Courier Electronic Edition - Findlay, Ohio: Current Local Area News

Today's Local Area News

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

Development official takes post in N.C.
The leadership exodus from GreaterFindlayInc. continues.

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Recyclers to benefit from new building
If the construction of Litter Landing's new building has made the facility congested for recyclers, officials say the inconvenience will pay off later.

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Winding road leads Rampe to career in the big leagues
Neil Rampe always loved baseball. Now he's one of the fortunate ones making a career of it.

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Jury acquits two men in assault case
A jury returned not guilty verdicts Friday in the trial of two men charged following a bloody brawl outside their East Sandusky Street tattoo parlor in February.

more >>

Highway project update
Following is the state Department of Transportation's highway construction and maintenance report for the week of May 12:

more >>

Weekend: Get Out! Your guide to fun in our area
Family Fun

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Weekend: Fostoria student attends invitation-only event at MIT
By STEPHANY SCHINGS

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Weekend: Recovered and aiming for a state championship
BLUFFTON — Bluffton senior sprinter John Guagenti knows too well what heartache feels like.

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Weekend: Far Flung — From Cedar Point to Sicily, we want to go too!
Family vacations. Weekend getaways. Even business trips. Wherever you go, we would like to hear about it.

Local News Development official takes post in N.C.
By JOHN GRABER

STAFF WRITER

The leadership exodus from GreaterFindlayInc. continues.

President Doug Peters announced in March that he is leaving in June to become president of the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce in Fayetteville, N.C.

Now, Executive Vice President Russell Rogerson announced Friday he is leaving July 1 to become executive director of the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corp. in Mooresville, N.C.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity for me both personally and professionally," said Rogerson, 49. "It's an opportunity to run an economic development organization in a high-growth area."

Mooresville, a suburb of Charlotte, N.C., is about two hours from Fayetteville, but there is no correlation between the two men's moves, according to Peters.

"We are very grateful for the leadership and accomplishment brought by Russ to the area for the last decade," Peters said. "Russ has many successes to be proud of, and the community has been the beneficiary of his tireless and thoughtful work."

Rogerson is originally from Wheeling, W.Va. but has lived in Hancock County for the past 16 years.

He was named executive vice president of the former Community Development Foundation in 2001. The foundation was then integrated into the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, and the combined organization was renamed GreaterFindlayInc.

As executive vice president, Rogerson's principal responsibility was bringing new businesses to the area.

He was instrumental in closing an average of six projects per year, with an average investment of $50 million a year.

He considers the creation of the North Central Campus for Emerging Technologies, a nonprofit organization to help high-tech companies move into the manufacturing arena while locating in Findlay, to be a major accomplishment.

Since it was created in 2005, the campus has leveraged more than $7 million in state funds and $2 million in private investments.

"To me, the (North Central Campus for Emerging Technologies) is the perfect example of why Findlay has been so successful over the years — we are always out looking for job growth through the next opportunity," Rogerson said.

During Rogerson's tenure, Findlay and Hancock County were consistently in the nation's top 20 in Site Selection magazines's ranking of micropolitan communities, culminating in a number six ranking last year.

Prior to joining GreaterFindlayInc., Rogerson was director of marketing and communication at Blanchard Valley Health Systems.

The timing of his move to North Carolina makes sense because the next GreaterFindlayInc. president is probably going to want to name his own vice president, Rogerson said.

"The timing is right for me and quite frankly the timing is right for the community to bring in some new leadership," he said. "Everything is going to be just fine."

Contact staff writer John Graber at:

419-427-8417

johngraber@thecourier.com

Recyclers to benefit from new building
By MICHELLE REITER

STAFF WRITER

If the construction of Litter Landing's new building has made the facility congested for recyclers, officials say the inconvenience will pay off later.

The $320,000 project involves tearing down the former recycling building on East Sandusky Street and replacing it with a new, longer building that will be more convenient for workers and safer for the public.

The new building is up and has siding, the old one has been torn down, and construction should be complete by the end of June.

"If people are patient, it will pay off in a more convenient way," Hancock County Commissioner Emily Walton said.

The project is being paid for with landfill fees, not tax dollars.

Commissioners have been planning the renovation of Litter Landing for more than a year to make the facility more safe and efficient.

Before, recyclers who used Litter Landing dropped off materials in locations that were close to the recycling equipment, and officials wanted to find a safer arrangement.

In planning the new building, "We wanted the forklifts out of the public's space, so it's a longer building," said Courtney Comstock, solid waste district coordinator for Hancock County.

"The forklifts will be on one end of the building and the people will be on the other."

The new building will also feature a new, more efficient baler that will take the place of what the facility's four balers do now.

Public restrooms will be part of the new building, Comstock said, and a new covered drop-off area will keep recyclers safe and protected from the elements.

Also, a break room will offer space for educational programs and tours.

"It should be a lot nicer for the public," Comstock said.

It will also be nicer for employees, as there will be a larger work area all in one place, not spread between two buildings as it was before.

For now, however, coping with construction might be a challenge.

Until construction is complete, recycling hours have been altered to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Normally, Litter Landing is open 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, it's open until 6 p.m.

Recyclers can still recycle all the materials they normally would, but they currently have less space to do it in.

Contact Staff Writer Michelle Reiter at:

419-427-8497

michellereiter@thecourier.com

Winding road leads Rampe to career in the big leagues
By DAVE HANNEMAN

STAFF WRITER

Neil Rampe always loved baseball. Now he's one of the fortunate ones making a career of it.

Rampe, a graduate of Kalida High School and the University of Findlay, is on the roster of the Arizona Diamondbacks' medical staff.

"I think it's a great opportunity," Rampe said.

"(Manager) Bob Melvin was named National League Manager of the Year last season, their GM (Josh Byrnes) is a young, progressive guy (with an eight-year contract), the Diamondbacks look like a young, upcoming organization, and in 2007 Phoenix was voted one of the best places in the country to work."

Can there be any drawbacks?

"Everybody wants to bring their golf clubs and have a vacation" in Arizona, he said.

Rampe wouldn't mind a visit from friends and family at home, of course. It's just that he'll be busy, very busy, keeping guys like 44-year-old pitcher Randy Johnson in the rotation.

"He's had three back surgeries, so there's going to be a lot of work to do," Rampe said.

Rampe's road to the big leagues is a winding one. But, although he was often in the right place at the right time, he was also qualified and capable enough to take advantage of the opportunities.

Rampe played baseball and soccer for Kalida, and soccer at UF. There, he earned an associate degree in personal training and basic science, and a bachelor of science degree in strength and conditioning.

While an undergraduate, Rampe became friends with Cal Dietz, a member of national championship teams in football and wrestling.

Dietz returned to UF as the school's strength and conditioning coach. Dietz eventually became the head Olympic strength and conditioning coach at the University of Minnesota.

Rampe, meanwhile, headed for California and began pursuing a master's degree in applied kinesiology with an emphasis on exercise sports and exercise science at San Diego State.

It wasn't long, though, before Rampe was again on the move. Dietz asked if he would join his staff at Minnesota while finishing his master's degree there. Rampe agreed.

"That's how I ended up there," Rampe said. "It was a good year for Minnesota. The men's hockey, wrestling and golf teams all won national championships."

Minnesota's NCAA golf championship was ironic.

"The school had cut the program," Rampe said. "Tom Lehman (a PGA Tour player) is an alum of the school and he got fired up about it. They raised some money to keep the program going and they ended up winning the national championship.

"Go figure."

Rampe still wasn't putting down roots, though.

In 2003, one of Dietz's former superiors took a job at the University of Arizona. With a recommendation from Dietz and a master's degree from Minnesota, Rampe headed to Tucson, where he joined the university staff and worked with baseball, volleyball and men's basketball players.

Tucson also happens to be where the Diamondbacks hold their spring training. And it was only a matter of time before paths crossed.

"I formed a relationship with the Diamondbacks' staff," Rampe said. "Just shop talk and normal professional exchanges.

"Last Christmas, they approached me about joining their staff."

Rampe went back to school yet again, just to clinch the deal.

"I got certified in massage therapy," he said. "That may have been the biggest draw to how the job came about."

Rampe's official title with the team is "major league manual therapist." And he figures with a guy like Johnson on the team, that last degree will come in mighty handy.

"That's my job, to make sure we do everything we can to keep him out there."

Contact staff writer Dave Hanneman at:

419-427-8408

davehanneman@thecourier.com

Jury acquits two men in assault case
By J. STEVEN DILLON

STAFF WRITER

A jury returned not guilty verdicts Friday in the trial of two men charged following a bloody brawl outside their East Sandusky Street tattoo parlor in February.

Jack H. Metz and Richard Curtis Peace were both acquitted of felonious assault charges by the seven-man, five-woman jury which heard testimony from 10 witnesses this week.

The defendants, who had been in the county jail since being arrested Feb. 16, cried and hugged their attorneys in the courtroom after the verdicts were announced at 5 p.m. Friday.

The jurors deliberated about five hours before reaching their decision.

Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge Reg Routson released the defendants' bond, and within an hour Metz and Peace were released from custody.

�We're on top of the world right now,� Peace said. �Our lawyers deserve a lot of credit. They put in a lot of time on this case.�

Metz, a tattoo artist who moved to Findlay in December to work with Peace at Just 4 You Tattoo, said it had been �excruciating� waiting for justice.

He said he felt he would get a fair trial in Hancock County, even though he is a convicted felon.

�I really did,� Metz said. �I knew the jury had to hear my statement even though I had a record. Without me getting on the stand, the truth may not have come out.�

County Prosecutor Mark Miller said he had no regrets about pursuing the charges against Metz and Peace -- or going to trial this week.

�It was a tough case,� he said. �But with the backgrounds of these two defendants and due to the serious injuries that occurred, we felt it was a case we needed to present.�

Metz, 32, and Peace, 28, were indicted on felonious assault charges following an investigation of a fight at 122 E. Sandusky St.

They were accused of �knowingly causing serious physical harm� to Wesley Reddish and Christy Garcia, who live in an apartment in the same block as the tattoo shop.

Metz faced a one-count indictment that accused him of injuring Reddish. Peace faced two counts, accusing him of punching Garcia, and assisting Metz in the assault of Reddish.

Testimony showed Garcia and Peace initially got into a verbal argument in front of the tattoo parlor, and Reddish, who had been asleep upstairs, got involved in the confrontation after being alerted by Garcia's sister.

Witnesses suggested the argument may have started because Garcia had previously complained to police about loud music at the tattoo shop.

At trial, the state contended it was Metz who first punched Reddish, put him in a headlock, and then threw him into a large window, shattering it.

Peace then joined in the brawl, prosecutors said, kicking Reddish in the head and chest, and hitting Garcia in the nose.

Reddish suffered lacerations to his arm, wrist and shoulder that required surgery. Garcia's injuries were less severe, but have led to migraine headaches.

But when he testified Thursday, Metz claimed Reddish was the aggressor. Metz said Reddish tackled him and then drove him through the window.

Metz admitted he punched Reddish, but only when Reddish had taken an aggressive stance over him after the two men broke the window.

Peace did not testify. His attorney, John Filkins, argued that there was no physical evidence to establish that he struck Reddish or Garcia.

The attorney submitted all the clothing Peace had on during the fight as evidence, including his Timberland boots. No blood was visible on any of the items.

Filkins also said the jury may have acquitted his client due to conflicting testimony from the various witnesses.

He said Garcia's own testimony on Wednesday that Peace had struck her was inconsistent with a statement she provided to a police officer shortly after the incident.

Patrolman Aaron Flechtner testified that Garcia said she had been hit, but didn't know by whom.

Filkins also called his own secretary to the witness stand to discredit Reddish, who had testified that he saw Peace punch Garcia.

Jane Cook, Filkins' secretary, testified that Reddish told her and Filkins on May 1 that he couldn't see who had hit Garcia because he had covered his head to protect himself from Metz and Peace.

The conversation with Reddish was tape recorded.

�I think that was one of the key points in the trial,� Filkins said after the verdicts. �That went to the credibility of the witness.�

Filkins said Peace maintained his innocence from the beginning.

�From Day 1, Curtis had told me he didn't do what they said he did,� Filkins said. �I think the evidence established that.�

While the jury heard testimony about Metz's 1995 robbery conviction, since he opted to testify, Prosecutor Miller said the panel could not be told about Peace's criminal past, which includes burglary, felonious assault and drug convictions, since he did not take the witness stand.

Details about two other �contacts� police had with Metz and Peace the same night as the Feb. 16 brawl also could not be introduced in court this week, the prosecutor said.

During his closing argument, Miller told the jury the state �does not get to choose its victims� and that witnesses to the same event �will sometimes see things differently.�

He admitted there were different observations from witnesses, but said he felt the �core facts� of the case were consistent.

�There were some (inconsistencies) but we felt the witnesses were consistent in the facts that mattered and that the physical evidence we had supported the allegations,� he said.

�We felt Mr. Reddish's injuries ... were consistent with how we felt the assault occurred.�

Garth Brown, Metz's attorney, said he never questioned that Reddish suffered �serious physical harm,� but argued the injuries weren't caused by the actions of Metz.

He said Reddish's testimony, that he bent forward after being punched by Metz, didn't make sense. Brown also said he doubted it was possible that the 160-pound Metz could throw the 220-pound Reddish into the window, as both Reddish and Garcia had claimed.

Brown said he felt there were just too many holes in the state's case to convict his client of felonious assault.

�Each of the witnesses told a different story,� Brown said. �Without some consistency between what the witnesses were saying, I think the jury may have found the state's version (of the assault) too hard to believe.�

No longer facing prison time, Metz and Peace said Friday they plan to reopen a tattoo shop, but probably not in Findlay.

They said nearly all of their tattoo equipment and supplies were stolen from their former shop after they were arrested in February.

�We lost a lot, but we're going to pick up the pieces and move on,� Metz said.

Contact staff writer J. Steven Dillon at: 419-427-8423 stevedillon@thecourier.com

15 businesses nailed for selling alcohol to underage persons
Fifteen businesses in Findlay and Hancock County were busted Friday night for selling alcohol to underage persons, according to Findlay police.

Detectives from the Hancock County METRICH Enforcement Unit conducted the operation between 6-11 p.m. Friday in an effort to reduce the amount of alcohol-related incidents and accidents in the county.

A total of 35 businesses were checked in Findlay.

Twelve city businesses, and three more in Hancock County were found to have violated Ohio law by selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21.

Sgt. James Mathias said the enforcement detail was scheduled Friday since there are numerous high school proms taking place in the area this weekend.

During the operation, an underage person was sent into businesses holding liquor permits, and attempted to buy alcohol.

The clerks who sold to underage customers are expected to be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor through Findlay Municipal Court.

The names of the businesses and clerks were not released Friday by police pending further investigation.

Hancock METRICH conducted the operation with grant money provided by the Hancock County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board.

1 driver hurt in crash involving school bus
One driver was injured Friday in a three-vehicle accident involving a Liberty-Benton school bus on Ohio 12 just west of Findlay. No students were on the bus.

Mason Griffith, 19, of Washington Court House, was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital after the 1:30 p.m. crash. The hospital released no information about his condition.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office said Griffith was driving a Dodge Caravan westbound on Ohio 12, near Hancock County 88, when a westbound car in front of him, a Dodge Stratus driven by Alexa Vonderembse, 19, of Ottawa, slowed to wait for a car turning onto Hancock County 88.

Griffith's van rear-ended the Dodge Stratus, Sheriff's Deputy Kreg Sheets said. The impact caused the van to go into the left lane, where it struck an eastbound Liberty-Benton school bus driven by Melissa Holley, 35, of Findlay.

Sheets said Holley was alone on the bus.

All three vehicles were severely damaged and were towed from the scene. Griffith was cited for an assured clear distance violation.

Highway project update
Following is the state Department of Transportation's highway construction and maintenance report for the week of May 12:

Hancock County

U.S. 68/Ohio 15 bridge over Lima Avenue in Findlay — Concrete deck replacement will create one-lane traffic in each direction. Traffic will be maintained during construction, which will continue through September. The entrance ramp to northbound U.S. 68/Ohio 15 from Lima Avenue is closed during construction. The exit ramp from U.S. 68/Ohio 15 to Lima Avenue is closed for 60 days for culvert replacement.

U.S. 68 through Arlington — Pavement repair will require one-lane traffic through the work zone Monday through Wednesday.

Allen County

U.S. 30 roadside rest areas east of Ohio 65, Cairo — Both rest areas are closed until late May for repair and upgrade of the water system.

Putnam County

Ohio 15 from the Defiance County line to just east of Putnam County 12 — Drainage repair will reduce traffic to one lane through the work zone.

U.S. 224 from the Van Wert County line to Ottawa — Drainage repair will reduce traffic to one lane through the work zone.

Ohio 109 between Ohio 613 and Township 9D, west of West Leipsic — Route is now open.

Wyandot County

Ohio 67 in Upper Sandusky — Railroad crossing repair will close the route for five days beginning Monday.

Wyandot County 330 at U.S. 30 junction west of Upper Sandusky — Road closed until August for construction of a new interchange. There will be no access to or from Upper Sandusky on Wyandot County 330.

U.S. 23 interchange with U.S. 30 south of Upper Sandusky — Work will occur intermittently for embankment repair until late May. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone.

Ohio 231 from the Marion County line to the north corporation limit of Nevada — Pavement repair and resurfacing will continue until late May. Traffic will be maintained through the work zone.

Public Record
Docket

The following incidents were reported to the Findlay Police Department and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office:

Police Department

A black plastic mailbox was stolen from 15075 E. U.S. 224 between Wednesday and Friday.

A concrete block was tossed through the windshield of a vehicle parked at 3200 Crosshill Drive prior to 4 a.m. Friday.

A 16-year-old male was reported missing Friday after he failed to return home.

A dog, a sheltie/shepherd mix, was stolen from a Clinton Court residence Thursday.

A man was cited for leaving the scene of an accident after running his pickup truck into a car at the intersection of East Melrose Avenue and Jennifer Lane at about 9:15 a.m. Thursday. The man was pulled over shortly after the crash by a sheriff's deputy on Hancock County 313.

A purse and prescription drugs were stolen from a vehicle parked at 339 S. Blanchard St. on Thursday. A window was broken to gain entry.

A man was arrested for theft after taking DVD movies from shelves at the Trenton Avenue Wal-Mart, then attempting to return them for a refund on Sunday.

A woman was cited for driving under suspension after an officer saw her turn without using a turn signal in the 300 block of Cherry Street at 1:30 a.m. Thursday.

A woman was charged with criminal damaging after she admitted running a pickup truck into a garage in the 700 block of Washington Street at about 8:40 p.m. Wednesday. A large rock became lodged under the truck and was dragged, leaving a trail for officers to follow on the road. The truck was eventually found parked in a garage on Palm Drive. The woman was also cited for leaving the scene of an accident and operating a vehicle without reasonable control.

A 4-year-old boy was found in the 100 block of Monroe Avenue at about 5:25 p.m. Wednesday. A short time later the boy's grandparents contacted police and reported he had wandered away from a residence in the 400 block of Monroe.

A portion of North Main Street was blocked off for a short time after a man became suicidal at about 2:50 a.m. Wednesday. The man held a utility knife to his throat and told an officer he would cut his throat if the officer didn't shoot him. The man eventually surrendered the weapon and was taken to the hospital for mental health treatment.

A man was arrested for driving under the influence after an officer saw him run a stop sign on Brenda Court at about 1:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Sheriff's Office

A man was cited for driving a go-kart on Carlin Street on Tuesday.

A woman was arrested on outstanding warrants Tuesday at a Hancock County 220 residence.

A woman was arrested on outstanding warrants after she went to her ex-husband's residence on Hancock County 220 in an attempt to visit her son. The woman has no visitation rights.

Fire Calls

Thursday

12:46 a.m., 1450 Westshore Drive, EMS call.

3:29 p.m., 1212 Bernard Ave., medical assist.

8:23 p.m., 2014 Deer Ridge Drive, medical assist.

Friday

3:06 p.m., 329 Center St., brush, or brush and grass mixture fire.

3:34 p.m., 2100 W. Romick Parkway, vehicle accident.

Weekend: Award-winning show choir presents 'Cabaret '08'
Findlay First Edition will present its �Cabaret '08� to the community on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, at Findlay High School's Heminger Auditorium.

Findlay High School's award-winning show choir will present numbers not previously performed in public this year, and will close with their competition show which earned them two Grand Championships during their current competition season.

Findlay First Edition is directed by Kevin Manley and is accompanied by its own back-up band, the Boingers, directed by Craig VanRenterghem.

The group's theme this year is �Let Us Dance for You,� with their competition show including a medley of currently popular songs including �Music and the Mirror,� �Cold Feets,� �In His Eyes/Lily's Eyes,� �Please Mr. Brown� and �Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry.� They close the show with the Michael Buble number, �It Had Better Be Tonight.�

Cabaret showcases the talent of individual show choir members, as well. In addition to solos and small group performances by its singers and dancers, the crew and instrumentalists showcase their multiple talents.

Saturday afternoon's performance will include Findlay First Edition's traditional performance with alumni. Senior citizens with a Findlay City Schools' �Events Pass� will be admitted free to the Saturday afternoon performance only.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.

Tickets for all shows have reserved seating and may be purchased at the entrance to the high school auditorium Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Any remaining tickets may be purchased 45 minutes before each performance.

For more information, call Manley at 419-425-8282.

Weekend: Get Out! Your guide to fun in our area
Family Fun

GLASSBLOWING

May 10, 11 and 16

Glassblowing demonstrations are scheduled May 10 and 16 at 2, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. and May 11 at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. at the Toledo Museum of Art. No cost. Location: 2445 Monroe St., Toledo. Information: www.toledomuseum.org or 800-644-6862.

Festivals

NORTHEASTERN OHIO CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

May 10-11

Get the ultimate fix for your sweet tooth at the inaugural Chocolate Festival, Saturday and Sunday in Cleveland Heights. It will feature a chocolate competition, entertainment, a children's area and Mother's Day promotions. Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for children. Location: Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: www.neochocolatefestival.com or 216-321-5253.

APPALACHIAN FESTIVAL

May 10-11

The Appalachian Festival celebrates more than 150 years of Appalachian culture in Ohio Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include arts and crafts, live music, dance and traditional craftsmen and campers in 1840s-style clothing. Tickets: $20 for weekend, one day passes available. Location: Coney Island, Cincinnati. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: www.appalachianfestival.org or 513-251-3378.

Music

STUDENT LOAN

May 10

Student Loan, an eclectic four-piece bluegrass/newgrass band from Bowling Green, will take the stage Friday at Coffee Amici, Findlay. Admission: free. Location: 328 S. Main St., Findlay. Hours: 8-11 p.m. Information: www.coffeeamici.com or 419-423-7957.

HOOKED ON TONICS

May 10

On Saturday, Hooked on Tonics will take the stage at Nino's in Findlay. Fusing rock, hip-hop, funk and soul, the Hooked On Tonics band has been touring nationally and packing venues and colleges since their debut album "Do You Wanna" hit college radio in 2006. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Location: 331 N. Main St., Findlay. Cover: none. Information: www.myspace.com/hookedontonics.

THE THIRD HALF

May 10

The Third Half will perform Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at the Dragon's Lair, Van Buren. The Third Half includes three young area musicians and plays classic rock, blues and modern rock. No cover charge. Location: 109 S. Main St., Van Buren. Information: thethirdhalf.us or myspace.com/thethirdhalfrocks or 419-299-3620.

GLENDA MCFARLIN WITH THE MURPHYS

May 10

Murphy's Place Jazz will host Glenda McFarlin with the Murphys Saturday at 9 p.m. Admission: $8. Location: 151 Water St., Toledo. Information: www.murphysplacejazz.com or 419-241-7732.

'TCHAIKOVSKY AND RACHMANINOFF'

May 10

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Peter Tchaikovsky and Sergie Rachmaninoff at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle. Tickets: $24-$41. Information: www.toledosymphony.com or 419-246-8000.

FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS

May 10

Forever the Sickest Kids, a power pop Texas-based band, is scheduled Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at Headliners, Toledo. Opening acts will include The Cab, 6:30 p.m.; Danger Radio, 7:15 p.m.; The Maine, 8 p.m. and Metro Station, 8:45 p.m. Tickets: $15. Location: 4500 N. Detroit Ave., Toledo. Information: www.headlinerstoledo.com or 419-693-5300.

SPRINGTIME VOYAGE WITH THE ONU SYMPHONY

May 10

The Ohio Northern University will present a night of symphony music at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Biggs Theatre at the Freed Center for the Performing Arts on the ONU campus in Ada. Tickets: $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors and $9 for children. Information: www.onufreedcenter.com or 419-772-1900.

STONEHOUSE

May 10 and 15

Stonehouse, a rock/jam band, will perform Saturday and Thursday at The Village Idiot in Maumee. Location: 309 Conant St., Maumee. Information: www.villageidiotmaumee.com or 419-893-7281.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER, GWEN STACY

May 11

Sunday will bring three bands to Toledo's Headliners: The Devil Wears Prada, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, and Gwen Stacy. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets: $14. Location: 4500 N. Detroit Ave., Toledo. Information: www.headlinerstoledo.com or 419-693-5300.

CLIFFORD MURPHY AND CLAUDE BLACK

May 12 and 13

House musicians Clifford Murphy on bass and Claude Black on piano will entertain Tuesday and Wednesday at Murphy's Place Jazz, starting at 8 p.m. Cover: $4. Location: 151 Water St., Toledo. Information: www.murphysplacejazz.com or 419-241-7732.

SUSAN CHASTAIN

May 16

Vocalist Susan Chastain from the Firefly Club will take the stage Friday at 9 and 11 p.m. at Murphy's Place Jazz Club. Chastain has recorded three CDs and performs regularly at the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor, Mich. Tickets: $8-$15. Location: 151 Water St., Toledo. Information: www.murphysplacejazz.com or 419-241-7732.

THE SOFA KINGS

May 16

The Sofa Kings, a Findlay-based Chinese pop band, is on the Friday schedule at Nino's in Findlay. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Location: 331 N. Main St., Findlay. Cover: none. Information: www.myspace.com/sofakings08.

Art

WORK BY MARGIE CARLILE

Through June 6

Art work by Margie Carlile is now on display at Wesley Memorial Gallery. There are 24 oil and watercolor paintings by the Toledo-based artist. Carlile began her art education at Western New Mexico University and was the Toledo Area Artist of the Toledo Museum of Art in 2005. Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Location: Wesley Memorial Gallery, 1200 Van Buren St., Fostoria in the narthex of Wesley United Methodist Church. Information: 419-435-8551.

Exhibits

THE ZULA PATROL: MISSION WEATHER

Through May 24

Check out the latest invasion of space aliens when PBS's Zula Patrol marches into COSI Columbus. The characters will teach audiences at the science center about the science behind weather with experiments that test how weather works, how we affect weather and how it affects us. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Admission: $18.50 for adults, $13.50 for youth ages 2-12 and $16.50 for seniors. Information: www.cosi.org or 614-228-2674.

OHIO IN THE CIVIL WAR: TRAVELING EXHIBIT

Through May 31

The Wood County Historical Center and Museum will host a traveling exhibit, "Ohio in the Civil War," through May 31. The exhibit includes information on Johnson's Island and Camp Chase prisoner of war camps and the battle of Buffington Island. Cost: none. Location: 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green. Information: www.woodcountyhistory.org or 419-352-0967.

Ticket Watch

Tickets are now on sale for the following events:

� Duran Duran — May 15, 7:30 p.m.; Masonic Temple, Detroit, Mich.; $46-$86. Visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 313- 471-3211 for ticket information.

� Jerry Seinfeld — May 16, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Fox Theatre Detroit, Mich.; $48-$78. For details, call 313-471-6611 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

� Nick Swardson — May 17, 7:30 p.m.; The Fillmore Detroit, Mich.; $32. Log on to www.ticketmaster.com or call 313-961-5450 for tickets.

� trideaDANCE — May 17, 7:30 p.m.; Ritz Theatre, Tiffin; $10 for students and $15 for adults. Tickets are available at www.ritztheatre.org or by calling 419-448-8544.

� Eddie Izzard — May 20, 8 p.m.; Detroit Opera House, Mich.; $32-$72. For tickets, call 313-237-SING or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.

� Kanye West: Glow in the Dark Tour — May 22, 7 p.m.; Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich.; $39.50-$179.50. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 248-377-0100.

� Tim McGraw — May 22, 7:30 p.m.; DTE Energy Music Theater, Clarkston, Mich.; $29.50-$59.50. Log on to www.ticketmaster.com or call 248-377-0100.

� Rodney Carrington — May 22, 8 p.m.; McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center, Port Huron, Mich.; $39.25. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 810-985-6166.

� 3 Doors Down — May 23, 7 p.m.; Toledo Zoo Ampitheater; $32.50 and $45. Call 419-385-5721 or visit www.toledozoo.org or www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.

� Blind Melon — May 23, 9 p.m.; Headliners, Toledo; $15. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 419-693-5300

� The Color Purple — May 31, 8 p.m.; Fox Theatre Detroit, Mich.; $39.50-$70. Call 313- 471-6611 for tickets or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.

� Carrie Underwood — June 10, 7:30 p.m.; Seagate Center, Toledo; $35-$55. For ticket information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 419-255-3300.

These items are listed weekly from information provided to The Courier and the Review Times. For more events, visit www.thecourier.com or www.reviewtimes.com. To include an event in this calendar, send an e-mail to getout@thecourier.com.

Weekend: Fostoria student attends invitation-only event at MIT
By STEPHANY SCHINGS

REVIEW TIMES STAFF WRITER

FOSTORIA — Fostoria High School junior Aaron Burrow only recently turned 17, but he's already making plans to rival software pioneer Bill Gates.

Burrow, who attends morning classes at Vanguard Tech Center and is taking college classes at Terra Community College, said his dream is to become an engineer and design his own operating system to compete with Microsoft.

He took one step closer to achieving this dream April 24 when he traveled to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the school's Junior Fly-In weekend, an all-expense paid invitation-only preview weekend created to encourage high school students to get to know the school, its students and faculty.

MIT invited only 39 students from across the country to the event, according to the school.

While there, Burrow said he met high school students from New York, Connecticut and Texas.

"As far as I know, I was the only one from Ohio," he said.

Burrow, who wants to study electrical engineering and computer science, said he was interested in going to MIT even before the trip, and that the school has also been recruiting him.

"He's really forging ahead in his area of technology," said Fostoria Community Schools Superintendent Cynthia Lemmerman. "It was really an honor for our school for him to be able to do that."

Lemmerman said an MIT representative even came to Fostoria to see Burrow play basketball and get to know him better.

"So they've very much been scouting him," she added.

Burrow said the Junior Fly-In invitation is a good sign that he will get accepted to the school, but even with a PSAT score in the upper 90th percentile and a 31 on his ACT, nothing is decided.

"It's usually a pretty good chance, but there's no guarantee," he said.

During his trip, Burrow said he was able to hang out in MIT dorms, attend an informational meeting about the school, go on a scavenger hunt through Boston and even see nearby Harvard University.

"It was definitely a worthwhile trip," he added.

The trip helped him get a better idea of what MIT's students are like.

"Obviously there's stereotypes about a college like MIT," he said. "But I wanted to see what it's like."

As it turns out, he said, the image of the MIT nerd who spends all his time studying isn't exactly reality.

"No, people there are really cool," he said. "They weren't like you see on TV."

They do go to class, however, and Burrow was even able to sit in on a few.

"I know if I was in the class I'd be able to catch on to it," he said.

Burrow's father, Walt, has confidence his son would be able to catch on, too.

"He's really into what he does," Walt Burrow said. "He's way beyond me, anytime I have a problem I have to go to him."

Burrow said his son has been interested in computers for quite a while.

"Almost since day one, as soon as we got the (computer), and it's been in the house for years," he said.

But it was over the last two or three years that Walt Burrow noticed his son wanting to learn more about the inner workings of computers and writing programs of his own.

Aaron Burrow said his interest became very intense last summer when he started assembling computers on his own.

"It's just the ability to manipulate all of the different functions of computers through computer programming," he said as the reason for his interests. "At that point you can pretty much tell the computer what to do and you have complete control."

Burrow won't be applying to college until next fall, and he plans to apply to Ohio State, Stanford and Indiana University in Pennsylvania in addition to MIT, though MIT is his first choice.

Eventually he said he wants to wants to become an engineer and then build his own software business.

"I want to build my own operating system that's going to eventually rival Microsoft," he said.

When asked if he has any suggestions or ideas of what he would like to change, Burrow said, "I'm still under the thinking process right now, I'm not ready to release any of it."

Contact staff writer Stephany Schings at:

stephanyschings@reviewtimes.com

Weekend: Recovered and aiming for a state championship
By JAMIE BAKER

Staff Writer

BLUFFTON — Bluffton senior sprinter John Guagenti knows too well what heartache feels like.

He also knows how painful a hamstring pull can be.

A hamstring pull suffered at the Northwest Conference track meet last season dashed his postseason hopes.

And watching people he beat last season qualify for the state meet may have been more painful than his injury.

"I didn't like it at all. I wanted to cheer on my teammates and everything but it was hard to watch those other people run and see the times that got them down to state," Guagenti said.

"I just kept thinking about where it would have put me. It was tough seeing my season and everything I'd worked for slip away.

"It was very, very, very tough for me."

Injuring his hamstring at the NWC, meant that there was no chance Guagenti would be able to compete in districts the following week. He began feeling better by regional weekend and did a little light jogging the weekend of the state meet.

"I knew I wanted to run track in college, I didn't want to push it and tear it really badly and have scar tissue," Guagenti said. "Then there was a chance I wouldn't have been able to run my senior year. I prayed and worked hard to get better for this year and so far it's worked out pretty well."

Guagenti's rehab was a long and slow process that look all summer. He worked on strengthening both his hamstrings and had his future in mind when he decided to run cross country instead of playing football last fall.

To be No.1, and the Bluffton speedster has proven himself to be the top boys sprinter in the area this season, sometimes you have to worry about No.1. Injury worries are what kept Guagenti from the Harmon Field sidelines.

"It was about midsummer when I decided to run cross country and I started running miles on it my hamstring. I wanted to prevent myself from getting an injury in football," Guagenti said.

"I injured my knee my freshman year and I didn't want to take that chance again.

"I knew cross country would be better conditioning anyway. It was a very tough decision some people in the community stood by me and others didn't understand why I was doing it. It was tough because Bluffton is a big football town"

Guagenti finally tested his leg in competition over the winter during the indoor track season as he competed in both the 200 and 400-meter dashes indoors. His offseason work and conditioning regimen and extended stretching exercises have certainly paid dividends this spring.

He has posted the top area time in the 200 (21.7 seconds) and the 400 (48.8). He and senior returning state 200-meter dash qualifier Jesse Herr have also helped the Pirates lead area schools in the 800 relay (1:30.2).

Guagenti thinks big things are in store for himself and his teammates as the season begins to wind down. He's hoping a couple of state titles and even a state record could be in the team's future.

"I know we have the best time in the state in the 800 relay in our division. I've done very well in the 400 and the 200 and when we find a fourth guy in the 1,600 relay I think we'll do pretty well in that relay too," said Guagenti, who has already committed to run track at the University of Findlay.

"The state record is 1:29.6 and our goal to run in the 1:28s. We won't be satisfied until we do it."

Contact staff writer Jamie Baker at:

(419) 427-8409

jamiebaker@thecourier.com

Weekend: Sports notes and happenings
BRENNAN QUALIFIES: Ohio Northern senior Meagan Brennan received an at-large bid to compete in the NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championships on May 13-16 at the Centennial Golf Club in Waverly, Ia.

This will mark the second straight season that Brennan has competed at the NCAAs as she finished tied for 18th at the 2007 NCAA Championships. She led the Lady Polar Bears to a 15th-place finish in their first-ever NCAA appearance.

Brennan finished first seven times this season and she currently has the second-lowest single season stroke average in school history at 82.4.

This year, Brennan has carded five rounds in the 70s and 11 of her 16 rounds have been under 84.

Lee, Lewis to Bluffton: A pair of area senior standouts will head just down the road to compete in college.

Vanlue's Nick Lee and Riverdale's Kourtney Lewis will continue their athletic and academic careers beginning next fall at Bluffton University.

Lee, Vanlue's career assists leader and a 1,000-point scorer, will play basketball at Bluffton. He was a first team all-Blanchard Valley Conference selection as a junior and a second team all-conference and all-district performer as a senior.

Lewis, an all-district soccer selection and one of the area's top high jumpers, will compete in both women's soccer and track and field at Bluffton.

RITZLER IN AT RIVERDALE: Amanda Ritzler has been named the new volleyball coach at Riverdale High School. She'll be the school's third new coach in three seasons as she takes over for Ryan Shifley, who held the position for one season before resigning last winter.

Ritzler has coached volleyball at all levels and comes to Riverdale from Lima Central Catholic where she was a high school assistant and freshman coach.

Weekend Doctor
By Dr. Don Savage

Not many parents are able to escape some sleepless nights spent consoling a child with an earache. But crying, complaining and even running a fever don't necessarily mean a medical emergency.

Most earaches in children are caused by bacterial middle ear infections. Up to 70 percent of children will develop an ear infection during their first three years.

Some clues that your toddler may have an infection include poor appetite, fussy behavior, cold-like symptoms, ear pain, difficulty hearing and even poor balance.

Even though a child is unable to sleep, is crying continuously and has ear infection-like symptoms, you can wait until morning to seek treatment. It's usually not necessary to visit the emergency room for a routine ear infection.

Even if the ear drum perforates, it's all right because the pinhole-sized perforation will both ease your child's pain and treat the infection by draining it. The incidence of severe problems is extremely low.

Sometimes the best treatment is a little TLC. You can also apply warm compresses to the affected ear and keep your child upright by elevating the head of the crib or using extra pillows for older children.

Parents may also want to give ibuprofen or Tylenol. Believe it or not, many ear infections get better without treatment.

For those that don't, or to relieve the accompanying discomfort, it's a good idea to see your health care provider.

Savage is with Blanchard Valley Pediatrics & Physicians Plus Urgent Care in Findlay. Questions for Blanchard Valley Health System doctors may be sent to weekend@thecourier.com, or to Weekend, The Courier, P.O. Box 609, Findlay, OH 45839-0609.

Weekend: Far Flung — From Cedar Point to Sicily, we want to go too!
Family vacations. Weekend getaways. Even business trips. Wherever you go, we would like to hear about it.

Readers may submit their travel diaries and photos to our online travel blog, "Far Flung." Some of the best photos may be considered for printed publication in the Weekend section.

Share details about off-the-beaten-path locations, tips on the best dining, shopping or accommodations in the area, or advice that might inspire — or warn — others about traveling there too.

E-mail farflung@thecourier.com to submit brief stories about your recent adventures.

Pictures should be sent as JPEG image attachments, and must include full identification. Where and when was the picture taken? Who is in the scene? Why is this object/place/person significant?

Visit the "Far Flung" blog in the Virtual Village on

www.thecourier.com to read where your neighbors have gone and to comment on their wanderings.

The Courier Electronic Edition

Today's Local Area News

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

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