EMS Contract series

INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus .................................... 15 Classified........................... 14,15 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports............................. 8,10,11 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

AHS Girls Soccer Good Luck At State – page 9 One section–16 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 9, 2011

$

1

SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards

106th Year - No. 16

Aschliman, Downey Elected To School Board; Wyse Reelected Mayor ance the interests of the taxpayers, the students, and the staff.

“The taxpayers want the best possible value for their money, the students deserve an opportunity for a great education and extracurricular activities, and the staff wants a great place to work and a chance to make a difference in the lives of young people.”

Aschliman said at the beginning of his term, his main goal will be to familiarize himself with the issues the school board is dealing with, and “figure out how to be part of the discussion, so issues will have a positive outcome.”

Downey said he is looking forward to serving on the board.

“I’m really happy to be selected. It’s a great honor,” he said. “I have come to really love the Archbold and Rid-

by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer Bob Aschliman and John Downey were the top vote getters in the five-way race for Archbold School Board; incumbents were the winners in the Village of Archbold; but challengers won in Franklin Township.

Those are just some of the results of the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election.

Aschliman, a former school board member, was the top vote-getter with 1,406 votes.

Downey finished with 1,152.

Roel Galvan, Kimberly Kinsman, and Rod Rodriguez tallied 902, 879 and 472 votes, respectively.

“I’m humbled by the vote of confidence from the community,” Aschliman said.

He said he looks forward to his four-year term on the board.

“I will do my best to bal-

geville Corners communities, and I’m looking forward to serving four years on the school board.”

Like Aschliman, Downey said his first challenge will be to educate himself “on where we’re at, and what we need to do.”

His goal is to make the school board’s actions as transparent as possible.

“That’s one of my major goals, to make everything transparent.”

Franklin Township In what was seen as an upset by some, challenger Josh Grime defeated John Winzeler, a 37-year incumbent, for the post of Franklin Township fiscal officer, 129 to 106.

“I’m up for the challenge,” Grime said. “It’s an honor to have this position.”

“It’s pretty exciting to take over a position from someone

who’s had it for 37 years.”

Grime said he found no fault with the way Winzeler was handling township business.

Running for fiscal officer “was something I wanted to do for the last couple of years. I decided to step up to the challenge,” Grime said.

“I think he (Grime) will make a good fiscal officer,” Winzeler said.

Winzeler said he had no negative feelings about losing to Grime.

“This summer, I considered not running, then I decided to go ahead.”

Grime, he said, “had signs out, he campaigned for it, and did well.”

Winzeler did not campaign.

“I didn’t put any signs out, I didn’t put any effort into it.

I’m 79; I’d be 83 when this term is over,” he said.

(Continued on page 13)

Selected Unofficial County Election Results See adjoining news copy for additional election results.

Only Selected Races Listed

Arch 1

Arch 2

Arch German Franklin Pettisville 3 Twp. Twp. Precinct

Archbold School Board 4Robert E. Aschliman 4John L. Downey Roel Galvan Kimberly Kinsman Nimrod Rodriguez

274 201 172 165 72

328 246 220 164 106

246 237 196 146 126

Archbold Mayor Kenneth Cowell 4James S. Wyse

175 295

194 382

Archbold Village Council 4Kevin D. Eicher 4Edward A. Leininger 4Kevin L. Morton Kent Stamm

303 320 275 261

354 457 414 267

German Township Fiscal Officer Joyce Kinsman 4Keith E. Short

177 255

194 323

58 48 37 63 15

Freedom Ridgeville Fulton Co. Twp. Twp. TOTAL

1,406 1,152 902 879 472

188 321

557 998

557 998

321 377 322 284

978 1,154 1,011 812

978 1,154 1,011 812

164 299

15 11 4 3 0

216 216 126 158 64

.

TOTAL

1,175 925 772 718 408

192 279

269 193 147 180 89

Dover Twp.

59 103

786 1,259

786 1,259

Proposed Tax LevyFour County JVS District .2 mill (Additional) Yes 4No

298 171

344 213

314 178

269 195

125 116

270 265

230 294

206 167

252 197

5,674 6,657

21,574 24,585

Proposed Tax LevyFour County ADAMhs Bd. .7 mill (Renewal) 4Yes No

339 129

420 139

361 134

311 157

147 94

360 174

295 229

213 154

273 175

8,559 6,114

28,766 19,922

State Issue 1. Constitutional Amendment-Increase Maximum Age For Judges Yes 4No

213 230

239 290

210 261

208 252

95 143

220 296

175 341

126 243

167 267

5,400 8,787

1,226,808

State Issue 2. Referendum On SB5 Yes 4No

248 229

314 259

272 233

314 172

126 116

306 239

238 293

194 187

248 214

6,237 8,681

1,331,377

State Issue 3. Constitutional Amendment-Health Care Coverage 4Yes No

365 95

430 121

399 94

376 94

185 54

413 122

389 139

263 97

315 128

10,178 4,384

2,187,003

2,004,645

2,110,521

1,144,857

AHS Girls Soccer Wins Regional Title The Archbold girls soccer team defeated Lima Central Catholic and Ontario in the Division III regional tournament to advance to the state tournament tonight, Wednesday, against Shaker Heights Laurel. Top: Celebrating Sierra Nofziger's goal that put the Streaks up 2-1 over LCC are, from left, Meggie Yoder, Kassidy Garrow, Nofziger, Jensyn Garrow. The Streaks beat the Thunderbirds 3-2 in the semifinal. Bottom: Holding the Division III regional championship trophy are senior co-captains, from left, Mindy Rupp, Nofziger, Carley Wyse, and Nichole Wood. Archbold defeated Ontario 2-0 in the final to advance to the Final Four.–photos by Mary Huber

EMS Contract Commissioners, Council Wrangle Over New Agreement

by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer The Village of Archbold, Archbold Fire Department, and Fulton County Commissioners are in the midst of a dispute over renegotiation of county Emergency Medical Service contracts.

The contracts expire at the end of the year. Negotiations between the commissioners and county fire departments have been going on most of the year.

Dean Genter, Fulton County commissioner, is concerned about the way the Archbold Fire Department staffs its EMS, claiming Archbold is too slow in responding to calls at night.

Archbold officials say their system works well, and asks why, after eight years of operation, the commissioners are questioning the operation of ALS-1, the Archboldbased paramedic unit, now.

The chiefs of the seven county fire departments sent a letter last week to the com-

missioners, opposing proposed changes in the EMS contract.

Vond Hall, Fulton County administrator, said during a Thursday, Nov. 3 meeting of the commissioners, after Genter left the meeting to work on his farm, Paul Barnaby and Perry Rupp, the other commissioners, said they would support the reauthorization of the current EMS contract, with no changes.

On Monday, Nov. 7, the minutes from the commissioners meeting state Barnaby and Rupp moved, and seconded, a motion to authorize the three-year contract extension. Genter opposed the move.

The motion was tabled.

Background To understand the situation, some background in necessary.

Speaking to Archbold Village Council at its Monday, Nov. 7 meeting, Andy Brodbeck, AFD chief, said in the (Continued on page 16)

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*EMS Contracts (Continued from first page) late 1990s there were concerns that some county volunteer fire departments were having difficulty gathering enough volunteers to answer emergency calls.

In response, voters approved a two-mill levy in 2000 that provided for additional manpower and established a paramedic system.

Under the system, the county has contracts with each community that has a fire department.

The four larger fire departments– Archbold, Delta, Wauseon, and Swanton– each receive $326,000 per year, plus $100 per rescue run, to staff their stations with full-time paramedics who provide advanced life support services.

The three smaller fire departments– Fayette, Lyons, and Metamora– each receive $84,000 per year, plus $100 per run, with the money to go to support manpower.

Some of the “Big Four” departments hired Lifestar, a private service, to provide their paramedics. They keep one paramedic and one emergency medical technician, or EMT, either on station, or together with their ambulance, ready to answer calls.

On Call Archbold chose a different route.

Brodbeck told council in order to encourage volunteerism and camaraderie on the department, Archbold hired members of the department and trained them to become paramedics.

Paramedics remain on duty at the West Mechanic Street station 24 hours a day, sleeping in a dormitory room established at the station.

At least one EMT is at the AFD station from 8 am to 5 pm.

During the evening and overnight hours of 5 pm to 8 am, an EMT is on call. The EMT may not leave town; if called, they either go to the fire station, join the paramedic, and leave in the paramedic vehicle, or the paramedic stops by the EMT’s home and picks them up.

If the EMT lives too far from the station, they must sleep in the dorm.

Brodbeck said this keeps department EMTs involved in the EMS system, avoiding a “them and us” mentality between full-time rescue workers and volunteers.

The contract between the county and the “Big Four” communities only requires that the paramedic and EMT be “available,” not “on station.”

Genter & Response Times However, Genter complained that ALS-1, the Archbold paramedic unit, has slow response times.

Information based on a year’s worth of rescue calls shows the average response time of ALS-1, from 5 pm to 8 am, is 2 minutes, 21 seconds, with times as high as 3 minutes, 53 seconds, or 3:53.

“Response time” is the amount of time from when the Fulton County Sheriff Department dispatches a squad to when the squad calls back and says they’re en route to the scene.

Archbold officials point out the response time data could be “garbled,” because an ALS unit may not call in right away to say they’re en route, the sheriff department dispatchers may not hear them right away, or because of other problems.

Dennis Howell, Archbold village administrator, analyzed the data for Archbold and the other “Big Four” departments. The average figure for Archbold between 5 pm and 8 am was 2:32.

Howell said a different analysis, done by Brodbeck, came up with an average figure of about 2:21.

Delta had a response of 1:41; Wauseon’s response was 2:08, and Swanton responded in 1:39.

During the council meeting, Ed Leininger, council president, said based on information compiled by Howell, it appeared Archbold’s average evening and overnight response time was

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within 60 to 30 seconds of the other departments.

Plus, other departments occasionally have three-plus minute response times.

Howell said he asked a local physician about the difference in response times.

The physician said Archbold’s service was excellent, and nothing needs to be changed.

However, Genter said last week, “When you or a loved one is lying on the floor, their heart is not beating, or they’re not breathing, a minute can be a long time.”

Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, said looking at a year’s worth of data, between midnight and 5 am, Archbold receives anywhere from 1.1-1.5 calls per months per hour.

For example, between 2 am and 3 am, Archbold receives an average of 1.5 calls per month.

“So we’re not talking about a lot of calls,” Wyse said.

Additionally, ALS-7, based in Swanton, answers many more calls in a year than ALS-1.

That, Howell said, means it’s more likely ALS-7 would be returning from a call when it receives the next call, resulting in a near-zero response time.

Also, Archbold officials point out that to staff ALS-1 with a full-time EMT would cost the department an addition $80,000 to $90,000 per year.

Response times can be reduced by spending additional money, but Brodbeck questioned whether that would be good fiscal management.

Genter said he is looking for consistency between the “Big Four” departments.

Brodbeck and others say there are differences between each department’s wages and

benefits; ALS-1 even drives a different type of vehicle than the others.

The German Township Trustees attended the council meeting, and said they had heard no complaints about ALS-1 or Archbold Rescue.

Other Issues Archbold officials say the commissioners have made several proposals for changing the EMS system, ranging from moving all of the paramedic units to a central location north of Wauseon, to reducing paramedic units to three, and then two.

The last proposal by the commissioners included an increase in the funds to the fire departments.

As a result, Archbold officials say they are confused about the commissioners’ goal; is it to reduce costs or improve the ALS system?

was to have both a paramedic and an EMT on station.

Further, Archbold officials point out, and Hall confirms, that some money collected from billings for EMS calls now goes to the county general fund.

In the past, money from EMS billings was used for EMS service. In a vote about three weeks ago, the commissioners decided to allocate 60% of revenue from EMS billings to EMS, and 40% to the general fund.

Hall said the state cut the amount of money it was sharing with the county, so money must come from the EMS billing to shore up the county’s general fund.

Genter said he's willing to continue to negotiate the contract issue, adding he is just one vote of three on the Board of County Commissioners.

He said he believes the intent of the original contract

Consensus While council members did not take a vote, several spoke in support of Brodbeck and the ALS-1 on-call system.

“I would not give you (Brodbeck) any direction to change it,” said Jeff Fryman, councilman.

Craft/Vendor Show Sat., Nov. 19, 10-4 Delta Banquet Center

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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.)

Featuring Brookview Farms BBQ Chicken & Brats

Thursday, Nov. 17 4:45-7 pm In the cafeteria Winter Sports Pep Rally - 7:15 in the Varsity Gym

"Meet the Players Night"

Fairlawn Haven Auxiliary

HOLIDAY AUCTION Monday, Nov. 14 • 7 p.m.

Fairlawn Chapel on the Fairlawn Campus 407 E. Lutz Road, Archbold

Get in a festive spirit as you bid on unique handcrafts, baked goods including candy, cookies and pies, and last-of-the-season produce.

Don’t have time to eat before you come?

Hot dogs, drinks, tempting slices of pie, and cookies will be available.

Proceeds benefit residents and programs of Fairlawn Haven. www.fairlawnarchbold.com or 419-445-3075

Information & booth space: 419-832-4930.

Heartfelt Care.

The area’s only emergency cardiac cath lab.

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FEATHER PARTY Saturday, Nov. 19 Archbold K of C Hall W. Lutz Road, Archbold

Hot Sandwiches Served beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Kids Games & Prizes Bingo 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

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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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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ....................11 Menus ...................................... 2 Classified................................ 12 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.................................... 8,9 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ..................................10

AHS Winter Sports Good Luck Pages – pages 6-7 One section–14 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 23, 2011

$

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SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards

106th Year - No. 18

One Year Later

Still No Trace Of Boys Missing From Morenci “I know they still get calls on the tip line (Morenci police, 517-458-7104), and the last time I spoke with Larry (Larry Weeks, Morenci police chief) I know they’re still following up on any tips.

“Some may seem off the wall,” but police still check them out, she said.

by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer As the one-year anniversary of the disappearance of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton approaches, there still are no clues as to their whereabouts, or even whether they are alive or dead.

The three brothers from Morenci, Mich., ages 9, 7 and 5, were visiting their father, John, at his home in Morenci over the Thanksgiving holiday.

John and his wife, Tanya, were separated. The boys were last seen playing outside on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010.

Volunteer searchers combed areas of Lenawee County, Mich., and Fulton and Williams counties in Ohio, looking for the boys– or their remains.

Kathye Herrera, a friend of Tanya Skelton since childhood (known to the boys as “Aunt Kathye”), said those in the community are split about 50-50 on whether or not the boys are alive.

“It depends on who you talk to. The majority of law enforcement says the boys are gone, because statistics

Andrew Skelton

Alexander Skelton

Tanner Skelton say if they’re not found in 48 hours, it’s not positive.

“The family goes back and forth. You can’t give up hope,” she said.

“Personally, I take the attitude if they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s a little easier than taking the attitude they’re alive, then it comes back they’re not alive.”

But Herrera said she “didn’t want to give up hope.

The Background After the boys were last seen, Skelton allegedly attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself. A friend took him to an Ohio hospital.

Tanya reported the boys missing the following day.

Skelton has told different stories about the whereabouts of the boys. In one, he said he turned them over to an underground organization to prevent them from being abused, allegedly by their mother. Law enforcement could not confirm such an organization existed.

Another story was he turned the boys over to a woman he met over the Internet; again, officers were unable to confirm it.

There was a report of a sighting of the boys in a donut shop in Sandusky three (Continued on page 3)

No Action On EMS Contracts The Fulton County Commissioners have again tabled a vote on countywide Emergency Medical Service contracts, putting off a decision until the Thursday, Dec. 1 session.

Paul Barnaby, president of the county Board of Commissioners, said the group is waiting on paperwork to be returned from the Village of Swanton and the Swanton Fire Department concerning the operation of Fulton County-owned equipment and Fulton County-pur-

chased fuel for rescue calls in Lucas County.

Barnaby said a proposed agreement with the Swanton entities has been through the commissioner office and was reviewed by Scott Haselman, Fulton County prosecuting attorney.

The commissioners discussed the EMS contract at a meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

“We had discussions.

There wasn’t anything negative,” he said.

Barnaby said there was no deep or serious discussion

about the operation of ALS-1, the county-funded paramedic unit in Archbold. ALS-1 is staffed and operated by the Village of Archbold and the Archbold Fire Department.

ALS-1 uses one full-time, on-station paramedic plus an on-call emergency medical technician to answer calls during evening and overnight hours.

Dean Genter, commissioner, says ALS-1 is too slow to respond to calls during those hours.

(Continued on page 5)

Burks Turns Life Around, Very Thankful For Archbold This Thanksgiving, members of Tyrone Burks' family will gather around the table at his home for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

For the 49-year-old Burks, the holiday is special, for he truly has many things to be thankful.

That’s because five years ago, Burks was on an entirely different path.

It was a path that had already led him to four prison terms, and 30 or more jail stays.

It was a path that was going to lead him to more time in prison– or death.

“I was living in a drug atmosphere, on the north side of Toledo. I was getting into fights with police officers and other adults on the block, because it was all about territory,” he said.

He sold drugs, and he used them.

Then, one day, about five years ago, while he was locked up at Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio, he was talking to another inmate who told him about Cecily Rohrs and the Shepherd’s Circle program.

“A lot of the things he was telling me, I didn’t believe,” he said.

The program helps people “get back up on their feet and everything. It helps you with your education, finds you a job, or helps you with better reasoning skills, and some other things" such as finances.

After release, things weren’t working out for him.

“When you get out of jail, it’s kind of rough on you.

You don’t have a job, you don’t have any income, so you come out and you look forward to getting some kind of income going.

Kindergarten Feast 2011 Each year, Archbold kindergarten students sit down to a meal that recreates the first Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims and native Indians gathered to share a feast. The Thanksgiving Feast has been a tradition for many years. Top row, from left: Felipe

“I didn’t want to get back in that lifestyle again, so I decided to call her,” he said.

Burks and Rohrs met.

Burks told her the good things about himself, but she wanted to hear the bad.

“I told her, and I was looking for her jaw to drop, but it didn’t. She’d already dealt Five years ago, members of with people like me for a Central Mennonite Church number of years,” he said. had a vision.

“It was a vision by one of Coming To Archbold Rohrs brought Burks to our members. Several peoArchbold, and after three ple shared that vision,” said days at the Arch Motel, Beth Aeschliman, a church moved him into “The Short member.

The vision? To provide a House,” a home next door to St. Martin’s Lutheran free Thanksgiving meal to anyone who needs it.

Church.

There would be no restricThe home is owned by the tions, income requirements, church.

He attended Bible study or eligibility rules.

They would simply “bless meetings at St. Martin’s.

“I was so surprised how people with a free meal,” she people accepted me. I just said.

They themselves had been (Continued on page 3)

Garcia; Anahi Gutierrez and Sonny Garcia.

Center row, from left: Elena Russell; Briena Partin; Alayna Perez. Bottom row, from left: Colten Beaverson; Cameron Lemley; Gabby Leupp.–photos by David Pugh

Free Thanksgiving Meals A Result Of Church Members’ Shared Vision blessed. This was a way to pass the blessing on.

Meals are being delivered and are available for pickup today, Wednesday.

Aschliman said about 250 meals a year are served. One year, it hit 300.

Planning Planning for the free Thanksgiving meal starts a month in advance.

A meal must be reserved by phone. Calls were taken until Saturday, Nov. 19.

The menu is, of course, turkey, with mashed pota-

toes and gravy, corn, cranberry salad, a dinner role, butter, and pumpkin pie.

“You’ve got to have pumpkin pie,” Aeschliman said.

Church members put the meals together.

Cooking is done in the homes of church members.

Last year, 13 turkeys were cooked. The majority of the work is done the weekend before.

“Families bring their little kids. It involves a lot of people at church,” she said.

“It’s fun to see young peo(Continued on page 3)

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Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of November 23, 2011–5

PUBLIC RECORD cont.

Western Dist. Court News (Note: In the list of speeding offenses, the first number is illegal speed; the second, legal speed. The first dollar amount is the fine; the second, court costs.)

Traffic Jillian G. Bell, rural Archbold, speeding, 49-35, Co. Rd. 19, $37, $88.

Rodney Aaron Gaucin, rural Wauseon, speeding, 76-55, Co. Rd. A, $100, $88.

Norma Moll Grieser, Archbold, failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead, S. Defiance St., $102, $88.

Holly Laurel, rural Wauseon, illegal right turn on red, E. Linfoot St. at N. Shoop Ave., Wauseon, $37, $88.

Keri L. Luderman, Archbold, disobeyed stop sign, St. Rt. 2 at Co. Rd. 24, $102, $88.

Christy J. Klingensmith, rural Wauseon, seat belt, St. Rt. 108, $30, $51.

Michael J. Smith, rural Wauseon, failure to control, Co. Rd. 19, $102, $88.

Zachary W. Vran, rural Stryker, improper backing, S. Defiance St., $102, $88.

William W. Whiteford, Swanton, speeding, 73-55, Co. Rd. A-C, $47, $88.

(Note: During this session, Western District Court dealt with one speeding offense on

the Ohio Turnpike.)

Traffic And Criminal Andrew J. Daniel, Wauseon, DUI, Linfoot St., Wauseon, three days jail, $550, $93, 180-day driver license suspension, 30 hours community service; charges of speeding and driving while license suspended dismissed.

Jennifer R. Delphous, Fayette, charges of driving while license suspended, Harrison Lake State Park Rd. 7, and fictitious license plates dismissed.

Zach Haye, rural Wauseon, failed to confine dog, $50, $78; failed to obtain liability insurance on vicious dog, $54; second counts of failed to confine dog and failed to obtain liability insurance dismissed.

Benjamin Kessler, rural Wauseon, passing bad checks, $75, 133.

Kimberly E. Livingston, Archbold, seat belt, Stryker St., $30, $51.

Mark Raymond, Wauseon, failed to obtain liability insurance on vicious dog, $100, $83, charges of failure to confine dog and failure to require dog to wear tag dismissed.

Dwayne E. Snow, Wauseon, speeding, 32-20, Leggett St., Wauseon, $37, $88; seat belt, $30, $51.

Debra A. Villalovos, Wauseon, speeding, 39-20, Leggett St., Wauseon, $47 $88; seat belt, $30, $51.

Justin D. Woodby, Archbold, failure to control, Co. Rd. D at slant crossing, $75, $88; failure to report an accident, $75, $64.

Five Charged With Disorderly Conduct Five persons were charged with disorderly conduct resulting from incidents that occurred in Archbold last week.

Police were called to a residence at East Gardens about 9:30 pm, Monday, Nov. 14, on a report of a possible fight.

When officers arrived, they reported they could hear two persons “being very loud. “We separated both parties involved, and had them write out statements as to what happened,� the officers said in their report.

After reviewing the statements, Barbara J. Carswell, 49, and Cynthia A. Holifield, 43, East Gardens, were each cited on single counts of disorderly conduct.

Colony Meadows Officers were summoned to the Colony Meadows Trailer Court, Wednesday, Nov. 16, at about 9:15 pm, on a possible domestic call.

Tameca Beach, Colony Meadows, told officers her husband, Rodney, 38, same address, had returned to their residence, allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

The police report said the two argued, then Rodney Beach left, but returned,

Deer, Vehicles Collide Reports of two cases of vehicle-deer hits were on file with the Fulton County Sheriff Department. •Nov. 9, 5:16 pm: Jacob David Dominique, 28, Archbold, was driving a pickup truck west on Co. Rd. B, hit a deer east of Co. Rd. 21-3. •Nov. 6, 6:08 pm: Laddie G. Kovar, 74, Lyons, with passenger Betty L. McClureKovar, 74, same address, was driving a car east on US20A, and hit a deer in the 18000 block.

breaking door jambs and windows in their home.

Rodney Beach then left the residence. Officers later located him near the Archbold High School. Because of injuries to his left hand, he was taken to the Fulton County Health Center by Archbold Rescue.

He was charged with disorderly conduct.

Two Cited Police were called to the 100 block of Garden Drive about 12:22 am, Thursday, Nov. 17, after a report of a loud argument.

Officers went to the residence and cited Margarita Rodriguez, 22, and Raymount Moore, 21, Archbold, for disorderly conduct.

Thefts, Vandalism Cases Reported There have been several cases of thefts and attempted thefts from, and vandalism to, vehicles in the village.

Information summarized from Archbold police reports state the first case was reported at 9:53 am, Friday, Nov. 11.

Janice Carpenter, 207 West Street, reported the driver side of her vehicle was scratched sometime between Saturday, Nov. 5, and Tuesday, Nov. 8. •1:04 am, Saturday, Nov. 12: Aimee Everly, 202 North Lincoln Street, reported she heard a door slam, looked outside, and observed the dome light in her minipickup was on. She saw two subjects in dark clothes, possibly wearing hoods, walking south on North Lincoln Street. Nothing was missing from the vehicle. •10:07 am, Saturday, Nov. 12: Melissa Steusloff, rural Liberty Center, reported someone went through her vehicle while it was parked in the lot at the Archbold Family Care Home, 109 West Barre Rd. Nothing was missing. •5:14 pm, Saturday, Nov. 12: Maria Hamilton, East Gardens, reported sometime between 5 pm, Friday, Nov. 11 and 5 pm, Saturday, Nov. 12, she noticed several scratches on the passenger side of her vehicle. Damage: $75. •8:30 pm: Monday, Nov. 14: Chris T. Nisely, 400 Pleasant Street, reported at about 10:30 pm, Monday, Nov. 7, they heard the door of their pickup truck slam; $32 in cash was taken from the vehicle.

In a possibly unrelated case, Chad Everly, whose wife filed an earlier complaint that his pickup truck

had been rifled through, told officers on Tuesday, Nov. 15, he had periodically observed young people walking in the neighborhood, near the Norfolk Southern tracks in the vicinity of the Toledo Edison electrical substation, usually between 1 and 3 am.

Early on the morning of Nov. 15, they observed the dome light on in their car, and there appeared to be someone inside. Nothing was taken.

Public Notice NOTICE TO BIDDERS STATE OF OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Columbus, Ohio Office of Contracts

set for completion of this work shall be as set forth in the bidding proposal. Plans and Specifications are on file in the Department of Transportation.

16-23

Legal Copy Number: 110640 Sealed proposals will be accepted from pre-qualified bidders at the ODOT Office of Contracts until 10:00 a.m. on December 15, 2011.

Project 110640 is located in Fulton County, VA-PMFY2012 and is a PAVEMENT MARKING project. The date

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*No Action (Continued from first page) Barnaby said the other two commissioners, Genter and Perry Rupp, have assured him there will be an EMS contract in place before the current contract expires at the end of the year.

Barnaby said he believes ALS-1 will be allowed to continue to operate its on-call system for EMTs under the new contract.

Interesting facts about Dr. Haftkowycz: Dr. Haftkowycz is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Received a Masters Degree in Medical Ethics Served as Chairman of the Ethics Committee at Fairview Hospital Named Teacher of the Year by medical students at Fairview Hospital

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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 2 Classified................................ 10 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.................................... 8,9 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

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EMS Contract Approved By Commissioners Council Waits To See It On Paper

by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer Fulton County Commissioners have come up with an Emergency Medical Services contract, but Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, said Archbold Village Council will wait to see it on paper before agreeing.

The contract approved by the commissioners Thursday, Dec. 1, appears to reject Archbold’s on-call system for emergency medical technicians.

Wyse discussed the contract briefly during the Monday, Dec. 5 council meeting.

The commissioners, Vil-

lage of Archbold, and Archbold Fire Department have been in negotiations for weeks over the proposed EMS contract.

At issue is Archbold’s oncall system for EMTs. Of the four communities that host county-funded paramedic squads composed of a paramedic and an EMT, three require the team to stay together, sleeping at the station, to answer calls.

Archbold allows its EMT to remain on call at home overnight, and report to the station when dispatched on a rescue run.

Dean Genter, Fulton (Continued on page 3)

Archbold School Board Purchases Church Property The Archbold Area School Board agreed to pay $185,000 to the Archbold Evangelical Church for land adjacent to the district elementary school.

The action came during a special meeting, Thursday night, Dec. 1.

The vote to purchase the property came after an executive session lasting about 25 minutes.

All board members were present. Included in the executive session were Bob Aschliman and John Downey, who were elected to the board during the Nov. 8 general election.

Aschliman and Downey won’t take their seats until January.

The parcel, which covers

between five and six acres, is on the southeast corner of Park Street and Blue Streak Drive. It abuts the district bus lot on the south. It includes a parking lot and storage building.

There are no immediate plans to build on the site, but the property is seen as a part of the home of a future replacement for Archbold Middle School.

In a prepared statement, board members “stress that no immediate plans exist for the development or use of the land.

“Rather, much like business leaders, farmers, and families in our communities who must always be thinking ahead and planning for (Continued on page 12)

Santa Hears Requests Santa Claus visited the Ridgeville Fire Department Saturday evening, Dec. 3. Sitting on Santa's lap are, clockwise from top left: Samantha Hancock, 5 1/2 months, Ridgeville Corners; Logan Coy, 3, Stryker; Anna Wendt, 5, Ridgeville Cor-

ners; and Isabelle Henry, 3, rural Ridgeville Corners. Dexter Benecke, Ridgeville Fire Department chief, said about 75 youngsters visited Santa this year.–photos by David Pugh

November Rains Drench Area; 8.65 Inches Recorded

by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer Rain that fell on Northwest Ohio from Nov. 22-29 set at least one record and put area roadways underwater Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Much of the water receded

November Rainfall Archbold, Ohio 2005-2011 Year Inches of Rain 2011 ............................8.65 2010...............................3.90 2009...............................3.50 2008...............................1.95 2007...............................2.95 2006...............................3.75 2005...............................4.85 Information provided by Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Archbold Buckeye chart.

by late last week, and roads were reopening.

The Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant, which keeps weather records, reported about 3.7 inches of rain on Nov. 28-29.

Over the eight-day period of Nov. 22-30, 6.9 inches of rain fell. A total of 8.65 inches was recorded in November.

The 2011 total is the largest for November since 2005, when 4.85 inches fell.

Sara Chamberlain, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North Webster, Ind., said the weather station at the Defiance Airport recorded 7.59 inches of rain for November, the highest amount since the government began recording weather information in 1850. That's more than five inches above average, she said.

Fort Wayne, Ind., recorded 6.09 inches of rain in No-

vember, three inches more than normal.

Chamberlain said, in general, the overall area was covered by a weather pattern with a lot of precipitation.

“Over the period of the 27th through the 29th, it dropped a lot of rain, followed by a heavy snowfall,” she said.

Worst Dan Leininger, German Township road superintendent, said the flooding was the worst he’s seen in his years of taking care of the township roads.

All of the usual places that flood did, including •Co. Rd. 26 between Co. Rds. E and F, •Co. Rd. F between Co. Rd. 24 and 25, •Co. Rd. E between Co. Rd. 24 and 25, and •Co. Rd. 24 south of Co. Rd. B-C.

Other places, which hadn’t flooded since the last big rainstorm, flooded as well.

That included •Co. Rd. E from the Williams County line to Co. Rd. 26, •the bridge on Co. Rd. E-F in Goll Woods, and •Co. Rd. F-G at the intersection of Co. Rd. 26.

Leininger said Co. Rd. G was flooded between Co. Rd. 24 and Co. Rd. 25-2.

At 5:30 am, Wednesday, Nov. 30, Archbold Rescue was called to rescue a woman trapped in her car on Co. Rd. G. Andy Brodbeck, Archbold Fire Department chief, said the woman was eastbound, drove into the high water “and got stuck in the middle of the mile.

“She called us and we put our boat in. We got her out without her getting wet,” he said.

“We put her in an ambu-

lance and checked her vital signs. She was fine,” he said.

Archbold Rescue was also called at 8:53 pm that same date to assist Stryker Rescue search for a car, reportedly submerged in storm water in the area of Williams Co. Rd. 22A, south of US 6.

Brodbeck said the Archbold dive team and the rescue boat responded, but after 45 minutes of searching, they could not locate a submerged vehicle.

Signs Leininger said he had all of the German Township “High Water” warning signs out, but he could have used more.

The Fulton County Highway Garage was in the same situation.

Randy Merillat, county highway superintendent, said they turned to traffic cones to warn motorists.

He said the county Emergency Management Agency put out bulletins on radio and television stations, warning motorists of high water.

Merillat said he’s been with the Fulton County highway department several years, and can’t remember flooding as bad.

There were several flooded areas that had not flooded before, he said.

One problem caused by the rain was debris washing out of fields, which then clogged catch basins.

Road crews had to keep clearing debris to keep drains open.

On top of that, outlets for drainage tiles feed into creeks, and the water level in the creeks was over the level of the outlets.

Even on Monday, Merillat said crews were removing debris from catch basins and cleaning it out of ditches.

(Continued on page 3)

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Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of December 7, 2011–3

NEWS ACT Rendition Of “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” Is Excellent Fare Archbold Community Theatre has hit a home run with its production of “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”

Nothing about the play, from the sets to the lighting to the acting, can be faulted.

It’s hard to see how professional companies could have done better, especially considering ACT’s reasonable ticket price.

The play is built around the story of Virginia, who, at the age of eight, in 1897, wrote a letter to The New York Sun newspaper, asking if there was a Santa Claus.

Yes, the newspaper said, just as love, generosity, and devotion exist.

The story of Virginia’s letter has been an American Christmastime favorite for decades.

The play opens with Virginia’s friends, Missy and Charly, telling young Virginia that Santa does not exist.

Lydia Babcock, Napoleon, plays Virginia, while two castmates from Archbold, Kate Nofziger and MacKenna Whitacre, play Charly and Missy.

The three, all close friends, do a wonderful job with their roles. Everything, from facial expressions to delivery of lines, was perfect. Each member of the trio deserves special kudos for their performances.

Virginia’s parents, portrayed by David Stuckey and Jan Delaney, also are excellent, as they fumble about trying to find the “right” way to tell Virginia the truth.

Stuckey is particularly interesting as his young doctor character gets riled up and carried away, and tries to hide his pipe smoking.

Donna Kinsman, Missy’s

mother, hits just the right tone as a mother angry with her daughter and apologetic to Virginia’s parents. It’s just the tone you’d expect to hear in that situation, whether the setting is 1897 or 2011.

Randy Rohrs, Ridgeville Corners, serves double duty as both the narrator and a character in the show, as he argues with the writer of the famous editorial, Francis P. Church, portrayed by Ryan Mooney, Continental. He’s great in the role.

John Taquino, Archbold, has a limited role as Lige, the coal delivery man, but he handles it well, as he comforts Virginia and tells of his own dealings with Santa.

Adrienne Schmucker, a Pettisville High School senior, plays Virginia’s teacher, Mrs. Birch. She does well as a turn-of-the-century schoolteacher, snapping her ruler as she walks about.

ACT has been praised for its sets before, and “Yes, Virginia” is no exception. Excellent use of lighting can turn the stage from Virginia’s home to two locations in the New York Sun office.

At one point, with careful use of lights, ACT divides the small Giffey Hall stage into three separate locations.

In the past, ACT has struggled with sound, but it’s not a problem for “Yes, Virginia.” All of the actors, children included, can be clearly heard.

In all, “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” is great Christmas season entertainment.

There are three more chances to see the play: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10, at 8 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 pm.–David Pugh

United Way Drive At 71% With just over three weeks left, the Fulton County 2011 United Way Fund Drive has collected 71%, or about $230,000, toward its goal of $325,000.

“I don’t think we’ll hit our goal, but we’ll probably bring in a little more than we did last year,” said Gina Saaf, Fulton County United Way executive director.

In 2010, the Fulton County United Way raised about $302,000.

“In this economy, we should feel good about that,” she said.

The fund drive closes on the last business day of the year, which is Friday, Dec. 30.

As the year comes to a close, Saaf said she expects a flurry of activity as lastminute donations come in.

“There are a lot of employee campaigns at industrial businesses running a little late this year,” she said.

“We’re noticing a trend.

Every year, donations come in a little later. We used

to wrap things up around Thanksgiving.

Then it bumped back into the middle of December.

“We’re at the mercy of the industries, whenever the companies have time to do our stuff.”

The Fulton County United Way uses the money to fund 26 different agencies and internal programs, ranging from Boy Scouts to a cancer care program operated by the United Way office.

*EMS Contract

*November Rains

(Continued from first page) County commissioner, contended Archbold’s on-call system created unreasonable delays in answering early-morning calls.

Village of Archbold officials said ALS-1, the Archbold-based paramedic unit, was later than others when answering calls, but was on average within 30 seconds to a minute of other units.

Village officials said utilizing on-call EMTs saved the department about $80,000 to $90,000 a year.

(Continued from first page) Archbold Jason Martz, Archbold superintendent of streets, reported similar problems.

“We had some spots where the road flooded because corn stalks clogged the catch basins,” he said.

Street department workers used rakes to open the catch basins to allow storm water to drain.

No village streets were closed, but, “we had a couple of high water signs on East Lutz Road,” he said.

Bob Seaman, village engineer, said the Archbold system of storm drains is designed to cope with a fiveyear storm; that is, a storm so bad that on average, it occurs once every five years.

He estimated that the Nov. 28-29 storm was a 25year or 50-year storm. That, combined with the saturated soils, made a greater impact.

There is no official report on the number of local basements that suffered flooding, but the Archbold auxiliary municipal building, which houses the police and engineering offices, had a flooded basement.

“We were fighting our own flooding, due to a failed sump pump. It was too old and too worn out” to handle the big storm, Seaman said.

“Side-By-Side” The contract proposed by Perry Rupp, commissioner, calls for an EMT and paramedic to be “on duty.”

When asked by Genter to clarify the term “on duty,” Rupp said it means the EMT and paramedic would be “side-by-side.”

In a later interview with this newspaper, Rupp clarified the definition as “a paramedic and an EMT, together, with their unit, prepared to go to a scene.”

When asked if this would mean Archbold could no longer use the on-call system for EMTs, Rupp said, “We are offering a contract that has those stipulations.

"One offers a contract, another accepts. It still has to be accepted."

Rupp said he had been in talks with Dennis Howell, Archbold village administrator, and Andy Brodbeck, AFD chief, about the contract prior to the Dec. 1 vote.

Wyse said at the Dec. 5 council meeting Archbold officials had “had a couple of conversations with Mr. Rupp.

"He said if we want to suggest different options, he would be open to that.”

In the meantime, Wyse said the county fire chiefs were scheduling a meeting to discuss the contract proposed by the commissioners.

More Money The contract proposed

by Rupp and passed by the commissioners includes increasing the amount that goes to county communities for operation of the paramedic system and support for volunteers.

The three northern fire departments– Fayette, Lyons and Metamora– each will see the amount they receive increase from $82,000 per year to $90,000.

The four southern departments– Archbold, Wauseon, Delta, and Swanton– which operate paramedic units, will see their payments go from $326,000 per year to $358,000.

None of the payments had been increased since

Barnaby Paul Barnaby, president of the commissioners, had previously made a motion to renew the current contract without changes.

He brought his motion before the commissioners on Thursday, but the motion died for lack of a second, he said.

The commissioners also had a concern about Fulton County-funded ambulances answering calls in Lucas County, for which Fulton County received no compensation.

Rupp proposed addressing those concerns “outside of the contract.”

Rupp also suggested reconvening a committee or panel of those who were serving on various boards or commissions when the county manpower-paramedic program was first organized 10 years ago.

The group could review the current system to see if it is living up to expecta- Wastewater tions, he said.

The Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant was challenged when water runoff Written Document Wyse said Dennis Howell, Archbold village administrator, emailed a request to Vond Hall, county administrator, on Friday, Dec. 2, asking for a printed version of the contract.

Howell has not heard from Hall, Wyse said.

Wyse said village officials don’t want to take action until they see the contract language, and they don’t know when they can expect to see the contracts.

Kevin Morton, councilman, asked if the commissioners want a contract in place by Jan. 1.

Wyse said the last time EMS contracts were negotiated, they weren’t finalized until March, weeks after the original contracts expired.

Wyse said he will keep council informed about the EMS contract situation, which he said “continues to Taking Reservations change every few days.”

infiltrated the sanitary sewers.

Struggles at the plant ranged from water coming into the plant faster than its 4.5 million-gallon-per-daycapacity could treat, to the driveway being underwater.

Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 29, sanitary sewer lines were surcharged to excess capacity. Excess water flowing into the plant was diverted into a detention pond for treatment later.

The plant discharges treated wastewater into Brush Creek, but on Tuesday, the creek was higher than the discharge point.

A 4,000 gallon-per-minute pump was pumping treated wastewater into the creek.

At one point a large pump was pumping wastewater out of a sanitary sewer pipeline into the storm sewer.

By Monday, Frank D’Ambrosia, plant superintendent, said the level of surcharge was down, and plant workers stopped pumping operations.

“We’re looking pretty good,” he said.

While the water has receded, Merillat said, “I wouldn’t say we’re back to normal.

“The ground is pretty well saturated. It wouldn’t take much for the water to rise again.”

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the paramedic-manpower program was established 10 years ago.

Previously, county fire chiefs said they would not seek additional money from the commissioners.

The increase, Rupp said, “is less than 1% over the life of the agreement, over the last 10 years. That’s good cost control,” he said.

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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.

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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

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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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Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of December 28, 2011–3

EMS Discussion To Take Place In March

Ohio Turnpike Schedule Of Tolls Comparison of Sample Tolls From Exit 25 (Archbold-Fayette) Current Tolls/Tolls Beginning Jan. 1, 2012

Mile Post: Interchange:

2 Westgate

13 Bryan-Montpelier

34 Wauseon

39 Delta

52 Toledo Airport

59 Maumee-Toledo

64 Perrysburg-Toledo

239 Eastgate

50¢/50¢ 75¢/75¢

50¢/50¢ 50¢/75¢

50¢/75¢ $1.00/$1.00

$1.25/$1.25 $1.75/$1.75

$1.50/$1.50 $2.00/$2.25

$1.75/$1.75 $2.50/$2.75

$9.25/$10.00 $13.50/$14.75

Current Toll/Toll starting 1/1/2012 with E-Z Pass $1.00/$1.25 non E-Z Pass $1.50/$1.75

Complete schedule of tolls available at ohioturnpike.org. Information courtesy Ohio Turnpike Commission. Archbold Buckeye chart.

Ohio Turnpike Tolls Go Up Sunday New Ohio Turnpike toll rates take effect Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.

The new rates, which were approved by the Ohio Turnpike Commission in March 2009, continue to provide an incentive for drivers using an E-Z Pass transponder.

E-Z Pass customers pay lower tolls than customers paying with cash or credit cards.

Some travelers who drive between only one or two in-

terchanges will not see any increases.

For example, automobile drivers who enter the turnpike at the Archbold-Fayette interchange (Exit 25) and drive to the Bryan-Montpelier interchange (Exit 13) will still pay 50 cents if they are an E-Z Pass customer or 75 cents if they pay by cash or credit card.

Drivers entering at the Archbold interchange and exiting at the Toledo Air-

port-Swanton exit (Exit 25) still pay $1.25 if using E-Z Pass or $1.75 without using E-Z Pass.

Drivers going from the Archbold interchange to the Westgate interchange currently pay $1 with E-Z Pass and $1.50 without. Beginning Sunday, drivers will pay $1.25 with E-Z Pass and $1.75 without.

Drivers headed to Pennsylvania from Archbold currently pay $9.25 with E-Z

Pass and $13.50 without.

They will pay $10 with EZ Pass and $14.75 without starting Sunday.

Under the current rates, the cost to travel the entire 241-mile Ohio Turnpike from Indiana to Pennsylvania in an automobile is currently $10.25 with E-Z Pass and $15 without.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, it will increase to $11.25 with an E-Z Pass and $16.50 without.

$1.9 Million Spent *Alianna Isn't Shy On Radio System Vond Hall, Fulton County administrator, said last week that so far, more than $1.9 million has been spent on the new Fulton County digital public service radio system.

However, $1,339,474.60 has been reimbursed through various state and federal grants.

That leaves Fulton County out-of-pocket expenses at $575,203.60.

Speaking to the Fulton County Commissioners at their Thursday, Dec. 22 meeting, Hall said a total of $2,336,497.10 has been committed.

Included is about $1.4 million for installation of the infrastructure at the 300-foot radio tower, located on the Fulton County Health Center campus. The work has been completed, and Fulton County has received reimbursement of almost $1.34 million.

Another $888,338.50 is set aside to purchase and install radios for the Fulton County Fire Departments. A total of $498,124 has been spent from county funds. County officials applied for grants to pay for the fire department radios, but they were denied.

Another $42,095.50 was set aside for miscellaneous installations, of which $16,100 has been reimbursed.

Hall said Fulton County had been approved for an additional $40,790.80 reimbursement by the State of Ohio, but the money has not yet reached county coffers.

In an email message to this newspaper, Hall said, “The bottom line mathematically is that we have, and are paying for, a state-ofthe-art communications sys-

tem that did not cost any of us local county tax dollars.

He explained any money being spent on the radio system is coming from bills sent to those who have utilized the county emergency medical service system. No money raised from taxes is being spent on radios.

“We are following the direction of the State of Ohio, and have partnered with our neighbor, Lucas County. We are sharing resources more economically than on our own.”

The new radio system will require modifications at the Fulton County Sheriff Department dispatch center, but Hall said money for that project will come from the county 911 funds.

County EMS system funds, which are being tapped for the cost of the fire department radios, has a remaining balance of about $4 million, Hall said.

*Christmas

(Continued from first page) cups, and light bulbs. Many are available at the Christmas Cheer store.

When a person goes through the store, Rohrs said a volunteer shops with them.

“It’s more about relationships than peas and beans,” she said.

Year ‘Round Christmas Cheer is about more than Christmas. The program is active all year.

She said she gets Christmas Cheer calls several times a month.

People donate things from cash to cars to the organization.

“People are good to us,” she said.

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(Continued from first page) her, and two weeks later, she started.”

Alianna has gotten herself up, and so far, has taken one step.

Like most children, Alianna likes getting into things.

The family keeps a stack of DVDs in their cases, near the floor where the little girl can reach them.

“She loves to get them all out, and spread them all over the floor,” Mary said.

When the family watches movies on DVD, Alianna knows what button to push to stop the show.

It’s not that Alianna doesn’t have toys of her own.

Her favorite is a stuffed monkey. She will hold the monkey like a baby and rock it.

There are other toys, too.

“She loves things that light up. Anything with lights,” Mary said.

Alianna plays with twin three-year-old cousins, Na-

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dia and Reina Nevaeh, Archbold, and Brody Saurez, who also is about one. Brody is the child of Mary’s friend, Sara.

First Baby Of 2012 The Archbold Buckeye First Baby of 2012 will be the first child born at any hospital after 12 am, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2012, to parents living in the Archbold or Pettisville school districts.

Alianna’s successor will be featured in one of the first issues of the Archbold Buckeye in 2012 and receive a multitude of gifts from area businesses.

Parents who think their baby may be the Archbold Buckeye First Baby of 2012 should refer to page 8 for details and information on how to report the birth to the Buckeye.–David Pugh

Weather

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Dec., 2010 Dec., 2011 Difference ($) Difference (%)

$492,478.39 $514,383.78 +$21,905.39 +4.5%

Year-to-date, 2010 $5,245,035.57 Year-to-date, 2011 $6,110,108.12 Difference ($) +$865,072.55 Difference (%) +16.5% Information provided by Fulton County Commissioners office. Figures represent sales tax revenue received by Fulton County from the Ohio Department of Taxation, for Fulton County’s 1.5% share of revenue generated by sales taxes on goods and services in Fulton County. Monthly figure represents money received that month; year-to-date money received from Jan. 1 of that year through the month indicated. Archbold Buckeye chart.

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ommendations ready for the commissioners.

The commissioners are studying the county EMS system and the 10-year-old advanced life support, or paramedic, portion of the system, after concerns were raised over ALS-1, the unit based at Archbold.

Rather than contracting with a private firm for paramedics, Archbold Fire Department operates ALS-1. ALS-1 operates differently from the other paramedic units.

County fire department chiefs and the county commissioners agreed to a review of the system by an advisory group.

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While no official decision was made, Perry Rupp, Fulton County commissioner, has laid out a plan for the review of the Fulton County emergency medical services system.

Rupp proposed the plan during the commissioners meeting, Thursday, Dec. 22.

His proposal ends with a one-day, six-hour meeting.

He called for invitations to participate in a Fulton County EMS advisory group to be sent in January.

The commissioners discussed who would be part of the advisory group. The proposed list includes Fulton County officials and persons from outside the county.

By bringing in outside EMS officials, “we can get input on what’s going on in other communities,” said Dean Genter, commissioner.

Rupp proposed putting together a list of topics, possibly five, during the month of February. Paul Barnaby, commissioner, said he would like to see the group add one or two topics to the list.

“Don’t say, ‘this is it.’

That’s dictating,” Barnaby said.

The meeting will take place in March. Rupp proposed a one-day meeting from 9 am to 3 pm in a conference room at the Fulton County Health Center. FCHC could provide lunch for the participants.

He suggested using a paid facilitator to direct the meeting. The meeting will be open to the public.

At the end of the meeting, the group should have rec-

The Archbold Buckeye will observe

EARLY DEADLINES for the Jan. 4, 2012 issue.

The Buckeye office will be closed Monday, Jan. 2.

Please observe these holiday deadlines to help Buckeye employees enjoy additional time with their families:

Wed., Jan. 4, 2012 Issue Display advertising deadline: Fri., Dec. 30, 12 noon Classified advertising deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 12 noon Pew & Pulpit deadline: Thursday, Dec. 29, 12 noon News deadline: Fri., Dec. 30, 12 noon

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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................8 Menus ...................................... 7 Classified.................................. 9 Public Record ...........................4 Sports................................. 5,6,7 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................3

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Facebook Comment Spurs Look Into Social Media Policy A comment posted on the Internet social media website Facebook has resulted in Fulton County officials looking into a policy on the issue for county employees.

This newspaper was contacted by a man who is a client of the Fulton County Department of Job and Family Services, who complained about a comment made by an employee of the department.

The comment, posted on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 8:55 pm, stated, “uhhh... apparently, this festive holiday season brings out the crazies at my job.”

The man said he felt insulted, because he believed the FCDJFS employee had just called him and other clients “crazy.”

The comment was still visible on the employee’s Face-

book “wall” on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

When this newspaper asked Anita Smith, interim director of FCDJFS about the employee posting via email, she said, “The issue has been taken care of.”

Hall Vond Hall, Fulton County administrator, said on Thursday, Jan. 4, that after the Buckeye’s inquiry, the employee removed the comment and had changed her Facebook privacy settings to restrict access to her Facebook page.

“She feels bad about it,” Hall said.

Hall said Smith is planning to call a meeting of JFS employees next week.

At that meeting, the use of social media will be discussed.

Other Policies Fulton County does not have a policy concerning employees and social medial.

As a result, he said he polled other county administrators throughout the state, asking if they had policies.

As of Monday, he had received copies of policies from Hamilton and Portage counties, the City of Montgomery, and a law firm that works with Fulton County.

“Everybody has said, ‘be very cautious about violating first amendment rights,” Hall said.

In addition, Hall said he plans to investigate to determine if any employees are accessing social media accounts while at work, using county-owned computers or Internet connections.–David Pugh

ALS-1 Never Substandard, County Commissioners Say In a letter released Monday, Jan. 9, the Fulton County commissioners said they never thought ALS-1, the Archbold-based paramedic unit, was substandard.

The commissioners and Archbold Village Council have been at odds over concerns raised by the commissioners, particularly Dean Genter, that ALS-1 (ALS stands for Advanced Life Support) was slow to respond to rescue calls during evening and overnight hours, between 5 pm and 8 am.

Analysis by Archbold officials shows ALS-1 response times lag other ALS units during the overnight hours by about 30 to 60 seconds, but that their system was

providing high-quality service with appropriate response times.

In the Jan. 9 letter, the commissioners state, “Over the past six to nine months, you have read about the ongoing planning for the next five years of our countywide Advanced Life Support emergency response program.

“We have asked many questions, but make no mistake, we have never once thought or stated that we believe anyone (Archbold included) to have a substandard system.

“We, as a board, have always supported and continue to support this county owned and operated countywide system.

“We remain focused on the

fact that this is a voter-approved program.”

The letter bears the signatures of all three county commissioners: Perry Rupp, Genter, and Paul Barnaby.

Village of Archbold Municipal Income Tax Receipts

The Archbold High School football and boys soccer teams were named 2011 Academic All-Ohio squads by their state coaches associations. The combined grade point average of the top 22 football letterwinners was 3.71, ranking the football squad 14th in the state.

The gridders are one of four teams to be recognized all four years of the program. Additionally, T.J. Gerken and Chandler Tuckerman were individually honored as Academic All-Ohioans. Front row, from left: Tyson

Lersch, Chandler Tuckerman, T.J. Gerken, Travis Jaramillo, Jase Grosjean. Second row: Brandon Goering, Lincoln Parsley, Darin Sauder, Jacob Wagner, Preston Klopfenstein. Third row: Dylan Lantz, Evan Wyse, Lee Klinger, Tyler Joseph, Kellen Seaman. Fourth row: Zach Zimmerman, Quinton Ranzau, Zach Driver, C.J. Gladieux, Tanner Wyse. Not pictured: Jay Miller, Justice Zimmerman, Tyson Dietrich.–photos by David Pugh

Right: Members of the boys soccer team are, front row, from left: Jacob Ott, Ben Eggers, Clayton Lehman, Brodie Nofziger. Second row: Shae Hernandez, Seth Yoder, Adrian Ramirez, David Lauber. Third row: Blake Drewes, David Bontrager, Jonny Lantz, Gavin Morton, McCaylen Croninger. Not pictured: Alex Hurst, Gabe Peña, Nate Rodriguez, Jordan Velez. Lantz received individual Academic All-Ohio honors.

Background The discussion over ALS-1 came about as the commissioners and representatives of the communities that operate ALS units (Archbold, Delta, Swanton, Wauseon) were negotiating contracts for the next five years.

Archbold operates ALS-1 differently from other county ALS units. While the on-duty paramedic stays overnight at the station, the second half of the team, the emergency medical technician, stays at As it nears final comple(Continued on page 10) tion, the new Pettisville school building project is a little more than $2 million under budget.

Steve Switzer, district superintendent, gave the information to the Pettisville School Board during its Monday, Jan. 9 meeting. facturer of small-diameter The Ohio School Facilities steel tubing products that Commission provided most moved into the former Coo- of the funding to pay for per-Standard building in the construction of the new 2010, now employs about school. The district share of 100 workers. The company the project was 18%. originally estimated it would If the final building cost employ 40 to 50. is under budget, the district ConAgra and Bil-Jax are will share in the savings. doing well.

The district will receive 18% of the savings; so, if the Slide $2 million figure holds up Archbold income tax re- in the final accounting, the ceipts, on a year-to-year district will receive the local basis, had climbed steadi- share of that amount, which ly since 1995. Collections would be over $370,000. topped $3 million in 1996 The district could then use and $4 million in 2000, the that money for capital puryear the tax increased from poses and cover costs that 1.125% to 1.5%. were not paid for by the Ohio Tax revenues climbed by School Facilities Commisas much 19.46% from year sion. to year. The returns for 2000 Switzer mentioned projects were more than $600,000 such as a possible converhigher than the previous sion from the use of natural year. gas for heating to electricity Tax revenues reached (utilizing electricity from the a peak at the end of 2006, district wind turbine), instalwhen income tax revenues lation of a fence around the were $4,876,555.99. area designated for outdoor physical education use, and (Continued on page 10)

New Pettisville School $2 Million Under Budget

Archbold Income Tax Up 2.1%; First Time Since '06 Archbold municipal income tax collection ended 2011 up by more than 2%, bringing in more than $3.5 million.

“We’re just thankful that after four consecutive years of drops of more than 5%, Dec., 2011 $37,234.66 it’s turned around,” said Jim Dec., 2010 $35,376.69 Wyse, Archbold mayor.

Difference ($) +$1,857.97 The final report for 2011 Difference (%) +5.25% was reviewed by council at Year-to-date, its Monday, Jan. 9 meeting.

2011 $3,527,121.42 The report showed that Year-to-date during December 2011, the 2010 $3,454,356.19 village 1.5% tax on wages and corporate profits generDifference ($) +$72,765.23 ated $37,234.66. That figure Difference (%) +2.1% was 5.25%, or $1,857.97, Information provided by Village of Archbold more than the collection for Income Tax Department, as provided to Archbold Village Council; monthly figures represent gross December 2010, when revincome tax receipts received from the village’s enue was $35,376.69.

1.5% income tax during the month, plus the same month one year ago; Year-to-date figures are for Total revenue collected durincome tax collected during the indicated years, ing 2011 was $3,527,212.42. from Jan. 1 to the end of the month indicated.

That figure was 2.11%, or $72,765.23, more than 2010. tor, cited some of the factors Total collection for 2010 that contributed to the turnwas $3,454,356,19. around.

Sauder Woodworking, Contributing Factors Archbold’s largest employer, Wyse and Dennis Howell, has stabilized its business.

Archbold village administraSanoh America, a manu-

Teams Earn Academic Honors

completion of site work.

The remaining $1.63 million would go back to the OSFC, to be spent on other projects around the state.

Switzer said one OSFC representative told him that “pound for pound, Pettisville got more school building for (Continued on page 10)

Archbold, Pettisville Wind Turbines Face More Costs, Delays Industrial-scale electricity-generating wind turbines for the Archbold and Pettisville school districts continue to face a delay; and now, there’s an additional cost issue involved.

Steve Switzer, superintendent of the Pettisville School District, told members of the district school board the project has run into some plan changes that could mean an additional $20,000 to $22,000 in costs.

Switzer presented the information during the board’s Monday, Jan. 9 meeting.

In a later interview, David Deskins, Archbold Area School District superintendent, explained that engineers had planned to use 750 kilovolt ampere (kVA) transformers. However, in discussions with Toledo Edi-

son, the electricity company called for 1,000 kVA transformers.

Discussions are now underway to determine who will cover the additional cost: the engineering firm; the project contractor, Marous Brothers, Willoughby; or the school districts.

Also, the wind turbines are still being held up by a delay in the manufacture of the turbine blades.

Both school districts are relying on a variety of grants to fund the bulk of the cost of the turbines, which have a total price tag in excess of $1.8 million each.

The project contractor has applied for an extension on the grant deadlines, but has not received word of that approval.–D.J. Neuenschwander and David Pugh

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*New Pettisville Archbold Schools See Increase In Free, Reduced Lunches

Over the last 10 years, enrollment in the Archbold Area School District is down 151 students, but the number who receive free or reduced-price school lunches is up by 157.

That was information David Deskins, district superintendent, provided to members of the school board during its Monday night, Jan. 9 meeting.

The largest increase in free and reduced-price lunches was at the high school, where there was a 236% increase in the number of students who qualified.

Deskins said part of the increase in the free-or-reduced lunch program is the result of better communication between school officials and families, letting them know they may qualify for the program.

But, he added a large part is the lagging local economy that is “causing more families to struggle.”

The only upside of the increase in the number of students receiving free and reduced-price lunches is the district will be eligible for more grant programs.

Among the 23 school districts in the four-county (Fulton, Defiance, Henry, Williams) area served by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center, Archbold ranks sixth in enrollment decline over the 10-year period.

Williams County school districts had the greatest decline in student enrollment in the four-county area, followed by Fulton County.

Deskins said there are a lot of factors that contributed to the decreased enrollment.

In a written report, he said, “Between company downsizing, closed businesses, and a declining housing market, the district is also experiencing an increase in the number of transient families.

“While we are hopeful that we continue to turn the corner economically, the district continues to work at offering outstanding opportunities for our students in Archbold.”

Deskins also discussed state funding for schools, noting that while state revenues are up, there will prob-

ably be no additional money for schools, either in the current state budget or in the next state biennial budget.

However, a house bill that proposed taking additional public school dollars and diverting them to private schools has apparently “lost its momentum,” Deskins said.

Archbold and other public school districts across the state came out in opposition to the bill.

Computers School board members got a chance to try their hands at some of the technology middle and high school students are using in the classroom.

Board members took a quiz using small “netbook” computers; then Ryan Throne, AHS English teacher, demonstrated how he can grade the quizzes efficiently.

The district owns enough netbooks so that in some classrooms, each student can use one.

Deskins said district officials are looking into the possibility of buying enough computers so each student can have his own.

Organization During the board’s organizational meeting, which preceded the regular January meeting, new board members Bob Aschliman and John Downey took the oath of office and their seats on the board.

Board members returned Jon Lugbill to the presidency of the board, and selected Janet Wyse as vice president.

Downey was named the Ohio School Boards Association legislative liaison for 2012. Wyse was appointed student achievement liaison.

The board also approved several routine housekeeping matters, including allowing Christine Ziegler, district treasurer, to pay bills “in a timely manner,” and allowing Deskins to employ temporary personnel (such as substitute teachers and classified workers) as needed.

The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 27, 7 pm, in the AHS media center.–David Pugh

Council Concerned Over Diversion Of County EMS Funds

Members of Archbold Village Council are concerned about the diversion of funds from the emergency medical service account to the county general fund.

The issue was discussed during council’s Monday, Jan. 9 meeting.

The county EMS system gets revenue from two sources: money received from property taxes, and money received from bills for EMS services provided.

The county charges all of those transported by countyowned EMS units.

If a patient lives within Fulton County, the county will accept only what the patient’s insurance company will pay.

Patients who live outside Fulton County are respon-

Weather

58

Week’s High Date

Tu 1/3 We 1/4 Th 1/5 Fr 1/6 Sa 1/7 Su 1/8 Mo 1/9

15

Week’s Low

High Low Precip

27 37 53 58 47 48 45

15 20 26 35 25 27 27

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Data provided by Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant

sible for the full amount.

Late last year, the commissioners decided to take 40% of the money from EMS bills and redirect it to the general fund.

Vond Hall, Fulton County administrator, said the redirection of funds was necessary to prop up the general fund, after the State of Ohio cut the amount of money it shared with counties.

Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, said council took no formal action on the issue.

He said the consensus is councilmen are concerned about whether the reallocation of EMS billing revenue is appropriate.

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(Continued from first page) its investment than any other school I have seen.”

The Pettisville project benefited from a good bidding climate due to the sluggish economy.

Some items that are waiting for completion are the installation of lighting at the crossing area on County Road D, solar-powered safety flashers, and issues with the ventilation system. In one room, air blows so hard it causes some of the ceiling tiles to flap.

The site also needs additional seeding and landscaping, which will be completed in the spring.

Atrium The atrium that will join the new building with the remaining portion of the old school is also in the final stages of completion.

OSFC rules prevented the atrium from receiving state funding.

It was funded primarily through donations raised by the Pettisville School Foundation.

The atrium includes portions of the 1929 limestone entrance, a chandelier using light globes from the old school, and a special mount for the historical school bell.

No Levy In March Pettisville voters will not see an operating levy on the ballot until August, due to unexpected action by the state legislature.

A primary election originally scheduled for June was cancelled after the filing deadline for issues to be placed on the March ballot.

The board had made initial plans to ask the voters for a 1% income tax increase to fund operations, but did not file for the March ballot, preferring to wait for the primary that had been scheduled for June.

Pettisville plans to place

an operating levy on the August ballot instead.

“On the plus side, the additional time will allow us to have completed another fiscal year and hopefully have a better idea of the state fiscal support for fiscal year 2013,” Switzer told the board.

A timeline for the new levy request will be presented at the next board meeting.

During the board’s annual organizational meeting, held the same night, John King was reelected board president, and Dan Bruner will also continue as vice president.

Bruner and Tom Beck, both of whom were reelected to the board in November, signed the oath of office for those positions.

The board approved a list of routine items that included setting the stipend for board members at $20 per meeting with a maximum of 24 meetings per year, and setting the regular meeting time as the second Monday of the month.

The board approved joining a new consortium of schools for the purposes of providing health insurance.

The new Optimal Health Initiative consortium will include schools from three groups in an effort to fend off pressure to join a statewide consortium run by the state government.

Chris Lee, district treasurer, said the new consortium may help to “keep costs flat, or possibly even see a slight decrease in costs.”

Switzer said that historically the consortium run with more local control has done a better job at keeping costs down than the staterun plan.

All board members were present, and all votes were unanimous.

The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 13, 7 pm, in the school conference room.–D.J. Neuenschwander

Archbold School Board Okays Personnel Moves The Archbold Area School Board approved several personnel actions during its Monday, Jan. 9 meeting.

A one-year supplemental contract was approved for Doug Williams as the junior varsity baseball coach.

Josh Johnson was selected as a volunteer coach for the junior varsity baseball team.

Manda Eigensee, JoAnn Short, Tom Walker, and Jeremy King were approved to

Poll Question of the Week:

Should Fulton Co. Commissioners Use EMS Money For The County General Fund?

Vote online at ArchboldBuckeye.com

*Archbold Income (Continued from first page) But then the economic downturn, which some have called “The Great Recession,” hit. There are those who say it’s the worst economic downturn in the nation’s history since The Great Depression of the 1930s.

Year-to-year tax revenue fell anywhere from 5.8% to 12.4%. In 2007, tax revenue was down more than $400,000, to about $4.4 million. The following year, 2008, ended with revenue down to $4.1 million.

In 2009, revenue was down more than half a million dollars, to about $3.67 million. The next year, 2010, revenue was about $3.45 million.

$1.35 million, or 27.7%, from the 2006 record.

But as Howell pointed out, “Up is better than down.”– David Pugh

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Friday, Jan. 20 • 4:30-6:30 pm before the Pettisville/Fayette boys basketball game Have dinner with us and enjoy a taco bar with all the fixings!

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Enchilada Dinner Friday, Jan. 13

Lunch: 11-1 • Dinner: 4-7 Three (3) Beef Enchiladas, Rice, Beans - $6 Carryout or drive-thru available.

For more information call Rod Rodriguez, 419-572-9002 or Dawn Rodriguez, 419-392-0707.

A Time Of Renewal

A new year has arrived, and so has another great year of Archbold area news!

Subscribe To The Archbold Buckeye Name Address

CHICKEN & FISH FRY FRIDAY

Good times & great food!

What Commissioners Do The Jan. 9 letter starts, “Most people don’t know what their county commissioners ‘do’ every day.

“The members are the community’s elected decision-makers. Power is centralized in the elected board, not individual board members.

“The board also focuses on the community’s goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement planning, and capital financing and strategic planning.

“Some of the areas we focus on are water and sewer, economic development, justice and safety funding and support (examples are 911 and jails), emergency services, environmental areas, land use, (and) social service programs.”

The letter ends, “County commissioners aren’t technicians.

“We are leaders who use our judgment, vision, and people skills to help set the organization’s direction with a game plan, and help it stay on track.

“We pledge to continue to work together, as we have in the past.”–David Pugh

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the service. Until recently, money from ALS bills went entirely to the emergency medical service.

Recently, the commissioners voted to take 40% of the money received from EMS bills, and redirect it to the county general fund.

Pettisville Freshman Class

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(Continued from first page) home, responding only when there is a call.

Archbold officials claim several advantages to the system, including about $60,000 to $80,000 in cost savings compared to requiring the EMT to remain at the station overnight.

Commissioners, Archbold officials, and other fire department and community officials discussed the issue for several months during 2011.

At one point, the commissioners offered a contract that would require the paramedic and EMT remain together at all times, with their rescue vehicle. The language in the contract would have required the paramedic and EMT to remain “side-byside.”

During a Dec. 9 meeting with Archbold and other officials, the commissioners agreed to remove the “sideby-side” language from the new contracts, as long as the communities would agree to abide by a review of the ALS system by a committee.

It was decided the original ALS advisory committee be reconvened and hold a one-day, six-hour session in March to discuss the issues.

As part of the new contract, Archbold, Delta, Swanton, and Wauseon each received an additional $32,000 per year to operate the ALS units. The total yearly payment is now $358,000.

The ALS system also receives money from patients and/or their insurance companies, who are billed for

work on an as-needed basis for the district after-school intervention program.

Jan Lindsay and Jeff Benecke were named as substitutes for the after-school program.

The board also approved adding Tonya Bailey to the district classified substitute list for the remainder of the Off From Record school year.

The 2011 total of about The board did not meet in $3.5 million is down about executive session during the January meeting.

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Archbold K of C Hall 700 W. Lutz Rd., Archbold • Carry-Out 419-446-7495 (We use cholesterol-free oil) All-you-can-eat fish or chicken dinners include hash browns or baked potato, cole slaw, dinner roll, drink (milk or coffee).

PRICES Adults:...............................................$8.50 Children 12-under:...........................$4.50 Carry-Out Dinners............................$8.50 Carry-Out (Fish or Chicken only).......$14

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Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of February 1, 2012–3

NEWS

*Evan Church Missionaries

Mayor Talks About Award, ALS-1

by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer In his State of the Village message, Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, said Archbold’s selection as a best hometown by a statewide publication has brought visitors to the community.

Speaking to members of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce, Monday, Jan. 23, Wyse said the selection was also announced on a cable television news channel. As a result, Wyse said people from Dayton altered their plans and drove out of their way to visit Archbold, as did another couple from Mansfield.

“Anytime you can portray the community in a positive way, it helps get visitors to come here, and spend a little money here,” he said.

Switching from good news to something more controversial, Wyse highlighted the ALS-1 issue.

ALS-1 is the paramedic rescue squad based in Archbold, that is funded by the Fulton County commissioners.

The commissioners expressed concern about Archbold's practice, which allows an emergency medical technician, or EMT, to remain on call overnight.

Other departments require their EMTs to stay at the fire station overnight.

When the paramedic program was implemented about 10 years ago, Wyse said Archbold officials asked how they could best integrate full-time paramedics with paid volunteers.

“Volunteers are the strength of the program,” Wyse said.

“The on-call system works for us. It’s not the best for everyone else, but it works well here.”

He said of the Archbold Fire Department’s 38 members, four are new members, serving probationary periods.

Of the remaining 34, 32 are, at a minimum, licensed EMTs. Of the 32, eight are paramedics.

Wyse said AFD employs only four full-time paramedics. The other four work at other departments, fill in shifts in Archbold, and, as AFD members, respond to rescue calls when available.

Wyse noted that after a recent car crash near Pettisville, 29 members of the Archbold Fire Department answered the call.

“That kind of manpower plays a significant role in making sure our outcomes are positive,” Wyse said.

He told chamber members county officials will continue to evaluate the EMS system.

A meeting of officials is set for March.

Lafayette Street, Finally!

One of the biggest accomplishments for the village in 2011 was the extension of Lafayette Street to Co. Rd. 24.

Wyse said the best word that sums up the project was– “finally!”

He said Lawrence Short, former Archbold mayor, first proposed extending Lafayette to Co. Rd. 24 in July 1977.

“In the last 15 years, I think every elected official who has campaigned in this community has campaigned on getting Lafayette Street done,” he said.

The project was so big, village officials broke it into segments.

Even today, some parts of the Lafayette Street project are not done.

Wyse said there are some drainage issues that have not been addressed. Those

Weather

48

Week’s High Date

Tu 1/24 We 1/25 Th 1/26 Fr 1/27 Sa 1/28 Su 1/29 Mo 1/30

17

Week’s Low

High Low Precip

33 33 36 44 35 35 48

25 27 32 32 30 17 22

0 0 .3 R 1” S .05 R 0 0

Data provided by Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant

projects have been delayed.

“But the road is in,” he said.

Another big project in the village during 2011 was the construction of a new valve chamber at the Archbold water treatment plant.

Originally, when a large water tank, known as a clear well, was built, valves 30 feet underground were simply buried, with controls running to the service.

When one of the mechanisms failed, workers had to dig down about 30 feet to repair them.

To make such maintenance easier in the future, an underground room, or valve chamber, was built around the valves.

The project cost about a quarter-million ($250,000) dollars, Wyse said.

(Continued from firt page) He was reportedly robbed, but reports vary on what was taken. Grime said a laptop computer case and his passport were stolen, but later recovered. No money was lost, Grime said.

Some reports say Bompart drove, while others say he walked, about 2 1/2 blocks to Bernard Mev Medishare Hospital in Port-au-Prince, which ironically, he helped build after the quake.

He underwent two surgeries, but on Friday, Jan. 27, the decision was made to fly him back to the United States.

The original plan was to fly Bompart to a Columbus hospital, but his condition worsened in flight. He was admitted to Jackson Memorial.

Orphanage David and Nicolle Bompart founded Eyes Wide Open International. Grime said volunteers from Archbold Evan have been working with EWOI on building an orphanage on about an acre-and-a-half of land that was a junkyard.

Retail The orphanage will be ocWyse also shared news about the downtown historic cupied by Pastor Nae Nae, who, after the earthquake, district.

Lauber Clothing, one of was housing 37 orphans in Archbold’s oldest businesses, will rent some of its space to Homier’s Monumental.

The company, which carves When Archbold Communigranite stone for memorials and monuments, will move ty Theatre raises the curtain its showroom currently lo- on its production of “Murder cated north of Archbold to can be Habit Forming,” several Archbold and Pettisville the Lauber Clothing store.

Wyse also mentioned the actors will take the stage.

The show combines a murannounced closing of the Huntington Bank downtown der mystery with a lightbranch.

The building has served as a bank since it was constructed in 1908.

Wyse also discussed the (Continued from first page) corner of North Defiance and bold and Wauseon,” BarnaStryker Streets. The inter- by said. section is difficult for semi“A fellow said it isn’t like trucks with 54-foot trailers Toledo, where people will to negotiate. get on one exit and get off Bell-shaped bollards, the next. which tended to catch trucks “Out here, when the and immobilize them, were weather’s bad, we might do removed and replaced with it, but every time, they don’t. steel poles, which are easier That probably wouldn’t work for truck drivers to see. too good,” Barnaby said.

“That’s just an example.

However, trucks still cut the corner too sharply, and There were a lot of ‘what ifs.’

It was a ‘what if’ game.” strike the posts.

Barnaby said he felt the To illustrate his point, Wyse played a video clip state officials were “trying to from a camera overlooking back-door it.

“But it was the same stuff the intersection. It showed a semi striking the concrete- we talked about in October,” filled steel post with enough he said.

Barnaby said he didn’t force to bend it.

Even though the problems know a reporter had been with trucks becoming dis- excluded from the meeting abled at the intersection has until later that day.

his small Port-au-Prince apartment.

Grime said since Bompart was shot, Archbold Evan volunteers are staying “close to the job site.”

The orphanage is about 20 miles northeast of Portau-Prince. In the past, volunteers would visit the city, but the tours have been stopped, Grime said.

Also, volunteers would be allowed to visit a local market. That, too, has been stopped.

Volunteers stay in a guest house about a block from the under-construction orphanage.

Three teams of Archbold Evan volunteers are rotating in and out of the country.

Grime said the first team went down Friday, Jan. 20, and returned Friday, Jan. 27.

That same day, a second team went to Haiti, which will return Friday, Feb. 3.

The third team leaves for the island nation Feb. 3.

“Our church has sent 68 different people to Haiti in the last year and a half.

We sponsored a couple who were there all summer.

We’ve never had a problem,” Grime said.

Counting Evan members who have been to Haiti more

Feel Terrible Grime said many Haitians are upset by the shooting.

“A lot of Haitians have taken this very hard,” he said. “They feel terrible.

Haitians, and the people of Eyes Wide Open, are devastated.

“There has been a significant amount of prayer for Dave and Nicolle.”

Bompart traveled to Haiti within two weeks after the earthquake. Since then, he has divided his time between Haiti, Florida and Ohio. He was in the midst of a threemonth stay in Haiti when he was shot.

R. Smith said Bompart lives in a tent at the orphanage.

Wednesday morning, she said Bompart told Jeff he had returned to his tent Tuesday night, played his guitar, sang, and worshipped until after 1 am Wednesday.

“He had to force himself to go to bed.

“He said he’d had the best sleep he’d had in years.

Wednesday morning, he was up early.”

That afternoon, he was shot.

“It seems surreal,” R. Smith said.

“Like, this can’t be happening.”–David Pugh

than once, Grime said there have been more than 100 missionary trips.

Big Dave Jeff and Rebecca Smith, Pettisville, were part of the Evan group that was in Haiti from Jan. 20-27.

They met Bompart, and worked with him.

R. Smith described Bompart as a big man, standing over six feet tall.

“He’s a wonderful, openhearted man who loves the Lord,” she said.

R. Smith said Bompart and his wife had been to Archbold, attending a planning meeting at Evan.

“He’s got a gentle, sweet heart, and he’s a prayerful, worshipful man. He plays guitar, and is a worship leader at his home church in Columbus,” she said.

She said she believes someone brought the news of the shooting to those working at the orphanage.

The reaction, she said, “was shock and disbelief.”

R. Smith said she felt the shooting was a random act of violence.

“I don’t think he was targeted because he was a missionary.

“The same thing happens in Toledo,” she said.

"Murder Can Be Habit Forming" For ACT Cast hearted comedy involving passengers on a bus becoming stranded in a blizzard, and taking shelter at a convent.

One of the passengers is a serial killer, who only kills women named Mary– and

*Reporter Escorted

abated, Wyse said he would still like to see Co. Rd. 24, Attendees Barnaby said others atwest of town, developed into tending the meeting with a truck bypass.

Wray included: •Todd Burdett, of the Mayors To Meet ODOT District 2 office, BowlWyse said the mayors of Fulton County’s seven com- ing Green •A representative of John munities will meet in February to discuss some issues Kasich, Ohio governor •Douglas Johnson, mayor that jointly impact them. of Bryan He noted that mayors in •Doug Shaw, mayor of neighboring Williams CounWauseon ty hold such meetings quar•Lewis Hilkert, Williams terly.

County commissioner •Rich Myers, Henry County commissioner •Lisa Arend, Fulton Coun(Continued from first page) ty economic development diComments: “As sheriff, rector my values of faith, family, •An economic developand community will provide ment representative from a strong foundation for mak- Williams County ing the right decisions to pro•A representative from tect the heritage of Fulton Sauder Woodworking.

County.”

Jim Wyse, Archbold may-----or, said Tuesday morning he What is difficulty? Only a was not aware of the meetwork indicating the degree of ing. strength requisite for ac-comBarnaby said the Monday plishing particular ob-jects; meeting lasted from about a mere notice of the necessity 10:15 am until noon. for exertion; a mere stimulus Was it a productive meetto men.–Samuel Warren ing?

“I wouldn’t say it was.

There wasn’t much accomplished,” said Barnaby.

Hodges In a related matter, Rick Hodges, Ohio Turnpike Commission executive director and 1982 Archbold High School graduate, will speak to the Archbold Rotary Club, Friday, Feb. 17.

He has also scheduled a meeting with this newspaper.–David Pugh

SKYE CINEMA 455 E. Airport Hwy, Wauseon

bold, directs, with assistance from Ryan Mooney, Continental.

Van Sickle said, “Fishout-of-water scenarios often result in very funny situations; in this case, a serial killer lose in a convent! It sounds bizarre, but this wonderfully written script has it all– comedy, drama, romance, and mystery, all rolled into one with a cast of extremely unique characters.

ACT presents “Murder can be Habit Forming” Friday and Saturday, March 23-24, 30-31 at 8 pm, and Sunday, April 1, 2:30 pm, at Giffey Hall in Ridgeville Corners.

there are four Marys in the convent, and two more on the bus.

Pettisville’s Nona Liechty plays one of the four nuns, while John Taquino, Bill Phelps, Jeff Patterson, Susan Dominique, Teresa Van Sickle, all of Archbold, and Shawn Liechty, Pettisville, are “suspects.”

Taquino is a college professor, Phelps is the bus driver, and Patterson is the convent handyman.

Other suspects include bus passengers Dominique and Van Sickle. Liechty is cast as “the mysterious visitor.”

Steve Van Sickle, Arch-

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FULTON COUNTY

HEART RADIOTHON

in memory of Max Smith, Sr.

THURSDAY, FEB.9 Beginning at 6 a.m. ‘til midnight The Fulton County Heart Radiothon funds heart-related programs across the county through your donations.

These programs and equipment items include Automated External Difibrillators, EMS equipment in each fire department, and heart health programs in schools and libraries.

For the 38th year, volunteers from all over Fulton County will flood WMTR’s radio studios.

Please tune in to hear your favorite guest DJ and make a pledge.

All of the money that is raised during this event stays in Fulton County. Thank you for your support.

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INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 5 Classified........................... 18,19 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.................................. 9,12 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion .............................16,17

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What Is The Future Of Fulton County EMS? A discussion of the state of emergency medical service in Fulton County, including Archbold’s use of on-call emergency medical technicians, is being considered for April.

Originally, a meeting to discuss the county EMS system had been scheduled for March. Perry Rupp, Fulton County commissioner, said he got behind and the meeting was delayed.

Background In late 2011, news broke that there were problems in negotiating a contract between Fulton County Commissioners, the Village of Archbold, and the Archbold Fire Department over a contract for emergency medical services.

Archbold Fire Department operates ALS-1, or Advanced Life Support 1, a rescue unit that responds to rescue calls in Archbold and Fayette with a paramedic, a specially-trained technician with advanced life support skills.

For decades, the county has funded the operation of rescue squads.

In 2000, voters approved a property tax levy to upgrade the county EMS system to include paramedics and provide funding for additional manpower for three smaller fire departments.

The rift came because the commissioners were concerned about ALS-1 response times to rescue calls between 5 pm and 8 am.

The three other departments that host ALS units– Wauseon (ALS-8), Delta (ALS-2), and Swanton (ALS-7)– require that the ALS team of one paramedic and one emergency medical technician sleep overnight at the fire station.

Archbold opted for a different sys-

tem. The paramedic remains on station, but the EMT is allowed to stay at home, responding only if there is a call.

The commissioners pointed to statistics that showed ALS-1 often had longer response times in the evening and overnight hours.

“Response time” starts when Fulton County Sheriff Department dispatchers call a unit, and ends when a unit reports they are on their way.

Village officials criticized statistics as “garbled” and inaccurate.

Their own studies showed ALS-1 did lag behind other units by about 30 to 60 seconds.

Village officials said they believed ALS-1 was providing high-quality service with appropriate response times.

Eventually a contract agreement was reached, along with the proposed examination of the countywide EMS system.

2000 Committee During the commissioners’ Monday, March 26 meeting, they again discussed the group that would be tasked with reviewing the EMS system.

Based on meeting minutes, Paul Barnaby, commissioner, called for appointing representatives from the same seven groups that were represented on the Fulton County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Group.

The advisory group was formed in 2000 to establish the ALS system.

The group included an at-large member, two representatives of the county Fireman’s Association, the Fulton County medical director, a representa-

tive of the communities, a representative from the Fulton County Health Center, and a representative of the county township association.

The commissioners discussed, but made no decision on, adding a representative of the county association of village mayors.

Rupp suggested there be one representative from the four southern departments (Archbold, Wauseon, Delta, Swanton), and one from the northern departments (Fayette, Lyons, Metamora).

The minutes state Rod Cheney, Fulton County Emergency Medical Services director, questioned whether representatives would be able to look at the EMS system and give unbiased recommendations.

The minutes say Vond Hall, Fulton County administrator, disagreed, noting people involved in the EMS system need to be in the meeting, as they know the system best.

Rupp was paraphrased in the meeting minutes saying the meeting needs to take place in an environment where everyone can speak freely.

Dean Genter, commissioner, said in the minutes every fire station has a different profile, and the committee needs to take a look at each station individually to see what works for them to address manpower issues, response times, and if the system needs all of the funds that are available to operate.

Facilitator Rupp’s original idea for a discussion of the EMS system involved a one-day, (Continued on page 3)

Bea Briggs, rural Archbold, with the 164th rocking horse she made. Briggs has donated rocking horses to the Fairlawn Auction for many years, but no one remembers exactly how long.

She said 15 to 20 years was her best guess. The 2012 auction is Thursday and Friday, March 29-30.–photo by David Pugh

Handmade Rocking Horse Donated To Fairlawn Auction Bea Briggs Builds, Donates Classic Children's Toy For 15+ Years

by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer

Color Explosion A few weeks of relatively warm weather has brought out flowers in a variety of colors. At left are small wildflower blossoms in the yard of Mike Sullivan, Woodland Oaks. They return every year, he said. At right, the blossoms of a flowering

quince, also known as Texas scarlet, in the lawn of Burdell & Janice Nofziger. Janice said the plant was taken as a start from her mother’s home many years ago.–photos by David Pugh

With the days winding down until the Fairlawn Auction, Bea Briggs, a retired Archbold High School science teacher, has added her annual donation, a handmade rocking horse.

Briggs has donated rocking horses to the auction for several years. In fact, no one is sure how long she has donated.

“I was trying to remember,” Briggs said. “I’ve made them for so long, I can’t remember. It’s been 15 or 20 years.”

But she knows exactly how many she’s made. This year’s contribution is the 164th member of her “herd.”

“I started when I first got out of college. I had lots of cousins who were all getting

married and having babies, and I didn’t have a lot of money to buy gifts. “(The late) Gene Faler, (retired AHS industrial arts teacher) said, ‘Why not try making a rocking horse?’”

That started the project rolling.

“I’ve made quite a few. I sold a few, but most I’ve just given away,” she said.

Some have gone as Christmas presents; some have been donated to other auctions.

“It all started just giving them away. I sold a few to help (pay for the project), and I’d go on to the next one.

“When I started making them, $25 would make a rocking horse. You could double that now, and it would not be enough.”

Briggs said she loves build(Continued on page 3)

Pettisville Sidewalk Youth Admits To Charges In Wauseon Public Meeting Set

Shooting Death; Adult Faces Charges A spokesman for the Fulton County Juvenile Court said Felipe Villanueva, Jr., 14, Wauseon, has admitted to the early morning, March 14 shooting death of Michael J. Schwartz, 13, Wauseon.

Schwartz died at the Fulton County Health Center of a single shotgun wound to the chest, in what has been called an apparent accidental shooting.

Also, Craig A. Johnston, 35, Wauseon, has been charged with negligent homicide, along with possession of marijuana and possession of drug parapher-

nalia, in connection with the shooting.

Monday Hearings There were two hearings in the Villanueva case.

On Monday morning, a hearing was held in juvenile court on a motion for limited closure filed on behalf of Villanueva by his attorney, Clayton Gerbitz, Swanton.

Michael J. Bumb, juvenile court judge, granted the order. It prohibits photography and audio and/or video recordings in the juvenile courtroom.

A second hearing was held

at 1 pm, in which Villanueva admitted to the charge of juvenile delinquency by way of negligent homicide.

The court spokesman said a dispositional hearing is set for 1 pm, Thursday, April 12.

In adult court, the hearing would be referred to as a sentencing hearing.

Bumb ordered that the juvenile probation officer complete a pre-dispositional report. The report will recommend a possible sentence or disposition for Villanueva.

The maximum possible

punishment for Villanueva is 90 days in a juvenile detention center.

Since the day of the shooting, Villanueva has been housed at the Four County Juvenile Detention, Training, and Rehabilitation Center, near Stryker.

Johnston The March 14 shooting was reported to Wauseon police as a drive-by shooting at about 6:55 am. Police quickly determined the shooting was not a drive-by, but that shots had come from a home at 444 (Continued on page 3)

Sidewalks for Pettisville will be the topic and focus of a public meeting, Thursday, April 5.

At the meeting, scheduled for 7 pm in the Pettisville school cafeteria, proposed plans for sidewalks in the unincorporated community will be presented.

The sidewalks will be paid for by a grant under the Ohio Safe Routes to School program.

The program goal is “to assist communities in developing and implementing projects and programs that encourage and enable children in grades k-8, including those with disabilities, to walk or bike to school safely.”

A group of local govern-

ment representatives and several area residents met Monday morning, March 26, to discuss the Pettisville sidewalk project.

Present were officials from the county, townships, and school district along with a representative from the engineering firm that is drawing the plans for the sidewalks.

Four Pettisville residents were also present to give feedback about the proposed plans.

Several possible plans for sidewalk placement and replacement were discussed.

The proposals will be discussed further on April 5 at the public meeting.–D.J. Neuenschwander

904 Stryker St., Archbold

Craig Cain

Jim Gautsche

Sam Grime

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419-445-7460 (800) 682-7460 Dayna Fortney

Randy Short

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Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of March 28, 2012–3

NEWS Pettisville School Board Accepts Resignations The Pettisville School Board accepted two resignations at its Monday, March 26 meeting.

Dawn Walsh, a third grade teacher, submitted her resignation and plans to retire.

She was a teacher for 12 years at Pettisville.

The board also accepted the resignation of Char Lee, who teaches high school accounting and some computer classes.

She also served as a monitor for study hall and playground recess supervisor.

Michael Lane, high school principal, said Lee’s accounting program was “head and shoulders above other accounting programs throughout Northwest Ohio.”

He said at accounting competitions, Pettisville students often took nearly all of the top awards.

Race To The Top Supplemental contracts were awarded to Rebecca Dorosz, Maggie Enderle, and Jacinta Nafziger.

The trio are leading the district’s participation in Race to the Top, a federal grant program that provides over $4 billion to spur innovation and reform in local

school districts.

Each was awarded $750 contracts for extra work leading the program this year. They were also each given $500 for their work during the previous school year.

Musical Supplemental contracts were also approved for those leading the school musical this year.

Contracts were issued to Duane Beck, who served as musical director; Rebecca Dadisman, assistant director-drama; Rebecca Yoder, assistant director-music and orchestra director, and Karen Grieser, choreographer and set director.

Steve Switzer, Pettisville school district superintendent, praised the drama, saying, “The musical was excellent. It could not have been better.”–D.J. Neuenschwander

(Continued from first page) ing rocking horses.

“It’s always fun to make something and give it away.

“I only have one requirement,” she said.

“I want a picture of the child on the rocking horse.”

Each of the rocking horses is unique, with different color finishes, yarns, and seat padding.

“Sometimes, people bring me material to use for the seats,” she said.

Rocking Horse Number 164 has a black mane and tail made of soft alpaca yarn.

Briggs said her 89-year-old mother, who is also named Bea, makes the manes and tails.

The horse is made of yellow pine, finished with tung oil.

Briggs said she enjoys woodworking.

“I taught for 30 years, and in teaching, nothing is ever ‘done.’ With woodworking projects, it’s finished. You look at it, and say, ‘Oh, how pretty it looks! It’s done!’”

Briggs’ woodworking isn’t limited to rocking horses.

She’s done tables, armoires, and three kitchens.

Good Shepherd Mennonite Church

Tamale Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, Mar. 31 •11:30-6:30 Good Shepherd Mennonite Church 22489 Co. Rd. F, Archbold

*Youth Admits (Continued from first page) Howard Avenue.

Johnston is the tenant at 444 Howard Avenue. The negligent homicide charge against Johnston alleges that he is the owner of the 12-gauge shotgun that is presumed to have caused Schwartz’s death.

The drug charges resulted after Wauseon police officers allegedly found marijuana and related items in the home while investigating the shooting.

The Third Boy On the morning of the shooting, Villanueva, Schwartz, and a third, unidentified boy went to the Howard Avenue home, where the unidentified boy lived.

An adult had just left for work, leaving the three boys alone in the house.

It was then that the shooting occurred.

Wauseon police have not charged and have not identified the third boy.–David Pugh -----Some folks never exaggerate-they just remember big.–Audrey Snead

Cost: $6/tray with 3 tamales, rice and beans Carry-out or Dine in To pre-order, call 419-445-3100 or 419-966-1871.

Archbold Community Theatre presents:

94

Date

Tu 3/20 We 3/21 Th 3/22 Fr 3/23 Sa 3/24 Su 3/25 Mo 3/26

*What Is The

(Continued from first page) all-day meeting with a paid facilitator to go over and hash out issues.

The commissioners did not make a decision on the paid facilitator question on Monday.

Rupp suggested that the commissioners, Cheney, and the county EMS board, develop a list of topics for the proposed advisory group.

The commissioners will discuss the issue again Monday, April 2.–David Pugh

Visit us online at ArchboldBuckeye.com

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21 JUMP STREET R Sa/Su/Tu/Th 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50.

Fr/Mo/We 5:00, 7:30, 9:50.

THE LORAX 2D PG Sa/Su/Tu/Th 12:30, 3:00, 5:20, 7:20, 9:20.

Fr/Mo/We 5:20, 7:20, 9:20.

Fairlawn Auxiliary Auction Friday, March 30 Founder’s Hall, Sauder Village - St. Rt. 2, Archbold, Ohio

5 p.m. until Everything is Sold

Handcrafted Furniture & Quilts, Sport Items & Tickets, Toys & Much More!

Supper 4-7 p.m.

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW & SALE Browse local artists’ works of photographic art.

Purchase the art to benefit Fairlawn.

Auction proceeds benefit projects for Fairlawn Haven residents

Visit www.fairlawnarchbold.com for auction details.

Thursday, March 29, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Preview Auction Items, Health Screenings, Supper ON SALE: Baked Goods - Cheese - Ten Thousand Villages items

Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home 407 E. Lutz Rd., Archbold • 419-445-3075

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

30

High Low Precip

57 56 56 52 53 36 30

vised not to comment on the case. They are only to confirm it is being investigated.

REMEMBER!

www.skyecinema.com

Week’s Low

88 94 93 67 71 75 51

Woodworking and science, particularly math, are someA case of possible voter what related.

“When you’re making a fraud has been referred to lazy Susan, math really the Ohio Attorney General office. helps,” she said.

In a press release issued Friday, March 23, John HusPersonalized Briggs’s rocking horses ted, Ohio Secretary of State, carry some personal touches. said a Fulton County man The bottom of each horse car- may have been registered, and voted, in Ohio since ries its number and the date.

On the horse’s left rump 2006 and North Carolina are the initials JRH, sort of since 2002.

That man may have voted like a branding mark.

The letters are initials for in both states in the 2008 a cousin, John Robert Hogue, and 2010 general elections.

Voter registrations in both Maumee, who died in 1995 states have the same name at the age of 19 after suffering from Crohn’s disease, an and personal identifying information. inflammation of the bowel.

If the man did vote in both Horse number 164 is the states, it would be a fourthfirst to carry the initials BH on the right rump. BH degree felony violation of stands for an uncle, Robert Ohio law.

Melanie J. Gilders, deputy “Bob” Hogue, of Maumee, director of the Fulton Counwho died earlier this month. ty Board of Elections, said board officials have been adAuction Briggs’ horse will rock across the stage during the live auction, Friday, March 30, at Founder’s Hall, Sauder Village.

A preview of auction items is Thursday, March 29.

Hotline 419-335-6813

Weather Week’s High

Potential Voter Fraud Case Under Investigation

*Handmade

0 0 0 1.3 R Tr. R 0 0

Data provided by Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant

OPEN HOUSE Friday & Saturday, March 30 & 31 Open 8-6 • Refreshments Available

You won’t want to miss it!

Ferris zero-turns - with patented suspension technology - provide: s -AXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY s )NCREASED MOWER LONGEVITY

Flashlight Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, 9 p.m.

Ruihley Park RAIN DATE: • • • • • • •

THURSDAY, Hunting begins at 9 p.m.

APRIL 5 Parents must participate with children.

Egg hunting is open to all children 10 years and under.

Please bring a flashlight and a bag or basket for your eggs.

Please follow the directions given by your “hunt leader.”

Return eggs to the pavilion where they may be redeemed.

Archbold will be divided into TWO quadrants: the north side of the railroad tracks and the south side of the railroad tracks.

s 2EDUCED OPERATOR FATIGUE s %NHANCED COMFORT s ! BEAUTIFUL MANICURED lNISH EVERY TIME

Experience the difference suspension makes! DEMO A FERRIS TODAY!

Co. Rd. 19, 1/4 mile south of Pettisville, Ohio

If you live outside of Archbold, please follow the same rules to determine which quadrant you should be in.

Residents who live NORTH of the railroad tracks meet at the PAVILION. Residents who live SOUTH of the railroad tracks meet at the BALL DIAMOND. Call Archbold Parks & Recreation, 419-445-4025, if you have any questions.

419-446-2460 w w w. F e r r i s I n d u s t r i e s . c o m

INSIDE Advertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 9 Classified................................ 11 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports............................... 8,9,10 Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

Keep EMS Talks Open To Public – page 6 One section–12 pages

FOUR NATIONAL General Excellence First Place Awards

ARCHBOLD

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

BUCKEYE

www.ArchboldBuckeye.com 207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)

Freight Train Derailment Results In Evacuations

Group Composition The commissioners continued their discussion of whom to appoint to the EMS Advisory Board.

The EMS Advisory Board was first formed in 1998 to develop the combined manpower-advanced life support system for the county.

It was suggested Daniel J. Huffman, M.D., filling in as county coroner, could assume a dual role as county medical director and rep-

resentative of the Fulton County Health Center emergency department.

In a telephone interview, Rod Cheney, Fulton County EMS director, said he suggested a person from another county’s EMS system either hold a seat on the advisory board or be the facilitator at a meeting to discuss the EMS system.

Cheney said that someone from outside the Fulton County system may have thoughts or ideas that local people have not considered.

The locations of the paramedic unit “bases,” or stations, were also discussed.

Cheney said part of the original discussion when the ALS system was established was whether to strategically locate paramedic units in locations near where their calls might be expected, or be based at the fire stations.

He said whether or not the advisory board discusses the issue will be decided by the commissioners.

Dispatching Cheney said there also was discussion about when it is appropriate to dispatch an Advanced Life Support (paramedic) unit and when a BLS, or Basic Life Support unit, could do the job.

That issue, he said, was better discussed between the county fire chiefs and Darrell Merillat, Fulton County sheriff, representing FCSD dispatchers.

Cheney said invitations to serve on the EMS Advisory Board should be sent next week.

Fairlawn Auction Revenue Down $714 Gross revenue from the 2012 Fairlawn Auxiliary Auction was $39,505, down about 1.8% from the previous year, said Nanette Buehrer, director of development and community service, Fairlawn Retirement Community.

There is still revenue to come in, so the gap will close, Buehrer said.

The gross figure for 2011 was $40,219.51, which was $714.51 more than the 2012 figure.

Revenue from the auction has paralleled the local economy. In 2007, gross auction revenue set an all-time record, when $42,307.50 was raised.

In 2009, perhaps the worst year of the recent economic

Fairlawn Auxiliary Auction Revenue 2007-2012 2007*..................$42,307.50 2008....................$37,600.00 2009....................$33,831.50 2010....................$36,905.55 2011 ....................$40,219.51 2012....................$39,505.00 *All-time high. Dollars represent gross revenue, as announced after the auction. 2007-2011 figures from Archbold Buckeye records. 2012 revenue source: Fairlawn Auxiliary.

Archbold Buckeye chart.

downturn, gross auction revenue was $33,831.50, down almost $8,500 from the 2007 record.

Quilts, Furniture The Fairlawn Auction is famous for its quilts.

This year, quilts brought in $14,975.

The 2012 feature quilt “Blizzard in Blue,” made by 60 women from area churches who sewed 354 hours over 12 days, sold for $1,900.

Five quilts sold for over $1,000.

The quilt selling for the most money, a scrappy love ring quilt, went for $3,100.

An Alabama Star quilt, donated by Marg and Alta Grieser, sold for $2,000.

A quilt donated by St. James Lutheran Church which featured a top pieced by a mother and daughter in the late 1930s-early 1940s, then recently quilted and donated by a granddaughter, sold for $1,600.

The rocking horse made by Bea Briggs, featured in last week’s Archbold Buckeye, sold for $220.

In 2011, her rocking horse sold for $100.

A handmade childs table and chairs went for $450; a set of barrister bookcases, stacked three tall, also hand(Continued on page 3)

1

SEVEN STATE General Excellence First Place Awards

106th Year - No. 37

Public Volunteers To Help On EMS Review Committee Many citizens have expressed an interest in serving on the committee that will review the Fulton County Emergency Medical Service.

Minutes from Monday, April 2 meeting of the Fulton County Commissioners state people have been calling the county commissioners office, asking how they can serve.

Dean Genter, a commissioner, was paraphrased in the minutes as saying those interested in serving should submit a resume and a 50word essay on why they wish to serve on the committee.

Commissioners plan a review of the county Emergency Medical Service system after having problems negotiating contracts with the communities and fire departments that host the EMS system.

As part of the discussions, ALS-1, the paramedic unit funded by the county and hosted and operated by the Archbold Fire Department, was criticized for allegedly slow response times during overnight hours.

$

Egg Hunters In Action Easter egg hunting was in full swing, Saturday, March 31, in Pettisville and Archbold.

Top: children and adults dash through Ruihley Park gathering prize-filled plastic eggs in the annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt.

Lower left: Layla Rice, 1, Archbold, and

Sadie Swisher, 5, Pettisville, return empty egg “shells” to a cardboard box at the Ruihley Park Pavilion. Lower right: Two-year-old Carter Beck hunts eggs at the Pettisville Park in a hunt on Saturday morning.–photos

by David Pugh

About 54 homes in the rural area outside Ligonier, Ind., were evacuated last week after a Norfolk Southern train derailed, and at least part of a cargo of molten sulfur caught fire.

Michael “Mick” Newton, director of emergency management for Noble County, Ind., said the train derailed in a rural area.

Noble County emergency responders were notified at 5:33 a.m., Tuesday, March 27.

He said 21 cars derailed.

Of those, eight or nine were carrying molten sulfur. Several of those cars breached, and after the derailment, the sulfur began burning.

A car carrying the gasoline additive toluene and two box cars carrying wine were also in the mix.

The derailment presented a problem, because the Little Elkhart River was on one side of the tracks, and a creek that feeds the river was on the other.

As a result fire officials opted not to use water to extinguish the fire, instead preferring to let it burn itself out.

With plumes of yellow smoke rising from the sulfur, emergency responders initially called for the evacuation of six homes.

However, Newton said over the next two days, the wind rotated 360 degrees.

“That made us extend and expand the evacuation area.

It ended up about 53 or 54 homes in the total area of evacuation or recommended evacuation,” he said.

Newton said on Wednesday morning, a little more than 24 hours after the derailment, a school bus passed through an area that (Continued on page 3)

Quilt To Be Raffled At Friendship Days Handmade quilts are popular fund-raisers, particularly in Northwest Ohio, but auction prices for these artworks can easily climb into the thousands of dollars.

To give more people a chance to take home a handmade quilt, the feature quilt for Pettisville Friendship Days will be raffled, instead of sold at auction.

Glora Belle Yoder, who designed and pieced this year’s Friendship Days quilt, “Baskets in the Park,” said people who could not afford to purchase a quilt at auction have a chance to win the quilt.

Even if they don’t win the quilt, the money spent for raffle tickets goes to support the Pettisville Park.

Yoder’s nine-patch design is a combination of several patterns, she said.

“I’ve always liked baskets, I always liked that pattern, and there was another pattern I liked.

“The basket isn’t an original design for me; it’s the way it’s put together,” she said.

The colors were selected because “when you’re making a quilt for a raffle, and you don’t know who’s going to get it, you’ve got to have something that’s appealing

to a lot of different people that will go with a lot of different color schemes.

“It (the quilt) is pretty neutral, with just a little bit of color in it,” she said.

Yoder said she had been thinking about the design for two years.

She began working on it in the summer of 2011. Karen Nafziger marked the material for cutting; Yoder did the piecing.

The quilt top was ready to go into a quilt frame at Sauder Village in October 2011.

More than 50 volunteer quilters from the community worked on it after hours, using a little over 500 yards of thread.

By early November it was ready for the binding, which was stitched by Anita Roth.

Money raised by the quilt, like all revenue generated by the every-other-year summer festival, goes to support the Pettisville Park.

Yoder said for more than 30 years, the park has been supported entirely by donations.

No tax money has gone to support the park.

This year's Friendship Days event is Friday through Sunday, June 22-24, in the Pettisville Park.

Glora Belle Yoder, an Archbold resident and PHS graduate, with the quilt she designed for this year’s Pettisville Friendship Days, June 22-24. More than 50 women worked on the quilt, which will be raffled.–photo by David Pugh

904 Stryker St., Archbold

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