11 years in prison for a Norwalk man who sexually abused three boys.
73-year-old Hershel Prater Jr. was sentenced yesterday, by Huron County Common Pleas Court Judge James Conway. In December, Prater pleaded guilty to charges of sexual battery, gross sexual imposition and importuning. Two of the incidents involving the victims occurred last summer. The third occurred in 2012. Once out of prison, Prater will have to register his address with authorities for life.
She began her career in school finance in Norwalk and now, she’s been hired as treasurer of the Norwalk City Schools.
Joyce DuPont hiring was made official during last night’s special school board meeting. She was given a three-year contract with an annual salary of $92,500. DuPont was one of 11 applicants. A Norwalk resident, DuPont has spent four years as treasurer of the Clyde-Green Springs Schools. She previously served as treasurer at South Central, and before that, worked under former Norwalk City Schools treasurer Kenneth France.
USDA funding is now available to western Lake Erie Basin Farmers in Ohio, to help improve water quality.
The goal is to reduce nutrients and harmful algae blooms in Lake Erie, by assisting farmers in installing conservation practices that benefit water quality in the western basin. This year, applications received from Ohio livestock farmers will receive priority for funding. Livestock farmers interested in applying for technical and financial assistance should contact their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible.
State Senator Gayle Manning has announced that the Ohio Legislative Service Commission is accepting applications for its prestigious 13-month Legislative and Telecommunications Fellowship programs.
The commission will hire 24 fellows to work with members of the Ohio General Assembly during 2017. Those hired will write press releases and speeches, assist in policy research, attend meetings and perform administrative duties. No political experience is necessary, but all applicants must have a four-year college degree. Fellows receive full state of Ohio benefits and are paid $31,200, with a chance to earn a $2,000 bonus. For more information or to apply, contact the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
The University of Toledo has announced budget cuts.
1.5 percent will be trimmed from the operating budget this year, and three percent will be cut from the entire budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1st. The cuts will amount to about $600,000 this year, and nearly $8.7 million for fiscal year 2017.
Ohio Governor John Kasich is on the road again.
He’s campaigning in South Carolina.
North Fairfield has a new administrator and a vacancy on village council.
Tom Leto has resigned his council seat, after being named village administrator. It’ll be up to North Fairfield village council to appoint a new member.