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Click Here for the Parkway Area Business Directory
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Older Articles of Interest |
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Parkway’s Jason Fisher Honored by Heartland Conference as Athlete of the
Week Click on the smaller thumbnail pictures of Jason to enlarge them. Congratulations!
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Softball Field Realized for Parkway Lady
Panthers
Due to the efforts
of many people, The Lady Panthers Softball Team will soon have their own
home field. Sitting on the site of the old Parkway High School is a
beautiful new softball field. The dugouts are nice and large, there is
plenty of room for fans to see the games from all angles. There is an
ample amount parking space available, especially once the old water
treatment plant is removed. This is another improvement for the Parkway
athletic complex in the past few years, giving the athletes and fans
alike great facilities. With the finishing touches being done, the
ladies hope to be playing on the new field soon.
Report and Pictures by Pat Agler. Thank you, Pat!
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Tomlinson Road Bridge Project Underway Photos and report by Barb & Bob High The new bridge project on Tomlinson Road over the Kyle Creek near Mendon was started March 17, 2010 and will continue for 3 months. On April 15, workers laid 8 cement beams for the new deck. Each beam was 72 feet long and weighed 38,000 pounds. These beams came from Decatur, Indiana. Four were placed in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. Trucks hauling these beams backed 0.8 tenths of a mile to the bridge to have them unloaded. It was a slow and careful process. The crane that hoisted these beams came from Columbus, Ohio and had 5 extensions. There was a lot of weight placed on this crane which was hauled there on 3 semi trucks. Neighbors Helen, son Ray Pruden and Barb and Bob High watched this
very educational process and took some great pictures of the placing of
the beams by professional bridge workers.
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MANSFIELD, OHIO’S 1812 BLOCKHOUSE
The purpose of the National Society of United States Daughters of 1812 is to promote patriotism, to preserve and increase knowledge of the history of the American people by the preservation of documents and relics, and marking of historic spots. Pictured at the
Blockhouse Dedication are Joan Stripe of Van Wert, Jean Henze of Fort
Jennings, and Gloria Fast of Haviland. |
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 Eric Sheets Carries
on His Miles
of Smiles Forever By Eric Sheets
Eric is currently traveling through Colorado and has made it to Dinosaur, 3 miles from Utah. 2009 has been a great year for the traveling trio. With perfect timing the trio were able to partake in two Nationally Historic parades. The Nebraskaland Days has been taking place at the end of June in North Platte, Nebraska since 1968 and entices 100,000 people to the area every year. The Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade in Cheyenne, Wyoming has been taking place annually at the end of July since 1897 and drawing 300,000 people. It is the largest outdoor rodeo and western event in the world. “To have this walk work out to the point to afford us a once in a lifetime opportunity, is simply amazing!!! There are hundreds of miles between North Platte and Cheyenne and to trek the distance just how the old west was settled, is like waking up to a dream. It is such a honor to be allowed to walk in these monumental parades past thousands and thousands of people. Everyone had heard about us either in the papers, the radio, or seen us on TV. When they saw us come marching by, they stood up in masses to give the three of us standing ovations throughout the whole parade route. There were kids, elderly, every age and race all coming out into the street to get pictures with the 3 of us, give us hugs, shake my hand, pet Moses and Buck, and to offer sincere appreciative thanks. It is better than being famous. This kind of joy can only be felt from experiencing the support of thousands of people who are from all over the world. If there are this many in one place who love us and believe in the need to change this education program, then there has to be millions more out there that are willing to tackle the imperative necessity to revamp our entire education system immediately,” said Eric.
The traveling trio has
met thousands upon thousands of people all along the way on this
determination filled trek. They have sparked inspiration within
people all across this country to stand up and help shoulder whatever it
takes to relieve the greatest burden upon our society. "It is
going on 2 years since we left Rockford, but progress cannot be measured
in mere miles," he said. “There are so many people out here who
are concerned with this education system and everyone knows it needs
overhauled. Once they find out what I am trying to do, they offer
their help anyway they can.” His purpose is to introduce a
unique multi-age educational tool that would be displayed on an
interactive touch screen i.e phone, computer. Just like signing
into email or Facebook accounts, the proposed ever growing knowledge
based program will be loaded with a user’s information including
biographical details and interests. "As you would watch TV, your
individual device will simply display 3 trivia facts of knowledge.
Out of the 3 subjects displayed, you would select which one you would
like to learn more about. For example, a child would watch Sesame
Street and when Bert and Ernie say "A, B, 1, 2" the child would select
appropriately. If the child answers correctly, it goes on.
If the child has problems, then it will go back through and try to give
the child a broader based foundation.” While a child watches any
cartoon then, he would be learning the fundamentals of something new
that interests him. They would constantly be feeding their natural
inquisitiveness. You figure every child, including us, constantly
asked adults the questions of “Why? Why? Why? Why?” “It grows with you and
keeps offering new material to the user, therefore creating an instant
and constant learning environment," said Eric. "The most crucial
aspect about this educational tool is that it must be given away for
free. If we cannot afford to get to college, how will kids be
able? Education is supposed to help us take better care of
ourselves, our families, our neighbors, society as a whole, not bury us
in debt for years upon years. If we charge $40 a month to get on
this learning network, we will cut our throats and not even reach those
who need the most help. Technology is increasing exponentially,
and the population isn't slowing down either. What do we do in a
few years when the semi-trucks are GPS'd
Eric Hears from the Microsoft Team Back in July while Eric was in Cheyenne, Wyoming Microsoft called him up directly to talk about his Ideal Learning program. The head of product development said "Microsoft is a profitable company and to develop a learning program to give away for free doesn't match our business model. You need to start your own nonprofit company and then Microsoft can be a charitable partner with you. Then you can hire your own programmers and give away your program for free if that's how you see fit" Although the mountain he was climbing grew by millions of steps in that instant to create a company, the best thing he heard from the largest computer company in the world was, it is a good idea, and it is completely possible to do.
Click here to read the entire story on Eric and learn how to watch his progress or contact him.
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NFDA Advocacy Summit
President of NFDA, William C. Wappner, CFSP and his wife Esther, took Scott Baltzell, a funeral director with Wappner Funeral Directors in Mansfield, Ohio and his wife, Carianne, along in February to be a part of the activities and special events, in which they got to have a private tour of the Arlington National Cemetery ~ by the cemetery superintendent; attend Washington National Cathedral for a Sunday morning church service (stained glass left); and meet some very important people in politics.
Later, we attended a private Ohio dinner in the Presidential Suite of the Mayflower Hotel with Representative Charles Wilson, who happens to also be a funeral director in southern Ohio. At left, Scott and Carianne did a walking tour. Scott is a Parkway graduate of 1994.
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| Parkway Coach Mike Schumm ~ Willshire Native ~Inducted Into OHSBCA Hall Of Fame | |||||||||||||||
 Current
coach and teacher at Parkway High School and Willshire native, Mike
Schumm, was honored at the
The Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association and inducted into
their Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency in
Columbus on Thursday, January 22, 2010 attracted a big following from
the Parkway area. Over 40 former players and fans were present for
Induction. The honor is based on an individual's accomplishments on the
field, service to the OHSBCA, and/or ambassadorship towards the game of
baseball in Ohio.
Here are a few Mike's career accomplishments: coaching 3 years at Ft. Recovery; coaching 4 years as head coach at Mendon; coaching 18 years as head coach at Parkway; coaching 20 years in the ACME baseball league; coaching 1 year as an assistant for the Mariners in Celina; coaching the 1988 Ohio All Star Game winning two state titles in 1987 and
1991; winning 2 regional championships in 1991; winning 2 district championships; and 4 district runners-up; winning 14 sectional championships; winning 4 MAC championships; winning 4 MAC runners-up; winning state poll championship in 1987; and winning coach of the year 4 times in the MAC.
Coach Schumm & Induction attendees from the 1987 and 1991 State Championship Teams
Click Here
for the complete list of accolades for Coach Schumm Congratulations Mike! |
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 Bluffton
Opens Indoor Season at ONU - Jason Fisher, Parkway Grad, Shatters Own
RecordClick Below for the full article: |
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Collective Lions Club Fish Fry Resounding Success
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First Public Tour of the New Mercer County Detention
Facility The
new Mercer County Detention Facility had its first public showing on
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 from 6-8:30 PM at the location on State Route
29 west of Celina. Sheriff Jeff Grey and many members of the Sheriff’s
department provided a wonderful tour of the 50,000 sq. ft. structure
which was approved by Mercer County voters in November 2007.
Construction began in August 2008 and is just coming to completion. Over
300 people, easily, including some faces from Rockford and Mendon,
were walked from area to area in the spacious 110 bed facility that will
house adult male and female inmates. Misdemeanor inmates will be housed
in a community style area with other inmates while the felons will be in
private lock-down cells 23 hours per day. A Central control room will
provide the officers in charge with access to lock and unlock doors,
communicate with inmates via intercom, control TV's and the channels
watched, and all utilities.
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Dennis Hecht Named Rockford Chamber of Commerce 2009 Citizen of the Year
Dennis belongs to St. John Lutheran Church Hopewell Township where he has served as council president, deacon, trustee, Luther League youth advisor, and Sunday School teacher for the adult class. Dennis also serves as the congregational coordinator for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans a fraternal benefit society (missions benevolent fund), which has led him to working with Habitat for Humanity in the Lima and Delphos area. The program requires 2 Saturdays a month and other churches team with them to get the work done. Dennis also serves on the Lutheran Men in Mission group whose purpose is to study the Bible and visit the county home in Mercer County, bearing gifts, at Christmas time. He has played dart ball with the best of them including Gale Butcher, who just celebrated his 100th birthday and the late John Zuber, who was also a business colleague of Dennis. Being raised on a diary farm encouraged Dennis’ commitment to the 4-H program. From his early days of milking, growing crops and raising animals, he has been involved in some fashion, even serving for three years as a 4-H advisor for the Rockford Thrifty 4-H Club. His own sons were involved with projects like electricity, wood working and rockets. Dennis served for many years as a board member and secretary of the Leota Braun Foundation, a charitable organization. He is a zoning inspector for Blackcreek Township, and he claims that the most eventful time of this job, in the last ten years, occurred when the new septic system rules went into effect. The Rockford Lions Club provided Dennis with several outlets for his talents. He has been a member for 11 years, serving in several capacities. He has been club president and club organizer for the Rockford Variety Show, an annual fund raising event for local scholarships. Prior to Lions’ membership, Dennis worked with the variety show as a stage crew member and actor which he still does today. The Mendon, Willshire and Rockford Lions’ clubs pooled their efforts several years ago at a joint fish fry, held annually in November. They raise funds for the benefit of the eighth grade trip to Washington DC. Dennis has been instrumental in initiating this event for the good of all Parkway students. He has helped with Christmas Tree sales, organized and provided flood clean-up cleaners and helped with the eye glasses donations for which the Lions are so well-known. “It is called Sight First II and provides, not only glasses, but also medications to fight ‘river blindness’ which people who drink bad water and live in mosquito–infested areas are prone to suffer,” commented Dennis. Dennis’ community service list is amazing, but it is important to note that his daily career is service in nature. He began working for Lefeld Implements (a John Deere Dealership) in 1975 when he became the service manager/mechanic technician. Two employees opened the Willshire office on St. Rt. 49 in that year, and Dennis is still there with 6 employees now. “We are still parts and service; it was our main work then and still is today. I have seen a lot of changes in farming over the years. Technology is amazing with the way a tractor can be steered with the same satellite used by the GPS TomTom or Garmin. Farmers can do better work with less labor intensive practices through changes in the seeds and the sprays,” said Dennis. “I keep up with the latest break-throughs at the John Deere Training Center in Plain City, Ohio.”
His Army career took him to South Korea for a 14 month tour of duty with 6 months spent at Ft. Bragg, NC. He was assigned to the Engineering Battalion and spent his days in Korea paving roads in the DMZ (de-militarized zone between North and South Korea). His wife of 37 years, Deb (Steinecker) Hecht, recalled her dating years and waiting on Dennis to return home. They were married on July 22, 1972 in St. Marys, Ohio at the United Church of Christ. The couple has lived in Rockford since 1975.
Dennis lights up when he talks about the grandbabies and how he and Deb love to travel as well as babysit, although retirement is not in the works for him yet. Front Row L to R: Avery with
Grandpa Dennis Hecht, Emogene Hecht, Deb holding grandaughter Eden, and
grandson Owen.
Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge them. |
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Local Pilot Meets Huckabee
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Virgin Island Lawyer
Has Roots in Area He was just one in a unique class of successful graduates during the year of 1965. A Parkway graduate who grew up in Chattanooga and is formerly of Decatur, IN loves to talk about the accomplished people he grew up with at the local school system. Lorren has done much, too, in his lifetime. From small town graduate to lawyer and judge, he has been an influential force in the Indiana court system. |
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 Dear
Sheila,
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Rockford Native and Retired Commander of the U. S. Coast Guard Takes Overseas Job in United Arab Emirates in the Middle East
Click here for the rest of Steve's story and great pictures from his life and career
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| Johnny Appleseed Tree Planting | |||||||||||||||
 On
April 29, 1828, a lease was signed by Colonel William Botts Hedges and
John Chapman for the planting of apple trees on the Hedges property in
Shanesville, Ohio. One thousand trees were to be planted over a period
of ten years and, since that time, the trees have disappeared, the town
has changed it's name, and various owners have tended the property. On
Thursday, September 24, 2009, Johnny Appleseed once again made his mark on the
former Hedges property. In celebration of his 235th birthday, the
Johnny Appleseed Foundation - in conjunction with American Forests -
planted two apple trees that were propagated from the only Johnny
Appleseed tree known to exist today. These two trees were planted on
the homestead of Mike and Debi Schumm (formerly Hedges Nursery) in
Rockford, Ohio (formerly Shanesville).
To culminate the day's activities, a ceremony was held on the Schumm
property. Mayor Amy Joseph welcomed all Picture includes Bill Now (Shanes Historical Society), Bob Anderson (Lewis & Clark), Jerry Laffin (County Commissioner), Jennifer Rankin (American Forests), John Bruns (County Commissioner), Mike Schumm (property owner), Jeff Long (village adminstrator), Joe Besecker (Johnny Appleseed Foundation), Debi Schumm (property owner), Denny Lane (Johnny Appleseed Foundation), Amy Joseph (Mayor), Hank Fincken (Johnny Appleseed), Bob Ransbottom (Tree Committee), Bob Nuding (County Commissioner), and Norm VanTilburg (Shanes Historical Society) |
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Barna to Lead Lake Erie Enforcement Unit COLUMBUS, OH – Gino Barna, 49, of Port Clinton, has been named supervisor for the Lake Erie Law Enforcement Unit of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Barna replaces Kevin Ramsey, who retired in September of 2009. Most recently, Barna served as wildlife officer supervisor for northwest Ohio. He joined ODNR in 1980 as an intern for the Division of Watercraft. He began work with the Division of Wildlife in 1983 as a wildlife investigator and was promoted to field supervisor in 1993. In 1985, he was named Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year. “We are pleased to promote Gino Barna to oversee our Lake Erie law enforcement efforts,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “Gino’s experience will be an asset, and we know he will continue to do a fine job for the Ohio Division of Wildlife.” In his new position, Barna will oversee eight wildlife investigators with the primary responsibility to enforce commercial and sport fishing regulations on Lake Erie. Barna is a graduate of Parkway High School in Rockford, Ohio and Muskingum Area Technical College, Zanesville. He and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters, Melanie and Madisen and a son, Bart. He is also the son of Gene and Sue Barna of Rockford.
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Vancrest Announces
State-of-the-Art, Private, Luxury Surgical Rehab Suites  Vancrest Health Care Centers, area front-runner in providing care for all levels of need, have announced their latest option for orthopedic surgical patients in need of a deluxe option for their rehabilitation. This in addition to the quality rehabilitation Vancrest has offered for years. The extensive renovation on the east side of Vancrest Health Care Center, located at 10357 Van Wert Decatur Road, west of Van Wert, has now been completed and the new surgical rehab suites are ready-to-go, private and designed with the orthopedic patient in mind.
assisted living plus; independent living plus; hospice; special care and P.A.R.K
Long-Term Health Care is available at all Vancrest facilities. Respite This program allows Vancrest Health Care Center to meet short-term care needs, for up to 30 days, as availability permits. Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Vancrest Health Care Centers along with Therapy Solutions, Inc. will design a specialized program to meet each individual’s rehab needs. Our focus is aimed at restoring independence after an acute illness and/or procedure. Therapy Solutions, Inc. provides physical, occupational, and speech therapies 6 days a week enabling a faster recovery and return to home. The role of the rehabilitation team is to provide residents with the highest quality of therapeutic services in a compassionate, nurturing environment. Assisted Living Vancrest's Assisted Living offers a living environment for senior citizens who need assistance with daily living activities or medications on an infrequent basis. Assisted Living is designed with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for each person. This is accomplished by offering spacious individual living quarters, beautiful common areas, and a wide range of professionally delivered services. Services are provided by caring, professional staff that know how to support independence, yet are always there with comforting assistance. Assisted Living Plus Vancrest’s Assisted Living Center offers a living environment for senior citizens who need daily assistance with meals, transfers (1 assist), showers, dressing, and medications. This is a level of service that is more comprehensive than what Assisted Living provides, but not as extensive as Skilled Nursing Care. Assisted Living Plus is designed with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for each person. This is accomplished by offering spacious individual living quarters, beautiful common areas, and a wide range of professionally delivered services and a spacious restaurant-like dining area serving three meals a day. Services are provided by caring, professional staff that know how to support independence, yet are always there with comforting assistance. Independent Living Plus This service offers a more comprehensive choice in Residential Care options. Independent Living Plus has the same living accommodations as the Assisted Living and will provide two meals a day, housekeeping services, laundry services for non-personal items, activities, and some intermittent nursing supervision. The care and services provided are more than what is offered to Independent Living residents and less comprehensive than the Assisted Living accommodations. Hospice As an individual's needs change, Vancrest Health Care Center can meet Hospice care requirements with the assistance of qualified area providers. This program was designed so that loved ones can die in comfort and with dignity, with the support of and under the supervision of a coordinated team of professional staff and volunteers. Family members, too, will be supportive in their care-giving role and in their grief. Special Care The Special Care Unit has been designed to provide a supportive, therapeutic and safe environment for at risk or wandering people who have Alzheimers, dementia, or a related disease. The physical design of the unit and the specially trained personnel who work there create a unique program and quiet atmosphere dedicated to maintain the highest functional level for as long as possible. Vancrest recognizes the difficult position of children or spouses who provide day to day care for their dependent loved one. P.A.R.K. (Parkinson's Activity & Rehabilitation Klinic) The P.A.R.K. Program was the first of its kind to be developed in the United States. It was instituted in 1989 by Robert Kann, PT, who has worked with individuals with Parkinson's disease for over 30 years. The program is designed to give the person with Parkinson's Disease exercises and information that will be used on a regular basis to gain maximum potential of function. Family members are strongly encouraged to attend the sessions as this support is one of the key ingredients in making this a successful program. The P.A.R.K. Program is appropriate for all levels of Parkinson's Disease. P.A.R.K. is available at Vancrest of Delphos. Vancrest Health Care Centers continue to lead as health care changes. Vancrest of Van Wert invites you to call 419-238-4646, visit them for a tour or visit their website: www.vancrest.com
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Parkway School Upgrades Reporting and Photos by Pat Agler  Over
the past summer Parkway Local Schools have seen some major improvements
to the school facilities. Several upgrades have been done at
the football stadium, with the press box getting a complete makeover.
The press box, now has two stories that are enclosed with new siding to
match the football locker rooms. The Booster Club and Parkway Local
Schools funded this project. Another major improvement is a handicap
seating/patio area, that is located in the northeast corner of the
stadium at the 30 yard line. The school funded this project with
the summer maintenance crew of Rick Rutledge, Jeff Marbaugh, and
Dick Edgell, building the project. The visitor bleachers were also
replaced with new ones, that were damaged from the storm this past
spring. Parts from the damaged bleachers were salvaged to help build a
third set of bleachers. The wall of the visitors bleachers was also
repainted by Tammy Barlage and Annette Spindler. Also, the girls
softball diamond is taking shape with all of the ground work being done
along with grass being planted and infield conditioner being
spread. The location of the new varsity softball diamond is where the
old high school was located. In addition to these upgrades the sidewalks
have been completed to the school so that access is available all the
way into town. A BIG THANK YOU, to all of those involved that make our
school look GREAT!! |
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Rare Bird Migration Puts Rockford on Map for Watchers Rockford
became the location for bird-watchers on Thursday, April 16, 2009 when
the Internet listserv for birders,
OHIO-BIRDS@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU posted the location of a rare bird
migration. The Smith's Longspur, (a small sparrow-like bird) settled
into a corn-stubble field south of Dick and Jan Figley west of Rockford
just off Manley Road. The field is owned by Van Cross, who bird-watchers
say has a crop of the weed, foxtail, one of the Smith's Longspur's
favorite food. "That is why they are here," said Bill Osborne of
Cuyahoga Falls, OH, who was on the scene early on Saturday, April 18 to
get a glimpse. "They live on the tundra in Alaska during the
summer and migrate to Texas and Oklahoma in the winter. It has been long
suspected that they came through western Ohio, but bird-watchers have
spent 20 years trying to locate them. Their northern migration takes
them through the plains of Illinois and Indiana." Deb Neidert, another
watcher from Kent, Ohio explained that the strong westerly winds may
have helped land the flock in Rockford. She had a bird guide book to
show the color markings of the Smith's Longspur and also its migratory
path. "Today, we have also seen the horned lark (the horns are actually
feather plumes) and Lapland Longspurs," said Deb. Bill handed his
high-powered binoculars over so I could get a look at the rare Smith's
Longspur flock, which suddenly took flight. They were hiding in the
green winter wheat growth, frightened there by a falcon that suddenly
arrived in the area. The birds will be around for 2 weeks if all goes
well for them, said Marc Nolls of Akron, who brought a group of 6
people. Below is the message posted on the listserv by Jim McCormac,
Columbus, who is the president of the Ohio Ornithological Society McCormac
said "First off, major kudos to Ed Schlabach and company for finding the
now oft-reported on Smith's Longspurs just west of Rockford, in Mercer
County. People have been searching for them more years than not in that
county and nearby ones for over 20 years, with no luck. Anyway, I
got to see eight of them today around 3 pm, and a quick call to Troy
Shively around 5 pm revealed that some Smith's were still present. They
might be there for a while yet, but then again, maybe not. Get 'em while
you can.One has to wonder just how many might be in Mercer, Darke, Auglaize, Paulding, and other western counties. The corn-stubble/foxtail habitat that the Smith's are using is abundant, making it a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, especially if the birds happened to be far from the road. Also, these birds apparently are spending much time in a large field of winter wheat, which is now six inches or so tall. The birds that we saw today dropped into the winter wheat, and good luck finding them once they are in that stuff. It's hard enough when they are in the old corn stubble fields. Fortunately, they are quite vociferous when on the wing, so just listen for their dry rattling calls. Keep in mind too that there have been plenty of Lapland Longspurs - up to 200 at once - along Manley Road, where the Smith's are being seen. Like nature? Visit my blog: http://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/ Like birds? Join the Ohio Ornithological Society: http://www.ohiobirds.org Bird-watchers from Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Michigan and all over Ohio have gathered to get a glimpse. If you go, take good binoculars. The National Audubon Society has information on Smith's Longspur - Click Here by Sheila Baltzell |
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 Kenneth
Miller of Rockford, a Vietnam War Veteran Carves Wooden SoldiersKenneth Miller of Rockford is a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, and retired three years ago from his job on the Village of Rockford maintenance team. Since then, he has been keeping busy with visits to his grandchildren and doing wood-carving as a hobby. He recently displayed his pine and basswood figures at the Rockford American Legion during their Fish Fry and Corn Hole Tournament. The 10 inch figures were started in 2004 and finished in 2008.
If you'd like to learn more about his wood-carving, stop by the Rockford American Legion on Bridge Street (by Barry's Market) in Rockford. |
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Lucas (below) returned from his
Antarctica Adventure on February 20, 2008 He plans to spend a month hiking in New Zealand (it is summer there) before planning his next adventure. Check out the older story below and his blogspot. |
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 Lucas
Obringer, Parkway Class of 1994, Living in Antarctica for the "Summer"
Lucas Obringer, a 1994 Parkway graduate, is currently
working as a night-shift janitor at the McMurdo Station near the Ross
Sea in Antarctica.
McMurdo Station is on lava rock, a dormant volcano. After passing all health, dental and drug tests and schooling in Colorado, Lucas traveled to Christchurch, New Zealand where he was issued extreme cold weather clothing before the flight to Antarctica. At www.antarcticaforthesummer.blogspot.com/ you can read about Lucas' adventures and see pictures. Some interesting things to date include:
The closest airport is on the Ross Sea ice and
must be closed in early December due to thawing. It is summer
down there below the equator - while we are having winter above the
equator.
During a daily science lecture it was noted
that there is 20% less ice in Antarctica today than there was the
same month in 2005.
Highway 1 is the main hallway of the main
building on campus.
There is a hammock in the greenhouse.
All trash is sorted and returned to the USA.
Condition 2 weather means you are not allowed
outside for recreational purposes; Condition 1 is too dangerous to
be out at all. You can hike at 50 below zero if all your skin is
covered.
There is a fire department but a truck burnt to
the shell on the ice in November 2007.
Divers slip through a 15-20 foot deep ice hole to
do research in the sea. Two have died recently, one due to
equipment amlfunction, the other killed by a seal.
Entertainment includes Janitor Haiku competition,
ballroom dancing lessons, reading, games, a Thanksgiving turkey trot
5K run, holiday parties, long hikes, trips to historic huts, movies,
a daily science lecture and an annual rugby game against New Zealand
in January.
Almost everyone entering Antarctica travels
through McMurdo Station and as the temperature rises above freezing,
Lucas will be busy mopping up the mud carried in.
Lucas says, "Life is good". Click on
his blogspot above and check out the adventure.
Thanks to his parents, Jane and Ron Obringer of Rockford, for sending this article.
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Hopewell Dairy Opens With Ohio’s First Direct Load Operation The
operation is the first ever in the state of Ohio to utilize a system
whereby the milk (at cow temperature) goes directly from the cow through
a cooling unit to reduce it to 34 degrees and moves right into the
tankers and directly to market, all in one operation. Called a
“direct load”, the dairy saves water, detergent, time and energy
with this new system, which is the model for other new dairy farms.
Click Here for the Complete
Story and Pictures |
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Click Here for all of the Parkway Schools Demolition Pictures |
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 Chatt Insurance Center – Three Generations A Family-Owned Business, of all Parkway Graduates, Takes New Ownership |
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The first generation began in 1959 as a home-based insurance agency by Donald Caffee near Chattanooga. Donald Caffee is the one who created the agency's motto “the money is better off in YOUR POCKET than the insurance company’s!” The second generation started when his nephew Kirby
Stetler, joined an insurance company in 1976, Kirby gained his “selling” agents license in 1984, and was already a veteran in the insurance industry when he went to work for Don in 1997. He and Steven Hecht bought Caffee Insurance out in 2000. Kirby holds insurance designations and also taught CPCU (the “CPA of insurance”) but feels that his best lessons came from customers and experience, and the most valuable designation is someone with “common sense". Travis, Casey, and Jessica share the same feeling. Now the process has begun again with the third generation! Kirby and Steve sold the company to Kirby’s son-in-law Travis Pond, his wife Jessica, and his brother Casey Pond. Kirby now has the flexibility to fill his new role as an inside/outside agency team member, visiting existing customers who wish to do reviews to make sure they are protected, and offering potential new customers advice to protect their life’s work. He also enjoys being the “PR/Advertising man for the group.” Kirby is adjusting to his new “semi retired” life as Travis and Casey increasingly handle the main duties day to day. Kirby is still available in person or electronically to any customer and also keeps busy with refurbishing his antique car and working on the new duties his wife Judy has assigned to him now! Travis began working at the Chatt office in 2001. His 2003 associate degree from Wright State University is in business finance. He had not known Jessica very well in early high school, but they really hit it off when they worked together on a later Parkway Drama Club production. (Incidentally, working on a school play was how Kirby and Judy met.) Travis and Jessica began dating and married in July of 2004. Casey, a 1999 graduate of Parkway High School and a 2002 grad of ITT Tech, with an associate degree in Computer Networking Technology, worked at Celina Insurance Group until recently. He was the lead tech at the help desk, serving 500+ agents and 200 employees in computer technology. He recently bought-out Sigler Insurance from LuAnn and Kim Sigler. He has combined his company with his brother and sister-in-law to make the Chatt Insurance Center an even broader-based business to serve the needs of the community. With Casey’s expertise, the company has gone completely paperless; all business is done online from faxing to applications, to quotes and emails. They even revise policies for customers online. Travis and Casey are the sons of Ken and Carla Pond. Ken is the senior commercial underwriter at Celina Group, and his sons have been learning along the way since the 8th grade. Jessica grew up with the family business and started out cleaning the offices, helping her mom, Judy, who works at Adams Central Schools as a guidance counselor and administrator. Jessica eventually worked her way up to helping her dad with office skills learned at Parkway High School. She worked during the summer months and attended Wright State University before marrying Travis Pond. In January of 2005 all three became partners with Kirby and employ Aunt Jane (Stephenson) Suzuki, as their office manager. Chatt Insurance Center are agents for the following insurance companies: Grange; Celina Insurance Group; United Ohio; Wayne Mutual; Donegal; Progressive and many brokerage companies. They sell Hagerty, which insures antique cars, and Golden Rule offering health insurance, and Grange Life for life insurance. Notary needs and faxing, safety materials and more are available. “This is a broad range of companies for an agency our size, but we can serve 99% of the people who come in. Families stay with us, even when they move away, “said Casey.
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School History 101~ by Monica Agler
The obvious choice for school history queries was our own local historian, Norm VanTilburg. He is an active member of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society in Rockford. The former Rockford Lumberyard serves as the new location for the Historical Society. The first floor houses a menagerie of interesting artifacts and memorabilia about the history of Rockford. Norm was very enthusiastic about my quest for our school history. He offered a bounty of data referencing back to the 1820’s. One of the historical displays contains a photo of the first school built in 1884. This was built in what was then known as Shanes Crossing. There is also a commencement program from the very first graduation held in 1887. According to records, the first graduating class had only three members. The first school was not known as Rockford or Parkway. Those names came later in the history of our fair school. No, the very first school was simply known as Shanes Crossing School . While researching the school documents Norm stumbled upon the actual spec sheets to build this facility. These were complete with detailed instructions for carpenter, plasterer, brick mason, electrician etc. It was very interesting to review these and see the penmanship of the day.
Other changes through the years included two consolidations of school systems. The first occurred in the 1961-62 school year when Rockford merged with Willshire. This merger resulted in the development of the Parkway Local School District. Note: the Rockford High Tigers school colors were red & black while the Willshire Bobcats colors were blue and gold. This union gave birth to both a new mascot, the Panther and new school colors, black & gold. GO CATS!! The second school consolidation involving Mendon-Union transpired in 1992. Below are additional intriguing facts that were presented during my interview of Mr. VanTilburg: · Records indicate that in 1874 female teachers were paid a mere $1.25 per day to teach while male teachers earned $2.00 per day. · On April 4, 1881 an outbreak of measles caused the school to close for 21 days. · April 14, 1884 Scarlet Fever caused classes to discontinue for two weeks. · 1896 Compulsory attendance- State of Ohio… “every minor between ages of 14 and 16 years of age, whether he can read or write the English language or not, is obliged to attend school unless he is engaged in some regular employment…” · August 1922 -The Shanes Crossing School being in poor condition required the construction of the Rockford High School building, during this interim period, classes were held in various businesses and churches about town. · 1939 the following schools were suspended (one room school houses) Red, Barks, Frysinger, Baltzell, Grove, Robison, Manley, Center, Chattanooga, Deitsch, Hinton, Stedke & Seibert. Reviewing the above statistics you can easily see how times have changed. We have grown as a community and a school system. We have incurred many changes and embraced them with fervor. This school year begins a new era; a new beginning; and yes, a new page in history. Thanks to Mr. VanTilburg for providing the historical data for this article. I encourage one and all to visit the Historical Society. You’ll be surprised what you might find to both intrigue and inspire you. Monica
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Bluffton,
Ohio - Bluffton University track and field athletes Rob Johnson
graduate of Marion Franklin in Columbus and Jason Fisher graduate of
Parkway in Rockford were named
The
Mansfield Blockhouse was dedicated Saturday, as part of the Ohio
Daughters of War of 1812’s State Council. This surviving blockhouse,
one of 15 built in the Mansfield area, was constructed by settlers and a
company of soldiers from Coshocton. The blockhouse has the appearance
of a mushroom, the second floor jutting outward several feet to prevent
the Indians from scaling the outside walls. Gun holes placed near the
top of the second floor allowed the settlers to fire on attackers.
about
“this” right here, right now. This is completely different than
how we spent our first 5 years growing up and different than how we
learn every waking second outside of the classroom. How could we
ever hope for good knowledge retention or expansion if we continue to
force kids into a backwards system?” 
up
and down the road without a driver? There are far many more
millions upon millions who drive truck than ever worked for the auto
industry, and we know what happens to the economy when that fraction of
the population lost their jobs. It has to come to education, not
vocation. When you are 55, you can't afford 3 years of college let
alone 10 years. This educational tool will be used as a
"credential" when you show up at a job market as you will be able
to prove your strengths, interests, and adaptability so that you can ask
for a job that fulfills you, not just one you stand around and fill.
Plus the majority of ones committing crimes are uneducated. The
more we can reach out to them and get them thinking about something new,
the less likely they will pick up a gun, rob, rape, or pillage.
The farther education gets out of reach, the more "have not's" we are
going to have. Which makes all of us unsafe regardless of our own
education or wealth" says Sheets. The best part he likes about his
learning program though is how it will bring comfort to the elderly.
"It will know when and where we are born at and show us something all
day long about the things that happened while we grew up to help
trigger our long term memories. It will gradually revert back to
memory matching skills and number games, but the mind is a muscle if you
don't use it, you lose it."
For
the next month he put the word out that he was looking for a business
lawyer wanting to be a part of history. Sure enough, through
meeting a guy at a Burger King as he walked past with Moses, he now has
a business lawyer out of Oklahoma City who loves what he is trying to do
and wants to be a part of it and has offered his services for free.
Now through guidance of his lawyer he needed to get a CPA on board, and
once again he has met just the right people at just the right time, as
he has a CPA out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado (see pic at left) who
has offered her services for free and is taking care of writing up all
of the nonprofit papers. Eric's story continues: 
A
host of executive board members of Ohio Funeral Directors Association
were in attendance, along with past presidents, and other members.
Scott and others represented their districts, by attending private
meetings with congressmen and aides to discuss important legislative
issues. 
A
check in the amount of $2542.00 was presented by the Lions Club to Mr.
Steve Baumgartner, Principal of the Parkway Middle School in Rockford.
The presentation was made by Kevin Krall, President of the Willshire
Lions Club . . . Randy Habegger, President of the Rockford Lions Club
and Ivan Knapp, President of the Mendon Lions Club. 
The
Rockford Chamber of Commerce members celebrated as they named Dennis
Hecht Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year at the annual
Banquet held on October 29, 2009. He was honored for many factors, the
top one being community service.
In
addition to the local kudos from Robert Haver and chamber president,
Bryan Sutton, Dennis was also awarded a special Ohio House of
Representatives recognition proclamation presented by Rep Jim Zehringer
and a plaque from the Mercer County Commissioners celebrating this honor
and his many accomplishments. It was presented by John Bruns and Bob
Nuding. 
.jpg)
Local
pilot for Miller Aviation, Chuck Black (left), flies Mike Huckabee
(right) and his entourage to a book signing in Davenport, Iowa. Mike
Huckabee is the number one pick for the Republican party for the United
States Presidential race in 2012.
Steve
Custer, Parkway graduate of 1978, spent his first year out of high
school working at Pontius Hardware in Rockford and later landed a
factory job at National Seal in Van Wert. It was during that
experience that he had a personal revelation. 
Kirby
keeps busy with refurbishing his antique car and is in the first phase
of “semi-retirement”. He enjoys being the Public Relations Manager for
Chatt Insurance a couple of days a week. Kirby says, "Our motto is:
Don’t Shop for Insurance Backwards. Instead of waiting to see if you are
covered; think first of the types of things you would want protected
before the event. Protect your life’s work and future. Let us help." 
Located
at 10030 State Route 49, Chatt Insurance Center, offers the old and the
new. Amish buggies find their way on the road that connects Spring
Street in Dayton to Ft. Wayne, Indiana via State Route 49. Contact them
at
