Local Archived News

Richwood Fair to be a test market for harness racing
Since Richwood was founded in 1932, horses and horse racing have been
an important part of life to Richwood residents and the surrounding
area. Before the village had a fairgrounds or race track, racing on
the main streets of town was held by owners of trotters and pacers.
Summer activity had horses hitched to buggies and carts and in the
winter, the sleighs were busy. Printed information from the history
of Richwood’s Bicentennial in 1976, states a race track and
fairgrounds were established in 1875 on land close to the present
middle school, located between E. Ottawa and E. Blagrove Sts. In
1891, the present home of the Richwood Independent Fairgrounds was
established and continues to improve over the years.

Council authorizes vehicle purchases for village
For the third consecutive meeting, Richwood Village Council approved
the purchase of a vehicle for a municipal operation at Monday night’s
regularly scheduled session.

Donations for log cabins accepted
The Richwood Independent Fair Board recently accepted an offer to
house a part of Union County history last week, when they agreed to
move and house four log cabin structures from Marysville. The
buildings, a two story barn, a two story farm house and two other
cabins, are located on land recently purchased by The Nestle Company,
who is in the process of expanding their facilities and needed to
relocate the log cabins.

Historic Village relocates to Richwood Fairgrounds
By MAC CORDELL
The Ole Village has a new home — actually two of them.
The series of log cabins, barns and shops will be moved, and they
will be staying in Union County.

Freemasons open their doors
Mt. Carmel Lodge #303 F. and A.M. in Richwood can trace its history
back to March 16, 1858, when the first organizational meeting was
held. Organizing members of the Lodge were John Sidle, Jacob C.
Sidle, Job G. Beardsley, Leet Bonham, John Warrick, John Woods, J.S.
Gill and George Myers. These gentlemen wanted to form a society with
specific goals in mind, which include charity, care of widows and
orphans and for the convenience of the brethren in the community. The
Lodge was recognized and granted a charter to meet by the Grand Lodge
of Ohio and has been in existence ever since.

School Board still debates school dress code
North Union’s new dress code is still being debated after months of
discussion with parents and board members.

CodeRED Weather Warning to be implemented March 22
Union County has joined forces with all fourteen townships in the
county, as well as the Village of Plain City, to offer an early
telephone warning system designed to automatically deliver targeted
weather notifications. Calls will warn residents immediately of
weather threats such as severe thunderstorm, flash flood, tornado and
winter storm warnings.

Mock Trial Team competes in regionals
North Union Wildcat Mock Trial team recently participated in the
regional competition held in Lima. Eight teams competed, hoping to
qualify for state competition, which was held in Columbus, last
weekend. Those teams vying for a spot were: Marysville High School –
Team Manchester United and London Arsenal; Fairbanks High School –
Team Alpha; Edon High School – Team Alpha; Archbold High School,
Team Brutus; St. Francis deSales of Toledo – Team Blue; Perrysburg
Explorer Post 2306 – Team Red and from North Union High School – Team
Wildcats.

RABA welcomes spring with basket give-away
Spring flowers are popping through the ground and birds can be heard
chirping a happy song, so it must mean it’s time for the annual
Spring Basket Give-Away Drawing. The Richwood Area Business
Association is again sponsoring their spring basket of goodies with
merchandise from local businesses, worth over $300. The contest will
be held from Wednesday, March 18 through Wednesday, April 8. Anyone
is invited to participate and no purchase is necessary. One lucky
winner’s name will be drawn Wednesday evening, April 8.

Area churches need to submit Holy-Week news
The Richwood Gazette will be publishing information from area
churches regarding Holy-Week services (Palm Sunday through Easter
Sunday). Deadline for submissions is noon Friday, March 27 to be
published in the April 1 edition.

Village council approves purchases using state monies
Richwood Village Council met Monday to discuss buying much needed new
equipment for the village. After council officials were told by state
auditors to spend down a police fund containing more than $100,000 in
February, the village approved vehicle purchases of more than $90,000.

Freshman Academy begins this fall
Submitted by Superintendent Rick Smith
When school begins this fall, North Union High School will embark on
a new idea called “Freshman Academy.” There are no requirements to be
a part of this program, but it is a new approach for our high school
staff in working with freshmen. The District is offering this concept
because our data suggests that incoming freshmen struggle with the
transition from middle school; too many seem to be falling behind and
playing “catch-up” much of their high school career.

UC Chamber recognizes businesses and leaders
The Union County Chamber of Commerce recognized the 2009 Small and
Large Business of the Year and the Community Leader of the Year at
their annual dinner on Saturday, March 7 at Made from Scratch.
Yolanda Harris of ABC 6 and Fox 28 served as emcee.

Looking for a job?
Union County Job and Family Services has created an Employment
Resource Center (ERC) and has a weekly email called “Job Ticker.” The
purpose is to educate the public about jobs that are available in
Union County and surrounding areas.

Part-time police officer hired
Officer Scott Fiegelist, of Tiffin, was hired by Richwood Police
Chief, Monte Asher, as a part-time officer with the department.
Fiegelist is also a full-time corrections officer at the Multi-County
Correctional Facility in Marion. He’s also worked with the Village of
Republic and the Seneca County Sheriff’s office. He has four years in
law enforcement.

Local VFW event to benefit Children’s Hospital
VFW Post 870 is teaming up with “The Thirsty Travelers” Saturday,
March 14 for a night of entertainment and fun, all to benefit
Children’s Hospital.

Local bank’s success comes from community trust
Despite the troubled times in the banking world, The Richwood Banking
Company is thriving, so far in 2009.

RABA announces upcoming community events
Submitted by
Tai Wills, Secretary
Richwood Area Business Association (RABA) held its monthly meeting
Tuesday, Feb.10. Attending the meeting were John Hoskins, Tai Wills,
Rita Monroe, Rita Headington, Jackie Dietsch, Rick Smith, Judy
Lawler, Becky Jividen, Ellen Logan Morris, Brett McQuaide, Suzanne
Patterson and George Showalter.

(for full stories subscribe to the Richwood Gazette)