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Gusty winds from 35 to 40 mph this afternoon could blow around unsecured items. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor items.
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Gusty winds from 35 to 40 mph this afternoon could blow around unsecured items. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor items.
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Thursday, March 6th, 2008

New Bremen board nixes state funds now for construction

By William Kincaid
NEW BREMEN - School officials will not pursue a renovation or construction project in 2009, as board of education members on Wednesday night agreed to defer any offer of state funding this year.
The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) has not officially notified New Bremen of its eligibility for state money for a building project, but board members are anticipating the call this spring. Treasurer Deb Meyer said school officials were told to go ahead and defer any funding before the official call, if they are sure they don't want the money at this time.
Board members said they want more time to secure operating money and to gather community input.
However, board members said they may consider a school project in the next coming year or so.
Board member Larry Tangeman said public input is vital to any project.
Currently, OSFC is calculating the school's 10-year future enrollment, which determines how much money OSFC will commit. They also are reviewing assessments of New Bremen's facilities, as well as starting a preliminary master plan to determine possible project costs.
"I think you are slightly decreasing at this point," John Freytag of Freytag & Associates told board members about the school's declining enrollment, which would adversely affect funding. "It's critical. It all starts with enrollment."
But Freytag said if school officials would initiate an open enrollment policy - which board members discussed earlier in the evening - it could help the school.
"That is another impact you might want to consider," he said.
Freytag said New Bremen and other Ohio schools were caught off guard with their quick ascent up the OSFC's funding list and are not ready to take any state money. OSFC is trying to quickly spend $4.1 billion of the state's tobacco settlement in the next few years.
Freytag said deferring the money means the school district will keep its equity ranking and its funding position will remain the same for another year, when school officials can reconsider any possible project.
He also said OSFC officials will continue working on a master plan for the school, even though they deferred funding for a year.
Superintendent Ann Harvey, though, told board members they cannot wait indefinitely, as their rank and OSFC funding could change in a few years.
Additional online story on this date
Health board to state: Take this job and ...
Enforcing Ohio's indoor smoking ban has been a nightmare for the Mercer County-Celina City Health Department and officials say they've had enough. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
WAPAKONETA - Settling the eight-year lawsuit over who will pay the bill at the now-closed municipal landfill is counted by county commissioners as a milestone event for 2007 even though they lost.
A Celina man was led from Mercer County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday morning screaming at an unidentified woman present for his sentencing on two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Mercer County health officials tabled a proposal that could help local commercial plumbers obtain permits and inspections more efficiently.
The Me
Last year, getting to the Division III state semifinals was considered an exciting achievement for the Versailles girls basketball team.
Now, they want to win.
Former Celina player coached against both teams this season
When Versailles coach Jacki Stonebraker went looking for information on South Euclid Regina in preparation for Friday's state semifinal game, she went to a source with local ties.
Before they meet as adversaries on the basketball court of the Schottenstein Center on Friday, Versailles' Justine Raterman and Regina's Shay Selby may catch up for lost time before the game.