Progress Shelby County - February 2020

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Progress Shelby County - February 2020
Sidney Daily News                     SHELBY COUNTY PROGRESS 2020          Friday, February 21, 2020 1

    Shelby

                                                                                          Emergency Services
    County
    progress
                      February 2020
                      SECTION 2
healthcare

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Education

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     A special publication of the
Progress Shelby County - February 2020
2 Friday, February 21, 2020                                                    SHELBY COUNTY PROGRESS 2020                                                                                              Sidney Daily News

Shelby County celebrates 200th birthday
   SIDNEY — 2019 was a              in the STAR house, men will
year of celebration for Shelby      participate in counseling, be
County starting April 1 with the enrolled in Medication Assisted
kick-off for the County’s                    Treatment which
Bicentennial events.                         curbs drug cravings,
   “Gov. Mike DeWine                         work to have full-time
was the featured                             employment, and learn
speaker at the kick-off                      life skills such as cooking
and his enthusiasm has                       and budgeting. The 4269
continued with the many                      square feet facility can
events that followed,        Ehemann         house 20 male residents
which included each of                       and is being operated
the villages,” said Shelby                   cooperatively by The
County Commissioner Julie           Shelby County Sheriff’s Office,
Ehemann. “A few of the events       Tri County Board of Mental
included a successful Guinness Health and The Shelby County
world-record event opening pop- Commissioners with additional
tab cans, a sky-diver, a concert    funds from community partners
featuring the Wright Patterson      including Shelby County United
Air Force Rock Band, special        Way.
exhibits for antique quilts and        The new Bob Sargeant
native American artifacts,          and Family Animal Shelter
speaker presentations on local      and Adoption Center opened
history, fireworks, and raffles.    in November. With SCARF
The year was commemorated           (Shelby County Animal Rescue                                                                                                                Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News file photo
with a specially brewed beer,       Foundation) raising over $2.4                  The Shelby County Bicentennial Choir performs Beautiful Ohio during the Shelby County Bicentennial opening celebration
                                                                                   Monday, April 1, 2019.
and commemorative coins,            million in local contributions,
postcards, and rifles. The          the County is now fortunate                    Fort Loramie Lake residents,              the facilities. In a first step, the                  negotiations between the state,
final event which will finish       to be able to house up to 60                   the Villages of Fort Loramie              commissioners were able to                            municipalities, and counties as
the County Bicentennial and         adoptable dogs and cats in a                   and Kettlersville, and areas of           purchase an adjoining property                        mass settlements are considered
begin the City of Sidney’s          state of the art facility. At 8,700            Newport and McCartyville.                 which will help alleviate the                         between these entities and
Bicentennial is the Bicentennial square feet, the facility also has                As the EPA enacts stricter                current crowding of our fair                          manufacturers and distributors
Ball to be held in the County       space for vet care, a bathing                  guidelines, enhancements                  participants.                                         of opioids. We will continue to
Courthouse in February.”            area, and a community outreach                 are necessary to improve                    At the state level, your                            advocate for dollars to address
   Her report continus:             center. Careful attention was
                                                                                   phosphorus removal and                    commissioners were engaged                            the ongoing effects of the
   In August, a ribbon cutting      paid to details throughout
                                                                                   eliminate bypasses. We hope to            in forging partnerships with the                      addiction crisis.
was held at the county nursing      allowing for thoughtful
                                                                                   have planning and funding in              new administration. This has                            For 2020, the commissioners
home, Fairhaven, with a             adoptions and volunteer
                                                                                   place to allow for construction           created a growing recognition                         are working to ensure Shelby
new wing opening. This              engagement.
                                                                                   to begin in the summer of 2021.           by the state that counties                            County gets an accurate count
contemporary addition has              Shelby County continues
a modern farmhouse motif            its progress with other                           The Shelby County                      need additional resources.                            of its residents in the 2020
with 74 beds (66 of which           projects in process. A new jail                Commissioners have                        The state budget bill included                        Census. We have set up a
are private rooms), bariatric       prisoner intake area is under                  recognized the need for a radio           significant investments and                           Complete Count Committee
accommodations, and private         construction with Brumbaugh                    communications infrastructure             improvements in indigent                              and have hired an intern to
bathrooms. A courtyard in the       Construction working with                      improvement/replacement                   defense reimbursement,                                assist with our outreach.
center allows some rooms to         designers K2M. Attached to                     project. The consulting firm              children services funding for                         The importance of getting
have private patios. The overall the sally port of the current                     of MCM is working with a                  foster parent support and                             a complete count cannot be
addition is 67,424 square feet      structure, this area will provide              selected work-group comprised             kinship care, collection of sales                     understated as it will affect
and cost approximately $13          an isolated ventilation system                 of the commissioners and                  tax from out of state vendors,                        future funding and grant dollars
million. This addition improves to prevent contamination to the                    representatives of Shelby                 and investments in water                              that come back to Shelby
our ability to provide short-       rest of the facility in the event              County fire service, EMS,                 quality. One portion of the state                     County.
term rehabilitation and also        there is an exposure to drugs.                 county law enforcement, and               budget bill included $50,000                            In setting the 2020 budget the
enables us to provide improved The current intake area will                        village police and government             for each county to upgrade                            commissioners were challenged
amenities to our long-term          be used to accommodate other                   officials to explore options to           internet security at the Board of                     with the loss of some funding
residents.                          needs.                                         best address the needs of our             Elections to protect the security                     sources and rising expenses in
   In May, the first persons           The commissioners have                      emergency personnel. It is                and integrity of Ohio’s elections.                    certain departments leaving
were moved into the new             retained Jones and Henry to                    hoped a report will be ready this         These funds have enabled the                          the budget overall 8.8 percent
STAR (Sheriff’s Treatment           assist with preliminary design                 summer to guide decisions for             county to install necessary                           higher than 2019. We remain
and Recovery House). The            for upgrading the Lake Loramie                 future upgrades.                          hardware and software for                             dedicated to serving the needs
facility was created to transition Wastewater Treatment Plant.                        As Shelby County works to              these functions, but will leave                       of our Shelby County residents.
between incarceration and           Built in 1987, much of the                     ensure our fairgrounds remains            the county responsible for the                        We welcome visitors to our
complete independence for           facility is outdated and past                  active throughout the year, the           ongoing costs.                                        sessions on Tuesdays and
those in recovery from drug or      its life expectancy. The plant                 Fair Board has created a long-              Shelby County had elected                           Thursdays and remain available
alcohol addiction. While living     currently treats waste from                    range plan to update many of              officials present during                              by appointment as well.

Altrusa International of Sidney has exciting year
  SIDNEY — Altrusa           at Ohio Living Dorothy                   presented the Ruth B.             received a grant to help                    President Christi                      Salvation Army bell at
International of Sidney      Love, said Vice President                Emmons Award for                  purchase books, clothing,                   Thomas, Secretary Ann                  Kroger in December
was organized on June        Christi Thomas. “The                     outstanding newsletter.           and personal care items                     Weiskittel, Treasurer                  and monthly sponsor a
10, 1944. The                       group subsequently                Named for the Sidney              for the men who are living                  Cynthia McRill, and                    child from Burkina Faso
current Club                        handed out                        club’s first president,           at the new Star House.                      Directors Kay Miller and               through Compassion
focuses on literacy,                three $1,000                      the award is presented               Members of the group                     Dianne Wells worked                    International.
scholarships, and                   scholarships at                   annually at conference.           attended the Quad                           on updating the groups’                  Two social events were
community service                   their birthday                      The Sidney Club                 City dinner in April in                     By-laws. The Foundation                held during 2019 and
in Shelby County                    meeting in June.”                 hosted a couple Little            Springfield. Quad City                      Officers are Chair Ollie               new members initiated
and is a 501(c)(3)                     Her report                     Red Caboose ceremonies            is Altrusa Clubs from                       Anthony, Vice-President                included Linda Nuss,
organization.         Thomas        continues:                        to honor the kids who             Troy, Springfield, Lima,                    and Treasurer Christi                  Mary Hook, and Ruth
  “There was                           The Club, with                 had graduated from the            and Sidney and each year                    Thomas and Secretary                   Hinzman.
much excitement                     some help from                    Imagination Library               a different club hosts a                    Cynthia McRill.                          Anyone interested
as the year started with     Lima Altrusa, hosted the                 program in Shelby                 dinner while one of the                       Members hosted a                     in Altrusa may attend
the group receiving a        District Five Conference                 County. A big supporter           others is in charge of                      blood drive on July 16                 one of their meetings
$1,500 grant from the        April 26-28 at the Howard                of Dolly Parton’s                 entertainment and the                       and in October handed                  which are held the first
local Sidney Elks Lodge      Johnson’s in Lima where                  Imagination Library,              other two donate $100 to                    out books to the kids                  Wednesday of each month
786 for their 12th Annual member Suzanne Cline                        Altrusa of Sidney had             a charity.                                  attending the downtown                 (except July) at the Amos
Adult Spelling Bee which was sworn in as District                     received a grant to hold             President Bev Mintchell                  kids fall festival.                    Memorial Library at
was held on March 21         Governor. They also                      the ceremonies. They also         and her officers Vice                         They also rang the                   5:30 pm.

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Progress Shelby County - February 2020
Sidney Daily News                                                      SHELBY COUNTY PROGRESS 2020                                                              Friday, February 21, 2020 3

Mayor reflects on city’s goals
   SIDNEY — “Council            field. At year’s end, we       our own Parks and             expending money up                the efforts of the land         one property owners
will soon engage in             were able to finalize the      Recreation Board to find      front. The funds are then         bank, 68 properties have        have not responded or
their biennial goal-            purchase of an additional grant monies to continue           paid back through the             been acquired in Sidney.        have failed to complete
setting session, and I          large tract of                         working to extend     annual property tax bill          With the exception of           their registration. In
thought it might be a           property for well                      the trail through     for a period of up to 30          four that were in good          the coming year, those
good idea to look back          field protection                       Sidney so that it     years.                            enough condition to be          property-owners will face
at the goals established        that is adjacent                       can connect to the       The city continues to          sold for rehab, the others      court proceedings.
for 2018-2019, and to           to property that                       trail in Piqua.       search for a developer to         have regretfully been              Council’s fifth goal:
reflect on progress that        had previously                           Once the trail      take ownership of The             demolished.                     Educate the public on the
has been made toward            purchased.                             connects to the       Ohio Building, with the              Unfortunately, funds         need for permanent tax
accomplishing those                Council’s           Barhorst        larger trail system   goal of transforming              available from the federal      levy funding to provide
goals,” said Sidney Mayor       second goal                            in Piqua, we          the building into a               government have nearly          for improved public
Mike Barhorst.                  was: Enhanced                          will be a part of     mixed-use property that           run out, and the only           safety services and an
   His report continues:        recreational opportunities the largest paved trail           would include space for           funds the land bank             ongoing aggressive street
   Council’s first goal         realized through the           network in the country.       retail, restaurant, and           will have in the future         maintenance program.
was: Focus on water             development of bike/           When that occurs,             offices. Several potential        are monies that are             Unfortunately, the
infrastructure through          pedestrian trails,             residents and visitors will   investors have looked at          generated locally. While        combined tax issue failed
the continued pursuit of        including the Great            be able to ride or walk       the building, and we hope         that will not eliminate         in May.
land and development            Miami River Trail,             south to Cincinnati, east     to transition the building        the work the land bank             Council then placed
of water wells. For more        through collaboration          to Columbus and west          to private ownership this         accomplishes, it will slow      two separate levies
than a century, city            with the Shelby County         into Indiana.                 year.                             the progress considerably.      on the November
leaders have searched for       Park District. Council           Council’s third goal           With the                          The Community                ballot consisting of a
a reliable underground          undertook a multi-             involved our efforts          transformation of the             Development Department          0.15 percent five year
water source so that the        pronged approach to            downtown: Emphasis on         former bank building at           is tasked with much of          renewable levy for street
city would not be reliant       accomplish this goal.          downtown revitalization       102 S. Ohio Ave. into             the work undertaken in          repairs and a 0.15 percent
upon surface water from            Unlike Miami County         by marketing tax              a mixed-use structure             the revitalization process.     continuing levy for fire
Tawawa Creek and the            where voters have long         incentives for property       that will include a first         Property inspections            operations. The street
Great Miami River.              supported the Miami            redevelopment, including      floor restaurant, the             resulted in 1065 code           levy passed and the fire
   Surface water is             County Park District,          renewal of the Ohio           transformation of the             violations, 80% of which        levy failed. Council’s
problematic for a number        voters in Shelby County        Building, and supporting      property at 101 North             were corrected by the           resolve to see a third
of reasons including            have been reluctant to         the continued activities      Ohio into a bakery, and           property owner. The             station constructed has
pollution and the scarcity      approve funds to support of Sidney Alive. As the             the property at 115 S.            remaining violations            not diminished, and the
of water during periods         the Shelby County Park         county seat and the only      Ohio into a pizzeria,             were corrected by city          levy will be discussed
of drought. This was            District. Despite the          city in Shelby County, the    there is a great deal of          contractors at a cost of        further in the coming
highlighted during the          fact that we know the          downtown plays a vital        activity downtown, with           $89,546.00.                     year.
1988 drought when,              amenities that a park          role not only in economic     more good news to come.              With one year                   Council again
despite water use               district can develop and       development, but a host          Council’s fourth               completed of the vacant         looks forward to the
restrictions, we came           maintain are important         of other commercial,          goal was to: Revitalize           property registration           coming year with
within three days of            to continued economic          cultural, and civic           neighborhoods, including          program a total of 112          eager anticipation of
having to shut down             growth, such amenities         activities.                   the downtown, through             properties have been            the challenges that
all industry in order to        come with a price tag.           Council passed              concerted efforts with            identified as vacant and        we will face, and
conserve water.                    As a result, we             legislation adopting the      the Shelby County Land            required to register.           finding solutions to
   Fortuitously, a source       continue to work               Property Assessed Clean       Reutilization Corporation         Forty-two property              those challenges.
of water was identified in      with Shelby County             Energy (PACE) program.        (land bank) and stronger          owners have registered          We are gratified to
Washington Township,            Commissioners, the             PACE is a financing           property maintenance              their properties, while         have a tremendously
wells developed and             staff of the Miami             tool to help commercial       codes for rental, vacant          12 requested, and were          conscientious team who
tested, and the City            Conservancy District,          building owners pay for       and owner-occupied                granted, an exemption           can supply Council with
began purchasing                the staff of the Great         energy efficient building     housing and commercial            from the registration           prudent options for
property for the well           Miami Riverway, and            improvements without          properties. Through               requirement. Thirty-            whatever comes our way.

2020 goal: Making Senior Center a household name
  SIDNEY — The Senior                to many of our members that          and Education includes our
Center of Sidney/Shelby              are still in the work force. They    indoor walking track, fitness
County had a very successful         are able to come after work to       room with athletic trainer, a
2019 that included                           use the Fitness Room         variety of exercise classes,
changes to the                               as well as attend our        lunch and learn series and
building, staff and                          evening activities such      health luncheons. All of
programming. March                           as Tai Chi and Euchre        these are FREE with your
2019 saw longtime                            nights.                      membership! In 2019 we had
Executive Director                              We only have one          over 37,000 visits to the center
Eileen Wiseman’s                             requirement for              with 53% of those being in the
retirement as well as       Hale             membership. You must         areas of Health and Education.
Administrative Assistant                     be 50 or better to join.       When it comes to Recreation
Darla Wilges. Stepping                       If you are under 50 but      and Socialization we are
into those roles is Rachel Hale      married to someone over 50           have something for everyone!                                                                          Courtesy photo
as executive director and Cindy      who is a member, you may             Whether it is a card game,              The Senior Center of Sidney/Shelby County saw changes to the building, staff
Lambert as administrative            also join. You may visit two         bingo, shuffleboard, choir,             and programming in 2019.
assistant/program coordinator.       times before joining and our         billiards, ping pong, or
  “These changes have                membership dues are very             crocheting you will have no             Shelby County United Way,                  It has been said in the past
benefited the center with a          affordable. $30 per calendar         problem finding something to            city of Sidney and County               that the Senior Center of
new vision of the future, an         year (or $2.50 per month) for        do here. We also have a library         Commissioners. We also pursue           Sidney-Shelby County was the
increase in new members              in county residents and $35          and computer lab that is free to        other grants that are available         “best kept secret in town.” The
as well as additions to our          per calendar year (or $2.92 per      our members.                            to the senior services sector           staff are working hard to make
activity calendar,” said Hale.       month) for those out of county.        In 2019 we gave the building          and we have several fundraisers         the center “a household name.”
“We are excited for 2020 and         This is a huge value when you        a bit of a face lift with new           through out the year.                   It is our goal to continue to
are confident the center will        consider all that we have to         carpet in our multi-purpose               Our facility is also available        touch the lives of our seniors
continue to grow and bless           offer!                               room, reception area and stairs.        to rent for private functions           by enriching their lives each
the lives of seniors in our            The center focuses on four         We added Tai Chi classes to             such as graduation parties,             day.
community.”                          areas of enrichment: Health,         our programming schedule as             wedding receptions, birthdays              We invite you to stop down
  Her report continues:              Education, Recreation and            well as Mai Jong Tiles and a            and special group events. Give          to the center located at 304 S.
  Our hours of operation are         Socialization. Each of these are     Book Club.                              us a call to find out more about        West Ave. or give us a call at
Monday through Friday 8 a.m.         vitally important in their own         We are a nonprofit                    renting either the Cameo                937-492-5266.
to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.        way.                                 organization and our funding            Theatre area or the Multi-                 Until we see you here, Have a
to noon. This makes it available       Our programming for Health         comes from grants such as the           purpose room.                           Blessed Day!
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Progress Shelby County - February 2020
4 Friday, February 21, 2020                                                  SHELBY COUNTY PROGRESS 2020                                                                                                                                                      Sidney Daily News

            Historical Society busy with numerous programs, events
               SIDNEY – In 2019, the            programs launched in          a single Saturday at the
            Shelby County Historical            February as fifth-graders     Ross Center!
            Society completed                   from all across Shelby           SCHS was pleased to
            its 26th year                               County and local      partner with the city
            since its 1993                              schools traveled to   of Sidney on June 29,
            reorganization and                          the Ross Center       2019 to celebrate the
            20th full year in                           for the Coming to     2nd Annual Cruise-In at
            the Ross Historical                         America exhibit       Tawawa Park in honor
            Center.                                     to understand the     of Lt. Anthony McLain
               ”This year,                              process and the       with over 250 cars in
            our focus was           Philpot
                                                        courage needed        attendance.
            on passing an                               to immigrate to          The Society’s main
            operating levy                              a new land. The       focus in 2019 was Shelby
            for all five historical             programs continued            County’s Bicentennial.
            societies in Shelby                 in April with another         The Bicentennial year
            County which was voted              Manufacturing Day,            started in Hardin. This
            in on November 5, 2019.             which was held at             community, for the first
            These funds will not only           Lehman High School for        time in several years,
            guarantee the operations            their feeder schools. In      held a small festival in
            of these five organizations         May, Civil War Day was        downtown Hardin. It
            but will also support their         held at the fairgrounds       included a children’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News file photo
            efforts to preserve Shelby          for all eighth-graders        historical exhibit                                                   Whittier Elementary students learn what it was like to plow by hand while visiting the historic
            County’s rich history for           in the county while the       containing art from                                                  1816 Wilson-Lenox-Ditmer House near Hardin as part of the ongoing Shelby County Bicentennial
            future generations,” said           third graders attended        almost every school                                                  celebration events in 2019. Moving the plow are, left to right, Aliya DeLaRosa, daughter of Aliya
            Tilda Phlipot, director.            the Wilson-Lenox House        in Shelby County, the                                                DeLaRosa and Paul Gillem, Sylas Macy, son of Samantha and Anthony Macy, Cylus Pultz, son of
               Her report continues:            Third Grade Experience        Traveling Museum,                                                    Kendra Schmidt and Johnny Pultz, and Malena Cunningham, daughter of Leah Fridley and Antwon
               The SCHS continued               and learned what it was       entertainment featuring                                              Cunningham. The event was held Tuesday, May 7.
            telling Shelby County               like to live in Shelby        the Hardin-Houston Band
            “Journey Stories” this              County in 1819.               and Third graders from                                               history as they moved the                                                 co-treasurer.                    2019.
            year by hosting the                    In October, Pioneer        Hardin-Houston School,                                               flag from community to                                                       With the help of Eric           2020 will be another
            Coming to America                   Day was held at the           a Quilt Show, and a Car                                              community.                                                                Ditmer, the Traveling            busy year for the Shelby
            exhibit throughout the              fairgrounds for fourth-       Show.                                                                   The Society’s Board of                                                 Museum was created               County Historical
            summer for the first                graders from the Sidney          Our curator, Jane                                                 Trustees was also very                                                    that told Shelby County’s        Society as we celebrate
            time. SCHS volunteers               City and Shelby County        Bailey, and the SMS                                                  busy with almost every                                                    history from the time            Sidney’s Bicentennial.
            created this exhibit to tell        Schools as well as from       Group created the                                                    board member being                                                        of the glaciers to the           We will continue our
            the story of the people             Christian Academy,            Bicentennial Legacy                                                  assigned a Bicentennial                                                   present. Ditmer moved            “Journey Stories” theme
            who have immigrated                 Holy Angels, and area         project titled “Discover                                             event to match their                                                      the museum to almost             by telling the stories of
            to Shelby County. The               homeschooled children.        Shelby County History,”                                              interest. Rich Wallace                                                    every community in               Sidney’s early settlers
            exhibit shared the                     The Just for Kids          which is an app that                                                 chaired educational                                                       Shelby County. The               and how women fought
            hardships that Shelby               programs are funded           can be downloaded to                                                 programming and hosted                                                    Society’s staff helped the       to receive the right to
            County’s inhabitants went           by the Emerson Trust          your phone for free.                                                 an informational lecture                                                  Sidney Daily News staff          vote. Throughout the
            through from the time               Foundation, Sidney/           It presently contains                                                series, Julie Gilardi                                                     to create a coloring book        year we will continue
            they left their homeland            Shelby County Chamber         approximately 350                                                    partnered with the Food                                                   that was given to all the        to host a Bicentennial
            through their settling in           of Commerce, The              historical locations                                                 Truck Rally to host the                                                   third graders in Shelby          Lecture Series, in May
            Shelby County and how               Community Foundation          and will be updated in                                               Bicentennial MarketPlace,                                                 County.                          we will welcome the
            these settlers created              of Shelby County,             2020. Using the app you                                              an antique and collectible                                                   On Oct. 5, 2019, the          Traveling Vietnam Wall,
            ways to enrich their new            Monarch Legacy Fund,          can travel throughout                                                show including local                                                      Ohio History Connection          the Cemetery Tour in
            homeland.                           and the Shelby County         Shelby County and learn                                              specialist offering to                                                    honored SCHS with                June, our fifth annual
               This year also                   United Way. Other             about our rich heritage.                                             appraise artifacts, Bill                                                  its seventh “History             Afternoon Tea in July,
            highlighted the fourth              children’s programming        A Traveling Museum                                                   Ragon chaired the Indian                                                  Outreach Award” for              The Civil War Living
            annual Afternoon Tea                during the year included      was also created which                                               Artifact Committee,                                                       its 70th Anniversary             History weekend will
            held for the first time             the Fall Festival, DARE,      visited every community                                              Nancy Steinke chaired                                                     Celebration for Tawawa           return in September, and
            on two separate dates,              and Kids Around the           festival in 2019. SCHS                                               the Patriotic Concert,                                                    Park. The Society also           the 13th annual Ghost
            July 17-18, 2019. Linda             Square. Our signature         also partnered with every                                            Roger Lentz built the                                                     partnered with the               Tour in October, with
            DeVelvis portrayed a                event, Christmas of           historical society in                                                Bicentennial Float and                                                    Shelby Soil and Water            more programs to be
            pioneer woman and                   Yesteryear, featured craft    Shelby County to create a                                            drove it in every parade                                                  Conservation District for        announced at a later date.
            shared what a day in her            projects done as an open      Shelby County Flag Run.                                              in Shelby County during                                                   their Forestry Field Day         The year will end with
            life looked like in 1819.           house which hosted over       Each community was                                                   the Bicentennial year                                                     event at the Wilson-Lenox        Angels in the Attic and
               Our Just for Kids                900 kids and parents on       invited to tell their own                                            and also served as the                                                    House on October 27,             Christmas of Yesteryear.

            Community Foundation creates 22 new charitable funds
           SIDNEY — “The Community             • Kermit T. Kuck and Ella M.                          payable to the Community
         Foundation of Shelby County              Kuck Fund                                          Foundation of Shelby County
         was privileged to assist many         • Lachey Family Scholarship                           with the fund name noted on
         charitably-minded                          Fund                                             the memo line. Credit card gifts
         people in the past year                    • Tom and Angela                                 may be made to any charitable
         to support aspects of the                  Martin Family Fund                               fund by clicking the “Donate”

 AX,
LAX,
         community,” reported                       • Virginia Matz                                  button on the Foundation’s
         Marian Spicer, executive                   Foundation                                       website at commfoun.com.
         director. “Twenty-two                      • Virginia and Richard            “We offer the finest in collision repair and
                                                                                                        The Community Foundationís
         new charitable funds
         were established,
                                                    Matz Scholarship Fund
                                                    • Leo J. Meyer
                                                                                      Customer Service, and we have a genuine
                                                                                                     Match Day was held on Dec.
                                                                                                     3, known nationally as Giving
                                      Spicer
         including several donor                    Scholarship Fund
                                                    • Hugo and Thelma
                                                                                      Interest in you and your vehicle!”
                                                                                                     Tuesday. Match Day was an
                                                                                                     effort to raise visibility and
         advised, scholarship,

 take  it from here!
         project and organization funds           Meyer Scholarship Fund                                    Tom Martin, Owner
                                                                                                     giving by offering a dollar for                                         Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News file photo

Cancer Awareness Month
         that benefit the community.”          • Prime the Pump Fund in                              dollar match of up to $5,000 to Donor Relations Director for the Community Foundation of Shelby County
                                                                                                                                        Jessica Fortkamp, of Sidney, reveal the grand total of money raised during the
           Her report continues:                  Loving Memory of Alma                              16 local charities. Each charity Match Day fundraiser. The celebration was held at the Amos Memorial Library

      RELAX,
           The not-for-profit public              Wilson Allinger and Robert                         exceeded the match amount and Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

              we'll take it
         foundation governs 205                   Lochard Allinger                                   a total of $377,791 was raised
         charitable funds totaling nearly      • Russia Coalition                                    and distributed. To participate,“We    offer the
                                                                                                                                        community            finest
                                                                                                                                                      residents          in collision
                                                                                                                                                                 were held.                     repair and
                                                                                                                                                                                 Diane Reiss, Norm Smith and

         TWO   LOCATIONS!
         $34 million. Its role is to carry        Playground Fund                                    a charity needed to have an Customer
                                                                                                                                        A program on   Service,         and we
                                                                                                                                                         legal issues for        Amy have
                                                                                                                                                                                       Zorn. Staff a members
                                                                                                                                                                                                       genuine

  ake itWe’ll
         fromtake  from
               here!    here!
         out the wishes of community           • Ruble Family Keep Art in                            organization fund housed at the charities was cohosted by the

                  RELAX,
                                                                                                                                                                                 include executive director
         members by administering                 Your HeART Fund                                    Community Foundation.           Interest      in you
                                                                                                                                        Shelby County          and your Marian
                                                                                                                                                          Bar Association         vehicle!”
                                                                                                                                                                                          Spicer; donor relations
         charitable funds that provide         • Sidney Alive Fund                                      Scholarships for students       and a fundraising seminar              “We     offer
                                                                                                                                                                                 director  Jessica
                                                                                                                                                                                                  the     finest in collisi
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Fortkamp;

                  it from here!
                                                                                                                                                                          Tom      Martin,        Owner
        We’ll  take  it from here!
upport Breast Cancer Awareness Month
         grants and scholarships for
         purposes outlined by a fundís
         establishing donors. Grants
                                               • Samaritan Works Fund
                                               • Bob Sargeant Skills
                                                  Scholarship Fund
                                                                                                     pursuing skilled and technical
                                                                                                     training became a new effort
                                                                                                     of the Foundation. The first
                                                                                                                                        was cosponsored with Edison Customer
                                                                                                                                        State Community College and
                                                                                                                                                                                 accounting managerService, Jeanne and we h
                                                                                                                                                                                 Hoying, CPA; scholarships and
                                                                                                                                                                               Interest in you and your veh
                                                                                                                                        Shelby County United Way. The grants administrator Juli Smith

                We’ll  take we'll take it
                            it from here!
         may be distributed to any             • Shelby County Skills                                Skills Scholarships application    Community Foundation also                and accounting administrator Tom Ma

LAX, we’ll take it from here!
                                                  Scholarship Fund                                   deadline is March 12 and 10

                   TWO   LOCATIONS!
         organization in the U.S., but                                                                                                  collaborated with four other             Barbara Stueve.
  in collision repair and
         most  are given in the  Shelby        •  Five Gift Accounts, short-                         $2,000 awards are available.       organizations to host a seminar            In 2020, the Foundation

                            from here!
                                                                                                                                                   RELAX,
         County area.                             term donor advised funds.                             A record 205 Community          on estate planning.                      will continue working with
 and we have         a genuine
           Several charitable   funds were     Additionally, several local                           Foundation Partners gave             The 2020 Community                     local residents wanting to
                                                                                                                                                                                                              “We offer the f

                                                                                                                                                    TWO LOCATIONS!
 your vehicle!”
         established last year.              residents created charitable                            to support the Foundationís        Foundation officers are Doug             give to charitable causes    Customer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 in            Serv
           • FISH Fund                       fund agreements that will                               community grants program.          Borchers, chair; Cindy Helman, the community, especially              Interest
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    in      in you
   Tom Martin,
           • Philip Owner
                     and Katrina Gilardi     establish new funds through                             Because of their generosity,       vice chair; Karen Fortman,               the area of skills scholarships.
 e finest inFamily
                collision
           • Habitat
 ervice, and      wefor
                              repair andtheir estates.
                      Foundation
                          Humanity
                       have
              of Miami and Shelby
                                  a genuineGifts for these and other
                                                                       2 Loca
                                             existing funds are welcome at
                                                                              t
                                                                        to ser ions
                                                                                                     organizations this spring.
                                                                                                        Two workshops for not-for-
                                                                                                                                                      We’ll take it from here!
                                                                                                     $39,475 will be offered to local secretary; and Dave Monnier,
                                                                                                                                        treasurer. Trustees are Kurt
                                                                                                                                        Barhorst, Janice Benanzer,
                                                                                                                                                                                 For more information, contact
                                                                                                                                                                                 Jessica Fortkamp at 937-497-
                                                                                                                                                                                 7800 or e-mail at jfortkamp@
                                                                               v
                                                                          YOU! e
 ou  and
 idney     your    vehicle!”
              Counties, Ohio   Fund          any time and should be made                             profit organizations and one for Rudy Keister, Mike Lochard,                commfoun.com.

!                            Tom Martin, Owner              TWO LOCATION
     RELAX,
  ar.com                               “We offer the finest in collision repair and
                                                                                             2 Loca                                                                                                                                                                    “We offer the finest
                                                                                                     t
DY                                  TROY                               Dr., Troy                to ser ions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      in collision repair and
     175 S. Stolle Ave., Sidney                  15 North Kings Chapel Rd., Troy
                                       Customer Service, and we have a genuine
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Customer Service and

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 NS!      (937) 492-4783                                       339-3391   Ownertake it from here! YOU!
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                                                             Tom Martin, We’ll
                  15 North Kings Chapel Dr., Troy                                                                                                                                                                                                                         interest in you
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                                        THREE LOCATIONS!      State of the Art Equipment
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  xperts
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                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr.,
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                                                                                              “We offer the finest in collision repair
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                                                 SIDNEY BODY State                       175 S. Stolle Ave.,
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 echnicians                                          www.troycarstar.com
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                                                                                                                                                      vehicle!”
                                                                                                                                                        Frame       Alignment         15 North Kings Chapel Rd., Troy

                                                                                         www.sidneybodycarstar.com                     “We offer the finest        Autoin collision       repair an
                                                                                                                 ®        (937) 492-4783                                               ®       (937) 339-3391

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d.,   Troy
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                                                                                                                               ~Computer                             Laser      Frame Align
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                                                                   Sidney, Ohio 45365              Troy, Ohio 45373                  Piqua, Ohio
 e Interest in you andHighly Skilled Technicians            ~Free                           Delivery
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                                                                                                                                                                                            Art Eq
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                                                                                                Auto Body Repair Experts                                                                    Auto Body R
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m     15   North    Kings  Chapel   Rd., Troy
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                                                Highly Skilled Technicians
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                                                                                          Drive in Estimating
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                                                                                                                                                          Paint Matching
                                                                                                                                                   Convenient Services
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Progress Shelby County - February 2020
Sidney Daily News                                                                            SHELBY COUNTY PROGRESS 2020                                                                           Friday, February 21, 2020 5

Jackson Center students still enjoy new building, programs
  JACKSON CENTER —                              by incorporating a third       and understanding has                  socio-emotional parts                  our budget as well as                 enter the building.
The 2018-19 school year                         multi-handicapped unit         permeated all parts of the             of their lives. Jackson                our needs in 2019 before                 Partner with the
was another exciting time                       into our building. We          district. Our principals               Center Schools is not                  taking on more capital                Village of Jackson Center
for the students, staff and                     previously housed                      continue to                    immune to the challenges               improvement projects.                 and local businesses to
community of Jackson                            elementary and                         expand their                   presented by rising health                Discussions have                   provide opportunities for
Center,                                         high school                            pairing of students            care costs and 2019 was                been ongoing in regards               students to explore their
  “Our staff and students                       units (that were                       with staff and                 no different. That topic               to safety, technology,                varied interests. Continue
spent their second full                         expanded in 2019)                      adults so that                 continues to be debated                athletics, maintenance,               monitoring the academic
year in the new and                             and then over                          everyone has a                 at the national level, but             transportation and the                growth of students
renovated parts of our                          the summer we                          voice, a prod,                 does have implications                 ongoing structural and                as well as their socio-
building. While we are                          added the middle       Reichert        a mentor and                   for all of us in Shelby                cosmetic updates needed               emotional development
still learning about all                        school unit. Many                      a support. The                 County. We will continue               in the 2003 wing. As the              so that they become
the new technology and                          students from                          staff has been                 striving to find a balance             budget allows in 2020,                contributing members of
the new processes, the                          across Shelby County           remarkable showing their               between providing                      we will begin to take on              society.
building has provided                           are now attending the          time and generosity to                 affordable health care                 some of those projects.                  Ensure that our staff
us with an outstanding                          units in Jackson Center.       not only their mentees,                for our employees while                   Our goals for 2020                 is prepared for the
learning facility for staff                     We are very proud that         but all the students of                remembering the role                   are the same that they                challenges that come with
and students alike,” said                       our native JC students         Jackson Center.                        and importance of the                  have been for years. We               educating students in the
Superintendent William                          get to experience a              We will continue to                  taxpayer. Outside of the               want to: Provide a safe,              21st century.
Reichert.                                       unique diversity and they make the proper effort                      normal expenses incurred               friendly environment                     Please visit our
  His report continues:                         literally take no time to      to train our staff so that             by a school district                   filled with high                      webpage at www.jctigers.
  The second half of                            adjust and welcome their they can address the                         during the year, our                   expectations that both                org to discover all that
2019 initiated a change                         new schoolmates.               academic needs of the                  school board has taken                 parents and students will             Jackson Center schools
to our student population                          That theme of empathy students as well as the                      some time to evaluate                  recognize as soon as they             has to offer.

New playground designed for Russia School                                                                                                                           Sock & Buskin
  RUSSIA — “After 25 years
of constant use, it is time to
replace our school playground,”
                                                              June 15 if you would like to help
                                                              with the construction of the new
                                                              playground.
                                                                                                    to all-day kindergarten in
                                                                                                    an effort to provide more
                                                                                                    learning opportunities for our
                                                                                                                                                                    has full season of
said Russia Local Schools
Superintendent Steve
Rose. “Last November
                                                                        This fall, the State of
                                                                     Ohio released the 2018-
                                                                     2019 District Report
                                                                                                    kindergarten students, especially
                                                                                                    those who are in need of
                                                                                                    intervention.
                                                                                                                                                                    shows in 2019
the board of education                                               Card which ranks the              We continue to implement
                                                                                                                                                                       SIDNEY — In 2019,           for an adult or $15 for a
set aside $200,000 of                                                performance of each            “The R Factor” developed by
                                                                                                                                                                    Sock & Buskin Players          family. Paid membership
Permanent Improvement                                                school district in the State   Tim Kight of Focus3 Learning.
                                                                                                                                                                    produced a full season         receives advance notices
Funds for the playground                                             of Ohio. Russia was one        This is a system for developing
                                                                                                                                                                    of shows and                          of upcoming
project. The RCA also did Rose                                       of 32 districts in the State   discipline responses to daily
                                                                                                                                                                    continue with                         auditions, shows,
a successful fundraising                                             of Ohio to Earn an overall     situations, challenging goals,
                                                                                                                                                                    their mission                         and information
project and committed                                                “A” rating! The Dayton         and unexpected circumstances.
                                                                                                                                                                    statement by                          on other Ohio
$8,000 for the purchase of a                                  Business Journal also ranked          The more discipline-driven the
                                                                                                                                                                    producing and                         community
Nine Square In The Air Court                                  Russia the 2nd highest district       response, the more productive
                                                                                                                                                                    performing                            theaters. The
with poured in place flooring to                              in the Dayton Area. These are         the outcome will be.
                                                                                                                                                                    live theater in                       group meets the
add to the project.”                                          both amazing accomplishments             To continue to develop a
                                                                                                                                                                    the community                         second Saturday
  His report continues:                                       and we are very proud of our          positive school culture in the                                                        Thomas
                                                                                                                                                                    by utilizing                          of each month at
  In an effort to maximize                                    students, staff, and community        primary grades we are using a
                                                                                                                                                                    local talent and                      8:30 a.m. usually at
our buying power, we worked                                   who all worked together to earn       book called “The Energy Bus”
                                                                                                                                                                    resources.                     the office of the Historic
with Marion Local who is also                                 these achievements. This year         by John Gordon for students in
                                                                                                                                                                       Business Manager            Sidney Theatre.
doing a similar playground                                    Russia School implemented             grades K-4.
                                                                                                                                                                    Christi Thomas has                For some, the love
project. We did a combined bid                                several new initiatives within the       Russia Local School received
                                                                                                                                                                    submitted the following        of theater and the arts
for both schools which led to                                 high school and elementary. In        grant funding from the Bureau
                                                                                                                                                                    report:                        also takes them to other
a substantial volume discount.                                the high school, we implemented       of Workman’s compensation
                                                                                                                                                                       “Fairy Tale Misfits”        venues and other cities.
We are also doing a community                                 a one-to-one technology               totaling $33,279 to improve
                                                                                                                                                                    with two casts of kids         In 2019, S&B members
build utilizing local volunteers to                           program that provides a               school safety and security. This
                                                                                                                                                                    and directed by Jenni          also worked with
construct the playground which                                chromebook to each student.           funding was used to complete
                                                                                                                                                                    Jeske was performed            Raise the Roof for the
will save the district an extra                               Teachers have been trained on         a variety of upgrades to the
                                                                                                                                                                    in March at the Cameo          Arts, Sidney Christian
$30,000! With these savings,                                  the use of Schoology to help          district including new cafeteria
                                                                                                                                                                    Theatre in the Sidney-         Academy, Fairlawn High
we were able to add additional                                improve their communications          tables that just arrived, new
                                                                                                                                                                    Shelby County Senior           School and Troy Civic
equipment and have poured in                                  with both students and parents.       camera servers, and additional
                                                                                                                                                                    Center. “Grease” was           Theatre.
place rubber flooring throughout                              We are also continuing to             cameras to the track storage
                                                                                                                                                                    performed to almost               In 2020, the group
the entire playground including                               develop our college credit plus       building and to the playground
                                                                                                                                                                    sold-out houses in             plans to perform “Same
the ga ga pit. In the early spring,                           program, offering students            area.
                                                                                                                                                                    August, directed by            Time, Next Year” in
we will be selling the current                                the opportunity to earn 58               In closing, I want to thank
                                                                                                                                                                    Kevin Frazier-Jones            February directed
equipment and plan to start                                   college credits here at Russia.       the Russia Community for your
                                                                                                                                                                    with choreography by           by Polly Lawson;
with the removal of the old                                   Last year our senior class            ongoing support of Russia Local
                                                                                                                                                                    Liz Maxson. “Frozen,           “Enchanting Tales” in
equipment immediately after                                   graduated with an average of 44       School. It is your constant
                                                                                                                                                                    Jr.” was a big hit at the      March; “Newsies” in July/
school is out. Check out the new                              college credit hours. Another         support that makes Russia
                                                                                                                                                                    Historic Sidney Theatre        August; and a fall play
playground design and mark                                    big change for this school            School what it is today and it is
                                                                                                                                                                    in mid August; and “Steel      TBA.
your calendars for the week of                                year is that we transitioned          very much appreciated!
                                                                                                                                                                    Magnolias,” directed              Sock & Buskin is a
                                                                                                                                                                    by Christi Thomas, was         member of the Ohio
                                                                                                                                                                    performed on the stage         Community Theatre
                                                                                                                                                                    with the audience on           Association and
                                                                                                                                                                    stage in November.             continues to partner with
                                                                                                                                                                       Steve Dietrich is           the Kroger Company for
                                                                                                                                                                    the president with             those people who have
                                                                                                                                                                    Ken Pistone, vice              a Kroger Plus card and
                                                                                                                                                                    president in charge of         sign up via the internet,
                                                                                                                                                                    productions; Maggie            S&B receives a dollar
                                                                                                                                                                    Streb, Webmaster and           percentage of your
                                                                                                                                                                    vice president in charge       purchases. For more
                                                                                                                                                                    of marketing; Peg              information you can
                                                                                                                                                                    Dietrich, secretary; and       check out their website
                                                                                                                                                                    Christi Thomas, business       or contact Christi
                                                                                                                                                                    manager. Committees            Thomas.
                                                                                                                                                                    include Kevin Frazier-            For more information
                                                                                                                                                                    Jones in charge of Adult       regarding Sock & Buskin
                                                                                                                                                                    Planning; Kimberly             Players or to become a
                                                                                                                                                                    Pistone heads Family           member, write S&B at
                                                                                                                                                                    & Youth Planning;              P.O. Box 743, Sidney,
                                                                                                                                                                    Kathy Streb is in charge       Ohio, check out www.
                                                                                                                                                                    of Fundraising; with           sockbuskin.org, Sock &
                                                                                                                                                                    Polly Lawson heading           Buskin Players Sidney
                                                                                                                                                                    Membership and Long-           Ohio Community
                                                                                                                                                                    Range Planning.                Theatre on Facebook;
                                                                                                                              Courtesy photo                           Membership is open to       or email Christi at
This design is what the new playground at Russia Elementary School will look like.                                                                                  the public with $10 dues       clthomas@woh.rr.com.

   154 Years…                                    113 Years…
                                                 110                                   98 Years...                      98 years in                                        88 Years…                 70
                                                                                                                                                                                                     73 Years…
  Oldest Business                                                                                                        Business
                                                   Spot                                                                                                            Flint’s TV Bunny’s
 in Shelby County

 Salm-McGill
 & Tangeman                                      Restaurant                                                                                                       & Appliances Pharmacy
 Funeral Home                                                                        Shelby County
 502 S. Ohio                                      Downtown                                                                                                                 212 E North St               112 N Main
                                                                                     920 Wapakoneta Ave
   Sidney                                          Sidney                                Sidney, OH
                                                                                                                        36 West Main Street
                                                                                                                           Fort Loramie,
                                                                                                                                                                              Sidney                  Downtown Sidney
                                                                                                                            Ohio 45845

                                                                                                                                                                           492-6430
                                                                                                                                                                                                     492-4550
                                                                                                                                               OH-70173378

                                                                                                                           (937)295-2301
  492-5130
                                                 492-9181 492-3167                                                      Family Owned
                                  OH-70171135

                                                                                                                                                                           www.FlintsTV.com
                                                                                                                                                             OH-70173500

 www.Salm-McGillandTangeman.com                 OH-70173499
                                                                                                        OH-70174066       since 1922                                                                                   OH-70173507
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         40954661
Progress Shelby County - February 2020
6 Friday, February 21, 2020                                                                 SHELBY COUNTY PROGRESS 2020                                                                 Sidney Daily News

Drug Task Force continues fight against drug abuse
  SIDNEY — The Shelby                this data that allows all of the                               Judicial, and not for profit    Shelby County. Statistics are         We will be forming different
County Drug Task Force was           agencies to see and understand                                 leaders and share what each     shared from these different         committees for 2020 to ensure
formed in the late fall of 2016      what services are being offered                                agency is faced with and        agencies that are a part of         that the community is aware
and is comprised of 30                      and by whom these                                       how we can help each other      the task force. The task force      of different services already
member agencies who                         services are available                                  and our citizens.               did not hold any Community          available to them. We want to
meet bi-monthly to                          through,” said Diann                                  • Implement Strategic Best        Conversations in 2019. There        make sure we are reaching out
collect and share data                      Rodrigues, Drug Task                                    Practices to combat these       was a shift in drug usage           to the community in different
and information about                       Force member.                                           issues.                         from opiates to other drugs,        formats to send the message
the opioid and drug                            Our Goals continue                                 • Educate and inform State        such as methamphetamine.            of services readily available to
abuse problem in Shelby                     to be:                                                  and Federal Officials of our    This trend was consistent           meet their needs.
County, all of Ohio and      Rodrigues      • To share and collect                                  problems and our needs to       throughout 2019. The drug             The drug task force continues
the Nation.                                 Data for grant writing                                  control them.                   task force monitored any trends     to use the website www.
  “We continue to use                       purposes,                                             The task force continues to       throughout the year based on        drugfreeshelbycounty.org. to
the community dash board               • Unite Law Enforcement,                                 meet on a bi-monthly basis to       information gathered from the       show the different services
previously developed with                 Government Agencies,                                  discuss the opiate concern for      different agencies                  available in Shelby County.

Sidney Police meet challenges, overcome obstacles in 2019
   SIDNEY — “It is the vision of                 part time basis to help with our               workshop, a Safety Town             leave their household for the       SAAT team works within the
the Sidney Police Department                     quick response team.                           program for children and            first time.                         community to educate prevent
to exceed the expectations of                      Continuing education                         the RAD (Rape Aggression               RAD is a self-defense            and treat those afflicted by this
our community, to adapt to the                   remains a priority                                     Defense) Program.           program designed to assist          epidemic. On Dec. 19, 2019,
ever changing challenges and                     within the Sidney Police                                 The Citizens              female participants in              they had their first community
to provide the highest level of                  Department as personnel                                Academy offers              understanding how to defend         Remembrance and Recovery
service and protection to our                    completed over 3,000                                   residents an opportunity    themselves in the event of a        event.
citizens,” said Chief William                    hours of voluntary                                     to experience law           physical attack.                       In 2019 Officer Jon Hofmann
Balling. “During the year in                     training. While the state                              enforcement first hand         The heroin/opioid crisis         was selected as the officer of
2019 our department met many                     did not require any                                    with a ride-along,          continues to be a focal point       the year. While well deserving,
challenges and I am proud of                     mandated training this                                 classroom training and      of not only enforcement but         all the officers, dispatchers
how we overcame the obstacles                    year we understand that Balling                        other aspects of the        treatment/assistance as well.       and support staff work hard
and believe that we are a better                 one of the best ways                                   profession.                 The number of overdoses fell        also throughout the year and
department today for it.”                        to keep our officers safe and                    The Teen Law Enforcement          in 2019, but our department is      deserve to be recognized also.
   His report continues:                         meet our vision statement is                   workshop offers high school         still committed to do everything       In conclusion, the Sidney
   We were able to locate                        to have a highly skilled and                   students an opportunity             that we can to reduce those         Police Department looks
and hire a new officer and a                     trained staff. Training includes               to spend three days at the          addicted to all types of illegal    forward to 2020 as another
full time telecommunicator.                      a broad range of topics such                   department in which they            drugs. We continued to actively     year of working with and for
We welcomed Jim Luana                            as defensive tactics, firearms,                learn about what our officers       investigate all reports of drug     the citizens of Sidney. We will
as our newest officer and                        tactical response, vehicle                     do. It also allows them the         abuse and prosecute those           continue to facilitate a strong
Abigail Goins as our new                         operation and legal updates.                   opportunity to ride with an         selling/possessing illegal drugs.   relationship with businesses
telecommunicator. They bring                       The department was                           officer.                            Our department along with           and residents alike by
with them a passion for the job                  fortunate to continue several                    The Safety Town program is        the SAAT (Sidney Addict             maintaining our core values and
and a desire to help people. We                  unique programs in 2019: the                   designed to help reinforce basic    Assistance Team) made contact       being committed to providing
were also able to bring Reserve                  Citizens Academy Program,                      safety rules for early school age   with over 100 individuals to        the highest possible level of
Officer Mike McRill back in a                    a Teen Law Enforcement                         children who are beginning to       assist with treatment. The          service.

Veteran Services provides services for county’s veterans
   SIDNEY — The Veteran                  in lives touched within our          for which they may be                 • In August we                  • In December we had      surviving spouses and
Services Team continued                  veteran community. As in             eligible.                               partnered with                  a Veterans Benefit      dependent children with
their success in 2019 by                 previous years, our goal                In addition to our                   local veterans’                 Workshop at the         food and toiletry items.
implementing new                                is to serve as many           advertising efforts, 2019               organizations, and              Sidney Veterans           Here are some 2019
outreach strategies                             veterans in Shelby            was another busy year for               some generous local             Center. We provided     statistics that will allow
to reach the                                    County as possible.           in-community outreach                   sponsors, to provide            a free meal, veterans   you to understand
county’s veterans.                              Our trained Service           events to include the                   an event called                 benefit information     what we provide to our
The office, which                               Officers assist in            following:                              “Veterans and Family            and free haircuts to    veterans:
is located at 133                               filing claims with               • In April, Veteran                  Appreciation Day”               over 200 individuals.     • We provided
S. Ohio Avenue in                               the VA, securing                   Service Officer                    held at Vandemark               We also presented            Emergency Financial
downtown Sidney,                                health care benefits,              Theresa Manteuffel                 Farms in Sidney. At             those in attendance          Relief in the amount
                       North
has a full-time staff                           and ensuring our                   attended The                       this event veterans             with a voucher for           of over $152,000
that is available to                            county’s veterans                  Sidney Walmart                     and their families              a free Christmas             to over 400 eligible
assist with a multitude of               are receiving the benefits                30th Anniversary                   were provided with              ham. The remaining           veterans, surviving
services for veterans. That              and care that they                        celebration and                    a free meal and a               vouchers were given          spouses and
staff consists of Executive              deserve. As well, we                      provided benefit                   chance to win some              away to veterans who         dependent children.
Director Chris North and                 work every day to combat                  material and                       amazing door prizes.            couldn’t attend the          This relief consists
Veteran Service Officers                 hunger, homelessness, and                 information on our                 They could also play            event. We gave away          of things like: rent,
Theresa Manteuffel and                   financial stress for those                office and its services.           putt-putt golf, fish,           300 Christmas hams           utilities, food orders,
Sherrye Lamma, as well as                in need.                                • During June,                       play cornhole and               to the veterans of           mortgage, medical
the transportation team of                  In order to garner                     Commissioner                       games of chance.                Shelby County.               and etc.
Jim Neilan, James “Mac”                  awareness of our services,                Ron Leininger and                  Over 400 individuals          Our greatest and most       • Our Transportation
McGee, Steve Wearly,                     this year we increased                    Director Chris North               joined us at this event.   beneficial project that we        Team transported
Bob Reisinger and Don                    our presence with                         joined the Elder                 • In September Veteran       accomplished in 2019              over 700 veterans
Miller. In addition to                   internet advertising,                     Abuse Awareness                    Service Officer            was the opening of our            to appointments at
those team members, the                  television commercials,                   Day Event in which                 Theresa Manteuffel         Veteran Food Pantry in            VA Medical Centers
Shelby County Veterans                   and social media. All of                  they made benefit                  organized a “Silent        our office downtown.              throughout the state
Commission consists of                   which direct interested                   information available              Watch” that took           We rolled this out in the         of Ohio free of charge.
Board President Zack                     parties to our brand new                  to those who inquired              place on the Court         month of October and the       • We signed up over
Bosslet, Vice President                  website that was just                     about our services.                Square in Sidney.          support that we have had          70 veterans for VA
Richard Snider, Secretary                launched this year, www.                • For Memorial Day                   This watch was a way       from the community is             Healthcare.
Ron Leininger and                        shelbycountyveterans.                     we joined forces with              to bring awareness to      so amazing! Ninty-eight        • We helped over 60
Commissioners Thomas                     org . This increase in                    all the local veterans’            veteran suicide. There     percent of the stock we           surviving family
Kinninger and Jon                        advertising has allowed                   organizations and                  was a casket draped        have was provided by              members file for VA
Johnson.                                 us to see veterans in our                 decorated graves with              in an American flag        the community. Since we           Grave Markers.
   North’s report                        office that have never been               flowers and flags                  and volunteers stood       opened the doors we have       • We assisted over
continues:                               here before or have never                 throughout Shelby                  silent watch over the      provided 178 individuals          200 veterans file
   Our success is measured               looked into the benefits                  County.                            casket for 12 hours.       to include: veterans,             for disability claims
                                                                                                                                                                                   with Veteran Affairs

 One Stop Quality Construction Services 937.498.4784
                                                                                                                                                                                   on injuries they
                                                                                                                                                                                   sustained while
                                                                                                                                                                                   serving.
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               INDUSTRIAL                                                     COMMERCIAL                                                          RESIDENTIAL
                                                                                                                                                                                   for a Vet Center
                                                                                                                                                                                   counselor to meet
               5 Areas to Serve You                                                                                     Columbus:                (614) 888-8905                    with combat veterans
                                                                                                                                                                                   on a weekly basis.
               Sidney:      (937) 498-4784                                                                             Greensburg:               (812) 222-0352                 • We also continue to
               Marysville:  (937) 642-0386                                                                                 Marion:               (740) 223-2700                    provide numerous
                                                                                                                                                                                   veterans with budget
                                                                                                                                                                                   counseling classes
                                                                                                                                                                                   right here in the office
                                                                                                                                                                                   at no cost to them.
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