(UPDATED 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018) All local schools today are on a two-hour delay. The temperature outside of the Norwalk Reflector this morning was 10 degrees.
(UPDATED at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018) Other school districts have announced two-hour delays for Wednesday.
The list of local districts on a two-hour delay now includes Bellevue, Christie Lane School, Edison, EHOVE, Monroeville, New London, Norwalk, South Central and Western Reserve.
To see closings and delays for other districts in the region, click HERE.
Some school districts in northern Ohio have announced closings and delays for Wednesday.
As of 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, those on a two-hour day include:
Bellevue, Christie Lane School, EHOVE, New London, Norwalk, South Central and Western Reserve.
According to the National Weather Service, the high Wednesday in Norwalk will be near 17, but wind chill values will make it feel like it’s a cold as 17 below zero.
This will be the warmest day of the week. From Thursday through Sunday, temperatures won’t rise above the single digits and at times will be below zero — without the wind chill factored in.
The top stories in the Norwalk Reflector-Herald on this date in 1943:
Two girls killed in Bellevue crash
Two young women were killed and three other persons were injured driving home from a New Year’s Eve dance when the automobile in which they were riding skidded into the side of a truck. The accident occurred on Bellevue’s West Main Street at 1:30 Friday morning.
The dead were Mrs. Shirley Nay, 16, and Helen Palmer, 15, both of Bellevue. The injured were Doris James, 16, Bellevue, Lewis Miller, 18, Sandusky, and Wendy Poths, 17, Sandusky.
It is revealed that Mrs. Nay is the grand daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Stout of Whittlesey Avenue, Norwalk. Palmer, is also said to have relatives in Norwalk.
Paul Kuhn will enter Army services
Paul Kuhn, chief operator at the city filtration plant for three years, left today for induction into the army at Camp Perry.
Plymouth news
Announcement is made of the marriage of Miss Barbara Ann Hoffman, daughter of Mrs. R.L. Hoffman of Plymouth, to Staff Sergeant Robert A. Hoffman, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Hoffman, of Shelby., Sunday afternoon Dec. 27, at First Methodist Church, Shelby, Rev. George C. Beebe officiating.
They were attended by the bride’s sister Miss Janice Hoffman, and Mr. Arthur Shreffler.
***
The marriage of Miss Hazel G. Cooke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cooke Sr., R.D.3 of Shelby, and Mr. Raymond L. Brooks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Brooks, was solemnized Saturday at the Methodist Church, Rev. E.H. Haines pastor, officiating.
***
David Dick, a member of the Army Air Corps, now stationed at Patterson Field, Fairfield, O., and wife, who is making her home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Strauss of Willard, were holiday guests of the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Dick and family.
Entertained on birthday
To celebrate their mother’s 75th birthday, the daughters of Mrs. Clara M. Link entertained with a surprise dinner party at the Link home on South Linwood Ave. on New Year’s Day.
Those present were Mrs. Link’s five sisters, Mrs. E.J. Ryan, Mrs. John Mossbruger, Mrs. T.W. Coe, all of Cleveland, Mrs. W.C. Weyburne of Toledo and Mrs. Mary E. Hiltz of this city, together with Mrs. Lloyd Tryon of Toledo.
Coming Thursday — Jan. 4, 1943: Name O.K. Austin chairman of county commissioners
A wind chill advisory remains in effect for Huron County until noon today.
Today is the warmest day of the week, as the high temperature will be in the teens. After that, temperatures will stay in the single digits or subzero.
Wind chill values will make it feel like it’s 17 below today and 10 below tonight.
While the rest of the week will be frigid, there is a warm-up on the horizon.
After several days of single-digit highs, Sunday will see a high of 27.
Then, on Monday, the temperature will rise above the freezing mark for the first time in quite a while, peaking at 37.
Today, the sun will rise at 7:56:10 a.m. and set at 5:14:35 p.m.
On Thursday, the sun will rise at 7:56:08 a.m. and set at 5:15:31 p.m.
Local forecast
Here is the Norwalk-area forecast from the National Weather Service:
Today - A chance of snow showers, mainly after 4 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -17. Southwest wind 13 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tonight - A chance of snow showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -10. West wind around 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday - A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 8. Northwest wind 9 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Thursday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around -3.
Friday - Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 6.
Friday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around -7.
Saturday - Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 9.
Saturday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2.
Sunday - A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Sunday night - Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Monday - Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
A new restaurant is in the works on Main Street again.
A new sign appeared the 5 E. Main St. business which has housed a plethora of restaurants over the years, including Pressed Cafe, Mia Famiglia’s, Uptown Cafe and most recently Bohemian Wrapsody, which closed nearly three months ago.
The grey and red sign above the door and windows say the new eatery will be called the Main Street Cafe.
Bohemian Wrapsody’s typed paper explaining the reasons for its closing have been removed, replaced by a reversable “Open/Close” sign.
Building owner Stan Obrenovich confirmed a restaurant would be opening in the downtown location, but said he was then not at liberty to discuss the details.
Bohemian Wrapsody closed Oct. 9 after it “experienced hot water system complications” for about a week according to the owners Ben and Kimberly Boss, who posted the announcement on the business Facebook page. The page has since been deleted.
“The building owner was contacted to relay the fact that the system needs to be replaced immediately,” the post said. “The building owner stated that he will not replace the hot water system. Unfortunately, Bohemian Wrapsody cannot morally or legally operate without hot water. To this end, it is regretfully announced that Bohemian Wrapsody is closed indefinitely.”
COURTESY OF JBALI'S INSTAGRAM -- 90-Day Fiancé star Mohamed Jbali, who was married and has since divorced Danielle Mullins, is planning on starting a YouTube career.Zoe Greszler
Mullins, then living in Norwalk, began dating Jbali, a Tunisia native, after meeting on the Internet. He came to Norwalk to make a go of it with Mullins on a 90-day visa. Their courtship and eventual marriage was filmed for Season 2 of TLC's hit reality TV series 90 Day Fiancé.
As fans of the show are well aware, Jbali and Mullins have had their fair share of ups and downs. Prior to the wedding, Jbali expressed he had concerns about marrying Mullins while talking to an immigration counselor.
The two then split in October 2016 and were granted a divorce in March. Danielle chose to keep her double last name, Mullins Jbali.
Fans have been following Jbali's story since then. After moving from Florida, where he lived without Mullins, Jbali, 29, is now living in Texas, according to his Instagram posts (@mohamedjbaliusa), where he gives fans regular updates.
Recently, Jbali revealed he is interested in making a career out of YouTube videos.
"I am really enjoying this, I might turn it to a career," he said in a recent post of a photo of video-editing equipment.
According to inTouch Magazine, Jbali currently is paying bills by working as a driver for the ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft. But the YouTube interest didn’t come as a shock.
The celebrity magazine reported Jbali has “always liked to use Instagram live, Instagram video and Facebook live to tell his side of the story,” especially during the TLC filming. His social media usage reportedly got him in trouble with TLC because he revealed too much information about his life.
Mullins Jbali told the Reflector Tuesday she is about to begin her fourth semester of college classes, working toward becoming a registered nurse. She also bought her own double-wide mobile home in Sandusky a year ago. Though life has improved since she last spoke with the Relector, when she said social media drama was getting out of control, things with her ex-husband are still less than ideal as she pursues legal action against him.
“I have a civil suit pending against Mohamed to get back all my money I put into immigration, money he took from first tell, his airline ticket here and money I sent him before he came to the U.S.,” she wrote in a message to the Reflector.
Mullins Jbali said she is seeking about $12,500 total.
While on the show, the age difference — she is about 15 years older — caused a great degree of controversy, along with the validity of their affection and Mullins’ honesty of her financial problems. The couple also sought help from Dr. Phil when Mullins suspected Jbali was not being faithful, following his excursion with one of her friends.
In case you’re not familiar with the show’s platform, “90 Day Fiancé” films single people from other parts of the world as they court American citizens through the use of a K-1 90-day visa. If the couple doesn’t marry in the 90 days, the overseas partner returns to his or her native country.
Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/TNS -- Honey and mustard flavor a sweet-tart vinaigrette that balances the bitter notes in the chicories.
By Leah Eskin
Gingerbread was invited to every open house. Eggnog was the toast of the town. Escarole, endive, radicchio? Shut-ins of the crisper bin. No wonder they’re bitter.
And misunderstood. Most greens celebrate spring, summer or fall. In winter, escarole is ready to roll. Radicchio too: the darker the days, the brighter the leaves; the colder the weather, the sweeter the crop.
So invite a bunch. Curly frisee, creamy endive, unruly escarole and tender radicchio can be braised mellow. Or simply torn and tossed. The fresh flavor and crisp crunch offer a welcome respite from the heavy lifting of beef Wellington. The bitter bite can be balm to the sugar-shocked. And the leaves, even when sharpened with mustard and sweetened with honey, are sturdy enough to linger all night long.
Plus, they need no time to prep.
———
CHICORY SALAD
Prep: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 to 10 servings
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey (warm briefly to make measuring easier)
1 large head escarole, leaves separated and torn
1 large head frisee or 2 heads Belgian endive, leaves separated and torn
1 large (or 2 small) head(s) radicchio, leaves separated and torn
1/4 cup snipped fresh chives
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1. Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, oil and honey.
2. Toss: In a large salad bowl, toss together escarole, frisee, radicchio and chives.
3. Dress: Drizzle greens with dressing to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Toss.
COURTESY OF PLYMOUTH POLICE FACEBOOK -- Charlie Doan looks appreciatively at a special presentation given to him at a surprise retirement party the Pylmouth Police Department threw for him. Doan officially stepped down as chief, making way for assistant chief Thomas Hintz to take the position. Zoe Greszler
PLYMOUTH — The new year is bringing the dawn of a new era as Plymouth Police Chief Charlie Doan steps down and Assistant Chief Thomas Hintz steps up.
Doan, 67, served about 42 1/2 years in law enforcement, 22 years of which was with the Plymouth Police Department, according to the Mansifeld News Journal. He’s served as the village’s chief since 2005.
Doan won’t be stepping out of the public eye, though. Having earned a seat on the Plymouth Village Council in the November election, he told the News Journal he wanted to continue to serve his community.
The department threw a large farewell party and posted pictures on its Facebook page.
Hintz, who has been with the department since 1999, officially became police chief on Monday.
At village’s recent council meeting, Doan spoke up in behalf of Hintz, who would have been taken a pay cut to take the position, the Willard Times-Junction reported.
The newspaper said Hintz was making $53,000 per year as assitant chief, and would have lost $1,000 from that salary to take the promotion. Doan recommended an update to the position’s pay.
Council approved the recommendation and bumped Hintz’s salary to $53,500, plus $1,500 for longevity, according to the Times-Junction.
Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup/TNS -- Tonya Harding at the Los Angeles Premiere of Neon and 30 West's "I, Tonya" at the Egyptian Theater on December 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
By Megan Cerullo
Former Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding admitted to knowing “something was up” in the months before the attack on her teammate and rival Nancy Kerrigan in a new interview nearly 25 years after the scandal.
Harding has long maintained she neither knew about nor agreed to ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and his friend Shawn Eckardt’s plan to bash Kerrigan’s knee with a baton.
But in a clip from Harding’s interview with ABC News released Tuesday, she admitted to overhearing the pair plotting a possible attack.
“I did, however, overhear them talking about stuff, where, ‘Well maybe we should take somebody out so we can make sure she gets on the team.’ And I remember telling them, I go, ‘What the hell are you talking about? I can skate,’” Harding told ABC News.
“This was, like, a month or two months before (the attack),” Harding said. “But they were talking about skating and saying, ‘Well, maybe somebody should be taken out so then, you know, she can make it.’”
Kerrigan was clubbed in the knee during a practice session for the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit.
The assailant was found to have been hired by Gillooly and Eckardt.
Both men have since changed their names.
News cameras captured Kerrigan shrieking in pain after the attack.
“It makes you cringe, hearing it,” Harding said in the interview. “Because you know how much that it had to have hurt.”
Gillooly and Eckardt both pleaded guilty to racketeering and were sentenced to prison.
Harding denied being involved in the attack but pleaded guilty to conspiring to hinder prosecution.
She was fined $160,000, sentenced to three years’ probation and 500 hours of community service.
She was banned from the U.S. Figure Skating Association for life.
The interview follows the release of “I, Tonya,” starring actress Margot Robbie about Harding’s life.
“Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story” will air on Jan. 11.
Howard Hanna Real Estate, located at 66 E Main St. in Norwalk, welcomes its newest Realtor, Tina Kisner.
For Kisner, becoming a Realtor was no accident. Being from the Norwalk/Milan area her focus on helping people one life at a time has been obvious throughout her 20-year career in the insurance industry. Kisner is versed in locations, value, property types and pricing.
In addition to her work, she has been an active volunteer with ACT — “Answering the Call Together” — a local missionary group as well as Firelands Regional Medical Center Ladies Auxiliary. Kisner is active member of the Firelands Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Ohio Association of Realtors and the Firelands Multiple Listing Service.
She lives in Norwalk with her husband, Ron, and together they have five children and three grandchildren.
Kisner can be contacted at 419-706-1158 or at TinaKisner@HowardHanna.com. You also can stop into the office at 66 E. Main St., Norwalk.
In other local business news…
Local business awarded
GREENWICH — John Jensen from Jensen Towing LLC of Greenwich, recently received the American Towman ACE Award for achievement in service performance.
Recipients of the ACE Award, presented by American Towman Magazine, were nominated by the nation’s major motor clubs and dispatch centers. Nomination guidelines for the ACE award are: the highest percentage of calls when the estimated time of arrival is achieved; consistency in response time; written appreciation from customers; and percentage of calls serviced (instead of turning them away) thereby reflecting reliability and professionalism. ACE recipients rank in the top 1 percent of the towing industry’s service providers.
The award was commemorated by an original design belt buckle. The buckles were presented the award recipients present at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md. Nov. 19 at the American Towman Exposition, the world’s largest trade show and convention for emergency road service providers.
Firelands Electric Co-op seeks board member
NEW LONDON — Due to the death of long-time District 2 trustee Lowell Kreager, Firelands Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees is seeking to appoint a qualified candidate to represent the district.
Per the co-op’s code of regulations, when such a vacancy occurs, the remaining board members will appoint a qualified candidate to represent that district as an interim trustee. District 2 includes the areas in New Haven, Ripley, Greenwich, Ruggles, Cass, and Blooming Grove townships. All co-op members living within District 2 are eligible to apply for this interim trustee position.
The co-op’s board of trustees meets monthly to review the financial and operational data of the electric cooperative. Board members hear and discuss reports from the cooperative’s general manager and department supervisors, as well as provide guidance for management decisions.
Trustees must be dedicated and committed to the cooperative and its principles. They must strive to do what is best for the cooperative and all of its members which may conflict with the desires of individual members or special-interest groups.
Applications, as well as additional information regarding the interim trustee position, are available at www.firelandsec.com. Applications must be received by Jan. 31. Contact the office at 800-533-8658 if you have further questions.
Founded in 1936, Firelands Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Partner, is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility serving more than 9,130 homes and businesses in rural areas of Ashland, Huron, Lorain and Richland counties.
In health related business news…
Short-term stays at The Commons
SANDUSKY — The Commons of Providence senior living community has launched a new short-stay promotion program.
Those in the program will be driven to doctors’ appointments. They also can relax by the fireplace, participate in plenty of fun activities and dine with culinary delights from Chef Doug at The Commons of Providence.
“We are offering short-term accommodations to help seniors through the winter months and help ease both theirs and their families’ minds,” said Jane Windisch, admission/marketing director of assisted living and memory care of The Commons of Providence.
“So often adult children worry when their loved one is alone or driving in winter weather, now with our new short-term accommodation program, it is the perfect opportunity to try senior living at The Commons of Providence and take full advantage of all the services and amenities we have to offer. You have the additional support you may need during our cold Lake Erie months until you are ready to return to your home in the spring,” she said.
Adult children need to be vigilant and consider options for when their beloved parent, particularly in the cold winter months when weather can be bad for driving and often keeps seniors isolated.
“Senior living is the perfect alternative for seniors who don’t want the hassles of the winter weather. Senior living offers a balance between compassionate care and the maximum freedom possible, all within the safety of our campus. Plus, senior living with its multiple activites keeps seniors active and connnected with others their age for fun and companionship during the long winter months that can be a lonely time for seniors,” Windisch said.
“That’s why many seniors move into senior living communities. It provides them a multitude of opportunities to be invlolved and stay active. Often, winter weather and its isolation can lead to loneliness and depression. At The Commons, we help people cultivate new friendships that keeps them vital, connected and creatively stimulated. Over the years, sons and daughters have told me they can’t believe the positive attitude change they have seen in an aging parent,” she added.
Chef-prepared meals, organized activities, exercise classes, a pastoral care program with spiritual enrichment and much more, can make those staying at The Commons of Providence feel comfortable. And there are plenty of opportunities to connect and make new friends during the cold winter months.
The Commons of Providence has special short-term accommodations for the winter months, but only a limited number of apartments are available for this promotion. Those interested can tour the location at 5000 Providence Drive in Sandusky and have lunch to learn more. For more details, call Jane Windisch at 419-624-1171 or visit homeishere.org.
Firelands gets accreditation
SANDUSKY — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Firelands Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Firelands was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success.
Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.
Brown accepted in fellowship
SANDUSKY — Tanen T. Brown, a member of Firelands Regional Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency Program, has been accepted into a one-year post-graduate Fellowship in maternal-child health at PCC Community Health Systems in Chicago. The fellowship is offers additional training to physicians so they can provide high-risk obstetrical and neonatal care to the undeserved and global communities. Brown plans to use his fellowship training for international medical aid work.
Brown was also recently accepted for publication in the Peer-Reviewed Medical Journal Consultant360 for his paper “Galactorrhea as the initial presentation of liver cirrhosis in a male with normal prolactin levels."
Brown has been a member of the Firelands Family Medicine residency program for two years. He earned his undergraduate degree from California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, California. He attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Originally from California, Dr. Brown currently resides in Sandusky.
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.
Joyce Marshall/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS -- Gary Lynch with a bomb shelter under construction at Rising S Co. in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 23, 2017.
By Gordon Dickson
FORT WORTH, Texas — It’s always good advice to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
And Americans apparently are embracing the sentiment behind that old saying — big time.
Two-thirds of Americans (65.5 percent) have stockpiled materials to survive a natural or political disaster. That’s among the findings of a survey released last week by Finder.com, which tracks spending habits.
The report cites ongoing tensions between the United States and North Korea, as well as historically severe weather such as the hurricanes that devastated Houston, Puerto Rico and other coastal areas last year as among the reasons for the surging interest in “doomsday prepping.”
More than half of respondents said they had bought the supplies during the past month, spending up to $400.
The research comes about a year after the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Gary Lynch, whose Rising S Co. south of Dallas manufactures steel bomb shelters, had experienced a 700 percent increase in orders.
And it’s not just Cold War survivors who are doomsday prepping.
According to the survey, while a larger portion of baby boomers and Generation Xers are more likely to “always” have survival supplies on hand, millennials are more likely to have bought materials during the past 12 months.
Finder.com’s survey was based on interviews with 2,000 Americans conducted by research provider Pureprofile in October.
CARY ASHBY/REFLECTOR -- Huron River Joint Fire District Chief Tom Beck (right) talks with Norwalk Fire Chief John Soisson as they investigate a recent fire on Remelle Road.
By JOE CENTERS
MONROEVILLE — Tom Beck has called it a career.
His final day as chief of the Huron River Joint Fire District was Sunday, ending a career that lasted almost 41 years.
He also was a fourth-generation chief in Monroeville, following the footsteps of his father, Jim, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He has been replaced by Norwalk Fire Lt. Curt Stang.
“I had a little over 40 years in and that is a long time,” Beck said. “Almost eight years as chief. I just thought it was time to go. It’s a long time and it started to wear on me a little.”
Beck’s fulltime job is at CertainTeed in Avery. He started at CertainTeed about the same time he started with the fire department.
“I don’t have any plans. ... Just stepping away from it,” Beck said. “Curt Stang got promoted by the fire board. I turned my radio over to him yesterday (Monday) morning. I have a few things to do to finish my year-end report. I followed my dad’s footsteps into the fire service. I was honored to serve with my dad for seven-and-a-half years before he resigned. It was an honor to follow my family foosteps.
“I have a nephew (Norwalk native Justin Collins) on the department in Beaver Creek to make it a fifth generation in our family.”
Beck talked about some memorable fires.
“For our department back then it was called Venture Packaging in July 3 of ‘91,” Beck said. “The Prime Cut Steakhouse fire in December of 1997. That was a tough one, too. We had quite a few guys there to help us. Durable Mat fire in March of 1980 was a tough one. I was there two days. And, of course, the Janesville Products fire in ‘92, I think.”
Just recently Beck and his crew battled a huge fire on Remelle Road.
“Thankfully on my watch nobody was seriouly hurt over those years,” he said. “(It’s) a great group of guys to work with here and around the county — a lot of dedicated people.”
Beck, 59, said he hopes to work until he is 65 and “hopefully, have a good retirement. I enjoy fishing and hunting and I hope to stay active with that.”
Beck talked a bit about Stang.
“Curt has 26-plus years in at Norwalk,” he said. “He’s very knowledgeable at what he does. I’m leaving it in good hands with him. I wish him the best.”
Robin Platzer/Twin Images/Sipa USA/TNS -- Former Miss America Gretchen Carlson attends the TIME 100 Gala on April 25, 2017 at Frederick P Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
By Rachel DeSantis
Gretchen Carlson has been appointed chair of the Miss America Organization Board of Directors, just one month after the organization was rocked by scandal in the form of sexist and derogatory internal emails, some of which targeted Carlson herself.
The former “Fox & Friends” co-host, who earned the Miss America title herself in 1989, will be the first alum to head the board in its almost 100-year history.
“Honored to move this iconic program forward with so many amazing volunteers,” Carlson tweeted, linking to a story from HuffPost, which first reported the news.
She’ll be joined by other new board members who are also ex-Miss Americas in Laura Kaeppeler Fleiss (2012), Heather French Henry (2000) and Kate Shindle (1998).
“Everyone has been stunned by the events of the last several days, and this has not been easy for anyone who loves this program. In the end, we all want a strong, relevant Miss America and we appreciate the existing board taking the steps necessary to quickly begin stabilizing the organization for the future,” Carlson said in a statement to HuffPost.
The ex-beauty queen, 51, will fill the spot left vacant by former chairwoman Lynn Weidner, who resigned last month along with CEO and executive chairman Sam Haskell, among others.
The massive exodus of leadership was sparked by a series of expletive-laced emails obtained by HuffPost in which Haskell slut-shamed and name-called Miss America contestants, crudely referring to them as “c — ts,” among other insults.
Haskell specifically targeted Carlson, who had previously questioned his methods of leadership.
In a 2014 email, Haskell asked Carlson and others to push back against a book written by a former Miss America winner that painted him in a bad light.
Carlson reprimanded him for the request, to which he called her a “snake” and expressed glee in driving her “IN F — INGSANE.”
Shindle was also the subject of a nasty Haskell email in which he joked that he wished she would die.
Carlson is no stranger to facing harassment head-on — in 2016, she sued late Fox CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment, claiming he destroyed her career after she turned down his sexual advances.
Her lawsuit — in which she won a $20 million settlement — sparked several other accusations of sexual harassment against Ailes, including one from Megyn Kelly, and eventually led to Ailes leaving the network.
WILLARD — There is a water main break in on Tiffin Street near the underpass in Willard. Tiffin Street will be closed from Spangler Street to Ohio 99. Drivers should find an alternate route around this area. Stay tuned for updates on the repair completion.
WILLARD — Jane Ann Carpenter, 78, of Willard, died Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Mercy Hospital, Tiffin. She was born January 20, 1939 in Shelby to the late Robert and Caroline (Berg) Fellows. Mrs. Carpenter was retired from Pioneer Rubber and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed puzzles, cheering on her favorite teams, the Cleveland Cavs and LA Dodgers and never missed games shows on TV. Jane enjoyed the beauty of butterflies and owls.
Mrs. Carpenter is survived by 2 daughters: Judy (John) Mizer of Willard and Janet (Earl) McCoy of Bangor, MI. 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1 brother: James (Brenda) Fellows of Shelby along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers: Richard and Ralph Fellows
Friends may call Monday, January 8, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 401 E. Howard Street, Willard with the funeral services beginning at 12:00 PM. Pastor Darlene Robinson officiating. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Willard. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church through the Lindsey Kocher Funeral Service, 323 Myrtle Ave, Willard. Online condolences may be made at www.lindseykocher.com
Motorists will be digging a bit deeper for the second straight year as the yearly national average will rise 19 cents more last year to $2.57 per gallon, the highest since 2014, according to the 2018 Fuel Price Outlook released today by GasBuddy, a smartphone app connecting 70 million drivers with their “perfect pit stop.”
Some highlights from GasBuddy’s 2018 Fuel Price Outlook include:
• The nation’s yearly gasoline bill will rise to $364.6 billion dollars, some $25 billion higher than what motorists spent last year as the average household sees their yearly gasoline bill rise to $1,898, up from $1,765 in 2017. Compared to 2016, motorists will be shelling out $62 billion more during the year, enough to buy a fleet of 670 Boeing 737s.
• GasBuddy’s forecast does not expect any record-breaking prices to be set in 2018, and most of the country will see prices peak under $3 per gallon, but unexpected disruptions could push the national average close to $3.
• Metro areas including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C. will likely see prices eclipse $3 per gallon. Cities such as Cleveland, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, St. Louis and Tampa may get within arm’s reach of such prices.
• How accurate have past forecasts been? In 2017, the forecast called for a yearly national average of $2.49. Actual: $2.39. In 2016, the forecast called for a yearly national average of $2.28. Actual: $2.12.
“Many will be quick to ask why we’re expecting higher prices. Ultimately, OPEC bears much of the responsibility for cutting oil production, leading oil inventories to begin 2018 nearly 50 million barrels lower than a year ago. Yet, understanding many factors, including OPEC, fuel taxes, the economy and their impact on supply and demand is integral to providing a thorough and balanced outlook on gas prices for 2018,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
“Even one event can completely change trajectory of fuel prices for months. Look what impact Hurricane Harvey and Irma had on gas prices and availability. No one could have expected the unexpected, but still, our forecast was less than a dime away from being spot on.
“While gasoline prices overall remain affordable, one aspect that continues to worsen is the gap between what stations are charging. It’s become nothing short of crazy how one station might sell gasoline 20 to 40 cents lower or higher than a nearby competitor,” he said.
More locally, AAA agrees with the predictions and said drivers are already seeing a small spike in prices.
Northeast Ohio gas prices
Northeast Ohio gas prices increased by three cents this week to $2.432 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.
Across the Great Lakes and Central region, gas prices have increased as much as 10 cents on the week with four states landing on this week’s top 10 states with the largest increases, including Ohio (+10 cents). Compared to beginning of December, Ohio (+15 cents) is one of the only states where gas prices have increased more than 10 cents on the month.
With a 259,000 barrel build, gasoline inventory sits at 48.1 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) (week ending Dec. 22). The last time the region had inventory under 50 million barrels was at the end of the year was in 2010.
This week’s average prices for northeast Ohio: $2.432
Average price during the week of Dec. 26: $2.400
Average price during the week of Jan. 3: $2.306
Average prices of the unleaded self-service gasoline in various areas:
Americans are being deluged with information about men accused of sexual harassment or assault. Since shocking revelations emerged about Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein in October, the Los Angeles Times notes, “a powerful person has been accused of misconduct at a rate of nearly once every 20 hours” — including such big names as Dustin Hoffman, Charlie Rose, Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer and Garrison Keillor. No doubt more will follow.
But we can’t help noticing that some names are missing. Those would be members of Congress who have settled complaints from staffers or others who alleged mistreatment, including sexual harassment and discrimination — but have managed to keep it on the down low.
Some alleged offenders, fortunately, have been exposed: Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., and Reps. John Conyers, D-Mich.; Blake Farenthold, R-Texas; and Ruben Kihuen, D-Nev. The public reaction has been negative enough to persuade each to take his leave. Franken and Conyers resigned; Farenthold and Kihuen will depart at the end of this term.
But other bad behavior has so far been kept under wraps. Since 2014, Congress’ Office of Compliance has reported, $174,000 has been paid out by House offices, in addition to $84,000 paid in the Farenthold case. Some $600,000 has been disbursed for claims of workplace misconduct in the offices of senators, including $14,260 for one involving sex discrimination.
There’s more. Conyers paid $27,000 to a former aide who accused him of sexual harassment, but the money came out of his House office budget. That approach has the advantage of not requiring approval from the compliance office.
Over the past two decades, we learn, the compliance office has paid more than $17 million to resolve employment disputes on Capitol Hill, involving a wide range of matters. Who covered that expense? You did. All the settlement payments were made with public funds.
But the information about who did what is hidden from public view. That’s outrageous. If members of Congress are going to stick taxpayers with the bill for their abuses, taxpayers ought to be able to identify the guilty parties.
Some members agree. Several senators have called on Rules Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., to release more information. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has introduced a bill that, in the future, would generally mandate disclosure of the names of members of Congress who enter such settlements and require members to reimburse the Treasury for the payments.
The legislation has attracted 20 sponsors, including Ted Cruz, R-Texas; Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. No one seems eager to defend concealing such information from the voters. “I think the public needs to know how their money is being spent,” said the No. 2 Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas. There is similar sentiment in the House. President Donald Trump favors disclosure.
But it’s not sufficient only to abandon such secrecy going forward; it's also important to reveal what's happened before. Even if lawmakers are willing to make transparency the new policy, Politico reported in November, “there’s strong, albeit quiet, resistance on Capitol Hill to disclosing the names of members who've reached settlements in the past.”
Sorry, that won’t do. The public has a right to know. Some members have settled workplace complaints at taxpayer expense.
PLYMOUTH — Arthur Tuttle, age 88, resident of Plymouth, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Pristine Senior Living in Willard, Ohio. He was born on October 11, 1929 to the late Abel and Rosie (Thornsberry) Tuttle and had been a resident of the Willard area most of his life. He was a member of the Little Rebecca Old Regular Baptist Church in Plymouth.
He is survived by one son, Terry( Bobbie) Tuttle of Marblehead; two daughters, Janet (Bob) Hawblitz of Willard and Teresa (James) Rose of Perrysburg and a step-daughter Phyllis Withrow of Lorain; 12 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; one sister, Gladys Hall of LaGrange,OH; three brothers, Chester(Betty) Tuttle of Willard, Denny (Gail) Tuttle of Willard, and Willard(Charlotte) Tuttle of Greenwich and sister-in-law Sarah Jane Tuttle of Wellington.
Arthur retired from Midwest Industries in the 80's when he and Lillian bought The Shenandoah General Store and shortly after he became an auctioneer and opened Tuttle's Auction House. He was an avid golfer and bowler, participating on Midwest leagues. He always had a huge garden and loved to farm and raise animals.His favorite thing to do was to spend time with his children and grandchildren while teaching them to hunt and fish. He loved his family above all.
He is preceded in death by his 1st wife, Lillian Tuttle and 2nd wife, Ethel Tuttle; his parents, Abel and Rosie (Thornsberry) Tuttle; two children, Denzil Tuttle and Betty Lynn Tuttle, a granddaughter April Tuttle and three brothers, Faris Tuttle, Talt Tuttle and Olby Tuttle.
Visitation will be Friday, January 5, 2018 from 4-8 at Secor Funeral Home of Willard. The funeral service will be Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:00 at the Little Rebecca Old Regular Baptist Church in Plymouth. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
AKRON (TNS) — A 16-year-old girl was sentenced Tuesday to one year of probation for causing a crash into an Akron fire truck that killed two teens in her SUV.
The Summit County Juvenile Court's intake department recommended the girl not serve time in juvenile prison for causing the deadly crash, a court official said. Judge Linda Teodosio heeded that recommendation during the girl's sentencing Tuesday afternoon.
Teodosio prohibited the girl from applying for a driver's license until she is 21 years old, a court official said. Teodosio also ordered the girl to create a community service project that memorializes the two teens who were killed in the crash, the court official said.
The girl could be sent to juvenile prison if she violates the terms of her probation.
Her defense attorney, Adam VanHo, could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday morning.
The girl pleaded guilty Nov. 10 to aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault charges related to the July 14 crash on West Exchange Street at South Rhodes Avenue.
The girl did not stop at a red light when she entered the intersection, police said. An Akron fire truck crashed into the SUV, and the impact pushed the SUV into a utility pole.
Lashae Johnson, 16, and Briyana Hayes, 15, died in the crash. The two girls were passengers in the SUV the 16-year-old girl was driving.
Six other people — including three firefighters — were also injured, police said.
The 16-year-old girl was not texting or impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash, VanHo told cleveland.com after she pleaded guilty. But she was under 16 years old, only had a learner's permit and did not have a licensed driver in the car, he said.
The girl has said she has no memory of the crash, VanHo said after she pleaded guilty. She said the last thing she remembers is driving by St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, approximately a mile from the crash scene, VanHo said.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office investigated the case because a Summit County Prosecutor's Office employee witnessed the crash, prosecutors said.
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(c)2018 Advance Ohio Media, Cleveland
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LIMA (TNS) — A Lima woman who earlier this year was ruled "incompetent but restorable" to stand trial on charges of rape and related sexual contact with minors will not be tried on any of those charges.
Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey Reed, who in July had ordered 35-year-old Tammy Phillips to undergo a six-month mental health evaluation at the Northwest Ohio Developmental Center in Toledo, on Tuesday accepted the opinion of a psychologist at the center that Phillips is not now and will never be competent to stand trial.
The opinion, authored by Dr. Joseph Kovesdi, said Phillips remains moderately mentally disabled and is in need of “24-hour supervision.”
Phillips was indicted by an Allen County grand jury in May on three counts of rape, first degree felonies, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a felony of the third degree.
According to court documents, Phillips on or about March 21, 2017, did engage in sexual conduct with a person, John Doe, who was less than 13 years of age at the time of the incident. A 10-year-old victim also told police he had sex with Phillips at a North Main Street residence in Lima. Phillips told law enforcement authorities she had sex with the 10-year-old and two other juveniles.
Phillips was brought from Toledo to Lima on Tuesday for a hearing that was intended to help determine the local court's continuing jurisdiction over the woman. But that hearing was postponed when Kovesdi was unable to make an appearance.
Assistant Allen County Prosecuting Attorney Kenneth Sturgill said it is the state's position that the local court should retain jurisdiction over Phillips, "but due to Dr. Kovesdi's unavailability today, we are not willing to move forward."
Reed said a hearing will be held "within a week or two to determine if the court should retain jurisdiction."
Until such a ruling is made, Reed ordered Phillips to return to the psychiatric hospital in Toledo.
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(c)2018 The Lima News (Lima, Ohio)
Visit The Lima News (Lima, Ohio) at www.limaohio.com
