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Local News

Monday, September 14, 2009

Local teenager helps out Findlay library
Hardin County Fair - Kenton, Ohio
By MICHELLE REITER

STAFF WRITER

Ohio libraries are struggling through some tough financial times in the wake of severe state budget cuts, but the Findlay-Hancock Public Library has at least one young sympathizer.

Anna Mars, 15, of rural Findlay, donated $225 to the library late last month, money she received from her Quinceanera, a Latino coming-of-age ceremony for 15-year-old girls.

"Instead of keeping the money, I decided to donate it," she said last week. "I chose the library."

She said she had heard about the library's recent budget problems and wanted to help. After all, she has been borrowing books from the library all of her life.

The library is facing state budget cuts in 2010 that could be from $741,000 to $865,000 less than 2008 levels. To deal with the loss, the library laid off employees, continued its 10 percent hour reductions for full-time staff and 50 percent hour reductions for part-time staff members.

It also reduced its hours twice.

For avid readers like Mars, a student at Liberty-Benton High School, watching the library struggle has been hard.

"I love reading," she said. "Lately I can only check a few books out at a time, but when I can I will borrow five or six books at once and read them in two or three weeks."

Anna's mother, Linda Mars, said the family agreed to try to do something with the Quinceanera money that would benefit the community.

"We said, 'What if we tried something else,'" she said. "We wanted the gifts to mean something more. The library holds a special place in her heart, so she chose that one."

Jeff Winkle, the director of the Hancock County Public Library, said he was touched by the girl's donation. He was especially pleased at the impact the library has had on the teenager.

"If I were her parents, I would be very proud of this young lady," Winkle said. "I can't say how happy we are that we've made that kind of impression on her life."

Reiter: 419-427-8497,

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3 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Tamsco wrote:
Library
“ What an asset to the community! Anna's generosity gives us hope for the generation that will be in charge of our futures someday. What a fine role model and inspiration to other young community members.

Kids can and do make a difference! ”
Monday, September 14, 2009 1:04:06 PM
Brian Whitta wrote:
Anna
“ Kudos to you, young lady. I hope you continue to remember how important it is to support institutions like your local library. Your generosity is certainly a model for other folks your age. ”
Monday, September 14, 2009 9:17:37 AM
j wrote:
Great
“ It is nice to hear that Anna Mars enjoys the books available at the library. Providing reading material and a place to do educational research is why libraries were created in the first place. But modern libraries have lost their focus. They have decided to become entertainment destinations that has nothing to do with school or educational research. How much of Findlay library current budget problem is due to providing services other than educational services. And how many businesses in Findlay that provide video rental, sell magazine and provide other pure entertainment services are suffering because they must compete with a competitor that is being funded by the state and taxpayers money. Library need to get back to what they were created for. Let private industry provide entertainment services, not the taxpayer. ”
Monday, September 14, 2009 3:38:52 AM
   NEWS VIDEO

Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
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News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.