City Council Approves Emergency Funding For The Maumee Valley Historical Society
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
Due to a misunderstanding over a three-year funding agreement, the Maumee Valley Historical Society has requested emergency funds from the city of Maumee to continue operations at the Wolcott House complex through the end of May, while the city finance committee considers the appropriation of additional funds. read more . . .
Waterville Postal Carrier Says Goodbye To Dog Friends
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
“Charlie!” called Jerry Quick as he approached the Farnsworth Road house.
The roly-poly mutt with white fur and mottled spots saw his favorite mail carrier coming and bounded, tail wagging and fur flying, to greet Quick and prepare for a belly rub.
This is a daily ritual for Charlie and Quick, a Waterville postal carrier who will retire on May 2 after 35 years of service. read more . . .
Holland Council Accepts Bids For New Albon Lodge
BY KELLY J. KACZALA — MIRROR REPORTER
Holland Village Council accepted bids for construction of the Max Albon Lodge in Strawberry Acres Park at its April 15 meeting.
Poggemyer Design Group, the village’s engineer, met with the various contractors, according to council member Dale Prentice, chair of the building committee.
Council accepted the general, mechanical, electrical and three alternate bids for the lodg. Read more . . .
Uptown Maumee Shoppers May Soon Need New Grocer As The Pharm Sells Store
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
When it was announced earlier this month that Rite Aid intends to purchase The Pharm and discontinue selling grocery items, many in Maumee were left wondering where they would buy milk and bread.
“I’m going to miss that. It’s so easy to get in and out,” said Nancy Geitgey, who makes regular stops to buy groceries at The Pharm at Golden Gate Plaza. read more . . .
AW School Board Approves Two $3 Million Levy Requests
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
A pay-to-participate plan for sports and extracurricular activities, a reduction in teachers, school-only hours for kindergarten through sixth grade and less bussing are among the possible cuts if at least one of two $3 million levies does not pass in the August election, said Anthony Wayne Schools superintendent Dr. John Granger.
“I’m here to describe what I philosophically don’t believe in because it’s not right for the children,” Granger said. “Studies show that those who participate in extracurricular activities at school perform better in the classroom. read more . . .
Skateboarding Facility Sought In Springfield Or Holland
BY KELLY J. KACZALA — MIRROR REPORTER
Jonathon Rardin and Darrin Alford are looking for sponsors in their quest to get a skateboard park in Springfield Township.
Rardin and Alford, both 12 years old, made their pitch to Springfield Township trustees at a meeting on April 7.
“We think we should have a skate park in Holland or Springfield,” Alford told trustees.
The park will help keep kids off drugs and alcohol, he said. Read more . . .
Preschool Celebrates 100 Days With Special Guests, Parade And Balloons
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
Little hands clapped with joy as teachers declared the 100th day celebration had finally arrived for students at Elizabeth Wayne Preschool.
They had been counting the days to the three-digit mark since the school year began. read more . . .
AW Graduate Opens General’s Ice Cream in Whitehouse
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Whether customers arrive by bike, wagon, Rollerblades, in cleats or minivans, the ice cream shop at the corner of the Wabash-Cannonball South Fork Trail and Providence Street has long been a welcome sight. read more . . .
Fire Chief Delivers Annual Report To Springfield Trustees
BY KELLY J. KACZALA — MIRROR REPORTER
Grants, a new billing program and homeland security were among the highlights noted at a Springfield Township trustee meeting last month by Fire Chief Barry Cousino in the fire department’s 2007 annual report.
The department received over $200,000 in grants last year, including funds to pay for over 40 mobile and portable radios at $3,500 apiece, Cousino said. Read more . . .
AW Schools Cancel Spring Community Ed Classes
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Less than a week after a four-page schedule was distributed to Maumee and Anthony Wayne community members, Anthony Wayne Local Schools announced it was canceling its spring community education classes.
The reason: “Money,” said superintendent Dr. John Granger.
“We can’t justify spending money out of our general fund for adult education when we’re making cost reductions. We don’t have the money,” he said. read more . . .
Strong Parent-Child Connection Is The Best Defense Against Drug Abuse
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Building a solid relationship with kids is the best defense against drug and alcohol abuse, say counselors, teachers and D.A.R.E. officers.
“Parents need to get involved at an early age and stay involved,” said Kate Hartle, Waterville Township police chief and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer for Anthony Wayne Schools. read more . . .
Innovative Springfield Superintendent Says Farewell After 30 Years
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Innovative.
That’s the one recurring word used by parents, administrators and teachers to describe retiring Springfield Local Schools superintendent Dr. Cynthia Beekley.
“Under her leadership, the district has grown not only in enrollment, but with student success overflowing and the creation of many programs and opportunities,” said parent Amy Sanders, whose three children have attended Crissey Elementary and Springfield Middle School. Read more . . .
AW Debaters Hope Efforts Earn Trip To International Debate
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Debating whether water should be considered national property could earn a team of Anthony Wayne High School students an all-expenses-paid trip to the United Nations in July.
“My goal is to go to New York and compete with students from around the world,” said Jeff Bunck, who along with Jason Apgar teaches Modern Global Perspectives at AWHS. “We’re poised to be in the top 10.” read more . . .
Maumee Leaders Are Honored As Hometown Heroes
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Four Hometown Heroes were honored during the Maumee Hometown Heroes awards banquet held at The Pinnacle on March 13. These leaders were chosen for their ongoing contributions of time, energy and resources throughout the community. read more . . .
Area Civic Groups Honor Maumee Educators With Golden Apple Awards
BY KYLE BORCHERS AND NANCY GAGNET - MIRROR REPORTERS
Maumee-area civic groups honored the following four Maumee educators with Golden Apple Awards.
Jane Williams
Jane Williams has been teaching at St. Joseph Catholic school since 1979. She also worked as a substitute teacher in the Maumee City Schools and spent four years teaching in the Bowling Green school district. read more . . .
Stace Torio And Ronald Hoag Receive Bridge Awards
BY NANCY GAGNET AND KYLE BORCHERS — MIRROR REPORTERS
The Maumee civic groups have named Stace Torio and Ronald Hoag as this year’s Bridge Award recipients for their efforts to foster and further develop youth citizenship in the community.
The Maumee residents and their families were among the community award recipients recognized at the annual Maumee Hometown Heroes banquet held on March 13.
Following are brief profiles on each individual:
Read more . . .
Barbara Dennis Receives Outstanding Citizen Award At The Maumee Hometown Heroes Awards Banquet
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
Barbara Dennis and her children gather each month for family dinner.
Last week they gathered for a special dinner at The Pinnacle in Maumee, where Dennis was honored as Maumee’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year at the 33rd annual Hometown Heroes Awards Banquet. read more . . .
Gianno’s At The Inn To Close, Historic Building For Sale
BY MIKE McCARTHY — MIRROR EDITOR
Hurt by sagging sales and staggering operational costs, Gianno’s at The Inn is officially closing for business and its owners have placed the building at 301 River Rd. up for sale.
The restaurant will remain open for dinner over the next two Friday and Saturday nights and will serve Easter Sunday brunch from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. read more . . .
Waterville Flag Flown In Iraq Returns To Pray Park Home
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
The Waterville flag in Pray Park is back home now – along with the Marine who flew it over the balcony of an outpost building in Fallujah, Iraq.
Sgt. Jon Meyer, who said the flag bearing the symbol of his hometown withstood fierce combat, said it’s good to be home. read more . . .
Waterville Playshop Member John Oster Directs Comedy In Iraq
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
The first time John Oster read playwright John Culbertson’s script for Messiah on the Frigidaire, he laughed hard and looked forward to directing the comedy for Waterville Playshop’s spring performance.
Then Oster learned he was being deployed to Iraq with the 300th Military Police Brigade from Inkster, Mich. So instead of directing a cast of Northwest Ohio actors, Oster just finished up auditions for a performance of Messiah on the Frigidaire in Iraq. read more . . .
Fans And Friends Turn Out For Carnival And Basketball Game
BY SARAH KURMIN — MIRROR REPORTER
The Holland Springfield Alumni Association hosted a successful and exciting evening of carnival events followed by a celebrity basketball game at Springfield High School on March 14.
The carnival consisted of 11 games, including the lollipop game, frog game, hat wheel, duck pond and an assortment of others.. read more . . .
Teacher’s Last Leprechaun Prank Delights Students
BY KAREN BERGER – MIRROR REPORTER
Linda Moden has shared her St. Patrick’s Day prank with kindergartners over the past six years, but the Holloway Elementary teacher never tires of painting her feet green.
“I really enjoy doing it for the children,” said Moden, who will retire after teaching for 35 years. read more . . .
Maumee Senior Center Achieves National Accreditation
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
The Maumee Senior Center has reason to celebrate.
Last week the center received full accreditation from the National Institute of Senior Centers – making it one of only nine in the state to achieve such status.
“I think it’s an amazing feat to be a nationally recognized senior center,” executive director Stefanie Woolford said.
Of the 15,000 senior centers. read more . . .
Electronic Boards Bring Interactive Technology Into Maumee Classrooms
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
At his teacher’s request, first-grader Jarret Baril walked up to the large screen, touched it with his forefinger and moved a block image from one side to the other to put it in its proper place.
It was morning work, and Wayne Trail Elementary teacher Stacy Snyder was using the SMART Board. read more . . .
Waterville Businesses Make Property Improvements Thanks To Community Development Block Grants
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
If you’ve noticed that buildings in downtown Waterville look a bit shinier and newer, you’re not imagining things, as many owners have taken advantage of grant funds to make improvements to their properties.
“It was real easy getting approval. read more . . .
School Officials Say Levy Must Pass In 2008 To Avoid Massive Layoffs
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
“Our backs are against the wall,” Anthony Wayne Local Schools superintendent Dr. John Granger told the school board Monday night during the first meeting after a 6.5-mill levy failed March 4.
If a levy doesn’t pass by the end of the year, the result will be massive layoffs and program cuts, Granger told the school board during a packed meeting. read more . . .
Science Olympiad Win Illustrates Academic Challenges
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Creating a tennis ball launcher, building a robot and playing with power tools helped Springfield High School students earn a spot in the Ohio Science Olympiad state competition April 12. It’s also an example of how the district continually strives to challenge even the most advanced students, assistant superintendent Kathy Hott said. read more . . .
Elementary Chess Club A Hit In Springfield Schools
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Springfield’s chess club is just a month old, but already it can claim its first victory. Saturday, a team of eight students from Crissey and Holland placed seventh out of 27 elementary schools participating in the Toledo Public Schools chess tournament. read more . . .
6.5-Mill AW School Levy Fails At The Ballot Box
BY KAREN BERGER – MIRROR REPORTER
Anthony Wayne-area voters dealt another blow to the school district by voting down a 6.5-mill levy request on Tuesday.
With 10,234 votes cast, the levy was defeated by 728 votes, with 5,481 voting no and 4,753 voting yes.
It’s the second time in the past year the district has turned to voters, who rejected a proposed 4.5-mill levy in May.
In May the 4.5-mill levy failed by a margin of 51 percent to 49 percent. This week voters defeated the levy by a margin of 54 percent to 46 percent. read more . . .
Council Votes To Support Amendments To Ohio Energy Bill
BY NANCY GAGNET – MIRROR REPORTER
Maumee City Council passed a resolution supporting amendments to Senate Bill 221, the Ohio energy bill, in order to keep electric rate increases in our area in check.
The vote came during the March 3 council meeting following a recommendation by the public information committee, which had been considering the issue. read more . . .
Fallen Timbers Teachers Understand Levy’s Impact On Classroom
BY KAREN BERGER– MIRROR REPORTER
The teachers at Fallen Timbers Middle School have a pretty good understanding of what the passage of a 6.5-mill levy for Anthony Wayne Schools means for the quality of education for their students. read more . . .
Barack Obama Rallies 10,000 During University Of Toledo Visit
BY KAREN BERGER AND NANCY GAGNET – MIRROR REPORTERS
The Savage Hall crowd was revved up even before the star arrived Sunday. So when Barack Obama stepped into the arena, the roar of approval was deafening.
The Illinois senator gave them exactly what they came for: hope for change. read more . . .
John McCain’s Straight Talk Express Rolls Into Perrysburg
BY KAREN BERGER AND NANCY GAGNET – MIRROR REPORTERS
John McCain’s Straight Talk Express rolled through this area last week with a stop at Charlie’s Restaurant in Perrysburg.
The presidential hopeful and Republican senator from Arizona arrived at the restaurant for a “meet and greet” visit amidst a crowd of supporters, members of the media and regular restaurant patrons. read more . . .
Hillary Clinton Appeals To Hard Workers During Whitmer HS Visit
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
“Somebody’s got to do something,” said Carol, a 55-year-old Michigan woman.
As she left Hillary Clinton’s rally at Whitmer High School last week, the unemployed bookkeeper said she’s willing to give the New York senator a chance to prove she’s the one to turn the country around. read more . . .
Maumee Committee Selects Community Improvement Award Winners
BY NANCY GAGNET— MIRROR REPORTER
The city of Maumee has selected 13 projects as winners of the Community Improvement Award.
Those named will be formally recognized at the Maumee Chamber of Commerce Hometown Heroes Awards banquet next month.
According to city administrator John Jezak, the Community Improvement Award is new to the city and is conducted in concert with other community partners to recognize homeowners, nonprofit groups and businesses for their efforts to improve the city’s image and economic vitality. read more . . .
Sports Leagues, Not City, To Be Responsible For Coaches’ Background Checks
BY NANCY GAGNET— MIRROR REPORTER
At Monday’s meeting, members of Maumee City Council voted in favor of placing the responsibility of background checks for youth coaches on the individual sports leagues themselves.
However, the city will offer checks at a reduced rate for coaches in the Maumee Recreation Program.
The parks and recreation committee recommended the policy following council’s request to review the matter, which it did at a meeting last week. read more . . .
Sports Leagues, Not City, To Be Responsible For Coaches’ Background Checks
BY NANCY GAGNET— MIRROR REPORTER
At Monday’s meeting, members of Maumee City Council voted in favor of placing the responsibility of background checks for youth coaches on the individual sports leagues themselves.
However, the city will offer checks at a reduced rate for coaches in the Maumee Recreation Program.
The parks and recreation committee recommended the policy following council’s request to review the matter, which it did at a meeting last week. read more . . .
Strayer Road Hospital Approved By Monclova Township Trustees
BY NANCY GAGNET— MIRROR REPORTER
After a public hearing, the Monclova Township trustees voted unanimously to approve a site plan for a proposed $73 million medical facility at the corner of Strayer Road and US20A. read more . . .
Village of Waterville Mayor Derek Merrin's proposed Committee Appointments
Maumee Teachers, School Board Agree On New Contracts
BY NANCY GAGNET— MIRROR REPORTER
The stalemate between the Maumee Education Association and the school district ended last week when both sides voted to accept a new contract.
On January 30, teachers voted 185-to-8 in favor of approval. At a special meeting on February 4, the board voted 4-to-1 to adopt the agreement.
School board member Glenn Rambo opposed it, while Stephanie Piechowiak, Bob Righi, Sylvia Washburn and Janet Wolff voted in favor of it. read more . . .
Holland, Springfield Can Count Many 2007 Successes
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
The past year brought plenty of change to the Holland-Springfield area – thanks to a close collaboration between the township and village, said Harry Barlos, Holland village administrator.
Barlos and Leslie Kohli, Springfield Township administrator, shared the year’s successes and plans for the future with Holland-Springfield Chamber of Commerce members during a luncheon on January 24. read more . . .
Young Scientists Put Everyday Problems To The Test At St. Joe’s
Ever wonder which tennis ball bounces the highest or which brand of orange juice has the most vitamin C?
Eighth-grade students at St. Joseph Catholic School wondered that along with much more in this year’s school science fair. read more . . .
After 30 Years, Dan Rochte Hangs Up His Bag
After 30 years as a postal carrier in Waterville, Dan Rochte has walked 75,000 miles, driven 50,000 miles, delivered 1.5 million pieces of mail and reported to 35 bosses.
On February 1, Rochte will hang up his mailbag and head south for a few months. He deserves it. After all, he’s endured his share of goose egg mornings and below-zero wind chills. read more . . .
SHS Graduate Lt. Corey Steiner Thanks Students For Support
He may be on military leave, but Lt. Corey Steiner wasn’t resting this week. Instead, he was visiting Springfield schools and St. Joan of Arc to thank students for their abundant letters and packages while he was in Iraq for 15 months – and to answer their questions.
“I loved getting the letters and boxes. They’re fantastic young Americans,” Corey said. read more . . .
Jackie Wegman Receives Officer Of The Year Award
BY KRISTEN FRITZ — MIRROR REPORTER
The Maumee Police Division presented its 2007 Officer of the Year Award to Officer Jackie Wegman at its annual awards banquet on January 22.
A member of the police division since 1985, Wegman has served as the school resource officer at Maumee High School since January 2007. read more . . .
Maumee FOP And Elks Honor Police Officers At Awards Banquet
Several members of the Maumee Police Division were honored for outstanding service in 2007 during the department’s annual awards banquet on Tuesday evening at the Maumee Elks facility in uptown Maumee.
The night’s activities culminated in the presentation of the Maumee Police Division’s Officer of the Year Award to Officer Jackie Wegman, who serves as the school resource officer at Maumee High School. read more . . .