Cary Ashby

Only one current member of the Norwalk school board has decided to run for re-election.

Steve Linder, who is completing his second term, is seeking one of the three open spots.

Kevin Cashen, the current board president and retired Norwalk police chief, and board member Rob Ludwig have decided not to seek re-election. Cashen served one term while Ludwig was on the board for 13 years. Ludwig was elected to three full terms and began his time on the board by completing the last year for Gary Bauer, when he was elected as a Huron County commissioner.

Besides Linder, also on the Nov. 7 ballot are: Julie Castle, Eric Gonzales, Ralph Ritzenthaler and Beth Schnellinger. The three elected candidates will join board members John Lendrum and Lisa Wick.

In the first installment of this three-part series, the candidates share why they are running for school board.

Why are you running for this position?

Castle: I am running for this position because I feel that my past experiences, which include serving as a classroom teacher and instructional coach; as well as my current positions as an adjunct instructor (School of Teaching & Learning at BGSU) and a behavioral consultant for children, have provided me with a knowledge base that can be applied in endless ways as a member of our school board.

I have a true love for educating others and know that serving as a school board member within my community would not only allow me to assist in making the best educational choices for our current youth, but also for our future citizens of Norwalk. I respect the teachers and school administrators within our district and would enjoy the opportunity to work with them, as well as the rest of our community, in this capacity.

Gonzales: I am running for school board because I believe deeply in serving people. Serving those who served our country is what led me to employment with the VA and serving is what compelled me to become involved with leading in the church and community at large. I am running for school board because I am personally invested in the success of Norwalk City Schools district (NCSD).

My wife and I have two young children in the district (ages 6 and 9) and I want to play a role in shaping their educational experience. In truth, I want all students to graduate from NCSD with more than a degree, but with hope that their dreams are possible and second-to-none preparation for the future that awaits them. I am running for school board because for 34 years so many, have poured so much into me, that I have been inspired to use my life to make a difference, so that the investment in me will be reciprocated in others.

Linder: To continue to be a voice for the students, taxpayers and staff of Norwalk City Schools.

Ritzenthaler: I am running for a school board position to help the students of our district. Since I was a teacher in the district for 33 years, I felt that I could help students from the inside with a position on the board. During my first term, we were able to get the grading scale and the kindergarten cut-off date changed, both requested by many parents and teachers. Those changes helped the students tremendously.

Schnellinger: I am a parent of two daughters (who) are active in the Norwalk schools and therefore have a positive link with many of the parents, teachers, staff. As a parent, I get to hear comments from all sides.

In Part 2 of this three-part series, the candidates share their experiences with large budgets and how they plan to devote the necessary time to serve on the school board.

CAMBRIDGE — The game’s afoot as world-renowned detective, Sherlock Holmes, returns to Cambridge on Nov. 3 and 4 to solve the mystery of “The Case of the Circumstantial Covenant” during the city’s 10-week holiday celebration, Dickens Victorian Village.

The famous detective, accompanied by his indispensable sidekick, Dr. Watson, will join a shady cast of characters at St. Benedict’s social hall to solve a case.

Join your fellow “partners in crime” for an exciting evening on Nov. 3 as the case begins to take shape. Holmes faces a personal crisis as he and the good doctor attempt to unravel a web of lies woven by a potential black widow. Is it possible that the mysterious woman who shows up at 221B Bakers St. in London is who she claims to be? And what of the boy? The dynamic duo of the Victorian Era will risk all to uncover the truth - as strange as it may be. For as Holmes says, “Once you eiiminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

The evening includes desserts, coffee, and tea. Registration and seating begin at 7:30 p.m. with the start of the ‘problem’ occurring at 8:30 p.m.

The game continues on Nov. 4. Participants will return to the meeting place for Act II of the mystery, where a hearty brunch is served along with Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson, and the full cast of characters.

Participants are encouraged to get into the spirit by donning Victorian attire and wandering Cambridge’s picturesque streets in search of clues to solve the mystery and win the grand prize. Participants will follow a map to sites that have certain ‘pre-placed’ clues.

The murder-mystery weekend will take place Nov. 3-4 . For ticket pricing and reservations, log on to VisitGuernseyCounty.com or call the VCB office at 800-933-5480.

Mark Hazelwood

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth installment of a five-part series featuring each of the five people who will be inducted into the St. Paul Hall of Fame on Sunday.

John “Jack” Rospert

The name Rospert means no talk, all business.

John 'Jack' Rospert was all business when he was on the football field.

“I never saw him smile, no matter how successful the play he made,” said Jerry Rospert, a junior running back on the undefeated 1962 St. Paul football team. “And Jack made a lot of stellar plays. We all came to realize that we were fortunate to be on his side.”

Rospert is among the inductees in Sunday’s St. Paul High School Hall of Fame ceremony, sponsored by RKS Power Solutions. The others being inducted are Tom Bellamy, Mary Carabin, Charles Mack and Mark Schaffer.

A 1963 graduate, Rospert made school history in back-to-back years at St. Paul after being named to the Class A All-Ohio second team as a junior — and then being elevated to first team guard along with Ohio Lineman of the Year honors as a senior.

Tom Seitz, who along with Dennis Hackathorn and Burley Sharbaugh were named on the All-Ohio honorable mention list that year, remembers an incident that happened when he and Rospert were freshmen.

“We had Tony Paris as our coach as freshmen and sophomores,” Seitz said. “We were involved in a preseason scrimmage, and I guess Jack missed a block — or maybe it was a tackle. When he came to the sidelines, his brother, Larry, lit into him like there was no tomorrow.

“I remember him grabbing Jack’s helmet and explaining in no uncertain terms that this was his time to shine, and screwing up like that was not an option,” he added. “Maybe that incident was his start to greatness.”

Seitz called Rospert the toughest 180-pound lineman he has ever seen in uniform.

“Jack was all muscle from working on the farm, was super quick and just plain mean,” Seitz said.

Rospert was part of an offensive line that rated among the all-time best at St. Paul. Mike Ryan was at center, Tom Shaffoe and Sharbaugh were the tackles, while John Fisher and Rospert were the guards.

Not only did they pass-protect well, but they blocked even better. Terry Ackerman and Jerry Rospert, who ran behind them, had little trouble finding running room.

St. Paul was solid under the tutoring of Paris, but fantastic when Bob Irvin came on board in the fall of 1961. The team went 7-2 in 1961 and followed that with the first undefeated team in the city in 1962, seven wins and a 6-6 tie with Fostoria St. Wendelin. That team outscored their opponents 264-18, finishing third in the Associated Press Class A state poll.

Statistics from the 1962 season showed Rospert with 40 percent of the team tackles. He also blocked four punts. With Rospert and friends apparently seeing blood after being scored on, no opponents converted an extra point that season.

Both Irvin and line coach Tom McClain have passed away, but they were both quoted in newspaper articles at the banquet.

Irvin called Rospert the best lineman he ever coached.

McClain echoed Irvin’s sentiments and added, “Jack’s reaction time made him near impossible to block. I remember asking him to go to the sidelines at practices so he would not hurt someone. He was that intense. He never took a play off, be it practice or under game conditions.”

A state qualifier in the discus throw in track and field, there was football interest from Northwestern, Michigan State and Indiana from the Big Ten, as well as inquiries from West Texas State, Miami (Ohio) and Baldwin-Wallace for his services — but Rospert declined. His football days were over.

Besides, he had left more than enough memories.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mark Schaffer will be featured in Friday’s issue.

By HENRY TIMMAN

People often comment on the fact that Norwalk does not have a “public square” area in the center of town.

I guess the fact that Elisha Whittlesey’s original purchase stretched only from Case Avenue east to Milan Avenue on the sand ridge; that didn’t leave much room for frills. To the south of Main Street was the ravine of Norwalk Creek, and to the north of Monroe Street was a marshy area not suited for real estate development.

However, both the southwest and the northwest corner lots at Main, Benedict and Whittlesey were vacant until 1854 — the first 38 years of Norwalk’s existence. The south lot (now the Glass Block) was referred to as The Commons, because it was an open area where political rallies could be held and public exhibitions could be staged. It had been designated for religious use by Elisha Whittlesey when he platted the town.

Late in 1853, it was rumored that the German Catholics far out West Main wanted to change location, so the Methodists hurried to dump a load of stone on the Commons and claim it for themselves. The church stood until 1892 when it was torn down for construction of the Glass Block.

The northwest lot was also a sort of commons, except that it had a regular use as the stage yard of Obadiah Jenney’s hotel, which stood where the Chamber of Commerce now is located. The village of Norwalk also had a building on this site in which their hand-pumped fire engine was stored. Council met in another room of the building, and when they weren’t meeting, Benjamin Shipley kept a barber shop there.

An organization was formed in 1853 called the Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences. They knew that Elisha Whittlesey had reserved that lot for a school or academy, so they took possession of it and built a building under unusual conditions. There was a large hall and auditorium on the third floor where fee-based programs were offered which helped pay the property’s expenses. The ground floor rooms were retail, and there were offices on the second floor.

The word ‘unusual’ applies to this: the Academy owned the ground, the walls, roof and stairways...but individuals paid for and owned each room and the air inside the walls. A 1909 narrative tells us that there were 24 rooms in the building and at that time, those rooms were owned by 16 separate persons, estates or concerns. Each owner paid a pro rata ground rent annually as well as the taxes and insurance on their area. Their rights were guaranteed by long-term leases, so in effect they owned their space outright.

All went well for several years, and the academy was able to assist the historical society and what is now the public library. The academy bought the land where those two facilities now are located along Case Avenue and north of West Main. Late in 1956, a major windstorm blew off much of the roof, and due to the financial condition of the academy, the common pleas court appointed a receiver. The third story was removed, but the second story remained mostly empty and not producing revenue.

In 1993, the receivership was dissolved, along with the Academy itself. The Whittlesey Block was turned over to the owners/lessees of the several rooms, and the public library and historical society lands were deeded to them. Thus the Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences came to an end after 140 years, although its official title is owned by the historical society to do with as it sees fit.

* * * 

REMEMBER: My “Just Like Old Times” books are on sale at Colonial Flower and Gift Shoppe at 7 W. Main St. in downtown Norwalk. These preserve my earlier columns in permanent book form.

Henry Timman, an authority on Firelands history, resides in rural Norwalk.

COLUMBUS – Less than three weeks ahead of the Nov. 7 General Election, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has announced that an estimated 144,555 absentee ballots have been requested statewide.

This includes 931 requests from military and overseas voters whose absentee ballots started going out on Saturday, Sept. 23. Ballots for all other voters started going out on Oct. 11 and a total of 11,125 have been cast by mail and in-person.

By the numbers:

• 7,900,751 Ohioans are registered to vote.

• 144,555 voters have requested an absentee ballot by mail (as of Oct. 13).

Of those, 11,125 have been cast.

• 9,316 voters have requested and cast an absentee ballot in person (as of Oct. 13).

• 931 military & overseas voters have requested an absentee ballot (as of Oct. 13).

Of those, 118 have been cast.

• In Huron County, 463 ballots have been requested and 68 have been cast thus far (as of Oct. 13).

To request an absentee ballot by mail, applications must be received by boards of elections by noon on Saturday, Nov. 4. However, voters are encouraged to submit their request as soon as possible to ensure sufficient time to complete and return their ballot to the board of elections.

Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by the day before the election and arrive at the board of elections within 10 days after Election Day in order to be counted.

If a voter has not mailed their completed ballot back to their county board of elections more than a week before Election Day, the Secretary of State’s Office recommends voters take their completed ballot to the post office and request it receive a postage cancellation marking, or return it to their county board of elections prior to the close of the polls at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information on the upcoming election or to download an absentee ballot request form, visit MyOhioVote.com.

The following real estate transactions represent the highest and lowest amounts recorded in Huron County for the week ending Oct. 13:

High: $320,000 - Stephen M. and Michele K. Smith, trustees to Terry K. Love, 3393 Townline 12, New Haven Twp.

Low: $2,000 - John Kurtick to James Joel Sitterly, Drake Road, Ridgefield Twp.

The full weekly listing of real estate transactions can be read in Saturday’s Reflector.

By Norwalk Reflector Staff

Huron County sales tax collection continues to move along at a record-setting pace.

The new numbers, released by auditor Roland Tkach, reflected July sales.

Huron County’s portion of the July sales tax was $865,534, which was an all-time high for that month and about $70,000 more than the same month in 2016.

The county is about $700,000 ahead of the sales tax collected a year ago.

“I’m very encouraged,” Tkach said. “The local economy has been very strong.”

Mom-and-Pop stores accounted for 31 percent of the July sales tax total, while big-box stores made up 26 percent.

Vehicle sales were at 25 percent. Tkach said car sales were really the reason July showed such good numbers.

Liquor sales were down 5 percent in July compared to 2016.

The auditor also recently released the final casino fund numbers for 2017. Huron County received $681,418 in casino funds this year, down from $692,314 a year ago, but more than the $500,000 estimate.

“The high point for casino funds was definitely 2014,” Tkach said, referring to the $708,446 the county received that year.

“Casino funds have been pretty much flat since then,” he added.

When the casino idea was first brought up several years ago, those who supported that constitutional amendment estimated Huron County would receive about $1 million per year in casino funds.

“We’ve never gotten to that level,” Tkach said.

TIFFIN — Kenneth Paul “Ken” Cornwell, 62, of Tiffin, passed away on Thursday evening, October 19, 2017 at his home.

He was born on July 25, 1977, in Norwalk, Ohio, to Gerald and Etta W. (West) Cornwell. On July 16, 1977, he married Susan “Sue” Zelenky.

Survivors include his wife, Sue of Tiffin; daughters, Sarah (Ron) Leonard and Christy (Jim) Faeth, both of Tiffin and Kendra (Ryan) Robinett of Westerville; mother-in- law, Delores Zelenky of PA; brother, Jeffrey E. (Barb) Cornwell of Bellevue; sister, Sherry (T.J.) Railey of GA; seven grandchildren; and two grand dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ken graduated from Monroeville High School and EHOVE in 1974 and was a supervisor for MTD Products in Willard for more than 29 years. Before he started working at MTD Products, he was a truck driver.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Masonic Lodge #534, Blue Lodge and Shriners all in Monroeville and enjoyed fishing, casino trips, weekend trips, doing yard work, washing his truck, pumpkin spice lattes, and loved his dogs, Peanut and Bailey. Ken loved spending time with family, especially his children and grandchildren, was a very caring and generous man and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

His funeral service will be at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, October 23, 2017 at Hoffmann-Gottfried- Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424 with Rev. Frank Murd officiating.

Friends may visit with the family from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to F.A.C.T. or the Seneca County Humane Society. Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.

NR10212017

WILLARD — Brian K. Brant, 38, of Willard, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017.

He was born July 23, 1979 in Norwalk, Ohio, and was a lifelong area resident. Brian was a former employee of Zimmerman Construction Co., P & P Packaging, and Chris Adams Construction Co. He enjoyed watching football, NASCAR, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his mother, Lynette Brant of Willard, Ohio, by his children, Makayla Brant of Bellevue, Ohio, Kalei Kennedy of Willard, Ohio, Kassadei Brant of Willard, Ohio, and Malachi Brant of Willard, Ohio.

Brian is also survived by his siblings, Tracy Armstrong of Sandusky, Ohio, Douglas Brant III of Plymouth, Ohio, Raymond Brant of Willard, Ohio, Timothy Brant of Willard, Ohio, and Melissa Brant of Willard, Ohio, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Brant, Jr., and by his son, Brian Keith Brant, Jr., and by his brother, Michael Brant.

Friends may call on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 .m. in Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio, where funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Berlin Heights, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brant family. Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.

NR10212017

NORWALK — Harry E. Shaw, Jr., 75, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2017 in Fisher-Titus Medical Center.

He was born June 17, 1942 in North Lewisburg, Ohio, and came to this area in 1953 from there. Harry was a member of the West Hartland United Methodist Church, and Masonic Lodge #273 of Bellevue, Ohio. He retired from Norfolk and Southern Railroad in 2002 with 34 years of service. Harry was a jack of all trades enjoying tinkering with engines and mowers, gardening, fishing, and hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Maryanna (Whaley) Shaw of Norwalk, Ohio, by his children, Harry James Shaw of Monroeville, Ohio, and Mishelle A. Jagozinski of Toledo, Ohio. Harry is also survived by his grandchildren, Austin, Tristen, and Chase Jagozinski, Miles and Montgomery Walls, and Malik Walls Shaw.

He is also survived by his mother, Mabel L. (Ewing) Shaw of Norwalk, Ohio, by his sister, Sonja Simon of Norwalk, Ohio, by his brother, Ronnie G. Shaw, of Grand Haven, MI, and by his sister in law, Marcia Shaw of Wakeman, Ohio.

Harry was preceded in death by his father, Harry E. Shaw, Sr., by his brother, Jerry L. Shaw, by his sister in law, Diana Shaw, and by his step son, Rick Somerlot.

Friends may call on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the West Hartland United Methodist Church, 1401 Zenobia Road, Norwalk, Ohio, where masonic will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in West Hartland United Methodist Church. Rev. Josh Arrington will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Norwalk, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Hartland United Methodist Church, or to Masonic Lodge #273, 1108 Castalia Street, Bellevue, Ohio 44811. Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.

NR10222017

Cary Ashby

Friday afternoon was a historic day for the city of Norwalk.

The city held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new fire station at the Whittlesey Avenue construction site, which formerly held Home Lumber. The local dignitaries included retired firefighters and chiefs and current politicians, school officials, city and county employees.

“There are so many people who gave their time and energy to make this day possible,” Norwalk Mayor Rob Duncan told the crowd.

The mayor thanked fire Chief John Soisson for his “sometimes relentless effort to make this project move forward.”

Former Mayor Sue Lesch convened the Blue Ribbon Committee in 2008 to consider what it would take to make a new station a reality. The committee originally included 22 community leaders and included as many as 40 people when Duncan reconvened the group in 2015.

Committee member Dave Bleile said it was the passion, contributions and dedication of all those people that “lead us to where we are today.”

Joe Weithman, of Mull & Weithman Architects, Inc., said he has never seen a community come together with so many donations for the construction project. He and Soisson thanked many individuals and companies for their contributions and the time they have dedicated to the project.

“We are humbled to be part of this process,” Weithman said.

Soisson credited three investors for “stepping up” to purchase the Home Lumber property and holding onto it while the city made the necessary decisions about the station.

“Without these people, we couldn’t get this project off the ground. … I hope I can give back to the community what you’ve given,” the chief added. “There were many times when we doubted that we’d get here.”

Soisson also credited Capt. Aaron Lynch and Lt. Curt Stang for the countless hours they spent going over paperwork, catalogs and documents about details to build the station.

Also the chief thanked his “two families” — the firefighters, whom he said “understand the spirit of Norwalk,” and his wife. Soisson said there were times when his wife would be talking to him while they watched television at home and he would be “zoned off in fire station land.”

The current station was built in 1912 at a cost of $10,000.

By JUDITH LINDER-ASHAKIH

If you love one of a kind jewelry gorgeously and elaborately wrapped in silver, the exclusive creations of Josh Kreps will stand out in your memory.

He loves the process of wrapping precious and semi-precious stones in lengths of silver wire, be they pendants, rings, bracelets, or just playful crowns for his children.

It began as therapy for his anxiety and the tough attitude of his boss.

"Thirteen years I worked with a company that put down pavers, blocks and bricks, for patios, pool sides, walkways, outdoor kitchens and fancy stuff,” he said. “It was getting to the point where I was going to leave when the boss messed up my check. When I faced him about it, he fired me. That led me to more time with my kids and wife."

It also led him to a festival that brought a major change in life by igniting his creativity when "a vendor coming through asked if I wanted to buy some jewelry. I bought a piece for my wife. Looking at it one day I saw the silver wire wrap that held the stone. I liked the wrapping so decided to try it myself.

“All my life I have drawn a lot, painted, done tattoos, carved wood, soapstone, deer antler, and done chainsaw art. I have always loved collecting stones, too. Later on I realized that my father, his brother and my grandfather were all into rocks and had their own rock collections. My uncle was a geologist who taught at a university. We lived near the Huron River where I could find septarian nodules." Kreps collected them for the crystals inside.

"As I got better at wrapping stones, I got involved with Rio Grande Company that supplies all type of tools, stones, wire, etc. My first order was for $500 of wire and $100 of stones. I keep records and found that $500 turned into five grand. I used my income tax refund to finance this business. This time I invested $1,200 in wire, $600 in stones. The silver wire is 99.9 percent pure, another is 14K gold fill. My goal is to turn this into $10,000.”

"Another goal is to collaborate with other artists, to enlarge my Facebook following and to take up silversmithing. Many artists on-line do what I do, each with his/her own style. I let color and shape of the stone determine the story of what I want to do. As I turn the piece around I sometimes see another way to wrap it, and alter the design."

"I love the stones." Kreps says he "loves turquoise, and opals with their uniqueness, their iridesence in color is more interesting than diamonds". He also likes "the way crystal structures grow with phantom points. Smokey quartz sometimes has air bubbles in a water pocket that moves. He is very excited when he talks about stones and their properties especially as he mentioned septarian nodules. "The combination of their minerals can be very powerful. I need to learn more about Reiki so I can talk about the Star stones."

"I'm very attached to my jewelry. Each one I wrap is a piece of art, one of a kind. All my pieces are guaranteed for life. I'll re-wrap it if necessary." Kreps has done that for people who bought pieces other places which have lost their shape from wear and tear. "I do custom work, too. I've wrapped fossils for some. I'll wrap whatever you have, stones, coins, however you want it. I've done some wedding rings and an arrow head for the son of a friend. I do knob cone, pine slices set with turquoise and opals. After wrapping the next stage of finishing is deciding whether to oxidize the silver, or not. Oxidation gives pieces an antique finish."

"My mom and my wife are very supportive and appreciate my creativity. I set up a table [at a show] where people come and talk to me so I'm getting better about anxiety."

Kreps says he is fortunate to have return customers who collect his work. You can enjoy his show at the Imagine Norwalk events and see more of his pieces at KrepsKreations on Facebook.

Cary Ashby

BELLEVUE — Despite Bellevue City Schools receiving an anonymous threat, with the precaution of adding more law enforcement officials at the middle-school football game vs. Sandusky, nothing dangerous happened Thursday.

Authorities had extra police presence at the game in connection with a middle-school student receiving an anonymous text Wednesday night. The text came from the app Sarahah, the online platform that allows users to post anonymous comments and feedback.

Members of the Bellevue and Sandusky police departments plus the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office were at the game.

Bellevue Police Chief Mark Kaufman said he heard “everything went well.”

“I wasn’t advised they had any problems,” he added.

Before the game, Kaufman contacted Sandusky Assistant Police Chief Phil Frost who informed him there were officers with sons who play football and/or their children might be at the game, so mutual aid would be no problem.

“The more eyes you have out there the better,” Kaufman said.

Superintendent Kim Schubert was asked about the atmosphere at Thursday’s game.

“It was a beautiful night for football and we had no issues. A huge thanks to our local law enforcement who are always there for us. The Bellevue PD, Sandusky PD and Sandusky County Sheriff's (Office) all worked together to offer a much appreciated layer of security at the event. The Bellevue and Sandusky staff and parents all pulled together to provide a supportive environment for the students at both schools, which is what it's all about,” she told the Reflector.

On Thursday afternoon, Schubert issued a district-wide One Call Now alert.

“The threat was specific and the police were immediately involved in the situation,” the superintendent said in the alert. “I am very proud of our student for reporting the threat immediately and encourage all students to do the same. Unfortunately similar threats have occurred toward schools all over the state over the past week using this anonymous app.”

A shooting-related threat via Sarahah prompted police to respond to Norwalk High School on Oct. 6, the morning after a concerned parent reported it.

Norwalk Police Chief Dave Light and school Superintendent George Fisk, in a joint statement, said the police investigation determined the threat wasn’t credible. Fisk also said “the safety of those entering schools is a serious issue” and the school honored parents’ requests to keep their children home Oct. 13.

Class was in session as usual that day and no incidents were reported.

After the Bellevue threat was reported, Schubert contacted Kaufman and Sandusky City Schools Superintendent Eugene Sanders to assess the situation and determined they should bring in extra law enforcement and school officials to the game “as a precautionary measure.”

Schubert, in the district alert, encouraged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of anonymous apps and check their phones.

“As these threats have become prevalent in our city and all around the state, we must all work together to let the perpetrators know this will not be tolerated and they will not intimidate and threaten violence in order to disrupt our daily lives. … Please tell your child to always report any threat that they receive as we take each and every one very seriously, will assess them individually and pursue criminal action to the extent that the law allows,” she said. “These types of threats are cowardly and inexcusable.”

Mark Hazelwood

Western Reserve had things right where it wanted.

The Roughriders had just drove 73 yards in 17 plays and scored a touchdown on fourth down in Friday’s Firelands Conference game at Division VII No. 1-ranked St. Paul.

The drive lasted 8:39 of the 12-minute second quarter, and the ‘Riders trailed 14-6 — and had the ball for 16:52 of the 24 minutes of the first half.

But they left the Flyers five seconds too long.

With 44 seconds left in the first half, St. Paul drove 41 yards from its 34-yard line to the Western 25 — setting up Joey Catalano for a booming 42-yard field goal as the first half expired.

The Flyers then scored 2:13 into the third quarter, and it was out of reach from there as they cruised to a 44-12 win at Whitney Field in Norwalk. The victory clinched at least a share of a Firelands Conference-record sixth straight league title for St. Paul (9-0, 6-0).

It was also the 38th straight FC win and 26th consecutive regular season victory for the Flyers since Week 4 of 2015.

“I was happy with the effort in the first half, we were fighting and battling,” Western Reserve coach Mike Stoll said. “But the key to the game was, we knew they were getting the ball first to begin the third — and we had to stop them.

“We didn’t want them to get the momentum back, and they took it to us and went right down the field,” he added. “It seemed like we never got the momentum back after that.”

The Roughriders (4-5, 3-3) converted three third downs on the eight-plus minute drive, and on fourth-and-goal from the St. Paul 4, quarterback Matt Perkins found Michael Tinney for a TD pass with 50 seconds left in the half.

It was Tinney’s fourth catch of the drive. Dalton Webb’s kick was wide, cutting the St. Paul deficit to 14-6. But when St. Paul got the ball back, QB Nick Lukasko completed passes of 14 and 21 yards to Paul Pearce and Catalano. He then ran out of bounds for six more yards to the 25, setting up Catalano’s field goal for a 17-6 halftime lead.

It took just seven plays and 2:13 for St. Paul to move 62 yards, with Thane Crabbs scoring his third TD of the game from 2 yards out. The Catalano PAT made it 24-6 — and in a 2:57 span, the Flyers had scored 10 points to go up 18 points.

“You have to give Western a lot of credit for stopping us twice there in the first half, and then they were able to hold on to the ball for what seemed like the entire second quarter,” St. Paul coach John Livengood said. “But I was proud of our kids for bouncing back with a short amount of time on the clock. They were able to get some big pass plays and Joey connected on a real nice field goal there.

“We knew we were getting the ball in the second half, and that was real important to us to get a good drive there and get a stop defensively,” he added. “And things kind of went well from there.”

On its next possession, St. Paul went 61 yards in under three minutes, with Noah Good scoring on a 23-yard run with 3:39 left in the third quarter.

The Flyers then forced a third three-and-out of the half on defense, and when they got the ball back, put together a long drive of their own. St. Paul moved 75 yards in 17 plays with 7:44 coming off the clock, as Good scored from a yard out for a 37-6 lead with 5:42 left.

Western got on the board one last time, however. Gavin Braden got free on a 76-yard TD just two plays after the long St. Paul drive. But the Flyers weren’t quite done, as it took them just two plays to respond — with Crabbs capping his huge night with a 60-yard TD to close out the scoring with 4:28 left.

Crabbs ran for 215 yards and 4 TDs on just 13 attempts, while Good added 102 yards and 2 TDs on 16 attempts. Cam Caizzo ran nine times for 51 yards.

“I think the effort was there, but they wore us down,” Stoll said. “They are quick and kept coming at us. It’s tough to slow down that running game for four quarters. In the first half, I thought we did for the most part, but in the second half we weren’t able to.

Braden finished wtih 93 yards on seven attempts, with Perkins completing 7-of-12 passes for 62 yards and a TD. Tinney caught six of those passes for 53 yards, while Perkins added 40 yards rushing.

Lukasko completed 8-of-11 passes for 98 yards for the Flyers, with Pearce catching four passes for 56 yards.

“The kids played great,” Livengood said. “The defense played real hard and physical. Offensively the backs ran hard, the line blocked well and Nick threw a nice ball. It’s nice to win a share of the Firelands Conference. That’s always the first goal, and a nice accomplishment.”

Western Reserve will host Mapleton (4-5, 3-3) to close out the regular season next Friday, while the Flyers entertain Monroeville (6-3, 5-2).

“I just told the kids there is a big difference between 4-6 and 5-5,” Stoll said. “We want to be 5-5, and all year long they have bounced back, so I expect them to next week.”

By DAN ANGELO

VERMILION — Sam Stoll is still the Edison feature back.

But converted offensive lineman Logan Collins made the most of his touches Friday night, rushing for 124 yards and two scores in the Chargers' 35-14 victory at Vermilion.

"It's crazy, but I have to give all the credit to my offensive line," Collins said. "I came from it and I have to give credit to them."

The senior was a three-year starter at guard for the Chargers until the switch was made to fullback in Week 4 of the season. Collins had 44 yards rushing and no TDs prior to Friday's game.

"We moved him to fullback because we had some injuries and we wanted to get a big fullback to lead," Edison coach Jim Hall said. "Logan is a good athlete. He's 230 pounds and can run. He's been on a 4x100 relay team in track, so he's not just a big kid.

"He's got good athletic ability and we're trying to feature some of that,” he added. “We're developing more and more things we can do, and that's only going to take pressure off us and give us more options."

Collins got his night started by capping a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard TD run on the opening possession of the game. He reeled off a 43-yard TD romp to open the second half scoring, then tacked on a 33-yard run to set up a 1-yard Caleb Bissell score midway through the fourth quarter.

Stoll, who rushed for 148 yards on 27 attempts, found the end zone with about six minutes left in the second quarter — and Bissell hooked up with Brady Patterson four minutes later to push the Chargers’ lead to 21-0.

The Sailors (5-4, 1-3) answered Collins' third-quarter score with a 4-yard Luke Pena TD reception. Seth Hurd then connected with Kameron Caskey on a 40-yard TD strike early in the fourth quarter to cut the Edison lead in half, 28-14.

But the Chargers (7-2, 3-1) answered with Bissell's sneak to end the scoring.

Hurd finished the night by hitting 11-of-24 passes for 172 yards, two scores and two interceptions. Pena led the way with five catches for 62 yards and Davis McDaniel added three for 42 yards.

But the Chargers limited the Vermilion ground game to 9 yards on 16 carries.

"Our strength all year has been our defense," Hall said. "Our kids play fast and hard and we do as much as we can to pressure and put offenses in bad positions. We did a pretty good job of that in the first half. We may not have done as well in the second, but all in all, I'm pretty happy with what our kids did."

Edison countered with 437 yards rushing on 53 carries. Bissell was 6-of-15 passing for 66 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, while Cody Scott was 3-of-9 passing for 28 yards. Patterson had a game-high six receptions for 68 yards.

Cary Ashby

An area man was sentenced to 17 months in prison Thursday for an attempted robbery.

Dustin A. O’Neal, 30, of Clyde, also was ordered to pay $700 in restitution to the victim. According to Huron County Jail records, he has remained in custody since Aug. 9 when the Huron County Sheriff’s Office transported him from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

On Aug. 28, O’Neal pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in exchange for prosecutors dismissing one count of robbery, a second-degree felony, and one charge each of theft and assault, both first-degree misdemeanors. Specific information about the crimes were unavailable.

In other court news:

• Sara E. Moore, 30, most recently of 90 Walnut St., Plymouth, was sentenced Thursday to 90 days of discretionary jail time for trafficking in drugs. That means her probation officer has the discretion of when to impose part or all of the sentence without a hearing.

Also as part of Moore’s three years of probation, she was fined $250 and must reimburse the sheriff’s office $220.

• Jason D. Shepherd, 34, most recently of 5041 Egypt Road, Willard, agreed Thursday to successfully complete the Teen Challenge program as part of his three years of probation. Teen Challenge is an intense, Christian-based recovery program that lasts 12 to 14 months and is for people of all ages with life-controlling addictions.

In early September, Shepherd pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine and an additional two charges of trafficking in oxycodone. As part of plea deal, prosecutors dismissed two counts each of trafficking in heroin, complicity to trafficking in heroin and complicity to trafficking in cocaine.

Shephered was sentenced Thursday to 90 days of discretionary jail time, was fined $5,000 and ordered to $4,410 in restitution. However, according to court records, the fine was waived based upon the defendant being indigent.

• Stephen Kennedy, 32, most recently of 67 Grove Ave., Apt. A, was sentenced Monday to three years of community control, one term in Teen Challenge and 90 days of discretionary jail time. He also was fined $250 fine.

Kennedy was the Norwalk motorist who was accused of running red lights and driving at high rates of speed while leading police on a chase throughout the city in July. He nearly caused several accidents, according to Norwalk police.

Kennedy eventually stopped his vehicle on the dead-end Adams Street and tried to flee on foot but was apprehended near the Lefty Grove ball fields behind the VFW hall on Milan Avenue.

Kennedy pleaded guilty to one count of failure to comply with order or signal of police officer and one count of receiving stolen property. After the hearing, he was given into the custody of the Huron County Sheriff’s Office for transportation to the Teen Challenge facility.

• Chandler A. Newsome, 21, most recently of 14 Washington Ave., Willard, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of burglary. He currently is in jail awaiting sentencing on Nov. 29.

• Andrew A. Kessler, 34, most recently of 523 Quail Creek Drive, Willard, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of burglary. He currently is in jail awaiting sentencing on Nov. 29.

VERMILION — An elderly man was killed Friday in Vermilion Township after he drove his riding lawnmower into the path of an SUV, causing an accident.

Whitten Yates, 87, of Vermilion, was mowing his yard on the east side of Risden Road, just south of Thompson Road, at 12:31 p.m. when he turned left into the road, entering the path of a northbound 2015 Chevrolet Traverse being driven by Sharon Poprocki, 62, of Vermilion, said troopers with the Sandusky post of the state Highway Patrol. 

Poprocki’s vehicle struck the lawnmower, ejecting Yates. The lawnmower then traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. 

Yates was pronounced deceased at the scene by North Central EMS. His body was transported by Riddle Funeral Home.

Poprocki’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the road and came to a stop in a private yard, troopers said. She sustained minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.

Troopers were assisted on scene by Vermilion Township Fire Department, North Central EMS, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Dunn Rite Towing and Riddle Funeral Home.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation, troopers said.

NORWALK REFLECTOR STAFF

Here are pictures and information from the Huron County Jail regarding new inmates for October 19, 2017:

Christopher S. Aumend, 32, of 500 U.S. 250 S., Norwalk -— Domestic violence

Caleb J. Crockett, 24, of 13361 Township 178 Road, Bellevue — Receiving stolen property

Haydee U. Diaz, 33, of 704 Ash St., Willard — Identity fraud and violation of probation

Justin M. Dull, 34, of 2604 N. St., New Haven -— Domestic violence

Teray M. Irby, 29, of 812 Hancock St., Sandusky — Obstructing official business

Da O. Jackson, 22, of Cleveland -— Forgery

Sarra E. Moore, 30, of 90 Walnut St., Plymouth -— Trafficking in Drugs

Herminio Perez Jr., 38, of 314 Crestwood Drive, Willard -— DUI

Matthew J. Smith, 44, of Norwalk — Assault 

Antonio L. Stiggers, 36, of 1278 Palmer Road, New London -— Violation of probation

Not pictured because they have already been released from jail:

Jason S. Uselton, 46, of 1319 U.S. 250 N., Ashland — Possession of Paraphenalia and Heroin 

By Norwalk Reflector staff

WILLARD — A  2-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Jerett Sowers, followed by his run for the two extra points in overtime proved to be the difference, as Willard edged St. Mary’s Central Catholic 22-21 in SBC River Division action Friday night.

This one proved to be close from start to finish.

The Flashes took a quick, early lead as Spencer Parrott returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for the score. Hugo Davila added the PAT, and the hosts were up 7-0.

The Panthers answered at the 2:09 mark when Michael Capizzi picked off an errant Sowers pass and returned it 15 yards for the score. Everett Samstag tacked on the bonus point to knot it at 7-7.

It remained that way until 2:31 of the third quarter when Sowers capped a Willard drive with a 2-yard TD run. Davila’s boot made it 14-7.

St. Mary’s evened it with 7:31 left in regulation time as Capizzi intercepted another Sower aerial and raced 73 yards to the end zone. Samstag nailed the PAT and it was 14-14, and that is where things stood at the fourth break.

The Panthers had first crack in the extra session, and Samstag made the most of it , scoring on a 20-yard run and kicking the point after to give the visitors the 21-14 lead.

That set the stage for Sowers’ heroics and the Willard win.

Sowers completed eight of his 19 passes for 78 yards, but had four passes intercepted. Joey Holida grabbed five for 68 yards. Josh Stevens rushed for 71 yards, and Sowers added 53.

Capizzi passed for 165 yards, and Samstag rushed for 54 yards and caught six balls for 50 yards to pace the Panther attack.

Willard (3-6, 2-2) hosts Calvert in its finale Friday night.

St. Mary’s (1-8, 0-4) entertains Fremont St. Joseph CC on Saturday.

Mapleton 56, New London 0

NANKIN — Mapleton jumped out to a 27-0 first quarter lead and never looked back as the Mounties crushed New London 56-0 in Firelands Conference play Friday night.

The hosts wasted little time, picking up their first score on a 5-yard run by Ethan Hartley at the 10:15 mark of the opening quarter of play to make it 6-0.

Then just a minute later, Jack Mullins sprinted 24 yards to paydirt. Dakota Howell added the first of his six extra point kicks to stretch the lead to 13-0.

A 35-yard touchdown pass from Logan Pharmer to Jack Carrick, and a 2-yard run by Parker Rohr closed out the first period scoring.

The second quarter featured more of the same, as Mapleton put 22 more points on the board to lead 49-0 at the intermission.

The Mounties scoring  came on a 53-yard pass from Pharmer to Hartley at 11:26, a safety, a 55-yard strike from Pharmer to Mullins, and a 12-yard run by Mullins with .37.6 showing before the half.

Kaleb Ambrose capped the scoring with 3:11 on the third quarter clock on a 5-yard run.

Mapleton dominated statistically, rolling up 488 yards of total offense and 23 first downs, while limiting the Wildcats to just eight first downs and 16 total yards.

Pharmer threw for 206 yards, completing seven of his 11 passes, and added 77 yards rushing on six carries.

Both teams close out their seasons Friday night. Mapleton (4-5, 2-4) entertains Western Reserve, while New London (1-8, 0-6) hosts South Central. 

Crestview 42, South Central 14

GREENWICH — The Cougars scored five unanswered touchdowns in a rout of the Trojans in a Firelands Conference game on Friday.

Trojan QB Evan Legg finished 15-of-30 passing for 197 yards and a TD, while also adding 40 yards rushing on 18 attempts. He connected with Ben Lamoreaux on a 17-yard TD pass, while Lamoreaux scored on a 2-yard run for the other South Central TD.

Lamoreaux led SC (3-6, 2-4) with nine catches for 120 yards.

The Trojans close the season next week at New London.

Sandusky 49, Bellevue 35

BELLEVUE — Unbeaten Sandusky clinched at least a share of the SBC Lake Division title Friday night, as the Blue Streaks defeated Bellevue 49-35.  Sandusky (8-0, 4-0) can win the title outright with a home win over Perkins next Friday.

Bellevue (6-3, 3-1) got three touchdown passes of 27, 25 and 48 yards from Riley Renwand to Dakota McPeak, while Treston Francis added a 57-yard scoring run and Bryce Ray scored from two yards out.

The Redmen close out the regular season next Friday at longtime rival Clyde (8-1), potentially needing a win to reach the playoffs.

Cary Ashby

MONROEVILLE — Monroeville and Plymouth combined for 33 points in the third quarter, yet despite the impressive offensive performances Friday, the Eagles came up with two big defensive stops for the win.

Monroeville left Marsh Field with a come-from-behind victory, 40-36, in its last home game of the season. The Eagles improved to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Firelands Conference.

Coach Scott Stecher said the game was a “gut check” for his team, as the players battled back from undisclosed distractions and some down weeks.

“It was a microcosm of a football year. It was a roller coaster — you’re up, you’re down; you’re up, you’re down,” Stecher said. “Plymouth played a heckuva game. … It’s a bend-not-break mentality. We made some crucial stops.”

The turning point in the game came with 4:35 left on the clock. The Eagles stopped Plymouth on fourth-and-3 in Monroeville territory.

Then with 34 seconds left in the game, senior Gage Blackford intercepted the halfback option from Plymouth’s Kade Collins at the Big Red’s 32-yard line. Monroeville took a knee to run out the clock.

Plymouth (4-5, 3-3) coach Mark Genders said not doing what was necessary on defense is what kept his team from sealing the deal. He saw his players give up too many gaps.

“We let one go — that’s what I’m feeling,” Genders said. “We didn’t do our job defensively. … We just couldn’t get a stop.”

Plymouth scored on its first possession with a 31-yard run by senior Seth Bailey. Austin Roblin’s extra point made it 7-0 with 7:03 left in the first quarter.

Bailey was one of the Big Red’s powerhorses Friday. He carried the ball 22 times for 170 yards and four touchdowns.

He scored on runs of 31, 13, 4 and 36 yards. Bailey’s last TD came with 5:41 in the third quarter to give Plymouth a 29-28 lead.

Junior Kade Collins rushed 17 times for 129 yards. His only TD was a 2-yard score with 4:42 left in the third quarter that gave the Big Red a 36-28 lead.

“It’s thunder and thunder; we don’t have a lot of lightning,” Genders said.

Monroeville junior Dominic Ruffing dominated the home team’s statistics. He had 27 carries for 213 yards and five TDs.

Ruffing scored the first and last TDs of the night for the Eagles. His first came with 1:34 in the first quarter on a 1-yard run to end a 65-yard drive. The extra point failed and Monroeville was down 7-6.

Roblin booted a 38-yard field goal with four seconds on the scoreboard to give Plymouth a 23-14 lead at halftime. The Big Red outscored Monroeville 16-8 in the second stanza.

“We made some adjustments at halftime,” Stecher said about his team.

On the first play of the second half, Ruffing took it to the end zone untouched on a 60-yard run. The two-point conversion failed and Monroeville cut Plymouth’s lead to 23-20.

Monroeville senior Max Horner ran it 51 yards for a TD with 7:52 in the third quarter. A two-point pass gave the Eagles their first lead of the game at 28-20.

Horner ended the night with five carries for 102 yards and the score. He also had two receptions for 17 yards.

Monroeville gained 364 yards on the ground compared to 313 for Plymouth. 

“We gotta get better at tackling, but at the end of the day, I love this kind of football (game). Both of us were putting points on the board and we’re not even throwing the ball (much). Anybody who was at this game and thought it was boring … give them their money back,” Stecher said.

The third quarter ended with Plymouth up, 36-34.

Collins’ 2-yard TD run with 4:42 in the period came right after he took it 34 yards, but was stopped short of the goal line. The short scoring drive capitalized on Monroeville fumbling a squib kickoff, which the Big Red recovered at the Eagles’ 36-yard line.

Monroeville’s Ruffing scored the last two TDs of the night. He ran it in from 8 yards out with 1:48 in the third quarter. Another two-point conversion failed to cut Plymouth’s lead to 36-34.

Ruffing scored on a 42-yard run with 8:07 left in the game. It was only Monroeville’s second lead Friday.

The Eagles go to Whitney Field to play St. Paul in an FC game Oct. 28. Next Friday, Plymouth ends its season with a conference game at Crestview.

Follow Reflector staff writer Cary Ashby on Twitter at @Cary_reporter and on Facebook at “Cary Ashby — reporter & comic book blogger.”