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  February 4-5, 2012
 

March 6 is Primary Election Day
March 6 Primary Election Day - U.S. Senate, state legislative offices, county offices, judicial offices, and political party central committees

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Shanes Park Community Building in Rockford.

COUNTY REMINDER Prohibiting Signs on Trees and Poles

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

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

The Rockford Community Days organization has been busy since last summer working on sponsoring fundraising events throughout the year. Funds collected from each of the fundraisers will pay for Rockford Community Days 2012 events. We are working to make this Community Days a memorable time for family, friends and neighbors!

A GOLF CART RAFFLE was held from August – December 2011.  The cart, valued at $2600, was purchased from Warehouse on Wheels in Van Wert.  The drawing was held during Winterfest 2011 at Shanes Park on December 10^th.  Congratulations to the winner- Shane Barna!  Thank you to those who purchased tickets.  The event was such a success; we are considering the inclusion of it again in the future.  The proceeds from this fundraiser will be geared toward the Fireworks held on Friday, June 15^th.

Currently, the Community Days organization is selling PARKWAY PANTHERS BACKPACK SLINGS.  Priced right at just $5.00, plan on purchasing for your own fundraiser to help with ours, all while promoting the Parkway Panthers! A picture can be seen on the Village of Rockford Facebook page.   There is a limited supply of backpacks. Be sure to get a couple before they are gone.  We appreciate your support.

On March 10^th we are sponsoring a SCOTCH DOUBLES BOWLING FUNDRAISER at Pla-Mor Lanes in Coldwater. Games begin at 7 pm.  Cost is $30.00 per couple. Three games are included in the price.  There will be a 50/50 drawing and some door prizes.  Please reserve your team by calling Will Welling at 419-852-2663 or wilburwelling@yahoo.com or the Village Office at 419-363-3032 ext 1. 

Another event we are working on is a WINE TASTING.  The arrangements are currently in the works and will be announced soon. The planning committee is very excited about bringing this event to Rockford.

THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN!  The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to town!  Be sure to mark your calendars for May 25^th with show times at 5 pm and 7:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets will be available for the event held at Shanes Park. THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN!

Music entertainment this year – Friday night will be EURASTUS and Saturday night will be KILL THE RABBIT.  The Community Garage sales will be that weekend as well as the 18^TH ANNUAL CRUISE IN and the 27^th ANNUAL CHICK STEWART BASEBALL TOURNAMENT.  

Rockford Community Days is sure to be more exciting this year on June 15, 16, 17 than ever before.  And with your help during the planning stages, everyone is sure to be pleased! Feel free to bring your ideas to our next meeting on February 28, 2012 at the Village Hall. They are needed and appreciated in making the event successful!

Community support and patronage of the Rockford Community Days is welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated.  Thank you for helping to make Rockford Community Days a success!

Parkway High School in Rockford, Ohio will be hosting a boys' 3^rd,4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade basketball tournament on March 9^th- 11^th.  The cost of the tournament is $110.  If you would like participate or have questions please call Will Snyder at 419-733-4651.  

Off Stage Productions Announces Upcoming Play, Open Auditions

kicks off another exciting season with its first show- a comedy “Ripe Conditions” written by Claudia Allen and directed by Michelle Klutka - on Friday, April 20, 2012.

OPEN AUDITIONS will be held at Dave’s Quality Cleaners, 142 E. Main Street, Van Wert on

The 77^th House District is known for its agriculture, but along with our rural life comes the important role of sportsmen. Sportsmen are responsible for hunting animals that can be a nuisance to our crops. These outdoorsmen are critical to maintaining wildlife population levels. Without their efforts, crops would be destroyed, disease would run rampant and the limited habitat would be over taken.

This year, sportsmen in our area noticed two changes. Non-resident landowners were no longer able to hunt on their own land in Indiana without purchasing an out-of-state license, and deer check was done electronically, closing the longtime deer check stations in our communities. Click here for the rest of the story.

Several Van Wert residents accepted the Wassenberg Camera Club's invitation to attend a free and open meeting January 26 to learn more about using their photography equipment and photography in general. The visitors were divided into two small groups with club members for instruction and discussion. When the sessions closed, several expressed their appreciation for the knowledge gained. 
Click here for the rest of the story.

  February 3, 2012
 

Mercer Landmark Customer Appreciation Days 2012 Planned
Suzy Smalley, event organizer,  recently announced that Mercer Landmark Customer Appreciation Days 2012 is right around the corner. Here are the dates set for a hearty ALL YOU CAN EAT pancake & sausage breakfast:

Tuesday, February 14, 2012   ~  10 AM to 2 PM at Van Wert Jr. Fair Building

Wednesday, February 15, 2012  ~10 AM to 2 PM at Paulding Fair Grounds

Thursday, February 16, 2012  ~ 10 AM to 4 PM at Celina K of C Hall

Mercer Landmark employees, including CW Services and Mercer Soy, serves up some good cookin'. Please join them!

School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6–10, 2012
Suzann Litteral, Elementary Counselor; Lisa Ontrop, Middle School Counselor; and  Mickey McConahay, High School Counselor Serve Parkway Students

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 6–10, 2012, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.  

The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Parkway School counselors are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; work in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; focus on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; and work with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master's degree in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, personal/social skills and career awareness in post-secondary options,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “Comprehensive school counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success."

Parents or community members with specific questions about the Parkway Local school counseling programs may contact any of the following: Suzann Litteral, Elementary Counselor; Lisa Ontrop, Middle School Counselor; or Mickey McConahay, High School Counselor. They can be reached by calling the school at 419.363.3045 or by email at addresses on the school website: www.parkwayschools.org  You will also find information about each counselor’s programs on the website along with newsletters, resources for your children, and much more information.

8th grade girls also lost to Marion on Tuesday 1-31-2012.  The girls started with an outstanding 1st quarter staying within 3 points of the Flyers.  In the 2nd quarter the Flyers would extend the lead to 10 before the half.  The Flyers
would go on to defeat the Lady Panthers by 20 points.  But again, Parkway had only 5 dressed, playing the whole game, when the Flyers could rotate in fresh players almost at will.  THIS TEAM SHOULD BE PROUD OF THE PERFORMANCE THEY PUT ON TUESDAY EVENING!!  No matter what the score this was one of the best games these Ladies played this year!

Click here for more shots.

Panther 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team Suffers Injuries But Play Hard
Thank you to James and Jill Leighner for the story and the pictures!

7th grade lost to the Marion Flyers Tuesday evening.  Injuries still taking its toll on the Lady Panthers as only 5 girls were suited up and had to play the entire game.  Good job girls!  All 5 girls played hard the whole way.

Click here for more shots.

Food and Cash Needed for Big Parkway – Delphos Food Drive Benefit
Food Drive to benefit the West Ohio Food Bank to take place at DELPHOS ST. JOHN basketball game on Friday February 10, 2012.

“The Basement Doctor” along with 93.1 “The Fan” is sponsoring a food drive at the Parkway vs. Delphos St. John’s basketball game on Friday Feb. 10th  (BEING HELD AT DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S). There will be tables set up to collect cash and food items. There will also be a prize wheel to spin for those who drop off food or cash to win prizes.

The Parkway Athletic Department welcomes the Parkway and Delphos communities to help us do our part in helping out the West Ohio Food Bank by asking community members to bring in items or cash to help out. Thank you  in advance for any donations you feel you can help with.

Miller Accepts Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Manager Position

Milt Miller was welcomed to the newly created position of Lake Restoration Manager for Grand Lake St. Marys with a round of applause from his fellow members of the Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Commission Monday at their regular weekly meeting.

“I’m very passionate, very committed and very optimistic about restoring the health of Grand Lake St. Marys“ said Miller who has shown his commitment to the efforts to clean up Grand Lake St. Marys by volunteering hundreds of hours to the effort over the last three years. 

According to Tom Knapke, facilitator of the Restoration Commission, Miller was chosen from a very competitive field of 24 candidates.  “He brings an intimate knowledge of the lakes problems and possible solutions which will afford us the ability to forge ahead without any loss of momentum,” Knapke said. “He also has 17 years of management, sales and business development and excellent name recognition regionally and at the state level which is very important to the Lake Manager’s position.” 

He is a graduate of The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio with a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations. Years of Civic Involvement include; Founding member GLSM Restoration Commission, Treasurer of St. Marys Kiwanis, President of North grove Cemetery Assoc., Vice President of Mercer County Sportsman’s Association, President of Lake Development Corporation, St. Marys Summerfest Steering Committee, Board of Directors at Otterbein Retirement Community, Fraternal Order of Eagles and past president of the St Marys Area Chamber of Commerce.

Miller’s compensation package of $72,000 inclusive of benefits is funded by the Department of Natural Resources; the cities of Celina and St. Marys; Auglaize and Mercer Counties; Lake Improvement Association and the Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Commission.

The primary goal of the Grand Lake Restoration Commission is to restore the health of the lake to ensure that the lake is functional for use this year and every year thereafter.  To help address this need, community leaders and volunteers came together in December 2009 to form the Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Commission – a pioneering initiative dedicated to fostering the regional cooperation and resources needed for the environmental renewal and sustainability to the lake.  The initial efforts primarily focused on identifying the proven scientific strategies and technological solutions able to solve our environmental crisis.

Together, partner agencies have identified various watershed and in/near-lake alternative best management practices (BMPs) that could be used to help meet the qualitative and quantitative restoration goals for Grand Lake St. Marys and its surrounding communities. Success of these partnerships is driven by the unique strengths of the collaborators wishing to identify new technologies and target entrepreneurial funding to bring them to market.

  February 2, 2012
 

Rockford Recreation Association Seeks Tree Donors - Please Order Now

The Rockford Recreation Association is conducting a fundraiser to plant trees this fall around the ball fields at Shanes Park.

Norway Spruce pine trees, each approximately 3-4 feet tall, will be planted along the east side of diamond #3 outfield fence to improve the look of the park and serve as a windbreak for the ball diamonds.  Shade trees will also be planted around the diamonds.

Individuals, families and businesses are encouraged to purchase a tree for $75, while the association plans to engrave donors’ names on a plaque to show its appreciation. Donations are accepted until March 1, 2012.

Click here for a printable donation form/application.

Contact the following:

Ryan Sipe at 419-305-2650 or email rsipe@pbcbank.com if interested.

Lisa Kuhn at 419-363-3032 at the Village Office.

Basketball Concession Stand Workers Reminded
The Parkway Music Boosters would like to remind the following individuals that they are scheduled to work in the basketball concession stand on Friday February 3^rd.  They are as follows:

Scott and Heidi Gehron
Chris and Dee Weirrick
Todd and Brenda Matthews
Tim and Lisa Stetler
Curt and Misty Riley
Max and Nina Hamrick
Doug and Tina Johnson
Rob and Anessa Abromavich

Concession stand workers:  Please arrive by 5:45 p.m.  In order for the concession stand to operate smoothly, it is important that everyone scheduled to work be there.  If something comes up and you can’t be there, please arrange for someone to take your place.  The Music Boosters thank you in advance for your help.

Parkway Athletic Booster Club to Meet
The Parkway Athletic Booster Club will be having its monthly meeting on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.   This month’s meeting will be held in the community room at the high school.  All parents of Parkway athletes are members of the athletic boosters and encouraged to attend.    This meeting is also open to the public. 

Congressional vote is crucial to safety of roads and bridges
Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart commented on this news release:

"Mercer County has 406 bridges and more than 800 miles of county and township roads, and we are very concerned about the potential impact of this, should it become law."

A vote in the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday could cost Ohio counties more than $40 million, according to Fredrick B. Pausch, County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) executive director.  This important committee has Ohio Representatives Bob Gibbs and Jean Schmidt which are members of the panel.

The Congressional committee is scheduled to vote on whether or not to allow bigger trucks, up to 97,000 pounds for single-trailer trucks and over 100,000 pounds for double- and triple-trailer trucks on American roads.

“This is an all-out assault on the current weight and length limits that help protect the safety of all drivers, and our roads and bridges,” said Pausch. “This proposed federal legislation poses many problems for Ohio’s counties.”

“All trips begin and end on Local Roads,” said Pausch. “Large trucks accelerate the deterioration of the nation’s highways, roads and bridges. They will put further pressure on funding sources to maintain and repair these roadways. As income from the gas tax continues to decline, counties are already having difficulty keeping up with the needed repair.”

Twenty-two percent of the nearly 26,000 bridges in the county road system are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

“We are at a critical juncture in planning our future structural needs,” said Pausch. “Currently, there is not enough money to meet the severe needs of our highway system. How can we take on a new burden due to greater truck weights and sizes?”

The last increase in federal highway gas tax was in 1993. The cost to repair and maintain roads and bridges under current bridge-load rating conditions is greater than funds from past authorization bills.

Ohio’s county engineers have spent the last four years load rating bridges that span 20 feet or more, in accordance with an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). More than 81% of Ohio’s county bridges have already been load rated.

According to Pausch, if the weight limits are increased, the load ratings for county bridges will have to be recalculated. Bridge structure load ratings are complex and costly to be completed.  This could cost counties an average of $1540 per bridge and have a total fiscal impact of $40 million roughly.

“If this legislation is adopted,” said Pausch, “many more local bridges may have to be posted for a load-limit reduction around Ohio. The CEAO is opposed to any additional increase in the size and weights of trucks.”

For further questions, please contact Fredrick Pausch or Mercer County engineer Jim Wiechart.

FAST FACTS

• Ohio has 43,932 bridges, more than any other state except Texas.

• Ohio ranks fifth in the nation with bridges structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

• Of the 25,805 bridges maintained by county engineers, 6,023, nearly one in four, are closed, restricted to one lane, posted for load reductions or rated structurally deficient.

• 10,259 bridges maintained by county engineers are 50 years or older.

• Darke County has the most bridges with over a 20-foot span at 419 and Wood County is second with 314.

• Harrison County has the fewest bridges with over a 20-foot span at 72, Erie County is second least with 76 and Lake County is third with 77.

  February 1, 2012
 

Click Here for the Hall of Fame Plaques

Parkway Hall of Fame Ceremony Coming on February 11, 2012
Parkway High School is set to host a Hall of Fame Ceremony in the gymnasium on Saturday, February 11, 2012 during the boys’ basketball game vs Lima Perry. The Parkway Athletic Hall of Fame committee voted to induct three new members.  New inductees include:, Jon Sidenbender, Jennifer (Carr) Rice, and Brandi (Stover) Bruns.

For special future nomination of inductees, please note the criteria for consideration (click here for the form).

JON SIDENBENDER

Jon Sidenbender, Rockford High School Class of 1953, has been voted by the Hall of Fame Committee to join the ranks of inductees lettering in football and basketball at Parkway High School.

Sidenbender was a teacher at the Parkway Schools from 1961-1967 and while establishing his post, became Assistant Football Coach at Parkway High School from 1962 -1967.  He coached JV Basketball in 1962 and 1963, then agreed to become Head Basketball Coach from 1964-1967.

Former Marion Local Athletic Director Stan Wilker was quoted, “I can say without a doubt that the Midwest Athletic Conference would not be the great league it is today without the leadership and foresight that Jon gave us back in 1973.”

Sidenbender was the first commissioner of the Midwest Athletic Conference and held the post for twenty-four years (1973-1997). He worked tirelessly and served as an outstanding role model for the athletic directors in the newly formed conference which would soon represent eight different schools seeking to take their Athletic Programs to new heights in the fall of 1973.

As the MAC commissioner, Jon saw the addition of numerous sports during his tenure.  The MAC offered boys' sports in football, cross country, basketball, track, and baseball in the fall of 1973.  A year later, the Midwest Athletic Conference began girls' sports with the addition of volleyball, basketball, and track.


JENNIFER (CARR) RICE
Jennifer (Carr) Rice, Parkway High School Class of 1996, will be inducted as a new member into the Hall of Fame for her exemplary athletic abilities in volleyball and basketball during her career at Parkway High School.

Her volleyball career netted the athlete three Varsity letter. She was named Honorable Mention All MAC during her sophomore year and Third Team All State in her junior year. During her junior and senior years, she earned First Team All MAC Honors and First Team All District. Jennifer earned the title “First Team All State in Volleyball” and led all of Mercer County in Kills Per Game and Service Points Per Game during her senior season.

During Jennifer’s sophomore and senior basketball playing seasons, she was named First Team All MAC and First Team All Mercer County in Girls Basketball. She was named Second Team All Mercer County in Girls Basketball during her junior year.

Significantly, Jennifer’s senior season of basketball earned her Mercer County Player of the Year and Scoring Champion in Mercer County and Van Wert County.

She was the Third All Time Leading Scorer by scoring 1,022 points in her basketball career at Parkway.

Jennifer played in the Ohio/Indiana Border War All-Star Game during her senior season.

To her credit as a four year varsity letter holder and four year scholar athlete earner in high school, she signed on at Tennessee Technological University, a Division One school, with a full volleyball scholarship and while there, went on to earn four varsity letters.

She was recognized as 6^th in the Ohio Valley Conference in Aces Per Game during her year as a Freshman; later was named “First in the Ohio Valley conference in Aces Per Game” during her senior season and 14^th in the nation.

She is currently employed as a chemist for Charles Rivers.

BRANDI (STOVER) BRUNS
Brandi (Stover) Bruns, Parkway High School Class of 1998, will be inducted as a new member into the Parkway Athletic Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements in volleyball, basketball, and softball.

Her high school athletic resume includes earning varsity letters- four in volleyball, three in basketball and three in softball.

In 1997, she earned the school record for Setting Percentage in a Season with 98.3% and with 614 Assists in a Season. She was a member of the 1996 and 1997 State Championship Volleyball Team, named Division III All Ohio Volleyball Second Team in 1996 and earned Division III Volleyball Player of the Year Award in 1997. Brandi earned MAC First Team Honors during her junior and senior seasons with MAC Honorable Mention during her freshmen and sophomore seasons. In 1997, she was named Volleyball District Eight Player of the Year and during her junior and senior seasons she earned Volleyball District Eight First Team Honors.

Brandi’s high school softball career earned her First Team all Northwest District in softball in 1997 and she was named First Team All MAC during both playing seasons of her Junior and Senior years.

She went on to play volleyball at Ohio Northern University and later graduated from there having earned four Varsity letters. She was named AVCA Second Team All-American and OAC Player of the Year during her Junior and Senior playing seasons. Brandi was awarded during her sophomore, junior, and senior years, First Team All Ohio Athletic Conference, and she was named the Great Lakes First Team and served as Co-Captain of the ONU team during her junior and senior years.

Brandi is a teacher at Parkway Schools.

Bridge Closing Announced
The Mercer County Engineer, Jim Wiechart, is planning to close Green Road between US 127 and Coldwater Creek Road in Butler Township for a box culvert replacement. This road will be closed tentatively on February 6, 2012 and is scheduled to reopen in approximately three to four weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

  January 31, 2012
 

The Panthers traveled to Lincolnview Saturday evening 1-28-2012 to take on the Lancers.  After a slow start in the first quarter, starting out down 16-4, the Panthers battled back in the 2nd to go to halftime tied at 27.  In the 3rd quarter the Panthers would be running right with the Lancers, even taking the lead for a short time.  In the 4th quarter, with the Lancers were leading by 5 with 4 minutes on the clock, they would go into a "keep away" mode and force the Panthers to fowl and send them to the line.  The Lancers made their free throws down the stretch and put Parkway away with a final score of 48-43.   

Parkway's JV team also went down to Lincolnview Saturday by a final score of 56-37.

Click Here for more great shots of both games
 

The 2012 Little Panthers K-2 boys were at it again last Saturday 1-28-12.  Thanks Coach Snyder and the high school team for their involvement in the future of Parkway's Jr High through varsity players.  Somewhere in this group of kids you'll see them, we will just have to wait a few years to see who they are. The coaches are teaching these kids to jump stop, chin the ball, follow through on a shot, dribble, and Barna even gave a lesson in dunking! (Although none of the little guys could get that one quite right yet). Click below for more great shots of the boys!

Click Here for pictures of the boys practicing.

  January 30, 2012
 

Celina Woman Arrested on Charges of Breaking and Entering and Theft
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today his office has filed charges against a Celina woman regarding an area break-in of a local business.  Mandi L. Gibbons, age 31, of 632 Grove Street #9, Celina, is currently being held in the Mercer County Detention Center on charges of Breaking and Entering and Theft, both felonies of the fifth degree. 

Ms. Gibbons has admitted to stealing over $1,000 in metal tent stakes from Reliable Rental, Inc., 6057 Franklin Street, Celina.  The business reported the theft on January 20, 2012 and deputies responded and took a report.  Information was obtained placing Ms. Gibbons at the scene in the days following and also information regarding the disposal and sale of the stolen items.

On January 26, 2012 during an interview at the Sheriff’s Office, Ms. Gibbons admitted to the theft and disposal of the items at a local Salvage Yard.  Ms. Gibbons was taken into custody and incarcerated at the Mercer County Jail.

Her vehicle, a maroon 1992 Chevrolet Astro mini-van that was used in the theft offense, was towed from the Sheriff’s Office and secured in a Sheriff’s Office building.  The vehicle contains other items that are believed to stolen, including a large amount of farm machinery and pieces of farm machinery and other equipment.

Ms. Gibbons appeared in Celina Municipal Court and was ordered held in the Mercer County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

Saturday, Jan 28 was Western Buckeye League Swimming Championship day at the Defiance YMCA. On Thursday, Jan 26th the Divers took center pool with the CHS contingent fairing well, giving the Waterdogs an early jump in the 'team' scoring. Saturday was for the swimmers. By meet's end the top two teams in the WBL were the same as they have been for a number of years...Shawnee in first with Celina right behind as runner-up. For the past 11 years, including this season, Shawnee-Celina have been 1-2 for the Girls. The Boys, it's been 5 years in a row. The Lady Indians used depth to narrowly out point the Swimmin' Women 285-263. Ottawa-Glandorf was third with 196. Shawnee's Boys totaled 276 to the Bulldogs' 210, with OG next at 181 of the 10 school field.

Highlighting the Waterdog Championship Meet were the WINNING EFFORTS of Collen Byer in boys diving, and Brooke Mertz in her specialty, the 50 freestyle. Their wins earned them 'First Team All WBL' and League CHAMPIONS recognition! Other individual 'First Team ALL WBL' (top 3 in an event) Waterdog performances came from Michaela Wenning (100 free - 2nd, and 100 back - 3rd), Kandace Eichenauer (100 breast), Dethora Hasenjager (dive - 2nd), Olivia Schlotterer (dive - 3rd), Matt Feltz (200 free - 3rd, and 500 free - 3rd), Tye Spengler (dive - 3rd), and Tyus Temple (100 fly). Five of the 6 relays earned 'First Team All WBL' accolades. All three Girls relays placed 2nd. Paige Dorsten, Kandace Eichenauer, Alex Parker and Brooke Mertz combined in the medley relay. The 200 free relay quartet included Michaela Wenning, Taylor Schenking, Brooke Mertz, and Maddy Weininger, while the 400 free relay was comprised of Michaela Wenning, Kandace Eichenauer, Alli Darras, and Alex Parker. The Boys medley relay of Peyton Jones, Kasyn Fishbaugh, Tyus Temple, and Justin Green placed 2nd. The 200 free relay was 3rd and consisted of Justin Green, Peyton Jones, Kasyn Fishbaugh, and Matt Feltz.

Garnering 'Special Mention All WBL' honors (4th-6th places) were Alex Parker (200 free - 4th, and 100 fly - 5th), Brooke Mertz (100 free - 5th), Kandace Eichenauer (500 free - 4th), Paige Dorsten (100 back), Lizz Carr (100 breast - 5th), Julia Folk (dive - 4th), Claire Schmitmeyer (dive - 6th), Tyus Temple (200 IM - 5th), Peyton Jones (100 fly - 4th, and 100 back 4th), Charlie Folk (dive - 4th), Leyton Schoen (dive - 5th) as well as the Boys 400 free relay of Tyus Temple, Mason Miller, Lucas Goodwin, and Matt Feltz which placed 4th.

Niswonger Performing Arts Wins Crystal Image Award

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio was honored with the Crystal Image Award presented by the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce at their annual banquet on January 26, 2012. The award is presented to a current Chamber member business that has demonstrated leadership within the Van Wert community by its many faceted contributions which include business responsibility, productivity strength, employee empowerment, and service to the community.

What began as a dream in 2001 became a reality in 2007 when the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio opened its doors for the first public concert. The mission set forth by the governing board, the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation, was, in short, to inspire, educate and entertain residents of Van Wert County and the surrounding region as well as stimulate economic growth.

As the NPAC enters its fifth year, the Center has had a direct impact in all areas of the stated mission. It has offered a variety of programming encompassing all genres of music, shows and speakers. The NPAC has grown from 11 professional shows in 2007 to 27 with the completion of the 2011-2012 season. At the end of 2007, 71% of the ticket buying patrons resided in Van Wert County. That percentage is now 34% of 3100 plus buyers in 2011. The mailing list now exceeds 8500 which includes over 30 states and Canada.  Patrons have come to Van Wert County spending dollars for food, lodging and fuel, all while enjoying the variety of programs at the NPAC.

The NPAC has offered educational opportunities through master classes with professionals, pre-concert lectures with directors, assemblies for students both locally and regionally.  Over 150 student and local volunteers contribute regularly to the success of the organization. The NPAC has also provided the community with a state of the art facility for utilization of receptions, meetings, training sessions, award ceremonies, and more. Partnerships have been established with restaurants, organizations and hotels increasing revenues for additional local businesses. Over the years, through various donations and gifts the center has added a showcase of spectacular art for visual beauty and effect.

The future is bright for the NPAC and its impact on the Van Wert community as it enters its fifth season celebrating the arts in Northwest Ohio.

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio is located at 10700 State Route 118 S., Van Wert, Ohio 45891. Box Office Hours are Monday through Friday, Noon – 4PM. For more information about shows, rentals, or the center, call the NPAC at 419.238.NPAC (6722) or visit the website at www.npacvw.org, follow the NPAC on Facebook or Twitter.

  January 28-29, 2012
 

21^st Century Club Members Enjoy Homemade Filipino Cuisine
By Sheila Baltzell, Parkway Independent
International Cuisine is the center of every meeting this year for the members of the Rockford 21^st Century Club. At the January 24 meeting in the home of Julia Henkle, hostess, the program directors for the evening, Twyla Hayes and Barbara Painter, invited two special guests to teach about the cuisine and customs of the Philippine Islands, home to 76 million people.

The group welcomed Melania “Lani” (Luna) Stein and her daughter, Heather Stein for a great evening of Asian food and lively conversation.

Lani, of Filipino and Puerto-Rican descent, began the program by telling of her traveling, military family upbringing and the homeland her mother left behind when she married. Lani passed pictures of the traditional nipa huts, thatched roof dwellings on a bamboo frame with bamboo floors and nipa palms for roofs which were the homes in which her grandparents raised their family. Lani barely remembers her grandparents because she was born in Arizona and only lived in the Philippine Islands from age 3-10 years. She was the first born in America. She remembers little of the Tagalog language of her childhood, but thinks about the fun of living there where travel from island to island was by way of traditional Philippino fishing boats with outriggers. Her grandparents and families were hard-working farmers and fishermen.

Lani’s mother (her parents Raul and Melania “Mely” Luna now live one mile from Canada in the state of Maine) recently took a trip back to her native home in Manila City, Philippines  Lani is saving for a trip herself. “It is my heritage, too,” she said. “And, I do remember sitting at a large table rolling lumpia rolls with all of the women in the family around me.  If I rolled the eggroll wrong, my mother would gently tell me to try again. I also recall men in the family climbing trees barefooted to harvest coconuts, one of our crops and planting the rice paddies.  Papaya, mangos, bananas and melons as well as tropical flowers like the bougainvillea are all exports for farmers in the Philippines. I will treasure going back again someday.”

Lani learned to watch her mother as she cooked, and when she married and had a family of her own, she began preparing the food for them. To her, rice was the dish prepared with all other entrées, but her husband Jerry was a meat and potatoes kind of guy, and so she learned to make mashed potatoes, too. However, they all enjoy the Filipino fare of Lani’s recipes of authentic and traditional Filipino dishes.

As Lani and Heather (an English major at Wright State Lake Campus) chatted, they deftly rolled and prepared (in eggroll wraps) several items including plantain (like a banana), siopao (pronounced show-pow) which has a meat and vegetable mixture, puto (rice flour and coconut milk cupcake with fresh coconut on top), and lumpia (turkey meat and broccoli slaw inside). They mainly head to Ft. Wayne for some of these oriental ingredients. The two talked back and forth about the tropical paradise of the islands which Heather has never seen (she was born in England when Jerry and Lani were in the military). “It is hot, rainy, and brought on asthma attacks in me,” said Lani. “Typhoons caused much damage when they hit land.” Then the duo  fried the eggrolls and steamed the lumpia. Lani teased Heather about having to use a rice cooker instead of cooking it in a pan of water. Heather commented that Lani had a pet rooster, and she could not have even a dog. Lani reminded her that the rooster wound up being supper one evening.  It was a cozy evening in the kitchen with mother and daughter preparing their dishes side-by-side and serving a wonderful “taste of the Philippines” to eager club members who enjoyed every bite.

President Louisa Hemmelgarn thanked the chefs and reminded members that the next meeting will be Tuesday, February 28 at 7 PM at the home of Cindy Canary. Guests are always welcome at the meetings. If you think a Swedish Smorgasbord sounds interesting, give Louisa a call at 419-942-3320 or vice president, Val Fritzinger at 419-852-1993. We would love to have you!

Calvary Evangelical Church and the Van Wert Pregnancy Life Center invite the community to enjoy a free concert by Christian music legend David Meece on Sunday, January 29, at 4:00 PM. Meece is the composer of modern-day Christian classics such as “We Are the Reason,” Forgiven,” “Unknown Soldier,” and “My Father’s Chair.” As a concert pianist with record sales in the millions, Meece shares not only his music, but the truths he has discovered through his lifetime experiences as well.

A love offering for PLC will be taken during the concert to recognize and support their vital ministry, which strives to protect the lives of the unborn and show the love of Jesus through helping those affected by unplanned pregnancy. Meece will be singing and playing at Calvary, located at 10686 Van Wert Decatur Road in Van Wert. For more information, visit the church’s website at www.calvaryelife.org.

The Mendon Lion’s Club will be accepting donations from the community for its 14^th Annual Spring Auction, to be held Saturday, March 17^th in conjunction with its soup and sandwich supper at the Union township/Mendon Fire Dept. building. 

Donations of crafts, baked goods, or new merchandise form individuals or businesses will be appreciated. Contact for bring donated items to Roebuck Insurance Agency in Mendon. 

Proceeds from the project will help finance college scholarships, food gift certificates at Christmas, eye glasses for community children, and other charitable activities of the Mendon Lions club.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE 

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

Idajean Bates is the lady who preserved this history of the Mercer County All Stars.  She was one of the ladies who attended our programs about the Mercer County Baseball and Softball Teams of Mercer County’s past, at the Mercer County Historical Museum.  Meeting the ladies of these ball teams was just delightful.  They told stories and laughed about their good times, not only about their own teams but also about the teams they played.  They also reflected how attitudes have changed about female athletes.

Idajean Bates was a long time Member of the Mercer County Historical Society.  After she passed away, I asked her family if there would be baseball history collections belonging to her, that the family might want to place at the Mercer County Historical Museum.  In addition to her Ball Team Jacket and her ball glove, there was a collection of old photographs and newspaper clippings.  Reading these old articles of the past, was just as exciting if I were reading them in today’s news.  Here is an example from one article:

            “The Mercer County All Stars won the Northwestern Soft Ball championship for 16 year old girls for the second straight year at Findlay.  Mercer County Girls played four games to win the championship. 

            “The first game was won from Seneca County by the score of 16-8.  The second game was won from Williams County by a 26-2 margin.  The semi-final game against Wood County was another easy victory for the local girls as they won 21-6.

            “ In the final game for the championship, Mercer County All Stars met their old rivals, Ohio City.  The All Stars got off to a 10 run lead in the first two innings only to see this lead wiped out and Ohio City go ahead 15-14 in the first of the sixth.  The Mercer County girls then scored 3 runs in their half of the sixth, to win 17-15 holding Ohio City scoreless in the first of the 7^th.

            “The members of the Mercer County All Stars were Ella Marie Reichert and Helen Wagner of Fort Recovery; Virginia James, Rita Kaup, Rosemary Schroer and Dolores Rosengarten of Coldwater; Gladys Grey, June Pond, Dorothy Mersman, Ruth McComb, Electa Siney, Ida Jean Bates, Marion Spieler and Marcia Schlosser of Celina.”  [No date was noted on the newspaper clipping.]

Among the other newspaper clippings I read, there was one event which deserves a place in the Trivia Games for Mercer County Ballgame history:

            “Gladys Grey had the odd distinction of scoring four runs on four times at bat without making a hit.  Toledo made an error on every hit ball of hers.”

Another newspaper clipping named the Celina softball team.  Many of the All Stars were players on the Celina Team, with one exception.  Emma Guggenbiller from Fort Recovery was a member of the Celina team.  The history book, “St. Wendelin Catholic Church, 1856-2006,” included a chapter about Baseball Players at Wendelin. “The girls of that Parish formed a softball team.  Emma Guggenbiller had a car and provided transportation for everyone.  They rode on the fenders, running boards, and the rumble seat.”

The ladies of the 1930’s were ground breakers for females entering the sports’ world in Mercer County!

 

Pictured above:  Mercer County All Stars, late 1930’s.

Front Row:  Idajean Bates, Virginia James, Dorothy Mersman, Electa Siney, Rosemary Schroer, Marian Spieler.  Second Row:  Gladys Grey (Gray?), June Pond, Ella Marie Reichert, Dolores Rosengarten, Helen Wagner, Ruth McComb, Marcia Schlosser, Rita Kaup.  Walter McElroy was Coach.

[The 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.] 

2011 provided another opportunity for all the employees of the Mercer County Engineer to make significant improvements to the roadway and bridge infrastructure in our county. Much good was accomplished throughout the year with these public works and this is a credit to the team effort of our employees. Our team accomplishments are far more extensive than our individual efforts and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities that will present themselves in 2012. Click here for the rest of the report.

Thursday, January 26 the Western Buckeye League began competition in the 2011-12 Swimming and Diving Championship Meet, with the Boys and Girls Diving event. The Celina Diving Dog contingent, year in and year out one of the best in the WBL, once again demonstated its depth and talent. By evening's end the Ladies tallied 45 points to lead the Girls 'team' standings, while the Boys totaled 49 to top the Boys standings. Celina's Girls placed 2-3-4-6, with Boys taking 1-3-4-5.

Collen Byer led the way for the Diving Dogs as he picked up an individual WBL Championship. Collen amassed 387.25 points in the 11-dive format. Tye Spengler, Charlie Folk, and Leyton Schoen followed with 3rd, 4th, and 5th place results respectively. The Ladies were headed by the Runner-Up finish of Dethora Hasenjager. Dethora totaled 282.90 points to capture the silver medal. Right behind, in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th spots were Diving Dogs Olivia Schlotterer, Julia Folk and Claire Schmitmeyer.

The swimming portion of the Championship comes Saturday, Jan 28 in Defiance.

FOR COMPLETE DIVING RESULTS: please check the Document Section.

WBL TEAM SCORES AFTER DIVING

Girls: Celina 45, Ottawa-Glandorf 16, St Marys 16, Van Wert 10

Boys: Celina 49, Van Wert 20, Ottawa-Glandorf 14

https://picasaweb.google.com/100813587715833883553/WBLDefiance1262011#

COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) today presented a resolution to the girls’ volleyball team from St. Henry High School on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives in recognition of its state championship title. He was joined by State Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina).

“These girls embody the principles of hard work and dedication,” Representative Buchy said. “They are a group of outstanding individuals, and I applaud them for their achievements.”

The  girls’ volleyball state championship title marked the seventh for St. Henry High School, making it the winningest Division Four volleyball team in state history in terms of state championships.

The school has the 14^th most state titles in all sports in Ohio.

WOEF Board Celebrates 50 Years
Supporting Students…Transforming Communities

Celina, Ohio – This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Western Ohio Educational Foundation (WOEF). Throughout 2012, the WOEF Board, its past and present members, as well as Wright State University-Lake Campus will celebrate fifty years of promoting and assisting higher education in the area by hosting a number of public and private events.

Incorporated on January 24, 1962, the Western Ohio Educational Foundation (WOEF) was organized by a group of forward-thinking citizens in response to a growing desire for Auglaize, Darke, Mercer and Van Wert county residents to have access to higher education. This grass-roots organization secured the funding to build and operate an institution of higher education in this rural northwest Ohio region. After fifty years, the Lake Campus of Wright State University is the only institution of higher education in the West Central Ohio. For five decades, WOEF has remained strongly committed to the success of the Lake Campus.

Since 1965, WOEF has awarded over $2.7 million in scholarships to Lake Campus students while providing unwavering financial support for student programs and activities. The Board has spearheaded various fundraising campaigns securing the land to build the academic buildings, the first student housing unit, and other renovations throughout the last fifty years. Visitors to the campus during 2012 will see the banner displaying the 50th logo created by student, Mara Rindler, on a black banner donated in part by Reynolds & Reynolds. The banner holds a place of honor on the WSU-Lake Campus sign on the corner of SR 703 and Lake Campus Drive. 

Photo Identification: From left to right, Julie Miller, WOEF Development Officer, Bernie Schroer, past-President WOEF Board, Neil Stemley, Mercer County Trustee, Gus Wintzer, Auglaize County Trustee, Pam Baker, Van Wert County Trustee, Dee Whitcraft, President WOEF Board, Dennis Hirt, Mercer County Trustee, Jane Stuckman, past President WOEF Board, and Robert Hiskey, Lake Campus Associate Dean. 

Find out more information by contacting http://www.wright.edu/lake/about/woef.html

  January 27, 2012
 

The 7th grade girls earned their 4th win this season against the St Henry Redskins.  It was a close, low scoring exciting game with a final of 19-14. Way to go girls! 

Click here for more great pictures!

  January 26, 2012
 

Parkway Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to weather conditions this morning 1-26-2012.

The Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet is planned for Thursday - February 23rd at Romer's Banquet Hall in Celina. Dr. Todd DeWett is the featured speaker. Call 419-586-2219 for tickets.

Love, Daddy, Mommy, and KJae

Bob Roof takes in many of the Panther Basketball  Events with his two sons. He was pleased to receive a $15 gift certificate from Jack Davis, manager of Motor Inn Restaurant when his picture was taken for Face in the Crowd. Bob is shown here accepting the certificate from Deb Berry, waitress. Thank you Bob and Motor Inn Restaurant Employees for being fantastic Panther fans!

You might win too! Attend a Parkway Panther Sporting Event!

Mendon Man Held in Mercer County Detention Center
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today his office will be filing numerous charges against a Mendon man regarding numerous area break-ins of local businesses.  Douglas N. Fonner, age 27, of 5922 Tama Road, Mendon, is currently being held in the Mercer County Detention Center on charges of Contempt of Court for violating a condition of bond in a prior breaking and entering case. 

Deputies believe he was involved in breaking into several businesses in the last several months in Mercer County, including:

Coldwater Grain North, on December 1, 2011 where cash was taken

Mercer Landmark in Chatt, on December 17, 2011 where cash, tools and a TV was removed

Burkettsville Garage on January 5, 2012 where cash was taken

Five Brothers Tavern, Burkettsville on January 5, 2012 where cash, cigarettes, alcohol and two televisions were stolen.

Mercer County deputies are currently forwarding these cases to the Prosecutors office for review of the appropriate charges in each case.

Deputies also suspect the male was involved in burglaries in other counties including, Darke, Van Wert,  Auglaize and Shelby Counties.  These cases will be referred to the appropriate investigating agency.

Van Wert County Agricultural Society Posts New Hours
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society would like to remind the public about the new Fair Board Office hours. Effective immediately the office will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and Fridays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

If you have any questions please call 419-238-9270.

The public is welcome to the next Van Wert County Agricultural Society Board meeting that will be held in the Van Wert County Agricultural Society Boardroom on Wednesday February 15 at 7:00 PM.

In addition, the Van Wert County Agricultural Society Board is having a Public Meeting Saturday, February 11^th at 10:00 AM in the Van Wert County Agricultural Society Office Room.  If you would like to address the group, you will have up to 10 minutes before the meeting to register or you may call the office at 419-238-9270 to sign up for a time to speak.  We hope to have a good attendance and to speak about any feedback which you may have.

Van Wert Fair Honored for Success in 2011

The Van Wert County Fair was the recipient of a Communication Award presented at the 87^th Annual Ohio Fair Managers’ Convention on Sunday, January 8, 2012.  Brad Taylor, vice president, received the award, for the Society, and given by the State Agricultural Society for a successful 2011 Fair Season. 

Mercer Health Begins New Public Education Program

Mercer Health officials announced today that they will begin a new public education program entitled “Mercer Healthy Living Series”. The first one will be held at Mercer County Community Hospital on Monday, February 13, in Meeting Room 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The topic of the first program is “Heart Healthy Eating”. It will be presented by Julie Hemmelgarn, Registered Dietitian at Mercer Health. She will be showing simple techniques that can be used to improve your health. There will be time available for questions throughout the presentation.

Lori Shellabarger, Mercer Health’s Patient Advocate and organizer of the event, says, “After offering our Dine and Discover Program for nearly 5 years, we felt it was time to make some changes. These changes are reflected in our new name.”

Persons wanting more information about the program or who would like to register in advance can call 419-678-5615. The program is held in Meeting Room 1 at Mercer County Community Hospital, 800 West Main Street, Coldwater, Ohio.

  January 25, 2012
 

The Jr High girls had one of their best games of the season last Thursday
evening as defeated the Adams Central Jets by a score of 33-7.  This makes
the 3rd win this year for the Jr High.   

Click here for the full article and more great shots.

  January 24, 2012
 

VAN WERT COUNTY FAIR RECEIVES AWARDS 

The Van Wert County Fair was the recipient of two Communication Awards presented at the 87^th Annual Ohio Fair Managers’ Convention on Sunday, January 8, 2012.  Paul Oechsle received the plaques, for the Society, for 1^st Place Newspaper Flyer Award and 2nd Place 2011 Fair Premium Book Cover for Medium-Sized Fairs in Ohio.  The presentations were made by Jerry Knappenberger of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and Madison Weber from Stark County, the Ohio Fair Managers’ Queen for 2012.

LOCAL RESIDENT HONORED FOR SUPPORT OF FAIR

Hugh O. Pugh received a certificate of recognition from Interim Director Tony M. Forshey, DVM of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, at the 87^th Annual Ohio Fair Managers Convention in Columbus, Ohio.  Mr. Pugh, nominated by the Van Wert County Fair, was chosen as the Outstanding Fair Supporter of District 2 which includes eleven counties in North Central Ohio.

Hugh is a lifetime resident of the county and a former Crestview High School teacher and principal for 34 years.  He has a long association with the Van Wert County Fair, many of the neighboring fairs and the State Fair.  Hugh was a 4-H Advisor and a member of the Van Wert County Dairy Service which helped build and maintain the Milking Parlor and Milk Tent at the Fair each year.  He was a member of the Committee that built the Farm Focus Show Arena in 1974.  Hugh has represented the Van Wert County Fair at many District Dairy meetings and has been instrumental in bringing many district shows to the Van Wert County Fair.  Hugh was honored at the 2011 Fair for continuously showing Jersey cattle for 65 years. 

Hugh and his wife Evelyn are the parents of four children and eight grandchildren.  They are active members of Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia.  Hugh’s leadership and participation are qualities that make him a true Fair Supporter.

Happy 4^th Birthday Colbie on January 24th!!!

Love Mom, Dad and Fletcher

First Traffic Fatality of 2012 Investigated in Mercer County

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today that his office is investigating a single vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on Mercer-Darke County Line Rd., just west of Cochran Road.  At approximately 5:14 am this morning, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office notified Mercer County Central Dispatch of a motor vehicle crash on the Mercer-Darke County Line Road.  After Darke County deputies arrived, it was determined the crash occurred in Mercer County.

The investigation revealed that the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Lucas E. Staugler, age 22, of 208 Gwendolyn St., Ft. Recovery, was westbound on Mercer-Darke County Line Rd. driving a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix,  and went off the right side (North) of the roadway, where he struck a utility pole.  The vehicle came to rest in a field.  Mr. Staugler  was pronounced dead at the scene.  He was not wearing a seatbelt.

Mercer County deputies were assisted at the scene by Darke County deputies, as well as members of the Burkettsville Fire Department, Osgood rescue squad and MCERV.

Panther Boys Basketball Team Still Looking for MAC Win
Action Shots and Story by Pat Agler - Thanks Pat!
The Panthers are still looking for their first MAC win of the year, with New Knoxville in town the odds were pretty good for Parkway. Both teams matched up fairly even in the first quarter with Parkway leading 11-9 after one. The second period was big for the Rangers as they got multiple looks after a shot. The Rangers outscored Parkway sixteen to twelve in the quarter, giving them a 25-23 lead at the halftime break. New Knoxville built on that lead in the third period and forced untimely panther turnovers. With one quarter left, Parkway found themselves with a 39-33 disadvantage. The Panthers fought and clawed in the fourth period, but the Rangers got timely three point shots to fall when they needed them. With time running out, Parkway's only hope was to foul and that was to no avail. The Rangers handed Parkway another loss by the score of 57-44. Derik Luth led the way for Parkway with 21 points on the evening and Austin Dennison chipped in with 10 points.

Click Here for more great shots by Pat on 1-20-2012

  January 23, 2012
 

There were old postcards showing: a crew building the Frysinger and Moser Elevator and Mill a the east end of Market St. which was later the Farmers Elevator; and a crew building the Rockford Mfg. Co, (later Lloyd Motor Sales and now D & L Woodworking. There was also a letter sent in 1893 from Geo Smith, Dealer in Dry Goods, Notions, Groceries, Boots & Shoes, Queensware, etc. Shanesville, Ohio. Norm is checking the authenticity of this one since our town became Rockford in 1890. Everyone is welcome to visit the museum!

  January 21-22, 2012
 

The boys junior high basketball games at Lincolnview on Saturday have been cancelled.

Recycling drop off at Parkway Schools has been canceled for Saturday Jan 21st

PARKWAY LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA FROM
JANUARY 10, 2012 - Click Here

 

PARKWAY LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING AGENDA FROM JANUARY 10, 2012 - Click Here

 Senior Queen Attendant Allison Dicke is the daughter of Brian and Joyce Dicke. Allison is from Rockford. Her school activities include NHS, FBLA, student council treasurer, science club, and Varsity Bowling. Allison’s favorite pastimes are spending time with friends and family, shopping, bowling, and reading. Allison attends Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Her future plans are to attend Wright State Lake Campus and major in accounting to become a CPA.                                          
 

Senior Queen Attendant Destinee Guggenbiller is the daughter of Jim and Patty Guggenbiller. Destinee is from Celina. Her school activities include NHS, softball, CYO basketball, post-secondary classes, and FFA vice-president. Her favorite pastimes include hunting, fishing, and hanging out with friends and family. Destinee attends Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Her future plans are to attend Rhodes State and become a physical therapy assistant.

Senior Queen Attendant Becca Harshman is the daughter of Jim and Kristie Harshman. Becca is from Ohio City and her school activities include band, volleyball, basketball, NHS, and science club. Becca’s favorite pastimes include hanging out with friends and family, sports, reading, watching movies, and listening to music. Her future goals are to major in accounting and business administration.

Waterdog Men place 2nd at the Celina/Wapakoneta Invitational!
By Daniel Otten of Celina High School

Saturday, January 14 the Celina Waterdogs, in conjunction with the Wapakoneta Redskins hosted the annual Celina/Wapakoneta Swimming Invitational. Nineteen schools converged at the Auglaize/Mercer County YMCA for the 'all day' competition. The 2012 edition of the invitational was won by the Shawnee Women and Ottawa-Glandorf Men. Shawnee totaled 306 points to runner-up Lima Central Catholic's 214 and CELINA's 207. OG tallied 230 to outscore CELINA by 28 as CHS amassed 202. Ada took 3rd with 148.

For their efforts Celina's Waterdogs posted 19 'top 5' finishes, led by the 1-2 placing of Matt Feltz and Tyus Temple in the boys 100 fly. Brooke Mertz and Michaela Wenning went 2-3 in the 50 free, as did Peyton Jones and Tyus Temple in the 500 free. Third place points were earned by Kandace Eichenauer (500 free) and Peyton Jones (100 back). Taking fourth were Alex Parker (200 free), Matt feltz (200 free), Kasyn Fishbaugh (200 IM) and Michaela Wenning (100 free). Paige Dorsten toughed fifth in the 100 back. Top relay placings came from the Boys medley relay (Peyton Jones, Kasyn Fishbaugh, Tyus Temple, Matt Feltz) and the Girls 400 free relay (Brooke mertz, Michaela Wenning, Paige Dorsten, Alex Parker) which both touched in second. Third place relays were the Girls medley (Paige Dorsten, Kandace Eichenauer, Michaela Wenning, Brooke Mertz), Girls 200 free relay (Taylor Schenking, Andrea List, Kandace Eichenauer, Alex Parker), and the Boys 200 free relay (Matt Feltz, Tyus Temple, Kasyn Fishbaugh, Peyton Jones).

Next up for the Waterdogs...vs Versailles at the Greenville YMCA on Saturday, Jan 21 with a 5:00 PM start.

"Lunch & Learn"
Come for a FREE lunch and learn about the active and healthy lifestyle you can enjoy by making a move to Otterbein St. Marys.
Tuesday, January 24th or Tuesday, January 31st
Lunch begins 12:00 pm
Space is limited so call 419-394-6184 by Friday, January 20th to reserve a place for yourself and a guest!


OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, January 22nd
Sunday, February 5th
1 to 3 pm
Tours of model patio homes, apartments and healthcare available.
Follow the signs on campus!

A Valentine's Day Ball event, sponsored by the Laurels of Shane Hill, offers the perfect touch just in time for the day that stands for love. Share this day with a favorite sweetheart, friend, or just come alone to the Rockford Community Building, in Rockford, OH on Saturday, February 11th at 4:00 PM.. Bring your appetite for delicious food and ear for music. The event kicks off with appetizers being served, and then at 4:30 p.m. will be a scrumptious buffet dinner to include: Roast Beef, Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Green Beans, Tossed Salad, Roll & Butter, Red Velvet Cake, and a "Chocolate Fountain.” From 5-7pm The Al Best Band, of Lima, OH will play until your heart's content a variety of music such as big band, swing, ballroom style, waltz, etc. Bring your dancing shoes as there will be an open dance floor! To complement the memory, get your picture taken by Fox Photography. This event is open to the public. Donations are accepted with proceeds to benefit the Leota Braun Foundation. Please make reservations by Saturday, February 4th by calling 419-363-2620.

St. Teresa Parish Annual Dance is slated for Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 8-11 PM with doors set to open at
7 PM. Live band “Blind Date” is scheduled to perform in concert at the Rockford Community Building located in Shanes Park off US Route 33, Rockford, OH. Cost per person is $15 with cost per couple set at $25. Beverage and chips are included. There will be a raffle drawing and door prizes held during the dance. The facility is handicap accessible. Event is open to the public. For more information, call 419-363-2633.

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, February 23 at Romer’s in Celina.  Four Chamber awards are given out that evening.  They are business of the year, citizen of the year, humanitarian, and achievement.  Each year someone or group is given one of these awards in appreciation for all they do for the community.  Award application forms are available online at www.celinamercer.com or call the Chamber at 419 586-2219. 

Guest speaker for the banquet is Dr. Todd Dewett.  Dr. Dewett is a Full Professor with degrees in business from the University of Memphis (bachelors), the University of Tennessee (MBA), and Texas A&M University (Ph.D. in Management). Along the way he has picked up numerous teaching awards, research awards and a long list of clients.. .  Click here for the rest of the story.

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

[The 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

The Heartbeat Bill: Putting Ohio on the Front Lines of the ProLife Movement

A baby’s heart begins to beat around 8 weeks into a pregnancy; this is where many in the prolife movement believe we can avert hundreds of abortions in Ohio weekly. I believe life starts at conception and I will take every possible step to save lives weather it is 1 or 1 million.  House Bill 125 the “Heartbeat Bill” is the next step to ending abortion.  The Heartbeat Bill is widely supported in the prolife community and the General Assembly.  I am a co-sponsor of HB 125 which is sponsored by Representative Lynn Wachtmann of Napoleon.  The bill passed the Ohio House on June 28^th; 54 to 44. Click here for the rest of the story.

 

FREE PARENTING WORKSHOP
6 Week Series Begins January 26th 

Van Wert, Ohio — Van Wert County Hospital will offer Active Parenting Now workshop for parents of children ages 5-12. The six-session video and discussion program will be held on Thursday evenings.  Beginning January 26th, each session will be held in the hospital’s conference room B&C from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Van Wert Hospital is located at 1250 S. Washington Street. 

This parenting workshop is funded by a grant provided by the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund. The mission of the Ohio Children's Trust Fund (OCTF) is to take a leadership role and be a catalyst in preventing child abuse and neglect in Ohio.

For more information about this class, visit www.vanwerthospital.org. Registration is required and can be made by calling 419.238.8671.  

About Van Wert Hospital

For more than 100 years, Van Wert Hospital has been delivering superior patient care and advancing new treatments. As an independent nonprofit community health system, Van Wert County Hospital remains committed to the region’s healthcare needs for generations to come. Van Wert Hospital is committed to today, focused on tomorrow. Visit www.vanwerthospital.org for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting the Luck O’ the Irish Bowling Bash on Sunday, March 4 at Plaza Lanes in Celina and Olympic Lanes in Van Wert and on Friday, March 16th at Varsity Lanes in St. Marys. What a better way to start your St. Patty’s Day Weekend then with Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2012.

This year we are having a bowling party for all of our participants. We want to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to the kids in their communities. Call the BBBS office and register your team. Go out and find 4 or 5 friends, family members, co-workers to help your team raise a minimum $125.00. If you raise $50 in pledges as an individual then you will receive a BFKS t-shirt. More information is provided in our team packets. If you’re a business owner and would like to get involved, we have sponsorship opportunities ranging from $50-$1,000!

This will be the biggest bowling party of the year offering lots of fun, great prizes, and it helps a premier youth mentoring organization. This year the Grand Prize is a Laptop donated by Layer 3 Technologies.  The bowler that raises the most money will receive an overnight stay and tickets to the Columbus Funny Bone Comedy Club.Other prizes include an overnight stay at a local hotel, gift certificates to various restaurants in the three county area, and much more.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters largest FUNdraiser and we receive over 25% of our budget from this event alone. Therefore we depend greatly on people like you in our community to participate in this event. The money raised at this event stays local. For more information contact BBBS by phone at 419-394-2990 or 1-866-670-2227, e-mail at office@bbbsma.com, or visit our website at www.bbbsma.com. Check the website for updates on teams, sponsors and prizes. BBBS is a partner agency of the United Way.

  January 19-20, 2012
 

Parkway Student Council Offering “Romer’s” Chicken Dinners As Fundraiser
Presale Only – Order now

In support of Student Activities for PHS, Parkway Student Council is having a chicken dinner at $6.50 per dinner on presale only. The dinner includes: ½ barbecue chicken, applesauce, dinner roll with butter, and chips. Drink included with dine-in only. This event will be Friday, February 3 at the homecoming game with Marion Local. Dinner

Pick-up is from 4-6 p.m. or you ticket-holders may dine in the cafeteria

Call 419-363-3045, ext 762 or email mcconam@parkwayschools.org for tickets.

Wassenberg Art Center to Features Indiana Wildlife Artists

On February 4, the Wassenberg Art Center, 643 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, opens “Walk on the Wild Side” an exhibit featuring works by the Indiana Wildlife Artist Association. This exhibit showcases 23 nationally published artists, illustrators and sculptors who feature wildlife in their work to help promote and educate the public on wildlife conservation.

Wassenberg Art Center features: Clyde Burt, American Studio Ceramic Artist

On February 4, the Wassenberg Art Center will also open an exhibit featuring the works of nationally known, American Studio Ceramic Artist, Clyde E. Burt.

This is the first exhibit of this enigmatic artist’s work since his death in 1981. Burt won prestigious awards such as the Chicago Institute of Art’s Designer-Craftsman Award in 1957 and has pieces in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C. He studied and taught at the Fort Wayne School of Art, Dayton Art Institute and completed graduate work at Cranbrook Academy of Art.

A public opening reception for both exhibits will be held February 4, 6–8 p.m. at Wassenberg Art Center and the exhibits run through February 24. Exhibit hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Admission to the Wassenberg Art Center is always free.

Band Concession Stand Workers Reminded for 1-20
The Parkway Music Boosters would like to remind the following individuals that they are scheduled to work in the basketball concession stand when Parkway plays New Knoxville on Friday January 20th.  They are as follows:

Tim & Wendy Heindel
Todd & Angie Thomas
Ed & Lisa Keipper
Brad & Nikki Swander
Mike & Anita Dicke
Kelly & Karen Schaffner
Darrell & Nancy Etgen
Jerry & Kim Kroege

Concession stand workers:  Please arrive by 5:45 p.m.  In order for the concession stand to operate smoothly, it is important that all those scheduled to work be there.  If something comes up and you can’t be there, please arrange for someone to take your place.  The Music Boosters thank you in advance for your help.

Panther Junior High Girls Basketball Teams Suffer Injuries
Thank you to James and Jill Leighner for the story and the pictures!

Injuries continue to be the issue for the Parkway Jr High Girls Basketball teams.  The 7th grade, when at full power has 7 girls on the team and the 8th grade only has 5.  For the last several games there have been 2, 7th grade girls out with injury, leaving the other 5 to be on the floor for the entire game.  The 8th grade girls have had 1 out injury, so the 7th grade girls have had to try to fill that void.  These girls come out and play as hard as any of their competition, but the opposing teams always have much deeper benches, and can rotate fresh players in at will.  It's not hard to
see why the girls have been having a rough season.  Both teams would be defeated by Minster last Wednesday evening 1-11-2012.

Things have got to be coming around for these girls soon I hope.  Good luck this week as they travel to New Knoxville on Monday and Adams Central on Thursday.

Click here for the full article and more great shots.

  January 18, 2012
 

Parkway is on a Two Hour Delay for Teacher In-service on Wednesday, January  18.

Mercer Dads Welcome New Mexico Film Producer, Justin Hunt
Documentary Film  Absent Showing Held in Celina on 1-17-2012

Mercer Dads welcomed film director Justin Hunt from New Mexico on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 for the first showing in this part of the country of Hunt’s documentary “Absent”. Shown at the Celina Fieldhouse, the film addressed the fatherless society and the impact it has on all communities. “Absent” explores the devastating impact of disengaged fathers not only here in America, but around the globe. “Absent” lifts the veil on the damage being done by fathers who just aren't “there” starting with a historical look at the family, world wars, the industrial revolution and citing statistical data. Featuring Metallica front man James Hetfield, World Champion Boxer Johnny Tapia and Best Selling author John Eldredge just to name a few, ‘Absent” revealed that “one man makes a world of difference.” Justin Hunt held a  Question and Answer session after the screening and talked about his positive relationships with his own father and step-father, how he met Hetfield and Tapia who both agreed to speak candidly in the documentary about their own issues with their absent fathers, and his next film ventures. Those who would like to learn more can contact Ted Goodwin of the Mercer Dads Organization or by visiting  the movie website www.absentmovie.com.

Van Wert County Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certified By Industry Leader


Van Wert, Ohio - Van Wert County Hospital is proud to announce the certification of its pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Van Wert County Hospital was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with pulmonary problems (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD, respiratory symptoms, etc.) recover faster and improve their quality of life. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
 
The Van Wert County Hospital Pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in the one month application process which requires extensive documentation of the program's practices. The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by
the AACVPR National Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.
 
Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
 
 
ABOUT AACVPR

Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and
pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

Little Panthers Basketball Team Plays
Thank you for sharing James and Jill Leighner
The little Panthers were back at it again on Saturday, 1-14-2012.  They have got a lot of kids coming out the year, at it looks as if they are all have a very good time.  Thanks again to all the coaches and this year’s Freshman team for
volunteering their time to coach. Click below for more pictures

https://picasaweb.google.com/113913976620504942533/LittlePanthers011412
 

Lady Panthers Hosts Minster on 1-12-2012
Thank you for sharing James and Jill Leighner
The Lady Panthers were at home last Thursday evening to take on the Minster
Wildcats.  Both teams played hard for the entire game, but would come up
short on the scoreboard as both the JV and Varsity teams would be defeated.

Click here for more pictures.

  January 17, 2012
 

Seven Ohio University Football Bobcats Receive Academic All-MAC Honorable Mention
Junior Tight End Jordan Thompson, Parkway Graduate, Among Them

Click here for the article.

Ruth Ann Covey, a Panther fan by relation, takes in many of the girls Panther Sporting Events because her son-in-law, Ryan Strickler is the assistant varsity coach. She was recently at a basketball game, cheering on the girls, when her picture was taken for Face in the Crowd. She was pleased to receive a free large pizza from the Rockford Carry-Out and Jason Stover, owner. Shown is Holly Genth (employee) presenting the certificate to Ruth Ann.  Thank you Ruth Ann and Jason for being fantastic Panther fans!
 

Corey Sapp, a very special Panther fan, takes in many of the Panther Sporting Events. He was recently at a boys basketball game watching the game and one of his favorite players, his cousin, Riley Bransteter, when his picture was taken for Face in the Crowd. He was pleased to receive a gift certificate to the local grocery from Dr. John Granger, Rockford's dentist. Thank you Corey and Dr. Granger for being fantastic Panther fans!

Mike Burtch, co-owner of Burtch Seed and faithful Panther fan takes in all  Panther Sporting Events. He was at a girls basketball game, watching his niece Haley Burtch play, when his picture was taken for Face in the Crowd. He was pleased to receive a case of bottled water from Chris and Leslie Baltzell, owners of Aquatech Water Treatment Systems. Dylan Baltzell helped present the water. Thank you Mike and Chris and Leslie for being fantastic Panther fans!

You might win too! Attend a Parkway Panther Sporting Event!

Charity Auction Planned at St John Lutheran Church
St John Lutheran Church Youth Group is busy preparing for their annual Charity Auction.   This year the auction will be on Sunday, January 29^th at 2:00PM at the Church’s Family Life Center. 

The youth hold this auction to raise money for their mission trip in June.  On the trip, the High School youth perform minor home repairs such as building wheelchair ramps, porch and roof repair and painting for the  low income and elderly.  In addition to the repairs, the youth share their faith with the residents of the homes by inviting them to share a lunch and take part in daily devotions.

There will be lots and lots of wonderful items to be auctioned.  The items include new and used furniture, savings bonds, jewelry, Ohio State items, household items, collectables, gift certificates for local services; restaurants; and department stores and much, much more.  Also there is a lunch stand serving delicious home made food including sandwiches and pie.  Thrivent (a fraternal Lutheran organization) is also supporting the auction. Everyone in the community is welcome to come and join in the fun.  Any questions please contact Cindy Snyder at 419-586-2332.

  January 16, 2012
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 

Panther Boys Basketball Team takes on Minster and Botkins on January 13 & 14
Action Shots and Story by Pat Agler - Thanks Pat!
It has been an uphill struggle this season for the Panthers, but they continue to keep clawing and scratching. Versus Minster the Panthers kept within ten points until the latter stages of the game. Parkway got off to a slow start in the first quarter and just couldn't gain any ground all evening. The wildcats won the game 48-34. On Saturday evening Parkway traveled to Botkins for a non-conference tilt with the Trojans. The first quarter once again was not benefical for the Panthers. Botkins started off with a 13-0 run and never looked back. After an abysmal first quarter Parkway was down 15-3. In the second period both teams put up eight points making the halftime score 23-11. Although not out of the game yet, it didn't get any better for Parkway. In the third quarter the Trojans increased thier lead , outscoring the Panthers by six in the period. The scoring was even in the final period and the Trojans got the win by a score of 49-27. If not for a rough first quarter, it would have been much closer throughout the game. With the loss Parkway drops to 1-11 on the season.
 

Two NEW Face in the Crowd Pictures! Click Here for Prize Winners and more game shots

  January 14-15, 2012
 

"Lunch & Learn"
Come for a FREE lunch and learn about the active and healthy lifestyle you can enjoy by making a move to Otterbein St. Marys.
Tuesday, January 24th or Tuesday, January 31st
Lunch begins 12:00 pm
Space is limited so call 419-394-6184 by Friday, January 20th to reserve a place for yourself and a guest!


OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, January 22nd
Sunday, February 5th
1 to 3 pm
Tours of model patio homes, apartments and healthcare available.
Follow the signs on campus!

Click here for the list of items up for auction.

The Bulldog swimmers and divers won all 6 relays, taking 1-2 in four of them. Individually Paige Dorsten touched first twice, winning the shortest and longest races of the evening, the 50 and 500 freestyles. Other winning Dogs were Hannah Fleck (200 free), Matt Feltz (200 free), Collen Byer (dive), Peyton Jones (100 fly), Andrea List (100 free), Mason Miller (100 free), Kaysn Fishbaugh (500 free), and Kandace Eichenauer (100 breast). Second place points were earned by Tye Spengler (dive), Michaela Wenning (100 fly), Maddy Weininger (100 free), Brooke Mertz (500 free), Holly Thobe (100 back), Lizz Carr (100 breast), and Matt Feltz (100 breast).

Next up...Celina is co-host of the Celina/Wapakoneta Invitational which will be staged on Saturday, Jan 14 at the Auglaize/Mercer County YMCA. Start time is 1:00.

Click here for pictures from 'Senior' Night.

Click here for pictures from the Quad Meet.

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced today his office is investigating an incident that occurred on Brown Road, Celina.  At 07:29 AM today deputies were notified that Danny L. Boise, age 61 of 911 North 7^th Street, Apt. #15 Coldwater, had not made it to his dialysis appointment in Celina.  Deputies and Coldwater Police began to search for him. 

At 07:52 hours deputies were dispatched to 5139 Brown Road, when the residents there discovered a vehicle in their pond with a body lying near a garage there. 

It appeared Mr. Boise drove off the roadway through a large area of field.  It further appears he attempted to drive back onto the roadway and accidentally drove into the pond.  He was able to escape his vehicle but was unable to make it to the residence for assistance.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Sheriff’s deputies were assisted at the scene by the Celina EMS services as well as the Coldwater Police Department.

CELINA, Ohio – Wright State University (WSU) Police Chief and Assistant Vice President Michael Martinsen announced today that Tyler Pottkotter, Celina native and WSU alumnus, has been named to the WSU Police force. Pottkotter will be stationed full-time at the Lake Campus.

Pottkotter’s hiring brings to close an important search for Bonnie Mathies, Ph.D., Lake Campus Dean. In her tenure as Dean and particularly with the opening of the new residential complex, Mathies has emphasized the need for a full-time officer and welcomed the opportunity to work with Chief Martinsen to bring a police presence to the Lake Campus.

“We are thrilled that Tyler will be connecting our two campuses to provide a safer environment for our students,” said Mathies. “His knowledge of the Lake Campus, as a student and a student employee, combined with the resources that Chief Martinsen and his department can provide, will absolutely provide a better, safer experience at the Lake.”

Pottkotter has served as a student employee as Student Information Specialist/Security Officer for the past 4 years. Academically, he has completed two associate degrees, a first in Technical Studies with a Law Enforcement Option and a second in Sociology, both with High Honors. He is also a graduate of the Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy, and will receive a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the end of this winter quarter. He also serves as a reserve officer with the Mercer County Sheriff Department.

Pottkotter will train with the WSU Police Department for approximately 8 weeks before assuming his duties at the Lake Campus, which will include responsibilities such as safety patrols, policy enforcement, crime prevention, event staffing and more.

Volunteers Needed to Help Measure Rain and Predict Floods

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is set to begin a major recruitment and expansion drive into Mercer and Auglaize counties. This extremely valuable community-based network incorporates training and education on tracking rain and snowfall. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are invited to take part in monitoring Ohio’s precipitation. The project’s website at www.cocorahs.org provides information on the project and free access to the data collected.

CoCoRaHS began in Ohio during February 2009 and now boasts more than 227 observers from all parts of the Buckeye State.  With 2011 bringing new state rainfall records to Ohio, the CoCoRaHS network has been a valuable asset in monitoring Ohio precipitation and climate. With Ohio CoCoRaHS continuing to grow, scores of residents statewide have found that measuring precipitation is a rewarding and beneficial undertaking.

Recent repeated flood events during 2011 have highlighted the importance of having a dense network of well-trained rainfall and snowfall observers in the Auglaize and St. Mary’s river valleys. While there have been some observing stations in the area, there is currently no method for measuring water content in the snowpack, which was a cause of the February 28, 2011 flash flood.  The efforts to monitor flood potential in the area will be greatly enhanced by adding enthusiastic and well trained volunteers.

In support of this expansion effort, the state and regional CoCoRaHS coordinators from the National Weather Service will hold a training session on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Dicke Hall of the Wright State Lake Campus in Celina. The hands-on session, lasting around one hour, will teach observers how to accurately set up and read the standard CoCoRaHS rain gauges and report the data.

Attendance at the January 26th session is free, and open to any interested resident of Ohio. Volunteers should contact Julie Reed or Ashley Novak at the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

CoCoRaHS began in 1998 in Colorado in response to flooding in Ft. Collins that claimed 5 lives and caused over $100 million in damage. The network now encompasses all 50 states and is expanding into Canada. The Ohio project represents a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service and the State Climatologist at Ohio State University.

Contacts: Julie Reed, National Weather Service Wilmington julia.dian-reed@noaa.gov 

Ashley Novak, National Weather Service Wilmington ashley.novak@noaa.gov

Mercer County Chapter # 13 PERI Minutes

 Mercer County Chapter # 13, met on January 10, 2012, at the Hopewell Grange Hall in Celina, Ohio with 48 of our 102 paid Members.

President Yvonne Stoner called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M.

Merrill Asher, District #2 Representative, has been appointed to replace the former District Representative Dot Silver.  The next annual PERI meeting will be held May 17, 2012 at Lima. 

Mr. Asher asked for a Committee Member to serve on the Nominating Committee for the District.  President Yvonne Stone appointed Joyce Alig, as this Committee Member.

Mr. Asher then installed the 2012 Officers for Mercer County Chapter # 13, PERI:  President Yvonne Stoner, Vice President Pat Large, Secretary Joyce Alig, Treasurer Jean Thobe and Legislative Chairman Mauri Cron.

Vice President Pat Large gave the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

-Officers present were President Yvonne Stoner, Vice President Pat Large, Secretary Joyce Alig, and Treasurer Jean Thobe, and Legislative Chairman Mauri Cron.

-Secretary Joyce Alig read the minutes from the previous meeting.  Annette Sutter made the motion and seconded by Frieda Lochtefeld, to accept the minutes.  Motion carried.

-Treasurer Jean Thobe gave the Financial Report, which shows a balance of $ 1084.86.  She will be collecting dues after the meeting. Mary Jane Cron made the motion to accept the report; seconded by Mary Lou Fortener.  Motion carried.  President Stoner reported Pat Smith audited the books.

-Legislative Chairman Mauri Cron gave his report.  Changes in the Ohio Retirement System are being considered.  He also reported that legislative information is available to PERI Members via the Members’ Newsletters and via email.  He reported that 70 members now receive email.

The New Member to PERI, was Susan Fennig.  The free membership was won by Doris Freewalt.

-Old business.  The President reported she has cards with addresses for State Representatives, as well as copies of the 2012 OPERS Health Plan.  Estella Nusbaum made the motion to pay the Hopewell Grange $200, for use of the hall.  Larry Dietz seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

-New Business.  President Stoner and Merrill Asher and Jean Thobe responded to various questions about health benefits’ payments, related to Medicare and Social Security and OPERS.

Mercer County Auditor Randall Grapner and Mercer County Treasurer Dave Kaiser reported on the responsibilities of their County Elected Offices and answered several questions for local taxes.

The Motion to adjourn was made by Les Bruns; seconded by Jerry Dippold.  Motion carried.

The next regular meeting will be held at Hopewell Grange Hall in Celina, Ohio, on March 13, 2012.

The Speaker for March will be Jarrod Ebbing, Mercer Co. Community Development Officer.

Joyce Alig, Secretary, January 10, 2012.

The 2012 meetings will be held:

January 10, 2012

March 13, 2012

May 8, 2012

July 10, 2012

September 11, 2012

November 13, 2012

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

Have you looked up, at the Mercer County Courthouse lately?  Have you taken the time to admire the workmanship of the stone masons who created this masterpiece of stone work in Mercer County?

Why was a new Courthouse needed in 1923?  Following World War I, Mercer Countians were discussing improvements throughout the County.  In response, the Mercer County Commissioners created a Building Committee by May 1920, with a goal of a new Courthouse.

Architect and Contractor.  Have you considered how the architect who designed and constructed this Courthouse?  June 29, 1820, Peter M. Hulsken of the firm McLaughlin  & Hulsken, Lima, was appointed the architect.  Hulsken’s Associate was Lyman Strong.   The Commissioners passed a resolution to issue bonds to erect and equip this Courthouse.  February 26, 1921, the Commissioners approved the specifications by Hulsken.  The Contract was awarded to O.M. Green.  Ground was broken in May 1921.  Have you looked back into the 1920’s at the tools to build this building?  Consider the railroad to move these limestone columns to Celina, and then the wagons taking them from the station to the Courthouse?

Artists.  Have you looked at the stained glass window in the dome and imagined the artist who created the idea and then planned and implemented that one of a kind, historical stained glass window?

Greek and Roman Influence.  The limestone columns with the Ionic Capitals with the scroll-like spirals, called “volutes,” remind the guest of the Greek Influence.  Roman architecture influenced domed buildings and this Courthouse has a dome at the center about the stairwell.  The top floor of the rotunda has a frieze of mythological figures, whose themes date to Roman and Greek history.  Mythological Griffins, “the hounds of Zeus, who never bark,” were used in the designs throughout the Courthouse.

The Dedication of the new Mercer County Courthouse was held Monday, September 3, 1923.  Seventy five years later, Mercer Countians celebrated the 75^th Anniversary of this Courthouse.  In honor of this occasion, working with the Mercer County Commissioners and their Journals, I edited the book, “Mercer County’s Courthouses, Celina, Ohio, 1824-1998.”  The history of this Mercer County Courthouse, as well as the previous two Courthouses in Celina and the first Mercer County Courthouse on Court Street at Saint Marys, has been preserved in this book.  If you wish to learn more about the history of Mercer County’s four Courthouses, this book serves the Mission Statement of the Mercer County Historical Society:  To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History.

Do you know what County Government Offices are in this County Courthouse?  Are you aware of all of the County Government Offices as well as all of the County Buildings?  Mercer County Commissioners now have their Offices in another building, the Central Services Building on Livingston Street.

We should all be proud of our heritage of having one of the most beautiful County Courthouses in the State of Ohio.  We should also be proud of the County building, the Mercer County Historical Museum, The Riley Home, and the Mercer County Commissioners and the Mercer County Historical Society for preserving Mercer County’s history.

 
Pictured above:  The Mercer County Courthouse Architrave, which performs the function of a beam, above the limestone columns with Ionic Capitals, has the stone wreaths, recreating the Victor’s garland of Laurel; photographed on the Courthouse 75^th Anniversary, September 1998
 

[The 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.] 

Construction is now underway at Mercer County Community Hospital for the expansion of their Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center.

The new Center will be located in an area of the hospital previously utilized by a non-patient care department on the west side of the main hospital.

Nancy Mescher, Cardiopulmonary Services Director at Mercer Health, says, “This is a great improvement due to both a tripling of exercise space along with floor to ceiling windows lining the entire west wall of the Center. The new area is planned to be completed in late February or early March, 2012.”

Mescher is very pleased with the change in location. She says, “We are excited to have the opportunity to move such a desirable area within the hospital. Rehabilitation for patients with cardiac as well as respiratory disease is as much emotional as it is physical, and the additional equipment and improved surroundings make this a great space and a more uplifting environment.”

In addition to the change in location, the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department will feature additional equipment including commercial grade treadmills as well as recumbent bikes and steppers. Mescher says, “We will also have additional televisions that we can use for both educational and entertainment purposes for our patients while they are exercising.”

Safety is a major focus of the new area. Mescher explains. “We will have a six channel telemetry system that we can use to monitor vital signs of those patients who require monitoring during exercise which is essential to any cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center.”

To help with the financing of this project, the Medical, Educational and Development (MED) Foundation has begun a fund raising campaign. John Hoying, Development Director, states, “Our goal is to raise $75,000. This will pay for new equipment being purchased in the expansion.”

Persons wishing to make a contribution can contact Hoying at 419-678-5679. Contributions can also be made through the hospital website by going to www.mercer-health.com and clicking on the MED Foundation icon.

The Mercer Health Cardiopulmonary Program was the first in the area to receive national certification. They provide a phased program to improve the quality of life for those with heart and respiratory disease.

Pictured: Construction of the new Mercer Health Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Mercer County Community Hospital has begun. Shown here is the future consultation office and warm up area.

The Van Wert County Jr. Fair Board  is reminding all Steer exhibitors for the 2012 Van Wert County Jr. Fair,  that steer weigh in is this Saturday January 14^th from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  Weigh in will take place on the fairgrounds by the beef barn. Show Steers, Dairy Steers and Performance Steers possession is January 1^st. You may weigh up to 5 steers from each class.  Steer Exhibitors wishing to take a steer to the Ohio State Fair in 2012 must submit a legible nose print to the Ohio State Fair Livestock Office. The Van Wert County 4-H will be collecting signed nose print cards at the steer weigh in to send in to State Fair.

In case of inclement weather please check  the Van Wert county Jr. Fair Facebook page for cancellation.

Calvary Evangelical Church and the Van Wert Pregnancy Life Center invite the community to enjoy a free concert by Christian music legend David Meece on Sunday, January 29, at 4:00 PM. Meece is the composer of modern-day Christian classics such as “We Are the Reason,” Forgiven,” “Unknown Soldier,” and “My Father’s Chair.” As a concert pianist with record sales in the millions, Meece shares not only his music, but the truths he has discovered through his lifetime experiences as well.

A love offering for PLC will be taken during the concert to recognize and support their vital ministry, which strives to protect the lives of the unborn and show the love of Jesus through helping those affected by unplanned pregnancy. Meece will be singing and playing at Calvary, located at 10686 Van Wert Decatur Road in Van Wert. For more information, visit the church’s website at www.calvaryelife.org.

Celebrations” is the competition theme in prints and slides when the Wassenberg Camera Club meets Thursday, January 12, at 7 p.m. at the Wassenberg Art Center.  Members may enter up to 3 images for $1. Another $1 will allow you to enter another 1-3 images. To encourage competition, those not putting pictures in the competition are to put a dollar in the no-show cup.

Business that evening will include the election of a club treasurer. A new Club Directory and an Activity Calendar for 2012 should be available for distribution that evening.

Visitors are encouraged, and may participate in the voting for the best print and slide.

Pictured: Jeff Dolby celebrates his 5th birthday. Photo by:  Rex Dolby

Contact the art center at 419.238.6837, via wassenberg@embarqmail.com or visit our website at: wassenbergartcenter.org. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert.

  January 13, 2012
 

Parkway Local Spelling Bee Winners Announced
Recently, students from grades 4 - 8 participated in the Parkway Local Spelling Bee.  The winners are pictured as follows: Champion, Austin Metz (8^th grade), 2^nd place, Dillon Lacy (6^th grade); 3^rd place, Sophia Miller (4^th grade), 4^th place, Clayton Agler (6^th grade); 5^th place, Sarah Gehron (7^th grade).  These students will participate in the Mercer County Spelling Bee on February 6.  Congratulations!!

Computerized Farm Recordkeeping Workshops

Wm. Bruce Clevenger, OSU Extension Educator, Defiance County

Pencil and paper is still the way most farmers keep records. As farm size, income or debt increases, many farmers and lenders look for computer programs that allow fast data entry, have internal checks for accuracy and allow summarizing of data. Most farmers begin their search by asking "Is there a simple computer program that will keep my records like the farm account books?"

Ohio State University Extension and other land grant colleges have recognized the computer software Quicken® as a computerized farm recordkeeping system.  Users can record transactions of both the farm and family and categorize them based on farm enterprises income and expenses as well as family living expenses.  Its popularity is due to the ease of data entry and to its low price of $60 to $100. This single-entry system is essentially an electronic checkbook. It allows users to track loans, write checks,   reconcile the checkbook with the bank statement and quickly create reports for the farm business, family, and tax purposes.

OSU Extension is offering a Computerized Farm Recordkeeping Workshop with Quicken® that will focus on setting up accounts, categorizing income and expenses, hands-on data entry, running tax reports, and preparing farm production reports.  Workshop will utilize a computer laboratory with Quicken® software installed to be used by participants during the workshop.

Workshops will be held:

January 30 & February 6 at OSU Extension Van Wert Co. (1:00pm—3:30pm)

January 31 & February 7 at OSU Extension Defiance Co. (6:30pm—9:00pm)

February 3 & February 10 at OSU Extension Hancock Co. (9:30am—12 noon)

Pre-Registration $35.00 per farm business (2 people) is required and includes two-sessions and a workshop training manual.  Please RSVP by January 18^th. Space is limited.

For more information on the meeting, contact your OSU Extension office or OSU Extension Defiance County at (800) 745-4771, clevenger.10@osu.edu, or log on to http://defiance.osu.edu/

Grube Homicide Update by Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey

Released on January 11, 2012

Mercer County Sheriff’s Detectives and Ohio BCI&I continue to work on the homicide of Robert and Colleen Grube that occurred in their rural Fort Recovery home on November 29-30.

Since the last release of information to the press, detectives and agents have conducted 17 interviews, bringing the total of interviews to nearly 90 people.  15 new tips were followed up on bringing the total tips followed up on to 73.  17 new court orders/subpoenas were requested and issued bringing the total to 63.  1 additional search warrant was issued bringing the total to 11 and 17 new pieces of evidence were recovered.

Some final lab reports are starting to come in on evidence that was submitted to them and some preliminary information is still coming in from the labs.  While we don’t have all the piece of the puzzle, we are beginning to try to put them together.

“Murder has no statute of limitations, so we are gathering everything possible to help solve the crime now, in the event it is not solved in the immediate future, we need to have all the information to be utilized later.  It is important to solve this case, but we have to ensure that we get it right.  It is important to make an arrest, but we must be able to get a conviction, and we have to be absolutely certain we have the right offenders,” stated Sheriff Grey.

What we know with relative certainty:

·         Colleen was last seen alive shortly after 5 PM on Tuesday, November 29

·         Colleen and Robert were found deceased by a family member bound with duct tape and shot on November 30 at approximately 9 AM

·         Investigators have narrowed the time of the incident to a two hour window

·         Investigators have developed information that at least one male and one female offender were present at the time

·         Missing from the scene is a laptop computer

At the present time investigators are reviewing thousands of pages of information that has been recovered during the investigation.

Additional Note:  The Grube investigation lead to information that was turned over to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office that resulted in the following press release from Darke County.  An additional stolen vehicle was recovered near Mendon as a result of the same information.  The original information came to Mercer County from the Jay County, IN Sheriff’s Office.  The 3 Sheriff’s Offices and Ohio BCI&I worked together to share the information.

 
5 ARRESTED IN METHAMPHETAMINE LAB BUST

On January 3^rd, 2012 the Deputies and Detectives from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, along with Investigators from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and Agents from the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded 1024 State Route 571 to execute a pre-dawn hour search warrant on the residence located there for the manufacturing of methamphetamine.  Also responding to the scene were members of the Union City, OH Fire and Rescue who provided back-up services.  All emergency responders remained on the scene while the lab was dismantled and evidence was collected. No evacuation of surrounding residences was necessary or conducted.

A search of the residence yielded evidence that there was an active clandestine methamphetamine lab in operation there at that time.  Members from the Darke County Clandestine Lab Unit dismantled the operation and neutralized any and all potential safety issues that were present.  Traffic flow on SR571 was temporarily interrupted during the morning work flow. 

Two adult females, three adult males and a 7 year old juvenile boy were removed from the residence without incident by the Darke County Special Response Team.  Custody of the 7 year old boy was turned over to Darke County Children’s Services.

Arrested was Christina Melchor age 34, Manuel Melchor age 33 and Bryant Rhoades age 21 of that address.  Also arrested was Christopher Brock age 46 of Winchester, IN and Letisha Parker age 20 of Portland, IN.  All arrestees were transported to the Darke County Jail where each are being held, pending charges for Illegal Manufacturing of Methamphetamine and Child Endangering.  Photos of those arrested will be available when the booking process is complete and can be accessed by visiting our website at www.darkecountysheriff.org .

This case remains under investigation by Darke County Sheriff’s Office.

Bridge Inspection Done
Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart announced recently that the yearly bridge inspections of Mercer County’s 406 bridges on township and county roads has been completed.  Engineer Wiechart and County Bridge Supervisor T.J. Smalley completed the inspections before the end of 2011.

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

  January 12, 2012
 

  January 11, 2012
 

The little panthers K-2 basketball kicked off Saturday with High School coaches and players helping the next generation of Panthers learn and have fun playing the game.  Starting with some fundamentals and progressing to dribble war, then splitting into teams.  The kids love it! Thanks to all the coaches and players that take their time to come out and be involved. It means more to these little guys than you may realize.   GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!

Click here for more pictures.

Parkway Boys Basketball Hosts Paulding on 1-7-2012
Story and pictures by James and Jill Leighner - thank you for sharing!

It didn't seem as though either team could miss offensively in the first quarter as the Panthers would be leading 24-21 going into the 2nd quarter.  The game would stay close as it went to halftime tied at 37.  The Panthers were down by 6 at the end of the third quarter with a score of 52-46.  Parkway would make a run for the lead in the 4th quarter but foul trouble would get the best of them as they ended the game down 66-57.      

Click here for more action shots.

Parkway Junior High Girls Basketball Team Travels to Crestview on 1-9-2012
Story and pictures by James and Jill Leighner - thank you!

The Junior High girls were at Crestview Monday night to take on the Lady Knights.  The 7th grade would take  the early lead in the first quarter up 5-0.  At the half the knights would come back to take the lead by a score of 11-7.  Final on the 7th grade was a loss for the Panthers 21-14.

Click here for more action shots.
 

Parkway 7th Grade Boys Basketball Team Hosts Coldwater Cavaliers
Pictures by Nikki Fox - thank you!

Click here for more pictures from this game.
 

Parkway 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team Hosts Coldwater Cavaliers
Pictures by Nikki Fox - thank you!

Click here for more pictures from this game.

Parkway Panthers Varsity Host Coldwater Cavaliers on 1-6-2012
Thanks to Nikki Fox for sharing the pictures!
 

Click here for more pictures from this game.

Parkway Panthers Varsity Host Paulding Panthers on January 7, 2012
Thanks to Nikki Fox for sharing these action shots!
 

Click here for more pictures from this game.

  January 10, 2012
 

First Grader at Parkway Wins Rookie 1^st Place at Mac-O-Chee
Seven-year-old Race Car Driver, Taylor Gruss Takes the Wheel
by Sheila Baltzell, Parkway Independent 1-9-2012

The racing circuit has opportunities for girls as well as boys, and one tough little female is making a name for herself on the asphalt in quarter midget racing. Taylor Gruss, daughter of Brian and Lindsay (Bell) Gruss of Mendon, is just a Parkway first grader, but she has been racing for two years.  This year she won her very first race in the Blue Rookie Class and recently took 7th place in the Junior Honda class at Mac-O-Chee Quarter Midget Club in West Liberty, OH near Bellefontaine, Ohio . She was honored at the year-end banquet in November and is quite proud of her many trophies including this one.

According to Lindsay Gruss (Parkway grad 1999), Taylor races a miniature sprint car called a quarter midget which is ¼ the size of a sprint (hence the name quarter midget) . The cars usually run on asphalt. Her dad, Brian Gruss, who has raced stock cars (a Chevy Monte Carlo) since he was 15 years old, is her mentor and mechanic. (Brian is a 1996 graduate of Parkway). Grandpa Ron Gruss is also track-side to help at her events. Brian has taught her everything since she first insisted on driving a miniature 4 wheeler when she was just 2-1/2 years old. “She’s fearless,” said her mom.

In the Junior Honda class, these cars run 30-35 MPH, and some places Taylor competes include: Mac-O-Chee in West Liberty, the "Indoor Winternationals" at the Ohio State Fairground in Columbus; and Xenia ’s  Miami Valley Raceway. At Xenia , where she raced this past summer, she took the track record in the Red Rookie  class. She traveled at 25 MPH on the 1/20 mile track and finished the lap in 8.259, setting a new best. She has now moved up to the competitive class of  Junior Honda where she will race until she is 8 yrs old. Someday she will be old enough for the 9-16 year-old-class. One race that is particularly fun is the annual  Beauty Bowl race where the Mac-O-Chee Club has  Hall of Fame induction ceremony of previous quarter midget drivers that got the sport started for these "young guns" at Mac-O-Chee.  She admits that she used to get nervous before races. Now she generally knows her competition and just wants to go “faster”.

When asked about how long her race car will last her, Brian said they bought it in Indianapolis, and it should last her for a while yet. He can adjust the pedals and the seat as Taylor grows taller. They have been running the same Honda engine for two years although it has been rebuilt. “Quarter midgets can use the same engine in this class up to age 16,” said Brian. Other engine names are Briggs and Deco.

She has her own fan club in Grandpa and Grandma Gruss and Grandpa and Grandma Bell, cousins, and her new baby sister, Kinlee. When asked is she has ever wrecked, she explained that once she came together with another car where her front-end went up, but they were able to back-out from the collision. She was not hurt and was not deterred. Story continues . . . .

Click here for the rest of Taylor's story and more pictures.

  January 9, 2012
 

New Horizon Church Invites Community to Wednesday Evening Meal, Offering Pioneer Club for Children
New Horizons Community Church continues to have Wednesday Evening Meals with an open invitation for anyone in the community.  Dine with us every Wednesday from 5- 6 PM at 833 South Main Street Rockford, OH. A full meal will be served. Please join us for this meal and fellowship. If you have children between the ages of 5 to 5th grade, following the meal they can attend our Pioneer Club from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the church (419)363-2064. 

Click Here for their website: www.nhccrockford.com

  January 7-8, 2012
 

The Parkway Athletic Booster Club will be having its monthly meeting on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.   This month’s meeting will be held in the high school library at the high school.  All parents of Parkway athletes are members of the athletic boosters and encouraged to attend.  This meeting is also open to the public. 

Anniversary for 2002 Basketball Players, Cheerleaders, and Homecoming Queen Coming up Soon

January 5, 2012 

Dear Alumni of 2002: 

On behalf of the Student Council of Parkway High School, we wish to invite you to share in our Winter Homecoming Festivities. We are continuing our tradition of inviting back the senior basketball team players, cheerleaders, and Homecoming Queen for their 10^th anniversary. 

The Basketball Homecoming Game will be held on Friday, February 3, 2012. We request that you come to the high school no later than 7:00 p.m. so that you may be informed of any last minute details, otherwise please meet in the team locker hall way 3 minutes before the end of the JV game. You will be introduced to the crowd between the JV and Varsity games - prior to the introduction of the Homecoming court. 

These people will be recognized at the game: 2002 Queen – Nicole Stose Tong; the 2002 Senior Basketball Players –Ben Reigle, Galen Schumm, Trey Stover, Tyler Stover, Brandon Worden, and Blake Young; and the 2002 Senior Cheerleaders –Erica Bruns, Joelle Dull Steinbrunner, and Beverly Poppe Kellermeyer. 

The administration has provided for you to be admitted free (you just need to give your name at the ticket counter at the game). Please call the school at 363-3045, ext. # 762, or e-mail: mcconam@parkwayschools.org to confirm your attendance by Wednesday, February 1, 2012. We look forward to your participation in the homecoming event. 

Sincerely,

P.H.S. Student Council
AnneMarie Imwalle, Adviser (Spanish Teacher)
Mickey McConahay, Adviser (Guidance Counselor)

W.I.R.E.D.Youth Group students from New Horizons Community Church made a gingerbread house for the Winterfest competition in December 2011. The group appreciated the community support and would like to say "Thank you so much!" They received first place in the Gingerbread House Competition and had a blast making it!

Van Wert, OH, January 3, 2012 – As the official sponsor of birthdays, the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking. According to an American Cancer Society report[1], smokers who quit can expect to live up to ten years longer than those who continue to smoke. Quitting is hard, but smokers can increase their chances of success with help.

Research shows that much of the risk of premature death from smoking could be prevented by quitting. Smokers who quit, regardless of age, live longer than people who continue to smoke. Smokers who quit reduce their risk of lung cancer – ten years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker’s. Quitting also lowers the risk for other major diseases including heart disease and stroke.

“Quitting smoking is an important step towards reducing your cancer risk and celebrating more birthdays,” said Marybeth Torsell, Health Initiatives Representative for the Society. “The Freshstart program provides great tips and tools to help you beat the urge to smoke. There has never been a better time to quit!”

The American Cancer Society’s Freshstart program is designed to help participants stop smoking by providing them with all of the essential information and strategies needed to direct their own efforts at stopping. The program focuses on an active pragmatic approach to quitting smoking through active participation and group support. Participants are encouraged to apply what they learn in Freshstart to other aspects of their lives.

The program begins Tuesday, January 10, 2012 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will run for 4 weeks, ending Tuesday, January 31, 2012.  Sessions are located at the Gaylord E. Leslie Wellness Center at 140 Fox Road Suite 101, Van Wert, Ohio.  Interested individuals may register for this FREE series by calling 419.238.8691 or email wellness@vanwerthospital.org. 

Mercer Health’s Diabetic Support Group will meet on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 2 p.m. At Mercer County Community Hospital, 800 West Main Street, Celina, in Meeting Room 2.

Karen Homan, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the Mercer Health Diabetes Center, will be discussing “Getting Back on Track and Staying Motivated in 2012”.

For those unable to attend the January 9 program, it will be repeated on Tuesday, January 17, beginning at 6:00 PM in Meeting Room 2 at the hospital.

There is no fee and, advance registration is not necessary.  Please call 419-586-9657 with questions.

Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter

2011 Sparked a Time for Renewal in Ohio

Members of the Senate Majority helped in sparking job creation and economic growth 

The past twelve months saw Ohio forge a new path toward economic expansion and growth. From the onset of the 129^th General Assembly, Senate Republicans introduced a slate of policy proposals fixed on bringing real relief to the state's residents while also overhauling the way in which government operates. Thanks to a series of responsible and balanced reform measures, Ohio is beginning to realize many of the possibilities that lay ahead.

We knew from the start that job creation would need . . . Click here for the rest of the story.

Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio State University Extension Announce Sheep and Goat WebEx Series

In a coordinated effort, the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio State University Extension are pleased to sponsor and announce the 2012 Sheep and Goat WebEx Series.  The Sheep and Goat WebEx Series will replace the “District” Sheep and Goat Program series which was started in 2001.  The 2012 Sheep and Goat WebEx Series will concentrate on Sheep and Goat Health Programs and we will be offering a wide variety of health related topics and speakers in several extension offices across the state of Ohio.  In 2012, we are offering fourteen (14) Sheep and Goat WebEx sites, one (1) live site and thirteen (13) remote sites which sheep and goat farmers can attend to get updated on sheep and goat health programs. 

The Sheep and Goat WebEx series will assist sheep and goat farmers become better managers of their operations and provide advice that those interested . . . Click here for the rest of the story.

A team of judges will weed out the best . . . Click here for the rest of the story.

  January 5-6, 2012
 

Stories and Pictures by Pat Agler - Thanks Pat!
Click here for more pictures of the game.

It's amazing what a difference of a few weeks can make. The Lady Panthers were on a three game winning streak when it looked as if it was coming to an end. The Bradford Railroaders, on January 3, 2012,  had a 12 point advantage heading into the final quarter of play. After the first quarter we were all knotted at 21. At the half Bradford, held a four point advantage. In the third quarter the Railroaders increased their lead to 55-43, but the Panthers flipped the switch and with a tenacious defense and "lights out" shooting, knotted it at 67-67. Parkway outscored Bradford 24-12 in the fourth quarter. In the overtime period it was all Parkway, with a smothering defense and success at the charity stripe. The Lady Panthers were not to be denied a victory. The ladies improved their record to 4-5 on the season with a monster performance from senior Becca Harshman. Last season Becca battled injuries and just wasn't at one-hundred percent. That's not the case this season as she has started to flourish. She earned MVP honors in last week's Chatt Insurance Holiday Tournament and picked up where she left off with a record breaking night versus Bradford. The Panther fans were treated to a 41 point performance that broke Lori Oberlitner's long standing single game scoring record. Congratulations goes out to Becca Harshman (#20) and the Lady Panthers.

One New Face in the Crowd Winner Posted
The winner was photographed at a recent Parkway Basketball game.
Call Sheila at 419-733-3326 to claim your prize!

Stories and Pictures by Pat Agler - Thanks Pat!
Visit www.pantherzden.com for more pictures of the tournament.

The 2011 Chatt Insurance Holiday Tournament was an overall success for the Panther teams. All four Parkway teams made it to the finals, with the varsity girls and jv men winning the tournament. Both girls teams played Lincolnview in the final games and both men's teams played the Roughriders from St. Marys. The varsity ladies defeated Fairlawn in the first game 59-33 to advance to the finals with the Lancers. In the finals, Parkway jumped out early but Lincolnview made a late run, and the Panthers got a 50-40 win for the championship.

The Parkway men got their first win of the season downing Fairlawn by a score of 51-47. It was a tight game throughout, but Parkway found themselves down by five heading into the final quarter. The men dug deep and with clutch free throws pulled out the win to move on. In the finals they were in an uphill battle all game. Late in the fourth quarter they pulled to within four points, but the inside dominance of the Roughriders proved to be too much in the end. The Panthers were the runners-up with a 62-71 loss to the roughriders.

Becca Harshman, Haley Burtch and Haley Roehm were selected to the AAL tourney team. Becca Harshman was also the tournament MVP. Seniors Derek Luth and Riley Bransteter were selected to the men's all-tourney team.

Click on smaller thumbnails to enlarge them.

"Lunch & Learn"
Come for a FREE lunch and learn about the active and healthy lifestyle you can enjoy by making a move to Otterbein St. Marys.
Tuesday, January 24th or Tuesday, January 31st
Lunch begins 12:00 pm
Space is limited so call 419-394-6184 by Friday, January 20th to reserve a place for yourself and a guest!


OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, January 22nd
Sunday, February 5th
1 to 3 pm
Tours of model patio homes, apartments and healthcare available.
Follow the signs on campus!

By Dan Otten - Thanks for sharing!

For the second day in a row the Celina Waterdogs crossed the Ohio/Indiana boarder for competition. On Tuesday, Jan 3, Berne was the destination and South Adams was the opponent. St Henry, OH brought a 5-girl contingent to also compete. CHS returned to the Buckeye State on the winning side of the ledger. The Men defeated SA 167-87, while the Ladies outpointed SA and St Henry. CHS's Swimmin' Women tallied 157 to SA's109 and St Henry's 36. Wins were plentiful as the Bulldogs won 19 of the 24 events. All six celina Relays touched first. Double winners include Mason Miller (100 free and 100 back), Peyton Jones (50 free and 500 free), Kandace Eichenauer (200 free and 500 free), and Matt Feltz (200 IM and 100 fly). Tyus Temple (200 free), Taylor Schenking (50 free), Julia Folk (dive), Collen Byer (dive), and Michaela Wenning (100 free) also won events.

Next up for the Waterdogs...Saturday, January 7, at the Auglaize/Mercer County YMCA in the annual Celina/Coldwater/St Marys 'Senior Night' extravaganza with a 5:00 PM start time.

***special note*** Correction in errors for the Girls 200 free and Boys dive. Kandace Eichenauer was 1st in the 200 free with a clocking of 2:13.90, Brooke Mertz was 4th with a 2:23.83. Collen Byer was 1st in boys dive with a score of 231.40. Charlie Folk was 3rd with 126.00 points.

Pictures by Nancy Heppeard; Thanks for sharing!

https://picasaweb.google.com/100813587715833883553/CelinaVsSAdamsJan2012#

  January 4, 2012
 

  January 3, 2012
 

Basket Bingo & More Coming on January 29
The Willshire Youth Activities will be sponsoring “Basket Bingo & More” on Sunday, January 29th.  The event will be held at the Rockford Community Building.  Doors will open at 12:00 pm, with bingo beginning at 1:00 PM.  Tickets are $20, which includes 20 games of bingo.  The winner of each game of bingo will receive a Longaberger basket filled with a variety of items.  The baskets have been donated by area businesses, individuals, and organizations.  A raffle will also be held the day of the event with the winner receiving a 24 piece (8 place settings) Longaberger dinnerware valued at $416.  Tickets for the raffle are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.  Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event.  Sandwiches, chips, and drinks will be available for purchase.  All proceeds will be used to support the summer ball program.  This event is in no way connected with nor is it sponsored by The Longaberger Company.  For further information, please call 419.495.2655.

Parkway Graduate Visits Dr. Oz Show in New York City
Jessica Wilson Patterson, 1996 Parkway graduate,  and her new husband traveled to  New York City for one week in December for his job.  Jessica used some vacation time to accompany him and ventured out during the daylight  hours to explore Manhattan, Times Square,  Central Park,  Rockefeller Center, and Ground Zero - riding the subway to each location. 

She attended  the Dr. Oz Show and viewers can see her on the Friday, January 6, 2012 taping where Dr. Oz shakes her hand after the show.   Watch for her sitting in the second row.

 In addition to attending a "Dr. Oz" taping, she and her husband enjoyed  live evening performances of "Memphis", "Chicago", and her favorite - the new stage production of
"Spiderman" - which she highly recommends to everyone as amazing!.

Parkway Concession Stand Workers Reminded
The Parkway Music Boosters would like to remind the following individuals that they are scheduled to work in the basketball concession stand on either Friday January 6^th or Saturday January 7^th.  They are as follows:

Friday January 6^th

Brandy Phillips
Tom and Amy Lyons
Tim and Melissa Metz
Doug and Lori Pond
Galen and Tonya Hesse
Mike and Lisa Kuhn
Lisa Brister
Ray and Sara Wood
Nikki Burden
Matt Swygart

Saturday January 7^th

Sheri Davis
Kirk and Samantha Dull
Tim and Denise Myers
Paul and Robin Schmidt
Brent and Beth Baker
Doug and Peggy Beair
Scott and July Mosier
Jenny Schumm
Ed and Misti Burtch

Concession stand workers:  Please arrive by 5:45 p.m.  In order for the concession stand to operate smoothly, it is important that everyone scheduled to work be there.  If you can’t be there, please arrange for someone to take your place.  Remember-If you have a son or daughter in grades 7-12 and he or she participates in either band or choir, you are a Music Booster parent.  The Music Boosters thank you in advance for your help.

Pictures by Nancy Heppeard; Thanks for sharing!

https://picasaweb.google.com/100813587715833883553/CelinaVsGreenville122011#

  January 2, 2012
 

In Memory of Donna Trisel by Peter Teixeira
Dear Editor: 
This is a letter to you so you may know the Dear Lady who was born in Rockford whom I had the privilege to meet in 1976. She was my future mother-in-law, Donna Trisel, whose home was recently removed from 301 Jay St. for additional room for the owner of the trucking co. to expand his business. 

The little Pink house was a landmark not only for the community of Rockford but It was a home to 56 children being raised with good home town values, by the most caring of a Nannie as a community could have to offer. Donna Trisel was laid to rest a little more than one year ago after a short illness (in 2010). We all lost  much  that day. Many who are teenagers  and  some adults were given the best care you can expect, and grew into good productive citizens of Rockford. Donna was appreciated by the mothers and fathers that left their children in trusted hands through the years until she was unable  to care for the kids due to health problems.

She was one of my best friends, and we spent many hours on the phone just talking about religion, politics or the good old days of the number of kids she helped raise there.  My Mother-in-law would not like the fuss we made over her, should you decide to print this memory of her life as a good servant to  the community. But those that did not get to know her, I tell you, she had a big heart and a great mind for finances and details. She was always concerned for her family and her friends. She was unselfish and a proper lady. She was up at 5:00 am and did not stop until  5 pm when the last child was picked up ~ this was her life.

The last words she said to me was "Think well of me". I told her I could only think the best of her. It is Christmas night - December 25, 2011, and she is in my thoughts. She may not approve  of this airing of her laundry, as she would put it in a very modest way, but she meant much to all of us she touched . The little pink house she had built by her husband and her father is no longer there, but you ask anyone in the town, and they will say "Yep. That was where  Nannie's place was, with a smile on their faces." Donna in all her modesty would even have to agree ~ she sure is missed. 

On her head stone, her gift to the town and her legacy is etched. Nannie in a  rocking chair holding 1 child in her arms and 2 at her feet. Young and old in the community should be proud that such goodness is part of your town’s history. She was and always will be My best girl.  I married her daughter Patricia in 1977. Many visits were made up there to Rockford, and Pat and I got to know many of you who were her children. She loved you all as her own. 

So please remember the next time you go by the place where the little pink house was, smile and remember the music she played for you as she served up the many meals she made. Let's remember her for all she did ~ that wonderful woman we all called Nannie. I'll bet you it will bring back the good times.  

Love you Nannie .  Peter

Find out More About Renting the Community Building at Shanes Park

  December 30, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
 

Mercer County Engineer employees were recently recognized at the annual Christmas lunch for their efforts in creating a memorial to co-workers that have passed away while being employed with the County Engineer.  The work that was done in the creation of the memorial was constructed on the employees’ own time and it is located at the southeast corner of the Mercer County Engineer Operations building in the fairgrounds.
 

Left to right: Mark Leininger, Don Kittle (retired), Brad Laffin and T.J. Smalley

OUR OLD BOOK CASE 

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

January 1, 1880, Andrew Carnegie, age 45, put five million dollars into a new steel company.  That five million dollars was the largest amount of money ever invested in a single venture in the history of the iron industry.  Andrew Carnegie and his philanthropic nature made an impact on our Nation’s Libraries.

Born in Scotland on November 25, 1835, Andrew Carnegie was the son of a weaver, William Carnegie, who brought his wife and two sons from Dunfermline, Scotland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1848.  As a young teenager, Andrew Carnegie began working in a cotton factory.  Within a couple of years, Carnegie secured a position as a telegraph operator, and then a Railroad Clerk.  Carnegie became secretary to an executive of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Thomas A. Scott.  When Scott was named Assistant Secretary of War in 1861, Carnegie became Superintendent of the Eastern Military and Telegraph lines, for the Union forces during the Civil War.

During the Civil War, Carnegie reorganized the Keystone Bridge Works, and after the War, he devoted himself to iron, oil and other businesses.  In 1868, he established the Union Iron Mills.  The United States Steel manufacturing became his strong interest.  By 1880, Carnegie was financially secure, in order to put five million dollars into a new steel mill.  Carnegie increased his involvement in the steel industry until by 1900, the Carnegie Steel Company, which he had organized the previous year, controlled most of the U.S. steel production.  By 1901, Carnegie retired during his 65^th year.  Carnegie spent his next two decades as a philanthropist of Carnegie Trusts and Foundations.  Andrew Carnegie died at Lenox, Massachusetts, on August 11, 1919, at the end of World War I.

How does this National Industrialist and Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s history relate to Mercer County’s Local History?  Two Carnegie Libraries in Mercer County were founded via Carnegie’s funds. 

In 1897, the idea of a Celina Library was initiated with cultural programs and fund raisers.  Three years after Carnegie retired, he responded to three Celina organizations’ request for funds for a library, with a $12,000 donation in January 1904.  The Celina Carnegie Library was formally opened in January 1907. 

At the beginning of the first year after Carnegie retired, January 17, 1902, Rockford’s Library Association was formed.  A decade later, that Association applied for a grant from Andrew Carnegie for a Library.  With a $10,000 grant from Carnegie, the Rockford Carnegie Library was dedicated May 1, 1913.

Who are the innovators for the 22^nd Century of planning Public Libraries or Museum Library/Archives?  Will the Kindle and the NOOK Electronic Readers replace books on Library shelves?  Will Computer search engines, e.g. GOOGLE, replace encyclopedias and other research books?  Will Libraries and Archival Collections at Museums be replaced by technology?  Will Librarians and Museum Archivists no longer be needed?  At the present, not a day goes by, that I am not contacted for Local Historical Research.  I might suggest that as long as people want to learn, professional educators will be a needed.

The Mercer County Historical Society recognizes the importance of relating national history to local history, with this example of the nationally known steel industrialist Andrew Carnegie and the local Mercer County Carnegie Libraries, in its Mission Statement To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that History, as this next Generation approaches its own future.  Will you be the next Andrew Carnegie for helping the Mercer County Historical Museum Library/Archival Collections for this New Year of 2012?

Pictured above:  Carnegie Library

[The 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.] 

More than 46 volunteers attended the Community Health Professionals volunteer Christmas party held on Wed. Dec. 7, 2011. The Inpatient Hospice Center prepared the evenings meal & entertainment was provided by the Lake Symphony Orchestra String Quartet. Volunteers enjoyed an evening of good food & fellowship, door prizes, entertainment and Christmas gifts.

Volunteers provide Hospice and caregiver relief to our patients & families, help with clerical duties & answer phones at the Inpatient Hospice Center, provide helpful hands at our Adult Day Care; WIC and Early Head Start, hold fundraisers & much more.

Our gracious volunteers continue to be the Key to our Success! 

Volunteers beginning in back row from left to right:

Judy Michaelson, Barb Wagner, Jan Waters, April Miller, Sara Davis, Grace Burley, Helen Elzey, Louise Watson, Stephen Mercer, Sandy Gordon, Deb Lewis, Katie Williams, Yvonne Bidlack, Donna Holman, Jean Brown, Ed Stuart, Stacie Ford, Janice Stuart, Imogene Hughes, Jean Miller, Jean Wittung, Margie Young, Lois Harrow, Shirley Stemen, Lorraine Langdon, Juanita Ringwald.

Middle Row: Tara Fox, Sharon Adkins, Kathy Cooper, Sue Price, Rosie Cox, Cindy Gardner, Del Free, Gloris Ford, Ilo Marvin, Ruth Osting, Marcia Shaw, June Brown, Susan Ringwald.

Front Row: Haley Sinning, Connie Bird, Kathy Kiracofe, Lloyd Marvin, Melissa Mengerink. 

Other volunteers not present for picture are:

Amy Adams, Georgianna Adkins, Megan Adkins, LaDonna Allenbaugh, Linda Baker, Toni Bartley, Barb Bates, Diane Bockrath, Miranda Chavarria, Heather Clementson, Barry Coil, Ed Conover, Pat Davis, Monica Davis, Nellie Dery, Jean Endsley, Sharon Gipe, Karan Girard, Beth Gordon, Ann Greene, Kameron Grubaugh, Camile Harting, Alice Hayes, Jennifer Hundley, Teresa Hunsaker, Helen Jewett, Deborah Kleman, Candy Lammers, Clarabelle Lehman, Brandy Leiber, Jenny Lichtenberger, Michelle Lowe, Kellie Mace, Karen Madison, Roberta Matthews, Nichole McCoy, Dorcas Merkle, Heather Nofer, Nancy Potter, Ann Rees, Marylou Smith, Shelly Smith, Carmen Smith, Joan Sterrett, Nancy Temple, Abby Vincent, Ted Waters, Kari Young and Robin Waters – Volunteer Coordinator.

Jason King, Education Chairman of the Grand Lake Patriots will begin a 3 part series on the U.S. Constitution, Thursday, January 12, 2012, at 7:00 PM, at the Community Building, Mercer County Fairgrounds, West Market Street, Celina, OH. 

 Session I, Jan. 12---“The Constitution, Sacred Parchment or Wastepaper?” 

Session II, Feb. 9---“The Bill of Rights---Original Intent” 

Session III, Mar. 8---“The Bill of Rights---Securing Individual Freedoms” 

Meetings are open to the public; building is handicapped accessible. 

Elaine Hackett, Communications Chairman, 419-268-2355.

Washington Comes to Van Wert!

From the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio

Tickets are now on sale for $30 and available at the box office of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 State Route 118 S, Van Wert, Ohio, by phone at 419.238.NPAC (6722) or online at www.npacvw.org. Box office hours after the New Year Holiday are Monday through Friday, noon to 4PM. For more information about this or other NPAC presentations, please contact the box office, visit the website or find us on facebook.  Click here for the rest of the story.

  December 28-29, 2011
 

Special Meeting Called to suspend rules to pass Village of Rockford budget as an emergency - Click here to read the minutes of the meeting on 12-27-2011 by Fiscal Office Lisa Kuhn

MERCER COUNTY Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agenda Public Meetings:

2nd Floor Conference Room

  December 26-27, 2011
 

  December 24-25, 2011
 

Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputies and BCI Agents from the Attorney General’s Office Special Investigation Unit continue to investigate the deaths of Robert and Colleen Grube who were found on November 30 in rural Fort Recovery.   We feel major progress has been made.  Investigations of this nature take a lot of time and legwork. 

Investigators have narrowed the time of the incident to a possible two hour window, but are still requesting the public to provide any suspicious information on November 29-November 30.  It also appears that multiple perpetrators were present at the time, possibly a male and a female.   Missing from the residence is a Toshiba laptop computer and there were no signs of forced entry into the home. 

Investigators have conducted more than 70 interviews, followed up on approximately 60 tips, requested the issuance of 46 court orders and subpoenas and served 11 search warrants. 

“While we still don’t know who committed this terrible crime,” stated Sheriff Grey, “we have collected volumes of evidence that I believe will eventually lead us to the killers.” 

“This case will not result in an arrest quickly, but I am confident that the case will be solved,” stated Sheriff Grey. 

The Sheriff’s Office continues to ask anyone with any information to contact the Sheriff’s Office through the tip line at 567-890-8477 or through the website at www.mercercountysheriff.org. 

We appreciate all of the help from the public and the patience of the media while we continue to focus on this crime.

Village staffing needs and cost are compared to other communities.

Rockford amends new ordinance enacting utility deposit for renters.

Click Here for the Minutes Provided by Lisa Kuhn, Fiscal Office for the Village

The 7th grade girls beat Spencerville last Saturday to make it 2 wins in a row!  Congratulations girls on a hard fought game.  These girls are coming together, expect to see more wins out of this bunch in the future. The 8th grade girls fell short of a win.  It wasn't from the lack of effort. We only have 5 girls on our 8th grade team and one was out with an injury from the Wayne Trace game.  The 8th grade girls fight hard but have come up short so far.  Hopefully, January will be better.

Click here for more pictures.

OUR OLD BOOK CASE

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

Christmas Mass was celebrated in this building in 1868, 143 years ago, when it served as the first Church for St Paul Parish at Sharpsburg.  This building now serves as a barn at the home of Steve and Dorothy (Brunswick) Knapke, 2355 Sharpsburg Road, Fort Recovery.

Parish Members of St. Paul Catholic Church, Sharpsburg constructed and dedicated this building in 1868.  That summer the Parish Members cut the trees for this church building, and hauled the logs by oxen to St. Henry, to be sawed into boards for the sides of the church.  This church building was located near the site of the rectory, and faced Meiring Road.  The church building measured thirty feet in length by forty feet in width, and twenty feet in height.  This information can be found in the 1978 “Mercer County History Book,” where Florence Rose wrote a history of St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

This small church lasted two decades until 1887 when it was struck by lightning.  The steeple was destroyed; the interior suffered from the disaster, also.  The Parish made the decision to construct a new church, which is still in use today.  In 1890, the old church building was sold to Bernard Brunswick to be used as a residence at 2355 Sharpsburg Road.  Dorothy told me that her Grandparents, Bernard Brunswick and his family, moved into that former church building, and they lived in the choir loft, with the animals on the lower floor, that first winter.  They moved into their new house in 1903.  Their son Mark and his wife Emma and their family owned the farm next.  Their daughter Dorothy and her husband Steve Knapke own the farm now.

In 1990, when I was writing the book, “Those Magnificent Big Barns of Mercer County, Ohio,” I talked with members of the Brunswick family, about this building.  This particular building is a part of their big barn.  Dorothy told me that the barn swallows nest only in the part of the barn, which was the former church building.  Her sister Marilyn (Brunswick) Bubp remembered the circular stairway that had led to the choir loft in the church, but finally was removed from their barn building.

The old marks can still be seen on the hand hewn posts and beams of this barn which illustrates the hard physical labor which went into the construction of this 1868 building, which is still standing today, 143 years later.  This barn was constructed in a similar manner to the old tithe barns that dominated England prior to the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII.  The structure reminds me of the European barns in respect for the strength and size of the framing of the structure.  They constructed their important buildings with a goal of long term use by their families.

At the time I was writing this book about our local barns, I asked Andrew Pax to help with photographing barns in the Fort Recovery area.  His photograph of this former church, now used as a barn, illustrates the importance of photography in preserving local history.  As the old saying goes, “A photograph is worth a thousand words.”  Cleopha Link, local historian at Sharpsburg, called me to ask permission to copy pages 416-417, from my book about barns.  She had used this story about Sharpsburg’s first church, when she taught religion at St. Paul’s Parish.  She wanted to pass this story on to the present classes at St. Paul.

The Mission of the Mercer County Historical Society is To Preserve Mercer County’s History and To Educate the Public about that history.  This is one Christmas Story from 1868 to be preserved.

Pictured above:  The oldest building still standing in Mercer County where Christmas Services were held at Sharpsburg in 1868.  Photograph by Andrew Pax, 1990.

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

  December 22-23, 2011
 

Come to a Free Christmas Day Turkey & Ham Dinner ~ Everyone is Invited!

Late in 2005, the Administrative Board of the Rockford United Methodist Church contemplated how best to meet the needs of hungry families and lonely people and share Christ’s love on Christmas day. With the desire that no one be alone or hungry on Christmas day, the Board wanted to serve a sit-down dinner to people in the community even though there was no designated budget for the project. Immediately the questions of where and how this might happen were raised by parishioners. “Somebody needs to prepare the food and set the tables and get the word out and if we can do the dinner, let’s offer gifts to every child present. No budget for that either. And even if we have a venue, funds, cooks and volunteers, will anyone come to eat?” Well, the Community building at Shanes Park was available, cooks presented themselves, volunteers decorated tables and trees and walls, the invitation was shared and guests did come to eat. That first year, the volunteers nearly outnumbered the diners.

After that first year, feeling as though the original purpose had been met, the planners campaigned to reach more potential guests. Encouraging those with family home for the holidays or with out of town guests to join the celebration was added to the wish list. For all family members to be seated at a decorated table and served a meal was a gift to some who might ordinarily be cooking and washing dishes in the kitchen. There could be 3-4 generations dining together and celebrating Christ’s birth with friends from the community.

Each year the project grows, still offering a free meal to anyone who walks in the door. Turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes wi