The United Way of Logan County raised an additional $12,000 this week, which brings the campaign total to $168,329.

Campaign Co-Chair Mike Minnich (left) thanked Logan County retirees for raising almost $6,000 to help their neighbors.

“Thank you for being a Superhero and supporting United Way,” said Minnich.

Minnich and co-chair Jack Reser have long been supporters of the local United Way, first as contributors through their respective businesses, and later as campaign leaders. Reser noted, “The beauty of the organization is that 100 percent of the funds raised here stay here to support twenty-four agencies. Plus all funding decisions are made by committed volunteers who live right here in Logan County.”

Two agencies which have touched the lives of many in the community are Green Hills DayBreak in West Liberty and Loving Hands Adult Day Program in Bellefontaine.

Both are adult day care programs that provide supervision, companionship, and structured activities for adults who cannot be left alone. Not only does this provide much needed respite for the caregivers but it’s an opportunity for the “client” to broaden their circle of friends.

Both programs are open Monday through Friday during the day. Transportation, nutritious meals, and snacks are provided. Because many of the clients have medical needs or some form of dementia, the staff/client ratio is quite high making adult day programs very expensive to operate. United Way support offsets some of these costs making the programs affordable to families.

Minnich spoke with Bill Tipple about the campaign.

Listen to his comments.

If you would like to give, contact the United Way at 122 North Main Street, Bellefontaine, or call 592-2886.

You can see more at http://www.uwlogan.org/

The campaign runs through November 30th. The goal is $730,000.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) today ordered 61,500 doses of H1N1 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The H1N1 FluMist vaccine, approved for healthy people ages 2 to 49, should arrive in Ohio in four to six business days, according to CDC. This vaccine will be provided to local health departments and hospitals, which will focus vaccination efforts on health care workers and EMS workers who provide direct patient care.

“This is great news for Ohioans,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “This vaccine – and subsequent allocations – will provide protection from pandemic flu.”

ODH expects to be able to order H1N1 vaccine given in shots – approved for high-risk individuals – in the coming weeks. Pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months; all people 6 months to 24 years; and people 25 to 64 years with chronic medical conditions – non-high-risk individuals will get vaccine next.

H1N1 flu and seasonal flu are circulating in Ohio, and ODH is reporting widespread flu activity to CDC. ODH urges all Ohioans to get a seasonal flu vaccination.

“We continue to urge Ohioans to take steps to protect themselves,” Jackson said. “Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, cover your cough and stay home when sick.”

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 Logan County Health District can be reached at 592-9040.

The Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club installed new officers, recognized members for perfect attendance, and named the Kiwanian of the Year at Thursday’s meeting.

Ryan Lane was sworn in as president for 2009-2010.

Other officers include:

Immediate Past President – Robert Bender

President Elect – Bruce Norris

Vice President – Dustin Wickersham

Secretary – Dr. Chris Gamble

Treasurer – Linda Hanson

Assistant Secretary – Rebecca Marker-Smith

Ed Wallace, Pat Culp, and Linda Bates will serve as board of directors for the next year.

Bill McCormick, Dorothy McCormick, Bob Price, and Allie Schrader will serve as board of directors for two years.

Harold Martin, Mark O’Connor, and Bob Notestine are retiring board members.

Several members achieved perfect attendance over the last year, led by Bob Erwin.

Erwin has maintained perfect attendance since joining the club 42 years ago.

Dale King and Jeff Erwin each had perfect attendance for the 23rd consecutive year.

Allie Schrader had perfect attendance for the 22nd straight year.

President Robert Bender revealed his choice for Kiwanian of the Year – Dr. Chris Gamble.

Gamble has served as club secretary for several years.

Despite his wife, Patty, battling cancer the last 18 months, Gamble has maintained a positive attitude.

He said giving back to the community brings great joy.

Gamble spoke with Bender about the honor after the meeting.

Listen to his comments.

Listen to Bender reflect on his term as president.

The Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday at noon at the Elks Building on North Main Street.

Dr. Jeff Barrows is next week’s guest speaker.

Microscopic carbon nanotubes a hundred thousand times thinner than a human hair may have the potential to transport electricity faster and over greater distances with minimal loss of energy, according to new research that will be published Friday, in the October 2nd edition of Science magazine. The research was led by Honda Research Institute USA, Inc., in conjunction with researchers at Purdue University and the University of Louisville.

The findings open new possibilities for miniaturization and energy efficiency, including much more powerful and compact computers, electrodes for supercapacitors, electrical cables, batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, artificial muscles, composite material for automobiles and planes, energy storage materials and electronics for hybrid vehicles.

Microscopic carbon nanotubes are grown on the surface of metal nanoparticles, taking the cylindrical form of rolled honeycomb sheets with carbon atoms in their tips. When these tiny carbon nanotubes exhibit metallic conductivity they possess extraordinary strength compared to steel, higher electrical properties than copper, are as efficient in conducting heat as a diamond and are as light as cotton.

“Our goal is not only the creation of new and better technologies and products, but to fulfill Honda’s commitment to environment sustainability,” said Dr. Hideaki Tsuru, project director from Honda Research Institute USA.

Past research efforts to control the structural formation of carbon nanotubes with metallic conductivity through conventional methodology resulted in a success rate of approximately 25 - 50%.  Honda, which has worked in the field of carbon nanotube synthesis for almost a decade, has achieved a success rate of 91% metallic conductivity.

“This is the first report that shows we can control fairly systematically whether carbon nanotubes achieve a metallic state.  Further research is in progress with the ultimate goal to take complete control over grown nanotube configurations to support their real world application,” said Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan, principal scientist from Honda Research Institute USA, and the leader of the project.

“Our finding shows that the nanotube configuration which defines its conductivity depends not only on the size of the metal nanocatalyst used to nucleate the tube as was previously believed, but importantly also is based on its shape and crystallographic structure, and we learned to control it,” said Dr. Harutyunyan, whose team of Honda scientists included Dr. Gugang Chen and Dr. Elena Pigos.

“We are excited about our teamwork and collaborations with researchers at Purdue and Louisville, who helped achieve this advance,” he said.  Researchers at Purdue, led by Professor Eric Stach, used a transmission electron microscope to observe nanotube formation, revealing that changes in the gaseous environment can vary the shape of the metal catalyst nanoparticles from very sharp faceted to completely round.  Researchers at Louisville, led by Professor Gamini Sumanasekera, produced the nanotubes in larger volumes and made careful measurements to determine whether the nanotubes achieve a metallic state.

Honda’s innovative research and development efforts during the past decade have yielded such diverse outcomes as humanoid robotics, walking assist devices, HondaJet, fuel cell technology, increased rice crop yields, and thin film solar cells, in addition to the design and development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products.  Honda has conducted consumer product related R&D in the United States since 1975 at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. For the purpose of researching future technologies, in January 2003, Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) was founded along with HRI-EU (Europe) and HRI-JP (Japan). U.S. offices are located in California, Ohio and Massachusetts and include a computer science research division focused on human intelligence technologies and a materials science research division focused on functional nano-materials.

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

Zane Grandi, 21, of Russells Point, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to a community control violation. He originally pled guilty to burglary.

James Holland, 28, of Kenton, was sentenced to eleven months in prison and ordered to pay restitution for theft.

Robert Dickinson, 30, of Bellefontaine, was sentenced to ninety days in the Logan County Jail after admitting to a community control violation. He originally pled guilty to receiving stolen property.

William Dailey, 48, of Marion, pled no contest and was found guilty to robbery and William Board, 21, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for November 2nd.

Residents of the Indian Lake Community, consisting of the villages of Russells Point, Huntsville and Lakeview braved the brisk wind and chilly rain drops Thursday night to line the streets of Russells Point and watch the Indian Lake Lakers homecoming parade, the first such parade the community has had in nearly a decade.

The purpose of the parade was to bring residents of the three villages together for a common purpose—to cheer for the hometown football team.

The procession began at Paradise Island and marched east on Main Street towards the McDonald’s large vehicle parking lot.

Beginning around 6:45, the parade arrived at its destination in the McDonald’s parking lot at approximately. 7:00 p.m.

Post-parade festivities included the Indian Lake Marching Band, presentation of awards for Best Float, introduction of the homecoming queen and court as well as cheers from the Indian Lake cheerleading squad.

The Indian Lake School Board was first approached about the possibility of a homecoming parade at its August meeting and Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof noted the “extraordinary group effort” that went into putting the parade together.

The significance of bringing the Indian Lake Community was not lost on Lakers Varsity Football Coach Dave Coburn.

Listen as Coburn talks about the parade and Friday’s homecoming game.

Indian Lake welcomes Northwestern for its annual Homecoming Game; that game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Nathan Motter, former lieutenant of the Waynesfield Police Department, was promoted to chief of police Thursday.

Motter replaces Lee Zeigler, who was promoted to village administrator, and will stay commissioned with the police department.

Motter has had his sights set on becoming a full-time officer since he began the police academy in the fall of 2001 at James A. Rhodes State College. “I have a passion for law enforcement and for trying to keep people safe,” Motter said. “I started the police academy just after September 11, 2001 though I had enrolled earlier that summer. When the terrorist attacks occurred, I knew then that being a law enforcement officer was more than just an interest—it was a career that I strongly desired.”

After graduating from James A. Rhodes State College in June 2003, Motter worked briefly as a special deputy sheriff with the Allen County Sherriff’s Office.

When the Waynesfield Police Department re-opened in January 2004 and while Motter completed his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Ohio Northern, Zeigler approached Motter to see if he would be interested in working as an auxiliary officer. After working at a rate of $1 per year for four years, Motter was promoted to a part-time lieutenant—a position he held until being named full-time police chief.

“I am very happy to see my education and hard work pay off,” Motter said. “I don’t know what the future holds, but if it is anything how I got to this point, it should be interesting.”

The 22nd annual Logan County Board of DD (Developmental Disabilities) chicken barbecue was a hit again this year.

Peverly’s Pit from Edgerton helped prepare more than 2,000 chicken dinners Thursday, which sold for $7 each.

WPKO’s Chad Wilkinson was live for a couple of hours. He captured a picture (left) of DD staff members serving one of the hundreds of customers that used the “drive-thru” service.

Superintendent Dr. Joe Mancuso was thankful for the pleasant weather. He said the event will raise about $10,000 for the agency.

The money will help pay for levy campaigns and the annual holiday dinner for RTC associates.

Mancuso recapped the event with Bill Tipple.

Listen to his comments.

Law enforcement responded to a couple of accidents in Logan County Thursday morning around eight o’clock.

The Bellefontaine Police Department handled a three-vehicle minor injury wreck at the intersection of State Route 47 and County Road 32.

It appears that an eastbound semi ran a red light on 47 and struck a southbound pickup.

The pickup then hit a Vectren van that was westbound on 47.

The driver of the pickup was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital by Bellefontaine Fire and EMS.

The two other drivers were not injured.

The accident tied up traffic for several minutes.

Police continue their investigation.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a crash about two miles east of Russells Point on Route 33.

Troopers report that Ryan Fissel, 31, of 13808 Route 33, Lakeview, was driving a ‘99 Ford Contour westbound. He tried to pass another car and was sideswiped by an eastbound trash truck operated by Jonathon Howell, 48, of Wapakoneta.

The car was heavily damaged, but Fissel and two young passengers were not injured.

Howell was not injured.

Fissel was cited for driving left of center.

The Ohio Department of Health says our state’s roadways are about to become safer for children.

Effective October 7th, children younger than 8, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, must use a booster seat. This new law – combined with existing law requiring children younger than 4 years and less than 40 pounds to use a child safety seat; and children 8 to 15 to use a safety seat or seat belt – will make traveling safer for Ohio’s children, said Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D.

“Seat belts were designed for adults – not children,” he said. “Now, children in vehicles will be better protected from the hazards of the road.”

At least 34 Ohio children between 4 and 7 died in motor vehicle traffic crashes between 1999 and 2006 and traffic is the leading cause of death for this age group. And, in 2007, only 18 percent of Ohio children ages 4 to 8 used a booster, according to Partners for Child Passenger Safety.

Law enforcement will issue warnings only beginning next Wednesday (October 7th). Full enforcement will begin April 7th, 2010, with fines ranging from $25 to $75 per violation.

“This has helped Ohio take a significant step toward ensuring all of our young motor vehicle passengers are safe on our roads,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Cathy Collins-Taylor. “The six-month warning period is a critical time for education regarding this new law and we are encouraging all of our safety partners to help educate the public about the law, where to purchase a booster seat and what to do if you are unsure.”

“Don’t wait for a warning or a ticket,” Jackson said. “Help protect your children today by buying a booster seat.”

NOTE: The Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) program provides child safety seats to eligible low-income Ohioans and has distributed more than 20,000 child safety and booster seats in the past five years. Call 1-800-755-GROW (4769) to find the OBB program nearest you. In October, some 2,300 high-back, belt-positioning booster seats will be available for distribution to eligible low-income families.

Ohio’s child restraint law is defined in Ohio Revised Code 4511.81  http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.81.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a serious one-vehicle accident south of Urbana Wednesday afternoon around 1:30.

Troopers report that Jasmin Dunn, 43, of Springfield, was driving an ‘07 Lincoln westbound on East Hickory Grove Road near Route 68 when she lost control, went off the right side of the road, overcorrected, then went off the left side of the road.

Dunn, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected through the sunroof.

CareFlight transported her from the scene to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

Her injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The vehicle suffered heavy damage.

The wreck remains under investigation.

Urbana Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.

Lawrence Woods Nature Preserve will be a featured destination for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources newest GPS program called NatureCache on Saturday, October 3 at 10 am.  The free event is co-sponsored by ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves and Gander Mountain, a national retailer of outdoor sporting goods.

NatureCache combines slow paced naturalist-led hikes with the fun of navigation using popular global positioning systems (GPS) technology.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own GPS locators, however some loaner units will be available.

Located in Hardin County, south of Kenton on County Road 190, Lawrence Woods is the largest known mature forest in west central Ohio.  With 1,035 acres of oak, hickory, beech and maples trees, the woods is also home to a number of rare plants and species.  A boardwalk made of recycled plastic products makes the hike ideal for all ages and families.

The event at Lawrence Woods is part of ODNR’s Discovery Series and concludes Ohio’s 2009 NatureCache program which also featured Nature Preserves in Portage, Greene, Hocking, and Erie Counties.

Pre-registration for the Lawrence Woods event is encouraged but not necessary. To register or find out more information about Lawrence Woods, ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, or NatureCache, visit www.ohiodnr.com/dnap.

Saturday will have pancakes, pumpkins and music galore in Belle Center for the Fall Festival.

The event will be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, moving around from the Belle Center Fire Department, the Belle Center ShelterHouse, Richland Township Park and Murray Griffin Park.

Door prizes will be awarded hourly and kettle soup, sandwiches, desserts and candy will be served all day.

The schedule of events is as follows:
7-10 am Pancake/Sausage Breakfast at the Belle Center Fire Department
9:30 Pumpkin Staging at the ShelterHouse
9:30 Craft vendor set up at the Richland Township Park
10:00 Parade, Line up at 9:30 School Street
11:00 5K Walk/Run, Registration at 10 at Murray Griffin Park
12:00 Antique Tractor and Engine Show at Richland Township Park
12:00 Pet Parade at Richland Township Park
12-2 pm Live music by Carey Coate ShelterHouse
2:00 Autumn Pie Baking Contest-entry by 1:00 (apple, pumpkin, pecan) at the ShelterHouse
3:00 Pie auction following judging at the ShelterHouse
2-3:30 Live music by Absent Effect at the ShelterHouse
4:00 Pumpkin Weigh-In at the ShelterHouse
3:30-4:45 Live music by Community Choir at the ShelterHouse
4:30 Adult and kid games begin at Richland Township Park
4:45-6:00 Live music by Tri-Christ at the ShelterHouse
5:00 Hog raffle drawing, 2 winners at the ShelterHouse
5:00 50/50 drawing, must be present to win at the ShelterHouse
To reserve a vendor spot call Dee McIntosh at 935-8247 or Linda Elliott at 464-4725

Dave and Jana Caudill and family will host a Wheelin’ Sportsmen Deer Hunt from October 2-4 at their farm near DeGraff. Participants will have an opportunity to hunt whitetail deer from ground blinds setup for the event.

Wheelin’ Sportsmen is an outreach program of the National Wild Turkey Federation for those with disabilities. The events pair disabled hunters with non-disabled volunteers.

The event kicks off on Friday night with a dinner for participants and volunteers, and continues on Saturday and Sunday with morning hunts and lunch.

For more information on Wheelin’ Sportsmen visit www.wheelinsportsmen.org

The Russells Point Police Department and Indian Lake Schools have joined together to present the first Homecoming Parade in nearly a decade.

The parade will kick-off Thursday night at 7 o’clock. The procession will begin at Paradise Island and march east on Main Street towards the McDonald’s large vehicle parking lot. Once at the parking lot, the Indian Lake cheerleaders will host a community pep rally that will include a sound system and games.

Officials are asking everyone to come together by lining the streets.

Police Chief Joe Freyhof says the parade is NOT exclusive to Russells Point; residents from Lakeview and Huntsville are encouraged to attend.

Participants include the Russells Point and Washington Township Police Departments, local Amvets Color Guard, last year’s Homecoming Queen as Grand Marshall, high school cheerleaders, high school marching band, Homecoming Queen and Court, floats by the freshman through senior classes, student council, high school sports teams, athletic boosters, school board, the Russells Point Neighborhood Watch, and representatives/apparatus from each of the fire departments.

Lineup for the parade starts at 6:30.

The parade is expected to last about twenty minutes. Access to Main Street from Route 33 will be temporarily blocked as the procession moves through.

Indian Lake will host Northwestern Friday night at 7:30.

Shouts and boos could be heard all around the Holland Theatre Tuesday night, as Louie Vito was announced to be in the bottom three on Dancing with the Stars.

All but three of the twelve contestants were separated by three points on the evening, with the lowest scores from Kathy Ireland and Tom DeLay at 18. Louie had 19, but was announced to be in the bottom three with Kathy and Debi Mazar.

Louie ended up safe, being the first in the bottom three to be called. Kathy Ireland was the unlucky celeb going home.

Fans at the Holland including Kris Swisher (above left) were very nervous for Louie towards the end of the show.

“He didn’t really get scored right last night so I didn’t feel like they should’ve made him extra nervous tonight,” said Swisher.

Listen to Swisher’s comments on Louie’s nervous night, Kathy going home, and why coming to the Holland is different than sitting at home supporting Louie.

When the bottom three were brought up on stage, shouts of “Louie!” were heard throughout the theatre. The fans would not give up on their hopes of Vito moving on.

Bellefontaine High School’s choir director, Allen Hadley has been attending the event every night since it started and says that the support for Louie brings the fans together.

“It is so much fun, it’s just such a great opportunity to get everybody to cheer along together. I’m really kind of surprised that more people haven’t got here. I sure hope we fill this place next week.” said Hadley.

Listen to Hadley talk about how nervous he was for Vito, how he thought he did last night, and how much fun it is to come support Louie at the Holland.

The party at the Holland was the fifth of the season, and will continue on next week. Doors open at 7 on Monday and 8 on Tuesday for the results show.

Hundreds of elementary, middle and high school students and parents gathered at Riverside Elementary School Tuesday night for hot dogs, lemonade and Spectacular Science Night Presented By The Riverside Family School Partnership.

COSI on Wheels was present with demonstrations for those in attendance, the Logan County Soil and Water District had a table and the Logan County Library was there, too.

Other activities Tuesday night included a NASA Station, pre-school activities and a “Brain-Pop” presentation.

However, it was the students that had the floor on this night.

Located in the gym were science demonstrations put on by fifth- and sixth-grade science students as well as a handful of high school students and in the cafeteria were several tables filled with fourth-grade science projects.

Fourth graders were able to demonstrate and explain their respective projects to those funneling through observing the various projects.

Kellea Wilkinson teaches math at the elementary school and estimates approximately 200-250 people observed the various experiments and demonstrations.

Listen as Wilkinson discusses Science Night.

The school will also host a Math Night this winter.

Two defendants were sentenced and two pled guilty before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor earlier this week.

Benjamin Brown, 19, of DeGraff, was sentenced to the West Central Community Based Correctional Facility, five years community control, and ordered to pay court costs and attorney fees for theft.

Jorge Clark, 45, of Bellefontaine, was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay attorney fees and court costs for non-support of dependents.

Michael Harper, 27, of Belle Center, pled guilty to burglary, and Lorri Kuszpa, 33, of Dayton, pled guilty to permitting drug abuse. Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencing for both Harper and Kuszpa was assigned for November 2nd.

State Senator Karen Gillmor (R-Tiffin) announced Tuesday the Ohio Senate approved her bill, Senate Bill 131, that would create a “Buy Bio-Ohio” purchasing program, which wouldly state purchasing preferences to bio-products.

Bio-products are composed wholly or in significant part of biological elements, including renewably agricultural materials such as plant, animal and marine materials or forestry animals.

Gillmor co-sponsored the bill with Senator Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard).

Ohio law currently contains several provisions that give preference to Ohio vendors to supply state products and materials. Senate Bill 131 applies these measures to bio-products. According to a statement released by Gillmor’s office, this will take money state government is already spending and put it back into Ohio’s economy while also providing a boost to the state’s agriculture industry.

“Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, and the bio-products field represents new markets and opportunities for Ohio crops such as soybeans and corn,” Gillmor said in a statement. “Giving purchasing preference to bio-products will not only benefit our economy, it will also boost research and development at Ohio colleges and universities as well as manufacturers producing bio-based items.”

Senate Bill 131 was approved by a 30-0 vote and not moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

City Engineer Tim Notestine reports that Plumvalley Street between Water Avenue and Carter Avenue will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.

City crews are running a storm sewer across Plumvalley.

The work is weather permitting.

Also, the paving project on South Main between Water and Pine should be done by the end of the week.

The citywide paving program will start around October 15th.

After placing 4th in contestant standings last week, Louie Vito looks to continue on in this season of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Monday night Louie danced the Jive with his partner, Chelsie Hightower, matching his score from last week with a 19.

The highest celebrity scores of the night came from Aaron Carter and Mya, both scoring a 27 out of 30.

Fans gathered for the 4th time to support Louie at the Holland Theatre, with special dancing lessons before the show.

Some of the people at the party weren’t happy with Louie’s score. “He was gypped,” said Betty Yost.

Listen to Betty’s comments about how she thought Louie did and how he differs from the rest of the contestants.

The party continues on Tuesday night, with the doors opening at 8 and the results show starting at 9.

The Bellefontaine School Board discussed budgets and district-wide goals when it met in regular session Monday night.

Keith Krieger presented to the board the Annual Appropriation Resolution, a routine measure which allows the board to set aside moneys necessary for operation, including the paying of bills and teachers’ salaries.

The district’s current total general fund stands at $26,960,235.75.

According to Krieger’s report, approximately 83% of the 2009-2010 budget will be allocated to the salaries of faculty and staff. Krieger noted during his report that wages usually comprise, on average, 80-85% of yearly budgets. As a result of lower gas prices, the the current budget calls for savings in areas like heating costs, according to the report.

Krieger concluded his report by announcing that the five year forecast for Bellefontaine City Schools will be available next month.

Superintendent Beth Harman presented, and the board approved, the district’s goals for the 2009-2010 school year.

The goals are split into four categories: Improving Student Achievement, Building and Maintaining Safe Schools, Community Engagement and Evaluation Systems.

Some of the specific goals include, earning a rating of “Excellent” on the state report card in each building, passing the upcoming November bond issue, increasing donations to the United Way by 4% district wide and implementing the Ohio Improvement Plan to meet Adequate Yearly Progress in math and reading.

Listen as Harman talks about the district goals.

The board also approved Monday night salary adjustments for professional personnel who have completed additional training.

Those persons are: Christi Dodds, Amber Newkirk, Andrea Kittel, Amy LeCrone, Stacey Holycross, Kelli Lippenga, and Gavin Yoder.

Brian Hogan was approved as a high school volunteer boys basketball assistant coach.

The board will meet again on Monday, October 12th at 6:30 p.m.

Urbana University student/athlete Andia Shisler (left) was killed in a car accident Friday night on I-70 East near West Jefferson.

Shisler, 18, was a freshman and a member of the Blue Knights soccer team.

She graduated from Lima Shawnee High School.

Here is a message from UU President Dr. Stephen Jones regarding Shisler’s death.

Dear Urbana University Students,

I report to you with great sadness that our University lost a student Friday evening in a fatal automobile accident. Andia Shisler, freshman soccer player from Lima, graced us with her presence, touching the lives of her teammates, friends, faculty, and staff with a brightness and cheer that many found contagious. Her passing reminds us that life is precious, fleeting, and fragile. All of us share the pain of Andia’s death. Because such events hit us very hard, generate many questions, and hurt us deeply, we have arranged for support staff and invited grief counselors to help us on campus this week. Support Staff will be available in the Hilliker Dining Room in the Student Center from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day this week. If you need to speak with someone at another time, please contact the Student Services office.

I ask that your thoughts and prayers be directed toward Andia’s family and friends. Please join us this Friday at Noon under the tent by Barclay and Bailey Halls for an all-campus memorial service.

Funeral arrangements are:

Calling Hours:  Monday, September 28, 4 – 8 p.m., Shawnee United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio

Funeral: Tuesday, September 29, 5 p.m., Shawnee United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio (Viewing one hour prior to service)

Life can seem brutally unfair and it can deliver painful reminders of what is vitally important. Reflect on this news with a resolve to be stronger, a commitment to continuing service, and a pledge to remember Andia and the lesson that we can take nothing for granted.

I urge you to help our campus deal with Andia’s passing and to provide support for each other. Pulling together in Andia’s memory will assist all of us and it will permit us to keep her alive in our hearts. Let us dedicate the remainder of this academic year to Andia Shisler.

With deepest sympathy and heartfelt respect,

President Jones

Heidi Reser, Special Project Coordinator for the Logan County Educational Service Center announces the Kickoff program of the 2009-2010 Logan County Youth Leadership program. All high school members from Bellefontaine High School, Benjamin Logan High School and Indian Lake High School will meet at Camp Kirkmont (near Zanesfield) on Tuesday, September 29th for the first event of the school year. The freshmen will participate in the Challenge Course with Kirkmont staff members to learn teamwork skills and problem solving techniques. These 9th grade students will meet once a month during the school year to learn leadership skills, such as communication skills, public speaking, decision making & goal setting and more.

The Impact Team members will hear from the Logan County Solid Waste District Manager, Alan Hale. Mr. Hale will discuss Logan County’s goal of being a ‘Zero Waste County in 2020’! The day’s project for the 10th, 11th & 12th grade Impact Team students will be based on the theme of ‘Zero Waste in Logan County in 2020’. The Youth Leadership Impact members will design and paint a welcome sign for the Indian Lake State Park campground. Regional Park Manager Frank Giannola and his staff will put the newly painted sign up at the park to encourage visitors to respect the environment and dispose of waste properly.

Ohio Lumber & Building Supply, Inc. of Huntsville donated the Marine Board for the sign and Habitat for Humanity Restore donated used paint. The purpose of this project is to focus on caring for the environment and students will bring paint brushes, paint trays, tarps and other equipment from home.

For more information, please contact Heidi Reser at the Logan County Educational Service Center at 599-5195.

Firefighters responded to a call early Saturday morning in DeGraff.  Around 3 a.m., the DeGraff Fire Department responded to a call that the Kerr Electric building, 128 South Main Street, was on fire in downtown DeGraff. Crews from Quincy, West Liberty, and Bellefontaine assisted at the scene.

DeGraff was on the scene for ten hours.

Fire Chief Buck Reames says no one was injured, and the cause remains under investigation.

The fire was mainly in the upstairs portion of the business; the downstairs suffered water damage.

Reames said the fire did about $80,000 worth of damage to the structure and contents.

Brice Rayles owns Kerr Electric.

Mary Rutan Hospital recently was notified that it would be receiving a $25,000 grant in support of its services with the Ewing H. Crawfis Imaging Center to educate people and include free mammograms to those in need.

Over the next 12 months, eight screening dates are set to provide education information and free mammography services to Logan County residents in need.

The first of the eight will be held on Saturday, October 10th and Tuesday, October 13th.

For further information contact the Ewing H. Crawfis Imaging Center at 592-1883 for qualification guidelines and to schedule an appointment.