Minutes of the October 23, 2025 meeting

Attendance

Those present: Krista Ankrom, Nakia Bailor, Nate Bailor, Marilyn Boyd, Tim Byers, David Foltz, Toni Harper, Sue Henwood, Laura Kennedy, Jessica Martinez, Ray Meese, Dee Mowry, Billy Robinette, Sue Schmitz, Linda Ward, Heather Yontz.

Program

Vice president David Foltz welcomed members to the meeting at the Bremen Bethel Presbyterian church at noon. Following the pledge of allegiance, Pastor Linda Ward offered an invocation, and lunch was served by the ladies of the church. David introduced the day’s speaker, Krista (Pontious) Ankrom, of Rushcreek Feed and Supply Company. Krista, who grew up here, moved out of the area for 20 years, and has now moved back, represents one of the five founding local farmers who opened the business in 1961. It followed wheat flour mills on that site, dating from 1853, by Brown-Burnworth and Turner and Sons; in 1855, a railway line was established to get farm products, like Bremen’s own Eagle Flour, to market. Today, the rail way is gone, but Rushcreek Feed and Supply still grinds and mixes livestock feeds and has one of the few remaining stationary corn shellers in use. They also sell prepackaged feeds, as well as doing bulk deliveries and custom spraying and fertilizing. They carry a variety of animal health and care supplies, as well as lawn and garden and pet supplies. Rushcreek Feed and Supply is a proud supporter of Fair Junior Livestock Auctions in Fairfield, Hocking, Perry Counties, as well as of events by other local organizations; “Scarecrow Bob” who first appeared on the Trail of Scarecrows that began in Bremen, now hangs out year round to greet visitors. And the business still supports farmers, through the ups and downs of growing years and markets.

Business meeting

Minutes of the September meeting were approved as emailed on a motion by Marilyn Boyd, seconded by Dee Mowry and carried. The treasurer reported the following account balances:

Treasurer’s report — account balances

Checking:	$2 970.65
Money Market:	7 426.13
CD:	13 335.16
CD:	14 757.29
CD:	5 485.68

Dee Mowry moved to receive the report, seconded by Heather Yontz, and carried.

Old business

Old business: David reported that the chamber purchased half a cow at the Junior Fair auction for a bid of $650. After discussion, Marilyn Boyd made a motion to donate $1000 to the Bremen Area Food Pantry; this was seconded by Tim Byers and approved.

New business

In new business, commercial beautification awards will be reinstated this year and recognize the Self Brothers and the Pub and Grub for their contributions to the village’s appearance.

Announcements

Billy Robinette, village administrator, reported that grants are funding the sidewalks, lighting and new tree plantings along Broad Street/Route 664. If additional grants are approved, there are also plans for a second shelter house and a tennis/pickleball court at Howell Park.

The Fastlane Gala scheduled for November 22 has sold out of tickets and looks on track to be a huge success.

Oktoberfest, September 27, went off smoothly, with a great parade and fireworks. The Bremen Business Directories were available for distribution; additional copies are available from officers.

The Bremen Community Methodist Church will host its annual “Next-to-New” sale Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 6 through 8. Donations of clothing and housewares can be accepted November 3, 4, & 5.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

The next meeting of the chamber will be the annual meeting, open to the public, on November 13 at the Bremen Community Methodist church; dinner will be served at 6:30, program featuring reports on state of the village/township/school district and by Visit Fairfield County at approximately 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the dinner are available at the Bremen Banking Center or by mail.

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Respectfully submitted,
Sue Schmitz, secretary