This week’s Citizen of the Week is: Terry Wilson.

Terry Wilson is this week’s Citizen of the Week for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is his work with PROJECT HONK.
PROJECT HONK (Helmets on Kids) came about after a terrible accident with Terry’s son.

In the spring of 1996 Terry’s youngest son Jay, suffered life threatening injuries resulting from a bicycle accident. Jay, who was 12 at the time of the accident, was hit by a car as he was riding across the street. He was not wearing a helmet and spent the summer in Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It was a long and hard road to recovery.

After Jay graduated high school, Terry decided that he wanted to turn this horrific accident into a positive thing, so he created PROJECT HONK.

This project distributes FREE helmets to first grade students in the area and teaches them the importance of bicycle safety.
When Terry first started this project he used his own money to purchase the helmets. But as time went on the project grew more and more each year, so now public donations are needed to sustain this great effort. If anyone would like to donate to this very worth cause, please contact Terry at 937-981-3912

Many of you may also know Terry from his martial arts classes that he teaches locally.

I hope that some of our local people and businesses will step up and help Terry continue this great program. GREAT JOB TERRY!

-Steve

Steve Armstrong is a local real estate agent for ERA Martin and Associates and is a correspondent for Fayette Advocate.

If you would like to nominate a citizen of the week, please email Steve at steven.armstrong@era.com.

Intrastate 71 south will be reduced by one lane between State Route 38 and State Route 72 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today for pavement work.

Jessica Turner, House Speaker John Boehner, Carolyn Turner, and Congressman Mike Turner

Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) has reintroduced the First Responder Medical Device Tax Relief Act – legislation to repeal the tax on medical device manufacturers.

On January 1, 2013, Obamacare began imposing a 2.3 percent excise tax on the sale of medical devices by manufactures, providers, and importers. This tax will place yet another burden on American businesses, stifling development of innovative life-saving products and costing jobs when our economy is struggling to recover, and will result in higher costs and inferior care for patients.

“Southwest Ohio has long been known as an incubator for advanced manufacturing. The gains and jobs medical device manufacturers have made in our state will not continue with the implementation of this tax. This tax is prohibitive to the type of growth Ohio and the nation needs in these difficult economic times,” said Congressman Turner.

Turner has visited Mound Laser & Photonics Center (MLPC), a company headquartered in Miamisburg, which specializes in laser-based micro and nano-fabrication and provides services to a number of markets, including the medical device industry. He has also met with business leaders from Ferno-Washington Inc., a global leader in manufacturing and distribution of professional emergency and healthcare products based in Wilmington, Ohio. Both MLPC and Ferno say the tax increase may cause them to pass the tax increase on to customers through the sales price.

“The medical device tax will most definitely stifle research, development and growth in a field that represents one of America’s last great manufacturing bases. As a small business owner that works directly with a number of medical device manufacturers, I have already witnessed the unfortunate results from this tax; since the introduction of this tax, I have had to reconsider my investment options, reassess forecasted growth projections and was forced to temporarily lay off a portion of my workforce,” said Dr. Larry Dosser, President of MLPC.

Proponents of the excise tax, set to go in effect in 2013, argue that medical device revenue will go up as insurance coverage expands, but that reasoning does not apply to emergency services. Increases in the number of people insured will not substantially increase the number of emergency medical service transports. In addition, the 2.3 percent tax may well be passed on by manufacturers to consumers – including state and local governments.

“As a former Mayor, I know the difficult budget decisions localities will have to make in the face of increased costs for emergency medical equipment. State and local governments may not be able to afford the equipment they need, or will have to shift scarce dollars away from other badly needed services. Leaving this tax in place will increase the cost of emergency care and inhibit development of innovative emergency medical equipment,” added Turner.

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, center, and U.S. Senator Rob Portman.

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has announced that Ohio farmers can submit online applications for the Ohio Treasury’s 28th year of the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program (Ag-LINK). Farmers must submit their application by Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 5 p.m.

“Ag-LINK is an important program and I encourage Ohio farmers to participate,” said Treasurer Mandel.

“Agriculture is a vital component of Ohio’s economy, and this program is one way that the state helps farmers invest in things like feed, seed, fertilizer and fuel. The interest rate reductions on agricultural loans and lines of credit that we offer help Ohio farmers make the most out of their harvest and start the season out on a strong financial footing.”

As part of the State Treasurer’s continuing efforts to leverage technology and streamline operations, Ag-LINK has been modernized and improved through recent legislative changes.

The maximum individual loan limit that was originally enacted over 25 years ago has been updated to account for rising costs for inputs, such as feed, seed, fertilizer and fuel. Beginning with the 2013 Ag-LINK application, the maximum amount of an individual loan has been raised to $150,000 from $100,000. The legislature also updated the total funds made available for Ag-LINK in 2013 to $165 million, up from $125 million.

Also this year, lenders will complete and submit the program application exclusively online. The Treasurer’s office is working to make the program easier to navigate in order to better serve both the lenders and the farmers taking part in Ag-LINK.

In order to participate in Ag-LINK, farms must be for-profit with their headquarters and more than half of their operations maintained in Ohio. To qualify, a farmer must apply and be approved for an operating loan or line of credit from a farm credit lender or an eligible bank. After approval, the applicant may apply for an interest rate reduction from the Ohio Treasury’s Ag-LINK program.

Below is the timeline for the 2013 Ag-LINK program:

• Ag-LINK applications must be received by the Economic Development Department at the State Treasurer’s office no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

• Once the application process has been completed, notification of each application’s status will be sent to each lender no later than Friday, April 5, 2013.

• The State Treasurer’s office is requiring lenders to confirm acceptance or denial of the linked deposit for each application they have submitted by Friday, April 12, 2013. This is only to confirm that the borrowers will participate in Ag-LINK.

• Requests for funding will be accepted from Monday, April 15, 2013 through Wednesday, June 26, 2013. All funding must be completed by Friday, June 28, 2013.

Detailed information on the program and eligibility requirements can be found by visiting the State Treasurer’s website at www.OhioTreasurer.gov/AgLINK or by calling the State Treasurer’s Economic Development Department at (800) 228-1102 (Option #3).

The burglar gained entry into Cashland early Wednesday morning by busting through a glass door.

Wednesday’s burglary of Cashland on Temple Street may be linked to several other recent burglaries at local businesses.

Police say that one week ago today, a serial burglar struck at  Kay Jewelers on Leesburg Avenue shortly before 3:56 a.m. where a vehicle had been used to cause damage to the back door of the building. Moments later, police found a similar situation at Fox Jewelers on Draper Street.

Three hours later, police discovered the vehicle used in both incidents was found abandoned on Oakland Avenue, which had been stolen from Norja Motors.

In January,a burglar gained entry into Standardbred computers and made off with thousands of dollars in merchandise.

It’s believed that the same suspect may have been the person who burglarized Cashland early Wednesday morning.

Shortly after 2 a.m., police responded to Cashland, 1149 E. Temple St., on a report of a burglary alarm.

When police arrived at the scene, they found a glass door had been shattered and that a suspect was running on foot from the scene.

Officers chased the male suspect through yards between Temple and Paint Street and lost him somewhere between Rawlings and Wilson Streets.

A short time later police ended the search of the immediate area.

The suspect dropped stolen merchandise during the pursuit and it was recovered as evidence, according to police.

Police said that the suspect was caught on security cameras inside the business, but that he was wearing a ski-mask and a hood making it difficult for police to make a positive identification of the suspect.

The suspect remains on the loose at this hour.

Investigators were called to the scene to process the business for additional evidence.

Anyone with information about any of the above burglaries are encouraged to call police at (740) 636-2370.

Stay with Fayette Advocate for the latest

Judith Ann (Judy) Lucas, 69, of Bloomingburg, Ohio died Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 8:52 a.m. at Fayette County Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient since January 26.

Judy was born June 27, 1943 in New Holland, Ohio to Virgil Alonzo and Ella Lena Shipley Fannin.  She was a 1961 graduate of New Holland High School and lived most of her life in the New Holland community before moving to Bloomingburg eight years ago.

She was formerly an office worker at Pennington Bakery and Mac Tools, Inc.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Virgil S. Fannin and a sister, Verna (Tootie) Holbrook.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Rod and Karen Lucas of Phoenix, AZ and Ryan and Julie Lucas of New Holland; three grandchildren, Hayley, Austin and Preston Lucas; her special friend, Jim Eddlemon of Bloomingburg; a brother and sister-in-law, Ray A. and Anne Fannin of Washington Court House; a sister, Mary E. Seyfang of Washington C.H.; several nieces and nephews including Lori Rinehart and Lynda Cherry of Washington Court House and her cousin and best friend, Mary Jane Chrisman of New Holland.

The funeral will be Monday, February 11, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with the Rev. Randy Lee, pastor at the Center Christian Church, officiating.  Cremation will follow the service.

Friends may call at the funeral home in New Holland Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Humane Society, 153 South Main Street, Washington Court House, Ohio  43160.

Constance Ann (Connie) Garringer, 84, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at 7:12 p.m. at Carriage Court Assisted Living where she had been residing the past four months.

Connie was born December 26, 1928, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Ellet and Ida Blickstein Kaufman.  She was a 1946 graduate of Washington High School and received a degree in education from Ohio University.  She was a lifelong resident of this community.

She taught eighth grade science and physical education full time in the Washington City Schools and later was a substitute teacher.  She, along with her husband of 46 years, operated the family owned Kaufman’s Bargain Store.  She also served as Fayette County Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles and later was the deputy registrar in Greenfield.

Connie was a lifelong member of Temple Israel in Columbus.  She was a volunteer and member at the Fayette County Commission on Aging and a volunteer with Hospice of Fayette Co., Inc.

On December 20, 1951, she married James Oliver (J.O.) Garringer.  He preceded her in death on January 18, 1997.  She was also preceded by her parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Weldon and Jean Kaufman.

Connie is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Marcia and Carl Dyas of Hilliard; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Thelda Garringer of Galloway; four grandchildren and their spouses, Ryan and Meghan Srofe of Seminole, FL, Rachel Dyas of Hilliard, Dennis and Kelly Garringer of Columbus and Michael Garringer of Columbus; a brother and sister-in-law, Merrill and Ann Kaufman of Delaware, Ohio and her special friends in the “Lunch Bunch.”

A graveside service will be held Monday, February 11, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Washington Cemetery with Temple Israel Cantor Bat-Ami Moses officiating.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House Sunday from 1-3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Fayette County, Inc., P.O. Box 849 or the activities fund at Carriage Court Assisted Living, 500 North Glenn Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio  43160.

SHARONVILLE – An Ohio man is facing felony drug and weapon charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized a pound of hydroponic marijuana, worth nearly $4,500 and a loaded 9mm handgun, while assisting a stranded motorist in Hamilton County.

Troopers stopped with a disabled vehicle on southbound Interstate 75, milepost 16, at 9:08 p.m. on February 3. Upon initial contact with the vehicle, troopers observed a handgun on the front passenger seat and detected an odor of burnt marijuana. A probable cause search revealed a pound of hydroponic marijuana and a loaded 9mm handgun.

The driver, Qualin L. Daniel, 23, of West Chester, was incarcerated in the Hamilton County Justice Center and charged with possession of marijuana, a fifth-degree felony, and possession of weapons under disability, a third-degree felony.

If convicted, he could face up to six years in prison and up to a $12,500 fine.

Submitted Article

Echoes of Mercy, a local gospel band, will offer a Gospel Music concert today, Friday, February 8 at 7:00 P.M. at Rose Ave. Community Center. Echoes of Mercy features Don Greene (lead guitar, vocalist, and songwriter), Monica Gragg (vocalist), Lois Bowers (vocalist), Larry Bowers (rhythm guitar), and Jeremy Gragg (bass guitar).

Performing traditional and contemporary gospel music as well as original compositions, their mission is to share God’s Word and celebrate the name of Jesus through music & praises to His name. Echoes of Mercy is available to perform at churches, nursing homes, revivals and special events. For more information, or to schedule a booking for Echoes of Mercy, please call Rose Ave. Community Center at 636-ROSE (7673). Rose Ave. Community Center is located at 412 Rose Ave. Free food and drinks are provided. Free shuttle service is available by calling 636-7673 before 4:00 P.M. Fridays.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is always free.

Denard C. Smith

Washington Court House police have arrested a man — nicknamed the wristwatch bandit — who they believe may be responsible for a series of business break-ins in the area, including the recent Cashland burglary.

Washington Court House police have charged Denard C. Smith, 30, 812 Delaware Street.

Fayette Advocate was the only Fayette County news source at the apartment complex on Wednesday when police made their arrest of Smith but held off publishing information of the arrest until police were able to make progress in their investigation.

In the early morning hours of January 13, the front glass of Boylan Jewelers, 112 West Court Street was shattered. A short time later, Rent 2 Own, 919 Columbus Avenue, was broken into and several items were stolen.

Police said that about a week later, Bright’s Furniture And Appliances, 747 West Elm Street, was broken into and a gun and other items were stolen.

Police say that one week ago today, a burglar struck at Kay Jewelers on Leesburg Avenue shortly before 3:56 a.m. where a vehicle had been used to cause damage to the back door of the building. Moments later, police found a similar situation at Fox Jewelers on Draper Street.

Three hours later, police discovered the vehicle used in both incidents was found abandoned on Oakland Avenue, which had been stolen from Norja Motors.

In January, it’s believed that the same suspect gained entry into Standardbred computers and made off with thousands of dollars in merchandise.

Police say that it’s possibly the same suspect who burglarized Cashland early Wednesday morning.

Investigators were called scene at Cashland on Blackstone Street to process the scene. As you can see from this photo, one of the glass doors were busted out.

Fayette Advocate was the only Fayette County news source at the scene when police responded to Cashland, 1149 E. Temple St., on a report of a burglary alarm.

When police arrived at the scene, they found a glass door had been shattered and that a suspect was running on foot from the scene.

Officers chased the male suspect through yards between Temple and Paint Street and lost him somewhere between Rawlings and Wilson Streets.

A short time later police ended the search of the immediate area.

The suspect dropped stolen merchandise during the pursuit and it was recovered as evidence, according to police.

Police said that the suspect was caught on security cameras inside the business, but that he was wearing a ski-mask and a hood making it difficult for police to make a positive identification of the suspect.

Yesterday, police were called to Fox Jewelers when Kara Hayden, 27, also of 812 Delaware Street, went to Fox Jewelers and tried to sell jewelry to the business. Police said that store employees recognized the jewelry as some of the merchandise that had been stolen from their business during the break-in.

Police said that out of nine pending investigations, Smith has been linked to four of them.

Smith has currently been charged with two fourth degree felonies of theft, three counts of vandalism, and one count of grand theft auto.

Additional charges are expected, according to police.

John Radabaugh, a detective sergeant at the Delaware Police Department, center, is one of three instructors who is teaching a two-day course to local social workers and law enforcement officers. ADVOCATE PHOTO/DEREK MYERS

Derek Myers, Editor-in-chief

The Fayette County Sheriff and Prosecutor are holding the second part of a two-day training session today in conjunction with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine to train law enforcement and social workers on how to properly investigate sexual assault cases.

The Non-Stranger Sexual Assault Response & Investigation training provides basic and intermediate information on sexual assault dynamics, law enforcement response, preliminary investigation, victim interviewing and evidence collection and use.

The first day of training — which was held on Thursday — will train law enforcement and social workers in sexual assault investigation and develop core skills and knowledge related to sexual assault response and investigation.

Day two — which will take place today — will provide law enforcement with current research on sex offender typologies within the context of identifying the most effective strategies for interviewing and interrogation.

“This is important training and we are fortunate we are able to provide it for the staff of both offices,” said Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy chairman and Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth. “We consider the training important enough that we utilized administrative staff on patrol so more road deputies were made available to attend.”

According to Stanforth, the purpose of the training is to expand understanding of sexual assault dynamics, raise awareness about the individual barriers and challenges for successfully responding to and investigating sexual assault, address preconceived understandings of “victim” and “suspect”, and learn skills for a sensitive, thorough, unbiased and professional response to an investigation of sexual assault.

The course is taught by John Radabaugh, a detective sergeant at the Delaware Police Department, Sandy Huntzinger, a victim service coordinator with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and Tonya Rider, a detective with the Toledo Police Department.

The two-day training is a total of 16 hours and was at no cost to social workers and law enforcement officers.

The State Patrol’s 153rd Academy Class graduated Friday after 22 weeks of intense paramilitary training and among the new troopers was a Miami Trace Graduate.

Kyle Klontz — who attended Miami Trace — was one of many troopers who will take to highways and enforce the laws of Ohio.

The keynote address was provided by John W. Magaw, former Director of the U.S. Secret Service and a 1959 graduate of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. Additional remarks were provided by Director Thomas P. Charles, Ohio Department of Public Safety; Colonel John Born, Patrol Superintendent and Captain Brigette Charles, Academy Commandant. The Oath of Office was issued by Judge Peter B. Abele, Fourth Appellate District, Ohio Court of Appeals.

Courses completed by the 153rd class included Core Values, crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, and self-defense. The cadets also received training in motor vehicle operations.

Tpr. Brian J. Cowles, Poland, Ohio was selected as class speaker and thanked the Academy and cadet family members for being supportive during their training.

Six of the graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Patrol Academy. The honorees were:

• Overall performance – Tpr. Brian J. Cowles, Poland, Ohio

• Top performance in academics – Tpr. Jeremiah J. Smith, Botkins, Ohio

• Top performance in driving – Tpr. Timothy J. Shafer, Defiance, Ohio

• Top performance in firearms – Tpr. Brent E. Hill, Franklin, Ohio and Jacob C. Morrison, Grove City,  Ohio

• Top performance in physical fitness – Tpr. Joshua P. Smith, Tiffin, Ohio

Additionally, the following cadets were recognized for their leadership. The honorees were: Tpr. Bryan C. Cox, Oak Hill, Ohio; Tpr. Derek J. Cummins, Cardington, Ohio; and Tpr. Corey E. Ross, Wilmington, Ohio.

Each of the commissioned troopers will report to their posts today, Saturday, February 9. The graduates’ first 60 working days will be a field-training period under the guidance of a veteran officer. The new graduates are assigned to 37 of the Patrol’s 57 posts.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources(ODNR) will seek public comments regarding the 2013-2014 hunting seasons.During these sessions, which will be held Saturday, March 2, from 12-3 p.m.,input concerning proposed hunting season dates, bag limits and rule changeswill be accepted. Comments dealing with white-tailed deer and wild turkeyseasons will also be welcomed.

These events are open to the public. Anyone interested in providinginput and participating in Ohio’s professional wildlife management process iswelcome. ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists and law enforcement officers willbe available to answer questions and receive comments.

People who are not able to attend an open house at one ofthe seven locations can provide input online. Comments are accepted throughMarch 2 at wildohio.com. Click on OpenHouse Comments to submit a response.

Public input gathered at these open houses and through theonline form will be considered during the formulation of regulations. For moreinformation or directions to the open houses, visit wildohio.com or call 800-WILDLIFE(945-3543).

Open house location information for March 2:

• Central Ohio: Wildlife District One office, 1500 DublinRoad, Columbus 43215;
  614-644-3925;
• Northwest Ohio: Wildlife District Two office, 952 LimaAvenue, Findlay 45840;
  419-424-5000;
• Northeast Ohio: Wildlife District Three office, 912 PortageLakes Drive, Akron 44319;
  330-644-2293;
• Southeast Ohio: Wildlife District Four office, 360 E. StateStreet, Athens 45701;
  740-589-9930;
• Southwest Ohio: Greene County Fish and Game, 1538 UnionRoad, Xenia 45385;
  937-372-9261;
• Lake Erie (east): Fairport Fisheries office, 1190 HighStreet, Fairport Harbor 44077;
  440-352-4199; and
• Lake Erie (west): Old Woman Creek office, 2514 ClevelandRoad E., Huron 44839;
  419-433-7599.

A statewide hearing on proposed rules will be held onThursday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s District Oneoffice. This hearing is open to the public, and comments on the proposed ruleswill be accepted.

After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Councilwill vote on the proposed rules during its April 17 meeting. Council meetingsare open to the public, but there is no opportunity on the agenda for publiccomment. Questions will be allowed and responded to once the meeting adjourns.

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), along with Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), have introduced an amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S.47) that would ensure that would ensure that child victims of sex trafficking are eligible to receive assistance under grants provided to enhance the safety of youth and children.

Portman and Blumenthal are co-chairs of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking.

“In order to fight human trafficking, we must prioritize services to vulnerable youth and connect victims of sex trafficking with appropriate resources,” said Portman. “Our amendment recognizes that the youth who are the most vulnerable to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking are also the most vulnerable to sex trafficking and should be afforded the same protections necessary to fully recover from this devastating trauma.”

“Domestic minor sex trafficking permeates urban, rural, and suburban communities in Ohio and across America. Reauthorizing VAWA will provide continued safety, support, and recovery for countless victims of domestic and sexual violence,” said Celia Williamson, leader of the Lucas County, Ohio Human Trafficking Coalition and author of the 2012 Human Trafficking Commission Report.

“I am pleased that Senator Portman offered this important amendment to ensure that youth who are the victims of frequent, pervasive, and heinous acts of violence, as victims of sex trafficking, can receive the services necessary to recover. In Ohio, this change will increase coordinated efforts to prevent sex trafficking and strengthen the ability of state and local governments, social services, and victims services to respond to the unique needs of sex trafficking victims.”

According to the FBI, there are currently an estimated 293,000 American youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. Moreover, DOJ reports that between 2008-2010, 83 percent of sex trafficking victims found within the U.S. were U.S. citizens, and 40 percent of those cases involved the sexual exploitation of children. One reason we lack data as to the definitive numbers of victims is that there are limited resources and programs available to serve these children nationwide.

The 2012 Human Trafficking Commission Report surveyed more than 300 Ohio youth victims of sex trafficking. The report found that 40 percent were also victims of sexual abuse. 47 percent of victims surveyed confirmed that they had been raped more than a year before being trafficked.

In June 2012, the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force developed policy recommendations for the state to improve how the state prevents and responds to human trafficking. Many of the recommendations centered on strengthening services available for youth victims of sex trafficking, including recommendations help victims of trafficking by making human trafficking services and treatment a priority and coordinating efforts to identify a statewide provider network that will serve as the first response system for minor human trafficking victims. Portman and Blumenthal’s amendment is a step toward adopting these recommendations as we address child victims of sex trafficking under VAWA.

Section 302 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 is entitled “Creating Hope through Outreach, Option, Services, and Education for Children and Youth.” This section authorizes grants to enhance the safety of youth and children who are victims of, or exposed to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Portman’s amendment adds “sex trafficking” as a criteria for victims services in Section 302 and will help ensure that child victims of sex trafficking receive essential services just as those afforded to child victims of “domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking” in this section.

Glenn “Mose” Merritt, age 85, of Washington CH, passed away at the Fayette County Memorial Hospital on Thursday, February 7, 2013.

He was born on January 22, 1928 in Fayette County to Mose and Della Cox Merritt. He had worked as a carpenter for many years and retired from Elford Construction. Glenn proudly served in the United States Army. He was a 55 year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and a life member of the American Legion Post #25.

Glenn was proceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Margaret Tway Merritt and siblings Fred Merritt, Nelly Ruggles, Louis Merritt, Elsie Siegel, Herman Merritt, Bernadine Wachtel and Ernest Merritt.

Survivors include his children Andrew Merritt and his wife Diane of Grove City, Ohio and daughter Leah Anne Gonzales and her husband Ted of San Mateo, California; grandchildren Matt and Henry Merritt of Grove City and Krista and Tyler Gonzales of San Mateo, California; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Stephanie and David Krupla of Jeffersonville, Ohio, sister-in-law Dorothy Merritt of Chillicothe, Ohio; special niece Joyce Stone of West Palm Beach, Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Summers Funeral Home with Danny Dodds officiating with burial to follow at the Cochran Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m.

Sarah Frances Anschutz, 81, of Washington C.H., Ohio, died Friday, February 8, 2013, at 2:05 p.m. at Fayette County Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient four days.

Sarah was born December 15, 1931, in New Market, Ohio to Willard William and Ida Pauly Vance.

She was a bookkeeper and for 25 years assisted her husband in the operation of the Washington Auction House.  She had also worked for Ruth Witherspoon Accountant.

Sarah was a member of the Madison Mills United Methodist Church and the ladies auxiliary of Washington C.H. Lodge #129 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ervin Anschutz on June 9, 2011.

Sarah is survived by five children, Randy Anschutz and his wife, Colleen, of New Vienna, Alan Anschutz of Washington C.H., Debra Kelly of Kirksville, MO, Melissa (Missy) Anschutz of New Holland and her fiancée, Rankin Kirkpatrick and Tina Higgins and her husband, Steve, of Washington C.H.; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, John William and Lavonne Melvin of Madison Mills and a sister, Wilma Iles of Cincinnati.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation took place.

Arrangements for a graveside service, to be held in the Madison Mills Cemetery, are pending and will be announced by the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington C. H. when details are finalized.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Fayette County, Inc., P.O. Box 849 Washington C.H., Ohio  43160.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

We know Ohio workers and Ohio manufacturers can compete with anyone. We have skilled, productive workers and world-class infrastructure. But for years, we’ve seen evidence of unfair trade practices – like currency manipulation – costing Americans jobs.

Currency manipulation occurs when a country undervalues its currency to effectively subsidize its exports. This allows countries—like China—to sell their exports for cheaper, which is why so many low-cost goods are “Made in China.” And when countries like China don’t play by the rules, it drives American companies out-of-business ­and harms our economy. The price of U.S. made goods is artificially inflated and as a result cheap imports flood our markets. Ultimately, currency manipulation isn’t just cheating, it costs Americans jobs.

In a new report, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) argues that eliminating currency manipulation can reduce our trade deficit and create jobs in Ohio. Specifically, by cutting down on cheating, the U.S. goods trade deficit could be reduce by up to $400 billion – over the course of a few years. The report also found that eliminating global currency manipulation in three years could reduce Ohio’s unemployment rate by up to 2.7 percentage points, increase Ohio GDP by between $8 billion and $17 billion, and create up to 75,900 Ohio manufacturing jobs.

That’s why I plan to re-introduce currency legislation this year. In 2011, my bipartisan legislation, the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act, passed the Senate, but never got a vote in the House. By treating currency manipulation as an unfair subsidy and an illegal trade practice and providing our government with the tools to impose duties on these products flooding our markets, this bill seeks to stop Chinese currency manipulation to ensure a fair and level playing field for American manufacturers. It is my hope that the new EPI report reminds officials why it is important for us to act now.

Ohio jobs can be created when trade laws are enforced. But we need to ensure our trade partners uphold the same labor, environmental, and human rights standards that we do. This means that Ohio workers – be they employees at auto companies or small manufacturers – have a chance to compete on a level playing field.

Workers and manufacturers have endured years of talking and no action. Now, it’s time that the House stands up to the Chinese, and helps fight the war waged on American manufacturing.

Ohio Auditor Dave Yost

Columbus – Four additional school districts were identified as having manipulated attendance data in the final statewide student attendance audit report released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost: Canton City Schools, Cincinnati City Schools, Northridge Local Schools (Montgomery County) and Winton Woods City Schools (Hamilton County). Added to five districts identified in October, a total of nine districts statewide have been found to have “scrubbed” student attendance data.

The Auditor of State also made recommendations to the Ohio Department of Education and the General Assembly to improve the state’s system of accountability and data reporting.

Yost said the Ohio Department of Education should stop its current practice of passive oversight and instead actively monitor district reporting, with support from the General Assembly where necessary. Yost was particularly critical of state policy that leads to focusing on a single “count week” in October, and subsequent practices by districts to boost attendance during only that week, rather than through the entire year.

“Kids count every day, all year long,” Yost said.  “They deserve better than what we’re giving them — Ohio’s current system for measuring attendance and performance is obsolete and in too many places, filled with error and bad information and even outright fraud. It’s amazing that it works at all, and sometimes, it doesn’t.”

In addition to changing count week from a one-time October practice to a year-long continuing practice, Yost also charged the Ohio Department of Education with the duty of more closely monitoring data collection and reporting. Currently, ODE relies upon an honor system of district self-reporting.

The report’s 13 recommendations are the following:

• Base State Funding on Year-long Attendance Counts
• Increase Oversight of School Districts
• Monitor Programs for At-Risk Students
• Increase EMIS Training
• Increase Use of Automation to Protect Data and Process Integrity
• Statewide Monitoring of Student Withdrawals
• Allow ODE access to Student Names (SSID) with privacy protections
• Establish Separate Tracking for Community School Withdrawals
• Protect Report Card Results from Security Vulnerabilities
• Centralize Accountability Resources Online
• Statewide Standards for Student Information System (SIS)
• Document Student Withdrawals
• Clarify Rules Over Withdrawal of Foreign Exchange Students

Campbell, Cleveland, Columbus, Marion and Toledo school districts were identified in October as manipulating or scrubbing student attendance data. The recommendation to bring the statewide student identifier system in house at the Ohio Department of Education was also made in October, as part of the ongoing performance audit of the agency.

Auditor Yost’s audit of attendance practices in Ohio’s schools began when results of an internal audit at Columbus City Schools revealed irregular attendance and enrollment practices and similar allegations surfaced at Toledo Public Schools and Lockland City Schools. Today’s report is the third and final phase of the investigation. A separate investigation of Columbus City Schools is ongoing.

Southern State's Fayette Campus

Entrepreneurship is not about “taking a job,” it’s all about creating your own dream career. In recognition of National Entrepreneurship Week, Southern State Community College is hosting “Let’s Talk Entrepreneurship” informational sessions Feb. 19 and 20 on all four campus locations.

Russ Brewer, SSCC Enterprise Center Coordinator, will host the sessions which will cover what it takes to be an entrepreneur, how to get started, and how to write a business plan. Brewer will also provide information on Southern State’s two entrepreneurship programs-an associate of applied science degree and a non-credit certificate.

The informal info sessions will be held on Central Campus (100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday, Feb. 19; on South Campus (12681 U.S. Route 62, near Sardinia) from 2 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 19; on Fayette Campus (1270 U.S. Route 62 SW, Washington C.H.) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, Feb. 20; and on North Campus (1850 Davids Drive, Wilmington) from 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

To learn more, please contact Brewer at rbrewer@sscc.eduor 937-695-9002. For more information about entrepreneurship opportunities at Southern State, please visit www.sscc.edu/academics/associate/entrepreneurship.shtm lor www.sscc.edu/specialized/enterprise-center.shtml.

The city's waste water treatment plant located at 1210 South Elm Street.

The City of Washington Court House has responded to allegations and a contempt filling by the Ohio EPA stating that the city continues to pollute a nearby natural flowing creek at its waste-water treatment plant on South Elm Street.

The contempt motion (read here), filed by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWeine on behalf of the EPA requests that Judge Steven Beathard hold the city in contempt of court for failing to follow milestone goals and for failing to pay over $3,000,000 in fines.

According to documents filled with the Fayette County Common Pleas Court last week, the city has denied any wrongdoing.

Among the charges denied include discharging untreated wastewater from the separate sanitary sewer system portion of its  wastewater collection system, via locations known as sanitary sewer overflows (“SSOs”), to Paint Creek and tributaries of Paint Creek, which are “waters of the state.”

The city furthermore denies that they failed to comply with the consent order, and denies that as of the date of the filing the charges in contempt, Washington Court  House has not submitted an approvable SECAP or an implementation schedule.

According to the Ohio Attorney General, Section V, Paragraph 13, Page 7 of a 2007 Consent Order signed by the city provides that Washington Court House “shall submit to Ohio EPA for review and approval a System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan (“SECAP”) including an implementation schedule.”The SECAP and implementation schedule were to be submitted by July 1, 2008 and include an end date for the implementation schedule of no later than July 1, 2011.

The consent order further reads that the city shall have achieved the goals of the SECAP required by Paragraph 13 no later than July 1, 2011.

The acts alleged in the Charge demonstrate noncompliance by the city with the Consent Order for which the city should be found in contempt of Court and is liable for stipulated penalties, as provided in the Consent Order.

Section X, Paragraph 27, Page 15 of the Consent Order provides that the Washington Court House is “immediately and automatically” liable to pay a stipulated penalty for each day of failure to meet the specified deadline for the SECAP and implementation schedule. The city denies this charge.

The Consent Order provides that the city hall pay a stipulated penalty on an annual basis for each Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSOs) event or WWTP bypass that occurred in the prior year according to a schedule. Since the entry of the Consent Order, Washington Court House has experienced 47 SSOs and 38 bypasses, as follows:

Washington Court House owes $3,150,500 in stipulated penalties but has paid only $58,000, according to the Attorney General. That’s $222.35 for every man, woman and child in the city, or $533.61 per household.

According to the EPA, the city has violated the Clean Water Act and a consent order previously signed by the city in 2007 on dozens of occasions at their waste water treatment plant on South Elm Street.

In 2007, the EPA alleged that the city was operating its waste water treatment plant and sewer system in such a manner as to result in violations of the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit issued to the city and in violation of the water pollution control laws of the state.

The state’s allegations included that the city had unauthorized discharges from its sewer system and waste water treatment plant.

The city denied those allegations, but as a result, signed the consent order (read here) agreeing to reach milestone goals spanning from 2007 to 2011 that would satisfy the EPA.

Many of those milestones included repairing or constructing equipment that would prevent the pollution from further occurring.

“Washington Court House signed a consent order in January 2007. By signing the document, the city agreed to rehabilitate and construct equipment at the plant and to improve or construct adequate sanitary sewer lines,” said EPA representative Heather Lauer.

According to the EPA, toxic waste is continuing to be dumped into Paint Creek from the city’s waste water treatment plant — in violation of the 2007 consent order and the law. They say the water can contain pathogens, radiation, heavy metals and chemicals. These toxins can damage ecosystems and harm or kill vital plants, fish and animals.

Many of these toxins also have serious side effects on humans, including birth defects, neurological damage, and even cancer. They enter the body through drinking or swimming in contaminated water or by eating fish that live in the contaminated water.

The consent order read that if the city failed to meet the deadline of each milestone, they would be forced to pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars in stipulated penalties for failure to meet a specific deadline:

The consent order also read that the city was forced to pay $50,000 up front in penalties to the EPA for violations occurring prior to 2007.

After an inspection was preformed on the facility in August by the EPA, the city was placed on “Significant Non-Compliance (SNC)” by the EPA for failing to follow the orders set forth in the 2007 consent order and for allegedly continuing to allow pollution to flow into nearby Paint Creek.

“This isn’t a human health issue right now. It’s more of an issue for aquatic life,” said Ohio EPA spokesperson Heidi Griesmer. “We find most cities are meeting their limits. It is not uncommon to have one or two violations per year, but it is uncommon to be in significant non-compliance.”

Sources directly related to the day-to-day operations of the city said that the city doesn’t have the financial means to make the necessary changes to the waste water treatment plant that would prevent these violations from further occurring; this was confirmed by the Ohio EPA.

“After signing the (2007 consent) orders, city representatives then said they could not afford to follow (the) orders. We renegotiated the orders and they refused to sign new orders,” said Lauer.