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A supplement to The Press
Newspapers • June 19, 2017
Top of the Class See Second Section
After arson ruling, what now?
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By Larry Limpf News Editor news@presspublications.com
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I’d hate to see Oak Harbor open Pandora’s box with this. Pastor Rick Bickelhaupt See page 6
Curtice Kidz Day Top left, the Genoa High School band performs for Curtice Kidz Day as veterans from Dunberger Post 537 (bottom left) ride in the parade. At right, the parade also featured a long procession of antique tractors including this 1947 Allis-Chalmers owned by Gary Martin. (Press photos by Ken Grosjean)
Oregon praises Chief Ray Walendzak
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By Kelly J. Kaczala Press News Editor kkaczala@presspublications.com Oregon City officials at last week’s council meeting praised ex-Fire Chief Raymond Walendzak, who passed away on June 7. “Sometimes they ask for a moment of silence,” said Mayor Mike Seferian. “I wouldn’t do that. I don’t think Ray would want a moment of silence. He wasn’t really a quiet guy. I enjoyed the comradery I had with Ray. Different times we’d be ornery towards one another, and at different times we’d laugh until tears came out of our eyes. So I would like to recognize that in a not so silent way and say I truly wish that Ray has found greener pastures.” On behalf of his family, Council President Dennis Walendzak, one of Ray’s sons, thanked Seferian. “It means a lot to us that you recognize my father. The city of Oregon meant a great deal to him and I want to thank the city for all you have given to my dad. The fire department was a great portion of my life and his life. He enjoyed serving the city and the residents,” said Walendzak. “Ray had his way,” added Seferian. “But he had the political savvy to be effective. And I think everyone recognized that.” City Administrator Mike Beazley said Walendzak will be missed.
I don’t think Ray would want a moment of silence. He wasn’t really a quiet guy.
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A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the June 8 fire that damaged a historic building on Washington Street in the Village of Genoa. It took investigators less than 24 hours to rule the blaze an arson. Anyone with information is asked to call the state fire marshal’s office at 800589-2728 or the Genoa Police Department at 419-855-7717. The fire occurred around 4:30 p.m. on June 8 and damaged a former trolley station depot that was part of the Interurban Railway System. Mike Swisher, a battalion chief with the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District, said Wednesday his department had received no additional information. Meanwhile, an ad hoc committee of residents that was trying to preserve the building as well as a former school house built in the 1850s was taking a wait and see position, said Lou Hebert, a committee member. “Some of us have discussed possible alternatives,” he said. “If it’s determined the building needs to be demolished, we’ve talked about taking some of its stones that came from the quarry and salvage those and use them to construct some sort of monument or marker. A lot remains to be seen, including whether the village has liability insurance.” During the village’s recent homecoming celebration, committee members draped a canvas mural poster on the building’s north wall, asking the community to “Save the Past.” They also passed out brochures to the homecoming crowd. Hebert said a Facebook page, “Saving our Past”, has also drawn many comments. “We’ve had a good response. A lot of people long before the fire have come forward and said they’d really like to save the building,” he said. “It’s a sad thing. I think this building, if there is any way that we
Ray Walendzak “Like many of you, I had a lot of long, fun and occasionally feisty experiences with Ray, from my time as county administrator until my time here. It’s one of those things to note his passing, and we’ll miss him,” he said. “I did enjoy working with your dad,” added Public Service Director Paul Roman. “He was a great guy.”
“I had a lot of great breakfasts and coffees with Chief Walendzak at various restaurants here in Oregon,” said Councilman James Seaman. “He was always a lot of fun, and he was very proud of his family and his sons.” Walendzak was chief for over 20 years. He also served on the board of the Oregon City Schools District as a member and past president. “I had the opportunity to serve with Ray on the school board,” said Councilman Steve Hornyak. “He was a great man, very proud of his sons, very proud of his family, very proud of his service to the City of Oregon. I’m honored to have had him as a friend and a colleague.” Historical record Dennis said his father often gave credit Continued on page 2
Stop by for Delicious Ribs & Support Genoa Schools! “Rib Cook Out” Friday, June 23 • 10am -6pm Full Slab $12 1/2 Slab $6
Make it a dinner with sides from the deli!
St. Rt. 51 Genoa, OH • Open 6am - 11pm 7 days a week 419-855-4541 • www.millersmarkets.net