<![CDATA[Bellefontaine Daily Digital - News]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:58:54 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[Indian Lake Middle School Honors 15 Students in 32nd Annual Hall of Fame ceremony]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 15:38:32 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/indian-lake-middle-school-honors-15-students-in-32nd-annual-hall-of-fame-ceremony
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Front row right to left: Carsyn Warnecke, Julie Wolf, Reese Imm, Addison Headings, Colt Volbrecht, William Morgan, Kaiden Lacher, and Brady Jackson -- Back row right to left: Abby Bihn, Samantha Altstaetter, Adeline Schulz, Mason Berg, Calen McClelland, Hayden Kuhlke and Miller Hall
An impressive group of Indian Lake freshmen went back to the middle school recently for the 32nd Annual Indian Lake Middle School Hall of Fame ceremony. 

A total of 15 new inductees from the Indian Lake Class of 2030 were recently inducted into the ILMS Academic Hall of Fame. 

The event was held with friends and family in front of the entire ILMS student body.
ILMS Co-Principal Missy Mefford told the group middle school is hard, so having this kind of success is something to be proud of, and it's an accomplishment that every student in the audience should strive to achieve. 

She said, "These students took the initiative to make themselves be the best version of themselves that they could be. They chose to be better each day than they were the day before." 

Congratulations to inductees Samantha Altstaetter, Mason Berg, Abigail Bihn, Miller Hall, Addison Headings, Reese Imm, Brady Jackson, Hayden Kuhlke, Kaiden Lacher, Calen McClelland, William Morgan, Adeline Schulz, Colt Volbrecht, Carsyn Warnecke and Julie Wolf. 

Each of these young people maintained a 3.8 gpa or higher while at ILMS, maintained a 98% attendance rate, were enrolled at least 70% of semesters during their 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade years and were not a discipline problem at ILMS. A reception followed the induction ceremony in the cafeteria.
]]><![CDATA[Bellefontaine’s Jerome Wickham Returns to CKNA Grand Nationals]]>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:19:42 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/bellefontaines-jerome-wickham-returns-to-ckna-grand-nationals
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Jerome Wickham — #12
Bellefontaine racer Jerome Wickham and 12³ Motorsports head to New Castle Motorsports Park this week for the 2026 Cup Karts North America (CKNA) Grand Nationals, October 8–11.

The event will be Jerome’s 15th race of the 2026 season and his first CKNA event since last year’s Grand Nationals, where he qualified second, finished fifth in Heat 3 and ran in the top 10 until three laps remaining before contact resulted in a 16th-place finish.

​2026 has been a major learning year for Jerome as he moved into the Junior classes and a full-size kart powered by an IAME KA100 two-stroke engine. ​
He opened the season with a second-place finish in his Junior KA100 debut at Music City Kartplex and has continued gaining experience throughout the year, including a fifth-place finish at New Castle.

The CKNA Grand Nationals will also be Jerome’s second LO206 Junior race of the season. Following New Castle, he will compete in the final two KRA events of the year in both KA100 Junior and LO206 Junior.

Jerome’s racing program is proudly supported by Brewfontaine, a local Bellefontaine business that has helped the team pursue its 2026 racing goals.

​“We’re excited to get back to New Castle,” said Jerome’s father and crew chief, Duane Wickham. “This has been a big learning year for Jerome, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do with everything he’s learned.”​
]]><![CDATA[Logan County College Day Celebrates its 45th year]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:22:33 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/logan-county-college-day-celebrates-its-45th-year
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Logan County College Day 2025
Logan County College Day is celebrating its 45th year on October 9, 2026, at Benjamin Logan High School. Students from across the county will have the opportunity to explore more than 45 colleges, universities, career programs, employers and scholarship opportunities all in one place. 

Students from Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Indian Lake, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and Riverside will attend the event. In addition to connecting with college and career representatives, students will participate in a panel discussion designed 
to give them different perspectives on the opportunities, experiences and pathways available after high school.

College Day is one of the many opportunities provided through the 3E Initiative—Enrollment, Enlistment and Employment—which helps students explore the different paths they can take after graduation. 

The event is made possible through the partnership of the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling (OACAC), Benjamin Logan Local School District and the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center.
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Logan County College Day 2025
]]><![CDATA[Logan County Schools Take Part In Manufacturing Day On October 8th]]>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:51:51 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/logan-county-schools-take-part-in-manufacturing-day-on-october-8th
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Students from Riverside 2025 at DMG Tool & Die
Manufacturing month has officially kicked off in Logan County!  National Manufacturing Week is celebrated this year from October 2 to October 9, 2026. This week serves to recognize the incredible impact manufacturing has in creating jobs and products our world relies on.  In Logan County, over 30% of our workforce is in the manufacturing industry, compared to 8% nationwide.
To make our local students aware of these exceptional manufacturing opportunities, the schools, manufacturers, and the Logan County Chamber host a Manufacturing Day event annually during the month of October.  Schools participate each year, with the 2026  group including 25-30 juniors and seniors each from: Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Indian Lake, Ohio Hi-Point and Riverside High Schools.  The event will be held on October 8th, with students visiting AGC, DMG Tool & Die, Honda PRO Center, West Ohio Tool and Powerbuilt.
Manufacturing Day gives students the chance to look beyond the traditional image of a factory and discover the technology, innovation, problem-solving and variety of careers that are part of modern manufacturing. By seeing these workplaces in person and talking with employees, students can better understand the opportunities available right here in Logan County.

​The Midwest Regional Educational Service Center organizes the event in conjunction with the Logan County Chamber of Commerce.
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Hands-on experience
]]><![CDATA[Mary Rutan Obstetrics & Gynecology Welcomes Dr. Kelly Kirk]]>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:54:05 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/mary-rutan-obstetrics-gynecology-welcomes-dr-kelly-kirk
​Mary Rutan Health is proud to welcome Dr. Kelly Kirk, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist to Mary Rutan Obstetrics & Gynecology in Bellefontaine and Urbana. Dr. Kirk is now accepting new patients at both locations, providing women’s healthcare across every stage of life, from annual wellness exams and prenatal care to gynecologic surgery and menopause management. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with her patients and delivering compassionate, evidence-based care close to home.  

Dr. Kirk has extensive training in robotic surgery, and Mary Rutan Health is pleased to bring both her expertise and a new da Vinci robotic surgery system to our community. This advanced technology
allows skilled surgeons like Dr. Kirk to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision and control. With this capability available right here at Mary Rutan Hospital, Dr. Kirk will offer minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries that may help patients experience less pain, smaller incisions and quicker recovery times compared to many traditional gynecologic procedures. 

​An Urbana native and graduate of Catholic Central High School in Springfield, Dr. Kirk is proud to return to the region she calls home. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Wright State University before completing her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens. Dr. Kirk went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Kettering Health in Dayton. 
Inspired by her parents’ careers in public service, her mother as a nurse and her father as a paramedic and firefighter, Dr. Kirk knew early on that she wanted to pursue medicine. Growing up in rural Ohio, she also recognized the challenges many women face in accessing specialized care. That understanding shaped her commitment to ensuring women in our communities have convenient access to high-quality obstetric and gynecologic services. 

Mary Rutan President and CEO, Chad Ross, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Kirk to Mary Rutan Obstetrics & Gynecology. We know how important it is to provide accessible women’s health services close to home in Logan and Champaign Counties, and we know how much this means to Dr. Kirk, as well. Her experience, compassion and commitment to rural healthcare make her a wonderful addition to our team and the communities we serve.”  

Outside of medicine, Dr. Kirk enjoys showing dogs through the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club, riding her motorcycle, spending time with her husband, running, and working her way through her ever-growing “to read” list. 

Dr. Kirk is now seeing patients in Bellefontaine at Mary Rutan Obstetrics & Gynecology, located in the Goble Center for Women and Children at 110 Dowell Ave. To schedule an appointment in Bellefontaine, patients can call 937.599.3538. Dr. Kirk is also accepting patients at the Mary Rutan Specialty Care Center in Urbana, located at 209 Lippincott Lane. To schedule an appointment in Urbana, patients can call 937.599.7058.  
 
About Mary Rutan Health 
Mary Rutan Health is an award-winning, independent, not-for-profit health system based in Bellefontaine, Ohio, serving communities with locations across Logan, Champaign, Hardin, Shelby and Auglaize counties. Known for progressive healthcare with a personal touch, Mary Rutan Health offers a full continuum of care with a focus on quality, safety and patient experience. 
]]><![CDATA[Mercy Health Honors Cancer Survivors During Awareness Month]]>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:31:41 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/mercy-health-honors-cancer-survivors-during-awareness-month
In recognition of National Cancer Survivor Month this June, Mercy Health is celebrating the strength, resilience and courage of cancer survivors throughout the region, while also encouraging community members to prioritize prevention, early detection and ongoing survivorship care. Thanks to continued advances in cancer research and treatment, more people than ever are living beyond a cancer diagnosis.

​According to the American Association for Cancer Research, there are currently more than 18 million cancer survivors living in the United States, and that number is expected to continue growing in the years ahead. National Cancer Survivor Month recognizes the unique experiences of survivors and highlights the importance of
supporting physical, emotional and mental well-being during and after treatment.

“Cancer survivorship is about much more than completing treatment,” said Dr. Zaw Bo, oncologist at Mercy Health. “Survivors often face long-term physical and emotional challenges, but with the right support, follow-up care and resources, patients can continue living full and meaningful lives after cancer.”

The National Cancer Institute notes that one in four cancer survivors reports poor physical quality of life, while one in 10 reports poor mental health-related quality of life. Survivorship care may include ongoing screenings, rehabilitation, nutritional support, mental health services and management of treatment-related side effects.

Mercy Health providers emphasize the importance of regular follow-up care after cancer treatment. Survivors are encouraged to maintain routine appointments with their healthcare team, communicate new symptoms promptly and continue recommended screenings to support long-term health.

“Every survivor’s journey is unique, and survivorship care should reflect that,” said Lisa Gibson, director of oncology services at Mercy Health. “Our goal is to help patients navigate life after cancer with the resources, education and compassionate support they need every step of the way.”

Advances in cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, targeted therapies and personalized medicine, are helping improve survival rates and quality of life for patients across many cancer types. Mercy Health’s multidisciplinary oncology team works closely with patients to coordinate individualized care plans close to home.

The oncology team at Mercy Health – Springfield encourages cancer survivors and caregivers to:
  • Attend all recommended follow-up appointments and screenings.
  • Prioritize physical activity, nutrition and mental wellness.
  • Seek support through survivorship groups or counseling services.
  • Communicate openly with providers about lingering symptoms or concerns.
  • Encourage loved ones to stay current on preventive screenings.

“National Cancer Survivor Month is a reminder to celebrate every milestone and every story of resilience,” Gibson said. “It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the continued needs of survivors and the importance of compassionate, comprehensive care.”

To learn more about cancer care and survivorship services available through Mercy Health, visit mercy.com.

About Bon Secours Mercy Health
Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) is a global Catholic health ministry in the United States, Ireland and the Philippines. A $14 billion organization, BSMH delivers care and health services through 47 hospitals and a network of approximately 60,000 associates, including 3,000 providers. BSMH is one of the largest health systems in the United States and the largest not-for-profit private healthcare provider in Ireland. Its diverse portfolio of companies includes advisory and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen clinical quality, operations, data capabilities and financial performance. Rooted in the compassionate ministry of Jesus, BSMH is committed to improving health and well-being and bringing good help to those most in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Through community investment, access initiatives and efforts to address social drivers of health, the ministry extends its impact beyond its facilities. Through Global Ministries, BSMH also partners locally to support underserved communities in Haiti, Peru, South Sudan and the Philippines, strengthening health, resilience and opportunity. For more information, visit bsmhealth.org and follow Bon Secours Mercy Health on social media.


About Mercy Health
Mercy Health serves communities across Ohio and Kentucky through a network of hospitals, medical practices and care sites, delivering high-quality, coordinated care that improves outcomes and expands access. Through its integrated approach, Mercy Health strengthens the long-term sustainability of care delivery and extends its impact beyond the walls of its facilities. Mercy Health is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), a global Catholic health ministry operating across the United States, Ireland and the Philippines. Rooted in the compassionate ministry of Jesus, Mercy Health is committed to improving health and well-being throughout our communities, especially those most in need who are poor, dying and underserved. Across its ministry, Bon Secours Mercy Health provides more than $415 million in community benefit each year, supporting programs and initiatives that address social drivers of health and strengthen communities. For more information, visit mercy.com and follow Mercy Health on social media.
]]><![CDATA[Mary Rutan Foundation provides over $100,000 in support to students pursuing medical careers]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:36:41 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/mary-rutan-foundation-provides-over-100000-in-support-to-students-pursuing-medical-careers
​Through the generous gifts of individual contributors, bequests and memorial donations to Mary Rutan Foundation’s scholarship program, Mary Rutan Foundation provides financial support annually to local students majoring in healthcare-related programs.
 
Since 1992, Mary Rutan Foundation has awarded over $2.7 million to local scholars. ​
​These funds have supported the education of current and future healthcare workers.

Mary Rutan Foundation Executive Director Bobbie Trittschuh said, “The generous donors that have supported Mary Rutan Foundation’s scholarship program make it possible to award scholarships to all local students that meet the eligibility requirements as well as provide scholarships to the students for multiple years during their programs of study. We are very pleased with the increase in the number of applications we received again this year and the various programs they chose to pursue. 
 
For the 2026/2027 academic year, ninety-one (91) recipients were selected and provided aid totaling $103,500. This year’s recipients include:
Beach Medical Education Fund
Joslyn Robinson                  Speech Language Pathology
 
Marilyn A. Carnes Nursing Scholarship Fund
Jacob Palmer                        Registered Nurse
 
Dr. Evan Dixon Medical Education Fund
Amy Fulmer                          Doctor of Medicine 
 
Zelma Nina Hertenstein Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
Celeste Allen                        Registered Nurse
Mckenzie Harrigan              Registered Nurse
 
Dr. Joseph C. & Florence C. Longfellow Memorial Scholarship Fund
Landon Braddock                Registered Nurse
Sara Brandehoff                  Registered Nurse
Addison Castle                     Registered Nurse
Jessica Clark                        Registered Nurse
Meliesha Cron                      Licensed Practical Nurse
Joslyn Cummins                   Registered Nurse
Ashley Davis                         Registered Nurse
Lauren Fulwider                   Licensed Practical Nurse
Breece Gullett                       Registered Nurse
Avery Hankins                      Registered Nurse
Isabella Hardwick                Registered Nurse
Lyndee Harrison                  Registered Nurse
Gavin Henry                         Registered Nurse
Gabrielle Hoon                     Registered Nurse
Haley Horn                            Registered Nurse
Rachel Knight                       Registered Nurse
Madeline Loomis                  Registered Nurse
Addyson Mattox                    Registered Nurse
Paige  McComas                  Registered Nurse    
Abigail Miller                         Registered Nurse
Anna Myers                           Registered Nurse
Kailyn Newman                    Registered Nurse
Jacob Palmer                        Registered Nurse
Reagan Rash                       Registered Nurse
Faith Roth                             Registered Nurse    
Makenna Smith                    Registered Nurse
Marisa Smith                        Registered Nurse
Candice Stevens                 Doctor of Nursing Practice
Danielle Trimble                  Registered Nurse    
Macy Ward                            Certified Nurse Practitioner
 
Roy G. Metz & Miriam A. Metz Nursing Scholarship Fund
Carter Klopfenstein             Registered Nurse
 
Norman R. Miller and Charlotte L. Miller Memorial Medical Fund
Helena Burns                      Psychology / Cognitive Neuroscience
Katelyn Crabill                     Speech Language Pathology & Audiology
Taytum Daniels                   Psychology
Emma Fails                          Social Work
Shania Fruchey                   Physical Therapy
Megan Hollar                        Wellness & Health Promotion
Rebekah Hudson                Psychology
Hailey Kennedy                    Occupational Therapy Assistant
Franklin Kinney                    Exercise Science
Ava Kunze                              Communication Sciences & Disorders
Kaylee LeVan                       Genetic Counseling
Ethan Lucas                         Social Work
Grace Pequignot                 Physical Therapy
Annalise Rapp                     Exercise Science / Athletic Training
Massie Romanowski        Applied Health Sciences
Regan Ross                           Hearing, Speech, & Language Sciences
Noah Shirk                            Exercise Science
Alexis Snow                          Radiographic Imaging
Reagan Standley                 Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Carly Strayer                         Exercise Science
Kennedy Wallace                Radiation Therapy
Meng Wang                           Pharmacy
Danielle Widmark              Physical Therapy
Katie Workman                     Advanced Medical Imaging Technology
Daniel Young                        Physical Therapy Assistant
 
James F. Milroy Fund                                                         
Joseph LaRoche                  Dietetics
Taylor Spencer                     Dietetics & Nutrition
 
Grace K. Orr / Dr. Edwin Pratt Memorial Medical Scholarship Fund
Adeline Robinson                Registered Nurse
Lissie Sfreddo                       Registered Nurse
 
Rita Riedmiller Memorial Scholarship Fund
Kelley Forsythe                    Health Science
 
Marjorie Rothhar Memorial Medical Scholarship Fund
Avery Hankins                      Registered Nurse
 
Walter and Janet Sack Medical Memorial Fund
Ava Kunze                            Communication Sciences & Disorders
 
Flo Ann Sours Registered Nurse Associate Degree Grant Program
Jessica Clark                        Registered Nurse
Ashley Davis                         Registered Nurse
 
Dwight Spencer Medical Scholarship Fund
Rylan Norviel                        Pharmacy
 
Richard T. Wolever Medical Scholarship Fund
Halea Hudson                      Medicine
 
Mary Rutan Foundation Medical Student Loan Program
Amy Fulmer                          Doctor of Medicine
 
Mary Rutan Foundation General Scholarship Fund
Bronson Amigo                    Biomedical Sciences
Alissa Bailey                         Radiology
Madison DeLong                 Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Mackenzie Dixon                 Diagnostic Sonography
Tatelyn Faraglia                   Respiratory Therapy
Leah Hemsley                      Speech & Hearing Sciences
Emily Hollar                          Speech Pathology
Jocelynn Kennaw                Radiographic Imaging
Skybree Knotts                     Psychology
Taylor Lafferty                       Physical Therapy
Addison McAuley                 Communication Sciences & Disorders
Emma Merrin                        Speech Pathology & Audiology
Maddison Miller                    Exercise Science
Kyndal Newkirk                    Radiographic Imaging
Aaron Savage                        Health Sciences
Jonathan Valentine             Physical Therapy
Reid Young                             Pharmacy
 
Mary Rutan Foundation Community Health Fund
Audrey Byrd                          Pre-Radiological Sciences
Isabella Fry                           Psychology
Kimberly Heberling           Radiology Technician
Megan Lute                           Pre-Occupational Therapy
Adalyn Manns                      Physical Therapy
Preston Serr                          Physical Therapy
Layla West                            Speech Language Pathology
 
For additional information about Mary Rutan Foundation’s scholarship programs or to inquire about how you may make a financial contribution, visit the website at foundation.maryrutan.org or contact Mary Rutan Foundation at (937)599-7003.​
]]><![CDATA[Bellefontaine Board Approves Resolution to Place Earned Income Tax Levy on November Ballot]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:25:10 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/bellefontaine-board-approves-resolution-to-place-earned-income-tax-levy-on-november-ballot
The Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education approved a resolution during Tuesday night’s meeting to place a 1% earned income tax levy on the November ballot.
​
The monthly meeting was held inside the Bellefontaine High School Sloan Distance Learning Center.
If approved by voters, the levy would be used for current expenses, with collections beginning January 1, 2027, for a continuing period of time.

District leaders explained that public school funding challenges have increased across Ohio in recent years, with many districts facing deficit spending projections in their five-year forecasts due to rising costs and reduced state funding.

Last month, Bellefontaine City Schools Treasurer Josh Wasson explained the district’s need for additional funding.

"Bellefontaine City Schools has been fiscally responsible with taxpayer funds by making several strategic staffing adjustments in recent years to save money while only being on the ballot 3 times since 2011," Wasson said.

"Unfortunately, public school districts have been put in a position where expenses are increasing but revenues are not. BCS needs local community assistance to maintain the basic programming our students need and deserve."

The board also approved an updated five-year forecast after the district recently received Fiscal Pre-Cautionary Status designation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Updating the forecast was the final requirement of the designation process. Another five-year forecast will be completed in August.

Board members also approved monthly financial reports.

Personnel Updates ApprovedThe board accepted several resignations, including:
  • Grant Gariety — 7th Grade Social Studies
  • Angie Horvath — Gifted Coordinator
  • Tyler Shamblin — Intervention Specialist
  • Cody Sigrist — High School Science
  • Whitney Stolly — Literacy Coach
  • Kimberly Collier — Educational Aide
  • Susan Gleason — Educational Aide
  • Tina Norton — Transportation Aide

​New hires approved included:
  • Whitney Stolly — Gifted Coordinator
  • Christy Ash — Bellefontaine Intermediate School Guidance Counselor
  • Alyssa Maguire — Intervention Specialist
  • Courtney Sims — Intervention Specialist
  • Lucy Somerlot — 5th Grade
  • Makayla Young — 5th Grade

James Howell was approved to teach summer school, while Donna Howell and Bri Hughes were approved to teach ABC K-Camp in August.

The board also approved several classified contract renewals and supplemental coaching and advisor positions for the upcoming school year.

Cafeteria Rates Approved for 2026-27The board approved cafeteria rates for the 2026-27 school year.

The district will continue offering free breakfast to all students.

Lunch prices will be:
High School/Middle School
  • Lunch: $2.65
  • Reduced Lunch: $0.40
Intermediate School/Elementary School
  • Lunch: $2.40
  • Reduced Lunch: $0.40

Bellefontaine Board of Education Scholarships AwardedThe board also announced the recipients of 17 Bellefontaine Board of Education Scholarships.

Recipients included:
  • Jacob Henry — Board of Education Academic Scholarship ($1,000) and Effie Patterson Memorial Scholarship ($500)
  • Elliett Lang — Board of Education Academic Scholarship ($1,000)
  • Kaeleigh Flora — Board of Education Academic Scholarship ($1,000)
  • Claire Brown — Board of Education Academic Scholarship ($1,000)
  • Chloe Stolly — Board of Education Academic Scholarship ($1,000) and James Stolly Memorial Scholarship ($500)
  • Ryann Gatchel — BHS Alumni & Friends Scholarship ($250)
  • Patrick Stolly — Robert L. & Helen E. Ginn Memorial Scholarship ($500) and James Stolly Memorial Scholarship ($500)
  • Kelsie Snapp — Pepsi Leadership Scholarship ($1,250)
  • Carter Caudill — Pepsi Leadership Scholarship ($1,250)
  • Hayden Maus — Monicha Simpson Memorial Scholarship ($250)
  • Gillian Steele — Ronald H. Wisse Scholarship ($500)
  • Caitlin Haley — Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship ($10,000)
  • Thessaly Reminder — Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship ($7,000)
  • Lane Howard — Harold & Barbara Marker Academic Scholarship ($5,000)

​The next Bellefontaine Board of Education meeting will be held July 27 at 2 p.m. at the board office.
]]><![CDATA[Indian Lake Graduate Owen Kaser Receives Statewide R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award]]>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:47:50 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/indian-lake-graduate-owen-kaser-receives-statewide-ra-horn-outstanding-student-achievement-award
Indian Lake High School graduate Owen Kaser has received one of Ohio’s top student honors.

Kaser was officially recognized with the R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award during a special luncheon in Columbus. The prestigious award honors students who have overcome challenges, prioritized their education, and made a positive difference within their schools and communities.

​Only 16 students from across the state of Ohio were selected to receive the recognition.
Indian Lake Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood nominated Kaser for the award. Owen learned he had been selected as a recipient during the ILHS Academic Awards ceremony in May.

Throughout his years at Indian Lake Schools, Kaser has made a lasting impact on classmates, staff, and the entire Laker community. Despite living with cerebral palsy, Owen has remained actively involved in school activities, including choir, show choir, and supporting countless Laker athletic events.

Known for his positive attitude, determination, and kindness, Owen became a familiar face cheering on classmates and encouraging others.

Owen’s mother, Morgan Kaser, shared her appreciation for the support her son has received.

“Jeremy (Owen’s father) and I are especially grateful for Dr. Underwood and the meaningful relationship he and Owen have built over the years. His nomination letter filled our hearts with pride and left us speechless. To see Owen recognized not only for his achievements, but for the person he is means more than words can express.”

She added that the recognition represents more than just an award.
“Knowing we are surrounded by leaders, educators, and a community that love, support, and believe in our guy as much as we do is truly a gift. Today was a reminder that barriers can be broken, dreams can be achieved, and that one person can make a lasting difference.”

Along with his involvement in school activities, Kaser has also achieved academic success while inspiring those around him through his perseverance and dedication.
​
Congratulations to Owen Kaser and the Kaser family on this outstanding statewide recognition.
]]><![CDATA[Ohio Hi-Point Student Takes Gold at National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference]]>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:36:19 GMThttps://bellefontaine.ohiodailydigital.com/news/ohio-hi-point-student-takes-gold-at-national-skillsusa-leadership-conference
Ohio Hi-Point Career Center graduate Richiona Burnell won Gold at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Burnell, a 2026 OHP Cosmetology graduate, placed first in the nation in the Prepared Speech competition, which challenges students to write and deliver a speech based on SkillsUSA’s annual theme. Burnell advanced to the national competition after placing first at the Ohio SkillsUSA Leadership Conference in April.

The SkillsUSA Leadership took place from June 1-5, 2026, and brought together thousands of career-technical education 
students from across the country to compete in trade, technical and leadership events.
 
​“Richiona represented Ohio Hi-Point with confidence, professionalism and pride,” Ginger Shellenberger, OHP Cosmetology Instructor said. “Prepared Speech takes strong communication skills, poise and a lot of preparation. She worked hard for this moment, and we are incredibly proud of her.”
 
Ohio Hi-Point Superintendent Brad Richardson said Burnell’s achievement reflects the district’s mission of preparing students for success after graduation.
 
“We’re incredibly proud of Richiona and her accomplishments at the National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference,” Richardson said. “Her success reflects the career and leadership skills students build through career-technical education. She represented Ohio Hi-Point and the state of Ohio very well.”
 
SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization that helps students develop personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.
 
Burnell graduated from Ohio Hi-Point’s Cosmetology program in 2026. Her partner district is Bellefontaine High School.
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