Madison Messenger - May 28th, 2023

madison
May 28, 2023 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XXXVIII No. 22
Celebrating 100 years on page 3
County boosting
fiber optics access
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
Madison County officials have embarked on a project to install
more fiber-optic lines around the county.
“We have a basic idea of bandwidth being provided in different
parts of the county. We know there isn’t enough fiber available in
the county,” said Rob Slane, Madison County administrator.
Together with the Miami Valley Educational Computer Association
(MVECA), headquartered in Yellow Springs, and a private
partner, the county plans to install 577,000 feet of fiber in a ring
that runs from London to Plain City to West Jefferson to Mount
Sterling and back to London, with spurs to Midway and South
Solon.
The estimated cost of the project is $6 million to $8 million.
MVECA, the private partner, and the county will share in the cost.
Each will own a portion of the new fiber-optic lines, and each will
have the ability to lease those lines to Internet providers, businesses,
and other entities.
The county is investing $3 million from the general fund into the
project and is pursuing Broadband Ohio grants and other grants to
help cover costs.
The benefits of the project are many, Slane said, listing enhanced
ability to attract and support new development which brings with
it new jobs, increased Internet service to underserved parts of the
county, in-house cost savings, and a new revenue stream for the
county.
“All businesses rely on the Internet,” Slane said regarding the
economic development piece. “Having more
fiber opens up the door for the tech sector
that has good-paying jobs. It also helps all
aspects of commercial and light industrial
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development. It’s one of those (infrastructure)
pieces that you just have to have that
we currently don’t have enough of.”
In addition to boosting economic development,
the additional fiber lines should mean
improved Internet service to residents living
in areas that are currently underserved.
“Wireless Internet service providers will
be able to set up their wireless equipment,
connect to the (fiber) ring, then broadcast
signal out to those rural areas of the county.
There’s a potential for increasing bandwidth,”
Slane said. “It should also add some
competition as far as providers go.”
The increased fiber access also will benefit
the county’s bottom line, he continued.
“Fiber access allows the county control
over its costs associated with connectivity to
the Internet, local network resources, offsite
backup, and telephone services, saving
nearly $100,000 annually,” Slane said.
He expects the county to see a return on
its investment in less than five years, after
which the fiber ring will become a revenue
source for the county.
See FIBER page 2
Messenger photo by Kristy Zurbrick
Benjamin Humes, 6, reads “Dragon’s Friend” by Joy Crowley to Maggie, one of two certified therapy dogs
that take part in London Public Library’s Paws For Reading program.
Reading with a furry friend
Messenger photo by Kristy Zurbrick
Addie Edmonds, 2, points out pictures in the book, “Where Are
You, Elephant,” during a reading session with Maggie, a certified
therapy dog. This was Addie’s first time taking part in London
Public Library’s Paws For Reading program. Her parents, Annie
and Logan Edmonds, signed her up for the Saturday morning
session. Her grandmother, Christi Edmonds, accompanied her.
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
One recent Saturday morning, Benjamin
Humes, 6, showed up at London
Public Library with a book tucked under
his arm, ready to read to a friend. That
friend, Maggie Mae, was waiting for him
in the reading room, just inside the library’s
front door.
Benjamin walked over to Maggie,
plopped down on the floor next to her, and
cracked open “Dragon’s Friend” by Joy
Crowley. As he made his way from page to
page, reading aloud, Maggie listened quietly.
At one point, she was stretched out,
lying on her side. At another, her head
was resting on her paws.
Maggie is a 3-year-old cattle dog/Border
collie mix and one of the stars of the library’s
Paws For Reading, a program that
is aimed at young readers but open to anyone
who wants to practice their reading
skills with an unassuming listener. The library
started the program a few years ago
when London resident Randi Crook and her
dog, Levi, approached them with the idea.
See READING page 2

PAGE 2 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 28, 2023
London Track Shutdown
London High School’s track will be shut
down June 2-20 for reconditioning.
James L. Peart, Agent
187 West High St.
London, OH 43140
Bus: 740-852-5557
jamie.peart.bya5@statefarm.com
0901142.1
NOTICE TO
PROPERTY TAXPAYERS
• The last day to pay second-half 2022 property taxes
in Madison County is Friday, June 16, 2023.
• Payments must be made in person at the Madison
County Treasurer’s Office until 4:00 P.M. Friday,
June 16, 2023.
• Mailed payments must be postmarked by the Post
Office by midnight Friday, June 16, 2023.
• By law, second-half taxes paid after June 16, 2023,
will incur a 5% penalty for the first ten days and
after ten days a 10% penalty will incur regardless
of whether the taxpayer has received a bill.
• If you have not received a second-half 2022 property
tax bill, call the Treasurer’s Office immediately at
740-852-1936 or 1-877-454-3309.
Stacey L. McKenzie
Madison County Treasurer
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By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
Does the water service line coming into your home contain lead?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to know.
“The EPA is requiring all municipalities to check for lead water
pipes leading into homes. The goal is to get all lead pipes out due to
the health risk factor,” said Courtney Bricker, fiscal officer for the
village of Mount Sterling.
Mount Sterling has partnered with the Rural Community Assistance
Partnership (RCAP) to get this done. In Ohio, RCAP is operated
by the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, a national
network of non-profit partners working to provide technical assistance,
training, resources, and support to rural communities.
RCAP has created a survey for homeowners, asking if they have
ever had their water service line replaced, if their line has ever contained
lead, and what materials make up their home’s internal
plumbing.
The survey also asks homeowners to conduct a scratch test, if
they are able, to determine if their water service line contains lead.
The instructions are included in the survey form, as is a link to an
online instructional video. Homeowners must find the water line
going from their house to the water meter inside, then use a key,
coin, or screwdriver to scratch the pipe. The appearance of the pipe
after the scratch is an indicator as to whether it contains lead. Another
indicator is magnetism; lead is not magnetic.
READING
Continued from page 1
“I thought it was a great idea because everybody loves dogs, and
it’s a great way to encourage kids to read if they might be having
troubles reading. It puts them at ease, reading to a dog instead of a
human,” said Mary Anne Wood, the library’s youth services coordinator.
Paws For Reading took a pause during the pandemic and, in that
time, Randi and Levi retired. Luckily, two other person-dog duos
stepped forward. Patt Delph and Emma, a golden retriever, from
Mechanicsburg got the program rolling again in October 2022.
Cathy Trimmer and Maggie from South Vienna
joined the team in January of this
year. The two pairs went through the same
therapy dog training.
“Maggie loves kids, she loves people, and
she loves all other dogs, too,” said Trimmer.
She and Maggie have been visiting hospitals,
nursing homes, libraries, and other
venues for the past two years.
Benjamin Humes certainly feels the love.
When asked what he likes about reading to
Maggie, he said, “That she likes me.”
During his recent reading session with
Maggie, Benjamin occasionally asked his
FIBER
Continued from page 1
www.madisonmessengernews.com
Mount Sterling looks for lead in the water
After filling out the questionnaire and the results of the scratch
test, homeowners are asked to submit their completed survey to
RCAP or drop it off at Mount Sterling Town Hall, 1 S. London St.
Residents can pick up surveys in the lobby of town hall or download
them from the village’s website. A link can be found on the right
side of the village’s home page, www.mtsterling.org.
“It’s very important that we do this,” said Tom Byrne, Mount
Sterling’s village administrator. “It’s important to the entire community
that we get rid of these lead lines coming into our homes.”
Byrne said it should take homeowners less than 30 minutes to
fill out the survey and conduct the scratch test.
“If you need help doing the scratch test, call town hall and we’ll
come over and help you with the procedure,” he added.
Village leaders would like to have surveys back from all residents
by the end of the summer. They will follow up with anyone
that doesn’t respond.
If a homeowner discovers their water service line contains lead,
they must replace it at their own cost.
The village is looking into grants to help homeowners with those
costs, Bricker said. First, though, the village must identify how
many replacements are needed.
For more information, contact Misty Vance, Mount Sterling’s
utilities clerk, at mvance@mtsterling.org or (740) 869-2040.
For more about RCAP, go to www.rcap.org/about-us/. For more
about the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, visit
www.glcap.org.
mother, Angie Humes, who was standing nearby for, for help with
a word. Otherwise, his focus was on the book and on his furry
friend.
Angie found out about Paws For Reading through Facebook. She
decided to give it a try to boost Benjamin’s reading confidence and
skills. Benjamin will be a second-grader this fall.
“Maggie might not be able to help him sound out a word, but she
is good at listening. She makes him feel more comfortable when he
is reading,” she said.
The program has attracted not only young readers like Benjamin,
but also pre-schoolers, adults with disabilities, and adults
who are learning English as a second language.
“We’re open to any age group,” Wood said.
Both Maggie and Emma visit the library once a month. Upcoming
times and dates for Maggie are 11 a.m.-noon on June 17, July
29, and Aug. 19. Upcoming times and dates for Emma are 6-7 p.m.
June 14, July 12, and Aug. 9. Patrons can call the library to sign
up for a 10-minute reading session. Participants are asked to have
a book picked out ahead of time. Books can come from home or from
the library.
To sign up for a reading time slot, visit
https://mylondonlibrary.org or call (740) 852-9543. The library is located
at 20 E. First St., London.
community calendar
Chamber Golf Scramble
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce
is hosting their annual golf scramble
on June 16 at the National Road Golf
Course, 5135 U.S. Rte. 40, West Jefferson.
The rain date is June 23. The deadline to
register a team is June 2. For details, call
(740) 852-2250.
The project is in the design phase now.
“We’re determining the route, taking into
consideration existing utilities already in
the ground and right-of-way,” Slane said.
Once the design phase is complete, the
project will go to bid, then to construction.
A completion date for the project depends on
weather and the availability of labor and
materials. Slane expects the project to be
done in the next few years.

www.madisonmessengernews.com May 28, 2023 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 3
Congratulations
Jadyn
McCabe
Your Family Loves
You Lots!!!!
Westfall High School, Class of 2023
Celebrating
100 years!
Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle
Members of the American Legion Post
201 in West Jefferson marked the 100th
anniversary of its founding with a belated
birthday party on May 21. Unlike most celebratory
events, there were two occasions
that were commemorated on this
day: the first was the establishment of the
American Legion itself, which was chartered
by Congress as a patriotic veterans
organization devoted to service to veterans,
service members, and communities
in 1919. The second was the establishment
of the local post, which was chartered
the year after. Post 201 Commander
Michael O’Reilly said that while its members
would have liked to have thrown a
big community bash three years ago,
scheduling conflicts and the pandemic
put their plans on hold until they were
safely able to host the event this month.
“Better late than never,” he said. An appreciative
community came out to celebrate
with the veterans to thank them for
their service to the country and to those
who live within the village and the county.
Pictured above are some of the members
of the post who came out to celebrate the
occasion. Seated from left to right: Eugene
Smith, Tina Beckwith, Dwight
Fisher, Terri Kovalchik, Bob Penry and
Doug Eakins. Standing from left to right:
Commander Michael O’Reilly, Skeeter
Nelson, Kent Stryker, Gary Cox Jr., Gary
Heiman, Steve Holcomb, and Clyde
Hughes.
At right, Linda O’Reilly and Virginia Miller
carefully carve up one of the two sheet
cakes.
Placed in front of Eugene Smith is a collage of pictures of some
of the events the Post 201 members have participated in through
the years. Some of their most visible services include raising the
American flag at West Jefferson High School’s home football
games, marching in parades, attending tree lighting ceremonies,
hosting the popular fish fries, and scholarship outreach programs
for the local students.
CONGRATULATIONS
JAIDEN
BALLAH
AND TO ALL
GRADUATES OF 2023
BEST LUCK TO ALL
AND MAY GOD BLESS
YOU ALWAYS
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919 ST. RT. 56SW, LONDON OH 43140
614-879-7731

PAGE 4 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 28, 2023
opinions
www.madisonmessengernews.com
A guide to navigating graduation and beyond
Another high school graduation season is upon us with the class
of 2023 moving onward and, hopefully, upward. We were unable to
attend a family member’s graduation on the East Coast, but modern
technology gave us the next best thing—a live stream of the event.
We watched the two-hour ceremony unfold, including the few seconds
when he strutted across the stage to receive his handshake
and diploma. At least, we think it was him. At times, the streaming
had its clarity limitations.
Despite the occasional sound quality issues, I found myself listening
intently to all the speeches by students, faculty, and distinguished
guests—something I didn’t even do at my own graduation.
I’m glad I did. They were good, almost short enough, and sent me
down memory lane.
I pondered the question: Knowing what I know now, if given the
opportunity to return to my high school alma mater to address a
graduating class, what would I say? My brutal honesty in my writings
suggests I wouldn’t be asked back, but let’s listen in as I’m
about to speak:
“Hello graduates. Congratulations! Let’s hear it for the class of
2023! Yes, you somehow made it. What seemed like an eternity for
many of you has finally come to an end. Believe it or not, when you
get to be as old as I am, your high school days of eternity will seem
like a quick stop for gas on your life’s superhighway.
“You’re all here because you’ve either bribed your teachers or
convinced them you’re ready to take the next big step along life’s
pothole-filled road. Some of you gave your all, and we’ll assume almost
all gave some to get here.
“You’ve been longing for the day when you’d be considered an
adult and able start calling your own shots. Well, here it is. I think
you’ll find it won’t be as easy as you thought, but now you have your
diploma to help open new doors.
“As you enter the adult world, you might lack confidence or feel
you’re not worthy of leaving your mark on the world. Erase that
thought. The world is crying out for you to help shape its future. A
needy country beckons you to help solve its many problems. Shakespeare
once wrote: ‘We know what we are, but not what we can be.’
Don’t wait for life to come to you. Go after it.
“I promise that, at some point in your life, you’ll find yourself
looking back on your high school days and wondering why you were
in such a hurry to leave. You might even find yourself wishing you
could do it all over again. It happened to me and hit me like brick
when I realized the past is past, forever.
“I often think about what I’d do differently if I could go back in
time. For one thing, I’d try a bit harder. It seemed like I had to learn
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so much, for lack of a better word,
garbage. Now, I can still say the
same thing about much of it, but I’ve
also been amazed at how often I’ve
used something my frustrated teachers
taught me.
“I think the biggest change I’d make would be to ask
my teachers at the onset why something was important
to learn, rather than just memorize it to get through a
test. At the same time, I’d recommend teachers proactively
try to explain that same thing more often.
“In your later years, you’ll probably find yourself
searching the Internet, trying to find out what became
of your old classmates and teachers. The experience will
be eye-opening and, in some cases, a harsh reality check
such as when you discover your teachers have gone to
teach in that big high school in the sky. On the flip side,
it’s fun the learn about the surprising directions your
classmates took, where they live now, and what they
have accomplished.
“One thing I’ll always remember from high school
was the peer pressure. It was too often downright cruel
and, I’m sure, left permanent scars for many. Unfortunately,
it doesn’t always get better in adulthood. I keep
one of my favorite quotes in the back of my mind to deal
with it. It comes from writer Henry David Thoreau: ‘If
a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps
Madison-Plains should build two schools—one on the
current campus and one in the Mount Sterling/Fairfield
area. Can it be done? I think so. There are a lot of
smart, good people in both areas.
If the $63 million the district asked for to build one
K-12 building on the current campus was split in half—
$30+ million for a school on the current campus and
$30+ million for Mount Sterling/Fairfield—I think the
people would pass such a levy.
In the orchestra
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guest column
By Dave Burton
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it is because he hears a different
drummer. Let him step to the music
which he hears, however measured
or far away.’ As you move on, treat
your new peers with respect and understanding.
Also, preserve your personal
pride by conducting yourself
with high morals, ethics, integrity,
and professionalism. As a proverb
says: ‘He who rules his spirit is better
than he who takes a city.’
“I’d like to leave you with a guiding
thought as you continue your
life’s journey. Always live for today but look forward to
tomorrow, and remember it’s there waiting for you and
hoping you’ll seize the many wonderful opportunities
it’s going to throw your way. If you can’t find them at
first, take a step back, regroup, and keep looking.
“Finally, and most importantly, never forget or feel
guilty about looking back at yesterday on what I hope
is a long and exciting life’s journey for you. Despite what
some of you might think now, I’m confident you won’t
forget your high school days here, and you’ll be smiling
more times than not when you think back on them.”
Dave Burton is guest columnist for the Columbus Messenger
Newspapers. He lives in Grove City.
A different idea for MP schools
W
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letter to the editor
At the end of the day, is it not really for the children,
or is it?
R.J. Rimmons
Madison-Plains Class of 1990
London
Messenger Word Search
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www.madisonmessengernews.com May 28, 2023 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 5
Summer Lunch Program
Madison County Vineyard, 106 Olive St., London, is hosting a
summer lunch program for youths 18 and younger. The program
takes place on Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon and 6-7 p.m., June 5 through
the end of July. Any family is welcome. Proof of income is not
needed. For details, call (740) 845-0154.
It’s not uncommon to see vendors at local farmers markets pull up with truckloads of fresh vegetables, trunkloads
of baked goods, and boxfuls of handmade items. Farmers markets in London, West Jefferson, and Plain
City are prepping for the start of the season.
Fresh from the farm
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
Summer is just around the corner, and that means
farmers market season is about to start. Get ready to
check out the goods at these local markets.
Madison County Farmers Market
The Madison County Producers Association has set
June 10 as opening day for the Madison County Farmers
Market. The market runs from 8 a.m. to noon on
Saturdays in front of Tractor Supply Center, 300
Lafayette St., London.
Several vendors are signed up to sell vegetables,
cookies, breads, sausage, craft items, jewelry, and more.
The market stands out for the fact that all items sold
must be grown or made in Madison County.
Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can leave a
message for Cynthia Derosier, organizer, at (740) 262-
6223 or inquire at the market. Spaces are $10 per session
or $30 for the season. The market runs through
October.
West Jefferson Farmers Market
Terry Lambert and Sherry Hook, co-coordinators of
the West Jefferson Farmers Market, invite the public to
opening day on June 10. The market operates from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in the parking lot at Pat’s
Pizza & Pub, 55 E. Main St.
“We have a lot of the same vendors back that we had
last year. There will be vegetables, baked goods, handmade
crafts. We have one person who sells roasted nuts
with different flavors,” Lambert said.
Sweet Madeline’s Vintage Bakery, a West Jefferson
restaurant, will be cooking up breakfast sandwiches at
the market.
Lambert said the market did really well last year,
thanks in part to good weather.
Once again, the market will be accepting senior
vouchers. The program, organized through LifeCare Alliance,
provides senior citizens with vouchers to purchase
goods at the farmers market. Anyone interested
in the vouchers can inquire at the market or call Life-
Care Alliance at (614) 278-3130.
To reserve a vendor space, call Lambert at (740) 837-
0131 or stop by during market hours. The market season
runs through the second week of October.
Plain City Farmers Market
Kickoff day for the Plain City Farmers Market is
July 4, 9 a.m. to noon, in conjunction with the village’s
July Fourth parade festivities. From then on, the market
will be open 4:30-7 p.m. Thursdays, July 6-Oct. 5. It
is located at 101 S. Chillicothe St., near Bicentennial
Park in the middle of uptown Plain City.
Shoppers can expect to find an array of produce,
meat, baked goods, fresh eggs, dog treats, crafts, and
other homemade items, including soaps, candles, and
aromatherapy goods.
Manager Denton Kitts is lining up entertainment
and special events, as well. Children’s activities and live
music are in the works. On July 20, the market will host
a food drive for the Plain City Food Pantry.
Each week, a different food truck will set up at the
market. The schedule is as follows:
July 13—Guelaguetza Mexican Street Food;
July 20—Dreia’s Kitchen;
July 27—Schmidt’s Sausage Truck;
Aug. 3—Smokehouse 614;
Aug. 10—The Paddy Wagon;
Aug. 17—Tortilla;
Aug. 24—JD’s Farmhouse;
Aug. 31—The Explorer’s Club;
Sept. 7—Eye of the Tiger Streetfood;
Sept. 14—Tacomania;
Sept. 21—The Forking Perogi;
Sept. 28—Schmidt’s Sausage House; and
Oct. 5—Grilled Cheese Gangsters.
“We also have something new going on this year,”
Kitts said. “We are accepting SNAP/EBT cards for qualifying
purchases, and we are accepting WIC vouchers.”
Vendor spaces are available for $40 for the season or
$10 per week. A vendor application can be found at
www.plain-city.com/farmersmarket.
For more information, contact Kitts at (614) 873-
3527, ext. 108, or dkitts@plain-city.com.
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PAGE 6 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 28, 2023
Friday Night Uptown
Messenger photos by Jeff Pfeil
The village of West Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department held its first Friday Night Uptown on May
19. A large crowd attended to enjoy food trucks, chalk art, balloon animals, face painting, bounce houses,
stage entertainment, and touch-a-truck with local police and fire departments. Here, 7-year-old Rilynn
Richardson and her 6-year-old cousin, Maverick Miller work hard on their chalk art at the event.
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Click It or Ticket campaign
continues life-saving mission
On May 18, the Madison County Safe Communities Coalition
promoted seat belt safety in conjunction with the national “Click It
or Ticket” awareness campaign which runs through June 4.
The London Dairy Queen provided coupons toward free ice
cream cones for residents “caught” wearing their seat belts on May
18. Data collected at the event showed that 83 percent of residents
were wearing their seat belts.
“This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign kickoff was a major success,”
said Lauren Sweeney, Community Health Educator at Madison
County Public Health. “Through our enforcement efforts, we
believe we helped keep community members safe and reminded
drivers of the importance of buckling up. Issuing tickets was not
our goal, but it was a way to remind people of the importance of
such a simple action.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), 50 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in
crashes in 2021 were unrestrained. During this year’s campaign,
NHTSA urges law enforcement nationwide to issue seat belt citations
to anyone caught in violation of the law—during the day, and
especially at night, when 57 percent of those killed are unrestrained.
The national seat belt use rate in 2022 was 91.6 percent.
The Click It or Ticket campaign is focusing on the remaining 8.4
percent who still don’t buckle up. Thousands of lives could be saved
each year if every person was properly restrained on the road.
Agencies represented at Madison County’s Click It or Ticket
kick-off included Madison County Public Health, the Madison
County Emergency Management Agency, the Madison County
Sheriff’s Office, the London Police Department, the West Jefferson
Police Department, the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office, and
the West Jefferson Post of the State Highway Patrol.
For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, visit
NHTSA.gov/ciot. For more information about the Safe Communities
Coalition, contact Madison County Public Health at (740) 852-3065
or at info@madisonpublichealth.org.
Adalyn Blanchard, 3, is very happy with
her balloon animal that she is showing off
at Friday Night Uptown.
Gideon Pearson, 3, of West Jefferson is pleased with his face
painting.
Dwyer – Stortzum
Julia E. Dwyer, 2/24/39-4/9/23
Ruben G. Stortzum, 6/26/31-3/12/23
Julia and Reuben of Villa Park, Illinois passed away
within a month of each other after celebrating 44
years of marriage.
Ruben leaves his sons Bradley (Nancy), Bruce
(Janice) and John (Josephine); grandchildren Agnel, Sarina, Tiesha,
Joshua, Brent and Christine; 8 great grandchildren and 4 great-great
grandchildren. Predeceased by son Richard, brother Arno and sister
Eunice Lewis. Ruben was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and
active in his parish at St. Alexander Church.
Julia was the daughter of Paul M. and Helen Keyes Dwyer. Julia
grew up in London, Ohio and graduated from London High School
(Class of 1957), St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame and received a
master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She was retired
from University of Illinois Hospital. Predeceased by her parents,
sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Maurice Beathard, brother
Jimmy, niece Dawn, great nephew Zane and great niece Shannon.
Surviving her are her nephews, the Beathard brothers: Mike
(Margarita), Steve (Leanne), Jeff (Sandy Rodabaugh), Tim (Ann), Bill
(Johnda) Greg (Linda Giglio) and Scott (Christi). Great nieces and
nephews: Paul, William, Hallie, Hillary, Paige, Amber, Sarah, Lindsey,
Jessica, Chelsea, Todd, Ashley, Erica, Melissa, Laura, Jill and
Andrea. Also 33 great-great nieces and nephews.
Julia was an avid traveler and was very active in many missions at
St. Alexander’s Parish. She will be deeply missed by all her parish
friends, neighbors and family.
Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Patrick’s Church, 61 South
Union Street, London, Ohio 43140 on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11
A.M. Burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

www.madisonmessengernews.com May 28, 2023 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 7
Messenger photo by Jeff Pfeil
Lady Riders are district champs
West Jefferson softball avenged its only loss of the season to North Union by defeating
the Wildcats 9-1 to win the Division III District Finals on May 27 at Pickerington
High School Central. The Lady Riders gave up a home run in the first inning but came
back to tie it in the bottom of the inning. The third inning was a big inning for West
Jefferson taking a commanding lead by scoring six runs with a three-run home run
by catcher Kassie Simmons. The Riders added a run in the fourth inning and finished
their scoring with another home run by Simmons in the fifth inning. Here, the Lady
Riders bite their medals and show off their Division III District championship trophy.
community calendar
OLDHAM
Paul Andrew Oldham, 48, of London,
passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, at his
residence.
Born February 1, 1975, in Troy, Ohio, he
was a son of Jackie Lee and Carolyn
(Reeder) Oldham.
Paul was a graduate of Miami East High
School in Casstown, Ohio, and went on to
serve a career in security where he worked
for various companies.
He leaves behind children Emily Elliott,
Andrew Oldham, and Elizabeth Oldham;
stepsons Chad Houser II and Toby Potter;
grandson Blake Duff; siblings Thomas
(Janet) Oldham, Daniel Oldham, and
Rachel (Ryan) Oldham-Fleming; several
nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in
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death by his parents.
Private services are being held at the
convenience of the family.
Paul’s arrangements have been entrusted
to the EBERLE-FISHER FU-
NERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103
North Main Street, London, where condolences
for the family are encouraged to be
shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.
James Lee Kauffer, age 76, passed
away with his family by his side on Wednesday,
May 17, 2023 at Doctors Hospital. James was
born on March 16, 1947 in Pike County,
Kentucky to Ishmael and Nannie Kauffer.
After graduating high school, James proudly
served his country in the United States Army.
James retired from General Motors after 25
years. He was Mayor of Somerford and
formerly longtime resident of London, Ohio.
James will be remembered as the most loving,
well liked and generous man in the county.
Survived by his wife, Judith Gill; sons, Bryan
Kauffer, Brandon (Stacy) Kauffer and Brian Gill;
many grandchildren; brother, Bill (Judy)
Kauffer; sister, Linda (Benny) Freeman; several
nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents and sons,
Brad and Jimmy Kauffer. Per Jim’s wishes there
will be no public visitation. Family will hold a
Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements
entrusted to Advantage Funeral Home
& Cremation by Schoedinger Hilltop.
Mt. Sterling Community Center
The Mount Sterling Community Center is located at
164 E. Main St. For details, call (740) 869-2453.
May 30—3-6 p.m., the food pantry is available for
households that are income eligible. Distribution of prepacked
food boxes will be delivered to your vehicle.
Please remain in your vehicle and you will be assisted
in numerical order. Bring proof of residence at first visit
and picture ID every visit. Call (740) 869-2453 for more
information.
5-6 p.m., Take Off Pounds Sensibly
7-8 p.m., Alcoholic Anonymous
May 31—10 a.m.-3 p.m., sewing for adults
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., senior lunch program for anyone
60 or older; RSVP at (740) 869-2453
5-6 p.m., all level yoga class, $10
June 1–10 a.m.-noon, food pantry for households that
are income eligible. Distribution of pre-packed food
boxes will be delivered to your vehicle. Please remain in
your vehicle and you will be assisted in
numerical order. Please bring proof of residence at first
visit and picture ID every visit.
10 a.m.-noon, WIC participants can sign up and load
benefits at the center the first Thursday of the month.
WIC provides food packages to income eligible pregnant
women and children until age 5. WIC also provides nutrition
education and breastfeeding support to anyone
in the community. Call (740) 852-3068 to make an appointment.
June 3–10 a.m.-3 p.m., sewing for all ages
June 4—6:30-7:30 p.m., Alcoholics Anonymous
7-8 p.m., HEAT training (plyometrics, speed, and
agility) for grades K-12
June 5-Aug. 11–Summer youth program, 10 a.m.-1
p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
June 15-17–Summer Jam festival
Produce Market—second and fourth Tuesdays of
every month.
Fair Board Meetings
The Madison County Fair Board meets at 7:15 p.m.
the first Wednesday of each month at Butcher Block
Restaurant, 2280 State Rte. 56 SW, London.
Unforgotten.
They were there for us and for our country.
Some couldn’t wait to come home to the families
they loved... others gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Today, as every day, they remain unforgotten.
Funeral Home and Crematory
103 North Main Street
London, Ohio 43140-1144
(740) 852-2345
www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com
©2001 Adfinity TM

PAGE 8 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 28, 2023
ONLY $130.00
community calendar
DNA Summer Camps
Daily Needs Assistance is hosting summer camps at
Sharon Mennonite Church, 7675 Amity Pike, Plain
City. The camp for grades 7-8 is set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
June 12-16. The camp for grades 1-6 is set for 10:30
a.m.-1 p.m. June 26-July 14. The camps are open to
youths in the Jonathan Alder and Fairbanks school districts.
For details, visit www.dnasummercamp.org.
Youth Volleyball Camp
London High School is hosting a youth volleyball
camp June 15-16 in the high school gym. Session 1 is
for grades 2-5 and runs 9 a.m.-noon. Session 2 is for
grades 6-8 and runs 1-4 p.m. High school and middle
school coaches and previous and current players will
lead camp activities.
Registration is $50 through June 12 or $60 for walkup
athletes. Fees are cash only and accepted on-site the
first day of camp during check-in.
For details and a registration link, email
redraidervbcoaches@outlook.com.
Mount Sterling Alumni Banquet
The Mount Sterling-Plains Alumni Banquet is set for
June 10 at the Mount Sterling Community Center, 164
E. Main St. Check-in and social hour are 5-6 p.m. To
register, pick up a flyer at the community center. Tickets
are $25. Ben & Joy’s is catering the meal. Reservations
are due by May 31. Send payments to: “Mt.
Sterling Alumni Association,” c/o Kathy Endres, 281
New St., Mount Sterling, OH 43143.
Monroe Alumni Banquet
The Monroe Alumni Banquet will take place from
4:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 17 at Monroe Elementary, 5000
State Rte. 38, London (Plumwood). Der Dutchman
Restaurant will cater a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets
are $20. Reservations are due by June 6. Send payments
to “Monroe Alumni Banquet,” c/o Ron Smith,
8340 Lucas Pike, Plain City, OH 43064. For more information,
call (614) 879-9064.
West High 50-Year Reunion
The West High School Class of 1973 is hosting its 50-
year reunion. Alumni are invited to tour West High
School 4-5:45 p.m. July 21, then meet at Bella’s Pizza
6-10 p.m. On July 22, alumni will gather in the Hollywood
Casino Ballroom 6-11 p.m. The cost is $30 per person.
For details, contact Wanda Estepp Ross at (614)
570-9899.
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Car Show
The village of West Jefferson is hosting a Cruisin’
with the Mayor car show on June 16, 6-8:30 p.m., at 33
S. Center St. Free registration starts at 5 p.m. with
awards after 8:30. Prizes include: first place, $100 and
a trophy; second place, $75 and a trophy; third place,
$50 and a trophy; and mayor’s choice, plaque and a
West Jefferson package. All winners will receive gift
cards to Flyers Pizza.
Ally & Parker will perform from 6 to 7 p.m. Fleetwood
Gold will perform from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Food trucks
for the night include Guelaguetza Mexican Street Food,
Schmidt’s, Taesty’s, and Layla’s Sweet Treats.
Fish Fries in West Jefferson
American Legion Post 201, 9701 W. Broad St., West
Jefferson, will host fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. the first
and third Fridays of each month through Oct. 20. Items
available for donation include fish and fries, fish sandwiches,
fries, sides, and soda. Carry out or eat in. Proceeds
help veterans and Buckeye Boys State and Girls
State delegates. Any donations are appreciated.
Fish Fries in Mount Sterling
Through the summer, the Knights of Pythias are
hosting perch fish fries from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the last
Thursday and Friday of the month at Veterans Field
next to the Mount Sterling Community Center, 164 E.
Main St.
Plain City Events
The village of Plain City is hosting the following
events. For more information, call (614) 873-3527, ext.
118, or visit the village’s parks and recreation Facebook
page.
• Bluegrass & BBQ. Enjoy live music and good food
12-7 p.m. June 4 at Pastime Park, 370 N. Chillicothe St.
• Ice Cream with a Farmer. 2-4 p.m. June 10 at Pastime
Park, 370 N. Chillicothe St.
• Music in the Park. Enjoy live music at 7 p.m. June
11, June 18, and June 25 at Pastime Park, 370 N. Chillicothe
St.
• Fly with Falcons. This educational program will
take place 6-8 p.m. June 23 in the south shelter at Pastime
Park, 370 N. Chillicothe St.
• Safety Town. Incoming kindergarteners in the
Jonathan Alder Local School District are invited to participate
in Safety Town. The event is set for 10 a.m.-12
p.m. daily, June 26-29, at Plain City Elementary, 580
S. Chillicothe St. The cost is $45. Registration closes on
May 1.
West Jefferson Events
The West Jefferson village parks and
recreation department is hosting the following
events. For more information, contact
Shelton Stanley at (614) 879-8655 or (614)
307-6543.
• Fishing Derbies. The village invites
families to go fishing at the Krazy Glue
pond, 1450 W. Main St., on June 18, July 15,
and Aug. 12. Times are 10 a.m.-noon with
the exception of June 18 when the derby will
run 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The village provides
lunch, live bait, and poles and tackle boxes
while supplies last. Participants are encouraged
to bring their own poles and tackle.

PAGE 16 - MADISON MESSENGER - May 28, 2023
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