Pastor CJ Plogger has been traveling to Haiti since 1997, and the recent earthquake tragedy isn’t slowing him down this year.

Once a year, Plogger goes to the island country to help doctors and dentists give the Haitians medical and dental care; hosting five to six clinics in a week. Each clinic can see between 400 and 800 people.

Mr. Plogger is new to the Bellefontaine area, just beginning his work at the First Church of God on East Brown Ave. in 2009.

Haiti, and its people, has left a huge impact on Plogger. “Once you meet them and go down to their country,” he said, “you just fall in love with them.” He speaks fluent Creole, the native Haitian language, and interprets for the doctors and dentists he travels with.

Plogger said he was devastated when he found out about the earthquake, but is positive about the Haitians ability to rebuild, although it may not be in a timely fashion. “I foresee that this is going to take years, and years, and we’re going to see a lot of rubble, we’re going to see a lot of debris, we’re going to see just an incredible amount of trash and sanitation issues. But the Haitians will survive.”

The First Church of God will be collecting medication for a group trip to Haiti in July, partnering with a church from Anderson, Indiana. They will be collecting over the counter medicine as well as gauze and bandages. Plogger said the group would need to double the amount of medication this year, due to the recent devastation in the country.

“Anything collected will be given directly to Haitians who need it,” said Plogger. The group will only give out as much medication as they have; when they run out, they have to shut down the clinics.

Listen to Pastor CJ Plogger talk about his past visits to Haiti, reaction to the earthquake, and how people can help.

DP&L has restored power in and around Lakeview.

About 2,800 customers lost power Friday afternoon.

Crews had to fix a main power line that runs under State Route 235 near the south end of Indian Lake.

The outage was repaired by two o’clock Saturday morning.

Because of the cold weather, the Red Cross opened a warming shelter at the Indian Lake Church of the Nazarene at 13699 State Route 235 North.

No one stayed overnight, but the shelter did help several folks last evening.

The Logan County EMA assisted setting up the shelter, which was open until early Saturday morning.

Mad River Mountain will be presenting Winterfest on Saturday.

The day’s events include: Ski Races, Cash Purse Big Air, Live Entertainment, a Tubing Party with Ronnie Hunter, and thousands of dollars in prize giveaways.

There will be live entertainment from several talented, local artists from 4pm-2am in the Loft.

At 11:00pm, a winner will be selected for a three-day, two-night trip for two to Mount Snow in Vermont. Contestants can register at the on-site booth the day of the event.

Every county in the state held a house party for Republican gubernatorial candidate John Kasich Thursday night.

The Logan County Republican Party hosted its house party for Kasich’s “One Night, 88 Counties, One Promise” event at the newest restaurant in Bellefontaine, Chattan Loch.

On four laptops, attendees watched Kasich talk on economy, education and answer questions on President Obama’s State of the Union speech from Wednesday night. The speech was webcast statewide.

Ranae Lentz, Executive Chairman of the Logan County Republican Party, said the fact that the speech was broadcast to so many people was very exciting. “This was Mr. Kasich’s way of touching everyone across the state of Ohio at the same time, so that we all got the same information.”

Lentz said that she was very pleased with the event and the response from the audience. “We had no idea what to expect. I’m really pleased, and I think it was a positive response of the growing Republican interest.”

Listen to Executive Chairman of the Logan County Republican Party, Ranae Lentz talk about why these events are important, what part of his speech was most important to her, and how she felt the event went.

For more information on John Kasich visit www.kasichforohio.com.

The Logan County Republican Party meets for its monthly luncheon at the Elks Lodge on February 8 at noon, featuring speaker Attorney General candidate Mike DeWine.

As the 2009 Logan County United Way Campaign enters its last three months, local United Way Agencies have submitted funding requests well over 2009 levels, due to the increased needs because of high unemployment in the area.

(Pictured left to right: Steve Austin, Mike Minnich, Ryan Shoffstall, Tom Reynolds, and Jack Reser unveil a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS2/RS Friday morning at Steve Austin’s.)

This year’s United Way Campaign Co-chairs, Jack Reser and Mike Minnich, unveiled a new way Friday morning to meet the agency’s goal of $730,000 - the amount needed to assist Logan Countians in need this year – a car raffle. The car will be on display at local businesses and events; and is currently in the showroom at Steve Austin’s Auto Group on South Main Street. 

One lucky ticket holder will drive home a silver, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS2/RS worth over $37,000, with sales tax paid by United Way. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the United Way offices, member agencies and several local businesses. A maximum of 4,500 tickets will be sold for the drawing that will be held on April 21st. 

Mr. Minnich thanked Steve Austin’s Auto Group for providing the vehicle at below dealer cost; and recognized Tom Reynolds and Bill Boy for co-chairing this important project.

“With the economic conditions today, we knew at the start of the campaign that serving the increasing needs of our friends and neighbors would take more time, more volunteers, more ideas and more money”, said Reser. “A chance to win a car capable of zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds is a fun way to entice people to have some fun, while supporting United Way with a $20 donation.

Full details are available at Logan County United Way - www.uwlogan.org. or call 592-2886, or 122 North Main Street, Bellefontaine.

Stokes Township Trustee Dustin Wickersham (pictured) filed campaign petitions for the Republican nomination for Logan County Commissioner to the Board of Elections this week.

“I am ready to begin working to help our community. This campaign is about savings, investing wisely, and helping small businesses create and keep jobs.” added Wickersham.

Wickersham is currently serving as the chairman of the Stokes Township Trustees.

Over the last two years, the township has cut spending by nearly $100,000, improved township efficiencies, and focused on addressing constituent concerns.

Wickersham stated, “Our county is in difficult financial trouble. The county’s ending cash balances are dwindling down to zero. The public is looking for accountability from our government. I am ready to get to work.”

Wickersham announced his candidacy last September.

The filing deadline for the May 4th primary is Thursday, February 18th.

The Logan County Educational Service Center is pleased to announce the first and second place winners in the four middle schools in Logan County.

Indian Lake                             Jan 13, 2010
            1st        Dustin Roby 7th
            2nd       Gianna Adams 6th

Bellefontaine City Schools     Jan. 20, 2010
          1st          Gabe Sickmiller 7th
          2nd          Mitchell Hudson 7th

Benjamin Logan                      Jan. 22, 2010
          1st           Kaitlyn Erwin 7th
          2nd          Drew Ryan-Wasson 5th

Riverside                                 Jan. 28, 2010
          1st            Evan Downing 8th
          2nd           Julianne Briggs 6th

These eight students will participate in the Logan County Spelling Bee on Tuesday, February 2nd at Riverside at 6:30 p.m. This countywide event will feature the first and second place winners from each school district Spelling Bee.

The winner of the Logan County Spelling Bee will move on to the 2010 Regional Spelling Bee, on Saturday, March 6th. Following registration, the students will take a written exam. In the afternoon, there will be an oral competition for the students that qualify.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee will be held on June 3-4 in Washington, D.C.

The Marysville Post of the State Highway Patrol responded to a minor injury accident between Bellefontaine and West Liberty this morning around one o’clock.

Elizabeth Nease, 34, of Springfield, was driving an ‘84 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight northbound on Route 68 north of Township Road 190 when she attempted to pass another car, then lost control and went off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox and a utility pole.

Nease was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital by West Liberty EMS.

She was cited for failure to control.

Nease was wearing her seat belt.

Her car suffered heavy damage.

Local State Senator Karen Gillmor (R-Tiffin) was recently named 2009 Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Corn Growers Association, the Ohio Soybean Association and the Ohio Wheat Growers Association for her dedicated work to develop Ohio’s promising bioproducts industry and strong support of Ohio agriculture in the General Assembly.

(Pictured: Senator Gillmor (center) is pictured with Tadd Nicholson from the Ohio Corn Growers Association and Jamie Butts, representing the Ohio Soybean Association, after being recognized as Legislator of the Year for her work to grow Ohio’s budding bioproducts industry.)

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by Ohio’s agriculture community, which has had such an important impact on the growth of our state and region and the success of our economy,” said Gillmor, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “I will continue to do everything I can in the Legislature to support Ohio farmers and help our state’s agriculture industry prosper.”

Last June, Sen. Gillmor introduced Senate Bill 131, legislation that would establish an Ohio bio-products preferred purchasing program for state agencies and state-supported colleges and universities. Similar to “Buy Ohio” provisions in current law, which mandate that the state support Ohio vendors whenever possible, “Buy Bio-Ohio” would require these public institutions to give purchasing preference to bio-based products when a bio-based alternative is available.

Sen. Gillmor explained that SB 131 would allow the state to use its considerable purchasing power to grow the market for innovative products made from Ohio crops, helping to attract investment and jobs to our local communities, enhance research opportunities at Ohio colleges and universities and provide a significant boost to our state’s agriculture industry. A number of high-profile Ohio companies, including Battelle, Ashland Chemical, Proctor and Gamble, Sherwin Williams, Univenture and the Scotts Company, have already been successful in developing plastics, paints and packaging supplies made with corn, soybeans and other renewable agricultural materials.

“There is tremendous economic potential growing in farm fields across the 26th Senate District and other parts of the state,” said Gillmor. “Ohio farmers will continue to put food on Ohioans’ tables for years to come, but thanks to advances in research and technology in bioproducts development the crops they harvest have tremendous promise to help revive manufacturing in our state, stimulate investment and create jobs.”

SB 131 passed the Senate unanimously in September and is currently pending in the Ohio House. If approved, Ohio would become the first state in the country with a bioproducts preferred purchasing program.

The Gillmor family has strong agricultural roots in Ohio. They have farmed in Sandusky and Seneca counties for generations, and Uncle Spive Gillmor served on the statewide Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Board for 24 years.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address.

“President Obama laid out a robust job-creating agenda to help middle class families. The economic meltdown can be traced to Wall Street, but it continues to devastate everyday Americans across the country and here in Ohio. That's why I am encouraged by the President's call for a new jobs bill that will build on the progress spurred from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and jumpstart private sector growth and investments in small businesses, energy, and infrastructure. I am also grateful that the president has heard our small business people and will be dedicating significant resources to enhance access to credit.

“In the face of instability a year ago, the President has since made important, targeted investments that are helping people find employment and advance industries that have the potential for long-term growth. In addition, countless Ohioans have benefited from the resources provided to support critical health and safety services and to protect our schools from potentially devastating cuts.

"President Obama pledged to continue the essential work of strengthening our education system and achieving meaningful health reform that will protect Americans from rising costs or the risk of losing coverage.

“I look forward to working with the President to pursue our shared goals of rebuilding a thriving middle class and getting the country back on a path to lasting prosperity.”

Congressman Jim Jordan (pictured, R-Urbana) released the following statement on last night’s State of the Union speech delivered by President Barack Obama:

For the past year, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi have led the nation on a reckless course of uncontrolled spending and a massive new government expansion into the private businesses and personal lives of Americans.

These big-government policies, from the $787 billion stimulus bill that failed to create jobs, to the budgets and bailouts that are creating an insurmountable debt for our children and grandchildren, have been disastrous to our economy.

Tonight, the President said he wants to increase federal spending even more, then “freeze” spending at an ultra-high level. Continuing this irresponsible level of spending will further put this country on a collision course with disaster.

Last week, the voters of Massachusetts sent a clear message to Washington – stop the big spending. The President heard the same message when he visited with job-creators in Ohio last week – big spending doesn’t create jobs.

I have supported the concept of a freeze, but the baseline number must be much lower. If the President is willing to freeze non-security spending at the levels from when he took office last year – before the stimulus, before the other big increases - then you will find Republicans ready to work with him.

If the administration is serious about fiscal responsibility, then let’s get to work – but it’s going to take more than budget gimmicks and bloated baselines to get our economy moving again.

The Ohio Hi-Point School Board welcomed a slew of new faces Wednesday night when the board held its first meeting of 2010.

Seven of the 17 board members were experiencing their first Ohio Hi-Point Board of Education meeting Wednesday night. Consequently, Wednesday’s meeting consisted largely of greetings and salutations as the new board members tried to get acclimated to their new roll.

To help facilitate the transition the Ohio Hi-Point administrative staff has set up New Board Orientation sessions for new members.

Superintendent Kim Davis says that because Ohio Hi-Point is so big and deals with so many students over a large geographic area with locations scattered throughout the area, it can often be overwhelming to new members.

“It can be a little bit of a different dynamic here,” Davis said, “so we try and bring new members along a little bit at a time so we don’t flood them with too much.”

The seven new members include: Brian Wright, Riverside; Chuck Buck, West Liberty-Salem; Robert White, Ridgemont; Brian Moots, Upper Scioto Valley; Bill McDaniel, Triad; Doug Lassiter, Marysville; and Tom Brookhart, Waynesfield-Goshen.

Though the agenda was relatively light, board members, old and new, did take some action Wednesday night.

The group accepted the resignations of Mike Miller, who formerly served as Evening Coordinator, effective last December for the purpose of other employment and Nila Marquard, a Family and Consumer Science Instructor and former principal effective Feb. 26 for the purpose of retirement.

The board also directed Treasurer Eric Adelsberger to increase appropriations by $82,004.75 as the district recently received a pair of grants.

One grant is a Project Search Grant, for the purpose of career technical instruction, worth $300.75. The other grant, a TAA Grant for the purpose of adult instruction, is worth $81,704.00

The board will meet again February 24th at 7 p.m.

The Bellefontaine City Council met in regular session on Tuesday night.

Mayor Adam Brannon gave his State of the City address to council and attending residents, staying positive about the city’s progress throughout 2009 as well as looking forward to 2010.

Council also discussed changing the ordinance on derelict homes, making the penalty higher for homeowners not keeping their property.

Dr. Mike Gleason approached council once again about the run-down homes on Chillicothe Ave. and Mayor Brannon talked about how these homes are not the only ones that are a problem in the city. An ordinance will be on the council’s agenda next month.

Kris Swisher approached council about attending an event at the Holland Theatre on February 12 for the Olympic Opening Ceremony to watch as local snowboarder Louie Vito makes his run for the gold. She also proposed to council that February 12 become Louie Vito Day in the city of Bellefontaine. Mayor Brannon agreed to this, and plans on making a proclamation on that day.

Listen to Mayor Brannon discuss his State of the City address, derelict homes in the city, and making February 12 Louie Vito Day.

Three house-keeping ordinances were passed on first reading only by council, including allowing the Service Safety Director to enter into a revolving loan fund administration with the state of Ohio, authorizing the Mayor and/or the Service Safety Director to apply for formula funds and related neighborhood revitalization funds from the state, and lastly, an ordinance creating the position of Construction Engineer following the Assistant City Engineer’s retirement.

Council meets again on February 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Union County Sheriff Rocky Nelson announced Wednesday that as a result of budget cuts he will have to institute short-term layoffs for deputies, dispatchers, sergeants and corporals effective immediately.

According to a press release issued by the Union County Sheriff’s office, these short-term layoffs amount to nine days without pay for union employees and will be spread throughout 2010 to maintain operational efficiency and have the least impact on services provided by the sheriff's office.

“Rather than completely layoff at least four deputies right now for the entire year and perhaps more later on,” Nelson said in the press release, “this option keeps our staffing the same and we don’t have to cut services to the public. I know the four deputies that would have lost their jobs really appreciate the fact this option was available.”

The layoffs come on the heels of a 5.1% cut to the Sheriff’s salary budget. With a salary budget less than 2009’s appropriations and contractual obligations to meet, Sheriff Nelson was originally faced with a deficit of over $250,000.

The Unions voted to keep pay increases of 14% for deputies, 13.5% for dispatchers, and 11.7% for sergeants and corporals that were negotiated in a three-year contract that took affect in 2008. The pay increases were larger in 2010, due to wage concessions made by the Union’s in 2009.

The short-term layoffs this year follow six civilian and one part-time patrol deputy position laid off or abolished in March 2009 due to budget cuts. There are currently six open positions not being filled for 2010, in addition to the layoffs that occurred in 2009.

Written by student reporter and BHS junior Jessica Haushalter

January is national hobby month. Since national hobby month comes at the same time as new year’s resolutions, your resolutions can provide great ideas for new hobbies to try. If you’ve resolved to be more physically active you could get into hiking, running, swimming, and so on. However if you’re less inclined to physical activity you could pick up a more restful hobby like reading, knitting, or scrapbooking.

Bellefontaine High School students have many diverse hobbies. A lot of the students said that their favorite hobbies were playing video games, participating in a sport, and hanging out with friends. Some more unique hobbies of students include dirt biking, playing in a band, gymnastics, and finding ways to help the environment.

Students at BHS can find many clubs and activities that cater to their hobbies and interests. People who enjoy singing can participate in varsity choir, honors choir, women’s glee, Les Fons, or the musical. Juniors Evan Wells and John Whitehead are pictured looking over a piece of their choir music.

Other musical outlets for students include concert and symphonic band, jazz band, orchestra, and solo and ensemble contest. If someone is more interested in other activities, there are plenty of choices for them too. Runners can join track or cross country. For the adventurous ones who enjoy running outside in the cold, there is polar bear club which is a group of students that run together during the winter months. BHS students can also participate in sports like wrestling, softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, football, swimming, golf, tennis, or bowling.

People who are interested in helping the community can join one of the many service clubs that the high school offers. There is Key Club, Agape, FCCLA, and more. There are also clubs that cater directly to student’s interests, such as the Spanish Club.

Since January is national hobby month it is the perfect time to try a new hobby. Many of the students said that they wanted to try their hand at cooking because they thought it would be fun to be able to create a lot of different dishes of food. Some students also said that they would like to become more active at reading because it would make a good pastime.

Listen to senior Jared Elton talk about how his hobby turned into a program at his church.

Listen to junior John Whitehead (pictured) talk about what he does in his spare time.

Listen to sophomore Felicia Baker talk about her interest in video games.

Listen to senior Katie King talk about why she enjoys her hobbies.

The DeGraff Police Department arrested a local driver on multiple charges after a traffic stop at Miami Street and Church Street around 6:30 last night.

Authorities stopped a car driven by Nicole McCall (pictured), 30, of 260 North Mill Street, DeGraff, for a registration violation.

When officers approached McCall’s vehicle, one of them saw a marijuana pipe and marijuana cigarette in the ashtray.

She reportedly concealed the pipe down her pants.

When confronted about the pipe, McCall removed it from her pants and gave it to the officer.

McCall was charged with driving with an expired license, registration violation, drug paraphernalia, and obstructing justice.

She was lodged in the Logan County Jail.

Six defendants were sentenced and three pled guilty before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor (pictured) earlier this week.

Brad Doseck, 29, of Bellefontaine, was sentenced to twelve months in prison for receiving stolen property.

Justin Reilley, 18, of Lakeview, was sentenced to the West Central Community Based Correctional Facility, ordered to serve five years community control, and pay restitution, attorney fees, and court costs for burglary and theft.

Joe Hatfield, 36, of Russells Point, was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay attorney fees and court costs for non-support of dependents.

Danny Estep, 47, of East Liberty, was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees, and court costs for possession of marijuana.

Emily Stidham, 34, of Urbana, was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail for permitting drug abuse.

Woodie Linville, 56, of Cridersville, was granted intervention in lieu of conviction for deception to obtain a dangerous drug. She must complete drug counseling and three years community control.

Roger Huffman, 45, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to sexual battery and gross sexual imposition, James Board, 41, of Lakeview, pled guilty to gross sexual imposition, and Cody Predmore, 18, of Bellefontaine, pled guilty to receiving stolen property and forgery. Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for March 1st.

In Tuesday’s State of the State address, attended by State Representative Dave Burke (R-Marysville), Governor Strickland highlighted many of the problems facing Ohio. He also spoke about several of his achievements and goals for the next year. However, Ohio’s growing unemployment rate, increasing poverty levels and decreasing opportunity have left the majority of Ohioans feeling sour on Strickland’s past performance.

“DHL and National Cash Registers’ exit from Ohio last year highlight an ever growing economic problem in Ohio. Job retention and development efforts have been lacking” said State Representative Dave Burke. “Until a real focus to put Ohioans back to work begins at the top, our state will continue down the path of uncertainty.”

Social needs have increased as the economy suffers in Ohio. In an effort to stabilize the state budget, Governor Strickland has increased driver registration late fees, started a new Hospital Assessment Tax, and cut aid to private colleges. Still, this was not enough as the final decrease in the State income tax was delayed in order to balance shrinking state revenue.

“Working Ohioans and profitable businesses fund our state. It’s just that simple.” Burke continued “Making Ohio competitive and putting people back to work is the only real solution. We should be engaged in a bipartisan effort towards this singular goal.”

The upcoming November election could make this the last State of the State given by Strickland.

In his 2010 State of the State Address, Governor Strickland outlined pragmatic solutions to address Ohio’s immediate economic challenges without breaking the bank – and how Ohio is laying a foundation for steady economic progress and a thriving middle class.  He believes there isn’t a single thing wrong with Ohio that can’t be fixed by what’s right with Ohio.  Governor Strickland is:

Accelerating Ohio’s Advanced Energy Economy to Create Jobs

Ohio has emerged as a leader in the advanced energy sector because of Governor Strickland’s strategic, targeted investments and aggressive energy plan, SB 221, to develop the energy industry in Ohio. Ohio’s advanced energy companies are investing in Ohio, growing and creating jobs.  Ohio is ranked #1 in new green jobs created last year and #1 in renewable and advanced energy manufacturing projects.

The Governor’s 2010 agenda builds on this foundation by:

Establishing the Energy Gateway Fund, a $40 million commitment of state and federal stimulus funds to grow and sustain fuel cell, solar, wind, and energy storage industries. The fund will offer capital to advanced energy companies with products ready for the commercial market.  And we will at least double the impact of the investments by requiring a minimum dollar-for-dollar match from private funds – supporting long-term industry growth in Ohio.

Enhancing Ohio’s competitiveness to attract wind and solar facilities by eliminating Ohio’s tangible personal property tax on generation for wind and solar facilities that begin construction in 2010, produce energy by 2012, and create Ohio jobs.

Branding Ohio “America’s Energy Gateway” and showcasing Ohio’s position in renewable energy to visitors at Ohio Turnpike service plazas in Williams and Mahoning counties and future ODOT projects.

Supporting Entrepreneurs and Businesses to Innovate, Compete and Create Jobs

Ohio business taxes are the lowest in the Midwest.  And by seeing the 2005 tax reforms through, the Strickland Administration has provided Ohioans with the largest tax cut in modern state history.  The Strickland Administration continues to make strategic, targeted investments in growing industries – bioscience, agriculture and bioproducts, aerospace, logistics, insurance and financial services – and to support our small and minority businesses.  Ohio is the only state where exports have grown each year since 1998. And Governor Strickland has made education the cornerstone of Ohio’s plan for long-term economic growth and success.

The Governor’s 2010 agenda builds on this foundation by:

Renewing the Successful Third Frontier Program, which has created 48,000 jobs for Ohioans and leveraged more than $6.6 billion in outside investments.

Addressing the credit crunch by creating the Small Business Growth Partnership, a business-lending clearinghouse to help small businesses find the working capital they need to grow their businesses and create jobs.  Because lack of access to capital is the single greatest factor inhibiting economic recovery, the Strickland administration and State Treasurer Kevin Boyce are working with lenders to establish a working capital jobs fund, a public-private partnership to establish a new, dedicated source for business working capital.

Establishing Insource Ohio, an effort between the state and Ohio companies currently outsourcing or considering outsourcing to demonstrate how our workforce can meet their needs within a business model that remains competitive.

Developing a groundbreaking agreement between Cincinnati-based P&G and the University System of Ohio aimed at strengthening research collaborations between our university faculty and students and P&G. This initiative will turn innovative ideas into economic development and new jobs in Ohio. The governor also charged the Ohio Auto Industry Support Council with building a similar network between Ohio’s manufacturers and the cutting-edge research going on in Ohio.

Implementing the Regulatory Reform Fast TRAC at the Ohio Department of Transportation to accelerate funding and final approval for Ohio’s most promising job-creating transportation projects. The state will dedicate $100 million in cost savings to these Fast TRAC projects, putting more Ohioans to work building roads, repairing bridges and making Ohio move.

Expanding Cleveland’s Jumpstart Program to a pilot project to assist high-potential minority owned firms in developing business plans for sustained growth and in accessing venture capital in 21 Northeast Ohio counties.

Expanding Education, Training and Job Opportunities for Ohio Workers

Ohio’s workforce is second-to-none and Governor Strickland intends to keep it that way.  Since 2007, the state helped train more than 140,000 Ohioans and improved job-training efforts to match workers with jobs that are hard to outsource in high-growth industry sectors.  Enrollment to community colleges has grown 23 percent over the last three years and 65,591 more Ohioans are enrolled in our public colleges and universities than in 2006.

The Governor’s 2010 agenda builds on this foundation by:

Establishing Build Your Own Business, a statewide expansion of the highly successful program at Lorain County Community College where they offer business training and support to budding small business people – and where 60 of the 62 businesses they have mentored are succeeding.  Through a partnership with Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers, state community colleges and adult career centers, the state will offer unemployed Ohioans courses and training on starting a business, and the opportunity to work with business mentors and access small start-up loans of up to $5,000.

Creating a Manufacturing Certificate that manufacturing workers can obtain to show employers their full range of job skills and experience. This official credential can also be used to earn credit toward additional job training and education.

And working with the legislature to prioritize casino license revenue toward workforce development programs that work.  The governor is asking the legislature to consider:

Implementing Ohio’s Co-op Internship program to give college students an opportunity to get invaluable experience in their field and encourage our young people to stay and build their lives in Ohio.

Continuing support for the Ohio Workforce Guarantee program that averts layoffs and spurs business expansion by providing training resources to companies.

Creating the Urban Workforce Initiative to provide incentives for Ohio companies to immediately put unemployed workers from our urban centers back to work.

Revitalizing our Cities and Rural Economies to Create Jobs

Ohio is home to proud, world-class cities and small rural and farming communities, each with their own economic identities. Acknowledging that the success of Ohio rests on the growth of our cities and rural communities, the governor’s State of the State lays out strategic investments to move both forward:

Establishing Hubs of Innovation and Opportunity in Ohio’s Largest Cities. The state will provide planning money and development assistance to further build connections between industry strengths anchored in Ohio’s urban cores and their surrounding regions.

Urging legislative action on three Compact with Ohio Cities Task Force recommendations:

- Authorize the Creation of Transportation Innovation Authorities (TIAs), a new and unique tool for regional cooperation between the public and private sectors on significant transportation investments, like intermodal facilities, roadway and bridge projects, public transit-oriented development, light rail or intercity rail.
- Expand Cuyahoga County’s successful pilot Land Banks program by allowing local and state governments to take ownership of vacant land parcels in order to make them available for future productive use.
- Pass a comprehensive bill to reduce foreclosures and assist Ohio homeowners.

Launching the Ohio Neighborhood Harvest to do a better job getting Ohio-grown and raised foods onto the dinner tables of Ohio families.  Ohioans spend about $43 billion every year on food, but only 3 percent of that spending goes to products from Ohio farms.  This program will improve access to Ohio-grown products, ensure that people in every neighborhood have access to affordable, healthy food, and help boost our rural economies.

Aggressively Pursue the Construction of a Biorefinery, building on Ohio’s agricultural output, knowledge and ideal location for the development of a biorefinery, which converts farm output into food, fuel and biopolymers.  Just about any product made today from petroleum-based plastic – toothbrushes, cell phones, printer cartridges – can be made from biopolymers.

The Kenton Police Department reports that a local woman was arrested on multiple charges after lying about a recent robbery at the Family Dollar Store on 230 South Detroit Street.

Officers were sent to the store last Tuesday after two men reportedly entered the store, assaulted an employee, and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

Tonia McCullough, 34, of 412 North Madriver Street, Bellefontaine, was arrested on Friday evening.

She was charged with two counts of grand theft and one count of tampering with evidence.

Each charge is a felony.

McCullough was lodged in the Multi-County Jail in Marion.

Police say McCullough lied about the robbery to cover her theft.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and BCI assisted at the scene.

County Engineer Scott Coleman sat in on West Liberty Village Council’s regular session meeting Monday night to update council on attempts to reconstruct W. Columbus St.

Coleman said that the street was the county’s top project of 2009, and was going to be sent to the state engineer to ask for funding. Phase 1 of the project will cost the village $357,300, which is not in their budget range.

Mr. Coleman and Andy Shuman of Choice One Engineering (both pictured below) gave council several options to make it more likely that the state will give them funding.

The project was first proposed in 2001; Mayor Greg Hostetler said the project has been on the table for too long, and something needs to be done soon.

Council also approved new equipment for the village’s police department to use while on duty. One is a camera for the department to use in its squad car on traffic stops, and another is an audio/video recorder for domestic calls.

Listen to Mayor Hostetler talk about the reconstruction project, as well as the new equipment for the police department.

Chris Crosby and Christina Shotts, both Indian Lake High School students, will be performing as members of the OMEA All State Choir. 

They will be attending rehearsals Wednesday through Friday with a performance on Friday, January 29th, at 8:15 p.m. at the Cincinnati Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati. 

The concert will be the headline event of the evening’s festivities.

Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) today filed petitions to run for re-election to represent Ohio's 4th District in Congress. Jordan, currently serving his second term, said he would continue leading the fight for conservative fiscal policies like balanced budgets, reduced federal spending, and less burdensome mandates on job-creating small businesses.

(Pictured: Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) filing his reelection petitions Monday with Jeff Wilkinson, Deputy Director of the Richland County Board of Elections.)

"Over the past twelve months, we’ve fought against big-government programs that would take us in the wrong direction. With the help of the American people, we are winning that fight, and I enter this campaign with a renewed sense of optimism about our chances to bring true fiscal responsibility to Washington,” said Jordan.

“I am convinced that the American people are ready to send Congress a message in November that big government is not the answer, and that to turn our economy around, we must first end the uncontrolled taxing, borrowing and spending that is mortgaging the future of our children.”

Jordan was the only member of the House or Senate to introduce a balanced budget in 2009. Jordan said he will introduce a balanced budget again this year, to build on the 111 votes it received on the House floor in 2009. One added feature to this year’s balanced budget bill, he said, would be an across-the-board cut to the office budgets of Members of Congress.

“It’s typical for the elite class in Washington to pass laws forcing new mandates on families and small business owners, while exempting Congress from the same laws,” Jordan noted. My balanced budget bill is going to say that the federal government, beginning with Members of Congress, will have to tighten their belt first.”

Jordan’s accomplishments also include offering more spending cuts on the House floor and in the Budget Committee than any other member of Congress, and receiving the highest rating of any Ohio Congressman from the National Taxpayers Union for the 2007-08 session.

Jordan said that recent polling numbers and the upset Republican win in Massachusetts suggests the country is ready to elect new members of Congress that share his belief in fiscally responsible spending policies.

"Americans agree that more borrowing and spending is not the answer to the challenges we face,” Jordan said. “If it was, we would have solved the problem long ago.  We need fiscal responsibility, and I am ready to continue leading the fight for it.”

The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities held its annual organizational meeting last Thursday and elected the following slate of officers: Denyse Bayliss President; Bernie Tuttle Vice President; and Mike Hassel Recording Secretary. The board also made committee appointments for the year. Board members serve as volunteers appointed by the Logan County Commissioners and Probate Judge.

Board President Denyse Bayliss presented guest Mike Sandlin with a plaque for his service to the board since 1997. Mike has served as president of the board for the past several years. Mike reflected on the growth he has seen in the program since he joined the board. The board will have a new board member appointed by the Probate Judge to replace Mr. Sandlin. The terms of office for these volunteer board members is four years per term with the possibility of re-appointment for up to two more terms. The Probate Judge is in the process of selecting a new member at this time. The Logan County Commissioners reappointed board members Denyse Bayliss and Connie Hudson to the board for another four-year term effective January 1st, 2010.

In other personnel matters, the board was introduced to four new staff members; Dina Hurley, filling a vacant position as assistant cook; Emily Reminder, filling a vacant position as Service Support Administrator and Karen Lewis and Peggy Mabrey filling two vacant Vocational Support Service positions. It was also noted several new substitutes in various areas have been hired recently.

The annual elected officials’ breakfast will be held Friday, March 26th in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. This year’s theme will be “Just Like You,” a theme that focuses on the similar hopes and desires we all share as families, learners, workers, and citizens of Logan County.

The next regular board meeting will be Thursday, February 18th at the board office conference room at 5:30 p.m.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office arrested a rural Huntsville man on multiple charges after he threatened to kill his girlfriend Saturday night around 11:30.

Chris Wickline, 23, of 6205 Township Road 56, was hosting a party with teenage friends when (for an unknown reason) he brandished a handgun and a shotgun and threatened to kill Kelsea Runkle, 16, of Jackson Center.

Deputies charged Wickline with aggravated menacing, possession of drug paraphernalia, furnishing alcohol to underage persons, two counts of assault, and two counts of contributing.

Runkle, Cody Parrett, 16, of Bellefontaine, Preston Robinson, 20, of Lewistown, and Jessica Robinson, 20, of Lewistown, were each charged with underage consumption.

Wickline was lodged in the Logan County Jail.

No one was injured.

Mayor Greg Iiams (pictured) has received official notice from State Auditor Mary Taylor that the Village of Russells Point has completed all requirements and has successfully been released from fiscal emergency.

Ms. Taylor wrote in her letter:

“The Village of Russells Point has made satisfactory progress in implementing a sound accounting and reporting system and the monitoring requirement of the Auditor of State under Section 118.27(A) (2) of the Ohio Revised Code has been concluded.

My sincere congratulations and hope for continued success to the Village of Russells Point in maintaining financial stability in future years.”

Iiams expresses his thanks to the State of Ohio Auditor’s staff for their assistance, the members of the Financial Planning and Supervision Commission, the many elected officials, and the residents of the Village of Russells Point for their support.

“It has taken several years and a lot of time to return this village to a positive and progressive entity with a future,” Mayor Iiams said.

Russells Point Village Council meets next Monday night at seven o’clock.

The West Liberty-Salem Junior High Science Olympiad team traveled to Centerville Saturday to compete in the 12th Annual Cincinnati Bell Magsig Invitational Tournament. Out of 39 teams from Ohio and surrounding states, the WLS team placed 3rd overall. They finished behind two teams from Solon Middle School who won last year’s National Science Olympiad Tournament.

Place / School Name  /  Score (lowest wins)
1    Solon Middle School #1            92
2    Solon Middle School #2          146
3    West Liberty-Salem MS #1     176

Here is a picture (above) of the West Liberty-Salem Junior High team from the Magsig Invitational:
Front Row: Coach Cara Wolfe, Coach Cameron Spencer, Jackson Sanborn, Jonathon Wolfe, Nick Davis, Dustin Wooten, Elizabeth Hance
Second Row: Nick Cordell, Alyssa Kauffman, Carrissa Magnuson, Zach Chapman, Jordon Wolfe, Olivia Fryman, Brandon Smoot, Coach Crystal Davis
Third Row: Victoria Benefiel, Sam Warye, Beau Humphrey, Cody Taylor, Sawyer Shafer, Rebekkah Gresh, Chris Davis, Miranda Etgen, Darby Thomas, Trevor Davis
Fourth Row: Corey Lianez, Colby Schwaderer, Kevin Olbrysh, Mollie Etgen, Matt Kauffman, Megan Etgen, Steven Bailey, Anna Naderer, Levi Spencer

During the tournament, one West Liberty-Salem team won by mere millimeters. The team of Colby Schwaderer and Levi Spencer placed their Battery Buggy the closest to the target and did so in a very quick time. Here is a picture (left) of the judges measuring the 9 millimeters they were away from perfect. The buggies are not remote controlled, but rather are aimed and programmed to drive forward a given distance on a smooth floor screeching to a halt on the given mark. Various drive lines and methods of braking were used by the different teams. The team of Schwaderer and Spencer used a caliper to premeasure a screw type limit switch to accomplish their gold medal results.

Gold Medal winners included:
Colby Schwaderer and Levi Spencer in 2 events: Battery Buggy & Fossils
Anna Naderer and Elizabeth Hance in “Write It, Do It”

Silver Medal winners were:
Matt Kauffman and Corey Lianez in Road Scholar
Elizabeth Hance and Dustin Wooten in Trajectory

Bronze Medal winners were:
Anna Naderer and Allissa Kauffman in Elevated Bridges

Ribbon winners are as follows:
4th Place
Megan Etgen & Elizabeth Hance in Can’t Judge a Powder
Molly Etgen & Darby Thomas in Elevated Bridges
Levi Spencer, Sawyer Shafer, Nick Davis & Jordon Wolfe in Pentathlon
Megan Etgen & Matt Kauffman in Wright Stuff

5th Place
Nick Cordell & Kevin Olbrysh in Junkyard Challenge

6th Place
Rebekkah Gresh & Corey Lianez in Bio-Process Lab
Anna Naderer & Nick Davis in Compute This
Beau Humphrey & Trevor Davis in Trajectory
Jackson Sanborn & Chris Davis in Wright Stuff

7th Place
Zack Chapman & Beau Humphrey in Dynamic Planet
Rebekkah Gresh & Nick Davis in Meteorology

8th Place
Dustin Wooten & Colby Schwaderer in Dynamic Planet
Matt Kauffman & Carissa Magnuson in Shock Value

The West Liberty-Salem High School Science Olympiad team competed at the Pickerington Invitational on Saturday and placed 12th out of 32 teams.

Six took home bronze medals which included:
Elizabeth Gresh & Becca Hager in Dynamic Planet
Chris Edwards & Katie Scott in Write It, Do It
Sara Naderer, Hannah Hartsel, & Becca Hager in Mission Possible

Ribbon winners
4th Place - Sara Naderer & Sarah Hunt in Mouse Trap Vehicle
4th Place - John Hance & Sara Hunt in Trajectory
6th Place – Hanna Hartsel & Sarah Hunt in Elevated Bridges

WLS Middle & High School teams will travel to Solon, Ohio on February 6th for their next competition.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office reports that a motorist struck a house on County Road 38 in Richland Township (near the covered bridge northwest of Huntsville) around two o’clock Saturday morning.

The living room area suffered structure damage.

The residents, who were in another room, were not injured.

The driver fled and remains at large.

The Richland Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Deputies are following your leads at 592-5731.

The Weekly Agenda for Commissioners Core, Knight, and Bayliss for the week of January 25th through January 29th

Monday:

1:30 p.m. Logan County EMA – Executive Policy Committee meeting – conference room EMA (KNIGHT)

Tuesday:

8:30 a.m. COMMISSION IN SESSION

2:30 p.m. Garis Pugh, John Cleek, and Don Morrison re: Middleburg

3:30 p.m. Logan County LEPC – quarterly meeting – Memorial Hall

Wednesday:

7:30 p.m. Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership – Board meeting – Edward Jones (CORE)

Thursday:

7:30 a.m. Family and Children First Council – Discovery Center (CORE)

8:30 a.m. COMMISSION IN SESSION

10:00 a.m. Logan Acres Board meeting – Logan Acres

2:00 p.m. Bid date for stone, gasoline, diesel for 2010

Friday:

 

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.