News & Information from Ohio Northern University

ONU's News and Information dept just published this synopsis of the ice storm:

Classes resume at Ohio Northern University

Classes resumed at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Ohio Northern University, following the ice storm of 2005.

The university dismissed students at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5, and remained closed due to storm damage caused by a combination of freezing rain and later snow. Ice accumulation on the heavily wooded campus caused limbs and branches to sag and break causing hazardous conditions.

Because roads remained open, many students left campus and returned home.

During the height of the storm the university opened its facilities to shelter area residents who had lost power. Older residents were invited to use the facilities of McIntosh Center while families were housed in the Sports Center. Approximately 40 people made use of the facilities that were powered by back up generators provided by ONU graduate R. Scott Bodie of Fostoria, Ohio.

After the vast majority of the students left campus on Jan. 6, ONU provided 3,289 meals to community members, ONU staff, and the students who chose to remain on campus. Nursing staff worked 12-hour shifts to assist residents, students and staff. Student staff kept the McIntosh Center open 24 hours a day. Shower facilities were made available in the King-Horn Center and at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, the university hosted an ecumenical church service that was attended by approximately 200 people.

Ohio Northern President Kendall Baker said, “We are extremely thankful for the extraordinary efforts of our faculty, staff and students, especially the marathon work of our physical plant and food service employees who met every challenge and provided incredible service through out the emergency.”

Today approximately 38 ONU students, fraternity and sorority members, Student Planning Committee members and Residence Life staff who remained in Ada, are volunteering with Village of Ada crews to help with community clean up.

Posted On: 1-11-05