Giffords hears cheers and smiles Delphos varsity teams p2 defeated, p6 THE DELPHOSTelling The Tri-County’s Story Since 1869HERALD 50¢ daily SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011 Delphos, Ohio Upfront Regionalized firefighting Middle Point red hot topic in Ohio under boil water By MIKE FORD for some. with fire levies and retaining [email protected] However, regionalization firefighters and keeping them advisory is not forecasted to occur in trained. I think regionalization The Village of Middle Economic challenges are the Tri-County for two rea- would slow response time. Point has issued a boil expected to shape much of life sons. One is distance between It simply takes time to get a water advisory for resi- in Ohio as 2011 progresses. departments and the other is fire truck moving, especially dents south of the railroad Funding issues impact many concern over response time. in inclement weather. I think tracks until further notice. things, including firefighting. “For Delphos, regionalizing communities would resist A water main break One service leader thinks fire service isn’t likely to be regionalizing because of that.” prompted the advisory. departments around the state an issue. We are about 8-10 Nonetheless, dramatic will look at restructuring fire- miles from the nearest other change could be felt in the Spencerville sets fighting in a fundamental way department, which is American Buckeye State. Ingles is the to save money. Regionalization Township. We like having our chief in Westerville and has kindergarten involves departments closing, equipment to ourselves and we seen it happen before. pooling resources and serving want to protect our citizens. To “There are some districts in registration larger areas. do that, we have to maintain our Ohio that have moved toward “Regionalization depends on own fire department. In Allen creating fire districts, where Registration for the area and type of department and Van Wert counties, depart- they contract with other town- Spencerville Elementary — whether full-time or volun- ments are just too far apart ships or small villages to pro- Submitted photo kindergarten for the teer. There could be some cost for it,” Delphos Safety Service vide fire service as a cost-sav- Many of our pets have a short layer of fur and don’t do 2011/2012 school year will savings with it and overlap can Director Greg Berquist said. ing measure. We have had it well in colder temperatures. A sweater or coat is helpful for be open 9 a.m. until noon be addressed if you have one In southwest Putnam happen and it’s always being outdoor trips. and 2-4 p.m. Monday. fire department with a station County, Ottoville and Fort talked about. There are town- Any child 5 years old on only a mile from another fire Jennings residents are served ships in Knox County that have or before Aug. 1 is eligible. department because jurisdictions by volunteers. The communi- done it and something similar If it’s cold for you, it’s Parents are required to are so close,” Ohio Fire Chief ties cannot afford to pay fire- recently took place between the bring the child’s original Association President Bernie fighters but regionalization is City of Toledo and the Village Ingles said. “They could share not expected. Though thought of Ottawa Hills,” he said. birth certificate, Social equipment and there could be to come with cost savings, The OHFD closed this week cold for dogs and cats Security card, immuniza- better response time if you have restructuring is being avoid- as its staff and station became BY MIKE FORD allure of antifreeze can attract tion information, custody two stations close together that ed because of federal grants, part of the Toledo department. [email protected] and kill one’s furry friends. papers (if applicable) and two cooperate or consolidate under according to Fort Jennings The respective mayors had Like coolant, antifreeze is a documents providing proof regional restructuring. However, Volunteer Fire Department conducted talks which ended DELPHOS — Because lethal poison for dogs and of residence in Spencerville response time could be slower Chief Jim Gerdeman. with the village deciding to some people treat pets as cats. Owners should make Local School District. if restructuring isn’t part of the “Regionalization will not contract with the city for the livestock, many dogs and sure to thoroughly clean up Student need not be present. regionalization and stations have be needed here anytime soon; foreseeable future. Ingles cats are left outside during any spills around vehicles Parent Meeting/ to cover a larger territory.” by that, I mean the next 10-15 believes this relationship could winter. One local expert said and consider using products Kindergarten Meet the Communities tend to main- years. The departments on the serve as a model for the state as that contain propylene glycol Teachers will be held tain their own fire department. west side of Putnam County municipalities scramble to stay dogs shed their coat in Fall at 7 p.m. on April 7. When blazes break out, resi- are well-staffed. We’re well- financially afloat. to replace it with a thicker rather than ethylene glycol. Screening will be held the dents want a quick response by trained and well-equipped,” he “This is going to be a big coat for the coldest months. “Water will freeze, espe- week of Aug. 15; appoint- qualified personnel. This takes said. “We’ve received Federal topic for fire service in Ohio Retaining body heat is key cially overnight, and dogs ments may be made at regis- money but many villages and Emergency Management this year, especially with the to surviving the cold and if and cats can dehydrate. tration. Call 419-647-4113, townships don’t have the eco- Agency grants for equipment new governor and legislature owners won’t bring them Some bowls are heated but ext. 3100, with questions. nomic engine to power their in the last five or six years and trying to increase efficiency in indoors, dogs and cats need dog owners need to watch own paid firefighting force. we got a truck from that. We’re state and local government. I Spencerville accepts open some way to get away from for electrical shorts because Therefore, creating fire dis- doing fine because of these think regionalization will be a wind, snow, sleet, ice and if dogs get shocked when enrollment applicants from tricts can be a viable solution things; we’ve had good luck hot topic for all of us,” he said. any district in Ohio. Call the rest of Old Man Winter’s trying to drink, they simply 419-647-4111, ext. 3201, battering. won’t drink and will become for more information. Firefighting a family tradition for German “Dogs and cats need some dehydrated. They also need type of enclosure so they can more food so they can pack By STACY TAFF felt right. While he has retired from get out of the wind and ele- [email protected] “Well, like the old-timers the department, German still on more pounds for the extra ments. Even in a doghouse, if body heat they need to gener- Sports always say, ‘when it’s time to retains his work with St. the door isn’t facing into the DELPHOS — In April retire you’ll know’ and they’re Rita’s Medical Center. ate to stay warm. They put on wind, they can generate more a thicker coat for winter but Marion Local 43 1979, Chuck German decided right,” he said. “I’m getting to “I’ve been at St. Rita’s body heat if they have straw are still at risk of frostbite St. John’s 40 it was time to fol- the point where I for about 21 years now,” he and a blanket,” said Dr. April low in the footsteps can’t be getting up said. “I repair medical equip- Shattuck of Delphos Animal on their ears and paws,” she Paulding 58 said. Jefferson 39 of the men in his in the middle of the ment and things like that for Hospital. family by joining night in the dead of them.” “Cats are pretty resilient Even inside dogs need Ottoville 48 the local fire depart- winter to fight fires, Despite the hardship that but they still need to get out winter-related care. Owners Miller City 46 ment. get wet and freeze. can come with fighting fires, of the wind and elements. should wipe off a dog’s legs Crestview 59 “My dad was That’s one thing I German didn’t retire without Unfortunately, their favorite and stomach when they come Spencerville 43 a volunteer for 20 won’t miss. None knowing he would miss some place to go is into the engine in out of the sleet, snow or years and my uncle of us want to get up things. area of cars. Unfortunately, ice. Animals can ingest salt, Lima Cent. Cath. 58 for 27 or more,” he at 2 a.m. when it’s “The thing I’ll miss the we see a lot of injuries and antifreeze or other poten- Lincolnview 33 said. “It just seemed 20 degrees below most is the guys. This is deaths that take place in the tially-dangerous chemicals like the right thing and put on our turn- more than an organization,” morning when people start while licking their paws. Elida 68 to do, you know; German out gear, which is German added. “It’s a broth- Kenton 49 up their cars.” Also, puppies may not toler- it was a family always cold because erhood. If you go to any town This can be avoided by ate the cold as well as adult Col.