The DeGraff Police Department arrested a local man on a warrant Friday night around 10:45.

An officer on patrol in the area of 215 Moore Street noticed a wanted man in front of his residence.

Billy Ogg, 29, of 215 Moore Street, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant out of Bellefontaine Municipal Court. He was then lodged in the Logan County Jail.

The DeGraff Police Department cited a local driver after a traffic stop at Blue Street and Miami Street Friday morning around one o’clock.

Lori Carte, 42, of 321 North Street, West Liberty, was charged with driving under suspension. She was issued a citation and released.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle injury accident at State Route 47 and County Road 24 in Logansville Friday night around 5:30.

Troopers are still investigating the crash, but they have released a few details.

The drivers were Daric McClintick, 25, of West Liberty, and David Maxon, 39, of Piqua.

Maxon and a passenger in his car, Cheri Crain, 30, of Piqua, were transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney.

The DeGraff Fire Department and Riverside and Quincy EMS assisted at the scene.

The Logan County Children’s Services Board put a bow on its 2009 financial records when the group met for the first time in 2010 Thursday night.

During his report Executive Director John Holtkamp (pictured) reported Children’s Services ended 2009 with a cash balance of $18,000, taking in 104% of its projected revenue and only spending about 90% of anticipated expenses.

Holtkamp reports the increased revenues were accrued largely as a result of taxes collected through the rash foreclosed houses in 2009 as a well an increase in the amount of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Funds collected by Children’s Services.

TANF Funds are used to cover benefits, administrative expenses and services targeted to needy families.

Children’s Services closed 2009 with an ending cash balance of $2.45 million dollars and, according to Holtkamp, took in more money last year than it ever had.

However, Holtkamp reports the agency also spent more money last year than it ever had.

Much of the reason for the increased expenditures, according to Holtkamp, is a result of TANF requirements; also, Holtkamp’s report reveals that emergency assistance for those in need is at the highest level in the history of the agency.

Children’s Services keeps a close eye on its finances, anyway, and it’s a good thing too as the agency prepares for an audit by the State of Ohio.

Holtkamp reports a preliminary audit with the state revealed that only minor adjustments are required, none of which have to do with the numbers themselves.

During his report Thursday Holtkamp also talked about Ryan Pratt, a Children’s Services employee who recently completed coursework necessary to serve as an auxiliary police officer for the sheriff's department. According to Holtkamp this is to facilitate child welfare investigations requested by Children’s Services.

Listen as Holtkamp discusses Pratt’s graduation as well as the year-ending financial reports for Children’s Services.

As the board organizes for 2010, it elected its officers Thursday. The offices of president, vice-president and secretary will continue to be held by the same three board members that held the post last year.

Rev. Ron Irick will again serve as President of the Children’s Services Board, Pat Bonar will continue to serve as vice-president and Karen Medaris will again hold the office of secretary.

The board will meet again Feb. 11.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office arrested a local woman on multiple charges after she reportedly smoked marijuana in front of her daughter Thursday afternoon.

Deputies responded to Wendy Shamblin’s residence at 8796 State Route 274, Lewistown, around four o’clock after receiving a complaint from her husband.

David Shamblin told authorities that his wife was smoking marijuana in front of their 3-year-old daughter.

The daughter showed her dad a partially burnt joint on the vanity.

Initially, the mom denied the accusations until deputies found the joint in the toilet.

Mrs. Shamblin (pictured) then acknowledged that she occasionally smokes marijuana.

She was charged with possession of drugs, endangering children, and persistent disorderly conduct.

Shamblin was lodged in the Logan County Jail.

Benjamin Logan High School was one of 41 Ohio high schools sending teams to the Ohio Model United Nations Program in Columbus on January 10th, 11th, and 12th. There were 156 teams representing the countries of the United Nations. Benjamin Logan’s delegation from Guatemala received a trophy for Outstanding Cultural Spirit. The delegates for Guatemala were (pictured) Lauren Vogt, Libby Zoldak, Mika Griffith, Katie Cole, and Haley Newland. Their resolution was titled - FIGHT! ILLEGAL GLOBAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING and their Talent Showcase featured music, dance, and elaborate native headdresses.

Amanda Frasure received a trophy for Outstanding Leadership. She was a delegate from the country of Barbados whose resolution was titled – WATER WORRIES – which dealt with fresh water aquifers of the world. Other delegates from Barbados were Tori Link, Josie Coleman, Katlyn Brogan, Logan Dunn, Mary Evans, Morgan Allen, Micah Lange, and Nick Mobley.

Advisors were Susan Simon, Jeff Fay, and Brad Jones.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle fatal crash that took pace Wednesday afternoon around 3:30 on County Road 49 north of County Road 108 near the Richland Twp. and McArthur Twp. line.

Troopers report that a ‘98 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Joshua Love, 18, of Belle Center, was northbound on a snow-covered portion of County Road 49 when his Jeep slid off the roadway, veered sideways and began to overturn when the top of the Jeep struck a tree.

Love was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Front seat passenger Ryan Reynolds, 18, of Russells Point, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Logan County Coroner’s Office.

Three other passengers were seriously injured.

Austin Ramge, 16, of Belle Center, was transported by Life Flight to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. He’s listed in serious condition.

Billy Gerritsen, 14, of Belle Center, and brother Greggory Gerritsen, 17, of Belle Center, were ejected. Both of them were transported to The Ohio State University Medical Center by Med Flight and Care Flight. They are listed in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Reynolds attended Ohio Hi-Point Career Center with Love and Greggory Gerritsen; Ramge and Billy Gerritsen both attend Benjamin Logan High School.

Listen to Brad Gerritsen, the father of Billy and Greggory, explain the accident and update the condition of his sons.

Listen to Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Superintendent Kim Davis remember Ryan Reynolds and discuss how the school is coping with the accident.

An account has been set up at Citizens Federal to help the Reynolds and Gerritsen families. You can make donations to the RG Fund.

Huntsville Fire and EMS, Richland Twp. Fire & EMS, Bellefontaine Fire and EMS, and Robinaugh assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

This is the second fatal crash in Logan County this year.

Hunters took 24,078 deer during Ohio's four-day muzzleloader season, January 9th-12th, with Tuscarawas County again leading the state with 1,345 deer checked. In 2009, a preliminary total of 20,659 deer was taken during muzzleloader season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This year’s harvest is a 17 percent increase over last year. 

Counties reporting the highest number of deer checked during the muzzleloader season included: Tuscarawas-1,345; Harrison-1,025; Guernsey-1,000; Washington-937; Athens-816; Belmont-735; Coshocton-692; Licking-679; Meigs-645; and Jefferson-616.

A total of  251,826 deer have been harvested so far this season when combining the gun seasons, early and statewide muzzleloader seasons, and the first nine weeks of the archery season. Hunters took a total of 252,017 deer during all of last year's hunting seasons.

Hunters can continue to enjoy deer hunting through February 7th as the archery season continues. Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year at wildohio.com.

Hunters can still donate extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

The Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

The following is a list of deer checked and tagged by hunters during the statewide muzzleloader deer hunting season. The number taken during the 2008-09 Season Is Marked In ( ): 2010 (2009)

Adams -326 (305); Allen –83 (86); Ashland –603 (541); Ashtabula –293 (322); Athens –816 (511); Auglaize –31 (47); Belmont –735 (539); Brown –232 (352); Butler –156 (117); Carroll –300 (244); Champaign –80 (151); Clark –117 (88); Clermont –310 (316); Clinton –117 (103); Columbiana –510 (403); Coshocton –692 (598); Crawford –126 (156); Cuyahoga –32 (40); Darke –43 (46); Defiance –104 (92); Delaware –127 (124); Erie –94 (81); Fairfield –417 (371); Fayette –11 (49); Franklin –109 (80); Fulton –46 (38); Gallia –312 (282); Geauga –114 (92); Greene –72 (60); Guernsey –1,000 (565); Hamilton –106 (116); Hancock –66 (82); Hardin –100 (75); Harrison –1,025 (764); Henry –29 (41); Highland –367 (353); Hocking –510 (376) ; Holmes –407 (528); Huron –146 (196); Jackson –583 (431); Jefferson –616 (457); Knox –503 (416); Lake –45 (75); Lawrence –317 (288); Licking –679 (688); Logan –187 (152); Lorain –209 (180); Lucas –49 (72); Madison –53 (24); Mahoning –208 (136); Marion –42 (54); Medina –163 (157);  Meigs –645 (613); Mercer –35 (22); Miami –33 (22); Monroe –498 (533); Montgomery –65 (55); Morgan –439 (294); Morrow –162 (199); Muskingum –493 (419); Noble –539 (446); Ottawa –22 (23); Paulding –86 (76); Perry –521 (351); Pickaway –105 (60); Pike –182 (207); Portage –147 (133); Preble –118 (86); Putnam –67 (96); Richland –147 (187); Ross –487 (413); Sandusky –49 (67); Scioto –275 (363); Seneca –178 (148); Shelby –93 (77); Stark –486 (339); Summit –143 (76); Trumbull –290 (272); Tuscarawas –1,345 (934); Union –73 (80); Van Wert –55 (69); Vinton –364 (201); Warren –182 (135); Washington –937 (774); Wayne –103 (171); Williams –103 (97); Wood –67 (63); and Wyandot –117 (98). Total –24,078 (20,659)

It was a relatively slow start to 2010 for the Logan County Fair Board when the group held its first meeting of the year Wednesday night.

The action that was taken by the board Wednesday saw the group approve the various entertainment contracts for the upcoming fair, which will be held July 13-18. Those approved contracts include the antique tractor poll and petting zoo, complete with camel rides.

That said, the board did not act on every matter discussed Wednesday. Fair Board President Keith Watson tabled some of the discussed issues, including contracts concerning grounds cleanup during the fair and which company to lease golf carts from during fair week.

Another issue the board is waiting to act on is whether or not to allow DP&L access to the fair grounds in the event of an emergency, such as a mass power outage.

The electric company contacted the Fair Board a few months ago and after some discussion among board members, it has decided to allow DP&L emergency access to the grounds.

According to Watson, the board is awaiting a response from DP&L regarding the proposal it sent last month; that proposal stipulates the company can have access to the grounds for $50 per day and will be held responsible for any damages accrued during its stay.

Listen as Watson talks about the entertainment for the upcoming fair as well as the impending agreement with DP&L. 

During her report, Secretary/Treasurer Bev Cotterman reported she had requested an estimate from Pro Sign Design out of West Liberty for the purpose of repairing the blown-down paneling on the electric sign.

Fair Board will meet again Feb. 10.

Twenty-two Bellefontaine High School students (pictured) brought home awards following their participation in the Ohio Model United Nations (OMUN) three-day simulation in Columbus, Ohio. Joining over 1,200 students from throughout the state, students used the art of debate and the use of compromise and peace negotiation as they represented selected nations. Mr. Aaron Anthony served as the BHS Model UN teacher advisor.

Congratulations to the following BHS students for their recognition at the state level:

• Uzbekistan: Outstanding Nation Award (includes outstanding resolution, overall research, topic of debate, native clothes, delegate participation, talent show) Team members: Rohan Prasad, Kendall Pemberton, Brooke Rutledge, Evan Snapp, Josh Haisley, Jacob Campbell, and Carlos Guajardo
• Sudan: Outstanding resolution Team members: Hannah Snapp, Connor Kress, Jordan Richards, Molli Prater, Darby Newman, and Tom Stoner
• Tommy Stolly : runner up for Agenda Issues Competition
• Rohan Prasad: Outstanding Delegate
• Hannah Snapp: Assistant Secretary-General for 2010
• BHS: I-OPEN 3rd prize for helping an oversees nation
• Mindy Mosbarger: Council President for 2010
• Jordan Richards: Council Vice-President for 2010

In addition, Dylan Notestine presided as Assistant Secretary-General, and Petey Mosbarger served as Council President for this year's OMUN event, Ohio's largest global education and leadership program.

Members of the school boards of Logan County gathered at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center for the annual All Boards Banquet Wednesday night.

Board members from 14 school districts and three county educational service centers were served dinner by Plaza Inn and heard a presentation from the Ohio School Board Association’s Executive Director Rick Lewis (pictured, left), who highlighted what school board members did with entertaining videos and commercials.

“It seemed like [the videos] were a number of lessons that hit home.” Lewis said, “School board members take responsibility, they work to help each other; they make a difference and change lives.”

Listen to Lewis talk about what he believes the most important thing school boards do is, and why he chose funny videos to use in his presentations.

Ohio Hi-Point Superintendent Kim Davis (pictured, right) said Hi-Point holds the All Boards meeting at this time every year because January is School Board Recognition Month. “We invite the boards of education, as well as the ESCs, superintendents and treasurers to join us as a thank you during this very special month.”

Listen to Kim Davis discuss the All Boards Banquet.

Benjamin Logan Board President Bill Ramsey said the banquet made board members understand what effect they have on the community. “We’re here to serve the community, and we’re here to help the students of our community and make our communities better by providing an excellent education for those individuals that partake in it every day.”

Listen to Ramsey talk about the best part of being a school board member.

The Logan County Drug Free Youth Coalition held its annual awards ceremony Wednesday afternoon when the group met for their quarterly meeting.

A slew of members and volunteers were recognized during the ceremony, including charter members—those that have served in the coalition since its inception in Aug., 2006—as well as youth volunteers for their continued service to the coalition.

Coalition Project Director Margaret Appel also presented the Above and Beyond Award, given to one adult and one youth member for dedicated service beyond membership requirements.

The youth award was presented to Brittany Younkman. Younkman was also recognized as a charter member. She served in the coalition all four years of her high school career and continues to volunteer as a college freshman.

Listen as Younkman talks about her motivation for serving with the coalition.

Police Chief Brad Kunze was recognized with adult Above and Beyond Award. In addition to his continued dedication to the coalition as Chief of Police, Kunze also traveled to Pennsylvania three weeks last year to attend a training seminars presented by the National Coalitions of America.

Listen as Appel talks about the service of Kunze as well as Younkman, and the importance of having dedicated members like them serving in the coalition.

Charter members were recognized by name during the ceremony, they include: Michael Brady, Chuck Blair, John Holtkamp, Tammy Nichol, Emily Poole, Dawn Wilbur, Anne Reames and Chief Kunze.

Prior to the awards ceremony Coalition Chairwoman Angela Haver presented to those in attendance some data collected by the coalition in the last year.

In the fall of 2008 the coalition received a federal grant to help fund its efforts. Haver reports those funds allowed the coalition to increase dramatically the number of “accomplishments” by the group.

The Drug Free Youth Coalition considers an “accomplishment” any action taken to aid its effort to stop underage drinking. Some of those accomplishments include ad campaigns against underage consumption as well as community services, like Challenge Day held recently at Bellefontaine High School.

In Oct. of 2008 the coalition had only six accomplishments; at the conclusion of 2009, it had over 150 accomplishments, according to Haver’s report.

The Drug Free Youth Coalition will hold its monthly implementation meeting next week.

Written by student reporter and BHS junior Jessica Haushalter

It is the end of the first semester for Bellefontaine High School. Thursday, January 14th will be the students last day in their first semester classes. After a four day weekend, students will begin their second semester classes on January 19th.

Classes at BHS are set up two different ways. There are semester blocks, which are 80 minute classes that students have either the first or second half of the year. The other classes are year-long skinny's, which are 40 minute classes that students take the whole year. Classes such as choir, band, and lunch are all year-long skinny’s. While classes like history, English, and science are all semester blocks.

Most students said that they enjoyed the semester block scheduling that is offered by BHS. Halfway through the year, it gives the students a “change of scenery” as some put it. Although, there can be downside to semester blocks. Students end up going a half year, and sometimes a whole year depending on how their class schedules work out, without things such as math and foreign language. These types of classes are harder for students to have extended breaks from because everything learned in those classes builds on top of the last thing learned. In the interest of helping solve the problem, foreign language classes are offered as a year-long skinny or semester block.

Some classes that students said they were looking forward to were financial literacy because of the good life skills it will provide, physics 2 because of the fun they had in physics 1, and Honors English 2 because they had that English teacher when they were in middle school. Classes that some students said they were sad to leave behind were AP US History because of the interesting things they learned in there, photography because it taught them new skills, and music appreciation because they had many friends in that class.

Listen to freshman Alexa Haushalter talk about which classes she is looking forward to.

Listen to senior Wes Winterhalter talk about the benefits of semester block scheduling.

Listen to sophomore Erin Davis (pictured) talk about the classes she is sad to leave behind.

Listen to junior Lawrence Miller (pictured) talk about the classes he is looking forward to.

Listen to senior Heather Devine talk about talk about why she likes semester block scheduling.

Two defendants were sentenced by Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor earlier this week.

Brandon Henry (pictured), 23, of Dayton, was sentenced to ten months in prison for theft.

Daron Pankake, 37, of Tipp City, was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, two years probation, and ordered to pay restitution and court costs. A jury found Pankake guilty of assault.

An Indian Lake man has pled guilty to killing his mother thirteen months ago.

Brandon Williams (pictured), 24, of Lakeview, entered the plea before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor Monday afternoon.

Williams pled guilty to murder, gun specification, felonious assault, and abuse of a corpse.

In exchange for the plea, the prosecutor’s office dropped the charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping, safecracking, and drug possession.

Authorities believe that Williams turned violent while trying to get his mother’s prescription drugs at their 8854 Prince Road home (King’s Landing) on December 11th, 2008.

He shot his mom once with a .22 rifle and then beat her with the gun. After that, Williams got a shotgun from his bedroom and fatally shot his mother in the shoulder and head. He then went to the garage and cut open the safe that contained his mother’s medication.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office discovered the murder on the evening of December 18th while checking on Annon’s well-being. Relatives were concerned after not hearing from her for several days. Deputies found Williams in bed unresponsive from a drug overdose.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Eric Stewart is recommending that Williams be sentenced 23 years to life. Stewart spoke with Bill Tipple following Monday’s plea deal.

Listen to his comments

Sentencing will be held Tuesday, February 16th at 1:30 p.m.
Judge O’Connor revoked bond. Williams’ stepbrother (Stephen Fowler) and father attended Monday’s plea deal.

Williams was represented by attorney Steve Fansler (pictured with Williams).

The Riverside Board of Education welcomed three new members during its organizational meeting Tuesday night. Don Klingler, Greg Krisher and Brian Wright were all sworn in to serve on the board.

With five members on the board, the new members are now the majority. Riverside Superintendent Jim Zerkle said the impact on the board will be large. "This is a tremendous change for this board with three new members; the power shift has happened so the power is with the new board members. It's going to change considerably."

Listen to Zerkle talk about the new council members and his outlook for 2010.

New member Greg Krisher said he is looking out for the students, and specifically talked about the pay to play option. "We would like to bring back some of the things that have been cut for the students."

Listen to Krisher discuss his outlook for 2010.

DeeDee Harshbarger was re-elected as President of the board, and Jim Cox assumed the position of Vice President.

Monthly meetings were scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.

The board followed the organizational meeting with its regular session meeting, where mostly house keeping items were passed by members, and the board’s date for work session was set for Saturday, January 30 at 9 a.m.

The Riverside School Board meets again February 23.

13 people were indicted by the Logan County Grand Jury Tuesday.

Bryan Moore (pictured), 24, 629 East Sandusky, was indicted on three counts of rape, a class one felony as well as five counts of gross sexual imposition, a class three felony.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office arrested Moore on several sex-related charges on December 7th. He was charged with two counts of rape and six counts of gross sexual imposition with two boys under the age of 13. Each charge is a first-degree felony.

Authorities began an investigation last month after receiving a complaint from a mother of one of the victims.

The alleged incidents happened in the rural Zanesfield area over the last several months.

According to the sheriff’s office, Moore faces additional charges in Union County for similar crimes.

Joseph Wheatley (pictured), 21, 315 1/2 North Detroit St., was indicted on two counts of rape, a class one felony.

Jeffrey Hatfield, 21, 8806 County Road 2, Zanesfield, was indicted on three counts of unlawful sexual conduct, a class four felony.

Brandon Risner, 19, 316 Fairview, Russells Point, was indicted on nine counts of breaking and entering a class five felony, as well as one count of theft, also a class five felony.

Steven Hilty, 25, 329 West Chillicothe, was indicted on one count of cultivation of marijuana, a class three felony, possession of marijuana, a class three felony, and possession of heroin, a class four felony.

Dean Whetsel, 40, 1053 North Main, was indicted on one count of endangering children, a class three felony as well as illegal manufacturing of drugs, a class four felony.

Amanda Maddox, 33, 1053 North Main Street, was indicted on one count of endangering children, a class three felony and one count of manufacturing drugs, a class four felony.

Paul Daniels, 45, 1180 Erie St., was indicted on one count of DUI, a class four felony as well as a CPO violation, a class five felony.

Holly Neal, 20, Whitley City, Kentucky, was indicted on one count of theft, a class four felony.

Louis Lamb, 45, 400 Lincoln Blvd #43, Russells Point, was indicted on one count of failure to register as a sex offender, a class one felony.

Cedrick Williams, 20, 332 West St., was indicted on two counts of trafficking in drugs, a class five felony.

Richard McClurg, 30, 15659 North St. Rt. 235, Lakeview, was indicted on one count of possession of weapons under disability, a class three felony.

Christopher Shannon, 37, 423 Clinton St. Apt. 1, Columbus, was indicted on two counts of nonsupport of dependents, a class two felony.

Five local residents were charged after deputies from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a prank phone call Monday night around 9:45.

Don Leiss of rural Bellefontaine contacted the sheriff’s office after receiving a suspicious phone call from a man claiming to be Deputy Meek. The man said he was calling about Leiss’s reckless driving on Koke Street in DeGraff.

Deputies knew the phone call was a prank.

About an hour later, authorities responded to 204 Allen Drive in Quincy.

Derrick Triplett (pictured above), 18, was arrested for telecommunications harassment and impersonating a peace officer. He was also wanted on a warrant from Bellefontaine Municipal Court for aggravated menacing.

Michael Parrett (pictured), Jr., 42, was arrested on a warrant from Family Court for failure to appear and serve a non-support sentence.

Andrew Parrett, 18; Ryan Parrett, 20; and Lindsey Roof, 18; were each issued a summons for obstructing justice after telling deputies that Michael Parrett was not home.

All five live at 204 Allen Drive.

The Logan County Highway Department reports that a tile replacement project will close a road west of Lewistown this week.

Crews will be replacing a failed tile under the roadway on County Road 54 between County Road 60 and Township Road 80.

The work is scheduled for Wednesday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

There could be overnight closures.

The Benjamin Logan Board of Education met for an organizational meeting as well as their first regular session of 2010 Monday night.

In the organizational meeting the board swore in Bill Ramsey, Jason Robson and Keith Stoner, as well as re-elected Bill Ramsey as Board President.

The board also set the third Monday of each month as the date for their regular session meetings. The only exception is February due to the President’s Day Holiday, and the meeting is re-scheduled for February 8.

As the organizational meeting adjourned the regular session meeting began and the board heard from 6th and 8th grade students who participated, and placed, in the First Lego League Smart Moves Challenge at Wright State in December.

The two teams demonstrated their award-winning presentations to the board. The 6th graders, named Triple “G”-Global  Gateway Geeks (pictured, right), staged their 1st place “Creative Presentation,” about a UV light to distract deer to avoid accidents.

The 8th graders, or Five Blondes and a Robot (pictured, left), took 1st place for “Quality Research” and 2nd for “Innovative Solutions” in their presentation about slips, trips and falls on the icy sidewalks.

Benjamin Logan Gifted Coordinator, Sally Stolly, said, “Academically we’re really pushing our students to be creative thinkers, to use their analytical and their problem solving skills and to push themselves and challenge themselves, and to begin thinking about their career choices in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.”

Listen to Sally Stolly explain the First Lego League and what it means for Benjamin Logan to place in the competition.

Curriculum Director Emmy Davis introduced a new way for high school students to get credit, in non-traditional ways called Credit Flex. The state of Ohio has asked schools to implement these programs.

Listen to Emmy Davis talk about Credit Flex.

The Benjamin Logan School Board meets again February 8.

The Bellefontaine School Board worked double-duty Monday night as it held its yearly organizational meeting as well as its first regular session meeting of the new year.

During that organizational meeting it was established that Tim O’Rielley would serve as Board President for 2010. This year will mark the third consecutive year O’Rielley has served as President of the Bellefontaine School Board.

Anne Reames was nominated and confirmed by the board to serve as Vice President for the new year; her second consecutive year serving as Board Vice President.

The organizational meeting lasted only about 10 minutes and upon its conclusion, with old-new officers in place, the board proceeded with its first regular session meeting of 2010.

During the regular meeting Marvin Founds and Dick Maxwell, from Stifel and Nicolaus the underwriting firm responsible for the financing of the district’s recently passed bond issue, addressed the board regarding the status of that bond issue.

Founds outlined for the board the logistics behind the distribution of funds and the creative approach taken to allocate those funds.

The district promised during the campaign the millage from this issue would not take affect until 2012 when voters will be relieved from the current middle school bond issue.

District Treasurer Keith Krieger talks about that presentation from Founds and Maxwell. 

Additional action taken by the board Monday night saw the group approve membership into the Ohio School Boards Association, authorizing the annual dues for membership in the association at a price of $5492.

The board also authorized the disposal of certain items no longer of use to the schools. Those items include the barn located on the property at 1101 Ludlow Road and a Frymaster Deep Fryer no longer used by the middle school.

Executive Director of Administrative Services Bill Badenhop reports the district will take bids for the barn and the fryer will be placed on Ebay.

The board will meet again Jan. 25.

Sherriff Andy Smith reports that deputies of the Logan County Sherriff’s Office arrested a pair of Bellefontaine men on drug trafficking charges last Thursday around 4:00 p.m.

Kiefer Evans (pictured left), 21, of 574 Palmer Ave. and Kyle Smith (pictured below), 23, of 816 Cooper Ave. were apprehended at Smith’s home after deputies recovered approximately one half-pound of marijuana worth an estimated street value of $500.

Deputies also recovered a handgun that that had been reported stolen from Kentucky in 2007.

Additional charges are expected to be filed after the deputies meet with the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office.

Both men were lodged in the Logan County Jail.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a one-vehicle accident north of Logansville Saturday night around 8:20.

Troopers report that Walter Weaver, 38, of 2365 Township Road 247, DeGraff, was driving a ‘98 Chevy Silverado eastbound on County Road 58 near Township Road 247 when he failed to negotiate a curve, then went off the right side of the road and hit a fence and a tree.

Emergency crews had to cut the pickup to free Weaver, who was not wearing a seat belt.

CareFlight transported him from the scene to Miami Valley Hospital. He’s listed in fair condition.

Alcohol use is suspected.

Weaver was cited for failure to control and other charges are pending.

Quincy Fire and EMS along with the Maplewood Fire Department assisted at the scene.

The West Liberty-Salem Jr. High Science Olympiad Team #3 placed 5th at their first competition for 2010 at the Northmont Invitational on Saturday.

(Pictured: The entire WLS Jr. High Team)

Gold medals were awarded to:
Megan Etgen & Matt Kauffman in two events: WRIGHT STUFF  &  SHOCK VALUE

Silver medals went to:
Anna Naderer & Nick Davis in COMPUTE THIS
Corey Lianez & Matt Kauffman in ROAD SCHOLAR
Dustin Wooten &  Elizabeth Hance in TRAJECTORY

Bronze medals were presented to:
Levi Spencer & Colby Schwaderer in FOSSILS
Jordon Wolfe & Tim McCall from Team #4 in WRIGHT STUFF
Anna Naderer & Elizabeth Hance in WRITE IT, DO IT

Ribbon winners include:
Team #3
Colby Scwaderer
Levi Spencer
Beau Humphrey
Anna Naderer
Rebekkah Gresh
Nick Davis
Dustin Wooten
Elizabeth Hance
Matt Kauffman
Megan Etgen
Sawyer Shafer

Team #4
Kevin Walburn
Zach Chapman
Trevor Davis
Cody Taylor

The West Liberty-Salem High School Science Olympiad Team placed in 5 events at Northmont. These include:

Sara Naderer & Sarah Hunt placing 3rd in EGG-O-NAUT
John Hance & Becca Hunt placing 3rd in TRAJECTORY
John Hance & Hannah Hartsel placing 4th in PHYSICS LAB
Sara Naderer, Hannah Hartsel, & Beck Hager placing 5th in MISSION POSSIBLE
Josh Smith & Brice McDaniel placing 6th in ELEVATED BRIDGES

Bellefontaine native Louie Vito has nearly guaranteed a spot on the United States Olympic Team in the halfpipe.

The professional snowboarder rode to a second place finish in Saturday’s U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix in Mammoth, California.

The event was the third of five events that will determine which four riders will represent our country at next month’s Winter Games in Vancouver.

(Pictured on the podium in Mammoth, left to right: JJ Thomas, Shaun White, and Louie Vito)

Reigning Gold Medalist Shaun White won the trial with a 47.

Louie followed with a 45.6 and JJ Thomas came in third with a 45.

Here are the top ten from Saturday:

1. Shaun White
2. Louie Vito
3. JJ Thomas
4. Luke Mitrani
5. Zack Black
6. Steve Fisher
7. Scotty Lago
8. Matt Ladley
9. Elijah Teeter
10. Dylan Bidez

Vito finished second in the team trials in Copper Mountain, Colorado on December 12th.

Louie finished in fourth place during Wednesday’s trial in Mammoth.

The final two events will be held in Park City, Utah on back-to-back days in two weeks.

Riders will qualify for the team on the basis of their two best finishes.

With two second place finishes, Louie appears to be Olympic-bound.

You can see Wednesday’s and Saturday’s finals on NBC Sunday at 1:30.

Louie will be featured on NBC’s Today Show Tuesday morning at 8:30.

Lou Vito spoke with Bill Tipple about Louie’s all but wrapping up an Olympic berth and more.

Listen to his comments. 

Vito, 21, is attempting to become just the second Logan Countian to ever make the Olympics.

Crews from CSX Railroad will resume repairs on Monday to the railroad bridge on Miami Street/County Road 11 between State Route 235 and Township 45 in Miami Township.

The work schedule begins Monday and continues through Saturday, April 3rd.

The roadway will be closed Monday through Thursday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.

All work is subject to weather conditions.

The Weekly Agenda for Commissioners Core, Knight, and Bayliss for the week of January 4th through January 8th

Monday:

10:15 a.m. Re-organizational meeting – Data Board – Auditor’s Office (CORE)

10:30 a.m. Re-organizational meeting – Board of Revision – Auditor’s Office (CORE) 

Tuesday:

8:30 a.m. COMMISSION IN SESSION

10:00 a.m. Judges Brady and Chamberlain, Sheriff, and Jerry Heaton re: JDC Board meeting review

11:00 a.m. John Cleek re: review for 2010 kick-off for new CHIP grant NSP

Wednesday:

4:30 p.m. Drug Free Youth Coalition – Past to Present – BHS Library

7:30 p.m. Fair Board meeting

Thursday:

8:30 a.m. COMMISSION IN SESSION

9:00 a.m. Logan County Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Metro Housing

9:30 a.m. USDA, Chris Franzmann, Tony Brossard, 5/3, Progressive re: Logan Acres funding meeting

12:00 p.m. JDC Board meeting (CORE)

1:00 p.m. LUC meeting (BAYLISS)

3:00 p.m. Bid date for BR 26-2.68 box beams

Friday:

7:30 a.m. DBP Executive Board meeting – Dale’s Coffee (CORE)

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

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