Former Yellow Springs resident Chuck Smart died Dec. 29, 2008, in Bremerton, Washington with his wife, Dawn, and his brother, Sydney, at his side. He was born Feb. 10, 1941.

Recreational youth basketball for girls and boys will begin Saturday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Bryan Community Center gym. Parents and guardians must complete a registration form at their child’s first attendance.

The YSHS boys basketball team lost to Middletown Christian 62–51 on Friday, Jan. 9, and then crushed Carlisle 86–61 the following night at home. Against Middletown, the Bulldogs were jilted by an early run from the Eagles and a tough post by Kevin Gaynor, who scored 30 points in the game.

Ronald (Ronnie) G. Castle of Springfield died unexpectedly Tuesday, Jan. 13. He was 45. He was born Aug. 19, 1964, in Springfield, Ohio, son of Darrell and Judith Castle.

Robert B. “Bob” Womacks of Yellow Springs died Saturday morning Jan. 10, in his home. He was 85. He was born Jan. 31, 1923, in Jefferson Township, Ohio, a son of Amzie Byron and Mary Jane (Rowell) Womacks.

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The Yellow Springs High School girls basketball team had just one game at home on Tuesday, Dec. 30, over the holiday break, which went to Belmont 54–50.

The fate of Antioch College, unknown at the beginning of 2008, remained unknown at year’s end. However, in the intervening 12 months a heart-wrenching story unfolded as a second alumni effort to save the college failed and the college closed its doors.

Roger L. Pitstick died Monday, Dec. 29, at Friends Care Center in Yellow Springs. He was two days shy of 79. He was born on Dec. 31, 1929, outside of Fairborn on the family farm. He was a lifelong farmer of Yellow Springs and an active community member.

A benefit concert to raise money for Friends Music Camp scholarships will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Friends Care Extended Living Center dining room, 150 East Herman Street in Yellow Springs.