Tuesday, May 13, 2008

SEARCH FOR ACCUSED RAPIST UNDERWAY

A Mansfield woman accused of raping a young boy is on the run. Twenty-nine-year-old Tammy Williams was indicted last month on nine counts of rape, five counts of sexual battery, ten counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and 20 counts of gross sexual imposition. The first crimes allegedly occurred when the boy was eight years old. Mansfield Police believe the woman is staying in Galion where local police are searching for her. Mansfield police have released information regarding the search for Williams in the hopes that she will turn herself in without incident. She is 5’10” tall, 150 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information should call the Mansfield Police Department at 419-522-1234.

FINANCE COMMITTEE, BRATWURST FESTIVAL MEET HALF-WAY

The Bucyrus City Council Finance Committee and the Bratwurst Festival board have reached a compromise regarding funding for this year’s gathering. The two groups met about half-way between the city’s requested fee of just under $22,000 and the Board’s offer of $12,500 at a final sum of $16,000 for services rendered. The fee will cover part of the city’s cost to provide extra police protection, fire protection, traffic assistance, and other services. The Bratwurst Festival Board again reported last night that they are short on funds for this year’s event, but member Sherrie Kline was satisfied with the compromise. Council member at large Sis Love was also pleased with the agreement. However, she believes it’s time for the Bratwurst Festival Board to seek corporate sponsorship. Kline agrees and is hopeful for the future. According to the Finance Committee, the loss of jobs at major employers such as Baja Marine and Swan Hose will lead to reduced income tax revenues next year. As a result, the city must be frugal with the general fund during 2008. The compromise will be considered by city council as a whole at their regular meeting next Tuesday.

BUCYRUS HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE CONSIDERS SOCIAL HOSTING ORDINANCE

The Bucyrus Health & Safety Committee considered a possible “social hosting” ordinance at their meeting last night. Social hosting laws allow governing bodies to prosecute adults who make alcoholic beverages available to minors. The idea for a city ordinance was brought to Council by Bucyrus High School alcohol abuse reduction grant administrator Bob Laipply. Laipply urged council to take a stand against teen drinking during the graduation season as part of the “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most” campaign. However, Law Director Matt Crall believes that a city ordinance addressing the problem could do more harm than good. Because the State of Ohio already has laws prohibiting social hosting, a local law with lesser penalties may cause residents to take the problem less seriously.  Mayor Dan Ross suggested that the city offer a resolution in support of Laipply’s cause without a new ordinance. The issue was put on hold for further consideration.

FATAL CRASH IN MORROW COUNTY

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred yesterday in Morrow County. At around 11:20 a.m., Paul E. Graham, of Mt. Gilead, was traveling northbound on County Road 24 north of Lincoln Township Road 155 when he drifted off the right side of the roadway causing the rear tires of his single unit tanker truck to go into a ditch. The truck traveled sideways in the ditch until it struck a driveway culvert. The impact caused the truck to overturn and slide on its top. The cab of the truck then struck the outer edge of the ditch, crushing the cab. Graham died at the scene.

CRESTLINE CITIZENS VOICE CONCERNS

Crestline citizens addressed City Council with concerns at last night’s meeting. David Chatman requested the replacement of missing streets signs at the corner of North Washington Avenue and Scott Street. He explained that nonresidents are finding it difficult to locate Turner Chapel AME and navigating the city without the signs. David Duncan urged council to build relationships with neighboring townships to better provide for people living on the edge of town. Councilman John Gledhill responded to this request, saying that Crestline taxes provide for services within the city only. However, the city is willing to help others and build helpful relationships whenever possible. Crestline City Council thanked these and other citizens for their time and promised to look into their concerns.

FREE PHYSICALS FOR CRESTLINE STUDENT ATHLETES

At last night’s Crestline School Board meeting, members announced that all students interested in participating in sports during the 2008-2009 school year can have a physical at no cost May 18th at the Urgent Care Center from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Dr. Reid and his staff are doing this as a community service for the student athletes of Crestline. Student athletes must have a physical to participate in scholastic sports.

CRAWFORD COUNTY FISHING DERBY COMING SOON

Registration is now open for the 2008 Crawford County Fishing Derby. The 3rd annual event will be a non-competitive outing hosted by WQEL Radio at Outhwaite Reservoir Saturday, June 7th. Registration is open to any child under the age of 16, and the first 300 kids pre-registered will receive a free Shakespeare Rod & Reel combo. To sign up for this free event, kids should ask their parents to log on to CrawfordCountyFishingDerby.com before Thursday, June 5th at 5 p.m. According to event organizer, Chris Stone, this event has grown every year with 225 kids attending in 2006 and 300 attending in 2007.

 

Monday, May 12, 2008

ADAPTIVE REUSE COMMITTEE CALLING FOR SUPPORT

The Adaptive Reuse Committee is calling out for support as negotiations continue regarding the fate of old Galion High School. According to a written release, this local group has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow at 2 p.m. in front of the former high school to update the public on the continuing court action surrounding the historic landmark. On December 13th of last year, the Galion City Schools Board of Education voted to demolish the structure. However, after being sued by a small group of residents, they have agreed to hear offers from the public as long as certain requirements are met. Most notably, any purchase of the building or grounds must include a guarantee that the structure will be razed if the property is not financially independent within 7 years from the date of purchase. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit plan to convert the facility into a cultural and conference center. The committee claims, on their website, that they have collected the signatures of nearly 1,500 individuals pledging their support for reuse.

FRAUDULENT MDMA DISCOVERED IN LOCAL SAMPLES

The METRICH Enforcement Unit has uncovered the entry of fraudulent MDMA into the local illicit drug market. MDMA, also known as Ecstacy, is an illegal drug known to have the same effect as stimulants and psychedelics and usually comes in small, brightly colored pill form. It is most popular among teens and young adults. Now, according to a written statement, the unit has discovered MDMA samples that contain PCP, ketamine, caffeine, methamphetamine, and other undesirable and dangerous drugs. Many of the counterfeit pills are yellow with “CK” scored onto them. METRICH warns that the lack of production standards in place in clandestine labs that produce MDMA can produce dangerous drugs that may contain a broad range of these dangerous chemicals. More information about MDMA can be obtained by calling Lt. Dino Sgambellone at 419-755-9728.

BUCYRUS X-BAND PLANS RAFFLE TO BENEFIT FOUNTAIN

The Bucyrus High School X-Band is conducting a raffle to benefit the Washington Square Fountain. The fountain was damaged by a fire last year in an act of vandalism. According to X-Band Director Mark Fisk, his students often perform on the square. Once they heard about the damage, they decided to take action. To raise money, the X-Band is hosting a raffle for a guitar signed by members of their ensemble with all proceeds going toward fountain repair. Tickets will go on sale Monday at the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce for $5 each. They will also be sold at the upcoming band concerts this Tuesday and Thursday at Bucyrus High School.  The drawing will be held Thursday night.