Madison Messenger - June 11th, 2023

madison 

June 11, 2023 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XXXVIII No. 24 

Metal detecting treasures, page 4 

Festivities set for 

Summer Jam ‘23 

By Kristy Zurbrick 

Madison Editor 

The Mount Sterling Chamber of Commerce is hosting three days 

of family-friendly fun with their annual Summer Jam Festival. 

Dates and times are: June 15, 5-10 p.m.; June 16, 5-11 p.m.; and 

June 17, 12-11 p.m. 

Activities are taking place on London Street between Church and 

Columbus streets and on Main Street one block to the east and one 

block to the west of London Street. Visitors can enjoy rides, food, 

children’s activities, vendors, contests, and, of course, music. 

“Each year, the festival grows,” said Barbie Wallace, one of the 

event organizers. “It’s such a community feeling, seeing everybody 

gathering, talking, walking around, and enjoying themselves.” 

Music 

Live music is one of Summer Jam’s main attractions with two 

stages dishing up a variety of bands and musical genres. 

The Hammertime Pub Stage, located on South London Street, 

will welcome For What It’s Worth on Thursday. The group plays a 

great mix of all kinds of music. Sean Poole & Buckin’ Crazy are set 

to perform on Friday, playing traditional country, ‘90s country, 

blues, and southern rock. On Saturday, The Firebird Band will 

bring their love of southern and classic rock to the festival. 

The Masonic Lodge stage, located on North London Street near 

Chase Bank, has a full line-up, too. A deejay and dance music are 

planned for Thursday night. On Friday, solo act Bill Wilt will perform 

country and folk music. Free Candy follows, playing pop and 

rock tunes, then returns to the stage for the early evening slot on 

Saturday. Rounding out the weekend is 

soloist Laureen Phoeb performing originals 

and pop songs. A deejay will play a variety 

of music any time during the festival when 

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the stage isn’t occupied by a contest or another 

band. 

Children’s Activities and Rides 

Mt. Sterling OH Rocks invites children 

ages 2-17 to search for rocks painted in a patriotic 

theme and hidden around downtown. 

Participants can report their finds to the 

festival information booth to redeem a prize. 

Twenty rocks will be hidden each day. 

A children’s craft tent is planned for Saturday, 

12-6 p.m. 

The village of Mount Sterling’s parks and 

recreation committee will have a fishing, 

boating, and water safety-themed booth on 

Saturday, 3-5 p.m. They will hand out free 

life jackets to children ages 1-18 while supplies 

last. They also are holding a free drawing 

for two child-sized kayaks and three 

adult-size kayaks. The giveaways were 

made possible in part by Ohio Division of 

Wildlife aquatic education grants. At the 

same time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

will be set up alongside the parks and 

recreation booth, giving out water 

safety/fun items. They donated some of the 

life jackets that will be given away. 

Children and adults alike hang on as the Noah’s Ark amusement 

ride takes them high into the sky at last year’s Summer Jam Festival 

in Mount Sterling. 

Amusement rides will be set up all three days. A $15 wristband 

will be good for unlimited rides 12-4 p.m. Saturday only. The rides 

will shut down from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday per state mandate. 

Food and Shopping 

Festival visitors will have plenty of food options, thanks to food 

trucks selling everything from pizza, tacos, and nachos to Philly 

cheesesteaks, fries, and bologna sandwiches. Additionally, the Masonic 

Lodge will be selling kettle corn, hot dogs, chips, and lemonade 

shake-ups. 

A variety of vendors are signed up to sell their wares during the 

festival. Shoppers will find skin and beauty care products, women’s 

clothing and accessories, dog treats, home decor and repurposed furnishings, 

and hand-dipped ice cream. 

Anyone would like to reserve a vendor space can contact Wallace 

at (614) 832-0796 or theurbanpineapple@yahoo.com. The cost is: 

$25 per day for Thursday/Friday; $40 for Saturday only; or $75 for 

all three days. Food trucks must set up all three days; the cost is 

$125. 

See SUMMER JAM page 2 

Madison-Plains Local Schools 

What’s next 

for facilities? 

By Kristy Zurbrick 

Madison Editor 

Does the district go back to the ballot? If 

so, when and with what proposal? 

These are questions the Madison-Plains 

school board considered in a work session on 

May 31 in the wake of the district’s failed 

attempt to pass a bond issue to build a new 

facility for all grades. 

The cost of the proposed project was $68 

million. If passed, the levy would have covered 

$63 million, and the Ohio Facilities 

Construction Commission (OFCC) would 

have covered the rest. The 9.9-mill property 

tax to cover the debt service would have cost 

taxpayers $347 per year per $100,000 of 

property valuation. A little over 55 percent 

of voters cast “no” votes. 

School board president Mark Mason favors 

returning to the ballot for the Nov. 7 

election, saying the need for new facilities 

hasn’t changed, however, he wants to find a 

way to lower the millage in order to lower 

the burden on taxpayers. 

One of many scenarios the board discussed 

would involve the school district contributing 

funds to the facility project. 

Treasurer Todd Mustain laid out a couple of 

scenarios, both of which assume the scope of 

the project would remain the same as what 

was proposed for the May ballot issue. If the 

district contributed $500,000 per year to the 

building project, the millage request would 

drop from 9.9 mills to 8.7 mills, he said. If 

the amount was $1 million per year, the 

millage would drop to 7.5 mills. 

School board member Bryan Stonerock 

agreed with Mason about better chances of 

success with a lower millage request, but he 

is concerned about the district making contributions 

to the project. The more money 

the district commits to that scenario, the 

sooner the district would be back to voters 

for its regular permanent improvement and 

operating levies. 

Superintendent Chad Eisler’s opinion is 

that the board go back to voters with a request 

similar to the first attempt. 

“This was our best first attempt for a 

bond issue in school district history,” he said 

of the May 2 election results. He added the 

board could take the time between now and 

the next election to continue to inform the 

public of the need and the plan. 

See FACILITIES page 5

PAGE 2 - MADISON MESSENGER - June 11, 2023 

SUMMER JAM 

Continued from page 1 

Games and Contests 

Youths in grades K-12 will compete for 

the titles of Little Mister, Little Miss, Young 

Mister, Young Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss 

in the royalty contest slated for Thursday 

night. On Sunday afternoon, it’s all about 

the even younger set; ages 0-24 will compete 

in the baby contest, and ages 25 

months to 4 years old will vie for prince and 

princess titles. 

A cornhole tournament is on the schedule 

for Friday night. The cost to enter is $10 

per team. Winners will receive trophies and 

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 

MM MAY 28 & JUNE 11, 2023 

MM2023261 

other prizes. 

Any kind of pet is welcome in the pet costume 

contest. Trophies and Chamber bucks 

(good at participating stores) will go to the 

first-, second-, and third-place finishers. 

The contest is set for Saturday afternoon, as 

are the balloon toss and bike decorating 

contest. All are free to enter. 

The Mount Sterling Community Center 

is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament 

on Friday night at the center, 164 E. Main 

St. The entry fee is $100 per team. Registration 

and entry fees are due by 5 p.m. 

June 12. Go online to https://tourneymachine.com/E127523 

to sign up. For details, 

call (740) 869-2453 or email 

msccdir@gmail.com. 

The Community Center also is putting 

on a car, truck, and bike show on Saturday 

at the center. Registration runs 9 a.m.-1:30 

p.m. Awards are set for 3 p.m. The entry fee 

is $20. Cash prizes, games, music, and raffles 

are planned. For details and to register, 

contact Tony Mercurio at (614) 668-3070 or 

centralohioflight@gmail.com. Proceeds go to 

the community center and Central Ohio 

Flight Basketball. 

General Info 

Festival organizers will man an information 

booth at the intersection of London and 

Main streets. Mount Sterling Church of the 

Nazarene will set up a cooling station all 

three days of the festival. 

Thursday, June 15 

5 p.m.—Flag raising ceremony featuring 

the Mount Sterling American Legion, 

along with Lucas Anthony singing the National 

Anthem (town hall lawn) 

5 p.m.—Announcement of Beautiful Yard 

Contest winners (town hall lawn) 

5 p.m.—Rides, vendor market, food trucks, 

and outdoor seating at Hammer Time Pub 

open 

6 p.m.—Royalty contest for contestants entering 

grades K-12 (Masonic Lodge stage) 

7-9 p.m.—Deejay and dance music (Masonic 

Lodge stage) 

7-10 p.m.—For What It’s Worth band 

(Hammer Time Pub stage) 

10 p.m.—Festival closes 

Friday, June 16 

5 p.m.—Rides, vendor market, food trucks, 


open 

5-7 p.m.—Bill Wilt performs (Masonic 

Lodge stage) 

6 p.m.—3-on-3 basketball tournament 

(Community Center) 

6:30 p.m.—Registration for corn hole contest 

(town hall lawn) 

www.madisonmessengernews.com 

Summer Jam Schedule of Events 

Saturday, June 17 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.—Car, truck, and bike show 

(Community Center) 

Noon—Rides, vendor market, food trucks, 


open 

Noon-4 p.m.—$15 wristbands for rides 

Noon—Royalty contest (Masonic Lodge 

stage) 

Noon-6 p.m.—Kids’ craft tent 

2 p.m.—Balloon toss (town hall lawn) 

2:30 p.m.—Registration for pet costume 

contest (Masonic Lodge stage) 

3 p.m.—Pet costume contest (Masonic 

Lodge stage 

3-5 p.m.—Free children’s event (town hall 

lawn) 

3:45 p.m.—Bike decorating contest registration 

(town hall lawn) 

4-5 p.m.—Rides closed for one hour per 

state mandate 

4 p.m.—Bike decorating contest (town hall 

lawn) 

4-7 p.m.—Free Candy band (Masonic Lodge 

stage) 

7 p.m.—Corn hole contest sponsored by Jeff 

and Becky Martin (town hall lawn) 

7-10 p.m.—Free Candy band (Masonic 

Lodge stage) 

7-11 p.m.—Sean Poole & Buckin Crazy 

band (Hammer Time Pub stage) 

11 p.m.—Festival closes 

5 p.m. -Rides reopen 

7-11 p.m.—The Firebird Band (Hammer 

Time Pub stage) 

8-10 p.m.—Laureen Phoebe performs (Masonic 

Lodge stage) 

11 p.m.—Festival closes. 

New principal at LHS 

Gerald 

McHenry 

4x3 

(process) 

London City Schools has hired 

Rismiller was one of four finalists 

for the London High School 

a new principal at the high school. 

Ryan Rismiller, principal at 

principal position. A group of students, 

parents, staff, teachers, and 

Meadowdale, a Dayton Public 

School focused on career and technical 

education, will officially take 

views. 

administrators conducted the inter- 

the helm on Aug. 1. He replaces 

“Ultimately, his vision for leading 

LHS, his genuine and relation- 

Michael Browning who accepted 

the position of superintendent at 

ship-driven personality, and his 

Shelby City Schools. 

vast prior experience helped make 

Ryan Rismiller 

Prior to his time at Meadowdale, 

Rismiller served as principal at Gra- 

London Superintendent Dr. Lou Kramer. 

him the ideal candidate,” said 

ham High School and as assistant principal When asked about his new position, Rismiller 

said he was very excited to lead Lon- 

with Marion City Schools. He began his career 

as an agricultural science and special don High School and to be a part of the 

education teacher before moving into school London community during an unprecedented 

time of positive growth. 

administration. He holds two master’s degrees, 

one in special education and one in While his first official day is Aug. 1, Rismiller 

will work several weeks in July to 

school leadership, as well as a bachelor’s degree 

in agricultural science. 

aid in a successful transition.

www.madisonmessengernews.com June 11, 2023 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 3 

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■ Give your family a thoughtful, loving gift 

Messenger photo by Jeff Pfeil 

Michael Foods cuts ribbon in West Jeff 

Michael Foods held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 23 at their new plant in West Jefferson. Holding the 

scissors are Darcy Davenport, CEO of BellRing Brands, and Mark Westphal, CEO of Michael Foods. They 

were joined by their associates and members of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Michael Foods 

is a manufacturer, processor and distributor of foodservice, food ingredient, and retail offerings, including 

egg products, refrigerated potatoes, and other proteins and side items. 

Choose wisely. 

Sure, you can flip the page and ignore this ad, but why would you? 

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Sircle Health & Wellness opens 

Messenger photo by Jeff Pfeil 

Sircle Health & Wellness opened this spring at 82 E. Main St., West Jefferson. Holding the scissors at the 

ribbon-cutting is owner Stephanie Van Winkle. Joining her are her family members, friends, and representatives 

of the village of West Jefferson and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Sircle Health & Wellness 

is a pain management clinic offering soqi treatment, deep cold laser treatment, medical massages, 

aroma touch, and body mass index treatment. Hours are: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 11 

a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, call (614) 406-9730. 

Chance to become youth ambassador 

Madison County Prevention is accepting applications 

for its Youth Ambassadors program. Youth Ambassadors 

plan community and school-based events, earn 

community service hours, gain leadership skills, and 

serve as a link for peers and the community. Those selected 

for the program are eligible for a $500 scholarship 

to a college or trade school. 

For more information or to fill out an application, go 

to www.madisoncountyprevention.org/youth-ambassador 

or call (740) 852-6342.



Metal detecting: Loving the thrill of the hunt 

Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle 

Mark Germann, a relic hunter from West Jefferson, recently 

shared his experiences with the hobby of metal detecting at a program 

at Hurt/Battelle Memorial Library. 

These are just a handful of the items Mark Germann and his wife, 

Vicki, have discovered over the past decade while relic hunting 

with a metal detector. The items include a Seated Liberty half-dollar 

from 1876, Indian Head coins, engraved spoons from the 

1800s, rings, and antique pocket knives. 

By Dedra Cordle 

Staff Writer 

Presenter Mark Germann issued a word of caution 

to those who visited Hurt/Battelle Memorial Library recently 

to learn about the weird and wonderful world of 

metal detecting. 

“I have to warn you all that once you start metal detecting, 

you are probably not going to be able to stop 

metal detecting,” said the avid relic hunter from West 

Jefferson. “It can be addicting in ways you could never 

imagine.” 

Mark first caught the metal detecting bug after his 

older brother, Frank, rented a metal detector to help a 

friend find a ring she lost while doing yardwork. 

“Frank was about 10 years older than me, and he 

never wanted me to come 

along with him to, well, anywhere 

at that point,” Mark 

said. “But I was young, and 

he knew that I liked to dig 

up things and get dirty, so he 

allowed me to join him in 

trying to find her ring.” 

The metal detector Frank 

rented looked nothing like 

the lightweight, sleek models 

on the market today. 

“It was this black box that 

didn’t make any noise when 

it picked up metal in the 

ground, but it did have this 

needle that went crazy when 

it detected an object hidden 

below the earth,” Mark said. 

The brothers took the 

metal detector all around the property, crawling on 

their hands and knees and digging holes when the needle 

told them an item was nearby. 

They managed to locate the ring, along with a handful 

of other items, including old coins and some compacted 

trash. Mark loved the thrill of the hunt. 

“I went home and begged my mother to buy us (a 

metal detector),” he said. 

Through the rest of his childhood and into his 

teenage years, Mark scoured old houses and farm fields 

near his home in southern Franklin County, finding 

hundreds of historic objects. 

“I was always on the lookout for arrowheads and 

other Indian coins, but I had to put the metal detecting 

away for a while” when jobs and family came into focus, 

he said. 

Thirteen years ago, Mark’s wife Vicki asked for a few 

gift ideas to celebrate his upcoming birthday. She didn’t 

know his passion for metal detecting had bubbled to the 

surface again. 

When Mark made the odd request for a metal detector, 

Vicki said she just gave a big sigh and rolled her 

eyes. 

“He could have asked for something worse, I suppose,” 

she joked. 

With a new metal detector in hand, Mark resumed 

his beloved hobby and even got his reluctant wife involved. 

“It is very fun and addicting, but he enjoys it much 

more than I do,” Vicki said. “He does all the research, finds 

out all the places to go, and I’m just along for the ride.” 

Mark said the research facet is something he has 

grown to love over the years. Most local museums have 

maps of the county dating back to the 1800s that can 

point relic hunters to potentially great finds, he said. 

For example, Mark and Vicki have used the maps to 

find a Seated Liberty half-dollar from the 1800s and two 

Mark Germann found this collection of tools and 

weapons in fields around Madison County. He 

said he loves to explore land in the area because 

he almost always finds something interesting. 

breastplates worn by Union soldiers during the Civil 

War. Although they have individually and collectively 

found hundreds of antique coins and artifacts, the couple 

said these items are counted among their most 

prized possessions. 

“I don’t know if they have any monetary value because 

I am afraid I would be too tempted to sell them if 

they did,” Mark said, “but I do know these have a lot of 

personal value to us.” 

It’s not just the thrill of the search that keeps him 

involved in the hobby —“although it is fun to go out there 

because you never know what you are going to find,” he 

said—but everything else that comes with it, like the 

conversation and connections formed with other relic 

hunters and with property owners who allow him on 

their land. 

“What I love most about 

metal detecting is that it gets 

you out of the house, it gets 

you outside, it gets you moving,” 

he said. “You meet interesting 

people, you talk to 

interesting people, and it has 

kinda brought me out of my 

shell a bit because it has 

made me get out there and 

talk to people.” 

Mark said he never 

thought he would be comfortable 

walking up to people in 

the field to ask them about 

the history of their property, 

just as he never thought he 

would be comfortable hosting 

a presentation about metal 

detecting to a room full of strangers. 

“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s full of surprises,” he said. “I 

would recommend metal detecting to anyone who has a 

curiosity about the community and about the world.” 

Mark shared a few basic rules of etiquette for those 

interested in metal detecting. They include: 

• Respecting private property—Always ask for the 

property owner’s permission to detect on their land. 

• Getting that permission in writing, if possible. 

• Offering to share any valuables with the property 

owner. 

• Leaving as little sign of your presence as possible 

by filling in holes. 

• Being courteous and throwing away uncovered 

trash. 

• Being respectful of wildlife and the natural environment. 

• Reporting the discovery of any items of possible significant 

historical value to a local historian or museum. 

• The prohibition of metal detecting around archaeological 

monuments. 

• Reporting live ammunition to other potentially 

lethal objects to the authorities. 

Mark said those interested in getting started should 

research the various types of metal detectors as some 

are more technologically advanced than others. 

He also encourages people to ask questions. They can 

find answers on the many Facebook pages dedicated to 

the hobby, including the Central Ohio Metal Detecting 

Society’s page. Additionally, members of the Darby 

Creek Chapter of the Archaeological Society of Ohio are 

always willing to answer questions and share tips. The 

chapter meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each 

month (except June, July, August, and December) at the 

Madison County Historical Society, 260 E. High St., 

London.


Watch ham radio operators in action June 24-25 

No matter what direction the district takes with future 

levy attempts, board vice president Anthoula 

Xenikis wants the district to address some of the concerns 

taxpayers expressed in the last election, including 

the amount of land to be used for a new facility project 

and providing a visual plan for its layout and placement 

on campus. 

Other funding/financing possibilities 

After the May 2 election, the district became aware 

of a couple of unconventional financing and funding opportunities 

for the facility project, Eisler reported. 

After the election, the Hillsboro, Ohio, office of the 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

reached out to Madison-Plains, offering a 3.75 percent 

fixed interest rate on a bond issue through the federal 

government. The current interest rate for the proposed 

project is 5 percent through a traditional municipal 

bond setup. If the 3.75 percent rate were secured, the 

district could drop its millage request from 9.9 mills to 

8.7 mills, Mustain said. 

The offer comes with challenges and unknowns, 

Eisler noted. For one, the USDA requires an environmental 

study which usually takes 60 to 90 days, and the 

interest rate is set to change on July 1. Additionally, the 

federal Build America By America Act (BABA) requires 

that such projects use only American-made materials 

which could increase costs. Also, as far as the district 

knows, the OFCC has not done a project involving the 

BABA Act, and only one other Ohio school district has 

partnered with USDA for this type of financing. 

At this time, Eisler and Mustain said they are pursuing 

the opportunity despite the hurdles because it 

presents a potential cost savings. Due to time constraints 

for ballot deadlines, however, Mustain said it’s 

not likely they would have an agreement in place in 

time for the November ballot. 

The other unconventional opportunity that came up 

after the May election involves the state budget which 

Gov. Mike DeWine is slated to sign into law on July 1. 

“We were made aware of an opportunity to increase 

the state share for the (facility) project through a proposed 

amendment to the Ohio Revised Code,” Eisler 

said. 

Right now, Madison-Plains qualifies for 9 percent 

funding through OFCC for the facility project. If the 

proposed amendment were signed into law with the 

state budget, the district could get an additional 25 percent 

in OFCC funding for the project, taking the state 

The Madison County Amateur Radio Club will participate 

in a national emergency communications preparedness 

exercise on June 24-25. The exercise, known 

as Field Day, involves setting up and operating emergency 

radio communications using amateur (ham) radio 

to communicate with similar operations throughout the 

country. 

The club will conduct its 2023 Field Day operations 

at the Deercreek Township Hall, 75 Middle St., 

Lafayette, beginning at 2 p.m. June 24 and operating 

for up to 24 hours, concluding at 2 p.m. June 25. 

Operations will include digital messaging, as well as 

voice and Morse Code communications. The Madison 

County club members will demonstrate the “magic” of 

ham radio by contacting hams across the country while 

using wire antennas, low power radios and emergency 

power. 

The public is invited to come and see modern amateur 

radio technology in action and learn about this ex- 

FACILITIES 

Continued from page 1 

citing hobby. Club members will be available 

to answer questions, provide literature, 

and help visitors get on the air. Best 

visiting times are 2-6 p.m. Saturday and 

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. 

Field Day is sponsored by ARRL, the 

national association for amateur radio, 

and has been an annual event since 1933. 

This year’s operations are expected to involve 

more than 40,000 ham radio operators 

from across North America. 

Often using only emergency power, 

ham operators construct and operate 

emergency stations in parks, shopping 

malls, schools, and backyards around the 

country. Their slogan, “When All Else Fails, Ham 

Radio Works,” is demonstrated by hams who can send 

messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, 

Internet, or any other infrastructure that can be 

contribution from $5.5 million to $21 million and lowering 

the millage rate for a proposed bond issue from 

9.9 mills to 7.5 mills. 

In return, the district would have to work with a 

state community college on agriculture preservation 

and service industry workforce development programs 

and curriculum. This opportunity and requirement 

would be available to any school district planning to 

build a new building on existing district land used for 

agricultural purposes. 

Madison-Plains leaders presented the proposed 

amendment language to state senators Bob Hackett and 

Stephanie Kunze who, in turn, introduced it into the 

state budget process. 

“We do not know how this is going to turn out at this 

point in time, but Mr. Mustain and I want to do everything 

we can to try to help save this community money,” 

Eisler said. 

Renovation idea 

The district’s original bond issue proposal included 

$6.5 million in locally funded initiatives (LFI) for a 

larger main gym, a third gym, and a dedicated auditorium—features 

OFCC will not contribute funding to because 

its focus is academic spaces. 

In presenting ideas at the May 31 board work session, 

Eisler and Mustain brought up the idea of shifting 

the LFI funding portion of the proposal to renovating 

the high school rather than tearing it down. Renovation 

would provide much needed extra gym space. The mezzanine 

could be used for athletic storage, batting cages, 

and practice space for cheerleading and community 

sports. Various existing classroom space could be converted 

for wrestling practice space, extension of the auditorium’s 

backstage area, and administrative offices. 

The commons area could become a community room 

with display cases showcasing school district memorabilia. 

The library could become a community room and 

board meeting space. Other parts of the building could 

be repurposed for a technology work room and storage, 

maintenance area, and shipping and receiving area. 

Mustain said the cost to make renovations for such 

uses would be roughly half the cost of creating new 

classroom space and would eliminate the need for auxiliary 

construction. At that rate, the cost to renovate the 

entire high school would be roughly $16 million. If the 

district wants to stay at or below an LFI amount of $6.5 

million, though, they would only be able to renovate 40 

percent of the structure. Such a scenario also would 

come with increased utility costs, Mason noted. He later 

added that he is not interested in any proposal that 

compromised in a crisis. The event combines 

public service, emergency preparedness, communityoutreach, 

and technical skills. 

Modern amateur radio is a fast-growing 

hobby, and there are now nearly 28,000 licensed 

amateurs in Ohio, more than 750,000 

in the United States, and more than 2.5 million 

worldwide. Through ARRL’s Amateur 

Radio Emergency Services program, volunteers 

provide emergency communication for 

thousands of state and local emergency response 

agencies and non-emergency communications 

services to a wide variety of community 

and civic organizations, all without cost to the 

public. 

To learn more about the Madison County Amateur Radio Club, 

go to http://mcarcoh.org/. To learn more about Field Day, go to 

http://www.arrl.org/field-day. 

would raise the overall cost of the project. 

Solar project funds 

Some residents have asked about the possibility of paying for 

new school facilities using funds promised to the district by local 

solar farm projects. Eisler acknowledged that it is a valid question 

and a valid potential use of the funds, but he is leary about committing 

those future funds to specific uses. 

The district hasn’t received any solar funding to date. The first 

payments aren’t due until next year. Eisler also noted that solar 

projects have experienced delays. He added that he didn’t want to 

essentially borrow against future revenues. 

Mason commented that use of solar funding for a facilities project 

would mean the district would need to return to voters sooner than 

currently planned for regular operating levies. 

Timeline 

If the board decides to go back on the ballot in November, they 

must submit the ballot issue to the Madison County Board of Elections 

by Aug. 9. 

The board has made no decisions at this time and will continue to 

discuss options. The board’s next regular meeting is June 20 at 7 p.m.


obituaries 


RIGSBY 

Darrell Glenn Rigsby, 65, of London, 

Ohio, died on May 26, 2023, in Riverside 

Methodist Hospital, Columbus. Born on 

Aug. 26, 1957, in Springfield, he was a son 

of Harlin Rigsby and Glenna (Gariepy). 

Following high school, Darrell went on to 

serve his country as a sergeant in the 

United States Marine Corps. He later went 

on to work in construction and was a regular 

handyman. In his free time, he enjoyed 

fishing and woodworking. Darrell was also 

an avid lover of all animals. 

Darrell leaves behind: one son, Austin 

Rigsby; brother, Kelly Rigsby, and sister, 

Cheryl Rigsby; several nieces and nephews, 

including T.J. Allender and Logan Rigsby. He 

was preceded by his parents and one sister. 

Services were observed in accordance 

with Darrell’s wishes. The family was 

served by Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home and 

Crematory, London. Share condolences at 

www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com. 

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BLAIN 

William “Bill” Blain, 86, of London, Ohio, died on May 29, 2023, 

in the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus. 

Born on Oct. 21, 1936, in Mount Sterling, Ohio, he was a son of 

Byrd and Rosie (Funk) Blain. Bill was a graduate of Madison Rural 

High School in the class of 1954. Following high school, he worked 

as a service station attendant for the former Standard Oil of Ohio. 

After many years of service, Bill worked his way up to manager and 

later retired as the retail supervisor for British Petroleum. He also 

served in the Army National Guard. 

Bill never met a problem that he could not fix. He was a regular 

handyman who believed “DIY” was best whenever possible. Growing 

up on a farm, Bill also had a love for being outdoors. Yardwork 

and gardening were his daily hobbies, and he routinely kept a wonderful 

garden every year. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran 

Church in London, as well as a member of the Kiwanis Club where 

he was a past president. Growing up, Bill played baseball and basketball 

and later enjoyed playing softball and bowling. However, 

golf was Bill’s true passion. Also, he enjoyed cheering on the Ohio 

State Buckeyes, particularly their football, basketball, volleyball, 

and softball teams. Bill was also the biggest supporter for his grandkids 

and hardly ever missed a single event. 

Bill was pleased to be able to treat and share annual family vacations 

at Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, with his family, 

where he loved to fish, water ski, and tube. To leisurely pass time, 

he loved working crossword puzzles. 

He leaves behind: his beloved wife of 62 years, Ruth Ann (Strine) 

Blain; son, Jeff (Tonya Snell) Blain; daughter, Lisa (Rob) Stafford; 

grandchildren, Christopher (Yulia Semenishin) Blain, Victoria (Aaron) 

Patrick, Adam Stafford, Emily Stafford, Megan Stafford; great-granddaughter, 

Mia Patrick; sister, Marjory Little; sister-in-law, Mary Simpson; 

brother-in-law, John Strine; other nieces and nephews. 

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents; sisters, Bernice 

Reeves and Thelma Graves; brothers, Jim and Don Blaine; niece, 

Karen Sue Little; and nephews, Mike Little and Jim Knisley. 

Visitation and a funeral service was held on June 5 in St. John’s 

Lutheran Church, London, with Pastor Larry Baker officiating. Interment 

followed in Kirkwood Cemetery. 

Memorials in Bill’s name can be made to St. John’s Lutheran 

Church or Madison Health Cancer Center, 210 N. Main St., London, 

OH 43140. The family was served by Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home 

and Crematory, London. Condolences may be shared online at 


HOWARD 

Mary (Austin) Howard, 88, of London, Ohio, died on May 30, 

2023, in Laurels West, Columbus. Born on June 13, 1934, in Chillicothe, 

she was a daughter of Hobart and Grace (Keel) Austin. Mary 

belonged to Chillicothe Zion Baptist Church. 

Survivors include: her children, Perry Howard, Angela “Angie” 

(David) Jackson, Lawrence “Larry” (Robbin) Howard, Bryan 

Howard, Robyn (Brian) Napper, and Andrea Howard; grandchildren, 

Keri, Kelly, Toni, Nedra, April, Isaac, 

Brandy, Daniel, Robert II, Amanda, Bryan 

II, Nancy, Mary, Courtney, Darius, Lloyd 

“Doug” and Brook; many, many greatgrandchildren 

and great-great grandchildren; 

sisters, Lovada Cousins, Lucille Lee 

and Nedra (Dana) Valentine; and a host of 

nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by: her husband, 

Robert Howard; son, Anthony “Tony” 

Howard; daughters-in-law, Karen Howard 

and Regina Howard; brothers, Chester, 

Harold, Hobart, Russell, and William; sisters, 

Norma (Lewis) Smith and Christina Duncan; 

and stepdaughter, Nancy Howard Jackson. 

Homegoing services for Mary were set 

for 1 p.m. June 10 in Fountain of Truth 

Ministries, London, with Rev. Sandy Cunningham 

and Minister Lloyd “Doug” Jackson 

II officiating. Interment was set to 

follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation was 

set for 11 a.m. until the time of services. 

The family is being served by Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home and 

Crematory, London. Condolences for the family may be sent to 


WILLIAMS 

Gail Williams, 88, of London, Ohio, died on June 2, 2023, in her 

residence. Gail was born on June 7, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pa., a 

daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Weber) Schneider Sr. 

She had been a lifetime member of St. Patrick Church, London. 

She loved her cats, Ike and Tootsie. 

She is survived by: her children, Dale Williams of Orient and Jeff 

Williams and Amy Mason, both of London; siblings, Robert (Barb) 

Schneider of London, Leah (Richard) Goodall of North Carolina, and 

Joyce Zook of Grove City; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; 

and numerous nieces and nephews. Gail was preceded in death 

by: her parents; her husband, Troy; and infant son, Brian. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on a date yet to be determined. 

Condolences may be shared at www.lynchfamilyfuneralhome.com. 

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Lynch Family 

Funeral Home & Cremation Service, London. 

DEXTER 

Charles Robert Dexter, a resident of London, Ohio, passed away 

peacefully on June 3, 2023, at Brookdale Muirfield in Dublin, at the 

age of 84. Born on July 17, 1938, in Huntington, W.Va., Charles, 

who went by Bob, was the beloved son of Charles Edward and Edith 

Marie (Bailey) Dexter. 

He selflessly served his country as a master sergeant in the United 

States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable 

20 years of service, Bob completed his associate degree and continued 

working in civilian life. He was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian 

Church in London, where his faith remained steadfast. 

Bob leaves behind a legacy cherished by his five children: Bruce 

(Mary) Dexter, Tammy (Wayne) Gardner, Mark (Polly) Dexter, 

Cheryl (Dr. Craig) Marshall, and Sharon (Kirk) DeSize. He was also 

blessed with 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Larry Dexter; 

and his beloved wife, Nancy Carol (Walters) Dexter who passed 

away in February 2022, leaving a void in his heart. 

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, there will be no formal services 

held. His remains will find their final resting place in the columbarium 

of First Presbyterian Church. To honor the memory of Bob, the 

family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association 

under his daughter, Sharon: https://bit.ly/alz-bobdexter. 

Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home and Crematory, London, is assisting 

the family. Those who wish to express condolences are encouraged 

to visit www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com. 

ROUDEBUSH 

Helen Lee Roudebush, 84, of London, Ohio, died on June 3, 2023, 

in the Bluebird Retirement Community, London. 

Born on Aug. 24, 1938, in Columbus, she was the daughter of 

Leroy M. and Helen B. (Basinger) Roudebush. 

For 40 years, Helen was a secretary for the National Association 

for the Physically Handicapped and a faithful member of First Presbyterian 

Church of London. 

She is survived by numerous Cincinnati relatives, as well as Bill 

and Barb Schwartz and Kim and Kay of Texas, Fran Allen of Arizona, 

nieces Cortney and Kelley Roudebush of California, and many 

friends include Nancy and Frank Powell, Diane Remley, Joyce and 

Tom Lloyd, Jack and Nancy Anders and Ralph. 

A funeral service was held on June 7, 2023, in First Presbyterian 

Church with Rev. Désirée M. Youngblood, pastor, officiating. Interment 

followed in Glen Haven Cemetery, Harrison, Ohio. 

Memorials in Helen’s name may be made to: First Presbyterian 

Church of London, 211 Garfield Ave., London OH 43140; Ohio Valley 

Hospice, 2601 Mission Point Blvd., Suite 310, Beavercreek, OH 

45431; or the American Association of People with Disabilities at 

www.aapd.com. 

The family was served by Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home and Crematory, 

London. Condolences may be shared at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.


Students become published authors 

madison 

Messenger 

Monroe Elementary School, located in Plumwood 

and part of the Jonathan Alder School 

District, has announced that 19 of its students 

have become published authors through a national 

student publishing program. 

As part of the publishing process, students 

in Tracie House’s second-grade class planned, 

wrote, and illustrated a book using a free publishing 

kit provided by Studentreasures Publishing. 

The topic of their books was weather. 

The students worked on their book for approximately 

six weeks. Each student created an 

illustration and one page of writing for the book. 

The idea to focus on weather came after the 

class discussed the different seasons during an 

earth science lesson. 

“As we were discussing the seasons and how 

the weather changes, the students talked about 

their favorite season and what they like to do 

during that time of the year. That led us to the 

idea of what they would do if they could control 

the weather,” House said. 

The Studentreasures Publishing program 

provides teachers with an easy way to incorporate 

any lesson plan—from math and science to 

history, art, and more—into a fun and memorable 

activity. Publishing a book in the classroom engages 

students through hands-on learning and 

inspires a love of reading and writing. 

The school received a full-color, deluxe hardcover 

book for the teacher or school library. The 

students’ parents also have an option to purchase 

copies of the book. 

Monroe Elementary second-grader Brylee Castleberry (right) reads the book she 

and her classmates created as her teacher, Tracie House, holds the microphone. 

Distribution: 9,800 • Published Sundays 

Denise Hill ................Advertising Manager 

Kristy Zurbrick .................................Editor 

Becky Barker....................Office Assistant 

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78 S. Main St. 

London, Ohio 43140 

(740) 852-0809 

madison@columbusmessenger.com 


Newspaper Subscription Rates 

The subscription rate for those living outside 

the circulation area is $104 per year. 

Puzzle solution 

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Cuties up for adoption 

The following pets up for adoption at the 

Humane Society of Madison County, 2020 

Plain City Georgesville Rd., West Jefferson. 

If you are interested in adopting a pet, fill 

out an application online at www.hsmcohio.org 

or call the shelter at (614) 879-8368. 

The shelter is open by appointment. 

Lillith 

If you are looking for 

a dog to be your soulmate 

and best friend, 

Lillith is your girl. She 

has looks, personality, 

and intelligence. Her estimated 

birthdate is 

May 12, 2022. 

Lillith enjoys sunny afternoons in the 

grass with human or dog company. She did 

well with meeting dog friends at the shelter. 

She takes cues from other dogs and is the 

ultimate play partner. When introduced to 

cats at the shelter, she didn’t seem to mind 

having them around. 

Overall, Lillith would do well in a home 

with other animals. She keeps her kennel 

tidy and loves to have something soft to lie 

on. She has mastered the “just one more 

treat” look, but is well mannered and knows 

to sit and wait patiently for any treat. 

Adoption fees for dogs vary: shelter dogs 

are $180, prison dogs are $250, puppies are 

$300, and popular pure-breeds are $400. 

The price includes: a Home Again microchip, 

set of shots, deworming, heartworm 

testing (if old enough), spay or neuter, and 

a one-year rabies shot (if old enough). All 

dogs adopted must leave with a county license 

at an additional cost of $17; this fee is 

cash only. Adoption fees 

can be paid by cash or 

credit card. 

Peaches 

Say hello to Peaches! 

A Good Samaritan 

found Peaches out alone 

and rescued her. 

Peaches has an estimated birthday of Jan. 1, 

2022. She has a personality that’s as beautiful 

as her appearance. This beauty loves to 

snuggle, be loved on, and be brushed, something 

that coat will always need. 

Peaches loves to play. She’s a fan of wand 

toys and crinkle balls. She would do well in 

just about any home. She hasn’t been around 

dogs since being at the shelter, but with slow 

and proper introductions, she would likely 

do well with both dogs and kitties. 

The adoption fees for cats are $100 for 

kittens up to 6 months old and $80 for cats 

7 months and older. It includes: a FeLV/FIV 

test (if old enough), spay or neuter, set of 

shots, deworming, and a one-year rabies 

shot (if old enough). Fees can be paid by 

cash or credit card. 

Dairy Queen fundraiser 

Dairy Queen in London will donate 40 

cents of each Pup Cup sale in July to the 

Humane Society. 

DestinationOutlets.com 

800-213-9083 

8000 Factory Shops Blvd. 

Jeffersonville, OH 43128 

DOWNLOAD OUR 

MEMBERSHIP APP

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West Jeff Legion holds fish fries 

American Legion Post 201, 9701 W. Broad St., West Jefferson, is 

hosting 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. 

Call today and receive a 

FREE SHOWER PACKAGE 

PLUS $1600 OFF 

1-855-417-1306 

With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous 

walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present 

offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 

SPECIAL OFFER 

opinions 


Solar project brings fiber optics 

I live right across the street 

from Savion’s Madison Fields 

Solar Project. I was in favor of 

the project from the start because I see it as growth that 

improves the lives of everyone in the county, from workers 

on the project and business owners in the area to 

users of public resources across the county like roads, 

schools, and EMS. 

As the owner of Four Fibers, a fiber optics installation 

company, I was asked to run broadband Internet 

out to the Madison Fields substation to bring the system 

online. The work allowed me to grow my company by 

eight full-time employees. I’m hoping more of these projects 

get approved. 

If the Ohio Power Siting Board greenlights Savion’s 

Oak Run Solar Project, it’ll bring another line of fiber 

I’m writing to address the 

failed ballot initiative seeking a 

0.25 percent income tax increase 

for London residents to provide additional funding 

for the fire and EMS department. While I am not a 

resident of London proper, I felt it was important to use 

this as an opportunity to express my support for the 

Oak Run Solar Project as a method to collect additional 

taxes in the county and potentially avoid (or, at minimum, 

delay) new levies in the future. 

I understand both sides of the issue and have no intention 

of imposing my opinions about the levy on anyone 

for voting one way or the other. Funding for our fire 

and EMS department is important, however, keeping 

costs down for families in this uncertain time of inflation 

is also a priority. 

That’s why I support a third option that I believe 

both sides can agree with: attract more economic development 

like Oak Run Solar Project to help pay for public 

services. 

letter to the editor 

optics. Not only does that mean 

more jobs and revenue for Madison 

County, it means more potential 

for residents to economically connect to 

high-speed Internet. 

When these projects come in and pay for the broadband 

they need, it lowers the price for everyone else that 

connects afterward. In fact, there’s a plan in place to use 

some of the new tax revenue that these projects are 

bringing in—along with some of the American Rescue 

Act funding—to expand broadband to the underserved 

areas of Madison County. Simply put, this would not be 

possible without these solar projects. 

Brett Rothfuss 

Irwin 

Need to embrace solar projects 

letter to the editor 

Using projected property valuations, 

Oak Run is estimated 

to contribute approximately 

$841,000 in taxes each year to first responders and fire 

departments across the county. In this unique instance, 

we can have our cake and eat it, too—keeping taxes low 

while increasing funding for public services. 

And it doesn’t end with fire and EMS. Taxes paid by 

Oak Run would contribute $3.5 million annually to local 

schools, $1.8 million to Madison County, $543,000 to 

health services, $144,000 to libraries, $137,000 to the 

three host townships, $77,000 to senior services, and 

$48,000 to veterans services. 

These are benefits we’ll all reap from just one solar 

project which is why we need to embrace the future of 

domestic, affordable, clean energy production right here 

in Madison County. 

Brad Lutz 

London 

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Citizenship awards presented 

Rylee Hart received a scholarship 

award from the Madison County 

Democratic Party. 

Anne Gorman (right), chair of the 

Madison County Democratic 

Party, presents a scholarship 

award to Amanda Carpenter. 

Cheryl Brockman (left), a member of the 

Madison County Democratic Party, presents 

a scholarship award to Jackson McCoy. 

Peggy Garrison (right), a member of the 

Madison County Democratic Party, presents 

a scholarship award to Laura Sampson. 

The Madison County 

Democratic Party has announced 

the winners of the 

2023 Howard Foust Citizenship 

Awards. These awards 

are annually granted to a 

graduating senior from each 

of the public school districts 

in Madison County. 

This year’s winners are: 

• Jackson McCoy graduated 

from Jonathan Alder 

High School where he was 

editor of the Pioneer Press, 

student director of the 

marching band, and president 

of the senior class. He 

will attend Ohio University 

to study journalism. He was 

a volunteer on Anne Gorman’s 

political campaign and 

has attended rallies in support 

of Black Lives Matter 

and women’s rights. 

• Rylee Hart graduated 

from West Jefferson High 

School where she was active 

in volleyball, Pheasants Forever, 

and the Renaissance 

Club. She will attend Tolles 

Career and Technical School 

and Columbus State Community 

College to study firefighting 

and paramedics. 

Outside of school, Rylee 

worked with Kayle Mast 

Photography on a Letters to 

Santa campaign and she volunteers 

at Sufficient Grace. 

• Amanda Carpenter 

graduated from London High 

School where she was a 

cheerleader. She enjoy 

spending time as a gymnastics 

coach. She plans to attend the University of Dayton to study choose. College enrollment is not necessary. 

health science/pre-physical therapy. 

Applicants can demonstrate their qualities 

• Laura Sampson graduated from Madison-Plains High School either by written or multi-media submissions. 

where she was active in track, National Honor Society, FFA, French 

Club, and Key Club. She plans to attend the University of Toledo The awards program is chaired by Cheryl 

to study political science and psychology. She is passionate about Brockman of London with assistance from 

LGBTQ rights and women’s rights. 

Scott Brockman, Mike Gorman, Paula Herald, 

Celeste Lipp, and Meg Woods. The pro- 

Awards are based on demonstrated acts of citizenship on the part 

of the applicants. The awards are non-partisan, but applicants 18 gram has been an ongoing activity of the 

and older are expected to be registered to vote. 

Madison County Democratic Party for 

The awards consist of cash payments of $300 to each winner, intended 

for use in any post-high school educational activity they oncountyohdems.com/scholarships. 

nearly 10 years. For info, visit www.madis- 

United Way surpasses fund goal 

The United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties recently 

completed its 2023 campaign, raising a total of $1,100,989 in 

the three-county area. The campaign surpassed its goal of raising 

$1 million and exceeded last year’s total. 

In Madison County, the campaign raised $88,438, a 77 percent 

increase in donations over the 2022 campaign. A total of 93 donors 

made that total possible. 

“The support of the Madison County community will make a profound 

impact and allow us to provide funding for multiple non-profit 

organizations that are dedicated to addressing crucial needs,” said 

Kerry Lee Pedraza, United Way executive director. 

The funds raised in Madison County during the campaign will 

remain in Madison County to support programs 

that enhance health, promote responsible 

financial practices, and provide 

educational opportunities for young people. 

At least five local non-profit organizations 

will benefit, along with Dolly Parton’s Imagination 

Library of Madison County, 2-1-1 Information 

and Referral Services, Volunteers 

United, and the Emergency Food and Shelter 

Program. 

For more information, call (937) 324- 

5551 or visit www.uwccmc.org. 

ONLY $130.00


community calendar 


Peak Bloom Bicycle Rides 

The Madison Soil and Water Conservation 

District is hosting a Peak Bloom Bicycle 

Ride Series. Rides start at 8 a.m. June 17, 

July 15, and Aug. 19 at the Prairie Grass 

Trailhead, 262 W. High St., London. The 11- 

mile ride is a leisurely pace with pit stops 

along the trail to discuss local flora and 

fauna, history, and conservation practices. 

Registration is not required. For details, contact 

Broc Sehen, district technician/wildlife 

specialist, at (740) 852-4004. 

Clothes Closet 

United Church, 30 E. Columbus St., 

Mount Sterling, will open their Clothes 

Closet June 16-17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., weather 

permitting. The Clothes Closet is located in 

the garage behind the church. All are welcome. 

Items include clothes for men, 

women, and children, as well as miscellaneous 

household items. There is a one-bag 

limit per family. Bags will be provided. Due 

to overstock, the church is not taking donations 

at this time. Social distancing is required; 

masks are optional for those who are 

fully vaccinated. For details, contact Kathy 

Endres at (740) 869-3755 or Mary Alkire at 

(740) 604-1213. 

Summer Blast 

First Baptist Church of West Jefferson, 

686 W. Jefferson-Kiousville Rd. SE, is sponsoring 

a community Summer Blast on the 

Lawn on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Food, fun and 

games are planned. Visitors can watch West 

Jefferson’s fireworks from the church’s front 

lawn. Everything is free. 

West Jefferson Streetfest 

The West Jefferson July 4th Streetfest is 

set for July 2-4 on South Center and Pearl 

streets in downtown West Jefferson. 

July 2 

2-11 p.m.—Rides and food 

7 p.m.—Southern Alibi band 

July 3 

5-11 p.m.—rides and food 

7 p.m. The Alexander’s Band 

July 4 

10 a.m.—Parade forms 

11 a.m.—Parade steps off 

12-11 p.m.—Rides and food 

6:30 p.m.—Southern Rock Band 

9 p.m.—Raffle drawing 

10 p.m.—Fire works (rain date July 8) 

Raffle tickets for a Weber Q3200 propane 

gas titanium grill can be purchased at West 

Jefferson Hardware, Mike’s Pizza, and at 

the streetfest. Tickets are $5. 

For details, call (614) 879-8840. 

Ambulance District Meeting 

The Sterling Joint Ambulance District 

will meet at 8 p.m. June 13 and 8 p.m. July 

5. After that, the regular meeting schedule 

will resume, being 8 p.m. on the second 

Wednesday of each month. Meetings take 

place at the squad bay, 24 S. London St., 

Mount Sterling. 

Pleasant Township Trustees 

Due to the July 4th holiday, the Pleasant 

Township trustees will meet on July 10 at 7 

p.m. at the township building, 84 N. London 

St., Mount Sterling. Call (740) 869-3755. 

London Track Shutdown 

London High School’s stadium and Jim 

Bowlus Field will be shut down until June 

20 while the track is reconditioned. 

Midway Alumni Banquet 

The Midway Alumni Banquet will take 

place on June 24 at the Sedalia Fire House, 

13715 Main St., Sedalia. Social hour starts 

at 3 p.m. followed by dinner at 4 and the 

meeting at 5. A smorgasbord dinner will be 

served. Tickets are $18. Payment may be 

sent to: Midway Alumni Association, c/o 

Nancy Hall, 202 E. First St., London OH 

43140. Please indicate your choice of meat: 

steak or chicken breast. For details, call (740) 

852-3472. Reservations are due by June 17. 

Madison South Alumni 

The Madison South Alumni Banquet is 

set for June 24 at the old Madison South 

High School gym. All are invited, even if you 

did not graduate from Madison South. Registration 

and a silent auction start at 5 p.m. 

Auction items are still being accepted. Bring 

checks or cash to purchase auction items; 

proceeds help make scholarships possible. 

Banquet tickets are $25 per person. Rudy’s 

Smokehouse of Springfield is catering the 

meal. Reservation forms have been given to 

class representatives. Make payments to: 

Madison South Alumni Association. Send 

payments to: Steve Craig, 12845 Foster 

Redman Rd., Mt. Sterling, OH 43143. Contact 

Steve at (740) 506-1002 for auction 

items and reservation forms. 

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. 

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. 

• 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. 

Fishing Derbies 

The West Jefferson village parks and 

recreation department is hosting fishing 

derbies 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. For more information, 

contact Shelton Stanley at (614) 

879-8655 or (614) 307-6543. 

Madison County Senior Center 

280 W. High St., London. Lunch is 

served 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 

Call (740) 852-3001. 

June 12—8:30 a.m., indoor walking/exercise 

class; 9 a.m., chair volleyball; 9:30 a.m., 

crochet, knit, and needle crafts; 10:30 a.m., 

sitting, exercise/strengthen class; 1 p.m., euchre; 

4 p.m., Delightful Dining trip departs 

June 13—9 a.m., quilting; 10 a.m., bowling 


class; 9 a.m., chair volleyball; 12 p.m., 

bridge; 2 p.m., diabetes and weight loss support 

group 

June 15—8:45 a.m., Ohio State Reformatory 

trip departs; 9 a.m., chair volleyball; 2 

p.m., grief support group 


class; 9 a.m., painting class; 10 a.m., 

chimes practice; 11 a.m., free lunch for 

members only followed by musician Matt 

Rees at noon in the shelter house, weather 

permitting. 

London Public Library 

20 E. First St. Call (740) 852-9543. 

• Group Games. June 12, 2-3 p.m. Bring 

your friends to play wacky team games like 

Catch The Dragon’s Tail and Garbage Ball. 

(All ages) 

• Book Boot Camp. June 13, 11 a.m.-12 

p.m. Participate in physically active book 

readings and songs. Learn about health and 

fitness. (Ages 4-10) 

• Free Lunches For Students. June 13 

and June 15, 1-2 p.m., in the grassy area behind 

the library or in the Hartley Room in 

case of bad weather. Any student 18 years 

old or younger can stop by for a free lunch 

provided by and also available at London 

Church of the Nazarene. 

• Book Club. June 13, 7-8 p.m. The 

group will discuss “The Alice Network” by 

Kate Quinn. 

• Fantastical Hedgehog Magic Show. 

June 14, 11-11:45 a.m. Erica Carlson creates 

a world of wonder and magic with unicorns, 

mermaids, and dragons as they try to 

find Sedgie the Hedgie! (All ages) 

• Paws For Reading with Emma. June 

14, 6-7 p.m. Register your child for a 10- 

minute time slot in which they will read a 

story to certified therapy dog, Emma. 

Emma is a nonjudgmental listener who will 

encourage children to read and help struggling 

readers find confidence. Have a book 

picked out ahead of time. 

• Yoga. June 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This beginner-level 

yoga class focuses on breathing, 

movement, and relaxation. Bring a water 

bottle and a mat if you have one. Otherwise, 

mats will be provided. If the weather is nice, 

yoga will take place in the grassy area behind 

the library. Otherwise, it will take 

place in the Hartley Room. Registration is 

required. (Ages 16 and older) 

• Pet Rocks. June 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Paint your own paint rock. All supplies provided. 

(All ages) 

• Paws for Reading with Maggie. June 

17, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Register your child for a 

10-minute time slot in which they will read 

a story to certified therapy dog, Maggie. 

Maggie is a nonjudgmental listener who will 

encourage children to read and help struggling 

readers find confidence. Have a book 

picked out ahead of time. 

HBMLibrary 

270 Lilly Chapel Rd., West Jefferson. 

Call (614) 879-8448. 

• Storytime. 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays 

at Garrette Park (at the library in the case 

of rain). 

• Celebrating Dad. Make-It and Take-It 

kits are available for pickup June 12-17. 

Make something special for Dad. 

• Road Trip USA. At 2 p.m. June 14, 

Challenge Island will talk about the city of 

Boston, and kids will make a tabletop baseball 

game. No registration required. 

• Freddy Fossil’s Dino Show. The show 

is set for 10:30 a.m. June 16. Free pizza will 

be available for children and teens after the 

show. 

• Graphing for the Future. At 3 p.m. June 

20, teenagers going into grades 7-12 this fall 

can learn how to use a graphing calculator 

that they can keep after the program. Space 

is limited; registration required. 

• Fairy Garden Workshop for Children. 

Children in kindergarten through fifth grade 

are invited to create a fairy garden for free 

at 3 p.m. June 28. Registration required. 

Plain City Library 

305 W. Main St. Call (614) 873-4912. 

• Summer Storytimes. Mondays at 

10:30 a.m. at the library and Wednesdays 

at 10:30 a.m. at Pastime Park. 

• Summer Reading Program. Find information 

at plaincitylib.org/srp. 

• Author Visit: Erin Broestl. June 13 at 

6:30 p.m. Put on your pajamas and head to 

the library for a bedtime book reading and 

signing with Erin Broestl, local author of 

the picture book, “God Made the Moonlight.” 

Copies of the book may be purchased 

prior to the event from Amazon.com. Books 

will be made available for sale at the event. 

• Petting Zoo. June 15 from 11 a.m. to 

noon. Hold a baby chick, watch a duck 

preen, or touch an animal whose coat could 

become your sweater.


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Madison Messenger - June 11th, 2023

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