Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman (pictured) announces that crews from the Logan County Highway Department will be chip-sealing a few county roads near Rushsylvania next week.

On Monday, crews will be working on County Road 5 between the Rushsylvania Corporation Line and the Hardin County Line.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, crews will be chip-sealing County Road 5 between State Route 47 and County Road 50.

Two roads will be chip-sealed on Thursday.

Crews will work on County Road 119 between State Route 292 and County Road 120.

Crews will then chip-seal County Road 120 between County Road 26 and County Road 48.

The roads will be under construction from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will remain open to emergency vehicles and local traffic only (no thru traffic).

Use caution when driving through these work areas. There are unmarked no passing zones and drop-offs along the edge of the road.

Bellefontaine Fire Prevention Officer Russ Foust (pictured) is stressing fireworks safety this weekend.

Millions of dollars worth of fireworks are sold in Ohio each year, but the only items that can be set off in our state are trick and novelty fireworks (sparklers and smoke bombs).

Foust says few people follow the law, and his greatest concern is safety.

Fortunately, our area has not experienced any fireworks-related injuries over the last few years.

Even small fireworks can be dangerous; sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees.

Foust spoke to Bill Tipple about how to "play it safe" this weekend.

Listen to his comments.

Foust says you should feel safe at fireworks shows. "Clear zones" are established for each show and the state requires a fire inspector to look at the site ahead of time, during the show, and after the show.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced Thursday that a Butler County male in his 40s, who was infected with H1N1 influenza, died June 29th. This is the first Ohio death linked to the pandemic strain of influenza. The patient had underlying health problems that may have contributed to his death.

The H1N1 infection was confirmed at the ODH laboratory yesterday. ODH is unable to provide further details about the patient to protect confidentially. Patient contacts are being identified to determine whether public health interventions are necessary.

“Our hearts go out to this man’s family and loved ones,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “This is a sad, and not entirely unexpected, event as influenza and its complications cause some 3,000 deaths annually in Ohio, ranking it among the top 10 causes of death. We continue to urge Ohioans to take proper precautions and will monitor the situation closely.”

There have been 332 H1N1 deaths worldwide, including 127 in the United States, according to the World Health Organization.

Ohioans should take the following actions to help stay healthy:

• 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 sanitizers are also effective.

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

• Stay home if you get sick to limit contact with others and the spread of disease.

“Common sense is your best defense,” Jackson said.

As of Wednesday, ODH was reporting 108 confirmed and six probable H1N1 cases to date; for more information, please visit http://www.odh.ohio.gov or call the toll-free H1N1 information line at 1-866-800-1404 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A 5K race sponsored by the Indian Lake Cross Country Program will close a few local roads Saturday morning for about an hour.

County Road 270, County Road 87, Township Road 83, and County Road 82 will be closed starting at 8:30.

The Logan County Engineer's Office says limited access will be maintained for local residents only.

Delays should be expected.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office reports that the Rushsylvania Church of Christ had several items stolen from one of its offices earlier this week.

Two laptops, a Dell and a Mac, were removed from the office.

A Canon digital camcorder and $50 in cash was also taken from the room.

Deputies continue their investigation.

The Huntsville Recycling Center held its grand opening Thursday.

After a week-long delay, demolition on the building known to most as “the old YMCA” on West Columbus Avenue began Thursday.

Steve Rauch, Inc., of Dayton, won the bid for the demolition with a $70,040 bid.

Andrew Noonan, a supervisor for the demolition, explained that the week-long delay in demolition was due to operators of the equipment being busy. Rauch had a 45-day window, he said, and so the company wasn’t worried about the seven days jeopardizing the project’s completion.

“We should get it all down today,” Noonan said on Thursday.

Noonan said that weather should not be a factor in the timetable for demolition. “We’d prefer it to rain,” he said, for dust control. The only weather that would halt the project would be lightning. “It’s just a big lightning rod sticking out of your equipment, then.”

Columbus Avenue remained open to thru traffic, although it was regulated.

The company’s plan was to work from the back to the front, demolishing the section closest to the Municipal Court first and then moving to the side nearest Elm Street. The front was the last section torn down.

The most challenging part of tearing the building down should be the chimney stack, Noonan said. It’s so high, he said, that the equipment can’t reach the top of it with the grapple. The operator pushed the chimney and hoped it fell in the intended direction. Noonan explained that it’s similar to felling a tree.

Watch the YMCA building demolition here.

Tim Notestine, the City Engineer, said that the space will be cleared and developed as a parking lot to help expand Municipal Court services. The county and the city used a Community Development Block Grant to help fund the project.

“We tried to sell it,” Notestine said. When the structure did not sell, it fell into disuse and disrepair. Sections of brick facing have fallen off and supports have come loose and fallen away.

The building eventually became property of the county.

The demolition has been in the works for a while now, but a former bid by a different company was retracted because of an issue the company had with the amount of asbestos in the building. Notestine says the amount of asbestos is normal and that it is found exactly where you would expect to find it.

The building was opened in 1922 and originally served as a home to rail employees between crew changes on the trains.

The structure closed in 1983, but reopened as restaurant with apartments in the top floors two years later.

By Justin Miller

The Bellefontaine Fire Department responded to a small fire that was intentionally set at Dairy Queen yesterday afternoon around 4:30.

An unnamed juvenile reportedly set a lobby trash can on fire.

A Dairy Queen employee used a fire extinguisher to quickly put out the fire.

No one was injured.

The Bellefontaine Police Department assisted at the scene.

Both departments continue their investigation and charges are pending.

The Bellefontaine Police Department responded to a robbery at Gas America around 3:30 this morning.

Officers report that a man entered the store and told the clerk he wanted six cartons of cigarettes and "all of her money".

The clerk complied and the man fled in a car.

No weapon was used and no one was injured.

Moments later, the suspect was located on a traffic stop on West Columbus Avenue.

Vencil Medley, Jr., (pictured) 31, of 19583 State Route 31, Mt. Victory, was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery.

Police recovered the cash and the cigarettes.

The Russells Point Police Department has announced that it is working with Washington Township Police Department to help regulate traffic during and at the conclusion of the Indian Lake fireworks. A special emphasis is being placed on apprehending intoxicated drivers.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has approved the following changes to the flow of traffic following the fireworks.

• East- and West-bound stop signs at the intersections along Main Street will be covered to allow for free flow of traffic along Main Street. The 25 mph speed limit will be enforced.
• The following access points between US 33 and Main Street will be closed to outgoing and incoming traffic.
• Sunnyside Avenue (next to the Donut Shop)
• Clermont Street (next to the Family Dollar)
• State Route 708 north of US 33 (near Huntington Bank)
• Lincoln Boulevard (near Casual Cove)
• The traffic lights along US 33 at the State Route 708 and Township Road 239 intersections will be set to flash yellow for east- and west-bound traffic and red to north- and south-bound traffic.

Drivers may gain access to US 33 from roadways west of Russells Point near Lakeview and east of Russells Point from County Road 94 toward Huntsville.

As many of you already know, this site is operational again and virus-free. We apologize again for any inconvenience caused by our disruption of service. The safe browsing of our audience is a priority for us here at PeakofOhio.com, and we have rebuilt the site from the ground up with that in mind. We hope you find the new site more user-friendly and informative than the old one. As always, we appreciate your patience and your input. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 937.592.1045 or sgodwin@wpko.com with any questions, comments or suggestions you may have. Thanks again for your patience.

Listen to General Manager Lou Vito discuss the recent website improvements.

- PeakofOhio News Team

The Fourth of July weekend is upon us, and with it comes celebrations of our country’s independence. Here is a list of celebration activities around the area.

Rushsylvania – Saturday, July 4, village park

Breakfast will be served beginning at 6:30 a.m. Festivities will include baseball, basketball, corn hole, horseshoes, music and food. Culmination with fireworks at dusk.

West Mansfield – Saturday, July 4, West Mansfield Conservation Club

Parade begins at 11 a.m. Festivities include carnival games and softball culminating with fireworks at dusk.

Indian Lake – Saturday, July 4, Old Field Beach State Park

Contests, pageants, a car show and food will be supplied. Fireworks scheduled for 10 p.m.

Night Mix host Ken Keller will broadcast live from the beach from 5-10 p.m. on WPKO. He will take your requests throughout the evening, too.

At ten o'clock, listen to "Skyfire" on WPKO. You can enjoy several patriotic songs as you watch the fireworks.

Belle Center – Saturday, July 4, town park

Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Festivities include watermelon eating contests, kids’ tractor pull, games and music. Fireworks begin at 10:15 p.m.

Urbana -- Saturday, July 4, Grimes Field at Urbana Municipal Airport

Fireworks at dusk.

Sidney -- Saturday, July 4, Shelby County Fairgrounds

Fireworks at 10 p.m.

East Liberty – Saturday, July 11, Perry Park

Fireworks at dusk following a parade, music, games, contests, dog show, car show and open mic performances.

As a courtesy to our audience, we would like to inform and remind everyone of some traffic laws that will take effect today, July 1.

If a tow truck or utility service vehicle is on the side of the road, motorists must now slow down or move over a lane. First-time offenders of this law will be fined $300 plus court costs. The second offense will incur a $500 fine.

Semi-trucks will be allowed to travel at speeds of up to 65 mph on interstates, up from the traditional 55 mph.

The state will be required to establish “transition zones” when posted speed limits drop more than 20 mph. This law is intended to protect drivers from speed traps.

Drivers are required to turn on headlights in adverse weather conditions. If unsure, turn them on. Adverse conditions include overcast, cloudy, rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc. The state would like to remind motorists that if your windshield wipers are on, turn on your headlights.

By The Peak of Ohio News Team

Four defendants were sentenced, three defendants pled guilty, and another defendant was found guilty before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor earlier this week.

David Dickerson (pictured), 20, of Bellefontaine, was sentenced to sixty days in the Logan County Jail for sexual imposition. He was classified as a tier one sex offender requiring him to register with the sheriff annually for fifteen years.

Marvin Chafin, 38, of Marion, was sentenced to two years in prison for three counts of theft.

Clinton Pierce, 28, of DeGraff, was sentenced to eleven months in prison for trafficking in drugs and theft.

Natalie Rhyan, 40, of Lakeview, was sentenced to West Central Community Correctional Facility, and placed on community control for five years after she violated her intervention in lieu of conviction. She originally pled guilty to possession of drugs.

Damon Lensman, 32, of West Mansfield, pled guilty to three counts of burglary. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for August 17th.

Edward Mundy, 34, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to two counts of receiving stolen property. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for August 3rd.

Erick Erickson, 55, of Bellefontaine, was found guilty of passing bad checks after failing the pretrial diversion program. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for August 3rd.

Nicholas Price, 22, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to one count of theft and one count of breaking and entering. He was then placed on the prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Citizens Federal President Chuck Earick (pictured) has retired after 37 years of service with the downtown bank.

The bank hosted an open house for Earick Tuesday.

Customers, friends, and community leaders stopped by to wish Earick the best in retirement.

After serving in the Army, Earick started his banking career at Citizens Federal in 1972.

He’s been president since 1991.

Earick said he’s looking forward to more free time and “not having to watch the clock”.

He plans on staying in the community and will remain on the Citizens Federal board.

Rick Hatcher is the new president, effective Wednesday.

Best of luck to Chuck and his wife, Choyce, in retirement.

Listen to Earick talk about his career and future plans.

Liberty National Bank President and CEO William C. Carr has retired effective Tuesday.

Replacing Carr will be Ronald L. Zimmerly, Jr (pictured). Zimmerly has a twenty-three year career in the banking industry. He joined Liberty National Bank in 1999 as Vice President of Commercial Lending and was promoted in 2004 to Executive Vice President/Senior Loan Officer for Liberty National Bank.

Zimmerly graduated from The Ohio State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics, with a specialization in finance. He currently serves on the Board of the Hardin County Economic Development Council, Discovery Riders Board of Directors and was chairman for the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance. He is currently located at Liberty National Bank’s Kenton office. Ron, his wife Kelli and their family reside in Bellefontaine.

By Justin Miller

Ohio State Highway Patrol will be sending troopers “out in full force” this Fourth of July, according to the superintendent, Colonel Richard H. Collins. “If you are driving impaired – we will arrest you.”

The Patrol is asking motorists who partake in celebrations to designate a sober driver or call a taxi. Last year, nearly half of the 15 people killed on Ohio roadways were involved with alcohol-related crashes.

Highway Patrol also wants to remind motorists that wearing a safety belt is the most effective tool in reducing the likelihood injury and death in crashes caused by impaired drivers.

The Indian Lake Board of Education met in regular session last night.

Joy Blackburn, a 63-year resident of Lakeview, came to the meeting to discuss her vision of creating a Christian school for grades K-4 that would serve children in Lakeview. She wants to purchase the old Lakeview Elementary School building on West Lake Street and convert it into a teen center, library, and Christian school. She also wants to buy the gas station and another small building across the street from the school to create local food and clothing ministries.

The board had previously decided that the school was not safe enough for use and that they wouldn't be selling it. Despite Joy's knowledge of this, she says that God is calling her to make a difference in the Lakeview community.

Moments later, the board voted to authorize the superintendent and treasurer to proceed with the decommissioning and demolition of the Lakeview and Huntsville Elementary Schools.

Board members accepted the bid from Link Construction Group of Bellefontaine for the re-roofing project of Indian Lake Middle School. It will cost approximately $698,000.

They also approved the bid and purchase of 219 iMac desktop computers for the Indian Lake Elementary School at a cost of $185,661.08.

The construction project of the new Indian Lake Elementary School is progressing well according to Superintendent Dr. Bill McGlothlin (pictured). He said the project should be finished in the next few weeks.

Dr. Bill McGlothlin discusses the new administrative hires and elementary building.

Two new principals were hired under three-year contracts. Misha Boyer will work as the Indian Lake Middle School co-principal in charge of instruction. Robert Underwood will take the assistant principal position at Indian Lake High School.

Misha Boyer talks about being named the co-principal of the middle school and her plans for the school.

Rob Underwood talks about being named the new assistant principal at the high school.

Three teachers were hired under one-year limited contracts at Monday's meeting. Jennifer Chambers will work as a high school language arts teacher, David Snapp will teach high school industrial technology, and Katie Parish will be the middle school intervention specialist.

In addition, several supplemental contracts were approved. The board approved contracts for Jesse Avila (cross country head coach), Robin Tominello (cheer coach -- boys' basketball), Kevin Eyink (high school assistant football coach), Dave Shoffner (high school assistant football coach), Chuck Ellerbrock (high school assistant football coach), Tyler Blackburn (freshman football coach), Dan Thornton (volunteer assistant football coach), Dink Miller (volunteer assistant football coach), Tim Davis (volunteer assistant football coach), Ryan Lillard (middle school football coach), David Snapp (middle school football coach), Justin Metzger (cross country assistant coach), Alex Cramer (girls' soccer assistant coach), John Flower (boys' soccer assistant coach), Shannon Henderson (cheer coach -- middle school basketball and football), Bill Fulton (middle school wrestling coach), Greg Tuttle (middle school track coach), Sarah Woodcock (drill team adviser) and Becky Taylor (high school meistersinger choreographer).

Finally, three resignations were accepted at the meeting. Katherine Glenn, high school English teacher; Lisa Seeger, high school family and life science teacher, and Rebekah Ward; middle school intervention specialist resigned.

The Indian Lake Board Of Education meets again on July 20th at 6:30 p.m.

The Bellefontaine Rotary Club is under new leadership.

President Steve Buck conducted his final meeting Monday afternoon.

Angela Jacobs (pictured) is the new club president, effective July 1st.

Other officers include:

Vice President - Mike Mullins

Secretary - Tammy Gump

Treasurer - Paul Gillespie

Immediate Past President - Steve Buck

Board of Directors: Kelley Hooper, Peter Stolly, Brent Swartz, Bill Boy, Karen Medaris, Bill Miller, Steve Austin, John Elizondo, Ilene Heaton

Rotarians meet each Monday at noon at the Friendly Senior Center on South Main Street.

Ohio AAUW President Diane Regan officially installed new officers who will be in place for the next two years during the branch’s May meeting at Black Tie Café in Bellefontaine.

The slate includes Holly Hefner of Bellefontaine as President, Alyson Stanford of West Liberty as Program Vice President, Paige Duff of Huntsville as Secretary, and Carrie Reynolds of Bellefontaine as Nominations Chairperson. The new officers join Carol Parker of Huntsville as Finance Officer and Linda MacGillivray as Membership Vice President who will continue in their respective terms for one more year.

The branch also honored out-going officers, President Jamie Ross, Co-Program Vice Presidents Kim Hassel and Peggy Dishop, Secretary Carol Hartley and Nominations Chairperson Tammy Gump.

Logan County AAUW members meet on the third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for July 22nd at the home of Martha O’Connor at O’Connor’s Point on Indian Lake.

For more information please visit www.logancountyaauw.org.

AAUW is a worldwide organization that promotes advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

By Bill Tipple

Users of the web browsers Firefox and Safari continue to receive a warning message that www.peakofohio.com may be a harmful website, even though the originator of that message, Google, has given the site a clean bill of health. According to a statement issued last week by Google, "A review for this site has finished. The site was found clean. The badware warnings from web search are being removed. Please note that it can take some time for this change to propagate."

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE GOOGLE STATEMENT

PeakOfOhio/WPKO/WBLL President Lou Vito commented, "Once we learned that our site had been hacked, we completely rebuilt the site and moved it to a new server within 24 hours. We were told by Google it would take another 24 hours for them to clear us. Yet more than a week later, some users are still getting warning messages. This is unfair to us, and harmful to our efforts to serve our listeners and advertisers."

Vito urges everyone who sees or hears this story to tell their friends to switch to Internet Explorer - at least for now - and to send a message to Google in support of PeakOfOhio.com.

"Hopefully we can restore service to everyone very soon," said Vito. "It is frustrating to all of us to have no way of resolving this."

The Weekly Agenda for Commissioners Core, Knight, and Bayliss, for the week of June 29th through July 3rd: