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Councilors approve lodging tax

December 28, 2015, 8:26 am
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By: 
TOM WEHRHAHN
Managing Editor
Monday, December 28, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

The Wapakoneta City Council held a special meeting Wednesday afternoon to hold a third reading and pass an ordinance authorizing the city to collect a lodging tax.

The final vote was 6-1, with First Ward Councilman James Neumeier voting against it.

The 3 percent tax, also called a bed tax, will be added onto visitors’ hotel or motel bills. A 3 percent lodging tax is already collected by the county, with a portion going to the bi-county convention and visitors bureau and a portion distributed to local communities.

As proposed, the tax would go into the general fund earmarked for tourism-related projects.

See Monday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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A Look Ahead

December 28, 2015, 8:33 am
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By: 
LAURA GERMANN
Staff Writer
Monday, December 28, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

Here's a look at what is coming up this week in the Wapakoneta Daily News:

• Wapakoneta YMCA membership promotion
• Top WDN stories of 2015
• Mayor Rodney Metz farewell story

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Rainfall brings flooding threat

December 29, 2015, 8:01 am
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The waters of the Auglaize River rise Monday afternoon near the Blackhoof Street bridge.
By: 
JOHN HAMILTON
Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

The last few days have seen a large amount of rainfall, so much so that the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Department released a statement on their Facebook page stating that Auglaize County was under a Flood Watch and speculated that the county would see two inches of rain. Since this has happened before, Police Chief Russel Hunlock has a few safety tips for the citizens.

“There are a couple roadways that can become flooded and the best thing to do is to not try and cross them if water gets on them,” Hunlock said. “A foot of water can cause the car to drift and may get swept away.”

Hunlock also stated if there are road blocks put up they should be respected.

See Tuesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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Board seeks new member

December 29, 2015, 8:04 am
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By: 
CASSAUNDRA SMITH
Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

The Wapakoneta City Schools Board of Education is taking applications for a new board member.

The vacant spot was left by Eric McKinniss, who found a job in Columbus and relocated there. Wapakoneta Family YMCA CEO Josh Little was appointed by the board to serve McKinniss's remaining term, which wraps up on Dec. 31. Law requires the job be posted for both the unfinished term, as well as the term he was elected for in the November election.

“Because the ballots were already printed, he was on the ballot for another four year term commencing on Jan. 1, 2016,” board president Patrick Gibson said. “We had to post for the unexpired term in 2015 and then also we had to repost for the term that commences on Jan. 1, 2016.”

Those interested should contact Patty Severt at sevepa@wapak.org. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 4 until 4 p.m. on Jan. 8.

See Tuesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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YMCA kicks off membership drive

December 29, 2015, 8:08 am
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Wapakoneta High School student and Y member Jenna Dodds works out Monday on an Adaptive Motion Trainer machine in the wellness center at the Wapakoneta Family YMCA.
By: 
LAURA GERMANN
Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

To kick off the new year and encourage healthy living, the Wapakoneta Family YMCA is holding a limited time membership special. Those who join as new members will get half off their joiner’s fee through Jan. 16 as well as an additional bonus.

“We are running a healthy living drive. The hope is to obviously engage people as they make resolutions for the new year and also just to engage people in achieving their physical fitness goals,” said Josh Little, CEO of the Wapakoneta YMCA.

The joiner’s fee is a one-time fee for new members which goes toward the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, said Little. The joiner’s fee can be paid up front or spread over the 12 months of the membership, and the fee amounts for different memberships can be found on the Y's website at wapakymca.org.

See Tuesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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County restricts jake brake use

December 30, 2015, 8:50 am
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By: 
LAURA GERMANN
Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

A public hearing was held at the Auglaize County Administration Building on Tuesday regarding the use of engine braking, more commonly known as the “jake brake,” at the intersection of Buckland Holden Road and Wapak Cridersville Road near Wapakoneta. The first hearing was held Dec. 22, and the second hearing Tuesday resulted in the Auglaize County Commissioners deciding to prohibit engine braking at that specific intersection in response to a petition signed by residents due to noise level concerns.

Engine braking is a braking function on some trucks which utilizes the engine itself to slow down the vehicle instead of the driver hitting the brakes, said Auglaize County Engineer Doug Reinhart.

Although the petition contained 28 signatures from residents living near the intersection, none of the signers or any person from the general public attended either hearing.

See Wednesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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Retiring chief says farewell

December 30, 2015, 8:56 am
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Wapakoneta Mayor Rodney Metz presents a plaque recognizing 34 years of service to retiring Fire Chief Kendall Krites during a farewell gathering Tuesday at City Hall.
By: 
TOM WEHRHAHN
Managing Editor
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

The last work day for Wapakoneta Fire Chief Kendall Krites is Thursday. But that didn’t stop the city from hosting a farewell get-together Tuesday afternoon.

Well-wishers packed the city council chambers as family, friends and colleagues gathered to honor Krites for his 34 years of service.

Mayor Rodney Metz, whose last day in office is also Thursday, presented Krites with a plaque honoring him for his service to the city.

Krites thanked his family for their support, and friends and co-workers were also mentioned.

See Wednesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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What you may have missed this week

December 30, 2015, 2:05 pm
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Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

Here's what you may have missed this week in the Wapakoneta Daily News.

Monday: Wapakoneta City Council approves lodging tax.

Tuesday: Rainfall brings flooding threats to Wapakoneta.

Wednesday: Retiring Fire Chief Kendall Krites says farewell.

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Drug arrests made

December 31, 2015, 7:21 am
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By: 
Tom Wehrhahn
Managing editor
editor@wapakwdn.com
Thursday, December 31, 2015
WAPAKONETA, OH

Sheriff Al Solomon reported Thursday morning the arrests of three St. Mary’s persons Wednesday evening for trafficking and possession of suspected heroin. After an investigation by the Grand Lake Drug Task Force the following people were arrested in the St. Mary’s area:
Candace M. Long, 34, from St. Marys — 1 count Aggravated Trafficking in Heroin
Kristi D. Storer, 30, from St. Marys — 1 count possession of Heroin
Christopher L. Donovon, 31, from St. Marys — 1 count possession of Heroin
A substantial amount of suspected heroin was recovered in this investigation, also two vehicles ( a red Chevy Cavalier and a white Honda Accord) were impounded by the Task Force. Assisting the Grand Lake Task Force were deputies from the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office and officer’s from the St. Marys Police Dept.

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New mayor looks to 2016

January 4, 2016, 9:39 am
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Wapakoneta Mayor Tom Stinebaugh settles into his office at city hall this morning. Stinebaugh's first day as mayor was Friday.
By: 
TOM WEHRHAHN
Managing Editor
Monday, January 4, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

Wapakoneta has a new mayor as of Friday and just prior to taking office, Tom Stinebaugh sat down with the Wapakoneta Daily News and shared his hopes and plans for 2016.


“There are several committees that are missing members that need to be appointed,” Stinebaugh said. “The planning commission, we’re a little shorthanded there. I’ve got somebody in mind for that. The board of zoning of appeals is missing a couple of people and I want the committees to be fully manned.”

Stinebaugh said the hiring of a safety-service director is going to happen by the end of this month, and he said he is also going to look at each department to identify needs.

As a major part of Stinebaugh’s campaign, streets will be a major focus for the new mayor.

See Monday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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Miller pleads innocent by reason of insanity in murder case

January 4, 2016, 9:53 am
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Jade Miller pleaded innocent by reason of insanity to murder and vehicular homicide during an arraignment hearing Monday.
By: 
LAURA GERMANN
Staff Writer
Monday, January 4, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

In an arraignment hearing held Monday for a murder case in the Auglaize County Common Pleas Court, Jade L. Miller, 34, of Wapakoneta, entered a plea of innocent by reason of insanity and an additional plea of innocent each to two counts, one charge of murder and the other of aggravated vehicular homicide, a third-degree felony.

Miller was arrested Dec. 18 on the indictments in connection with the death of Michael R. Angel of Lima. Angel was struck by a vehicle driven by Miller on Brighthorn Street just south of North Street on Sept. 1 at around 8:43 p.m.

See Tuesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for more details.

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Group seeks local residency for artists

January 5, 2016, 8:18 am
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By: 
TOM WEHRHAHN
Managing Editor
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

Amid a light agenda that welcomed new Mayor Tom Stinebaugh, council heard a presentation for a proposed artists’ residency somewhere in Northwest Ohio.

Steven Kiefer, of Troy, made the presentation on behalf of Ohio Creates, which is seeking to establish a program to develop the creative assets of the area. Kiefer said Northwest Ohio was chosen due to the number of post-secondary schools offering art classes, specifically, ceramics and sculpting.

Locally, Kiefer said they are looking at the former St. Joseph Catholic School on Defiance Street. That location would require separating areas for the artists so as not to interfere with its role as a community center and the activities that go on there. Use of the former school would also mean they would have to find housing for the artists rather than have everything on site.

See Tuesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story on Monday's city council meeting.

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Shoring up Fort Amanda

January 6, 2016, 8:30 am
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Some of the headstones in the Fort Amanda Memorial Park cemetery are marked with iron pins and markers to prepare for their temporary removal prior to the construction work planned to halt erosion of the park's grounds right along the Auglaize River.
Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
FORT AMANDA, OH

Construction work is set to begin this month to halt erosion along the Auglaize River at Fort Amanda Memorial Park on state Route 198, east of Spencerville.

More than 170 feet of steel sheet pilings will be installed near the top of the slope. The retaining wall will be backfilled with dirt and provide the necessary support for restoration of the pedestrian trail that runs along the bank.

To prepare the site for construction, several headstones will be removed and securely stored to prevent possible damage. The location of each headstone will be surveyed and marked with iron pins. Following construction, the headstones will be reinstalled in the original locations. Construction is expected to take less than a month.

See Wednesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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Library plans Winter Reading Program

January 6, 2016, 8:34 am
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Britton Bates, 4, plays on a tablet at the Cridersville Public Library during the Auglaize County Public District Library's Summer Reading program. The summer program was so popular that the library decided to launch a winter reading program this year.
By: 
JOHN HAMILTON
Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

The Auglaize County Libraries will soon be getting their winter reading program underway for the kids of the area. This program is to encourage the kids — ages up to 18 — to sit down and enjoy some reading material during the cold winter months.

“Our Summer Reading Program is such a huge success during the summer and we were looking to do something to get the community involved and challenge them to read during the cold winter months,” said Kristine Spyker, youth service director at the Auglaize County Library.

The theme for the program is titled “Read Around the World.” The kids can come into any county library and pick up their “passport.” In these passports the kids will keep track of all the hours of reading they do during the program. Kids will be rewarded with prize drawings.

See Wednesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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High school gym to get new bleachers

January 6, 2016, 8:38 am
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By: 
CASSAUNDRA SMITH
Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

At the Dec. 15 Wapakoneta City Schools Board of Education meeting, a motion was approved to allow Director of Operations Mike Watt to advertise and receive design-build proposals for replacing the bleachers in the high school gym.

The bleachers were installed when the school opened in 1988, Watt said.

The main area being focused on is the lower bleachers. The upper bleachers is an alternate bid and will be replaced depending on the price quoted to do so and funds available, Watt said.

See Wednesday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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LEPC seeks speaker on chemical safety

January 7, 2016, 9:11 am
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A firefighter hoses down a dummy during a mock haz-mat drill at AIP in November. The success of that drill has led the Local Emergency Planning Committee to seek a speaker that could offer a presentation on responding to a chemical emergency.
By: 
Laura Germann
Staff Writer
Thursday, January 7, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

During an Auglaize County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting Wednesday, Director Troy Anderson of the Auglaize County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) expressed interest in arranging to have a guest speaker give a presentation regarding chemical emergency safety and procedures at some point in the future.
The proposed speaker was involved as an emergency manager in the West Fertilizer Company explosion that occurred in West, Texas, on April 17, 2013, and he was there from start to finish during the incident that took the lives of many first responders.
The speaker, whose name Anderson could not recall, spoke at an EMA directors’ conference that Anderson attended, and Anderson thought the subject matter to be very relevant considering recent activity regarding the handling of hazardous chemicals in facilities in the county, particularly the AIP Logistics chemical leak situation in 2014.
See Thursday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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Apollo debuts ABLE/GED classes in Auglaize County

January 7, 2016, 9:26 am
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By: 
Cassaundra Smith
Staff Writer
Thursday, January 7, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

Apollo Career Center is now offering a free ABLE/GED class at LACCA, 13093 Infirmary Road, on the second floor.

This is the first time the class has been offered in Auglaize County, said Joyce Tracy, Apollo coordinator of ABLE/GED/ESOL/Reading Lab. Classes are now offered in a five county area, which includes Auglaize, Mercer, Van Wert, Paulding and Allen.

“We have just been trying to build up the area and trying to figure out the best places to have it, and LACCA has been very instrumental in letting us have it there, so it's the perfect place," Tracy said.

LACCA is the Lima Allen Council on Community Affairs.

The Wapakoneta location's classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon. According to a news release, the class can aid students with reading, writing, math and computer skill review; job search and resume writing; and preparing for post-secondary education or college.

See Thursday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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Murder suspect has first pretrial

January 7, 2016, 9:38 am
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By: 
John Hamilton
Staff Writer
Thursday, January 7, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

A suspect allegedly involved in the 2014 murder of a Uniopolis man had her first pretrial on Wednesday. Natosha Gilbert, 28, of Lima appeared in Auglaize County Court. Gilbert is one of two women who have been linked to the 2014 fatal beating of 54-year-old Charles Hicks of Uniopolis. According to the court’s online records, Gilbert has been charged with one count of murder with no degree; aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony; and intimidation of a witness, a third degree felony.

Gilbert is charged along with Sarah McPheron, 27, of Wapakoneta. McPheron entered a plea of guilty to one charge of involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony, on Oct. 27, 2015, in the Auglaize County Common Pleas Court.

See Thursday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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Website makes the connection

January 8, 2016, 2:23 pm
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From left, Auglaize County Commissioners Don Regula, Doug Spencer and John Bergman hear a presentation from Jared Ebbing about the progress made last year with the Hometown Opportunity job search and career resource website.
By: 
LAURA GERMANN
Staff Writer
Friday, January 8, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

Hometown Opportunity, a job search and career resource website for Auglaize, Mercer and Darke counties, is helping make connections between local employers and potential employees. Jared Ebbing, who runs and operates the website, gave a year in review presentation to the Auglaize County Commissioners on Thursday.

Ebbing, who is the Community/Economic Development Director for Mercer County, said the website is a way to better connect people and careers and therefore help benefit the local region.

During the presentation, Ebbing explained that one group of people that the website is designed to target is recent graduates or people who will soon graduate from college who want to come back to the area but don’t know much about finding a job in the area.

See Friday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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2016 county budget approved

January 8, 2016, 2:29 pm
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LAURA GERMANN
Staff Writer
Friday, January 8, 2016
WAPAKONETA, OH

The Auglaize County Commissioners officially finalized the county's appropriated budget for 2016 on Tuesday. The amount appropriated for all general and special funds for the county totaled to $55,604,786.69. The general revenue fund's appropriations saw an increase of 1.9 percent from last year, according to the comparison of last year's $16.2 million to this year's $16.5 million.

County Administrator Erica Preston said there were a few reasons for the increase in this year's general revenue fund appropriations, including having to make a double payment to fund workers compensation for the county departments and a cost of living increase for county employees' salaries.

See Friday's print edition of the Wapakoneta Daily News for the full story.

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