Prompted by the presence of the H1N1 virus and an early increase in flu-like illnesses throughout Logan and surrounding counties, Mary Rutan Hospital will begin visitor restrictions effective today, September 25th . As a precautionary measure, designed to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses that may include the H1N1 virus to hospital patients and health care workers, Mary Rutan Hospital begins the limited visitation policy after close monitoring and communications with the Logan County Health District.

Visitation Restrictions Include:

• No visitation by anyone with any respiratory symptoms including cough, sore throat, cold symptoms, body aches or fever.
• Visitation will be monitored and may be limited on a case by case basis for the protection of each patient.
• Protective masks and hand sanitizers are located at each entrance of the hospital. If you come to the hospital as a patient with any flu-like symptoms, we ask that you immediately put on a mask upon entering; use hand sanitizer to clean your hands and inform the receptionist right away.
• All pregnant women entering the hospital are asked to wear a mask for their own protection.
• Children under age 14 are asked to wear a mask if they visit a patient care area.

“The flu season seems to be starting a bit earlier this year, and Mary Rutan Hospital wants to do everything we can to keep our patients safe. In order to limit patient exposure to flu-like illnesses, we are implementing these precautionary measures,” say Becky Nicholl, V.P. of Quality and Risk Management.

As a part of our preventative measures, emergency department staff may wear protective masks while caring for patients with flu-like symptoms. In addition, the Hospital has put “respiratory etiquette” practices in place including making alcohol hand gel, tissues and face masks available to patients and visitors in the emergency department and all public entrances of the hospital.

Logan County Health Commissioner, Boyd Hoddinott, M.D. encourages community members to use good common sense to prevent the spread of germs that may make others sick. “Make good respiratory etiquette and hygiene habits a part of your daily routine” says Dr. Hoddinott.

• Get your seasonal flu vaccination.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away and wash or sanitize your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school.

“We ask that the community practice these precautionary measures and in addition, encourage those that are sick and have flu-like or other respiratory illness, not to visit patients in the hospital or nursing homes," says Dr. Hoddinott.

A Bellefontaine woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Township Road 56 northwest of the city Thursday night around 9:45.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol reports that Juanita Johnson, 31, was driving a 2001 Kia Optima southbound on 56, near Township Road 219, when her vehicle went off the left side of the road and struck a tree.

Johnson and passenger, Phillip Wilcoxon, 64, of Lakeview, were both ejected.

Neither was wearing a seat belt.

Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wilcoxon was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital by Bellefontaine Fire and EMS.

He was then transferred to Lima Memorial Hospital, where he’s listed in critical condition.

The Bellefontaine Police Department assisted at the scene.

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

The Bellefontaine Fire Department responded to a fatal house fire on the city’s west side early this morning.

A large structure fire at 632 West Williams Avenue, near Clagg Street, was reported around 3:30 a.m.

James D. Wells, 62, who was in an upstairs room, was killed.

The fire destroyed the two-family home.

All of Bellefontaine’s off-duty personnel battled the blaze.

Firefighters from West Liberty and Huntsville provided mutual aid.

The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Mad River Chapter of the American Red Cross provided food and clothing to the home’s occupants.

With a levy on the ballot this November, the Riverside Board of Education has begun planning forums and “Meet the Candidates” nights for parents and residents.

At the board’s monthly meeting on Thursday night, two forums were set for questions to be answered about the November levy. The first will be October 12th in Quincy and the second will be October 19th at Riverside School in conjunction with the already scheduled PTO meeting. Both meetings will begin at 6:30.

Listen to Riverside Superintendent Jim Zerkle talk to Ashleigh Klinger about the meetings and why residents should attend.

Also on the agenda for the night, the school board appointed Paul Carpenter the new treasurer of Riverside Schools, replacing former treasurer Christopher Mohr.

Mr. Carpenter talks about his feelings about being appointed treasurer as well as the revenue of the school’s status compared to last year.

The Board of Education also approved an FFA tour to Dearborn, Michigan, as well as the 8th grade’s annual trip to Washington D.C. Also, Resignations were accepted from Barb Kuck and Leslie Smith.

The following donations were accepted by the board:
Library books from Gwen Heath at an estimated value of $64.96
Planet Earth DVD from Rod Yoder at an estimated value of $79.90
$102 donation towards COSI on Wheels visit from Riverside PTO
$500 from DeGraff Country Fair to the FFA
$750 from Pirate Gridiron Club for Riverside Football
$750 from Riverside Athletic Boosters to defray cost of sprinkler system.

The Riverside School Board will meet again on October 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

Indian Lake will host its 29th Annual Fall Festival Sept. 25-27 at Indian Lake State Park.

Beginning Friday Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Jim Greer and the Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks will perform and at 9:00 p.m. Park Naturalist Vert Molitor will host the Early Campers’ Special.

Saturday will begin with a Morning Nature Walk with Molitor at 9:30 a.m., an Arts and Crafts Displays and Demonstrations at 10:00 a.m. and “Razzmatazz and Jazz” also beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday afternoon will feature a tour of the “Care Flight Helicopter” beginning at noon, “Roscoe and His Little Green Men” at 12:30 p.m., the West Central Swing Band will perform at 3:00 p.m. and park staff will be serving Venison Stew at 3:00 p.m.

The Marching Lakers of Indian High School will perform at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday evening will be capped off with a performance by The Mad River Valley Dulcimer Group at 5:30 p.m., Mezzellis’ “Belly Dancers” will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. and “The Rejects” will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday will mark the final day of the festival, but it is not without its highlight, either.

The Seedsowers will put on a gospel music and puppet show at 9:00 a.m., the Cloggers will perform at 10:00 a.m. and there will be more arts and crafts beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Crowds can tour the Med Flight Helicopter at noon and beginning at 12:30 p.m. B.J. & Billie will perform.

The festival will conclude with Country Expressions at 2:30 p.m.

A modest crowd braved an ongoing rain shower at Floyd Finfrock Park to commemorate the grand opening of the Quincy Recycling Center Thursday Afternoon.

The center, located right next to the park’s utility building behind the baseball field, marks the eighth recycling center in Logan County.

Postcards were mailed to every resident within a mile of the new center inviting them to the event and Logan County Solid Waste Management Coordinator Alan Hale estimates approximately 50 or 60 people attended the event which featured a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Among those in attendance was Quincy Mayor Dan Robinson who was excited about the new recycling center.

Listen as Robinson talks about Thursday’s grand opening.

The center will accept cardboard, plastics and glass. In addition, residents are welcome to dispose of non-recyclable trash in the provided dumpsters by placing the garbage into green Pay as You Throw bags which are available for purchase as the center.

The cost of the bag covers the cost of the center to transport trash to local landfills.

Hale talks about the center and which products are acceptable at the center.

The Logan County Solid Waste District will commemorate another recycling center grand opening next Thursday at Russells Point.

The ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Board of Education approved the 2010 fiscal year budget appropriations during the regular monthly meeting last night in the Hi-Point Sloan Inn.  Treasurer Eric Adelsberger presented the proposed budget for approval noting reductions in the budget even as the district continues to grow.

"Total FY2010 appropriations for all funds equal $17.5 million,” said Adelsberger.  “General Operating Fund appropriations for F20Y10 total $12.9 million and represent a two percent budget decrease as compared to FY2009.  Historically Ohio Hi-Point has spent less General Operating Fund money than appropriated.  Over the past five and ten year periods Ohio Hi-Point has spent on average 88% to 89% of budgeted General Operating Fund appropriations.  This trend expected to continue through FY2010.”

The new budget is a significant reduction from the previous year, about a $1.25 million difference.

“We are assured of flat funding next year and are unsure of what our funding structure will be beyond that, so we feel trimming our budget at this time is necessary to assure continuation of core services,” offered Superintendent Kim Davis.

Davis also informed the Board during her report that she is working as the President-Elect of the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents (OACTS) in lobbying for changes to House Bill 1, specifically to provide relief from the inability to charge fees for tools for students on free and reduced lunch, as well as to have representation on the School Funding Study Committee.

High School Satellite Director Deb Wortman and High School Associate Director Shelly Swaney presented the latest enrollment figures to the board.  Wortman reported that Satellite enrollment stands at 1,050 students, an increase of 44 students from October 2008. Swaney noted that the Bellefontaine Campus enrollment stands at 695, an increase of 59 students over last year’s September enrollment figures.

Sharon Halter, Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) Coordinator, spoke to the Board about a two-year project she was involved in at the state level with ProLiteracy and the Ohio Board of Regents.  Halter completed core certification course for ABLE Program Local Administrators as part of the Leadership Excellence Academies.  Halter completed a research project designed to increase class retention by 25% by piloting six-weeks, syllabus-driven classes with higher attendance and performance expectation placed on learners for one semester.  Halter said the results of the project included increasing evening class retention increased to 68%, while morning class retention increased to 88%.

The Board recognized the first two high school students of the month during the meeting.  Samantha Terrill, a senior Cosmetology student from Benjamin Logan High School, and Daniel McCully, a senior Health Technology student from Riverside High School, were both selected by the high school staff as the “September Students of the Month” based on their hard work, academic achievement and contributions to the high school community.

In other board action:
·    Approved the report of the treasurer
·    Heard the legislative liaison report from board member Warren Stevens (Urbana City Schools)
·    Heard a report from Facilities and Grounds Supervisor Robert Walker
·    Accepted the resignation of Darlene Grant (Adult Education Practical Nursing Instructor) effective September 10th, 2009 for personal reasons
·    Accepted the resignation of Nancy Decker (High School GRADS Instructor) effective November 30th, 2009, for the purpose of retirement
·    Approved the employment of Robin Borchers (Part-Time Adult Education Practical Nursing Instructor) effective September 28th, 2009, pending receipt of BCI/FBI official documentation
·    Approved professional meeting requests for Dustin Knapke (Satellite Agriscience Instructor-USV), Dawn Wallace (Satellite Agriscience Instructor-Marysville), Amy Nicol (Satellite Career-Based Intervention Instructor-Marysville) and Derek Dunson (Satellite Agriscience Instructor-Kenton) to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. Wallace, Dunson and Nicol will attend at no cost to the district
·    Approved professional meeting requests for Mary Trudgeon (Satellite Information Technology Instructor-USV) and Amanda Blackburn (High School Information Technology Instructor) to attend the National Career Pathways Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  Trudgeon’s conference expenses will be reimbursed by Rhodes State College, while Blackburn’s will be reimbursed by Rhodes State and West Central Ohio Tech Prep Consortium
·    Approved the professional meeting request of Terry Gibson (Adult Education Diversified Industrial Training Instructor) to attend Honda for Training in Rome, Georgia.  Gibson’s expenses will be reimbursed by Honda of America
·    Approved the salary schedule movement for the following staff members: JoAnn Ventresco (High School English Instructor), Tammy Heitmeyer (High School Health Technology Instructor), Robert Newland (High School Automotive Collision Instructor), Amy Main (Adult Education Practical Nursing Coordinator), Cindy Harlan (High School Cosmetology Instructor) and Ashley Thompson (Satellite Agriculture Foundations Instructor-Marysville)
·    Approved the employment of the law firm Scott, Scriven & Wahoff, LLP, for legal services related to personnel, student rights, school business, school finance and other such matters as directed by the Superintendent or Board. Also authorized the Superintendent or Treasurer to sign any letter of engagement or other documents necessary to carry this resolution into effect
·    Approved the employment of the law firm of Means, Bichemer, Burkholder & Baker, L.P.A., for legal services related to personnel, student rights, school business, school finance and other such matters as directed by the Superintendent or Board. Also authorized the Superintendent or Treasurer to sign any letter of engagement or other documents necessary to carry this resolution into effect
·    Approved consortium memberships for 2009/2010 with the West Central Ohio Tech Prep Consortium

The next meeting of the board of education will be held on Wednesday, October 28th at 8 p.m. in the Hi-Point Inn.

A West Virginia man has been charged for causing a crash that killed two area residents near Morgantown, West Virginia on July 5th.

Samuel Flowers, 45, of Weston, allegedly made an illegal U-turn on I-68, and pulled his minivan into the path of a westbound motorcycle driven by Bruce Van Fossen, 49, of Sidney.

Van Fossen and passenger Barbara Elliston, 48, of Anna, were killed.

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

Flowers has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide. He was also charged with crossing the median.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol reports that a local pedestrian suffered serious injuries in a crash near her rural St. Paris home Wednesday evening around six o’clock.

Troopers report that Paula Lowry, 46, was standing at her mailbox on Wolcott Road when she was struck by an eastbound flatbed trailer.

The trailer had become detached from a ‘92 Chevrolet that was operated by Kevin Fisher, 35, of Tipp City.

Lowry was transported by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

She is listed in critical condition.

Fisher was not injured.

The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and St. Paris Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation.

Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) is accepting applications from area students interested in attending any of the nation’s service academies.

The academies are: the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. (The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional appointment. Applicants are considered solely on the basis of an annual nationwide competition.)

2009 applicants must be between 17 and 23 years old on July 1, 2010, unmarried, and U.S. citizens. Those who seek nomination through Jordan’s office must be permanent residents of Ohio’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all of Logan, Champaign, Hardin, Shelby, Auglaize, Allen, Hancock, Marion, Morrow, and Richland Counties and part of Wyandot County.

Interested students should contact Jordan’s Lima office at 419-999-6455 to request an application or visit http://jordan.house.gov. The deadline for the return of applications and supporting information is Friday, October 16th.

After the first of the year, academies will offer appointments to students who receive a congressional nomination and meet entrance requirements.

It’s official, Louie Vito is staying for another week on Dancing with the Stars.

Logan County viewers were put at ease when, out of all 16 couples on the show, Louie and Chelsie Hightower were the first to be called to escape elimination.

The two not so lucky celebs to be eliminated were Ashley Hamilton and Macy Gray.

Community members gathered once again at the Holland Theatre to support Vito Wednesday night, with doors opening at 7:30.

The party will continue next week at the Holland when Louie moves on to the next round of competition Monday night. The charge will be a $5 donation at the door. This includes admission for Monday and Tuesday; kids will be admitted for free.

Listen to Louie’s sister, Lindsay, talk about the DWTS experience, how Louie is reacting to being on the show, who has the dancing ability in the family, how the athletes on the show are handling the new experience of dancing, and what it’s like getting into the set of the show.

Listen to Kim Kellogg-Martin’s talk to Ashleigh Klinger about her reaction to when Louie was called first and her biggest surprise of the night.

The show also included a dance tribute to the late Patrick Swayze, performances from Sean Kingston and the cast of the Broadway musical The Lion King, as well as a debut video from Miley Cyrus.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office reports that Wesley Helfenstine, 38, has been located and has agreed to speak with investigators about the large structure fire at his 10975 Township Road 157 residence.

Helfenstine will meet with authorities from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allen Township Fire Department later this week.

The home’s other residents have returned from a family vacation and also are cooperating with investigators.

The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Monday’s fire destroyed the Zane Township home.

Four defendants pled guilty before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor earlier this week.

Rebecca Scales, 19, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to theft and two counts of receiving stolen property.

Jay Workman, 21, of Caldwell, pled guilty to attempted conveyance of drugs into the jail.

Jeremy Jones, 25, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to breaking and entering and burglary.

Stephanie Miller, 26, of Russells Point, pled guilty to trafficking in marijuana.

All of them were referred to the Adult Parole Authority for presentence investigations. They will be sentenced on October 26th.

The Bellefontaine City Council tackled a pair of housekeeping, no pun intended, issues Tuesday night when the group met in regular session.

Following up on a post-meeting discussion regarding dilapidated houses located on East Chillicothe council again heard from Barbara Homan, 300 East Chillicothe Ave., as well as a handful of her neighbors regarding the aforementioned residences located at 303 and 309 East Chillicothe.

The consensus among those that spoke Tuesday was the houses were in unacceptable condition and something had to be done.

Prior to that, however, Service-Safety Director Jim Holycross read part of a letter written to the board from Dr. James Gillespie, the owner of the houses in question. In his letter to council, Gillespie outlines his plans to clean up the houses and vows to take immediate action to bring the houses back up to code.

Dr. Mike Gleason, 316 East Chillicothe, was among those who spoke Tuesday and reminded council that Gillespie had made similar promises in the past.

Gleason first came to city council with his concerns regarding the houses in 2002 and was unsatisfied with their efforts in enforcing the ordinances of property upkeep.

Listen as Mayor Brannon discusses Dr. Gillespie’s letter to the board.

Council also adopted a trio of ordinances Tuesday night which allow for the relocation of waterlines on South Main St. for the purpose of widening the road and the allocation of grant moneys for the Water Construction Fund.

During his report Holycross also discussed the city’s second clean-up day which will be held Saturday, September 26th at the Logan County Fairgrounds for city residents.

Council will meet again on October 13th at 7:30 p.m.

Logan County residents came to the Holland Theatre Monday night to support one member of the community, Louie Vito.

The Bellefontaine native and professional snowboarder debuted on Dancing With The Stars, and residents were out to show their pride for Louie.

The doors were open at 6:30 p.m., and the theatre was filling quickly. Between 250 and 300 people attended the party. People in the Holland were voting for Louie even before the show started at 8 p.m.

Louie competed with his partner, Chelsie Hightower, in the first round of competition doing the Foxtrot. He had one stumble that he acknowledged to the judges, and ended up scoring a 19 out of a possible 30 points.

The second round was a salsa relay, in which Louie competed with Donnie Osmond, Ashley Hamilton, and Chuck Liddell. Vito placed second, only under Donny Osmond. The second place finish added 8 points onto his score.

The event continues Tuesday and Wednesday night, with doors opening at 6:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The cost for  admission is a donation of $5.

To pre-order a ticket for either night, call 599-3687 or go to Royer Realty.

Listen to Dava Royer’s comments on the night and how she felt Louie did.

Budget discussions highlighted the Logan County Children’s Services Board meeting September 17th.

Operations and Intake Supervisor Melanie Engle presented to the board projections for the end of Fiscal Year 2009 as well as the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Proposal.

The agency expects a positive cash balance at the end of the year and, consequently, plans several additional expenditures.

Prosecutor Gerald Heaton presented the Child Welfare Protection Unit which was approved by the board. The proposal dictates the prosecutor’s office would dedicate 85% of one prosecutor and of one staff person to this effort to enhance the teamwork necessary for the successful investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases in Logan County. The cost to the Agency would be $96,000.

With the relocation of the receptionist into a separate and protection area the board approved the creation of an additional visitation/interview room to be partitioned out of the lobby area.

The board also approved the purchase of an agency vehicle.

The agency estimates revenues totaling $2,391,940 and expenses of $2,294,802 with a projected addition to Agency Reserves of $97,138 The budget includes: anticipated reductions in revenues in TANF funds, and the State Child Protection Allocation.

Levy funds and IV-E funds, the two largest revenue sources for the agency, are anticipated to be level for 2010.

Personnel costs have been reduced by more than $100,000, more than 10%, over the past year.

2009 budget projections as well as the 2010 budget was approved by the board.

Ms. Tricia Tracy was recently presented the State level “Rising up and Moving On” award at the Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio Annual Conference in Columbus.

Eight Ohio youth from around the state were recognized for their efforts and courage in overcoming adversity to achieve success.

Tracy was the fifth Logan County youth to be selected for this honor.

The board will meet again on October 8th at 5:00 p.m.

The City of Bellefontaine is sponsoring another community clean-up day for city residents.

You’re encouraged to take excess junk to the Logan County Fairgrounds this Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Items that will be accepted are:

Household goods and appliances, furnishings, carpets, construction materials/debris, scrap metals, etc.

Items not accepted include:

Tires, batteries, paints, oils, TVs, electronics, computers, etc.

The Logan County Solid Waste Management District will staff the CHARM center for extended hours to take hard to recycle materials during the event (regular fees apply). If you have questions, contact their office at 599-1253.

If you’re interested in volunteering, call the city administration at 592-4376.

The Piqua Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a triple fatality on State Route 47 west of Sidney just after eight o’clock Monday night.

Troopers report that three vehicles were involved in a crash on 47 just east of Hardin-Wapakoneta Road in rural Shelby County.

Anthony Davis, 34, of 124 Linden Avenue, Piqua, was erratically driving a ‘91 Buick Century eastbound on 47.

His headlights were turned off and he was passing vehicles on the right.

Chelsie Ball, 21, of 1070 Stephens Drive, Sidney, was a passenger in the front right seat.

Davis went left of center and struck a ‘93 Olds Cutlass head on driven by Robin Droesch, 45, of 7118 State Route 66, Ft. Loramie.

A ‘97 Plymouth Voyager operated by Angela Morris, 37, then struck Droesch’s car.

Morris and three passengers in the Voyager were injured.

Glenn Morris, 42, Randee Morris, 11, Chelsea Morris, 8, and Angela were transported to local hospitals.

Anthony Davis, Chelsie Ball, and Robin Droesch were pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers are still investigating the crash.

It was the middle school that took center stage during the Indian Lake School Board meeting Monday night.

The board listened to presentations from middle school co-principals Misha Boyer and Don Bauer regarding the local report card for the middle school as well as the eighth grade field trip to Washington, D.C. which is scheduled to take place June 2-5.

Ms. Boyer reported the middle school received an “effective” rating on the latest report card. That rating is up from last year’s report which gave the middle school a rating of “continuous improvement.”

Listen as Superintendint McGlothlin discusses the latest report card for all Indian Lake Schools.

The board also approved a slew of supplemental contracts for Crisis Response Team Members and Saturday School/Thursday School Supervisors.

Brian Sutton had his supplemental contract as Judo Club advisor approved, the same is true for Brenda Oda, who will serve as Assistant Drama Club Advisor and Ron Kratzenberg who is the Middle School Girls’ Basketball Coach.

The board accepted the bid from Lepi Enterprises Inc. of $48,763.00 to remove hazardous material from Lakeview and Huntsville Elementary Schools.

Finally, the board approved a pair of out-of-state field trips to Indianapolis, Ind. for the National FFA Convention, October 21-23 and the aforementioned eighth grade trip to Washington D.C.

The board will meet again on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 p.m.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal's Office, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allen Township Fire Department are looking for Wesley Helfenstine, 38, following a large fire at his Zane Township home Monday morning.

The fire at 10975 Township Road 157 was discovered around five a.m. by a passer-by who attempted to alert the residents. When no one responded, she notified the neighbors who called 911. Following search and rescue efforts, and a thorough on-scene investigation, Helfenstine could not be located. He was the home’s only occupant at the time of the incident and has not returned to his home since the fire. Other family members were out of town.

Investigators with the State Fire Marhal's Office and the Logan County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information on Helfenstine’s whereabouts because of their concern for his well-being. Additionally, they hope he can provide information about the residence prior to the fire.

Anyone with information about Helfenstine should immediately call the State Fire Mashal's Office at 800-589-2728 or the sheriff's office at 592-5731.

The origin and cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. The home was completely destroyed.

Firefighters from Perry Township, Tri-Valley, and Liberty Township assisted.

The Bellefontaine Police Department arrested a Dayton area man late Friday for the recent break-in at T.P. Lanes.

Detective Scott Sebring reports that James Arthur Smith, Jr., 31, of 4992 Kingsgate Court, Riverside, was charged with safecracking (fourth-degree felony) and breaking and entering (fifth-degree felony).

On September 1st, Smith stole lottery tickets and an undisclosed amount of money.

Earlier this month, he was arrested in Auglaize County after a Minster business was broken into.

Smith was lodged in the Logan County Jail Friday.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office charged two local men with felonious assault after an altercation in Lakeview early Sunday morning.

John Clary, 19, at large (left), and Dustin Lattimer, 24, of 11786 Sunburst Avenue, Lakeview (below), were arrested for reportedly assaulting David McGriff, 19, of 275 Stephenson Street, Lakeview, shortly after midnight.

Deputies report that McGriff was assaulted in an alley near his home.

He suffered a fractured face, a dislocated shoulder, and contusions and lacerations to his head, legs, and upper torso.

Indian Lake EMS transported him to Mary Rutan Hospital.

McGriff said Clary invited him to a nearby party.

As they were walking to the party, McGriff said he was dragged into a nearby shed and beaten by Clary and Lattimer.

Clary said McGriff owed him money.

Clary and Lattimer were lodged in the Logan County Jail.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 1 and Gunntown Road Saturday evening around 6:30.

Lydia Bachochin, 19, of East Liberty, was stopped at the east-facing stop sign at Gunntown Road and County Road 1 in a Dodge Caravan, when she pulled into the intersection into the path of a northbound Hyundai Elantra on County Road 1 driven by Judy Conklin, 44, of Cable.

Conklin struck the van, pushing it into a Chevy Silverado stopped on County Road 29 at the west-bound facing stop sign of the intersection. The Silverado was driven by Larry Crapnell, 41, of Bellefontaine.

No injuries were reported by the Patrol.

Bachochin was cited for failure to yield.

The Bellefontaine Police Department, Bellefontaine Fire and EMS, and West Liberty Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.

The historic Holland Theatre is proud to announce a fundraiser for its restoration efforts combined with a celebration of hometown snowboard star, Louie Vito, as he competes on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

You’re invited to the Holland to watch Louie on the big screen and help vote him to a big win. The dates for this event are September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. In honor of this event, limited seating will be offered in the balcony.

The cost is a donation of $5 for one evening or all three evenings for $10. The price of admission will entitle you to a pop, popcorn, a special souvenir, and a raffle ticket. The raffle ticket will give you a chance to win a season ticket for skiing this season at Mad River Mountain. Day lift tickets, tubing passes, and other surprises will be given away thanks to Mad River Mountain.

Pizza from Vicario’s and Donatos and special “Vote for Louie” t-shirts will be offered for sale.

Bring your cell phones and come to the “Vote for Louie” party. To preorder a ticket for the event call 599-3687 or purchase a ticket at Royer Realty.

This week’s “In Sync” show featured Logan County Sheriff Andy Smith and Tom’s Lock and Key owner Tom Smith.

With the recent increase of burglaries and break-ins, both men shared their expertise on how to prevent future incidents.

Sheriff Smith, who was elected last fall, has been at the sheriff’s office for 19 years.

Tom started his business in Bellefontaine 39 years ago.

Both stressed using common sense to help deter a theft.

They said simple things like leaving a porch light on can be very helpful.

Tom said using the right kind of locks around your home or business can make a big difference.

First, check your locks to make sure they’re actually working.

Lubricate your locks periodically.

“Sloppy” keys are a sign of a bad lock.

Use deadbolts, they are much more effective at stopping a break-in.

Don’t duplicate keys.

Chain locks on doors are NOT recommended.

Sheriff Smith said communicating with your neighbors and having a watchful eye can be very helpful.

He said if something looks suspicious, contact law enforcement immediately.

The sheriff said to make sure you lock your home and any vehicles left outside.

Finally, he said that most suspects are someone that knows the victim.

The sheriff’s office has investigated break-ins all across the county this year.

Thanks to community feedback, arrests were made in a rash of burglaries in the West Mansfield/Rushsylvania area early this year.

More recently, the Russells Point Police Department arrested a local man for several break-ins over the last month.

If you have questions about security, contact the sheriff’s office at 592-5731.

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

The Logan County Engineer’s Office has announced two construction projects for the coming week.

Crews will begin the replacement of the bridge located on County Road 91 in Washington Township between County Road 54 and Township Road 33.

Work will begin on Monday and continue through Friday, November 20th.

The roadway will be closed during that time.

Dura Mark, Inc. will be continue the Pavement Marking Program on various County Roads.

Work is scheduled to begin Monday and continue through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Traffic will be maintained, however, delays may be experienced.

All work schedules are weather permitting.

The Weekly Agenda for Commissioners Core, Knight, and Bayliss, for the week of September 21st through September 25th: