Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 4:28AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
Gusty winds from 35 to 40 mph this afternoon could blow around unsecured items. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor items.
Today 53° Today 53° 32° 32° Tomorrow 41° Tomorrow 41° 21° 21°
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Board members seek input from village contractors

By William Kincaid
FORT RECOVERY - Several village contractors will be asked to share their thoughts and opinions with school officials about renovation of the high school.
Board members on Tuesday evening spent over an hour in a work session discussing facility needs.
District voters in November overwhelmingly defeated a levy that would help pay for the construction of a $10.8 million high school with state funding assistance.
Board members agreed that doing nothing is not an option and decided to ask 14 builders and contractors to attend a meeting likely to be held at the end of the month with officials from the school and Garmann/Miller & Associates, Minster. They hope the professionals can aid in developing, as well as lend credibility to, a renovation plan of the high school.
Board member Dan Kahlig said there is a risk that the contractors will not come to a consensus.
"It's still going to be the board's responsibility," board member Jack Staugler said about future action.
Recent surveys show there are many different reasons why people feel the levy failed. Treasurer Lori Koch expressed frustration at trying to come to a decision that would be accepted by more people.
"To me, there's absolutely no way that running the same levy would result in a different result in May - not unless something very drastic happens," Staugler said, adding that it would be foolish to waste time on an option that residents don't want.
Newly-elected board president Dave Hull said he is torn on the issue, explaining he believes a new high school would save money over 25 years and provide great benefits.
"I just think that's the best long-term decision for the school," he said, adding it's hard to let go of that conviction.
Asked how he would go about keeping the option alive, Hull said he didn't know and said he isn't against renovating the current high school.
"I'm not opposed to anything," he said.
Board member Ginny Fortkamp suggested the board wait to put the levy back on the ballot until August when there may be a change of heart among voters. The chance of the levy's passing this summer would be slim to none, board member Steve Wendel responded.
The board also discussed asking the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) - which is offering the district $5.5 million to build a 47,000-square-foot high school onto the elementary/middle school building - to change the scope of the project. Superintendent Pat Niekamp said OSFC officials will not like the idea, but may consider it.
Koch said if the district doesn't pass a levy this year to secure the necessary $5.3 million in local tax dollars, the project is considered "lapsed." Any future project after becoming a lapsed district would require that taxpayers first front money before OSFC would match that contribution.
Currently, OSFC is fronting the money and waiting for the district to come up with its match, she said.
According to an assessment from Garmann/Miller & Associates, the current high school - with portions dating back to 1935 - needs a $2.28 million HVAC replacement, $171,000 worth of new roofs, a $250,000 electrical system upgrade and $250,000 in technology improvements. It would cost the district $4.8 million to renovate the facility to extend its life another 30 to 40 years.
Additional online story on this date
A county agency that offers programs for mentally and physically challenged clients is seeking to renew a property tax levy in May.
Mike Overman, s [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
Residents woke up this morning to just more than 5 inches of snow.
The snowfall was the largest so far this winter, topping the 4 inches that fell Dec. 14.
MINSTER - Minster school board members on Tuesday night unanimously agreed to ask voters for a five-year 1 percent income tax at the May election.
NEW BREMEN - Village officials plan to seek an enhancement grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation to upgrade the Miami and Erie Canal towpath between New Bremen and Minster.
Auglaize County
The health board approved a budget for 2011, but whether it will be enough to meet the agency's needs is anybody's guess, according to officials.
T
A 42-year-old Celina man was arrested on drug charges Tuesday afternoon by the Grand Lake Task Force, with officers seizing the largest amount of heroin ever found in the area at one site.
Mercer County
A Warsaw, Ind., company was awarded a contract to spray weeds along Mercer County roadways this year.
Mercer County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a contract with The Daltons who had submitted the lowest of three bids - $48.50 per mile and $18,575 overall - for the service.
COLDWATER - T&C Computer Services has opened a larger store at 870 E. Main St. in the Coldwater Mall.
Tregory Pierce and his wife, Carrie, moved th
MINSTER - Local residents Mike and Sarah Wakefield recently opened the 4th Street Chop Haus in downtown Minster.
"Minster already has a lot of bar
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
The Celina swim and dive team wrapped up its dual/tri match schedule over the weekend in beating St. Marys in a WBL dual at the YMCA.