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September 14-15, 2019
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 15 years!
 

New Obituaries

 
September 12-13, 2019
 

Sandy and Francis Schaffner Honored for 15+ Years of Service
by Lisa Kuhn and Chamber of Commerce

– Sandy -- Saying THANK YOU isn't enough to show our appreciation for the time and dedication you have given to make Shanes Park a truly unique place for families and friends to gather and make memories.

Your leadership for the past 15+ years is a great example of what it means to 'give back to your community'.!

Congratulations on your retirement ! Enjoy ~~

With love ~~

The Village of Rockford

*A special tree will be planted at Shanes Park in Sandy’s honor !

AND THANK YOU to Francis (Moose) for helping Sandy with park maintenance, making sure the restrooms were unlocked and locked up each day and for years taking care of the sign to welcome guests.

You both make a great team !!

REMINDER – Panther Concession Stand Workers

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, September 13, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, September 13, 2019 for the game against Marion Local.

Mike and Katie Huffman; Greg and Tabitha Bolton; Jason and Kristina Boroff; Daniel and Jessica Pennington; Kevin and Tammy Rager; Nathan and Melissa Sinning; and Zac and Abbey Neuenschwander.

Please arrive by 5:45 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!

Panthers Play Marion Local on Friday

Come on out to the Parkway Football Game on Friday, September 13, 2019.

Under the leadership of Coach Jordan Henkle, the Varsity Team has scored two wins against Crestview and Spencerville. On Friday night they play their first MAC match-up at 7 PM at the Panther home field. See the brand new home bleachers and press box.

45 Anniversary of Parkway Girls’ Sports
by Penny (Leighner) Fish and Colleen (Wood) O’Steen

It was 45 years ago this fall that Parkway High School took a monumental step in women’s sports. In the fall of 1974, girls’ interscholastic sports were offered for the first time when volleyball and basketball teams walked onto the court.

By the second and third seasons, the girls’ basketball team played in Sectional competition. By the fourth and fifth seasons the team went to District play and earning Regional Runner Up in that fifth season. Many of these first players received individual recognition at the local and state levels, and several of them went on to play after high school.

These players ~ from the very first girls’ basketball team at PHS ~ were trailblazers in women’s sports and include: Tammy Pontius, Diane Kuhn, Mary Lou Cheek, Cathy Leugers, Belle Feasel, Shari Jackson, Cindy Leighner, Linda Bradrick, Ginny Miller, Cindy Pifer, Kim Rutledge, Traci Schott, Ruth Luginbill, Brenda Hayes, Pam Lowry, Vickie Sapp, Patsy Mccullough, Karen Bilter, Pam Ahrens, Rita Strukamp, Deb Stetler, Lisa Sealscott, Jeannie, Acheson, and Colleen Wood. Also, a special acknowledgment goes out to the very first coaches Jill Howell, Trude Laffin, and Kathy Van Eman. With special recognition to Jon Sidenbender, who was the Midwest Athletic Conference Secretary from 1973 through 1997, and was the driving force behind the addition of girls’ sports in the MAC conference.

Players and coaches from the first Parkway High School basketball teams from 1974 to 1979 are gathering on Saturday, September 14, 2019 for a reunion. Former planning to attend the Panther –Flyers Football Game on Friday include: Cindy Leighner Thompson, Penny Leighner Fish, Pam Lowry Demeny, Vicki Sapp Smith, Deb Stetler Lowry, and Tammy Walls Cheek. Congratulations ladies, and thank you for getting the ball rolling.

Wynonna Judd Coming to Van Wert

There is "No One Else" like her, Wynonna & The Big Noise
will be lighting up the Niswonger Stage this Sunday at 7:30.
Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and
Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice fans won't want to miss her as
this years rockin' kick-off to the 19-20 BREAKLOOSE season at the
Niswonger and one of the biggest entertainment events in Northwest
Ohio. For tickets or more information, go online to NPACVW.ORG or call
the Niswonger box office at 419-238-6722.

Memorial Concert Fills Parkway Auditorium with Music

The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert band was held on Sunday, September 8th at 3 pm in the auditorium at Parkway High School located at 400 W Buckeye St. in Rockford. An appreciative crowd enjoyed these beautiful pieces (to name a few): Star Spangled Banner; A tribute of songs to Louis Armstrong; Moon River; Pinball Wizard; Semper Fidelis; God Bless America and Stars and Stripes Forever.  Solo vocals were by Cassie Collins. Several soloists on instruments were also presented.

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge.

Meeting Date at Carnegie Library Changes
The Rockford Carnegie Library is announcing the change of date for its October meeting to TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 at 4 p.m.  The location remains the same  in the library meeting room.

TWO FAMILIES OF VETERANS ON HONOR FLIGHT #33

Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI) will celebrate its 33rd flight to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

Honor Flight #33 currently consists of a total of 87 veterans: 13 WWII veterans, 60 Korea veterans, 8 Cold War veterans and 6 Vietnam veterans. To date 2,371 veterans have been transported to Washington by Honor Flight Northeast Indiana to reflect upon the memorials built in their honor.

Two families will be experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity together.

Korea Navy veteran Robert Barton will be traveling with his two veteran sons, and veteran daughter.  Scott Barton is a 20-year Navy veteran, John Barton is a 4-year Army veteran, and daughter Jenna Marie is a 3-year Air Force veteran.  The Barton family will be escorted by another daughter, Shellee Goodrich who will serve as guardian for her dad and 3 siblings.
 
Additionally, a family of three Bandor brothers, Franklin, Daniel, and Randy, all Navy veterans, will be on the Honor Flight.  Daniel’s son, Michael Bandor, a 25-year Air Force veteran and Franklin’s son John Bandor, a 30-year Navy veteran will also be on the flight.  Guardians for the veterans will be other family members.   

After completing their military service in the Navy, the three Bandor brothers all served as officers in the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Originally, there were 5 Bandor brothers, all who served in the Navy.  Max and Roy have since passed away.

Veterans and volunteer guardians will gather at the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard at 5:30 a.m. with take-off projected to be at 7:40 a.m. Returning home, the community is encouraged to patriotically welcome the veterans in the Main Terminal of the Fort Wayne International Airport the evening of September 18.  Return time is tentative, but expected to be at approximately 9:00 p.m. More information regarding the public’s participation and return timing will be shared on the group's Facebook page at HFNEI.


 

Our Old Bookcase, Sept. 19, 2019, First oil well drilled in Reservoir, 1891

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OUR OLD BOOK CASE

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

Photo Caption:  Drilling for Oil in the Reservoir, Wapakoneta, Ohio, June 8, 1891

The first oil well drilled in the Reservoir was addressed in “The Weekly News,” Mansfield, Ohio, June 11, 1891.  Credit was given to the Wapakoneta, Ohio news, dated June 8, 1891.   This decade was the beginning of “The Oil Boom,” in Mercer and Auglaize Counties,” at the turn of the Century.

 “Mercer County Ohio Oil & Gas Well History,” is the latest history book in progress by the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.  This will be the last season of requesting your stories and/or photographs about the oil and/or gas wells in Mercer County, including Grand Lake which is also in Auglaize County.

Visit the Exhibit, “Mercer County Oil & Gas Well History, & Grand Lake, with Auglaize County,” at the Mercer County Historical Museum, Sunday afternoon, 1:00 – 4:00, September 22, 2019.

The first oil well drilled in Celina, Ohio was dated June 18, 1886.  The next month, Saint Marys had its first oil well drilled on July 26, 1886.  Neither of these two wells ended in grand success stories of wealth.  However, Northwest Ohio, between Mercer County and Lake Erie was making announcements of their successful oil and gas wells.  The stories of riches and/or treasures and/or treasure hunts caught the attention of so many people throughout history.  Within a Decade, the stories of gold being found in Alaska and the Klondike in Canada, set off another treasure hunt, for citizens of Mercer and Auglaize County, as well as around the world, 1898-1900.  Preceding these gold rush stories was the 1849 gold rush in California; the participants were called “forty-niners.” 

Statistics about the number of wells on or adjacent to the Reservoir, and the number of barrels of oil produced is unbelievable, comparing 1891 with today.  J.C. Lineman was one of the gentlemen who owned 24 oil wells on the State Lands, i.e. in and around the Reservoir.  Between July 1891 and January 1892, J.C. Lineman’s total gross production was listed as 166,368 barrels of oil.  The number of oil wells listed on State Lands came to a total of 77 wells, in 1891-1892.  The statement, “At one time, there were a hundred oil wells on the Lake,” may have been true?

The number of oil wells in the Reservoir and around the shore of the Reservoir is one part of this great story of “The Oil Boom in Mercer & Auglaize Counties.”   The other part of the story is the vast number of oil and gas wells in the Fourteen Townships in Mercer County, as well as the number of oil and gas wells in Auglaize County’s Townships.

The latest book in progress for the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. is about “Mercer County Ohio Oil & Gas Well History.”  This history book, not only includes Mercer County’s history, but also includes highlights of the oil and gas well history in Auglaize, Van Wert, Darke Counties Ohio, and Jay County, Indiana.  The setting of the Oil and Gas Well Boom is the story of the Trenton Field, here in Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana. 

The National Petroleum History Institute has contributed research for the larger picture of this story of Petroleum in the Trenton Field, as well as across the Nation.  Geologists are the technical people who have helped in the research.  This topic will be addressed another day.

My favorite time in doing this research is with Mercer Countians who are sharing the history of oil and/or gas wells in their local Townships.  If you have stories about local gas or oil wells, this fall is your last chance to share that information with me for this new book, which will then go to press.  Photographs are always “worth a thousand words.”   If you have photographs related to the gas or oil wells and tools, would  you be so kind as to permit me to make a copy of your photographs for this book?  The local history books which the Mercer County Historical Society has produced are only as good as the Mercer County Citizens who share their stories and photographs with us.  I hope to hear from 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.]

Rockford Police Department - Drug Take Back event on
October 26th - 10 am - 2 pm

In cooperation with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department.

No liquids and no needles

Artist Marlen Yost will Present at Library 

The Lake Area Arts Group welcomes art presenter, Marlen Yost,St.
  Marys, at their September 16, meeting at the Celina Public library at
  6 pm. He will show members how he starts with a tree branch and goes
  thru the process of turning it into an art piece. With over seventeen
  kind of wood, Yost will show how they can be combined into unique art
  work.
  
  Also presenting will be ceramic artist Sherry Chandler who will
  display her small size throwing wheel which she uses to create
  miniature ceramic vessels.
  
  There will be a drawing for three art pieces donated by Francis
  Furniture.
  

Our Old Bookcase, Sept. 12, 2019,

=====

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

Photo Caption:  The building at Motor Inn, at the Village of Mercer, has been lost of Mercer County’s History.  Tom Wise, Van Wert, shared this photograph to the Mercer County Historical Society, during the years I served as Mercer County Historical Museum Director, 1975-2004.

The recognition to this loss of this building, a part of Mercer County’s history, was noted in the August 30, 2019 issue of The Daily Standard.  The photo confirmed that Belna Crushing of Rockford and Tom’s Construction of St. Henry was tearing down the 80 year old Motor Inn restaurant at the intersection of U.S. 127 and U.S. 33.  The Restaurant Manager Jeremy Iiams confirmed plans for a new Truck Stop at that site. 

Look at the photo above, and tell me the date of the car, adjacent to the gas pump.  The year 2019 minus 80 years would be 1939.  Is 1939 the date of the car in the photo?

Today, I want to honor past local historians who went before us.  Without these past local historians, we might not know the history of The Motor Inn.  The Mercer County Courthouse Recorder’s Office records local land owners, dating to the Founding of Mercer County in 1824.  The Mercer County History Books recorded local history, 1882, 1896, 1907, and 1978.  Paul and Orpha Hosack authored two books about the 150 Anniversary of Mercer Methodism, 1820-1970. 

Pat Amato, The Daily Standard, June 27, 1974, provided one full page of photographs, interviews, and history of Mercer.  Amato featured a photograph of Thelma and Stanley McNutt in 1940, when Stanley ran a trucking line and garage.  In 1954, they built a new restaurant, when the State widened the Road.  In 1966, the new garage was built.  Over the years, the owners of the Motor Inn changed.  Many local citizens remember owners Richard and Shirley Bolton, as well as long term Employees. 

Mrs. John Maurer wrote the History of Mercer, in the 1978 “Mercer County Ohio History.”  Bolton’s Motor Inn, Inc. Post Card, was featured in the book  “Our Post Card Past, Mercer County, Ohio, in Celebration of Ohio’s Bicentennial, 1803-2003.  The History of Bolton’s Motor Inn was included in the book, “Those Magnificent Big Barns of Mercer County,” 1990-1993.  Rex and Carl Marsee wrote the book, “Mercer Memories,” in 2016.  Over the years,  many local historians wrote about Mercer’s first name, the local churches, schools, the railroad, the businesses,  and local events.  I did not live in Dublin Township, and do not know all of the local stories of local citizens.  Those of you who have stories on the history of the Village of Mercer, please share those stories with the Mercer County Historical Society.

Oil and gas wells were prolific in Mercer County, in the 1890’s, including Dublin Township.  Since I am addressing the History of the Village of Mercer, may I ask for your help, in identifying any former oil and gas wells, within the Village of Mercer, and/or on the land around this Village? I am finishing this book about the Oil and Gas Wells in Mercer County, including Grand Lake, and nearby Counties.  Mercer Countians are welcome to contact me, about stories and/or photographs, before I complete the book and take it to the Printers.  This book has been a joy to do the research, but I never suspected the great amount of history available about the oil and gas wells in Mercer County, especially around and in Grand Lake, at the turn of the Century.  Thank you for your patience in watching for this book to be in print.

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

A brand new Motor Inn Truck Stop and Restaurant are nearly finished at the intersection of U.S. Rte 33 and St. Rt. 127 in Mercer (Mendon) Ohio. The old buildings had served the area since the c 1950's, when it was an all-night diner, truck stop and gas station. Buildings were beyond repair. The new buildings sit directly behind the old. Thanks to Patrick Agler for sharing the demolition pictures!

28th Annual Indiana MVPA Military Vehicle Show Jay County Fairgrounds, Portland, IN

Experience a bit of history on September 13th and 14th, 2019 as the Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association and the Museum of the Soldier host the 28th Annual Military Vehicle Show at the Jay County Fairgrounds in Portland, Indiana.  Military trucks, jeeps, and unusual vehicles as well as re-enactors and living history exhibits will be on display Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th.  Admission is $5.00 single or $10 per carload.  Active military get in free with ID card.

The Museum of the Soldier will host a BBQ chicken supper on Friday the 14th from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm at the 4-H Building, Jay County Fairgrounds. Tickets for the supper are $10.00 and must be ordered in advance by calling 260-729-7017 or 260-251-7770.   They can also be purchased by sending a self-addressed envelope and check to Museum of the Soldier, PO Box 518, Portland, Indiana, 47371.

A large variety of military vehicle will be on display at the fairgrounds.  You will see a variety of vehicles used during the various military conflicts.  Saturday at 10:00 am there will be a convoy of military vehicles thru downtown Portland.    

All military vehicle owners and re-enactors are invited and welcome to be part of this great experience.  The show is open to the public.  This is a chance to see a wide variety of military equipment and vehicles.  For more information, contact Jim Waechter at 260-729-7017 or Matt Simmons at 260-251-7770.

Van Wert County Ag. Society Thanks Chamber
Photo Left to right: Quincy Thompson, Kathy McCollow, Kim Mason, Sammi Joseph, Mark Verville, Roger Thompson, Peter Niagu, Megan Pardon, and Mike Poling

The Van Wert County Ag. Society wanted to recognize and thank the Chamber of Commerce Leadership class for taking on the Grandstand Project this year. If you made it out to the 163rd Fair that just wrapped earlier this week you would have seen some major improvements to our grandstand. It had boards replaced, was freshly painted, and completely renumbered. With the help of this group and the support of the donors and this community it would have not been possible.

They are standing in front of the permanent sign that was installed in the hall of the grandstand.

Stateline Writer's Club to Meet

The Stateline Writer's Club is scheduled to meet on Saturday, September 21, at 10 a.m. in the Celina public library.  The suggested composition topic is "family."  Local author Ann Brown Leinweber, also known as Veronica Brunner, will be the guest speaker.  The public is welcome.

Out-of-compliance Sex Offender Arrested

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office has arrested an out-of-compliance sex offender for Failure to Register address.  Francis J. Harmer, age 44, of 441 N. Linn St., St. Henry, was taken into custody this afternoon at his workplace.

In June of 2009, Mr. Harmer was convicted in Auglaize County of Importuning, which is soliciting someone older than thirteen years of age but less than sixteen years of age for sex.  Upon his conviction, Mr. Harmer was ordered to register as a sex offender for 15 years from conviction date.  One of the duties Mr. Harmer is required to follow is to personally register with the Sheriff’s Office annually.

Mr. Harmer was due to register on August 24.  He did not register and a warning letter, as required by law, was sent to him to give him seven days to register.  As of the time of his arrest on September 4, he had not registered or contacted the Sheriff’s Office at all regarding his registration status.

Mr. Harmer is being held in the Mercer County Jail, without bond, pending his arraignment on September 6.

Paulding residents join “Saved by the Belt” Club

Paulding – Paulding residents Holly M. Manz and Brynley E. Manz joined Ohio’s “Saved by the Belt” Club today after their safety belts saved them from being seriously injured or killed in a crash. The incident occurred on US127 in Benton Township in Paulding County on July 9, 2019.

On September 4, 2019, Lt. Jonathon Gray, Van Wert Post commander, presented them with “Saved by the Belt” certificates signed by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Thomas J. Stickrath and Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent.

“Holly and Brynley are living testimony to the effectiveness of safety belts,” Lt. Gray said. “Everyone needs to buckle up, every trip, every time.”

In 2018, 419 people were killed in traffic crashes where a safety belt was available but not in use.

 PHOTO

The “Saved by the Belt” Club is a joint effort by the Ohio Department of Public Safety and more than 400 Ohio law enforcement agencies. This club is designed to recognize people who have benefited from their decision to wear safety belts.

Holly Manz also received a “Saved by the Belt” license plate bracket.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
September 5-11, 2019 - Patriot's Day
 

18 Years Ago on September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks Killed Over 3000 People – Today We Celebrate Patriot Day

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.

A bill to make September 11 a national day of mourning was introduced in the U.S. House on October 25, 2001. The bill requested that the President designate September 11 of each year as Patriot Day. The bill passed the Senate unanimously on November 30. President Bush signed the resolution into law. On September 4, 2002, President Bush used the authority of the resolution to proclaim September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day.

Mendon Water Tower

The old Mendon Water tower is scheduled for demolition soon. The NEW water tower is nearly finished. With a new well drilled supplying fresh water.

Former Wright State University Lake Campus Dean Dies

A favorite dean of the Wright State University Lake Campus, Bonnie Mathies died on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at her home after dealing with cancer.  She had been a dean at the campus for 5 years but taught in the education field (public high school and college) for nearly 50 years. She was a dedicated educator and friend to all and will be deeply missed.

Men’s Prostate Cancer Group to Tour Hospital Departments

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 tour of some of the newer departments of Joint Township District Memorial Hospital will be conducted. These will include the Medical Imaging Dept., the Wound Clinic as well as the new Grand Lake Rehab and Wellness Center.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, September 17th 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.

 
September 3-4, 2019
 

New obituary - see link above

Click here for a printable flyer on everything you can learn through ASPIRE Class at St. Marys and Celina Locations.
Morning and evening classes available.

 
September 1-2, 2019
 

Undefeated Parkway Football Team of Fall 1973 Gathers for a Celebration
Honored at Friday Night Game at Rockford on September 30, 2019
by Sheila Baltzell-Linn 9-1-2019
The undefeated Parkway Football Team of Fall 1973 enjoyed a reunion night under the lights at the Parkway Football Game on Friday, August 30, 2019 in the stadium. In a pre-game ceremony, prior to the Parkway-Crestview Game, the team players, coaches, band director, widow of the head coach, and cheerleaders from 1973 lined up on the field and heard a wonderful recount of the season that has never happend before or since. The 1973 Football Team went 10-0 that year. In the announcement of that momentous season, the announcer described their head coach, the late John Reed and his coaching staff and their desire to lead the young men of the team to a successful outcome. The players did more than that by working together as a team and beating their opponents, one after the other. The group sat together at the game and enjoyed the current Panthers defeat of the Crestview 33-20. Later on, the group gathered at the Shanes Park Small Building to celebrate together with a donated pizza meal after the game. It was there that they were able to peruse old pictures, playbooks, scorecards, programs and newspaper clippings. Jan Reed, widow of Head Coach John Reed and Mike Bruns, supplied much of the memorabilia. Spouses and friends visited long into the evening, enjoying the memories of that spectacular Fall Football Season.

Group shot above by Sheila Baltzell-Linn
Front Row Seated Left to right: Rod Stover; Tom Clouse (Assistant Coach); Dawn (Davis) Coffey (Cheerleader); Jan Reed (widow of Head Coach John Reed); Kathy (Beerbower) Bransteter (Cheerleader); Gary Mastin (Assistant Head Coach).

Back Row Left to right: Tom Stover; Brad Carr; Tom Baxter; Larry Passwaters; Rick Davis; Brian Stover; Curtis "Pete" Hayes; Joe Whitaker; Richard Sherrick (Marching Band Director); Mike Bruns; Mark Leugers; Jerome Philips; Mark Hoenie; and Ed Fuelling.

Pictures below - Click on the thumbnails to enlarge them.

At the pre-game ceremony - above.

Above: Clipping from the Photo Star from a prior celebration of the 10-0 team of 1973-1974 school year.

Support the Parkway Band Program
Attend the  Lima Area Concert Band Coming to Parkway High School
By Sheila Baltzell-Linn

The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert band will be held on Sunday, September 8th at 3 pm in the auditorium at Parkway High School located at 400 W Buckeye St. in Rockford.

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

Lima Area Concert Band

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

And, who else knew this better than the late Larry Seibert!?

A gift to Karen, by her friend Deb Wolters, this drawing of Larry is by artist Julie Baltes.

Larry’s Lifetime of Music

Larry Seibert, a Mendon native and more recently a citizen of Rockford, had volunteered with the Lima Area Concert Band  from 2006 until his death in January 2017. Although bassoon was his instrument of choice, Larry could play several instruments well.  Larry first learned he had esophageal cancer in 2013, according to his loving widow, Karen (Donnerberg) Seibert, who is sponsoring this concert in Larry’s memory. Following treatment, the cancer was found to be in remission. 

Unfortunately the cancer returned in 2016 and despite their efforts to combat it, the cancer took his life much too early on January 28, 2017.

Larry was a Defiance college graduate with a degree in Music Education K-12. He taught briefly but then, as many of you may remember, he went to work with family at Bob’s Audio-Video in Celina, OH. Larry had a real knack with electronics but always kept one foot in the music industry.

He played with: the West Ohio Big Band; Grand Lake Symphony Orchestra; Dick Sherrick’s Van Wert Alumni Band; St. Marys Community Band; Black Swamp Musicians and the Bluffton College Community Band. Karen says he fully returned to music in 2000 playing with Grand Lake Symphony Orchestra and  Bluffton College.

A short time later he joined the Lima Area Concert Band playing clarinet. Beyond teaching and directing, Larry came from a very musically inclined family, which included his father and nieces Sarah and Shirissa Seibert, all Mendon/Parkway alumni.

One of Larry's biggest dreams was to offer the caliber of music that the Lima Area Concert Band plays to his Rockford family and friends and to show to the local band students that playing music shouldn't end after high school.  “Music fed his soul,” said Karen. Larry helped to plan and coordinate the first concert at Parkway in August of 2016.

Karen and the Parkway School Band Program invites the community and surrounding communities to please join with them as they celebrate Larry's life and enjoy the wonderful music as performed by Larry's close friends and a large part of his music “family”, the extremely talented musicians of the Lima Area Concert Band.

Concert Details

The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert band will be held on Sunday, September 8th at 3 pm in the auditorium at Parkway High School located at 400 W Buckeye St. in Rockford.

Adult tickets - $7 and Students - free

All proceeds will benefit the Parkway High School Band Program.

Rockford Methodist Church Starts Annual School Program
A long-standing tradition will resume when Rockford United Methodist Church begins their 2019-2020 Kids Club sessions on September 4. Students from K-5 are invited to be part of a faith based offering which includes snacks, crafts and games. A time to do homework is offered and supervised by volunteers. Students participating will be picked up at Parkway School and chauffeured in the church bus to the church building at 202 South Franklin Street.

Following Kids Club sessions, a hearty, delicious meal will be available in the church Social Room. Serving begins at 5:02 pm. Parents coming to pick up their children are invited to stay and eat. This Community meal is offered at no charge. However, free will offerings are accepted.

Nathan Rupp facilitates the program with assistance from many volunteers from the church congregation. Pastor Chip Steffy is lead pastor at the church and often is on hand each Wednesday to help with homework.

Vantage Celebrates Fall Sports Spirit Day – Over 50 student athletes, cheerleaders, color guard, and band members from all 13 associate schools were recognized recently on Fall Sports Spirit Day.  Vantage students gain advanced skills and training, graduating with an industry recognized credential, while maintaining an active home school connection in sports and other activities. Wishing all of our student athletes a successful fall sports season!

Assure Suicide Awareness Community Walk Benefiting Suicide Awareness and Support

Mercer County, Ohio September 7, 2019 – People from throughout Mercer County are participating in the upcoming ASSURE (Area Suicide Support Resources) Suicide Awareness Community Walk on Saturday, September 7.  The fundraising walk supports vital research, education, advocacy, suicide prevention initiatives and programs to support those impacted by suicide in Mercer County.

Ohio ASSURE Suicide Awareness Community Walk is an annual walk to bring awareness of suicide prevention practices throughout Mercer County and the surrounding area through community outreach programs.

“Our hopes are that this walk will not only help raise funds for research, but help people understand suicide and its effects on family and friends.  It will also help local people affected by suicide loss and support our survivors by providing support groups and more,” stated committee member James Byron.

The Mercer County Ohio community walk will begin at Mercer County fairgrounds at 8:00 am for registration and end at approximately noon.  Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9:00 am and the walk officially starts at 9:15 am.  “It is not necessary to walk the entire time, come when you can, leave when you must, but your support is desperately needed,” stated committee chairman Margie Griesdorn. 

It is estimated that close to 1 million Americans make a suicide attempt, more than 36,000 die by suicide, and more than 20 million suffer from depression each year. In an average year, in Mercer County, law enforcement encounters approximately 50 people who threaten suicide, attempted suicide, and sadly some that complete suicide. This walk is to bring awareness and hope for those who struggle with life.

Donations to support Assure and its mission can be made anytime at www.assuremc.org/donate.

Plastic Caps Collected for Benches

Reed Shaffer of the Rockford American Legion Post 508  recently gave a donation to Pastor Matt, the New Horizons Student Ministries Leader,  in show of appreciation for the help with the plastic cap collection.  The plastic caps will be processed into benches that will surround the Veterans Memorial at Hedges Park in Rockford. 

The Veterans Memorial dedication is slated for Memorial Day 2020.   It's wonderful to see organizations working together to honor our Veterans.

Retired Public Employees Plan Meeting with Guest Speaker on Scams
The Mercer County PERI Chapter #13 will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.  The meeting will begin at 10:00 A.M. and be held at the Hopewell Grange Hall on the grounds of the Mercer County Fairgrounds.  In attendance will be the newly appointed representative for District #2, Mr. Robert White. 

Guest speaker will be Ms. Katie Harper, Outreach Coordinator for the Ohio Attorney General's office for consumer protection.  Ms. Harper is an enthusiastic & informative speaker cautioning the public about telephone scams and other fraud situations.

As always, those arriving early are welcome to coffee, juice, and donuts beginning at 9:30 A.M.

by Sharon Heitbrink, Secretary PERI Chapter #13 

Van Wert Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class Invites You
We’re building local leaders with the Chamber’s Leadership Van Wert County Program. We are now accepting nominations for the Class of 2020 through Friday, September 25th.

Van Wert area companies with vision make it a priority for develop their leadership skills through the Leadership Van Wert County program. 

Leadership Van Wert County is a program which provides leadership development to area residents and employees to strengthen their ability to become effective leaders both at work and within their communities. Participants will develop an awareness and sensitivity to issues facing their organizations, challenging them to enhance their own leadership skills to best serve their companies and the Van Wert community. 

Participants in the program meet one day a month for total of nine monthly sessions beginning with a “Meet the Class” breakfast on Friday, September 27th at Willow Bend C.C. 

“The Leadership Program sharpens an individual’s leadership skills.  It also enhances the skills a person already possesses,” shares Class of 2016 Graduate and current committee member, Mitch Price. “This program teaches leadership principles and offers the opportunity for individual and workplace growth.  Leaders show themselves in different areas at different times during the program.”

A variety of leading edge leadership topics are covered during the program to ensure a diverse curriculum for participants, including personality styles, conflict resolution, project management, change management, team building, volunteerism, time management, social services, Van Wert County resources and tours, and the FISH! Philosophy.  Class members will also receive a free ticket to the Leadercast event on May 7, 2020. Leadercast 2020 is an opportunity to see and hear world-renowned leaders unveil their vision and strategies to become leaders worth following.

Rockford Bi-Centennial Committee Posts Meeting Dates

Please mark your calendars for the following Bicentennial Committee meetings -
all meetings begin at 7 pm - Rockford Village Hall 

September 9  * Note 2nd Monday of month
October 14 * Note 2nd Monday of month
November 4
December 2

Parkway September 2019 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

 
August 24-31, 2019
 

A brand new Motor Inn Truck Stop and Restaurant are nearly finished at the intersection of U.S. Rte 33 and St. Rt. 127 in Mercer (Mendon) Ohio. The old buildings had served the area since the c 1950's, when it was an all-night diner, truck stop and gas station. Buildings were beyond repair. The new buildings sit directly behind the old. Thanks to Patrick Agler for sharing the demolition pictures!

REMINDER

Concession Stand Workers Listed for Friday, August 30, 2019

The following Parkway Music Booster parents are scheduled to work in the concession stand on Friday, August 30, 2019 for the game against Crestview.

Mike and Tara Baltzell; Ryan and Leah Thompson; Doug and Lynne Hughes; Bruce and Trisha Berry; Kyle and Mary Osborne; Jason and Lindsay Baxter; and Justin and Summer Ellis.

Please arrive by 5:45 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!

 
August 22-23, 2019
 

WABASH ROAD IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF FT. RECOVERY AND ST. JOE ROAD

Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart announced today, contingent upon weather conditions, Kahlig Dozing & Excavating, Inc. is continuing construction work Wednesday, August 21, 2019 on a 1 mile section of Wabash Road northeast of the Village of Ft. Recovery. 

The improvements will involve horizontal and vertical road improvements, pavement and shoulder widening and resurfacing.  The road will be closed to through traffic for approximately 5 weeks and local access will be maintained.  The completion deadline for the project is October 1, 2019.

Right-of-way stakes and construction staking will be placed and need to remain for the duration of the project.

Our office is available to try to answer any questions you may have about the project. 

by Mercer County Engineer’s Office Phone: 419.586.7759
Email: engineer@mercercountyohio.org 

To Read Older Articles - Click Here

 
August 12- 21, 2019
 

Bonfire Planned - GO PANTHERS! BEAT CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS!

All Panthers fans are invited to come support the football team at a bonfire at River Trail Campground on August 29th at 7:15, 7712 Deepcut Rd, Mendon.  

Link to all Fall Sports Schedules for the Parkway Panthers!

Support the Parkway Band Program
Attend the  Lima Area Concert Band Coming to Parkway High School
By Sheila Baltzell-Linn

The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert band will be held on Sunday, September 8th at 3 pm in the auditorium at Parkway High School located at 400 W Buckeye St. in Rockford.

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

Lima Area Concert Band

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

And, who else knew this better than the late Larry Seibert!?

A gift to Karen, by her friend Deb Wolters, this drawing of Larry is by artist Julie Baltes.

Larry’s Lifetime of Music

Larry Seibert, a Mendon native and more recently a citizen of Rockford, had volunteered with the Lima Area Concert Band  from 2006 until his death in January 2017. Although bassoon was his instrument of choice, Larry could play several instruments well.  Larry first learned he had esophageal cancer in 2013, according to his loving widow, Karen (Donnerberg) Seibert, who is sponsoring this concert in Larry’s memory. Following treatment, the cancer was found to be in remission. 

Unfortunately the cancer returned in 2016 and despite their efforts to combat it, the cancer took his life much too early on January 28, 2017.

Larry was a Defiance college graduate with a degree in Music Education K-12. He taught briefly but then, as many of you may remember, he went to work with family at Bob’s Audio-Video in Celina, OH. Larry had a real knack with electronics but always kept one foot in the music industry.

He played with: the West Ohio Big Band; Grand Lake Symphony Orchestra; Dick Sherrick’s Van Wert Alumni Band; St. Marys Community Band; Black Swamp Musicians and the Bluffton College Community Band. Karen says he fully returned to music in 2000 playing with Grand Lake Symphony Orchestra and  Bluffton College.

A short time later he joined the Lima Area Concert Band playing clarinet. Beyond teaching and directing, Larry came from a very musically inclined family, which included his father and nieces Sarah and Shirissa Seibert, all Mendon/Parkway alumni.

One of Larry's biggest dreams was to offer the caliber of music that the Lima Area Concert Band plays to his Rockford family and friends and to show to the local band students that playing music shouldn't end after high school.  “Music fed his soul,” said Karen. Larry helped to plan and coordinate the first concert at Parkway in August of 2016.

Karen and the Parkway School Band Program invites the community and surrounding communities to please join with them as they celebrate Larry's life and enjoy the wonderful music as performed by Larry's close friends and a large part of his music “family”, the extremely talented musicians of the Lima Area Concert Band.

Concert Details

The Larry Seibert Memorial Concert featuring the Lima Area Concert band will be held on Sunday, September 8th at 3 pm in the auditorium at Parkway High School located at 400 W Buckeye St. in Rockford.

Adult tickets - $7 and Students - free

All proceeds will benefit the Parkway High School Band Program.

Parkway Boys Golf at Lancer Invitational on August 12, 2019

The Parkway Boys Golf team finished 4th out of 7 teams at the Lancer Invitational at Hickory Sticks  Golf Club (par 72) in Van Wert on Monday. Three Panthers, Hunter Bruns, Gabe Schaaf, and Camdyn Clay, led the way with scores of 93. Caden Slusher finished the the top four with a 96, for a team total of 375. Adam Stephenson and Breyden Bruns both shot 100 for Parkway as well. Hunter Bruns received 10th place individual honors by winning the tiebreaker.

by Joe Falk

Head Boys Golf Coach

Parkway Boys Golf Team Meet at Celina Invitational 8-9-2019

By Joe Falk, Head Golf Coach

Click Here for the Parkway Boys Golf Teams' Schedules

Karen Seibert of Rockford opened her massage therapy studio at 211 N. Oak Street in Rockford.
Trained and graduated in 2015 at the Institute of Therapeutic Massage in Lima, OH, Karen has now been a licensed massage therapist for 4 years.

Appointments at her beautiful new studio is by appointment only. Email her at karenseibertlmt@gmail.com or call her at 419-953-8782

Parkway School Board Agenda for Regular Meeting
by Sally Cox for August 13, 2019

Area Woman is Missing - Reported by Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey

Celina, OH-Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey today said the Sheriff’s Office is cooperating with several other law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate Shawna Lynn Rue, age 33, last known address 201 S. Walnut St., Union City, IN.

On August 8, we received a report from Shawna Rue’s sister that she had been missing since Saturday, August 3.  Her sister reported that she might go by the name of Shawna Ressler as that is her married name.  Her sister advised that was the last time anyone had spoken to her was Saturday.

The sister reported to Mercer County as, at that time, she thought this was the last location Shawna was seen.  Shawna’s husband is currently incarcerated at the Mercer County Adult Detention facility and Shawna visited her husband from 6:40-7:00 PM.

Sgt Westgerdes then spoke to Shawna’s husband, Steve Ressler in the jail.  Mr. Ressler confirmed that he did have a visit with his wife on Saturday evening.  He stated that they talked about some issues that did not make Shawna happy.  He gave Sgt. Westgerdes some locations to check that Shawna may have went too.

Sgt Westgerdes contacted law enforcement agencies in those jurisdictions and she was not located at any of those locations.  Shawna’s sister advised that she had went to a residence in Union City where Shawna was most recently staying and learned that Shawna was not there.   That is when she decided to report her missing.

Sgt Westegerdes contacted the Sheriff’s Office IT department and had the surveillance videos pulled.  Shawna left the Sheriff’s Office in her Black Chevy Trailblazer and there was no indication of any foul play as she left the Sheriff’s Office.

Later Saturday evening, Shawna dropped her children off at their grandmother’s house in Union City, IN.  The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Darke County Sheriff’s Office have both issued BOLO’s for Shawna.  “At this point, I don’t believe Mercer County has jurisdiction,” stated Sheriff Grey, “it appears that she was fine when she dropped the children off, and that is her last known location at this time, which is not in Mercer County.  We are continuing efforts to locate Shawna, however, we have obtained no new leads.”

If anyone has any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at 419-586-7724 and we will then ensure the proper law enforcement agency is notified.

Ft. Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor
"Celebrating 150 years of German Culture through Song - 1869 to 2019"

There is an  All you Can Eat Fish Fry and Pork Tenderloin Dinner sponsored by Ft. Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor coming this Fall

The location is  Ft. Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor at Park Edelweiss

3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809

Fall dates include:  August 9, September 13, October 11, and November 8

TIME:  4:30 to 7:00PM. Cost is  $9.00 adults, $5.00 children.

DETAILS:  All you can eat fish and pork tenderloin with scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, dessert and coffee. Full service bar available with German and domestic beer, wine and other beverages and soft drinks. Live German music.

 
August 4-11, 2019
 

Mercer County Fair - August 9 - 15, 2019

Parkway Boys Golf Team Meet

Rob Contini Memorial Lima City Invitational - LCC

Colonial Golf Course - August 08, 2019

1. Elida; 2. Lima Central Catholic 348; 3. Shawnee 354;

4. Allen East 364; 5. Bath 391; 6. Parkway 392; 7. Arlington 409; 8. Perry 0;

By Joe Falk, Head Golf Coach

Click Here for the Parkway Boys Golf Teams' Schedules

Parkway Golf Teams Scores - Celina Lynx Golf Club, par 72 on August 6, 2019

Mercer County Invitational Varsity Scores
Mercer County Invitational JV Scores

Click Here for the Parkway Boys Golf Teams' Schedules

Concert In The Park by Van Wert Area Concert Band

On Friday August 16th the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the band shell of Fountain Park in Van Wert, Ohio. The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public.  Music to be performed will include the 1971 CBS sports theme "Championship", Michael W. Smith's "Emmanuel", 1954 doo-wop hit by the Penguins "Earth Angel", Styx’s 1978 billboard hit “Come Sail Away”, and John Philip Sousa’s “The Belle Of Chicago”.   

Also featured on the concert will be tenor saxophone soloist Bob Loughrige playing “Harlem Nocturne”.  Bob was a well-known band director at Celina High School and legendary jazz musician in the Lima and surrounding area. Many will remember him, his brother Boyd and Jerry Amato as members of the popular dance and jazz band the “Pastels”. Bob also formed the 16 member group “The West Ohio Big Band”. The concert will conclude with rousing songs of The Ohio State University, including “Carmen Ohio”, “Across The Field”, “The Hey Song” and “Hang On Sloopy”.

          
A food stand will be available prior to the concert provided by the District Eastern Star starting at 5:00PM.  Please join the band directed by Richard Sherrick and featuring members from, Van Wert, Glenmore, Delphos, Convoy, Chat, Middle Point, Coldwater, and Rockford. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved to an announced location or cancelled. Please listen to the local radio station for this information.

Parkway August 2019 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Patrol promotes school bus safety - August is school bus safety month

VAN WERT – This month, thousands of Ohio school children will be heading back to school. For many of these students their day starts and ends by riding a school bus. The safety of the students riding to and from school and to school-sanctioned events is top priority.

From 2016 through 2018, 3,962 traffic crashes involved school buses in Ohio. During this time, four fatal crashes occurred killing four and injuring 1,268. None of those killed were on a school bus.

“All Ohioans can help make this school year a safe one,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “School bus safety involves a commitment from motorists, parents, and children.”

“Safety on the roadway is a shared responsibility by school bus drivers and motorists,” said Lt. Jonathon Gray, commander of the Van Wert Post. “Motorists should always exercise caution while children are boarding and exiting school buses.”

As the buses return to the roadways, the Patrol has a few reminders: Motorists are required to stop at least 10 feet in front of or behind a school bus when flashing lights and an extended arm are displayed and cannot resume driving until the school bus begins moving. The Patrol also reminds motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for school bus stops. 

School buses are also required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and once randomly during the year. From 2016 through 2018, the Patrol performed 121,876 inspections.

For a complete statistical breakdown of school bus inspections, crashes and passing stopped school bus violations, visit https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/School_Bus_Bulletin_2019.pdf

Mercer County Fair Art Activities

The Lake Area Arts Group invites fair attendees to visit artist during
next weeks fair. Opportunities to win art pieces will be available at
their booth and students can learn about the free art workshops
presented by The Lake Area Arts Group starting in the fall.

The schedule for artist will be from 11:00- 9:30 pm daily except Friday.
 
August 9, Friday 1-9:30 pm-Jeff Griswold and Laney Hughes - mixed
medium

August 10,Saturday -Mary Jo Stilwell- alcohol inks

Jill Parris- painting
 
August 11, Sunday -Sherry Chandler- ceramic/acrylics

Shirley Wenning- painting
 
August 12, Monday -Jane Dippold-collage/painting

Marilyn Stall-quilted art

August 13, Tuesday -Ray Feltz and Bob Hart- wood turning at 1,3, and 5
pm

August 14, Wednesday -Sonnie Bernardi-card making

August 15, Thursday -Grand Lake Photo Club, variety of artists and

photographers

2019 Citizen’s Academy
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that his office will be hosting a Citizen Academy in October - November of 2019.  The purpose of the academy is to give residents of Mercer County the opportunity to see an overview of Sheriff’s Office, and how it differs from other law enforcement agencies. 

This will be the sixth citizen’s academy for the Sheriff’s Office.  The first Mercer County Citizen’s Academy was hosted in 2013 and culminated in the graduation of (11) students.  We have had (75) students graduate from the academy since it was established.  The classes have consisted of citizens from different backgrounds, age groups, and geographical areas of Mercer County.  The participants attend classes that are classroom based, observe demonstrations, take tours of the facilities, and participate in hands on training sessions.  They are also provided with an opportunity to “job shadow” with staff members.

The 2019 academy will take place from October 22, 2019 until November 14, 2019, and will usually be held two evenings per week for a four week period.  The classes will begin at 6 p.m. and will last for 2-3 hours per session.

The academy is open to residents of Mercer County, who are at least 21 year old.   A background check is required.  Class size is limit.  Interested persons can stop at the Sheriff’s Office during office hours or go to our website at www.mercercountysheriff.org to obtain an application packet.  Completed applications need to be returned to the Sheriff’s Office by September 24, 2019.  If anyone has any questions they may contact Citizen’s Academy Coordinator, Sergeant Jay Wehrkamp, at (419) 586-7724.

 
August 1-3, 2019
 

Parkway High School Students to Pick up Schedules
Parkway High School students may pick up their final class schedule beginning Monday, August 5 from 9:00 to 3:00 and continuing every weekday through Friday, August 16. Students wishing to request a schedule change must complete a Course Schedule Change Form which is available in the high school office. Book fees will be assigned after Labor Day when all class changes have been completed. 

Parking Permits will also be available beginning Monday, August 5 from 9:00 to 3:00 with the following schedule:

Monday, Aug 5 -- Seniors only

Tuesday, Aug 6 -- Juniors and Seniors

Wednesday, Aug 7 -- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

Thursday, Aug 8 through Friday, Aug 16 (weekdays only) -- Any eligible students

Students planning to drive to school on the first day of school must purchase a parking permit. This includes students who are attending Vantage Career Center and are parking their vehicle at Parkway during the school day. Students must have a valid driver's license and may pick their spot on a first come, first served basis. Parking Permit applications must be completed, signed by a parent and have the $15 fee accompany the application before a permit can be issued. Applications are available online on One View and in the High School Office.  

Rockford Carnegie Library Summer Reading Program Concludes

I hope everyone enjoyed the Summer Reading Program. What a turnout for our last hurrah! Roughly 150 people and one VERY large CAT!!!

I want to thank all the parents/guardians/caregivers that took time out of their day to shuttle the kids to library programming. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” – Dr. Seuss

A BIG thanks to the following:

Shanes Park, Community Building

New Horizon Community Church – Meal Co-host

Adams Entertainment and Photography – The Cat in the Hat

We received coupons for all our little readers from the following businesses: Subway, Auglaize-Mercer Family YMCA, Bryson Pool (Celina), The Mercer County Fair, Neil Armstrong Museum, Monfort/Vorhees McDonalds, The Ohio State Fair, and The Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Library Staff, Miss Rachel Powell, and Olivia Scott

***Prizes are available at the library. Stop in to see if you won or check the complete list on Facebook. If you missed the party stop in to get your coupons and 2 FREE Books.***

Prayer Walk for Parkway Schools

Rockford United Methodist Church has planned the annual Prayer Walk for Parkway Schools. It is scheduled for Saturday, August 17 at 8:30 AM. Walk begins at the Parkway High School entrance. Everyone is invited to come and pray for our schools, staff and students.

Refuse To Be A Victim - Free Program

Do you have a child going off to college? Are you wanting the knowledge to defend yourself? Come listen to Prepare Awareness, to help you think outside the box, outside your surroundings. Things to think about when living outside Mercer County but also things to think about anywhere. Presented by Shelly Moorman from Arrow N Bows. NRA Refuse to Be a Victim certified Instructor / A.L.I.C.E Certified Instructor. Learn some hand maneuvers to give you a fighting chance. Palm to the nose shown by a 79 yr old. How you can strike back? FREE Program on August 6, at 6:30 at the Rockford Carnegie Library. All Ages Welcome. 

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
July 23-31, 2019
 

The 6 man team from WE Construction out of Piketon, OH recently finished erecting the new aluminum Panther Home Team stadium bleachers contracted out several months ago to Dant Corporation by Parkway School Board members.

Ed Alexander of WE explained that they assemble a set-up like this in about 2 weeks time. His team has done many bleacher set-ups for Dant Corporation. Everything comes pre-cut in packages ready to assemble. At the time of the pictures below by Todd Henkle, on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, they had a crane scheduled to lift the press box which was pre-made, with 2 filming decks, and angled windows to easily watch the action on the football field.

Click on thumbnail pictures below to enlarge.

Rockford UM Church Social Room
202 South Franklin St.
Rockford, OH 45882 

Coldwater 5K

The 26st annual Buzzard’s Glory 5K run/walk is set for August 3nd 2019 at 8:30 in Coldwater at Cavalier Stadium.

The chip timed 5K run/walk begins and ends at the stadium with registration from 7:00 to 8:00.  Pre-registration w/dry-fit tech shirt is $24 and  race day registration is $18 without shirt.  They will also host the Little Foot  ½ mile and 1 mile run.  Registration is available on line at www.speedy-feet.com until August 1.

New to this year’s race,  all runners 14 and younger will run for free.

Door prizes and awards will be given at the park after the race.

100% of all proceeds go to Coldwater Memorial Park and Coldwater Library.

This is the seventh of eight races in the Mercer Health 5K Challenge running series.

Results are available online at www.mercerhealth5kchallenge.com   and www.speedy-feet.com

Call Innergy Fitness at 419-763-1111 with any questions.

Parkway Back to School Night Planned on Tuesday, August 13
by Michelle Tribolet
Parkway Local Schools will be holding their annual Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This evening serves as an open house for parents and students in Preschool - 12 to visit their classroom, meet their teachers and bring their supplies to school. There will be no Back to School packets mailed this year as we have converted to online forms. Parents may now update their childrens' back to school forms online   All forms must be completed online by September 2.  Computers are available at school in each office, if needed.  Mrs. Pam Smith, Cafeteria Supervisor, will be available to add money to students' lunch accounts. That evening, bus drivers will also be available.   Elementary School - Students in grades K-4 who are new to the school district are asked to meet in the Elementary Gym at 6:30 p.m.  Middle School - 5th Grade and New Student Orientation - Learn everything you need to know about the middle school from 6:45-7:30 in the Auditorium.  You may visit your classrooms and meet your teacher before or after orientation.  This night will also be the last time you may make any bussing changes until August 27. Parkway Local Schools first day is Monday, August 19.

VAN WERT COUNTY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2019-2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
 

The Van Wert County Foundation’s Board of Trustees honored two retiring long-time trustees and welcomed two new board members at their Annual Meeting in June.

Mike Cross retired from the Board of Trustees. Mr. Cross was elected to the board in 1998, served as a member of the board for 21 years. “We are grateful for his commitment to The Foundation and to our community. During his time on the board, Mike oversaw various committees, served as President of the Board from 2005-2007, and represented The Foundation on the Wassenberg Art Center Board, shared Seth Baker, VWCF Executive Secretary.

Paul Svabik also retired from the Board of Trustees. Mr. Svabik served as a member of the board for 10 years. “During his time on the board, Paul served as President from 2016-2018, served on various committees, and helped to forge The Foundation we know today”, continued Baker.

Newly-elected trustee, Cindy Hurless, is the Chief Operating Officer of the Central Insurance Companies.  She and her husband Mark have six children and three grandchildren. She is a member of Life House Church and Van Wert Rotary.  She and her husband are involved in a variety of community outreach activities. They enjoy gardening, cooking, sports, and travel.  She also serves on the YWCA Board and NPAC Board.

Tom Burenga, was also elected to the Board. Burenga is the CEO of Kenn-Feld Group LLC, an eight location John Deere dealer with locations in Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana. He and his wife, Julie, have two daughters - Jamie, age 16, and Mandy, age 12. In his free time, Tom enjoys growing a garden and canning salsa each summer. He also likes growing hot peppers and creating things from them.  He currently serves as a trustee for First United Methodist Church in Van Wert. 

“We are excited to install Cindy and Tom as trustees.  Both are a great fit to carry out the mission of our organization – Transforming quality of life by fulfilling purposeful endowments, inspiring collective growth, and building initiatives for the future. I look forward to working with them on committees and upcoming projects”, stated Andy Czajkowski, Board President. 

Board of Trustee members for 2019-2020 listed below:

 

Andy Czajkowski, President

Chuck Koch, Vice President

Gary Clay, Secretary

Tom Burenga

Larry Greve

Cindy Hurless

Bruce Kennedy

Thad Lichtensteiger

Randy Myers

Bill Purmort

Brian Renner

Gary Taylor

Mark White

Eva Yarger

Mike Zedaker

Portion of Tama Road Closed to Reconstruct Road
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is announcing a road closure on Tama Road between SR 49 and Wabash Road in Liberty Township for a bridge replacement and roadway approach reconstruction.  This road will be closed on July 23, 2019 and is scheduled to reopen by or before October 31, 2019, depending on the weather conditions.

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

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown opens August 2 at VWCT

All are invited to come experience the very best of our area youth. Van Wert Civic Theatre is proud to present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown on August 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and August 4 at 2 p.m. Not only does this classic musical featuring the Peanuts gang have actors who are high school and college age but is also directed and produced by the same age group.

In 2018 Griffen Waltmire, director of the show, approached the VWCT Board with the idea of directing and producing a summer musical for high school and college age youth. After much discussion, VWCT agreed to support the project and mentor the young people involved with the production. To support the financial commitment to the project, VWCT applied for and received an Ohio Arts Council grant. The grant review committee was most impressed with “the idea to provide mentoring and other opportunities for young directors” while “creating a pipeline for training young people while also creating new and future supporters of the theatre arts.”

The show is ready, and now all these young people need is an audience. Tickets are $10 and go on sale now from 2-6 p.m. at 419-238-9689 or anytime online at vwct.org.

The directing team consists of Griffen Waltmire, director; Dee Fisher, music director, and Dane Litchfield, choreographer. The cast includes Cooper Adams as Charlie Brown, Olivia Kentner as Sally Brown, Anna Reichert as Lucy van Pelt, Connor Johnson as Linus van Pelt, Austin Sheets as Schroeder, Justin Etter as Snoopy, Alyssa Taylor as Peppermint Patty, Emily Gehle as Marcie, Gracie Morgan as Frieda, Becky Rigdon as theLittle Red Headed Girl, and Gabby Thomas and Brooke Tigner as Woodstock.

 
July 18 - 22, 2019
 

Concert In The Park

On Friday July 26th, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the band shell of Fountain Park in Van Wert, Ohio. The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public.  Music to be performed will include a tribute in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon.  “Sea of Tranquility” by David Shaffer was composed to catch the excitement and exhilaration of that moment. Also featured on the concert will be sophomore trumpet player Una VanWynsberghe of Lincolnview High School playing Leroy Anderson’s “Trumpeters Lullaby”, an original composition by band member Chip Steffey “Prairie Fire Overture ”, Theme from “The Jetsons and “National Fencibles by John Philip Sousa.

 A food stand will be available prior to the concert provided by the District Eastern Star starting at 5:00PM.  Please join the band directed by Richard Sherrick and featuring members from, Van Wert, Glenmore, Delphos, Convoy, Chat, Middle Point, Coldwater, and Rockford. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved to an announced location or cancelled. Please listen to the local radio station for this information.

The new Pressbox came ready built. Notice the slanted windows for better viewing of the Parkway Panther Football Field.

Clever Clovers 4-H Club News
by Noah Krites

The final meeting for the Clever Clovers 4-H club was on July 15, 2019 with 11 members present and 3 guest parents. The pledges were led by Noah Krites and Lindsay Hatcher. Roll call was taken by writing your name on a piece of paper. The treasurer's report was given by Kayla Krites. Then, demonstrations were given. Grace Linton showed how to make a delicious chip sauce. A demonstration was given on how to make a fruit salad. Another demonstration was given on how to make a whole wheat waffle. Fair judgings will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2019 at the Van Wert Middle School.  All 4-H members should have already signed up online for their judging times.  

The Clever Clovers 4-H Club met on July 1, 2019 with 15 members present and 4 guest parents. The pledges were led by Josie Miller and Leah Krites. Roll call was taken by writing your name on a piece of paper. The Health and Safety report was given by Lizzie Spath and she showed what is inside a first aid kit. Demonstrations were given. Josie Miller showed everyone how to do a crumb layer for a cake. Then, Grace Linton showed how to use the persuasive form of writing called OREO, the O stands for opinion, the R stands for reason, the E stands for example and the last O stands for repeating your opinion. Lizzie Spath showed everyone how to make a fruit parfait. Alli Spieles showed everyone how to make a color wheel out of felt. Several other members gave their demonstration as well. The next meeting will be Monday, July 15 from 6:30-7:30 at the VWMS Healthy choices room. This meeting will be in preparation for 4-H judging.

The Clever Clovers 4-H Club met on June 17, 2019 with 12 members present and 5 guest parents. The night's meeting was about sustainable forms of energy in Van Wert County. First, we visited the Vantage Career Center solar field. The solar field covers about 5 acres of land and always face south to maximize the amount of sun the panels get. They provide Vantage with significant amounts of energy. We then traveled to a rest area between Van Wert and Convoy to look at information there about wind turbines. Finally, we went to a wind turbine at Blue Creek Wind Farm. Mrs. Sarah Moser provided us with information about the wind turbines. To climb up you have to climb 353 feet of ladder. It is 455 feet to the top of a blade pointing straight up. The box of the wind turbine is the size of a Fed-X truck. Wind turbines are separated for more wind power. The next meeting will be Monday, July 1 from 6:30-7:30 at the VWMS Healthy Choices room

Respectfully Submitted by

Noah Krites

Clever Clovers News Reporter

ATV Accident
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports his office is investigating an incident that occurred at the residence of 7515 Burrville Road, Celina.  Mercer County Central Dispatch received the call at 5:24 PM on Tuesday, July 16.

Carla Baucher, an off-duty Mercer County deputy sheriff, age 28, was giving her two children a ride on a Polaris Ranger ATV on the property of the residence.  Baucher’s 2 ½ year old son attempted to exit the ATV and fell onto the accelerator.  The ATV then struck 73 year old Mary J. Stachler and crashed into the garage area of the residence.  Mrs. Stachler, who lives at the residence, is Baucher’s husband’s aunt.  Baucher and her son sustained minor injuries but were not treated.

Mrs. Stachler was transported to Mercer Health by the Celina branch of the Mercer County EMS and later transfer to Miami Valley Hospital.

Once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Complete race results can be found at: http://www.mercerhealth5kchallenge.com

See pictures at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=mercer health 5k challenge ohio&epa=SEARCH_BOX
 

Parkway student athletes placing the top 3 in their age groups were Aaron Bruns 1st, and Riley Samples 2nd in the Men’s 15-19, Xavier Samples 2nd, and Trent Rollins 3rd in the men’s 14 and under, Alexis Berry 3rd in the women’s 14 and under.
Winning the Half Mile Fun Run this year was Amanda Barrett, followed by Helana Sinning, Noah Sutter, Janelle Dameron, Emma Jauregui, Kendra Dameron, Kara Fullenkamp, Stella Sinning, Holden Hays, Evynn Luth, Emma Sutter, Jesse Luth, and Kade Minnich.
Remaining Mercer Health 5k Challenge Races:
July 20th St. Clair
July 27th Lake Festival
Aug 3rd Buzzards Glory
Aug 10th Burkett

The Parkway Cross Country Program would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their donations and support of the Shane’s Crossing 5K.
Parkway Athletic Boosters
Rockford Fire Department
Shane’s Park Board
Barry's Market
Rockford Carryout
First Financial Bank
Subway – Rockford
TJ’s RoadDog
Taste Twirl
Dannon Yogurt
Mercer Health
Wabash Communications
Innergy Fitness
Independent Capital Management
Cooper Farms
Grand Lake Marathon
People’s Bank

 

CHIP & SEAL SEASON

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart is announcing that crews will be starting the yearly chip and seal work on various rural local roads in Mercer County.

We would like to request that yard mowing not be blown onto the county and township roads.  Doing so creates additional prep work to get the roads ready for chip and seal and slows the whole operation down.

Blowing excess grass onto the roadway also makes a hazard for motorists and especially motorcycle riders that most of us don’t think about related to loss of traction.  This becomes even more dangerous with rain on the roadway.  Stopping distances increase and friction between the tires and pavement decrease.  This scenario has caused tragic accidents and has opened up unknowing property owners to lawsuits.  We respectfully request that private mowers are turned around for a couple of passes to keep our roads and traveling public safe.

County and township roads with “Loose Stone” or “Loose Gravel” signs posted are roads that are scheduled to be chip and sealed this season.  These roads will have temporary closures during the chip and seal process.  We thank you for your patience in helping to keep the traveling public and our workers safe.

 
July 13-18, 2019
 

Parkway Class of 1964 Celebrates Reunion in 2019
by Rob Van Fleet

The Parkway graduating class of 1964 held its 55th class reunion at the Shanes Park Community Center in Rockford on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Twenty-four classmates and their partners met for renewing friendships and sharing life stories and memories of our experiences at Parkway – oh so long ago!!

We all had special thoughts for those classmates and teachers who are no longer with us except in memory, and this year we especially felt the loss of a great teacher and mentor, Boyd Granger.

After being welcomed by event organizers Marie (Shaffer) Obrock and Linda

(Shindeldecker) Huffman (photo left) the microphone was passed for all to relate their life experiences and their memories of our school days at Parkway.

A new set of planners volunteered to organize our next reunion to be held in the summer of 2022. Special effort will be made to reach out to those classmates who were not able to attend this reunion and those whom we haven't seen since our graduation in 1964.

Pictured in the group photo above:

Front row - Marie (Shaffer) Obrock, Sandra (Snyder) Shaffner, Connie (Davis) Conn, Linda (Shindeldecker) Huffman, Charlene Hawk, Yvonne (Beeks) Farmer

Middle row - Les Shinnerer, Elaine (Lugabihl) Sullinger, Melina (August) Agler, Janet (Fleming) Emans, Virginia (Hoffman) Fickert, Barry Copeland, Johnny Provci, Ned Pryer, Jerry Schaadt
 
Back row - Forest Yocum, Gary Eichler, Barbara (Snyder) Kogerman, Rose Mary (Binkley) Lampton, Nancy (Wendell) Bevington, Rob Van Fleet, Robert Haver, Danny Huffman,  Rollie Miller

Not shown: Gary Bayles

Ohio City Completes Trail Bench Project with Cub Scouts of Rockford #98

Approximately two years ago, the Ohio City Warrior Trail committee decided to start a project that would provide the trail with benches that would be paid for by collecting bottle caps. Since this was a youth program they contacted Ben Reigle and the Cub Scouts of Rockford #98 to assist. The Cub Scouts collected enough caps for five benches. Each bench took 1250 caps and some expenses. Ohio City American Legion # 346 covered the expenses. The Ohio City Warrior Trail Committee paid for the labor, transportation, placement, and the plates. 

Pictured above (front to back) First Row: Harvey McMillen, Levon Fox, Wyatt Pancake, Peyton Muhlenkamp Second Row: Jaime Delgado, Gary Profit, Brenda Weaver, Ben Reigle, Larry Krugh Last Row: Steve Anderson, Greg Bruns, Don Walker, Dan Amweg

Gymanfa (Welsh Festival of Song) Planned for September 1, 2019
Mark your calendar for Sunday September 1st for our annual Gymanfa (Welsh Festival of Song).  This marks our 104th year of honoring our Welsh heritage.  Our director this year is Christopher Uhl, who is originally from Van Wert and has been with us in the past.  This year he is joining with Paul Hoverman , also of Van Wert to put together a choir of 16-20 voices to entertain us for special music.  This should be a real treat.  Anyone interested in singing with this group should contact Paul at 419-513-0123.  Practices are being planned for August.  Our organist for the evening will be Connie Lloyd ONeill and on the piano will be David VanTilburg.

Fremont Canning Company, on Thursday, July 11, 2019, had the paving crew, Bowers Asphault,  from Walbridge, Ohio busy paving new driveway entrances to their $ 27 million expansion project at the plant in Rockford,, OH. Fremont Canning Company is nearing completion of a  warehouse expansion that will require special access from U.S. Route 33 on the east edge of Rockford. They are hiring approximately 70 people. 

The Mercer County Commissioners have hired VTF Excavation to do the new turn lane roadway work on U.S. 33 to accommodate the new $27 million expansion of Fremont Company in Rockford, and they were busy on the same day working on that turn lane.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Our Old Bookcase, July 18, 2019,  Mercer Co. Courthouse 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, 1995-1998

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

Photo Caption:  Members of the Mercer County Courthouse 75th Anniversary Committee in 1998:

1st Row:  Janet Gels, Kip Wright; 2nd Row:  Anita Huber, Jason Kaiser, Donna Grube, Ken Rosengarten; 3rd Row:  Nancy Desch, Mary Toms, Sue Heiser; 4th Row:  Joyce Alig, Betty Dilworth; Back Row:  Bill Dilworth, Jim Chittum, Damian Dorsten, Jeffrey Ingraham, and Mark Giesige.  Absent, Gene Weber.  Photographer:  Frank Zoretich, The Daily Standard, Celina, Ohio.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

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

William Kincaid, The Daily Standard, introduced the subject of the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Mercer County Courthouse, and the preparation for the 100th Anniversary of the Courthouse in 2023.  I took the following information from the introduction to the book, “Mercer County’s Courthouses, Celina, Ohio, 1824-1998,” which I wrote, under copyright, for this Celebration.

March 9, 1995, the Honorable Jeffrey Ingraham, Mercer County Historical Museum Director Joyce L. Alig, and the Mercer County Commissioners Ray Cron, Jerry Laffin and Ron Puthoff met at the Common Pleas Office to discuss the Mercer County Courthouse 75th Anniversary in 1998.  The following citizens were asked to serve as Officers:  Kip Wright and Janet Gels as Co-Chairpersons; Jason Kaiser, as Treasurer and Anita Huber as Secretary.  September 6, 1998 was chosen for the Rededication Ceremony. 

St. Henry Band and Director Rod Miller performed the John Phillip Sousa Concert.  The Honorable Jeffrey Ingraham invited the Ohio Supreme Court to meet at the Mercer County Courthouse.  The Mercer County Historical Society hosted a series of public lectures about the Courthouse.  Nancy Desch interviewed Senior Citizens who had attended the 1923 Courthouse Dedication.  An Anniversary Quilt was made and donated by Betty and Bill Dilworth.  Township Trustees made 75th Anniversary Wall Hangings.  A committee constructed an early 1900’s model train display.  A Juried Art Exhibit was planned.  Bruce and Sandy Dillon were commissioned to direct a historical pageant at Wright State University Lake Campus.  Gene Weber worked with Communications for Events.  Mercer County Auditor Mark Giesige planned Tours of the Mercer County Courthouse, with Mary Toms and several volunteers.  Damian Dorsten and Sue Heiser, WCSM and Donna Grube, WKKI, worked for publicity.   Commemorative items were prepared.  Ken Rosengarten worked with Schools for programs and  Time Capsule.  Jim Chittum, through Reynolds and Reynolds, donated stationery and Ceremony programs.

The Program for the September 6, 1998 Rededication Ceremony for the 75th Anniversary of the Mercer County Courthouse,  listed the Committee Members, the Speakers, the Offices located in the Courthouse, as well as comparisons of events in 1923 with 1998, e.g. population, budget, and other demographic data.  A Thank You was extended to the long list of people who made the Celebration possible. 

What about the people behind the scenes?  These are the volunteers who went quietly about their work.  Everyone who has ever planned a major event like this 75th Celebration knows very well, that without the Volunteers and the Citizens who attended the events, the Celebration would not have succeeded.  Mercer Countians and their friends and neighbors are fine people, as their ancestors have been fine people.  Without our Past, we would not be celebrating our successful present with positive plans for the future. 

I believe that everyone who served on this 75th Anniversary Committee for the Celebration for the Mercer County Courthouse, is proud to have been a part of this series of events.  Personally, I am proud that I wrote the book, “Mercer County’s Courthouses, Celina, Ohio, 1824-1998.”  The people, who use my local history book for their own publications, obviously like to study local history, also.

[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.]

 
July 11-12, 2019
 

Topping Off Ceremony Celebrated at Van Wert Health Hospital Expansion

Community members, officials and employees celebrated the Topping Off Beam Placing on Tuesday, July 8, 2019 at an early morning ceremony. Nearly 1000 people signed their names to the beam over the past several weeks. Some even wrote poignant remembrances of their beloved historical 60 year old hospital on the 32-foot steel beam.

The Topping Off Ceremony of the beam began with photographs at the beam  itself and then a welcome speech by President and CEO Jim Pope. “A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step,” he said, as he thanked the many people involved in the project from planning in 2016 to the construction crew now at work in the building process.

In explaining the Topping off Ceremony, he mentioned that the Scandinavians, in the Dark Ages, when putting on their new roof top, put a tree on top to pay homage to the tree gods (they built their homes of trees) and a coat of arms flag to signify that the place belonged to them. The beam raised to the top layer of the Van Wert Expansion  building has the Evergreen Tree (which will be planted later on the grounds) and the United States Flag. See the picture.

The $46 million expansion project is the largest to date and will house state of the art in-patient rooms as well as new surgical facilities. It is being financed by hospital cash funds, bank financing and bonds (as it benefits the hospital financial picture). Pope said that preliminary research in 2016 showed renovation costs on the existing structure would run into the tens of millions of dollars and would still leave the community with an old building and without the ability to incorporate future needs so the board decided the only way to meet the needs of the community going forward was to go ahead and build a new campus.

According to Jim Pope CEO, the in-patient rooms will be family friendly with plenty of room for private doctor consultations as well as areas for families to gather with their loved one.  The patient beds and rooms will be state-of the-art in communicating with the doctors and nurses at all levels. There will be new acute care and intensive care unit rooms, and all new labor and delivery rooms and C-section suite. There will be private entrances/exits and canopies.

The surgical suites will be larger and tech advanced to provide for all of the new advances now and in the future. A larger and private surgery waiting area is also included. Even robotics were figured into the equation as the planning committee looked far into the future of the health needs here at home.

Left to Right: Jade Painter - Construction Coordinator; Mark Johnston - Project Manager; Jim Pope - President and CEO; and Curtis Zink - Site Supervisor.

Jim Pope with free t-shirts - Top 100 Hospital Award!

Construction on the Surgery and Inpatient Expansion Project began in September 2018 and has seen substantial progress over the past 10 months. “We’re energized about the progress thus far on the project and we are so happy to be celebrating this milestone with the entire community, and ultimately, celebrating the evolution of the project as we move into the next era of health care in our region,” shared Jim Pope, President and CEO of Van Wert Health.

Left to right: Dr. Jellinger and Radiology Staff

Reverend Demon Johnson provided the blessing after which the beam was raised by a large crane by the Weigand Construction team and placed onto the top of the expansion.

Later that day they began pouring concrete and by Fall 2019, the structure will be enclosed for inside finishing. The project will be completed in October 2020 when the current hospital will be anchored by a new two-story, 84,000 square-foot facility which will help further address the health care needs of residents and visitors in our area.

Parkway New Student Registration Days

Parkway Local Schools will be holding Registration Days on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7 from noon - 6:00 p.m. Only those students in K -12 who are new to the district need to register. Our registration process can now be completed online. Please call the appropriate office at 419-363-3045 for website information and to schedule a time to bring the necessary documents to the school to finalize the registration process on one of these two days.  Please note that all athletes need to be registered online before August 1.

Parkway School Board Agenda for Regular Meeting
by Sally Cox for July 16, 2019

Lee and Audrey (Linn) Schimmoller of Van Wert, OH, announce the birth of a daughter.
Everly Rochelle was born on Friday, June 28, 2019, at Van Wert Hospital at 9:43 PM.

She weighed in at 6 lbs. 15 oz. and measured 19 inches long. Grandparents are: Monte and Renee (Harding) Linn of Willshire; and Richard and Joyce Schimmoller of Venedocia. Great grandparents are: Judy Harding of Willshire; Duane and Pat Linn of Rockford; Don and Nancy Schimmoller of Venedocia; and Doc and Dorothy Miller of Venedocia.

"Evy" has been welcomed home by his sister Alyah age 11 and brother Blake age 4.

Click here for other births.

Celina Block Party Planned
A Taste of Celina Block Party and Car Show is scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2019 in downtown Celina.  The festivities begin at the corner of Main and Market Streets and go south to Warren Street.   From 5 -10pm, you will be able to taste the unique specialties of 16 different Celina restaurants and caterers.  Each restaurant will serve 3 or 4 different specialties.  Each food item will take between 1 and 4 tickets.  Presale tickets are on sale at the Celina Mercer County Chamber office located at 121 East Logan Street in Celina.  Tickets will also be on sale that evening at the Chamber Ticket Tent.  At the Chamber office, the first 2000 tickets will be sold at a buy 20 tickets and get 1 ticket free promotion. 

Plenty of tables and chairs will be set up in the street.  There will also be live entertainment provided. Several local establishments will be open after the event closes with special entertainment.  After eating, feel free to browse through the unique specialty shops.  Again this year at the south end of Main Street is the cruise in car show.

For more information, call the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce at 419-586-2219.   Be sure to visit the Celina Mercer Chamber Facebook Page for  Taste of Celina menus and contests to win tickets!

Civic Theatre youth show opens next week

Each summer the Van Wert Civic Theatre provides performing opportunities for youth and theatre experiences for everyone in the family.  Next week, Little Red: Life in the Hood will open for a 3-performance run.  Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 21.  All tickets are $10.  This show is suitable for all ages and runs about one hour.  Tickets go on sale July 15.  Call the box office at 419-238-9689 from 2 – 6 p.m. or go online to vwct.org to reserve tickets.  All tickets must be paid for at the time of reservation.

Director Monica Campbell has assembled a cast to bring to life this quirky retelling of the well-know story of Little Red, her grandma, and the wolf.  Little Red appears on a talk show to tell all to talk show host Telly Tellus but is rudely interrupted by Grandmother and the Wolf. It seems Red Riding Hood's version is nothing but a fairy tale! The Grandmother and the Wolf insist on equal airtime. Other fairy tale characters pop in to and to the excitement as the plot twists and turns through several different versions of the story.

Hannah Bouillon and Hatti Bouillon serve as assistant directors for Little Red: Life in the Hood while also appearing onstage.  Members of the cast include the following:   Olivia Anthony, Lauren Black, Jennifer Benson, Hatti Bouillon, Olivia Bloom, Bryanna Cole, Harmony Dillon, Kortnie Galloway , Beth Garrett, Addie Guyton, Kody Hamilton, Connor Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Sydney King, Landen Kramer, Ella Lamb, Evvy Lamb, Dante Lippi, Ivy Lippi, Hannah McKenzie, Abbie Mengerink,  Gracie Morgan, Danni Piske, Lizzie Spath, Gabby Thomas, Kordane Thomas, Brooke Tigner, and Kennadie Vizuete.

The final youth show of our summer season, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, opens August 2.  Tickets go on sale July 29.  This full-scale musical production features high school and college age youth.  More information about this cast will be released soon.

 
July 8-10, 2019
 

The 6 man team from WE Construction out of Piketon, OH are busy this week of July 7-July18 are busy assembling and erecting the new aluminum Panther Home Team stadium bleachers contracted out several months ago to Dant Corporation by Parkway School Board members.

Ed Alexander of WE explained that they assemble a set-up like this in about 2 weeks time. His team has done many bleacher set-ups for Dant Corporation. Everything comes pre-cut in packages ready to assemble. All parts including bolts come together. At the time of the pictures on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, they were working on the lower deck for handicapped accessible seating complete with a ramp. But as the week progresses, more and more sections will be added until the full 15 rows are completed.

The press box will come this week, pre-made, with 2 filming decks, and angled windows to easily watch the action on the football field.

Ice Cream Social
St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell Township, will be having an Ice Cream Social on Thursday, July 18 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m in their air conditioned parish hall.  On the menu will be homemade sandwiches, pies, cakes as well as homemade ice cream.  A free will donation will accepted to benefit the Celina Disaster Relief efforts.  The church is located at the corner of State Route 118 and Oregon Road.  Hope you are able to join us!!

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting Active Shooter Training on July 11 & July 12, 2019

The training will be presented by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Coldwater PD, and will be held at the Coldwater Middle School.

We have scheduled two separate (8) hour training days.  Each day will have the same training so that departments can send half of their personnel the first day and the other half the next day.  The Sheriff’s Office is covering the cost of providing the training. 

There will be a short classroom portion of the training that will be followed up with hands on roll playing scenarios involving intruders and victims.  We will be utilizing the use of “air soft” guns to help simulate “Force” on “Force” training.

This will be the 5th year for the Sheriff’s Office hosting an Active Shooter Training session in Mercer County.  We have had (49) students sign up to attend the class from most of the Law Enforcement agencies in Mercer County.

We have been moving the training throughout the county.  We have had training at Marion Locals Schools, Ft. Recovery Schools, Parkway Local Schools, and St. Henry Schools in the past.  Our hope is to allow all of the officers from Mercer County to attend training in each of the School Districts so that they get an idea of the general lay outs of the buildings that they may be asked to respond to one day.

We hope that we never have to use the training, but want to be as prepared as possible if we do.

The public may notice an increased police presence in the area of the Coldwater Schools.  There will be a large amount of officers in and around the school.  The area will be posted with training warning notices and areas of the building will be closed off to the public.

We wish to thank the Coldwater PD and the Coldwater Exempted Village Schools for their assistance in providing this very important training opportunity.

Jeff Grey

Sheriff

 
July 1-7, 2019
Happy Independence Day!
 

In 2019, the Old Fashioned Farmers will host the 43nd Annual Van Wert County Old Fashioned Farmers Days, from July 4-6, 2109, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, U.S. Rt. 127 South, at Van Wert.  The feature tractors are Case Tractors, Equipment, and Hit & Miss Engines.  All Brands are welcome.  Attractions include Antique Tractors & Machinery, Parts Swap & Sell Area, Quilt & Needle Art Show, Threshing, Gas Engines, Sawmill, Jr. and Powder Puff Pull, Car Show, Antique Tractor Pull, Trading Post, Crafts & Flea Market, Garden Tractor Display, Truck Display, Food Vendors, Animal Land, Free Barrel Rides, Kids & Adult Pedal Tractor Pull, Barney Fife Look A-like, Tractor Games, Chain Saw Sculpturing, Tug-A-Truck.  Music, Contests & Prizes!  Camping is available.
Visit the Website.  http://www.oldfashionedfarmersdays.com See the ad above!

 
June 28-30, 2019

 

For more information or a registration form, visit www.mercerhealth5kchallenge.com.

Mail completed entry form and check to Steve Fisher, 3953 Purdy Rd., Rockford, OH. 45882. For additional information call: Steve Fisher, 419-308-2080 or email: sfisher@jtdmh.org.

 
June 26-27, 2019
 

Church Members Honor Member/Family Veterans and All Veterans
Donation Made to the Rockford Veterans Memorial

Members of the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, on Sunday, June 23, 2019, donated money to the Rockford Veterans Memorial Fund. Donations came from members as well as the Consistory and the Women’s Guild and were presented in honor/memory of their church members/family who are and were Veterans and for all Veterans who served. The Rockford American Legion Post 508 and the Rockford Bicentennial Committee appreciate this generous donation. 

Seated front: Member Jerome Bollenbacher, Navy WWII. Pictured left to right second row Reed Shaffer – Army Reserve, Terry Joseph - Army, and Lowell Warthman – Navy Submarine - who are trustees of the Legion accepting the money, members: Duane Linn – Marines, and Dennis Laffin - Army; Back row left to right: members Marvin Schaadt – Army National Guard,   Jerry Bollenbacher - Army, Jerry Schaadt – Marines, and Hugh (Gary) Deitsch - Army. Photo by Jerry Deitsch.

Letter to the Community - Updated

Dear Friends –
 
We would like to take this time to extent a heartfelt THANK YOU to those who have donated to the Rockford Veterans Memorial!   Since May 2019, we have raised a total of $28,116 of the $125,000 needed to complete the project. 
 
 The Veterans Memorial will be located beside the American Legion and is located on State Route 33 in Rockford.  This memorial will be seen not only by the local community but by the many travelers passing by Hedges Park.  We believe this Veterans Memorial will be a benefit to our community.
 
 All around our county memorials stand to honor those who served in uniform and the battles they fought to protect our nation’s freedoms.   We need your financial help for this to become a reality in our community.   No donation is too small, it will take the entire community coming together to make this happen.  
 
Checks should be made out to the Leota Braun Foundation with “Post 508 Veterans Memorial” on the memo line.
 
Each donation will be tax deductible.   Mail to:  Leota Braun Foundation, PO Box 364, Rockford, Oh 45882.   We are still asking for donations.  The Veterans Memorial is to be dedicated at the May 2020 Memorial Day Service – Our Bicentennial Year. 
 
 Thank you for your time and consideration.   Please direct any questions to the
 Rockford Village Office at 419-363-3032 ext 1. 
 
 Reed Shaffer, American Legion Representative
 Jeff Long, Rockford Village Administrator / Bicentennial Coordinator
 Mike Schumm, VP of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society/ Bicentennial Coordinator.

 
June 24-25, 2019
 

Our Old Bookcase, June 27, 2019, Indian Relic Collectors’ Exhibit June 30, 2019

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

Photo Caption:  June 30, Indian Relic Collector’s Exhibit, Mercer Co. Historical Museum

Do you recognize the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors who bring you the Prehistoric Artifact Exhibit every year, on the last Sunday of June?  Have you taken the time to thank them for their dedication to preserving the history of the Prehistoric Indians who lived in this area thousands of years ago?  Let me clarify the difference between Historic Events and Pre-Historic Events.  Historic Events are events which took place after people started writing down stories about events and/or people of that time period.  Prehistoric events were events which took place thousands of years ago, prior to the time period of people writing and recording events.

The Prehistoric Indians lived here thousands of years ago.  They began arriving in this area, after the last great Ice Age was receding, about ten to twelve thousand years ago.   The prehistoric people left evidence of their existence in this area; that evidence included flint arrowheads, slate gorgets, and granite tools.

The Historic Indians are familiar to you, with the Native American Tribes, identified as Ottawas, Shawnees, Wyandots and Seneca who signed the revised Fort Meigs Treaty of September 17, 1818.  In October 1818, the following Native American Tribes signed the St. Marys Treaty:  Potawatomie, Wea, Delaware, and Miami.  These Treaties followed the time period when the Native Americans had possession of the land here in Northwest Ohio, i.e. north of the 1795 Treaty Line, locally known as the Indian Trail, or along the Fort Recovery Minster Road.

The 39th Annual “Prehistoric Artifacts Exhibit” will be hosted by the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors at the Mercer County Historical Museum lawn, at 130 East Market, (one block east of the Mercer County Courthouse), Celina, Ohio, Sunday afternoon, June 30, 1:00 – 4:00.

The public is invited to bring their personal pieces of flint arrow heads, granite hand axes, slate butterfly gorgets, and other pieces, and ask the “local experts,” to identify more information about their artifacts. 

The local collectors are able to identify the types of artifacts, as well as their approximate age and their use.  Many of these artifacts range in age from a thousand to several thousand years old.  The prehistoric people were in this area of Ohio following the Ice Age, as early as ten to twelve thousand years ago. 

Without the dedication of the Mercer County Indian Relic Collectors, perhaps, these artifacts which are thousands of years old, would have been lost.  Our Grandchildren might not have had the opportunity to see the creativity, the craftsmanship, and the beauty of these artifacts.  Our Grandchildren might not have had the opportunity to grasp the delicate work the prehistoric Indians achieved so long ago.  Will our Grandchildren be inspired to be creative and create works of art today?  Will our Grandchildren be inspired to create tools, which improve our life styles?  What have we learned in the past thousand years?  What have we learned in the past ten thousand years?  Were the prehistoric people, who lived here thousands of years ago, more competent in creating new tools than people today?  I ask you, would you be able to survive, living in the wilderness, and living off of the land, like these people did thousands of years ago?

This exhibit is not something for you to use to “pass your time on a Sunday afternoon.”  I challenge you to be inspired by visiting this Exhibit, and going home with new ideas crossing your thoughts in the future.  Encourage your children to share their ideas with you, not only about the past, but also about the future.  Young people have the most delightful ideas, which will impress you, as well as make you smile.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday afternoon, June 30, 1:00 – 4:00 at your Mercer County Historical Museum.  That is correct; this County Historical Museum is “YOUR MUSEUM,” owned by the County.

Norman Means, MD Announces His New Work Location
Norman Means, MD of Rockford recently announced his new work location at
Bluffton, IN Bluffton Regional Medical Center - a Lutheran Health Network.

125 E. Cherry St., Bluffton, IN 46714
(260) 919-3470

Mercer Health 5K Challenge Series continues in St. Henry
The Redskin Classic 5K walk/run will be Sunday July 7th 2019 at 8:45 A.M. at St. Henry, Ohio.  This event is sponsored by P. T. Services with the proceeds to benefit community improvements and events.

New this year, all runners 14 and younger can participate for free in all challenge races.

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

The course will start and finish on Columbus St. near the high school.  Race day registration will be at the school for $15.00 (Race tshirt not included).

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

For those who complete 6 of the 8 races will earn a Challenge T-shirt, and if you run all eight races you will earn Challenge running apparel.  Good running!

 
June 19-23, 2019
 

Willshire Days Coming
Visit Willshire Days, Annual Community Festival, on Friday through Sunday, June 28 through 30. There is a car show, crafters, inflatables, food, Princess pageant, talent show, beer tent, garage sales, petting zoo and so much more!

Miss Shay Bolton’s Senior Recital Planned on Sunday, June 30th at 3:00 PM – Everyone Invited

Miss Bolton is the daughter of Greg and Tabitha Bolton and graduated this past May with honors from Parkway High School. Shay has always enjoyed music. She has been taking piano lessons for 12 years and vocal lessons for 9 years. She is currently taking private lessons from David Van Tilburg of Celina. While in school she has participated in several musical performances, honor bands, and choruses.

Shay also participated in the State FFA chorus for 2 years and during her junior year auditioned and was selected to perform at The National FFA Convention along with 80 other FFA members from across the United States.  She also auditioned and was selected to participate in the OMEA District III Honors Choir for 2 years. Shay has been involved in many band activities that include marching band, 1st chair concert trumpet for four years and ASBDA Honors Band for 2 years.   

She has also participated in countless OMEA Solo and Ensembles. Shay was honored to receive The John Philip Sousa Award and also The National Chorus Award.

Shay will be performing several piano selections by Chopin, Bach & will also play a piano duo with her teacher, Mr. Van Tilburg from the composers Nielson & Young. Her vocal selections will include numbers from the classical and sacred world of music plus several from the Broadway stage by composers such as Pergolesi, Giordani, Conti, Guion, Meredith Willson & Andrew Lloyd Webber.

This fall, Miss Bolton will be attending Ohio Northern University in Ada majoring in music education.

First Presbyterian Church is located on the corner of Washington & Crawford Streets in Van Wert.  The recital is free and open to the public.

Plane Crash Kills Two

2 Killed in Plane Crash east of Gomer Sugar Creek Township – The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating an airplane crash that occurred in a field located southeast of the intersection of Tudor Rd. and Sandy Point Rd. On June 20, 2019 at approximately 4:42 P.M., troopers responded to a call of a plane in a field. Upon arrival, it was found that a 1981 Beech A36 Fixed Wind Single -Engine Airplane had crashed. The pilot and one passenger were pronounced dead on scene by Allen County Coroner’s Assistant, Jamie Sizemore. The names have not yet been released pending next of kin notification. Assisting on scene were troopers with the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cairo-Monroe Fire and EMS, Allen County Coroner’s Office, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash remains under investigation.

Van Wert Civic Theatre Announces Auditions

Van Wert Civic Theatre is gearing up to present the next season of live theatre.  Director Christa Manning and Music Director Dee Fisher will be holding auditions for Assassins,  the first show of the 2019-2020 season, on Sunday, June 23 and Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. Callbacks may be held after with a date and time to be determined.  Assassins, featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim, merges the stories of nine individuals who assassinated or attempted to assassinate United States presidents.  The show bends time and space to bring these characters together, revealing a dark side of the American experience.  In addition to the nine assassins, the show requires a chorus and other minor roles. 

The directors ask that those auditioning to familiarize themselves with the characters in the show and music in the show. Please prepare a 90 second vocal selection which demonstrates you range or ability. Accompaniment will be provided. Those auditioning are encouraged to be creative. These roles are demanding, and the directors need to see what you are capable of doing.  Visit vwct.org for a link to the casting requirements including vocal ranges of the characters. 

Musical rehearsals will take place during July as schedules allow with full rehearsals beginning in August. Show dates for Assassins are September 26, 27, 28, 29 and October 3, 4, 5, 6, 2019.

The Parkway Local Schools July board of education meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Culvert to be Replaced

The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart has closed Township Line Road between Fox Road and Watkins Road in Gibson/Granville Township for a culvert replacement.  This road is scheduled to reopen in approximately 2 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

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

SHARPSBURG ROAD IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN FLALER ROAD & FOX ROAD

Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart announced today, contingent upon weather conditions, Kahlig Dozing & Excavating, Inc. plan to start construction work Monday, June 3, 2019 on a 1 mile section of Sharpsburg Road centered on the intersection of St. Peter Road. The improvements will involve vertical road profile improvements, pavement and shoulder widening and resurfacing. The road will be closed to through traffic for up to 120 days and local access will be maintained. The completion deadline for the project is mid-fall 2019. Right-of-way stakes and construction staking will be placed and need to remain for the duration of the project. Our office is available to try to answer any questions you may have about the project. The contact information for the Mercer County Engineer’s Office is: 4884 Mud Pike, Celina 45822 Phone: 419.586.7759 Email: engineer@mercercountyohio.org

Beam Signing Marks Milestone in Van Wert Health Hospital Expansion 2019 Project

Van Wert, OH –All area community members are invited to sign their name on a 32-foot beam that will be used in the construction of the Van Wert Health Expansion Project. The beam signing events mark a significant milestone in the largest expansion project for Van Wert Health, which has provided health care services to Van Wert and the surrounding communities for nearly 115 years. Community members, physicians, hospital employees, and volunteers are all invited to sign the beam during any of the designated dates and times.

Guests should enter the Van Wert Health Main Campus (located at 1250 South Washington Street, Van Wert) and park near the large white tent, which will house the 32-foot beam to be signed.

Beam signing dates will be: June 20, 21, 22, and 23 and June 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2019 from 12:00-2:00 PM and 5:00 to 7:00 PM each day. Construction on the Surgery and Inpatient Expansion Project begin in September 2018 and has seen substantial progress over the past 9 months. “We’re energized about the progress thus far on the project and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with the entire community, and ultimately, celebrating the evolution of the project as we move into the next era of health care in our region,” shared Jim Pope, President and CEO of Van Wert Health. When complete, the current hospital will be anchored by a new two-story, 84,000 square-foot facility which will help further address the health care needs of residents and visitors in our area.

Highlights of the expansion project include a state-of-the-art surgical suites, surgery waiting area, all new acute care and intensive care unit rooms, and all new labor and delivery rooms and C-section suite.

Van Wert Health is also hosting a Pretend Play Hospital for children of all ages on Saturday, June 29.

Children and their parents are invited to the hospital any time between 9 AM and 2 PM where a special area will be converted into a land of make-believe where children can play dress up with child-sized scrubs and lab jackets; experiment with medical equipment like crutches, slings, bandages, and gauge; and enjoy play time with Van Wert Health doctors and nurse practitioners.

Business Enterprise Center at Wright State University-Lake Campus
June & July 2019 Class Schedule Line-Up

CELINA, OH – The Business Enterprise Center (BEC) at Wright State University–Lake Campus has announced a full slate of non-credit business classes for Summer Semester 2019! To access our full spring schedule go to: https://lake.wright.edu/connect/business-enterprise-center. Upcoming classes in June include the following workshops:

CONTACT INFO:     Must pre-register for each class. Call Carol Jones at 419-586-0902, or email Carol.jones@wright.edu, or follow us on Facebook: WSU-LakeHYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/pages/WSU-Lake-Campus-Business-Enterprise-Center/548195448562822"-Campus Business Enterprise Center.

“STARTING RIGHT” (Pre-Business Workshop Held Monthly)

This two-hour class provides you and your guest information to help you decide if business ownership is right for you and how to start your business the “Wright Way.” After attending this class, you are eligible for to free, individualized business counseling. Most issues such as business financials—cash flow, pricing, supply costs, record-keeping, etc., as well as Business Plan assistance, marketing and advertising, researching demographics, HR issues, etc.

We recommend all who considering starting or buying a business to attend one session.

MICROSOFT WORD FOR BUSINESS (openings still available!)

Learn the #1 document processing software! Discover MS Word’s unique features including various menu bars, inserting tables, charts, pictures, etc. Set tabs for a professional look or use columns to create your business newsletter. Learn to format your business correspondence to look and sound more professional including business letters, short memos, or long reports, etc. Set margins for different tasks, insert page numbers or use headers and footers. This class can help your documents look as professional as your business!

Dates: Monday/Wednesday June 24 & 26, 2019; Time: 5:30 to 8:30 pm {6 hours}; Room: 194 Dwyer Hall; Instructor: Carla Hirschfeld; Wright State University-Lake Campus; Cost: $90 p/person

EXCEL FOR BUSINESS

Microsoft Excel is widely recognized as the best spreadsheet software application for businesses. Through this short course series, you will learn how to create a spreadsheet, input necessary data, create charts and reports, and learn how to use Excel formulas in basic to complex computations. Join Carla as she delves into the world of references, formulas, and functions! Certificates of completion will be printed for all participants completing the total 15-hour workshop (all sessions).

Basic Workshop

Intermediate Workshop

Advanced Workshop

 ATTEND ALL THREE WORKSHOPS AND SAVE $$$       15 Hours of Excel Training for $200

Celebrating 150 Years Of German Culture Through Song
Who: Ft. Waiyne Maennerchor/Damenchor
When: Saturday, July 13 - Float in the Three River's Festival Parade
           Friday & Saturday, July 19 & 20 - International Village Tent, in Club Soda parking lot.
What: Serving traditional Currywurst (bratts with sauce) and Kuchen (German pastry)
Why: An invitation to join our chorus or just enjoy our yearly Dinners and Concerts.

 
June 17-18, 2019
 

Business, and Industry Fair in Van Wert on June 26
On Wednesday June 26th from 11 – 2 pm at the Van Wert Co. Fairgrounds in the Junior Fair building is the Health, Business, and Industry Fair. Several businesses will be present to share info with you on services that they offer including: health related topics, insurance needs, home improvements, and more! Free blood pressure and pulse oximetry checks as well as balance screenings will be available from area hospitals. Lunch available for donation, door prizes, and FREE ADMISSION!

Fifth Annual Summer Kickoff Festival on Saturday, June 22 in St. Marys at Villa Nova
The Lake Improvement Association will host the fifth annual Summer Kickoff festival from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 near the Villa Nova shelter house on the northeast side of Grand Lake St. Marys. Admission is free to the public, with all proceeds from events and concessions going toward the improvement Grand Lake St. Marys. There will be races, bands, food and fun games.

Rockford Memorial Day Thank-You’s Voiced
The Rockford American Legion Post 508 would like to extent a heartfelt thanks
to the following organizations that made our Memorial Day 2019 remembrance a success:

Willshire American Legion Post 207 

Rockford Sons of the Legion

Willshire Sons of the Legion 

Rockford and Willshire Boy Scouts

Mr. Ryan Twigg and the Parkway High School Marching Band

Pastor Chip Steffy – Rockford United Methodist Church

Rockford Thrifty 4H 

Rockford Carry Out and those individuals that served meals

The individuals that went to several local cemeteries to put flags on graves.

And grateful thanks to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we U.S. citizens enjoy every day of the year.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE By Joyce L. Alig, President, Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.
Our Old Bookcase, June 13, 2019,  History of New Idea Equipment at the Vatican in Italy.

Photo Caption:  The New Idea Hay Rake found a new home at the Vatican Farm, in August 1960.

This photograph was particularly striking to me, to see the modern New Idea Company No. 49 Hay Rake at the Papal Villa of Castel Gandolfo just north of the Vatican City.  At this Villa, the ruins of the Villa of Emperor Domitian are still standing as a reminder of life in Rome in the year 96 A.D.  Today, one can visit this farm and see the oak trees, and the olive trees that have centuries of history on this land.

The July-August, 1960 “Around New Idea” newsletter described the scene on the photograph in Italy.  Standing by the New Idea Hay Rake, were Right Reverend Monsignor L.G. Ligutti and Dr. E. Bonomelli.  This New Idea Rake was one of three machines which were shipped to the Vatican in April.  In 1960 Monsignor Ligutti was Director of International Affairs of the United National Catholic Rural Life Conference.  Dr. Bonomelli was the Farm Manager of the 180 acre Papal Farm at Castel Gandolfo.

New Idea Farm Equipment was not the only product going to the Papal Farm.  A group of United States farmers gave the Pope a gift of an Aberdeen Angus herd.  The Newsletter concluded its story with the following statement:  “The gift of the Aberdeen Angus Herd and the New Idea Equipment installed, is a symbol of American generosity, good will, and brotherhood.”

Most Mercer Countians who have lived here most of their lives are quite aware of the New Idea Company and its Century of work at Coldwater and all of its branches across the Nation.  Most adults are also aware that the New Idea Company sold its farm equipment around the world.  We think of business and industry, but we may not put a face on the very people who use New Idea Farm Equipment. 

Monsignor Ligutti’s parting words to the New Idea Company’s representatives were as follows:  “Any time any of you people come to Rome, a short drive to Castel Gandolfo must form a part of your itinerary.”   I am not certain if I will have the opportunity to travel in Europe as I did when I was younger.  However, I will remember Monsignor Ligutti’s words, and accept his invitation because that visit sounds like a walk through the archaeology and culture of Italy’s history.

This story about New Idea Company’s Hay Rake has been received so well, that it has been recorded in our new book, “New Idea Company’s Hay Tools, 1931-1999, Coldwater, Ohio.”  Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about their enthusiasm that our New Idea Historic Preservation Committee is publishing the Fourth Book about New Idea’s History. 

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

Civic Theatre offers summer youth shows

Each summer the Van Wert Civic Theatre provides performing opportunities for youth and theatre experiences for everyone in the family.  Next week, Disney Frozen Jr will open for a 3-performance run.  Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.  All tickets are $10.  This show is suitable for all ages and runs about one hour.  Light up snowflake wands will be available for purchase each night for $5 (cash only).  The wands will be lit during the song “Let It Go” allowing everyone in the theatre to be part of the action.  Tickets go on sale June 17.  Call the box office at 419-238-9689 from 2 – 6 p.m. or go online to vwct.org to reserve tickets. 

This weekend, director Monica Campbell, will be holding auditions for Little Red: Life in the Hood, a tell-all fairy tale comedy that has speaking and non-speaking parts for youth ages 5 – 18.  Auditions will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 16 and Monday, June 17.  All young people are encouraged to attend.  This show is not a musical. 

For more information about shows, auditions, or tickets, visit vwct.org. 

 
June 8-16, 2019
 

SENIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Alistair Fahncke, Matthew Gaerke, KeAndra Godsey, Mecaylah Hesse, Madison Kroeger, Faith Rollins, Isabella Strunk, Haylee Stukey, Loren Stukey, Tessa Thatcher

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Molly Baltzell, Shay Bolton, Hannah Eichenauer, Alexandria Ford, Kara Heck, Alyssa Miller, Olivia Scott, Grace Swander, Jonathan Wehe

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Jared Anderson, Justin Miller, Rachel Perry, Stephanie Schaaf, Owen Sinning, Bailey Strickler, Lance Weirrick

JUNIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Rachel Barrett, Aaron Bruns, Alexis Cairns, Autumn Ellis, Macy Henkle, McKenna Johnson, Brooke May, Kyle Roth, Olivia Rutledge, Hailey Stephenson, Shaelyn Thomas, Ashlyn White

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Cory Agler, Breyden Bruns, Ansley Burtch, Claire Eichler, Emma Gause, Leah Harshman, Kristine Kirby, Clarissa Krogman, Jason Luth, 
Sophia Miller, Kiersten Roehm, Grace Rogers, Alexander Tisdale

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Carley Boeckman, Courtney Harding, Jacob Haver, Nicholas Hawk, Ryan Hesse, Lily Hipply, Kaitlin LaBrun, Mason Landers, Bryce Lowery, Hailey Roberts, Gavin Stober, McKenna Temple, Corey Walls, Sydney Yoder, Emily Zimmerman

 

SOPHOMORES

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Avery Boroff, Kaden Boroff, Savanna Freeman, Sierra Freeman, Zoie Huffman, Brayton Luginbill, Lydia Miller, Kelsey Nichols, Elijah Rich

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Abigail Browning, Alexzandra Cottman, Brendan Etzcorn, Remi' Fokine, Madalyn Heindel, Kayla Kuhn, Haydn Ridenour, Claire Rutledge, Makenna Schumm, Mackenzie Springer, Sydney Waters

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Addison Barna, Breanna Beeks, Treya Conn, Grace Etgen, Graham Farmer, Justan Felver, Audrey Ford, Hunter Gibson, Clara Hellwarth, Dylan Hughes, Claire Langenkamp, Bryce Mihm, Andrea Miller, Samantha Noll, McKayla Sites, Jonathan Steinhoff, Adam Stephenson, Tyler Tinkham

FRESHMEN

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Leah Eichler, Lily Haver, Danielle Huff, Riley Samples, Benjamin Sheppard, Blake Strickler

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Kameryn Altenbach, Aiden Anderson, Alex Anderson, Cora Barna, Grant Bollenbacher, Cami High, Molly Hileman, Raegan Roehm, Jacob Rogers, Gabriel Schaaf, Chantry Simon, Ashtyn Sipe, Caden Slusher, Gracyn Temple

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Jace Armstrong, Bailey Berry, Camdyn Clay, Elise Darrigan, Alexander Gile, Ashley Hague, Chase Heitkamp, Jaden Hileman, Emily Jackson, Paige Jackson, Faith Jacobs, Chasity McGhee, Cade Schoenleben, Makenzie Stephenson, Montanna Vann, Briana Webb

Middle School Artists Featured at Rockford Community Days - Click Here

Rockford Lions Club Donates and Plans Car Show
At a recent meeting of the Rockford Lions Club, president Darrell Sheppard presented a check to Misty Riley representing the Parkway High School Baseball Parents.   The Lions Club contribution along with others in the community will assist with the expansion of the Parkway High School Baseball Dugout.

Under the direction of Lion Rod Heiser, project chair, members of the Rockford Lions are also finishing their preparation for the 25th Annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-In on Friday evening June 14th 2019.  The Car Show and Cruise-In on West Market Street in Rockford are held in conjunction with the Rockford Community Days.  The 2018 Car Show included more than 200 entries.  On June 14th, Car Show registration begins at 4 pm.  Judging begins at 6:30 and the Awards Ceremony begins at 8:45 pm.  Rockford Lions will also participate in the Community Days Parade Saturday afternoon, June 15th, 2019 at 4 pm.

Proceeds from Lions projects fund scholarships and help to fulfill local community needs and requests. 

Come to Community Days
Did you know by supporting Rockford Community Days you not only support the organization itself for permanent improvements to our village parks, but also other organizations from around our village all at once. 

You are supporting the Lions Club, boy scouts, girl scouts, 4H, a few local small businesses, St. Teresa's Catholic church, summer jobs for high school kids, parkway wrestling, local artists, Leota Braun charitable foundation, Mercer County Fire and EMS Depts (racing for relief) and local entrepreneurs. One event can do so much good with a little support from everyone!

Cant wait to see you June 14th and 15th at Rockford Community Days! 

Rockford Festival of Arts -- during Community Days

Dan Keyes - who is creating a historical themed mural on the side of the Rockford Firehouse for the 2020 Rockford Bicentennial.   Dan will be available for meet and greet on Friday - June 14th from 5 - 9 pm.  Learn about our local history and see the rendering of the Rockford mural !

From Minnesota, Dan lives in New Bremen.  He has a BS in theater and has acted professionally.  He has also worked at historical sites.  In his spare time he has been the drama director at New Bremen High School and 
Co-Founder of Lock One Community Arts.


Dan is a self taught and has done faux painting, wood graining, marbling  and murals.  He has previously painted murals in St. Marys, Ft. Recovery and Coldwater. 


* Check out Rockford Community Days for information on other local artists that will be participating in 
the Festival of Arts - located at the Rockford Community Building on June 14 and 15th.  Several painting 
workshops will be help - RSVP - limited seating !  

 
June 7, 2019
 

The Twenty First Century Club Gathers for Last  Meeting of the Year

President Karla Butler called the meeting to order and thanked the officers as well as the members for researching Remarkable Women. The club thanked her as well for her leadership. The theme for the year was memorable as the group learned so much. A note was shared from Susan Coburn which thanked Club members for their kindness of cards, visits, prayers and the Chamber gift cards.

Karla shared a newspaper article about one of the remarkable women from our membership, Sheila Baltzell-Linn, who will be retiring as Celina Schools media specialist after nearly 32 years.  It was also shared that Cindy Canary is retiring from her job at Central Insurance at the end of May.

Roll Call for the evening was “Tell about the children in your life or a favorite childhood memory.” 

Food Pantry items were collected. And, an updated information sheet was given to members regarding details of the Rockford Bicentennial Formal Tea to be held in May 2019.  Also, a description of the 4 committees was given to each.  A signup sheet was available if members were ready to commit to a committee. Each member is being asked to serve on one committee.  Committees may decide to meet before the September 2019 Club meeting.  At the September meeting, members will be asked to sign up with someone to plan for and decorate a table or two.  It was discussed that having a general theme would be helpful for the Entertainment Committee and possibly decorating tables.

New Business:  Karla Butler offered the name of Janet Steffy as a new member for Club, and she was unanimously accepted. 

Karen Nuttle then began the program by sharing information about Marian Wright Edelman, an American activist for children’s rights.  She is founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund.  Much of Karen’s information comes from two of Edelman’s books, The Sea is So Wide and My Boat is So Small and Lantern: A Memoir of Mentors.  Edelman’s father instilled in her at an early age to “right the wrongs” around her.  She realized early on in her education that to make the needed changes in the south during the 1960’s, especially for black women and children, she would need to have a law degree.  She was the first black woman to be admitted to the Mississippi State Bar.  Many of her accomplishments come from her ability to write letters that convince others to act and to change social injustices.  In reflecting on her career and work, Edelman gives credit to her mentors who told her that emphasis was on education, excellence and service, not just making a career.  Even though Edelman saw so much cruel and unfair treatment of people in the American South, she focuses on the “strength and resiliency of the human spirit and the ability of determined people to resist and overcome evil through personal and collective will.” 

Katherine Beckett then shared about the life of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education. During her childhood, Malala’s parents treated her differently than is customary in Pakistan.  They raised her to be the best person she could be, not the best wife.  She was educated by her father in the same way boys are educated.  However, at age 12 she was separated from the boys for schooling.  Her role model was Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to serve as prime minister of Pakistan or any Muslim majority nation.  As a young pre-teen, Malala had a blog, gave speeches, and was interviewed on TV where she shared about her life, making the world aware of the treatment of girls and women in Pakistan. When the Taliban rose to power, in October 2012 at the age of 15, an assassination attempt was made on her life.  In order to save her life, the Pakistani government took charge of her medical care and sent her, alone, to Great Britain.  Months later after she regained consciousness, her family joined her there where she remains due to her personal safety.  Malala has received several worldwide honors, including at the age of 14 a nominee for the International Children’s Peace Prize, Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice, and co-winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.  Malala will be 22 in July 2019.

Kara Ransbottom and Valerie Fritzinger provided delicious snacks.

The next meeting will be on September 24, 2019 in the RUMC Social Room.

Donation from America’s Farmer Grow Communities for new Danuta Cabin at 4-H Camp Palmer, Fayette, OHIO, June 6, 2019

The 4-H Camp Palmer staff and board are very thankful for a $2,500 donation. A local farmer-Kevin Wyse of Fulton County who was recently awarded an America’s Farmers Grow Communities Donation, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, and directed the donation to 4-H Camp Palmer. This donation was used to help with the construction of a new cabin. The new Danuta cabin was just completed and replaces cabin 2 that was built in 1955.  Thanks to primary donor, Walt Lange, this cabin is in memory of his wife Donna (Danuta) Lange.

Started in 2010, the America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, have been dedicated to partnering with farmers to strengthen rural communities. The programs provide funding for ag scholarships, nonprofit donations and school STEM grants. Since inception, the programs have awarded over $50 million to rural communities. For more information, visit AmericasFarmers.com.

4-H Camp Palmer began 72nd summer camp operation with Williams County 4-H Campers arriving on June 6, 2019. Besides the excitement of the new Danuta Cabin, camp also opened a new 240-foot zip line ride off the high ropes course and has a new STEM science program where campers can learn to fly drones this summer!

 
For addition information concerning summer camps, please call 419-237-2247 or email 4hcamppalmer@gmail.com.  4-H Camp Palmer is a non-profit 501c3 organization.

Caption: Pictured are Walt Lange (primary donor) and Elliot Lawrence (Camp Board member) who are holding giant scissors. Also from left to right Walt Lange’s daughter Denise, grandsons Kyle, Nicholas and Nathan, granddaughter Allysa and daughter Lisa.

16th Annual Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Pow Wow Planned

16th Annual NCGLNAC Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Portland, IN. Make plans today to attend the 16th Annual Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Pow Wow hosted by National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture on June 8 and 9 at the TriState Antique Gas Engine Association Grounds, 1010 Morton Street in Portland. This event is sponsored in part by the Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau and First Bank of Berne. The 16th Annual Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Pow Wow is a celebration of Great Lakes Native Americans and their culture. It features Native American drums, singers and dancers from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday June 8 and from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday June 9. A flute and hand drum contest will be at 12 noon Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. Other activities on both days include Native American vendors from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wyoming, Native American foods, a pre-1840 re-enactment camp, and artisan demonstrations. Special dances open to all are a senior dance (50+) Saturday, a kid’s candy dance Sunday and intertribal, two step and potato dances both days. All activities are included in the gate admission of $3 per person, children under 12 are free with a maximum of $12 per carload for families. Parking is free. Bring lawn chairs. In addition, 10% of the gate admissions will be donated to the Jay County Humane Society to help find forever homes for area homeless pets. The higher the attendance, the higher the donation to the Jay County Humane Society! So come out to a great family-oriented entertainment opportunity and help support the Jay County Humane Society at the same time. National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture, Inc. was formed as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 educational organization. The Center is composed of Native and non-Native members whose mission is to continue and preserve traditional Great Lakes Native American art, history and culture by helping pass those traditions on to Native People and by educating the general public about the importance of Great Lakes Native peoples, their art, history and culture. NCGLNAC owns nearly 30 acres (generously donated by the Jay County Fair Board) of beautiful, wooded land, complete with pond and wetlands, located just north of the Jay County Fairgrounds in Portland. The first ethno-botanical hiking trail was opened to the public in 2008. A stone parking lot was finished in 2014. Construction of the walking bridge over Miller Branch was completed in 2015. Construction of a second bridge over the pond spillway will begin this year. An educational gazebo is in the planning stages.   

Defiance Post Investigating Fatal Crash

Montpelier – The Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two vehicle fatal crash which occurred today at approximately 1:28pm on County Road K within the intersection of County Road 13, in Superior Township, Williams County, Ohio.  

A 2013 Chevrolet, driven by Andrea Cummins, age 46, of Montpelier, Ohio was northbound on County Road 13.  A 2012 Kia, driven by Kelly Gray, age 45, of Napoleon, Ohio was eastbound on County Road K. Kelly Gray’s vehicle struck Andrea Cummins’ vehicle on the diver side as it turned left onto County Road K.  Andrea Cummins was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Williams County Coroner.  The front seat passenger in the Cummins vehicle was taken to Community Hospital Williams County-Bryan where he was then transported to Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo.  Kelly Gray was taken by Williams County EMS to the Montpelier Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.  Seat belts were in use in both vehicles.

Assisting at the scene were the Williams County Sheriff’s Department, Williams County EMS, Montpelier Police Department, Montpelier Fire Department, The Bryan Municipal Prosecutor’s Office, Williams County Prosecutor’s Office and the Williams County Coroner.  The crash remains under investigation at this time.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always wear their seat belts, to never drive distracted or impaired, and to reduce speed during inclement weather.

Writer’s Club to Meet
The Stateline Writer's Club is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, at the Celina public library.  

The suggested topic is "birthdays." 

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

Council on Aging establishes endowment fund with VWCF

A new charitable endowment fund was created with The Van Wert County Foundation by the Van Wert County Council on Aging (COA). This fund helps to generate future income for the COA for years to come. 

The mission of the COA is to assist older adults, age 60 and over, to live their lives with independence and dignity for as long as possible in the environment of their homes. By operating the Van Wert Senior Center located at 220 Fox Road, Van Wert; the COA offers a place for citizens ages 60+ to enjoy fun and fellowship through many daily activities at the center. Favorites activities include euchre, pinochle, bingo, and there’s always a special event right around the corner. The COA provides essential services like transportation and chore services for those seniors who need it most. These services ensure a better quality of life to help clients to remain living independently in their homes as long as possible. 

This charitable endowment fund is open to the public for a donation. All donations become permanent principle which helps to create investment income. The investment income becomes part of their operating budget at the decision of the Van Wert County Council on Aging’s board in support of their organization. Your gift toward the COA Endowment Fund helps to ensure that additional services for older citizens continue for generations to come. 

The Van Wert County Foundation conducts such activities using only the investment income generated by the principal. Donors should know that those assets received by The Foundation will remain in perpetuity as a funding source forever. The Foundation pools funds for investment purposes. All contributions are professionally managed, and thus, donors have the advantage of a diverse investment policy. There are many options as to how to set up such a fund and those wanting more information should contact Executive Secretary, Seth Baker at info@vanwertcountyfoundation.org or by phone at 419.238.1743.

Pictured: (Left to Right) Seth Baker, Foundation Executive Secretary; Trevor Webster, Board President Council on Aging; and Kevin Matthews, Executive Director of Van Wert County Council on Aging

Did you know that the founder of Rockford, Anthony Shane or 'Antoine Chene' was a French-Ottawa Indian who was raised among the Shawnee and of the Catholic faith?  That his wife Lamateshe or 'Aqualanox' was a Delaware Indian who was an avid follower in the Baptist faith?

Rockford Historical Snippet
by Mike Schumm

 
June 1-6, 2019
 

Changes for Parkway Board of Education Meetings
The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education regular meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

The Parkway Local Schools Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.  The purpose of the meeting will be to approve overnight field trips and go into executive session.  No business will be acted upon after the executive session. Click Here for the Agenda by Sally Cox.

Contact - general Amy Joseph @
419-953-7874 or arts festival Lisa Kuhn @ 419-363-3032

 
May 28-31, 2019
 

Make your Own Barn Quilt!

Rockford Festival of Arts will be holding (2)  Wooden Barn Quilt Sampler Workshops on
on Saturday - June 15th - starting at 3 pm in the Rockford Community Building.
  
Join us as we learn how to make a Barn Quilt with Barb Pedroza or  Deb Schumm  
This event requires pre-registration at the Rockford Village Office.  
RSVP Cost is $15.00 cash.    Call 419-363-3032 with any questions. 
  
Space is limited - RSVP today !  

Plan Now for Rockford Community Days  
Are you ready? Its festival season and we are super excited to kick it
off with Rockford Community Days 2019. Join us for a weekend full of
family fun, free entertainment, arts festival, adult beverages,
fireworks and delicious fair food we all crave. All the festivities
will begin at 5pm Friday June 14th and continue through Sat June 15th.
Find us on Facebook @rockfordcommunitydays
For a complete list of events. Contact - general Amy Joseph @
419-953-7874 or arts festival Lisa Kuhn @ 419-363-3032

 
May 23-27, 2019
Memorial Day Weekend
 

Memorial Day 2019 – in Rockford

The Rockford Community is looking forward to honoring our Veterans on
Monday - May 27th with the following services:

The public is invited to honor our fallen veterans at Riverside Cemetery at 10 am.
Flags will be placed on the grave markers, a 21 gun salute will be given, and TAPS will be played.  

The Memorial Day parade will begin at approximately 11 am (When the band arrives) and travel north on Main street to the service at Hedges Park.  This is the site where the new Veterans Memorial will be built.  Our guest speaker will be Pastor Chip Steffy of the Rockford United Methodist Church. 

The Rockford American Legion will be holding a chicken dinner fundraiser.
The cost will be $7 - Tickets are pre-sale only and are available at
Rockford American Legion, Barrys Family Market, and The Rockford Carry

Memorial Day 2019 in Mendon and the Annual Mendon-Union Alumni Banquet

The 123rd Annual Mendon-Union Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday May 25th, 2019 at noon, at the Celina American Legion Post 210 on State Route 703 east of Celina.  Your reservation for the banquet meal needs to be in by Saturday May 11th.  Other events planned for Alumni Weekend include, a "Tribute to Patsy Cline" featuring Mary Pfeifer of Gardner, Illinois who will singing at the banquet, and then will be doing her entire show at 6:30 p.m. at the Mendon School grounds.  This is a free outdoor concert, open to the public, sponsored by various Mendon area businesses, so bring your lawn chairs.  Concert will be moved inside one of the churches in case of rain.  Sunday activities include an Alumni Golf Scramble at 8:00 a.m., a community church service at 10:00 a.m. at the school park, a carry-out chicken B*B*Q at noon pre-sale tickets only at the Methodist church, and an ice cream social at the Mendon First Church of God from 4:30-7:00 p.m. 

Monday morning, Memorial Day starts off with a breakfast by the Methodist Youth at the church from 7:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m., at 8:30 a.m. the Annual Memorial Day parade and service in the town park honoring fallen veterans featuring the Celina VFW post Honor Guard, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Parkway marching band, local scout troop, and guest speaker.

Parade time at 9:30 from the American Legion Post to the Willshire Cemetery for the service with speaker Pastor Mark Rutledge. Parkway Band will provide music. The parade will resume to the bridge for the memorial to the men and women lost at sea. Willshire Home Furnishings will have their military museum of 160 uniforms and memorabilia open Saturday and Monday  from 9 AM to 6 PM an one week following Memorial Day.

Norman Means, MD Announces His New Work Location
Norman Means, MD of Rockford recently announced his new work location at
Bluffton, IN Bluffton Regional Medical Center - a Lutheran Health Network.

125 E. Cherry St., Bluffton, IN 46714
(260) 919-3470

Patrice Wood Honored by Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame

Holly “Patrice” Wood was honored on Thursday, May 9, 2019 for her years of dedicated service to the people of Southern New England.

The Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame  named Patrice to its class of 2019 during the induction ceremony and banquet.

Patrice has been a familiar face on NBC 10 WJAR – Providence RI for nearly 40 years, first as a reporter and then moving to the anchor desk. She's also advocated for the adoption of children in foster care in her "Tuesday's Child" segments.

When accepting the award, Patrice raised her late mother’s newspaper reporter’s press pass for the audience to see and credited the late Virginia Meyer Wood with instilling a work ethic and journalistic curiosity in her.

"Patrice has dedicated her career to making WJAR one of the most watched and trusted news stations in New England," General Manager Vic Vetters said.

Other members of the class of 2019 are Walter Cryan, former anchor at WPRI-TV, Kim Zandy of WPRO-FM, and newsman Bill Haberman of WPRO. Patrice is pictured with other winners above (center) holding a bouquet of flowers and her "microphone" award.

Also honored in memoriam  was legendary NBC 10 personality Art Lake who received the Pioneer Award posthumously.

Lake spent more than 60 years at WJAR. He began as an announcer on WJAR radio in 1944 and made the transition to television five years later when WJAR-TV went on the air. He was a booth announcer, program host, news reader and ultimately, weather forecaster.

Art passed away in 2009 and was a colleague of Patrice Wood.

Holly Patrice Wood is a 1973 graduate of Parkway High School and grew up in Mercer County with her sisters Sheila Baltzell-Linn, Celina and Colleen O’Steen, Huntsville, AL. Their parents are the late Duane Wood and the late Virginia Wood.

Parkway High School Art Teacher Ed Kuhn invites the community to take a look at the art created by this year’s high school art students. He created a Museum of their work on a webpage accessible with a clickable link or a QR code link.  “I have never tried something like this before, and so I am very excited for smart-phone users to try the QR code in the invitation on the link. The url to the website is located below."

https://sites.google.com/parkwayschools.org/parkway-web-museum/home

Click here for the Invitation to use your Smartphone with the QR code reader.

 
May 20-22, 2019
 

Sapp Family Donates $1,150 to Rockford American Legion Veterans Memorial
Fifteen Servicemen from the Sapp Immediate Family Honored
by Sheila Baltzell-Linn, 5-20-2019
Photo by Nikki Sapp Fox

When the Rockford American Legion recently announced their plans to create a new Veterans Memorial in Hedges Park, adjacent to the American Legion Post  on State Route 33, the Sapp Family began to discuss how they could contribute and honor the men dear to them. Together, they raised $1,150 to honor their fathers, fathers-in-law, brothers and brothers-in-law as well as all veterans.

Their immediate family of veterans includes: Dick Sapp – Army; Roger Sapp – Army; Benny Sapp – Army; Dale Ellis – Army; Ted Ballinger – Marines; Don Frahm – National Guard; Ron Frahm – National Guard; Richard D. Kline – Navy; Paul J. Nichols -  Navy; Ralph Shindeldecker – Army; Ralphie Shindeldecker – Air Force; Jim Shindeldecker – Army; Harold Feasel – Army; Reed Shaffer – National Guard; and Kenneth Branstetter – Army.

Shown above, the Sapp brothers recently presented a check for $1,150 to help fund the project. Left to right: Dick Sapp, Roger Sapp, Charlie Sapp, Rockford American Legion representatives Reed Shaffer, Terry McMillen and Terry Joseph.

Family not present included: Larry Sapp (who recently passed-away); Steve Sapp; Nancy Kline; and Toby Feasel. They are all the children of the late Paul and Jessie (Snyder) Sapp.

The Sapp Family is also instrumental in keeping the memory alive of Benny Sapp, their brother who died in Viet Nam on November 20, 1968 through the Carey, Bill and Benny Scholarship Fund. This scholarship not only remembers Benny but Carey Fosnaugh and Bill Miller as well. The recipient of the scholarship is a Parkway graduate.  2019 recipient is Molly Baltzell.

Memorial Weekend Patriotic Concert In The Park

On Friday May 24th, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in the band shell of Fountain Park in Van Wert, Ohio. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public.  Music performed on the concert will include Patriotic selections that are intended to reflect, revitalize and rekindle the pride that each of use has as citizens of the best country in the world, the United States of America.  A few of these selections are, Flight of Valor in honor of United Airlines Flight 93, Stone Garden that depicts the cemeteries of our fallen heroes and Voices of the Battlefield. Area military personnel and veterans will also be honored with a Salute To America’s Finest. 

A food stand will be available provided by the District Eastern Star starting at 5:00, so come early and enjoy a meal. Bring a coat it may be cool. In the event of inclement weather please listen to the local radio station or visit the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band Facebook page.

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

 
May 14-19, 2019
 

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, May 21st at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The atmosphere is casual and all interested men are invited to attend.  For more information contact Dick Falkner, facilitator, at 419-629-9950 or mantoman@nktelco.net.

Simply Patsy Concert Free on May 25, 2019 in Mendon

Mary Pfeifer from Gardener, Illinois will be preforming her Simply Patsy concert Sat, May 25th at the old Mendon School grounds beginning at 6:30 p.m.  This concert is free to everyone. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the outdoors filled with the country music of Patsy Cline's greatest hits from 1955-1963. Thanks to many local businesses, churches, and Alumni Association this community event is made possible.  In case of rain Mary will perform in the Mendon United Methodist Church. 

Mary Pfeifer only recently discovered her ‘Patsy’ voice that was within her. In 2009 she auditioned and got the part of Patsy Cline in the stage play “Always Patsy Cline”, performing all week long to sold-out audiences at the Engle Lane Theatre in Streator, Illinois. The play met with such great success, that it launched a Patsy Cline one-man show for Mary, as well as a full Patsy Cline tribute band- Mary Pfeifer and The Pearl Handle Band . Mary has performed her ‘Simply Patsy’ tribute as the featured performer at The Bement County Opry, Bement, Illinois, at Festival 56 in Princeton, at the Annual Thresherman’s Reunion, and five times t Boot City Opry in Terre Haute, Indiana, as well as county fairs and local festivals. Mary also performed her ‘Simply Patsy’ for White Pines Inn, Oregon, IL and is returning for her tenth season at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL in their TRIBUTE  TO THE STARS series. Mary does not consider herself and imitator of Patys Cline, feeling strongly that there is only one Patsy Cline, but considers herself an ambassador of her music, gibing tribute to her life and songs. She likes to ‘Patsify’ her audiences with facts and trivia about the amazing young entertainer that left this world in the prime of her life. Dressed in Patsy-like attire, Mary will not disappoint her listeners as her Patsy-like voice takes them from her early recordings to her top charted hits.

This is Mary's second appearance in Mercer County.  She last performed in Celina, Ohio at  Romer's with Choice Travel in 2017.  She was a big hit and loved by all.   Come enjoy her music and stories.

 
May 13, 2019
 

Rockford Community Announcements and events:

Tuesday – May 14 – Brush pick up

Saturday am – May 18 - New Horizons Student Ministries - bottle cap collection to benefit the Veterans Memorial

(Will be 3rd Saturday of each month)

Sunday – May 19th – Parkway Graduation

Monday – May 27 – Memorial Day Remembrance

Friday and Saturday – June 14/15 – Rockford Community Days

Saturday – June 22nd – Fox Family Ride for Autism

Click here to read above events and back minutes May 7, 2019 by Fiscal Agent Lisa Kuhn

Rockford Festival of Arts
Rockford Festival of Arts will be holding a Paint with the Artist workshop with
Emilie Fisher on Saturday - June 15th - starting at noon in the Rockford
Community Building.

Join us as we Paint Poppies with Emilie - this event requires
pre-registration at the Rockford Village Office.   RSVP Cost is $25.00.

Space is limited - RSVP today !  

Updates on Parkway Athletic Schedule for May 13 – May 18, 2019 by AD Matt Triplett

May 13:  

Varsity Baseball @ Jefferson, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. Minster, 5:00 p.m. 

May 14:

Varsity Baseball vs. USV, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball vs. Lincolnview, @ Elida, 4:00 p.m. 

May 15:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

May 16:

Potential Varsity Baseball @ St. Henry, 5:00 p.m. 

HS District Track Meet @ Spencerville, 4:00 p.m.

May 17:

Potential Varsity Softball vs. TBD, @ Elida, 5:00 p.m. 

May 18:

HS District Track Meet @ Spencerville, 11:30 a.m.

  LAKE AREA ARTS GROUP MEET
  
  The Lake Area Arts Group (LAAG) will meet Monday, May 13th at 6 pm at
  the Celina Library. The agenda includes projects by Rockford artist,
  Jill Parris and Amelia Goff of St. Marys. Attendees will have
  opportunities to visit art stations to complete glue creations, wood
  grain, pencil and marker projects to take home.
  
  Information about the 9th annual mixed media art show at Maria Stein
  in June will be available which can include 3-D art.
  
  Artists in the area can exhibit at the meeting and teachers and art
  enthusiasts are invited to talk with the artists.
  
  LAAG member Marlene Marsee will be exhibiting her acrylic on canvas
  paintings at Brew Nation in Celina thru the month of May with over
  forty works on display.

 
May 11-12, 2019
 

Happy Mother's Day!

 
May 10, 2019

 

Plan Now for Memorial Day Festivities
on Monday, May 27th

Memorial Day 2019 – in Rockford

The Rockford Community is looking forward to honoring our Veterans on
Monday - May 27th with the following services:

The public is invited to honor our fallen veterans at Riverside Cemetery at 10 am.
Flags will be placed on the grave markers, a 21 gun salute will be given, and TAPS will be played.  

The Memorial Day parade will begin at approximately 11 am (When the band arrives) and travel north on Main street to the service at Hedges Park.  This is the site where the new Veterans Memorial will be built.  Our guest speaker will be Pastor Chip Steffy of the Rockford United Methodist Church. 

The Rockford American Legion will be holding a chicken dinner fundraiser.
The cost will be $7 - Tickets are pre-sale only and are available at
Rockford American Legion, Barrys Family Market, and The Rockford Carry

Memorial Day 2019 in Mendon and the Annual Mendon-Union Alumni Banquet

The 123rd Annual Mendon-Union Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday May 25th, 2019 at noon, at the Celina American Legion Post 210 on State Route 703 east of Celina.  Your reservation for the banquet meal needs to be in by Saturday May 11th.  Other events planned for Alumni Weekend include, a "Tribute to Patsy Cline" featuring Mary Pfeifer of Gardner, Illinois who will singing at the banquet, and then will be doing her entire show at 6:30 p.m. at the Mendon School grounds.  This is a free outdoor concert, open to the public, sponsored by various Mendon area businesses, so bring your lawn chairs.  Concert will be moved inside one of the churches in case of rain.  Sunday activities include an Alumni Golf Scramble at 8:00 a.m., a community church service at 10:00 a.m. at the school park, a carry-out chicken B*B*Q at noon pre-sale tickets only at the Methodist church, and an ice cream social at the Mendon First Church of God from 4:30-7:00 p.m. 

Monday morning, Memorial Day starts off with a breakfast by the Methodist Youth at the church from 7:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m., at 8:30 a.m. the Annual Memorial Day parade and service in the town park honoring fallen veterans featuring the Celina VFW post Honor Guard, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Parkway marching band, local scout troop, and guest speaker.

 
May 8-9, 2019
 

Van Wert Health Recognized by The Chartis Center for Rural Health as a 2019 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

April 29, 2019 – Van Wert County Hospital, dba, Van Wert Health in Van Wert, Ohio today announced it has been named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Regarded as one of the industry’s most significant designations of performance excellence, the annual Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals award is based upon the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX® from iVantage Health Analytics. “We are proud to be recognized by agencies like The Chartis Center for Rural Health,” said Jim Pope, President & CEO of Van Werth Health. “Our Mission is simple, we want to be the best community hospital. We know that designation has to be earned every day from the patients we care for. It is a journey.”

Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility scored in the top 100 among all rural and community hospitals nationally. Now in its ninth year, the INDEX leverages 50 rural-relevant indicators across eight pillars of hospital strength (i.e. Inpatient Market Share, Outpatient Market Chare, Cost, Charge, Quality, Outcomes, Patient Perspective and Financial Stability) to determine an overall score for each hospital. Each of the INDEX’s 50 indicators is culled from publicly-available data sources. “In an era of increased complexity and uncertainty, Top 100 hospitals have established themselves as a bellwether for rural provider performance,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Top 100 status is a real indicator of how proactive these hospitals are when it comes to pushing for performance improvement in areas such as quality, outcomes, patient safety, market share and finance.”

Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital Resources: The list of this year’s Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals, as well as the 2019 INDEX methodology, can be found at www.ivantageindex.com/top-performing-hospitals.

To learn more about The Chartis Center for Rural Health or to speak with someone regarding the INDEX and the 2019 Top 100, please email Billy Balfour at wbalfour@ivantagehealth.com.

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

Pomona Grange Strwberry Festival Coming

The Mercer County Pomona Grange will hold its Annual Strawberry Supper on Thursday, June 6,2019 at the Unity Grange Hall located 2 1/2 miles East of St. Anthony,OH or 2 1/2 miles South of Wabash,OH. on St. Anthony Road. 
Serving is from 4:30 until 7:00 pm. The cost is $8.00. Children 5-11 $4.00; 
4 & under-free. 
The menu consists of Chicken or Ham Sandwich and chips PLUS ALL the Strawberries and Shortcakes YOU CAN EAT
Carry-outs are available. Please bring your own containers. 
The Grange Hall is Handicapped Accessible. 
Please put this on your calendar. Grange members are looking forward to seeing you!

Parkway First Grade Trip to Zoo Delayed

The 1st grade trip to the zoo for Thursday, May 9 has been postponed to Thursday, May 16 due to incoming bad weather.

Our Old Bookcase, May 16. 2019,  The Founding of the Mercer County Historical Museum, 1957

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

Photo Caption:  Interior views of the first Mercer County Historical Museum, following the two years of Founding this County Institution.

Sixty-three years ago, in 1957, three forward-looking Mercer County Commissioners, Joseph Hartings, Lawrence Davis and Dwight Raudenbush,  made the decision to create and fund the County Institution, the Mercer County Historical Museum, and to create and fund the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc.

The three gentlemen approached Roscoe D. Riley, (President Citizens Commercial Bank), Carleton C. Reiser, (Celina Municipal Judge 1958-1964), and Carroll Stubbs, (Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney, 1917-1920), and asked the three men to plan and implement a Mercer County Historical Society for the purpose of preserving Mercer County’s History, through public education and the collection of historical items for the County Museum.  In a series of private meetings between the County Commissioners and the three gentlemen, the decision was made to appoint an Agent, Carroll Stubbs, on October 29, 1957.  The next step was to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, as of October 31, 1957.  The Articles of Incorporation were necessary in order for the County Commissioners to appropriate funds to the County Historical Society. 

The January 28, 1958 Minutes of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. confirm the history of the Founding of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. and the Mercer County Historical Museum.

“January 28, 1958, Roscoe D. Riley, President; Carleton C. Reiser, Vice-President, and C.A. Stubbs, Secretary-Treasurer, Mercer County Historical Society, met at the Citizens Commercial Bank, at Celina, Ohio.  Motion by Carleton C. Reiser, seconded by C.A. Stubbs, that the following Resolution be passed:

“Whereas, the Board of County Commissioner have informally been meeting with Roscoe D. Riley, Carleton C. Reiser, and C.A. Stubbs, and

“Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners of Mercer County have asked Roscoe D. Riley, Carleton C. Reiser, and C.A. Stubbs to start a Mercer County Historical Society for the purpose of preserving Mercer County’s history, through public education and the collection of historical items for a County Museum, and

“Whereas, the Mercer County Historical Society is a Society incorporated not for profit under the laws of the State of Ohio, and

“Whereas, the Officers duly called this meeting the 28th day of January 1958,

“Whereas, funds are necessary for the establishment of the Mercer County Historical Society, and the Mercer County Commissioners have encouraged the Officers to apply for funds for this Society,

“Therefore, Be it Resolved that

Application be duly made to the Board of Commissioners of Mercer County, Ohio, under the provisions of Section 307.23 of the General Code of the State of Ohio, and that the Commissioners appropriate for the use of the Mercer County funds in the amount of $4000.00.

“All Members present voted in favor of the motion.  There being no further business before the meeting, on motion of Carleton C. Reiser, duly seconded. The same adjourned. 

Roscoe D. Riley, Chairman.  Attest.   C.A. Stubbs.

In January 1958, Mercer County Commissioners John E. Suhr, Lawrence M. Davis and Joseph Hartings passed the Resolution to appropriate $4000.00 to the Mercer County Historical Society.  As Charter Members of the Mercer County Historical Society, Mercer County Commissioners John R. Suhr and Lawrence K. Davis attended the February 21, 1958 Meeting of the Mercer County Historical Society.  The Mystery-History of how those $4000.00 funds were held up until May 16, 1958 will be the story for “Our Old Bookcase,” next week.

 [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 Library Board will Meet 

The Rockford Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will review the 2020 Budget for the Rockford Carnegie Library on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the library meeting room at 162 South Main Street, Rockford OH 45882.  A copy of the 2020 Budget will be available for public review at the front desk of the library.

Mercer County PERI Chapter #13
by Sharon Heitbrink, Secretary

The Mercer County PERI Chapter #13 will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Hopewell Grange Hall on the Mercer County fairgrounds in Celina, Ohio.  Guest speakers will be Ron & Carolyn Stucke who will be presenting information about "Bees & Beekeeping."
As always, early birds are welcome to coffee, juice, & donuts beginning at 9:30 AM.

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

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
May 6-7, 2019
 

Did you know that the Parkway High School football field in Rockford once ran east - west?  That there was an airport to its south? That the trees around the field were planted in 1940-41 after the field was shifted to north - south? That the 'stadium' was built in 1964?

Rockford Historical Snippet
by Mike Schumm

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

MED Foundation awards $16,000 in scholarships to 17 local high school seniors

The Medical, Educational and Development (MED) Foundation of Mercer Health recently awarded a total of $16,000 to local high school students furthering their education in the medical field after graduation. Scholarships were awarded to students from each of the six high schools in Mercer County at a ceremony held on April 25 at Mercer County Community Hospital.

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

“The Scholarship Program was started 27 years ago as a way for the MED Foundation of Mercer Health to support local students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare,” Deb Hemmelgarn, MED Foundation Director, said. “We hope that these students will eventually bring their talent back to our community and serve as leaders in healthcare.”

MED Foundation scholarship recipients for 2019 include:

Celina

·         Mya Lockwood, Chemistry/Pre-med, Ashland University

Coldwater

·         Alex May, Nursing, Mount Saint Joseph University

·         Conner Muhlenkamp, Occupational therapy, University of Findlay

·         Reece Thomas, Integrated science/Pre-med, Wright State Lake Campus

·         Taylor Siefring, Nursing, Ball State University

Ft. Recovery

·         Kayla Lennartz, Biology/Pre-med, Case Western Reserve University

Marion Local

·         Rachel Partington, Biomedical engineering/Pre-med, University of Cincinnati

·         Ava Rose, Nursing, University of Toledo

·         Carrie Fesenmyer, Nursing, Miami University

Parkway

·         Jared Anderson, Biomedical engineering/Pre-med, Syracuse University

St. Henry

·         Taylor Rammel, Occupational therapy, Rhodes State College

·         Seth Brookhart, Psychology/Pre-med, Miami University

·         Ryan Post, Biomedical engineering, University of Toledo

·         Devin Siefring, Nursing, Wright State Lake Campus

·         Julia Beyke, Exercise science/Pre-med – physician assistant, University of Dayton

·         Alexis Heath, Pre-health biology/Pre-med/Psychology minor, Bowling Green State University

·         Olivia Winner, Nursing, The Ohio State University

The MED Foundation Scholarship Program is funded by the annual Esmonde/Homan Golf Outing and Golf Ball Drop. Due to the success of the golf outing in recent years, the MED Foundation has been able to provide additional scholarships to even more local students. Since 1992, 263 scholarships have been awarded totaling $279,950. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, June 14 at the Mercer County Elks.

 
May 4-5, 2019
 

The Stateline Writer's Club is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18.  Due to a conflict, the meeting will be held at the St. Marys library.

The suggested writing topic is "service."  If time permits, a writing lesson will follow.

 
May 1-3, 2019
 

May Day is a public holiday usually celebrated on 1 May.
It is an ancient Northern Hemisphere spring festival and a traditional spring holiday in many cultures.

In Honor of May 1st, Decision Day, the Parkway Seniors wore shirts to represent what college or profession they decided to pursue for their future. Good Luck Panthers!

Celina Farmers' Market Opens
The Celina Farmers' Market opens this Saturday, May 4th. Come out and support the local growers and makers in our area. There are many great things to find at the market and many new vendors this year as well. The Celina Farmers Market is a fun place to visit with your family!
Downtown at the Mercer County Courthouse 9 AM to Noon.

NEW FRIENDS, AMAZING EXPERIMENTS, CREATIVE GAMES,
SUPER-FUN SNACKS - SURPRISNG ADVENTURES AND INCREDIBLE MUSIC ----


The 'MANE" Event - Rockford Community VBS

Location - Rockford United Methodist Church

June 10-14^th, 2019

Each day begins at 9 am

The day ends at 12:00pm - with lunch to follow

For more information - contact Rockford United Methodist Church, 
New Horizons Community Church, or St. Teresa Church

Register today !!

DITCH MAINTENANCE SPRAYING BEGINS

Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart is announcing that crews are tentatively scheduled to begin the 2019 herbicidal spray application of various open drainage ditches located in Mercer County. Only those ditches that are on the county maintenance program maintained by the Mercer County Engineer’s Office will be sprayed.

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

Weather permitting, the tentatively scheduled completion date for this year’s herbicidal spray application is June 2, 2019.  Any landowner having questions or concerns regarding the herbicide application, should contact the Mercer County Engineer’s Office, 419.586.7759.

Blood-drive hosted at Parkway High School on Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Drug Take-back Day Held
Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his agency, in conjunction with the Saint Henry Police Department, participated in the National Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  The event was held from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Main Street in the Village of Saint Henry.  “It was a very good turnout Saturday, probably one of the better ones we’ve seen recently.  We collected over 20 pounds of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription pills.”

On Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration will come pick up all drugs collected by the Sheriff’s Office.  The total amount collected since the last National Take Back Event, which was held on October 27, 2018, is over 134 pounds.  The public is reminded that unused prescription drugs can be dropped off at any time in the Sheriff’s Office lobby.  “There are several take back events held throughout the year, but there’s no need to wait to get rid of the drugs you don’t need.”

 
April 29-30, 2019
 

On Monday April 29, 2019, Parkway Schools will be on a 1 hour delay
to allow for daylight
as some routes will need to be adjusted for road closures.

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

See some flooding pictures below.

Clever Clovers 4-H Club Meets
The Clever Clovers 4-H club met on April 22, 2019 with 13 members present and 2 guest parents present. Roll call was taken by writing your name on a piece of paper. Aubree Bear, and Kayla Krites led the pledges. The health and safety report was given by Lizzie Spath. Lizzie talked about getting 60 minutes of exercise a day and had everyone do some exercises. Everyone watched a video on how to give a presentation. Everyone stated if they have started their projects or not. Projects were discussed.  To practice presentations and demonstrations, the group leader had everyone get into groups of 3 and go to a table with a task card. Everyone then presented to their group what was discussed on the card. This was done to help prepare club members for upcoming presentations. The next meeting will be Monday, May 6 from 6:30-7:30 at the VWMS healthy choices room.

Submitted by Noah Krites
Clever Clovers News Reporter

Community Medical Center and Doctors' Urgent Care Closure and Relocation Updates

Mercer Health’s Community Medical Center remains closed for the safety of patients and employees.  As listed below, the office suites will be temporarily relocated through Tuesday, April 30th, 2019, unless otherwise notified.  Additional updates will be provided as made available. 

Updates will be available at www.mercer-health.com and on Mercer Health’s Facebook page.

Updates on Parkway Athletic Schedule for April 29 - May 4, 2019 by AD Matt Triplett

April 29:  

Varsity Softball vs. South Adams (Senior Night), 5:00 p.m.

JV Softball @ Lincolnview, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ Adams Central, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. Adams Central, 5:00 p.m.

8th Baseball vs. Celina 7th (Tournament), 5:00 p.m.

7th Baseball @ LCC (Tournament), Simmons Field, 5:00 p.m.

April 30:

HS & JH Track @ Coldwater, 4:00 p.m.

7th Softball @ Spencerville, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. New Knoxville, 5:00 p.m.

May 1:

Varsity Softball vs. Shawnee, 5:00 p.m.

JV Softball vs. Shawnee (Shane’s Park), 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. South Adams, 5:00 p.m.

May 2:

HS & JH Track @ Coldwater, 4:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball vs. Minster, 5:00 p.m.

JV Softball @ Minster, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @Minster, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. Minster, 5:00 p.m.

Potential 7th & 8th Grade Home Baseball games.

May 3:

JV Softball vs. Bath, 5:00 p.m.

May 4:

Varsity Softball @ Houston 11:45 p.m.

8th Softball @ Bath Invitational  TBD

7th Softball @ New Bremen, 11:00 a.m.

Varsity Baseball @ Van Wert, 11:00 a.m.  Single Game

JV Baseball @ Van Wert, 1:00 p.m.  Single Game

Potential 7th or 8th Baseball game @ Crestview, (Championship Game) 12:00 p.m.

7th Baseball @ Crestview 12:00 p.m. *IF THEY ARE NOT IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.*

 
April 27-28, 2019
 

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

 
April 26, 2019
 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay for Friday, April 26, 2019.

Preschool screening rescheduled for May 24, 2019.

Please use caution if traveling!
Sheriff Jeff Grey reports high water and debris on roadways in Mercer County.

Heavy rain overnight!
 

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

Garage Sale for Children’s Benefit
MAV Youth Mentoring (formally Big Brothers Big Sisters) is having a HUGE sale at their office at 1005 North Main Street, Celina. The sale will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm and Friday, April 26 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Most items will be available for donation. Items available include lots of household items and decorations, clothing, children's toys and books and lots of other goodies.  Please stop by their garage sale and help support the work that they do for the children and families in Mercer, Auglaize, and Van Wert Counties.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

Parkway May 2019 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Celebrating 150 Years of German Culture Through Song At Germanfest

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. We also serve German foods at our periodic dinners and enjoy Fish Frys every month, for nominal costs, all open to the public.

Throughout this year of Celebration, we will be holding special events and occasions with an invitation to the community to come and celebrate with us. We hope you will be watching for these upcomming announcements.

Naturally Germanfest is a special time for us, beginning on Sunday, June 2nd, at 11:00 AM, with our annual German Mass at St Peter's Church, 518 E. Dewald St., featuring the music of the Maennerchor/Damenchor chorus conducted by Thomas Remenschneider. Later that day, join the Maennerchor/Damenchor at 4:30 PM, at Park Edelweiss, 3355 Elmhurst Dr. for the annual concert accompanied by a live band, followed by Heimatabend Dinner at 6:00 PM. serving traditional Kasseler Rippchen (smoked pork chops) and all the trimmings ($12.00/$6.00).

On Wednesday, June 5th, at 8:00 PM, opening day of the Festival at Headwater's Park, join us for a brief concert and presentation calling attention to our "150 Years Of German Culture Through Song." Then come visit us at the Culture Tent at Headwaters Park, June 5 to 8, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM to learn more about our organization, receive a gift, and purchase our German Cookbook comprised of our members recipes.

Mercer Health Announces Educational Series for Local Student Athletes​

Mercer Health and Community Sports & Therapy Center are partnering to bring a four part educational series to student athletes, parents, coaches and trainers in the community.

Each hour long session, held weekly for four consecutive weeks, focuses on information to promote the health and performance of fall sport athletes. Topics, presented by pediatric, nutrition and exercise experts from Mercer Health and Community Sports & Therapy Center, include:

Injury prevention

Overall and pre/post game nutrition

Maximizing performance

Supplements and hydration

"We often receive questions from parents and coaches about how to make sure kids are at their best during their sports seasons,” Jen Bills, APRN, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Mercer Health's Weight Management Center said. “The best way to keep them healthy and performing at the top of the their game is to focus on their nutrition and hydration and to prevent injuries.”

The series runs on Wednesdays from June 5 – 26 beginning at 6 p.m. for junior high athletes and younger and at 7:15 p.m. for high school athletes and older. The education fee is $100 for the full series. All sessions will be held at Mercer County Community Hospital. Registration and pre-payment is required.

 
April 24-25, 2019
 

Summer Youth Umpire Clinic
A baseball and softball umpiring clinic will be offered for anyone interested in officiating youth summer baseball and softball games in Rockford, Willshire, and/or Mendon for the upcoming summer season. The clinic will be held on Wednesday, May 1st from 6:00-8:30pm at Shanes Park in Rockford. Participants who attend the clinic will receive  2.5 hours of umpiring instruction and a printed umpiring manual with league rules. The participants' contact information will also be sent to all of the coaches within these towns as they look to assign summer umpires. Participation is free and open to any male or female age 14+ in the area who is interested in umpiring in Rockford, Willshire, or Mendon. Registration for the clinic is required for those planning to attend. To register, contact Ryan Thompson at (419)305-0426 or ryanthompson2000@hotmail.com. 

If you are unable to attend the May 1st clinic but would still like to be added to the "Umpire Contact List" for the 2019 season, you can provide your information before May 1st to be included on the list.

 
April 22-23, 2019
 

MEET THE ARTIST

The public is invited to the Meet the Artist reception Friday, April 26th,6-8 p.m.at CJ Highmarks restaurant in Celina. Julie Baltes, a local artist, specializing in pencil drawings and portraits will be featured. Baltes likes to capture how light falls on her subject. Her work will be displayed showing different values creating depth and shadows. Students, teachers and any art enthusiasts are welcome to this presentation. Baltes will be conducting a free workshop Saturday, April 27th, at the Richard Bretz Building in Celina.

Our Home Family Resource Center Lands a Grant
Dianne Cooper stopped by Our Home Family Resource Center recently to present the organization with a grant from the Cooper Family Foundation and to take a guided tour of the facility. The Cooper Family Foundation provides funding for a wide variety of projects throughout the region with a true dedication to bettering the communities where they operate.

Monies from this Cooper Family Foundation grant will be used to pay personnel of the Direct Services program that provides hope, financial assistance, and referrals to Mercer County residents when they needed a helping hand.

The Direct Services program exists to provide folks with resources needed to overcome emergency situations, unexpected expenses, or unusually tight budgets. To accomplish this, the program staff offer advice, referral information and, in many cases, financial assistance to those in need. Financial assistance is available for evictions, utility shut-offs, home repairs, emergency shelter, prescriptions, doctor visits, and medical services. Food, personal care items, and baby supplies are also available for folks on a limited income.

Over the past year, Direct Services staff helped Mercer county residents in over 1500 situations. In addition to that, program staff coordinated and administrated a “Back-To-School Supply Drive” that provided essential school supplies to over 300 children across the county, “Winter Warmth Day” that provided winter coats and accessories to over 600 Mercer County residents, and the “Mercer County Angel Tree Project” that allowed 365 Mercer County families provide Christmas gifts for their children.

These figures not only represent an individual or family who would have suffered without assistance from the Direct Services program but they also demonstrate the meaningful impact that this Cooper Family Foundation Grant will have on Mercer County residents in need.

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.

Learn more about the Cooper Family Foundation at www.cooperfarms.com

Anytime Fitness Opens in Celina
The Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Anytime Fitness!  Anytime Fitness has finished a complete renovation of the former Family Video building located at 220 E. Market St. right here in Celina.  Anytime Fitness offers a complete line of cardio equipment, weights, personal training, tanning, and private shower areas, in addition to 24 hours access.  Club Director, Hayley Sandoval stated they are currently offering enrollment specials to help you begin your health journey.  Stop by Anytime Fitness or contact them at 567-876-1399. 

Spring Fest
The first annual Spring Fest is this coming May 3rd and 4th at the Van Wert Co Fairgrounds. On Friday the hours are from 4 to 9pm with Dueces Wild playing in the Agricultural building from 6 to 9pm. This is a BYOB music event on the grounds. Come out and eat Bare Bones BQQ, CJ Shaved Ice, Homemade Ice cream and more! There will be vendors in the Commercial building and Junior Fair Building all evening and on Saturday from 10am to 7pm, in conjunction with the Evergreen Garden Club annual flower sale outside the commercial building starting at 8:30am. Later in the day on Saturday is the Car Show from 4 to 7pm with DJ Magnificent Music Solutions. Spring Fest has over 50 vendors! Including business, crafts, direct sales, campers, flowers, food, and more! 

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
April 19-21, 2019
Happy Easter Weekend
 

Parkway FFA Recycling is canceled this week.  
It will take place next week April 27.

Two Activities Coming to the Rockford Carnegie Library

Spring Has Sprung at the Rockford Carnegie Library.  Join us on Tuesday, April 30 from 6:30-7:30. We’ll be making a craft, reading a story, playing games and having a snack.

May 6th book discussion covers the title Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah. Everyone is welcome to come at 2:00 OR 6:30 pm. Stop by the library to get your copy.

Man Arrested

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced the arrest of 51 year old Dennis A. Studer, on charges of Failure to Register a Change of Address as a Sex Offender, as well as Obstructing Official Business. Mr. Studers arrest was a result of several tips provided to the Sheriff’s Office. He remains incarcerated in the Mercer County Jail under $100,000.00 bond.

Updates on Parkway Athletic Schedule for April 22 - 27, 2019 by AD Matt Triplett

April 22:  

Varsity/JV Softball @ Elida, 5:00 p.m.

8th Softball @ Van Wert, 5:00 p.m.

7th Softball @ St. Mary’s, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Russia, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball @ Russia, 5:00 p.m.

8th Baseball @ Wapakoneta, 5:00 p.m.

April 23:

HS Track @ Minster Quad, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Softball vs. St. Henry, 5:00 p.m.

8th Softball vs. Spencerville, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ St. Henry, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. St. Henry, 5:00 p.m.

8th Baseball @ Elida, 5:00 p.m.

7th Baseball vs. LCC, 5:00 p.m. 

April 24:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

April 25:

JH Track Home Quad, Adams Central, South Adams, Van Wert, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity/JV Softball @ Van Wert, 5:00 p.m.

8th Softball vs. Elida, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ Delphos St. John’s, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. Delphos St. John’s, 5:00 p.m.

8th Baseball vs. Spencerville, 5:00 p.m. 

April 26:

HS Track @ New Bremen, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Softball @ Wayne Trace, 5:00 p.m.

April 27:

Varsity Softball vs. Fort Loramie, DH, 1:00 p.m.

JV Softball @ South Adams, DH, 1:00 p.m.

8th Softball @ Crestview, DH, 11:00 a.m.

Varsity Baseball, 3-way DH, Miller-City, LCC, 10:00 a.m.

JV Baseball @ Jefferson, Single Game, 1:00 p.m.

8th Baseball vs. New Bremen, DH, 12:00 p.m.

 
April 17-18, 2019
 

Roadside Herbicide

To spray or not to spray

Roadside herbicide application for the suppression of undesirable vegetation and environmental enhancement, through the use of Environmental Protection Agency approved herbicides, will be performed by licensed personnel along all County Roads in Mercer County and on Township Roads in Center, Jefferson and Washington Townships, starting May 1, 2019 extending thru May 31, 2019, according to the Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart.

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

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

LAKE AREA ARTS GROUP MEETS
  
  The April meeting of the Lake Area Arts Group (LAAG) had several local
  artists exhibiting including special presentation by Rebecca Flora on
  mindful meditation and art making. Flora is a certified art therapy
  coach and runs Heal the Inner You Holistic Center in Celina. She has
  conducted mindfulness painting with some of the local schools, the
  Health Dept., and Foundations. Attendees were able to view a
  progression of art that Flora exhibited to show how mindfulness and
  painting can heal using color to express emotions.
  
  Information about the 9th annual mixed media art show at Maria Stein
  in June was announced which can include 3-D art. Four pieces can be
  entered with registration of entries due May 31st. and the show will
  be 20th of June.
  
  Peggy Green,president of the Celina Area Photography Club, spoke on
  her journey into photography and said ," Anyone with a phone is a
  budding photographer". Green was a recent exhibitor at the Artistry
  Under the Dome and has become an award winning photographer in the
  area.

  Artist Jill Parris reminded members that Rockford Community Days will
  be Featuring a Festival of Arts on  June 14 and 15.  Applications are being accepted now!  Contact:
  lisa.kuhn@rockfordohio.org for more information.
  
  Registration forms for the free student workshop Saturday, April 27th
  are available from school art teachers. Local artist Julie Baltes will
  be using graphite powder and brushes teaching techniques to show
  depth.
  
  The Lake Area Arts Group May 13th meeting (second Monday in May) will
  start at 6PM in the meeting room at Celina Public Library. Artists in
  the area can exhibit at the meeting. Teachers and art enthusiasts are
  invited to talk with the artists.

Our Old Bookcase, April 18, 2019, Wash Day at the Farm

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

Photo caption:  Father Ernie Ranly, in his book, “Pick Up Stuff; Family Farm Life,” wrote about his early life, and told touching stories from his childhood, including “Wash Day at the Farm.”

Every one of you readers remembers Wash Day at your childhood home.  If you are a Septuagenarian or an Octogenarian, you remember your Mother or Grandmother getting ready for Wash Day.  You remember that the ladies wanted rain water, to use in the washing machine.  Water from the well (which might contain iron), or city water (which might contain other chemicals) would not result in clean clothes from the washing machine.  You remember heating the water on the stove, for the washing machine.  Some women even carried the hot water in a container down to the basement, where their washing machine was located. 

 You remember after the clothes were washed and run through the ringer that the clothes were carried outside in the heavy wash basket.  The clothes were hung on the clothes line, with clothes pins.  The sun and/or the wind produced the energy to dry the clothes.  The next step was to take the clothes down and fold them into the wash basket, and carry the basket inside the house.  I suspect that some of you recall, that your mother used a water bottle, to sprinkle the clothes to dampen the clothes in preparation for ironing the clothes.  Some women had electric irons; the older women may still have used the flat irons which they heated on the stove.  By nine o’clock that evening, your mother may still have been ironing your father’s white shirts, or your Sunday clothes.  Wash Day was a long day of work for the women.

What did Father Ernie Ranly write about Wash Day?  He remembered the early days when the washing was done in the smoke house, with a gasoline motor on the Maytag Washing Machine.  Later the washing was done in the closed front porch with an electric motor on the Maytag.  They had several large tin tubs and one large wooden tub, used for rinse water, which was always set aside of the washing machine. 

You will just have to read every unique story in Father Ernie Ranly’s book.  He wrote about Church bells, and Lent and Holy Week at the Nativity of Mary Church in Cassella.  He wrote about farm activities of hay making, farm work, threshing, corn harvesting, butchering, and hedge fences.  He wrote about the fun times of birthday parties, games, fishing, finding arrow heads in the fields, and spring.  He remembered their holidays at home.  One day his family would never forget was the day the Barn burned.  Father Ranly’s book will make you smile as it touches your heart as you recall your own childhood days.  This book is about Family.

Today, the fields are turning green.  Farmers are preparing for the planting season.  Wives are planning their gardens and their flowers.  Children are planning their summer activities.  Business men and women are creating fresh ideas for marketing products or services.  Employees and employers have their jobs to do.  Retired citizens are anticipating another spring, smiling at their grandchildren’s antics.  The sounds of spring are bringing us hope. 

Yes, without realizing it, we remember an event from Wash Day.  There is nothing more relaxing than to put fresh sheets which dried on the clothes line, on the bed.  We will take a deep breath and relax into a peaceful slumber while anticipating the gift of another Spring Season.  And that is our History today!

Rockford Council Meets on April 2, 2019

Jeff Long offered a report on the Water Treatment Plant. Arbor Day was set for April 26th in the Village. Upcoming events were noted.

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

Clever Clovers 4-H Club Meets for More Turbine Instruction
The Clever Clovers 4-H club met on April 8, 2019 with 14 members present and 4 guest parents present. Roll call was taken by writing your name on a piece of paper. Leah Krites, and Nora led the pledges. The health and safety report was given by Lindsay Hatcher. She talked about having healthy snacks and had everyone state their favorite healthy snack. The treasurer’s report was given by Leah Krites. Mrs.Sarah Mosier has everyone create their wind turbines. After the time for creating a wind turbine was finished teams create their names: team 1-Storm clouds, team 2-Banana girls, team 3-Weather Wizards, team 4-Tiger Whale. The challenge was to see what team could pull a toy truck across a line with a fan powered wind turbine. After every team finished, the group leader decided the fastest time to pull the toy truck across the line and the best looking wings. The Banana Girls had the fastest time and the Storm Clouds  have the best looking wings. The next meeting will be Monday, April 22 from 6:30-7:30 at the VWMS healthy choices room.

Submitted by Noah Krites - Newsreporter - Clever Clovers

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

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

Heartbeats 4 Andrea Planned
Submitted by Amy Joseph
The public is invited to come together on April 28th 2019 for Heartbeats
4 Andrea. This event will begin at 12 noon at the Rockford Community
Building. The event includes Chicken Dinners prepared by RCO, quarter
auction, live auction, gun raffle, music, 50/50, bake sale and a few
vendors. Other food and drinks will also be available. Andrea Pindell
suffered a massive heart attack on February 22 and has along road
ahead of her which includes continuous mounting medical bills and
undetermined time off work. Your kindness and generosity is more than
appreciated. To offer auction donations or to buy tickets please
contact Amy Joseph at 419-953-7874 or Wilbur Welling at 419-852-2663

Hepatitis A Outbreak Information

Ohio is in the midst of a statewide outbreak of Hepatitis A. Since January 5, 2018, there have been 2,077 cases of Hepatitis A identified in Ohio. Historically, Ohio has seen about 40 cases per year. Individuals who may be at risk for Hepatitis A infection include but are not limited to the following:

• Individuals who currently use recreational drugs (regardless if he/she injects)

• Individuals experiencing homelessness or in transient living

• Individuals with direct contact (e.g., lives with, has sexual contact with, or is a caregiver for) someone infected with Hepatitis A

• Children attending child care and their teachers/family members

• Persons who traveled to areas of United States where there is an outbreak or countries where Hepatitis A is common

 • Individuals who were recently incarcerated

• Individuals with underlying liver disease (including cirrhosis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C)

• Individuals with a clotting-factor disorder

Fulton County Dairy Association Donation & Others for new Danuta Cabin at 4-H Camp Palmer

The 4-H Camp Palmer staff and board are very thankful for a $3,000 donation from Fulton County Dairy Association for the new Danuta Cabin at camp. Other recent gifts for this project have also included: $3,000 donation from Farmers and Merchants State Bank, $2000 donation from Williams County Pork Producers.

4-H Camp Palmer, Inc. serves youth from eleven counties in northwest Ohio and many groups from across the state, Michigan and Indiana.  The new Danuta cabin scheduled for completion by spring of 2019 replaces cabin 2 that was built in 1955.  Thanks to primary donor, Walt Lange, this cabin is in memory of his wife Donna (Danuta) Lange.

  
4-H Camp Palmer is very pleased to announce that Kristy Helberg was hired as our new full time Program Specialist in January of 2019. She is in an Ohio State University Extension position working with the camp.

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

Our Old Bookcase, April 11 2019, The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company

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

Photo caption:  The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company is identified at the northeast corner of Broadway and Oak Streets, on this April 1946 Map by the Sanborn Map Company, New York.

The beginning of The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company dates back to Prussia, when Frederick Runke married his wife Charlotte Koch.  Since Charlotte Koch owned the farm, the custom of the country, at that time, was for the husband to take for his name, the name of the wife’s farm.  Therefore, Frederick Runke became Frederick Koch.  Frederick Koch and his family of seven children came to the United States in 1845.  Their son William Koch had been born January 31, 1834 in Prussia.  He learned the trade of Tanner from Harmon Wellman, New Bremen, Ohio.  William Koch worked at this trade at St. Marys.  He married Dorothea Backhaus in 1857.

In 1864, William Koch moved to Fort Recovery and bought the Tannery of Isaac Lotz; this Tannery grew under his leadership.  William Koch owned property on the west side of South Elm Street, a half block north of the Center Street intersection, in Fort Recovery, in the 1888 and 1900 Mercer County Atlases.  There were several buildings on this property, one of which was listed as the Tannery.   William continued at this site and established the Fort Recovery Stirrup Company in 1899. 

Edward Koch, son of William and Dorothea Koch, first became Secretary and Manager of the Fort Recovery Stirrup Company and by 1907 was President.  During World War I (1914-1918) the Fort Recovery Stirrup Company produced “large numbers of stirrups,” for the U.S. Cavalry.  This Company became a manufacturer of bent wood and metal bound saddle stirrups, the largest exclusive manufacturers of wood stirrups in the world. 

Following a fire which destroyed William Koch’s original factory prior to March 13, 1919, Edward Koch moved the Company to the former flour mill at the southwest corner of Broadway and Oak Streets.  Edward Koch retired in 1946, and The Stirrup Company was purchased by George and Esther Jetter of Cincinnati.  George Jetter continued manufacturing stirrups, and began making saddle trees, also.  These were the wood frames upon which the saddle was built.  The trees required an aluminum horn to be used in securing the rope when ranging cattle.  The metal casting operation was begun.  Within two years, the Company changed its name to Fort Recovery Industries, Inc. 

I went to the Recorder’s Office at the Mercer County Courthouse, where I received their help to check the Property Deed in the book, “Abstract of Title 1, Village Fort Recovery, Recovery Township, Out Lot #4, 132 ft. x 165 ft.  After having purchased the property from John and Eva Holmes on September 5, 1913, the Montgomery-Mayers Shoe Co., then sold the property to Alonzo & Fannie Frazer on December 28, 1916.  The next business recognized as the owner, on December 2, 1918, was the Fort Recovery Building and Loan.  Edward Koch then purchased the property on December 13, 1919. 

On June 30, 1945, Edward Koch sold this property to George and Ester Jetter.  The following year, the deed was recorded under the name of Fort Recovery Industries, on September 30, 1946.  And this was the turning point, whereby today’s citizens remember the Fort Recovery Industries, and the Jetter Family as a part of the Fort Recovery Community.  Their children followed in this business, as it has grown.  That is the follow up story of the original Fort Recovery Stirrup Factory.   On May 24, 1989, the property deed was recorded under the name of Esther Jetter.  On April 24, 1992, George and Ester Jetter sold the property, originally known as the Fort Recovery Stirrup Company, to Melvin Bertke.

This story gives a few of the highlights of the History of The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company. 

 
April 13-16, 2019
 

Rockford Lions Club Quarter Auction Raises Money for Scholarships

Rockford Lions Club, under the direction of project chair LeeAnn Frank, raised more than $5,500 at their Quarter Auction on Saturday, March 30th at the Rockford Community Building on Holly Lane in Rockford.  

A "Quarter Auction" is a type of fundraiser where people bid on items using quarters instead of larger sums of money.  Participants are able to win valuable items for as little as 25, 50, 75 cents or a dollar.

At their April 8th meeting, ‘Lion’ LeeAnn extended a ‘thank you’ to the area businesses and individuals who donated prizes and gifts, to the local vendors on-site and to the area print and online news agencies for their support.  The 2nd Annual Rockford Lions Quarter Auction at the Rockford Community Building will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020.  

Proceeds from the 2019 Rockford Lions Club Quarter Auction as well as other Lions projects fund scholarships, and help to fulfill local community needs & requests.  In addition to a $1000 scholarship for a 2019 Parkway graduate, the Rockford Lions will make a $1000 contribution to the Rockford American Legion Veterans Memorial project as well as contributions to the Parkway Baseball Parents in support of the Parkway Baseball program and to the Cancer Association of Mercer County.

The Lions Club continues their preparation for the 25th Annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-In on Friday evening June 14th 2019.  The Car Show and Cruise-In on West Market Street in Rockford are held in conjunction with the Rockford Community Days.  The 2018 Car Show included more than 200 entries.  Lion Rod Heiser, project chair can be contacted at 260-750-0533.  On June 14th, Car Show registration begins at 4 pm.  Judging begins at 6:30 and the Awards Ceremony begins at 8:45 pm.

The next meeting of the Rockford Lions Club will be Monday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockford Carry Out, 156 S. Main Street.  

Re-scan Day is April 12 for WTLW, Channel 44

Viewers Using Antennas Will Need to Re-scan TVs

Lima, Ohio – WTLW TV announced today that it is moving frequencies on Friday, April 12 at 9 am and viewers who watch TV at no cost, with an over the air antenna, must re-scan their TVs to continue watching WTLW, 44.1 and WOSN, 44.2. Re-scanning is when a TV finds all of the available channels in an area.

Viewers do not need to purchase new equipment or services, and those who watch through a cable or satellite service do not need to re-scan – your service provider will do it for you.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held an auction of broadcast airwaves to provide more channels for wireless internet broadband services. Nearly 1,000 TV stations nationwide are moving to new frequencies to make room for wireless internet services.

 “Our goal is to make this transition as easy as possible on our viewers to ensure they can keep watching the programs they love, such as inspirational shows and local sports,” said Kevin Bowers, General Manager.  

For more information, contact Bowers at 419-339-4444 or by email: contact@wtlw.com.

Additional information on how to re-scan is available at tvanswers.org.

Veteran’s Support Veteran’s For Honor Flight

Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI) will celebrate its 31st flight to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. This is the first of four flights planned for 2019.

HFNEI Flight #31 is being sponsored through donations from Roanoke American Legion Post 160. A major supporter of Honor Flight Northeast Indiana since 2009, members and volunteers from the Post have contributed hundreds of volunteer hours, conducted fund-raising events and proudly served area veterans.  Their efforts throughout the past 10 years raised over $100,000 for HFNEI.  

Post Auxiliary and Honor Flight Benefit Board Member Julie Isch states “Roanoke American Legion Post 160 has had the privilege and honor to support veterans through HFNEI. With the enormous support from our small town and surrounding communities, our benefit concerts and auctions have been a huge success toward Honor Flight Northeast Indiana dedicating this flight to our Post. We continue to proudly stand beside and behind our veterans.”

Honor Flight #31 currently consists of a total of 84 veterans: 4 WWII veterans, 63 Korea veterans, 7 Cold War veterans and 10 Vietnam veterans. To date 2210 veterans have been transported to Washington by Honor Flight Northeast Indiana to reflect upon the memorials built in their honor.

Veterans and volunteer guardians will gather at the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard at 5:30 a.m. with take-off projected to be at 7:40 a.m. Returning home, the community is encouraged to patriotically welcome the veterans in the Main Terminal of the Fort Wayne International Airport the evening of April 24th.  Return time is tentative, but expected to be at approximately 9:00 p.m. More information regarding the public’s participation and return timing will be shared on the group's Facebook page at HFNEI.

Honor Flight Northeast Indiana President, Dennis Covert, states “While the April 24, 2019 Honor Flight is dedicated to the veterans who have served our country, it is the support, encouragement, and financial donations from the Roanoke American Legion Post that make this April 24 Honor Flight possible.”
 
95% of all donations go directly towards the veterans’ trips. Honor Flight NE Indiana, Inc. is a volunteer, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

If media are interested in joining us at the 122 FW on April 24, please RSVP with Staff Sergeant William Hopper, william.l.hopper10.mil@mail.mil or (260) 478-3314. Names, driver's license numbers and date of birth will be needed for security purposes. Please have all media information, to include a specific time of arrival, to Technical Sergeant Hopper by 5 P.M. Friday, April 19.

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

 

Spring Planting & Open Ditch Maintenance

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

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

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

 
April 12, 2019
 

The Shanes Park Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday - April 13th at 1 pm

Bring your own baskets. For Age groups up to 10 years old


The Easter Bunny will be there to see the kids !

Go to the www.foxfamilyride.com for times, cost and activities information.

The Village of Rockford Police Department recently received a $2,834.00 grant from the Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Program. This grant allows law enforcement to purchase body armour and related equipment for officers. Bullet resistant vests have a shelf-life and need to be replaced regularly. This specific grant is a match grant that covered 75% of the costs.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce presented Chief Paul May with a donation of $695.00 from the Crime Awareness budget to complete the purchase of the carrier vests and related equipment to keep the Rockford Police Department safe.

Pictured left to right: Lucas Luginbill Chamber Vice President, Amanda Peel, Chamber Treasurer, Laura Putman Chamber Board Member, Chief Paul P May III, Marie Junk Miller Chamber President, Leah Hays Chamber Board Member, Tom Burtch Chamber Board Member Sierra Megan Chamber Board Member.

Plan Now to Attend Annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-in
The 25th Annual Rockford Car Show and Cruise-in to be held on 
Friday - June 14th.

Registration from 4-7 pm

Judging begins @ 6:30 p,

Awards ceremony begins at 8:45 pm

Downtown Rockford, Ohio 

Food & Drinks
Good Tunes and bad dance moves

Event held in conjunction with Rockford Community Days 
for more information contact "Lion" Rod Heiser @ 260-750-0533

 

Scrap Metal Drive

On Saturday, April 20th from 8am-Noon. Sponsored by Rockford Cub Scout Pack 98. Please drop off items behind the Rockford Fire Department. If you are unavailable at this time or have large items your welcome to contact Nick Reigle at 419-305-1969 to schedule a pick up from the scouts.

Updates on Parkway Athletic Schedule for April 15 - 20, 2019 by AD Matt Triplett

April 15:  

JH Track @ Fort Recovery, 4:30 p.m.

JV Softball @ Wayne Trace, 5:00 p.m.

8^th Softball @ Wapakoneta, 5:00 p.m.

7^th Softball @ Wapakoneta, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Wapakoneta, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball @ Wapakoneta, 5:00 p.m. 

April 16:

HS Track @ Lincolnview, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Softball vs. New Bremen, 5:00 p.m.

JV Softball @ New Bremen, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ New Bremen, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. New Bremen, 5:00 p.m.

8^th Baseball vs. Elida, 5:00 p.m.

7^th Baseball @ Elida, 5:00 p.m.

April 17:

JV Softball @ St. Henry, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball @ South Adams, 5:00 p.m.

April 18:

HS Track @ Waynesfield-Goshen, 5:00 p.m.

JH Track @ New Bremen, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Softball @ Versailles, 5:00 p.m.

JV Softball vs. Versailles, 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Versailles, 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball @ Versailles, 5:00 p.m.

7^th Baseball vs. Lincolnview, 5:00 p.m.

April 19:

No Athletic Events Scheduled

April 20:

8^th Softball vs. Marion Local, 10:00 a.m.

7^th Softball @ Crestview, TBD

Varsity Baseball @ Jefferson, 1:00 p.m.

JV Baseball @ Crestview, 11:00 a.m.

7^th Baseball @ New Bremen, 10:00 a.m.

 
April 9-11, 2019
 

Club to Meet

The Stateline Writer's Club is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Celina public library.

The suggested writing topic is either "stuck" or "trapped."  If time permits, a writing lesson will follow.

Shanes Crossing Historical Society to Meet
The Shanes Crossing Historical Society will meet - April 15th at 7 pm at
the Rockford Village Hall located at 151 E Columbia St.   Guest speaker will be
Harrison Frech - Willshire at War:  WW1 and the Schumm School bombing.

The 2019-20 ENRICH Community Concert Series On Sale Now

(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 through 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 while being 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.

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 and First Financial Bank.

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

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 Memberships are available and provide VIP opportunities to meet the stars. General Sales of the series have now begun and can purchased online at npacvw.org, by phone 419-238-6722 or in person by visiting the Box Office from Noon - 5P, MON-FRI at 10700 SR 118 S, Van Wert, OH.

Weather Spotters Course Offered

The Wilmington Office of the National Weather Service will be presenting a Weather Spotters Course for all those interested.

REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. There is no charge for this class.

Please call the Mercer County EMA office at 419-586-6468

or the Auglaize County EMA office at 419-739-6725  if you have any questions.

Course Date: Thursday, April 11, 2019

6:00 – 9:00 PM

DICKE HALL

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY LAKE CAMPUS

Celina, OH

ROCKFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PLANS HOLY WEEK WORSHIP EXPERIENCES

Wednesday- April 17th

Members of the Rockford United Methodist Church are preparing three unique worship experiences for the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings before Easter Sunday, April 21st, 2019.  The first, an informal worship experience, on Wednesday evening April 17th is called Six10 or ‘Come Sit with Us’ inspired by John 6:10 and begins at 6:10 pm in the sanctuary.

Thursday- April 18th

The Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday worship experience on April 18th begins @ 7:00 pm in the Rockford United Methodist Church Sanctuary and will include Holy Communion.   The name ‘Maundy Thursday’ is derived from French and Latin words which mean ‘a new commandment.’  The commandment Jesus shared in John 13:34 was ‘love one another.’

Friday- April 19th

On Friday, April 19th the Rockford United Methodist Church will offer two interactive experiences for Good Friday.   The first is a CROSSWALK, a remembrance or simple re-enactment of Jesus’ journey to the cross as recorded in the gospels.   Jesus was tortured and forced to carry his own cross to his crucifixion.   A designated person or persons will carry a large wooden cross and will lead the procession. 

Friday- April 19th 

Everyone is invited to gather at the Rockford United Methodist Church.   At 12 noon on Friday, April 19th members of the church and community will follow a pre-determined path from the church walking north on Franklin Street to W. Market Street.  The procession will then turn and travel west on Market Street stopping at a total of eight (8) predetermined stations along the ¾ mile route before reaching the final station located at the RUMC property on Rockford West Road just beyond the new Rockford Village subdivision.   The entire experience will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour.   This is the third year for the CROSSWALK through the Rockford community. 

Friday and  Saturday evenings April 19th and 20th

The community and church members are also invited to participate in an indoor prayer experience called a PRAYER PATH.   Created by the RUMC Junior and Senior High youth, the Prayer Path is intended for ALL ages and will held in the Rockford UMC sanctuary from 6-8 p.m.   This self –guided experience will take approximately 30 minutes.

Sunday- April 21st

Easter Sunday morning, April 21st our worship experiences in the Sanctuary will include an Easter Sunrise Worship experience led by the RUMC youth at 7 am.  Breakfast will be served at 7:30 am followed by our Easter Traditions and Easter ENGAGE worship experiences at 8:30 and 10:30 respectively.     

The Rockford United Methodist Church is located at 202 South Franklin Street in Rockford.  For additional information contact the church office at 419-363-3230, office.mgr.rumc@bright.net  or check on the church’s Facebook page or website www.rumcoh.org.

April is National Donor Month- Pictures Wanted
by Lisa Kuhn

 
April 5-8, 2019
 

Donation Made to the Rockford Veterans Memorial
M. Bruns Plumbing and Heating and employees recently donated $250 to the
Rockford Veterans Memorial.     The Rockford American Legion appreciates this
generous donation. 


Pictured Terry Joseph, Mike Bruns - Owner,  Terry McMillen, Reed Shaffer,
Steve Thompson, Lowell Warthman

Ryan and Leah Thompson will be Featured Artists of the Month

First Financial, located at 166 S Main St., is pleased to host the Rockford April Artists of the Month - Ryan and Leah Thompson.  Ryan and Leah Thompson, of Rockford, Ohio, enjoy spending their free time hand-making crafts together. Their work has ranged from hand-crafted duck decoys,  holiday decorations, car decals, yard signs, campsite "bucket" lanterns, party/event decorations,  Parkway Panther spirit items and personalized gifts, such as unique memorials, tumblers, apparel, birth announcements and more. While they enjoy crafting as a hobby, they always appreciate when others reach out to them and have a request for items. "When someone asks us to do a project for them, not only does it bring us joy to spend time with one another crafting, but it brings them happiness, too.
That is a gift …. that is priceless,"   Leah shared.

Calvary Evangelical Church Updates

 
April 3-4, 2019
 

Did you know that in 1879 Shanes Crossing doctor Aaron Vaughn submitted an application for a 'Lock Nut' patent? That 1891 Rockford resident Joshua Shellabarger applied for a 'Flood Gate' patent?  That, in 1908, Rockford citizen E.H. Moyer applied for a 'Hay Rack' patent? And, in 1910, Rockford native Frank Lichty applied for a 'Corn Harvesting & Husking Machine' patent?

Rockford Historical Snippet
by Mike Schumm

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

Schoenleben and Snell Families Thank the Public

On Saturday, March 23, 2019, the community of Rockford and surrounding areas, under the leadership of the Bryan Schoenleben Benefit Committee (Posie’s Pit Crew) held a fund-raising evening event at the Rockford Community Building. Bryan Schoenleben needed a kidney transplant and Jenna Snell was a match to donate. Both are from the Rockford area. The transplant was completed earlier in March with great success.  The Schoenleben and Snell Families thank the public for their support financially, emotionally and spiritually.

The committee offers their thanks and these words:

The opportunity to impact lives starts with a personal commitment to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor * More than 114,000
Americans and 2,900 Ohioans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant * 20 men and women die each day waiting for an organ transplant * Every 48 hours an Ohioan dies waiting for an organ transplant. Paid for by the Bryan Schoenleben Benefit Committee (Posie's Pit Crew).

Rockford Community Days - Festival of Arts Announced

Friday - June 14
Exhibit hours:  5 pm - 9 pm

Saturday - June 15
Exhibit hours: 11 am - 7 pm

In search of artists to display and sell handmade goods -
Artwork
Crafts
Baked goods

Artists are welcome to demonstrate and create during the exhibit

Applications and information available at
The Rockford Village Office 
419-363-3032 ext 1
lisa.kuhn@rockfordohio.org

FFA State Spring Competition Completed
By: Mecaylah Hesse

Parkway FFA Reporter

On Saturday, March 23, 2019 the Parkway FFA brought multiple teams to the state spring CDE’s competition in Columbus at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. Agronomy placed 10th out of 28, equine management placed 74th out of 117, general livestock placed 136th out of 174, and milk quality and products placed 6th out of 28. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work the past couple weeks.

Pictured: Agronomy- (left to right) Jared Anderson, Tessa Thatcher, Madison Kroeger, Leah Harshman, and Austin Clutter

Dairy Foods Team- (left to right) Ansley Burtch, Sophia Miller, Izzy Strunk, Shay Bolton, Katie Hauter, Lexie Cairns, Rachel Barrett, and Andrea Miller.

Equine Team- (left to right) Faith Shellabarger, Raegan Roehm, and Carley Boeckman.

General Livestock- (left to right) Sidney Doner, Corey Walls, and Brendan Doner.

Wildlife- (left to right) Grace Etgen and Andy Metz.

Van Wert to Nebraska: Collection Drive to Help Farmers and Those in Need!

Submitted by Heather Gotte

81 of the 93 counties in Nebraska are currently experiencing a state of emergency declaration with historic flooding and catastrophic losses of over $600 million dollars from one of the most devastating disasters in recent history. As many as one million calves (and counting) have been lost due to the flooding as well as millions of bushels of wheat, corn, and soybeans destroyed with no foreseen ability to plant crops for 2019. 

In an effort to support farmers in need, Van Wert and Paulding Counties are working together to collect items to take out to Nebraska to help those in need. A group is planning to travel to Nebraska leaving April 12. We need your help to collect as many items as possible to help!

1.       Donate any items from the list below and drop off at the donation area. Deadline is Tuesday, April 9, 2019.

2.     Monetary donations can be made out to the Paulding County Area Foundation with memo “Nebraska Relief Fund”. Those not wishing to travel to Paulding can drop off the checks to the Van Wert County Extension Office on the Fairgrounds (Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm and Tuesday and Thursday 5:00-7:00pm) and they will be delivered to the Paulding County Area Foundation. Monetary donations can be collected at any time.

All physical donations must be dropped off no later than Tuesday, April 9, 2019 in the evening. Monetary donations can dropped off after this date. Want to help? Here are some items we want to deliver to those in need!

Priority #1

(Fencing)

·        Barbed Wire

·        Electric Fencing

·        Leather Gloves

·        Fencing Pliers

·        Wooden Posts (Cresote Covered)

·        Milk Replacer

·        Wooden Fence Posts

·        T Posts

Priority #2

(Hay)

·        Large Round or Square Bales

Priority #3

(Livestock Feed)

·        Mineral Blocks

·        Bagged Calf Starter Feed

·        Cow Feed

·        Horse Feed

Priority #4

(Other)

·        Animal Bedding- Straw Bales or Corn Cob (No Shavings)

·        Bagged Ag Lime

·        Contractor Trash Bags

·        Large Round Trash Cans with Lids

As much as the thought is appreciated, they are overwhelmed with donations of water, cleaning supplies, baby items, clothes, and food. Please consider a monetary donation if those items are the only things you would consider donating to those in need.

Supply donations need to be done and collected no later than Tuesday, April 9, 2019 in the evening. There will be an organized collection drive from 8:30am-12:30pm on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Jr. Fair Dairy barn located on the south end of the fairgrounds. Those wishing to donate should come to the east doors (facing Washington street) to unload. There will be help to unload. Those with larger trailers should enter in gate 4 for ease of maneuvering.

If you are unable to come during those times and have a large donation to unload, please contact Heather at the Extension Office at (419) 238-1214 to make arrangements. Otherwise you can stop by the Extension Office April 3-5 from 8:30am-4:30pm, Saturday from 8:30am-12:30pm, or Monday, April 8 from 8:30am-7:00pm or Tuesday, April 9 from 8:30am-7:00pm.

If you are interested in getting more involved you can check out the Facebook page, Van Wert to Nebraska #farmershelpingfarmers for more information.

Clever Clovers 4-H Club Meets

The Clever Clovers 4-H club met on March 25, 2019. With 15 members present and 3 guest, roll call was taken by writing your name on a piece of paper. Elizabeth and Lindsay led the pledges. The health and safety report was stated by Lizzie Spath. She talked about healthy foods and had everyone state their favorite fruit and vegetable.  The treasurer’s report was given and members were reminded to pay their dues and book fees. Mrs. Sarah Mosier spoke to the club about wind energy. She talked about where energy comes from and how wind produces energy. She compared a fan to a wind turbine and showed what parts make up a wind turbine. We discussed the pros and cons of making our own wind turbine. The website Kidwind.com was suggested. The meeting concluded with a commercial about making M&Ms with wind energy. Then M&Ms were the club snack. The next meeting will be Monday, April 8th from 6:30 - 7:30 at the VWMS healthy choices room.

Submitted By Noah Krites - Clever Clovers News reporter

Sarah Mosier presents in photo above.

 
April 1-2, 2019
 

Parkway April 2019 Printable Breakfast and Lunch Menus by Pam Smith

Patrol reminds drivers to keep eyes, focus on the road
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Lima – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are reminding drivers to keep their eyes and their focus on the roadway while driving.

Last year, 51 people lost their lives and more than 6,800 were injured in Ohio as a result of distracted driving crashes. Sending or receiving a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field when traveling at 55 mph. 

“National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is the perfect time to make the commitment to yourself and to your family to eliminate distractions, such as cell phones, while you drive,” said Governor DeWine.

“Every time someone takes their eyes off the road - even for just a few seconds - they put their lives and the lives of others in danger,” said Lt. Tim Grigsby, Commander of the Lima Post. “Distracted driving is unsafe and irresponsible. In a split second, its consequences can be devastating.”

On October 29, 2018, Ohio passed House Bill 95, a law which broadened what is considered distracted driving and increased the fine if it was a contributing factor to the commission of the driving violation.

Distracted driving is any non-driving activity with the potential to distract a person from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. Distractions can be visual, taking eyes off of the road; manual, taking hands off the wheel; or cognitive, taking the mind off driving. Texting while driving is an example that results in all three types of distraction.

As a reminder, Ohio law bans all electronic wireless communication device usage for drivers under 18. Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers and is a secondary offense for adults 18 and above.

Parkway HS 3rd Qtr Honor Roll 2018-2019
By Lisa Miller, HS Secretary

SENIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Alistair Fahncke, Matthew Gaerke, KeAndra Godsey, Mecaylah Hesse, Madison Kroeger, Faith Rollins, Haylee Stukey, Grace Swander, Tessa Thatcher

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Molly Baltzell, Kara Heck, Colton Kraner, Alyssa Miller, Nicholas Riley, Noah Riley, Olivia Scott, Owen Sinning, Bailey Strickler, Isabella Strunk, Loren Stukey, Jonathan Wehe

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

 

Shay Bolton, Hannah Eichenauer, Alexandria Ford, Rachel Perry, Tyler Rider, Stephanie Schaaf, Preston Stober, Lance Weirrick

JUNIORS

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Rachel Barrett, Alexis Cairns, Macy Henkle, McKenna Johnson, Kristine Kirby, Brooke May, Olivia Rutledge, Hailey Stephenson, Ashlyn White

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Cory Agler, Aaron Bruns, Ansley Burtch, Leah Harshman, Clarissa Krogman, Jason Luth, Gavin Stober, Alexander Tisdale

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Tim Bloos, Carley Boeckman, Breyden Bruns, Claire Eichler, Ryann Fox, Emma Gause, Courtney Harding, Jacob Haver, Nicholas Hawk, Ryan Hesse, Caleb Kinney, Bryce Lowery, Sophia Miller, Grace Rogers, Kyle Roth, McKenna Temple, Corey Walls, Sydney Yoder, Emily Zimmerman

 

SOPHOMORES

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Avery Boroff, Kaden Boroff, Savanna Freeman, Zoie Huffman, Lydia Miller, Kelsey Nichols, Elijah Rich, Claire Rutledge, Makenna Schumm

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Treya Conn, Alexzandra Cottman, Brendan Etzcorn, Justan Felver, Remi' Fokine, Sierra Freeman, Madalyn Heindel, Kayla Kuhn, Claire Langenkamp, Chaz Neuenschwander, McKayla Sites, Mackenzie Springer, Tyler Tinkham, Sydney Waters

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Breanna Beeks, Abigail Browning, Grace Etgen, Graham Farmer, Audrey Ford, Clara Hellwarth, Dylan Hughes, Brayton Luginbill, Andrea Miller, Samantha Noll, Haydn Ridenour, Jonathan Steinhoff

FRESHMEN

Highest Honors: (4.0 and above) 

Leah Eichler, Lily Haver, Danielle Huff, Riley Samples, Benjamin Sheppard

High Honors: (3.99 - 3.626)

Kameryn Altenbach, Cora Barna, Grant Bollenbacher, Elise Darrigan, Cami High, Molly Hileman, Paige Jackson, Raegan Roehm, Jacob Rogers, Chantry Simon, Ashtyn Sipe, Caden Slusher, Blake Strickler, Gracyn Temple

Honors: (3.625-3.25)

Aiden Anderson, Alex Anderson, Jace Armstrong, Chasity McGhee, Gabriel Schaaf, Cade Schoenleben, Makenzie Stephenson, Montanna Vann, Briana Webb

 
March 29-31, 2019
Serving the Rockford, Willshire and Mendon Communities for 14 years.
 

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.

New item just donated by a vendor: 1 grey enviro cloth and 1 window cloth valued at $38 - Lee Ann reminds the community that bids start at 25 cents. See complete list and many pictures at the above link!

Wabash Mutual Telephone Company Named Certified Gig-Capable Provider by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

Arlington, Va., (March 28, 2019) – Wabash Mutual Telephone Company was recently recognized by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America, as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in the Celina, Coldwater, Fort Recovery, Rockford and St. Henry communities.

As a Certified Gig-Capable Provider, Wabash joins a national campaign to build awareness and industry recognition of community-based telecom providers that have built communications networks capable of delivering internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, which is 100 times faster than those currently available in many U.S. households.

“I applaud Wabash for its commitment to delivering the internet’s fastest speeds—an accomplishment worthy of much praise considering the unique and challenging circumstances small, community-based telecommunications providers operate under every day in serving some of our country’s most rural and remote communities,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “By building a gigabit-capable network, Wabash has not only overcome these challenges, but also shattered conventional benchmarks for broadband speed to enable cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their communities, region and nationwide.” To achieve certification, telecommunications companies must show that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges within its serving territory.

“We are honored to receive this distinction and to join the elite group of broadband providers,” said Wabash President and CEO Mike Boley. “Not only does this national accolade represent the work and dedication of our employees and Board of Directors, but also the cooperative’s commitment to our communities. Wabash is grateful for the support of these communities to allow us to be part of their everyday lives. We look forward to expanding our fiber network and to raising the standard of excellence even further.”

More information about the NTCA Gig-Capable Provider certification program is available at www.ntca.org/gigcertified.

Grand Lake Task Force/HIT Arrests
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that the Grand Lake Task Force and HIT Team (which consist of Law Enforcement Deputies/Officers from Mercer and Auglaize County Sheriff’s Offices, Celina Police Department, and Coldwater Police Department), made several arrests yesterday.   

Approximately 12:34 p.m., Deputies witnessed Jason E. Niemeyer, age 39 enter his residence at 608 North Walnut Street, Celina, Ohio. Knowing there was a warrant for his arrest for drug trafficking, (resulting from tips from the community), deputies made contact with Niemeyer.   While there, deputies witnessed the presence of suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia and applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence.  In the execution and search of the residence, suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash was seized.   

Also arrested at the residence was a Wesley W. Elam, age 26 for a parole violation.  

Approximately 11:17 a.m., during a traffic stop on Wayne Street in the city of Celina, officers arrested Casey W. Hammond, age 35 for a warrant for contempt of court, original charge of nonsupport through Celina Municipal Court.   After Mercer County K-9,  Franko alerted to the present of narcotics in the vehicle, a passenger,  Adam L. Cornett, age 37, was arrested for the possession of drug abuse instruments, being a syringe. 

Sheriff Grey reminds citizens to continue to call with drug tips.  He reminds citizens that tips are received and worked on a continued basis and those tips have assisted in the arrest of drug users and traffickers.   Grey stated that his office along with other agencies that are part of the Grand Lake Task Force and the HIT Team will continue their fight to rid our community of drug issues.

 
March 27-28, 2019
 

On Sunday March 31, 2019, the Rockford Belle Community Church will host Chris Moore from Here's Hope Ministries. He recruits and trains volunteer teams for ministry in Belize, Central America. A carry-in meal will follow the 9AM service. Meat will be provided

Vantage Hosts State Officials

Senior Precision Machining students Samantha Backas (Kalida) and Gage Etgen (Parkway), along with Precision Machining Instructor Larry Ray, presented custom made gifts to State Superintendent, Paolo DeMaria, and State Board member, Linda Haycock, while they visited Vantage Career Center. DeMaria and Haycock were greeted by several Instructors and students, and were able to speak with each of them about their programs and accomplishments this school year.

Road Closing for Bridge Replacement Announced

The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Oregon Road between Hoenie Road and Weitz Road in Hopewell Township for a bridge replacement.  This road will be closed tentatively on April 1, 2019 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately 6-8 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

Letter to the Community
Dear Friends –

We would like to take this time to extent a heartfelt THANK YOU to those who have donated to the Rockford Veterans Memorial!   Since November, we have raised a total of $21,911 of the $125,000 needed to complete the project. 

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

All around our county memorials stand to honor those who served in uniform and the battles they fought to protect our nation’s freedoms.   We need your financial help for this to become a reality in our community.   No donation is too small, it will take the entire community coming together to make this happen.  ?

Checks should be made out to the Leota Braun Foundation with 
“Post 508 Veterans Memorial” on the memo line.

Each donation will be tax deductible.   Mail to:  Leota Braun Foundation, PO Box 364, Rockford, Oh 45882.   We need donations by May 24th, 2019.  We will give an update at the Memorial Day Service.  The Veterans Memorial is to be dedicated at the May 2020 Memorial Day Service – Our Bicentennial Year. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.   Please direct any questions to the
Rockford Village Office at 419-363-3032 ext 1. 

Reed Shaffer, American Legion Representative
Jeff Long, Rockford Village Administrator / Bicentennial Coordinator
Mike Schumm, VP of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society/ Bicentennial Coordinator.

Canned Food Drive by FFA Resounding Success
By: Mecaylah Hesse
Parkway FFA Reporter

During FFA Week, February 18th to February 22nd, the Parkway FFA held a canned food drive. They collected and donated 1285 cans to the local food pantry. The classes who collected the most cans in the elementary and middle school grades are Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Bruns, Mrs. McDonough, and Mrs. Stover. And the class that collected the most cans in the high school was Mrs. Howell’s. Elementary class winners are being rewarded with a movie while Mrs. Howell’s class is being rewarded with donuts. The Parkway FFA would like to thank everyone who participated in the annual Parkway FFA canned food drive. 

 
March 26, 2019
 

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