Beck Asks Citizens To Get Involved
Thursday, March 4, 2010

(BRYAN) - Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says there is a way citizens can assist law enforcement officials in the fight against crime. He invited Williams County residents on Thursday to become Associate Members of the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association. Membership appeals will be in the mail shortly and individuals can join on a volunteer basis for as low as $20. Information is available on line at buckeyesheriffs.org or by calling the association at 1-800-589-2772. You can also be part of the program by calling the Williams County Sheriffs Office at 419-636-3151. The association does not solicit memberships over the phone. All solicitation is done by mail.

MAN Unit Arrest Montpelier Man In Meth Case
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

(MONTPELIER) - A Montpelier man was arrested Tuesday night after agents for the Multi Area Narcotics Task Force say they found the beginning stages of a methamphetamine lab at a home in the 100 block of Biscayne Boulevard. Agents went to the home to execute a search warrant. They say a man identified as Tim Heinze ran out of the home and led officers on a foot chase. He was captured inside of a nearby residence a short time later. Heinze was arrested on an outstanding warrant and a charge of manufacturing meth which in Ohio is a second degree felony. The Williams County Sheriffs Office says the matter is still under investigation and additional charges are pending. It's the second meth bust for the MAN unit this week and the third one this year.

MAN Unit Takes Down Edgerton Meth Lab
Tuesday, March 2, 2010

(EDGERTON, OHIO) - The Multi Area Narcotics Task Force has busted its second methamphetamine lab in Williams County this year. The latest bust took place Monday afternoon at a residence on Colonial Lane in Edgerton. The Williams County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that officers found meth and several inactive labs inside. The evidence was seized and processed and the case is still under investigation. It is expected to go before the Williams County Grand Jury later this month.

Mote Murder Trial Moved To July 1st
Monday, March 1, 2010

(ANGOLA) - A murder trial for an Angola woman will not take place until the summer. Steuben Superior Court Judge William Fee accepted a joint motion filed by Prosecutor Tom Wilson and Defense Attorney Anthony Krause on Monday morning to continue the Norma Jean Mote trial which was scheduled to start on March 18th. Mote is now scheduled to go on trial July 1st for the ax murder of her husband last December. The motion to continue was filed during a pre-trial conference. A final pre-trial conference was also re-scheduled for June 21st. Wilson says the motion was filed because more time was needed for scientific discovery in the case. Mote has pled not guilty to the charge which was filed in connection with the December 18th death of her 56-year-old husband Kevin. She remains lodged in the Steuben County Jail without bond.

MSP Investigate North Adams Bank Robbery
Thursday, February 18, 2010

(NORTH ADAMS, MICHIGAN) - Authorities are looking for a man who held up the Southern Michigan Bank and Trust branch on Main Street in North Adams Wednesday afternoon. Michigan State Police at Jonesville say the robbery took place at about 12:40pm when a man wearing a Halloween mask got away with an undisclosed amount of money after he showed a pistol. The suspect is described as being about 30-years-old, six feet tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a grey Michigan State University sweatshirt along with blue jeans and gloves. Investigators are reviewing bank security tapes of the hold up. The F.B.I. along with the Hillsdale County Sheriffs Department are assisting Michigan State Police with the investigation.

Three Injured In Camden, Michigan Crash
Thursday, February 18, 2010

(CAMDEN, MICHIGAN) - Three people were injured Wednesday when two vehicles collided at the intersection of M-49 and Camden Road in Camden, Michigan. Michigan State Police from the Jonesville Post report 26-year-old Nathaniel Wilkinson of Nebraska failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection and collided with another car driven by 61-year-old Carole Spencer of Pioneer, Ohio. Troopers say Wilkinson suffered a head injury and was taken to Cameron Hospital in Angola where he was treated and released. Spencer and her 75-year-old husband Jerad suffered minor injuries were treated and released at the scene. Troopers say the occupants of the two vehicles were wearing their seat belts. They were assisted by the Camden Fire Department and Reading Emergency Services.

Dolman Gets 52 Years On Child Porn Convictions
Wednesday, February 17, 2010

(BRYAN, OHIO) - A Montpelier, Ohio man convicted of over a dozen sex crimes will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. 43-year-old Alan D. Dolman was given a total prison sentence of 52 years on Tuesday after he was convicted last month on 13 felony counts for crimes involving two young girls. Dolman was looking at a maximum sentence of 69 years. He was convicted by a Williams County jury on 11 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance as well as two charges of endangering children. Eight of the charges are second degree felonies in Ohio that carry maximum sentences of eight years in prison. Dolman's conviction came after a two-day trial.

Two Ohio Troopers Injured In Williams County Crash
Sunday, February 14, 2010

(WEST UNITY) - Two Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers were injured early Sunday morning when their police cruiser crashed in Williams County as they were chasing after a speeding driver. The crash happened on State Road 127 about three miles south of West Unity. The Highway Patrol reports the cruiser went off the road after it went out of control and flipped over in a field before it came to rest on its wheels. The passenger, 32-year-old Trooper Matthew Uran of Bryan, was first flown to the University of Toledo Medical Center before being transferred to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. He is in stable condition with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the cruiser, 25-year-old Jason Urbina of Holland, Ohio was treated and released at Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Bryan. The Highway Patrol says both Uran and Urbina were wearing their seat belts. The patrol car sustained heavy damage. The incident is still under investigation.

Williams County Under Level 2 Snow Emergency, County Offices Closed
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

(UNDATED) - A winter storm warning remains in effect until 7:00pm Wednesday night but the damage has already been done. Between seven to ten inches of snow has fallen in the area since early Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service says winds gusting up to 35 miles an hour will cause blowing and drifting snow on Wednesday and there could be an additional accumulation of up to two inches. Williams County is under a Level 1 Snow Emergency. In addition, all Williams County offices including the courthouse will be closed on Wedneday. Public Safety offices including the Sheriffs, E.M.S., 9-1-1, Hillside and Engineers will run specific to their office guidelines. Conditions also improved enough Wednesday afternoon to alloe DeKalb County to lift its snow emergency.

Bryan Man Charged With Breaching Detroit Airport Security
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

(ROMULUS, MICH.) - A Bryan, Ohio man has been charged by Wayne County Prosecutors with resisting arrest after authorities say he breached security on Monday at Detroit Metro Airport. The Detroit Free Press says 27-year-old Kaylan Policherla appeared in federal court and is now facing federal and state charges in connection with the incident in which he is accused of ignoring security officers when he walked through a passenger screening checkpoint. He was later Tasered by police. The Free Press reports he was ordered to be held until a detention hearing takes place Thursday in federal court. Policherla is scheduled to be arraigned on the resisting arrest charge Wednesday in 34th District Court in Romulus.

Camden Woman Killed In Friday Night Crash
Monday, February 8, 2010

(HILLSDALE COUNTY) - A woman from Camden, Michigan lost her life following a Friday night accident in Hillsdale County's Amboy Township. Michigan State Police at Jonesville report 74-year-old Carol Keesecker lost control of her vehicle on snow-covered West Territorial Road at about 9:25pm. Her vehicle then went off the road and struck a utility pole. Keesecker was taken to Community Hospital of Williams County in Bryan where she was pronounced dead. Troopers were assisted by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Department, the Woodbridge Township Fire Department and the Reading Emergency Unit.

11 Escape From Burning Richland Township Home, Teen Uninjured After Jumping From Roof
Saturday, February 6, 2010

(RICHLAND TOWNSHIP) - Nearly a dozen people had to escape from a burning Richland Township home near the Michigan-Ohio state line late on Friday night. Firefighters from eight departments in Steuben and Williams County had to battle the flames on 525 South near 900 East. The fire was reported just before 11:00pm. It was not called under control until just after 1:20am on Saturday morning but not before the home was determined to be a total loss. Crews were on the scene for about four hours. Hamilton Fire Chief Rodney Snyder says 11 people had to get out of the house including a teenager who had to jump off a roof to escape the flames. There were no injuries reported among the home occupants and firefighters. Hamilton firefighters were the first ones called to the scene. They got mutual aide from Florence Township, Metz, Montpelier, Northwest Township, Angola, Salem Center and Pleasant Lake. Drifting snow complicated matters for firefighters. The Steuben and Williams County Highway Departments had to be called in to plow roads so that tankers could haul water to the fire scene from Edon, Ohio. Snyder says the cause of the fire is undetermined but it not considered suspicious. He says it may have started in a laundry room. The dollar amount on the damage has not been determined.

Pregnant Defiance Woman Killed In Crash, Baby Delivered
Thursday, January 28, 2010

(DEFIANCE) - A Defiance woman who was six months pregnant lost her life Thursday morning in a traffic accident on State Road 15 near Blosser Road in Defiance County but doctors were able to deliver her baby girl. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports 22-year-old Kaitlyn Knox died while being treated at Defiance Regional Medical Center following the accident which took place at about 8:30am. Her baby was at last report in critical condition according to the State Highway Patrol. Troopers say Knox lost control of her vehicle and it slid left of center where it struck a car driven by 29-year-old Elizabeth Stockinger of Bryan. Stockinger was treated and released from Defiance Regional Medical Center. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage in the accident.

Metz FD Gets Federal Grant For New Tanker
Thursday, January 28, 2010

(METZ) - After several years of fundraising, Metz firefighters have gotten a federal grant to help fund the purchase of a new pumper tanker to replace a piece of equipment which has been used for 30 years. Indiana Senator Richard Lugar's office says the Metz Fire Department is one of sixteen in the state that will get funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. According to a press release issued by Senator Lugar's office, a $220,000 grant has been awarded so that the Metz Fire Department can buy the new vehicle. The local match was $13,000. It's hoped the new vehicle will be ready for operation within the next six months. The latest round of grants to fire departments around Indiana total nearly $1.3 million.

MAN Unit Seize Pot Operation, Clean Up Meth Dump Site
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Sheriffs Office says the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force has seized a small marijuana grow operation from a home in Pioneer. Police say evidence consisting of several marijuana plants and cultivation equipment were taken from the home at 414 First Street after information was received by the MAN Unit and Pioneer Police. The matter has been turned over to the Williams County Prosecutors Office for further review and possible charges. In an unrelated matter, the MAN Unit was busy on Monday night taking care of a methamphetamine lab dump site outside of Alvordton. The Drug Enforcement Agency Hazardous Materials Team was called in to clean up the biohazard material. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the Williams County Sheriffs Office at 1-866-845-6760 or Williams County Crime Stoppers at 419-485-9302.

Williams County Unemployment at 14.9%
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

(UNDATED) - The Ohio Office of Workforce Development says unemployment went up in Williams County and throughout northwest Ohio in December. Figures released on Tuesday show the Williams County jobless rate went up a half percent to 14.9 percent. That's over five percent higher than the December of 2008 unemployment rate in Williams County. The unemployment rate also went up in Defiance County to 12.8 percent. Statewide, the Ohio unemployment rate went up in December to 10.7 percent.

Students Escape Injury In Williams County Bus Accident
Saturday, January 23, 2010

(PIONEER, OHIO) - The driver of a North Central school bus and her child were treated and released from Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Bryan on Friday afternoon after the bus collided with a car at the intersection of State Road 576 and County Road R. The Williams County Sheriffs Office says the bus driver, 50-year-old Tina Sobczak of Montpelier, did not see the car driven by Michelle McAlister of Plymouth, Michigan. The accident happened at about 3:00pm. None of the nearly 30 students on board the bus were injured. McAlister also was not injured. While the bus sustained minor front end damage, the car sustained disabling damage. The Williams County Sheriffs Department is still investigating the crash.

Man Injured By Falling Tree Near Hamilton
Wednesday, Janaury 20, 2010

(HAMILTON) - An unidentified man was injured Wednesday morning when a tree fell on him while he and other Amish men were logging in Otsego Township. The incident happened near 4195 South 600 East shortly before 9:00am. Hamilton firefighters and Steuben County E.M.S. were sent to the scene while Metz firefighters were called up on stand by. Hamilton Fire Chief Rodney Snyder says the victim suffered a serious head injury but remained conscious. He was kept warm in a four wheel drive vehicle while awaiting the arrival of the Samaritan Helicopter. The injured man, whose name has not been released, was flown to Parkview Hospital. Further information on the incident is not available.

WCSD Annouce Arrest Of Three Bogus Phone Call Suspects
Wednesday, January 20, 2010

(BRYAN, OHIO) - Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says three suspects including two juveniles have been arrested in connection with a recent series of bogus phone calls. Beck says 18-year-old Dylan Marino of Bryan and a pair of 17-year-olds from Bryan and Ney were arrested in connection with the alleged calls that were made on January 10th. They are accused of identifying themselves as a "Detective Wilson" from the Williams County Sheriffs Department. The person on the other end of the line was then asked to come to the Sheriff's Department to get fingerprinted as part of a homicide investigation. All three have been charged with Telephone Harassment which is a first degree misdemeanor in Ohio. Marino is being charged through Bryan Municipal Court. The two juveniles are being referred to Williams County Juvenile Court. The Defiance County Sheriffs Department assisted during the investigation.

State Highay Patrol Investigate Defiance County Fatal Accident
Monday, January 18, 2010

(DEFIANCE) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released details of a traffic accident which took the life of an Archbold woman on Thursday afternoon in Defiance County. Troopers say 55-year-old Susan Barrett was traveling on Carpenter Road near Nagle Road at about 1:30pm when she lost control of her car on the slush covered pavement. The car then went off the road and struck a ditch. Barrett was taken to Mercy Hospital in Defiance before being transferred to St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo where she was pronounced dead. Troopers say alcohol was not involved in the crash and Barrett was wearing her safety belt.

Montpelier Nursing Home Collecting Haiti Earthquake Supplies
Saturday, January 16, 2010

(MONTPELIER, OHIO) - Evergreen Nursing Home in Montpelier is collecting relief supplies for earthquake victims in Haiti as part of International Services of Hope. Donations can be dropped off at the nursing home at 924 Charlie's Way in Montpelier at any time. Suggested items include bottled water, canned food, non-perishable food items, first aid kits, personal hygiene items, blankets, spray and liquid cleaners and bleach. They are asking that no glass items or clothes be donated. For more information, contact Fara Nickle at Evergreen Manor at 419-485-8307 or go to isohimpact.org.

Montpelier Man Convicted Of 13 Felony Charges
Saturday, January 16, 2010

(WILLIAMS COUNTY, OHIO) - A Montpelier, Ohio man is looking at a maximum prison sentence of 69 years after he was convicted Thursday on 13 felony counts involving sex crimes against two young girls. 43-year-old Alan D. Dolman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16th. Dolman was convicted by a jury on 11 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance as well as two charges of endangering children. Eight of the charges that Dolman was convicted on are second degree felonies in Ohio that carry maximum sentences of eight years.

Autopsy: Bryan Murder Victim Died From Blunt Force Trauma
Thursday, January 14, 2010

(BRYAN, OHIO) - Bryan Police Chief Jeff Arnold says the results of an autopsy showed that an elderly woman who was found murdered last month died from blunt force trauma to the head and face. Arnold issued a news release on Thursday concerning the death of 91-year-old Grace Kennedy whose body was found in her home at 407 John Street in Bryan. Police were called there on December 23rd to check on her well-being after neighbors saw newspapers piling up at the residence. No arrests have been made yet and the investigation into her death is continuing. Arnold says a $6,000 reward is being offered by the family and the Bryan Police Department for information about the murder which is the first one in Bryan in nearly 60 years. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Bryan Police at 419-636-4233 or Williams County Crime Stoppers at 419-485-9302. Arnold says all information received will be kept confidential.

Woman Dies In Edgerton Crash, Samaritan Helicopter Clips Wires
Thursday, January 14, 2010

(EDGERTON, OHIO) - A woman died in a two vehicle traffic accident and there were some anxious moments involving one of the Samaritan Helicopters in Edgerton, Ohio on Wednesday afternoon. Edgerton Police say a vehicle driven by 73-year-old Gwendoline Trevino of Edgerton was struck broadside as it was trying to turn into a gas station at U.S. 6 and Vine Street by another vehicle driven by 30-year-old Jennifer Horne who is also from Edgerton. A Samaritan Helicopter was called in to transport the women to Parkview Hospital. As the chopper was landing near the Edgerton Medical Center, it clipped some wires causing a utility pole to topple. The pilot managed to land the chopper but two others had to be called in. A Lutheran Helicopter flew Trevino to Parkview where she later passed away. Another Samaritan Helicopter was brought in to fly Horne to Parkview where she is listed in fair condition. The Ohio Highway Patrol, the F.A.A. and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the chopper incident.

No Injuries Reported From Three Monday Night Fires
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

(UNDATED) - Steuben County and other area firefighters were kept busy on Monday evening as three fires broke out in the span of nearly three hours. Six departments were called to a house fire at 8150 East Metz Road which was reported at about 4:20pm at a home owned by Samuel Carroll. Angola Fire Department Public Information Officer T.R. Hagerty says the first units on the scene found heavy black and brown smoke coming from the house and fire showing between the house and garage area. It took almost three hours to get the blaze under control. Damage was estimated at about $100,000. Hagerty says the cause of the fire is stil under investigation. Then at about 5:30pm, a fire destroyed a barn that was owned by Jason Book at 5575 East 540 North. Fremont Fire Department Public Information Officer Brett Steele says the first units found nearly 70 percent of the barn engulfed in flames. Firefighters had to use a defensive attack to contain the blaze until other responding units could arrive. The building was used to store equipment for Book's Tree Service. Items lost in the fire include vehicles, tree service equipment and tools. The cause of the fire is undetermined and damages have been estimated at $200,000. Nearly a dozen departments were called to battle the blaze which was called under control at about 7:45pm. Crews cleared the scene just after 9:30pm. The third fire of the evening caused heavy damage to a home at 3860 Zion Street on the south side of Hamilton. It was reported at about 7:30pm and was not called under control until about 10:00pm. Crews were on the scene until nearly midnight. Hamilton Fire Chief Rodney Snyder says the cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature. Firefighters from six departments battled the blaze. No injuries were reported from any of the three fires.

Williams County Police Warn Of Bogus Phone Calls
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

(BRYAN, OHIO) - Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says someone is making bogus phone calls about a murder investigation. He says his department was told on Sunday that somebody called a citizen and identified themselves as a Detective Wilson of the Williams County Sheriff's Office. The caller told the person on the other end of the line they had to be fingerprinted in connection with a homicide. Beck says they do not have a "Detective Wilson" affiliated with the Sheriff's Office. He says similar complaints have been reported to the Bryan Police Department, the Defiance County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies. Beck says the bogus calls do not appear to be related to the on-going investigation into the death of 91-year-old Grace Kennedy who police think was the victim of a homicide. Telephone companies throughout northwest Ohio are assisting with the investigation and Beck says whoever is responsible will be charged if they are caught.

Yagelski Named New Mayor Of Montpelier
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

(MONTPELIER, OHIO) - Steve Yagelski was named Mayor of Montpelier, Ohio on Monday night by acting Mayor Jason Rockey. Yagelski will finish out the term of Michael Long who resigned on Friday. It's the second time Yagelski has occupied the Mayors office. Long said the poor economy forced him to spend too much time with his businesses and not enough time attending to the business of the village. Long owns the Dairy Depot, Montpelier Skate Company and the Weigh Station Gym. Yagelski will serve as Mayor through the end of 2011.

Montpelier To Get New Mayor
Monday, January 11, 2010

(MONTPELIER) - A new mayor in Montpelier, Ohio is expected be named tonight during the Montpelier Village Council meeting. In an open letter to citizens issued on Friday, Mayor Michael Long said the poor economy has forced him to spend too much time with his businesses and not enough time attending to the business of the village. Long owns the Dairy Depot, Montpelier Skate Company and the Weigh Station Gym. The gym was recently moved to Hillsdale County.

Community Leader Bob Troll Dies In Traffic Accident
Saturday, January 9, 2010

(JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP) - Former Clear Lake Town Board President Robert Troll was killed late Friday morning in a two vehicle traffic accident on Steuben County Road 50 West north of Feather Valley Road. Troll was 79. Besides the Clear Lake Town Board, Troll has also served as a member of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation's Board of Directors. He has also done work for the Steuben County Community Foundation. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department says Troll was a passenger in a vehicle that was driven by his 77-year-old wife Judy when it apparently went out of control at about 11:20am due to the snow and slush covered road surface. The Troll vehicle then went left of center and was hit on the passenger side by a mini van that was driven by 27-year-old Shawntee Nusbaum of West Otter Lake. Mr. Troll was pronounced dead at the scene by Steuben County Coroner Rodney Snyder. Judy Troll was taken to Cameron Hospital for treatment of shoulder and head injuries. Nusbaum was not injured. The Sheriffs Department states in a news release that no charges are expected to be filed at this time. The Sheriffs Department was assisted by Fremont Police and Fire, Indiana State Police, Steuben County Communications and the Steuben County Coroners Office. Troll is the second former Clear Lake Town Board President to die in a traffic accident in the last month. Jack McArdle and his wife Karen died December 11th in a DeKalb County accident.

Oversized Load Schedule Moved Up To Wednesday
Wednesday, January 6, 2010

(UNDATED) - With the National Weather Service issuing a winter storm watch for Thursday, the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana State Police have decided to move up the schedule for an oversized load to travel from the Indiana-Michigan state line to Marion to Wednesday morning. Officials say the oversized load on southbound I-69 will reduce speeds and cause traffic obstructions. The load is scheduled to leave the Indiana-Michigan state line at 8:30am. It is expected to arrive in Fort Wayne about an hour later and at its final destination at the General Motors plant in Marion sometime around 12noon. The load is 24 feet wide, 14 foot by 6 inches tall and weighs 555,000 pounds. Additional loads are expected to be moved through the months of January and February. Motorists may want to take an alternate route in order to avoid expected delays on southbound I-69. Diamond Heavy Hauling of Shandon, Ohio is transporting the oversized load.

Man Charged With DeKalb County Murder Has Initial Court Hearing
Tuesday, January 5, 2010

(AUBURN) - A Fort Wayne man charged with killing his girlfriend as part of a violent New Years Day rampage in DeKalb County made his initial court appearance on Monday. 39-year-old Ronnie R. Jones is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of 32-year-old Melissa Patrick. She was found shot to death in an Auburn group home where she worked. Jones is also facing two counts of attempted murder and a charge of recklessness with a firearm after authorities say he tried to kill his former wife Sara Grimm and her boyfriend Jason Patrick at the Waterloo home they shared. Not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of Jones during his initial hearing. He is being held without bond pending his next court appearance which is scheduled for March 8th.

Auburn Woman Murdered, Boyfriend In Custody After Rampage
Saturday, January 2, 2010

(AUBURN) - It was a violent start to the New Year in DeKalb County on Friday. An Auburn woman was found shot to death and a Fort Wayne man was taken into custody after he allegedly told police he shot her. Indiana State Police say 39-year-old Ronnie R. Jones is being held in the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of murder. Police were first called to a home in Waterloo just after noon on Friday on a breaking and entering report. When they arrived, Jones surrendered to Waterloo Deputy Marshall Gary Warfield. Police say Jones told officers he had just come from a home in Auburn where he had just shot and killed a woman that he would not name. When police went to the Auburn home, they found 32-year-old Melissa Patrick dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Police say Patrick was Jones' girlfriend. They add Jones told them he went to the Waterloo residence with the intent to kill his estranged wife and her boyfriend. Witnesses told police that when no one answered the doorbell at the Waterloo home, Jones fired several rounds from a semi-automatic handgun into the front door. Gunfire was returned from the inside by the boyfriend which may have struck Jones in the right leg. Jones then got into his S.U.V. and drove it into the house. The two adults and six children inside fled through the back of the house. Jones then fled to another location on County Road 427 where he was apprehended by Waterloo Police. Jones was treated for his injuries at Parkview Hospital before he was released back into police custody.

Death Of Bryan Woman Called A Homicide
Monday, December 28, 2009

(BRYAN) - Bryan Police say a 91-year-old woman was the victim of a suspected homicide. Police Chief Jeff Arnold says officers found Grace Kennedy dead at about 9:00pm Wednesday after they were called to 407 John Street to check on her well being. Police were called after a neighbor had noticed a number of piled up newspapers. No details on how the woman died have been released yet by authorities. Arnold says the final determination of death will be made upon the completion of an autopsy. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting Bryan Police. Anyone who might have information on this crime is asked to call Bryan Police at 419-636-4233 or Crime Stoppers at 419-485-9302. Police say all persons submitting information will be kept confidential.

Two Injured In Saturday DeKalb Crash
Monday, December 28, 2009

(AUBURN) - A Hicksville, Ohio woman remains in critical condition at Parkview Hospital following a Saturday night accident in DeKalb County. 54-year-old Virginia Mackling was a passenger in a car driven by 50-year-old Guy Mackling of Hicksville when according to DeKalb County Police it went off of State Road 8 near County Road 45, overcorrected and rotated into the path of another vehicle driven by 69-year-old Harry Hornett of Waterloo. Hornett was taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital. Virginia Mackling was taken to Parkview after police say she suffered a ruptured spleen.

Winter Weather Advisory Issued
Sunday, December 27, 2009

(NORTH WEBSTER) - In anticipation of snow, blowing snow and gusty winds on Sunday, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for a large portion of northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan from 11:00am Sunday morning until 7:00am on Monday. Forecasters say moderate snow will increase from west to east beginning late on Sunday morning and overspreading the area through the area through the afternoon hours. The snow will gradually end by late this evening. Winds will pick up this afternoon and continue overnight. Snowfall amounts of between two to four inches can be expected with the greater amounts along and south of U.S. 30. Strongs winds will cause blowing and drifting of snow which is expected to make traveling hazardous. If you have to travel, use caution especially in open areas.

Flood Warning Issued For Tiffin River At Stryker
Sunday, December 27, 2009

(NORTH WEBSTER) - With minor flooding expected, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Tiffin River near Stryker which will affect Williams, Defiance and Fulton Counties until Wednesday evening. The Tiffin near Stryker was at 10.9 feet and rising at 7:00am on Sunday morning. It was expected to crest at 11.4 feet Monday evening at about 7:00pm. It is then expected to go back below flood stage on Tuesday night at about 10:00pm. Just a reminder, never drive vehicles through flooded areas. The water maybe to deep to allow safe passage. In addition, do not allow children to play in or near flood waters. More detailed river forecasts can be found at WWW.WEATHER.GOV/IWX.

Christmas Morning Fire Causes $100,000 Damage To Lake George Home
Saturday, December 26, 2009

(LAKE GEORGE) - Fremont fire officials say the cause of a Christmas morning fire at a Lake George home is unknown due to the extent of the damage which was estimated at $100,000. Fremont Fire Department Public Information Officer Brett Steele says the fire at the Tim Lawton Senior residence at 7740 North Old 27 was reported at about 7:50am. When firefighters arrived, smoke was visible coming from all four sides of the basement. The blaze burnt through the floor at the front of the residence so crews went in through the the back of the home and found the fire in the basement. It took about an hour to get the fire under control. No injuries were reported. The scene was cleared at about 10:45am. Fremont fire crews got assistance from the Angola and Lakeland Fire Departments, along with Steuben County E.M.S., the Steuben County Sheriff Department, Steuben County Communications and the Michigan State Police. Montgomery firefighters stood by at the Fremont Fire Station.

Edgerton Man Injured In Steuben County Accident
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

(PLEASANT LAKE, IND.) - It took rescue crews almost an hour Tuesday morning to free a traffic accident victim from a vehicle following a wreck on Old 27 near 400 South, just north of Pleasant Lake. The crash was reported at about 8:20am. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department reports Zachary Elzey of Edgerton was heading north on Old 27 when he lost control on the snow covered road. His vehicle then went into a yard on the west side of the road where it hit a utility pole, spun sideways and struck a tree with the passenger side door. A passenger, Karen Warren of Hamilton, was pinned in the vehicle for almost an hour because it was up against a very large tree. Elzey and Warren were taken to Cameron Hospital. Elzey complained of neck pain while Warren complained of pain to her right side. Power lines were knocked down across Old 27 which caused the road to be shut down for about a half hour. Responding to the scene were the Pleasant Lake Fire Department, the Steuben County Sheriffs Department along with Steuben County E.M.S. and crews from NIPSCO and Verizon.

Williams County Unemployment Drops To 14.3%
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

(UNDATED) - The unemployment rate in Williams County dropped to 14.3 percent in November according to figures released on Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. That's an improvement from the October rate of 14.6 percent. The Williams County unemployment rate for November was the eighth highest for the 88 counties in Ohio. Defiance County's rate held steady in November at 12.2 percent. Ohio's non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November went up slightly to 10.2 percent. The November unemployment rate in neighboring Indiana as reported last week was 9.3 percent.

Angola Man Killed With Ax, Wife Charged With Murder
Saturday, December 19, 2009

(ANGOLA) - An Angola man is dead and his wife was formally charged with his murder on Friday. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department says 56-year-old Kevin Mote was found dead in an upstairs bedroom at his home on West Fox Lake Road near Angola's southwest side. Mote's wife, 44-year-old Norma Jean Mote, is being held without bail for his murder. A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf during an initial hearing Friday afternoon in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey. Anthony Krause was named as her attorney after Mote requested a court-appointed lawyer. The case will go through Steuben Superior Court where a pre-trial conference was scheduled for January 25th and a jury trial was set for March 18th. According to Steuben County court documents, the defendant called 9-1-1 at about 12:20am on Friday morning and allegedly said she had killed her husband was an ax. The Sheriffs Department stated in a news release on Friday afternoon that an autopsy conducted at St. Joe Hospital determined that Kevin Mote died from blunt force trauma to the head. They add this was caused by numerous strikes with an ax. The Sheriffs Department says the case is still under investigation. If convicted, Norma Jean Mote is looking at a prison sentence of between 45 and 65 years under Indiana law.

Montpelier Police Looking For Hit And Run Vehicle
Saturday, December 19, 2009

(MONTPELIER, OHIO) - Police in Montpelier, Ohio are looking for the owner of a vehicle that hit the Williams-Geesey Funeral Home on Empire Street and then drove off without telling police or the building's owner. Police Chief Jeff Lehman says it happened sometime between the late afternoon of Thursday and Friday morning. The vehicle is thought to be a car or a mid to smaller sized truck. According to evidence collected at the scene, Lehman says the vehicle may very likely be black in color and it sustained damage to the right front area. Anyone with information is asked to call Montpelier Police at 419-485-3121 or Williams County Area Crime Stoppers at 419-485-9302.

Edgerton Man Dies In DeKalb County Crash
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

(AUBURN) - One man was killed and another was injured on Tuesday afternoon in a crash at the intersection of DeKalb County Roads 56 and 39. DeKalb County Police say a car driven by 85-year-old Richard Lutterbein of Edgerton, Ohio did not yield the right of way at a stop sign just before 2:30pm and was struck by an S.U.V. driven by 73-year-old Clyde Stapleton of Auburn. Lutterbein was flown to Lutheran Hospital where he later died from his injuries. Stapleton was taken to Parkview Hospital for treatment of head injuries. He is listed in critical condition.

Semi Slams Into Plaza Toll Booth
Monday, December 14, 2009

(FREMONT) - A eastbound semi crashed into one of the toll booths at the Indiana Toll Road East Point Plaza early Monday morning after Indiana State Police say the driver apparently fell asleep at the wheel. No serious injuries were reported although a toll collector suffered a minor hand laceration. State Police say the truck almost hit another semi before crashing into the toll booth. Toll Road spokesman Matt Pierce called the damage extensive. The State Police estimated the damage at about $100,000. State Police are still investigating the incident which took place shortly before 1:00am. Operations at East Point are running normally following the reconstruction of the accident scene which forced some lanes to be shut down for several hours.

Auburn Couple Killed In DeKalb County Crash
Sunday, December 13, 2009

(DEKALB COUNTY) - A couple from Auburn were found dead on Saturday morning after their car crashed into the St. Joe River in DeKalb County. Indiana State Police report 69-year-old John McArdle and his 63-year-old wife Karen were heading to Hicksville, Ohio on Friday night. After police got a report they were missing, their upside down vehicle was discovered by another motorist at about 10:20am in the river near the area of County Roads 75 and 42. The car was found upside down in four feet of water. State Police Detectives think the car hit a guard rail before winding up in the water.

MSP Find Meth Lab Near Addison
Saturday, December 12, 2009

(ADDISON, MICH.) - Two women were taken into custody on Thursday when the Michigan State Police say they found them using and cooking methamphetamine in the kitchen of a home in Hillsdale County's Wheatland Township. Troopers went to the home after they got an anonymous tip of a working meth lab. They say there was a strong smell of chemicals coming from the residence which prevented them from going inside. Both of the women fled to the back of the home when troopers knocked on the door. One ran out a back door but was captured. The second suspect eventually came out. Police say they found several grams of meth and an active meth lab. No arrests have been made and the names of the two women have not been released as the investigation is continuing.

Five Sent To Area Hospitals Following Williams County Crash
Friday, December 11, 2009

(MONTPELIER) - Five people were sent to area hospitals Thursday afternoon when two pickup trucks collided on U.S. 20 at the east junction of State Route 49 in Williams County. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports a pickup driven by 21-year-old Scott Sindel of Edgerton pulled into the path of another pickup driven by 32-year-old Kimberly Finch of Montpelier at about 2:45pm. Sindel was treated and released from Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Montpelier. Finch and three passengers from Montpelier were all flown to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Finch along with 18-year-old Christopher Grider and 17-year-old Glenda Finch were all reported to be in serious by stable condition. Meanwhile, seven-month-old Kendra Baldridge was also flown to Parkview as a precaution. She was examined and released. Both vehicles sustained severe front end damage. The Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash.

Trailer Fire Breaks Out In Columbia, Ohio
Thursday, December 10, 2009

(COLUMBIA, OHIO) - Firefighters from several area departments had to battle the high winds and wind chills below zero on Wednesday night when a trailer fire broke out in Columbia, Ohio. The fire was reported on Williams Street near U.S. 20 just before 8:00pm. U.S. 20 was shut down for about three hours because of the blaze. Four departments from Williams County were called in. Assistance was also provided from the Metz, Hamilton, Fremont and Angola fire departments. Firefighters did not clear the scene until just before 1:00am Thursday morning. The Williams County Sheriffs Department says no injuries were reported.

Fabrication Company To Bring Over 100 Jobs To Hamilton
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

(ANGOLA) - A new business will be moving into the former Eagle-Pincher building on Homestead Drive in Hamilton this spring which company officials say will mean the creation of 111 jobs by 2014. The official announcement was made Tuesday night during the Steuben County Economic Development Corporations annual dinner at Trine University's Witmer Clubhouse. The business in the 93,000 square foot building will be known as Triton Metal Prodicts. It was formed by Industrial Steering Products which is based in Bryan, Ohio as part of an $4.8 million expansion of its production operations. The company manufactures parts for various industries including automotive, agriculture and food equipment. The former Eagle-Pincher plant in Hamilton has been empty for almost two years. Triton manager John Freudenberger says they hope to begin operations in April. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Triton Metal Products up to $620,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on job creation plans. The town of Hamilton will consider additional property tax abatements.

Williams County October Jobless Rate: 14.6%
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

(UNDATED) - Unemployment numbers released on Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services show there are still a lot of people struggling heading into the holiday season. Williams County's unemployment rate in October was 14.6 percent while it was 12.2 percent in Defiance County. Williams County was one of eight counties in Ohio where the unemployment rate for October was 14 percent or higher. It also tied for the fourth highest rate in Ohio. As announced last Friday, Ohio's unemployment rate was 10.5 percent in October, up from 10.1 percent in September.

Clemency For 78 Ohio Prisoners
Governor Strickland Reviews Each Case

Seventy-eight Ohio prisoners have been pardoned by Governor Ted Strickland. Most of the prisoners granted clemency had already served their prison terms. Ten prisoners on the list had their sentences commuted. Governor Strickland, who is a former prison psychologist,says he personally reviewed every clemency application.

Seatbelt Enforcement Efforts Underway
Ohio Police Departments Work Together to Make Ohioans Buckle Up

The Ohio Department of Public Safety urges holiday motorists to buckle up during holiday travel. More than 90 local law enforcement agencies are joining with the Ohio State Highway Patrol over the holiday season. Officers will be looking for unsafe drivers, and they are warning people that if you are pulled over for a driving violation, and you are not buckled up - you will be ticketed. The Ohio Department of Public Safety says that seat belts are the single most important safety device in vehicles and buckling up saves countless lives every year. Last year during the holiday season 13 people died on Ohio roads, and more than two-thirds of the fatalities involved people who were not wearing seatbelts.

Thief Steals Wheels in Alvordton


Williams County Sheriff's Deputies were contact by an Alvordton man about a break-in at his Marble Street property sometime between Saturday, November 21st and Monday, November 23rd. Three Weld aluminum racing wheels were stolen. The property is valued at approximately $250.

Edgerton Man Busted on OVI and Marijuana Charges


Williams County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Tracey Reliford, Junior, of Edgerton last night on charges of Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated and possession of Marijuana. Reliford, who is 28-years-old, was released on his own recognizance after posting bond.

H1N1 Vaccines Ordered By Ohio
Doses Arrive This Week

The Ohio State Department of Health is receiving about 439-thousand doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. For the latest information on flu vaccine clinics being offered by the Williams County Health Department, go to www.williamscountyhealth.org

Indiana's Pokagon Toboggan Run Opens Friday


Pokagon State Park's toboggan run will open for another season of winter fun this Friday. Park Interpreter Fred Wooley says the toboggan was originally built in 1935 by youngsters from the Civilian Conservation Corp. It's been improved over the years which included the installation of refrigeration equipment in 1971. It will be open Fridays from 5:00pm until 10:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00am until 10:00pm and on Sundays from 10:00am until 5:00pm through the end of February. There will be special daily holiday hours during the Christmas and New Year's season. The cost is $10 per hour with no more than four riders per toboggan. Sleds are rented on a first come, first served basis. For more information, log onto www.tobogganrun.com.

Fire Destroys Two Downtown Jonesville Businesses
Monday, November 23, 2009

(JONESVILLE, MICH.) - Two businesses in the heart of downtown Jonesville were destroyed in a massive fire on Sunday evening. The blaze started at about 4:30pm in the Chicago Water Grill which is a popular restaurant on U.S. 12. It spread next door to May's Furniture Store before firefighters were able to get the flames under control. The large flames and heavy smoke drew hundreds of people into the downtown area to view the fire. Police had to keep spectators from getting to close to the fire. Crews from 10 area departments had to be called in. Help came from as far away as Coldwater as that department sent a ladder truck to the scene. It took firefighters almost five hours to get the fire under control. The restaurant was not open at the time. No injuries were reported. It's not known how the fire got started. The Michigan State Fire Marshalls office has been called in to investigate. Nearly 30 people worked at the restaurant.

Man's Body Found By ISP Plane, Stalcup Silver Alert Cancelled
Thursday, November 5, 2009

(ANGOLA) - The body of a man found late Thursday morning in a wooded area near State Road 120 and 225 West is believed to be that of a diabetic man who has been missing for almost a month. 48-year-old Stuart Stalcup of Fort Wayne has been missing since the early morning hours of October 11th when he left a family home near Snow Lake. Indiana State Police Pilot Mike Harris notified the Steuben County Sheriffs Department late Thursday morning that he believed he had found a body as he was investigating a possible location where Stahcup could be found from the air. The Sheriffs Department says the plane had not been available before Thursday. An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday to confirm the identity of the deceased but the clothing and general characteristics along with some identification found on the man was believed to be Stalcup's. The Sheriffs Department requested that a Silver Alert that was issued last month be cancelled after the body was found. It was issued after police and firefighters could not find Stalcup after searching the Sprague Addition and Outlet Mall area in the immediate hours after his disappearance was reported. The search at one point stretched to Kansas because that is where Stalcup is originally from.

Williams County Sheriff's Department Arrests
Outstanding warrants for Sturgis man

Williams County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Sturgis man on Monday on a warrant for non-support of dependents and on a bench warrant from Bryan Municipal Court for failing to appear on three counts of passing bad checks. 29-year-old Robert Morris, Junior was taken to CCNO.

ELECTION DAY!
Important local races and issues to be decided at the polls.

It’s election day! Polls in Williams County are open from 6:30am until 7:30pm. There are a number of races and issues to be determined by voters. The Williams County Board of Elections has made it easy to get a complete rundown of the races on their website. Here's the link: http://www.co.williams.oh.us/BOE/boe_wmsco1.htm

H1N1 Vaccines Ordered By Ohio Officials
Nearly 390,000 doses begin arriving this week

Ohio officials say nearly 390,000 more doses of swine flu vaccine are on the way to replenishing local health departments and hospitals around Ohio. Supplies of both nasal and injected vaccine were ordered Friday and should begin arriving on the front lines today (Tuesday, November 3rd.) Most of the state's earlier order of more than 595,000 doses has been used. Health officials say supplies of vaccine in Ohio remain relatively small, meaning immunizations must still be limited to those considered at high risk of complications from swine flu, including health care workers, pregnant women, and children. The state hopes to receive more vaccine in coming weeks.

Putnam County Trailer Fire Victims Identified
Two women perished in blaze.

Two Putnam County women who died Saturday in a morning trailer fire have been identified as 24-year-old Barbara Krontz, and 64-year-old Diane Sherman. Three other people got out of the trailer alive, they are 24-year-old Daniel Sherman and Randy and Tammy Brenneman. The fire started at about 2am. The Ohio Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the blaze.

Defiance Man Dies in One Car Crash
Investigation Underway

A Defiance man died in a one car accident on South Jefferson Avenue, north of Rosewood Avenue on Saturday just before noon. Police report 57-year-old Michael Chaney died from injuries he suffered after he rolled his vehicle. The crash remains under investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact teh Defiance Police Deparment at (419)-784-5050

Defiance Fire Chief Resigns
Resignation Announced by City Administor Jeff Leonard

Defiance City Fire Chief, Mark Marentette, is resigning his position on November 6th, 2009. The announcement was made in a press release this morning from the office of city administrator, Jeff Leonard. There have been conflicts between some city leaders and Marentette during his time as Chief. He was suspended in February of 2008 for disobeying an order not to talk to the press about an explosion at American Ag Fuels in January of 2008. The city of Defiance recently settled a federal lawsuit filed by American Ag Fuels that claimed Marentette violated the company's rights and created costs and loss in revenue.

U.S 24 to Open Between Defiance and Indiana State Line
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday

The stretch of U.S. 24 between Defiance and the Indiana state line will reopen to motorists on Thursday. The newly widened roadway will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. The U.S. 24 "Fort to Port" project involves the roadway between Toledo and Fort Wayne. Work has been underway for three and a half years. After the ribbon cutting, Governor Strickland will travel to Montpelier where he will speak at Chase Brass and Copper about education reform at noon.

Michigan's Quincy School District SHUTS DOWN due to Swine Flu Outbreak
First area school system to close due to H1N1

The Quincy School District in Branch County has become the first school district in our area to shut its doors because of the spread of the H1N1 virus throughout the school system. Quincy schools will be closed today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday). They are scheduled to re-open on Monday.

CCNO Approves Operating Budget
Cuts operating cuts by about a half-million-dollars

The Corrections Commission of Northwest Ohio has about $500,000 dollars less in it’s 2010 operating budget. CCNO approved the $15.7-million-dollar budget plan on Wednesday. Also approved was a new contract provider for inmate medical care. The lower operating costs are due to a hiring freeze and cuts in consultant, audit, fuel and supply fees.

HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN TIPS
Drivers reminded to be extra alert

Police and fire officials are telling the little ghosts and goblins to have a good time this Halloween weekend but remind children and drivers to be very careful. Youngsters should only wear costumes that are flame resistant or flame retardant. They should also make sure eye holes in masks are large enough to see. In addition, flashlights should be carried instead of candles. Before going into a haunted house, corn maze or other Halloween venue, make sure the attraction has been inspected. Drivers are being reminded to stay alert especially between 6:00pm and 9:00pm on Halloween night when most youngsters will be out trick-or-treating. If you are going to a Halloween party, don't wear a costume that could restrict your vision when driving.

Auburn, IN gets $2-million in Federal Money For Power Grid
Grants will pay to modernize utility operations.

The city of Auburn will get $2 million in federal money to modernize its power system. Auburn is getting a piece of the $39 million that the state of Indiana is getting in federal grants which will help pay for modernizing utility operations and local electrical grids. In all, the federal government is funding $3.4 billion worth of projects. Auburn's upgrade project is one of about 100 around the country being funded through the Obama Administration.

WARNING about H1N1 Internet Scams
Don't fall fake preventatives or treatments

Health officials are warning residents not to fall for Internet scams that claim to cure or prevent the swine flu. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released a list of fraudulent products, including dietary supplements that claim to cure or prevent H1N1, a photon machine, fake Tamiflu and a shampoo that aims to protect users from the virus. Residents should report any suspicious H1N1 products being advertised on the Internet to the state attorney general's office.

H1N1 Vaccines for Ohio Prisoners To Arrive Soon
Zero cases of H1N1 reported among Ohio prison population

The state says it expects thousands of doses of swine flu vaccine any day for prison medical workers and certain inmates. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is awaiting more than 10-thousand doses of the vaccine. The prisoners who will get it have priority for the vaccines because they are pregnant, diabetic, under 18 or have chronic respiratory problems or compromised immune systems. The Ohio prison system has no reported cases of swine flu.

Hillsdale County Murder Suspect In Custody
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

(HILLSDALE) - A suspect who lived with a man who was found shot to death on Saturday in Hillsdale County's Jefferson Township has been captured at a homeless shelter in Sycamore, Illinois. The Hillsdale County Sheriffs Department says 49-year-old James Wesley McKinney is in custody in connection with the shooting death of 71-year-old James Thomas Harper. Harper's girlfriend found him with a gunshot wound to the head just after 11:00am on Saturday morning in home at 7391 East Reading Road. The Sheriffs Department says McKinney was taken in by Harper a couple of years ago because McKinney did not have a home. Police say McKinney was the last person to have contact with Harper. WILX-TV reports McKinney was arrested Friday by police in Illinois while driving Harper's vehicle. He was arrested for obstruction of justice and driving with a suspended license after he tried to use Harper's name. Several firearms inside of the car were confiscated and McKinney was later released on his own recognizance. He was arrested again on Monday morning after police in Hillsdale County informed Illinois authorities he was wanted for Harper's murder.

OVI Sobriety Checkpoint Scheduled This Week
Reminder from Ohio State Highway Patrol about Driving Sober this Holiday Season

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be running an OVI-sobriety checkpoint involving multiple agencies this week. 474 people died in Ohio last year in OVI-related crashes. The Highway Patrol reminds you to designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink.

H1N1Vaccine Clinic on Wed, Oct 28th, 2009
Both FluMist and Injectible Vaccines

The Ohio Department of Health has ordered another 160,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Some of those supplies are expected to begin arriving tomorrow and the Williams County Health Officials have scheduled a Wednesday clinic at the Veterans Building near the fairgrounds in Montpelier from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Officials expect to have injectable and FluMist varieties of the vaccine. The vaccine is being offered to the following people: • Pregnant Women • Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged less than 6 months • Health care and emergency medical services personnel. • Children aged 6 months – 24 years and • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu - related complications

Charges Filed in Deadly Car-Buggy Crash
16-year-old girl killed in weekend accident

Two charges were filed against a man on Monday by Branch County Prosecutors following a Friday night car-buggy accident that led to the death of a teenage girl in Michigan. 25-year-old Richard Edwin Torrey was scheduled to be arraigned in Branch County District Court on charges of driving while intoxicated causing death and O.W.I. causing serious injuries. Torrey was charged in connection with the crash that took the life of 16-year-old Salome Graber of Montgomery, Michigan and injured two others. The crash happened on Ray-Quincy Road near Copeland Road just before 6:30pm. Graber died after she was flown to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Her brother David suffered several leg fractures and a broken left wrist. A third buggy passenger suffered minor injuries. The Michigan State Police reports Torrey lost control of his car and hit the buggy which was traveling in the opposite direction head on. The Amish put the injured horse down at the scene.

Medical Community NOT Offering Expertise In Lethal Injection Procedure Review
Officials say Doctors refusing to offer advice in case.

Ohio officials say a lack of help from the
medical community is hindering the state's efforts to develop new lethal injection procedures following a botched execution attempt in September. In a court filing, Attorney General Richard Cordray says doctors and other medical professionals are declining to offer
their advice.

Higher Gas Prices in Ohio
Climbs 9 cents since last week

The cost of gas has gone up another 9 cents since last week. The Ohio statewide average is now about $2.63 per gallon of regular. That's 33 cents more than it was at the beginning of October, and it’s more expensive than it was last year at this time. Gasoline costs have been climbing along with the price of oil. Last week, the sagging dollar sent crude spiking to $82 a barrel for the first time in more than a year.

Montpelier Man Arrested on Assault Warrant


A 19-year-old Montpelier man has been arrested on an outstanding warrant for two counts of Felonious Assault. Jarred Baron was arrested Friday night by the Williams County Sheriff’s Department.

Williams County Unemployment Numbers Down
Experts raise questions about whether numbers reflect reality

The numbers look good-but are things really better on the unemployment front? The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services says the jobless rate in Williams County fell in September to 14.1 percent, nearly two percent lower than the 15.9 percent posted in August. Defiance County had 11.7 percent, Henry County had 10.9 percent and Fulton County 12.1 percent. Some experts are questioning the decreasing unemployment statistics, wondering if some Ohioans are giving up on the system and dropping off the unemployment lists. Highland County in the south had the state’s highest unemployment at 15.3 percent. Holmes County in Northeast Ohio’s Amish country had the lowest rate at 6.3 percent.

Montpelier Man Pleads Guilty in Burglary Case
Would Receive Six Year Sentence, with Four Years Suspended

A Montpelier man entered into a plea agreement with Steuben County Prosecutors on Monday in a Superior Court burglary case. 21-year-old Andrew Lautzenheiser was charged last March in connection with a home burglary near Hamilton. Lautzenheiser would receive a six year sentence with four years suspended, if the plea agreement is accepted by Judge William Fee. Lautzenheiser can also serve his executed time in Community Corrections, provided that he qualifies. Judge Fee took the plea agreement under advisement and scheduled a sentencing hearing for December 7th. Lautzenheiser was released on his own recognizance.

Kings Island Settles with Defiance Woman
Settlement Comes Following Jury Awarding $76,000 in Compensatory Damages.


Kings Island amusement park near Cincinnati has reached a confidential settlement with a woman who was injured on a roller coaster. The deal was announced Monday shortly after a jury had awarded the woman $76,000 in compensatory damages. Jurors in Warren County Common Pleas Court were getting ready to start a second phase of the trial to determine if Kings Island should be punished by having to pay more to Jennifer Wright as well as attorney fees. Wright, of Defiance, was hurt in a July 2006 accident on the Son of Beast roller coaster. A jolt sent more than two dozen people to the hospital. Wright, a single mother of four children, says she has a tear in the cartilage of the hip joint and a small fracture that will require several replacements during her lifetime.

Hicksville Woman Injured in One Car Accident
Alcohol may have been a factor - according to Ohio State Patrol

A Hicksville woman is in Fort Wayne’s Parkview hospital in serious condition after a weekend accident east of Hicksville. 25-year-old Kim Bender was heading west on Fountain Street Road near lake Road when she went off the road into a ditch and flipped her car. Ohio State Troopers say alcohol IS suspected to be a factor in the crash. An investigation continues in the case.

H1N1 Vaccines Now Available
Clinics Set for Tues, Wed., and Thurs.

H1N1 vaccine clinics are scheduled on Tuesday at the Bryan Offices of the Williams County Health Department from 1pm until 6:30pm. The vaccines will be available for people six months to 24 years old, people 25 to 64 who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for flu and flu complications, pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants under six months, and health care and emergency medical services personnel. Wednesday an H1N1 vaccine clinic is scheduled at the Montpelier offices from 3:30pm until 6:30pm. On Thursday, the H1N1 vaccine clinic will operate from 1pm to 6:30pm at the Montpelier office of the Williams County Health Department.

Ohio Gas Prices Increase
Up 9 cents from one week ago

Ohio gasoline prices are higher for the
second week in a row, now averaging $2.54 for regular, up 9 cents from last Monday. Crude oil has risen to its highest levels of the year, partly because of a weakening U.S. dollar.

Williams County Idol Search Begins
Great turnout for first qualifying week of contest

Friday was the first round of the search for the Williams County Idol. The Williams County Chambers of Commerce hosted the event as nearly 40 singers took their turns on center stage at the Ramada Inn in Holiday City. This Friday is another qualifying round. See more information on the contest on the link below. Admission is three dollars and the show begins at 6pm.

HICKSVILLE MAN DIES OF INJURIES FROM LAST MONTH'S CAR CRASH
38-year-old dies in Defiance hospice

A Hicksville, Ohio man has died from injuries he suffered in a Williams County traffic accident last month. The Ohio State Highway Patrol says 38-year-old Gregory A. Laney past away on Tuesday in a Defiance County hospice. He was injured just after 11:00pm on the night of September 18th when troopers say his car went left of center on U.S. 127 just north of the Williams-Defiance County line and struck another vehicle driven by 20-year-old Sarah Landel of Bryan. Laney was thrown out of the car as it struck a ditch and overturned. Troopers say he was not wearing a seat belt. The death is still under investigation.

Defiance Woman Sues Kings Island
She says roller coaster caused major physical injury

A Defiance woman claims a ride on the Son of Beast roller coaster at Kings Island seriously damaged her health. Jennifer Wright's trial against Kings Island amusement park started Thursday in a courtroom north of Cincinnati. Wright claims the park's Son of Beast coaster caused an injury that will require her to get a series of hip replacements, costing upwards of $157-thousand-dollars. In July of 2006, 27 people were hurt when the coaster malfunctioned and jolted.

Ohio Ranks 13th in U.S. Foreclosures
Five percent increase across the nation

A rash of defaults among people who lost their jobs helped push the number of households caught up in the foreclosure crisis by more than 5 percent from summer to fall. The defaults overwhelmed a federal effort to assist struggling borrowers. Ohio had the nation's 13th highest foreclosure rate during the third quarter of this year, with one out of every 171 households receiving a foreclosure filing.

Auburn City Council Member Injured in Bike - Car Accident
Mike Walter in fair condition

Auburn City Council member Mike Walter was injured late Monday night when his bicycle was struck from behind by a car in the 800 block of West 15th Street, just west of Hazel Street. Auburn Police say the driver of the car failed to notice Walter on his bike as he traveling east. Walter was thrown off of his bike after it was struck. He suffered injuries to several parts of his body including his head, legs, hands, knees and back. Walter was taken to Parkview Hospital's Trauma Center where he was listed this morning in fair condition.

Ohio Orders More H1N1 Vaccines
152-Thousand Doses To Arrive by October 20th

The Ohio Department of Health has ordered another 152-thousand doses of H1N1 flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control. The order is for about 58-thousand doses of the nasal spray version of the vaccines and 94-thousand injection vaccines. The vaccines will be shipped directly to healthcare providers and should arrive by October 20th.

Police Warn about Phone Scam
Calls by people claiming to be the "F.O.P" are not from the Bryan Police Department

A word of warning from the Bryan Police Department about a scam going on in our area involving phone calls by people claiming to be from the Williams County Fraternal Order of Police Captain Custar Lodge. The local F.O.P wants you to know that they are NOT soliciting for donations at this time. The lodge will be asking for donations for the Shop With a Cop program sometime in November. Usually, people are asked to call the authorities as part of the program in order to autheniticate that they are talking with the proper authorities.

Health Officials Talk with Classmates of Fatal H1N1 Victim
Columbus-Area Teen is Ohio's 1st Child Death from the Swine Flu Virus

State and local health officials met today with students at the suburban Columbus Catholic school where a 14-year-old boy died last week from H1N1, the virus formerly known as Swine Flu. The boy, Jon Fowler, died Thursday at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He was the first Ohio child to die from H1N1. So far, four adults from Ohio have died from H1N1. Officials say that number is expected to rise before the virus runs its course.

Ohio Gas Prices on Increase
Up 15 Cents per Gallon Since Last Week

Ohio Gas prices are on the rise after hitting the lowest point in about six months last week. A survey by AAA finds prices climbed 15 cents per gallon. The statewide Ohio average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.45. The cost of a gallon last year at this time was about $3 per gallon.

FIRST OHIO CHILD DIES OF H1N1
Victim is 14-year-old from Columbus, Five Ohioans have died from swine flu

Health officials say a 14-year-old boy
from Columbus is the first child in Ohio to die of swine flu. Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long said Fridaythat officials are working with the boy's school, which was not
identified. The boy died Thursday night at Nationwide Children's Hospital. No other details were released. He is the fifth person in Ohio to die of swine flu, according to lab-confirmed data compiled by the state. U.S. health officials are stressing the importance of vaccinations for both seasonal flu and swine flu. Injectable vaccines for swine flu are expected to arrive later this month.

Kalida Woman Killed in Car-School Bus Crash
No children onboard at time of accident

Police have released the name of a Kalida woman who died in a school bus accident on US 224 west of Glandorf on Wednesday. 69-year-old Mary Schnipke died at the scene. Ohio State police say she drove left of center and struck a westbound Head Start school bus. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts – alcohol was NOT a factor in the crash. No students were on the bus at the time – the bus driver was unhurt.

Ohio Has Great Corn Crop for '09
Ag officials say yield up 23 percent

The government is forecasting healthy corn and soybean crops in Ohio and across the country, despite earlier concerns about a cool growing season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that the state will produce an estimated 518 million bushels of corn, up 23 percent from last year. Corn yields are expected to average 166
bushels per acre. Ohio is also expected to harvest 211 million bushels of soybeans, 31
percent more than in 2008. The state's average soybean yield is forecast at 46 bushels per acre.
The government is forecasting that this year's U.S. corn production will be the second highest on record while soybeans are expected to hit a new all-time high.

Angola "Y" Gets A Name Change
"Breeden" is pleased to have facility called "YMCA fo Steuben County"

A new era began Thursday night as the Y.M.C.A. in Angola officially changed names. After being known as the Breeden Y.M.C.A. for the past 11 years, the name has been changed to the Y.M.C.A. of Steuben County. The name change was approved by the Board of Directors on June 29th. The Y was originally named after Dan Breeden in 1998 after he reluctantly agreed to the request. Breeden was one of the financial donors to the construction of the Y two years before that. The name change came about because Breeden felt that after 11 years, it was time for what he called a "better name."

WLZZ Swick Broadcasting's Bill Kerner Retires
Joined by clients and co-workers for Retirement Party

Long-time local broadcaster and sales executive, Bill Kerner is retiring from his position at Swick Broadcasting. A retirement party was held for him at Glendarin Golf Club in Angola Thursday evening. Kerner's been part of WLZZ since the station was launched, and has worked for sister-station WLKI since it signed on the air in 1974. During his career, Bill has worked as a newscaster, sportscaster and sales executive. We wish Bill and his wife, Renee, a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL IN BUTLER, IN
Police say he refused to leave school grounds.

An unruly man was taken into custody Thursday morning after struggling with police officers at Eastside High School. Butler Police were called to the school at about 9:30am. Police say the man was told to leave the school grounds. When he refused, police say he then began to resist. Eventually he was taken into custody and booked at the DeKalb County Jail on several charges including disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, intimidation to a law enforcement officer, trespassing and battery. It's not known if a taser was used by police. According to police, the man did not have a weapon. Butler Police were assisted by police from Waterloo and Hamilton as well as the Indiana State Police and the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department.

Kruse International Car Auction Being Investigated
Tennessee officials say Kruse under scrutiny after bouncing check

Kruse International in Auburn is reportedly at the center of a fraud investigation. Fort Wayne television stations reported Wednesday that Dean Kruse is under investigation for fraud in Sevierville, Tennessee following a car auction in that community in June. Police spokesman Bob Stahlke says the investigation started after a $8,500 check for the rental of a community center bounced. He told "The Star" newspaper that no charges have been filed. Kruse also told "The Star" that reports of the U.S. Secret Service being involved in the investigation are not true at all. Reports of Kruse not paying some sellers for months surfaced just before the annual Kruse International Labor Day weekend auction. The Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana said at the time they have received 21 complaints this year.

Edon Gets New Dog Treat Plant
High-end Organic fare for Fido to be made in Edon

A new Edon business has some real "bite" to it. Darford Industries of British Columbia, Canada is opening a new plant to produce dog treats. The facility in Edon was formerly used to bake trans-fat free and gluten-free human goodies. Darford hopes to begin production in the next month. The company specializes in the creation of high-end organic dog treats that are usually produced with locally or regionally grown produce. The Edon plant will employ about ten people. The company hopes, eventually, to expand its production line to include cat treats and horse treats. Darford plans to use the griding services of a mill in Orland, Indiana for its dog treats.

Ohioans To Pay More To Reconnect Power
Consumer advocates not happy with the fee increase

Ohioans who lose their heat due to nonpayment this winter will pay up to $36-dollars to be reconnected under a state program, that fee is up from the previous reconnection cost of $20-dollars. Consumer advocates criticize the fee increase, saying it's too much for families already struggling to pay bills during difficult economic times.

Breeden Y.M.C.A. To Make "Big Announcement"
Members encouraged to attend meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8th, 6pm.

Officials for the Breeden Y.M.C.A. in Angola say they will make a "major announcement" concerning its operation at its Annual Membership Meeting Thursday night at 6:00pm. C.E.O. Jeff Peters says they have been working on this announcement for the past year which he calls a major change in the life of the Y.M.C.A.. All members are being encouraged to attend what is being called an important meeting. The Breeden Y.M.C.A. currently serves over 1,400 family units representing in excess of over 3,200 people in Steuben County, northwest Ohio, and lower Michigan.

HICKSVILLE MAN ADMITS TO FATAL HIT & RUN
77-year-old Driver Turns Himself Over To Authorities


A Hicksville, Ohio man has admitted to police that he was the person behind-the-wheel in Monday’s fatal hit and run accident near St. Joe. Robert Volkert, 77-years-old, turned himself over to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday afternoon. Volkert is charged with the Class C Felony, Failure to Stop at An Accident Involving a Death. Andrew Landes, 22-years-old, of Indianapolis was killed instantly Monday afternoon. Landes was hit by a pickup truck while working on State Road 1. Landes was preparing the road surface for a painting project that was to begin later in the day.

Steuben County Commissioners Say No To Funding Orland Sewer Project
Commissioners concerned about coming up with the $497K requested

Steuben County Commissioners deided Wednesday not to accept an offer from the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District to help fund the Orland/Wall and Brown Lake Sewer Extension Project. District Superintendent Tim Frederick was seeking just over $407,000 from Steuben County. Commissioner Jim Crowl felt the county could not come up with the money at this time. Commissioner Ron Smith said also expressed his misgivings. The Steuben County Council has final say on any funding request. LaGrange County Commissioners were also approached by Frederick last week to chip in about $280,000. They took no action at that time as they decided to wait and see what Steuben County Commissioners would do.

Ohio Booster Seat Law in Effect
Children ages 4 through 7 must now buckle up in booster seats in Ohio

The new Booster Seat law is now in effect in Ohio. Most children ages 4 to 7 are now required to be strapped in federally approved booster seats when riding in a car in Ohio. Motorists violating the new law will receive warnings, not fines, for the first six months. When the grace period ends and full enforcement of the law begins in April, a first offense can bring a fine of up to $75. But police may write citations only after stopping a driver for another reason. Ohio is one of the last states to enact a booster seat law. The National Transportation Safety Board says Arizona, Florida and South Dakota are now the only states that do not require boosters.

Steuben County Aviation Board To Weigh Proposals
Board has three weeks to go over plans.

The Steuben County Aviation Board will now have three weeks to go over a pair of proposals to manage the airport and be the Fixed Based Operator. The proposals were opened during Tuesday night's Aviation Board meeting. One was from Falcon Aviation and John Kline. Kline has managed the airport since July after G.P.I. Aviation became defunct. The other proposal was submitted by Tri-State Airways and Scott Tidd. The board scheduled a special meeting for October 29th to make a final selection. While there were two formal proposals, an informal one was submitted at the last minute by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority which proposed a future working relationship. Board Chair Doc Weaver read a portion of the letter. Board members expressed an interest during their discussion but there was no formal action. In other business, engineer Mike Evans went over a airport layout plan which will be submitted to the state. It's hoped if stimulus money becomes available, work will be ready for bids sometime next Spring.

Ohio Health Care Survey
Majority of Ohioans would prefer "public option" be part of national plan


A topic of great debate in Ohio, and all over the country, is the future of the American healthcare system. A survey of Ohioans finds that 69 percent want a public health care option as part of an overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system. The findings were part of the 2009 Ohio Health Issues Poll Sponsored by the non-partisan Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati and conducted by the University of Cincinnati.

Steuben County Crime Stoppers Wants Info on Vandalism Cases
Two incidents on Thursday are likely linked

Crime Stoppers of Steuben County is looking for information regarding two vandalism incidents which took place in the early morning hours of Thursday. Marbles were shot through the windows of Tasty's Pizza on 200 North and at the Angola Discount Tobacco store on State Road 27 and 200 North. Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call Steuben County Crime Stoppers at 668-STOP or 1-800-600-HALT. You do not have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Montpelier Planning Commission Meeting
Set for 4;30pm, October 12th, at Montpelier Town Hall

Montpelier's Planning Commission will hear comments about a proposed storage facility to be built on Empire Street at a meeting on Monday, October 12th at 4:30pm in the Montpelier Town Hall. All oral and written comments will be accepted and reviewed at the meeting.

Williams County Residents, Schools and Businesses Honored
Monday, October 5, 2009

(UNDATED) - The American Red Cross Blood Services, Indiana-Ohio Region, hosted its annual meeting and recognition luncheon. Many awards were given out, including the Outstanding Blood Donor, Outstanding Volunteer Service, First Time Sponsor and Creative Genius Awards. The Outstanding Blood Donor Award recognizes the individual in each county served by the Indiana-Ohio Region who had the highest donation frequency in fiscal year 2009. Charles Salsbury of Bryan, who has donated 191 units in his lifetime and six times in the past year, was recognized for his commitment. The Outstanding Volunteer Service Award was given to Lucy Pitts and Judith Noel, both of Bryan, recognizing their service to the community at blood drives, donation centers and local Red Cross chapters. Receiving a high honor was Edon Northwest School. Edon Northwest received The Creative Genius Award for keeping blood drives successful year after year with new ideas to grow the donor base. C-K Tech and Montpelier High School were recognized for bring back blood drives to their facilities after an absence of a drive.

Fire Prevention Week
Monday, October 5, 2009

(BRYAN) - Fire Prevention Week is being celebrated next week October 4th through the 10th. The underlining theme is “Stay Fire Smart – Don’t Get Burned”. On Tuesday Oct 6th, Bryan Fire Department will hold an open house from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Guest are invited to try on firefighter gear and then cut a car using the “Jaws of Life”, take a ride up the tower, learn to use a fire extinguisher, and more. Kids can hose down a mock “house on fire.” Beginning at 4:30 p.m. the Bryan Fire Department Auxiliary will have Chicken BBQ dinners available for $7.

Ohio Gas Prices
Monday, Oc

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The Triple-A says Ohio gas prices are down to the lowest levels in nearly six months, with regular averaging $2.30 per gallon. That's 7 cents lower than last week and more than a dollar cheaper than a year ago.

United Way Donut Week
Monday, October 5, 2009

(WILLIAMS COUNTY) – Williams County United Way is traveling the county this week giving away FREE donuts. This morning, United Way officials are in Montpelier next to Huntington Bank. Stop by and get a FREE donut while supplies last.

Cancer Prevention Focus On Health
Monday, October 5, 2009

(WILLIAMS COUNTY) - Williams County Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Coalition is having the 15th Annual Focus on Health. This years program theme is “It's your skin... Wear it well". The buffet dinner and program will be on Tuesday (October 6th) starting at 6 p.m. at the Bryan Fraternal Order of Eagles on South Walnut Street. For Reservations or questions contact Williams County Health Department at 419.485.3141.

WLZZ Football Friday
Monday, October 5, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – This week for Football Friday with WLZZ Fairview will be at Edgerton. Pre-game with Jim Measel starts at 7:15 p.m., with kick-off at 7:30 p.m.

Montpelier Tree Commission
Monday, October 5, 2009

(MONTPELIER) - The Tree Commission for the Village of Montpelier will discuss the planting of new trees during the month of November. They will meet tonight at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office. Please direct any written testimony to Village of Montpelier Tree Commission prior to the meeting.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Monday, October 5, 2009

Today's Birthdays: "Family Circus" cartoonist Bil (cq) Keane is 87. Actress Glynis Johns is 86. Comedian Bill Dana is 85. Actress Diane Cilento is 76. The former president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel (VAHTS'-lah HAH'-vul), is 73. College Football Hall of Fame coach Barry Switzer is 72. Rhythm-and-blues singer Arlene Smith (The Chantels) is 68. Singer Richard Street is 67. Singer-musician Steve Miller is 66. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) is 66. Rock singer Brian Johnson (AC/DC) is 62. Actor Jeff Conaway is 59. Actress Karen Allen is 58. Writer-producer-director Clive Barker is 57. Rock musician David Bryson (Counting Crows) is 55. Rock singer and famine-relief organizer Bob Geldof is 55. Architect Maya Lin is 50. Actor Daniel Baldwin is 49. Rock singer-musician Dave Dederer is 45. Hockey Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux is 44. Actor Guy Pearce is 42. Actress Josie Bissett is 39. NBA All-Star Grant Hill is 37. Singer-actress Heather Headley is 35. Pop-rock singer Colin Meloy (The Decemberists) is 35. Rock musician Brian Mashburn (Save Ferris) is 34. Actress Parminder Nagra (par-MIHN'-da NAH'grah) is 34. Actor Scott Weinger is 34. Actress Kate Winslet is 34. Rock musician James Valentine (Maroon 5) is 31. Rock musician Paul Thomas (Good Charlotte) is 29. TV personality Nicky Hilton is 26. Rhythm-and-blues singer Brooke Valentine is 24. Actor Joshua Logan Moore (TV: "Desperate Housewives") is 15.

Steuben County Resident Honored By Red Cross
Saturday, October 3, 2009

(WINONA LAKE) - The American Red Cross for the Indiana and Ohio region honored a Steuben County resident on Friday during its annual meeting and recognition luncheon at the Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake. Robert Shire of Angola was given the Outstanding Blood Donor Award which recognizes the individual in each county served by the Indiana-Ohio Region who had the highest donation frequency in Fiscal Year 2009. Shire has donated 212 units in his lifetime and six times in the past year. Since each unit of blood may be used to help more than one patient, Red Cross officials think Shire’s donations may have touched up to 636 lives.

Vandals Mar A.H.S. Homecoming, Floats Damaged, Parade Scrubbed
Friday, October 2, 2009

(ANGOLA) - Homecoming at Angola High School has been marred by some bad behavior by just a few students which led to an investigation this week by the Steuben County Sheriffs Department when some property was damaged. A parade that was scheduled to take place before tonights homecoming football game between Angola and Prairie Heights will not be held. It was called off by school officials after all of the class floats were damaged by vandals on Wednesday night. There were also safety concerns about having the parade on U.S. 20 and about possible bad weather. High School Principal Steve Grill said he did not want to have a venue where more poor choices could be made by students. As for the damage to the floats, the Steuben County Sheriffs Department investigated three of the incidents. Chief Deputy Kevin Kane says the ones they looked into were initially reported as burglaries or attempted burglaries on South Kankamp Road, East Hanselman Road and on 700 South near Pleasant Lake. Those incidents were reported between 5:40pm and 8:35pm on Wednesday. Kane says the freshmen, sophomore and junior floats were damaged in those incidents. The senior class float was also damaged in a seperate incident. Kane says no arrests have been made and it's not known how many people were involved. Angola Police Detective Tim Crooks says their department is investigating other acts of vandalism that may or may not be homecoming related. Grill emphasized it was just a few students who were responsible. He added this type of behavior is not taken lightly. Grill also points out the vast majority of students at Angola High School have taken part in homecoming activities in a positive way.

Angola Woman Injured In East Maumee Accident
Friday, October 2, 2009

(ANGOLA) - An Angola woman was injured Thursday afternoon in a rollover accident on East Maumee near Angola Middle School. Angola Police report a car driven by 90-year-old Margaret Hasselman was heading west on U.S. 20 at about 4:00pm when it went left of center. The car then went off the road, struck a utility pole and rolled onto its roof. Rescue crews had to free Hasselman from the wrecked vehicle as she was pinned for about 15 minutes and suffered a laceration on the right side of the forehead. After being freed, Hasselman was taken to Cameron Hospital before she was taken to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne where she was listed Friday morning in serious but stable condition. Angola Police investigated the crash. They were assisted at the scene by the Steuben County Sheriffs Department, Angola firefighters and Steuben County E.M.S..

Bryan Lions & Lioness Have Dual Homecoming Fundraisers
Friday, October 2, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Bryan Lioness Club will be sponsoring a Spaghetti Supper at Bryan Middle School on Friday, October 2nd before the Homecoming game from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Cost is $6.50 per person. Meanwhile, The Bryan Lions Club will be hosting a Food Drive during the football game on Friday. They will be collecting non-perishable foods, household and bathroom supplies. Cash donations will also be accepted. For more information, please call 419.633.0425.

Throat Slitting Suspect Waives Extradition
Thursday, October 1, 2009

(ANGOLA) - A Bronson man wanted by Michigan authorities for allegedly slitting the throat of another man during a fight in an alley near downtown Hillsdale on August 3rd waived his extradition hearing on Wednesday afternoon. 34-year-old Brett James Brooks was arrested on Tuesday afternoon by Angola Police and Michigan State Police at the Williams Street Apartments on a felony fugitive warrant for assault with intent to murder. Angola Acting Police Chief Stu Hamblen says Brooks offered no resistance as he was taken into custody. Hillsdale Public Safety Director Chris Gutowski says police from Hillsdale, Branch and Calhoun Counties in Michigan have been looking for Brooks since the incident took place in an alley between Barry and Budlong streets. The weapon involved was described as a sharp object, possibly a razor.

Pickup Truck Crashes Near Ashley, Driver Suffered Cardiac Arrest
Thursday, October 1, 2009

(ASHLEY) - A medical condition took the life of a pickup truck driver late Wednesday morning before his vehicle crashed into a utility pole near Ashley. Steuben County Coroner Rodney Snyder says 67-year-old David Aschleman of Auburn suffered cardiac arrest before the crash. Aschleman was pronounced dead at the scene after he passed out at the wheel. The pickup was pulling a trailered boat on 400 West at about 6530 South. The pole split in half but power was not cut in the area. Two passengers in the pickup, 58-year-old Thomas Aschleman of Auburn and 93-year-old Raymond Aschleman who is also from Auburn, complained of chest pain and were taken to Cameron Hospital for treatment. A hospital spokesperson says Raymond Aschleman was later transferred to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne where he was in fair condition this morning. Thomas Aschleman was treated and released from Cameron. The crash took place at about 11:00am. Also assisting were Ashley and Hudson Police, Steuben County E.M.S., Indiana State Police and the Pleasant Lake Fire Department.

WLZZ Football Friday
Thursday, October 1, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – This week for Football Friday with WLZZ Archbold will be at Montpelier. Pre-game with Jim Measel starts at 6:45 p.m., with kick-off at 7 p.m.

Ohio Turnpike Tolls Increase Today
Thursday, October 1, 2009

(UNDATED) - Tolls increase today on the Ohio Turnpike, though not for motorists using the new E-ZPass electronic system that automatically deducts the fees from a driver's account. Cars still paying by cash now pay $15 for a cross-state trip, up from $10.25.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Thursday, October 1, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Pianist Roger Williams is 85. Actor Tom Bosley is 82. Actress-singer Julie Andrews is 74. Actress Stella Stevens is 71. Rock musician Jerry Martini (Sly and the Family Stone) is 66. Jazz musician Dave Holland is 63. Actor Stephen Collins is 62. Actor Randy Quaid is 59. Rhythm-and-blues singer Howard Hewett is 54. Actress Yvette Freeman is 52. Alt-country-rock musician Tim O'Reagan (The Jayhawks) is 51. Singer Youssou N'Dour is 50. Actor Esai Morales is 47. Actor Christopher Titus is 45. Actress-model Cindy Margolis is 44. Rock singer-musician Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) is 41. Actor Zach Galifianakis (ga-lih-fih-NA'-kihs) is 40. Singer Keith Duffy is 35. Actress Jurnee Smollett is 23. Actress Brie Larson is 20.

Frost Advisory
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(UNDATED) - Be sure to tuck your flowers in to bed tonight. A Frost Advisory will be in effect from 2 p.m. until 9 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday).

BMU Hosts Public Power Lunch
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(BRYAN) - Bryan Municipal Utilities is celebrating Public Power Week, October 4th through the 10th, along with more than 2,000 other electric utilities that collectively provide electricity on a not-for-profit basis. Director of utilities Steve Casebere says that Public Power Week is a chance for Bryan Municipal Utilities to tell its story of how it effectively powers Bryan. To celebrate the 23rd annual Public Power Week, Bryan Municipal Utilities is hosting a Power Lunch on Tuesday, October 6th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Courthouse Square. The utility is inviting people to pack a lunch or stop at one of Bryan’s downtown restaurants and purchases a power lunch to go. Live music will be preformed at the Hartman Bandstand. Public Power Week is a national, annual event Bryan Municipal Utilities began over 100 years ago with the establishment of the Bryan waterworks in 1892. Electric service was added in 1896 when the residents of Bryan voted to create their own electric company. Communications services were added in 1998 to provide Bryan with a fiber optic system designed to provide advanced technology for television, high-speed Internet access and data transfer. Today Bryan Municipal Utilities has 47 employees and serves approximately 5,000 residential customers and 780 commercial and industrial customers.

Auburn Police Look For Gas Station Robber
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(AUBURN) - Auburn Police are asking for the publics help in finding a man who robbed the Spirit gas sation at 1340 South Main last Friday night. Police Chief Martin McCoy says the robbery took place at about 9:45pm. He says a white male wearing a dark blue baseball style hat with a white logo on the front, a black long sleeved shirt, dark pants, and black work style boots had entered the business and displayed a note demanding money from the attendant. He was further described as being about 5-10, to 6-2 with short hair and a “Scruffy” goatee. He got away with an undetermined amount of cash and was last seen walking away from the southwest corner of the store. A DeKalb County Crime Stoppers reward is available for any information leading to the arrest of the person involved. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Mark Stump at the Auburn Police Department at 920-3200 extension 1917.

Absentee Ballots Available
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(UNDATED) – Absentee ballots for the November 3rd, 2009 General Election are now available at the Williams County Board of Elections. Board office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Williams County IDOL Comin' Soon
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(UNDATED) – Be sure to mark your calendars now for the upcoming Williams County IDOL. The dates are set for October 16th, 23rd, & 30th and November 6th & 20th. This new event is being brought to Williams County by the seven chambers throughout the county along with WLZZ. All the details can be found at Williams-county-idol-dot-com (www.williamscountyidol.com) or at our website. Cost to get into the event is only $3 per person and contestants are free on the nights they perform. Anyone can enter and the first two nights will be qualifying nights where you only need to be present one of the two nights. Entries can be obtained from any Chamber office in Williams County, WLZZ, or on-line and again, there is NO cost to enter. One winner will be chosen and receive $1004.50 and their winning song played on WLZZ radio's morning show.

WLZZ Football Friday
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – This week for Football Friday with WLZZ Archbold will be at Montpelier. Pre-game with Jim Measel starts at 6:45 p.m., with kick-off at 7 p.m.

Casino Debate
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A study bankrolled by bar owners across the state says the job creation claims of casino proponents is misleading. The study says the casino proposal is a zero-sum gain that will simply replace already-established jobs from elsewhere.

Goodyear Contract
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

(CLEVELAND - AP) - Goodyear says the company's new contract with the United Steelworkers union will save the tire maker $215 million over the four-year term of the pact. The agreement ratified earlier this month covers more than 10,000 workers at plants in Akron and in six other states.

Bryan Lions & Lioness Have Dual Homecoming Fundraisers
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Bryan Lioness Club will be sponsoring a Spaghetti Supper at Bryan Middle School on Friday, October 2nd before the Homecoming game from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Cost is $6.50 per person. Meanwhile, The Bryan Lions Club will be hosting a Food Drive during the football game on Friday. They will be collecting non-perishable foods, household and bathroom supplies. Cash donations will also be accepted. For more information, please call 419.633.0425.

Absentee Ballots Available
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

(UNDATED) – Absentee ballots for the November 3rd, 2009 General Election are now available at the Williams County Board of Elections. Board office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

County Awarded NatureWorks Grant From ODNR
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

(UNDATED) - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has awarded Williams County a NatureWorks grant in the amount of $26,889. The money will be used to replace the original slate roof on the barn at Opdycke Park on County Road 16. The funds are a matching grant that will cover 75 percent of the anticipated cost. The park project is one of 93 projects funded through the ODNR’s NatureWorks grant budget this year. More information can be obtained on the ODNR webs page (http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/grants/tabid/10762/Default.aspx).

Community Hospitals and Wellness Needs Volunteers
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

(BRYAN) – Community Hospitals and Wellness Center is in need of Volunteers. Due to the construction, the East parking lot of the hospital is not being utilized. This means all visitor parking is located to the West side of the Cameron building. Due to this change volunteers are needed to staff the "temporary" Main entrance and additional volunteers are needed to drive golf carts to pick up visitors and patients. If you are interested, please contact Mike Culler at 419.485.6472.

King James and Shaq Together
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

(INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - AP) - After months of hype, LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal are finally wearing the same uniform. The larger-than-life superstars, united by an off-season trade, were together yesterday as the Cleveland Cavaliers held a media day like none in the team's 40-year history. Nearly 150 media members chronicled the duo's first day together.

WLZZ Football Friday
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – This week for Football Firday with WLZZ Archbold will be at Montpelier. Pre-game with Jim Measel starts at 6:45 p.m., with kick-off at 7 p.m.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actress Lizabeth Scott is 87. Actor Steve Forrest is 85. Musical conductor Richard Bonynge is 79. Actress Anita Ekberg is 78. Actor Eddie Barth is 78. Writer-director Robert Benton is 77. Singer Jerry Lee Lewis is 74. Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi is 73. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) is 67. Actor Ian McShane is 67. Jazz musician Jean-Luc Ponty is 67. Lech Walesa (lehk vah-WEN'-sah), the former president of Poland, is 66. Television-film composer Mike Post is 65. Actress Patricia Hodge is 63. TV personality Bryant Gumbel is 61. Rock singer-musician Mark Farner is 61. Rock singer-musician Mike Pinera is 61. Country
singer Alvin Crow is 59. Actor Drake Hogestyn is 56. Broadcast journalist Gwen Ifill is 54. Former child actor Ken Weatherwax (TV: "The Addams Family") is 54. Olympic gold medal runner Sebastian Coe is 53. Singer Suzzy Roche (The Roches) is 53. Comedian-actor Andrew "Dice" Clay is 52. Rock singer John Payne (Asia) is 51. Actor Roger Bart is 47. Singer-musician Les Claypool is 46. Actress Jill Whelan is 43 (played Vicki Stubing on “The Love Boat”). Actor Luke Goss is 41. Rock musician Brad Smith (Blind Melon) is 41. Actress Erika Eleniak is 40. Rhythm-and-blues singer Devante Swing (Jodeci) is 40. Country singer Brad Cotter ("Nashville Star") is 39. Actress Emily Lloyd is 39. Actress Natasha Gregson Wagner is 39. Actress Rachel Cronin is 38. Country musician Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive) is 36. Actor Alexis Cruz is35. Actor Zachary Levi is 29. Country singer Katie McNeill (3 of Hearts) is 27. Rock musician Josh Farro (Paramore) is 22.

Wind Advisory Until Tuesday
Monday, September 28, 2009

(UNDATED) - Much of Ohio is covered by wind advisories through early Tuesday, with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour possible. The National Weather service says the winds will be strong enough to cause minor property damage and create problems for some motorists. The Wind Advisory for the WLZZ Listening Area is in effect until 2 o’clock Tuesday Afternoon.

Ohio Pumps Get A Break
Monday, September 28, 2009

(UNDATED) - Ohio gas prices are down 10 cents from last week, according to the latest survey from Triple-A and its partners. The statewide average for regular is now $2.37 a gallon, compared to $2.47 last Monday. This mirrored a drop in crude oil prices down to nearly $66 a barrel. Prices in Indiana range from $2.09 in Valparaiso to $2.55 in Salem. Last year at this time the average was $3.66.

Police Look For Corn Field Driver
Monday, September 28, 2009

(WILLIAMS COUNTY) - The Williams County Sheriffs Office say they are looking for the driver of a vehicle that was seen by several people going through corn fields and damaging property in the area of County Roads E-75 and 5-G. A witness reported seeing a primer grey, older model, full-sized Chevrolet pickup truck driving in and out of the fields. Police say a male drove the pick-up and that there were two female passengers. Anyone with information is asked to call the Williams County Sheriffs Office at 419.636.3151.

Hamilton Man Killed In Early Morning Crash Near Hudson
Monday, September 28, 2009

(ASHLEY) - A Hamilton, Indiana man was killed early Saturday morning in a one vehicle crash on DeKalb County Road 11 south of State Road 4 near Hudson. Indiana State Police identified the fatal victim as 22-year-old Tyson Gordon. Troopers say his southbound car failed to negotiate a curve at around 1a.m. and struck a tree. It then rolled over onto its top and pinned Gordon inside. After rescue crews freed him, Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene. The DeKalb County Sheriffs Department, DeKalb County E.M.S., Ashley and Hudson Police along with Ashley firefighters were among those assisting at the scene.

Motorcycle vs. Deer Collision
Monday, September 28, 2009

(COLDWATER) – A Coldwater man was taken to the hospital after he hit a deer with his motorcycle. Michigan State Police from the Coldwater Post were called to Wood Road near Corless Road in Ovid Township Sunday. Troopers say 66 year old Allan Herman struck the deer with his motorcycle. He was treated at the scene and then taken to the Coldwater Community Hospital by Life Care Ambulance.

Ohio State Moves Back Into Top 10
Monday, September 28, 2009

(UNDATED) - Saturday's 30-0 blowout of Illinois has helped Ohio State move back into the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll. The Buckeyes are now Number 9, followed by Cincinnati at Number 10, the best ranking in that school's history.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Monday, September 28, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actor William Windom is 86. Actor Arnold Stang is 84. Actress Brigitte Bardot is 75. Singer Ben E. King is 71. Actor Joel Higgins is 66. Singer Helen Shapiro is 63. Actor Jeffrey Jones is 63. Movie writer-director-actor John Sayles is 59. Actress Sylvia Kristel is 57. Rock musician George Lynch is 55. Zydeco singer-musician C.J. Chenier (sheh-NEER') is 52. Actor Steve Hytner is 50. Actress-comedian Janeane Garofalo is 45. Country singer Matt King is 43. Actress Mira Sorvino is 42. TV personality Moon Zappa is 42. Actress-model Carre Otis is 41. Actress Naomi Watts is 41. Country musician Chuck Crawford is 36. Country singer Mandy Barnett is 34. Rapper Young Jeezy is 32. World Golf Hall of Famer Se Ri Pak is 32. Actor Peter Cambor is 31. Writer-producer-director-actor Bam Margera is 30. Actress Hilary Duff is 22. Actress Skye McCole Bartusiak is 17.

Child Playing With Lighter Blamed For Lake James GC Condo Fire
Saturday, September 26, 2009

(LAKE JAMES) - Angola Fire Department officials say a child playing with a lighter accidentially caused a fire late Friday afternoon in a condo complex on the Lake James Golf Course which led to nearly $75,000 worth of damage. Public Information Officer T.R. Hagerty says firefighters were called to a reported bedroom fire at 2060 North 130 West at about 5:10pm. Firefighters found heavy fire and smoke coming from the second floor bedroom area of the two story condominium which is owned and occupied by Terrence Totzke. The condo's occupants were safely outside when firefighters arrived. Hagerty says the fire was confined to the bedroom area but the rest of the home sustained water and smoke damage. It took just over a half hour to get the flames under control. No injuries were reported. Fremont firefighters assisted at the scene while Pleasant Lake firefighters stood by at the Angola station. Also assisting at the scene were Steuben County E.M.S., the Steuben County Sheriffs Department, NIPSCO and Northern Indiana Fuel and Light. Firefighters were on the scene for over three hours.

Police Look For Corn Field Driver
Saturday, September 26, 2009

(WILLIAMS COUNTY) - The Williams County Sheriffs Office say they are looking for the driver of a vehicle that was seen by several people going through corn fields and damaging property in the area of County Roads E-75 and 5-G. A witness reported seeing a primer grey, older model, full-sized Chevrolet pickup truck driving in and out of the fields. Police say the pickup was driven by a male and that there were two female passengers. Anyone with information is asked to call the Williams County Sheriffs Office at 419-636-3151.

Free Car Seat Safety Check Saturday
Saturday, September 26, 2009

(BRYAN) – A FREE “Car Seat Safety Check” is being held today at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Whole Body & Healing Center’s parking lot located at 1304 West High in Bryan. Parents, grandparents, friends, and family are encouraged to bring your infants and children buckled in their car seats or booster seats to have a trained car seat technician check for safety hazards. A properly installed car seat can reduce risk of serious injury or death by as much as 71 percent. To make appointments, call 419.485.3141 or just show up on your way to or from Fall Fest.

Williams County Tax Revenue
Saturday, September 26, 2009

(WILLIAMS COUNTY) – Williams County Auditor Deb Nester has announced that the county sales tax revenue through the third quarter of 1009 had a decrease of 8.1%. The sales tax revenue is generated from sales reported to the state during the months of November 2008 through July 2009

Woman Killed In Branch County Traffic Accident
Friday, September 25, 2009

(COLDWATER) – A Marshall woman is dead following a two vehicle crash north of Coldwater Thursday morning. The Branch County Sheriff’s Department says 61 year old Pamela Wingerter of Marshall was traveling north in the southbound lane of Marshall Road at a high rate of speed. Witnesses told investigators that Wingerter struck a vehicle that was attempting to turn left into Hoffs Market. Wingerter’s car then went off the roadway and struck a tree head on. Witnesses also told deputies that Wingerter appeared to be leaning against the driver’s side door. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle, 57 year old Dolores Dunks, and the vehicle’s owner, 78 year old Geneva Watson, both of Union City, were not injured. The accident is still under investigation.

SCHD Offering Seasonal Flu Shots Next Friday
Friday, September 25, 2009

(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Health Department has announced they will be offering SEASONAL flu shots next Friday, October 2nd in the multipurpose room of the Steuben County Community Center for county residents who are 55 years and older with preexisting chronic medical conditions. The shots will be $15 apiece and will be available between 9:00am and 12:00noon and from 2:00pm until 4:00pm next Friday. Signage will be posted in the Community Center directing you to the multipurpose room and you are being asked to park in the north parking lot. If you have any questions, call the Health Department at 668-1000, extension 1500.

Football Friday With WLZZ's Jim Measel
Friday, September 25, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – As two Williams County rivals match up this week, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be in Montpelier as they play host to the Bryan Golden Bears. Pre-game starts at 6:45 with kick-off at 7 p.m. on WLZZ-Country 104.5.

Kurtz Wants Michigan Agriculture Department To Remain Intact
Friday, September 25, 2009

(LANSING) – Michigan State Representative Kenneth Kurtz and a bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to Governor Granholm asking her to stop plans to merge the Department of Agriculture with the departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. The governor's administration has said they may request an executive order to merge all three departments. Kurtz said the agriculture department does a remarkable job considering it receives less than 0.5 percent of the general fund budget annually. Kurtz does not want the state of Michigan to eliminate what he feels is one of the few state departments that is directly helping strengthen and create jobs in Michigan. Agriculture is Michigan's second largest industry, with an estimated economic impact of $71.3 billion annually. Michigan's agriculture industry experienced 12 percent growth in 2007, according to Michigan State University. The letter was signed by House Republicans and Democrats.

GM News For Parts Suppliers
Friday, September 25, 2009

(DETROIT - AP) - General Motors Co. is telling parts supply companies that it will make more frequent payments in an effort to ease their cash-flow problems and improve relations. Ohio has more parts suppliers than any other state.

Ohio Credit Rating
Friday, September 25, 2009

(UNDATED) - A major credit ratings agency has given Ohio's credit a negative outlook. Standard & Poor's cites uncertainty over racetrack slot machines and the state's need for their potential revenues to balance the budget. The S&P dropped the outlook for Ohio to "negative" from "stable."

Legalizing Casinos
Friday, September 25, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Campaigns for and against a fall ballot issue legalizing casinos in Ohio are locked in a battle over a new TV ad that claims out-of-staters would take the best jobs. It's the latest turn in a nasty campaign over whether casinos should be brought to Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Friday, September 25, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Broadcast journalist Barbara Walters is 80. Folk singer Ian Tyson is 76. Rhythm-and-blues singer Joe Russell is 70. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is 66. Actor Robert Walden is 66. Actor-producer Michael Douglas is 65. Model Cheryl Tiegs is 62. Actress Mimi Kennedy is 60. Actor-director Anson Williams is 60. Actor Mark Hamill is 58. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo is 58. Polka bandleader Jimmy Sturr is 58. Actor Colin Friels is 57. Actor Michael Madsen is 51. Actress Heather Locklear is 48. Actress Aida Turturro is 47. Actor Tate Donovan is 46. TV personality Keely Shaye Smith is 46. Retired NBA All-Star Scottie Pippen is 44. Actor Jason Flemyng is 43. Actor Will Smith is 41. Actor Hal Sparks is 40. Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones is 40. Rock musician Mike Luce (Drowning Pool) is 38. Retired NFL player John Lynch is 38. Actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras is 36. NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is 34. Actress Clea DuVall is 32. Actor Chris Owen is 29. Rapper T. I. is 29. Actor Van Hansis is 28. Actor Lee Norris is 28. Singer Diana Ortiz (Dream) is 24. Actress Emmy Clarke ("Monk") is 18.

Sours Ordered Held Without Bond For Failure To Appear
Thursday, September 24, 2009

(ANGOLA) - A Montgomery, Michigan man who surrendered peacefully following a two hour standoff with police at the Budgeteer Motor Inn was ordered held without bail on Thursday afternoon by Steuben Superior Court Judge William Fee because he failed to appear for a court hearing in March of 2008. 44-year-old Jerald Lavere Sours was arrested Wednesday night on Michigan felony drug and weapon charges. He was also wanted in Steuben County after he did not appear for a court hearing in a criminal mischief case which was filed in November of 2007. Sours blamed a miscommunication for his court no show. His next Steuben County court appearance is set for November 16th. As of Thursday afternoon, Michigan authorities had not filed extradition papers for Sours. Steuben County Prosecutors have not filed any charges in connection with the Wednesday incident. When Sours asked Judge Fee about being sent back to Michigan, the judge said it was not up to him. Sours girlfriend; 25-year-old Brandy Mercer of Reading, Michigan; was arrested Wednesday night on a misdemeanor warrant for a precursor violation. She is free on bond. Mercer said after Thursday's court hearing that Sours was not a bad person.

Armed Standoff At Angola Motel Ends Peacefully
Thursday, September 24, 2009

(ANGOLA) - A tense two hour armed standoff ended peacefully Wednesday night at the Budgeteer Motor Inn north of Angola when a man wanted on Michigan drug and weapon charges surrendered. 44-year-old Gerald Sours of Montgomery, Michigan gave himself up at about 6:45pm. Numerous police agencies surrounded his room after getting information he was armed. Among those called to the scene were Angola Police, the Steuben County Sheriffs Department Special Response Team, the northeast Indiana SWAT Team, Indiana and Michigan State Police, the Indiana D.N.R. and an Auburn Police K-9 unit. Steuben County Sheriffs Department Chief Deputy Kevin Kane says Sours was wanted by Branch County authorities for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a short barreled shot gun and two other firearm charges. He was also wanted in Steuben County for criminal mischief. Police went to the motel on a tip that Sours was staying there. When deputies arrived, Sours refused to come out and the standoff then began. Sours and his girlfriend; 25-year-old Brandi Mercer of Reading, Michigan; were in a first floor room. Kane said she was there on her own free will. Negotiations began immediately but things almost broke down when Sours refused to answer phone calls by police. Eventually, a Michigan State Police negotiator managed to calm Sours down and talked him into endind the standoff. Mercer was also arrested on a Steuben County warrant for purchasing over three grams of precursors. No injuries were reported during the standoff.

Tonigh Lady Golden Bears "Volley for the Cure"
Thursday, September 24, 2009

(BRYAN) – The Bryan Volleyball Team will be participating in a national campaign called “Volley For The Cure” this Thursday night. The purpose of this event is to increase awareness of breast cancer among high school students, staff and the community and to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Before, during and after the volleyball match there will be a 50/50 raffle and a raffle for games. Admission will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students wearing pink or the gray volley for the cure t-shirts. The Lady Golden Bears play Hicksville Thursday. Event t-shirts can be purchased through the Bryan High School Athletic Office. The hot new Volley for the Cure “Pass-Set-Cure” event t-shirts will be sold for $5.00 (small, medium, large, x-large) and $6.00 (xx-large and xxx-large) until sold out. Event t-shirts can be purchased at Bryan High School during school hours. For more information concerning t-shirts, please contact Theresa Kuszmaul or Brian Arnold at 419.636.4536.

Today Williams County Records Meeting
Thursday, September 24, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Records Commission will meet Thursday September 24th at 1:30 p.m. On the agenda is the Schedules of Records Retention and Disposition, which will be presented for approval. The meeting will take place in the Conference Room of the Williams County Commissioners on the 4th floor of the Courthouse.

GM Jobs Coming To The Tri-State
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

(DEFIANCE) - General Motors Company announced Tuesday that it will add a third shift and 700 jobs to its assembly plant in Indiana’s Allen County by April. Although company officials couldn’t say how many, the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette also reports that the Defiance, Ohio, foundry will also likely add jobs. The GM executive committee decided Tuesday to add 2,400 jobs at assembly plants in Fort Wayne, Fairfax-Kansas, and Lansing-Michigan. It also is adding 600 jobs at stamping plants and engine-casting plants such as the Defiance Foundry. The positions likely will be filled by GM workers who have been laid off from other factories.

Quadco Board Talks About Improvements
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

(STRYKER) - Members of Quadco’s Administrative and Non-Profit Boards reviewed the results of their recent self-evaluation at their regular board meeting on Tuesday. They discussed ways they might make improvements that would make the boards even better. The board members approved the 2010 fiscal year budget (total: $3,868,761). The total is a 1.31% increase from 2009. Quadco’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. In other business, plans are being made for the annual Quadco awards day. Bill Priest, Director of Marketing, reported the program will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 23 in the multi-purpose room of the Stryker building.

Lutterbeck Named Cameron's New Director Of Community Relations
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

(ANGOLA) - Officials at Cameron Hospital have announced the appointment of Laura A. Lutterbeck as the hospital's new Director of Community Relations. She takes over for Kirk Singer who left in July for a position at a North Carolina hospital. Lutterbeck will be in charge of all public relations and marketing activities for the hospital and will provide management support for the Cameron Hospital Foundation, as well as the Cameron Hospital Auxiliary. She will also serve as a member of the Administrative Team and Management Staff. Lutterbeck most recently served as Marketing/Foundation Specialist for the Community Health Center of Branch County in Coldwater. She lives with her family in Coldwater and will begin her new job on October 5th.

Volley for the Cure
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

(BRYAN) – The Bryan Volleyball Team will be participating in a national campaign called “Volley For The Cure” this Thursday night. The purpose of this event is to increase awareness of breast cancer among high school students, staff and the community and to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Before, during and after the volleyball match there will be a 50/50 raffle and a raffle for games. Admission will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students wearing pink or the gray volley for the cure t-shirts. The Lady Golden Bears play Hicksville Thursday. Event t-shirts can be purchased through the Bryan High School Athletic Office. The hot new Volley for the Cure “Pass-Set-Cure” event t-shirts will be sold for $5.00 (small, medium, large, x-large) and $6.00 (xx-large and xxx-large) until sold out. Event t-shirts can be purchased at Bryan High School during school hours. For more information concerning t-shirts, please contact Theresa Kuszmaul or Brian Arnold at 419.636.4536.

Fremont Town Council Backs Casino Referendum Push
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

(FREMONT) - Efforts to get a referendum on next May's primary election ballot on whether or not Steuben County residents want a casino got a financial boost from the Fremont Town Council during a special meeting on Tuesday night. The Town Council agreed to initially commit $2,500 to the lobbying effort to get the issue on the ballot. The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation has been working with local officials on trying to bring a casino to land on State Road 120 west of the Outlet Mall. Fremont Clerk-Treasurer Kathy Parsons says the money can be used out of CEDIT funds which are used to promote economic development. Town Council President Loretta Smart said local officials had a positive meeting last Friday with casino owner Tom Barden. He runs the two Majestic Star Riverboat casinos near Gary and is looking to sell one of the licenses to a company that wants to locate a casino in northeast Indiana. Although the Council agreed to Smart's request, Council member John Ludy expressed doubts about using the money to promote a pro casino agenda. In other business, the Town Council officially adopted the towns 2010 budget which was the purpose of Tuesday nights special meeting.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actor Mickey Rooney is 89. Actress Margaret Pellegrini ("The Wizard of Oz") is 86. Singer Julio Iglesias is 66. Actor Paul Petersen ("The Donna Reed Show") is 64. Actress-singer Mary Kay Place is 62. Rock star Bruce Springsteen is 60. Rock musician Leon Taylor (The Ventures) is 54. Actress Rosalind Chao is 52. Golfer Larry Mize is 51. Actor Jason Alexander is 50. Actor Chi McBride is 48. Actress Elizabeth Pena is 48. Country musician Don Herron (BR549) is 47. Actor Erik Todd Dellums is 45. Actress LisaRaye is 43. Singer Ani (AH'-nee) DiFranco is 39. Rock singer Sarah Bettens (K's Choice) is 37. Recording executive Jermaine Dupri is 37. Actor Kip Pardue is 33. Pop singer Erik-Michael Estrada ("Making the Band") is 30. Actress Aubrey Dollar is 29. Tennis player Melanie Oudin (oo-DAN') is 18.

Unemployment In Williams County Drops
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(UNDATED) - Williams County no longer has the highest unemployment rate in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports the August unemployment rate in Williams County stood at 15.9 percent, down from the July rate of 17.5 percent. The August rate also dropped in neighboring Defiance County where it came in at 13.1 percent, down from the July unemployment rate of 15.4 percent. Williams County is now ranked third in Ohio unemployment.

Bryan IDEAS Continues - You Won't Want To Miss!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Industrial Division of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring you the second in a series of six IDEAS seminars. IDEAS stands for the Industrial Division Education and Advancement Series, and its purpose is to bring educational and best business practices to area industry leaders. This Thursday (September 24th), the featured speakers for the event will be Bob Eyre from the Ohio Gas Company and Steve Casebere from Bryan Municipal Utilities. This seminar will focus on looking what has happened to utility rates over the past several years with a look ahead at what we can expect to come in the next twelve to eighteen months. How is the local economy going to affect your rates and what are our local utility companies doing to help keep rates down? Utility rates affect all of our businesses and this seminar will help you to budget for the future. The seminar will be held at the Bryan Municipal Utilities Board Room at 841 East Edgerton Street, beginning at 8 a.m. Please RSVP the Bryan Area Chamber office (kaybrink@bryanchamber.org).

Williams County Idol Comin' Soon
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(HOLIDAY CITY) – The contest that emulates the hit show American Idol is coming to Williams County, Ohio. Williams County Idol starts October 16th and continues Friday night on October 23rd & 30th and November 6th & 20th. This new event is being brought to William County by the seven chambers throughout the county and WLZZ. All the details can be found at www.williamscountyidol.com or at our website. Cost to get into the event is only $3 per person and contestants are free on the nights they perform. Anyone can enter and the first two nights will be qualifying nights where you only need to be present one of the two nights. Entries can be obtained from any WLZZ or any Swick Broadcasting office, any Williams County Chamber office, or on-line. Once again there is no cost to enter. One winner will be chosen and receive $1004.50 and their winning song played on WLZZ radio's morning show.

Meet the Candidates Night
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Government Affairs Team of the Bryan Chamber will once again host the "Meet the Candidates Forum" night. The event will be held in the New Era Ohio Auditorium on Thursday, October 22nd at 7 p.m. lasting approximately one hour. All and any individual is invited to attend and questions will be accepted prior to the event and during the evening.

Golf: Montpelier at Bryan
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(Orchard Hills) - Montpelier lost to Bryan in golf Monday night. Bryan was 1 under par. Medalist was James Steel with a 34.


Bryan 143

James Steel-34 (Medalist)
Zach Davenport-36
Erik Berbenes-36
Mike Ross-37
Adam McBride-39
Dalton Schulenberg-43


Montpelier 198

Blaine Thorp-47
Alex Yagelski-49
Treg Waldron-51
Adam Scott-51
Mitchell Rings-51
Max Taylor-54

Williams County Records Meeting
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Records Commission will meet Thursday September 24th at 1:30 p.m. On the agenda is the Schedules of Records Retention and Disposition, which will be presented for approval. The meeting will take place in the Conference Room of the Williams County Commissioners on the 4th floor of the Courthouse.

Bryan Area Foundation Good Citizen Award Nominations Now Accepted
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(BRYAN) – Do you know a good citizen in the Bryan area? A prestigious award, endowed by the Hawk family in memory of their parents, is presented annually to one of Bryan's outstanding citizens. Through the Bryan Area Foundation, the family established the following four criteria to qualify for the award. Each nominee must be or have been: 1) A resident of Bryan for at least 20 years. 2) Active in unpaid positions in organizations providing service to Bryan. 3) An officer of director of a nonprofit organization. 4) Associated with at least one outstanding accomplishment for the Bryan community. The Good Citizen award is presented at the Chamber of Commerce banquet in January. Nominations are accepted by the Bryan Area Foundation at any time, but must be received by October 2, 2009 to be considered for the 2010 award.

Brunner Says Husted Not A Resident
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has ruled that state Senator Jon Husted is not a resident of the Dayton suburb of Kettering, where he's registered to vote. Brunner's decision breaks a 2-2 deadlock by the Montgomery County Board of Elections over the issue. Husted is running as a Republican for secretary of state next year. Brunner is a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate.

Unemployement Extension
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

(WASHINGTON - AP) - In Washington, lawmakers in the House are considering extending jobless benefits in Ohio and other states with high unemployment rates. The 13-week extension would supplement the 26 weeks of benefits most state offer and federally funded extensions of up to 53 weeks.

Free Car Seat Safety Check Saturday
Monday, September 21, 2009

(BRYAN) – A FREE “Car Seat Safety Check” is being held Saturday, September 26th at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Whole Body & Healing Center’s parking lot located at 1304 West High. Parents, grandparents, friends, and family are encouraged to bring your infants and children buckled in their car seats or booster seats to have a trained car seat technician check for safety hazards. A properly installed car seat can reduce risk of serious injury or death by as much as 71 percent. To make appointments, call 419.485.3141 or just show up on your way to or from Fall Fest.

Seaplanes Draw Big Crowd To Pokagon
Monday, September 21, 2009

(LAKE JAMES) - A large amount of spectators showed up yesterday at Pokagon State Park as the Indiana Seaplanes Association held their annual splash-in. Park Manager Ted Bohman said this was the first time in the seven years of the event that they have had to use a parking detail because of the number of spectators who showed up. A total of 20 seaplanes from all around the Midwest were on hand. Some spectators were lucky enough to get a ride, others were just content to talk with the pilots and crews while getting a close up look at the planes as they were parked on the Potawatomi Inn's lawn.

Hispanic Awareness Dinner and Lecture Thursday
Monday, September 21, 2009

(DEFIANCE) – The Defiance College Office of Intercultural Relations will host a Hispanic Awareness dinner and lecture on this Thursday, September 24. The guest speaker will be Dr. John Kaiser Ortiz, a professor at Bowling Green State University, who will present “Between You, Me and the Fence Post”. The dinner will be held in the Serrick Campus Center (Hubbard Banquet Room) at 6 p.m. Cost of the dinner is $5 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP to Mercedes Clay at 419.783.2362 (mclay@defiance.edu). The lecture will be held in Schomburg Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

Weekend Crashes Kill Two Northeast Indiana Residents
Monday, September 21, 2009

(UNDATED) - Two northeast Indiana men are dead following separate accidents. Avilla police say 53–year-old Sheldon Durost of Avilla died just after midnight this morning when a car struck his bicycle at the intersection of State Road 3 and East Albion Street. Police say the car was southbound on 3 and the driver told police he had the green light and didn’t see the bicycle until impact. Durost was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is planned later today. Meanwhile, a crash on State Road 3 south of Mongo left a Fort Wayne man dead Saturday afternoon. LaGrange County Sheriff’s deputies say 26-year-old Mark Wilmes was driving his Honda Civic northbound on State Road 3 near 250-North. For reasons unknown, his car went off the east side of the road, causing Wilmes to over correct and lose control. The car crossed into the southbound lane and was struck by an S-U-V driven by 39-year-old Mark Rheinheimer of Orland. Rehinheimer was flown to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne where he was in fair condition this morning. 12-year-old Emily Rheinheimer was treated for leg pain, while 4-year-old Katie Rheinheimer suffered some bruising under her eye. LaGrange EMS and Mongo firefighters assisted at the scene.

Marching Hornets Get First at Carroll
Monday, September 21, 2009

(FORT WAYNE) - The Angola Marching Hornets finished first in their class on Saturday at the Carroll High School Invitational. The Marching Hornets took home caption awards for best visual, general effect, color guard, percussion and drum major. The band will be in competition Saturday at Fort Wayne Northrop High School. They perform at 7:12pm.

NASA Center In Ohio Awaits Answers On Moon Program
Monday, September 21, 2009

(CLEVELAND - AP) - Workers at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland say they are anxiously waiting for the White House to
decide the fate of the space agency's moon program. NASA Glenn has developed some key components of the Ares I, a powerful new moon rocket that is the centerpiece of NASA's $100
billion return-to-the moon program. But a White House panel of experts says the program is in jeopardy without an extra $3 billion a year beyond NASA's current $18 billion annual budget. Ramon Lugo, deputy director at NASA Glenn, says uncertainty around the moon program has been stressful. He's telling workers to carry on until President Barack Obama says otherwise. The moon program has pumped an average of $93 million a year into NASA Glenn's budget. The facility has about 3,500 civil service and contract employees.

Pumpkin Crops
Monday, September 21, 2009

(PORTLAND, Maine - AP) - A rainy summer is causing problems for pumpkin growers in New England and parts of the Midwest, dealing harvests for two weeks. But federal agriculture economist Gary Lucier says the overall crop will be average in top pumpkin-producing states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, Ohio and Michigan.

Ohio Landfills
Monday, September 21, 2009

(AKRON, Ohio - AP) - About 40 percent of the country's 1,000 largest landfills, including 11 in Ohio, are collecting and marketing their landfill gases. About 400 acres of the sprawling American Landfill in Stark County in eastern Ohio are perforated with 133 wells that are extracting methane gas.

Solar Energy Helping Toledo
Monday, September 21, 2009

(WASHINGTON - AP) - President Barack Obama says the economic crisis that hit cities like Toledo and industrial states like Ohio built up over decades and will take years to reverse. Obama says there is good news in the success Toledo has had becoming a national hub for solar energy research and manufacturing.

Hurricane Hugo - Fall of 1989
Monday, September 21, 2009

(UNDATED) - In 1989, Hurricane Hugo, packing sustained winds up to 135 miles-an-hour, crashed into Charleston, South Carolina. Twenty-one students in Alton, Texas, died when their school bus, involved in a collision with a soft-drink delivery truck, careened into a water-filled pit.

Monday Night Footbal First Dubut
Monday, September 21, 2009

(UNDATED) - In 1970, "NFL Monday Night Football" made its debut on ABC-TV as the Cleveland Browns defeated the visiting New York Jets, 31-21.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Monday, September 21, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actor Karl Slover ("The Wizard of Oz") is 91. Actor Larry Hagman is 78. Poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen is 75. Author-comedian Fannie Flagg is 65. Author Stephen King is 62. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is 62. Musician Don Felder is 62. Retired NBA All-Star Artis Gilmore is 60. Actor-comedian Bill Murray is 59. Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye is 58. Rock musician Philthy Animal is 55. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is 52. Movie producer-writer Ethan Coen is 52. Actor-comedian Dave Coulier is 50. Actor David James Elliott is 49. Actress Serena Scott-Thomas is 48. Actress Nancy Travis is 48. Actor Rob Morrow is 47. Retired MLB All-Star Cecil Fielder is 46. Actress Cheryl Hines is 44. Country singer Faith Hill is 42. Rock musician Tyler Stewart (Barenaked Ladies) is 42. Country singer Ronna Reeves is 41. Actress-talk show host Ricki Lake is 41. Rapper Dave (De La Soul) is 41. Actor James Lesure is 38. Actor Alfonso Ribeiro is 38. Actor Luke Wilson is 38. Actor Paulo Costanzo is 31. TV personality Nicole Richie is 28. Actress Maggie Grace is 26. Actor Joseph Mazzello is 26. Actors Lorenzo and Nikolas Brino ("7th Heaven") are 11.

Saturday At The Williams County Fair
Saturday, September 19, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – Today is the last day at the Williams County Fair with the Junior Livestock Auction happening all morning at the Livestock Pavillion. The big Grandstand event tonight is the Truck Pulls starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are still available for the event.


9:30 a.m. Junior Livestock Auction, Livestock Pavilion
2:00 p.m. Garden Tractor Pulls, Grandstand, Free Admission
5:00 p.m. Chain Saw Carving Auction
6:00 p.m. Truck Pulls, Grandstand $6, $10 Pit Pass


More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website www.wcofair.com. You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Friday At The Williams County Fair
Friday, September 18, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – Today at the Williams County Fair Northwest State Community College is having an alumni gathering in the activities shelter. The big Grandstand event tonight is the Demolition Derby starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are still available for the Derby. The Williams County Fair wraps up late in the day Saturday night at 6 p.m. with the Truck Pulls in the Grandstand.


Events for Friday, September 18

10:00 a.m. - Rain Date for Harness Racing

4:00 p.m. - Northwest State Alumni Gathering
(Activities Shelter until 9 p.m.)

5:00 p.m. - Barnyard Friends
(Dairy Barn until 9 p.m.)

6:00 p.m. - Demolition Derby
(Grandstand $8, $12 Pit Pass)

7:00 p.m. - Haul-In Beef Feeder Calf Show
(Livestock Pavilion)


More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website www.wcofair.com. You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Car Drives Into House in Angola
Friday, September 18, 2009

(ANGOLA) - An Angola woman was arrested Thursday night after a car drove into the side of a house at 505 West Maumee which is thought to be one of the oldest homes in the city. Angola Police say no one was home when the incident took place just after 9:00pm and no injuries were reported. Angola Acting Police Chief Stu Hamblen says the car was driven by 28-year-old Mandy Little of Angola who allegedly left the scene and went down South Darling Street. Hamblen says she was found by police a short time later in a yard at the nearby Phi Kappa Theta fraternity on the Trine campus. After being treated at Cameron Hospital, Little was booked at the Steuben County Jail for operating while intoxicated, O.W.I. with a blood alcohol content above .15 and for leaving the scene of a property damage accident. The car struck the corner of the house. Angola Building Commissioner Dean Twitchell says the house sustained nearly $100,000 worth of damage. Twitchell says the impact knocked the brick foundation off of the corner and cracked the plaster on the inside. The home is owned by David MacFadyen of Angola and it's thought it was constructed in 1871.

Donuts Make Dollars Given To Local Non-profits
Friday, September 18, 2009

(MONTPELIER) - A long time tradition since 1965 at the Williams County Fair has been donut making. The Athena Study Group turns over 5,000 pounds of floor into donuts. The money made supports a variety of non-profit groups throughout Williams County. The volunteers are a group of people who simply like making donuts and then turning a profit to give back to their community. See full details, including video, on today’s edition of video news located on the homepage of our website.

"Green" Demonstration at Williams County Fair
Friday, September 18, 2009

(MONTPELIER) - Things were getting “green” at the Williams County Fair Thursday in Montpelier, Ohio. Oberlin Farms Demolition and Recycling was demonstrating how consumers are able to not only recycle wood, but also concrete. The northwest Ohio farming company was grinding everything from old wood pallets to pulled stumps, which is then recycled into mulch. They also have a machine that pounds old concrete into stone that can use for things such as driveway fill. See full details on today’s edition of video news located on the homepage of our website.

Williams County Historical Society Shows Baseball Exhibit
Friday, September 18, 2009

(MONTPELIER) - During the Williams County Fair baseball fans can enjoy the Baseball Collection featured at the Williams County Historical Museum. There is a vast collection of local and professional baseball memorabilia. The collection features uniforms, autographed bats, balls, and baseball cards. The Museum is located at 611 E. Main Street on the fair grounds in Montpelier. This event is free to the public.

Football Friday on WLZZ
Friday, September 18, 2009

(NAPOLEON) – Tonight for Friday Night Football, WLZZ’s Jim Measel follows the Bryan Golden Bears to Napoleon. Pre-game countdown with Jim will start on WLZZ at 7:15 p.m. with kick-off at 7:30 p.m. Napoleon is undefeated and #12 in the first poll in Division III.

Steuben County Unemployment Drops To 13.6%
Friday, September 18, 2009

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The August unemployment numbers are better but the lines of Indiana jobless workers are still long. Indiana Workforce Development announced this morning that the August unemployment rate in Steuben County dropped to 13.6% from the July rate of 14.8%. This is the third straight month unemployment in Steuben County has either held steady or dropped. But the county's labor force went down by 700 in August while 300 less people were unemployed. The jobless numbers also went down in neighboring counties but were still in double digits and all four counties were in the top ten for the highest unemployment rates among Indiana's 92 counties. Noble County's unemployement rate was the second highest in the state at 15.7% just behind Elkhart County's 16%. LaGrange County's rate was at 14.9% while DeKalb County was at 13.2%. Even though the jobless numbers have imporved, there is still a lot of misery for those seeking work in Indiana as 48 counties had double digit unemployment numbers in August. The Indiana unemployment rate for August also dropped to 9.9%, down from the July rate of 10.6%. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says it's too early to tell whether the decline is just a temporary blip. Agency Commissioner Teresa Voors says the drop is welcome news, but added that data from the next few months will help determine whether the state's economy is rebounding.

Radishes Help Soil
Friday, September 18, 2009

(UNDATED) - The radishes grown by some Ohio farmers aren't necessarily for eating. Tillage radishes bore holes into the ground with roots that can grow several feet deep, and they help soften up and nourish fields for spring planting.

Fans Line-up to See King James
Friday, September 18, 2009

(WESTLAKE, Ohio - AP) - Fans are enduring long waits for a brief meeting with the King. LeBron James is signing copies of his new book tonight at a store in the Cleveland suburb of Westlake, and the line began to form yesterday afternoon with fans camping out in tents and sleeping bags.

Dayton on "Dateline NBC"
Friday, September 18, 2009

(DAYTON, Ohio - AP) - "Dateline NBC" plans to air a show tonight on the case of Ryan Widmer, the southwest Ohio man convicted of murdering his wife by drowning her in the bathtub. Widmer is getting a new trial; prosecutors are confident they'll be able to seat a jury, despite the fresh publicity.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Friday, September 18, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Singer Jimmie Rodgers is 76. Actor Robert Blake is 76. Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) is 76. Actor Fred Willard is 70. Singer Frankie Avalon is 69. Rock musician Kerry Livgren is 60. Actress Anna Deavere Smith is 59. Basketball coach Rick Pitino is 57. College Football Hall of Famer and retired NFL player Billy Sims is 54. Movie director Mark Romanek is 50. Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg is 50. Actor James Gandolfini is 48. Alt-country-rock musician Mark Olson is 48. Singer Joanne Catherall (Human League) is 47. Actress Holly Robinson Peete is 45. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ricky Bell (Bell Biv Devoe and New Edition) is 42. Actress Aisha Tyler is 39. Cycling champion Lance Armstrong is 38. Opera singer Anna Netrebko is 38. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith is 38. Actor James Marsden is 36. Actress Emily Rutherfurd is 35. Actor Travis Schuldt (TV: "Scrubs") is 35. Rapper Xzibit is 35. Comedian-actor Jason Sudeikis (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 34. Actress Sophina Brown is 33. Actress Alison Lohman is 30. Actors Brandon and Taylor Porter are 16. Actor C.J. Sanders ("Ray") is 13.

Constitution Day
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(UNDATED) – “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility,” Those are the words to the Preamble of the United States Constitution. Today is Constitution Day. On September 17th, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men in 1787, recognizing all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.

Thursday At The Williams County Fair
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – Today (Thursday, September 17th) the Williams County Fair is joining a nationwide trend and thinking “green”, as in recyling and conserving energy. It’s Green Day, Handicap Day, Senior’s Day, and Youth Day at the Williams County Fair. The fair will run until this Saturday, September 19th.

Thursday, September 17th
Green Day, Handicap Day, Senior’s Day, Youth Night

10:00 a.m. - Senior Citizen' Day, in Activities Shelter
11:00 a.m. - Haul-In Draft Horse, Pony, Mule & Donkey, in front of Grandstand.
1:00 p.m. - Williams County Commissioners to hold "Town Hall" Meeting
1:30 p.m. - Fifty-Plus Anniversary Club, Activities Shelter
5:00 p.m. - Barnyard Friends, Dairy Barn (until 9 p.m.)
6:30 p.m. - Parade, in front of Grandstand
7:00 p.m. - Youth Night Activities, Grandstand

More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website www.wcofair.com. You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

WLZZ Football Friday
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(NAPOLEON) – This week for Friday Night Football, WLZZ’s Jim Measel follows the Bryan Golden Bears to Napoleon. Pre-game countdown with Jim will start on WLZZ at 7:15 p.m. with kick-off at 7:30 p.m. Napoleon is undefeated and #12 in the first poll in Division III.

Hitchcock Films Open Series at Defiance College
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(DEFIANCE) – The Defiance College Alfred Hitchcock FREE film series begins tonight. The DC Film Series will focus on Hitchcock’s more than 50 silent and sound films still have their knack for thrilling audiences today. The six movies being shown are some of Hitchcock’s most famous movies. “North by Northwest” kicks off the film series tonight. It’s followed by “Rebecca” on October 15th, “Vertigo” on November 19th, “Psycho” on January 14th, “Strangers on a Train” showing February 18th, and “Rear Window” closing the film series on April 15th. All films will be shown at 8 p.m. in Schomburg Auditorium on the campus of Defiance College. The film series is sponsored by Defiance College’s First-Year Experience, the Student Life Office, and the Arts and Humanities Division.

Bryan City Schools Awarded Grant
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(BRYAN) -For the second consecutive year, Bryan City Schools were awarded a Wellness Grant from Northern Buckeye Education Council. Their wellness grant check was in the amount of $5-thousand, 5-hundred dollars.

50 more Lose Jobs in the Tri-Sate
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(ASHLEY) - Over 50 workers at Bio-lab in Ashley, Indiana will be losing their jobs next year. Plant officials say their company is consolidating operations at their Georgia facility. The Ashley plant manufactures the toilet bowl cleaner known as "The Works".

Tentative Goodyear Contract
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(AKRON, Ohio - AP) - Voting continues this week on a tentative contract between Goodyear and its union workers. The contract is aimed at keeping half a dozen Goodyear plants open over the next four years, including at its Akron home base. Workers at the Akron facility have already approved the pact.

Ice Salt Harming Urban Streams
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(MINNEAPOLIS - AP) - A new federal study says the salt used to melt ice from roads each winter has made many urban streams salty enough to harm aquatic life. The study from the U.S. Geological Survey looked at urban streams and groundwater in Ohio and other northern states.

Fund That Helps AEP Customers Is Out Of Cash
Thursday, September 17, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A program that helps lower-income Ohio customers pay their American Electric Power bills has temporarily shut down because it has run out of money. The nonprofit organization that handles the AEP Neighbor to Neighbor fund says it has been overwhelmed with requests for assistance and must stop taking applications until Oct. 1, when it receives a new infusion of funding. AEP has so far provided $1.5 million for the program. Officials say more than 5,100 households have turned to Neighbor to Neighbor in the last four months. Assistance grant provided by the program average about $264, with $600 the maximum possible amount.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Thursday, September 17, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Pro Football Hall of Famer George Blanda is 2. Actor David Huddleston is 79. Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa)is 76. Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter is 70. Singer LaMonte McLemore (The Fifth Dimension) is 70. Retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni is 66. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson is 64. Singer Fee Waybill is 59. Actress Cassandra Peterson ("Elvira, Mistress of the Dark") is 58. Comedian Rita Rudner is 56. Muppeteer Kevin Clash is 49. Movie director Baz Luhrmann is 47. Singer BeBe Winans is 47. Actor Kyle Chandler is 44. Director-producer Bryan Singer ("X-Men') is 44. Rapper Doug E. Fresh is 43. Actor Malik Yoba is 42. Rock musician Keith Flint (Prodigy) is 40. Actor Matthew Settle is 40. Rapper Vinnie (Naughty By Nature) is 39. NFL player Mark Brunell is 39. Rock singer Anastacia is 36. Rhythm-and-blues singer Marcus Sanders (Hi-Five) is 36. Actress-singer Nona Gaye is 35. Singer-actor Constantine Maroulis is 34. Race car driver Jimmie Johnson is 34. Pop singer Maile (MY'-lee) Misajon (Eden's Crush) is 33. Country singer-songwriter Stephen Cochran is 30. Rock musician Chuck Comeau (Simple Plan) is 30. Country singer Desi Wasdin (3 of Hearts) is 26. Rock musician Jon Walker is 24.

Bryan City Schools is awarded $5500.00 Wellness Grant
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Bryan City Schools submitted the Wellness Grant Application for a second consecutive year. The main goal of applying for the grant is to encourage wellness and physical fitness at all levels of intensity throughout the year. Once again the traveling trophy currently housed at Bryan High School is up for grabs. This year’s grant includes the “Wellness Warrior” challenge. This challenge will foster team building as staff will create teams that will compete on a month-to-month basis and will require more physical activity. In addition, all staff will be provided ongoing nutritional and fitness education throughout the school year including professional development. Each month a larger incentive will be used to continue to motivate employees and continue to educate them on fitness and healthy habits. The Wellness Grant has been made possible by funds from the Insurance Division of the Northern Buckeye Education Council. This has been done in an effort to encourage healthy lifestyles that will promote improved health and overall well-being to the employees in the Northern Buckeye Education Council Insurance Consortium. This is the third year this grant was promoted within the participant districts and a total of $30,000 in funds was awarded. For more information on grant opportunities in 2010, contact Crystal Meyer at 419.267.2525 or visit website at www.nwoca.org.

Wednesday At The Williams County Fair
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – Today (Wednesday, September 16th) is Women’s Day and another day of Harness Racing at the Williams County Fair. The fair will run until this Saturday, September 19th.

Wednesday, September 16: Women's Day
Women in Free, until 5:00
Carload Night 5- 9 p.m., $6 per vehicle

9:00 a.m. - Kids' Day on the Farm, Livestock Pavilion
12:00 p.m. - Second Flower Show judging, Gillette Building
1:00 p.m. - Women’s Day Activities, Activities Shelter (until 5 p.m.)
5:00 p.m. - Barnyard Friends, Dairy Barn (until 9 p.m.)
6:30 p.m. - Harness Racing

More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website www.wcofair.com. You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Williams County Records Meeting
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Records Commission will meet Thursday September 24th at 1:30 p.m. On the agenda is the Schedules of Records Retention and Disposition, which will be presented for approval. The meeting will take place in the Conference Room of the Williams County Commissioners on the 4th floor of the Courthouse.

Bryan Area Foundation Good Citizen Award Nominations Now Accepted
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(BRYAN) – Do you know a good citizen in the Bryan area? A prestigious award, endowed by the Hawk family in memory of their parents, is presented annually to one of Bryan's outstanding citizens. Through the Bryan Area Foundation, the family established the following four criteria to qualify for the award. Each nominee must be or have been: 1) A resident of Bryan for at least 20 years. 2) Active in unpaid positions in organizations providing service to Bryan. 3) An officer of director of a nonprofit organization. 4) Associated with at least one outstanding accomplishment for the Bryan community. The Good Citizen award is presented at the Chamber of Commerce banquet in January. Nominations are accepted by the Bryan Area Foundation at any time, but must be received by October 2, 2009 to be considered for the 2010 award.

WLZZ Game of the Week
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(NAPOLEON) – This week for Friday Night Football, WLZZ’s Jim Measel follows the Bryan Golden Bears to Napoleon. Pre-game countdown with Jim will start on WLZZ at 7:15 p.m. with kick-off at 7:30 p.m. Napoleon is undefeated and #12 in the first poll in Division III.

Three Northwest Ohio Football Teams Make Rankings
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(UNDATED) - A trio of undefeated football teams from northwest Ohio have been ranked this week in the Associated Press OHSAA football polls. Patrick Henry is the highest ranked team, coming in #5 in the state in Division V. Ottawa-Glandorf is ranked #7 in Division IV, while Napoleon is #12 in the first poll in Division III.

Metaldyne Idles 50 At Edon, Ohio Plant
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(EDON) - Changes at Chrysler are being blamed for the layoffs of 50 additional workers at Metaldyne's plant in Edon, Ohio. No layoffs are being planned at Metaldyne's plants in Fremont and Bluffton, Indiana. The 50 layoffs comes at a bad time for Williams County which had Ohio's highest unemployment rate in July at 17.5 percent.

Robinson Speaks on Aspergers at Defiance College
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Author John Elder Robinson will speak Wednesday, September 16, about his book, Look Me in the Eye, which details his life with Asperger Syndrome. Robinson will speak to Defiance College first-year seminar classes at 2pm with a 3:30pm presentation open to the community. This event is sponored by the Hench Autism Studies Program.

DeKalb County Gets FEMA Grant To Buy Flood Damaged Homes
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

(UNDATED) - Officials at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security have announced that DeKalb County Commissioners will be getting a FEMA hazard mitigation grant of over $494,000 which will be used to buy six homes severely damaged by flooding in June of 2008. The funds are designed to protect property that has been subjected to, or is in danger of additional damage. The Holiday Lakes project will allow DeKalb County to buy the homes at pre-flood, fair market value. The homes will be demolished and the land re-graded to a natural state. It may become residential parks or natural open areas. The Maumee River Basin Commission prepared the grant application on behalf of DeKalb County Commissioners and will be responsible for the implementation of the grant. The Maumee River Basin Commission has committed $30,000 to assist DeKalb County in meeting the 25 percent local match requirement of the grant.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actress Janis Paige is 87. Actress Lauren Bacall is 85. Blues singer B.B. King is 84. Clergyman-author Rev. Robert H. Schuller is 83. Actor Peter Falk is 82. Actress Anne Francis is 79. Actor George Chakiris is 77. Movie director Jim McBride is 68. Actress Linda Miller is 67. Rhythm-and-blues singer Betty Kelly (Martha & the Vandellas) is 65. Musician Kenney Jones (Small Faces; Faces; The Who) is 61. Actress Susan Ruttan is 61. Rock musician Ron Blair (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers; Mudcrutch) is 61. Actor Ed Begley Jr. is 60. Country singer David Bellamy (The Bellamy Brothers) is 59. Country singer-songwriter Phil Lee is 58. Actor-comedian Lenny Clarke is 56. Actor Kurt Fuller is 56. Jazz musician Earl Klugh is 56. Actor Christopher Rich is 56. Singer Frank Reed (The Chi-Lites) is 55. TV personality Mark McEwen is 55. Baseball Hall of Famer Robin Yount is 54. Actor Mickey Rourke is 53. Magician David Copperfield is 53. Country singer-songwriter Terry McBride is 51. Actress Jennifer Tilly is 51. Retired baseball All-Star Orel Hershiser is 51. Retired baseball All-Star Tim Raines is 50. Singer Richard Marx is 46. Comedian Molly Shannon is 45. Singer Marc Anthony is 41. Comedian-actress Amy Poehler is 38. Country singer Matt Stillwell is 34. Singer Musiq (MYOO'-sihk) is 32. Actress Alexis Bledel is 28. Actress Sabrina Bryan is 25. Actress Madeline Zima is 24. Actress Kyla Pratt is 23. Rock singer Teddy Geiger is 21. Rock singer-musician Nick Jonas (The Jonas Brothers) is 17.

Metaldyne Idles 50 At Edon, Ohio Plant
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(EDON) - Changes at Chrysler are being blamed for the layoffs of 50 additional workers at Metaldyne's plant in Edon, Ohio. Company spokesperson Marge Sorge told the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette the changes at Chrysler were being made under Fiat management. No layoffs are being planned at Metaldyne's plants in Fremont and Bluffton. The company declared bankruptcy in March. A private equity firm is trying to buy most of the company's assets in a bankruptcy court auction. The 50 layoffs comes at a bad time for Williams County which had Ohio's highest unemployment rate in July at 17.5 percent.

Williams County Gets “A+” Rating
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Board of Commissioners announced that the County has received an “A+” Bond rating by Standard and Poors. Williams County Commissioners applied with Standard and Poors to become bond rated to help reduce costs on future interest rates to be paid on borrowed money. The rating was awarded to the county after an in depth interview with the County Auditor Deb Nester and Commissioner Board President Lew Hilkert. The analysis and interview covered the areas of Budget process and amendments, debt policy and procedures, and investment policy and procedures. Commissioner Hilkert says that this is the first time that the county has been bond rated. This rating will enable the county to receive reduced interest rates. For example, the $2.5 million-dollar Bond anticipation note that is being renewed by the county for one year has a rate of 1.5 percent. The rate has been assigned to this obligation, saving the county and taxpayers over $12-thousad per year. Hilkert also said that the future County sewer projects would also benefit from the “A+” grade by receiving reduced interest rates on money to be borrowed for projects.

2009 Williams County Fair Royalty Crowned
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – New royalty has been honored at the Williams County Fair. Monday night Sara Herman was crowned 2009 Williams County Fair Queen. As well, Seth Miller was named as the 2009 Williams County Fair King.

Tuesday At The Williams County Fair
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – Today (Tuesday, September 15th) is Two-Wheel Tuesday Cruise-In & Harness Racing. The Williams County fair will run until this Saturday, September 19th.

Two-Wheeled Tuesday
Sponsored by R & S Lines Motorcycle Driver
(free, rider $6, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

12:00 p.m. - Dairy judging, Livestock Pavilion

4:00 p.m. - Open Class Draft, Pony, Donkey, & Mule Halter & Hitch Show

5:00 p.m. - Barnyard Friends, Dairy Barn (runs until 9 .m.)

6:30 p.m. - Harness Racing

More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website www.wcofair.com. You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Hamilton School Board Member Resigns
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(HAMILTON) - There is a vacancy on the Hamilton School Board of Trustees after Jeremy Hill resigned on Monday night. Hill had been serving on the board since January of 2003. He cited increasing family commitments as the reason he was resigning. In a prepared statement, Hill said he was troubled by recent disputes that he thinks have gone beyond the electoral process and have turned into more personal disputes. He believes this development is detrimental to the Hamilton community and when disagreements go too far, the district will find it very difficult to attract and keep future school board members. Hill's district covers the town of Hamilton south of Church Street and DeKalb County's Franklin Township. Hamilton Schools Superintendent Mark Gould says the district will be accepting letters of applications and resumes through October 2nd. The Hamilton School Board will hold an executive session on October 5th to go over the applications. Gould says public interviews will be conducted on or before October 8th and they hope to make an appointment on October 12th.

Gambling Age Liits
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Governor Ted Strickland is asking state lottery officials to reconsider their decision allowing 18 year olds to play race track slot machines. Strickland is pressing to raise the minimum age to 21, saying he considered concerns about youth gambling. The plan is being challenged in multiple lawsuits.

Court Orders State To Rule On Senator's Residency
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered the state's top elections official to decide within seven days whether state Senater Jon Husted legally resides in his Dayton-area district. The high court's ruling Monday comes on Husted's request that Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner be forced to decide immediately. Husted, the former Ohio House speaker, has faced questions about whether he lives in the Dayton suburbs. That's where he's registered to vote. Husted says that home is his legal residence but acknowledges he often stays with his wife at her Columbus home. Brunner said Husted's case is unusual, but she will move expeditiously to issue a fair decision. Husted is running as a Republican for secretary of state next year. Brunner is a Democrat running for U.S. Senate.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actor-director Jackie Cooper is 87. Actor Forrest Compton is 84. Comedian Norm Crosby is 82. Actor Henry Darrow is 76. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Gaylord Perry is 71. Football Hall-of-Famer Merlin Olsen is 69. Opera singer Jessye Norman is 64. Writer-director Ron Shelton is 64. Actor Tommy Lee Jones is 63. Movie director Oliver Stone is 63. Rock musician Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger) is 57. Rock musician Mitch Dorge (Crash Test Dummies) is 49. Football Hall-of-Famer Dan Marino is 48. Actor Danny Nucci is 41. Rap DJ Kay Gee is 40. Actor Josh Charles is 38. Singer Ivette (EE'-veht) Sosa (Eden's Crush) is 33. Pop-rock musician Zach Filkins (OneRepublic) is 31. Actor Dave Annable is 30. Actress Amy Davidson is 30. Britain's Prince Henry of Wales is 25. TV personality Heidi Montag is 23.

Monday At The Williams County Fair
Monday, September 14, 2009

(MONTPELIER) –Things have officially started at the Williams County Fair in Montpelier, Ohio. The Williams County fair will run until this Saturday, September 19th. Kids day at the fair is today.

9:00 a.m. — Rabbit judging, Goat Barn

9:00 a.m. — Sheep judging, Livestock Pavilion

9 a.m. - 11 a.m. — Children’s Safety Fair, Activities Shelter

11:30 a.m. — Coin find for children ages 3-10, Activities Shelter.

Noon-9 p.m. — Barnyard Friends, Dairy Barn

1:00 p.m. — Children’s pedal tractor pull and races, Activities Shelter

2:30 p.m. — Open class breeding sheep, Livestock Pavilion

6:30 p.m. — King & Queen Coronation, Grandstand

7:00 p.m. — Haul-in market lamb show, Livestock Pavilion, registration and weigh in at 4:30

7:15 p.m. — County band show, Grandstand (following King & Queen Coronation)

Also happening today from 1-7 p.m. is the election of Board of Directors under Grandstand in fair booth. More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website www.wcofair.com. You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Anniversary Of Hurricane Ike Blasting Ohio
Monday, September 14, 2009

(UNDATED) - Today is the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ike, the storm that tore through Ohio, leaving 2.6 million customers without power and leaving behind more than $1 billion in losses. The Ohio Insurance Institute says the storm was a reminder that Ohio is not immune from natural disasters.

Ohio Gas Prices Higher
Monday, September 14, 2009

(UNDATED) - Gasoline prices are up 3 cents from last week as oil prices remain relatively stable amid questions about the strength of the economy. The latest survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express puts the statewide average for a gallon of regular-grade gas at $2.47 per gallon, up from $2.44 last Monday. Ohio pump prices are 8 cents lower than a month ago. At this time last year, a gallon of regular was considerably more expensive in the state, averaging $3.83. The cost of crude oil has traded between $65 and $75 for the last few months as investors consider the effects of weak consumer demand on the global economic recovery.

Storage Facility Proposal At Old Maxton Motors
Monday, September 14, 2009

(MONTPELIER) - The Planning Commission for the Village of Montpelier will conduct a meeting to review a storage facility proposal at the old Maxton motors carport area. The meeting will be held today (Monday) at 4:30 p.m. at the Montpelier town hall. All oral and written comments will be accepted and reviewed at that time. Please direct any written testimony to Village of Montpelier, Planning Commission or call 419.485.5543.

Defiance College Launches New Art, Lecture and Film Series
Monday, September 14, 2009

(DEFIANCE, Ohio) – A new series, “Dialoguing in Defiance: Arts, Lectures, and Film,” will be unveiled this fall at Defiance College, offering a variety of events including speakers, discussion sessions, and an Alfred Hitchcock film series. All events are free and open to the public. The DC Film Series will focus on one of the world’s most influential directors, Alfred Hitchcock. His more than 50 silent and sound films still have their knack for thrilling audiences today. The six movies being shown are some of Hitchcock’s most famous movies. “North by Northwest” kicks off the film series on September 17th and is followed by “Rebecca” on October 15th, “Vertigo” on November 19th, “Psycho” on January 14th, “Strangers on a Train” showing February 18th, and “Rear Window” closing the film series on April 15th. All films will be shown at 8 p.m. in Schomburg Auditorium on the campus of Defiance College. The film series is sponsored by Defiance College’s First-Year Experience, the Student Life Office, and the Arts and Humanities Division.

Slow Car Sales In Ohio
Monday, September 14, 2009

(UNDATED) - Car dealers say business is slower now that the government's Cash for Clunkers incentive program is over. Sales manager Phil Warren at Toyota Direct in Columbus (Ohio) says it was good while it lasted but the program may have taken some people out of the car market.

Delay Allows Illegal Immigrants To Slip Through
Monday, September 14, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A delay in Ohio's new requirements for registering cars and getting license plates has allowed thousands of illegal immigrants to slip through. New requirements for showing photo IDs were supposed to begin last summer but didn't take effect until August 24th this year.

Smaller Ohio Hospitals May Struggle
Monday, September 14, 2009

(FINDLAY, Ohio - AP) – Smaller hospitals in Ohio are struggling. The chief executive officials of Blanchard Valley Hospital in northwestern Ohio says small hospitals will be hit hard by a new assessment fee on hospital expenses the state plans to collect. Officials say small hospitals have fewer places to go for the cash. Governor Ted Strickland's spokesman says the fee will preserve medicaid.

Concerend Ohio Democrates
Monday, September 14, 2009

(UNDATED) - As job losses continue and President Barack Obama's popularity slips, Democrats are concerned about losing seats in next year's congressional races. At least four close races are taking shape in Ohio, in districts where Obama made a strong showing last year.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Monday, September 14, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actress Zoe Caldwell is 76. Feminist author Kate Millett is 75. Actor Walter Koenig is 73. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown is 69. Singer-actress Joey Heatherton is 65. Actor Sam Neill is 62. Singer Jon "Bowzer" Bauman (Sha Na Na) is 62. Rock musician Ed King is 60. Rock musician Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) is 54. Country singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman is 53. Actress Mary Crosby is 50. Singer Morten Harket (a-ha) is 50. Country singer John Berry is 50. Actress Melissa Leo is 49. Actress Faith Ford is 45. Actor Jamie Kaler is 45. Actress Michelle Stafford is 44. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is 44. Rock musician Mike Cooley (Drive-By Truckers) is 43. Actor Dan Cortese is 41. Contemporary Christian singer Mark Hall is 40. Actor-writer-director-producer Tyler Perry is 40. Actor Ben Garant is 39. Rock musician Craig Montoya (Tri Polar) is 39. Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley is 38. Rapper Nas is 36. Country singer Danielle Peck is 31. Pop singer Ayo is 29. Singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse is 26. Actor Adam Lamberg is 25.

Fog Gave Some A Four Day Weekend
Friday, September 11, 2009

(UNDATED) – You could have, but you couldn’t hide from the thick fog this morning. Streetlights and landmarks were barely visible this morning due to dense fog that hopefully made drivers slow down. The fog may have caused some driving challenges, but it gave all of the students in Williams County another four-day weekend with students already being for Kids Day at the Williams County Fair on Monday. Most other schools in surrounding counties used a standard two-hour delay, and some even used a three-hour delay this morning.

9/11 Remembered
Friday, September 11, 2009

(Undated) - Americans are marking the 9/11 terror attacks anniversary with volunteer projects on what has been declared a national day of service. An organization in Cleveland plans to paint sleeping cats and other scenes on the boarded-up windows of abandoned properties. This week, since the September 11th terror attacks anniversary falls on a Friday for the first time, some high school football teams are planning observances.

Investigators Talk With Man Shot By Teen During Domestic Dispute
Friday, September 11, 2009

(ANGOLA) - It will be up to Steuben County Prosecutor Tom Wilson to determine if charges will be filed following a violent Tuesday night domestic dispute at a home near Golden Lake which erupted in gunfire. Indiana State Police Detective Kevin Smith says investigators talked with 55-year-old Harry Burdine of Hudson on Thursday while he was recovering from two gun shot wounds in a Fort Wayne hospital. Burdine suffered non-life threatening injuries when he was shot twice by the 16-year-old son of a woman he was allegedly assaulting at her home on 400 West. State Police and the Steuben County Sheriffs Department have been investigating the incident.

OVI Checkpoint Set In Ottawa Tonight
Friday, September 11, 2009

(LIMA) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that a low-manpower, multi-agency OVI sobriety checkpoint will take place from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight on U.S. Route 224, just east of Agner Street in the village of Ottawa, located in Putnam County. The Patrol will work with the Ottawa Police Department during the event. The OVI checkpoint, funded by fines from impaired drivers and other federal funding, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers. The checkpoint is in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes. Remember, If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.

Things Are Buzzing At The County Fairgrounds
Friday, September 11, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – If you have driven by the count fair grounds in Montpelier, especially in the evening, you may have noticed that things are starting to “buzz” as the fair will officially start this Saturday, September 12th. The county fair will run until Saturday, September 19th. Kids day at the fair will be Monday, September 14th. More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website: www.wcofair.com). You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Meet the Candidates Night
Friday, September 11, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Government Affairs Team of the Bryan Chamber will once again host the "Meet the Candidates Forum" night. The event will be held in the New Era Ohio Auditorium on Thursday, October 22nd at 7 p.m. lasting approximately one hour. All and any individual is invited and questions will be accepted prior to the event and during the evening.

Kurtz Gets 2 Bills Approved By House In 1 Day
Friday, September 11, 2009

(Undated) – Michigan State Representative Kenneth Kurtz Thursday successfully maneuvered two of his bills through the Michigan House, a rare feat for any lawmaker but almost unheard of for Kurtz considering he is a member of the chamber's minority party. The Democrat-led Michigan House Thursday unanimously approved Kurtz's House Bill 5299, which allows foster care children to stay in the same public school, and HB 5246, which helps identify and properly bury the unclaimed cremated remains of Michigan veterans. Kurtz says he has quickly learned that you need to work together if you want to get anything done in Lansing. Each Kurtz bill approved today by the House is part of a bipartisan package. HB 5299 helps ensure that foster care children can stay in the same school regardless of whether the child is residing in the district. HB 5246 allows funeral directors to share the names of unclaimed cremated remains in their possession with Michigan's Veterans Service Organizations. Both bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

Ohio High School Basketball Will Use Video Replay
Friday, September 11, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The sanctioning body for high school sports in Ohio says a video replay system will be used at state boys and girls basketball tournaments. The Ohio High School Athletic Association's board of directors met yesterday and approved the use of video replay, with details and procedures to be finalized in the coming months.

WLZZ’s Jim Measel Follows Hilltop
Friday, September 11, 2009

(UNDATED) – Tonight for Friday Football, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be at Holgate with Hilltop. This will be the first home game at Tiger Stadium this season. This will be the third time Hilltop faces a Green Meadows Conference opponent this season. The Cadets lost opening week to Edgerton, 20-18, but defeated Antwerp last week, 13-0. Game time tonight is 7:30 p.m. with pre-game starting here on WLZZ at 7:15 p.m.

Ohio Lawmakers Consider Gender/Sexual Discrimination
Friday, September 11, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Ohio lawmakers will consider a proposal barring discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. The House could bring the bill to a vote when lawmakers return from a break next week. It's sponsor says it's taken years for his colleagues to separate discrimination from the issue of gay marriage.

Honda in East Liberty
Friday, September 11, 2009

(EAST LIBERTY, Ohio - AP) - Honda says its East Liberty in Ohio will be the production site for the automaker's new Accord Crosstour. Production on the crossover SUV is expected to begin this fall. It's not expected to bring any new jobs to the plant, which employs about 2,400 workers.

Natural Gas Accident in Antrim
Friday, September 11, 2009

(ANTRIM, Ohio - AP) - A worker on a crew shutting down a natural gas well in Antrim has died after the crew ran into a pocket of deadly hydrogen sulfide gas. A fire official says the worker fell to the ground when he inhaled the gas yesterday. Four other workers were then overcome when they tried to help him.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Friday, September 11, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actress Betsy Drake is 86. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) is 85. Actor Earl Holliman is 81. Newspaper columnist David S. Broder is 80. Movie director Brian De Palma is 69. Rock musician Mickey Hart (The Dead) is 66. Singer-musician Leo Kottke is 64. Actor Phillip Alford is 61. Actress Amy Madigan is 59. Rock singer-musician Tommy Shaw (Styx) is 56. Sports reporter Lesley Visser is 56. Actor Reed Birney is 55. Singer-songwriter Diane Warren is 53. Musician Jon Moss (Culture Club) is 52. Actor Scott Patterson is 51. Rock musician Mick Talbot (The Style Council) is 51. Actress Roxann Dawson is 51. Actress Virginia Madsen is 48. Actress Kristy McNichol is 47. Musician-composer Moby is 44. Business reporter Maria Bartiromo is 42. Singer Harry Connick Jr. is 42. Rock musician Bart Van Der Zeeuw is 41. Actress Laura Wright is 39. Rock musician Jeremy Popoff (Lit) is 38. Blogger Markos Moulitsas is 38. Singer Brad Fischetti (LFO) is 34. Rapper Mr. Black is 32. Rock musician Jon Buckland (Coldplay) is 32. Rapper Ludacris is 32. Rock singer Ben Lee is 31. Ed Reed is 31. Actor Ryan Slattery is 31. Actor Tyler Hoechlin (HEK'-lihn) is 22. Country singer Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum) is 28.

Bryan Man Enter Into Plea Bargain Thursday
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(AUBURN) - A Bryan, Ohio man entered into a plea bargain agreement with DeKalb County prosecutors on Wednesday after he was charged in connection with a police chase last May. Court officials say 20-year-old Brandon Sprow pled guilty to Class D felony charges of resisting law enforcement using a vehicle and receiving stolen property. Three misdemeanors would be dismissed under terms of the plea agreement which Superior Court Judge Kevin Wallace took under advisement. An October 14th sentencing hearing was scheduled. Waterloo reserve officer Ryan Openlander suffered a bruised hip when he fell on his weapon while chasing Sprow. The chase ended when DeKalb County Police say the car Sprow was driving crashed into a tree on County Road 19 near Auburn.

Ohio Joblessness
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - While joblessness looks to remain high, economists have told Governor Ted Strickland the state's economy is stabilizing. A panel of economists met with Strickland and top staffers today, suggesting Ohio's unemployment rate will top out at 11.9 in the next fiscal year before starting to fall.

Investigators Plan To Talk With Burdine
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(UNDATED) - Investigators plan to talk with a Hudson man today following a violent Tuesday night domestic dispute near Pleasant Lake that led to gunfire. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department and Indiana State Police say 55-year-old Harry Burdine suffered non-life threatening injuries when he was shot twice by the 16-year-old son of a woman he was allegedly assaulting at her home on 400 West near Golden Lake. State Police Detective Kevin Smith says they wanted to interview Burdine yesterday but it was postponed because of surgery. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident.

Things Are Buzzing At The County Fairgrounds
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – If you have driven by the county fair grounds in Montpelier, especially in the evening, you may have noticed that things are starting to “buzz” as the fair will officially start this Saturday, September 12th. The county fair will run until Saturday, September 19th. Kids day at the fair will be Monday, September 14th. More information on the Williams County Fair is available on the fair website: w-c-o-fair-dot-com (www.wcofair.com). You can also call the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Youngster Drowning Ruled Accidental
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(EDON) – The drowning death of a four-year-old boy who drowned on Sunday night in a family pond on County Road I near Edon has been ruled accidental. The Williams County Sheriff’s Office received notification on Wednesday from the Allen County Coroner’s Office that the cause of death for 4-year-old Joshua W. Wodarski-Felt was asphyxia due to drowning. Sheriff Kevin Beck says that this was a “tragic” situation. Beck says the youngster’s parents had taken all safety precaution possible to prevent a situation such as this from occurring.

Storage Facility Proposal At Old Maxton Motors
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(MONTPELIER) - The Planning Commission for the Village of Montpelier will conduct a meeting to review a storage facility proposal at the old Maxton motors carport area. The meeting will be held on Monday, September 14th at 4:30 p.m. at the Montpelier town hall. All oral and written comments will be accepted and reviewed at that time. Please direct any written testimony to Village of Montpelier, Planning Commission or call 419.485.5543.

Ohio Lottery Hits Limit On 9-9-09
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(CLEVELAND - AP) - The Ohio Lottery says too many people thought the calendar would make nine a lucky number. Spokeswoman Jeannie Roberts says the lottery reached its limit and had to stop selling Pick 4 tickets Wednesday for the combination 9-9-0-9, which was the day's date, Sept. 9, 2009. She says 9-9-9 was a very popular Pick 3 choice. The winning numbers from the daytime drawing were 2-1-8 for the Pick 3 and 4-6-7-6 for Pick 4. The night drawing came up with a Pick 3 number of 9-7-9 and a Pick 4 of 8-0-0-8.

Trade Toledo Shirts For Ohio Shirts
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - The University of Toledo Rockets are offering free T-shirts to fans who turn in Ohio State Buckeyes clothing. The two schools play at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 19th. Toledo's director of licensing says he wants to get Ohio State gear off campus.

Somalia President Makes Ohio Visit
Thursday, September 10, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Somalia's newly elected president will visit Columbus this fall as part of a tour of U.S. communities with large Somali populations. A top diplomat says Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed (shayk shah-REEF' shayk AHK'-med) will make the trip after he attends the United Nations General Assembly late this month.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Thursday, September 10, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Golfer Arnold Palmer is 80. Actor Philip Baker Hall is 78. Country singer Tommy Overstreet is 72. Actor Greg Mullavey is 70. Jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers is 69. Singer Danny Hutton (Three Dog Night) is 67. Singer Jose Feliciano is 64. Actor Tom Ligon is 64. Actress Judy Geeson is 61. Former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau is 61. Political commentator Bill O'Reilly is 60. Rock musician Joe Perry (Aerosmith) is 59. Actress Amy Irving is 56. Country singer Rosie Flores is 53. Actress Kate Burton is 52. Movie director Chris Columbus is 51. Actor Colin Firth is 49. Rock singer-musician David Lowery (Cracker) is 49. MLB All-Star pitcher Randy Johnson is 46. Rock musician Stevie D. (Buckcherry) is 43. Rock musician Robin Goodridge (Bush) is 44. Rock singer-musician Miles Zuniga (Fastball) is 43. Rapper Big Daddy Kane is 41. Movie director Guy Ritchie is 41. Actor Ryan Phillippe (FIHL'-ih-pee) is 35. NBA All-Star Ben Wallace is 35. Rock musician Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance) is 29. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Timothy Goebel is 29.

Man Shot During Domestic Dispute Near Golden Lake
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(STEUBEN TOWNSHIP) - A Hudson man suffered what were described as non-life threatening injuries on Tuesday night when he was shot twice during a domestic dispute at a home south of Golden Lake. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department reports 55-year-old Harry Burdine was first taken to Cameron Hospital before being transferred to a Fort Wayne Hospital for treatment of his injuries. The Samaritan Helicopter was called in but it was waived off right before it was supposed to land. Detective Dale Murray reports in a news release issued by the Sheriffs Department that police were called to 3895 South 400 West just after 10:00pm. According to Murray, Burdine was shot twice by a 16-year-old boy while Burdine allegedly assaulted a female at the residence. No arrests have been made at this time but Murray says the Sheriffs Department and Indiana State Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

Youngster Drowning Ruled Accidental
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(EDON) – The drowning death of a four-year-old boy who drowned on Sunday night in a family pond on County Road I near Edon has been ruled accidental. The Williams County Sheriff’s Office received notification on Wednesday from the Allen County Coroner’s Office that the cause of death for 4-year-old Joshua W. Wodarski-Felt was asphyxia due to drowning. Sheriff Kevin Beck says that this was a “tragic” situation. Beck says the youngster’s parents had taken all safety precaution possible to prevent a situation such as this from occurring.

Ohio Patrol Reports Safer Labor Day Weekend
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(UNDATED) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that Labor Day fatalities were down from last year. Law enforcement agencies reported 12 fatal crashes, killing 12 people, from 6 p.m. Friday to midnight Monday. Last year, 18 people were killed during a similar reporting period. As part of the national Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign, which ran from August 21st through September 7th, the Patrol arrested 1,564 motorists for OVI. During this holiday weekend alone, troopers removed 596 impaired drivers off Ohio roadways.

Answers Still Being Sought In Five Year Old Hillsdale County Murder Case
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(HILLSDALE) - It's been nearly five years since a Bryan, Ohio man was found shot to death in a Hillsdale County cornfield. Michigan State Police investigators say they are still looking for clues into the shooting death of 45-year-old Arthur Wayne Beard. His body was found on September 26th, 2004 in a field on Burt Road in Hillsdale County's Ransom Township. State Police at Jonesville says the Beard family wants closure so they are asking anyone who may information on the crime to call them at 517.849.9922.

Bryan Resident Wins $550 Gift Card For Blood Donation
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(BRYAN) - Bryan resident Robin Gubbins is the lucky winner of one of ten $500 Meijer gift cards that were given away this summer. Each week from June 29 to Sept. 7, the American Red Cross and Meijer awarded a $500 Meijer gift card to one lucky donor in the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. Gubbins entered the drawing at the GM Powertrain blood drive on August 17th. Red Cross officials say Gubbins was excited about her prize. A blood donor for more than 10 years, Gubbins gives blood as often as she is able to. She says that her father was in a severe automobile accident and ended up getting six pints of blood. By her accounts, she figured giving blood was a pretty good reason to give back to someone. You can join her by giving the gift of life by calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or visiting indianaohioredcross.org.

WLZZ Football Game of the Week
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(Undated) – This week for Friday Football, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be at Holgate with Hilltop. As usual, pre-game will start at 7:15 p.m. on WLZZ-104.5.

Nobody Took Mega Millions Jackpot
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(ATLANTA - AP) - Nobody took the $18 million jackpot in yesterday's Mega Millions drawing, so the grand prize amount has been upped to $28 million for the next drawing on Friday. Last night's winning numbers were 4, 10, 18, 28 and 50, with a Mega Ball number of 35.

Ohio Environmental Group Expects Appeal
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - An Ohio environmental group expects to further appeal a decision that it says keeps the state attorney general from intervening in a property rights fight. The court upheld a lower court ruling that lakefront property owners on Lake Erie own the land up to the water's edge.

Tony Stewart Host Charity Race in Ohio
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(ROSSBURG, Ohio - AP) - Tony Stewart will take on fellow NASCAR drivers tonight in an annual charity race on the dirt track he owns near Rossburg in western Ohio. The race is called the Gillette Young Guns Prelude to the Dream, and proceeds will go to four military-themed charities.

Lawn & Garden Company Expans in Ohio
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

(MARYSVILLE, Ohio - AP) - Lawn and garden products maker Scott’s-Miracle-Gro plans to expand its main manufacturing plant in Ohio and make other improvements that could eventually create about 100 jobs. The company is getting state tax credits and other grants to help fund the expansion work.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actor Cliff Robertson is 86. Actor Topol is 74. Rhythm-and-blues singer Luther Simmons is 67. Singer Inez Foxx is 67. Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 64. Rock singer-musician Doug Ingle is 63. Country singer Freddy Weller is 62. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Joe Theismann is 60. Actor Tom Wopat is 58. Actress Angela Cartwright is 57. Musician-producer Dave Stewart is 57. Actor Hugh Grant is 49. Actor Adam Sandler is 43. Actor David Bennent is 43. Rock singer Paul Durham (Black Lab) is 41. Model Rachel Hunter is 40. Actor Goran Visnjic (VEEZ'-nihch) is 37. Pop-jazz singer Michael Buble' (boo-BLAY') is 34. Latin singer Maria Rita is 32. Actress Michelle Williams is 29.

Two Separate Drowning Incidents Claim Lives in the Tri-State
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(Undated) — Williams County, Ohio officials report the death of a 4 year-old after an apparent drowning at a family pond. Sheriff Kevin Beck said the victim was a 4 year-old male and the drowning occurred just outside of Edon on County Road I. He says a landing zone for air transport occurred at 8:55 p.m. after family members found the youngster in the pond. County EMS and the Edon Fire Department responded and the boy was then transported by Samaritan helicopter to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sheriff Beck says he was pronounced dead by the Allen County coroner late Sunday night; however as of 2:30 p.m. this afternoon Sheriff Beck says his office has not released the name of the youngster out of respect for the family. Sheriff Kevin Beck said the family’s pond is fenced in and it appears that the parents took every percussion possible. Meanwhile in Indiana’s Elkhart County, authorities say an 18-month-old boy drowned in a pond at a Middlebury home over the holiday weekend. Police say the toddler was found in the pond Sunday morning. Paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on him. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Answers Still Being Sought In Five Year Old Hillsdale County Murder Case
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(HILLSDALE) - It's been nearly five years since a Bryan, Ohio man was found shot to death in a Hillsdale County cornfield. Michigan State Police investigators say they are still looking for clues into the shooting death of 45-year-old Arthur Wayne Beard. His body was found on September 26th, 2004 in a field on Burt Road in Hillsdale County's Ransom Township. State Police at Jonesville says the Beard wants closure so they are asking anyone who may information on the crime to call them at 517.849.9922.

Ohio Judge Orders Shoplifters To Wear T-shirts
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(WAUSEON, Ohio - AP) - A northwest Ohio judge has added neon green T-shirts to his sentencing repertoire. Western District Court Judge Jeff Robinson in Fulton County is requiring some defendants to wear shirts announcing "I'm a thief" while they perform court-ordered community service. The judge says public punishment can serve as a deterrent, especially during tough economic times when theft crimes seem to rise. The shirts have mainly been ordered for convicted shoplifters. At least one defendant offered to pay a stiffer fine instead.

Learn To Socialize on Facebook
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - The Bryan Senior Center will host a class on the internet rage Facebook tonight (Tuesday) beginning at 6pm. It will cover the history of Facebook, how it is used, who uses it and what you need to know if you want to get started. High School students will be available to help individuals in the computer lab. Call 419.636.4047 for more information or to register. Make sure to “friend” WLZZ.

Union Street Grill Big Winner in Burger Battle
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – It was a weekend of burgers, music, and more as the Bryan Area Chamber held round two of Bryan’s Best Burger Battle. Area chefs and restaurant owners duked it out and flipped burgers sharing their best with event visitors. At the end of the Burger Battle winning the honors of #1-Judges Choice and #1-People’s Choice was Union Street Grill.

People Choice
1st – Union Street Grill
2nd – Mohre’s Fine Dinning
3rd – Northwest State Community College

Judges Choice
1st – Union Street Grill
2nd – Shaffer’s Restaurant
3rd – Northwest State Community

Balloons Help Kick-off United Way Campaighn
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(Edgerton) – The 2009 Williams County United Way Campaign started Friday night right before the kickoff of the Route 49 (Edon and Edgerton) football game at Stauffer Field in Edgerton. Cheerleaders and United Way volunteers released balloons that were in the school colors for both Edon and Edgerton into the sky. Dee and Tom Balser from Edgerton is the campaign chair. The goal for the 2009 campaign in $330,000.

Patrol Plans Multi-agency OVI Sobriety Checkpoint
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(Undated) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that troopers will operate a low-manpower, multi-agency OVI sobriety checkpoint to deter and intercept impaired drivers this week. The county where the checkpoint will take place will be announced the day prior to the checkpoint, and the location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint. The Ohio Patrol says there were 435 OVI-related fatal crashes in which 474 people were killed last year in Ohio. It’s reported that state troopers made 25,520 OVI arrests last year in combating these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed not only to deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways. If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired. Operational support for the sobriety checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.

Michigan Kids Head Back To School
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

(UNDATED) – School starts this week around Michigan. Area law enforcement agencies along with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning are reminding motorists and students to be careful in the time before and after classes start. If you drive near a school or where children are walking, stay alert for kids who may dart out into the roadway. Remember to obey school bus lights like they were traffic signals. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate children are getting on or off the bus. Children are also encouraged to cross the street only at crosswalks. Also if you bike to school, wear an approved helmet. In 2008, 11 pedestrians ages 6-17 were killed and 491 injured in Michigan. Three bicyclists in the same age range were killed and 542 suffered injuries.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Comedian Sid Caesar is 87. Ventriloquist Willie Tyler is 69. Actor Alan Feinstein is 68. Pop singer Sal Valentino (The Beau Brummels) is 67. Author Ann Beattie is 62. Cajun singer Zachary Richard (ree-SHARD') is 59. Musician Will Lee ("Late Show with David Letterman") is 57. Actress Heather Thomas is 52. Singer Aimee Mann is 49. Pop musician David Steele (Fine Young Cannibals) is 49. Actor Thomas Kretschmann is 47. Rhythm-and-blues singer Marc Gordon (Levert) is 45. Gospel singer Darlene Zschech (chehk) is 44. Alternative country singer Neko (NEE'-koh) Case is 39. TV personality Brooke Burke is 38. Actor Martin Freeman is 38. Actor Henry Thomas is 38. Actor David Arquette is 38. Rock musician Richard Hughes (Keane) is 34. Actor Larenz Tate is 34. Actor Nathan Corddry is 32. Rhythm-and-blues singer Pink is 30. Actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas is 28.

OVI Sobriety Checkpoint in Van Wert Planned Tonight
Saturday, September 5, 2009

(VAN WERT) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that a low-manpower OVI checkpoint will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight at U.S. Route 127 (Washington Street), south of U.S. Route 30, in the city of Van Wert, located in Van Wert County. The OVI checkpoint, funded by fines from impaired drivers and other federal funding, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers. The checkpoint will be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes. If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.

Fremont Man Killed In Car-Motorcycle Crash Near Pokagon State Park
Saturday, September 5, 2009

(JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP) - A Fremont man was killed and another person was injured late Friday morning in a crash involving a motorcycle and a car at the intersection of State Road 127 and 727 near the entrance to Pokagon State Park. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department reports 68-year-old Clayton Patterson died from internal injuries at Cameron Hospital following the accident which took place at about 11:00am. They say the accident took place as 52-year-old Lynn Apling of Oregon, Ohio was trying to turn left onto the ramp for northbound I-69. Apling told investigators he did not see Patterson's southbound motorcycle and struck it head on. Patterson was ejected from the motorcycle. Meanwhile, a passenger in Apling's car, 63-year-old Linda Apling, was taken to Cameron with chest pain. Police say Patterson had his helmet on while the Aplings were both wearing seat belts and the airbags deployed in the car. Fremont Police along Angola and Fremont firefighters, Indiana Conservation Officers and Steuben County E.M.S. assisted at the scene.

Commissioners Hear Respectful Protest
Saturday, September 5, 2009

(Williams County, OH) - During this weeks regular session of The Board of Williams County Commissioners voices were heard that were respectfully protesting a recent reduction force concerning local agriculture extension position. The specific position mention was the forced reduction of agricultural educator Flo Chirra. Commissioners met with Jeff Dick, from the OSU Extension Office and many key figures from the farming community including Paul Haines with the local Pork Producers organization and Tom Saul representing area Beef Producers were present. Commissioners agreed that Ag extension positions and employees like Flo Chirra are important to a community like Williams County, but sited that other offices in the county had to lay-off valuable staff. For know extension supporters and county officials will continue to discuss this matter, but as for now cuts still stand for the Williams County OSU Extension Office, leaving Jeff Dick the only remaining full-time employee. Commissioners hope to get the position back. Commissioner Lou Hilkert says, despite the fact the county is looking at 1.8 million dollars in revenue for the whole year, they will continue to look at the matter. Hilkert also added, that the Commissioners appreciate the service of Flo Chirra and all he has done. As whole the Commissioners hope that they can retain extension positions. Hilkert also said the discussion on this issue was open, and both sides have been very cordial, respectful, and understanding on this issue.

Information Sought In Robbery That Resulted In Injury
Friday, September 4, 2009

(MONTPELIER) – Crime Stoppers of Williams County, Ohio is looking for help in solving a burglary that result in injury at the Fraternal Order of Eagles located at 214 North Jonesville Street in Montpelier, Ohio. Authorities say that during the robbery on Thursday morning, an employee was assaulted and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. The victim was transported by the Williams County EMS to the Community Hospital of Williams County in Montpelier. The victim was later transported by helicopter to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio for further treatment. The victim’s condition has not yet been released at this time. Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime is asked to call Williams County Crime Stoppers at 419.485.9302. You do not have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is also offering an additional re-ward.

Meth Implements Found In Field Lead To Arrest
Friday, September 4, 2009

(BRYAN) – The Bryan Police Department, Williams County Sheriff’s Department and members of the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force have made two drug related arrest. Authorities received information pertaining to implements used in the manufacture of methamphetamine that were abandoned in a field adjacent to property located at 05735 County Road J-50. Officers later recovered what was left of a meth lab in a field. As a result of further investigation, William R. Robasser of Sylvania, Ohio was arrested for assembly of chemicals for the manufacture of meth, a felony of the 3rd degree. Also charged was Steven Bechtol Jr. of rural Bryan for manufacture of meth, a felony in the 2nd degree. Both suspects are lodged in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio pending court appearances.

Van Wert County OVI Checkpoint Planned
Friday, September 4, 2009

(VAN WERT) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that a low-manpower OVI checkpoint will be held in Van Wert County tomorrow evening. The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers. The location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday morning.

Police Chief Back to Upholding Law, Order, And Ordinances of the Village
Friday, September 4, 2009

(Stryker, OH) – All in a few weeks time Stryker Police Chief Dan Hughes was placed on paid administrative leave and now has been returned to his normal routine for the Stryker Village. Hughes had been temporarily relieved of his duties by Mayor Larry Davis for undisclosed reasons, pending results from an investigation conducted by management consultant Pete Lowe, with Clemans Nelson and Associates, Inc. of Lima. After Davis and Stryker town officials reinstated Hughes this week, they all still declined to make any comments. In a statement released from the Stryker Village Office, Mayor Davis states “there was a lack of good communication between the parties” in reference to whatever it was that sparked officials to have an investigation occur. Hughes returns to active service as Police Chief and according to documents released to WLZZ, he will not lose any of his compensation or benefits.

United Way Holds Campaign 2009 Kickoff Tonight
Friday, September 4, 2009

(Undated) - United Way of Williams County will be kicking off Campaign 2009 tonight prior to the start of the Route 49 Classic as Edon vs. Edgerton. Featured during the kickoff will be a balloon launch signifying the start of the annual appeal. Chris Malanga, CEO of Williams County United Way, will be joining WLZZ’s Jim Measel on-air during pre-game.

Are You Ready For Some Football?
Friday, September 4, 2009

(Undated) – It’s Football Friday! Tonight WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be in Edgerton as the Edon Blue Bombers come in to face the home Bulldogs. Long time rivals will square up for the Route 49 Battle Friday, with pre-game starting here on WLZZ at 7:15 p.m. with Jim Measel.

Reward Offered For Death of Toledo Woman
Friday, September 4, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - Family members are offering a reward of at least $1,000 for information in the killing of a Toledo woman. Investigators say 26-year-old Jennifer Shively was strangled before her body was dumped in a marina.

Ohia Has Second N1H1 Death
Friday, September 4, 2009

(OLUMBUS, Ohio – AP) - Ohio has seen its third death from N1H1 flu. A 20-year-old pregnant woman died at a Columbus hospital. Officials say the woman's baby is doing well, after being delivered before she passed away.

Kings Island Says Goodbye Sponge Bob
Friday, September 4, 2009

(SANDSUKY, Ohio - AP) - Charlie Brown and other members of the Peanuts gang are replacing Sponge Bob and other Nickelodeon characters at Kings Island amusement park near Cincinnati. Owner Cedar Fair says its contract with Nickelodeon ran out.

New Jobless Claims Dip Less Than Expected to 570K
Thursday, September 3, 2009

(Undated) - New jobless claims fell slightly last week while the number of people receiving unemployment benefits rose, a sign the job market's recovery will be long and bumpy. The Labor Department says the number of laid-off workers applying for benefits dipped to 570,000 last week, a weaker performance than the drop to 560,000 that economists expected. Ohio had one of the week's largest increases in claims, up by 2,018 because of layoffs in the auto industry. The number of people nationwide receiving jobless benefits totaled 6.23 million for the week ending August 22, up 92,000 from the previous week, which had been the lowest level since early April. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected that number to fall to 6.13 million.

Things Are Stirring At The Fairgrounds
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – If you have driven by the 4-H Fair grounds in Montpelier, especially in the evening, you may have noticed that things are starting to “buzz” as the fair will officially start Saturday, September 12th. The fair runs until Saturday, September 19th. Generally, the fair office is open Mondays from 12-noon through 8 p.m., but they have extended hours right now throughout the week. Kids day at the fair will be Monday, September 14th. More information on the Williams County 4-H fair is available on the fair web w-c-o-fair-dot-com (www.wcofair.com) or by calling the fair office at 419.485.3755.

Give Blood Today in Stryker
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(STRYKER) — The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Stryker today (Thursday) from noon to 5 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 701 S. Defiance St. All presenting donors will receive a T-shirt. Other prizes will also be given.

Football Friday With WLZZ's Jim Measel
Thursday, September 3, 2009

(Undated) – For Football Friday this week, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be in Edgerton as the Edon Blue Bombers come in to face the home Bulldogs. Long time rivals will square up for the Route 49 Battle Friday, with pre-game starting here on WLZZ at 7:15 p.m. with Jim Measel.

Arena Jobs Draw Hundreds Of Applicants In Ohio
Thursday, September 3, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - Hundreds of people have waited nearly 12 hours to apply for 150 part-time, seasonal positions at a new Ohio sports arena. The line of job seekers began to form in Toledo at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, for a job fair that didn't begin until 5 p.m. The openings at the Lucas County Arena were with contractors looking to hire food workers, ticket takers, janitors and security crews. The pay ranges from $7.30 an hour to $9.75 per hour. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services recently reported that Toledo had unemployment of 15.4 percent in July, one of the highest among the state's largest cities. The Toledo Walleyes hockey team is scheduled to begin playing at the new arena on Oct. 16.

GOP Chief Visiting Ohio Democrats' Districts
Thursday, September 3, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The national Republican Party chief is making stops in Ohio as part of a tour targeting Democratic members of Congress on the health care issue. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has events planned for Thursday in the southwest Ohio district of Rep. Steve Driehaus (DREE'-hows), the southeast Ohio district of Rep. Zack Space, and the central Ohio district of Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy. Steele has dismissed the health care plans of President Barack Obama and Democrats as an "experiment" that he says will cost trillions of dollars and saddle taxpayers with more debt. National Democratic leaders say Steele and the GOP should be trying to work with the president and his party.

Vote on Ohio Racetrack Slots
Thursday, September 3, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A decision could come by the middle of this month from the state Supreme Court over whether Ohio voters should get a chance to overturn the state's newly authorized racetrack slots plan. Justices in Columbus have been hearing oral arguments on the issue.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Thursday, September 3, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actress Helen Wagner ("As the World Turns") is 91. "Beetle Bailey" cartoonist Mort Walker is 86. Actress Anne Jackson is 83. Actress Eileen Brennan is 77. Country singer Tompall Glaser is 76. Actress Pauline Collins is 69. Rock singer-musician Al Jardine is 67. Actress Valerie Perrine is 66. Rock musician Donald Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad) is 61. Rock guitarist Steve Jones (The Sex Pistols) is 54. Actor Steve Schirripa is 52. Rock singer-musician Todd Lewis is 44. Actor Charlie Sheen is 44. Baseball All-Star Luis Gonzalez is 42. Singer Jennifer Paige is 36. Actress Ashley Jones is 33. NFL player Casey Hampton is 32. Actress Nichole Hiltz is 31. Actor Nick Wechsler is 31. Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White is 23.

Boil Advisory Lifted In Fremont
Wednesday, September 2, 2009

(FREMONT) - A boil water advisory was lifted this afternoon for Fremont water customers. The advisory was issued on Monday afternoon as a precaution after town officials received notice that water samples taken last week tested positive for coliform. Steve Gard from the Fremont Water Department says the positive results came from two random samples that were taken from one house in town. It's not known what caused the positive tests but it's possible a water softener may have affected the samples. Gard says there was not a problem at the Fremont Water Plant. The boil advisory was lifted following the tests of two samples on Monday in Fort Wayne.

Suspect Captured Minutes After Coldwater Hold Up
Wednesday, September 2, 2009

(COLDWATER) - A suspect was arrested this morning minutes after a Coldwater gas station was held up. The robbery took place at about 3:45am at the Shell station on Marshall Street. Coldwater Police say the suspect, 30-year-old Joshua Michael Dillon of Battle Creek, was captured on Michigan Avenue near Newton Road. Dillon previously lived in Coldwater. He was charged with robbery, possession of breaking and entering tools and operating while intoxicated. Dillon was also wanted on a parole violation. He is being held in the Branch County Jail without bond pending a District Court arraignment. Police say he was apprehended after a store employee was able to give police information on the suspect and the vehicle. The employee was not injured during the incident. Coldwater Police did not say anything about a weapon in a news release they issued about the incident. Michigan State Police and the Branch County Sheriffs Department assisted with the arrest.

United Way to Hold Campaign 2009 Kickoff on Friday
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(Undated) - United Way of Williams County will be kicking off Campaign 2009 this Friday, September 4th, prior to the start of the Edon vs. Edgerton football game. Featured during the kickoff will be a balloon launch signifying the start of the annual appeal. For more information contact Chris Malanga, CEO of Williams County United Way.

TU Announces Creation Of Philharmonic Orchestra
Wednesday, September 2, 2009

(ANGOLA) - Trine University has announced the creation of the Trine Philharmonic Orchestra which will be comprised of university and community musicians. The orchestra plans to meet once every week at the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts on West Maumee in Angola. University officials say the ensemble is open to musicians from grade school through adults and members will provide their own instruments. No auditions will be required for stringed instrument players Trine music director Mark Kays says wind instrument players will audition for their parts when wind instruments are needed. Those interested in joining should contact Kays at kaysm@trine.edu. You can also call 665-8096 or 765-720-7537.

Bloodmobile in Stryker Thursday
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(STRYKER) — The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Stryker on Thursday, September 3rd from noon to 5 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 701 S. Defiance St. Call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE to schedule your blood donation appointment. All presenting donors will receive a T-shirt. Give blood, get points, and win prizes. Sign up at redcrossracing.com today.

Route 49 Battle This Friday
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(Undated) – For Football Friday this week, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be in Edgerton as the Edon Blue Bombers come in to face the home Bulldogs. Long time rivals will square up for the Route 49 Battle Friday, with pre-game starting here on WLZZ at 7:15 p.m. with Jim Measel.

WLZZ Sports Fans: We Need You!
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(Undated) – Don’t’ forget to call us or e-mail us with you sports news and scores. You can send pictures or video clip to news@wlzzradio.com.

November 2010 Ballot Issue: Racetrack Slots
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Oral arguments are scheduled today in a lawsuit over a proposed referendum on slot machines at Ohio racetracks. A group opposing the slots called LetOhioVote.org wants a referendum on the slots plan placed on the November 2010 ballot. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has rejected the group's petitions seeking to go to the ballot. The lawsuit challenges Brunner's legal authority to do that.

Ohio Tracks Want More Control Over Slots
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(CLEVELAND - AP) - Ohio horse racetracks are lobbying for more control over slot machines, including how many are allowed and how much will be paid out to winners. Track owners detailed their concerns in a meeting with officials of the Ohio Lottery, which will regulate the slots. Track owners lobbied for about two dozen changes in slot machine rules that have been approved by the Lottery Commission. The state plans to authorize 2,500 video lottery terminals at each of seven racetracks to raise $933 million over two years to shore up a budget deficit. Governor Ted Strickland's administration expects the track owners to be ready with initial slot machine application fees September 15th.

GM Health Care For Retirees
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(DAYTON, Ohio - AP) - A union representing retired autoworkers in Ohio and Mississippi says it has an agreement with General Motors for health-care coverage for retirees. The automaker will offer an extra $50 million in payments to workers who retired before age 65. The agreement must get bankruptcy court approval.

Broad Tax For State Grocers
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - State Supreme Court justices aggressively questioned both sides today in the legal fight over whether state grocers should have to pay a broad tax on food sales receipts. A ruling in favor of the grocers could put a $188 million dent in state revenues.

Mega Millions Jackpot
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(ATLANTA - AP) - Another jackpot has been won in the Mega Millions multi-state lottery game, though this one was worth $12 million, far less than the $333 million that went last Friday. The winning numbers from last night were 2, 9, 28, 51 and 53, with 19 as the Mega Ball number. A ticket with all the winning numbers was sold in Georgia.

Colleges Report N1H1
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - It's not even Labor Day and already four Ohio colleges have reported clusters of N1H1. State health officials say most cases at Miami, Xavier and Cedarville Universities and the University of Cincinnati have been mild.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Wednesday, September 3, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actor Meinhardt Raabe (RAH'-bee) (the Munchkin coroner in "The Wizard of Oz") is 94. Dancer-actress Marge Champion is 90. Jazz musician Horace Silver is 81. Former
Sen. Alan K. Simpson (R-Wyo.) is 78. Former United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth is 72. Rhythm-and-blues singer Sam Gooden (The Impressions) is 70. Singer Jimmy Clanton is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rosalind Ashford (Martha & the Vandellas)is 66. Singer Joe Simon is 66. Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw is 61. Basketball Hall of Famer Nate Archibald is 61. Actor Mark Harmon is 58. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) is 58. Tennis Hall of Famer Jimmy Connors is 57. Actress Linda Purl is 54. Rock musician Jerry Augustyniak (10,000 Maniacs) is 51. Country musician Paul Deakin (The Mavericks) is 50. Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson is 49. Actor Keanu Reeves is 45. Former heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis is 44. Actress Salma Hayek is 43. Actress Kristen Cloke is 41. Actress Cynthia Watros is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer K-Ci is 40. Actor-comedian Katt Williams is 36. Actor Michael Lombardi is 35. Rock musician Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit) is 32. NFL player Brian Westbrook is 30. Rock musician Spencer Smith (Panic at the Disco) is 22.

Ohio Community Teams Up to Bring Idol Competition To The Tri-State
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(Undated) – Williams County, Ohio is gearing up to host a contest that will emulate American Idol. Seven area chambers in the northwest Ohio community have teamed up with WLZZ (Swick Broadcasting Company) to search for a local Superstar in the tri-state area. This competition hopes to attract solo musical talent from Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The northwest Ohio Competition gets underway October 16th. Those interested in signing-up to sing can find the icon on the home page of our website, www.wlzzradio.com. Exclusive details of this competition for particpants and fans can be seen on our edition of video news with Lindsay Adams today. The northwest Ohio program seeks to discover the best singer in the tri-state area through a multi-week series of competition.

Farmers' Almanac Predict Numbing Cold This Winter
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(Undated) – Americans may want to check their sweaters and shovels – the Farmers Almanac is predicting a cold winter. The 2010 edition of the venerable almanac goes on sale this week. It predicts numbing cold from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians. Despite the predictions of the almanac, the National Weather Service is calling for a warmer-than-normal winter because of an El Nino (NEEN'-yoh) weather system that has developed in the Pacific Ocean.

Casebere Family Donates Automobile To Museum
Casebere Family Donates Automobile To Museum

(Auburn, IN) – This year’s 4th Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Benefit Extravaganza will include the auctioning of a car that has a very special story as it was owned by museum volunteer Paul Casebere. In 1927 Paul began his automotive career at the age of 12, working for a Willy’s dealership in Edgerton, Ohio. In 1931 he bought a Willy’s-Knight touring car with a sleeve-valve engine for $25. He dated Mary, his wife of 70 years, in that car. He later purchased a Willy’s-Knight that was very similar to this car. In July 2003 he purchased this car in pieces, but became ill in the fall of 2004 and passed away in February 2005. His friends on the museum’s automotive “Pit Crew” who had worked with him while he was restoring the car, finished it after his death. The car was completed in December 2005 and has been exhibited at the museum since its completion. Paul rebuilt the engine himself, and it is probably the last Willy’s-Knight in the world. The Casebere family donated the automobile to the Museum to be sold with the proceeds being used as a down payment on new museum automotive maintenance center. The 4th Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Benefit Extravaganza will take place at the museum on Thursday, September 3rd at 6 p.m. For more information visit automobile-museum-dot-org (automobilemuseum.org).

Local Sports Tips
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(Undated) – Don’t forget to call us or e-mail us with you sports news and scores. You can send pictures or video clip to news@wlzzradio.com.

Hughes on Leave Pending Investigation Results
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(Stryker, OH) - Stryker Police Chief Dan Hughes has been placed on paid administrative leave. His return is pending the results of an ongoing investigation. Village officials have declined comment, referring all questions to management consultant Pete Lowe, with Clemans Nelson and Associates, Inc. of Lima.

Indiana Crime Stoppers needs Your Help
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(ANGOLA) - Crime Stoppers of Steuben County, Indiana is looking for help in solving a burglary over the weekend at the Express Gas Station at the corner of 200 West and 200 North. The business was broken into sometime between 11:30 p.m. Saturday night and 4 a.m. Sunday morning. Once inside, the suspects took numerous cigarettes and caused damage to the building. Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime is asked to call Steuben County Crime Stoppers at 668.STOP or 1.800.600.HALT. You do not have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Grants For School Field Trips
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Honda of America and Wal-mart are providing the funds for a new program so more schools can bring students to the Ohio Statehouse and its new museum. Grants of up to $400 are available to pay for buses for field trips to Columbus.

Fibromyalgia, Arthritis Group Meet Tonight
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(MONTPELIER) — The next meeting for the Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Support Group is tonight. Starting at 7 p.m. the Montpelier Senior Center, located at 325 Jonesville Street, will host the support group meeting. Fibromyalgia is a disease where people experienced chronic widespread pain and nagging fatigue. One doesn’t have to have the disease to attend the meetings. If you know someone that has Fibromyalgia or an arthritic condition, come and refer them to the support group meetings.

Bryan’s Best Burger Battle
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – Bryan Burger Makers will duke it out in this year’s round two of Bryan’s Best Burger Battle. Burgers, Beverages, & Bands will be the highlight of this year’s event coordinated by the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce. You can taste burger creations from the areas best restaurants and chefs including; Lester's Diner, Mohre's Spirited Dining, Northwest State Community College, O'Bryan's, Orchard Hills Country Club, Shaffer's Restaurant, Union Street Grille, and Welcome Home Family Dining. Each restaurant will feature one of their "famous" burgers that day. In addition, there will be a corn hole tournament and music, featuring Spitin’ Image and Frayed Knot. Things kick off starting at 4 p.m. in the Bryan Moose parking lot, located at 710 North Main Street, and run until 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 5th. For more information call the Bryan Area Chamber or watch a video about the event at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3y4Z9yvHJk.

Ohio Patrol Putting Limits On Facebook Sharing For Officers
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol is telling troopers they must get an OK before mentioning their jobs on Web sites such as Facebook, or posting pictures of themselves in uniform. A lawyer for the troopers union plans to challenge the policy on free-speech grounds.

DNA Test Changes Murder Ties
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - A DNA test doesn't tie the 1980 murder of a Toledo nun to Coral Eugene Watts, a confessed serial killer who died two years ago. A Catholic priest, Reverend Gerald Robinson, is fighting to overturn his conviction in the murder of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Journalist and author Liz Carpenter is 89. Former Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird is 87. Actor George Maharis is 81. Conductor Seiji Ozawa (SAY'-jee oh-ZAH'-wah) is 74. Attorney and law professor Alan Dershowitz is 71. Comedian-actress Lily Tomlin is 70. Actor Don Stroud is 66. Conductor Leonard Slatkin is 65. Singer Archie Bell is 65. Singer Barry Gibb is 63. Rock musician Greg Errico is 61. Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw is 59. Singer Gloria Estefan is 52. Former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers is 48. Jazz musician Boney James is 48. Singer-musician Grant Lee Phillips (Grant Lee Buffalo) is 46. Country singer-songwriter Charlie Robison is 45. Retired NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway is 43. Rap DJ Spigg Nice (Lost Boyz) is 39. Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira ("Desperate Housewives") is 38. Rock singer JD Fortune is 36. NFL player Jason Taylor is 35. Actor Scott Speedman is 34. NFL player Aaron Schobel is 32. NFL player Clinton Portis is 28. Rock musician Joe Trohman is 25.

Stryker Police Chief on Administrative Leave Pending Probe
Monday, August 31, 2009

(Stryker, OH) - Stryker Police Chief Dan Hughes has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the results of an ongoing investigation. Village officials declined comment, referring all questions to management consultant Pete Lowe, with Clemans Nelson and Associates, Inc. of Lima.

Bryan’s Best Burger Battle
Monday, August 31, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - The Bryan Chamber will host the Bryan's Best Burger Battle, Round II in the Bryan Moose Family Center parking lot on Saturday, September 5th. The event will be from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature burgers, beverages and bands. For more information, call the Chamber office at 419.636.2247 or visit their website at www.bryanchamber.org. You can also watch a video about the event at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3y4Z9yvHJk.

Monday's Montpelier Tree Commission Meeting
Monday, August 31, 2009

(Montpelier, OH) - The Tree Commission for the Village of Montpelier tonight will discuss the fair booth for the 2009 Williams County Fair. They will meet and discuss this tonight starting at 7 p.m. at the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce office. All oral and written comments will be accepted and reviewed at that time. Please direct any written testimony to Village of Montpelier, Tree Commission, P0 Box 148, Montpelier-Ohio.

Teegarden First REAL Speaker
Monday, August 31, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - The Retail Education Advancement and Learning Team, a division of the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce, proudly announces the first speaker of their new educational series. Heather Teegarden, Operations Manager, with Andres O’Neil & Lowe Agency, will be speaking on Motivating, Retaining & Attracting Good Employees on Tuesday, September 1st from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 138 South Lynn Street. This free one hour series is open to all business owners, HR Managers and supervisors. A continental breakfast is included. Please RSVP by phone 419.636.2247 if you plan to attend. Visit bryan-chamber-dot-org (www.bryanchamber.org) for future information on the REAL Team educational series programs.

Ohio Gas Prices Down
Monday, August 31, 2009

(Undated) - Ohio gasoline prices have slipped 4 cents in the last week as oil prices tried to reach $75 a barrel, but failed. The latest survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express puts the statewide average for a gallon of regular-grade gas at about $2.50 per gallon, down from $2.54 last Monday. Ohio motorists are paying a nickel more for gas than they did one month ago. Last year at this time, a gallon of regular was considerably more expensive in the state, at $3.61. Oil has traded near $70 a barrel for most of the last few months as investors struggle to gauge how robust the U.S. recovery will be. Crude has tried and failed several times, including last week, to break through the $75 level.

Ohio School Nurses Have Concerns ABout N1H1
Monday, August 24th, 2009

(Undated) - The most recent survey shows Ohio schools have roughly one nurse for every 2,400 students, far below a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standard of one nurse for every 750
students. Officials with the Ohio Association of School Nurses say they have concerns about the threat of N1H1 flu.

Casino Ballot Issue Could Cost Millions of Campaighn $'s
Monday, August 31, 2009

(Undated) - Supporters and opponents of the November 3rd casino ballot issue are predicting a multimillion-dollar campaign. If approved by voters, the proposal would allow casinos in Ohio's four largest cities. Opponents include a West Virginia casino company.

Home Weatherization
Monday, August 31, 2009

(Undated) - The pace of home weatherization has picked up in Ohio as the state releases most of its federal stimulus dollars for sealing homes from the elements. Ohio received $267 million in stimulus money for weatherization. That's more than 10 times the regular allotment of about $25 million during the same 20-month period.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Monday, August 31, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Broadcast journalist Daniel Schorr is 93. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Frank Robinson is 74. Actor Warren Berlinger is 72. Rock musician Jerry Allison (Buddy Holly and the Crickets) is 70. Actor Jack Thompson is 69. Violinist Itzhak Perlman is 64. Singer Van Morrison is 64. Rock musician Rudolf Schenker (The Scorpions) is 61. Actor Richard Gere is 60. Olympic gold medal track and field athlete Edwin Moses is 54. Rock singer Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze) is 52. Rock musician Gina Schock (The Go-Go's) is 52. Singer Tony DeFranco (The DeFranco Family) is 50. Rhythm-and-blues musician Larry Waddell (Mint Condition) is 46. Actor Jaime P. Gomez is 44. Baseball pitcher Hideo Nomo is 41. Rock musician Jeff Russo (Tonic) is 40. Singer-composer Deborah Gibson is 39. Rock musician Greg Richling (Wallflowers) is 39. Actor Zack Ward is 39. Golfer Padraig Harrington is 38. Actor Chris Tucker is 37. Actress Sara Ramirez is 34. Rhythm-and-blues singer Tamara (Trina & Tamara) is 32. NFL player Larry Fitzgerald is 26.

Apparent Suicide at Stryker Facility
Friday, August 28, 2009

(Stryker, OH) – A Toledo man was pronounced dead after an apparent suicide while incarcerated at the corrections Center of Northwest Ohio. Rickie Allen Kelly, age 44, died early Friday morning at Defiance Regional Medical Center. Kelly was housed in a maximum-security cell when an officer at CCNO discovered that Kelly had wounded himself in his cell. Kelly was discovered Friday morning at 1:30 a.m. Officers and nursing staff immediately responded and administered first aid. Kelly was transported by a Williams County EMS Unit to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Kelly had been incarcerated at CCNO since July 30th on charges from Toledo Municipal and Lucas County Pleas Court including receiving stolen property, breaking and entering, aggravated theft and disorderly conduct. The incident will undergo a routine investigation by the Williams County Sheriff’s Department.

Williams County Commissioners Look At Plans For Fountain In Bryan
Friday, August 28, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – Yesterday (Thursday) Williams County Commissioners met with Jim Funderburg, Mandy Hanna from Downtown Bryan, Inc and Tony Ferrall to review and discuss the possibility of a fountain on the square. The trio provided a basic layout and drawing of the fountain, which would tie-in with the present look of the courthouse square in Bryan. Plans are to have final print and drawing finished by the end of the year. A significant amount of money still needs to be raised. Thursday’s viewing of plans was simply a sharing of information – no formal action has been taken.

Auditions For Movie Being Made Locally
Friday, August 28, 2009

(UNDATED) - If you have ever wanted to be in a movie, you may have a chance. Two local movie-makers are creating a horror film titled Fun Land. Open auditions are this weekend for actors and actresses who are interested in being a part of the film. Mitchel Jones who grew up in Pioneer, OH wrote the script. Jones says the plot of the movie involves elements from horror movies from the 70’s and 80’s. A large portion of the film will be shot at Fun Spot Amusement Park in Angola. Dallas McFarland from Coldwater, MI is the producer and he says this will help boost the local economy. For more information about the film and auditions, visit their website www.chasingautumnfilms.com or call 260.602.2754. Auditions will be held this Friday and Saturday at Goog’s Restaurant in Angola, IN. Filming for Fun Land is set to begin on October 1st. See video highlights, including clips from the movie trailer on today’s edition of video news with Lindsay Adams on the homepage of our website.

Dollars Donated and Raised For Defiance County Fair Foundation Project


(Defiance, OH) – In a joint effort of WLZZ and Fitzenrider Culligan $250.00 was raised to benefit the revitalization of the Defiance County Fair Grounds Grandstand. While at the fair, Fitzenrider Culligan, with locations in Bryan and Defiance, has been selling bottled water for 25-cents or $5.00 a case. 100% of the proceeds go to the Defiance Fair Foundation’s project to restore the grandstand. Money was also doanted last night before the truck pulls. Fair officials in Defiance said last night that they hope to have the new improved grandstand ready in 2010 or 2011.

Mobile Driver Examination Station Services Suspended
Friday, August 28, 2009

(Findlay, OH) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that services are temporarily suspended at their Mobile Driver Examination (DX) Station until further notice. The Patrol will be reviewing the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the mobile program. The Mobile DX serviced rural communities in northwest Ohio for the past 3 years. People in need of the DX services are urged to contact their closest DX at the on of the following locations in Bryan, Defiance, or Toledo.

Bryan - (419)636.2193
Defiance - (419)784.1026
Toledo - (419)385.6479

WLZZ Football Friday: Montpelier at Hicksville
Friday, August 28, 2009

(Undated) - In local football action tonight, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be back in his element. Join Jim Measel here on 104.5 as Montpelier heads to Hicksville. Pre-game will start at 7:15 p.m.

Baseball Memorabilia Displayed at Williams County 2009 Fair
Friday, August 28, 2009

(Montpelier, OH) - During the 2009 Williams County Fair, baseball fans can enjoy a vast collection of local and professional baseball memorabilia. The Williams County Historical Society will be displaying a collection featuring uniforms, autographed bats, balls and baseball cards. The Museum is located at 611 E. Main St. in Montpelier next to the fair grounds. This exhibit will be a glimpse at America’s favorite pastime. For questions you can call Kara Dreher at 419.485.8200. The exhibit is free to the public.
Williams County Historical Society Hours During Fair:
Saturday, September 12, 1:00-7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 13, 1:00-7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 14, 1:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 17, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Governor Strickland Approves Two Resignations
Friday, August 28, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The head of Ohio's Public Safety Department and the chief of the highway patrol have both announced they are stepping down. Governor Ted Strickland says he has accepted resignations from Public Safety Director Henry Guzman and State Highway Patrol Superintendent Richard Collins.

Upcoming Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Support Group Meeting
Friday, August 28, 2009

(MONTPELIER) — The next meeting for the Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Support Group will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Montpelier Senior Center, located at 325 Jonesville St. Fibromyalgia is a disease where people experience chronic widespread pain and nagging fatigue. You don't need to have the disease to attend the meeting. If you know someone that has Fibromyalgia or an arthritic condition, come and refer them to the support group meetings.

Stimulus Package Helped Create Jobs in Ohio
Friday, August 28, 2009

(Undated) - Ohio officials say President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus package created or retained 1,138 highway construction jobs in July. That's the first full month that contractors reported employment data to the state. Early data also shows that about 300 young people were hired with stimulus money this summer to clear trails and do other maintenance work at state parks. The numbers offer a glimpse of how the stimulus plan is filtering down. State agencies do have different reporting cycles, so the overall picture of jobs created is incomplete. It's also tempered by Ohio's unemployment rate climbing to 11.2 percent in July. Highway officials say they expect employment to grow as more stimulus-funded construction jobs get started in September.

Toledo Woman Found Dead in Marina
Friday, August 28, 2009

(OAK HARBOR, Ohio - AP) - Authorities say the body found weighted down by cement blocks in a northwest Ohio marina this week has been identified as a Toledo woman, 26-year-old Jennifer Snively. The Ottawa County Sheriff's office says family members came forward to identify her by her tattoos.

Strickland Returns Charitable Donations
Friday, August 28, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Governor Ted Strickland has returned charitable donations he planned to use to balance the budget. The $2.8 million was donated by motorists to prevent blindness and encourage organ donation. The money was taken from the so-called special revenue accounts to help balance the last budget.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Friday, August 28, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Billy Grammer is 84. Actor Ben Gazzara is 79. Actor Sonny Shroyer is 74. Actor Ken Jenkins is 69. Former Defense Secretary William S. Cohen is 69. Actor David Soul is 66. Baseball manager Lou Piniella is 66. Actress Debra Mooney is 62. Actress Alice Playten is 62. Singer Wayne Osmond (The Osmonds) is 58. Actor Daniel Stern is 52. Olympic gold medal figure skater Scott Hamilton is 51. Actor John Allen Nelson is 50. Actress Emma Samms is 49. Actress Jennifer Coolidge is 48. Movie director David Fincher (Film: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") is 47. Actress Amanda Tapping is 44. Country singer Shania (shah-NY'-uh) Twain is 44. Actor Billy Boyd is 41. Actor Jack Black is 40. Actor Jason Priestley is 40. Olympic gold medal swimmer Janet Evans is 38. Actor J. August Richards is 36. Rock singer-musician Max Collins (Eve 6) is 31. Actress Carly Pope is 29. Country singer LeAnn Rimes is 27. Actor Michael Galeota is 25. Country singer Jake Owen is 25. Actor Armie Hammer is 23. Actor Kyle Massey is 18.

New Jobless Claims and Total Benefit Rolls Drop
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(Undated) - The government says the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits dropped last week, and the number of people remaining on the rolls also fell, evidence that layoffs have eased. Still, both figures remain above levels associated with a healthy economy, and it’s expected that the unemployment rate will keep rising. Ohio had one of the largest drops in claims, down by 1,918 because of fewer auto industry layoffs. The Labor Department said today that first-time unemployment claims fell nationwide to a seasonally-adjusted 570,000, down from an upwardly revised figure of 580,000 the previous week. The tally of those continuing to claim benefits dropped to 6.13 million from 6.25 million the previous week, the lowest level since early April.

Local Filmakers Making New Memories At Fun Spot With Horror Movie Plans
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(UNDATED) - If you have ever wanted to be in a movie, you may have a chance. Two local movie-makers are creating a horror film titled Fun Land. Open auditions are this weekend for actors and actresses who are interested in being a part of the film. Mitchel Jones who grew up in Pioneer, OH wrote the script. Jones says the plot of the movie involves elements from horror movies from the 70’s and 80’s. A large portion of the film will be shot at Fun Spot Amusement Park in Angola. Dallas McFarland from Coldwater, MI is the producer and he says this will help boost the local economy. For more information about the film and auditions, visit their website www.chasingautumnfilms.com or call 260.602.2754. Auditions will be held this Friday and Saturday at Goog’s Restaurant in Angola, IN. Filming for Fun Land is set to begin on October 1st. See video highlights, including clips from the movie trailer on today’s edition of video news with Lindsay Adams on the homepage of our website.

Ohio Patrol Seizes Nearly 6 kilos of Cocaine, Valued At More Than $850,000
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(Toledo, OH) – A Riverside, California man was arraigned Wednesday in Ohio’s Lucas County Court on felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized nearly 6 kilos of cocaine, valued at more than $850,000, during a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike in Lucas County. Eriberto Zamora, age 19, was charged with possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs, both first-degree felonies, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony. Troopers stopped his 1996 Ford F-150, with Illinois registration, for a marked lanes violation, on the Ohio turnpike near milepost 55 earlier this week (Tuesday). Troopers observed criminal indicators and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed 5.7 kilos of cocaine. The suspect was incarcerated in the Lucas County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 21 years in prison and a $42,500 fine. Through July 2009, the Patrol seized more than 280,000 grams illegal narcotics valued at nearly $11 million. In 2008, the Patrol seized more than 5.2 million grams of illegal narcotics valued at approximately $47.6 million.

WLZZ Football Friday: Montpelier at Hicksville
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(Undated) - In local football action this week, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be back in his element. Join Jim Measel here on 104.5 as Montpelier heads to Hicksville. Pre-game will start at 7:15 p.m.

Workers at Toledo Retirement Home to Split $250K Prize
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - A years-old office pool has finally paid off big for workers at an Ohio retirement home who have won a $250,000 lottery prize. Two-dozen employees of Oakleaf Village of Toledo matched five out of six numbers in Tuesday's Mega Millions drawing, enough for one of the second-place prizes in the multistate lottery game. Each worker who chipped in will receive $7,187.50, after taxes. Tuesday's big prize was $252 million, but nobody won
it, so it has been boosted to $325 million for tomorrow's drawing.

I-69 Traffic In DeKalb County Slowed By Truck Crash
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(Auburn, IN) - Another frustrating day for drivers on I-69 in DeKalb County yesterday as a crash involving a pair of tractor-trailer rigs shut down the southbound lanes near Auburn for a couple of hours. The crash happened at the 128 mile marker when DeKalb County Police say one of the trucks slowed down for construction traffic and was struck from behind by the other truck. One minor injury was reported. The interstate had already been reduced to one lane of traffic because of the construction.

Ohio Politicians React With Sadness to Kennedy Death
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Ohio politicians are saddened by the death of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Republican U.S. Sen. George Voinovich calls his Democratic colleague a man of convictions, passion and resolve. Voinovich also notes that Kennedy's uplifting spirit and thoughtfulness helped his family while a Voinovich nephew waged a losing battle with bone cancer. Democratic Ohio Governor Ted Strickland says Kennedy was a towering figure whose life exemplified a simple idea: service to others.

Ohio Casino Foes Cast Doubt On Tax Revenue Wording
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Opponents of a proposal to allow casinos in Ohio's four largest cities are seeking to cast doubts about the issue, with the latest debate questioning whether casinos would generate the tax money promised. The constitutional amendment on the November ballot will let voters decide whether to permit casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo. Opponents say the amendment requires casinos to pay taxes on the sale of chips or similar tokens, but that a loophole allows them to avoid taxes if slot machines and video poker machines instead accept cash directly. Casino supporters say their opponents are out to confuse voters with attacks. They say there's nothing to hide and that the casinos will pay taxes on all of their revenue.

Quadco Hold Grand Opening of Mama DeLuca’s Restaurant
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(Stryker, OH) - A grand opening will be held for Quadco’s Mama DeLuca’s® Pizza in Stryker this Friday, August 28th. In celebration of the event, there will be a ribbon-cutting will take place.

Movie Casting Call Draws Hundreds In Ohio
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(CANTON, Ohio - AP) - A casting call for a new Denzel Washington movie was like any other job fair to many of the hundreds who turned out in Ohio. While some of the men expressed interest in meeting the star, others who auditioned to be extras yesterday in Canton said the promise of $100-a-day paychecks was a bigger lure. Jeff Hattery came from Strasburg, 17 miles away in northeast Ohio. He said he was laid off and willing to sweep floors if the crew paid him. Some of the filming of the movie "Unstoppable" will be done at a rail yard in the region, so many applicants came dressed for that type of work, in overalls or engineer's caps. The movie is about a runaway train, and filmmakers were looking for 50 men to play extras. The shoot is scheduled to begin Saturday and take a week.

Studies Show Ohio Women Behind
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A new report shows women in Ohio are lagging behind women in other states in educational attainment and political leadership. Ohio State University's Institute on Women, Gender and Public Policy says Ohio ranks 39th among the states for the percentage of women with four or more years of college.

Mega Millions Jackpot
Thursday, August 27, 2009

(ATLANTA - AP) - The Mega Millions jackpot just gets bigger and bigger. The amount has been rolled over to an estimated $325 million for Friday.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Thursday, August 27, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Cajun-country singer Jimmy C. Newman is 82. Author Antonia Fraser is 77. Actor Tommy Sands is 72. Bluegrass singer-musician J.D. Crowe is 72. Musician Daryl Dragon is 67. Actress Tuesday Weld is 66. Rock singer-musician Tim Bogert is 65. Actress Marianne Sagebrecht is 64. Actress Barbara Bach is 62. Ex-porn star Harry Reems is 62. Country musician Jeff Cook is 60. Actor Paul Reubens is 57. Rock musician Alex Lifeson (Rush) is 56. Actress Diana Scarwid is 54. Pro golfer Bernhard Langer is 52. Rock musician Glen Matlock (The Sex Pistols) is 53. Actor Peter Stormare is 51. Country singer Jeffrey Steele is 48. Gospel singer Yolanda Adams is 47. Country musician Matthew Basford (Yankee Grey) is 47. Writer-producer Dean Devlin is 47. Rock musician Mike Johnson is 44. Retired NFL player Mihcael Dean Perry is 44. Rap musician Bobo (Cypress Hill) is 41. Country singer Colt Ford is 40. Actress Chandra Wilson is 40. Rock musician Tony Kanal (No Doubt) is 39. Baseball All-Star Jim Thome is 39. Baseball All-star Jose Vidro is 35. Actress Sarah Chalke is 33. Actor RonReaco (correct) Lee is 33. Rapper Mase is 32. Actor Aaron Paul is 30. Rock musician Jon Siebels (Eve 6) is 30. Contemporary Christian musician Megan Garrett (Casting Crowns) is 29. Singer Mario is 23. Actress Alexa Vega ("Spy Kids") is 21.

Montpelier Man Faces Pornography Charges
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(Montpelier, OH) - A Montpelier man was in jail Early Wednesday morning after his arrest Tuesday on child pornography charges. 43 year-old Alan Duane Dolman of 1408 Maplehurst Avenue in Montpelier, was in court on two felony charges in connection with nude photography involving a minor.

Williams County Continues to Lead Ohio In Unemployment
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(UNDATED - AP) - Williams County still has the highest unemployment rate in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports the July unemployment rate in Williams County stood at 17.5 percent. The rate was lower in neighboring Defiance County at 15.4 percent. The statewide unemployment rate for July was 11.2 percent, the highest in Ohio since August 1983.

Mari Yoder is Keynote for Bryan Chamber IDEAS Seminar
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – This Thursday is the next session of the IDEAS seminar series provided by the Industrial Division of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce. Mari Yoder, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Northwest State Community College will be the featured speaker. The topic is "New Opportunities" at Northwest State Community College. The presentation is open to all area businesses at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday and will be held at the Bryan campus of Northwest State Community College located at 1010 East Wilson Street. (Please call the Bryan Chamber office to make your reservation 419.636.2247 or email Kay Brink at kaybrink@bryanchamber.org).

WLZZ Football Friday: Montpelier at Hicksville
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(Undated) - In local football action this week, WLZZ’s Jim Measel will be back in his element. Join Jim Measel here on 104.5 as Montpelier heads to Hicksville. Pre-game will start at 7:15 p.m.

Quadco Holds Grand Opening of Mama DeLuca’s Restaurant
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(Stryker, OH) - A grand opening will be held for Quadco’s Mama DeLuca’s® Pizza in Stryker this Friday, August 28th. In celebration of the event, there will be a ribbon-cutting will take place. Quadco provides employment opportunities to people in the community who have special needs.

Field Technology Day Set For This Thursday
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(Undated) – Several area conservation groups are providing an opportunity for you to learn about “Soil Structure” and “Cover Crops” at the annual “Field Technology Day” on Thursday, August 27th. The Williams Soil and Water Conservation District, the OSU Extension Williams County, and the Conservation Action Program (CAP) will be sponsoring the event, which will be held at the Williams County Test Plot, located west of Bryan on the south side of County Road C. Supper from Brookview Farms will be provided free of charge starting at 5:30 p.m. and the ‘Soil Structure & Cover Crop’ program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Particpants will have the opportunity to see cover crop plots. The beneficial effects cover crops can have on soil structure will be illustrated. Frank Gibbs, Resource Soil Scientist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will give a soils presentation along with an interactive soil pit demonstration. For more information please call the Williams Soil and Water Conservation District at 419.636.9395.

Ohio SAT Scores Better Than Average
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Ohio's high school class of 2009 beat the national averages in the three sections of the SAT college entrance exam. Figures released Tuesday by the College Board show Ohio students scored an average 537 on the critical reading section of the test, where the national average was 501. Ohio earned a 546 in math, compared to the national average of 515, and the state's score in writing was 523, versus an average of 493 nationwide. About 30,700 members of the 2009 graduating class completed the SAT in Ohio, out of more than 1.5 million students nationwide. More than three-quarters of Ohio students who took the exam identified themselves as white. Twenty-two percent said their parents never achieved more than a high school diploma.

Mega Millions Jackpot Grows BIGGER!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(ATLANTA - AP) - The Mega Millions jackpot just gets bigger and bigger. No one took last night's $252 million grand prize, so the amount has been rolled over to an estimated $325 million for Friday. Yesterday's winning numbers were 3, 12, 19, 22 and 40, with 2 as the Mega Ball number.

Speed A Factor In Teen Crashes
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The State Highway Patrol says speed is the cause of the greatest number of Ohio crashes where a teen driver is at fault. The patrol says Ohio drivers younger than 18 were to blame for nearly 62,000 accidents in the last three years, and 58 percent resulted from speeding.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Former Washington Post Executive Editor Benjamin C. Bradlee is 88. Former Democratic vice-presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro is 74. Actress Francine York is 73. Singer Vic Dana is 67. Rhythm-and-blues singer Valerie Simpson is 63. Pop singer Bob Cowsill is 60. Actor Brett Cullen is 53. Basketball coach Stan Van Gundy is 50. Jazz musician Branford Marsalis is 49. Country musician Jimmy Olander (Diamond Rio) is 48. Actor Chris Burke is 44. Actress-singer Shirley Manson (Garbage) is 43. Rock musician Dan Vickrey (Counting Crowes) is 43. Rock singer-musician Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman) is 34. MLB player Morgan Ensberg is 34. NFL player Jamal Lewis is 30. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 29. Actor Chris Pine is 29. MLB player David Price is 24. Rhythm-and-blues singer Cassie Ventura is 23. Actress Keke Palmer is 16.

Williams County Continues to Lead Ohio In Unemployment
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(UNDATED - AP) - Williams County still has the highest unemployment rate in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports the July unemployment rate in Williams County stood at 17.5 percent. The rate was lower in neighboring Defiance County at 15.4 percent. The lowest unemployment rate in Ohio was in Geauga County in the northeast part of the state at 7.4 percent. State officials said Friday that the statewide unemployment rate for July was 11.2 percent, the highest in Ohio since August 1983.

Maintenance Planned for Bryan City Communications System
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - On Wednesday, August 26th, Bryan Municipal Utilities will be conducting maintenance on the communications system between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. This will result in service interruption of BMU cable TV and Internet services. This is part of a planned upgrade project for the system. If you experience loss of service after 6 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26th, please call Bryan Municipal Utilities at 419.636.0866.

Tonight's Jackpot
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(Undated) - Time is running out to take a chance on $252 million. That's the jackpot for tonight's Mega Millions lottery game, played in Ohio and 11 other states. The prize amount has been building up in the weeks since someone last won the jackpot in early July.

Two Arrested Following Spree
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(Butler, IN) - Butler Police arrested a pair of 19-year-old suspects on Sunday following a destructive series of burglaries that caused nearly $25,000 worth of damage. Taken into custody on numerous felony charges were Corry Jacob of St. Joe and Joshua McKee of Battle Creek. Butler Police Chief James Nichols says the two suspects were arrested in a downtown apartment following the break-ins at Workers World, Maxton Motors and Towne Hardware. The damage included two vehicles, a safe and equipment at Maxton Motors and glass in a door at Towne Hardware. The two were also accused of stealing a vehicle from the car dealership which was later found on South Broadway.

Ohio State Open Practice
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Several thousand fans showed up last night for what has now become an annual Ohio State football tradition: an open practice at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes are ranked Number 6 in the preseason.

Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass Users Can Shop For Bargains
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(Undated) - Drivers who plan to use the Ohio Turnpike's E-Z Pass prepaid toll system that goes into operation Oct. 1 can find bargains if they look around. Motorists can establish an account with any of 13 states that will be compatible with Ohio's system. Account fees differ by state, with Massachusetts charging nothing at all. The Ohio Turnpike will charge a $3 shipping and handling fee for the transponder windshield tag and a 75-cent monthly service fee, or $9 a year. The system allows drivers to cruise through toll plazas, where antennas pick up account information from the transponder. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a $3 annual account fee, discourages out-of-state bargain hunters but cannot stop the practice.

Reds Owner From The Big Red Machine Days Dies
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(CINCINNATI - AP) - One of the owners of the Cincinnati Reds from their Big Red Machine days has died. William J. Williams Sr. died last night at age 93. He was part of a small group that bought the team in 1966 and celebrated back-to-back World Series championships in 1975-76. His family sold controlling interest in team in 1985.

Popular Autos Stolen in Ohio
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(DES PLAINES, Ill. - AP) - An insurance industry group says the 2000 Dodge Caravan minivan is the automobile most often reported stolen in Ohio because the parts are valuable to thieves. The National Insurance Crime Bureau says other popular targets are the 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass and the 1996 Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

Federal Task Force
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(OLYMPIA, Wash. - AP) - Attorneys general in Ohio and nine other states are teaming with four federal agencies in a task force to combat mortgage fraud. Authorities say the enforcement will target equity skimming, bogus foreclosure rescues, straw purchases and unethical lending.

Brunner Says No To Elections Limit
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Ohio's top elections official concludes that it's not practical for the state to set a maximum wait time at the polls during elections. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner says a limit would be difficult to enforce. She says it's more important to continue policies that helped in 2008.

Cashing Computers Hamper Clunker Reimbursements
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(WASHINGTON - AP) - The government's computers have been overwhelmed by car dealers seeking their cash for clunkers reimbursements, so officials are giving dealers a little more time to turn in their information. Michelle Primm with Cascade Auto Group in Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio) is hopeful the government will break through its logjam.

Ohio State Game in 3-D
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

(BRISTOL, Conn. - AP) - ESPN says it will test its ability to televise football games in 3-D with a special screening of the game between No. 4 USC and No. 6 Ohio State at three theaters on Sept. 12. Tickets will be given away to fans listening to ESPN radio affiliates in Los Angeles, Dallas and Columbus later this week.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Game show host Monty Hall is 88. Actor Sean Connery is 79. Actor Page Johnson is 79. Talk show/game show host Regis Philbin is 78. Actor Tom Skerritt is 76. Jazz musician Wayne Shorter is 76. Movie director Hugh Hudson is 73. Author Frederick Forsyth is 71. Actor Anthony Heald is 65. Rock musician Danny Smythe is 61. Rock singer-actor Gene Simmons is 60. Actor John Savage is 60. Country singer-musician Henry Paul (Outlaws; Blackhawk) is 60. Rock singer Rob Halford is 58. Rock musician Geoff Downes (Asia) is 57. Rock singer Elvis Costello is 55. Movie director Tim Burton is 51. Actor Christian LeBlanc is 51. Actress Ally Walker is 48. Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus is 48. Actress Joanne Whalley is 48. Rock musician Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard) is 47. Actor Blair Underwood is 45. Actor Robert Maschio is 43. Rap DJ Terminator X (Public Enemy) is 43. Television chef Rachael Ray is 41. Actor Cameron Mathison is 40. Country singer Jo Dee Messina is 39. Model Claudia Schiffer is 39. Country singer Brice Long is 38. NFL player Marvin Harrison is 37. Actor Eric Millegan is 35. Actor Jonathan Togo is 32. Actor Kel Mitchell is 31. Actress Rachel Bilson ("The O.C.") is 28. Actress Blake Lively is 22. MLB player Justin Upton is 22. Actor Josh Flitter is 15.

7 Charged During OVI Checkpoints in Defiance County
Monday, August 24, 2009

(DEFIANCE) - The Defiance City Police Department and Defiance Post of the Ohio State Patrol charged 7 individuals during two low-manpower OVI Checkpoints and area Saturation Patrols on Friday night. Approximately 440 vehicles passed through the checkpoints. 12 vehicles were diverted to the secondary area where 2 individuals were arrested for OVI and 1 individual was arrested for Driving Under Suspension. One of the individuals arrested has a prior OVI, which required a mandatory, impound of his vehicle and plates. During the administrative inventory 20 Oxycodone pills were located inside his while. Felony charges are pending lab results. In addition, police officers and troopers working saturation patrols in the area arrested another individual for OVI, 2 more individuals for DUS and 1 individual on a misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear.

United Way Meets National Membership Requirements
Monday, August 24th, 2009

(Bryan, Ohio) - Chris Malanga, Chief Executive Officer, announced that United Way of Williams County has successfully completed all of United Way's national membership requirements by their respective due dates. The annual certification process includes completing the Membership Requirements Certification, Membership Investment to support the national office, and a survey of Total Resources Generated (a survey that captures the full extent of a community's resource development efforts during the year). Malanga says the membership requirements must be certified annually in order for them to remain a member of United Way. Malanga also says it is important for them to maintain high standards of accountability, and this is part of the process to confirm that their operations are transparent and meet or exceed United Way membership requirements. The certification mandates completion of 13 requirements for United Way membership along with verification of the status of 47 indicators that a United Way demonstrates the intent of the membership requirements (as examples, conflict of interest policies, a minimum of quarterly board meetings). United Way of Williams County is part of a worldwide network in 46 countries and territories, including 1,277 local organizations in the U.S. Each local United Way must complete United Way's requirements annually in order to retain its United Way membership.

Bryan Police Department School Reminder
Monday, August 24, 2009

(Undated) – Bryan Police Department has issued a reminder through www.nixle.com. As students head back in the coming days, the Bryan Police are reminding drivers to be especially aware of school zone traffic and the presence of kids. Drivers need to be aware of crosswalks, darting kids, slowing buses and distracted fellow drivers.

Drunk Driving, Over The Limit, Under Arrest
Monday, August 24, 2009

(Uundated) – Police agencies in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio have joined a nationwide crackdown on drunk drivers which started this past Friday and will last through Labor Day. The crackdown is called "Drunk Driving, Over The Limit, Under Arrest." Officials say police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers of passenger vehicles or motorcycles through the use of saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and other activities. The Labor Day period has been the most deadly holiday for traffic accidents in the state over the last five years. In Ohio, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said there were 435 OVI-related fatal crashes in which 474 people were killed last year in Ohio. State troopers in Ohio made 25,520 OVI arrests last year in combating these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed not only to deter impaired driving, but also to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways. The Ohio Patrol reminds those who plan to consume alcohol to designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.

Bryan, Edgerton, & Stryker Back In Class Today
Monday, August 24, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – North Central, Edon, and Montpelier students are officially back in classroom for the 2009-2010 school year. Bryan, Edgerton, and Stryker students will hit the books with their first student day today. Millcreek-West Unity students will be the last to head back to school on the 25th.

Ohio Gas Stable Despite Rising Oil
Monday, August 24, 2009

(Undated) - It has been a week of stable gasoline prices in Ohio, despite rising oil prices. Auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express reported Monday that the statewide average for a gallon of regular-grade gas was $2.54 per gallon, unchanged from a week earlier. Ohio gas is more than $1 cheaper than it was last year at this time, when the average was $3.66. Meanwhile, the cost of crude oil has jumped to the highest levels of the year, approaching $75 a barrel, on comments last week from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that the U.S. economy is nearing a recovery. He was backed up by a report of rising home re-sales.

Handicapped License Plates & Placards
Monday, August 24, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The number of Ohio motorists who have handicapped license plates and placards went up dramatically in recent years. But the percentage of handicapped spaces hasn't changed since 1995. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles says the number of handicapped license plates and placards went up about 23 percent between 2003 and 2007.

Ohio School Districts Reducing Bus Service
Monday, August 24, 2009

(HOUSTON - AP) - School districts in Ohio and across the country are reducing bus service in the face of declining state funding and property tax revenue. Parents worry that more children will be killed in accidents walking or bicycling to school.

Zansville Human & Dog Officer Shot
Monday, August 24, 2009

(ZANESVILLE, Ohio - AP) - Police in Zanesville, Ohio say an officer and his police dog were shot last night by a suspect who's still being sought. The officer was treated at a Columbus hospital and then released; the dog, Bosco, will need surgery at a veterinary hospital but is expected to survive.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Monday, August 24, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Former education secretary Shirley Hufstedler is 84. Actor Kenny Baker ("Star Wars") is 75. Composer-musician Mason Williams is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Marshall Thompson (The Chi-Lites) is 67. Rock musician Ken Hensley is 64. Actress Anne Archer is 62. Actor Joe Regalbuto is 60. Actor Kevin Dunn (TV: "Samantha Who?") is 54. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is 54. Actor-writer Stephen Fry is 52. Actor Steve Guttenberg is 51. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is 49. Talk show host Craig Kilborn is 47. Rock singer John Bush is 46. Actress Marlee Matlin is 44. Retired NBA player Reggie Miller is 44. Broadcast journalist David Gregory ("Meet the Press") is 39. Country singer Kristyn Osborn (SheDaisy) is 39. Actor-comedian Dave Chappelle is 36. Actor Carmine Giovinazzo is 36. Actress Beth Riesgraf is 31. NBA player Michael Redd is 30. Actor Chad Michael Murray is 28. Christian rock musician Jeffrey Gilbert (Kutless) is 26. Singer Mika is 26. Actor Rupert Grint ("Harry Potter" films) is 21.

Governor Announces Funding For Melbern Sewer
Friday, August 21, 2009

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Commissioners have announced good news from the Governor. Commissioner Brian Davis was notified by the Ohio Department of Development that Governor Ted Strickland announced that the Melbern Sewer Project has been awarded a $600-thousand-dollar grant. The funds will be used to assist in defraying the cost of the pending sewer project. Commissioner Brian Davis said the board is extremely excited, especially since they were notified that Melbern would not receive grant assistance at the time when William Center was awarded funding. Davis says their lobby to the Ohio EPA paid off and the board is very pleased with the news. This will aid in the reduction of assessments for the residents of Melbern. Current projected construction cost is estimated at roughly $1,800,000.

Ohio Unemployment Rises To 11.2 % In July
Friday, August 21, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Ohio's unemployment rate ticked up a notch to 11.2 percent in July, another level not seen for more than a quarter century. Last month's rate was up from June's 11.1 percent and was 4.5 percentage points higher than the July 2008 rate of 6.7 percent. Spokesman Brian Harter with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services says the last time the state had unemployment of 11.2 percent was in August 1983. Department Director Douglas Lumpkin said in a statement Friday that last month's gains in services jobs were partially offset by losses in manufacturing. Officials say the number of unemployed in Ohio was 664,000 during July, up from 663,000 in June. The number of out-of-work Ohioans has increased by 265,000 in the last 12 months.

Gas Prices Spike Nearly 25 Cents
Friday, August 21, 2009

(UNDATED) - If you did not fill your gas tank before Thursday afternoon, you were out of luck. Gas prices spiked nearly a quarter yesterday. Stations in the area were selling gas Friday morning for between $2.53 and $2.55 after getting down to $2.27 just 24 hours earlier. After steadily dropping over the last couple of weeks, the web site Indianagasprices.com says the average price of gas in Indiana is now $2.55 which is an increase of five cents in the last day. Thursday's spike mirrors crude oil prices jumping to nearly $74 a barrel.

OVI Sobriety Checkpoints Tonight In Noble, Richland Townships
Friday, August 21, 2009

(Defiance, OH) - The Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Defiance City Police Department announced today that there will be two low-manpower OVI sobriety checkpoints tonight in Defiance County. One will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the intersection of State Route 15 and 18 (Ralston Avenue), just south of U.S. 24, near the Defiance city limit and Noble Township line. The second will take place from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on State Route 18 (Second Street), just west of State Route 281, near the Defiance city limit and Richland Township line. The sobriety checkpoints will be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes. If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.

Two Arrested, 11 Pounds of Marijuana Seized In Hillsdale Bust
Friday, August 21, 2009

(HILLSDALE) - Two suspects were arrested and about 11 pounds of marijuana was seized following a bust last night at a home in Hillsdale. Michigan State Police report OMNI III, which is a multi-jurisdictional task force, had gotten information that a large amount of marijuana was being sent to a Hillsdale home near Davis Middle School. After the package was intercepted and opened, police obtained a search warrant for the home. The package was delivered and taken inside by a resident who was later arrested. While the home was being processed by police, a second suspect drove up and was taken into custody after trying to pick up the package of marijuana. Police say the unidentified man resisted while he was being arrested. They also say his seven-year-old daughter was in his vehicle at the time of the arrest. Along with the grass, a large amount of money was also seized. The investigation continues into the source which sent the package.

Tonight: Bryan HS Meet The Team & Band Night
Friday, August 21, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – Tonight the Bryan Athletic Boosters, Bryan Music Boosters and Bryan City Schools invite you to Meet the Fall Teams and Band night at the Bryan Football Stadium. The Jamboree game will begin at 7 p.m. featuring the Bryan Golden Bears and Lima Bath Wildcats. At half time, you will meet the other fall athletic teams. The band will also be there to provide music during the evening. Nominal fees for admission and food will be charged.

Friday Activities For West Unity’s Birthday Celebration
Friday, August 21, 2009

(West Unity, OH) – The West Unity Chamber is hosting West Unity's Birthday Celebration this weekend. Friday’s festivities include a Bed Race downtown tonight at 7 p.m. and birthday cake at Friendship Park starting at 8:45 p.m. followed by a concert with Danny and the Back Up Band at 9 p.m. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce in West Unity.

Weekend Birthday Celebrations for West Unity
Friday, August 21, 2009

(West Unity, OH) – West Unity is celebrating its birthday this weekend. Saturday’s festivities include a performance by the Hilltop Cheerleaders at Memorial Park starting at 5:30 p.m. and an outdoor movie at dusk. Things will wrap-up Sunday with a community worship service at 10:00 a.m. and an old-fashioned baseball game at 2:00 that afternoon.

Back to School
Friday, August 21, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – North Central, Edon and Montpelier students are officially back in the classroom for the 2009-2010 school year. Bryan, Edgerton and Stryker students will hit the books with their first student day on Monday August 24th. Millcreek-West Unity students will be the last to head back to school on Tuesday the 25th.

OVI Sobriety Checkpoints in Lucas County Saturday Night
Friday, August 21, 2009

(TOLEDO) – The Toledo Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced that a low-manpower OVI sobriety checkpoint will be held in Lucas County Saturday evening. The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. John Altman, commander of the Patrol’s Toledo Post, says sobriety checkpoints are a safe and effective deterrent to impaired driving and are the ideal complement in our state's OVI enforcement efforts.

Area Conservation Groups Present Field Technology Day
Friday, August 21, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – Several area conservation groups are providing an opportunity for you to learn about “Soil Structure” and “Cover Crops” at the annual “Field Technology Day” on Thursday, August 27th. The Williams Soil and Water Conservation District, the OSU Extension Williams County and the Conservation Action Program will be sponsoring the event, which will be held at the Williams County Test Plot, located west of Bryan on the south side of County Road C. Frank Gibbs, the Resource Soil Scientist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will give a soils presentation along with an interactive soil pit demonstration. For more information you can call the Williams Soil and Water Conservation District.

Record Sales for the Ohio Lottery
Friday, August 21, 2009

(Undated) - The Ohio Lottery is one of the few places where the state has been making more money amid the recession. The Ohio Lottery is reporting record sales of $2.42 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Officials say the lottery got a boost from its new bingo-style Keno game, and from a few hefty Mega Millions jackpots.

Drug Cartels Make There Way In
Friday, August 21, 2009

(WASHINGTON - AP) - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says Mexican drug cartels have spread to "our own backyards." He announced a dozen new indictments aimed at capturing suspected kingpins. Authorities charge that the cartels moved cocaine and heroin to Cincinnati and Columbus and a few other major cities.

Lima Man Jailed For Assault
Friday, August 21, 2009

(LIMA, Ohio - AP) - A man who pushed an umpire down during his adult son's softball game has been sentenced to 30 days in jail. Forty-eight-year-old Ronald Reed also was ordered to stay away from the city's ball fields and parks for two years by a judge in Lima who convicted him of assault.

Ohio Smoking Ban
Friday, August 21, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A conservative policy group argues in a lawsuit now before a state appeals court that Ohio's smoking ban is being enforced too severely. The Buckeye Institute says the state thinks bars should control their customers. Attorney General Richard Cordray says it's the bar's fault if anyone smokes there.

Ohio Unemployment Declining
Friday, August 21, 2009

(WASHINGTON - AP) - New signups for unemployment benefits are continuing to decline in Ohio, even as claims keep rising nationwide. The government says first-time applications in Ohio were down by about 1,000 just this last week

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Friday, August 21, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Former football player Pete Retzlaff is 78. Actor-director Melvin Van Peebles is 77. Playwright Mart Crowley ("The Boys in the Band") is 74. Singer Kenny Rogers is 71. Actor Clarence Williams III is 70. Rock-and-roll musician James Burton is 70. Singer Harold Reid (The Statler Brothers) is 70. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 68. Football Hall of Famer Willie Lanier is 64. Actress Patty McCormack is 64. Pop singer-musician Carl Giammarese (jee-ah mah-REE'-see) is 62. Actress Loretta Devine is 60. CBS "Early Show" co-host Harry Smith is 58. Singer Glenn Hughes is 57. Country musician Nick Kane is 55. Actress Kim Cattrall is 53. College Football Hall of Famer and NFL quarterback Jim McMahon is 50. Baseball All-Star pitcher John Wetteland is 43. Rock singer Serj Tankian (TAN'-kee-ahn) (System of a Down) is 42. Actress Carrie-Anne Moss is 39. Baseball player Craig Counsell is 39. Rock musician Liam Howlett (Prodigy) is 38. Actress Alicia Witt is 34. Singer Kelis (kuh-LEES') is 30. Singer Melissa Schuman is 25. Olympic gold medal sprinter Usain Bolt is 23. Actor Cody Kasch is 22. Actress Hayden Panettiere (pan-uh-tee-EHR') is 20. Actor RJ Mitte (TV: "Breaking Bad") is 17.

OVI Checkpoints In Defiance County Friday
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(Defiance, OH) - The Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Defiance City Police Department have announced that two low-manpower OVI sobriety checkpoints will be held in Defiance County Friday evening. The OVI checkpoints, funded by federal grant funds, are planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lieutenant William Stidham, commander of the Patrol’s Defiance Post, says sobriety checkpoints are a safe and effective deterrent to impaired driving and are the ideal complement in our state's OVI enforcement efforts. The locations of the checkpoints will be announced Friday morning.

Bryan Woman Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charge
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – A Bryan, Ohio woman has been arrested on a warrant from the Defiance County Common Pleas Court with a charge of aggravated trafficking in drugs. 30 year-old Megan J. Sutton was arrested by the Williams County Sheriff’s Depart for the third degree felony charge. She is being held at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio pending an appearance at Defiance County Common Please Court.

Trooper Honored for Pulling Crash Victims From Burning Vehicle
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(Swanton, OH) - A trooper from the Swanton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was honored this week for his quick actions that saved three people after their vehicle crashed and caught fire on the Ohio Turnpike in Williams County. Trooper Dwayne A. Dotson was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for his professionalism in the handling of an incident earlier this year. On May 17th Trooper Dotson checked a vehicle for a speed violation on the Ohio Turnpike. Before he could initiate a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle lost control and drove off the roadway. The vehicle struck a guardrail, flipped over onto the grass median and caught fire. Immediately, Trooper Dotson retrieved his fire extinguisher and put out the fire. Then, with the assistance of bystanders, Trooper Dotson helped three injured occupants exit the vehicle to safety through a broken window. Trooper Dotson has been with the Ohio Patrol since April 1987.

Bicyclist Injured In Steuben Township Accident
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(Ashley, IN) - A bicyclist was injured Tuesday afternoon when he was hit by a pickup truck north of Ashley. Ashley Police report 55-year-old Michael L. Ford was traveling south on 400 West at 675 South at about 5:00pm when he was hit by the pickup driven by 49-year-old John L. Egner of Pleasant Lake. Egner told Ashley Town Marshal Scott Barnhart that he came upon two men on bicycles. He attempted to move over and go around the bikes when his steering did not react and he ended up hitting Ford. Ford was taken to Cameron Hospital by Steuben County E.M.S. with neck and back injuries, a cut to the back of the head and wrist pain. He was later transferred to Parkview Hospital where he is listed in serious condition in the hospital's critical care unit. Ashley Police and Fire were assisted by Steuben County E.M.S., Hudson Fire and Steuben County Communications.

OSBA Assists School Board Candidates
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(Undated) – People interested in running for their local school board must file a nominating petition with the county board of elections by 4 p.m. on today (August 20th). This year’s general election day is November 3rd. The legal qualification for both school board members and qualified electors are that the person is a United States citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of the school district, county an precinct, and a registered voter for at least 30 days preceding the election. The Ohio School Boards Association has an opportunity for potential candidates to prepare for service through a series of workshops. Those interested can go to the OSBA website for more information. Participants will learn about boardmanship and ethics, campaigning procedures, educational issues and school board policy-making.

Rummage Sale at Pioneer Church
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(Pioneer, OH) — Today you can “rummage” for FREE in Pioneer, Ohio. The Pioneer United Methodist Church is holding a free rummage sale on today and Friday (August 20-21). The rummage sale begins at 9 a.m. and runs until everything is gone.

Life of Lincoln Brought to Life in Williams County
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(Montpelier, OH) - The history of Abraham Lincoln will come to life tonight at the Williams County Historical Society. Characters with speak and depict the live of Abraham Lincoln, played by Lou Harding, and Mary Todd Lincoln, played by Kelly Michael. The presentation will be held at the Williams County Historical Museum located on the Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier, Ohio. The program will start at 6 p.m. For more information, call the Williams County Historical Society at 419.485.8200.

Bryan HS Meet The Team & Band Night
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - On Friday, August 21st The Bryan Athletic Boosters, Bryan Music Boosters and Bryan City Schools invite you to Meet the Fall Teams and Band night at the Bryan Football Stadium. The Jamboree game will begin at 7 p.m. featuring the Bryan Golden Bears and Lima Bath Wildcats. At half time, you will meet the other fall athletic teams. The band will also be there to provide music during the evening. Nominal fees for admission and food will be charged.

Toledo's Kindhearts Group Wins in Federal Court
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. government should have obtained a warrant before freezing the assets of a Toledo-based charity accused of having ties to a militant Islamic group. Officials with Kindhearts for Charitable Humanitarian Development have denied being connected to any terrorist group.

Dealers Share of Cash For Clukers
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(NEW YORK - AP) - Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says car dealers skittish about getting repaid for the Cash for Clunkers program will get their money. Some dealers have said their reimbursement requests have not been approved, leading to a cash crunch. Some dealers have pulled out of the program.

More From Marc Dann Admin.
Thursday, August 20, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A top aide to former state Attorney General Marc Dann is seeking a hearing on fraud allegations against his business. It's unclear whether the hearing request by Anthony Gutierrez (goo-tee-AIR'-ez) could interfere with criminal trial proceedings, which are scheduled to begin Monday.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Thursday, August 20, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Writer-producer-director Walter Bernstein is 90. U.S. special envoy George Mitchell is 76. U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) is 74. Baseball All-Star Graig Nettles is 65. Broadcast journalist Connie Chung is 63. Musician Jimmy Pankow (Chicago) is 62. Actor John Noble is 61. Rock singer Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) is 61. Rock singer Doug Fieger (FY'-ger) (The Knack) is 57. Country singer Rudy Gatlin is 57. Singer-songwriter John Hiatt is 57. Actor-director Peter Horton is 56. TV weatherman Al Roker is 55. Actor Jay Acovone is 54. Actress Joan Allen is 53. TV personality Asha Blake is 48. Actor James Marsters is 47. Rapper KRS-One is 44. Rock singer Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) is 39. Rock musician Brad Avery is 38. Actor Jonathan Ke Quan is 38. Baseball player Todd Helton is 36. Rock singer Monique Powell (Save Ferris) is 34. Hockey player Chris Drury is 33. Actor Ben Barnes is 28. Actress Demi Lovato is 17.

Nettle Lake Carryout Robbed At Gun Point
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(NETTLE LAKE) - The peace and tranqility of a northern Williams County lake was shattered last night. Police are looking for an armed robbery suspect after Stoney's Carryout on Nettle Lake near Cooney was held up last night. Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says a man entered the business at about 7:40pm, pointed a shot gun at a store employee and demanded all of the money from the cash drawer. The suspect left the store after getting an undetermined amount of money. Beck says they were looking for an older model blue and gray colored van with a male driver and a female passenger which fled from the area after the stickup. The suspect is described as being between five-feet-five and five-feet-nine inches tall with a slender build. He was wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt and brown work boots. The Ohio State Highway Patrol along with Sheriffs Departments in Hillsdale and Steuben Counties are assisting with the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Williams County Sheriff's Office at 419-636-3151 or Crime Stoppers at 419-485-9302.

One Killed, Six Injured In Branch County Crash
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(COLDWATER, MI) – A Coldwater woman was killed and six others were injured late Tuesday afternoon in a two vehicle crash at U.S. 12 and Fremont Road just east of Coldwater. The Branch County Sheriff’s Department says 61-year-old Charlene Anne Dean was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash which took place at about 5:30pm. The Sheriffs Department says according to witnesses, Dean pulled out to make a left hand turn and was struck by an east bound vehicle, driven by 40 year old John Paul Riker of Litchfield. Riker and his five passengers were all treated for minor injuries. One of the juvenile passengers was taken to Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. The accident remains under investigation. The crash shut down traffic on U.S. 12 for almost two hours.

CSX Train Destroys Stolen Vehicle In DeKalb County, Coldwater Man Arrested
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(ST. JOE) - DeKalb County Police say a Coldwater man was arrested Wednesday morning in St. Joe after a stolen pickup truck was hit and destroyed by an C-S-X train. The series of events started just after 1:00am when deputies from the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department were called to break up a fight at the Oasis Bar and Grill. They say the bar's front window had been broken after 26-year-old Ronnie L. Smith of Coldwater threw a rock at it. Police were unable to find Smith after a search of the area. About a half hour later, police got a report of a vehicle on the C-S-X railroad tracks. When they arrived, police found a westbound train had hit the pickup truck which had been stolen minutes earlier. The vehicle was completely totaled by the impact. The owner of the pickup told officers he confronted Smith while he allegedly tried to take the vehicle. Smith was not found in the destroyed vehicle but he was located a short time later at the Oasis Bar and Grill where he was arrested on six charges including auto theft and resisting law enforcement. The train sustained a small amount of damage. Railroad crews inspected the rails before the train was released. The rail line was re-opened at about 3:30am.

Hench Autism Studies Program Hosts Parents’ Meeting
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(Defiance, OH) - The Hench Autism Studies Program at Defiance College will hold a parents’ meeting on this Thursday from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m. in the Dix Room (at Schauffler Hall). Special guest presenter will be Jennifer Kirby, manager of education advocacy for the Ability Center of Toledo. She has extensive training in special education law, specific disabilities, and classroom strategies, and has been working with students and parents on educational advocacy issues since 1995. Kirby will be speaking about her role in helping families whose children, adolescents, and young adults have autism and how to access services for them. If you have any questions about the meeting or have information to share, please contact Fred Coulter, Parent Partnership Coordinator, at 419.783.2416 or autism@defiance.edu.

Three Back In Class, Four To Go
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – North Central and Edon were first to head back to the classroom Tuesday, and Montpelier will join them today. Bryan, Edgerton, and Stryker students will hit the books with their first student day on August 24th. Millcreek-West Unity students will be the last to head back to school on the 25th.

TODAY: Bryan High School Fall Sports Picture Day
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – Team pictures for Bryan High School Fall Athletics will be taken this today. Volleyball pictures will be in the gym at 8:30 a.m. Girls Soccer and Cross Country will be in the back of the school toward Garver Park, with Girls Soccer at 9 a.m. and Cross Country at 10:30 a.m. Taken at the High School will be Girls Tennis at 9:20 a.m., Cheerleading at 9:40 a.m., and Boys Soccer at 10 a.m. The Football team will have their pictures taken starting at 5 p.m. at Golden Bear Stadium. Team Rosters will also be available today.

Ohio Ballot Board
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The Ohio Ballot Board has approved the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment that would put casinos in four Ohio cities. The plan to be voted on in November, says that casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo would pay 33 percent of their gross revenue in taxes to the state.

Mega Millions Jackpot IS At $207-Million
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(ATLANTA - AP) - How does a $207 million payday sound? That'll be amount of the Mega Millions jackpot for the multi-state lottery's next drawing on Friday. Nobody had all of last night's winning numbers, which were 4, 5, 26, 37 and 56, with 25 as the Mega Ball number.

Ohio Lottery Reports Record Sale
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The Ohio Lottery is reporting record sales of $2.42 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30. Officials say the lottery got a boost from its new bingo-style Keno game, and from a few hefty Mega Millions jackpots.

Food Banks Struggle
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Food banks that have been struggling to meet demand in hard times are turning to prison inmates for free labor to help feed the hungry. Ohio and Michigan are among the states that have expanded inmate-farming projects.

Ohio State Auditor: Ohio County Deemed In Fiscal Emergency
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - State Auditor Mary Taylor says an Ohio county has been placed in fiscal emergency for the first time in state history. Taylor says in a news release today that she has placed Scioto (sy-OH'-tuh) County in southern Ohio in fiscal emergency because of a $3.5 million deficit. Taylor said her office has been communicating with the county for nearly two years to try to avoid fiscal emergency. A fiscal emergency means a county or local government is in danger of failing to pay its bills. A state-appointed commission will outline specific steps that should be taken to eliminate the deficit and prevent it from happening in the future. Currently, 23 other local governments in Ohio are either on fiscal watch or in fiscal emergency.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Tennis coach Renee Richards is 75. Baseball All-Star Bobby Richardson is 74. Actress Diana Muldaur is 71. Singer Johnny Nash is 69. Actress Jill St. John is 69. Actor and former U.S. senator Fred Thompson is 67. Singer Billy J. Kramer is 66. Country singer-songwriter Eddy Raven is 65. Rock singer Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) is 64. Former President Bill Clinton is 63. Tipper Gore, wife of former Vice President Al Gore, is 61. Actor Gerald McRaney is 61. Rock musician John Deacon (Queen) is 58. Actor-director Jonathan Frakes is 57. Political consultant Mary Matalin is 56. Actor Peter Gallagher is 54. Actor Adam Arkin is 53. Singer-songwriter Gary Chapman is 52. Actor Martin Donovan is 52. Football Hall-of-Famer Anthony Munoz is 51. Actor John Stamos is 46. Actress Kyra Sedgwick is 44. Actor Kevin Dillon is 44. Country singer Lee Ann Womack is 43. TV reporter Tabitha Soren is 42. Country singer-songwriter Mark McGuinn is 41. Rapper Nate Dogg is 40. Actor Matthew Perry is 40. Country singer Clay Walker is 40. Rapper Fat Joe is 39. Country singer Rissi (REE'-see) Palmer is 28. Actress Erika Christensen is 27. Baseball player J.J. Hardy is 27. Pop singer Missy Higgins is 26. Country singer Karli Osborn is 25. Olympic silver medal snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis is 24. Actor J. Evan Bonifant is 24. Rapper Romeo is 20.

Today It's "Back To School" For Some Youth
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – Believe it or not, but for some area youth today is “back to school” for the 2009-2010 school year. North Central and Edon are first to head back to the classroom today, with Montpelier following them tomorrow on the 19th. Bryan, Edgerton, and Stryker students will hit the books with their first student day on August 24th. Millcreek-West Unity students will be the last to head back to school on the 25th.

Northwest State Nursing Students Get “Pinned”
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(Archbold, OH) - Northwest State Community College recently celebrated the pinning of 24 practical nursing graduates. The ceremony was presided over by Bette Hughes, nursing faculty member. Hughes said it takes a tremendous amount of hard work and perseverance to succeed in this nursing program. This summer’s practical nursing graduates included:

Defiance County - Elizabeth Deming (Defiance), Jackie A. Perdue (Defiance), Holly Ann Sonnenberg (Defiance), Brye Whitman (Defiance), Heather R. Wolfrum (Defiance)

Fulton County - Derich B. Chapman (Swanton), Heidi L Bauhaus (Fayette), Tracy M. King (Sherwood), Amy McCavit (Sherwood), Brittany B. Poca (Delta)

Henry County - Marissa N. Moore (Liberty Center), Tammy M. Norden (Napoleon), Joni S. Pedraza (Napoleon), Alicia M. Purdom (Napoleon)

Lucas County - Christina Kyser-Carter (Toledo)

Paulding County - Misty L. Brehm (Oakwood)

Williams County - Laurie A. Criswell (Bryan), Amanda Judy (West Unity), Bobie L. Kepler (Bryan), Jared A. Leidy (Edgerton), Audrey M. Mattern (Montpelier), Ashley M. Mock (Montpelier)

Field Technology Day
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – Several area conservation groups are providing an opportunity for you to learn about “Soil Structure” and “Cover Crops” at the annual “Field Technology Day” on Thursday, August 27th. The Williams Soil and Water Conservation District, the OSU Extension Williams County, and the Conservation Action Program (CAP) will be sponsoring the event, which will be held at the Williams County Test Plot, located west of Bryan on the south side of County Road C. Supper from Brookview Farms will be provided free of charge starting at 5:30 p.m. and the ‘Soil Structure & Cover Crop’ program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Particpants will have the opportunity to see cover crop plots. The beneficial effects cover crops can have on soil structure will be illustrated. Frank Gibbs, Resource Soil Scientist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will give a soils presentation along with an interactive soil pit demonstration. The use of cover crops is an age-old practice, reborn for use in modern agriculture. For more information please call the Williams Soil and Water Conservation District at 419.636.9395.

Bryan High School Fall Sports Picture Day
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – Team pictures for Bryan High School Fall Athletics will be taken this Wednesday. Volleyball pictures will be in the gym at 8:30 a.m. Girls Soccer and Cross Country will be in the back of the school toward Garver Park, with Girls Soccer at 9 a.m. and Cross Country at 10:30 a.m. Taken at the High School will be Girls Tennis at 9:20 a.m., Cheerleading at 9:40 a.m., and Boys Soccer at 10 a.m. The Football team will have their pictures taken starting at 5 p.m. at Golden Bear Stadium. Team Rosters will also be available on that day.

Monday Morning Accident
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – A driver has been sited following a Monday morning two-vehicle accident. Williams County Sheriff’s Office reports that 74-year-old Eugene W. Vest of Augustine-Florida was traveling north on CR-13 and stopped for the stop sign at the intersection at CR-K. A vehicle driven by James L. Koch, age 51 of Montpelier-OH, was traveling east on CR-K approaching the intersection at CR-13, when the Vest vehicle pulled into the intersection. Koch then struck Vest. Vest was cited for failure to yield.

Monday Evening Accident
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – An individual was cited following a Monday evening accident. Jon P. Schang, age 24 of Kunkle-OH, was traveling north on US-127 when a vehicle driven by Behshad Kowssarie, age 36 of Montpelier-OH, was entering the highway from a private drive directly into the path of Schang. Schang struck the side of Kowssarie’s vehicle about .1 miles south of CR-E. Kowssarie was sited by authorities for failure to yield from a private drive.

Traffic Slowed On Angola Streets
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(ANGOLA) - If you think driving on North Wayne near Mill Street has been aggravating this summer, you have not seen anything yet. IN-DOT says the intersection will be closed today until 6:00pm due to milling and the placement of the asphalt surface. North Wayne will be open to traffic under the direction of flaggers. Drivers are being urged to be patient. The work schedule is subject to change in the event of inclement weather. The work is part of an intersection improvement project that includes new traffic signals and new storm sewer system.

Accidents On I-69 Clog Traffic In Indiana's DeKalb County
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(UNDATED) - To say the least, Monday was a frustrating day to drive on I-69 between Angola and Fort Wayne as three accidents clogged up traffic on several occasions. The first crash involving a semi and a pickup truck happened just before noon. Indiana State Police say the pickup caught on fire after it was pushed into the berm. Both occupants managed to scramble to safety. A passenger, 53-year-old Joe Kizer of Fort Wayne, was taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital with neck pain. Meanwhile, the semi jackknifed and blocked both northbound lanes. A second crash happened at the same location when a semi hit the the rear of the semi-trailer that was involved in the first accident. No injuries were reported. Then at about 2:30 while crews were cleaning up the first crash, a car rear-ended another car on I-69 which had stopped for another crash just up the road. Three persons were taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The northbound lanes of I-69 were shut down for an hour as that accident was cleaned up.

Ohio Lottery Commission
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(CLEVELAND - AP) - The Ohio Lottery Commission has adopted rules for the state's new racetrack slot machines that will allow them to operate 24/7 and allow players as young as 18. There's still a public hearing and final vote next month.

Strickland's Racetrack Slot Plan
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Governor Ted Strickland's racetrack slots plan is one of the major issues before the Ohio Supreme Court. The Democratic governor hopes slots will raise an estimated $933 million for education over the next two years. How the all-Republican court rules on the gambling question could be a factor in upcoming elections for the high court.

Toledo Pharmacy Theft
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - Police in Toledo say a thief drove a stolen car into a pharmacy and right down a hallway to the area where drugs are stored early Monday morning. Authorities say the suspect got away with some drugs and later left the car behind a library.

Northwest Ohio Program For Drunken Drivers
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

(TOLEDO, Ohio - AP) - A program for drunken drivers in northwest Ohio taking participants into courtrooms to see just how much accidents involving alcohol affect the drivers and the victims. The clinical director of the Northwest Beacon Driver Intervention Program in Toledo, OH says seeing what happens in court really makes an impact.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Former Interior Secretary Wally Hickel is 90. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter is 82. Movie director Roman Polanski is 76. Attorney and author Vincent Bugliosi is 75. Olympic gold medal decathlete Rafer Johnson is 74. Actor-director Robert Redford is 73. Singer Johnny Preston is 70. Actor Christopher Jones
is 68. Actor Henry G. Sanders is 67. Rhythm-and-blues singer Sarah Dash (LaBelle) is 66. Actor-comedian Martin Mull is 66. Rock musician Dennis Elliott is 59. Comedian Elayne Boosler is 57. Actor Patrick Swayze is 57. Country singer Steve Wilkinson (The Wilkinsons) is 54. Actor Denis Leary is 52. Actress Madeleine Stowe is 51. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner (GYT'-nur) is 48. News anchor Bob Woodruff is 48. The president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, is 47. Bluegrass musician Jimmy Mattingly is 47. Actor Adam Storke is 47. Actor Craig Bierko (BEER'-koh) is 44. Rock
singer-musician Zac Maloy (The Nixons) is 41. Rock singer and hip-hop artist Everlast is 40. Rapper Masta Killa (Wu-Tang Clan) is 40. Actor Christian Slater is 40. Actor Edward Norton is 40. Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner is 39. Actress Kaitlin Olson is 34. Actor-writer-director Hadjii is 33. Rock musician Dirk Lance is 33. Football player Adalius Thomas is 32. Actor-comedian Andy Samberg (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 31. Football player Jeremy Shockey is 29. Actress Parker McKenna Posey is 14.

Don't Know Why, There's No Sun Up In The Sky
Monday, August 17th, 2009

(Undated) – In the words of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, “Don’t know why, there’s no sun up in the sky”. This afternoon and this evening is calling for showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. New rainfall amounts are between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. By tonight, new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. It’s a hazardous weather outlook for portions of Northwest Ohio, Southwest Lower Michigan, and Northern Indiana. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms may produce strong gusty winds. As for Monday, it’s pretty much like the old blues song “Stormy Weather” says, “Keeps raining all the time”.

Metaldyne Purchase As Part Of Bankruptcy Proceedings
Monday, August 17th, 2009

(Edon, OH) - A company that has a plant in Edon, Ohio and Fremont, Indiana has been bought as part of a bankruptcy proceeding. Two private-equity groups purchased Metaldyne plants in Fremont, Bluffton and Edon, Ohio recently during an auction. The new partnership is called M.D. Investors which is a company formed by a coalition of Metaldyne’s existing term lenders. Metaldyne President Thomas A. Amato says the sale represents the best way for the company to continue to serve customers and preserve as many jobs as possible. A Metaldyne spokesperson said the deal would not close until October 1st.

More Waterline Replaced In Bryan
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(Bryan, OH) – Today the Bryan Water Department will begin replacing the waterline on East Wilson Street, from Allen Street to South Myers Street. Water Supervisor Nathan Gardner advised that Wilson Street will be closed and traffic re-routed for about a week during the construction. The water department is replacing the existing 4-inch cast iron pipe with new 8-inch PVC Pipe. The complicated project will result in improved fire protection in the area.

Friday Fatal Crash In Ohio’s Williams County
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(Montpelier, OH) – A Friday morning accident involving a semi and a SUV has claimed the life of a young Edgerton, Wisconsin woman. The Ohio Patrol is investigating a crash that occurred on US 20 east of County Road 8 in Williams County, Ohio’s Bridgewater Township. Authorities say that a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 35-year-old Catherine A. Brittan of Edgerton, WI was traveling eastbound on US 20 when her vehicle went left of center and struck a semi-trailer unit driven by 49-year-old Robert M. Garland of Tecumseh, Michigan. Damage to both vehicles was severe. The driver of the Trailblazer, Catherine A. Brittan was pronounced dead at the scene by the Williams County Coroner. 37-year-old Jay A. Brittan was a front seat passenger in the Trailblazer and was taken to Bryan Hospital where he has been released. There were also two youngsters in the Brittan vehicle, an 11-year-old female and an 8-year-old female who were both air-lifted to St. Vincent’s in Toledo where they are both listed in fair condition over the weekend. No injuries were reported to the driver of the semi. All those involved in the accident were wearing their seatbelt and the youth were belted in booster seats. Assisting at the scene were the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Pioneer Fire Department, St. Vincent’s Life Flight, and Hutch’s Wrecker Service. The crash remains under routine investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The accident occurred just after 10 a.m. on Friday.

Auto Salvagers See Boost From Cash For Clunkers
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(EDGERTON, Ohio - AP) - Owners of auto salvaging businesses say they expect to see a boost from the federal government's Cash for Clunkers program. Carl Bellmann, owner of Edgerton Auto Salvage says he's been waiting for the onslaught to begin. He thinks the Cash for Clunkers program will help the salvage business, but adds he won't know for sure until the clunkers start arriving. The clunkers occupying space on dealers' lots will likely be leaving soon since Congress approved additional funding for the program. Bellmann says it takes about five seconds to crush a car. He says plastic, glass, and metal are recycled.

NASCAR: Vickers Wins MIS
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(BROOKLYN, Mich. - AP) - Pole-sitter Brian Vickers captured the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway when Jimmie Johnson ran out of fuel with two laps remaining. The victory moves Vickers within 12 points of gaining the final spot for the 10-race season-ending Chase for the Championship with three Sprint Cup races left.

West Unity Birthday Celebration This Weekend
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(West Unity, OH) – The West Unity Chamber is hosting West Unity's Birthday Celebration August 21st through the 23rd. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce in West Unity.

Ohio Gas Prices Have Fallen
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(UNDATED) - The Triple A says Ohio gasoline prices have fallen 7 cents from last Monday and are now averaging $2.54 per gallon for regular. That's much better than last year at this time, when Ohio motorists were paying average $3.70.

Drilling at Ohio State Parks
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - State parks once set aside for hiking and camping are being tapped for oil and natural gas as states scramble for cash. A proposal in Ohio calls for drilling in Salt Fork State Park.

Monday last Day To Register For Special Language Classes At Defiance College
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(Defiance, OH) - Defiance College is offering Conversational Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish to students and the public as once-a-week classes during the upcoming fall semester. Coursework within the classes will enable participants to communicate at a basic level after just one semester. Persons interested in a class should contact the Defiance College. Today is the last day for registering for these classes.

Schools Setting Up Flu Shot Clinics
Monday, August 17th. 2009

(WASHINGTON - AP) - The Associated Press reports that hundreds of schools are heeding the government's call to set up flu-shot clinics this fall, preparing for what could be the most widespread school vaccinations since the days of polio. Some big states, like California, Ohio and Massachusetts, aren't focusing vaccinations right now because they don't know how much vaccine the federal government will send or when it will arrive.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Monday, August 17th. 2009

Today's Birthdays: Actress Maureen O'Hara is 89. Actor Robert DeNiro is 66. Movie director Martha Coolidge is 63. Guitarist Gary Talley of The Box Tops is 62. Drummer Sib Hashian (Boston) is 60. Actor Robert Joy ("CSI: NY") is 58. Singer Kevin Rowland of Dexy's Midnight Runners is 56. Country singer-songwriter Kevin Welch is 54. Bassist Colin Moulding of XTC is 54. Singer Belinda Carlisle is 51. Actor Sean Penn is 49. Jazz musician Everette Harp is 48. Guitarist Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses) is 47. Singer Maria McKee is 45. Drummer Steve Gorman of the Black Crowes is 44. Singer-bassist Jill Cunniff (kuh-NIF') (Luscious Jackson) is 43. Actor David Conrad ("Relativity") is 42. Rapper Posdnuos (PAHS'-deh-noos) of Del La Soul is 40. Singer Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block is 40. Actor Bryton McClure ("Family Matters") is 23. Actor Brady Corbet (kohr-BAY') ("24") is 21.

Fatal Crash In Ohio’s Williams County
Saturday, August 15th, 2009

(Montpelier, OH) – A Friday morning accident involving a semi and a SUV has claimed the life of a young Edgerton, Wisconsin woman. The Ohio Patrol is investigating a crash that occurred on US 20 east of County Road 8 in Williams County, Ohio’s Bridgewater Township. Authorities say that a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 35-year-old Catherine A. Brittan of Edgerton, WI was traveling eastbound on US 20 when her vehicle went left of center and struck a semi-trailer unit driven by 49-year-old Robert M. Garland of Tecumseh, Michigan. Damage to both vehicles was severe. The driver of the Trailblazer, Catherine A. Brittan was pronounced dead at the scene by the Williams County Coroner. 37-year-old Jay A. Brittan was a front seat passenger in the Trailblazer and was taken to Bryan Hospital where he has been released. There were also two youngsters in the Brittan vehicle, an 11-year-old female and an 8-year-old female who were both air-lifted to St. Vincent’s in Toledo where they are both listed in fair condition this morning. No injuries were reported to the driver of the semi. All those involved in the accident were wearing their seatbelt and the youth were belted in booster seats. Assisting at the scene were the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Pioneer Fire Department, St. Vincent’s Life Flight, and Hutch’s Wrecker Service. The crash remains under routine investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The accident occurred just after 10 a.m. on Friday.

Parade of Homes In Steuben County Indiana
Saturday, August 15th, 2009

(UNDATED) - Nine homes will be featured in this years Builders Association of Northeast Indiana Parade of Homes which got underway Friday and continues for the next two weekends. The Parade will stretch into Branch County, Michigan this year. Parade of Home hours will be from 1:00 until 7:00 on Friday and from 10:00 until 5:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Tour books can be bought at any home on the tour as well as at Farmers State Bank and Wayside Furniture in Angola.

Traffic Backed Up at US 20 & CR 8
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(Edon, OH) – Williams County Sheriff’s Department is advising that there is a reported accident at Country Road 8 and US 20 north of Edon. Eyewitnesses are reporting that a semi and an SUV have collided head-on. Traffic is backed up on US 20 in both directions. Drivers are advised to take alternative routes. We also want to remind you that if you are in the area, please be mindful of emergency personnel working that scene on the road, or those that need to access the area. No other details are available at this time.

Defiance County Fatal
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(Ney, OH) - A Sherwood man was killed Thursday night in a one vehicle crash on U.S. 127 south of Ney-Williams Center Road in Defiance County. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports 38-year-old Philip C. Wagner was traveling south on 127 just before 10:00 when he went off the right side of the road. His car struck an embankment and a tree before it overturned. Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash caused severe damage to his car. Troopers say Wagner was wearing his seatbelt. The accident is still under investigation.

More Waterline Replaced In Bryan
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – This Monday the Bryan Water Department will begin replacing the waterline on East Wilson Street, from Allen Street to South Myers Street. Water Supervisor Nathan Gardner advised that Wilson Street will be closed and traffic re-routed for about a week during the construction. The water department is replacing the existing 4-inch cast iron pipe with new 8-inch PVC Pipe. The complicated project will result in improved fire protection in the area.

Ashley Apartment Bursts Into Flames
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(Ashley, IN) - Fire broke out in an apartment at the Chapel Lane Apartments on the south side of Ashley on Thursday night. The fire broke out at about 8:40pm. Ashley Fire Chief Micah Libey says the fire was contained to one room of an apartment. He adds there was some heat and water damage to the other apartments. Thanks to an automatic fire dispatch system, firefighters from several departments in DeKalb and Steuben Counties were called in including Ashley, Hudson, Pleasant Lake, Hamilton and Angola. Salem Center and Fremont firefighters were called up on standby. The fire was called under control at about 9:20pm. Ashley Police report those who were in two occupied apartments in the building where the fire took place managed to get out safely. The other two apartments in the building were not occupied. Libey says there were not any substantial injuries, but one occupant had minor burns to the leg that did not require medical attention. The cause of the fire is not known.

Parade of Homes In Steuben County Indiana
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(UNDATED) - Nine homes will be featured in this years Builders Association of Northeast Indiana Parade of Homes which gets underway Friday and continues for the next two weekends. The Parade will stretch into Branch County this year where the Pearl Beach B and B on Coldwater Lake is being featured. Other homes are Misty Moorings on West Otter Lake, Cove Dreams on Sylvan Lake, the Bennington and Baker's Place in Kendallville, the Villa of Herrington Heights in Angola, the Hollywood on Crooked Lake and R.C.I. Development's Crooked Lake Beach Club. Also on the tour is Club Paradise's new Thirsty Flamingo on Lake James. Parade of Home hours will be from 1:00 until 7:00 on Friday and from 10:00 until 5:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Tour books can be bought at any home on the tour as well as at Farmers State Bank and Wayside Furniture in Angola.

Jeff Gordon Takes a Ride at Cedar Point
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(SANDUSKY, Ohio - AP) - NASCAR's Jeff Gordon didn't let a sore back stop him from taking a spin on one of the world's tallest coasters. Gordon made a promotional appearance at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio on Thursday. He strapped into the front seat of the Millenium Force, a 310-foot tall roller coaster that reaches speeds of 90 mph. Gordon rode the coaster with a group of contest winners and came back with a big grin. Cedar Point officials weren't sure the race car driver would be able to ride the coaster after an accident in Monday's race at Watkins Glen left him with a stiff back. Gordon has been bothered by an aching back for more than a year. Next up is this weekend's race at Michigan International Speedway.

Ohioans Aren't Keen on Keno
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Ohioans aren't quite so keen on Keno. The Ohio Lottery's newest game made $30 million during the year that ended July 31st, far short of the $73 million profit Governor Ted Strickland was counting on to shore up state education funding.

Amtrak Delays Study in Ohio
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Amtrak has delayed its study on restoring passenger train service among Ohio's major cities until mid-September. This gives the state a tighter deadline to apply for money from President Barack Obama's stimulus package. Amtrak says it is juggling new requests and congressional mandates to evaluate service in other states. This pushes back its study of trains connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. The study's conclusions on ridership, revenue projects and station locations were originally expected at the end of August. State officials working on the project downplay the delay and remain confident they can meet an October 2nd application deadline. States are competing to get a slice of $8 billion in stimulus money that Obama set aside for rail projects.

Bryan HS Meet The Team & Band Night
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - On Friday, August 21st The Bryan Athletic Boosters, Bryan Music Boosters and Bryan City Schools invite you to Meet the Fall Teams and Band night at the Bryan Football Stadium. The Jamboree game will begin at 7 p.m. featuring the Bryan Golden Bears and Lima Bath Wildcats. At half time, you will meet the other fall athletic teams. The band will also be there to provide music during the evening. Nominal fees for admission and food will be charged.

DeKalb County Police Arrest Convicted Rapist For Child Molesting
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(Auburn, IN) - Detectives from the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department arrested an Auburn man on Thursday for alleged deviate sexual conduct with two youngsters. 30-year-old Harry L. Goble is being held in the DeKalb County Jail without bond pending an initial hearing on a Class A felony for child molesting and a Class B felony for Sexual Misconduct With a Minor. DeKalb County Sheriffs Department Detective Don Lauer says the alleged incidents took place last summer. He says one of the alleged victims was under the age of 14, the other was between 13 and 16. DeKalb County authorities say Goble was previously convicted of rape and is a registered sex offender. According to the Indiana Sheriffs Association Sex and Violent Offender Registry, Goble was convicted in DeKalb County of rape in 1998. He was given a 20 year sentence for the crime with 10 years of the sentence suspended.

Another Slot Machine Protest
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(CLEVELAND - AP) - The Ohio Council of Churches plans to fight a proposal to allow state horse racetracks to run slot machines 24/7 and to allow gamblers as young as 18. An official with the group says the rules would make slots enticing to the urban poor and teens least able to handle gambling debts.

WLZZ At Chief Supermarkets In Bryan Saturday
Friday, August 14th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - Join Wheels this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12-noon at Chief Supermarket in Bryan. Show your pride during Chief’s local vendor demo event. Chief will have demos of velvet ice cream, mission kitchen bags, chief special recipe cookies, Stony Ridge wine, Walnut Creek cheese and more. Sign up to win prizes including Mud Hen tickets and Chief gift cards, and a family four pack of cedar point tickets.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Friday, August 14th, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Broadway lyricist Lee Adams ("Bye Bye Birdie") is 85. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Russell Baker is 84. Singer Buddy Greco is 83. Baseball Hall of Fame coach Earl Weaver is 79. Former football player John Brodie is 74. Singer Dash Crofts is 71. Rock singer David Crosby is 68. Country singer Connie Smith is 68. Comedian-actor Steve Martin is 64. Actor Antonio Fargas is 63. Singer-musician Larry Graham is 63. Actress Susan Saint James is 63. Actor David Schramm is 63. Author Danielle Steel is 62. Rock singer-musician Terry Adams (NRBQ) is 59. "Far Side" cartoonist Gary Larson is 59. Actor Carl Lumbly is 58. Olympic gold medal swimmer Debbie Meyer is 57. Film composer James Horner is 56. Actress Jackee Harry is 53. Actress Marcia Gay Harden is 50. Former basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson is 50. Singer Sarah Brightman is 49. Actress Susan Olsen is 48. Rock musician Keith Howland (Chicago) is 45. Actress Halle Berry is 43. Actress Catherine Bell is 41. Country musician Cody McCarver (Confederate Railroad) is 41. Rock musician Kevin Cadogan is 39. Actor Scott Michael Campbell is 38. Actress Lalanya Masters is 37. Actor Christopher Gorham is 35. Football player Greg Ellis is 34. Football player Mike Vrabel is 34. Football player Roy L. Williams is 29. Actress Mila Kunis is 26. TV personality Spencer Pratt is 26.

Ohio Is Top In Nation's Foreclosure Rate
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(Undated) - Ohio had the nation's 12th highest foreclosure rate in July as the number of households threatened with losing their homes rose 7 percent nationwide. In Ohio, one out of every 460 homes received a foreclosure-related notice.

Two Arrested, Large Amount Of Marijuana Found In DeKalb County Bust
Thursday, August 13, 2009

(AUBURN) - Police arrested two people and recovered close to 400 pounds of marijuana yesterday during a DeKalb County drug raid. Officers from the Fort Wayne Vice and Narcotics department along with the IMAGE Drug Task Force and the Northeast Indiana SWAT team raided a residence in the 3600 block of County Road 72. That led to another search in the 4100 block of County Road 55 which turned up between 350 and 400 pounds of marijuana, more than $70,000 in cash, and six guns. Police arrested 30-year-old Juan Saucedo of Auburn and 37-year-old Martel Garcia of Butler. Auburn Police Sgt. Mark Stump says the investigation lasted for nearly a year. He added the arrests will have an impact on marijuana distribution in northeast Indiana.

New Director of Admissions At Northwest State
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(ARCHBOLD, OH) - Northwest State Community College has named Dennis Giacomino as the new Director of Admissions. His responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of new student enrollment services including recruitment and registration. Giacomino joins Northwest State with over 18 years of experience in higher education.

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Today: Bryan Board of Public Affairs Special Session
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - Bryan Board of Public Affairs will meet in special session on today to hear the results of the survey conducted by Johnson Controls regarding energy savings and whether the installation of new water and electric metering systems will be cost-effective. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. and will also be a televised meeting.

Land Valuations Program Tonight
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – The Williams County Farm Bureau and Deb Nester, Williams County Auditor, are holding a public meeting to discuss land valuations for farms participating in the Current Agriculture Use Value Program (CAUV). Nester says this meeting will help make landowners aware of the proposed changes to the CAUV program. The meeting will be held on tonight at the Bryan Middle School starting at 7 p.m. Larry Gearhardt of Farm Bureau and Rick Hoffman of Local Government Services will be the featured speakers.

Family Escapes Smokey Home
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(Angola, IN) - Two adults and a child managed to get out a smoky home in the 800 block of South Darling in Angola, IN Thursday morning thanks to a neighbor and an Angola Police Officer. Angola Fire officials say a neighbor smelled smoke and called authorities. The cause of the fire, which started in a back family room, is under investigation.

Bryan HS Meet The Team & Band Night
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - On Friday, August 21st The Bryan Athletic Boosters, Bryan Music Boosters and Bryan City Schools invite you to Meet the Fall Teams and Band night at the Bryan Football Stadium. The Jamboree game will begin at 7 p.m. featuring the Bryan Golden Bears and Lima Bath Wildcats. At half time, you will meet the other fall athletic teams. The band will also be there to provide music during the evening. Nominal fees for admission and food will be charged.

Husted Makes Request To Ohio Supreme Court
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Kettering state Senator Jon Husted has asked the state Supreme Court to dismiss a complaint alleging he doesn't live in the city near Dayton. Husted says the court to take the case out of the hands of Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, who he says has taken too long to rule on the dispute. As many in the WLZZ listening area may know, Husted grew up in Williams County, Ohio and was a graduate of Montpelier High School.

November Ohio Ballot Issues
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - The Ohio ballot board has approved wording for ballot issues to regulate the care of livestock and allow bonuses to be paid to war veterans. The board yesterday finalized the language for the two issues that will be submitted to voters on November's ballot.

Car Companies Cranking Up Production
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(Undated) - Car companies are cranking up production in response to the demand for new cars and trucks that's thanks to Cash for Clunkers. Even in Ohio, Indian, & Michigan shifts are being added to make cars.

Leaders Look to Renew Ohio Tech Jobs Program
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - State leaders want to expand a program begun in 2002 that gives grants to start new technology companies in Ohio. The $1.6 billion Third Frontier program is funded with bonds, money from the state's settlement with tobacco companies, and general tax dollars. Officials want to submit a new bond issue to voters as early as May.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Former Cuban President Fidel Castro is 83. Actor Pat Harrington is 80. Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders is 76. Actor Kevin Tighe is 65. Actress Gretchen Corbett is 62. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 61. High wire aerialist Philippe Petit is 60. Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke is 60.
Comedian-writer Tom Davis is 57. Golf Hall of Famer Betsy King is 54. Movie director Paul Greengrass is 54. Actor Danny Bonaduce is 50. TV host/weatherman Sam Champion (TV: "Good Morning America") is 48. Actress Dawnn (correct) Lewis is 48. Actor John Slattery is 47. Actress Quinn Cummings is 42. Actress Seana Kofoed is 39. Country singer Andy Griggs is 36. Country musician Mike Melancon (Emerson Drive) is 31. Actress Kathryn Fiore is 30. Pop-rock singer James Morrison is 25.

Northwest State Community College Names New Director of Admissions
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(ARCHBOLD, OH) - Northwest State Community College has named Dennis Giacomino as the new Director of Admissions. His responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of new student enrollment services including recruitment and registration. Giacomino plans to begin a series of informational sessions this fall and spring to address the questions people have about college and Northwest State in particular. These sessions will introduce students to the various certificate and degree options available, as well as the transferability of courses to a bachelor’s degree program. Giacomino says that based on national studies, students who attend community college have higher completion rates versus those who enter directly into a four-year college. He encourages students to be informed when making a decision on what college to attend. Giacomino joins Northwest State with over 18 years of experience in higher education. He served as Vice President for Admissions at Cleveland College in Kansas City and worked as Director of Enrollment Management and Student Services for the Kent State University Regional Campus System. Giacomino is currently living in Bryan, Ohio and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from City University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Walsh University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education.

Teegarden First REAL Speaker
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - The Retail Education Advancement and Learning Team, a division of the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce, proudly announces the first speaker of their new educational series. Heather Teegarden, Operations Manager, with Andres O’Neil & Lowe Agency, will be speaking on Motivating, Retaining & Attracting Good Employees on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 138 South Lynn Street. This free one hour series is open to all business owners, HR Managers and supervisors. A continental breakfast is included. Please RSVP by phone 419.636.2247 if you plan to attend. Visit bryan-chamber-dot-org (www.bryanchamber.org) for future information on the REAL Team educational series programs.

Trine Welcomes Four New Directors
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(Angola, IN) - With the start of the fall semester just around the corner, Trine University is welcoming four new directors to its staff. Nicole Hansen takes over as Director of Resource Development after spending the past five years as director of the northeast Indiana territory for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Sarah Brown is now the Director of Alumni Relations and Events. Brown earned a business administration degree in management when the university was known as Tri-State in 1998. Meanwhile, Kathryn Diekhoff is the new director of student life after serving as director of leadership development for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity Incorporated in Indianapolis since 2008. Kristina Johnson-Funk joins Trine as director of conference and events. She has worked as an adjunct professor at Trine in Fort Wayne for four years.

Garrett Fleetwood Plant Bought By Local Investors
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(Garrett, IN) - Three local investors have bought a manufactured housing plant in Garrett. The plant was scheduled to close after Fleetwood Enterprises declared bankruptcy last March. But The Star and the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette both report Fleetwood has accepted the group's bid, which will keep the plant open and save 80 jobs. The business will be renamed Adventure Homes. Co-owner and plant manager Wally Comer is optimistic about the future. He says the workforce could increase to as high as 150 employees in about a year as the economy recovers from the recession.

Commissions Will Resolve Overweight Vehicle Fine Issue Thursday
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(Williams County, OH) – Earlier this the Williams County Commissioners met with Sheriff Beck, Rhonda Fisher, Trisha Russell and Dennis Bell in regards to fines collected from overweight vehicles. The Ohio Revised Code required all fines from trucks being overweight would go to the road maintenance fund. Russel and Fisher explained that there was a misinterpretation on how these funds should be handled. Fines collected will continue to support maintenance of county roads. Commissioners are set to review a resolution on this matter this Thursday that should clarify the matter.

Land Valuations Program Thursday
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) – The Williams County Farm Bureau and Deb Nester, Williams County Auditor, are holding a public meeting to discuss land valuations for farms participating in the Current Agriculture Use Value Program (CAUV). Nester says this meeting will help make landowners aware of the proposed changes to the CAUV program. The meeting will be held on Thursday at the Bryan Middle School starting at 7 p.m. Larry Gearhardt of Farm Bureau and Rick Hoffman of Local Government Services will be the featured speakers.

Bryan Board of Public Affairs Special Session
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(Bryan, OH) - Bryan Board of Public Affairs will meet in special session on Thursday to hear the results of the survey conducted by Johnson Controls regarding energy savings and whether the installation of new water and electric metering systems will be cost-effective. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. and will also be a televised meeting.

Stallworth Is Allowed To Train
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(MIAMI - AP) - Suspended Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth will be allowed to leave home confinement to train with a strength and conditioning coach. A judge modified the conditions of Stallworth's house arrest to allow him to go elsewhere to train five days a week. Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter.

Ohio College Financial Aid
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(Undated) - Ohio is one of at least a dozen states making big cuts in college financial aid. Ohio is cutting out grants for low-income students at a wide range of schools.

Ohio State Fair A Success
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - Officials say this year's Ohio State Fair drew the highest attendance in five years as more than 826-thousand people went through the gates. Fair organizers also say spending was up at the concession stands and along the Midway. The 12-day fair closed Sunday in Columbus.

No To Transfer Spend Anti-Tobacco Funds
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(COLUMBUS, Ohio - AP) - A Franklin County judge has permanently barred state authorities from spending roughly $250-million in anti-tobacco funds on other programs and balancing the state budget. Governor Ted Strickland and state lawmakers planned to spend the money on Medicaid services.

$146-Million For The Mega Millions
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

(ATLANTA - AP) - The potential payday is now up to $146 million in the multi-state Mega Millions multi-state lottery game. No one took the jackpot last night, so it has been boosted for Friday's drawing. Yesterday's winning numbers were: 6, 12, 15, 32 and 42, with 40 as the Mega Ball number.

WLZZ Celebrity Birthday List
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Today's Birthdays: Former Senator Dale Bumpers (D-Ark.) is 84. Actor George Hamilton is 70. Actress Dana Ivey is 68. Actress Jennifer Warren is 68. Rock singer-musician Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) is 60. Singer Kid Creole is 59. Jazz musician Pat Metheny is 55. Actor Sam J. Jones is 55. Actor Bruce Greenwood is 53. Country singer Danny Shirley is 53. Pop musician Roy Hay (Culture Club) is 48. Rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot is 46. Actor Peter Krause (KROW'-zuh) is 44. T