Tuesday, June 11th, 2019

St. Marys

Council OKs eminent domain to gain building

By Sydney Albert
ST. MARYS - City council members unanimously passed an ordinance Monday authorizing the city to pursue an eminent domain claim on a downtown building.
City officials for months have been eyeing the Palm building, 101-103 W. Spring St., as a new municipal office. A resolution declaring the city's intent to appropriate the building was first introduced in February.
The property owner reportedly has been notified of the city's intent as required by law, according to city law director Kraig Noble. Noble said in February that various entreaties had been made to the Palm building's owner over the years with no response. The property's title is held in the name of a corporation that "no longer exists on the books" and is no longer recognized by the state, he continued.
The current municipal building is about a century old, and council president Jim Harris has cited several issues, including water leaks and crumbling ceilings, as reasons for needing a new building.
The ordinance will allow the city to file a petition for appropriation in Auglaize County Common Pleas Court.
In other business, seven local children were recognized by city council members for raising more than $1,225 at a lemonade stand for the tornado victims of Celina.
Upon hearing the news of the tornado's devastation, Caroline Bills, 10, CJ Bills, 7, Alyvia and Kalle Halko, 8, Ella Schlarman, 9, Taylor Brotherwood, 10, and Gabe Brotherwood, 7, reportedly set up a lemonade stand May 31 and continued selling drinks until June 2.
Council members recognized the children for their thoughtfulness and determination to help, exemplifying the important contributions young people can make.
"This is a good life lesson not only to these young people, but to all people what it means to give," the resolution reads.
The children and their families received copies of the resolution, and the children received a standing ovation for their efforts.
A check will be presented to Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel sometime next week, according to St. Marys Mayor Patrick McGowen.
Council members also,
• passed under rule suspension an emergency ordinance approving an agreement to accept a $100,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to fund a splash pad to be installed on High Street.
• discussed possible downtown revitalizations efforts and ways to bring businesses downtown. Council members recommended the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce create a more concrete plan that the city could then assist with.
Additional online stories on this date
CELINA - City council members spent most of Monday night's meeting saluting a slew of organizations and volunteers who raced to the residents' aid in the aftermath of Memorial Day's E3 tornado that ripped through northwestern Celina. [More]
Baseball Dream Team
Wiss, Harlamert share Dream Team Coach of the Year; Wenning named Player of the Year
Minster's Mike Wiss and Coldwater's Brian Harlamert have been friends, teammates, groomsmen at each other's weddings, competed on opposite sides as coaches and won state championships with their respective schools. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
St. Henry
ST. HENRY - School board members on Monday agreed to increase pay for union members, classified employees and some administrators.
Sixty-six St. H
MARIA STEIN - School board members at Monday's meeting voted to proceed with renewing a 1.8-mill, five-year permanent improvement levy.
The measure
CELINA - A psychologist has determined a Coldwater man charged with aggravated murder has no mental disability that would allow him to avoid a possible death penalty, according to his defense team.
New Bremen residents oppose location
NEW BREMEN - The location of a new electrical substation continues to be a contentious issue among residents.
Residents filled the room for the third straight meeting both to hear and debate about the location options, which have now been whittled down to two.
ST. HENRY - The town square tornado siren should have sounded during the May 27 storm, village administrator Ron Gelhaus told council members Monday night.
COLDWATER - Street crews have been busy getting Memorial Park and the pool ready for summer, village administrator/engineer Eric Thomas said in a roundup of work being done around town.
WAPAKONETA - The Auglaize County Board of Elections office will be closed June 17-19 to allow representatives to attend the Ohio Secretary of State s
FORT RECOVERY - The Fort Recovery Harvest Jubilee is back and better than ever Wednesday through Sunday at Ambassador Park, according to organizers.
Area Roundup
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Ethan Lehmkuhl pitched a two-hitter and the Wildcats made the quick turnaround from spring baseball to ACME baseball with an 11-0 win over the Rockets on Monday night in Anna.