Regional news

Let it snow! Pandora-Bluffton experienced 10.7 inches of snow in December, according to Guy Verhoff, Pandora weather observer. That's off the charts for the average December snowfall here.

The 60-year average December snow fall is a meager 2.69 inches. This year, the heaviest snow came Dec. 12 when 6 inches fell. That followed a 1.5-inch snow on Dec. 10. The snow remained on the ground and gave the Icon viewing area a white Christmas.

Other December weather facts follow:

Take a wild guess. What was Pandora-Bluffton's average temperature in 2010?

Answer: 51.6 degrees.

Okay, how about this one: Did we receive more rain or snow in 2010?

Answer: Snowfall 44.8 inches; rain 34.83 inches.

Those facts and more are part of Guy Verhoff, Pandora weather observer's finding for weather patterns in 2010. Here's how those figures stacked up against the 60-year averages:

60-year average precipitation 35.79 inches
2010: 34.83

60-year average temperature: 49.6 degrees
2010: 51.6 degrees

Here's a plate that's waiting to be hung on a garage wall somewhere in Bluffton. Too bad there's no option for a Bluffton University plate.

In its final meeting of 2010, Stan Schneck, Pandora village administrator presented a cost estimate of $113,502.50 from Poggemeyer Design Group as to re-surfacing the Pandora basketball/tennis courts.

The minutes from the meeting are attached at the bottom of this story.

New Emergency Department
. Brick work continues in the front Emergency Department entry
. Work on interior metal studs is near completion, insulation and dry wall continues
. Work continues on HVAC, electrical and plumbing rough in
. Wood blocking for fixtures continues to be installed
. The hazadous waste tank for the decontamination room was installed

New Surgery Area
. Medical gas piping will be completed soon
. Metal stud and drywall work continues for interior walls

The Ohio State Supreme Court, by a 5-2 decision made on Dec. 28, concluding that Bluffton University's insurance is liable for covering the costs of the March 2, 2007, bus accident in Atlanta.

The story was broke by the Columbus Dispatch.

According to the Dispatch, the decision could mean as much as an additional $21 million for victims of the crash.

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