The West Liberty-Salem Tigers ran into a buzz saw Friday night in the form of the St. Henry Redskins in the Division V Region 20 high school football playoffs, in a game heard live from Piqua on 98.3 WPKO and on PeakofOhio.com.

St. Henry set the tone of the game early, with a blocked punt and an interception in the first quarter. The Redskins would score on two TD passes to take a 14-0 lead.

The second quarter was more of the same, as St. Henry put to more scores on the board to lead 28-0 at the half.

The Tigers got the ball to start the send half, but were forced to punt. St. Henry got a huge return to the Tiger 10, and St. Henry QB Brad Stahl hit yet another TD pass to stretch the lead to 35-0.

West Liberty finally was able to drive into St. Henry for the first time in the game with 9:19 remaining in the third, but the drive stalled.

A later drive, helped by a great fake punt, pushed the Tigers deep again, where they would eventually score on a 9 yard TD pass from Zach Woodruff to Zach Konkle to make the score 35-7.

St. Henry would score again in the 4th on Stahl’s 5th TD pass of the game. The Tigers would respond late on a Culley TD run to make the final score St Henry 42 West Liberty 14.

Players of the game were St. Henry’s QB Brad Stahl with five touchdown passes, and Zach Fishbaugh for the Redskins, with 3 touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Tigers finish a fine season with another OHC title in the bag and an 11-1 record.

Listen to Tigers coach Toby Smith's postgame comments

St. Henry moves on to take on Coldwater, with a state semi-final berth on the line. Coldwater escaped against Anna 28-21 in overtime.

In other scores:

Tecumseh lost in Division II  to Winton Woods 40-7

Division III

DeSales blasted Tipp City 54-14

Watterson came from behind to beat Napolean 6-3

Shawnee keeps the CBC alive with a 21-14 victory over Logan Elm

WPKO & WBLL along with Sanford Eichholtz Funeral Homes announced the recipients for the Community Grants on Friday morning.  Over 30 non-profit organizations submitted applications for 13 available grants.  Here are this year’s organizations:

Logan County Veterans Service Office

Logan County Friendly Senior Center

Habitat for Humanity

American Cancer Society of Logan County

Tri County Community Action Commission

Mad River Chapter of the American Red Cross

Lutheran Community Services

United Way of Logan County

Logan Board of Developmental Disabilities

Logan County District Library

Don M. Margaret Hilliker YMCA

Discovery Riders

Autism Group of Logan County

Each organization will receive one month of advertising on WPKO & WBLL for free.  An appointed panel consisting of WPKO & WBLL and Sanford Eichholtz Funeral Homes chose the winners.

All totaled nearly $80,000 in advertising will be donated to these fine organizations.

You will start hearing their commercials on December 1st.

Any organization who is interested in being a part of the Community Grant Program is encouraged to sign up next fall.

The Mix was on the Move Friday afternoon at the recycling center on South Detroit in Bellefontaine.

The purpose of the Open House was to show residents what happens to their waste after they drop them off at the centers in the area.

Tours through the facility were held from 2-5 p.m. 

This is the 9th recycling center opened in Logan County and there will soon be 11 centers in the area.

Head of the of the Logan County Solid Waste Management District Alan Hale’s goal is to be waste free by 2020.  The only other place in the U.S. is in California.

To find out more about recycling in Logan County visit www.logancountyrecycles.com.

Crews from the Logan County Engineer's Office have progressed with the floor beam hanger repairs on the McColly Covered Bridge located on County Road 13 between State Route 235 and Township Road 59.

For the convenience of motorists, the bridge will temporarily re-open for travel on Saturday through Monday.

The bridge will be closed again for continued repairs from Tuesday through Friday.

All work scheduling is subject to weather conditions.

The roadway will be closed to all traffic during the final phase of repairs. Please plan on alternate routing.

The Bellefontaine Fire Department responded to a dryer fire at David and Alissa Ritter’s 117 South Stanley Street home Friday afternoon around two o’clock.

Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire, which did about $450 worth of damage.

Smoke was rolling out of the second story home.

No one was injured.

The Ritters live just south of Wren’s Florist.

Fire crews were on scene for about 45 minutes.

Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Alvin Jackson (pictured) met with the Logan County Health District Thursday afternoon.

Eventually, Jackson wants to visit each of Ohio’s 131 health districts.

Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott, Director of Nursing Kay Schroer, Environmental Health Director Craig Kauffman, Administrator Lisa Downing, Health District Board President Don Spath, and State Rep. Dave Burke offered feedback on how the state could improve services for our local health district.

Because of reduced budgets and staffs, Jackson said technology will play a key role in providing “real time” training and information around the state.

Jackson, who grew up on a farm in Georgia, said our rural voice would be heard in Columbus.

He said most of the health districts around the state are in rural areas.

Jackson urged all Ohioans to be proactive with the H1N1 virus.

He stressed good hygiene, and said the best prevention is a vaccine. Jackson said there will be plenty of vaccines for everyone.

The health district will host an H1N1 shot clinic at Benjamin Logan High School Sunday from 2-6 p.m.

Hoddinott and Jackson spoke with Bill Tipple after the meeting.

Listen to Hoddinott discuss the meeting and some of our local concerns.

Listen to Jackson reflect on his initial visit to our county and give some tips on H1N1.

You can see more about the Ohio Department of Health at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured left to right: Kay Schroer, Don Spath, Lisa Downing, Dr. Alvin Jackson, Dr. Boyd Hoddinott, Craig Kauffman, and State Rep. Dave Burke

The Logan County Historical Society Board of Trustees met in regular session Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Logan County Auditor Mike Yoder (pictured, left) came in and talked to the trustees about their proposed levy for the May primary ballot and answered questions they had.

The historical society’s current .25 mill levy passed in May 2005 and ends this year. Questions were asked about what kind of levy would be a good idea for the society, and a permanent levy was brought up. Auditor Yoder said that he wasn’t sure that the group would be able to get a permanent levy, because he thought those were just for schools.

Logan County Historical Society Curator and Director Todd McCormick said “The levy money is basically our operating budget. We do get some other money in as far as dues and sales from our gift shop and so forth.”

For the levy to be on the ballot in May, the board has to approve and submit it by the third Thursday in February.

The board has also made a lot of improvements to the Orr Mansion in the past few months, painting the walls and replacing the drainage system in the basement.

“We had water problems, water coming in underneath the porch, and as we looked at it closer we noticed that there was some structural damage to the foundation,” said McCormick.

Coming up next for the Historical Society is it’s annual Christmas Open House on December 5th and 6th as well as the 12th and 13th.

“It’s always our most popular time of the year.”

Listen to Curator/Director Todd McCormick talk about the proposed levy, the improvements to the mansion, and the upcoming Christmas Open House.

An election-day oversight in Bellefontaine’s Fourth Ward B precinct left 26 votes uncounted for a pair of local businesses attempting to procure a liquor license.

Election officials noticed around 10 a.m. on election day that poll workers had not handed out a ballot with local liquor options for Tumbleweed and La Palma restaurants to 51 voters.

Acting immediately, the Board of Elections notified Secretary of State’s Office seeking guidance.

The state office informed the board it could either do nothing, or attempt to remedy the situation, though the office offered no advice regarding how the board could rectify its mistake.

In an effort to make things right, election officials attempted to phone the 51 voters, informing them of the gaff and affording those affected the opportunity to return to polling station and cast a ballot.

The board went so far as to leave fliers at the houses of those it could not reach over the phone.

25 voters returned and cast ballots.

Tumbleweed’s issue passed 147-138, while La Palma’s issue was voted down 149-136.

Representatives from La Palma have yet to make it known whether they intend to appeal the vote.

The Logan County Children Services Board recounted its recently completed Fall Into Adoption event at Marmon Valley Farms when the group in regular session Thursday night.

The event was intended to help motivate people to consider adoption.

According to Children Services Director John Holtkamp, this year’s event was the most successful one yet. Holtkamp reports more than 50 families and adoptive children attended the event for a hay-ride, games and chili cook-off.

November is National Adoption Month.

During Thursday’s meeting Holtkamp reported that currently Logan County has only eight children in foster care and 62 children in an adoptive home. The most children the agency has seen in an adoptive home at any point this year is 63.

The increasing adoption numbers coincide with a spike in the number of kinship care cases the agency has seen. Kinship care is a program implemented by children services emphasizing placement of adoptive children with family members whenever possible.

Last November there were fewer than 15 children in kinship care, Holtkamp announced during the meeting that number has reached 41.

Holtkamp also announced Thursday that Children Services has recently learned a group home will be coming to West Mansfield. The home will be located at 180 South Main Street in West Mansfield and will house troubled adolescent girls from 12-18.

Though licensed by the state, Holtkamp noted the lack of community knowledge regarding the group home.

In a letter written to the board, Holtkamp points out that family court judges, the prosecutor’s office, the sheriff's office and children’s services were all unaware of the addition of a group home in West Mansfield.

The home would be owned and operated by The Able Group, LLC.

Finally, the board announced Thursday the dates for the annual Christmas in the Park being held at Indian Lake State Park.

Christmas in the Park will be held the first three weekends in December, beginning Dec. 4 and concluding Dec. 20. The park will be open from 6-9 p.m.; admission is a suggested donation of $5.

Listen as Holtkamp discusses Fall into Adoption, the Kinship Care program, the impending group home in West Mansfield and Christmas in the Park.

The board will meet again next month.

The Bellefontaine Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Village Pantry Marathon (pictured), 1138 North Main, around 2:45 this morning.

A white male wearing a bandana held the clerk at knifepoint and demanded money.

He complied and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

According to the clerk, the robber is approximately 19 years-old with short hair.

He’s about 5’6”, 160 lbs., and was wearing dark jeans and a ball hat.

No one was injured.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

Police are following your leads at 599-1010.

Ohio Hi-Point Career Center recently received a rebate of nearly $34,000 from Dayton Power & Light, for upgrades to more energy-efficient equipment and lighting. The project is part of the school district’s efforts to “green” its Bellefontaine campus in order to be on the leading edge of alternative energy, to cut operating costs and to better the environment.

(Pictured: Front (l-r) Stefanie S. Campbell, DP&L, Kim Davis, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Superintendent. Back (l-r): Eric Kuns, Bruner Corporation, Robert Walker, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Facilities and Grounds Supervisor.) 

The district installed energy-efficient lighting throughout its campus, as well as premium efficiency motors and variable speed drives. The improvements are expected to save more than $50,000 per year by enabling Ohio Hi-Point Career Center to reduce energy consumption by over 500,000 kWh and reduce peak demand for electricity by 140 KW. The energy savings package was developed and executed by the Bruner Corporation and approved by The Ohio School Facilities Commission.

DP&L’s Rapid Rebates Program provides business and government customers with incentives for new equipment purchases that reduce energy consumption and demand for electricity. The goal of the program is to help customers overcome the upfront cost hurdle associated with energy efficient technologies. For measures not covered in the Rapid Rebates Program, such as innovative technologies and process changes, DP&L offers a Custom Rebate program. The rebate programs help DP&L customers save money, are environmentally smart, and are important in helping the utility meet future energy needs. One of Ohio’s energy efficiency targets is to reduce electricity consumption by 22 percent by the end of 2025.

A complete list of rebates is available to businesses at www.dpandl.com/bizrebates.  Applications are accepted online for the rebates.

Ohio Hi-Point began to “green” its campus during the 2008-2009 school year and currently uses alternative energy in many of its buildings, as well as integrating recycling and composting programs. Programs within the high school and adult education programs use the technology within their curriculums to instruct students, as alternative energy careers are expected to increase in years to come.

Indian Lake 5th graders are getting a hands-on lesson in finances today.

The students are playing the stock market and learning the risks and rewards of real-life investing from CPAs (certified public accountants) with Midwest Express from East Liberty.

Accounting for Kids Day is presented each November by members of The Ohio Society of CPAs.

The accountants teach 10,000 Ohio elementary students how investing over the long term can pay big dividends.

Indian Lake students are playing an interactive game that allows student CEOs and brokers a chance to learn how market fluctuations can affect their overall investment. The game supplements classroom curriculum by teaching children how to make smart financial decisions and become savvy consumers and future business leaders.

In a recent survey by Visa, 85 percent of parents say they talk to their children regularly about money management.

This is the second year that Midwest Express has presented Accounting for Kids.

You can find smart money management tips at www.financialfitnessohio.com.

The Logan County Fair Board pulled double duty Wednesday night.

Prior to its regular monthly meeting, the board first held its annual Reorganizational Meeting for the purpose of swearing in new and re-elected board members and officers.

In the race for Fair Board Vice President, board members voted Skip Jackson to the post ahead of fellow members John Tuttle and Jim Logan; Keith Watson maintained his post as Fair Board President when he beat out challenger Bill Robinson.

Tom Cotterman and Sam Jackson were sworn in Wednesday as new members to the board. Errol Snapp, Jerry Smith, Watson, Logan, and Skip Jackson were sworn in as returning members to the board.

Those changes will take affect Jan. 1.

During its Reorganizational Meeting the board also elected to renew the contract of Secretary/Treasurer Bev Cotterman for three more years as well as increasing her salary $200 per month.

Cotterman announced during the regular meeting the Annual Report will be ready for distribution at December’s board meeting.

Also during regular session the board announced new office hours for the new year. Beginning December 1 the Fair Board offices will be open Tuesdays from 12-4, Thursdays 9-4, and Saturdays as required.

In additional action taken by the Fair Board Wednesday night the group set the merchants fee for the 2010 fair, electing to hold steady the current rates of $165 for booth rentals and a $150 weekly camping fee.

The board also set the entertainment for the 2010 fair.

Listen as Fair Board President Keith Watson outlines next year’s entertainment, reacts to his re-election as President of the Fair Board and articulates the goals of the Fair Board as 2010 looms.

The Fair Board will meet again Dec. 9.

The 2010 Fair will be July 13-18.

The Logan County Drug Free Youth Coalition underwent some structural changes Wednesday afternoon.

Director Margaret Appel introduced the formation of a Youth Coalition Board of Directors responsible for developing strategies to deal with community conditions identified by the coalition.

An identified condition is defined by the coalition as a symptom of the root problem—underage consumption.

Additionally, the coalition formed an Implementation Committee to implement practical strategies that will help cure the identified local conditions. Currently the coalition is developing strategies to deal with a pair of community conditions. Those conditions are the sale of alcohol to underage patrons and adults that permit underage consumption in the home.

Among the discussed strategies to combat those conditions the coalition is preparing to wage a media campaign against the supplying of alcohol to underage kids by parents and adults.

The long-term goal of the coalition is to erase the problem of underage drinking and Appel believes the community will begin to see significant change in approximately five years; though she notes it will take about a year to begin moving on the community conditions.

Listen as Appel discusses identified community conditions and the overall mission of the Logan County Youth Coalition.

The Logan County Drug Free Youth Coalition consists of members from 12 different sectors of Logan County ranging from local law enforcement, to schools, to media members and faith-based groups.

All of these members, according to Appel have identified underage alcohol consumption as a major community issue and are working to eliminate the problem.

The coalition will meet again on Dec. 16.

Students, teachers and staff at Benjamin Logan School District thanked local veterans and service members Wednesday at the school’s annual Veteran’s Day assembly.

The event started at 8:30 with a breakfast held by the high school’s student government. Students then assembled in the high school gymnasium at 9:30.

After students were seated the program began with the National Anthem by the Standing Ovation show choir and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Several high school students spoke at the assembly, the most memorable of the day coming from junior Lyndsay James (pictured, right), whose great-grandfather was a World War II veteran and recently passed away.

She spoke with love about her great-grandfather, then urged the students in the gymnasium to start treating those veterans who put their lives on the line with more respect.

Listen to Lyndsay’s opinions on the attitudes of current students towards veterans.

Each veteran and service member introduced himself to the school, some just naming their branch of military, and some sharing stories of the battles that they partook in. Recently retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Tony Storey talked about how he felt being around the veterans that had been to landmark battles in U.S. history.

“They’re part of history, for example we had the two individuals from the Battle of Peleliu and the Battle of Iwo Jima. And for me as a Marine, that’s almost like a person of the Catholic faith meeting Jesus or meeting the Pope. It’s on that level, that’s not just history, that’s culture, and that’s my heritage as a Marine.”

Listen to Retired Staff Sergeant Storey’s comments about why the assembly was important for students to attend and how the students grasp the reality of the veterans’ stories.

Students in the 7th grade wrote a letter to every veteran and hand delivered each one at the end of the assembly.

Vietnam veteran Ed Culp said that the assembly helps the students at Benjamin Logan to understand what the soldiers went through and why they should appreciate them. “I don’t think people realize the importance to a veteran, to know what they went through was appreciated. Even though they don’t want any appreciation for anything, they did it because they love the country and their family, but yet it helps.”

Listen to Culp’s talk about the importance of assemblies like the one that Benjamin Logan held and how people need to appreciate the freedom that veterans fought for.

The United Way of Logan County hosted a mid-campaign rally at the Hilliker YMCA Wednesday morning.

United Way leaders announced the campaign results of several local companies, including Honda.

The county’s largest employer reported that $202,978 was raised for our local United Way. Honda associates pledged $135,319, and the company offered a 50 percent match of $67,659.

Overall, Honda associates raised $1.4 million for United Way agencies. Those funds are distributed to 59 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Honda easily surpassed its goal of $1.1 million.

(Pictured left to right: Tim O’Rielley, Ilene Heaton, Ron Lietzke, Cathy Burmaster, and Jack Reser hold a sign displaying Honda’s pledge.)

This is the 15th year that total campaign dollars exceeded $1 million through associate pledges and the company’s match of 50 cents per dollar contributed. The annual campaign solicits contributions from associates at Honda of America Manufacturing and Honda Engineering North America.

More than 60 percent of the Honda associates pledged contributions to this year’s campaign.

Since 1982, Honda’s United Way campaigns have contributed $29.6 million to local agencies.

Listen to Ron Lietzke, who's with Honda media relations, discuss the campaign with Bill Tipple.

Despite the economic downturn, many other local campaigns reported an increase.

Co-chairperson Jack Reser praised Bellefontaine City Schools and Green Hills for their respective increases.

Bellefontaine City Schools employees raised over 20 percent more than last year – a record $22,260.

Green Hills reported a 17 percent increase over last year’s campaign.

Listen to Reser give a campaign update and discuss why it's important to give.

At the mid-point, the United Way of Logan County has raised $440,000.

The goal is to raise $730,000. The annual campaign runs through December 31st.

Your pledges help fund 24 member agencies, which assist more than 15,000 local residents.

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

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

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

Dane Brown (pictured), 27, of Bellefontaine, was sentenced to eight months in prison for domestic violence.

Sarah Allen, 28, of Russells Point, was sentenced to eleven months in the Ohio Reformatory for Women after violating her probation. Her original charge was theft.

Kenneth Wilkinson, 22, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to burglary. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for December 7th.

Stephen Cole, 32, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to criminal damaging. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for December 14th.

In a recent decision, the Third District Court of Appeals upheld the Common Pleas Court in the case of State vs. Brian Heft. A jury found him guilty of two counts of gross sexual imposition in February.

The Logan County Grand Jury indicted 11 people Tuesday.

Keith Tussing, 30, of 341 Taft Ave., Urbana- Unlawful sexual conduct (F3).

John Rollins, 53, At large- Notice of Change of Address (F2).

Tasha DeBoard, 27, At large- Notice of Change of Address (F3).

Rodney W. Palmer, 42, of 6755 St. Rt. 366, Huntsville- DUI (F3) and Fleeing and Eluding (F3).

Lacey Grow, 27, of 614 Garfield Ave., Bellefontaine- Theft (F5) and Forgery (F5).

Korey B. Grandi, 22, of 6189 Twp.Rd. 94, Lewistown- Intimidation of Witness (F3).

Patricia Roberts, 42, At large- Theft (two counts, F5), Misuse of Credit Card (F5) and Forgery (seven counts, F5).

Dustin T. Krouse, 24, of 125 S. Main St., Lakeview- Theft (F5), Misuse of Credit Card (F4).

Melanie Siekierka, 28, of 4753 County Rd. 29, West Liberty- Theft of Credit Card (F5) and Misuse of Credit Card (M1).

Jennifer L. Swaffer, 36, of 809 Heritage Ct., #28, Bellefontaine- Deception to Obtain Dangerous Drugs (F5) and Child Endangering (M1).

Daniel R. LeVan, 44, of 439 Twp. Rd. 184, Bellefontaine- Nonsupport of dependants (two counts).

The Bellefontaine City Council Tuesday night passed a trio of ordinances granting city employees their budgeted pay increases.

Voting for a third and final time Tuesday council voted 4-1 in favor of the pay increases for all department heads, supervisors, service workers and clerical employees.

On the previous two readings, the ordinances passed narrowly by a 4-3 vote. In the excused absences of Councilmen Brian Evans and David Haw, however, only Councilman Mark Fissel voted in opposition of the three-percent pay raises.

On hand to witness the votes were a slew of city employees and their families.

During the communication of citizens, Deborah Warner, 304 West High Street, addressed council and implored urged them to pass the ordinances.

“Be fair to all city employees,” Warner told Council when she spoke, “They work just as those in other departments that already received their pay increases.”

Warner’s husband works for the Street Department.

During his report, Mayor Adam Brannon announced a significant decrease in income tax revenue for the year, though he added a significant tax payment from an unnamed local business mostly accounted for the decrease in revenue.

Additionally, Council moved on a pair of ordinances regarding waste pickup, recycling services and wastewater treatment.

Currently, the city contracts Allied Waste to collect solid waste for the city, but concerns over Allied’s proposed 2010 contract has compelled council to direct Service-Safety Director Jim Holycross to collect bids from other solid waste collection companies.

Mayor Brannon would not rule out the possibility that a change in the city’s waste collection company could increase monthly rates for city residents.

The city is also preparing to undergo significant technological improvements in its wastewater treatment plant. Tuesday’s agenda saw an ordinance granting Holycross permission to begin the bidding process for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project.

However, rules stipulate that ordinance must pass by virtue of a “super majority”, requiring at least a 6-1 vote. In the absence of Evans and Haw, council was unable to pass the ordinance on second reading only and instead was forced to schedule a special meeting Thursday evening for the sole purpose of tackling the issue.

Listen as Brannon discusses the pay increases and the various city projects.

The council will meet in special session Thursday at 7 p.m. to consider a third reading of an ordinance that authorizes Mr. Holycross to advertise for bids and enter into a contract with the successful bidders for the wastewater treatment plant improvement project.

The next regular council meeting will be Tuesday, November 24th at 7:30 p.m.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle injury accident on the south edge of Lewistown Monday night around six o’clock.

Frank Chismar, 47, of 5195 County Road 91, Bellefontaine, was driving an ‘07 Dodge Caliber southbound on County Road 54 and Michael Stroud, 36, of 4144 State Route 235, Lewistown, was operating an ‘01 Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on 54.

Chismar, who was attempting to cross 54 onto Township Road 213, hit Stroud’s SUV.

Chismar was cited for failure to yield while turning left.

Neither driver was injured, but a three-year-old passenger in Stroud’s vehicle suffered minor injuries.

Taylor Stroud was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital by Indian Lake EMS.

Chismar’s car suffered moderate damage, and Stroud’s vehicle suffered heavy damage.

The Indian Joint Fire District assisted at the scene.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office reports that two sex offenders from southwest Ohio recently moved into the county.

Louis Lamb, Jr., (pictured left) 44, was convicted in Hamilton County for attempted murder and rape.

The Tier III offender lives at 144 Wilgus Drive, Russells Point.

James Kauffman, 68, (pictured below) was convicted in Dayton for gross sexual imposition with a 12-year-old female.

Kauffman, a Tier II offender, lives at 250 Midway Avenue, Lakeview.

For the second time in less than a week, the Bellefontaine Police Department has made a drug-related arrest.

Althea Kelly, 35, of Columbus, was arrested on a drug warrant at 508 West Columbus Avenue Sunday morning around six o’clock.

She was charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine.

Kelly (pictured) was then lodged in the Logan County Jail.

The Ohio Department of Health submitted an order for 434,800 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the weekend. The vaccine will be shipped directly to 315 local health departments and hospitals in Ohio’s 88 counties.

The order includes 67,800 doses of nasal-spray vaccine and 367,000 shots of H1N1 flu vaccine.

The vaccine is intended for high-risk individuals including health care workers and EMS workers who provide direct patient care; pregnant women; people who live with or care for children less than 6 months; all people 6 months to 24 years; and people 25 to 64 years with chronic medical conditions.

Local health department and hospitals may choose to vaccinate some subset of the above group depending on vaccine supply and the demographic makeup of the patients they serve.

The vaccine orders should begin arriving at local health departments and hospitals today.

The Ohio Department of Health has previously ordered 984,700 doses of H1N1 vaccine, bringing Ohio’s total to 1,419,500 doses thus far. This represents Ohio’s total allotment at this time of H1N1 influenza vaccine. More vaccine is expected to be available in the coming weeks.

For more information on vaccine availability, check the ODH Web site at http://www.flu.ohio.gov or call the ODH H1N1 information line at 1-866-800-1404 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Logan County Health District will host a free H1N1 shot clinic at Benjamin Logan High School on Sunday from 2-6 p.m.

The vaccinations will be given to those ages 6 months through  24 years, pregnant women, health care workers with direct patient contact, and primary caregivers of infants under age 6 months.

Pre-registration is required for the clinic.

You can pre-register at https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov/

You should bring the completed two-page registration form to the clinic.

The Cancer Network of West Central Ohio announced Monday that a portion of the High Point Regional Cancer Center in Bellefontaine will be closing at the end of the year.

At its October Board of Trustees meeting, the governing body of The Cancer Network of West Central Ohio voted to discontinue radiation oncology services at the High Point Regional Cancer Center effective December 31st. The closure of the High Point Center’s radiation program is a result of continued financial losses due to the deterioration of reimbursement and lack of availability of permanent radiation oncologist physicians. Radiation services will continue for current patients through the completion of their existing treatment.

“Due to continued financial pressure and the shortage of radiation oncologists in the area, we’ve had to make some decisions all of us would rather not have made,” says Kevin Harlan, Chairman of  Cancer Network of West Central Ohio.

The Cancer Network of West Central Ohio is made up of five area hospitals including Mercer Health based in Coldwater; Grand Lake Health System based in St Marys; Van Wert County Hospital, St Rita’s Medical Center in Lima; and Mary Rutan Hospital of Bellefontaine. In 2004, the Cancer Network of West Central Ohio opened two centers, Grand Lake Cancer Center in Celina and the High Point Regional Cancer Center in Bellefontaine. Each member hospital is vested equally in the two centers.

Mary Rutan Hospital will continue to lease space at the High Point Regional Cancer Center to provide medical oncology (physician and chemotherapy) services at the Ewing H. Crawfis Oncology Clinic, as well as provide space for the continuation of the American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program and Cancer Support Group. Mary Rutan Hospital opened its original medical oncology clinic in the early 1980s. Medical oncology services will continue for patients under the care of Dr. Sudhathi Chennuru. “We are saddened by the loss of radiation services to our community and have made every effort to continue to remain open and provide this service. Unfortunately, decreasing reimbursement from government and commercial insurance plans, and the extra expense of maintaining temporary physician coverage has increased financial pressures at an economically difficult time,” states Mandy Goble, President and CEO of Mary Rutan Hospital.

The Cancer Network employs four radiation therapy staff members who are contracted through St. Rita’s Medical Center.  The additional staff members are employees of Mary Rutan Hospital and will continue their employment providing medical oncology or laboratory services just as they do now.

The West Liberty-Salem School Board met in regular session Monday night at 7 o’clock.

During Superintendent Kraig Hissong’s monthly report he talked about the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus and how the district has been coping.

“We continued to monitor [H1N1 cases] and send home lots of information to students and their families, including phone calls and newsletters stating what to do if your child developed a fever.”

The district has gone from a spike of H1N1 cases and an average attendance of 80% to a recent average of 96%. The school now has hand sanitizers at the eating areas and classrooms and a more powerful cleaner that custodians use to kill bacteria.

Hissong and also High School Principal Greg Johnson sang the praises of the school’s high school athletes, specifically the football team advancing in the playoffs and the girls cross country team placing fifth at state last weekend.

A new use of school facilities policy was presented by Hissong at the meeting as well. The superintendent said that the original was vague and that the district was not clear on how to treat profit organizations who wanted to use the grounds.

“The biggest change that anyone would notice would be the fact that we now have a price set for the use of different areas of the building.”

Listen to Hissong talk about the spread of H1N1, the success of the districts sports teams, and the new policy on the use of school facilities.

The board meets again on December 14 at 7:00 p.m.

The Bellefontaine Police Department reports that a city man struck his neighbor’s home Friday night around 10:30.

Kevin Johnson, 50, of 224 Meadowbrook, lost control while returning home.

Officers report that a Dodge pickup driven by Johnson went through a front yard and struck Mary Ann Durflinger’s residence at 232 Meadowbrook.

No one was injured, but Johnson was charged with OVI, failure to control, and no seat belt.

Police continue their investigation.

The Bellefontaine Fire Department assisted at the scene.

A large fire destroyed a home near Zanesfield early Saturday morning.

A hunter saw flames at Jim Jackson’s 2550 Township Road 129 home just before six o’clock.

The single-story home was already burnt to the ground.

Jackson was not home.

No one was injured.

The Tri-Valley Fire Department was on scene for about 90 minutes.

Fire Chief Luann Davis contacted the State Fire Marshal’s Office for assistance.

The cause remains under investigation.

The Bellefontaine High School Marching Band traveled to University of Dayton Welcome Stadium Sunday to perform at the OMEA (Ohio Music Education Association) State Band Finals.

Bellefontaine received an “excellent” rating.

Seven judges evaluated the band’s marching, playing, and overall effect.

The Chiefs were awarded superior ratings by three judges and excellent ratings by four judges, giving them a composite rating of excellent.

Bellefontaine qualified for state by earning high marks at a district event earlier this fall.

A local motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle wreck at the intersection of Route 33 and Sunnyside Avenue (near the Donut Shop) Saturday around noon.

Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof reports that a Ford pickup driven by Todd Book, 38, of 442 High Avenue, Russells Point, was struck by a ‘97 Harley-Davidson operated by Michael Slagle, 46, of 270 Elm Street, Lakeview.

Both vehicles were eastbound on 33.

Book signaled to turn left onto Sunnyside.

As Book was making his turn, Slagle attempted to pass and hit the side of the pickup.

Slagle, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported by CareFlight to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

Book was not injured.

Both vehicles suffered moderate damage.

The accident is still under investigation.

Indian Lake EMS assisted at the scene.

A Springfield cardiologist was killed in a plane crash just east of the Plaza Inn Saturday afternoon around 5:45.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office reports that Dr. Wilhelm Kalweit, 56, crashed in a field about 200 feet east of the Plaza Inn landing strip.

Kalweit, who was returning from Canada, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Winds were gusting around 30 miles per hour Saturday afternoon.

The sheriff’s office along with the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the accident.

Kalweit is survived by his wife and a son.

Mt. Victory Fire and EMS, the Hardin County Coroner’s Office, and the Hardin County Engineer’s Office assisted at the scene.

On Saturday the March of Dimes held a “Light a Little Star” event at Northeastern Elementary School. Ken Keller broadcast live for the Mix on the Move on 98.3 WPKO.

This year’s Ambassador Family for the event was the family of Amanda Moon-Thomas, of East Liberty. Her twin daughters were born three-and-a-half months premature, spending six months in the hospital. The girls are now almost three-years-old and are healthy.

Participants raised money for glowing stars for babies, as well as raising awareness for the causes of birth defects, premature births and infant mortality. Teams gathered the stars to make a display for a “Shining Stars Ceremony.”

For more information, call Light a Little Star at (800) 536-4483.

This week’s “In Sync” welcomed three leaders with Center Stage Productions.

Thelma Matthews and Paula Strebig founded the organization six years ago to help give local high school home school students a chance to learn about acting and drama.

Matthews and Strebig were joined by student Lizzy Wiley on Sunday’s show.

Matthews is a home school educator and Strebig is a nursing instructor at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.

(Pictured L-R: Paula Strebig, Lizzy Wiley, and Thelma Matthews)

Strebig explains about Center Stage Productions

Wiley, a senior, has been involved with Center Stage throughout high school.

Wiley talks about what Center Stage has meant to her

Matthews discusses the purpose of the organization.

Center Stage has grown to serve 51 students from four counties in West Central Ohio.

The group does two productions each year at the Holland Theatre.

Students will perform Anne of Green Gables on November 19th, 20th, and 21st.

The show on the 19th will be at 9:30 a.m.

There will be two shows on the 20th – at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Finally, there will be a 7 o’clock evening show on the 21st.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door.

For more information, contact Sandy Jones at 585-4903.

You can see more at www.centerstagebellefontaine.org.

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

Wednesday will be the second huddle day for Bellefontaine City Schools.

All buildings will be operating on a one hour delay, so that teachers may participate in staff development activities.

Start times are:

Bellefontaine High School – 8:45, Bellefontaine Middle School – 8:40, Western Intermediate – 9:45, Northeastern and Southeastern Elementary – 10:00 a.m.

Other upcoming huddle days will be February 10, March 10, and May 12.

The OHSAA mandatory meeting for winter athletes and their parents will be Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Distance Learning Center at Bellefontaine High School.

The purpose of this meeting is to review the policies of the BHS Athletic Department and the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Only those athletes and their parents that did not attend a fall session are required to attend this meeting.

The Benjamin Logan Veteran’s Day breakfast and ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 11, at Ben Logan High School.

Breakfast will be served at 8:30 with the ceremony to follow.

All veterans and their spouses are invited to attend.

The Riverside Student Council invites all veterans to come enjoy breakfast on Wednesday beginning at 8:00 a.m. Following breakfast there will be an assembly to honor veterans. All veterans are asked to join this event at Riverside.

Riverside will hold parent/teacher conferences on Thursday, November 12, and Thursday, November 19, from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Students in grades K-6 should have been contacted and a conference time already scheduled. If not, please contact your child’s teacher.

Teachers of students in grades 7-12 will be available each evening. No appointment is necessary.

Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s Culinary Arts program has earned the distinction of being a ProStart certified program, one of only eight in the state of Ohio. 

“We’re very proud that our program has been certified as a ProStart program, because that signifies that it’s in the best of the best in the culinary industry,” said Superintendent Kim Davis.

Donna Beale, instructor of the program, was one of eight teachers out of 77 that earned the honor.  ProStart is the career-building program for high school students who are interested in culinary arts and restaurant and foodservice management. Throughout an exciting two-year period, they study in the classroom, participate in mentored work experiences, and test their skills in local and national competitions. Most importantly, ProStart students grow into the leaders our industry needs. From 2009 to 2019, the number of jobs in the restaurant and foodservice industry is projected to increase by 1.8 million. That includes 11% growth in management positions.

Students within the program at Ohio Hi-Point have been engaged in hands-on, practical learning experiences in a wide-variety of ways during their first few months of school.  These activities include:

Attending the 4^th Annual Culinary Institute of America/ProStart Day at the Lorain County JVS. Students experienced cooking demonstrations with several chefs, including Chef Michael Symon, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He is now the Chef/Owner of Lola and Lolita in Cleveland, Ohio. In October 2009, Cleveland Cavaliers announced that Symon will contribute menu items to be prepared at the Quicken Loans Arena. Two existing restaurants will be renamed after Symon’s bar-bistros, Bar Symon and the B-Shot. Chef Michael Symon has participated on several cooking shows on the Food Network

· Several students from the program enjoyed a Discover Duck presentation. The program was sponsored by the ACF Akron Canton Cooks and Chefs Association. Kyle Fabing from Maple Leaf Farms gave demonstrations and tasting of duck recipes, the advantage of using duck, Maple Leaf Farms product line up and a brief menu analysis.

Students had their first-ever video conference, “Exploring Careers in Culinary Arts with Keith Davis.”  Davis is an executive chef at 10 Wilmington Place in Dayton, Ohio. He was recently inducted into the Honor Society of the American Academy of Chefs. He is also a past recipient of the Presidential Medallion from the American Culinary Federation, as well as the award for the Chef of the Year. Chef Davis shared with the students the job market potential for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the culinary field. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues with this professional during the video conference held in OHP’s Tech Center

Several students volunteered their time during the 3^rd Annual International Festival, where food representing more than 20 countries was on display at the Union County YMCA in Marysville. The event was sponsored by the International Family Center of Union County as part of its mission to serve international families living in Union County and promote cultural awareness

Ohio Hi-Point’s Culinary Arts program prepares students for employment in the food service industry and also for further study after high school. It provides students with knowledge and experience in planning, preparing, and serving various culinary dishes. Students operate a full-service restaurant, the Hi-Point Inn, dedicated to Dr. Earl Sloan, a local philanthropist. Students are members of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a career-technical organization that hosts competitive events and service projects related to the program.

The students will put their talents on display during the annual Taste of the Future Open House and Career Preview Expo to be held on Thursday, November 19, from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Bellefontaine Campus.  The event, open to the public, will feature several local restaurants, along with the Hi-Point Inn, serving menu samples.  Cost is $3 for an all-you-can-eat tasting bracelet.  Proceeds benefit the OHP Scholarship Fund.

For more information on Culinary Arts or any program, call 937-599-3010, ext. 1200 or visit ohiohipoint.com.

PHOTO: Students in the Culinary Arts program at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, now one of only eight ProStart certified programs in the state of Ohio, recently had the opportunity to learn from Chef Michael Symon, a restaurateur and featured chef on the Food Network, during a trip to the Lorain County JVS Culinary Institute of America/ProStart Day.  Pictured (left-right), front row: Bethany Cruce (Bellefontaine H.S.), Christian Morris (Bellefontaine H.S.), Michelle Peake (Triad H.S.), Jennifer Winslow (Bellefontaine H.S.), Tiffany Collins (Waynesfield-Goshen H.S.), Rebecca Delapaz (Kenton H.S.), Billy Todax (Bellefontaine H.S.), Christina Bricker (Riverside H.S.).  Middle row (l-r): Dayno Chamberlain (Ridgemont H.S.), Shari Downing (Marysville H.S.), Christine Samples (West Liberty-Salem H.S.), Chef Michael Symon, Taylor Pierson (Urbana H.S.), Brooke Evans (Bellefontaine H.S.), Instructor Donna Beale.  Back row (l-r): Janice Lehner (Marysville H.S.), Caleb Allen (Marysville H.S.), Adam Tickle (Benjamin Logan H.S.), Zach Lozier (Kenton H.S.), Clayton Allen (Benjamin Logan H.S.).