Friday, April 19th, 2013

Longtime elections board director retiring

By Amy Kronenberger
WAPAKONETA - A longtime director in Auglaize County will retire this summer so she can slow down and travel more.
Board of elections director Carolyn Campbell will step down Aug. 1 after seven years at the helm. Prior to her role as director, Campbell worked 33 years for Marathon Oil.
"It just sounded like a good time (to retire) as far as the office goes," Campbell said.
Leaving in the summer will give the new director time to adjust to the job before the November election, she said. The person also will have a year before facing a federal election.
"Plus, my birthday is in July, so it's good timing," she added.
Campbell, a Democrat, said she knew after November she didn't want to deal with the stress of another federal election.
"The job is very stressful, and the political overtones of the last election, I don't want to deal with that again," she said.
The busiest times of the year for the elections staff are the spring and fall; that also happens to be the best time to vacation, Campbell said. As director, she was never able to take the trips she wanted, she added. The first item on her retirement list is to travel with her family.
Board chairperson Fran Engle said they will accept applications until May 13 and then begin interviews.
"We hope to get someone in right away so they can train with Carolyn before she leaves," Engle said. "But we have to look at the budget before we can decide exactly when they can start."
Anyone interested in applying for the position may download an application from the county website at www.auglaizecounty.org. Job requirements include a high school diploma or GED. A candidate also must live in Auglaize County and be a registered Democrat.
Engle said state law requires a balanced representation of both parties within the board of elections. Because deputy director Peggy Matheny is a Republican, the board must hire a Democrat. If board members chose to give the director position to Matheny, they would still have to hire a Democrat for the deputy position.
"In Auglaize County, that really limits the pool," Campbell said.
Engle said they would prefer someone with college experience.
"She's been here seven years and she's done a fantastic job," Engle said of Campbell. "We hope we can find someone who can ease into the job as easily as she did."
Additional online stories on this date
Grey recommends case be presented to grand jury
CELINA - Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey will recommend the police-involved shooting and death of an armed, 39-year-old St. Marys man in Celina on April 10 be presented to a grand jury to determine if any charges should be pressed against the officer. [More]
ST. HENRY - Coldwater's softball team took advantage of St. Henry's sloppy play to score early runs and the Cavaliers rolled to an 11-2 win over the Redskins in Midwest Athletic Conference action on Thursday at the Wally Post Athletic Complex. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
NEW KNOXVILLE - A new cell phone tower could surpass the 150-foot limit within Neil Armstrong Airport's protected airspace, threatening the safety of fliers, the airport manager says.
The times are a-changin' for garage salers.
Garage sales are not what they used to be due to the large number of people who choose to buy and sell online, said Justin Musgrave, who oversees the Mercer County Rummage Sale Facebook page.
OSU Extension official makes recommendation
Mercer County Commissioners plan to discuss a recommendation to hire a full-time OSU Extension ag educator.
OSU Extension Director Stephen Wright during a conference call with commissioners Thursday recommended the county hire a person full time; commissioners only want a part-time educator.
CELINA - The Mercer County Sheriff's Office is hoping to net two criminal justice grants totaling nearly $55,000 to promote traffic safety and pay for officer overtime.
MARIA STEIN - Law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and firefighters will converge on the Marion Local School grounds Saturday morning as part of a hazardous materials exercise.
MARIA STEIN - A four-run first inning was all St. Henry needed as a pitcher's duel commenced over the final six innings and the Redskins knocked off Marion Local 4-1 in Midwest Athletic Conference action on Thursday at the Flyer Athletic Complex in Maria Stein.
CELINA - The Celina softball team notched a nonconference win over Marion Local on Thursday night in much the same way the Book of Genesis starts out: In the big inning.
Local Roundup
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Blake Boughman's sacrifice fly scored Gabe Riegle in the top of the seventh inning and Fort Recovery's baseball team reached double-digit wins for the first time in six seasons with a 3-2 win over Franklin-Monroe on Thursday in Darke County.
Several story lines will highlight the Amsoil United States Auto Club (USAC) National Sprint Car Series on Saturday at Eldora Speedway when the track tries to host the season opener for the second straight week.