Storm report; state award for New London teacher, track milestone; meeting date arrives; 1 obituary; Ohio farming update
By David Jacobs
Strong storms powered through the New London region on Tuesday evening, prompting a series of storm warnings.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for northern Richland County and Huron County.
"Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Norwalk to 8 miles west of New London to Bloomville, moving east at 45 mph," the National Weather Service reported.
Gusts of 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters were reported.
"No known storm damage was reported," New London Police Chief Joe Hicks said in an update on Wednesday about the village. "The second round of storms last night did produce a short period of heavy rain, wind, thunder/lightning, and a minimal amount of small hail. No damage was reported as a result."
More storms are forecast soon.
"Thunderstorms are likely Thursday afternoon and evening," the weather service said in its hazardous weather outlook that includes New London. "A few isolated storms could be strong to severe and contain damaging wind gusts, particularly east of the I-71 corridor."
New London teacher honored with statewide award
Misty Ebinger, a teacher at New London Local Schools, received an Educator of the Year award during the 45th Annual Ohio Governor’s Holocaust Commemoration at the Ohio Statehouse this past week, the district announced.
Ebinger, who teaches a full class on the Holocaust, was recognized for her efforts in educating students on historical atrocities and the importance of making a positive difference.
“Everyone has the capacity and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others,” Ebinger said in the New London Local Schools' announcement of the award listed as “Genocide Educator of the Year.”
The event, hosted by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, was part of the Days of Remembrance, established by the United States Congress in 1978 to commemorate victims of the Holocaust and to support the mission of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
VIDEO of the event can be seen here
New London Local Schools officials praised Ebinger, describing the honor as an incredible achievement.
"We are proud of the passion and rigor Mrs. Ebinger brings to her classroom and the students of New London," the district said.
Record set by New London athlete
Madison Smith of the New London track and field team set a school record in the 100-meter hurdles, the school district announced Wednesday.
Smith’s record time is 15.46.
MEETING REMINDER
New London Village Administrator Shawn Pickworth is reminding residents about a public meeting for the Downtown Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) project scheduled for Thursday, May 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hileman Building, 2 Blake St.
Pickworth urged council members to support the effort by encouraging community attendance, emphasizing that the project could become a reality within a little more than a year. See a recent story on the effort here.
“I am hoping for a well-attended meeting from the public,” Pickworth said.
A link to the New London government’s official website is here.
OBITUARY
OHIO AGRICULTURE
The pace continues to pick up for planting Ohio’s crops. Here’s the latest from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
REGIONAL SPORTS
Clear Fork grad now pitching with the Houston Astros
A baseball player who starred as a high school athlete in Richland County is now a Major League Baseball player.
AJ Blubaugh, a standout performer for Clear Fork High School in Bellville, is now with the Houston Astros. His contract was selected from Triple-A Sugar Land on April 30, the Astros website notes.
Blubaugh, 24, struck out his first batter with the Astros on Wednesday in a home game against the Detroit Tigers. The Astros posted a video that can be viewed here.
In four innings against the Tigers, Blubaugh struck out six batters.
Born in Mansfield, Blubaugh was a three-sport athlete at Clear Fork, first-team All Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference (MOAC) and all-district on the baseball field in his senior season, his official biography states. He is a 2019 graduate of Clear Fork.
NEW LONDON WEATHER
New London forecast (Live updates)
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Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
