January 15
JANUARY 11
The initial council meeting for Liberty Center included budget information, election of a president, and dialogue concerning water and sewer issues. The general fund budget for the village of Liberty Center has been finalized, and represents a 10% decrease in spending from the previous year.
The first reading on an ordinance to change West Young Street into a one-way street, with traffic heading east to west was approved. This would allow for angle parking along the street adjacent to the school.
Mayor Max Fetterman has been invited to be part of a board to select an engineer for Napoleon’s new water treatment plant. He says Liberty Center council will have some important decisions to make in the next five years regarding water and sewer issues. Liberty Center hopes to talk with new Henry County Sheriff Mike Bodenbender concerning any possible changes in safety for the village. And Gerry Endicott was re-elected as president of Liberty Center council for 2013.
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After 24 years, there’s a new face in the sheriff’s office in Henry County. Mike Bodenbender took-over his new role as sheriff on Monday. His first order of business is to organize an office and department that lost over 100 years of experience. Bodenbender has already announced the move of 20-year veteran of the department, Arlen Cohrs, to the position of Chief Deputy. Cohrs will be in charge of scheduling and payroll; but still taking part in road patrols. In fact Sheriff Bodenbender is part of the patrolling units each day in Henry County. The new sheriff will be meeting with Henry County Commissioners in the coming weeks to seek approval for hiring in the detective office, and to find replacements for road patrol slots.
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The Henry County Commissioners have elected Bob Hastedt to serve as president of that board for 2013. That action took place during today’s (Tues.) session, with Glenn Miller elected vice president. Vicki Glick was re-appointed to serve as the clerk for the commissioners.
Committee and board assignments were also made during the session. Bob Hastedt will serve on the CCNO board, along with Maumee Valley Planning. Tom VonDeylen will be part of the Henry County Transportation, health department board, Senior Center, and Litter advisory board. And Glenn Miller will serve on the Community Improvement Corporation board, along with the Risk Sharing Authority, and Maumee Valley Guidance Center board. Joining Miller on the CIC board will be Henry County resident Ron Ernsberger, and county auditor Kevin Garringer.
The Henry County Commissioners approved that on-line program for dog licensing through Fairfield County.
Auditor Kevin Garringer was requested to seek the millage needed for a replacement levy for Hope Services, that would generate about 1.2 million dollars per year for their operations, over the next five years.
And the Henry County Commissioners approved the contract with Rob McColley to serve as economic development director, beginning next Monday. The agreement pays a salary of about $58,750 for the current year.
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JANUARY 8
Those orange construction zone barrels could be a very common site in the city of Napoleon this summer; after Napoleon Council reviewed projects during their Monday night meeting. Council approved specs for the sewer project that will crank-up along West Riverview avenue, between Haley Avenue and Glenwood in 2013. That project is estimated at $800,000, with a grant supplying about $325,000 of that cost. Other construction projects planned in Napoleon for this year include the widening on Scott Street, and a bridge or culvert replacement on East Riverview near the marina.
The first reading was approved on an ordinance to adjust fees in many parks and recreation programs in Napoleon. This proposal would add participation fees for the first time in some programs, increasing the rental fees for the swimming pool and shelterhouses; along with decreasing fees at the golf course. This legislation is designed to make the parks and recreation budget more self sufficient. A question concerning the fees adjustments at the swimming pool will go to the park and rec board for more clarification.
An application for a liquor license for a proposed downtown Napoleon business was allowed to proceed by city council. That license is for Blackwood Construction Services, LLC.
And Napoleon council approved bids for chemicals utilized in the city’s water treatment and wastewater treatment process. That cost will be nearly the same as last year, at over $195,000.
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The Archbold School Board of Education has hired a new superintendent for the district, in their initial meeting for 2013. Aaron Rex, a high school principal for the past 6 years in the Wapakoneta school district, will be the new Superintendent, beginning February 4th. Rex has been with the Wapakoneta schools since 1997; and was given a contract through July 2016. Aaron Rex replaces Dave Deskins as Archbold Superintendent, after Deskins took a position with Penta County school. Current interim superintendent, Joe Long will remain in his position for a 15-day overlap, to assist with the transition.
The Archbold Board of education elected Jon Lugbill as president of their board for 2013. And the board accepted the retirement-resignation of Brent Gnagey as technology director in the district, at the end of the school year.
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The final month statistics from the Henry County Clerk of Courts office indicated a slight dip in vehicle titles that were issued. Connie Schnitkey reports there were 520 total vehicle titles in December; which is down ten from December 2011. New car titles increased in the monthly comparison, from 18 to 23 last month. New truck titles held nearly steady at 13. Titles for RV’s and motorcycles showed a huge decrease in December, falling from 16 last year, to only 3 last month.
And watercraft titles were also cut in half, dropping from 12 to 6.
In Henry County Common Pleas Court, there were 27 new cases filed in December. That nearly matched the total from the year before.
And there were 27 U.S. passport applications filed in Henry County, compared with 22 in December 2011.
The yearly totals were also released by the Henry County Clerk of Courts, indicating there were about 355 fewer vehicle titles issued in 2012. That broke down this way: 70 less new car titles; but 16 more new truck titles. Henry County issued 55 more RV and motorcycle titles in 2012, than they did in 2011. And there were about 80 more watercraft titles issued last year.
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Some local students made the dean’s list at Defiance College for the first semester, after achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Napoleon students on the academic honors list include Kelly Dopp, Andrew Drewes, Jessie Hill, and Ashley Roon.
Liberty Center’s Zachary Meister and Waverly Weaks made the Dean’s list; along with Tyler Thomas of Holgate, Nicholas Schwiebert of Hamler, and Erica King of Pettisville.
The Defiance College Dean’s list included Tabitha Mowel of Archbold; and the following students from Wauseon: Megan Fields, Alexis Pierce, Amber Reed, Catherine Savage, Braden Wachtmann, Kyle Wilson, and Myriah Wooley.
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Ohio’s first district senator, Cliff Hite was sworn-in Monday to his second term in that position. Hite was originally appointed an Ohio senator in 2011, to fill the unexpired term of Steve Buehrer. Prior to that, Cliff Hite was elected three times as a state representative from Findlay.
During his tenure as representative, Hite was a member of the Finance and Appropriations committee. Now in his role as Ohio Senator, Hite is chair of the senate standing committee on Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources.
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The Napoleon Area Schools have scheduled a two-hour delay for Wednesday morning. The staff will be working on the core curriculum for the district, along with fiscal training for the office staff. This two-hour delay on Wednesday will affect all students in the Napoleon district.
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Economic development in northwest Ohio should get a boost with news of the sale of the former Maumee and Western Rail line that travels between Woodburn, Indiana and Liberty Center. Pioneer Rail Corp. of Peoria, Illinois purchased the line on December 27th for over 3 million dollars.
A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, with the new rail officials; and local government leaders. There may be potential for grant dollars to further help Pioneer Rail Corp. make improvements to rail traffic in northwest Ohio.
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The Fulton County Crimestoppers are asking for your help in solving a theft that occurred at the Fulton County Fairgrounds on December 28th. Sometime after 6pm on December 28th, three horses were stolen from the stables at the fairgrounds along state route 108. The three brown and black male horses were 4 years of age, and were stolen from an unlocked racing stable barn.
If you have any information concerning the theft of these horses from the Fulton County Fairgrounds on December 28th, you’re asked to contact the Fulton County Crimestoppers. Your call is confidential and anonymous; and could earn you a cash reward of up to $1,000. Call the Fulton County Crimestoppers toll free at 1-800-255-1122.
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A Wauseon woman has been sentenced to prison, after her guilty plea to a felony charge of Insurance Fraud. Kelli Reyes of Wauseon had submitted two false receipts for items allegedly stolen from her residence, in an investigation that commenced in November 2011. Reyes was sentenced to ten months in prison in Fulton County Common Pleas Court; and was ordered to pay restitution of over $1,100.
JANUARY 7
A former coach that went into school administration died last Thursday from injuries sustained in a head-on collision that occurred on December 26th on Airport Highway in Fulton County. 38 year old Cory Sprow of Delta was traveling Eastbound on the highway, when the crash occurred. His two daughters were also injured; and transported to the Toledo Hospital. Cory Sprow passed away at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
Sprow coached the Delta varsity boys basketball team for ten years; and this past fall took a position as elementary principal at Delta. Visitation for Cory Sprow will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Delta today from 1 till 8pm. And a celebration of life service for Sprow will be held at Delta High School on Tuesday at 11am. Schools in the Pike Delta York district will closed on Tuesday.
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The Maumee Valley Civic Theater has announced auditions for their Spring dinner-theater that will feature the female version of “The Odd Couple’. Auditions will be held January 14th and 15th at the Trinity Center of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, in a cast that includes six women and two men. Kim Bingham will direct the production, with assistance from Malory Zwiebel. This comedy dinner-theater will be presented March 21st through 23rd at the Napoleon American Legion. There will be live entertainment and music preceding the show; and ticket information will be presented in the weeks ahead.
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The Henry County Sheriff’s office investigated four injury accidents on Friday due to iced-over roads from drifting snow. The first crash occurred Friday at 11:24am, at roads H and 15 in Flatrock Township. 40 year old Brian Bok of Holgate was transported by a family member, following the crash.
Just before 3pm Friday, a vehicle crashed into the ditch along state route 281 in Flatrock Township. 22 year old Christen Evans of Defiance was transported to Defiance Mercy Hospital by Holgate EMS.
Then at 4:20pm Friday, two vehicles collided head-on at U.S. 6 and county road 2. 26 year old Andrew Ziegler of Deshler was transported to the Wood County Hospital by McClure Rescue; and 41 year old Peter Feeny of Maumee was also taken to the Wood County Hospital by McClure Rescue.
And two more vehicles collided Friday night around 10:30pm on state route 108 in Pleasant Township. 20 year old Joshua Guzilek of Toledo was injured and transported to the Henry County Hospital by Hamler EMS. 49 year old David Hull of Continental was taken to the Ottawa Hospital by Holgate EMS.
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A recent meeting of the Henry County Grand Jury included indictments against 10 persons, after cases were presented by prosecuting attorney Jay Hanna. 21 year old Michelle Miller of Liberty Center was indicted for Illegal Manufacture of Drugs or Cultivation of Marijuana-a second degree felony. Miller was also indicted for Illegal Assembly or possession of chemicals for the Manufacture of Drugs.
33 year old Shannon Hand of Napoleon was indicted for Failing to Register a change of Address, for Possession of Drugs, and for Receiving Stolen Property.
56 year old Timothy Fuller of Malinta was indicted on two felony counts by the Henry County Grand Jury: Violating a Protection Order, and for Menacing by Stalking.
27 year old Gilberto Villarreal, JR. of Archbold was indicted for Aggravated Burglary.
The grand jury indictments also include 36 year old Anthony Stackhouse of McClure for Domestic Violence.
49 year old Tammy Lawrence of Napoleon for Theft of Drugs.
23 year old Benjamin Behnfeldt of Napoleon for Operating a Motor Vehicle while under the Influence of Alcohol.
53 year old William Ducat of McClure was indicted for Theft.
39 year old Greg Belcher of Napoleon was indicted for Possession of Drugs.
And 38 year old Jason Hohenberger of Holgate was indicted for Felonious Assault.
JANUARY 4
A long-time member of the Wauseon fire department has retired as chief. Marvin Wheeler retired as fire chief on December 31st, after 32 years with the Wauseon department. He served the community as chief since January 2005.
The new interim fire chief in Wauseon is Fred Allen, moving over from his assistant position. Allen has 40 years in service to the fire department. Rick Sluder is the other assistant for the Wauseon Department that has between 35 and 40 volunteers.
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It’s been a busy week in the courtroom of Henry County Common Pleas court, where newly elected office-holders have been sworn-in to new terms. Judge John Collier administered the oath of office to Commissioners Bob Hastedt and Glenn Miller. Marek Ska-skayvich was sworn-in as Henry County Coroner; and John Hanna was given the oath of office as county prosecutor. More swearing-in ceremonies are scheduled for today at the Henry County Courthouse; including Clerk of Courts- Connie Schnitkey; and newly elected Henry County Sheriff Mike Bodenbender.
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Firefighters in Williams County battled freezing temperatures, and a two-story blaze that broke-out early this (Thur.) morning and took the lives of two people. Bryan Fire Chief Bruce Siders reports his squad was called to the scene at 316 North Beech Street at 1:07am, which is just north of the downtown. Killed in the fire were 17 year old Ashley Jenkins, and 20 year old Sebastian McConnell, both of Bryan.
Two residents of the home were able to escape the blaze, Jackie and Joseph Kurtz, along with their 5 month old grandson. Fire departments from Edgerton, Montpelier, Alvordton, and Brady Township all assisted at the scene. It’s believed the flames ignited in a first floor living room of the structure; which has been declared a total loss. The state fire marshall’s office is investigating the exact cause of the blaze. And fire chief Siders reports there were alternative heating sources in the home. That home is owned by Scott Lirot of Bryan. Bruce Siders reports this may be the first fatal fire in the past 20 years in that city.
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Improvements in technology might benefit dog owners in Henry County. The Henry County Commissioners got an update from county auditor Kevin Garringer, on the possibility of setting-up dog license sales through a county website, with credit card payments. This system is currently in place in Fairfield County. The benefits include a purchase system that is operational 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. Licenses would be mailed to dog owners within a week, if implemented by Henry County Commissioners. This service would be paid through a surcharge on dog owners, when licenses are purchased. More discussion is expected on this matter.
The Henry County board approved a maintenance service agreement for the recording equipment utilized at the sheriff’s office, with an annual cost of $2,100.
The Custar Stone Company of Napoleon was the lone bidder to supply crushed limestone for highway department projects in Henry County.
And the Henry County Commissioners appointed new board member Glenn Miller to serve on the local Transportation Improvement District board of trustees for 2013.
JANUARY 3
A Northeast Ohio man is headed to prison on sex offense charges following a hearing in Henry County Common Pleas court. 29 year old Kristopher Taylor of Brunswick pled guilty to three counts of Sexual Battery involving a juvenile victim. Judge John Collier sentenced Taylor to three consecutive prison terms of five years each for the sex crimes, for a total sentence of 15 years. Three other charges were dismissed in court. And Kristopher Taylor was classified as a tier-3 sex offender, which will require him to report his living address to the local sheriff’s office for the rest of his life, when he is released from prison.
Steve Torok of Napoleon was indicted by a Henry County Grand Jury recently on three counts of Trafficking in Marijuana. Torok was released on his own recognizance.
And 39 year old Greg Belcher of Napoleon entered a plea of not-guilty to a felony charge of Possession of Drugs.
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Napoleon Police are investigating two incidents that occurred in the city last week. Officers were called to the Forest Hill Cemetery along state route 110 in Napoleon, over the noon-hour on Thursday, December 27th; when a body was found laying on the ground. The victim was Erika Baden of Napoleon. Police report there were no immediate signs of foul play at the scene; but an autopsy has been ordered by the Henry County Coroner’s office.
And Napoleon officers are investigating a sex offense reported on Hobson Street December 29th. The crime allegedly involved adults; but no charges have been filed at this point of the investigation.
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The filing deadline for the May primary election in 2013 is about one month away. Any issues that are to be placed on the May ballot need to be filed with the county board of elections by February 6th.
2013 is also the year that 4 Napoleon city council seats will be contested. Those seats are held by Jim Hershberger, Jason Maassel, Travis Scheafer, and Jeff Lankenau.
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Henry County will open 2013 with a new director for economic development. Rob McColley, a 2003 Napoleon high school grad was selected for the position, in an announcement from the current chair of the Henry County Community Improvement Corporation board, Nancy Stehulak.
McColley has a business degree from Ohio State University; and earned a law degree from the University of Toledo. Rob McColley will begin duties as head of economic development on January 14th, after working in a local law firm the past year. There were 14 original candidates for the position as head of the Henry County CIC. McColley follows Glenn Miller, who handled the duties for about 4 months on an interim basis. And before that, Ralph Lange had retired from the position as full-time director.
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A single vehicle crash north of Napoleon sent two people to the hospital with injuries this (Wed.) afternoon. The Henry County Sheriff’s office investigated the accident on county road 13, just north of road T at 2:09pm. 19 year old Stephanie Miller of Napoleon lost control of her vehicle on an icy spot of roadway. The auto crashed into a culvert, and rolled into a utility pole causing injuries for Miller, and her passenger, 23 year old James Doan, III of Archbold. Doan was transported from the scene by Life Flight; and was taken to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo. Stephanie Miller was transferred to the Henry County Hospital by Napoleon Rescue. Liberty Center Rescue also assisted at the crash scene.
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Although 3.5 inches of snow fell in December; the final month of the year came-up short in precipitation for the area. The official weather station at the Northwest Signal reports 1.81 inches of rain fell last month. That’s about 1.3 inches below normal for the 12th month of the year.
2012 got off to a wet start. But the final total for the year in precipitation for Napoleon was 23.47 inches. That’s about 14.4 inches below the average precipitation for a yearly total in Henry County. Ag officials are saying it is vitally important for excess snowfall this winter; to recharge the moisture level in the soil for the coming planting season.
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Bond was set at $50,000 for a Napoleon man charged with Burglary in Napoleon Municipal Court. 41 year old Chad Morehead of Napoleon was arraigned on the second degree felony this week. Morehead was ordered to have no contact with the victim; and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday.
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The schedule is set for the annual Corn-Soybean Day.
There will be a variety of speakers and over 28 exhibitors sharing information on management practices for the 2013 crop production season.
The event will be held January 24th at Founders Hall in Archbold from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Featured topics include: Managing Corn following a drought year; weed disasters; soybean health; and soil factors for high yields.
Registration is required for the event. Cost is $25-dollars if signed up by January 15th. All questions can be directed to the Fulton County extension office.
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Fulton County Crimestoppers are asking for your help in solving a theft from a construction trailer in Wauseon.
The theft occurred over the weekend of November 9th on County Road J. Over $3,000-dollars worth of tools were stolen; including a Dewalt circular saw, hammer drill, impact driver, lithium battery and more.
If you have any information concerning this crime that could lead to an arrest or indictment, you are asked to contact the Fulton County Crimestoppers. Your call is confidential and anonymous and could earn you a cash reward of up to $1,000-dollars. The number to call is 1-800-255-1122.
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Despite a slight dip in Ohio’s unemployment rate in November; that trend did not stand-up in the Northwest corner of the state. Every county in the region but one saw their jobless rates go-up last month. Henry County still had the lowest unemployment rate in the four-county area in November, at 6.3%. But that indicated a half-percent increase from October. Defiance County’s jobless rate edged-up just a tenth of a percent to 6.4%. But the unemployment rate in Fulton County in November jumped by nearly a full percentage point, to 7.1%, which was highest in the four county area. Williams County checked-in at 6.9% for November. Putnam County had the lowest unemployment in northwest Ohio for November at 5.0%; but that was up a tenth of a percentage point. Wood County was the only county in the region to see their jobless rate fall, dropping to 5.8%.
Around the Buckeye State, the highest unemployment rates were Pike County at 11.9%, and Meigs County’s rate of 10.4%. The lowest jobless rate in Ohio was Mercer County at 3.9%. In northwest Ohio, the only counties that checked-in under the state average of 6.5% were Henry, Defiance, Wood, and Putnam Counties.
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A long-term prison sentence has been handed down in a sexual offense case in Henry County Common Pleas Court. 57 year old Michael Wilson entered guilty pleas to five counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, in crimes that involved a victim under the age of 13. The time span of these offenses was from February through November 2011. Michael Wilson was sentenced to five years in prison on each count, for a total of 25 years behind bars.
26 year old Dixie Degler of Napoleon pled guilty to Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, in a case involving a victim under 16 years of Age. Degler’s sentencing hearing is set for February 6th.
51 year old Kay Harmon of Napoleon pled guilty to Burglary. Harmon was placed on community control for three years; and was ordered to serve 30 days at the regional jail.
And a pre-trial is scheduled in Henry County Common Pleas Court for January 2nd, where 29 year old Christopher Taylor of Brunwick, Ohio is facing 6 counts of Rape. This case involves alleged crimes against a victim under 10 years of age.
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A new system will go into effect for immunizations at the Henry County Health Department, beginning on January 1st.
Due to input from county residents; the health department is doing-away with walk-in hours for immunizations. All vaccines will now be scheduled through appointments only. In addition, the Henry County Health Department will be billing private insurance companies for services. Health Superintendent Anne Goon reports this is a lengthy process; but it should be in-place by this Spring.
Appointments for immunizations can be made by calling the Henry County Health Department at (419) 599-5545.
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There is no doubt, Henry County will be feeling the loss of some long-time experience in the sheriff’s office heading toward 2013. Five officers with over 142 years of combined service are leaving the Henry County Sheriff’s Department at the end of 2012.
Bill Vocke has been chief deputy in the sheriff’s office, serving Henry County for 37 years.
John Nye has been sheriff for 24 years; but has about 32 years in service to Henry County in law enforcement.
Kevin Schulteis is a detective, playing a big role in drug investigations and monitoring of sex offenders. He has served Henry County for 29 years.
Tim Richards is a patrol officer, and has provided service and security for Henry County residents in a variety of shifts.
And earlier this year, LeeAnn Johnson retired after 20 years of service at the sheriff’s department as a dispatcher, and handling duties in the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system.
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The Henry County Sheriff’s office investigated two injury crashes on Thursday morning. Just before 7am yesterday, 20 year old Kayla Vanalst of Archbold lost control of her vehicle on road 19 near the Fulton County line, sliding off the road, and striking a parked vehicle, a building, and a utility pole. Vanalst was injured and transported to the Fulton County Health Center by Ridgeville Rescue.
Then at 8:39am Thursday, a Harrison Township snow plow, and a vehicle collided at the intersection of roads N and 12. 77 year old Donald Detterer of rural Napoleon sustained injuries; and was transported to the Henry County Hospital by Napoleon Rescue.
DECEMBER 27
The first real snowstorm of the season sent plenty of vehicles spinning out of control. The Henry County Sheriff’s office investigated an injury crash on state route 108 at road T in Freedom Township, at 1:15pm Wednesday. 20 year old Brendan Fouty of Napoleon was northbound on the highway, rolling his jeep onto its side into a field. Fouty was transported to the Henry County Hospital by Napoleon Rescue.
Then at 7am this morning, an injury accident was reported on Henry County road 19 at the Fulton County line. Ridgeville Rescue was sent to the scene; and transported 20 year old Kayla VanAult of Archbold to the Fulton County Health Center. VanAult’s vehicle slid through a yard, and struck a parked vehicle and a pole.
A couple of local fire departments were dispatched to a house fire on road 8, near road T at 8:23pm last night. Liberty Center and Napoleon fire departments responded to the blaze, that ignited in an electical box on the outside of the residence. Crews were on the scene for about an hour.
And the highway patrol investigated a multiple vehicle crash on the turnpike in Fulton County that occurred just after 11am Wednesday. 37 year old Covie Spillman of Jeffersonville, Indiana was driving his pickup and camper north of Archbold, when it went out of control and crashed into three vehicles in the westbound lane. Spillman suffered serious injuries; and was transported to the University of Toledo Medical Center by Life Flight. Several other drivers sustained minor injuries.
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Icy roads were the cause of two head-on collisions in northwest Ohio on Wednesday. The Fulton County Sheriff’s office investigated a crash on Airport Highway Wednesday afternoon, when a pickup slid out of control between Delta and Swanton. That truck struck a vehicle head-on driven by Cory Sprow of Delta, causing serious injuries for Sprow, and his two young daughters. Sprow, a former basketball coach at Delta, and currently middle school principal, is listed in critical condition at the University of Toledo Medical Center. The girls were transported to Toledo Children’s Hospital.
A head-on collision in Putnam County on Wednesday sent both drivers and passengers to the hospital with injuries. The Putnam County Sheriff’s office reports that accident occurred at 12:41pm Wednesday on Route 224 east of Gilboa. Ryan Moreno of Ottawa was eastbound, when his vehicle slid out of control on the ice, and struck a westbound auto driven by Christina Landrum of Paulding. Both Moreno and Landrum were transported to hospitals in Findlay and Ottawa, along with five passengers.
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A Wauseon teen pled guilty to crimes in Fulton County recently. 19 year old Sean Murray of Wauseon entered guilty pleas to Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, along with Breaking and Entering. The crime involved an ATV that was stolen last March. Sean Murray was placed on community control for two years; and was ordered to make restitution of over $2,500, and abide by a curfew. He must also spend 5 days at CCNO.
48 year old Catherine Burnett of Delta pled guilty to Domestic Violence; and was placed on community control for two years. Burnett was ordered to have not contact with the victim, to stay out of bars, and to serve 33 days at the regional jail.
And 52 year old John Felix of Fayette pled guilty to Permitting Drug Abuse. Felix was sentenced to one year of community control, and was ordered to forfeit his truck to the state. He must also spend one day at CCNO, and had his driver’s license suspended for six months.
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There was a significant improvement in the housing market for the city of Napoleon in 2012. It wasn’t a block-buster year; but the city’s zoning administration reports there were 5 permits filed for new home construction in 2012. That’s compared to only 1 permit filed in 2011 for residential building. And with interest rates for mortgages still at historically low percentages; it’s a great time for families considering new homes.
DECEMBER 26
The sentence was handed-down today (Fri.) in the case of 23 year old Michael Peddicord of Napoleon; who was convicted by a Henry County Jury on a charge of Aggravated Murder.
Judge John Collier heard a statement from the victim, Katie Nagel’s mother, asking for the maximum penalty. She stated she would never get the chance to talk with her daughter again.
Prosecutor John Hanna stated it was a sad day for everyone involved; but that the maximum sentence was required in this case, and no chance for parole.
The defendant Michael Peddicord’s attorney stated he had no prior criminal record, and had admitted to the crime, and turned himself in.
Michael Peddicord himself addressed the Henry County court, and formally apologized for the murder, and asked the family for forgiveness.
Judge Collier then stated he had thought about this sentence for the past 3 weeks; but felt he had to protect the public, and penalize the crime. That led to his announcement of sentence: Life in prison, without the possibility of parole; which is the maximum sentence allowed by law for this murder.
Michael Peddicord was taken from the court; and will now be sent to a prison in the Ohio system of corrections.
