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CELINA CITY COUNCIL Committee Meeting

Parks & Recreation Committee

Meeting Topic: Skate Park Location

Road Closing

Any additional questions, contact the Mercer County Engineer's Office at 419-586-7759.

AGENDA-Board of Mercer County Commissioners

Monthly Ag Breakfast by Soil & Water Conservation District 7:30 a.m.

Weekly Progress Meeting on Adult Detention Facility at Job Site 9:00 a.m.

Minutes, Resolutions, and Correspondence 10:00 a.m.

Minutes: June 30, 2009 submitted for approval.

Resolutions:

Bills allowed for payment.

Travel expense requests from Job and Family Services and Juvenile Court.

Authorize drawing of a warrant for then and now certificates, if any.

Appropriation transfer request by the office of the Commissioners.

Transfer the county’s third quarter share to the office of EMA.

Request by JFS Director to transfer the county’s monthly mandated share to the Public Assistance Fund.

Find furniture and data processing equipment obsolete and authorize the removal thereof from the inventory list of Community Development.

Appoint Rosie Moeller to the Mercer County Family Services Planning Committee.

Purchase of computers and monitors for the Auglaize, Hardin, Mercer, and Van Wert One-stop Offices; WIA funds will be used; the total cost is $12,930.40.

Authorize WIA Director to enter into a Vendor Training Agreement with WSLC to provide computer literacy training.

Request by engineer to purchase architectural services from McCall Sharp regarding the development of the engineer facility west of Celina; the fixed fee for services is $7,500.

Other general business at this time and throughout the day.

Treasurer Rutschilling – Re: General Tax Update 11:00 a.m.

View wastewater treatment plant with Director Kent Hinton 11:45 a.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009 - Closed in observance of Independence Day

HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP

Laura Morsey of Minster, Scholarship Recipient

photo submitted

The JTD Hospital Foundation, the fundraising arm of Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Laura Morsey of Minster for the 2009-2010 school year. Laura is currently studying nursing at Bowling Green State University.

“The Foundation, an affiliate of Grand Lake Health System has awarded $152,500 in scholarships since the Foundation began in 1991 for area students to study nursing and other allied healthcare fields,” stated Karen Ryals, Executive Director.

Kraig Noble, Chair of the JTD Hospital Foundation stated, "By awarding these scholarships, the JTD Foundation continues one of its most important programs. We want to encourage and assist our local students in reaching their career goals in this area of critical need. We have an outstanding group of health care professionals at Joint Township and we look forward to the day when these scholarship recipients may join their ranks."

A major priority of the Foundation is raising funds for the education of our future health care professionals.” For the 2009-2010 academic year, the Foundation awarded 16 scholarships for $10,000, which includes one new $1,000 scholarship for nursing, six $1,000 scholarships to previous recipients to continue their nurse training and six $500 scholarships to area graduating high school students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

Six continuing $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Kathryn Bubp and Kate Bertke of St. Marys, Rachel Fell of Spencerville, Liesa Brand from Marion Local, Brittany Henschen of New Knoxville and Cheryl Stienemann of Minster.

The Foundation also awarded six scholarships to area high schools to encourage students to enter health care fields. These $500 scholarships were awarded to: Kaitlin Kennison, Celina High School; Jake Kaiser Minster High School; Megan McClurg, New Bremen High School; Kale Spieles, New Knoxville High School; David Long, St. Marys Memorial High School and Kyle West for Wapakoneta Senior High School.

Zehringer Presents Resolution to Miss Ohio 2009

COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Zehringer (R-Fort Recovery) today presented a resolution during a session of the Ohio House of Representatives to Erica Gelhaus of St. Henry for being named Miss Ohio 2009.

“I was so happy that Erica was able to join me for the day to see government in action,” said Zehringer. “I was so impressed by her poise and graciousness, and I particularly enjoyed introducing her to all the members on the House floor before session.”

Gelhaus has already begun her responsibilities as Miss Ohio 2009, including touring and speaking at events all across the state. She will be concentrating on her platform, Turning the Page for Children’s Literacy, and she hopes to speak at libraries all over the state about the importance of reading.

Gelhaus will compete for the title of Miss America in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 30, 2010.

H1N1 Influenza Case In Mercer County

The client had participated in a youth missionary group workcamp in Lexington, North Carolina from June 14th – June 20th, 2009. The North Carolina base camp hosted approximately 400 youth participants, including chaperones and bus drivers. Many of the participants displaying similar symptoms, sought treatment at nearby healthcare facilities. Thirty-seven people from Mercer County participated in this event, with 12 of them displaying symptoms similar to the diagnosed case. All Mercer County participants have been contacted. Only 1 youth participant has yet to respond.

The Mercer County Celina City Health Dept. has been working closely with the Ohio Department of Health and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines during the investigation of this case.

The Mercer County Celina City Health Department continues to advise Mercer County residents to monitor your health and that of your children for symptoms of H1N1, including:

· Fever
· Sore Throat
· Cough
· Stuffy Nose
· Chills
· Headache and Body Aches
· Fatigue
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea

If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and avoid contact with other persons, except to seek medical care. Health officials recommend staying home for 7 days after the start of symptoms, or for at least 24 hours after symptoms have ended – whichever is longer.

To Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community

Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. Visit the CDC or Mercer County Celina City Health Department websites: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or http://www.mccchd.org

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you have any questions, please contact the Mercer County Celina Health Department at 419-586-3251 Ext. 278 or your healthcare provider

Coldwater School Board

CLICK HERE - Coldwater School Board Agenda - June 29

Chamber Class Graduates

Pictured from left to right (back row) Kurt Duncan- CAPT, Angie Lefeld -Mercer Health, Heather Zehringer - Celina Insurance Group, Darlene Snavely -CA Employment Services, Brent Stocksdale -Wright State Lake Campus, Ben Uhlenhake - Peoples Bank Co., Eric Ireland -The Gardens at Celina, Jana Homan- Briarwood Village and Jayme Moorman - Dynamic Federal Credit Union

Pictured from left to right (front row) Karen Heinrichs -Mercer Co. Engineer's Office, Michelle May -Cooper Foods, Lanette Briley - Colonial Nursing Home, Stephanie Crum - State of the Heart Hospice and Toni Klosterman -State of the Heart Hospice

The Leadership In Action Class of 2009 held their graduation dinner on Thursday, June 25th at Briarwood Village. This leadership class is facilitated by the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. One day a month from September thru June, this class traveled and toured Mercer County. Each class was a unique opportunity to experience private businesses, government and nonprofit agencies, health facilities, and much more. Applications for the next leadership class will be taken beginning July 15th. Contact the Celina Mercer County Chamber at 419 586-2219 for further details or visit www.celinamercer.com.

Wright State University–Lake Campus Welcome “Fight Club”

FREE concert features WSU’S renowned a capella men’s septet

The Wright State University “Fight Club” consists of seven WSU students who sing a capella pop, barbershop and classical doo-wop songs.

CELINA, OH – The Lake Campus will host the Wright State University “Fight Club” for a FREE outdoor concert on Friday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Crown Amphitheatre. Lawn and bleacher seating is available; patrons are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Performing a capella pop, barbershop and classical doo-wop songs, the “Fight Club” was created in spring 2008 when members of the WSU Men’s Chorale recognized an opportunity to bring music to local schools. This mission allowed the group to perform recently for the Lake Campus Junior Scholars. The group, consisting of all WSU students and Men’s Chorale members recently won the Dayton Daily News/Dayton Dragons National Anthem Competition.

Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer, who collaborated with the Dayton Music Department to bring the performance to Mercer County, hopes to see more concerts in the future. “Our outdoor Crown Amphitheatre is just a wonderful setting – the venue overlooks Grand Lake, and the acoustics are good. Plan to come to campus to hear some good singing under a beautiful summer sky!”

In the event of inclement weather the performance will be canceled; refer to the Lake Campus Web site and your local stations for updates.

For more information contact Sandi Holdheide, Director of Student Services/Public Relations, at 419-586-0359.

Lake Campus Honors 2009 Academic Achievers

Outstanding 2-year and 4-year students recognized

2009 Academic Excellence Award winners include, from left, Angela King, Celina; Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer; Teri Bailey, Coldwater; and Connie Bilimek, formerly of Van Wert. All of these winners achieved a 4.0 GPA in their Wright State studies, and received a cash award and certificate.

Celina, Ohio — Wright State University (WSU)-Lake Campus recently recognized the 2009 Academic Honors Award recipients, celebrating students who achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher after accumulating a minimum of 12 credit hours in their studies at Wright State. There were 256 students honored for Academic Excellence for the 2008-09 school year. Due to construction, a formal program was not held this year; students received their awards in the mail.

Each year, Excellence Awards are given to graduating students with the highest GPA in both a 2-year and 4-year degree program. This year’s honorees at the associate level were Teri Bailey of Coldwater, who received an associate of technical study degree, and Angela King of Celina, who received an associate of arts in communication. Both maintained a 4.0 GPA and will continue with the bachelor’s program in organizational leadership at the Lake Campus.

The Excellence Award recipient in a 4-year program was Connie Bilimek, formerly of Van Wert, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. Bilimek maintained a 4.0 GPA at the Lake Campus.

Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer presented Excellence Award winners with a certificate and a $100 cash prize prior to Lake Campus Commencement on June 12. Each honoree’s name was also engraved on a plaque that will grace the Lake Campus halls.

For more information about the Academic Honors Awards program, which will be reinstated next year for 2009-10 upon completion of the building project, please contact Sandi Holdheide, Director of Student Services/Public Relations, at sandi.holdheide@wright.edu or 419-586-0300.

Mercer Health To Become Tobacco Free Facility July 1

At their regular monthly meeting held on June 24, the Mercer Health Board of Governors gave final approval on a policy that will allow Mercer Health to become a tobacco free campus on July 1.

In her presentation to the Board, Peggy Schultz, Director of Human Resources, mentioned that Mercer Health is hoping the transition will be a smooth one. A plan has been approved that will prohibit the use of tobacco by employees and encourages the patients and visitors to also refrain from smoking while they are on any Mercer Health campus.

She says, “We are hoping to keep a tobacco free environment at not only Mercer County Community Hospital but at all facilities in which Mercer Health has a presence.”

Tobacco related products that will not be permitted on Mercer Health property include (but are not limited to) cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chew, or dip tobacco.

Schultz says, “We are encouraging our hospital staff to remind those on our grounds who are using a tobacco product to please refrain from doing so. We are also posting signs and removing all ash trays to remind those coming to our facility about our new policy.”

For those who are patients, packets will be given to them to help them refrain from tobacco usage. Schultz says, “While this transition may be difficult, we are committed to helping those who may need assistance.”

In other business before the board, Chief Executive Officer Jim Wermert showed quality measurement data from Health & Human Services (HHS) that showed that of eleven hospitals in the area, Mercer Health scored highest in seven out of the ten of the areas of care that were measured.

He explained, “HHS has begun making these comparisons so that patients can have a better idea of the quality of care that they are receiving. All hospitals are required to ask the same questions of their patients when they are surveyed. At least 300 patients must be surveyed by each hospital. We are very proud to have scored so highly, and we are committed to continuing this high standard of care and to making improvements wherever possible.”

Wermert also reported that the new Emergency Department is scheduled to open next Wednesday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m. An Open House for the public will be held on Sunday, June 28, from Noon to 4 p.m.

Board member Tony Gonzalez gave an update on the Chief Executive Officer search to replace Jim Wermert who will be retiring in October. He stated that the search is continuing and that they will have someone in place in time for Wermert’s October 1 retirement date.

On the financial side, Wermert reported an income over expenses for May of $222,213. Since the beginning of the fiscal year in April, 2009, income has exceeded expenses by $401,024.

Lake Campus Launches Barge Built By Faculty and Students

The Maiden Voyage of the Matrix is deemed a success

The barge designed and built by Lake Campus faculty and students was put into water for the very first time to test the hydrodynamics of the watercraft.

CELINA, Ohio –Grand Lake St. Marys was the setting for the maiden voyage of “Matrix,” designed and built by Lake Campus faculty and students. The barge towed behind the Lake Campus pontoon, was videotaped by occupants of a canoe in order to test the hydrodynamics of the boat. The video will be analyzed by the faculty and students, who were very pleased in the Matrix’s performance.

For more information please contact Dr. Guy Vandegrift at 419-586-0334 or visit http://www.wright.edu/~guy.vandegrift.

CELINA CITY COUNCIL Committee Meeting

Council of a Whole Committee

Meeting Topic: Property Acquisition - Executive Session

AGENDA-Board of Mercer County Commissioners

Weekly Progress Meeting on Adult Detention Facility at Job Site 9:00 a.m.

Connect Ohio eCommunity Leadership Team Meeting 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Minutes, Resolutions, and Correspondence 1:30 p.m.

Minutes: June 23, 2009 submitted for approval.

Resolutions:

Bills allowed for payment.

Travel expense requests from EMS.

Authorize drawing of a warrant for then and now certificates, if any.

Appropriation transfer request by Commissioners.

Supplemental appropriation request by Commissioners’ Office and Juvenile Court.

Find 1995 Ford Pickup as no longer needed and authorize the sale thereof.

Remove skid steer loader from inventory as it was traded in per previous resolution; remove various obsolete items or items valued at less than $100 from the inventory of MRDD .

Agreement with Marsh Foundation to provide sex offender therapy services.

Agreement between CNT & WIA to provide PC maintenance to computers in Van Wert County.

Agreement between WIA and Hardin County Family and Children First to share cost of common office expenses (cleaning, phone, etc.)

Contract with Cargill, Inc. to supply road de-icing salt as needed.

Contract between Sources and Job and Family Services for transportation program services.

Take action on the objection filed for the Rose-Green-Highley Ditch Assessment.

Other general business at this time and throughout the day.

Mersman's Pier

photos by Dave Schmidt

The locals call it "Mersman's Pier". Why? Because the foundation is the leftovers of the old Mersman Plant. Here you see continued work on the new pier, located off of West Bank Road and SR 127. Work continues around the Celina portion of the lake, the boardwalk is completed only to the spillway.

Celina Concert Series

pictures provided, thanks to Monte Diegel and friends

The Rejects performed at the Celina Concert Series on Sunday night (June 21) at Lakeshore Park in Celina. The series is held during the summer and draws large crowds.

Mercer Health To Offer New Emergency Department Tours on June 28

Mercer Health announced today that they will be offering the community a chance to tour their new Emergency Department from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. It is located at Mercer County Community Hospital, 800 W. Main Street, Coldwater.

According to Ken Obringer, Director of Marketing & Communications, the new Department will begin seeing patients next week beginning on July 1. He says, “The open house gives everyone in the community the opportunity to see our new Emergency Department before we open it. I think they will be pleased with what they are going to see. There are many nice features here that our current Emergency Department does not provide.”

Marilyn Napier, Emergency Department Nurse Manager, states, “We have added over 16,000 square feet. Of that footage, over 13,000 is for our new Emergency Department. The rooms have been designed with patient comfort and safety in mind. Each room is equipped with its own television, and every room has windows to the outside and above every door to give a more spacious feel.

“We also have a private consultation room that allows the Emergency Doctor to talk with the family in private. This room includes a telephone so that additional family members can be called if necessary. It also features a telephone that we can use to help us communicate with someone who does not speak english.”

Napier explains that all of the rooms are private. She says, “That is a huge improvement over what we have currently. Every patient who comes here will now have the privacy of their own exam room. We also want those waiting to feel as comfortable as possible. That’s why we have included a very nice waiting area that is part of our new lobby area. Although the new lobby is only partially completed (the rest will be done during phase 2 of the project), it is quite impressive when you walk in.”

Napier talked about the new separate entrance for patients arriving by ambulance. She explains, “We now will have an entrance for those coming in an ambulance that will not be seen by the general public. Currently, we have only one entrance for everyone coming in to see us. With this new addition, it will be much more private for everyone.”

Planning for the current project began in 2006. At that time an outline was developed and preliminary plans were drawn up. Fanning & Howey were chosen as the architects for the project. In May, 2008, the ground breaking ceremony was held, and construction began in June, 2008. Obringer says, “We are scheduled to begin seeing patients on July 1.”

The completion of a new Emergency Department is phase one of the project. The second phase will greatly expand the new lobby area. It will also include a new gift shop, a vending machine area that will have tables and chairs, an outpatient registration area, and convenient access to the laboratory, imaging services, cardiology services, the Women’s Health Center, and other outpatient testing services. Chief Executive Officer Jim Wermert says, “We are looking to complete this project toward the end of this year or early next year.”

Persons coming to the Open House on June 28 are asked to use the Cedar Street entrance to gain easy access to the new Emergency Department. Free refreshments will be served.

Hospice Grief Camp Helps Youth Deal with Loss

Community Health Professionals’ Hospice will conduct a day-camp for bereaved youths on July 14-16, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at Camp Clay, 9196 Liberty-Union Rd., Van Wert.

“Rays of Hope” camp is for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives and will help youths gain support, friendships and a better understanding of the grief process, according to Jeanie Saum, RN, CHP Hospice Coordinator. Most importantly, Saum says, the grief camp provides an environment where kids can express openly their feelings of loss; sometimes for the first time.

A variety of activities including swimming, boating, ropes course, crafts games and more will be offered. The camp is open to youths from Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert Counties at a cost of $20 for one family member, $25 for two and $30 for three or more. No one is denied due to financial need, Saum said.

For more information about “Rays of Hope” Grief Camp, call (419) 238-9223 or 800-417-9295 or go online at www.comhealthpro.org.

St. Henry's Erica Gelhaus Wins Miss Ohio

Miss Gelhaus was crowned Miss Ohio 2009 during the final night of competition here in Mansfield. Miss Gelhaus' platform is "Turning the Page for Children's Literacy". The newly crowned Miss Ohio travels to the Miss America Program to compete with other contestants for the title of Miss America.

Becky Minger, Miss Fallen Timbers won First Runner-Up. Miss Minger's platform is "Discovering You, Empowering You".

Nancianne Strosnider, Miss Mansfield won Second Runner-Up. Miss Strosnider's platform is "Encouraging and Sustaining Fine Arts Education".

Jenna Wilson, Miss Lake Erie won Third Runner-Up. Miss Wilson's platform is "March of Dimes".

Ellen Bryan, Miss Lake Festival won Fourth Runner-Up. Miss Bryan's platform is "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors" Promoting Lightning Awareness.

The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program, Inc. helps provide personal and professional opportunities for Ohio women and promotes their voice in culture, politics and the community. The main focus of the program, scholarships, has helped a number of young women with college opportunities during its existence. This year, more than $44,500 in scholarships will be awarded to the 24 contestants competing this year at Miss Ohio.

The Miss America Organization is a not-for-profit corporation that has maintained a tradition for many decades of empowering American women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which to express their opinions, talent and intelligence. In addition to conducting the annual national competition, the Organization acts year-round as the nation's leading achievement program and largest scholarship fund for young American women.

Thousands of volunteers organize all state and local competitions to further scholarship and achievement among young women in their communities.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOP 10 - MISS OHIO SCHOLARSHIP PRELIMINARIES

Top Five Announced at the Finals

Miss Lake Erie, Jenna Wilson (of Zanesville)
Miss Fallen Timbers, Becky Minger (of Sylvania)
Miss Mansfield, Nancianne Strosnider (of Amelia)
Miss Lake Festival, Ellen Bryan (of Celina)
Miss Clayland, Erica Gelhaus ( St Henry)

Each judge scored every contestant and the 10 women who have garnered the greatest number of points in random order are:

Miss Mansfield, Nancianne Strosnider (of Amelia)
Miss Miami Valley, Katie Camp (of Newark)
Miss Fallen Timbers, Becky Minger (of Sylvania)
Miss Clayland, Erica Gelhaus ( St Henry)
Miss North East Ohio, Kylie Johnson (of Zanesville)
Miss Lake Erie, Jenna Wilson (of Zanesville)
Miss Lake Festival, Ellen Bryan (of Celina)
Miss North Coast, Sasha Eby (of Zanesville)
Miss Ohio River, Heather Wells (of Howland)
Miss Maumee Valley, Shannon O'Neill (of Lima)

Celina School Board Meeting

CLICK HERE - Celina School Board Agenda - June 22

2009 Celina Girls Basketball Camp

2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade Campers

5th and 6th Grade Campers

7th, 8th and 9th Grade Campers

Pictures submitted

New Chamber Member

Pictured from left to right: Mary Lou Wiles (Bair Employee), Tom Prenger (owner), Dale Staley (Bair Employee), Pam Buschur (Chamber Director)

Bair Pharmacy has joined the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. They are located at the corner of Main and Market Streets in Celina. A full service pharmacy and drugstore specializing in cosmetics and perfumes. Everyday their greeting cards are 99 cents. Bair Pharmacy can now accept Chamber gift certificates.

Hospital receives David Hendershot Rural Health Promotion Award from Ohio Hospital Association

Joint Township District Memorial Hospital has implemented a variety of programs to advance its goal of providing front line services in the fight against childhood obesity, chronic disease processes and cancer due to unhealthy lifestyles. The hospital’s Grand Health Challenge, recipient of the American Heart Association’s Community Innovation Award, involved soliciting members of the community to form teams to compete to lose the highest percentage of body weight and incorporate a healthier lifestyle. After three years, the community has lost in excess of 10,000 pounds. Another program, Road to Fitness, is based on a point system for participation in community 5K, 10K, bike events and fitness classes. Points are awarded for each event and participants are honored in an awards ceremony. The hospital partners with local YMCAs, newspapers, schools and chambers of commerce to offer services, including monthly health screenings, education programs and community health fairs.

According to Anne Larger, Community Outreach Coordinator, “It was a privilege to accept this prestigious award. This type of award is only possible when you have the support of a very dedicated staff.”

Celina Mayor Hires Interim Director

The Outlook requested a statement from Mayor LaRue, below is the email we received this afternoon-

Dave, my most pressing concern was with the City's budget. Rick has studied the budget since he has been on council and knows it better than anyone except Mr. Hazel and Ms. Stewart, the Auditor. Therefore, to me he was the logical choice. He will sign contracts that Council has authorized the Safety Service Director to sign, Mr. Bryan will continue to work with the projects and I will fill in where I can. So far, everything is going very well. If any of your readers would be interested in inquiring about the position, they should write to Pete Lowe, Clemons and Nelson and Associates, 417 North West Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801 to request a job description and application.

GELHAUS AND WATERMAN WIN THE FIRST NIGHT OF MISS OHIO PRELIMINARIES

Miss Waterman, of Celina was honored with the award Wednesday night for swimsuit preliminary honor and a $400 scholarship from Primrose Retirement Community. This phase of competition focuses on maintaining a healthful, positive lifestyle. A contestant's drive, energy and charisma are factors in the judging of this category. Swimsuit competition represents 15 percent of a contestant's score.

Miss Gelhaus, of St Henry was honored with the award Wednesday night for Talent competition and a $700 scholarship from Richland Bank. Miss Gelhaus sang "So anchio la virtue magica". This phase of competition is based on a contestant's preparation, performance skills and personality, as well as technical excellence. The Talent portion of the competition represents 35 percent of a contestant's score.

The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program, Inc. helps provide personal and professional opportunities for Ohio women and promotes their voice in culture, politics and the community. The main focus of the program, scholarships, has helped a number of young women with college opportunities during its existence. This year, more than $44,500 in scholarships will be awarded to the 24 contestants competing this year at Miss Ohio.

The second preliminary round will be held tomorrow night (Thursday), and the final preliminary round will be held Friday night. The next Miss Ohio will be crowned Saturday night in Mansfield.

Boeckman Signs With Jaguars

photo courtesy Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars signed two players to their roster and waived one, all rookies, this afternoon. Quarterback Todd Boeckman and wide receiver Andy Strickland were added, and wide receiver Jason English was waived.

Boeckman, 25, attended Ohio State where he was a team captain and threw for 31 touchdowns. He played in 27 games, completing 255 of 402 passes (63.4%) for 3,041 yards. The 6-5, 243-pound Boeckman was a full-time starter as a junior in 2007, earning first team All-Big Ten honors after leading the conference in passing efficiency. He started the first three games of his senior season last year before Terrelle Pryor took over as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback. Boeckman, who is from St. Henry, Ohio, received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in March of last year.

Strickland, 6-0 and 197 pounds, was the leading receiver at Wofford College, where he completed his career with 83 receptions for 1,540 yards (18.6 avg.) and 15 touchdowns. He also scored five rushing touchdowns on 26 rushing attempts. Strickland, 21, is from Gaffney, S.C.

English had signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in April following his college career at Tuskegee.

ZEHRINGER ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO ACCELERATE JOB CREATION

MEASURE INCLUDES CONCEPTS ESTABLISHED BY BIPARTISAN REGULATORY REFORM TASKFORCE

The measure builds on the success of Senate Bill 3, and the information gleaned by the Regulatory Reform Taskforce that traveled the state last year.

“After the introduction and unanimous passing of Senate Bill 3 in the Senate, I am glad my colleagues in the House have agreed to make this a priority issue,” said Zehringer. “I feel so strongly about this issue and the importance of addressing bad regulations as a key to Ohio’s economic recovery.”

The Regulatory Reform Taskforce was a bipartisan committee that traveled the state and took testimony from citizens, businesses and elected officials. The task force was chaired by State Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina) and vice-chaired by Representative Zehringer. The committee released a large report in December 2008 that made 15 broad recommendations for legislative intervention.

“Senator Faber’s bill, Senate Bill 3, was really the starting point of this whole project in the legislature,” said Zehringer. “I am happy to report that the House version of this legislation is faithful to Senate Bill 3 in many ways, and is also sensitive to many of the recommendations made by the Regulatory Reform Task Force.”

The bill is supported by many business organizations including the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the Ohio Council Retail Merchants, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Grocers Association, the Ohio Restaurant Association, and the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council.

AGENDA-Regular Meeting of City Council

New Business: (First Reading)

43-09-O: An Ordinance approving certain Then and Now Certificates for expenditures by various departments, and declaring an emergency.

Old Business: (Second)

38-09-O: An Ordinance amending Chapter 917 of the Codified Code of the City of Celina, Ohio as enacted in Ordinance 19-02-O pertaining to the sewer discharge prohibitions and associated penalties.

41-09-O: An Ordinance authorizing the Safety Service Director to enter into a grant agreement, accepting a grant from the Tony Hawk foundation for construction of a skate park, establishing funds for recording the receipts and expenditures, and appropriating the funds and declaring an emergency.

9-09-R: A Resolution declaring the necessity of constructing and repairing certain sidewalks and curbs in the City of Celina, Ohio, and requiring abutting property owners to construct and repair the same (Ward II, Sidewalk Program) and declaring an emergency.

CLICK HERE - City of Celina Council Minutes - June 8

EPA Web Site

http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/glsm_algae.html

Looking For New Members

Pictured is Joe Hammond, OHST, CPEA

Joe Hammond, OHST, CPEA safety auditing and training consultant spoke to an audience of over 80 people attending the Grand Lake Area Safety Council meeting on "Youth in the Workplace." With numerous local employers hiring teenagers for the summer, this was a timely program.

The Grand Lake Area Safety Council is now recruiting membership for their 2009/2010 year. Active safety council members can receive up to a 4% rebate on their BWC premiums by becoming a safety council member. Monthly safety programs as well as a great lunch are presented to the council. Visit www.grandlakesafety.com or call the Grand Lake Area Safety Council at the Celina Mercer County Chamber office at 419 586-2219.

New Chamber Member

Pictured from left to right:Barb Thees - Assistant Director, Patty Thees - Director and Pam Buschur-Chamber Director

Choosing Life Pregnancy Resource Center has joined the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. Choosing Life Pregnancy Resource Center is located at 850 Fairground Rd in Celina. Their hours of operation are Mondays from 10am to 4pm and Thursdays from 1pm to 7:30pm. All other hours by appointment. Parenting classes are held every Thursday evening at 6:30pm and last approximately one hour. Mom to Mom programs are also available. Their website is currently under construction, www.choosinglife.com. Phone 419 733-4847

Click here - Village of Rockford Council Minutes 06-16-09

MERCER COUNTY D.A.R.E. BOOSTERS GARDEN TOUR IS HUGE SUCCESS

The 5th annual “Art and Gardens” tour was held on Sunday, June 14, 2009. Visitors from our area, including Indiana, enjoyed walking among unique gardens containing planting materials passed down from generation to generation, while others contained more recently marketed plants.

Thank you, homeowners, for allowing us to enjoy the fruits of your labor…your beautiful gardens. Larry & Linda Wendel; Dick & Sondra Samples; Pete & Twyla Hayes; Robert & Jane Utgard; Jeff & Mary Monfort; and Jerry & Sandy Braun opened their landscapes.

The attendees enjoyed viewing the work of area artists displaying their talents: Ralph Stuckman, Pottery by Ralph; Dave Weaver, Iron Man Martial Arts; Scott & Jane Hole, Innovative Laser Werkes; Twyla Hayes, artwork; Linda Huffman, quilting; Pat Corle, bead making; and Doris Marbaugh, weaving.

We would like to thank Barry’s Market and People’s Bank, Rockford; Venetian Gardens, Etcetera, Dues Nursery & Landscaping, Card Mart Flowers Original, and McDonald’s Restaurants (both Coldwater and Celina locations) for selling presale tickets for this project.

Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters would like to share with the public our sponsors for 2009. Without our sponsors, the D.A.R.E. program could not provide alcohol, drug, and tobacco free events, such as cup stacking, Senior Luncheon, presentation of six scholarships to graduating seniors who have kept their D.A.R.E. promise, and t-shirts for all 5th grade Mercer County students graduating from the D.A.R.E. Program. Our thanks go out to the following businesses:

CAPT 
Reynolds & Reynolds
Mercer Health
Visions
WKKI
McDonald’s Restaurants
Accutech
Reisen Plumbing & Heating
Alverto Orthodontics, Sidney, OH
American Legion, Ft. Recovery, OH
2 Willy's BBQ & Catering
Elks Lodge
Fanning/Howey Associates, Civil Division
Dues Nursery & Landscaping
VFW Post 9019
Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce
Grand Lake Independent

CLICK HERE - Tour Pictures

Celina Girls Basketball Camp

Mel Thomas

Celina Girls Basketball Camp tipped off this week with former UConn All-Star Mel Thomas as a guest clinician. Mel graduated from Cincinnati Mt. Notre Dame High School after leading her team to a perfect 28-0 record and D-1 State Championship. She then went on to have a stellar career for the UConn Husky's earning three-time All Academic & Big East awards. Mel currently plays professionally in Ireland and still has a dream to play in the WNBA. Her presentation at the camp tip-off focused on what it takes to be a successful student athlete, work hard at whatever you do, do the right thing & enjoy whatever you do. Attendees included student/athletes from Celina and the surrounding Mercer/Auglaize county area. The camp will be continue throughout the week at the Celina High School gym.

Corn Alert

The Mercer County Engineer’s office requests that landowners review these intersections where they have corn planted and if they see sight problems they lessen the hazard by removing that portion of the crop that is obstructing the clear line of sight. Details regarding existing Township and County Road right-of-ways may be obtained by contacting the Engineer’s office.

Fort Recovery Vocational Scholarship Awarded

The scholarship committee would like to thank several local businesses and community members for donating to the scholarship fund over the years. This years’ donors include: Boeckman Farms, Cooper Farms, Family Showcase Video, Fort Recovery Equity, Fort Recovery Industries, Klingshirn and Sons Trucking Inc., Mercer Savings, Midwest Rebuilds Inc., Mike Kahlig and Son Inc., Nature’s Corner, St. Henry Tile Company, and Wendel Poultry Service.

Riley Charged In Wife's Death

The Celina Police Department has filed formal charges in connection with the death of Michelle Riley, (36) late Tuesday night. Riley’s body was found in her home by her 11-year old son. Her husband, Brett Riley, (42), was in the same room with her. He was unresponsive, but still breathing. He was transported to Coldwater Hospital where he was admitted for treatment.

Brett Riley was released from Coldwater Hospital on Thursday morning. At the time of his release he was taken into custody by Celina Police officers on five felony charges. They are as follows:

2903.04(A)		Involuntary Manslaughter	F-1
2903.04(B)		Involuntary Manslaughter	F-3
2903.041		Reckless Homicide		F-3
2925.02(A)(3);(C)(1)	Corrupting Another with Drugs	F-1
2925.03(A)(1);(C)(1)(a)	Trafficking in Drugs		F-4

Information obtained during the emergency response to the incident and following investigation revealed that Brett Riley had obtained a fentanyl patch and shared it with his wife, Michelle, as a recreational drug. Both parties chewed a portion of the patch to obtain a heightened affect from the drug it contained. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is available in a patch form that, when placed on the skin, allows for a slow release of the pain –control drug.

This is the fourth confirmed fentanyl death the Celina Police Department has investigated since 2005. In two of those three previous cases the investigations led to formal charges being filed.

Lowe’s Donates Tools to Tri Star Career Compact as part of national Tough Tools for Cool Schools Program

Pictured at the Wapakoneta Lowes Home Improvement Store for the presentation of the Kobalt tools are (from left) Lowes Commercial Sales Specialist - Mike Molina, Tri Star Director - Tim Buschur, and Lowes Commercial Sales Specialist – Mike Jackson.

Celina, Ohio, June 10, 2009 - Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools in partnership with SkillsUSA are helping the next generation of skilled trade professionals at Tri Star Career Compact through their new Tough Tools for Cool Schools program. Lowe’s is donating approximately $1200 worth of Kobalt tools to the school as part of the new national program. The Tough Tools program will donate a total of $300,000 to more than 500 SkillsUSA building trades and construction programs across the nation for use in their classrooms.

SkillsUSA advisors, Dave Borger and Mark Klaus, were selected to receive the tool kit for the local construction programs at Tri Star Career Compact. Tri Star’s director, Tim Buschur, on hand to accept the tools, said, “This is a good example of how industry works to partner with education, for the betterment of career technical programs and for student success. The SkillsUSA student organization is great in that it helps provide skills and leadership training for our students. Lowe’s support reinforces what we’re teaching in the classroom and shows the value of education-industry partnerships.”

The national Tough Tools program kicked off in March when three-time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson personally delivered the first set of tools to a high school in Hampton, Georgia just prior to the March 8 Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Johnson’s Lowe’s sponsored race car showcased a Tough Tools for Cool Schools paint scheme in an early season race as part of the promotion.

“Lowe’s is proud to work with Kobalt Tools and SkillsUSA to continue to prepare America’s future skilled work force and help students excel in their chosen career paths,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president and chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “With Kobalt tools in their toolbox, and the education and knowledge from SkillsUSA and their schools, we believe students will be ready to succeed when they enter the work force.”

SkillsUSA Executive Director Timothy Lawrence agreed. “The donation of Kobalt Tools to SkillsUSA’s building trades classrooms nationwide will help prepare the next generation of construction workers. The youth who will benefit from this generous donation will build and maintain our homes, schools and commercials structures in the future.” Lawrence concluded, ”Through the Tough Tools for Cool Schools program, SkillsUSA, Lowe’s and our career technical training schools are building something together that will truly make a lasting impact.”

“Guest Waiters Night” at Bella’s Pays Off for Lake Campus

Event raises more than $900 for the Foundation for General Trustees Scholarship Fund

Julie Fleck, owner of Bella’s Italian Grille in Celina, hands a check for $909 to Michael Tenney, Student Government Vice President of Wright State University – Lake Campus. Pictured are some of the participants in “Guest Waiters Night”, including (from left to right): Nancy Otis, Business Manager of Bella’s Italian Grille; Dr. Ken Rosengarten, Lake Campus Assistant Professor of Education; Deb Werling, Lake Campus Student, BPA Vice President and Bella’s Staff; Holley Wolfe, Lake Campus Student and BPA President; Tom Knapke, Lake Campus WOEF Development Officer; and Sandy Gilbert, back row, Coordinator, Lake Campus WOEF Scholarship Program.

CELINA, Ohio – Lake Campus faculty, staff and students gathered on May 9th at Bella’s Italian Grille in Celina for “Guest Waiters Night”. The fundraising event brought more than $900 to the Western Ohio Educational Foundation for the General Trustees Scholarship Fund. Since the first Guest Waiter’s Night in 2000, the Lake Campus and Bella’s have partnered to raise more than $7,500 for scholarships through this effort. The Lake Campus wishes to thank Bella’s owners Tony and Julie Fleck and all of the Bella’s staff for making the fun and profitable evening possible.

Suspicious Death In Celina

June 10, 2009 - The Celina Police Department is investigating a suspicious death that was discovered late Tuesday night as members of the Celina Fire Department responded to a squad run at 428 E. Livingston St. The squad was dispatched after a 9-1-1 call reporting that there were two unresponsive subjects at that address at 11:14PM. Officers arrived to find Brett Riley, (42) and his wife Michelle Riley, (36) in a TV room at the residence. Michelle was dead when officers arrived. Brett was unresponsive but still breathing. He was transported to Coldwater Hospital where he was admitted. He has regained consciousness since being admitted to the hospital.

Mercer County Coroner Dr. Timothy Heinrichs ordered Michelle Riley’s body to be removed and transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. A search warrant was issued for the residence and officers were at the home until after 4:00AM searching for evidence that would assist in determining what had happened.

The 9-1-1 call had been placed by a 14 year old daughter of Brett & Michelle Riley. She and her 11 year old brother had discovered their parents unresponsive just before placing the call. The Celina Police Department will work with Dr. Heinrichs’ office and the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office as they continue the investigation.

Tri Star Career Compact’s Home Energy Efficiency Rates Well

Scott Jarrell, a representative from Nu-Wool Insulation, is seen handing over an infrared camera to one of Tri Star Career Compact’s junior construction students. The students used the camera to detect air leaks during a blower door test in the single story house they helped to build.

Joe Rose, a Tri Star Advisory Board Member and owner of Rose Construction, arranged the demonstration given by Jarrell, and Clete Muhlenkamp of Current Insulation, St. Marys. The blower door test was used to teach students one way in which builders can check the energy efficiency of a house.

Construction students learned through the demonstration that their house had a very good air exchange per hour (ACH) rate of only a 1.5 on a one to four scale (with the lower the number being the better). According to Rose, an average home with fiberglass insulation rates a three ACH or above, which would mean the average home has twice as much air leakage as the Tri Star house that the students built.

“It’s an important selling point in new home construction, especially in these economic times when consumers want lower energy costs.” stated Rose. If constructed properly, energy efficient homes use less energy for heating, cooling and water heating, ultimately saving the home owner on utility bills. The Tri Star house (1710 Berkshire Rd., Celina) will be sold at public auction on Thursday evening, June 11, 2009 at 7 p.m.

Representative Zehringer Welcomes Award Winning Versailles FFA To Statehouse

COLUMBUS – State Representative Jim Zehringer (R- Ft. Recovery) met with elected officers of the Versailles Future Farmers of America chapter yesterday in the Ohio Statehouse. They were on hand to receive a House resolution honoring their recent recognition as the number one FFA chapter in the state. The Versailles FFA was recently recognized as the number one chapter in the state of Ohio. This is a distinction they have received for two years in a row, and they will be sending multiple members to the national convention later this year.

The group was presented a resolution on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives by Representative Zehringer, and State Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina) presented each individual member with a President’s letter. The group also had the opportunity to view offices in both the House and Senate, as well as chatting with both elected officials over lunch.

“I am so proud of these kids from Versailles and the extraordinary amount of support they receive from their advisor Mrs. Wuebker,” said Zehringer. “I look forward to closely following their progress next year, and I know they will remain one of the very best chapters in the state.”

Rockford Disturbance

Statements From Celina Mayor Sharon LaRue and Jeff Hazel

FROM CELINA MAYOR Sharon LaRue

Radio Control Hydroplane Racing -Eastview Park, Celina, Ohio

Free Entertainment for the Entire Family - Watch over 150 Radio Control Hydroplanes race in Celina, Ohio on June 13 & June 14, 2009

Over 80 hydroplane teams are expected to race 150 boats in 20 classes, on the Eastview Park Pond, at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

Action begins a 8:00 A.M. both days. Heat racing will continue to 5:30 P.M on Saturday and 2:00 P.M on Sunday. The race course is located east of Celina on St. Rt. 29 next to the Walmart complex.

This is the 19th year for this to be held in Celina.

This event is sanctioned by the International Model Power Boat Association and will attract teams from across the United States and Canada. Admission is free. Food beverages are available. Great Entertainment for the entire family

AGENDA-Board of Mercer County Commissioners

Minutes, Resolutions, and Correspondence 9:00 a.m.

Minutes: June 4, 2009 as submitted for approval.

Resolutions:

Travel expense requests, if any.

Authorize drawing of a warrant for then and now certificates.

Supplemental Appropriation request by Engineer and Sanitary Department.

Request by Health Dept. to cancel prior year purchase order and carry over.

Establish new fund as requested by Solid Waste for the ODNR Community Development Grant.

Adjust monthly sanitary sewer fees collected to the appropriate debt retirement funds.

Recommendation by Engineer to award the road salt contract to lowest bidder, Cargill, Inc.

Purchase of electrical material to expand camping area at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

Recommendation by Maintenance Supervisor to purchase new faucets to be installed in first floor restrooms of the Courthouse.

Authorize funds for fairground improvements to be applied towards restroom/shower facility debt.

Letter of Understanding between Mercer County and City of Celina related to 629 Funds received for the purpose of widening S.R. 29 West from Portland Street west to Corporation Limits to construct a middle turning lane.

Other general business at this time and throughout the day.

Al Lindeman of Perfection Group – Re: Study for a HB 295 Project 10:00 a.m.

FCC Representative Dave Savolaine – Re: Update on Transition of Digital TV 11:00 a.m.

Lunch with the Office of Emergency Management Agency 12:00 noon

Angela Blackburn - Representative of Sherrod Brown 1:00 p.m.

JFS Director – Re: General Update & Execute Certification Form 1:30 p.m.

Deb Borns – Re: City of Celina Downtown Projects & Potential Park Watershed 3:00 p.m.

2009 Kids Fishing Derby

From left to right front row: Landon Post, Rylee Puthoff, Alex Forsthoefel, Nathan Moeller, Ashland Schwark, and Kendra Godsey

From left to right back row: Alec Purmort- Purmort Insurance Agency (donated the bikes), Sandy Armor- President Southshore Sportsman Club, Dwight Edwards- Darke County Wildlife Officer, Brian Goldick- Area Wildlife Officer Supervisor.

The 2009 Kids Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Southshore Sportsman Club, was held on June 6, 2009 at Windy Point State Park. This annual fishing derby promotes fishing to youths that otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience fishing. The event is free and open to the public; ages 3-15. Overall we had beautiful weather; a great fun and educational day for the kids to enjoy the outdoors. A total of 264 kids registered for this event and 279 fish were caught.

Southshore Sprotsman Club has been hosting this event for over 50 years. It’s held the first Saturday in June every year at Windy Point State Park from 10AM -1PM with registration beginning at 8:30 AM. Bait is provided. The kids also receive a free lunch and every participant gets a prize.

2009 Kids Fishing Derby Major Prize Winners

Most Fish Caught  Age 3-6 (Bike)
Landon Post – 7 fish
Rylee Puthoff – 4 fish

Most Fish Caught  Age 7-10 (Bike)
Nathan Moeller – 9 fish
Kendra Godsey – 9 fish

Most Fish Caught  Age 11-15 (Bike)
Alex Forsthoefel- 9 fish
Ashland Schwarck – 4 fish

Longest Bass (First Choice of Prize)
Hunter Fredrick - 6 ½ inches

Longest Bluegill (First Choice of Prize)
Carter Bubp- 7 ½ inches

Longest Catfish (First Choice of Prize)
Lauren Grilliot- 19 inches

Longest Other (First Choice of Prize)
Garett Schoenleben-  9 ¼ inch Sheephead
Evan Post- 17 ¼ inch Northern Pike

Shake-Up In Celina

Conflicting reports are out about the reason Hazel is no longer with the City. One stems from an ad posted in the Celina Daily Standard that Hazel had left on his own accord and would be assuming work responsibilities at the family business. However; observers at the Utility Office friday morning, around 715 am confirmed that other items occured that might lead to a possible dismissal. No official statement has been recieved.

Thomas Plea Deal

Thomas was indicted on January 30, 2009 on the original nine counts. Emergency services were called to the residence of Sue Thomas, Jason’s mother at 7:17PM on January 14, 2009 on a report of a non-breathing baby. Jason, who was living there with his wife and stepson, was the only one home with the baby at the time. Kole Atkins was transported to Coldwater Hospital, then transferred to Children’s Medical Center in Dayton where he eventually died from injuries that led medical personnel and investigators to believe Kole had been the victim of child abuse. Prior to the indictments Thomas was initially arrested for Felonious Assault on January 15, 2009. He has been held in custody since that arrest.

Family members of Kole M. Atkins were present at Wednesday’s hearing.

Drug Investigation Results In Two Arrests

Bruce R. Jones, age 28 from the Sidney area was arrested on Monday on two charges of trafficking in drugs. A felony of the third and fourth degree. Charges are the result of a drug investigation by the Auglaize/Mercer County Grand Lake Drug Task Force. There was a purchase from Jones made in Minster and another from Jones in St. Marys. He is being charged with the two counts resulting from those drug purchases.

Jones’s bond was set at $25,000 10% in the Common Pleas Court. He remains in the Auglaize County Jail.

The second arrest was made on Tuesday. Melissa R. Hatcher, age 27 from Lima was arrested on two counts of Deception to Obtain Dangerous Drugs. These charges stem from another Grand Lake Drug Task Force investigation. Hatcher was going to various Doctors in the area trying to obtain prescriptions for controlled drugs such as Vicodin, Oxycotin and other drugs.

Hatcher was released on an O.R. bond.

The Drug Task Force continues to investigate further cases in Auglaize and Mercer Counties.

“Celina Ohio” Playing Cards

The Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce is announcing the arrival of the “Celina Ohio” playing cards. This project was taken on as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a nonprofit organization which relies on its chamber memberships and fundraisers. The Chamber Board of Trustees would like to thank all those businesses who sponsored a card.

These playing cards have the Celina Rotary Lighthouse on the back of each card. The face of the cards have new and old photos of Celina. Each card is sponsored by a local business and some of these cards have sponsor photos.

A limited number of cards were printed in honor of the 175th anniversary of the city of Celina. Decks of Celina playing cards are on sale now at the Chamber of Commerce office at 226 North Main Street in Celina. Regular decks are $8 each and the anniversary edition is $9 per deck.

When looking for a souvenir of Celina, these cards fit the bill. It might be too early to think about Christmas gifts, but these cards may be sold out by December. Call (419 586-2219) or stop in the Chamber office today.

Farley Wins Car Donated By Kerns

The Celina Police Department in conjunction with the Ohio State Patrol and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office culminated the departments Memorial Day What’s Holding You Back Campaign by giving away a car to a graduating Celina Senior High School student.

Stacie Farley, (18), of Celina drew the lucky key from a basket and started the 2002 Ford Focus that was donated to the program by Kerns Auto Group. Each year for 4 years Kerns Auto Group has donated a car to the Celina Police Department to use in a drawing amongst graduating seniors in Celina. All students are considered qualified, unless they fail to make responsible life decisions. Choosing to use alcohol or drugs, becoming involved in other criminal activity, failing to meet the requirements for graduation or not wearing a safety belt while riding in a vehicle are all issues that can disqualify students from the drawing.

An earlier drawing was held at this year’s senior assembly and Stacie was one of a group of 24 students that whose names were drawn to allow them an opportunity to pick a key and start the Ford Focus.

After the car give-away the Celina Police Department hosted the 11th Annual Ultimate After-School Party. Over 500 students enjoyed an afternoon of water-based fun and activities that included pizza, pop, prizes, dance contests, squirt guns, water balloons and an occasional blast from the Celina Fire Department’s water cannon. The Ultimate After-School Party was one of the first traffic safety projects created by the Celina Police Department. It was designed to give area students a safe place to celebrate the last day of school, after water balloon fights had spilled out into the streets where they caused property damage and injury amongst motorists and bicyclists.

Hail Storm Hits Celina

pictures by Nancy Heppeard

June 1, 2009 - A hail storm hit Celina early this morning, pictures show a large accumulation of hail.

Coldwater Police Department May Activity Report

Reports taken:             75    Calls For Service:   1160

Complaints investigated:  198

                             Motorist Cited:           18
Accidents:              9    Traffic Charges:          30

Assault:                1    Warnings Issued:          39
Burglary:               4    Parking Tickets Issued:    1
Bad Checks:             0    Miles patrolled:        7213
Department Assists:    24    Motorist Assists:          4
Domestic Violence:      1    Vehicle Unlocks:          13        
Property Damage:        1    Squad / Fire Assists:     36
Sex Crimes:             0    Open Doors (Business):     5
Drug                    3
Theft:                  4    Escorts (Bank, Funeral):  11
Theft (Vehicle):        0    Public Talks:              1

                             Other Special Details:   226

                             Follow Up Investigations:188

Other Reports:            31 Alarms:                    6
                             Misdemeanor Arrests:      12
			     Felony Arrests:            0
                             Juvenile Arrests:          1
                             Residential Checks:      142

Annual D.A.R.E. Boosters "Art & Gardens" Tour

Presale tickets, which are $8 for adult and $5 for 12 and under, can be purchased after May 15 at the following locations. Barry’s Market and People’s Bank, Rockford; Venetian Gardens, Etcetera, Dues Nursery & Landscaping, Card Mart Flowers Original, and McDonald’s Restaurants (both Coldwater and Celina locations).

Tickets can also be purchased the day of the "Art and Gardens" tour at any garden tour home. Directions to each home are provided on the back of the ticket. Signs will be posted at each residence. Tickets purchased day of the tour are $10 for adults and $5 for 12 and under.

The following locations will provide the opportunity for you to view their gardens.

Larry and Linda Wendel, 425 Johnson Avenue., Celina, have unique and very attractive flower beds installed around their property; Jerry and Sandy Braun, 5180 Mud Pike, Celina, has been working on the “bean field” they purchased for 19 years. They have added a pond, waterfall, and many other interesting features to their landscape; Jeff and Mary Monfort, 10250 US Rte 127, Mendon, are continually improving their property by adding landscape features, perennials, etc., and have incorporated several landscaped areas for relaxing on the property; Robert & Jane Utgard, 10115 US Rte 127, Mendon, have added many special features to their property including a paved walkway around the property; Pete and Twyla Hayes, 4510 ST 117, Rockford, have many flowers that have been in the family for many years, handed down to each generation, along with many uniquely landscaped areas; and Dick and Sondra Samples, 2290 Purdy Road, Rockford, stated “My gardening philosophy is to use a combination of perennials, annuals, and volunteers that re-seed themselves each year, along with a creative mix of primitive farm items as accents throughout the landscape.   I feel this style complements the historic setting of the 1885 home site.  In 2002, a Summerhouse building was added in the backyard, that includes a Back to the 50s Classic Car Garage, which is filled to the brim with fifties style and memorabilia.  Dick has a collection of several collector cars from that era, all Fords that will be on display on tour day.   A 1930s summer kitchen room with vintage furnishings reminds me of long ago visits to my grandmothers.  The Samples use both of these spaces for entertaining family and friends.”

Bring your camera, take snapshots of your favorite flowers, and submit the digital picture to grandlakeindependent.com by July 1, to win a $50 gift certificate for framing at Ben’s in Coldwater! The winning picture will be posted on the Grand Lake Independent banner the month of July!

The "Art and Gardens" tour is sponsored by the Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters. All proceeds are used for D.A.R.E. student activities, including cup stacking, t-shirts, and graduating senior scholarships. Thank you for your continued support of D.A.R.E.

Grand Lake Water Quality

pictures by Richard Murray

Hard to believe the froth Grand Lake has on its surface these days. The recent news of a toxin produced by some algae is accentuated by the sight of the 'white slurry' that was everywhere this afternoon.

Stateline Writers Practice for Special Program in June

The program is being held on Saturday morning, June 13, at 10 a.m. in the library reading room and is open to the public. Said Stateline Secretary Gretchen Bollenbacher, “We not only wanted to challenge ourselves to do something different but we also wanted to share our work with others who might also be interested in writing and want to join our club. Our special legacy program last year, held to celebrate our 25th anniversary, was a big success and brought in some new members, so we’re hoping this one will do the same. We really enjoy ourselves and are learning and growing all at the same time. Please come to the Coldwater Library on the 13th and join in our fun.”

Stateline club members normally meet the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Celina Mercer County Library.

Tri Star Students Win at Ford/AAA Contest

Senior Brett Hartings, Instructor Harry McPheron, and senior Jon Hart with their Ford/AAA Competition trophies

Jon Hart and Brett Hartings, seniors in Tri Star Career Compact’s Automotive Technology program, took second place at the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition, held in Independence, Ohio May 2nd. The pair competed against nine other two-person teams from across the state in the hands-on competition. Each team was assigned a vehicle which was intentionally “bugged” and then was expected to diagnose and repair the malfunctions. The team with the highest quality workmanship but lowest total time for repairs wins the competition.

Hart, from Fort Recovery, and Hartings, from Marion Local, initially qualified for the hands-on competition by having the highest scores of all students from across the state (taking first place) in the written exam portion of the contest. Approximately 600 11th and 12th grade auto tech students from across the state took the written examination with only 20 moving on to the hands-on competition. A benefit for having taken the exam is that students have their name placed on a list that is sent to contest sponsors as a recommendation for employment.

For their first place finish in the written contest Hart and Hartings were awarded a trophy and $300 worth of other prizes. As second place finishers in the hands-on competition each won $35,000 in scholarship monies and a Snap-on Tool set. Both students plan to use their scholarship money to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio. Their Tri Star automotive instructors are Harry McPheron and Jim Dorsten.

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition is co-sponsored by AAA and the Ford Motor Co. whose objective it is to encourage talented young people to pursue careers as automotive technicians.

Big Brothers Big Sisters School Buddies Scholarship

Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to announce that Katherine Garmann of Marion Local High School was the winner of the Seventh Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters School Buddies Scholarship. The Buddies program is one in which area high school students are matched with elementary students from Mercer, Auglaize, and Van Wert Counties for friendship and fun group activities.

Katherine was selected the winner based on the four criteria of the scholarship. These criteria were attitude and interest, participation, an advertisement for the program, and a one or two paragraph short essay on how the Buddy program has benefited the Big Buddy. For Katherine’s advertisement, she created a flyer for High School Juniors and Seniors encouraging them to give an hour a week of their time to make a child feel specil. The program has allowed Katherine to realize her dream of wanting to work in pediatric medicine and made her feel special at knowing she was making a difference in a young girl’s life. In essay, she says,”The feeling I get when she smiles at me when I walk into Buddies is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

Katherine has been involved in the Buddies program for two years. She will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall and will be majoring in the medical field.

Big Brothers Big Sisters invites all Mercer, Auglaize, and Van Wert County high school juniors and seniors to participate in the program during the 2009-20010 school year. For more information, contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters office at 419-394-2990 or 866-670-2227. You can also e-mail the office at bbbs123@earthlink.net or visit our web site at BBBSMA.com.

Celina DARE Graduation

D.A.R.E. Essay class winners were Camaryn Dzendel, Alex Chapman, Amy Custer, Holi Brackman, Mallory McMurray, Madison Cline, Haley McGillvary and Sabrina Brane. Each class essay winner received a certificate of achievement.

The class D.A.R.E. honor students were Dusty Selhorst, Taylor Elliot, Kaitlyn Weitzel, Kelly Stahl, Patricia Dennis, Wylie Orick, Adrieanna Curran, Allie August, Emily Jackson, Justin Keeling, Jessie Braun, Jessica Bruggeman, Victoria McAfee, Jacob Rasawehr, Hanna Grabow, Mallory McMurray, Bobbie McGee, Haley McGillvary, Taylor Heyne, Paige King and Sadie Miller. Each honor student received an achievement medal furnished by the Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters.

The 5th grade teachers are Vicki Rutschilling, Rhonda Overman, Jennifer Mescher, Phil Schlotterer, Ronald Green, Valarie Pittsenbarger, Carrie Gladhill, Gwen Howell and Cathy Brotherton. The principal at Celina Intermediate School is Sally Tatum.

Celina Police Chief David Slusser was the guest speaker. Special Guests in attendance were Mercer County Juvenile Court Judge Mary Pat Zitter, Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey, Celina Mayor Sharon LaRue, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Assistant Nicole Grabow, Mercer County D.A.R.E. Booster members Tom Pryor and Shirley Pryor.

Deputy Sue Miller and Deputy Mark Germann are the D.A.R.E. instructors for Celina Intermediate School. Deputy Bud McFarlin, Deputy Mark Germann and Deputy Sue Miller are the D.A.R.E. Officers for the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

COUNTDOWN TO SAFETY

The area was subject to high visibility traffic enforcement by the Ohio State Patrol, Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Wapakoneta Police Department, St. Marys Police Department and Celina Police Department. The single goal of the combined agencies was to prevent crashes on this 22 mile stretch over the holiday weekend and prevent any fatal crashes from occurring. In addition to achieving that goal it allowed an opportunity for interagency activity that add to the safety of both officers and the public during times of emergency.

Overall officers from the participating agencies were involved in over 100 traffic stops during the four day holiday weekend. Approximately half of these resulted in traffic citations including 36 speed violations and a dozen safety belt citations. The program was run without dedicating overtime to the project. Each agency simply asked patrol officers to spend a part of each patrol shift on their respective sections of the highway.

All the law enforcement agencies involved are pleased with the results of the COUNTDOWN TO SAFETY and may look at continuing the program during remaining holiday weekends this summer. By reducing the risks for vehicular traffic crashes we can help insure everyone has an enjoyable holiday weekend.

Warning From Fire Chief

The Celina Fire Department receives funding from several local sources and from state and federal grants, but most of the budget comes from the Celina General Fund. The FireFighters Assistance Fund currently does not provide any funding to the Celina Fire Department and there are no indications that funding would ever be sought from their resources.

Chief Kuhn wants to be sure that residents realize that solicitation groups that involve themselves in mass mailings often end up pulling local donations away from local community resources.

Mercer Health Foundation Golf Open Is June 10

Anyone making a hole in one on number 5 at the Mercer County Elks Club during the MED Foundation’s Esmonde/Homan Golf Outing on Wednesday, June 11, will win a Chrysler vehicle valued at around $20,000. The vehicle can be seen at St. Marys Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Inc. in St. Marys.

The Medical, Educational & Development (MED) Foundation of Mercer Health will sponsor the Esmonde-Homan Memorial Golf Open at the Mercer County Elks Country Club on Wednesday, June 10. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.

The format for the tournament is a four-person scramble. Tee time will be 1:00 p.m. with a shotgun start. The tournament is open to both men and women. First time golfers or those who seldom play are welcome. Entire teams (4 players) can register to play, or individuals can be assigned to a team.

According to John Hoying, Event Coordinator, women, coed, and men divisions will be offered again this year. He says, “We will be giving away awards in each of these categories.” The $75 entry fee includes green fees, cart rental, awards, limited refreshments throughout the afternoon, and a dinner. Sign up deadline is June 5. Interested persons can pick up their registration form at the Mercer County Elks Country Club, Mercer County Community Hospital, or the Community Medical Center in Celina. They may also call 419-678-5613.

Featured again this year is the opportunity to win a new automobile. Sinking a hole in one on number 5 will win a 2009 Chrysler vehicle valued at around $20,000. Any hole in one on number 16 or on number 2 will win other valuable prizes. Sponsor of these prizes, including the new car, is St. Marys Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Inc.

New this year is a “Golf Ball Drop”. Numbered balls will be dropped over a hole. The ball that is closest to the hole or is in the hole can win up to $5000. Persons do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by calling Hoying at 419-678-5679. Hoying explains, “We have a limited number of tickets to sell. The number tickets we sell will determine the amount of money the winning entry will receive.”

Prizes will be given out on a number of other holes for such accomplishments as closest to the pin, longest drive on the fairway, and longest putt. The best foursome in each category will receive prizes as will the second and third best teams.

Hoying says, “We are very excited about this year’s tournament. I want to send a word of appreciation to St. Marys Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Inc. for sponsoring our new car opportunity, and to our hole sponsors, we hope to make this year’s event a very special one. We are still accepting applications as well as more sponsors. Interested companies and golfers can call me at 419-678-5679.”

Since the MED Foundation Memorial Scholarship Program began 17 years ago, over $140,000 has been awarded to Mercer County students pursuing a medical career. Hoying says, “This tournament is important to us if we are to continue the program.”

Teams will be announced the day of the tournament. Persons interested in playing should call Hoying at 419-678-5679 prior to June 5.

Lake Campus Graduate Assistant Receives Excellence Award

CELINA, Ohio – Katie Thobe, Maria Stein, is shown with Julie Miller, right, Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center Director, and Dr. Joseph Thomas, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies receiving a Graduate Student Excellence Award. Thobe is the graduate assistant for Julie Miller, and is currently enrolled in the 9th MBA cohort at the Lake Campus. Miller nominated Thobe for this award because of her, “enthusiasm, positive attitude and creative marketing skills making her a joy to work with. She provides a critical communications role as a student advocate. Her interest in developing new programs and sharing student feedback has improved the university’s responsiveness to the ever-changing needs of the community.”

For more information about the Lake Campus MBA Program, contact Miller at julie.miller@wright.edu or 419-586-0375.

Annual D.A.R.E. Boosters "Art & Gardens" Tour

Presale tickets, which are $8 for adult and $5 for 12 and under, can be purchased after May 15 at the following locations. Barry’s Market and People’s Bank, Rockford; Venetian Gardens, Etcetera, Dues Nursery & Landscaping, Card Mart Flowers Original, and McDonald’s Restaurants (both Coldwater and Celina locations).

Tickets can also be purchased the day of the "Art and Gardens" tour at any garden tour home. Directions to each home are provided on the back of the ticket. Signs will be posted at each residence. Tickets purchased day of the tour are $10 for adults and $5 for 12 and under.

The following locations will provide the opportunity for you to view their gardens.

Larry and Linda Wendel, 425 Johnson Avenue., Celina; Jerry and Sandy Braun, 5180 Mud Pike, Celina; Jeff and Mary Monfort, 10250 US Rte 127, Mendon; Robert & Jane Utgard, 10115 US Rte 127, Mendon; Dick and Sondra Samples, 2290 Purdy Road, Rockford; and Pete and Twyla Hayes, 4510 ST 117, Rockford..

The "Art and Gardens" tour is sponsored by the Mercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters. All proceeds are used for D.A.R.E. student activities and graduating senior scholarships. Thank you for your continued support of D.A.R.E.

CELINA CITY COUNCIL Committee Meeting Reminder

Joint Utility Committee / Personnel & Finance Committee

Meeting Topic: Utility Rates; DAF Project

Ultimate After-School Party

The event will kick off with the Celina Police Department giving away a car to a graduating Celina Senior High School student. Each year for the last four years Kerns Auto Group has donated a vehicle for this purpose. The program awards students who make responsible decisions concerning both driving and lifestyle choice. Every student is automatically eligible to win the car, unless they choose to participate in activities that disqualifies them, (drug or alcohol use, failure to graduate, criminal activity, etc). Since the program is a part of the Celina Police Department’s What’s Holding You Back Safety Belt Campaign one of the key factors is that you must use safety belts while in a motor vehicle. Receiving a citation for failing to use one does disqualify the student. The community is very fortunate to have a local business such as the Kerns Auto Group, that is willing to offer such great support to local students, particularly in during tough economic times. The drawing for the WHYB car is scheduled for 3:00 PM, Friday afternoon. Students that qualified in the preliminary drawing include:

Jessica Tumey, Madison Rutschilling, Abigail Feltz, Todd Hertel, Cassandra Vantrees, Kylie Maynard, Dylan Pottkotter, Ashley Schulze, Stephanie Heyne, Jacob Burckholter, Matt Davis, Alexandria Chapin, Stacie Farley, Jennifer Nuesmeyer, Nicholas Siebert, Russel Baskett, Evan Rodriguez, Craig Robbins, Lisa Baglien, Sara Dorsten, Ashley Heiby, Mackenzie Barker, Olivia Wilson and Constance Remington.

Alternates include:Rebecca Harlan, Kyle Budde, Scott Fleck, Rebecca Martin, Megan Rohrbach and Ashley Braun

Immediately after the car is given away the Ultimate After-School Party begins. Students are welcome to attend and enjoy music, pizza, refreshments and prizes. The Celina Police Department will furnish 20,000 water balloons and the Celina Fire Department will be there to add a slightly larger volume of water. This event is supported by several City of Celina service departments, including the Recreation Department that prepares the park area and the Celina Water Treatment plant, which as furnished as much as 26,000 gallons of water for the event.

Other major sponsors include: Celina Wal-Mart SuperCenter, Domino’s Pizza and OVISCO.

College Community Arts Council Hosts Event For Lake Campus Students

Dr. Kuldip Rattan speaks to students about the past and present of India.

CELINA, Ohio –On May 13, 2009 the Lake Campus welcomed visitors who came to teach the students about the culture of India. The day began with free food and cooking demonstrations given by Surjit Singh, owner of Amar India in Dayton, OH. The students then heard a presentation by Dr. Kuldip Rattan, professor of electrical engineering, WSU-Dayton, on the past and present of India. The celebration ended with an evening of learning the different types of Indian dances. Dr. Dane Daniel, assistant professor of history at the Lake Campus, and coordinator of the event, thanks all who were involved in making the event a memorable one for the students.

A group of dancers gather in their colorful clothing during their dance presentation.

TRI STAR AWARDS BANQUET

Tuesday evening, May 19th, thirty-two juniors and seniors from Tri Star Career Compact programs were honored for their achievements over the past year at the career technical school’s annual awards banquet held at Romer’s Banquet Facility in Celina. Pictured from left are Gary Stoker, Kyle Stoker, Computer Support Technology instructor Richard Murray, Zach and Amy Stoker. Kyle was chosen as senior student of the year for the Computer Support program. He and other honorees were praised by their instructors for the character qualities that made them outstanding students including good work ethics, dedication to their program/career field, willingness to work with and help others, grades and attendance, skills, positive attitude and overall performance in the classroom.

Students honored were:

Juniors: Mitch Broering, St. Henry - Ag. Mechanics; Craig Lefeld, St Henry - Automotive Technology; Jacob Buehler, St Henry - Building and Grounds Maintenance; Katie Dues, St. Henry - Business Management; Kristin Hemmelgarn - Computer Support Technology; Derek Goettemoeller, St. Henry – Construction; Holly Franzer, St. Henry - Early Childhood Development; Keith Uhlenhake, Coldwater – Electronics; Amber Brannon, Coldwater – Graphic Communications; Janessa Bruns, Coldwater – Horticulture; Tyler Conkle, Minster - Interactive Media; Austin Ebbing, Coldwater - Machine Trades; Dan Roberts, St. Marys - Marketing and Distributive Education; Sylvia Schwieterman, Fort Recovery – Med Prep; and Travis Luck, New Knoxville - Welding

Seniors: Tyler Muhlenkamp, Coldwater - Ag. Mechanics; Brett Hartings, Marion Local - Automotive Technology; Jessica Tumey, Celina - Business Management; Joe Schmidt, Celina - Career Based Intervention; Kyle Stoker, Celina - Computer Support Technology; Adam Miller, Marion Local – Construction; Mark Goettemoeller, Celina - Diversified Cooperative Training; Ashley Huber, Coldwater - Early Childhood Development; Mike Langenkamp, St. Henry – Electronics; Mac Hinders, Celina - Engineering Technology/CAD; Ashley Burd, St. Marys - Graphic Communications; Kylee Selhorst, Coldwater – Horticulture; Craig Everman, Celina - Interactive Media; Mark Heinrichs, Fort Recovery - Machine Trades; Ashley Bubp, St. Marys - Marketing and Distributive Education; Jenny Goettemoeller, Coldwater - Med Prep; and Cody Rammel, St. Henry - Welding

Chamber Golf Outing

Pictured from left to right with the 2009 Hyundai is : Bill Stammen of Stammen Insurance Janet White, Chamber President Roger Langenkamp of Rino's Auto Sales Bob Stover of Peoples Bank Co. and Chamber Golf Committee

The Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual golf outing on Friday, June 12th at the Mercer County Elks. Registration is going on now. Team registration is $250 for a foursome or $62.50 per person. This includes golf, cart, dinner, games, door prizes and much more.

You could win a 2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS and other great prizes sponsored by Rino's Auto Sales and Stammen Insurance Agencies with a hole in one.

Registration forms are online at www.celinamercer.com or call the Chamber at 419 586-2219.

Safety Council Meeting

Pictured from left to right: Wanda Dicke -Mercer County EMA & Safety Council Committee member Chris Knapke --Kemmler Orthopaedic Center -Safety Council President Julia Dian-Reed -National Weather Bureau Ellen Bryan -Miss Lake Festival 2008

The Grand Lake Area Safety Council held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 20th at Romer's Celina. The meeting topic for the month was Lightning Awareness. Speakers were Julia Dian-Reed from the National Weather Service and 2008 Miss Lake Festival Ellen Bryan. Ellen's platform is lightning awareness with a program titled "When thunder roars, go indoors." Ellen is preparing for the Miss Ohio pageant in June.

June 21-27 is National Lightning Safety week. For more information on lightning safety go to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. For more information on the Grand Lake Area Safety Council, visit www.grandlakesafety.com.

A Good Day To Farm And Fly

Dick Murray photo

If you weren't at a sporting event in Mercer County you were probably taking advantage of the 80 degree dry weather to put up hay or work the ground as these farmers were doing south of Lakefield Airport Wednesday evening

PAST EDITORIALS

Thanks Tri Star

RIP Blue Goose

The Boardwalk

Celina W(REC)KS Board

Public Servants?

Water Problems

Why The Hefner Property?

Does Mercer County Need A New Jail?

The "GREAT" Pullman Bay Land Swap

Celina Could Be A Lake Geneva, Wisconsin!

Why The Outlook Works

Happy Birthday WCSM

Click here - EDITORIAL - No Transparency In Celina

See more original comics at the Comics Page

SOAPS ON SATURDAY

Watch NBC's Coastal Dreams for free!

Watch CBS's L.A. Diaries for free!

Read Y&R's Restless Style Magazine

Obituaries

Cisco Funeral Home, Celina

Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel, Celina - Hogenkamp, St. Henry and Hogenkamp, Coldwater

Get the latest in farm news from "On The Farm Radio" Network. Join host Jeff Ishee daily

Daily Local Grain Prices

DIABETIC SUPPORT CLASS OFFERED

The program for July is titled “Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Diabetes”, with Kathy Wehmeyer, independent wellness consultant. This program provides an overview of alternative and complementary therapies relating to diabetes. We will explore the evidence surrounding different options. Kathy Wehmeyer will then discuss the potential benefits of magnetic therapy, specifically magnetic insoles.

All diabetics, family members and interested persons are invited to attend. For more information concerning this program or any of Joint Township Hospital’s Diabetic Services, contact the Hospital (419) 394-3335, extension 2147.

Red Cross Kart Racing

Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Fort Recovery Ambassador Park

2:00-6:00 pm NASCAR Blood Drive

Donors will be eligible to win a drawing that day for 2 sets of tickets to the Michigan Int’l Race

4:30pm Pork Chop Dinners

Call 419-586-2201 to get your tickets

5:30 pm Qualifying

6:30pm Invocation & Races

9:00pm-1:00am National Recording Artist Kings Landing

Sponsored by McSober’s, Thienmans, St. Henry Nite Club, Koesters Spouting, Mercer Beverage, & Wagon Wheel

Official Race Radio Station K-94 ROCKS

GRAND LAKE HEALTHY HEARTS SUPPORT GROUP OFFERED AT HOSPITAL

The program for July is titled “Medication Review with a Joint Township Hospital pharmacist”. We will also discuss alternative resources.

All interested persons, their families and caregivers are invited to attend. Please contact the Cardiac Rehab Department at 419-394-3335, ext. 3536 for further information.

Lake Festival 5K Run -Join us for a great run along the Lake!

Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female runners. Medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group. Special awards will be given to the runner coming from the furthest distance, and for the youngest and oldest runners. A $150 will be awarded to the male or female runners who set a new course record. There will be water on the course, splits at 1 mile, and at 2 mile marks. Refreshments will be served at the finish.

A special thank you to our sponsors Celina Mercer Co. Chamber, Mercer Health, Celina Lions Club, and McKirnan Brothers Inc.

This race is a part of the Mercer Health 5K Challenge Running Series. Registration forms are available online at www.celinamercer.com or www.mercerhealth5kchallenge.com. You may also register at the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce at 226 North Main Street in Celina. For further details or questions, call the Chamber at 419 586-2219.

HOSPITAL HOSTS SENIOR SUPPER HOUR

Dinner will begin at 5:00 p.m. and the program will follow at 5:45 p.m. The program for this month will be speaker Anne Larger, Community Outreach Coordinator for Joint Township District Memorial Hospital and she will be speaking on “What’s happening in Outreach”. A Free Blood Pressure Clinic from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m will precede dinner.

For more information about our Senior Supper Hour program, please contact Anne Larger at (419) 394-3335, ext. 1128.

Mega Sports Camp is Back!

Sarah Platter practicing Soccer at last years camp.

St. John Lutheran Church in Celina is offering kids in first through sixth grades one awesome time. Mega Sports Camp will be held July 6th – July 9th from 6-8:30PM. St John wants to give kids the chance to learn more about sports, discover character-building concepts, and have a whole lot of fun!

At Undefeated Mega Sports Camp, kids can pick between Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball. It doesn’t matter if they’ve played all their lives or just started yesterday, MEGA Sport Camp helps kids improve their skills. All sorts of drills and practice games will get kids focused on the fundamentals that make athletes great. Plus, MEGA Sports Camp creates a positive and encouraging environment that pumps up their confidence and self-esteem.

Between Sports Sessions, coaches lead in songs, tell stories, and do cool object lessons that help themes of truth, confidence, wisdom, faith, and teamwork take hold in kids’ hearts. And most importantly, kids will discover God’s great love for them.

There will be an optional free-will dinner served at 5:15PM. Early registration fee is $20, after June 24th $30. (Fee includes a t-shirt.)

Please contact the MEGA Sports Camp team at St. John Lutheran church, 1100 N Main St, Celina 419-586-2332 or office@purpledoorchurch.org to register your child. You may also register on line at www.purpledoorchurch.org

Golf for Kids’ Sake 2009