Logan County Special Olympics overview offered
Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Krista Oldiges presented outgoing member Allen Huffman with an engraved clock in appreciation of his service during the board’s June 5 meeting.
Huffman, who has served on the LCBDD since 2018, is relocating and thus stepping down from his position. He has contributed significantly to the board’s efforts over the years, officials noted.
Prior to the meeting, board members participated in an informative training session led by Rose Canter and Sara Stierhoff on the opportunities within Special Olympics.
Currently, Logan County proudly supports 102 athletes across eight sports, including basketball, cheerleading, flag football, track and field, softball, equestrian, bowling, and unified bowling. The program benefits from the dedication of 15 coaches and volunteers.
Stierhoff also shared updates regarding the Special Olympics Ohio’s Diana Davis Spencer Foundation Grant Project, aimed at making Logan County parks accessible for all residents.
Financial reports for April and May were presented by Kari Eckard, business director. Expenses at that time were at 38 percent, and revenue reached 69 percent of the annual budget.
Eckard also announced the submission of an application for the Attorney General’s Safety Grant, which, if awarded, will enhance security measures at the Discovery Center. Additionally, the board received notification of a grant of $171,806 for Early Intervention Service Coordination.
Superintendent Oldiges provided updates on ongoing projects, including the renovation of the Discovery Center’s kitchen into office space, with bids now being requested through the Bellefontaine Examiner and the LCBDD website.
Preparations are underway, with painting and new carpeting in the offices vacated by the MRESC.
Community engagement also remains a priority, with reports on advocacy and outreach activities presented. The Vacation Club is planning trips to Disney World and Hocking Hills.
The summer series “Learning Logan County” has received positive feedback. This program is designed for children ages 13-18 receiving services, with participation by RSVP required. Interested families can contact Kelli Bader at (937) 292-5878 or via e-mail at kbader@logancbdd.org.
The Arc of Ohio Day at Cedar Point was also highlighted as a successful event for those who attended.
SSA Director Jason Moyer attended regional meetings to discuss expanding housing options in Logan County and improving shelter during extreme weather conditions.
He also reviewed updates to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities’ new Accreditation Compliance Tool, which incorporates recent regulations on Major Unusual Incidents and Waiting Lists.
Human Resources updates were provided by Staci Nichols, including new staffing appointments such as program nurse Stefanie Leffler, teachers Lindsay Phoenix and Misty Kipker, and ongoing recruitment for the preschool manager and additional teacher aides.
The Occupational Therapist position remains open, with applications being accepted through MRESC.
Preschool Director Sulich shared highlights from the end-of-year Water Day event, made possible with assistance from the Bellefontaine Fire Department.
Preschool staff are transferring preschool records into new software to improve operational efficiency as well.
Members approved several key items, including updates to policies on independent provider overtime and performance evaluation, the 2025-26 preschool instructor calendar, a $1,000 donation to the Huntsville Lions Park Project, and the replacement of Huffman on the Ethics Committee.
Additionally, updated position descriptions for the business director and director of service and support administration were approved, along with the hiring of an additional preschool aide previously provided by Bellefontaine City Schools.
A special board meeting is scheduled for July 10 to review and approve the bid for the kitchen renovation.
Board meetings are typically conducted the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 1973 W. State Route 47, Bellefontaine. The next meeting is Aug. 7.
For more information about services and programs, contact LCBDD at (937) 592-0015 or visit www.logancbdd.org.
