Local Archived News July 2007

Fair attendance expected to be record
By MAC CORDELL
Mild weather and high gas prices are being credited for record high
attendance at this year's Union County Fair.
"I thought the fair went really well," said Kay Griffith, marketing
director for the fair.
Griffith said attendance through Friday was up 16 percent. Numbers for
the weekend have not been tabulated yet, but Griffith expects they will
be high also.
"We were absolutely packed Friday, Saturday and Sunday," she said.
Griffith expressed gratitude to the community for its support.
"By the numbers, I would say people were staying close to home and
coming to the fair, with the price of gas and the wonderful weather," Griffith said.
She said she believes the increased attendance resulted in increased gate receipts.
"I would assume we are up money," Griffith said. "Because of the rise in
attendance numbers, it seems the money would be up as well."
Christy Leeds, Ohio State University Extension office 4-H educator for
Union County, said Junior Fair events were a success. Many 4-H classes
saw increased participation. Leeds specifically mentioned the special
interest categories, along with the goat department and the dairy feeder
department as those growing. She said the self-determined class of the
special interest division is gaining popularity.
"It really offers a lot of flexibility to the kids," Leeds said.
She said special interest projects are attractive to the 4-H
participants who do not live on traditional farms.
"You do have a lot of different kind of kids who participate in 4-H,"
Leeds said. "Special interest is great for the kids that don't have 10
acres to raise an animal, but have plenty of room for these types of projects."
She added that a lot of the participants who show livestock had
"companion projects" in the special interest division.
"At our fair, kids tend to be involved in multiple areas," Leeds said.
The livestock divisions continue to draw support from the community, Leeds noted.
"Livestock shows were packed with people," Griffith said.
She said the senior citizen's day and the veteran's day were both successful
Griffith said the fair board will look at some new entertainment options
for a pair of evenings.
"Those two nights have not been decided yet," Griffith said.
She said entertainment options will be reviewed at the fair convention in January.
One entertainment option that will not be left out next year is the Teen
Idol competition, which fair organizers called, "a big success."
Kylie Ross beat 19 other competitors to take this year's top honors and $300 cash.
"It is in the works to step up the prizes and things for next year
because it was such a success," Griffith said.
She said there were a few problems at the fair, but said that is to be
expected at any fair. One problem the fair board is looking to rectify is parking.
"The major problem we have at the fair is the parking," Griffith said.
"We are going to try to address that over the winter months, especially
in the livestock area."
Leeds said she does not expect any major changes in next year's junior fair.

Groat plans to run for seat on Marysville City Council
From J-T staff reports:
For the past several years resident Deborah Groat has been working on
local boards and commissions, but now she has her eyes on Marysville City Council.
Groat recently announced she will be running for Marysville City
Council's Ward 3 position currently held by councilman David Burke. The
spot will be open for election because Burke does not plan to run again.
Instead he plans to run for state representative.
Groat said that in 2001 she first decided to get involved in Marysville
government. She started off by attending city council meetings to learn
more about the process and the issues the city faces.
From there she has served as commissioner of the Marysville Parks and
Recreation Committee, a role she has held since 2003; and served as a
member of Marysville's ad hoc subcommittee in the spring of 2003 to
study the financial needs of the city. She also currently serves on the
city's Utility Claims Board, which she has been involved with since 2004.
A teacher at Marysville High School since 1976, Groat has also served on
the superintendent's committee to select the high school principal,
1988-89; the weighted grades investigation committee, 1989-90; the
principal's in-service and advisory committees throughout the 1990s; and many more.
"I have no personal axe to grind," Groat offered as explanation for
wanting to be on council. "Marysville is on the cusp of becoming a
larger city . we need quality personnel on every level."
With growth inevitable, Groat said she would like to make sure
Marysville stays competitive with other communities. It needs to attract
professionals and city staff members that can bring Marysville into the
future with grace.
In addition, she said, Marysville's police and fire department are both
understaffed and work in outdated buildings. That will need attention in
order for them to effectively do their jobs.
"I'm a proud wife of a Marysville Police officer and I'm not going to
hide that," Groat said.
But her concerns do not end there. She worries about the city's debt load.
Back in 2003, Groat said the Marysville ad hoc committee she was
involved with "foresaw financial difficulties. It was the elephant in the living room."
"If my home were in the same financial difficulty that the city is in
I'd be getting a second job," Groat said. "We have to start addressing
our long term financial goals."
Another issue is communication between council and the public, she said.
With such a history in education, she hopes to use her skills to fully
understand issues affecting the city, then explain those to the public
in clear and concise ways.
Groat graduated from Huntington East High School in 1972 as
valedictorian and graduated in 1976 from Marshall University - Summa Cum
Laude with a degree in education, focused on English, Latin and
mathematics. She received a masters degree in education from Wright
State University in 1994 and has continued to work in post-masters
courses to this day.
Groat has been married the past 28 years to police officer Jeffrey Groat
Sr., and they have three children.

Ride for Kids raises $81,233
From J-T staff reports
Nearly 300 Honda motorcycles filled the roads of Union County on
Saturday for a very good cause.
Honda HomeComing's Ride for Kids raised $81,233 to benefit the Pediatric
Brain Tumor Foundation as 298 bikes participated in the event.
Associates from Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and Honda Research and
Development Ohio Center raised $21,970. That money was matched 50 cents
on the dollar by Honda, bringing the total raised by the company and
associates to $32,955.
This year's $81,233 is a decrease from last year's Ride for Kids, which
raised more than $104,000 for PBTF.
Organizers had hoped to top last year's numbers, but recognized some
outside factors play a role.
"One reason for the decrease is there are other ride for kids events in
Ohio now," said Ron Lietzke, Honda spokesman, specifically referencing a
ride near Cleveland.
"People used to come down and participate here, but they have their own
mow that they participate in."
Lietzke said he did not know what effect the weather may have had on
event participation.
Following a scenic route through Union, Champaign and Logan counties,
riders returned to the Marysville Motorcycle Plant for a "Celebration of
Life" ceremony. The celebration featured brain tumor survivors and
family members sharing personal insights.

Dozens arrested at party for underage drinking
Dozens of juveniles were charged after Union County Sheriff's deputies
discovered a party going on in a field over the weekend.
On Sunday at 12:59 a.m., deputies reportedly received a call about
suspicious activity in the area of the 21000 block of Liberty West Road.
The caller told officers that there were cars driving up and down the
roadway and heading back to a field.
Once deputies arrived on the scene, they found a large party going on,
involving up to 30 people.
As a result of the discovery, underage drinking charges are pending
against four juvenile females and a juvenile male. Numerous adults were
charged with underage drinking as well, including Jesse Smith, 19, of
Hilliard; Austin Simpson, 20, of Columbus; Laura Stayton, 18, of
Hilliard; Travis Cressonie, 20, of Columbus; Thomas Clime III, 19, of
Hilliard; Spencer Brusk, 20, of Grove City; Derek Glick, 20, of
Hilliard; Natalie Husch, 19, of Galloway; Joshua Guyton, 20, of
Galloway; Corey McClurkin, 19, of Hilliard; Matthew Eder, 20, of
Columbus; Matthew Anderson, 19, of Hilliard; Zachary Pike, 19, of
Hilliard; Jeffrey Estep II, 18, of Grove City; Katie Karnes, 18, of
Hilliard; Ryan Brown, 19, of Columbus; and Amanda Gruett, 19, of Hilliard.
Deputies reported this morning that property owner Richard Garwood, 21,
of 205 E. 11th St. was also charged with allowing juveniles to consume
alcohol illegally on his property.
Union County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Chris Skinner
said that the charges against Garwood have been referred to county and
city prosecutors. He said they will determine if Garwood will face one
general charge for allowing the drinking to occur, or will face
individual charges for each separate juvenile.

Abel Five to bring Cincinnati sound to Balloon Festival
By CORINNE BIX
Cincinnati based band Abel Five is ready and able to move from a cover
band to an all-original project within the next calendar year.
They will be the featured band on Friday, Aug. 17, at the All Ohio
Balloon Festival from 6-10 p.m.
"We are very excited about the Balloon Fest," Joe Leonard, drummer,
said.
The band formed two years ago after Leonard went to hear the Rick
Douglas Band, an acoustic duo in the Cincinnati area.
It turned out in addition to music, Leonard, Rick Hamilton and Doug
Blackburn all shared a common career, mortgage brokering.
The three men started a trio band with Leonard on drums, Hamilton on
guitar and Blackburn as lead vocals.
Before long, Kris Bredwell, bass and Kevin Lambert, keys, joined the
group and Abel Five became a staple band at the Mt. Lookout Tavern in
Cincinnati, not to mention other venues around the Tri-State area.
Leonard said the group's name came from the name of a space monkey who
died five days after her first mission in space in 1959.
The monkey has become a symbol for the band and appears on its
promotional materials.
At this point the band averages about two shows a month making sure to
take time for the young families of the band members.
Leonard said the band's number one influence would be O.A.R. (Of a
Revolution) a band which began at Ohio State Univerisity.
He said the song that seems to get the most response from the crowd is
the band's rendition of OAR's "Crazy Game of Poker."
Leonard said the band classifies itself as a mainstream pop/rock band
and compares its sound to the likes of Coldplay, The Fray and the Dave
Matthews Band.
Currently the band is moving towards creating a business plan and
putting together an all-original album.
For more information about Abel Five, those interested may visit its
website at www.abelfive.com.

PUCO, CSX officials visit rail crossing
Design phase will begin for E. Fifth St. project
By RYAN HORNS
At Thursday night's Marysville City Council meeting resident and
business owner Harold Green asked for an update on the East Fifth Street
railroad crossing.
The roadway was closed last year by Mayor Tom Kruse, who felt the
crossing was too dangerous.
City Administrator Kathy House said that PUCO and CSX officials came to
the city last week to do a site visit.
"They looked at where the gates and the lights would go," House said.
Another observation was that the roadway will need to be widened at the
railroad crossing from 19 feet to 24 feet, she said. With the amount of
traffic expected to use the road, it will eventually need to be wide
enough to support it.
House said the PUCO and CSX officials plan to go back with the
information they gathered to use toward "design purposes."
"We have no idea when we will hear from them next," she said. "In fact,
their visit last week was a surprise."
Council members then discussed how long it would take before
work would begin.
House said that a letter from PUCO to CSX asked them to hurry things
along. CSX was given 90 days to respond in April.
Councilman Dan Fogt said that CSX has delayed the project significantly,
along with other projects around the state. So it is not something only
Marysville has had to deal with.
"The legal department has been very, very slow to respond," he said.
He said the East Fifth Street crossing project should have been resolved
by November.
"Instead it is probably going to be dragged out until March or April," Fogt said.
Council member John Gore pointed out that despite their disappointment
with the time it is taking, without PUCO getting involved they "would be
left with nothing."
Council president Ed Pleasant explained to Green that because of PUCO's
involvement the cost for upgrading the crossing has been divided between
the city, PUCO, and CSX. It will mean a lower price tag for the city.
He assured Green that council will keep updated on the issue.
"It is on our radar," Pleasant said.

Honda unsure of cost of legislation
By MAC CORDELL
A farm subsidies bill passed Friday in House of Representatives is
causing some concern for local businesses.
The bill imposes new taxes on certain multinational companies with U.S.
subsidiaries. The tax would raise about $4 billion to help fund an
increase in food stamp and other nutrition programs as part of the
subsidies bill. Republicans opposed the bill funding offset because it
was introduced at the last minute and could not be studied. They said
the increased tax would hurt businesses and cost jobs in America.
On the floor of the House, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, who represents
Union County, expressed her displeasure with the way the farm bill
funding offset was introduced. After its passage, she said it was
impossible to know what type of impact it might have on local companies
like Honda and Nestles.
"I don't know yet, and I am not sure Honda has even been able to
calculate its impact," Pryce wrote in an e-mail Friday after the bill
passed. "That is in part why so many of us cried foul when the tax hike
on subsidiaries was announced. Typically, these impacts are assessed
during committee markups and hearings and review. Unfortunately, this
process was completely circumvented, and 48 hours after House Democrats
announced their $7.5 billion tax hike, we were forced to vote on it."
Ed Miller, Honda spokesman, said the company had not yet determined what
financial impact, if any, the offset may have on the company. He said
company officials had been meeting throughout the day to try to asses
the potential ramifications.
The bill, which passed 231-191, devotes more money to conservation,
renewable energy, nutrition and specialty crop programs than in the
past, but leaves in place - and in some cases increases - subsidies to
producers of major crops such as corn and soybeans. Many in the house
fought against leaving those subsidies in place because farmers are
receiving record high prices on those crops.
The legislation bans subsidies to farmers whose income averages more
than $1 million a year, down from the current limit of $2.5 million. It
also would stop farmers from collecting payments for multiple farm
businesses. Still, it includes about $42 billion in assistance to farmers.
Farm subsidies bills have, in the past, received almost unilateral
support from lawmakers. This measure seemed destined to do the same
until democrats added the 11th hour funding offset addition to the bill.
Democrats said they were closing a loophole and cracking down on foreign
tax-dodgers, while Republicans called it a massive tax hike that would
affect manufacturers that provide millions of jobs in their districts.
Republicans said the bills financing offset is a violation of U.S. foreign treaties.
Honda North America Inc. and Nestle USA, Inc. are both part the
Organization for International Investing, a business association
representing U.S. subsidiaries of companies headquartered abroad. That
organization wrote a letter to lawmakers Thursday expressing their
disapproval with the farm bill and the tax increase.
"U.S. subsidiaries of companies based abroad play an important role in
the growth and vitality of the U.S. economy. They provide high-paying
jobs for five million Americans and account for almost one-fifth of all
U.S. exports. A discriminatory and significant tax increase sends a
hostile signal to international investors and will certainly dissuade
these companies from choosing the United States as a location for job
creating investment."
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also expressed its concerns about the bill
and potential problems it could create..
"This type of protectionist legislation, which would raise taxes on
foreign corporations that invest and create jobs in the U.S., would
discourage foreign investment in the U.S., override long-standing tax
treaties, damage U.S. relationships with major trading partners and
could prompt retaliation by foreign governments against U.S. companies
operating abroad, further aggravating already jittery financial
markets," wrote R. Bruce Josten, executive vice-president for government
affairs of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a letter to legislators. "At
a time when governments around the world are enhancing their companies'
competitiveness by cutting corporate taxes, this proposal creates an
even more hostile tax environment in the U.S. and sends precisely the
wrong message to those wanting to invest here."
Pryce said the impact on local jobs will not be know for some time, but
said the offset is bad policy.
"Regardless, the tax is punitive, anti-competitive, and a job killer,"
Pryce said. "Honda is an absolutely essential component of the economies
of Marysville and Ohio, and to sock them with this tax hike will hurt
Honda and hurt Ohio."

County, hospital to explore going private
By CORINNE BIX
The Memorial Hospital of Union County board of trustees and the Union
County commissioners agree that it's time to explore the possibility of
the hospital becoming a private nonprofit charitable organization.
Tom McCarthy, county commissioner, presented to the MHUC board of
trustees a revised draft requesting proposals from interested
organizations to evaluate the financial and legal aspects and the cost,
benefits and organization of a possible change in the hospital's legal structure.
Currently, MHUC is a public county-owned hospital and has been since it
was initially started more than 50 years ago.
Chip Hubbs, MHUC CEO/President, said this morning that while the
hospital is a government entity as a county hospital, it is financially
self-sufficient and receives no taxpayer support.
If the hospital became a private nonprofit charitable organization or
501 ( c ) ( 3), legally the hospital would be structured similar to the
Union County Family YMCA or United Way of Union County.
"This is a joint venture and the board along with the three
commissioners need to all be actively involved in the process," McCarthy said.
McCarthy said it was important that throughout the whole process the
community be involved.
Carman Wirtz, VP of human resources, MHUC, suggested that language be
added to the proposal that would update and educate employees and
solicit employee feedback.
Hubbs agreed that a similar item be included to address the involvement
of medical staff.
It was the consensus by all that only changes that would be good for the
employees would be good to the hospital as a whole.
McCarthy estimated that the entire decision making process would take
anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete.
He added that this would be one of the most important decisions made by
the commissioners and the board of trustees on behalf of the county over
the last 100 years.
"This is talking about what the very essence of the hospital will be,"
McCarthy said. "The hospital is a part of the fabric of what Marysville
is all about."
Board members Chris Schmenk and Rick Shortell, along with Hubbs, will
serve as the hospital's representation on the selection committee to
choose a firm that will explore all the issues involved with possibly
moving from public to private.
The selection committee will also include all three county commissioners.
Cost to hire the independent firm has yet to be released and will either
be paid for by the county or the cost will be shared between the two entities.
The proposal clearly states that the commissioners and the trustees have
no interest in selling the hospital to a third party and all governance
and authority will remain local to maintain MHUC's identity and strong
ties to the community.
Chris Schmenk said the board is working on behalf of the hospital to
remain competitive in a growing health care industry.
"We want to open this door to further this positive trend and preserve
all the good things," Schmenk said.
The final draft of the proposal request is scheduled to be sent out next
week. The deadline for submitting proposals will be Aug. 30.
The next regular board of trustees meeting will be Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.
In other news, the board:
.Appointed Dr. Matt Hazelbaker as department of surgery chair to replace
Dr. Michael Conrad who retired last month.
.Introduced Tori Palivoda, RN, as new director of resident care at the
Gables. Palivoda has 22 years experience, 11 with The Gables/Union Manor.
.Approved the following finance and joint conference committee reports.
.Received information from customer service data.
.Approved the initial appointment of Dr. Brian Dorner, plastic surgery,
department of surgery, courtesy provisional; Dr. Leslie Laufman,
hem/oncology, dept. of medicine, courtesy provisional; Dr. Husain
Rasheed, hem/oncology, dept. of medicine, courtesy provisional; and Dr.
Steven Tornik, family medicine, dept. of medicine, active provisional.
.Approved the conclusion of provisional status for Dr. Neil Niemi,
OB/GYN, dept. of surgery, active provisional; Dr. Justin Krueger,
internal medicine/pediatrics, dept. of medicine, active provisional; Dr.
John Tzagournis, gastroenterology, dept. of medicine, consulting provisional status.

Council report
City to annex Cook property off Route 4
By RYAN HORNS
With the Glacier West development expected to move forward in the area,
plans for another large development in Marysville have surfaced.
At Thursday night's Marysville City Council meeting the first reading
was held on an ordinance to annex a total of 171.531 acres in Paris
Township to the city, currently owned by resident David E. Cook.
The proposed site is located in the area of Route 4 at County Home Road
and Scott Farms Boulevard. A petition was filed with the Union County
Commissioners, who granted the annexation.
According to the Conceptual Land Use Plan for the Cook Property, the
development will open the door for a large retail site, a neighborhood
retail center, and a large multi-family residential area to be situated
along Millwood Boulevard. In addition there are office lots to be
located across from the pond, and three smaller retail/office sections
to be located along Route 4. A larger freeway orientated office and
retail section will go up at U.S. 33.
Details on businesses expected to go into the future development were
not discussed. The second reading and public hearing will take place at
the Aug. 9 city council meeting.
With even more expansion set for Marysville, the topic of how fire and
police will be able to respond to emergencies has been coming up more
frequently. Some council members and administrators said the time has
come to ask residents to raise the income tax level.
John Marshall held a presentation on the need to expand the Marysville
Fire Department to meet the needs for the growing city. The purpose of
the presentation was to show the current status of the fire department,
progress being made, review the need for a new fire station, review
proposed station locations and the rationale behind them, review the
staffing and funding necessary to operate two stations and to discuss
council's commitment to move forward on it.
Marshall explained that the current fire station was built back in the
horse and buggy days. Sections of that original building are still in
use and have remained relatively unchanged.
"There have probably been some updates in technology since then,"
Marshall joked.
With a city radius of more than 14 1/2 square miles and a mutual aid
area of up to 86, he said that cities equal in size to Marysville
normally have two or three fire stations. But firefighters have to
contend with a railroad cutting through town, bringing up to 20 trains a
day, which tie up traffic and slow their response times. He said that
the main problem right now is a lack of staff at the fire department.
Fire Chief Gary Johnson told council that last week people were caught
in a stuck elevator at City Hall, but all the firefighters were already
on call somewhere else. He said it didn't look good that dispatchers had
to call for mutual aid from another township, just to respond to an
emergency located right across the street from the fire department. It
is a reality that firemen have depend on mutual aid more and more, even
for routine calls.
Marshall said that in May last year an odor of smoke was reported at 64
Sumac Drive. But all the firemen, expect one, were already tied up on
medic runs. A single firemen went to the house with a vehicle only
equipped to put out grass fires, and discovered a working fire. Once he
put the call in for a full alarm fire, the first help that arrived was
that of mutual aid - 15 minutes later.
Marshall said the proposed plan is for the station to add nine
additional full-time firefighters, replace the old station with a new
one at a site on the ORW property, eventually add a second fire station
to better address future needs. Even with all the changes the department
would still have to rely on mutual aid, but to a much lesser extent.
He said the current status is that architects Kellam Associates Inc.
will provide a proposal for the design of the new fire station and
funding for that has already been included in the city budget. They
would like to proceed on plans to choose the ORW site as the primary location.
Visually it may look like the station would be further away from key
response areas in the city, but putting the station at the ORW site will
provide access to highways. It will allow firefighters to bypass
railroads and have a faster route to all areas of the city.
Councilman John Gore said that he completely agrees that the city needs
to update its fire and police stations. But he said they have to ask
themselves how they plan to pay for it. Between the future wastewater
treatment plant project, the reservoir and the new water plant the city
has accrued $180 million in debt.
"We cannot continue to run this city on a 1 percent income tax," he said.
Both he and city administrator Kathy House explained that Marysville is
one of the largest communities in the state still operating on a 1
percent income tax. House said there are very few communities that offer
as many services with such little funding in the entire state.
"I think the time has come," Gore said. "This is what we got to do - let
the voters decide."
He recommended that the city hold a public meeting to discuss whether or
not residents would support raising the income tax to help create more
funding for fire and police expansion.

Custom Honda a showstopper
By MAC CORDELL
The scene was typical, a large group of Honda enthusiasts - a cross
section of America - stood admiring a Honda.
"Wow," said a rider from Sharon, Pennsylvania.
Peter Jutz, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin added, "It's really cool."
The "it" Jutz is speaking of is what makes the scene atypical. The it is
a one-of-a-kind, associate-designed, factory custom-painted 2007 Honda
VTX1300. It is a Pearl Hot-Rod Yellow with a black tribal design
starting on the tank and moving all the way down. The 1300 cc, V-Twin
motorcycle will be raffled off and given away at Saturday's closing banquet.
The design is the brain-child of Honda Motorcycle Plant Associate Tim
Cattell, both literally and figuratively. Each year Honda gives away a
motorcycle at Honda HomeComing. Two years ago, Cattell approached Jan
Gansheimer, senior manager of manufacturing at the motorcycle plant,
about the possibility of giving away a custom-designed bike.
Earlier this summer, plant associates learned they would be designing
and building the bike to be given away.
"We wanted to make the connection between our associates and the
customers even more personal this year," said Gansheimer in a release.
"This bike that was designed and custom-painted by our associates is a
great way to demonstrate the creativity and skills that we have here. In
fact, our associates build every bike here for one special customer."
But who would get it started? That would be up to the associates to decide.
Each associate was given the opportunity to design his or her own paint scheme.
It didn't take much convincing to get Cattell to enter his design.
"I wanted to do it," Cattell said. "Basically I have already done what I
want to mine."
The very-proud father of three has customized his own bike using a Nova
blue paint job with black flames outlined in baby blue. He has added
hundreds of LED lights.
What led Cattell to customize his own bike is the same thing that led
him to the Honda paint shop. The Springfield native joined Honda 21
years ago, in the weld division at the automobile plant. He transferred
to the motorcycle plant about 15 years ago. After moving up the ladder,
he decided to make another transfer, this time within the motorcycle plant.
"I wanted to learn to do something else," Cattell said. "I wanted to
learn to paint."
He has become a sort-of jack of all trades in the paint shop and enjoys
the art of it.
He said the design is just part of the thrill of motorcycles.
"Its fun to just try to make it your own," he said. "You're just looking
for something different. You have designs in your head that you know you like."
Cattell submitted his design. It was placed with all the other designs
and presented to the associates who voted on their favorites.
Once voting was over, Cattell learned that it would be his honor to
design the give-away bike he proposed two years earlier.
The task of making his design a reality was more challenging than
Cattell had anticipated. With just two weeks to get the bike completed,
he said the associates really stepped up.
"It really was a lot of work, by a lot of people. You can come up with a
great idea, but if you don't have the people to do it, you can't finish
it," Cattell said. "Basically that goes with our philosophy here - team
effort. That's what it took here. It was a team effort to finish what I had started."
That team included a core group of customizes with specific talents as
well as over 550 other associates who worked on the bike through its production.
He said he was proud when he saw the bike in real life.
"It looks even better off the paper than on," Cattell said. "It was
awesome to watch the design come together."
Some might think the hard work and personal nature of the bike might
make it hard to give away Saturday. Not for Cattell. He will be the one
to pull the lucky-winner's name.
"I'll actually be happy to take it and give it away to someone," Cattell said.
He added that he will know "by the look in their eye" if the winner will
take as much pride in the bike as he does.
"I want the winner to really take ownership of the bike," Cattell said.
"I want them to say 'This is my bike now and it was built for me.'"
Even after his baby is gone, Cattell said he will have the memories.
"I think this will be another accomplishment I have had the opportunity
to achieve here," Cattell said. "I have had a lot of opportunities here
that Honda has given me."
He mentioned specifically the chance to learn about computers and to
have an idea patented. Cattell added though that the custom-designed
bike would be "something I'll share with my kids and grandkids."
HomeComing guests can register free for the bike from 7:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. today and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow. The drawing is at 5
p.m. Saturday and the winner must be present to win.
HomeComing admission is free and the public is invited to participate in
the events at the motorcycle plant. Motorcycle riders enter Gate A to
park at the event. Guests in cars enter Gate B for parking and take a
shuttle to the events.

Guilty verdict reached in gun case
By RYAN HORNS
"I got nothing to hide," Lee Alderson said Wednesday, when he took the
stand in his defense at the Union County Common Pleas Court.
But later that day, the owner of Marysville's Lee Dog's Locker Room was
found guilty for allegedly pulling a gun on a man inside Stephen's
Lounge during an argument. After two and a half hours of deliberation,
the jury came back with double guilty verdicts against Alderson, 38, of Richwood.
He faced one fifth-degree felony illegal possession of a firearm in a
liquor permit premises charge and one third-degree felony carrying a
concealed weapon charge.
Union County Prosecutor David Phillips said that Alderson could serve
anywhere from six to 12 months in prison for the fifth-degree felony
charge and up to four years for the third-degree felony. If the charges
are combined, Alderson could be in prison for up to five years, with
more than $12,500 in fines.
Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Parrott said he was going to sentence
Alderson at a later date. He said he would first like to organize a
pre-sentence investigation.
Phillips brought numerous witnesses to the stand who testified that they
saw Alderson pull a small silver hand gun out of his pocket and hold it
up to the neck of Danny Snyder.
On April 2 Alderson allegedly had been arguing with Snyder over a woman
named Ricia Hay, with whom Alderson used to be in a relationship. The
argument led to a short fight in the rear of Stephen's Lounge, during
which Alderson and Snyder reportedly exchanged punches. Later that
night, Alderson allegedly left his own bar, walked across the street and
went into Stephen's Lounge. The two then became involved in another argument.
"He got ready to leave. He started to go to the door, when he turned
around and took out a small caliber hand gun and held it up to my head,"
said Snyder. "He said if I ever talked to (Hay) again he'd kill me. I
told him to get that out of my face."
Stephen's Lounge bartender Judith Bowland reportedly began yelling
"Don't shoot" and to "Put the gun away." So Alderson left the bar and
went back to his own establishment. Bowland then called the police.
Numerous witnesses testified that they saw the gun. Bowland said that
she saw Alderson put the silver handgun to Snyder's neck. Bar patron
Bobbi Hevelin, who did not know either man involved, said she was inside
Stephen's Lounge with her husband when a man held a silver hand gun to
another man's neck. Former Locker Room bartender Sheila Wyatt said
Alderson showed her a silver hand gun and said "Looky here," just before
heading over to Stephen's Lounge.
"If I was ever asked about it," Wyatt said, "he said he wanted me to say
that he had keys in his hand or something."
Hay testified that when Alderson returned to the Locker Room, he
admitted to pulling the weapon.
"He said that he put a gun underneath Danny's chin and told him never to
talk to me again," Hay said.
Snyder said that he was not interested in pursuing charges against
Alderson for pulling the gun out, or the fight before that. He said
Alderson had punched him numerous times before and the two always got
over it and went back to being cordial.
Throughout the trial, Alderson maintained his innocence. He said there
was never a gun, he never held anything up to Snyder's neck and that
during the fight earlier in the evening Snyder was the one who punched him.
"I was at (my) bar all evening," Alderson said. "I just left that one
time to tell Snyder that he wasn't welcome in my bar anymore . I didn't
put nothing up to his throat."
Defense attorney J. C. Ratliff said that perhaps people in the bar
mistook Alderson's silver cell phone for a hand gun. He brought up
several witnesses who were playing pool with Alderson, just before the
league matches began at 7 p.m. They all testified that Alderson was in
his normal cheerful mood and did not remember him leaving the bar.

Seniors honored at Union County Fair
By EMILY MASTERS
After answering numerous questions on the pavilion stage, in front of
their peers, two Milcrest Nursing Home residents, won royal honors
Wednesday at the Union County Fair.
John Sandusky, a veteran formerly from Richwood, was crowned "King for
the day" and Ruby Thomas, formerly from Plain City won "Queen for the day."
Both ended up at the fair after a nomination and survey process.
"Last year we decided to honor residents who don't have the opportunity
to get out much," said Kristi Eads, admission & discharge coordinator
for The Gables. "It gives a lot of these people a chance to get out,
socialize, think back about childhood memories, and of course eat junk food."
Queen Ruby said she enjoys coming out to the fair.
"It's a great time," she said.
Ruby won her title by warming the hearts of the judges when she was
asked the question "if you could do one thing, what would it be?"
Ruby responded, "I want to learn to walk again."
Judge Sharon McFarlane, adult protective services, was touched by her answer.
"It just gave me goose bumps," she said.
Other judges included Mindy Stice, Union County Health Department and
Sandy Boyd, U-CATS.
Ruby suffered five strokes and was told she would never walk again.
She also has lost mobility of her left arm, but she says she does
exercises everyday at Milcrest to help strengthen it.
A fair highlight for Ruby was shopping at one of the vendor stands for jewelry.
"She's our jewelry queen," said Sandy Baker, Milcrest social services.
"I got me a bracelet here at the fair," said Ruby. "I love it, and Bingo!"
According to Eads, approximately 350 seniors came out to play bingo at
the fair while cheering on the royal court.
They got in free of charge, enjoyed a picnic lunch, lemon shake-ups, and
plenty of bingo time.
Cash prizes, donated by local nursing facilities and businesses were
awarded to bingo winners.
Residents from The Gables, Heartland of Marysville, Carriage Court, and
Milcrest were invited to the fair as well as all senior citizens of Union County.
"The weather made it a perfect day for everyone to come out to the fair," said Eads.

Foreclosure granted on former GI Plasteks plant
From J-T staff reports
Former GI Plasteks employees aren't the only ones finding it difficult
to get answers after the company laid them off and vanished to the east coast.
Monday afternoon the Union County Common Pleas Court granted default on
a foreclosure case against former Marysville-based GI Plasteks in the
amount of $71,857.75, for delinquent real estate taxes, including all
penalties and interest due and all court costs and sheriff's fees incurred.
According to court files, G.I. Plastek, after being served with the
complaint, failed to answer and failed to appear in court.
"(GI Plasteks) did not answer after 28 days," the default judgment
states, "as they have failed to answer the Plaintiff's complaint or
otherwise enter an appearance."
In the winter of 2006 GI Plasteks, located at 692 Clymer Road, gave its
employees 30 minutes to gather their things and go. The company laid off
its workers and then moved its offices out of the city in favor of the
east coast. Despite claims of bankruptcy, the company then opened
another building.
The owners offered no word on it's Marysville worker's vacation buyouts
that were owed or how employees with medical issues would get their
health care. Many of those employees tried in vein to get in touch with
their GI Plasteks bosses, with no response.
But former employees aren't the only ones having a hard time of it.
On Feb. 23, Assistant Union County Prosecutor Rick Rodger, filed a
complaint through the Union County Common Pleas Court for the
foreclosure on the roughly 4 acres of property where the GI Plasteks
plant stands, due to delinquent real estate taxes.
Rodger said that following judgment being granted, the real estate
property will now be sold at a future Union County Sheriff's auction. He
said the minimum bid would be at least $71,857.75, plus all court costs
and sheriff's fees.

One pleads guilty, one sentenced in related drug cases
By MAC CORDELL
A pair of those indicted as part of an organized crime operation working
out of Lee Dog's Saloon in Marysville were in court Monday, one to learn
his sentence, the other to plead guilty.
Dennis G. Smith, 33, whose only listed address is the Tri-County
Regional Address in Mechanicsburg, and Ricia Hay, also known as Ricia
Cain or Ricia Marrs, of 141 Hemlock Dr., Marysville, were both in the
Union County Court of Common Pleas.
Hay was set for a scheduling conference Monday, but instead entered
guilty pleas to trafficking in cocaine, a fourth-degree felony, and
engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a felony of the first degree.
She faces as many as 111/2 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
Union County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Parrott ordered a
presentence investigation. Hay is set to be sentenced Aug. 16.
According to court documents, between July 29, 2006, and Feb. 11, 2007,
Hay participated in, directly or indirectly, a pattern of illegal
behavior. The documents also indicate that on Sept. 9, 2006, Hay sold or
offered to sell cocaine to an undercover Marysville Police Officer,
while in the vicinity of a school.
While Hay won't know her fate for several weeks, Smith learned Monday
that he will spend the next five years in a state penitentiary.
Smith pleaded guilty in June to five counts of trafficking in cocaine
and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The engaging
in a pattern of corrupt activity charge is a felony of the first degree.
Of the trafficking charges, one is a second-degree felony, one is a
third-degree felony and three are felonies of the fourth degree. The
charges were enhanced because the offense occurred in the vicinity of a
school. In exchange for Smith's guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed a
fourth-degree felony charge of trafficking in cocaine.
According to court documents, on six occasions between Sept. 9, 2006 and
Feb. 11, 2007, Smith sold a total of 30.66 grams of cocaine to an
undercover agent working with the Marysville Police Department.
The five-year sentence was part of an agreed upon sentence. Smith could
have been sentenced to 27.5 years in prison along with a fine of
$65,000. As a part of that sentence, Smith agreed to take the stand
against his codefendants.
"This defendant is expected to testify in any trial coming out of the
Lee Dog's investigation," said Union County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Terry Hord.
Defense attorney Perry Parsons said his client is ready to take
responsibility for his actions.
"Mr. Smith acknowledges he should not have been involved with this
activity," Parsons told the judge.
Parsons added that Smith, "has cooperated with prosecutors, answered any
questions and is prepared to testify, if that is what is necessary."
Joshua S. Bradley and Lee A. Alderson were also indicted as a result of
law enforcement's investigation,
Bradley, whose court listed address is the Delaware County Jail, is
charged with one count of fourth degree felony trafficking in cocaine
and one count of a first-degree felony engaging in a pattern of corrupt
activity. He is set for jury trial Aug. 1.
Alderson, 37, of 18205 Harmon Patrick Road, Richwood, is charged with
aggravated trafficking in drugs, a felony of the fourth degree,
trafficking in drugs, a felony of the fifth degree, two counts of
fifth-degree felony permitting drug abuse and one count of a
first-degree felony engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a
first-degree felony. A story about Alderson regarding an unrelated
charges appears at the top of Page 1.
The indictments came down in May as law enforcement officials concluded
a undercover investigation into the bar at 109 N. Main St.

County may try to entice Don Scott Airfield
By MAC CORDELL
Union County officials want to begin talks with the Don Scott Airfield
in Columbus about a possible relocation.
Union County Economic Development Director Eric Phillips told county
commissioners Monday that he would contact officials at the Don Scott
Airfield in northern Columbus. Jane Brautigam, city manager for Dublin,
told the commissioners that Don Scott airfield, which is owned by the
Ohio State University, was now surrounded by development and
had become landlocked.
"Just don't get in the situation they are in," Brautigam told the
commissioners regarding the Union County Airport.
She added that surrounding communities are voicing opposition to
expansion and even to the current level of activity at the Don Scott Airfield.
Overuse of that airstrip could be fortunate for Union County airport,
the commissioners said. They said Union County Airport could offer an
attractive alternative for those corporate jets not wanting to use Don Scott.
Brautigam said 15 minutes is about the maximum corporate travelers want
to drive from the airport to their destination. She said U.S. 33 offers
great connectivity from Marysville to Columbus.
"I think Union County can really provide a great service," Brautigam said.
Discussions with the commissioners began surrounding the Union County
Airport and its possible expansion or relocation. Following Brautigam's
words of advice, the conversation shifted slightly and ultimately ended
with Phillips' decision to contact Don Scott officials about the
possibility of moving the airfield from its current landlocked position
to Union County. Also to be included in the discussions is the
possibility of Don Scott lightening its load by transferring some jets
and flights to Union County's airport.
Phillips said discussions regarding the expansion or relocation of Union
County's airport have been ongoing for some time.
Commissioner Tom McCarthy said the airport will soon be out of land to expand.
"There is a problem in extending the runways," McCarthy said.
The longest runway at the Union County Airport is 4,200 feet long. For
larger jets to land, runways need to be at least 6,000 feet. McCarthy
said development around the airport, along with surrounding roads make
adding the 1,800 feet difficult.
Phillips said Scotts has shown interest in using the airport, if it can
be made to accommodate larger jets.
"There has been interest shown by Honda as well," said Phillips.
The commissioners noted that in addition to runway length, those
considering housing jets at the airport consider technology, amenities,
hangar size and lease rates.
McCarthy said the Union County Airport does not currently have the
mechanic facilities or the infrastructure to make it a viable option for
many corporate jets.
"The operation of the airport and the things that allow you to make a
living are not there," McCarthy said.
He did say the airport was in the process of borrowing money to add
additional hangar space.
"You have to think about 20 years down the line and what is going to be
needed then," Brautigam said.
As future needs are considered, she said now, "may be the time to make
that move."
Phillips said any relocation site would need easy access to 33 but be
far enough away from development that it won't be surrounded in 20 years.
McCarthy said making a move is not that easy. He said there was a study
done in the past and a major push six or seven years ago to have the
airport relocated.
"It is not for a lack of study or a lack of effort," McCarthy said of
the county's inability to move the airport.
He said those looking to facilitate the move, "have all walked away
saying it just can't be done."
"It is not that easy to site a new airport," McCarthy said. "Everyone
gets excited except the people right next door."

Allegedly abusive inmate given 11 months
By MAC CORDELL
An East Liberty man will spend nearly a year in prison following a
second conviction of harassment by an inmate.
Billy J. Salmons. 27, of 3293 S. Main St., East Liberty, was sentenced
to 11 months in prison Monday. In June he pleaded guilty to one count of
harassment by an inmate, a felony of the fifth-degree.
According to court documents, Salmons was arrested by Marysville police
on the night of Jan. 4. He was charged with failure to maintain physical
control of a motor vehicle.
"Salmons was mildly resistive at the scene, refusing to get into the
patrol car," according to court documents.
Salmons began to harass the arresting officer, becoming vulgar and
verbally abusive.
"Once at the station he was placed inside the holding cell and cuffed,
he continued to scream and yell,' according to court documents. "He was
repeatedly told to calm down but continued. Salmons threatened and
provoked the officer."
While cuffed and in a cell, Salmons continued to verbally berate the
officer. He threatened to track the officer down off duty and attack him.
"Salmons continued on in this manner for several minutes, threatening
the officer, calling him names and being belligerent," according to
court documents. "When this manner of conduct failed to get a reaction
from the officer, Billy J. Salmons leaned into the officer and spit in his face."
Salmons was indicted in May and pleaded guilty June 27.
Union County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard E. Parrott asked the man
what happened.
"It was a mistake," Salmons said. "I am just trying to get over this and move on."
The judge asked for specifics about the incident.
The defendant said he went out drinking and got arrested.
"I just said a lot of things I shouldn't have said," Salmons told the
judge. He said he also called the officer names.
"Really?" Parrot asked. "That was it?"
"I also spit on him," Salmons admitted.
The judge said he knew that but wanted to see if the defendant remembered it.
The judge then asked if this behavior was a first for Salmons. Salmons
said he had been convicted once before of harassment by an inmate. He
said he was sentenced to complete an alcohol treatment program at the
West Central Community Based Correctional Facility.
"I have done really good, I just had another bad time," Salmons told the judge.
The defendant said since his time at West Central he has become employed
and is coaching several youth sports.
Parrott asked Salmons if he thought that gave him "a free pass" to
behave that way.
The defendant said it did not and again blamed his actions on alcohol.
"I did way too much that night," Salmons said.
Prosecutors and the defendant agreed on a 10-month prison sentence, with
a possibility of judicial release in 45 days.
Parrott sentenced the man to 11 months in prison, one month short of the
maximum sentence. He made no mention of judicial release.
The judge then issued a warning to Salmons.
"You come back here with any kind of violation -any kind - you are going
to do the whole sentence and I mean it," Parrott said. "Enough of this horsing around."
"He has made great strides in his life where he is working regularly and
providing for his family," said defense attorney Cliff Valentine.

Tri-County Jail to host open house
By MAC CORDELL
A lot of otherwise normal people could be giving up part of their
weekend to spend time in the Tri-County Regional Jail in Mechanicsburg.
The jail, 4099 State Route 559, will host an open house Saturday from
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
"Grand juries in Ohio are required to tour the jail," said Robert
Beightler, executive director of the jail. "I am always interested in
the reactions we get. Their perception of what the jail looks like comes
from T.V. Those perceptions aren't really true. I find people have a lot
of interesting questions and they leave here with a lot different perception.
"Since we are funded by the public, we feel letting the public come and
see the jail would allow them to draw their own conclusions."
Union County Commissioner Gary Lee and Sheriff Rocky Nelson were both
very supportive of the idea at the last jail board meeting.
Nelson said he feels the public has a right to see the jail, because it
is operated with public funds.
The jail was available for tours prior to its opening six years ago, but
has not been open to the public since.
Beightler said he does not expect any problems between visitors and inmates.
"I have worked in this field for 30 years," Beightler said. "We have
taken tours of the prisons in the past. Given that, we have not had a
lot of problems with inmates or visitors.
"I think those that don't want to be seen will go to their little areas
alone and others will probably be looking back as the visitors are
looking at them."
The jail open house will follow certain guidelines, including:
. visitors must be 16 years of age or older. Visitors under 18 must be
accompanied by an adult;
. visitors must have a picture ID;
. visitors must leave personal items in their vehicles or lockers. Only
picture ID & car keys will be permitted;
. visitors must pass through a metal detector. In addition visitors must
be aware they are subject to search;
. persons currently on probation or parole will not be permitted to tour;
. visitors must dress appropriately.
Those with a relative currently serving time at the jail will not be
allowed to tour the facility.
At its last meeting, the jail board members discussed allowing those
under 21 years old tour the jail.
"Some day, they are going to be an adult," Lee said. "It might give them
something to think about."
Beightler said additional security measures will be increased.
The jail will also be spiffed up.
"Obviously, we keep the cleanliness of the jail at inspection level,
most of the time, but anytime you have people coming you want to make
sure everything looks nice and make a good impression," Beightler said.
The executive director said open houses also serve another, more
administrative, function.
"One of the things I find is that this is an excellent way to recruit
new employees," Beightler said.
He said seeing the operation helps recruit potential future employees
"It can be difficult to recruit employees because people don't really
have an idea what we do here," Beightler said.
"I think the open house kind of eases their mind that 'yes I can do this.'"
Beightler said he does not know how many visitors to expect, but thinks
the public's interest in jails will draw people.
"Jails, historically, are a curiosity," Beightler said. "I think if
someone has never been arrested, never been to jail, they would have a
curiosity to see what it looks like, a curiosity to see what goes on in the jail."
He added, "We are here to serve the public. By opening the doors and
letting the people see the place, they will see we are completing our
mission and serving the people of Union, Madison and Champaign County."

Marysville may hold athletes to code even in summer
By KARLYN BYERS
Athletic director Cal Adams addressed the Marysville School Board Monday
night, talking about the high school's new athletic code.
Adams said if school board members approve the code changes at their
August meeting, the athletic code will regulate student athletes' behavior year-round.
The current code governs student behavior during the academic year.
Adams said of the 30 Ohio Capital Conference schools in Marysville's
division, only Marysville and one other school do not regulate athletes'
behavior year round.
"We don't want these kids to do alcohol and drugs at any time of the year," he said.
Adams added that coaches and school administrators want to keep students
on the "straight and narrow."
Adams also talked about the revised athletic handbook which will be
distributed to high school coaches.
"I don't think (it contains) anything really controversial, just
bringing the policies up to date," he said.
Board members also heard from Ruscilli Construction Manager Adam Drexel
about Northwood Elementary, which will open in August, and the 100,000
square-foot high school addition.
Temporary occupancy has been granted at Northwood, Drexel said, and
furnishings are being moved in. But grass planting will be held off
until fall because of the dry weather.
Marysville has scheduled an Aug. 5 dedication ceremony at Northwood,
which is located in the Mill Valley subdivision. It will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.
The dry summer has been ideal for the high school construction project,
Drexel said, although dust has been somewhat of a problem. Crews are
wetting the ground down to minimize the situation.
In other action, the board:
.Approved a resolution to extend the suspension of head mechanic Robert
Fraker without pay through Aug. 27. At their June 25 board meeting,
board members unanimously voted to suspend Fraker without pay until
Monday, July 23. The extended suspension will go into effect today.
.Employed Sarah Hutson, teacher; L. Cheryl Sheehan, speech/language
pathologist; Susan Gase, special education aide; Tina LaRoche, guidance
assistant; Amanda Boerger, special education aide; Kenny Overfield,
maintenance; Gary Miller, teacher; Hollie Moots, computer consultant;
Gregg Stubbs, title grants coordinator; Danielle Caldwell and Joanna
Wasilewski, teachers.
.Accepted the resignation of Shelly Maag, teacher; Aaron Cook, middle
school athletic director and teacher; Danielle Porhaska, speech/language
pathologist; Fred Bruney, teacher; Amy McCarthy, health care consultant;
Diane Tackett, bus driver; and Amanda Alice, teacher.
.Accepted, with appreciation, a monetary donation from the Diamond Club
to be used to hire three additional baseball coaches for the 2008 season.
.Awarded supplemental contracts for the 2007-2008 school year to Scott
Forney, middle school athletic director; Chris Shirer, high school
softball; Dale Corbin and Jim Lockwood, high school assistant softball;
Jessica Knox, freshman softball; John Merriman, boys had tennis; Brian
Ash, boys assistant tennis; Kevin and Chris Terzis, high school
assistant boys track; James Cooper, high school head boys track; Tom
Borawski, high school assistant girls track; Ed Starling, high school
head baseball; Chris Hoehn, Kevin Brandfass and Brock Walden, high
school assistant baseball (the latter paid by donation); Lori Clark,
high school girls track; Ryan Sawmiller and Steve Wilcox, freshman
baseball (both financed by donation); Sara Shaffer, high school
assistant girls soccer; Nick Bowshier, high school assistant boys
soccer; Mary Ann Corbin, high school store coordinator; Christine Todd,
high school special education department chair; and Neal Shaffer, high
school assistant girls soccer.
.Awarded extended time, effective with the 2007-2008 school year, to Kim
Allen, teacher on special assignment; Scott Forney, middle school
athletic director; and Tammy Cooper, Work Transition Program coordinator.
.Approved a National Board Certification supplement contract to Mary
Davis, Karen Hyland, Teri Leitwein, Carol Lentz, Laurie Levy, Carla
Steele and Judy Van Duzen.
.Approved Melissa Hughes and Peter Kain as Tier I school mentors and
Carol Isaacs, Laura Falk and Christine Todd as Tier II mentors.
.Extended the consulting contract of Michael Biggs, McKenzie Investments
and Consulting LLC, for bus routing.
.Accepted Robert Rusiska, David Boggs, Keitha Dugan, Katie Esthus, Linda
Lybarger, Daryl Miller, Suzanne Olson, Susan Hatch Miller, Paul Powers,
Monica Carmean and Julie Adams as certified substitutes/home instructors
and Catherine Bice as a classified substitute.
.Granted payments in lieu of transportation for Katelyn and Madison
Morgan, Aaron T. Conn, Clark and Andrew D. Sabula, Paige Warnock, Laura,
Amanda and Matthew Fuson and Frances and Keith Boggs.
.Contracted with Memorial Hospital of Union County to provide athletic
trainer services.
.Recognized Aaron Rossi, Richard Knisley, Gary Miller and Larry Fox,
high school football, Randy Ianni, Gloyd Ayers and J.R. Rausch, high
school basketball, and John Carl, FFA, as district volunteers.

Man sentenced for break-ins
Changes mind after pleading, but judge holds him to five-year term
By MAC CORDELL
A Marysville man will spend the next five years in prison after pleading
guilty to a series of Union County business break-ins.
Jonathan M. Vandall, 21, of 1424 Westbrook Drive, was sentenced Monday
to 60 months in prison - 10 months each for six counts of fifth-degree
felony breaking and entering, to be served consecutively. He was also
sentenced to another 27 months for another count of breaking and
entering and one count of vandalism. That sentence is to be served
concurrently with the 60 month sentence.
Despite the term being an agreed upon sentence between the defendant and
prosecutors, Vandall said he did not want to serve the five-year sentence.
"I would like to not go to prison for the five years," Vandall told
Union County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard E. Parrott.
The defendant explained that he had a job offer, making $10 per hour,
and had a safe place to live.
"If I could get out relatively soon," Vandall said.
He requested that instead of being forced to honor the sentence he
agreed to, he wanted to be sent to the West Central Community Based
Correctional Facility where he hoped to receive assistance for his drug addiction.
"I did a lot of that because of drugs," Vandall told the judge.
Defense attorney Cliff Valentine said his client's actions were the
result of bad choices, brought on by his substance abuse.
"Mr. Vandall is obviously a young man, making some poor decisions," Valentine said.
He reiterated his client's desire for drug rehabilitation.
"He is hoping to get some assistance for that problem through the
department of corrections," Valentine told the judge.
Despite the defendant's wishes, Parrott sentences the man to 60 months
in prison. He called the term, "just exactly what you agreed to."
The judge also ordered Vandall to pay restitution in the amount of
$25,600.31, plus court costs.
Vandall was indicted in March. He admitted to investigators that he,
with the assistance of another, broke into at least seven Union County
businesses - six in Marysville and one in the village of Broadway - on
at least eight occasions between September 22, 2005, and February 28, 2007.
Most of the break-ins involved businesses broken into during the night.
One of the charges involved an incident where Vandall and his partner
hid in a store on Christmas Eve 2006 until the store was closed. The
pair then turned off the security system, took items, then broke out of the store.
The final break-in was unsuccessful as a neighbor of the business in
Broadway heard the would-be cash and cigarette thieves breaking glass.
The neighbor yelled at the pair and scared them off.
Vandall pleaded guilty to the charges in June. In exchange for the
guilty plea, prosecutors dropped one breaking and entering charge, one
complicity to breaking and entering charge and one charge of possession
of criminal tools, all felonies of the fifth degree. If found guilty on
all charges, Vandall could have been sentenced to a total of
11-and-a-half years in prison.
Following the sentencing hearing, Vandall asked how quickly he would be
eligible for early release. Parrott explained that he could make an
application to be released in four years.

Fairbanks gives treasurer a pay bump
By MAC CORDELL
Fairbanks Local School District Board of Education accepted the
resignation Monday of district treasurer Aaron Johnson.
The resignation, however, was short-lived as the district, in the same
motion that accepted his resignation, rehired Johnson to a three-year
contract. Johnson's resignation was simply a procedural formality so the
district could sign him to a new contract.
"The board wanted to bring him up competitive to other districts in the
area," Superintendent Jim Craycraft said.
Under his current contract, Johnson makes $60,770 per year. The new
contract, which takes effect Aug. 1, calls for Johnson to receive a
9-percent raise. That will bring his salary to an estimated $66,240 per
year. Next year, Johnson's salary will increase to $72,200 per year.
Salary for his third year will be negotiated in the future. Craycraft
said district officials polled eight comparable districts and determined
about $72,000 per year to be a "middle of the pack" salary for the
2006-2007 school year.
The school board also approved the updated athletic handbook, which will
be effective for the 2007-2008 school year.
Craycraft said it was clear the athletic director put considerable work
into the project. He told board members the updates clarifies a lot of
issues, including academic eligibility for student-athletes.
"As I look at it, he has done a lot of work clearing things up and
giving guidance for our coaches and parents," Craycraft said.
Parent Steve DeRoads asked the board if it had made any plans for
practice fields for the football team.
He said the football team is practicing on the lawn in front of the
school. That field has not been watered regularly, DeRoads said.
Craycraft said that lawn is in the watering rotation.
DeRoads said the grass is brittle and will break soon.
"It's soon to be in bad condition," DeRoads said.
"The grass isn't going to hold up and it is going to get pretty dirt like."
DeRoads said he spoke with Craycraft about the issues.
"Mr. Craycraft said we need to be patient and I agree," DeRoads said.
He said he understands it is a problem that comes with growth, but said
he has a solution.
"We need to spend some money and get the football team a little better
practice facility for them, since they do bring in a little money for
us, I feel," DeRoads said.
Craycraft said the football team has held workouts on the front lawn and
coaches registered no complaints.
"They know, if they need a fence built along the road, we will build a
fence," Craycraft said. "We will move them somewhere, or trade with the
band. They just need to let us know."
The superintendent said plans for the new school facilities include a
practice field for the football team. That practice field should be
ready for the 2008 football season.
The school board approved a new cell phone policy for district
administrators. The new policy provides a stipend for select
administrative personnel, including the superintendent ($600 per year)
the treasurer ($600), the high school principal ($600), the middle
school principal ($600), the elementary school principal ($600), the
district technology coordinator ($600), the athletic director ($500) and
the transportation coordinator ($500).
The curriculum director will also receive a cell phone stipend, however
that amount has not been determined

Richwood Council looks at village's long-term needs
By CHAD WILLIAMSON
The most interesting topic to be addressed at Monday's Richwood Village
Council meeting drew almost no discussion.
Village administrator Larry Baxa passed out a list of capital
improvement needs compiled recently during a meeting of village
officials. The list will be used to help the officials develop a five-
to 10-year plan for the village.
Although many items on the list have little or no chance of
materializing, all were listed. Councilman Von Beal said the next step
is to prioritize the items on the list.
Some items included on the list were:
.Municipal building - with the police building deteriorating the village
may have to combine village offices and the police department into a
single new building.
.Streets - annual funds should be set aside for a repaving program.
Repairing and replacing curbs should be a priority and a street sweeper
with a vacuum is needed.
.Village garage expansion - would allow inside storage or village
vehicles and equipment.
.Sidewalks - repair/replacement may become a legislative issue in the future.
.Sewers - line maintenance and rehabilitation is needed. A new truck
allowing crews to jet, root cut and video the lines as needed.
.Water line extensions - will allow the village to loop lines and increase pressure.
.Public works vehicles - the village needs a replacement schedule for
village vehicles.
.Water plant update - the water plant needs a standby generator and the
existing power distribution panel needs replaced.
.Miscellaneous - Replace or reconstruct dry well at Richwood Lake for
use by the fire department. Reconstruct Marriott and West Bomford
streets. Look into annexation around the village. Construct a permanent
drain line for the Richwood Lake to maintain a set level to prevent
flooding and erosion. Consider purchasing middle school property to
house village administration, police department and park area. Clean out
Ash Run. Consider future of Town Hall.
In other business, council:
.Approved resurfacing of Fulton and Clinton streets.
.Learned that plans to flush the village hydrants were delayed due to
problems with water tower.
.Voted to grant a three-day extension on a water bill.
.Heard a complaint from a Herbert Street resident about the new parking ordinances.
.Learned that the village has been putting a chemical in catch basins to
control mosquito reproduction.
.Heard from police chief Monte Asher that the bicycle officers have
begun patrolling village streets. Asher also reported that a youth was
caught vandalizing the Richwood Park and was placed in the Juvenile Detention Center.
.Heard from financial officer Don Jolliff that Ohio Public Works is
requesting repayment of a $47,000 loan, used to investigate inflow and
infiltration, by 2010. Jolliff said the village will need to set aside
$16,000 per year to make payments.
.Learned from councilman George Showalter that a representative from an
animal refuge will bring two Bengal tigers to Park Day on Aug. 5. The
animals will be caged and individuals will not be allowed to approach the animals.
.Discussed the agreement between the village and Memorial Hospital of
Union County for the village administration building. The hospital owns
the property and had previously discussed giving it to the village in
exchange for a right-of-way agreement to allow the hospital to advertise
in the area of the industrial park.

City certified to designate historic areas
By RYAN HORNS
Securing and protecting Marysville's historic past may get a little
easier from now on.
City Planner Greg DeLong said Marysville has recently been certified by
the State of Ohio under the Certified Local Government (CLG) program. He
said it could help facilitate the designation of local historical areas
and expand the registration of those sites to residential areas.
"I was excited to see we were approved already," DeLong said at a
Marysville City Council meeting earlier this month.
DeLong had recently been working with Union County Director of Business
Development, Joe Clase, on the preliminary submission. They soon learned
the process of getting certified moved faster than they expected. At the
council meeting the first reading was held on an ordinance to expand the
historic focus of the city to also include residential areas.
"This allows us to apply for grant funds?" councilman Mark Reams asked.
DeLong said that was correct; Marysville will be included as one of 45
cities which have been certified to be eligible for grant funds in the
state. He stressed that the grants are not large ones, limited between
$7,000 to $16,000, out of $80,000 in funding made available from the
National Park Service. But the grants will make it easier to erect
historical markers for such locations as original Scotts Company
buildings and other sites found across the city.
DeLong said the grants are awarded on a 60/40 matching basis, explaining
that it may constitute up to 60 percent of the project cost, with the
city having to provide the remaining 40 percent through any combination
of cash, in-kind and donated services and materials.
"The CLG program recognizes that local efforts need support and that
communities can benefit from working with the state and federal partners
who share the same goal," the Ohio Historical Society release stated.
The historical group continued that the CLG allows certain cities to
become eligible for grant money to identify historic, architectural and
archeological resources through surveys, nominate eligible properties
and districts to the National Register of Historic Places, further
community education on historic preservation and preserve and
rehabilitate historic properties.
DeLong said that being certified allows a city such as Marysville to
help provide workshops for property owners or technical training for
community officials, publish historical site inventories, design
guidelines, and make walking tour brochures.
The program requirements met by Marysville includes:
. Having a qualified commission of at least five people who designate
historic properties and review proposed changes to the historic environment.
. An ordinance designed to protect historic resources and offer guidance
to those wishing to make changes to historic buildings, sites, and districts.
. A procedure for identifying historic properties by which they can be
surveyed and recorded, designated locally and nominated to the National
Register of Historic Places
. A public participation program which invites and encourages citizens
to participate in the community's historic preservation program.

All Ohio Balloon Festival to continue rich history
Editor's note: This is the first of a three-part series about the All
Ohio Balloon Festival. Additional stories will run on the next two Mondays.
By CORINNE BIX
Mark you calendars for Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18 for the All
Ohio Balloon Festival, a Marysville tradition since 1974.
The Balloon Festival returns this year to the Union County Airport with
a full slate of activities planned for both Friday and Saturday evening.
Gates open each day at 5 p.m. and festivities kick-off at 6 p.m. with a
balloon launch.
"This year we are having 21 balloonists and the purple people eater
balloon is back," Marie Woodford, balloon festival committee member, said.
There will be several balloon launches over the weekend including one
each evening at 6 p.m.
The family friendly event will feature "Kid City" which will include two
jump houses, a bubble machine and oversized kites.
The event will also offer lots of food, beer and great entertainment.
"All the food is reasonably priced so that you can bring the whole
family," Woodford said.
There will be everything from pulled pork by Rick's Grill, fish by
Barry's Perch and More, BBQ and even a baked potato bar.
For those who have a sweet tooth there will be cheesecake on a stick,
funnel cakes and kettle corn.
Friday night's live entertainment will feature the band "Abel Five" from
Cincinnati and Saturday night Central Ohio staple "The Danger Brothers"
will be rocking the main stage.
Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets so that they
can comfortably enjoy the music and the balloon glow, which is scheduled
for 8:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday evenings.
During the "glow" 10 to 12 balloons will be tethered to the ground while
firing their propane burners, which creates a beautiful lighted effect,
Woodford said.
"The goal is to make this a fun family event that creates memories and
give local residents a sense of community," she added.
"Part of the net proceeds go to the United Way of Union County," she
said, "We also encourage folks to do business with sponsors of the event
because it takes everyone to make it such a success."
Dave Bezusko, Campaign and Public Relations Director for the United Way
of Union County, said the group is excited to participate in the event
for a second year.
Bezusko and a group of 15 to 20 volunteers will help direct traffic and
park cars for the two evening event.
"We are glad the Balloon Festival Committee chose the United Way to be
the recipient of the charitable donations," he said, "It helps to kick
off our annual fundraising campaign along with bringing awareness to the organization."
Last year, the United Way received $1,340 in donations from the Balloon
Festival. Union Rural Electric also returns as a major sponsor.
Bezusko said that in addition to being a great fund-raiser the group found that by
working together to coordinate parking ultimately created a positive
interaction between board members and volunteers.
"It actually ended up being a team building exercise that we hadn't even
planned," Bezusko said.
Woodford said the success of last year's Balloon Festival has allowed
the committee to expand the event this year.
Planning for this year's event began more than a year ago and any money
garnered from the weekend's festivities are put back into funding the
next year's Balloon Festival.
"It's a huge task," Woodford said, "However it's all worth it to bring
the community together to keep what Jack Scott started over thirty year
ago alive and growing in Marysville."
Bezusko said the more events that bring your community together then the
stronger your community will be.
Weekend passes for the All Ohio Balloon Festival are $5 and children 12
and under are free. Parking is free and a valid ID is required to buy alcohol.
More information is available at www.allohioballoonfest.com.

Ripley's Believe it or Not exhibit coming to local library
From J-T staff reports
Tim O'Brien, VP Communications for Ripley Entertainment Inc., the owners
of the former television show "Believe It or Not!" brand, will present a
bevy of oddities, stories, and film clips when he visits Marysville's Public Library.
O'Brien said that he will be in Marysville on Wednesday. In addition,
his plans are to bring the show to a total of four libraries in Central
Ohio, today through Wednesday.
He will visit:
. Fairfield County District Library on today at 7 p.m.
. Pickaway County District Public Library on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
. London Public Library on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
. Marysville Public Library on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Most people are aware of Ripley's Believe It or Not! because of the
successful television shows, the Believe It or Not! books that we all
grew up with, and the cartoon strip that has been running since 1918,"
O'Brien said. "However, few in this part of the country have had the
opportunity to see Ripley's iconic exhibit item, a genuine Jivaro Indian
shrunken head, up close and personal. Here's their chance!"
O'Brien said he will discuss how the company acquires items, how they
find bizarre acts and people to feature in their books and TV shows, and
he'll show several film clips that were shot by Ripley himself during
one of his globe-trotting journeys!
A limited number of Ripley's two newest books, Ripley's Believe It or
Not! The Remarkable Revealed, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amusement
Park Oddities & Trivia, will be available for purchase with a portion of
the proceeds going to the library.
Ripley Entertainment, Inc. (www.ripleys.com) is a leading global
attractions company with annual attendance of more than 13 million
guests. In addition to its 60-plus attractions in 11 countries,
including 29 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando-based company
has publishing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including
the global syndicated Believe it or Not! television show, best selling
books, and the world's oldest continuously run comic strip, Ripley's
"Believe It or Not!" Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the
third-largest privately held company in Canada.

Student, teacher affair results in lawsuit
By MAC CORDELL
A former Jonathan Alder student is seeking more than $50,000 after the
woman charged with his education engaged in sex with him.
William H. Troutman, now a 20-year-old inmate at North Central
Correctional Institution, has filed suit in the Madison County Court of
Common Pleas against the Jonathan Alder Board of Education, the Jonathan
Alder Local School District, Jonathan Alder's special education program
and former Alder tutor Angela Angus-Koppes. The suit also lists 10 John
Does, who may or may not be named later.
Troutman's suit lists five counts, including negligent supervision,
negligent retention, wrongful disclosure of confidential information,
invasion of privacy - public disclosure of private facts, intentional
infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional
distress, assault and battery - childhood sexual abuse, assault and
battery -sexual conduct by mental health professional and negligence.
Angus-Koppes pleaded guilty in April to two counts of attempted sexual
battery, both felonies of the fourth degree. The charges stemmed from
the 2004-2005 school year. Troutman had been kicked out of Jonathan
Alder High School because of his behavior. Angus-Koppes was hired by the
district to tutor Troutman. The tutoring sessions were to be held in the
Plain City public library, but at some point the sessions were moved to
Angus-Koppes' home, with the permission of the district. During the
year, the relationship turned sexual. Angus-Koppes also purchased drugs,
alcohol and other gifts for the boy and his friends.
In September 2005, Troutman's mother contacted law enforcement officials
and in May of 2006 she was indicted on two counts of sexual battery,
both third-degree felonies. In exchange for her guilty plea in April,
the charges were reduced.
Also in September of 2005, according to the lawsuit, the Jonathan Alder
School District released a newsletter.
"The newsletter revealed a 'personal relationship' between defendant
Angus-Koppes and plaintiff and described plaintiff as a '17-year old
student' who 'had been (and continues to be) in trouble with the legal system.'"
The lawsuit claims the newsletter was released "in an effort to deflect responsibility."
Troutman's suit alleges that the district "had a duty to supervise and
monitor," Angus-Koppes "to ensure the well being and safety of students."
It also alleges that the district had knowledge or should have had
knowledge of Angus-Koppes' behavior with the student.
As a result of Angus-Koppes' actions and the district failing to
supervise or terminate her, Troutman "was prevented from receiving an
education and appropriate social services as promised by defendants and
suffered great pain of body and mind."
Troutman's suit, filed by attorney Kort W. Gatterdam, also alleges the
district's disclosure of information in the newsletter "was prohibited
by law," because the victim was a juvenile.
The lawsuit says the information was "embarrassing."
"The publication of such information was not a legitimate concern to the
public and was done by defendants to deflect responsibility for their
own failures, including but not limited to: hiring and retaining
defendant Angus-Koppes; permitting defendant Angus-Koppes to tutor and
provide mental health services to plaintiff in her home; failing to
properly supervise and monitor the special education program, which
thereby allowed defendant Angus-Koppes to have sexual relations with
plaintiff to provide alcohol and illegal drugs to plaintiff and to
improperly and incompetently tutor plaintiff and provide him with mental
health services."
Troutman claims he, "suffered mental anguish, emotional distress, grief,
or loss of enjoyment of life," because of the actions of Angus-Koppes
and the district.
The suit seeks "a sum in excess of $25,000 for compensatory damages,
punitive damages, attorney fees, costs and any other relief allowed by
law," from both Angus-Koppes and the district and its representatives.
Officials from Jonathan Alder could not be reached for comment.
Angus-Koppes is currently serving a six-month sentence in the Ohio
Reformatory for Women in Marysville. She is set to be released Oct. 28,
of this year.
Troutman is in North Central Correctional Institution, serving a five
year sentence for aggravated robbery in Union County. He is expected to
be released in October 2010

Former Heilig Meyers building will have a new, historic look
Front of building will have the look of a structure from the 1930s
By RYAN HORNS
Big changes could be ahead for a decidedly 1970s-era downtown Marysville building.
After the Union County Commissioners purchased the former Heilig Meyers,
located at 128 S. Main St., they spoke of renovating the building for office use.
However, information out of the June and July Design Review Board
meetings shows that the commissioners have more in mind than simply
making room for office space. The building will reportedly receive a
compete indoor and outdoor overhaul.
Design Review Board member Alan Seymour said the location is expected to
get a significant change in architectural style and layout.
"It will be first class and very much in keeping with our historic
uptown buildings," Seymour said. "The new look is about 1930's
architecture. A great choice in era selection."
On June 13, the Marysville Design Review Board approved a certificate of
appropriateness in the Historic Uptown area for the architecture firm
Meacham & Apel Architects to modify the exterior of the building.
Seymour said the firm is the same company the county has used in
previous renovations.
Union County Commissioner Gary Lee said the plans couldn't be going
better. He said the commissioners had definite ideas in mind when the
property was purchased and they are glad that blueprints have been
received well by the Marysville Design Review Board members.
"We are extremely pleased with the front of the building," Lee said. "We
asked the architects to draw the design for the outside of the building
so it looks like it was, and belongs, in uptown Marysville."
Lee also explained what services will be included in the new county
building, once construction is competed.
He said there will be rooms for permanent record storage, room for the
expansion of the Union County Juvenile Probate Court, the Union County
Sheriff's Office detective bureau, the Union County Coroner's Office
will be moved there permanently.
Lee said there will be space in the front of the building for a start up
professional business, such as an engineering or architectural firm. The
hope is to encourage more professional businesses to look at locating in
downtown Marysville.
The next phase for the project will be to approve the final design plans
this month and then open up bids for the project sometime in September, he said.
Lee stressed that the renovation plans on the outside will not take long
to do and could be completed between October and early November. By
December the commissioners hope to have work begin inside the building -
work which is expected to take longer to complete.
According to the June 13 Marysville Design Review Board meeting minutes,
the architects said the current building is "very contemporary" and
needs work. The other buildings and offices on Marysville's Main Street
have nice flow of windows and they have tried to repeat that in their
designs. They want to upgrade and move the entrance to the center of the
building, preserve the existing canopy, have a stone lower level on the
outside walls, that will wrap around the structure to the East Sixth Street side.
Architects explained that there are two versions of the plans for the
East Sixth Street side. One includes false windows to break up the large
expanse of concrete. The other includes half the false windows planned,
but leaves room for a possible mural, similar to artwork found in
downtown Bucyrus.
Lee said the county has been discussing the option of the mural with the
Uptown Renewal Team.

Big Darby Watershed goes online
From J-T staff reports
Residents and landowners in the Big Darby Watershed have a new option
for getting information regarding plans for the waterways and surrounding land.
The Big Darby Creek Watershed Project has created a Web site,
www.darbywatershed.com, to help relay information about the group and
its projects to those who have an interest in the preservation of water
quality within the Darby Creek Watershed.
Local officials say this is a must visit Web site for any resident or
landowner in the Darby Creek watershed.
"This is valuable information," said Katherine Skalak, Darby Watershed
coordinator for the Darby Joint Board of Soil and Water Conservation
District Supervisors. "If you have a problem in the watershed, you can
go to this Web site and anything you need is all there. This site is all
inclusive. There are a lot of Web sites out there that deal with the
Darby, but this one is geared to the people, not just to researchers.
This one lets people know how to get involved and be active in the
community-based watershed planning process."
The board was formed in 2000 to create and implement a community-based
watershed plan that will maintain and enhance the water quality of Big
and Little Darby creeks and their tributaries. The plan is to be the
compilation of the ideas of local residents and land owners. Like a land
use plan, the watershed plan would be a guide, but would not be binding.
Skalak said the board is hoping to get local approval, then state
approval for the plan.
The board also addresses water quality in the Big Darby Creek Watershed.
In addition to the Joint Board, there is a planning team that also works
on this project. The planning team consists of interested volunteer
landowners who review the subwatershed plans prior to Joint Board approval.
Skalak said the board received a $2,500 grant to help with the public's
awareness of the project and the need for the public's input.
"After having a number of meetings, we didn't have the turnout that we
would like," Skalak said.
Members of the planning group discussed how to more effectively
communicate with the public. Skalak said an older gentleman, who does
not own a computer, suggested the use of the Internet.
"He said 'we need a Web page,'" Skalak said. "I thought good, we are in
the 21st Century now. I thought if someone like that is willing to go to
the library to look this up, I think everybody would be willing to."
Skalak said the Web site offers, "a more convenient way to get these
plans out there."
The Web site contains information about the Darby Watershed, including
the downloadable watershed inventory, watershed plans. It includes
information on various United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
conservation programs as well as Darby Watershed Low Interest Loan
program which offers landowners below-market interest rate loans for
agricultural equipment and practices that improve water quality of local streams.
The Web site also contains historical testing data from the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency and pictures at various locations in
each subwatershed are also featured on the site.
Web site views will have the opportunity to participate in the public
input process. The site has an electronic version of the landowner
survey handed out at the public meetings. It also has an area for public
comments about the potential plans.
"Anybody can make a contact and I will get back to them," Skalak said.
Skalak, who created the Web site, said it was designed with a mind to
the fact that 74 percent of the land in the Darby watershed is
agricultural and another 22 percent is wooded.
"Most of the people interested in the Web site will be farmers, based on
land use," Skalak said.
Cities and villages in watershed include Marysville, Milford Center,
Plain City, North Lewisburg, Woodstock, Mechanicsburg, West Jefferson, Darbydale,

WUCO moving studio, offices
Tower will remain but operations will relocate to Columbus
From J-T staff reports
The office and studio of St. Gabriel Catholic Radio will reportedly be
moving out of it's current location in downtown Marysville.
According to a press release, the Catholic-based local radio station
will "relocate from Marysville to Columbus to position for its future,
which will feature expanded broadcast coverage throughout much of the state of Ohio."
The relocation is expected to take place Monday and should be completed
before Aug. 1, the realease reported.
WUCO's broadcast towers will remain near the city and weekly
broadcasting of Saturday masses from Marysville's Our Lady of Lourdes
parish will continue. On-air identification will continue to identify
the station as broadcasting from Marysville and North-Central Ohio.
"Being a nonprofit station, we need to recruit and utilize a volunteer
network of Catholics to come in and help us in our efforts. The
Marysville office location has limited parking and the space is not well
configured for our current needs," WUCO executive director Linda O'Horo
said. "Much of our volunteer base is in the Columbus area, so it will
also be easier to get people to come in to help us. We also got a good
deal on the rental rate for the new space, so we will be able to operate
more efficiently and cost-effectively."
O'Horo said that the exact location for the projected expansion coverage
area will be determined in the coming weeks, but the area should cover
all of Central and North-Central Ohio.
Efforts are now underway to raise money for the expansion, she said.
"We are working to make Catholic radio a reality throughout much of the
state," WUCO station manager Mike Barone said. "Just as Our Lord Jesus
was born of Mary, The Blessed Virgin, so we like to think of The Word of
God going forth from Marysville. We look forward to continuing our
mission while servicing the greater Columbus Catholic community."
The new address for St. Gabriel Radio WUCO 1270 AM will be 1585 Bethel
Road, Suite 101-LL in Columbus.

Triad hires elementary principal
By CORINNE BIX
The Triad Local School Board unanimously selected Lee Claypool to take
over for outgoing principal and newly appointed district treasurer Craig
Meredith Wednesday night.
Claypool has worked for the district for 15 years as the vocal music
teacher and choir director for grades five through 12.
"The board has been extremely supportive," she said.
She said she is looking forward to getting to know the elementary staff.
She was awarded a two-year contract and her salary will be $60,000 annually.
The board also hired Paul Waibel as the new vocal music teacher and
choir director for the upcoming school year.
Claypool said she is ecstatic that Waibel was hired to replace her.
"His philosophy about music education and his demeanor with the students
is impeccable," she said.
Superintendent Dan Kaffenbarger reported on the moisture in the high
school lobby. He said tests have come back extremely high.
The district has researched the problem with the concrete and tile
cracking in the high school for the last several years. The original
concrete and tile were laid incorrectly and were repaired in 2003 after
the building had been opened. The lobby is 3,500 square feet.
The district waited until summer - traditionally the driest season of
the year - to test the moisture levels, which registered between eight
and 10 points above normal.
Kaffenbarger presented the board with three flooring options ranging in
price from $31,000 to $53,000. This cost would not include the initial
demolition cost to tear the floor down to the concrete, correct the
moisture problem and seal the floor. The estimated cost for the tear
down and repair is between $5,000 and $7,000.
Kaffenbarger said the problem has to be fixed before school starts in
late August. The district may have to get approval from the Ohio
Department of Education to classify the project as that of "urgent
necessity" so that the bid process can be eliminated.
Kaffenbarger also updated the board on the Virtual Learning Academy
(VLA) to be implemented in the 2007-2008 school year.
VLA will offer on-line courses and teacher support for students who may
have dropped out before completing requirements for graduation.
The program is currently being offered as a summer school alternative
and 28 students have enrolled in a variety of courses.
Kaffenbarger reported that those interested in the VLA program should
contact Patrick Johnson at the district's central office.
The next regular board meeting will be Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. in the modular board room.
In other business, the board:
.Approved an initial one-year contract to Sue Reeves as intervention specialist.
.Approved certified supplemental positions for Kyle Huffman and John
Sharritts, teacher mentors; Becky Crieighton, Mike Henson, Patrick
Johnson, Doug Kitchen and Pat Graham, high school department chairs; and
Nancy Dunham, high school yearbook.
.Approved classified supplemental positions for Mandy Alexander, middle
school cheerleading football, and Darcy Watkins, seventh grade volleyball.
.Approved a contract adjustment for Harry Alltop (technology),
increasing compensation to $169.36 a day for 248 days.
.Approved Ryan Thompson as summer technology help with compensation set
at $8 per hour.
.Approved Doug Miller and Sue Reeves for corrective reading training on
Aug. 17 at the rate of $100 per day.
.Approved certified personnel Patrick Johnson, Jason Malone and Julie
Jenkins for professional development training for the new social studies
program on July 31 at a rate of $100 per day.
.Approved virtual learning academy teachers Norma Bottom, Patrick
Johnson, Katherine Manley, Jan Ferryman, Doug Kitchen and Janet
Schlabach at a rate of $150 per student.
.Approved records retention meeting and disposal of historical records
for fiscal year 2007.
.Approved a resolution for permanent appropriations and estimated resources.
.Approved facility use for PeeWee football and cheerleading program
(high school football, filed house and concession stand) on Sept. 1,
Sept. 15, and one day yet to be determined for the purpose of playing
football games (organization to be responsible for extra custodial work
needed); Triad football program to use the high school gym, weight room,
lobby and locker rooms from July 22 through July 29 for the purpose of
football camp (fee waived by the athletic director).

City gears up for Honda HomeComing
By MAC CORDELL
The indelible roar of thousands of Honda motorcycles is growing ever closer.
Honda HomeComing 2007 is on its way, and this year, visitors will get a
little more flavor of Marysville than in years past.
"We have greatly expanded the activities we host in Marysville," said
Union County Chamber of Commerce Public Relations and Tourism Director
Christy J. Clark.
She said the larger role puts increased responsibilities on the
residents of Marysville.
"We really want to try to give these visitors that hometown feel," Clark
said. "We need to welcome these visitors. We have a wonderful community.
Everyone is really friendly here. We need to continue to be friendly. To
help visitors with directions and recommending places to shop and to eat
when they ask. I think it is a big thing just for our community to say
'hello' to these people."
Jan Gansheimer, senior manager for the motorcycle plant, said the
community's history of taking ownership of the event has lead to the
increased role in the event's production.
"I think in the past the local communities have stepped up and made it
their own," Gansheimer said. "Our focus at Honda is on the associates
and the consumers who buy our products. The communities can focus on
showing the great points of the city to the visitors."
Clark said the community's increased involvement is intentional.
"What they want to do is get the communities involved because they want
the communities to reap a little more of the benefits," Clark said.
"We are really happy Honda is giving us the opportunity to expand our role."
Clark did urge patience from the residents. She said traffic will be
tighter and lines to get in to restaurants and out of other businesses will be longer.
"But that is good," Clark said. "That is money that is coming in to our
economy. That helps our restaurants and businesses."
Last year, Clark said the Honda HomeComing brought a conservatively
estimated $176,464 into Marysville from outside visitors.
"That is a considerable amount of money," Clark said.
She added that many community nonprofit organizations such as the Red
Cross and the United Way benefit from the visitors.
"We have had an influx of community groups taking advantage of the
HomeComing and I think that makes it even more of a community event."
A national charity that receives a boost from HomeComing is the
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Last year the HomeComing's Ride for
Kids raised more than $104,000 for PBTF.
"This year we are hoping to beat that," Gansheimer said "If the weather
cooperates, we should have lots of participation."
Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, hundreds of riders will travel a scenic
route through Union, Champaign and Logan counties before returning to
the Marysville Motorcycle Plant for a "Celebration of Life" ceremony.
The celebration features brain tumor survivors and family members
sharing personal insights. Top fundraisers will also be recognized.
While some charities and merchants see increased dollars, some
businesses do not. Rorie Dingey, owner of Fifth Street Deli, said she
will lose about $1,000 worth of business over the course of the HomeComing.
"We are very busy on Saturday," Dingey said. "We do a lot of business
Saturday. During the week it (HomeComing) takes away from our business.
No one can park and there are food vendors right there."
Despite that, Dingey said she enjoys the event.
"I like it a lot," Dingey said. "I really only lose about three days
worth of business, but it is exciting. You get to meet a lot of new
people. The hub-bub of Saturday makes it worthwhile to me."
She added that while she does not make money she knows the HomeComing is
a boom for the community's economy.
How much of a boom depends on Mother Nature. Clark said the city will
see between 5,000 and 10,000 additional people for the HomeComing.
"It depends on the weather," Clark said. "It really is weather dependent."
In addition to the increased focus on community, this year's HomeComing
will be more family friendly.
"We added so much more to the kids' area this year," Clark said.
Events at the Kidz Korner, from 5-8:30 p.m. Friday at Main and Fifth
streets, include a climbing wall, games, characters, a bouncy house, a
reptile show and other activities. The Wheelie Wizard will be performing
creative motorcycle stunts on the square. Lighthouse Bookstore will host
family events throughout the day Saturday. Families may also want to
participate in the cornhole tournament, the Ride for Kids or one of the
many parties and socials being held throughout the weekend.
The true motorcycle enthusiast will also have plenty to do.
Guided and self-guided tours of the motorcycle plant will be available
all weekend.
"That is the number one reason people give for coming to HomeComing is
the tour," said Gansheimer said.
She added that while visitors enjoy them, the tours mean as much, if not
more, to the associates.
"For Honda, the benefit of HomeComing is getting the customers and
associates together," Gansheimer said. "It is inspirational for our
associates to get to meet the people who buy the products they make."
"We enjoy it a great deal," she added.
Little Tony's will host a custom bike show where participants can
compete in several categories for more than $1,000 in prizes.
As this is the last year of production motorcycle model, the county will
present a tribute to the Shadow from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Thursday and
Friday at the Union County Service Center.
As in years past the Honda plant will host motorcycle safety and
education seminars and demonstrations. Those looking to buy a new bike
will be able to test drive several models.
All this entertainment does not come without at least some cost to the
communities. Clark said those costs are not so much physical costs as
the cost of labor.
"The big cost is when you have the sheriff's office help out, the police
department help out, the fire department," Clark said. "They have to be
on call continually because you have this large influx of people."
Clark said the visiting motorcyclists appreciate the efforts of the
community. That, she said, is what the light parade, Friday at 9 p.m., is about.
"They want to put the light parade on for us, to show us their
appreciation," Clark said.
Clark reiterated that she hopes the community will reciprocate that appreciation
"We really want people to show our pride," Clark said.

Another $800,000 secured for sewer plant
By RYAN HORNS
Congresswoman