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Local News

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Fostoria crime task force leaving
Millstream
By JORDAN CRAVENS

staff writer

FOSTORIA -- After three years of combatting drugs and other crime in Fostoria, the Tri-County Fostoria Zero Tolerance Task Force is leaving town.

As of Nov. 30, deputies from Seneca and Hancock counties will stop patrols in Fostoria, due to decreased funding, according to Capt. Roger Treece with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.

The Wood County Sheriff's Office opted out of the three-county task force earlier this year, also citing financial concerns.

The task force began in April 2006 with three-year funding provided by the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation. Each of the three counties contributed a deputy to help fight crime in Fostoria.

The task force "was pretty unique, there was nothing like it in the state," Treece said. "Basically it formed its own police department."

Funding is no longer available, "but the mission has been accomplished," Treece said.

"The mission was zero tolerance. Fostoria was having an open drug problem," he said. "It was also to help supplement the Fostoria Police Department when manpower was down and they were going through layoffs."

In its first nine months of operation, the task force arrested 87 people for drug crimes, according to statistics provided by the Hancock County sheriff. In 2007, 120 drug arrests were made and in 2008, there were 67.

As of June 2009, 25 drug arrests were made.

"We are certainly appreciative of their efforts in helping us have extra eyes and ears on the road," said Fostoria Police Chief John McGuire.

"It was nice to have an extra agency to not only assist, but to also help us when we were understaffed," he said.

The extra enforcement will be missed, but McGuire said his department is up to the task of continuing to clean up the drugs in Fostoria.

"They are highly trained and I think they are going to continue the increased efforts we started," he said of his staff.

Treece agreed: "They have some new young guys, some go-getters."

Deputy Josh Peters is Hancock County's assigned task force deputy. His task force position will be eliminated, but he will continue working at the sheriff's office, Treece said.

The Seneca County Drug Task Force METRICH Enforcement Unit will continue enforcement alongside Fostoria police, Treece said.

Seneca County Sheriff Tom Steyer was out of the office until Thursday and was not available for comment.

Cravens: 419-427-8422,

Send an e-mail to Jordan Cravens


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1 Comment

jeff wrote:
thank you
“ To the officers that worked this detail, thank you for your efforts. Good luck Fostoria PD in the future, you will need it!! ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:39:57 PM
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A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

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FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

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FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

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The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

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Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.