By EMILY HOIS

Staff Writer

The case regarding the alleged missing money from the Fostoria Food Pantry is reopened after being dropped earlier this week.

Judy Shoemaker, executive director of the Red Cross, reported more than $2,000 unaccounted for in the pantry's financial records in a complaint June 15.

The Red Cross was granted "temporary" control of the food pantry's government or FEMA funds when the Emergency Food and Shelter Program voted unanimously not to refund the Fostoria Food Pantry for fiscal year 2005.

"We are reluctant to take this measure, but based upon rules and regulations concerning the allocation of these funds, we feel that we would be remiss in our duties to do so," stated the May 10 letter, signed by EFSP chairperson Patricia DeMonte and past chairperson Lee Martin. "(The Red Cross) will continue to operate a food pantry for those in need."

Food Pantry president Larry Hatfield said funding was cut because of the pantry's weakened board -- four members resigned in June for undisclosed reasons -- and because the organization does not have its own building.

Hatfield and vice president Stuart Shiff were voted into office June 21 by a panel of five board members. Currently comprised of 12 members, the food pantry board meet about every four months -- with the exception of June. Members of the non-profit agency convened four times in June, according to Hatfield.

In the same letter regarding the non-refunding, the EFSP mandated that the food pantry remove any items stored at the Red Cross. If not removed by May 31, the items would be considered property of the Red Cross.

Shoemaker said an abundance of canned food still stocks the basement shelves of the South Main Street office.

When the Red Cross was assigned control of the funds, Shoemaker wrote a letter to the First Ohio Credit Union on June 16, stating "the fiscal responsibility of the Fostoria Food Pantry has been removed from former fiscal agent Sandy Kroetz and placed under the control of the Fostoria Chapter of the American Red Cross."

Shoemaker enclosed copies of the EFSP letters for verification, and was granted access to the accounts.

But the food pantry board members assert that the Red Cross was given access to only the government funds, not those received from the community.

"(Shoemaker) had the right to FEMA, but no right to the food pantry funds, which donations come from the Fostoria area," Kroetz said.

Shoemaker admitted there was a "misunderstanding" of which funds Red Cross was given access to. The food pantry has two accounts, checking and savings.

FEMA money must be separated from other money and kept in a checking account because it comes from the government and requires a paper trail for verification, explained DeMonte.

Shoemaker believes the FEMA funds and public donations are interspersed.

Kroetz contends that the FEMA money is strictly in the checking, while public donations are kept separate in the savings account.

DeMonte said the placement and distinction of funds is being investigated.

Shoemaker received a letter from the EFSP dated June 22, clarifying that the Red Cross may access "EFSP funds only and earmarked for FY 2005."

"Our letter was not intended to give the Red Cross authority over the Fostoria Food Pantry Funds. The Local EFSP does not have authority to do that," the letter states.

Before receiving the clarification, Shoemaker reviewed a list of transactions in the food pantry's savings account over the past six months. She noticed an abundance of withdrawals and transfers that "raised a red flag."

The beginning balance on Jan. 1 reads $3,970 and the ending balance on June 13 is shown as $749.

Records reveal a total of $630 was used to purchase items at the West Ohio Food Bank.

Seeing no other records to prove where the remaining $2,600 in the savings account was spent, she filed the complaint.

"Judy (Shoemaker) had no right to this account," Kroetz said. "She had no ledger to align with the printouts."

Though the food pantry board would not provide documentation showing how public donations and FEMA funds were spent, they assured "the money was not misappropriated."

Kroetz said the pantry's expenses are about $200 per month for supplies including stationary, stamps and copies of monthly reports. Those items are typically purchased at the local Dollar General.

Monthly food purchases range from $150 to $200, including gas reimbursement to the Lima or Toledo food bank. Shiff said Roppe Corporation occasionally donates the use of its truck to transport large quantities of food into town.

"As far as FEMA money, we do have documentation to prove groceries were purchased," DeMonte said.

After the complaint was filed, the food pantry president and vice president requested an independent audit on the non-profit agency's books.

David Krupp, 65, reviewed the financial records.

Though he's not a certified public accountant, Krupp attended the Tiffin University School of Business and "took a number of accounting classes," he revealed.

Krupp said he is a past treasurer of the food pantry, though it was a number of years ago.

After analyzing the receipts and expenditures, Krupp stated in a notarized letter, "I find all monies to be in order and accounted for."

The three pantry board members produced the letter for Officer Tom Kennedy, who is handling the case.

After talking to board members Hatfield and Shiff, who oversee Kroetz, and reviewing the letters from the Krupp and the EFSP, Kennedy said Wednesday the case was dropped.

"I never saw a ledger," the officer said. "The board asked for a third party audit, who found the books true and correct."

"Sandy (Kroetz) shared the letters that Judy shouldn't have had access to the account," Kennedy said. "Nobody has produced anything showing me there was wrongdoing."

Past president of the Red Cross Jerry Nelson, spoke to Police Chief Phil Hobbs Thursday regarding the case.

"Chief Hobbs has instructed the investigation to go forward," Nelson said this morning.

The police department will make no further comments on the case.

By EMILY HOIS

Staff Writer

Smokers throughout the Buckeye State may find their paychecks disappearing more rapidly as their habits continue.

As of this morning, Ohioans will be paying 70 cents more for a pack of cigarettes due to a dramatic tax increase. The total tax on a single pack of cigarettes is now $1.25.

The two-year budget includes a reduction on sales tax, income tax cuts, but a 70 cent increase on cigarettes.

Swarms of smokers lined up to purchase cigarettes through town Thursday, stocking up on cartons before taxes skyrocketed.

The Butt Hut, 1405 N. Countyline St., was two to three times busier than normal, according to manager Tim Ferguson.

"It's been non-stopped since we opened (at 9 a.m.)," he said. "I expect it to be pretty dead for the next few weeks."

The cigarette outlet normally receives two shipments per week, running between 400 and 500 cartons.

Both received this week were for 630 cartons.

Ferguson hadn't seen too many frustrated or irritable customers as of 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Overall they've been pretty decent. They're not too thrilled if we're out of something," he said, but the store received another shipment around 4:30 p.m., and the shelves appeared well-stocked.

The most popular brands were Basics, Marlboros, and various generic brands.

In a neon green shirt, Larry Bare stood at the counter purchasing two cartons of Kentucky's Best.

It's a carton more than he usually buys.

Bare said the $7 tax on a carton of his smokes won't likely deter his habit.

"There was the talk of (quitting)," he said. "I've been thinking about it for the past 20 years. But if you're gonna smoke, you're gonna smoke."

It's not about flavor, Bare said, it's about how to satisfy an addiction as cheaply as possible.

His two cartons of generic cigarettes cost $45 Thursday and will jump to $60 from today on.

"There's no benefit whatsoever," Bare said. "Once you're addicted, it's all in your mind."

The same belief holds true for Anita Greeno.

While she's partial to Marlboros, Greeno bought three cartons of Rodger's full flavors because they're less expensive.

"It doesn't make any difference what I smoke," she said.

After writing a check for $67.38, the smoker of more than 40 years said the tax is "ridiculous."

"They didn't up any tax on the alcohol, and it's the alcohol that causes the accidents," she said.

The three cartons should last Greeno about three weeks.

After she's out, the same purchase will cost nearly $90.

"It'll be a bigger hole in my pocket," Greeno said, but added she doubts that she'll give up the habit.

By SARAH BROWN

STAFF WRITER

The conclusion of WoodsWork's part in the Habitat for Humanity homes on Atha Avenue was one of smiles and tears, of satisfaction and of generosity.

Thursday's storms put a small damper on the project's finale.

"We didn't get the siding or the roof complete due to the storm today," D.J. Perry, a senior member of the group, said Thursday.

Underclassmen were taken back to St. Wendelin High School once lightning was spotted. The seniors in WoodsWork remained to clean up the site.

As of Thursday morning, progress was actually running ahead of schedule, according to Larry Wiles, one of the chaperones. "(The storm) really messed us up as far as getting everything done," he said.

"We were afraid if we waited it out, there would be another one right behind it, and we didn't want any of the kids to be in danger," he added.

Colin Page, the senior who was in charge of the planning for the trip, said that preparation for the trip began in October.

Page said that Fostoria became the location of choice after much debate, but it just came down to location.

"It just makes so much more of an impact when you're in the middle of things," he said, noting that of his four other WoodsWork trips, the Fostoria chapter of Habitat has been the most helpful.

"They've been out here every day helping," he added.

Other seniors echoed Page's thoughts.

"This is the most hospitality we've ever had," Shea Trogdon said.

Caitlin Tyler said that the trip has been "amazing and fun." She added, "That's why people keep coming back. That's why there's a waiting list to come on this trip."

Now that WoodsWork has completed its part of the task, which included putting up the structure of the house, most of the siding and roofing, and most of the electrical lines, the local Habitat chapter will take over to finish off the homes.

Page said that usually, WoodsWork works in conjunction with another group from their church called Driftwood. Driftwood consists of college students who come in to put the finishing touches on the houses that WoodsWork has started. However, this year, Driftwood decided to do an entire house on its own.

In fact, many of the seniors on this trip, since they are college-bound, will be joining Driftwood on their trip to Tarbaro, N.C. They will be leaving the day after they arrive home from Ohio.

Jeff Sullivan and his daughter Francena Tate, who will be the live in one of the houses, said they're not sure yet when they'll be able to move in. They are delighted with the work that has gone on this week, though.

"We were out here working with the kids," said Sullivan. "They're so wonderful, so nice. I can't believe how hard they work.

"They're go-getters," he added.

When the work was complete, the WoodsWorkers, members of the local Habitat chapter and several community members gathered at St. Wendelin High School for a closing ceremony. The ceremony is usually conducted on site and involves all of the WoodsWorkers holding hands and walking through the houses, but the weather prevented such an event this time.

The closing ceremony included testimonies given by five senior members of WoodsWork. All of them shared emotional anecdotes to express what this experience has meant to them.

WoodsWork also surprised the local Habitat by presenting its members with the shirts they have been sporting all week -- and a check for $15,000.

Aaron Smith, president of the local Habitat chapter, was stunned, saying that he couldn't believe that these youths "came here to build the houses and then paid us."

Smith thanked WoodsWork for their efforts this week and took time to thank some local contributors. Sponsorships of KeyBank, the Fostoria Community Foundation and the Don and Judy Miller Private Foundations are what made the houses possible.

He spoke about Victor Gillett, a long-time Habitat board member who passed away recently. House 2 was dedicated to his memory.

Gratitude was also expressed by Father Dan Ring and Mayor John Davoli.

Davoli said that the physical objects these teens leave are nothing compared to the inspiration they have provided to many in the community.

Rep. Jeff Wagner was in attendance, and he expressed how amazed he is with the work that has been done this week.

"It's really impressive, from what it used to look like to what it looks like now," he said.

The group planned to spend Thursday evening relaxing with a talent show before they headed for home this morning. The trip is about nine hours long.

"I'll be happy to see my parents, but I'm not too excited to leave. I've had a lot of fun here," J.P. Muncks said.

By TIM SOSTER

STAFF WRITER

An investigation of a possible break-in Thursday led to the arrest of three suspects and left one officer recovering from a leg injury.

Capt. Rodger Wilson was grappling with a suspect Thursday morning and twisted his knee when fellow officer Jeff Huffman tackled them both.

At 8:09 a.m., the Fostoria Police Department received a call from a Beier Drive resident who reported the window of one of the units was out, according to the shift report. When officers arrived on the scene, Huffman said, a resident informed them that there were three men sleeping in a van.

"We knocked on the window and kind of startled them," Huffman said. He said he could smell the drugs as soon as the subjects opened the doors. "It was like something out of a B movie."

The subjects attempted to run as they were being questioned. Officers on the scene chased the men down -- that's when Wilson's injury occurred. Huffman said when he tackled Wilson and the suspect, the captain was dragged for several feet. He was back at work Thursday afternoon after being checked at the hospital.

The three individuals attempted to deceive officers by providing false names. Only one subject was identified: Eliakam B. Turnbow, 30, Toledo. All three were taken into custody.

Huffman said after contacting the Adult Parole Authority, it was discovered Turnbow was on parole. He is currently being detained on a parole violation in the Fostoria holding facility awaiting transfer to Toledo.

After a search, officers discovered several grams of crack cocaine and marijuana along with $457.28.

Turnbow faces charges with possession of crack, ecstasy and marijuana, criminal trespass, obstructing official business by providing false names and possibly criminal tools if it is discovered their cell phones had been used for drug activity.

The two men taken into custody with Turnbow have not yet been identified because they had no identification on them and they provided false names.

By TIM SOSTER

staff writer

Members of 24 parishes that are being closed by the Dioceses of Toledo are still fighting for their churches to remain open. They are even trying to take their case to a national audience.

About 70 people from various cities in northwest Ohio gathered at St. James Catholic Church in Kansas Thursday evening to pray for each other and to discuss ways to get their point across to the bishop.

"I wouldn't call it a protest but, it's more like cooperative resistance," said Steve Johnson.

Johnson is among the many area Catholics who were left without a place to worship after the Toledo Diocese made the decision to close 24 parishes.

"We were left spiritually homeless," Johnson added.

The members of those 24 parishes have banded together and formed the United Parishes. They are working and praying together in the hopes that Bishop Blair will reconsider.

One thing is common among all who gathered. They say the bishop refuses to communicate with them. Dan Thiel, a member of St. Mary's in Kirby, said he has tried to talk with the diocese, but officials refuse to listen. His parish is not closing; it will remain open as a chapel, and will merge with St. Peter's in Upper Sandusky.

He decided to become involved with the parishes that are closing because he felt it was the right thing to do.

"It is our Christian duty to stand up for what we believe," Thiel said.

The diocese cites a shortage of priests as the reason for closing. The people without a church believe there is something else going on.

Thiel said St. Jude's in Salem received an offer from the Franciscans. They would travel from Carey to say Mass, but Blair said it was too far into the (closing) process.

"They claim a shortage, but here you have an order that say they'll (host services), but the bishop still says 'no'," Thiel said.

Jeremy Van Doren from Holy Rosary in Toledo said he's sent letters to the bishop and only got form letters as a response. He said the group has proposed alternatives to closing such as Mass restructuring and a better use of clergy to keep the parishes open, without any luck.

On Sunday at 1 p.m. the members of the 24 parishes will gather in front of the diocese offices for a prayer vigil. A tombstone that will have the dates of when they opened and closed on them will represent each church. The petitions will be presented and a one-hour prayer service will follow. Anyone interested in attending is asked to be at the Catholic Diocese of Toledo, 1933 Spielbusch Ave., by 12:50 p.m.

Cremean suggested bringing members of parishes that weren't closing to show them what could happen to them.

Jeremy Van Doren said a lack of church leadership is to blame for the closings.

"They just build St. Rose, and the diocese is saying people can't attend because it is bursting at the seams and here they are closing 24 churches," Jeremy Van Doren said.

Helen Bateson, St. James, said her church is petitioning the Vatican after two appeals to the dioceses failed. Members of St. James are also keeping a 24-hour prayer vigil inside the church.

St. James will officially close today.

"There has been someone inside this church since May 1," Bateson said.

Bateson is even in contact with Oprah Winfrey and her staff. She has written two letters to the nationally syndicated show. She said they wrote her back and the show is considering the case.

Members from all 24 parishes have been filling out petitions to send to the bishop. Some even suggested writing statements to pass out to all the media outlets, but they were cautioned to not exaggerate any claims.

"Explain how important the church is and tell them how excluded you feel," Thiel said.

George Van Doren suggested that everyone gather at a Mass that the bishop is hearing and wear the "Together we can!" buttons, "so he can see what he wrought."

Chris Cremean, a member of St. Jude's in Toledo, has been organizing the United Parishes Web site to help keep people from across the dioceses linked. He sees the closing of churches as a tearing apart of the community.

George Van Doren, Holy Rosary member, sees the same thing.

"(Closing) has caused me to agonize over the loss of the parish faith community," Van Doren said. "I dread the loss of the community."

Cremean said Blair has not been receptive to any ideas. He feels that the bishop and his staff should have involved the parishes more before just arbitrarily closing parishes.

"St. Anthony had an opportunity to bring in priests from Poland and (Blair) said 'no'," Cremean said. "He is not open to discussing any possibilities."

Joe Fritz from St. Sebastian in Bismark that is closing July 10, said he pleaded with his priest, but it did no good.

"Our priest is anti-us," Fritz said. "This is pushing people to the point of quitting."

George Van Doren said he questions the leadership of the dioceses. He said Fr. Michael Billion, who works for the diocese, is not one to be trusted.

Billion worked with Sister Joyce and Mike Wasserman compiling the information regarding the closings.

Thiel said the church could avoid a lack of priests if it would be willing to allow women or married men to become priests. A priest can be married if he was an ordained minister of another faith and married prior to joining the Catholic faith.

"If we allow this to happen here. What's going to happen in other dioceses?" asked Thiel.

By MARIAH MERCER

Staff Writer

With a universal whimper, citizens in and around Fostoria cranked their air conditioners up last week at temperatures soared.

It's particularly important for seniors to beat the heat this summer. Seniors are among those at the greatest risk from heat-related health problems.

"For one thing, (seniors) do not adjust as well as younger people do to sudden changes in temperature," said Beverly Funkhouser, a registered nurse and health educator with the Positive Lifestyles Department at Fostoria Community Hospital.

"More than likely, they also have a chronic sickness and that can affect adjustment to the heat," she continued. "They are also more likely to take prescription medication that can affect heat adjustment or stop them from sweating."

She also noted that seniors generally do not get as thirsty as younger people, and as a result drink less and are more prone to dehydration.

The summer heat can lead to several illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat cramps, the least severe heat illness, include muscle spasms in the stomach or the legs. This can affect anyone who spends time in the heat.

Suggested treatment is to rest in a cool place and drink plenty of liquids. It is also a good idea to lightly stretch the muscles that are cramping.

"Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke and occurs over a number of days," said Funkhouser. Heat exhaustion results from a loss of water and salt.

Symptoms that sickness may be impending include cool and moist skin, weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, weakness, headache, heavy sweating, nausea and giddiness.

Heat exhaustion is treated by resting in a cool area and drinking cool liquids.

Heat stroke, however, requires immediate attention and treatment by a doctor. Without treatment, permanent damage can occur to internal organs.

It occurs when the body temperature teaches 101 degrees or higher.

"If you're outside in hot weather, heat stroke can come on very quickly and can occur much more quickly than heat exhaustion," Funkhouser explained. "People often think they're tired because they're hot, but it can be much more serious than that."

Symptoms can come on quickly and heat stroke can occur within 10-15 minutes of the first symptoms.

According to Funkhouser, warning signs for heat stroke include fainting or dizziness, headache, nausea, no sweating, convulsions, rapid pulse and flushed skin.

A person with heat stroke should be moved to a cool place indoors or in the shade outdoors. Try to lower the body temperature as soon as possible.

To prevent heat-related illness, stay out of direct sunlight and avoid strenuous activity and wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Drink plenty of fluids, water and juice to prevent dehydration.

There are a variety of ways to combat these summer ills.

First, drink plenty of fluids, preferably non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages. Standing well rested during the summer months can also prevent the onset of heat-related illness.

"Have a buddy system, someone to check on them at least once or twice a day -- family, friends a neighbor -- to make sure they're doing fine," Funkhouser suggested.

Avoid doing a lot of work outside. If it is absolutely necessary to head out, try to schedule activities for cooler times of the day -- before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. During outdoor activity, take rest breaks frequently and drink water every 15-20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Seniors should also wear lightweight clothing during the summer and a hat when heading out. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater any time you're heading outside. It's also important to avoid crowded places on hot days.

"If you do they do start feeling warm, take a cool shower or bath and try to find air conditioning," advised Funkhouser. "Go to the mall, a store, Kroger's -- just get out of the heat."

To cool the house down, close window blinds to prevent direct sunlight from adding to the home's heat. Also turn off as many lights in the house as possible because light generates heat.

For those without air conditioning, at night open windows at opposite ends of the house to provide ventilation. Those with fans should use them to help cool down at night.

Whether you're catching up on your reading by the blowing air vents at Kaubisch Memorial Public Library or taking your time in the freezer section of Kroger, do what you can to cool off and stay safe this summer.

Fostoria

accidents

Thursday:

• No citations were issued in the accident at the intersection of South Street and Poplar Street between John W. Narer, 45, Pasadena, Md. and an unknown vehicle that fled then scene.

Wednesday:

• John B. Layne, 32, Lancaster, was cited for failure to maintain control in the 6:17 p.m. accident at the intersection of North Countyline Street and Elm Street. Layne was southbound on North Countyline Street when he attempted to stop for the red light and locked up the wheels on his trailer which caused him to lose control and strike the vehicle of Jason M. Soviar, 20, Rossford, who was waiting for the northbound light. Layne's trailer also tipped and struck two utility poles and dumped its load.

• No citations were issued in the 6:18 p.m. accident on North Countyline Street. Smith was waiting in traffic due to another accident when another vehicle failed to stop and struck her vehicle from behind then fled the scene.

arrests

Friday:

• A 14-year-old Sandusky Street male was arrested for theft and curfew violation.

• A 15-year-old High Street male was arrested for theft and curfew violation.

Thursday:

• Elikiam Turnbow, 30, Toledo, criminal trespass, possession of crack, possession of marijuana and obstruction of justice.

• Tyrone D. Settles, 29, 328½ Elm St., child support.

citations

Friday:

• John W. Schneider, 26, 132 E. South St., disorderly conduct while intoxicated.

• Joseph W. Schneider, 21, 132 E. South St., disorderly conduct.

thefts

Friday:

• A Leonard Street woman reported seeing two subjects with flashlights looking into vehicles. Officers located a duffle bag with different items inside that the juveniles had dropped. Two boys were arrested for theft.

Thursday:

• A West North Street woman reported the keys to her vehicle were missing and she doesn't know who took them.

• A North Poplar Street woman reported several items were stolen from her vehicle.

• An East Fremont Street man reported someone forcibly entered his home. The residence was searched and photos were taken by the police. The incident is under investigation.

• An East Jackson Street woman reported her car stereo was stolen.

vandalism

Thursday:

• A Perry Street woman reported the driver's side mirror was knocked out of the holder.

• An East Fremont Street man reported his brother kicked in his bedroom door.

miscellaneous

Friday:

• A North Countyline Street business reported two men were laying in the parking lot. Both men were fighting and each was issued a citation.

• A North Poplar Street woman reported the two daughters were driving around in a cream colored vehicle with another girl and they were threatening to damage her car.

• A West High Street man advised two subjects came to his house and one entered and punched him.

Thursday:

• A resident reported witnessing a drug transaction at the intersection of South Poplar Street and East Center Street.

• An East Jackson Street woman reported her daughter was assaulted by a Cherry Street female.

• A Summit Street woman reported her children were missing. The juveniles were located on Perry Street and returned home.

• An East Tiffin Street woman reported a white dog with black feet tried to bite her child. The dog was picked up and the dog warden was contacted.

fire runs

Thursday:

• 10:01 a.m.: Called to 419 N. Countyline St. for an unknown fire. No such address exists, area was searched and no fire was found.