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The Bucks beat Illini in Oak Harbor See page 16
February 11, 2013
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Serving The Eastern Maumee Bay Communities Since 1972
Natasha gets 1,000th point See page 16
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Lake Twp.
Snow brings complaints of snowmobiles By Larry Limpf News Editor news@presspublications.com
Twelve Angry Jurors After a heated argument, juror #3 (Jeff Smith) lunges towards juror #8 (Tammy Halay) during a rehearsal of Oregon Community Theatre's production of the award-winning drama "Twelve Angry Jurors." Performances are Feb. 15-16 and 22-23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. in the Fassett Auditorium. Tickets are available by calling 419-691-1398 or at the ticket booth the night of any show. Pictured in rehearsal are (l-r) David O’Brien, Reed Steele, Bill Perry, Tim Yard, Jeff Smith, Cynthia McComb, Tammy Halay, and Jane Klickman. (Press photo by Ken Grosjean)
Community rallies to help save dog A dog facing euthanasia due to a serious injury from a car accident last month had surgery that saved its life, thanks to the generosity of the community. Wind Bearheart’s dog, Grizzly, had hip surgery on Tuesday at Med Vet, in Columbus, and was expected to be home by Friday. Bearhart, of Northwood, thought she’d have to put down her dog because she could not afford to pay for the surgery. But the community came to the rescue after the media highlighted her predicament and donated funds for surgery. “I am just overwhelmed by the generosity of people,” Bearheart said. “I now know there are angels walking on this earth.” On Tuesday, January 22, Bearheart, Grizzly and her dog Chance were passengers in a vehicle traveling back to Northwood after she visited her son, Shane Baumgartner, a paramedic/firefighter at Station No. 9 in Whitehouse. The car was broadsided in Fulton County by another vehicle, which was totaled in the accident. Bearheart was airlifted to The University of Toledo Medical Center in serious condition. She suffered broken bones in her face, injuries to her ribs and
Common People, Uncommon Challenges 50 stories of inspiration
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I am just so happy he will be able to run and play again.
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By Melissa Burden Press Contributing Writer news@presspublications.com
head trauma. Chance, a Siberian Husky, was taken to the fire department in Whitehouse, where he was cared for by her son and his fellow firefighters. Although sore, Chance came out of the accident relatively unscathed. Grizzly, a 14 month old Newfoundland, was taken to an emergency veterinary clinic to be treated for leg injuries and a dislocated hip. Bearheart’s son then took Grizzly to the West Suburban Animal Hospital in Sylvania where he was examined by Dr. Gary Thompson, who suggested that the big bear of a dog go to the veterinary hospital in Columbus for hip surgery. Bearheart, who does not drive, has depended on her dogs for transportation. The three have been seen around Northwood, Toledo, Rossford and Perrysburg, with Bearheart on her sled with wheels, being pulled by
her dogs as she ran errands, visited friends and went sightseeing. Unfortunately, Bearheart, who was struggling to pay for her own medications, could not afford the $6,000 estimated cost for the surgery. If Grizzly could not get the surgery, he would have had to be put down. The insurance company of the other driver would not pay for Grizzly’s veterinary bills because the law considers animals personal property. After an article about Grizzly ran in The Press, donations to a special account at Fifth Third Bank as well as to a Chipin account accumulated quickly. Within two days, there was enough money raised to pay for Grizzly’s surgery. “The story really made a difference,” Bearheart said. “I am just glad his surgery was paid for. It would have broke my heart if I had to put him down. The people who have donated and those who have sent cards and messages have made me believe in people again.” Bearheart said she was also relieved to hear from Dr. Matthew Barnhart, of Med Vet, that Grizzly did not need a total hip replacement, but a procedure that was a bit less costly. Grizzly, who is young and in otherwise good health, would need a Toggle hip surgery, which would cost $4,000.
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Q
uote of The Week
Your mind believes whatever you tell it. Bryan Golden See page 9
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Read about the heroes living in the homes next to you. In these 50 short stories, Press columnist John Szozda tells the stories of common people who have met uncommon challenges with vision, courage, passion and determination. These men and women include the Genoa grandmother who helped
by John Szozda
One day after several farmers in Lake Township took their complaints to the township trustees of snowmobiles trespassing on their fields, township police arrested a Genoa man for just that. Police issued a summons arrest Wednesday shortly before 7 p.m. to Michael J. Lewis, 28, Meadow Drive, Genoa, after an officer observed him crossing a field near the corner of Libby and Lemoyne roads. He was charged with criminal trespassing, according to police. At Tuesday’s meeting of the township trustees, farmers complained of snowmobiles trespassing on their fields, telling them and Police Chief Mark Hummer of acreage planted with winter wheat being damaged and “no trespassing” signs being blatantly ignored. “It’s like a slap in the face,” one grower said of the snowmobilers riding past signs designating private property. The trustees approved a motion to send a letter to State Representative Tim Brown and State Senator Randy Gardner to request tougher legislation for addressing the problem and to contact the Wood County prosecutor’s office for clarification of the current law. “We need to find out what our options are and how much jurisdiction we have,” Ron Sims, a trustee, said after the meeting. Asked by Robert Kapp what measures growers could take, Chief Hummer said they could protect their property if it is being damaged. “Your reaction has to be appropriate,” the chief said. “The best weapon you’ll have is your phone and some patience.” The growers said most of the trespassing occurs between 8 p.m. and midnight and is more frequent on weekends. Chief Hummer told the farmers he’s instructed officers to cite violators and not issue warnings. He said his office will ask the prosecutor for the maximum penalty. He acknowledged the livelihoods of
solve her daughter’s murder, the Polish-American boy who survived gruesome medical experiments during WWII and the woman, once a victim of fear, who fought back against crime and founded CrimeStoppers. The
For your copy of John Szozda’s book, send $15 to The Press, Box 169-J Millbury, OH 43447 or call 419-836-2221.
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Metro Suburban Maumee Bay