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November 2008 |
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By MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writer
A former Wapakoneta law enforcement officer’s future is now in the hands of seven state Supreme Court justices.
Former Wapakoneta Police Chief Dave Harrison’s 6-year-old sex crime case reached the pinnacle in Ohio’s court system Wednesday, as justices heard arguments from Harrison’s attorney Dean Boland and state prosecutor Scott Longo.
Each party had 15 minutes to present their case to the justices. After both attorneys argued their cases, a single word in Harrison’s sentencing entry and a grilling delivered to Longo by justice Maureen O’Connor left Boland optimistic about his client’s future.
In June, 2003, Harrison plead guilty to a six-count bill of information after child pornography was found on his computer. After entering his plea, the man who served as police chief from 1988 to 2002 was sentenced to one year in jail.
Seven months after he completed his sentence, it was discovered by county prosecutors that Harrison should have been sentenced with an additional five years of mandatory post release control, or probation.
During a court hearing, Harrison was given the option to either be re-sentenced or withdraw his plea. Harrison chose the latter, taking things back to square one.
With the plea withdrawn, the state of Ohio slapped Harrison with a 23-count indictment which he was ultimately found guilty of and sentenced to six years in prison.
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Tuesday, 29 July 2008 |
W’field, Minster pair crowned 2008 Junior Fair royalty
 The 2007 Auglaize County Junior Fair Queen Beth Doenges places a sash around this year’s queen, Emily Spangler. Spangler and Minster’s Ben Lehmkuhl were crowned the 2008 Auglaize County Junior Fair king and queen Monday evening during a coronation ceremony in front of the grandstands. (Staff photo/ Matt Nichols)
By MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writer
With the setting sun shrouded by the grandstands, two Auglaize County teenagers beamed Monday night after being named the Auglaize County Junior Fair king and queen.
Waynesfield’s Emily Spangler and Minster’s Ben Lehmkuhl earned the right to serve as the 2008 fair’s royality after a coronation ceremony in front of the grandstands.
While he stood alongside Spangler covered in sweat posing for photographs for family and friends, Lehmkuhl never dropped his smile. Monday night’s award was one that was a long time coming, he said.
“This is great,” Lehmkuhl said while still clutching his new hardware. “Ever since I was little, I’ve looked up to the king, and I’ve always wanted this. It’s a great honor.”
The son of Karen and Bill Lehmkuhl is a member of the Buckeye Beavers and Minster Nailbenders.
He also is in charge of the Junior Fair Hog Show and is a committee member on the Junior Fair Board.
He said he does what he can to help his 4-H group, including working with younger members on woodworking and welding projects.
Lehmkuhl’s mother said his year’s of hard work in 4-H and his enjoyment of the Junior Fair were the catalyst for her son’s new award.
“He has been very involved in 4-H and he has worked so hard in the Junior Fair,” Karen Lehmkuhl said. “I’m proud of him.”
Lehmkuhl, 19, who graduated from Minster High School, plans to attend the University of Toledo in the fall, where he intends to study electrical engineering.
The only person whose smile beamed brighter than Lehmkuhl’s on Monday was that of Spangler, the county’s new fair queen.
Like Lehmkuhl, Spangler said she always had visions of taking the crown and the sash in front of the fairgrounds grandstand.
Spangler said Monday night was a dream realized.
A graduate of Waynesfield-Goshen High School, Spangler is heading to Ohio Northern University (ONU) in the fall, where she intends to begin her studies in middle childhood education.
When she earns her degree at ONU, she said she hopes to teach either fourth- or fifth-grade students — although she quickly added she’ll teach wherever she finds work after college.
“Fourth- and fifth-graders are the ones I take care of at 4-H camp and the ones that always need help here,” Spangler said. “I can handle those kids.”
The daughter of Jan and Jim Spangler is a member of the Waynesfield Farmers and Farmerettes where she is chair of the Clothing Committee. She is also secretary on the Junior Fair Board.
Spangler’s mother said she was floored when her daughter’s name was announced as this year’s Junior Fair queen.
“When they said her name, my mind just went blank,” Jan Spangler said laughing, “but I’m extremely proud. She’s worked hard for this. I’m very excited for her.” |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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