From Thursday
Fla. man pleads guilty to stealing TVs
    A Florida man who, with a relative, participated in the thefts of large-screen televisions from the local Wal-Mart store changed his plea to guilty on three counts of theft, all fifth-degree felonies.
    Bradley J. Hollar, 37, of Clermont, Fla., entered a plea of guilty to the three theft counts during a hearing held Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.
According to a Van Wert police investigation, Hollar and a relative, James H. Hollar, apparently stole televisions on three separate occasions from the local Wal-Mart store between January and March of 2007. On at least one occasion, Bradley Hollar dressed in a Wal-Mart employee’s blue vest to steal five televisions. Value of the stolen TVs was $6,887.
    Judge Charles D. Steele ordered a presentence investigation in the case and set sentencing for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25.
    Also Wednesday, a man involved in an assault on two young girls was given community control after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault charges.

Bradley Hollar looks around the courtroom prior to changing his plea on theft charges related to the theft of televisions from the Van Wert Wal-Mart store earlier this year. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent

Glenn Feathers, 45, of Delphos, was sentenced to one year of community control on each of two counts of assault, both misdemeanors of the first degree. Feathers had originally

been indicted in December 2007 on separate counts of felonious assault and assault by the county grand jury.
    According to court records, Feathers participated in the assault on a girlfriend’s young daughter, as well as another young girl who was in the residence at the time. The assault took place November, 12, 2007, at a Delphos home.

    As part of his sentence, Feathers must serve 30 days in jail immediately and then be placed on electronically monitored house arrest for an additional 60 days. In addition, he must not have any contact with the alleged victims.
    On a positive note, a Van Wert man who was sentenced to three years community control on a drug possession charge seems to be working hard to turn his life around.
Jeremy R. Workman, 27, was originally arrested by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department after a traffic stop in April 2007, when he was found to have Oxycodone and Methadone in his possession.
    While on community control, Workman will have to spend 30 days in jail at a time chosen by his probation supervisor and perform up to 200 hours of community service.
It was noted during Workman’s sentencing hearing that both his attorney and the Adult Probation Department felt he had made great strides in turning his life around.
    At the other end of the spectrum was Terry Short of Lima, who was found to have violated the diversion program he was in back in June 2007 by not making child support payments.
Short, who was placed in the diversion program after being convicted of a charge of non-support of dependents, had been ordered to make monthly child support payments, but had failed to do so since November 2007.
    Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 5.
    A Grover Hill man also charged with non-support of dependents was placed in a diversion program, where he must make monthly child support payments or face further penalties, including prison.

5/15

Farmer speaks to locked-out workers

    Former Van Wert mayor Don Farmer had more than just words of encouragement for locked-out employees of Kongsberg Automotive’s Van Wert plant when he visited the union hall on Pleasant Street on Wednesday.

    Farmer brought 18 tickets with him to motivational speaker Michael Angelo Caruso’s Lead and Succeed Seminar at The Marsh Foundation Auditorium to be distributed free to workers. Foster Chiropractic, Olympic Lanes, Straley Realty & Auctioneers, The Woods Golf Club and Lee Kinstle’s GM Sales & Service sponsored the tickets, which cost $25 apiece.

    “So we have 18 tickets here,” the former mayor said. “I’d like to have 315, but that was an impossibility.”
    Farmer told Kongsberg workers at the union hall that Caruso’s seminar would be a “positive, uplifting session that you might leave with a little brighter mindset” and also urged workers to take advantage of other community resources, such as the County Department of Job and Family Services and Vantage Career Center’s Adult Education classes.
    Noting that he was speaking as a private citizen only, and not in any official capacity, Farmer contrasted the community commitment of a company like Central Insurance to Kongsberg – and found the Norwegian-based company lacking.
    Stating that a recent article on Central President/CEO Bill Purmort’s receiving recognition from Junior Achievement had quotes from Purmort on how he feels his company needs to be good community citizens, the former mayor added, “In my view, from outside, I don’t think Kongsberg has been a good corporate citizen.”
    Farmer went on urge Kongsberg employees to make plans for the future. “Things will get better,” the former mayor said. “I know they look grim now, but they will get better.”
5/12

From Wednesday
Dems seek to impeach A-G Marc Dann

    The Ohio House Democratic Caucus has filed Articles of Impeachment against

Attorney General Marc Dann, accusing Dann of misconduct and malfeasance in office.

Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) said Democrats first called on Dann to resign. She then selected three attorney representatives to explore an impeachment process if he refused to step down.
    “We have identified a pattern of misconduct that we believe rises to the level of impeachable offenses,” said State Representatives Dan Dodd (D-Hebron), Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta) and Mark Okey (D-Carrollton) in a joint statement. “We promised the people of Ohio to end a culture of corruption that existed in the past, and we are fulfilling that promise by cleaning our own house when events and circumstances warrant.”
    The nine Articles of Impeachment filed Tuesday morning are based on sworn deposition testimony from the attorney’s general internal investigation (Espy Report) and other statements. The Articles include:

• Malfeasance and improper exercise of authority: Obstructed the investigation into allegations of sexual harassment within his office.

• Malfeasance: Willfully and intentionally issues misleading statements under oath.

• Nonfeasance and gross neglect of duty: Neglected to perform the official duties of his office and, by his own admission, was not competent or qualified to execute the duties of the office of attorney general.

• Nonfeasance and neglect: Failed to exercise due care in the administration of the office because he knew or should have known his personal conduct contributed to and allowed the creation of a hostile work environment.

• Nonfeasance and neglect: Failed to exercise due care to ensure the safety and security of state property.

• Nonfeasance and neglect: Failed to investigate and prohibit improper use of state property.

• Nonfeasance and neglect: Knew of should have known of the misuse of state property for personal business.

• Gross neglect of duty: Committed acts of gross neglect of duty by undermining the integrity of his office: bringing disrepute upon the office; betraying the public trust as Ohio’s chief law enforcement officer; undermining the effectiveness and efficiency of the office.

• Gross immorality: Committed acts of gross immorality and knew or should have known that his personal conduct undermined the effectiveness and efficiency of the office.

    “This process is about accountability, and after a thorough review of the facts, we believe it is time to hold the attorney general accountable for his actions: Reps. Dodd, Garrison and Okey said. “We will not allow this pattern of misconduct to overshadow the important work being done on behalf of the people of Ohio. These articles outline the case for us to move forward to address this situation and continue the work of promoting our state and protecting our constituents, undeterred by this distraction.”
5/14

Senior citizens crown king & queen
    There’s new royalty in town as area seniors crowned a new king and queen on Tuesday during a luncheon held at JEHMMS Banquet & Convention Center.
    The 2008 Senior King and Queen, Ethel Flowers and Charles Rogers, were crowned prior to the luncheon by last year’s king and queen, Jerry and Judy Christener. Others nominated for the honor were Duane and Betty Wolford and Vearl “Whitey” and Lois Ellis.
    Cindy Wood, executive director of the Van Wert County Council on Aging, which sponsors the luncheon as part of its celebration of Senior Citizens Month, thanked seniors for their contributions to the community.
    “You deserve so much more than this banquet we hold here today,” Wood told the several hundred seniors who attended the event.

    Another well-known senior citizen, County Commissioner Gary Adams, read a proclamation proclaiming the day “Senior Citizens Day” and several of the seniors later danced to the music Bill Corfield of Timeless Entertainment.
    Father Michael Zacharias of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church gave the prayer prior to the luncheon being served.
Last year’s senior royalty, Jerry and Judy Christener, crown 2008 Senior King and Queen Charles Rogers and Ethel Flowers. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
5/14

State joins seat belt awareness push
    The Ohio Department of Public Safety is joining law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners to participate in a national seat belt safety mobilization aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of the proper use of seat belts. This year’s campaign focuses on convincing more motorists to buckle up – day and night.
    In 2007, there were 629 fatalities on Ohio’s roads where motorists or passengers were unbelted, an increase from 599 fatalities where motorists were unbelted in 2006. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in 2006, 15,046 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., and 64 percent of those killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crashes.

    “Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” said ODPS Director Henry Guzman. “We are committed to working with partners across the state and lending whatever resources we can offer to educate Ohioans about the importance of buckling up, every trip, every time.”
    Throughout the mobilization, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO), a division of ODPS, is supporting state and regional efforts for the campaign. More than 900 local law enforcement agencies are partnering with that agency to raise awareness for and enforce Ohio’s seat belt laws. If a motorist is pulled over for another violation and is not buckled up, he or she will get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt. Stepped-up enforcement activities will be conducted during the national Click or Ticket enforcement mobilization May 19-June 1.
    “Seat belts save lives; unfortunately, too many people still need a reminder, so we are going to be out in force buckling down on those who are not buckled up,” said Colonel Richard H. Collins, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, but not wearing it could cost you everything.”
    Observational seat belt surveys conducted last year show Ohio’s overall seat belt usage rate was nearly identical to 2006’s rate of about 82 percent. The surveys also show seat belt use is lowest among the following segments of Ohio’s population: the southeast region of the state, pickup truck drivers and passengers, male drivers and passengers, and drivers and passengers between the ages of 15 and 25. ODPS is working to focus efforts to increase seat belt use in these areas to help save lives and reach the statewide usage rate goal of 85 percent.
    Each year, GHSO distributes approximately $7.5 million in federal funds to law enforcement grantees, Safe Community and other organizations addressing traffic safety to conduct enforcement and awareness efforts aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, increasing seat belt usage and decreasing the number of alcohol-related fatal crashes.
Around the state, GHSO grantees will be holding kick-off events to raise awareness for the Click It or Ticket campaign. A list of local events and other Click It or Ticket information can be found online at www.highwaysafetyoffice.ohio.gov.
5/14

Senate OKs flood insurance reforms

    U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) has announced passage of legislation that would make much-needed reforms in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    “As we’ve seen in Ohio in the past few years, flood insurance isn’t just important to people who live on the coasts,” Brown said. “The National Flood Insurance Program provides important protections for families who live in areas prone to flooding. However, it needs to be updated.”

    The bill adopted by the Senate Tuesday (S. 2284) is designed to put the program on a sound financial footing so that premiums will cover the likely cost of claims in the years ahead.  Over time, people would be required to pay the full price for flood insurance on second homes, businesses, and homes that suffer repeated losses.

    The bill includes a provision authored by Brown that would allow individual policyholders who live in condominiums to file claims for flooding in 2005 and 2006, despite a provision in the law that currently prevents them from doing so. A similar measure was included in a House companion bill last year by Ohio Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township).

    “A home or business damaged by flood waters can mean financial ruin for some Ohio families unless they get help,” Brown said. “It is imperative that Congress does all it can to prevent an unfortunate event from becoming a family tragedy.”

    The bill also creates a program for modernizing the flood-mapping program so that flood maps are updated, accurate, and readily available.
5/14

Osenbaugh earns Woman's Club grant
    Louise Tingley, chairman of the grant committee of the Van Wert Woman's Club, announced that Jade Osenbaugh, a senior at Van Wert High School, is the recipient of the club's Fryer-Evans Grant.  She was also a past recipient of the STAR award given by the club.  Osenbaugh is the daughter of Jan Osenbaugh and John Osenbaugh, and the granddaughter of Don and Mary Ellen Thomas. 

    She is vice president of Beta Club, a member of the Service Pack, and advertising editor on the high school newspaper, The Cougar's Roar.  Through high school, Osenbaugh has been the treasurer of the Spanish Club, as well as serving as the school mascot, Clawd.  Through her senior project, she volunteers at the Humane Society.

    Osenbaugh has also been active in the athletic program. She is a two-year volleyball letter winner and a team captain for one year.  She is a four-year letter winner in track and field, competing in the shotput and discus events.

    Osenbaugh will be employed by Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert this summer as a state-tested nursing assistant and plans to attend Ohio State University in the fall to pursue a career in the medical field. 
5/14

From Tuesday
Sidewalk issue discussion hits snag
    The discussion on city sidewalks hit a fundamental snag during a meeting of Van Wert City Council’s Streets & Alleys Committee on Monday.
    With Council poised to introduce legislation that would implement a policy calling for repair or replacement of dilapidated city sidewalks, opposition to the policy came from those who feel the policy is fundamentally unfair, since it does not require owners of property without sidewalks to install them in the name of safety.
    According to Second Ward Councilman Steve Gehres, who chairs the committee, the issue comes down to, in his words: “Can the city, in all fairness, force sidewalks to be repaired when others don’t have sidewalks at all?”

    Gehres urged city residents to express their feelings on the subject to their respective Council representative prior to the next meeting on the issue, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, August 11. Moving the meeting to August was needed to give the city administration a chance to do a survey on trees in city tree lawns and make recommendations on which should be removed.
    A second meeting of the Streets & Alleys Committee was scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 – prior to the next Council meeting, which was moved to Wednesday because of Memorial Day. That meeting will deal with no-parking areas in the city.
    The regular meeting of City Council that followed the Streets & Alleys Committee meeting was uneventful, overall, although there was some good news on a building permit fight between the city and local developer Ali Ziakam. Law Director Greg Unterbrink, during his report to Council, reported that he had updated a legal opinion on the issue and had resolved the problem to the satisfaction of both sides in the dispute.
    Also on Monday, City Council adopted legislation authorizing Phase II of the Burt Street water project on first and final reading, while also approving a then and now certificate requested by City Auditor Martha Balyeat.
    Balyeat also addressed some financial concerns, including areas of city revenue that are lagging. While the city is $458,000 ahead of last year in revenue collections, Balyeat said that was due to an inheritance tax windfall.
    Without the windfall, revenues would have been mostly flat, Balyeat noted, adding that declining interest rates and income tax withholding totals seem to indicate funding problems in the future. Interest rates have dropped nearly in half, with new certificates of deposit earning interest rates of only 2-3 percent, while replacing CDs earning approximately 5 percent in interest.
    Income tax withholding was also down approximately $40,000, which Balyeat said seems to indicate that either not as many taxpayers are working, or, if they are working, they’re earning lower wages.
    Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming noted that Washington Street work was nearly done, adding that contractors are waiting for drier weather to fill in low areas with dirt. He also noted that demolition of the former Van Wert Greenhouse building was moved back when the contractor doing the work got a contract to do site work for the new McDonald’s restaurant being built on the site of the original Van Wert McDonald’s on South Shannon Street.

    Third Ward Councilman Gary Corcoran scheduled a Finance Committee meeting for 6 p.m. May 28 to discuss the airport runway capital project, which will be going forward this summer, although some federal funding for the project won’t likely be received this year.
    The administration also will be meeting to iron out any remaining issues related to the city’s public records policy -- something the state is mandating for all political subdivisions.
5/13

VW to be center of yard sale world
    Coming this August to a local yard near you – the 2008 Lincoln Highway and 127 Yard Sales. Local residents will be able to shop from east to west and/or from north to south across Ohio for just about any bargain of their dreams.
    The Ohio Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is planning its third yard sale across the state from Thursday, August 7, through Saturday, August 9; and the “World’s Longest Yard Sale” is back for its 21st year, from Wednesday, August 6, through Sunday, August 10.  Van Wert is the only location where these two sales intersect, and, according to Larry Lee, executive director of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, yard sale enthusiasts jump at the chance to shop two great sales in the same location.  Lee also points out that 2008 is one the few years when the sales take place on the very same days, making it an even more exciting time for shoppers.

    This year, every county along U.S. 127 in Ohio will participate, from the tiny village of Fayette in northern Ohio to the thriving metropolis of Hamilton near the Ohio River. The entire sale route encompasses nearly 700 miles ending in Gadsden, Ala.
Nationally, thousands of people participate each year as vendors.  A front lawn may be turned into a showcase as items are displayed.  People come from near and far to view this spectacular event. Folks come from all across the country by car, truck, motor home or plane. Some fly in, rent a car, travel the route and ship the newfound treasures back home. Some pull a trailer behind a truck, park the trailer somewhere and run around in the truck seeking items. Many visitors plan their vacations around the sale event, with some traveling the entire 700 miles. Others may opt to spend their time in a selected area, and venture off the beaten path to discover the history and charm of the land.

     The historic Lincoln Highway was built in 1913 as the nation’s first paved transcontinental highway, and has been the subject of magazine articles, TV specials and numerous books. 

    Based on the success of the 127 Yard Sale, the Ohio Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor established the Lincoln Highway Yard Sale in 2005.  Vendors reported excellent sales and buyers were elated with the bargains they found.  Soon thereafter, the neighboring states of Indiana and West Virginia wanted in on the action.  This year the sales will stretch from West Virginia through Illinois, with the hope that eventually participants all along the 3,390 miles of the highway will join in the fun and frenzy.

    Locally, the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has made arrangements with the Van Wert County Fairgrounds and owners of the Towne Center shopping area to allow vendors to set up in those locations.  These are ideal places for vendors – high visibility and easy accessibility should be an open invitation to shoppers. There will be plenty of off-highway parking and lots of space for displaying items.  Such arrangements are perfect for vendors who want to take part, but who do not live on either of these two highways.  More information can be obtained by calling the Van Wert Area CVB at 419.238.9378.

    While these sales will bring hundreds of bargain-hunters to the Van Wert area, other activities planned for that weekend will likely increase the tourist traffic even more.  On Friday evening, August 8, the legendary Rock & Roll group The Diamonds will be appearing in the final concert of this year’s Fountain Park Summer Music Series. With mega-hits like “Little Darlin’”, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” and, of course, “The Stroll”, this concert is sure to be crowd-pleaser! 

    On Saturday, August 9, the Van Wert County Historical Society will host its second annual Antique Tractor Ride across southern Van Wert County. The Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will also be hosting its second annual Van Wert Rib Cook-Off at the fairgrounds from noon to midnight, featuring live entertainment, Wiffleball tournaments for youth and adults, and a cornhole tournament.

    For more information about any of these events, contact the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at the above number or by email at info@visitvanwert.org.  
5/13

Tickets going fast for Caruso seminar
    There a not many tickets left for a  leadership seminar being conducted by Michael Angelo Caruso at the Marsh Foundation Auditorium on Wednesday, May 21. The program is entitled “Lead and Succeed.”
    Organizers said that only about 40 tickets remain for the three-hour seminar, which is to be held from 1:15-4:15 p.m. May 21 and will offer strategies on how to be an effective leader. Key ideas to be presented fall into three categories: “Plan for Success,” “People

are Your Greatest Resource” and “Help Others See Their Potential.” Van Wert Rotary Club and the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the event.
    Caruso, who has delivered more than 2,000 presentations and keynote speeches in

Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and 49 of the 50 states, has been educating and motivating audiences for more than 15 years.
    “Everyone had the potential to improve in three major ways,” Caruso said in an interview when asked what he had learned during the last decade. “Each of us can be an even better person, an even better leader and all of us can be more influential.”
An accomplished writer, Caruso is author of the 5 Cool Ideas book series, the audio book, Dear Michael Angelo – A Father’s Life Lessons to His Son, and the FastLearner audio series, a combination of CDs and e-books for personal and professional development.
    Caruso is based in Royal Oak, Mich. His company, the Edison House, attracts clients from all the major sectors of industry and government, including Hallmark, the National Institutes of Health, Rayovac, the United States Navy, Chase Bank and Verizon Wireless.
    Past attendees speak highly of the training. After attending a Caruso seminar, Aaron Johnson of Honeywell International, said: “Michael is definitely devoted to excellence. His program is filled with exciting tools to use in everyday life.” Donna Pettito of Pfizer noted: “Very dynamic presentation. Real-life examples. One of the best instructors I’ve had.”
    Admission to the Lead to Succeed seminar is $25, which includes an interactive handout. For more information about the event and to obtain tickets, contact the Chamber office at 419.238.4390 or stop in at 118 W. Main St. in Van Wert.
    For more information on Caruso’s presentations, access the following online links:
www.edisonhouse.com; www.carusoblog.typepad.com; www.myragantv.com/video/?d=207; and www.edisonhouse.com/VideoClips.html.
5/13

VW native to open for Gorka concert

    Van Wert native Ryan Holliday has signed to be the opening act for the legendary John

Gorka for a concert to be held in October at the Marsh Foundation Auditorium.
Holliday is an accomplished piano player, singer, and performer who began playing piano at the age of 4 and quickly developed his gift of playing by ear. He has spent the last year traveling the state on the “Stand Your Ground” tour with speaker and former Ohio State football player Joel Penton, performing in front of thousands of middle school and high school students.
    November 2007 saw Holliday celebrate the release of his four-song EP entitled The Music of Ryan Holliday.
    John Gorka is one of the top singer songwriters in the country. His video for the single “When She Kisses Me” found a long-term rotation on VH-1’s “Current Country,” as well as on CMT and the Nashville Network.
    Gorka has also graced the stage of Austin City Limits and performed with Mary Chapin Carpenter.
    “John's songs are timeless, he's far more than

just an entertainer; he's an entire generation's poet. Listening to John Gorka sing, one can get goose bumps all over. There are many reasons – fresh lyrics, a stunning emotional baritone voice, his twisted humor – but to focus on one limits the experience.”  New York Times

    To purchase tickets or to hear a sample of the artist’s music, visit the Visionary Promotions website at www.visionarypromotions.org. Seating will be limited for the concert, which will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 11, so order now.
5/13

From Monday
Barbershoppers entertain in NPAC
    Pope Gregory I had to be a fan of monophonic music, didn't he? After all, those monotonal Gregorian chants are named for him (and Catholics and Lutherans know what

they’re like). That said, even old Greg Dialogus, a particularly religious guy we hear, would have loved the heavenly harmonies that emanated from the Niswonger Performing Arts

Center of Northwest Ohio on Saturday.
    Four area barbershop choruses: Summit City Chorus of Fort Wayne, Ind., the Lima Beane Chorus, the Northwesternaires from Defiance and the Grand Lake Sound Waves from the Mercer-Auglaize County area, entertained with that inimitable barbershop sound: close four-part harmonies, balance between parts and equal dollops of drama and humor.

    All four choruses did their share of traditional barbershop fare (“If You Knew Susie,” etc.), but leavened that with hymns sung in barbershop style and other non-traditional songs done in barbershop style.
    Award-winning barbershop quartet Park Avenue really teed off, though, as members Don Pullins (bass), Dr. Matthew Bridger (baritone), Mark Nofziger (tenor) and Gary Wulf (lead) got the crowd laughing and applauding with their off-kilter versions of traditional barbershop melodies dressed in golfing terms. The Columbus group’s golfing costumes (knickers, Argyle and all) were also a big hit for the large audience.
    As the ending concert to a successful first full season in the NPAC, the barbershop concert provided a local connection, some great music and, again, those wonderful harmonies. In addition, since the barbershoppers have some loyal area fans, a number of new faces were likely in the audience for Saturday’s concert.
    Paul Hoverman and his NPAC staff are probably hoping to see some of those faces back this summer for the Summer Concert Series in Fountain Park and – even more importantly – this fall when the second full season begins at the Niswonger with four Community Concert Series performances and a number of regular events to be announced soon.
Summit City Chorus members from Fort Wayne, Ind., show off their sartorial splendor, as well as the beauty of their harmonies, during Saturday’s barbershop concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
5/12

Purmort to be honored with JA award    This Thursday, May 15, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana will salute Bill Purmort, president and CEO of Central Insurance Companies, as a 2008 Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame laureate. He will join others who have been inducted since the Hall of Fame was established in 1984.  The recognition will be presented at Junior

Achievement’s annual BEL (Business and Education Leadership) Awards ceremony, to be held at the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne, with awards beginning at 7:30 p.m.

    Junior Achievement serving Van Wert County, a part of Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, provides economic education to students across Van Wert County. During the current 2007-08 school year, 1,500 students are being served by Junior Achievement’s in-school and JA BizTown and Lincoln Finance Park programs.

    “Across every vibrant region of the country, business leaders like Bill Purmort are creating jobs, encouraging employee growth and shaping the successful companies that are essential to a community’s economy. While fulfilling the personal and professional commitments which ensure family, business and community success, he and others are also sharing their experience with the next generation, and they are giving time and financial resources to their communities,” says Pat Jackson, Board President, Junior Achievement serving Van Wert County.

    The annual BEL awards celebrate young people and the educators, volunteers and business leaders who support Junior Achievement’s goal of giving students the competitive edge to succeed in the global economy. The event will also celebrate Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana as one of the very best JAs in the nation – ranked third for instructional contact hours provided when compared to other Junior Achievement organizations across the country (click here for more info on Central and Purmort).
5/12

VW Council again to discuss sidewalks
    Van Wert City Council members will again discuss city sidewalks – mostly, their repair and replacement – during a Streets & Alleys Committee meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. today.
    The discussion is a continuation of one begun in April seeking a solution to crumbling and uneven sidewalks in the community.
    Following that meeting at 7:30 will be a regular meeting of the full City Council, although there isn’t much on the agenda in the way of pending legislation to deal with.
    The meeting will feature reports of city officials and updates on meetings held by various City Council standing committees.
    Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.
5/12

Fire marshal seeks to prevent arson
    In recognition of National Arson Awareness Week, which was held last week, State Fire Marshal Michael Bell reminded Ohio residents that they play an important role in protecting themselves and their property against the crime of arson.
    “It’s important for citizens to know they can help us prevent the crime of arson from occurring on their property,” said the state fire marshal. “Citizens can reduce the chance that they will be a victim of the crime of arson by taking a few simple steps and remaining vigilant.”
    Every year in Ohio, deliberately set fires cause millions of dollars of damage. The National Fire Protection Association indicates that more than 12,000 vacant structure fires are reported each year across the nation and more than 70 percent of those are intentionally set or suspicious.
    “Many of these fires can be prevented if everyone is more responsive to our local fire and law enforcement departments’ call for community support in the battle against arson,” Bell said.
    The state fire marshal recommends that owners of vacant structures take the following preventive measures:

• Clear refuse, trees and brush away from structures.

• Illuminate the property with exterior lights.

• Disconnect utilities at the street, have meters capped and remove any fuel tanks from the property.

• Remove any combustible items, including furniture and trash, from the structure.

• Property secure, or remove, copper wiring.

• Remove doors and storm windows and securely board up the structure using plywood, lumber and bolts.

    The U.S. Fire Administration also provides tips on how to properly secure a vacant structure at its website at www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/napi4.pdf.
    Those who know or suspect arson has been committed should also contact their local fire department or the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau at 1.800.589.2728.
5/12

From Saturday
Relay for Life 2008 kicks off
    This year’s Relay for Life fundraiser, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, kicked off Friday evening, led by the traditional Survivors’ Lap following a walk by some of the survivors from the YWCA to Fountain Park, where the event is being held.
    The annual Relay for Life Luminary Service was also held Friday night to honor those stricken by the cancer. There were plenty of other activities ongoing Friday night and this morning, including a used book sale, food sales, bands, disc jockeys, bagpipers, on-site massages, CJ’s Shaved Ice, clowns, youth activities, face painting, “pudgy pies”, and marshmallows, among other things.
    A “Crop for Life” all-night scrapbooking session was held overnight, as well as a “Kids for a Cure” lap and a performance by dancers from Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks. Van Wert firefighters also served chicken dinners Friday night.
    Today’s events include the Duck Race at 9 this morning and a performance by the TRSS Drum Corps from Dayton, beginning at 10 a.m.
    A related event will take place in June, as proceeds from a basketball tournament to be held at the YMCA June 14 will also go to Relay for Life. For more information on that event, call Callie Miller at 419.203.4819.
Cancer survivors walk from the YWCA to Fountain Park to kick off this year’s Relay for Life fundraiser. The American Cancer Society event continues this morning. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
5/10

WBESC board honors retiring staffers
    The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center recognized three retiring employees and also approved a number of personnel contracts during its May meeting this week.
Honored were Claudia Elliot, an intervention teacher with 35 years of service; Mary Johns, an administrative assistant at the Van Wert ESC office with 18 years of service; and

Darlene Billman, with five years service as health coordinator at Antwerp Local School District. All three were presented with a small gift and a certificate honoring their years of service to the local schools.
    Also during the meeting, the board approved a number of personnel contracts, although some are contingent on state funding, while also authorizing a 2.5-percent salary increase for all administrative contracts and a similar base salary increase for all Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative (NOACSC) salary schedules. A 2-percent salary increase was approved for WBESC teaching and non-teaching employees and those who do not have a salary schedule placement.
    The following personnel contracts were approved:

• Continuing contracts – Melissa Drerup and Amy Recker (both contingent on DASL state funding) and Denise McDaniel.

• Limited contracts (non-certified) – Chris Keller, Devin Launder and Janice Ditto (all contingent on DASL funding), Scott Schaffner and Jennifer Schwartz.

• Administrative contracts – Lora Lawrence and Travis Thomas (both contingent on DASL funding) and Sharon Lawley.

    The board also hired Catherine Bonifas on a one-year contract as a speech-language pathologist for the 2008-2009 school year, effective August 25. Bonifas has a master’s degree, plus 30 additional credit hours, and approximately nine years experience (click here for more board action).
5/10

Elks choose 2008 Student of the Year
    Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, held its Youth

Recognition Breakfast this past week, in conjunction with the Elks’ National Youth Week. Approximately 75 people, including students, parents, school guidance counselors and

principals, attended.
    During the breakfast, local scholarship participants and the winners were recognized by Dee Whitcraft, lodge scholarship committee chair. Also recognized were the local winners of the Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest.
    Student of the Month winners were each recognized and the lodge also named the Student of the Year winners. The two runners-up each received a $50 savings bond, as well as certificates. Each of the winners is also eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship through the Ohio Elks Association as part of the State Student of the Year Award.
    The four scholarship winners, along with their parents, will be the guests of the Ohio Elks Association at the Youth Day luncheon held in Dublin on Saturday, August 16.
Linda Stanley is the lodge Youth Activities Committee chair, as well as the Student of the Month program chair. Troy Miler is the lodge’s exalted ruler.
    Al Lautzenheiser, Grover Hill Elementary School principal and area sportscaster, was the featured speaker for the breakfast.
5/10

From Friday
YWCA offers Summer Food Program
    As part of its mission to empower women and children, the YWCA of Van Wert County will again be offering its Summer Food Service Program. The Ohio Child Nutrition Services agency and the United Way of Van Wert County sponsor the program.

    This year, the Summer Food Program at the YWCA will be offering breakfast and lunch during the program. The program begins Monday, June 9, and ends Friday, August 1. The program hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
    A free nutritious breakfast and lunch is available to any child up to 18 years old, and a free recreational program for children 4-12 years old. The YWCA will be offering a recreational camp with supervision after the Summer Food Program until 4:30 p.m.  Separate registration is required. Contact the YWCA for more details.

    Participants will enjoy healthy meals, games, field trips, swimming, crafts, mentoring, and self esteem-building activities.  All activities are well supervised by qualified mentors, supervisors, and lifeguards.

    The meal service portion of this program is provided without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  Any one who believes they have been discriminated against should write immediately to the administrator, Food Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.

    The YWCA is a not-for-profit organization and is funded by the Van Wert County Foundation, and the United Way Agency.
5/9

Venedocia Lions give to senior center
    The Venedocia Lions Club likes to put the money it raises, mostly by selling its popular sausage sandwiches, into a worthwhile project. It’s a trait that the Van Wert County Council on Aging can appreciate.
    The Venedocia Lions pledged $5,000 to the Council on Aging’s fundraising campaign to construct a new senior center. The COA is currently raising funds for the new center, to be located on Fox Road in Van Wert at the site of the former city-county swimming pool.

    "The Venedocia Lions Club is a good example of the great things happening in our community," said COA Executive Director Cindy Wood. "We're very appreciative to the club, not only for its donation to our new building fund, but for the many other good works the club is involved in."

    The Council is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that assists area senior citizens with transportation, chore work, information and referral, and many other services. The COA also provides a daily meal site for those ages 60 and over. For more information, call 419.238.5011.

    The Venedocia Lions Club is a regular contributor to charitable works in the community. The club has also been instrumental in providing wheelchair ramps for disabled people in the community.
The Venedocia Lions Club recently made a $5,000 pledge to the Van Wert County Council on Aging's fundraising drive to construct a new senior center. Present at the donation were Venedocia Lions Club members Jerry Koenig (left) and Bob Harter. Accepting the donation is COA Office Manager Therese Marshall. (photo submitted)
5/9

VW Boychoir announces spring concert
    The Van Wert Area Boychoir will present its Spring Concert on Sunday, May 18, at 3 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church. 

    The Boychoir is in its fourth successful year and is directed by Brian Anders of Lima. Melissa Clay accompanies the group. A free-will offering will be taken and refreshments will be served following the concert.

    The Boychoir recently hosted the All-Ohio Boychoir Festival with choirs from Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Parma performing. A non-profit organization, the goal of the Boychoir is to provide an opportunity for boys of all backgrounds to participate in a quality musical, cultural, and educational experience. The group has sung for various organizations throughout the community and has performed with the Lima Symphony.

    The Boychoir is looking for additional members and will be hosting its third annual Boychoir Camp on August 6-8.  The choir is open to any interested boy in grades 3-6. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 4-5:15 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church.

    For additional information about the Van Wert Area Boychoir, please contact Arla Allen at 419.238.6695.
5/9

Buehrer on transportation task force
    State Senator Steve Buehrer (R-1st District) was recently chosen to serve as a member of the 21^st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, a key group of state leaders and transportation industry experts, charged with developing a long-term plan for the growth of Ohio’s transportation system.

    “This is a tremendous opportunity to have a hand in the future direction of our state’s transportation system and, most importantly, be a voice at the table to represent the interests of northwest Ohio in important discussions that could impact the quality of life in our region,” said Buehrer, who is Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

    The 21^st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, which was established by the Ohio Department of Transportation, will focus on several key transportation issues, including the development of a safe, reliable, multi-modal system of transport, finding a sustainable funding source for future highway projects and using the state’s transportation infrastructure to spur economic growth in our local communities. The group will be responsible for presenting recommendations to the Governor, Legislature and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

    “A safe, easily-accessible, well-funded transportation system is paramount to our state’s economic success, particularly the ability of rural communities to attract business investment and create jobs,” explained Buehrer. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the task force to develop a comprehensive plan for Ohio’s transportation future that is mindful of our economy, the use of taxpayer dollars and the needs of our local communities.”

    The Transportation Priorities Task Force held its inaugural meeting on May 7 at the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Central Office in Columbus. Buehrer noted that the committee will also hold six regional public meetings across the state in the coming weeks to gather public input and discuss ideas, including a meeting on June 10 at the University of Toledo. For more information, visit http://transportationfortomorrow.ohio.gov.
5/9

'Healthy Minds' exceeds expectations
    The first annual “Healthy Minds are Happy Minds” early childhood mental health fair was held this past Friday, May 2, at the Van Wert YWCA.  The event drew more than 100 children and their families.

    “We were hoping for 30 children, and we far surpassed our goal,” says Tonia Verville, co-coordinator of the event.  “We are so glad that the Van Wert community sees the value of promoting positive emotional health in their young children.” 

    Westwood providers administered several screening tools, including the Parenting Stress Index, Conner’s Behavior Rating Scale, and Devereux Early Childhood Assessment.  Also on hand for the day was Cheryl Stauffer of Help Me Grow, who provided the Ages & Stages Social and Emotional screening questionnaire.  Vantage Career Center students enrolled in the Early Childhood program were on hand to help distribute materials, popcorn, cotton candy, and crafts.  There was plenty to keep children busy while their parents were completing screenings, including a bounce house and several carnival games.

    Westwood hopes to make this an annual event, designed to aid families in identifying the strengths and any areas of need with the mental health and behavior of their young children.  If you missed the event and would like a free mental health consultation for your birth to six year old, please call Westwood Behavioral Health Center at 419.238.3434. 

    The Early Childhood Mental Health Initiative, through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the local Tri-County Alcohol Drug Addiction Mental Health Services Board, funds the fair and consultations.
5/9

Latta opposes housing market bills
    U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-5th District) made the following statement after the House considered H.R. 5818, a bill that attempts to stabilize the housing market, and H.R. 3221, a bill to prevent home foreclosures. 

    “The two housing market bills considered by the House today punish American taxpayers who have paid their mortgages on time with a $3 billion tax increase brought on by predatory lending.  Part of this massive tax increase will provide cash payments to housing groups who foster this type of behavior, and Congress has the responsibility to put an immediate end to this waste of taxpayer money.”

    “Meaningful housing market reform must start with stricter enforcement of laws to prevent irresponsible lending and better financial education to consumers.  It should also provide a boost to the housing market with market-based initiatives that have been introduced by my Republican colleagues.”  
5/9

From Thursday
Man gets prison on burglary count
     A Van Wert man was sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with burglary, while a number of people indicted on robbery and burglary charges were arraigned Wednesday on new indictments that add language mandated by a recent Ohio Supreme Court decision.
    Kurt Strukamp, 45, of Van Wert, was sentenced on one count of burglary, a fourth-degree felony offense, during a hearing Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. According to an investigation by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Strukamp allegedly broke into the home of Timothy Miller of Ohio City on May 30, 2007, and took jewelry from the residence.
    Judge Charles D. Steele gave Strukamp credit for 108 days served while awaiting sentencing.
    A Lima man, Anthony Rowe, was given 12 months in prison for violating his community control sentence. Rowe was originally placed on community control on a charge of non-support of dependents. He was given credit for 85 days spent in jail awaiting sentencing.
    A Van Wert woman was also sentenced to prison for violating her community control. Amanda J. Trejo, 25, was given an 11-month prison term by Judge Steele on Wednesday. She was originally placed on community control on a theft indictment handed down by the August 2007 session of the county grand jury. She was given credit for 166 days already served while awaiting sentencing.
    Three people were re-indicted on robbery or burglary charges to ensure that language of the indictment included a mens rea (criminal state of mind) mandated by a recent Ohio Supreme Court decision.
    Those re-indicted include two people indicted in connection with a home invasion robbery in Wren. Ricky Fisher, 41, of Decatur, Ind., and Elizabeth Wyatt, 22, of Marion, both entered not guilty pleas to a count of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony offense. Both are currently being held on a $100,000 cash bond, with a jury trial scheduled to take place June 10-11.
    Sean L. Hendricks, 31, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to a new indictment charging him with burglary, a fourth-degree felony offense. Hendricks is free on a $5,000 unsecured personal surety bond, with a final pretrial hearing yet to be scheduled (click here for more court action from Wednesday).
5/8

VW native part of popular TV show

    Jodi Hattery of Van Wert, owner and designer for PNC Boutique, joined with ABC’s “Extreme Makeovers: Home Edition” for the remarkable room transformation for ‘’Princess Abby Usea’’ of Westwego, La.

    Abigail is the daughter of Brad and Laura Usea, who’s home was badly damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Even worse off was Brad’s mother and two brothers, who were left homeless in the devastating

hurricane. The Usea family welcomed them into their single family home, and Abigail gave her Tinkerbell

room to her grandmother.

    Ty Pennington and the ‘’EMHE” crew built not one, but three new homes for the family

Princess accessories designed by Jodi Hattery.

on the existing lot, giving them all the space and independence back that they need.

    Four-year-old Abigail received a castle inspired room and was gifted with a dress up box of delights from PNC Boutique (www.pncboutique.com) by Jodi Hattery. The box contained some of the beautiful items PNC has to offer, including a rose petal filled tutu, floral halo, and dress up wings, along with many more goodies.
     “Sending a box of dress up box of goodies to Abby through EMHE has been thrilling,” Hattery said. ”I've helped make little girls into princesses with my line all over the world, even children of celebrities. Knowing these particular items went to a girl who will truly cherish them makes it so much more rewarding and exciting for me.”
    Hattery said she hopes to see her items on the show, but added: “Even if they got tucked away in a closet for the big reveal I'll know she's still playing dress-up with the sets I sent.”

   The seven-day build will be shown on May 18 at 8 p.m. on ABC, on the two-hour season finale for the show. It will also be the last of the 50-state tour the show has done the past two years.

    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is in its fifth season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Denise Cramsey is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.
Update 5/8

Westwood earns 3-year accreditation
    Westwood Behavioral Health Center has earned accreditation for another three years – the second consecutive three-year accreditation – from CARF International, an independent, non-profit accrediting agency.
    The latest accreditation is the highest that can be awarded to an organization, and shows an organization’s substantial conformance to CARF standards. An organization that receives the three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to an accrediting team during an on-site visit that its programs are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.
    Westwood Behavioral Health Center is a non-profit corporation that has been providing mental and alcohol/drug addiction treatment services in Van Wert County under various names since 1976, and in Paulding County since September 2007.
    In its survey summary, CARF noted that Westwood:

• Provides high-quality crisis intervention services that are available in Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

• Has implemented fiscal policies and processes that support continuity of care and stability of operations.

• Benefits from the caring work of dedicated staff members, who demonstrate a clear commitment to the organization’s mission.

    Westwood Behavioral Health Center is a contract agency of the Tri-County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, an agency that serves Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties.
    Westwood can be contacted at 419.238.3434 in Van Wert and at 419.399.3636 in Paulding.
5/8

From Wednesday
Kitson to have well-known mustache
    It’s not every woman who can wear a mustache with pride, but Sherry Kitson, director of food services for Van Wert City Schools, is one of them.
    That’s because Kitson will be wearing a milk mustache as part of a print trade advertising campaign coming out in June that was developed by the Milk Education Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), creators of the “Got Milk?” ad campaign.
    Kitson, a 22-year employee of the Van Wert City School District, won the 2007 “Spotlight On” contest put on by MilkPEP for her ideas on how to increase milk consumption by VWCS students. With the opening of the new Van Wert High School/Middle School complex in November 2006, Kitson established a new lunch line system with six lunch stations offering six daily lunch options. In addition, all six stations included a choice of three milk flavors: white, chocolate and strawberry. Each line also conveniently marketed the milk in eight-case closed coolers with magnetic clips on the outside of the cooler promoting milk. The school also began offering milk in 20-ounce plastic bottles.
    The new lunch line setup, which serves 200 students in approximately seven minutes,

also increased milk production from 300 pints per day to nearly 900 pints a day.
    The result: students at Van Wert drink more milk than any other school in the district. “I was motivated by the students – I wanted to offer them milk that was icy cold and easy to reach,” Kitson said, adding that the new coolers have been a huge success.

    She also noted that the district’s milk processor, Schenkel’s Dairy in Fort Wayne, Ind., was amazed at the mountain of empty milk cartons they were collecting with each delivery every other day.
    “Sherry Kitson demonstrates a commitment to improving the wellness of her students, and saw milk marketing as another way to get the job done,” said Julie Buric, vice president of marketing for MilkPEP. “Her plans were very insightful – and successful beyond even her expectations.”
    Kitson said she was surprised to win the “Spotlight On” contest. “I was dumbfounded when I learned of it … and all for doing my job!” she noted. “However, my staff really should be commended for all their hard work and commitment to our students. It was truly a team effort.”
    Kitson also hopes to get other school nutrition professionals to enhance their milk programs with simple changes. “To boost milk consumption, do anything you can to keep it really cold, plus add in a little bit of marketing,” she explained. “That should make a big difference.”

    In addition to winning the 2007 overall contest, as a monthly winner, Kitson also won an iPod® and a milk cooler for the school.
5/7

RD program offers home repair loans
    USDA Rural Development has a program available to assist homeowners with repairs. For families or individuals with very low incomes, Rural Development makes loans at a 1 percent interest rate.  These loans can be used for repairs to improve or modernize a home, make it safer or more sanitary, or to remove health hazards.  Repairs to homes under the loan program can include replacing worn carpet, vinyl siding and other remodeling-type improvements.  The maximum loan amount for this program is $20,000 with repayment not to exceed 20 years.  These loans are limited to households whose income falls below 50 percent of the area’s median income.

    Grants may be available for applicants 62 years of age or older who have a very low income and do not have loan repayment ability.  Grant funds can only be used to remove health or safety hazards or to remodel dwellings to make them accessible for household members with disabilities.  Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500.  These grants are sometimes combined with loans to increase the amount available for repairs.

    The most common types of repairs financed by these programs include fixing or replacing roofs, modernizing heating and wiring systems, building wheelchair ramps and making bathrooms more accessible for persons with disabilities.  You can also apply for funds to install insulation and storm windows or put in a septic system.

    To be eligible for assistance through these programs applicants must meet income limits, be unable to obtain the requested assistance through other sources, have adequate repayment ability in situations involving a loan request, have an acceptable credit history and have the legal capacity to incur the obligation.

    Visit the organization’s website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/indiv_intro.htm to review income limits on agency programs. For more information or an application, call Rural Development’s Findlay Area office at 419.422.0242, extension 113, or email Karen_Westrick@oh.usda.gov.
5/7

Barbershop groups to sing at NPAC

    This Saturday, May 10, the Van Wert County Foundation Saltzgaber Music Hall will resonate with the beautiful harmonies that only barbershop singing can produce. Four of the region’s prominent barbershop choruses, along with special guests Park Avenue Quartet from Columbus, will take the stage in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio at 7:30 p.m. for the Hoosier/Buckeye Barbershop Bash. Tickets are still available for this performance and are only $10 at the box office this week.

    Formed in January of 2000, the four experienced barbershoppers of the Park Avenue Quartet decided it would be fun to start the new millennium with a brand new group and a

brand new sound. The hard work paid off in October 2000 when they became the Johnny Appleseed District Champions. Since that time they have enjoyed performing shows all over the country, produced a CD, and enjoyed many laughs together.

   Singing bass is Don Pullins. He has been in many district medalist quartets singing

both tenor and lead. He decided to leave the high notes to younger men and take up the new challenge of singing bass.

    Dr. Matthew Bridger is the quartet’s baritone. He began his barbershop career in North Carolina singing the tenor part with the Research Triangle Park Chapter. In 1997 he won a district championship with the group “Dynamics.” He is a practicing physician in Columbus.

    Mark Nofziger adds the tenor and does it with power and precision. A systems architect for J.P. Morgan Chase in Columbus, he brings a wealth of experience to the quartet. During his many years as a Singing Buckeye, Mark has sung with “Tentative Agreement”, “Entoura