BELLEVUE — The Bellevue Fire Department and EHOVE Career Center Fire Academy will conduct live fire training at the house located at 111 High St. at 8 a.m. Saturday.
There will be smoke in the area and firefighters will try to minimize the impact of the training on the neighborhood.
The training involves search and rescue, ventilation and controlling fires in various rooms in the house and extinguishment. The house will be burned to the ground at the end of the training session.
Firelands Federal Credit Union is donating this property to be used as a training exercise.
People are welcome to watch the training on important life-saving techniques and fire control tactics. Remain outside the safety perimeter.
The Orange City School District in Cuyahoga County received $45,138 in restitution on Tuesday from a former employee who used his position to acquire discounted Apple products that he sold on eBay.
Mark Urman pleaded guilty on April 24 to a fourth-degree felony count of theft in office following an investigation by the Auditor of State’s office.
Urman, 32, worked as a technician in the information technology department from 2009 through May 2015, where he managed the district’s AT&T cell phone accounts.
Brian Morelli, another technician who took over for Urman after his departure, grew suspicious of his former co-worker when he logged into the district’s AT&T account and noticed several orders of iPhones delivered to Urman’s residence in Shaker Heights.
Morelli recalled a conversation in which Urman mentioned his eBay account, so Morelli searched for it online and found a number of iPhones listed in the account’s sale history. He immediately notified his supervisor, who requested an investigation from the Auditor’s office.
“Mr. Morelli deserves a great deal of gratitude for his vigilance and investigative prowess,” Auditor Dave Yost said. “His prompt, appropriate handling of this matter was instrumental in securing justice for the district and community.”
The investigation revealed that Urman sold 85 iPhones on eBay. Using the district’s AT&T account, he ordered the phones at discounted prices available for employees who were eligible to upgrade their phones.
When employees chose not to upgrade, Urman ordered the discounted phones anyway – for less than $1 – and sold them online for between $180 and $430. In addition, he sold 21 laptops, 11 iPads and six other Apple products he took directly from the district. In all, he made a $45,138 profit from the sale of the items.
During an interview with investigators, Urman said he was “clearly out of control” and volunteered to repay the district. Judge Shannon Gallagher of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court ordered him to make full restitution before entering his plea this past week. A check for the full amount was delivered to the district on Tuesday.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 4.
Our daily look at interesting and entertaining news on the Internet today:
THE GUARDIAN: Trump dictated note saying he was 'astonishingly' healthy, doctor says
A 2015 doctor’s note describing Donald Trump’s health as “astonishingly excellent” was dictated by Trump himself, according to the doctor who signed the note.
FOX NEWS: Tom Brokaw scandal: NBC News accused of victim shaming, pressuring women to support star
NBC News is facing accusations of victim-shaming and intimidation as it scrambles to protect its legendary anchor Tom Brokaw, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by three different women.
THE DAILY DOT: Facebook introduces dating feature to match you with non-friends
An eager smile spread across Mark Zuckerberg’s face at the F8 Facebook Developer Conference on Tuesday as the CEO announced a new set of dating features coming soon to the scandal-beleaguered social network.
Here are photos from workshops, street stalls, farms, cathedrals, darkrooms, and DVD stores, illustrating how technology has ushered in rapid changes to the services and products available worldwide.
ASHLAND — In a surprise move on day eight of his capital murder trial, accused serial killer Shawn Grate changed his pleas to guilty on 15 of the 23 charges against him, The Ashland Source reported.
Grate pleaded guilty to all four rape charges as well as gross abuse of a corpse (2 counts), burglary (4), tampering with evidence, unauthorized use of a vehicle, one of the kidnapping counts, robbery and breaking and entering, the Source reported.
Grate also admitted he is a sexually violent predator and that he committed the kidnapping offense with a sexual motivation. The defense said he made the pleas freely and without any negotiation or plea deal between the prosecution and defense, the Source reported.
Judge Ron Forsthoefel said he will schedule sentencing after the jury returns a verdict on the remaining charges, which include four counts of aggravated murder.
At that time, Forsthoefel said, he could sentence Grate to 72 years to life in prison, with 50 of those years being mandatory. He could also impose fines of $170,000, plus possible sanctions. Grate will also have to register as a sex offender.
ANNISTON, Ala. — Carole A. Ward, 76, of Anniston, Alabama, passed away Sunday April 22, 2018 at her home of a heart attack.
Born Jan. 3, 1942, she was the daughter of Margaret and Henry Mulvaney. She lived in Norwalk for years, retiring from IPC. She then moved to Alabama.
Carole us survived by her ex-husband Louis (Bud) Ward of Norwalk. Also her son Michael Gardner, daughter-in-law Marrylan Gardner and grandson Dylan Gardner of Anniston. Also a sister, Robin Evans of New London.
She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret Vaughn, step father Clyde Vaughn and three stepbrothers, Clyde, Charles and Robert Vaughn.
MONROEVILLE — Paul W. Long Jr., 52, of Mansfield and formerly of Monroeville, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at his residence following a lengthy illness.
He was born September 30, 1965 in Norwalk and a 1983 graduate of Monroeville High School.
He worked as a carman for CSX Railroad for 23 years. Paul was an avid sports fan and loved the Browns. Some of his favorite things in life include coffee, spaghetti, pizza, and ketchup.
He is survived by his mother, Maralyn J. Long; three daughters, Brittany (Brian) Rothman of Georgia, Shauna (Zachary Ault) Long of Indiana, and Autumn (Jordan Halbisen) Cortez of Bellevue; four brothers, Donald (Sharon) Long of Norwalk, Douglas (Sue) Long of Monroeville, Gregory (Deborah) Long of Steuben, and Ted (Tracey) Long; one sister, Elaine (Dustin) Shaver of Monroeville; six grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul W. Long, Sr.; brother, Allen Joseph Long; paternal and maternal grandparents; nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 9:00 AM Saturday, May 5, 2018 until time of memorial service at 11:00 AM at the Pfeil Funeral Home, Monroeville Chapel, 109 Monroe Street, Monroeville. Deacon Michael Wasiniak will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association, P.O. Box 415, Sandusky, Ohio 44871.
Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.
NORWALK — Melinda S. Brant, 39, of Norwalk, died Monday.
Survivors include her husband, Richard E. Brant Sr.; children, Richard E. Brant, Jr., Parker J. Brant and Lahia N. Brant; her mother, Susan Jay; and a sister, Tabitha Brant.
Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., where a service will take place at 6 p.m.
NORWALK — Sheila I. Stoltz, 69, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 in her home.
She was born June 6, 1948 in Norwalk, Ohio, to the late Andrew E. and Olwen (Sommerfield) Conway, and was a lifelong area resident.
Sheila graduated from Norwalk High School in 1966, and retired from GTE (Verizon). She was the past president of Firelands Post #2743 Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, was a member of Queen Esther Chapter #15 Order of the Eastern Star, Ken Bur Bell Post #41 Auxiliary, and Eagles Aerie #711 Auxiliary.
Sheila enjoyed traveling, going to Casino’s, golf, bowling, and playing cards.
She is survived by her son, Jeff Crisp of Norwalk, Ohio, and by her granddaughters, Aurora, and Trinity.
Sheila was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis E. Stoltz, in 2014.
Friends may call on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Rev. Ann Marshall will officiate. Inurnment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.
NORWALK — Danna Sue Gibson, 57, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2018, suddenly, at Fisher Titus Medical Center, Norwalk, Ohio.
Danna was born May 9, 1960, to the late Charley and Bonnie (Case) Woods on May 9, 1960 in New London, Ohio.
Danna and her husband, Robert Gibson, married on February 14, 1998 in beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Danna enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, playing Yahtzee (usually winning), and always brightened the darkest of rooms. Her grandchildren were the light of her life; she loved spending time with them.
She also loved watching her special little Rowyn Allen from time to time. She loved her two cats, Bubby and Sissy, and her mother’s two dogs, Freddy and Tinky.
She is survived by her Husband, Robert Gibson of Norwalk, by her sons, Matthew (Amanda) Hopkins of Collins, Devin Gibson of Olena, Drake Gibson of Norwalk, by her daughter, Destinee Gibson (Kyle Bodnar) of Mansfield, by her brother, Charles (Darlene) Woods of Collins, by 6 grandchildren, by her niece, Danielle (Mickey) Archacki, and great niece, Kayleigh Archacki, of Clarksfield, by her aunt, Linda Case, of New London, by her uncle, JR Case, of Norwalk, by her aunt, Donna Lescher, of New London, who was more of a sister, aunt, Ruby Case, of New London, and by her goddaughter, Casey Lescher of Sandusky, and many cousins.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, Bonnie and Charley Woods, by her grandparents, Quinton and Emogine Case, her aunt, Kathy Myers, uncles, Larry Case, Bobby Case, Leon Case, and David Lescher, she was also preceded by her cousin, Quinton David Denger.
Family and friends may call on Sunday, May 6, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St. Norwalk Ohio, where funeral services will follow on Monday, May 7, 2018, at 11a.m. Rev. Robert Hudberg will officiate. Interment will follow in Collins Cemetery, Collins, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gibson family. Online contributions may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.
CAITLEN CAMERON/ CORRESPONDENT -- The Ford Expedition was traveling North on Old State road when it collided Tuesday night.
By CAITLEN CAMERON
Two vehicles collided at the intersection of Cleveland and Old State roads Tuesday night.
“It sounded like a semi tire popped,” said a local bystander at the crash.
The Dodge Ram 1500 was traveling west on Cleveland Road when a Ford Expedition, coming from the south on Old State Road, hit the side of the Dodge and spun the truck 180 degrees.
“I was driving home from work when the guy blew through the stop sign,” said the driver of the Dodge, who didn’t provide his name.
Norwalk Fire Department officials reported that “we received a call for an injury accident, but once we arrived on scene, EMS cleared both parties to be OK without any injuries, so we conducted clean up.”
Norwalk police managed traffic control and the assessment of the investigation.
The accident report from the police department is not yet available.
The front end of the Ford was severely damaged, but the sport utility vehicle was drivable.
“It sucks, but I am glad my golf clubs are OK,” the Dodge driver said.
With girls about to join the ranks for the first time, the Boy Scouts of America announced it will change the name of its Boy Scouts program to simply "Scouts BSA."
The name change comes about six months after the BSA said it would start admitting girls to its flagship Boy Scouts program. Since October 2017, the organization says more than 3,000 girls across the U.S. have enrolled in its early programs and are already participating in Cub Scouts ahead of the full relaunch.
The organization made the announcement in a news release Wednesday, May 2, and said its first name change in 108 years would take effect in February 2019. It also announced a new campaign effort, that it is calling "Scout Me In."
"Cub Scouts is a lot of fun, and now it's available to all kids," Stephen Medlicott, the organization's national marketing director, said in the release.
"That's why we love 'Scout Me In' — because it speaks to girls and boys and tells them, 'This is for you. We want you to join!'"
The Boy Scouts of America board unanimously voted late last year to start welcoming girls into its Cub Scout program in 2018. Girls will not only be able to join the BSA's Cub Scout program, but will have a clear path to join the organization's highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Starting in 2018, families will be able to sign girls up for the Cub Scouts by either choosing or establishing an all girl or all boy pack. All Cub Scout dens will remain single-gender and use the same Boy Scout curriculum as in years past.
Some of the larger Cub Scout packs will be able to choose to welcome both genders instead of just either/or.
"As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way possible," Michael Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive, said in the release. "That is why it is important that the name for our Scouting program for older youth remain consistent with the single name approach used for the Cub Scouts.
"Starting in February 2019, the name of the older youth program will be 'Scouts BSA,' and the name of our iconic organization will continue to be Boy Scouts of America."
The Associated Press reports this name change comes on the heels of Girl Scout leaders being blindsided by the move to admit both genders into the Boy Scout program for 11- to 17-year-olds. The Girl Scout organization has been exploring new incentives and badges its members can achieve to keep its membership numbers up.
"Girls Scouts is the premier leadership development organization for girls," Sylvia Acevedo, Girl Scouts CEO, said according to A.P. "We are, and will remain, the first choice for girls and parents who want to provide their girls opportunities to build new skills ... and grow into happy, successful, civically engaged adults."
Lukas Walker is the newest Eagle Scout in Troop 217
By ELLEN SIMMONS
NEW LONDON — Lukas Walker is the newest Eagle Scout in Troop 217. He completed a project on creating a plotting system matching names to headstones in the Grove Street Cemetery, where he has family members buried.
A home-schooled senior, Walker is in the electrical program at EHOVE and plans to pursue a career in this field. His hobbies include camping, rock climbing and kayaking, all of which he learned through scouting.
Troop 217 meets at 7 p.m. each Monday in the scout cabin in the Recreation Park. Interested boys and their parents are welcome to attend or contact scout leader Terry Knudsen.
Members of Cub Scout Pack 217 participated in an April 7 Pinewood Derby. Participating members were Max Martin, David Goble, Jackson Mitchell, Josh Miller, Ethan Hicks, Caleb Deal Wesson Dearsman, and winners Matthew Miller, Tristan Kent, Lucas Boswell and Carter Hicks.
The annual Volunteer Banquet was held recently with volunteers receiving awards for hourly milestones. Those volunteers receiving awards for hours above 5,000 include (sitting from left) Joanne Waugh, 18,000 Hours; Ann Querin, 21,000 Hours; Patsy Gray, 6,000 Hours and Carl Gray, 6,000 Hours; (standing from left) Jim Cardman, 9,000 Hours; Marilyn Bick, 5,000 Hours; Luetta Brutsche, 12,000 Hours; Mabel Gorsuch, 7,000 Hours and Tip Hosack, 6.000 Hours. Not pictured is Judith Allen, 5,000 Hours.
During the 42nd annual Fisher-Titus Volunteer Recognition Banquet held recently, 47 volunteers, who have earned 100 to 21,000 hours of service, were honored for their dedication to Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Norwalk Memorial Home and The Carriage House.
In 2017, Fisher-Titus had 205 active volunteers who gave 45,807 hours of service collectively.
Fisher-Titus volunteers who have earned from 100 to 21,000 hours were recognized with Service Awards.
They include:
100 Hours: Dale Cerny, Angie Goolman, Miller Hosack, Melanee Madera, Patricia Mahl, LeeAnn Wetzel and Ronald Wise
500 Hours: Anne Johnson, Stacy Moore, John Noss and Tim Petrey
1,000 Hours: Bev Cring, Barb Fries, EJ McPherson, Louanne Palkovic, John Selka,
Billy Toney, and Jan Wade
2,000 Hours: Karen Hedrick, Martha Hoffman, Caroline Miller, Jonathan Morgan, Kathryn Wittmer, Jo Yates and Tracy Young
3,000 Hours: Peggy Buckingham, Patricia Crase, Kathy Crawford, Cassandra Gotham, Marjean Hohler and Mary Youngs
4,000 Hours: Marshall Blue, David Caprara, Ann Cerny, Helen Hofacker, Kathryn Horn and Wilma Schuh
LONDON, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, members of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and law enforcement officers from across the state will honor the memory of 791 Ohio peace officers killed in the line of duty since 1823 during this year's annual Ohio Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony, which will take place Thursday.
The Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Motorcade will depart from the Fraternal Order of Police Ohio State Lodge at 222 East Town Street in Columbus at 10 a.m. and proceed to the ceremony on the grounds of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy located at 1650 State Route 56, London.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.
During the ceremony, DeWine will honor four Ohio peace officers who died in the line of duty in 2017 — Officer David J. Fahey Jr., Cleveland Division of Police, Jan. 24, 2017; Chief Steven "Eric" DiSario, Kirkersville Police Department, May 12, 2017; Patrolman Marvin "Scott" Moyer, Lancaster Police Department, May 26, 2017; and Officer Justin A. Leo, Girard Police Department, October 21, 2017.
DeWine will also honor five historical inductees: Constable Franklin Stone, Oberlin Police Department, June 5, 1881; Deputy Samuel J. Mautz, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, July 11, 1921; Deputy Marshal Donald O. McLaughlin, Beverly Police Department, August 16, 1970; Patrolman Bradley T. Scott, Elyria Police Department, Aug. 27, 2004; and Sergeant Martin A. Stanton, Cleveland Division of Police, Sept. 27, 2010.
The names of the nine officers who will be honored Thursday will also be added to the Ohio Fallen Officers' Memorial Wall.
In addition, the names of two law enforcement K-9 officers killed in the line of duty will be added to a plaque displayed inside the academy — K-9 Dino, Green Township Police Department, Sept. 25, 2017; and K-9 Uganda, Perkins Township Police Department, Dec. 4, 2016.
A moment of silence will also be observed for Officer Eric Joering and Officer Anthony Morelli, both of the Westerville Police Department, who were killed on Feb. 10, 2018.
ZOE GRESZLER/REFLECTOR -- Cedar Point unveiled its newest roller coaster, Steel Vengeance, to the media on April 25. The world's first hyper-hybrid coaster breaks numerous records. It's 205 feet tall, goes 74 mph, gives a thrilling 90-degree initial drop, followed by four inversions on the 5,740-foot long track. The ride lasts 2 1/2 minutes, with 27.2 seconds of air time.
SANDUSKY – The wait is over – Cedar Point will open for the 2018 season on Saturday with the first public rides on the new multi-record-breaking Steel Vengeance roller coaster.
In addition to the grand opening of Steel Vengeance, the world’s first hyper-hybrid roller coaster, guests can enjoy live music, meet the ride’s trio of “outcasts,” receive commemorative giveaways, play a special scratch-off game to win park prizes, and of course, ride the latest scream machine to stake its claim in FrontierTown.
Adding to the entertainment is Loop Rawlins, best known for his trick roping and whip cracking on the hit show America’s Got Talent. Rawlins will have several performances on the Gossip Gulch stage.
Steel Vengeance stands 205 feet over the park and shatters 10 world records, including tallest, fastest and longest hybrid coaster, steepest drop on a hybrid coaster, most inversions on a hybrid roller coaster, the roller coaster with the most airtime (the feeling of weightlessness over large hills) in the world and more.
In addition to Steel Vengeance, FrontierTown is also home to a variety of new food locations, including Sidewinder Sue’s. Sue’s serves up sidewinder fries — curly potato fries with choices of toppings like pulled pork, brisket or chili. Just steps away, Miss Keat’s Smokehouse is serving up barbecue brisket, pork, wings, sausage and savory sides, with many of the meats smoked on site.
Steel Vengeance-themed food comes to the Round Up where new gourmet burgers debut, like the Blackjack Burger, Sizzlin’ Chess Burger and the Digger Challenge Burger. Steel Vengeance Brownie Bandit ice cream is available at Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor and the Vengeance Funnel Cake, available at CJ’s Provisions and Bayou Refreshments, adds soft-serve ice cream, hot fudge, chocolate syrup, caramel topping and whipped cream to the famous sweet dessert.
In Coasters Drive-In, the Hot Rod Burger speeds into the park with two patties, Applewood smoked bacon, barbecue sauce and beer cheese, and the new Birthday Cake Shake provides a cool treat at Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor.
On the Main Midway, guests can select from a plethora of custom cotton candy flavors at Cotton Candy Creations. Choices include maple bacon, bubblegum, birthday cake, sour grape, Georgia peach, strawberry-banana and more.
At the front of the park, a completely renovated gift shop opens as Point Plaza. Guests looking for the perfect Cedar Point souvenir will find it here, whether that’s a t-shirt, hat, sweatshirt, magnet or collectable. In FrontierTown, the General Store & Trading Post have also undergone makeovers and provide a wide variety of themed souvenirs.
The beachfront Hotel Breakers opens with a new six-story tower, located adjacent to the main hotel. Featuring a total of 669 guest rooms and suites, the classic hotel offers several guest amenities, including Early Entry – the chance to enter the park one hour before the general public to ride some of Cedar Point’s biggest rides, popular dining options, discounted ticket packages and the closest rooms to Cedar Point’s gates.
The Lighthouse Point resort property, located on the tip of the Cedar Point Peninsula, introduces 25 new Ultimate RV Sites that feature full hook-ups, a private patio area, dining table with chairs, built-in charcoal grill and fire pit, new restrooms and a new bathhouse. The Ultimate RV Sites will open in June.
The expanded boardwalk allows guests to take a leisurely stroll along the famous Cedar Point Beach as they make their way from the main parking lot to the tip of the peninsula. The boardwalk also connects to Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, making it even easier to enjoy everything Cedar Point has to offer.
Music comes alive on the midways with “The Traildust Trio,” performing classic country in the Gazebo near Town Hall Museum; “The Tomfooleries” guitar duo entertains with comedy and music in the Palace Theatre and on FrontierTown’s streets; “The Swell Tones” serenade guests with their classic 50’s musical stylings on the Main Midway; the “Roving Beach Crew” wanders the midways, interacting with guests on their quest to find the Cedar Point Beach; and the “Summerdaze Band” takes the stage at Cedar Point Shores Waterpark.
The high-energy “Vertical Impact,” located in Celebration Plaza, delivers fast-paced action with acrobats, bikers, dancers and wild stunts. “Lusty Lil’s French Revue” comes to the Palace Theatre and “PEANUTS™ Block Party” comes together on the Main Midway as the perfect party for families.
Cedar Point shows are available at various times during the summer; schedules and times vary.
Cedar Point will be open Saturday and Sunday with all rides and attractions scheduled to be available, including Millennium Force, Power Tower, Camp Snoopy, the Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad, maXair and more. The park is then closed Monday, May 7 through Friday, May 10 and reopens for daily operation on May 11.
For a complete operating schedule, or to plan an overnight getaway to Cedar Point, guests can log on to cedarpoint.com.
Huron County Public Health (HCPH) will hold a “Tire Take Back Day” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 2 at the Huron County Fairgrounds parking lot.
The HCPH will collect car and light truck tires from community members to be recycled. No agricultural or industrial tires will be accepted.
This event will only be open to Huron County residents; no businesses, institutions or out-of-county resident tires will be permitted. HCPH encourages all Huron County residents to take advantage of this free opportunity to clear their properties of old, discarded tires.
Pre-registration is now open and can be accessed at bit.ly/2018TireTakeBackDay (case sensitive) or by visiting www.huroncohealth.com.
This event is being offered in an attempt to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in the county. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), just one tire can become the breeding ground for thousands of mosquitoes. Discarded tires fill with water and, due to the tire’s design, it is difficult for water to evaporate. The small amount of standing water collected can turn into the perfect spot for mosquito larvae to grow. Cleaning up tires from properties will help control mosquitoes by eliminating their breeding grounds.
For information or questions visit www.huroncohealth.com or call 567-244-3238.
AccuWeather reports lives and property will be at risk over part of the central United States as the risk of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes peak during the middle of the first week of May.
Tuesday brought the first tornadoes of the season to Kansas and Nebraska. A report of a tornado in north-central Oklahoma is being investigated as the first such storm of the season for the Sooner State. This is the latest since records began for the first tornado of the season in Oklahoma.
People are encouraged to review their severe weather plan of action if they have not recently done so. Have an emergency kit with vital medicines, first aid, toiletries, flash light, etc., prepared. Be sure to keep your cell phone charged and enable audible alerts to receive severe weather bulletins.
The most likely time for violent storms, including tornadoes, is through 11 p.m. local time on Wednesday. However, some potent storms will linger through the overnight hours.
Wednesday evening may bring greatest daily amount of tornadoes for the entire week
The risk of severe thunderstorms is forecast to extend from near the Big Bend area of Texas to northwestern Illinois and the southwestern corner of Wisconsin at midweek.
Some of these same areas were struck with severe weather late Tuesday.
Storms with large hail, damaging wind gusts, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes may occur anywhere in this zone.
"The most likely area for a few tornadoes is in part of western Oklahoma as well as central and northeastern Kansas on Wednesday," according to AccuWeather Lead Storm Warning Meteorologist Richard Putnam.
"South of I-20, severe storms may occur, but there are likely to be very isolated," according to AccuWeather Storm Warning Meteorologist Richard Schraeger.
From southeastern Nebraska to northwestern Illinois, the threats may be more from flash flooding, strong wind gusts and hail but a couple of tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
The remnants of these storms with the potential for flash flooding, frequent lightning strikes and loud thunder may reach part of the Chicago and Milwaukee areas late Wednesday night to Thursday morning. Airline passengers and motorists should expected delays for Thursday morning's rush hour.
During Thursday and Thursday night, the risk of severe thunderstorms will shift eastward and extend into part of the Northeastern states.
Remember to move indoors and stay away from windows at the first sign of a thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are at risk for being struck by lightning.
If a tornado warning has been issued for your location, move to a storm shelter immediately. If no storm shelter is accessible, get into an area of the basement near as many walls as possible in case the dwelling collapses.
If there is no basement, then the safest location is a small interior room such as a closet or bathroom. Climbing into a cast iron bathtub may offer additional protection. Cover yourself with heavy blankets, cushions or a mattress if possible to protect yourself from flying debris.
Be sure to put on solid footwear, such as sneakers or hiking shoes, prior to seeking shelter. Wear durable clothing. There may be shards of glass, splinters and other hazardous debris after the storm.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Alex Sosnowski is a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather.com.
NORWALK — Virginia Belle (nee Barnhart) Swiger, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk.
Virginia was born August 2, 1926 in Bealsville, Pennsylvania to the late Thomas and Gay (nee Wood) Barnhart.
Virginia enjoyed sewing, crocheting and gardening. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of New London.
She is survived by her sons, Carl David (Julia) Swiger, Thomas (Tammy) Swiger, Robert (Barb) Swiger and William (Melody) Swiger; daughters, Jessie (Les) Sheppard and Wendy (Denton) Kerr; daughter-in- law, Linda Swiger, 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and brother, Jim Louisa.
In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Carl D. Swiger; sons, Gary and Samuel Swiger, stepdaughters, Willa Beutler and Virginia Stenzering and brother, Carl Wood.
The visitation for Virginia will be held at Eastman Funeral Home in New London from 6 pm – 8 pm on Friday, May 4, 2018 where a service will be held on Saturday at 11 am with Ed Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow at Edwards Grove Cemetery in Greenwich.
Virginia’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care she received from all of her caregivers, especially the entire staff at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk. Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed towards the Salvation Army: Central Ohio Division (966 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43205). Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.
