Local Archives

Learning with 'Flat Stanley'
Program allows students to understand workings of government
By NATALIE TROYER
For Raymond Elementary third-graders, learning comes in the form of
traveling paper cut-outs. Known as "Flat Stanley," these cut-outs are shaped in the form of
three-foot tall men. Some have striped shirts. Some, sweaters. Others, blue pants.
Each is one-dimensional. For two years, Raymond Elementary third-graders have been creating and
mailing a slew of Flat Stanleys to local government agencies. Each time,
the hope is that Stanley will be sent back with documentation of what he
did during his visit with the organization.
Flat Stanley is a nationwide project based on the book, Flat Stanley, by
Jeff Brown. In the book, Stanley is squashed flat by a falling bulletin
board. One of the many advantages is that Flat Stanley can now visit his
friends by travelling in an envelope.
Sue Carl, a third-grade teacher at Raymond, said the purpose of the
project is to provide children with a new way of learning about local government.
"When you limit learning to strictly the textbook, you'll easily lose
some children," she said. "This is a different way for them to gather information."
Along with the cut-out, the children send a self-addressed stamped
envelope and a letter requesting the agency to treat Flat Stanley as its
honored guest and to return him once he's spent a day or so with the organization.
This year, since they began the project in April, the third-graders have
sent out 22 Flat Stanleys and received 11 back. The Stanleys have
visited places such as the Union County Health Department, Raymond
Public Library, Marysville Water Plant, Raymond Fire Department, and the
Union County treasurer's office.
Union County Treasurer Tamara Lowe said she received Flat Stanley in the
mail on April 13. "He was in this big envelope with a hand-written address on it," she
said. "I thought, 'Who in the world would send us this?' Then I opened
it and there was this colorful, three-foot guy all folded up."
Flat Stanley spent one day in the Union County treasurer's office. In
her response back to the third-graders, Lowe wrote that Stanley helped
open mail, waited on customers, answered e-mails and signed papers for
the auditor. Lowe also answered questions the children had asked such
as, "Where do you keep your money?" and "How much money do you get paid?"
Carl said the Flat Stanley project fits in perfectly with the state's
academic content standards for social studies. The standards advise
third-grade teachers to emphasize the study of local history, how
communities are governed, and how the local economy is organized.
Third-grader Kirsten Newland said the project has been fun.
"It's helped me learn that there are many jobs in my own town," she said.

MPD will end fingerprinting services
From J-T staff reports:
According to the Marysville Police Department, background check
fingerprinting services will no longer be provided for the public.
Assistant police chief Glenn Nicol said that, as a result of the Bureau
of Criminal Identification and Investigation's policy of not accepting
inked civilian fingerprint cards for civilian background checks, his
agency will no longer be able to provide the fingerprinting service for
the public. Civilians requesting fingerprints for backgrounds must have
them submitted electronically. Nicol said the Union County Sheriff's Office provides this service
locally through its "Web-Check" program. There is a fee of approximately
$20 for the service. The public seeking this service may contact the
Sheriff's Office for further details and assistance.

Honor given to Richwood area hero
Sgt. Jeremiah Workman earns the Navy Cross
By NATALIE TROYER
Sgt. Jeremiah Workman stood at the bottom of the stairs, heart racing,
knees shaking. He knew his fellow Marines were counting on him.
On the second floor of the house, a Marine squad had been ambushed by a
group of insurgents hiding in an upstairs bedroom.
He froze for a second, then the adrenaline kicked in. He began firing
and throwing grenades at the insurgents, who immediately tossed grenades
back at him and his squad from the upstairs bedrooms.
"I thought all of us were going to die," he said.
That was Dec. 23, 2004. A date that he'd like to forget, but which still
remains vivid in his memory. Because of his heroism that day in
Fallujah, Iraq, Sgt. Workman, 22, a North Union graduate, received the
Navy Cross, the Marine Corps second-highest award. He was presented the
award on May 12 during a graduation ceremony at Parris Island.
Sgt. Workman and his fellow Marines were on a mission, called Phantom
Fury, that day in Iraq about 10 a.m. The squad of 20 men divided into
two groups, with the first unit entering a house on a re-clearing
assignment. They were immediately ambushed by the insurgents.
According to his Navy Cross citation, Sgt. Workman was serving as squad
leader when he led his men into the building to rescue Marines inside
while under heavy enemy fire. He repeatedly rallied his troops, led them
into the building, and "fearlessly exposed himself and laid down a base
of fire that allowed the isolated Marines to escape," the citation states.
Even when an enemy grenade exploded directly in front of him causing
shrapnel wounds to his arms and legs, Sgt. Workman "continued to provide
intense fire long enough to recover additional wounded Marines and
extract them from the besieged building," his citation states.
He said he simply acted on instinct.
"Training can only prepare you so much," he said. "(In that building,) I
was too overwhelmed with fear... all of my training kind of went out the window."
During the four-hour battle, of the 20 Marines in the squad, 11 received
injuries and three were killed. Sgt. Workman said that, for some reason, all he could think about while
inside that house was his family.
"I kept having thoughts of my mother, and flashbacks of my grandmother,
who'd passed away the year before." When asked what sticks with him the most about that day in Iraq, Sgt.
Workman said, "We were just shooting and shooting at those guys (the
insurgents), but they wouldn't die." He and his men later learned the insurgents were on drugs.
Sgt. Workman's mother, Lisa Johnston, said her son was in the hospital
when she received a call from him just hours after the incident.
"He was a mess," she said. "He felt so bad because he'd lost some of his
men, even though he'd done all he could do... Nobody should have to see what my son saw."
His wife of three years and high school sweetheart, Jessica Jordan
Workman, said she remembers the phone call like it was yesterday.
"It was pretty shocking," she said, "I felt both helpless and proud at the same time."
Mrs. Workman is currently living in Ohio, finishing up cosmetology
school. She said she'll be moving to South Carolina to be with her
husband in about five weeks. The two haven't lived together since August 2004.
Sgt. Workman enlisted in the Marine Corps on Aug. 28, 2000, when he was
a junior in high school. He left for boot camp approximately a year later on Aug. 19, 2001.
Sgt. Workman, who is now a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit
Deport Parris Island, said he has re-enlisted once and has another three
and a half years on his current contract. If he stays in the Marine
Corps beyond that, he said he'd like to become an officer.
But he hasn't let the Navy Cross award go to his head.
"It's nothing special," he said. "Someone just happened to see me doing my job."

Warm weather brings need for blood
As the temperature rises so does the number of people seriously injured
by accidents who need life-saving blood. Trauma patients usually use
four to 40 unites of blood and they can need as many as 100 units during emergency surgeries.
"A proud Union County grandmother just recently related to me how blood
donations saved her grandson's life," Marjorie Morley, blood services
coordinator for the Union County chapter of the American Red Cross,
said. "Tyler, at just 9 months of age, while a patient at Children's
Hospital, was in dire need of blood transfusions.
"Since Tyler was so young, his blood type was not known and time was
crucial," she continued. "He was given around three units of the
O-negative blood type. His grandmother expressed gratitude to blood
donors because their life-saving gift saved Tyler's life. He is now a
delightful, happy and active 9-year-old."
The American Red Cross provides blood for many patients across central
Ohio, including Union County. About 650 donors a day are needed to
supply 56 area hospitals and transfusion centers.
The summer trauma season creates a special need for type O-negative
blood donors, whose blood can be used by anyone. Hospitals use
O-negative for trauma patients because in an emergency there isn't time
to check a patient's blood type. However, all blood types are needed.
Morely said that giving blood is safe and relatively painless and the
entire screening and donation process only takes about an hour. Morely
said volunteers are also needed for the various blood drives.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, those
interested may call 642-6651.

Fairbanks High School graduation set for Sunday
From J-T staff reports:
Fairbanks High School held its graduation ceremony Sunday at 3 p.m. on the football field.
Valedictorians will be Mandy Crosser, Marcus Geer, Emilie Noland, Koriann
Reed, Melody Stauffer and Megan Swaney. Jennifer Halterman will be salutatorian.
Mandy Crosser is the daughter of Blaine and Gail Crosser of Marysville.
She has been involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, show
choir, drama club, FFA, and held various class officer positions. She
plans to attend Wittenberg University and double major in early
childhood and special education.
Marcus Geer, the son of Mark and Linda Geer of Milford Center, has been
an active leader within the school and community. He was elected to be
this year's National Honor Society president, the Student Council
president and an officer of the FFA. He has been the only member of the
Fairbanks swim team for four years and finished his high school career
with all state recognition. He plans to continue his education and
swimming careers at Denison University while majoring in biology with a
concentration in neuroscience.
Emilie Noland is the daughter of Mike and Mitzi Noland of Marysville.
Throughout high school she has been involved in National Honor Society,
Student Council, Show Choir, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Drama
Club and Golf. Emilie has taken part in five drama productions with the
high school drama club and is a three-year varsity letterman on the
girls golf team. A National Merit Commended Student, she has held a 4.0
GPA throughout high school. She plans to attend Kent State University
and major in Early Childhood Education.
Koriann Reed is the daughter of Brian and Melanie Reed of Marysville.
She has been involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, FFA,
International Club and choir. She served as this year's president of
the senior class and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
She was named a Dispatch Scholar Athlete. After graduation she plans to
attend Trevecca Nazarene University where she will major in biology and
play on the women's golf team.
Melody Stauffer is the daughter of Bob and Dawn Stauffer of Irwin. She
has been involved in concert band, choir, drama club, National Honor
Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, science club, yearbook, and
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. She plans to attend
Rosedale Bible College for one year, then transfer to a four-year
college to major in music education.
Megan Swaney, the daughter of Brian and Carol Swaney of Plain City, has
been involved in basketball, where she was co-captain; FFA where she is
served as the treasurer; National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian
Athletes, volleyball, and Drama Club. She has held nearly every office,
including president, and has participated in many community service
activities. She will be attending Murray State University and major in
animal health technology with a pre-veterinary concentration and a minor in equine studies.
All valedictorians maintained a 4.0 grade point average. Salutatorian
Jennifer Hlterman maintained a 3.98 GPA.
Jennifer is the daughter of Steve and Toni Halterman of Milford Center.
She has been involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, FFA,
International Club, FCA and show choir. This year she served as vice
president of the senior class and the National Honor Society. She is a
four-year member of the volleyball team and has also participated in
club volleyball for several years. She plans to attend Bowling Green
State University and major in intervention specialist/deaf education.
---
Fairbanks held its recognition assembly Friday. Those receiving scholarships included:
Brooke Nicol, Cassandra Wilson, Brittany Greenbaum, Amanda Sharp and
Marcus Geer, Voice of Democracy; Ashley Barr, Artbox Scholarship; Megan
Swaney, Melody Stauffer, board of education; Josh Clarridge, ATP; Mandy
Crosser, Richland Bank 4-H Scholarship; Julie Vandre, Sarge Chamberlain
Scholarship; Amanda Mapes, Marcus Geer, Memorial Hospital Medical Staff;
Mandy Crosser, URE Academic Scholarship; Rachel Adkins, Touchstone
Energy Achievement; Marcus Geer, Union County Bar and Brian Nicol
scholarships; Mandy Crosser, Union County Leadership Institute; Robert
Halley, Sheriff's Award; Ryan Daniels, Kyle Bowman Scholarship; Anne
Nicol, DAR Writing Award; Peter McCann, American History Medal; Cory
Whitaker, Koriann Reed, Senior Good Citizenship; Marcus Geer, Alicia
McCarty, Amanda Mapes, Megan Swaney, Milford Center Lions Club; Koriann
Reed, Ryan Picklesimer, U.S. Army Reserve scholar/Athlete; Rachel
Bisker, James Blaine, Allison Conklin, Kylie Daniel, D.J. Dellinger,
Kelsey Follmer, Katie Grant, Christine Hoerig, Ben Johnson, Sean Knaub;
Jason Link, Jeff Lucas, Kate Lucas, Peter McCann, Alicia McCarty, Shelby
McCoy, Mollie McIntyre, Tristin Pankhurst, Cody Rausch, Sarah Redmond,
Rachel Rinehart, Kristi Scheeler, Julie Vandre, Jessica Waddle, Michelle
Watkins, Sarah White and Tonya Wright, Mock Trial; Megan Swaney, Emilie
Noland, Michelle Watkins, Marcus, Ohio Board of Regents Nominees; Mandy
Crosser, Ohio Board of Regents Winner; Rachel Rinehart, Denison Book
Award; Marcus Geer, BEWT Interview Contest Winner; Melody Stauffer,
President's Volunteer Service Award; Jennifer Halterman and Michelle
Watkins, International Club Scholarship; Claudia Ludi, HOBY Leadership
Winner; Jessica Pittman, Carla Rogers, Ashley Short, Colleen Shephard,
Union County BBB Award for Entrepreneurship; Marcus Geer, Michelle
Watkins, Tiffany Atwell, Elks Scholarship; Letitia George, Marcus Geer,
Elks Student of the Year; Julie Vandre, Elks Community Service Award;
Josh Rausch, Gaylon Grant, John Phillips Sousa Award; Josh Clarridge,
Koriann Reed, Jeff Lucas, Victoria Bill, Americanism Test; Alicia
McCarty, Julie Vandre, Rachel Rinehart, Sheila Barnhardt, Ron Burns,
Letitia George, Ashley Short, Lauren Murray, Jessica Adams, Kaitlin
Ricker, Kyle Toops, Cassie Locke, Rachel Hatfield and Kylie Daniel, Law
Day participants; Josh Clarridge, Megan Swaney, Archie Griffin
Sportsmanship Award; Greg Phelps, OHSAA Courageous Student Award; Mark
Lippencott, OHSAA State Award for Service; Koriann Reed, Ryan
Picklesimer, OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award.
Also, those receiving university scholarships included:
Rachel Adkins - $11,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship, $500 Partners
in Education, $1,000 Trinity Lutheran, $750 URE Scholarship, $200 Junior
Miss, $1,000 Lutheran Heritage Award, $10,000 Valparison Presidential
Scholarship; $600 PEO Scholarship;
Eric Anderson - $10,000 Cisco Networking Scholarship;
Tiffany Atwell - $1,000 Elks Scholarship, $1,000 Columbus State Success Scholarship;
Zane Barker - $1,500 Devry;
Josh Clarridge - $11,000 Capital Presidential, $1,000 Lutheran Heritage
Award, $9,000 President's Scholarship - Marietta; $11,000 Denison Alumni
Award; $16,000 ONU Honors Scholar, $10,758 Academic Distinction
Scholarship - Bluffton, $8,500, Bluffton Academic Equalizer Scholarship,
$3,700 H. Reicle Service Award, $7,500 Hiram Lindsay Scholarship, $7,000
Otterbein Scholar, $1,000 Otterbein Dean's Scholarship, $2,000 Otterbein
Premier Math Award, $1,000 ATP Scholarship;
Jenn Dautarus - $3,000 Toledo Tower Prestige Scholarship;
Sarah Dillon - $9,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship, $1,000 Alumni
Scholarship, $7,500 Muskingum Academic Scholarship, $1,000 Muskingum
Forensic Scholarship;
Mandy Crosser - $500 URE Scholarship, $17,500 Wittenberg Provost
Scholarship, $1,500 Wittenberg Valedictorian Scholarship, $500 Ohio
Synod Endowed Scholarship, $250 Union County Junior Miss, $100 Union
County Junior Miss Panel Evaluation, $200 Union County Junior Miss
Scholarship, $500 Union County Leadership Institute, $2,000 Cedarville
Dean's Scholarship, $2,500 Cedarville President's Scholarship, $8,607
Miami Ohio Leadership Scholarship, $1,500 Miami Ohio Achievement
Scholarship, $1,000 Miami Scholar Saturday Scholarship, $3,500 Miami
Scholars Scholarship, $2,000 Miami University Scholarship, $1,500
Charlene Ashman Scholarship, $2,205 Ohio Board of Regents, $500 YMCA
Short Course Scholar Athlete, $500 Milford Center Lions Club, $1,000
Elks Association Scholarship, $15,000 Denison Founders Scholarship, $500
First English Lutheran Church, $1,000 Memorial Hospital Staff, $3,500
Miami Scholars Award, $8,607 Ohio Leader Scholarship, $1,000 Oxford
Scholar, $8,000 U of L National Scholar;
Tucker Gorton - $8,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship;
Jennifer Halterman - $9,044 BG University Professor's Scholarship,
$1,000 The Scotts Company, $2,500 Kent Access Scholarship, $2,000 Kent
Honors, $300 Kent Founders Book Award, $500 Kent Honors Scholarship;
Sherri Hoffman - $1,500 Columbus State Success Scholarship, $1,500
Columbus State Tech Prep, $1,500 Columbus State Partnership;
Courtney Koehn - $10,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship;
Cassie Locke - $6,500 Advantage Grant;
Amanda Mapes - $8,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship, $1,000 Lutheran
Heritage Award, $1,000 Alumni Scholarship, $1,000 Capital Church
Scholarship, $1,000 Partners in Education, $900 Ohio Choice Grant, $500
Milford Center Lions Club, $1,000 Memorial Hospital Medical Staff;
Alicia McCarty - $5,000 Indiana Wesleyan Scholarship, $4,000 Ashland
Buckeye Girls State, $1,500 Wright State Raider Scholarship, $500
Milford Center Lions Club, $1,500 Nestle R and D Scholarship;
Brianne Nicol - $11,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship, $1,000
Lutheran Heritage Award, $5,000 Otterbein Scholar, $1,000 Otterbein
Premier Department Scholar Award; $900 Ohio Choice Grant, $9,000 Ohio
Dominican University;
Emilie Noland - $250, Union County Junior Miss runner-up, $100 Union
County Junior Miss Scholastic runner-up, $200 Union County Junior Miss
Fitness Winner, $150 Union County Junior Miss Essay Winner, $500 Kent
State Honors, $2,000 Kent State Residence Honors, $1,500 Kent State
Scholarship for Excellence, $300 Kent State Founders Award, $3,500 Kent
State Trustee Scholarship, $1,500 Cedarville Leadership Scholarship,
$8,000 BG Full Tuition Scholarship, $2,500 Cedarville President's Scholarship;
Greg Phelps - $2,000 UD Presidential Grant;
Ryan Picklesimer - $1,000 Soccer Coaches Scholar Athlete;
Koriann Reed - $14,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship, $10,000 Grace
Val/Sal Scholarship, $11,000 ONU Dean's Scholarship, $8,000 KY Wesleyan
Trustee, $2,000 Treveca President's Scholarship, $2,250 Treveca Women's
Gold Scholarship, $4,000 Treveca Grant, $1,750 Treveca Booster Scholarship;
Grant Schoening - $1,000 OSU Newark Academic Scholarship;
Amanda Sharp - $600 OSU Marion Campus Scholarship, $100 VOD Scholarship;
Ashley Short - $7,000 Capital Presidential Scholarship, $2,000 Rev.
Rusfus S. Tarrant Grant, $1,000 Capital Alumni Grant, $900 Ohio Choice Grant;
Melody Stauffer - $7,000 Cornerstone Chancellors Scholarship, $1,500
Cedarville Leadership, $10,000 Grace Valedictorian Scholarship, $7,000
Harrington Presidential, $4,000 Taylor Dean's Scholarship, $5,000 Mt.
Vernon Academic Scholarship, $10,000 Messiah College Academic;
Megan Swaney - $4,000 John W. Carr Scholarship, $500 Equine Achievement,
$500 Mabel Garrett Pullen Freshman Scholarship, $600 Milford Center
Lions Club, $6,000 Montana State University, $1,000 Montana State
College of Agriculture, $4,000 University of Wyoming;
Julie Vandre - $5,000 Yoder Honors Scholarship - Goshen, $500 OU
Gateway, $6,000 Grace College Academic, $1,000 Goshen Garline, $1,000
Sarge Chamberlain Scholarship, $3,000 Grace College Scholar Athlete,
$1,000 Goshen College Scholar Athlete;
Michelle Watkins - $1,000 National Merit - OSU, $12,131 Distinguished
Merit Scholar, $1,097 Land Grant Work Program, $2,400 State of Ohio
Grant, $4,000 Federal Pell Grant, $750 Academic Competition Grant,
$1,000 Elks Association Scholarship, $12,000 Xavier Trustee Scholarship,
$4,705 Miami University Ohio Residence Scholarship, $9,125 Miami Ohio
Leadership, $2,400 Miami Matching Grant, $3,500 Miami Scholars, $4,000
Miami University Honors;
Cory Watson - $5,000 Hanover Achievement Scholarship;
Cory Whitaker - $600 OSU Buckeye Community Scholarship.
Awarded as senior National Honor Society members were: Rachel Adkins,
Josh Clarridge, Mandy Crosser, Sarah Dillon, Marcus Geer, Letitia
George, Jenny Halterman, Amanda Mapes, Alicia McCarty, Brianne Nicol,
Emilie Noland, Ryan Pickleismer, Koriann Reed, Melody Stauffer, Megan
Swaney, Julie Vandre, Michelle Watkins and Cory Whitaker.
Recognized as Award of Merit winners were: Rachel Adkins, Josh
Clarridge, Mandy Crosser, Jennifer Dautartus, Sarah Dillon, Marcus Geer,
Jennifer Halterman, Sherri Hoffman**, Alicia McCarty, Amanda Mapes,
Brianne Nicol, Emilie Noland, Ryan Pickelsimer, Jessica Pittman,
Koriann Reed, Jenny Schammel, Grant Schoening, Colleen Shepard, Ashley
Short, Melody Stauffer, Megan Swaney, Julie Vandre, Michelle Watkins,
Cory Watson** and Cory Whitaker.
** Career Technical
Michelle Watkins was honored as a finalist National Merit Commended
Student. Named as Commended Students were Emilie Noland and Cory Watson.
Honors diplomas were awarded to Mandy Crosser, Marcus Geer, Emilie
Noland, Koriann Reed, Melody Stauffer, Megan Swaney, Rachel Adkins,
Michelle Watkins, Jennifer Dautartus, Cory Whitaker, Josh Clarridge,
Zane Barker, Jennifer Hlterman, Brianne Nicol, Alicia McCarty and Ryan
Picklesimer and to Cory Watson (Career Technical).
Recognized as senior class officers were President Koriann Reed, Vice
President Jenny Halterman, Treasurer Emilie Noland, Secretary Mandy
Crosser, and Representative-Cory Whitaker.
Recognized as year-long distinction honor roll students were seniors
Rachel Adkins, Mandy Crosser, Sarah Dillon, Marcus Geer, Jennifer
Halterman, Amanda Mapes, Alicia McCarty, Emilie Noland, Koriann Reed,
Melody Stauffer, Megan Swaney, Michelle Watkins and Cory Whitaker.
Recognized as senior year-long merit honor roll students were Tiffany
Atwell, Josh Clarridge, Jennifer Dautartus, Seth Eickhoff, Cassie Lock,
Courtney Koehn, Jessica Pittman, Colleen Shephard, Ashley Short and Julie Vandre.

Road trip
June 1 is moving day for former doctor's office
By CINDY BRAKE
June 1 is the day that the former Court Street medical office of Dr.
Malcolm MacIvor is scheduled to take a road trip.
Marysville businessman John Bunsold, with the help of several friends,
city officials and utility employees, is planning to relocate the
historic building to Boerger Road where it may become a museum.
"Marysville has been good to us," Bunsold said today.
The 21-foot structure, built originally as a home in the 1870s, has been
moved twice before. It now sits on property owned by Fifth Third Bank.
Banking officials originally planned to raze the building to make way
for a drive-through facility and to add more parking. After some people
voiced concern about the community losing another older building, senior
real estate manager Ron Jones offered the building for free to anyone
who would move it at their own expense.
"Fifth Third Bank is part of the Marysville community and aware of how
attached some people were to the building. We are glad to accommodate
their desire," Jones said. He adds that most of the credit for the move goes to Bunsold.
Bunsold met today at 9 a.m. with approximately 15 individuals who will
be involved in the move. The group included staff from the city
engineer, police, zoning, fire and street departments and electric and telephone companies.
The approved three-mile route begins at Court Street, follows Eighth
Street to London Avenue and ends on Boerger Road. Approximately 18
electric and telephone lines will be affected. There may be temporary
interruptions in service to individual homes, but not to the hospital.
Traffic will be maintained, but detoured. Individuals will be asked to
not park along Court Street from 7 a.m. to noon on the day of the move.
The move is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m. to avoid school buses. The
parade of vehicles will include two off-duty police officers to maintain
traffic. Utility vehicles will be in front and behind of the house to
drop, raise or cut wires as the building moves through.
Bunsold said the house will be traveling on hydraulic wheels which can
lift it over any mail boxes on the way. The moving structure will
measure 25 feet high and 25 feet wide. It will move 10 to 15 miles per
hour in open areas and three miles an hour in congested areas.
The only expected obstacles now include four overhanging tree limbs on
Court Street that need trimmed and a traffic light at Fifth and Court
streets. Bunsold said Applied Electric has been contacted to take care
of the light. A few signs along the route might also have to be taken down temporarily.
The move is expected to cost $40,000. That includes the $25 fee for a
permit established in 1909 by the city to move a house. Zoning officers
said this is the first moving permit to be issued in at least the past 17 years.

Hospital to stop respiratory home care
Will switch patients to other providers
By CORINNE BIX
Memorial Hospital of Union County will no longer be in the respiratory
home care business. Thursday night, it was reported to the board of trustees that the
hospital was in the process of transitioning all 46 current respiratory
home care patients to other providers.
The hospital has provided respiratory home care services for the past 11
years and it has always leased the equipment used for patients.
Laurie Whittington, chief operating officer, explained that since the
company that the hospital had been leasing through had become
financially unstable and lost its Joint Commission accreditation, it was
time to reassess the financial future of respiratory home care.
Dave Gleeson, director of cardiopulmonary services, said that after
careful auditing based on decreasing Medicare reimbursements combined
with rising costs of using licensed respiratory therapists, the financial outlook was grim.
"It had become a break even business," Gleeson said.
In total, 31 of the 46 patients have chosen to transition to a local
provider for respiratory services.
"It's gone very smoothly," Gleeson said. "Our primary motivating focus
was that the patient have the choice."
The hospital has also entered into arranged agreements with two
providers who will operate on a consignment basis out of the hospital to
provide temporary after-hours and transit services for patients who are
in need of respiratory care.
The board also heard a report from Chip Hubbs, CEO of Memorial Hospital,
that things continue to move slowly with the Mill Valley medical building project.
Leases are signed for the project. However, physician commitment is a
key factor needed to move the project forward.
"We need 75 percent of the building pre-leased before we can move ahead
with the building," Hubbs said.
Hubbs also updated the board on the Tax Expenditure Limitation (TEL)
proposal scheduled to be on the November ballot.
At last month's board meeting, Hubbs said the proposal would financially
threaten Memorial Hospital. The Tax Expenditure Limitation amendment
would limit increases to expenditures by 3.5 percent per year. He said
the expenditure cap would limit hospital growth.
The bill has since been amended and will no longer include local
government expenditures. "All things that would have affected us as an organization have gone
away," Hubbs said. The board passed the United Way and Title III C proposal for 2007 from
Lois Blue, Memorial Mobile Meals director.
The proposal will allow Blue to proceed in applying for grants which
fund the mobile meals program at a cost of around $450,000 per year.
About half of those funds are subsidized by the hospital and the other
half is funded through donations and grants.
The hospital also is in the process of considering a medical director
for pediatrics, Hubbs said.
"It's an attempt on our part to better meet the needs of the community
and we would need someone clinically to head that off," he said.
The board adjourned into executive session to discuss trade secrets of a
county hospital and the compensation of an employee. No action was taken
after the session. The next board of trustees meeting will be June 22.
In other news, the board:
.Approved the finance and joint conference committee reports for quality review.
.Approved 2005 Memorial Hospital of Union County Annual Report
.Approve the initial appointment of Martin Schroeder, MD, anesthesiology
department of surgery active provisional
.Approved the conclusion of provisional of Linda Manley, CNP-ER
department of medicine allied health.

City deals with new stormwater concerns
By RYAN HORNS
As heavy rain pounded down on Marysville City Hall Thursday night,
council members once again were forced to address flooding issues in the city.
A majority of the meeting was spent discussing the third reading of an
ordinance to rezone 49.3 acres located on Weaver Road from Agricultural
Residential Zoning to Low Density and Medium Density Single Family
Zoning. The issue had been tabled before.
After much debate, council finally voted to pass the rezoning request -
with council persons Leah Sellers and John Gore voting against it.
Council president John Gore said the problem isn't necessarily rezoning
the land, it is being wary of developers promising to deal with
stormwater drainage issues in housing projects and then letting the city
down by creating more problems. He said it has to do the "past sins" of
previous administrators who created drainage problems.
The newly rezoned acreage is planned for a development called the
Weinlein Tract. It is to be located on Weaver Road, adjacent to the
Adena Pointe Development already in the works - a project which has
brought about public criticism over how the city and developers have
handled stormwater drainage plans. Residents have reportedly been
waiting just under two decades for flooding problems to be addressed in that area.
Gore explained to Weinlein Tract representative, Jason Coffee, that
history shows the city needs to be skeptical of developers promising to
take care of storm drainage problems. He asked Coffee to offer some kind
of guarantee to council that the work managing stormwater flow will be
positive for the city. Coffee agreed and said they will work closely with the Ohio EPA.
Sellers said city engineer Phil Roush expressed that he was "not
comfortable" with the drainage plans for the project. Roush was not in
attendance. Councilman John Marshall ultimately proposed a vote on the
issue, which led to it passing. Councilmen David Burke, Mark Reams, Ed
Pleasant and Marshall voted in favor.
"We will not let you down," attorney Dennis Schulze told council
members, who represents the developers.
The development proposal will now go before Marysville Planning
Commission. Only then can commission members iron out the details of the
plan to make sure drainage will be properly engineered.
In other discussions, the city's battles over running sanitary sewer
lines down Adelsberger Road finally ended up in the form of legislation.
The first reading was held on an ordinance accepting the terms and
conditions of Millcreek Township's Resolution #307, passed on May 1,
which granted the city permission to use the road.
The Millcreek Township's resolution states that Marysville will protect
and repair agricultural and road drainage systems, replacing tiles and
connectors for 10 years from the date of the beginning of construction;
hold regular meetings with Millcreek Township officials during the
project construction; the work should only take 60 working days from the
start and will not interfere with spring crop planting or fall
harvesting for farmers; replace the bridges on Adelsberger Road to
accommodate construction traffic; will assume liability for the
construction, maintenance and operation of utility lines installed;
maintain reasonable road access for property owners, including emergency
services during the installation; repair the pavement or other
structures if damaged during the work; and re-seed all ditches.
In other business:
. Randy Lewis, owner of Infinity Restaurant, has plans to open a new
facility on Industrial Parkway. But while he was trying to tap into the
city sewer lines, he discovered that years ago the site was not
inspected by the former city engineer. The city sewer lines do not
extend all the way to his property. It is a problem that he feels the
city created and now it could cost him upwards of $10,000.
"I have everything I've worked for riding on this," Lewis said.
Mayor Tom Kruse said that he is convinced Lewis has a "legitimate issue"
and he will try to resolve the matter.
. The Shade Tree Commission was officially taken out of the city
Codified Ordinances and members will no longer meet.
. The city entered into agreements with Union County officials to
provide sewer services outside of Marysville. The first-reading
legislation essentially creates a fee for inspections for sites larger than one acre in size.
. A first-reading resolution will authorize the Ohio Department of
Transportation to perform slope repairs along U.S. 33. The work will be
completed at U.S. 36 and Route 4 north on the U.S. 33 overpass. The
second is along U.S. 33 approaching U.S. 36 on the east side of the
city. Councilman Dave Burke acknowledged city administrators for
securing the funds for this project. He said it could have cost the city
"tens of thousands of dollars." City administrator Kathy House, credited
city streets superintendent Joe Tracey and his positive relationship with ODOT.

Triad to hold graduation Saturday
From J-T staff reports:
Triad High School will hold its annual commencement exercises Saturday
at 2 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
Speakers will include valedictorian David James, salutatorian, Anthoni
Ryan Cooksey, class president Laura Deam and Gary Murray, an
accomplished member of the first graduating class of Triad High School
in 1956. Music will be performed by the high school band and choir.
Recognition will be given to students receiving scholarships, those
graduating in the top 10 percent of the class and those who have
maintained a 3.0 grade point average or higher during their high school career.
David James, son of Tony and Lori James of Cable, has received an Urbana
University Academic Competition Scholarship for $8,127 per year, An
Academic Merit Scholarship for $4,000 per year, and an Urbana University
Band Scholarship for $1,000 per year. He will major in secondary education.
Anthoni Ryan Cooksey, son of Ami Cooksey of North Lewisburg, has
received a $500 Gateway Scholarship to attend Ohio University. Ryan will
major in finance at OU.
James Logan Dunn, son of James and Karen Dunn of North Lewisburg, has
received a $1,000 Dean's Award and $900 Ohio Choice Grant from Otterbein
College. Logan will major in physical fitness and wellness at Otterbein.
Cortney Ertel, daughter of Matt and Kim Ertel of Woodstock, has been
awarded a renewable $10,000 President's Scholarship from the University
of Dayton, and a $12,000 renewable Presidential Scholarship from Capital
University. Cortney has also received an Urbana University Women's Gold
Scholarship for $7,000 per year and an Academic Merit Scholarship for
$4,000 per year from Urbana. Cortney will attend Urbana University. She
is undecided about her major.
Ryan Goff, son of Brenda Williams of Marysville, has received a
renewable $2,000 Deans' Award, a renewable $1,500 Endowed Scholar Award,
and a $900 renewable Ohio Choice Grant from Otterbein College. Ryan will
major in athletic training/physical therapy at Otterbein.
Ashley Gregg, daughter of Glen and Maribeth Gregg of Cable, has been
awarded a $1,200 Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship, a $7,000
renewable Otterbein Scholar Award, a $1,500 Endowed Scholar Award, a
$1,000 Deans' Award, and $900 Ohio Choice Grant from Otterbein College.
Ashley will major in nursing at Otterbein.
Bethany Hackley, daughter of Gary and Kim Hackley of North Lewisburg,
has received a $1,200 renewable Tech. Prep. Scholarship from Clark State
Community College. She will major in nursing at Clark State.
Joshua Sanders, son of Jeffery Sanders of North Lewisburg, has received
a $1,200 per year Tech. Prep. Scholarship from Clark State Community
College. Joshua will major in supply chain management at Clark State.
Christopher South Taylor, son of Brenda and Tim Taylor of North
Lewisburg, has received a $550 fishing benefit scholarship from Tim's
Pro Bass Shop. Chris will attend Columbus State Community College and major in engineering.
Lindsey A. Triplett, daughter of Tim and Darcy Triplett of Milford
Center, has been awarded a $5,000 renewable Otterbein Scholarship, a
$1,500 renewable Endowed Scholar Scholarship from Otterbein and a $900
Ohio Choice Grant. Lindsey will study English at Otterbein.
The tentative graduates are: Keturah Ames, Morgan Amilin, Damian Anaya,
Stephanie Anderson, Nick Atkins, Kelli Aufdencamp, Jason Bailey, Chris
Baker, Irene Carpenter, Lee Casey, Abbey Castle, Tony Castle, Stacie
Castle, Travis Coe, Shiloh Collins, Anthoni Ryan Cooksey, Ashley
Crowder, Destiny Davis, Laura Deam, Sarah Denny, Christopher Dillon,
Logan Dunn, Stephanie Eckart, Cortney Ertel, Allison Evans, Jennifer
Filipovic, Ryan Goff, Andrew Goodman, Beau Graham, and Ashley Gregg;
Also, Justin Grimes, Bethany Hackley, Elicia Harper, Andrew Helsel,
Clark Herron, Michelle Issacs, Tyler Jackson, David James, Jared
Kimball, Kristen Kirk, Shannon Kirkpatrick, Casey Latham, Chris Lawson,
Christine Lincoln, Tylor Lough, Brittany May, Allasyn McKenzie, Amy
Ober, Danielle Olney, James Owen, Tabitha Phillips, Kayla Price, Casey
Roebuck, Joshua Sanders, Laura Schubert, Christine Sidner, Brittaney
Smith, David Smith, Ryan Souders, Aaron Tatman, Christopher Taylor,
Jennifer Teets, Lindsey Triplett, Josh Uhlenbrock and Brittany Wilson.

Marysville pool set to open
From J-T staff reports:
Recent cold weather is expected to give way to higher temperatures this
weekend, just in time to kick off the swimming pool season.
The Marysville Municipal Pool is scheduled to open Saturday. It will be
open from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Monday (Memorial Day) and from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday.
Hours the rest of next week will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday (June 2).
Summer hours will go into effect on Saturday, June 3. The pool is
located at 500 Park Ave., next to the American Legion Park.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Steve Conley, said this week will
be spent tying all the loose ends together, in order to make the pool ready for residents.
"Basically we're just doing final clean-up. cleaning up the cobwebs and
sweeping up the floors," Conley said. "We have a health department
re-opening inspection scheduled for Thursday afternoon, to check water
chemistry and all that kind of stuff."
He said that the rest of the week will be spent filling up the pool.
They will use nearby fire hydrants to accomplish that goal.
"It takes about two days (to fill up)," Conley said, "and about 585,000 gallons of water."
A donation from the Paris Township trustees brought some new features to
the Marysville Municipal Pool for residents to enjoy in 2006. The pool
bathrooms have been remodeled, with new counters and new stall/shower
doors add better privacy. A new walk-in freezer and storage area were
also added from the Paris Township funds and are expected to increase
service for pool patrons. Another highlight is that 24 new lounge chairs
were added for people to use this year.
More information is available online at www.marysvilleohio.org in the
"Parks and Recreation" section, explaining how residents may purchase
seasonal, weekly, or daily pool passes. The pass forms can be mailed in
before May 27, but after that date the passes are only available at the
pool office during regular hours. Other activities to look forward to:
. Swim lesson sign-ups will begin May 27 and end on June 14.
. The "Stingrays Swim Team" will begin taking on team members.
. Scuba diving classes will also be available this year.

Sheriff's department substation established in Taylor Township
By RYAN HORNS
Northern Union County is expected to become a little safer next month.
The first Union County Sheriff's Office substation is expected to open
in Taylor Township on June 1.
On Monday afternoon Union County Commissioners, Union County Sheriff
Rocky Nelson and Taylor Township trustees met at the Taylor Township
Building to celebrate the event. All three entities participated in
bringing the project to fruition.
The newly dubbed "Taylor Township Substation," is located in the rear of
the township building. It will provide the sheriff's office with an
opportunity to enhance customer service to the citizens of Union County.
Nelson said that the space between Marysville (where his office is
stationed) and areas of Northern Union County is vast and can always use
more attention. He said the new substation will shorten response times
to the northern end of the county, especially to Jackson and Washington townships.
According to the Union County Sheriff's Office, Taylor Township is
leasing office space to the county for law enforcement use. The trustees
will maintain control of the building and will continue to operate as
the designated poll site during county and township elections. The
Taylor Township substation will not interrupt the services Taylor
Township officials currently provide to the residents.
"Hopefully, this announcement will dispel the rumors of the sheriff's
office taking over control of the Taylor Township Building which have
been circulating since the (sheriff's office) sign was erected in front
of the township building last month," Taylor Township Trustee, Jack Engle said.
Union County Commissioner Charles Hall said with the increased growth
and traffic in Union County on the rise, the sheriff's office has
continually looked for ways to reduce its response times in the rural areas.
"The Taylor Township Building was ideal since the site is located
between Marysville and Northern Union County, but still provides the
deputies access to main highways for quick response," Hall said.
The sheriff's office reported that the new substation will not have
staff members stationed on the site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The deputies will continue to patrol the county and respond to
residents' calls for emergency and other events. The substation will
provide sheriff's deputies and public safety officers who are working
the northern areas of the county a place to answer calls, make personal
contacts, transfer their reports and conduct their follow-up
investigations. It will eliminate the need for the PSOs to return to the
sheriff's office in Marysville in order to do their work.
"With the price of gasoline, we are trying to economize not only on the
county side, but also looking out for the citizens who would normally
travel to Marysville to meet with an officer. This will also help in
reducing our response time to calls in the northern part of the county,
when we respond from the office at shift change or when the deputy had
to return to the office to finish up on a case," Nelson said.
The county has also installed a "ring down box" on the northeast corner
of the Township Building.
If a person needs to contact the Union County Sheriff's Office, the
person can pick up the phone receiver situated by the door. The call
will immediately ring into the Union County Sheriff's Communication
Center on a non-emergency line. The direct telephone line can be used to
report a crime or an accident, to request to speak with a deputy, summon
a ride or to make a complaint.

Area officials gather information on bird flu
By CINDY BRAKE
Chicken Little, the nursery rhyme character, may have cried that "The
sky is falling. The sky is falling," but Union County's public officials
are worried that the flu is coming, the flu is coming and Chicken Little
may be bringing it.
Tuesday morning approximately 50 public employees and officials along
with representatives of area businesses met for more than three hours to
discuss how to plan if a pandemic influenza becomes a reality.
Epidemiologist Megan L. McGee of the Union County Health Department,
said the Avian Influenza H5N1 is not a pandemic. A pandemic must meet
three requirements:
. Novel strain to which population has no immunity
. Ability to cause severe disease
. Ability to pass easily from person to person.
H5N1 has not yet been passed easily from person to person, although
there are two probable situations where it may have occurred.
What seems to have caused most of the stir is the expectation that a pandemic is due.
McGee said three pandemics occurred in the 20th century in 1918, 1957
and 1968. She said they seem to occur about every 30 years and that a
new one is overdue.
H5N1 was first identified in Hong Kong in 1997 with 18 human cases and
six deaths. The virus has since spread westward as far as France. It is
spread by nasal or respiratory secretions and direct contact with
infected feces or surfaces. In answer to a question, McGee said properly
cooked meat is safe and does not spread the disease.
To date, the virus has appeared in 10 countries with 217 cases reported
resulting in 123 deaths. McGee said cultures where families live closely
with animals contributed to the early spread of the virus and deaths.
She said massive culling campaigns have slowed the spread and there are
numerous disinfectants available to kill the virus. No vaccine is available.
McGee said the most effective prevention is to wash hands and cover
mouths when coughing.
Recommended Web sites on the topic include www.healthyamericans.org,
www.pandemicflu.gov and www.contingencyplanning.com.
Randy Riffle, director of the Union County Emergency Management Agency,
and Allison Pappas, emergency preparedness coordinator with the Union
County Health Department, expect to have three more meetings before
having a completed plan in place by the end of September.
Kathleen Herath of Nationwide Insurance shared how her company has
planned for a pandemic influenza. She said the company had an
opportunity recently to see how its procedures worked during a mumps
scare in Iowa. She said the biggest problem was dealing with the
"worried well," people who were well but worried they had the illness.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human
influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and muscle
aches to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases and
other severe and life threatening complications, states a fact sheet
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies suggest
that some prescription medicines approved in the United States for human
influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans.

Schizophrenia: Coming back to reality
Group helps local sufferers deal with their issues
By CINDY BRAKE
"I thought I was going to be a raving lunatic the rest of my life..."
Dixie Vowell of Marysville said recently as she sat calmly in her wheel
chair and shared details of schizoaffective disorder.
Medication, faith in God and a self-help support group called
Schizophrenics Anonymous have been her lifeline to sanity.
Don P. Bryan founded the local chapter last year. He is "99.9 percent"
recovered from schizophrenia.
Vowell and Bryan are two of the 2.5 million Americans who have
schizophrenia. May 21-27 is National Schizophrenia Awareness Week.
Schizophrenia is a brain-based biological disorder. The most common
symptoms include hallucinations and delusions. People may hear voices or
see things that others don't experience.
While there are a number of theories, no one knows what causes the
illness, states a fact sheet from the National Schizophrenia
Foundation. Three-quarters of persons with schizophrenia develop the
illness between 16 and 25 years of age.
The local chapter has 20 members who meet every Sunday at 6 p.m. at 729
S. Walnut St. Regular meetings follow six steps to deal with difficulties.
Bryan said the group has been a key to his recovery.
Studies indicate that 25 percent of those having schizophrenia recover
completely, 50 percent are improved over a 10-year period and 25 percent
do not improve over time. Bryan and Vowel are two success stories.
Vowell was diagnosed in 1994 after barricading herself in her home. She
thought her family was trying to kill her. She was in constant motion
because she thought they were going to shoot her through the floor. She
also feared going to the mailbox. She thought they had rigged it with a
shot gun. She was afraid to use her microwave oven. She thought she was
fighting demons and if she quit fighting the world would end.
"I was so scared," she said.
Bryan said he woke up one day and everything stopped working.
At the time, he was a father of two. He had a college degree. A staff
sergeant in the Army, he was stationed in Germany as an inspector during
the downsizing of Europe in 1992. Then he woke up one day and couldn't
find his weapon, didn't know where his gas mask was or where his soldiers were.
"All my vehicles were missing," he said. "It was so real to me."
As a good soldier, Bryan went to his commander and was taken to a
hospital. He remembers crying uncontrollably and thinking that the
hospital personnel were going to kill him with medicine. He would
pretend to take his medicine and throw it away.
He recalls being strapped down and breaking the restraints. He escaped
and found a telephone. He thought if he could call his commander, he
would get help to escape. He remembers thinking, "do I surrender or do I
fight my comrades?" He finally decided to surrender. That was his first step to recovery.
Bryan has been stable for 10 years with the help of medication and friends.
Laurel Labodie, executive director of Wings Enrichment Center, said that
while Bryan and others may never find all the answers to their
questions, there is hope. "Hope is today's reality," Labodie said.

Area Memorial Day activities slated
From J-T staff reports:
Memorial Day activities have been set throughout the county for the upcoming weekend.
Milcrest Nursing and Rehab Center will kick off the Memorial Day weekend
with a community cookout Friday, May 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad, chips, cookies
and beverages will be held on the center's lawn at 730 Milcrest Drive.
----
In Marysville, a ceremony begins Monday, May 29, at 9 a.m. on the North
Main Street Bridge to honor the dead lost at sea with Navy Captain Neil
Parrott and the Rev. Jack Groat. Special music is planned.
A parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Plum and Fifth
streets and will proceed up Fifth Street to Oakdale Cemetery. In case of
inclement weather, the route will be shortened and end at the Veteran's
Auditorium. Parrot is the parade marshal. Organizations desiring to join
the parade may contact VFW Post 3320, which sponsors the parade.
Individuals are encouraged to participate. American Legion Post 79
members will hand out flags to children along the parade route.
Parrot, a native of Marysville, is the guest speaker during ceremonies.
He is currently assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
"He is truly a sailor, having been stationed on seven ships," Retired
Maj. Gen. Oscar Decker said. Decker is chairman of the Marysville
Memorial Day Committee
High school students Marcus Geer and Sarah Cunningham will also
participate in the program. Geer will present General Logan's Orders
issued in 1868, one of the forerunners of Memorial Day celebrations.
Cunningham will present President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
Honored guests will be former prisoners of war, Gulf War/Anti-terrorism
War veterans and veterans of Grenada and Panama. Wreaths will be
presented to honor the veterans of the major wars in which the United
States has been involved and the VFW sponsored Honor Guard will provide
military honors. Following the ceremony, there will be short services at
the Catholic and Amrine Cemeteries, conducted by the VFW and American Legion.
Marysville Memorial Day ceremonies are sponsored by the Memorial Day
Committee, with representatives of the American Legion Post 79, American
Veterans Post 28 Blue Star Mothers Chapter 41, Disabled American
Veterans Chapter 55, Hanna Emerson Dustin Chapter of the Daughters of
the American Revolution, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3320.
----
American Legion Post No. 258 of North Lewisburg will sponsor two parades
and conduct two services on Memorial Day, May 29.
At 8:30 a.m., the Woodstock parade will form on Burnwell Street beside
the Woodstock Community Church. It will proceed west down West Bennett
Street to the cemetery at 9 a.m., and conclude with a 9:30 a.m. service at the cemetery.
At 10 a.m., the North Lewisburg parade will form on West Townsend Street
in front of Carter's Garage. It will proceed east on Route 245 through
the business section to South Gregory Street. A service will follow at
11 a.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery.
The Triad High School Band will play and the Rev. Bill Turner, U.S. Army
veteran of Korea, will speak. Veterans who died during the past year and
military members who gave their lives in the war on terrorism will be honored.
----
Ostrander plans its Memorial Day observance May 29 at 2 p.m.
The event will begin at Buckeye Valley West Elementary and proceed to
the veterans' board at North and High streets.
Delaware County Commissioner Jim Ward will emcee the event, which will
feature music by Ed and Deb Damphouse from Marion, a color guard
presentation by the Delaware Hayes ROTC, guest speaker Bob Hoffman and
speaker Lt. Col. Robert Bramlish.
The Pledge of Allegiance will be conducted and the Rev. Pat Bruce will
offer the opening prayer and benediction. A special poem by Dave Welch
will be read by Larry Crile. The celebration will conclude will a rifle volley by the Delaware County
Veterans Association and "Taps" played by Jerry Stults.
----
The Mount Victory Community Development Association will hold its annual
Memorial Day Antique Car Show and Petroliana Swap Meet Monday, May 29,
at the Mount Victory Village Park.
The nonprofit community celebration will include a non-judged car show
and a large display of gas, oil and automotive memorabilia for show and
sale. Admission is free. At noon, the William Britton Post No. 6817 of the VFW will hold a
ceremony at the Sportsman Building located beside the park. The Mount
Victory United Methodist Church will serve food, the Ridgemont Community
Service Club will sell whole hog sausage sandwiches in the park and the
Ridgemont High School FCCLA will have beverages. The volunteer firemen
will hold a chicken barbecue at the old firehouse at noon.
This year's featured car is a 1929 Chevrolet coupe owned by Kenneth Pees
of Dola. The newly restored vehicle features the first six-cylinder
overhead valve engine produced by Chevrolet. There is no entry fee for
auto exhibitors; registration begins at 10 a.m.
Antique and craft shops located throughout the village will have
extended hours and village residents will hold yard sales.
For information about flea market spaces contact Janie Seiler at (937)
354-5531. Further information about the car show or Petroliana swap
meet, contact Don Houchin at (937) 354-5475.
Additional information also may be obtained at the Web site
www.mountvictory.com.
----
The Logan Hills Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend at Hall
Fawcett Park and nearby locations in Zanesfield. The schedule includes:
Antique fire equipment, firemen's waterball tournament, 5k run, outdoor
drama, music by the Gospel River Band and Deb Holliday singing old
standards on Saturday.
An 1840s church service, Taloga outdoor drama, Bob Lucas, candlelight
camp tours, mountain man competitions and karaoke on Sunday.
Monday's activities include a pancake and sausage breakfast, parade,
YMCA children's games, Mad River Valley Dulcimers, an old country
auction offering an Amish quilt and the Taloga outdoor drama.
A pre-1840s mountain man encampment with demonstrations, contests and
wares will be set up all weekend. Additional information may be obtained by e-mail at
loganhillsfest@yahoo.com or by calling (937) 935-9663.

Teen dies in Route 4 crash
From J-T staff reports:
A Marysville teenager died in a two-car crash Monday afternoon on Route 4.
James M. Cox, 17, of Marysville was pronounced dead at the scene by
Union County Coroner Dr. David Applegate after the Ohio State Highway
Patrol, Marysville Post, was called to the crash that occurred on Route
4, south of Hillview Road north of Marysville Monday at 1:27 p.m.
According to reports, driver Matthew B. Kirkpatrick, 64, of Circleville
was driving an Ohio Department of Transportation cargo van southbound on
Route 4. At the same time, Cox was driving a 1997 Honda Civic northbound on Route 4.
Cox attempted to pass another northbound vehicle in a no-passing zone
and was struck head-on by Kirkpatrick's van.
Kirkpatrick was transported by MedFlight to Grant Medical Center and his
passenger, Daniel Radanovich III, 44, of Rockbridge was taken by
Marysville medics to Memorial Hospital of Union County. All of the
victims were reportedly wearing seatbelts.
According to Grant Medical Center trauma officials, Kirkpatrick is going
to recover and was listed in stable condition this morning .
Memorial Hospital staff reported that Radanovich was treated for his
injuries and has been released from care.
The Union County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio Department of
Transportation assisted with traffic control as law enforcement handled
the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

Triad approves wage increase
By CORINNE BIX
On Monday evening the Triad School Board approved the same four percent
wage increase for non-union employees that was approved for district
teachers last month which ended a two year wage freeze
The increase will take affect next school year with a three- percent
increase approved for the 2007-2008 school year.
The positions to be affected include all three building principals,
technology coordinator, special education director, psychologist,
maintenance supervisor, EMIS coordinator/accounts secretary,
superintendent's secretary, maintenance assistant and technology assistant.
In addition, the board approved to increase the hours of the district
transportation coordinator position to full time from an hourly wage.
The coordinator is currently being paid $18,500 per year.
The coordinator will now be salaried at $21,000 for the 2006-2007 school
year with a three- percent increase for the 2007-2008 school year.
Kaffenbarger said the change from an hourly rate to a salary would save
the district from paying overtime for that position.
Saturday will mark the 50th graduation of Triad high school. The class
of 2006 will receive commemorative keepsakes to mark the event and the
original class of 1956 has been invited back to share in the festivities.
Kyle Huffman, high school principal, said that there are currently two
seniors who will not be graduating with their peers on Saturday because
they have not met graduation requirements.
In addition, there are six other seniors who are considered to be on the
"bubble" and whether or not they will participate in graduation
ceremonies will be determined by their final exam grades.
Those seniors who are not graduating this month have been given options
by the district, including summer school, in order for them to receive
their diplomas by August. "We've sent certified letters and made every effort to express our
concerns to these parents," Huffman explained.
The board approved dropping the graduation requirement from 25 credits
to 22 credits. Kaffenbarger explained due to the change from block
scheduling back to a traditional seven period day, it is becoming
increasingly difficult for students to earn 25 credits in four years.
The state requirement for graduation is 21 credits.
Huffman said the spring sports banquet has been moved from Wednesday to
next Wednesday, May 31, to accommodate playoff outcomes.
Kaffenbarger reported to the board that he would be testifying before
the Senate Education committee along with board member, Annette
Rittenhouse, in regard to Senate Bill 311 and House Bill 565.
The proposed legislation would increase graduation requirements creating
more rigorous mandates. Kaffenbarger and Rittenhouse will be expressing concerns that the
increased legislation, although sound in philosophy, has no funding
guarantees on the state level.
Kaffenbarger said the lack of state funding has really hurt districts
statewide and Triad is still recovering from cuts made two years ago.
"We would need to hire three additional teachers to meet the mandates of
this proposed legislation at a cost of $750,000 to our district," Kaffenbarger said.
The district saved money this month on health insurance as part of a
health insurance consortium that unites the employees of smaller school
districts under one umbrella.
Kaffenbarger reported that the district saved $48,000 during the last
month of the fiscal year due to a premium holiday given by the consortium.
The board adjourned into executive session to discuss compensation of an
employee and negotiations. No action was taken. The next regular board
meeting will be on June 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the boardroom.

School administrators' contracts renewed
By KARLYN BYERS
Two familiar faces in the Marysville School System will be back for the
2006-2007 school year, despite retiring earlier this year.
Ellen Traucht, director of student services, and Greg Casto, principal
at Mill Valley Elementary, were awarded three-year limited administrator
contracts during Monday's regular school board meeting. Both become effective Aug. 1.
Board members accepted Casto's retirement at their March 20 meeting and
Traucht's retirement at their April 17 session.
At their April 24 board meeting, board members invited members of the
public to provide input regarding re-employment of the two. The request
was in compliance with requirements of Ohio Revised Code 3307.353.
The board also authorized treasurer Delores Cramer to advertise for bids
to replace the air handler unit at East Elementary at an estimated bid
package of $37,500. The original unit is more than 30 years old and
likely will not make it through another year, according to
superintendent Larry Zimmerman.
In other business, the board:
.Employed teachers Laura Blakely, Eric Brack, Amy Christian, Brock
Cunningham, Tiffany Erdelt, Laura Falk, Anthony Given, Dina Hodnichak,
Brian Prucha, Elizabeth Reed, Olivia Rich, Kimberly Schroeder, Evan
Smith, Renee Tutak , Kimberly Wegley and Jon Weithman under one-year
limited contracts; aides Pamela McCracken, Susan Sexton and Rainie
Thompson under one-year limited contracts; and interpreter/aide Karen
Collins under a one-year limited contract.
.Accepted staff resignations from teachers Amanda Masters, Brandi
Haefner and Christian Barnett.
.Granted an unpaid leave of absence to Jessica Kane, anticipated
effective dates of Oct. 13-26, and Lisa Poling for the 2006-2007 school year.
.Employed Danielle Prohaska as a speech/language pathologist under a
one-year limited contract.
.Employed Nancy Schrock as a tutor for the 2006-2007 school year to
Trinity Lutheran School. Approval is pending receiving 2006-2007 auxiliary funds.
.Awarded two-year limited classified contracts to aides Lisa Smith,
Karin Mueting, Krista Fannin, Tamara Cox, Paden Green and Stephen
Fannin; Occupational therapist assistant Melissa Sturgill; special
education aides Kathryn Wacker, Donna Spears, Tracy Zoldak, Regena
Bliss, Denene Keifer, Crystal Ropp and Theresa Ravencraft; custodian
Paula Marple; network engineer David Wells; fiscal support person
Jennifer Lewis; bus drivers Ruby Anderson, Roberta Cox, William McConaha
and Sherry Williams; bus driver/aide Carol Houser; and maintenance Charles Hughes.
.Awarded continuing contracts to special education aide Pamela Whitley;
aide Beth Spurling; health care consultant Amy McCarthy; guidance
assistant Candy Weikle; receiving center/grounds Richard Rowland;
receptionist Kristy Rowland; fiscal support Margaret Myers; custodian
Diana Riley; food service Debra Farmer; bus driver Bruce Moder; and
transportation aide Loura Sherman.
.Awarded one-year limited contracts to Latchkey team leaders Gloria
Etherington, Susan Johnson, Theresa Kaminski, Debra Farmer, Andrea
Lotycz, Ashley Lotycz, Linda Sergent and Jennifer Valentic; and Latchkey
staff members Darla Lewis, Karen Long, Jennifer Sommers, Kerry Winks and Candice Woodford.
.Awarded extended time contacts to Mary Jo Browning, Math Specialist
Project; Molly Balch, Nicholas Nietz, Elizabeth Adams, Carol Isaacs,
Linda Proehl, Edwin Starling, Chris Hoehn, and Nancy Weiskircher,
student support services coordinators; Carmen Riddle and Judith Romich,
library; John Carl and William Keck, vocational agriculture; Faith
Still, Nancy Streng, Nancy White and Laura Falk, family consumer
science; William Thissen, band; Richard Weiskircher, work coordinator;
Carla Baker, athletic director; Janet Dunn and Deborah Jozefiak, home
economics; Mary Ann Poff, librarian; Ellen Carter, gifted coordinator;
and Carla Steele, literacy coordinator.
.Hired Rachel Hill, Joseph McSwords, Kenny Chaffin, Stacy Grandstaff,
Dustin Jasinski, Deborah Groat, Kathryn Earl, Heater Sherrick, Linda
Curry, Matthew Beany, Melissa Hughes, Victoria Lewis, Linda DeLorenzo
and Victoria Carvour as 2006 summer school teachers.
.Employed Kristen Jenkins, Katie Hritz, Amanda Alice, Kim Schroeder,
Jennifer Wing and Matt Beany as certificated personnel for the summer
2006 autism program, and Pam Whitley, Anna Wilson, Kathy Wacker, Teresa
Shuler and Pam McCracken as classified personnel for the same program.
.Accepted a $5,000 donation from O.M. Scott Co. to the East Elementary
book room; the donation of a "new" $8,000 equipment and uniform trailer
to the high school band program from the Band Boosters; and the donation
of 40 bags of mulch from O.M. Scotts, $25 worth of landscaping items
from Kmart, 200 flower bulbs from Burpee, a gift card from Wal-Mart, and
a $15 gift card from The Andersons Company for the fourth grade
landscaping project at Edgewood Elementary.
.Employed Mitch Valerio, Terry Jenkins, Joe Jones, Steve Fannin, Kenny
Overfield, Andrew Mott, Robert Arnold, Katey Rowland, Chelsea Eggleston,
Casey Palivoda, Amanda Lotycz and Wayne Dearth as seasonal workers on an
as-needed basis. Adjourned into executive session for the discussion of personnel.

Richwood continues to look at pool safety
By CHAD WILLIAMSON
Does mandating a safety precaution put liability on the village in the instance of an accident?
That is the question Richwood Village Council is facing as it deals with
the proliferation of small, yet deep inflatable pools.
Council member George Showalter, who brought up the issue at a council
meeting earlier this month, addressed the issue Monday by quoting
national statistics on drownings. Of particular concern to Showalter are
the types of backyard pools which can hold up to 1,500 gallons of water
yet cost less than $100.
Showalter said at a previous meeting that the village has requirements
that a fence be put around any pool measuring more than 18 inches deep.
His concern is that the wording in the regulation allows some flimsy
materials to be used for the fencing.
Council member Scott Jerew said he felt mandating fences around such
pools was not the duty of council. He said if an accident occurred the
homeowner would be liable, and as such the homeowner should be
responsible for taking precautions.
Councilman Von Beal asked if the village could be held liable if a
village mandate is followed and then an accident happens. Solicitor Rick
Rodger said if such a code is on the books but is not enforced, some one
looking to bring suit could pick the village as a target.
Jerew said it appeared to him that the village would be better off to
have no code on the books regarding pools than to have a code which is not enforced.
Council member Peg Wiley suggested officials research the issue further
and bring it back to the table at a future meeting.
In other business, the council:
.Voted 6-0 to increase the fine for parking over the curb from $5 to $25.
.Learned that the plans for the Ottawa Storm Sewer project are 75
percent complete. Because of a tight timeline for the project, council
voted 6-0 to authorize mayor Bill Nibert to sign off on the plans once
they are completed.
.Learned that the wood chipper will not be used until a newly purchased
truck is received by the village. Until the truck arrives, the village
has no other vehicle capable of hauling the chipper.
.Learned that the village currently has no one certified to perform
mosquito spraying. Nibert said the village needs to find an employee
willing to secure such certification.
.Heard that the village passed its recent sewer system inspection with
above standard scores.
.Heard that a recent audit of the village finances has been completed
and the village is awaiting the findings.
.Voted 6-0 to pay an bill from Bischoff and Associates for $9,277 for
filed survey work for a storm sewer project.
.Learned that residents wishing to use a park shelter house should
reserve the facility at village administration building. The fee for
reserving the shelter house is $35. Reserving the facility gives the
receipt holder priority to use the facility.
.Learned that a plastic slide at the Richwood Park has cracked and had
to be marked off so it would not be used.
.Heard that a concert Saturday at the North Union High School raised
$1,500 for a Richwood Police Department scholarship program.
.Learned that the North Union FFA members will be painting fire hydrants
in the village on Wednesday. .Held an executive session to discuss personnel.

Charges filed in wedding stabbing
From J-T staff reports:
A Plain City area man faces four felony charges after being indicted
Friday for allegedly stabbing a father and son at a wedding reception in
the Raymond area on April 22.
Eric D. Adams, 36, 6535 Perry Pike Road in Plain City, was indicted by a
Union County Grand Jury on two counts of felonious assault, both second
degree felonies, and two counts of aggravated assault, both third degree
felonies. Adams could receive a sentence of two to eight years in prison
and up to a $15,000 fine on each of the second degree felonies. He could
get one to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine for each third degree felony.
Union County Prosecutor David Phillips could not be reached for comment Friday night.
According to law enforcement, the stabbing took place shortly after 4
p.m. at a wedding reception being held at the Liberty Township Community
Center at 21463 Main St. in Raymond.
Adams, the stepfather of the bride, Jennifer Diamond, reportedly became
involved in a dispute with Rick Diamond Sr., 45, 21244 Liberty West
Road, and Rick Diamond Jr., 18, of the same address. Rick Diamond Sr. is
the father of the bride and Rick Diamond Jr. is the brother of the bride.
During the dispute Adams reportedly produced a knife and both the
victims received multiple stab wounds. Adams then left the scene in a
vehicle and was apprehended by Union County Sheriff's Deputies a few
miles away. He was taken into custody without incident. Adams claimed he
acted in self defense after the incident.
A 9-1-1 call was made about 4:14 p.m. reporting the stabbing. Medical
crews from Liberty and Allen township fire departments responded to the
scene. The two victims were flown to the Ohio State University Medical
Center by medical helicopters. After short stays at the hospital, both
were released from care.

Marysville High School hands out academic awards
From J-T staff reports:
Five top scholars were honored Thursday in morning and evening
assemblies at Marysville High School.
Named class of 2006 top award recipients were Josh Hodnichak, also named
class valedictorian; Josh Blade, also named salutatorian; Luci Howard;
Alexandra Young; and Nicholas Del Grosso.
Hodnichak was named Academic Champion of the Classroom and received the
Academic Honors Third Year Award. He also received the following awards:
Barney Galloway Award, Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award, Malcolm and
Barbara MacIvor Scholarship, National Honor Society Senior Award, Nel
and Gene Hoops Scholarship, Nestle R & D Scholarship, Nestle R & D
Science Award, President's Education Award and State Board of Education
Award of Merit.
Blade also was named Academic Champion of the Classroom and received the
Academic Honors Third Year Award. Other awards he received include the
Business Certification Award, George Allemang Science Award, President's
Education Award, State Board of Education Award of Merit, Thelma Carey
Outstanding Math Award and the Web Tech Award.
Howard was named an Academic Champion of the Classroom and received the
Academic Honors Third Year Award, Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence
Award, National Honor Society Senior Award, President's Education Award,
Prudential Spirit of Community Service Award, State Board of Education
Award of Merit, Thelma Carey Outstanding Math Award and Web Tech Award.
Young, also an Academic Champion of the Classroom and Academic Honors
Third Year Award recipient, also received the Dr. Susanna Johnson
Science Award, Malcolm and Barbara MacIvor Scholarship, NASSP/Herff
Jones Principal's Leadership Award, National Honor Society Senior Award,
Nestle R & D Scholarship, President's Education Award, State Board of
Education Award of Merit and the Student Council Leadership Award.
Del Grosso was named an Academic Champion of the Classroom and received
the following awards: Academic Honors Third Year Award, Malcolm and
Barbara MacIvor Scholarship, Marine Corp Distinguished Athlete Award,
McConnell Family Practice Award for Science, National Honor Society
Senior Award, National Merit Commended Scholar, Ohio Academic
Scholarship, Outstanding English Student Award, President's Education
Award and State Board of Education Award of Merit.
A complete list of those recognized in Thursday's morning program included:
State Board of Education Award of Merit - Ahmed Basar, Bruce Beil,
Michael Bell, Kristin Boldon, Emily Brown, Kayla Brown, Jessica Burkitt,
Sarah Burns, Carrie Bushong, Daniel Busse, LuCinda Coder, Andrew
Compton, Andrew Conley, Kaylee Daum, Nicholas Del Gosso, Corey
Demidovich, Alyssa Diaz, Jessica Diaz, Moira Dietsch, David Eder,
Charles Eng, Kaitlyn Frisch, Torrie Gebein, Ryan Giere, Jered Guy, Joel
Hammer, Jessica Hites, Amanda Hockensmith, Joshua Hodnichak, Rachel
Hoke, Mollie Horch, Luci Howard, Kayleigh Izzard, Michelle Johnson,
Nicole Koontz, John Landis, Jessimi Lewis, Karah Lykins, Kelsey Magers,
Megan McLurg, Amanda Meyer, Meriele Michel, Erica Morrison, Danielle
Nichols, Carly Norris, Leah Nowlin, Amanda Owen, Justine Paige, Sarah
Pastor, Kevin Palumbo, Melissa Rausch, Amanda Richmond, Matthew Ricker,
Justin Rigsby, Alex Rock, Michelle Rohrs, Jenna Ruetty, Jennifer Russ,
Jed Santiago, Alicia Schmutz, Jason Scott, Alyssa Sejnoha, Jamie
Shanklin, Lindsey Short, Whitney Smith, David Snyder, Melissa Soller,
Caleb Speicher, Michael St Laurent, Jr., Tiffany Stein, Kara Stevens,
Julie Story, Michael Tobin, Stephen Valentino, Nicole Vanduzen, Amber
Walker, Zackary Webster, Christopher Will, Jessica Williams, Joshua
Witry, Rebecca Yoakam and Alexandra Young.
President's Education Awards - Michael Bell, Joshua Blade, Kristin
Boldon, Sarah Burns, Daniel Busse, Andrew Compton, Kaylee Daum, Nicholas
Del Grosso, Moira Dietsch, Aaron Fancey, Jessica George, Ryan Giere,
Joel Hammer, Joshua Hodnichak, Mollie Horch, Luci Howard, Michelle
Johnson, John Landis, Jessimi Lewis, Karah Lykins, Kelsey Magers, Erica
Morrison, Danielle Nichols, Leah Nowlin, Amanda Owen, Sarah Pastor,
Michelle Rohrs, Jed Santiago, Talon Schroyer, Jason Scott, Jamie
Shanklin, Whitney Smith, Melissa Soller, Caleb Speicher, Michael St
Laurent, Tiffany Stein, Kara Stevens, Stephen Valentino, Nicole
Vanduzen, Amber Walker, Joshua Witry, and Alexandra Young.
Ohio Academic Scholarship - Nicholas Del Grosso
National Merit Commended Scholar -Nicholas Del Grosso
Valedictorian Award - Joshua Hodnichak
Salutatorian Award - Joshua Blade
NASSP.Herff Jones Prinicpal's Leadership Award - Alexandra Young
Academic Champion of the Classroom - Michael Bell, Joshua Blade, Kristin
Boldon, Daniel Busse, LuCinda Coder, Andrew Compton, Nicholas Del
Grosso, Corey Demidovich, Alyssa Diaz, Moira Dietsch, Charles Eng,
Jessie George, Jered Guy, Joel Hammer, Joshua Hodnichak, Mollie Horch,
Luci Howard, Michelle Johnson, John Landis, Karah Lykins, Kelsey Magers,
Amanda Owen, Brian Parsley, Sarah Pastor, Michelle Rohrs, Jennifer Russ,
Jamie Shanklin, Whitney Smith, Caleb Speicher, Kara Stevens, Stephen
Valentino, Amber Walker, Joshua Witry, Alexandra Young and Alicia Yunker.
Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence Award - Luci Howard
Prudential Spirit of Community Service Award - Luci Howard
Toyota Community Scholar Award - Amanda Owen
NHS Senior Awards - Michael Bell, Kristin Boldon, Emily Brown, LuCinda
Coder, Kaylee Daum, Nicholas Del Grosso, Moira Dietsch, Charles Eng,
Jessica George, Jered Guy, Joel Hammer, Josh Hodnichak, Mollie Horch,
Luci Howard, John Landis, Jessimi Lewis, Karah Lykins, Kelsey Magers,
Danielle Nichols, Leah Nowlin, Amanda Owen, Michelle Rohrs, Jenna
Ruetty, Jennifer Russ, Alicia Schmutz, Jamie Shanklin, Lindsey Short,
Caleb Speicher, Kara Stevens, Julie Story, Nicole VanDuzen, Christopher
Will, Alexandra Young and Alicia Yunker.
Business Certification Awards - Josh Blade, Drew Conley, Austin
Cook-Clevenger, Adam Gray, Joel Hammer, Jayme Hoffman, Nick Holliday,
Amanda Kern, Meriele Michel, Justin Rigsby, JB Rowland and Chris Weeks.
DeKalb Award - Ezekial Carl
FFA Alumni Scholarship - Megan Laird
Jason Mathewson Memorial Scholarship - Ezekial Carl
DAR Good Citizenship Award - Kaite Frish and Chris Will
DAR American History Award - Kara Stevens
President's Challenge Physical Fitness Awards - Ted Cox, Jeremy
Linninger, Aubree Meredith, Julie Seiter, Zack Tangeman, Emily Titus,
Kyle Vinson, and Kaitlin Zitello; Second year Award - David Boyce, Matt
Milholland and Hannah Salmon
OHSAA Scholar Athlete Awards - Moira Dietsch and Jered Guy
All Sports Awards - Jennifer Russ, and Stephen Valentino.
Polly Widner Award - Nicole VanDuzen
Barney Galloway Award - Joshua Hodnichak
Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award - Joshua Hodnichak and Jennifer Russ
Wendy's High School Heisman Award - Jennifer Russ and Stephen Valentino.
Marine Corp Distinguised Athlete Award - Nicholas Del Grosso
Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award - David Eder and Nicole VanDuzen
Ohio Mock Trial Awards - Casey Clarridge, Caitlin Cullman, Jacob DeCot,
Stephanie Devine, Moira Dietsch, Danny English, Tess Gerber, Matthew
Gibson, Melissa Gilbert, Leah Hayes, Ben Hyun, Connie Kim, Sarah Marsh,
Yoshi Martin, Aashley Morgan, Aaron Nicol, Stephanie Nusbaum, Krissy
Paver, Mikayla Polacsek, Brian Price, Mary Lou Ranney, Virginia Rogers,
Brent Sauner, Matt Sehnert, Jack Shepard, Caleb Speicher, Zack
Stillings, Katelyn Weiss and Gred White.
Year Book Editor's Awards - Lucinda Coder and Keri Low
Semper Fidelis Award - Justin Dillahunt
Thelma Carey Outstanding Math Student Award - Michael Bell, Josh Blade
and Luci Howard.
Outstanding Government Student - Zach Stillings
Student Council Leadership Awards - Kristen Boldon, Ezekial Carl,
Michelle Daniels, Charlie Eng, Katie Frisch, Alicia Schmutz, Jamie Shanklin and Ally Young
Outstianding English Student Award - Nicholas Del Grosso
Margrett M. Schultz Latin Award and Marguerite Williams Latin Award -
Cassie Hines and Jessica Gerber
George Allemang Award - Joshua Blade
Nestle R & D Science Award - Joshua Hodnichak
Jim Kaufman Science Award for Outstanding Perfrmance in Chemistry - Kirsten Boldon
MHS Science Faculty Awards for Outstanding Performance in Science - Caleb Speicher
McConnell Family Practice Award for Outstanding Performance in Science - Nicholas Del Grosso
Dr. Susanna Johsnon Award for Outstanding Perfromance in Science and
Pursuing A Career in Medicine - Alexandra Young
Family & Consumer Science Awards - **Melissa Easton, Tori Andrews, Suzie
Dotson, Ashley Drumm, Ki Godfrey, Keri Low, Karah Lykins, Carly Norris,
Constance Potter, Jeanna Ruetty, Jenn Russ, and Mike Tobin (** =
outstanding senior; bonds couresty of McAuliffe's Ace Hardware)
Jobs for Ohio Graduates Awards - Jordan Butler, Lance Cook, Ashley
Frumm, Zach Hughett, Georgia Organ and Chantelle Ponte
John A Strickler Art Award - Juliana Perez-Torres
Student Achievement Award (counselors, SRO choose recipient) -Zach Asman
Lions LEO Club Scholarship - Keri Low and Chris Will
Jin & Gum Hyun Scholarship - Christopher Weeks
Michael Padavano Scholarship - Micah Joliff
Corey Hoehn Memorial Scholarship - David Eder
A complete list of those awarded honors in Thursday's evening awards program include:
First English Lutheran Church Scholarship - Joel Hammer
Andrew Daum Memorial Art Scholarship - Marris Watts and Chris Flick
Andrew Daum Memorial Soccer Scholarship - Joel Hammer
ArtBox Scholarship - Kristin Buchanan
Charles W. Green Memorial Scholarship - Kayla Cantleberry
Choral Booster's Scholarship - Aaron Fancey and John Landis
DeVry Community Scholar Award - Kara Rouse
First Presbyterian Church Scholarship - LuCinda Coder, Lindsey Short and Nicole VanDuzen
Jim Harmon MEA Scholarship - Kelsey Magers and Jennifer Russ
Kiwanis Scholarship - James Froehlich
Malcolm & Barbara MacIvor Scholarship - Nick Del Grosso, Josh Hodnichak,
Jennifer Russ, Caleb Speicher and Alexandra Young
Memorial Hospital of Union County Medical Staff Scholarship &
Presidential Volunteer Award - Karah Lykins
MHS Alumni Scholarship (3) -Mike Bell, LuCinda Coder and Mollie Horch
Monarch Athletic Scholarship (2) - Michael Bell and Jennifer Russ
Monarch Quarterback Club Scholarship - Dan Busse, Jake Nickle, Eric
Stevenson and Stephen Valentino
Nel & Gene Hoops Scholarship - Josh Hodnichak
Nestle R & D Scholarship - Josh Hodnichak and Alexandra Young
Pat Conlon Memorial Scholarship - Chris Will
Sarah Kathryn Demchak Memorial Scholarship - Whitney Smith
Union Co. Retired Teachers Scholarship - Jessica George and Caleb Speicher
United Methodist Men & Women Scholarship - Jessica George and Caleb Speicher
Named as senior academic achievement (3.5 or higher) winners were:
Michael Bell, Joshua Blade, Kristin Boldon, Emily Brown, Kayla Brown,
Sarah Burns, Carrie Bushong, Daniel Busse, Kayla Cantleberry, LuCinda
Coder, Andrew Compton, Andrew Conley, Kaylee Daum, Nicholas Del Gosso,
Corey Demidovich, Alyssa Diaz, Jessica Diaz, Moira Dietsch, David Eder,
Charles Eng, Aaron Fancey, Kaitlyn Frisch, Jessica George, Ryan Giere,
Ki Godfrey, Jered Guy, Joel Hammer, Jessica Hites, Amanda Hockensmith,
Joshua Hodnichak, Mollie Horch, Luci Howard, Michelle Johnson, Nicole
Koontz, John Landis, Jessimi Lewis, Keri Low, Karah Lykins, Kelsey
Magers, Eric McCreary, Megan McLurg, Meriele Michel, Erica Morrison,
Danielle Nichols, Carly Norris, Amanda Owen, Justine Paige, Brian
Parsley, Sarah Pastor, Melissa Rausch, Jordan Rickenbacher, Virginia
Ridgeway, Alex Rock, Michelle Rohrs, Jenna Ruetty, Jennifer Russ, Jed
Santiago, Alicia Schmutz, Talon Schroyer, Jason Scott, Jamie Shanklin,
Carley Sherman, Lindsey Short, Whitney Smith, Melissa Soller, Cory
Spain, Caleb Speicher, Michael St Laurent, Jr., Tiffany Stein, Kara
Stevens, Julie Story, Stephen Valentino, Nicole VanDuzen, Amber Walker,
Christopher Weeks, Christopher Will, Jessica Williams, Joshua Witry,
Alexandra Young and Alicia Yunker.
Junior Academic Achievements: Martin Ahern, Leslie Abanese, Joshua
Alleman, Adam Allen, Gabriel Andrews, Courtney Balch, Gary Bearden,
Keriann Beatty, Muriah Beeson-Kesler, Zachariah Braithwaite, Tristan
Browne, Tabitha Burchett, Rachel Chambers, Sherman Charles, Jonathan
Cheek, Zachary Coder, Sarah Cunningham, Stephanie Devine, Lori
Distelhorst, Ross Drake, Lindsay Dunbar, Lee Edwards, Jordan Eggleston,
Daniel English, Mackenzie Fenchak, Timothy Fridley, Jessica Gerber, Erik
Gray, Leah Hayes, Ashlee Hein, Cassandra Hines, Adam Hodnichak, Amanda
Hoile, Brock Howard, Rachel Hoying, Sarah Jacob, Cory James, Jessica
Knox, Jeremy Lange, Leah Latham, Kimberly Leininger, Alexandra Marquis,
Borden Marshall, Kayla McCallister, Ericka Mobley, Aashley Morgan, Sean
Mulholland, Kyle Murdock, Ethan Newberry, Amanda Nichols, Ashton Orton,
Rachaelle Penrod, Roger Pettit, Nicholas Platt, Leigh Porter, Constance
Potter, Katie Powell, Kristin Preston, Mary Ranney, Cassandra Rausch,
Megan Reigle, Amanda Richmond, Mary Rodenberger, Ryan Roeth, Virginia
Rogers, Paul Ryan, Hannah Salmon, Sarah Salmon, Niki Sanders, Brent
Sauner, Jacob Schaeffer, Anna Scheiderer, Brian Shaffer, Brandi Smith,
Jeffrey Sondles, Christine Sparks, Zackary Stillings, Michele Taylor,
Kevin Truitt, Gregory White, Jacob Wilson, Derek Wyman, Travis Yoder and Bryan Young.
Sophomore Academic Achievements: Bradley Annan, Matthew Annan, Amanda
Belcher, Aric Blythe, Mindy Bogardus, Christy Bohlman, Katelyn Boldon,
Erica Burkitt, Cameron Bushong, Ezekial Carl, Jarisah Carl, Karisah
Carl, Casey Clarridge, Nicholas Cooper, Rachel Craig, Lindsey Cripe,
Anna Crowder, Sean Cunningham, Logan Dawson, Danielle Decot, Ryan Del
Grosso, Leah Drake, Matthew Earl, Amy Factor, Richard Fetter, Rachel
Forder, Valerie Froehlich, Breanne Gamble, Jonathan Genzman, Ashley
Gonzales, Robert Gordon, Adam Gray, Stephen Griffith, Alyssa Hare,
Joshua Hayes, Trent Higdon, Joshua Hill, Sierra Hodge, Oyun Hyun, Andrew
Iden, Emily Jewell, Elizabeth Kale, Justin Kempfer, Erinn Kish, Krista
Koontz, Adam Kulaga, Kellie Kunkler, Bethany Langley, Robert Mead,
Matthew Milholland, James Murray, Suzanne Nichols, Leah Nolwin,
Stephanie Nusbaum, Kathryn Owens, Elizabeth Pease, Kristin Ratliff,
Brittany Rausch, Courtney Ricker, Chelsea Rider, Kelsi Roberts, Eric
Runyan, Shayla Rush, Andrea Sattler, Rebecca Schaeffer, Nicole
Schimmoeller, Julie Seiter, Zackary Shier, Andrew Smarra, Kristin Smith,
Jared Staats, Brittany Tackett, Phillip Troyer, Carly Valentino, Elise
Vetanovetz, Katherine Weinlein, Katelyn Weiss, Jennifer Wickline, Paige
Wilcox, Matthew Williams, Abbey Wolfe, Erika Wortman, Tim Xie, and Morgan Yutzy.
Named as senior academic merit (3.0-3.49 GPA) recipients were:
Nathan Anstine, Jaye Baker, Rebecca Ballard, Bruce Beil, Andrew Bobo,
Tasha Bowersmith, David Boyd, Amber Brentlinger, Kristin Buchanan,
Jessica Burkitt, Brent Castle, Rochelle Clark, Lauran Clausing, Lauren
Combs, Austin Cook-Clevenger, Jessica Costello, Caitlin Cullman, Justin
Dillahunt, Jillian Dotson, Ashley Drumm, Melissa Easton, Jessica Eyers,
Shane Forder, James Froehlich, Denver Garrard, Klarisa Gaskins, Torrie
Geberin, Stephanie Grabor, Christine Hayes, Chad Herriott, Rachel Hoke,
Clinton Hollaway, Nicholas Holliday, Jessica Holmes, Christopher Holmes,
Jr., Lisa Hudson, Kayleigh Izzard, Tiffany Jackson, Stephanie James,
Jessica Johnson, Megan Kish, Clarence Knowles, Christine Knox, Matthew
LaFollette, Ashleigh Lilly, Trisha Lowery, Marcia Lundstrom, Amanda
Meyer, Charity Nichols, Jacob Nickle, Marcy Organ, Kevin Palumbo, John
Parkison, Brandon Price, Kyle Price, Chad Priest, Amy Randall, Matthew
Ricker, Justin Rigsby, Chad Roberts, Kara Rouse, James Rowland, Jessica
Scott, Alyssa Sejnoha, William Smith, David Snyder, Christopher Starkey,
Eric Stevenson, Ashley Taylor-Belville, Michael Tobin, Tyler Warwick,
Maris Watts, Zachary Webster, Jarret Westlake, Rebecca Yoakam, and Anthony Ziegler.
Junior Academic Merit Recipients: Roderick Ardrey, Sarah Barker, Grant
Bauserman, Kristina Bell, Katie Bennett, Clayton Benson, Kahla
Bernacchi, Britney Bowland, Andrew Boylan, Jordan Butler, Amber
Caldwell, Rachel Camp, Lindsay Castle, Amber Chamblin, Grant Chrispin,
Alex Craig, Jacob Decot, Michael Denoewer, Danielle Dokman, Jessie
Eggleston, Kristina Engle, Jessica Erickson, Kyle Feucht, Sarah Francis,
Sarah Freeman, Anthony Galiffo, Brittni Gamble, Mickey Gilbert, Brittany
Glasmeier, Alexandra Grabor, Aaron Hayes, Sarah Hecker, Joshua
Hegenderfer, Kayla Henderson, Ryan Hildreth, Sarah Hotham, Kelli House,
Kaitlin Jacobs, Kayla Johnson, Andrew Keifer, Courtney Kerins, Annalyse
Klagge, Katherine Komula, Nathan Laslow, Nicholas Leeper, Kaitlin
Marshall, Syed Mohiuddin, Danielle Moon, Stephanie Morehead, Justin
Morris, Aaron Nicol, David Nicol, Zachary Noteman, Ashley Rausch,
Spencer Rice, Emma Roman, Kristin Ross, Kathleen Rounds, Emily Schellin,
Trevor Schimmoeller, Evan Shealy, Tommy Smoot, Jr., Laurie Trout, Grace
Underwood, Emily Wall, Hillary Westbrook, Molly Westfall, Crystal
Wilson, Lloyd Wolfe, and Tiffany Yarborough.
Sophomore Academic Merit Recipients: Derrick Allen, Michael Babyak,
David Boyce, Ashley Boyd, Zechariah Burchett, Joshua Carte, Jamie
Castle, Amber Clay, Thomas Cole, Felixa Combs, Brandon Creagan, Deziree
Cremeans, Robert Cullman, Jordan Dillahunt, Tosha Dillon, Andrew
Ellington, Tyler Flick, Elizabeth Freudenberg, Kyle Grossman, Megan
Harriman, Christopher Hecker, Joshua Horsley, Briana Hurban, Albert
Hyun, Jonathan Jindra, Forrest Kaminski, Levi Keeran, Tyler Knapp,
Brandon Koehler, Derek Lore, Holly McClary, Syed Mohiuddin, Courtney
Myers, Nathan Obakpolor, Kristina Paver, Larissa Purdy, Cassandra Reck,
Jessica Rigsby, Molly Rock, Brandon Roshon, Christopher Rubadue, Reid
Schroyer, Breonna Scott, Amanda Sherman, Cory Shortell, Jessi Spencer,
Dustin Stepp, Savannah Ulsh and Lynnette Worstell

Program helps inmates find forgiveness
By NATALIE TROYER
Debbie Olivarez watched as the names of her enemies, scribbled in black
ink on a sheet of paper, slowly dissolved in the bowl of water.
As the names disappeared, so did much of her hatred.
"I had so much anger and resentment," she said. "For me, this was the ultimate cleansing."
Olivarez, 54, is one of 1,008 Ohio Reformatory for Women inmates who
have participated in this forgiveness ceremony during Kairos weekends.
This weekend marks the 25th Kairos weekend held at the Ohio Reformatory
for Women since its inception in 1994. Held biannually, the retreats
begin with a spiritual introduction on Thursday evening and then run
from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
According to its Web site, Kairos is a Christian, volunteer,
international prison ministry, in which men and women volunteers seek to
bring Christ's love and forgiveness to incarcerated individuals and their families.
Kairos volunteers go into prisons in teams of 40 to 50 men (or women in
a women's institution) made up of clergy and lay persons drawn from the
area surrounding the institution to pray, share meals, and fellowship
with the incarcerated on a one-to-one basis. The weekends are attended
by 42 inmates who have been referred by their unit staff (unit manager
and case manager) and selected, upon an interview, by the Reformatory chaplain.
Beverly Ezerins, 65, a Kairos volunteer this weekend, said the retreat
isn't about Bible-thumping or Scripture study. It's more about showing
the inmates compassion and love.
"Ultimately, we want them to build up a Christian community in the
prison," said Ezerins, a Marysville resident.
Olivarez, a native of Missouri, who is currently serving her 16th year
of a seven to 25-year sentence at the Reformatory for conspiracy to
commit aggravated murder, attended her first Kairos weekend in November
1996. For her, the experience was transforming.
She recalled meeting her "sponsor" (each inmate is matched with a
volunteer) for dinner the first evening.
"She was a minister... I thought, boy, if only she knew what I was in
here for," she said. But to Olivarez' surprise, her crime and time had no relevance.
"She just loved me and loved me until I could love myself," Olivarez said.
Ezerins said that Kairos volunteers are told not to ask inmates about
the reason they are incarcerated.
"For us, it's not anything about their crime," she said. "It's about the
fact that God loves them... That God will meet them right where they are."
This theme of love and forgiveness carries through the weekend. Even in
the form of baked goods.
Volunteers and members of area churches make and donate cookies, a total
of 10,000 dozen, for each weekend. During one part of the weekend, each
inmate has the opportunity to give a bag of cookies to a person with
which he or she is having a difficult time getting along.
Betty Gurling, an inmate at the Reformatory, gave out several bags of
cookies during her Kairos weekend.
Gurling, 54, of Birmingham, Ala., is currently serving her 15th year of
a 15-year to life sentence for committing murder. It was a feeling of
emptiness and desperation that led her to Kairos.
"I felt that I needed something else in my life," said Gurling, who
attended a weekend in November 1994.
Raised in a Baptist church, Gurling said she walked away from faith
later on in life. But Kairos, she said, got her back on the right track.
"I realized there was no way I could do the rest of my time in here without Him," she said.
According to the Kairos Web site, many inmates who participate in Kairos
weekends tend to have some sort of conversion experience.
"It's a spiritual high," Gurling said. "People come out saying, 'I'm a
new person.' But a lot of people go back to their old ways."
Because of this, Kairos offers weekly and monthly follow-up retreats and
prayer and share groups for graduates of the Kairos weekends.
ORW warden Patricia Andrews said that faith-based programming such as
Kairos has not only had a positive impact on the inmates, but the
institution as a whole.
According to a study published in the Journal of the Scientific Study of
Religion, "Religiosity" - believing in a higher power, attending worship
services regularly and participating in faith-based prison programs -
directly reduces inmate arguments, and thereby the fights that typically
follow. The study, conducted at Mississippi State Penitentiary in
Parchman, Miss., found that 74 percent of inmates who do not believe in
a higher power engaged in at least one fight a month versus 53 percent
of inmates who do believe. Olivarez said she agrees with the study's findings.
"You can tell when Kairos weekends are in session because the
institution has a gentler feel to it," she said.
Kairos Ministries currently operates in 270 prisons in 33 states,
England, Australia, South Africa, Costa Rica and Canada. More than
170,000 incarcerated men and women have been introduced to Kairos since
its inception. And the current number of volunteers exceeds 20,000 per year.
There are eight Ohio prisons where Kairos three-day weekends are offered twice a year.
Both Olivarez and Gurley say they continue to live a life of hope, thanks to Kairos.
Upon her release from the reformatory, Olivarez said she plans to return
home to Missouri and help get Kairos Ministries started in the state
prisons. Gurley said she hopes to be released in 2008.
"As long as I keep the faith, I know I will make it," she said.

There's always room for Honda
Citizens feel another facility would be good for area
By CINDY BRAKE
Can Union County have too much Honda? Apparently not.
A man-on-the-street survey of local citizens and officials about Honda's
plan to build a sixth North American auto-assembly plant in the U.S.
Midwest found that everyone thinks Honda is a good thing for Union
County and there is room for expansion.
"That's a great thing for Marysville, whether it locates here which we
hope it would ... What it says is that our people are doing a great job
and people like their product and it's something we all should be proud
of," said Union County Commissioner Tom McCarthy.
Commissioner Gary Lee agrees.
"Certainly we look forward to working with Honda if they would select to
expand in Union County. We believe our track record of cooperation with
Honda over the last 25 years speaks for itself," Lee said.
Sitting in his recently purchased Civic Hybrid at Marysville Honda
Wednesday, 76 year-old Mark Clemans of Milford Center said Honda is the
best thing to happen to this community and that there is "absolutely"
room for growth. Clemans said Honda does a lot of things behind the
scene to benefit the community, in addition to producing a vehicle with
spectacular mileage.
Joyce Mathys of West Mansfield adds that Honda has brought a lot of jobs
to the area. The new dealership has meant work for her son.
Earl Dunbar, 83, of Marysville also believes Honda has brought good
things to Marysville. With state unemployment numbers up, Dunbar said he
thinks that Ohio has plenty of workers available to man a new factory.
Earlier this week, newspaper headlines across the world announced that
the Asian automaker was planning a $1.46 billion expansion. Honda
confirmed the rumors Wednesday at a tele-conference and announced that
the new factory for the U.S. would be built in the Midwest.
Ohio and Indiana state officials have announced they have been in
negotiations to lure the automaker to available sites. Union County
Economic Development Director Eric Phillips was contacted, but did not
respond to inquiries.
According to printed reports, Larry Jutte, a senior vice president at
Honda's North American manufacturing unit in Marysville, said the
site-selection process is in the final stages.
The $400 million, 1,500-worker plant will reportedly be built by 2008
and increase production capacity from 1.4 million to 1.6 million
vehicles a year. It is part of a $1.18 billion global expansion planned
by the Japanese automaker.
The announcement included plans to introduce a new, more affordable
hybrid car in 2009, new diesel-engine technology designed to increase
fuel economy in 2010, a new $140 million Canadian engine plant with 340
workers and a $639 million car and engine factory in Japan by 2010.
Honda's U.S. sales rose 6.6 percent this year through April. The company
ranks fifth in the U.S.

Local YMCA gears up for summer camp season
Whether looking for camp for the entire summer, a few weeks of
activities for your youth or teenager, or swimming lessons, the YMCA has
it this summer. The Union County Family YMCA is expanding opportunities for kids and
teens this summer. The weekly summer camp promises to be more "campy" with field trips,
activity blocks, swimming and weekly themes for the campers. There will
be a variety of specialized weekly camps including computers,
basketball, volleyball, baseball, floor hockey, soccer, tennis,
racquetball, cooking, art, fishing, theater camp, cheerleading, dance
and gymnastics. Kangaroo Camp for 3 to 5 year olds will offer field trips, swimming and
fun for the pre-schoolers. Special needs children will be included in the camps again this summer.
The YMCA will provide aides to work directly with the special needs
campers while allowing them to participate in summer camp. New this
summer, the YMCA will also provide aides to help special needs children
participate in swimming lessons.
The YMCA has a variety of options for middle school students.
A Counselor-in-Training program will teach them leadership skills while
assisting the counselors in the weekly summer camp. Middle School
Adventure Camp will be offered for one week in June and one week in
July. Middle school kids will participate in team building activities
and day trips for two days, then travel off to Lake Erie for three days
of camping in June and West Virginia in July.
The YMCA will be offering weekly swimming lessons emphasizing safety,
growth, stroke development, games and rescue.
Gymnastics classes will be offered in June and August. Rookie T-ball
will be available for 3 to 4 year olds. Outdoor T-ball and coach pitch
will be offered for 4 to 8 year olds. New this summer for 5 year olds
through adults is Jukido-Kai Sogo Budo, a class which teaches both
traditional and modern aspects of karate and jujutsu.
In addition to all of these summer activities the YMCA incorporates
character development into all programs. While your kids are having fun,
they are also learning to respect and care for each other and the
importance of responsibility and honesty. Campers and swimmers will be
recognized with "Character Awards" throughout the summer.
For more information on any of these summer activities, those interested
may contact the YMCA at (937) 578-4250 or go to their website at www.unioncountyymca.org.

A personal donation
Richwood woman gives 15 years worth of hair to Wigs for Kids
By CORRINE BIX
Sometimes the greatest of gifts are those that are the hardest to give.
Recently, Vivian Kountz, 75, gave a part of herself to help someone she
will never meet by having her hair cut and donated.
Kountz said her last haircut was 15 years ago. Terri Holland, Heartland
beautician, gave Kountz the milestone hair cut. Kountz, a temporary
resident at Heartland of Marysville, is undergoing short-term therapy
after having surgery at Memorial Hospital of Union County.
"I'm glad that I can help somebody," Kountz said, "I felt wonderful that it could be donated."
However, Kountz said that although the hair was usually kept up and out
of her way, she was still very attached to her long locks.
"It was really hard and I miss it," Kountz said.
Kountz said her two daughters have prodded her for the past five years to get a hair cut.
Suzanne McClelland and Chris Hackley humorously described their mother's
ritual of "tucking, rolling and flipping up" her long tresses over the
last decade and a half. After her last hospital stay, it became
difficult to manage the long hair and that's when Kountz said it was time.
Holland contacted the American Cancer Society (ACS) who directed her to
a northeast Ohio organization called "Wigs for Kids."
"She was really pretty good about it and it was her idea to have it
donated," Holland explained, "She said if it was going to be cut she
wanted someone to get some use out of it."
ACS gave Holland instructions as to how to prepare the hair for donation.
The hair had to be braided and be at least 12 inches in length. It also
had to be natural and free of chemicals. Permed and color treated hair can't be used.
Holland sent the braid, wrapped in tissue paper, to Wigs for Kids.
Within four to eight weeks, Kountz will receive a certificate honoring
her donation. Kountz silver braid will be blended with about 12 other
hair donations to create one wig for a child suffering from hair loss
due to any variety of diseases including alopecia and hair loss due to chemotherapy.
When asked if she would encourage others to donate their hair, Kountz
didn't hesitate to say that it was a big decision that warranted careful thought.
"I'd tell them to be real sure that they were ready," Kountz advised.
After leaving Heartland, Kountz will return home to Richwood where she
resides with her daughter, Suzanne, and her family. In addition to her
two daughters she has one son, Charles, and five grandchildren.

Decker inducted into Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
From J-T staff reports:
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Oscar Decker was inducted into the Senior
Citizen's Hall of Fame by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Wednesday afternoon at the Martin Janis Senior Center in Columbus.
Nominated for his invaluable community service work, Decker is a driving
force in Union County and known for his vision and strong organizational
skills, writes Avanelle Oberlin of Marysville who nominated him.
Decker is involved in many of the county's patriotic activities,
including serving as chairman of the Memorial Day committee for 17
years, Support the Troops program and the Four Chaplains Sunday. Of
greatest concern to him is the Veterans Remembrance committee. As
chairman, he is spearheading the campaign to build a monument to all
Union County veterans - past, present and future - and maintain a
database that can be expanded for future veterans.
With the activation of citizen/soliders in response to 9/11, Decker saw
a need to help the families left behind who were unfamiliar with the
military. He initiated and co-chairs the Union County Military Family
Support Group, to identify and network with military families and link them with each other.
Other community service includes nine years on the Union County United
Way Board (chairman for one year), and co-chairman of the first United
Way Needs Study for Union County. As co-chairman of the first Retention
and Expansion Study for Union County, he helped to establish an Economic
Development Director, which ultimately led to a County Chamber of
Commerce uniting Union County and Marysville.
At St. John's Lutheran Church, he has been active on various projects,
including a major building addition and the development of a master plan.
Born in Nebraska, Decker lived with his parents until he enlisted in the
Army in 1943. He served in Europe in a tank battalion and was discharged
as a Sergeant after W.W.II before returning to college. He continued
enlisted service with the Army Reserve and National Guard until he
graduated with a degree in business administration from the University
of Nebraska in 1951 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
During 40 years of military service, his key assignments included
Battalion Commander in Europe and Vietnam; Staff Officer for the Chief
of Staff of the Army; Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of
the Army; and Director of Procurement and Production, U.S. Army Tank
Automotive Command. His last assignment was Commanding General of the
U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command, responsible for 6,000 people and the
research, development, procurement and support of all tanks, armored
personnel carriers, trucks and construction equipment throughout the
world. He oversaw an annual budget ranging from $3 billion to $7 billion.
In addition to graduating from numerous military schools and higher
level colleges, Decker earned a Master's Degree in international affairs
from George Washington University.
Upon retirement from active duty in 1983, Decker moved to Union County
to be near family. In retirement, he has done extensive work for the
Army and industry on policy matters, program management, and technology
development and application for ground combat and tactical vehicles.
He has been married to Ella Mae (Babe) for 62 years. Their family
includes three children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
with another due in June. "This humble man could easily rest on past accomplishments, but
continues his life of service to the community as a leader and mentor to
all ages," states a biography prepared for the program.

A caring community
180 volunteers help others as part of United Way event
By CINDY BRAKE
Engineers built a wheelchair ramp. State workers planted flowers. And
children cleaned windows.
Tuesday was the ultimate spring cleaning day when about 180 volunteers
went to more than 100 locations in Union County for the 10th annual
Community Care Day, sponsored by United Way of Union County.
"They've done a beautiful job," said Marge Gamble of Richwood.
Gamble was especially grateful for the six volunteers who planted 14
flats of flowers under her watchful eye at the Richwood Civic Center.
Unable to do the work herself, she was looking forward to watering the "carpets of color."
While employees of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and
Custom Staffing were digging in the flowerbeds, the Marysville home of
91-year-old Kathryn Taylor was abuzz with youthful vigor. The 15
teenagers from SWAM - Students With A Mission - were taking care of
small projects at Taylor's home. The group of homeschool students, under
the direction of Shawn and Jennie Shutt and Brian and Crystal Lewis,
were installing window screens and tearing out an unruly vine while
mixing in a little fun as boys wrestled on the lawn. Taylor's home was
one of six stops the group made in the Windsor Community.
Meanwhile Team Depot under the direction of Amy Yothers, head of the
Hardware Department at Home Depot in Marysville, was industriously
building benches in the Milford Center parking lot of the Fairbanks
Elementary School. Little Panthers Coach David Phillips was so grateful
for the six benches that he presented a plaque at the end of the day to
Yothers and her crew of seven. Yothers, a seasoned builder, not only
designed the benches but also ramps built at another location, while
Home Depot donated materials. The Home Depot Team has even offered to
return later this year to paint the benches.
More than 45 volunteers from Invensys were hard at work in the southern
end of Union County. In fact, they had begun working the night before.
The engineers seemed to be in their element as they assembled a Flying
Disc Golf Park in Pasttime Park and a wheelchair ramp in the Hillcrest Mobile Home Park.
John Lydic of Raymond joked that the group of electrical engineers was
good at following directions, although they might over analyze the task.
Overseeing the project was Jason Gardner of Mid-Ohio Organized Disc Golf
in Marysville and Paul Jay, president of Columbus Flyers. Both helped design the course.
Len Swatkowski, director of engineering services at Invensys near Plain
City, said his company is dedicated to supporting the community they work in.
"It's one small thing we do to try and pay back the community,"
Swatkowski said. "It's amazing what can happen with a group of engineers
who have power tools."
Swatkowski has worked with other United Way programs and seen what is
possible. He said in Michigan the United Way would undertake "massive
projects" such as building houses and schools, siding houses and
painting houses. Pointing out that 100 percent of all donations to
Community Care Day benefit the community, he said the only limiting factor is money.
Corporate sponsors for this year's event included Invensys Controls,
Scotts Miracle-Gro and Honda.
Honda employee Betty Hoile, who manned the phones during the day, is a
founder of the Community Care Day in Union County. She said all the
program needs is projects. All inquiries are accepted and planning
begins immediately for next year, Hoile said.
Dave Bezesko of the United Way said Community Care Day in Union County
is "growing up" and getting a "little bigger every year." He adds that
involvement of people like Swatkowski will help the program go the another level.
A total of 95 projects were completed. Seven were delayed because of
weather conditions and are to be completed by next week.

Health Walk planned
From J-T staff reports:
To celebrate National Tourism Week, the Union County Convention and
Visitors Bureau is partnering with Leadership Union County and the
Uptown Renewal Team in planning a Historic Health Walk on Saturday from
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The walk will begin at the City Parking Lot located
at the corner of Main and Sixth streets. Registration is not required
and the event will be held rain or shine. Historical Walking Guides
detailing the history of buildings located in Uptown Marysville will be
for sale for $2. Postcards of the Bridges of Union County will be available for $1 a set.
Leadership Union County members, Spence Fisher, Mary Sampsel, Patricia
Severn and Bob Ahern created the one and two mile health walk. The walk
called The Heart of the City walk will be permanently marked with signs
and a map so that the community can come and walk anytime. Patricia
Severn said she is looking forward to walking during her lunch hour.
After the walk, participants are encouraged to visit local attractions,
stores and restaurants in Uptown Marysville. For more information,
contact the Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (937)642-6279.

NU teacher resigns amid allegations
Is also head high school football and track coach
By CHAD WILLIAMSON and TIM MILLER
A teacher and coach at North Union High School has resigned amid
allegations and a criminal investigation.
The North Union Board of Education accepted the resignation of English
teacher Brent Chapman, 45, at a meeting Monday. Chapman also resigned
his positions as head football coach and head boys track coach.
Although the Union County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that a criminal
investigation is ongoing, school and law enforcement officials are not
releasing any details about the alleged conduct.
"Allegations had been reported to the district about Mr. Chapman's
conduct in his capacity as a teacher. Immediately upon learning of the
allegations and to ensure safety of all involved, the district removed
Mr. Chapman from contact with students and assigned him to work at home.
The district also made immediate reports to proper authorities regarding
the allegations. We continue to cooperate fully with investigations
regarding the situation," North Union Superintendent Carol Young said in a news release.
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said he could not release details
of the case, which began in March, because it is under investigation. He
said once the case is completed by the Richwood Police Department, his
office will review it for possible charges.
On May 10 Chapman submitted a letter of resignation from his teaching
and coaching duties, citing personal reasons.
Chapman's personnel file shows no disciplinary notices or other
references to the case. In fact, Chapman's file contains mostly positive
reviews for his teaching and coaching performances.
Chapman came to North Union in 1996 after securing a teaching degree
from the Ohio State University. Prior to becoming a teacher at the
district, he had served as head coach of the middle school football team.
Chapman was hired into the district as an Occupational Work Experience
teacher, later switching to English, and was immediately put in place as
the head football coach. Outside of football and track, he had also
served stints as weightroom coordinator and eighth grade girls basketball coach in the district.
Chapman's resignation leaves the school district scrambling to fill a
coaching position for the upcoming football season. School officials are
hoping to find someone to lead the Wildcats' grid program as quickly as possible.
To that end, high school principal Eric Holman is jumping in with both feet.
"I've already received seven or eight letters of interest or resumes,"
Holman said this morning. "I've got a couple of interviews scheduled for tonight."
Holman said he plans to conduct interviews through the end of this week
and possibly into the beginning of next week. The deadline for the
submission of applications is the end of this week.
"After that, we'll pare it down to maybe the top three or four and those
candidates will be brought back for a second round of interviews."
Holman said he hopes to wrap up the coaching search in the very near future.
"This isn't etched in stone but I hope we're close to completing this by
the end of next week or maybe the first of the week of May 29," he said.
"We want the new coach to meet with the players before school breaks for
the summer and to get the summer conditioning program started."

Fairbanks board tours Tolles Career Center
From J-T staff reports:
Fairbanks School Board members toured Tolles Career Center Monday night
as part of their monthly board meeting.
Superintendent Jim Craycraft said a "tremendous" number of students from
the Fairbanks School District take advantage of the career training the
Plain City school offers, including one of the sons of Board President Kevin Green.
Craycraft added he was "very impressed," especially with the Career
Center's technology and the cleanliness of the facility.
Board members also discussed construction of the new elementary school
near the existing middle/high school complex. Craycraft said
groundbreaking will likely occur early next summer, after building plans
are finalized, the site is prepared, bidders are chosen, etc.
The school's construction is possible because of the May 2 passage of a
4.4-mill bond issue, along with a five-year, 0.25 percent permanent
improvement levy
Craycraft said he met with the Ohio School Facilities Commission Monday
to see if the school district was eligible for any funds but he wasn't too optimistic.
In other business, the board:
.Accepted the resignation of Sandra Gruenbaum, elementary teacher, based
on the Early Retirement Bonus Plan, effective at the end of the
2005-2006 school year.
.Accepted the resignation of Virgie Jones, full-time cook, based on the
Early Retirement Bonus Plan, effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year.
.Approved a one-year contract for Jeff Powell, high school English
teacher, for the 2006-2007 school year.
.Approved Jennifer Thrush, reserve softball coach, for the 2005-2006 school year.
.Granted athletic contracts for the 2006-2007 school year to Kristine
Moder, middle school cheerleader advisor; Chris Instine and Dustin
Green, middle school football coaches; Kyle Burns, volunteer football
coach; Bob Williams, head wrestling coach; Lori Phelps, head varsity
girls basketball coach; Monica Renner, freshman volleyball coach; Traci
House, reserve volleyball coach; Carleton Cotner, fall weight lifting
coordinator; Renee Barker, guard coordinator; Shannon Runyon, assistant
marching band director; and Eric Stauffer and John Williams, band camp assistants.
.Approved extended service contracts for the 2006-2007 school year for
Jennifer Harral, 0-10 days; Barbara Croft, Ben Keller, Carleton Cotner
and Ed Rebmann, all 20 days; and Rob Riddle and Nevin Taylor, 60 days.
.Hired Sara Knox, Dustin Green, Gastin Green and Andy Pinkerton for
summer maintenance/custodian personnel at the rate of $9.49 an hour.
.Approved the following maximum open enrollment capacities for the
2006-2007 school year - kindergarten through third grade, 63; fourth
grade, 70; fifth grade, 75; sixth grade, 78; seventh grade, 80; eighth
grade, 82; ninth and 10th grades, 125; and 11th and 12th grades, 100.
.Determined school fees for the 2006-2007 school year, including
kindergarten, $20; and grades one through four and five through eight, $40.
.Approved the eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C., from May 16-19.
.Approved MEC Cooperative to advertise and receive bids for school bus
chassis and bodies.
.Passed a resolution authorizing membership in the Ohio High School
Athletic Association for the 2006-2007 school year.
.Approved new textbooks for the 2006-2007 school year.
.Approved school handbooks for the 2006-2007 school year.
.Approved revisions for the Gifted Identification Plan beginning with
the 2006-2007 school year.
.Conducted the first reading for the adoption of a Model Student
Acceleration Policy for Advanced Learners.
.Rescheduled the June meeting to Monday, June 26.

Cause of fire called suspicious
From J-T staff reports:
Local authorities are investigating a suspicious fire that occurred in Marysville Monday.
The fire started in the kitchen of a mobile home at 255 Dogwood Drive at
5:28 p.m. The family members were able to call for help and get out of
the home without injuries. Crews were reportedly on the scene extinguishing the fire until 7 p.m.
Marysville Assistant Police Chief, Glenn Nicol, said this morning that
what made the incident suspicious was the origin of the fire. He said no
definite cause has been determined at this time.
The Marysville Fire department is working with police on the investigation.
No comment was made by either department on the exact location of the
fire, only that it damaged a 10 by 12 square foot area that was limited to the kitchen.
The Ohio State Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the blaze.

U.S. 42 bypass project underway
RealignmenFrom J-T staff reports:
Plain City resident Jim Slota said he never lets his children ride their
bikes up to Main Street. And he never parks his car there, either.
"I'm always fearful of my car door being knocked off or my windshield
being busted from one of the semis driving through," he said.
Slota and the rest of the 3,500 Plain City residents can now breathe a
sigh of relief. The Ohio Department of Transportation's $4.1 million
project to install a U.S. 42 bypass that will eliminate much of the
sight, sound, and smell of those semis, broke ground this morning.
Nearly 2,320 commercial trucks are estimated to pass through the Village
of Plain City on U.S. 42 every day, an increase from a 1999 truck count of 1,370.
The bypass project will relocate 1.5 miles of U.S. 42. According to an
Ohio Department of Transportation news release, the new roadway, just
more than eight-tenths of a mile long, will turn westward in the
vicinity of Rickard Road on the village's north side, and then south
again to intersect with state Route 161 at Jefferson Avenue on the west side.
It's completion is expected by October 2007.
Randy Evans, president of the Plain City business association, said the
bypass will benefit the village in a number of ways.
"It will add another access corridor through the city, restore downtown,
and eliminate truck-through traffic," he said. "And people parking on
Main Street won't have to risk life and limb."t should by finished by fall of 2007.

City officials hold meeting at resort
$9,000 budgeted for event at Lake Erie hotel
By RYAN HORNS
Marysville City Hall was pretty empty Friday, after city administrators
and council members left town for a taxpayer funded two-day retreat at a
golf resort on Lake Erie.
At the April 27 city council meeting, members passed an ordinance to
appropriate $9,000 out of the general fund for the trip.
According to the ordinance language, "City Council and the mayor would
like to have a strategic planning event for city council and the
administration and this event will be used to discuss strategic goals
and objectives for the city. This expense was not included in the 2006
Operating Budget and the Annual Operating Budget must be amended in
accordance with all appropriation modifications."
The $9,000 for the event cost was attributed to "Dues, Conference and Training."
City administrative assistant, Chris Moder, said that the strategic
planning event is being facilitated by speaker Karl Runser, who works
for the Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural
development (ILGARD), through the Ohio University's Voinovich Center for
Leadership and Public Affairs.
Runser was reportedly paid $5,000 to facilitate the event, out of the
appropriated $9,000 to fund the retreat. This information has not been
confirmed by city staff or council members. The remainder of the funding
was slated to pay for the use of the resort hotel.
No public comment was made about the retreat from residents at any of
the three readings for the ordinance. Ohio Sunshine Laws for public
records and public meetings states that that, "The Open Meetings Act
does not specifically address where meetings may be held. However, some
case law exists to suggest that meetings must be held in a public
meeting place and within the geographical jurisdiction of the public
body. Every public body must vote and take all official actions and hold
all deliberations on official business meetings that are open to the public."
Moder said the event was planned to be held at the Sawmill Creek Resort
and Golf Course in Huron.
According to the Sawmill Creek Web site at www.sawmillcreek.com, "The
Resort's 235-acre site provides for an 18-hole Tom Fazio Golf Course, a
lakefront marina, restaurants, shops, lodging, indoor/outdoor pools and
workout room. All within a few hours drive or flight to the heart of the
Midwest. A perfect destination for family reunions, productive meetings,
conferences, and trade shows. This fully complemented facility offers a
highly trained support staff and an exciting abundance of outdoor
activities on the pristine shores of Lake Erie."
Moder said that similar retreats are common in other cities. The event
is the first retreat like this for Mayor Tom Kruse's administration.
As a public meeting, council and administrators are able to vote on
issues. However, Moder said this is not expected to occur. City
council's clerk, Connie Patterson, was also in attendance and meeting
minutes are expected to be taken.
The information on where the event was held was included in a meeting
notice on the city Web-site calendar, stating "A joint City
Administration/City Council meeting will be held on May 12 and 13, 2006,
at Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron, Ohio. The meeting will begin on Friday,
May 12 at 1 p.m. and adjourn at 5 p.m. The meeting will reconvene on
Saturday, May 13 at 8 a.m. and adjourn at 2 p.m. The purpose of the
meeting is to discuss long-term strategy for City of Marysville."
According to normal procedure, ordinances and resolutions are read by
council and explained in detail on the first reading and then again
during the second reading and public hearing. City council minutes show
that no discussion was held on any reading. The ordinance was passed
unanimously on May 11.
Joining council and city administrators on the retreat was economic
development director, Eric Phillips. His office could not provide more
information on the specifics of the event either.
"We just know that he's up there," the chamber secretary said over the phone on Friday.
Neither the Union County Chamber of Commerce, nor city officials were
able to provide more details on the retreat and why it was held out of
town. The Union County Services building, where previous facilitators
have addressed city administrators for planning discussions, is free for government body use.

City to create water capacity fees for apartments
By RYAN HORNS
At Thursday night's Marysville City Council meeting steps were taken to
create water capacity fees for apartment complexes and good news was
received on a local vacant building.
"Growth needs to pay for growth," Councilman Dave Burke said.
The fruits of a two-year process to create capacity fees for apartments
and multi-family dwellings were presented for first reading as an ordinance.
Burke explained that over the past two years numerous studies have been
conducted on local multi-family developments and it has been
mathematically determined that the individual units within these
developments use, on the average 0.7 the amount of water that
single-unit dwelling uses. He explained that an apartment complex may
have 100 residents using water, but is only paying for 60 percent of that.
Burke said it has long been maintained that the balance of usage between
residential houses and apartments has been unfair. More apartments come
in and increase the overall cost for residents already here while the
apartments pay a lower price. By fixing the situation, he said, it would bring more money into the
city. Depending on the amount of growth the city sees in the future,
millions of dollars can be gained if this ordinance passes. He stressed
that the cap fees do not effect current residents.
The ordinance will amend Section 931.06 (a) of the city codified
ordinances to read "System development charges for individual units
contained in a multi-unit dwelling shall be assessed, regardless of meter size."
Based on the 0.7 figure for meter equivalent, the rate will be charged
at $1,548, with the incremental rate of $1,567 for a total of $3,115 in
extra fees per apartment meters. Burke said the goal is to encourage the use of larger meters among
multi-family dwellings. It's a move that could enhance back pressure in
the entire city water system.
In other discussions, Economic Development Director, Eric Phillips,
reported the owner of the vacant former Wal-Mart building at Watkins
Road and Delaware Avenue is looking at options for business.
"It will be nice to get something back to the East Point Plaza," he said.
The city also has plans to expend its staff to focus more on issues of growth.
City councilman Dan Fogt said that during the city's recent Public
Service Committee meeting members discussed the potential hiring of a
city planner. He said hopefully council will see that as a future agenda item soon.
Phillips also introduced newly hired Director of Business Development,
Joe Clase. He said Clase will be in charge of helping out the Uptown
Renewal Team, handling business recruitment and retention and
highlighting building sites available for use in Marysville.

Former area resident is Ohio State's newest drum major
From J-T staff reports:
The scarlet and gray Ohio State University marching band with be led
onto the field this fall by a young man with Marysville connections.
Stewart Kitchen, 19, who attended St. John's Lutheran School as a youth,
became drum major of OSU's marching band Tuesday. He defeated two other
candidates, one of whom was last year's drum major.
In doing so, he became the second Kenton High School graduate to lead
the OSU band. The first, Cy Costoff, was drum major in 1940. He and
Kitchen met in September 2004, when the retired Toledo pharmacist gave
Kitchen some pointers. Kitchen played tuba for three years in the Kenton High School marching
band. He also played soccer and wrestled. An 11-year 4-H member, he also
earned a state FFA degree. The Kenton band hadn't had a drum major for 25 years until Kitchen came
along. He was inspired by a trip to the 2002 Fiesta Bowl at which the
Ohio State Buckeyes football team defeated the University of Miami
Hurricanes to win the national championship. Kitchen decided, he, too,
wanted to be the person leading the band onto the field.
Kitchen attended a drum major camp sponsored by Ohio State. Prior to
that, he had "never taken a baton lesson in his life," said his mother, Mitzi Kitchen.
Kitchen also told his high school wrestling and soccer coaches he was
quitting the teams so he could devote more time to his latest passion.
"They were heartbroken," said Mitzi Kitchen of the coaches. After all,
she added, her son is "a very masculine guy."
Kitchen is a freshman animal science major and was honored by OSU Friday
as one of the top 12 Outstanding Freshman Student Leaders at the
university. Today, he is to be honored with a dairy scholarship from the
Lemmerman family at Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City.
He also received a $7,500 yearly award from the Script Ohio Club because
of his selection as drum major, said Mitzi Kitchen.
Mitzi Kitchen, an OSU lifetime alumni member, said the family is also
eligible for 50-yard tickets to the football games, "but we have to pay for them."
The Kitchens, Mitzi and Chris, are former Marysville residents who now
live outside of Kenton. They raise Jersey calves and heifers.
They were among the roughly 120 friends, relatives and Kenton graduates
who attended the drum major audition Tuesday.
"Stew was shocked when we got there and 20 high school friends he was
tight with were (in attendance)," said Mitzi Kitchen.
The Kitchen also includes three other children, Chelsee, 20, who works
at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.; Alyssa, a sophomore at Kenton
High School; and Clint, 6, described by his mother as a "good supporter" of his older brother, Stew.

City had options for rail crossing improvements
By RYAN HORNS
Marysville City Council will conduct a traffic study on the entire
problem area associated with the East Fifth Street railroad crossing closure.
On Tuesday, the city council Public Services Committee met and decided
to place an ordinance on the consent calendar for Thursday's council
meeting to appropriate $24,900 for the DLZ engineers to study East Fifth
Street, Delaware Avenue, Cherry Street and Industrial Parkway areas.
The ordinance was passed after council waived second and third readings.
Some residents and business owners at the meeting questioned what kind
of impact the study will have.
Resident Michelle Amrine-O'Connors suggested that the proposed traffic
study is not what the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's
representatives are asking for.
Recent information from state railroad authorities suggests that the
city of Marysville had options to fix the East Fifth Street crossing,
but chose to close the road anyway.
The PUCO Transportation Department Rail Division inspected the East
Fifth Street crossing on April 26 and released a report on its findings.
PUCO Safety Inspector, Will Johnson, wrote that he found "loose ties
with cracks in the asphalt and holes adjacent to the rails." He then
contacted CSX representative J.D. Mallett to make repairs on the
crossing within 30 days. Johnson wrote that CSX was reticent to make the
repairs because of the city's plans to close the East Fifth Street
crossing. Marysville Mayor Tom Kruse had already temporarily closed it on April 13.
"Mallett understood that the surface needed repairs but stated that he
was reluctant to commit resources to the site because of a previous
meeting he had with a city representative who indicated that the Mayor
of Marysville was closing the crossing due to the increased traffic and
not the condition of the road," Johnson wrote. "Although the crossing is
in need of repairs, it is still a suitable and functional crossing for
passage and was not in a condition that required closure."
The conclusion of Johnson's report is that the crossing should be
repaired with hot asphalt within 30 days. He said if CSX did not make
the required repairs the matter should be referred to the local highway
authority or the Union County Prosecutors Office, to uphold the Ohio Revised Code.
More than a year ago, on April 25, 2005, Ohio Rail Development
Commission Safety Programs Manager Susan Kirkland responded to an
inquiry on upgrading the crossing from Marysville engineer Phil Roush.
Kirkland explained that the city had two options. The administration
could "permanently close the Fifth Street crossing. This option would be
the ORDC's preference and certainly the safest alternative. Should this
option be selected, the ORDC can offer $150,000 in incentive funds to
improve other crossings within the community. These funds must be
secured prior to the crossing being permanently closed."
Kirkland was unavailable for comment this week.
The other option was that Marysville install flashing lights and roadway
gates at the East Fifth Street crossing.
"In this case, we need the city to provide a current 24-hour traffic
count for the Fifth Street crossing. Should the City of Marysville opt
for this solution, the ORDC will assist the community in funding the
installation. The ORDC will make a funding proposal to the city upon
receipt of a new traffic count."
"Why wasn't this option pursued?" resident Ron Miller said at Thursday
night's council meeting.
He questioned why Kruse would close the crossing when there were other
viable options presented by the state.
Miller asked why the city would close such an important thoroughfare
when there is traffic congestion on Delaware Avenue.
Earlier this week, CSX workers applied repairs to the Delaware Avenue
crossing and the road will be widened and a right hand westbound turn
lane will be added when the City Gate development is built.
A local Kentucky Fried Chicken representative said that the City Gate
development does not wrap up until June and there is still time for the
city to ask the developers to help out with road upgrades. He suggested
that the traffic study compare the costs of widening Delaware Avenue to
widening East Fifth Street.
Amrine-O'Connors suggested that the city is relying on information from
PUCO, in which they claim that the Ohio Rail Commission will be happy
with the planned traffic study instead of a 24-hour East Fifth Street
traffic count that the letter asked for.
Both city council president John Gore and councilman Dan Fogt said that
PUCO officials work together with the Ohio Rail Commission and PUCO
informed them the planned traffic study would suffice.
Gore reiterated that council's stance is to pursue "all options"
regarding the East Fifth Street crossing.
Fogt said it was "too bad we have to spend (the $24,900)" but that a
"comprehensive plan for the whole city is needed and this will just be
part of that. I think we need to do this."
Councilman Leah Seller also asked if closing the crossing puts possible
state grants to fix the crossing in jeopardy?
Gore said only if the city closes the crossing permanently would it disrupt the possible grants.
He then asked citizens to be patient through the process of studying the
East Fifth Street railroad crossing. "We want to do this right," Gore said.

Portion of Richwood to be sprayed for gypsy moths
From J-T staff reports:
Richwood is one of three areas being targeted by the Ohio Department of
Agriculture for gypsy moths.
A low flying aircraft will treat 37 acres in two blocks on the south
side of the Richwood fairgrounds this month, coinciding with the
insect's first and second caterpillar stages. Treatments are most likely
to occur during the early morning or late afternoon hours when weather
conditions are ideal.
The treatment is a naturally occurring bacterial insecticide to control
the gypsy moth population and are not toxic to humans, pets, birds or fish.
Similar treatments are planned on 271 acres in the Franklin Park area of
Franklin County and 775 acres in Delaware County near Lake of the Woods.
These areas are considered a transition zone. The program is meant to
detect and control isolated populations.
Pre-recorded daily updates on planned treatment blocks will be available
to citizens by calling (614) 387-0907 after 6 p.m. Maps of treatment
blocks can be viewed at www.ohioagriculture.gov by clicking on gypsy moth.
The gypsy moth is a non-native, invasive species that has been advancing
into Ohio from Pennsylvania and Michigan over the last several years. In
its caterpillar stage, it feeds on the leaves of trees and shrubs and is
especially fond of oak. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two
years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies. To date,
46 of Ohio's 33 counties have established gypsy moth populations.
Three programs are aimed at managing the gypsy moth in Ohio - the
suppression program in counties where the pest is established; the slow
the spread program in counties within the transition zone; and the
eradication program in areas not infested and outside the transition zone.

Home energy cost help available
From J-T staff reports:
The Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison, and Union
Counties (CAODMU) will once again offer to the tri-counties the Home
Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) beginning on Thursday, June 1, and
operating through August 31. This program will provide to income
eligible households with a family member who is 60 years or older one
payment for the electric bill without a disconnect notice up to the
clients' percentage of income amount, or the current bill, whichever is
more, not to exceed $200. Additionally the program will again offer one air conditioner per
household for those households who are eligible and have not received an
air conditioner during the last three program years. To be eligible, a
member of the household must have a medical documentation from a medical professional.
One payment for the electric bill will be made up to the clients'
percentage of income amount or the current bill, whichever is more, not to exceed $200.
A disconnect notice is not required. Assistance with an air conditioner
and the electric bill must take place at the same time. If an eligible
household does not qualify for an air conditioner, they may still
receive one payment for the electric bill.
Contact your local CAODMU office for more information and to schedule an
appointment in Union call 642-4986.

Finding common ground
New mediation director works to resolve conflicts
By RYAN HORNS
Conflict Management Week serves as the backdrop for introducing the
public to the new person in charge of mediation for Union County's Common Pleas Court.
Kathryn Wollenburg is now mediation director for the county, succeeding
former director Ken Davis. For those unaware of how mediation helps the
court systems, she explained that it is a system which resolves
litigation through compromise - making opposite parties meet face to
face in order to discuss their problems.
The Ohio Commission of Dispute Resolutions is promoting Conflict
Management Week between May 7-13 throughout the state. In Union County
this means on Friday Wollenburg's office will invite 25 students from
the North Union, Marysville and Fairbanks high schools to take part in
mock mediation hearings. Students will break into groups of three,
discuss mediation problems, and then try to resolve the conflicts. The
event will include an introduction to different forms of dispute
resolution; provide an opportunity for the students to participate in
mock mediations; and then lunch. The day will act as the students'
introduction into Alternative Dispute Resolutions - a growing trend in
the field of law. Wollenburg, who began as director Dec. 1, said taking part in a mock
mediation hearing is the only way the students will get a good feel for
how the process works. She said the week-long promotional event is an
opportunity to increase public awareness and recognition of court
mediation programs. All Union County residents can request court
mediation prior to filing a lawsuit, in an attempt to reach an equitable
resolution to their disputes.
Wollenburg said she didn't always plan to go into mediation. She
originally graduated with a bachelor's degree in music from Ohio State
University. It wasn't until five years later that she decided to go to
law school at Capital University. She later graduated and joined the
Ohio Bar in November 2005. From there she worked in Franklin County
mediation and worked with the Ohio Auto Dealers Association and the
Attorney General's office.
While in law school, Wollenburg said she naturally gravitated toward mediation.
"I originally wanted to be a trial attorney," she said. "But I started
to take negotiation (classes). That's where the switch sort of happened."
She began to see a greater role for herself through mediation, because
it prevents the process of flooding courts with expensive trials.
The problem with the system is that even if lawsuits are won or lost,
she said, the main disagreement is never fully resolved. The jury makes
the final decision, but the argument remains. In mediation, she can
bring the opposing sides together and chip away at their arguments until
both sides are satisfied.
"It's sort of an art," Wollenburg said. "I just feel it out and adjust."
As a rule, Wollenburg said, the court requires both parties to meet face
to face in the mediation offices. They cannot try to resolve the issues
over the phone. As a result of meeting in person, people begin to
actually talk to each other, instead of through lawyers. She holds
mediation meetings for two hour sessions in divorce cases, or three hour
sessions for civil cases. Some corporate cases have lasted as long as
eight hours. Many times she "shuttles back and forth," comparing notes
with the two parties, until a compromise is made.
"Most cases stem from some kind of misunderstanding," Wollenburg said.
"We try to get that out in the open."

North Lewisburg plans summer projects
By CORINNE BIX
Spring cleaning was the theme at Tuesday night's North Lewisburg Village
Council meeting. Council members received schedules regarding mosquito spraying, tree
removal and repaving of streets.
A1 Pest Control will begin spraying on May 19 with a total of 11 sprays
over the summer months. The cost will be $2,000. Village administrator
Barry First said restitution of $1,200 has been made for inadequate
mosquito services as supplied in 2005 by Mosquito Solutions.
Six trees deemed hazardous will be removed along the village
right-of-way by Delmar Tree Service. Cost is approximately $3,200.
First reported that the pavement-resurfacing estimate for five streets
will be $64,000. Areas to be repaved are West Maple, Weaver Way, North
Gregory, Erie and West Townsend with focus on the West Townsend/South
Sycamore intersection. The roads will be planed, ground and overlaid
along with the removal of railroad ties and rails where necessary.
In addition, The Ohio Department of Transportation will begin repaving
South 559 in May and North 559 in June.
Plans to improve street lighting are moving slowly but surely.
In January, council approved 12 new masts, lighting and appropriate
hardware along with changing out 21 existing bulbs to increase light
output by 60 percent. First said the cost of equipment would increase by $745 due to a
miscount of light poles. In addition, the annual lease fee has increased
from $2,015.40 a year to $2,166.
Council tentatively approved the award of wastewater treatment
improvements to Downing Construction. The loan contract will be
officially awarded next month after final approval is received from the Ohio EPA.
Gary Silcott, village engineer with R.D. Zande and Associates, said that
to his knowledge everything was in order and that final approval by the
Ohio EPA was only a formality.
Downing Construction is estimating project completion this summer.
Silcott said it would be wise to start setting up a rate structure on
water meters so that billing can begin shortly after construction concludes.
"We need to assure that the fees charged are adequate to cover debt
retirement and operation maintenance," First said.
Silcott followed up on findings from a video study that recorded the
runoff of water into the village's sanitary sewer collector.
Last month he reported to council that the study showed considerable
amounts of ground water and surface water are coming from the Meadows
mobile home park which is adversely affecting the village's wastewater
treatment plant. First said that the Meadows have been contacted and the
village is awaiting a response. The next regular council meeting will be June 6 at 7 p.m.
In other news, the council:
. Agreed to change monthly council meeting time from 7:30 to 7 p.m.
. Passed Resolution No. 05-09-2006 adopting county 9-1-1 communication plan
. Heard the second reading of ordinance No. 239 parking limits amended
one to 24 hours Saturday, May 20, will be opening day for Youth Softball
and Baseball programs at the North Lewisburg Park. Ribbon cutting for
the new concession stand will be at 8:45 a.m.
. Deputy Glenn Kemp gave the Champaign County Sheriff's report for the
month of March for the village. There were 12 traffic citations issues,
14 warnings issued for traffic violations, 15 incident reports, 30 cases
of assistance given to citizens, 10 arrests made, six civil and criminal
papers served, 46 follow-up investigations completed, one open door,
five instances of juvenile contacts, two auto accident reports taken.

Guartetto Gelato showcases its talent
Editor's note: The following review was completed by Kay Liggett of the
Union County Community Concert Association.
Quartetto Gelato quartet made music magic in the city Tuesday night.
What an eclectic show by four wonderfully talented musicians!
The members' performance was an unusual mix of skills performed with no
music scores before them, just their honed talents.
Narrator Cynthia Steijus with her oboe and English horn was unbelievably
haunting. Magnificent sound. She played amazing lead music that threaded
throughout the entire concert.
Alexander Sevastian's skillful accordion playing - yes, accordion, but
it didn't wheeze around with the music - made it sound like an orchestra
accompanying the group. He gave us a new appreciation for that
instrument. He was the backbone of the group.
Elinor Frey on the cello was outstanding! Awesome! Her final piece was
done with electrifying speed. She was the heartbeat of the group,
tweaking her magic, ancient exquisite cello. Her bowing and fingering was impressive.
Violin player Peter DeSotto also was a glorious brilliant tenor operatic
voice! He was the group's delightful humorist. He made it all look like
fun, but he's a superb musician and stage presence.
This was a dazzling group of musicians. Their repertoire was
imaginative classical, folk music and traditional. They were
mesmerizing: Hungarian czardas and whiling dervishes to heavy duty
classics from around the world.
It was an enchanting evening of glorious music. The classics never
sounded so good! Downright dazzling! The audience was awed and impressed.

Village plans for loss of revenue
When school moves, Milford Center will lose its biggest employer
By CINDY BRAKE
The Fairbanks School Board may be rejoicing about the recent passage of
a bond issue and income tax, but members of the Milford Center
Village Council are troubled.
As the school plans to take its money and build a new elementary outside
the village, council members are questioning how the community can
handle the loss of 7.5 percent of its income tax revenue.
During Monday's regular meeting, council members said the village
collects $12,000 annually from the schools from a 1 percent income tax.
Referring to the school's payroll from the elementary building in
Milford Center, councilman Ron Payne said, "$1.2 million disappears."
The school is reportedly the largest employer in the village.
"It's time to realize that it is going to take more than a noodle dinner
and a bake sale to run this place," Payne said. "We've got to start
acing like a corporation."
Council also extensively discussed problems with the Sugar Ridge neighborhood.
An Oyster Drive resident came to the meeting asking if the village would
take over the neglected playground. Council has refused to take
possession of the land until the developer corrects construction
problems. Specifically, the village is concerned with drainage problems
and the shelter house.
"We can no longer pretend that Sugar Ridge is non-existent," Payne said.
Council voted to authorize the village engineer and solicitor to meet
and present solutions about resolving construction problems at Sugar Ridge.
Council also directed the street committee to look into issues at
Pleasant Street. The street is a dead-end, but drivers apparently are
cutting across private property to another street. The private property
owner has placed a barrier on the land to stop people from cutting
through. Council discussed the need for signage or perhaps to even place
barriers at the end of the street.
Responding to a resident's question, solicitor John Eufinger said
licensed, street-legal lawnmowers can be driven on village streets.
Payne reported that two grant applications have been completed and will
be submitted to the Union County Board of Commissioners. One grant for
$9,000 would be used for development of a comprehensive plan. A $60,000
grant application would be used for sidewalk repair and upgrade near the
Route 4 bridge replacement.
A pine tree is scheduled to be removed at the village park and picnic
tables need painted, said councilman Josh Combs. He added that master
gardener Jayne Payne has been working a the park extensively.
Councilman Jeff Parren said the water committee recommended that council
not reimburse a resident who claimed his furnace was damaged by a
waterline problem. Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation.
Parren offered prices for street signs. He said he will contact the
Milford Center Lions Club about contributing to the costs and hopes to
have the signs installed by Memorial Day.
Absent from the meeting were council members Chris Burger and Tony Smith.

Prisoner walks away from correctional facility
From J-T staff reports:
Another prisoner escape has local law enforcement searching for a West
Central Community Based Correctional Facility inmate.
The Union County Sheriff's Office and The Union County prosecutor's
office are investigating a prisoner walk away, which occurred Monday evening.
Inmate Johnny A. Moore, 46, of Lakeview, reportedly walked off from a
cleaning detail shortly after 10 p.m.
The sheriff's office received a call from the prison, located at 18200
Route 4 in Marysville, and deputies responded to the facility.
County authorities were assisted by Marysville Police Department
officers in searching the surrounding area, however, Moore remained at
large as of presstime today.
Moore's escape comes just days after a Richwood Police prisoner, Justin
Lee McKinney, took off from Memorial Hospital of Union County. That
incident occurred Saturday morning as McKinney was being treated for
injuries he sustained during an alleged burglary last week.
McKinney reportedly assaulted a Richwood officer before escaping. He was
found later in the weekend.
According to a sheriff's department media release on Monday's escape,
Moore was originally sentenced to West Central from the Logan County
Common Pleas Court on a felony charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
The sheriff's investigation has revealed he was possibly picked up by
his wife, who has been identified as Gidget E. Moore, 38, of Bellefontaine.
The two are believed to be traveling in a red 1991 Dodge Shadow, with
Ohio registration of DGT-1609.
Johnny Moore was last seen wearing a tan button down shirt, blue jeans
and white tennis shoes. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 11
inches tall, weighing 170 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.
Felony charges are pending against Moore for escape and against his wife
for aiding in the escape.

Marysville board hears update on building projects
By KARLYN BYERS
Andrew Maletz of Steed/Hammond/Paul architectural firm led Marysville
Board members and Superintendent Larry Zimmerman through the school
district's various construction projects Monday night during a special board meeting.
Maletz said additions to Creekview Intermediate School are "effectively
complete and occupied." He added that the project was completed "within
a week or so" of schedule.
Construction should begin in June on Northwood Elementary. Ground was
broken April 24 for the 550-capacity facility which will be constructed
adjacent to the Creekview school.
Maletz said the newest addition to Marysville High School is in the
middle of the design phase. Construction is scheduled to begin next spring.
Designs will be submitted to the city of Marysville Planning Commission
next week and school and city officials have met to discuss underground
utility lines and other particulars related to the project.
This will be the second addition to the 16-year-old high school. The
2000 addition added 65,000 square feet. The planned addition will add
100,000 square feet and will include additional classrooms and
administration space, a new media center, a field house, and an enlarged commons area.
The current high school student population is 1,400. When completed, the
second addition should accommodate 2,000 students.
Design work is continuing on the new middle school/intermediate school
to be located on the former Bunsold property on Route 4 and U.S. 36. The
facility will house roughly 500 fifth and sixth grade pupils and an
equivalent number of seventh and eighth grade pupils in separate wings.
Preliminary design work shows a facility that can accommodate a second
story or be "stretched" to handle everything on a single level.
Maletz said while a two-story building traditionally costs less in
roofing materials, those cost savings are offset by stairway
construction and the installation of elevator(s).
"There is very little convincing evidence" that proves two-story floor
plans are better than one-story or vice-versa, he said.
The school will be sited to take advantage of a north/south exposure to
maximize lighting and school officials are exploring the use of
geothermal heating and cooling, using a retention pond that will be
constructed on the site. "The problem is, your savings are over time and your cost ... is up
front," Zimmerman said. Savings from the shared core facilities of the middle/intermediate
school should be felt sooner. School officials estimate considerable
savings in kitchen, heating and cooling plant and parking lot costs.
"I'm very pleased with the progress of the entire planning process to
meet the growth needs of our community," Zimmerman said in a press
release this morning. "Hundreds and hundreds of hours have been spent to
make sure the facilities will meet the educational needs of our kids at
the best value to the community. Growth is a long-term issue for us, and
we are taking steps to create a cost-effective plan to meet our
long-term needs. We are building in the locations where we expect our
community to grow in order to minimize future costs."
Another construction meeting with Maletz is tentatively scheduled for
June 7 or 8. Zimmerman said community meetings to keep students, parents
and the public informed also will be scheduled as the high school work progresses.

Richwood moving forward with vehicle purchase
By CHAD WILLIAMSON
When the gas tank fell out of a village dump truck a few weeks ago, it
was only a matter of time before it would have to be permanently taken out of service.
That day came recently when the frame of the vehicle was found to be
rusted through, leaving a financially strapped village with an unplanned expense.
Acting village administrator Lin Hensley reported that he had solicited
two bids from area vendors under a state negotiated bid price. He also
reported that no local dealers responded to bid requests.
Hensley said he was pleasantly surprised by the bids for the new Ford
F-350 truck. Bob Chapman Ford in Marysville and a London area dealership
had each submitted prices of about $28,300.
Hensley said there is no other village vehicle that can perform the
tasks the old dump truck handled, such as hauling the wood chipper
during summer months. Council members also noted that the village has
had little luck in purchasing used vehicles.
Council member Peg Wiley asked if the village had enough money built
into the budget to purchase the truck. Village financial officer Don
Jolliff said that the village would only need to cover the cost of
monthly payments, roughly $6-7,000 per year, a figure which could be covered.
Council voted 6-0 to authorize Hensley to secure a contract with Bob
Chapman Ford for the vehicle. The group also voted 6-0 to allow Jolliff
to secure the financing for the truck.
The village also learned from street committee head Scott Jerew that the
village received a favorable quote on resurfacing work to be performed
in the village. Richwood has planned to resurface Clinton, Fulton and
Walnut streets this summer.
Jerew said the village found a company that is willing to resurface
Clinton Street for $26,900, Fulton Street for $18,700 and Walnut Street
for $4,000. The $49,600 total is within the $60,000 the village budgeted
for road work in 2006. Despite the favorable quote, council directed Hensley to solicit bids
from other vendors to meet legal requirements.
In other business, the council:
.Learned that all boats stored at the Richwood Lake must have a state
license by May 15. On May 16 village crews will remove any boat without such license.
.Heard an update on village projects from engineer Ed Bischoff of Bischoff and Associates.
.Heard a complaint from a husband and wife over letter from village
solicitor Rick Roger. The couple said they had set up a payment
arrangement to pay for past income tax payments but still received a
letter threatening to take them to court over the issue. The couple also
complained of rude treatment from some village officials.
.Voted 4-1, with Wiley voting no and council member Jim Thompson not yet
at the meeting, to allow two building permits for Jason Wills. Wills
purchased the site of the former North Union Elementary School and will
be building on lots facing Ottawa Street.
.Heard from Hensley that someone vandalized the lift station at the Richwood Park.
.Learned from Jolliff that the village is currently in the process of
being audited by the state. He reported no problems.
.Learned that the Progressive Buds garden club will plant flowers under
the signs at the entrances to the village. .Held an executive session to discuss personnel.

Paving costs on the rise
Engineer says county prepared for price spike
By CINDY BRAKE
Costs to maintain roads are going up, but Union County appears to be prepared.
Union County Engineer Steve Stolte reports that he expects to spend $6
million on road, bridge and culvert projects by dipping into reserves,
utilizing federal funds and $300,000 from the county's coffers.
"We anticipated some cost increases in the hot mix contract work and
adjusted our work program accordingly, but still had to eliminate about
$100,000 from our hot mix program," Stolte writes in an e-mail. "We will
have to reduce our chip seal program this year by some amount. We have
yet to determine that and probably won't know until the middle of June.
I'm guessing about $60,000."
Specifically, Stolte writes, the county will eliminate widening and
resurfacing of Butler Avenue and also the contract widening of one
section of Harriott Road.
The increased costs, however, will not stop the long-planned
construction of a new covered bridge over the Big Darby Creek.
Bids for a covered bridge came in about $300,000 more than the available
federal funds, but the Union County Commissioners agreed to make up the
difference through general funds. General funds are generated from the
county's income and property taxes as well as fees.
The bulk of the engineer's budget comes from a gasoline tax and license
plate fees. Stolte estimates that this year Union County will receive
about $4.1 million from that sources.
A comparison of material prices from 2003 to 2006 shows steady increases.
"If we spent $1 million on hot mix paving in 2003 and that allowed us to
pave 24 miles of road, in 2006 that same $1 million would allow us to
pave only 16 miles of road. The liquid bituminous material is what we
use in our chip seal process. In 2006, we will spend over $100,000 more
than we did in 2004 for about the same number of gallons of materials,"
Stolte writes in an E-mail.
A chart prepared by the Engineer's staff shows prices for various
materials have increased steadily with the greatest jump in prices
occurring this past year.
In 2003 the county engineer spent $109,100.82 for fuel - gasoline,
diesel and off-road diesel. He is estimating this year to spend
$197,000. Total cost for concrete in 2003 was $13,176. This year it is
projected to be $17,201 for approximately the same amount.
Projecting to purchase approximately the same amount of bituminous
materials from 2006 from last year, the total cost will increase by
nearly $40,000 from $132,385 to $173,470. Hot mix contract bids are 34.4
percent higher than 2003.
Purchasing the same amount of liquid bituminous material this year from
2005 will result in an increased cost of $68,000.
One bright spot in the increasing cost of materials has been the
graduated state gas tax. Union County revenues have increased from $1.4
million in 2002 to $2.1 million in 2004.
As state funding increased, local funding has been scaled back. Stolte
explains that prior to 2004 the county commissioners contributed
$450,000 annually from the general fund for road resurfacing and
widening, but 2004 was the last year. The net effect in 2005 of the
increased gas tax and the loss of the general fund contribution was an
increase in revenue of about $250,000.
This year, however, appears to be a different story.
Stolte said the department will operate at about a $600,000 deficit this
year which will use up about half of the $1.2 million carryover from the
beginning of the year.

Prisoner escapes while being treated at Memorial Hospital
From J-T staff reports:
A Richwood prisoner escaped from police custody Saturday, after running
off from the Memorial Hospital of Union County.
Justin Lee McKinney, 18, of Sommersville, W.Va., was at the Marysville
hospital being treated for injuries related to a burglary in Richwood
that took place on Thursday.
Marysville Assistant Police Chief Glenn Nicol said this morning that
while in custody, McKinney assaulted the female Richwood police officer
and ran away at 12:02 a.m. Saturday.
He said Marysville officers were called to assist in the chase. McKinney
had run toward Plum Street, but was located by neighborhood watch
volunteers in a nearby mobile home park.
"He was arrested by Marysville Police in Countryside Mobile Home Park at
approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday," Nicol said.
McKinney was then turned over to Richwood police officers, he said.
Richwood Police Chief, Rick Asher, said that McKinney was a suspect in a
burglary that occurred in his village on May 4 and had a prior history
of resisting arrest. McKinney was handcuffed, with his hands in front
when he ran off.
"He was transported to the Tri-County Regional Jail on charges filed by
the Richwood Police Department," Asher said.
Also assisting in the chase were the Union County Sheriff's Office.

Man pleads guilty in child porn case
By RYAN HORNS
A Union County man pleaded guilty this morning to raping a juvenile
female family member in a child pornography investigation that began in Iraq.
Dwight Elmer Brown, 41, 13664 U.S. 36 pleaded guilty in the Union County
Common Pleas Court to one second-degree felony charge of pandering
sexually oriented materials involving a minor and two first-degree
felony rape charges involving a juvenile under the age of 10 years.
Union County Prosecuting Attorney David Phillips and Brown's attorney
Perry Parsons made a joint recommendation for a sentence that would put
Brown in prison for the rest of his life. They asked the court to
sentence Brown, a youth softball coach, to five years in prison for the
second-degree felony charge of pandering sexually oriented matter
involving a minor and life in prison for one first-degree felony rape
charge and another life in prison sentence for the second first-degree felony rape charge.
Phillips explained this morning that the sentences are mandatory for the
crimes, but he asked the court that they be served consecutively. He
said that he wanted to be sure Brown would not be eligible for parole
for another 25 years, as eligibility for parole opens up after 10 years in a life sentence.
Dismissed in the pleas agreement were five charges of pandering sexually
oriented matter involving a minor; two fifth-degree felony charges of
possessing criminal tools; and one third-degree felony gross sexual imposition charge.
Brown's stipulation as a "violent sexual predator" was changed to "sexual predator."
Phillips explained that the law states Brown must have previously been
convicted of a similar sexual crime, which is not the case, as this is his first offense.
The Bill of Particulars, filed today on the case, details the events
that led up to Brown's arrest.
On Feb. 13, 2005, at 9:54 a.m. Brown used his computer and web-cam to
transmit images of himself and the victim engaged in sexual acts. The
crime took place at his home.
"During this time, Brown was broadcasting the video on the Internet to
several persons including, Joseph Kaye, a member of the United States
military. During this time, Brown alluded to several acts between
himself and the minor-female. Brown believed Joseph Kaye to be a
14-year-old female by the name of 'Stephanie'," court papers state.
Kaye had reportedly been in a chat room for boys and girls, ages nine to
13, when he witnessed and recorded the video feed on his laptop
computer, which Brown made and broadcasted. The video lasted
approximately 49 minutes.
Court files state that the video was eventually discovered by members of
United States military on Kaye's computer while he was stationed in Al
Qaim, Iraq. The computer was seized on May 5, 2005 by naval authorities
and submitted for forensic analysis at the Department of Defense
Computer Forensics Laboratory in Lithicum, Md.
Kaye was prosecuted, convicted and sentenced on March 8 to 25 years in
federal prison. As part of an agreement for reduction in sentence, Kaye
cooperated with authorities to identify pornography and pedophiles, including Brown.
At this point, the files state, Brown was interviewed by Union County
Sheriff's Detective Jon Kleiber. Brown eventually admitted to making the
video from his home, which was confirmed by authorities after a search warrant was made.
Not only did Brown admit to being the man in the video, court files
state, but he told detectives that he had engaged in similar acts for four years.
For the second rape charge, Brown again made a video feed on Feb. 27 at
10:46 a.m. It contained himself and the victim in another sexual act.
Throughout the rest of the investigation, Brown admitted to transmitting
live web-cam from his home on a "regular basis."
Union County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Parrott set the sentencing
date for June 6 at 2:45 p.m.
When Parrott read out the stipulations to the sentence recommendations,
Brown bowed his head several times and wept. As he was led out of the
courtroom by a deputy, after the hearing was over, he told a man in the
crowd to tell his family "I love them."

Jail may spend money to keep tabs on inmates
By RYAN HORNS
Modern technology is widening the eye watching over Tri-County Regional Jail inmates.
Prison Director Robert Beightler updated the Tri-County Corrections
Commission members on needed technological updates at the facility,
during the Thursday afternoon meeting. He warned that some of the costs
could take a chunk out of available funds.
Beightler explained that he would like to upgrade the jail's video
surveillance recording system from VCR tape to digital format. He said
the current system has not worked for several years. The upgrade could cost up to $30,000.
"I think this is a very serious and important thing for us to have," he said.
Champaign County Sheriff David Deskins said he agreed.
"I have complained from day one that it's not working," he said.
"We have got to protect our employees," Union County Commissioner Gary Lee added.
In terms of incidents happening at the prison, Deskins said that having
digital footage "will show exactly what happened, as opposed to witness statements."
Newly hired maintenance director Greg Gossard said the main issue would
be re-routing the VCR wiring to another nearby room to be adapted for digital hook-up.
Beightler also touched on another device the jail hopes to use to keep
track of prisoner phone calls. The idea is to be able to record the
incoming and outgoing calls that inmates make and to similarly record
the calls their visitors make from the prison as well. Law enforcement
has had occasions when using information from these calls has become
important for cases - especially when arguments erupt during phone conversations.
Beightler said that on Tuesday at 10 a.m. there will be a meeting at the
jail for county prosecutors to learn more about the possible upgrade.
Prosecutors benefit from the new system because when an inmate makes or
receives a call, it can be transferred to their cell phones and allow
them to monitor the conversations. It is the same system currently in place in Logan County.
In other business discussed:
. During his jail finance update, Beightler said that his staff has been hit hard recently.
Administrative assistant, Sandra Marsh, was injured in a car accident
and has been off for 30 days healing from broken ribs. She is doing well
and is expected back to work next week.
Beightler said four out of five of his supervisors and three of his
corrections officers are off work for surgeries - in total it has
resulted in 269 days of sick leave paid out since the beginning of the year.
. Beightler said the jail received its inspection on March 21 and
received a 100 percent score. He said the process of giving jails a
percentage score will soon be discontinued, in favor of "pass" or "fail" grades.

Wait is over for First Presbyterian
After three years, church has new reverend
By KARLYN BYERS
First Presbyterian's new minister hit the ground running after his
arrival in Marysville, and his schedule shows no immediate signs of
allowing him to do otherwise.
The Rev. Dr. Scott L. Strohm arrived in the county seat Sunday at 8 p.m.
Since then, he has had three days crammed full of meetings, greetings
and other activities that have kept him on the go.
But he knew the first few months at his new church would be hectic,
Strohm said, as he settles into his position as head of a church of 400 members.
Maybe that's why it isn't so bad that he is "batching" it, living alone
in a small apartment near the church. Meanwhile, Kathy, his wife of
almost 25 years, and their younger daughter, Anna, are preparing to move
into the home the Strohms have purchased on Palm Drive in the Green
Pastures neighborhood.
Older daughter Rachel is finishing her freshman year at Westminster
College in New Wilmington, Pa., where she plays varsity softball. Anna,
an accomplished musician who also plays softball and enjoys cheerleading
competitions, is completing eighth grade.
Strohm comes to First Presbyterian from Chambers Memorial Presbyterian
Church in Rutledge, a suburb of Philadelphia. He served the congregation
there for 16 years, and describes Rutledge as a community that "really
only exists because it cares to."
Four blocks by five blocks in size, Rutledge is home to only one church,
Chambers Presbyterian. When Strohm first went there, the church was
suffering from benign neglect. As a result, it went through four major
capital campaigns in the 16 years he shepherded its flock.
"I joked that I was going to have business cards printed that said
'pastor/contractor'," he said.
By contrast, First Presbyterian is a beautiful, well-tended facility, he
said. It also has "very loving people," according to Strohm, as
evidenced by the way the church search committee conducted business
while seeking, interviewing and hiring him as new pastor.
"It's a real model of how I think the church should work through
difficulties," he said.
Originally from Beaver, Pa., Strohm was raised in a Methodist church
where his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Falstick, served as pastor. But
as he got older, he found that he needed more than the rural church
could offer, especially in the area of youth programming.
He discovered Park Presbyterian Church while in high school. It filled
the void and offered him many opportunities to serve others long before
he even knew he wanted to become a minister.
He attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J., where he
graduated with a degree in music education. From there he was hired by a
church in Canton, to be its minister of music and Christian education.
It was while in Canton that he met Kathy, who is an accountant by profession.
It also was in Canton that he responded to God's call to the ministry.
He resigned his position to attend Princeton Theological Seminary, where
Strohm earned a master of divinity degree. In 2001, he received a Ph.D.
in ministry from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
"I thought I needed a new perspective," Strohm said of his decision to
attend a Lutheran seminary.
With his younger daughter leaving middle school this year, it seemed a
good time to leave Chamber Presbyterian.
"I never intended to stay there that long but there was always something
to do," Strohm said of his time in Rutledge.
The Strohms wanted a location that "wasn't a ridiculous distance away"
from Strohm's mother and Kathy's parents. Marysville seemed to fit that criteria.
Its school system also appealed to the family when Strohm researched the
community on the Internet, he said.
Strohm hopes to get involved in the Marysville community soon, and he
hopes to increase the church's presence there, although he said he
doesn't think the church "has been lacking there."
He fills a position that had been tended by an interim pastor for the
past three years. Strohm knows the activity he has experienced his first
three days may only intensify. That may not allow much time for his
favorite hobbies of cooking, woodworking and fishing. But occasionally
Strohm will step away from the physical, mental and spiritual pressures
of the ministry and make time for himself.
When he does, he may indulge in cooking his favorite Mexican dinner or
trolling along in his 16-foot Lund fishing boat - a gift from his
Chambers congregation after he had served there 10 years.
"Pulling in a (large) bass on a light tackle is quite exhilarating," Strohm said.

Fairbanks voters pass tax issues
Will fund construction of new elementary
By KARLYN BYERS and CINDY BRAKE
Fairbanks Superintendent Jim Craycraft said he was "pleased as punch" after
voters approved the school district's 4.4-mill bond issue and five-year,
0.25 percent income tax Tuesday.
"My wife had to slap me to get the smile off my face last night," Craycraft
joked this morning. Fairbanks¹ bond issue will fund a 500-capacity pre-kindergarten through
fifth-grade school to be built near the existing middle and high school
building on Route 38. It passed by an unofficial vote of 1,033 to 902, or by
a 53 percent to 47 percent margin.
The income tax will pay for permanent improvements, including air
conditioning the existing middle and high school building and upgrading the
gymnasium portion of the 90-year-old Milford Center Elementary. It passed by
an unofficial vote of 978 to 920, or by a 52 percent to 48 percent margin.
Craycraft said, "We felt really good that the bond issue would pass, but we
weren't too sure about the income tax."
Craycraft added that he appreciates the vote of confidence the community has
given the school district. Three issues have been passed in the past two
years, he said. "It means the community really trusts us and understands there is a need,
and that is really important," Craycraft said.
The district will move forward right away into the design phase, which
Craycraft estimated would take "a couple months."
The school board has already selected TMP architectural firm to design the
new elementary and Ruscilli Construction as project manager. It will follow
guidelines established by Ohio's School Facilities Commission.
Ground should be broken by mid-October, Craycraft said, with a projected
move-in date of February, 2009. After that, the academic wing of the Milford
Center School will be demolished.
"This is an exciting phase for the district," Craycraft said. "We're going
to be good stewards of (the residents¹) money and go forward."

Also passing in Tuesday's primary election was a 3.8-mill renewal levy for
the MRDD Board. It was passed by an unofficial count of 3,646 to 3,362 or a
52 percent to 48 percent voter margin.
A five-year, five-mill replacement levy passed in Magnetic Springs by an
unofficial margin of 46 to 17 (73 percent for, 27 percent against).
And Dover Township residents renewed a 3.5-mill, four-year fire protection
levy by an unofficial margin of 276 to 69 (80 percent for, 20 percent against).

County Central Committee members elected are listed as follows:
Republican
Allen, S. Susan Irwin; Claibourne 1, Jeff Evans; Claibourne 2, John R. Bell;
Darby 1, Roger Nicol; Darby 2, Brian Wade; Dover 2, Marvin C. Gilbert;
Jerome 1, Bob Fry; Jerome 2, Jim Mitchell; Jerome 3, John Woerner; Jerome 4,
Kermit Morse III; Jerome 5, Gary Conklin; Leesburg, Max E. Robinson; Liberty
1, Donald G. Russell; Liberty 2, Bruce Tillman; Marysville 10, Robert
William Parrott; Marysville 12, Nanciann Sawyer; Marysville 13, John E.
Marshall; Marysville 14, Joseph M. Altizer; Magnetic Springs, Malcolm
Manville; Marysville 1, Theodore B. Byus; Marysville 2, John T. Foster;
Marysville 3, Carl Robert Coe; Marysville 4, Majorie D. Scheiderer;
Marysville 5, Donald M. Howard; Marysville 6, Jim Westfall; Marysville 7,
Karen Haller; Marysville 8, Mary Ann Hyland; Marysville 9, William
Rutherford; Milford Center, L. Jean Thiergartner; Millcreek, Ernest
Bumgarner; Paris 1, Wanda Gwilliams; Paris 2, Gary Lee; Plain City, Belva
Latham; Richwood 1, Leanna Cereoli; Richwood 2, Georgeann Charles; Taylor 1,
Dean E. Cook; Taylor 2, James W. Shaw; Union 1, Mary Lou Ryan; Union 2,
William F. Gorton; Washington, Wayne Rickard; York, Dallas W. Dowell Jr.
Democrat
Allen, Joe Bell; Claibourne 1, John Hoskins; Claibourne 2, Barbara
Mattesonl; Darby 2, Alfred Short; Dover 1, Bonnie Sprigss; Dover 2,James
Moots III; Jackson, Donna M. Flach; Jerome 2, Mildred Pace; Jerome 3, Norman
Puntenney; Jerome 5, John E. Mercer; Leesburg, Richard Flynn; Liberty 1,
Steve Merriman; Liberty 2, Nathan McCoy; Marysville 10, Kathryn Liggett;
Marysville 11, Thomas W. Russell; ; Marysville 12, John Eufinger; Marysville
14, Kathy Robinson; Marysville 1, Cheryl Robinson; Marysville 5, John A.
Long; Marysville 6, Steve Dunton; Marysville 7, David R. Moots; Millcreek,
Michael Stemkowski; Paris 1, Rose Anna Coleman; Paris 2, Stephen Davisson;
Plain City, John W. Desjardins; Richwood 1, Kathryn Hook; Richwood 2, Robert
Redmon; Taylor 1, William Steele; Union 1, Patrick Riggs; Union 2, John
Ryan; Washington, Richard Gillenwater; York, Dallas W. Dowell Jr.

Concerns aired over potential conflict
Jerome officials have issue with Dublin employee on LUC committee
By CINDY BRAKE
Jerome Township Board of Trustees are questioning whether an executive
committee member of the LUC Planning Commission has a conflict of interest.
During Monday's regular meeting, the three-member trustee board
unanimously voted to send a letter to both the Union County Prosecuting
Attorney and LUC asking whether a paid employee for the city of Dublin
might have a conflict of interest sitting on the regional board which
reviews zoning and development projects for Logan, Union and Champaign counties.
Trustee Ron Rhodes said Paul Hammersmith is a paid employee of Dublin
and has opposed two Jerome projects recently. He also reportedly voiced
opposition to a third. Trustees Andrew Thomas and Robert Merkle agreed
that they were concerned.
A public hearing originally slated for Monday night prior to the board
meeting was canceled because of incorrect notification, Merkle said. The
meeting will now be held Monday, May 15, at 7 p.m. to consider zoning updates.
The board authorized Rhodes to negotiate the sale of a 1990 dump truck
stored at the cemetery. The township owns two other dump trucks.
Merkle said the board met Friday in emergency session to purchase a new
truck for the fire department. The vehicle will replace a grass fighter.
The cost was approximately $33,000 and purchased at the government
rating system. Rhodes said that after the current grass fighter broke
down, he was able to find three vehicles that met the department's
specifications - one in Ohio, one in Wyoming and one in New York.
The board purchased the vehicle from a southern Ohio company.
Discussion about a letter from CPS Consulting was tabled for further
consideration. Rhodes said patching on roads is being done on Mitchell
Dewitt and Hickory Ridge.
Thomas said he authorized local crews to pick up debris along a county
road rather than have county workers be called for the small job. Thomas
said the five-minute job was a public hazard. Former trustee Freeman May
said the township should charge the county for the work.
In other business:
. Merkle said he is looking into the purchase of better recording equipment.
. Merkle announced that a countywide hazardous waste event is planned
June 3 at Union Recyclers. Individuals with names ending in A through M
are asked to drop off items from 9 a.m. to noon. Those with names ending
in N through Z are asked to drop off from noon to 3 p.m.

Few snags for new voting machines
Programming error causes some machines to go down
By CINDY BRAKE AND KARLYN BYERS
Today's election began with a minor glitch.
Dave Moots, chairman of the Union County Board of Elections, said a
programming problem caused a bit of a delay with the new electronic
voting machines early this morning.
After developing procedures and conducting tests, Moots said he was
prepared to be the first voter at Marysville Precinct 6/7 in the school
administration building until the screen when blue.
What he discovered was that the programming step to enable the audio on
most machines had not been completed. He said the equipment was up and
running within an hour.
Moot said some voters waited while others said they would return. He
added that some poll workers pulled out paper ballots until the problem was corrected.
At 10:30 a.m. today, Moots said that voting turnout appeared light in
the four precincts that he had observed.
Presiding judges in two precincts reported a larger than normal voter
turnout this morning.
Linda Trees, a presiding judge in Marysville's Precinct 4, said "We're a
little busier than I thought we would be today. We're pretty steady."
Trees said this was especially surprising considering this morning's
rain and the prediction of a low voter turnout. She also said voters
really liked the new machines, and no problems had been encountered.
Judy Mitchell, Darby 1 presiding judge, described voter turnout there as
"pretty good," a situation she thought was in response to the Fairbanks
Schools tax levy on the ballot.
Voters were accepting the new machines "very well," she said. The
precinct did experience some problems with the machines. Only one of
nine was operating at first, but the remaining machines soon came on line, Mitchell said.
Machines also froze up briefly in Jerome Precinct 4, according to
presiding judge Suzanne Feasel. But voters seemed "to be enjoying" the
new machines. Feasel described voter turnout as "fairly light."
Voter turnout in Taylor Township (Broadway) was "average," according to
one presiding judge. The new machines were "great," and everyone seemed
to enjoy them, she said. Absentee voting was average, election staff reported. This was the first
year that allowed for no fault absentee voting.

U.C. health department to produce hand washing video
From J-T staff reports:
The Union County Health Department is hoping "to spread the message, not
germs" about handwashing by creating a commercial that could be seen in
15 central Ohio counties.
Spokesman Jennifer Thrush said the local board of health approved
spending up to $1,200 to produce a 30-second video with Dilley Video
Services of Marysville. She said the video will probably be silent with
professional voice overs added.
The "entertaining" video, to be filmed May 8 at Germain Amphitheater in
Columbus, will show eight men of varying ages washing their hands in a
bathroom with a child singing "Happy Birthday." Thrush explained that
the thought behind the images is that if someone sings "Happy Birthday"
twice it equals the necessary 20 seconds for a disinfecting hand washing.
She adds that Union County volunteers are being sought for the commercial.
The video is the first of a three-pronged message in educating the
public about how to prepare for a pandemic flu. Besides washing hands
frequently, individuals should cover their coughs and stay home when sick, Thrush said.
The commercial will be televised on cable television stations in late June.
Thrush said this is not the first time the local health department has
produced a commercial. A previous series about Medicare was generated
locally, Thrush said.