The Marion Star from Marion, Ohio • 2

THE Mciimi Star Page WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2009 2A Senate backs allowing guns in national parte Obituaries Dale G. Close, Sr. SANFORD, FL Dale G. Close, age 70, died May 7, 2009 at Central Florida Regional Hospital. He was born March 6, 1939 in Marion, Ohio to Earl and Edna Close.

He will always be remembered as a strong loving father, husband, and friend. His sense of humor and laughter will not be forgotten. Prededing him in death were two brothers, Earl Close of Marion, and Richard Close of Florida. He is survived by his wife, Donna Close of Florida; ex-wife, Sherry Close of Marion; two sons, Dale Close, Scott Close both of Marion; ten grandchildren, Ryan Utley, Amanda Close, Brittany Close, Dalton Close, Macy Close, Dale Close, Leo Howard, Cheyenne Close, Taylor Close, Scott Close, two sisters, Barbara Harrah of Marion, Sharon Wyman of Florida; brother, Jerry Close of Florida. Kenneth Edwin "Ken" McWilliams DVM MOUNT Gl- the Bush administration," said Bryan Faehner, associate director of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group that opposes guns in parks.

If the measure becomes law "it would not only put park visitors and wildlife at risk, it would change the character and the peaceful and safe atmosphere in our parks," Faehner said. Faehner's group sent a letter to senators Tuesday stating that Coburn's amendment would allow individuals to openly carry rifles, shotguns, and semiautomatic weapons in national parks. "As a result, individuals could attend ranger-led hikes and campfire programs with their rifles at Yellowstone National Park and other national park treasures across the country," the letter said. Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, called the Senate Vote reckless. U.S.

District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly blocked the Bush rule because she found that the Interior Department had not done the proper analysis, Helmke said, "and now the Senate is basically rushing into this with little or no debate, and no analysis on what impact it will have on the people who use the parks and the wildlife in the parks. I think that's reckless." Sen. Christopher Dodd, chairman of the Banking Committee, said he hoped the credit card legislation would pass this week. Helmke arid Faehner said they would try to get the gun amendment stripped from the bill before final passage. joined 39 Republicans and one independent in supporting the amendment, which was attached to a bill imposing restrictions on credit card companies.

The amendment was approved 67-29. Groups supporting gun control, park rangers and retirees opposed the amendment, which they said went further than a Bush administration policy that briefly allowed loaded handguns in national parks and refuges. A federal judge blocked the policy in March, two months after it went into effect in the waning days of President George W. Bush's term. The Obama administration has said it will not appeal the court ruling.

"This amendment is much more radical than the regulation promulgated by About organ donation In 2008, about 28,000 Americans received organ transplants and more than 1 million received tissue transplants. Organ and tissue donation from one individual can aid more than 50 people who need transplants. As many as 500 people are added to transplant waiting lists each month, and 18 people die each day waiting for transplants. For more information, visit Lifeline of Ohio at www.lifeli-neofohio.org. Party in the Park set for Thursday Marion Star Staff Report MARION Party in the Park kicks off Thursday, May 14, at 5 p.m.

at Busby Park at the corner of Center and Prospect streets in Downtown Marion where the Eric Grohe "Heart of it All" mural serves as a backdrop. The Party features the music of "Shady Dragons" a local band that plays all your rock favorites. Event Chair Natalie Penrod has scheduled new bands and added several new features to Party in the Park, and the Popcorn Festival Com- mittee will again provide food items, such as shredded chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, hot buttered popcorn and other tasty snack items. Pepsi, Coke and Budweiser products are also available for sale as well as ice cold water. Bring the lawn chairs, grab a bite and a cold beverage and enjoy Downtown Marion.

May features an Animal Adoption event The Marion Area Humane Society and the Marion dog warden will bring a few of the animals available for adoption. Also, local obedience trainer and groomer Angie Lee of K9 Kutts and Training, will conduct a demonstration on summer grooming tips for your furry friends. The Downtown Summer Music Series is sponsored by Downtown Marion, one of the many promotional efforts aimed at creating Downtown Marion as a destination and gathering place for our community, local business professionals, and guests, from surrounding communities. Contributing sponsors possible through the generous donations of event sponsors and partners like Poet, Clear Channel and Magic 95.1, United Marketing Concepts, The Popcorn Festival Committee and the many volunteers that have given of their time to make events of this type possible. The line-up for the remaining months are: June 11 -The Vic Floyd Trio Featuring an Art Walk with local artists exhibiting and demonstrating their works July 9 Reflections -Featuring guided Loft Tours Downtown Come see what all the BUZZ is about! Aug.

13 The Marion-airesBrokensword Blue-grass Duo Featuring Marions 1st Tomato Festival with prizes, recipes and By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON The Senate on Tuesday backed an amendment that would allow people to carry loaded guns in national parks and wildlife refuges. Sen. Tom Coburn, sponsored the measure, which he said would protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. The amendment allows firearms in parks and wildlife refuges, as long as they are allowed by federal, state and local law. "If an American citizen has a right to carry a firearm in their state, it makes no sense to treat them like a criminal if they pass through a national park while in possession of a firearm," Coburn said.

Twenty-seven Democrats Transplant Continued from 1A and some of the small intestine," she said. "That was the case with Trevor." Heather said the liver transplant resulted because medication he had before that damaged his liver. Though Trevor had frequent doctor's appointments in the years following his surgery, Heather said now he has regular checkups about once a month and sinus surgeries related to other health issues that used to be needed about every three months have stopped. Any sickness or other problem could end up in hospitalization, however, "Something like the flu bug is 20 times worse in him," Heather said. The pair spent time in February in Nebraska where he had his transplant because there was prob- Red Cross Continued from 1A bearing on when it happens.

When the call comes, you have to go, whether you are over the budget or not." Bidding for the variety of auction items, which were still be collected Tuesday and Wednesday, will be accessible through the radio stations Web sites as provided by ClearChannel Radio, Bidders can browse selections and place bids through the Web through Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Then bidding will close until 7 a.m. when the ra-diothon begins taking bids through phone calls for the next 12 hours at 740-725-0099. A tentative timeline by the hour of when items will be auctioned is also available through the Web sites at www.wmrn.com and www.majic959.com. Items for bid include $500 tuition packages from Ohio State University at Marion and Marion Technical College, tickets to a lems with blockage in his system, she said.

Before Trevor was bom, there was no indication that any health issues might occur, Heather said. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 1 ounces and even after he was born at Grady Memorial Hospital, there was no indication that something wasn't right until he started vomiting neon green. "I never guessed that he would be that sick," she said. that, he started talking, and being very clear about what he wanted. He really gets excited about things." "He wins you over if you spend a little time with him," she said.

And Heather, she said, is an amazing mother. "We often, to we wish every chile-could have a mother like Heather. She is unbelievably knowledgeable about Trevor. She's a wonderful advocate for him. She speaks up and she stands up for him.

She's very helpful when he's being seen by people who don't know them very well," Balint said. "She's always so incredibly positive and patient," she said. "I adore her." Reporter Jessica Cuffman: 740-375-5155 or jcuffmanmarionstar.com Rex Curren who with Craig Krenzel signed the print. Both former quarterbacks lead OSU to national championships. "Almost all the items are donated locally or from people who have a tie back to the chapter," Lawrence said.

In addition to the auction, the chapter will be contacting some people about making pledges and financial sponsorship opportunities, he said. The auction will be broadcast live from WMRN-AM 1490 and Majic 95.9. Buckeye Country 94.3 WMRN-FM will update the auction periodically. Reporter Jessica CuffmanT 740-375-5155 or jcuffmanmarionstar.com About the Red Cross The Marion Chapter of the American Red Cross performs services in disaster relief, blood donations, health and safety education and emergency communication between local families and military personnel, said Mark Lawrence, community relations coordinator. In disaster relief, the chapter aided in 25 residential fires and on 35 other disaster scenes, such as when a welding accident killed two New Bloomington men last year or when the wind storms put several people out of.

their homes that didn't have power last summer. Last fiscal year, the local chapter collected 3,783 units of blood from about 2,000 donors in 130 blood drives. The charity held 272 health and safety class and issued 1,976 certifications, including first aid and life guarding. The organization also communicated 114 messages -about important events, such as births, deaths or serious illness to between men and women serving overseas and. their families.

The Marion chapter also participates in sending care packages to local military personnel serving in Iraq and other countries. rp LEAD: Kenneth Edwin "Ken" McWilliams DVM, age 91, of Mount Gilead, died Tuesday morning May 12, 2009 at the Bennington Glen Nursing Home. Arrange ments are pending and, will be announced by the Snyder Funeral Homes, Craven Chapel, Mount Gilead. Jane Enders Bingham URBANA; Jane Enders Bingham, 90, died May 5, 2009 at Heartland of Urbana after a long illness. Born November 5, 1918, in Wyandot County, Ohio, she lived in Marion until moving to Urbana in 1956.

She was the only child of Chauncey B. and Margaret Gillen Enders, formerly of Irey Avenue. She was a graduate of St. Mary High School, Marion, Ohio, the College of Mount St. Joseph, Cincinnati, and the Good Samaritan School of Nursing, Cincinnati.

During World War II, Mrs. Bingham was assistant director of nurses at St. Lawrence School of Nursing in Lansing, Ml, a post she also held at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Urbana for many years. In Marion, she worked as a floor nurse at the old Marion General Hospital. She was a charter member of the Champaign County Chapter of the American Association of University Women and a member of the Friends of the Library, and was active for many years in St.

Mary Parish, Urbana. For many years she volunteered with Champaign County Red Cross and Meals on Wheels as well as at St. Mary School. She is survived by her husband, Joseph H. Bingham; a son, Michael, of Urbana; a daughter, Anne (James M.

Pankratz), of Wauwatosa, Wl; grandsons, Daniel Bingham-Pankratz, of Washington, D.C., and Peter Bingham-Pankratz, of Wauwatosa, Wl; and William T. Gillen of Upper Sandusky, a cousin. Mrs. Bingham donated her body to Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University. Memorial contributions may be made to St.

Mary Parish, Urbana; Heartland of Urbana, or to the American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345, www.cancer.org. GOP plans to block Interior nomination By ANNE FLAHERTY Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON Republicans indicated Tuesday that they will try to block President Barack Obama's pickforthe No. 2 job at the Interior Department because of a flap over oil leases in Utah. If they succeed as expected, it would be the first nomination by the new president to fail on the Senate floor. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, scheduled a procedural vote on the matter Wednesday.

"The American people deserve better than political games that do nothing but waste their Reid spokesman Jim Manley said. "And the president deserves to have a complete lineup when his team takes the field on the most important issues we face." Now, however, when he's not hooked up to his IV and feeding tube, Trevor's just a kid who loves to watch Star Wars and do Darth Vader breathing impressions. Balint has been able to watch him grow. "He is a joy," she said. "He has this delay, and for a long time, he couldn't really communicate very welL" "Often, we need to find that key to how kids communicate and once he had buffalo meat and sauce to oil changes and OSU memorabilia, Lawrence said.

Another highlighted items includes a print of former OSU quarterback scam of "robo-dialer harassment." The computerized calls can eat up a consumer's cell phone minutes, possibly jacking up phone charges, Schumer said. The calls target people regardless of whether they have warranties or even own cars and have become such a nuisance that officials in 40 states are investigating the companies behind them. Corrections The Marion Star strives for accuracy in its reporting. If you believe information needs to be corrected or clarified, please contact Local Desk Editor James Steven at 740-375-5146. Hang up: warranty 'robo-calls' receive FTC probe Our recent experience at the Marion Cemetery prompted us to share with others the importance of pre-planning and the sense of security.

We have planned many things throughout our married life and it seemed only natural to plan for the Inevitable event that will occur, but hopefully, much later In our lives. The staff at the Marion Cemetery exuded knowledge, care and compassion as we asked many questions and learned much about all of services and options related topre-arrangements for burial and memorialization. We are grateful for this opportunity to make our own decisions. Now our family will not be forced to make difficult choices, or have the burden of burial expenses. Jim and Paula Hough Cleveland Indians game and the Indianapolis 500, and a Whirlpool washer and dryer set with a $1,100 retail value.

Items range from being as large as a gas grill with The message "Your Car Warranty Has Expired," offering a deal on an extended warranty, already has brought some 300,000 inquiries and 4,600 complaints to the Better Business Bureau from consumers who received the calls over the past two years. The calls come even if the consumer has signed up for the national "Do Not Call" registry, which is maintained by the FTC. "Law enforcement action in this area can be expected imminently," FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said Monday in a letter to Schumer. A spokeswoman for the agency declined further comment Tuesday. Schumer had asked for an investigation by the agency into what he calls a By MARCY GORDON AP Business Writer WASHINGTON Federal regulators are close to filing lawsuits against companies behind a national wave of spam "robo-calls" that warn people their auto warranties are about to expire and offer new service plans, two senators said Tuesday.

The Federal Trade Commission has started investigations into several companies involved in the deceptive calls, and the agency expects to bring cases against them within days, Sens. Charles Schumer, and Mark Warner, said at a news conference. The FTC also is providing a link on its Web site for consumers to file complaints. Memorial Day Special TWO GRAVE SPACES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE As our way of celebrating Memorial Day we're offering two grave spaces for the price of one our newly developed section. Don't delay, this offer expires June 15.

Stop in our office, we can help you with all your pre-need arrangements, from opening and dosing, vaults and markers monuments. We help people celebrate the life of a loved one. Conveniently located -you don't have to drive out-of-town to visit loved ones. a Make an Appointment Call To MARION CEMETEIfY ASSOCIATION 620 740387-7050 Delaware Ave. Marlon, Ohio 43302 www.marionohiecemetery.com.