The lethal rampage of Joseph Chappell; Obsession, rejection led to acts of horror; Acquaintances say failed love made him mean

By Joshua Benton and Robin Erb Blade Staff Writers Page A1 It was a terrifying way to show affection. Slashed car tires. Sugar poured in her car’s gas tank. Perverse name-calling. And when Vivian Morris, 30, finally went to authorities Friday for protection from her co-worker, Joseph Chappell, 39, she could not have known how […]

Read More… from The lethal rampage of Joseph Chappell; Obsession, rejection led to acts of horror; Acquaintances say failed love made him mean

Couple found slain; Murder-suicide suspected

By Joshua Benton Blade Staff Writer Page 11 An elderly husband and wife, each facing illness, were found shot to death yesterday in their Washington Township mobile home, the apparent result of a murder-suicide. Robert Cook, Sr., 71, and Goldie, 85, his wife of 25 years, were pronounced dead in their bedroom at 1:05 p.m., […]

Read More… from Couple found slain; Murder-suicide suspected

Fire damages Toledo Metal; Several units respond as embers fall on neighborhood

By Mike Bartell and Joshua Benton Blade Staff Writers Page 17 A spectacular fire, fanned by winds gusting to 25 mph, shot flames and spewed heavy smoke from all four sides of the two-story Toledo Metal Spinning Co. building in the central city last night. The flames shot at least 75 feet skyward, as ember-laden […]

Read More… from Fire damages Toledo Metal; Several units respond as embers fall on neighborhood

Background checks, ID cards slow weapon sales, close shops; Toledo gun-control laws prompt praise, criticism

By Joshua Benton Blade Staff Writer Page A9 Ned Plummer knows the meaning of a close call. The owner of the Trilby Sport Shop on Secor Road was in the process of selling a handgun to a woman earlier this month. All the paperwork was in place; she had gone through a battery of background […]

Read More… from Background checks, ID cards slow weapon sales, close shops; Toledo gun-control laws prompt praise, criticism

Lucas County law enforcement boosts budget

By Joshua Benton Blade Staff Writer Page 13 An increase in the cost of arresting, prosecuting, and housing criminals is part of the reason why Lucas County officials expect to spend $33 million more next year than in 1997. The 1998 budget, which was passed yesterday by the Lucas County board of commissioners, includes a […]

Read More… from Lucas County law enforcement boosts budget

Plane crash near Findlay kills 3

By Joshua Benton and Eddie B. Allen, Jr. Blade Staff Writers Page 1 FINDLAY — Three men were killed yesterday when the plane they were flying in crashed moments after it took off from Findlay Municipal Airport. Names of the victims were withheld, pending positive identification and notification of relatives. But sources said one of […]

Read More… from Plane crash near Findlay kills 3

Court decision axes hearing on Redfield case; School board wasn’t told, lawyers say

By Joshua Benton Blade Staff Writer Page 21 MONROE — A Monroe County Circuit Court judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday afternoon to stop the Michigan Tenure Commission from hearing the case against suspended principal Dean Redfield until criminal proceedings against him are completed, attorneys said. Attorneys for the Bedford school board said they […]

Read More… from Court decision axes hearing on Redfield case; School board wasn’t told, lawyers say

Four hurt in fight at fashion show

By Joshua Benton Blade Staff Writer Page 25 A fight broke out at a Central Catholic High School fashion show sponsored by the Afro-American Club last night, leaving at least three police officers and one spectator injured. Several spectators were arrested. The officers were treated for bloody noses, injured knees and wrists, and facial lacerations. […]

Read More… from Four hurt in fight at fashion show