Local Archived News

U-CO making move to privatization
By RYAN HORNS
Just before the holiday break, Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities (UCBDD) officially announced plans for staff layoffs in a move toward privatizing its association with Marysville’s U-CO Industries over the next year.
Employees and supporters of U-CO are now publicly voicing their anger over the decision, with concerns that dozens of developmentally disabled employees will be left fending for themselves. This appears not to be the case.

Public invited to single bus routing meeting
North Union School Superintendent Rick Smith and the North Union Board of Education will host their second open public meeting to discuss the option of using a single bus route for the 2012-13 school year. The meeting will be held at the administrative offices building in Essex at 12920 Route 739 on Thursday, Jan. 5, beginning at 7 p.m.
Smith will discuss a layout plan as to what one bus route for the school district will look like.

Union Propane focuses on Union County
Union County has been home to Matt Hall most of his life. He’s very familiar with all corners of Union County. The 1990 graduate of North Union was active in sports, he’s been the lead singer is a few bands (Acoustic Mayhem, Noonan) which have played at various venues in the county and surrounding areas, and he’s worked for propane companies that have serviced central Ohio.
His knowledge of the County is his reasoning for opening a family owned business called Union Propane. He wants to be a trusted, friendly businessman, a community partner providing propane in Union County.

Gazette to publish a day late
The Richwood Gazette will publish a day late next week, due to the New Year holiday.
The newspaper will be available to readers on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012. Those who subscribe will receive their newspaper one day later than their normal schedule.

NU School board recognizes accomplishments of Jon Hall
Some school districts have a turnover in teachers, staff, and superintendents over the years. At North Union, it seems that many who serve as school board members, retain their position on the board, elected by voters, with an agenda of making the district the best it can be. At the Monday, Dec. 12 North Union School Board meeting, Jon Hall was recognized for his 15 years of services as a board member.

Soltis retires from Parrott Implement Co.
Charlie Soltis had been a John Deere territory manager for nearly ten years, and was thinking of starting a John Deere dealership in Indiana.
Don and Chet Parrott, two brothers who started the Parrott Implement Co. in Richwood in 1946, were thinking of their upcoming retirement. Don’s son, Bill Parrott, was the next generation to carry on the business, and they were looking for a partner to work with Bill.

Richwood Bank to offer shares of stock
By RYAN HORNS
For the first time since 1867, a local banking company is opening its shares to the public.
While national banks continue to struggle with the economy, local banks are still trending upward. The Richwood Banking Company has been among those experiencing this growth, as evidenced by a new move to increase its capital levels.

Hall of Pride nominations sought
North Union High School Principal Eric Holman has announced that the high school selection committee is accepting nominations for the 2012 Hall of Pride. A maximum of three alumni will be selected based on the following criteria: athletics, medicine, business, education, humanitarian pursuits or service to the school or community. Nominees must have been out of school for a minimum of five years.

Community Open House brings in holiday spirit
The Richwood area community gathered Saturday at the Richwood-North Union Public Library for the annual Community Open House. Organizers from the Civic Center and the library were very pleased with the success of the event.

School board honors Hall for years of service
Several past school board members and superintendent attended the Monday night meeting of the North Union School Board to honor Jon Hall. Hall, who has served the school board since 1996, will step down at the end of December.

Churches offer Christmas services
Area churches are inviting the public to attend special Christmas services throughout the community. Children’s plays, choirs and candlelight services will be available for those wishing to celebrate the Christmas season.

Council meets last time in 2011
Members of the Richwood Village Council met Monday evening to finalize business for 2011.

Pie Giveaway announces winners
The Richwood Area Business Association (RABA) recently sponsored the annual Pie Giveway, where many local businesses welcomed visitors to sign-up to win a free pie. The annual event lifts the spirits during the holiday season.

Two winners announced in contest
During the month of November, readers were challenged to locate the “Indian corn” artwork week after week.

Library and The Center collaborate on open house
The Richwood-North Union Public Library is hosting an open house through the month of December. Many organizations have decorated Christmas trees, which are placed throughout the library. Each tree tells the public how they support the community. Anyone who is interested in putting up a decorated tree in the library is urged to call Sarah at the library at 740-943-3054 or Suzanne Patterson, The Center, at 740-943-2310. There is a free opportunity to showcase your group or organization.

Davenport to serve as new NU School board member
Voters had the opportunity to select two board members during the November 8 election. Incumbent board member Bryan Bumgarner sought re-election, with one seat available as a write-in candidate. After the ballots were counted, the Union County Board of Elections announced the Richwood area resident William E. Davenport received 78 votes and will serve as the new school board member. He replaces the seat held by Jon Hall, who was sworn in as a North Union school board member in January, 1996.

Union County Schools receive grant money
The Union County Chamber of Commerce and the Union County Business, Education and Workforce Team presented grant checks to educators in Union County schools through the Union County Business-Education Connection Grant Program.

Students hold district-wide food drive
North Union students from kindergarten through the twelfth grade, are supporting a district-wide food drive for residents in need living within the school district. The event is held through Tuesday, Dec. 13.