The State of Ohio will receive $9.8 million in one-time pandemic preparedness funds for states and communities to use in their continued planning and preparations in the event a more severe form of H1N1 flu develops in the coming months. Ohio’s share is part of a $260 million national program.

“The wave of flu illness we saw starting in April should be a wake-up call to all Ohioans – that preparedness is important for each individual, family and community,” Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Alvin D. Jackson M.D. said. “Government cannot do this alone. A flu pandemic affects every one of us, and every one of us should prepare.”

Today’s announcement will enable ODH and the state’s 130 local health departments continue to reach deeper into communities and help more Ohioans with their planning efforts.

Funds for pandemic planning have been provided to states before; between 2005 and 2008, Ohio received about $17.4 million, of which about $11.8 million, or more than two-thirds was provided to the state’s local health departments.

In the coming weeks, ODH and local health departments will determine the projects and activities to be conducted with the funds. Because an H1N1 vaccine is expected to be provided free to states from the federal government this autumn, the grant will not be used to buy supplies of vaccine or antiviral medications.

Jackson provided Ohioans good advice: “As Ohio’s doctor, I want all my patients to fill this prescription for staying healthy. Wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes and if you do become sick, avoid others.”

ODH provides information about pandemic flu at its Web site http://www.odh.ohio.gov or by phone at 1-866-800-1404 during business hours.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol reports that one pedestrian was killed and another one suffered extensive injuries in a hit-skip accident south of Indian Lake around 1:30 this morning.

Troopers report that Port Jefferson residents Jeffrey S. Gates, 48, and his son, Virgil S. Gates, 24, were attempting to cross State Route 366 near Lakeview Harbor (near Captain's Point) when they were struck by an older model blue four-door vehicle.

After striking both pedestrians, the vehicle left the scene southbound on State Route 235.

Sgt. Payer has announced that as of late Saturday evening OHP has a suspect person and vehicle. Payer also expressed appreciation for all the calls and feedback from the public conerning this accident.

Jeffrey Gates was pronounced dead at the scene by the Logan County Coroner.

Virgil Gates was transported by MedFlight to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. He's listed in critical condition.

The vehicle is described by witnesses as a late 80s to mid 90s GM vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet Celebrity or Buick. The vehicle reportedly has dark blue patches of touch up paint on the bottom of both passenger side doors.

A crash reconstruction unit assigned to the Marysville Post was on scene and collected physical evidence that indicates the vehicle sustained front end damage.

If you witnessed the crash or have information regarding the suspect vehicle, still contact the Marysville Post at 593-2075.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office and Indian Lake EMS assisted at the scene.

This is the third fatal accident in Logan County this year.

Judges Chamberlain and Brady are announcing a new and interesting contest for the Logan County Fair '09. The Family Court works with many children in our community, and the Judges would like to give something back to the kids of our county by having a contest.

At stake is an 8 GB nano iPod, one to be given away to a boy, and one to a girl. The requirements are the participating boys and girls must live in Logan County and have to be entering grades 6 through 11 this Fall.

Participants will enter an essay, the length of which can be no less than 300 words and no more than 600 words, comparing and contrasting our constitutional form of government in the United States with that of one of the following countries: North Korea, Cuba, Rwanda, Iraq, China, Afghanistan, Iran, or Burma(Myanmar). The winning essays will be chosen by a panel of 3 judges who have been selected by Judges Chamberlain and Brady.

Stop by the Family Court Fair Booth and pick up the forms and ask any questions you may have.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Senate President Bill Harris and House Speaker Armond Budish agreed to a bipartisan balanced budget framework today.

“We have reached a final agreement today on a budget that is not only balanced, but invests in education without raising taxes on Ohioans,” Strickland said. “I appreciate President Harris and Speaker Budish’s leadership and the hard work of the conferees.”

The governor, House speaker and Senate president today concluded negotiations regarding the state operating budget for fiscal years 2010-11. Specifically, a consensus agreement on the proposed implementation of video lottery terminals at Ohio racetracks to help address the $3.2 billion budget gap was reached.

“Under the bipartisan agreement, I will issue a directive instructing Ohio’s Lottery director to expeditiously take all necessary actions to implement video lottery terminals at Ohio racetracks. The General Assembly will acknowledge the Lottery’s authority to implement video lottery terminals and provide for a statutory definition of video lottery terminals and other implementation requirements in House Bill 1, the operating budget bill,” Strickland said.

“With this understanding, I am confident that the legislature can now move quickly to enact a balanced budget that rightly prioritizes education as the foundation of Ohio’s economic revival, reduces state government spending while minimizing the impact on critical health and safety services, and does not raise taxes on Ohioans or Ohio businesses struggling through this recession,” Strickland said.

Bellefontaine Encore Summer Theatre (BEST) is presenting the musical comedy "Nunsense" this weekend at the Holland Theatre.

Proceeds from the show will go towards the restoration of the Holland.

Cast members Cindy Jenkins, Ranae Lentz, Holly VanBuskirk, Jill Butler, and Judy Wilkinson were featured on "Wilkinson in the Morning" Friday.

They said the show is funny and entertaining.

Listen to their complete interview with Chad Wilkinson.

"Nunsense" is a satire about a quintet of nuns putting on a fundraising talent show in a high school gym. The show features star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises.

Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling 592-9002 or 599-3687.

Tickets can by purchased at the door, too.

The play begins at seven o'clock tonight and tomorrow night.

The Bellefontaine Police Department arrested two city residents on drug-related charges after a traffic stop late Thursday night.

Officers report that a car driven by Kami Irwin, 28, of 709 Cooper Avenue, was stopped in the 500 block of West Columbus Avenue just before eleven o'clock.

A K-9 responded and detected narcotics inside of Irwin's purse.

Police recovered a used syringe and heroin.

Irwin, who admitted to using heroin about a week ago, was charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug abuse instruments.

Passenger Robert Dickinson, 29, of 513 West Columbus Avenue, was charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug abuse instruments.

He was also wanted on two warrants from the Logan County Sheriff's Office.

Both were lodged in the Logan County Jail.

Washington Township Fiscal Officer Valerie Cox is under investigation for alleged financial improprieties.

On Wednesday, July 1st, Washington Township trustee Richard Anderson spoke with Union County Prosecuting Attorney David Phillips concerning questionable transactions made by the fiscal officer. The prosecutor referred the matter to the Sheriff’s Office for investigation.

A search warrant was obtained and served by Sheriff’s Office detectives on Thursday, July 2nd. Detectives seized township records and computers as evidence from Ms. Cox’s home at 19640 Turner Road in Richwood.

Ms. Cox has served as the township fiscal officer since April of 1996. Cox’s term as Washington Township fiscal officer expires March 31st, 2012.

The prosecutor has requested that the State Auditor’s Special Investigative Unit conduct a special audit of the township’s financial records to determine the extent of the alleged financial misdeeds. No criminal charges have been filed at this time, pending the completion of the investigation.

The prosecutor has also requested Ms. Cox to step down as the township’s fiscal officer. "I have requested that Ms. Cox voluntarily resign in order to allow the township to properly conduct its affairs, and to restore confidence and integrity of the township’s financial affairs," said Phillips. "Should she decide not to do so, I will seek to have the Ohio Supreme Court suspend her from office."

According to Lt. Jamie Patton, Cox could face charges of theft in office, tampering with records, and forgery, all felonies. He emphasized that the investigation is not yet complete. "We are early on into the investigation." The prosecutor agreed, "Ms. Cox has not yet been charged with any crimes. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty."

A public official who is charged and convicted of theft in office is barred from holding public office in the State of Ohio. In addition, the official’s public retirement can be seized to make restitution, along with fines and a prison sentence.

The Logan County Historical Society met in the Presidents' Room of the Orr Mansion (pictured) for their regular trustees' meeting.

The upcoming months will be busy ones for the Historical Society. They will have their usual tent at the Logan County Fair next week and encourage anyone to stop by and check it out.

Watch Curator/Director Todd McCormick talk about the Historical Society's booth at the fair.

Also, when October rolls around, the Logan County Museum will be hosting its Third Annual Halloween Spooktacular as well as their Kids Fest. This includes the Haunted Mansion and all the favorites from last year as well as some new attractions.

Watch Todd McCormick explain the Halloween Spooktacular and Kids Fest.

For anyone going to the museum they will notice there has been some remodeling as the gift shop has been moved to the new entry on the west side of the mansion, which used to be the nurses station. This was done to improve the flow of traffic and streamline the process of visiting the museum.

The Trustees will meet next on Thursday, September 10th at the same location.

The annual Safety Town safety program was in full swing again today, with fire safety being the “hot” topic.

Children learned the proper “stop, drop and roll” procedure and how to exit a burning building. They also learned things like how to dial 9-1-1, why a good escape plan is needed and the behavior of smoke and fire.

Watch the children exit the "burning building" here.

Students participate in the program for an entire week, covering topics like how to deal with strangers, pedestrian safety, gun safety, playground safety, seat belt usage and school bus safety. The children learn the difference between “good” drugs (pain medication, mood-inhibitors and other similar helpful drugs) and “bad” drugs (cocaine, marijuana, LSD).

Watch the class Stop, Drop and Roll.

In another class, Happy Bear from Logan County Children’s Services visits to talk to the children about “Good Touch, Bad Touch” to help educate them about sexual assault.

The program is completely free and allows the children to both learn and practice skills that can benefit them in both emergencies and in dangerous, routine situations.

Listen to Deputy Jeff Anspach describe the program.

By Justin Miller

The police arrested Bronson Manahan, 28, of Quincy at 12:48 a.m. Thursday.

An officer observed Manahan driving at a high rate of speed with his lights off. The officer followed Manahan and observed him running a red light. A traffic stop was initiated, and Manahan was given field sobriety tests.

After failing all tests, Manahan was arrested and taken to the Logan County Jail, where he was lodged on charges of OVI, red light violation and driving under a suspended license.

Two area men were arrested on Tuesday after assaulting Zachariah Bates, 21.

The Bellefontaine Police Department conducted an investigation and arrested Glenn Goble, 21, of 210 Spruce Avenue and Archer Goble, 19, of Lima.

The men are being charged with assault after they admitted to at least one assault of Bates. Bates alleges that more than one have occurred.

Charges are being considered against Bates, who may have retaliated.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office arrested a local man after he reportedly jumped from a moving vehicle Wednesday afternoon around 3:30.

Deputies received a call about a suicidal male walking along the roadway near Zanesfield.

Bradi Hennison (pictured), 21, of 7642 County Road 10, Zanesfield, was reportedly despondent over problems with a girlfriend.

He was riding with his mother when he jumped out of the car, which was going 20-25 miles per hour.

She then followed him on Route 292 until he ran into the woods.

Hennison came out of the woods after deputies arrived.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and transported to the Logan County Jail.

Hennison was not injured.

Three defendants were sentenced and one pled guilty before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor (pictured) earlier this week.

Robert Finch, 29, of Springfield, was sentenced to fifteen months in prison for receiving stolen property and possession of drugs.

Tammy Travis, 43, of Russells Point, was sentenced to ten months in prison for escape.

David Payne, 33, of Huntsville, was sentenced to nine months in prison for possession of drugs.

Teka Hoberty, 31, of Lakeview, pled guilty to theft. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for August 10th.

On Wednesday night the Logan County Fair Board held a meeting in preparation for the fair this upcoming week. Important items of discussion included an overview of the recent poultry show, comments from Commissioner Bayliss, and preparations for next week.

Bev Cotterman made the encouraging announcement that, for the first time, they were running out of season passes. President Keith Watson was excited by this news and the support shown by the community.

Increased interest was also evident in the growth of the number of exhibitors in almost all categories. The new category of carving alone has 75 entries in its first year.

A recent poultry show was discussed. The show, held at the fairgrounds was one of the largest in the area in the past three years. It had 227 entries in the youth category alone and over 100 exhibitors. Because of the success, the event will most likely be held again next year.

County Commissioner Bayliss complimented the Board on their work in making the property as clean and prepared as possible. He said the fairgrounds are in great shape and the community should be proud of the state of the location.

Watch President Watson talk about recent prep work done around the fairgrounds.

The board reviewed a proposal to host an additional Demolition Derby after the Logan County Fair. Members decided to wait and reevaluate their position after the fair and then hold a special meeting to discuss the possibility of hosting the event.

One entertainment feature of the Logan County Fair, the Caboodlestoppers, will be holding a performance on Saturday from 11AM to 1PM at the fairgrounds.

The Logan County Fair's Grand Opening is Tuesday at 9AM. Our news team will be providing extensive coverage of all the fair's events and showings throughout the week.

A Bellefontaine police officer arrested Vincent E. Henry of Springfield Monday at 2:40 a.m. after the man was observed walking up and down North Detroit Street. Henry was questioned about his purpose for traveling back and forth and about his name, Social Security number, birth date and other information the officer could use to identify the man.

A quick search of the Henry’s person revealed a possible rock of crack cocaine. He was arrested and lodged on charges of cocaine possession and identity fraud, after admitting to giving the officer his cousin’s information.

A two-car accident blocked the one-lane bridge on South Troy Road at West Patterson last night 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Jeffrey Cavinder, 48, of Huntsville was arrested for OVI after he refused sobriety tests and requested to go to jail.

At 9:19 a.m. on Tuesday, a pair of cars collided in the drive-thru of McDonald’s on North Main Street. Pamela Campbell, 45, was transported by EMS to Mary Rutan Hospital after complaining of a possible neck injury. No citations were issued.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office arrested a local teen that was sitting in the middle of a highway near Lakeview late Tuesday night.

Deputies received a call about an intoxicated male on State Route 366 around eleven o'clock.

Justin Reilley, 18, of 11900 Duff Road, Lakeview, was charged with underage consumption and transported to the Logan County Jail.

A family member was able to get Reilley out of the roadway and back to a camper.

He's the second man to be charged after an incident on a highway this week.

A Belle Center man was nearly struck on Route 33 near Bellefontaine late Saturday.

Governor Ted Strickland (pictured) signed House Bill 245, a second seven-day temporary budget Tuesday, the 26th day of the legislative conference committee without a comprehensive balanced budget proposal put forth by Senate Republicans.

The interim budget will be in effect from July 8 to July 14 and will continue to maintain critical state services at reduced funding levels.

“I have serious reservations about continuing to operate state government under interim budgets, rather than a comprehensive two-year budget. Temporary budgets are costing the state millions of dollars a week, digging Ohio into a deeper fiscal hole,” Strickland said. “The longer the Senate Majority refuses to either support our plan or put forward a real budget proposal, the deeper that hole will get.”

The total weekly cost of an interim budget is at least $13.8 million.

More than $9.2 million in total revenue is forgone each week to support Medicaid services, including funds the state would otherwise be drawing down from the federal government under the Governor’s framework. Another $3.6 million is being spent on programs that will be obsolete or reduced under the Governor’s balanced budget framework. And nearly $1 million is forgone in fees that would be implemented under the framework to support state agencies each week.

In addition, many agencies must delay or reduce subsidy payments to local boards that provide support services to the elderly, disabled, and those in need of mental health care.

“The longer this goes on, the greater the struggle will be to provide quality services, make payroll, and ensure the state can draw down federal funds,” Strickland said. “Ohio’s school districts are already struggling as the budget uncertainty is impacting their plans for the upcoming school year.

“Despite all this, it has now been 26 days and Senate Republicans have still not put forward a thoughtful and comprehensive plan to fill the budget gap. Placing a video lottery terminal proposal on a future ballot falls short of meeting the legislature’s constitutional obligation to provide for a balanced budget today. It is not a real budget plan because you cannot budget a ballot initiative,” Strickland said. “I believe that the legislature must work continuously until a budget is agreed upon.”

The legislature was responsible for sending the state’s two-year operating budget to the governor no later than June 30 for his review and signature. State government operated under a first continuing resolution from July 1 to July 7.

In general, the framework of the second continuing resolution appropriates 70 percent of one week’s worth of FY 09 General Revenue Fund (GRF) adjusted spending levels for GRF-funded state agencies (adjusted for the nearly $2 billion in executive budget reductions in 2009). Non-GRF line items, which do not rely on tax revenue, are appropriated at 100 percent of one week’s worth of adjusted appropriations for FY 09.

The Rushsylvania Church of Christ has experienced another potential theft. Around $1,000 of King's Island tickets have turned up missing from the church.

This incident comes on the heels of the theft of two computers and a camera from the church last week.

The Logan County Fair is back beginning July 14.

The fair has a full board of vendors, concessions and entertainment this year, according to Bev Cotterman, the fair's managing secretary and treasurer.

Listen to the interview with Bev here.

New at the fair this year will be local car dealer stands, new jewelry stands, two university booths and, for the first time, dual-stage music to accommodate more bands.

Also new to the fair in 2009 will be a parade for the King and Queen contestants.

The familiar favorites will still be active, with the tractor pull and demolition derby still in full swing. Visitors will still be able to grab some elephant ears and walking tacos, along with their favorite sandwich.

The fair employees have worked very hard, and so have the exhibitors, so come out and support the county at the 2009 Logan County Fair!

By Justin Miller

Logan and Union Counties will be receiving stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a federal stimulus project.

The money will be used to build and repair roads and bridges, purchase equipment for struggling local governments, help feed low-income children with the help of the National School Lunch Program and help retrain displaced workers to help them reenter the job market.

“The eight counties I represent will be receiving over $61 million in Recovery Act funds and will have the opportunity to access additional dollars in multi-county allocations,” State Senator Karen Gillmor said. Gillmor represents the 26th District of Ohio, which includes Logan and Union Counties.

Union County will receive $5,622,000. Almost $5 million of that money will go toward the Clean Water State Resolving Fund.

Logan County will receive $4,713,000. It will be divided like this:

• $1,270,000 for roads, bridges and rails
• $2,861,000 for rural transit
• $324,000 for the Workforce Investment Act
• $236,000 for Public Housing Capital Fund
• $22,000 for Nutrition Assistance Program

Two Shelby County residents were killed in a motorcycle/SUV accident near Morgantown, West Virginia, Sunday afternoon.

A motorcycle driven by Bruce VanFossen, 49, of Sidney, was struck by an SUV operated by Samuel Flowers of Weston, West Virginia.

Officials report that Flowers was eastbound on I-68 when he tried to make an illegal U-turn and struck VanFossen's westbound bike.

VanFossen was pronounced dead at the scene.

Barbara Elliston, 48, of Anna, was riding with VanFossen.

She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Peter Vaubel of Botkins suffered injuries after his motorcycle collided with the SUV.

Police report that charges are pending against Flowers.

The Champaign County Sheriff's Office responded to a stabbing at a trailer court west of St. Paris Monday night.

Sheriff Brent Emmons says deputies were sent to Paris Court West at 11690 Route 36 just after eight o'clock.

Eddie Marcum, 61, of St. Paris, was arrested without incident and charged with felonious assault.

Marcum was lodged in the Tri-County Jail in Mechanicsburg.

The victim, William Middleton, 47, of Kentucky, was transported by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. He's listed in serious condition.

The St. Paris Police Department assisted at the scene.

No motive was given for the stabbing and the sheriff's office is still investigating.

The Russells Point Village Council met for its regular session Monday night. The main issues raised involved an ordinance that outlined an agreement with Lakeview about shared equipment and several things with regard to the Russells Point Police Department.

Russells Point and Lakeview have already jointly purchased a street sweeper which they will share equally and on Monday night a proposal on the sharing of that equipment went through its first reading. Mayor Iiams cited this cooperative effort as a great improvement for both communities and sees it as bringing down a barrier with Lakeview. The street sweeper will be able to be housed in either community and used whenever either community sees fit. The ordinance will be presented for its second reading and possible passage at the next Council meeting.

Russells Point Police Department Chief of Police Josef Freyhof was on hand and presented several items to the Council. He shared that the Police Department recently obtained a new Python Radar, which would normally be valued at over $1,000, for free, as a reward for their participation in the Public Safety Campaign. Also he showed a new type of sign the village will be posting that raises motorcycle safety awareness with the Party at the Peak and Art on the Harbor events close at hand. He closed by passing on several compliments the Department received for the village on its appearance and conduct during the 4th of July ceremonies.

River cleanup will be held on July 25th. Any questions regarding this should be directed to the Council. They will next meet regularly as scheduled.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office responded to complaints of an intoxicated male in the middle of US 33 just before midnight on Saturday.

The officers arrived on the scene to find an intoxicated male being detained by two other males in the median.

The intoxicated male was identified as Andrew Bruce, 19, of Belle Center. His lip was bleeding and he was struggling to free himself.

The two men detaining Bruce explained that Bruce had tried to hit them and that they had hit him in self-defense before detaining him.

Bruce was cited for being intoxicated on the highway and issued a summons for underage consumption. He was taken by Bellefontaine EMS to Mary Rutan Hospital.

Police responded Saturday to a complaint at 1121 West Sandusky Avenue in Bellefontaine.

Upon arrival, officers observed a shirtless male pounding on the front door of the residence.

A black Ford Explorer was leaving the residence at a high rate of speed.

The responding unit requested additional units to the residence and pursued the vehicle.

The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued to drive, even after the police cruiser’s lights and siren had been activated.

The driver of the Explorer soon made it apparent to the officer that he/she was trying to flee.

A chase ensued, with the operator of the Explorer leading the pursuing officer in a quick loop around the area before returning to the residence at 1121 West Sandusky Avenue.

Officers and a K-9 unit detained the driver, identified as Kristopher Sparling, 30, of Mt. Victory and the shirtless male on the porch, identified as Christopher Kelsey, 31, at-large.

Sparling indicated to officers that he was a passenger in the vehicle and that the driver had bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers observed no such incident.

Sparling was lodged on charges of OVI, driving with a suspended license, running a red light and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

Kelsey explained that he was at the residence to retrieve property of his sister, who is married to the man who owns the residence. The couple had recently “had problems” and the woman was asked to leave, which she did.

Kelsey denied any violent activity and admitted simply to being at the residence to retrieve property. He was charged with attempted burglary and was found to be wanted by the Marysville Police Department for failure to pay fines. Kelsey was lodged in the Logan County Jail for both incidents.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office arrested a Lakeview man on multiple counts after responding to a domestic incident Friday night around seven o'clock.

Danny Lee Ellis (pictured), 38, of 295 Bass Lane, was charged with one count of attempted rape, two counts of domestic violence, two counts of child endangering, two counts of aggravated menacing, and one count of persistent disorderly conduct.

Ellis, who was reportedly intoxicated, became belligerent and started beating on the screen of the cruiser after he was arrested.

Ellis's sons, ages 10 and 12, said they were brutally beaten, kicked, and choked by their father.

Ellis was lodged in the Logan County Jail.

The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that bridge painting on State Route 368 between Hickory Lane and Lakeshore Drive East will begin Tuesday.

ODOT says traffic will be maintained at all times by traffic signals.

The project should be done by August 14th.

The contract was awarded to All Seasons Contracting and Painting for $232,000.

All work is weather permitting.

The Weekly Agenda for Commissioners Core, Knight, and Bayliss, for the week of July 6th through July 10th:

This week’s "In Sync" featured Logan County Sheriff Andy Smith, who just completed his first six months in office.

Smith graduated from West Liberty-Salem High School and then earned an education degree at Ohio State.

After substitute teaching for a short time, he began his career in law enforcement as a corrections officer in 1990.

Smith defeated West Liberty Police Chief Ron Murray in last November’s general election.

He said the first six months in office have gone well, but the county budget crunch has had a big impact on his office.

The sheriff’s office has gone from 114 employees to 72 employees.

The jail holds up to 144 inmates, but financial constraints have impacted staffing levels in the jail.
Because of this, the jail is averaging about 55 inmates.

The Logan County Juvenile Detention Center can house up to 32 offenders, but is now averaging about 12 inmates to help curb costs.

Sheriff Smith said every day on the job is different because you cannot predict what will happen in law enforcement. He said that’s what makes the job fun.

Smith has spent the first few months on the job updating the office’s policy manual.
He said some of the policies are 20-25 years old.

Smith succeeded Mike Henry, who served as sheriff for 21 years.

Andy said the staff "has been great" during the transition.

The sheriff’s administrative team includes Chief Deputy Randy Dodds, Lieutenant Rob Bibart, and Lieutenant Greg Fitzpatrick.

Bibart oversees the detective and patrol division, and Fitzpatrick is the jail administrator.

Smith said his office handles all kinds of duties, including traffic crashes and violations, short-term and long-term investigations, sex offender notifications, and housing prisoners.

You can reach the sheriff at 592-5731 or by e-mail at asmith@co.logan.oh.us.

"In Sync" airs Sunday mornings at 8:30 on 1390 WBLL and at 8:45 on 98.3 WPKO.