Bellevue couple dies in crash Wednesday morning

A two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning in Sandusky County claimed the lives of an elderly Bellevue couple. 81 year-old Lucille and 88 year-old Donald Lepley were both killed when Lucille ran a stop sign at the intersection of Township Road 205 and County Road 308 in York Township near Bellevue, where her and her husband, the car’s passenger, were struck by a vehicle driven by 61 year-old Margaret Huff of Bellevue. Huff was also seriously injured and taken to a Toledo hospital.

Woman injured after flipping car in Norwalk Wal-Mart parking lot

A Norwalk woman received minor injuries, but it could’ve been much worse, when she flipped her car in the parking lot of the Norwalk Wal-Mart on Wednesday around 12 noon. Nancy Hetrick apparently lost her water bottle while parking, when her foot accidentally hit the gas, where she then struck at least two vehicles followed by two cement posts in front of the store’s garden center entrance.  Norwalk Police Chief Dave Light told the Norwalk Reflector that Hetrick’s car then flipped and was impaled through the windshield by the posts, with a post ending up just between her knees.  No one else was injured.

Flickinger Insurance helping with Norwalk United Fund campaign

Flickinger Insurance in Norwalk is helping assist The Norwalk Area United Fund with their annual fundraiser kickoff. Now through the end of October, for each new ‘like’ on their Facebook page, Flickinger Insurance will donate $1 to The Norwalk Area United Fund.  The 2017 campaign goal for The Norwalk Area United Fund is $360,000.

Thomas Edison statue unveiled at U.S. Capitol

A ceremony was held yesterday afternoon at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. to celebrate the unveiling of the Thomas Edison statue, the newest addition to the National Statuary Hall Collection. The Edison likeness now joins a statue of President James Garfield as the two representatives from the state of Ohio depicted in the collection. The statue of the Milan-born inventor weighs 900 pounds, and stands nearly seven feet tall.

Perkins Restaurant hosting pancake fundraiser today

Perkins Restaurant in Sandusky is hosting a fundraiser today for ‘Give Kids the World’ a non-profit organization that assists families of children with life-threatening illnesses with everything that goes along with making their ‘wish’ come true – such as hotel stays, meals, and transportation. You can receive a free short-stack of pancakes today, for any donation made to ‘Give Kids the World’.

Human Remains in New London believed to be female, according to Police Chief

The human remains discovered in a garage in New London most likely belong to a woman, according to New London Police Chief Mike Marko. The bones were found about a week before they were reported to police last Saturday, because they were initially believed to be from an animal. Before being purchased in July, the police chief of seven years told the Norwalk Reflector that the property on 118 East Main Street, where the remains were found, have been vacant for as long as he remembers.  It could be numerous weeks before test results on the remains come back from state authorities.

Norwalk Siren Run 5K to take place Friday, will benefit Safety Services

A 5K run/walk in Norwalk will benefit Norwalk Police and Fire Departments, as well as North Central EMS. The Maple City Siren Run 5K is set for this Friday in Norwalk at Suhr Park on West Main Street. Race Day Registration gets underway at 5:00 pm with the race starting at 6:00 pm.  Online registration is available through Thursday at 9:00 am. (http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/maplecitysiren.asp). The course winds through Norwalk neighborhoods before ending in Uptown Norwalk on West Main Street, followed by a post-race party in the park.

Calling Hours are today for State Trooper from Lorain

Calling hours will be held today at Lorain County Community College for State Trooper Kenny Velez. He was killed last week by a passing motorist while working traffic-enforcement on I-90 in Lakewood.

Monroeville Schools seeking Feedback on Service Learning Program

School officials in Monroeville are looking for feedback on the district’s Service Learning Program. A link on the Monroeville Schools (‘Monroeville Eagles’) Facebook page is specifically designed for students, community members, or business owners to share their ideas on community service projects that would most benefit the Village of Monroeville.  You can find more information on Monroeville’s Service Learning Program online at www.monroevilleschools.org/ServiceLearning.

Man involved in Ashland murders confesses to murder in Marion

The man charged in Ashland on two murders last week, including that of a Greenwich woman, has now admitted to a murder in Marion as well. WKYC-TV in Cleveland reports that Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey said that Shawn Grate has confessed to a murder that took place in Marion in 2005.  Remains of an unidentified woman believed to be in her 20’s were found back in 2007 at a dumping site in Marion.  Grate is now linked to possibly five murders in Ashland, Richland, and Marion Counties, and could perhaps be connected to more, as authorities continue to investigate.

Likely human heart found in Norwalk could be linked to Pennsylvania case

Police are hopeful to do DNA testing on a human heart found in a Ziploc bag last month in Norwalk. Police Sergeant Jim Fulton in Norwalk told WOIO-TV in Cleveland that an officer from Pittsburgh saw news reports about the heart and contacted Norwalk Police to say they are examining a case in Pennsylvania that could possibly be linked to the heart, which is believed to be human. Back in late August, members of North Central EMS discovered a bag containing the human heart in a field near the Friendship Food Store on Milan Avenue.

Ohio Flags to be flown half-staff this week for Lorain Trooper

Governor John Kasich has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff this week following the death of State Trooper Kenny Velez of Lorain. Velez was struck and killed on the job last week by a passing motorist in Lakewood.  Calling hours are tomorrow at Lorain County Community College.

Norwalk Area United Fund Clothing Swap

The Norwalk Area United Fund is hosting a professional clothing swap next Monday through Thursday (September 26^th through 29^th) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at their office on East Seminary Street in Norwalk. The swap is intended for anyone that’s acquired a new job who needs more professional clothes, possibly grown out of their clothes, or just looking for different attire. They ask anyone participating to bring professional clothing in good condition such as suits, dresses, slacks, ties, and shoes. After the swap, all remaining clothing will be donated to a clothing bank.

Ohio gas prices up a little

Ohio gas prices have gone up compared to last week, while they have dropped slightly from the national average a month ago. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Ohio was $2.17 in a survey from AAA Ohio Auto Club; an increase from $2.07 a week ago. The average price in Ohio at this time last month was $2.19 and was $2.31 at this time a year ago. The average national price a year ago was $2.30.

Latest High School Football Rankings feature six area teams

The second High School Football AP State Poll has been released.

Area teams ranked include:

Division 3: Sandusky (#7)

Division 4: Port Clinton (#9), Bellevue (#16)

Division 5: Edison (#4)

Division 7:  St. Paul (#4), Monroeville (#9)

Human remains found in New London

Human remains that are at least 30 years old have been discovered in New London. New London Police responded to a call Saturday morning from an unnamed resident who found bone fragments and teeth in an upper level of a garage that was bought recently.  Mike Marko, New London Police Chief, told the Norwalk Reflector that the department believes the remains are from a female and have been in the garage’s upper level for “at least 30 years,” though no sex or timeline have been 100 percent confirmed. Marco also said that lab results could take many weeks; and that it’s unreasonable to guess how the person died; whether naturally or by foul play.

Calling Hours and Funeral to be held later this Week for State Trooper from Lorain killed by passing motorist

Preparations are underway for memorial services for State Trooper Kenny Velez of Lorain. Public calling hours will be Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, and his funeral will be Thursday morning at 10:00 am.  Both will be held at the Ewing Activities Center of Lorain County Community College.

Velez was killed last week, struck by a passing motorist on I-90 in Lakewood. The suspect, 37 year-old Joshua Gaspar of Columbia Station, remains in jail under a $500,000 bond. Gaspar been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide.

Police in Norwalk issue warning about IRS Phone Scams

The Norwalk Police Department has been receiving complaints from citizens concerning phone calls from people claiming to be from the IRS. The callers then go to tell people to pay their taxes or they will be sued. Norwalk Police say that this is a scam; as anytime you’re contacted saying you’ve won money or owe someone, to please investigate before sending anyone any money. The latest number reported was from (202)239-2139, a Washington D.C. number, that’s been tied to other scams throughout the country.

Cedar Point HalloWeekends has begun

The 20^th year of HalloWeekends at Cedar Point is now underway. Activities began Friday night which included the final rides on the wooden roller-coaster The Mean Streak.  New additions this year feature ‘The Great Pumpkin Parade’ – celebrating the 50^th anniversary of ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown’, new skeleton key rooms, and a percussion music show, called ‘Blood Drums’.  Indoor haunted houses are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; while outdoor scare zones are open Friday and Saturday nights.  HalloWeekends run through October 30^th.

Man charged with Murder and Kidnapping in death of Greenwich woman

Two charges of murder and one of kidnapping have been filed against the man arrested in Ashland where two bodies were found this week. 40 year-old Shawn Grate is alleged to have purposely caused the death of 43 year-old Greenwich woman Stacey Hicks, also known as Stacey Stanley, and another victim who has not been identified, according to a statement from Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher Tunnell, per the Norwalk Reflector. Stanley’s murder took place between September 8th and this past Tuesday, according to the indictment.   Stanley has two sons and a granddaughter.

Sandusky man dies in accident in Perkins Township Construction Zone 

A fatal accident in a construction zone in Perkins Township early Friday morning claimed the life of a Sandusky man.  33 year-old Corey Reyes was reportedly driving his Ford Escape recklessly through an active construction zone, when he hit the back end of a front-end-loader, just south of the US 250/Route 2 overpass, where he was killed. No one else was injured.  The US 250 southbound lanes were closed for most of the morning, but have since re-opened to traffic.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Struck and Killed on Interstate 90 

Friends, family and colleagues are mourning the death of State Trooper Kenny Velez of Lorain. The father of three was struck and killed Thursday-afternoon on I-90 in Lakewood, outside of his patrol vehicle on the berm. So far, no charges have been filed.

State Report Cards released

The state of Ohio has released its latest report cards on primary education, reflecting new tests, higher benchmarks and new areas of measurement. Norwalk City Schools received a ‘B’ in Graduation Rate, a ‘C’ in the Prepared for Success category, ‘D’s’ in Achievement and Progress, and ‘F’s’ in K-3 Literacy and Gap Closing.

Drug-Free community event in Norwalk October 2^nd

An event geared towards making the Norwalk-area drug free, is set for early October. “Imagine – A Drug Free Community – An Afternoon of Hope and Inspiration” will take place from 12 noon to 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 2^nd in Norwalk; featuring a recovery walk at the Fisher Titus Hospital Patient Pavilion, and a Resource Fair and ‘An Hour of Hope and Inspiration’ program at Norwalk High School.

Fire causes $100,000 in damage to Norwalk Mobile Home, everyone safe

A fire on Wednesday morning damaged a car port and destroyed a shed at a mobile home park in Norwalk. The fire, which was controlled by the Norwalk Fire Department in about an hour, took place at Midtown Manner on Milan Avenue.  Norwalk Fire Department Captain Dan Hunt told the Norwalk Reflector that everyone inside was able to get out, along with pets. The blaze began in an outside shed and spread into the home.  Firefighters do not believe the fire to be suspicious, with approximately $100,000 in damage done to the property.

Norwalk Area United Fund announces 2017Campaign Goal of $360,000

The Norwalk Area United Fund has announced that their campaign goal for 2017 is $360,000. The money raised for next year will benefit 37 local grants and programs in the areas of health, education, and community services within Norwalk, Monroeville, Collins, and Wakeman.  For those interested in more information and/or donating, visit their website at www.norwalkunitedfund.org.   Over $2,500 was brought in for the fund earlier this week during the Norwalk Community Spelling Bee. The organization has met their monetary goal for the last three years.

Gaymont 5K Race Saturday to benefit Norwalk Police Department in finding K9

Gaymont Nursing Center in Norwalk will be hosting the ‘Paws for a Cause’ 5K this Saturday at their location on 66 Norwood Avenue. Event proceeds this year will go to the Norwalk Police Department in acquiring a new police dog. Registration, which is $18 on race day, begins at 8:00 am with the walk starting at 9:00 am. Dogs are welcome.

 One of the bodies found in Ashland is that of missing Greenwich woman

It has been confirmed by family that one of the two bodies found at Covert Court in Ashland Tuesday is that of 40 year-old Stacey Stanley of Greenwich, who had been missing since last Thursday, and last seen in Ashland. The Norwalk Reflector says Stanley’s sister posted to Facebook last night confirming the tragic news. The bodies of three women were found in Ashland and Richland Counties on Tuesday, with two of those bodies first discovered at a home in Ashland, after police responded to a woman’s call that she had escaped an abductor. Another body, related to the case, was found near Mansfield behind a burned-down house.  40 year-old Shawn Michael Grate was charged with kidnapping that’s linked to the incident.

Missing Brunswick girl located, father charged

The man who triggered an amber alert out of Brunswick faces charges after being arrested in Summit County. 40 year-old William Roberts, a convicted sex offender, was accused of driving off with his 15 year-old daughter, who has been in foster care, from the K-Mart on Center Road, Tuesday night. The girl was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital for evaluation.

Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics to take place in Huron County next Month

Huron County Public Health will be hosting drive-thru flu shot clinics in the towns of Norwalk, New London, Wakeman, and Willard throughout October. Dates, times, and locations can be found on their website, www.huroncohealth.com or on their Facebook page; and you must be 18 years-old or older to attend a drive-thru clinic. For children under 18 and for those unable to attend, call Huron County Public Health to schedule an appointment.

Amber Alert Issued in Cleveland-Area

Police in Brunswick have issued an Amber Alert. They say 15 year-old Robin Roberts, who is in foster care, was taken last night by her biological father; from the K-Mart on Center Road in Brunswick. Police say her father is 40 year-old William Roberts, a registered sex offender with drug issues. He was last seen driving a black Ford Ranger pickup-truck with license-plates lifted from another vehicle. Robin is listed as 5’10”, 110 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Restoration work completed at Edison Birthplace Museum on Monday

On Monday, the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan received revitalization and restoration work, courtesy of the PPG Colorful Communities Project. Close to 30 PPG volunteers from Textbook Painting of Lakewood, used 50 gallons of paint to protect and beautify the historic landmark site. The PPG Foundation also donated $20,000 to support the museum’s many educational programs.

Drug arrest in Bellevue

The Bellevue Police Department has arrested a man on drug charges. Samuel Bowlin had a warrant out for his arrest, and was also charged Sunday night with possession of drug paraphernalia and instruments.  Police also found two bags on Bowlin’s possession that are believed to be Methamphetamine, which will be sent to the lab for testing. Bowlin could face additional charges, after those results return.

New Student Orientation Session to be held at Norwalk and Willard ABLE Learning Centers

ABLE Adult Learning Centers will be hosting a new student Orientation session on Monday, September 26^th at their Norwalk and Willard locations. All classes are free to eligible students, and feature GED preparation, literacy education, and college and career readiness. For those interested in attending, call their office at 419-660-1825. For those who can’t make it to a class, distance education opportunities are available.

SUV and Truck sales up in Ohio

Sales of SUV’s and pickup trucks continue their surge here in northern Ohio, and the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association say that lower fuel prices are in large part, driving the surge. Last month, sales of SUV’s and trucks were up while sales of cars were down. FORD was your volume-leader.

Attorney General DeWine Announces 2016 Take Action Scholarship Contest

The eighth annual ‘Take Action Video Contest’, which gives Ohio high school students a chance to win up to $2,500 in college scholarships, is now underway. To enter, Ohio high school students must create and submit a one-minute video warning Ohioans about one of the following topics: imposter scams, cyber-security privacy and safety, or the importance of checking your credit report. The deadline to submit a video is December 9^th, with winners announced in March of 2017. The top three winners will receive college scholarships of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000.

Vermilion man dies in Huron County crash on Sunday

A Huron County crash involving a car and motorcycle Sunday afternoon has claimed the life of a Vermilion man. 41 year-old Keith Pavlich of Vermilion was riding his motorcycle on State Route 113 in Ridgefield Township north of Monroeville, when he was struck by 49 year-old Marcelle Shaw of Sandusky, driving a Chevy HHR, who failed to yield at a stop sign on Ransom Road at Route 113.  Pavlich was pronounced dead at the scene.  Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors.

Sunday night Fatal Crash on Cedar Point Causeway

A Lakewood man was killed in a crash Sunday night on the Cedar Point Causeway. 37 year-old Gustava Walls of Lakewood died at Firelands Hospital in Sandusky, after CPR attempts were made to revive him at the scene. Walls failed to negotiate a curve at a high rate of speed and went off the roadway on Cedar Point Drive, then went back on to the road and left-of-center, striking two other vehicles, then rolling several times, where he was ejected from the car.  Alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash.  A driver and passenger in one of the other vehicles hit by Walls suffered a fractured elbow along with pelvis and ankle injuries.

$6.6 million in funds awarded to ODOT for new Public Transit Buses in local rural Communities

$6.6 million has been awarded to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to purchase over 100 replacement vehicles for Ohio’s Rural Transit Providers, including those that operate public transportation systems in Huron, Erie, Ashland, and Sandusky counties. The money was given through a bus facilities competitive grant program.

City of Norwalk issues reminder on Political Sign Ordinances

With Election Night just two months away, the City of Norwalk has issued a reminder concerning laws regarding political signs within the city. According to city ordinances, the City of Norwalk says that no political sign shall be posted in a place that is destructive to public property – including utility poles, that no sign can be posted more than 60 days before an election, and those responsible for posting signs on public property are asked to remove their materials within two weeks following Election Day.

Community Spelling Bee happening tomorrow in Norwalk

The Norwalk Area United Fund will be hosting their second annual Community Spelling Bee tomorrow at 10:00 am in the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center at Norwalk High School. Eight teams, including those from Norwalk and Monroeville high schools, will be competing to help benefit the Norwalk United Fund education and literacy programs. Trophies will be given out for “Best Fundraiser” and “Stellar Speller”.

Police still searching for clues involving likely human heart found in Norwalk

Law enforcement officials are still looking for information on what is most likely a human heart found in a bag in Norwalk. Norwalk Police Chief Dave Light told the Norwalk Reflector that his department and other area law enforcement are not aware of any incidents involving a human body or grave robberies.  The heart was found by members of North Central EMS on August 25^th in a field in Norwalk near the Friendship Food Store on Milan Avenue (US 250).  The heart has been examined by the Lucas County Coroner, who are 95% sure it’s human.

Two Off-Duty Nurses and Good Samaritan Received Certificates of Recognition for Life-Saving Actions 

Three Cleveland-area residents have been honored for their life-saving actions on Interstate 80 near Norwalk. Sandra Duke, Nicholas Provenzela, and Kyle Thomas received Certificates of Recognition at Metro Health Hospital Wednesday by Milan Highway Patrol Post Commander and Lieutenant Richard Reeder. Back on July 3^rd, off-duty nurses Duke and Provenzela, along with Good Samaritan Thomas, administered CPR to a woman, near the US 250 Milan/Norwalk exit on I-80.

Norwalk Construction to begin Monday at US 250 and Westwind Drive

Starting Monday, construction crews will be working in Norwalk at the intersection of Westwind Drive and US 250, including paving on Tuesday and Wednesday, as work continues on the Intersection Widening Project. The City of Norwalk says to plan accordingly and use alternate routes to avoid the intersection.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s to take place Saturday in Sandusky

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sandusky will be tomorrow morning at the Ohio Veterans Home. Registration begins at 9:30 am with an opening ceremony at 10:30 am and the walk at 11:00 am. 95.3 WLKR and K96 will be broadcasting live from the event Saturday from 10:00 am to 12 noon. According to their website as of Friday, over $21,000 has been raised to support care and research for Alzheimer’s disease