Archbold Elevator series

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Senior Citizens Menu .............. 7Classified ........................... 10,11 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports....................................... 8Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

Morton, Wyse Pleased With Lafayette Street Opening – page 9

A RCHBOLD B UCKEYEwww.ArchboldBuckeye.com

FOUR NATIONALGeneral ExcellenceFirst Place Awards

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207 N. Defiance St., Archbold, Ohio 43502 (USPA 029-180)

$1

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 106th Year - No. 3

One section–12 pagesOne section–12 pages

Archbold Elevator Breakdown Of Claims # of Paid $ Amount $ Amount

Claimants 100% Paid Not Paid

Grain Bank Storage 17 $53,720.75

Delayed Price claim less than $10,000 27 $123,211.15

Delayed Price claim more than $10,000 32 $1,608,728.44 $327,182.12

Payable over 30 days less than 365 days 6 $934,515.99 $205,577.55

Payable less than 30 days not priced at delivery 3 $364,353.33 $83,588.33

Payable less than 30 days priced at delivery 3 $318,132.46

Payable over 365 days 1 $249,463.76

Marketing programs 3 $5,572.53

NSF checks 0 Deferred Payment Agreements 0

Totals 92 $500,636.89 $2,907,597.76 $865,811.76

Total paid from Indemnity Fund $3,408,234.65 Information courtesy David Simmons, Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8/3/2011. Archbold Buckeye chart .

Farmers who had grain on deposit with Archbold Elevator lost a total of $865,811.76, but there’s talk of legislative changes that may enable them to get their money back. Roy Norman, director of the Fulton, Defi ance, Henry and Williams county chap-ters of Ohio Farm Bureau, said Monday he knew there was some talk that changes in legislation could allow the 42 claimants who lost money in the fi nancial collapse of Archbold Elevator to recoup their loss. History After a routine examina-tion of Archbold Elevator records in April, inspectors from the Ohio Department of Agriculture found prob-lems with the books. Liabili-ties signifi cantly exceeded assets, and the corn stocks at the elevator were 50,000 bushels short. ODA suspended the Arch-bold Elevator grain-handling license, Monday, April 11. Farmers & Merchants State Bank fi led a lawsuit

against Archbold Elevator the following day, demand-ing repayment of $4.9 mil-lion in loans. Farmers who had done business with Archbold Ele-vator could fi le for compensa-tion through the state Grain Indemnity Fund, which was started in 1983. Money for the fund was collected from a half-cent per bushel as-sessment on grain transac-tions collected between July 1, 1983 and Dec. 31, 1985. The fund pays farmers 100% for storage grain, grain payables less than 30 days, deferred payments up to 90 days with a signed agree-ment, and insuffi cient fund checks. However, the fund only provides 100% coverage for the fi rst $10,000 for delayed price grain, basis grain, 31-365 day grain payables without a deferred payment agreement, and 91- 365 day deferred payments with an agreement. After the $10,000 level is reached, the repayment is calculated on an 80% basis. The fund provides no com-

pensation for grain payables over 365 days. Figures A spreadsheet prepared by ODA at the request of this newspaper states that over-all, $3,408,234.65 in claims were paid out by the indem-nity fund in connection with Archbold Elevator. Out of a total of 92 claim-ants, ODA stated 32 had fi led claims for delayed price grain, more than $10,000. Those 32 claimants had been paid $1,608,728.44. But, because of the 80%-payment-after-$10,000 rule, those 32 claimants were left holding the bag for 20% of the value of their grain after the fi rst $10,000. That 20% portion was $327,182.12. There were six claimants who had grain deposited at the elevator that was pay-able over 30 days, but less than 365 days. They were paid $934,515.99, but were shorted $205,577.55. Three other claimants had grain deposited that was payable less than 30 days,

Farmers Lose $865,000 In Elevator CollapseChange In Legislation To Reimburse 42 Who Lost Money?

by David PughBuckeye Staff Writer Bryan Miller, Archbold High School head football coach, said an evening prac-tice schedule is the main reason his team hasn’t had a problem with the heat. Football teams across the area have been practicing in the midst of one of the hot-test summers in memory. In Archbold, high tem-peratures have been in the 90s. During July, the mer-cury hit, and even topped, the triple-digit mark several times. A Wauseon football play-er collapsed during a team lunch break following morn-ing practice, Wednesday, Aug. 3. He was transported from Wauseon High School to the Fulton County Health Cen-ter, then fl own by helicopter ambulance to the St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. Initially listed in critical condition, reports say the WHS player is recovering.

The Archbold Way Miller said there haven’t been any heat-related prob-lems with his players. He said traditional two-a-day practices involve a morning session, followed

by several hours off, then a second afternoon practice. The Blue Streaks follow a different schedule. “We have practice from 3:30 to 9 pm, and we’re in-side until 4:15 pm. We start in the classroom,” Miller said. “There are several ad-vantages, but there are two main ones. “One, it does get a little nicer in the evenings. The temperature drops, and you don’t have the sun beating down on you. “The second is, kids who have an early morning prac-tice, they’re not drinking anything before. They’re asleep. "Most kids, they wake up 15 minutes before practice. A lot of them show up, (and) they’re dehydrated before they get there. “If you start practice at 3:30, they’ve had all day to get hydrated,” Miller said. Team members get a half-hour dinner break around 6 pm, then come back and practice until 9 pm. During practices, Miller said coaches make sure players get plenty of chances to get a drink. “Tina Stanley, our trainer, does a great job. She makes

sure the big water jugs arefi lled, and there are sportsbottles,” he said. Just like during games,team managers will run outto players between drills andoffer players water. “Anytime we transitionfrom one drill to another, wetell them to run over and geta drink of water. “We tell them 10 gulps.Each gulp is about an ounce,so they’re getting 10 ounceseach time,” he said. Talk To Team Miller said he spoke to theteam on Thursday, Aug. 4,about the Wauseon incident,reminding them to take careof themselves. “This was something thathappened close to us. It canhappen (here),” he said. “We talk about good nu-trition, about getting goodsleep, about hydration.” Miller said when he talkedto his team, “the kids werepretty stone-faced.” “I don’t know how they’reprocessing it behind closeddoors. “I imagine the kids wantedto reach out (to the Wauseonplayer). He’s an opponent,but he’s still a football play-er. "He’s still one of us.”

AHS Football Players Cope With Heat WavePractice Schedule Differs From Wauseon

by Frank BumbSpecial to the Buckeye

Chao Cui’s hometown has more people in its municipal area than the entire state of Ohio. A native of Beijing, China (popu-lation 19 mil-lion), Chao is quick to com-ment on a few local activities that he never experienced in his home country. “I’d never grilled before,” said Chao, or Joe, as he likes to be called. “There’s much more space here in the United States, much cleaner air, and more ways to just relax.” But enjoying such Ameri-can summer favorites as grilling outdoors, summer

festivals, and relaxing out-side are just the tip of the iceberg for Chao’s affection for his new home. “Americans have a belief or system of beliefs that faith creates that you don’t see in China,” said Chao. “People in China have re-ligion, primarily Buddhism where I came from, but they did not gather and come together the way they do here.” Cecily Rohrs, a friend of Chao’s and community networker, said Chao had “never been inside a church before coming to the U.S.” “People in China are all caught up with making their lives better materially,” said Chao. “Here, in the U.S., from what I’ve seen, people make their lives better materially, but they also have beliefs and community to help them out on a deeper level.”

Chao’s Long Journey Born in Beijing, Chao is the son of an owner of an in-dustrial company that makes lifting equipment such as forklifts, small cranes, pal-lets, and other machines. Chao majored in micro-electrical engineering at the Beijing University of Technology, dealing with semi-conductors, electrical networks, and systems ad-ministration. Chao put his expertise to use in his father’s company and for a local Beijing tele-vision network as a network administrator. Chao then immigrated to the United States in 2008, working for his father’s busi-ness in Seattle. Early this year, he re-ceived a job offer from Bil-Jax in Archbold. Chao made the 2,200-mile drive to his new home completely alone.

Chinese Immigant Learns To Grill, Relax After Moving To Pettisville

Chao Cui

Band Camp UnderwayA sure sign that summer vacation is coming to an end is the start of the Archbold High School band camp. Band members teach rook-ies how to march and devel-op their show for the com-ing season. Above: from left, Jesse Felix, a fresh-man, Alex Bilen, a junior, Madalyn Roth and Andrew Roth, freshmen, and Ashley Ditsche, a volunteer from Ohio Northern University, watch as Anna Pole, a junior and squad leader, empha-sizes a point. Right: Felix stands as Travis Schooner, a senior and squad leader, straightens the line.–photos by David Pugh

(Continued on page 12)


904 Stryker St., Archbold

419-445-7460(800) 682-7460 Craig Cain Jim Gautsche Sam Grime Nate Rose Randy Short Dayna Fortney

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(Continued from fi rst page)but was not priced at deliv-ery. They received compen-sation from the indemnity fund totaling $364,353.33. The three claimants had $83,588.33 on deposit at the elevator for which they were not compensated.

Quarter Million Dollar Loss

One claimant had grain on deposit more than 365 days. That claimant was not eligible for compensation through the fund and lost $249,463.76, almost a quar-ter-million dollars, in the Archbold Elevator collapse.

Norman said farmers who had grain at the elevator for which they received no compensation can try to get their money by suing Arch-bold Elevator, “but they may be standing in line behind other creditors.”

Money spent preparing and fi ling lawsuits, possibly with little hope of actually recovering any money, could be “spending good money af-ter bad,” Norman said.

Change In Law? Norman said he knew “there has been some talk” of changing the rules of the indemnity fund through leg-islation at the state level. “Maybe wording or legis-lation changes created the (80% repayment) loophole; maybe some changes could close it,” he said. “It doesn’t seem fair to farmers. Farmers are busi-nessmen, too. They can’t be expected to walk away from 20% and say, ‘oh well.’”

12–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of August 10, 2011

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AHS Football Team Monday, Aug. 15

All day at

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FINAL DESTINATION 5 3D R Daily 12:00, 2:15, 5:20, 7:40, 9:45 THE HELP PG-13 Daily 12:15, 3:20, 6:30, 9:40 RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES PG-13 Daily 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 10:00 SMURFS PG 3D Daily 2:30, 7:00 2D Daily 12:10, 4:45, 9:20 COWBOYS AND ALIENS PG-13 Daily 12:10, 2:40, 5;10, 7:40, 10:10 CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE PG-13 Daily 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20 CAPTAIN AMERICA PG-13 Daily 9:50

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Ruihley Park Pavilion, Archbold Come and spend time with friends and family while enjoying Homestead ice cream and other snacks!

Hope to see you there!

Ice Cream Social Fundraiser

Sunday, August 14, 5-9 pm

Supporting Britt Wyse and Kaihle Sauder going on a mission trip to England.

407 E. Lutz Road, Archbold, OH • 419-445-3075 www.fairlawnarchbold.com

THREE RIVERS ANTIQUE CAR CLUB Saturday, Aug. 13 • 9:30-11 a.m.

Wyse Commons Cafe • Open Mon.-Fri. 10 am-2 pm Serving lunch & snacks. Daily menu at www.fairlawnarchbold.com

Browse almost 200 vintage cars parked on the front lawn of Fairlawn!

Bring a lawn chair and join us!

Weather

Date High Low Precip

Tu 8/2 95 73 .2 R We 8/3 89 67 0 Th 8/4 91 65 0 Fr 8/5 98 65 0 Sa 8/6 92 71 .25 R Su 8/7 88 67 .25 R Mo 8/8 89 67 Tr. R

98 65 Week’s High Week’s Low

Data provided by Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant

(Continued from fi rst page) “When he came here, he knew absolutely no one,” said Rohrs. “He just knew that he had an opportunity.” “I was looking for some fur-niture for my apartment (in Pettisville), and was put into contact with Jerry Rohrs. "And that’s how I met Cec-ily,” said Chao. He jokingly refers to Mr. and Mrs. Rohrs as his “grandparents.” “They’ve helped me so much, and introduced me to so many people,” said Chao. “I’ve been going to events, festivals, things like that.

It’s so much more relaxed here than in China.” Chao’s Hopes Chao’s biggest desire is for people to know he can tell them about the real China. “The China you see on the news, on TV, it’s not the real China. Parts of what you see are true, but a lot of it isn’t. "The biggest difference is just how people in China never relax or come together as much as they do in the U.S.” Chao hopes that China will, “within a few decades,” start to transition to a more

balanced approach in its pri-orities, instead of just eco-nomic growth. “There’s a lot of talk about the difference between devel-oping and developed coun-tries. I, personally, believe that China is still developing. “It may take a long time, but I think that, eventually, China will get to the point where the U.S. is now. "Not just in an economic sense, but in how China deals with the environment, with communities, with each other.” Chao, who is a legal resi-dent, hopes to eventually be-

Pettisville School Board MeetingCancelled The Pettisville School Board cancelled its meeting scheduled for Monday Aug. 8. Steve Switzer, district su-perintendent, said a meeting would be scheduled as need-ed later in the month.

AP Alternatives, LLC, a Ridgeville Corners start-up company owned by the Da-vid VonDeylen family, has received a $210,000 state grant to train workers.

The grant, announced Thursday, Aug. 4, is called the Energizing Careers Pro-gram, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development.

A total of 10 Ohio compa-nies will receive more than $1.1 million for “green” en-ergy job training.

The state program re-ceives its funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, common-ly known as federal econom-ic stimulus money.

Alex ProductsA press release from

ODOD states AP Alterna-tives purchases products from Alex Products, which is also owned by the VonDey-len family.

AP Alternatives uses those products to assemble and in-stall solar panel mounting systems.

“The current product lines include modular solar rack-ing with automated instal-

lation equipment and a com-mercial seating system. “Alex Products is design-ing, building, and operat-ing automated equipment to assemble the solar panel cartridges. Alex Products also designed, built and au-tomated installation equip-ment, which was sold to AP Alternatives,” ODOD offi -cials said in their release.

Training Michael Evans, senior workforce development spe-cialist with ODOD, said AP Alternatives created a partnership with Owens Community College to train workers in six areas: •First-time supervisor training •Workplace safety train-ing, both general and indus-try specifi c •Electrical and logic con-trol training •Robotic programming •Civil engineering •Workplace effectiveness training Evans said it took about one week from the time AP Alternatives applied for the grant to the time the grant money was approved.

Ridgeville Company Gets $210,000 State Training Grant

*Chinese Immigrantcome a U.S. citizen. In the meantime, he will continue enjoying the com-munities of Archbold and Pettisville.

Steps in the new Pettisville School lead from the still-to-be constructed atrium to the new gymnasium and auditorium. The stairway leads to the second floor, where high school

classes will be held. Note the stone masthead at left, set into the wall. –photo by David Pugh

New School Entrance

*Farmers Lose

by David PughBuckeye Staff Writer

Ed Nofziger, the 2011 Archbold Citizen of the Year, doesn’t really see a need to retire. The owner of Haas Door in Wauseon, he en-joys driving his own semi to de-liver overhead garage door parts and visit with his customers. He loves using his farm tractors to maintain the land he’s placed into conservation re-serve. A parcel on the north-west corner of St. Rt. 2 and Co. Rd. 19 has played host to popular events where Mon-arch butterfl ies are tagged and released. “I’m having so much fun, I can’t tell I’m working!” he said. And, he enjoys working be-hind the scenes, facilitating civic projects locally, nation-ally, and internationally. “I have an offi ce chair, but I don’t plan on wearing it out,” he said. “I plan to sit in it as little as possible.”

Overhead Doors Ed’s father, Dennis, loved carpentry work more than working on the family farm west of Archbold on Co. Rd. D. He built homes in Arch-bold, hung overhead garage doors in the community, and became a dealer in overhead doors. Ed said his fi rst job, for which he was paid, was at the Yoder & Frey auction yard. “I used to jump off the school bus and run to Yo-der & Frey. I’d drive tractors through the (sale) ring, and help load them for Elias Frey and Tim Yoder,” he said. After graduating from Archbold High School in 1965, he worked at different jobs, including an overhead door fi rm in Defi ance and at Napoleon Spring Works in Archbold, a manufacturer of

overhead door parts. He did alternative service in lieu of military service as an orderly at the Good Sa-maritan Hospital in Port-land, Ore., from 1967 to

1969. In 1969, he be-came a partner with his father in the overhead door business. In January 1972, he married the former Carol Alcorn. Ed contends it is Carol who de-serves the Citi-zen of the Year honor.

In addition to raising three sons, she has been the treasurer of the companies Ed has owned. “She has a watchful eye that keeps me on the straight and narrow,” he said. The overhead door com-pany incorporated in 1973 as Nofziger Door Sales. The business grew, moving from the family farm to a former schoolhouse that had been converted to a trucking com-pany headquarters at the in-tersection of St. Rts. 2 and 66 north of Archbold. The next move was to the Archbold Industrial Park in 1987. In 1995, he purchased Haas Door in Perrysburg from a company that had diffi culty running it. He moved the op-eration to Wauseon, where there was a large building available. Today, Haas Door employs 225 people. Nofziger Door Sales was sold to Tom Rufenacht and his son, Jon, on Oct. 1, 2010. Nofziger’s efforts in busi-ness have been recognized; he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2000 and the International Door Associa-tion member service award in 2009. Other Activities Nofziger has been a life-time member of Central Mennonite Church. He was

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ....................12 Menus .................................... 10Classified ........................... 14,15 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.......................... 8,9,10,11Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ..................................13

Fulton County Junior Fair Winners – pages 6-7





$1

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 106th Year - No. 11



419-445-7460(800) 682-7460

RichFordDirect.com Craig Cain Jim Gautsche Sam Grime Nate Rose Randy Short Dayna Fortney

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FORD

Ed Nofziger IsCitizen Of Year

Gerald Grain Buys Archbold

Elevator

Ed Nofziger

Offi cials in Archbold, Rid-geville, and Pettisville have set Trick-Or-Treat hours for Monday, Oct. 31. Planning is underway for an Archbold Parks & Recre-ation Slightly Haunted Hay-ride. Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, established trick-or-treating in Archbold from 6 to 7:30 pm. In Ridgeville Corners and Pettisvile, trick-or-treating is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Hayride Jennifer Kidder, Archbold Parks & Recreation director, said the hayride will be held Sunday, Oct. 30, but she has

not determined the time. “It will be when it’s darkoutside,” she said. Farm tractors will towwagons through WoodlandPark woods past scary Hal-loween scenes. “By waiting until afterdark, hopefully it will bemore scary. So much dependson the weather,” she said. “We can’t get into thewoods now to set things up.Hopefully, we’ll have somedry weeks.” Over 400 Last year was the fi rst year for the Slightly Haunt-ed Hayride. Kidder estimat-ed over 400 attended.

Trick Or Treat


A woman whose family background includes several Archbolds visited Archbold, Ohio, for the fi rst time re-cently. F r a n c e s A r c h b o l d Hufty Leidy visited Arch-bold, Monday, Sept. 19, stop-ping at the offi ce of this newspaper. Leidy said she learned of Archbold’s ex-istence years ago at a family reunion, but had never taken time to visit the town. Then, while returning to her home in West Chester, Pa., from a business trip in Canada, she convinced a fel-low businessman she was traveling with to drive down the west side of Lake Erie, to see Archbold. The Archbold Name Leidy traced the Archbold in her name to her great-great-grandfather, Israel Archbold, an itinerant Meth-odist minister. He and his wife, the former Frances Dana, had several children, one of whom was her great-grandfather, John Dustin Archbold. Leidy said all the Arch-bolds lived in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, “which meant the family was involved in oil.” And involved they were. Her great-grandfather, John Dustin Archbold, was re-cruited by John D. Rockefell-er, founder of the Standard Oil Company. He would become the sec-ond president of the massive oil company until the United States Supreme Court or-dered it broken into more than 30 smaller companies in 1911.

Woman Named "Archbold" Visits John Dustin Archbold died in 1916. In 1925, her grandfather, John Foster Archbold, one of John Dustin’s children, es-tablished the John D. Arch-bold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, Ga., in honor of his father. Leidy’s uncle, Richard Archbold, was a philanthro-pist, zoologist, and aviator who undertook several sci-entifi c expeditions to New Guinea in the 1930s. At the start of World War II, Richard Archbold started the Archbold Biological Sta-tion, which today covers

close to 9,000 acres in south-central Florida. The station is a research center, concentrating on preserving and studying the Florida scrub ecosystem, which is highly threatened. Leidy’s mother, Frances Archbold Hufty, assumed leadership of Archbold Ex-peditions, the parent orga-nization of the research sta-tion, after Richard’s death in 1976. Frances led Archbold Expeditions through the expansion of the research station. She was involved in other civic and scientifi c en-

deavors. She died in 2010.

Archbold, Ohio No one knows the ex-act origin of the Archbold,Ohio name. Some say it wasnamed for a railroad en-gineer named “Archbald.”Another version said it wasnamed for two railroad engi-neers, “Arch” and “Bald.” Reportedly, the second “a” was changed to an “o,” becausea local postmaster decided it was easier to work with. Leidy said, “Whatever thetown was named for, it’s funto know there are a lot ofArchbolds around.”

Leaders at the Archbold ConAgra plant are optimistic about the future. Dennis Howell, Archbold village administrator, told members of Archbold Village Council the Archbold facil-ity had recently recaptured some business from another plant. Employment at the Arch-bold ConAgra plant is over 400. The information came out of a review of the minutes of a September meeting of the Archbold Community Im-provement Corporation. Howell reviewed the min-utes for Archbold Village Council, at the Monday, Oct. 3 meeting. In September 2006, ConAgra announced it was closing the Archbold plant. Efforts by local government, plant management, and workers turned operations around, and ConAgra corpo-rate offi cers reversed their decision just over a year lat-er. In reviewing the CIC min-utes, Howell also told coun-cil members there has been

interest in two vacant indus-trial sites: the former Scott Port-A-Fold building in the Archbold Industrial Park and the former Nobel Auto-motive complex on the south side of town. Also, there has been inter-est in available offi ce space in the Roth building, at the

intersection of Ditto andWest Williams streets. There is “nothing concrete”in connection with the build-ings, Howell said.

Ruralogic Howell said CIC discussedpromoting Ruralogic, an in-

ConAgra Optimistic; Possible Interest In Vacant Buildings

FrancesLeidy

Great PumpkinsMembers of Jennifer Hurst’s second grade class at Archbold Elementary school look over a pair of giant pumpkins grown by Tom Heckel, rural Stryker. He is the grandfather of Ema Heckel, a student in the class. Ema delivered a report to her fellow students about the pumpkins, and students from other Archbold Elementary classes had a chance to see them. The smaller of the two pumpkins weighs over 100 pounds; the larger, about 230 pounds. Class members are, front row,

from left, Quinn Cline, Charlie Krieger, Kenny Walker, Luis Morales, Daniel May, Jose Luna, Zane Behnfeldt, and Ben Holley. On the wagon are, from left: Amara Donnelly, Natalee Rose, Emma Nafziger, Hailey Wooley, Tori Johns, Zaria Gar-cia, Arrysa Romo, Raegan Beverly, Amya Quintanilla, and Ema Heckel. Standing in the back is Jennifer Hurst.–photo by David Pugh



Gerald Grain Center is the winning bidder for Archbold Elevator, agreeing to pay $2.38 million for the grain elevator and feed mill busi-nesses. Gerald Kowalski, the court-appointed receiver for Archbold Elevator, said James Barber, Fulton Coun-ty Common Pleas Court judge, signed a court order Tuesday, Oct. 3, approving the sale. Chet Phillips, general manager of the farmer-owned cooperative, said Ger-ald Grain has been in the elevator business “for a long,

long time. The grain side has been good, and feed business has been good,” he said. The purchase of Archbold Elevator is a good fi t for the co-op and expands the com-pany’s market area. Archbold Elevator will be-come the Gerald Grain Cen-ter, Archbold Branch. It joins Gerald Grain’s main offi ce at Gerald in Henry County, plus branch operations in ru-ral Wauseon, Liberty Center, and Hamler. Gerald Grain also oper-ates an agronomy center in Ridgeville Corners. Phillips said paperwork is being completed to fi nalize the sale, which is expected



(Continued from fi rst page)formation technology com-pany that has opened offi ces in Archbold. The company started in 2010, establishing offi ces in Archbold, Bryan, and Napo-leon. The Village of Archbold provided a $400,000 loan, plus tax credits, to the com-pany. Howell said there is a need for more people to take the database programming training offered by North-west State in cooperation with the company. So far, he said 60 persons have completed the NSCC training. More than 90% have been hired by Ruralog-ic. Howell also said the CIC discussed an award for Best Hometown, given to the vil-lage by a statewide maga-zine. The point of the discus-sion was “getting the best out of the award.” In a related matter, Howell told councilmen the village received a certifi cate from the Ohio Senate congratulat-ing the village on the award,

recognizing the village’s out-standing achievement. House The CIC also discussed demolishing a home the vil-lage purchased in February at the intersection of East Holland and Vine streets. Council purchased the house from Ray Walz for $79,100. Village offi cials considered renting the home, but the cost of renovations was im-practical. Howell said it would take 20 years or more for the vil-lage to recover its invest-ment. Village offi cials purchased the house with an eye to pos-sibly using the land for ad-ditional parking. Right now, Howell said, additional parking is not re-quired.

16–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of October 5, 2011

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dening instinct, sure as the sap rising in the trees, stirs within us. We look about and decide to tame another little bit of ground.–Lewis Gantt

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Friday, Oct. 14 •2-7 pm Ruihley Park Scout Cabin

2 enchiladas, rice & beans

Enchilada Dinner by Esther Boylan

ARCHBOLD SOCCER FUNDRAISER

Eat in or carryout. Suggested donation $6

Preorders (optional) call: 419-445-8425

Archbold Bands

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(Continued from fi rst page)on the committee that over-saw the construction of the recent addition. Through his church, he became involved in Men-nonite Economic Develop-ment Associates. The group promotes economic develop-ment worldwide. “Erie (Sauder, founder of Sauder Woodworking) was one of the founding mem-bers. Lester Rich was part of the board. I took Lester’s spot in late 1980,” he said. He has since left the MEDA board. He is also part of Gideons International, which is fa-mous for distributing Bibles around the world. “That’s a big part of their ministry,” he explained. He and his family also have been involved with the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in western Pennsylvania since he and Carol were married. The facility “is a wonder-ful seminar and retreat cen-ter,” he said. The center hosts 300 to 400 children from Pitts-burgh on four or fi ve week-ends a year for spiritual and fun activities. He has served on its board. He is a member of Rotary International, fi rst in Arch-

bold and later transferring to Wauseon. He also is a member of the board that oversees Fair-lawn Haven and the Sauder Village board. He is a former board member of the Adriel organization, which provides services to children in need.

Behind The Scenes It is behind the scenes where Nofziger makes his biggest mark. While never one to “toot my own horn,” he admitted he has donated money and material to a wide variety of causes. Some of his donations have been in the form of challenge grants; if a group raises a certain amount of money, he would match the amount. His nomination form said Nofziger “has helped many needy people fi nancially; he is a very compassionate per-son.” He said part of his work is about “planting seeds.” “You never know what you do that could help someone. “It gives you a good feeling when somebody comes up to you, and says, ‘remember when you did that?’” The “that” he refers to, is, of course, one of Nofziger’s donations or services that made a positive difference in someone’s life.

(Continued from fi rst page)by the end of October. There is a temporary lease in place, he said.

As for the future of Arch-bold Elevator employees, Phillips said in the begin-ning, “there shouldn’t be any major disruptions,” to the operation.

After that, “We will just have to see how the business goes.”

In July, a certifi ed public accounting fi rm valued the Archbold Elevator grain and feed business at $4.2 million, with a suggested sale price ranging from $2.35 million to $3.15 million.

Five BiddersIn a memorandum fi led

with the court order, Kow-alski noted there were “fi ve competitive bids for the el-evator and feed facility... After receiving the bids, the receiver continued further negotiations with the bid-ders, which resulted in the highest and best bid being submitted by Gerald Grain Company...

“This bid amount includes the feed and grain facility, the repair and maintenance garage and related assets, including most of the rolling stock associated with this operation...

“Additionally, Gerald Grain will pay for the cost of the feed inventory, as de-termined on the date of clos-ing...

“Gerald Grain has agreed to honor The Andersons’ contracts for delivery to Archbold, which will greatly reduce the negative equity claim of The Andersons.”

“As reported in the Receiv-er’s emergency motion to ap-prove this sale, fi led on Sept. 29, all parties had consented to and approved this sale, except for William Fricke.

“Subsequent discussions with Mr. Fricke and his counsel have resulted in Mr. Fricke’s consent to this sale,” Kowalski said in the memo-randum. Fricke is the former owner of the elevator. Other Properties The order signed Tues-day also covered the sale of property on Co. Rd. D, east of Archbold, that was part of the receivership. Randy Ruffer, rural Arch-bold, purchased the 39-plus acre parcel, plus a house, cattle barn, and pole barn, for $213,078 at auction on Friday, Sept. 23. Residential lots in Jef-ferson Village, in Williams County, were sold to Mi-chael and RoseMarie Dick for $7,750.

Background The Archbold Elevator saga began in April, when inspectors from the Ohio Department of Agriculture reviewed the company books and found liabilities signifi -cantly greater than assets. It was discovered corn stocks were 50,000 bushels short of what company re-cords showed. As a result, the ODA sus-pended Archbold Elevator grain handling license on Monday, April 11. The following day, Tues-day, April 12, the Farmers & Merchants State Bank fi led a lawsuit against Archbold Elevator, demanding repay-ment on more than $4.9 mil-lion in loans.

*Gerald Grain *Ed Nofziger Is *ConAgra

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................8 Menus .................................... 13Classified ........................... 12,13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports........................ 9,10,11,13Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................3

Fire Prevention Week Pages – pages 6-7





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RICHFORDDIRECT.COM904 Stryker St., Archbold

419-445-7460(800) 682-7460 Craig Cain Jim Gautsche Sam Grime Nate Rose Randy Short Dayna FortneyFORD

Pumpkins decorated by Pettisville students and Pettisville-area adults were on display at the Pettisville Pumpkin Festival, Friday, Oct. 7. A number of the pumpkins were auctioned off to festival-goers, raising money for the Pettisville FFA Alumni. Top: a sample of the

pumpkins which were auctioned off. Bottom left: Renee Hoylman, a first grader, gets her face painted by Taylor Kruse, a senior. Bottom right: Lily Nofziger, a first grader, tries her hand at the Tasmanian Triangle game.–photos by Mary Huber

Great Pumpkins On Display


Documents obtained through bankruptcy court al-lege that William Fricke, Co. Rd. DE, Pettisville, former owner of Archbold Elevator, is under investigation for possible criminal conduct. Richard L. Speer, judge of the United States Bankrupt-cy Court, Northern District of Ohio, Western Division, dismissed bankruptcy cases fi led on behalf of Archbold Elevator and related busi-nesses. In the order dismissing the cases, Speer said, “Mr. Fricke is under investiga-tion by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Attorney General Offi ce for possible criminal conduct re-lated to those actions, which caused the suspension of the feed license.” After an audit of Archbold Elevator records, agricul-ture department offi cials suspended the elevator’s commodity handler license on Monday, April 11. This

is the “feed license” to which Speer refers. Speer said in his decision the ODA and attorney gen-eral investigations “stem from, among other things, (a) hundreds of thousands of bushels of grain that went ‘missing’; (b) the provision of false fi nancial statements on be-half of the debtors; and (c) the discovery of a sig-nifi cant number of unde-livered checks that were represented as ‘paid,’ in the debtors’ fi nancial records, but were never conveyed to debtors’ creditors.” Agencies This newspaper was un-able to independently con-fi rm the existence of crimi-nal investigations. Dan Tierney, spokesman for Mike DeWine, Ohio at-torney general, said the at-torney general offi ce does not comment on investiga-tions. When questioned about the criminal investigations mentioned by Speer, Scott

Haselman, Fulton County prosecuting attorney, had no comment. Andy Ware, communica-tions director for the ODA, said in an email, “The De-partment of Agriculture is currently investigating the loss of unaccounted grain from the Archbold Elevator. “As additional information is available we will make sure to inform interested media on the status of this investigation.” Background The day after the ODA suspended the Archbold Elevator commodity han-dler license, the Farmers & Merchants State Bank fi led a lawsuit in Fulton County Common Pleas Court, seek-ing repayment of about $4.9 million in loans to Fricke, Archbold Elevator, and re-lated businesses. Other businesses, includ-ing The Andersons, a large grain-handling fi rm based in Maumee, also fi led suit. James Barber, common

Criminal Investigations In Archbold Elevator

Case?


by D.J. NeuenschwanderSpecial to the Buckeye

The Pettisville School Board is considering putting a tax increase on the ballot for the March 2012 primary election after reviewing the fi ve-year projection pre-pared by Chris Lee, district treasurer. During its Monday, Oct. 10 meeting, the board reviewed and approved the fi ve-year plan that shows the district spending more money than it receives by the end of the current fi scal year, which ends in June. Since the district has a cash balance of nearly one million dollars, and since the predicted defi cit at the end of the current fi scal year is only slightly over one thou-sand dollars, the district will still have money on hand. But if Lee’s projection is accurate, the district will gradually eat into the cash balance. The projection shows the district running out of mon-ey by the end of fi scal year 2015.

Tax Options Steve Switzer, district superintendent, said in a Tuesday interview that no decision or recommenda-tions have been made about what type of tax– income or property– or the amount. Switzer said between now and the next Pettis-ville School Board meeting, Monday, Nov. 7 7 pm, in the school conference room,

district offi cials will look at tax options to generate addi-tional revenue.

Conservative During the meeting, Lee told board members the fi ve-year projection is conserva-tive when it projects revenue coming into the district. The projection predicts an overall decrease in state and federal aid, and no increase from the district income tax. Lee said the school dis-trict income tax collection in July was up from the previ-ous year, though. It was the highest July collection the district had seen from the 1% tax. On the expense side of the projection, the major increases were from a pro-jected 10% annual increase in the cost of health insur-ance and a 15% increase in the cost of utilities projected to take place next year. Board members ques-tioned the utility fi gure. Lee said while it was diffi cult to predict utility costs for the new building, he included a high fi gure for electricity, nearly double of last year’s amount. He based the higher cost on the fact that the new building would primarily use electricity for climate control, and he assumed part of the cost of paying off the wind turbine would be included in the line item for electricity. Lee also predicted higher costs for bus repairs, since the Pettisville fl eet is aging,

and continued increases infuel expenses for the busses. The expenses did not in-clude any negotiated in-creases in salaries, althoughsome provision was made forstep increases. The district currentlypays just under $3 millionfor teacher salaries and justover $370,000 for adminis-trative salaries. The clas-sifi ed staff, which includesoffi ce workers, cafeteria work-ers, and maintenance work-ers, add another $442,000 inexpenses. Overall, the district is pro-jected to have revenue thisfi scal year of $4,726,611, against projected expensesof $4,727,691, yielding the shortfall of $1,080.

State Support In the Tuesday interview,Switzer said another part ofthe problem is anticipatinghow much support the Stateof Ohio will earmark forschools. Normally, he said by nowthe district would have agood idea of how much moneyit will receive from the state. But state offi cials are cur-rently revising state supportof education. State support has been fl at,or even slightly increased,but Switzer said school dis-tricts are losing revenue fromthe elimination of the statepersonal property tax, and $425,000 in federal stimulusfunds has dried up. “We knew that (loss of fed-eral revenue) was coming,

Pettisville School Board Considers Tax Increase


Caleb Wyse and Brie Deskins, AHS juniors, were selected as alternates for the All-State Choir. They are on-call and must be ready to step in if one of the performers can’t make it. Wyse sings tenor parts; Deskins, alto.–photo by David Pugh


Brie Deskins and Caleb Wyse, Archbold High School juniors, have been selected as alternates for the Ohio Music Education Associa-tion All-State Choir. As alternates, the pair are essentially on-call from now through January 2012, to step in if a choir member can’t make rehearsals or performances. “In a way, being an alter-

nate is actually more of a challenge,” said Kent Van-dock, AHS vocal music direc-tor. “The others are sitting with their music now, and they have a chance to work on it. An alternate might get the call to perform, and have to get caught up,” he said. Six AHS students went through the application pro-cess, which requires them to sing a solo and an ensemble piece from a list of songs. The songs must be classifi ed

as “A” or “B,” the most diffi -cult. They also sing a scale, to test their vocal range. All singing is recorded and sent to Columbus. That was in May. Wyse said he had forgotten about the application until a letter arrived at the end of August. “I opened it, and saw the little state symbol. I assumed I had made it,” he said. Deskins said she hadn’t forgotten about the letter, because Wyse got his a week before she received hers. When she did get her let-ter, “I was worried about it, because I knew if I’d made it, there would be a big package of things.” She thought she was being turned down, but discovered she was an alternate. Exclusive Of all the high school sing-ers in the state, OMEA only selects 100 to 120 for the All-State Choir, which performs in late January at the OMEA annual conference in Colum-bus. Only two Fulton County students, one from Delta and one from Evergreen, were selected for the All-State Choir. Vandock estimated there are anywhere from nine to 12 alternates selected. Vandock said being select-ed is roughly equivalent to being named to an all-state athletic team. “There are no bad singers who try out for the All-State Choir,” Vandock said. “We’re talking about shades of good to great.” As juniors, Wyse and Des-kins have another chance to try out for the choir next year. Deskins said she feels

AHS Juniors Selected As Alternates For All-State Choir



Poll question of the week:

Should Gene Smith be

replaced as OSU athletic director?

Vote online at ArchboldBuckeye.com

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Friday, Oct. 14 •2-7 pm Ruihley Park Scout Cabin

2 enchiladas, rice & beans

Enchilada Dinner by Esther Boylan

ARCHBOLD SOCCER FUNDRAISER

Eat in or carryout. Suggested donation $6

Preorders (optional) call: 419-445-8425

The Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to our

ANNUAL MEETINGDINNER & AWARDS

Thursday, Nov. 3Social Hour - 6:15 p.m. Dinner - 6:45 p.m.

Founder’s Hall, Sauder Village Several area businesses will be receiving

achievement awards. We will also honor the 2011 Lions Club Citizen of the Year,

Ed Nofziger. Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown award will also be presented to Archbold during the banquet.

$25 per person To order your tickets, call the Chamber office,

419-445-2222, by Thursday, Oct. 27.

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Fri., Oct. 14 thru Thur., Oct. 20



www.skyecinema.com Check showtimes online at :

Hotline 419-335-6813

The Oct. 14 Archbold Bands

BBQ Chicken Fundraiser has been canceled. Be sure to support

the Archbold Soccer Fundraiser Enchilada

Dinner on Friday!

(Continued from fi rst page)pleas court judge, placed Archbold Elevator and its re-lated hog-raising businesses, Kainos Operations, O-MI-O, and Henry Pig, into a process known as receivership.

Gerald R. Kowalski, a To-ledo attorney, was named the receiver. Kowalski deter-mined the best way to repay the creditors was to sell the businesses as going con-cerns.

Kowalski’s actions culmi-nated in the sale of Archbold Elevator, the feed mill, and a truck repair garage for $2.38 million to Gerald Grain Cen-ter, based in Gerald.

Barber approved the sale on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

BankruptcyIn an affi davit submit-

ted to the bankruptcy court, Kowalski said he was ready to recommend the sale of Archbold Elevator and other related businesses on Mon-day, Sept. 12.

But on Friday, Sept. 9, the bankruptcy court action for Archbold Elevator and the other businesses, known in the legal community as the “Archbold Entities,” was fi led.

Filed under a section of bankruptcy law known as Chapter 11, the bankruptcy action asked the court to al-low the companies to reor-ganize and develop a plan to repay their creditors.

It would have essentially stopped Kowalski’s sale of the businesses.

An emergency motion was fi led on behalf of the Farm-ers & Merchants State Bank on Sept. 12.

The F&M motion asked the bankruptcy court to dis-miss the bankruptcy cases, or do nothing that interfered with the receivership action in the Fulton County court.

AllegationsA review of documents fi led

in connection with the bank-ruptcy action brings to light several allegations against Fricke.

*Criminal Investigations The documents fi led on be-half of F&M claim and allege “the discovery of two sets of fi nancial books in debtors’ of-fi ces– one showing debtors’ ‘actual’ fi nances, and one showing debtors’ ‘reported’ fi nances.” In his decision, bankrupt-cy judge Speer described “certain irregular business practices.” Speer cited: •Employees receiving wa-ges in cash, from which no taxes were withheld. •Fricke’s yearly salary was $200,000, while the business-es were “insolvent or near in-solvency.” •Although at times they did not perform “any real ser-vices,” Fricke family mem-bers were on the Archbold Elevator payroll, said Speer. Kowalski alleges in an amended affi davit fi led with the bankruptcy court Sept. 26 that Fricke’s four children were paid between $150 and $280 a week during 2010 and 2011 until the appointment of the receiver. Also, Kowalski alleged two children received “bo-nus” checks; one received a check of $5,543.50, another received two checks, each for $6,641. •Several court documents make reference to a $40,000 Mercedes Benz automobile allegedly leased and insured by Archbold Elevator for Fricke’s wife, Lynette. Kow-alski said she did no work for

the Archbold Elevator. •Kowalski also alleges Archbold Elevator purchased and insured three vehicles for Fricke and his family: a Lexus, a Chevrolet Subur-ban, and a luxury van. •Kowalski alleged Arch-bold Elevator paid the cell phone bill for Fricke’s wife and children. •Kowalski alleged there was a large unleaded gaso-line tank which was refi lled regularly at company ex-pense. “MANY (in all capitals in the affi davit) employees seem to have had access to it, plus Mr. Fricke’s family also fi lled up their cars there,” Kowalski said. Ending the practice saved Archbold Elevator $1,500 a week, he said. •Kowalski alleged that Fricke had Archbold Eleva-tor purchase a 40-acre farm on Co. Rd. D east of Arch-bold. He alleged, “Mr. Fricke rents the farm to a good friend of his, who paid all rents directly to Mr. Fricke and not the company... The rent agreed to by Mr. Fricke barely pays for the expenses on the farm. “The company derives no benefi t owning this proper-ty.”

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(Continued from fi rst page)so we didn’t use that for any new spending. Basically it prolonged the situation, al-lowing us to go a bit longer,” he said. Now, Switzer said, the school district’s emphasis is threefold: •Look at district expendi-tures to fi nd ways to reduce spending; •Develop more accurate projections as more informa-tion becomes available; and •Determine what addition-al revenues are necessary, and what type and amount of tax is needed to generate that amount.

*Tax(Continued from fi rst page)being able to say she was previously an alternate will be a help next year. Deskins said when she tells friends she’s been se-lected as an alternate, those who aren’t in choir don’t re-alize just how much of an achievement it is. But those who are in choir “are really, really excited for me, which is really cool,” she said. Wyse said AHS graduates are even excited for him. Letdown? But isn’t being selected as an alternate a kind of letdown for the two student vocalists? “I was a little disappoint-ed,” Wyse said. “But I put it into the per-spective of, how many people from Archbold have actually made it, and that I’m a ju-nior, and I’ve never tried out before. In the past few years, fi ve AHS students have been se-lected– two performers and three alternates. “The initial reaction was disappointment,” he said. Deskins was not let down. “I auditioned for it last year, and I obviously wasn’t an alternate, and so this year, to even be an alter-

nate... “I think you kind of have to do your time to get into it, and so if I have to do my time to be an alternate to get to state, that’s completely fi ne with me,” she said. Futures Do either of the two want to follow music as a career? Wyse, who has performed in Archbold Community Theatre, said, “I want to do something in musical the-atre, but working with kids. I don’t know if that’s music ed or what, but those two will be in my (college) major in some way.” He is specifi cally interest-ed in working with elemen-tary students. Deskins said, “I am defi -nitely looking to do some-thing in music. Maybe not necessarily make it my ma-jor, but it could be my mi-nor.” How will they react if they get the call to join the All-State choir? “Oh my goodness, I don’t even know,” Deskins said. “I don’t know if it would sink in, because the whole alternate thing has not sunk in yet. I would be very hap-py.” “I’d be ecstatic,” Wyse said.

*AHS Junior

Weather


Tu 10/4 83 44 0 We 10/5 84 46 0 Th 10/6 82 53 0 Fr 10/7 87 49 0 Sa 10/8 91 50 0 Su 10/9 86 50 0 Mo 10/10 76 49 0



INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus .................................... 10Classified ........................... 11,12 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.......................... 8,9,10,13Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

AHS Boys Wins NWOAL Cross Country Meet – page 9





$1




419-445-7460(800) 682-7460

RichFordDirect.com Craig Cain Jim Gautsche Sam Grime Nate Rose Randy Short Dayna Fortney

Rich Ford is partnering with Archbold Middle School R.O.C.K.S. to host Community Walks! Our goal is to accumulate enough combined miles to walk across Ohio!

Join us at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, and Nov. 5 & 19 at the Archbold Middle School blacktop! 1-, 2-, and 3-mile routes are available. Inside walking available in case of inclement weather. All ages are welcome!

FORD

Court documents reveal that William Fricke, former owner of Archbold Elevator, was fi red from the opera-tion. Gerald Kowalski, a Toledo attorney and the court-ap-pointed receiver for Archbold Elevator, said in his fi fth sta-tus report, “Because of nu-merous admissions made by Mr. Fricke under oath at the bankruptcy hearing, and for other reasons, the receiver terminated his employment on Wednesday, Sept. 28.” Court documents fi led by Kowalski detail the timeline of the fi nal actions that led to the sale of the elevator to the Gerald Grain Center, Ger-ald, for $2.38 million. On Tuesday, Aug. 30, Kowalski had received bids for Archbold Elevator and the related hog-raising busi-nesses known as the “Arch-bold Entities.” After receiving those bids, Kowalski said he continued negotiating with the bid-ders. “Final negotiations through a phone auction oc-curred on (Friday) Sept. 9, at noon, and were completed at approximately 12:45 pm,” Kowalski said in court pa-pers. A conference call was set for 10 am, Monday, Sept. 12, to announce the receiver’s recommendations. Court documents state, “However, unbeknownst to

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Fulton and Henry County sheriff depart-ments, are seeking infor-mation about a man who robbed bank branches in Lyons and Ridgeville Cor-ners, Friday, Oct. 14. David C. Dustin, an FBI supervisory special agent, said Monday, “We’re still looking for information that identifi es the coat, or the car involved.” The same gunman is be-lieved to have hit the two banks. The fi rst robbery oc-curred at about 11 am at the State Bank & Trust branch in Lyons. The suspect, armed with a dark-colored hand-gun, walked into the State Bank branch and demand-ed money. He fl ed the area in a ve-hicle with an undisclosed amount of cash. Then at 11:44 am, the gunman entered the Sher-wood State Bank branch in Ridgeville Corners and demanded money, again fl eeing with an undis-closed amount of cash. Description Information provided by the FBI states the suspect is described as a white male, about 5 feet, 11

Ridgeville Bank RobbedBank In Lyons Also Hit On Friday

inches to 6-1. He has a thin build, weighing an estimat-ed 160 to 180 pounds. He was wearing a dark

two-tone jacket, zipped in front, with a hood, dark sun-glasses, black ski mask, and black gloves.

In both cases, the sus-pect provided tellers with a blue Meijer reusable shopping bag to hold the money. A witness described the suspect’s car as an older, black, small to mid-size vehicle, with black-painted rims and shiny hubcaps. The car possibly has a rear fi n and orange letter-ing on the back. Money Dustin said the FBI rou-tinely does not release the amount of money taken in bank robberies. “It’s an investigative tool. It makes sense if you think about it. If somebody says they heard a guy say he robbed a bank and got $50 when you know $150 was taken,” that suspect can be eliminated, Dustin said. Roy Miller, chief deputy of the Fulton County Sher-iff Department, said FCSD and the Henry County Sheriff Department are working with the FBI on solving the robberies. Those with information are asked to contact the Fulton County Sheriff De-partment at 419-335-4010, the Henry County Sheriff Department at 419-592-8010, or the FBI at 419-243-6122.

the receiver until approxi-mately 1:15 pm on Sept. 9, William Fricke, one of the owners of (the) Archbold Entities fi led a Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in the day.” “Unfortunately, the fi l-ing of the bankruptcy case caused signifi cant disruption of the operations of the Arch-bold Entities. “The receiver, its counsel, and staff were required to devote signifi cant time to the fi ling requirements of the bankruptcy case.” Kowalski added, “The fi l-ing of the bankruptcy petition caused signifi cant morale is-sues with the employees of the Archbold Entities.”

Bankruptcy Dismissed When a bankruptcy case is fi led, it “stays,” or blocks, other actions, such as an ac-tion in county court to pay off the creditors. A hearing was held in federal bankruptcy court on Monday, Sept. 26. It was during that hearing that Kowalski said Fricke made the “numerous admissions” which ultimately led to his termination. Court documents list alle-gations of a number of what have been called “question-able business practices” by Fricke. Farmers and Merchants State Bank, which fi led the

Fricke Fired From Archbold Elevator

The Archbold Community Library will be open again on Fridays, starting Jan. 6, 2012. The library board approved the action at its Wednesday, Oct. 12 meeting. The library has been closed on Fridays for about 2 1/2 years, after the library board voted to close the facil-ity during a special meeting, June 29, 2009. The move was a money-saving measure, instituted after the state of Ohio cut funding to libraries because of the stalled economy. The library board voted to reopen on Fridays after an executive session that lasted about 20 minutes. The stat-ed reason for the closed-door session was personnel mat-ters. No action on personnel matters was taken following the executive session.

Stabilized Joyce Klingelsmith, li-brary director, said the de-cision to reopen on Fridays was based on three factors. First, she said the library staff has cut spending. Also, she said the library has benefi ted from two years of revenue received from a property tax levy approved by voters in May 2009. The levy was for the re-newal of four-tenths (.4) of a mill, plus three-tenths (.3) of a mill of additional tax. Plus, she said state fund-ing to libraries has stabi-lized. While the board approved reopening on Fridays, the facility will remain closed

on Wednesday evenings andSundays. Regular Friday hours willbe 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The number of librarystaff on duty on Fridayswill be reduced to three, butKlingelsmith said services topatrons will not be reduced. Offi ce work will not bedone during Friday hours.There are traditionally noprograms on Fridays. Adjusted Klingelsmith said librarypatrons adjusted to the re-duced hours well. “People understood whywe were closed,” she said.“What we were hearing waspeople were frustrated, rath-er than angry. “They were disappointedwe were closed Fridays, butthey understood and accept-ed it.” –David Pugh

Library To Reopen On Fridays In Jan.


Tax Levy Request Coming For Archbold Schools? The Archbold Area SchoolBoard will have to considersome way to raise revenue byputting a tax levy before vot-ers, probably during 2014. Chris Ziegler, school dis-trict treasurer, told boardmembers the district willend the current fi scal year(Continued on page 3)


When the Archbold football team took the fi eld against Patrick Henry, Friday night, Oct. 14, their helmets fea-tured a couple of small addi-tions. One was a red dot within a white circle. Most would never have even noticed it. But for team members, it represented a bond, a part-nership, a sign of their sup-port for Ohio soldiers in Af-ghanistan. The red dot in the white circle is the unit insignia of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a unit of the Ohio National Guard. In addition to the insignia, the team’s helmets also fea-ture the American Flag with the National Guard logo. High school football teams across Ohio are wearing the insignia and the fl ag as part of Operation Buckeye Guard, in solidarity with the 3,600-member 37th IBCT.

Major Visits Bryan Miller, AHS varsity football coach, said he signed up the Blue Streaks for Op-eration Buckeye Guard be-cause of his respect for sol-diers. “There’s nothing I respect more than a soldier, because of the sacrifi ces they make,” he said. Brett Graham, a high school teacher and major in the Ohio National Guard, visited with the football team after prac-tice, Monday, Oct. 10.

Team captains Zach Driv-er, a middle linebacker; Chandler Tuckerman, a linebacker; and TJ Gerken, a wide receiver and defen-sive safety, all seniors, said when Graham spoke to the team, he connected many of the leadership skills needed on the football fi eld to those needed in the military. Gerken said just as foot-ball teams make plans by calling plays, military units have set plays they revert to when confronted by certain situations. Although, Gerken added, on the football fi eld, “it’s not as extreme as life and death.” “Each member of the team

Archbold Football Team Supports Ohio Soldiers In Afghanistan


AHS football team captains, Chandler Tucker-man, TJ Gerken, and Zach Driver, from left, with helmets showing the insignia of the Ohio

National Guard 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.–photo by David Pugh

Top: Photo of the bank robber, taken by the Lyons State Bank and Trust security camera, released by the FBI. Right: the sign on the front door of the Sher-wood State Bank in Ridgeville Corners Fri-day afternoon, after the robbery.

The helmet of Tyson Dietrich shows the red and white IBCT insignia. –photo by David Pugh

depends on each other to do what they have to do” for the team, whether in football or a military unit, for the team to succeed, Tuckerman said. Tuckerman said Graham, a helicopter pilot, explained that soldiers onboard his helicopter rely on him to get them where they need to be, while at the same time he relies on them to keep him safe. “Everybody has to do their job,” Gerken said.

Prayer After hearing Graham speak, the captains said team members gathered around him and offered a prayer.

(Continued from fi rst page)original Fulton County Common Pleas Court suit against Fricke that led to the appointment of Kowalski as receiver, asked for dismissal of the bankruptcy fi ling. Richard L Speer, bank-ruptcy court judge, said in his decision to dismiss the bankruptcy action that the Fulton County court action would provide the best al-ternative for the creditors of Archbold Elevator and its related companies. In his decision to dis-miss the bankruptcy, Speer noted, “...given the past de-fi ciencies of Mr. Fricke in managing the Debtor’s busi-ness operations, placing him in possession (of the busi-nesses) at this point is not a viable option. “... even if the debtors were able to successfully formulate a plan of reorganization – a highly speculative scenario – it is even more speculative that the debtor’s unsecured creditor would receive any meaningful distribution (payment). “As pointed out by the Bank (the F&M) the debtor’s present fi nancial projections

show that it would take the debtors 25 years just to pay off their secured debt, leav-ing very little room to pay unsecured debt.” Speer ordered the bank-ruptcy cases dismissed ef-fective at 5:38 pm, Monday, Sept. 26. Fricke’s Bid Kowalski said from the very beginning, Fricke said he was in the process of ob-taining refi nancing to pay off all the creditors. Later, both personally and through his attorney, Fricke said he would bid on the Archbold Elevator and other entities. In a motion to James Bar-ber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court judge, asking for approval of the sale of assets, Kowalski said Fricke “never provided a refi nanc-ing proposal, nor did he sub-mit a bid for any assets. “It appears Mr. Fricke’s bankruptcy fi ling was a des-perate effort to somehow re-main in control of this failed enterprise.” Kowalski announced the results of the bidding for the Archbold Entities on

Wednesday, Sept. 28. He said Fricke’s attorney said “the receiver would re-ceive Mr. Fricke’s ‘bid pack-age’ by 5 pm on Sept. 28. “No bid package was re-ceived.” The sale was approved Tuesday, Oct. 4. Final Pieces In his status report, Kow-alski said he is in “fi nal ne-gotiations for the remaining assets of the Archbold Enti-ties– three sow units, the Kainos nursery, and boars.” He anticipated asking the court to approve the sale of those operations soon, and to begin “distribution of funds to F&M Bank, which is the fi rst priority creditor.”


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Poll question of the week:

Should Gene Smith be

replaced as OSU athletic director?

Vote online at ArchboldBuckeye.com

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THE THREE MUSKETEERS PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 2D 12:00, 7:30. 3D 2:30, 5:10, 9:55. Fr/Mo/We/Th 2D 7:30. 3D 5:10, 9:55. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 R Sa/Su/Tu 12:40, 2:40, 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:00, 7:45, 9:45. THE THING R Sa/Su 12:20, 2:50, 5:20, 7:40, 10:00. Fr 5:20, 7:40, 10:00. FOOTLOOSE PG-13 Sa/Su 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. Fr 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. REAL STEEL PG-13 Sa/Su 11:45, 2:20, 5:00, 7:35, 10:10. Fr 5:00, 7:35, 10:10. MONEYBALL PG-13 Sa/Su 12:30, 3:20, 6:30, 9:30. Fr 4:15, 7:00, 9:45.

Fri., Oct. 21 thru Thur., Oct. 27




Hotline 419-335-6813

*Fricke Fired From Archbold

Archbold voters will decide who will be the mayor when they go to the polls for the fall General Election, Tues-day, Nov. 8.

Kenny Cowell, an Arch-bold village councilman, is challenging Jim Wyse, two-term incumbent mayor.

Wyse has held the post since 2004. He defeated Pe-ter D. Short, the incumbent mayor, in the 2003 general election, and was unopposed in 2007 for the term starting in 2008.

Cowell was appointed to council in 2003, and was fi rst elected in 2006. He was un-opposed in his bid for a sec-ond term on council, which started in 2010.

Candidate: Kenneth Cow-ell

Incumbent: NoNative of: ArchboldFamily: wife, Sandi; two

children.Education: Archbold High

School, 1978 graduatePresent employment:

retiredOther career experi-

ence: Archbold Wastewater Treatment Plant, 18 years; Fulton County Sanitary En-gineer, 11 years; Archbold Fire Department, 10 years

Affi liations: Archbold Li-ons Club, past president; Ful-ton County Pheasants Forev-

er, past president; St John’s Christian Church, deacon, Sunday School leader Previous political expe-rience: Currently a member of Archbold Village Council Comments: Cowell said his goals are to keep jobs in town; develop an economic development committee, vis-it personally with all retail & industrial businesses, and be available to hear residents’ ideas & concerns.

Candidate: James S. Wyse Incumbent: yes Native of: Wauseon

KennethCowell

Cowell, Wyse Vie For Archbold Mayor

JamesWyse

Family: wife, Janet, four children Education: Wauseon High School, 1979 graduate Present employment: First Insurance Group Affi liations: Archbold Rotary Club, past president and Paul Harris Fellow; Ful-ton County Senior Center, president of advisory board; Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers, board of directors; Archbold Commu-nity Improvement Corpo-ration (CIC), president; St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Previous political ex-perience: Archbold Village Council, 2002-03; Archbold mayor, 2004-present Comments: “My eight years as mayor and my po-sition as president of the CIC uniquely qualifi es me to serve the community as mayor for one more term. My main focus, if reelected, will be to continue to work on bringing jobs back to this community.”

(Continued from fi rst page)Tuckerman said the

prayer asked God to protect Graham, his family, and his unit during the deployment to Afghanistan, which, for Graham, started Monday, Oct. 17.

After meeting the team, Graham said in an email to Miller, “One of the things that struck me about your team was the sincere respect those young men afford me and my wife. I rarely hear ‘sir’ from young men in high school, and your team used it liberally when speaking to me.

“When they shook my hand, they looked me in the eye. It is a true sign of re-spect and discipline. As a military offi cer, I expect and appreciate it.”

AwardsGraham presented several

awards to members of the Blue Streak team, recogniz-ing their sense of loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity and personal cour-age (LDRSHIP) both on and off the fi eld.

Tuckerman received the Most Valuable Player award for his exceptional commit-ment and leadership.

The players received a variety of National Guard items, from commemorative coins to an army backpack.

“It was kind of ironic,” Miller said.

“Major Graham brought us all kinds of gifts and awards,” while it is Graham who is go-ing overseas in service to the country, Miller said.

*Archbold Football

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ....................10 Menus ...................................... 8Classified ........................... 12,13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports................................. 6,7,8Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ..................................11

Two New Faces Guaranteed On Archbold School Board – page 3





$1






The Archbold and Pettisville boys cross country teams and Pettisville's Tanner Hostetler advanced out of the Division III district meet, Saturday, Oct. 22. They will run in the regional meet, Saturday, Oct. 29. The AHS boys team goes to the Youngstown regional, while the PHS boys and Hostetler will run in the Tiffin regional. Left: Bryce

Tinsman was the first Blue Streak to finish in the boys District 3 race. He placed fifth. Middle: Dominic Frey was the first Blackbird into the chute in the boys District 1 race. He was tenth. Right: Hostetler was the only AHS or PHS girl to advance. She placed 13th in the girls District 2 race. See page 6 for more information.–photos by Jack Frey

AHS, PHS Boys Teams, Hostetler On To Regionals


Sure, it was an auction, but for Bob Frey, Archbold, and others, it was more like a party. After years of putting to-gether an eclectic collection ranging from farm tractors to a fi re truck, Frey decided it was time to let it all go. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, family, friends, and others gathered at Yoder & Frey, the business started by his father Elias in 1947, to send it all to new homes.

About 200 people from 14 states registered to bid. Through the Internet, peo-ple from all over the world could participate. Some equipment was sold to a man in Belgium. Frey said when he was in grade school, he bought his fi rst tractor, an Internation-al BN, at an auction at Delta for $85. “I drove it all the way back to Archbold,” he said. Stroke Seven years ago, Frey suf-fered a major stroke. It left

him without feeling in half of his body, “but I can still auction,” he said. Frey said one of the big-gest factors in his recovery was, “I never gave up. “I’ve helped a lot of guys who’ve had strokes. The guys who don’t try, who just say, ‘leave me alone,’ they die.” But the stroke made it dif-fi cult to drive the machines he had collected. “I couldn’t crawl up on the tractors. I couldn’t drive my Mack semi,” he said. After thinking about it for

about three years, he decid-ed to sell everything. Frey said he thought the semi truck, a 1958 Mack with a diesel engine, was the most popular item. Frey shared a personal connection with the truck. Its original owner, a man from Pennsylvania, began driving it to the Yoder & Frey auction in 1958. After the man died, Frey said he visited the man's shop, and saw the Mack parked out back. He bought it from the man’s son, brought it back to Archbold

and painted it red with black accents. The semi and match-ing fl atbed trailer sold for $22,500. The new owner drove the more-than 50-year-old truck back to Illi-nois.

Other Stuff Among the tractors sold was a 1965 International 1206. Its serial number indi-cated it was the 12th of that particular model to come off the assembly line. At the time, it was the big-gest in the company’s line-

up, but later machines madeit look like a garden tractor. Restored and looking prac-tically showroom new, Freysaid it sold for $14,500. “It did very well,” he said. One of the oldest piecesof equipment at the auctionwas Frey’s 1930 Caterpillar Sixty, an old crawler trac-tor with a huge four-cylinderengine. Despite being morethan 80 years old, it stillmoves and steers under itsown power. During the auc-tion, it was left running, al-lowing admirers to watch itsexposed engine parts spin. The Sixty carried a metaltag indicating it was onceowned by Los Angeles Coun-ty, Calif. Frey speculatedthat because it had a largehook on the back and heavysprings on the front, it wasused to haul logs. He said he would loadthe Sixty aboard his fl atbed semi, and put it in parades. It sold for $19,000 to a man from Bowling Green. Another item in the auc-tion list was a 1935 Chev-rolet fi re truck. He said hewould put kids on the truck,and drive it in parades. “It has a siren and a bell to ding,” he said. Also up for auction was a1961 Pontiac two-door hard-top Frey said he bought at alarge Indiana classic car auc-tion almost 20 years ago. It was displayed withthe trunk open, revealing a

Bob Frey Auction Bidders From U.S., Europe

William Fricke, Pettisville, is attempting to buy four of the hog-raising operations he owned before his business was placed in receivership. In documents fi led Mon-day in Fulton County Com-mon Pleas Court, Gerald Kowalski, the Toledo attor-ney named receiver of Arch-bold Elevator and the relat-ed hog-raising businesses, said Fricke tendered a total bid of $1.5 million. Up for auction by the re-ceiver are O-MI-O, Henry Pig, the Kainos pig nursery, and the sows and piglets that are part of the receiver-ship on Fenstermaker Farms property in Leipsic. The high bids submitted by others totals $1.33 mil-lion. Kowalski’s fi ling asks James Barber, Fulton Coun-ty Common Pleas Court judge, for a hearing to dis-cuss the situation, and for instructions on how to pro-ceed.

Question Financing In his fi ling, Kowalski said bidders were required to submit a certifi ed check for 1% of their bid amount, plus proof of adequate fi nancing to complete the transaction. All of the bidders, except Fricke, “provided the ap-propriate deposit and either fi nancing information from

a commercial bank, or an in-dication of the ability to pay cash,” Kowalski said. “The bid of William Fricke was accompanied by a check exceeding the minimum de-posit. “However, the funding in-formation provided by Mr. Fricke is not from a bank or recognized lending facility. Based on this information, the receiver is not confi dent about Mr. Fricke’s ability to obtain fi nancing in order to close these transactions. “Furthermore, the indi-vidual bidders have all in-dicated their reluctance to increase their bids until they are certain that Mr. Fricke has the fi nancing, and can complete these deals. “The individual bidders have advised the receiver they do not want to enter a bidding war with a ‘phan-tom bidder,’ just to drive the price of these assets up.” Kowalski said during a recent bankruptcy hearing, it was learned that Fricke is under investigation by the State of Ohio and the Fulton County Prosecutor Offi ce. The two organizations are said to be looking into pos-sible criminal conduct aris-ing from Fricke’s operation of the businesses. When asked about the in-vestigations, a spokesman for the Ohio Attorney Gen-

Fricke Bids On Hog Operations; Bidders Question Financing

eral Offi ce and Scott Hasel-man, Fulton County pros-ecutor, declined comment, neither confi rming or deny-ing the existence of investi-gations. The possibility of crimi-nal investigations targeting Fricke “causes the receiver, the secured creditors, and the individual bidders to question Mr. Fricke’s ability to obtain fi nancing to pur-chase these assets,” Kowal-ski said.

Up For Auction Up for auction: •O-MI-O, Inc., a hog rais-ing business located on prop-erty at 17311 Co. Rd. 21-50, Fayette (Williams County). The sale includes the prop-erty and sows and other pigs on the property. There were three bidders: Richard Lange, of Republic Mills, bid $138,000; Michael E. Mull, a veterinarian, of-fered $250,000; Fricke of-fered $300,000. •Henry Pig, with prop-erty and animals at 16786 Co. Rd. K, Napoleon (Henry County). There were two bidders: Mark and Stephanie Sattler offered $465,000; Fricke bid $475,000. •Kainos Nursery, with pigs and property located at 12979 Co. Rd. 16, Wauseon (Continued on page 3)



There have been many benefi ts claimed for the Archbold Area School Dis-trict wind power initiative, but one was perhaps the least expected. Laura Bickel, Archbold High School science teach-er, said there is an interest among students in starting

a STEM club. STEM is the modern acro-nym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. “The students had an interest in forming a club when the anemometer (wind test tower) went up” in June 2008, Bickel said. To encourage their inter-est, she said she had stu-dents gather data from the tower. Soon, about 12 to 20

students were meeting infor-mally. Four, she said, consis-tently assisted in gatheringdata from the tower. Since then, Bickel saidthe interest in a club has in-creased. Plus, with the schooldistrict’s wind turbine soonto be installed, it’s a goodtime to start working towardcreating a club. Bickel and fi ve AHS stu-

Wind Turbine Spawns Interest In STEM Club


A few of the scenes at the auction of Bob Frey’s collection of tractors, trucks, and other items, Wednesday, Oct. 12. Left: Fred Helmke, of Florida, seated on a tractor wheel, and Weldon Drewes, Wauseon, on a scooter, chat during

the auction. The line of tractors was just part of the items for sale. Right: Frey considered his 1958 Mack semi tractor-trailer rig the most popular item at the auction. Also showing is his 1935 Chevrolet fire truck.–photos by David Pugh

Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of October 26, 2011–3

Before the Archbold vs Liberty Center Football Game

Archbold High School Cafeteria Menu: Chili and Pie

Tug was involved in a car accident this past summer. After a long hospitalization and therapy, Tug is back to school and making a great recovery.

FREEWILL DONATION All proceeds will be given to the Robison/George Family to help with medical expenses.

Donations by mail may be sent and checks made out to Jill Grieser, 8397 St. Rt. 66, Archbold, Ohio 43502.

Planned and supported by community friends, fellow church members and Archbold school staff.

Tug Robison Benefit Supper

Friday, Oct. 28, 5-7 pm

The Archbold High School Vocal Music Department presents

Saturday, Nov. 5 • 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 • 2:30 p.m.

Archbold High School Auditorium Tickets on sale Mon., Oct. 31 thru Fri., Nov. 4

from 3:15-5 p.m. in the AHS Box Office and 1 hour before the show or purchase anytime online from www.showtix4u.com.

Call 419-445-5579, ext. 1153 for ticket information. This is a much requested follow-up to the ever-popular The Butler Did It.

Publisher and socialite, indomitable Miss Maple rents a plantation house, com - plete with menacing alligator, in the frightening swamp land of Louisiana. She wants to introduce her latest literary discovery, Ruth Dice. Naturally, she’s the perfect candidate for murder. However, it’s the bizarre owner of the house of secrets, Jasper Van Dine, who’s discovered in the parlor!

WHODUNNIT!? Smoke and mirrors, fun and games - from start to finish!

The

BUTLERDid It, Again!

A Mystery Comedy Spoof in Two Acts

PARLOR AUCTION

Proceeds go to missions

Lawn chairs handpainted by Sabrina Grisier, crocheted doilies, Thanksgiving & Christmas items,

live holiday wreaths, homemade cheesecakes, individually wrapped caramels, pies, Amish sugar

cookies, sports team items, & much more.

Archbold United Methodist

Church Corner of Walnut & Ditto

Mon., Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

YOUTH-ONLY PHEASANT HUNTSunday, Oct. 30 • 9 am

Limited Space Available • Lunch ProvidedCall Scott at 419-445-4486 or

Matt at 419-572-9827 for reservations. Participants must be between 12-17 years old and have passed

a hunter safety course. Three fields are available, but are limited to the first 30 hunters.

We will meet at 8741 Co. Rd. 25-2 north of Archbold for a safety discussion and move into the field. There is no charge.

Adults and youths are welcome and both must read and sign a safety review card. All participants must wear blaze- orange vests, blaze-orange hats and shooting glasses.

E NCHILADA F UNDRAISER for Lupe Garcia

Saturday, Nov. 12 12-5 pm

Fairlawn Community Building, Archbold

Dinners: $ 6 includes 2 enchiladas, rice & beans Each additional enchilada is $ 1.25

Tray of 6 enchiladas: $ 8 Lupe is a former resident of Archbold. She worked for Sauder Wood- working for over 25 years. This past summer, Lupe was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. All proceeds from the dinner will go to medical expenses. Call Amanda Cardwell at 419-388-3955 to place an order or see how you can help.

Eat in or carryout

Original

JONAH FISH FRY Friday, Nov. 4, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Ruihley Park

Pavilion

Archbold

Freewill donation to benefit Shepherd’s Circle, Archbold and the NOAH House, Pet tisvillealong with the Cherry Street Mission, Toledo

Carryout Dinners Available

Sponsored by West Clinton Mennonite Church of Wauseon

HAUNTED HAYRIDESunday, Oct. 30

7- 8:30 pmat Woodland Park, Archbold

FREE!

Archbold Parks & Recreation 419-445-4025

Face Painting by AHS FCCLA

PUSS IN BOOTS PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 12:30, 5:15, 9:30. Fr/Mo/We/Th 2D 7:15. 3D 5:15, 9:30. IN TIME PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 12:10, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. THE THREE MUSKETEERS PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 2D 12:00, 7:30. 3D 2:30, 5:10, 9:55. Fr/Mo/We/Th 2D 7:30. 3D 5:10, 9:55. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 R Sa/Su/Tu 12:40, 2:40, 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. FOOTLOOSE PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. Fr/Mo/We/Th 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. REAL STEEL PG-13 Sa/SuTu 11:45, 2:20, 5:00, 7:35, 10:10. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:00, 7:35, 10:10.

Fri., Oct. 28 thru Thur., Nov. 3




Hotline 419-335-6813

The makeup of the Arch-bold School Board will change with the start of the New Year, as two incum-bents, Scott Miller and Tony Warncke, decided not to seek reelection. Four men and one woman are asking voters to put them on the board for a four-year term. Voters will make their choice in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 General Election. Candidate: Bob Aschliman Native of: Archbold-Pet-tisville Family: wife, Luanne; three children Education: Pettisville High School, 1970 graduate; associate degree, accounting, International Business Col-lege, Fort Wayne, Ind., 1973; bachelor’s degree, account-ing, Defi ance College, 1977 Present employment: Aschliman & Company, Cer-tifi ed Public Accountants Other career experi-ence: grew up on a chicken farm; worked in a factory; ac-countant for manufacturing company; worked for CPA fi rms; started own business in 1980. Affi liations: Archbold Rotary Club, past president; Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce, past president; board member, organizations related to Sunshine Chil-dren’s Home; board member, Fairlawn Haven; Zion Men-nonite Church, member and treasurer Previous political expe-rience: three terms on Arch-bold school board, 1993-2005 Other experience: CPA, owner or part owner of fi ve businesses; served on several boards Comments: Aschliman said his goals were “to vote for the best interests of the school district; provide the best educational opportuni-ties possible for Archbold students; set educational goals and establish school policy; work with other board members, superintendent, treasurer, and staff to keep our school strong.”

Candidate: John Downey Native of: Napoleon Family: wife, Susan; fi ve children Education: Napoleon High School, 1968 graduate; bache-lor’s of education, University of Toledo, 1975; master’s in guidance & counseling, 1983; specialist in education admin-istration, 1990 Present employment: retired Other career experi-ence: Napoleon Schools, 1975-78; University of To-ledo, 1978-79; Archbold Schools, served as teacher, counselor, coach, bus driver, summer maintenance work-er, 1979-2010 Affi liations: Ohio Educa-tion Association, Archbold

Education Association, held leadership position in AEA for 20 years; St. Peter Catho-lic Church, vice president of church council, eucharistic minister/usher, 33 years; CCd teacher, 10 years; eu-charisic minister to Fairlawn Haven, 10 years; Knights of Columbus Comments: Downey’s goal is to “provide the most cost-effective education for our students that meets the needs of all stakeholders in the most transparent man-ner possible. “I believe in an open and honest dialogue as a board member. Boards should not micromanage, but I do be-lieve in asking the tough questions in an open board meeting when possible.”

Candidate: Roel Galvan Native of: Ohio Family: wife, Dana; four children Education: Archbold High School, 1983 graduate; mas-ters in organizational man-

agement, University of Bluff-ton, 2002 Present employment: Sauder Woodworking Other career experi-ence: adjunct instructor for University of Bluffton Affi liations: Northwest Ohio Industrial Relations Association; Society for Human Resource Manage-ment; Toledo Area Human Resource Management; Em-ployers Association; volun-teer, Junior Achievement Previous political ex-perience: Archbold School Board, 2006-10 Comments: Galvan said he plans to “work diligently to control or reduce costs while maintaining core ser-vices, allow the administra-tion to continue the great leadership they have shown, and be able and willing to listen to all concerns and fol-low the correct protocol. “This is a wonderful com-munity, and I am willing to work hard and devote my time if I am elected to the school board.”

Candidate: Kimberly Kins-man Native of: Fayette Family: husband, Lynn; four children Education: Gorham-Fa-yette High School, 1988 gradu-ate; Bachelor of Arts, psychol-ogy, Wittenberg University, 1992; Master of Education, Bowling Green State Univer-sity, 2011 Present employment: General Education Diploma instructor, Four County Ca-reer Center Other career experi-ence: social studies teacher, Fulton County Opportunity School, seven years Affi liations: American Legion Auxiliary, John Dale Post, Fayette; Relay for life, Team Sauder-Kinsman, Team K-BOB; Archbold Evangelical Church Other experience: in-ternship with Archbold and Pettisville schools while studying for master’s degree Comments: Kinsman said she will “work with other board members and

school administrators to do what is best for our students and the school district. “I feel my experience as an educator and my Mas-ter’s program at BGSU has prepared me to take on this challenge. Next year, I will have one child in each build-ing; therefore, I will be con-cerned about programming at all levels.”

Candidate: Rod L. Rodri-guez Native of: Archbold Family: wife, Dawn; three children Education: Archbold High School, 2000 graduate; at-tended Northwest State Com-munity College Present employment: Sauder Manufacturing Affi liations: Archbold As-sembly of God, youth leader, eight years. Other experience: As-sisted Pettisville High School with interviews of Spanish IV students for fi nal exam; fl uent in Spanish Comments: Rodriguez said, “I work with youth on a regular basis, and I want to use these interactions to help them. I want the Latino community get even more involved in our schools! “I want to make a differ-ence. I am new; I have never been in this position. I want to bring fresh ideas and not be afraid to go against the fl ow. Our leadership must be accountable, and we have to fi ght to keep the integrity and success of our school system on track.”

BobAschliman

Two New Faces Guaranteed On Archbold School Board

JohnDowney

RoelGalvan

KimberlyKinsman

RodRodriguez

Weather


Tu 10/18 56 42 .2 R We 10/19 50 44 2.5 R Th 10/20 47 43 .15 R Fr 10/21 50 32 0 Sa 10/22 63 30 0 Su 10/23 69 38 .15 R Mo 10/24 64 41 0



(Continued from fi rst page)(Fulton County). Two bids were received: Kalmbach Feeds said it would pay $125,000, while Fricke offered $150,000. •Bids were also received for the hogs and piglets, owned by the receivership, at Fenstermaker Farms in Leipsic. In a telephone in-terview, Kowalski said there are over 1,000 hogs under re-ceivership on the property. Two bids were received: Fenstermaker Farms offered $490,000; Fricke offered $575,000.

------Grant me the serenity

to accept the things I can-not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the dif-ference.–Reinhold NiebhurTrick Or Treat

Is Monday Nite Little ghosts and goblins will prowl the streets of lo-cal communities looking for candy on Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31. Trick-Or-Treat hours in Archbold are from 6 to 7:30 pm. In Ridgeville Corners and Pettisville, trick-or-treat takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

AEA SponsorsCandidates Night Thursday The Archbold EducationAssociation hosts a Meet theCandidates Night tomorrow night, Thursday, from 7 to9 pm in the Archbold HighSchool auditorium. Candidates for Archboldmayor, village council, town-ship trustee, and townshipfi scal offi cer will speak.

(Continued from fi rst page)space that would be con-sidered cavernous by to-day’s standards. It sold for $8,900. Best Story The best story revolves around a life-sized manne-quin. Dressed as a construc-tion worker, when hooked to a battery it would wave an orange fl ag. Frey said he bought the mannequin at a Virginia auction and loaned it to a friend named Ray. Ray put it in the back of a pickup, and threw a blanket over it. Ray was giving a ride to another man. Frey said Ray told the man, “I need your help with something. I had a little accident outside of town.” Ray took the man to the back of the truck and said, “I

gotta show you something.” He removed the blanket,and the man panicked, say-ing he would not help Raydispose of a body. “We laughed and laughedand laughed,” when the sto-ry was told, Frey said. For Frey, the sale of hiscollection wasn’t as muchabout money or machines,as it was about people. Friends from all over,people he’d known his wholelife, attended. “It worked out so well. I enjoyed it so much,” he said.

*Bob Frey Auction

*Fricke

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus .................................... 13Classified ........................... 12,13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports........................... 10,11,13Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

Sample Ballot Pages – pages 6-7





$1

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 106th Year - No. 15


TAKE THE WHEEL.HELP YOUR SCHOOL.WIN COOL STUFF.

904 Stryker St., Archbold419-445-7460 (800) 682-7460

RichFordDirect.comFORD

Take a free test drive and Ford Motor Company will donate up to $6,000 to your school!

Plus, have the chance to win a $100 Best Buy® Gift Card!

Tuesday, Nov. 22 • Archbold High School

Rich Ford is partnering with Archbold Middle School R.O.C.K.S. to host Community Walks!

Join us at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 & 19 at the Archbold Middle School blacktop!

The AHS girls soccer team defeated Genoa 2-1, Saturday, Oct. 29, to win the Division III district girls championship. It is the first girls soccer district title since the program started in 1999. Kneeling, from left: Jensyn Garrow, Alexa Cores-sel, Korey Arend, Sierra Nofziger, Amanda Lovejoy, Hanna Allison, Lauren Kindinger, Nichole Wood, Blanca Calderon,

Ashley Short, Oneida Calderon, Carley Wyse, Mara Beck. Standing: James Kidder, coach; Jesse Fidler, Meggie Yoder, Kassidy Garrow, Cassidy Wyse, Mindy Rupp, Olaia Sara-sola, Lauren Stuckey, Ella Weaver, Bailey Grieser, Han-nah Yoder, Jennifer Kidder, assistant coach. Missing: Alora Drewes.–photos by Mary Huber

Blue Streaks Win First District Girls Soccer Title In School History

Archbold police confi scated a gun, body armor, and what they suspected was a hand grenade about 1 am, Friday, Oct. 28, from a man who al-legedly was part of a home invasion robbery crew. James Paul Nation, 19, no address available, was arrested in connection with a home invasion robbery in Adrian, Mich. When APD offi cers took Nation into custody at a Stamm Street apartment, they discovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, body ar-mor, and the suspected gre-nade. Tera Rogers, an Archbold police offi cer, said the sus-pected grenade was taken by the Toledo Police bomb squad.

Home Invasion Greg Walsh, a detective with the Adrian Police De-partment, said two Adrian residents were in their home preparing dinner on the eve-ning of Tuesday, Oct 4, when two men entered the home. One was armed with a knife, the second with a rifl e. They robbed the couple of $140 and a gold chain. Walsh said as the robbers left the house in a vehicle, the victim jumped in his car and gave chase. As he pursued the robbers, Walsh said those in the sus-pect vehicle fi red shots at the pursuing victim, striking his car twice. The victim used his auto to ram the fl eeing vehicle, but was unable to stop it. Walsh said as the chase roared through Adrian, many people saw it. Some saw the

shots fi red. With traffi c picking up, and the danger involved, the victim discontinued the chase. Days later, Walsh said the getaway car was recov-ered about 15 miles south of Adrian, where it had broken down. Records show it was registered to Nation’s father. Stamm Street Archbold police received information that Nation was at 400 Stamm St., (apart-ment) No. 2. The police report said offi cers knocked. A man later identifi ed as Travis Beiswenger, the resident, answered the door. When asked if Nation was in the apartment, Beiswenger said no, the report states. Offi cers asked if they could come in and look for Nation, but again Beiswenger told them no. The report said, “At this time (both offi cers) could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the apartment. At that time, we advised him (Beiswenger) that we were going to enter the resi-dence, in which he stated it was okay to come in. “Once inside, we located James Nation, and placed him under arrest for the out-of-state warrants.” Beisenger was arrested on a charge of obstructing jus-tice. Both men were taken to the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio. As of Monday afternoon, Nation was still being held at CCNO. He is facing ad-ditional charges in Fulton

Home Invasion Suspect Arrested On Stamm Street


Candidates for Archbold Area School Board faced questions ranging from im-posing pay-to-play fees to replacement of the Archbold Middle School during Meet the Candidates Night, spon-sored by the Archbold Edu-cation Association. The event, held Thursday, Oct. 27, at Archbold High School, featured four of the fi ve school board candi-dates: Bob Aschliman, John Downey, Kimberly Kins-man, and Rod Rodriguez. Roel Galvan did not attend. The fi ve are vying for two seats on the board. Present board members Scott Miller and Tony Warncke are not seeking reelection. The board candidates were asked what they would do about administrative sal-aries and what they would do to deter or monitor exces-sive spending. Rodriguez said it’s easy for those outside the school district to point fi ngers at the administrators. He said administrators are impor-tant, and serve a role. He said he would not want to be the person to call for the elimination of positions or reduction of wages, but said questions need to be asked, “and I think that’s my main thing. “I want to be the kind of person that’s not afraid to say, ‘I’m not sure I agree with that, and I need more information before I approve this.’ “I think the board does not need ‘yes’ people all the

time. They need to have a person who will come in with a fresh perspective and not be afraid to come in and ask the hard questions.” Kinsman said she had shadowed school adminis-trators, “and some of the jobs they do are very, very hard, and some of the hours they work are very, very long. “I think they should be compensated for the tough decisions they make, and the hours they do put in.” She said administrators have taken pay freezes as well. Downey said with state revenue declining, “every-thing is going to be on the table.” “I would not want to fi n-ger just the administrators. We’ll have to look at all our expenses and revenues.” Aschliman said admin-istrator salaries have to be compared to what similar jobs in other districts pay. “Yes, how much people are being paid is a real is-sue, but what are they doing for that, and what are they getting compared to other folks in their arena?” Proactive A question asked Downey what he would cut if he joined the board. Downey said he has no preconceived notions. The school district needs to be proactive, and manage tax dollars as much as pos-sible, he said. With the possibility of a tax levy in 2014, “I would

rather be proactive than wait for 2014 or wait to see if a levy passes, then try to make all the cuts. As we ap-proach 2014, I would closely monitor expenses and see where we can make cuts,” he said. Aschliman was asked about plans to replace the middle school. Some parts of the building date back to the 1920s. “I don’t have an answer for that,” Aschliman said. “It wasn’t too many years ago (mid-1990s) that we spent a lot of money remod-eling the middle school. But we found out afterward that even though you replace what seemed like a lot of in-frastructure, you can never replace all of it in an old building like that. “As long as the middle school is able to be used, I don’t see any reason we’re going to have to get a new one, because it does cost money. “On the other hand, we do have to look ahead.” Rodriguez was asked about implementing fees for participation in extracurric-ular programs, such as clubs and sports. The practice is known as “pay to play.” Rodriguez said he would shy away from pay to play. “Obviously, if we’re strug-gling and we can’t maintain a program, that might be a way we have to go.” But, he would rather avoid it. “We need to be able to offer as much as we can to

these students,” he said. Kinsman was asked whatimpact she would have onstudents. The question camefrom an AHS student. She said she heard a pre-sentation to the school board from students interested in starting a STEM, or Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math club. Those backing the club said they were seekingprivate donations to support club activities. Kinsman said she wouldback the club, and would en-courage similar programs. SB 5 All school board candidateswere asked about the impactof Senate Bill 5 on the schooldistrict. The bill is seen as reduc-ing the bargaining power ofpublic employee unions, suchas teachers’ organizations.Through an initiative peti-tion, the question is beingput on the ballot. Aschliman said the schooldistrict will have to wait tosee whether the bill is re-pealed or allowed to becomelaw. Downey said Archboldschools already use IBB, orinterest-based bargaining, towork out contracts betweenthe AEA, which representsteachers, and the schoolboard. “That has proven highlyeffective at keeping expendi-tures low,” he said. Also, Downey said someparts of SB 5, including mer-it pay for teachers, are being

Administrator Salaries, New School, LevySchool Board Candidates Discuss Topics At Meet The Candidates Night

Costumes on ParadeA wide variety of costumes appeared at the Archbold Elementary School Halloween Costume Parade, Friday, Oct. 28. Amber Gericke was an angel, while Jasmine Flores donned a clown outfit. A large number of parents and grand-parents attended. –photo by David Pugh

Bomb Squad Takes Possible Grenade


James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court judge, has rejected the bids of William Fricke, Pettis-ville, in connection with his attempt to purchase some of the assets of his businesses, said Gerald Kowalski, a To-ledo attorney. Barber’s ruling came as a result of a Tuesday, Nov. 1 hearing in Fulton County Common Pleas Court. Kowalski is the court-ap-pointed receiver for Fricke’s businesses: Archbold Eleva-tor and associated hog-rais-ing operations. Those businesses were placed in receivership af-ter Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, fi led a lawsuit in April, demand-

ing repayment on nearly $5 million in loans. The bank’s lawsuit fol-lowed the suspension of Archbold Elevator’s grain handling licenses by the Ohio Department of Agri-culture. An ODA inspection found problems with the ele-vator’s fi nancial records and shortages of stored grain. Assets Parts of Fricke’s other businesses, including the Archbold Elevator and feed miller operation, have al-ready been sold. Kowalski recently accept-ed bids for three hog-raising operations plus over 1,000 pigs housed at Fenstermak-er Farms near Leipsic.

Fricke was the high bid-der for each of the proper-ties, but both Kowalski and the other bidders questioned whether he had the fi nancial backing to go through with the purchases. Court documents fi led Tuesday, Nov. 1, state Fricke withdrew his bid for the animals at Leipsic.

Financial Backing Court documents indi-cate Fricke was backed by a $5,660,000 commercial real estate loan, brokered by Care Financial Services, In-corporated, Westland, Mich. Court documents de-scribed the company as “a private equity fi rm located in the Detroit area.”

The loan agreement fea-tured an interest rate of6.75%, with interest-onlypayments for the fi rst year ofthe 15-year agreement. Care Financial presidentBarbara F. Williams stated in a court affi davit that sheis aware of possible criminalcharges against Fricke. In her affi davit, Williamssaid Care Financing is aMichigan corporation “pro-viding fi nancial services,including brokering privateinvestor loans and othersources of non-traditional fi -nancing.” The affi davit added that Care “has identifi ed a partic-ular investor or investmentgroup that wants to partici-

Judge Rejects Fricke Bids For Businesses


14–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of November 2, 2011

AR

CHBO

LD ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

Winter Sports Rally & Alumni

Basketball Game Friday, Nov. 18 • 7 pm

Archbold High School $2 adults; $1 students

All proceeds go toward Archbold Athletic Boosters programs

Introduction of all Winter Sports Participants

2 Alumni Basketball Games

Pre-1990 graduates - odd vs even years

Post-1990 graduates - odd vs even years

Anyone interested in playing should contact Andy Peterson via email:

[email protected]

or phone 419-388-8111.

Come and support our athletes!

The Archbold High School Vocal Music Department presents

Saturday, Nov. 5 • 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 • 2:30 p.m.

Archbold High School Auditorium Tickets on sale Mon., Oct. 31 thru Fri., Nov. 4

from 3:15-5 p.m. in the AHS Box Office and 1 hour before the show or purchase anytime online from www.showtix4u.com.

Call 419-445-5579, ext. 1153 for ticket information. This is a much requested follow-up to the ever-popular The Butler Did It.

Publisher and socialite, indomitable Miss Maple rents a plantation house, com - plete with menacing alligator, in the frightening swamp land of Louisiana. She wants to introduce her latest literary discovery, Ruth Dice. Naturally, she’s the perfect candidate for murder. However, it’s the bizarre owner of the house of secrets, Jasper Van Dine, who’s discovered in the parlor!

WHODUNNIT!? Smoke and mirrors, fun and games - from start to finish!

The

BUTLERDid It, Again!

A Mystery Comedy Spoof in Two Acts

PARLOR AUCTION

Proceeds go to missions

Lawn chairs handpainted by Sabrina Grisier, crocheted doilies, Thanksgiving & Christmas items,

live holiday wreaths, homemade cheesecakes, individually wrapped caramels, pies, Amish sugar

cookies, sports team items, & much more.

Archbold United Methodist

Church Corner of Walnut & Ditto

Mon., Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

Original

JONAH FISH FRY Friday, Nov. 4, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Ruihley Park

Pavilion

Archbold

Freewill donation to benefit Shepherd’s Circle, Archbold and the NOAH House, Pet tisvillealong with the Cherry Street Mission, Toledo

Carryout Dinners Available

Sponsored by West Clinton Mennonite Church of Wauseon

CChuck Wagon GangChuck Wagon GangChuck Wagon GangTheTheThe

is coming! Thurs., Nov. 10 • 7 pm

at Old Union Church Chestnut St., Pettisville

Freewill offering.

For Monday-Thursday Showtimes Call Skye Cinema Hotline

TOWER HEIST PG-13 Sa/Su 12:00, 2:20, 5:00, 7:25, 10:00 . Fr 5:00, 7:25, 10:00. A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS R Sa/Su 3D 12:20, 2:50, 5:25, 7:40, 9:45. Fr 3D 5:25, 7:40, 9:45. PUSS IN BOOTS PG Sa/Su 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 12:30, 5:15, 9:30. Fr 2D 7:15. 3D 5:15, 9:30. IN TIME PG-13 Sa/Su 12:10, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. Fr 5:10, 7:30, 10:00. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 R Sa/Su 12:40, 2:40, 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. Fr 5:00, 7:45, 9:40. FOOTLOOSE PG-13 Sa/Su 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50. Fr 4:50, 7:20, 9:50.

Fri., Nov. 4 thru Thur., Nov. 10




Hotline 419-335-6813

SUNDAY, NOV. 6

Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour

Saturday night!

(Continued from fi rst page)discussed by school offi cials as part of the federal Race To The Top grant program. Kinsman said she has never heard of a big rift be-tween the school board and teachers. She said Archbold school offi cials already do some of the things covered by SB 5; they’re just not formalized. “It would not be a real struggle for Archbold to take care of things in SB 5... I don’t see a lot of big issues coming through SB 5.

Rodriguez said he is a big supporter of relationships between school board mem-bers and the teachers. The two sides have to work to-gether to make sure common goals are reached. “I think maybe we can do a little bit better to make sure we’re on the exact same common ground between the board and the teachers,” he said.

Paid for by the Committee to ReElect Jim Wyse Mayor, Jeff Coressel, Treasurer,

208 Quail Run, Archbold, OH 43502

ReElect James S.

WYSE Archbold Village

MAYOR

HHHHHHH

HHHHHHH

The four men running for Archbold Village Council were asked how much Wood-land Park cost– and none of them had an answer. That was one topic that came out of the Meet The Candidates night, sponsored by the Archbold Education Association, at Archbold High School, Thursday, Oct. 27. The actual cost of Memorial Park, including design, con-tract administration, seed-ing, and electrical service was about $3 million, spread over three years. While they could not come up with a number for Wood-land Park, all of the candi-dates said the park was a good addition to the village, and could be part of future development. Kevin Eicher, incumbent councilman seeking reelec-tion, said there was the pos-sibility of additional housing development on the north side of the park. “If and when community growth comes through, there is a project that has been on hold by a person in town here, for possibly a develop-ment on the north end of the park,” Eicher said. Ed Leininger, another councilman seeking reelec-tion, said Woodland Park had to be built to open more space for additional baseball diamonds in the future for Memorial Park. Leininger said funding for the project was going well until the economy went sour. “We lost 1,000 jobs in a couple of years,” he said. “That put the park board into an issue. They came to council and asked, ‘can you help us?’” Council issued bonds to fund park construction costs, along with costs associated with the rebuilding of the village wastewater treat-ment plant. Kevin Morton, council member up for reelection and member of Park Board, said when the Woodland Park property was purchased, two factories were annexed into

the village. “They became taxpayers,” he said. Today those buildings are not empty, but “not nearly what they were, and we lost that funding. “One of the things the Park Board considered was it might take 20 years to pay for all this, and in that case, it is still worth it.”

Forever Morton said park property “is forever. It will be there after these young people are gone. Many generations of people will get to enjoy the park and utilize it.” Kent Stamm, who is run-ning for council, said he felt money spent on Woodland Park was well spent, but he said he could not justify fu-ture expansion. “That’s the idea of being on council. If a need arises, it’s something we can ad-dress,” he said. Mayor Jim Wyse, incumbent Archbold mayor, was asked about projects he would like to bring to completion. Wyse said a project village offi cials have been working on “has been going for two-and-a-half years, and a year prior to that. “The projects are kind of confi dential. When the proj-ect is announced early next year, people will understand why we had to keep it under wraps.” Kenny Cowell, councilman who is running for mayor, said the biggest challenge “is getting the most bang for our buck. “We’ve still maintained rebuilding our older sections of town. Obviously Lafay-ette Street (the extension of Lafayette Street to Co. Rd. 24) was big. When I ran for council, one of my big goals was to get Lafayette Street done, and I’m thrilled we did. “I think it will get tougher. I don’t see it getting any eas-ier right away.” He said maintaining a good relationship with vil-

lage employees, and infra-structure, will be huge chal-lenges in the future. The mayoral candidates were also asked about how building projects were pri-oritized. Both agreed decisions on capital projects are up to council, but Cowell said in a tie vote among the six council members, the mayor breaks the tie. “Those (tie votes) can be few and far between, but they be very tough situa-tions,” Cowell said. He said he uses the same method he uses at home to prioritize projects. “What’s at the top of the list? Who’s screaming the loudest sometimes. That’s how I base my opinions,” he said. Wyse said council relies

on guidance from the village engineering department. “They will go around town and let us know if there are any problems with infra-structure,” he said. In addition, Wyse said the village has cameras that can examine underground sewer lines to determine if they need to be repaired. A street rebuild may be pushed up the priority list if under-ground repairs are needed. Lafayette Street present-ed a safety issue, Wyse said. “There’s a lot of traffi c on that road, and with kids get-ting out of school, there’s a fair amount of accidents that happen (on Lafayette Street) during the course of a year.” The construction list is re-viewed two or three times a year, and projects are added or moved back, he said.

Council Candidates Asked About Woodland Park; Mayoral Candidates Asked About Capital Projects List

*Administrator

(Continued from fi rst page)pate in funding the transac-tion.”

Fricke’s AttorneyIn his response to Kowal-

ski’s concerns over Fricke’s fi nancial package, Brian C. Kalas, Sylvania, attorney for Fricke, said Kowalski based his doubts about Fricke’s creditworthiness “upon his (Kowalski’s) speculation and own doubts related to Fricke’s creditworthiness."

Kalas said while there may be a criminal investiga-tion of Mr. Fricke, no indict-ment has been fi led and no charges brought, and even if there were, “that does not speak to the creditworthi-ness of Mr. Bill Fricke.”

Any indictment, Kalas said, would relate to Arch-bold Elevator, and Fricke is no longer involved in that business.

Kalas also said a criminal investigation or indictment would not impact the avail-ability of credit to Fricke. To think such would be nonsen-sical, Kalas said.

Any new business entity would involve more than just Mr. Fricke. Kalas said Fricke’s wife, Lynette, would

be an owner, and others would participate in man-agement. “The ability of Mr. Bill Fricke to manage a business and continue operation in the event of any criminal in-vestigation or indictment is not, and should not, be the concern of the receiver,” Ka-las said.

*Judge Rejects

Costumes on ParadeSporting their costumes at the Archbold Elementary School Halloween Costume Parade are, from left: Logan Meyers, Rea-gan Kohler, Nizely Reyes, and Mya Stuckey, all second grad-ers. The parade was Friday, Oct. 28.–photo by David Pugh

How It’s DoneLowell Beck, Archbold, right, helps butcher a hog, while Jamey Bontrager-Singer, Goshen, Ind., looks on during Butchering day at Sauder Village, Saturday, Oct. 30.–photo by David Pugh

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ....................10 Menus .................................... 11Classified ................................ 12 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports..................................... 13Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ..................................11

AHS Girls Soccer State Tournament Souvenir Pages – pages 6-9





$1



TAKE THE WHEEL.HELP YOUR SCHOOL.WIN COOL STUFF.

904 Stryker St., Archbold419-445-7460 (800) 682-7460

RichFordDirect.comFORD

Take a free test drive and Ford Motor Company will donate up to $6,000 to your school!

Plus, have the chance to win a $100 Best Buy® Gift Card!

Tuesday, Nov. 22 • 10 am-5 pm • Archbold High School

Rich Ford is partnering with Archbold Middle School R.O.C.K.S. to host Community Walks!

Join us at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Archbold Middle School blacktop!

Parade Of Lights Route

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St.

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The 13th annual Archbold Parade of Lights will follow the same route that has been in place since 2009. The parade will step off from the ConAgra parking lot at 6:30 pm, Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiv-ing. Amy Krueger, assistant administrator of the Arch-bold Area Chamber of Com-merce, said a committee tasked with examining the parade route looked at oth-er options, but decided the Stryker Street-North Defi -ance Street-Walnut Street-La Choy Drive route was the best alternative due to safety concerns. Krueger said one option discussed would have in-volved using Lafayette Street as part of the parade route. “That would have had the parade crossing the (Norfolk Southern railroad) tracks twice, and that’s a big safety concern,” she said. From the parade’s begin-ning in 1998 until 2009, the parade included North and South Defi ance streets. The route was changed for several reasons; one was so that trains would not break up and delay the parade. There were many who complained about the new route, saying it cut off busi-nesses on the south side of the village from the crowds.

But the route has remained in place. Entries Julie Brink, chamber di-rector, said so far in 2011, there are 11 fl oats or other units entered. “We need more,” she said. Typically, the parade fea-tures about 50 entries, many of which fi le their forms at the last minute or don’t both-er to register; instead, they just show up as the parade forms. “We expect a slew of en-tries this week,” Krueger said. There is one new, never-before-seen entry in this year’s parade, a 1929 Model A “woodie” station wagon. Festival The parade is the kickoff event for the annual Festival of Lights, the show of lighted Christmas displays in Ruih-ley Park. Krueger said there are no new displays this year, but money raised for the festival, approximately $3,200, was used to convert a nativity scene, one of the largest in the festival, from incandes-cent lights to new, energy-saving light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. She said about 30 volun-teers from local civic groups

Parade Route Doesn't Change

The price of the Archbold Area School District electri-city-generating wind turbine is $1,853,750, but that’s be-fore some extras, said Aaron Godwin, district wind power consultant. For example, the school dis-trict can choose to purchase a fi ve-year maintenance plan for the 750-kilowatt turbine. The fi ve-year plan has a total price of $130,000, but Godwin said it can be paid over the fi ve-year life of the agreement. Another option is an ice sensor. If ice forms on the blades of the turbine, which are each approximately 75 feet in length, the sensors will tell the turbine’s com-puter. The computer will then command the turbine to stop the blades to avoid fl inging bits of ice. The $1.85-million price tag, Godwin said, is for a turnkey wind turbine, installed and ready to run. Another item not in the fi -nal price is the $75,000 envi-ronmental and social impact assessment that had to be done. That cost, Godwin said, was covered by the Ohio De-partment of Development. Godwin said the assess-ment, which was required by the federal government, was so comprehensive, “we had to prove there were no Hawai-ian Islanders living in Arch-bold. We knew there weren’t, but we had to prove it.” The bulk of the funding for the turbine comes from fi ve different grant programs, or “pools,” Godwin said. The remaining amount is being covered with Qualifi ed School Construction Bonds. Interest payments on the bonds are reimbursed to the district by the federal gov-ernment. That makes the bonds es-sentially interest-free. “The school district is get-ting quite a bit for their dol-

lar,” Godwin said. Blades There have been several delays in the wind turbine project. The project contrac-tor, Marous Brothers, of Wil-loughby, is expected to seek an extension for another de-lay soon. Under the current con-tract, the turbine must be installed and producing elec-tricity by May 30 in order to qualify for grant funding. Because of a manufactur-ing delay involving the tur-bine blades, the contractor is requesting to extend the date. As of last week, it was not known how long the de-lay will be. The largest grant, $750,000, comes from fed-eral government American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds. ARRA funds are commonly called federal eco-nomic stimulus money. The grant program re-quires that a percentage of the turbine be manufactured in America, a “Buy Ameri-can” clause. Godwin explained there are no manufacturers mak-ing blades of the size and design required by the Aero-nautica wind turbine Arch-bold selected. An Indiana company was selected to make the blades, but must wait for the molds to be shipped from India. It takes fi ve days, work-ing 24 hours a day, to make each blade. Once completed, special arrangements must be made to truck the blades to the site, because they are about 30 feet longer than a standard 53-foot semi trail-er. Godwin did point out there are over 400 yards of con-crete, 2,000 tons of steel, and large amounts of copper used in the turbines. The prices of all those commodities, par-ticularly steel and copper,

Wind Turbine Price Is $1,853,750, Without Extras

HeartbreakMembers of the Archbold girls soccer team console each other after the Blue Streaks were defeated by Shaker Heights Laurel 1-0, Wednesday, Nov. 9, in a Division III state semifinal. James Kidder, AHS head coach, center, reflects on his team's performance and season.–photo by Mary Huber

Gerald Kowalski, receiver for Archbold Elevator and its related businesses, has repaid $4 million to the Farmers & Merchants State Bank. In a status report fi led with the Fulton County Com-mon Pleas Court, Monday, Nov. 14, Kowalski, a Toledo attorney acting as receiver, stated, “with court approval of the receiver’s motion to approve initial distribution, the receiver distributed $4 million to Farmers & Mer-chants State Bank. “The receiver is in negotia-tions with Farmers & Mer-chants Bank as to their fi nal payoff. “The receiver will be seek-ing court approval of the fi -nal payoff to Farmers & Mer-chants, and then the receiver will then propose a distribu-tion process to the remaining

secured creditors.” After the Ohio Department of Agriculture suspended the Archbold Elevator grain-han-dling license in April, F&M fi led suit against Archbold Elevator, and elevator owner William Fricke, demanding repayment of $4,922,738.16 in loans. Court document fi led July 1 indicate at that time, F&M bank offi cials said they were owed more than $5.4 mil-lion as the result of interest charges on the unpaid bal-ance. Other creditors, including The Andersons, Maumee, also are involved in the ac-tion. Kowalski has sold, or is in the process of selling, the assets of Archbold Elevator and hog raising businesses (known in legal documents

F&M Bank Gets $4 Million From Fricke Receiver

The next major action in the ongoing debate over the Fulton County Emergency Medical Service contracts will come on Monday, Nov. 21. That’s when a resolution to extend the current EMS contract put forward by Paul Barnaby and Perry Rupp, county commissioners, will come off the table and will again be up for debate. The pair put the resolution forward on Monday, Nov. 7, but after objection by Dean Genter, commissioner, the resolution was tabled until Nov. 21. Jim Wyse, Archbold may-or, said he has been in con-tact with Barnaby and Rupp since Nov. 7. He said Barn-aby and Rupp said approv-ing the EMS contract was on hold until issues with an-other fi re department could be worked out.

Contention One of the major issues of contention is how Archbold Fire Department staffs ALS-1, the Archbold-based para-medic unit, which is funded by Fulton County. Unlike other communities, which keep a paramedic and an emergency medical tech-nician, or EMT, on station at all times, Archbold keeps a paramedic on station, while the EMT is allowed to re-main on call. The EMT may stay at his own home, but if there is a rescue call, that EMT must either report to the station or wait to be picked up by the paramedic. Genter claims that dur-

ing evening and overnighthours, ALS-1 is too slow re-sponding to calls. Archbold offi cials admit ALS is 30 to 60 seconds slow-er than other county ALS(Advanced Life Support) squads, but they feel ALS-1responds to calls properly. Current contracts be-tween the commissioners,the six villages and the City of Wauseon, and their fi re departments, expire Dec.31. Talks over new contractshave been going on for sev-eral weeks. Genter said he believes theoriginal intent of the EMScontract was to have boththe paramedic and EMT onstation; Archbold offi cialsrespond that the on-call sys-tem has been in place foryears, without complaints. During the Monday, Nov.7 Archbold Village Councilmeeting, councilmen did notsupport any change in thestaffi ng of ALS-1. Nov. 21 With Genter away fromthe commissioners’ meetingon Thursday, Nov. 3, Ruppand Barnaby supported ex-tending the current contractan additional three years. During the Monday, Nov.7 meeting, Barnaby made a resulution, seconded byRupp, extending the currentEMS contract. But after discussion withGenter, Rupp made a motiontabling Barnaby’s contract extension resolution untilMonday, Nov. 21. Barnabyseconded the resolution.–Da-vid Pugh

EMS Contracts To Be Discussed Mon.

Ta-Da!Taylor Parnell, a junior field commander with the Archbold High School Blue Streak Marching Band, sits on the shoul-der of Jose Hernandez III, a senior mellophone player, following the dance portion of the band’s indoor concert, Thursday, Nov. 10. The event marked the end of the march-ing band season.–photo by David Pugh


(Continued on page 14) (Continued on page 14)

(Continued from fi rst page)are volatile. Yet, the construction bud-get for the project has not changed since the contracts were awarded on June 30.

Payback The wind turbines at Archbold, Pettisville, and Kentson school districts are all essentially pilot projects for school wind turbines, Godwin said. Other school districts won’t be in line for the amount of grant funding the three dis-tricts have received. Even before the turbine will ever be built, the wind power project has already resulted in electricity bill savings for the school dis-trict. That’s because through the wind power study, the district opted to convert to primary electrical service. Power is provided to the

school at a higher voltage, but at less cost. The district had to pur-chase transformers and other equipment to trans-form the higher voltage to a usable level, but that invest-ment will pay for itself in 10 years. Godwin said the turbine will begin producing positive cash fl ow “right out of the gate.” Those savings could equate to two to three teaching staff positions each year. “We’re talking about very signifi cant savings,” he said. –David Pugh

Cindra Keeler, president of the board of the Four Coun-ty Career Center, said the board held a special meeting Thursday Nov. 10, and ap-proved placing a two-tenths (.2) of a mill permanent im-provement continuing levy before voters a second time. Voters will face the mill-age question during the Tuesday, March 6, Primary Election. Ohio is scheduled to hold a second primary, for congressional and presiden-tial candidates, June 12. Keeler said the Career Center board must pass two measures to put the millage issue on the ballot. The fi rst was approved at the Nov. 10 meeting. The second will come be-fore the board during a sec-ond special meeting, Tues-day, Nov. 29, at 6 pm at the Career Center board room. November Vote Voters in the four-county area turned down the Ca-reer Center request for a new two-tenths of a mill levy during the Tuesday, Nov. 8, General Election, by a vote of 24,585 to 21,574, or 53.3% to 46.7%. In Fulton County, the levy request was denied, 6,657 to 5,674. All Archbold precincts, plus German and Franklin Townships and voters in the Pettisville precinct, ap-proved the levy. Henry County defeated the levy 5,287 to 4,684. Free-dom and Ridgeville township voters approved the levy. William Spiess, FCCC su-perintendent, said prior to the November election the money would go to construct a new entrance, and possi-bly add six classrooms to the

building. The new entrance would not only enhance building security, but it would also replace a glass wall that leaks when it rains, Spiess said. “It’s not for a whole new building,” Keeler said. “Four County is a great service to the community. We have more than 1,000 high school students with 31 different programs. “That’s the largest number of high school students since Four County opened, not to mention the adult education programs,” she said. If the levy had passed Nov. 8, the board would have col-lected property tax revenue from a current two-tenths of a mill levy, plus money from the new levy. Brett Kolb, Fulton County auditor, said if the new levy passes in March, there will be no overlap. The old levy will expire in the 2011-pay-able 2012 tax year; if passed, the new levy will be collected starting in tax year 2012-payable 2013. Analyze Keller said board offi cials briefl y looked over the pre-cinct and ward reports from across the Career Center four-county service area of Fulton, Defi ance, Henry, and Williams counties. She said the area with the strongest “no” votes were ar-eas where there was already some type of school levy on the ballot, such as Patrick Henry, Edon, Bryan, and Stryker.–David Pugh

(Continued from fi rst page)as “The Archbold Entities”).

That included the sale of the grain elevator and ani-mal feed mill operation on Co. Rd. 24 to Gerald Grain.

Hog OperationsKowalski said in his status

report that he is continuing negotiations with bidders for the remaining assets of the Archbold Entities of Henry Pig, O-MI-O, and Kainos Op-erations, which are involved in raising hogs.

Kowalski said he expects to fi le a motion approving the sales “within the next seven days.”

In a related matter, Kow-alski said he has fi led a claim in the case of Huntington National Bank vs. William L. Fricke, et. al.

He said the case involves a farm and two hog-raising facilities owned by William and his wife, Lynette.

Kowalski said he has un-covered evidence that the Archbold Entities allegedly paid for various machinery and equipment at the farm and hog operations named in the action, and is “seek-ing reimbursement for those costs from the sale of as-sets” in connection with that case.

VomitoxinKowalski said in the sta-

tus report that last week, “feed produced at the Arch-bold facility was found to be infected with vomitoxin

(Deoxynivalenol), which is occasionally found in corn as a result of wet weather. “We believe that the vomi-toxin-tainted corn was deliv-ered to the elevator within the last three weeks. Vomi-toxin-tainted feed was used to feed pigs owned by the Archbold Entities, and also pigs owned by IPC (Indiana Packers Corporation). “When pigs eat this feed, they vomit after eating, or don’t eat the feed, thus caus-ing weight gain issues. “This problem has been minimal, and a special prod-uct has been added to the existing feed inventory to neutralize the vomitoxin.” Kowalski said, “We have a more complicated problem as a result of a signifi cant amount of feed now being re-turned by customers. “This distressed feed in-ventory is being stored at the facility which is now owned by Gerald Grain.George Green (a consultant assisting in operating the Archbold Entities) is at-tempting to negotiate a reso-lution of this issue with Ger-ald Grain.”


Visit us online at ArchboldBuckeye.com

Order subscriptions, photo reprints & classifieds at

ArchboldBuckeye.com

Order subscriptions, classifieds & photo reprints online at

ArchboldBuckeye.com

Archbold-German TownshipFire Department

FEATHER PARTYSaturday, Nov. 19

Archbold K of C HallW. Lutz Road, Archbold

Hot Sandwiches Served

beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Kids Games & Prizes

Bingo

50/50 Raffle This year, the fire department would like to purchase additional hydraulic tools that will

aid in automobile and other extrications. The tools allow department members to perform additional extrication techniques from those currently used. The cost is approximately

$10,000.

Archbold Firemaids Bake Sale

FREE THANKSGIVING MEAL Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH,

will provide its

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Wednesday, Nov. 23

(If you get her answering machine,

leave a name & phone number

where you can be reached and she

will get back to you.)

Meals will be delivered or available for pickup 4:30-6 p.m. This is a free meal available to anyone. If you would like a meal or know someone who could benefit from this meal, please call Connie Hartman at 419-446-2680 by Saturday, Nov. 19.

RIDGEVILLE

FEATHER PARTYFriday, Nov. 18, 2011

Fish Fry - 5-7 p.m. Followed by BINGO at 7:30 pm

1st Prize -$100, 2nd Prize -$503rd Prize -$25

American Legion Post #454 1/4 mile south of U.S. 6 on Co. Rd. 19

Ridgeville Corners, OH

20 TURKEYS!

The Home Restaurant Downtown Archbold • 419-445-6411

Meals • Served from 3 p.m.-close BBQ Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/2 Chicken

$ 7.95 . . . . . 1/4 Chicken $ 5.75

BBQ Beef Brisket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reg. $ 7.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . Small

$ 5.75

BBQ Pulled Pork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reg. $ 7.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . Small

$ 5.75

BBQ Babyback Ribs . . Whole rack $ 17.95 . . . . . . . 1/2 Rack

$ 11.95

Meal includes choice of potato , one side and a dinner roll.

By Brookview Farm Meats & BBQ • Carryout AvailableVisit www.thehomerest.com for our weekly specials.

BBQ DAYThursday, Nov. 17

December 2, 3, 9 & 10Dinner - 6:30 pm

Show - 8 pm December 11Dinner - 1 pm

Show - 2:30 pm


Presold Adults $ 9 Presold Students/Senior $ 8 At the door $ 10 Dinner Theatre $ 25

For tickets call Leon or Vicki at 419-267-5717, Mon.-Fri., 6-9 pm Produced with special arrangement with Eldridge Plays & Musicals

Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

Giffey Hall Giffey Hall Giffey Hall

Ridgeville Corners, OH Ridgeville Corners, OH Ridgeville Corners, OH

the Corner Gallery

SALE

216 N. Defiance St.Archbold, OH 43502 419-445-8161

BLACK WEDNESDAY

SPECIALNov. 23

Spend$10, $25 or $50

and receive a gift valued up to $20.*Limit one gift per customer.

Quantities limited.*Excludes custom framing

TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu/We 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 Fr/Mo 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 Th 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 HAPPY FEET 2 PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 12:15, 3:00, 9:10. 3D 4:45, 7:00. Fr/Mo 2D 9:10. 3D 4:45, 7:00 We 2D 12:30, 5:10, 9:40. 3D 2:15, 7:00 Th 2D 5:10, 9:40. 3D 2:15, 7:00 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS PG We (11/23) 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 12:00, 4:45, 9:15. Th (11/24) 2D 3:00, 7:15. 3D 4:45, 9:15 THE MUPPETS PG We (11/23) 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:15, 9:25 Th (11/24) 2:40, 5:00, 7:15, 9:25 JACK AND JILL PG Sa/Su/Tu/We 12:10, 2:30, 5:20, 7:25, 9:35 Fr/Mo 5:20, 7:25, 9:35 Th 2:30, 5:20, 7:25, 9:35 PUSS IN BOOTS PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 5:15, 7:10. 3D 12:30, 2:40, 9:25. Fr/Mo 2D 5:15, 7:10. 3D 9:25 TOWER HEIST PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 12:00, 2:20, 5:00, 7:25, 10:00 Fr/Mo 5:00, 7:25, 10:00 IMMORTALS R Sa/Su/Tu/We 2D 12:00, 2:30, 4:50. 3D 7:30, 10:00. Fr/Mo 2D 4:50. 3D 7:30, 10:00. Th 2D 2:30, 4:50. 3D 7:30, 10:00

Fri., Nov. 18 thru Thur., Nov. 24



Hotline 419-335-6813www.skyecinema.comwww.skyecinema.com

Check showtimes online at :

Hotline 419-335-6813

Craft/Vendor Show

Sat., Nov. 19, 10-4 Delta Banquet Center

(East of Delta on Airport Hwy, 20/A)

Something for everyone!

For booth info call 419-822-5387

*Parade Route

*F&M Bank*Wind Turbine

Career Center To Put Levy On March BallotThe offi cial count of bal-

lots cast during the Tues-day, Nov. 8 General Election will begin at 9 am, Wednes-day, Nov. 23, according to Kandice Lemley, director of the Fulton County Board of Elections.

Currently, Lemley said she and Melanie Gilders, deputy director, are sorting through provisional ballots cast during the election.

Provisional ballots are fi led by registered voters who moved from one precinct to another, but did not update their voter registration in time for Election Day.

Lemley said they must verify that the person who cast a provisional ballot was a properly registered voter in their former precinct.

County To CountyIf the person moves from

another county, then Lemley and Gilders must request the other county Board of Elections verify the person casting the ballot was prop-erly registered in their coun-ty. At the same time, other counties are requesting the same information from Ful-ton County.

Lemley said there were 265 provisional ballots cast in Fulton County that must

be checked. In the meantime, Lemley said a few absentee ballots have arrived by mail that meet the requirements to be counted. To be counted, an absentee ballot must be postmarked no later than Monday, Nov. 7, and must be received at the board offi ce no later than Friday, Nov. 18.

Franklin Township In the meantime, the close race between Frank-lin Township Trustee can-didates Michael Kinsman and Mark Ballmer remains a two-vote victory for Kins-man, 121 to 119. Ballmer is the incumbent; Kinsman, the challenger. When the offi cial count takes place, three absentee votes for Ballmer could re-verse the outcome. Provisional ballots could have made a difference as well, but Lemley said there were no provisional ballots cast in Franklin Township. Because Kinsman’s mar-gin of victory is larger than one-half of one percent (.5%), there is no automatic re-count of the ballots. Ballmer could request a recount, but would have to pay for it.

Official Election Count Date Set

These were just some of the approximately 30 volunteers who pitched in to set up the Archbold Festival of Lights in Ruihley Park, Saturday, Nov. 12. Clockwise from left: Vaughn Bentz, Lonnie Short, Clayton Duncan, Phil Riley and Layna Dun-can.–courtesy photo

(Continued from fi rst page)turned out to assist in set-ting up the Festival of Lights on Saturday, Nov. 12. Other Events Again this year, The Com-pany, the Archbold High School show choir, will sing Christmas carols prior to the

parade to entertain the visit-ing crowd. Also, Jennifer Kidder, director of Archbold Parks and Recreation, said Santa Claus will once again set up shop in the Ruihley Park Pa-vilion, to hear Christmas re-quests from good little boys and girls.

Central Mennonite Church

Christmas Cookie Walk Come choose from a vast assortment of homemade

cookies and candy for your holiday guests and family.

Sat., Dec. 3, 9 am-12 noon Central Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall

21703 St. Rt. 2, Archbold

Proceeds go to Kaihle Sauder, in Bradford, England with Radical Journey.

For questions call Kathy Smith, 419.966.6528.

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 2Classified ................................ 11 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports..................................... 10Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

PHS Winter Sports Good Luck Pages – pages 8-9





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Out of more than 900 school districts, charter and other types of schools, Pet-tisville had the 27th-highest performance index score in 2011. Archbold was 95th. Pettisville is in the top 3% of schools across Ohio, and Archbold in the top 10%. The rankings are part of a new system based on the per-formance index scores from Ohio Department of Educa-tion school report cards. Speaking to the Archbold Area School Board during its Wednesday, Nov. 16, meet-ing, David Deskins, district superintendent, told board members the requirement for the new ranking system was included in the last state budget bill. The requirement directs the Ohio Department of Ed-ucation to prepare statewide rankings, based on perfor-

mance index scores. Performance index scores combine individual student results on all subjects in grades 3 through 8 that are tested on Ohio Achievement Assessments, and on 10th grade results from the Ohio Graduation Test. This year’s rankings are considered by the ODE to be a draft version. The fi rst offi cial ranking list will be released in September 2012.

Scores The performance index scores range from 0 to 120. Pettisville’s PI score in 2011 was 107.9093; Arch-bold’s was 104.5514. The school with the high-est PI score was a charter school startup, the Constel-lation Schools Outreach Academy for Students with Disabilities, in Cleveland. Its PI score was 115.9375.

The lowest PI score was the W.C. Cupe College Pre-paratory School in Columbus. The score was 35.4867, which ranked the school 936th. Several schools were not included in the rankings. Most are Joint Vocational School Districts. Others had no students tested, or less than 10 stu-dents tested. Cost Per Pupil The rankings include the per-pupil cost of instruction. Pettisville’s per-pupil cost was $9,565, fi fth-high-est among the seven Fulton County school districts. Steve Switzer, Pettis-ville Local School District superintendent, said of the 30 top-ranked school dis-tricts across Ohio, Pettisville ranked eighth in per-pupil spending.

Pettisville 27th, Archbold 94th In New State School Rankings

Julie Brink, director of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce, said there were 48 entries in the 2011 Pa-rade of Lights, Friday night, Nov. 25. That’s down four from last year. Previously, the lowest number was 50. Brink had reports that there was a nice crowd both in the downtown historic district and other parts of the parade route. Weather was relatively balmy compared to 22 de-grees with a biting wind last

year. Friday's high tempera-ture was 64 degrees. “We were very, very fortu-nate,” she said. Street Lights One difference from previ-ous years was the downtown street lights remained on. The lights were left on be-cause of liability concerns. “There were complaints last year that people couldn’t see the curbs,” and could trip over them, she said. Brink said the parade started at a fast pace, but

then slowed down with somegaps. “People walking alongsidethe fl oats had trouble keep-ing up.”

Santa Visit Brink said Santa’s visit toRuihley Park Pavilion waspopular. A big crowd was onhand. There was a steadystream of traffi c through theFestival of Lights in RuihleyPark. “It was a good kickoff tothe holidays,” she said.

Parade Of Lights Draws Crowd

Work to repair problems at the new Pettisville School is underway or is scheduled for completion, said Steve Switzer, school district su-perintendent. Work started Monday to replace the lights in the new gymnasium. There have been complaints that the original fi xtures did not pro-vide enough light for sport-ing events. Switzer said the original fi xtures will be replaced by fi xtures holding eight T-5

type fl uorescent tubes. Four fi xtures, which in-clude security lights, have not been delivered. The curtain that divides the gym was to be used dur-ing the replacement. Physi-cal education was to take place in half of the gym, while workers changed the lights on the other side. There were also com-plaints of sound traveling between classrooms. Switzer said the contrac-tor installed a second level of

ceiling tile in four classrooms as a test, which proved suc-cessful. The second level of tiles will be installed in remain-ing classrooms over Christ-mas break, Switzer said.

Walking Through? Contrary to rumor, Pettis-ville students are not walk-ing through the under-con-struction atrium between the new school building and the 1994 gym-library-study

Repairs Start At Pettisville School



The sale of the three re-maining entities of Archbold Elevator has been approved. Gerald Kowalski, a Toledo attorney acting as receiver for the Elevator and its re-lated businesses, said James Barber, Fulton County Com-mon Pleas Court judge, signed an order authorizing the sale, Monday, Nov. 28. The three properties are the last of the “Archbold En-tities” involved in the receiv-ership of Archbold Elevator. Troubles for the eleva-tor and its owner, William Fricke, began when the

Ohio Department of Agricul-ture suspended the elevator grain handling license on April 11. The following day, Farm-ers & Merchants State Bank fi led a $4.9 million lawsuit against Archbold Elevator, Fricke and other associated businesses. The lawsuit forced the company into re-ceivership. The three remaining en-tities to be sold were all in the businesses of raising and selling pigs. Fricke attempted to buy back the three entities us-

ing non-traditional fi nancing through a Detroit fi rm, but after a hearing, Barber dis-qualifi ed his bids. Sold Sold were: •Henry Pig, a sow opera-tion that raised pigs from birth to the point they were weaned from the sow. The sale included animals, prop-erty and other assets at 1678 Co. Rd. K, rural Napoleon, in Henry County. There were two original bids: Mark and Stephanie

Archbold Elevator Pig Operations Sold


There were 48 entries in the Archbold Parade of Lights, including floats, decorated vehicles, lighted tractors, and horse-drawn carriages. There was a good crowd watching the parade,

said Julie Brink, director of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce. See video from the Parade of Lights at ArchboldBuckeye.com. –photos by David Pugh and Mary Huber DRAFT School District Rankings

Fulton County Ranking 2011 PI 2011 2011 Per Pupil School District # Score Rating Enrollment Expenditures

Pettisville 27 107.9093 Excellent 498 $9,565

Archbold 94 104.5514 Excellent with 1,285 $9,222 Distinction

Wauseon 123 103.5559 Excellent 1,968 $8,259

Evergreen 157 102.6299 Excellent 1,328 $9,798

Pike-Delta-York 351 98.9657 Excellent 1,311 $10,133

Gorham-Fayette 357 98.8580 Excellent 447 $10,371

Swanton 452 96.7778 Excellent 1,371 $9,924

Rankings include community schools; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math schools; and joint vocational schools. More than 930 Ohio schools were ranked. Rankings are based on the Performance Index (PI), part of the Ohio Department of Education Local School Report Card. Enrollment figures provided by Ohio Department of Education. Source: ODE, via Archbold Area Schools. Archbold Buckeye chart.

digital academies. Ownership Switzer said he was “very pleased, obviously” with the results of the performance index rankings. When asked how Pet-tisville schools reached the high ranking, he said, “I think everything goes back to ownership. "The kids take ownership to do well. The teachers take ownership by preparing the students. "The administrators take ownership of preparing the teachers. The parents sup-port the schools.” Everyone, he said, com-

mits themselves to doing well. “It’s not someone else’s job,” he said. Deskins told school board members, “This is an achievement that the entire community should be proud of,” pointing out that of the 100 top-ranked schools, Archbold is 28th lowest in per-pupil spending.


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(Continued from fi rst page)He said the Ohio Depart-

ment of Education used a year when Pettisville’s en-rollment was down by about 50 students, which pushed up the cost-per-pupil fi gure.

Deskins told the school board Archbold was sixth in Fulton County in cost per pu-pil. Wauseon was the lowest in the county, at $8,259.

Deskins also told board members of the top 100 school districts ranked based on performance index, only 27 spent less per pupil than Archbold.

The highest per-pupil expenditure was ISUS, Institute of Construction Technology, in Montgomery County, where $40,026 was spent per pupil on education. The school had a PI score of 106.5.

The top-ranked school had a per pupil cost of $24,308; the lowest, $10,029.

Most of the per-pupil ex-penditures were in the $8,000 to $11,000 range. One school reported zero spending, while others were less than $1,000. Some of the schools with the lowest per-pupil costs were

(Continued from fi rst page)hall addition. Switzer said students ac-cess the library by walking along the bus loop in front of the new building, away from the atrium addition. Students in junior high school physical education go to the 1994 gym by walk-ing along the west end of the school buildings, away from atrium construction. The study hall above the library is not in use, but could be accessed through a rear stairway, Switzer said.

Finish When the new Pettisville School was built, the 1994 addition, plus a portion of the elementary school build-ing, were retained. The process of closing off openings left by the demoli-tion, known as the “button up” project, is expected to be completed by the end of De-cember. The atrium project, which will provide an entrance for after-hours school events, will be completed by the end of January.

*Pettisville 27th, Archbold

*Repairs Start

Weather


Mo 11/21 47 34 0 Tu 11/22 47 36 2.25 R We 11/23 56 34 .05 R Th 11/24 45 36 .1 R Fr 11/25 64 37 0 Sa 11/26 67 45 .2 R Su 11/27 56 35 .6 R Mo 11/28 42 34 2.25 R


(Continued from fi rst page)Sattler, who have a rural De-fi ance address, and Fricke, whose bid was disqualifi ed.

Since the bid was origi-nally submitted, a limited li-ability corporation, Flatrock Pork, LLC, was formed to purchase Henry Pig.

Mark J. Sattler, rural Defi ance, was named the statutory agent for Flatrock Pork.

The purchase price was $465,000.

•O-MI-O, another sow operation with animals, property and other assets at 17311 Co. Rd. 21-50, Fay-ette, in Williams County.

There were three original bidders: Richard Lange of Republic Mills; Michael E.

Mull, a veterinarian; and Fricke. After negotiations, Cen-taur Associates, LLC, was the highest bidder for O-MI-O. The statutory agent for Centaur is Rex H. Huffman, Rossford. A second LLC, MMDS In-vestments, LLC, was formed and purchased O-MI-O. Huffman is also the statu-tory agent for MMDS. The purchase price was $325,000. •Kainos Nursery, which raised pigs from the time they were weaned from the sow to market weight. The sale included real estate, equipment, and ma-chinery located at 12979 Co. Rd. 16, Wauseon, in Fulton

County. There were two original bidders: Kalmbach Feeds and Fricke. With the Fricke bid disqualifi ed, Kalm-bach purchased Kainos for $125,000. Prices In the court documents, Kowalski said, “The receiver believes that these sales are in the best interest of the re-ceivership. “The receiver believes the proposed prices, although low, are commercially rea-sonable under the circum-stances and are not incon-sistent with the analysis performed by Veid & Veid (a certifi ed public accounting fi rm) on May 16.”

*Archbold Elevator

Crews at the Archbold Wastewater Treatment plant are struggling against high water, after 5.6 inches of rain fell in the past 11 days. Wastewater plant workers recorded 5.6 inches between Saturday, Nov. 19 and Tues-day morning, Nov. 29. It was still raining Tuesday after the last reading was taken. Dennis Howell, Archbold village administrator, said about 2:30 pm, Tuesday, the plant is processing wastewa-ter at capacity, 4.5 million gallons per day. But wastewater is fl owing into the plant faster than that. The excess is being di-verted to a detention pond at the plant, he said. The plant discharges treat-ed wastewater into Brush Creek. The creek is higher than the discharge point, so a 4,000 gallon-per-minute portable pump is pumping treated wastewater from the

Archbold Wastewater Plant Struggles After Days Of Rain

outlet into the creek. Howell said several of the sanitary sewer lines were “surcharged” meaning they reached capacity. At one place, a portable pump was pumping waste-water from the sanitary sew-

er into the storm sewers. For decades, Archbold offi -cials have tried to fi nd ways to keep storm water out of the sanitary sewers, but several projects have been unable to entirely solve the problem.

Here’s The Church...This church, complete with steeple, was one of 48 entries in the 2011 Archbold Parade of Lights. While the total number of entries was down, there were several new ones in the

parade. Relatively mild weather conditions helped bolster the crowd.–photo by David Pugh

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 9Classified ................................ 11 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports.................................... 8,9Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

Sunday Liquor Sales, Fire Levy On March Ballot – page 3





$1

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 106th Year - No. 21





Whether or not ALS-1, the Archbold-based paramedic unit, will be allowed to keep its on-call system for emer-gency medical technicians will be decided by an advi-sory group. That was the outcome of a meeting between Archbold village offi cials and the Ful-ton County Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 8. During the meeting, which reportedly lasted about an hour, Perry Rupp, commis-sioner, proposed turning the question over to an advisory board. The meeting minutes state, “Commissioner Rupp stated that he is willing to put this system into the hands of a committee that will come up with a resolu-tion to solve its inequities.” Rupp said he is willing “to pull out the ‘side-by-side’

language, as long as they (Fulton County fi re chiefs) are willing to take the rec-ommendations of the com-mittee to resolve any issues. “If that is their proposal, he will support that,” the minutes state. Problem In 2000, voters approved a 2-mill levy to provide both advanced life support ser-vices and support for man-power for the seven fi re de-partments in the county. All of the departments op-erate with “paid volunteers”; in other words, fi refi ghters and rescue workers are paid only when they are on call. The four southern com-munity fi re departments– Archbold, Delta, Swanton, and Wauseon– were given $326,000 per year to oper-ate paramedic units staffed

William “Bill” Rufenacht, Archbold, has fi led a peti-tion to run in the March 12 Republican primary election to become a Fulton County Commissioner. He challenges three-term incumbent Dean Genter, ru-ral Pettisville. Because few Democrats run for offi ce in Fulton County, a victory in the GOP primary essentially assures Republicans will fi ll county offi ces. Of the 36 precincts in the county there are only 11 Democratic precinct commit-tee seats fi lled. On the Re-publican side, there are only eight precincts without pre-cinct committee seats fi lled. Rufenacht said the biggest reason he’s seeking the com-missioner’s post is, “I love Fulton County.” He said with his past busi-ness experience, “I think I can do some good in the job.” He said he had been con-sidering running for commis-sioner for some time, but this “seems to be the right time now.” Rufenacht was the former owner of Rufenacht Cloth-ing that became Bill’s Locker Room, which he sold in 1999. He was a member of Arch-bold Village Council from 2001 to 2005.

Archbold offi cials were of-fended over how they were treated during the debate over the EMS contracts and the response times of ALS-1, the Archbold paramedic unit. But after meeting with the Fulton County Commission-ers on Thursday, Dec. 8, Jim Wyse, Archbold mayor, and Andy Brodbeck, AFD chief, said they feel they can work with the commissioners go-ing forward. Wyse said he thought the Dec. 8 meeting “cleared the air” between the two groups. “I don’t think there’s any doubt” that village offi cials and the commissioners can work together, he said. The meeting addressed concerns about the staffi ng requirements the commis-sioners were seeking and questions about ALS-1 re-sponse times, Wyse said. Andy Brodbeck, Archbold Fire Department chief, said he “absolutely” could work with the commissioners.

At Issue Fulton County advanced life support units are staffed by one paramedic and one emergency medical techni-cian. Unlike other communi-ties, Archbold requires the paramedic to remain on sta-tion for a 24-hour shift, but allows the EMT to remain at home, only reporting to the station when called. The commissioners wanted the Archbold EMT to remain on station. They say waiting for the EMT to arrive before leaving the station causes too much delay. The commissioners had proposed a contract requiring EMTs and paramedics to re-main together, but that part of the contract was dropped. Instead, the matter will go to an advisory group. Detrimental To Archbold Minutes from the Dec. 8 meeting at the commission-ers offi ce refl ect some of the ill feelings between Archbold offi cials and the commission-ers. In the minutes, Jeff Fry-

Bill Rufenacht Runs For CommissionerTo Challenge Incumbent Genter

Offended Archbold Officials Can Still Work With Commissioners

with one paramedic, licensedto provide advanced life sup-port, and one emergencymedical technician, or EMT. Delta, Swanton, andWauseon all hired a sub-contractor to provide theirparamedic-EMT teams, and put those teams on 24-hourshifts, with both sleepingover at their stations. Archbold, however, hiredand trained AFD fi refi ght-ers to be paramedics. Theparamedics sleep at the AFDstation, but EMTs remain athome, “on call.” They only report to the sta-tion if there is a rescue run. Dean Genter, commis-sioner, complained it takesALS-1 too long to leave thefi re station after receiving acall, because the paramedichas to wait for the EMT toarrive.

Advisory Group To Decide EMS Contract Requirement

man, Archbold councilman and chairman of the police and fi re committee, stated what they (village offi cials) fi nd so disconcerting is that Archbold has been portrayed as having defi ciencies in its operation of ALS-1. If that wasn’t the com-missioners’ thought process, they need to go back on the record stating Archbold has run its department in an ac-ceptable manner. Also, the minutes said Fry-man told the commissioners there were comments made to the media by the com-missioners and Vond Hall, county administrator, that he would like to have clari-fi ed. Kevin Morton, Archbold councilman and a member of the police and fi re commit-tee, was paraphrased in the minutes as saying Archbold is not very happy with the things that came out in the paper regarding the 30-sec-ond difference. It was determined that by allowing the EMT to respond

All that’s needed is the signature of James Barber, Fulton County Common Pleas Court, and the Farm-ers & Merchants State Bank will receive its fi nal payment from the Archbold Elevator case. Gerald Kowalski, Toledo attorney and court-appointed receiver for Archbold Eleva-tor and its related business-es, recently fi led documents with the Fulton County court, seeking permission to make a fi nal payment to F&M of $1,912,121.28. Barber had approved a $4 million payment to the bank, Oct. 24. The case stems from the fi -nancial collapse of Archbold Elevator, which began in April. The day after the Ohio De-partment of Agriculture sus-pended the fi rm’s grain han-dling license, the F&M fi led a lawsuit seeking repayment of about $4.9 million in loans made to the elevator and re-lated businesses. Together, the businesses were known in the legal com-munity as “The Archbold En-tities.” Barber appointed Kow-alski as the receiver in the case. Since that time, Kowalski and others have overseen the breakup and sale of the enti-ties. The largest piece, the grain elevator and feed mill located on Co. Rd. 24, which included a truck repair facil-

ity, was sold to Gerald Grain in October for $2.38 million. Negotiated Payoff In court documents, Kow-alski stated after “lengthy and extensive” discussions with F&M bank offi cials, F&M sought a fi nal payment of $1,962,121.28 as of Nov. 18. Kowalski said bank offi -cials agreed to waive inter-ests and costs that accrued after Nov. 18. Each day, the bank was adding about $900 to the fi nal payment. The total payoff, which includes both a $50,000 re-duction bank offi cials agreed to, and a waiver of interest and fees after Nov. 18, was reduced by about $75,000, Kowalski said. In rough fi gures, if Barber approves the fi nal payment, F&M will receive a total of about $5.9 million. While that fi gure is more than the original $4.9 mil-lion the bank was seeking, F&M has been forced to pay an unknown amount of legal expenses, easily totaling in the thousands of dollars. All secured creditors agreed to the negotiated amount with the exception of Agricultural Products Exten-sion, LLC, of Hamburg, N.Y., an intervening party to the F&M suit. APEX did agree to the pay-ment, as long as a minimum of $200,000 was set aside for APEX’s claimed interest.

Final Payoff To F&M Bank In

Elevator Case Near

to emergency calls from home, ALS-1 is 30 seconds to a minute later respond-ing to calls than other Fulton County ALS units. Morton stated in the min-utes that this was based on one call per week during overnight hours, and it was used in a very detrimental manner to the village. According to the meeting minutes, Morton said, “Until there is a public apology, this is not going to set well.” The apologies, the minutes state, need to come from the commissioners and Hall.

Apologies Later in the meeting, Per-ry Rupp, Fulton County com-missioner, is paraphrased inthe minutes as saying if apublic apology is needed, hewill give that public apology. Rupp said the commission-ers asked tough questions,and he apologized for any illfeelings it may have caused. Paul Barnaby, presidentof the county commissioners,repeatedly praised the Ful-ton County emergency medi-cal service system. In the minutes, he madean apology for any miscon-strued reporting, statingthat he thinks county rescueworkers are doing a fi ne job. Hall: Not Unacceptable In the minutes, Hall saidhis understanding was thecommissioners wanted toimprove response times. That wasn’t to say re-sponse times were unaccept-able. The question was, how dowe improve an already greatsystem, Hall said.



Another Archbold resi-dent, Rick L. Yoder, has fi led to be the GOP candidate for Fulton County Coroner. Harry Murtiff, the current county coroner, did not seek reelection.

Sheriff, Prosecutor There will be a two-way race for sheriff and prosecut-ing attorney. For sheriff, Roy Miller, FCSD chief deputy, will face Rick Sluder, rural Wauseon, who is chief of the Delta Po-lice Department and an assis-tant chief with the Wauseon Fire Department. Darrell Merillat, the in-cumbent county sheriff, is not seeking reelection. Merillat was fi rst elected sheriff 26 years ago, in 1985. Prior to being elected sheriff, he spent 12 years as a deputy sheriff, for a total of 38 years with FCSD. Stacey Burns, Delta, is challenging Scott Haselman, incumbent prosecuting at-torney, who is completing his fi rst term. Abigail Bieber, rural Fay-ette, is seeking the Repub-lican nomination for Fulton County Clerk of Courts. She will challenge Paul McDonald, incumbent clerk. McDonald was fi rst appoint-(Continued on page 12)

Archbold Elementary School second grade students told the Christmas story through their musical, “Melton the Warm-Hearted Snowman,” scheduled for last night, Tuesday. Participating in a nativity scene from the play are, from left: Trever Johnson, Triston Rosales, and Ethan Wyse, as three

wise men; Karson Rufenacht, as Joseph; Kylee Miller, as Mary; Garrison Cob and Caden Gericke as shepherds. The angels are, from left, Breanna Lloyd, Alicyn Brown, Addison Cervantes, and Anissa Ramirez.–photo by David Pugh

Second Graders Tell Christmas Story

Read the minutes of the

EMS discussion from the

Dec. 8 Fulton County

Commissioners meeting

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12–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of December 14, 2011

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(Continued from fi rst page) Archbold offi cials point out on average, the time differ-ence is 30 seconds to a min-ute, and the system saves Archbold about $80,000 per year in operating expenses. It also promotes unity among Archbold fi refi ghter-rescue workers, rather than creating an “us-vs.-them,” or volunteers vs. paid crews, mentality. Suffi cient Commissioners meeting minutes state Andy Brod-beck, Archbold fi re chief, said he believes the commis-sioners are contending that Archbold has not been ser-vicing adequately. If that’s the case, Brod-beck said the commissioners should defi ne what is an ad-equate response time. Brodbeck said he believes Archbold offi cials have been good managers and stewards and have handled their re-sponsibilities in an adequate way, with positive outcomes. Genter said the original thought was all four south-ern Fulton County depart-ments should be consistent, with each providing the same service for the same money. The minutes state Genter said he has been a supporter of the EMS system, but said the commissioners must ask tough questions, and that he has asked tough questions and offered changes. He said he didn’t feel out of line ask-ing the questions. The minutes said Brod-beck told the commission-ers he has no problem with asking questions, and, after looking at nine years of data, asked if the commissioners believed Archbold has done a good job of providing effi -cient, high-quality service. In the meeting minutes, Genter stated “that during the investigation of their times, their response time by

not having both (paramedic and EMT) at the station is 30 seconds to one minute be-hind. “This is something to take a look at moving forward. He (Genter) added, however, that for having someone at home and only one at the station, to only be 30 seconds to a minute behind, that is pretty good, but is it accept-able to the community?” Jim Wyse, Archbold may-or, stated in the minutes, “If there is a concern with their community he would expect that (it) be brought to their attention immediately. That way, concerns can be fi xed as they occur." Wyse also asked that the commissioners “refrain from communicating with village employees about contract negotiations,” the meeting minutes state.

Micromanaging In the meeting minutes, other fi re chiefs expressed concern over the personnel requirements set forth by the commissioners. Chad Smith, chief of the Swanton Fire Department, said if a certain out-the-door time requirement is estab-lished, then all fi re depart-ments will staff appropri-ately. But the agreement, as pro-posed by the commissioners, allows the commissioners to dictate personnel. The minutes quote Marv Wheeler, Wauseon Fire De-partment chief, as stating the current contract calls for EMTs to be independent contractors, not employees of Fulton County. Wheeler said personnel should be the responsibility

of the communities.

Response Time Accurate? While the two sides wran-gled over response times, Vond Hall, county admin-istrator, said that since the commissioners studied the response times as listed by the Fulton County Sheriff Department dispatcher logs, it was found those logs are “very inconsistent, so they have learned that these cannot be used as the stan-dard.” Advisory In the end, the two sides agreed to reconvene the original 2000 advisory group that helped assemble the county advanced life support program. On that committee were Jim Gamber, then-Wauseon fi re chief, representing coun-ty fi re chiefs; Russ Wyse, AFD assistant chief, rep-resenting the county fi re-fi ghters association; Keith Lehman, Archbold physi-cian, representing the coun-ty medical director; Tandy Grubbs, then a Swanton village council member, rep-resenting village councils; Wynemia Waidelich, a reg-istered nurse, representing the Fulton County Health Center emergency depart-ment; Tom Sullivan, a town-ship trustee, representing the county trustee associa-tion; and Beth Lashaway, an at-large member of the advisory group. The reformed advisory group will be made up of the same organizations, but not necessarily the same people. No deadlines or meetings dates have been set for the group.

*Advisory Group To Decide

(Continued from fi rst page) If the F&M payoff is ap-proved, Kowalski said he will begin negotiations with the remaining secured credi-tors: D&D Ingredient Dis-tributors, Inc., Delphos; The Andersons, Inc., Maumee; APEX, and the Ohio Depart-ment of Agriculture. The ODA is seeking re-payment of about $3 million from the Archbold Entities. The $3 million was paid to persons who had stored grain at Archbold Elevator, but had not been paid for that grain. The payment of about 75 claims was made through the Ohio Grain Indemnity Fund.

Cash Left The major assets of the Archbold Entities, the grain elevator and three pig-farm-ing operations have been sold. Kowalski said there are some delays in closing the sales of two of the pig op-erations, but expects those problems to be resolved. Once those sales are fi -nalized, the only assets left will be “some miscellaneous items, including a few vehi-cles and other equipment.” Kowalski noted that “...the receiver continues to accumulate funds from the sale of the receivership as-sets. “At the present time, the

receiver has more than $4 million in cash.” Vomitoxin In a related matter, Kow-alski states in court docu-ments that a problem with vomitoxin in pigs still owned by the receivership has been resolved. Vomitoxin is a problem that results from tainted corn fed to pigs. When pigs eat tainted corn, they vomit after eating or won’t eat at all. A special product was added to the tainted feed to counteract the effects, and Kowalski said the mat-ter was resolved at a cost of about $3,000.

*Final Payoff

(Continued from fi rst page)ed to the post in 2010.

UnopposedUnopposed GOP candi-

dates include Paul Barnaby, Fulton County commissioner; Frank T. Onweller, county engineer; Sandra K. Barber, county recorder; and Beverly Schlosser, county treasurer.

*Bill Rufenacht

Students participating in the Archbold second grade musical, “Melton the Warm-Hearted Snowman,” donned their costumes for dress

rehearsal on Monday, Dec. 12. Left: Emily Walker in her Elf costume. Right: Natalee Rose, the show’s Mrs. Claus.–photos by David Pugh

Dressed For Rehearsal

INSIDEAdvertiser Index ...................... 2 Opinions/History ......................6 Menus ...................................... 4Classified ................................ 13 Public Record ........................4,5 Sports..................... 8,9,10,11,12Obituaries/Death Notices ......... 4 Religion ....................................7

Precinct-By-Precinct Election Results – page 3Blue Streaks Win District – page 10





$1

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Press and other media reports indicate Michelle Blosser, a social studies teacher at Swanton High School, has been placed on paid administrative leave after allegations of improper conduct with a student. Russ Griggs, interim su-perintendent of the Swan-ton School District, said the school district has not offi cially released Blosser’s name, only saying a “pro-fessional staff member” was placed on leave. He said email messages making allegations against Blosser were sent to some law enforcement agencies and media outlets. Blosser’s administrative

Timothy A. Rettig, 46, Archbold, has been indict-ed by the Fulton County Grand Jury on charges in-volving child pornography. Scott A. H a s e l m a n , Fulton Coun-ty prosecut-ing attorney, said in a press release the grand jury met on Mon-day, Feb. 27, and handed down a total of eight counts against Rettig.

The grand jury handeddown indictments on fourcounts of pandering sexual-ly-oriented matter involvinga minor, plus four additionalcounts of pandering obscen-ity involving a minor. Haselman stated that onor about July 20, 2011 toAug. 18, 2011, Rettig alleg-edly disseminated and/orpossessed child pornogra-phy. Rettig was arrested byFulton County Sheriff depu-ties on Thursday, March 1,and taken to CCNO. He wasreleased on $2,500 bond,Monday, March 5.


The remaining assets of Archbold Elevator were divided among secured creditors during a hearing Thursday, March 1, in Ful-ton County Common Pleas Court. Under an agreement worked out between attor-neys, The Andersons, Mau-mee, will receive the lion’s share of the remaining pot of about $4.9 million from the sale of assets of Archbold Elevator and its related busi-nesses. The Andersons, a large grain-trading fi rm, will re-ceive about $4.65 million, shy of the fi rm’s full claim of more than $4.8 million. The fi nancial collapse of Archbold Elevator began in April 2011, when the Ohio Department of Agriculture suspended the fi rm’s grain handling license, essentially shutting down the business. A routine ODA inspection of Archbold Elevator records revealed problems with the company books, and grain stored at Archbold Elevator was 50,000 bushels short of

Archbold Elevator Remaining AssetsDivided March 1

what company records indi-cated should be on hand. The following day, Farm-ers & Merchants StateBank, Archbold, fi led a law-suit against the elevator andcompany owner Bill Fricke,demanding repayment of more than $4.9 million. F&M received a $4 millionpayment in October 2011, followed by another approxi-mately $1.9 million in De-cember 2011. The $5.9-million amountincluded interest and penal-ties against Archbold Eleva-tor, but F&M agreed to re-duce its fi nal settlement by about $75,000.

Secured The Andersons was one ofsix secured creditors in theArchbold Elevator receiv-ership. Others were F&M;D&D Ingredient Distribu-tors, Delphos; AgriculturalProducts Extension, (APEX)LLC, of Hamburg, N.Y.; theODA; and FenstermakerFarms, Leipsic. A secured creditor is onewhose debt is secured byproperty or a lien againstproperty. If a business is liq-

Local Man IndictedOn 8 Charges Of Child Pornography

leave started at the end ofthe day, Thursday, March 2. Griggs said he is followingstandard procedure, whichcalls for placing the teacheron leave while an investiga-tion is conducted. Rumors say Blosser, ofFayette, allegedly had a sexual relationship with astudent. None of the allegedinappropriate actions tookplace on school property,Griggs said. Griggs said Blosser is awell-liked teacher, who hadonce been a Teacher of theWeek. He was not aware ofany disciplinary problemsinvolving Blosser prior to thecurrent allegations.

Investigate Swanton Teacher For Alleged Improper Conduct

by Mario GomezBuckeye Correspondent

There is little glamour in the sport of wrestling.

Only diehard wrestling fans can rattle off names like Fried, Steiber, and DiSabato and know their contributions to the sport.

Now, a wrestling name familiar to Northwest Ohio is becoming more familiar statewide.

Jordan Cowell, an Arch-bold High School senior, won the 2012 152-pound state

Cowell EarnsPlace On ListOf Champions

championship in Division III, Saturday, March 3, in Columbus.

He also holds the state re-cord for wins in a career in the state of Ohio.

He was a four-time state qualifi er during his high school career and is one of the most successful wrestlers to come out of Archbold.

His career winning per-centage ranks him third at AHS, behind Clark Forward and Todd Livengood.

Jordan comes from a fam-ily of successful wrestlers.

He is the son of John and Susan. John was Archbold’s fi rst state champion in 1973.

Jordan also has two un-cles, Kenny Cowell and Roger Grime, who were state place fi nishers, and a cousin, Ben Grime, who was a state qualifi er, all at Archbold.

“I’ve been (wrestling) since I was young, and I always wanted to be good at it, so I just stayed with it,” said Jor-dan.

He was motivated to wres-tle and succeed by seeing something as a youngster that caught his attention.

“When I started ‘little kids wrestling,’ Clark Forward had just won his third state championship. I thought to myself, wow, that is sweet,” said Jordan.

“He was a three-time state champ and received a stand-ing ovation from the crowd after winning it, and I want-ed that. I knew that was what I wanted to do.

“My parents never pres-sured me, but they did put me in a position to push my-self and get better.”

As he approached his freshman year, Jordan ad-

An alternative energy com-pany based in Ireland is not going to pursue a wind farm in Fulton or Henry counties. But Dan Schumann, a proj-ect manager for Mainstream Renewable Power, Ltd., said, “we feel the area has a lot of potential. “We are still interested down the line. “We were surveying four different sites in Fulton County. We looked at the power grid, environmental factors, and we talked to landowners to determine if there was any interest.” Wind farms are large ar-eas of land that support a number of utility-size wind turbines. The fi rst utility-scale wind project in Ohio was built near Bowling Green. Two large wind turbines, capable of generating more than one

Fulton Co. Wind Farm Put On Hold

TimothyRettig

Holding the Div. III girls basketball district championship trophy are, from left, seniors Morgan Cody, Mindy Rupp, Abby Short, Ruthie Beck, and Chelsea Goebel. The

Streaks defeated Coldwater 48-25, Saturday, March 3, in the district final at Kalida.–photo by Mary Huber

District Champions

Jordan Cowell has his arm raised in triumph after defeating Brenden Stanley of Apple Creek Waynedale in the 152-pound championship match of the Ohio High School State Wrestling Championships. Cowell is the first AHS state wrestling cham-pion since 1999.–photo by Mario Gomez

(Continued on page 14)megawatt each, were built in 2003. Two more were added later. Fulton and Henry counties are attractive sites for wind farms because: •There are two 138,000-volt electricity transmission lines running across the area, one near the Fulton-Henry County line. Power generated by a wind farm could be fed into one of those lines for distribution. •The land is largely fl at, open farmland, which lends itself to wind turbines. •There are few environ-mental concerns, such as en-dangered species, that could impact a wind farm project. Schumann said right now, Mainstream has alternative energy sites potentially ca-pable of producing as much as 2,500 megawatts of en-(Continued on page 14)

(Continued on page 14) (Continued on page 14)

Bill Rufenacht, former Archbold village councilman, unseated Dean Genter, in-cumbent Fulton County com-missioner, in the Republican primary election, Tuesday, March 6. Rufenacht lead the entire evening as votes were tal-lied. The fi nal count was 4,166 votes for Rufenacht to 2,921 for Genter. Traditionally in Fulton County, winning the GOP primary practically guaran-tees the candidate will take the offi ce, because Fulton County GOP candidates are usually not opposed in the fall general election. Rufenacht could not be reached for comment.

Other winners in contest-ed countywide GOP primary races included Roy Miller defeating Rick Sluder for sheriff. Scott Haselman, in-cumbent prosecutor, defeat-ed Stacey Burns, and Paul MacDonald, incumbent clerk of courts, defeated Abigail Bieber. Miller picked up 4,535 votes compared to Sluder’s 2,830. “It’s great to have that kind of support,” Miller said. The campaign “has been a learning experience,” he said. Miller said by talking to people throughout the coun-ty, “I learned a lot, and I will

Fulton Co Commissioner Race

Bill Rufenacht Upsets Genter In GOP PrimaryHaselman, Miller, MacDonald Also Win


14–Archbold (Ohio) Buckeye, Week of March 7, 2012

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Friday, March 16 7 p.m.

Wauseon High School Auditorium

Tickets are $10, available online at www.shalomworks.org

or call Carolyn Short at 419.583.9398. Sponsored by "Kingdom Leadership Advancement, a ministry of the

Northwest Ohio Mennonite Ministers Fellowship."

Dr. Gregory Boyd, author and international speaker, will share his convictions as outlined in his book The Myth of a Christian Nation . Adults and youth are encouraged to hear Boyd's convictions on how the pursuit of a Christian nation can undermine the kingdom of God.

ULTIMATE ALLEGIANCE "Stars & Stripes or By His Stripes?"

JOHN CARTER PG-13 Sa/Su/Tu 2D 12:15, 6:40. 3D 3:15, 9:25. Fr/Mo/We/Th 2D 7:00. 3D 4:20, 9:45. THE DESCENDANTS R Sa/Su/Tu 12:00, 2:25, 4:50, 7;15, 9:40. Fr/Mo/We/Th 4:50, 7;15, 9:40. PROJECT X R Sa/Su/Tu 12:25, 2:30, 5:15, 7:15, 9:30. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:15, 7:15, 9:30. THE LORAX PG Sa/Su/Tu 2D 3:00, 7:20. 3D 12:30, 5:20, 9:20. Fr/Mo/We 2D 7:20. 3D 5:20, 9:20. Th 2D 5:20, 9:20. ACT OF VALOR R Sa/Su/Tu 12:15, 2:40, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:10, 7:30, 9:40. JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND - 2D PG Sa/Su/Tu 12:00, 2:15, 5:00, 7:10, 9:30. Fr/Mo/We/Th 5:00, 7 :10, 9:30.

Fri., March 9 thru Thur., March 15



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Open House Sun., Mar. 11

2-4 pm at Zion

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Come celebrate Carl Dehnbostel's 100th Birthday and

his wife, Pauline's, 93rd Birthday.

BEGINS SUNDAY,

MARCH 11

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DAYLIGHT

SAVINGS

TIME

(Continued from fi rst page)mits that his expectations were not high.

“Freshman year starting off, I would have been happy with a .500 record,” he said.

“I ended up doing much better than I expected, and it just kept going from there.”

Jordan’s success on the mat allowed him to meet wrestlers from all over.

His routine involved at-tending open practices across Ohio and wrestling in tournaments around the country.

“The better you get at wrestling and the more in-volved you get in the sport, the more people you know,” said Jordan.

“I know people all across the state. I even know peo-ple from other states that I’m very good friends with.”

More Than A WrestlerThere is more to Jordan

than wrestling, though most hardly know it with the time he puts into the sport.

Tim Meister, AHS prin-cipal, sees Jordan as more

than an athlete.Meister said, “I know him

as a young man who I have a great relationship with; a very nice kid.

“He never seems to have a bad day. He’s one of those kids that you know when you see him, he’s going to have a smile on his face and a hello for you.”

Meister is aware of Jor-dan’s playful side, but ac-knowledges his grownup at-titude as well.

“You can give him grief and he’ll give you grief back. But when it’s time to get down to work, he knows where that line is and does it,” Meister said.

“He has been a real plea-sure to be around.”

Jordan is actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Archbold FFA chapter.

He doesn’t hold back when talking about one of his fa-vorite pastimes.

“I love fi shing and hunt-ing,” said Jordan. “I love the outdoors. There is so much to do, and I try to do it all.”

A jack-of-all-trades, Jor-dan works for the Archbold Parks and Recreation De-partment and mows lawns for others on the side.

“In the summer I’m al-ways busy. I work all the time, it seems,” he said.

It’s his desire to help oth-ers that sets Jordan apart from other people.

“I do a lot of odds-and-ends jobs for people,” Jordan said. “If anyone needs some-thing done, they usually call me and I do it.”

Austin Double, a special needs student at AHS, has been one of Archbold wres-tling’s biggest fans.

This season, the seniors made Austin an honorary member of the team, even recognizing him during Se-nior Night.

Jordan took Austin under his wing and acknowledged how much of a contributor Austin is to the team.

“He’s a great kid,” said Jordan. "He comes to just about everything that his parents will let him come to, and that’s a lot of stuff. He

loves watching us wrestle.“We tell Austin that we’re

a part of the Austin Double fan club. He just loves it!

“We like to support him because he has supported us for so long.”

What The Future HoldsWhen asked about his

future, Jordan pauses and takes some time to answer.

“I don’t know if I’m going to wrestle in the future or not,” he said.

“If I’m going to wrestle at the next level, then I’m going to beat my body up. If I get a scholarship and they make it worth my time, then I will probably wrestle, but if not, then I could care less.”

School still remains an op-tion, though Jordan admits that nothing is set in stone.

“I’d like to go into mechan-ical engineering right now, but that could all change,” he said.

“I would like to help at the high school if I’m close to home; but honestly, I haven’t really thought much past this weekend at state.”

*Cowell Earns

(Continued from fi rst page)uidated and its assets sold, secured creditors are the fi rst to be repaid. The Fen-stermaker Farms claim against Archbold Elevator was resolved when the com-pany purchased some Arch-bold Elevator assets.

The agreement worked out between lawyers for the secured creditors, Ger-ald Kowalski, the court-ap-pointed receiver, and an attorney representing Bill and Lynette Fricke, calls for $100,000 to be withheld from the $4.9 million remaining within the receivership.

The money will be used to cover the costs of the fi nal ac-counting, plus attorney and other fees.

D&D Ingredients will re-ceive $150,000, and agreed to work out an agreement with APEX.

A “litigation trust,” a legal entity, is to be established, which will receive any mon-ey coming to the now-defunct

*Archbold Elevator

(Continued from fi rst page)Darrell Merillat, Fulton

County sheriff, said depu-ties have started an inves-tigation. Swanton police re-quested FCSD to conduct the investigation, Merillat said.

Rumors stated uniformed law enforcement offi cers were at the Swanton High School March 1. Merillat confi rmed a deputy was at the school.

When the FCSD report is complete, it will be turned over to the Fulton County prosecuting attorney.

“Hopefully, the investi-gation will be done within a month or less,” Merillat said.

*Investigate

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March 23, 24, 30 & 31 - 8 p.m. April 1 - 2:30 p.m.Presold Adults $9Presold Students/Senior $8At the door $10

For tickets call Diane at 419-267-5717, Mon.-Fri., 6-9 pm Produced with special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service


Archbold Elevator. That in-cludes money owed to Arch-bold Elevator from unpaid bills and from other bank-ruptcy and receiverships. If the trust receives enough money to fully sat-isfy the D&D claim against Archbold Elevator, any mon-ey beyond that amount will go to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Indemnity Fund The Ohio Department of Agriculture paid out more than $3.4 million to area farmers who had grain stored at Archbold Elevator at the time the fi rm’s license was suspended. The money came from the state’s Grain Indemnity Fund, a fund established in 1983 to compensate farm-ers who lose grain in the fi -nancial collapse of an eleva-

tor. The fund raised money from an assessment on grain transactions. But the compensation fund does not cover 100% of farm-er losses. Reimbursement ranges from 100% to 80%, depending on the agreement between the farmer and the elevator. ODA said farmers lost about $865,000 as a result of the Archbold Elevator col-lapse. One claimant alone lost almost a quarter of a million dollars. The ODA is now attempt-ing to recover all or part of the money that was paid out of the indemnity fund.

Unsecured Claims Creditors who are owed money by Archbold Elevator on an unsecured basis will probably have to write off

what they’re owed. A court order fi led Tues-day Feb. 21, states, “Since it appears that there will not be any funds to pay unse-cured claims, the court will make no determination as to the priority of the unsecured claims."

(Continued from fi rst page)ergy under development in the United States and Can-ada. In December 2011, Mainstream received con-struction permits for 350 megawatts of renewable en-ergy projects, all outside of the U.S.

South Africa, Chile There are three projects to be constructed in South Af-rica, and two in Chile. Three of the fi ve are wind turbines; the others are large-scale so-lar arrays. With fi ve projects to con-struct, Schumann said Mainstream decided to put the North American projects on hold.

Other Issues There were other issues as well. Schumann said there is a lot of uncertainty in the U.S. renewable power market. It’s a presidential elec-tion year in the U.S., and a change in administration could impact the economic viability of alternative en-ergy projects. Also, economic growth in the U.S. is slow, which re-lates to the nation’s demand for electricity. Schumann said in three to six months, Mainstream may revisit Fulton and Henry counties and decide to push a wind farm project forward again.

*Fulton Co.

Weather


Tu 2/28 49 21 .75 R We 2/29 57 36 .1 R Th 3/1 41 33 0 Fr 3/2 54 34 1” R Sa 3/3 36 30 Tr. S Su 3/4 35 24 Tr. S Mo 3/5 33 24 0



Archbold Elevator series

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Transcript of Archbold Elevator series