HIGHWAY PATROL Lawrence E. Culver, 67, of Sandusky, was charged with failure to yield the right of way Feb. 15 in the collision with the vehicle driven by Craig D. Stoldt, 54, of Huron, at the intersection of Ohio 113 and Prairie Road. Culver's van went off the right side of Ohio 113 and hit a stop sign and utility pole. North Central EMS transported Culver to Firelands Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

A former Huron County recorder is expected to temporarily take over as Huron County treasurer starting March 1. Huron County Democratic Chairman Richard Hauser sent a letter to the county commissioners Monday recommending Constance Hipp as "acting treasurer." Current Treasurer Roland Tkach was elected in November to serve as auditor. However, the situation is complicated because auditor John Elmlinger is retiring Feb. 28 because of Ohio Public Employees Retirement System rules even though Tkach's term does not officially begin until March 12, Hauser said.

A Willard attorney representing the estate of Connre Dixion, the Monroeville child killed by her foster parent Paul Efaw, alleges in court documents that Huron County Department of Job & Family Services (HCDJFS) employees knew Efaw had an uncontrollable temper before becoming a foster parent. In documents filed Friday, attorney James Martin also states that HCDJFS and the county commissioners who were in office in 2004 "had complaints in their very own files regarding Paul Efaw over a period of 1985 to 1997. Defendants even found that Mr. Efaw had committed physical abuse and emotional treatment of his own children."

Now that the controversy has ended, the final numbers in the Huron County Humane Society's Cutest Pet Contest are in. The group's annual fund-raiser earned $2,337 this year.

I was quite taken back by the article that appeared in the Monday Reflector accusing the Huron County Humane Society of "cheating" so that a board member would win the contest. As a former board member and someone who has long been a supporter of the Humane Society, I cannot recall a board member ever winning the cutest pet contest in the past, although the board members have been very supportive, participated in the contest and many other fundraisers that are conducted during the year to raise funds to operate the Shelter. A little research into the Reflector records would have proven this allegation false past winners were not board members or associates. I was very disappointed that the Reflector chose to print this woman's unsubstantiated (as stated in the article) allegations, let alone put an article on the front page of the newspaper. When volunteers work hard to provide a service to the community, it is very disheartening that our hometown paper is willing to print unsubstantiated accusations of cheating and fraud.

This letter is in response to the article which appeared in Monday's Norwalk Reflector regarding the Huron County Humane Society's Cutest Pet Contest. I felt it necessary to set the record straight regarding accusations made by Chezna Boswell. First of all, my family looks forward to entering our pets in the contest each year. Because this contest is a FUNDRAISER for the shelter, we work hard to try and raise as much money as possible. We contacted and e-mailed friends and family all over the country and asked them to send in donations for our pets. We received several. I can assure you that every dollar submitted was legitimate. As a matter of fact, my 6-year-old twins decided to donate money that they received for their birthday to "their pets." I was not present for any of the vote tally and was not involved with the contest in any other way.

Being able to admit a mistake is an admirable quality for politicians. Not sticking your foot in your mouth is another. So, Gov. Ted Strickland is one for two on that front. Last week, Strickland said he would not welcome Iraqi war refugees in Ohio.

NEW LONDON -- Superintendent Jim Eibel told the board of education Monday the school has used nine calamity days due to snow, wind chill, storm warnings, someone unplugging the buses and no water because of a leak in the water tower. The district will have to make up four of these days because the state's allotment is five a year and the makeup days will be June 4 to 7.

Norwalk City Council unanimously approved a sewer agreement with the Bader family that is necessary for the Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park to move forward on a $5 million expansion project. The expansion will include luxury skyboxes, a 60-seat media room, 1,000 square feet of additional office space and 15 acres of paved competitor parking. However, in order to complete the project the raceway must be in compliance with EPA standards for sanitation disposal and treatment, said Bill Bader Sr., who spoke to council Tuesday night. The expansion is necessary as part of the raceway's new, 10-year deal to host a National Hot Rod Association event in Norwalk.