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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With the plea withdrawn, the state of Ohio slapped Harrison with a 23-count indictment which he was ultimately found guilty of and sentenced to six years in prison.
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Friday, 22 August 2008 |
Area university’s dean updates residents on changes
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — The dean of an area university briefed members of an Auglaize County based club this week on a slew of projects at the institution.
Wright State University Lake Campus Dean Jim Sayer discussed the renovations and changes going on at the campus with the club. After receiving $9 million to revamp the Lake Campus, the construction is now being kick-started with help from Sayer.
“In the past we have been a hidden gem in this community,” Sayer said Wednesday during a St. Marys Rotary Club meeting. “Five years from now I want to make sure everyone knows about us.”
The project broke ground five weeks ago and Sayer said he hopes all of the renovations will be complete by next fall.
The renovations are going to give the campus a complete transformation, from class rooms to science labs.
“We are literally transforming it from what it was when it was first built to what it should be,” Sayer said.
With the construction started, changes have been made in the location of some offices. The Student Services and Bursar’s offices have been moved to the library and the administrative offices will be moved into a modular. All of the office changes are for a six-month time frame.
Along with the renovation of the physical building, Sayer is planning on renovating the academic choices for students.
“We are adding new faculty and new programs along with the renovation,” Sayer said.
Two new programs are 4-year degrees in computer science and criminal justice.
“Hopefully next year, I will be reporting that we will be adding mechanical and material engineering to that list as well,” Sayer said.
The renovations have come at the right time for the Lake Campus, as administration has seen a 20 percent increase in the student population.
“We are hoping to see 1,500 students three years from now,” Sayer said.
Programs and renovations are not the only thing Sayer said he has in mind in terms of changes around the university.
Recognizing that the student body is 55 percent female, Sayer said he would like to see an increase in the number of female faculty members.
“Our students need to have appropriate role models and with half of our student body being female, we need more female faculty,” Sayer said.
Sayer admitted it could be difficult to attract more female faculty members to the area, but he recognizes that the current faculty is committed and dedicated to the university.
“Things are looking bright,” Sayer said. “With an aggressive schedule, and the project being mostly inside, not having to worry about weather, the building will be ready for next fall.”
On Sept. 14, the university is scheduled to hold a scholarship ceremony, where approximately $250,000 is to be handed out.
Sayer said he was impressed with the money raised for the scholarships, which came from the business and individuals in the community.
“There has been incredible long term support for the campus,” Sayer said. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 25 August 2008 )
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