The message is clear: if you drive impaired, you will be caught and arrested. This year, 952 Ohio law enforcement agencies joined thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the nation to take part in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest Crackdown on impaired driving. The enforcement blitz began today and lasts through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

During the enforcement period, law enforcement partners have planned more than 5,700 enforcement hours, approximately 40 checkpoints and more than 1,700 hours of saturation patrols around the state. If you drive drunk, you will be caught and arrested.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office and the State Highway Patrol will be looking for impaired drivers during the crackdown.

“We are serious about saving lives and so are our partners, from law enforcement to safety advocates,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán. “We’ve seen a decline in alcohol-related fatalities on Ohio’s roads over the past three years and we want to make sure that trend continues, so we’re working to ensure everyone knows that drunk driving is simply not worth the risk.”

In 2008, 449 people died in alcohol-related crashes on Ohio’s roads (down from 473 in 2007 and 495 in 2006) and more than 8,000 people were injured. Impaired driving also continues to be a problem nationwide. Nationally, in 2007, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

The picture for motorcycle riders is particularly bleak. Nationally, in fatal crashes in 2007, a higher percentage of motorcycle riders (27 percent) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher than any other type of motor vehicle driver. In Ohio, in 2008, motorcycles made up the second largest vehicle group (behind passenger vehicles) in fatal crashes involving alcohol.

The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. Crackdown is a program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity. It is locally administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office, which funds a majority of the enforcement hours through federal funds from NHTSA.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to an injury accident on State Route 245 near Thompson Road (between West Liberty and Springhills) Friday afternoon around two o'clock.

Troopers report that a '97 Pontiac Sunfire driven by Sonny Iman, 49, of 4459 State Route 245 West, West Liberty, was struck by a '91 Mercury Grand Marquis operated by Ronald Bergman, 63, of 2720 State Route 245 West, West Liberty.

Iman was exiting a private driveway near his house when he pulled in front of Bergman's eastbound car.

Bergman, who suffered incapacitating injuries, was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital by West Liberty EMS.

Iman was cited for failure to yield.

Both cars were heavily damaged.

Iman and Bergman were wearing their seat belt.

Friday afternoon at the Warren G. Grimes Center gymnasium, Urbana University inaugurated Dr. Stephen Jones as its 21st President in 159 years of existence during its welcoming Convocation for the Class of 2013. This will be Dr. Jones' second year as President of Urbana University.

Listen to Dr. Jones talk about welcoming the students and what Urbana University has to offer.

Another headline of this event was a formal signing of the partnership between Urbana University, Central State University, and the Army ROTC program. Dr. Jones, along with Lieutenant Colonel Odell Graves of the U.S. Army and President John Garland from Central State, signed papers forging an agreement between the three parties to bring an ROTC program to Urbana University this year and in years to come.

Listen to Lieutenant Colonel Graves talk about ROTC at Urbana University

President Jones and the staff and faculty of Urbana University welcomed about 280 new students and charged them to make the most of their time in Urbana and get themselves involved in the school and community. Classes will start this week.

By: Zach Horton

One defendant was sentenced and one pled guilty before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O'Connor recently.

Misty Stanley, 28, of Lakeview, was sentenced to twelve months in the Ohio Reformatory for Women for complicity to commit burglary.

James Holland, 27, of Kenton, pled guilty to theft. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for September 21st.

Logan County voters will decide several issues this November.

Thursday was the filing deadline for the general election and here is a listing of the issues that will appear on the ballot.

Subdivision - Purpose - Millage - Years - Tax Yr. - Starting Type

Villages

Rushsylvania - Current expenses 3.0 mills 5 years 2009 Renewal

West Mansfield - Current Expenses 3.0 mills 4 years 2009 Replacement
West Mansfield - Current Expenses 2.7 mills 4 years 2009 Replacement
West Mansfield - Current Expenses 2.5 mills 4 years 2009 Additional

West Liberty - Current expenses 2.5 mills 5 years 2009 Renewal

Townships

Jefferson - Park Maintenance & Improvement of Logan Hills Community Park .25 mill 5 years 2009 Replacement

Perry Twp. - Providing maintenance & operating expenses for the fire department 4.0 mills 5 years 2009 Renewal
Perry Twp. - Current expenses 1.0 mill 5 years 2009 Additional

Zane Twp. - Fire & Emergency Medical Services 3.0 mills 4 years 2009 Renewal

Monroe Twp. - Construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of township roads 3.0 mills 5 years 2009 Renewal

Schools

Bellefontaine - Bond for constructing school facilities and locally funded initiatives 2.8 mills 38 years

Bellefontaine - Property tax for acquisition, construction, enlargement, renovation, and financing of permanent improvements .5 mill Continuing Additional

Benjamin Logan - Permanent Improvements 2.0 mills Continuing 2009 Additional

Riverside - Current Expenses 1.25 Income tax 5 years 2009

Local Options

Tumbleweed – Sale of wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and midnight, An applicant for a D-6 liquor permit

La Palma Mexican Restaurant - Sale of wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and midnight, An applicant for a D-6 liquor permit

East Liberty Grocery – Sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages

OVERLAPPING

School

Triad Local Current operating expenses 0.5 % 5 years 2010 Income Tax

The Riverside Board of Education met in regular session on Thursday night at 7:00.

Board members approved the 2009-2010 K-12 Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. The handbooks will be available online. This is expected to save money in printing costs. Any student who does not have internet access can request a hard copy of the handbook.

Board members also approved status changes for part-time para-professionals Joy Arnett, Lori Longbrake, Leslie Smith, and Brenda Vondenhuevel to full-time. This change is due to federal stimulus money given to the school. The funds for their salaries will be paid for by the stimulus money, rather than by Riverside's general funds.

The Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) requires at least one board member from each school district to become a certified delegate. Dee Dee Harshbarger, President of the Riverside School Board, was chosen to attend the OSBA Annual Business Meeting. Chris Thompson was chosen as the alternate.

The board approved the copier lease agreement with the Perry Corporation, which will save $25,272 over the five-year agreement.

There was a calendar change made due to a conflict with OGT testing. The board approved changing the Octover 28th, 2009 2-hour delay for teacher in-service to an early release on October 30th for teacher in-service.

The following supplemental contracts for the 2009-2010 salary schedule were approved:
Nikki Legge will be the 7th Grade Volleyball Coach and Tim Walls will act as Assistant High School Golf Coach.

Superintendent of Riverside Schools, Jim Zerkle, spoke with Ashleigh Klinger about his goals, his first month as superintendent, the status changes for para-professionals, and the new administration.

The board meets again September 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Back-to-school shopping season is in full swing, and today Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray offered parents and students tips on getting the best deals.

Attorney General Cordray offered consumers the following back-to-school tips:

• Look for exclusions and limitations. Adds for back-to-school sales must list any exclusions and limitations that apply. To understand the terms and conditions of a sale, carefully read the fine print in advertisements.
  
• Know your right to a rain check. In general, if you respond to an ad and find the advertised goods are sold out, you have the right to a rain check. A rain check allows you to buy the advertised goods for the sale price at a later time. This right does not apply if the ad states that supplies are limited or that no rain checks will be given.
  
• Watch for restocking fees. Some companies charge restocking fees when you return certain items like computers or other electronics. Restocking fees are legal under Ohio law, but companies must clearly disclose such fees upfront. To protect yourself, check a store return policy before you buy.
  
• Read rebate instructions. Carefully follow the instructions for submitting a rebate otherwise, the company may not honor your rebate. Most companies require you to submit the form within a certain time frame and to include the receipt and the product's packaging.
  
• Be wary of credit card offers on campus. Just because a company advertises a particular credit card on campus doesn't mean it's the best card for you. Some cards offer low introductory interest rates which last only for a short time, after which your interest rate will increase. Research all options before you apply for a credit card.

For more information on consumer tips, visit www.SpeakOutOhio.gov.

A strong thunderstorm went through many parts of West Central Ohio last night.

A tornado watch was in effect for many hours and Logan, Champaign, Shelby, Mercer, and Darke Counties were under a tornado warning for a short time.

The warning was lifted at 8:30.

A resident in Thackery (southwest Champaign County) reported a funnel cloud around eight o’clock.

The National Weather Service says there were no reports of a tornado touching down, but wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour were reported in Shelby County.

Fortunately, storm damage was minimal.

There were a few uprooted trees west of Sidney.

Authorities had to clear a tree on State Route 720 near County Road 54 late last night.

Dayton Power and Light spokeswoman Mary Beth Weaver says crews worked through the night restoring power.

In Logan County, 1,800 customers lost power.

In Shelby County, 7,800 customers were without power.

Weaver says power has been restored to nearly everyone.

Logan County Cooperative says 9 outages affected 19 members. All of them were back in service by eleven p.m.

Heavy rain was reported in many communities.

The Bellefontaine Wastewater Treatment Plant says 2.92 inches of rain fell between Wednesday morning and Thursday morning.

There were no reports of high water on area roads this morning.

No structure damage was reported in the area.

Urbana University is putting the final touches on plans to welcome the Class of 2013 to campus on August 21st.

Over 280 new students will arrive on campus to begin their lives as "Blue Knights".

The highlight of the weekend will be the Welcoming Convocation on Friday afternoon in the Warren G. Grimes Center.

Throughout the weekend, the Class of 2013 will spend time meeting their new classmates, learning tips on succeeding in college, and participating in community service projects.

Urbana University will formally introduce the Class of 2013 to the University community. The goal is for the students to learn to critically reflect on moral and ethical values as they also gain knowledge in their programs of study.

Welcome Week activities will conclude on September 2nd with the annual Activities Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Student Center. The Activities Fair is designed to give all students the opportunity to learn what is available both on-campus and in the local community.

Last year, over 60 local businesses and organizations helped to welcome the students to the community.

Any organization wishing to participate in the Activities Fair, may contact Mike Griest at 937-484-1262 or mgriest@urbana.edu for more information or to register.

To post part-time employment opportunities for students, organizations may contact Nick Christian at 937-484-1417 or nchristian@urbana.edu.

Bellefontaine Middle School held its orientation for 6th grade students and their parents on Wednesday evening.

6th grade students were able to pick up their schedules, find their classrooms, meet some of their teachers, and attempt to open their lockers for the first time.

After the period of time where students and parents could roam the halls looking for lockers and classrooms, there was a short meeting at 7:00 p.m. for each of the two teams. Each team watched a cheer performed by the 7th and 8th grade cheerleaders.

Superintendent of Bellefontaine City Schools, Beth Harman, was present at the orientation.

Miriam Stoner spoke with Beth about what students need to do to get ready for school, the differences in time schedules at the high school, the goals for the upcoming school year, and the new administration.

Bellefontaine City Schools will be back in session starting on Tuesday, August 25th.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a minor injury accident in front of Liberty Hills Golf Club Wednesday afternoon around 12:30.

Troopers report that William Doup, 71, of 931 County Road 32 South, Bellefontaine, fell asleep.

His ’03 Cadillac DeVille struck a bridge guardrail on Township Road 190.

West Liberty EMS transported Doup to Mary Rutan Hospital.

He was wearing a seat belt and his car suffered moderate damage.

The accident remains under investigation.

Troopers were sent to a two-car crash on State Route 47 west of Bellefontaine Wednesday morning around 8:30.

No one was injured, and the accident is still under investigation.

In an otherwise routine gathering, the highlight of the DeGraff Village Council meeting was the swearing in of William Cockrell (pictured) as an auxilary police officer for the village.

The actual swearing in took place during a brief recess from the meeting and the oath was given by Council President Chuck Bertschman, acting as Mayor Pro-Tem while DeGraff Mayor Gary Comer was on vacation.

Cockrell, a DeGraff native, graduated from Riverside High School and says he is honored to be back serving his hometown.

Listen to William Cockrell talk about his new position.

"I really just take it as an honor that DeGraff has given me this opportunity," Cockrell said.

Tamela Idle of 105 Church Street addressed council about an ongoing open burning problem from a neighboring residence.

Village leaders said outdoor fires for recreational purposes are legal, but they are looking into the matter.

Idle said she asked for council's assistance after several unsuccessful conversations with the neighbor.

Council members also noted that many residents are still riding ATVs on public streets, which is illegal.

The village plans to send a letter advising residents to keep ATVs off public streets. The next step will be fines.

DeGraff just passed a golf cart ordinance last month and residents seem to be complying with the law.

Finally, the DeGraff United Methodist Church will host a summer free sale Saturday from 9-2.

Clothing and household items will be available.

Donations are being accepted at the church through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 6-8 p.m.

Volunteers are needed each evening and during the sale.

The next DeGraff Council meeting will be Tuesday, September 1st at 7 p.m.

By Nate Smith and Bill Tipple

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement in response to General Motors’ decision to bring more than 1,000 Ohioans back to work in Lordstown:

“I applaud General Motors’ decision to bring more than 1,000 workers back online at the company’s facility in Lordstown. The strength of Ohio’s workforce has laid the foundation for General Motors’ historic success, and skilled Ohioans like those in the Lordstown community will be the bedrock for the company’s fuel-efficient product line going forward.

“Thanks to Congresswoman Betty Sutton, who spearheaded the successful ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program that helped spur GM’s business decision, and the leadership of Congressman Tim Ryan, who has always fought for Ohio’s autoworkers, more than 1,000 workers are going back to Lordstown.

“We advocated for these jobs when I, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and other state officials met with General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson and his senior leadership team in Detroit earlier this month. And we will continue to do everything possible to keep GM jobs in Ohio and to support Ohio workers.”

The Logan County Sheriff's Office reports that a local man suffered minor injuries in a pickup/deer accident north of Quincy Monday morning around 8:30.

Curt Roach, 46, of 1432 County Road 24, DeGraff, was driving an '02 GMC Sonoma southbound on County Road 35 (near Township Road 74) when he struck a deer that crossed the roadway.

Roach was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital by Riverside EMS.

His pickup suffered moderate damage.

Roach was wearing a seat belt.

The Russells Point Village Council met on Monday evening at 7:00.

The council talked about its happiness with the success of Rally at the Peak and Art in the Harbor last weekend. Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof attended the meeting and publicly thanked his officers for a job well done.

Mayor Greg Iiams (pictured) informed council with details about the expansion of the local water plant. The water plant is located on a 100-year flood plain. The mayor says the plant hasn't flooded yet. The only major problem, according to the mayor, will be raising enough money to pay for the expansion project.

An ordinance was adopted unanimously to ensure that Russells Point residents maintain the grass on their property, and properly dispose of their trash.

The Village of Russells Point received a total of $167,519.16 in delinquent taxes, of which they will only receive 14%.

Mayor Iiams spoke to Miriam Stoner about the water plant expansion, and the ordinance passed at the meeting.

The Council meets again Tuesday, September 8th at 7:00 p.m.

Good Morning America announced today that pro snowboarder Louie Vito (pictured) will be competing on this season's Dancing With the Stars. The show is the top-rated ABC television show and is seen by some 22 million viewers per episode. (The only other show that commands those kinds of viewers is American Idol.)

The first show of the new season will be broadcast LIVE on ABC, Monday, September 21st with a two-hour special. The following night, Dancing With the Stars will be on for two more hours. Then on Wednesday, September 23rd, the show will begin its elimination process with an additional one hour broadcast. This is a major change from previous seasons and there will be more changes this year, too.

Here is what executive producer Conrad Green had to say about the upcoming competition.

"This is going to be our biggest-ever cast." He goes on to say, "We are going to start big, and then about halfway through, we are going to do three double eliminations back-to-back. The middle of the season is going to be brutal when half of our cast goes in three weeks."

Green goes on to explain that the reason for so many competitors this season is he feels it is important to change up the show from season to season. As a result, there will be more athletes, with some new sports represented, some very big personalities, and some slightly eccentric personalities.

"I love the fact that people want to be on the show. I think our celebrity show is the one that most people want to be on because they realize it isn't degrading or demeaning in any way. You learn a new skill, and it is a wholesome family show."

Watching Louie on this show will be especially interesting since Louie has never even seen the show and another fairly important point - he CAN'T dance!!

For those of you who have lived in a cave the last few years, here is what you have been missing.

Dancing With the Stars is a unique series that pairs up celebrities with professional ballroom dance partners in an intense competition -- live -- in front of a studio audience and the nation. Each season has a select number of celebrity/professional dance pairs. The pairs are then judged by a panel of expert judges as well as by the viewers at home. One or more teams will be eliminated each week.

The couples must maintain their focus, grace, and composure while learning precise movements and maneuvering in extravagant costumes. Will they remain compatible during the course of the competition?

Dancing With the Stars has broad appeal, offering viewers dazzling costumes, dancing, celebrity gossip, behind-the-scenes training, and contemporary music performed by a live 15-piece band. The format has already been an international hit in several countries.

Please vote often for Louie!!

You can see more at http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/cast-announcement/ThemeGallery/281307

The Red Cross has several opportunities for people to “take an hour, help save a life” during the remainder of August.

While all blood types are needed, Type O is in high demand since it is the only type that can be transfused to patients in other blood groups such as A, B, and AB. Hospitals use Type O-negative blood in most emergency trauma cases when a patient’s blood type isn’t known.

The blood supply is affected by the lull in student donations as high schools and colleges observe summer breaks. About 20% of the blood supply is donated by students through scheduled drives at schools, colleges, and universities.

The schedule for Logan County Blood Drives in August

First United Methodist Church, Bellefontaine – Tuesday 8/18, 12 pm – 6 pm

Logan County Courthouse – Monday 8/24, 11 am – 5 pm

United Methodist Church, Belle Center – Monday 8/31, 2 pm – 8 pm

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. You may give blood every eight weeks, up to six times a year.

Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.BloodSavesLives.org for more information on blood donation and donating blood through the American Red Cross.

This week’s “In Sync” show featured Judy Goodrich, who is director of the Logan County District Libraries.

Goodrich has led our local library system for more than 24 years.

Like many library officials, she is concerned about a 30 percent reduction in state funding.

Goodrich says Ohio public libraries are funded through 2.22 percent of the state’s total general revenue.

In July, state lawmakers voted to lower this to 1.97 percent.

Funding for the Logan County District Libraries is down $262,000 compared to ’08.

In 2010, local funding will be down $371,000 compared to ’08.

Because of these funding shortfalls, many libraries have reduced hours.

The Knowlton Library reduced hours this summer by one hour, going from 9-8 instead of 9-9.

Goodrich and the fiscal officer are still reviewing our local budget.

The library board will consider possible cuts when they meet Thursday, August 27th.

To make things worse, libraries are used more during an economic downturn.

Goodrich says the local libraries have seen a spike in customers this year.

The Logan County District Libraries includes the Knowlton Library in downtown Bellefontaine and branches in DeGraff, East Liberty, Lakeview, Rushsylvania, West Liberty, and West Mansfield.

You can see more at http://www.loganco.lib.oh.us/.

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

The Weekly Agenda for Commissioners Core, Knight, and Bayliss, for the week of August 17^th through August 21^st:

Monday:

Tuesday:

8:30 a.m. COMMISSION IN SESSION

8:30 a.m. Monthly meeting with Garis Pugh re: Logan County Water Pollution Control

9:00 a.m. Friendly Senior Center Board (CORE)

10:00 a.m. Judge O’Connor re: APA contract

11:00 a.m. Natalie Comer and Ed Wallace re: economic development update

3:30 p.m. Logan County Solid Waste Management District Policy Board meeting

Wednesday:

Thursday:

8:30 a.m. COMMISSION IN SESSION

1:00 p.m. Tri-County CAC (BAYLISS)

1:30 p.m. Family & Children First Council – Service Management Committee meeting (CORE)

Friday:

7:30 a.m. Greater Logan County Area Improvement Corporation – Executive Committee meeting – Chamber Office (BAYLISS, CORE)

8:00 a.m. Terrorism Advisory Team meeting

10:00 a.m. FCFC – Cross System Training – Department of Job & Family Services (CORE)

11:00 a.m. FCFC – Cross System Training – Family and Children First (CORE)

12:00 p.m. FCFC – Cross System Training – Discovery Riders (CORE)

The Commission may also take up and act upon matters that have not yet been brought to the attention of the Commissioners or the Clerk/Administrator at the time of the preparation of this agenda.