As far as the rankings go; the city of Toledo is not even in the top 50 cities in terms of population.   But when it comes to the Toledo Zoo; several of their animal exhibits were ranked in the top-ten across the nation.

                        According to a new book by Allen Nyhuis and Jon Wassner; these Toledo Zoo exhibits were ranked among the ten best in the United States:   the African Savanna, the Aviary, the zoo aquarium, and crawl space.

            Other exhibits at the Toledo Zoo that were mentioned in the national ranking were the Arctic Encounter, the Kingdom of the Apes, and the Primate Forest.                    The book authors also noted that Toledo is the smallest city in the nation to bring-in over 1 million visitors each year to their zoo.

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The Fulton County Crimestoppers are asking for your help in solving a burglary that occurred sometime between Wednesday, June 11^th, and Thursday, June 12^th at a home on road J near Wauseon.   The burglars cut a screen, to gain entry to another door, which they broke the glass in.            Items stolen from the residence include a Sony playstation, video game controls, video games, a Dell computer with 19-inch flat screen, and a Sony Home Theater.   Other items taken from the home include a Pioneer care stereo, a credit card, 3 sets of vehicle rims, and a fish tank.   The total loss is estimated at over $3,800.

If you have any information concerning this burglary on road J near Wauseon; or may have seen something suspicious on June 11^th and 12^th, you’re asked to call the Fulton County Crimestoppers.  Your number is confidential and anonymous; and could earn you a cash reward of up to $1,000.   Call the Fulton County Crimestoppers at 1-800-255-1122.

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The Wauseon School District suffered a major loss this week, with the passing of their high school principal, Joe Sevenich (seven-ick).   Sevenich, age 66 of Delta, died after some lingering health problems.

            Joe played football at Heidleberg College, studying to be a teacher.   His first job was teacher and coach at St. Francis high school in Toledo.

            In 1979, he took a teaching position in science at the Burr Road school in Wauseon.  And in July of 1989, he became high school principal at Wauseon. 

Sevenich suffered from kidney disease; and required a transplant last year.   One of his daughters was a match, and donated the kidney to her father. 

            Funeral services for Joe Sevenich will be held Saturday, July 12^th at 10am at St. Caspar’s Catholic Church in Wauseon.

Sevenich is survived by his wife, and four daughters.

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The Ohio Highway Patrol seized over 100 pounds of high-grade hydroponic marijuana, in a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike in Lucas County on Tuesday.  A vehicle driven by 28 year old Erjon Ruci of Naperville, Illinois was stopped for a marked lane violation, when a drug-detecting canine alerted to the vehicle.  The marijuana was found inside the vehicle, with a street value of 4.7 million dollars.

            Ruci is facing up to 16 years in prison for Trafficking in Drugs; and a fine of up to $30,000

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An early morning blaze struck the Deshler First United Methodist Church today, sending crews from Deshler and Hamler to the scene.  A Deshler police officer noticed flames at the structure around 12:15 this morning at 140 East Maple Street.   Neighbors report lightning struck the steeple of the church, blowing shingles off the roof.   The lightning bolt traveled to the basement of the church, where it ignited a fire in the kitchen area, that burned up through the first floor.   That caused damage in the sanctuary, destroying some pews.   There was extensive heat and smoke damage to the structure; but no dollar figure was released.  About 30 volunteers battled the flames for over 2 and a half hours in Deshler.

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The Fulton County Commissioners got an update on a sanitary sewer project in the Fayette area.   Riviera Mobile Home Court had been ordered by the Ohio EPA to install a new sewer system, or hook into an existing system.  But the village of Fayette has declined to allow that hook-up.   The mobile home park is located outside of the village limits; but has already been approved for grant funding, and a no-interest loan to construct the sewer system.   Fulton County sanitary engineer Ziad Mussallem (moo-sal’-em) is urging Fayette Council to take a second look at offering the hookup.

                        A review of the preliminary Fulton County budget for 2009 indicates that interest income will take a nose-dive next year, falling by about $300,000 from this year’s revenue.  That will reduce the amount available for a carryover balance.

And the Fulton County Commissioners recognized 15 students for achieving outstanding results at the state science competition.  All are from Pettisville School, with the top awards going to Kendall Baer, Yu Lin Hwang, Taylor Kruse, Luke and Rebecca Meller, Jeremy Rupp, Laura Rupp, and Kelsey Waidelich.  (wide-lick)

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It was a tough month for auto sales around Henry County in June.   Clerk of Courts, Judy Sonnenberg reports there were 743 titles issued last month, which is down from 903 from June 2007.

New car titles fell from 82 to 48 in the monthly comparison.  New truck titles dropped by 10.   Henry County titles for motorcycles and RV’s declined by 11 last month.   And there were about 100 fewer used vehicle titles issued in June.

The boating industry also felt the pinch, with titles for watercraft falling from 82 in June of last year, to 35 last month.

But the beat is anything but slow in Henry County Common Pleas Court; where 47 new cases were filed in June, compared with 23 for the same month a year ago.

Passport applications have also changed dramatically,  falling from 80 that were processed in June of 2007, to only 16 last month in Henry County.

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The new hot-spot in Napoleon for deli-sandwiches and baked goods is looking to expand into Fulton County.   Stimmel’s Market is planning to open a retail store in Wauseon, at the location of the former Sterling’s Restaurant on North Fulton Street by the end of this month.

 The Wauseon location of STimmel’s Market will feature baked goods, deli sandwiches, along with a full ice cream counter. 

They expect to hire about 10 to 15 employees; and will be open in Wauseon 7 days a week.

And you can look for some new items coming to the Napoleon location of Stimmel’s Market, including beer and wines by the end of the summer.

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A bid for resurfacing of Pleasantview Drive in Liberty Center has been award to a Toledo company.    The bid of $43,792 was the lowest bid submitted, and came from the Jennite company.

                        Liberty Center Council heard complaints concerning junk behind property on Maple Street.

The Ohio Gas Company announced a rate hike this month.

                        And the council approved membership in the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.   That membership allows Liberty Center to earn a better rate for their health insurance program for village employees.

                        And the first meeting for this year’s Fall Festival in Liberty Center is set for Tuesday, July 8^th at 7pm.   Residents with ideas and comments; or would like to help in planning are invited to attend.

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At least three jurisdictions at the northwest Ohio regional jail have to keep close tabs on their criminal numbers, to prevent an over-crowding situation.   Henry and Defiance Counties have both been at their limits for bed-space; while the city of Toledo is regularly over their limit.   In fact, they currently are 7% above their allotted beds.

It’s the 6^th time this year, CCNO has announced an over-crowding emergency at the facility.

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After gathering input from local residents for over a month; the Ohio Department of Agriculture is expected to make a decision on the requested permits for an expansion at the Peters’ dairy farm in Henry County’s Freedom Township.

The ODA reports their investigators have compiled information, and listened to comments, both written and oral.   Those investigators then make a recommendation to the Ohio Agriculture director, Robert Boggs.   The decision on dairy farm expansions is solely his; and will likely be made sometime next week.

            The Wilfred Peters family on road 16, has applied to the state for permission to expand their dairy herd from about 700, to 1,900.    Their permit application also includes a request to put-up two more huge barns, along with an expanded manure storage system.                                    

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At least 3 departments were sent to the scene of a barn fire Tuesday afternoon at the Roger Panning farm west of Napoleon.    Fire-fighters from Napoleon, Ridgeville, Defiance and Jewell were dispatched to the location along road 18, just north of county road P.   

Early reports indicate a passerby noticed the flames and called 9-1-1 around 1:50pm; and within an hour; the barn was burned to the ground.   The flames also were hot enough to melt some of the siding on the nearby house, and spread to the adjacent wheat field.    It’s believed a camper was lost in the blaze, along with tires, and a wagon; but a favorable wind, and the team-work of all three departments kept the fire from spreading to the Panning residence.                  Keeping water flowing to the rural location was a problem; and tankers were called-in to fill from a neighboring pond.   A temporary tank was also set-up to draw from, and a long line of hose brought that water up the driveway to the barn, which was about a quarter mile off the road.                           The cause of the fire is believed to be a nearby trash fire; with damage likely to top $50,000.   Crews were at the scene for about 4 hours.

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A familiar name in the printing business in Fulton County; has taken over a Napoleon company.   Tomahawk Printing of Wauseon has purchased Turkeyfoot Printing on west Front Street in Napoleon.    The sale actually took place this Spring.

Tomahawk Printing has also reached-out to purchase a company in Waterville; and they have acquired Mustang Printing operation in downtown Wauseon.   That means Tomahawk will likely move their production from Fulton County road 11, to a new downtown location on North Fulton Street.

                        They hope to offer a wider variety of services at their Napoleon location.

Tomahawk Printing is currently in their 70^th year of operation, with Jerry Dehnbostel serving as president of the company.     They have about 22 employees.                     

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The name Campbell’s has been synonymous with soup for decades across the U.S.     But now that familiar red and white label is showing-up in kitchens across Russia and China.  The Campbell Soup Company is reporting major gains in their marketing of soups in eastern Europe and Asia.

                        The Campbell’s company has also announced the purchase of the Wolfgang Puck soup business.   That company was initiated when culinary master Wolfgang Puck moved from the restaurant to the soup production world.

                                    Campbell’s is also introducing new products in their Swanson line of broth, in their select Harvest Soups, and in their V-8 soups.  The new V-8 soup is packed with vegetables; and is low in fat and cholesterol, with no preservatives.

                        The Campbell Soup company is also touting the fact that, while staples like eggs and milk have jumped in price by about one dollar over the past 5 years;  the cost of a serving of Campbell’s Soup is only 9-cents higher over that same period.

While Campbell’s celebrated 50 years in Napoleon last year; the company actually dates back to 1869 for its first production in the U.S.

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An early morning crash involving a motorcycle and deer sent a Deshler man to the hospital in Henry County today.   The sheriff’s office reports 28 year old Steven Boberg of Deshler was traveling on road H near road 18 in Flatrock Township.   Boberg’s bike struck the deer, and then went out of control into a ditch.   He was taken to the Henry County Hospital by a family member around 4am this morning.

Following a recommendation from the Henry County Senior Center governing board, the county commissioners have approved a resolution to place a property tax levy on the ballot this November.   The levy of eight-tenths of a mill would generate funding for the purpose of providing funding for meals, transportation, and facilities, for a period of five years.  

An eight-tenths mill levy would generate about $389,000 a year.   And the estimated cost for a $100,000 home, from this proposed senior center tax in Henry County is $19.50 per year.    The resolution to place this issue on the November ballot was approved unanimously by all three commissioners.

                                                The Henry County board opened bids on two bridge replacement projects, recommended by the engineer’s office.  The two bridges were bid together as one package, with an estimated cost of $300,000.  Three of the bids were under the estimate; and two were over the engineer’s estimate.   Those bids were tabled for more review; with the contract likely to be awarded next Tuesday, July 8^th.

                                    The Henry County Commissioners went into executive session for more discussion on a deputy EMA director position; but no action was taken. 

Another executive session was held to discuss personnel issues; and no action took place following that closed-door meeting.

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An end-of-the-month deluge in Napoleon propelled last month’s rainfall totals to near record-breaking proportions.  The official weather station at the Napoleon waste-water plant recorded 8.52 inches of rain for the month of June.   That’s about 5-inches above the normal precipitation for June in Henry County.     But it was still shy of the 9.79 inches of rain that fell last August, when severe flooding hit the cities of Findlay and Ottawa.

                        With that soggy June behind us; July is usually the wettest month of the year, averaging 4.12 inches of precipitation.   It is the only month during the year, with an average rainfall of over 4 inches in Henry County.

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A new high school principal, and a new volleyball coach were hired at the Monday meeting of the Liberty Center school board of education.   Mel Renchler, former LC wrestling coach, is the new high school principal, earning a 3-year contract.                          The board also amended the contract of Beverly Jump, moving her back to her original position as middle school principal, in a three year agreement.

The new varsity volleyball coach at Liberty Center is Nikki Retcher, a former player at Defiance College.  Former head coach Sue Meister was hired as freshman coach.   This agenda item drew plenty of discussion and input from the public during the Monday meeting.

                        Another new coach at Liberty Center, is Sara Kellermeyer, in girls softball.                                Julie Shadday and Sue Irving were hired as cheerleader advisors; and Steve McDaniel was approved as musical director.

The Liberty Center board hired two new teachers for the 2008-09 school year:  Leslie McDaniel will teach phys-ed at the high school and middle school.   And Mary Giesige was hired as 4^th grade teacher.

A contract was also offered to Mary Jane Murrey as school nurse.

                        Liberty Center schools have appointed Richard Seymour as a new board member, to fill the unexpired term of Bruce Griteman.  That term will run through 2009.

         The board accepted the resignation of Diana Roseman as bus driver for Liberty Center schools.

The day for Liberty Center students will begin 10 minutes later than before; in order to offer more time for teachers to collaborate on instruction.   The day will end at the same time.                   Lunch room prices are going up at Liberty Center, with a 30-cent hike for students, and a 35-cent increase for adult lunches.   Milk prices will also jump by 5-cents.       The cost for breakfast will remain the same.

And the Liberty Center board approved a new insurance contract through the Frost Agency, at a cost of just under $66,000 for the year; which is a decrease of over $3,700.   Despite the decline in cost, coverage will actually increase by 5-million dollars.

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A new contract was approved with Holgate teachers, during the Monday meeting of the Holgate school board of education.   That agreement is a one-year contract, providing a 3% pay raise for about 37 instructors in the district.   The contract also provides that certificated employees pay toward their health coverage for the first time.   Single coverage requires a 10-dollar payment per month; and family coverage will cost $20 per month.

                                    The Holgate board approved the purchase of a new 84-passenger school bus, at a cost of about $75,500.

                        The board hired Nathan Williams as the new band instructor for the Holgate middle and high school.

And new superintendent Anthony Meinerding was offered some relocating expenses to make the move from southern Ohio, to Holgate this summer.

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The Napoleon school board of education discussed the likelihood of a tax levy in November; and welcomed back John Stofsik at their Monday night meeting.   Stofsik returned to the board after a medical leave.

                        The levy discussion revolved around a 7.9 mill levy that Napoleon voters approved in March of 2004.   That levy is expiring this year; and the school board is reviewing options for placing a tax issue on the ballot this fall.  A decision needs to be made by August 15^th in order to have it ready for the November ballot.

The Napoleon board approved a three-year compensation package for confidential employees in the district, including secretaries.   That package provides for a 2.75% wage increase in each of the next three years; along with re-imbursement for background checks required by law.

                        In personnel action; the Napoleon board approved the resignation of Tim Spiess, a high school teacher moving to the Genoa district after 15 years at NHS.                  Tim Rickets resigned as technology coordinator for Napoleon schools; and will be taking a position with NWOCA .  He served Napoleon school for 18 years.

            The board hired Christa Burken as an intervention specialist at the Napoleon Middle School.      Diana Parker was hired for the cafeteria staff; and Peter Gerken was offered a one-year contract as custodian at the middle school building.

In a supplemental contract; Tracy Badenhop was approved as the new head coach of water polo.

The Napoleon board approved a new contract for property, liability, and fleet insurance at a cost of $68,734.   That’s a 7.3% decrease from last year’s premium.

The board reviewed preliminary spending for the next fiscal year, with a 2.5% increase projected in the general fund.    A 13.5% increase is planned in the permanent improvement account, due to a sizeable lockeroom renovation project next summer.

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With the help of a new state law; the Liberty Center school district is getting a second look at a building project.   After voters turned-down a request for a sizable bond issue for new construction at Liberty Center schools, the board of education decided to go a different route.    Superintendent Jack Louden said the message from voters was loud and clear  

And so, the Liberty Center school district will now vote on a more streamlined building project, in a special election on August 5^th.    A community meeting is planned for July 31^st to provide more information to district voters on this new plan.   It is scheduled for that Thursday night at  7pm at the high school.

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The Ohio Department of Development has awarded a 5-million dollar grant to the Andersons, Inc. in connection with several other companies to implement a new application in agriculture.   The grant dollars will help the Andersons to accelerate commercialization of a new technology that uses granules to contain, transport, and deliver fertilizer and pesticides to specific areas.  The broad range of applications could include nurseries, fruits, vegetables, floriculture, and row crops.

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Due to heavy rain in the Napoleon area last week, many home-owners are dealing with water in basements, and the possibility of sewage backup.  There are clean-up kits available for residents, and will be distributed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, between 10am and 1pm, at the Henry County Emergency Management Agency, located at 1847 Oakwood Avenue.

The Henry County Health Department urges you to assume anything that contacted sewage is contaminated.   That means washing hands frequently if you’re working in that situation.    Wearing gloves and waterproof boots is also encouraged.

The health department suggests always throwing-out these items when sewage has backed-up and contact items like:  cosmetics, medicine and medical supplies, stuffed animals, toys, mattresses and pillows, upholstered chairs and couches, carpet padding, and cardboard.

It’s usually a good idea to throw out these items if soaked in sewage:  carpeting, books and paper products, foam rubber, and food items.   Food sealed in metal cans can be kept; but only if labels are removed, and the can is soaked in a regular bleach mixture.

It’s best to use a two-bucket system when cleaning; one for the cleaning solution, and the other for rinsing.

            And after cleaning a room; the health department urges you to go over it with a disinfectant to kill any germs and odors.

Residents are warned to not mix bleach with other household chemicals, because a poisonous gas could be created.   This warning especially impacts the mixture of bleach and ammonia, or toilet bowl cleaner.

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Sentences were handed down in several cases before the Henry County Common Pleas Court recently.  54 year old Daniel Fry of Napoleon was sentenced to four years in prison, after his conviction for Felonious Assault.   Fry was found guilty of assaulting a law officer.

31 year old Harvey Young, III of Napoleon pled guilty to felony Vandalism; and was ordered to spend 30 days at the regional jail.  Young was also placed on community control for two years.

                        Ethan Roberts of Deshler pled guilty to felony vandalism, and was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

41 year old Jose Reyes of Napoleon pled guilty to Gross Sexual Imposition; and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered by the Henry County court.

                                    And Steven Moden, Jr. of Napoleon was granted judicial released from prison after serving about six years of his 7-year prison term for Felonious Assault.   Moden was placed on community control for four years; and was ordered to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment, along with random testing.

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A Central Ohio man is headed to prison after his conviction in Henry County Common Pleas court, for Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor.   The case stemmed from electronic contact between 22 year old Daniel Wheeler, and a victim under 16 years of age in Napoleon.  That electronic contact led Wheeler to Napoleon, where he engaged in illegal sexual conduct with the minor.   Wheeler was convicted on three felony counts, and was sentenced to consecutive prison terms of 16 months each.   Those sentences are to be served consecutive to a conviction in Clark County, which involved soliciting sex through electronic contact.  Daniel Wheeler was also classified by the court as a ‘tier-2 sexual offender’, which means he has to report his address to local law officers for the next 25 years. 

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The Henry County Senior Center is already making plans for their huge event at the Henry County Fair, including the selection of this year’s ‘senior of the year’.

That event is scheduled for Monday, August 11^th at the fairgrounds in Napoleon, with activities and lunch getting underway at 10:30am.  Lunch will be served in three seatings; and the entertainment that day will be provided by the Northmen.

Complimentary tickets for the event will be provided by Henry County Senior Center beginning July 22^nd at 9am.

Senior day at the Henry County fair will also include the announcement of couples married for over 50 years.

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For the first time in 2008, a case of West Nile virus has been discovered in Ohio.    Cuyahoga County health officials have confirmed the first case this year; after 23 were reported in 2007.

The Ohio Department of Health urges Ohio residents to protect themselves from the West Nile virus by avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks when out in areas with mosquitoes.  Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes, and insect repellant is good deterrent.

            Eliminating mosquito breeding places around your home is important in your defense.  Keep standing water from eave-spouts, and containers around the yard.

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Over $800,000 in contracts for foster care were approved by the Henry County Commissioners today (Thur.), in agreements through Job & Family Services.    Many of the contracts are for services in finding homes for children from Henry County that need foster care.  There are 28 children receiving services currently; and the funding to help pay for that foster care comes from the federal, state, and local level.   Those are contracts covering the next 12 months.

Commissioners also discussed their part in paying a fee of $4,500 for engineering services, that will help in creating a plan to be sent to the Ohio EPA.  That plan is needed to alleviate problems in the Liberty Center and Texas water distribution system; where stagnant water is causing the EPA to file violations.    There is not enough water flow throughout the system to prevent the build-up of chlorine treatment by-products.    Solutions might include more loops in the system to keep water moving.   A plan must be submitted to the EPA by July 7^th.    Liberty Center and Henry County will share the cost of these consulting and engineering services.

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The Campbell Soup Company announced the board of directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend on its capital stock of 22-cents per share.  The dividend is payable August 4^th for shareholders of record on July 7^th.

            Campbell Soup has sales of over 7 billion dollars annually, throughout the world.

Two of the four counties in the Four County region reported higher unemployment rates than the state average for the month of May.   Henry County tied Fulton County for the highest jobless rate in the area, at 6.6%.    For Henry County, that’s up from a 5.9% unemployment rate in May 2007.

Defiance County’s  rate was below the state average of 6.3%, when they checked-in at 5.8%.          William’s county’s unemployment rate was at 5.9%; and Putnam County was lowest in the region at 4.7%.

            Around the Buckeye State, Morgan County had the highest jobless rate in Ohio at 8.8%.         And three counties tied for the lowest unemployment rate in May:  Mercer, Holmes, and Delaware counties were all at 4.2%.

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Fire investigators have determined the blaze that struck at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wauseon last weekend, was likely electrical in nature.   Flames ignited in the attic area of the church, and spread into the insulation and ceiling of the structure, causing about $200,000 in damage.

Wauseon fire-fighters were assisted by Napoleon and Ridgeville departments; along with other squads from the region.    That fire was discovered Saturday evening at Trinity Lutheran, which is located at the intersection of Shoop and Leggett Streets in Wauseon.

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A dog that bit a police officer yesterday morning, has gotten its owner in trouble.   Napoleon Police have filed charges against 33 year old Tammy Sparks of Napoleon, for allowing a vicious dog to attack.   That incident occurred at 519 West Maumee.

A theft case is being checked-out at 422 East Washington Street, where some swimming pool equipment was stolen Wednesday morning.

                                    Napoleon officers responded to a neighbor dispute on Bradford Avenue yesterday morning.      And several subjects were issued summons to municipal court, including 40 year old Larry Smith of Napoleon, and 25 year old Joseph Rakes of Napoleon.

                        Police picked-up 38 year old James Banks, Jr. of Archbold, who was wanted on a warrant for Domestic Violence.

                        A summons to court was issued to 22 year old Melissa Vargo of Napoleon, on a charge of Underage Sale; stemming from a weekend sting of illegal alcohol sales in the city.

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The Henry County Arts Council announced winners in their local landscape art show.    First place in the competition was awarded to Alice Schneider for her image titled, ‘coming storm’.              Second place went to Julie Yaney-Engler for her piece titled ‘senior seasons’.

And third place in the landscape art contest went to Art Shumaker for his untitled work.

The artwork from the contest will be on display at the Henry County Arts Council on West Washington Street in Napoleon, through the end of June.   A reception to honor the winners and contest will be held on Friday, June 27^th from 2 till 4pm.

The show was juried by Gary Westoven.

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A program designed to cut-down on the jail population at CCNO is running low on funds.   The Corrections Commission of northwest Ohio reported a
$200,000 shortfall in financing the electronic monitoring program, heading toward 2009.     The major problem, says CCNO executive director Jim Dennis, is lack of paying customers.   There were 1,335 regional jail inmates that took part in the electronic monitoring program.

The regional jail board talked about options, including a recommendation to have judges, make sure participants can pay, before being placed on the electronic monitoring.   Other ideas include, having the court offset costs for indigent participants; hiring a collection agency, and others.   The cost for electronic monitoring is up to $15.50 per day; compared to the average daily cost for regional jail inmates at just over $70.

Another problem developing in recent years at the regional jail, is the higher numbers of female inmates.     When first constructed,  area statistics did not show the high percentage of female offenders that northwest Ohio is now dealing with.   One judge suggested the creation of a five-day holding facility to help manage the increasing number of females. 

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Holgate Council talked drainage and mulch at their meeting this week.   Concerns about drainage at the old Holgate ball diamond will be addressed with community members.                Mayor Snyder begins the first of his quarterly meetings with village employees this week.

                                                Bids for mulching the huge brush pile in the community are being obtained.   In the past, that has been an expense topping $3,000.

            And at the Holgate Council police-committee meeting; there was dialogue about varying the schedule for local police shifts; which will likely be implemented soon.

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Jim Tressel might make the big bucks, but the man that leads the Ohio State University is Dr. Gordon Gee (hard g).     President Gee is in the middle of a whirl-wind tour of northwest Ohio this week; with stops at the Putnam County Fair, Ohio Art in Bryan, and then a jaunt to Napoleon.

His goal is to hit all 88 counties in the state; not only to make local contacts; but to learn more about every community that makes up the state home to his university.

President Gee talked with news director Dave Kleck during his Henry County visit today (Wed.) about the impact of the largest university in the nation, on its home state  

From Napoleon, Gordon Gee was headed for Bowling Green, and then on to Toledo.   He is in his second stint as president of the Ohio State University.

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Even though the North Star Steel plant near Delta has been a part of the economic landscape for over a decade; the company is still spinning-off development in Fulton County.    A ground-breaking ceremony was held just west of Delta for the new company, Zinc & Iron Recycling of Ohio.   The London, England based company is making a 160-million dollar investment in northwest Ohio.

The Zinc & Iron Recycling company is expected to open in the 3^rd quarter of 2009, at the northeast corner of state route 109 and U.S. 20-A. 

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An arrest has been made in a Defiance County rape case.   The sheriff’s office reports 43 year old Jeffrey Bechtold of Mark Center is in custody, and charged with the first degree sexual offense.   Bechtold is accused in the sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13, in the village of Mark Center, over the past two years.

Assisting the Defiance County sheriff’s office in the case were representatives from Job and Family Services.    Jeffrey Bechtold is being held at the regional jail, after Defiance Municipal Court refused to set bond in the case.

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There was no action following an executive session at this week’s meeting of the Patrick Henry school board of education.   That closed-door session was held for discussion of employment or dismissal of a public employee.

                        The Patrick Henry Board approved stipends for middle school teachers that took part in the grant to improve student performance.  The teacher teams were geared to help students in the subject areas they were weakest.  Special emphasis will be placed on moving students up in reading levels. Students would also have access to teachers for help they sought.

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A 12-member committee has been created to initiate the search for a new superintendent in the Napoleon School district.  Larry Siclair is coordinating the search; which is already underway.     Notices have been placed around Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky; seeking applicants for the Napoleon superintendent position.  That search committee is made-up of community and school personnel; and will gather for their first meeting Thursday night.

                        The deadline for applicants for the superintendent position at Napoleon schools is July 18^th.   Interviews are tentatively set for the end of July.   And there is hope of having a new superintendent by mid September.

                        Current superintendent, David Watson, will be leaving for his new job at the Howe Military Academy later this summer.

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After finding training success with their Subway restaurant in Stryker; Quadco Rehabilitation Center is looking to open a pizza shop in an adjacent building.   The quick-serve pizza restaurant will serve as a training center for individuals with disabilities.   There are plans to tear down the wall between both buildings to create open access to both stores.   Lange Custom Builders of Archbold will be the contractor for that project.

                        Quadco says the Subway restaurant has provided training opportunities that have led to employment in other restaurants for their clients.

In other action, the Quadco board of trustees approved an agreement with Williams County; in which executive director Bruce Abell will serve as that counties interim superintendent of MRDD programming.   That contract runs through December 27^th of this year.

For the third straight day, firefighters were called back to the Greg Heidepreem (hide-uh-preem) farm in southern Henry County, where a blaze from Monday rekindled.   That fire caused over $70,000 and totally destroyed a barn at the property along road 16-A near New Bavaria.  Lost in the flames was a car, some lawn mowers, and other equipment.  Some siding on the adjacent house was damaged by the intense heat; but crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings on the property.

            The structure was totally engulfed in flames when crews arrived at 1:41pm Monday.   Holgate and Highland Township fire fighters provided mutual aid to the scene for over three hours.

The cause of the fire has not been found.

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With the help of a good breeze, three northwest Ohio schools could be generating a new energy source, and tapping into a renewable fuel for the future.  It was an historic day in Archbold, when Green Energy Ohio placed a tower adjacent to the school, for measuring wind speeds.   Superintendent at Archbold Local Schools, David Deskins was excited about the new installation  

The nearly 165-foot wind tower will measure wind speeds over the next year.   Superintendent Deskins stated an average wind speed of 9 to 11 miles-per-hour is needed to generate enough turbine activity to serve as an energy source.   Funds from the state legislature, at up to $250,000 may be available for this project.   Archbold school was one of only 2 projects to get loan-money for this wind tower, out of 24 applicants around the state.

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The lineup is set for this year’s Henry County Tomato Festival Pageant, scheduled for August 10^th in Napoleon.

14 young women will be vying for the 1,000-dollar scholarship, that goes to the queen of the Tomato Festival.   But there are thousands of dollars in other scholarships for other contestants at this year’s event.

                        The two latest additions to the Tomato Festival Pageant are Hanna Heaston, Miss Napoleon Township.   Hanna advanced from the run-off over the weekend; and is a 2007 Napoleon grad, now attending Michigan State University in pre-med.

The other contestant added to the pageant is Brittany Wiechers, representing Washington Township.   Brittany is a 2007 Liberty Center grad.

            The Henry County Fair is hoping to contract the new Miss Ohio, who was crowned over the weekend,  Karissa Martin.

This year’s event will be the 49^th Tomato Festival Pageant at the Henry County Fair.

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The Henry County Commissioners were informed that testing is required on two waterlines, in order to meet EPA compliance.   Those waterlines include Liberty Center, and the pipeline to Texas.   That chlorine by-product testing must be completed by the end of the year.

And Henry County Commissioners approved a contract with Wood County, for use of their juvenile detention Center, in the event the northwest Ohio juvenile facility is unavailable.   That cost is $80 per day.

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The list of streets proposed for paving this summer, were approved by Deshler Council Monday night.   The estimated cost for the resurfacing is $99,000, and will go out to bid in the next few weeks.   Those streets include:  North Keyser, the alley adjacent to the bank, a section of East Main, the alley adjacent to the municipal building, and the Vine Street intersection.

Deshler Council commended their two patrol officers; who have picked-up the slack since the chief of police resigned.  There was no mention by Deshler Council concerning that vacancy.

Construction crews are working on the resurfacing of Henry County road 2 on the north side of the village.

Deshler Council also announced that several residents have not tapped into the new sewer line.   They have until the end of June to complete those taps.

                                    And with the weather-related cancellation of Deshler’s summer celebration this past weekend; the community will now focus on the Deshler Corn City Festival, scheduled for August 16^th and 17^th.

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Following hearings in Napoleon Municipal Court, two subjects were bound over to the Henry County Grand Jury.      There was probable cause found in the felony case against 39 year old William Turner of Napoleon, who’s charged with Domestic Violence. 

And 23 year old Lavelle Rich of Toledo was bound over to the Grand Jury on a Drug Possession charge. 

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The Wauseon school board of education took care of personnel action at their meeting this week.  The board offered a one-year contract to high school science teacher, Katherine Grolle.    Jessica Ordway was approved as a summer school teacher at the Elm Street school.

And the Wauseon board approved two teacher transfers:  Terri Jo Hamilton moves from kindergarten to 2^nd grade, and Terry Beck was moved from 4^th grade to 5^th grade.

The Wauseon Board also accepted the resignation of intervention specialist, Bonnie Waterfield at the Burr Road building.

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A zoning change along North Scott Street, that also includes property on Stevenson, Ohio, and Lagrange;  was unanimously approved at the Monday meeting of Napoleon city council.  The measure was passed on a 5-0 vote, with two abstentions; which will change these parcels from residential zoning to commercial zoning.   The legislation was approved on a suspension of the rules, which means it becomes law in 30 days.   The zoning change will likely pave-the-way for purchase of the property for a new Rite Aid drug store facility.

There was some opposition to a proposed zoning change on West Maumee.  But Napoleon council approved the change in zoning for several parcels on West Maumee, from commercial to residential.   That vote was 7-0 on a first reading by council.    Public hearings were held in council chambers for both those proposed changes, before the Napoleon council meeting.

                        There were second readings on two proposals before Napoleon Council, dealing with amendments to the city charter.  The ordinance to change to a full-time mayor; and to provide for head-to-head council elections was amended by council Monday night.    Napoleon Council voted by a 4 to 3 margin to eliminate the head-to-head council election from that legislation.   The amended ordinance, which would allow the city of Napoleon to vote on changing the city charter to allow for a full-time mayor, was approved on a 7-0 vote.

And Napoleon council approved the specifications for a street improvement project on Rye Street, which will include changes to the storm sewer.   The estimated cost of the project is $135,000.

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The Fulton County Commissioners got an update on progress to improve the billing situation for the EMS program.  Over 400 bills for rescue runs were sent-out last week, in hopes of catching up with accounts receivable.    Interim director Rod Cheney reports they hope to get caught-up in the next two months with the financial picture for EMS in Fulton County.    They are hoping to keep this billing system in-house, rather than contracting it out.

                                    There were questions about the tornado siren in Assumption; but a check on the system reveals it is working.   Fulton County is hoping to attract a grant to add another siren tower for the community.

And a resurfacing contract was approved with Gerken Paving, Inc. to tackle a paving job in Chesterfield Township, on road N.   The contract is for just under $117,000.

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Some new salary schedules and a new salary hike were among the items approved by the Four County Career Center board of education, at their recent meeting.    The new salary schedule includes a 3.5% increase for administrators at Four County Career Center for the coming year.   That will be followed by a 3% bump in 2009-2010.   Those increases were possible due to a less costly form of health insurance.   The finance committee emphasized this action is not a reflection of performance or value placed on the administrative team.

The Four County Career Center board also approved three separate administrative salary schedules, including one for new directors in the district.

The board accepted the resignation of school nurse Sherri Snoad, and educational aide Janelle Sindelar from the Four County staff.

                        And they approved contracts for the following employees at the Four County Career Center:  Kathy Desgrange as Interior Design Instructor, Donna Badenhop as Health Occupations Instructor, Daniel Mundrick as Social Studies teacher, Matthew Zwyer as Integrated Language Arts Instructor, and Brian Etzler as Ag-Science teacher at Tinora High School.

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Over a dozen Henry County retail stores are facing charges, after an investigation into sales of alcohol to underage persons.  The Henry County Sheriff’s office reports, a 19 year old male was sent-out to purchase alcohol from 17 businesses; and 13 of them served him.

The following retail stores were found to be in violation of Ohio’s liquor law, pertaining to the sale of alcohol to an individual under the age of 21:

    Circle K and Ken’s Carryout of Liberty Center, Pop and Son’s of McClure, 10-K Shell station and the Marathon station in Deshler, Shell Party Mart in Holgate, Justop Sunoco in Hamler; and the following locations in Napoleon- Chief’s Grocery store, Petro truck stop, Southside Shell Party Mart, Walmart, Circle K, and Pilot truck stop.

            The business employees who sold the alcohol will be issued a summons to Napoleon Municipal Court within the next few weeks.  Underage sale of alcohol is a misdemeanor of the first degree, with a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail, and a fine of up to $1,000.  The state of Ohio also has the option to penalize a business owner who is found to be in violation of the state liquor permit rules and regulations.

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            9,200 people were treated in the U.S. for fireworks-related injuries in 2006, a figure that’s down 15% in 2005. The American College of Emergency Physicians hopes to make that number zero in 2008. 60% of fireworks injuries occur in the month surrounding July 4^th, and only 10% of those injuries occur during professional fireworks displays. The remaining 90% occur during private displays, including those of sparklers that burn at temperatures hotter than 1,200-degrees Fahrenheit.

            The ACEP is urging Americans to use caution and sense and to obey all fireworks laws while celebrating the 4^th of July this summer.

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           Several persons were arraigned on felony charges in Napoleon Municipal Court this week.

23 year old Lavelle Rich of Napoleon was arraigned on one count of drug possession. Bond for Rich was set at 5,000-dollars, and he will return for a pretrial hearing on June 23^rd.

Bond was set at 10,000-dollars for a Napoleon man charged with domestic violence. 39 year old William Turner is charged in the case and will return for a pretrial hearing June 23^rd.

38 year old Whitehouse native Shawn Smith was arraigned on one count of felony theft. Smith was given a month to consult with an attorney and return to court July 22^nd.

And 32 year old Jeffrey Rowland of McClure was arraigned on a felony theft charge and was ordered to return to court July 7^th.

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            Forty years have passed since the Hong Kong Flu Pandemic hit U.S. soil in 1968, claiming 33,800 American victims. That was a low number of deaths compared to the Spanish Flu Pandemic, which took 675,000 American lives in 1918. The threat of a mutated flu virus spreading quickly and dangerously is always present, and Henry County is doing its part to be prepared if such a tragedy strikes.

            The Henry County Health Department participated in a Pandemic Flu Exercise this week in order to implement current pandemic combat plans in a safe and structured environment. Gloria Arps is a Registered Nurse and Public Health Emergency Coordinator for Henry County

            Several local agencies, law enforcement, commissioners, hospitals and other officials took part in the exercise, which included implementing restrictions on movement, gatherings and curfews as well as dispensing information, vaccines and treatments if available. Arps said the exercise was a success

            Plans similar to Henry County’s are in place throughout the U.S. and the world in order to combat any flu pandemic that may occur.

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            The Ohio Farmer’s Union will focus on educating youth about renewable energy sources during day camps across the state. The camps will offer activities that teach about wind and solar energy, biofuels and conservation and efficiency. The camps are free and open to youth in 1^st through 8^th grades as well as the general public.

            Local Farmer’s Union Day Camps are scheduled on Tuesday, July 8^th in Ottawa at the YMCA beginning at 8am and in Bowling Green on Wednesday, July 16^th at the Otsego Stone Hall beginning at 9am.

            Registration forms are available online at www.ohfarmersunion.org  .

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           A community pancake breakfast has been scheduled for July 12^th to honor a long-time Liberty Center Schools employee. Phyllis Spieth-Funchion worked in the Liberty Center School cafeteria for 29 years and displayed an exemplary dedication to both the school and its athletic programs. The breakfast will be served from 7 until 11am, and a freewill donation will be taken up in order to purchase a life-size bronze tiger and memorial plaque to be placed in front of the school in Spieth-Funchion’s honor.

            Again, the breakfast will take place Saturday, July 12^th beginning at 7am.

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            The Henry County Commissioners approved a bid award this (Thursday) morning for the Hamler Pressure Filter replacement project in the amount of 86,732-dollars. The contract went to L.R. Babcock of Napoleon, and the village itself will be covering over 65,000-dollars of the project themselves.

A contract for the hauling of leachate from the county landfill was renewed with Buckeye Pool Services at about 2-and-a-half-cents per gallon, and pay requests were approved for renovations at the Oakwood Office Complex for the Child Support Enforcement Agency.

The Country View Haven Advisory Committee reported to Commissioners on their facility tour and conversations about out of county rates and adult day care. No action was taken as a result of the meeting.

And Henry County Commissioners met with Bob George of the Henry County Soil and Water office and Nancy Stehulak from the OSU Extension Office. Both agencies have reached compromises on staffing including one additional person for the soil and water office in 2008 at no cost to the county. The Extension Office has agreed to use neighboring agents for horticulture programs such as Master Gardeners.

The Commissioners will gather again next Tuesday at 9am.

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           Despite a sluggish economy and due in part to the rising cost of goods, Henry County Auditor Kevin Nye reports a 6.58% increase in money taken in with the newest 1-percent of the sales tax in June. Compared with last year, the county took in 12,813-dollars more in June of this year than in ’07.

Overall, the 1-perent portion is down 1.48-percent for the year.

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There will be one run-off, as contestants gear-up for the 2008 Tomato Festival Pageant in Henry County.    Two ladies are vying for the right to represent Napoleon Township in the annual scholarship pageant.   They are Hannah Heaston, a 2007 Napoleon grad; and Marlea Rolander, an NHS grad from 2008.     That runoff is scheduled for this Sunday at 2pm at the Napoleon high school Little Theater.

There are also three townships without contestants:  Monroe Township, Richfield Township, and Washington Township.   Girls have until Friday at 5pm to enter the pageant in those communities; by contacting Amy Prigge at 748-7656.   A scholarship of $1,000 goes to the Tomato Festival Queen; but there is over $1,500 in other scholarship money going to other contestants.

            Here are the other finalists for the August 10^th Tomato Festival Pageant.   Representing Bartlow Township is Crystal Spurgeon, Damascus Township is represented by Alexes Iliff, from Deshler village its Taylor Meyer, Ashley Morey is representing Flatrock Township, the Freedom Township representative is Kara Elling, Harrison Township is represented by Nikki Kenning, Liberty Center village’s representative is Megan Miller, and from Liberty Township- Katie Lillevik (lilla-vick) is the contestant.    The Tomato Festival pageant also will feature Meagan Buenger (binger) from Marion Township, Rachel Hoops from the city of Napoleon, Hailey Stevens from Pleasant Township, and Whitney Lecklider representing Ridgeville Township.

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            With rampant flooding in some communities in Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin, the Ohio Department of Insurance is urging Ohioans to consider their own coverage. The ODI says many residents in the current flooded areas were caught without adequate coverage, and homeowners can take steps against that by first finding out how extensive their current coverage is and making sure that any deductibles are reasonable for individual budgets. Ohioans can also check with their auto insurance providers to find out if their current policies cover flood damage to vehicles.

            Flood coverage can be attained through the National Flood Insurance Program, and it’s available to all communities with enforced flood plane management ordinances. For more information or to obtain coverage, contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

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            The real deal is back in the City of Napoleon with the 7^th annual Shop With a Cop fundraiser to assist local children in need of school supplies and clothing. Napoleon Police will not be calling residents this year because of a phone scam reported in which criminals called Napoleon residents asking for donations and claiming to be part of the Napoleon Police Officers’ Association.

            Instead, Napoleon residents will be receiving an official letter containing security features. A return envelope will be included and will be addressed to PO Box 717. Anyone who receives a letter that appears tampered with or has a return envelope not addressed to PO Box 717 should discard the letter immediately.

            The Shop With a Cop Program has helped hundreds of children locally over the last six years, and anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Napoleon Police Department at 599-2810.

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If you’re looking to brush-up on your computer skills this summer, Northwest State Community College has the ticket.

                        Custom Training Solutions is providing the information through these classes:  Computer Applications, Office at your Desk, and Technology in the Classroom.    

Computer applications includes learning how to take pictures from a digital camera, and editing them on the computer.

Office at your desk is designed to help tap into the internet for business.

            And Technology in the classroom is for area teachers on topics like smartboards, cloud computing, and blogging.

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It will likely be several weeks before the Ohio Department of Agriculture issues a decision on the permit applications for the Peter’s Dairy Farm expansion in Henry County.     The deadline for submitting written comments is tomorrow (Thur.), at their location in Reynoldsburg.   But those comments or questions can be submitted via e-mail or fax, along with mail. 

                        Bill Swatter (swat-er) from the state ag department reports they have received about two dozen written and oral comments combined.   Those questions that cover specific issues about the Peter’s dairy application will be answered by ag department engineer