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Local News

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Bicyclist dies in Findlay crash
Hancock Federal Credit Union
From Staff Reports

A Findlay bicyclist was killed in an accident on Bright Road as icy roads made travel treacherous Monday evening, area law enforcement personnel reported.

Benito Molina Jr., 56, died when he was struck by two cars about 9:15 p.m. while riding in the 2100 block of Bright Road near Romick Parkway.

Police said Molina was northbound on Bright Road in the curb lane. A motorist, Chelsey Peterson, 18, of Findlay, was driving a 2000 Toyota Celica northbound in the curb lane and did not see the bicyclist until the last moment, police said.

Peterson swerved left to avoid the bicycle, but the right front of her car struck the bicycle and knocked Molina to the pavement, police said.

A 1997 Chrysler Conquest driven by Amanda Wolford, 24, of Findlay, was behind Peterson. Wolford swerved right to avoid Peterson's car, but Wolford did not see the downed bicyclist, police said.

Wolford's car drove over the bicycle and rider. Molina's body had to be extricated from under the Wolford vehicle, and Molina was pronounced dead at the scene.

No citations were issued.

Outside of Findlay, law enforcement officers investigated several weather-related injury accidents as a light icy mixture descended on the Hancock County area,

The Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol investigated an injury crash about 3:50 p.m. Monday that blocked southbound Interstate 75 at the northern edge of Findlay.

Two members of a Columbus family were injured in the single-vehicle accident.

The patrol reported that Adolfo Solano, 20, of Columbus, was driving south on Interstate 75, just north of the Hancock County 99 exit, when he lost control of his 2002 Ford Explorer on the icy roadway. According to the patrol, the vehicle went off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.

Solano and one of his passengers, Gustavo Solano, 16, also of Columbus, were taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital by Hanco ambulance, troopers reported. No information on their conditions was available late Monday.

Solano was cited for operating a vehicle without reasonable control.

Two adults and a child were hurt in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 75 near Bluffton at 7:21 p.m. Monday, the patrol said.

Those victims were transported to Lima Memorial Hospital, a patrol spokesperson said. The crash remained under investigation late Monday and further details were not available.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office also responded to a series of crashes.

A Lima woman was injured in a single-vehicle crash at 7:34 p.m. on U.S. 30 near U.S. 68, south of Williamstown.

Mary Singh, 41, of Lima, was transported by Appleseed EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital, the sheriff's office said. She was treated and released.

She was a passenger in a 2006 Mazda pickup driven by Sarabjit Singh, 35, of Lima. The pickup was westbound on U.S. 30 when it slid on ice and hit a guardrail.

Accidents on other icy roads blocked traffic, but did not result in injuries.

A two-vehicle, non-injury mishap closed down a section of U.S. 224 in front of Peterbilt, just west of Findlay, for several minutes Monday evening. Hancock County deputies also were dispatched to a non-injury wreck that blocked traffic on Ohio 15 near Vanlue.

The Lima patrol post responded to several accidents, as did the Wood County Sheriff's Office. An injury crash was reported Monday night near Deshler on Hoytville Road at Custar Road, a Wood County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said.

State and county salt crews were on the job late Monday.
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50 Comments (5 pages)

Latest comments listed first.
Beverly (Winans) Dziengelewski wrote:
Benny Molina/ Brother-in-law
“ Very early Tuesday morning (12-02-08) I received word on my nieces & nephews father being killed. My first thoughts were prayers to my nieces, nephews, great nieces, & great nephews, the Molina family, & then prayers for the drivers. Watching the drivers being brought into the families embrace at the viewing was a wonderful experience. Seeing the tears of pain turn into smiles ... there is no verb to describe it. When death is sudden, unexpected, & tragic, you mourn differently than when it is slow, expected, & natural causes. The pain & remorse you carry with a tragedy you are involved in, is something far harder to shake. I thank all that did their best to help Benny during his time of need. Knowing he did not die alone, but with someone there is comforting. To honor Benny, pray for God's Peace, Love, & Healing for all involved & the community to start the healing process. Israel, Elisabeth, Moses, & Rebekah I am just a phone call or email away. The same invite is to Benny's family. ”
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:13:23 AM
Rachel wrote:
My Uncle
“ To all of the readers here on this blog, Benny was my uncle. I want you to know that there are a lot of comments here, and that's your right as citizens to voice your opinion. My other cousins have stated on here, and I will restate...We forgive the girls that ran over my Uncle. It was an accident. It could have happened to anyone, and I pray that this accident makes us all more aware that when we are on the roads, by car or by bike, we need to proceed with caution. My Uncle leaves behind Children and Grandchildren, and many of us who loved him dearly. He was a good person with a great heart, and having just taken one of his last snapshots with him at Labor Day, I feel blessed to have known him. We welcome the drivers to the funeral at Coldren Crates and we pray that his life would be remembered positively by all who knew him. I am sorry so many of you feel angry and the need to point fingers. We as a family are not angry, we are a little shocked. We thank God for the people like the Good Samaritan down several people on this blog, and we can only leave everyone with this...Live every moment like it's your last...Kiss those close to you...Take lots of pictures...Laugh often:) Know that Jesus is there whenever you need Him, my Uncle knew that, and we believe he is there now, with Jesus. This alone gives us peace. Have a safe and Happy Holidays! ”
Friday, December 05, 2008 5:38:10 PM
Marie wrote:
Bicycle Death
“ My heart goes out to the family of Benny. May you find peace within his untimely passing. I do feel that the driver of the first car should be held accountable to some degree. If memory serves me correctly, Bright Road is a well lit road and for a bicyclist to not be seen until the very last second, the drivers attention was not on the road. I know that these young girls feel horrible and have deep regret and remorse. This is an unfortunate accident that will hopefully make young drivers pay closer attetntion to the road and the surroundings when driving. ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 8:12:17 PM
Was There (BD) wrote:
Tiffany S.
“ Tiffany you really need to get your facts straight before typing any further comments. I was there that night as well. I was one of the first emergency service workers to arrive. I know for a fact it did not take me 15min to arrive on scene. This can be confirmed through taped radio communications. Further you were not told to "give up its done". You were instructed to step back and allow the emergency services that were there, and trained to deal with these situations to do so. You should be applauded for your quick thinking. You should also know that using an unstable jack on a wet / icy surface could cause more damage then good. Aka jack slips and the impact further injures the trapped male. Also in the case of internal bleeding, once you raise the car it can cause further problems.
As far as being told to move your vehicle. Traffic was backed up to the intersection of Fostoria Ave. This is why you were told to move your vehicels. How are first responders suppose to approach a scene if stopped traffic and onlookers are blocking the roadway. If another accident occurs then the help is now torn away from the first victim. The amount of people standing in the roadway watching / not helping like you, but watching posed a huge risk. Their vehicles made getting to the scene that much more difficult.

Now on to some of the other comments. It is not unsual for citations not to be issued in an accident that results in death. If you issue a citation, that is the end. Little thing called "Double Jeopardy" comes into play. If your cited for the accident, pay the ticket, you can not be charged further.
Now I am very sorry for the family of the deceased.
What you do have to remember is a person on a bicycle is viewed as a vehicle when a traffic accident occurs. Therefore there was three units involved in this accident.
We will never know if the lights on his bike were working. Everything fails at some point. Even if he checked the lights it does not mean they were working even a short time later.
Who cares if the girls were on phones. There is NO LAW against it!
The Molina family has suffered a horrible loss. Maybe people should be taking their time to learn more about instead of making accusations, and stating "opinions" about what happened, or could have been done to change things.
There were three victims if not more that night. Mr. Molina, the two girls that everyone seems to love making accusations about, the citizens that tried to help and had to witness this tragedy unfold, and the emergency workers that were on scene. Do you realize one of them had to go to the Molina family and inform them of this tragedy.
IT MUST BE GREAT TO SIT BACK AND JUDGE. ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 5:04:29 PM
Thoughts wrote:
Sympathy
“ First, I would just like to send my condolences and prayers to the family of the bicyclist. Losing someone suddenly like that is always hard. I would also like to send prayers in the direction of the two young ladies involved. After reading this story and all of the comments that have left by fellow readers, I felt the need to express the fact that as a community, we need to be supportive in a situation like this. Accidents happen, life isn't fair. I was a student at Bluffton University at the time of the bus accident in Atlanta, Georgia involving our baseball team. I lost several friends due to the events took place that morning and my life is forever changed because of it. Many people pointed fingers at the bus driver and it would have been easy for us students to do the same. However, it does no good to point fingers or pass blame. What's done is done and putting guilt on someone else does not help the situtation in any way. I know that I, personally, and other students at BU would never have gotten through that horrible situation without the love and support from not only our community members but from people all over the world. With that said, I highly encourage everyone to think about this accident situation, and then think about how you would want to be treated and supported if you were in their shoes. Pointing fingers and passing blame will not bring back Mr. Molina, and it will not take back the haunting memories that the two young women have from that evening. I'm sure it is something that they will think about daily for the rest of their lives. Again speaking from personal experience, I know that I still have not gotten over my friends' death from the bus accident, and still have nightmares and flashbacks every time I see a bus like they were traveling in that morning, and I wasn't even a part of that accident. I cannot even begin to imagine how it must be for those that were physically involved. So again, I encourage everyone to please be supportive and to think before you speak. There is no need to be negative in a tragic situation such as this. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:37:13 PM
Booker wrote:
Ben
“ It wasn't until I read Teresa's comments that I put two and two together. I am familiar with this rider and have been close to hitting him with my vehicle three different times on three different occaisions. Each time spanning over a three month period I have noticed no lights on the vehicle and somewhat of a disregard for other traffic. The latest incident was two weeks ago on South Blanchard at 0615 hours on my way to work (Wednesday). He encircled the whole two lanes of traffic headed southbound from the curb lane. I believe that it is that half peddling style that destabilized his vehicle and allowed him to swerve irradically. unfortunately this is not the only time I have encountered this happening. The most frightening time was when I was on my motorcycle and a simular incident happened (no lights then either). I feel badly for the family of this gentleman, but was not surprised in the least of hearing the news of his demise. I feel badly that the two young ladies had to experience what happened... it will be a life altering event for all involved. ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 10:32:34 AM
Joe molina and Family wrote:
Bicyclist Dies in Findlay Crash
“ Everyone says my family should forgive these two young girls. To forgive, someone has to do something wrong first. These two did nothing wrong, this was an accident.We harbor no bad feelings towards them. Our concern at this time is for Chelsey and Amanda. Whoever thinks that you can be in an accident of this kind and walk away with no remorse is a fool. We know that these girls are suffering because of this. To kick these young girls when they are down at the lowest point in their lives is of no help to anyone. Our prayers go out to Chelsey and Amanda, we hope they can get through this and lead normal happy lives again. My family and I are lucky enough to know god and trust in his wisdom and love. He is our strenth at this time. Again we pray that god bless these two girls and their families and give them the peace that they deserve. We know our brother would want that. To Tiffany S. we thank god for someone like you who stepped up to help the girls and our brother, may god bless you always. If anything maybe someone will learn as Jesus said, love one another as we love ourselves. John 3:16 For god so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not parish, but have everlasting life. and that is what our brother has, Everlasting life, end of argument. ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:22:33 AM
. wrote:
Nobody is to blame here
“ I can't believe anyone would say that the two girls should be charged with vehicular homicide. When you're driving on a road as busy as Bright Rd, you are not expecting to have to look out for bicyclists especially in freezing rain/sleet conditions.

Many years ago, two of my classmates were walking on I-75 and one was struck from behind by a semi and killed. I wouldn't think that the semi driver would be charged. It most definitely wasn't his fault.

I would assume Mr. Molina's family won't blame the two girls that were involved in the accident. They didn't act maliciously or reckless to "cause" that horrible tragic accident. My sympathy goes out to the gentleman involved and also to the two young girls that have been punished enough. This is something that will most definitly effect them forever! ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 8:41:08 AM
missy wrote:
tragedy
“ do you people ever stop and thank that maybe the familys of both partys just might stop and read this at one point or another why would you guys have so much nasty things to say can you let the man rest in peace and let these girls have time to get threw this rough times ahead of them my god for crying out stop reading other peoples comments and thin adding how your feel or what could have happend STOP cause some of us dont have a clue what happend or what u thank might have happend or what should happen to these girls you dont make the choice on what could or what will happen that is no up to us so leaving your nasty comments does not help the matter for anyone in this case so before anyone writes nasty comments the next time STOP and just thank to your self what if either partys get on the computer and look at this if that was u would u wanna get on the computer and read why other people are writting on here stop the nasty comments and trying to call out other people names when you write your comments you can have as much hate as you want but that does not matter keep your feelings to your self and let these family members have time to get threw this tragdy thank about how you would feel if it was on the other shoe before u write something the next time ..... ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 8:27:24 AM
Joe molina and Family wrote:
Bicyclist Dies in Findlay Crash
“ Everyone says my family needs to forgive these girls. To forgive, someone needs to do something wrong, these two did nothing wrong. This was an accident. We harbor no bad feelings towards them. Our concern at this time is for these young girls. Whoever thinks you can be in an accident of this kind and walk away with no remorse is a fool. We happen to know what they are suffering because of this. To kick these two girls when they are down at the lowest point of their lives, it must make you feel so proud. Our prayers go out to Chelsea and Amanda. We hope they can get through this and lead happy and normal lives again. My family and I our lucky enough to know God and his great love. He is our strength. Tiffany S. To you we say thank god for someone like you who stepped in to help these girls and my brother. If anything maybe someone will learn as Jesus said we should love one another as we love ourselves. Again we pray that god bless these young ladies and their families, give them peace they deserve, I know my brother would want that. John 3:16 For god so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not parish but have everlasting life. Thats what my brother has, everlasting life. Praise God! ”
Thursday, December 04, 2008 2:42:01 AM
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News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

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The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.