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Down with wind: Group outlines problems with proposed wind farm

2012-02-22T12:09:48-05:00

Nearly 170 people turned out for a public meeting held Tuesday by Auglaize Neighbors United (ANU) to gather information about the proposed wind turbine project in the county.

ANU member Mike Burton used a PowerPoint presentation to provide a different outlook on how the proposed wind turbine project will affect Auglaize County residents when compared to statistics being put forward by representatives of Mainstream Renewable Power Inc., the private company investigating the possibility of putting a wind farm in the county.

“Our viewpoint is that Ohio is a low capacity wind generation state,” Burton told the audience.

Burton also noted the county’s landscape is not conducive to such a project and the industry has largely been artificially created to support state mandates and federal and state tax credits or abatements in an effort to increase the use of renewable energy across the country.

A current mandate initiated by former Gov. Ted Strickland’s administration calls for Ohio to produce or to purchase 25 percent of its power from renewable energy sources by 2025, with half of that coming from sources such as wind and solar power.

Burton said what began as a $5 million per year subsidy has now grown to $1 billion per year. He remarked 80 percent of the money is going to foreign countries and the mandate has created 6,000 jobs in foreign countries.

Burton touched on several key issues other communities have faced due to wind turbine farms, including landscape problems, reduction in property values, health concerns, lack of local control and zoning and economics.

“You are basically talking about building 75 skyscrapers around Buckland,” Burton said of the 450-foot structures.

For comparison, Burton showed heights of other structures, such as transmission towers, that stand approximately 125 feet. The turbines put in place if the project goes forward would stand nearly four times that height.

Burton said sightlines would be hampered for the Land of the Cross Tipped Churches, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wapakoneta and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Glynnwood are in the proposed area to build the towers.

Burton said the population density of Auglaize County is approximately 84 people per square mile, more than two to four times the normal 20 to 40 person density in Iowa, where wind farms are common.

He also discussed shadow flicker from the turbines, which has been said to not only cause a source of annoyance to residents living in close proximity, but they could also potentially trigger epileptic seizures.

Milo Schaffner, a township trustee in Hoaglin Township in Van Wert County, also spoke and re-enforced many of Burton’s comments based on the wind turbines that have sprung up in his area.

“At the time a landowner signs a lease, he has given up a significant amount of control of his land,” Schaffner said.

Schaffner showed pictures of roads in his township in disrepair from construction crews putting up the turbines.

“A lot of people wanted me to tell you about this,” Schaffner said of problems with the wind turbines. “It’s tearing up a lot of communities. My wife doesn’t want to live there any more.”

Burton said residents had to make it apparent they didn’t want the turbines constructed in the area.

“It’s important that people sign the petitions,” Burton said. “Talk to the politicians and your neighbors. You have to be vigilant.”

After the meeting, residents questioned appeared to be overwhelmingly against the project.

“I am opposed to the project,” Rollie Wellington said, who lives on Kohler Road in Moulton Township. “I am opposed from the standpoint of the economic and environmental impact and the loss of control of the land and our land value. I support this organization fully.”

“I don’t agree with it,” John Schlegel said. “There is too much unforeseen in the future.”

The group plans to have another meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at the elementary school in Cridersville.

U.S. Mainstream Renewable Power Inc., headquartered in Chicago with its parent company’s headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, is looking at potentially building wind turbines on 60 to 70 sites in Ohio. The company is focusing on an area that includes large portions of Duchouquet, Logan and Moulton townships in Auglaize County, as well as parts of Noble Township and Shawnee Township in Allen County.

Company executives set a target of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 acres of property to lease from interested owners to build wind turbines that would generate about 1.5 to 2.5 megawatts of power per turbine.

Company executives said they are looking at generating between 100 and 150 megawatts of power per year in the area. The company has already signed up more than 5,000 acres in property from owners interested in leasing their land. At the earliest, the wind farm plans would begin being laid out in 2014-2015.

Homeowners must sign a long-term lease and would receive approximately $7,000 to $10,000 per year for each turbine plus a small per acre land usage stipend of approximately $30 per acre per year.

Company officials claim they have already signed leases for approximately half of its intended target of property.

Auglaize Neighbors United is to hold a meeting on windfarms at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cridersville Elementary School cafetorium.

Taking the stock market to Capitol Hill

2012-02-22T12:09:48-05:00

Giving high school seniors a realistic, hands-on experience, an economics teacher is teaching students in his class by having them play the stock market.

Wapakoneta High School economics teacher Bill Dellinger has been teaching his students financial investment lessons this way for 20 years, but for the first time this year, he is making the experience more competitive as the 30 high school seniors battle it out for 14 weeks against students across the country in the Capitol Hill Challenge.

The competition, sponsored by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIMFA) and the SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education, teaches students about personal finance, economic principles, and the global market.

More than 400 schools from all 50 states are participating in the educational challenge this year with the top five groups awarded with a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet their elected member of Congress, tour the nation’s Capitol and see firsthand how national economic policies are developed.

The challenge works through specific curriculum guides, lesson plans and newsletters sent to teachers to incorporate the program into core mathematics, social studies, business, economics and language arts programs.

Students play for their Congressman, in this case, Republican Jim Jordan, of Urbana, who serves in the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio’s 4th district.

Dellinger said students spend a couple days a week in the library doing research and they frequently discuss current events. Divided into groups of three or four, they play the stock market for free using information from the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, as well as a visit from a stock broker, who came in to give the students general ideas and information.

“Now more than ever it is critically important for students to learn about the basics of savings, investing and financial planning and how our future leaders develop math, research and team-building skills that are critical in American business and a global economy,” SIFMA Public Policy Executive Vice Presidentsaid Kenneth E. Bentsen Jr. said.

“We believe in the long-term benefits of preparing our next generation for sound financial decision making and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to benefit from opportunities inherent in the global market place,” SIFMA Foundation Executive Director Melanie Mortimer said.

To date, one of the Wapakoneta High School teams is making money in the project, but they’re just getting started and others are hopeful.

“They are allowed to borrow money and are learning terms,” Dellinger said.

While he admitted it is a little different than real life since they only have 14 weeks to make as much as possible the game requires them to take an increased risk.

Seniors participating in the challenge said they had heard about the stock market game from other classes who went before them but it’s definitely a learning experience, Stephanie Bracy said.

Pulling out her notes, Shelby Cook outlined the things they need to look for when considering an investment.

“It’s not like there’s a chart that goes ding, ding, ding pick this one,” Catie Rankin said. “You have to look it up on the computer and check out the background info.”

Cook said while investments need to be somewhat risky, they can’t be too risky, but the lessons have intrigued her enough that she may consider trying the stock market even after her high school economics course.

“If I had enough money,” said Cook, who would prefer to do the short sell method rather than investing long term.

The girls’ team has invested in Ford, which gives them some stability and cushion, and Pepsi, so far for the challenge.

Jordan met with the students briefly on Tuesday between stops in his day as he headed to Bluffton in the afternoon before attending meetings in Lima and Sidney. The congressman talked to the students about what they were doing and answered some questions on politics before posing for pictures with each group.

Earning an economics degree in college, Jordan advised the students of internship opportunities with his office and told them to never let someone tell them they can’t do something.

“In 1994, I was an assistant wrestling coach for OSU when I decided to run for state representative,” Jordan said of his decision to run despite those who told him he didn’t have a chance. “I’ve won every race I’ve ever been in even though I was always supposed to lose.

“I won because I decided to work hard,” he said. “Hard work doesn’t guarantee a win, but it sure improves your chances.”

Answering questions from the audience, Jordan said he likes the job he has now and has no future plans to run for president.

“I like the job I get the privilege of having now,” said Jordan, who has represented Auglaize County for 17 years through his positions.

He said he’s also enjoyed this term serving as chair of the Republican Conservative Group on Capitol Hill as he handled plotting and strategy.

As he runs for re-election in a new district, Jordan also discussed his preferences for the Republican presidential nomination — Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney — are all fine choices, he said, noting that he’s already voted in the presidential primary but wouldn’t get more specific about for whom.

Botkins’ Baumer Beef Queen

2012-02-22T12:09:48-05:00

For the next year, a Botkins High School graduate plans to do her best to promote the work of area livestock producers and the benefits of beef.

Jamie Baumer, who is attending the University of Findlay, blushed as 2011 Auglaize County Beef Queen Kaylee Fisher placed the sash around her neck and the tiara upon her head. Baumer smiled as she was named the 2012 queen during the Auglaize County Cattlemen’s Association banquet held Tuesday at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds.

“As Paige Gunther, the state of Ohio beef queen said, I just want to really help promote the beef industry, especially in Auglaize County because I have been showing in this county and my dad has been showing in this county for a long time,” Baumer said after accepting the title. “I just felt it was something I should do.”

Baumer competed against the 2011 Auglaize County Beef Princess Stephanie Albers and LeeAnn Bertke. Albers, who attends Minster High School, plans on attending the University of Kentucky. Bertke is a student at St. Marys High School.

As her predecessor did, Baumer intends to promote the benefits of beef from producer to plate.

“The most important messages I would like to get out is how the beef industry works and what farmers have to go through day to day to get that high quality beef that consumers want,” Baumer said. “As queen we want to promote to consumers all the benefits beef provides.”

At the University of Findlay, Baumer is studying animal sciences and also is a member of the showing team at the University of Findlay. The daughter of Rita and Tom Baumer said showing is one of her favorite activities along with working with cattle.

Caitlin Schaub, the daughter of Judy and Mike Schaub, was crowned the 2012 Auglaize County Beef Princess.

Auglaize County Cattlemen’s Association President Jay Clutter had high praise for the 2012 Cattlemen of the Year winner — Kay and John Mueller, of St. Marys.

“They are always real active in anything that we do,” Clutter said of the couple. “They always help with the food stand, they came last night and helped set for the banquet — anytime we need help, they are always willing to lend a hand.”

The Muellers operated a beef operation but stopped after their children participated in 4-H and the Auglaize County Fair. With a chuckle, Clutter said they may have grandchildren one of these days and they may start up again but it hasn’t happened yet.

Gunther, who resides in Hardin County, shared her thoughts about being involved in the beef industry. She summed her approach in one word — passion.

“I really have passion for the beef industry,” the Ohio Beef Queen said. “The experiences, the memories, the people you meet and the friendships you build really help to build that passion.”

She plans to work in genetics, embryology and animal science as part of the beef industry.

Clutter gave a brief address, talking about the history of the Auglaize County Cattlemen’s Association and the work the organization has done through the years.

Prescription for success

2012-02-22T12:09:48-05:00

By CARLA MEYER

Staff Writer

From high school to college, a past honor student has always been involved in many organizations as well as athletics, all while maintaining a high academic standard.

Corey Lotridge, who was fourth in his high school graduating class of 2010 at Wapakoneta High School, had a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), and earned a 34 on his ACT in high school.

He also had varsity letters in baseball, football and tennis, and was involved in numerous clubs, including the Octagon Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the W Club.

His involvement still continues throughout his college career.

He is currently studying pharmacy at Ohio Northern University, and he maintains a 3.4 GPA.

Lotridge has worked hard throughout his college years and will be finishing up the program a year early.

“With the credits I came into college with and after taking classes this summer, I was able to accelerate a year in the pharmacy program and will graduate with a doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD) in five years, instead of the normal six years,” Lotridge said.

See Section C for Day 2 of a 3-day Progress Edition, a special publication of the WDN.

While taking on a full course load this semester, Lotridge still keeps busy with being involved on campus.

“I am very involved with clubs and organizations. I joined Phi Delta Chi, a professional pharmacy fraternity and several pharmacy focused clubs, such as the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists and the National Community Pharmacists Association,” the son of Marsha and Chris Lotridge said. “I also play on the college tennis team and am involved in intramurals.”

Lotridge’s sets his goals high and always works hard on everything that he does.

“My goals are to continue working hard with my academics and athletics,” Lotridge said.

Maintaining his academic GPA is just as important as staying involved on campus at ONU.

“I want to maintain my GPA while staying involved in my organizations and improving my tennis game,” Lotridge said.

A quote that he gave in his speech at his high school graduation commencements, from Ralph Waldo Emerson, is advice he notes everyone should live by.

“Make the most of yourself, you are all you have.”

Helping to save lives

2012-02-21T12:20:46-05:00

A 2008 graduate of Wapakoneta High School has been more places by the age of 21 than many people go in their whole lives.

As she sees it, however, she is just getting started.

Brianna Burns, a fourth-year student at Indiana Wesleyan University, is studying for a degree in biology for a pre-med requirement. She will graduate this April. She has been accepted to several graduate schools to seek her master’s degree in public health and has put Emery University, the University of Michigan and Pittsburgh University near the top of her list.

Already in her studies, Burns has had two extended stays in Zambia.

In her first trip to the Southern African country she worked in a small village and aided with HIV and malaria testing and did some immunizations with mothers and babies.

In her more recent trip, she went with the World Hope Organization and primarily used her time educating in the schools for prevention of HIV and other diseases. While her studies have taken her other places, it was these two trips that nudged her into going into public health as a profession.

See Section C for Day 1 of a 3-day Progress Edition, a special publication of the WDN.

“I hadn’t really thought about public health until I took that second trip,” Burns said. “It’s a growing field, and I like being able to study a whole population.”

Burns, who ranked fifth in her graduating class, is leaning towards starting her career working with a non-profit organization or working with the Center of Disease Control (CDC) when she is finished with her schooling, and she said she felt her goals were achievable.

“I am very excited doing this kind of work,” Burns said. “I like to help people and I am directly helping their lives in a positive way.”

In her rare spare time, Burns said she likes to run, do crafts, scrapbooking and photography.

Burns is the daughter of Julie and Brad Burns of Wapakoneta. She also has two brothers, Isaac, 19, and Keith, 17.

Credit to be vetted: City needs source for additional income, leaders say

2012-02-21T12:20:46-05:00

Despite receiving information about the difficulties in collecting income tax from people who live in Wapakoneta and work in other municipalities, city leaders still want to pursue a proposal to scale back or to end the city’s income tax credit.

Wapakoneta Mayor Rodney Metz and 3rd Ward Councilor Bonnie Wurst say the proposal must be fully vetted because the general fund needs an influx of money.

Councilor-at-large Tom Finkelmeier Jr. proposed earlier this year reducing or eliminating the income tax credit provided to city residents who work outside the corporation limits. The city of Wapakoneta enforces the state minimum allowable income tax of 1 percent, while other municipalities are typically at 1.5 percent. The city provides a credit of 1 percent to those people working outside the city.

“I believe it is very necessary to continue discussing the proposal because the city does need some increase in revenue if we want to improve our streets and provide better safety services,” Wurst said after Monday’s Wapakoneta City Council meeting.

Finkelmeier proposed the idea after Finance Committee members realized income tax receipts have stagnated while costs to operate the city continue to increase because labor and material costs continue to rise. In 2011, income tax collections totaled $2.109 million in 2011, down from $2.119 million in 2010. The 2011 collections are an increase from $2.065 million in 2009.

If the income tax credit is eliminated, it would not go into effect until 2013 and thus would not affect income tax collections this year.

At a Feb. 6 council meeting, Wurst reported the elimination of the income tax credit would generate approximately $485,000 more in income tax revenue for the city.

Income Tax Supervisor and Office Manager Diana Blackburn told Finance Committee members during a committee meeting held Feb. 8 to collect the income tax from people working outside the city would be difficult and would depend on people and businesses reporting the income and paying the tax.

Blackburn explained to committee members the income tax would be complicated to collect and the city may have to bill residents to collect. She estimated the city would receive only approximately $300,000 because some tax would never be collected and there would be increased expenses to collect the tax dollars.

Wurst told the Wapakoneta Daily News that Finance Committee members continue to believe residents would not support a 0.5 percent income tax increase, but the city needs to find a way to increase revenue.

Wurst confirmed all city residents are supposed to file a city income tax return, but Blackburn told her “quite a bit of money would slip through the cracks.”

Metz supports Finance Committee members’ efforts to pursue eliminating the income tax credit and to continue researching the benefits behind the proposal.

“I understand her (Blackburn’s) concerns, but my thoughts are we really do not know how difficult it will be until the legislation is passed and we work on collecting the income tax,” Metz told the Wapakoneta Daily News. “There are a lot of communities who are doing exactly what the Finance Committee members are talking about — they do not give 100 percent relief.

“I will have the chance to talk to some of the other mayors in the next 60 days and learn how successful their collection rates are,” the mayor said.

He advised Finance Committee members to continue their research and investigation into the matter.

Wurst also addressed the entire budget with general fund appropriations totaling $5.4 million. Revenue is estimated at $4.26 million with a $1.2 million cash carryover.

“It is a little bit tighter than it has been in previous years but for the past three years the city income tax has been lower than expected,” Wurst said after the city’s 2012 appropriations legislation received its first reading. “There is not deficit spending, but there is no extra funding for anything above and beyond what is needed.”

Wurst also called a Finance Committee meeting for 4 p.m. Thursday to discuss changes in the budget appropriations ordinance, which must be passed and in effect by April 1, regarding expenses in the Recreation Department budget.

“The Rec Board has suggested shifting some money among line items within the fund,” Wurst said. “The shifting of money does not affect the bottom line and should not delay the budget and does not affect the overall budget. It could affect the ordinance because an amendment might have to be made.”

Councilors plan hits agenda

2012-02-21T12:20:46-05:00

A proposal to lengthen the terms of Wapakoneta City Council members and council president is moving closer to the November general election ballot.

The proposal also gained the support of the city’s top administrator.

Two ordinances received their first reading at Monday’s Wapakoneta City Council meeting — one to lengthen the term of council president to four years from two years and to stagger the term of that office with the mayor and the second to lengthen the terms of councilors to four years from two years and to stagger councilors-at-large with the ward seats.

Councilor-at-large Tom Finkelmeier Jr. proposed the changes based on a plan developed by former Council President Don Jump. Finkelmeier supports the changes to double the councilors’ terms in office in order to maintain “the institutional memory of this legislative body.”

Finkelmeier proposed the change in January after every councilor, the council president and the mayor, law director and auditor all had to be re-elected last November.

The change would not affect sitting councilors, but if the measure is passed by voters then it would go into effect in 2013.

Mayor Rodney Metz, who served more than 20 years as a councilor prior to being elected mayor, said the two issues would not affect his term of office but it would affect the effectiveness of council and city government.

“In my time on council, the matter of losing every councilor and the mayor at one election has never come up but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t and then if it does it is too late,” Metz told the Wapakoneta Daily News. “The staggering of terms makes it much easier because you are working with councilors who know the process.

“While council candidate can become better educated by attending meetings, councilors, who have been serving, know the inner workings of council matters and this helps legislation and others issues be resolved much faster for the residents of the city,” he said. “They also know the terminology and the language of the office they hold and how legislation is proposed and passed and the purpose of discussing matters in committee.”

At Monday’s meeting, Councilor-at-large Steve Walter expressed his concern with these two issues passing the electorate since the issues likely will not be discussed further at council meetings after councilors adopt the ordinances and the issues be placed on the ballot.

“I voted for this out of committee because I thought it was wonderful idea,” Walter said. “But I would like to make a general clarification — because Ohio law requires this legislation to be placed on the ballot and decided by the plebiscite, it is not going to get its typical transparency and debate that it would normally receive if it was decided here because it is not going to be decided here, it is going to be decided in the ballot box.”

Walter encouraged residents to come to council meetings to discuss the matter with councilors. He said he was also worried the issue would not receive the attention it deserves by the voters during a presidential year.

Finkelmeier said he encourages the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce to include the issue as part of their annual “Meet the Candidate” venues.

“I intend not as a councilor but as a private citizen to campaign for these two issues,” Finkelmeier said during Monday’s meeting. “I believe in it and I would not have brought it forth if I did not believe in it. I would be willing to speak anywhere down the election trail on the rationale behind this plan. I intend to go out and garner support for the two issues.”

Finkelmeier learned Monday the two ordinances would have to be placed on the ballot as two distinct ballot issues because they represent changes to two different sections of the Ohio Revised Code.

Wapakoneta 4th Ward Councilor Chad Doll voiced his continued support for the proposal and he would honor his promise to campaign the public for passage of the plan.

The two pieces of legislation are expected to receive second readings on March 5 and are expected to be passed on March 19.

Dress for a cause: Discounted dresses raise money for cancer research

2012-02-20T10:57:33-05:00

Twirling around in the middle of the floor, silver sequins caught the reflection of sunlight streaming in from the large church windows as a Wapakoneta High School junior modeled a dress for her mom.

Salon Gegel sparkled from across the room in the second-hand dress as she waited not only for her mother’s opinion, but that of her boyfriend and friends that came along to a prom dress exchange held Saturday at the St. Joseph Parish Life Center.

“I’ve been searching and we’re cheap,” the 17-year-old said of how they ended up at the event to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Her mother attended the event in its first year in 2011 and knew it would be a good place to look.

They’d also looked for prom dresses at a consignment store in St. Marys and a bridal shop in Wapakoneta.

Prices at Saturday’s event were comparable to the consignment store but much cheaper than the bridal store, Salon said.

Gazing at the back of the silver-sequined and black lace dress in a full-length mirror, Salon said those other dresses were really beautiful, but also really expensive and she was definitely considering buying this one.

If not for prom, she would wear it when competing for Miss Summer Moon in a few months.

Beaming, Salon said this would be her first prom.

“I’m not the major girlie girl, but I am so excited,” Salon said.

Her mother, Tammy Gegel said they were looking to see what they could find and she was impressed with the dresses available as a fundraiser for the Rock Out Cancer (R.O.C.) team for the Greater Auglaize County Relay for Life.

“I’m a shopper,” Gegel said. “I like finding deals.”

Her daughter said with four children they have to and she has definitely learned the value of a dollar.

Brenda Littlefield, and her daughter, Courtney, traveled from Anna to the sale, after it was recommended by a friend.

Holding a golden-hued beaded dress up to her daughter, Littlefield said she was definitely excited about the price, which was at least $200 less than they might pay elsewhere. Her daughter had been eyeing one she saw online that cost $350. On top of that, having never tried the dress on, there might be alteration costs also.

“I’m definitely not going to pay that much for something she‘ll wear one time,” Littlefield said. “I’m excited now cause we can afford to get jewelry, shoes and her hair done for prom.”

Courtney tried on another dress Saturday, but then really liked this one after her mother found it.

“I do think it’s really pretty, elegant,” Courtney said.

Thirteen-year-old Patricia Dennis, of Celina, came with her mother and younger sister with her to look for dresses for a pageant she plans to enter this spring.

“Dresses in the store cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars,” Dennis said. “We won’t spend that much. These are usually at least half off.”

Judy Stauser, of the R.O.C. team said their second sale was pretty successful and featured a wide array of styles, colors and sizes of prom and homecoming dresses, which people could donate with full proceeds going toward the team or pay a $10 fee to sell and set their own prices, for which they kept the proceeds.

A seamstress was on hand to talk to the girls about possible alternations and a partnership with Grandview Cleaners and Laundry provided a 20 percent discount for cleaning dresses bought at the event.

Relay team member Melissa Deal said she had heard about similar events in other areas and after buying prom dresses for two years, she thought other parents might appreciate a place where they could purchase like new dresses for a fraction of the price.

“I think the last few years have been financially difficult on people either directly or indirectly, and they want to save and make money,” event organizer Tiffany Fullenkamp said. “This also gives them the opportunity to support a well known organization (the American Cancer Society) on a local level. Few families can say they have never been affected by cancer.”

Recycling concerns: Mayor: Refusing to trash recycling efforts

2012-02-20T10:55:21-05:00

One Wapakoneta City Council member is concerned with the recycling of newspapers as refuse rates continue to increase.

Wapakoneta 3rd Ward Councilor Bonnie Wurst, who also is contracted to serve as the recycling educator for the Auglaize County Solid Waste District, said the rate of newspaper and paper recycling in the city and the county is one of the lowest of all the recycled products. City residents tend to do well in recycling aluminum, bottles and plastic, but not so well on tin and paper products.

Mayor Rodney Metz agreed with Wurst that there is room for improvement, but he would like to see more detailed statistics on recycling rates than the one he is provided.

“I can’t tell if there is a big problem with recycling newspapers because I don’t see where the newspapers are going that they don’t get,” Metz said. “Some of the refuse bags when you compact them in the trucks you could see the papers, but I also believe the amount of paper we are receiving at the center is pretty good.”

He did not have the actual data in front of him, but he recalled the city filling between one and two semi-trucks each month with paper.

“The other thing I question in my mind is are we getting the rest of the paper from businesses, especially when it comes to computer printout paper,” the mayor said. “Some are putting out bags of paper for recycling, but others may be putting it in dumpsters so we wouldn’t see that and others may be shredding their paper and throwing it out — but I really don’t want it in the dumpsters or the refuse stream.”

He even said he foresees the day where municipalities will have to one day have a zero waste stream.

“There are still a lot of things that can still come out of the waste stream that we are collecting in the refuse bags because we are only getting a percentage of the total and paper would be a part of that,” Metz said. “There are other items going into the refuse which we don’t have a way to take care of such as the bottle caps, whether it is a coffee top or pop bottle cap, and there is that proverbial steel grate from an old grill that is being thrown away as opposed to being recycled.”

With refuse rates set to increase next year by 3 percent and the following year by another 3 percent, Metz said the cost to get rid of the refuse will eventually push municipalities to collect more and more through recycling efforts to reduce the cost of handling refuse.

“I would like to see us be able to pick up all the items that are recyclable, such as the lids and the bottle tops,” Metz said. “The source is obviously there, now a market has to develop which can use those items and recycle them and make them into a usable product again so it is out of the waste, or refuse, stream.”

Increasing refuse rates and decreasing landfill space will eventually push cities and villages in the direction toward zero waste stream, he said.

“In the future, the marketplace will generate the markets for the end-use as the costs to deal with refuse continue to rise and state and federal mandates continue to be more restrictive,” Metz said. “The other issue is the company we use to deal with the Environmental Protection Agency on the old landfill, they think in a fixed number of years that landfills will be dug up and the items in them recycled.”

Overall, he believes Wapakoneta residents are doing a fine job.

“We have a little bit of room to grow yet before we achieve a very comfortable, appropriate level of recycling — we have a little way to go yet,” the mayor said. “We are doing a lot better than other communities, but we have a little ways to go and that is because we don’t have a source yet for the material.”

Hoops dreams come true for Tigers

2012-02-20T10:53:16-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS — Most junior high basketball players have dreams of one day getting to step on a National Basketball Association (NBA) court for the first time and playing a game.

The Waynesfield-Goshen basketball team fulfilled that dream several years early on Sunday. As part of the Indiana Pacers’ “Court of Dreams” program, the team played Northwest Central Conference (NWCC) foe the Lima Perry Commodores Sunday at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The experience was surreal enough that the 31-19 loss to the Perry Commodores nearly seemed to be an afterthought.

W-G Tiger fifth grade coach James Elliott started taking his team each year to an Indiana Pacers game several years ago. Elliott said he learned about the Court of Dreams program and decided this was the year to step up the experience for the team.

“We had to sell 100 tickets for each team,” Elliott said. “They asked us if we wanted to play a local school from the Indianapolis area, but I got a hold of them at Lima Perry. I thought it would be more exciting for another local team to get to go.”

While the two teams did not use the actual locker rooms of the NBA teams, they were treated to the cozy confines of the “green room,” which are the rooms reserved for stars and celebrities during the games.

The team had to bring its own referees, which was handled by volunteers Ben Andrews and Shawn Plummer of Waynesfield. W-G teacher Jason Wolke called the game using the Pacers’ announcing booth to add to the big game feel.

Prior to the game, the players got to meet several Pacer players for autographs, which included stars Danny Granger, who was one of six players to score in double figures in the Pacers’ convincing 108-73 win, and George Hill, who sat out with a sprained ankle.

They also got to meet with several of the Pacer cheerleaders for autographs and pictures.

One of the Waynesfield parents, Shannon Youtse, was selected to participate in the halftime show, the “sandwich run,” where they ran across the court taking different ingredients in an effort to be the first to complete a sandwich. Youtse was the hands-down winner.

“It was just a great time and a great experience for all the players,” Elliott said. “It is something they will always remember.”

The fifth grade team is made up of Britton Elliott, Jayden Elliott, Stephen Andrews, Wesley Eller, Blake Youtse, Parker Martin, Cole Barnes, Caesar Gossard, Gallant Shephard, Quinn Humes, Nick Wolke and Dustin Plummer.

Shannon Youtse voiced her opinion on Elliott’s performance as coach of the team.

“He is a great guy who does a great job,” Youtse said.”The players look up to him.”