hughes presenting a YouTube of her animated art work. Jill
Parrish of Rockford and Jeff Griswold will be presenting their art
techniques. Also exhibiting will be Marlene Marsee and Kale Sudoff.
The planning committee will report on ideas to invite 4-H club members
to participate in the youth art workshops. The free student workshop
on February 16th will be given by New Bremen artist, Weston
Hirschfield, demonstrating Scroll Woodworking. Middle school and high
school students can register thru art teachers at local schools for
this workshop. See LAAG Facebook for more information.

Parkway Athletic Schedule for February 4 – February 9, 2019

By AD Matt Triplett

February 4:
JH Boys Basketball @ Versailles, 5:00 p.m.
JH Wrestling @ Adams Central, 5:00 p.m.

February 5:
8th GBK MAC Tournament @ Fort Recovery, 5:00 p.m.
HS Girls Basketball vs. Elida, 6:00 p.m. Boys Golf Concessions
JH Boys Basketball vs. DSJ, 5:00 p.m. Track Concessions

February 6:
No Athletic Events Scheduled

February 7:
HS Girls Basketball vs. DSJ, 6:00 p.m. Girls Golf Concessions
HS Wrestling @ LCC, 6:00 p.m.
Potential 8th GBK MAC Tournament, @ Fort Recovery, 6:15 p.m.
Potential 8th BBK MAC Tournament, @ Marion Local, 6:00 p.m.
7th BBK MAC Games, 5:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Volleyball Concessions

February 8:
HS Boys Basketball @ DSJ, 6:00 p.m.

February 9:
Varsity Boys Bowling, “MAC” Match, @ Minster, 8:45 a.m.
Varsity Girls Bowling, “MAC” Match, @ Minster, 1:00 p.m.
HS Girls Basketball @ St. Mary’s, 12:00 p.m.
HS Boys Basketball @ Temple Christian, 6:00 p.m.
Potential 8th BBK MAC Tournament at Marion Local, TBD
JH 7th MAC Tournament @ PARKWAY, 9:00 a.m./ 10:15 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. / 12:45 a.m.
Cross Country Concessions
 

Old Bookcase, Jan. 31, 2019,  Historic Downtown St. Henry

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

Photo caption:  Rammel Dry Cleaning, 102 West Main St., Saint Henry, 1972.

I was talking with Bill Prenger at St. Henry this week.  We were discussing our common interest in local history and local history books.  I am always happy to see the younger generation take an interest in Mercer County’s rich history.  Honestly, I first met Bill Prenger, when he came to the St. Henry Basketball Games, and sat with his parents, in front of us in the bleachers.  He was a little one, at that time, and I am sure he does not remember being there!

In respect for Bill’s interest in St. Henry’s past, I thought that I would write about the Rammel Dry Cleaning business, as a part of Saint Henry’s Main Street History, as well as Bill Prenger’s family heritage.

Ott and his son John “Jack” Rammel bought the Dry Cleaning business in the summer of 1963, from Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kohn, who were in the dry cleaning business from June 1959 until 1963.  Prior to 1959, Mrs. Mike Pazitney had a bakery in this building for about a year.

The early history of this building dates back to 1898 when Mr. Joseph Bruns built this building to use as a General Store.  After her husband’s death, Mrs. Joseph Bruns and her children ran the store.  The store continued in the Bruns name, as Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bruns ran the General Store there for nearly a year, until Ed Bruns sold the building to his brother Urban Bruns of Cincinnati.  Mrs. Pazitney then used the building as her bakery.

I checked the 1987 book about the” Sesquicentennial of St. Henry,” to update this history about the Rammel Dry Cleaning.   The Rammel Family was still in business as of 1987.  I do not recall when they closed the Rammel Dry Cleaning.  I will just have to ask Bill Prenger to update the history of his Grandparents’ business. 

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.  Assigning the younger Generation of family businesses to contribute to the Preservation of Mercer County’s History is what we all have to do.  I ask each of you, if you are updating your own history!  I do not want any local history of Mercer County to be swept into the Dustpan of Lost History! 

OPTIMIST CLUB SPONSORS CONTESTS FOR STUDENTS

The Optimist Club of Van Wert invites area students to enter its annual Essay and Oratorical contests, for the opportunity to win prize money and the possibility of earning thousands of dollars in scholarships.

ESSAY CONTEST

The Optimist Club Essay Contest encourages area students to write about the topic, When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?  Optimist Club members will judge students’ essays and determine the winners of medallions and cash awards of $300 for first-place, $150 for second-place, and $50 for third-place. Winners of the local contest advance to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship.

Essay contest applications are available now at Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert middle and high schools, or may be obtained by contacting Diana Cearns at 419-238-1463. Deadline for entries is February 15. Applications and essays will be picked up from each school on this date. Home school students may mail completed essays to the address listed on the application by Feb. 15.

ORATORICAL CONTEST

The Optimist Club Oratorical Contest is set for Mar. 3, 2 p.m. at Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Dr., Van Wert. Students are asked to craft a four-to-five-minute speech addressing the topic, Is There a Fine Line between Optimism and Reality? Parents and immediate family are welcome to attend the contest and Optimist Club members will judge each speech.

Winners will receive medallions and cash awards of $300 for first-place, $200 for second-place, and $100 for third place. The top two local contestants will advance to zone, regional, district, and possibly international level competitions for the opportunity to win up to $22,500 in scholarships.

Oratorical contest applications are available now at area middle and high schools, or may be obtained by contacting Greg Yinger at 567-259-5277. Deadline for entries is February 25. Both contests are open to youth under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2018. There is no minimum age to enter, but both contests are generally appropriate for middle school and high school students.

Carrying the motto “Friend of Youth,” the Optimist Club of Van Wert conducts positive service projects in support of young people.  To learn more about the club’s volunteer service opportunities, visit www.optimistvw.com or @OptimistVW on Facebook.

 
February 2-3, 2019
 

Parkway Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Three school graduates are being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 2, 2019. Jennifer (Frahm) Barrett, Alan Carr, and the late Gary “Gus” Kesler are the inductees. The event will take place at the basketball games at Parkway High School.

Jennifer (Frahm) Barrett is a 1989 graduate of Parkway High School where she earned four varsity letters in track and three varsity letters in cheerleading and competed in state track during high school. She holds the school record in the 100 meter.

Alan Carr is a 1990 graduate of Parkway High School and earned three varsity letters in baseball and two varsity letters in football. He excelled in high school baseball and went on to play for the Atlanta Braves.

The late Gary “Gus” Kesler was a 1956 graduate of Willshire High School, and he contributed to the success of the 1955 State-Runner-Up basketball team and the 1956 State-Semi-Final team. He attended the University of Dayton, University of Alabama and University of Tampa where he played college basketball. Later he went to the Hawaii Chiefs a semi-pro team.

Fund Grows for Hedges Park Veterans Memorial

The Rockford American Legion Post 508 recently received a generous $1000 donation from the Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund for the Veterans Memorial. The memorial will be constructed in Hedges Park located adjacent to the Rockford Legion. Pictured l to r are Reed Shaffer (Post 508), Bob Barnt (Midwest board member), and Terry McMillen (Post 508). If you would like to help with this community project please contact us 419-305-0170 thank you.

Saturday morning 2-2-2019, Rime (frozen fog) covers the trees in the park
creating a winter wonderland.

After record cold temperatures this week, Saturday morning's heat wave of 20
brought fog to the area
which froze on the trees and outdoor objects.

Thank you to Henkle Insurance for sponsoring the PWI Weather Link

Empty Bowls Mercer County “Create A Bowl” Raffle Winners Announced

Our Home Family Resource Center kicked off Empty Bowls Mercer County with “Create A Bowl” events at Brew Nation/Potters House in Celina recently.

“This event’s success is due in large part to the hospitality and support from Brew Nation/Potters House and the participants who join us to paint bowls and raise funds for Our Home” exclaimed Deb Simon-Heinfeld, Our Home’s Marketing/Development Coordinator.

Individual painters collected donations from their friends, family members, and neighbors and volunteered two hours of their time to help paint the bowls for the Empty Bowls dinner on March 30th.

A minimum $20 donation was required to participate in “Create A Bowl”. This fee was set to cover the cost for bowls, paints, firing, and space at Brew Nation/Potters House. There were 17 painters who raised over $50 in donations, and they were entered into a participation raffle.

Raffle winners include: Ed Hosbach (gift card to Pla-Mor Lanes); Gina Bruns, Carol Hone and Ann Boyer (Celina-Mercer Chamber of Commerce gift certificates); and Ella Shelby, Debra Dunn, Callie Colson, Angie Sudhoff, Dan Gabriel, and Kay Klopfleisch (Empty Bowls Mercer County event t-shirts).

The bowls created at this event will be gifts for the guests at Our Home’s Empty Bowls Dinner & Auction on Saturday, March 30th, at American Legion Post #210 in Celina. Tickets for the dinner are on sale now. A $25 ticket includes personal selection of a souvenir bowl and a buffet of savory soups donated by local restaurants, salad, and soft drinks. There will be a cash bar available for those who prefer adult beverages.

Reserved and general admission tickets are available at Our Home, 117 W Fayette Street in Celina and general admission tickets are available at Chief Supermarkets in Celina and Coldwater. All proceeds from Empty Bowls Mercer County, both “Create A Bowl” and the Dinner and Auction, will be used to support and expand Our Home Family Resource Center’s programs and projects. You can visit www.ourhomefrc.com to learn more about Our Home’s work.

Ohio Ag Recertification Classes Planned by Extention Office

Van Wert County OSU Extension Announces Ohio Pesticide Recertification Class and Fertilizer Recertification Tuesday February 5th and Soil Health Workshop Wednesday February 6th.

Opportunities to renew your Private Pesticide License and your Ohio Ag Fertilizer Recertification Tuesday February 5th at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Time: 8:30-1:30.

8:30-9:00 am Registration, 9:00- Noon PAT Recertification. 12:30-1:30 Fertilizer Recertification.

The Soil Health workshop provided in partnership with Soil Health Specialist Jim Hoorman with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Basic Soil Health:  February 6th at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Nutrient Recycling and Soil Ecology; Biology of Soil Compaction.
February 13th: Using Soil Health Practices to address Water Quality; Beneficial Insect and Cover Crops; Vole and Slug Issues. February 27th: It’s all about Cover Crops; Managing Grasses, Brassicas and other Cover Crops. All Soil workshops start at 7:00pm and last until 9:00pm held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. $5.00 per session. Contact Curtis Young Extension Educator for more Information. 419-238-1214

 
February 1, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are now closed for Friday, February 1, 2019.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to road conditions for Friday, February 1, 2019

Sheriff Jeff Grey issued a warning about snow-covered,
slick roadways in Mercer County. Drive with caution.
on Friday morning at 5:38 AM.
 

4 inches of the fluffy white stuff!

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

Parkway Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Three school graduates are being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 2, 2019. Jennifer (Frahm) Barrett, Alan Carr, and the late Gary “Gus” Kesler are the inductees.

Jennifer (Frahm) Barrett is a 1989 graduate of Parkway High School where she earned four varsity letters in track and three varsity letters in cheerleading and competed in state track during high school. She holds the school record in the 100 meter.

Alan Carr is a 1990 graduate of Parkway High School and earned three varsity letters in baseball and two varsity letters in football. He excelled in high school baseball and went on to play for the Atlanta Braves.

The late Gary “Gus” Kesler was a 1956 graduate of Willshire High School, and he contributed to the success of the 1955 State-Runner-Up basketball team and the 1956 State-Semi-Final team. He attended the University of Dayton, University of Alabama and University of Tampa where he played college basketball. Later he went to the Hawaii Chiefs a semi-pro team.

 
January 31, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are closed for Thursday, January 31, 2019.

The National Weather Service has issued
sub-zero wind chill warnings as low as -40
through 1:00 PM.

Sheriff Jeff Grey has issued a warning to be prepared if you go outside.

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

Parkway February 2019 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Rockford Lions to Hand-out Mints at Game on Saturday
Rockford Lions will be on hand Saturday evening, February 2nd, 2019 for the Parkway Hall of Fame Induction honoring Parkway Athletics Alumni at the Parkway Gymnasium.  Lions members will distribute FREE mints to those in attendance before and during the Hall of Fame Game between the Adams Central and Parkway High School basketball teams.   Lion Randy Habegger is the project chair. Members of the Rockford Lions Club are empowered volunteers serving their local community and meeting needs.   The Rockford Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

Parkway 8^th Graders’ Trips to DC Sponsored by Rockford Lions Club

Kevin Krall of Willshire Lions, Bill Grier of Mendon Lions, and Darrell Sheppard of Rockford Lions recently presented a check from the 13th Annual Lions Club Fish Fry to Parkway Middle School Principal Brian Woods (L to R).   Proceeds from this yearly project help to support the Parkway Eighth Grade Class Trip.  Woods shared a picture presentation of the 2018 class trip to Philadelphia and Washington D.C.  The 2019 class trip will take place in April.

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Saturday, February 2, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Saturday, February 2, 2019 for the game against South Adams.

Mike and Linda Hawk; James and Karri Springer; Tim and Tanya Green; James and Jill Leighner; Leonard and Jennifer Smith; Timothy and Megan Fokine; and Caryn Wenning.

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

Rockford Lions Club Announces Upcoming Activities

On January 14th, 2019 Andrew Peel of Rockford, welcomed by Lions President Darrell Sheppard,  became the newest member of the Rockford Lions. 

Preparations also continue for the 2019 Quarter Auction at the Rockford Community Building on March 30th.  The auction begins at 12 noon. Doors open at 11 a.m.  Lion LeeAnn Frank is the project chairperson.

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects like the Annual Fish Fry, the Quarter Auction, and the Car Show scheduled for June 14th, 2019 fund scholarships and help to fulfill local community needs & requests.  Globally, Lions Clubs help to provide resources and programs in five humanitarian areas: Diabetes, Environment, Hunger, Childhood Cancer, and Vision. 

The next meeting of the Rockford Lions Club will be January 28th, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

Rockford Bicentennial Committee Needs YOUR Help

Reminder - the Next Rockford Bicentennial Committee meeting will be
next Monday - February 4th - at the Rockford Village Office and Museum to
begin at 7 pm.   They have several new developments that you'll
want to hear about!   Bring a friend!

Rockford Lions Club Members Hear About Baseball Parents’ Activities

Rockford Lions welcomed Luke Clouse, Parkway HS Baseball coach and Misty Riley representing the Parkway High School Baseball Parents on Monday evening January 28th, 2019.  Clouse and Riley reviewed various projects over the past couple of years including the addition of an athletic trainer, and highlighted plans for the expansion of the High School Baseball Dugout.   

Riley also highlighted the ‘Great Panther Duck Races’ to be held Saturday, March 16th, 2019 at the Rockford Community Building beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event is presented by the Parkway Baseball Parents and benefits the Parkway Baseball Program.

The Rockford Lions, under the direction of project chair LeeAnn Frank, continue to prepare for their Quarter Auction to be held Saturday, March 30th at the Rockford Community Building, 420 Holly Lane in Rockford.  Doors will open at 11 am.  The auction will begin at 12 noon.   Paddles for participation in the auction will be three (3) dollars each and available at the door.  An All-IN paddle, also available at the door, will be twenty-five (25) dollars.  A light lunch will also be available for purchase. 

Proceeds from Rockford Lions Club projects, like the Quarter Auction and the Rockford Car Show in June 2019, fund scholarships & help fulfill local community needs & requests.

The next meeting of the Rockford Lions Club will be Monday, February 11th at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.

Learn to be a Beekeeper

2019 Beginning Beekeeping Class Greater Grand Lake Beekeepers Association (GGLBA) will host its 5th annual Beginning Beekeeping Class February 9th, 2019 at the Richardson-Bretz Building in Celina, Ohio. The class will begin at 8:00 AM and last until 5:00 PM.

This full-day class will cover everything you need to know to begin keeping bees, including honeybee biology, castes, and nutrition, as well as parts of a hive and equipment needed, products of the hive, honeybee pests and diseases. Demonstrations will be given on assembling frames and installing foundation, along with instruction on how to work a hive.

Cost of the class is $50 per person which includes the textbook “Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping” ($65 value). A spouse or guest can also register for $25 per person (no textbook).

Attendees will receive beekeeping supply catalogs, literature, and handouts. Each person registered will also receive a one-year membership in Greater Grand Lake Beekeepers Association ($15 value), a one-year membership in the Ohio State Beekeepers Association ($20 value) and the chance to win several beekeeping related door prizes.

Attendees will be given information about ordering honeybee nucs from northern climate stock.

Dwight Wells from Tipp City will be the main instructor. Dwight is a recognized speaker from many States and collaborates with Dr. Greg Hunt of Purdue University on improving the “Indiana Leg Chewers,” a genetic strain with traits that attack the pest varroa mite.

Dwight has also taught Queen grafting and is Director of Sustainable Genetic Technologies Network, a collaborative effort in artificial insemination with IL, KY, IN, and OH. Registration is on a first-come, first served basis and class size is limited to 35 people.

To enroll or for more information, go to www.gglba.ohiostatebeekeepers.org or contact Mark Beougher (419) 305-8662 or Rich McNaughton (419) 733-7424.

The Richardson-Bretz building is located at 119 W. Fulton Street in Celina (just behind the Mercer County Library). Coffee, doughnuts, and refreshments are included. Lunch will be on your own. Greater Grand Lake Beekeepers Association (GGLBA) meets monthly at the St. Marys Community Library on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings run from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM and are open to the public.

Parkway Athletic Schedule for January 28 – February 2, 2019

By AD Matt Triplett

January 28:
9th Boys Basketball vs. St. Henry, 6:00 p.m.
JH Boys vs. St. Mary’s, 5:00 p.m. Cross Country Concessions

January 29:
JH Girls Basketball @ St. Henry, 5:00 p.m.
JH Boys Basketball @ Antwerp, 5:00 p.m.

January 30:
No Athletic Events Scheduled

January 31:
HS Girls Basketball vs. St. Henry, 6:00 p.m. Track Concessions
JH Boys Basketball vs. St. Henry, 5:00 p.m. Boys Golf Concessions
9^th Boys Basketball at Celina at 6:00 p.m.

February 1:
HS Boys Basketball @ St. Henry, 6:00 p.m.

February 2:
Varsity/JV Boys Bowling vs. St. Henry, @ Versailles, 9:45 a.m.
Varsity Girls Bowling vs. Russia, @ Versailles, 1:00 p.m.
JH Wrestling @ Elida, 10:00 a.m.
HS Girls Basketball @ Ansonia, 1:00 p.m.
HS Boys Basketball vs. South Adams, 6:00 p.m. Hall Of Fame

 
January 29-30, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are closed for Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Makeup day is Thursday, April 18, 2019.

The national weather service has issued sub-zero wind chill warnings as low as -25.
 

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

Department of Aging reminds older adults, families
that extreme temperatures are severe weather

Prepare for bitter cold, check on loved ones, just as you would for a storm

Columbus, Ohio – With sustained, bitter cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills predicted for all of the state this week, the Ohio Department of Aging reminds all Ohioans to treat extreme temperatures just as you would a coming snow or ice storm. Be prepared and check on older loved ones and neighbors before, during and after the mercury drops.

“Extremely cold temperatures can take a physical toll on all of us, but also threaten important parts of community and home infrastructure that we and our older loved ones rely upon to stay safe and comfortable in our homes,” said Ursel McElroy, director of the department. “Take some time before the temperature drops to ensure you are ready for the worst and have a plan in place should your health be affected, or it becomes unsafe to stay in your home.”

Body changes as we age, prescription medications and more can make older adults more susceptible to the ravages of bitter cold temperatures. In addition, prolonged cold conditions like those expected this week raise the risk of freezing home plumbing, community water main breaks, automobile failure, transportation interruptions, power outages, home heating system failures and more.

To prepare:

Assemble an emergency kit that includes a battery-operated radio, a flashlight and extra batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing, food that you can open and prepare easily and plenty of clean drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day), in case water supply lines are compromised.

Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls of your home and turn faucets to a slow drip to help prevent pipes from freezing. Place rolled-up towels or blankets around drafty windows and doors to help keep the cold air outside and the warm air inside.

Know where the main valves and switches are for gas, water and electricity and ensure you or someone you trust can operate them should you need to shut them off.

If you must use portable space heaters to warm your home, check that yours has been tested and certified to the latest safety standards. Keep heat sources at least three feet from combustible items, like papers, blankets and curtains. Never leave a fireplace or portable heater unattended; turn off heaters and extinguish flames when you leave the room or go to bed. Never use appliances that weren’t designed to heat your home, such as cooking stoves and ovens, for that purpose.

Have a plan for a safe, warm place to go, and a way to get there, if it becomes unsafe to stay in your home.

Throughout the week, call or visit older loved ones and neighbors to ensure they are safe, warm and healthy, and have the means to stay that way.

Is the temperature in their home comfortable? Do they have safe means to keep it that way if outdoor temperatures remain frigid?

Do they need medical attention? Do they appear alert and aware? Have they fallen? Are they staying warm enough? Are they taking their medications as prescribed?

Do they have safe food and water? Are they eating and drinking regularly?

Whom will they call if they need help? Do they have access to a phone that will work without power or landline service?

Ohioans who live in nursing homes also can be at increased risk from severe winter weather. The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the Department of Aging advises family members and concerned friends to call loved ones’ nursing homes to check conditions there and ask how the facility is staffed.

Visit www.aging.ohio.gov/safeathome for additional tips and resources to prepare for severe weather and other emergencies.

If you or an older loved one become ill or injured during the storm, or if it becomes unsafe to stay in your home for any reason, call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. Check local media or call local law enforcement to learn about the availability of warming centers or emergency shelters. Your area agency on aging can help identify emergency resources and services in your community. Visit the Ohio Department of Aging’s website (www.aging.ohio.gov) for contacts or call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.

About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.

 
January 28, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to road conditions for Monday, January 28, 2019

Sheriff Jeff Grey issued a warning about snow-covered,
slick and drifting roadways
on Sunday evening at 6:47 PM.
 

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

 
January 26-27, 2019
 

Sheriff Jeff Grey issued a slick and snowy roads warning last evening (1-26-2019) at 9:08 PM
and again this morning (1/27/2019) at 6:47 AM

2 Inches of fluffy snow fell overnight followed by wind creating problems.
 

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

 
January 25, 2019
 

Annual Report for 2018 by Mercer County Engineer James Wiechart
Click Here to Read all kinds of interesting facts about our roads, bridges, equipment purchases
and so much more!

Mercer County Ohio Genealogical Society Plans Meeting
The Mercer County Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, February 3rd at 2:00 pm at the Richardson-Bretz Building, 115 West Fulton St. Celina, OH.  

Our guest speaker will be Curt Witcher. He will be speaking on the “Effective Use of the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center”, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments served.

Bicentennial Barn Quilts for Sale

New Barn Quilts for sale at the Rockford Village Office.  Stop in and take a closer look at these new designs!  If you would like to design your own, the committee will work with you.  They come in sizes 24 x 24 and 48 x 48.    

Give Lisa Kuhn a call - 419-363-3032 ext 1.

Help for Our Home Family Resource Center
Our Home Family Resource Center received word that they have received a grant for the Direct Services & Referral program from Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. Through its charitable foundation, Dominion Energy invests in organizations and programs that improve the quality of life in the geographic areas where the company provides electricity or natural gas service, or has significant facilities or business interests.

This Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation Grant will support Our Home’s on-going efforts to help Mercer County residents overcome emergencies or respond to unexpected expenses. “The Direct Services program is designed to help folks stabilize their situation” stated Deb Simon-Heinfeld, marketing director at Our Home, “Our Home’s assistance may be in the form of vouchers for emergency financial needs or referrals to partner agencies. This grant helps to ensure that residents of Mercer County will have somewhere to turn and someone to speak with in their time of need.” 

In addition to direct financial assistance and referrals, the Direct Services program provides a food pantry stocked with canned fruits and vegetables, meat, pastas, soup, milk, and other assorted items. The food pantry also offers personal care items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toilet paper and diapers.

Direct Services & Referral program hours are 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:30pm Monday through Thursday; the food pantry operates Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Our Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at 117 W. Fayette Street in Celina. The organization’s work is only possible with resources provided through monetary and in-kind donations from the community and money awarded through grants such as Dominion Charitable Foundation Grant. For information about Our Home’s programs and needs, visit www.ourhomefrc.com or call 419-586-4663.

Accepting Applications for the Vantage OTC Practical Nursing Program

Applications for the Practical Nursing Program at the Ohio Technical Center of Vantage Career Center are now being taken.  The program will begin its competitive admissions process and welcome 24 students in August, 2019.  Registration closes May, 2019. The program is approved through the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) and accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Vantage launched the Practical Nursing Program in the fall of 2018, welcoming 19 students. Students’ progress through 4 phases of training that include classroom, clinical and lab experiences.  The curriculum focuses on the art and science of the nursing process and psychomotor skills to prepare the student to be a competent member of the interdisciplinary team.  Kristin Swanson’s Theory of Caring is utilized to obtain an entry level skill set.  All graduates of the Practical Nursing Program will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses to become licensed.

Local healthcare partners in Van Wert, Mercer, and Paulding counties have provided support to the program to meet local healthcare needs, as the job outlook for practical nurses is projected to grow 10% in the next five years.

“The nursing program at Vantage is a one stop experience, with the student receiving all needed training in a little less than one year.  The class size is small allowing for individual attention and assistance,” says Jean Sullivan, Practical Nursing Program Instructor.

The program is slated to begin September, 2019 and end August, 2020.  Classes are 7:30 to 3:30 Monday through Thursday at Vantage Career Center.  Clinical hours may vary based on availability.  Financial Aid is available to qualified candidates. 

For more information on admissions criteria, contact the OTC Enrollment Coordinator, Maria Diltz: 419-238-5411 ext. 2118, or go to www.vantagecareercenter.com, Adult Education.

 
January 24, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are now closed for Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Makeup day is Monday, February 18, 2019.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to icy roads for Thursday, January 24, 2019

Sheriff Jeff Grey issued an icy roads warning last evening at 8:56 PM
and again this morning at 5:19 AM
 

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

St Paul's United Church of Christ Cancelled for Sunday, January 27, 2019.

The winter weather has been wreaking havoc with Parkway's Winter Homecoming Dance plans. On January 26, 2019, after the basketball game, the dance will commence until midnight.

Rockford Council Meets on January 15, 2019
Click here to read this and back minutes by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Announcing The Sound of Music Early Ticket Release at Niswonger

(Van Wert, OH) - Good things just keep coming from the Niswonger. Releasing nearly a month ahead of schedule is The Sound of Music Saturday, May 4 with two family friendly showtimes 2PM & 7:30PM, presented by Jim & Mary Pope. Tickets are now on sale from $35.

Along with Presenting Sponsors, Jim & Mary Pope, the Niswonger invites families to experience Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound Of Music based upon the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award– winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and the title song, “The Sound Of Music.”

Tickets for The Sound of Music can be purchased through the Box Office Mon - Fri, 10AM - 5PM at 419-238-6722 and online at NPACVW.ORG.

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

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, January 25, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, January 25, 2019 for the game against Versailles.

Cory and Bonnie Wells; Renee Carpenter; Chris and Kari Cron; James and Corrie Clutter; Kimberly Lavergne; Stephen and Laura Yoder; Toby and Cynthia Giles and Michael Heck.

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

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Saturday, January 26, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Saturday, January 26, 2019 for the game against Lincolnview.

Scott and Angie Dicke; Lacy Dunning; Pat and Betsy Johnson; Robert Rutledge; Deb Williams; Mike and Jennifer Langenkamp; Sue Fox, John and Sheila Boroff, and Todd and Shelie Gaerke.

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

 
January 23, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay for Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Roads should be traveled with caution.
 

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

 
January 21-22, 2019
January 21, 2019 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay for Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Roads should be traveled with caution in this sub-zero weather.
Wind has caused drifted roads.
 

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

Parkway Athletic Schedule for January 21 – 26, 2019

By AD Matt Triplett

January 21:

Varsity Boys Bowling vs. Ansonia, @ Celina 11:00 a.m.

9th Boys Basketball @ Versailles, 6:00 p.m.

January 22:

HS Girls Basketball vs. Lincolnview, 6:00 p.m.  Cross Country Concessions 

JH Girls Basketball vs. Versailles, 5:00 p.m.  Girls Golf Concessions

January 23:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

January 24:

HS Girls Basketball @ Versailles, 6:00 p.m. 

JH Girls Basketball @ Lincolnview, 5:00 p.m.

JH Wrestling vs. Spencerville, 5:00 p.m.  Volleyball Concessions

JH Boys Basketball @ Versailles, 5:00 p.m.

January 25:

HS Boys Basketball vs. Versailles, 6:00 p.m.

January 26:

Varsity/JV Boys Bowling vs. Fort Recovery, 9:45 a.m.

Varsity Girls Bowling vs. Fort Recovery, 1:00 p.m.

HS Wrestling @ Indian Lake, 10:00 a.m.

HS Boys Basketball vs. Lincolnview, 6:00 p.m.

The Bicentennial Committee meets every first Monday of the month to plan for the 2020 year-long celebration.
The muralist is now working in the Stephenson building on the firstation murals to be hung this year and Parkway students are working on their mural on the wall at the east end of Market Street.

If you are a historical member, please renew; if you are not, please join us!

Otterbein Retirement Community Plans Musical Event
Visit Otterbein on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 3 PM, for musical entertainment by Band Loco in the Meyer Community Room.

Our Old Bookcase, Jan. 24, 2019,  First world Map to identify America
A Map of the World
According to the Tradition of Ptolemy And The Voyages of Amerigo Vespucci et. al.
By Waldseemuller, 1507

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

 Photo caption:  The first map to identify America as a Continent, 1507. Photo coming!

Do you know that Dr. Michael Naumann became the key figure on the world stage to lead in the acquisition of the 1507 Map, which was the first World Map to identify America on this map? 

Prior to Columbus and his voyages to America, three continents were identified on world maps:  Europe, Africa, and Asia.  I was reading the book, “A History of the World in Twelve Maps,” by Jerry Brotton, London.  His book was published by Penguin books, 2012.  The story of how the world map included the name of America as a continent, captured my attention.  Philip D. Burden, Author of “The Mapping of North American,” was asked to give credibility to the map entitled, “A Map of the World according to the Tradition of Ptolemy and the Voyages of Amerigo Vespucci, and others,” credited to Martin Waldseemuller, circa 1507.  The map was owned by Count Johannes Waldburg-Wolfegg, of Wolfegg Castle in Baden Wurttemberg,  Germany, who wanted to sell the map for ten million dollars.

The sale of this 1507 map created controversial excitement in the academic and political world of history, not only in the United States, but also Germany.  Some German leaders contested the sale, claiming that the map belonged to the German Cultural Heritage.  Political power changed under the 1998 elections and Gerhard Schroder appointed Dr. Michael Naumann as the Minister of Culture.  Dr. Naumann had served as publisher for Holtzbrinck Group, who had offices around the world, including the United States.  Dr. Naumann encouraged trade and cultural interaction between Germany and the United States, and spent over five years working through fund raising of the ten million dollars for the Count of Wolfegg Castle, as well as surviving the political fences of cultural questions.

His success was achieved in June of 2003 when the U.S. Library of Congress completed the sale.  Dr. Michael Naumann was the silent hero of the saving of America’s first confirmed history as a continent on this planet.  On July 23, 2003, the Library of Congress hosted the 1803-2003 Exhibit of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which featured Waldseemuller’s 1507 Map identifying America as a Continent.  The honor was a legitimate point of origin, confirming the 1507 document.

This story is one of academic, scientific, cultural, religious, and political intrigue.  From the first sentence, my attention was captured, until the last page.  I have a  copy of Jerry Brotton’s book, “A History of the World in Twelve Maps,” on my Nook Reader, under Barnes and Noble.  You can find this dynamic history book as well as the history of Waldseemuller’s 1507 map on the internet.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.   Today, both the history of Waldseemuller’s 1507 Map and Dr. Michael Naumann’s preservation of this map for the U.S. Library of Congress and the American People has been brought to your attention.  It is my pleasure to educate the public about our Mercer County 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.]

Parkway HS 2nd Qtr Honor Roll 2018-2019

By Lisa Miller, HS Secretary

SENIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Alistair Fahncke, Matthew Gaerke, KeAndra Godsey, Melissa Hauter, Mecaylah Hesse, Madison Kroeger, Justin Miller, Nicholas Riley, Noah Riley, Faith Rollins, Olivia Scott, Isabella Strunk, Loren Stukey, Grace Swander, Tessa Thatcher

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Molly Baltzell, Shay Bolton, Hannah Eichenauer, Alexandria Ford, Kara Heck, Colton Kraner, Alyssa Miller, Owen Sinning, Preston Stober, Bailey Strickler, Haylee Stukey, Jonathan Wehe

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Conner Lyons, Rachel Perry, Faith Shellabarger

JUNIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Cory Agler, Rachel Barrett, Aaron Bruns, Breyden Bruns, Alexis Cairns, Macy Henkle, McKenna Johnson, Brooke May, Kyle Roth, Olivia Rutledge, Hailey Stephenson, Ashlyn White

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Tim Bloos, Claire Eichler, Emma Gause, Courtney Harding, Leah Harshman, Ryan Hesse, Kristine Kirby, Clarissa Krogman, Bryce Lowery, Jason Luth, Sophia Miller, Grace Rogers, Gavin Stober, Shaelyn Thomas, Alexander Tisdale, Emily Zimmerman

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Ansley Burtch, Ryann Fox, Nicholas Hawk, Lily Hipply, Caleb Kinney, Mason Landers, Kiersten Roehm, McKenna Temple, Corey Walls, Sydney Yoder, Olivia Zimmerman

SOPHOMORES

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Avery Boroff, Kaden Boroff, Remi' Fokine, Savanna Freeman, Sierra Freeman, Brayton Luginbill, Lydia Miller, Kelsey Nichols, Elijah Rich, Makenna Schumm

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Abigail Browning, Treya Conn, Alexzandra Cottman, Brendan Etzcorn, Justan Felver, Madalyn Heindel, Zoie Huffman, Kayla Kuhn, Todd Lampy, Claire Langenkamp, Bryce Mihm, Andrea Miller, Claire Rutledge, McKayla Sites, Mackenzie Springer, Jonathan Steinhoff, Sydney Waters 

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Breanna Beeks, Grace Etgen, Graham Farmer, Hunter Gibson, Anthony Heck, Dylan Hughes, Chaz Neuenschwander, Haydn Ridenour, Tyler Tinkham

FRESHMEN

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Kameryn Altenbach, Leah Eichler, Danielle Huff, Riley Samples, Benjamin Sheppard, Blake Strickler

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Alex Anderson, Cora Barna, Grant Bollenbacher, Elise Darrigan, Lily Haver, Cami High, Molly Hileman, Raegan Roehm, Ashtyn Sipe, Caden Slusher, Gracyn Temple

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Aiden Anderson, Jace Armstrong, Alexander Gile, Ashley Hague, Paige Jackson, Chasity McGhee, Jacob Rogers, Gabriel Schaaf, Cade Schoenleben, Chantry Simon, Makenzie Stephenson, Avamaria Strunk, Tim Trigo

One Injured in Commercial Rollover Crash on US 30

Richland Township – The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single commercial vehicle rollover crash which occurred on US 30 west of Interstate 75 near Beaverdam.   

On January 17, 2019, at approximately 4:26 P.M., a 2007 Western Star Semi Truck and Trailer, operated by Adam C. Mancuso, age 36, of West Olive, Michigan, was traveling west bound on US 30 and went off the right side of the roadway while negotiating a curve.  After leaving the roadway, the semi overturned and came to final rest in the ditch on the north side of the roadway. 

Beaverdam-Richland Township Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported Mr. Mancuso to Lima Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.  Mr. Mancuso was wearing a properly adjusted seat belt at the time of the crash.  Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash.

The Lima Post was assisted on scene by Beaverdam-Richland Township Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation and Beaverdam Fleet. The trailer was loaded with bricks and took several hours to remove from the ditch, however, the right lane of west bound traffic was only closed for a short period of time and has since been re-opened.   

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to take into account adverse weather conditions, especially when traveling on overpasses and negotiating curves. 

Parkway Middle School Honor Roll

End of 2nd Quarter 2018-2019

By Michelle Agler, Middle School Secretary

5TH GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Brittyn Bruns

Addison Dailey

Natalie Moeller

Taylor Muhlenkamp

Ella Putman

Jordyn Schaefer

Emmery Temple

Christina Tong

High Honors

3.5-3.99

Carlee Barna

Brooke Booher

Meagan Boroff

Miley Crouch

Addison Fisher

Payton Frese

Jakeb Frysinger

Jaden Green

Kolt Harner

Trevor Heitkamp

Carson Kirby

Grace Kiser

Parker Lyons

Maddie Miehls

Taylor Minnich

Megan Nichols

Haley Perry

Ava Pond

Ethan Pond

Addison Reigle

Zavier Rissner

Bryn Schoenleben

Gabryelle Sill

Demetrius Snyder

Kyndra Thornsberry

5th Grade

Honors 3.0-3.49

Lenny Boroff

Tara Brown

Liliana Carrizales

Hayden Castleman

Tyler Chalfant

Cooper Clay

Olivia Clifford

Peyton Dunning

Dakota Eller

Logan Fullenkamp

Kaleb Gilliland

Caden Hays

Maddoxx Houts

Parker Johnson

Rylan Lyons

Madison Mosier

Ashtlynn Muhlenkamp

Milee Peel

Hunter Scott

Colbie Smith

Analicia Velez

Troy Wallace

Gabriel Welling

Cora Wenning

Luca Winters

Jack Yoder

6TH GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Brayden Bruns

Braedn Conn

Gaven Garwood

Evan Kimmel

Scarlett Laux

Adria Miller

Alexavier Samples

Elizabeth Winget

High Honors

 3.5-3.99

Amanda Barrett

Cali Bollenbacher

Shay Boroff

Duke Brehm

Wyatt Carpenter

Gabriel Cross

Addisyn Gottschalk

Karley Harrod

Zoey Henning

Lucas Hileman

Brynlea Houser

Creeden Knittle

Maicee Renner

Wyatt Seals

Jayden Sheets

Meah Suzuki

Madison Williams

6TH GRADE

Honors 3.0-3.49

Kylie Barker

Anna Bell

Roxlyn Bell

Nolan Bollenbacher

Riley Bolton

Hayden Browning

Lillian Carpenter

Chase Crouch

Nevaeh Etgen

Abby Hague

Thomas Hague

Landon Hamrick

Joseph Houser

Colson Jones

Mackenzie Kellermeyer

Makenzie Kroft

Collin Langenkamp

Tayler Pennell

Kaitlyn Rager

Kailyn Regedanz

Matthew Roberts

Mason Schumm

Briann Scudder

Melanie Severt

Helana Sinning

Trevor Stearns

Andrew Taylor

Isabella Thornsberry

Ethan Tuttle

Derrick Wagner

Landon Younker

7th GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Breanna Berry

Meg Henkle

Addisyn Hileman

Madison Louth

Sarah Sheppard

Tori Williams

High Honors

 3.5-3.99

Ruby Bennett

Alexis Berry

Morgan Bollenbacher

Emilio Bonilla

Harli Garrity

Logan Green

Ashley Jackson

Addysin Leighner

Samara McDonald

Alizay Neuenschwander

Audrey Nichols

Lily Noll

Ellie Prichard

Emma Prichard

Trent Rollins

Tyler Rowen

Brittany Sites

Fletcher Smith

Francesca Steinbrunner

Paige Stephenson

Trent Tinkham

Avery White

Jacob Winget

7th GRADE

Honors 3.0-3.49

Ben Bates

Caiden Berry

Devon Crouch

Dalton Dawson

Kirsten Deitsch

Olivia Dicke

Braxton Ford

Aaron Hipply

Paige Hirschy

Landen May

Caleb Nusbaum

Casey Popp

Merissa Price

Hallie Salway

Abigail Sheets

Julia Sheets

Jazmin Smith

Kamden Strickler

Abbi Taylor

Apollo Thomas

Katie Trisel

Selina Valle

8th GRADE

Highest Honor 4.0

Colby Bentz

Aaron Cron

Colin Fokine

Carter Hellwarth

Madison Jacobs

Jackson Kraner

Derek Smith

Gabrielle Stober

High Honors

3.5-3.99

Abby Baltzell

Avery Cole

Gavin Dicke

Skyler Fokine

Trenton Garwood

Caden Heindel

Allison Heitkamp

Allison Hughes

Emiree Knittle

Romas Leszinske

Edin Nichols

Deegan Rager

Corban Rich

Hutch Ridenour

Emily Schaefer

Bryant Scudder

Nevaeh Seals

Emree Sinning

Bryce Stearns

Brooke Stephenson

Herminie Williams

8th GRADE

Honors 3.0-3.49

Blayn Aller

Aaliyah Baxter

Ariana Bullinger

Austin Curry

Bryce Dorsten

Madison Gile

Taylor Gruss

Morgan Hunter

Macy Johnson

Adrienne Joseph

Alivia Osborne

Alison Rowen

Ashton Stephenson

Andrew Wagner

Emma Wells

Alyxandra Yoder

 
January 19-20, 2019
 

All Mercer County Snow Alerts are cancelled as of 10:40 AM on Sunday, 1-20-2019

Sheriff Jeff Grey cancelled all Snow Alerts as of 10:40 AM on 1-20-2019 for unincorporated parts of Mercer County but he issued a reminder that roadways are still slick and hazardous in many places. Drive with caution.

LEVEL 2 Snow Alert

Sheriff Jeff Grey has issued a LEVEL 2 Snow Alert at 6:30 PM for unincorporated parts of Mercer County (January 19, 2019):

Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Some roads are impassable. Drive very cautiously.

LEVEL 1 Snow Alert

Sheriff Jeff Grey has issued a LEVEL 1 Snow Alert for unincorporated parts of Mercer County (January 19, 2019):

Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously.

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

St Paul's United Church of Christ Cancelled for Sunday, January 20.

 
January 17-18, 2019
 

Four inches of wet snow at 6:30 PM on 1-19-2019
5:30 AM Freezing rain - 27 degrees
8 AM Snow
11 AM Sleet
11:30 Snow
5 PM Winds Picked up - 22 degrees
 

Due to the pending weather this weekend, Parkway FFA will be postponing the Community Recycling until next weekend, January 26, 2019.

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

 
January 16, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are now closed for Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to icy roads for Wednesday, January 16, 2019
 

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

  LAKE AREA ARTS GROUP HOSTS "MEET THE ARTIST"
  
  The Lake Area Arts Group will welcome Coldwater quilt artist Marilyn
  Stall on Friday, January 18th at CJ Highmarks from 6-8 pm. This
  reception is open to the public where Stall will be showing her work
  and giving a brief talk about her journey thru quilting seeing herself
  as a "sewist",a sewing artist.She works with cut shapes of fabric in a
  way that resembles a painting's texture to create wall art? Stall's
  work was seen this past year at St. Charles Art Under the Dome.
  
  Students attending her free workshop Saturday, January 19th (10-11:30)
  at the Richardson Bretz building ,will be able to create an 8x8"
  quilted art piece which can be mounted in a frame for displaying.
  Students interested in the workshop can get registration forms from
  school art teachers or contact Sonnie Bernardi: sonnie0088@aol.com.

Heroin Interdiction Team (HIT) Makes Arrest
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today the arrest of Tyler Weitz after a traffic stop in Celina on January 14th. Mr. Weitz, age 32, Celina, was inside of vehicle that was stopped by Sheriff’s Deputies at the request of the Heroin Interdiction Team (HIT).

A Sheriff’s Office K9 performed a free air narcotic sniff, which resulted in the K9 alerting to the presence of drugs. Mr. Weitz was removed from the vehicle and frisked, which resulted in the recovery of a syringe as well as heroin. He was arrested and incarcerated in the Mercer County Detention Facility where he is presently being held on a $50,000.00 bond, where Mr. Weitz is no stranger having been charged in the past for:  Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drugs, and Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments.

The HIT team is composed of Deputies from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office as well as Celina and Coldwater Police Departments.

 
January 15, 2019
 

The Parkway Winter Homecoming dance has been rescheduled
for Saturday night,  January 26^th, 2019
following the basketball game until Midnight.
Tickets for students will be available this week at Parkway High School.

 
January 14, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay for Monday, January 14, 2019

Weather related road conditions are affecting many schools.

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

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Saturday, January 19, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Saturday, January 19, 2019 for the game against Bradford.

Andy and Shannon Wagner; Christopher and Erin Cole; Steve and Teri Samples; Scott and Angie Ransbottom; Matthew and Heidi Tinkham; Scott and Tomi Lautzenheiser; and Kyle and Mary Osbourne.

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

Flu Activity Increasing in Ohio; Still Time to Get a Flu Shot
Geographic Spread of Flu Activity Elevated to “Widespread,” Highest Level

COLUMBUS – Flu activity in Ohio is increasing and widespread throughout the state for the first time during this flu season. The number of flu-associated hospitalizations are also rising with 338 new hospitalizations during the first week of January compared to 166 during the last week of December. There have been 893 total flu-associated hospitalizations in Ohio so far this flu season, which runs from October 2018 to May 2019. The number of flu cases typically peak between December and February.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot, and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone six months old and older get one as the best protection against seasonable flu viruses. It takes about two weeks for a flu shot to take full effect.

“Flu vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu which can lead to missed work and school, and cause other serious health complications,” said ODH Medical Director Dr. Clint Koenig. “Pregnant women, young children and people who already have serious medical conditions are especially at risk for serious complications from the flu.

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Although most people fully recover from the flu, some experience severe illness like pneumonia and respiratory failure, and the flu can sometimes be fatal. People who think that they may have the flu and are pregnant, have an underlying medical condition, or who are extremely ill should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Flu vaccines are offered by many doctor’s offices, clinics, local health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers and some schools.

While vaccination provides the greatest protection against the flu, other effective ways to avoid getting or spreading it include: washing your hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, or coughing or sneezing into your elbow; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and staying home when sick and until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. 

More information about flu and flu activity in Ohio is available at www.flu.ohio.gov.

Parkway Panthers Weekly Update for January 14-19, 2019

By A.D. Matt Triplett

January 14:

9^th Boys Basketball vs. New Bremen, 6:00 p.m.

JH Boys Basketball vs. Lincolnview, 5:00 p.m.  Track Concessions

January 15:

JH Girls Basketball @ New Bremen, 5:00 p.m.

January 16:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

January 17:

HS Girls Basketball vs. New Bremen, 6:00 p.m.  Football Concessions 

JH Girls Basketball @ Spencerville, 5:00 p.m.

JH Boys Basketball vs. New Bremen, 5:00 p.m.  Football Concessions

January 18:

HS Boys Basketball @ New Bremen, 6:00 p.m.

January 19:

Varsity/JV Boys Bowling @ Versailles, 9:45 a.m.

Varsity Girls Bowling @ Versailles, 1:00 p.m.

HS Boys Basketball vs. Bradford, 6:00 p.m.  *CHALLENGER BASKETBALL*

 
January 12-13, 2019
 

Closings and Cancellations for Saturday and Sunday, January 12 & 13, 2019.

Heavy Snow up to 6 inches in Mercer County Area.

Parkway Homecoming Dance cancelled for Saturday, January 12. To be re-scheduled.

Parkway Girls Bowling Cancelled for Saturday, January 12.

St Paul's United Church of Christ Cancelled for Sunday, January 13.

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

Yep, that's 6 inches of snow on Saturday night 1-12-2019 and still coming down!

 
January 11, 2019
 

Peoples Bank in Rockford Donates to the Veterans Memorial Fund

The Peoples Bank is pleased to make a generous donation of $2,500 to the
Rockford American Legion Post 508 - Veterans Memorial Fund.    
  
Pictured - Terry Joseph - American Legion Representative,
Ryan Sipe - Rockford Peoples Bank - Vice President and Reed Shaffer - American Legion Representative.

Parkway Winter Homecoming January 11, 2019
Three Young Ladies Were Selected to the Court
Senior Attendant: Grace Swander

Senior attendant, Ms. Grace Swander is the daughter of Nikki Zwick and Brad Swander. Grace is a member of New Horizon’s Church. She is active in Parkway volleyball, softball, FTA, FCCLA, FBLA, Yearbook, Science Club, Relay for Life, and Student Government. In her free time, Grace likes to spend time with friends and family, attend sporting events, eat at Taco Bell, and nap. In the fall, Grace is planning to attend Bowling Green State University and major in social work.

Senior Attendant: Izzy Strunk

Senior attendant, Ms. Isabella Strunk is the daughter of Eric and Holly Strunk. She attends New Horizon’s Community Church. Izzy is active in Cross Country, Track, Band, National Honors Society, FFA, Relay for Life, Pep Club, and Wrestling stats. In her free time, Izzy likes to spend time with friends and family, shop at Marshall’s and be a professional procrastinator. Izzy plans to major in nursing, but her college is currently undecided.

Senior Attendant: Madison Kroeger

Senior attendant, Ms. Madison Kroeger is the daughter of Gerald Kroeger and Kim Youtsey. She attends Lifehouse Church in Van Wert. Madison is active in golf, softball, scholastic bowl, National Honors Society, Science Club, and FTA. Madison is the President of Parkway’s FFA Chapter, and currently resides as Parkway Band’s secretary. In her free time, Madison likes to watch Netflix, spend time with friends and family, and hangout with her dog. Madison plans to major in Human Resources, but her college is undecided at this time.

REGIONAL MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING OFFERED

Do you have an interest in gardening, want to improve your skills, and at the same time, enjoy volunteering and sharing your knowledge with others?  Multiple county OSU Extension offices will partner to host a Master Gardener Volunteer training course for new Master Gardener Volunteers this spring.

The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested Ohio residents who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local Ohio State University Extension county office.  Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!

Classes will be held on the Ohio State University Lima Campus beginning with orientation on Tuesday, March 5 and classes being held each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. beginning March 7 and continuing through April 25. Additionally, a daylong seminar on Saturday, March 16, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is required for the course as well.

The training course is open to interested volunteers from any county with the volunteer commitment to be completed in the volunteer’s home county program.

The cost of the training is $150.00 and includes the training manual and materials for the class. The program requires 50 hours of class room training and a commitment of 50 hours volunteer time to become a certified Master Gardener Volunteer. There is also a requirement for a background check at the volunteer’s expense.

More information is available at: vanwert.osu.edu and clicking on the Master Gardener link or by contacting Van Wert County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator Rachel Hoverman at 419-238-1214 or hoverman.22@osu.edu.

News Release from OSU Van Wert County Extension:

Van Wert County OSU Extension Announces Ohio Pesticide Recertification Class and Fertilizer Recertification Class Dates Set for 2019

You will have two opportunities to renew your Private Pesticide License and your Ohio Ag Fertilizer Recertification in 2019 in Van Wert County

Tuesday February 5th at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds
8:30- 1:30 pm
8:30 - 9:00     Registration
9:00-12:00     PAT Recertification
12:00-12:30    Registration/Break
12:30-1:30      Fertilizer Recertification

Monday March 18th at the Delphos Eagles, Delphos OH
4:00-9:00 pm
4:00-4:30         Registration
4:30-5:30         Fertilizer Recertification
5:30-6:00        Break/Registration
6:00-9:00        PAT Recertification

Old Bookcase, Jan. 17, 2019, Maria Stein Drilling Co., 1912
OUR OLD BOOK CASE  By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Photo caption:  Maria Stein Drilling Co., 1912

This financial statement was in an old box of St. Henry Catholic Church Financial Statements, headed for the burn pile.  Allen Bernard and I requested permission to study these old documents.  They contributed to the preservation of the history of St. Henry Catholic Church, as to what was happening at a certain time.  The financial Statements contributed to the various businesses with whom the Church did business, throughout those years.  Preservation of Mercer County’s history is what the Mercer County Historical Society does.

With this October 15, 1912, Statement, S. Kunkler signed the statement that the bill was paid on October 16, 1912, check # 445.  H. A. Beckman was the Treasurer, for the St. Henry Roman Catholic Congregation.  The wardens were Ben Heitkamp, G.H. Schmackers, and Stephan Thieman.

The bill for $300.00 was from the Maria Stein Drilling Company, for drilling a gas well for the Church.

Now, who in St. Henry remembers where the gas well was located at the St. Henry Church?

This financial statement contributed to the knowledge that the Maria Stein Drilling Company existed at that time.  The statement also contributed to the knowledge that the St. Henry Church was using gas at that time.

Dear readers:  Over the holidays, I always receive more phone calls and emails than during other times throughout the year.  As a result, my telephone answering machine filled up with messages, fast!  Some of you left messages and you said your phone number so fast, that I could not understand you.

My email filled up faster than the telephone messages.  Doing the research and answering each request is time consuming.

Therefore, instead of calling me and/or emailing me, you are welcome to write me a letter at my home address, listed below.  I respect each one of you.

Thank you for your patience.  I also appreciate all of the times we have heard from our relatives, friends, Historical Society Members, and everyone.   Thank you.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.   As this New Year of 2019 begins, I will share the latest news of the Status of the publication of this book, as well as the great stories of the oil and gas wells, with you.  This story about the Maria Stein Drilling Company and the gas well being drilled at St. Henry will be a part of this new book by the Mercer County 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.]

 
January 9-10, 2019
 

Winter Reminder from Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart and Snowplow Crews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*If clearing driveway, do not push snow to opposite side of mailbox (the low side).

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

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Hear About New Treatment Option

Man to Man is a group to support men who have been diagnosed with or have been treated for prostate cancer or who would like more information about prostate cancer.  At the next meeting a presentation will be given on High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as a treatment option for newly diagnosed or recurring prostate cancer. The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, January 15th at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

Parkway FFA Christmas Party
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter

On December 27th, 2018, Parkway FFA members who chose to attend, convened at Pla-Mor Lanes in Coldwater, Ohio. The FFA provided those who came with free bowling and pizza as a Christmas gift for the members. The members would like to thank the Parkway FFA for the fun experience and Pla-Mor Lanes for hosting the party.

Pictured Back: (Standing, left to right)- Cade Schoenleben and Jack Wehe
(Middle row, left to right) Mecaylah Hesse and Tessa Thatcher
(Front row, left to right) Erica Post, Madison Kroeger, and Molly Post

Local students complete Mercer Health’s babysitting training classes

Thirteen students successfully completed Mercer Health’s babysitter training program in December.

According to Betsy Schoenleben, R.N., Education Coordinator at Mercer Health, the students were trained in proper supervision, basic caregiving skills, and how to respond to an ill or injured child. The students participated in check-offs such as diapering, bottle feeding, and handwashing. As part of the class, Coldwater Police Department and Mercer County Central Dispatch spoke to the students. Students were required to pass a written test to receive certification. Students also viewed a CPR/First Aid video made possible by a donation from the Mercer County Civic Foundation.

“We feel we have provided these students with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely care for children,” Schoenleben said. “However, Mercer Health cannot assume liability concerning the responsibility of these graduates while they are caring for the children of others.”

Students who completed babysitting training class on December 27 and 28, 2018, include:

Lauren Beckman, Emma Eyink, Michaela Firks, Sarah Fritz, Aubrie Heitkamp,

Trevor Heitkamp, Isabella Kahlig, Madelyn Lange, Samantha Miller, Paige Ontrop, Kamdon Riethman, Hailey Stough, and Olivia Uhlenhake.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Bingo Coming to Willshire
The Willshire Youth Activities will be sponsoring the annual BINGO fundraiser on Sunday, January 27th.  The event will be held at the Rockford Community Building.  Doors will open at 12:00 p.m., with bingo beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Tickets are $20, which includes 20 games of bingo.  Bingo prizes include the brands of Ninja, Keurig, Kitchen Aid, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Pampered Chef, Insta-Pot, OSU items, Fitbit Versa, Shark, Longaberger and more.  The game winnings are being donated by area businesses, individuals, and organizations.  All proceeds will be used to support the summer ball program, in particular to help finish up and stock the new concession stand set to be used this coming Spring.  This event is in no way connected with nor is it sponsored by The Longaberger Company.  Plan to join in on this afternoon filled with much fun.  Homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods will be available.  For further information, please call 419-495-2655.  Willshire Youth Activities. 

Bridge Inspection

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart announced recently that the yearly bridge inspections of Mercer County’s 383 bridges on township and county roads have been completed.  Engineer Wiechart and County Bridge Supervisor T. J. Smalley completed the inspections before the end of 2018.

 “Bridge inspection is completed annually for several very important reasons.  First our bridge maintenance/work orders are generated directly from our yearly inspections.  Secondly, decisions on future bridge replacements/rehabilitations are made as a result of the condition ratings garnered from the inspection.  Third and most importantly, we inspect them to protect the public that uses them each day.”  In Ohio, the professionally licensed and elected County Engineer manages and oversees bridge inspections on township and county roadways.  Any questions, concerns about bridges may be directed to the engineer’s office.

Parkway Panthers Weekly Update for January 7-12, 2019

By A.D. Matt Triplett

January 7:
JH Girls Basketball vs. Crestview, 5:00 p.m. Cross Country Concessions
9th Boys Basketball @ Marion Local, 6:00 p.m.
JH Boys Basketball @ Crestview, 5:00 p.m.

January 8:
HS Girls Basketball @ Botkins, 6:00 p.m.
JH Girls Basketball vs. Marion Local, 5:00 p.m. Track Concessions

January 9:
No Athletic Events Scheduled

January 10:
HS Girls Basketball @ Marion Local, 6:00 p.m.
JH Girls Basketball vs. Adams Central 5:00 p.m. Boys Golf Concessions
JH Boys Basketball @ Marion Local, 5:00 p.m.

January 11:
HS Boys Basketball vs. Marion Local, 6:00 p.m. HOMECOMING

January 12:
Varsity Wrestling @ Adams Central, 9:00 a.m.
JH Wrestling @ Ben Logan, 9:00 a.m.
Boys Bowling vs. Ansonia, @ New Bremen, 9:45 a.m.
JV Boys Bowling vs. Coldwater, @ New Bremen, 9:45 a.m.
Girls Bowling vs. Versailles, @ New Bremen 1:00 p.m.
 

 
January 8, 2019
 

Parkway School Board Agenda for Organizational and Regular Meetings
by Sally Cox for January 8, 2019

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, January 11, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, January 11, 2019 for the Homecoming game against Marion Local.

Kim Youtsey; Joseph and Amber Noll; Eric and Holly Strunk; Grady and Toni Hauter; Garrett and Judy Hellwarth; David and Angela Hague; Amanda Haver; James and Kristi Harshman; and Michael Gause.

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

Lake Area Arts Group Plans Meeting
  
The Lake Area Arts Group meets Monday, January 14 in the Celina Public
Library at 6pm. The meeting is open to the public where attendees will
hear, Lilli Hausfeld, describe how she created an artistic tennis
shoe. Also, Brad Cull, from Minster, will show a short video featuring
his artistic copper works. Information on Marilyn Stahl's youth
quilting workshop, January 19th at the Richardson Bretz Building will
be available. Middle school and High school students can register thru
  art teachers at local schools for this workshop.
  
Local artists are encouraged to bring their art to exhibit at this monthly meeting.

New Adult Education Firefighter Training Program - Slated For February, 2019

Vantage Career Center launches a new Firefighter Training Program at the Ohio Technical Center. The program is slated to begin February, 2019. Courses being offered are Volunteer Fire, Firefighter 1, and Firefighter 1 Transition.

The job outlook for a firefighter is projected to continue to grow in both volunteer and full time positions, while current changing demographics will continue to expand the need for qualified firefighter personnel at all levels of education.

The goal of this program is to meet community needs, and to provide excellent training to aspiring fire and rescue personnel at a convenient, local training facility.

Vantage has been working with many local fire departments to bring this valuable and much needed training to the surrounding communities. Each department has offered advice, guidance, off-site training locations and use of equipment for the program.

Van Wert Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Brian Ankney will serve as the program Fire Training Coordinator, and provide instruction for the program, along with several other instructors. Ankney has 29 years of experience in firefighter training and 21 years in fire instruction.

The Firefighter Training Program is slated to begin February, 2019 and students are expected to complete training in May, 2019. Current registration has limited space left. The next class will begin in September, 2019.

For registration information, contact Brian Ankney, Fire Training Program Coordinator: 419-238-5411 ext. 2035.

Patrol reminds drivers to prepare for winter weather

Lima – The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to winterize their vehicles and follow safe driving tips in preparation for inclement weather. Winter weather can catch drivers off guard, but you can reduce the risks of being involved in a crash by making sure your vehicle is ready for the season, adopting winter driving techniques and following general roadway safety.

Last winter, there were 22,330 crashes on snow, ice or slush covered roads in Ohio. These crashes resulted in 42 deaths and 5,529 injuries. Speed-related factors were reported as a causative factor in 20 percent of all crashes.

Before traveling in winter weather, clear snow and ice from the windows, headlights and taillights of your vehicle. Also, allow defrosters time to work so you can see. Once you begin driving, go slow and increase following distances; remember that bridges, ramps and overpasses will freeze first.

Remember, Ohio law requires headlights to be on at anytime when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation. If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, clear the tail pipe free of all snow and debris to decrease the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Patrol reminds drivers to stock their vehicles with a winter car kit including: an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices, blankets, cell phone charger, first aid kit, tow rope, water, and food for longer trips. It’s also important to ensure your tires have plenty of tread, check your battery and keep your windshield washer reservoir full.

If you must travel in winter weather, visit http://www.ohgo.com/ for real time traffic conditions from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The Patrol’s winter driving traffic safety bulletin can be found at:

https://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/Winter_Driving_Bulletin_2019.pdf

SHULTZ HUBER & ASSOCIATES, INC. ELECTS
TYSON STUCKEY AS MANAGING PARTNER

DEFIANCE, OHIO – Tyson L. Stuckey, CPA, CVA, MAFM was recently elected by the board of directors of Shultz Huber & Associates to serve as the firm’s managing partner. This appointment comes after the shareholders voted to restructure the firm’s governance model and move away from an executive committee model of governance.

“As we continue to grow as a firm, in terms of the number and size of clients we partner with, the number of our firm’s offices, the number of team members within the firm, and the resources that we have available for our clients, we felt we needed a different form of governance than how we’ve been structured. This change will allow us to adapt and respond more quickly to changes in addition to allowing us to simplify and expedite our decision-making abilities,” said Stuckey.

As managing partner, Stuckey is responsible for the firm’s strategic direction and operations. This includes working with the shareholder group to set long-term and short-term goals and implement strategies and initiatives as they relate to these goals. Stuckey will report to the board of directors, which is made up of shareholders Barbara L. Kohnen, Anthony L. Gericke, Robin K. Brinegar, Stacey A. Baer, S. Rob Bourn, Jr., Kimberly A. Ray and Steven S. Samples.

In addition to his responsibilities as managing partner, Stuckey will continue to serve clients of the firm. As a shareholder himself, Stuckey provides accounting, auditing and taxation services. He also assists business owners with determining a value for their company, succession planning, gifting, estate values, sales and mergers.

Stuckey’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business information systems and mathematics from Goshen College. He also holds a master’s degree in accounting and financial management from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management.

A CPA in both Ohio and Indiana, Stuckey is also a certified valuation analyst. He stays current in the industry with involvement in several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Ohio Society of Certified Public Accounts and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.

Stuckey is actively involved in several community civic and professional organizations as well as his church.  In the past, he has also enjoyed devoting time to teaching the next generation of accounting and finance professionals at several area colleges and universities.

Shultz Huber & Associates, Inc. is a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting CPA firm specializing in assisting businesses and their owners plan for their future and achieve their goals in an ever-changing financial and regulatory environment. Offices are located in Archbold, Bryan, Defiance, St. Marys and Van Wert, Ohio, with eight shareholders and over 60 employees.

Coldwater Leadership Night Well Attended
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter

On December 18th, 2018 four students from the Parkway FFA went to the Coldwater Leadership Night which was held at Coldwater High School. Parkway FFA members Conner Lyons, Corey Walls, Madison Kroeger, and Mecaylah Hesse were in attendance along with many other members from surrounding FFA chapters. Two Ohio state FFA officers, Gretchen Lee (state secretary) and Kaylyn Strahley (state treasurer), were also in attendance Tuesday night to teach the hour-long presentation for the members. Students learned about exceeding their expectations, setting goals for themselves, and pushing themselves to be better people and leaders. The Parkway FFA would like to thank Coldwater High School for holding this leadership night and would also like to thank Gretchen and Kaylyn for spending time with Mercer County FFA chapters. 

Pictured Above:

Coldwater Leadership Night 1- (left to right) Madison Kroeger, Corey Walls, Conner Lyons, and Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA Chapter Members Visit Elementary Classrooms to Teach
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter

For December PALs, the Parkway FFA Chapter ventured down to the first and second-grade classrooms to teach the students about trees, pigs, and reindeer. The young pupils learned about the growing cycle of apple trees, the sizes and manners of pigs, and many facts about reindeer. The Parkway FFA Chapter would like to thank the first and second grade teachers for being so welcoming and supportive of the PALs program.

Pictured: 

Dec PALS 2- Faith Shellabarger talking with the young students about apple trees.

Dec PALS 1- Mecaylah Hesse helping students water their apple trees that they planted in a cup.

 
January 5-7, 2019
 

Bottle Caps needed for Park Benches in Rockford
New Horizons Student Ministries, led by Pastor Matt Rhynehart, is partnering with the Rockford American Legion Post 508 to collect plastic bottle caps to be recycled into park benches that will benefit the new Veterans Memorial at Hedges Park.   The goal is to provide 4 benches for the park location.  Each bench costs - 200 lbs of plastic caps and $250.00.  

Drop off location will be New Horizons Community Church located at
833 S. Main St, in Rockford on the 3rd Saturdays of each month from 9 am - noon. The 1st drop date will be January 19th.   * Acceptable caps and lids only ~ Please !

Pictured is Pastor Matt and Reed Shaffer - Rockford American Legion Representative

Acceptable Caps and Lids information – click here.

Alumni Music Night Planned at Parkway
The 2019 edition of Alumni Music Night will be Saturday January 26th at 
Parkway High School. Groups performing that evening will be the Alumni 
Pep Band and the Alumni Choir.

On the 26th, the alumni pep band will rehearse from 4-5:30. There will 
be a carry-in for all participating music alumni following the pep band 
rehearsal. The alumni choir, who will be singing The Star Spangled 
Banner before the start of the varsity basketball game, will rehearse 
after the carry-in. All former Parkway, Rockford, Willshire and Mendon 
band and choir members are invited to participate in Alumni Music Night.

If you have questions about or would like to participate in the alumni 
choir, please contact Shannon Wagner at wagners@parkwayschools.org.  If 
you have questions about or would like to participate in the alumni pep 
band, please contact Paula Linn at 88keys@bright.net.

The Peoples Bank Co. Announces President’s Retirement

Coldwater, OH— December 20, 2018 following a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years as President/CEO, The Peoples Bank Co. announced today that Jack A. Hartings has planned to retire in December of 2019.

Hartings (pictured left) was elected to the President/CEO position in 1990 after serving as Vice President and Loan Officer for approximately seven years. He is the longest serving president in the Bank’s history and has seen many changes throughout his three decades with The Peoples Bank Co. Hartings has built a reputation of unwavering commitment to his customers and the banking industry.

Hartings served as Chairman for the Independent Community Bankers of America (2015-2016) and on their Federal Delegate Board as well as multiple committees within the organization. He previously served as a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Advisory Committee on Community Banking and was a member of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Community Bank Advisory Council. He served as a board member of the Ohio Banking Commission, a member of the Federal Reserve Small Bank Advisory Board, and the executive director, Chairman and Board member of the Community Bankers Association of Ohio.

Hartings’ dedication and service led to testifying on community banking issues before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee and Ohio Senate Ways and Means Committee. His passion for developing and mentoring future leaders within the Bank has given him a virtuous legacy. This legacy paid off as the Board of Directors chose to fill his shoes with long-time lender and Senior Vice President Dan Broering. Hartings & Broering will work together through the next 12 months to ensure a smooth transition.

(Dan Broering pictured below)

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Jack for his many years of service. Jack has been an inspirational leader over the past 30 years. His tireless contributions to the growth and advancement of The Peoples Bank Co. have provided all of us on the PBC team with prosperity and a strong vision for the future. We are deeply grateful to Jack for his innumerable contributions to the success of the Bank.” Said Stephen Lefeld, Chairman of the Peoples Holding Company Board of Directors.

Hartings’ retirement will be effective December 31, 2019. His tenure marked by a significant growth in the size of the Bank, which has more than quadrupled since he assumed his leadership nearly 30 years ago. He plans to remain on the Board of Directors after his retirement and do what he can to support the staff and continue to help the Bank grow and prosper. Broering will take the helm beginning in the New Year, 2020. “I look forward to continuing this legacy of growth and advancement for our customers and communities,” said Broering. He has 27 years of banking experience and has been in a leadership role with PBC for over 20 years. He has a strong background in Agricultural and Commercial Lending. “I am confident that Dan is the right person to lead PBC to even greater success,” said Hartings.

Last Chance to Register – Step Into Your Future!

If you missed out on attending the Vantage Summer Camp – this career exploration is for you! Vantage Career Center is hosting a really cool, hands-on adventure for girls in the 7th and 8th grade on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.  Spend the morning learning new skills and exploring some non-traditional careers.

Participants will learn how to weld metal together to make a personalized name plate in the Welding lab.  Use a tape measure, power drill, hammer, and nails in the Carpentry lab to build a personalized stepstool.  Take on the Excavator Challenge and check out the latest GPS technology for a tractor in the Ag Diesel lab, with the Kenn-Feld Group.  Be one of the lucky ones to try the newest technology apps, 3D virtual reality, and motion capture in the Network Systems lab.  A morning snack, lunch, and a T-shirt are provided AND you get to take home everything you create!  Best of all, it’s FREE!

To register, go to the Vantage website – www.vantagecareercenter.com – and click on the “Step Into Your Future” registration link, or you can email your information to klinger.a@vantagecareercenter.com.

 
January 2-4, 2019
 

Mercer Health Welcomes First Baby of 2019

The first baby of 2019 was born at Mercer County Community Hospital on Tuesday, January 1. Lyndie Cisco was born at 5:04 p.m., weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces and measuring 19 inches. Lyndie is the daughter of Samantha Homan and Cody Cisco of Celina.

The family received a sherpa blanket and a $100 gift certificate to the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce among other gifts.

Photo: Lyndie Cisco pictured with her parents, Samantha Homan and Cody Cisco.

BLUEGRASS JAM - *FREE Public Event *

Sunday - February 3, 2019 2 - 5 pm
The Rockford Belle - Social Room
135 Market St., Rockford, OH

Bring your acoustic instruments and have fun!

Various artists from Indiana and Ohio 

Presented by Jerry Bolenbaugh - 419-363-3794
and Bob Brown - 419-495-2769.

OHSAA Baseball Umpire Class

The Mid-west Buckeye Umpires' Association will  be hosting a training course for prospective baseball umpires interested in earning OHSAA certification for the upcoming 2018 season. Anyone ages 14+ is eligible to enroll in the class. Cost of the course is $135 - which includes all instructional materials, OHSAA membership fees, rule books, and annual MBUA membership. Classes will be held on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm at Van Wert High School on the following dates: February 26, 27, March 5, 6, 12, 13, 20. Course registration and payment can be completed online by visiting www.myohsaa.org and clicking on the "REGISTER" link at the top of the page. Once you have created a free account, click on "Select a Course" and search for "Baseball - Van Wert." For more information, contact Ryan Thompson at (419)305-0426 or Ron Golemon at (419)513-0439.

Fatal Crash Claims the Life of a Columbus Woman

Allen County – The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash which occurred on State Route 309 at Thayer Road, east of Lima.

On January 3rd, 2019 at approximately 5:20 a.m., a 2001 Ford Escape, driven by Tashonda Ward, 23, of Columbus, was southbound on Thayer Road and stopped at a stop sign at State Route 309.  When attempting to cross State Route 309, Ms. Ward failed to yield to a 2004 Ford F-250 pickup truck, driven by Mark J. Oberly, 58, of Harrod.  After impact, the F-250 overturned and came to rest in a field.  The Escape traveled off the road and came to rest in a field.

A passenger in the Escape, two year old Christian Cabrera-Clark, was not properly restrained in a child safety seat and was ejected at impact.  He was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  Mr. Oberly was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.  Ms. Ward was pronounced dead at the scene by the Allen County Coroner’s Office.

Alcohol/drug impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash.  Mr. Oberly and Ms. Ward were both wearing seat belts. 

State Route 309 was closed for approximately two hours.

The Lima Post was assisted on scene by the Allen County Coroner’s Office, Bath Township Fire and EMS, Lafayette Township Fire Department, Perry Township Fire and EMS, Kinstle’s Towing, and Minnich’s Towing.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to not drive distracted or impaired, and always ensure all occupants of a motor vehicle wear properly adjusted seat belts.

Keep Radon Out of Your Home

January is National Radon Action Month, when Ohio residents are urged to test their homes for radon according to Jason Menchhofer, R.S., Health Department Public Information Officer, Celina, Ohio.

Soil in central Ohio can have high levels of radon gas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and it can seep into homes. To help protect residents, the Mercer County Health District offers homeowners free test kits. These easy-to-use home test kits are available at www.uchd.net/radon.

Winter is the best time to test your home. During these colder months, homes are closed up, trapping gases inside and providing more accurate radon readings.

Radon gas results from the decay of naturally occurring uranium found in nearly all soils. Radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, making testing the only way to determine if it is in your home. Radon can leak into homes through cracks in foundations, openings around sump pumps and drains, construction joints and cracks in walls.

It is estimated that nearly one home in every 15 in the U.S. has an elevated radon level. Elevated levels have been found in all areas of the country, including central Ohio. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and the EPA has identified 4 pCi/L as a recommended action level.

Mercer County has been designated as a zone one area on the EPA’s radon map. This means the EPA predicts that homes within our area could have high radon levels. Therefore, it is important all homeowners in our area test for radon gas.  According to the University of Toledo’s Ohio Radon Information System, 582 Mercer County homes have been tested for radon. The maximum reading for Mercer County was 56.1 pCi/L, the minimum Mercer County reading was 0.1 pCi/L, with an average reading of 6.8 pCi/L.   If your home registers high levels of radon, it can be removed from your home through a variety of mitigation systems. According to the EPA, mitigation systems can cost between $600 and $1,200. More information on radon mitigation can be found at www.epa.gov/radon by clicking on the “Publications and Resources link” and viewing the EPA publication Consumer’s Guide to Radon.

To get a test kit, homeowners can log onto www.uchd.net/radon. After completing a short online form, for income-eligible households, a free test kit will be mailed within a few weeks.  Radon test kits are easy to use. Place the small, non-obtrusive test kit in the lowest living level of the home for three to seven days. Then, seal the kit and mail it to the certified laboratory for analysis. Confidential results are available online a few days later or can be mailed to the homeowner within approximately two weeks.  For more information, please visit www.uchd.net/radon or www.epa.gov/radon.

The Rockford American Legion Post 508 recently made a donation to
The Van Wert Pride 16U Softball Team. The team has been a big help with recent turkey shoots and the Legion wanted to show them some appreciation. Thanks girls for your help!

Pictured – Terry McMillen and Terry Joseph both of the American Legion. Les Nichols of Van Wert Pride and Reed Shaffer of the American Legion.

Parkway FFA's Annual Fruit Sale Fundraiser
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter

In early November, Parkway FFA kicked off their annual fruit sale fundraiser. In this fundraiser, members sold fruit, beef sticks, barbeque sauce, nuts, and the latest item added to the list—cheese. Then on December 3rd, the fruit arrived at Parkway High School all the way from Florida for the members to deliver to those who bought items. The Parkway FFA would like to thank everyone who participated in this fundraiser and bought fruit to support the Parkway FFA chapter.

RAIN: Beatles Tribute On Sale Now at Niswonger

(Van Wert, OH) - The music of The Beatles has transcended generational lines and served as an influential precursor to scores of albums to come. While it may be impossible to see the original group live in concert, it is still possible to enjoy their music live. The Niswonger will see a british invasion Sunday, March 16 with RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles - The Best of Abbey Road performing two rockin’ showtimes at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM presented by Alexander Bebout and Kitchens Inc.

RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES presents The Best of Abbey Road! In celebration of the anniversary of the release of Abbey Road, RAIN will bring the greatest hits to life in addition to all your early favorites. This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome.

Experience the world’s most iconic band and celebrate the best of Abbey Road with RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES. From the best of Abbey Road, this immersive tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love and a little help from your friends.

Along with Presenting Sponsors Alexander Bebout and Kitchens Inc, Supporting Sponsor for RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles is Kevin M. Laing D.D.S. Season Sponsors for IGNITE 18-19 include Chuck & Karen Koch, StateWide Ford Lincoln, and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank.

Tickets for RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles can be purchased through the Box Office Mon - Fri, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at 419-238-6722 and online at NPACVW.ORG.
 

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

 
January 1, 2019
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM THE PARKWAY INDEPENDENT!

VAN WERT AREA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION NAMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TAFI STOBER TAKES THE HELM OF THE GROWING NPAC

The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation (VWAPAF), along with The Van Wert County Foundation, announce that Tafi Stober was recently named as the next Executive Director of the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation.

Stober has over twenty years of professional and personal pursuits that are rich in brand and marketing management, economic development, and community enrichment. She began promoting the arts in the region as Marketing Director of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) in 2012. She will succeed Paul Hoverman, who is retiring in May of 2019.

Performing Arts Foundation Board Chairman Chuck Koch states, “Paul Hoverman deserves great credit during his tenure as Executive Director for guiding the NPAC business from infancy to a nationally recognized performing arts center. We are going to miss Paul’s wisdom and talent as he identified artists and engaged with their agents to secure their appearances in Van Wert. At the same time, we welcome Tafi Stober and the energy and enthusiasm she brings as our new Executive Director.  We will be in good hands with Tafi. I would encourage our friends and patrons in the coming months to please take time to thank Paul for his years of service to our organization and to welcome Tafi as she assumes her role as our new Executive Director.”

Stober’s hiring will kick off a plan for strategic growth in programming, development, and community outreach. This will build on the successes of the 2018 - 2019 season when plans and fundraising efforts for a backstage annex were unveiled.

“Music ignites Van Wert County with life. We are living in extraordinary days of outstanding artistic opportunity that did not happen by chance. The strong foundation of cultural excellence began with visionaries and benefactors who made possible the arts landscape that the entire region enjoys today. Paul Hoverman’s proven leadership ushered in an era of entertainment that became a backdrop of treasured life moments for thousands of residents and guests of Van Wert.”, states Stober.

Furthering that mission, VWAPAF turns to the future, but not before celebrating the splendor of the present and reveling in the musical and educational opportunities within reach that uplift, educate, and inspire.

Stober continues by sharing, ”These grand musical adventures provide an escape and expand our awareness and appreciation of life and cultures, all the while enriching our own - the value of which aligns with my personal and career purpose. Being appointed as a steward and purveyor of musical opportunity in Van Wert County is a role that I embrace with a humble heart, great joy, and eager anticipation.”

The mission of the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation is to provide a premier venue for a wide variety of performing arts, concerts, lectures, meetings, and special events which inspire, educate, and entertain residents of and visitors to Van Wert County, and to provide an economic catalyst by increasing cultural tourism, creating new jobs, and generating business for the region. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Fountain Park Summer Music Series, The Van Wert Area Performance of Handel’s Messiah and The Young Artists Showcase are all products of that mission provided through the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation on behalf of the Van Wert County Foundation.
 

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

CALENDAR OF EVENTS / PUBLIC MEETINGS
Mercer County Homeland Security & Emergency Management

1) EMA Advisory Board Meeting Tuesday, January 8, 2019 EMA Office Celina 12:05 PM

2) LEPC Meeting Thursday, January 10, 2019 Central Services Building Celina 7:30 AM 2nd Floor Conference Room

Any Questions: Contact the Mercer County EMA @ 419-586-6468

Parkway January 2019 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Brandon Schreiber is the 2018 Lima Post Trooper of the Year

Lima – Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Brandon P. Schreiber has been selected 2018 Trooper of the Year at the Lima Post.

The selection of Trooper Schreiber, 23, is in recognition of outstanding service during 2018 at the Lima Post.  Fellow officers stationed at the Lima Post chose Trooper Schreiber based on leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers, and the public.

Trooper Schreiber is now in contention for the District and State Trooper of the Year Award to be announced at a later date.

Trooper Schreiber joined the Highway Patrol in 2016 and has served at the Lima Post throughout his career.  Trooper Schreiber is originally from Wapakoneta and is a graduate of Wapakoneta High School.  Other Highway Patrol awards received in the past include: the ACE award for proficiency in auto larceny prevention and the Division’s Criminal Patrol award, both in 2018.

Old Bookcase, Jan. 3, 2019, Ice Storm destroys derricks on the Lake

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

Photo caption:  The last Thursday of January 1899,  an Ice Storm destroyed oil derricks on the Reservoir

The February 1, 1899 “Mercer County Standard,” made the following report:

 “High winds and the ice on the last Thursday of January played havoc with the derricks in Lake Mercer.  A number of them were thrown over and in consequence the pumpers at several of the wells have been out of a job since that time.  Matt Alberry, who was out on the lake looking after the Mike Linn lease, was prevented from getting home that night and his family were greatly alarmed.  Matt was a pumper and saw the approach of the storm and realizing his danger made ready to start across the ice to the shore, a distance of about a hundred yards.  Just as he was ready to leave the derrick, he noticed a great cake of ice, a hundred feet or so square, break loose and begin to float from his domicile.  Thinking it a safer plan to take his chances on the floating ice, than on the frame structure, he gave a jump and landed safely upon the ice, which, instead of going his way, began moving from the direction of the shore and into deep water.  It took Mike but a second for him to make up his mind that he would soon be in a perilous position, and jumped from the ice into the water and waded to the shore, the water, for a part of the time, being up to his shoulders.  After reaching the shore, he had near a half a mile before reaching a dwelling.”

On February 18, 1899 “Mercer County Standard,” followed up with more about this storm.

“The Bryson oil lease located in the reservoir just off the Celina shore has been abandoned and the casing of the wells is being pulled.  The abandonment of this lease is due to the great damage done the wells by the recent ice upheaval during the thaw of a few weeks ago, when the high winds on Lake Mercer hurled the ice with such force against the derricks as to do great destruction.

“The casing in the best well was broken off down below the water’s level and the inflow of fresh water soon shut off the oil output.  When this lease was first opened up it gave flattering promise of being one of the best in the field.  People immediately became interested and the owners felt for a time that they had a bonanza within their grasp.  Slowly, but surely, the yield diminished, and the owners do not think it sufficient to justify any expenditure for repairs.”

I thought I would give you an update, about the status of the book about the history of the oil and gas wells of Mercer County, including the lake, and just across adjacent county lines.  The very reason that I began to do research about this topic, for a local history book, was that one of our Members of the Mercer County Historical Society, left a bequest in his Estate, to the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc., with the tag that I should write a local history book about the gas and oil wells.  I received this notice over five years ago.  Just so you understand this Estate, it involved properties in Florida, California, Oregon and Washington.   Somehow the Trustee of this Estate has given the Beneficiaries “mixed messages.”  He wrote us a letter that the Estate would be settled and we would receive a notice about that.  Then, he said something to the effect, that the Estate was “so extensive,” that it would take a long time to settle it.  I do believe that you can read between the lines here.  I will not bother you with the hundreds of pages of correspondence which the Trustee mailed to us, because it hurts my head.  However, I have done research and held interviews, and typed chapter after chapter, for this book.  We were given the word of the Estate that we would receive the property designated for us, but the Trustee finds all kinds of reasons to not settle the Estate.  The publication of this book about the oil and gas well history of Mercer County, Ohio depends upon the funds from that Estate.   Please have patience with me, for those of you who have been providing interviews about the oil and gas wells, to me.  I have many people to check back with.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.   As this New Year of 2019 begins, I will share the latest news of the Status of the publication of this book, as well as the great stories of the oil and gas wells, with you.

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

Old Bookcase, Dec. 27. 2018,  Fat’s Stag Bar, Celina
OUR OLD BOOK CASE  By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

Photo caption:  Charles M. (Buzzy) Marley standing outside of Fat’s Stag Bar, located at 117 West Fayette St., Celina, in 1972.   (Photograph courtesy of Bob Marley, Buzzy’s brother.)

Fat’s Stag Bar has become a topic of interest to local historians.  In November, I wrote about the “Men’s Only” Club House, known as Phi Delta Kappa Club House, on the water front at Mercelina Park, at Celina.  I asked about other meeting places for men, and  explained that I did not know about Fat’s Stag Bar’s history.

Bob Marley sent this photograph to me, with the following information. 

“I took this picture of my brother Buzzy Marley in 1972.  At that time, any one between 18 and 21 years would be served 3.2 percent beer.  If you were over 21 years, you would be served 6 percent beer.  On Sunday, no one could buy 6 percent beer, regardless of age.  I don’t know if women could be barred from a stag bar.  Millers bar in St. Marys had a big sign that said, `Tables for Ladies.’  I had heard that in Indiana women could not sit at the bar.”

On Fayette Street, looking west from Fat’s Stag Bar:  Fink’s Radio and TV, Fran’s Barber Shop, unknown, McKirnan Bros. Inc., Fleck’s Pool Hall, and Robbins Leather Shop.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.   The Mercer County Citizens living here today, and former Mercer County Citizens, are the local historians who contribute to the preservation of the History of Mercer County, Ohio. 

Before the New Year begins for 2019, I want you readers to consider the local history which you know, in your own memories and/or in old photographs.  Would you please make a small New Year’s Resolution, in your own heart, that in the New Year of 2019, you will share some piece of local history with the Mercer County Historical Society?  Email me or write me a letter; I will look forward to hearing from you.

I invite every person who is interested in local history, to become a Member of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.  To become a Member, email me or write me a letter.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Your history is important; each Mercer Countian’s history is important.  You can be proud that you are a Mercer Countian. 

[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.]

 
December 28-31, 2018
 

Join the Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Reminder --- 2019 Rockford Chamber Membership payment is due January 15th.
Contact Lisa Kuhn, Secretary, at   lisa.kuhn@rockfordohio.org

State Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash in Paulding County

Paulding Township - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at approximately 11:53 P.M. on Tuesday evening, December 25, 2018, on County Road 144 just east of Township Road 83 in Paulding County.

A 2013 Ford Fusion, operated by an unidentified male, was westbound on County Road 144. A Case farm tractor / implement operated by Francis Maag, age 46, of Paulding, Ohio, was also westbound on County Road 144. The Ford struck the rear of the implement and slid off of the right side of the road where it came to final rest in a ditch.

The unidentified driver was trapped within the motor vehicle and required extrication to be freed. The driver was transported by Samaritan to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana for serious injuries.

The Ford was occupied by three passengers, all who have not been identified at the time of reporting. The front seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Joseph Kuhn, Paulding County Coroner. Both rear seat passengers were transported to Paulding Hospital to be treated. Both were then transported to Parkview Regional for additional treatment. Maag was listed as uninjured.

The Van Wert Post was assisted on scene by Paulding Fire and EMS, Antwerp Fire and EMS, Samaritan, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, and R and O Towing.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always where their seat belts and never drive distracted or impaired.

81-0447-63

State Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash in Paulding County

*UPDATE – 12/27/2018

Paulding Township - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at approximately 11:53 P.M. on Tuesday evening, December 25, 2018, on County Road 144 just east of Township Road 83 in Paulding County.

A 2013 Ford Fusion, operated by Joel Molina, age 19, of Paulding, Ohio, was westbound on County Road 144. A Case farm tractor / implement operated by Francis Maag, age 46, of Paulding, Ohio, was also westbound on County Road 144. The Ford struck the rear of the implement and slid off of the right side of the road where it came to final rest in a ditch.

Molina was trapped within the motor vehicle and required extrication to be freed. The driver was transported by Samaritan to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana for serious injuries.

The Ford was occupied by three passengers, Ever Alvarez Gomez, age 25, Ranulfo Lopez Perez, age 23, and Victor Alvarez Hernandez, age 20, all of Paulding, Ohio. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Joseph Kuhn, Paulding County Coroner. Both Alvarez Gomez, and Lopez Perez were transported to Paulding Hospital to be treated. Both were then transported to Parkview Regional for additional treatment. Maag was listed as uninjured.

The Van Wert Post was assisted on scene by Paulding Fire and EMS, Antwerp Fire and EMS, Samaritan, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, and R and O Towing.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always where their seat belts and never drive distracted or impaired.

81-0447-63

Parkway School Board Meetings Coming Up
The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education have set the below for January meetings.  Both meetings will be held in the Community Room.

Organizational Meeting                      Tuesday, January 8 @ 6:30 p.m.

Parkway Local Board of Education Special Meeting 

The Parkway Local Board of Education held a special meeting on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the community room.  The purpose of the meeting was to vote on the football bleacher project. 

Board members approved a bid from Dant Clayton Corporation of Louisville, KY to replace the Home-Team Bleachers and the Press box.

Demolition and removal of the old materials, concrete foundation and paths as well as electrical work and a fence are included, The bid was $482,275. Although not the low bid submitted, it was the lowest complete bid according to Jeanne Osterfeld, superintendent. Local companies may do some of the work.

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey Announces Drug Arrests
Celina, Ohio – December 26, 2018 Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced 11 individuals were arrested and taken to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility on drug indictments, those indictments included 32 felony counts.  An additional 13 individuals already incarcerated in the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility were served indictments which include 22 felony counts, and 2 misdemeanor counts.

There are 3 additional persons indicted who are currently incarcerated in other Correctional Institutions, who have been indicted on 10 felony counts. 

There are 3 additional persons that have been issued summons on indictments for a total of 6 felony counts.  The names of the persons currently incarcerated in prisons, and those indictments issued as summons are not being released until they have been served.

Deputies are also looking for an additional 7 individuals who have been indicted that are currently at large.  Those 7 indictments include a total of 12 felony counts.

Officers during the arrests recovered drug paraphernalia, and suspected cocaine and methamphetamine.

These charges are the result of investigations by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Lake Task Force, and the Celina Police Department. Many of the charges and arrests are results of tips from the community.    The Celina Police Department assisted deputies with these apprehensions.  

SERVED IN JAIL:
Kelli J. Rutter, Age 22, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  3 Counts of Trafficking in Heroin, Felonies of the 5th degree.

Joshua E. Kittle, Age 35, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  1 Count of Possession of Heroin, a Felony of the 5th degree, 1 Count of Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the 3rd degree, and Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments, a Misdemeanor of the 1st degree.

Paige K. King, Age 20, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5th degree. 

Angel Storck, Age 29 Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility. 1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5th degree.

Deven R. Dugger, Age 22,  Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility. 1 Count of Burglary, a felony of the 3rd degree, 1 Count of theft from a Person in a Protected Class, a Felony of the 4th degree. 

Damion J. Post, Age 32, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  1 Count of Possession of Cocaine, a Felony of the 5th Degree, 1 County of Possession of a Fentanyl Related Compound, a Felony of 5th Degree, and 1 Count of Possession of a Drug Abuse Instruments, a Misdemeanor of the 1st degree.

Gregory S. Edwards, Age 52, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility, 1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5th degree.

Kiah Z. Helmer, Age 22, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility, 1 Count of Possession of LSD, a Felony of the 5th Degree, 1 Count of Aggravated Possession of drugs, a Felony of the 5th degree.

Orlando C. Candelaria Jr., Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  1 Count of Trafficking in a Counterfeit Controlled Substance, a Felony of the 4th Degree, 1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5th Degree.

Charles J. Tester, Age 30, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5th Degree.

Billie J. Huston, Age 37, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility. 1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5th Degree.

Jeremy E. Stineback, Age 40, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility. 4 Counts of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, Felonies of the 4th Degree, 1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5th Degree.

Kelly R. Hooks, Age 39, Care of the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 4th degree, and 1 Count of Trafficking in Cocaine, a Felony of the 5th Degree.

ARRESTED:

Christopher W. Anderson, Age 40, 322 Fayette Street, Celina, Ohio.  1 Count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, a Felony of 3rd Degree.

Michael H. Toler, Age 50, 306 West Summit Street, Celina, Ohio. 1 Count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, a Felony of the 4th Degree, and 1 Count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, a Felony of the 3rd Degree.

Tina K. Hall, Age 52, 1100 Meyer Road, Celina, Ohio. 4 Counts of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, Felonies of the 3rd Degree.

Craig Hall, Age 54, 1100 Meyer Road, Celina, Ohio.  4 Counts of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, Felonies of the 3rd Degree.

Roy M. Schmidt II, Age 35, 616 North Walnut Street, Celina, Ohio.  2 Counts of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, Felonies of the 3rd Degree.

James D. Thompson, Age 45, 217 Parkview Drive, Celina, Ohio. 2 Counts of Trafficking in Drugs, Felonies of the 3rd Degree, 1 Count of Trafficking in Hashish, a felony of the 5th degree.

Nathan J. Watkins, Age 25, 637 Hoying Street, Celina, Ohio. 4 Counts of Trafficking in Drugs, Felonies of the 4th Degree, 3 Counts of Trafficking in Heroin, Felonies of the 5th Degree, 2 Counts of Trafficking in Cocaine, Felonies of the 5th Degree.

Jesse A. Williams, Age 35, 1400 West Market Street, Celina, Ohio. 1 Count of Trafficking in Counterfeit Controlled Substances, 1 Count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, a Felony of the 4th Degree, 1 Count of Trafficking in Cocaine, a Felony of the 5th Degree.  Mr. Williams was also served with an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for child support.

Maria A. McBride, Age 41, 710 Devonshire, Celina, Ohio.  2 Counts of Trafficking in Drugs, Felonies of the 4th Degree.

Rebecca K. Springer, Age 58, 322 West Fayette Street, Celina, Ohio.  1 Count of Trafficking in Drugs, a felony of the 3rd Degree.

Alissa R. Tebbe, age 25, 408 E. Main Street, Coldwater, Ohio. 1 Count of Possession of Cocaine, a felony in the 5th degree.

*** Joshua P. Bernholt, Age 30, 915 Fleck Ave, Celina, Ohio. 1 Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the 5thDegree, 1 Count of Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments, a Misdemeanor of the 1st degree.

Mr. Bernholt turned himself into the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday evening.  Mr. Bernholt was the 12th individual arrested.

.

 
December 26-27, 2018
 

CONGRATULATIONS to Tom Beahrs on his retirement.
THANK YOU for all your years of hard work and dedication to the Village of Rockford!!

McDonalds - Celina Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting event on January 8th at 5pm

 
December 24-25, 2018
 

Congratulations to Chris and Tracy Heitkamp on winning the 2018 Best decorated house contest for the village of Rockford.

Merry Christmas from Sheila and Stacie at The Parkway Independent!

 
December 22-23, 2018
 

Click here for Monty's Facebook Link

Over $1,200 in prizes have been donated so far to the winner!

 
December 20-21, 2018
 

Parkway Middle School students recently held a food drive to benefit the Parkway Local Food Bank in hopes to aid families in our community during the holiday season. The students had a goal of 1,500 items and exceeded that goal!!!! In just over a week, Parkway Middle School students in grades 5-8 collected 1,663 items to donate. The Middle School Student council would like to thank the students and families that donated items for the food drive. Please find the attached picture including Karla Butler from the  Parkway Local Food Pantry along with members of the Middle School student council with the 1,663 items collected.

Parkway Panther Athlete Bailey Strickler, on December 5, 2018, with her family by her side, signed to play softball at Huntington University. Photo by Pat Agler – thanks for sharing!

Bailey Strickler has signed her letter of intent to further her education and softball career at Huntington. She is the daughter of Bryan & Karen Strickler. Bailey plans to major in graphics design and marketing while at Huntington. Bailey has been a starter on the softball team since she was a freshman. She has been an integral part of the Panther softball team that went to back to back regional appearances the past two seasons. Bailey was named 1st team all-MAC, first team all-district, Honorable mention all-state, The Daily Standard dream team and the all-mercer county team in 2018. Bialey has tied the school record for most hits in a single season, she had a batting average of .490, scored 45 runs and stole 11 bases as a junior.

 
December 18-19, 2018
 

Parkway FFA Attends the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo
By: Kiersten Roehm, Parkway FFA Historian
Submitted by Mecaylah Hesse, Parkway FFA Reporter

On Tuesday, October 23rd, the Parkway FFA Chapter joined the Lincolnview, Crestview, and Wayne Trace Chapters to attend the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. National FFA Convention is a time for all chapters in the nation to gather. While at the convention, there are sessions that members and guests may attend to listen to the National Officer Team speak. Keynote speakers as well as the National FFA Band and Chorus join the officers on stage to speak and perform. On Tuesday, the four FFA chapters went to Universal Lettering in Van Wert, Wilson Football Factory in Ada, The National Museum of the U.S. Airforce outside of Dayton, and Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield. At Universal Lettering, FFA members watched as the very jackets worn by FFA members everywhere were made from start to finish. At the Wilson Football Factory, FFA members watched the process of high school through professional level footballs being made. This process takes many different stations to complete, starting with the cowhide and ending with an inspection of all footballs. The National Museum of the U.S. Airforce allowed the students to view many previously used aircrafts in the many wars fought by the U.S. military. Jungle Jim’s International Market was a great experience for the FFA students. They were introduced to new foods that aren’t commonly sold in their respective counties. Wednesday included a tour at Cargill, a grain elevator. At this grain elevator, the grain is shipped off in barges on the river that runs alongside the property. The Buck Creek Winery was another stop for the FFA members. At this location, members were invited to go to the vineyard to see the many types of grapes. Once seen, members listened as the owner of the winery went through the wine making process. Later in the night was the Garth Brooks concert that many had been looking forward to! The next two days were full of speakers, new knowledge from the booths set up, and new friends from across the nation. The 2018 National Convention trip is one that these students won’t forget.

Pictured:

Jungle Jims- Tessa Thatcher (left) and Madison Kroeger (right)

Cargill- (Left to Right)- Sophia Miller, Grace Etgen, Ansley Burtch, and Abigail Browning.

Buck Creek Winery Vineyard- Gracyn Temple

Gracie Furnish's Retiring Address- National Eastern Region Vice President of 2017-2018, Gracie Furnish, gave her retiring address about being an individual and there only being ONE you. (The theme of this year's national convention was "Just One")

Click on smaller thumbnails below to enlarge.

Old Bookcase, Dec. 20. 2018 Preserving Our Christmas Heritage
OUR OLD BOOK CASE  By  Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

Photo caption:  The old image of Santa Claus at Christmas has returned again.  I will share with you, that I still love the rich sound of the old upright pianos and listening to the ones singing the old Christmas Hymns.  Christmas hymns bring joy to my heart.

Christmas is back!  If Scrooge were here, he might say, “Bah! Humbug!”  Maybe he had good reason to be grumpy?  How many of you readers might agree with Scrooge some days?  But, that feeling does not last for long.  Since you are from Mercer County, you put on a smile and find good reason to value your friends and what you have. 

What if Christmas were “not back?”  What would you miss?  I would not miss being inundated with nonsense emails on my computer.   In fact, I would not miss the telemarketers either.

However, when the chips were down and decisions had to be made, even Scrooge and Grinch found their way to honor the good and generous side of Christmas.  Scrooge and Grinch are characters of fiction. So many Christmas stories and movies of fiction are like fairy tales and everything comes out for the good by the time that Christmas  arrives,  Does this match real life behavior at Christmas time?

There is a sense of joy at Christmas time.  Without realizing it, we remember our childhood happiness of seeing the first snow and making snowmen.  When we hear the sleigh bells ring, just for a second, our childhood memories of Santa’s sleigh come slipping back.  When we see the children laughing when they are decorating their Christmas tree, we chuckle to ourselves.  When we are able to help another person, whether throughout the year, or just at Christmas time, we smile to ourselves.  When we share a dinner with family or friends at Christmas time, we get that feeling, known as the Christmas Spirit.

The Christmas season and the sense of joy at Christmas time is a strong part of our Mercer County Heritage.  This sense of Christmas happiness will continue to be with us, as long as we honor it.  The happiness of Christmas will only be lost, if we let it be lost.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.   Thus, our Historical Society members ask you to help preserve this rich heritage of honoring Christmas  and its meaning. 

Since I cannot visit each of you to wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year, I will send you a warm greeting from our Members of the Mercer County Historical Society.  We care about your Mercer County Heritage and we care about you.  Sing a Christmas hymn and appreciate your blessings.

[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.

Rockford Club Meets in November

The Twenty-First Century Club members met on November 27, 2018 at the home of Rozann Maurer in Mercer with Karla Butler, president and Toni Fisher vice-president presiding. The Club theme for the year is Remarkable Women.

A short meeting was completed with the reading of the minutes from October and the treasurer’s report. Role call was where members get their news for the day. Members were reminded to continue to bring items for the food pantry. Christmas cards were signed and sent to Honorary members.

President Karla Butler then mentioned a remarkable woman named Dame Cicely Mary Saunders, a famous Social Worker and Doctor in the field of palliative medicine – the first steps toward HOSPICE care.

Valerie Fritzinger presented her program on journalist Barbara Walters. Her father booked acts for clubs and she met many movie starts. In college she majored in English and then began working in television writing the news and later wrote the weather.  She rose in a time when women were discriminated against and competed with Walter Cronkite for the spotlight. She interviewed movie stars and famous people for 20/20 Special Reports and worked on the View for 16 years. Her favorite interview was with Katherine Hepburn.

Ann Gage reported on the Remarkable Woman, Grace Hopper, an admiral in the U.S. Navy and the first female computer programmer. Grace graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Physics and Mathematics. She went on to get a master’s degree in Mathematics from Vassar and became a Rear Admiral after receiving her Computer Programming degree from Yale.  She invented programs and compilers. Her famous invention was the Universal Automatic Computer. She retired at age 80 from the Navy. She was the woman who reported the first actual case of a bug in the programming – a real moth wedged in the computer.

A delicious cake was served by Rozann Maurer.

The next meeting will be held on January 22, 2019 7 PM, at the Café Room at Rockford United Methodist Church.  Contact Sheila Baltzell at 419-733-3326 if you’d like to learn more about this club.

 
December 15-17, 2018
 

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

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

St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell Township and Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga
The congregations of St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell Township and Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga extend an invitation to join for a candlelight Christmas Eve worship service.  The service will be held on Monday, December 24th at Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga.  The service, led by Pastor Karen Tamorria, will begin at 7:30 PM with pre-service music beginning at 7:15 PM.  The worship service will include Holy Communion as well as special music.  Please plan to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Zion Lutheran Church is located at the intersection of State Route 49 and Tama Road in Chattanooga.

Christmas Dinner Served at Rockford Shane's Park Building
A free Christmas Dinner, all homemade, will be served from 10:30 AM to 1 PM on December 25, 2018 in Celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Members of Rockford United Methodist Church prepare and serve this delicious dinner. Come and join them! Everyone is welcome!

Mt. Tabor Christmas Service
Sunday December 23 at 7 PM

Parkway FFA Members Participate in the State Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE

By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter

On December 7th, 2018, Parkway FFA members Noah Riley, Nick Riley, Colton Kraner, and David Sheets traveled to the Ohio State University to participate in the State Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE. For Parkway’s team to qualify for this contest, they had to place in the top 10 of 28 teams based on the online test. Once they qualified, they placed 4th out of 10 teams in the competition itself where members had to wire electricity, calibrate a fertilizer sprayer, build a rafter, and identify plumbing parts. As individuals, Nick Riley placed 7th, Colton Kraner placed 12th, Noah Riley placed 15th, and David Sheets placed 20th out of 40 participants. 

Pictured- (Left to right) Nick Riley, Colton Kraner, Noah Riley, and David Sheets

Christmas Gift Suggestion - Barn Quilts for Sale in Rockford - Bicentennial Project

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

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey Reports Arrests as a Result of the HIT Team   

A traffic stop was conducted in the 700 block of Echo Street in Celina at 3:37 PM December 13, 2018.  A K-9 from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office indicated the presence of narcotics, and a search was done on the vehicle.   Drug paraphernalia and a baggie with white crystal like substance were located in the vehicle. The crystal like substance was field tested, and was positive for Methamphetamine.  Taken into custody were the vehicle’s two occupants:

Angel A Storck, age 29 from Celina, was arrested and taken to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  She was booked into the jail for Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 5th degree.  Judge Speelman set her bond at $50,000.00, subject to 10%.

Matthew J. Broerman, age 28 from rural St. Henry, was arrested and taken to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  He was booked into the jail for Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 5th degree.  Judge Speelman set his bond at $50,000.00 subject to 10%.

HIT also developed information and conducted a subsequent investigation that led to a search warrant and additional arrests unrelated to the above traffic stop.  Deputies applied for and received a search warrant for a residence located at 314 Stella Street in Celina.  The search warrant was executed at 7:45 PM on December 13, 2018.  Numerous drug paraphernalia items were found throughout the residence.  Suspected drugs which include marijuana, crystal meth, and other substances were also located throughout the residence. Finally, Officers recovered a loaded Ruger LCP 380 caliber handgun found inside the residence.  Taken into custody was:

Paige K. King, age 20 from 314 Stella Street, Celina, was arrested and taken to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility.  She was booked into the jail for Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 5th degree.  Judge Speelman set bond at 50,000.00 subject to 10%.

Both cases will be referred to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.  The HIT team is comprised of Deputies and Officers from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Celina PD, and Coldwater PD.  These incidents remain under investigation.

Columbus Grove Football Coach, Andy Schafer, Honored with John Reed Leadership Award

By Jennifer Keat-Beck

It is one thing to lead young men through plays on the football field. It’s another thing to inspire and encourage them as they mature in life. Those are just a few of the reasons behind this year’s selection of the John Reed Leadership Award.

WTLW-TV 44 and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are excited to announce Andy Schafer as the recipient of the 2018 John Reed Leadership Award. Schafer is head football coach at Columbus Grove High School. The award is given annually to a local football coach exemplifying Christian character and moral strength, creating a legacy both on and off the field.

Coach Schafer accepted the award from TV-44 Sports Anchor, Andy Lynch, and from the 2017 Award Winner, Spencerville Head Coach Chris Sommers, live during the Sports Report Friday, December 7.

“I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this award.” said Sommers during the award presentation.  “He helps so many. After the game, no matter what, he is humble overall a great guy, remaining encouraging to the players regardless of the outcome. He is one of the most positive people I know, and his heart’s in the right place. It’s a guy you can really look up to. I look for guys like this in my career- people I can look up to.”

Coach Schafer recognizes that a key to effective coaching is family commitment. “This is really a family thing for my wife and kids. We really pour ourselves into the team.  I’ve felt it to be a mission, to do what I can to build up young men [to grow into responsible young adults.]”

He also sees coaching as more than just focusing on the sport, this past season focusing strongly on positive character and respect of others. “You always try to teach your kids character, but this season I really felt it was important to show character. That’s where I got the idea to invite a different coach this year to talk to the team, and I had Coach [Chris] Sommers come talk to the team.  And then he asked me to come speak to his team. When we got into the season, and our teams went to battle, and it was great to see how our players respected him and his players respected me.”

Above all, Coach Schafer recognizes the importance of faith in Christ.  “That’s everything for me. It’s a key to living life. It’s amazing to see not only Jesus impacting your life, but how you can impact others. I’m going to live my life as a man of God, as a believer, and see what happens, how others will respond.”

The John Reed Leadership Award was created to foster Godly principles in coaches.  Founded by Tom Giesken, it honors longtime Coldwater coach, John Reed.

WTLW TV-44 is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization governed by a 10-member board of directors. The viewer-supported station reaches 220,000 homes and through WOSN, offers 24-hour coverage of local high school sports within a 40 mile radius of the station. 

Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society to Meet
The Mercer County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet Sunday, January 6th at 2:00 pm at the Richardson Bretz Building 119 West Fulton St., Celina.

Our guest speaker will be Father David Hoying. Father David will be presenting, “The Ship Everhard and the Oldenburg Mayflower” concerning the passengers and the settling of Egypt, Ohio.

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

Our Home Family Resource Center Receives Grant from CPPS Heritage Mission Fund

CELINA – The CPPS Heritage Mission Fund has awarded a grant to Our Home Family Resource Center’s Direct Services & Referral program. The CPPS Fund was created by the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton, Ohio to support groups and organizations that are responding to community needs in a way consistent with Precious Blood values and spirituality.

“This grant recognizes the Direct Services program’s commitment to providing Mercer County residents with hope in the midst of crisis”, explained Deb Simon-Heinfeld, coordinator of marketing and development at Our Home “and the funds from this CPPS grant will lend a great measure of hope to folks who are going through times of frustration, fear, and insecurity.”

According to Simon-Heinfeld, people who contact Direct Services for assistance meet with a family support specialist to evaluate the situation and to create a plan to meet their specific needs. The family support specialist may provide folks with vouchers for emergency financial assistance and/or refer them to partner agencies and programs for other forms of support that may be needed to stabilize the situation.

Over the past year, Direct Services staff provided assistance in over 1500 situations and distributed tens of thousands of dollars in financial support to families in need. This includes help for folks facing eviction or utility shut-off, unexpected home repairs or prescription costs, and those who needed help getting to medical appointments. In addition to that, program staff coordinated and administrated Mercer County’s back-to-school supply drive, winter coat drive, and Angel Tree project.

Our Home also offers a food pantry stocked with canned fruits and vegetables, meat, pastas, soup, milk, and other assorted items including personal care items such as detergent, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Direct Services & Referral Program hours are 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:30pm Monday through Thursday; the food pantry operates Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Our Home is located at 117 W. Fayette Street in Celina. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the organization’s work is possible with resources provided through monetary and in-kind donations from private individuals, groups, organizations, and corporations and money awarded through grants such as CPPS Heritage Mission Fund.

If you are interested in supporting Our Home but are uncertain about our specific programs and needs, visit www.ourhomefrc.com or call 419-586-4663

Parkway FFA Participates in Job Interview CDE
by Mecaylah Hesse,  Parkway FFA Reporter

On November 6th, 2018 Parkway FFA members Dennis Leighner, Raegan Roehm, Clara Hellwarth, Abi Browning, Kiersten Roehm, and Madison Kroeger participated in the sub-district job interview CDE at Paulding High School. In the division one competition, Freshman Raegan Roehm placed 3rd and Dennis Leighner placed 5th out of 7 participants. In the division two competition, sophomore Clara Hellwarth placed 1st and Abi Browning placed 4th out of 6 participants. In the division three competition, junior Kiersten Roehm placed 3rd out of 9 participants. Finally, senior Madison Kroeger placed 7th out of 10 participants in the division four competition. Parkway’s only district-qualifying member was sophomore Clara Hellwarth who proceeded to participate in the division two district competition where she placed second, but did not qualify for state. 

Local High School Choirs Sing in the TV-44 Studio & Support The Lima Rescue Mission
By Jennifer Keat-Beck 

25 area high school choirs took part in TV-44’s annual Holiday Music Festival studio production this month. Portions of choral selections will appear on TV-44 throughout the month of December and in full, December 24 and 25 (full schedule listed below.)

In addition to singing Christmas songs in the TV-44 studio, the students also had an opportunity to give back to the community. $484.60 in cash was donated by the choirs, to be given to The Lima Rescue Mission, a non profit organization that has been helping poor and homeless men since 1906 .  4 boxes of donated food items were gifted to The Church at Allentown Food Pantry.

Schools participating in the 2018 Holiday Music Festival are: Allen East, Arcadia, Arlington, Bath, Bluffton, Botkins, Columbus Grove,  Delphos Jefferson, Delphos St. John, Elida, Kalida, Liberty Benton, Leipsic, Lincolnview, New Bremen, New Knoxville, Ottawa-Glandorf, Pandora, Perry, Shawnee, Spencerville, Temple Christian, Wapakoneta, Waynesfield, and Van Wert.

The 2018 Holiday Music Festival is a locally produced Christmas concert featuring Christmas music sung by area high school choirs. Air dates and times: December 24: 4pm, and  December 25, 7am and 12 noon. Selections can also be viewed at wtlw.com.

WTLW TV-44 is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization governed by a 10-member board of directors. The viewer-supported station reaches 220,000 homes and through WOSN, offers 24-hour coverage of local high school sports within a 40+ mile radius of the station.  TV-44 desires to partner with area high schools as a positive opportunity to support local youth and the arts.

Ohio City to Sponsor a Holiday Lights Contest for Van Wert County Residents
Ohio City is having their annual county-wide "Holiday Lights
Contest" open to all Van Wert County residents.
The deadline for entries are due on the Facebook Page by December 27th and voting will be done on New Years Eve.

Country Legend’s Travis Tritt on Acoustic Tour

Country legend Travis Tritt will come to Van Wert with a six-string in his hands on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 7:30PM presented by 1st Federal of Van Wert and tickets can be purchased Wednesday, December 5.

Travis Tritt's hits include: It’s All About the Money, Where Corn Don’t Grow, I’m Gonna Be Somebody, Lord Have Mercy on the Working Man, Country Club, Here’s a Quarter, Best of Intentions, Help Me Hold On, Whiskey Ain’t Workin, Anymore, It’s a Great Day to Be Alive, T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.

Tickets for Travis Tritt can be purchased through the Box Office Mon - Fri, 10am - 5pm at 419-238-6722.

Handel’s MESSIAH Returns to First UM Church- Van Wert

A First United Methodist Church Christmas tradition returns Sunday evening, December 9, 2018 at 7:00 pm when Handel’s Messiah will be performed in its ornately decorated sanctuary.  First United Methodist Church is teaming with The Van Wert County Foundation to help present this beloved Oratorio depicting the story of Jesus’ birth through dramatic music. 

This year’s performance features three soloists from the state of Tennessee and one from Eastern Ohio.  Three of the four have never sung at First United Methodist Church before and are looking forward to sharing with the community.

Soprano, Jennifer Barnett Harrell; Mezzo Soprano, Sara Snider Schone; Tenor, Rev. Daniel Doty and Bass, Perry will sing.

The Van Wert performance will be with a professional chamber orchestra consisting of musicians from throughout Ohio and Michigan.  Paul Hoverman, FUMC Chancel Choir Director will be conducting and joined with a chorus of 60 volunteer singers from throughout the region.  They have been rehearsing since the beginning of November.

Doors to the sanctuary will be open to the public at 6:00 pm.  There is no admission fee but a free-will offering will be accepted.  Seating is first come-first served.

Bella's Italian Grill Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce and Bella's Italian Grille
recently co-hosted a Business After Hours to welcome area businesses to help
Bella's celebrate their 20th Anniversary. Attendees enjoyed door prizes and
delicious food and drinks.  Bella's originally opened on Main Street in
Celina in 1998 and moved to their current location on West Bank Road in
2002. Bella's offers a full menu with catering options as well.  Owner Julie
Fleck is very community minded and is constantly looking at new ways to
serve the community.  Bella's has also been expanding their catering
services as well with the addition of a catering truck.  Catering is
something Bella's has been doing for some time though.  Congratulations to
Bella's Italian Grille for 20 years in Celina.

 
December 13-14, 2018
 

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

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

St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell Township and Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga
The congregations of St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell Township and Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga extend an invitation to join for a candlelight Christmas Eve worship service.  The service will be held on Monday, December 24th at Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga.  The service, led by Pastor Karen Tamorria, will begin at 7:30 PM with pre-service music beginning at 7:15 PM.  The worship service will include Holy Communion as well as special music.  Please plan to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Zion Lutheran Church is located at the intersection of State Route 49 and Tama Road in Chattanooga.

Christmas Dinner Served at Rockford Shane's Park Building
A free Christmas Dinner, all homemade, will be served from 10:30 AM to 1 PM on December 25, 2018 in Celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Members of Rockford United Methodist Church prepare and serve this delicious dinner. Come and join them! Everyone is welcome!

Parkway Panthers Weekly Update for December 17 – January 5

By A.D. Matt Triplett

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

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

December 19:No Athletic Events Scheduled
 

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

December 21:
No Athletic Events Scheduled

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


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

December 28:
HS Boys Basketball @ North Central Tournament
 

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

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

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

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

Parkway Panthers Weekly Update for December 10 – 15, 2018

By A.D. Matt Triplett

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

December 12:
No Athletic Events Scheduled
 

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

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

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

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, December 14, 2018

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

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

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

 
December 11-12, 2018
 

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

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

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

Several Articles by Parkway FFA Reporter
Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA's Molly Irma Donation

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

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

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

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

2018-2019 Ag Technology and Mechanics State Team Competes 

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

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

District 4 Food Science CDE

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

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

Parkway FFA Members Visit Ohio State University

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

Pictured: 

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

Snow Plow Rodeo Team for Mercer County Compete and Win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If clearing driveway, do no push snow to wrong side of mailbox (the low side).

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

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

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

Snow Plow 2nd Place Individual: Dusty Messner

Backhoe 1st Place Individual: Mike Steinlage

 
December 8-10, 2018
 

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

Picture from the left are:

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

Our December Rockford Arts Exhibiter is Jill Parris

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

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

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

Rockford Car Show organizers retire - donate funds

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

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

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

Pictured above:

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

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

Success examples:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
December 6-7, 2018
 

Parkway Local Board of Education Special Meeting 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Link to Botkins’ Game pictures:

Click Here for more Botkins Game Pictures by James Leighner.

Link to Waynesfield Goshen Game pictures

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

 
December 4-5, 2018
 

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Saturday, December 8, 2018

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

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

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

Parkway December 2018 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

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

7th grade girls would be defeated.

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

Photos & info shared by James Leighner - Thank you!

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

Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them!

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

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

Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them!

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

VW Area Boychoir to perform Christmas Concert

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

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

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

Christmas in the Park Well-Attended and Volunteers Thanked

Monty and daughters with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Parkway Elementary Music Students Entertaining!

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Concert with Blind Date and Kim Gardner

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

Blind Date Band with special guest Kim Gardner

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

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

Free admission
Refreshments
Pictures with Santa 

 
November 29-30, 2018
 

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

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

Widespread fog affecting many schools.

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

Thanks to Pat Agler for sharing these pictures!

Thanks to Pat Agler for sharing these pictures!

Varsity Girls Basketball Team

Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Team

Photo Coming Soon by Pat Agler

Thanks to Pat Agler for sharing these pictures!

Varsity Boys Basketball Team

Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Team

 
November 26-28, 2018
 

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

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

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

Mailbox Repair Notice

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

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

Snow – do not plow onto roadways

The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is reminding residents living on county and township roadways not to leave snow plowed from private driveways on the roadway.

Ohio law prohibits the placement of injurious material or any obstruction on a highway except that which is placed on the roadway by a proper authority, such as salt or grit the county and townships use to treat icy roads.