Jerrod Hartman pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of his 44-day-old baby in 2013. The 26 year old Hartman of Findlay, had been indicted on a murder charge, but it was amended to involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony, by the Hancock County prosecutor’s office as part of a plea negotiation. Hartman also pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony charge of child endangering. Hartman could face up to 19 years in prison when he is sentenced on August 10.
Governor John Kasich has signed into law a bill expanding the availability of a drug overdose antidote. The bill would allow doctors to authorize individuals to hand out a drug overdose antidote to addicts, their friends and family members without requiring a prescription. It would allow pharmacies to distribute the drug naloxone without a prescription if a doctor's rules are followed.
An Upper Sandusky boy died from an accidental gunshot wound Wednesday in Salem Township, Wyandot County. 5 year old Jasper Stansbery was found unresponsive by his parents near a horse trailer at the family’s property. An initial investigation revealed the teenager had been shooting a .22-caliber revolver on the property, where his parents have a camper and sometimes stay overnight. While the investigation is ongoing, there is no suspicion of foul play.
The Fostoria Police Department is warning citizens of quick-change artists entering local businesses with the intent of using large bills as distractions during transactions to take money from the business. According to police, officers responded to two reports of a customer quick-changing businesses. The individuals entered the businesses and purchased something of small value using large bills. As the cashiers were making change, the subjects confused the cashier by handing them a larger bill and asking for specific change. If an employee is concerned a quick-change artist is in the business, police suggest cashiers contact a manager…Residents are asked to call the police station if they see a suspected quick-change artist.
The Fostoria Summerfest gets underway today at 5pm in downtown Fostoria. The Geary Family YMCA 5K, a wine tasting event and live music featuring Dueling Pianos in the beer garden is scheduled. Activities continue tomorrow with inflatables, a petting zoo and the Little Princess Luncheon for kids. The music starts at 2pm and goes until midnight.
Governor John Kasich has signed a measure adding meningitis to the diseases students will be required to get immunized for. The state health department will set the age where the requirement kicks in, with the change to take effect for the 2016-17 school year.
Ohio State Fair officials say vendors won't be permitted to sell Confederate flag merchandise at the event, which starts July 29. A letter Thursday to fair merchants from the general manager says the policy complies with the fair's long-standing rule banning the sale of merchandise with offensive wording, lettering or graphics. Any vendors selling Confederate flag merchandise will be asked to remove it.
