If I am still writing columns in the new year, I am thinking I would like to start a congratulatory segment focusing on locals who have been honored for their contribution to society.
I’m starting today, with congratulations sent to Bob and Donna Peters of the hamlet of Dawn between Ansonia and Versailles.
The couple was recently presented with the 2025 Charles Boyles Master Shepherd Award from the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association. They were cited for their excellence in sheep production and in recognition of their contribution to the Ohio sheep industry.
Because I‘ve known them for years, I know they are very deserving. They all work hard at whatever they set out to do. Their story was shared on Facebook and included a video visit to their farm as well as a separate video of the thoughts of their four children, Scott, Jesse, Anne and Sara.
The whole family has been included In one way or another in the family history of dedicated work. The couple has resided in Dawn, where Bob was raised, and I’m sure it was his parents who got him started in the sheep business.
You can’t miss their property. Traveling southbound on U.S. 127 near the Ohio 47 intersection, their barn stands out with the painting of another famous countian, Annie Oakley, and the following words: “Aim at a high mark, and you’ll hit it.”
The couple lives those words in their daily life, and now, the third generation is getting involved.
Bob used to work with my father at New Idea in Coldwater and has expressed to me in early conversations how he enjoyed working with Dad, and I know the feelings were mutual.
Great job, Bob and Donna!
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Jamie and I extend our condolences to the families and friends of: Stacy Schmidt Dorko, John L. Archey, Vera Abel and Deborah Shaefer-Lusozek.
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Please pray for Rick Riffell, Jim and Amy Hanes, Tom Everhart, Fred Dakin, Carol Paul, Ted McCabe, Tracy Pratt, David Hiestand, Gary Knick, Kierra Reichert, Eddie Cline, Sharon Lapp, Terri Baker Buteau, Judy York, Roxie Thornhill, Sharon Miller, Allen Whittaker, Mike Hopkins, Don Rhoades, Dave Brewer, Clarence “Sam” Wilker, Chuck Cruze, Roan Brubaker, Vic Bothast, Tom Brewer, Todd Anderson, Dawn Dilworth, Carol Schuh, Gloria Hodge, Ralph Byrd, Jeff Brocious, Norma Kretschmar, Beth Davis, Terry Overbay, Terry “T.A.” Anthony, Katie Cothran, Lynne Bruner Hinshaw, Donn Thornhill, Carissa Rodriguez, Kevin Christman, Ivan Christian, Roger Fleckenstein, Bob Jackson, Penny Hopkins, Sherry Lawrence, Evelyn Manning, Kevin Schlechty, Darla Printz Whittaker, Sandy Partin, Sandy Gunckle, Tonya Kelly, Bob Christian, Linda Johnston, Terri Hunt, Patricia Maier, Dan Lockhart, Delores Beisner, Jodi Gilpin Snyder, Charlie Bulcher, Charlyee Severance, Justin Fritz, DeWayne Yohey, Katrina Hoening, Kara Didier, Carl Francis, Don DeBord, Otis Stewart, Slug Midlam, Bob Peters, Judy Collins, Carol Hemmerich, Roberta Hall, Kelly Kelch, Mike Mayse, Nikole Baldridge, Mark Lovejoy, Connie Stachler, Randy Heck, Ronnie Norton David Pretzman, Clinton Randall, Bruce Kaiser, Amanda Mote, Doug Whittington, Neal Gray, Randy Garrison, Kathy Gragorace, Donna Bixler, Cathy Melling and all others who are suffering from other life-altering illnesses.
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Happy birthday:
Dec. 16 to Jenny Hamilton, Evelyn Manning and Michael Maloney.
Dec. 17 to Anne Brumbaugh, Susan Hartrum, Debra Sawle, Ashley Dakin, Kaleb Earick and Dakota Lester.
Dec. 18 to Danny Garber, Cindi Aukerman, Dusty Hathaway, Phyllis Riegle and Steve Bricker.
Dec. 19 to Ben Bucholtz, Alaina Clymer, Robyn Studabaker, Donna Peters and Anna Myers.
Dec. 20 to Mark Henderson, Kathy Middleton Dapore, twins Emma and Ava Erwin and Heidi Linebaugh.
Dec. 21 to Dale Barger, Dr.. Carlos Menendez, Karen Baker and Lois Hoggatt.
Dec. 22 to Logan Moody, Sonnie Hartrum and David Schlechty.
Happy anniversary to Tony and Louann Lindamood on Dec. 17 and Lance and Stephanie Clack on Dec. 18.
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Think about it: “Aim at a high mark, and you’ll hit it.”–
