Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 4:28AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
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.
Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 4:15AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
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.
Today 37° Today 37° chance 25° 25° scattered Tomorrow 52° Tomorrow 52° 33° 33°
Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Motorists angry, driving less

By Shelley Grieshop
Photo by Shelley Grieshop/The Daily Standard

Some area motorists believe gas prices are out of control and out of their budget and they've begun to drive less. As the economy weakens, local residents say they're being financially squeezed and are finding ways to fight back.

Grand Lake area residents may have reached their breaking point.
As gasoline prices rose this week to an all-time high of near $3.60 per gallon, many motorists appear to be driving less, riding bicycles more and contemplating hybrid vehicle purchases.
"We're planning our errands ahead of time and doing all we can in one trip," said Tina Freeman of Celina.
The 32-year-old said the family's summer vacation will be spent much closer to home than previous years and an upcoming trip to Pennsylvania to go four-wheeling likely won't happen.
"It's frustrating," she says, adding she and her husband are cutting back on other expenses like eating out and those little extras at the grocery store in order to balance their family budget.
Gas prices today are double what they were just four years ago. Elizabeth Sudman, 36, recalls her teens when "cruising" around town was common at 87 cents per gallon.
"I remember those days in high school when $10 would fill the tank," she says.
Sudman, also of Celina, slips a $20 gas gift card into the slot at the gas pump at a local station. She glances at the digital read-out on the pump and doesn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Five and a half gallons is all I get with this," she says, shaking her head in disbelief. "What a bummer."
As the weather improves each spring, driving typically increases along with gasoline demand. But not his year. Some local motorists are choosing to drive less and save money.
Gasoline sales have significantly dropped the last two weeks at Docksider Marathon in Celina as prices climbed closer to the $4 mark. A manager at the Main Street business said sales the last two weeks were down an average 450 gallons per day compared to the same time period last year, when the price was $2.80.
Tony Griffith of St. Marys says he's happy to park his truck and drive his 45 miles-to-the-gallon motorcycle every chance he gets. It's budget, budget, budget for he and his wife and their two young children.
"We're a single-income family so it's a little harder for us," he says.
Tom Shiverdecker, a 57-year-old salesman from Celina, says he has "absolutely cut out extra driving," including all pleasure trips such as a planned Gatlinburg trip.
"This is terrible," he says.
Fifty-three-year-old Cynthia Vogan, also of Celina, says the $10 worth of gas she pumped in her car this week is all she can afford from her limited Social Security check.
"That probably won't get me around to pay my bills," she says in a disgusted tone.
Dave Springer believes gas gouging is a conspiracy to help politicians pad their pockets. He's also sure the incentive checks that are currently being released from the government are part of the scam.
"They'll just get it back anyway, and they know it. They've already found a way to put it in their pockets," he says, motioning to the gas pumps, "while they rape the rest of us."
The gas price situation isn't affecting everyone. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Manager Craig Morton says reservations for camp sites this summer are coming in above average here and at state parks across Ohio.
"I believe people will vacation close to home, possibly going to their own state parks," he says.
Higher gas prices the last year have led officials to shift funds to pay for fuel, he says. During the winter, showers and other buildings went unheated, security lights were turned off and other measures were taken to save money needed for transportation costs, Morton says.
Donna Grube, director of the Auglaize-Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, says area tourism should be OK this summer because the population that visits Grand Lake drives just two hours or less to get here.
"'Short Drive-Complete Change of Scene' is how I sell our area at the travel shows," Grube says. "You can spend a couple of days here very inexpensively and still have a really good time."
Grube says the topic of high gas prices was heard often at the shows this spring. But she has more fear of the overall crippling economy right now than steep gas prices.
"Folks who have lost a job or folks afraid they may lose their job are much less likely to spend anything on travel than someone grumbling about high gas prices," she adds.
Additional online story on this date
Thursday was like a showcase game for Laura Homan as the Celina senior proved once again just how important she is for the Bulldogs' softball team. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
NEW BREMEN - The New Bremen Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday night approved a variance clearing the way for a factory expansion in the Bunker Hill Industrial Park.
Wright State University-Lake Campus Dean James Sayer said groundbreaking for the $9 million campus expansion and renovation is set for June 18.
"I guarantee you, you will not recognize the Lake Campus once this is complete," Sayer said of the 12- to 15-month long project.
COLDWATER - Two Coldwater Elementary employees were recently honored for their dedication and service to the schools and children.
Elementary Guida
NEW BREMEN - Village councilors will be taking an upcoming special meeting outdoors to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the community's founding.
COLDWATER - Getting out to the fast start is never a bad thing.
Coldwater scored three times in the bottom of the first and added another run in the second en route to a 7-3 win over Marion Local in Midwest Athletic Conference play at Lady Cav Diamond.
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
St. Henry stayed in contention for the Midwest Athletic Conference crown with a 5-2 win at Minster on Thursday.
The Redskins even their overall record at 7-7, but go to 4-1 in league play while the Wildcats drop to 4-7 this spring and 1-4 in the MAC.