INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Senior Citizens Menu.............. 7 Classified........................... 10,11 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports....................................... 8 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7
Morton, Wyse Pleased With Lafayette Street Opening – page 9 One section–12 pages
ARCHBOLD
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
Archbold Elevator Breakdown Of Claims # of Claimants
Paid 100%
$ Amount Paid
$ Amount Not Paid
17
$53,720.75
Delayed Price claim less than $10,000
27
$123,211.15
Delayed Price claim more than $10,000
32
$1,608,728.44
$327,182.12
Payable over 30 days less than 365 days
6
$934,515.99
$205,577.55
Payable less than 30 days not priced at delivery
3
$364,353.33
$83,588.33
Payable less than 30 days priced at delivery
3
Payable over 365 days
1
Marketing programs
3
NSF checks Deferred Payment Agreements
0 0
Grain Bank Storage
Totals
92
$318,132.46 $249,463.76 $5,572.53
$500,636.89
$2,907,597.76
$865,811.76
Total paid from Indemnity Fund $3,408,234.65 Information courtesy David Simmons, Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8/3/2011. Archbold Buckeye chart.
Farmers Lose 865,000 In Elevator Collapse $
Change In Legislation To Reimburse 42 Who Lost Money? Farmers who had grain on deposit with Archbold Elevator lost a total of $865,811.76, but there’s talk of legislative changes that may enable them to get their money back. Roy Norman, director of the Fulton, Defiance, Henry and Williams county chapters of Ohio Farm Bureau, said Monday he knew there was some talk that changes in legislation could allow the 42 claimants who lost money in the financial collapse of Archbold Elevator to recoup their loss. History After a routine examination of Archbold Elevator records in April, inspectors from the Ohio Department of Agriculture found problems with the books. Liabilities significantly exceeded assets, and the corn stocks at the elevator were 50,000 bushels short. ODA suspended the Archbold Elevator grain-handling license, Monday, April 11. Farmers & Merchants State Bank filed a lawsuit
against Archbold Elevator the following day, demanding repayment of $4.9 million in loans. Farmers who had done business with Archbold Elevator could file for compensation through the state Grain Indemnity Fund, which was started in 1983. Money for the fund was collected from a half-cent per bushel assessment on grain transactions collected between July 1, 1983 and Dec. 31, 1985. The fund pays farmers 100% for storage grain, grain payables less than 30 days, deferred payments up to 90 days with a signed agreement, and insufficient fund checks. However, the fund only provides 100% coverage for the first $10,000 for delayed price grain, basis grain, 31-365 day grain payables without a deferred payment agreement, and 91- 365 day deferred payments with an agreement. After the $10,000 level is reached, the repayment is calculated on an 80% basis. The fund provides no com-
pensation for grain payables over 365 days. Figures A spreadsheet prepared by ODA at the request of this newspaper states that overall, $3,408,234.65 in claims were paid out by the indemnity fund in connection with Archbold Elevator. Out of a total of 92 claimants, ODA stated 32 had filed claims for delayed price grain, more than $10,000. Those 32 claimants had been paid $1,608,728.44. But, because of the 80%payment-after-$10,000 rule, those 32 claimants were left holding the bag for 20% of the value of their grain after the first $10,000. That 20% portion was $327,182.12. There were six claimants who had grain deposited at the elevator that was payable over 30 days, but less than 365 days. They were paid $934,515.99, but were shorted $205,577.55. Three other claimants had grain deposited that was payable less than 30 days, (Continued on page 12)
Chinese Immigant Learns To Grill, Relax After Moving To Pettisville by Frank Bumb Special to the Buckeye Chao Cui’s hometown has more people in its municipal area than the entire state of Ohio. A native of Beijing, China (population 19 million), Chao is quick to comment on a few local activities that he never experienced Chao in his home Cui country. “I’d never grilled before,” said Chao, or Joe, as he likes to be called. “There’s much more space here in the United States, much cleaner air, and more ways to just relax.” But enjoying such American summer favorites as grilling outdoors, summer
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011
festivals, and relaxing outside are just the tip of the iceberg for Chao’s affection for his new home. “Americans have a belief or system of beliefs that faith creates that you don’t see in China,” said Chao. “People in China have religion, primarily Buddhism where I came from, but they did not gather and come together the way they do here.” Cecily Rohrs, a friend of Chao’s and community networker, said Chao had “never been inside a church before coming to the U.S.” “People in China are all caught up with making their lives better materially,” said Chao. “Here, in the U.S., from what I’ve seen, people make their lives better materially, but they also have beliefs and community to help them out on a deeper level.”
Chao’s Long Journey Born in Beijing, Chao is the son of an owner of an industrial company that makes lifting equipment such as forklifts, small cranes, pallets, and other machines. Chao majored in microelectrical engineering at the Beijing University of Technology, dealing with semi-conductors, electrical networks, and systems administration. Chao put his expertise to use in his father’s company and for a local Beijing television network as a network administrator. Chao then immigrated to the United States in 2008, working for his father’s business in Seattle. Early this year, he received a job offer from BilJax in Archbold. Chao made the 2,200-mile drive to his new home completely alone. (Continued on page 12)
$
1
SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards
106th Year - No. 3
AHS Football Players Cope With Heat Wave Practice Schedule Differs From Wauseon by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer Bryan Miller, Archbold High School head football coach, said an evening practice schedule is the main reason his team hasn’t had a problem with the heat. Football teams across the area have been practicing in the midst of one of the hottest summers in memory. In Archbold, high temperatures have been in the 90s. During July, the mercury hit, and even topped, the triple-digit mark several times. A Wauseon football player collapsed during a team lunch break following morning practice, Wednesday, Aug. 3. He was transported from Wauseon High School to the Fulton County Health Center, then flown by helicopter ambulance to the St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. Initially listed in critical condition, reports say the WHS player is recovering. The Archbold Way Miller said there haven’t been any heat-related problems with his players. He said traditional twoa-day practices involve a morning session, followed
by several hours off, then a second afternoon practice. The Blue Streaks follow a different schedule. “We have practice from 3:30 to 9 pm, and we’re inside until 4:15 pm. We start in the classroom,” Miller said. “There are several advantages, but there are two main ones. “One, it does get a little nicer in the evenings. The temperature drops, and you don’t have the sun beating down on you. “The second is, kids who have an early morning practice, they’re not drinking anything before. They’re asleep. "Most kids, they wake up 15 minutes before practice. A lot of them show up, (and) they’re dehydrated before they get there. “If you start practice at 3:30, they’ve had all day to get hydrated,” Miller said. Team members get a halfhour dinner break around 6 pm, then come back and practice until 9 pm. During practices, Miller said coaches make sure players get plenty of chances to get a drink. “Tina Stanley, our trainer, does a great job. She makes
sure the big water jugs are filled, and there are sports bottles,” he said. Just like during games, team managers will run out to players between drills and offer players water. “Anytime we transition from one drill to another, we tell them to run over and get a drink of water. “We tell them 10 gulps. Each gulp is about an ounce, so they’re getting 10 ounces each time,” he said.
Talk To Team Miller said he spoke to the team on Thursday, Aug. 4, about the Wauseon incident, reminding them to take care of themselves. “This was something that happened close to us. It can happen (here),” he said. “We talk about good nutrition, about getting good sleep, about hydration.” Miller said when he talked to his team, “the kids were pretty stone-faced.” “I don’t know how they’re processing it behind closed doors. “I imagine the kids wanted to reach out (to the Wauseon player). He’s an opponent, but he’s still a football player. "He’s still one of us.”
Band Camp Underway A sure sign that summer vacation is coming to an end is the start of the Archbold High School band camp. Band members teach rookies how to march and develop their show for the coming season. Above: from left, Jesse Felix, a freshman, Alex Bilen, a junior, Madalyn Roth and Andrew Roth, freshmen, and Ashley Ditsche, a volunteer from Ohio Northern University, watch as Anna Pole, a junior and squad leader, emphasizes a point. Right: Felix stands as Travis Schooner, a senior and squad leader, straightens the line.–photos by David Pugh
904 Stryker St., Archbold Craig Cain
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12–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of August 10, 2011
Ridgeville Company Gets $210,000 State Training Grant
AP Alternatives, LLC, a Ridgeville Corners start-up company owned by the David VonDeylen family, has received a $210,000 state grant to train workers. The grant, announced Thursday, Aug. 4, is called the Energizing Careers Program, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. A total of 10 Ohio companies will receive more than $1.1 million for “green” energy job training. The state program receives its funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as federal economic stimulus money. Alex Products A press release from ODOD states AP Alternatives purchases products from Alex Products, which is also owned by the VonDeylen family. AP Alternatives uses those products to assemble and install solar panel mounting systems. “The current product lines include modular solar racking with automated instal-
lation equipment and a commercial seating system. “Alex Products is designing, building, and operating automated equipment to assemble the solar panel cartridges. Alex Products also designed, built and automated installation equipment, which was sold to AP Alternatives,” ODOD officials said in their release. Training Michael Evans, senior workforce development specialist with ODOD, said AP Alternatives created a partnership with Owens Community College to train workers in six areas: •First-time supervisor training •Workplace safety training, both general and industry specific •Electrical and logic control training •Robotic programming •Civil engineering •Workplace effectiveness training Evans said it took about one week from the time AP Alternatives applied for the grant to the time the grant money was approved.
New School Entrance Steps in the new Pettisville School lead from the still-to-be constructed atrium to the new gymnasium and auditorium. The stairway leads to the second floor, where high school
*Chinese Immigrant
(Continued from first page) “When he came here, he knew absolutely no one,” said Rohrs. “He just knew that he had an opportunity.” “I was looking for some furniture for my apartment (in Pettisville), and was put into contact with Jerry Rohrs. "And that’s how I met Cecily,” said Chao. He jokingly refers to Mr. and Mrs. Rohrs as his “grandparents.” “They’ve helped me so Change In Law? much, and introduced me to Norman said he knew so many people,” said Chao. “there has been some talk” “I’ve been going to events, of changing the rules of the festivals, things like that. indemnity fund through legislation at the state level. “Maybe wording or legislation changes created the (80% repayment) loophole; maybe some changes could close it,” he said. “It doesn’t seem fair to farmers. Farmers are businessmen, too. They can’t be expected to walk away from 20% and say, ‘oh well.’”
*Farmers Lose (Continued from first page) but was not priced at delivery. They received compensation from the indemnity fund totaling $364,353.33. The three claimants had $83,588.33 on deposit at the elevator for which they were not compensated. Quarter Million Dollar Loss One claimant had grain on deposit more than 365 days. That claimant was not eligible for compensation through the fund and lost $249,463.76, almost a quarter-million dollars, in the Archbold Elevator collapse. Norman said farmers who had grain at the elevator for which they received no compensation can try to get their money by suing Archbold Elevator, “but they may be standing in line behind other creditors.” Money spent preparing and filing lawsuits, possibly with little hope of actually recovering any money, could be “spending good money after bad,” Norman said.
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classes will be held. Note the stone masthead at left, set into the wall.–photo by David Pugh
It’s so much more relaxed here than in China.” Chao’s Hopes Chao’s biggest desire is for people to know he can tell them about the real China. “The China you see on the news, on TV, it’s not the real China. Parts of what you see are true, but a lot of it isn’t. "The biggest difference is just how people in China never relax or come together as much as they do in the U.S.” Chao hopes that China will, “within a few decades,” start to transition to a more
balanced approach in its priorities, instead of just economic growth. “There’s a lot of talk about the difference between developing and developed countries. I, personally, believe that China is still developing. “It may take a long time, but I think that, eventually, China will get to the point where the U.S. is now. "Not just in an economic sense, but in how China deals with the environment, with communities, with each other.” Chao, who is a legal resident, hopes to eventually be-
come a U.S. citizen. In the meantime, he will continue enjoying the communities of Archbold and Pettisville.
Pettisville School Board Meeting Cancelled The Pettisville School Board cancelled its meeting scheduled for Monday Aug. 8. Steve Switzer, district superintendent, said a meeting would be scheduled as needed later in the month.
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Ice Cream Social Fundraiser Supporting Britt Wyse and Kaihle Sauder going on a mission trip to England.
Sunday, August 14, 5-9 pm Ruihley Park Pavilion, Archbold Come and spend time with friends and family while enjoying Homestead ice cream and other snacks! Hope to see you there!
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THREE RIVERS ANTIQUE CAR CLUB Saturday, Aug. 13 • 9:30-11 a.m. Browse almost 200 vintage cars parked on the front lawn of Fairlawn! Bring a lawn chair and join us! Wyse Commons Cafe • Open Mon.-Fri. 10 am-2 pm Serving lunch & snacks. Daily menu at www.fairlawnarchbold.com
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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ....................12 Menus .................................... 10 Classified........................... 14,15 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.......................... 8,9,10,11 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ..................................13
Fulton County Junior Fair Winners – pages 6-7 One section–16 pages
ARCHBOLD
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
BUCKEYE
$
1
SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards
www.ArchboldBuckeye.com
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
106th Year - No. 11
207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)
Gerald Grain Buys Archbold Elevator
by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer
Gerald Grain Center is the winning bidder for Archbold Elevator, agreeing to pay $2.38 million for the grain elevator and feed mill businesses. Gerald Kowalski, the court-appointed receiver for Archbold Elevator, said James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court judge, signed a court order Tuesday, Oct. 3, approving the sale. Chet Phillips, general manager of the farmerowned cooperative, said Gerald Grain has been in the elevator business “for a long,
long time. The grain side has been good, and feed business has been good,” he said. The purchase of Archbold Elevator is a good fit for the co-op and expands the company’s market area. Archbold Elevator will become the Gerald Grain Center, Archbold Branch. It joins Gerald Grain’s main office at Gerald in Henry County, plus branch operations in rural Wauseon, Liberty Center, and Hamler. Gerald Grain also operates an agronomy center in Ridgeville Corners. Phillips said paperwork is being completed to finalize the sale, which is expected (Continued on page 16)
Ed Nofziger Is Citizen Of Year
by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer
overhead door parts. He did alternative service in lieu of military service as Ed Nofziger, the 2011 an orderly at the Good SaArchbold Citizen of the Year, maritan Hospital in Portdoesn’t really see a need to land, Ore., from 1967 to retire. 1969. The owner of In 1969, he beHaas Door in came a partner Wauseon, he enwith his father in joys driving his the overhead door own semi to debusiness. liver overhead In January garage door parts 1972, he married and visit with his the former Carol customers. Alcorn. He loves using Ed contends it his farm tractors to is Carol who demaintain the land serves the Citihe’s placed into zen of the Year Ed Nofziger conservation rehonor. serve. A parcel on the northIn addition to west corner of St. Rt. 2 and raising three sons, she has Co. Rd. 19 has played host to been the treasurer of the popular events where Mon- companies Ed has owned. arch butterflies are tagged “She has a watchful eye and released. that keeps me on the straight “I’m having so much fun, and narrow,” he said. I can’t tell I’m working!” he The overhead door comsaid. pany incorporated in 1973 And, he enjoys working be- as Nofziger Door Sales. The hind the scenes, facilitating business grew, moving from civic projects locally, nation- the family farm to a former ally, and internationally. schoolhouse that had been “I have an office chair, but converted to a trucking comI don’t plan on wearing it pany headquarters at the inout,” he said. “I plan to sit in tersection of St. Rts. 2 and 66 it as little as possible.” north of Archbold. The next move was to the Overhead Doors Archbold Industrial Park in Ed’s father, Dennis, loved 1987. carpentry work more than In 1995, he purchased Haas working on the family farm Door in Perrysburg from a west of Archbold on Co. Rd. company that had difficulty D. He built homes in Arch- running it. He moved the opbold, hung overhead garage eration to Wauseon, where doors in the community, and there was a large building became a dealer in overhead available. Today, Haas Door doors. employs 225 people. Ed said his first job, for Nofziger Door Sales was which he was paid, was at sold to Tom Rufenacht and the Yoder & Frey auction his son, Jon, on Oct. 1, 2010. yard. Nofziger’s efforts in busi“I used to jump off the ness have been recognized; school bus and run to Yo- he received the Ernst & der & Frey. I’d drive tractors Young Entrepreneur of the through the (sale) ring, and Year award in 2000 and the help load them for Elias Frey International Door Associaand Tim Yoder,” he said. tion member service award After graduating from in 2009. Archbold High School in 1965, he worked at different Other Activities jobs, including an overhead Nofziger has been a lifedoor firm in Defiance and at time member of Central Napoleon Spring Works in Mennonite Church. He was Archbold, a manufacturer of (Continued on page 16)
Great Pumpkins Members of Jennifer Hurst’s second grade class at Archbold Elementary school look over a pair of giant pumpkins grown by Tom Heckel, rural Stryker. He is the grandfather of Ema Heckel, a student in the class. Ema delivered a report to her fellow students about the pumpkins, and students from other Archbold Elementary classes had a chance to see them. The smaller of the two pumpkins weighs over 100 pounds; the larger, about 230 pounds. Class members are, front row,
from left, Quinn Cline, Charlie Krieger, Kenny Walker, Luis Morales, Daniel May, Jose Luna, Zane Behnfeldt, and Ben Holley. On the wagon are, from left: Amara Donnelly, Natalee Rose, Emma Nafziger, Hailey Wooley, Tori Johns, Zaria Garcia, Arrysa Romo, Raegan Beverly, Amya Quintanilla, and Ema Heckel. Standing in the back is Jennifer Hurst.–photo by David Pugh
Woman Named "Archbold" Visits by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer
John Dustin Archbold died in 1916. In 1925, her grandfather, A woman whose family John Foster Archbold, one of background includes several John Dustin’s children, esArchbolds visited Archbold, tablished the John D. ArchOhio, for the bold Memorial Hospital in first time reThomasville, Ga., in honor cently. of his father. Frances Leidy’s uncle, Richard Archbold Archbold, was a philanthroHufty Leidy pist, zoologist, and aviator visited Archwho undertook several scibold, Monday, entific expeditions to New Sept. 19, stopGuinea in the 1930s. ping at the At the start of World War office of this II, Richard Archbold started Frances newspaper. the Archbold Biological StaLeidy Leidy said tion, which today covers she learned of Archbold’s existence years ago at a family reunion, but had never taken time to visit the town. Then, while returning to her home in West Chester, Pa., from a business trip in Canada, she convinced a felLeaders at the Archbold low businessman she was ConAgra plant are optimistic traveling with to drive down about the future. the west side of Lake Erie, to Dennis Howell, Archbold see Archbold. village administrator, told members of Archbold Village The Archbold Name Council the Archbold facilLeidy traced the Archbold ity had recently recaptured in her name to her great- some business from another great-grandfather, Israel plant. Archbold, an itinerant MethEmployment at the Archodist minister. bold ConAgra plant is over He and his wife, the former 400. Frances Dana, had several The information came out children, one of whom was of a review of the minutes of her great-grandfather, John a September meeting of the Dustin Archbold. Archbold Community ImLeidy said all the Arch- provement Corporation. bolds lived in eastern Ohio Howell reviewed the minand western Pennsylvania, utes for Archbold Village “which meant the family was Council, at the Monday, Oct. involved in oil.” 3 meeting. And involved they were. In September 2006, Her great-grandfather, John ConAgra announced it was Dustin Archbold, was re- closing the Archbold plant. cruited by John D. Rockefell- Efforts by local government, er, founder of the Standard plant management, and Oil Company. workers turned operations He would become the sec- around, and ConAgra corpoond president of the massive rate officers reversed their oil company until the United decision just over a year latStates Supreme Court or- er. dered it broken into more In reviewing the CIC minthan 30 smaller companies utes, Howell also told counin 1911. cil members there has been
close to 9,000 acres in southcentral Florida. The station is a research center, concentrating on preserving and studying the Florida scrub ecosystem, which is highly threatened. Leidy’s mother, Frances Archbold Hufty, assumed leadership of Archbold Expeditions, the parent organization of the research station, after Richard’s death in 1976. Frances led Archbold Expeditions through the expansion of the research station. She was involved in other civic and scientific en-
deavors. She died in 2010.
Archbold, Ohio No one knows the exact origin of the Archbold, Ohio name. Some say it was named for a railroad engineer named “Archbald.” Another version said it was named for two railroad engineers, “Arch” and “Bald.” Reportedly, the second “a” was changed to an “o,” because a local postmaster decided it was easier to work with. Leidy said, “Whatever the town was named for, it’s fun to know there are a lot of Archbolds around.”
ConAgra Optimistic; Possible Interest In Vacant Buildings interest in two vacant industrial sites: the former Scott Port-A-Fold building in the Archbold Industrial Park and the former Nobel Automotive complex on the south side of town. Also, there has been interest in available office space in the Roth building, at the
intersection of Ditto and West Williams streets. There is “nothing concrete” in connection with the buildings, Howell said.
Officials in Archbold, Ridgeville, and Pettisville have set Trick-Or-Treat hours for Monday, Oct. 31. Planning is underway for an Archbold Parks & Recreation Slightly Haunted Hayride. Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, established trick-ortreating in Archbold from 6 to 7:30 pm. In Ridgeville Corners and Pettisvile, trick-or-treating is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
not determined the time. “It will be when it’s dark outside,” she said. Farm tractors will tow wagons through Woodland Park woods past scary Halloween scenes. “By waiting until after dark, hopefully it will be more scary. So much depends on the weather,” she said. “We can’t get into the woods now to set things up. Hopefully, we’ll have some dry weeks.”
Hayride Jennifer Kidder, Archbold Parks & Recreation director, said the hayride will be held Sunday, Oct. 30, but she has
Over 400 Last year was the first year for the Slightly Haunted Hayride. Kidder estimated over 400 attended.
Ruralogic Howell said CIC discussed promoting Ruralogic, an in(Continued on page 16)
Trick Or Treat
904 Stryker St., Archbold
Craig Cain
Jim Gautsche
Sam Grime
FORD
419-445-7460 (800) 682-7460 RichFordDirect.com
Dayna Fortney
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Rich Ford is partnering with Archbold Middle School R.O.C.K.S. to host Community Walks! Our goal is to accumulate enough combined miles to walk across Ohio!
Join us at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8 & 22, and Nov. 5 & 19 at the Archbold Middle School blacktop! 1-, 2-, and 3-mile routes are available. Inside walking available in case of inclement weather. All ages are welcome!
16–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of October 5, 2011
*Gerald Grain
*Ed Nofziger Is
(Continued from first page) by the end of October. There is a temporary lease in place, he said. As for the future of Archbold Elevator employees, Phillips said in the beginning, “there shouldn’t be any major disruptions,” to the operation. After that, “We will just have to see how the business goes.” In July, a certified public accounting firm valued the Archbold Elevator grain and feed business at $4.2 million, with a suggested sale price ranging from $2.35 million to $3.15 million.
(Continued from first page) on the committee that oversaw the construction of the recent addition. Through his church, he became involved in Mennonite Economic Development Associates. The group promotes economic development worldwide. “Erie (Sauder, founder of Sauder Woodworking) was one of the founding members. Lester Rich was part of the board. I took Lester’s spot in late 1980,” he said. He has since left the MEDA board. He is also part of Gideons International, which is famous for distributing Bibles around the world. “That’s a big part of their ministry,” he explained. He and his family also have been involved with the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in western Pennsylvania since he and Carol were married. The facility “is a wonderful seminar and retreat center,” he said. The center hosts 300 to 400 children from Pittsburgh on four or five weekends a year for spiritual and fun activities. He has served on its board. He is a member of Rotary International, first in Arch-
Five Bidders In a memorandum filed with the court order, Kowalski noted there were “five competitive bids for the elevator and feed facility... After receiving the bids, the receiver continued further negotiations with the bidders, which resulted in the highest and best bid being submitted by Gerald Grain Company... “This bid amount includes the feed and grain facility, the repair and maintenance garage and related assets, including most of the rolling stock associated with this operation... “Additionally, Gerald Grain will pay for the cost of the feed inventory, as determined on the date of closing... “Gerald Grain has agreed to honor The Andersons’ contracts for delivery to Archbold, which will greatly reduce the negative equity claim of The Andersons.” “As reported in the Receiver’s emergency motion to approve this sale, filed on Sept. 29, all parties had consented to and approved this sale, except for William Fricke.
“Subsequent discussions with Mr. Fricke and his counsel have resulted in Mr. Fricke’s consent to this sale,” Kowalski said in the memorandum. Fricke is the former owner of the elevator. Other Properties The order signed Tuesday also covered the sale of property on Co. Rd. D, east of Archbold, that was part of the receivership. Randy Ruffer, rural Archbold, purchased the 39-plus acre parcel, plus a house, cattle barn, and pole barn, for $213,078 at auction on Friday, Sept. 23. Residential lots in Jefferson Village, in Williams County, were sold to Michael and RoseMarie Dick for $7,750. Background The Archbold Elevator saga began in April, when inspectors from the Ohio Department of Agriculture reviewed the company books and found liabilities significantly greater than assets. It was discovered corn stocks were 50,000 bushels short of what company records showed. As a result, the ODA suspended Archbold Elevator grain handling license on Monday, April 11. The following day, Tuesday, April 12, the Farmers & Merchants State Bank filed a lawsuit against Archbold Elevator, demanding repayment on more than $4.9 million in loans.
bold and later transferring to Wauseon. He also is a member of the board that oversees Fairlawn Haven and the Sauder Village board. He is a former board member of the Adriel organization, which provides services to children in need. Behind The Scenes It is behind the scenes where Nofziger makes his biggest mark. While never one to “toot my own horn,” he admitted he has donated money and material to a wide variety of causes. Some of his donations have been in the form of challenge grants; if a group raises a certain amount of money, he would match the amount. His nomination form said Nofziger “has helped many needy people financially; he is a very compassionate person.” He said part of his work is about “planting seeds.” “You never know what you do that could help someone. “It gives you a good feeling when somebody comes up to you, and says, ‘remember when you did that?’” The “that” he refers to, is, of course, one of Nofziger’s donations or services that made a positive difference in someone’s life.
(Continued from first page) formation technology company that has opened offices in Archbold. The company started in 2010, establishing offices in Archbold, Bryan, and Napoleon. The Village of Archbold provided a $400,000 loan, plus tax credits, to the company. Howell said there is a need for more people to take the database programming training offered by Northwest State in cooperation with the company. So far, he said 60 persons have completed the NSCC training. More than 90% have been hired by Ruralogic. Howell also said the CIC discussed an award for Best Hometown, given to the village by a statewide magazine. The point of the discussion was “getting the best out of the award.” In a related matter, Howell told councilmen the village received a certificate from the Ohio Senate congratulating the village on the award,
Enchilada Dinner by Esther Boylan
recognizing the village’s outstanding achievement. House The CIC also discussed demolishing a home the village purchased in February at the intersection of East Holland and Vine streets. Council purchased the house from Ray Walz for $79,100. Village officials considered renting the home, but the cost of renovations was impractical. Howell said it would take 20 years or more for the village to recover its investment. Village officials purchased the house with an eye to possibly using the land for additional parking. Right now, Howell said, additional parking is not required.
Order subscriptions, photo reprints & classifieds at ArchboldBuckeye.com
Archbold Bands
BBQ Chicken FUNDRAISER Friday, Oct. 14
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Friday, Oct. 14 •2-7 pm Ruihley Park Scout Cabin
-----But each spring a gardening instinct, sure as the sap rising in the trees, stirs within us. We look about and decide to tame another little bit of ground.–Lewis Gantt
Archbold Community Theatre presents:
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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................8 Menus .................................... 13 Classified........................... 12,13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports........................ 9,10,11,13 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................3
Fire Prevention Week Pages – pages 6-7 One section–14 pages
ARCHBOLD
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
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www.ArchboldBuckeye.com
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
106th Year - No. 12
207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)
Criminal Investigations In Archbold Elevator Case?
by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer
Documents obtained through bankruptcy court allege that William Fricke, Co. Rd. DE, Pettisville, former owner of Archbold Elevator, is under investigation for possible criminal conduct. Richard L. Speer, judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio, Western Division, dismissed bankruptcy cases filed on behalf of Archbold Elevator and related businesses. In the order dismissing the cases, Speer said, “Mr. Fricke is under investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Attorney General Office for possible criminal conduct related to those actions, which caused the suspension of the feed license.” After an audit of Archbold Elevator records, agriculture department officials suspended the elevator’s commodity handler license on Monday, April 11. This
is the “feed license” to which Speer refers. Speer said in his decision the ODA and attorney general investigations “stem from, among other things, (a) hundreds of thousands of bushels of grain that went ‘missing’; (b) the provision of false financial statements on behalf of the debtors; and (c) the discovery of a significant number of undelivered checks that were represented as ‘paid,’ in the debtors’ financial records, but were never conveyed to debtors’ creditors.”
Agencies This newspaper was unable to independently confirm the existence of criminal investigations. Dan Tierney, spokesman for Mike DeWine, Ohio attorney general, said the attorney general office does not comment on investigations. When questioned about the criminal investigations mentioned by Speer, Scott
Haselman, Fulton County prosecuting attorney, had no comment. Andy Ware, communications director for the ODA, said in an email, “The Department of Agriculture is currently investigating the loss of unaccounted grain from the Archbold Elevator. “As additional information is available we will make sure to inform interested media on the status of this investigation.”
Background The day after the ODA suspended the Archbold Elevator commodity handler license, the Farmers & Merchants State Bank filed a lawsuit in Fulton County Common Pleas Court, seeking repayment of about $4.9 million in loans to Fricke, Archbold Elevator, and related businesses. Other businesses, including The Andersons, a large grain-handling firm based in Maumee, also filed suit. James Barber, common (Continued on page 14)
AHS Juniors Selected As Alternates For All-State Choir by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer Brie Deskins and Caleb Wyse, Archbold High School juniors, have been selected as alternates for the Ohio Music Education Association All-State Choir. As alternates, the pair are essentially on-call from now through January 2012, to step in if a choir member can’t make rehearsals or performances. “In a way, being an alter-
nate is actually more of a challenge,” said Kent Vandock, AHS vocal music director. “The others are sitting with their music now, and they have a chance to work on it. An alternate might get the call to perform, and have to get caught up,” he said. Six AHS students went through the application process, which requires them to sing a solo and an ensemble piece from a list of songs. The songs must be classified
Caleb Wyse and Brie Deskins, AHS juniors, were selected as alternates for the All-State Choir. They are on-call and must be ready to step in if one of the performers can’t make it. Wyse sings tenor parts; Deskins, alto.–photo by David Pugh
as “A” or “B,” the most difficult. They also sing a scale, to test their vocal range. All singing is recorded and sent to Columbus. That was in May. Wyse said he had forgotten about the application until a letter arrived at the end of August. “I opened it, and saw the little state symbol. I assumed I had made it,” he said. Deskins said she hadn’t forgotten about the letter, because Wyse got his a week before she received hers. When she did get her letter, “I was worried about it, because I knew if I’d made it, there would be a big package of things.” She thought she was being turned down, but discovered she was an alternate. Exclusive Of all the high school singers in the state, OMEA only selects 100 to 120 for the AllState Choir, which performs in late January at the OMEA annual conference in Columbus. Only two Fulton County students, one from Delta and one from Evergreen, were selected for the All-State Choir. Vandock estimated there are anywhere from nine to 12 alternates selected. Vandock said being selected is roughly equivalent to being named to an all-state athletic team. “There are no bad singers who try out for the All-State Choir,” Vandock said. “We’re talking about shades of good to great.” As juniors, Wyse and Deskins have another chance to try out for the choir next year. Deskins said she feels (Continued on page 14)
Great Pumpkins On Display Pumpkins decorated by Pettisville students and Pettisville-area adults were on display at the Pettisville Pumpkin Festival, Friday, Oct. 7. A number of the pumpkins were auctioned off to festival-goers, raising money for the Pettisville FFA Alumni. Top: a sample of the
pumpkins which were auctioned off. Bottom left: Renee Hoylman, a first grader, gets her face painted by Taylor Kruse, a senior. Bottom right: Lily Nofziger, a first grader, tries her hand at the Tasmanian Triangle game.–photos by Mary Huber
Pettisville School Board Considers Tax Increase by D.J. Neuenschwander Special to the Buckeye The Pettisville School Board is considering putting a tax increase on the ballot for the March 2012 primary election after reviewing the five-year projection prepared by Chris Lee, district treasurer. During its Monday, Oct. 10 meeting, the board reviewed and approved the five-year plan that shows the district spending more money than it receives by the end of the current fiscal year, which ends in June. Since the district has a cash balance of nearly one million dollars, and since the predicted deficit at the end of the current fiscal year is only slightly over one thousand dollars, the district will still have money on hand. But if Lee’s projection is accurate, the district will gradually eat into the cash balance. The projection shows the district running out of money by the end of fiscal year 2015. Tax Options Steve Switzer, district superintendent, said in a Tuesday interview that no decision or recommendations have been made about what type of tax– income or property– or the amount. Switzer said between now and the next Pettisville School Board meeting, Monday, Nov. 7 7 pm, in the school conference room,
district officials will look at and continued increases in tax options to generate addi- fuel expenses for the busses. The expenses did not intional revenue. clude any negotiated increases in salaries, although Conservative During the meeting, Lee some provision was made for told board members the five- step increases. The district currently year projection is conservative when it projects revenue pays just under $3 million for teacher salaries and just coming into the district. The projection predicts an over $370,000 for adminisoverall decrease in state and trative salaries. The clasfederal aid, and no increase sified staff, which includes from the district income tax. office workers, cafeteria workLee said the school dis- ers, and maintenance worktrict income tax collection in ers, add another $442,000 in July was up from the previ- expenses. Overall, the district is proous year, though. It was the highest July collection the jected to have revenue this district had seen from the fiscal year of $4,726,611, against projected expenses 1% tax. On the expense side of of $4,727,691, yielding the the projection, the major shortfall of $1,080. increases were from a projected 10% annual increase State Support In the Tuesday interview, in the cost of health insurance and a 15% increase in Switzer said another part of the cost of utilities projected the problem is anticipating to take place next year. how much support the State Board members ques- of Ohio will earmark for tioned the utility figure. Lee schools. said while it was difficult to Normally, he said by now predict utility costs for the the district would have a new building, he included good idea of how much money a high figure for electricity, it will receive from the state. nearly double of last year’s But state officials are curamount. rently revising state support He based the higher cost of education. on the fact that the new State support has been flat, building would primarily or even slightly increased, use electricity for climate but Switzer said school discontrol, and he assumed tricts are losing revenue from part of the cost of paying off the elimination of the state the wind turbine would be personal property tax, and included in the line item for $425,000 in federal stimulus electricity. funds has dried up. Lee also predicted higher “We knew that (loss of fedcosts for bus repairs, since eral revenue) was coming, the Pettisville fleet is aging, (Continued on page 14)
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14–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of October 12, 2011
*Criminal Investigations (Continued from first page) pleas court judge, placed Archbold Elevator and its related hog-raising businesses, Kainos Operations, O-MI-O, and Henry Pig, into a process known as receivership. Gerald R. Kowalski, a Toledo attorney, was named the receiver. Kowalski determined the best way to repay the creditors was to sell the businesses as going concerns. Kowalski’s actions culminated in the sale of Archbold Elevator, the feed mill, and a truck repair garage for $2.38 million to Gerald Grain Center, based in Gerald. Barber approved the sale on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Bankruptcy In an affidavit submitted to the bankruptcy court, Kowalski said he was ready to recommend the sale of Archbold Elevator and other related businesses on Monday, Sept. 12. But on Friday, Sept. 9, the bankruptcy court action for Archbold Elevator and the other businesses, known in the legal community as the “Archbold Entities,” was filed. Filed under a section of bankruptcy law known as Chapter 11, the bankruptcy action asked the court to allow the companies to reorganize and develop a plan to repay their creditors. It would have essentially stopped Kowalski’s sale of the businesses. An emergency motion was filed on behalf of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank on Sept. 12. The F&M motion asked the bankruptcy court to dismiss the bankruptcy cases, or do nothing that interfered with the receivership action in the Fulton County court. Allegations A review of documents filed in connection with the bankruptcy action brings to light several allegations against Fricke.
The documents filed on behalf of F&M claim and allege “the discovery of two sets of financial books in debtors’ offices– one showing debtors’ ‘actual’ finances, and one showing debtors’ ‘reported’ finances.” In his decision, bankruptcy judge Speer described “certain irregular business practices.” Speer cited: •Employees receiving wages in cash, from which no taxes were withheld. •Fricke’s yearly salary was $200,000, while the businesses were “insolvent or near insolvency.” •Although at times they did not perform “any real services,” Fricke family members were on the Archbold Elevator payroll, said Speer. Kowalski alleges in an amended affidavit filed with the bankruptcy court Sept. 26 that Fricke’s four children were paid between $150 and $280 a week during 2010 and 2011 until the appointment of the receiver. Also, Kowalski alleged two children received “bonus” checks; one received a check of $5,543.50, another received two checks, each for $6,641. •Several court documents make reference to a $40,000 Mercedes Benz automobile allegedly leased and insured by Archbold Elevator for Fricke’s wife, Lynette. Kowalski said she did no work for
Weather
91
Week’s High Date
Tu 10/4 We 10/5 Th 10/6 Fr 10/7 Sa 10/8 Su 10/9 Mo 10/10
44
Week’s Low
High Low Precip
83 84 82 87 91 86 76
44 46 53 49 50 50 49
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Data provided by Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant
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the Archbold Elevator. •Kowalski also alleges Archbold Elevator purchased and insured three vehicles for Fricke and his family: a Lexus, a Chevrolet Suburban, and a luxury van. •Kowalski alleged Archbold Elevator paid the cell phone bill for Fricke’s wife and children. •Kowalski alleged there was a large unleaded gasoline tank which was refilled regularly at company expense. “MANY (in all capitals in the affidavit) employees seem to have had access to it, plus Mr. Fricke’s family also filled up their cars there,” Kowalski said. Ending the practice saved Archbold Elevator $1,500 a week, he said. •Kowalski alleged that Fricke had Archbold Elevator purchase a 40-acre farm on Co. Rd. D east of Archbold. He alleged, “Mr. Fricke rents the farm to a good friend of his, who paid all rents directly to Mr. Fricke and not the company... The rent agreed to by Mr. Fricke barely pays for the expenses on the farm. “The company derives no benefit owning this property.”
The Oct. 14 Archbold Bands BBQ Chicken Fundraiser has been canceled.
(Continued from first page) being able to say she was previously an alternate will be a help next year. Deskins said when she tells friends she’s been selected as an alternate, those who aren’t in choir don’t realize just how much of an achievement it is. But those who are in choir “are really, really excited for me, which is really cool,” she said. Wyse said AHS graduates are even excited for him. Letdown? But isn’t being selected as an alternate a kind of letdown for the two student vocalists? “I was a little disappointed,” Wyse said. “But I put it into the perspective of, how many people from Archbold have actually made it, and that I’m a junior, and I’ve never tried out before. In the past few years, five AHS students have been selected– two performers and three alternates. “The initial reaction was disappointment,” he said. Deskins was not let down. “I auditioned for it last year, and I obviously wasn’t an alternate, and so this year, to even be an alter-
nate... “I think you kind of have to do your time to get into it, and so if I have to do my time to be an alternate to get to state, that’s completely fine with me,” she said. Futures Do either of the two want to follow music as a career? Wyse, who has performed in Archbold Community Theatre, said, “I want to do something in musical theatre, but working with kids. I don’t know if that’s music ed or what, but those two will be in my (college) major in some way.” He is specifically interested in working with elementary students. Deskins said, “I am definitely looking to do something in music. Maybe not necessarily make it my major, but it could be my minor.” How will they react if they get the call to join the AllState choir? “Oh my goodness, I don’t even know,” Deskins said. “I don’t know if it would sink in, because the whole alternate thing has not sunk in yet. I would be very happy.” “I’d be ecstatic,” Wyse said.
Enchilada Dinner by Esther Boylan
ARCHBOLD SOCCER FUNDRAISER Friday, Oct. 14 •2-7 pm
Be sure to support the Archbold Soccer Fundraiser Enchilada Dinner on Friday!
Ruihley Park Scout Cabin 2 enchiladas, rice & beans Eat in or carryout. Suggested donation $6 Preorders (optional) call: 419-445-8425
(Continued from first page) so we didn’t use that for any new spending. Basically it prolonged the situation, allowing us to go a bit longer,” he said. Now, Switzer said, the school district’s emphasis is threefold: •Look at district expenditures to find ways to reduce spending; •Develop more accurate projections as more information becomes available; and •Determine what additional revenues are necessary, and what type and amount of tax is needed to generate that amount.
Poll question of the week:
Should Gene Smith be replaced as OSU athletic director? Vote online at ArchboldBuckeye.com
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ANNUAL MEETING DINNER & AWARDS Thursday, Nov. 3 Social Hour - 6:15 p.m. Dinner - 6:45 p.m. Founder’s Hall, Sauder Village
Several area businesses will be receiving achievement awards. We will also honor the 2011 Lions Club Citizen of the Year,
Ed Nofziger. Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown award will also be presented to Archbold during the banquet.
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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus .................................... 10 Classified........................... 11,12 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.......................... 8,9,10,13 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7
AHS Boys Wins NWOAL Cross Country Meet – page 9 One section–14 pages
ARCHBOLD
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
www.ArchboldBuckeye.com 207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)
Fricke Fired From Archbold Elevator Court documents reveal that William Fricke, former owner of Archbold Elevator, was fired from the operation. Gerald Kowalski, a Toledo attorney and the court-appointed receiver for Archbold Elevator, said in his fifth status report, “Because of numerous admissions made by Mr. Fricke under oath at the bankruptcy hearing, and for other reasons, the receiver terminated his employment on Wednesday, Sept. 28.” Court documents filed by Kowalski detail the timeline of the final actions that led to the sale of the elevator to the Gerald Grain Center, Gerald, for $2.38 million. On Tuesday, Aug. 30, Kowalski had received bids for Archbold Elevator and the related hog-raising businesses known as the “Archbold Entities.” After receiving those bids, Kowalski said he continued negotiating with the bidders. “Final negotiations through a phone auction occurred on (Friday) Sept. 9, at noon, and were completed at approximately 12:45 pm,” Kowalski said in court papers. A conference call was set for 10 am, Monday, Sept. 12, to announce the receiver’s recommendations. Court documents state, “However, unbeknownst to
BUCKEYE
the receiver until approximately 1:15 pm on Sept. 9, William Fricke, one of the owners of (the) Archbold Entities filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in the day.” “Unfortunately, the filing of the bankruptcy case caused significant disruption of the operations of the Archbold Entities. “The receiver, its counsel, and staff were required to devote significant time to the filing requirements of the bankruptcy case.” Kowalski added, “The filing of the bankruptcy petition caused significant morale issues with the employees of the Archbold Entities.” Bankruptcy Dismissed When a bankruptcy case is filed, it “stays,” or blocks, other actions, such as an action in county court to pay off the creditors. A hearing was held in federal bankruptcy court on Monday, Sept. 26. It was during that hearing that Kowalski said Fricke made the “numerous admissions” which ultimately led to his termination. Court documents list allegations of a number of what have been called “questionable business practices” by Fricke. Farmers and Merchants State Bank, which filed the (Continued on page 14)
$
1
SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards
106th Year - No. 13
Ridgeville Bank Robbed Bank In Lyons Also Hit On Friday The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Fulton and Henry County sheriff departments, are seeking information about a man who robbed bank branches in Lyons and Ridgeville Corners, Friday, Oct. 14. David C. Dustin, an FBI supervisory special agent, said Monday, “We’re still looking for information that identifies the coat, or the car involved.” The same gunman is believed to have hit the two banks. The first robbery occurred at about 11 am at the State Bank & Trust branch in Lyons. The suspect, armed with a dark-colored handgun, walked into the State Bank branch and demanded money. He fled the area in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash. Then at 11:44 am, the gunman entered the Sherwood State Bank branch in Ridgeville Corners and demanded money, again fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash.
In both cases, the suspect provided tellers with a blue Meijer reusable shopping bag to hold the money. A witness described the suspect’s car as an older, black, small to mid-size vehicle, with black-painted rims and shiny hubcaps. The car possibly has a rear fin and orange lettering on the back.
Top: Photo of the bank robber, taken by the Lyons State Bank and Trust security camera, released by the FBI. Right: the sign on the front door of the Sherwood State Bank in Ridgeville Corners Friday afternoon, after the robbery.
Description Information provided by inches to 6-1. He has a thin the FBI states the suspect build, weighing an estimatis described as a white ed 160 to 180 pounds. He was wearing a dark male, about 5 feet, 11
Money Dustin said the FBI routinely does not release the amount of money taken in bank robberies. “It’s an investigative tool. It makes sense if you think about it. If somebody says they heard a guy say he robbed a bank and got $50 when you know $150 was taken,” that suspect can be eliminated, Dustin said. Roy Miller, chief deputy of the Fulton County Sheriff Department, said FCSD and the Henry County Sheriff Department are working with the FBI on solving the robberies. Those with information are asked to contact the Fulton County Sheriff Department at 419-335-4010, two-tone jacket, zipped in the Henry County Sheriff front, with a hood, dark sun- Department at 419-592glasses, black ski mask, and 8010, or the FBI at 419black gloves. 243-6122.
Archbold Football Team Supports Library To Reopen On Fridays In Jan. Ohio Soldiers In Afghanistan by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer When the Archbold football team took the field against Patrick Henry, Friday night, Oct. 14, their helmets featured a couple of small additions. One was a red dot within a white circle. Most would never have even noticed it. But for team members, it represented a bond, a partnership, a sign of their support for Ohio soldiers in Afghanistan. The red dot in the white circle is the unit insignia of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a unit of the Ohio National Guard. In addition to the insignia, the team’s helmets also feature the American Flag with the National Guard logo. High school football teams across Ohio are wearing the insignia and the flag as part of Operation Buckeye Guard, in solidarity with the 3,600member 37th IBCT. Major Visits Bryan Miller, AHS varsity football coach, said he signed up the Blue Streaks for Operation Buckeye Guard because of his respect for soldiers. “There’s nothing I respect more than a soldier, because of the sacrifices they make,” he said. Brett Graham, a high school teacher and major in the Ohio National Guard, visited with the football team after practice, Monday, Oct. 10.
AHS football team captains, Chandler Tuckerman, TJ Gerken, and Zach Driver, from left, with helmets showing the insignia of the Ohio Team captains Zach Driver, a middle linebacker; Chandler Tuckerman, a linebacker; and TJ Gerken, a wide receiver and defensive safety, all seniors, said when Graham spoke to the team, he connected many of the leadership skills needed on the football field to those needed in the military. Gerken said just as football teams make plans by calling plays, military units have set plays they revert to when confronted by certain situations. Although, Gerken added, on the football field, “it’s not as extreme as life and death.” “Each member of the team
National Guard 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.–photo by David Pugh
The Archbold Community Library will be open again on Fridays, starting Jan. 6, 2012. The library board approved the action at its Wednesday, Oct. 12 meeting. The library has been closed on Fridays for about 2 1/2 years, after the library board voted to close the facility during a special meeting, June 29, 2009. The move was a moneysaving measure, instituted after the state of Ohio cut funding to libraries because of the stalled economy. The library board voted to reopen on Fridays after an executive session that lasted about 20 minutes. The stated reason for the closed-door session was personnel matters. No action on personnel matters was taken following the executive session.
depends on each other to do what they have to do” for the team, whether in football or a military unit, for the team to succeed, Tuckerman said. Tuckerman said Graham, a helicopter pilot, explained that soldiers onboard his helicopter rely on him to get them where they need to be, while at the same time he relies on them to keep him safe. “Everybody has to do their job,” Gerken said.
Stabilized Joyce Klingelsmith, library director, said the decision to reopen on Fridays was based on three factors. First, she said the library staff has cut spending. Also, she said the library has benefited from two years of revenue received from a property tax levy approved by voters in May 2009. The levy was for the renewal of four-tenths (.4) of a mill, plus three-tenths (.3) of a mill of additional tax. Prayer Plus, she said state fundAfter hearing Graham ing to libraries has stabispeak, the captains said team lized. members gathered around The helmet of Tyson Dietrich While the board approved shows the red and white IBCT reopening on Fridays, the him and offered a prayer. (Continued on page 14) insignia.–photo by David Pugh facility will remain closed
on Wednesday evenings and Sundays. Regular Friday hours will be 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The number of library staff on duty on Fridays will be reduced to three, but Klingelsmith said services to patrons will not be reduced. Office work will not be done during Friday hours. There are traditionally no programs on Fridays.
Adjusted Klingelsmith said library patrons adjusted to the reduced hours well. “People understood why we were closed,” she said. “What we were hearing was people were frustrated, rather than angry. “They were disappointed we were closed Fridays, but they understood and accepted it.”–David Pugh
Tax Levy Request Coming For Archbold Schools?
The Archbold Area School Board will have to consider some way to raise revenue by putting a tax levy before voters, probably during 2014. Chris Ziegler, school district treasurer, told board members the district will end the current fiscal year (Continued on page 3)
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Rich Ford is partnering with Archbold Middle School R.O.C.K.S. to host Community Walks! Our goal is to accumulate enough combined miles to walk across Ohio!
Join us at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, and Nov. 5 & 19 at the Archbold Middle School blacktop! 1-, 2-, and 3-mile routes are available. Inside walking available in case of inclement weather. All ages are welcome!
14–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of October 19, 2011
*Fricke Fired From Archbold Cowell, Wyse Vie For Archbold Mayor
Archbold voters will decide who will be the mayor when they go to the polls for the fall General Election, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Kenny Cowell, an Archbold village councilman, is challenging Jim Wyse, twoterm incumbent mayor. Wyse has held the post since 2004. He defeated Peter D. Short, the incumbent mayor, in the 2003 general election, and was unopposed in 2007 for the term starting in 2008. Cowell was appointed to council in 2003, and was first elected in 2006. He was unopposed in his bid for a second term on council, which started in 2010.
Kenneth Cowell
James Wyse
er, past president; St John’s Christian Church, deacon, Sunday School leader Previous political experience: Currently a member of Archbold Village Council Comments: Cowell said his goals are to keep jobs in town; develop an economic development committee, visCandidate: Kenneth Cow- it personally with all retail & industrial businesses, and be ell available to hear residents’ Incumbent: No ideas & concerns. Native of: Archbold Family: wife, Sandi; two Candidate: James S. Wyse children. Incumbent: yes Education: Archbold High Native of: Wauseon School, 1978 graduate Present employment: retired Other career experience: Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant, 18 years; Fulton County Sanitary Engineer, 11 years; Archbold Fire Department, 10 years Affiliations: Archbold Lions Club, past president; Fulton County Pheasants Forev-
*Archbold Football (Continued from first page) Tuckerman said the prayer asked God to protect Graham, his family, and his unit during the deployment to Afghanistan, which, for Graham, started Monday, Oct. 17. After meeting the team, Graham said in an email to Miller, “One of the things that struck me about your team was the sincere respect those young men afford me and my wife. I rarely hear ‘sir’ from young men in high school, and your team used it liberally when speaking to me. “When they shook my hand, they looked me in the eye. It is a true sign of respect and discipline. As a military officer, I expect and appreciate it.”
Awards Graham presented several awards to members of the Blue Streak team, recognizing their sense of loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity and personal courage (LDRSHIP) both on and off the field. Tuckerman received the Most Valuable Player award for his exceptional commitment and leadership. The players received a variety of National Guard items, from commemorative coins to an army backpack. “It was kind of ironic,” Miller said. “Major Graham brought us all kinds of gifts and awards,” while it is Graham who is going overseas in service to the country, Miller said.
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Family: wife, Janet, four children Education: Wauseon High School, 1979 graduate Present employment: First Insurance Group Affiliations: Archbold Rotary Club, past president and Paul Harris Fellow; Fulton County Senior Center, president of advisory board; Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers, board of directors; Archbold Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), president; St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Previous political experience: Archbold Village Council, 2002-03; Archbold mayor, 2004-present Comments: “My eight years as mayor and my position as president of the CIC uniquely qualifies me to serve the community as mayor for one more term. My main focus, if reelected, will be to continue to work on bringing jobs back to this community.”
(Continued from first page) original Fulton County Common Pleas Court suit against Fricke that led to the appointment of Kowalski as receiver, asked for dismissal of the bankruptcy filing. Richard L Speer, bankruptcy court judge, said in his decision to dismiss the bankruptcy action that the Fulton County court action would provide the best alternative for the creditors of Archbold Elevator and its related companies. In his decision to dismiss the bankruptcy, Speer noted, “...given the past deficiencies of Mr. Fricke in managing the Debtor’s business operations, placing him in possession (of the businesses) at this point is not a viable option. “... even if the debtors were able to successfully formulate a plan of reorganization– a highly speculative scenario– it is even more speculative that the debtor’s unsecured creditor would receive any meaningful distribution (payment). “As pointed out by the Bank (the F&M) the debtor’s present financial projections
show that it would take the debtors 25 years just to pay off their secured debt, leaving very little room to pay unsecured debt.” Speer ordered the bankruptcy cases dismissed effective at 5:38 pm, Monday, Sept. 26.
Wednesday, Sept. 28. He said Fricke’s attorney said “the receiver would receive Mr. Fricke’s ‘bid package’ by 5 pm on Sept. 28. “No bid package was received.” The sale was approved Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Fricke’s Bid Kowalski said from the very beginning, Fricke said he was in the process of obtaining refinancing to pay off all the creditors. Later, both personally and through his attorney, Fricke said he would bid on the Archbold Elevator and other entities. In a motion to James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court judge, asking for approval of the sale of assets, Kowalski said Fricke “never provided a refinancing proposal, nor did he submit a bid for any assets. “It appears Mr. Fricke’s bankruptcy filing was a desperate effort to somehow remain in control of this failed enterprise.” Kowalski announced the results of the bidding for the Archbold Entities on
Final Pieces In his status report, Kowalski said he is in “final negotiations for the remaining assets of the Archbold Entities– three sow units, the Kainos nursery, and boars.” He anticipated asking the court to approve the sale of those operations soon, and to begin “distribution of funds to F&M Bank, which is the first priority creditor.”
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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ....................10 Menus ...................................... 8 Classified........................... 12,13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports................................. 6,7,8 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ..................................11
Two New Faces Guaranteed On Archbold School Board – page 3 One section–14 pages
ARCHBOLD
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Fricke Bids On Hog Operations; Bidders Question Financing William Fricke, Pettisville, is attempting to buy four of the hog-raising operations he owned before his business was placed in receivership. In documents filed Monday in Fulton County Common Pleas Court, Gerald Kowalski, the Toledo attorney named receiver of Archbold Elevator and the related hog-raising businesses, said Fricke tendered a total bid of $1.5 million. Up for auction by the receiver are O-MI-O, Henry Pig, the Kainos pig nursery, and the sows and piglets that are part of the receivership on Fenstermaker Farms property in Leipsic. The high bids submitted by others totals $1.33 million. Kowalski’s filing asks James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court judge, for a hearing to discuss the situation, and for instructions on how to proceed. Question Financing In his filing, Kowalski said bidders were required to submit a certified check for 1% of their bid amount, plus proof of adequate financing to complete the transaction. All of the bidders, except Fricke, “provided the appropriate deposit and either financing information from
a commercial bank, or an indication of the ability to pay cash,” Kowalski said. “The bid of William Fricke was accompanied by a check exceeding the minimum deposit. “However, the funding information provided by Mr. Fricke is not from a bank or recognized lending facility. Based on this information, the receiver is not confident about Mr. Fricke’s ability to obtain financing in order to close these transactions. “Furthermore, the individual bidders have all indicated their reluctance to increase their bids until they are certain that Mr. Fricke has the financing, and can complete these deals. “The individual bidders have advised the receiver they do not want to enter a bidding war with a ‘phantom bidder,’ just to drive the price of these assets up.” Kowalski said during a recent bankruptcy hearing, it was learned that Fricke is under investigation by the State of Ohio and the Fulton County Prosecutor Office. The two organizations are said to be looking into possible criminal conduct arising from Fricke’s operation of the businesses. When asked about the investigations, a spokesman for the Ohio Attorney Gen-
eral Office and Scott Haselman, Fulton County prosecutor, declined comment, neither confirming or denying the existence of investigations. The possibility of criminal investigations targeting Fricke “causes the receiver, the secured creditors, and the individual bidders to question Mr. Fricke’s ability to obtain financing to purchase these assets,” Kowalski said. Up For Auction Up for auction: •O-MI-O, Inc., a hog raising business located on property at 17311 Co. Rd. 21-50, Fayette (Williams County). The sale includes the property and sows and other pigs on the property. There were three bidders: Richard Lange, of Republic Mills, bid $138,000; Michael E. Mull, a veterinarian, offered $250,000; Fricke offered $300,000. •Henry Pig, with property and animals at 16786 Co. Rd. K, Napoleon (Henry County). There were two bidders: Mark and Stephanie Sattler offered $465,000; Fricke bid $475,000. •Kainos Nursery, with pigs and property located at 12979 Co. Rd. 16, Wauseon (Continued on page 3)
AHS, PHS Boys Teams, Hostetler On To Regionals The Archbold and Pettisville boys cross country teams and Pettisville's Tanner Hostetler advanced out of the Division III district meet, Saturday, Oct. 22. They will run in the regional meet, Saturday, Oct. 29. The AHS boys team goes to the Youngstown regional, while the PHS boys and Hostetler will run in the Tiffin regional. Left: Bryce
Tinsman was the first Blue Streak to finish in the boys District 3 race. He placed fifth. Middle: Dominic Frey was the first Blackbird into the chute in the boys District 1 race. He was tenth. Right: Hostetler was the only AHS or PHS girl to advance. She placed 13th in the girls District 2 race. See page 6 for more information.–photos by Jack Frey
Wind Turbine Spawns Interest In STEM Club by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer There have been many benefits claimed for the Archbold Area School District wind power initiative, but one was perhaps the least expected. Laura Bickel, Archbold High School science teacher, said there is an interest among students in starting
a STEM club. STEM is the modern acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. “The students had an interest in forming a club when the anemometer (wind test tower) went up” in June 2008, Bickel said. To encourage their interest, she said she had students gather data from the tower. Soon, about 12 to 20
students were meeting informally. Four, she said, consistently assisted in gathering data from the tower. Since then, Bickel said the interest in a club has increased. Plus, with the school district’s wind turbine soon to be installed, it’s a good time to start working toward creating a club. Bickel and five AHS stu(Continued on page 13)
Bob Frey Auction Bidders From U.S., Europe by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer Sure, it was an auction, but for Bob Frey, Archbold, and others, it was more like a party. After years of putting together an eclectic collection ranging from farm tractors to a fire truck, Frey decided it was time to let it all go. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, family, friends, and others gathered at Yoder & Frey, the business started by his father Elias in 1947, to send it all to new homes.
About 200 people from 14 states registered to bid. Through the Internet, people from all over the world could participate. Some equipment was sold to a man in Belgium. Frey said when he was in grade school, he bought his first tractor, an International BN, at an auction at Delta for $85. “I drove it all the way back to Archbold,” he said. Stroke Seven years ago, Frey suffered a major stroke. It left
him without feeling in half of his body, “but I can still auction,” he said. Frey said one of the biggest factors in his recovery was, “I never gave up. “I’ve helped a lot of guys who’ve had strokes. The guys who don’t try, who just say, ‘leave me alone,’ they die.” But the stroke made it difficult to drive the machines he had collected. “I couldn’t crawl up on the tractors. I couldn’t drive my Mack semi,” he said. After thinking about it for
A few of the scenes at the auction of Bob Frey’s collection of tractors, trucks, and other items, Wednesday, Oct. 12. Left: Fred Helmke, of Florida, seated on a tractor wheel, and Weldon Drewes, Wauseon, on a scooter, chat during
about three years, he decided to sell everything. Frey said he thought the semi truck, a 1958 Mack with a diesel engine, was the most popular item. Frey shared a personal connection with the truck. Its original owner, a man from Pennsylvania, began driving it to the Yoder & Frey auction in 1958. After the man died, Frey said he visited the man's shop, and saw the Mack parked out back. He bought it from the man’s son, brought it back to Archbold
and painted it red with black accents. The semi and matching flatbed trailer sold for $22,500. The new owner drove the more-than 50year-old truck back to Illinois. Other Stuff Among the tractors sold was a 1965 International 1206. Its serial number indicated it was the 12th of that particular model to come off the assembly line. At the time, it was the biggest in the company’s line-
the auction. The line of tractors was just part of the items for sale. Right: Frey considered his 1958 Mack semi tractor-trailer rig the most popular item at the auction. Also showing is his 1935 Chevrolet fire truck.–photos by David Pugh
up, but later machines made it look like a garden tractor. Restored and looking practically showroom new, Frey said it sold for $14,500. “It did very well,” he said. One of the oldest pieces of equipment at the auction was Frey’s 1930 Caterpillar Sixty, an old crawler tractor with a huge four-cylinder engine. Despite being more than 80 years old, it still moves and steers under its own power. During the auction, it was left running, allowing admirers to watch its exposed engine parts spin. The Sixty carried a metal tag indicating it was once owned by Los Angeles County, Calif. Frey speculated that because it had a large hook on the back and heavy springs on the front, it was used to haul logs. He said he would load the Sixty aboard his flatbed semi, and put it in parades. It sold for $19,000 to a man from Bowling Green. Another item in the auction list was a 1935 Chevrolet fire truck. He said he would put kids on the truck, and drive it in parades. “It has a siren and a bell to ding,” he said. Also up for auction was a 1961 Pontiac two-door hardtop Frey said he bought at a large Indiana classic car auction almost 20 years ago. It was displayed with the trunk open, revealing a (Continued on page 3)
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Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of October 26, 2011–3
Two New Faces Guaranteed On Archbold School Board The makeup of the Archbold School Board will change with the start of the New Year, as two incumbents, Scott Miller and Tony Warncke, decided not to seek reelection. Four men and one woman are asking voters to put them on the board for a four-year term. Voters will make their choice in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 General Election. Candidate: Bob Aschliman Native of: Archbold-Pettisville Family: wife, Luanne; three children Education: Pettisville High School, 1970 graduate; associate degree, accounting, International Business College, Fort Wayne, Ind., 1973; bachelor’s degree, accounting, Defiance College, 1977 Present employment: Aschliman & Company, Certified Public Accountants Other career experience: grew up on a chicken farm; worked in a factory; accountant for manufacturing company; worked for CPA firms; started own business in 1980. Affiliations: Archbold Rotary Club, past president; Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce, past president; board member, organizations related to Sunshine Children’s Home; board member, Fairlawn Haven; Zion Mennonite Church, member and treasurer Previous political experience: three terms on Archbold school board, 1993-2005 Other experience: CPA, owner or part owner of five businesses; served on several boards Comments: Aschliman said his goals were “to vote for the best interests of the school district; provide the best educational opportunities possible for Archbold students; set educational goals and establish school policy; work with other board members, superintendent, treasurer, and staff to keep our school strong.”
Bob Aschliman
Roel Galvan
John Downey
Kimberly Kinsman
Rod Rodriguez Education Association, held leadership position in AEA for 20 years; St. Peter Catholic Church, vice president of church council, eucharistic minister/usher, 33 years; CCd teacher, 10 years; eucharisic minister to Fairlawn Haven, 10 years; Knights of Columbus Comments: Downey’s goal is to “provide the most cost-effective education for our students that meets the needs of all stakeholders in the most transparent manner possible. “I believe in an open and honest dialogue as a board member. Boards should not micromanage, but I do believe in asking the tough questions in an open board meeting when possible.”
Candidate: Roel Galvan Native of: Ohio Family: wife, Dana; four Candidate: John Downey children Education: Archbold High Native of: Napoleon Family: wife, Susan; five School, 1983 graduate; masters in organizational manchildren Education: Napoleon High School, 1968 graduate; bachelor’s of education, University of Toledo, 1975; master’s in guidance & counseling, 1983; specialist in education administration, 1990 Week’s High Week’s Low Present employment: Date High Low Precip retired Tu 10/18 56 42 .2 R Other career experiWe 10/19 50 44 2.5 R ence: Napoleon Schools, 1975-78; University of ToTh 10/20 47 43 .15 R ledo, 1978-79; Archbold Fr 10/21 50 32 0 Schools, served as teacher, Sa 10/22 63 30 0 counselor, coach, bus driver, Su 10/23 69 38 .15 R summer maintenance workMo 10/24 64 41 0 er, 1979-2010 Data provided by Archbold Affiliations: Ohio EducaWastewater Treatment Plant tion Association, Archbold
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ENCHILADA FUNDRAISER for Lupe Garcia Saturday, Nov. 12 12-5 pm Fairlawn Community Building, Archbold Dinners: $6 includes 2 enchiladas, rice & beans Each additional enchilada is $1.25 Tray of 6 enchiladas: $8 Lupe is a former resident of Archbold. She worked for Sauder Woodworking for over 25 years. This past summer, Lupe was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. All proceeds from the dinner will go to medical expenses. Call Amanda Cardwell at 419-388-3955 to place an order or see how you can help. Eat in or carryout
agement, University of Bluffton, 2002 Present employment: Sauder Woodworking Other career experience: adjunct instructor for University of Bluffton Affiliations: Northwest Ohio Industrial Relations Association; Society for Human Resource Management; Toledo Area Human Resource Management; Employers Association; volunteer, Junior Achievement Previous political experience: Archbold School Board, 2006-10 Comments: Galvan said he plans to “work diligently to control or reduce costs while maintaining core services, allow the administration to continue the great leadership they have shown, and be able and willing to listen to all concerns and follow the correct protocol. “This is a wonderful community, and I am willing to work hard and devote my time if I am elected to the school board.” Candidate: Kimberly Kinsman Native of: Fayette Family: husband, Lynn; four children Education: Gorham-Fayette High School, 1988 graduate; Bachelor of Arts, psychology, Wittenberg University, 1992; Master of Education, Bowling Green State University, 2011 Present employment: General Education Diploma instructor, Four County Career Center Other career experience: social studies teacher, Fulton County Opportunity School, seven years Affiliations: American Legion Auxiliary, John Dale Post, Fayette; Relay for life, Team Sauder-Kinsman, Team K-BOB; Archbold Evangelical Church Other experience: internship with Archbold and Pettisville schools while studying for master’s degree Comments: Kinsman said she will “work with other board members and
*Bob Frey Auction (Continued from first page) space that would be considered cavernous by today’s standards. It sold for $8,900.
school administrators to do what is best for our students and the school district. “I feel my experience as an educator and my Master’s program at BGSU has prepared me to take on this challenge. Next year, I will have one child in each building; therefore, I will be concerned about programming at all levels.”
Best Story The best story revolves around a life-sized mannequin. Dressed as a construction worker, when hooked to a battery it would wave an orange flag. Frey said he bought the mannequin at a Virginia auction and loaned it to a friend named Ray. Ray put it in the back of a pickup, and threw a blanket Candidate: Rod L. Rodri- over it. guez Ray was giving a ride to Native of: Archbold another man. Frey said Ray Family: wife, Dawn; three told the man, “I need your children help with something. I had Education: Archbold High a little accident outside of School, 2000 graduate; at- town.” tended Northwest State ComRay took the man to the munity College back of the truck and said, “I Present employment: Sauder Manufacturing Affiliations: Archbold Assembly of God, youth leader, eight years. Other experience: As(Continued from first page) sisted Pettisville High School (Fulton County). with interviews of Spanish Two bids were received: IV students for final exam; Kalmbach Feeds said it fluent in Spanish would pay $125,000, while Comments: Rodriguez Fricke offered $150,000. said, “I work with youth on •Bids were also received a regular basis, and I want for the hogs and piglets, to use these interactions to owned by the receivership, help them. I want the Latino at Fenstermaker Farms in community get even more Leipsic. In a telephone ininvolved in our schools! terview, Kowalski said there “I want to make a differare over 1,000 hogs under reence. I am new; I have never ceivership on the property. been in this position. I want Two bids were received: to bring fresh ideas and not Fenstermaker Farms offered be afraid to go against the $490,000; Fricke offered flow. Our leadership must $575,000. be accountable, and we have -----to fight to keep the integrity Grant me the serenity and success of our school to accept the things I cansystem on track.” not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.–Reinhold Niebhur
*Fricke
Trick Or Treat Is Monday Nite
Little ghosts and goblins will prowl the streets of local communities looking for candy on Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31. Trick-Or-Treat hours in Archbold are from 6 to 7:30 pm. In Ridgeville Corners and Pettisville, trick-or-treat takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
HAUNTED HAYRIDE
Sunday, Oct. 30 7- 8:30 pm FREE!
gotta show you something.” He removed the blanket, and the man panicked, saying he would not help Ray dispose of a body. “We laughed and laughed and laughed,” when the story was told, Frey said. For Frey, the sale of his collection wasn’t as much about money or machines, as it was about people. Friends from all over, people he’d known his whole life, attended. “It worked out so well. I enjoyed it so much,” he said.
AEA Sponsors Candidates Night Thursday
The Archbold Education Association hosts a Meet the Candidates Night tomorrow night, Thursday, from 7 to 9 pm in the Archbold High School auditorium. Candidates for Archbold mayor, village council, township trustee, and township fiscal officer will speak.
SKYE CINEMA 455 E. Airport Hwy, Wauseon (Next to Wal-Mart) Stadium Seating • Handicap Access • Dolby Digital Surround Sound • Hearing Impaired Devices 419-335-6813 • www.skyecinema.com
Fri., Oct. 28 thru Thur., Nov. 3 PUSS IN BOOTS PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 12:30, 5:15, 9:30. Fr/Mo/We/Th 2D 7:15. 3D 5:15, 9:30. IN TIME PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 12:10, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. THE THREE MUSKETEERS PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 2D 12:00, 7:30. 3D 2:30, 5:10, 9:55. Fr/Mo/We/Th 2D 7:30. 3D 5:10, 9:55. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 R Sa/Su/Tu 12:40, 2:40, 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. FOOTLOOSE PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. Fr/Mo/We/Th 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. REAL STEEL PG-13 Sa/SuTu 11:45, 2:20, 5:00, 7:35, 10:10. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:00, 7:35, 10:10.
Hotline 419-335-6813 Check showtimes online at :
www.skyecinema.com
Original
JONAH FISH FRY Friday, Nov. 4, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Ruihley Park Pavilion Archbold Freewill donation to benefit Shepherd’s Circle, Archbold and the NOAH House, Pettisville along with the Cherry Street Mission, Toledo
Carryout Dinners Available Sponsored by West Clinton Mennonite Church of Wauseon
at Woodland Park, Archbold Face Painting by AHS FCCLA Archbold Parks & Recreation 419-445-4025
Tug Robison Benefit Supper Friday, Oct. 28, 5-7 pm Before the Archbold vs Liberty Center Football Game
Archbold High School Cafeteria Menu: Chili and Pie Tug was involved in a car accident this past summer. After a long hospitalization and therapy, Tug is back to school and making a great recovery.
FREEWILL DONATION
All proceeds will be given to the Robison/George Family to help with medical expenses. Donations by mail may be sent and checks made out to Jill Grieser, 8397 St. Rt. 66, Archbold, Ohio 43502. Planned and supported by community friends, fellow church members and Archbold school staff.
YOUTH-ONLY PHEASANT HUNT Sunday, Oct. 30 • 9 am
Limited Space Available • Lunch Provided
Call Scott at 419-445-4486 or Matt at 419-572-9827 for reservations. Participants must be between 12-17 years old and have passed a hunter safety course. Three fields are available, but are limited to the first 30 hunters. We will meet at 8741 Co. Rd. 25-2 north of Archbold for a safety discussion and move into the field. There is no charge. Adults and youths are welcome and both must read and sign a safety review card. All participants must wear blazeorange vests, blaze-orange hats and shooting glasses.
The Archbold High School Vocal Music Department presents The
BUTLER
Did It, Again! A Mystery Comedy Spoof in Two Acts
Saturday, Nov. 5 • 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 • 2:30 p.m. Archbold High School Auditorium
PARLOR AUCTION Mon., Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
Archbold United Methodist Church Corner of Walnut & Ditto
Proceeds go to missions Lawn chairs handpainted by Sabrina Grisier, crocheted doilies, Thanksgiving & Christmas items, live holiday wreaths, homemade cheesecakes, individually wrapped caramels, pies, Amish sugar cookies, sports team items, & much more.
Tickets on sale Mon., Oct. 31 thru Fri., Nov. 4 from 3:15-5 p.m. in the AHS Box Office and 1 hour before the show or purchase anytime online from www.showtix4u.com.
Call 419-445-5579, ext. 1153 for ticket information. This is a much requested follow-up to the ever-popular The Butler Did It. Publisher and socialite, indomitable Miss Maple rents a plantation house, complete with menacing alligator, in the frightening swamp land of Louisiana. She wants to introduce her latest literary discovery, Ruth Dice. Naturally, she’s the perfect candidate for murder. However, it’s the bizarre owner of the house of secrets, Jasper Van Dine, who’s discovered in the parlor! WHODUNNIT!? Smoke and mirrors, fun and games - from start to finish!
INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus .................................... 13 Classified........................... 12,13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports........................... 10,11,13 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7
Sample Ballot Pages – pages 6-7 One section–14 pages
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
ARCHBOLD
BUCKEYE
$
1
SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards
www.ArchboldBuckeye.com
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
106th Year - No. 15
207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)
Home Invasion Suspect Arrested On Stamm Street Bomb Squad Takes Possible Grenade Archbold police confiscated a gun, body armor, and what they suspected was a hand grenade about 1 am, Friday, Oct. 28, from a man who allegedly was part of a home invasion robbery crew. James Paul Nation, 19, no address available, was arrested in connection with a home invasion robbery in Adrian, Mich. When APD officers took Nation into custody at a Stamm Street apartment, they discovered a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, body armor, and the suspected grenade. Tera Rogers, an Archbold police officer, said the suspected grenade was taken by the Toledo Police bomb squad. Home Invasion Greg Walsh, a detective with the Adrian Police Department, said two Adrian residents were in their home preparing dinner on the evening of Tuesday, Oct 4, when two men entered the home. One was armed with a knife, the second with a rifle. They robbed the couple of $140 and a gold chain. Walsh said as the robbers left the house in a vehicle, the victim jumped in his car and gave chase. As he pursued the robbers, Walsh said those in the suspect vehicle fired shots at the pursuing victim, striking his car twice. The victim used his auto to ram the fleeing vehicle, but was unable to stop it. Walsh said as the chase roared through Adrian, many people saw it. Some saw the
shots fired. With traffic picking up, and the danger involved, the victim discontinued the chase. Days later, Walsh said the getaway car was recovered about 15 miles south of Adrian, where it had broken down. Records show it was registered to Nation’s father. Stamm Street Archbold police received information that Nation was at 400 Stamm St., (apartment) No. 2. The police report said officers knocked. A man later identified as Travis Beiswenger, the resident, answered the door. When asked if Nation was in the apartment, Beiswenger said no, the report states. Officers asked if they could come in and look for Nation, but again Beiswenger told them no. The report said, “At this time (both officers) could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the apartment. At that time, we advised him (Beiswenger) that we were going to enter the residence, in which he stated it was okay to come in. “Once inside, we located James Nation, and placed him under arrest for the outof-state warrants.” Beisenger was arrested on a charge of obstructing justice. Both men were taken to the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio. As of Monday afternoon, Nation was still being held at CCNO. He is facing additional charges in Fulton (Continued on page 5)
Costumes on Parade A wide variety of costumes appeared at the Archbold Elementary School Halloween Costume Parade, Friday, Oct. 28. Amber Gericke was an angel, while Jasmine Flores donned a clown outfit. A large number of parents and grandparents attended.–photo by David Pugh
Blue Streaks Win First District Girls Soccer Title In School History The AHS girls soccer team defeated Genoa 2-1, Saturday, Oct. 29, to win the Division III district girls championship. It is the first girls soccer district title since the program started in 1999. Kneeling, from left: Jensyn Garrow, Alexa Coressel, Korey Arend, Sierra Nofziger, Amanda Lovejoy, Hanna Allison, Lauren Kindinger, Nichole Wood, Blanca Calderon,
Ashley Short, Oneida Calderon, Carley Wyse, Mara Beck. Standing: James Kidder, coach; Jesse Fidler, Meggie Yoder, Kassidy Garrow, Cassidy Wyse, Mindy Rupp, Olaia Sarasola, Lauren Stuckey, Ella Weaver, Bailey Grieser, Hannah Yoder, Jennifer Kidder, assistant coach. Missing: Alora Drewes.–photos by Mary Huber
Judge Rejects Fricke Bids For Businesses James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court judge, has rejected the bids of William Fricke, Pettisville, in connection with his attempt to purchase some of the assets of his businesses, said Gerald Kowalski, a Toledo attorney. Barber’s ruling came as a result of a Tuesday, Nov. 1 hearing in Fulton County Common Pleas Court. Kowalski is the court-appointed receiver for Fricke’s businesses: Archbold Elevator and associated hog-raising operations. Those businesses were placed in receivership after Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, filed a lawsuit in April, demand-
ing repayment on nearly $5 million in loans. The bank’s lawsuit followed the suspension of Archbold Elevator’s grain handling licenses by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. An ODA inspection found problems with the elevator’s financial records and shortages of stored grain.
Fricke was the high bidder for each of the properties, but both Kowalski and the other bidders questioned whether he had the financial backing to go through with the purchases. Court documents filed Tuesday, Nov. 1, state Fricke withdrew his bid for the animals at Leipsic.
Assets Parts of Fricke’s other businesses, including the Archbold Elevator and feed miller operation, have already been sold. Kowalski recently accepted bids for three hog-raising operations plus over 1,000 pigs housed at Fenstermaker Farms near Leipsic.
Financial Backing Court documents indicate Fricke was backed by a $5,660,000 commercial real estate loan, brokered by Care Financial Services, Incorporated, Westland, Mich. Court documents described the company as “a private equity firm located in the Detroit area.”
The loan agreement featured an interest rate of 6.75%, with interest-only payments for the first year of the 15-year agreement. Care Financial president Barbara F. Williams stated in a court affidavit that she is aware of possible criminal charges against Fricke. In her affidavit, Williams said Care Financing is a Michigan corporation “providing financial services, including brokering private investor loans and other sources of non-traditional financing.” The affidavit added that Care “has identified a particular investor or investment group that wants to partici(Continued on page 14)
Administrator Salaries, New School, Levy School Board Candidates Discuss Topics At Meet The Candidates Night Candidates for Archbold Area School Board faced questions ranging from imposing pay-to-play fees to replacement of the Archbold Middle School during Meet the Candidates Night, sponsored by the Archbold Education Association. The event, held Thursday, Oct. 27, at Archbold High School, featured four of the five school board candidates: Bob Aschliman, John Downey, Kimberly Kinsman, and Rod Rodriguez. Roel Galvan did not attend. The five are vying for two seats on the board. Present board members Scott Miller and Tony Warncke are not seeking reelection. The board candidates were asked what they would do about administrative salaries and what they would do to deter or monitor excessive spending. Rodriguez said it’s easy for those outside the school district to point fingers at the administrators. He said administrators are important, and serve a role. He said he would not want to be the person to call for the elimination of positions or reduction of wages, but said questions need to be asked, “and I think that’s my main thing. “I want to be the kind of person that’s not afraid to say, ‘I’m not sure I agree with that, and I need more information before I approve this.’ “I think the board does not need ‘yes’ people all the
TAKE THE WHEEL. HELP YOUR SCHOOL.
time. They need to have a person who will come in with a fresh perspective and not be afraid to come in and ask the hard questions.” Kinsman said she had shadowed school administrators, “and some of the jobs they do are very, very hard, and some of the hours they work are very, very long. “I think they should be compensated for the tough decisions they make, and the hours they do put in.” She said administrators have taken pay freezes as well. Downey said with state revenue declining, “everything is going to be on the table.” “I would not want to finger just the administrators. We’ll have to look at all our expenses and revenues.” Aschliman said administrator salaries have to be compared to what similar jobs in other districts pay. “Yes, how much people are being paid is a real issue, but what are they doing for that, and what are they getting compared to other folks in their arena?” Proactive A question asked Downey what he would cut if he joined the board. Downey said he has no preconceived notions. The school district needs to be proactive, and manage tax dollars as much as possible, he said. With the possibility of a tax levy in 2014, “I would
rather be proactive than wait for 2014 or wait to see if a levy passes, then try to make all the cuts. As we approach 2014, I would closely monitor expenses and see where we can make cuts,” he said. Aschliman was asked about plans to replace the middle school. Some parts of the building date back to the 1920s. “I don’t have an answer for that,” Aschliman said. “It wasn’t too many years ago (mid-1990s) that we spent a lot of money remodeling the middle school. But we found out afterward that even though you replace what seemed like a lot of infrastructure, you can never replace all of it in an old building like that. “As long as the middle school is able to be used, I don’t see any reason we’re going to have to get a new one, because it does cost money. “On the other hand, we do have to look ahead.” Rodriguez was asked about implementing fees for participation in extracurricular programs, such as clubs and sports. The practice is known as “pay to play.” Rodriguez said he would shy away from pay to play. “Obviously, if we’re struggling and we can’t maintain a program, that might be a way we have to go.” But, he would rather avoid it. “We need to be able to offer as much as we can to
these students,” he said. Kinsman was asked what impact she would have on students. The question came from an AHS student. She said she heard a presentation to the school board from students interested in starting a STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math club. Those backing the club said they were seeking private donations to support club activities. Kinsman said she would back the club, and would encourage similar programs.
SB 5 All school board candidates were asked about the impact of Senate Bill 5 on the school district. The bill is seen as reducing the bargaining power of public employee unions, such as teachers’ organizations. Through an initiative petition, the question is being put on the ballot. Aschliman said the school district will have to wait to see whether the bill is repealed or allowed to become law. Downey said Archbold schools already use IBB, or interest-based bargaining, to work out contracts between the AEA, which represents teachers, and the school board. “That has proven highly effective at keeping expenditures low,” he said. Also, Downey said some parts of SB 5, including merit pay for teachers, are being (Continued on page 14)
Take a free test drive and Ford Motor Company will donate up to $6,000 to your school!
WIN COOL STUFF.
Plus, have the chance to win a $100 Best Buy® Gift Card!
Tuesday, Nov. 22 • Archbold High School 904 Stryker St., Archbold
Rich Ford is partnering with Archbold Middle School R.O.C.K.S. to host Community Walks!
Join us at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 & 19 at the Archbold Middle School blacktop!
FORD
419-445-7460 (800) 682-7460 RichFordDirect.com
14–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of November 2, 2011
Council Candidates Asked About Woodland Park; Mayoral Candidates Asked About Capital Projects List
How It’s Done Lowell Beck, Archbold, right, helps butcher a hog, while Jamey Bontrager-Singer, Goshen, Ind., looks on during Butchering day at Sauder Village, Saturday, Oct. 30.–photo by David Pugh
Costumes on Parade Sporting their costumes at the Archbold Elementary School Halloween Costume Parade are, from left: Logan Meyers, Reagan Kohler, Nizely Reyes, and Mya Stuckey, all second graders. The parade was Friday, Oct. 28.–photo by David Pugh
*Judge Rejects
Forever Morton said park property “is forever. It will be there after these young people are gone. Many generations of people will get to enjoy the park and utilize it.” Kent Stamm, who is running for council, said he felt money spent on Woodland Park was well spent, but he said he could not justify future expansion. “That’s the idea of being on council. If a need arises, it’s something we can address,” he said. Mayor Jim Wyse, incumbent Archbold mayor, was asked about projects he would like to bring to completion. Wyse said a project village officials have been working on “has been going for twoand-a-half years, and a year prior to that. “The projects are kind of confidential. When the project is announced early next year, people will understand why we had to keep it under wraps.” Kenny Cowell, councilman who is running for mayor, said the biggest challenge “is getting the most bang for our buck. “We’ve still maintained rebuilding our older sections of town. Obviously Lafayette Street (the extension of Lafayette Street to Co. Rd. 24) was big. When I ran for council, one of my big goals was to get Lafayette Street done, and I’m thrilled we did. “I think it will get tougher. I don’t see it getting any easier right away.” He said maintaining a good relationship with vil-
lage employees, and infrastructure, will be huge challenges in the future. The mayoral candidates were also asked about how building projects were prioritized. Both agreed decisions on capital projects are up to council, but Cowell said in a tie vote among the six council members, the mayor breaks the tie. “Those (tie votes) can be few and far between, but they be very tough situations,” Cowell said. He said he uses the same method he uses at home to prioritize projects. “What’s at the top of the list? Who’s screaming the loudest sometimes. That’s how I base my opinions,” he said. Wyse said council relies
on guidance from the village engineering department. “They will go around town and let us know if there are any problems with infrastructure,” he said. In addition, Wyse said the village has cameras that can examine underground sewer lines to determine if they need to be repaired. A street rebuild may be pushed up the priority list if underground repairs are needed. Lafayette Street presented a safety issue, Wyse said. “There’s a lot of traffic on that road, and with kids getting out of school, there’s a fair amount of accidents that happen (on Lafayette Street) during the course of a year.” The construction list is reviewed two or three times a year, and projects are added or moved back, he said.
*Administrator (Continued from first page) discussed by school officials as part of the federal Race To The Top grant program. Kinsman said she has never heard of a big rift between the school board and teachers. She said Archbold school officials already do some of the things covered by SB 5; they’re just not formalized. “It would not be a real struggle for Archbold to take care of things in SB 5... I don’t see a lot of big issues coming through SB 5.
Rodriguez said he is a big supporter of relationships between school board members and the teachers. The two sides have to work together to make sure common goals are reached. “I think maybe we can do a little bit better to make sure we’re on the exact same common ground between the board and the teachers,” he said.
HHHHHHH
ReElect James S.
WYSE HHHHHHH
Archbold Village
SUNDAY, NOV. 6
MAYOR
Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour Saturday night!
Paid for by the Committee to ReElect Jim Wyse Mayor, Jeff Coressel, Treasurer, 208 Quail Run, Archbold, OH 43502
Original
JONAH FISH FRY Friday, Nov. 4, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
SKYE CINEMA 455 E. Airport Hwy, Wauseon
Ruihley Park Pavilion
(Next to Wal-Mart) Stadium Seating • Handicap Access • Dolby Digital Surround Sound • Hearing Impaired Devices 419-335-6813 • www.skyecinema.com
Fri., Nov. 4 thru Thur., Nov. 10 For Monday-Thursday Showtimes Call Skye Cinema Hotline TOWER HEIST PG-13 Sa/Su 12:00, 2:20, 5:00, 7:25, 10:00. Fr 5:00, 7:25, 10:00. A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS R Sa/Su 3D 12:20, 2:50, 5:25, 7:40, 9:45. Fr 3D 5:25, 7:40, 9:45. PUSS IN BOOTS PG Sa/Su 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 12:30, 5:15, 9:30. Fr 2D 7:15. 3D 5:15, 9:30. IN TIME PG-13 Sa/Su 12:10, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. Fr 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 R Sa/Su 12:40, 2:40, 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. Fr 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. FOOTLOOSE PG-13 Sa/Su 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. Fr 4:50, 7:20, 9:50.
Archbold Freewill donation to benefit Shepherd’s Circle, Archbold and the NOAH House, Pettisville along with the Cherry Street Mission, Toledo
Carryout Dinners Available
HB
Sponsored by West Clinton Mennonite Church of Wauseon
Hotline 419-335-6813 Check showtimes online at :
www.skyecinema.com
CChuck huck Wagon Gang is coming!
Thurs., Nov. 10 • 7 pm at Old Union Church Chestnut St., Pettisville Freewill offering.
The Archbold High School Vocal Music Department presents The
BUTLER
Did It, Again! A Mystery Comedy Spoof in Two Acts
Saturday, Nov. 5 • 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 • 2:30 p.m. Archbold High School Auditorium
PARLOR AUCTION Mon., Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
Archbold United Methodist Church Corner of Walnut & Ditto
Proceeds go to missions Lawn chairs handpainted by Sabrina Grisier, crocheted doilies, Thanksgiving & Christmas items, live holiday wreaths, homemade cheesecakes, individually wrapped caramels, pies, Amish sugar cookies, sports team items, & much more.
LETIC
BO O RS
The
O
LD
A TH
E ST
Fricke’s Attorney In his response to Kowalski’s concerns over Fricke’s financial package, Brian C. Kalas, Sylvania, attorney for Fricke, said Kowalski based his doubts about Fricke’s creditworthiness “upon his (Kowalski’s) speculation and own doubts related to Fricke’s creditworthiness." Kalas said while there may be a criminal investigation of Mr. Fricke, no indictment has been filed and no charges brought, and even if there were, “that does not speak to the creditworthiness of Mr. Bill Fricke.” Any indictment, Kalas said, would relate to Archbold Elevator, and Fricke is no longer involved in that business. Kalas also said a criminal investigation or indictment would not impact the availability of credit to Fricke. To think such would be nonsensical, Kalas said. Any new business entity would involve more than just Mr. Fricke. Kalas said Fricke’s wife, Lynette, would
be an owner, and others would participate in management. “The ability of Mr. Bill Fricke to manage a business and continue operation in the event of any criminal investigation or indictment is not, and should not, be the concern of the receiver,” Kalas said.
the village. “They became taxpayers,” he said. Today those buildings are not empty, but “not nearly what they were, and we lost that funding. “One of the things the Park Board considered was it might take 20 years to pay for all this, and in that case, it is still worth it.”
ARC
(Continued from first page) pate in funding the transaction.”
The four men running for Archbold Village Council were asked how much Woodland Park cost– and none of them had an answer. That was one topic that came out of the Meet The Candidates night, sponsored by the Archbold Education Association, at Archbold High School, Thursday, Oct. 27. The actual cost of Memorial Park, including design, contract administration, seeding, and electrical service was about $3 million, spread over three years. While they could not come up with a number for Woodland Park, all of the candidates said the park was a good addition to the village, and could be part of future development. Kevin Eicher, incumbent councilman seeking reelection, said there was the possibility of additional housing development on the north side of the park. “If and when community growth comes through, there is a project that has been on hold by a person in town here, for possibly a development on the north end of the park,” Eicher said. Ed Leininger, another councilman seeking reelection, said Woodland Park had to be built to open more space for additional baseball diamonds in the future for Memorial Park. Leininger said funding for the project was going well until the economy went sour. “We lost 1,000 jobs in a couple of years,” he said. “That put the park board into an issue. They came to council and asked, ‘can you help us?’” Council issued bonds to fund park construction costs, along with costs associated with the rebuilding of the village wastewater treatment plant. Kevin Morton, council member up for reelection and member of Park Board, said when the Woodland Park property was purchased, two factories were annexed into
Winter Sports Rally & Alumni Basketball Game Friday, Nov. 18 • 7 pm Archbold High School $2 adults; $1 students
Tickets on sale Mon., Oct. 31 thru Fri., Nov. 4 from 3:15-5 p.m. in the AHS Box Office and 1 hour before the show or purchase anytime online from www.showtix4u.com.
All proceeds go toward Archbold Athletic Boosters programs
Call 419-445-5579, ext. 1153 for ticket information.
Introduction of all Winter Sports Participants
This is a much requested follow-up to the ever-popular The Butler Did It. Publisher and socialite, indomitable Miss Maple rents a plantation house, complete with menacing alligator, in the frightening swamp land of Louisiana. She wants to introduce her latest literary discovery, Ruth Dice. Naturally, she’s the perfect candidate for murder. However, it’s the bizarre owner of the house of secrets, Jasper Van Dine, who’s discovered in the parlor! WHODUNNIT!? Smoke and mirrors, fun and games - from start to finish!
2 Alumni Basketball Games Pre-1990 graduates - odd vs even years Post-1990 graduates - odd vs even years Anyone interested in playing should contact Andy Peterson via email: apeterson@cigfinancialservices.com or phone 419-388-8111. Come and support our athletes!
INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ....................10 Menus .................................... 11 Classified................................ 12 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports..................................... 13 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ..................................11
AHS Girls Soccer State Tournament Souvenir Pages – pages 6-9 One section–14 pages
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
ARCHBOLD
BUCKEYE
$
1
SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards
www.ArchboldBuckeye.com
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
F&M Bank Gets $4 Million From Fricke Receiver secured creditors.” After the Ohio Department of Agriculture suspended the Archbold Elevator grain-handling license in April, F&M filed suit against Archbold Elevator, and elevator owner William Fricke, demanding repayment of $4,922,738.16 in loans. Court document filed July 1 indicate at that time, F&M bank officials said they were owed more than $5.4 million as the result of interest charges on the unpaid balance. Other creditors, including The Andersons, Maumee, also are involved in the action. Kowalski has sold, or is in the process of selling, the assets of Archbold Elevator and hog raising businesses (known in legal documents (Continued on page 14)
Gerald Kowalski, receiver for Archbold Elevator and its related businesses, has repaid $4 million to the Farmers & Merchants State Bank. In a status report filed with the Fulton County Common Pleas Court, Monday, Nov. 14, Kowalski, a Toledo attorney acting as receiver, stated, “with court approval of the receiver’s motion to approve initial distribution, the receiver distributed $4 million to Farmers & Merchants State Bank. “The receiver is in negotiations with Farmers & Merchants Bank as to their final payoff. “The receiver will be seeking court approval of the final payoff to Farmers & Merchants, and then the receiver will then propose a distribution process to the remaining
Parade Of Lights Route Archbold Buckeye graphic.
(St. Rt. Defiance St. 66)
La Choy Drive
p
DOWNTOWN ARCHBOLD
p
Williams St.
Stryker St. (St. Rt. 2)
ConAgra Parking Lot
p
p
Holland St.
p
7
Walnut St.
p
START & END
RUIHLEY PARK & THE “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS”
Parade Route Doesn't Change The 13th annual Archbold Parade of Lights will follow the same route that has been in place since 2009. The parade will step off from the ConAgra parking lot at 6:30 pm, Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving. Amy Krueger, assistant administrator of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce, said a committee tasked with examining the parade route looked at other options, but decided the Stryker Street-North Defiance Street-Walnut StreetLa Choy Drive route was the best alternative due to safety concerns. Krueger said one option discussed would have involved using Lafayette Street as part of the parade route. “That would have had the parade crossing the (Norfolk Southern railroad) tracks twice, and that’s a big safety concern,” she said. From the parade’s beginning in 1998 until 2009, the parade included North and South Defiance streets. The route was changed for several reasons; one was so that trains would not break up and delay the parade. There were many who complained about the new route, saying it cut off businesses on the south side of the village from the crowds.
106th Year - No. 17
207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)
But the route has remained in place. Entries Julie Brink, chamber director, said so far in 2011, there are 11 floats or other units entered. “We need more,” she said. Typically, the parade features about 50 entries, many of which file their forms at the last minute or don’t bother to register; instead, they just show up as the parade forms. “We expect a slew of entries this week,” Krueger said. There is one new, neverbefore-seen entry in this year’s parade, a 1929 Model A “woodie” station wagon. Festival The parade is the kickoff event for the annual Festival of Lights, the show of lighted Christmas displays in Ruihley Park. Krueger said there are no new displays this year, but money raised for the festival, approximately $3,200, was used to convert a nativity scene, one of the largest in the festival, from incandescent lights to new, energysaving light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. She said about 30 volunteers from local civic groups (Continued on page 14)
EMS Contracts To Be Discussed Mon.
Heartbreak Members of the Archbold girls soccer team console each other after the Blue Streaks were defeated by Shaker Heights Laurel 1-0, Wednesday, Nov. 9, in a Division III state semifinal. James Kidder, AHS head coach, center, reflects on his team's performance and season.–photo by Mary Huber
The next major action in the ongoing debate over the Fulton County Emergency Medical Service contracts will come on Monday, Nov. 21. That’s when a resolution to extend the current EMS contract put forward by Paul Barnaby and Perry Rupp, county commissioners, will come off the table and will again be up for debate. The pair put the resolution forward on Monday, Nov. 7, but after objection by Dean Genter, commissioner, the resolution was tabled until Nov. 21. Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, said he has been in contact with Barnaby and Rupp since Nov. 7. He said Barnaby and Rupp said approving the EMS contract was on hold until issues with another fire department could be worked out.
ing evening and overnight hours, ALS-1 is too slow responding to calls. Archbold officials admit ALS is 30 to 60 seconds slower than other county ALS (Advanced Life Support) squads, but they feel ALS-1 responds to calls properly. Current contracts between the commissioners, the six villages and the City of Wauseon, and their fire departments, expire Dec. 31. Talks over new contracts have been going on for several weeks. Genter said he believes the original intent of the EMS contract was to have both the paramedic and EMT on station; Archbold officials respond that the on-call system has been in place for years, without complaints. During the Monday, Nov. 7 Archbold Village Council meeting, councilmen did not support any change in the staffing of ALS-1.
Contention One of the major issues of contention is how Archbold Fire Department staffs ALS- Nov. 21 1, the Archbold-based paraWith Genter away from medic unit, which is funded the commissioners’ meeting by Fulton County. on Thursday, Nov. 3, Rupp Unlike other communities, and Barnaby supported exwhich keep a paramedic and tending the current contract an emergency medical tech- an additional three years. nician, or EMT, on station at During the Monday, Nov. all times, Archbold keeps a 7 meeting, Barnaby made paramedic on station, while a resulution, seconded by the EMT is allowed to re- Rupp, extending the current main on call. EMS contract. The EMT may stay at his But after discussion with lar,” Godwin said. own home, but if there is a Genter, Rupp made a motion rescue call, that EMT must tabling Barnaby’s contract Blades either report to the station extension resolution until There have been several or wait to be picked up by Monday, Nov. 21. Barnaby delays in the wind turbine the paramedic. seconded the resolution.–Daproject. The project contracGenter claims that dur- vid Pugh tor, Marous Brothers, of Willoughby, is expected to seek an extension for another delay soon. Under the current contract, the turbine must be installed and producing electricity by May 30 in order to qualify for grant funding. Because of a manufacturing delay involving the turbine blades, the contractor is requesting to extend the date. As of last week, it was not known how long the delay will be. The largest grant, $750,000, comes from federal government American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds. ARRA funds are commonly called federal economic stimulus money. The grant program requires that a percentage of the turbine be manufactured in America, a “Buy American” clause. Godwin explained there are no manufacturers making blades of the size and design required by the Aeronautica wind turbine Archbold selected. An Indiana company was selected to make the blades, but must wait for the molds to be shipped from India. It takes five days, working 24 hours a day, to make each blade. Once completed, special arrangements must be made to truck the blades to the site, because they are about 30 feet longer than a standard 53-foot semi trailer. Ta-Da! Godwin did point out there Taylor Parnell, a junior field commander with the Archbold are over 400 yards of conHigh School Blue Streak Marching Band, sits on the shoulcrete, 2,000 tons of steel, and der of Jose Hernandez III, a senior mellophone player, large amounts of copper used following the dance portion of the band’s indoor concert, in the turbines. The prices of all those commodities, parThursday, Nov. 10. The event marked the end of the marchticularly steel and copper, ing band season.–photo by David Pugh (Continued on page 14)
Wind Turbine Price Is $1,853,750, Without Extras The price of the Archbold Area School District electricity-generating wind turbine is $1,853,750, but that’s before some extras, said Aaron Godwin, district wind power consultant. For example, the school district can choose to purchase a five-year maintenance plan for the 750-kilowatt turbine. The five-year plan has a total price of $130,000, but Godwin said it can be paid over the five-year life of the agreement. Another option is an ice sensor. If ice forms on the blades of the turbine, which are each approximately 75 feet in length, the sensors will tell the turbine’s computer. The computer will then command the turbine to stop the blades to avoid flinging bits of ice. The $1.85-million price tag, Godwin said, is for a turnkey wind turbine, installed and ready to run. Another item not in the final price is the $75,000 environmental and social impact assessment that had to be done. That cost, Godwin said, was covered by the Ohio Department of Development. Godwin said the assessment, which was required by the federal government, was so comprehensive, “we had to prove there were no Hawaiian Islanders living in Archbold. We knew there weren’t, but we had to prove it.” The bulk of the funding for the turbine comes from five different grant programs, or “pools,” Godwin said. The remaining amount is being covered with Qualified School Construction Bonds. Interest payments on the bonds are reimbursed to the district by the federal government. That makes the bonds essentially interest-free. “The school district is getting quite a bit for their dol-
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14–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of November 16, 2011
Career Center To Put Levy On March Ballot
Official Election Count Date Set
The official count of ballots cast during the Tuesday, Nov. 8 General Election will begin at 9 am, Wednesday, Nov. 23, according to Kandice Lemley, director of the Fulton County Board of Elections. Currently, Lemley said she and Melanie Gilders, deputy director, are sorting through provisional ballots cast during the election. Provisional ballots are filed by registered voters who moved from one precinct to another, but did not update their voter registration in time for Election Day. Lemley said they must verify that the person who cast a provisional ballot was a properly registered voter in their former precinct.
County To County If the person moves from another county, then Lemley and Gilders must request the other county Board of Elections verify the person casting the ballot was properly registered in their county. At the same time, other counties are requesting the same information from Fulton County. Lemley said there were 265 provisional ballots cast in Fulton County that must
be checked. In the meantime, Lemley said a few absentee ballots have arrived by mail that meet the requirements to be counted. To be counted, an absentee ballot must be postmarked no later than Monday, Nov. 7, and must be received at the board office no later than Friday, Nov. 18. Franklin Township In the meantime, the close race between Franklin Township Trustee candidates Michael Kinsman and Mark Ballmer remains a two-vote victory for Kinsman, 121 to 119. Ballmer is the incumbent; Kinsman, the challenger. When the official count takes place, three absentee votes for Ballmer could reverse the outcome. Provisional ballots could have made a difference as well, but Lemley said there were no provisional ballots cast in Franklin Township. Because Kinsman’s margin of victory is larger than one-half of one percent (.5%), there is no automatic recount of the ballots. Ballmer could request a recount, but would have to pay for it.
*F&M Bank
(Continued from first page) as “The Archbold Entities”). That included the sale of the grain elevator and animal feed mill operation on Co. Rd. 24 to Gerald Grain.
Hog Operations Kowalski said in his status report that he is continuing negotiations with bidders for the remaining assets of the Archbold Entities of Henry Pig, O-MI-O, and Kainos Operations, which are involved in raising hogs. Kowalski said he expects to file a motion approving the sales “within the next seven days.” In a related matter, Kowalski said he has filed a claim in the case of Huntington National Bank vs. William L. Fricke, et. al. He said the case involves a farm and two hog-raising facilities owned by William and his wife, Lynette. Kowalski said he has uncovered evidence that the Archbold Entities allegedly paid for various machinery and equipment at the farm and hog operations named in the action, and is “seeking reimbursement for those costs from the sale of assets” in connection with that case. Vomitoxin Kowalski said in the status report that last week, “feed produced at the Archbold facility was found to be infected with vomitoxin
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(Deoxynivalenol), which is occasionally found in corn as a result of wet weather. “We believe that the vomitoxin-tainted corn was delivered to the elevator within the last three weeks. Vomitoxin-tainted feed was used to feed pigs owned by the Archbold Entities, and also pigs owned by IPC (Indiana Packers Corporation). “When pigs eat this feed, they vomit after eating, or don’t eat the feed, thus causing weight gain issues. “This problem has been minimal, and a special product has been added to the existing feed inventory to neutralize the vomitoxin.” Kowalski said, “We have a more complicated problem as a result of a significant amount of feed now being returned by customers. “This distressed feed inventory is being stored at the facility which is now owned by Gerald Grain. George Green (a consultant assisting in operating the Archbold Entities) is attempting to negotiate a resolution of this issue with Gerald Grain.”
Cindra Keeler, president of the board of the Four County Career Center, said the board held a special meeting Thursday Nov. 10, and approved placing a two-tenths (.2) of a mill permanent improvement continuing levy before voters a second time. Voters will face the millage question during the Tuesday, March 6, Primary Election. Ohio is scheduled to hold a second primary, for These were just some of the approximately 30 volunteers who congressional and presidenpitched in to set up the Archbold Festival of Lights in Ruihley tial candidates, June 12. Keeler said the Career Park, Saturday, Nov. 12. Clockwise from left: Vaughn Bentz, Center board must pass two Lonnie Short, Clayton Duncan, Phil Riley and Layna Dun- measures to put the millage can.–courtesy photo issue on the ballot. The first was approved at the Nov. 10 meeting. The second will come beparade to entertain the visit- fore the board during a sec(Continued from first page) ond special meeting, Tuesturned out to assist in set- ing crowd. Also, Jennifer Kidder, day, Nov. 29, at 6 pm at the ting up the Festival of Lights director of Archbold Parks Career Center board room. on Saturday, Nov. 12. and Recreation, said Santa Claus will once again set up November Vote Other Events Voters in the four-county Again this year, The Com- shop in the Ruihley Park Paarea turned down the Capany, the Archbold High vilion, to hear Christmas reSchool show choir, will sing quests from good little boys reer Center request for a new two-tenths of a mill levy Christmas carols prior to the and girls. during the Tuesday, Nov. 8, General Election, by a vote of 24,585 to 21,574, or 53.3% to 46.7%. In Fulton County, the levy school at a higher voltage, (Continued from first page) request was denied, 6,657 to but at less cost. are volatile. The district had to pur- 5,674. Yet, the construction budAll Archbold precincts, get for the project has not chase transformers and changed since the contracts other equipment to trans- plus German and Franklin form the higher voltage to a Townships and voters in were awarded on June 30. usable level, but that invest- the Pettisville precinct, apment will pay for itself in 10 proved the levy. Payback Henry County defeated The wind turbines at years. the levy 5,287 to 4,684. FreeGodwin said the turbine Archbold, Pettisville, and Kentson school districts are will begin producing positive dom and Ridgeville township all essentially pilot projects cash flow “right out of the voters approved the levy. William Spiess, FCCC sufor school wind turbines, gate.” perintendent, said prior to Those savings could equate Godwin said. Other school districts won’t to two to three teaching staff the November election the money would go to construct be in line for the amount of positions each year. “We’re talking about very a new entrance, and possigrant funding the three dissignificant savings,” he bly add six classrooms to the tricts have received.
*Parade Route
*Wind Turbine
Even before the turbine will ever be built, the wind power project has already resulted in electricity bill savings for the school district. That’s because through the wind power study, the district opted to convert to primary electrical service. Power is provided to the
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50/50 Raffle This year, the fire department would like to purchase additional hydraulic tools that will aid in automobile and other extrications. The tools allow department members to perform additional extrication techniques from those currently used. The cost is approximately $10,000.
Archbold Firemaids Bake Sale
For booth info call 419-822-5387
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The Home Restaurant
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Christmas Cookie Walk Come choose from a vast assortment of homemade cookies and candy for your holiday guests and family.
Sat., Dec. 3, 9 am-12 noon Central Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall 21703 St. Rt. 2, Archbold Proceeds go to Kaihle Sauder, in Bradford, England with Radical Journey. For questions call Kathy Smith, 419.966.6528.
Saturday, Nov. 19 Archbold K of C Hall
Kids Games & Prizes Bingo
Something for everyone!
Central Mennonite Church
FEATHER PARTY
beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Delta Banquet Center
Check showtimes online at : Hotline 419-335-6813 www.skyecinema.com www.skyecinema.com
Archbold-German Township Fire Department
Hot Sandwiches Served
(East of Delta on Airport Hwy, 20/A)
Hotline 419-335-6813
Visit us online at ArchboldBuckeye.com
W. Lutz Road, Archbold
Sat., Nov. 19, 10-4
Fri., Nov. 18 thru Thur., Nov. 24
Analyze Keller said board officials briefly looked over the precinct and ward reports from across the Career Center four-county service area of Fulton, Defiance, Henry, and Williams counties. She said the area with the strongest “no” votes were areas where there was already some type of school levy on the ballot, such as Patrick Henry, Edon, Bryan, and Stryker.–David Pugh
said.–David Pugh
Craft/Vendor Show
TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu/We 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 Fr/Mo 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 Th 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 HAPPY FEET 2 PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 12:15, 3:00, 9:10. 3D 4:45, 7:00. Fr/Mo 2D 9:10. 3D 4:45, 7:00 We 2D 12:30, 5:10, 9:40. 3D 2:15, 7:00 Th 2D 5:10, 9:40. 3D 2:15, 7:00 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS PG We (11/23) 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 12:00, 4:45, 9:15. Th (11/24) 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 4:45, 9:15 THE MUPPETS PG We (11/23) 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:15, 9:25 Th (11/24) 2:40, 5:00, 7:15, 9:25 JACK AND JILL PG Sa/Su/Tu/We 12:10, 2:30, 5:20, 7:25, 9:35 Fr/Mo 5:20, 7:25, 9:35 Th 2:30, 5:20, 7:25, 9:35 PUSS IN BOOTS PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 5:15, 7:10. 3D 12:30, 2:40, 9:25. Fr/Mo 2D 5:15, 7:10. 3D 9:25 TOWER HEIST PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 12:00, 2:20, 5:00, 7:25, 10:00 Fr/Mo 5:00, 7:25, 10:00 IMMORTALS R Sa/Su/Tu/We 2D 12:00, 2:30, 4:50. 3D 7:30, 10:00. Fr/Mo 2D 4:50. 3D 7:30, 10:00. Th 2D 2:30, 4:50. 3D 7:30, 10:00
building. The new entrance would not only enhance building security, but it would also replace a glass wall that leaks when it rains, Spiess said. “It’s not for a whole new building,” Keeler said. “Four County is a great service to the community. We have more than 1,000 high school students with 31 different programs. “That’s the largest number of high school students since Four County opened, not to mention the adult education programs,” she said. If the levy had passed Nov. 8, the board would have collected property tax revenue from a current two-tenths of a mill levy, plus money from the new levy. Brett Kolb, Fulton County auditor, said if the new levy passes in March, there will be no overlap. The old levy will expire in the 2011-payable 2012 tax year; if passed, the new levy will be collected starting in tax year 2012payable 2013.
Archbold Community Theatre presents:
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus December 2, 3, 9 & 10 Dinner - 6:30 pm Show - 8 pm
Downtown Archbold • 419-445-6411
BBQ DAY Thursday, Nov. 17
December 11
Meals • Served from 3 p.m.-close
Dinner - 1 pm Show - 2:30 pm $ Presold Adults 9 Giffey Hall Presold Students/Senior $8 $ At the door 10 Ridgeville Corners, OH $ Dinner Theatre 25
For tickets call Leon or Vicki at 419-267-5717, Mon.-Fri., 6-9 pm Produced with special arrangement with Eldridge Plays & Musicals
RIDGEVILLE
FEATHER PARTY Friday, Nov. 18, 2011
Fish Fry - 5-7 p.m. Followed by BINGO at 7:30 pm
American Legion Post #454 1/4 mile south of U.S. 6 on Co. Rd. 19
Ridgeville Corners, OH 1st Prize -$100, 2nd Prize -$50 3rd Prize -$25
20 TURKEYS!
BBQ Chicken..............1/2 Chicken $7.95.....1/4 Chicken $5.75 BBQ Beef Brisket.................Reg. $7.95............Small $5.75 BBQ Pulled Pork..................Reg. $7.95............Small $5.75 BBQ Babyback Ribs. .Whole rack $17.95.......1/2 Rack $11.95 Meal includes choice of potato, one side and a dinner roll. By Brookview Farm Meats & BBQ • Carryout Available Visit www.thehomerest.com for our weekly specials.
FREE THANKSGIVING MEAL Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH, will provide its
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Wednesday, Nov. 23 Meals will be delivered or available for pickup 4:30-6 p.m. This is a free meal available to anyone. If you would like a meal or know someone who could benefit from this meal, please call Connie Hartman at 419-446-2680 by Saturday, Nov. 19. (If you get her answering machine, leave a name & phone number where you can be reached and she will get back to you.)
INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 2 Classified................................ 11 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports..................................... 10 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7
PHS Winter Sports Good Luck Pages – pages 8-9 One section–12 pages
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
ARCHBOLD
BUCKEYE
www.ArchboldBuckeye.com 207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
$
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SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards
106th Year - No. 19
Archbold Elevator Pig Operations Sold The sale of the three remaining entities of Archbold Elevator has been approved. Gerald Kowalski, a Toledo attorney acting as receiver for the Elevator and its related businesses, said James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court judge, signed an order authorizing the sale, Monday, Nov. 28. The three properties are the last of the “Archbold Entities” involved in the receivership of Archbold Elevator. Troubles for the elevator and its owner, William Fricke, began when the
Ohio Department of Agriculture suspended the elevator grain handling license on April 11. The following day, Farmers & Merchants State Bank filed a $4.9 million lawsuit against Archbold Elevator, Fricke and other associated businesses. The lawsuit forced the company into receivership. The three remaining entities to be sold were all in the businesses of raising and selling pigs. Fricke attempted to buy back the three entities us-
ing non-traditional financing through a Detroit firm, but after a hearing, Barber disqualified his bids. Sold Sold were: •Henry Pig, a sow operation that raised pigs from birth to the point they were weaned from the sow. The sale included animals, property and other assets at 1678 Co. Rd. K, rural Napoleon, in Henry County. There were two original bids: Mark and Stephanie (Continued on page 12)
Repairs Start At Pettisville School Work to repair problems at the new Pettisville School is underway or is scheduled for completion, said Steve Switzer, school district superintendent. Work started Monday to replace the lights in the new gymnasium. There have been complaints that the original fixtures did not provide enough light for sporting events. Switzer said the original fixtures will be replaced by fixtures holding eight T-5
type fluorescent tubes. Four fixtures, which include security lights, have not been delivered. The curtain that divides the gym was to be used during the replacement. Physical education was to take place in half of the gym, while workers changed the lights on the other side. There were also complaints of sound traveling between classrooms. Switzer said the contractor installed a second level of
ceiling tile in four classrooms as a test, which proved successful. The second level of tiles will be installed in remaining classrooms over Christmas break, Switzer said. Walking Through? Contrary to rumor, Pettisville students are not walking through the under-construction atrium between the new school building and the 1994 gym-library-study (Continued on page 12)
Pettisville 27th, Archbold 94th In New State School Rankings Out of more than 900 school districts, charter and other types of schools, Pettisville had the 27th-highest performance index score in 2011. Archbold was 95th. Pettisville is in the top 3% of schools across Ohio, and Archbold in the top 10%. The rankings are part of a new system based on the performance index scores from Ohio Department of Education school report cards. Speaking to the Archbold Area School Board during its Wednesday, Nov. 16, meeting, David Deskins, district superintendent, told board members the requirement for the new ranking system was included in the last state budget bill. The requirement directs the Ohio Department of Education to prepare statewide rankings, based on perfor-
mance index scores. Performance index scores combine individual student results on all subjects in grades 3 through 8 that are tested on Ohio Achievement Assessments, and on 10th grade results from the Ohio Graduation Test. This year’s rankings are considered by the ODE to be a draft version. The first official ranking list will be released in September 2012. Scores The performance index scores range from 0 to 120. Pettisville’s PI score in 2011 was 107.9093; Archbold’s was 104.5514. The school with the highest PI score was a charter school startup, the Constellation Schools Outreach Academy for Students with Disabilities, in Cleveland. Its PI score was 115.9375.
The lowest PI score was the W.C. Cupe College Preparatory School in Columbus. The score was 35.4867, which ranked the school 936th. Several schools were not included in the rankings. Most are Joint Vocational School Districts. Others had no students tested, or less than 10 students tested. Cost Per Pupil The rankings include the per-pupil cost of instruction. Pettisville’s per-pupil cost was $9,565, fifth-highest among the seven Fulton County school districts. Steve Switzer, Pettisville Local School District superintendent, said of the 30 top-ranked school districts across Ohio, Pettisville ranked eighth in per-pupil spending. (Continued on page 12) There were 48 entries in the Archbold Parade of Lights, including floats, decorated vehicles, lighted tractors, and horse-drawn carriages. There was a good crowd watching the parade,
DRAFT School District Rankings Fulton County School District
Ranking #
2011 PI Score
2011 Rating
2011 Per Pupil Enrollment Expenditures
Pettisville
27
107.9093
Excellent
498
$9,565
Archbold
94
104.5514
Excellent with Distinction
1,285
$9,222
Wauseon
123
103.5559
Excellent
1,968
$8,259
Evergreen
157
102.6299
Excellent
1,328
$9,798
Pike-Delta-York
351
98.9657
Excellent
1,311
$10,133
Gorham-Fayette
357
98.8580
Excellent
447
$10,371
Swanton
452
96.7778
Excellent
1,371
$9,924
Rankings include community schools; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math schools; and joint vocational schools. More than 930 Ohio schools were ranked. Rankings are based on the Performance Index (PI), part of the Ohio Department of Education Local School Report Card. Enrollment figures provided by Ohio Department of Education. Source: ODE, via Archbold Area Schools. Archbold Buckeye chart.
said Julie Brink, director of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce. See video from the Parade of Lights at ArchboldBuckeye.com.– photos by David Pugh and Mary Huber
Parade Of Lights Draws Crowd Julie Brink, director of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce, said there were 48 entries in the 2011 Parade of Lights, Friday night, Nov. 25. That’s down four from last year. Previously, the lowest number was 50. Brink had reports that there was a nice crowd both in the downtown historic district and other parts of the parade route. Weather was relatively balmy compared to 22 degrees with a biting wind last
year. Friday's high temperature was 64 degrees. “We were very, very fortunate,” she said. Street Lights One difference from previous years was the downtown street lights remained on. The lights were left on because of liability concerns. “There were complaints last year that people couldn’t see the curbs,” and could trip over them, she said. Brink said the parade started at a fast pace, but
then slowed down with some gaps. “People walking alongside the floats had trouble keeping up.”
Santa Visit Brink said Santa’s visit to Ruihley Park Pavilion was popular. A big crowd was on hand. There was a steady stream of traffic through the Festival of Lights in Ruihley Park. “It was a good kickoff to the holidays,” she said.
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12–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of November 30, 2011
Archbold Wastewater Plant Struggles After Days Of Rain
Here’s The Church... This church, complete with steeple, was one of 48 entries in the 2011 Archbold Parade of Lights. While the total number of entries was down, there were several new ones in the
parade. Relatively mild weather conditions helped bolster the crowd.–photo by David Pugh
Crews at the Archbold Wastewater Treatment plant are struggling against high water, after 5.6 inches of rain fell in the past 11 days. Wastewater plant workers recorded 5.6 inches between Saturday, Nov. 19 and Tuesday morning, Nov. 29. It was still raining Tuesday after the last reading was taken. Dennis Howell, Archbold village administrator, said about 2:30 pm, Tuesday, the plant is processing wastewater at capacity, 4.5 million gallons per day. But wastewater is flowing into the plant faster than that. The excess is being diverted to a detention pond at the plant, he said. The plant discharges treated wastewater into Brush Creek. The creek is higher than the discharge point, so a 4,000 gallon-per-minute portable pump is pumping treated wastewater from the
er into the storm sewers. For decades, Archbold officials have tried to find ways to keep storm water out of the sanitary sewers, but several projects have been unable to entirely solve the problem.
outlet into the creek. Howell said several of the sanitary sewer lines were “surcharged” meaning they reached capacity. At one place, a portable pump was pumping wastewater from the sanitary sew-
*Repairs Start Finish When the new Pettisville School was built, the 1994 addition, plus a portion of the elementary school building, were retained. The process of closing off openings left by the demolition, known as the “button up” project, is expected to be completed by the end of December. The atrium project, which will provide an entrance for after-hours school events, will be completed by the end of January.
(Continued from first page) hall addition. Switzer said students access the library by walking along the bus loop in front of the new building, away from the atrium addition. Students in junior high school physical education go to the 1994 gym by walking along the west end of the school buildings, away from atrium construction. The study hall above the library is not in use, but could be accessed through a rear stairway, Switzer said.
*Archbold Elevator
(Continued from first page) Sattler, who have a rural Defiance address, and Fricke, whose bid was disqualified. Since the bid was originally submitted, a limited liability corporation, Flatrock Pork, LLC, was formed to purchase Henry Pig. Mark J. Sattler, rural Defiance, was named the statutory agent for Flatrock Pork. The purchase price was $465,000. •O-MI-O, another sow operation with animals, property and other assets at 17311 Co. Rd. 21-50, Fayette, in Williams County. There were three original bidders: Richard Lange of Republic Mills; Michael E.
Mull, a veterinarian; and Fricke. After negotiations, Centaur Associates, LLC, was the highest bidder for O-MIO. The statutory agent for Centaur is Rex H. Huffman, Rossford. A second LLC, MMDS Investments, LLC, was formed and purchased O-MI-O. Huffman is also the statutory agent for MMDS. The purchase price was $325,000. •Kainos Nursery, which raised pigs from the time they were weaned from the sow to market weight. The sale included real estate, equipment, and machinery located at 12979 Co. Rd. 16, Wauseon, in Fulton
County. There were two original bidders: Kalmbach Feeds and Fricke. With the Fricke bid disqualified, Kalmbach purchased Kainos for $125,000.
THE BUICK & GMC HOLIDAY EVENT
Prices In the court documents, Kowalski said, “The receiver believes that these sales are in the best interest of the receivership. “The receiver believes the proposed prices, although low, are commercially reasonable under the circumstances and are not inconsistent with the analysis performed by Veid & Veid (a certified public accounting firm) on May 16.”
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*Pettisville 27th, Archbold
(Continued from first page) He said the Ohio Department of Education used a year when Pettisville’s enrollment was down by about 50 students, which pushed up the cost-per-pupil figure. Deskins told the school board Archbold was sixth in Fulton County in cost per pupil. Wauseon was the lowest in the county, at $8,259. Deskins also told board members of the top 100 school districts ranked based on performance index, only 27 spent less per pupil than Archbold. The highest per-pupil expenditure was ISUS, Institute of Construction Technology, in Montgomery County, where $40,026 was spent per pupil on education. The school had a PI score of 106.5. The top-ranked school had a per pupil cost of $24,308; the lowest, $10,029. Most of the per-pupil expenditures were in the $8,000 to $11,000 range. One school reported zero spending, while others were less than $1,000. Some of the schools with the lowest per-pupil costs were
digital academies. Ownership Switzer said he was “very pleased, obviously” with the results of the performance index rankings. When asked how Pettisville schools reached the high ranking, he said, “I think everything goes back to ownership. "The kids take ownership to do well. The teachers take ownership by preparing the students. "The administrators take ownership of preparing the teachers. The parents support the schools.” Everyone, he said, com-
mits themselves to doing well. “It’s not someone else’s job,” he said. Deskins told school board members, “This is an achievement that the entire community should be proud of,” pointing out that of the 100 top-ranked schools, Archbold is 28th lowest in per-pupil spending.
PER MONTH FOR 39 MONTHS1
Black Swamp Arts Council Presents
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Mon., Dec. 5, 4-8:30 p.m. A professional show and sale of area artists' works.
Free and open to the public. The limited menu at Stella Blue will benefit the Black Swamp Arts Council's many community programs.
Fri., Dec. 2 thru Thur., Dec. 8
Proceeds from the art sale go directly to the artists.
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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 9 Classified................................ 11 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.................................... 8,9 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7
Sunday Liquor Sales, Fire Levy On March Ballot – page 3 One section–12 pages
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
ARCHBOLD
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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106th Year - No. 21
Final Payoff
To F&M Bank In Elevator Case Near All that’s needed is the signature of James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court, and the Farmers & Merchants State Bank will receive its final payment from the Archbold Elevator case. Gerald Kowalski, Toledo attorney and court-appointed receiver for Archbold Elevator and its related businesses, recently filed documents with the Fulton County court, seeking permission to make a final payment to F&M of $1,912,121.28. Barber had approved a $4 million payment to the bank, Oct. 24. The case stems from the financial collapse of Archbold Elevator, which began in April. The day after the Ohio Department of Agriculture suspended the firm’s grain handling license, the F&M filed a lawsuit seeking repayment of about $4.9 million in loans made to the elevator and related businesses. Together, the businesses were known in the legal community as “The Archbold Entities.” Barber appointed Kowalski as the receiver in the case. Since that time, Kowalski and others have overseen the breakup and sale of the entities. The largest piece, the grain elevator and feed mill located on Co. Rd. 24, which included a truck repair facil-
ity, was sold to Gerald Grain in October for $2.38 million. Negotiated Payoff In court documents, Kowalski stated after “lengthy and extensive” discussions with F&M bank officials, F&M sought a final payment of $1,962,121.28 as of Nov. 18. Kowalski said bank officials agreed to waive interests and costs that accrued after Nov. 18. Each day, the bank was adding about $900 to the final payment. The total payoff, which includes both a $50,000 reduction bank officials agreed to, and a waiver of interest and fees after Nov. 18, was reduced by about $75,000, Kowalski said. In rough figures, if Barber approves the final payment, F&M will receive a total of about $5.9 million. While that figure is more than the original $4.9 million the bank was seeking, F&M has been forced to pay an unknown amount of legal expenses, easily totaling in the thousands of dollars. All secured creditors agreed to the negotiated amount with the exception of Agricultural Products Extension, LLC, of Hamburg, N.Y., an intervening party to the F&M suit. APEX did agree to the payment, as long as a minimum of $200,000 was set aside for APEX’s claimed interest. (Continued on page 12)
Second Graders Tell Christmas Story Archbold Elementary School second grade students told the Christmas story through their musical, “Melton the WarmHearted Snowman,” scheduled for last night, Tuesday. Participating in a nativity scene from the play are, from left: Trever Johnson, Triston Rosales, and Ethan Wyse, as three
Offended Archbold Officials Can Still Work With Commissioners
Archbold officials were offended over how they were treated during the debate over the EMS contracts and the response times of ALS1, the Archbold paramedic unit. But after meeting with the Fulton County Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 8, Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, and Andy Brodbeck, AFD chief, said they feel they can work with the commissioners going forward. Wyse said he thought the Dec. 8 meeting “cleared the air” between the two groups. “I don’t think there’s any doubt” that village officials and the commissioners can work together, he said. The meeting addressed concerns about the staffing requirements the commissioners were seeking and questions about ALS-1 reAnother Archbold resi- sponse times, Wyse said. Andy Brodbeck, Archbold dent, Rick L. Yoder, has filed to be the GOP candidate for Fire Department chief, said he “absolutely” could work Fulton County Coroner. Harry Murtiff, the current with the commissioners. county coroner, did not seek At Issue reelection. Fulton County advanced life support units are staffed Sheriff, Prosecutor There will be a two-way by one paramedic and one race for sheriff and prosecut- emergency medical technician. ing attorney. Unlike other communiFor sheriff, Roy Miller, FCSD chief deputy, will face ties, Archbold requires the Rick Sluder, rural Wauseon, paramedic to remain on stawho is chief of the Delta Po- tion for a 24-hour shift, but lice Department and an assis- allows the EMT to remain at tant chief with the Wauseon home, only reporting to the station when called. Fire Department. The commissioners wanted Darrell Merillat, the incumbent county sheriff, is the Archbold EMT to remain on station. They say waiting not seeking reelection. Merillat was first elected for the EMT to arrive before sheriff 26 years ago, in 1985. leaving the station causes Prior to being elected sheriff, too much delay. The commissioners had he spent 12 years as a deputy sheriff, for a total of 38 years proposed a contract requiring EMTs and paramedics to rewith FCSD. Stacey Burns, Delta, is main together, but that part challenging Scott Haselman, of the contract was dropped. incumbent prosecuting at- Instead, the matter will go to torney, who is completing his an advisory group. first term. Abigail Bieber, rural Fay- Detrimental To Archbold Minutes from the Dec. 8 ette, is seeking the Republican nomination for Fulton meeting at the commissioners office reflect some of the County Clerk of Courts. She will challenge Paul ill feelings between Archbold McDonald, incumbent clerk. officials and the commissionMcDonald was first appoint- ers. In the minutes, Jeff Fry(Continued on page 12)
Bill Rufenacht Runs For Commissioner To Challenge Incumbent Genter William “Bill” Rufenacht, Archbold, has filed a petition to run in the March 12 Republican primary election to become a Fulton County Commissioner. He challenges three-term incumbent Dean Genter, rural Pettisville. Because few Democrats run for office in Fulton County, a victory in the GOP primary essentially assures Republicans will fill county offices. Of the 36 precincts in the county there are only 11 Democratic precinct committee seats filled. On the Republican side, there are only eight precincts without precinct committee seats filled. Rufenacht said the biggest reason he’s seeking the commissioner’s post is, “I love Fulton County.” He said with his past business experience, “I think I can do some good in the job.” He said he had been considering running for commissioner for some time, but this “seems to be the right time now.” Rufenacht was the former owner of Rufenacht Clothing that became Bill’s Locker Room, which he sold in 1999. He was a member of Archbold Village Council from 2001 to 2005.
wise men; Karson Rufenacht, as Joseph; Kylee Miller, as Mary; Garrison Cob and Caden Gericke as shepherds. The angels are, from left, Breanna Lloyd, Alicyn Brown, Addison Cervantes, and Anissa Ramirez.–photo by David Pugh
man, Archbold councilman and chairman of the police and fire committee, stated what they (village officials) find so disconcerting is that Archbold has been portrayed as having deficiencies in its operation of ALS-1. If that wasn’t the commissioners’ thought process, they need to go back on the record stating Archbold has run its department in an acceptable manner. Also, the minutes said Fryman told the commissioners there were comments made to the media by the commissioners and Vond Hall, county administrator, that he would like to have clarified. Kevin Morton, Archbold councilman and a member of the police and fire committee, was paraphrased in the minutes as saying Archbold is not very happy with the things that came out in the paper regarding the 30-second difference. It was determined that by allowing the EMT to respond
Read the minutes of the EMS discussion from the Dec. 8 Fulton County Commissioners meeting at ArchboldBuckeye.com. (Free access)
to emergency calls from home, ALS-1 is 30 seconds to a minute later responding to calls than other Fulton County ALS units. Morton stated in the minutes that this was based on one call per week during overnight hours, and it was used in a very detrimental manner to the village. According to the meeting minutes, Morton said, “Until there is a public apology, this is not going to set well.” The apologies, the minutes state, need to come from the commissioners and Hall.
Apologies Later in the meeting, Perry Rupp, Fulton County commissioner, is paraphrased in the minutes as saying if a public apology is needed, he will give that public apology. Rupp said the commissioners asked tough questions, and he apologized for any ill feelings it may have caused. Paul Barnaby, president of the county commissioners, repeatedly praised the Fulton County emergency medical service system. In the minutes, he made an apology for any misconstrued reporting, stating that he thinks county rescue workers are doing a fine job.
Hall: Not Unacceptable In the minutes, Hall said his understanding was the commissioners wanted to improve response times. That wasn’t to say response times were unacceptable. The question was, how do we improve an already great system, Hall said.
Advisory Group To Decide EMS Contract Requirement Whether or not ALS-1, the Archbold-based paramedic unit, will be allowed to keep its on-call system for emergency medical technicians will be decided by an advisory group. That was the outcome of a meeting between Archbold village officials and the Fulton County Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 8. During the meeting, which reportedly lasted about an hour, Perry Rupp, commissioner, proposed turning the question over to an advisory board. The meeting minutes state, “Commissioner Rupp stated that he is willing to put this system into the hands of a committee that will come up with a resolution to solve its inequities.” Rupp said he is willing “to pull out the ‘side-by-side’
language, as long as they (Fulton County fire chiefs) are willing to take the recommendations of the committee to resolve any issues. “If that is their proposal, he will support that,” the minutes state. Problem In 2000, voters approved a 2-mill levy to provide both advanced life support services and support for manpower for the seven fire departments in the county. All of the departments operate with “paid volunteers”; in other words, firefighters and rescue workers are paid only when they are on call. The four southern community fire departments– Archbold, Delta, Swanton, and Wauseon– were given $326,000 per year to operate paramedic units staffed
with one paramedic, licensed to provide advanced life support, and one emergency medical technician, or EMT. Delta, Swanton, and Wauseon all hired a subcontractor to provide their paramedic-EMT teams, and put those teams on 24-hour shifts, with both sleeping over at their stations. Archbold, however, hired and trained AFD firefighters to be paramedics. The paramedics sleep at the AFD station, but EMTs remain at home, “on call.” They only report to the station if there is a rescue run. Dean Genter, commissioner, complained it takes ALS-1 too long to leave the fire station after receiving a call, because the paramedic has to wait for the EMT to arrive. (Continued on page 12)
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*Final Payoff (Continued from first page) If the F&M payoff is approved, Kowalski said he will begin negotiations with the remaining secured creditors: D&D Ingredient Distributors, Inc., Delphos; The Andersons, Inc., Maumee; APEX, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The ODA is seeking repayment of about $3 million from the Archbold Entities. The $3 million was paid to persons who had stored grain at Archbold Elevator, but had not been paid for that grain. The payment of about 75 claims was made through the Ohio Grain Indemnity Fund.
receiver has more than $4 million in cash.”
Cash Left The major assets of the Archbold Entities, the grain elevator and three pig-farming operations have been sold. Kowalski said there are some delays in closing the sales of two of the pig operations, but expects those problems to be resolved. Once those sales are finalized, the only assets left will be “some miscellaneous items, including a few vehicles and other equipment.” Kowalski noted that “... the receiver continues to accumulate funds from the sale of the receivership assets. “At the present time, the
Vomitoxin In a related matter, Kowalski states in court documents that a problem with vomitoxin in pigs still owned by the receivership has been resolved. Vomitoxin is a problem that results from tainted corn fed to pigs. When pigs eat tainted corn, they vomit after eating or won’t eat at all. A special product was added to the tainted feed to counteract the effects, and Kowalski said the matter was resolved at a cost of about $3,000.
Dressed For Rehearsal
Students participating in the Archbold second grade musical, “Melton the Warm-Hearted Snowman,” donned their costumes for dress
rehearsal on Monday, Dec. 12. Left: Emily Walker in her Elf costume. Right: Natalee Rose, the show’s Mrs. Claus.–photos by David Pugh
*Advisory Group To Decide (Continued from first page) Archbold officials point out on average, the time difference is 30 seconds to a minute, and the system saves Archbold about $80,000 per year in operating expenses. It also promotes unity among Archbold firefighterrescue workers, rather than creating an “us-vs.-them,” or volunteers vs. paid crews, mentality. Sufficient Commissioners meeting minutes state Andy Brodbeck, Archbold fire chief, said he believes the commissioners are contending that Archbold has not been servicing adequately. If that’s the case, Brodbeck said the commissioners should define what is an adequate response time. Brodbeck said he believes Archbold officials have been good managers and stewards and have handled their responsibilities in an adequate way, with positive outcomes. Genter said the original thought was all four southern Fulton County departments should be consistent, with each providing the same service for the same money. The minutes state Genter said he has been a supporter of the EMS system, but said the commissioners must ask tough questions, and that he has asked tough questions and offered changes. He said he didn’t feel out of line asking the questions. The minutes said Brodbeck told the commissioners he has no problem with asking questions, and, after looking at nine years of data, asked if the commissioners believed Archbold has done a good job of providing efficient, high-quality service. In the meeting minutes, Genter stated “that during the investigation of their times, their response time by
*Bill Rufenacht (Continued from first page) ed to the post in 2010. Unopposed Unopposed GOP candidates include Paul Barnaby, Fulton County commissioner; Frank T. Onweller, county engineer; Sandra K. Barber, county recorder; and Beverly Schlosser, county treasurer.
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not having both (paramedic and EMT) at the station is 30 seconds to one minute behind. “This is something to take a look at moving forward. He (Genter) added, however, that for having someone at home and only one at the station, to only be 30 seconds to a minute behind, that is pretty good, but is it acceptable to the community?” Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, stated in the minutes, “If there is a concern with their community he would expect that (it) be brought to their attention immediately. That way, concerns can be fixed as they occur." Wyse also asked that the commissioners “refrain from communicating with village employees about contract negotiations,” the meeting minutes state. Micromanaging In the meeting minutes, other fire chiefs expressed concern over the personnel requirements set forth by the commissioners. Chad Smith, chief of the Swanton Fire Department, said if a certain out-the-door time requirement is established, then all fire departments will staff appropriately. But the agreement, as proposed by the commissioners, allows the commissioners to dictate personnel. The minutes quote Marv Wheeler, Wauseon Fire Department chief, as stating the current contract calls for EMTs to be independent contractors, not employees of Fulton County. Wheeler said personnel should be the responsibility
THE BUICK & GMC HOLIDAY EVENT
of the communities. Response Time Accurate? While the two sides wrangled over response times, Vond Hall, county administrator, said that since the commissioners studied the response times as listed by the Fulton County Sheriff Department dispatcher logs, it was found those logs are “very inconsistent, so they have learned that these cannot be used as the standard.”
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Advisory In the end, the two sides agreed to reconvene the original 2000 advisory group that helped assemble the county advanced life support program. On that committee were Jim Gamber, then-Wauseon fire chief, representing county fire chiefs; Russ Wyse, AFD assistant chief, representing the county firefighters association; Keith Lehman, Archbold physician, representing the county medical director; Tandy Grubbs, then a Swanton village council member, representing village councils; Wynemia Waidelich, a registered nurse, representing the Fulton County Health Center emergency department; Tom Sullivan, a township trustee, representing the county trustee association; and Beth Lashaway, an at-large member of the advisory group. The reformed advisory group will be made up of the same organizations, but not necessarily the same people. No deadlines or meetings dates have been set for the group.
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Fri., Dec. 16 thru Thur., Dec. 22 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED PG Sa/Su/Tu/Th 12:20, 2:30, 4:45, 7:10, 9:20 Fr/Mo/We 4:45, 7:10, 9:20 SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu/Th 11:30, 2:10, 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 Fr/Mo/We 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN PG We 5:20, 7:40, 10:00 Th 12:00, 2:45, 5:20, 7:40, 10:00 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL PG-13 Tu 9:45. We 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 Th 11:30, 2:10, 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 THE GIRL WITH A DRAGON TATTOO R Tu 7:45. We 4:00, 7:05, 10:10 Th 12:10, 3:30, 6:45, 9:50 NEW YEAR’S EVE PG-13 Sa/Su 11:30, 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10:00 Tu 11:30, 2:15, 4:50. Fr/Mo 4:50, 7:25, 10:00 THE MUPPETS PG Sa/Su 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:35, 10:00 Tu 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30 Fr/Mo 5:00, 7:35, 10:00 HUGO 3D PG Sa/Su/Tu 11:30, 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 Fr/Mo 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 THE SITTER R Sa/Su/Tu/Th 12:30, 3:00, 5:15, 7:10, 9:35 Fr/Mo/We 5:15, 7:10, 9:35
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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 4 Classified................................ 13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports..................... 8,9,10,11,12 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7
Precinct-By-Precinct Election Results – page 3 Blue Streaks Win District – page 10 One section–14 pages
FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards
ARCHBOLD
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Archbold Elevator Remaining Assets Divided March 1
Fulton Co Commissioner Race
Bill Rufenacht Upsets Genter In GOP Primary
by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer
Haselman, Miller, MacDonald Also Win Bill Rufenacht, former Archbold village councilman, unseated Dean Genter, incumbent Fulton County commissioner, in the Republican primary election, Tuesday, March 6. Rufenacht lead the entire evening as votes were tallied. The final count was 4,166 votes for Rufenacht to 2,921 for Genter. Traditionally in Fulton County, winning the GOP primary practically guarantees the candidate will take the office, because Fulton County GOP candidates are usually not opposed in the fall general election. Rufenacht could not be reached for comment.
Other winners in contested countywide GOP primary races included Roy Miller defeating Rick Sluder for sheriff. Scott Haselman, incumbent prosecutor, defeated Stacey Burns, and Paul MacDonald, incumbent clerk of courts, defeated Abigail Bieber. Miller picked up 4,535 votes compared to Sluder’s 2,830. “It’s great to have that kind of support,” Miller said. The campaign “has been a learning experience,” he said. Miller said by talking to people throughout the county, “I learned a lot, and I will Jordan Cowell has his arm raised in triumph after defeating (Continued on page 3) Brenden Stanley of Apple Creek Waynedale in the 152-pound championship match of the Ohio High School State Wrestling Championships. Cowell is the first AHS state wrestling champion since 1999.–photo by Mario Gomez
Fulton Co. Wind Farm Put On Hold An alternative energy company based in Ireland is not going to pursue a wind farm in Fulton or Henry counties. But Dan Schumann, a project manager for Mainstream Renewable Power, Ltd., said, “we feel the area has a lot of potential. “We are still interested down the line. “We were surveying four different sites in Fulton County. We looked at the power grid, environmental factors, and we talked to landowners to determine if there was any interest.” Wind farms are large areas of land that support a number of utility-size wind turbines. The first utility-scale wind project in Ohio was built near Bowling Green. Two large wind turbines, capable of generating more than one
megawatt each, were built in 2003. Two more were added later. Fulton and Henry counties are attractive sites for wind farms because: •There are two 138,000volt electricity transmission lines running across the area, one near the FultonHenry County line. Power generated by a wind farm could be fed into one of those lines for distribution. •The land is largely flat, open farmland, which lends itself to wind turbines. •There are few environmental concerns, such as endangered species, that could impact a wind farm project. Schumann said right now, Mainstream has alternative energy sites potentially capable of producing as much as 2,500 megawatts of en(Continued on page 14)
Cowell Earns Place On List Of Champions by Mario Gomez Buckeye Correspondent
There is little glamour in the sport of wrestling. Only diehard wrestling fans can rattle off names like Fried, Steiber, and DiSabato and know their contributions to the sport. Now, a wrestling name familiar to Northwest Ohio is becoming more familiar statewide. Jordan Cowell, an Archbold High School senior, won the 2012 152-pound state
District Champions Holding the Div. III girls basketball district championship trophy are, from left, seniors Morgan Cody, Mindy Rupp, Abby Short, Ruthie Beck, and Chelsea Goebel. The
106th Year - No. 33
207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)
Streaks defeated Coldwater 48-25, Saturday, March 3, in the district final at Kalida.–photo by Mary Huber
championship in Division III, Saturday, March 3, in Columbus. He also holds the state record for wins in a career in the state of Ohio. He was a four-time state qualifier during his high school career and is one of the most successful wrestlers to come out of Archbold. His career winning percentage ranks him third at AHS, behind Clark Forward and Todd Livengood. Jordan comes from a family of successful wrestlers. He is the son of John and Susan. John was Archbold’s first state champion in 1973. Jordan also has two uncles, Kenny Cowell and Roger Grime, who were state place finishers, and a cousin, Ben Grime, who was a state qualifier, all at Archbold. “I’ve been (wrestling) since I was young, and I always wanted to be good at it, so I just stayed with it,” said Jordan. He was motivated to wrestle and succeed by seeing something as a youngster that caught his attention. “When I started ‘little kids wrestling,’ Clark Forward had just won his third state championship. I thought to myself, wow, that is sweet,” said Jordan. “He was a three-time state champ and received a standing ovation from the crowd after winning it, and I wanted that. I knew that was what I wanted to do. “My parents never pressured me, but they did put me in a position to push myself and get better.” As he approached his freshman year, Jordan ad(Continued on page 14)
The remaining assets of Archbold Elevator were divided among secured creditors during a hearing Thursday, March 1, in Fulton County Common Pleas Court. Under an agreement worked out between attorneys, The Andersons, Maumee, will receive the lion’s share of the remaining pot of about $4.9 million from the sale of assets of Archbold Elevator and its related businesses. The Andersons, a large grain-trading firm, will receive about $4.65 million, shy of the firm’s full claim of more than $4.8 million. The financial collapse of Archbold Elevator began in April 2011, when the Ohio Department of Agriculture suspended the firm’s grain handling license, essentially shutting down the business. A routine ODA inspection of Archbold Elevator records revealed problems with the company books, and grain stored at Archbold Elevator was 50,000 bushels short of
what company records indicated should be on hand. The following day, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, filed a lawsuit against the elevator and company owner Bill Fricke, demanding repayment of more than $4.9 million. F&M received a $4 million payment in October 2011, followed by another approximately $1.9 million in December 2011. The $5.9-million amount included interest and penalties against Archbold Elevator, but F&M agreed to reduce its final settlement by about $75,000.
Secured The Andersons was one of six secured creditors in the Archbold Elevator receivership. Others were F&M; D&D Ingredient Distributors, Delphos; Agricultural Products Extension, (APEX) LLC, of Hamburg, N.Y.; the ODA; and Fenstermaker Farms, Leipsic. A secured creditor is one whose debt is secured by property or a lien against property. If a business is liq(Continued on page 14)
Local Man Indicted On 8 Charges Of Child Pornography Timothy A. Rettig, 46, Archbold, has been indicted by the Fulton County Grand Jury on charges involving child pornography. Scott A. Haselman, Fulton County prosecuting attorney, said in a press release the Timothy grand jury Rettig met on Monday, Feb. 27, and handed down a total of eight counts against Rettig.
The grand jury handed down indictments on four counts of pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor, plus four additional counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor. Haselman stated that on or about July 20, 2011 to Aug. 18, 2011, Rettig allegedly disseminated and/or possessed child pornography. Rettig was arrested by Fulton County Sheriff deputies on Thursday, March 1, and taken to CCNO. He was released on $2,500 bond, Monday, March 5.
Investigate Swanton Teacher For Alleged Improper Conduct Press and other media reports indicate Michelle Blosser, a social studies teacher at Swanton High School, has been placed on paid administrative leave after allegations of improper conduct with a student. Russ Griggs, interim superintendent of the Swanton School District, said the school district has not officially released Blosser’s name, only saying a “professional staff member” was placed on leave. He said email messages making allegations against Blosser were sent to some law enforcement agencies and media outlets. Blosser’s administrative
leave started at the end of the day, Thursday, March 2. Griggs said he is following standard procedure, which calls for placing the teacher on leave while an investigation is conducted. Rumors say Blosser, of Fayette, allegedly had a sexual relationship with a student. None of the alleged inappropriate actions took place on school property, Griggs said. Griggs said Blosser is a well-liked teacher, who had once been a Teacher of the Week. He was not aware of any disciplinary problems involving Blosser prior to the current allegations. (Continued on page 14)
904 Stryker St., Archbold
Craig Cain
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Sam Grime
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Dayna Fortney
Randy Short
Adrienne Emmons
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14–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of March 7, 2012
*Cowell Earns (Continued from first page) mits that his expectations were not high. “Freshman year starting off, I would have been happy with a .500 record,” he said. “I ended up doing much better than I expected, and it just kept going from there.” Jordan’s success on the mat allowed him to meet wrestlers from all over. His routine involved attending open practices across Ohio and wrestling in tournaments around the country. “The better you get at wrestling and the more involved you get in the sport, the more people you know,” said Jordan. “I know people all across the state. I even know people from other states that I’m very good friends with.” More Than A Wrestler There is more to Jordan than wrestling, though most hardly know it with the time he puts into the sport. Tim Meister, AHS principal, sees Jordan as more
*Fulton Co.
than an athlete. Meister said, “I know him as a young man who I have a great relationship with; a very nice kid. “He never seems to have a bad day. He’s one of those kids that you know when you see him, he’s going to have a smile on his face and a hello for you.” Meister is aware of Jordan’s playful side, but acknowledges his grownup attitude as well. “You can give him grief and he’ll give you grief back. But when it’s time to get down to work, he knows where that line is and does it,” Meister said. “He has been a real pleasure to be around.” Jordan is actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Archbold FFA chapter. He doesn’t hold back when talking about one of his favorite pastimes. “I love fishing and hunting,” said Jordan. “I love the outdoors. There is so much to do, and I try to do it all.”
A jack-of-all-trades, Jordan works for the Archbold Parks and Recreation Department and mows lawns for others on the side. “In the summer I’m always busy. I work all the time, it seems,” he said. It’s his desire to help others that sets Jordan apart from other people. “I do a lot of odds-andends jobs for people,” Jordan said. “If anyone needs something done, they usually call me and I do it.” Austin Double, a special needs student at AHS, has been one of Archbold wrestling’s biggest fans. This season, the seniors made Austin an honorary member of the team, even recognizing him during Senior Night. Jordan took Austin under his wing and acknowledged how much of a contributor Austin is to the team. “He’s a great kid,” said Jordan. "He comes to just about everything that his parents will let him come to, and that’s a lot of stuff. He
loves watching us wrestle. “We tell Austin that we’re a part of the Austin Double fan club. He just loves it! “We like to support him because he has supported us for so long.” What The Future Holds When asked about his future, Jordan pauses and takes some time to answer. “I don’t know if I’m going to wrestle in the future or not,” he said. “If I’m going to wrestle at the next level, then I’m going to beat my body up. If I get a scholarship and they make it worth my time, then I will probably wrestle, but if not, then I could care less.” School still remains an option, though Jordan admits that nothing is set in stone. “I’d like to go into mechanical engineering right now, but that could all change,” he said. “I would like to help at the high school if I’m close to home; but honestly, I haven’t really thought much past this weekend at state.”
*Archbold Elevator (Continued from first page) uidated and its assets sold, secured creditors are the first to be repaid. The Fenstermaker Farms claim against Archbold Elevator was resolved when the company purchased some Archbold Elevator assets. The agreement worked out between lawyers for the secured creditors, Gerald Kowalski, the court-appointed receiver, and an attorney representing Bill and Lynette Fricke, calls for $100,000 to be withheld from the $4.9 million remaining within the receivership. The money will be used to cover the costs of the final accounting, plus attorney and other fees. D&D Ingredients will receive $150,000, and agreed to work out an agreement with APEX. A “litigation trust,” a legal entity, is to be established, which will receive any money coming to the now-defunct
Archbold Elevator. That includes money owed to Archbold Elevator from unpaid bills and from other bankruptcy and receiverships. If the trust receives enough money to fully satisfy the D&D claim against Archbold Elevator, any money beyond that amount will go to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Indemnity Fund The Ohio Department of Agriculture paid out more than $3.4 million to area farmers who had grain stored at Archbold Elevator at the time the firm’s license was suspended. The money came from the state’s Grain Indemnity Fund, a fund established in 1983 to compensate farmers who lose grain in the financial collapse of an eleva-
tor. The fund raised money from an assessment on grain transactions. But the compensation fund does not cover 100% of farmer losses. Reimbursement ranges from 100% to 80%, depending on the agreement between the farmer and the elevator. ODA said farmers lost about $865,000 as a result of the Archbold Elevator collapse. One claimant alone lost almost a quarter of a million dollars. The ODA is now attempting to recover all or part of the money that was paid out of the indemnity fund. Unsecured Claims Creditors who are owed money by Archbold Elevator on an unsecured basis will probably have to write off
Archbold Community Theatre presents:
what they’re owed. A court order filed Tuesday Feb. 21, states, “Since it appears that there will not be any funds to pay unsecured claims, the court will make no determination as to the priority of the unsecured claims."
SKYE CINEMA 455 E. Airport Hwy, Wauseon (Next to Wal-Mart) Stadium Seating • Handicap Access • Dolby Digital Surround Sound • Hearing Impaired Devices 419-335-6813 • www.skyecinema.com
Fri., March 9 thru Thur., March 15 JOHN CARTER PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 2D 12:15, 6:40. 3D 3:15, 9:25. Fr/Mo/We/Th 2D 7:00. 3D 4:20, 9:45. THE DESCENDANTS R Sa/Su/Tu 12:00, 2:25, 4:50, 7;15, 9:40. Fr/Mo/We/Th 4:50, 7;15, 9:40. PROJECT X R Sa/Su/Tu 12:25, 2:30, 5:15, 7:15, 9:30. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:15, 7:15, 9:30. THE LORAX PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 3:00, 7:20. 3D 12:30, 5:20, 9:20. Fr/Mo/We 2D 7:20. 3D 5:20, 9:20. Th 2D 5:20, 9:20. ACT OF VALOR R Sa/Su/Tu 12:15, 2:40, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:10, 7:30, 9:40. JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND - 2D PG Sa/Su/Tu 12:00, 2:15, 5:00, 7:10, 9:30. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:00, 7:10, 9:30. Hotline 419-335-6813 www.skyecinema.com
*Investigate (Continued from first page) Darrell Merillat, Fulton County sheriff, said deputies have started an investigation. Swanton police requested FCSD to conduct the investigation, Merillat said. Rumors stated uniformed law enforcement officers were at the Swanton High School March 1. Merillat confirmed a deputy was at the school. When the FCSD report is complete, it will be turned over to the Fulton County prosecuting attorney. “Hopefully, the investigation will be done within a month or less,” Merillat said.
Giffey Hall Ridgeville Corners, OH
March 23, 24, 30 & 31 - 8 p.m. April 1 - 2:30 p.m. $ Presold Adults 9 Presold Students/Senior $8 $ At the door 10
For tickets call Diane at 419-267-5717, Mon.-Fri., 6-9 pm Produced with special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service
Subscribe Online Buy Photos Order Classifieds at ArchboldBuckeye.com
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Remember to set your clocks AHEAD one hour!
ULTIMATE ALLEGIANCE "Stars & Stripes or By His Stripes?"
Friday, March 16 7 p.m.
Weather
57
Week’s High Date
Tu 2/28 We 2/29 Th 3/1 Fr 3/2 Sa 3/3 Su 3/4 Mo 3/5
21
Week’s Low
High Low Precip
49 57 41 54 36 35 33
21 36 33 34 30 24 24
.75 R .1 R 0 1” R Tr. S Tr. S 0
Data provided by Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant
Wauseon High School Auditorium Dr. Gregory Boyd, author and international speaker, will share his convictions as outlined in his book The Myth of a Christian Nation. Adults and youth are encouraged to hear Boyd's convictions on how the pursuit of a Christian nation can undermine the kingdom of God.
Tickets are $10, available online at www.shalomworks.org or call Carolyn Short at 419.583.9398. Sponsored by "Kingdom Leadership Advancement, a ministry of the Northwest Ohio Mennonite Ministers Fellowship."
(Continued from first page) ergy under development in the United States and Canada. In December 2011, Mainstream received construction permits for 350 megawatts of renewable energy projects, all outside of the U.S. South Africa, Chile There are three projects to be constructed in South Africa, and two in Chile. Three of the five are wind turbines; the others are large-scale solar arrays. With five projects to construct, Schumann said Mainstream decided to put the North American projects on hold.
Other Issues There were other issues as well. Schumann said there is a lot of uncertainty in the U.S. renewable power market. It’s a presidential election year in the U.S., and a change in administration could impact the economic viability of alternative energy projects. Also, economic growth in the U.S. is slow, which relates to the nation’s demand for electricity. Schumann said in three to six months, Mainstream may revisit Fulton and Henry counties and decide to push a wind farm project forward again.
Open House Sun., Mar. 11 2-4 pm at Zion Lutheran Church Ridgeville Corners, OH
Come celebrate Carl Dehnbostel's 100th Birthday and his wife, Pauline's, 93rd Birthday.