HURON — James “Jim” Elliott, 80, of Huron, Ohio passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at Firelands Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.
Jim was born on July 23, 1937 in Butler, Pennsylvania to the late Gilbert and Helen (Reott) Elliott.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59 years, Eileen (Siesel); three sons and their wives; Michael and Tammy, John and Christine, and Kevin and Cheryl Elliott; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was fortunate to also have many, many, friends.
He worked at Sandusky International for 44 years. Jim’s family was his “life”, and his greatest joy was spending time with them. He had a great sense of humor which was often on display. He enjoyed traveling; mostly weekend trips with his wife, Eileen. Jim was always involved with his sons; coaching little league, attending their sporting events, and providing guidance. He supported them in all their endeavors throughout their lives. He loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending their various activities which kept him young and active. Every new person he met would soon hear a story about one of his grandchildren. Jim was always there for his family and he will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Jack; sister, Martha and grandson, Jacob.
Friends will be received on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave, Sandusky. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10:00am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 130 Main St., Milan. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Milan.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Firelands for their care and concern.
Memorial donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Buckeye Chapter, 6155 Rockside Rd, Suite 202, Independence, OH 44131 or the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Northeast Ohio Chapter, 4700 Rockside Rd., Suite 425, Indpendence, OH 44131.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
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James Clark Elliott
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Obama tops Trump as most admired, Gallup poll of Americans finds
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump may be the current president, but in terms of who Americans most admire, his predecessor and the person he beat in the 2016 election top the list.
Barack Obama edged his successor as the most admired man for 2017, a Gallup poll finds, marking the first time since 2008 when a sitting president didn’t win the annual accolade. Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, is the woman Americans most admire for the 16th year in a row.
It was a close race. Seventeen percent of those surveyed named Obama as the man they most admire, to 14 percent for Trump. To no surprise, there was a wide partisan split, with 35 percent of Republicans saying Trump was most admired man of the year, and 39 percent of Democrats picking Obama.
“Trump’s unpopularity is holding him back from winning the most admired distinction,” Gallup’s Jeffrey Jones wrote. “The incumbent president is the usual winner, since he is arguably the most prominent figure in the country — but when the president is unpopular, other well-known and well-liked men have been able to finish first.”
Others receiving votes as most admired man this year include Pope Francis, Billy Graham, John McCain, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and the Dalai Lama.
Clinton, who won the national popular vote during the 2016 presidential election by about 2.9 million ballots, though lost in the all-important Electoral College to Trump, beat former first lady Michelle Obama in the poll 9 percent to 7 percent.
Clinton has been named “most-admired” more than any other woman or man in Gallup’s polling history — 22 times in total — but saw her share of the vote reach its lowest point in 15 years. Other women on the most admired list include Oprah Winfrey, Elizabeth Warren, Angela Merkel, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, and current first lady Melania Trump.
Clinton “remains arguably more prominent than other contenders,” Jones wrote in a blog post announcing the findings. “However, retaining that stature may be more challenging in coming years with her political career likely over.”
The poll found another dark spot for one of America’s most prominent political families: former President Bill Clinton, who topped the list while in office from 1993 to 2000, fell out of the top 10 for the first time in more than 25 years.
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©2017 Bloomberg News
Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Not a magical day in Anaheim
ANAHEIM, Calif.—A power outage stopped rides in Toontown and Fantasyland in Disneyland on Wednesday morning, park officials said.
A malfunction with one of the property’s transformers caused the outage about 11 a.m. and knocked out power to about a dozen rides between the two areas of the park, a Disneyland spokesperson said.
An unknown number of guests had to be escorted off the attractions, according to officials.
A majority of the rides were back online by noon, the official said. There was no estimate when the rest would be back online.
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©2017 Los Angeles Times
Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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School board discusses year-round education
COLLINS — Later start dates and year-round schooling were options thrown out at Western Reserve school board meeting as the members considered next year’s school calendar.
As the 2017-18 school year wraps up its first semester, eyes are already fixed on the 2018-19 school year.
Superintendent Rodge Wilson said the high school is going to start bringing in speakers from careers to talk to the students about their job options, as well as schedule more college visits. However, the bigger changes could come when looking at the in-school dates as some asked for a later start date and at least one teacher and board president, Jamie White, advocated for year-round education.
One attendant for the public hearing asked the board to consider stating classes after Labor Day to allow students in 4-H to attend the Lorain County Fair to show their animals and projects.
She said 4-H helps the children “so much” and see hates to see them miss the special week of activities.
The board said it was “worth considering” and would look into how many students might attend the Lorain County Fair and how they could distribute the required 180 days.
Second-grade teacher Margaret Stevens said she would even prefer to stay in school through the summer.
“I would like to year-round school, still with no more than 180 days,” she said. “Students wouldn’t lose as much. The longest break would be four weeks and breaks would be spread out. ... People say you can’t because of sports, but sporting events go on during Christmas break and summer break. So that’s not a valid reason. I would like to see you look into it.”
White agreed she saw it at a school in Cleveland and would prefer it and the board could investigate it further.
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Norwalk police arrest motorist caught packing heat
Norwalk police arrested a motorist with a loaded gun following an early-morning traffic stop.
Police initiated the traffic stop for speeding at the intersection of East Main and Chatham streets at 3:04 a.m. Saturday.
The driver, Javon M. Howard, 20, of Cleveland, was charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle after he was found to be concealing a loaded handgun in his pants, police said. He was also cited for driving under a license forfeiture suspension.
He was taken to the Huron County Jail.
A passenger in the vehicle, Alil L. Hatter, 21, of Fremont, was charged with possession of less than 100 grams of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Hatter later was issued summonses to appear and released.
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Norwalk blasts South Central to snap three-game skid
GREENWICH — Norwalk entered Wednesday's road contest at South Central having lost its last three games.
A fine defensive effort and a team effort on the offensive end led to a 65-36 non-league win in Greenwich for the Truckers.
"I like the way we executed and took care of business," Norwalk coach Steve Gray said. "This is a big win for us. We needed it because we have struggled a little bit. It is a great win for us."
An offensive rebound and bucket by Andrew Ehrenberg gave Norwalk (3-5) a 12-9 lead after one quarter. Brandon Haraway swiped a pair of steals leading to easy layups for himself and teammate Matt Neuberger to open the second quarter.
That prompted a timeout from South Central coach Brett Seidel. Garrett Chapin added two free throws for the Truckers before Ben Lamoreaux drained a 3-pointer for the Trojans (4-4). That only stopped the Norwalk offense for a moment. Jacob Roth, Neuberger, and Haraway each scored for a 24-12 lead.
"Haraway had those two steals that led to easy buckets," Seidel said. "Teams always seem to get righteous in their shooting against us. Norwalk had some kids make some shots that they had been struggling with all year."
Ehrenberg connected on a 3-pointer and Eric Hull split two free throws to give Norwalk a 28-14 lead at halftime. South Central made just 5-of-22 shots in the first half.
"Offensively, I do not think we moved the ball enough," Seidel said. "We were able to get the ball to the front of the rim several times, but Norwalk's physicality was too much."
The Truckers continued their brilliant defensive performance in the third quarter. It took until the 2:40 mark for South Central to get over 20 points. By that point, Norwalk had built a 36-21 lead.
Kyler Lacy hit a jumper and Roth scored twice before drilling a 3-pointer. Ehrenberg — like he did at the end of the first quarter — scored on a putback as time expired, pushing the Truckers' lead to 47-21 after three quarters.
"What I was impressed most with about Haraway was his defense," Seidel said. "There are not too many people that can keep Simon Blair in front of them and he was able to hold him in check. Haraway's size and strength bothered Simon and his ability to get in the paint."
The Trojans had their best offensive quarter in the final eight minutes. Blair scored nine of his team-high 13 points in the quarter. Norwalk had nine total players score and six players grab at least three rebounds.
"Blair is a really, really good point guard and I thought defensively, we did a great job on him tonight," Gray said. "I just think he is really, really good and I told him after the game that if he keeps it up, he could be really good in the Firelands Conference."
South Central made just 11-of-50 shots on the evening. Lamoreaux finished with seven points and six rebounds.
"I think we were locked in on the scouting report," Gray said. "We talk about knowing your personnel all the time. I think we were a little bigger and athletic than them."
Roth's 14 points topped Norwalk while Haraway added 13 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three assists.
"It was good to see smiles on their faces after the game and not disappointment," Gray said. "This is not the way we wanted to start out the season. If we can get a win on Saturday (vs. Willard), that is two in a row — and that is the beginning of a win streak."
Norwalk scored 21 of its points off of 12 South Central turnovers.
In the junior varsity game, the Truckers also cruised to a 55-38 win. Garrett Obringer finished with 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting. He added 12 rebounds and four steals. Cobey Kromer added 12 points for the JV Truckers.
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Waldock repeats as trooper-of-year winner
Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nathan L. Waldock has been selected as the 2017 Trooper of the Year at the Norwalk Post.
Waldock also won the award last year.
The selection of Waldock, 24, is in recognition of “outstanding service” during 2017 at the Norwalk post, according to Lt. Doug Hamman.
Fellow officers stationed at Norwalk chose Waldock based on leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers and the public, Hamman said.
During his career, Waldock has received the Health and Physical Fitness award and has served as a Field Training Officer.
Waldock joined the patrol in 2014 and has served at the Norwalk post his entire career. Originally from Attica and a graduate of Seneca East High School, Waldock also attended the Marion Technical College before entering the Patrol’s Academy.
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Hood's 33 paces Western to FC win
COLLINS — A career night by Brayden Hood sparked a solid shooting night all the way around for the Roughriders in a Firelands Conference win over Crestview.
Hood finished with 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including 6-of-12 from the three-point line. He also added nine rebounds as Western improved to 5-3 overall and 4-0 in the FC with a 73-56 win.
The ’Riders actually trailed by a point, 33-32, at halftime. However, they exploded for a 27-11 scoring advantage in the third quarter to take control.
As a team, Western was 26-of-50 from the field, including 11-of-25 from the three-point line and 10-of-15 on foul shots.
Also for Western, Dale Smith finished with 16 points, four assists and four steals. Aiden Markley added 10 points and Pierce Livermore scored eight.
Mapleton 42, Monroeville 30
NANKIN TWP. — A big third quarter led the way for the Mounties to earn their first FC win of the season Friday night over the Eagles.
Mapleton had a 20-19 halftime lead, but used a 13-1 third quarter to open up the advantage and win by double-digits.
For the Eagles (1-6, 0-4), Cody Schaffer connected on three 3-pointers and led the team with 11 points. Mason Tonelli added seven for the Eagles, who visits Danbury tonight in a non-league matchup.
South Central 65, Plymouth 44
PLYMOUTH — The Trojans bounced back from a 29-point loss vs. Norwalk on Wednesday with a resounding FC win over the host Big Red.
With the victory, South Central improved to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the FC. Meanwhile, Plymouth fell to 3-3, 1-2.
The Big Red travel to Colonel Crawford tonight in a non-league game, while the Trojans are off until a Jan. 5 game at Crestview.
No further information was provided.
Oak Harbor 70, Willard 39
OAK HARBOR — A three-game winning streak for the Crimson Flashes was quickly erased in Friday’s SBC Bay division loss to the Rockets.
Oak Harbor (6-2, 2-1) jumped out to a 16-2 lead after one quarter, and never looked back in the 31-point victory.
For Willard (3-5, 2-1), Terry Baldridge was the lone player to reach double-figures, as he scored 13 points. Brevon Polachek and Miles Pinkston each added six for the Flashes, who visit Norwalk tonight for a non-league game.
Bellevue 56, Shelby 55
SHELBY — The Redmen scored a huge road win in SBC Lake division play on Friday, knocking off the league favorite Whippets by a point on their home floor.
For the Redmen (4-2, 2-1), Trey Ruhlman scored 18 points, while Jake Waskielis added 14.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Bellevue 44, Lima Bath 33
LIMA — It was another huge victory for the unbeaten Lady Red on Friday.
Playing in the stout field at the Bath Holiday tournament, Bellevue (10-0) knocked off previously unbeaten and state power Lima Bath (8-1) by an 11-point margin to advance to tonight’s championship game vs. Minster.
In the win, Casey Santoro scored 21 of her team’s 44 points, while Payton Vogel added nine.
It was tied after one quarter (14-14) and the Lady Red led by two at halftime (24-22). Bath cut the margin to 33-32 after three, but Bellevue outscored the hosts 11-1 over the final eight minutes.
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Level 1 snow emergency issued
(UPDATED Monday, Jan. 1, 2018) At 9 a.m., the Erie County Sheriff’s Office canceled the previously issued level 1 winter road condition advisory. However, they encouraged motorists to drive carefully.
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(UPDATED Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017) The Huron County sheriff’s offices has issued a Level 1 winter road condition advisory until further notice.
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The Erie County sheriff’s offices has issued a Level 1 winter road condition advisory until further notice.
In Ohio, there are three levels, with Level 1 being the mildest.
Here are snow emergency classifications:
LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.
LEVEL 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.
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Bye Bauman, hello Ken Ganley
Norwalk’s Bauman Auto Group was bought out recently, making way for a new tenant — Ken Ganley dealerships.
The 226 Milan Ave. business officially opened its doors Dec. 21 after realizing Norwalk was “perfect” for Ken Ganley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ken Ganley Hyundai.
“We’re really excited to be there,” owner Ken Ganley said. “We take great pride in wowing our customers and overwhelming them with everything they need.”
“We sought out the opportunity for growth at a couple stores,” said general manager John Decker said. ”We see there’s a lot of opportunity here.”
The business will have two showrooms, one devoted to Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models and another for Hyundai vehicles. Ganley said there will be a dedicated staff for each brand.
“We want the staff to be product experts,” he said.
Decker agreed, adding the business is known for no less.
“Customers can expect, first and foremost, a great experience when buying a car and great customer service,” Decker said. “At Ganley, we’re known for great service.”
As the largest independently owned dealership in Ohio, Decker said Ganley offers “years of experience and a good reputation with more than 30 locations in Ohio.
If customers don’t see the exact color or model of vehicle they were hoping for, the dealership might be able to have the customer’s preference brought over quickly from Akron or another one of their stores, Decker said.
While the dealership is new to Norwalk, there will be plenty of familiar faces from Bauman at the business.
“Everyone is still there; we’re just going to introduce how we do things,” Ganley said.
And so far, that seems to be working. After one week, the owner described business in Norwalk as “tremendous,” adding its been busy every day. He attributes that local success to Decker.
The general manager started working for Ganley by washing cars when he was 16.
Then, when circumstances opened up a general managing position, Decker again promised if given the opportunity, he’d be successful. Ganley gave it to him and watched his business nearly double in sales “immediately.”
“At 26, he’s a very successful general manager and I think it’s just a tribute to how hard of a worker he is and how customers love him,” Ganley said. “He wants to meet every customer — just a really, really good young guy.”
Ganley is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.
NHS grad one of nation’s top travel agents
A Norwalk native now living in Florida has been recognized for being onee of the top travel agents in the United States.
Julie (Morr) Irovando is listed among Travel Agent Central’s Top 25 All Stars. These are veteran agents with 10 or more years’ experience in the business who generate at least $1,000,000 in annual sales for their agency.
A 1990 Norwalk High School graduate, Irovando continues to run her Cruise Planners-affiliated travel business after overcoming a life-threatening brain injury.
An article on www.travelagentcentral.com featured Irovando.
“Facing a condition that is almost always fatal, Irovando defied the odds — and her doctor’s orders — to continue running her business, tackling both the everyday challenges of running a complex travel business as well as the unique obstacles posed by her health conditions,” the article stated. “Since being diagnosed in 2009, Irovando has continued exceeding client expectations, expanding her network and crafting customized trips, a high-touch approach that garners her more than $4 million in annual sales.”
According to Travel Agent Central, Irovando is a member of Cruise Lines International Association; in the top 1 percent of Cruise Planners; a Celebrity Cruises Sales Associate Travel Partner of the Year; a Cruise Planners Millionaire Club Member; and a Cruise Planners Top Producer for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
She and her husband, Tony, have two children and reside in Valrico, Fla.
Her parents are William and Karen Morr of Norwalk.
Christmas tree recycling
African Safari Wildlife Park is asking for Christmas tree donations to use them for enrichment for the animals.
Local cities and townships are now collecting used Christmas trees to be recycled.
If you would like to donate your used Christmas tree to African Safari, you can drop it off at the administration office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday, until Jan. 7. Make sure to remove all decorations, hooks and tinsel from trees. Any questions, please call 419-732-3606.
Wilcox earns award of distinction
Realtor Annette Wilcox, agent/owner with Century 21 Premiere Properties of Norwalk, has been awarded the “President's Sales Club” award of distinction designation from the Ohio Realtors.
Wilcox is a member of the Firelands Association of Realtors and Ohio Realtors.
Ohio Realtors officially awarded 3,676 of its members with “President's Sales Club” designations in four levels for individuals and teams recognizing outstanding sales performance in the real estate industry.
Honorees were recognized at the Ohio Realtors President's Sales Club Dinner during Ohio Realtors’ joint Convention & Expo, with Kentucky Realtors Sept. 24 through 27 in Cincinnati.
All Ohio Realtors members in good standing were eligible for the award.
Award criteria include four levels of recognition for individuals: the Award of Achievement ($1 million in sales or commercial leases or 25 sale/lease transaction credits); the Award of Distinction ($2.5 million in sales or commercial leases or 50 sale/lease transaction credits); the Award of Excellence ($5 million in sales or commercial leases or 75 sale/lease transaction credits); and the Pinnacle of Performance ($7.5 million in sales or commercial leases or 100 sale/lease transaction credits).
The Ohio Realtors, with more than 30,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio.
In health-care related news…
Commons of Providence expanding
SANDUSKY — The Commons of Providence broke ground to add another memory care wing with 14 units to its existing memory care assisted living building. Telamon Construction, Inc. started work on the 9,500-square-foot capital expansion in October. The completion is scheduled for June.
“Alzheimer’s is growing at an alarming rate,” said Staci Lehmkuhl, executive director of Providence Care Centers. “In Ohio alone, over 210,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s and it will grow to 250,000 by 2025. One in nine Americans over 65 is stricken with Alzheimer’s disease. When the current wave of baby boomers reaches 85 in the year 2031, projections show that more than 3 million people age 85 and older will have Alzheimer’s disease. So it is essential that we begin to prepare now to have the quality of care available.”
“There is no one way to work with people living with dementia-related illnesses. However, there are innovative, meaningful and compassionate ways and that is what we pride ourselves in doing at The Commons of Providence. Our staff and programs make a difference in our residents’ daily lives,” she added.
The Commons of Providence is the premier center in the Sandusky area and is currently home to 36 residents. When the memory care assisted living was originally constructed, it was designed to grow as future community needs warranted. The center of building offers an innovative Town Square concept featuring a beauty/barber salon, movie theatre, ice cream shop, and more.
The addition will feature a kitchen, dining area, private dining room, living room, nurses’ station and covered patio along with 14 large private suites.
As part of The Commons of Providence mission to provide the best quality of care, the entire memory care assisted living will upgrade its nurse call and wander management systems to the latest technology.
Tursky resigns from Firelands
SANDUSKY — Martin Tursky, president and CEO of Firelands Regional Health System, has turned in his resignation, effective Dec. 31, to pursue new healthcare opportunities.
Tursky joined Firelands as president and CEO in June 2012. During his 5 ½ years with Firelands, through Tursky’s leadership, there is a lengthy list of accomplishments, most notably including:
• Acquisition of the Imaging Center, Women’s Imaging Center, Urgent Care, and Occupational Health Center service lines formerly operated by Northern Ohio Medical Specialists (NOMS)
• Establishment of an Urgent Care location in Clyde in conjunction with The Bellevue Hospital, serving the healthcare needs of residents in the Clyde, Bellevue, Fremont and surrounding areas
• Renovation and relocation of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, providing better care and quicker service to our patients
• Renovation of the Center for Women & Newborns, providing female-focused care to women of all ages; including prenatal and childbirth care to recovery from gynecological and other surgeries unique to women
• Upgrading of Firelands’ electronic health record system to Meditech 6.1, a web-based, automated electronic health record that connects care across all settings, enabling clinicians to provide higher quality care, with greater efficiency, to more people
“We wish Martin well in his future endeavors,” said John O. Bacon, chairman of the board of directors for Firelands Regional Medical Center. “We are appreciative of Martin’s commitment to Firelands and for all that he has done for the Health System in his time with us.”
During the period of transition, the following administrative team members will assume the role and responsibilities of the President and CEO:
• Daniel Moncher, executive vice president and CFO, who joined Firelands Regional Medical Center in 1997
• Robert Moore, vice president of legal services, who has been representing Firelands Regional Health System for over 30 years
• Beverly Schrickel, vice president and CNO, who has been with Firelands since 1979
The Board of Directors for Firelands Regional Medical Center in January will begin the search for a new president and CEO at Firelands Regional Medical Center.
Mental health board to provide illness education
The Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which was established by commissioner approval in March 1969, met in October for a two-day strategic planning process.
The mission for the Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services is to educate and advocate for community members while providing resources for prevention, treatment and recovery supports. The board’s vision is for Huron County to be a community where all individuals are mentally and emotionally healthy and addiction free. To achieve the board’s mission and vision, specific goals and objectives were discussed and decided upon.
Mental illness and addiction are diseases that affect individuals, families and entire communities. They are chronic, debilitating illnesses, which often have stigma associated with them. To combat this stigma, the board will provide education and messaging to promote mental health and prevent substance misuse among Huron County residents.
Meetings, presentations, special events, trainings and promotional materials will occur, which will educate and inform the community of what is available and/or planned. The board will also provide resources for effective local prevention, treatment, and recovery supports for Huron County residents. This will be done using advocacy at the local, state and federal levels and establishing effective contracts with qualified agencies. The board also will monitor and evaluate all contracted programs for desired quality and outcomes. Collecting data and measuring results consistently across all participating organizations not only ensures that efforts remain aligned, but enables the participants to be held accountable and learn from each other’s successes or failures.
The board currently contracts for treatment, prevention and support services with Firelands Counseling and Recovery, Family Life Counseling, Services for Aging, the Miriam House, House of Hope, Family and Children First and Bayshore Counseling Services.
If you have an item for the business roundup column, send the information to the Norwalk Reflector in care of Zoe Greszler, 61 E. Monroe St., Norwalk, Ohio 44857, or send an email to zoegreszler@norwalkreflector.com.
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Go north for winter fun
Winer has settled in with a vengeance in northern and northcentral Ohio. There's been a little snow and the ski resorts have been working their magic to build more, so tubers, cross country skiers, and snow boarders have had at least a little time to enjoy their sports, but the fun has been much more limited for snowmobilers. Why? Because there are hardly any out there. Snowmobiles just don't sell in Ohio because too many winters (like last year) have been open, and there's rarely any snow in quantity for them to enjoy. So, expensive machines sit in garages and gather dust for most of any winter. Even if they chance buying a machine or two, there aren't many places to use them.
I've seen one this winter racing across thinly snow covered fields, back and forth and back and forth, but that gets old in a hurry even for teens and young adults. The Division of Parks folk do what they can, and provide trails for snowmobilers wherever possible. Google up "Snowmobiling in Ohio" and you'll find that Mosquito Lake has 15 miles of trails, West Branch 20, East Harbor 7.5 miles, Paint Creek 25 and a few more have modest stretches of trail. But you can run through these before your motor has really warmed up, so what do would-be snowmobilers do if they'd like to really experience this lively sport? They head north.
Not only do towns from central Michigan clear up to and on the UP (Upper Peninsula) have untold miles of snowmobile trails, but nearly every town has a few places where rental machines can be had, which relieves visitors of the cost of buying one. And up there the snowmobiling can be wonderful! You'll travel along for miles, racing through rooster plumes of white stuff, past flocks of wild turkeys, yards of deer waiting for spring, even occasionally a coyote or bobcat or cougar.
Then stop for a snack in some forest of aspen or evergreens, sipping coffee or hot chocolate and munching a doughnut, listening to silence and maybe a soft fall of snow. There may be others along the trail or maybe no one at all, and you'll cruise along on well marked tracks that are usually groomed nightly by big machines that turn the trails pristine again.
And instead of each trail covering six miles or 10 miles or even 20, they go on almost forever, tying into other trails and others yet. Snowmobilers up there can literally travel from coast to coast or north to south where snow becomes thin, and keep it up for days. Many do.
Some go for days, stopping for lunch at a nice little snowbound town, quitting around dark and finding a motel room, partying a little if friends come along, and heading out next morning for another day of racing cross country. It's a wild free sport, and one thousands of people truly enjoy if numbers are any indication. Where do you go? Take your pick.
Cadillac likes to call itself the "Snowmobile Capital of the World," and it well might be. There are events and festivals of all sorts each winter, and trails spider out in all directions from this city. There are plenty of rental vehicles and if you Google up the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau (231-775-0657) you'll find tons of information on everything from rentals to motels, watering spots, and trail maps.
There are other towns up there catering to snowmobilers, and you can Google the Chamber of Commerce or tourism people for such as Gaylord, Grayling, Baldwin, White Pine, Drummond Island, Benzie, and lots more. If winter in Ohio is already dragging, pick a spot, make sure there's plenty of snow on the ground there, and head north. Michigan is waiting.
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HOOKS & BULLETS
• The Ohio Friends of NRA are holding a firearms raffle again in 2018. Raffle tickets are $50 and the many drawings in 2018 will be for 290 guns. It tallies up to 17 cents per drawing and there's a possibility of winning multiple times with the same ticket. For details, call 888-685-9023.
• Hunters who like to travel north and/or west should know that not only are bear populations increasing, but wolf populations, too. There are an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 grey wolves living in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota alone, and they're causing trouble wherever populations are high. The animals are killing hounds being used to hunt bears and other game animals, whether for food or territorial reasons, and hunters should check with state DNR's wherever they plan to hunt to make sure it's safe to use dogs.
• Normally, the Division of Wildlife stocks catchable trout only each spring, but this year they've stocked some almost as "Christmas presents" for area anglers. Catchable sized rainbow and brown trout have been stocked at Malabar Farm State Park, a total of 300 fish released into the Inn pond across from Malabar Farm Restaurant, and nearby Swisher Creek received 400 brown trout. Thanks to a surplus of fish this year, trout have also been stocked at Atrim Lake in Franklin County, Punderson Lake in Geauga County, and White Star Lake in Sandusky County. Each location has received at least 300 fish. These areas have a daily bag limit of five fish.
Dick Martin is a free-lance writer from Shelby. Reach him at richmart@neo.rr.com. You can also visit his blog at outdoorswithmartin.com.
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Hipp-Downey
NORWALK — Katherine Elizabeth Hipp and Stewart Fish Downey, both of Norwalk, have announced their engagement.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of John and Rachel Hipp, of Norwalk. She is a graduate of Norwalk High School, and she graduated from Ohio University with a BAS in education. She is a teacher with Norwalk City Schools.
The groom-to-be is the son of Fred and Molly Downey, of Norwalk. He graduated from St. Paul High School and earned a BS in business management from Northern Arizona University. He is a Realtor at Sotheby’s International Realty.
The couple met when they were kids in Indian Guides and Indian Princesses.
They will wed Oct. 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norwalk.
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Blast from the Past: Norwalk city offices now located in new home
Dec. 30, 1917
The top stories in the Norwalk Reflector-Herald on this date 100 years ago:
City offices now located in new home
The work of moving all the city offices — with the exception of that of City Treasurer Terry and Mayor Anderson — from the Whittlesey building, where they have been located for many years, to the new city hall on Whittlesey Avenue, has been completed and persons having business to conduct with city officials and the office employees must now call at their new home.
Retiring city dads leave good record
Last night’s special meeting of the city council marked the passing of a body of men who have been at the helm of legislative affairs in Norwalk during the past six years and who, upon turning over the city’s affairs to a new council, do so with the satisfaction of knowing that they have been largely responsive for making Norwalk one of the best, if not the best, improved cities of its size in the state.
The men who composed the retiring council are George Fifner, Ralph Orr, M.O. Haas, R.J. Spurrier, , L.A. Heston, Fred H. Cole and Dr. A.C. Smith. A.C. Holiday served as president of the council and as vice mayor. The only member of the old organization to retain his chair when the new city dads take up the reins is Ralph Orr.
Veteran soldier answers last Taps
Guy Ambrose Sutton, aged 71, died last evening at the soldiers’ home in Sandusky. Death was caused by the infirmities of age.
Mr. Sutton is a son of the late Captain Julius Sutton of Greenwich, and the father of Mrs. Myrtle Sutton Jones of Madison Street, this city. He formerly resided at Denver but came here recently to make his home with his daughter. About three weeks ago he entered the home at Sandusky.
The boy will be brought to Hay’s undertaking parlors this afternoon. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Barbers elect new officers
At the annual meeting of Norwalk local No. 320, Journeymen Barbers’ union, held this week, new officers for the coming year were elected. The men honored with appointment to office were as follows: C.H. Detsch, president; Emil Oliu, vice president; Thomas C. Sansone, secretary, Charles A. Luce, recorder, and William A Hart, treasurer.
— Compiled by Andy Prutsok
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2017 Census of Agriculture now under way
In December, farmers across the nation will receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted once every five years, the census of agriculture is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them; it is the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every state and county in the nation.
Producers can mail in their completed census form, or respond online via the improved web questionnaire.
Producers can respond to the census online or by mail and highly recommended to complete the questionnaire online. The online questionnaire now has time-saving features, such as automatic calculations, and the convenience of being accessible on mobile and desktop devices. The census response deadline is Feb. 5.
Farmers and ranchers, trade associations, government, extension educators, researchers, and many others rely on census of agriculture data when making decisions that shape American agriculture – from creating and funding farm programs to boosting services for communities and the industry. The census of agriculture is a producer’s voice, future, and opportunity.
Farm Loan Year End Reviews Producers that have a farm loan with FSA are reminded they must provide data for their Year-End Analysis (YEA) to their loan officer each year. Borrowers are urged to provide this information timely so that their files can be maintained. The office will contact you for the data you will need to provide us.
In other news...
Operating loan applications needed now: Farmers that plan to apply to the Farm Service Agency for annual operating loan assistance this year are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The earlier an application for loan assistance is filed, the quicker the FSA staff can process your request. Decisions on loans cannot be made until a complete application is received. Farmers should also contact their local FSA office to setup an appointment with a Farm Loan Official for information as to what is required in order to have a complete loan application on file.
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Farm storage facility loans: FSA’s Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks. The low-interest funds can be used to build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, oats, wheat, barley, minor oil seeds harvested as whole grain, pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas and dry peas), hay, honey, renewable biomass, fruits, nuts and vegetables for cold storage facilities, floriculture, hops, maple sap, rye, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat and poultry (unprocessed), eggs, and aquaculture (excluding systems that maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water).
Qualified facilities include grain bins, hay barns and cold storage facilities for eligible commodities. Loans up to $50,000 can be secured by a promissory note/security agreement and loans between $50,000 and $100,000 may require additional security. Loans exceeding $100,000 require additional security. Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply.
The loans are designed to assist a diverse range of farming operations, including small and mid-sized businesses, new farmers, operations supplying local food and farmers markets, non-traditional farm products, and under served producers. To learn more about the FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan, contact your County FSA office.
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Removing CCC loan collateral: Producers are reminded, if you have grain under Commodity Credit Corporation loan it cannot be removed or disposed of without prior county office staff authorization or repayment. The county office staff may issue release authorizations based on a telephone or in person request when you are ready to move the grain. A loan violation is subject to monetary and administrative penalties, such as repaying the loan at principal plus interest, liquidated damages, calling the loan and denial of future farm-stored loans and loan deficiency payments.
All commodity loans are subject to spot check. Locking in a market loan repayment rate is not a marketing authorization. If you are planning to move CCC loan grain, call the Huron-Erie FSA office staff, before you haul.
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'It's always good to do stuff for the community'
What better way to celebrate a one-year anniversary than to give back to children who need it most.
Stuck Tattoo Gallery went above and beyond in one of its local fundraisers, raising and donating about $800 to the Norwalk Fire Department for its Operation Warm program. The check was presented to the station Wednesday.
The tattoo shop, located at 48-A Benedict Ave., said giving back is a big part of the business’s foundation and something it intends to keep up.
“It’s always good to do stuff for the community and I’ve always wanted to help people,” said owner and tattoo artist Dustin Rochowiak. “Now I feel like I’m actually in a position to be able to help people. I have the resources to do so and I usually do one to two things a year where I’m helping someone with something. This just kind of played out perfectly for us this year.”
Rochowiak and co-worker Amber Joy Kuhn raised the funds not knowing what exactly they would donate it to. The fundraiser, a tattoo giveaway which required those interested to share the promotion on social media and donate $5 to the cause, raised just under the $800 mark and the business chipped in the rest, giving it a nice, round donation. Then the answer came for who they would donate to.
“We said we were going to donate all the money to a kids charity of some kind, then we heard about these guys and what they were doing and we thought, ‘Hey, we’ll give it to them and they’ll use the money to buy coats for kids for the winter. That’s great.’”
Kuhn said it was a cause near to her heart since she’s the mother of 3-year-old triplets.
“If I was without a coat, having a big family and whatnot, that would be something that I would want, besides toys and all that other stuff,” she said. “This would really help a lot. This is what I would want as a parent in that position. I think it’s definitely a benefit and I hope that it encourages other businesses to do the same and create that domino effect in the community.”
The kind act impressed firefighter Logan Schullick, who added the donation meant a lot to the department and the children it would eventually benefit.
“I think it’s pretty awesome that they’ve only been here a year and they’re already raising money and giving back to the community,” he said. “I think that’s great.”
Lt. Charles Hillman, who started the local Operation Warm project, said the large sum would help many kids, even though this year’s jackets already were passed out.
“Every year we’re looking for donation for Operation Warm,” Hillman said. “It provides new coats for kids, not used ones. We believe in that because it helps their self esteem. It’s not just going to Goodwill and getting someone else’s hand-me-downs.
“This helps to sustain the program going forward. With this, we’ll have almost $3,000 in the account. We build it up so that it will be sustainable for years to come. That was my goal three years ago when we started the program to have this go for quite a long time.”
The program helped about 20 children to receive their own new coat this year.
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Frigid start to new year
Baby, it’s cold outside.
As Norwalkians welcome the start of a new year, they’ll experience one of the coldest New Year’s Eve celebrations on record, thanks to an arctic blast that continues to slam the region.
On Sunday, the final day of 2017, the temperature will top out at 12. Then, as the ball begins to drop at New York’s Time Square, so will the temperature. The overnight low will dip to minus-3 — and that’s without a windchill value factored in.
On Monday, the first day of 2018, the high will be 11 and the low minus-3 again.
While it will be frigid here, it’s unlikely new records will be set.
Norwalk’s all-time low for Dec. 31 is minus-12, set in 1983.
And the all-time low for Jan. 1 is minus-8, set in 1977.
The arctic blast will remain for a while.
Today, the high will be near 19. After that, the warmest day until at least next weekend will be Wednesday, when the high will be near 16. The low most days will be around zero or slightly below.
Today, the sun will rise at 7:55:54 a.m. and set at 5:11:08 p.m.
On Sunday, the sun will rise at 7:56:01 a.m. and set at 5:11:57 p.m.
On Monday, the sun will rise at 7:56:06 a.m. and set at 5:12:48 p.m.
And on Tuesday, the sun will rise at 7:56:09 a.m. and set at 5:13:41 p.m.
Local forecast
Here is the Norwalk-area forecast from the National Weather Service:
Today - Snow showers likely, mainly before 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as -1. West wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Saturday night - A slight chance of snow showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2. Wind chill values as low as -10. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Sunday - Partly sunny, with a high near 12. Northwest wind around 8 mph.
Sunday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around -3.
New Year's Day - Partly sunny, with a high near 11.
Monday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around -3.
Tuesday - Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 8.
Tuesday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 2.
Wednesday - A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 16. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Wednesday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 0.
Thursday - Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 9.
Thursday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around -2.
Friday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 13.
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Big hearts something to be thankful for
Just look into their eyes and that says it all.
I was walking down Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago a couple of days before Christmas and was amazed at what I saw.
Mixed in with the thousands of people doing their last-minute shopping among the bright lights and bustle of the holidays were a number of homeless people on the sidewalks.
Some just sit there all bundled up with their lives all contained in a couple of bags. Many have signs telling you how they lost their job or their family — or both.
Some will talk to you and beg for money.
You would like to give them all something. My wife has a much bigger heart then I do and she will pick out one or two of them to help out.
We’ve been there many times before and it never changes.
This time we were walking down the street and one homeless man was wishing everyone a merry Christmas.
“Merry Christmas,” I said back to him.
“Thank you,” he said to me. “I have been here all day and you are the first person who said ‘Merry Christmas’ back to me.”
I didn’t know if that made me feel better or worse.
As we head into another new year, we should take time to realize just how good we have it around here.
We have it good because we take care of our own. It certainly isn’t perfect, but life in Norwalk and the surrounding area is pretty darn good.
We have our problems here like everybody else.
Ohio had the second-highest number of drug overdose deaths per capita in 2016, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
The report shows Ohio had 39.1 overdose deaths per 100,000 people last year, nearly double the national overdose death rate of 19.8 deaths per 100,000. That number was a sharp increase from 2015 when the CDC reported 29.9 deaths per 100,000 Ohio residents.
Only West Virginia, with 52 overdose deaths per 100,000 people, has a higher rate of death than Ohio.
Ohio’s spike fits the nationwide trend of drug overdose deaths, fueled primarily by the use of synthetic opioids. The age-adjusted death rate for drug overdoses increased 18 percent per year from 2014 to 2016.
With that in mind, think about everything we are doing in this area to help those in need. Huron County recently took a big step in the right direction.
The Huron County Peer Recovery Community Center opened recently at 30 Shady Lane in Norwalk. There are three full-time staff members, all of whom live in the city — Stephanie Clifton, Cori Marocco and James Matthews.
One person described it as a place where a 12-step program meets a community center “all in one,” where anybody on their journey to sobriety or addressing their addiction is welcome.
“We’re creating a lighthouse for recovery. … Anyone is welcome,” he said. “It’s the first one in northwest Ohio.”
People everywhere are stepping up to help out, from the Norwalk Area United Fund to The Salvation Army. Look at what all of our students do to help the needy.
As we head into 2018 let’s be thankful for what we have in our community.
We may be small in size, but our hearts are big.
That is the biggest thing we should be thankful for.
Joe Centers is Reflector managing editor. He can be reached at jcenters@norwalkreflector.com.
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Woman pulled from burning home
ADRIAN — Emergency crews helped a woman climb out of an upstairs bedroom window Thursday after her Adrian Township home caught fire early Thursday, the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The 60-year-old woman, whose name was not released, called 911 shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday to say her home in the 1000 block of Academy Road was ablaze and she was trapped upstairs, deputies said.
When crews arrived, they found the woman yelling from her window and heavy smoke billowed from the roof, according to the statement. An officer and a firefighter helped her to safety and she was taken to Bixby Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The fire’s cause remained under investigation Friday.
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©2017 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio)
Visit The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) at www.toledoblade.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Judge rebukes Chinese mom for killing 5-year-old
CANTON — Mingming Chen came to America searching for a better life.
But the stress of running the family's Jackson Township restaurant — practically a 24/7 operation — led to violence in the home, Chen's defense attorney, Richard Drucker, said in court Friday.
The "unfortunate byproduct" of that violence was the death of Chen's 5-year-old daughter, Ashley Zhao.
"She's very saddened by the loss of her child and asks for everybody's forgiveness," Drucker said.
Chen, 30, pleaded guilty Friday to several charges in her daughter's death. She will spend 22 years in prison and then is expected to be deported to China because she is not a legal resident of the United States.
As part of a negotiated plea agreement, the murder charge against Chen was reduced to involuntary manslaughter. She also pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering children, tampering with evidence, obstructing justice, and gross abuse of a corpse. Her sentence includes 11 years for the involuntary manslaughter charge, eight years for one count of endangering children, and three years for tampering with evidence — the maximum prison sentence for each.
An interpreter read a short statement on Chen's behalf during the hearing Friday, saying she felt sorry for what happened, especially to her daughter, and that she wants to be a good person.
Chen and her husband, Liang Zhao, 34, reported their daughter Ashley Zhao missing on the evening of Jan. 9. Law enforcement searched the area around the Portage Street NW restaurant, Ang's Asian Cuisine, before discovering the girl's body in the restaurant the next day.
Ashley lived in New York with her grandparents until October 2015. Chen in her interview with investigators said the girl refused to listen and would push her sister when she didn't get her way.
Court documents accuse Ashley's parents of abusing her on multiple occasions from the time she moved in with them until her death more than a year later and say the girl suffered from blows to the head and torso.
During sentencing Friday, Stark County Common Pleas Judge Chryssa Hartnett told Chen it was with "great pain" she referred to her as a mother when speaking to her. Children, she said, should be able to rely on their parents for love, safety and protection, "and in this case, I can't imagine the horror for your child Ashley."
She said no number of years would constitute a long enough prison term but that avoiding a graphic trial to preserve Ashley's memory for her sister, who is old enough to understand what is happening, was desirable. Hartnett added she felt comfort knowing the couple's living daughter was "far better off" without having Chen as her parent.
Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Dennis Barr said Hartnett summed up the state's sentiments best.
"This was a tragic case, but part of the reason that we did this was we know she'll be in prison long enough that when she gets out, Jojo — her other daughter — will be a grown adult and able to protect herself," Barr said.
Jojo is living with relatives in New York, but Stark County Job and Family Services still has temporary custody, said Jerry Coleman, assistant deputy director of legal services for the agency.
Earlier this year, Chen's husband also accepted a plea agreement that dropped the murder charge he faced on the condition he testify against his wife at her trial. He has not been sentenced but is expected to receive a 12-year prison sentence with the possibility of early release after six years.
Stark County Prosecutor John D. Ferrero's office accidentally sent a news release a day early announcing that Chen had pleaded guilty. The release said the death penalty does not apply in this case because the murder was neither premeditated or purposeful and was the result of "a fit of anger."
Drucker, Chen's attorney, said he does not believe Chen intended to kill her daughter.
Ashley would have turned 6 on Saturday.
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©2017 The Repository, Canton, Ohio
Visit The Repository, Canton, Ohio at www.cantonrep.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Ohio State cashes in on USC turnovers in Cotton Bowl
ARLINGTON, Texas — It was another trophy raised in the same building where Ohio State won the first-ever College Football Playoff.
Snubbed from the four-team playoff this season, the Buckeyes cashed in four turnovers by USC quarterback Sam Darnold for 21 points in a 24-7 win over the Trojans in the Cotton Bowl Classic Friday night at AT&T Stadium.
The fifth-ranked Buckeyes closed the season with 12 wins under head coach Urban Meyer — and snapped a lengthy losing streak to the No. 8-ranked Trojans.
As All-American junior defensive back Denzel Ward sat out the came in a controversial decision to protect his NFL draft stock, it was teammate Damon Webb returning a Darnold pass for a touchdown — after he had earlier recovered a fumble to set up an early Buckeye TD.
The Big Ten and Pac-12 champions would usually play New Year's Day in Pasadena instead of Texas, but the Rose Bowl is a CFP semifinal game on Monday between Oklahoma and Georgia.
The Buckeyes — with that bad loss at Iowa after an early setback to playoff team Oklahoma — were the first team left out this season.
Webb recovered a fumble on the third play f the game, setting up record-breaking OSU QB J.T. Barrett for a 1-yard TD run. His 23-yard interception return for a TD put Ohio State up 17-0 less than a minute into the second quarter.
Ohio State — 14-0 under Meyer when an INT is returned for a TD — went up 24-0 after Barrett ran 28 yards for another TD after the first of two Darold fumbles.
A potential top overall pick candidate for the Cleveland Browns, Darnold was 26-of-45 passing for 356 yards, but had the turnovers and was sacked eight times.
Barrett broke Drew Brees' Big Ten career record for total offense with 12,697 yards in his final game at OSU. He played 50 games and was 38-6 as a starter. His 147 TDs are also a Big Ten record, 41 more than Brees at Purdue.
Friday’s game was the eighth time Ohio State and USC met in a bowl game — the first seven coming in the Rose Bowl. The Trojans had won seven straight in the matchup of powerhouse programs, including four regular-season matchups.
With Friday’s win, Ohio State improved to 24-25 all-time in bowl games, and has won the Cotton Bowl twice. The other appearance in the Texas game came in a 1987 win over Texas A&M (28-12) under head coach Earle Bruce.
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