Zoe Greszler

Main Street saw the closing of one of its businesses last Sunday, but no time was wasted in filling the space.

AbbyLynn Photography, which opened at 32 E. Main St. in 2015, officially moved the business to 319 Brunswick Drive in Huron. Sunday, however, neighbor Daniel’s Hobbies was quick to act, seeking to expand its shop into the neighboring space as soon as the owners heard of the possibility. Tuesday marked the hobby shop’s first day of work in the building. 

Daniel’s Hobbies plans to use the former photography studio as a racing track and event space.

“She just moved out Sunday. I found out she was leaving by accident,” co-owner Rob Gornek said. “We were actively looking for a place to put a track in. ... We wanted to let (the owner) know we were interested right away.”

The track will cater to several areas of the racing hobby.

“We’re just basically going to put in an indoor carpet track, what they call a short course,” he said. “It’ll be one-tenth scale on down to 1/12th scale.

“Basically what I want to do is put in the carpet track, then be able to rearrange the track for whatever kind of race we’re doing. If we want a carpet track, short course we can do that. If we want to do the 1/12th scale on-the-road cars, we can do that. Just mix it up so we can have several different types of tracks in one. We also plan to put a rock wall in up in the front of the store.”

The second shop space will double as birthday parties and event space for rent as well, Gornek said, adding the track would be included for the group’s use. 

Gornek said it’s important to Daniel’s Hobbies to provide for the community what can’t be found anywhere in the area.

“It should be nice. There’s nothing like that around here,” he said. “You can cover 100 miles in between shops. There’s so many people that don’t have any place to run, especially the carpet cars. That’s a real big end of the hobby still and there’s place to enjoy it. Basically we just want to offer a place for people to run.”

To get the space ready, Gornek said doors will be cut out of the wall separating the two sides of the shop, allowing customers to walk between the show room and track room easily. Gornek said he hopes the whole construction project is complete and ready to open within two weeks.

The shop hopes the space will not only be an asset to local hobbyists, but also the community in general, being available for the local schools or fundraiser events if needed.

Gornek said overall, the move signifies a positive move for the business.

“I’m not going to say we’re killing it by any means, but it’s growing fast,” he said. “We’re still evolving and there’s still more we want to do.”

ACE Hardware a top performer

Ace Hardware Corp. announced the Norwalk Ace Hardware achieved the designation as a “Pinnacle Performance Retailing” store for its outstanding performance.

Developed as part of Ace’s long-term retail growth strategy, 20/20 Vision, Pinnacle Performance Retailing is focused on Ace’s customers, helping to ensure that Ace stores deliver on its brand promise.

With more than 4,800 stores in more than 60 countries, the team at Norwalk Ace Hardware is one of only a few hundred Ace retailers to achieve this prestigious status, which it did by completing a number of key performance drivers that will help them provide a better overall shopping experience in their local community.

One example of a proven performance driver is “helpful certification,” the foundational element of Ace’s “certified Ace helpful” retail training curriculum. To become certified, Ace Hardware associates complete courses such as Helpful 101 and 201 and the store conducts a week-long team-based certification event.

“The team at Norwalk Ace Hardware is incredibly pleased to have earned the status as a Pinnacle Performance Retailing store for the fourth year in a row,” co-owner Lisa Bleile said.

“What this means for our customers is that we are more committed than ever to providing our loyal shoppers with the best possible retail experience; from customer service to product offerings and more, we’re taking ‘Ace helpful’ to a new level. We could not have achieved Pinnacle status without the support of our community — thank you.”

CertainTeed Corp. adds $37 million expansion

AVERY — CertainTeed Corp., the leading North American manufacturer of building materials has partnered with several Erie County-based economic and community development groups to expand its 55-acre roofing shingle manufacturing factory in Milan.

The facility expansion, slated for completion by year-end 2020, will support materials processing, logistics and vertical integration of CertainTeed’s existing operations. The project will result in the addition of ten new jobs, allow for the retention of 196 current positions and significantly add to Erie County’s tax base.

“The CertainTeed Roofing Products Group and all employees at the local plant in Milan are extremely pleased with the support that the local business community has provided throughout this planning phase of the project,” said Troy Fronzaglio, regional manufacturing manager. “Over the last 50 years our employees have worked to safely produce high quality roofing shingles to our Lake Central-area regional customers. This expansion project further secures our plant’s future in a very competitive market.”

The expansion is a group effort.

An economic development team — including the Erie County Economic Development Corp., Milan Township trustees, JobsOhio and Team NEO — worked with CertainTeed to provide support and coordination with various government agencies, utilities and rail companies to ensure smooth progression of the project. Entities involved included Erie County, Columbia Gas, TransCanada, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Norfolk Southern, the Ohio Rail Development Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

“CertainTeed Corp. has contributed greatly to our regional economy over the last forty years through employment, capital investment and innovation,” said Abbey Bemis, Erie County Economic Development Corp. executive director. “We are pleased to be a part of their continued advancement and success.”

IT&T acquired by ES Consulting 

ES Consulting Inc. of Ontario announced its acquisition of Information Technology and Training (IT&T) of Norwalk.

ES Consulting has been in business since 2001 offering the best of information technology (IT) services to clients all throughout the United States. Their primary business focus is bringing enterprise-level technology solutions to the small and medium-sized businesses in Ohio.

This acquisition isn’t only beneficial for the expansion of ES Consulting, it also allows them to better serve businesses in the Northern Ohio region with highest quality IT security and support services. The acquisition was finalized April 1.

IT&T, which was Advanced Business Technologies when they originally opened in 2000, served the Northern Ohio region with IT support ranging from remote help desk to on-site Support services, and also handled various technology related projects.

“We feel this will allow us to better serve all of our existing clients and allow us to offer even more beneficial services to those businesses,” IT&T CEO Ben Boss said.

“We were looking for a way to expand our offerings to our clients, and working with ES Consulting was a perfect match to allow this to happen. It was very important for us to find a culture and company that match what we currently have so that we could focus on what is best for our clients.”

Boss said he felt ES Consulting, which was rated in the Inc. Best Workplaces for 2017, was a natural fit.

“With their product development, it is like taking a technology business and moving it 10 years into the future” he added.

“We have been growing rapidly and are very excited to bring in IT&T. They have done an excellent job serving the businesses in their community and will even be able to help us develop our training offerings for our clients” said Dennis Fox, president and CEO of ES Consulting.

With the acquisition, no jobs will be lost and ES Consulting will continue to serve existing clients and develop even further in the Norwalk and Northern Ohio regions.

Rutter joins Ashley Group

The Ashley Group welcomed local industry expert Sherri Rutter to the group benefits division as an employee benefits advisor in Maumee.

Rutter has been in the health insurance industry for 20 years. Most recently, she worked as account executive for Paramount Health Care for over 17 years where her responsibilities paired her with brokers and consultants to provide health insurance to employer groups in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

“The Ashley Group serves a number of employer groups in Huron County, half of which are actually located in Norwalk,” agency development manager Stephanie Oblander said. “We are actively seeking to grow our presence in that area even further.”

As employee benefits advisor at The Ashley Group, Rutter’s primary focus will be to continue to help employers offer an employee benefits package that helps them attract and retain talent while meeting the company’s financial goals.

Tractor Supply raises $67,000 for 4-H

Ohio 4-H youth will have opportunities to learn valuable leadership skills thanks to $67,209 donated by Ohio Tractor Supply customers through Paper Clover, a biannual fundraising campaign held in partnership with National 4-H Council.

“Our loyal customers and dedicated team members continue to support 4-H through Paper Clover because they see the value in supporting the future of agriculture within their own communities and across the country,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Co.

“4-H programs, camps and conferences help develop today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders, and the goal of Paper Clover is to expose more youth to those growth opportunities.”

Earlier this month, Ohio Tractor Supply customers participated in Paper Clover by purchasing paper clovers — the emblem of 4-H — for a monetary donation of their choice at checkout in stores and online. 2018 marks the ninth consecutive year of Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover campaign. The company’s biannual fundraiser has collectively generated more than $13.9 million in essential funding over its history.

The Paper Clover campaign will return to Ohio Tractor Supply stores this fall, from Oct. 3 to Oct. 14. Identical to the spring, customers can participate in the 2018 Fall Paper Clover campaign by purchasing paper clovers during checkout in stores and online at www.TractorSupply.com.

For more information on the program, visit www.TractorSupply.com/4H.

Tramec Sloan named Partner of the Year

SHELBY — Tramec Sloan was named the 2018 Ralph Phillips Business Partner of the Year at the 13th annual awards dinner at Pioneer Career & Technology Center in Shelby on March 14.

This prestigious award is given to an area business that has demonstrated support for Pioneer and its programs, students and alumni. It was renamed in 2010 in honor of the late Ralph Phillips, president and owner of Phillips Manufacturing and Tower Co., the first recipient of the award. The criteria for this award around the attributes most admired in Phillips.

Tramec Sloan, located in Galion, supports the precision machining lab through the advisory committee, tours for students and hiring Pioneer graduates. They help make sure the precision machining lab has what it needs to be successful.

The Galion facility processes over 9 million pounds of brass each year for fittings. These fittings are then used in hose assemblies that are also made in Galion. For over 35 years, Tramec Sloan has been an American-based manufacturer and supplier of air, electric, fittings and mechanical components for commercial vehicles and industrial applications.

 In other health business...

High Hep. C risk among baby boomers 

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 throughout the month of May, 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.

The Willows honored for customer service

WILLARD — As residents and their family members of Trilogy’s senior living communities know, the Willows at Willard is serious about customer service.

Exceeding their customers’ expectations is the company’s utmost goal and those that go above and beyond in pursuit of this goal are recognized and rewarded. Recently, at Trilogy’s annual spring meeting, which took place April 17 to 19 in Louisville, Ky., The Willows at Willard discovered that they had received the top award in Customer Service.

This award, dubbed the “Sweet Nebraska!” award by Trilogy President and CEO Randall Bufford, first came into existence last year in order to recognize campuses who scored over 9.75 out of 10 on its customer satisfaction surveys, based on feedback from residents and family members. In 2017, three Trilogy senior living communities earned this honor. In 2018, 12 made the list.

The Willows at Willard scored a 9.80 out of 10.

“Everything we do at The Willows is for the benefit of those we serve,” executive director Danielle Phillips said.

“The needs and desires of our residents and family members shape the services we offer at our campus. Their feedback on our customer satisfaction surveys is a great indicator of the quality of care that we provide, and we are honored to receive such high recognition. I am proud to be a member of a team who is always willing to go the extra mile for our customers.”

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 email zoegreszler@norwalkreflector.com.

A Nor­walk res­i­dent was threatened and robbed Saturday while walking home on Whittlesey Avenue.

The victim was near the intersection of Bouscay and Whittlesey Avenues just before 6 p.m. when he cut through the Bouscay Avenue apartment complex in order to stop at a soda machine outside the apartments, according to a Norwalk police report.

“He was approached by a male who requested his money and threatened to cut him if he didn’t give him the money,” police Capt. Eric Hipp said. “The victim did not see a weapon but the male did indicate he had a knife.”

Hipp said the victim said he didn’t know the assailant, who took $35. The victim was not harmed in the encounter.

The suspect is described as a white man, about 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds with a full, black beard about one to three inches long. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt during the robbery.

Hipp said police have no reason to believe this is a continued threat to the community.

“It’s hard to say, but people should always be aware of their surroundings,” he said. “There’s nothing to indicate this is anything more than a one-time event.”

By Nishit Shah

Did you know that every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke?

Because a stroke can happen to anyone at any time, it is important that everyone know the signs of a stroke and what to do at the first signs of a stroke. It is important to act fast during a stroke event.

As we celebrate American Stroke Month, it is a perfect time to talk about the acronym, F.A.S.T. This acronym is a tool to help everyone remember the most common warning signs and symptoms of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness and Speech Difficulty. If you have any of these, symptoms it is Time to call 911.

Knowing the F.A.S.T. acronym can save the life of a loved one or friend. According to the American Stroke Association, in 66 percent of stroke cases, someone other than the patient makes the decision to seek stroke treatment. Acting F.A.S.T. will make a difference in someone’s quality of life.

Lifestyle Changes Can Minimize Stroke Risk

Here are two facts from the American Stroke Association that are important to know about stroke prevention. First, up to 80 percent of strokes may be preventable. Second, one in four stroke survivors have a second stroke, but second strokes are largely preventable with lifestyle changes.

So, here are eight ways you can help through lifestyle changes to prevent a stroke from occurring or reoccurring:

1) Monitor your blood pressure. Did you know that high blood pressure is the No. 1 risk factor for stroke? Be sure to know your numbers and take steps to control your blood pressure.

2) Control your cholesterol. By managing your cholesterol, you are better able to maintain a healthy brain, which requires normal blood flow and oxygen.

3) Keep your blood sugar down. It’s important to get your blood sugar tested and under control. If high blood sugars are left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of health complications.

4) Get active. Get moving and get your heart pumping. Activity throughout the day can make a difference. Activities can include walking, running, bicycling, dancing or even outdoor chores such as mowing and gardening. The goal is to stay active.

5) Eat better. Along with physical activity, you need to have a healthy diet. Foods like fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains can lower your risk for a stroke and heart disease.

6) Lose weight. Be sure to maintain a healthy weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). This can lead to health benefits such as better regulation of your blood pressure.

7) Don’t smoke. If you smoke, it is important to quit. Smoking is a leading risk factor for stroke.

8) Talk to your doctor about aspirin or other medications. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your physician before beginning an aspirin regimen.

These are some of the preventable risk factors that could decrease your chances of having a stroke. But, it is always important to remember, if you think you or someone you love is experiencing stroke symptoms, act F.A.S.T and get to your nearest emergency room.

Dr. Nishit Shah is the medical director of Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s hospitalist program. He is board certified in internal medicine and has been a member of the Fisher-Titus hospitalist team since July 2016.

The weather today won’t be as warm as it was over the weekend.

However, it won’t be as chilly as it was for most of March and April.

Today’s forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high in the low 60s and an overnight low in the lower 40s — the lowest temperature of the week.

For the rest of the week, highs will be in the 60s and 70s and lows will be 50s for the most part.

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

On Tuesday, the sun will rise at 6:18:13 a.m. and set at 8:35:36 p.m.

Local forecast

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

Today - Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind 14 to 16 mph.

Tonight - Patchy frost after 5 a.m. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 41. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Tuesday - Patchy frost before 7 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 8 mph in the morning.

Tuesday night - Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Wednesday night - A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday night - A chance of showers before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday - Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Friday night - A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.

Saturday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Sunday - A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Here is a roundup of recent agriculture-related news releases:

New Field Managers Join Soil Health Partnership Team in Iowa and Wisconsin

ST. LOUIS — The Soil Health Partnership welcomed two new field managers to the staff, supporting farmers on the ground in the growing soil health effort. Lisa Kubik, and Tricia Verville joined the SHP in April to assist with the growing number of farmers in the program in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“Recent staff promotions within our organization and our growing presence in 12 states drives this latest staff expansion,” said acting SHP Director and National Corn Growers Association Vice President of Production and Sustainability Nick Goeser. ”We welcome Lisa and Tricia to the partnership and look forward to their expertise and enthusiasm.”

SHP field managers help new farmers get started in the program with test plots, and assist along the way with soil sampling, monitoring and answering questions about the farming techniques implemented on a particular site. They help organize, attend and offer presentations at field days. Most importantly, the field managers’ expertise and training are critical to the success of the research gained from the field for the long-term data project.

Kubik will work in eastern Iowa, taking over for Elyssa McFarland who has been recently promoted to Key Relationships Director for the Soil Health Partnership. Verville will work in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

A Certified Crop Advisor, Kubik comes to the Soil Health Partnership after five years with WinField United, a Land O’Lakes Company. She is a 2014 graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business and a minor in agronomy and animal science. She grew up on a farm in Lake Mills, Iowa.

“I most look forward to working with farmers, building those relationships and helping them make sustainable practices work economically on their farms,” Kubik said. “Farmers are interested in practices like no-till and cover crops, but they want to make sure it works for them economically. I’m excited to be part of that.”

Verville comes to the organization after a year working on shoreland, floodplain and zoning regulations for Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Prior to that, she spent three years as a Crop Specialist for Insight FS in Wautoma, Wisconsin, providing agronomy support and sales to local growers. A Certified Crop Advisor and certified crop specialist, she is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point, majoring in soil and land management with a minor in environmental law enforcement.

“Everything starts with the soil and depends on the soil,” Verville said. “Even though my family didn’t farm, I have always been interested in plants and science, and soil health is critical. I am excited to be a resource for farmers.”

An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the Soil Health Partnership is a data-driven program working to quantify the benefits of practices that support soil health from an economic as well as environmental standpoint.

The Soil Health Partnership is a farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health, benefiting both farmer profitability and the environment. With more than 100 working farms enrolled in more than 10 states the SHP tests, measures and advances progressive farm management practices that will enhance sustainability and farm economics for generations to come. SHP brings together diverse partners to work towards common goals.

* * *

Ag Community Relief announces truck raffle fundraiser

Fresh on the heels of several long-distant road-trips this past month delivering desperately needed hay, feed and fencing supplies to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers impacted by a 350,000 acre wildfire, the Ag Community Relief organization is renewing its fundraising focus for the next natural disaster and scholarships.

The Michigan-based volunteer organization is partnering with Milnes Auto Group with locations in Imlay City, Mich. and Lapeer, Mich., for a truck raffle, according to Ag Community Relief President, Matt Schaller.

“The grand prize for one lucky winner is a new 2018 3/4 ton diesel, 4 door, 4x4, short box truck,” Schaller said. “Better yet, thanks to the Milnes Auto Group, the winner will be also be able to choose between a Ford, Chevy or Dodge.”

According to Schaller, ticket sales for the truck raffle will be limited to the first 1,000 sold at a price of $100 each, and will include a second-place prize of $2,500 in cash, and a third-place prize of $1,500 in cash. Proceeds will go to benefit the Ag Community Relief Fund and their Scholarship program.

The winning ticket will be drawn on September 8, 2018 at 4:00 pm at the Woods-N-Water Expo in Imlay City, MI. Visit the Ag Community Relief’s online store or call 517-668-2676 to purchase tickets.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older to enter, have a valid driver’s license as required by state law. All applicable state and federal taxes, license, registration fees, insurance, dealer preparation charges, and other expenses not listed herein are the winner’s responsibility and must be paid when prize is claimed.

Prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Winner need not be present at the Grand Prize drawing to win, but must present personal identification with his or her photograph, name and address and complete affidavit of eligibility and release and take delivery of the Grand Prize vehicle from Milnes Auto Group within 90 days of the drawing.

Prize cannot be substituted except by the sponsor who reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if the advertised prize is not available. Void where prohibited by law. For official contest rules and additional details, visit https://www.agcommunityrelief.com/truck-raffle.

* * *

Secretary Perdue Applauds President Trump’s Selection for USDA’s Under Secretary for Food Safety

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on May 4 applauded President Donald J. Trump’s selection of Dr. Mindy Brashears to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Food Safety. After the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“Food safety is at the core of USDA’s mission, because it directly affects the health and well-being of millions of Americans every day. President Trump has made an excellent choice in Dr. Mindy Brashears, and I am excited to have her join the team. Dr. Brashears has spent decades finding ways to improve food safety standards through innovation, invention, and leadership on research missions across the globe. I look forward to her bringing that wealth of expertise and track record of results here to USDA.

“In the meantime, we still have qualified people in addition to Dr. Brashears awaiting confirmation to fill key roles at USDA. I urge the Senate take up all of our nominations as quickly as possible.”

Dr. Brashears is a Professor of Food Safety and Public Health and the Director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence at Texas Tech University. Dr. Brashears’ research program focuses on improving food safety standards to make an impact on public health. Her highly acclaimed work evaluates interventions in pre- and post-harvest environments and on the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance in animal feeding systems. These efforts have resulted in commercialization of a pre-harvest feed additive that can reduce E. coli and Salmonella in cattle. She also leads international research teams to Mexico, Central and South America to improve food safety and security and to set up sustainable agriculture systems in impoverished areas. She is past-Chair of the National Alliance for Food Safety and Security and of the USDA multi-state research group.

* * *

Secretary Perdue Statement on President Trump’s Faith and Opportunity Initiative Executive Order

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on May 3 praised President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order establishing the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative within the Office of the President.

The Executive Order, which coincided with the National Day of Prayer, requires consultation with faith and community leaders to address such issues as poverty alleviation, religious liberty, strengthening marriage and family, education, solutions for substance abuse and addiction, crime prevention and reduction, prisoner reentry, and health and humanitarian services. It recognizes the tremendous ability of these organizations to serve individuals, families, and communities.

Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“On this National Day of Prayer, I am gratified to join with President Trump to elevate the importance of our faith community in meeting the challenges facing our great nation. These community leaders are in touch with their citizens and are often best equipped to offer insights on how to provide support and improve lives. At the Department of Agriculture, we are already engaged with faith leaders on many fronts, including efforts to battle the growing opioid crisis in rural America. I commend the President for his support of the important work of the faith community and the recognition that government alone cannot solve every problem we face.”

* * *

Secretary Perdue Announces e-Connectivity Grant for Rural Alabama

BRILLIANT, Ala. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on May 3 announced USDA is awarding a $2.9 million grant to the Tombigbee Electric Cooperative to bring e-Connectivity to rural Marion County, Alabama.

“In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of rural electrification and what it meant to people in those communities. FDR said it was ‘a modern necessity of life, not a luxury. That necessity ought to be found in every village, in every house, and on every farm in every part of the United States.’ Though he was talking about electricity, the same can be said for broadband Internet access today. To compete in today’s global marketplace, we must remove the infrastructure gaps in rural communities,” Secretary Perdue said. “This grant is in keeping with President Trump’s directive that we use all available tools to increase prosperity in rural America. As we pursue economic expansion, we recognize that broadband e-Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity.”

Tombigbee Electric Cooperative will use a USDA Community Connect Grant to deploy a Fiber-to-the-Premises network in the community of Brilliant and in surrounding areas of Marion County, Ala. This project will connect nearly 500 households to high-speed broadband as well as businesses and essential community services in the area. In addition, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative will establish a community center within the service area where residents can access the internet free of charge.

USDA’s Community Connect Grant Program provides grants to bring high-speed e-Connectivity to rural communities where there is not yet a business case for private providers to deliver service.

USDA is accepting applications through May 14 in the longstanding Community Connect program that has been in existence since 2002. Grants from $100,000 to $3 million are available to state and local governments, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits and for-profit corporations.

The funds must be used to provide broadband service at a minimum bandwidth of 25 megabits downstream and three megabits upstream, which are the benchmark speeds the Federal Communications Commission has adopted for broadband connectivity. Awardees must offer free broadband service to all critical community facilities in their proposed service areas for two years and provide a community center with free broadband service for two years.

For more details on this grant opportunity, see page 11494 of the March 15 Federal Register.

Modern infrastructure is a necessity – not an amenity – for any community to thrive. Infrastructure is a foundation to provide a high quality of life and economic opportunities. USDA is proud to partner with local rural communities to help address their infrastructure needs.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

By James P. DeWan

It’s a better-than-even bet that if you’re perusing this column, you know how to fill two slices of bread with something delicious.

After all, membership in the Club for People-Who-Know-How-to-Read-But-Can’t-Make-a-Sandwich is mostly limited to a handful of hideous human-cow hybrids on the lam from Dr. Moreau’s Island of Lost Souls. What would they know from sandwiches anyway?

Hybrid or not, we are all of us imperfect creatures fashioning imperfect creations, meaning there’s always room for improvement to our hallowed midday repast. Read on, then, o ye non-possessors of bovine DNA.

WHY YOU NEED TO LEARN THIS

If you’re anything like me (may God have mercy upon your soul), lunch is one of your top three favorite meals. And since nothing says “lunch” more than a sandwich, why not make that sandwich a shining, glorious tribute to the Celebrated Foods of Earth?

THE STEPS YOU TAKE

First, I want to remind you of the one capital-T Truth that pervades the universe. Ready? Get out your pencils: “There’s no accounting for taste.”

Got it?

You’re partial to rough denim jeans, for example, while I prefer supple leather chaps. (Did I just type that out loud?) Or, more on-topic, even though you’re the roast beef and Swiss type, I’d never proselytize on behalf of my heinously tasty deviled ham. And that’s because there’s no such thing as “The Perfect Sandwich.”

I will suggest, however, that, regardless of the sandwich you fancy, there are steps you can take to ensure it’s as good as can be. It’s like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. That bichon frise wasn’t the best dog on the planet; it was just the closest to its Platonic ideal. Dig?

Something to remember is that the components of a sandwich are experienced individually rather than subsumed, Borg-like, into the whole. Unlike, say, a beef stew, where the ingredients are all simmered together, each ingredient in a sandwich is experienced individually. The bread, the mayo, the lettuce — every individual item is there to be tasted.

Now, between your cupboard and your fridge, you’ve probably got more than half a hatful of yummy things to put into a sandwich: your delicious leftover roast chicken, a jar of excellent peanut butter, a can of high-quality tuna. Notice those descriptors: “delicious,” “excellent” and “high-quality.” The first step to a great sandwich is great ingredients. And nothing, in my stupid opinion, is as important as the bread, and that’s where we’ll start with the handy suggestions.

1. Bread

Bread, of course, is the one thing that all sandwiches have in common. Oh, sure, throw a jibarito in my face, why don’t you, crowing about how that Puerto Rican-style sandwich and its Latin cousins replace the bread with flattened and fried plantain slices. And now that you’re brimming with righteous indignation, you may as well continue: “Ooh, and what about those sandwiches that use two deep-fried chicken scallopini instead of bread?”

OK, Lumpy, I’ll give you the jibarito, with the caveat that, at least those plantains are starchy like bread. As for that other abomination, sure, you can call a hamburger between two chicken breasts a sandwich. And I can dress my duck in a vest and call him Jeeves, but he’s still not going to buttle me my brandy Alexander, is he? That chicken monstrosity is a sandwich like Dracula’s a bat: Everything’s cute and tasty until somebody gets their neck punctured.

So, look, here’s my point: You need bread for your sandwich, but, the kind of bread is entirely a matter of taste. My kids like that gnarly bread with whole grains and bits of nuts and shards of fossilized teeth. Blech. Me, I like plain white bread.

Lastly, I know again what you’re thinking: “Toast? Not toast?” Sweet mother of Pinesol, do I have to decide everything for you? Just get some good bread, and do with it what you will.

2. Condiments

This one sounds obvious, but, stay with me: When using condiments like mayo or mustard, spread them evenly and generously across the entire interior surface of the bread. Oh, stop rolling your eyes. Ignore this piece of advice and that last bite of sandwich will be as dry and tasteless as Caligula’s day planner.

3. Layering

This is also important: Whatever you place on your sandwich, whether meats or cheeses or the crumbled remains of Nefertiti’s funerary roast, be sure they’re layered evenly so that each bite is as consistent as a Venus Williams backhand.

4. Height

And, finally, and I know this disputes the theories of many respected sandwiterians: Never make a sandwich whose height exceeds the diameter of your yawning maw. My Kendall College colleague, chef Elaine Sikorski, has coined a word, “eatability,” to evaluate the entire experience of consuming whatever it is. I’m thinking of those mile-high hamburgers that have become such a rage these days, the ones that are only enjoyed to their fullest back on the Island of Lost Souls by those human-rattlesnake hybrids who have to dislocate their lower jaw just to fit the darn thing in. In the words of Louis Jordan, “Brother beware.”

Eatability also means layering the ingredients in such a manner so as not to have them cascading unfettered from the first bite onto Madge’s Chanel bustier.

In short, all of this advice adds up to just one overarching thought: Make all your sandwiches with love.

Now, go fix us some lunch.

———

DEVILED HAM

Prep: 15 minutes

Makes: about 4 sandwiches

The ham-to-mayo ratio can be altered depending on how sloppy or dry you like it. Follow the base recipe, then dress it up with one or more of the variations.

1 pound cooked ham, cut into bite-size pieces and minced in a food processor

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 small onion, cut into small dice

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 to 2 teaspoons paprika

1/2 cup mayonnaise, or to taste

Hot sauce, as needed

Salt, as needed

Black pepper, as needed

1. Combine first five ingredients.

2. Add mayonnaise a little at a time until you achieve desired consistency.

3. Add hot sauce to desired strength.

4. Season and chill for one hour before serving.

Nutrition information per serving: 382 calories, 27 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 74 mg cholesterol, 3 g carbohydrates, 1 g sugar, 29 g protein, 2,104 mg sodium, 0 g fiber

Variations

1. Swap part of the mayo for sour cream, creme fraiche or cream cheese.

2. Use a different mustard, like spicy Creole mustard.

3. Use green or red onions instead of white.

4. Add a tablespoon or two of pickle relish.

5. A clove or two of minced garlic never hurt anyone.

6. Try a squeeze of lemon juice or a spill of vinegar of your choice.

7. Add another veg, like a small dice of celery or carrot.

———

©2018 Chicago Tribune

Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

May 7, 1969

The top stories in the Norwalk Reflector on this date 49 years ago:

Democrats nominate Giles, Fish, Robinson; Becker is GOP winner

William H. Giles, Robert B. Fish and Paul W. Robinson won Democratic nominations for Norwalk City Council Tuesday as David H. Becker defeated G. Thomas Hutton for the right to run for second ward councilman on the Republican ticket.

The city-wide Democratic contest for three councilman-at-large nominations and the second ward Republican race were the only primary elections in Huron County.

Lawrence Bresson lost in the four-way Democratic race. The margin between the top vote-getter of the four candidates, Giles, and Bresson, however, was only a matter of 13 votes, according to the unofficial returns.

Norwalk COE holds banquet

HURON -- The third annual Cooperative Office Education Banquet was held for Norwalk High School members and their employers Tuesday night at the Twine House in Huron.

Sandy Kurtz gave the invocation. A welcome was then presented by Cathy Beck.

Nancy Weinert introduced the various members who in return introduced employers and presented them with certificates. Cathy Beck presented a tie clasp to Rex Lantz, advisor for cooperative office education in Norwalk.

After dinner, a farewell was presented by Martha Fink.

Fishers will note fifty years

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Fisher will honor their parents with a reception and open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall and a Mass of Thanksgiving at the St. Paul Catholic Church at 7:30 p.m.  Monday to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.

Joseph Fisher and Flora Pflieger were married May 13, 1919 by the Rev. Albert J. Aust in St. Alphonsus Church, Settlement Road.

Fisher worked as an apprentice piano tuner at the Meister Piano Company beginning in 1912. In 1917 he went to work for Gennels of Detroit, Mich. but moved back to Monroeville in 1918 to start his own business.

In 1925 Fisher moved his business to Norwalk in partnership with O.D. Zoll, under the business name of Fisher and Zoll. He bought Zoll out in 1930 and has been in business for himself ever since as Fisher Music, 9 West Main St.

While working as piano tuner, Fisher did tuning for all of the major symphony orchestras of the day. He traveled around the county and tuned pianos for the Garrick House, Detroit, and for Columbia Artists and RCA Victor.

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have four children, Mrs. Charles (Marian) Reichert, Mrs. Tom (Lois) Hug, John R. (Bob) and Howard, all of Norwalk.

Top airman

(Photo caption) Airman Elmer J. Buki, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer J. Buki, 11 Locust Lane, has been named Airman of the Month in his unit at Eglin AGB, Fla. A graduate of St. Paul’s High School, the airman attended Miami University.

Tired Flyer

(Photo caption) St. Paul Flyer Dave Wasiniak placed first in the pole vault at the Firelands Invitational by clearing the pole at 12 feet 5 inches. Also in the picture are Bob Runyon, coach, Steve Collins, third place pole vault, and Bill Schaffer, second place discus.

— Compiled by Andy Prutsok

WILLARD — The Huron County Community Library is sponsoring a program and book signing by Andy “Captain Blue” Niekamp from Dayton. Niekamp will present “Thru-Hiking the Buckeye Trail: Things That Will Change the Way You See Ohio” at 6 p.m. June 21 at the Willard Memorial Library, 6 W. Emerald St., Willard.

This 60-minute program is free and open to the public.

Niekamp is a four-time, end-to-end Appalachian Trail hiker who tackled a 1,444 mile trail in 2011 in his home state in one continuous journey, alone and on foot. The Buckeye Trail loops its way around the four corners of Ohio from the shores of the Ohio River to Lake Erie, and from the rolling hills of Southern Ohio to the glaciated plains of Ohio’s Northwest.

The Buckeye Trail is the longest circular trail in the U.S. Unlike a wilderness long-distance trail, the Buckeye Trail traverses the urban, suburban, rural, industrial, and forested parts of Ohio. It is a trail with abundant natural beauty, history and experiences that only walking Ohio can bring.

On this journey, Niekamp is a long-distance hiker in a non-hiker world. His presentation is a personal, honest, and transparent account of the highs and lows of solo thru-hiking the Buckeye Trail.

In his 88-day adventure, Niekamp battles the cold, rain, snow, heat, and humidity of springtime in Ohio. He endures the physical test of walking for miles every day in a variety of environments and on a variety of treadways. He discovers his home state, past and present, and the genuine kindness of strangers. It’s a story that inspires and entertains.

Andy “Captain Blue” Niekamp has been a wilderness adventurer for more than 25 years. This IT professional turned long-distance hiker has logged over 14,000 miles in more than 30 different states coast-to-coast, including 9,500 miles on the Appalachian Trail.

Andy captures the power of the journey in his new book, “Captain Blue on the Blue Blazes: The First Solo Thru-Hike of Ohio’s 1,444 mile Buckeye Trail”. He will be available for a book signing following his presentation.

About the Buckeye Trail: The Buckeye Trail was first envisioned in the late 1950’s as a 500-mile diagonal trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Over the years, it has evolved into a 1,444-mile loop, radiating north, east, and west from Cincinnati. The purpose of the Buckeye Trail is to not only get hikers out to enjoy the natural beauty of Ohio’s rivers, streams, hills, and forests, but also to highlight hundreds of significant landmarks and historical places. The Buckeye Trail was chosen as Ohio’s Millennium Legacy Trail in 2000. The Buckeye Trail is maintained and promoted by the Buckeye Trail Association, a non-profit organization. For more information about the Buckeye Trail, visit http://www.buckeyetrail.org. 

Zoe Greszler

BELLEVUE — Fire affected at least 10 railroad cars and damaged power lines Saturday evening.

Units from several area fire departments responded to the Norfolk Southern rail yard shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, including the Bellevue, Berlin Township, Clyde, Groton Township, Huron River Joint Fire, Margaretta Township, Milan Township Perkins and Townsend Townhsip departments.

Flames from the burning tanker cars shot high in the air, catching fire to the power lines above. At 10 p.m. Saturday, an official told the Reflector “they’ll probably be there for awhile.”

“We walked in the house at 2:22 a.m. (Sunday),” Groton Township Fire Chief Kerry Jett said Sunday evening.

The cause of the fire was still undetermined Sunday, the chief said.

“I’ll let Norfolk Southern determine that,” Jett said. “It looks like it probably was a failure in a piece of equipment. It was nothing intentional. It was just an accident.”

The fires affected tanker cars carrying ethanol, and those tankers were damaged by the flames, Jett said.

However, the situation could have become much worse.

“The ethanol tanker was damaged, it lost its product and it started a fire,” he said. “It was next to a liquefied petroleum tanker and a butane tanker was right next to it. Makes you get kind of tight chested.”

Once firefighters began their attack on the fire, it “didn’t take long” to get get it under control — about 90 minutes, the chief said.

“Safety is the number one concern,” he said. “Safety not only of the public, but the firefighters and equipment on the ground — you’re concerned about that too. Then you have to make a judgement call … If it works, well you’re a hero. If not, go to Plan B and hope that works. Thankfully Plan A worked here. It’s good we were able to determine what the best course was, especially given the situation.”

Firefighters went to Strecker Road and Ohio 99 to fill up water tanks.

The fire caused area roads to be closed temporarily. Among them were a section of Ohio 4 (for about an hour) and a section of Ohio 99 (for about 3 1/​2 hours).

Officials told the Reflector there were no injuries and no explosions. Damage estimates were not available Sunday evening.

“There was damage to the power line utility poles,” Jett said. “Those are all internal damages, though, to the utility power poles. They were Norfolk Southern’s poles, so they’ll take care of that.”

Jett said the initial report was still in progress, so he did not have totals for the number of firefighters and trucks at the scene.

Five rail lines converge at the rail yard, which is about halfway between New York City and Chicago — making it a key spot for Norfolk Southern.

Covering 650 acres and stretching 5.5 miles, the Bellevue location is one of Norfolk Southern’s largest hump yard and one of the largest in North America. Freight cars are collected and sorted for final destination there.

By Michael Finnegan

WASHINGTON — Has President Donald Trump, his lawyer Michael Cohen or anyone at the White House lied about the hush money paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election?

Yes.

Emails, text messages, recordings of phone calls and other evidence gathered by the FBI for a criminal investigation of Cohen might one day clarify precisely what was true and what was false.

For now, the public is left to sort through the contradictory statements of the president and his allies on the $130,000 payoff to Daniels, who says she had sex with Trump 12 years ago at a Lake Tahoe golf resort.

Trump and Cohen, who deny wrongdoing, face a thicket of legal trouble in the growing scandal. The falsehoods upon falsehoods, legal experts say, reflect an apparent cover-up that could well yield fraud, money-laundering or other criminal charges.

—Nov. 4, 2016

Four days before the election, The Wall Street Journal reports that Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was in talks with ABC to tell her story about Trump.

Trump campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks — who would later admit to Congress that she sometimes told “white lies” for Trump — says it is “absolutely, unequivocally” untrue that he had a relationship with Daniels.

It’s not yet publicly known that Cohen had just set up a shell corporation in Delaware to buy Daniels’ silence.

—Jan. 12, 2018

The Journal breaks the story of Cohen paying off Daniels. Cohen denies that Trump had a sexual encounter with Daniels, but does not comment on the $130,000 payment.

—Feb. 13, 2018

“I used my own personal funds to facilitate a payment of $130,000 to Ms. Stephanie Clifford,” Cohen tells The New York Times.

“Neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign was a party to the transaction with Ms. Clifford, and neither reimbursed me for the payment, either directly or indirectly. The payment to Ms. Clifford was lawful, and was not a campaign contribution or a campaign expenditure by anyone.”

Notably absent from Cohen’s statement is whether Trump personally reimbursed him.

—March 7, 2018

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders fields questions on the payoff to Daniels after Cohen secretly wins a temporary restraining order from an arbitrator to bar the porn star from breaking her nondisclosure agreement.

Asked whether Trump knew about the payment at the time it was made, Sanders responds, “Not that I’m aware of.”

“I’ve had conversations with the president about this,” Sanders says.

She adds: “There was no knowledge of any payments from the president, and he’s denied all of these allegations.”

In California, a Trump Organization lawyer seeks an arbitration order requiring Daniels to pay the president as much as $20 million in damages for breaching the nondisclosure agreement.

—March 9, 2018

Cohen tells ABC News that he took the $130,000 from his home equity line of credit and transferred it to the shell company that he used to pay Daniels.

“It was my money,” he says.

—March 19, 2018

In a Vanity Fair article, Cohen says Trump did not know that he paid off Daniels. For his own reasons, Cohen says, he made the payment with no expectation of getting reimbursed.

Cohen says he had no concern that he was jeopardizing his state bar standing by failing to inform a client of a major transaction affecting him.

—April 5, 2018

On Air Force One, Trump is asked directly whether he knew about the payment to Daniels.

“No,” he responds, saying reporters need to check with Cohen on why he’d pay off a woman making false allegations.

“Do you know where he got the money to make that payment?” a reporter asks.

“No,” Trump answers. “I don’t know.”

—May 2, 2018

Rudolph W. Giuliani, now one of Trump’s lawyer, changes the story, saying the president “funneled” the hush-money reimbursement through Cohen’s law firm.

“The president repaid it,” Giuliani tells Fox News.

Rather than a one-time reimbursement of $130,000, Giuliani says, it was split into $35,000 retainer payments to Cohen “with a little profit and a little margin for paying taxes.” At the time, Giuliani says, Cohen was “doing no work for the president.”

Trump “didn’t know about the specifics of it, as far as I know, but he did know about the general arrangement — that Michael would take care of things like this, like I take care of things like this for my clients,” Giuliani says. “I don’t burden them with every single thing that comes along. These are busy people.”

—May 3, 2018

Contradicting his earlier denial that he knew about the hush money, Trump backs up Giuliani’s statements in a series of Twitter posts.

The tweets seem designed to shoot down the argument that the payoff was intended to influence the election by keeping voters from finding out about Trump’s alleged extramarital relationship with Daniels. If the point was to sway the election, Trump’s campaign was required by law to report the payment to the Federal Election Commission in its filings on donations and spending.

A “knowing and willful” evasion of the law would be a felony.

—May 4, 2018

Trump and Giuliani muddle the story further. Giuliani “is a great guy but he just started a day ago” and is “learning the subject matter,” Trump says. “He’ll get his facts straight.” Giuliani actually went to work as the president’s lawyer two weeks ago.

Trump dodges the question of when he learned that the Cohen “retainer” payments were in part reimbursements for the payoff to Daniels, saying, “You’re going to find out, because we’re going to give a full list.”

Giuliani releases a statement “to clarify the views I expressed over the past few days.” The payment to Daniels, he says, “was made to resolve a personal and false allegation in order to protect the president’s family. It would have been done in any event, whether he was a candidate or not.

“My references to timing were not describing my understanding of the president’s knowledge, but instead, my understanding of these matters.”

———

©2018 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The Longaberger Co., a one-time sensation for the baskets it sold across the country, has gone out of business after years of decline, according to documents obtained by The Dispatch.

At its peak, the Dave Longaberger-founded company had sales of $1 billion, supporting nearly 8,000 employees. But Longaberger's death nearly 20 years ago started a decline that could never be reversed.

A little under two years ago Longaberger left its famous basket-shaped headquarters building in Newark, east of Columbus, and late last year had moved 25 miles further east in Dresden.

The New York Stock Exchange suspended trading on the shares of Longaberger parent JRJR Networks, based in Dallas, less than a month ago.

"I am very sorry to have to tell you that Longaberger, at this time, has ceased operations," said a note sent Friday to Longaberger sales consultants. The note advised sales consultants to "please take action as soon as possible" in contacting credit-card companies and also advised against attempting to place any further orders.

"I'm heartbroken to have to pass this information along, but I wanted to help you to get the information you need now from the website so that you can be prepared as you contact your customers," the note said.

Messages left for a spokesman at Longaberger's parent company, JRJR Networks, were not returned. Calls to Longaberger's home office, its Patio Shops and customer service went directly to voicemail. A message on the Patio Shops line indicated, at mid-afternoon, that it was closed.

The company's closing will result in a loss of tax revenue for the village of Dresden and comes as a surprise because of the effort the company put into relocating its offices to Dresden, said Larry King, a village councilman.

"It's the only manufacturing operation in town, so we certainly hate to hear this," he said of the operation making the company's baskets, which have always been made in Ohio and sold at a premium.

Dresden Mayor David Mathew said the closing was "horrible news for us."

"We were pretty excited to have them back in the village. People were eating in restaurants, buying gas, paying taxes. We hate to see this."

Retailers in Dresden were "in panic mode right now," one shop owner said Friday afternoon. The shop owner, who did not want to be identified, said that rumors about a closing had begun circulating but no one had heard anything official.

"I've seen highlights and the downfall," the shop owner said. "You just don't know what to expect."

The closing news comes less than a month after the New York Stock Exchange suspended trading of shares in Longaberger parent JRJR Networks and began the process of dropping the Dallas-based company.

Soon after the delisting move was announced, two companies that JRJR Networks owns in the United Kingdom — Kleeneze and Betterware — collapsed and plunged into administration, the British term for bankruptcy.

Two other JRJR Networks companies have collapsed in the past few months: Your Inspiration at Home, a maker of spices and other gourmet food items, is in bankruptcy in New Zealand and Australia; and My Secret Kitchen, a United Kingdom-based maker of gourmet foods, is in liquidation.

Longaberger was also hurt early last decade by a combination of hard economic times and changing consumer tastes, dropping annual sales to $100 million in 2014 and forcing several rounds of layoffs.

In 2013, JRJR Networks, then known as CVSL, bought a 51.7 percent stake in Longaberger, making the basketmaker the first acquisition by JRJR, which founder John Rochon Sr. had promoted as a holding company of direct-sales businesses.

But financial troubles persisted for both the Longaberger Co. and JRJR Networks, and Rochon in June 2014 asked Tami Longaberger, then CEO of the company her father founded, for a $1 million loan. By April 2015, a frustrated Tami Longaberger sent Rochon a resignation letter.

After falling behind by more than $800,000 to various local taxing entities for fees related to the company's iconic "Big Basket" headquarters in Newark, the basketmaker vacated the building in July 2016 and was served with foreclosure documents. In December 2017, the basket building was sold to a Canton-based developer.

The company also vacated its Frazeysburg campus and retreated to its roots in Dresden late last year.

———

©2018 The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio)

Visit The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio) at www.dispatch.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The Old State Road resurfacing project began Monday and is expected to continue for several weeks.

The project will begin at Ohio 601 and continue south to Gallup Road. It will stop and then resume at Executive Drive and continuing south to Hasbrock Road.

“The $800,000 resurfacing project was made possible by a grant from the Ohio Publics Works Commission and a cooperative effort with the Huron County Engineer’s Office, the city of Norwalk and the village of Milan” county engineer Lee Tansey said.

“Traffic delays are possible, please use caution when traveling and mindful of workers. We appreciate your patience during construction.”

NORWALK REFLECTOR STAFF

Here are pictures and information from the Huron County Jail regarding new inmates for May 4 to 6, 2018:

Kandace R. Alloway, 29, of Green Springs —  OVI over .17

Stacie L. Bement, 45, of 50 Pleasant St., Wakeman —  12 counts of forgery and three counts of theft 

Billie J. Fazenbaker, 29, of 46 Sandusky St., Willard -— Violation of probation 

Thomas S. Handy, 25, of 520 Milan Ave. — Hit skip and leave on private property, OVI over .17

Randy R. Henthorn, 32, of 116 Huffman St., Bellevue —  Violation of probation 

John L. Hofacker, 39, of 134 W. Main St., New London — Unlawful restraint 

Aaron L. Jones, 25, of 3795 Medussa Road —  OVI over .17

Brandon M. Kennard, 37, of 31 North St., Plymouth —  Menacing and resisting arrest 

Joshua D. Lopez, 38, of 73 W. Main St. -— Violation of probation 

Travis L. Oney, of 4607 Egypt Road, Willard —  Violation of probation 

Justin J. Palumbo, 23, of 152 Sinclair St., Bellevue — Domestic violence and assault 

Daniel R. Pietruszka, 61, of 2460 Daniels Road, Willard — OVI

Cierra N. Vermaaten, 19, of Shelby — Falsification 

Austin T. Yarnell, 23, of Akron -— Possession of drug paraphernalia 

* * *

Not pictured because they have already been released from jail:

Russell W. Hochmuth, 19, of Tiffin —- FRA suspension

Eric J. Meilander, 37, of 14750 Gifford Road -— No operating license

Cory L. Sullivan, 29, of Mentor On The Lake -— Menacing

In the first top-of-the-ticket GOP primary since Ohio's hard-right turn for Donald Trump in 2016, Mike DeWine and Mary Taylor continued to forage Saturday for votes in their quest for the party's nomination for governor.

In Westerville, the heavily favored DeWine dispatched about 65 volunteers on door-to-door rounds on behalf of his ninth run for statewide office, proclaiming, "We're going to have a great victory" in Tuesday's primary election.

Lt. Gov. Taylor, who has draped herself in all things Trump and attempted to run to Attorney General DeWine's right as "the only true conservative," was deemed unworthy of mention as he talked of the front-running Democrat and the November election.

"We can't go back to the days of (Ted) Strickland and (Richard) Cordray," DeWine said of Ohio's most recent Democratic governor and Cordray, the man he narrowly ousted from the attorney general's office in 2010 and who he considers a likely fall rematch.

Near her home turf in northeastern Ohio, Taylor decried DeWine as a "liberal," defended her association with two-time ticket mate Gov. John Kasich and had a much different read on the electorate than the polls' suggestions she is a decided underdog to the more-familiar DeWine.

"We feel great," Taylor said after speaking to about 20 people at the Auburn Inn at the Geauga County crossroads of Auburn Corners. "This race is a dead heat, and we're changing hearts and minds with these events. Conservatives are coming home."

Taylor told her audience: "Now is the time for choosing," embracing Trump's fight against immigration and sanctuary cities — and for building the border wall — while opposing Kasich's "gun-control measures" and continually questioning DeWine's conservatism.

The GOP primary fight has been a nasty, sometimes personal affair, with DeWine's campaign airing millions of dollars in TV commercials to counter Taylor's claims in commercials that DeWine is a lackluster Trump supporter and was not a reliable "no" vote on pro-immigration issues in the U.S. Senate.

Taylor's TV spots rankle Franklin County Republican Chairman Brad Sinnott, who introduced the state party-endorsed DeWine in Westerville.

"He's not a conservative? That's ridiculous. No one in this state has better conservative credentials. This election is not going to be a squeaker."

Taylor and running mate Nathan Estruth continue undeterred in a series of small retail events dubbed the "Mary Taylor Made Tough Tour."

DeWine sent off twice as many volunteers Saturday as Taylor attracted to her two events, which included remarks to a dozen supporters at a Tallmadge restaurant.

Her supporters on Saturday had no use for the Trump-critic Kasich, who is toying with another presidential bid in 2020 and strikes them as a pariah. Taylor tells them the governor she knew lost his conservatism along the way, including on expanding Medicaid health care to the poor.

Asked by one voter about her ties to Kasich, who has endorsed her but has not campaigned for her, Taylor replied: "I can't change him. You're my boss."

Neither candidate joined Trump for his Saturday event in Cleveland, with Taylor opting for Cleveland TV interviews instead and DeWine attending his youngest son's master's degree pre-graduation ceremony at the Fisher School of Business at Ohio State University. DeWine has not appeared with Trump at his Ohio appearances. Taylor has made three of Trump's events.

In a potential acknowledgement of Tuesday's results, both the DeWine and Taylor camps say their candidates will offer remarks about 9 p.m. on Election Night, only 90 minutes after the polls close. Such an early victory (and concession) speech would not speak to an election much in doubt.

———

©2018 The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio)

Visit The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio) at www.dispatch.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Norwalk Reflector staff

LIMA, Peru — Logan Stieber was one of five U.S. gold medalists, helping Team USA to the team title on Sunday at the Pan American championships in Peru

A 2010 Monroeville graduate, Stieber opened with a pair of 10-0 technical fall wins over Michael Asselstine (Canada) and Brandon Diaz Ramirez (Mexico).

In the semifinal round at 65kg (143 pounds), Stieber then fought his way to a wild victory over Cuba’s Alejandro Valdes Tobier, a bronze medalist at the 2017 World championships.

After one period, Stieber found himself trailing 6-0. The advantage reached 9-2 when the former Ohio State standout took over. He was able to pull within 9-8, and scored two more points to take a 10-9 lead with just six seconds left.

At that point, Tobier was injured and had to default, unable to finish the final seconds.

For the gold, Stieber beat Abel Herrera Pastor from host Peru. He had no trouble finishing the bout in quick order, his third 10-0 tech. fall.

The win marked Stieber’s second straight medal at the event, as he finished with bronze in 2017.

The four-time state champion at Monroeville and four-time NCAA champion for the Buckeyes earned the Outstanding Wrestler honor at the event.

By Kristina Pydynowksi

Fewer disruptions to outdoor plans await residents of the northeastern United States by midweek as drier and milder air makes a comeback, AccuWeather reports.

Anyone who had plans altered by wet weather this weekend will welcome a trend toward less rain and more sunshine through the first half of this week.

"Mostly dry weather will return to much of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic for the first half of the week," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Thompson said.

The upcoming weather will be great for anyone excited to sneak back outside for lunch, fire up the grill for dinner, participate or watch spring sporting events or enjoy any other outdoor activity.

However, it will not be a quick transition from clouds and rain to bright sunshine throughout the region.

A storm looming off the Carolina coastline caused clouds to linger along the mid-Atlantic coast on Monday. If the storm fails to move far enough offshore by Tuesday, another day of mainly cloudy weather can be expected in these areas.

Farther inland, lingering moisture can allow spotty showers to develop daily across the southern and central Appalachians into Tuesday.

The afternoon hours may be the most active, when a thunderstorm cannot be ruled out. Remember that as soon as thunder is heard, the risk of being struck by lightning is present.

The risk of a shower or rumble of thunder may continue over the central Appalachians on Wednesday afternoon, but midweek is likely to feature the lowest rain chances across the Northeast.

Warmer air will also be back.

Temperatures are expected to gradually trend upward through the first half of this week.

"Unlike the recent taste of heat, it will feel much more like May this week," Thompson said. "Afternoon high temperatures will be 10 to 25 degrees lower than they were late last week."

Temperatures will run close to average for early May to start the week, according to Thompson, before climbing to highs that are more typical later in the month at midweek.

Highs in the upper 50s and 60s across the eastern Great Lakes and New England on Monday will largely be replaced by highs in the 70s at midweek.

Before temperatures start to climb, anyone with plants outdoors are being advised of scattered frosty conditions from northern Pennsylvania to northern New England for Monday night.

Temperatures are expected to approach or reach 80 F at midweek.

Coastal communities, however, will be slower to warm as cooler air flows in from the ocean.

Even though Thompson anticipates temperatures to fall well short of last week's record-breaking highs, do not forget to apply sunscreen before spending time out in the sun.

Allergy sufferers may face discomfort amid the milder weather as more plants and trees open up and pollen increases.

The Interstate-95 corridor and most of New England may continue to bask in the warmth on Thursday as a storm from the Midwest returns showers and thunderstorms to the eastern Great Lakes and spine of the Appalachians.

Latest indications do not suggest this storm will bring a repeat of Friday's widespread damaging winds.

The wet weather will bring another round of disruptions to outdoor plans, but will be beneficial for those who have gotten a jump on their flower beds or cool weather vegetables.

The storm should knock down temperatures by the start of next weekend in many areas. However, as is typical in spring, the cooler air may not hang on long.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kristina Pydynowksi is a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather.com.

SANDUSKY — Colonel Ronald R. Barrett, 69, of Florida, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday April 25, 2018 in California.

Friends and family may gather on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 9 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870 until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Cemetery in Norwalk, OH. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Back to the Wild, PO Box 423, 4504 Bardshar Road, Castaila, OH 44824, Sorrowful Mother Shrine, 4106 Route 269, Bellevue, OH 44811 or to the American Heart Association, 1689 E. 115th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.

NR05082018

NORWALK — Robert Paul Perkins, age 71, of Norwalk, passed away Monday, May 07, 2018 at his residence.

He was born July 13, 1946 in New London and was a graduate of Norwalk High School. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1966 until 1968.

He then worked for many years in the Street and Water Department for the City of Norwalk, where he retired. He was a lifetime member of the Norwalk VFW Post 2743 and the Norwalk Eagles Aerie 711. He enjoyed playing softball and baseball, where he also coached and umpired his children with Lefty Grove. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth E. (Nickoli) Perkins of Norwalk; children, Travis (Amy) Perkins of Valley City, OH and Tiffany (Michael) Torres of Norwalk; grandchildren, Claudea, Rees, Liam and Lainey; and siblings, Dale (Jan) Perkins of Norwalk and Nancy (Ron) Felter of Norwalk.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert M. Perkins; and his wife, Elaine Perkins in 1996.

A gathering for family and friends will be held Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. Private interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Ohio Veteran’s Home, 3416 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870.

NR05082018

NORWALK —  Thelma M. Rice, 90, of Norwalk, Ohio, and formerly of North Fairfield, Ohio, passed away Sunday, May 6, 2018 in Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Norwalk, Ohio.

She was born May 3, 1928 in Willard, Ohio, to the late Wayne J. and Dorothy D. (McLane) Durling, and was a lifelong area resident. Thelma was a former employee of Westinghouse (Hamilton Beach) of Norwalk, Ohio. She will be remembered as a fun loving, and kindred soul.

Thelma had a love for animals, her pets, and horses, and often took in stray animals to care for. She also enjoyed roller skating and dancing at Forest Lake Park that her father owned. Thelma will also be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Bernard J. Rice of Norwalk, Ohio, by her daughters, Patricia (John) Woodruff of Norwalk, Ohio, Barbara (Norb) Perry of Monroeville, Ohio, Deborah (Larry) Smith of Nashville, Tennessee, and Pamela (Dan) Hite of Milan, Ohio, by 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and by her sister, Phyllis (Earl) Bauer of Willard, Ohio.

Thelma was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandra in 1968, by her great great grandson, and by her sister, Janet Conaway.

Friends may call on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Stein Hospice Chaplain Mel Sayler will officiate. Interment will be in North Fairfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, or the Huron County Humane Society, 246 Woodlawn Avenue, Norwalk, Ohio 44857.

Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.

NR05082018

Cary Ashby

MONROEVILLE — The first Pay It Forward Day at Monroeville High School started with serving breakfast to teachers and ended with buying groceries for several people.

The Teen Leadership Corps (TLC) class were involved in a variety of activities Monday. First, the students served breakfast to between 20 and 30 teachers.

“We had students bring in a different breakfast item,” senior Amelia Ruggles said.

Egg strata, fruit, muffins and yogurt were some of the items on the menu.

Next, at Lyn Marie’s Coffee on Main, TLC paid for eight customers’ drinks.

“Each kid explained it was Pay It Forward Day,” TLC teacher Rachel Paul said.

The students also delivered homemade banana bread to 12 shut-ins in Monroeville. Local churches had provided names of the residents.

“We baked banana bread last week, froze it and passed it out (Monday),” Paul said. “We walked around the village.”

Then it was back to the high school. Near the end of the lunch period, TLC class members handed out ice cream sandwiches to each student.

Afterward, the class loaded into a school bus and it was off to Norwalk Memorial Home, where they dropped off cards. The students also left baskets of snacks for two patients in the emergency room at Fisher-Titus Medical Center.

“At the memorial home, we were able to talk to some of the residents and brighten their day a little bit,” said Ruggles, the daughter of Marc and Betsy.

Then the TLC crew went to the Aldi grocery store in Norwalk, where the students put quarters in about 30 shopping carts and paid for three people’s groceries. Customers are required to use a quarter to use a cart and is ejected from its special holder once the cart is returned.

At Walmart, the Monroeville students paid for one customer’s groceries.

“Everybody was excited. It made everybody feel good and we can really make difference even if we are teenagers,” Ruggles said.