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Local News

Monday, September 29, 2008

NEW: Woman's car found burned
9/29/2008 4:03:13 PM
Hancock Federal Credit Union
WHARTON — A vehicle stolen from the home of a Wharton woman, who is believed to have been murdered, was located early Monday just southeast of Findlay.

Wyandot County Sheriff Mike Hetzel said a 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic belonging to Claradell J. Keller, 78, of Wharton, was found by Arlington firefighters who had responded to a report of a field fire near the intersection of Ohio 15 and County Road 180.

The vehicle, which was discovered in a corn field, was destroyed in the 12:30 a.m. Monday blaze, Hetzel said.

Authorities had been looking for the vehicle since determining it had been stolen from Keller's residence at 20752 County Highway 47, in Richland Township, apparently after a fire had been set there.

The Wharton Fire Department had been dispatched to Keller's residence, which is located near Riverdale School, at 1:08 a.m. Sunday and found the ranch-style home engulfed in flames.

Authorities put out a statewide alert for Keller but canceled it at noon Sunday after remains of a woman were found in a bedroom at the residence.

Hetzel said his office is awaiting positive identification of the body from the Lucas County Coroner's Office, but is investigating the case as if the remains are that of Keller.

Dental records will be used in the identification process.

Meanwhile, Hetzel is urging anyone who may have seen the light blue, four-door Caprice or person or persons "in or around the vehicle" on Sunday to contact the sheriff's office at 419-294-2362.

"If someone saw this vehicle or can identify anyone who may have been in it, it could be very important to this case," Hetzel said Monday afternoon.

The sheriff noted that Keller lived alone but had family who lived in the area. She had last had contact with a friend at about 7 p.m. Saturday.
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Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
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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.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
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.