News Briefs

Theft of donated
fish case wraps up
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently concluded an investigation into reports that Lake Fish Company of Sandusky illegally took walleyes that were supposed to be donated to a Sandusky charity in 2021.
After an investigation uncovered that 112 walleyes, one steelhead, one yellow perch, and three whitefish were stolen, five defendants pleaded guilty in the case to a total of 13 misdemeanor charges of petty theft, one count of fifth-degree felony theft, two misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property, and nine misdemeanor commercial fish violations.
The defendants, Craig Carr, 55, of Oak Harbor; Dale Trent, 59, of Port Clinton; Thelma Towner, 69, of Sandusky; Stanley Swain, 55, of Milan and Lake Fish Company in Sandusky, are scheduled to pay a combined $24,120 in restitution to the charitable organization set to receive the stolen fish, and another $13,000 in restitution to the Division of Wildlife. Additionally, the commercial fish processor will have their wholesale fish license suspended for 30 days. Sentencing has been scheduled for November.
Many walleye tournaments that occur on Lake Erie donate harvested fish to a local charity organization to support those in need. Additionally, the Division of Wildlife donates walleye caught in regular sampling surveys and those seized as evidence to the same organization. A commercial fish processor is paid to clean donated fish and return the ready-to-cook fillets to the charity. The Division of Wildlife began an investigation into Lake Fish Company in 2021 after the agency received a report that donated fish were stolen by the company and its employees.
An initial investigation revealed evidence of theft. In November 2021, the Lake Erie law enforcement unit of the Division of Wildlife executed a search warrant and seized video surveillance, fish processing records, and fish packages and carcasses.
The Division of Wildlife thanked Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Baxter and Assistant Prosecutor Dean Holman of the Erie County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the case. Additionally, the Division of Wildlife thanked the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for assistance serving summonses and indictments. Finally, the Division of Wildlife appreciates the victim’s cooperation with the investigation.
Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio can call 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437). Reports are kept anonymous.

Christmas in July
Make `n Take
The Oregon Jerusalem Historical Society will present a Christmas in July Make `n Take Thursday, July 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jerusalem Township Fire Hall, 9501 Jerusalem Rd., Curtice. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
Participants will be able to choose from four Christmas crafts at $10 per craft project. Refreshments will be served and Christmas Buy Now tables will be set up for purchases.
Crafts include Christmas ornaments made from old Christmas cards (three total); a front door Christmas swag; a Christmas painting and making and weaving a Christmas basket.
RSVP to 419-902-5149. Seats are limited to 10 people per craft.

Village hosting
lemonade stand
Support local young entrepreneurs at the Great Big Gibsonburg Lemonade Stand, Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Williams Park, located at 410 E. Stone St.
One giant lemonade stand will be open to all young businessmen and businesswomen in the community to set up shop with their lemonade, Kool-Aid, baked goods, arts and crafts or produce to sell or fundraise.
There is no to participate, but tables under the tent must be reserved by noon on Wednesday, JULY 12. Limited electricity will be available. A cookout lunch will be provided to all participants.
For more information or to reserve a table, call the Gibsonburg Town Hall at 419-637-2634 or email m.glotzbecker@gibsonburgohio.org.

11 fatal crashes
reported over
July 4 holiday
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 11 people lost their lives in nine traffic crashes during the July Fourth reporting period, which began July 3 and ended July 4.
Impairment was determined to be a factor in two of the crashes and a safety belt was not used in three of those crashes.
Troopers made 133 arrests for impaired driving and 96 for drug-related charges. The patrol responded to 249 crashes and rendered assistance to 1,067 motorists. In total, troopers made 13,634 contacts with the motoring public.
During last year’s Fourth of July reporting period, from July 1 through 4, a total of 16 fatal crashes killed 16 people. Of those, 11 crashes and 11 fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Of the seven fatalities in which safety belts were available, five were unbelted. There were seven motorcyclists and two pedestrians also killed during this time frame.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity..

Crash under
investigation
The Toledo Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle injury crash that occurred July 2 at 2:14 a.m. on Corduroy Road in Jerusalem Township.
A motorcycle, operated by Chandler Myers 23, Oregon, was eastbound on Corduroy Road when the vehicle overturned and went off the left side of the roadway.
Myers was transported to Saint Vincent Medical Center by Jerusalem Township EMS with life-threatening injuries. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in this crash.
The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Police Department, and Jerusalem Township EMS and Fire.

Tornado recovery
committee working
Ottawa County has established a Long Term Recovery Committee to assist residents affected by the tornado of June 15.
As part of the committee, the Family Advocacy Center has established The Ottawa County Tornado Relief Fund at the GenoaBank. Anyone interested in donating to this relief effort can do so at any branch.
GenoaBank locations include:
● 801 Main Street in Genoa
● 4068 E Harbor Rd, Port Clinton
● 352 Rice St, Elmore
● 24950 Woodville Rd., Millbury
● 3201 Navarre Ave, Oregon
Caseworkers from the Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services have begun to reach out to those members of the community who have identified as being affected by the tornado.
The Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center will be assisting in this effort as well. Residents who didn’t hear from a caseworker by July 3 should contact the Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency at 419-734-6900 to report their damages and/or losses.

YMCA expanding
benefits for vets
The YMCA of Sandusky County has announced new HERO benefits available to first responders, military members, veterans, and their families.
The benefits include discounted memberships, participation in the YMCA Armed Services / Department of Defense Title 10 Membership program, reserved parking spaces for veterans, Our Military Kids grant program, and leave passes for military members home for a short time.
According to the U.S. Census, 6.4 percent of the current adult population, or 16.5 million Americans, are veterans.
Closer to home, just over 3,500 veterans live in Sandusky County. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports that 4.6 million Americans are currently working as first responders, and nearly 1.5 million are currently serving in the armed forces.
An organization that would like to collaborate on programming or provide financial support for HERO benefits, should contact the YMCA of Sandusky County at 419-332-9622 or ymcafremont.org. Learn more about and sign up for HERO benefits at https://www.ymcafremont.org/militarymembership