Local News
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
City pays legal bills over protest suit
STAFF WRITER
The bills resulting from the city's disagreement with a pro-life group last summer are coming due.
Findlay City Council voted 9-0 Tuesday night to pay $6,791.96 in legal fees toward the city's fight with the Milwaukee-based Missionaries to the Preborn.
The group was displaying graphic images of aborted fetuses at the intersection of Tiffin Avenue and Bright Road on July 31, when police told the demonstrators they had to leave because they did not have a permit. City officials later said they were opposed to the demonstrators because they were creating safety problems with their photographs and by running out into traffic, not because of the content of their message.
The group then filed a restraining order against the city in U.S. Northern District Court in Toledo, claiming their rights to free speech and due process and equal protection under the law were violated. The group claimed they were told they needed a permit to demonstrate and said they were then given the runaround when they asked how to obtain a permit.
City officials then relented and allowed the group to return to the intersection on Aug. 10.
However, the group is still seeking about $15,000 in legal fees. City officials are fighting that, which means, even if they are successful, there will be more legal fees coming from their attorney.
“There's further litigation scheduled later this month so (the $6,791.96) will not represent the entire amount,” Safety Director Jim Barker said Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred during former mayor Tony Iriti's administration, not current mayor Pete Sehnert's.
Missionaries to the Preborn have traveled to more than 450 locations around the country spreading its pro-life message. Members were touring Ohio and had conducted similar demonstrations in Defiance, Toledo, Lima, Springfield, Kettering, Dayton and Cincinnati before coming to Findlay.
While the group's Web site does tout the fact that demonstrators who face criminal charges intend to “respectfully plead their cause before the courts,” group leader Pastor Matt Trewhella said they do not purposefully seek out lawsuits.
Separately, council voted 9-0 to join the Northwest Ohio Flood Partnership. The partnership was created by seven major corporations to speed up flood reduction efforts, after Findlay and Ottawa flooded several times in the last 14 months.
“I don't think we can do this ourselves ... This is just such an enormous problem that everyone needs to band together,” said 2nd Ward Councilman Randy Van Dyne, who, along with 6th Ward Councilman Bill Schedel, represents council on the partnership.
The city is not committing any money by joining the partnership, Van Dyne said.
He also noted the partnership is tentatively planning to have a public meeting to discuss what steps are being taken to ease flooding.
In other flood-related business, council accepted the deed to the property at 714 E. Sandusky St. in order to convert it into green space. The owner of the property donated it to the city because he no longer feels he can keep up with flooding on the site, which is located next to Lye Creek.
Contact staff writer John Graber at: (419) 427-8417 Send an e-mail to John Graber
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P.O. Box 609
Findlay, OH 45839-0609
Phone: (419) 422-5151
www.findlaypublishing.com
Please read our privacy guidelines
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News Briefs Leipsic man killed in crash
COLUMBUS GROVE — A Leipsic man died Thursday morning after his truck hit a guardrail along Ohio 65 in northern Allen County.
Justin R. Flores, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Allen County Coroner's Office, according to the Lima post of the State Highway Patrol.
The patrol said Flores was driving northbound on Ohio 65 in Monroe Township when his 2001 Ford F-150 pickup went off the east side of the road. It hit a guardrail and then a river bank before coming to a rest.
The patrol said Flores was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected.
The vehicle sustained heavy damage and had to be towed. Flores was taken to St. Rita's Medical Center by Columbus Grove EMS.
The Columbus Grove Fire Department was called to the scene. The accident was still under investigation Thursday night.
Editor's coffee set
Courier Editor Peter Mattiace will be available for monthly coffee and talk from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. today at Morey's Books & Coffee. Morey's is at 414 S. Main St., Findlay.
Settlement OK'd in defamation lawsuit
FOSTORIA — A defamation lawsuit, filed by Fostoria Police Chief John McGuire against a former employer, has been settled for $45,000, according to Dean Henry, a Tiffin attorney representing McGuire.
The lawsuit was filed in February 2007 against the Perkins Township Trustees in Erie County and Perkins Township Police Chief Tim McClung.
It involved published statements made by McClung against McGuire when the Fostoria city administration was considering hiring McGuire. Fostoria hired McGuire in February 2006.
McClung was McGuire's supervisor from 1993-2000.
Program offered on geocaching
UPPER SANDUSKY — A program on geocaching will be presented at 11 a.m. Saturday in the pavilion at Bicentennial Park, Upper Sandusky.
Geocaching uses a handheld global positioning system device to locate hidden items. The program is for beginners and experienced participants. It will include the basics of geocaching, how to use the handheld unit, how to find and how to hide items.
The free event will feature a potluck lunch, with participants bringing salads, vegetables, fruit or desserts. Meat, soda, water, fruit juice and table service will be provided.
After lunch, groups with beginners and experienced participants will locate items hidden in the Upper Sandusky area. Experienced participants should bring their equipment.
For additional information, call 419-310-0868.
Leipsic graduation to be held Sunday
LEIPSIC -- The Leipsic High School class of 2008 will graduate 65 seniors during ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday in the high school gym.
Katie Niese is this year's valedictorian and class speaker.
Other graduates are:
Logan Bardall, James Berger, Casandra Brinkman, Ashley Brown, Eric Butler, Kristopher Butler, Emilio Calderon, Pearl Carrillo, Cassandra Castillo, Amber Courtney, Kayla Delgado, Justine Dickey, Jessica Ellerbrock, Sara Ellerbrock, Anea Escamilla, Julie Evers, Mitchell Furry, Jordan Garcia, Brenda Gerdeman, Aaron Gerten, Bradley Gerten, Sonny Gonzalez, Brian Goodwin, Alexandra Guerra, Amber Guerra, Lucas Haselman, Randal Henry, Amanda Kreinbrink, Paul Kreinbrink, Caleb Krinke, Robert Kroeger, Arthur Lomeli, Danielle Mangas, Jay Meyers, Matilde Miranda, Ryan Morin, Jessica Orwig, Sonia Pardo, Clarissa Parker, Rebecca Patton, Joseph Peterson, Matthew Prater, Jose Puente, Devon Rader, Marie Rodriguez, Alyssa Romero, Jonah Schlumbohm, Bradley Schnipke, Benjamin Schroeder, Dustin Schroeder, Evan Schroeder, Jobe Schroeder, Kelly Schroeder, Kyle Schroeder, Tyler Schroeder, Jordan Selhorst, Richard Thornton, Louis Torres, Alex Vasquez, Eric Walters, James Watkins, Jacqueline Westrick, David White, Tashauna Zachrich.
Heritage Christian graduation slated
Heritage Christian School will hold its commencement ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church, 2000 Broad Ave.
The valedictorian is Sarah Neal. The salutatorians are Aaron Berry and Mark Brahm.
Other graduates are:
Jeremy Butcher, Joseph Dickson, Hunter Hinkle, Crystal Rexroad, Britani Rucker and Amber Wilson.
Hammond named to new position at Fifth Third Bank
Mary Beth Hammond has been promoted to vice president and regional manager of Fifth Third Bank's Retail Banking Division.
She is based at 337 S. Main St.
Before her promotion, Hammond was retail regional manager for 14 Fifth Third banking centers including Findlay, Fostoria and Tiffin.
Previously, Hammond provided banking services to executive and professional clients as part of Fifth Third's Private Bank. She joined the bank in 2001 and has 28 years of financial experience.
A graduate of Northwestern University in Lima, she resides with her family in Findlay.
Forest library holds book sale
FOREST — A used book sale, sponsored by Friends of the Forest-Jackson Public Library, is being held during regular hours at Forest-Jackson Public Library, 102 W. Lima St.
The library is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The sale includes hardcover books by W.E.B. Griffin, John Grisham, Clive Cussler, Nelson Demille, Ken Follett, Jack Higgins, John Sandford, Dick Francis and Robert Ludlum. There also will be paperbacks for sale.
Proceeds benefit the library's summer reading program.
Hatfield heads The Heritage
Debbie Hatfield has been named executive director of The Heritage nursing home.
Hatfield is a licensed social worker and was admissions director for The Heritage. She has been with the nursing home for more than 30 years.
As executive director, she will direct day-to-day operations which include assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, transitional care suites, physical/occupational/speech therapy, 24-hour skilled nursing care, outpatient therapy, respite care, and adult day services.
Hatfield has completed the Core of Knowledge Course at Ohio State University and the administrator in training program at The Heritage. She is licensed by the state as a nursing home administrator.
VB Cabaret show to start at 8 p.m.
VAN BUREN — Tonight's curtain time for Van Buren High School's Cabaret has been changed. The show will begin at 8 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m., because of a conflict with a high school baseball game.
Saturday's curtain will remain unchanged.
'Fostoria Facelift' applications taken
FOSTORIA -- Applications are being accepted for the annual “Fostoria Facelift” program offered by the Community Housing Improvement Committee, part of the city's long-range strategic plan.
Committee members and volunteers improve the “curb appeal” of residences by doing exterior work such as trimming shrubs, painting, washing windows and planting flowers and shrubs. Homeowners may provide labor or financial assistance, too.
Applications, available at the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce office, 121 N. Main St., are due May 23.
For additional information contact the chamber office, 419-435-0486.
Hydrant flushing
Findlay will flush hydrants today in the area of Hancock County 95 south to the Norfolk Southern crossing, and from Hancock County 95 west to the CSX railroad.
The city will begin flushing hydrants in the area of North Main Street from the Blanchard River north to Hancock County 99 and east to the CSX railroad.
Hospitals
FOSTORIA COMMUNITY
Dismissed
Janice Summers, Fostoria.
WYANDOT MEMORIAL
Births
Lisa and Ryan Rife, Upper Sandusky, a girl; Alma Alvarez, Upper Sandusky, a boy.
COLUMBUS GROVE — A Leipsic man died Thursday morning after his truck hit a guardrail along Ohio 65 in northern Allen County.
Justin R. Flores, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Allen County Coroner's Office, according to the Lima post of the State Highway Patrol.
The patrol said Flores was driving northbound on Ohio 65 in Monroe Township when his 2001 Ford F-150 pickup went off the east side of the road. It hit a guardrail and then a river bank before coming to a rest.
The patrol said Flores was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected.
The vehicle sustained heavy damage and had to be towed. Flores was taken to St. Rita's Medical Center by Columbus Grove EMS.
The Columbus Grove Fire Department was called to the scene. The accident was still under investigation Thursday night.
Editor's coffee set
Courier Editor Peter Mattiace will be available for monthly coffee and talk from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. today at Morey's Books & Coffee. Morey's is at 414 S. Main St., Findlay.
Settlement OK'd in defamation lawsuit
FOSTORIA — A defamation lawsuit, filed by Fostoria Police Chief John McGuire against a former employer, has been settled for $45,000, according to Dean Henry, a Tiffin attorney representing McGuire.
The lawsuit was filed in February 2007 against the Perkins Township Trustees in Erie County and Perkins Township Police Chief Tim McClung.
It involved published statements made by McClung against McGuire when the Fostoria city administration was considering hiring McGuire. Fostoria hired McGuire in February 2006.
McClung was McGuire's supervisor from 1993-2000.
Program offered on geocaching
UPPER SANDUSKY — A program on geocaching will be presented at 11 a.m. Saturday in the pavilion at Bicentennial Park, Upper Sandusky.
Geocaching uses a handheld global positioning system device to locate hidden items. The program is for beginners and experienced participants. It will include the basics of geocaching, how to use the handheld unit, how to find and how to hide items.
The free event will feature a potluck lunch, with participants bringing salads, vegetables, fruit or desserts. Meat, soda, water, fruit juice and table service will be provided.
After lunch, groups with beginners and experienced participants will locate items hidden in the Upper Sandusky area. Experienced participants should bring their equipment.
For additional information, call 419-310-0868.
Leipsic graduation to be held Sunday
LEIPSIC -- The Leipsic High School class of 2008 will graduate 65 seniors during ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday in the high school gym.
Katie Niese is this year's valedictorian and class speaker.
Other graduates are:
Logan Bardall, James Berger, Casandra Brinkman, Ashley Brown, Eric Butler, Kristopher Butler, Emilio Calderon, Pearl Carrillo, Cassandra Castillo, Amber Courtney, Kayla Delgado, Justine Dickey, Jessica Ellerbrock, Sara Ellerbrock, Anea Escamilla, Julie Evers, Mitchell Furry, Jordan Garcia, Brenda Gerdeman, Aaron Gerten, Bradley Gerten, Sonny Gonzalez, Brian Goodwin, Alexandra Guerra, Amber Guerra, Lucas Haselman, Randal Henry, Amanda Kreinbrink, Paul Kreinbrink, Caleb Krinke, Robert Kroeger, Arthur Lomeli, Danielle Mangas, Jay Meyers, Matilde Miranda, Ryan Morin, Jessica Orwig, Sonia Pardo, Clarissa Parker, Rebecca Patton, Joseph Peterson, Matthew Prater, Jose Puente, Devon Rader, Marie Rodriguez, Alyssa Romero, Jonah Schlumbohm, Bradley Schnipke, Benjamin Schroeder, Dustin Schroeder, Evan Schroeder, Jobe Schroeder, Kelly Schroeder, Kyle Schroeder, Tyler Schroeder, Jordan Selhorst, Richard Thornton, Louis Torres, Alex Vasquez, Eric Walters, James Watkins, Jacqueline Westrick, David White, Tashauna Zachrich.
Heritage Christian graduation slated
Heritage Christian School will hold its commencement ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church, 2000 Broad Ave.
The valedictorian is Sarah Neal. The salutatorians are Aaron Berry and Mark Brahm.
Other graduates are:
Jeremy Butcher, Joseph Dickson, Hunter Hinkle, Crystal Rexroad, Britani Rucker and Amber Wilson.
Hammond named to new position at Fifth Third Bank
Mary Beth Hammond has been promoted to vice president and regional manager of Fifth Third Bank's Retail Banking Division.
She is based at 337 S. Main St.
Before her promotion, Hammond was retail regional manager for 14 Fifth Third banking centers including Findlay, Fostoria and Tiffin.
Previously, Hammond provided banking services to executive and professional clients as part of Fifth Third's Private Bank. She joined the bank in 2001 and has 28 years of financial experience.
A graduate of Northwestern University in Lima, she resides with her family in Findlay.
Forest library holds book sale
FOREST — A used book sale, sponsored by Friends of the Forest-Jackson Public Library, is being held during regular hours at Forest-Jackson Public Library, 102 W. Lima St.
The library is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The sale includes hardcover books by W.E.B. Griffin, John Grisham, Clive Cussler, Nelson Demille, Ken Follett, Jack Higgins, John Sandford, Dick Francis and Robert Ludlum. There also will be paperbacks for sale.
Proceeds benefit the library's summer reading program.
Hatfield heads The Heritage
Debbie Hatfield has been named executive director of The Heritage nursing home.
Hatfield is a licensed social worker and was admissions director for The Heritage. She has been with the nursing home for more than 30 years.
As executive director, she will direct day-to-day operations which include assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, transitional care suites, physical/occupational/speech therapy, 24-hour skilled nursing care, outpatient therapy, respite care, and adult day services.
Hatfield has completed the Core of Knowledge Course at Ohio State University and the administrator in training program at The Heritage. She is licensed by the state as a nursing home administrator.
VB Cabaret show to start at 8 p.m.
VAN BUREN — Tonight's curtain time for Van Buren High School's Cabaret has been changed. The show will begin at 8 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m., because of a conflict with a high school baseball game.
Saturday's curtain will remain unchanged.
'Fostoria Facelift' applications taken
FOSTORIA -- Applications are being accepted for the annual “Fostoria Facelift” program offered by the Community Housing Improvement Committee, part of the city's long-range strategic plan.
Committee members and volunteers improve the “curb appeal” of residences by doing exterior work such as trimming shrubs, painting, washing windows and planting flowers and shrubs. Homeowners may provide labor or financial assistance, too.
Applications, available at the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce office, 121 N. Main St., are due May 23.
For additional information contact the chamber office, 419-435-0486.
Hydrant flushing
Findlay will flush hydrants today in the area of Hancock County 95 south to the Norfolk Southern crossing, and from Hancock County 95 west to the CSX railroad.
The city will begin flushing hydrants in the area of North Main Street from the Blanchard River north to Hancock County 99 and east to the CSX railroad.
Hospitals
FOSTORIA COMMUNITY
Dismissed
Janice Summers, Fostoria.
WYANDOT MEMORIAL
Births
Lisa and Ryan Rife, Upper Sandusky, a girl; Alma Alvarez, Upper Sandusky, a boy.