There are no reports, confirmed or otherwise, of funnel clouds or tornados in southern Huron County.
A tornado warning was issued shortly after 8:30 last night for southeastern Huron County, northern Ashland County, and southern Lorain County, after Doppler radar showed a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Fitchville. The warning was canceled shortly after 9, and Huron County deputies said they received no reports of twisters. The warning led tornado sirens to sound in Norwalk. A few hours earlier, tornado warnings were issued for eight northeast Ohio counties. Twisters may have touched down in Rittman, Akron and Stow.
Flags should be flown at half-staff today, in honor of lives lost in the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon.
A moment of silence will be observed at 8:46 this morning.
The state highway patrol has released details about last weekend’s arrest of a drunken truck driver.
The report, released yesterday, says 48-year-old Michael Craycraft of Cleveland was arrested Saturday, near the Ohio turnpike exit in Milan. Craycraft was stopped, after troopers received reports of a semi-truck driving erratically. He was taken to the Milan patrol post, where he blew a .256 during a breath test. That’s more than three times Ohio’s legal limit. Craycraft was charged with DUI, a marked lanes violation and open container. Records show it’s his third DUI arrest.
The all-clear has been given in Willard.
Earlier this week, city officials sent a sample of reservoir water for testing, after noticing signs of potential algae bloom toxins. The Ohio EPA said the water is free of toxins, and is safe to drink.
Willard city council did NOT name an interim city manager, during Tuesday’s special meeting.
City council will meet again next Monday. At the request of council, current city manager Brian Humphress is stepping down. His last day will be next Friday.
A Huron County deputy remains on paid leave, amid allegations he used excessive force during a recent arrest.
Sgt. Chuck Summers has been on administrative leave since September 1st. He’s accused of choking a drunk suspect, during an August 30th arrest at the Bronson-Norwalk Conservation Club. Summers and two other deputies were sent there, to investigate a fight at a wedding reception. Some of the alleged incident involving Summers and his accuser was caught on cell phone video. A special investigator with the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association is looking into the incident. Once the investigation is complete, a report will be sent to Sheriff Dane Howard for potential discipline.
Felony charges have been filed against a Port Clinton couple accused of bankruptcy fraud, and stealing more than $160,000 from a senior citizen.
63-year-old Iris Stephenson is facing eight counts, including first-degree felony theft, and defrauding creditors. Her husband, 61-year-old Hugh Stephenson is charged with one count each of theft and defrauding creditors. The alleged bankruptcy fraud, and theft involving the Stephensons and the 83-year-old victim occurred in 2011. The two are due in court September 29th.