BELLEVUE — Donald S. Yingling, 86, of Bellevue, died Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at the Willows at Bellevue.

He was born October 6, 1931 in Bellevue to Walter & Elsie (Stein) Yingling. He attended Lyme School and graduated from Bellevue High in 1949. He attended BGSU and then served in the Army during the Korean War. Don was a life-long farmer.

Don was very involved in serving his community. Over the years he had served as a Lyme Township Trustee, 4-H advisor, Historic Lyme Village volunteer, Willows volunteer, and enjoyed spending time reading to Kindergarteners in Bellevue. Another hobby Don enjoyed was gardening, especially herbs with his wife, Wilma. They also loved tending roses and spending time at Lakeside.

Because of his service to our country, Don was a life member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a service officer at the VFW. He enjoyed coffee every morning at the VFW with his friends. He was a life member of the Gideon’s and participated in jail ministry.

On March 21, 1954 he married Wilma (Butz) and she preceded him in death on February 19, 2014.

Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca Yingling of Bellevue; daughter-in-law, Von Yingling of Bellevue; sister, Faith Bellard of Florida; sisters-in-law, Mary Yingling and Dorothy Yingling, both of Bellevue.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Don was preceded in death by his son, Randolph “Randy” Yingling; and brothers, James and Robert Yingling.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday at Auxter Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1105 Castalia St, Bellevue. His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 209 Southwest St, Bellevue. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Bellevue. Military graveside services will be provided by the Bellevue VFW, American Legion, and Marine Corps League. A luncheon will follow at the Bellevue VFW.

Memorials may be given to St. John’s Christian Preschool, Bellevue VFW Scholarship Fund, or Fish & Loaves.

Online condolences may be shared at www.auxterfuneralhomes.com

NR05032018

SANDUSKY — All are invited to the last public show in the Sidney Frohman Planetarium as we now know it.

Demolition of the old room, located at the back of the Sandusky High School, will start in about a week to make ready for the new and improved planetarium opening this fall.

To bid the current room farewell, the planetarium will host a free Planetarium Wrap Up at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, when the spring sky and special topics will be covered. During the event, the planetarium will be giving away old posters, books, magazines and other stuff that it can’t use in the new planetarium.

A new and improved planetarium will be in the same site by this coming fall. 

For more information, call 419-984-1136 or email lwolf@scs-k12.net.

The highs today and Sunday will be in the 70s.

Tonight’s low will be in the lower 50s; Sunday’s will be in the lower 40s.

Today, the sun will rise at 6:21:42 a.m. and set at 8:32:29 p.m.

On Sunday, the sun will rise at 6:20:31 a.m. and set at 8:33:31 p.m.

And on Monday, the sun will rise at 6:19:21 a.m. and set at 8:34:34 p.m.

Local forecast

Here is the Norwalk-area forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today - Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. South wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tonight - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind around 7 mph.

Sunday - Showers likely after 2 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a south wind 8 to 13 mph becoming northwest 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday night - Showers likely before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 59.

Monday night - Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Tuesday - Sunny, with a high near 65.

Tuesday night - Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.

Wednesday night - A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Thursday - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday night - A chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday - Partly sunny, with a high near 64.

International Diet Day is Sunday. A recent survey proves that Americans love to pack on the carbs when it comes to cheating on those diets.

Here's a "penne" for your thoughts: 96 percent of Americans surveyed by ThreeBridges say they are obsessed with pasta.

The business asked 2,000 Americans about their diet cheating habits, and 26 percent ranked pasta and their go-to cheat food. With so many forms and recipes available, gnocchi-ding pasta was one of the more popular indulgences.

They say honesty is the best policy, and it looks like those surveyed were quite honest. About 18 percent said they actually cheat on their diets everyday. Another 28 percent said they cheat twice a week, with Saturday (36 percent) and Friday (25 percent) selected as the top days people are likely to cheat.

Some say “nothing tastes as good as skiny feels,” but the survey revealed the average American may not agree.

When it comes to picking what's for dinner, Americans aren't afraid to follow their stomachs. About 55 percent said they “eat whatever they’re in the mood for,” whether it follows a diet of not. Of those surveyed, 27 percent also said they've never been on a diet because they “love food too much.”

MANSFIELD — Lauded as the top touring Bee Gees tribute band in the world, Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees, will turn back the clock at the Renaissance Theatre at 8 p.m. May 16.

Stayin’ Alive offers to their audiences the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist, singing blockbusters such as “Night Fever”, “Jive Talkin’”, “How Deep Is Your Love”, “You Should Be Dancing”, “Nights on Broadway”, and, of course, “Stayin’ Alive”. In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as “I Started a Joke”, “Massachusetts”, “Fanny Be Tender”, “Words”, and “To Love Somebody” among other great hits.

Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees is an immersive concert experience, offering big screen video clips, photos and dazzling imagery. Featuring band members Tony Mattina, Todd Sharman, Joseph Janisse, and Smokin’ Joe Peeres as the Brothers Gibb, the group has received international acclaim, drawing tens of thousands to their audience in Walt Disney World, Mexico City, Houston, and many more cities.

Ticket prices range from $24.50 to $26.50 and are on sale at the Renaissance Box Office, 419-522-2726, and online all the time at www.mansfieldtickets.com. All regular ticketing fees apply. The Renaissance will also continue their $15 ticket offer for this event. These seats, located in the back two rows of the balcony, may be purchased in person only, beginning two hours prior to the performance at the Renaissance Box Office, cash preferred. 

Cedar Point opened for the season today, and its new rollercoaster is in the news — but not for the reason the amusement park would like.

The Sandusy Register reported two trains on Steel Vengeance collided, forcing the park to close the ride.

For more details, visit http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/20180505000

The ride reopened Saturday night and was scheduled to be runnin Sunday, park officials told the Register.

Mark Hazelwood

NORWALK — It couldn’t have been drawn up much better.

On a day the Norwalk baseball program celebrated its nine seniors, the soon-to-be graduates played huge roles in a 2-0 win over Edison in a non-conference game on Saturday between two solid area programs.

Senior Austin Christman threw 95 pitches (61 strikes) in his 6 1/3 scoreless innings. He scattered five hits with nine strikeouts and one walk. He got into a jam in the top of the seventh, but classmate Jacob Roth — who had a huge day at the plate — came in for the two-out save.

“I wanted to finish it, but I also don’t mind handing the ball over to Jake,” Christman said.

On April 26, Roth and Christman held their college signings together on the Norwalk baseball field. Christman is headed to Owens Community College, while Roth will play at Mount Union University.

“He’s been my friend for a long time, we have good chemistry on the diamond,” Christman said. “I was more than fine with coming out for him, or anyone.”

In the top of the seventh, Christman got Richard Crooks out on a grounder to third for the first out, but things got dicy from there.

Cooper McIntyre singled to center, and Thomas Oeder followed with a 2-2 single to left field.

With Christman nearing 100 pitches, Norwalk coach Wes Douglas went to Roth in relief with runners at first and second with one out.

Roth was able to strike out Cody Scott on three pitches for the second out, but a passed ball while facing Jadon Hanson advanced both runners into scoring position at second and third.

Needing one swing to potentially tie the game, Hanson made good contact deep in the hole between first and second on a 2-2 pitch. But Christman, now playing first base, was able to field and fittingly tossed to Roth for the game’s final out.

Christman was ahead in the count with a first-pitch strike to 17 of the 25 batters he faced. That was mainly in part to a devastating curveball.

“He threw more off-speed, more curveballs than anyone we’ve seen,” Edison coach Sean Hoover said. “We made the adjustment to it a little bit, but we really haven’t seen many guys like that with a really good secondary pitch. And he almost threw his curve like it was his main pitch with a show-me fastball.

“But that’s great to see right before the tournament, where you’re going to get those good pitchers with two good pitches,” he added. “You have to be able to see well to adjust. We hit some balls hard and got some guys on in the seventh off him, but weren’t able to drive them in.”

Meanwhile, Edison starter Bryce Roberts threw 99 pitches (65 strikes) in six innings of work. He allowed the two earned runs on six hits with 13 strikeouts and three walks.

Roth led off the bottom of the first with a double to center. He was immediately brought in to score on a single up the middle by Quinn Hipp on a 3-2 pitch to give Norwalk (12-9) a 1-0 lead.

But Roberts really settled in from there for the Chargers, including striking out the next three batters to end the first. He also struck out the side in the third.

But in the bottom of the fifth, Roth led off with a single and proceeded to steal second. Hipp then followed with an infield bunt single, putting runners at first and third with no outs.

Freshman Nate Adelman then came up with a perfectly-placed sacrifice bunt that scored Roth for a 2-0 lead. Following the theme of the game, Roberts then struck out the next two batters to strand Hipp at third.

“The seniors got the job done, Jake and Quinn in the first inning, they’ve done that a lot this year,” Douglas said. “Nate got down a great squeeze bunt in the fifth. He’s one of our best hitters, but he got the job done there when we needed him to and got the run in.

“The defense was pretty solid, Leighton (Batles) was good behind the plate, and Bryson Harvey had a couple of nice plays at third as well,” he added. “That was a great play to end the game, too. If that ball gets through, it’s a tie game. We just worked on it Friday actually.”

Edison (11-7) had its chances with Christman prior to the seventh, but not many.

In the second, Crooks and McIntyre singled with one out, but Christman got Oeder to strike out swinging, and a ground out to short from Scott ended the threat.

Edison got a leadoff single by Hanson in the third, but Christman retired the next three batters quickly.

“I think both pitchers probably went a bit longer than either of us wanted to,” Douglas said of Roberts and Christman. “But Austin hasn’t had any arm troubles and has worked hard to take care of his arm to maintain it, and I think he’ll be fine for Wednesday."

Edison visits St. Mary Central Catholic on Monday and Oak Harbor on Tuesday. The Chargers host Wednesday's New London-Huron winner in a Division III sectional title game on Friday.

Norwalk plays two rescheduled SBC Lake division games at Perkins on Monday and vs. Bellevue on Tuesday. The Truckers then host the Pirates again at 5 p.m. Wednesday in a Div. II sectional semifinal, and with a win there, will play a fourth game in six days in a sectional title game.

“We’re going to need all the arms we can get next week to keep competing,” Douglas said.

Zoe Greszler

A Bellevue fire engulfed power lines and at least 10 train cars Saturday evening. 

At least 12 units from several area fire departments, including Bellevue, Groton Township, Milan Township, Huron River, Milan and Clyde departments, responded to the Norfolk Southern train yard at about 5 p.m. Saturday.

Flames from the burning tanker cars leaped in the air, catching the power lines above on fire as well. Firefighters were still on scene at about 10 p.m. Saturday, and an official told the Reflector “they’ll probably be there for awhile.”

The fire caused Ohio 4 between Ohio 113 West and Smith Road, Groton Township to close until after 6 p.m., according to the Sandusky Register. 

Officials told the Reflector there were no injuries that resulted from the incident, but could not comment on any further details. 

More details will be updated as information becomes available. 

By Steve Magas

National Bike Month is a celebration of bicycling held every year in May.

Established in 1956, the designation encourages people to get on their bicycles and ride to work, to school or just for fun. Bike Month is also about increasing awareness of cycling safety and whether you are a veteran of two-wheeled transport, a recreational rider or a motorist, it is important to know the rules of the road when it comes to bikes.

The law and bicycles

Bicycles are defined as “vehicles” under Ohio Law. State law allows bicycles be lawfully operated on virtually all Ohio roads except freeways or certain limited access roadways. Therefore, cyclists who ride their bikes on roadways are in line with Ohio law.

“Same rights, same roads, same rules” is the mantra cyclists follow. Like all states, Ohio law requires cyclists to follow the basic rules of the road when riding a bicycle on a roadway. Like any vehicle operator, a bicyclist must ride with traffic, obey basic traffic laws, stop at stop signs and red lights and follow all traffic control devices. When following the rules of the road, a cyclist has exactly the same “right of way” as any car, truck or bus driver.

Ohio does have a few bike-specific laws. The key “bike law” in Ohio states that a bicycle must be operated “as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.” While the word “practicable” is undefined, the law states that a cyclist does not have to ride along the right side of the lane when it is “unreasonable or unsafe to do so.” Some examples of when a cyclist may use the entire lane include when it is necessary to avoid fixed objects or parked cars, surface hazards, or moving vehicles. A big exception to the ride-to-the-right rule is if the lane is “…too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.” In such a situation, the cyclist is not required to stay to the right.

Cyclists are also permitted to ride “two abreast,” meaning side-by-side, in the same lane. Ohio law does not require cyclists to move out of the way of faster traffic.

Like all vehicle owners, cyclists must abide by certain equipment requirements when riding on the roadway. They must use a white light on the front of the bike and both a red reflector and a red light in the rear between sunset and sunrise or whenever the weather makes lights necessary. This is important since many serious or fatal crashes occur at night or when weather causes poor visibility. Some cities may have other equipment requirements written into their municipal codes. Dayton, for instance, requires all cyclists to wear helmets and to equip their bike with a bell that is audible for up to 100 feet.

Vehicles and bicycles

Traffic law allows motorists to cross a double yellow line to pass any slower vehicle, but only if the slower vehicle is traveling at less than the posted speed limit; the faster vehicle is capable of passing the slower vehicle without exceeding the posted speed limit; and there is sufficient sight distance ahead to permit the passing maneuver to be safely accomplished, taking into account the speed of the slower vehicle.

This is not specifically a bicycle law, but rather a law that covers passing vehicles such as slower moving tractors and Amish buggies. However, it does apply to bicycles. If a motorist can follow the listed rules to pass a cyclist while crossing a double yellow line, they are free to do so.

Other bike law info

Ohio law does not include an age limit or age requirement for riding bicycles on a roadway so children can technically ride bikes in the street. However, riders of all ages must follow the rules of the road. Parents should evaluate children’s riding abilities, educate them about cycling rules and make sure the child can ride safely and predictably.

Under state law, “bike bans” that force cyclists to use sidewalks instead of roads are prohibited everywhere in Ohio. In fact, many cities, especially Ohio’s larger cities, do not permit sidewalk cycling at all. But local laws vary widely. Some cities impose age limits or only ban sidewalk riding in defined “business districts.” Check your local city ordinances to see if and where sidewalk riding is allowed. (Here are a few: Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton)

Cyclists are also not required to use bike lanes. These lanes are typically created by local governments and are not governed specifically by state law. State law mandates only that cities may not force cyclists to use sidewalks or “sidepaths” (bike trails that are not part of the roadway). Regular road cyclists may find that bike lanes contain dangerous debris and they may use these lanes at their discretion.

Injury and legal help

Cyclists who are injured by negligent motorists often wonder what type of insurance applies to their claims. If a motorist carelessly injures a cyclist, the motorist’s auto policy would apply to pay the claim. However, some cyclists are often surprised to learn that their own auto insurance may come into play, as well as their own homeowner’s insurance, health insurance and any “umbrella” or excess coverage they may have. Before moving forward with any such claim, it is important to consult with an attorney who can help a client go over insurance claims, equipment damages and deal with the motorist’s lawyer and insurance representatives.

Attorney Steve Magas is an avid bicyclist, motorcyclist and Ohio trial attorney based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Known as “Ohio’s Bike Lawyer,” Magas has been an Ohio trial lawyer since 1982 and has been writing about Ohio's Bike Laws since the mid-1980s. He collaborates regularly with the League of American Bicyclists, the Ohio Bicycle Federation and the Cincinnati Cycle Club. In addition to working with riders throughout Ohio, Magas has been called into bike cases around the country, including cases in Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland and Pennsylvania. In 2009, he founded The Magas Firm.

This “Law You Can Use” consumer legal information column was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. This article is not intended to be legal advice. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from a licensed attorney.

Inhaled medications play an important role in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and it is imperative that the inhaler device be used properly to effectively treat the disease.

However, in a recently released study in the Journal of the COPD Foundation, researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and other institutions found that healthcare providers and patients prioritize medication over device when selecting treatments, showing limited concerns about proper device use.

“For COPD, there are several inhaler devices through which most medications are administered, but we noticed over the years that many patients don’t use their inhaler correctly,” said lead author Dr. Nicola Hanania, associate professor of medicine in the section of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine and director of the airways clinical research center at Baylor. “This study, which was conducted via a survey, aimed to look at both the healthcare providers and the patients’ perspectives and beliefs about inhaler devices used to treat their COPD.”

The study included two surveys, one targeting healthcare practitioners who treat COPD and the other targeting patients with COPD in the United States. A total of 513 survey responses were collected from healthcare practitioners, and 499 survey responses were collected from patients.

The study uncovered several gaps in healthcare practitioners’ and patients’ understanding of the role of inhalation devices in COPD management. After reviewing the surveys from each group, researchers found that patients and healthcare providers put how to use their inhaler device second in importance to the drug being used to treat their COPD.

Researchers also identified that there is a need for better education related to inhaler devices. Many patients are not getting an adequate amount of education from their healthcare practitioner about how to use their inhaler device. The study highlights potential unmet needs and opportunities for future interventions to coordinate professional and patient-directed education to further promote proper device selection and use in COPD management.

“Our results indicate that we need to reach out to healthcare providers and patients to educate them more about delivery systems that are available for COPD so that when it comes to getting the right medicine for the patient, the device choice should be part of the decision-making. It should be a shared decision between the patient and the clinician because many patients may not master one delivery system so their choice for choosing another one should be there,” Hanania said.

Other contributors to this work include Dr. Sidney Braman, Dr. Sandra G. Adams, Dr. Ruth Adewuya, Dr. Arzu Ari, Dr. JoAnn Brooks, Dr. Donald A. Mahler, Dr. Jill A. Ohar, Dr. Jay Peters, and Dr. Shahin Sanjar. The researchers are affiliated with one or more of the following institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, University of Texas Health Science Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, American College of Chest Physicians, Texas State University, Indiana University Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Wake Forest Health University Medical Center, and/or Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

This study was sponsored by the American College of Chest Physicians and supported by a grant from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., which provided funding for the implementation of the survey and medical writing but did not influence the design, conduct of the study or content of the submitted manuscript.

May 6, 1930 

The top stories in the Norwalk Reflector-Herald on this date 86 years ago:

Good gas well is drilled in on Wildman lot

The gas well drilled for R.E. Wildman of 247 East Main St. by Clarence Schuster of Elyria was given a charge of dynamite this morning and is pronounced a satisfactory gasser. This well is located about 600 feet southwest of the well drilled recently for the Wildman extract concern on E. Main Street.

The new well is 403 feet deep. A large excavation was made in the rear of the well for the discharge of the sand pumpings. This depression is to be filled in and leveled. Schuster is assisted by Cyril MIller of Avon Lake, a husky young driller, who tosses anvils and heavy drilling bits about as they were made of so much pine wood. Work was started on the well just a week ago. It is given out that the Rev. I.M. Kumler and Dr. C.L. Bell were considering having gas wells drilled.

Start war on rubbish dumping from highways

An effort is being made to do away with the dumping of rubbish at the side of country roads. Norwalk trustees say they have decided to enforce the law that was framed to stop that practice. Now than an effort is being made to attract tourists to the Lake Erie Island region of which Norwalk is a part. It is suggested that the public should get back of the movement not only to beautify the cities and villages but the country regions as well. Unsightly rubbish including rusty and battered tin ware are most often thrown from the roadside into the ravine  and into other places of particular  natural beauty and charm.

Country club pro kept busy

Professional H. Reid of the Norwalk Country Club, who has been on the job since the first of April, reports that the outlook for a successful season at the club this year is very favorable. He has been kept busy giving members lessons every day.

The links are in excellent condition and golfers are taking advantage of the fact and a large number of them were out Saturday and Sunday. We mentioned Bill Pressing’s wonderful 76-74 day yesterday. Ray Gerken had the next lowest score with an 80, getting a nice 38 on the last nine holes. H.A. Gallup, a top man among the Norwalk players, is just recovering from an illness but is expected to be out soon.

Norwalk folk ride over city in large cabin plane

Among the Norwalk residents who rode in the large cabin plane yesterday as guests of the Fleet Wing company were: Mayor Cort M. Schock, and wife, county commissioners, R.R. Robertson and Tom Bond, county surveyor, C.T. Williams, county auditor, A.S. Vail and the Misses Mildred Schlachter and Marie Romer.

The passengers boarded the plane in Sandusky and greatly enjoyed the ride, which included a flight over Norwalk. The trip was especially an important event for Mr. and Mrs. Schock, whose son, Waldo, saw active aviation service in France as a member of the British Royal Flying Squad.

— Compiled by Andy Prutsok

By Norwalk Reflector staff

NEW LONDON — Consistency paid off for both of New London’s track and field teams on Saturday.

Combining for eight total event wins between the two teams, the Wildcats piled up the secondary points to sweep their own Bob Knoll invitational at Recreation Park.

Kaylin Williams was the lone New London girl to take part in two event wins, winning the 1600 (5:40.76), while also running the third leg of the winning 4x800 relay (10:22.10), also consisting of Abigail Good, Savannah Shaver and Dana Gustely.

New London’s 125 points, were a single point better than St. Paul’s 124. It may have been a potential preview of how this week’s Firelands Conference championships could go. A year ago, the Flyers edged out New London for the FC title by three points.

Monroeville was third (97 points), followed by Western Reserve (89.6), Mansfield St. Peter’s (61), South Central (48), Black River (40), Plymouth (20), Open Door Christian (18) and Keystone (17.3).

Individually for the Wildcats, Maryonna Cathey won the 400 (1:00.02), Taylar Howell the 300 hurdles (50.43) and Gabrielle Osterland the 3200 (12:31.41).

New London won only three events in the boys meet. Curtis Joppeck, Caleb Good, Mitchell Joppeck, and Austin Reed ran a winning time of 8:40.48 in the 4x800 relay, while Carson Cody, Austin Reed, Colin Cole and Aaron Reed won the 4x400 (3:40.49). Jacob Allen was the lone individual winner, taking first in the pole vault at 13-feet-5.

The Wildcats’ 123 points beat out Monroeville’s 116. St. Paul was third (96), Black River fourth (76) and Keystone fifth (65.5), followed by Western (47.5), South Central (43), St. Peter’s (41), Plymouth (29) and Open Door Christian (15).

For the Monroeville boys, Max Horner won the 100 dash in 11. 55 seconds. He then paired up with Skyler Scheid, Dominic Ruffing and Chayce Schaub on the winning 4x200 (1:52.72) and 4x100 (45.96) relays.

St. Paul’s Davis Hedrick swept the throwing events. His winning toss in the discus was 149-07, while he had a top toss of 48-02 to win the shot put as well.

Noah Avandano won the 800 (2:04.29) and Joey Catalano won the 200 (23.72).

For the St. Paul girls, Gabby Scavuzzo, Meghan Hedrick, Gwen Olcott and Olivia Powers were tops in the 4x100 relay (51.89). Hedrick, Holly Powers, Anna Lukasko and Lily Dowdell won the 4x400 relay (4:17.17).

Individually for the Flyers, Holly Powers won the 800 (2:27.54) and Kamryn Maxwell won the high jump (4-10).

For the Monroeville girls, Jordan Blackford, Kennedy Brooks, Adrian Barman and Kristen Smith were first in the 4x200 (1:52.72). Sawyer Schafer won the 300 hurdles (44.26).

South Central’s two wins came from Izzy Hauler in the long jump (16-07) and Jenna West in the pole vault (7-06).

Western’s Victoria Ramage had winning tosses of 121-09 and 34-01 in the discus and shot put respectively.

Plymouth’s highest placers was Ethan Elliott in the boys 800 run (2:10.14) and Madeline Baker in the girls shot put, who finished fourth (30-feet-6).

Norwalk teams finish fourth at Fremont Ross

FREMONT — The Norwalk boys and girls track programs each finished fourth Saturday at the 56th annual Fremont Ross Invitational.

Jada Thomas, Bethany Cring, Haleigh Skinner and Kaelyn Harkness won the 4x800 relay (10:11.16), which was also won on the boys side. Mitchell Sommers, Juilan Go, Jad Oglesby and Jose Dominiguez ran a winning time of 8:22.49.

Both teams added a sweep in the 4x1600 relays. For the girls, Elyse Coe, Lauryn Maloney, Janie Dominguez and Elise Zieber ran a winning time of 25:32.57. Meanwhile for the boys, Robert Vasquez, Chris Mohr, Cobey Kromer and Charles Smith ran a first-place time of 19:51.91.

Cring, Jada Thomas, Harkness and Jasmine Thomas won the 4x400 relay for the Norwalk girls, running 4:20.00.

In the boys field events, the Truckers got a win from Owen Rhodes in the pole vault, who had a top jump of 14-feet even. Jake Sommers was third in the pole vault at 13-feet even.

Marly Geretz was second for the Norwalk girls in the 300 hurdles in 47.6 seconds, as was Maloney in the 800 run (2:43.15).

Placing third for the Truckers was the 4x200 relay of Sommers, Ian Scheid, Carson Shober and Chris Tuttle in 1:34.59. The 4x400 team of Tuttle, Scheid, Jad Oglesby and Smith was third as well (3:41.18).

Jad Oglesby was third in the boys 400 dash (52.88), and Carmen Krichbaum was third in the girls discus throw (105-feet-11).

CLYDE — Charles L. Howey, Sr., 78, of Port Clinton, died at The Toledo Hospital on Friday.

Mr. Howey was born on Feb. 21, 1942 to Charles and Mildred (Nason) Howey. He was a 1960 graduate of Clyde High School.

For many years he was a truck driver, prior to his retirement.

He was a member of the Clyde Moose.

On May 18, 1985, he married Judith Mesnard Howey. She preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 2017.

Survivors include his son, Charles L. Howey, Jr. of Collins, Ohio; daughters Jody Bucklew of Fremont; Rhonda Bullard of Clyde and son, Ronald Bucklew of Clyde. Five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, along with his siblings, John, Jr. (Betty) Scheer of Clyde; Tina (Gerald) Bogner of Clyde; Cindy Scheer and Cheryl Scheer

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his step-father, who raised him, John Scheer, Sr.

Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home, 218 South Main St., Clyde, where a service will begin at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Clyde.

Memorials may be shared at www.auxterfuneralhomes.com

NR05072018

COLLINS — Rita N. (Kocher) Fulton, age 84, of Collins, died peacefully Friday, May 4, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born June 22, 1933 in Norwalk to the late Albert and Antoinette Kocher. She was a 1951 graduate of St. Paul High School and was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Milan.

She worked at the Farm Credit Bureau and Woolworths, raised her children, and retired after many years at Kmart. She enjoyed traveling, casinos, playing bingo and gaming, crafts, crocheting, knitting, gardening and especially enjoyed following her grandchildren’s activities and sports.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Rehark of Norwalk, Thomas Fulton of Collins, Donna (Michael) Roesch of Sandusky, Diane (Mart) Coy of Collins and Steven (Stephanie) Fulton of Collins; grandchildren, Jennifer Tatman, Thomas Fulton, Joshua Fulton, Jordan Coy, Kelly Pylant, Shane Fulton, Tyler Coy, Brianne Coy and Steven Fulton; great-grandchildren, Elijah Fulton, Hailie Pylant, Luke Fulton, Brayden Pylant, Callie Tatman, Ewan Fulton, Gracie Pylant, Declan Tatman, Noah Coy, Zachary Pylant and baby boy Coy on the way; siblings, Virginia (Herman) Missler of Bellevue, Therese (John) Hofacker of Norwalk and Charles Kocher of Milan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard W. Fulton in 2010; great grandchild, Brooke Tatman (infant); and siblings, Roy, Mary, Robert and Howard Kocher (infant); and nephew, David Kocher.

Friends may call on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 4:00 -7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 130 S. Main Street, Milan with Rev. Gilbert Mascarenhas, Pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Cancer Services, 505 E. Perkins Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870 or St. Anthony Catholic Church, 130 S. Main Street, Milan, OH 44846.

NR05072018

By Adam Ferrise

SANDUSKY — The new Cedar Point roller coaster Steel Vengeance will re-open today, a day after an accident forced the ride to be closed on its opening day.

Cedar Point spokesman Tony Clark said in an email that the ride will operate normally on Sunday after it was inspected.

The trains on the coaster "lightly bumped" into each other about 1:30 p.m. Saturday, according to a statement from a Cedar Point spokesperson.

One car was returning from the ride and bumped a parked train at the loading station, the statement said.

Four riders were looked at by medical personnel and later returned to the park, the statement said.

The park closed the ride while the incident was reviewed, then re-opened it that night, according to the Sandusky Register.

The 205-foot coaster owns 10 world records, including for the tallest, fastest and longest hybrid steel-wood roller coaster. It also has the steepest drop on a hybrid, and the most airtime — the feeling of weightlessness over a large hill — at 27.2 seconds of any roller coaster in the world.

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©2018 Advance Ohio Media, Cleveland

Visit Advance Ohio Media, Cleveland at www.cleveland.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

WORTHINGTON — Wendell John Graves, born January 24, 1961 in Wakeman, Ohio - Wendell passed away on May 4, 2018 at Riverside Methodist Hospital unexpectedly after a short illness.

He is survived by his parents Jack Graves and Marolyn Graves, brother Mark Graves, and partner and best friend of 29 years, Jeff North. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Fred and Doris Graves of Wakeman, Ohio and Merritt and Gladys Fye of Rochester, Ohio. Wendell was a graduate of Wakeman Reserve High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University (OH) and Master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Wendell was an administrator for Ohio Health for ten years. The last twelve years of his career were with Wesley communities, most recently serving as executive director for Wesley Woods at New Albany.

Wendell was a very loving and caring individual. He loved being with his many friends and especially enjoyed music, taking care of his beautiful home, and walking along the beaches of Florida.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at Schoedinger Chapel, Worthington Ohio. 6699 North High Street Worthington, OH 43085, from 2-4pm, and 6-8pm. Funeral will be held there at 10am Wednesday, May 9, 2018 followed by a luncheon at the funeral home. Graveside services will be in Wakeman, Ohio at 3:00pm.

Donations may be made to the CHA Animal Shelter or the Franklin County Dog Shelter. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send messages of support to his family.

05072018

(UPDATED at 7:55 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2018) At 7:55, only about 350 customers remained without power.

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(ORIGINAL post) A storm rolled through the area Sunday afternoon, knocking out electricity in many locations in Norwalk.

At 7:15 p.m., about 8,490 customers were without power in Huron County, according to First Energy’s website. Most of those affected live in Norwalk.

Lo­cal baby boomers are at high risk for a po­ten­tially deadly vi­rus and may not even know it.

The Centers for Dis­ease Con­trol and Preven­tion is urg­ing men and women born be­tween 1945 and 1965 to get tested in May, which is designated Hep­a­ti­tis C Aware­ness Month.

Hep C is a blood-borne vi­rus that causes in­flam­ma­tion of the liver. It is cur­able when de­tected, but Hep C symp­toms rarely sur­face be­fore the vi­rus turns into a chronic — even fa­tal liver dis­ease.

Through­out the month of May, Any Lab Test Now, an area clinic, is of­fer­ing a test to de­tect Hep C and you do not need to go to your doc­tor first. No ap­point­ment is needed, and the test is only $49.

Baby boomers are five times more likely to have Hep C than any other adults ac­cord­ing to the CDC. Health of­fi­cials say peo­ple in this age group could have picked up the vi­rus years ago dur­ing a pre­vi­ous med­i­cal pro­ce­dure or blood trans­fu­sion when health reg­u­la­tions to screen blood sup­plies were much more lax.

The CDC lists in­tra­ve­nous drug use or “shar­ing nee­dles” as a com­mon way to spread Hep C and a study shows a spike in Hep C in­fec­tions linked to the opi­oid ep­i­demic. Re­search­ers un­cov­ered star­tling num­bers of peo­ple hooked on opi­oids who even­tu­ally turned to in­ject­ing the drugs.

Cary Ashby

Stacey Church could hardly contain her enthusiasm for the new StoryWalk project in Norwalk.

“I think it’s so cool because I love the outdoors and I love reading. This is a great opportunity to combine these together,” said the assistant director of the Norwalk Public Library. “I’m super happy they let us use this park.”

StoryWalk is an interactive reading adventure at Sofios Family Park, 38 N. Old State Road. The library held the grand opening Friday, with many parents and their young children ready to experience it.

Set up along the boardwalk — which is about 4/10 of a mile long — are 19 signs that feature one page from a book on an activity sheet that was printed by Foghorn Designs.

Church said it’s a fun, free opportunity to work with the Norwalk Parks and Recreation Department, which collaborated on the project. It was funded by a private grant to the library.

“It took about a year-and-a-half,” Church said.

Anne Ferguson, of Montpelier, Vt., created the StoryWalk concept and developed it in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Morgan Wyke enjoyed the Norwalk StoryWalk with her 18-month-old son Gabriel. 

“It was wonderful. We definitely would come back,” said Wyke, who believes the perfect age range is 10 months to five years.

Each sign along the path includes an activity.

“You had to hiss like a snake and hop like a bunny,” Wyke said.

At the start of the StoryWalk is a playground, which now includes two wooden, convertible bench-tables. Three more are at the nearby pavilion. They were a local Eagle Scout project.

Recreation director Niki Cross shared how StoryWalk came to fruition in Norwalk.

“She (Church) contacted me and said, ‘I have a great opportunity,’” Cross said, referring to the grant. “We brought the idea to general services, which would be responsible for installing the posts.”

Part of the process included measuring where each station would be so they would be as equidistant as possible. 

The plan is to feature a new story every three months.

“It’s a picture book, but there are words in it, so the kids will read it,” Church said. 

Like the assistant library director, Cross is pleased with the way the city and library worked together.

“Collaborations are the key to bringing things like this to our community. It’s a win-win situation,” Cross said.

If you are interested in donating to StoryWalk, call Stacey Church at 419-668-6063.