12/22/11

TOMORROW

COMING Covington history program

Commitment To Community INSIDE: Area boy wishes on Disney star.

Page 3.

VOLUME 128, NUMBER 254

RELIGION: How well do you know the Christmas story?

Page 6.

SPORTS: Miami East boys defeat Covington. Page 13.

T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 1 1

w w w. d a i l y c a l l . c o m

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an award-winning Ohio Community Media newspaper

Briefly Today’s weather High 44 Low 40 Chilly with a chance of rain.

Complete forecast on Page 3.

City man charged in abduction Piqua police say more suspects may be arrested

BY WILL E SANDERS Staff Writer wsanders@dailycall.com PIQUA — A Piqua man who allegedly brandished a firearm and forced one of two people he was holding against their will to strip naked at a Piqua residence over a dispute regarding missing

money faced a judge at his arraignment Wednesday morning on one felony count of abduction.

Police say additional charges could be filed against Chad T. Ware, 30. Other suspects could possibly be charged.

Ware remains behind bars at the Miami County Jail on a $10,000 bond and is next expected to appear in court Dec. 29 for a preliminary hearing.

According to Piqua Deputy Chief Marty Grove, the incident began after two Troy men stayed the night at a Nicklin Avenue res-

S a n t a ’s ‘ e l v e s ’ hard at work

Caleb Lyons Grade 2 High Street

idence and were later both accused by a woman and another acquaintance of stealing $200.

But those two Troy men went from being potential suspects in the theft to victims of an alleged abduction after they agreed to come back to the residence where the money was stolen and even helped look for the money.

However, soon after the two victims were back at the home, they were met by multiple subjects who continued to accuse the men of stealing the money.

“They demanded the money be

returned and one of the suspects allegedly had a handgun displayed and one victim stated he was forced to disrobe, to strip down completely naked, to show he did WARE not have the money,” Grove said.

But it didn’t end there, police say.

See Abduction/Page 2

Covington BOE hears report on insurance Some employees opt for health savings

BY JENNIFER RUNYON For the Daily Call Editorial@dailycall.com

Letters to Santa coming Friday Look for the Piqua Daily Call’s annual Letters to Santa section in Friday’s paper.

Lottery

COVINGTON — The Covington Exempted Village Board of Education met in regular session Wednesday night. The meeting was the last for board member Nick Weldy.

During the meeting, Treasurer Carol Forsythe shared that 10 employees have opted in for the district’s Health Savings Account. Board members passed an agreement with FlexBank to be the Third Party Administrator for the account at a cost of $2 FOR PHOTO REPRINTS, GO TO WWW.DAILYCALL.COM MIKE ULLERY/STAFF PHOTO per participant. The savVolunteer “Elf” Lisa Whitaker assists Penny Sage and Dustin Black of Piqua in filling their gift list during ings account is open to the annual Christmas distribution at the Piqua Salvation Army on Wednesday morning. employees who selected the high deductible health care plan. The board is contributing $1,000 to the savings account for those with the single plan and

CLEVELAND (AP) — Thursday’s lottery numbers: Night Drawings: ■ Rolling Cash 5 10-12-13-32-39 ■ Classic Lotto 06-08-25-40-45-47 ■ Pick 3 Numbers 5-7-2 ■ Pick 4 Numbers 0-8-3-1 Day Drawings:

BY BETHANY J. ROYER ■ Midday 3 Staff Writer 7-5-8 broyer@dailycall.com ■ Midday 4 PIQUA — Santa received an 4-5-9-7 extra bit of help this year as the Salvation Army opened its doors for Index a Christmas toy shop, complete Classified.....................10-12 with elves, to assist area families in Comics................................9 need.

Entertainment.....................5 More than 102 children were Horoscope..........................9 sponsored, or adopted by either a Local................................3, 8 business or family, program activiNation..................................8 ties director Jeanie Fosnight explained.

6 2 Obituaries............................2 7 4 8 2 5 8 2 1 0 1 “We had such great donations this Opinion................................4 Religion...............................6 year,” Fosnight added as she pointed School.................................7 out an extra table for 13- to 16-yearolds in the Salvation Army gymnaSports...........................14-16 sium, a space that was loaded with Weather...............................3 toys, clothing and boxes of canned

Volunteers feel spirit of season by working at Salvation Army toy shop

6

7 4 8 2 5

8 2 1 0 1

2

goods.

Fosnight was especially grateful for the volunteers who came from all corners of Miami County, including the Salvation Army’s Majors Robert

“

his is remarkable. It’s just awesome, God is

T” good.

—Jeanie Fosnight and Kathleen Klenk, Southview Neighborhood Association member Jean Franz, city commissioner and Salvation Army’s advisory board member Judy Terry, the Salvation Army’s advisory board co-chairperson Lisa Whitaker, employees from Staffmark of Troy, Miami County AmeriCorps members Katelin Davis, Katina Collier and Janel Howery-Ranly and from Red Lobster Robin Stout, Katlynd Link and Hannelore Kay. Other volunteers turned out to bring a total of 20-plus elves on

hand to help with distribution.

This was the first year of volunteering for Staffmark, according to account manager Corinna Adams, one of a total of seven elves from the company.

“We had a box set up and collected 85 toys,” said Adams, who also explained that an inquiry to the Salvation Army on how else they could be of help brought them to Piqua on Wednesday.

Adams said she hopes to make the collection of toys and serving as an elf at the Salvation Army a tradition for Staffmark.

This also was a first year for members of the AmeriCorps. who have been working with at-risk youth teaching various skills such as business skills, with every week engaging in a service project. That made the Salvation Christmas distribution a perfect opportunity.

M Ma ak kee tth hee hhoolliid da ayyss Holiday Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

sparkle

w wiitth hh heellpp ffrroom m......

For home delivery, call 773-2725

See Salvation Army/Page 2

See Covington/Page 2

Local school broken into

BY WILL SANDERS Staff Writer wsanders@dailycall.com PIQUA — Police are investigating an unusual breaking and entering that occurred Tuesday night at the Nicklin Learning Center.

Authorities said an alarm at the school, located at 818 Nicklin Ave., was set off at 7:42 p.m. in the front office area of the building.

When officers arrived they found a glass window had been shattered, but See School/Page 8

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

CITY

WWW.DAILYCALL.COM

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Obituaries

Junior Optimists make holiday visit

Garry Wayne Hart DACULA, Ga. — Garry Wayne Hart, 66, of Dacu l a , G a . , passed away Mond a y , Dec. 19, 2011.

M r.

H a r t was in HART t h e United States Navy and United States Air Force and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ellen Hart.

Mr. Hart is survived by his wife, Geri Hart of Dacula; a son and daughter-in-

law, Daniel R. and Pam Hart of Troy; a daughter, Robyn Hart of Dacula; grandchildren, Sierrah Nell Corbin and Aiddan Robert Corbin; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Diana Hart of Piqua; a sister and brother-in-law, Phylis and Steve Holub of Warner Robbins, Ga. A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, Ga., is in charge of arrangements. To sign an online guest registry, go to www.stewartfh.com.

William Paul Weddington NICHOLE BAUER/STAFF PHOTOS

(Above) Tanner McKinney, an eighth-grader at Piqua Catholic School, sits with 5-year-old Jacob Davis and talks with him about Christmas. Tanner and the other members of Piqua Catholic’s Junior Optimist Club visited the Head Start program at A Learning Place in Piqua on Monday to deliver more than 220 presents, which the members purchased themselves, to the children and to help Santa visit with each child. The club has been continuing a tradition which was started by the late Chuck Wagner 30 years ago.

At right, Eve Burnett, 3, makes her way up to see Santa Claus at Head Start on Monday.

CHRISTIANSBURG — William Paul Weddington, 70, of Christiansburg passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.

Born June 5, 1941, in Pikeville, Ky., Paul was a son of the late Willie S. and Jewel (Blair) Weddington. He married Nancy Anne Delcamp on Oct. 30, 1965, and she survives. Together they raised a son, Kurt (Trudy) Weddington of Sheridan, Ind. He was a loving grandfather to two granddaughters, Emily and Olivia Weddington. A brother, David Weddington of New Carlisle, also survives.

Paul was a 1959 graduate of Northwestern High School, Springfield and a member of the Lostcreek United Church of Christ, Casstown. He was a retired Air Force master sergeant with 24 years of service and a retired tool and die maker formerly employed by Hobart Brothers, Troy. Paul farmed and at heart he was a naturalist. He loved the outdoors and spent

h o u r s planting over 1,000 t r e e s , building wetlands and creating ponds on his family farm as well as on his son’s land in Indiana. He also enjoyed restoring John Deere and Ferguson tractors.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monday in the AtkinsShively Funeral Home, 216 S. Springfield St., St. Paris. Private graveside memorial services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Christiansburg Fire Company, P.O. Box 300, OH Christiansburg, 45389. Envelopes will be available in the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be sent to w w w. s h i v e l y f u n e r a lhomes.com.

Kenneth ‘Ken’ Huff

Salvation Army Continued from page 1 “This is awesome,” said Katelin Davis of the donations and numerous elves assisting families taking part in the toy shop. “We rang the bells on Friday, too.”

For Terry, this was her second year assisting the Salvation Army in the fairly new Christmas shop set-up.

“It’s really nice because the parents get to choose

what they think is appropriate for their children,” said Terry as she looked over the many tables divided by age group. “And people have been very, very generous this year.”

Terry pointed out the strollers donated by Evenflo, which were being busily assembled by two volunteers. The strollers were especially well-received, along with the stocking stuffers, clothing and much more.

“I’m glad to be back again this year,” said Terry, who was delighted to see the happy faces.

For Franz there are a lot of ties and history for her at the Salvation Army.

She has lived in the neighborhood for 60-plus years and was more than happy to be able to help for the first time this year.

“This is remarkable,” said Fosnight on the day’s event who also gave a shout-out to Toys for Tots

for their assistance this year. “It’s just awesome, God is good.”

The Piqua Salvation Army has been offering Christmas assistance to those in need for more than 20 years and while the method may have changed over the last couple of years Fosnight explained it’s been really good.

“I just hope everyone has a nice Christmas,” said Fosnight.

The two victims were taken back to their Troy residence by some of the suspects, who then began searching the home where the victims live, but never found the missing money, Grove said.

“At that point, one of the victims was able to get

away from these people and contacted the Troy Police Department,” Grove said.

Police took Ware into custody a short time later without incident and a search of his home turned up a firearm, Grove added.

The investigation into the incident continues and Grove said additional

$2,000 for family plans.

This amount is set for the next two years.

Forsythe also said that 16 employees have taken action under the spousal clause. This clause asks that employees with spouses who can get insurance through their employer do so as long as the employer pays at least 60 percent.

“It’s a way to help us control our medical cost,” Forsythe said adding that the clause was a result of last year’s negotiations.

At a previous meeting, the board approved a resolution for the district to purchase one used school bus at a cost not to exceed $25,000. Superintendent Dave Larson informed the board that through diligent online shopping, the district was able to pur-

SIDNEY — Ronald Dean Tuttle Sr., 62, of Pt. Jefferson, died at 9:42 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday at The Adams Funeral Home, Sidney with the Rev. John Richmond officiating. Burial will follow in Huntsville Cemetery, Huntsville.

charges could be filed in the case.

One part of that investigation deals with identifying some of the other suspects who were accompanied by Ware.

Grove said in similar situations the police should be called and a resident should never take the law into their own

hands.

“If anybody is a victim of theft, they should report it to the police and let them handle it,” Grove said.

“The loss of this money resulted in a subject being incarcerated on felony abduction and the money is still missing and more charges could be forthcoming.”

chase two used buses from Georgia for less than $11,000. The buses are 1999s and each has less than 100,000 miles. He added that due to the southern weather, damage to under the body is not nearly as bad as it is here due to salt.

The transportation department is currently working to make the buses meet Ohio requirements. Larson hopes to

TROY — Ruth A. Ashworth, 87, of Troy, passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 at her residence.

Arrangements are pending with Fisher-Cheney have both in the district’s Funeral Home, Troy. fleet in the next two months.

Policy: Please send obitAnd, middle school uary notices by e-mail to Principal Josh Long told editorial@dailycall.com or the board that Covington by fax to (937) 773-4225. students recently took Deadlines: Notices must second place in a countybe received by 6 p.m. Sun* Your 1 choice for complete Home day and Tuesday-Friday, Medical Equipment wide online math competiand by 4 p.m. on Monday tion. for Tuesday’s online edition.

Lift Chairs The board will hold an Questions: Call Editor organizational meeting at 1990 W. Stanfield, Troy, OH Susan Hartley at 773-2721, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. ext. 207 if you have ques45373 • 937-335-9199 11 followed by their next tions about obituaries. www.legacymedical.net regular meeting.

2239975

Covington Continued from page 1

Huff and sister, Debra. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Linda Huff; daughter and son-in-law, Cinde and Scottie Davis; his five brothers, Ellis, Gene, Dee, Danny and Dale Huff; three sisters, Betty DeLoye (Frank), Bernice Wion (Richard) and Darlene Cheadle (Terry); five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today at the Knoxville Vineyard Christian Community in Knoxville, Tenn.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to help the family with funeral expenses. Send to: Doug Huff 3523 Blue Springs Rd., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871.

Death notices

Abduction Continued from page 1

STRAWBERRY PLAINS, Tenn. — Kenn e t h “Ken” Huff, 75, loving fat h e r, brother, s o n , Grandpa a n d GreatGrandpa, h a s HUFF passed on to be with his Savior Jesus Christ. Ken, formerly of Fletcher, Ohio, and Ft. Myers, Fla., passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at his home in Strawberry Plains, Tenn.

Ken was born Oct. 3, 1936, in Berea, Ky. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest and Amy

TROY — Jimmie Michael Bunch, 58, of Troy, passed away at his residence 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011.

Arrangements are pending at Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy.

st

PIQUA DAILY CALL • WWW.DAILYCALL.COM

LOCAL

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Piqua City Schools News

3

Moderate temps to continue Another disturbance pushes northeast from the southern plains today, giving us the likelihood of more rain in the afternoon. With some colder air moving in Friday morning, we may see the rain change to a few snow showers. The Christmas Holiday weekend looks to be pretty quiet with temperatures still running a bit above normal. High: 44 Low: 40.

EXT ENDED FO RECAST

Sheriff’s Reports Information provided by the Miami County Sheriff's Office:

Dec. 17 Parked with possession of marijuana: Miami County Sheriff ’s officials charged Dakoda Higley with possession of marijuana. Higley was parked at the bike trail entrance of Looney Road and Garbry Road.

Night Nature hike nets fine: A report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the Brukner Nature Center was called into the Miami County Sheriff ’s Office. Officials found Luke Covey , 30, of Dayton, and John Holcombe, 50, of West Milton, at the scene who admitted to being on the property.

Both claimed to be “nature loving hippies” on a night hike. Both Covey and Holcombe were charged with criminal trespassing.

Car stuck in a field, driver yields OVI: At the intersection of Pemberton and Horseshoe Bend roads, officials found Ronald McFarland, 58, of Bradford, sitting in a ditch 70 yards away from his 1991 Mercedes stuck in a muddy field. McFarland had trouble standing and was slurring his speech.

McFarland refused all field tests. McFarland was charged with OVI refusal, driving under OVI suspension and operation without being in reasonable control of vehicle. According to public record, this is McFarland’s fifth OVI.

COOLER WITH CHANCE OF RAIN

LUKE GRONNEBERG/OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO

Tammy Bemus watches as her son, Luke Bemus, 8, both of Sidney, gives a thumbs up recently after being told he would be going to Disney World.

Boy wishes on a Disney star

BY JENNIFER BUMGARNER Ohio Community Media jbumgarner@sdnccg.com SIDNEY — He didn’t win a Super Bowl. He didn’t win the World Series, but an 8-year-old Sidney boy is having his wish come true by going to Disney World.

Luke Bemus, a fourthgrader at Whittier Elementary, experienced the magic of Disney World with his family courtesy of A Special Wish Foundation and the Tonya and Chad Forror family of Piqua.

Luke received his wish earlier this month during a special meeting at the Piqua Country Club. The family had little time to get ready as they left the next day. Tammy and David Bemus have known about the trip since the first part of October but saved the surprise for Luke.

It was very difficult to almost spill the beans,” said Tammy. “He would hear people talking in general or in public about Disney World and he would say ‘I really wish I could go to Disney World.’”

The family took a limousine for part of their trip and a conversion van for the rest. Because of Luke’s illness, he is unable to fly.

One year ago, he was di-

agnosed with cystic fibrosis and recently he has also been diagnosed with a liver disease and Celiac disease. While it sounds like things could be rough, according to Tammy, Luke is always positive.

“That’s what helps us get through everything,” said Tammy. “He’s so positive and so happy. You’d never know he’s as sick as he is. When he has a really bad day and is really sick, he just never complains.

We’re very very blessed to have him. It’s what gets us through the day sometimes.”

After hearing about his seven day trip to Disney World, Luke was speechless. “It was the first time I ever saw him speechless,” said Tammy. “He was very excited and as the night went on it really started to sink into him. He would say ‘it’s really true. It’s not just a dream.’”

While in Orlando, the Bemus family stayed at the Give Kids the World Village (gktw.org) and spent the week visiting Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World and other attractions of the Orlando area. Luke’s brothers Nathan Bemus and Zach Bemus also made the trip. His other brother Troy Brown couldn’t make it.

According to Tammy one of the things Luke was

really excited about is a Star Wars exhibit.

“We’ve had so much going on in our lives and just trying to grasp the reality of what is happening with Luke and to have something positive to happen for him, it’s been huge,” said Tammy.

The mission of A Special Wish Foundation (ASW) is to grant the wish of a child or adolescent, birth through age 20, who has been diagnosed with a lifethreatening disorder.

Since 1983, the Dayton Chapter has been granting wishes to children and adolescents in Montgomery, Miami, Darke, Greene, Mercer and Shelby counties. The Dayton Chapter has granted more than 1,400 wishes — delivering smiles and joy to area children and their families. To learn more about A Special Wish log onto aspecialwish.org.

HIGH: 38

PIQUA — Greene Street United Methodist Church, 415 W. Greene St., is offering to the community Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course beginning Sunday, Jan. 8.

The class will meet from noon to 2 p.m. This 13week course teaches how to save, live debt-free and build wealth.Ramsey’s style is not only education, but inspirational and enjoyable. The cost is $96 for classes, the kit of resources

and a lifetime membership to FPU. (Only one kit needed for a couple.)

Regardless of age or financial situation, organizers report all adults can benefit from the classes and encouraged to attend.

Registration and payment should be made in the church office by Dec. 29 to insure kits arrive in time.

For more information, contact Donna DeBrosse, facilitator, at 778-8192 or 418-9187.

Temperature High Yesterday 57 at 10:59 p.m.

Low Yesterday 46 at 12:53 a.m.

Normal High 36 Normal Low 23 65 in 1967 Record High Record Low -15 in 1989

HIGH: 40

LOW: 27

Precipitation 24 hours ending at 5 p.m. 0.89 4.52 Month to date Normal month to date 2.10 Year to date 55.90 40.03 Normal year to date Snowfall yesterday 0.00

Prom dress sales help Relay for Life FT. LORAMIE — The Loramie Cancer Crusaders are sponsoring a prom dress exchange Jan. 15 at Ft. Loramie Elementary School, 35 Elm St. Anyone interested in selling prom dresses, shoes or accessories can take them to the school between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Items will be displayed for a nonrefundable donation of $7 per dress, $3 per accessory and $3 per pair of shoes.

Items for sale do not need to be tagged, but those selling the items should have a price in mind.

Items will be tagged when they are brought in.

Anyone interested in

purchasing a prom dress, shoes and accessories may shop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and dressing rooms will be available. This event is an opportunity to purchase or sell gently used prom dresses and to help raise money for Relay for Life.

From 3:30-4:30 p.m., anyone who brought in items may pick up their money or their items if they were not sold. Any items left will be donated to charity and any cash not picked up will be donated to Relay For Life.

For contact information go to www.relayforl i f e.o r g / sh e l b y c o u nt y.

Click on “local fund raisers.”

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PIQUA — Holiday break for Piqua City Schools begins today.

Classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan, 3. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

The Piqua High School Interact Club is completing its Third Annual Toy Drive. The club is collecting new and gently used toys that will be donated to families in need in the Piqua area through the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. The drive ended on Dec. 20 and the toys will be distributed over the next few days. To date, the Interact Club and Piqua High School have collected more than 100 toys for families in need.

Bennett Intermediate students participated in the building spelling bee on Dec. 19. Fifth-grade student Olivia Booth won the spelling bee and fourth-grader Ellie Jones, was the runner-up. Both students will represent Bennett Intermediate in the district spelling bee.

Bennett Intermediate students and staff enjoyed the traditional Holiday Feast on Dec. 20.

Bennett Intermediate would like to thank all the volunteers who served the students.

Congratulations to Springcreek third-grade student Eriahna Penkal winning the for Springcreek Spelling Bee.

Cold Beer Sold At State Minimum Pricing

OPINION

4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

Piqua Daily Call

Contact us Call Susan Hartley, Editor, at 773-2721, Ext. 207, for information about the Opinion Page.

www.dailycall.com

Letters

Commissioner responds to veteran’s letter

Serving Piqua since 1883

“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity.”

(Ezekiel 7:19 AKJV)

Guest Column

Lesser-knowns share spotlight in N. Hampshire Commentary

BY HOLLY RAMER MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Anyone with $1,000 can get on the primary ballot in New Hampshire. That made a presidential candidate forum Monday night quite a departure from the debates the major candidates have been attending. And not just because there were 17 participants.

Timothy Brewer, a Republican from Dayton, Ohio vowed that speaking with Jesus through “afterlife orbs” would solve the world’s problems. In a thundering voice, Ed O’Donnell, a Democrat from Wilmington, Del., called for a return to “love, kindness, mercy, tolerance, friendliness, forgiveness, second chances and old-fashioned manners,” and said he would outlaw all guns.

And performance artist and perennial candidate Vermin Supreme he yanked up his shirt to show off a scar from a kidney transplant made his familiar pitch for better oral hygiene.

“A country’s future depends on its ability to bite back,” he said.

Earnestness outweighed the absurd for most of the two-hour forum at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. Most of the 10 Republicans and seven Democrats said they were ordinary people motivated by the same issues that have dominated the televised debates featuring the major candidates from the economy and the national debt to energy and foreign policy.

“We’re called the lesser-known candidates,” said Christopher Hill, an airline pilot from Prospect, Ky., who called for tax reform that would let middle-class Americans keep more of their money. “Tonight, we stand for the lesser-known Americans.”

Hugh Cort of Birmingham, Ala., warned that Iran is planning a nuclear attack on the United States in the very near future and called for a military strike “as soon as possible.” Democrat Ed Cowan, a “writer/thinker” from Moretown, Vt., included the nuclear arms race among his list of the world’s most pressing problems, but he candidly added: “Please understand, I do not have the answers. It’s ‘we,’ not ‘me,’” he said.

Likewise, Betzler Bear, a Republican from Philadelphia, paused for a bit when asked who he would pick as his running mate from among the major candidates if he won the nomination.

“I can’t say I’m adequately prepared for that eventuality,” he said, before naming Mitt Romney as his choice.

“There’s no denying his success in business,” he said.

“I have a lot of confidence you could channel those skills to be a good second.”

New Hampshire will hold the nation’s first presidential primaries Jan. 10, with 30 Republicans and 14 Democrats from 26 states on the ballot. The number of candidates has fluctuated over the years, depending on whether an incumbent president was running. The all-time high was 1992, when there were 36 Democrats and 25 Republicans running. In 2008, there were 30 candidates, 21 Republicans and nine Democrats.

Michael Meehan of St. Louis, a real estate broker who turned to running for president when his work dried up, said he has been campaigning in New Hampshire for the last two months.

“Where else can you talk to people one on one and really get a chance to hear what people are saying?” said Meehan, a Republican.

“What if someone like me could finish in the top five?” he said. “What if we just took a chance?”

Holly Ramer covers politics for The Associated Press.

Letter

Why would someone steal Baby Jesus?

To the Editor: Several years ago I purchased a Nativity set for my wife. Every so many years we added pieces. My brother-in-law built a stable for it as a gift.

Sunday morning, Dec. 18, we went to church and returned, realizing that Baby Jesus was gone.

We would like the person to please return it. There will be no questions asked.

I am presently trying to find a replacement, but the stores are sold out. This means a lot to us.

If not returned, we will pray for you and forgive you.

God is an important part of our lives. We hope He is important in your life.

— Donald Stonerock Piqua

Gingrich running unorthodox race Gingrich likes nothing so f all the orthodoxies much as to assail all the asNewt Gingrich has sumptions, and he is doing challenged over the that in the two early states, so years, there is one fundamuch so that established politmental but unnoticed orical figures (some of whom thodoxy he is testing this once were rebels themselves) political season — and it is see his campaign as an affront one of America’s most to the ethos of the Iowa caubeloved elements of folklore.

DAVID SHRIBMAN cuses and New Hampshire primary themselves.

In one fevered month of Columnist “In New Hampshire, you unbroken, unprecedented have always had to run a ‘see and unanticipated ascent in the polls, the former House speaker is me, touch me, feel me’ campaign,” former taking on perhaps the cardinal principle Gov. John H. Sununu, a Romney supof presidential politics itself. It’s the notion porter, said in an interview. “Gingrich is that American chief executives win the campaigning through a newspaper enWhite House by undertaking an intimate dorsement.”

Sununu was referring to the endorsepolitical rite of passage in Iowa and New Hampshire, winning public support one ment provided last month by the state’s handshake and one coffee at a time; shap- largest newspaper, the Manchester Union ing their views and perspectives one ging- Leader, a devoutly conservative publicaham-covered kitchen table conversation tion whose support hasn’t always provided and one raucous town meeting at a time; the margin of victory.

“A Union Leader endorsement in New and demonstrating the discipline required for presidential leadership by building a Hampshire is very valuable and imporpolitical organization one precinct and one tant, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to win,” former Gov. Pete du county at a time.

Gingrich doesn’t have the time to do Pont of Delaware, who won the paper’s that. His rise came too late in the political support in 1988, said in a telephone conseason, and his political exchequer is too versation. “I noticed that myself.”

Du Pont finished in fourth place with slight to undertake it. But that is almost beside the point. Gingrich is an insurgent, 10.7 percent.

The question now confronting Iowa and a self-styled revolutionary, and if he is to topple bedrock principles of politics, then New Hampshire is whether Gingrich has sweeping away one of the myths of politics cracked the genetic code for running for is an implicit part of his movement — and president, letting poll numbers, debate performances and cost-free newspaper an explicit part of his temperament.

Gingrich isn’t the first insurgent to ride and television interviews trump actual a surge into Iowa and New Hampshire. campaigning. He did not, for example, apMore than a quarter-century ago, in 1984, pear in New Hampshire for more than a when former Vice President Walter F. fortnight after receiving the endorsement Mondale was the establishment candi- of the Union Leader, which for decades date, Sen. Gary W. Hart of Colorado fin- has been the torchbearer for the romantic ished second in Iowa and then stunned notion that the state’s primary is the ultiMondale by winning New Hampshire. mate expression of press-the-flesh, meetHart campaigned on a platform much like the-people democracy.

This gambit has been tried twice before.

Gingrich’s; his mantra was “new ideas,” an intoxicating chant in a party stifled by In 1984, the year Mr. Hart rode his insurpersistent old ideas and choked by power- gency to a Granite State victory, the political experts saw the Democratic contest as ful old interest groups.

But the Hart campaign sweated the de- a struggle between Mondale and Sen. tails. One of the organizational architects John H. Glenn of Ohio, a former astronaut of the Hart victory in New Hampshire was and symbolic hero of the Camelot years.

Mondale prepared for Iowa, which he Jeanne Shaheen, later elected governor of New Hampshire and now the state’s sen- won, and New Hampshire, which he lost, ior senator. Quietly, out of sight of press in the hard, traditional way, building a and politicos, she and Sue Casey built a strong organization in Iowa’s 99 counties formidable political machine, perhaps the and New Hampshire’s 10 counties day by greatest organized uprising in the state day. Glenn did not, relying on gauzy telesince the Indian Stream Rebellion of 1832- vision ads and on a bump from the release of the Project Mercury-oriented film “The 1835.

While Hart prevailed with a melding of Right Stuff,” which went into wide distriideas and organization, Gingrich is oper- bution three days before the Iowa cauating with only half that formula. His New cuses. Glenn finished fifth in Iowa, behind Hampshire organization, for example, is even Sen. Alan Cranston of California, almost nonexistent, run by a tea party ac- and third in New Hampshire.

The only success for a no-campaign tivist who has been on staff less than two months and whom GOP regulars dismiss campaign came 48 years ago, when Sen. as being on the fringe of the fringe. The Barry Goldwater of Arizona and Gov. Nelcampaign has about one-eighth as many son A. Rockefeller of New York battled coordinators as those deployed by the throughout January and February of 1964, master of organization, the former Bain only to see a write-in campaign for former Capital business consultant Mitt Romney. Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. of MassachuThat, of course, may mean nothing. Gin- setts gather inexplicable support in March. grich may have an insight (or 600 of them) Lodge, the American ambassador to South possessed by few others and a campaign Vietnam, never came closer to Concord or message unrivaled in its appeal in a time Manchester than the outskirts of Saigon, of economic uneasiness. In fact, that’s the but he won the New Hampshire primary entire rationale of the Gingrich campaign, with nearly 36 percent of the vote.

Now Gingrich is challenging the tradiwhich could be why he leads in Iowa, South Carolina and Florida — three of the tional rhythms again. It’s a high-stakes first four contests. Romney retains the ad- gamble, but then again, that’s the kind he vantage only in New Hampshire, where likes best. That’s also why he has surged he owns a vacation house and where he is to the front of the polls. a familiar figure because of his four years David M. Shribman is executive editor as the governor of neighboring Massachusetts, his presidential campaign in 2008 of the (Pittsburgh) Post-Gazette and is a and his five years of nonstop organizing. veteran political columnist.

O

THE FIRST AMENDMENT Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

To the Editor: Gee, not that this is a big deal, but since it keeps coming up in letters and I still seem misunderstood: I attend the Veterans Day events because I want to honor veterans. My uncle was at Normandy, my father-in-law won five bronze stars in the Pacific, my brother and a son retired from our armed services. I knew hero Bill Pitsenbarger, and later lived next door to his parents for 20 years. I would have gone to Vietnam but was turned down because I needed back surgery.

I have always attended veterans events if I was in town. And, there are legitimate reasons why people can’t attend events.

I said that it would be helpful if public officials are going to be noted to be missing from an event, that they be formally invited so that all will know that they are there. If not formally invited, we can become unnoticed spectators. (By the way, I was there in the crowd.) I don’t care if I’m noticed — that’s not why I’m there.

But if someone is going to complain — then invite us and we will step forward — or even participate in the ceremony. Sometimes it is awkward and we don’t know what to do.

Same thing with parades.

I’m not going to join a parade unless I’m invited to do so. Sometimes people expect to see my car but, I’m not going to “crash” a parade.

I think the original letter of complaint might have been sent to give a negative view of city officials. If not, why was it sent?

—Bill Vogt Piqua

‘Journey to Bethlehem’ applauded To the Editor: On Dec. 11 we attended the interactive program “Journey to Bethlehem” presented by Union Baptist Church, Peterson Road, Troy. It was awesome. Both entertaining and informative.

Our only regret was not attending on Saturday evening so we could return Sunday and experience it again.

—Ted and Sharon Barhorst Piqua

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, December 22, 2011

5

00-who? Daniel Craig excels away from Bond

Abused man urged to get help and stop suffering in silence

JAKE COYLE AP Entertainment Writer

DEAR ABBY: On Oct. 19 you printed a letter from “Bruised and Abused,” a man who is dating a woman who becomes physically violent when they argue. I know this is a touchy subject. I have heard from authorities that about half of domestic violence occurs when a woman throws the first blow.

Most women believe, as the abusive girlfriend said, that her attack on him isn’t violence because she’s a woman and he is a man.

As difficult as it may be, we need to talk about the role women play in the domestic violence cycle as well as the responsibilities of men. I’m saving the letter from “Bruised” to remind me.

— DONALD, A CALIFORNIA DENTIST

MERRICK MORTON/AP PHOTO

In this film image released by Sony Pictures, Daniel Craig, left, and Robin Wright are shown in a scene from “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.” from an early marriage.

Though Craig’s personal life has become an increasing interest to tabloids, he’s maintained a degree of elusiveness. Even in risible concepts such as “Cowboys and Aliens,” he seems somehow above the fray, consistently projecting an air of professionalism and intellect.

Fincher calls him the “giant planetary body,” of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” around which the other characters (such as Rooney Mara’s Lisbeth Salander) orbit. The director is clearly taken by Craig, whom he compares to Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas — agile leading men with calm exteriors and smoldering eyes.

“He’s obviously got a physical presence and a sense of menace,” says Fincher. “But he has this ability to be available for the other actor. It’s a selflessness. It’s a movie star thing. It’s knowing how to create a conduit for the audience.

“It’s what he can do in here,” Fincher says, gesturing a close-up frame.

In “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” Craig plays intrepid journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who teams up with Salander to investigate a long-dormant missing woman case that unravels the sordid history of a wealthy Swedish family. It is, of course, based on the bestselling novels of Stieg Larsson, whose books were previously adapted into a trio of Swedish-language movies.

If the film succeeds how

Sony hopes it will, it will generate at least two more films — meaning Craig could be simultaneously attached to two of big movie series. He’s currently a third of the way through shooting his third Bond film, “Skyfall,” directed by Sam Mendes (who previously directed Craig in “Road to Perdition”). His contract has an option for a fourth Bond film, but more than that seems likely. Bond producer Michael G. Wilson recently said he hopes to sign Craig for another five films and make him the longest running 007.

Asked about the prospect of carrying two franchises, Craig says jokingly, “I’m going to be very old. Botox is going to be in there.

“We’ll see how ‘Dragon Tattoo’ does, but, yes, of course, I’d love to come in and do (more),” he says.

“This is something I really believe in and I want to put all of my effort in to.

I’ve just got to find time to live and that’s kind of the only thing that really matters now.

“It’s not a problem. It’s good stuff, I think,” he pauses for a beat, then slyly reveals more doubt and a slight confession.

“Talk to me in a year. …

I’m talking a good game.

I’m trying my best.”

Craig, the son of an art teacher and a pub landlord, knew he wanted to be an actor by age 6. At 16, he joined England’s National Youth Theatre and later continued into drama school. He started attracting attention after

■ Contract Bridge — By Steve Becker

From the mailbag

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me. It didn’t matter whether I trumped high or low — West was bound to get another trump trick, and I went down one.

That night, I couldn’t sleep, and the same thing happened the next night and the night after that.

My appetite fell off terribly, and I lost interest in everything. I continued in a depressed state for weeks, and I finally consulted a psychiatrist.

After a couple of treatments — during which I spent as much time on the psychiatrist’s couch as I did at home in bed — he told me the cause of my troubles, but it didn’t help.

Tomorrow: I tried a few other skull quiz.

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Dear Mr. Becker: I don’t know whether or not you can help me with my problem, but I am in a desperate predicament, and I am willing to grasp at any straw.

A year ago, I was playing in a rubber-bridge game and held the South hand. You can imagine my disappointment when I heard East open the bidding ahead of me. I needed so little to make a small or grand slam — just an ace or two — and this guy on my right ups and bids a diamond.

Well, I ended up in four spades doubled and redoubled, as you can see, and won the diamond lead with the ace. I then led the king of spades. East took it and returned a diamond that I ruffed and West overruffed.

West then put East on lead with a heart, and another diamond lead ruined

ABIGAIL VAN BUREN

DEAR ABBY: I was a victim. People asked me why I didn’t fight back. I wasn’t raised to hit women.

In the end, my wife put me in the hospital twice and left me blind in my left eye. She spent nine months in jail for everything that happened.

Violence is violence regardless of who is throwing the punches. Tell that man he needs to get out now! God forbid he ends DONALD: up dead.

DEAR — BATTERED IN Since I printed that letter ARIZONA I have heard from readers telling me my answer didDEAR ABBY: I agree n’t go far enough. (I advised him to end the with you that the man Among needs to leave “Carmen.” relationship.) those who wrote to me But something he wrote were doctors, members of in his letter concerns me. law enforcement and men- He said, “I don’t want to tal health specialists — as end the relationship, but I well as former victims. My think it’s the only way I newspaper readers com- can make her see things from my perspective.” ment: This indicates to me DEAR ABBY: Because that he thinks he can we are bigger and stronger “teach her a lesson” by does not mean we don’t get breaking up with her, and abused. I was abused by that this would stop her my former wife and an ex- behavior. That would be a girlfriend before I recog- huge misconception on his nized it for what it was part.

Carmen’s behavior isn’t and got myself the help I needed. Nobody else was something that can be modified through a there for me.

If she is hitting him, he breakup. It is something needs to call the police. If that will require intense he has marks on him, SHE counseling to correct, if it will go to jail. Men are too can be corrected at all. often ashamed to call the The boyfriend needs to police because men think end things for good — and it reflects on their man- run like the wind!

— BRUCE IN HOUShood. However, they need TON to put that shame aside and get the help they DEAR ABBY: Domesneed.

— JOE IN MIS- tic abuse isn’t just maleSOURI on-female. It is very often female-on-male, and partDEAR ABBY: I’m a re- ner-on-partner in homorelationships. tired cop. “Bruised” asked sexual you if what his girlfriend “Bruised and Abused” is doing is domestic abuse. needs to notify the police, Your reply did not mention get a restraining order that his girlfriend hitting and stay away.

— STUDENT him IS domestic abuse. It NURSE IN CHAPEL doesn’t matter if the HILL abuser is male or female, nor the size of the victim.

Dear Abby is written by “Bruised” should call the cops and report this Abigail Van Buren, also before she goads him into known as Jeanne Phillips, a response that gets him and was founded by her arrested. The courts can mother, Pauline Phillips. mandate the therapy she Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or apparently needs.

— RUSS IN HE- P.O. Box 69440, Los AngeLENA, MONT. les, CA 90069. doctors, and they all told me the same thing. They said I should not have Solve it trumped the diamond return at trick three but should have discarded my heart. Then when West overruffed the next diamond lead, he wouldn’t be able to put East back on Complete the lead and I would have grid so every row, made the contract. column and 3 x 3 So now I know what I box contains should have done, but I every digit from still can’t sleep. I just keep 1 to 9 inclusively. reliving this nightmare WEDNESDAY’S SOLUTION over and over again. What I’m hoping is that if I see this hand in print, maybe it will all go away. Expectantly, N. Somnia

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NEW YORK — The time off from James Bond has been very good to Daniel Craig.

In the three years since the release of “Quantum of Solace,” Craig has made his Broadway debut (“A Steady Rain”); starred in the World War II-era tale of Jewish rebellion, “Defiance”; joined up with Steven Spielberg again (“The Adventures of Tintin,” following their earlier collaboration in “Munich”); and starred in the summer blockbuster “Cowboys & Aliens.” Now, he’s adding yet another major franchise to his plate, with David Fincher’s remake of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”

At this point, the early misgivings of the “Blond Bond” seem laughable.

Craig has emerged as one of the biggest British movie stars. More than that, he’s already managed to prove that — maybe more than any previous guardian of the tuxedoed spy — he won’t be pigeonholed by the role.

Craig has not just grown into Bond, but, perhaps, beyond it.

“It’s a very fortunate time for me at the moment,” Craig said in a recent interview. “So I’m just trying to grab it with both hands.”

Though the 43-year-old actor is known for being careful of his privacy, Craig, dressed casually in a jean jacket and jeans, comes across as relaxed.

Self-deprecation is his fallback, and he often chortles sheepishly at his own wit. Though his screen presence is bleak and still, his manner is more loose and jocular. He meets a reporter in the lobby of a New York hotel for a recent interview, but Craig isn’t visiting — this is his hometown now.

“It was one of those decisions in my life where it was like going, ‘I want to be here.’ Thankfully, I’ve got very good reasons,” he says, presumably alluding to his wife Rachel Weisz and her 4-year-old son.

Craig and Weisz (his costar in Jim Sheridan’s horror flick “Dream House,” released earlier this year) wed privately in June. He has a teenage daughter

his performance as Francis Bacon’s lover in 1998’s “Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon,” an early hint of Craig’s daring.

Hollywood first took notice after a respectable supporting performance alongside Angelina Jolie in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” He memorably starred in a couple of Roger Mitchell dramas seen more in the U.K., “Enduring Love” and “The Mother,” but he also began a continuing run in thrillers — a favorite genre — that included “Road to Perdition” and “Layer Cake.”

It was surely his smooth fit — a steely, purposeful presence with a sinewy (and more than occasionally shirtless) frame — in such films that won him the role of Bond, which he began in 2006’s “Casino Royale.” The film, one of the most acclaimed in the series, restarted Bond, turning him into a more realistic, brooding and post-modern figure.

Before undertaking the 007 mantle, Craig made his peace with the possibility of being pigeonholed.

“In my head, I very clearly said to myself, ‘If it does, it does,’” says Craig.

“There’s nothing you can do about it. And there’s no shame in that, for Christ’s sake.”

2008’s “Quantum of Solace,” directed by Marc Forster, was marred by the writers’ strike. The film went into production with what Craig calls “a third of a script,” which he and Forster had to attempt to fill in. On “Skyfall,” more focus was put on the screenplay to avoid such a situation. He says he’s currently “incredibly happy” about where he is with Bond, and eager for a new installment that returns some familiar elements.

But finding his equilibrium away from Bond took some adjustment. Craig acknowledges that he initially looked for “roles that were diametrically opposed” before learning he ultimately had to rely on his gut. “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” — European, stylish and lethal — might not have qualified under the older rubric.

But Craig can’t say no to a good, spine-chilling potboiler.

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RELIGION

Thursday, December 22, 2011

How well do you know the real Christmas story?

Jesus’ birth. Perhaps Twinkling lights, many other travelers Santa Claus, busy were stranded in the shoppers, holiday same place along with music – it’s all around Mary and Joseph. Cows, us now. But how well sheep, or other animals do you know the real are not mentioned. Neistory?

Christmas ther does it say that anWhich details of the folgels were present at the lowing narration of the manger scene or that first Christmas are not PAUL JETTER Jesus had a halo. confirmed by the Bible?

Columnist Luke 2:13 says that “When Mary and the shepherds heard Joseph traveled to the angels praising God Bethlehem, Joseph walked while Mary rode on a don- as they announced the birth of key. They could not find a vacant Jesus. It doesn’t say that they were room in the inn so the innkeeper di- singing. While singing is certainly a rected them to a stable where Jesus popular way to praise God, we don’t was born. Although no one except for know for sure how they expressed Mary and Joseph were present, the themselves. Perhaps they rapped!

The Bible makes no mention of cows and the sheep welcomed the newborn Savior into the world. An- how many wise men there were. gels hovered over the stable, casting Since it does record the giving of a holy light that formed a halo three gifts, many presume that there were three wise men as well. The around the Christ Child’s head.

“Shepherds on the hillsides out- wise men did not visit the Baby side of Jerusalem heard the angels while he lay in the manger. They evsinging and went to worship the idently arrived some time later. newborn King. Three wise men Matthew 2:11 says that they found joined the shepherds at the manger Jesus in a house.

We may not know as many details bed.

On that first Christmas Day, Jesus had come down to earth as we would like about the first Christmas, but we do know the most to be our Savior.”

Did you spot any details that important thing of all: that Jesus aren’t in the Bible? The Bible gives Christ, our Savior was born. While no details of the trip to Bethlehem. we may enjoy the sparkling lights, It doesn’t say if Mary rode a donkey, the beautiful music, and delightful walked, or traveled some other way. but make-believe stories of Santa, The innkeeper is not mentioned in Rudolf, and Frosty, we miss the enthe Bible. Mary and Joseph may tire point if we leave out the Christ have found a place to stay on their Child. He is the reason for this wonown. The Bible does say that Jesus derful holiday season.

This Christmas, before opening was laid in a manger. Since a manger is a feeding trough for ani- your gifts, why not read the Christmals, Jesus may have been born in mas story with your family? You will a stable. However, the Bible doesn’t find it in Matthew 1:18-2:12 and in say. In Palestine many of the places Luke 2:1-20. Your church will also be where animals slept and ate were aglow with Christmas excitement. actually little caves carved out in the What a wonderful time to worship soft stone cliffs. Therefore, Jesus Him! may have been born in a small cave.

Paul Jetter is pastor of Upper ValThe Bible doesn’t specify whether or not other persons were present for ley Community Church.

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• PIQUA DAILY CALL

‘Idol’ runner-up to serve Mormon mission SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — “American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta will take a break from his singing career to serve a two-year proselytizing mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The contestant from the 2007-2008 season made the announcement during a Christmas concert Monday in downtown Salt Lake City, according to KSL.com. The 20-year-old Miami native, who grew up in Murray, Utah, said he’s not quitting music, but feels a strong call to serve the church.

A video of the concert on Archuleta’s website shows him overwhelmed with emotion and crying as he talks about his plans. The crowd screams wildly with the news and gives him a standing ovation.

“It’s not because someone

told me that I’m supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it’s the feeling that I’ve felt I need to do this with my life,” Archuleta told the crowd.

Archuleta was 16 and one of the youngest contestants when he competed on the seventh season of “American Idol.” The runner-up has since released three albums, one of which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2010, he performed with the Grammy-winning Mormon Tabernacle choir at the group’s annual Christmas concert.

Church spokesman Eric Hawkins confirmed that Archuleta had been called on a mission by the faith.

Hawkins said he didn’t know when Archuleta was scheduled to report for mis-

sionary training.

The location of Archuleta’s mission has not been disclosed either by him or church officials.

Statistics released in April show the church has more than 52,200 members currently are serving fulltime proselytizing or service missions worldwide. About 75 percent of missionaries are men between 19 and 21.

Single women over 21 and retired couples make up the remaining 25 percent.

Single men typically serve for two years, and women and couples serve for 18 months.

Missionaries volunteer for service, but must be selected by program officials in Salt Lake City. They are not paid and must cover their own expenses while in the field.

The church has more than 350 missions worldwide.

DivorceCare seminar to begin in January PIQUA — DivorceCare, a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are experiencing separation or divorce, will begin a new series starting Monday, Jan. 30. Held each Monfrom 7-9 p.m. day (refreshments from 6:45-7 p.m.) at Upper Valley Community Church,1400 Seidel Parkway, Piqua.

DivorceCare is a place where people can begin to learn how to heal from the hurt of divorce or separation and gain hope for the future.

This 14-week series will run through April 30 and each

session is self-contained so attendees can still join in even if they miss a session or two due to scheduling conflicts.

Each session of DivorceCare will feature a videotape presentation by a nationally recognized expert that focus on a wide variety of everyday issues that divorce people face such as anger, loneliness, depression, finances, dealing with children, forgiveness, and beginning new relationships. Following the video, those attending are joined together in smaller discussion groups with facil-

itator, whom themselves have faced divorce, to discuss what they have just seen and what’s happening in the lives of their group members.

Those recently divorced or separated or those who have been divorced for a long time, men or women, church attenders and non-attenders — all are welcome and urged to attend.

Cost for the 14 week program is $20, which includes the cost of the study guide.

For more information or to register please go to www.uvcc.org or call 7788822 or email uvcc@uvcc.org.

You’re Invited Church holds special service PIQUA — The public is invited to a Christmas Eve service at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church, 500 N. Downing St., Piqua.

The ringing of the bells at 7 p.m. will signal the start of the candlelight service. Children are invited to wear their pajamas and will be invited to come forward to hear of the Christmas story, presented by Dr. Keith Gebhart. A special time of fellowship will follow the service. Beverages will be provided. Attendees are invited to bring a snack to share.

our college students, plus our Adult Choir, tow solos: Tori Jacomet, singing “O Holy Night” and Adam Jacomet singing “Mary Did You Know”.

The service will then shift to a very meaningful drama “A Life in Review” and end with a candlelight service.

May your last preparation for Christmas be worship. Join us also for Christmas Day worship on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Piqua Baptist Church is located at 1402 W. High St. Call 773-4583 for further information.

Church to hold three services

Christmas Eve service set

PIQUA — Westminster Presbyterian Church will be observing the ChristCOVINGTON — The mas holiday with three Covington United Church services. At 7 p.m. on of Christ, located at 115 Christmas Eve there will North Pearl St., will hold a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Pastor Dan Hathaway will fill the pulpit and there will be special music. Everyone is welcome to attend.

be a family service of carols and lessons, featuring the children’s choir, the chancel choir, and the Westminster Ringers, a handbell choir.

At 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a candlelight communion service will be held. Those who attend say it is their favorite service of the church year.

On Christmas morning, at 10:30 a.m., Westminster will be hosting an informal brunch and worship service. It will be held in the church’s fellowship room, rather than the sanctuary, and those in attendance are urged to dress casually.

Christmas service planned

Pastor Carl Ward speaking and special music.

For more information 773-8002 or contact Stephanie Winchester at 307-7142.

Local church has new name PIQUA — The old Favorite Hill Baptist Church has a new name.

It is now Victory Baptist Church.

Recently the congregation of Favorite Hill and Friendship Baptist Church voted to merge.

They decided to utilize the facilities at 1601 South St. The emphasis is still on providing safe environment for worship and religious training for

PIQUA — The Calvary Baptist Church will hold its Christmas service at 10 a.m. Sunday at 726 Wilson Ave., Piqua, with

Today!

OPENING SOON

PIQUA — Piqua Baptist Church invites the public to join them for a meaningful and inspirational candlelight service at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The service will feature

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Public invited to church Dec. 24

all of the family. They are now sponsoring the AWANA’s program on Wednesday nights, from 6:30-8 p.m. for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. At the same time the youth from grades 7-12 meet. The adults also have time for prayer and Bible Study.

The adults are presently studying the book of Revelation.

Victory Baptist Church will observe Christmas as a special service from 9-10 a.m. this Sunday. There will be no Sunday school or evening service that day. This will allow families to attend the Christmas worship service and still have time to travel to family get-togethers

For more information on any of these programs call the church office at 773-6469 or the Pastor, Phil De Lorme at (937) 287-0966.

Candlelight service set for holiday BRADFORD — The Bradford First Presbyterian Church will have a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The church is located at 127 School St., in Bradford. The public is invited to attend this beautiful service. There will be no church services held on Christmas Day.

6-9 PM ONLY!

SCHOOLS

PIQUA DAILY CALL • WWW.DAILYCALL.COM

S M O KS IEG N A L S Choirs hold Christmas Concert

BY ROBBY BLOOM Staff Writer

Thursday, December 22, 2011

PIQUA HIGH SCHOOL

7

Staff: Sarah McCrea Eric Craft Robby Bloom Adviser: Debbie Allen

What are you doing over Christmas break?

We asked some kids what they were planning to do over Christmas Break. This is what they said:

Over the past weekend the Piqua High School choirs performed in the Christmas Choir Concert. The three different choirs performed 17 different songs. All the choirs sang “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Everyone in the audience sang “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”

The Women’s Chorus sang “Winter Wonderland,” “Silent Night,” “Mister Santa,” and “This Little Babe.” The Men’s Chorus sang “We Three Kings,” “Nuttin’ for Christmas,” “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” with soloists: Sean Higgins, Ian Supinger, David Spiggle and Brandon Pummel, and “Frosty the Snow Man” with Luke Vickory playing bass.

The Show Choir “The Company” sang “Yule Be Rockin'” with soloist: Danny Rudy, “Merry Christmas Darling” with soloist: Lauren McGraw, “Carol of the Bells” and “Run Rudy Run.” The Concert Choir sang “One Candle Light the Way” with soloists: Summer Littlejohn, and Brandon Newbright, “Candle Light” with soloists: Tori Hostetter and Isaac Hale, “Candlelight Carol” with soloists: Sierra Iddings and Sam Roth, and on organ: Mr. David Broerman, “Hallelujah Chorus” with Gotham City Brass playing the part of the Organ.

There were more people at the 2:30 concert than the 4:30 one, “Yeah, it was fun,” said Summer Littlejohn.

“Yes, I enjoyed it; it put me in the holiday spirit,” quoted Isaac Hale, “I feel that the choirs performed well.”

All the choirs did very well it was one of the best concerts in awhile.

“The Cookies were great,” Summer added in at the end.

Alanna Maier

McDonald’s Student of the Week Andrea Ferree “I want to eat a lot more food than last year.”

Luke Kelly “I'm looking forward to some good brownies, quality time with family, and opening some gifts.”

Ryan Foster “Chilling and break dancing.”

Julian Besecker “I'm gonna go cliff-diving into freezing water in Alaska with bears.”

BY SARAH MCCREA Staff Writer

The McDonald’s Student of the Week for the week of Dec. 22 is Alanna Maier. A senior, she lives with her mother and father Janet and Jeff Maier in Sidney.

Maier, was nominated by her teacher Josh Burns for her responsibility and integrity. “Alanna is a great student. She is the perfect example of responsibility and integrity,” says Burns. “As a senior in a class of sophomores, she is the perfect role model for her classmates.”

After school, Maier participates in activities such as softball and concert choir. After high school, she plans on going into education to teach either CBI student Chad Miller gets interviewed by middle school or high Dave Givens from the Council on Rural Serv- school kids. ices.

CBI students prepare for the real world

BY ERIC CRAFT Staff Writer On Dec. 15, Career Based Intervention students took part in mock interviews. To prepare for these interviews CBI students practiced several weeks doing practice interviews along with different activities and worksheets. Also the students went to the Salvation Army topurchase interview clothing so they had something to wear on the day of the interviews.

“It was a great experience that is going to prepare us for the future and going to help us know what to when we have a real interview,” said Nick Harshman, a student in the CBI program.

Piqua area Chamber of Commerce put these interviews on. Volunteers who attended include Elaine Barton representing the City of Piqua, Julie Buschur from Hartzell Industries,Inc., Steven Gall from Gall&Gall Company, Dave Givens from the Council on Rural Services, Beverly Martin from the Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Kathy Sherman representing the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce, Donny Windney

from Manpower, Cynamym Williams from Harmony Systems, and Peggy Wiggins from Edison Community College.

This was a great experience for students so they could see what a real interview was like and to help them in the real world.

Go Piqua!

Reporters: Meghan Bennett Abby Ciriegrio Colleen Kinninger Adviser: Elaine Schweller-Snyder

Issue #13 -Dec. 22, 2011

Best Wishes for a Very Blessed Christmas from the Lehman Catholic High School Community!

The Angels Mass

BY COLLEEN KINNINGER The temperatures are dropping, the streets are being decked out in lights and that can only mean one thing: it’s almost Christmas time.

Every single family has its own traditions during Christmas time. Whether it is visiting family, having a specific dinner, or a certain way of opening presents, there are unmistakable sets of family traditions. One of the biggest traditions that we experience in our Catholic family is the practice of going to Mass on Christmas. Parishes typically offer the same Mass schedule as a Sunday. However, there is also the special option of going to Mass at Midnight.

The Mass on Christmas has a long history in the Catholic Church. The second Bishop of Rome, Telesphorus, declared that a Mass should be held to celebrate the birthday of Christ. It was not until 354 A.D. that there was a first “Christ’s Mass.” Finally, in 400 A.D., Pope Sixtus III established the Midnight Mass, according to http://ezinearticles.com/. This Mass is sometimes called the Angels Mass, referring to the angels that proclaim the good news.

This is the first Mass that celebrates the Christmas season in the liturgical year. It is held at midnight to reflect the belief that Christ was born at midnight. It also symbolizes the darkness that Jesus Christ can dispel from our lives. Candles are used at the Mass to represent the light of Christ entering into our world.

As you prepare to celebrate in all of the typical traditions of Christmas, maybe you can consider starting a new tradition and seeing all that the Midnight Mass has to offer.

A new year, a new you!

BY ABBY CIRIEGIO 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… The countdown to a new year is something we all look forward to as January rapidly approaches. A new year brings with it the possibilities of a fresh start, a chance for all of us to forget the past and embrace the future. What better way to embrace your future than through a New Year’s Resolution.

The tradition of the New Year’s Resolution dates all the way back to pre-Christian times around 153 B.C. It wasn’t until Julius Caesar developed the modern day calendar, that the New Year was actually celebrated on January 1. The mythical Roman king, Janus, was placed at the head of the calendar in order to look back on past events, as well as, look forward to the events of the future. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new.

Thus, Janus became the ancient symbol of resolutions, and was believed to bring good fortune to those who believed in him.

I hit the hallways to find out what Lehman students plan to do for their resolutions this New Year’s: “I plan to work out more,” said senior Masie Sherman. “But it probably won’t happen.”

Junior Ally Bergman said, “I plan to get better grades.”

“To get buff and huge; you know, focus on my good looks!” said sophomore Seth Bensman. “My New Year’s Resolution is to study more and get better grades,” said freshman Elizabeth Edwards.

English teacher Mrs. Maxson said “To not let life get away from me.”

So you see, New Year’s Resolutions are not only a thing of the past, but are very much a tradition of the present and hope for the future.

Justice will be served

BY MEGHAN BENNETT May it please the court. Lehman Catholic’s Mock Trial team is ready to present their case to you!

Started in 1984, Mock Trial is a contest in which teams from schools across the country compete in contrived legal trials. The goal of the competition is to win both the plaintiff and the defense sides of a legal case with students acting as both attorneys and witnesses for both sides.

This year’s Mock Trial team advisors are teachers Matthew Normile and Elizabeth Maxson, as well as legal advisors, Nicole Reiss and Josh Koltack, both of whom are practicing lawyers.

Lehman’s team is young, but eager to learn the ropes of the judicial system in time for district competition which will be held on Feb. 3. The team members consist of students from grades 9-12 who have an interest in the legal workings of our nation. Serving as lawyers on the team are seniors Meghan Bennett and Dan Sehlhorst, junior Louis Gaier, and sophomore Grace Winhoven. Acting as witnesses are junior Alyx Meyers, sophomores Patrick Blenman and Julia Harrelson, and freshmen Alec Greve, Eric Jackson, and Teddy Jackson.

This year’s case deals with an individual’s right to privacy. College student Storm Jackson has returned home to attend a community party and open houses with his parents. During the same weekend that Storm attended this party and open houses, addictive medications were stolen from each location. Without a warrant and with some unanswered questions, the local police chief used the GPS tracking system on Storm’s cell phone in order to pin the crime on him.

The prosecution is trying to prove that the police chief had no right to contact the phone company and receive these records under the protection of the 4th Amendment. The defense is trying to prove that the police chief did indeed have the right to these records.

This is not a case of finding the guilty party, but of finding just law.

“Mock Trial is great. It is a well-rounded activity that gives students the chance to act, argue, and learn about the law at the same time,” says advisor Normile.

“I think this year will be even more enjoyable because the case is so relatable to everyone.”

We wish the Mock Trial team the best of luck this year! After all, someone has to keep the order in the court here at Lehman.

8

Thursday, December 22, 2011

LOCAL/NATION

WWW.DAILYCALL.COM

U.S. economy ending 2011 on upswing

Chief shopper

Job market healthier

BY PAUL WISEMAN Associated Press

CAROLYN KASTER/AP PHOTO

President Barack Obama shops for Christmas gifts for his family at Best Buy on Wednesday in Alexandria, Va.

Soldiers charged in death Army alleges serviceman victim of hazing NEW YORK (AP) Even before the Army sent him to Afghanistan, supporters say, Pvt. Daniel Chen was fighting a personal war.

Fellow soldiers at a base in Georgia teased him about his Chinese name, crying out “Chen!” in an exaggerated Asian accent.

They called him “Jackie Chen,” a reference to the Hollywood action star Jackie Chan. People would ask him repeatedly if he

was Chinese, even though he was a native New Yorker.

At one point Chen wrote in his diary that he was running out of jokes to respond with.

Then he was sent overseas, and the hazing began: Soldiers dragged him across a floor, pelted him with stones and forced him to hold liquid in his mouth while hanging upside down, according to diary entries and other accounts cited by a community activist.

On Oct. 3, the 19-yearold Chen was found dead in a guardhouse in Afghanistan with what

the Army said was apparently a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On Wednesday, the Army announced charges against eight soldiers in his death, saying Chen was a victim of illegal hazing. Five of those accused were charged with involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide. The alleged offenses also included maltreatment, assault and threats.

The military would not discuss the exact circumstances surrounding Chen’s death. But family members and community activists said they suspect the bullying may have

unknown subject made entry into the school, but the subject apparently left prior to the arrival of officers,” Grove said.

Grove said responding officers searched the school but could not find the suspect and at this time it does not appear

that anything was stolen, though the investigation continues.

He added that evidence at the scene was recovered and is currently being processed.

“We don’t have schools broken into that often,” Grove said.

School Continued from page 1 could not find any signs of the intruder, said Piqua Deputy Chief Marty Grove.

“We believe that one of the landscaping blocks from the school was used and it appears that one

• PIQUA DAILY CALL

driven him to suicide.

“Whether suicide or homicide, those responsible for mistreating Danny are responsible for his death,” said Elizabeth OuYang, a community activist who is representing his parents, Chinese immigrants who live near New York City’s Chinatown neighborhood.

Attorneys for the defendants could not immediately be located. The sister of one of them had no comment. Other relatives could not be reached for comment.

WASHINGTON — The economy is ending 2011 on a roll.

The job market is healthier. Americans are spending lustily on holiday gifts. A long-awaited turnaround for the depressed housing industry may be under way. Gas is cheaper. Factories are busier. Stocks are higher.

Not bad for an economy faced with a debt crisis in Europe and, as recently as last summer, scattered predictions of a second recession at home. Instead, the economy has grown faster each quarter this year, and the last three months should be the best.

“Things are looking up,” says Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. When The Associated Press surveyed 43 economists in August, they pegged the likelihood of another recession at roughly one in four. The Dow Jones industrial average was lurching up or down by 400 points or more some days.

There was plenty of reason for gloom. A political standoff over the federal borrowing limit brought the United States to the brink of default and

cost the nation its topdrawer credit rating.

Most analysts now rule out another recession.

They think the economy will grow at an annual rate of more than 3 percent from October through December, the fastest pace since a 3.8 percent performance in the spring of last year.

Many economists still worry that the year-end surge isn’t sustainable, in part because the average worker’s pay is barely rising. And Europe may already be sliding into a recession that will infect the United States.

The outlook could darken further if Congress can’t break the impasse blocking an extension of a Social Security tax cut for 160 million Americans and emergency unemployment benefits.

Yet for now, the economy is on an upswing that few had predicted: JOBS: The number of people applying for unemployment benefits came in at 366,000 last week, down from a peak of 659,000 in March 2009.

Even in good economic times, the figure would be between 280,000 and 350,000.

Employers have added at least 100,000 jobs five months in a row, the longest streak since 2006.

And the unemployment rate fell from 9 percent in October to 8.6 percent last month, the lowest since March 2009.

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HOROSCOPE Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011 In the coming months, you’ll be developing several enviable attributes that will enable you to better cope with the world around you. As these qualities develop, you’re likely to become far more self-assured.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If you hope to be an effective leader, you must first set the example that you wish others to follow. They’ll believe only in what you do, not necessarily in what you say.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — That sudden whim to drop in on someone might not be such a good idea. If she or he is in the middle of something and doesn’t want to be disturbed, you won’t be welcomed. Call first.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look gift horses in the mouth, and with a jaundiced eye. Should someone give you something for no apparent reason, chances are he or she will be expecting you to return the favor at the drop of a hat.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — This can be either a good day or a disappointing one, depending upon with whom you choose to spend your time.

Select pals who share the same interests as you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Your attention span might not have much staying power, so it could be best to do all the demanding tasks first. As you tire, switch to no-brainer jobs that can be knocked off quickly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Don’t be too quick to put much credence in a business proposal presented to you by a new acquaintance. What she or he is selling could be all sizzle and no steak.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Should two friends of yours of whom you’re equally fond be at odds with one another, stay out of it and don’t try to be a peacemaker. Both could turn on you instead.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — If you’re using a helpmate to tackle a hazardous task, keep a watchful eye on what this person is doing. Being less knowledgeable, he or she won’t be as safety-conscious as you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — As prudent as you are, you could still let your guard down and empty your wallet before you know it. Strive to be prudent in all your involvements, especially ones of a social nature.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — When making a request of your mate, a lack of tact on your part could cause him or her to react in a way opposite from the one you were hoping for. Don’t be careless in your choice of words.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Friends aren’t likely to be prepared to cope with any last-minute changes.

Thus, try to let them know your intentions well in advance, so there won’t be any glitches in anybody’s plans.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Your expectations might not be based upon realistic factors. Thus, self-discipline is likely to be required in order to subdue temptations to take big risks for fanciful reasons.

COPYRIGHT 2011 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

CROSSWORD

SNUFFY SMITH

GARFIELD

BABY BLUES

FUNKY WINKERBEAN

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CRANKSHAFT

Thursday, December 22, 2011

9

10

Thursday, December 22, 2011

PLACE YOUR AD IN THE CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK 877-844-8385 OR ON THE WEB AT WWW.DAILYCALL.COM • PIQUA DAILY CALL

that work .com JobSourceOhio.com

300 - Real Estate Programmer

105 Announcements

OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED In observance of the

Christmas Holiday the Classifieds Dept. of the Sidney Daily News Troy Daily News and Piqua Daily Call will be closed on Monday, December 26 We will be available on Tuesday, December 27 at 8am to assist you with classified advertising needs.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

125 Lost and Found LOST: diamond ring, keepsake, vicinity of Krogers.

Reward.

(937)773-3382

NK Parts Industries Inc. is currently seeking an experienced professional Programmer with hands on experience with Visual Studio 2010, Share Point and SQL server including integration and reporting services to join our team.

The Programmer will be responsible to convert data from specifications and statement of problems to computer code.

The Programmer must have the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field or equivalent combination of experience and/or training required.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401 K, paid vacations, and tuition reimbursement.

For immediate consideration please email a current resume and salary history to: Career1@nkparts.com or NK Parts Industries Inc. 777 South Kuther Rd Sidney, Ohio 45365 ATTN: Human Resources Department NKP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ Drug Free

240 Healthcare

LOST: Female Golden Retriever.

Dark red.

Named Maggie. Casstown area. REWARD! (937)371-5647 leave message

200 - Employment

235 General

Legal Assistant Excellent computer, organizational, grammar and proofing skills. Legal experience a plus.

Full-time with competitive wages/ benefits.

Mail resume to: Dysinger & Associates, LLC 249 S. Garber Drive Tipp City, OH 45371 Or e-mail: vpryfogle@dysingerlaw.com

• • • • •

Machine Operator S/R Supervisor Operators CNC Machinist Maintenance Techs

OPTOMETRIST P/T or F/T for Ophthalmology office in Bellefontaine.

Fax resume to 937-593-2430 or E-mail to aterebuh2@yahoo.com

280 Transportation Professional Driver wanted for dedicated route (OH/MI).

Local Owner/Operator.

Two years Steel Hauler experience required. For more information please call 937-405-8544.

STNA/CNA/HHA Requirements: o High School Diploma/ GED o STNA or Medicare Approved HHA Certificate o Must have Reliable Transportation o First Aid Certification Preferred/ CPR Preferred

Heritage Health Services 1201 E. David Road, Suite 206 Kettering, OH 44906 Phone 937-299-9903 Fax 937-299-9971

Transportation-

REGIONAL DRIVERS

CALL TODAY!

(937)778-8563

305 Apartment 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom, Houses & Apts.

SEIPEL PROPERTIES Piqua Area Only Metro Approved (937)773-9941 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

*4 weeks vacation/year *$0.40/mile to start *$.02/mile bonuses *Well maintained equipment *401K with company match *Weekly Per Diem *Health, Dental, Vision CDLA & 1 year recent OTR experience for solo or run team for 12 weeks if less than 1 year. Terminal located in Sidney, OH. Apply at www.ceioh.com or call 800/497-2100

POLICY: Please Check Your Ad The 1st Day. It Is The Advertiser’s Responsibility To Report Errors Immediately.

Publisher Will Not Be Responsible for More Than One Incorrect Insertion. We Reserve The Right To Correctly Classify, Edit, Cancel Or Decline Any Advertisement Without Notice.

Thurs - Weds @ 5pm Sat - Thurs @ 4pm

NEW YEARS SPECIAL! FREE RENT FOR JANUARY 1 & 2 BEDROOM CALL FOR DETAILS

• Close to 75 • Toddler Playground • Updated Swimming

ARROWHEAD VILLAGE APARTMENTS 807 Arrowhead, Apt.F Sidney, Ohio (937)492-5006 ✦ ● ✦ ● ✦ ● ✦ ● ✦ ●✦

EVERS REALTY

PIQUA, 1819 Parkway, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer hookup. Very clean. 1 level, $575 month plus $575 deposit. No pets. Nonsmoking environment.

Call (937)441-3921

TROY, 2 bedroom townhomes, 1.5 baths, 1 car garage, ca, w/d hook up, all appliances, $685 (937)216-5806 EversRealty.net

CRIB, cradle, changing table, Pack-N-Play, basinet, Porta-Crib, saucer, walker, car seat, blankets, clothes, gate, potty, tub, DOLLS beautiful $5/ea (937)339-4233 EXERCISE BIKE, recumbent, with fitness monitor. $50 or best offer.

(937)773-9868

Pool

• Pet Friendly

1 BEDROOM with Garage Starting at $595 Off Dorset in Troy (937)313-2153

PIQUA upstairs, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, stove & refrigerator furnished (937)773-3285 after 5pm.

RADIO, ANTIQUE, 1942 Philco floor model, AM/SW/police, $125 firm.

28" Schwinn balloon tire men's bicycle, 6 speed, $200. Overhead Projector, new condition, $75.

Epson NX110 printer/ copy/ scan, like new $75.

Toshiba 27" color TV, $50.

Cash only.

(937)773-7858 WALKER, hospital table, tub/shower benches, commode chair, toilet riser, dolls Barbie, babies, cabbage patch, collector porcelain , care bears, more. (937)339-4233

250 Office/Clerical

1103 VAN Way, Piqua. 2 Bedroom, kitchen appliances, new carpet with garage. $550.

(937)430-0989.

1&2 BEDROOM apartments, stove & refrigerator furnished. Deposit & no pets. (937)773-9498.

2 BEDROOM apartment on Roosevelt, washer/ dryer hook-up, $375 month, $200 Deposit. 1 bedroom apartments also available, North Main Street, Piqua, $325 & $425 monthly (937)778-1176

2 BEDROOM in Troy, Stove, refrigerator, W/D, A/C, very clean, cats ok. $525. (937)573-7908

$200 Deposit Special!

(937)673-1821 TROY area, 2 bedroom townhouses, 1-1/2 bath, furnished appliances, W/D hookup, A/C, No dogs $475. (937)339-6776.

WEST MILTON Townhouse. 2 Bedroom 1.5 bath. $475 month, Lease by 12-15, FREE GIFTCARD, (937)216-4233.

NEAR BRADFORD in country 2 bedroom trailer, washer/dryer hookup. $375.

(937)417-7111, (937)448-2974

330 Office Space

500 - Merchandise

2 BR duplexes & 2 BR townhouses. 1.5 baths, 1 car garage, fireplace, Great Location! Starting at $625-$675.

(937)335-1443 HOLIDAY SPECIAL Every new move in on or before December 30th, 2011 will receive $50 gift card

TERRACE RIDGE APARTMENTS Troy Now accepting applications. Senior/ Disabled/ Handicapped Independent Living. Studios, 1 & 2 bedrooms. Amenities include stove, refrigerator, A/C. Deposit and rent based on income.

Call (937)335-6950 TTY (216)472-1884 EHO Now leasing to 62 & older!

Only $475 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Now Available Troy Crossing Apartments (937)313-2153

105 Announcements

BICHON FRISE, Cairn Terriors, Yorkie, Shichons, Malti-poo, NonShedding. $100 and up.

(419)925-4339

205 Business Opportunities

NOTICE Investigate in full before sending money as an advance fee. For further information, call or write:

Better Business Bureau 15 West Fourth St. Suite 300 Dayton, OH 45402 www.dayton.bbb.org 937.222.5825 This notice is provided as a public service by A newspaper group of Ohio Community Media

CAUTION Whether posting or responding to an advertisement, watch out for offers to pay more than the advertised price for the item. Scammers will send a check and ask the seller to wire the excess through Western Union (possibly for courier fees).

The scammer's check is fake and eventually bounces and the seller loses the wired amount.

While banks and Western Union branches are trained at spotting fake checks, these types of scams are growing increasingly sophisticated and fake checks often aren't caught for weeks.

Funds wired through Western Union or MoneyGram are irretrievable and virtually untraceable.

If you have questions regarding scams like these or others, please contact the Ohio Attorney General’s office at (800)282-0515.

2239270

325 Mobile Homes for Rent

CLEAN, QUIET, safe 1 bedroom.

Senior approved. No pets. $500, includes all utilities, (937)778-0524

MCGOVERN RENTALS TROY

583 Pets and Supplies

The Advertisement Order Entry position is part of our business office and is primarily responsible for inputting advertisement orders into our billing system for publication.

Requirements include: • Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel • Accurate data entry skills • Organizational skills • Ability to multi-task • Deadline oriented • Dependable • Take direction easily • Team player • Customer service skills that include excellent verbal communication Pay range is $8.50 - $10.00 depending on qualifications and experience.

Please send resume to: Troy Daily News Attn: Betty Brownlee 224 South Market Street Troy, Ohio 45373 No phone calls will be taken regarding this position.

E.O.E.

TROY, 1 & 2 Bedrooms, appliances, CA, water, trash paid, $425 & $525 month.

PIQUA, small business or office space, all utilities furnished, excellent location. $450 month.

(937)276-5998 or (937) 902-0491

HOLIDAY SPECIAL 1ST MONTH FREE

877-844-8385

R# X``# d

The I-75 Newspaper Group of Ohio Community Media is seeking an Advertisement Order Entry replacement to be based in our Sidney office.

2&3 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES, Piqua, all appliances including washer/ dryer, 1.5 & 2.5 bath.

(937)335-7176 www.1troy.com

COVINGTON 2 bedroom townhouse, $495. Up to 2 months FREE utilities! No Pets.

(937)698-4599, (937)572-9297.

Piqua Daily Call

ADVERTISEMENT ORDER ENTRY

10 MILES north of Piqua in Houston. 1 bedroom, stove and refrigerator $265, plus utilities, (937)526-3264.

2 BEDROOM, appliances, garage, lawn care, new carpet and new paint. $575 plus deposit.

(937)492-5271

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PIQUA GREENVILLE TROY

For Rent

Mon - Thurs @ 5pm Weds - Tues @ 5pm Fri - Thurs @ 5pm

2243360

100 - Announcement

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2231137

www.dailycall.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

All Display Ads: 2 Days Prior Liners For:

510 Appliances WASHER, DRYER, Maytag, front loader, $500 or best offer.

Frigidaire washer, heavy duty, $100.

(937)658-2421

OUTSIDE SALES The I-75 Newspaper Group of Ohio Community Media is seeking an experienced sales professional who wishes to flourish in a career with an award winning sales team!

The successful candidate will manage a consultative sales approach through direct client contact. He or she will be motivated to meet and exceed person sales goals through internet and media advertising in any and/or all of Ohio Community Media’s fifty-seven publications. Candidates will have demonstrated experience in prospecting and growing an account list, handling incoming leads and closing sales. He or she will be skilled in envisioning big ideas, then executing advertising programs that attract customers and generate significant revenue. In addition to maintaining and growing existing relationships, candidates must possess expertise in working with clients on both strategic and creative levels. Candidates will have an in-depth understanding of print and online advertising and the desire to stay informed about area trends.

This position is based in our Sidney office and is full time with salary and commission.

Benefits, cell phone allowance and mileage reimbursement are also available.

For quickest consideration, please email resume to: bsmith@sdnccg.com

545 Firewood/Fuel FIREWOOD, $125 a core pick up, $150 a core delivered, $175 a core delivered and stacked (937)308-6334 or (937)719-3237

No phone calls will be accepted regarding this position.

EOE 2243689

HARDWOOD, Seasoned hardwood for sale. $125 a cord.

Will deliver.

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560 Home Furnishings FURNITURE, excellent condition, Lane plaid sofa/ loveseat, oak tables, sewing table for 2 machines, computer desk/ file, bar stools Troy, priced to sell.

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PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE-24/7

DEADLINES/CORRECTIONS:

11

Thursday, December 22, 2011

PIQUA DAILY CALL • PLACE YOUR AD IN THE CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK 877-844-8385 OR ON THE WEB AT WWW.DAILYCALL.COM

Service&Business DIRECTORY

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12

Thursday, December 22, 2011

PLACE YOUR AD IN THE CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK 877-844-8385 OR ON THE WEB AT WWW.DAILYCALL.COM • PIQUA DAILY CALL

INFORMATION Call ROB KISER, sports editor, at 773-2721, ext. 209, from 8 p.m. to midnight weekdays.

SPORTS

Piqua Daily Call • www.dailycall.com

INSIDE ■ Raterman named to alltournament team, page 14.

■ OSU hires defensive coach, page 15.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

IN BRIEF ■ Basketball

Newton gets victory

Joe Thoma selling tickets Tickets for the WPTW B.I.G. Classic Dec. 29 and 30 are available at Joe Thoma Jewlers.

Pre-sale tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults.

All tickets will be $6 at the door and passes will not be honored.

Rusia boys drop game

PressPros to air games PressProsMagazine.com

will broadcast the following high school basketball games: Friday: Anna boys at Russia, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 and 30: Both games from the WPTW B.I.G. Classic, 6:30 p.m.

BEN ROBINSON/GOBUCCS.COM PHOTOS

Piqua JH girls get big win The Piqua seventh grade girls basketball team knocked off previously unbeaten Northmont Green 30-23.

Kelsie Hall had eight points and seven rebounds and Madison Curtner also scored eight points.

PIQUA SCORING Curtner 8, Spradlin 2, Bowen 5, Hilleary 6, Hall 8, Valdez 1.

13

Miami East’s Gunner Shirk passes the ball (left photo) while Bradley Coomes (right) goes up for two.

East shuts down Buccs

PLEASANT HILL — Bobby Gerodimos helped Newton grab a big lead against Arcanum Tuesday night and Cole Adams hit a pair of critical 3-pointers to help the Indians (3-4, 31 Cross County Conference) hang on for a 52-48 victory over Arcanum.

"It's all about learning how to win," Newton coach Steve Fisher said.

"We've got to hold off people on late runs, and we did that tonight."

Gerodimos finished with a game-high 18 points and Adams added Jordan Hodges 11. chipped in nine points.

Newton travels to Twin Valley South Friday.

BOXSCORE Arcanum (48) Balshaugh 2-0-4, Brown 4-4-15, Buhrman 1-2-4, Clark 2-0-4, Garber 1-0-3, Gamo 5-1-13, Kramer 1-0-2, Kress 1-1-3.

Totals: 17-8-48.

Newton (52) Adams 4-1-11, Brauer 3-2-8, Gerodimos 7-4-18, Hodges 3-3-9, Unser 0-2-2, Vance 1-2-4. Totals: 18-14-52.

3-point field goals — Arcanum: Brown (3), Garber, Gamo (2). Newton: Adams (2).

Score By Quarters 7 16 28 48 Arcanum Newton 10 24 40 52 Records: Newton 3-4 (3-1), Arcanum 05 (0-3).

Shirk has big game for Vikings

BY BEN ROBINSON GoBuccs.com

JC beats Russia

COVINGTON — Covington coach Roger Craft was searching for the words to describe his team's early-season struggles that continued on Tuesday in a 58-31 The Piqua Catholic jun- loss to CCC rival Miami East.

"I can't explain it," said Craft. "We're ior high boys basketball not attacking. We're playing on our heals teams split games with and not attacking."

Versailles.

Not attacking is uncharacteristic of this The seventh grade , 0group of kids — kids who have played a 5,lost 60-9. significant amount of basketball since Tyler Scott had four they were in the Covington youth propoints, while Caleb gram.

Courter had two steals "They know how to play," Craft continand two assists. ued. "I think its a matter of them believEli Baker had two reing in themselves and just playing. Our bounds and two steals, practices have been good, but it hasn't while Avery Pickrel carried over to the games yet." grabbed four rebounds.

And the results show as Covington has Taylor O’Leary and started slowly in every game this year, Jerry Curtis both had two scoring a combined 28 points in the first rebounds. quarter over the first four games.

The eighth grade, 4-1, "For some reason we aren't in attack won 40-36.

See EAST WINS/Page 14 Colton Bachman had 22 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and two assists, while Bradley Hohlbein scored 12 points.

Stephen Monnin had three assists, two rebounds and two steals; while Jared Brandt had two rebounds and two steals.

Maz Schutt had three assists, two steals and two rebounds and Ian Smith added two steals.

JACKSON CENTER — Jackson Center took over sole possession of first place in the Shelby County League boys basketball standings, handing Russia its first loss of the season 70-57 in action Tuesday.

The Tigers go to 3-0 in the league and 4-0 overall, and play at Botkins Friday in SCL play.

Russia is now 3-1 in the league and 5-1 overall and hosts Anna Friday.

The two teams played on even terms until midway through the second quarter, when Jackson Center pulled away to a good lead.

Russia got the lead

Piqua Catholic splits games

Troy Cron drives through traffic for Covington Tuesday.

See BOYS/Page 14

PIQUA CATHOLIC SCORING Seventh Grade T. Scott 4, McKinney 2, Pickrel 2, Neumeier 1.

Eighth Grade Bachman 22, Hohlbein 12, Brandt 2, Schutt 2, Z. Scott 2.

STUMPER

How many Q: rushing TDs

AP PHOTO

Tom Brady has led ‘Browns Rule’ to the championship game of Miami Valley Fantsy Football League.

do the Cleveland Browns have this season?

Fantasy Football better than reality Brady, Welker respond well to Sports Editor’s ‘coaching’ A:

Four

QUOTED “Obviously, he can play. We know that. He's done it.

He did it last year.”

—Browns GM Tom Heckert on Peyton Hillis

Some of you may have been wondering why two unknowns like Tom Brady and Wes Welker have emerged to become NFL stars this season.

I can only conclude it has to do with me having them on my fantasy football team (Browns Rule) and doing a Bill Nees like job of coaching them up — even if Bill Belichick hasn’t sent me a thank you card.

Hopefully, none of you were injured after falling out of your chairs when reading those first two paragraphs.

But, I will say as a Browns fan, fantasy football serves a very valuable purpose.

Since I can’t remember the last time the Browns had a meaningful game in ROB KISER October, let alone January, Sports Editor it gives me a reason to football. continue to watch NFL I admit I knew nothing

For Home Delivery, Call: 773-2725

about fantasy football three years ago when Darrin Michael presented the idea of me joining a league.

The drafts themselves are quite interesting — with the addition of defensive players instead of just a team the last two years, our draft is 22 rounds with 12 teams in the league — in other words, what better way could you spend six hours on a Sat-

urday or Sunday afternoon.

And then are the team names.

In our league, they included Laces Out…AKA Michael Didot, Dayton Dumpsters…AKA Darrin Michael, 1 Hell of a Jesus…AKA Jeremy Doyle, Manchester Moobs…AKA James Peterson and the Harry Douglases…AKA RJ Monnier.

See FANTASY/Page 16

14

Thursday, December 22, 2011

SPORTS

Lady Flyers fall in title game Raterman named to all-tournament team LAS VEGAS — The University of Dayton women’s basketball team fell 82-76 to No. 24 GonzagaWednesday at the Las Vegas Holiday H o o p s RATERMAN Classic at the South Point Arena.

Senior Justine Raterman scored a game-high 25 points against the Zags andwas named to the Holiday Hoops All-Tournament team.

She also scored agamehigh 22 in UD’s 80-66 win over Illinois in the first game of the tournament.

Freshman Andrea Hoover chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds, tying her career best.

Senior Elle Queen scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Flyers. Senior Patrice Lalor had eight points and seven assists.

Senior Casey Nance had three blocks.

Katelan Redmon had 20 points to lead the Bulldogs, who had five players score in double figures.

UD jumped to a 7-2 lead to start the game, but Gonzaga led 40-36 after the first half which saw eight ties and seven lead changes.

The Flyers led by four, 31-27, with 5:32 to play in the first period, but the Zags went on a 13-5 run to close out the half.

The Bulldogs held their biggest lead of the game, a 12-point advantage (57-

45), with 14:05 left in the game.

UD fought and clawed back to cut the lead to a three-point deficit four different times, including with 2:17 to play in the game after Queen hit two clutch free throws to make the score 70-67. The Zags went 8-for-8 at the free throw line down the stretch to pull away.

The Zags won the rebound battle 48-40, including 20-14 on the offensive glass.

The Bulldogs scored 17 second chance points.

■ The Lady were coming off the win over Illinois.

Raterman led the way for the Flyers with a game-high 22 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Hoover equaled her career high with 16 points, along with five rebounds and a career-high four assists.

Junior Olivia Applewhite also scored in double figures, posting 10 points.

With the victory, it marks the third consecutive season the Flyers have defeated a Big Ten opponent during an inseason tournament (Minnesota in 2010 to claim the Subway Classic and Purdue in 2009 to claim the Traveler’s Classic).

Raterman hit a three to put UD on the board first at 18:37, but then the Flyers went cold, only converting two more field goals in eight minutes of game action.

UD was down 16-8 with 11:54 to play in the half

but outscored the Illini 188 over the next five minutes to regain the lead, 26-24 on a Raterman fast break layup.

Sophomore Cassie Sant hit a free throw to tie the game at 28-all, the fifth time of the game both squads were even on the scoreboard.

Raterman scored seven consecutive points and the Flyers went on a 10-2 run to close out the half for a 38-30 lead at the half.

Illinois got within four with 15:23 to play but that is as close as it would get.

Dayton went up by 15 with 7:27 left in the game on a Queen free throw and held a double-digit lead the rest of the game.

Junior Sam MacKay contributed eight points. added seven Sant points and freshman Ally Malott had seven points and six rebounds. Dayton shot 46.3 percent from the field, the second best field goal percentage all season (best was 47.3 at Cincinnati).

UD’s defense accounted for 12 steals, tying the second highest total of the season (Dayton had a season-high vs. Buffalo).

Dayton’s bench outscored Illinois’ bench 32-16.

The Flyers take part in the Saint Peter’s College Holiday Classic in JerseyCity, N.J. Dec. 29-30.

They play South Florida in the first game and then will play either host Saint Peter’s or Binghamton.

The Flyers return home for their Atlantic 10 opener vs. Rhode Island on Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. ET.

Versailles swimmers sweep double dual Tigers top Coldwater, Van Wert The Versailles boys and girls swim teams swept a double dual with Coldwater and Van Wert Tuesday.

The boys defeated Van Wert 53-47 and Coldwater 66-20.

Mitchell Stover broke two more records, winning the 100 freestyle in 50.78 and his leg of 200 medley relay broke the 50 backstroke record 26.41.

Stover also won the 100 backstroke.

Other winners for Versailles were Andrew Kramer, 50 freestyle; Michael Wenig, 100 breaststroke), the 200 medley relay (Stover, Wenig, Sam Prakel, Kramer); 200 freestyle relay (Stover, Kramer, Sam Subler, Prakel); and 400 freestyle relay (Subler, Cole Poeppelman, Ian Lawrence, Wenig).

The girls defeated Van Wert 67-34 and Coldwater 74-27.

Bailey Marshal and Amber Seibert won two races each.

Marshal won the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly, while Seibert won the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke.

Also winning for Versailles were Abby Barlage, 50 freestyle; Nicole Frantz, 100 freestyle; Hannah Marshal, 100 backstroke; the 200 medley relay (Hannah Marshal, Seibert, Bailey Marshal, Frantz); 200 freestyle relay (Barlage, Frantz, Hannah Marshal, Bailey Marshal); and the 400 freestyle relay (Seibert, Caroline Prakel, Hannah Wenig, Barlage).

VERSAILLES RESULTS BOYS 200 Medley Relay: 1.Versailles (Mitchell Stover, Michael Wenig, Sam Subler, Andrew Kramer).

200 Freestyle: 3.Sam Subler, 4.Ian Lawrence.

200 IM: 2.Sam Prakel, 3.Michael Wenig.

50 Freestyle: 1.Andrew Kramer, 3.Cole Poeppelman.

100 Butterfly: 2.Sam Prakel.

100 Freestyle: 1.Mitchell Stover, 4.Cole

Poeppelman.

400 Freestyle: 2.Sam Subler, 3.Ian Lawrence.

200 Freestyle Relay: 1.Versailles (Mitchell Stover, Andrew Kramer, Sam Subler, Sam Prakel); 3.Versailles B (Ian Lawrence, Chris Klamar, Joel Dapore, Cole Poeppelman).

100 Backstroke: 1.Mitchell Stover, 3.Andrew Kramer.

100 Breaststroke: 1.Michael Wenig.

400 Freestyle Relay: 1.Versailles (Sam Subler, Cole Poeppelman, Ian Lawrence, Michael Wenig).

GIRLS 200 Medley Relay: 1.Versailles (Hannah Marshal, Amber Seibert, Bailey Marshal, Nicole Frantz); 3.Versailles B (Breana Winner, Murphy Grow, Caroline Prakel, Hannah Wenig).

200 Freestyle: 1.Bailey Marshal, 5.Caroline Prakel.

200 IM: 1.Amber Seibert, 2.Nicole Frantz.

50 Freestyle: 1.Abby Barlage, 3.Hannah Wenig.

100 Butterfly: 1.Bailey Marshal, 2.Hannah Marshal.

100 Freestyle: 1.Nicole Frantz, 2.Abby Barlage.

400 Freestyle: 2.Murphy Grow, 3.Breanna Winner.

200 Freestyle Relay: 1.Versailles (Abby Barlage, Nicole Frantz, Hannah Marshal, Bailey Marshal); 6.Versailles B (Mackenzie Condon, Janelle Mangen, Alyssa Barlage, Emily Ruhenkamp).

100 Backstroke: 1.Hannah Marshal, 4.Murphy Grow.

100 Breaststroke: 1.Amber Seibert, 2.Caroline Prakel.

400 Freestyle Relay: 1.Versailles (Amber Seibert, Caroline Prakel, Hannah Wenig, Abby Barlage); 4.Versailles B (Lindsey Didier, Murphy Grow, Mackenzie Condon, Breana Winner.

Pirates end Dayton win streak Seton Hall improves to 10-1 with 69-64 win DAYTON — The Seton Hall University Pirates prevailed over the University of Dayton Flyers 6964 on Wednesday night at UD Arena.

The Pirates used a hot shooting start from beyond the arc to hold off the Flyers.

Seton Hall converted eight of its first 11 shots

from three-point range and made 8-of-16 overall.

The main difference maker in the game was Seton Hall 6-9 sophomore Patrick Auda, who scored 18 points, 16 in the second half. He converted 7-of-10 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Pirates’ star, Herb Pope, who came into the

game averaging 22.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Seton Hall took at 3431 lead into the locker room at halftime, with 27 of the 34 points coming from Pope, Jordan Theodore, and Aaron Cosby, who had nine points each.

WWW.DAILYCALL.COM

• PIQUA DAILY CALL

Boys Continued from page 13 down to 25-21 and had the ball with a chance to cut into the lead further.

But the Raiders were unable to and the Tigers scored four in a row to make it 29-21.

After Russia’s Brandon Wilson scored to cut it to six, Trey Elchert hit a three to make it 32-23.

The half ended with Jackson on top by nine.

Jackson Center forged its first-half lead without top scorer Andy Hoying scoring at all.

Alex Meyer had 10 at the half.

But Hoying made up for his first-half struggles in a hurry in the third period, scoring Jackson Center’s first nine points, the last bucket being a three to give the Tigers a 41-30 lead.

After a Russia free throw, Meyer and Hoying scored to make it 46-32 with 1:15 left in the third quarter.

Treg Francis hit a three for the Raiders, but Gavin Wildermuth countered with a three of his own to make it 49-35.

That set the stage for a wild finish to the period.

Wilson scored for the Raiders with the clock running down, but jackson Center’s Elchert let fly with a shot from well behind the half-court line that found the mark for a 52-37 bulge with one period to play.

The Raiders, playing their fourth game in eight days, sent a message that they weren’t going to go quietly, reeling off the first eight points of the final period to carve the JC lead down to 52-45.

But Hoying stepped in and keyed a 6-0 Russia run that built the lead back up.

First, he hit a slashing Eric Ryder for a bucket, then dropped in two free throws to make it 56-45.

Wildermuth, a freshman, then hit a 16-footer to

make it 58-45. The Raiders could get no closer than nine the rest of the way.

Wildermuth came off the bench to score 15 for the Tigers. Meyer led the scoring with 17, and Hoying had 15, all in the second half.

For Russia, Bryce Rittenhouse had a big night, leading all scorers with 21, and Wilson added 20.

BOXSCORE Russia (57) Francis 2-2-7, Bremigan 1-0-3, Sherman 1-0-2, Rittenhouse 7-5-21, Gariety 1-2-4, Wilson 7-6-20. Totals: 19-15-57.

Jackson Center (70) Opperman 2-0-6, Meyer 4-8-17, Elchert 3-0-9, Wildermuth 6-2-15, Hoying 5-4-15, Ryder 4-0-8. Totals: 24-14-70.

3-point field goals —Russia: Rittenhouse (2, Francis, Bremigan. Jackson Center: Elchert (3), Opperman (2), Meyer, Wildermuth, Hoying.

Score By Quarters 14 23 37 57 Russia Jackson Center 13 32 52 70 Records: Jackson Center 4-0, Russia 51.

Reserve score: Russia 58, Jackson Center 26.

pull out a win for the Rockets.

Teammate Jay Meyer added 16 for the Rockets.

Ryan Curl added 10 points for Houston.

BOXSCORE Houston (47) Braun 3-0-7, Mullen 3-2-9, Ritchie 2-0-5, Clack 1-0-3, Phlipot 6-1-13, Curl 5-0-10. Totals: 20-3-47.

Anna (52) Metz 1-1-3, Seger 1-0-3, Reier 8-6-22, Meyer 5-6-16, Berning 1-1-3, Long 1-2-5.

Totals: 17-16-52.

3-point field goals — Houston: Braun, Mullen, Ritchie, Clack. Anna: Seger, Long.

Score By Quarters 10 24 35 47 Houston Anna 12 25 34 52 Records: Anna 3-2, Houston 2-3.

Reserve score: Anna 55, Houston 35.

Falcon boys win

LEWISTOWN — The Graham boys basketbll team cruised to a 56-42 win over Indian Lake Tuesday.

Graham used a balanced attack, putting four players in double figures.

Devon Allen and Austin Hicks scored 13 points Cat boys lose each, while Grant GodANNA — Anna rallied dard and Floyd Lowry from two points down netted 10 points each. after three quarters to BOXSCORE Graham (56) pull out a 52-47 victory Allen 4-1-13, Goddard 2-6-10, Hicks 4-1over Houston and remain 13, Lowry 5-0-10, Morgan 3-1-7, Mos1-1-3. Totals: 19-10-56. near the top in the SCL barger Indian Lake (42) standings Tuesday in boys Arledge 1-0-2, Grider 2-4-8, McCullough 3-0-8, Morgan 2-4-8, Reichert 1-0-2, Tuttle basketball action.

4-3-14. Totals: 13-11-42.

3-point field goals — Graham: Allen (4), The win puts the Rock- Hicks (4). Indian Lake: McCullough (2), Tutets at 2-1 in the league tle (3).

Score By Quarters and 3-2 overall. They are Graham 17 29 44 56 14 29 37 42 Indian Lake at Russia Friday.

Houston, meanwhile, Records: Graham 3-2, Indian Lake 0-5. lost for the third straight Busy two days There will be plenty of time in SCL play and is 2boys basketball action 3 overall.

Anna's win also kept over the next two days.

Tonight, the Lehman Houston head coach John Willoughby one victory boys will play a makeup shy of 300 for his career. game at Minster.

Friday’s action includes Jesse Phlipot, Houston's 6-foot-4 sophomore stand- Lehman at Versailles, out, finished with 13 Marion Local at Covingpoints, but was held with- ton, Franklin Monroe at out a point in the first Bradford, Bethel at Miami East, Newton at Twin Valhalf.

Still, the Wildcats over- ley South, Fort Loramie at came a 25-24 halftime Houston and Anna at deficit to lead 36-34 after Russia.

Girls action tonight inthree periods.

But the final quarter cludes Lehman at St. was when Anna's Nick Marys, Arcanum at BradReier kicked it into high ford, Covington at Ansonia, Miami East at gear.

He finished with 22 Tri-Village, National Trail points to lead all scorers, at Newton, Fort Loramie and 12 of them came in at Houston and Anna at the final eight minutes to Russia.

East Wins Continued from page 13 mode," Craft explained.

"Defensively, we're playing well at times, but we've yet to get it going at the offensive end."

The offensive struggles continued on Tuesday as Covington missed on several shots inside the paint and managed just 14 points in the first half.

Meanwhile, Miami East torched the nets, scoring 30 points in the first half and making it look easy in doing so.

And much of the Viking offense was sparked by the sharp shooting of Gunner Shirk, who tallied a game-high 22 points.

"He was eight of twelve from the field and four of five from three- point range," said Miami East coach Allan Mack. "You can't have a much better game than that."

Craft agreed that Shirk was a major player in the game.

"That kid is a gamer," Craft praised of Shirk.

"He's improved so much as an all-around basketball player. He does it all shooting, rebounding, finding the open man — he's an all-around good player for them."

And it was Shirk who hit the big shots every time Covington seemed to find any kind of momentum.

"Dylan (Owens) hit a couple of threes for us in the second half and we thought we were starting to get it going," said Craft.

"But Shirk came down and hit some big shots for them to kill any kind of momentum we had."

With Shirk hitting big

shots and balanced scoring by the supporting cast of Garrett Mitchell, Bradley Coomes, A.J. Hickman and Josh Snyder, Miami East put Covington away in impressive fashion in thee second half — outscoring the Buccs 28-17.

And along the way Miami East prevented Cole Owens, Covington's big man, from getting on track.

"We saw them play Versailles and watched the big Owens kid get about half their points," Mack said. "That was a focus of our defensive effort tonight."

Owens tallied just six points on the evening as Covington struggled hitting shots inside the paint — scoring just 14 to the 30 put up by a smaller Miami East team.

"Not to take anything away from Miami East because they are a very good basketball team that is well coached, but I think we are pretty good too," Craft said. "We just haven't found a way to put points on the board."

Which goes back to the Buccs not being in attack mode.

"When you play against a zone defense and only shoot three free throws, that shows you are not playing aggressive," he continued. "We're not attacking the zone and getting to the basket where we either get the foul or score inside the paint."

Craft feels his team has what it takes to get back to playing Buccaneer basketball quickly.

"I know these kids and they'll respond," he said.

"There's a competitive drive in these kids that will take over. They'll get it corrected."

For Miami East, it was a statement game for the rest of the CCC as it thoroughly controlled the action for four quarters against a team that's expected to be one of the top teams in the league.

The Vikings shot 50 percent from the floor (1530), 40 percent from behind the arc (6-15) and 71 percent from the free throw line (10-14).

They also out rebounded a bigger, stronger Covington team 24-17 and 8-4 at the offensive end.

Meanwhile, Covington connected on 38 percent of its field goals (10-26), 23 percent from three-point range (3-13) and made two of three from the free throw line.

It all led to an impressive 58-31 win for the Vikings and momentum heading into the holiday break.

Covington will play Russia in the WPTW B.I.G. Classic at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, while Miami East will play Anna in the opening round of the Versailles tournament the same night.

BOXSCORE Miami East (58) Coomes 3-2-9. Hickman 2-4-8, House 10-2, Mitchell 4-1-9, Shirk 8-2-22, Snyder 31-8. Totals: 21-10-58.

Covington (31) Angle 2-1-5, Blei 1-0-2, Craft 4-0-9, Cron 1-0-2, C. Owens 3-0-6, D. Owens 2-1-7. Totals: 14-2-31.

3-point field goals — Miami East: Coomes, Shirk (4), Snyder. Covington: Craft, D. Owens (2).

Score By Quarters Miami East 15 30 44 58 Covington 6 14 21 31 Records: Miami East 5-1 (3-0), Covington 2-2 (2-1).

SPORTS

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

15

Rodgers named AP’s top male athlete Green Bay quarterback beats out Verlander for honor GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — When Aaron Rodgers needs to rekindle the feelings that drove his rise from a junior college quarterback to Super Bowl MVP, he doesn't have to look too far.

Rodgers held on to the many rejection letters he received from marquee college programs as he was coming out of high school. Even today, he leaves a few of them sitting out at his house.

"I chose the couple that I thought were most demeaning to display in a space in my house that really nobody is able to see but myself," Rodgers said.

"It's something that I think is important to keep fresh on your mind.

Maybe not every day, but once a week your eyes might pan across it and you have a little laugh about the journey you've been on — at the same

time, remembering that there still are people out there that you can prove something to."

Good luck finding those doubters now.

Rodgers is the 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, chosen by members of The Associated Press, after he turned in an MVP performance in the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in February and then went on to lead his team on a long unbeaten run this season.

Rodgers received 112 votes out of the 212 ballots submitted from U.S. news organizations that make up the AP's membership.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander finished second with 50 votes, followed by tennis standout Novak Djokovic (21), Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton (6) and NASCAR cham-

pion Tony Stewart (5).

Rodgers is one of three quarterbacks to receive the honor in the past five years. The New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees won in 2010 and the New England Patriots' Tom Brady won in 2007.

Rodgers says it still feels "surreal at times" to be considered among the biggest names in sports.

"Those guys are household names, the best of the best," Rodgers said. "(It's) special to win the award, and something I'll remember."

Through 14 games this season, Rodgers has completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 4,360 yards with 40 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The Packers are 13-1, and Rodgers' play is leaving people speechless — even his coach, Mike McCarthy.

"I'm running out of

things to say about him," McCarthy said earlier this month, after Rodgers drove the Packers into position for a last-second, game-winning field goal to beat the New York Giants.

Green Bay's 19-game winning streak came to an end at Kansas City on Sunday, but the Packers remain a strong favorite to repeat as champions.

That's thanks in large part to Rodgers' knack for making big plays without major mistakes.

It has been a long and challenging journey out of obscurity for Rodgers, who wasn't offered a big-time scholarship out of high school and had to play a year in junior college.

Then came his agonizing wait on draft day, three seasons on the bench behind Brett Favre and a tumultuous first year as a starter.

If Rodgers' path to star-

dom had been smoother, he says he wouldn't be the player — or person — he is today.

"It's something that gives me perspective all the time, knowing that the road I took was difficult.

But it did shape my character and it shaped my game as well," Rodgers said. "I try and keep that on my mind as a good perspective, but also as a motivator, knowing that it took a lot to get to where I am now and it's going to take a lot to stay where I'm at."

Strangely, earning widespread respect throughout the sports world could become a challenge in and of itself for Rodgers, who draws motivation from proving himself to his doubters and critics.

Is that becoming more difficult?

"It would only be

tougher if you stopped remembering or drawing or thinking about those things," Rodgers said.

"And I think a great competitor has to have at least some sort of chip on their shoulder, or at least the attitude that you have something to prove every time you take the (field)."

Unable to attract attention from a big-time college program, Rodgers played a year at Butte College in Oroville, Calif., near his hometown of Chico. His play there eventually got the attention of Cal coach Jeff Tedford, and Rodgers transferred.

Rodgers thrived at Cal and went into the 2005 NFL draft expecting to be taken early in the first round.

But he didn't hear his name called until the Packers chose him with the 24th overall pick.

Fickell gets company Withers to be co-defensive coordinator

Wambach makes history Named AP’s Female Athlete of the Year three World Cup appearances. That's the most by an American, topping Michelle Akers by one, and puts her third on the all-time World Cup scoring list behind Brazil's Marta and Germany's Birgit Prinz. The 31-year-old ranks third on the U.S. career scoring list with 125 goals, trailing only Mia Hamm (158) and Kristine Lilly (130).

"When she's on top of her game," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said, "she's one of the best in the world."

Wambach was certainly at her best at the World Cup, leading the Americans to the final, where they lost to Japan on penalty kicks.

The U.S. has long been the dominant team in women's soccer, winning two of the first three World Cups and all but one of the Olympic gold medals since the sport was added to the program in 1996. The Americans were so famous they could go by one name — Mia, Brandi, Foudy — and they got rock star treatment during the 1999 World Cup, playing to sold-out crowds in massive stadiums from coast to coast.

Americans grew spoiled by the group's success, however, and were barely able to muster a yawn when the U.S. won the Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2008. Many people in the States may not have even realized there was a World Cup going on this summer.

Then came that quarterfinal against Brazil.

Down a player for almost an hour, the Americans were less than 90 seconds from losing in overtime after squandering an early lead. But in the 122nd minute, Rapinoe lofted a cross from 30 yards and Wambach rose above the Brazilian defenders. One of the world's best players in the air, she scored on a thunderous header.

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(AP) — With the final seconds ticking down and the Americans on the verge of their earliest exit ever from the Women's World Cup, Abby Wambach kept waving her index finger at her teammates.

One chance, she screamed, all they needed was one chance.

When it came in the form of a left-footed cross from Megan Rapinoe, Wambach pounced. With one vicious whip of her head, she changed the course of this year's World Cup and sparked a nationwide frenzy rarely seen for women's sports.

Wambach's clutch performance at this summer's World Cup made her the clear choice for the 2011 Female Athlete of the Year, selected by members of The Associated Press. The U.S. forward received 65 of the 214 votes cast, while teammate Hope Solo (38) was a distant second and UConn basketball star Maya Moore (35) was third.

Wambach is the first individual soccer player — man or woman — to win one of the AP's annual sports awards, which began in 1931. The U.S. women's team won in 1999, when their World Cup triumph at the Rose Bowl transfixed the nation.

"We, as a team, did something that no team since Mia Hamm was able to do," Wambach told the AP. "Even the team that won the (Olympic) gold medal in 2008 wasn't able to inspire and get people excited about women's soccer. It goes to show you the impact drama can bring."

Wambach's four goals in Germany give her 13 in

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Tom Withers will be OSU’s co-defensive coordinator. fensive backs coach with the Tennessee Titans under Jeff Fisher.

He led North Carolina to a 7-5 record this season after taking over in July for Butch Davis, who was fired amid an NCAA investigation.

Withers will coach the Tar Heels through their Independence Bowl

against Missouri on Dec. 26, and soon after head to Columbus to start his new job.

North Carolina hired Larry Fedora away from Southern Mississippi to be the Heels coach after the Golden Eagles play in the Hawaii Bowl.

They play Nevada on Dec. 24.

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AP PHOTO

Abby Wambach was named Female Athlete of the Year.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina interim coach Everett Withers is heading to Ohio State to become Urban Meyer's co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

Withers acknowledged he was a candidate to join the Meyer's new staff last week and confirmed it was a done deal Wednesday.

"We've known each other for a couple years," Withers said of Meyer. "A few years ago we talked when the Florida defensive coordinator job came open.

“So we've got a little bit of a past and I'm looking forward to the future with coach Meyer."

A few hours later, Ohio State announced that it had hired Withers.

"Everett is extremely well respected across the country," Meyer said in a statement. "I've known about him for a number of years and followed his progress as a college and NFL assistant coach.

“He will be a great fit for this staff and I think he and Luke (Fickell) are going to work well together as the co-coordinators of our defense."

Withers has been a college coach for 17 years and has also worked seven seasons in the National Football League, including six years (2001-06) as de-

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SPORTS

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McCoy hasn’t shaken concussion symptons Prompts NFL to make changes BEREA (AP) — Browns quarterback Colt McCoy still hasn't shaken symptoms from a concussion sustained nearly two weeks ago, one that has reformed the NFL's gameday procedures on head injuries.

McCoy was not cleared to practice again on Wednesday, keeping him sidelined since he was illegally blasted in the face mask by Pittsburgh's James Harrison on Dec. 8.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur said McCoy was evaluated by team doctors and did "a little physical activity" as he continues to recover.

McCoy has not been seen at the team's training facility this week. The second-year QB, who has displayed immense toughness while being roughed up all season, will miss his second straight game Saturday at Baltimore.

Backup Seneca Wallace will start against the Ravens, although Shurmur has not made that announcement official.

Wallace doesn't know Cleveland's plans beyond this week.

"I just get ready," he said. "Colt started the season, he should finish the season as the starter if he's healthy. All the other stuff will take care of itself."

The Browns are being extra careful in their treatment of McCoy. It was their failure to check him for a concussion on the field or sideline at Heinz Field that prompted the league to institute a policy of having an independent certified trainer, paid by the NFL, in the press box at games to monitor for head injuries and help identify players who need to be tested.

The league said the trainer will not diagnose or prescribe treatment and can't order players be removed from a game. The trainer will be in a booth upstairs with access to video replay and direct communication to the medical staffs of both teams.

Also, the league will allow medical personnel to use their cell phones dur-

MIKE ULLERY/CALL FILE PHOTO

Colt McCoy will miss another game due to the concussion he suffered two weeks ago. ing games to get information to help any injured player, not just those with head injuries. In a statement announcing the changes, the league stressed the importance of communication between coaching and medical staffs and urged that "concussions continue to be managed in a conservative and medically appropriate way."

McCoy wasn't tested for a concussion until after the loss to the Steelers, and was sent back into the game after missing just two plays.

The Browns said McCoy wasn't showing symptoms of a concussion so they didn't test him.

Also, team doctors were treating other players and didn't see the impact from Harrison's vicious hit, which earned the Steelers' linebacker a one-game suspension he served in Pittsburgh's loss to San Francisco on Monday.

Harrison returned to practice on Wednesday and delivered another shot on the Browns.

He believes they should be disciplined for their handling of McCoy. "If he was hurt so bad I don't know why they let him back in the next two plays later," Harrison said. "Something should be done to them I would think. I got a game, what should they get?"

League spokesman Greg Aiello said the Browns will not be penal-

ized for their handling of McCoy's injury.

The Steelers will finish the regular season at Cleveland on Jan. 1.

Shurmur was vague when he was asked if McCoy had visited any on head specialists trauma.

Tight end Benjamin Watson sought outside medical advice last week after suffering his third concussion since July.

The Browns, who have had eight players sustain concussions, placed him on injured reserve Friday.

"You can't say he hasn't seen one," Shurmur said.

"He's been evaluated just like Ben, by all the proper people. “ They're all doctors. No real difference."

Browns Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas believes adding a trainer as an observer is a good thing.

"Anything they can do to protect player safety is a positive," always Thomas said. "Is it perfect? I don't know. Maybe.

Is it better than nothing?

I think so."

The league's medical staff and Players Association had input into the changes following their meeting with the Browns last week to discuss McCoy's post-injury treatment.

Commissioner Roger Goodell took part in the talks via teleconference as did Browns president Mike Holmgren.

AP PHOTO

Marshawn Lynch has been a key member of Browns Rule’s fantasy team.

Fantasy Continued from page 13 And I wouldn’t want to leave out Vikings 60, Eagles 99…AKA Grandpa Bo Michael and Haley Michael (even though I know Haley is really a Browns fan — poor girl is just confused by growing up in a family of NFC North fans).

And after three years, I find myself playing in the Super Bowl over the next two weeks against Dayton Dumpsters.

I need to give the Michael family credit for that.

Not only did I sweep them (including Jake Michael), they have provided me with some very productive players.

I guess the whole league is responsible for Welker still being avail-

able in round five with the 50th pick.

Grandpa Bo waived running back Felix Jones, tight end Brent Celek and defensive end Cliff Avril — who are all currently among my starters.

Darrin waived Marshawn Lynch — is the fact that he instantly returned to “Beast” mode on becoming a member of Browns Rule a coincidence — I think not.

I also find it interesting that neither team in the championship game has a single Cincinnati Bengal on their roster or bench — but eight different Cleveland Browns have contributed to my success.

Ahtyba Rubin and D’Qwell Jackson have been in my lineup ever

week except for their bye — and Peyton Hills and Joe Haden have been in the lineup much of the season as well.

Colt McCoy played during Brady’s bye week and Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya contributed when Hillis was injured. I even had Ben Watson at tight end a couple weeks.

So, you tell me who the best team in Ohio is.

The only thing better than winning my bet with Grandpa Bo on which team will have the better record — Browns or Vikings — would be being able to thank him for helping me become champion of the MVFFL in two weeks.

So, let the fun continue.

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