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Speaker to address small town economy
College course led to call box
Survey results offer mixed views
Richwood gearing up for 112th fair
Jerome, Dublin not close to pact
Council continues to question need for engineer
Hospital board handles routine business
M.F.D. gets a rise
Grant paves way for new ladder truck
The end of the line for a
local landmark
Study: Sewer plant upgrades costly
Plan puts price tag at more than $200 million
Zimmerman says first day
of school had few problems
Richwood works for
subdivision regulations
It was a long road back for pastor
Several
to seek Sunday liquor sale
Zoning
change doesn't fly in Darby
Storms rip through
county
Industrial
Parkway closure planned
A new dawn in North Union
Citizens will get first look at inside of new elementary school this
weekend
Local artist will have
work featured at studio
United Way sets goal for 2004
Campaign will shoot for $750,000 again
'I don't want to lose
our township'
Jerome Trustees tell group annexation isn't welcome
Former resident describes Charley
Jerome threatened
with lawsuit
Resident says he will bring legal action over salt-storage bill
Election results unchanged; votes
are certified
Triad
officials prepare for start of school, discuss death of teacher
Fairbanks continues on
path toward levy
Triad teacher killed
in one-car crash
Had also been volleyball coach at Marysville
North Lewisburg
prepares
for Harvest Festival
Need
for city inspector questioned
Fairbanks to
hold State of the School District meeting
Jerome Trustees air stripe gripe
Ostrander to
hold
Founders Festival
Erasing the Mason Dixon line
Richwood, county officials work together to bring business to north end
North Lewisburg council
president steps down
City honors Honda
Richwood council looks ahead
Boy home safe after search
'Tom Sawyer' takes advantage of
colorful cast
FHS teacher gets unique opportunity
Local teen gets 107 years for shooting officer
Is last of four Ohioans charged in shootout
A great 100 years
MR/DD levy passes
Lawmen on the lookout for
daytime robber
A breath of fresh air
Officials have no plans for move on smoking ban
Scotts has grown, but its hometown roots
run deep
Too much money
Teens' trial began Monday in Georgia
United Way to hold school
supply drive
Donations steal show at
livestock sale
More than 16,000 show up for Homecoming
Bike event set in Richwood
The Richwood Police Association has announced that it will sponsor a
Poker Run on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The run will begin and end at Richw
oodPark.Registrationwillstartat
9:30 a.m. with the last bike to be out by noon.
Trophies will be awarded in several categories. Door prizes and a50/50
drawing will also be on the agenda.
An outdoor cookout will be provided at the end of the run (donations
will be accepted but are not required).
All proceeds from the run will benefit the Richwood Police Association.
Information, registration forms or a map of the route may be picked up
in advance at the Richwood Police Department headquarters,
In case of inclement weather, Saturday, Oct. 9 has been set as a rain
date.
Speaker to address
small town economy
How can we improve our quality of life? How can Union County be more
successful in today's economy? How can we have the best schools, the
best public services, the best neighborhoods, the best parks, the best
community support? We have the answers and you can see and hear them.
The Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership in
conjunction with the Union County Chamber of Commerce invites the
general public to listen to a presentation by Jack Schultz on his new
book entitled "Boomtown USA: The 7 1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small
Towns" on today at 7:00 p.m., at the Union County Services Center, 940
London Avenue.
While big city economies have been grappling with employment and budget
woes, Jack Schultz was looking for, and finding, thriving communities
growing in size and strength.
Schultz is earning wide acclaim for identifying prosperous communities
outside Major Statistical Areas (MSAs) and pinpointing the reasons why
some thrive while others lag.
"Small town America is becoming increasingly attractive to businesses of
all sizes," says Schultz, president of Agracel, an industrial
development company based in Effingham, Ill. "They often come equipped
with a talented workforce, a lower tax base, an improved quality of
living and, thanks to technology, the same ability to communicate and
transact business as if you were in the downtown business district of
any city in the country."
Schultz, who has been involved in small town economic aid and industrial
development for more than 17 years, examined 397 small prosperous
communities out of a total of 15,800 towns across America that can be
classified as an "agurb" or a micropolis. News articles on the subject
have recently appeared in such publications as Forbes Magazine, USA
Today and The Wall Street Journal.
College course led to call box
By RYAN HORNS
In early June Noreen Runyon started taking a humanities course at Mount
Carmel School of Nursing. But after the first two classes she and her
classmates realized that the instructor seemed to be stuck in a rather
dismal mood.
"It was very depressing," Runyon said. "He was only talking about
society ills. So after the second class we asked him, 'So what's the
good news?'"
The teacher said he had been waiting for someone to ask him that. As a
result, he revealed that his class project was an assignment for
everyone to look into their communities and find something to do that
could impact their hometowns in a positive way.
Fast forward two months later and Runyon now finds herself with a fully
funded plan to install an emergency call box in the remote area of the
Mill Valley walking trail. The new $3,000 call box was donated by
Dominion Homes.
Mark Nelson, a representative of Dominion homes, said Runyon contacted
him several weeks ago with her concerns with the need for an emergency
phone in the remote part of the trail.
"We thought it was a great idea," Nelson said. "I've jogged that
trail
myself many times while my son was practicing soccer."
He said the donation request was sent to the Dominion Homes review board
and it passed through "with flying colors."
"Mill Valley in Marysville has been very good to Dominion Homes over the
years," Nelson said. "We've had a great relationship with the
city."
The check for the call box has already been received by the city
administration. City administrator Kathy House reported during
Thursday's council meeting that the project will soon get underway.
But the real story isn't about the call box, Runyon said. It is how one
college teacher can touch the lives of so many people.
Runyon is a parish nurse and health care coordinator for Memorial
Hospital of Union County. As a woman who likes to live a healthy
lifestyle, she immediately took advantage of the numerous parks and
trail systems when she moved to Marysville two years ago. One day while
she was walking on the trail she realized that she was completely out of
earshot of anyone and it made her feel a little uncomfortable.
"What if someone got into trouble or what if they wrecked their bike or
what if they had a health problem?" she asked. "But the main reason is
personal safety. I thought a call box might be a nice proactive way to
solve it."
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Steve Conley said that there has
never been a problem with crime on the trails, aside from the occasional
stolen bike showing up, but it is never too soon to establish safety for
residents.
"Everyone has their own comfort level," Conley said, "and we want
everyone to feel as comfortable as possible when they are out on the
trails."
Runyon's own path toward realizing her goal of the call box led her
through Marysville Police Chief Floyd Golden, Conley, through the city
of Marysville and finally to Dominion Homes.
Conley said the phone will be installed in the large open circle, home
to wildflowers and sunflowers, on the Mill Creek Park trail. The spot is
located about 3/4 mile from the trail entrance at Schwartzkopf Park.
"It's good community involvement," Conley said. "It was extra
nice that
when she presented the idea she followed through by helping to find the
funding. A lot of times people will come up with an idea to do something
but they are not willing to help find the funding."
Runyon's goal is to give people peace of mind. She hopes the call box
might help some people adapt a more healthy lifestyle by making them
feel more relaxed on the trails.
"We have beautiful trails and parks," Runyon said about Marysville.
"It
is just an excuse to help people get out and walk."
Survey results offer mixed views
By CINDY BRAKE
A citizen survey of Millcreek Township households offers a mixed
message.
When presented a map of the township, the vast majority of respondents
stated that they wanted agriculture in nine of the 10 areas marked, yet
in another question the majority of responses said they weren't
concerned with the preservation of farms/farmland. In fact, when ranking
their highest concerns, the preservation of farms/farmland was second to
the bottom with wildlife corridors, the only issue receiving lower
marks.
Highest concerns of the 119 responses are groundwater, 72 percent; rural
lifestyle, 68.6 percent; air quality, 67.8 percent; stream and stream
corridors, mature tree stands and rural character, 66.1 percent;
farms/farmland, 63.9 percent; wildlife corridors, 63 percent.
Comments ranged from "Stop trying to change the rural character of
our
township" to "highly concerned" about coyotes, property rights,
over
regulation, light pollution, mining, house property values and
land/property values. Someone said "business growth should not be
permitted in or near areas of existing residential development" and
another wants "good traffic flow and little congestion."
The top issue of "very concerned" is environmental preservation (72.9
percent) followed by traffic congestion/road expansion (71.8 percent),
agricultural preservation (69.7 percent; subdivision development (62.7
percent; and locating businesses adjacent to residential development
(60.5 percent).
Lack of basic retail services appears to be the issue of least concern
(66.6 percent). Increasing the tax base and conditional use permits
received the highest percentage of marks under the somewhat concerned
response, followed by lot splits and police, fire and EMS service.
When it comes to rating how good a job the township is doing, the
majority give it a good or fair score, except for cemetery maintenance
where the majority (41.6 percent) responded with "don't know."
Good marks were given for the following services or programs with the
percentage: road maintenance (67 percent), snow removal (63.2 percent),
police protection (57.3 percent), quality of schools (33 percent) and
fire protection/EMS (47 percent). Fair marks were given for planning
and zoning (34.5 percent) and parks (30.6 percent).
Comments included a statement of support for economic development to
"you spend too much time and money on planning" and "planning and
zoning
and parks are not needed."
On the subject of schools, three of the five comments supported the need
for improved buildings such as the question "Why do we continue to
repair school buildings when it would probably be more cost effective to
build a new school?." Two others commented that the "quality of
education is good, however the buildings need replacement," while
another wrote, "schools are overcrowded especially the elementary
school." Another individual wrote "we need new schools" when
responding
to another question. On the flip side, another offered the comment, "I
don't care about the schools."
Overall, the majority (50.4 percent) of respondents believe the quality
of life remains the same with the next largest group (27.4 percent)
stating that it is declining. Only 20.4 percent marked improving.
This question generated the most comments. They included "we like it the
way it is" and "rural living is wonderful," as well as
"improvement of
zoning enforcement" and "too many new residents want the rules of
Dublin/Hilliard in a rural area."
Concerning growth, the majority (50.5 percent) stated that it is at
about the right pace, 43.2 percent marked too quickly and 5.4 percent
listed too slowly.
More than 40 percent of the respondents stated that the land use plan
should manage future residential growth versus strongly regulating (36.8
percent), discouraging (15.4 percent) and promoting (6 percent).
"Growth is going to take place. Let's manage it wisely," wrote one
respondent, while others wrote, "go home and leave people alone."
Two surveys were distributed to 92 households in the township. Responses
will be used in the comprehensive planning process.
Richwood gearing up for 112th fair
J-T staff reports:
The 112th Richwood Independent Fair is scheduled Sept. 1 to 6.
Many traditional features of the fair will be held during the week.
The opening ceremony will begin Sept. 1
at7p.m.Allentriestothe
junior and senior fair must be in place by 9 a.m. The crowning of the
junior fair queen and princess will be at 5:45 p.m. and kiddie tractor
pull for ages 3 to 10 and amateur snapshots judging will be at 7 p.m. At
4 and 7:30 p.m. at the BP tent, Bucksaw the outdoor guy will be putting
on a puppet show.
On Sept. 2 at 6 p.m., there will be an antique critique at the BP tent.
The critique will tell what the antique is, it's value and any further
wanted information. Horseless games for children and Motocross will be
at 7 p.m.
An antique machinery demonstration will be at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. At 3
p.m. a scavenger hunt will be at the BP tent and at 4 p.m. a hot dog
eating contest will be at the same location followed by the ultimate
makeover at 5 p.m. Chili cook-off will be in the fine arts building at 6
p.m. Wayne Cox Blue Grass Band will perform at the BP tent at 7 p.m. and
the demolition derby will be at 7:30 p.m.
The cutest baby contest will be Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. and at 2 p.m. local
talent will be at the BP tent. The parade will begin at
330p.m.Phil
Dirt and the Dozers will provide the grandstand entertainment at 8 p.m.
From 1 to 5 p.m. local talent will perform at the BP tent on Sept. 5.
Peanut butter day cook-off will be at 1 p.m. in the fine arts building.
Tractor square dance will be at 6:30 p.m. and the grandstand
entertainment will be the OSTPA sanctioned state tractor pull at 7 p.m.
On the closing day of the fair, Sept. 6, zucchini day cook-off will be
in the fine arts building at 1 p.m. and demolition derby will be at 7
p.m.
Jerome, Dublin not close to pact
By CINDY BRAKE
A deal between the city of Dublin and Jerome Township seems a way off,
if it occurs at all.
Representatives of Jerome's board of trustees, zoning and zoning appeals
met with Dublin City Council members and mayor Thursday to discuss
common areas, utilities in these areas and final objectives, as well as
next steps.
Dublin officials appear interested in creating a Cooperative Economic
Development Agreement (CEDA) that could include township land north of
Brock Road and west of Industrial Parkway. CEDAs can include changes in
township boundaries to exclude annexed territory from the original
township and provision of services to that territory.
"Discussions are going too fast," said Tracey Guerin of the Jerome
Township zoning commission. She said she was not in favor of further
discussions with Dublin and the township should consider other
surrounding communities as possible partners.
Township Clerk Robert Caldwell also questioned the need for a Dublin
agreement, pointing out that the township's comprehensive plan is very
similar to Dublin's and 25 percent of the area being considered is in
the metro park which cannot be developed economically.
Also against further talks was zoning appeals board member Andrew
Thomas.
"We need to stand on our own two feet," Thomas said, pointing out that
the township would be giving up control of zoning, as well as its tax
base.
Dublin favors a CEDA to better control traffic and its borders, said
Dublin City Councilman Mike Keenan. Dublin Vice Mayor Tim Lecklider
added that part of the attraction for living in Dublin was being
bordered by rural land.
Dublin City Councilman Cathy Boring cautioned everyone to be careful of
terminology because "rural character" won't be the same in the future
and can mean different things.
Future residential developments in Dublin will be planned unit
developments called conservation design concept where 50 percent of the
land is in reserve and densities range from .5 to 2. Dublin officials
said it will have the "look" of Brand Road.
Favoring a Dublin deal is Jerome Township Zoning Board chairman Michael
Buchanan. Buchanan said township zoning is limited. He predicted that
Jerome will be like Washington Township in Franklin County that has been
largely annexed by Dublin.
"If we want to do what we've always been doing, then the only thing that
will be done is us," Buchanan said.
Kent Anders, an alternate on the zoning commission, predicted that if
the township doesn't do something it will be like Washington Township in
Franklin County with not much land and only a fire/EMS service.
Thursday night both trustees, Freeman May and Sharon Sue Wolfe, said
they favored a CEDA but not specifically with Dublin.
Wolfe said she favored first developing a list of goals and objectives
and considering CEDA programs with Dublin, Plain City, Marysville or the
county.
May offered a mixed message from a week ago when he said he was against
annexation.
"I'm for saving this township by joining a CEDA," May said. A week ago
at the Route 33 Corridor meeting, May said he was against annexation.
Trustee Ron Rhodes was present at the meeting but did not participate.
Rhodes had been advised by legal council that the special meeting was
improper and breached the Ohio Revised Code. At past meetings, Rhodes
has stated that he is "100 percent committed to the boundaries of Jerome
Township and keeping it intact."
Wolfe plans to contact Dublin in October about future meetings. All
agreed that the public needs to become a part of the discussions. Public
comment was not permitted at Thursday's meeting.
Council continues to question need for
engineer
By RYAN HORNS
Questions remained on the minds of city council members during the
second reading of an ordinance asking for money to hire another full
time engineering inspector.
Thursday night council president Nevin Taylor questioned city engineer
Phil Roush on why the city needs to appropriate $60,000 to hire a
full-time engineering inspector.
Roush said the city is currently contracting out additional engineering
work for recent developments such as the Woods at Mill Valley North,
Hickory Run, The Links, Walker Meadows and more. He said the $60,000 is
for the costs of hiring a new person to help with the workload of these
projects.
Mayor Tom Kruse explained that no one could justify creating a new
position just because of a spike in workload, however, the engineering
inspection workloads will continue for such a time that it justifies
hiring a fulltime employee. He added that because the city is charging 8
percent of construction costs as fees that the city owes it to the
developers to do a good inspection job.
Kruse added that going through contractors provides them with a profit
and money could be saved by handling it in house.
"How can we get the best inspection possible, in house or contracting
out?" councilman Dan Fogt asked.
Roush said that having someone in house is better because they are part
of an overall engineering team and will feel committed to the
organization.
In another discussion, resident Matt Smith informed council of the fact
that some renters do not pay their rent or their city water bills. The
bills add up and soon they are evicted.
"The (water) bills get dumped on the landlords when they leave," Smith
said.
He said the renters then go on to another city or another apartment in
town and do the same thing over and over again with their water bills.
"They figured out they don't have to pay for water," he said.
To remedy the situation he requested that the city create a water fund
made up of deposits people must pay when they start their services. This
way if the renters do not pay their bills, the cost will be covered by
the fund instead of the landlord.
Assistant finance director John Green said that Smith is correct.
"We try to collect but it is not always possible," he said.
Green said they have started notifying the landlords when their renters
are delinquent on their water bills. They have also been more aware of
getting renters' forwarding addresses to continue contacting them about
their bills.
Business person Meg Michel said that the city is wasting their money
paying for postage on countless notices when they could just require a
deposit. Green said that ultimately the water bills are under the
landlord's property and therefore are held responsible.
Council member John Marshall admitted he has concerns over the city
acting like the parent for these renters. City law director Tim Aslaner
pointed out that landlords could arrange their leases to stipulate water
bill payments.
Taylor asked Aslaner to look into whether it would be beneficial to the
city to include the water bill deposits or not and report back at the
next meeting on September 8.
The old topic of political signs in the city returned to council for
discussion. A new ordinance amended the current sign code being reviewed
by zoning committees.
Councilman David Burke explained that the ordinance will now provide for
the zoning inspector or his agents to remove signs that are posted in
violation of this ordinance. Within two business days before the removal
of the sign, they will contact the responsible party who will have 48
hours to remove the sign. After that, the sign will be destroyed.
Burke said that the amendment will allow residents to have proper
warning before the signs are taken.
Other discussions:
. Kruse announced that the city opened bids on the street-repaving
project this week. Three bidder prices fell within their estimates and
staff is reviewing which choice will be made.
. City Wastewater Superintendent Tom Gault's last day was Thursday. His
replacement, Rick Varner, who recently retired from Delaware County,
will start Sept. 1.
Hospital board handles routine business
From J-T staff reports:
The Board of Trustees of Memorial Hospital of Union County handled
routine business at Thursday's meeting.
The board was told by chief operating officer Laurie Whittington that
Connie Priday will replace Carol Tillman as administrative assistant to
the CEO and COO when Tillman retires at the end of January.
The board approved a charter for the strategic planning committee
changes to one section of the bylaws and two sections of the credentials
manual; was given information on a board retreat in Cincinnati; and
heard that the new website, which will contain information on board
members, will be online Oct. 1.
The board adjourned into executive session to discuss two trade secrets
of a county hospital organized under ORC Chapter 339 and employment of
an employee. No action was taken.
M.F.D. gets a rise
Grant paves way for new ladder truck
By RYAN HORNS
The Marysville Fire Department received some good news this morning that
their long-standing search to replace their aging ladder truck has
finally ended.
The office of U.S. Senator Mike Dewine announced Wednesday that the
Marysville Division of Fire will receive $675,000 as part of the
Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act which provides
competitive grants to assist local fire departments.
The funds were awarded for a firefighting vehicle, Dewine's press
release stated. It was made possible by the Firefighter Investment and
Response Enhancement Act (S. 1941) that Dewine authored and passed in
2000.
Assistant Fire Chief Johnie Meyers was visibly excited this morning when
he was shred the news. He said that ever since Gary Johnson became chief
and he became assistant, replacing the ladder truck has been their top
priority.
"We've had it at the top of the list since 2000," Meyers said,
"but with
the city's financial position there was no way we could have the amount
of money to replace it."
Now the city of Marysville will need to match the amount by 10 percent,
or $75,000, in order to make the truck purchase a reality. The amount
was already pre-approved by the city during the grant writing process.
Meyers said the department will receive the truck for use next year
because it must be built and all the arrangements must be made with
committees.
He wrote out the grant application on March 31 but thought the city had
only a 50/50 chance of being awarded the money.
"(The Federal Emergency Management Administration) FEMA started buying
vehicles last year," he said. "We thought we might have a pretty good
chance."
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Dewine helped secure
approximately $750 million for the FIRE Act during the 2004
appropriations process. Now administered through the Department of
Homeland Security, FEMA distributes these grants based upon a
competitive process of need.
"We can certainly show need," Meyers said.
The Marysville ladder truck is the only one of its kind in Union County
and is used in mutual aid runs throughout the county. He said they were
able to show in their application how awarding the money to the city
would benefit eight other fire departments.
"This is good news for the residents of Marysville and the Marysville
Division of Fire," Dewine said. "Fire fighters and rescue workers
deserve the best possible equipment and training so they can help save
lives. By working to pass and fund the FIRE Act, we have ensured that
fire departments in Ohio and elsewhere will have first responders who
are prepared for any rescue."
The total of all awards will reportedly represent a $750 million
investment to enhance fire and EMS service delivery nationwide. More
than 20,400 fire departments applied for grants this year and FEMA
expects to award more than 8,000 grants. The applications are processed
by the U.S. Fire Administration and reviewed by 300 fire service
representatives from across the United States.
According to Dewine's press release, fire is responsible for killing
more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Many of those who
die each year in fires are children. Fire kills more than 100 children
under the age of 15 each year. In addition, every year fires in the home
injure nearly 47,000 children ages 14 and under.
The end of the line for a local
landmark
Seventh Street building will be focus of ceremony Saturday
By CINDY BRAKE
"The history of the West School Building is the history of the
development of schools in the city of Marysville."
? Robert W. Parrott
Union County Historical Society president
A public ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Saturday to formally mark the end of
the three-story brick structure at 220 W. Seventh St. which was built in
1914. Owned by the county, the building is slated to be demolished in
September and replaced with a parking lot.
The program begins at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium and will include
remembrances by former students Walter Herd and Scott Underwood, as well
as points of view from former teacher J. Robert Sements and former
principal James Shaw. The Union County Commissioners are also on the
program. A flag lowering will be conducted in front of the school and
tours are planned with history displays and refreshments.
"While the future of the West School Building may be a controversial
issue to some, the program is simply to pay tribute to the building that
has served our community for 98 years," said Crista Miller, president of
the Marysville High School Alumni Association.
Dismay about the demolition has been voiced by former students, members
of the Union County Historical Society and the Marysville Architectural
Review Board. Union County Board of Commissioners Gary Lee, Tom McCarthy
and Jim Mitchell who made the decision have said they struggled before
passing the resolution but believe it makes the most sense economically.
Mitchell said in June to the architectural review board that it was not
economically feasible to remodel the building. He estimated it would
cost $3 million.
"Sometimes you do things because it makes the most sense, not because
you want to do them," said McCarthy in June.
Over the years the building has performed a variety of public functions.
"For 90 years the West School has served the community. It has been a
high school, junior high school, middle school, grade school, county
office building, temporary courthouse and a detention center. Although
the old school is no longer used, its part in the history of the town
will long be remembered," Parrott wrote in a history of the building.
The land on which the building sits has an even longer history of public
service.
While a decision was made in 1850 to consider consolidating the small
village schools into one "Union" school, it was not until 1861 that 2
1/2 acres were purchased on West Seventh Street for a new school. It was
completed in 1862. Housing seven class rooms - four on the first floor
and three on the second - the brick school had a steeple and 500-pound
bell. It had no running water, no indoor restrooms, no central heating
and no fire escapes.
Classes began in 1862. Students were summoned to class daily by the
ringing bell and doors were locked each morning so tardy students were
not permitted to enter.
With the construction of another school building in 1877, the Union
School was renamed West School and served as a grade school for students
on the west side of town, Parrott wrote.
In 1912 with the building overcrowded, state authorities ordered that
the building be closed and a more modern building planned. Voters
approved $80,000 in 1913 for a new school. The building was razed in
September 1913.
When the current building was built, students attended school in
half-day shifts in the upstairs of the Gray-Court Building on the corner
of Seventh and Main Streets. A blacksmith and buggy shop were on the
first floor.
Construction for the new English Gothic-style building began in 1914.
Plans called for a 20-by-40 foot gymnasium with stage, assembly hall and
second-floor skylights. A formal dedication took place in 1915.
West School was used as a high school until 1931 when it became a grade
school and junior high. It eventually was renamed the Seventh Street
School and was sold to the county in 1990.
Study: Sewer plant upgrades costly
Plan puts price tag at more than $200 million
By RYAN HORNS
A new engineering report on the state of the Marysville Wastewater
Treatment Plant and system was released Tuesday. With a size equaling
the novel War and Peace, it does not lack detail.
City officials met with Columbus engineering group Malcolm Pirnie
Tuesday to hear a presentation on the official master study.
It has been well documented that the city's wastewater system is
inadequate to deal with one of the fastest growing areas in Ohio. The
plant can handle a daily flow of only 4 million gallons a day. On
average the plant handles 3.64 MGD. In 2002 and 2003 peak hours have
gone as high as 21.75 MGD.
To make matters worse, the Ohio EPA has been keeping a close eye on the
city's progress. The environmental group reported it could start
enacting fines against the city if the project does not get moving.
According to city administrator Kathy House, the study cost
approximately $220,000 of the $270,000 appropriated.
While many studies have been completed over the years on the system,
they have focused only on specific problem areas. This study looks at
the system as a whole.
"Although all of the city's sewers are separated," the report states,
"there are many defects within the system that permit the entrance of
excessive infiltration and inflow during wet weather conditions. This
not only stresses collection system capacity, which leads to sanitary
sewer overflows, but it also places excessive loading conditions on the
wastewater treatment plant, and stresses its ability to meet its current
(National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) NPDES permit
conditions."
Malcolm Pirnie's review outlined a plan to ultimately spend more than
$212 million on a project which would eliminate most city pump stations
and provide a new plant site with adequate space for growth. The initial
plant would be sized to handle 4.0 MGD with potential for expansion to
20 MGD. The overall cost would include $134 million for expansion and
growth projects and $78 million for fixing the existing infrastructure
over the next 20 years. The majority of the money would be spent between
2004 and 2008.
Out of five alternatives for the project, the city chose a plan with a
higher price tag, the choice considered the best option by the firm.
For residents, the plan would potentially mean wastewater rate increases
over time, unless alternative financial aid can be found through loans
and grants. The study pointed out that there are eight grant funding
programs from six federal and state agencies. There are also 13 loan
programs available from five federal and state agencies.
The study recommends that the city acquire a 100-acre land site for the
new plant as soon as possible. The spot should provide room for growth
and have space for other city public utilities.
By October the city should begin designing the first phase of the new
plant and the Industrial Parkway trunk sewer and submit the results by
Nov. 19, 2005. Construction will be initiated by April 11, 2006. The
plan would have a new wastewater treatment plant and Industrial Parkway
trunk sewer for the city by Oct. 9, 2007.
House said there were a few surprises contained in the report.
"The operating condition of the existing plant components was much worse
than originally anticipated," she said by e-mail today.
The plant's condition influenced the decision to go with the project
choice they did, which provides a new plant, deeper trunk sewers and
construction to take place in different stages. The other option would
be to upgrade the current plant.
City public service director Tracie Davies also pointed out that the
Malcolm Pirnie Master Study lists worst case scenarios and that
Marysville Mayor Tom Kruse is also "very committed" to finding
alternative funding to avoid rate increases.
From here, House said, the city will review the details of the study
with council public service and finance committees.
"In addition," House said. "We want the public's feedback and
will
provide opportunities for information dissemination, questions and
input."
Marysville's wastewater system consists of one wastewater treatment
plant serving a population of approximately 16,000 people, several major
industries including The Scotts Company, Nestle's, Goodyear, Denison
Hydraulics and the Ohio Reformatory for Women, as well as businesses and
communities such as Honda of America Manufacturing, the village of
Milford Center and partial flows from surrounding areas of Union County.
Zimmerman says first day
of school had few problems
By JUDY BOEHLER
The Marysville Board of Education heard from superintendent Larry
Zimmerman that the first day of the 2004-05 school year went fairly
well.
With regard to bus transportation, Zimmerman said there are always a few
problems and it is evident that a new route will have to be added in the
Mill Valley subdivision. He said Mill Valley Elementary School and
Creekview Intermediate School are full. This year's kindergarten classes
total 440 and a new class will be added at East Elementary.
Zimmerman said the high school cafeteria is operating at capacity, with
500 students being served during the first half-hour lunch period and
almost that many during the second. He said there are plans to set up a
prepay or card system that will speed up the process.
Zimmerman and Nan Streng, Safe and Drug Free Schools prevention
coordinator, recognized former Sheriff John Overly for his 12 years on
the Safe and Drug Free Schools Advisory Board.
"You have been invaluable to everything we've done," Zimmerman said,
adding that Overly not only promoted a drug free atmosphere but also
advised the schools in designing buildings from a safety perspective.
Overly said it was an honor to share the experience and that the
administration and faculty make the programs work. He said he first
worked with the schools 30 years ago as an officer in the Sheriff's
Department.
In other business, the board:
. Heard that HB 130 which became law in July allows grandparents to
enroll a grandchild who lives with them in the school district in which
the grandparents live without having custody of the child.
. Approved the middle school coaches handbook and middle school staff
handbook for the 2004-05 school year.
. Approved a contract with the Union County Board of Mental Retardation
and Developmental Disabilities to provide school psychologist services
for the 2004-05 school year.
. Approved a contract with Memorial Hospital of Union County to provide
athletic trainer services.
. Approved enrollment on a tuition basis to Aaron Fancey and Matthew
Sehnert.
. Approved the tuition rate of $5,287.23 for the current school year as
determined by the Ohio Department of Education.
. Accepted the following donations: Two shade structures and two
covered team benches valued at $10,700 for the high school soccer
stadium from the Slide Tackle Club and the Goalkeepers Club and the
donation of funds to cover the cost of an additional boys soccer coach;
$2,100 from Liberty TechSystems LLC for the school district; $500 for
Edgewood Elementary School from the Honda Heroes program; new playground
equipment for Mill Valley Elementary School from the school's PTO; and a
memorial stone at Marysville Middle School for Tiffany Phillips from
Scott Underwood of the Underwood Funeral Home.
In personnel matters, the board:
. Approved the employment of Linda Versluis as school psychologist for
75 days for the 2004-05 school year.
. Approved as substitutes and home instructors on as as-need basis Lisa
Asman, Amy Cahill, Joe Carr, Marsha Croom, Lynette Focht, Erin Hatten,
Carolyn Lowery, Rebecca O'Brien, Susan Risner, Laura Sabid, Peter
Scovill, Melissa Swabb, Kim Wood, Jackie Bauer, Candace Call, Amy
Christian, Channelle DeWeese, Carolyn Fultz, Katie Kieffer, Wendy
O'Neill, Holly Quaintance, Roberta Rusiska, Tonya Samel, Cindy Shanklin,
Denise Wolvin, Shanna Ninka, Melissa Botkin, Liz Carder, Barb Cingle,
Christy Flading, Amanda Goodwin, Nikkie Lambert, Linda Lybarger, Erin
Ricketts, Jason Ryan, Jamie Schwierking, Jill Sumner, Kara Wood and Kara
Riley.
A list of supplemental contracts will be printed on Friday's education
page.
The board adjourned into executive session to discuss personnel. No
action was taken.
Richwood works for subdivision regulations
By CHAD WILLIAMSON
With things rolling in the new industrial park, a new elementary set to
open and other school improvements planned in the future, Richwood is
looking like a pretty good place to live.
With that in mind, village council and Mayor Bill Nibert have been
trying to plan ahead should housing developments come to Richwood.
Jenny Snapp, director of the Logan Union Champaign Planning Commission,
was at Monday's council meeting armed with a sample of subdivision
regulations the village could choose to adopt. She said the regulations
are modeled after ones being used in North Lewisburg and St. Paris.
Snapp said village officials should read the document and be ready with
possible changes at the Sept. 27 council meeting.
Snapp also said she plans to help organize the village's planning
commission so that it begins to meet
regularlyagain.Shesaidmany
subdivision issues, such as lot splits, are handled by the planning
commission.
She also felt that the village zoning regulations needed to be upgraded
but did not realize council had approved new codes recently. Village
solicitor Rick Rodger said he would send Snapp a copy of the new zoning
regulations.
Snapp asked if Planned Unit Developments (PUD) were covered in the
village's new zoning codes and no one was sure. She said she included a
section on PUDs in the subdivision regulations but would rather see it
covered in the zoning codes.
Snapp also asked if mobile home limitations were included in the village
codes. She said she would eliminate them from the subdivision
regulations after learning they were noted in the zoning codes.
In other business, council:
. Learned that the village cleanup day was heavily used, with 31
containers of refuse being filled.
. Heard that the village's wood chipper is broken and limbs are not
being picked up. Village administrator Jim Thompson said the chipper
should be fixed by Friday.
. Discussed regulations that 300 feet of clearance are needed around
drinking water wells. Apparently a driveway at the new elementary school
was built within 300 feet of a village-owned well.
. Discussed the placement of a fence around the retention pond at the
industrial park.
. Discussed a car dealership in town that has been parking its vehicles
on the village tree lawn.
. Heard from Ed Bischoff of Bischoff and Associates that the upgrade to
the village sewer lines would require a $1.2 million investment.
Bischoff said a little less than half the project could be covered by
grants, leaving the village to fund the rest with a possible 40-year
loan.
. Was approached by Route 37 resident Dave Hook about drainage problems
with his property. Hook, who lives near the new industrial park, fears
site work at the park will lead to increased flooding on his property.
Thompson will look into ways to aid drainage on the property.
. Voted 6-0 to declare a property in the area of Walnut Street a
nuisance.
. Discussed playground equipment being donated by the schools to the
village.
It was a long road back for pastor
By JOEY SECREST
Journal-Tribune intern
Tim Nowlin is the new pulpit minister at the Marysville Church of
Christ, 18077 Route 31.
Although Nowlin is the new pastor at the church, he is not new to the
church. He was a member of the Marysville Church of Christ as a little
boy.
"I lived in Plain City and used to ride my bike to church all the
time,"
he said. "I rode up and down 736 between Marysville and Plain City."
Nowlin is a 1983 graduate of Jonathan Alder High School and still enjoys
long-distance cycling. Directly after high school he went to Ohio Valley
College in Parkersburg, W. Va., and earned a bachelor's degree in Bible
and religion. He did graduate work at Cincinnati Bible Seminary.
Nowlin said that he has wanted to go into ministry since he was 8 years
old.
"The church here as I grew up encouraged us boys to think about how we
could serve God in our careers," he said. "Since I knew I couldn't
play
for the Browns, I knew I couldn't be happy doing anything else."
Prior to returning to Marysville on July 18, Nowlin was the minister at
the Belmont Church of Christ in Dayton for nine years. Out of college,
he preached at the Milford Heights Church of Christ in Cincinnati for
eight years.
The Church of Christ is nondenominational and the process of finding a
new minister differs from that of most churches. When a job comes
available, the church accepts resumes of interested ministers. When
Nowlin learned Ed Bialon, former minister for 17 years at the Marysville
Church of Christ, was relocating to Somerset, Ky., he jumped at the
opportunity to come home.
"I always wanted to come back," Nowlin said. "It was something I
always
hoped for and dreamed about."
Nowlin and his wife Kathy have been married for 20 years and the couple
has four daughters. Katie, 18, is a freshman at Harding University in
Arkansas. Leah, 16, is a junior at Marysville High School, Joy, 13, is
an eighth grade student at Marysville Middle School and Holly, 10, is a
fifth grader at Creekview Intermediate School.
"They (his daughters) are excited about being a part of a large church
youth group and seeing them at school," Nowlin said.
Upon his first week back in the area, Nowlin left to direct all ages
week at Northwestern Ohio Christian Youth Camp in McCutchenville. Nowlin
said he went to the camp as a child and he met his wife there. He also
serves on the camp board.
According to Nowlin, the goals of the church are to serve Christ by
preaching the gospel to all and to serve the community in everyday
issues of life.
"I want the church to grow," he said. "I desire a very large
church in
order to have a greater impact in the world. We believe God's word is
expressed in the Bible and that Christ is the only source of salvation.
We claim and strive to be Christians only."
For more information on Nowlin or the church, those interested may
contact the church office at 644-9747.
Several to seek
Sunday liquor sales
By CINDY BRAKE
A new liquor law that loosened rules for Sunday sales has opened the
door for several questions on the November general election in Union
County.
Voters in Marysville precincts 7 and 10, Jerome Central B, the Leesburg
Precinct and Plain City will be asked to approve various liquor
questions.
The Kroger Co. is requesting a Sunday sale permit for wine and mixed
beverages from 10 a.m. to midnight in Marysville Precinct 7. Bluescreek
Golf Course is seeking a permit for Sunday sales in Leesburg Precinct,
as is Moose Lodge 1651 in Marysville Precinct 10 and Lovejoy's Food Mart
Inc. in Plain City.
In addition to the question of Sunday sales, Jerome Central B voters
will be asked to approve the sale of hard liquor by the glass and wine
and mixed beverages. These petitions were filed by Michael D. Ambrose of
Resource Management in Columbus. Board of Election employees stated that
Ambrose has filed petitions for liquor permits on behalf of businesses
in the past.
Ohio is the 31st state to allow Sunday liquor sales, state printed
reports.
Other issues filed by Thursday's deadline with the Union County Board of
Elections will ask voters to consider two school districts' levy
requests, a fire department levy and a tax by the city of Marysville.
Marysville is seeking to continue to tax S corporation shareholders.
Marysville finance director John Morehart explains this is not an
additional income tax.
"The passage on Nov. 2 will enable the continued taxing of Ohio
allocated net profits associated with S corporations," Morehart wrote in
an e-mail today.
He explained that an S corporation possesses hybrid characteristics of
both the sole proprietorship and a corporation. He adds that it is
generally designed for small business use and allows no more than 75
shareholders. Net income from an S corporation is taxed at the
shareholder level, thus it flows through to the shareholder as ordinary
income taxed on the owner's individual 1040 tax return.
The Fairbanks school district is seeking to renew a 4.6-mill levy with a
4.9-mill increase for five years to be used for emergency requirements.
The Triad school district is seeking an additional .5 percent income tax
for five years and to be used for current operating expenses.
The Pleasant Valley Joint Fire Department which serves parts of Madison
and Union counties is seeking a 10-mill, five-year replacement levy for
fire and emergency medical services.
Candidates filing and the offices they are seeking are as follows:
National
President and Vice President of the United States - George W. Bush and
Dick Cheney (Republican); John F. Kerry and John Edwards (Democratic)
U.S. Senate - Eric D. Fingerhut (D); George V. Voinovich (R)
U.S. Representatives District 15 - Mark P. Brown (D); Deborah Pryce (R)
State
State Senator 26th District - Larry Mumper (R)
State Representative 83rd District - Geoff Lane (D); Anthony E. Core (R)
Non-partisan
State Board of Education District 1 - Lou Ann Harrod
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (term beginning 1/1
05-C.Ellen
Connally; Thomas J. Moyer
Justice of the Supreme Court (1/1/05) - Nancy A. Fuerst; Judith Ann
Lanzinger
Justice of the Supreme Court (1/2/05) - Paul E. Pfeifer
Justice of the Supreme Court (unexpired term ending 12/31/06) - William
O'Neill; Terrence O'Donnell
Judge of Court of Appeals, third district (2/9/05) - Richard Rogers
Judge of Court of Appeals, third district (2/11/05) - Stephen R. Shaw
County
Commissioner (1/2/05) - Tom McCarthy (R)
Commissioner (1/3/05) - Charles A. Hall (R)
Prosecuting Attorney - David W. Phillips
Clerk of Courts - Paula Pyers Warner (R)
Sheriff - Rocky W. Nelson (R)
Recorder - Teresa L. Markham (R)
Treasurer - Tamara K. Lowe (R)
Engineer - Steve A. Stole (R)
Coroner - David T. Applegate II (R)
Zoning change doesn't
fly in Darby
By CINDY BRAKE
Denied - for now.
That was the unanimous decision of the Darby Township Board of Trustees
at a Thursday public hearing to consider creating the most restrictive
zoning standards in the county. The matter now returns to the township
zoning commission for further refinement.
Darby has lost the least amount of agricultural land since 1994,
according to the Union County Auditor, but is looking to create more
restrictive zoning regulations to limit residential development.
The most drastic changes recommended by the zoning commission are the
elimination of the U1 or undeveloped zoning district or farm ground and
replace it with two zoning districts, Farm Residential (FR-1) and
Agricultural 1 (A1). FR-1 permits one house for every five acres, while
A1 allows one dwelling for every 20 acres in a parcel.
The question then becomes, what land falls into the more restrictive A1
category and what land is allowed the less restrictive FR-1 district.
In July, the five-member zoning commission decided that all U1 land
would become A1. Individuals wanting the less restrictive FR zoning
would seek it through rezoning. Rezoning, however, is costly in Darby
Township and some have questioned why they have to pay to get something
they already have.
Farmer and landowner Gary Greenbaum opposes the blanket A1 zoning for
just that reason.
"Why do we have to pay for something we already have," asked township
resident and farmer Gary Greenbaum, referring to the A1 districts.
Greenbaum added that he would like to be able to pass his land on to his
children without restrictions.
He, along with farmer Tom Zimmerman, predict that A1 areas would create
pockets of weeds.
Zimmerman, who has held various township offices for years, told the
board that a 15-acre lot standard set years ago was nothing but trouble.
He explained that landowners generally mowed one to two acres around
their home and let the rest of the land go to weeds. The township would
mow the land and then attempt to bill the landowners.
"It's too much land," Zimmerman said about the A1 district for
homeowners and not enough for farmers.
As farmers, both he and Greenbaum said the small lots are "a pain in the
neck to farm" with today's large equipment.
In the past other landowners have said they believe the A-1 district
devalues their property.
Other voices speaking in favor of FR-1 zoning and against A1 districts
Thursday were two attorneys and the LUC Planning Commission director.
Attorney Rob Beck, whose family farms in the area, called the map
"idyllic, pleasant, bucolic," but one that will weaken and devalue the
township. "Soybeans do not stop development. People protect land."
Beck reasoned that a township zoned entirely A1 will invite unwanted and
unchecked growth. He asked the trustees to reject the map and reinstate
FR-1 zoning. Attorney Jeff McNeeley, who represents developer/resident
Dan Block, also recommended that the trustees turndown the recommended
changes.
"Do it right the first time," said Block, who is planning a large
residential development along Route 736.
LUC Planning Commission director Jenny R. Snapp also recommended that
the trustees rethink the proposed map.
"LUC feels that it is important for the township to include FR-1 as a
district in order to act as a buffer area between the A-1 Agricultural
District and the R-1 Residential District. The FR-1 Farm Residential
District is intended to provide the use of appropriate lands for
continued agricultural purposes while permitting construction of
low-density, single-family residences and other essentially non-urban
types of residential and agricultural activities," Snapp wrote in an
Aug. 17 letter.
Snapp suggested a "more landowner friendly approach could be utilized
such as voluntary designation into the Farm Residential District.
"If such an approach were utilized, the township should use a set of
predetermined guidelines to make the process fair and consistent and
alleviate possible tension between farm residents and non-farm
residents," Snapp wrote.
She offered the following suggested guidelines:
. Is the use of FR-1 on this parcel(s) of land consistent with present
and intended uses?
. Would a change to FR-1 be sensible and reasonable? Would it create a
situation of "spot zoning"?
. Is the change to FR-1 contradictory with Darby Township's
Comprehensive Plan?
. Does the FR-1 change serve the best interests of the community as a
whole (as opposed to a particular individual or group)?
. Is the infrastructure sufficient with the intended use of the property
in question?
Zoning Commission chairman and farmer David Gruenbaum explained that the
commission believed the current map was the fairest method for all U1
landowners, adding that it was difficult to differentiate between who
should receive the less restrictive FR-1 zoning classification.
Landowners George Nichols and Chris Collins concurred with Gruenbaum.
"FR-1 makes everything unequal between landowners," Nichols said in
his
support for all U1 land to be zoned A1.
Practicing professional planner and township resident Chris Collins said
that a FR-1 buffer is not needed between residential and agricultural
land, reasoning that both have a like use. He pointed out that Ohio law
does not speak to the need for buffers between residential and
agriculture neighbors. He encouraged the trustees to adopt the zoning
commission's proposal.
Trustees Roger Davenport, Doug Alderman and Dennis Blumenschein
acknowledged there were concerns with the proposed map and discussed
methods of allowing landowners to voluntarily sign up for FR-1 zoning or
waive rezoning fees for a limited period of time.
Trustee Alderman noted that if there is a weakness to the proposal, it
is that it failed to identify growth corridors. He said that he saw
merit to voluntary FR-1 zoning, but did not see how FR-1 could be a
buffer.
"Let landowners have the right," he said.
From J-T staff reports:
Union County residents either witnessed the ferocity of Thursday's storm
or a harmless amount of rain depending upon where they were.
Brad Gilbert, deputy director for the Union County Emergency Management
Agency, said this morning that the National Weather Service (NWS)
registered more than 60 mph winds with heavy rain, lightning and hail as
storms swept through central Union County after 4 p.m.
The storm hit the hardest in Paris, Allen, Taylor and Liberty townships,
Gilbert said. Rain levels, according to the NWS, were recorded at 1.31
inches in Allen Center, 1.12 inches in Pharisburg. The county's north
only .04 of an inch was reported in Byhalia and the the south, .32 of an
inch in New California.
According to the Marysville Fire Department, Thursday was busy with
emergency calls, one after another. The majority of calls they responded
to were located in northern Paris Township.
Reports state that lightening struck the roof of a home at 241 Scotts
Farm Blvd. at 4:48 p.m. The lightening caused a fire to erupt in the
attic with several fire departments responding. Marysville crews were
reportedly in the middle of three different emergency runs when they
responded to the fire, which burned through the roof and caused
extensive damage to the frame trestles inside. Firemen on the scene said
that upon their arrival the owners of the home were attempting to douse
the flames with garden hoses.
Downed power lines were reported in the 17000 block of Dog Leg Road, the
200 block of Windsor Court and the 19000 block of Route 245. A large
tree fell on a Raymond Road home just north of Barker Road.
As the storm came into northwestern Union County from, Gilbert said,
witnesses reported hail larger than the size of peas.
Today electric company crews, emergency personnel and firemen continue
their work to clear up the mess from the sudden storm.
Industrial Parkway closure planned
Industrial Parkway in the City of Marysville will close to through
traffic for two weeks beginning Monday.
The actual point of closing will be just south of the railroad crossing
near the VFW. Replacement of a drainage culvert and construction for a
new street intersection necessitate the closing.
Relocation of utility lines will also occur. Traffic will be able to get
from Fifth Street south to the railroad or from Scottslawn Road north to
the VFW. Through traffic should plan to detour on U.S. 33 from
Scottslawn Road to Delaware Avenue.
A new dawn in North Union
Citizens will get first look at inside of new elementary school this
weekend
By CHAD WILLIAMSON
Anyone wishing to experience time travel can show up at 420 Grove Street
in Richwood Saturday.
When the doors to the new North Union Elementary School open for tours
as part of the grand opening, it will mark a leap into 21st century
educational opportunities for students.
North Union Superintendent Carol Young noted that district residents may
not realize how poor the old facilities were until they compare them to
the new building.
"We didn't know what we were missing," Young said.
Tours for senior citizens and other residents will be held from 9-11
a.m. with tours for students and parents planned for 2-4 p.m. At 1 p.m.
a dedication ceremony will be held in the parking lot area.
The new school replaces three buildings - Claibourne-Richwood, Jackson
and Leesburg-Magnetic Elementary schools. Sections of
Claibourne-Richwood were more than 85 years old and all of the buildings
were littered with space, structural and electrical problems.
Those days are over.
For the students
Students will find the new school as a bright, open learning center.
Perhaps the biggest upgrade is in the technological opportunities where
students will have a computer lab, computers and televisions with VCRs
and DVD capabilities in each room.
Space is also no longer an issue. Where students used to be crammed in
small classrooms, the new school has room to move. The preschool and
kindergarten wing has six classrooms at 1,200 square feet each. All
other classrooms are 900 square feet. The first/second grade wing and
the third/fourth grade wing are each 12 classrooms while the fifth grade
wing has six classrooms.
The idea of grouping certain grades into one wing allows for
"looping,"
a practice where a teacher stays with the same group of students for a
two year period.
Preschool and kindergarten rooms are complete with bathrooms. Other
grade levels share hallway bathrooms.
The wings are color coded by grade level so that students will have an
easier time navigating the interlocking hallways. Preschool and
kindergarten students need only find their way to a hallway with blue
markings to know they are in the right area. First and second grade
areas are green, third and fourth are orange and fifth is yellow.
Currently there is about one extra classroom per grade in the building.
Those rooms are currently being used for more individualized
instruction.
The building will currently hold about 700 students with room to expand
up to 800 students.
The new library has an electronic catalogue system and even has a set of
steps for children to sit on for storytime.
The art room has a kiln. The music room has angled ceilings for better
acoustics and there is even a special room for band practice. The
gymnasium/stage area has lighting for productions and telescoping
bleachers that can seat 500.
The lunchroom is huge with fold-away tables that allow the room to have
various uses.
And the two playgrounds allow younger children to be separated for older
students. All of the equipment was selected by the students and includes
a rock climbing wall and slides built into a small hillside.
For the staff
Anyone who thinks the new school only enhances the experience of the
students, should have been at the school on July 26.
Although teachers weren't to begin work
ontheirclassroomsuntilAug.
1, the open house forced administrators to push up that date. When
teachers were allowed in the building a week early, parking spaces were
at a premium.
Even this week, teaches enlisting the help of family and friends to work
on decorating the rooms and setting up supplies for the coming school
year.
"The dedication has pushed things ahead but it was excitement too,"
Young said.
For teachers, newfound space may also be the best feature. Teachers have
their own small lunchroom, their own bathrooms and plenty of storage
space, a luxury they did not have at the other buildings.
Technology upgrades also allow teachers to have computers and phones at
their desks.
The kitchen area is state of the art with a computerized system to
record which students have paid their lunch money.
Security is also enhanced. During school hours, all external doors are
locked except for the front door. That door filters all guests through
the office. Young admits that some parents may be surprised at first to
find that they can not walk freely into the building.
The school also has security cameras.
A nurse station and special education rooms are also well equipped.
The most welcome feature greets guest when they enter the front door -
air conditioning. The old schools did not have the luxury forcing
students and staff to sweat it out during the late summer and spring
months.
The first day of school at the new facility will be Sept. 7
Local artist will have
work featured at studio
By RYAN HORNS
A former Marysville resident, making waves in the Columbus art
community, is preparing for his first show at a studio in Dublin this
weekend.
"Artist Statement," a show by Adam Sherry, 27, will debut this
Saturday.
The opening reception takes place during from 6 to 9 p.m.
Sherry said his work is currently up for display and purchase at the
Soho Studio Company, located at 6553 Perimeter Drive in Dublin. It will
remain up for a month.
His path toward becoming a professional artist is just beginning, but
Sherry said he is confident in the future. It hasn't always been that
way.
While he has been involved in art most of his life, it took time for him
to realize it was his calling. After graduating from Marysville High
School in 1995 he moved to Columbus.
"Right after high school I started painting," he said. "But I
stopped
for two years."
Sherry said it wasn't until he saw the film "Pollack," about the
famous
1950s modern abstract artist Jackson Pollack, that he felt inspired to
immerse himself back into his passion for painting. He has spent the
past five years making serious efforts toward his professional career as
an artist.
While Sherry cites artists such as Pollack, Willem de Kooning and Mark
Rothko as influences, he is quick to point out that he refuses to place
himself in any artistic label. This is why his own work ranges across
the board from surrealist, abstract, cubist to the simplicity of
landscapes.
"A lot of people will have a show and there will be 15 versions of the
same painting," Sherry said. "I hate that idea. That's why I'm all
over
the place."
Because of this personal quest to search for what he calls "the original
idea," Sherry opted to stay away from art school and instead chose to
work on refining his own natural talent for painting.
"In art school they teach you about everybody and I think it ends up
taking away all of your originality," he said. "I didn't want
that."
For the past several years Sherry has been working on building up his
portfolio of work. How he was offered his first art showing at the Soho
Studio Company came about by luck. The person who cuts his hair saw his
work and then ended up telling the people at Soho Studio about what they
saw. The studio ended up contacting Sherry directly to set up a meeting.
"For them to set up a meeting without even seeing my portfolio never
happens," he said.
After the meeting with the Soho Studio representatives, Sherry found
himself preparing for his first showing.
"This is the first step," Sherry said. "I just graduated
kindergarten in
a way. From here I want to be a full-time artist. This is my chance to
do that."
Now he finds that his self expectations are growing along with his
ambitions.
"I want," quickly correcting himself. "I will be in the Short
North (a
Columbus art district) from here and then on to places like Chicago and
New York."
Sherry's works incorporate various means such as acrylic, string, oil,
charcoal and tar paper to create images that experiment with form, style
and color.
For questions on Sherry's "Artist Statement" debut those interested
may
contact the Soho Studio Company at 614-799-0900 or Sherry at
614-323-7343. Examples of his work can also be viewed at the web-site
www.geocities.com/artbyadamsherry/.
United Way sets goal for 2004
Campaign will shoot for $750,000 again
The Board of Trustees of United Way of Union County established a goal
of $750,000 for the fundraising campaign during a meeting this morning.
If the $750,000 goal is achieved, it would eclipse the record $702,000
raised during the 2002 campaign.
The goal was based on an assessment of the community's need and a
realistic expectation about the amount of money that can be raised. Last
year's campaign fell short of a similar goal, but did raise more than
$687,000 allowing United Way to maintain funding levels to 24 member
agencies.
"Last year's campaign was not a failure by any means," said Michele
Mercer, 2004 volunteer campaign chair. "But we really want to hit that
$750,000 mark before we move on to a new number."
United Way programs and services impacted more than 16,000 Union County
residents last year. The campaign goal shows how much United Way has
grown with the community over the last 10 years. The goal in 1994 was
$330,000, which has more than doubled in the last decade.
The campaign committee will move toward its goal over the next three
months.
'I don't want to lose our township'
Jerome Trustees tell group annexation isn't welcome
By CINDY BRAKE
Often at odds, two Jerome Township trustees found something to agree
about Tuesday as they sat in a roomful of elected officials eyeing the
future of southern Union County along U.S. 33 where their township sits.
"I don't want to lose our township," said trustee Freeman May, who
said
he was against annexation. Later in the meeting, trustee Ron Rhodes said
that he was "100 percent committed to the boundaries of Jerome Township
and keeping it intact."
May charged Union County and Marysville officials with backroom meetings
to provide water and sewer services in Jerome Township with developers.
He said one county commissioner had told him "Your township is no longer
anymore."
May called the meetings "underhanded."
Union County Engineer Steve Stolte confirmed May's comments today.
"He's very correct in what he said," Stolte said.
Stolte said that he has been involved in two or three meetings with
Marysville administration and land developers. He added that for the
past two years, "off and on," the county has been talking with
developers about providing water and sewer services in Jerome Township,
adding that it has been very frustrating because the township lacks
zoning for development. Specifically, he points to numerous referendums
in Jerome Township in a short period of time that have halted
development.
Union County Commissioner Tom McCarthy told May that his comment had an
undertone that there was scheming going on. McCarthy said that as a
public body, the three-member board of commissioners meet with anyone,
including developers, in open meetings. He added that the board is
hearing an ever increasing theme that developers don't feel they can
approach Jerome Township and will have better opportunities if they go
to Marysville and Dublin with a 100 percent land owner petition.
"We can only encourage them to work with you," McCarthy said.
Marysville City Council members at the Tuesday's meeting said they were
unaware of any such city/county meetings. Councilman Nevin Taylor stated
that "if these discussions are occurring, they are counterproductive to
this meeting."
Marysville City Councilman John Gore agreed.
"There can't be any backroom deals," he said.
Not responding to the charge was Marysville Administrative Director
Kathy House, who was at the meeting. Marysville Mayor Tom Kruse was not
at the meeting. House were contacted today for comment, but did not
respond.
After landing his charges, May left the room just when the group began
creating committees to address specific concerns along the U.S. 33
corridor. The corridor, which has yet to be defined, lies largely in
Jerome Township and currently is farmland with houses on large lots
dotting the roadways.
Since April elected officials representing Dublin, Marysville, Union
County, Washington Township in Franklin County, Shawnee Hills, Plain
City and Jerome, Darby, Millcreek, Paris and Darby townships have met
three times to address common concerns about development pressures in
the area. Deciding that the group as a whole is too large to address
specific issues, committees were created based on the common concerns.
The committees and individuals volunteering are:
. Defining the Area of the Route 33 Corridor - Rhodes of Jerome
Township, Pat Manahan of Shawnee Hills, Chris Johnston of Plain City,
Union County Engineer Stolte, Marysville City Councilman John Gore and
Jenny Snapp of the Logan-Union-Champaign Planning Commission.
. Annexation - Marysville City Councilman Mark Reams, Millcreek Township
Trustee Bill Lynch, Jerome Township Trustee Ron Rhodes, unnamed
representatives from Dublin and Plain City.
. Land Use Planning - Marysville City Councilman Dan Fogt, Delaware
County Economic Development Director Tim Boland, Snapp of LUC, an
unnamed Dublin representative and a Washington Township Franklin County
representative.
. Traffic - Engineer Stolte, Marysville City Councilman Ed Pleasant,
Millcreek Township Trustee Jim Schrader and an unnamed Dublin
representative.
. Utilities (water, sewer, storm water management) - Marysville City
Councilman David Burke, Union County Commissioner Gary Lee, Dover
Township Trustee Russell Conklin and unnamed representatives from Dublin
and Plain City.
The group as a whole decided that committees will develop three issues -
pluses, minuses and constraining factors. The next large group meeting
is planned for late January, although a steering committee of committee
chairman will share information during the interim.
Marysville Council Clerk Cone Patterson will oversee communications
between the committees.
Former resident describes Charley
By RYAN HORNS
While Marysville spent Friday with a clear sunny sky, former resident
John Simpson spent hours in a dark Florida closet with a mattress over
his head while hurricane Charley leveled homes and uprooted tall trees
outside.
"It's ugly," were the first words Simpson said about the aftermath.
"We
got lucky."
A year ago Simpson left a career as a painting contractor in Marysville
to be a project superintendent at a building company in South Fort
Meyers. Unfortunately, the move came just in time for him to catch the
only hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in the past 40 years. He ended up
riding out the entire storm in his home.
Simpson said he spent Aug. 11 and 12 preparing for what authorities had
listed as a Level Two hurricane, out of a possible five levels.
Complicating matters, he said, his sister had come with her children to
visit at the wrong time. They found Disney World closed and then made
the decision to leave for home early, just beating the storm out of
Florida.
But before the hurricane arrived, Simpson said, the storm suddenly
turned toward the Florida coast. It was a move that meant he was now
expecting a Level four hurricane with little more than three hours to
prepare.
"The newscasters were saying you should fear for your life," he said.
With no time to evacuate all he and his girlfriend could do was ride it
out. So from noon until 6:30 p.m. they crouched in a closet for
protection, watching the television news and listening to the storm. The
hurricane carried 110 mph winds when it struck near his home, just five
miles north of the worst damaged which hit Port Charlotte.
"They just got pummeled," Simpson said. "We didn't catch the full
wrath
of the storm. We caught most of the winds . I have never seen palm trees
bend that way."
In Port Charlotte, he said, many mobile homes disappeared, roofs were
ripped off other homes and power lines were strewn everywhere in the
streets.
"You go out and there are 40 to 50 foot-tall trees across people's
houses," he said. "You stand next to them with their root system all
showing and if I could put you on my shoulders, your hands just might
reach the top. That's how wide the trees are that were completed
uprooted."
Simpson said they could watch what was happening from television news
coverage, but near the end of the storm all their power went out. It
remained out for another day. He said others weren't as lucky. In
surrounding counties thousands of homes remain without power and may
stay that way for another month.
"I'm sitting here at work now. No worries," Simpson said. "But I
see
guys come in for an hour or two to check on their site and then go back
home to patch up a roof."
The stores are packed with people, he said, but there is not a lot to
buy anymore and no one is making any trouble.
"Everyone's tired. Back home if a blizzard were coming you might have
people fighting over cans of food," he said. "But people are just
taking
it in all stride."
Now that Hurricane Charley is over a new threat has popped up in the
form of scam artists and looters. He said people go around claiming to
be contractors, telling people their company will move their home repair
job to the top of their list for a price. People pay and never see the
contractor again. Looters have also been a problem.
But Simpson said a remarkable result of the hurricane has been
witnessing a change in how people relate to one another. Watching
neighbors going out of their way to help people they don't even know has
been an unexpected treat.
Simpson said the only place nearby they could eat one day was a pizza
shop running off of electric generators. He ended up sitting next to a
couple who lived on the beach until the hurricane hit. They had nowhere
to go so he invited them to stay the night in his home.
"It is really typical of what you're seeing down here," he said.
"People
are giving away their ice and giving away non-perishable foods to help
out their neighbors. You have to remember that down here it's not like
at home (in Marysville) where everybody knows everybody. Everyone is
very individual. Most people don't even know their neighbors."
Jerome
threatened with lawsuit
Resident says he will bring legal action over salt-storage bill
By CINDY BRAKE
"See you in court."
Those were the parting words of one Jerome Township resident Monday
night to the board of trustees.
Fred Yoder said he was attempting one last effort for the township to
make good on an oral agreement made almost three years ago. He said the
township has stored road salt at his Rickard Road barn for 34 months for
$130 a month. He has since sold the property.
"I hope reasonable people can do reasonable things," Yoder said.
Reason, however, did not prevail.
Trustee Sharon Sue Wolfe pled ignorance. Trustee Freeman May, who heads
up the township road division, said he thought all the salt had been
used and trustee Ron Rhodes moved that the township pay the bill in
full.
Yoder said a previous offer of $1,400 from the trustees for the $4,400
bill was a "slap in the face," adding that "the salt was there,
honor
the contract."
The dispute was raised during the public comment period after a
30-minute executive session to discuss eminent litigation with assistant
prosecuting attorney John Heinkel. Heinkel left the meeting after the
executive session.
As Yoder left the building, the meeting immediately recessed with no
other public comment and trustee Rhodes awaited the arrival of a public
safety officer to escort him to his car. Rhodes claimed that he had been
threatened by another trustee during the executive session.
The meeting began much like it ended with the clearly divided board
struggling to approve minutes of five previous meetings.
Rhodes believed minutes for the June 24 failed to reflect that he was
present, but not participating. The minutes stated that he was absent.
He asked for a clarification of the July 24 minutes. Rhodes wanted to
add a statement that he had asked to speak four times before Wolfe
permitted him to talk for three minutes. Rhodes also pointed out that
the Aug. 2 minutes were incorrect concerning a vote and that Wolfe had
voted no on a motion to advertise for a Route 33 corridor meeting.
Other points of contention throughout the night focused on disposing of
a vehicle, purchasing a truck and the Ketch Road project.
Trustees Wolfe and May voted to sell at public auction a car no longer
needed by the fire department. The fire chief had recommended that the
car be donated to another fire department and Rhodes agreed. May,
originally, wanted to sell the car through sealed bids and Wolfe wanted
to sell it at auction. Ultimately, attorney Heinkel checked the law and
said the property must have a minimum value of $2,500 for sealed bids
and donation is not an option. Rhodes reasoned that Jerome's fire
department got started through the generosity of other departments and
now it was their turn to help out another department, even if it meant
selling the 1996 vehicle for $1. The car was donated to the township
from the sheriff's department and has more than 200,000 miles. Its
valued is estimated to be less than $200. May said he didn't want to
create a pattern of giving public property away, however Rhodes pointed
out that the township had just given away telephones and old computer
equipment.
A long-talked about dump truck purchase has ended with a decision not to
buy a new vehicle.
Rhodes raised a concern that previously approved specifications need to
be revised. He said the specifications called for a truck that was too
heavy and would not meet the township's needs. May said he didn't see
anything wrong with the current specifications, calling Rhodes concerns
"another way to slow down getting the truck before winter."
Wolfe's motion to put the truck out for bid failed for lack of a second.
Rhodes then moved that the township repair the current dump truck. That
motion also failed for lack of a second.
The Ketch Road project has been idle for several weeks, but the
contractor is expected to be back on the job today, said consulting
engineer Mark Cameron.
Cameron explained that ditch lines needed graded, culverts extended and
paving should begin by th eendoftheweek.
He has received questions about the north end of the project and said
600 feet of the road will not be ground up, but just receive an overlay.
The project originally was to go from Taylor to Hickory Ridge Road, but
was scaled back as a cost saving measure.
Cameron said storm water will stop short of wetlands and be tied into an
existing pipe that is filled with 80 percent dirt. He offered an
alternative route to a clear outlet that would cost an additional
$30,000. All three trustees voiced concern about the projects overrun.
Cameron will return with definite cost figures.
In other business, the trustees:
. Approved expenditures of up to $1,000 for advertising a zoning
commission meeting.
. Approved spending $120 for copies of pictures to be placed in the
township hall.
. Did not discuss recreation hall rental, although it was listed on the
agenda.
Election results unchanged; votes are certified
From J-T staff reports:
The Aug. 3 special election is official with both levies gaining a few
additional votes.
The Union County Board of Elections met at 9 a.m. today to recount all
votes and add 60 provisional votes to the total. Provisional votes
involve individuals that have changed addresses.
The final count found that the MR/DD levy passed by 50.82 percent or
2,444 votes for and 2,365 votes against. The Marysville school levy
passed by 63.7 percent with 2,314 votes for and 1,349 votes against.
The certified count revealed a record low turnout for the election with
17.14 percent of the county's voters or a total of 4,862 voters
participating in the special election.
Today's results showed a slight change from the unofficial tally
released the night of the election. Unofficial results for MR/DD were
2,407 for and 2,343 against. The Marysville school levy was 2,278 for
and 1,333 against.
This was the third time the countywide MR/DD replacement levy went
before voters. It will generate $2.5 million a year, as compared to the
current levy it replaced which raised $1.9 million. The replacement levy
will cost the owner of a $100,000 valued property $73.50 a year. The
previous levy cost $45.95 a year for a similar property value.
The Marysville School renewal levy is for operating costs and will cost
the owner of a $100,000 property about $105 a year. The 6.56-mill,
five-year levy will bring in $3 million a year. Because it was a
renewal, there was no increase in taxes. Present at today's meeting were
board chairman Robert Parrott and members Max Robinson and Jack Foust.
Board member Dave Moots was absent. Also on hand were three MR/DD
employees and board of election staff.
Triad officials
prepare for start of school, discuss death of teacher
By CORINNE BIX
With classes to begin Aug. 25, the Triad school board members conducted
their annual walk-through of the district's three buildings during the
regular meeting Monday evening.
Rick Smith, board president, opened the meeting by asking for a moment
of silence for high school teacher Christina Savill who died Sunday
morning in a car accident.
Superintendent Dan Kaffenbarger said the district would be seeking to
fill Savill's position by the end of the week.
The board approved the hiring of three aides. After the March levy
failed all aide positions were terminated because of budget cuts.
Outgoing superintendent Steve Johnson, in the spring, recommended that
several aide positions be re-hired because they served a mandatory need.
The board agreed to hire Linda Hixson as a 5.5-hour nurse's aide, Cindy
Alltop as the middle school special needs aide and Barbara Boggs as the
elementary/middle school aide.
Scott Blackburn, middle school principal, reported that middle school
would have close to 390 enrolled students, which is up from 375 last
year. Total open enrollment for the district is currently around 60
students and the seventh and eighth grades have reached the open
enrollment cap.
A levy planning meeting will be held Thursday at the high school at 7
p.m. and the next regular board meeting is Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
In other news, the board:
. Reviewed the Internet Safety Policy
. Approved Alicia Daugherty as teacher mentor for the 2004-2005 school
year
. Approved use of facilities for peewee football for practices and games
on Aug. 29, Sept. 4, 25 and Oct. 9 and 16.
. Approved the elementary staff handbooks for the 2004-2005 school year.
. Approved the fleet and property insurance rates in the amount of
$15,960 an $25,451 respectfully with the Ohio School Plan effective
09-20-2004 through 09-20-2005.
Fairbanks continues on
path toward levy
From J-T staff reports:
The Fairbanks Board of Education took the second step Monday evening in
putting a levy on the November ballot.
The board accepted the county auditor's certification of millage and
authorized the treasurer to certify the ballot languae to the board of
elections. The auditor certified that the present levy amount of 4.6
mills and a 4.9-mill increase for each dollar of valuation will bring in
95 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation. That will amount to
$1,339,999 per year for five years for operating expenses.
If passed, the levy will go into effect in January 2005. The existing
4.6-mill levy, which has one year before expiring, will cease to be
collected.
In other business, the board:
. Authorized the treasurer to advertise bids for a 35-passenger school
bus.
. Approved fees for the Fairbanks Elementary Extended Day program at
$35 for afternoon full-time (three days or more); $8 daily rate for part
time; and $12 per day kindergarten. Rates are reduced for second and
third children in same family.
. Approved membership in the North Central Athletic League for the
soccer team.
. Authorized the transfer of $12,599 from the general fund to the
athletic fund for transportation.
. Approved a policy change for admission of students from non-chartered
or home schooled students.
In personnel matters, the board:
. Approved contracts for the 2004-05 school year for Tina Hall,
literacy coordinator; Kathryn Phillippo, Soar to Success tutor; and
Angela Luke, permant substitute teachers.
. Approved supplemental contracts for Bethany Kramer, freshman
volleyball coach and Matt humphrey; Janet Nicol, high school show choir
advisor and Gail Crosser, high school Drama Club assistant.
Triad teacher
killed in one-car crash
Had also been volleyball coach at Marysville
From J-T staff reports:
Students and residents of the Triad School District in Champaign County
are mourning the loss of a teacher, after a traffic crash early Sunday
morning took her life.
Christina A. Savill, 25, of North Lewisburg was killed Sunday at 4:06
a.m. as the result of a crash on Route 814, just north of U.S. 36 in
Champaign County. Reports state that Savill was driving a tan 1997
Chevrolet Blazer northbound on Route 814, north of Swisher Road, when
her vehicle went off the right side of the road and she lost control.
Savill, who was the only occupant, then drove back into the road and
continued off the left side. Her vehicle struck a ditch and overturned
several times, ejecting her from the car.
Savill was pronounced dead at the scene by the Champaign County Coroner.
She had coached freshman volleyball at the Marysville High School in
2003 and was a full-time teacher at Triad High School for the past year.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time," Triad
School District Superintendent Dan Kaffenbarger said this morning. "I
know it is difficult for us so I can only imagine how difficult it must
be for them. I know we will miss her. She was loved by her students and
by the staff here. It is a great loss for all of us."
Kaffenbarger, who is also the school principal, said Savill began at
Triad High School as a long term substitute teacher in the Spring of
2003 instructing special needs children at the Triad High School as an
intervention specialist. She left to have a child and when she came back
a position was open and she was hired on as a full-time teacher during
the summer of 2003.
He said teaching special needs children requires a teacher who is also
very special and Savill had those positive traits. Regarding her
students, he said counseling is available and the school is hoping to
prepare her students for dealing with the death. They will return to
school next on Aug. 25.
"We tried to contact the small group of students that she taught today
to let them know what had happened," Kaffenbarger said.
According to the Ohio State High Patrol Post in Marysville, the crash
remains under investigation.
Need
for city inspector questioned
By RYAN HORNS
Marysville City Council members have a few questions for the city
engineering department at the next meeting in September.
Several issues brought comments from council members at the Thursday
night meeting.
Many questions came out of the first reading of an ordinance
appropriating $60,000 for city subdivision construction inspection fee
costs. What the ordinance language does not state is that the money
would be used to hire an in-house engineering inspector for new business
developments coming into the city. Until now administrators have been
contracting an inspector.
"Why are we hiring someone if we have someone?" council member John
Gore
aked. He felt the current engineering staff should be handling this.
City finance director John Morehart explained that in the engineering
department there are two staff members who mainly handle code
enforcement. He said performing inspections is not within their job
description. This was allegedly stated in a memo sent by city engineer
Phil Roush, which neither council members nor administrators went into
detail about.
City administrator Kathy House explained that "as development increases
so are inspection fees."
She said it is too much work for one person. An in-house inspector would
be needed mainly to cover the upcoming Coleman's Crossing development.
She suggested they discuss the ordinance at the next council meeting so
an engineering representative could be present.
"There's going to be more questions," council president Nevin Taylor
said.
Another issue faced some contention after Gore criticized an ordinance
appropriating $4,000 donated to the city for an employee picnic. He felt
the way money was raised for the picnic was not conducted well.
"I have an issue with the way businesses were solicited to contribute to
this," Gore said. "It could be perceived as an ethical issue . That's
my
personal opinion and I'm opposed to this."
Gore voted no to the ordinance, along with councilman Dan Fogt. The
remaining four council members voted to pass the appropriation.
During general discussion, Fogt expressed concern over increased
development plans in the area. He said that there are 250 houses on the
drawing board for the south end of Chestnut Street, more slated for
Route 736 at Robinson Road, 200 homes near the golf course in Ostrander
and 5,000 more on a spot near Route 42.
Fogt said it does not look good for the city. With this number of
residential development planned, tap in fees for sewer, water and
stormwater should be looked into appropriately. The city should not be
doing what it has done in the past, which has been letting residential
development come in, displacing water on residents.
"It has left the city having to play catch up right now," he said.
Fogt also cited a letter he received from a resident complaining that
stormwater engineering has not been done properly in the Industrial
Parkway area.
"It is time for the engineer to stop snubbing his nose at certain
citizens and start seeing the truth," Fogt said.
"Shouldn't this be talked about in executive session?" councilman Mark
Reams said.
"It probably should," Fogt said. "But I think development should
be done
properly and looking forward and not creating problems."
In other discussions:
. Gore reported that another Concert in the Park would be held Sunday
with the Street Players performing music from the 1960s and 70s.
. The next city council meeting has been moved from Thursday September 9
to Wednesday September 8, in order to allow city representatives to
attend a Honda of America 25th anniversary event.
. House said that bids on city street paving projects are set to open on
Aug. 24. The plans for street paving have been set to be concluded by
June 30, 2005.
. House reported that the Marysville Fire Department received two
grants. The first is a state EMS grant for $7,000 and the second grant
is for two Panasonic notebook computers to help with fire reports.
. City economic development director Eric Phillips reported that Jack
Schultz, the author of "Boomtown USA" will be in Marysville to meet
with
public officials privately at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 and then give a
public presentation at 7 p.m. in the Union County Public Service Center.
The book deals with small towns facing modern expansion.
"He has some really good ideas and good thoughts," Phillips said.
He added that the private meeting with officials would include political
and school representatives from Marysville, Union County, Dublin,
Richwood and Plain City.
"It is us in a nutshell," House said, referring to Marysville.
Fairbanks to hold State of the
School District meeting
The Fairbanks Board of Education will hold a State of the School
District meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 in the high school
gymnasium.
The purpose of the meeting is to present information about Fairbanks and
receive input on key decisions that may need to be made regarding the
operation of the school.
"We have had a strong tradition of academic and athletic excellence and
we want to continue that into the 21st century," said superintendent Jim
Craycraft.
Craycraft said that state mandates, the economic downturn, increased
health insurance rates and inflation is forcing the board of education
to place a renewal of an emergency levy with an increase on the November
ballot. That levy is needed to maintain current programs at the level
expected by the community.
Craycraft said Fairbanks has a history of operating the district
effectively and efficiently. The last additional levy was passed in
1996.
All members of the Fairbanks community are invited to the State of the
School District meeting. Questions may be addresses to 349-3731.
North
Lewisburg prepares
for Harvest Festival
The annual Harvest Festival will be held Aug. 27-29 in North Lewisburg
with arts and crafts, carnival rides, entertainment, a parade and
community-wide yard sales.
Events begin at 4 p.m. with hayrides and Smith & Bard providing musical
entertainment. Softball games begin at 5 p .m.andPlatinumSoundsand
karaoke by deejay Steve Roberts at 7 p.m. Children's games start at 11
a.m. Saturday, followed by a 1 p.m. watermelon eating contest, vocalists
Delma and John at 2 p.m. and a drug dog demonstration at 4 p.m. The
fireman and EMT auction will begin at 5:
30p.m.andSandwalShultzy's
Blues with a Twist will perform at 7 p.m.
A car, truck and motorcycle show will be held Sunday. The Christy Knotts
sports memorabilia auction will begin at noon at the town garage and
Lauren Kelly will perform at 1:30 p.m. The great Northeast Champaign
County Duck Race will be held in Spain's Creek at 2 p.m., followed by
the parade at 3 p.m. and the Triad High School band at 3:30 p.m. Raffle
drawings and prizes will be awarded at 5 p.m.
Carnival rides, ice cream socials, a dunking booth, crafts and flea
markets and community garage sales will take place all three days, along
with a show by the Friends on antique power. Bingo will be played at 8
p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Town Hall.
Food throughout the festival will include an all-you-can-eat fish fry,
sponsored by the North East Champaign County Fire and EMS departments,
at 4 p.m. Friday at the Town Hall. Saturday's offering will be a chicken
and noodle dinner at the North Lewisburg United Methodist Church and the
NECCFD will hold a baked steak dinner at the Town Hall.
Grand Marshals for the parade this year are Mr. and Mrs. Don Woodruff.
Jerome Trustees air stripe gripe
By CINDY BRAKE
Two Jerome Township roads will be restriped in spite of a difference of
opinion.
Trustee Sharon Sue Wolfe presented a resolution Wednesday morning for
the county to restripe the township section of Mitchell Dewitt Road for
$350. She quickly moved on to another subject before fellow trustee
Freeman May had a chance to ask about restriping another road that he
had discussed with the county engineer. Wolfe said she saw no need to
stripe Hickory Ridge Road, saying it would be a waste of money. She then
suggested that "the next thing you know" residents in the Hills and
Woods, two other upscale neighborhoods, will be wanting "their little
dinky roads" striped.
May asked to amend the original motion, but Wolfe told him to present
his own resolution. He then moved that two township-owned sections of
Hickory Ridge be striped by the county for $335. Wolfe seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously with a 2-0 vote. Trustee Ron Rhodes was
not present.
Both roads previously had stripes and surpass width requirements
established by the county engineer for striping.
The county engineer's department recommends center stripes for roads
that are 16 feet wide and carry 400 cars a day. Center and edge stripes
are recommended for roads that are 18 feet or wider and transport 1,000
cars a day. Both Mitchell Dewitt and Hickory Ridge roads transport 500
to 600 cars a day. Mitchell Dewitt is 18 feet wide and Hickory Ridge is
21 feet. Hickory Ridge is also located between two state routes. The two
roads are to receive only center stripes.
Striping is estimated to last for five years. The county will be
striping 95 miles of roadways at the end of September, said a spokesman
from the county engineer's office.
On other topics:
.Wolfe announced that the third U.S. 33 corridor meeting is slated for
Tuesday but doubted whether she would attend saying she was tired of
"hashing over the same stuff."
. May said he is concerned about false rumors circulating that a
cemetery fence will cost $70,000. He said this is not true, although he
did not provide any other details.
.During the previous Monday meeting on Aug. 2, May clarified his
relationship with citizen-activist Jesse Dickinson. The meeting minutes
state that May had been contacted about arranging a meeting with an
interested party and Dickinson. May said that while he has been friends
with Dickinson for some time, Dickinson does not influence him nor does
he influence Dickinson.
. The township now has a prototype web site online,
http://cbusch-jerome.e18s.com. Clerk
Robert Caldwell said the current
site includes a home page and page for the fire department. He said more
information will be added as it is provided to him.
. Citizen Fred Neuschwander suggested that the board of trustees
"explore" the adoption of the Southeast Corridor Plan. Both trustees
said the matter must be presented to the board by the zoning board.
Neuschwander said the zoning board has been "sitting on" the plan
since
October 2002.
Ostrander to hold
Founders Festival
The Ostrander/Scioto Township Fire Department is celebrating its 50th
year of service with a parade at 10 a.m. Aug. 21 and the village of
Ostrander will hold its first Founders Festival.
The Fireman's Parade will feature fire fighting equipment that has been
used over the past 50 years and departments from all over Ohio will take
part. The festival will include artisan demonstrations, raffles, food,
music a classic car cruise-in and a craft fair.
Anyone wishing to participate may contact Linda Crile at (740) 666-0434.
Erasing the Mason Dixon line
Richwood, county officials work together to bring business to north end
By CHAD WILLIAMSON
For Richwood Mayor Bill Nibert, a ceremony at the village's new
industrial park Tuesday was more about breaking imaginary lines than
breaking ground.
For Nibert, the start of construction on MAI Manufacturing's
52,000-square-foot facility marked the culmination of eight years of
work that broke across an age-old tradition that Richwood and Marysville
don't mix.
Known informally as the "Mason Dixon line," Route 347 is thought to
split the North and the South in Union County. Like the namesake during
Civil War times, the Union County "Mason Dixon Line" was rarely
crossed.
But Nibert said he knew getting an industrial park jumpstarted in the
village would take the support of Union County government and the county
economic development office. Although both serve the entire county, they
are based in Marysville.
But with any rift, somebody has to take the first step.
Nibert runs an insurance business which operates a branch in Marysville.
This afforded him the opportunity to get to know Marysville officials
and work through the rift.
What he found was that there was really no rift at all.
"Those commissioners have bent over backwards," Nibert said.
He went on to tout the work of Eric Phillips, executive director of the
Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership, and the area
Community Improvement Corporation. Some have joked that it seemed Nibert
spent as much time in Phillips' office as he did at his insurance
business.
"Eric has been a dream to work with," Nibert said.
As the county commissioners and the CIC worked to filter grant money to
the village for infrastructure improvements at the site, Phillips tried
to lure prospective businesses.
He found a match when he met Linda and Jerry Wolf who run a company that
creates fiber engineered composites for manufacturers.
"Everything just clicked finally," Nibert said.
Government officials then got the North Union Schools on board to create
a lucrative tax abatement package and the Wolfs were sold. MAI will
represent the first business on Irabean Parkway, named after a grandson
of the couple.
"The resource that never shows up on the books is the good people that
work for you," Jerry Wolf said. "That's what we moved to Richwood
for."
The company's facility in Richwood is expected to create 35 new jobs.
As with any small town, business turnover is a concern for Richwood
officials. Nibert said broadening and solidifying the tax base was his
goal for the industrial park.
While some may have thought it a pipe dream, Nibert looked over the
heavy equipment moving ground Tuesday and said he felt some satisfaction
that a new manufacturer was committed to Richwood.
"You don't know what the feeling is right here," Nibert said touching
his chest.
With all the cooperation that went into the industrial park, Nibert said
he believes the relationship between the north end of the county and the
southern end may be improving. With a second business eyeing the
industrial park, Nibert hopes the Union County "Mason Dixon Line" may
be
a thing of the past.
"I really believe a lot of that has changed," he said.
North Lewisburg council president
steps down
By CORINNE BIX
North Lewisburg city council accepted the formal resignation of council
president Dwight Thompson Tuesday evening.
Thompson has served the village since 1986. He did not give a reason for
his resignation. All council members said that he would be missed.
The council voted in a new council president. Steve Wilson accepted the
nomination and unanimous election to the post.
The council will be accepting resumes over the few weeks to fill the
vacated council seat. Interested parties can contact a council member or
Barry First, village administrator, for more information. It is required
by state law that the council seat be filled within the next 30 days.
Virginia Clemmons, a village resident, addressed the council in regard
to the village mandate to remove any obstructions from the village
easement or right of way.
Within Clemmon's easement sits a 152-year-old hitching post. She told
council that she would like to be the one to remove the post if it has
to be removed.
In 1997, the village put in a waterline along Clemmon's alleyway. She
said approximately 2 1/2 feet were cut off her property. Clemmons said
she was curious as to whether a formal survey had ever been conducted
before the waterline project on her property.
First said he would have to check but his belief was that a formal
survey had never been done. Clemmons felt in regard to the new right of
way policy that she should come forward and voice her concerns in regard
to formal surveying along village right of ways.
Triad schools superintendent Dan Kaffenbarger and school board member
Chris Millice presented to council information on the upcoming .5
percent income tax levy for the schools on November's ballot.
Kaffenbarger asked that the council support the district as they work to
pass the levy to further prevent budget cuts.
Officer Glenn Kemp gave the Champaign county sheriff's report for the
village: 16 traffic citations were issued, 10 warnings issued for
traffic violations, 20 incident reports, 36 cases of assistance given to
citizens, 14 arrests made, one civil and criminal paper served, 30
follow-up investigations, two instances of juvenile contact and three
auto accident reports taken.
In other business, council:
. Passed a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by
the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and
certifying them to the county auditor. A total of $21,800 was approved
with an inside millage of 1.2.
. Passed a resolution directing and appointing the administrator to
serve on the Champaign County Health District and Advisory Council in
place of the mayor.
. Passed a resolution directing and appointing the administrator to
serve on the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency and Executive
Committee in place of the mayor.
City honors Honda
By RYAN HORNS
Marysville city council and administrators know a good thing when they
see it. In this case, it is having Honda of America stationed in town
for the past 25 years.
To celebrate, council and Mayor Tom Kruse will hold the first reading on
a resolution at Thursday's city council meeting to thank Honda for its
many years of producing quality products in Marysville and within the
state of Ohio and officially declaring Sept. 10 "Honda of America
Day."
The resolution states that the day will "encourage citizens to celebrate
Honda and its positive influence in our community."
"Honda's impact is huge to our economy," Marysville economic
development
director Eric Phillips said. "They support the community. Not all
companies are like that."
Phillips said that of the 23,000 jobs located in Union County, Honda
employs more than 10,000. He added that what is just as important is the
support the company provides through its volunteer work and donations to
numerous county causes and organizations.
"Honda's impact has been a big role in not only Marysville and Union
County, but throughout central Ohio," Phillips said. "Without Honda's
presence ? Imagine that ? I don't believe we would be as strong."
He said the city recently purchased a road sign on U.S. 33 thanking
Honda of America for the past 25 years benefiting the region.
"Honda has and continues to provide support, tax dollars and
contributions to our community, thereby making our quality of life
better each and every year," the resolution states.
On September 10, 1979, the first motorcycle rolled off the assembly line
at Honda's first manufacturing plant, the Marysville Motorcyle Facility.
Since then, the car giant has reportedly invested $6.1 billion in
facilities into Ohio and in addition to the Marysville Motorcycle Plant,
has constructed the Marysville Auto Plant and Honda R&D American Inc. in
Raymond and Union County. Honda also operates Honda Engineering North
America Inc. and Honda Trading America Corp. in Marysville and Union
County.
The resolution states that having Ohio's top manufacturer of motor
vehicles in town has been good for Marysville, employing more than
16,000 Ohioans making total wages exceeding $1.1 billion annually. The
company purchases $6.8 billion annually from Ohio suppliers, 11 of which
are located in Union County.
"The Honda vehicles are world renowned for their high quality,
efficiency and dependability and are considered some of the best
vehicles in the world," the resolution states. "Honda has contributed
millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours to charitable and
non-profit organizations in Union County, Marysville and Central Ohio
which provide social and economic programs to citizens."
The resolution also states that Honda has paid more than $122 million in
property taxes to governmental entities in Union County since 1979 and
in 2003 alone paid more than $600,000 in payroll taxes to Marysville.
Richwood council looks ahead
By CHAD WILLIAMSON
With little on the agenda Monday night, Richwood Village Council had its
sights set on some upcoming dates.
The most anticipated event for village officials will be today's
groundbreaking ceremony at the Richwood Industrial Park.
Although some work is already underway, the official ceremony today
marks a commitment on the part of MAI Manufacturing become the park's
first business. The company manufactures fiber engineered composites for
industrial original equipment and supplies them to manufacturers.
When construction is completed in late September or early October, the
company plans to begin hiring 35 new associates to work at the
manufacturing facility.
Planning for the park began in 1998 and was solidified in 2000 when the
village purchased 23 acres of land off Tawa Road.
Richwood Mayor Bill Nibert also noted that council will be meeting
with a grant writer and architect from Poggemeyer Design Group Monday at
6:30 p.m. Apparently the group will tour the Village Hall and look at
renovation projects that are needed.
Grant funding for those renovations will also be discussed.
Nibert also set Aug. 21 as the village cleanup day. Dumpsters will be
set up in a lot off Fulton Street across from the Alley Cat Bar and
Restaurant. The cleanup day will allow village residents to dispose of
larger trash items that are not normally handled by refuse haulers.
In other business, council:
. Learned from Ed Bischoff of Bischoff and Associates that the village
water plant could be reclassified from class III to class I. This would
allow the plant operator to hold a lower certification.
. Approved a transfer of $69,080 from the general fund to the debt
service fund.
. Learned that the proceeds from Sunday's Park Day could reach $3,700.
. Discussed trees in the village park.
. Decided to approach the North Union School District about donating
the playground equipment from some of the village elementary schools
which will not be used next year.
. Discussed problems with the village street sweeper.
. Talked about parking in the village tree lawn.
. Discussed fence requirements for pools located in the village
limits.
. Approved a reimbursement for Jim Thompson for cell phone usage for
village business.
Boy home safe after search
From J-T staff reports:
Thanks to a Union County Sheriff's Office employee, a young Marysville
boy was found Monday night after a police search that lasted several
hours.
Because of an argument at home earlier in the day, the 9-year-old boy
from the 1000 block of Creekview Drive left his house on his bike,
possibly intending to run away.
Marysville Police Chief Floyd Golden said the boy's family last saw
their son at 5:30 p.m. He said the situation turned serious when the
boy's father found his son's bike abandoned in Schwartzkopf Park. He
became worried something might have happened to the boy and at 7:37 p.m.
he called the police to join the search.
Golden said several officers and other local law enforcement agencies
were sent to search the trails. Calls were also placed to the boy's
friends to find out where he might have gone. An Ohio State Highway
Patrol helicopter with thermal heat-detecting equipment for finding
missing people was even dispatched to help.
At this time the story of the missing Marysville boy was hitting the
television news and updates were being given on the search.
Golden said sheriff's employee Sonya Shuler had heard about what was
going on from the news stations when she saw a young boy walking alone
past the Parkview Drive Thru. He said she decided to approach the boy
and the hunch paid off.
Because Shuler was so observant, Golden said, the story had a happy
ending much sooner.
"We could have been out there all night," he said.
Golden said 45 minutes before the Ohio State Patrol helicopter arrived,
local law enforcement agencies were able to call off their search and
return the boy home at 9:30 p.m.
He said he is also thankful to Marysville residents for lending a hand
during their search.
"It was surprising how many people helped," he said.
'Tom Sawyer' takes advantage of
colorful cast
Editor's note: The following review was submitted by Kay Liggett.
Mark Twain's story Tom Sawyer came to life on stage last week at
Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
All that community talent took us back to Hannibal, Mo., in the 1840s.
Scott Underwood, director of the production, brought his enthusiasm,
time and talent as he has done with many other shows. It was good music
? voice and orchestra ? and cleverly choreographed dance routines.
About 20 adorably costumed children, hoofing and singing, charmed us
through the whole show. A superbly hilarious comedy duo consisting of
crafty villains, John Cannizzaro and Dan McKean, were a hoot in their
comedy routine as Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens.
Our own "Marian the Librarian," Sue Banks, was a perfect Aunt Polly.
She
played her part with great verve and fun. There was a lot of good stage
presence in everyone in the cast; they all seemed to be having a lot of
fun and the audience loved it.
Tom Sawyer was played by Evan Zimmerman who we watch as he develops real
stage talent, as is Melissa Fink who played Becky Thatcher. Dan
Neuenswander, portraying Huck Finn, has an enthusiastic, good, clear
voice.
The pit band was wonderful. Their music was hilarious, melodic and
colorful under Underwood's direction.
Hannibal, Mo., was played out by a colorful cast of townspeople,
schoolgirls, paper carriers and Tom's gang. There were familiar faces
and lots of new ones, too. All that talent made for an enchanting
evening.
FHS teacher gets unique opportunity
By JUDY BOEHLER
A Fairbanks High School teacher is leaving for Mexico today to spend a
semester teaching in a Fulbright teacher program.
Spanish teacher Renee Matusik applied to the program last winter and was
confirmed in the spring. Although she has traveled and studied in Spain,
Matusik has not been to Mexico and is looking forward to spending the
next six months learning the culture of our neighbor to the south.
She is one of 200 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad during the
2004-05 academic year through the Fulbright Teacher and Administrator
Exchange Program. Matusik is one of two Ohio teachers selected from 29
applicants. The Fulbright program was established by Congress and is
sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Matusik said she has wanted to live abroad since she first traveled to
Europe with her parents when she was in her early teens. She is
anticipating the experience of a new way of living, using her knowledge
of the Spanish language and eating different types of food.
Matusik will use her experiences to develop her linguistic abilities and
absorb the Mexican culture so she can better teach her students when she
returns. She will celebrate the holidays in Mexico and plans to travel
as much as possible.
"I teach these things but it will be so much better when I have
experienced them," she said.
She also plans to develop exchanges between her Fairbanks and Mexican
students.
"They can make friends for life," she said.
Silvia Elena Hernandez is Matusik's exchange teacher. She will live in
Matusik's condo in Dublin with her husband who is planning to study
English at OSU. Matusik will live in Hernandez' house in Toluca, Mexico,
near Mexico City, which comes complete with a maid.
Matusik said she will be able to get around in Mexico on public
transportation but the Hernandezes would have difficulty doing that. She
said another teacher will take Silvia to and from school until something
can be worked out and others have volunteered to provide transportation.
Matusik's classes at Fairbanks consist of 20 to 25 students but at
Preparatoria Oficial No. 23 in Lerma de Villada, the classes number 35
to 40 students and the schedule is more like an American college
schedule. She will teach 1 1/2 hour classes three or four days a week.
At Fairbanks, Hernandez will teach three levels of high school Spanish
and help develop a Spanish class at the middle school level.
Matusik is a graduate of Denison University and is working on a master's
degree at OSU. She has been attending orientation sessions in
Washington, D.C., this week.
Local teen gets 107 years for shooting officer
Is last of four Ohioans charged in shootout
PERRY, Ga. (AP) - A man who admitted shooting a Perry police officer and
firing at two other deputies was sentenced Friday to 107 years in
prison.
Charles B. Wright, 19, of Marysville, had admitted that he fired at Sgt.
Chris Sutcliff during an April 26 shootout.
His girlfriend, 18-year-old Heather Elizabeth Michael, of Lakeview, was
sentenced to at least 12 years in prison after being found guilty
Wednesday on six charges including stealing, fleeing police and
marijuana possession. She had been the only one of the four Ohioans
involved in the shootout to maintain her innocence.
Zachary James Potter, of Lakeview, and Wright's sister Jennifer Jones,
made separate plea agreements last month. Potter, 19, received a 10-year
sentence and must serve one year in prison. Jones, 21, received a 5-year
sentence and must serve 60 to 90 days in detention.
Sutcliff, who was shot in his right arm, is facing a two-year
rehabilitation from the wound
A great 100 years
Family-owned Journal-Tribune a rarity in newspaper field
By MARK WILLIAMS
AP Business Writer
MARYSVILLE, Ohio (AP) - Dan Behrens proofreads the pages of the
Marysville Journal-Tribune before it goes to press, looking for typos,
making sure headlines are correct and stories make sense.
His mother and grandfather did the same before him. And it is a duty
that Behrens, the newspaper's editor and publisher, plans to eventually
pass to his son, Kevin Behrens, who serves as the newspaper's general
manager.
Dan Behrens said his family's longtime ownership of the 6,500
circulation daily newspaper does not mean he can rest on the work done
by his predecessors or on its commitment to serve the area.
"You still have to pay attention to the paper," he said. "You
have to be
a part of it and work."
The Behrens family, which will mark its 100th anniversary of newspaper
ownership in Marysville on Wednesday, is a vanishing breed in an era of
growing corporate ownership of newspapers and radio and television
stations.
Out of about 1,450 daily newspapers in the United States there are about
270 independent operations that are not part of a group, according to
researchers for Editor & Publisher's International Year Book. A group is
defined as at least three publications.
In 1994, there were 340 independent or family run operations in the
United States, 440 in 1986, 850 in 1960 and 1,650 in 1920, according to
a 1998 American Journalism Review article.
The Ohio Newspaper Association says eight of its 84 daily newspaper
members are single independent operations.
The numbers are likely to continue to shrink. Small newspapers can
generate big profits for corporations while families, meanwhile, may opt
to sell if there are no offspring who want to join the family business.
"Big companies examine properties and see potential growth in
advertising, circulation," said Ron Yates, dean of the College of
Communication at the University of Illinois.
Bill Reader, a journalism professor at Ohio University's E.W. Scripps
School of Journalism in Athens, said some large groups count on smaller
newspapers to make up profits for their larger newspapers that lose
money.
"Profitable big newspapers are rare newspapers," he said.
Conversely, it is hard for some independent newspapers to remain
profitable, he said.
Sandy and Thad Paulsen, 68, have spent the past 30 years as publishers
of the Daily Sitka Sentinel in southerneastern Alaska. The couple also
owns a print shop and rental property to generate revenue to keep their
3,000 daily circulation newspaper running. Mrs. Paulsen, 64, said the
family has resisted repeated offers to buy the newspaper that employs
various family members, including the couple's children.
"We're a dying breed. I just don't think there's any substitute for
being part of the community," she said. "We're a 'maw and paw'
original."
Reader said corporations and larger family operations have the advantage
of lower production costs and can centralize some operations, such as
printing and even copy editing. It also can be hard for them to get and
keep staff at small newspapers, where salaries often are low.
Roy Brown, president and chief executive of the family run Brown
Publishing Co., which has grown to include 17 daily newspapers and 50
weeklies in Ohio, said growing corporate ownership can make sense.
Companies can advertise products in multiple markets less expensively,
news can be shared and collected among the newspapers in the same group
and it is easier to spread good managers among the newspapers while
handling employee turnover, Brown said.
Brown said that as the 84-year-old company has grown - 11 dailies have
been added to its portfolio since 1997 - the product has improved.
He also said corporations are doing a better job of developing a
stronger attachment to the communities where they operate and some have
set up foundations to support those communities.
Reader said across the country, he has seen the gains and losses of
corporate ownership. He said some good newspapers have suffered when
purchased by corporations, while some poorly run small newspapers have
put out a much better product when purchased by a group.
Behrens said there have been times when money has been tight. He
recalled his father skipping a paycheck a couple of weeks. To improve
the bottom line and help production, the newspaper started a cooperative
printing operation with three other newspapers and has been an Internet
provider for seven years, he said.
"You kind of try to look ahead to do things to see whether they'll help
you," he said.
Dan Behrens' grandfather, Bruce B. Gaumer, bought the Union County
Journal in 1904. The newspaper is planning a 16-page section on
Wednesday on the 100th anniversary, and has been writing stories about
other longtime family businesses in the area.
Other Gaumer family members had owned newspapers in Ohio going back to
the 1800s. Bruce Gaumer bought the daily Marysville Evening Tribune in
1951 and merged it into the Journal-Tribune.
Dan Behrens, 61, has been editor for about 30 years and publisher since
1997. His son, Kevin, 30, marks the family's fifth generation in the
business.
Behrens said there have been some overtures from companies about buying
the newspaper, but nothing serious. He said his biggest concern is that
the company would not serve the community as his family has done.
"If it's good for Marysville and Union County we're for it. That's been
our slogan," he said. "We've shown that."
---
MR/DD levy passes
Margin is slim with provisionals still to be counted; Marysville school
levy is approved
From J-T staff reports:
Did it pass or didn't it? That is the question today about the
countywide replacement levy for mental retardation services.
Unofficial results show that the 2.4-mill levy passed by 64 votes with
2,407 cast for the levy and 2,343 against. However, there are 63
provisional votes remaining to be counted until the results are
certified. Provisional votes involve individuals that have changed
addresses.
Election results will be certified Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Union County
Board of Elections office.
Depending upon the final count, an automatic recount may be held.
Automatic recounts are required when the total difference in votes cast
is one-half of 1 percent or in this situation three or more votes.
MR/DD superintendent Jerry L. Buerger said in a written statement today
that he was "cautiously optimistic."
This is the third time since November that voters were asked to approve
the levy that is expected to generate approximately half a million
dollars more than the levy it replaces. Union County Auditor Mary Snider
estimates that the new levy will bring in $2,459,000 a year. The
previous levy raised $1,893,500 or 28 percent of the 2004 MR/DD budget.
To the owner of a $100,000 valued property, the replacement will cost
$73.50 a year, while the current levy cost $45.95 a year.
Buerger had said the additional funds were needed because of uncertain
funding from the state and promised that if state funding would come
through, local funding could be adjusted with another levy that expires
in 2006.
MR/DD provides services and support to approximately 400 county
residents who have mental retardation or developmental disabilities.
Eligible people of all ages receive services through the Harold Lewis
Center, U-CO Industries, WorkNet and/or support services.
The only other levy before voters yesterday was a levy renewal for the
Marysville school district.
Marysville school district voters passed a renewal levy Tuesday with a
vote of 63 percent for and 37 percent against. The vote was 2,278 for
the levy and 1,333 against.
The 6.56-mill five-year operating levy will bring in $3 million per
year. It was first passed in 1989 and renewed in 1994 and 1999. The levy
costs the owner of a $100,000 property about $105 a year.
The levy represents 8.5 percent of the district's $39 million budget for
2005. Because it is a renewal levy, there will be no increase in taxes.
"The voters are hanging in there with us," said superintendent Larry
Zimmerman. "School funding in Ohio is such a mess that we can just hope
we're communicating. I think we have the confidence of the people."
Yesterday's special election came with a cost.
Staff at the Union County Board of Elections estimate the special
election cost more than $20,000 with MR/DD picking up two-thirds of the
cost because it was a countywide vote, while the Marysville Board of
Education will pay for the balance.
Voter turnout was especially low yesterday in comparison to other
special elections. Yesterday's turnout was 17.20 percent. In August 2003
the turnout was 23.69 percent and in May 2003 it was 21.55 percent.
With this election not even complete, the board is already planning for
the general election. The filing deadline for the November election is
Aug. 19. Two issues and one candidate have already filed.
The Kroger Co. is requesting a Sunday sale permit for wine and mixed
beverages from 10 a.m. to midnight in Marysville precinct 7, while the
Pleasant Valley Joint Fire Department which serves parts of Madison and
Union counties is seeking a replacement levy. Lou Ann Harrold of Ada has
filed for a seat on the State Board of Education District 1.
Lawmen on the lookout for daytime robber
By RYAN HORNS
One morning area resident Rodney Jacobs went off to work and barely
missed meeting the man who burglarized his home.
Now he is telling people to be aware of what is happening in their
neighborhoods.
"He came right in the morning," Jacobs said. "We barely missed
him. The
doors were locked but he broke in."
Union County Sheriff Rocky Nelson said that since July 21 there have
been seven daytime burglaries in the county. Many of those are believed
to be tied to the same suspect. In Jacob's case, he entered through the
garage and used pillow cases to pack up jewelry, entertainment equipment
and personal items.
Jacobs said they are still trying to determine what was stolen and how
much his family lost from their home near Industrial Parkway.
The suspect burglarized two other homes on the same block Thursday and
Friday.
"He is still out and about," Jacobs said.
In a turn of events, the suspect slipped up over the weekend and seen
breaking into a home. Friday at 12:39 p.m. on Mackan Road deputies
pursued a suspicious vehicle which later disappeared into Dublin. At
around 8:24 a.m. Saturday a Plain City police officer ended up spotting
the same suspicious vehicle and started following.
The hunch turned out to be real when the suspect took off and started a
pursuit on Old Post Road, Nelson said. A Union County Public Safety
Officer also took up the chase but ultimately the suspect stopped his
car and escaped on foot.
Nelson said deputies found 77 items related to the burglaries inside the
vehicle.
"It was packed full of things from weapons to electronics, jewelry and
coins," Nelson said. The items matched up with items reported stolen.
Union County Sheriff's Office deputies are reportedly on the trail of
the man.
"We're still investigating. We have a real good suspect," Nelson said.
"But we want to keep him unnamed for now."
Nelson said the suspect already has a warrant out for his arrest through
the Adult Parole Authority.
"We're following up on some good leads," Nelson said. "I have a
good
feeling about this."
As a result of the burglaries, Jacobs said he has the feeling that no
one is as safe as they think, even in remote areas of Marysville and
Union County.
As a result of the burglaries on Industrial Parkway, Jacobs said his
neighborhood has become more close knit. He said an example of this was
when the insurance investigator came to his home to document the thefts.
The man was early so he waited in Jacob's driveway for him to come home.
Neighbors immediately began phoning the police because of the suspicious
car.
While the calls to the police may have a lot to do with a new paranoia
from burglaries hitting so close to home, Jacobs said they are also a
sign of how neighbors should look out for one another to prevent future
break ins.
Jacobs also suggests that people should not keep their valuables in easy
targets like dresser drawers. The thief simply took the dresser drawer
and everything inside. Jacobs also recommends being aware of where the
jewelry box is and whether or not valuables should be stored in such a
place. His family lost 20 years worth of jewelry after their box was
taken.
"Not all of it was expensive," Jacobs said, "but there were some
with
sentimental value."
Local law enforcement officials remind residents to keep their doors,
garage doors and windows locked.
A breath of fresh air
Officials have no plans for move on smoking ban
By RYAN HORNS
A new controversial idea is wafting from Columbus to the suburbs and
small towns of Central Ohio.
Following the lead of Columbus, suburbs including Bexley, Dublin,
Grandview Heights, Grove City, Powell, Upper Arlington and Worthington
are all considering smoking bans in public places. Residents in
Marysville, however, can expect that no similar action is underway
locally.
Union County commissioners have reported they have neither the authority
nor the desire to pursue banning cigarette smoking. Marysville Mayor Tom
Kruse agreed that it was not something he would like to see happen.
"I don't know of any discussion. I certainly have not been involved,"
Kruse said. "I'm not interested . I tend to believe (Marysville
citizens) won't be into it. We're a pretty independent group of people
here in Union County. We don't like people telling us what to do."
Bans have moved forward in California, New York and even Toledo to
arguably low effects on businesses. But can the bans work in a smaller
town with a more of a rural atmosphere?
Whether the ban could work in Marysville is not the question, Marysville
city council president Nevin Taylor said.
"'Can this really work in the city of Columbus?' is the question," he
said.
Taylor said there is no council legislation pending on the smoking
issue. If residents started complaining it might lead to legislation but
no complaints have been received.
As a nonsmoker, Taylor said it would be nice to avoid the smell of
cigarettes but the issue is more about social graces to him. Instead of
making legislation, people should just be more respectful of where they
smoke.
The bans have already been addressed in Union County businesses and law
enforcement buildings. Some have relaxed policies and some have strict
rules concerning where to smoke.
"We've been smoke free for the past 10 years," Honda of America
representative Sharon Van Winkle said. "It is in respect of the
individual and it creates a safe work environment."
She said their rules are a little less strict than other places but they
still exist.
"There is no smoking in the plant, in the production line or in the
conference rooms," VanWinkle said.
Honda has designated areas inside the facility that are in compliance
with smoking ventilation regulations. She said that there are also
places outside smokers can go.
The Union County Sheriff's Office has a policy that includes no smoking
in the building, sheriff Rocky Nelson said. Staff members are welcome to
smoke outside.
The Scott's Company spokesman Jim King said that a new policy on smoking
began earlier this year at its headquarters on Scottslawn Road.
"There is no smoking on campus at all," he explained. "It's soon
to
become our national policy."
King said the company expanded the smoking policy to help associates
live healthier lifestyles. The company offers classes on kicking the
habit, as well as Weight Watchers and healthier cafeteria food.
With the diversity and number of businesses and restaurants in Columbus,
the city has the customer base to support a smoking ban. On the other
hand, Marysville bar owner Lee Alderson of Lee Dog's Locker Room said a
ban would be bad news for business. He said 79 percent of his customers
smoke cigarettes. He said the initial reaction from smokers would be to
stay away from bars banning the cigarettes. But after a while they would
start coming back around.
"There would definitely be a rally to stay away and it might last
anywhere from six months to a year," Alderson said. "If a bar could
get
over that initial hump while customers get used to the new policy then
they would be all right. But the bills keep coming in. Being a bar
owner, it would be devastating for the first six months to a year."
Alderson's opinion is that the government has no right to initiate the
smoking bans.
"It's not against the law to smoke," he said. "I own this bar and
I
don't think they should put a ban on what people can or can't do in my
own establishment."
If they want to ban smoking in public, Alderson said, they should either
make smoking illegal or ban the production of tobacco.
Opponents of the smoking ban in Columbus are hoping to repeal city
council's decision with a ballot initiative. To begin they must gather
5,060 signatures of verified registered voters. The signatures must be
submitted by Aug. 19 to make it to the November ballot for voter
consideration.
The Columbus proposal prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars, bowling
alleys and bingo halls and will take effect on Sept. 26. Council members
passed the legislation after a quick debate on June 28.
The law will also ban smoking at business entrances and will prohibit
separate smoking areas with or without a ventilation system. Smoking
will be allowed on outdoor patios only. If the patio has a roof or any
overhead covering, it cannot have more than two walls. The ban also
requires businesses to display "No Smoking" signs and include a phone
number to report violations.
Scotts has grown, but its hometown roots run deep
Special to the Marysville Journal-Tribune
Though O.M. Scott and Horace Hagedorn never crossed paths, their
destinies were rooted in a shared attitude toward family, community and
work; a like-minded ambition; and a similar feeling for the restorative
power of the great outdoors.
Each man started a company that would help ordinary people become
extraordinary gardeners. Hagedorn founded Miracle-Gro in New York in
1950 with nurseryman Otto Stern. Scott, a Civil War veteran who had
what's been called a "white-hot hatred of weeds," founded his company
here in Marysville in 1868.
Unbeknownst to each man, however, their fates ? or at least their
companies ? would meet, and in 1995 merge.
The combined company, The Scotts Company, not only is the largest lawn
and garden products company in the world, but also the owner of the No.
1 brand in every category in which it competes. It is also a keenly
admired corporate neighbor in the communities where it operates,
including Marysville and all of central Ohio.
The company's family heritage is reflected in its corporate values,
according to Scotts' chairman and CEO Jim Hagedorn, one of Horace
Hagedorn's six children.
"We believe in the power of giving back, it's part of our obligation,"
says Hagedorn. "Whatever we give to the community ? whether it's our
support of the Marysville YMCA, local 4-H clubs, or the Miracle-Gro Kids
and Farms for City Kids programs ? it's with an eye toward making our
communities stronger; making them better places to live."
Hagedorn, who joined Scotts in 1995 after the merger, became CEO in
2001. The Scotts he leads today may be a bigger company than either his
father or O.M. Scott ever imagined, but at heart, it retains its
small-town values, he says.
"Scotts and Miracle-Gro were both family-owned companies for many
years," Hagedorn said. "Although we are now a publicly traded company,
those family values endure in our corporate culture today. While we have
6,000 associates, I consider them part of a big family."
At the heart of the company's heritage are two great success stories.
Indeed, what today has become a multi-billion dollar company was started
by small town entrepreneurs.
Miracle-Gro's astonishing success occurred because Horace Hagedorn and
his partner Otto Stern responded to home gardeners' complaints that
their mail order plants were dying soon after their arrival.
Otto started to include packets of water-soluble fertilizer with each
plant. He saw them as a way for gardeners to extend the life of their
plants. Horace Hagedorn saw greater possibilities.
He ran a full-page ad in a New York newspaper telling readers about the
magic of Miracle-Gro. Three days later he and Otto had $22,000 in cash
orders.
Unlike most other companies that focused on the agricultural market,
Horace Hagedorn believed in helping the average homeowner achieve great
results.
That same philosophy is rooted in the success of Scotts as well.
Although O.M. Scott's initial operation served farmers, in 1907 the
company began selling grass seed to homeowners, a move that gave birth
to the American backyard as we know it today. Later, the company had
several other ground-breaking innovations.
In 1928 the company launched Turf Builder, the first fertilizer
specially designed for lawns. That same year, it began publishing a
magazine called Lawn Care, which eventually had more than a million
subscribers. Scotts was the first to bring the lawn spreader to
consumers as well as many other lawn care products. In 1972, Scotts was
one of the first companies in the world to introduce a toll-free
consumer hotline. Today, that line receives more than 800,000 calls a
year.
But the merger of these two gardening giants ? which was proposed by Jim
Hagedorn ? proved to be the two companies' best idea of all. The
transaction changed the lawn care industry forever and has allowed the
combined company to prosper, not only in Marysville, but around the
world.
"Our success has been due, in part, to the strong support we get in
Marysville," Jim Hagedorn said. "Although Miracle-Gro was based on
Long
Island, where my family still lives, we never seriously considered
moving the combined company out of central Ohio. We are able to
continually attract a world-classs workforce because this area offers a
quality of life that is hard to find in many parts of the country. It's
a great family community. Perhaps that's why Scotts continues to have
such a great family environment."
Scott's investment in Marysville over the years has always been a part
of its overall commitment to the community. In 1956, it built a new
manufacturing plant on what is now Scottslawn Road, which it has since
expanded several times. In 1974 it opened the 68,820-square-foot Dwight
G. Scott Research Center (named after one of founder O.M. Scott's sons)
and in 1982 it erected its new corporate headquarters.
Since the completion of the merger with Miracle-Gro in 1995, Scotts has
invested more than $125 million in its Marysville location. In 1997 its
new 450,000-square-foot Marysville warehouse tripled the available
space; and in 1999 Scotts relocated its Ortho group to Marysville from
California. In 2000, the company expanded its world headquarters in
Marysville, which it named for Horace Hagedorn. The year 2003 saw the
construction of Scotts new world-class greenhouse in Marysville ? a $5
million investment.
Too much money
Millcreek Twp. eyes tax rollback
By CINDY BRAKE
Members of the Millcreek Township Board of Trustees are considering
their options.
With more than half a million dollars tucked away in the general fund
and yearly expenses of only $100,000, the three-member board met Monday
at their regular meeting with Union County Auditor Mary Snider to
discuss the situation.
"This is nothing you take lightly," Snider said. "If there is a
use for
it, improving parks, cemeteries, a ball diamond, then set up a fund so
citizens know what it will be used for."
The general fund balance at $553,596 is greater than the acceptable
standard, Snider said. Snider was speaking on behalf of the Union County
Budget Commission which includes the county treasurer and prosecuting
attorney. She recommended a minimum of six-month expenses be held in
reserve or a maximum of one year.
Board chairman Jim Schrader said the biennial audit shows the township's
general expenses in 2002 at $118,000 and in 2001 at $76,612.
The budget commission has given several townships, including Millcreek,
a year to adjust the balances.
Options include identifying special projects to utilize the excess
funds, rolling back all or some of the township's inside millage or
setting up a reserve account for five years in the general fund for a
special purpose.
Schrader said the idea of a tax cut was "exciting" to him, even if it
amounted to just $3.50 a year for a $100,000 property.
The township currently receives 1.7 mills or $58,622 a year through
inside millage. Inside millage is not voted on and the current rates
were established in 1931, Snider explained.
The budget commission has the authority to adjust the rates and the
township trustees could request the rate to be lowered. Schrader asked
whether townships had the opportunity every year to adjust the rate.
Snider cautioned against changing the rates too often, adding that the
budget commission encourages constancy and that taxpayers need
stability.
Trustee Bill Lynch noted that the township's general fund expenses are
approximately $60,000 more than the inside millage receipts.
Snider pointed out that the township also receives about $30,000
annually from other resources including zoning and cemetery fees and
local government funds.
All agree that estate taxes rolling into the general fund and high
interest earnings contributed to the large general fund balance.
Since 2000 Millcreek has received $123,778.43 in estate tax
distribution, the third highest amount collected among townships. Darby
received $137,437 and Jerome received $224,421.
"Estate taxes are a gift, not constant," Snider warned.
The board also looked at their other funds and found them to have
healthy balances.
The trustees plan to make a decision about adjusting the inside millage
rate by the Sept. 6 meeting.
In other business:
. Andy Ross was nominated as the township's outstanding citizen to the
Union County Chamber of Commerce.
. Sheriff Rocky Nelson said Jerome Township's trustees are interested in
hiring a traffic officer with Millcreek. Currently the townships employ
three public safety officers with Jerome paying 75 percent of the cost
and Millcreek covering 25 percent.
. A sheriff's representative reported three break-ins in the area during
the daytime with a warrant issued for an individual.
. A citizen voiced concern about children unaccompanied by adults on the
township playground.
. Another citizen voiced concern about the township's zoning inspector
offering an opinion rather than facts to the court concerning the
Davisson property. The trustees said they would talk to him.
. A water issue involving private property was presented to the
trustees. They advised the individual to contact the Soil and Water
Conservation District and the health department.
. A bill for $4,111 to seed the township leach bed was questioned.
. Trustees agreed that each needs to be cross trained in cemetery
procedures. Keith Conroy suggested that the cemetery map and files be
computerized.
. A land use planning meeting is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 26 and information
from the citizen surveys is expected to be available.
Teens' trial began Monday in Georgia
From J-T staff reports:
Two Marysville teens who started a shoot-out with Georgia police in
April began the first day of their trial Monday.
The trial of Charles Brutus Wright, 19, of Marysville and Heather
Elizabeth Michael, 18, of Lakeview started Monday in the courtroom of
Superior Court Judge Ed Lukemire.
The jury selection was expected to take most of the day with opening
statements to be held toward the end of the day.
According to a press release from the office of Houston County Georgia
District Attorney Kelly R. Burke, evidence by both prosecution and
defense was expected to begin today. The state expects to finish its
presentation of the case on Wednesday.
No pre-trail statements on the trial are permissible from the District
Attorney's Office other than scheduling issues, he reported.
Specifically, the defendants face three counts of aggravated assault on
a police officer, one count of aggravated battery on a police officer,
two counts of criminal damage to property for damage done to two police
cars in the shoot-out, and two counts of theft by bringing stolen
property into the state. They also were indicted on six counts of
possession of a firearm during a crime, one count of theft by taking the
officer's gun, one count of possession of less than an ounce of
marijuana, two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude, one count of
reckless driving and one count of exceeding maximum speed limits because
the chase reached speeds of more than 100 mph.
If found guilty on all counts, those indictments could lead to sentences
of almost 100 years in jail for each suspect.
United Way to hold school supply drive
From J-T staff reports:
Don't tell the kids ? it's almost time to go back to school.
The United way of Union County is helping area schools get ready by
conducting its seventh annual Agency Directors' School Supply Drive,
presented by AmeriHost Inn.
On Saturday and on Aug. 14, directors and AmeriHost staff will collect
school supplies form 9 a.m. to noon outside Wal-Mart, Kroger, Kmart and
Big Lots in Marysville and at Yoder's Hardware in Plain City. Shoppers
will be given a list when entering the store and can drop items into a
box on their way out. They will be given a $20 discount coupon for the
Marysville Amerihost Inn.
Supplies can be dropped off until Aug. 14 at AmeriHost, 16420 Allenby
Drive, or the United Way office, 232 N. Main St. They will be
distributed to all Union County public elementary schools to be used at
the discretion of school staff for children who need them.
Supplies needed are #2 pencils, pens, markers, crayons, book bags,
hi-liters, erasers, glue sticks, tissues, rulers, zip-lock bags, index
cards, pocket folders, Fiskar scissors, wide-ruled spiral notebooks and
notebook paper.
Donations steal show at
livestock sale
By CINDY BRAKE
While five records were broken during Saturday's Union County Junior
Fair Livestock Sale, more than one-third of the exhibitors donated a
portion of their proceeds to establish a memorial fund to honor a
Marysville FFA member who died in a car accident earlier this year.
Holding a photograph of James Mathewson, Marysville FFA president Josh
Eirich announced before the annual auction that numerous individuals
would be donating money to help establish a continuing $1,000
scholarship in Mathewson's memory.
A total of 102 of the nearly 300 FFA and 4-H youth who ran animals
through the sale ring contributed $4,329.54 to the scholarship with the
two largest contributions coming from Zach Braithwaite and Ashley Bliss.
Braithwaite, who was on the FFA horse judging team with Mathewson,
donated 50 percent of the sale of his market lamb toward the
scholarship, generating $393. Another FFA member, Ashley Bliss donated
50 percent or $379.50 of the sale of her dairy feeder.
The 2004 auction of animal projects for 4-H and FFA projects saw an
increase in buyers and dollars from last year.
David Boerger of the Richwood Bank, which oversaw the sale, reported
today that 145 buyers paid nearly $200,000 to the 298 youth exhibitors.
He reports that both numbers are up, with 136 buyers in 2003 spending
$188,190.
Breaking two records was Hinderer Honda in Heath, while Deere Short
Excavating topped their own previous record and Bobb Chevrolet and
Richwood Bank joined the record-breaking circle.
Jake Westlake's grand champion market ewe lamb was purchased by Hinderer
Honda in Heath for $10.25 a pound, breaking the former record of $7 set
in 2002 and 2003.
Hinderer Honda also broke another standing record for the reserve
champion market heifer by bidding $1.70 a pound, topping the 2003 price
of $1.50 a pound.
The Alfred Short family broke its former record of $1,000 for the grand
champion pen of four meat chickens by bidding $1,050 this year for
Caitlin's Cullman's project.
Richwood Bank purchased Nick Scheiderer's reserve champion pen of four
meat chickens for $900. The former record of $850 was set in 1999.
Bobb Chevrolet of Columbus set a new mark for the grand champion market
gilt at $6.20 a pound. The former record was $6 a pound and was set in
2002.
Record prices that went unchallenged were:
Grand champion market turkey, $1,100 set in 2003; reserve champion
market turkey, $825 set in 2003; grand champion steer, $21 a pound set
in 2003; reserve market steer, $3.60 a pound set in 1998; grand champion
market heifer, $1.85 set in 2003.
Grand champion goat, $1,400 set in 1996; reserve champion goat, $850 set
in 1998; grand champion dairy feeder, $4 a pound set in 1996; reserve
champion dairy feeder, $3.20 a pound set in 1996; grand champion rabbit,
pen of 3, $925 set in 1996; reserve champion rabbit, pen of three, $725
set in 1996.
Gallon of milk and cheese display, $2,300 set in 1991; grand champion
market barrow, $6.25 a pound set in 2001; reserve champion market
barrow, $5.50 a pound set in 2003; reserve champion market gilt, $6 a
pound set in 2002; grand champion hog, $10 a pound set in 1996; reserve
champion market hog, $9 a pound set in 1996; champion pen of two hogs,
$7.50 set in 1986; reserve champion pen of two hogs, $3.75 set in 1997;
grand champion market wether, $21 a pound set in 2003; reserve champion
market wether, $11 a pound set in 2002; reserve champion market ewe
lamb, $7 a pound set in 2003; champion individual market lamb, $17 a
pound set in 1988.
Reserve champion market lamb, $14 a pound set in 1997; grand champion
pen of two market lambs, $5.10 a pound set in1996; and reserve champion
pen of two market lambs, $7 a pound set in 2000.
More than 16,000 show up for
Homecoming
From J-T staff reports:
Motorcyclists from around the world set a new attendance record of
16,742 as they kicked off Honda's 25th anniversary activities at the
15th annual Honda Homecoming.
"We thought we would have a big crowd but we are ecstatic that more than
16,000 customers shared in our celebration of 25 years of motorcycle
manufacturing in Ohio," said LouAnn McKeen, Honda Homecoming project
leader. "Associates and their families and supportive people from our
communities also help boost of the numbers to record levels. It was a
great outpouring of enthusiasm and friendship from out associates and
their families, members of our communities and especially our loyal
customers."
Guests came from as far away as Japan, Czech Republic, Venezuela,
England, France, Mexico, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii during the three-day
event that lasted from Thursday to Saturday.
Dan Fancey of Milford Center was the winner of the special 25th
anniversary commemorative Gold Wing GL1800 giveaway on Saturday night.
More than 5,000 visitors registered for the drawing.
Rob Jequin from Green Bay, Wisc., won the $10,000 prize for best of show
in the VTXperience Bike Show Friday. William Grooms of Delaware won the
$500 Best of Show prize in the Shadow-Valkyrie Bike Show with is 1998
Honda Shadow ACE 750.
More than 6,000 people toured the Marysville motorcycle plant with
another 312 at the East Liberty auto plant and 388 at the Anna engine
plant.
A record of 562 motorcycles formed the light parade from the Marysville
plant to Bellefontaine Thursday night. Another 456 motorcycles braved
the rain Friday night for the light parade in Marysville.
Participants in the 2004 Marysville Ride for Kids outdid themselves by
raising $142,000 Saturday to continue the fight against the number one
cancer killer of children with pediatric brain tumors. The total beat
the previous record of $120,096 set in 2002.
This year marks the 13th Marysville charity ride sponsored by the
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). Held in conjunction with Honda
Homecoming at Honda of America Mfg., it is one of 29 events across the
country. American Honda Motor Co. has been the presenting sponsor for
Ride for Kids since 1991.
"The clouds couldn't dampen the generosity and enthusiasm of our riders
and volunteers today," said Altrece Hogans, Honda's Ride for Kids event
coordinator. "They love the kids and they always pull through for them
in a big way."
It was a special day for Seth Thuman, 5-year-old son of Jackie and Todd
Thuman of Wapakoneta and one of four pediatric brain tumor survivors
honored as "stars" of the event. He rode at the head of the parade
from
Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City to Honda of America's Marysville
Motorcycle Plant on the motorcycle of Joe Rumple, his mother's co-worker
from Honda's Anna Engine Plant.
Rumple, also from Wapakoneta, rode in his first Ride for Kids three
years ago because he thought it was a good thing to do.
"It was different last year when none of us knew whether or not Seth was
going to recover from surgery to remove his brain tumor," Rumple said.
"Today, I was very proud and thankful to have him riding with me and to
know that Ride for Kids is helping make a difference in these kids'
lives."
Jackie Thuman added her appreciation. "It's overwhelming to think that
total strangers are willing to give a helping hand to sick children and
their families whom they have never met. If it wasn't for these donors,
our children wouldn't be here," she said.
The top individual fundraiser at the event was Brent Sheares, an
associate at Honda of America's East Liberty Auto Plant. He helped
organize an auction with contributions from local businesses and
organizations that raised $11,519. In second place were Ken and Carol
Denman from Marysville with $9,300.
The top clubs were Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter B-2 from
Bellefontaine and Chapter D-3 from Marysville. Bellefontaine's club
director Tim Harman said the group raised $12,926, primarily from a
picnic Thursday that drew 600 people from the community and Honda
Homecoming visitors. The Marysville club raised $12,326 from the
community and from donations from employees at The Scotts Company.
Competition Accessories from Springfield repeated as top dealer by
raising $21,062. Richard Silva from Cleveland won the drawing for a
Honda 250 Rebel motorcycle.
The Marysville motorcycle plant is among four plants in Ohio operated by
Honda, employing more than 13,000 associates. The other plants are the
Marysville auto plant, where the Honda Accord and Acura TL are
manufactured; the East Liberty auto plant, where the Honda Civic and
Element light-duty truck are produced and the Anna plant, which produced
more than 1.16 million engines last year for Honda auto plants in North
America.