The Free Press Standard March 28, 2019

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C o n t i n u i n g To P r o u d l y S e r v e C a r r o l l C o u n t y S i n c e 1 8 3 1 $1.00

Thursday, March 28, 2019

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Johnson, AT&T retirees present suitcases to JFS By KIMBERLY LEWIS FPS Editor For a child being taken from his or her home for their own safety, staff at the Carroll County Jobs and Family Services do what all other similar protective agencies do - they gather the child’s belongs in garbage bags as they move him or her into a foster or kin home. On Thursday, March 21, the AT&T Pioneers Northeast Ohio Chapter, joined by U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson, presented 10 new children’s suitcases to the Carorll County Job and Family Services to be used for the children. The suitcases will be used for children in need and each child will get a new toothbrush and blanket in the suitcase. AT&T Pioneers is a group of vol-

unteers made up of retired and active employees committed to their communities. “Our Ohio chapters work hard throughout the year, volunteering time and funding to carefully screened 501c3 charities in our state,” said Steve Kristan, AT&T External Affairs director. “As long as there’s a need – no matter how large or small – Pioneers answer the call in every way imaginable.” The Pioneers raised money to help children who are going into foster care on short notice. The children often see their belongings carried in plastic or trash bags in these urgent situations. It adds discomfort to a difficult situation. “When children come into care because of abuse or neglect, many have only the clothing on their back,” said Congressman Johnson. “They can

See CASES, PG. 4

FPS Photo / Kimberly Lewis

The Carroll County Jobs and Family Services received 10 children’s suitcases from the AT&T Pioneers and U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson on Thursday, March 21. Receiving the suitcases are JFS staff members (front, from left) Maggie Michel, Casey Roy, Johnson, Rebecca Preston, Director Kate Offenberger and (back) BJ Smith of AT&T, AT&T Director of External Affairs Steve Kristan, Lisa Smiley, David Ricklic, Desiree Stoeffer and Cheri Miller.

Kuntz is heading to National Bee

FPS Photo / Nancy Schaar

Rafiki lead the creatures of the jungle in the song, “The Circle of Life,” during Carrollton’s production of Lion King Jr. Rafiki is portrayed by Jared DeGarmo.

Lion King Jr. performances sold out By NANCY SCHAAR FPS Correspondent If you did not attend any of the four performances at Bell Herron Middle School Auditorium of the Lion King Jr., you missed a lot. You missed the joyous blend of voices and music. You missed the last stage performance of 2019 seniors. You missed the bittersweet last performance on the stage at Bell Herron. You missed three generations of families present who have performed on that stage when they were in school at Bell Herron. You missed delightful

comedic lines. You missed colorful costumes. You missed wonderful creative scenery and props. You missed it. Before the last show began, all performers met in the gym in a big circle. Rafiki (a.k.a. Jared DeGarmo) led the actors and crew in various performance exercises. He was able to settle nerves, move the excitement in the right direction and helped keep tears at bay for some. At the end of their own circle of high school life, senior class members reflected on this performance and their lives spent at Carrollton Schools. Olivia Kienzle, daughter of Duane Kienzle and Rose Kienzle, said this was her eighth performance in theatre

productions. “This is my final show. It has all been absolutely amazing,” said Olivia. Jared DeGarmo, the son of Jake DeGarmo and Becky Everhart, said that he was blessed to have been a part of this whole production. “It was a fun and crazy period in my life. It’s very emotional. We’ve known each other since we were little kids. I love all of you more than I can say. My advice to all of you here tonight is to leave nothing behind. When you are out there on the stage, give your performance everything you have to give. Leave nothing

See LION, PG. 3

Stanton Elementary sixth-grader Zachary Kuntz is heading to the nation’s capital after gaining top honors at the 2019 Jefferson-Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee. Kuntz, the son of Brian and Kasey Kuntz of Knoxville, was first out of 50 competitors and won with his correct spelling of the word valence, a chemistry term which is defined as “the combining power of an element, especially as measured by the number of hydrogen atoms it can displace or combine with.” Kuntz completed 15 rounds in 1 hour and 58 minutes at Buckeye North Elementary School in Brilliant and said he was surprised by the win. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I studied for 10 hours the night before and was very nervous.” He also noted his family’s pride, especially older brother Ben’s, whose birthday coincided with Kuntz’s victory. “I don’t think they believe it either,” he added, saying Ben’s wish was for him to win the competition. His successful conclusion was different from his turn during Edison Local’s district bee, where he landed in eighth place. Still, he considers himself to be a good speller but said his favorite subjects are math and science, plus he enjoys playing football. Kuntz will be brushing up on his words soon as he advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May. He received an all-expenses-paid trip to the event from the bee sponsors, as well as a trophy provided by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. Among other prizes he earned were the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, a oneyear subscription to Brittanica Online Premium from Encyclopedia Brittani-

ZACHARY KUNTZ ca and Merriam-WebsterUnabridged. com and $250 from Huntington Bank. Rounding out the top 10 were Lindsey Zifzal, an eighth-grader at Indian Creek Middle School, at second; Cara Motto, a sixth-grader at South Elementary School, third; Maximilian Gan, a sixth-grader in the Ohio Virtual Academy, fourth; Jordan Fritz, a seventh-grader at Harding Middle School, fifth; Cam’Ron Ajebe, a sixth-grader at Harding Middle, sixth; Sara Johnston, a seventh-grader at Edison Junior High School, seventh; Mary Jones, a homeschooled sixth-grader, eighth; Ember Davenport, a fifth-grader at Harrison East Elementary, ninth; and Gianna Barker, a sixth-grader at Harding Middle, 10th. This year’s regional bee was presented by the Herald-Star.

Commissioners learn of possible Lee changes plea to guilty new health clinic for county on indecency charges By NANCY SCHAAR FPS Correspondent

Carroll County Health Department Director of Nursing Kelly Engelhart provided information to commissioners regarding the implementation of a new health program for the county. Englehart said that Carroll County could receive a grant of $650,000 for two years with $150,000 being provided in the first year for start up costs. There would also be a three year renewal contract after the first two years. The health clinic, including a dentist, would be located on the top floor of the county health department building on Moody Avenue in Carrollton. Engelhart explained many services would be available that are not currently available to county residents without going to another county to receive those services. The health center would employ seven to eight full time staff members. The final phase of the grant application

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will be submitted April 11. The grant will be awarded September 1 and the center would have to be operational within 120 days. Commissioner Bob Wirkner praised Engelhart for the impressive improvements made to the department within the last year. Wirkner said the problems they experienced with the health department in late 2017 and through 2018 with personnel and budgeting disasters seems to have been completely turned around. “We are trying to keep things simple and transparent,” replied Engelhart. Carroll County Engineer Brian Wise opened bids before commissioners for the supply of concrete, asphalt materials, petroleum, and road materials. With the approval of Wise, all bids were accepted except for diesel fuel. Wise will bring that bid back before commissioners March 28. In other business commissioners: - MET in executive session to discuss the applications for the position of a clerk in their office. - AGREED to offer the position of

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Golden Age Retreat Superintendent to one of the people interviewed at $1,000 less than was paid to the former superintendent. There will also be a six-month probationary period. - LEARNED about the county employee tobacco policy from Health Department Educator Caitlin Mathews. - DISCUSSED changes in presentation as a result of new payroll software. -APPROVED two special hauling permits for Denoon Lumber for Cinder, Avon and Bay roads in Fox Township. A $50,000 bond has been posted for each permit. - APPROVED a request for funds in the amount of $24,000 for the Community Housing Impact and Preservation Grant. - AUTHORIZED a special hauling permit for Hawkhaven for $550 for soil evaluation on Kensington Road. - PERMITTED a special hauling permit to Windy Oak for $200 for test holes on Kensington Road. - ALSO signed a special hauling permit for M & M Sawmill for Apollo Road with a $50,000 bond posted.

obits pg. 4

By NANCY SCHAAR FPS Correspondent

Gary Lee, Jr. appeared before Municipal Court Judge Gary Willen and changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. Lee was arrested March 8 and charged with three misdemeanor counts of public indecency after plain clothed deputies allegedly saw him exposing himself to a young girl as she got off the school bus at her home. After Lee changed his plea and waived his constitutional rights, Judge Gary Willen said that each count carried a $750 fine and 90 days in jail. Lee had been held on a $100,000 cash bond, but Willen said that bond has now been revoked. Lee remains in the county jail. Through the school resource office, Carroll County Sheriff Dale Williams had a deputy ride the school bus and the bus was followed with two more

opinion pg. 5

plain clothed officers who also witnessed the exposure. Lee allegedly admitted to deputies during questioning that he had committed the act and had done so on other occasions as well. If Lee had been released on bond, he was not permitted to have any contact with any child under the age of 18, be placed with a GPS monitor, and remain at least 1,000 yards away from any child under the age of 18. Protestors gathered on the square Friday, March 15, to question the prosecutor why felony charges weren’t filed. Protestors were upset that a man charged recently with beating a dog received a stiffer sentence than Lee did. County Prosecutor Steven Barnett said he was limited by the law as to the charges that could be filed against Lee. Barnett said “the laws regarding public indecency needs to have more teeth for circumstances such as this”. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered by the court and Lee will appear before Judge Willen again Wednesday, April 24 at 10 a.m.

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