FINDLAY — A body removed from a submerged vehicle Monday appears to be a missing Sandusky County woman, Findlay police said.
City firefighters retrieved a sedan about 12:03 p.m. from the pond at Owens Community College. Police said they believe the driver accidentally crashed and was under water for some time.
Investigators believe the case is related to the missing person report of Charlene Robinson, 70, of Clyde.
Authorities have not confirmed the driver's identity, however. The Lucas County Coroner's Office will conduct an autopsy.
NEW WASHINGTON — What has been a rare opportunity will await the St. Paul softball team on Thursday.
With 11 runs over the final three innings of Thursday’s Division IV sectional semifinal at Buckeye Central, the No. 7-seeded Lady Flyers (7-11) advanced with a 13-3 win in six innings Monday night.
The win puts St. Paul in Thursday’s 5 p..m. sectional championship game at No. 2 Lucas (12-6).
“Right now we’re playing decent ball,” St. Paul coach Bob Wilhelm said. “As long as we hit, our defense usually plays pretty tough. We have Lucas on Thursday, but stranger things have happened.
In Monday’s win, Morgan Baxter was 3 for 4 with a double, a triple and five RBIs to pace St. Paul. Sammy Lippert and Mara Lesch were both 2 for 3 with a double, while Kennedy Stang, Marlaina Sowers and Kaity Tomshack each added two hits.
Also for St. Paul, Sydnee Roth singled and Hannah Rudolph went the distance in the circle. She allowed three unearned runs on four hits with four strikeouts.
“The girls are excited to have the opportunity to be the first team at St. Paul to make it to a district semifinal,” Wilhelm said. “The program has never had a sectional championship, so we’re excited for the opportunity.”
S. Central 8, Mans. St. Peter’s 6
GREENWICH — The Trojans broke out the bats with a huge fifth inning to advance in the Div. IV sectional tournament with Monday’s 8-6 win over Mansfield St. Peter’s in Greenwich.
The Trojans (9-12) advance to Thursday’s 5 p.m. sectional championship game at No. 1 seed Monroeville (20-3).
The game was tied 2-2 in the middle of the fifth inning, then the Trojans scored six runs to take control.
Emma Keysor was 3 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored for the Trojans, while Kailee Beaver was 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Elizabeth Music had two hits.
Also for the Trojans, Chiara Powell doubled and drove in two runs, while Keysor went all seven innings for the win. She allowed six runs (one earned) on eight hits with six strikeouts and one walk.
Perkins 8, Norwalk 2
PERKINS TWP. — The host Pirates broke open a tight game late with a four-run sixth inning to beat the visiting Truckers in an SBC Lake game on Thursday.
For Norwalk, Maddie Deiderick was 3 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Leah Malson added two hits, while Sydney Hughes, Karissa Conrad, Lexi Gendron and Kylee Edney each added singles.
In the circle, Conrad went six innings. She allowed seven earned runs on 12 hits with two strikeouts and five walks.
Monroeville 18, W. Reserve 0
MONROEVILLE — The Eagles earned their 20th win of the season and improved to 9-2 in the Firelands Conference with Monday’s rout of Western.
Ashlyn Tommas was 3 for 3 with a double and two RBIs, while Casey Crossan was 2 for 3 with a triple and an RBI. Carley Helmstetter and Addison Gessling had two hits and an RBI each, and Paige Schafer added two hits and scored twice.
Helmstetter allowed one hit in five scoreless innings. She struck out 11 with no walks.
Plymouth 17, Mapleton 0 (5 inn.)
PLYMOUTH — The Big Red moved back to .500 (11-11) with Monday’s easy win over the visiting Mounties.
Emily Akers homered and drive in four runs for the Big Red (7-4 FC), while Morgan Chaffins was 3 for 4 with three RBIs. Mallory Miller had two hits including a triple, and Tristen Wiley was 2 for 3 with two RBIs. Shilo Plank also doubled and drove in two runs.
Miller scattered five hits in four innings in the circle for the win. She struck out four.
Crestview 1, New London 0
OLIVESBURG — The Cougars wrapped up at least a share of the FC title by pushing a single run across in the fifth inning of Monday’s win over the Wildcats.
For New London (9-6, 7-4), Gabby Ledbetter had two singles, and Cassidy Lay and Lili Bartow each had one hit. Kathy Vangilder allowed one run on three hits in seven innings, with six strikeouts and no walks.
W. Reserve 5, Monroeville 3
MONROEVILLE — The Roughriders scored two runs in the top of the seventh to beat the Eagles, who had plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie Monday’s game.
Zach Hankins had one hit and two RBIs for Western (6-18, 1-12), while Devin Good and Carl Starkey (double) each had a hit and an RBI.
Payton Studd pitched four innings of relief for Western, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits with four strikeouts.
For Monroeville, Hanler had a hit and an RBI. Gavin Eitle started and got a no-decision, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits with three strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.
Plymouth 4, Mapleton 0
PLYMOUTH — The Big Red improved to 12-9 overall and 8-3 in the SBC with Monday’s shutout win.
For Plymouth, Treven Lane, Jarrett Miller and AJ Hamann each had a single and an RBI.
On the mound, Miller and Lane each threw three scoreless innings, with Miller starting and striking out four.
Edison 4, St. Mary C.C. 3
SANDUSKY — Edison edged St. Mary Central Catholic in an SBC crossover Monday.
Caden Cooper (5-0) picked up the win for the Chargers (12-7), striking out 10 batters, allowing three runs (two earned) and four hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Caleb Bissell pitched the final 2/3 for the save. At the plate, Bissell was 2 for 4 with two RBIs, while Thomas Oeder added a double, and Cooper McIntyre, Bryce Roberts, Richard Crooks and Jadon Hanson each registered a single.
TENNIS
Edison 5 Tiffin Calvert 0
MILAN — The SBC Bay division champion Chargers swept visiting Tiffin Calvert on Monday.
James Hill made quick work over Will Klepper at first singles (6-0, 6-0), and Bryan Johnston topped Conner Kwiat (6-1, 6-44) at second singles, while Carter Kramer beat Josh Recker (6-3, 6-1) at No. 3 singles.
At first doubles, Nick Lombardi and Connor Goodwin topped Alex Zimmerman and Xavier Ardner (6-1, 6-0). At No. 2 doubles, Lincoln Meredith and Nick Shupe beat Hannah Kelley and Lexi White (6-3, 7-5).
JILLY BURNS/REFLECTOR -- Norwalk's Garrett Obringer applies a tag to a Perkins baserunner during Monday's SBC Lake division game in Perkins Twp.
By JOE GILROY
PERKINS TWP. — An ugly win beats a pretty loss any day of the week.
So it was Monday night as two Sandusky Bay Lake division baseball teams squared off just two days prior to meeting one another in a Division II sectional tournament game.
Visiting Norwalk scored right away in Monday’s game at Perkins, but it was the Pirates putting up a single run in four of their six innings for a 4-2 win.
The home team won each league meeting, as the Truckers fell to 12-10 (5-6 Lake) and the Pirates improved to 9-9 (4-7).
Sophomore pitcher Garrett Baker gathered himself well after allowing the early Norwalk run, which came when Quinn Hipp hit an RBI double to score Jacob Roth.
Baker went the distance and allowed just two runs (one earned) on seven hits. He struck out four and walked two while throwing 104 pitches (68 strikes).
“He was good today, and I thought that he settled down and really the whole team settled down after a slow start,” Perkins coach Chris Walton said. “(Norwalk coach) Wes (Douglas) does a great job there, and they always have a great team, so getting a win tonight is big.”
Blake Smith legged out a double to lead off the home half of the fourth inning, and Perkins went into a small ball strategy to manufacture some runs.
After being moved to third base, Jaret Conley hit a single that sent Smith home to give the Pirates the lead for good at 3-2. Dylan Nason then led the bottom of the fifth off with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Gavin Knuepke to cap the game’s scoring.
Bryson Harvey took the loss for Norwalk, though he pitched well enough to get a win on most days. He pitched 3 1/3 innings with four strikeouts while allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits.
Grant Fisher came on in relief of Harvey and finished the game. He allowed one run and two hits.
Hipp was 3 for 4 at the plate with two doubles, an RBI, and scored one run to lead the Truckers. Leighton Battles, Garrett Obringer, Nolan Flowers each singled in the game and Austin Christman doubled as Norwalk outhit Perkins, but was not able to manufacture enough runs to get the win.
“We did not do a very good job tonight and made too many mistakes to beat a good team like Perkins,” Douglas said. “We had some chances and we didn’t take advantage of them by scoring runs — and we made a lot of errors.
“I think we will be OK when we play again on Wednesday,” he added. “We just didn’t play like we are capable of today, and they are a good team.”
The teams will meet at Norwalk on Wednesday, as the Pirates are the No. 10 seed in the Div. II Heidelberg district, and the Truckers were seeded eighth. That game is scheduled for a 5 p.m. start.
But first, the Pirates visit Shelby today in the final league game of the season, while Norwalk entertains state-ranked Bellevue today. Both games will start at 4:45 p.m.
The Redmen need a win over the Truckers to ensure at least a share of the SBC Lake division title. They are currently tied with Clyde atop the standings.
JERRY HARRINGTON/REFLECTOR -- South Central pitcher Ben Lamoreaux in his delivery during Monday's Firelands Conference win over St. Paul in Greenwich.
By JOSH MORGRET
GREENWICH — Usually as a game goes on, a pitcher will wear down.
They will have to dig down deep as the game progresses, and the 100-pitch mark is typically an indicator that a day could be over.
Not for Ben Lamoreaux on Monday.
The senior retired seven of the last eight St. Paul hitters, including five by strikeout to finish off the Trojans' 7-1 Firelands Conference victory.
"That is a good hitting team over there, and Ben went out and located his pitches and trusted his defense," South Central coach Ty Dendinger said. "He kept us in the ballgame."
Lamoreaux did more than keep the Trojans in the game. He struck out 10 batters on the day, while throwing an impressive 116 pitches (67 strikes).
"That is probably the furthest Ben has went for me in a couple years, and the most pitches he has thrown, too," Dendinger said. "We work and I know he is a senior. I asked if he wanted to go out in the seventh inning over 100 pitches and he said absolutely."
South Central (12-5, 8-3) still clings to hopes of a conference title while the state-ranked Flyers (17-3, 11-2) will get a second crack at their first outright league title since 1985 at 5 p.m. today when they host the Trojans.
"We struck out 10 times," St. Paul coach Jim Carper said. "Give South Central a lot of credit. They are a good team. They were better than us today. It’s as simple as that."
St. Paul got runners on in each of the first three innings, but could never get the timely hit. Meanwhile, South Central took advantage, scoring a run in each of the first two innings before exploding for four runs in the third inning.
"Our sticks were there early," Dendinger said. "That gave us a little bit of comfort. It gave us the confidence to play with a team as good as St. Paul."
In the first inning, Isaiah Seidel and Curtis Fredericks each singled, then Lamoreaux was hit by a pitch. St. Paul starter Luke Carper then hit Tycen Cooper to force in a run. Carper avoided bigger damage by getting a double play and a soft groundout to end the frame.
In the second inning, Evan Legg walked, went to second on a groundout and to third on a wild pitch. He then scored on an infield single from Philip Madison as the Trojans took a 2-0 inning.
With one out in the third, Josh Mayer and Grant Seidel each singled before Carper walked Legg on four pitches, bringing an end to his day. Reliever Jake Griffin threw a wild pitch on his first pitch, allowing Mayer to score. Griffin bounced back to get a strikeout, but Madison singled in Seidel before Isaiah Seidel roped a double, playing Legg and Madison, extending the lead to 6-0.
St. Paul got its lone run in the fourth inning. Noah Good doubled down the right field line to lead off. Lamoreaux got back-to-back strikeouts, but Brandon Furlong reached on an infield single and the throw to first was low and into foul territory. That allowed Good to score. After Lamoreaux walked Griffin, he got Lars Livengood to flyout softly to end the frame.
"Ben was throwing the ball nice," Jim Carper said. "We were trying too hard and pressing at the plate. That makes a lot of difference. We were not patient at times. It was just not our day."
The Trojans added an insurance run in the sixth inning. Isaiah Seidel doubled for the second time before a sacrifice bunt moved him to third. Lamoreaux grounded out as Seidel scored.
“We have to come back tomorrow, get this loss out of our mind, and play St. Paul baseball,” Jim Carper said.
Isaiah Seidel finished 4-for-4 with the two doubles, two singles, two RBI, and two runs scored.
"Isaiah struggled early in the year," Dendinger said. "He and his dad are working in the cage after the games and putting in the time. He is on a hot streak right now. He is getting hot when we need him to."
Lamoreaux finished the game strong, with half of his 10 strikeouts coming in the final two innings. He struck out the side in the sixth inning, before adding two more in the seventh. He worked around a one-out double by Lukasko to finish off the strong performance.
"My curveball was working pretty good today," Lamoreaux said. "I had pretty good control of it. I was able to put my fastball on the corners, which is useful as a pitcher."
Carper took the loss for the Flyers, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks in 2 1/3 innings. Griffin pitched the final 3 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on four hits. Each pitcher struck out two.
"We executed all three phases of the game tonight," Dendinger said. "We will enjoy this for a while, but we have to get ready for (today). St. Paul is going to be ready for us. They are not going to allow us to come in and walk over them. We have to play well again if we want to win again."
Here are pictures and information about the “Most Wanted” fugitives for the week of May 7, 2018 as provided the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force’s Richland County Division, which covers Huron, Richland, Crawford and Ashland counties:
Christopher Ball
• Age: 29
• 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
• Wanted for a parole violation on original charges of burglary and possessing child pornography material, and also wanted for escape and failure to register (as a sex offender).
• Ties to the Mansfield and Lexington areas.
James Ray
• Age: 40
• 5-foot-4 and 135 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
• Wanted for a probation viloation for possession of heroin.
• Ties to the Mansfield area.
Marvin Powell
• Age: 47
• 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
• Wanted for parole violation, on an original charge of rape and also wanted for failure to register (as a sex offender).
• Ties to Mansfield and New York.
Brandyn Garber
• Age: 22
• 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes
• Wanted for failure to register (as a sex offender).
• Ties to Mansfield and Ashland
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of any of these fugitives is asked to call the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 419-774-3565 or 866-4-WANTED.
People also can text the keyword "WANTED" and send a tip to 847411, or go to a link at www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/fugitives. Reward money is available, but tipsters also can remain anonymous.
NEW LONDON — A New London man is accused of dragging his hogtied 13-year-old daughter across a parking lot Friday.
John L. Hofacker, 39, of 134 W. Main St., was charged with unlawful restraint, a third-degree misdemeanor. He was transported to the Huron County Jail, but was released later.
“There are additional charges pending,” New London Police Chief Mike Marko said. “There are definitely additional charges.”
Police received a 9-1-1 call at 5:23 p.m. “about a 13-year-old being dragged through a parking lot,” Marko said. Officers arrived at 134 W. Main St., which is near New London Lanes, one minute later. The parking lot is a mix of asphalt and gravel.
“She was actually drug to an abandoned building on the property,” Marko said.
Hofacker, according to the police report, told officers “I tied her up. She was trying to run away. I tied her up and I was about to call you.”
Marko said the girl was restrained with zip ties, “almost like she was hogtied.”
“She could not stand up,” the chief added.
Photos taken by police of the girl and restraints show the teen’s wrists and ankles were tied together separately in front of her and then connected with more zip ties. She had dark, significant bruises on her back side, leg, arms, wrists and face. The girl was sitting on her bottom when the photos were taken. Marko estimated there was a hole in the back of the girl’s shirt that was four inches wide.
“I can’t think of any reason you would have to discipline a child like that,” the chief said. “That’s not discipline; that’s torture.”
In addition to the zip ties, there was an allegation that Hofacker placed a belt around his daughter’s neck. Police confiscated the item and used a special instrument to cut the zip ties off the girl’s wrists and feet.
“We could not confirm that (belt allegation) because we didn’t see any bruises,” Marko said.
When police arrived, Hofacker was standing outside of a building.
“He was out of breath actually. It was obvious there was a struggle involved,” Marko said. “The only thing he said before he lawyered up was he didn’t want her to run away and he was going to call police.”
Firelands Ambulance Service responded to West Main Street with police.
“They treated her at the scene and transported her to Fisher-Titus (Medical Center),” Marko said.
Since the girl had lived in Erie County before moving to New London, police contacted Erie County Children Services. An agency representative was at Fisher-Titus.
“They were on top of their game,” said Marko, who noted Huron County Children Services also was involved because there were other children in the New London home.
After being treated at the hospital, the girl was released to Erie County authorities.
Officers interviewed two witnesses.
“There were actually two people who saw what happened,” Marko said. “(Their statements) were consistent with the injuries and what the victim stated.”
While Hofacker said his daughter was being unruly Friday, Marko said police never had received similar reports about the girl and there were no reported abuse allegations against her father.
“I guess she’s been in and out of a detention home,” the chief added. “She was (living) with her grandparents. They had custody of her until last Monday.”
Police receive five to six unruliness calls in New London per month.
“When the child is being unruly, it’s OK to call the police. We can help; we can intercede. I don’t know of any police department that wouldn’t come and assist. That’s what we’re here for,” Marko said.
As you might imagine, having completed 50 Adventures in 50 States, I now pay attention to what’s going on in all of the places I visited.
In Indiana, for instance, never again will May — the month of the Indianapolis 500 and all its attendant ceremony — arrive without my vivid recollections.
My Indiana adventure was to run a single lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 2.5 mile oval track where they hold the Indianapolis 500. I, of course, planned to do my lap on foot, jogging.
I had thought maybe I could call the PR department or somebody there at the track, tell them what I had in mind, and get permission to trot around the racecourse. I would be in and out in half an hour.
But a little snooping on the internet made it clear that they are very particular about who gets to make a circuit of the most famous paved oval in the world (hint: most of the people they allow are doing over 200 mph at the time).
There is, however, one day in the entire year when they allow runners on the track. As a kickoff to the Indy 500, there is an event called the 500 Festival held the first weekend in May. Its signature activity is a so-called Mini Marathon, a 13.1 mile footrace with over 40,000 participants. (This year they ran it two days ago on Saturday.) The race goes from downtown Indianapolis, traverses five miles via city streets out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, makes a lap around the track and then winds back downtown.
As you may remember, when I was there three years ago, I did not run the Mini-Marathon. I only ran the part I wanted—the 2.5 miles of perfectly smooth asphalt that passes in front of 257,000 bleacher seats and where the most famous names in racing history have earned their reputations.
I parked two blocks from the Mini-Marathon course in the appropriately named suburb of Speedway and made my way to Main Street where runners by the hundreds were approaching the halfway point of their 13.1 mile race.
I had registered and paid the hefty fee for the race several weeks earlier. That earned me an official racing bib and shirt which allowed me to simply step off the curb and into the pack.
I have always carried a bit of guilt about doing it that way. What really got me was the people lining the streets and yelling their encouragement. It was generic, of course; they were yelling to all the runners, not just me. But I knew I was the only one who did not deserve their cheers. I had not made the sacrifice and commitment of the people running beside me. They were in a long race. I was just having a little adventure.
But then we made the turn onto 16th Street, and there was the main entrance to the track. Above it, in signage 100 yards wide, were the words INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY.
Goosebumps. And my guilt was forgotten as I trotted through the entrance of one of the most iconic venues in America.
We runners made our way onto the infield road race course which funneled us onto the famous oval, just past turn number two onto the back straightaway.
The morning was sunny and clear and even the hardcore racers who had already run more than seven miles had smiles on their faces as they ran on the hallowed ground. Many of them dropped to push-up position to kiss the bricks that mark the finish line for the Indy racers.
See why all of this was on my mind again last weekend?
It was glorious. And for me the best part is that I have had 49 other adventures that are burned just as vividly into my memory.
And, of course, from time to time I will be sharing them again with you.
If you would like to jog along with me on the Indy track via a short video, click on the link that accompanies the online version of this column Tuesday morning. Or just search online for “Jim Busek Indiana.”
As you watch, I will be the one traveling (slowly) down the backstretch with a smile on my face.
Jim Busek is a free-lance writer who lives in Norwalk. He can be reached via e-mail at jimbusek@ hotmail.com.
The top stories in the Norwalk Evening Herald on this date 110 years ago:
Coroner Bland thinks death in Havana suspicious and takes body
The funeral services of Mrs. John Wood, who died at Havana Saturday morning, which were held Monday afternoon at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lyme, were rudely interrupted by Coroner M.W. Bland, who informed the husband of the dead woman and Rev. Arthur Dumper of this city, the officiating clergyman, that the state wished to take possession of the body at the conclusion of the ceremony.
This unusual action was taken upon the request of Dr. Clymer of Havana, who was called to the Wood home a short time before the death of Mrs. Wood. Dr. Clymer informed Coroner Bland that the circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Wood were suspicious and warranted an investigation. Coroner Bland in turn called up Prosecutor Wickham in this city, who, after hearing the circumstances, ordered an investigation.
When the husband of the dead woman was informed of the coroner’s intentions, he expressed surprise but said if such a course was necessary he had no objection to the investigation.
Steel Co. holds annual meeting
The annual meeting of the Norwalk Steel & Iron Co. was held in the company’s offices in this city yesterday afternoon. The stockholders elected the following directors: A.M. Beattie, J.G. Gibbs, J.H. Beattie, H.L Protzman, Norwalk; A.R. Teachout, Cleveland; and W.E. Stockton, Chicago.
The company expects to get into the new offices in the Gallup block the latter part of the week.
In Society
The Tuesday Club and several guests to the number of thirty, were delightfully entertained yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth K. Martin on West Main Street.
A comprehensive and interesting paper on “Social Settlement Work,” was given by Mrs. F.L. Stein, after which Mrs. Charlotte Strong Kennan gave a synopsis of the work of her nephew, Strong McGuire, in the slums of New York City, where he has organized a men’s club, commencing with twelve which has now grown to one hundred fifty.
Will clean the streets
Clean streets for Norwalk the coming summer was the slogan of the city council last night. Two resolutions and one ordinance looking to this and were passed and the controversy between City Auditor Kellogg and the board of public service is at an end. As stated in the Herald last week, Solicitor Pruner presented an ordinance authorizing the board of public service to purchase or rent tools and machinery and hire the labor necessary for cleaning the streets.
Case against Eker bitterly contested
The case against Frank Eker, instituted by Marcus Billstine, in which the latter charges Eker with pointing a loaded shot gun at him, is being bitterly contested.
Many witnesses have been subpoened on both sides and the hearing is still on before Justice Bechtol.
There will be sunny skies, with a high in the lower 70s and a nighttime low around 50. No rain is expected.
Today, the sun will rise at 6:18:13 a.m. and set at 8:35:36 p.m.
On Wednesday, 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 - Sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight - Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.
Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Light southeast wind becoming south 6 to 11 mph in the morning.
Wednesday night - A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 11 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Friday - Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
Friday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Saturday - Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Saturday night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Sunday - A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
Sunday night - A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
COLUMBUS — The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in cooperation with American Farm Bureau Insurance Services, has developed a new risk management insurance product for dairy farmers.
Approved by the Agriculture Department’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, “Dairy Revenue Protection” insurance will provide dairy farmers the opportunity to manage risk by focusing on revenue from milk sales.
“We know that the level of risk protection available to dairy farmers was inadequate and we saw a clear opportunity to help by specifically addressing the impact of milk price volatility on a dairy farmer’s revenue,” said Zippy Duvall, AFBF president. “This coverage will help shield dairy farmers from unexpected declines in milk prices as well as unexpected declines in milk production by addressing overall revenue. We are excited about teaming up with American Farm Bureau Insurance Services to offer this new risk management tool to dairy farmers.”
"As a dairy farmer I know firsthand the challenges our industry is facing,” said Frank Burkett III, president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “To be part of an organization that thinks outside the box and takes action to create constructive steps to help farmers who are struggling is one of the many reasons I'm proud to be a Farm Bureau member."
As designed, Dairy Revenue Protection will provide several levels of insurance coverage based on the value of the farmer’s milk. One option will use manufacturing milk futures prices, and the other option would be based on the value of milk components, such as milkfat, protein and other milk solids. A majority of dairy farmers selling milk in the U.S. are paid based on the amount of milkfat and protein in their milk.
Other than those dairy pricing options, Dairy Revenue Protection coverage otherwise functions similarly to area-based crop revenue protection insurance policies. The coverage would offer revenue guarantees based on futures prices, expected production and market-implied risk. The premiums for coverage will be subsidized.
It is expected that Dairy Revenue Protection policies will be available in late summer 2018.
SUBMITTED -- Mike Stoll (middle) celebrates a huge victory with the Western Reserve Roughriders. He is calling it a career as he recently announced his retirement.
Whether it be as a teacher, coach, mentor or father; We are very proud of this man for everything he is.
Throughout his career he has sought to be a positive influence on any and all people he has been in contact with. Whether it be in the classroom or on the football field his primary focus has always been to convey quality life lessons to his students or players.
His teaching and coaching philosophies always had more to do with preparing students for life than football or chemistry/physics. His career has always been a part of our lives. Growing up, going to games and watching him coach has been a great example of how to do things the right way and to give everything you have for things you care about.
He taught how to believe in the people you are working with and, most importantly, how to believe in yourself. His passion for his role in the community has been visible since the beginning of his career. The betterment of his students and players has always been his utmost priority. It's hard to forget his thoughtful one-liners and meaningful motivational speeches.
Thank-you to everyone for allowing him to do what he has loved doing for his entire career. An even greater thanks to our mother for all the support and love she has shown throughout the years. You all have meant the world to him. We are very honored to have Mike Stoll as our father and to have had you all experience a fraction of the mentorship that he has given my brothers and I our entire life.
SUBMITTED -- Pictured are the Stoll boys, from left, Brent, Tate, Kevin and A.J.
By Joe Centers
I have a lot of memories of the Stoll boys.
The twins, Mark and Matt, started coaching about the time I came to Norwalk in 1979.
More than coaching, I remember them when I was an umpire in the Men’s City Softball League and all of the Stoll boys played for the Bud Light team. They would come rolling town with a cast of characters on that team that was one to remember. They played hard, partied harder and made everybody on Plank Road proud.
More than once they had an issue or two with me.
There are five boys — Mike, Matt, Kurt, Greg and Nick.
One of my favorite umpiring stories involved the Bud Light team. Ed “Bud” Stoll, the boys’ dad, was the coach.
Before the game the coaches would come out for a coin flip to decide the home team. Before I flipped the coin I heard Bud call heads, then maybe it was tails (That’s what he said).
The coin came up tails. Of course, we had a big argument before the game even started.
It was quite a debate and we really went at it. But like all of the disputes we had, they quickly were forgotten and we always were friends off the field.
I followed Mike as a coach from Edison to Firelands to Western Reserve.
Mike may not have been the most successful coach in terms of wins and losses, but he was one of my favorite coaches to cover.
Mike Stoll, who just announced his retirement, appreciated any coverage his players received and he never had a bad word for anybody. To me, that equals success.
He taught life lessons first and foremost and that is something his former players will remember the most.
Stoll and his wife, Kelly, raised four successful boys — Brent, Tate, Kevin and A.J. (see their letter to the editor below). All four are just like their father. Whenever I talked to them they were polite and well-manared — just like their dad.
I would take any one of them as a son-in-law in a heartbeat.
Mike is one of the good guys in this business who will be missed. Now he can go off in the woods and hunt mushrooms with his twin brother, who retired a few years back from teaching and coaching at Wellington High School.
Enjoy your retirement, Mike; you deserve it.
Joe Centers is Reflector managing editor. He can be reached at jcenters@norwalkreflector.com.
TNS -- Nutella Popcorn for Trivia Night food photographed on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in St. Louis, Mo. (Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/TNS)
By Daniel Neman
You’re all ready for trivia night. You know who won the Battle of Waterloo (the Duke of Wellington). You know the tallest building in the United States (One World Trade Center). You know how many sentences there are in the Gettysburg Address (10).
But you don’t know what food to bring.
Trivia is only part of the fun of trivia night. The other part is eating.
Anyone can stop at their local grocery store and pick up a plastic box of cookies to bring, and many people do. But that is merely perfunctory, a no-thought solution to an immediate need. Surely, your trivia teammates would be happier if you brought in some nice, homemade snack, particularly if you don’t know how many teaspoons there are in a gallon (768).
To be a winner in your trivia snack-making, you only have to remember a few guidelines: It should be something you can eat with your fingers, it should be relatively quick to make and it should not be particularly good for you. Crudités can wait for another occasion.
For my trivia night extravaganza, I made five snacks, five also being the number of U.S. states’ names that have a direction in them (North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia).
I started off sweet and ridiculously easy. Baked Cinnamon Tortilla Chips are exactly what they sound like, but they taste much better than you would think possible.
You simply cut flour tortillas into wedges, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon. It helps to remember what part of the tree cinnamon comes from (the bark).
Bake them for 10 minutes, and they come out surprisingly light and crispy, a delightful little nosh to enliven any trivia table.
A savory treat came next, Chipotle and Rosemary Roasted Nuts. I’d first had the thought of trying to re-create the addictive goodness of Beer Nuts, but then I stumbled upon this recipe by Ina Garten, and it sounded so good I simply had to try it.
It is even better than it sounds, though I should point out that it is also not inexpensive. The recipe mixes together cashews, walnuts, pecans and almonds, none of which is cheap. The nuts are glazed with brown sugar, orange juice and maple syrup, and then dusted with chipotle powder and minced fresh rosemary leaves (Rosemary Clooney’s first million-selling No. 1 hit was “Come On-a My House”).
“You do too many recipes for spiced nuts,” said my editor. But then she tasted them and said, “Oh my gosh these are the best things ever I can’t stop eating them.” So there’s that.
I went sweet again with my next snack, Chocolate-Peanut Butter Chex Mix. Once again, you can probably figure out what these are from the title alone.
I began with an off-brand version of Chex Mix, and I’m not entirely certain the 50 or 60 cents I saved was worth it. I emptied a full bag onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and covered the pieces with melted chocolate and melted peanut-butter chips. I mixed the goo all together, spread it back out into a single layer, more or less, and placed it in the refrigerator to set before breaking it up into bite-sized chunks.
It’s sweet and salty, chocolaty and crunchy. Eating it made me very happy (Snow White’s seven dwarfs are: Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Bashful and Doc).
The next dish I made, Cheese Crisps, was perhaps the easiest snack of all. Simply shred some cheese, place it in a small circle and bake until it is all bubbly.
They are incredibly good, but also incredibly simple to make. Just don’t tell that to the other members of your trivia team (the most common category in Final Jeopardy! is U.S. Presidents).
I wasn’t ready to stop yet. I wanted to make one more sweet snack, especially when I saw a recipe for Nutella Popcorn.
Nutella, of course, is the hazelnut spread that is hugely popular in Europe but has never gained quite the same foothold here. It is easy to imagine how it would taste on popcorn; the only question is how to put it on.
As it turns out, it’s not hard. All you have to do is melt together some butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir in the Nutella and add a dash of baking soda and a splash of vanilla. Mix that all together with some popped popcorn and bake it until the sauce dries onto the kernels.
(Nebraska produces more popcorn than any other state, about 250 million pounds per year. In case you ever have to know).
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BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS
Yield: 8 servings
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
21/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut tortillas into wedges. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together sugar and cinnamon.
2. Brush tortilla wedges with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar. Bake 10 minutes until light brown and crispy. Remove to a platter to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Per serving: 208 calories; 8 g fat; 4 g saturated fat; 11 mg cholesterol; 4 g protein; 30 g carbohydrate; 6 g sugar; 1g fiber; 351 mg sodium; 58 mg calcium
* * *
CHIPOTLE AND ROSEMARY ROASTED NUTS
Yield: 8 servings
3 cups whole roasted unsalted cashews (14 ounces)
2 cups whole walnut halves (7 ounces)
2 cups whole pecan halves (7 ounces)
1/2 cup whole almonds (3 ounces)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons ground chipotle powder, or less, according to taste
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat generously with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cashews, walnuts, pecans, almonds, vegetable oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange juice and chipotle powder. Toss to coat the nuts evenly. Add 2 tablespoons of the rosemary and 2 teaspoons of salt, and toss again.
3. Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring twice, until the nuts are glazed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with 2 more teaspoons of salt (use 1 teaspoon if the cashews were salted) and the remaining 2 tablespoons of rosemary. Toss well and set aside at room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking as they cool. Taste for seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Per serving: 672 calories; 60 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; no cholesterol; 14 g protein; 30 g carbohydrate; 13 g sugar; 7 g fiber; 967 mg sodium; 110 mg calcium
Recipe by Ina Garten
* * *
CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER CHEX MIX
Yield: 8 servings
1 (3.75-ounce) bag traditional Chex Mix or similar snack mix
8 ounces dark or milk chocolate, chopped
6 ounces (a heaping 3/4 cup) peanut-butter chips
1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil, as needed
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out snack mix. Gently melt chocolate in a double boiler, stirring frequently, or in a microwave on the lowest setting, stirring frequently.
2. Meanwhile, melt the peanut-butter chips in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds. If the peanut butter mixture is too thick to drizzle, stir in 2 to 3 teaspoons of shortening or coconut oil.
3. Pour melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the snack mix, and stir to thoroughly combine. Spread out in a single layer and let sit at room temperature until set, 1 to 2 hours. If it is still soft, it may be refrigerated. Break into bite-sized pieces before serving. If soft, store in refrigerator.
Per serving: 375 calories; 19 g fat; 9 g saturated fat; 7 mg cholesterol; 9 g protein; 43 g carbohydrate; 24 g sugar; 4 g fiber; 250 mg sodium; 116 mg calcium
* * *
CHEESE CRISPS
Yield: 16 servings
1 cup shredded parmesan, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Black pepper
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place 1 tablespoon of the shredded cheese in a circle on the prepared baking sheet (you will get more attractive results if you use a 2 or 21/2-inch biscuit cutter as a template). Repeat, spacing the piles about 1 1/2 inches apart.
3. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and starts to become golden, about 8 to 10 minutes for cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeses and about 10 to 12 minutes for parmesan. Remove parchment paper to a counter or platter and sprinkle cheese with pepper while it is still hot. When they are room temperature, remove and store in airtight container.
Per serving: 28 calories; 2.2 g fat; 1.3 g saturated fat; 6 mg cholesterol; 1.5 g protein; no carbohydrate; no sugar; no fiber; 42 mg sodium; 50 mg calcium
Adapted from “My Beverly Hills Kitchen,” by Alex Hitz
* * *
NUTELLA POPCORN
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
18 cups popped, unflavored popcorn (from two 31/2-ounce microwave bags or a heaping 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 cup Nutella (one 13-ounce container)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with foil. Place the popped corn in a very large bowl and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, salt and butter over medium heat. Cook until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the Nutella until incorporated, then quickly stir in the vanilla and baking soda. Remove from the heat and pour over the popcorn, tossing to evenly coat the kernels.
3. Divide the coated popcorn between the 2 baking sheets, spreading evenly. Place in the oven and cook, stirring every 10 minutes, until the coating dries onto the popcorn, 30 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.
Per serving (based on 6): 435 calories; 13 g fat; 12 g saturated fat; no cholesterol; 5 g protein; 75 g carbohydrate; 53 g sugar; 6 g fiber; 139 mg sodium; 64 mg calcium
Here are recent field reports from Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife officers
Central Ohio – Wildlife District One
During the 2017 Ohio Deer gun season, State Wildlife Officer Adam Smith, assigned to Logan County, received information from the Turn In A Poacher (TIP) hotline that someone had shot and killed a deer from a vehicle with a muzzleloader. Officer Smith had the description of the suspect’s vehicle and after an investigation he identified the suspect, who was charged with shooting deer from a roadway, hunting by the aid of a motor vehicle, and hunting without permission. The man paid approximately $350 in fines and court costs, and the deer and his muzzleloader were forfeited to the State of Ohio. The caller received a cash reward from the TIP program.
While following up on potential violations found while investigating the online game-check database, State Wildlife Officer Patrick Muldovan, assigned to Licking County, spoke with an individual about a deer the man had harvested earlier in the season. While speaking with the individual, it was discovered that the man had harvested an antlered deer prior to purchasing an either-sex deer permit. The man was issued two summonses, one for hunting without a valid deer permit and one for using a deer permit that was purchased after the deer had been harvested. The man appeared in court and paid $475 in fines and court costs.
Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
In February 2018, State Wildlife Officer Reid Van Cleve, assigned to Ottawa County, was working the spring walleye run along the Sandusky River. During this time, there are a lot of walleye in the river and occasionally, an angler may snag one accidently. If this occurs, the fish must be released immediately. Officer Van Cleve observed a fisherman reeling in a walleye that was snagged in the back by the dorsal fin. The fisherman removed the jig but instead of letting the fish go, placed the jig into the mouth of the walleye. The fisherman then retrieved a pair of needle nose pliers and removed the hook from the mouth and placed the walleye on a stringer and continued to fish. Officer Van Cleve contacted the fisherman and issued a citation for keeping a snagged fish. The man paid a $140 fine.
In early spring, Lake Erie Investigators Kevin Good and Kelsey Brockman conducted a patrol on Lake Erie after receiving complaints of anglers trolling too many rods. While on patrol, they observed four boats fishing with more rods than the number of people on board allowed. As the officers approached the boats, the anglers attempted to reel in the extra rods. Upon contact, the individuals on the boats admitted they knew there was a two rod per angler limit. Six citations were issued for fishing with too many rods, and each individual paid $90 in fines and court costs through the Ottawa County Municipal Court.
Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three
During the deer gun season, State Wildlife Officer Craig Porter, assigned to Jefferson County, received a call from a landowner who had observed an individual shoot a small doe and drag it to the edge of a woodlot without attaching a game tag to the animal. Officer Porter went to the farm, located the deer, and seized it as evidence. While on site, he contacted a few members of the hunting party who indicated they would speak to the individual responsible after he returned to camp in the evening. Later that night, Officer Porter met the suspect outside a local restaurant and issued him a summons for failing to attach a temporary game tag to the deer. He was convicted in court and paid $330 in fines and court costs. The deer was forfeited to the ODNR Division of Wildlife.
Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four
State Wildlife Officer Roy Rucker, assigned to Gallia County, received information concerning a subject who had killed a deer and checked it in as a landowner even though the deer was harvested on property the hunter does not own. Officer Rucker contacted the hunter and discovered that the deer had been killed on another person’s property. In addition, the hunter did not have a valid hunting license or deer permit at the time of the harvest. The subject was issued two citations for the offenses and paid $355 in fines and court costs.
In early April 2018, State Wildlife Officer Darin Abbott, assigned to Lawrence County, was on patrol at Wayne National Forest when he witnessed an open fire violation. When he stopped to contact the suspect, Officer Abbott observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. Officer Abbott searched the suspect’s vehicle and located more drug paraphernalia, six knives, an axe, and a spray paint can that had recently been used to vandalize the roadway and parking area. The suspect was out on parole from prison and was arrested on parole violation per the probation officer’s direction. Charges are pending in Ironton Municipal Court.
Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five
Last spring turkey season, State Wildlife Officer Ryan Schock, assigned to Hamilton County, received a call from a Hamilton County park ranger who informed him of rifle shots that had been reported near one of the county parks. Upon arrival, Officer Schock met with the park ranger and shortly thereafter, they contacted a nearby hunter. The man was turkey hunting and had decoys set at the edge of a woods. He stated that he was hunting turkey and had shot at a bird and missed. The hunter was illegally using a .22-250 rifle as his hunting implement. When Officer Schock asked for the hunter’s license and turkey tag the man stated that he was hunting as a landowner and did not need a license or turkey tag. The Hamilton County park ranger had already learned that the hunter was not the landowner and did not have permission to be on the property. Officer Schock contacted the landowner who did not want to pursue charges due to the other violations the hunter was being cited for. Officer Schock seized the .22-250 rifle as evidence and cited the man for hunting without a license, hunting turkey without a turkey tag, and hunting turkey with a rifle. The man reached a plea agreement with the Hamilton County Municipal Court and paid a $50 fine plus court costs.
The Trump administration’s promise of unprecedented flexibility to states in running their Medicaid programs hit its limit Monday.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rejected a proposal from Kansas to place a three-year lifetime cap on some adult Medicaid enrollees. Since Medicaid began in 1965, no state has restricted how long beneficiaries could remain in the entitlement program.
“We seek to create a pathway out of poverty, but we also understand that people’s circumstances change, and we must ensure that our programs are sustainable and available to them when they need and qualify for them,” CMS Administrator Seem Verma said Monday at an American Hospital Association meeting in Washington, D.C.
Arizona, Utah, Maine and Wisconsin have also requested lifetime limits on Medicaid.
This marked the first time the Trump administration has rejected a state’s Medicaid waiver request regarding who is eligible for the program.
Critics of time limits, who say such a change would unfairly burden people who struggle financially throughout their lives, cheered the decision.
“This is good news,” said Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, a Medicaid advocate. “This was a bridge too far for this CMS.”
Alker’s enthusiasm, though, was tempered because Verma did not also reject Kansas’ effort to place work requirements on some adult enrollees. That decision is still pending.
CMS has approved work requirements for adults in four states — the latest, New Hampshire, winning approval Monday. The other states are Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas.
All these states expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to cover everyone with incomes of more than 138 percent of the federal poverty level ($16,753 for an individual). The work requirements would apply only to adults added through that ACA expansion.
Kansas and a handful of states, including Alabama and Mississippi, that did not expand the program want to add the work requirement for some of their adult enrollees, many of whom have incomes well below the poverty level. In Kansas, an individual qualifying for Medicaid can earn no more than $4,600.
Adding work requirements to Medicaid has also been controversial. The National Health Law Program, an advocacy group, has filed suit against CMS and Kentucky to block the work requirement from taking effect, saying it violates federal law.
The Kansas proposal would have imposed a cumulative three-year maximum benefit only on Medicaid recipients deemed able to work. It would have applied to about 12,000 low-income parents who make up a tiny fraction of the 400,000 Kansans who receive Medicaid.
Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, a Republican, responded to the announcement saying state officials decided in April to no longer pursue the lifetime limits after CMS indicated it would not be approved.
“While we will not be moving forward with lifetime caps, we are pleased that the Administration has been supportive of our efforts to include a work requirement in the (Medicaid) waiver,” Colyer said in a statement. “This important provision will help improve outcomes and ensure that Kansans are empowered to achieve self-sufficiency.”
Eliot Fishman, senior director of health policy for the advocacy group Families USA, applauded Verma’s decision.
“The decision on the Kansas time limits proposal that Seema Verma announced today is the right one. CMS should apply this precedent to all state requests to impose time limits on any group of people who get health coverage through Medicaid — including adults who are covered through Medicaid expansion,” he said. “Time limits in Medicaid are bad law and bad policy, harming people who rely on the program for lifesaving health care.”
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(Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.)
OAK HARBOR — With a phalanx of binocular-wearing birders behind him and a cordon of bazooka-size camera lens toting birders to his right — all locked in on a tiny warbler about the size of his thumb — Frank Greenland could only marvel at the avian magic he found along the boardwalk at Magee Marsh.
“It’s nice to be inside a bird cage,” Mr. Greenland said Monday as near ideal weather conditions had this haven for migrating species humming with the stars of the show, and the huge contingent of humans here to witness this springtime phenomenon abuzz about their good fortune. Along with many of the colorful and melodic warblers, Greenland also saw a brilliant summer tanager — his first in Ohio — while walking the mile loop through the scrubby marshland.
The Biggest Week in American Birding festival brings the birders, and the habitat in the marshes, meadows, and woodlots along Lake Erie supplies the birds. Many of the species seen here each May will winter in the tropics, then use the natural areas and sanctuaries in northwest Ohio as an oasis to rest and refuel on the marathon flight to their nesting grounds in the forests of the north.
“I’ve heard that this is the best birding location in North America,” said Toni Sutton of Fort Myers, Fla., who was on her first trip to Ohio and a bit overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of birds she has found here.
“I’ve seen 107 different species in Ohio so far,” she said.
Seeing the male Blackburnian warbler and its explosively orange throat and black mask was the highlight of her morning.
“It looks like a flamethrower,” Ms. Sutton said.
Rick Ledoux from the Detroit area struggled to rattle off the names of the collection of birds he had eyed during his first 20 minutes at Magee. There was a warbling vireo, a yellow-rumped warbler, a blackpoll warbler, a northern parula, a yellow warbler, a catbird, and a blackburnian warbler.
“And there were several other warbler species in there,” said Ledoux, who has been visiting the site since its previous status as Crane Creek State Park, a popular summer site for swimming and picnicking along the nearby beach. “This place has really taken off since then and birders just love it. It is unbelievable how crowded it gets, and how much you can see here.”
Ann Lux from Monroe had a “50 species” day during a recent visit to Magee, and was ticking off a new count on this day. Besides the many warblers that filled the marsh with a song that sounded like the Toledo Symphony warming up, there was a ruby-crowned kinglet, a white-crowned sparrow, an eastern kingbird, and a flycatcher.
“The birding has been incredible,” Ms. Lux said.
Connecticut’s Norm Cavallaro was excited about sighting a pied-billed grebe on a tour through the neighboring Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. This water bird has the ability to trap water in its feathers and sink, exposing just its head and allowing it to hunt the fish, crustaceans, and amphibians that make up the bulk of its diet. That has earned the pied-billed grebe the “half bird, half submarine” distinction.
“But that is just one of the many exciting things to see here,” Cavallaro said. “Besides all of the warblers and other migrating birds, this place is bald eagle central. I’ve never seen this many bald eagles.”
Tom and Joyce Gallagher from New Philadelphia have been attending the Biggest Week festival for several years, and just a few steps onto the boardwalk they had spotted a black-throated green warbler, which winters in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies.
“The wind is right so it is holding the birds here, and they are such a beautiful sight when you can get up this close,” Mr. Gallagher said. “And there are a lot of birding experts here to point everything out.”
Ruth Skvarla from St. John, Ind., is on her fourth visit to the Biggest Week festival, which is organized, promoted, and managed by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. By mid-morning Monday, she had seen the distinctive Prothonotary warbler, a magnolia warbler, a black-throated green warbler, and a northern parula.
“We love coming here, and the birding is just fantastic,” she said. “This is a really unique place, and we see a lot of birds here.”
A close encounter with a chestnut-sided warbler, then another with a blackburnian warbler, and a third with a yellow warbler had Michigan resident and photographer Patricia Rydzewski from Wyandotte beaming over her birding success.
“A couple of them even seemed to pose for me — it’s been a good day,” she said.
JERRY HARRINGTON/REFLECTOR -- St. Paul's Lilly Dowdell hands the baton off to Cheyenne Null in the 4x800 relay at Saturday's Bob Knoll Invitational at Recreation Park in New London.
By TODD TAPPEL
OLIVESBURG — The 59th Firelands Conference track and field meet will be held Wednesday and Friday at Crestview High School.
Defending champions are New London (boys) and St. Paul (girls). New London has the most boys league championships (16) and Western Reserve (14) has the most girls titles.
Below is a look at this year’s field and what to expect this week:
Boys preview
Sprints: Crestview’s Garrett Dudley holds the fastest times in the 200-meter (23.30) and 400 (52.35) events, while teammate Christian Durbin has been best at 100 meters (11.20). Durbin also has the second best time in the 400 (52.47). Other sprint contenders are Max Horner (Monroeville), Joey Catalano (St. Paul), Cam Caizzo (St. Paul) and Aaron Reed (New London).
Hurdles: Crestview’s Cameron Shifflet has dominated both hurdle events. His best times are 15.20 in the 110 hurdles and 40.43 in the 300 hurdles. The 110 time is 1.8 seconds better than any other FC runner and the 300 time is over three seconds faster.
Distance: The 800 event should be closely-contested as only 1.3 seconds separate the top three times in the conference. St. Paul’s Noah Avendano has the best time at 2:04.29, while Crestview’s James Barber and St. Paul’s Jared Arnold are close behind. Mapleton’s Drew Roberts has been the class of the field in the 1600 and 3200.
Relays: Crestview has the fastest time in the 800, 1600 and 3200 relays. Monroeville and Crestview are only separated by 0.42 seconds in the 400 relay.
Throwing: St. Paul’s Davis Hedrick and Crestview’s Lane Fry lead the discus and shot put, respectively.
Jumping: Monroeville’s Chayce Shaub has the leading distance in the long jump and is tied with Crestview’s Shifflet for best height in the high jump. Other contenders in the long jump are Western Reserve’s JJ Weisenberger and South Central’s Josiah Wright. In the high jump, South Central’s Sawyer Schafer is only one inch behind the lead pair.
Pole Vault: New London’s Jacob Allen has a 14-foot vault to lead Alex Wynn’s (13-feet).
Girls preview
Sprints: Crestview’s Autumn Bailey has been fastest in the 100 (12.64) and the 200 (26.95). Other contending sprinters are Kristin Smith (Monroeville), Maryonna Cathey (New London), and Olivia Powers (St. Paul). The 400 dash has 0.47 seconds separating Smith, Cathey and Powers.
Hurdles: New London’s Cathey, South Central's Ellery McKee, and New London’s Taylar Howell are the leading conference hurdlers. Only 0.02 seconds separate the trio in the 100, while Cathey’s 300 time leads the by 3.4 seconds.
Distance: St. Paul’s Lily Dowdell has dominated the distance events. Her leading times in the 800 (2:22.44), 1600 (5:20.17) and 3200 (11:53) are all within four seconds of conference records.
Relays: St. Paul has been very good in relays, and that dominance continues this year as it holds the leading time in all relay events.
Throwing: Western Reserve’s Victoria Ramage looks to repeat as conference champion in both throwing events. She leads the shot put with a throw of 38-feet-0.5. Mapleton’s Natalie Liss has a 124-feet-1 throw in the discus, which leads Ramage and Marisa Molnar (New London).
Jumping: South Central’s Izzy Hauler has been best in the long jump with a leap of 16-feet-7. Trailing her are Mapleton’s Cacie Stalnaker and New London’s Brooklyn Hudson. Monroeville’s Reece Kluding has the leading height in the high jump at 5-feet-2. Trailing by two inches is St. Paul’s Kamryn Maxwell.
Pole Vault: New London’s Emily Collins (8-feet-6) and Mapleton’s Hannah Shadd have identical vaults.
CARY ASHBY/REFLECTOR -- These Western Reserve seniors have signed their letters of intent to play sports at various area colleges. From left are: Noah Stevens (Oberlin College, football and track); Dale Smith (Bluffton University, basketball); Victoria Ramage (Ohio Northern University, track and field); Dominic Ruffing (Defiance College, football); Morgan Boswell (Mount Union University, volleyball); and Brooke Ommert (Capital University, basketball).Cary Ashby
COLLINS — Six Western Reserve students made it official Monday where they will play college athletics.
The standout Roughrider student-athletes included Morgan Boswell, Dominic Fannin, Brooke Ommert, Victoria Ramage, Dale Smith and Noah Stevens.
Boswell, the daughter of John and Yvonne, will play volleyball at the University of Mount Union. She plans on a double major in marketing and human resources, which she said fits her love for organization.
“The campus is just beautiful,” Boswell said. “I met with the professors; they are awesome. The coaching staff is just awesome.”
Since she had taken classes at Western through the College Credit Plus program, she had many credits transfer to Mount Union.
“That will let me travel abroad,” Boswell said.
Fannin, the son of Mike and Lisa, will play offensive tackle on the Defiance College football team.
“At Defiance, you don’t feel like a number. They care about the kids and you get a quality education,” he said.
“It’s a small school,” added Fannin, who looks forward to knowing his coaches and teachers well.
Fannin will major in forensic science. He said he plans to move to a big city after college and be a part of the forensics team at a police station.
Ommert, the daughter of Dr. Scott and Denise, will play guard as a member of the women’s basketball team at Capital University.
“I really like the coaches. They were super nice and the players were really nice,” she said. “And it’s in the OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference), which is a really competitive conference.”
Ommert, whose father is a chiropractor, is majoring in biochemistry.
“I really like science. I’d like to go into pediatrics,” she said.
In choosing Capital, Ommert said she likes the “home-y” feel of the campus and the opportunities for internships.
“I really felt like the professors are passionate about what they’re doing,” she said.
“I’m thinking about going into education or business; I’m not sure which,” said the son of Chad and Natalie. “Coach (Chris) Sheldon went to Bluffton and he recommended it.”
Also, Smith said he really likes the Bluffton players and expects to have good relationships with them.
PHIL MASTURZO/TNS -- The Cavaliers' J.R. Smith drives through the Raptors' DeMar DeRozan during the first quarter in Game 4 of a second-round playoff series on Monday in Cleveland.
By JOE VARDON
CLEVELAND — Eight days ago the Cavaliers avoided the potential start of a total, organizational collapse.
Now they're in the Eastern Conference finals, again.
The Cavs swept the East's best team from the regular season, the Toronto Raptors, by beating them 128-93 Monday in Game 4 at The Q. Cleveland needed to win a Game 7 over Indiana on April 29 to even get to the conference semifinals.
The Cavs not only swept the Raptors out of the semifinals for the second straight year and knocked them out of the playoffs for the third straight season, they also completed the sweep on the same calendar date (May 7).
"Maybe they just got our number," said a defeated DeMar DeRozan. "Things just don't go right for us."
Cleveland needs four more wins against either Boston or Philadelphia in the next round for its fourth straight NBA Finals. Not bad for a team that finished fourth during the regular season.
LeBron James, who was said to be a sure bet to leave as a free agent this summer if the Cavs lost to the Pacers, finished Game 4 with 29 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds on 12-of-19 shooting. He extended his NBA record to 12 consecutive playoff games of leading his team in points and assists.
This will be James' eighth straight appearance in the Eastern finals and 10th overall.
"To be able to put ourselves in position where we can represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals, that's all you can ask for," James said. "So we're excited about being part of the Eastern Conference finals once again and having the opportunity to compete for a championship. That is what our goal is."
James scored 15 in the third quarter, when the Cavs took a 16-point lead and made it 100-72 by quarter's end. Coach Tyronn Lue put James out there to start the fourth quarter with Cleveland's second unit to make sure the lead stood. He exited for good with 7:38 remaining and the Cavs up 30.
A short night for James — he only played 38 minutes.
Lue, by the way, in three conference semifinal series as head coach, is a perfect 12-0.
"We keep going back talking about the Indiana series, I think it prepared us for this series," Lue said. "I think the physicality, the ball pressure, really helped us going forward into this series. We got to continue to keep getting better, we talked about that just throughout the playoffs."
The Cavs' Kevin Love had his third consecutive strong game with 23 points and six rebounds. Kyle Korver added 16 points including four 3s. JR Smith scored all 15 of his points in the first half on 6-of-6 shooting. George Hill contributed 12 points.
DeRozan completed his total stinker of a series by earning an ejection with 23.6 seconds left in the third quarter for whacking Jordan Clarkson in the head on Clarkson's breakaway layup. DeRozan, who hit all head, was slapped with a flagrant-two foul — an automatic shower.
DeRozan, an All-Star, finished the game with 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting. He was 3-of-12 for eight points in Game 3, and was so bad coach Dwane Casey wouldn't play him in the fourth quarter when his team came back from 14 points down and nearly won.
The Raptors were led in scoring by Jonas Valanciunas, who came off the bench for the first time this series and finished with 18 points.
Kyle Lowry, Toronto's other All-Star, went quietly with five points (he did contribute 10 assists) and shot 2-of-7.
The Cavs shot .595 from the field (tying a franchise playoff record) and made 12 3s. The Raptors were 4-of-15 from 3-point range.
"I think defensively in these 11 games, we've been very, very, very good," James said. "Offensively we're starting to pick up. We're starting to get a rhythm, we're starting to know what we're capable of offensively and what we can become."
Casey used his third different starting lineup in four games, going with C.J. Miles and Serge Ibaka over Fred VanVleet and Valanciunas from Game 3.
Lue's adjustment: Introducing Cedi Osman into the series. The rookie Osman subbed in during the first quarter, taking the rotation spot of Rodney Hood — who had scored just two points through three games.
Hard to really tell the difference in a blowout, but Osman contributed five points, two rebounds and two assists. Hood was the only Cleveland player in uniform not to see the floor.
The Cavs opened the game shooting 10-of-12 and led by as many as 10 in the first quarter. Smith, who was held scoreless in Game 3, scored 12 in the first quarter.
James didn't even really join the party in the second quarter, notching just two points in the first. By halftime he was up to 10 points, six boards and seven assists, and the Cavs led 63-47. He was only Cleveland's fourth-leading scorer: Smith and Korver combined for 28 points and 6-of-6 shooting on 3s in the first half.
The Cavs are now 10-of-10 in Game 4s after taking a 3-0 lead in a playoff series. They've also beaten the Raptors in 10 straight playoff games and in 15 of the last 17, counting the regular season.
NEXT: The Eastern Conference finals, date and opponent to be determined.
Rudy Giuliani's account of Donald Trump's role in the payment to Stormy Daniels has collapsed into near-incoherence.
In his latest interviews, the newly minted Trump lawyer has adopted a posture of impenetrable epistemological modesty — there's nothing he knows about the case, or can possibly learn about it anytime soon. Giuliani retreated to this tack after directly contradicting the president's denial of knowing anything about the hush money, and getting rebuked by Trump for being ill-informed and not yet up to speed.
It shouldn't be this complicated. Getting their story straight would be much easier if they adopted a simple, nay simplistic, legal and political strategy — telling the truth.
Giuliani shocked the political world when he said last week that Trump had reimbursed his fixer Michael Cohen for the payout to the porn star. Rudy declared that this made it a private transaction, and therefore it couldn't be a campaign-finance violation. Case closed.
But the legal reasoning wasn't airtight — if Cohen made the payment to influence the campaign, it didn't matter if Trump paid it back or not — and Trump wasn't ready to endorse Rudy's version of events.
By this past weekend, the former New York City mayor was on "This Week" on ABC News, incapable of saying much of anything at all. Had, George Stephanopoulos asked, Trump met Stormy Daniels? "It depends," Giuliani replied, "on kind of what you mean by met her, right?"
When did Trump first learn Daniels asked for payment? "Don't know and doesn't matter to me." Stephanopoulos pointed out that Giuliani told the website BuzzFeed that Cohen complained to Trump about not getting paid back after the 2016 campaign. So, the president knew about the payment after the campaign?
"Can't say that," Giuliani answered. Hadn't Rudy stated it as fact in an interview? "Well, maybe I did," he conceded. "I can just say it's rumor. I can prove it's rumor, but I can't prove it's fact. Yet. Maybe we will."
Why did Trump deny knowledge of the payment on Air Force One on April 5? "Well, I don't know."
Rudy sounds like he's been charged with unraveling one of the great mysteries of our time, when it's all resolvable with about two questions: "Mr. President, when did you find out about the payment to Stormy Daniels? When did you pay Cohen back?" This is about a five-minute conversation.
Rudy is not limited by his ability to gather facts, but by the president's willingness to be forthright. Although it would be painful — to the first lady, above all — Trump would be well-served to play it straight. He could make a vague confession about past conduct he's not proud of; say that Cohen paid off Daniels to avoid embarrassment, with added motivation as the election approached (what Giuliani has been trying to say); and amend his campaign's Federal Election Commission filing in an excess of caution.
It's never ideal to admit to a possible violation of the law, even a technical one. But campaign-finance violations are rarely prosecuted, and current Justice Department guidance says that a sitting president can't be indicted. This means that it is most important for Trump to win in the court of public opinion, and having a believable, consistent account is much better than basing a defense on a flat-out denial that no one believes, almost certainly not even Rudy or Trump's other advocates.
Compared to the other allegations against Trump — collusion with the Russians, obstruction of justice — a decade-old affair is not a matter of great public import. But Bill Clinton showed how a president can parlay prideful denials, overconfidence in his ability to talk his way out of anything and personal embarrassment into a legal and constitutional conflagration. And, eventually, he had to tell the truth anyway.
Rudy Giuliani has had a rocky debut in his new role, but the ultimate problem here isn't the counselor, but the client.
