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Local News

Friday, February 05, 2010

State trooper killed in crash
CAREY -- A State Highway Patrol cruiser responding to a call in Wyandot County crashed Thursday night, killing one state trooper and injuring another.

Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge, 25, of Carey, was fatally injured in the one-vehicle accident. He was driving, the patrol reported.

Trooper Mark McLaughlin, 33, who was Baldridge's training officer, was listed in fair condition Thursday night at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, where he was taken by helicopter, the patrol said.

The troopers were responding to a call for assistance from the Wyandot County Sheriff's Office about 6:05 p.m. when their cruiser ran off the side of Township Highway 95 and rolled over, just west of Carey, the patrol said.

Baldridge was driving, and both troopers appear to have been wearing seat belts, the patrol said.

“This is a tragedy for the patrol and the Department of Public Safety, our young trooper’s family and all who knew and worked with this promising young man. Our prayers go out to him and his family tonight, as well as to Trooper McLaughlin and his family,” said Colonel David W. Dicken, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent.

Baldridge graduated in December from the State Highway Patrol's Training Academy, a 31-week training course. He was assigned to the Bucyrus post of the patrol and was to spend 60 days under the guidance of a veteran officer, according to the patrol.

Baldridge was a 2003 graduate of Carey High School, where he played football.


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8 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Kelly Cothern wrote:
Andy Baldridge
“ I am a good friend and college roommate/teammate of Andy's sister and came to know Andy and the family well. You could not find a better man than Andy or better family than the Baldridge family. Because of their strong family values and faith, I know they will pull through this with the Lord's help. He was such a joy to be around..great sense of humor, impeccable manners, just an all-around wonderful guy. Such a tragedy..my thoughts and prayers and many, many prayers of others, go out to the Baldridge family. ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 8:22:22 PM
Kelly Cothern wrote:
Andy Baldridge
“ I am a good friend and college roommate/teammate of Andy's sister and came to know Andy and the family well. You could not find a better man than Andy or better family than the Baldridge family. Because of their strong family values, I know they will pull through this with the Lord's help. He was such a joy to be around..great sense of humor, impeccable manners, just an all-around wonderful guy. Such a tragedy..my thoughts and prayers and many, many prayers of others, go out to the Baldridge family. ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 8:20:00 PM
Daniel Harmon wrote:
Our Prayers
“ Our prayers go out to the family and extended family at the OSP of Trooper Baldridge. My salute is presented to our fallen brother. ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 6:49:12 PM
Charles wrote:
Trooper with wings
“ My thoughts and prayers are with the Baldridge family. I do not know you, but your son will be missed. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 3:40:36 PM
Bill Camp wrote:
Andy's Baldridge passing
“ Andy was such a great person. He had done some construction work for me and was honest and fair and a real class act. His dream was to be a trooper and he would have been one of the best ever, I am sure. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. It was an honor to know him. ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 3:26:15 PM
April wrote:
Andy
“ Words cannot express the shock and sadness that has overcome the town with the news of Andy's passing. My prayers are with the family. They should be SO, SO proud of him. Andy was a fine, pleasant young man. I feel honored to have known him. ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 2:01:01 PM
Katrina & Duane Parsell wrote:
Andy Baldridge
“ Andy will be greatly missed by so many people of the community. He touched many lives everyday. He was such a good kid and was always very respectful. He came from a very good family. His family is in our thoughts and prayers as they deal with this terrible situation. ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 11:24:09 AM
Jaclyn wrote:
Andy Baldridge
“ Andy was an exceptional young man. He always had kind words and a smile that could brighten anyones day. Im very sure that he flew up to heaven on the wings of many angels! May god hold your family in his prayers.. ”
Friday, February 05, 2010 10:12:13 AM
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Benton Ridge Shooting

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"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.