New London roundup: state track and field | missing youth found | stowaway kitten | village concert | 1 obituary | more
By David Jacobs
Two track and field athletes from New London High School are earning praise for their performances in the Division III OHSAA Track and Field State Tournament at Ohio State's Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium
Some details, per New London Local Schools:
-- Madison Smith finished fifth in the 300-meter hurdles on Saturday
-- Smith finished eighth in the 100-meter hurdles on Saturday
-- Kelsey Pauley scored a 15th-place state finish in the shot put
Pauley is entering her senior year at New London High School.
Smith, who also competed in the state competition on June 6, graduated from New London High School on June 1.
"The Wildcat Track and Field record setter will take her talents just down the road as she transitions to an AU Eagle this fall!" New London Schools said, referencing Ashland University.
New London Local Schools posted multiple updates from the state track and field event.
See photos here, here and here, plus video of Smith running Saturday in the 300-meter hurdles.
If you are looking for more comprehensive coverage, the Norwalk Reflector/Sandusky Register has coverage from Columbus. Here is the link to their work.
REGION
Missing youth is located
A 17-year-old who left his foster home in New London on May 1 and was reported missing at the time has been located, the Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services reports.
"Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services is happy to share that Asher is safe," the department said in a social media post. "Thank you, to the community, for your help in finding him."
No further details were provided on the circumstances or his location prior to being found, or if he will return to New London.
COMMUNITY
Stowaway kitten rescued from New London police cruiser
A kitten was found safe following an unexpected journey beneath a New London police cruiser.
The New London Police Department stated the kitten "now has a forever home with a local resident." The rescue, which happened on Thursday, June 5, involved a village water employee and a watchful citizen.
The New London Police Department shared details on its Facebook page Friday, June 6.
The post read, "Here's a glimpse at the lighter side of policing...A special thank you to village water employee, Clayton Englet, for assisting with the rescue/removal of a kitten who had found its way into the undercarriage of one of our cruisers" a day earlier.
"Happy to say this little guy was recovered safe and sound after a few trips around town as a stowaway," police said.
New London Police Chief Joe Hicks was contacted and offered more information."I would speculate the cat was stuck within the undercarriage of the cruiser for no more than 12 hours,” he said.
The kitten’s presence came to light while a police cruiser was at a McDonald’s drive-thru in New London.
Hicks recalled, "While in McDonald’s drive-thru, the operator of a vehicle behind my cruiser exited her car because she heard meowing. She initially believed it was coming from her car, before approaching me, stating it sounded as if it was actually coming from the rear of the police cruiser. She asked that I please check."
Upon returning to the station, about a quarter-mile away, Hicks inspected the vehicle.
"I exited and looked under the cruiser and in the engine compartment. I could not locate it, but could hear it," he said.
Englet, the New London Water Department employee, then helped with the search.
Hicks noted that Englet, after approximately 10 minutes of searching, located a male tiger kitten in an area between the rear axle and fuel tank
The kitten’s travels included at least one trip to McDonald’s and back. "Unknown if it was along for any other trips around town," Chief Hicks said via email.
Chief Hicks expressed his appreciation.
"I would like to thank Clayton Englet for his help and the initial complainant, who contacted me stating she would adopt the kitten if it wasn’t claimed," Chief Hicks added.
NEW LONDON POLICE
List: New London police calls (June 4-June 6)
COMMUNITY
Musical entertainment in New London
Inspire New London's 2025 Summer Concert Series lineup continues this evening -- June 9.
The entertainment is the Bear Pickens Band. The event on the stage at the New London Recreation Park at 2 Blake St., the group said in its announcement via the Inspire New London Facebook page.
Performances are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and food is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Food is featured as well, from Park Place ice cream and Mellow Yellow Pizzeria. Last week's performance was by the Collins Family.
Entertainment is planned for Monday nights through Aug. 25.
Dates:
-- June 9, Bear Pickens Band
-- June 16, Warriors
-- June 23, Karaoke with Frankie
-- June 30, Collins Family
-- July 7, Hunter Klein
-- July 14, Kaitlyn Speicher
-- July 21, Warriors
-- July 28, Chris Biggin
-- Aug. 4, Ethan Hayes
-- Aug. 11, Karaoke with Frankie
-- Aug. 18, Tommy Hall and the Sunlighters
-- Aug. 25, Kaitlyn Speicher
"Please remember to tip them, that is their pay!!" the Inspire New London announcement said, adding that people should bring chairs or blankets to sit on.
See more details, including additional information about the move to the new location at New London Recreation Park, by clicking here
OBITUARY
OHIO AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE
Ohio farmers make progress on planting
Ohio’s corn planting jumped from 51 percent to 64 percent in one week, but below its five-year average of 87 percent, a newly issued report shows.
Spring fieldwork in Ohio picked up after a wet start in April and May.
Some details from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending June 1:
-- Corn emergence followed suit, climbing to 49 percent by June 1. That’s a move up from 36 percent, but below the 65 percent average.
-- Crop conditions for corn showed 35 percent of fields rated good, 11 percent excellent, and 8 percent in the poor or very poor category.
-- Soybean planting hit 66 percent, up from 52 percent the week before. The long-term average for this date is 77 percent.
-- Emergence in soybeans reached 42 percent, a step up from 33 percent the prior week. The average for early June stands at 53 percent.
-- Soybean condition ratings came in at 43 percent good, 7 percent excellent, and 10 percent poor or very poor.
-- Winter wheat was 86 percent headed, ahead of the five-year average of 82 percent. One percent of wheat was reported very poor, while 68 percent landed in the good or excellent range.
Farmers had three days suitable for fieldwork during the week.
Topsoil moisture was 70 percent adequate and 28 percent surplus. That kept tractors moving in most places, but not all.
The USDA’s Acreage and Grain Stocks reports later this month will offer further insight into the 2025 growing season outlook.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
New London's 2025 graduates tell the story of their class
Video: New London band at graduation ceremony
Pickup truck crash in township linked to school closure in New London village
Election recap, New London govt. update, FFA honor, Ohio farming, NLPD calls
Photos from New London prom; 5 other village headlines
NEW LONDON WEATHER
New London forecast (Live updates)
For regular updates, including articles that are not emailed, CLICK HERE or go to newlondonnewsroom.substack.com
Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
