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What's Happening in Champaign County?

CHAMPAIGN COUNTYWIDE 911 CENTER GOES DIGITAL

6/2/2022

 
Champaign Countywide Communication Center now has a website. As the local hub that works diligently to process calls and dispatch aid throughout our community, this is yet another example of their dedication to serve Champaign County.
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Whether you are looking for information on when to call 911, how Text to 9-1-1 works or CodeRED registration: it’s all available at the click of the mouse. 
Learn more about the Champaign Countywide Communication Center here.
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​If you have an interest in working as a Public Safety Telecommunicator/Dispatcher, you can learn more here. ​
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Legacy Place Senior Housing

5/2/2022

 
Legacy Place is an absolutely magnificent illustration of collaboration, hard work and the tenacity to see a project to realization and successful implementation.  This sentiment was echoed by attendees of the OCCD Hybrid Spring Meeting in Columbus, Ohio this week.  OCCD welcomed members of the re-development team, including Rich Ebert, Executive Director of the Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), together with Marcia Bailey, past CEP Executive Director, Duane Miller, CEO of T&H Investment Properties, and Joel Hauenstein, VP of Operations at Alliant. 
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Reporting and Supporting: Child Abuse Prevention Month

4/5/2022

 
Child Abuse Prevention Month Lunch and Learns
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and there are three available sessions for Identifying and Reporting Abuse/Neglect and Supporting Families.
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Session dates:
  • April 11th, Lunch & Learn from 12pm-1pm
  • April 20th, Evening from 5pm-6pm
  • April 28th, Lunch & Learn from 12pm-1pm

Email christen.schulz2@jfs.ohio.gov for a link or us the QR code in the image to join.

UHS Grad Recognized as "Wingman Leader Warrior"

1/5/2022

 
Cole Headlee wearing his Air Force uniform crossing his arms and looking straight ahead
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cole Headlee, Base Defense Operations Center controller, is recognized as the “Wingman Leader Warrior” for December 2021 at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. Headlee serves as a Defender in charge of the security and protection of personnel and resources at Schriever SFB. Headlee and his team ensure U.S. Space Force mission success and assist commanders in maintaining good order and discipline in the community. (U.S. Space Force Photo by Dennis Rogers)
From Peterson Space Force Base

Having served in the U.S. Air Force for three years, and stationed at Schriever Space Force Base for the last eight months, Senior Airman Cole Headlee — 50th Security Forces Squadron, Base Defense Operations Center controller — wakes up long before sunrise for the safety, security and protection of personnel at Schriever SFB.

USAF Security Forces are integral to the mission of the USAF and U.S. Space Force.
“My daily duties are to secure and protect personnel and resources assigned to Schriever, and with that, ensuring Space Force mission success on a daily basis — while also policing the populous for the safety of all,” said Headlee.

Headlee is from Urbana, Ohio — a Midwestern town between Dayton and Columbus — and the son of a financial advisor and a paraprofessional educator. Before joining the Air Force, Headlee thought he would be a financial advisor, like his father.
“Honestly, I wanted to take over his business and his management spot,” said Headlee. However, the Defender ultimately decided upon the Air Force and Security Forces.

“I was thinking more about something that would benefit me, and develop me — and also, I knew would get a lot of cool experiences along with the benefits,” said Headlee. “To this day, I still believe the Air Force is one of the best options anybody can do, honestly. The Air Force has so much to offer. Take it from me: At 19 years old, I had been to England, Cypress, France, Poland, Germany — traveling the world. Also, I’m a person who best functions with structure. When I have set tasks given to me by leadership, or by my supervisor, that I have to accomplish — I have greater success.”

Helping him make the decision to join the Air Force, were students and friends he went to high school with in Ohio.

“There were four of us, one from my class and two from the class who graduated before me,” said Headlee. “I did a lot of research on my own, but I had others who had already joined who I could ask questions about their initial experience. And here I am, and I absolutely love it — and so does my wife.”

Headlee’s wife is also in Security Forces, currently stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Kunsan AB is one of two major USAF installations operated by the U.S. Forces Korea.

When asked how the Air Force has changed him for the better, the Schriever SFB Defender had a lot to say.
“The military has instilled a ton of discipline in me,” said Headlee. “When I was younger, I wasn't the most obedient kid. I remember having a sit-down conversation with my parents about what I want do with my life and what I want to accomplish in my twenties and into my later years, and — believe it or not — I said would like to get some discipline. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I work.”

Senior Airman Evelyn Gorder, 50th Security Forces Squadron, BDOC controller — is Headlee’s supervisor, and had this to say about him as an Airman and person:

“Senior Airman Headlee is an extremely important part of our mission as a BDOC controller,” said Gorder. “His responsibility is command and control over all posts and patrols that protect our Space Force assets here at Schriever. With his knowledge, attention to detail and incredible work ethic, Senior Airman Headlee is more than qualified to perform such an important duty for the U.S. Space Force. I appreciate all the work he does — not only as an Airman, but as a person. He truly is a wingman. Everyone knows that if they need anything work-related or outside of work, Headlee is the one to call. He has always shown a passion for helping others and truly cares about the people around him.”

The work Headlee and fellow Defenders from the 50th SFS perform is vital to the garrison, USAF and USSF missions. In order to maintain motivation and resilience, the Defender has a phrase he reminds himself of daily.

“A quote that inspires me is simple yet meaningful: ‘Win the day,’” said Headlee.
“This quote was, and still is, said by my father who is my biggest role model and motivator. For me, ‘win the day’ means the small tasks you complete to make your day successful or the kind word that made someone smile, the positive motivation you give to others or the positive mindset you place within yourself, the actions you take to pull yourself out of a negative mindset or how you respond to various situations. ‘Win the day’ means taking the actions that I need to take to be the best Airman that I can — every day."

Additionally, the Schriever SFB Defender believes in perseverance.

“Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, honestly,” said Headlee. “Anyone can do anything that they want, as long as they have the motivation and dedication.”

Mechanicsburg Awarded Water Infrastructure Grant

12/14/2021

 
From the Village of Mechanicsburg
Village of Mechanicsburg, Ohio logo
On Tuesday, December 7, the Village of Mechanicsburg was notified that they were awarded $955,520 of the Ohio Builds Water Infrastructure Grant. This grant will help the Village with the replacement of aging water lines.
The Village is seeking more financial assistance through OPWC program to implement Phase ll of water line replacement program. Phase l Water Line replacement was completed in 2018.
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Phase ll of the water line replacement program would replace water mains, service connections, fire hydrants and water meters on Walnut, North Main, West Race, and Sandusky Streets. This will serve approximately 140 residences directly and the remainder of the Village providing better water flow through the system.

"We are grateful to have received the grant and thank the State for their investment in our community." says the Village of Mechanicsburg.

Job and Family Services Launches Streamlined, Easier-to-Use Website

12/6/2021

 
CCDJFS new logo
Above is the new logo for Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services, borrowing from the colors CCDJFS uses in its annual awareness campaigns – blue, for child abuse prevention; purple, for elder abuse awareness; and green, for child support and fraud prevention.
The Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services (CCDJFS) has launched an updated website, www.champaigndjfs.org, streamlined to make it easier for visitors to find and connect with the services they need.

CCDJFS Director Stacy Cox adds that the new website furthers the agency’s efforts over the last several years “to make our services more easily accessible to the public in person and online.” Digital access to services became increasingly important during the pandemic when offices were temporarily closed to the public.
The new website is less complicated than CCDJFS’s previous website so that visitors can locate the services and information they need faster – including OhioMeansJobs workforce services, financial and health assistance, child support, and family and children services, including adult protective services.
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The website also features CCDJFS news, posts from the agency’s Facebook page, CCDJFS job opportunities, and links to email addresses for submitting applications and paperwork for services – to help those who prefer the convenience of online access.

Cox adds that the website also offers easy access to Champaign County’s Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) plan and program application. PRC provides a wide range of temporary assistance to help qualified low-income families gain self-sufficiency.

Also on the website, CCDJFS is debuting a new logo. The logo reflects the scope of the agency’s services and the people it serves, Cox says. While the agency’s previous logo featured a stylized family – father, mother and children – the new, abstract logo symbolizes the agency’s broader reach, which includes single-parent families, senior citizens, children, as well as businesses and their employees through workforce development services.

Cox adds that the logo borrows from the colors CCDJFS uses in its annual awareness campaigns – blue, for child abuse prevention; purple, for elder abuse awareness; and green, for child support and fraud prevention.

“The logo interweaves the different programs and the different people we serve – not just families,” Cox said.

Demolition Nears Completion in Saint Paris

11/9/2021

 

Solar power on village agenda

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From Urbana Daily Citizen

The St. Paris Village Council met on November 1 to discuss town improvement projects and public events.

Mayor Brenda Cook noted the upcoming Civil War Walk-Through at Evergreen Cemetery events hosted by Jared Shank. Shank recently restored the World War I cannon displayed in Harmon Park in St. Paris; he will now share his expertise by leading the walk-through and highlighting Civil War veterans laid to rest in the cemetery. This event will be held twice, on November 12 and November 13, at 4 p.m free of charge. Donations will be accepted.
Solar addition considered

In the meeting’s next segment, the council welcomed Brent Boyd, the Chief Operating Officer of Solar Power & Light, LLC. In 2010, Solar Polar & Light installed the solar panels for St. Paris’s water treatment plant, and Boyd pitched the council the possibility of expanding the village’s amount of solar panels.
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“Thank you for trusting us in helping you be more sustainable,” Boyd said in reference to the longstanding partnership between St. Paris and Solar Power & Light.

When Solar Power & Light opened their business as a financial and billing institution in 2010, St. Paris signed on as one of their first customers. Now, Solar Power & Light has grown into a full-service energy company, noting it is capitalizing on the stable cost of solar power compared to the volatility of fuel prices.

Boyd suggested that the council consider adding an extension to their renewable energy contract—an additional 100 kilowatts on top of the 70 kilowatt system that is already operating. St. Paris regularly consumes more energy today, as compared to 10 years ago, due to the new water treatment plant, which creates an opportunity to expand St. Paris’s solar usage.

Boyd’s statistics project that the new 100 kilowatt system could save St. Paris between $30,000 and $50,000 in energy bills over the next 25 years, based on regularly increasing rates with the regional utility AES.

An additional money saver would be for St. Paris to purchase the new solar-powered system from Solar Power & Light through the ownership program. The energy company would initially own the $100,000 system as the village rented its services, but at the 6-year mark, the village could purchase the system at a pro-rated amount between $80,000 and $90,000 and utilize the system’s services through its 25 warrantied years. Boyd emphasized his company’s desire to complete a contract expansion before the year’s end.

As the council discussed whether the solar expansion is viable, members raised questions about maintenance, upkeep and the costs-savings comparison over time.
Village Administrator Spencer Mitchell weighed in, saying, “I don’t see a lot of risk in this. The long-term plan is to save the taxpayers of St. Paris money by investing in solar energy. I think this is something to consider.”

The council called for a detailed breakdown of numbers, which Mitchell pledged to provide in future meetings.

Demolition of old junior high

Moving forward to another topic, Mitchell then shared aerial photographs of the demolition activity at the old junior high at 370 East Main Street.

The demolition crew began work on October 20. The building has been fully levelled, and the gym and basement have already been backfilled. During the next week, workers will be separating materials—wood, brick, concrete, and iron—to begin the transport process.

Mitchell reported there are fewer materials to transport than anticipated, so the service will be cheaper. Once sorting is complete, St. Paris will set aside a quantity of bricks for the community members to claim, as a keepsake reminding them of the school.

Mitchell encouraged anyone desiring a brick to call the municipal building and give their name to reserve one. He also stressed the importance that citizens stay away from the demolition site until the village announces that it is safe to approach.

Later in the meeting, Fiscal Officer Marc McGuire explained the payment schedule for the loan on the demolition. Resolution 1341 states that up to $65,000 could be borrowed for the project with a 3% interest rate over five years; McGuire estimates that interest accrued to total about $5,000, making the overall loan amount about $70,000. Semi-annual payments will begin in 2022, likely in March or April. Board member Terry Ervin made a motion to approve the financials, which was seconded by board member Steve Lett and unanimously passed.

Committee topics

Following the mayor’s notes, the council entered into committee discussions. Ervin stated that the next Johnson-St. Paris (JSP) Fire Board meeting would be held on November 9 at 7 p.m. at the firehouse. He also reported that assistant chief Ben Pence, Sr. has been appointed interim chief due to former Chief Scott Massie’s retirement last month. The board is in the process of hiring a new chief, and Ervin will update the council on the process.

Randy Smith, member of the Street Committee, reported new projects upcoming in 2022, pending the finalization of financials. Additionally, Mitchell mentioned that the Champaign County Engineer’s Office will be working on the west side of the county in 2022 and offering tar and chip services to repair streets. Mitchell and the street committee are working with the engineer’s office to identify possible roads in the village that could benefit from this temporary fix until an overall repaving can be officially scheduled.

“Even if we’re not able to completely reconstruct some streets, this may help us save money in the long run,” Mitchell said. “The tar and chip is cost-efficient, and it helps preserve what we have until we can get what we really want to have done.”
Mayor Cook then progressed to old business. She conducted the second reading of Ordinance 906, which is a supplement to the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of St. Paris and concerns the Vacant Building Maintenance Enforcement Program. As no council member voiced opposition, the ordinance will be read a third time at the next meeting and put to a vote. If passed, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days after its passage.

Board member Susan Prince then noted another item of old business: November 1 marked the six-month anniversary and end of the probationary period for Chief Eric Smith of the St. Paris Police Department. At this time, the mayor and Safety Committee must evaluate the chief’s performance and recommend him for either permanent appointment or dismissal.

Prince motioned to hire Smith as an official full-time police chief and the council approved her motion at the predetermined salary of $47,500 annually with a canine care allowance of $6,235.32.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the village council is November 15.

Farmers & Merchants State Bank New Opening

10/20/2021

 
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On Thursday, October 14th, the Champaign Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for Farmers & Merchants State Bank formerly Perpetual Federal Savings Bank.

The bank will be offering a wide variety of online options and begin renovation to the inside of the building while keeping its history starting next year. 

For more information, visit www.fm.bank.

CEP NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

9/7/2021

 
Current CEP Executive Director, Marcia Bailey along with incoming Executive Director, Richard Ebert.
Current CEP Executive Director, Marcia Bailey along with incoming Executive Director, Richard Ebert. Bailey is set to retire at the end of 2021.
Champaign Economic Partnership(CEP) has named Richard Ebert as its Executive Director of Champaign Economic Partnership.
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Ebert will fully assume the role following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Marcia Bailey at the end of the year. Bailey, who has served the CEP since its inception, knows that Ebert is the right fit to continue the growing partnership between business and government in our community.
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“Richard Ebert as the incoming Executive Director will be a welcome addition to the Champaign Economic Partnership,” Bailey said. “His previous work experience and knowledge of the community is a vital asset to this position. Richard is a lifelong resident of Urbana/Champaign County and will have the best interest of the community in this new role. I look forward to seeing Champaign County continue to flourish.”

As a lifelong resident of Urbana, small business owner and fervent servant of his community, Ebert knows the importance of making connections that benefit the community.

“We have experienced a tremendous amount of growth over the past few years. I want to continue assisting with that growth and look forward to finding solutions for our county businesses,” explained Ebert upon the announcement of his appointment.   

Ebert goes on to share that working with Bailey certainly influenced his plan to expand current economic development. “My goal is to continue to grow CEP, create new opportunities and continue to look for ways to make connections between entities that benefit so many people.”
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Ebert’s roots run deep in his community. He is both an alum of Urbana High School and the former Urbana University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Human Service Leadership.

While serving professionally in many capacities, he most recently worked under the umbrella of the Champaign County Clerk of Courts as an Assistant Manager with the Champaign County BMV. He currently owns an entertainment business, Ebert Entertainment, where he is the DJ/Master of Ceremonies, served as an elected official for Urbana City Council and he and his wife have both owned small businesses located in Monument Square. His volunteer work includes being a member and chair for the City of Urbana Planning Commission and Urbana City Schools as the voice of the Urbana High School Marching Band.

Ebert says he has always had a calling to work within the business community of his hometown. “What Marcia has created, in essence, is a dream job. Our local county businesses are so vitally important. Being able to better serve them and the county communities is something I feel very strongly about.”

Kyle Hall, President of The Hall Company and President of CEP Board of Trustees shared his excitement for the future of Champaign County with Ebert onboard, “Richard has demonstrated a passion for Champaign County’s success over the years and is excited to get started. We look forward to seeing continued growth for our county and its towns and cities as we move forward.”

Ebert plans to hit the ground running.

“I am looking forward to meeting and talking to the business leaders and employers in our community. I am also excited to meet with the county villages and find out their hopes and dreams for their economic development,” he said. “I look forward to finding where I can be of the most assistance and really talk about strengths and opportunities where CEP can benefit those we serve.”

Ohio Launches Grant Programs to Help Businesses Recover

6/28/2021

 
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted last week announced the launch of four grant programs to help small and medium-sized businesses recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"These four new grant programs will help industries that experienced losses over the last year because of the pandemic,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio’s economy is moving forward, and with new grant programs like the ones we are announcing today, we are optimistic that our economy will only continue to grow stronger from here."

The programs will provide $155 million in grant funding to businesses that opened in 2020, food and beverage establishments, entertainment venues, and lodging venues. The funds were made available by the Ohio General Assembly as part of Senate Bill 108 and Senate Bill 109, both of which Governor DeWine signed into law in May.

All four programs will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency (Development). Program guidelines, terms and conditions, and required documentation for all four programs are available now at BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov. The applications will open tomorrow, Tuesday, June 29, 2021. 
 
“The focus of this funding is primarily on Ohio-owned, small businesses that are important contributors to their local economy and the quality of life for the people who live there,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The grants will help these businesses buy equipment, hire more employees and make needed updates to their facilities, so they, and the communities they serve, can recover faster.”

Ohio Small Business Development Centers and Ohio Minority Business Assistance Centers are staffed with advisors who can help businesses with the application process.
 
“The investments we make through these programs will ensure the survival and stability of our small businesses,” said Director of Development Lydia Mihalik. “Our small business owners and entrepreneurs are the heart of our economy, and we’re optimistic about the future.”
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The Food and Beverage Establishment Grant will provide grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other food and drink businesses. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’s loss of revenue in 2020. The total funding available for this program is $100 million. 
 
To ensure the grants are spread throughout the state, $500,000 will be set aside for businesses in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. As businesses in each county are approved for funding, the grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. When a county’s allocation is depleted, businesses in that county will be eligible to receive grants from the remaining funds in the overall grant program. If businesses in a county don’t deplete the county’s allocation by July 31, the remaining funds will become available to businesses statewide.
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The Entertainment Venue Grant will provide grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 theaters, music venues, spectator sports venues, museums, and other entertainment venues. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’s loss of revenue in 2020. The total funding available for this program is $20 million. 
 
To ensure the grants are spread throughout the state, $150,000 will be set aside for businesses in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. As businesses in each county are approved for funding, the grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. When a county’s allocation is depleted, businesses in that county will be eligible to receive grants from the remaining funds in the overall grant program. If businesses in a county don’t deplete the county’s allocation by July 31, the remaining funds will become available to businesses statewide.
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The Lodging Grant will provide grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 to hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast operations. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’s decline in occupancy rate in 2020. The total funding available for this program is $25 million. 
 
To ensure the grants are spread throughout the state, $100,000 will be set aside for businesses in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. As businesses in each county are approved for funding, the grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. When a county’s allocation is depleted, businesses in that county will be eligible to receive grants from the remaining funds in the overall grant program. If businesses in a county don’t deplete the county’s allocation by July 31, the remaining funds will become available to businesses statewide.
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The New Small Business Grant will provide grants of $10,000 to small businesses that were established between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020. The total funding available is $10 million.
 
To ensure the grants are spread throughout the state, $100,000 will be set aside for businesses in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. As businesses in each county are approved for funding, the $10,000 grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. When a county’s allocation is depleted, businesses in that county will be eligible to receive grants from the remaining funds in the overall grant program. If businesses in a county don’t deplete the county’s allocation by July 31, the remaining funds will become available to businesses statewide.
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