Most read stories of 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, we take a look back at our most-read stories of the year. In addition, included in this Weekend Edition is the annual 2023 in Review. In that special section, we showcase the most interesting and/or our top stories throughout the year from January through December. *Woodville couple killed Saturday (7,506 views) Staff reports Dec. 10, 2023 WOOD COUNTY – A Woodville couple was killed in a fatal three-vehicle crash Saturday (Dec. 9, 2023) evening. According to the Wood County Sheriff's Office, the accident occurred at about 6:58 p.m. on US 20. A vehicle operated by Samantha Hammons of Toledo was traveling westbound on US 20 at a high rate of speed when it struck the rear of a vehicle driven by Jacob Hahn of Woodville, according to authorities. Hahn's vehicle then spun across the center line and moved sideways into the eastbound lane due to the impact. *'People are talking about this throughout the state' (6,422 views) Matt Nye, Sports Editor Sept. 27, 2023 If you're a fan of football, there's a lot of it coming Friday night at Frost-Kalnow Stadium. In a unique set of circumstances regarding scheduling, Columbian and Calvert were both set to play at home Friday. So, in response, Columbian and Calvert, along with Clyde and Margaretta, agreed to play in a rare doubleheader on a Friday night. Clyde-TC will be at 4:30 p.m., and then Margaretta-Calvert will start after that – the hope is 8 p.m. When new TC Athletic Director Bill Beaston heard of the plans, his first thought was: "Has this been done before?" he admitted. *Ballreich's acquired by Grippo's snacks (6229 views) Vicki Johnson, Staff Writer Sept. 25, 2023 TIFFIN — Ballreich Snack Foods of Tiffin Monday (Sept. 25, 2023) announced it has been acquired by Cincinnati snack food manufacturer, Grippo's. A Ballreich's news release said the deal will enable Grippo's to enhance its productivity, brand portfolio and market reach while adding capacity to the Tiffin Ballreich plant and jobs to Seneca County. And Grippo's will retain the Ballreich brand. Both companies were founded more than 100 years ago and are industry leaders in their respective regions. Ballreich's was established in 1920 when Fred and Ethel Ballreich started making homemade potato chips in their garage on Ohio Street, and Grippo's has been family-owned and operated since 1919. Grippo's was started by Angelo and Emma Grippo in downtown Cincinnati as a manufacturer of sugar cones and pretzels. *Possible severed finger found (5,565 views) Kayla Trevino, Staff Writer Nov. 5, 2023 SENECA COUNTY – A possible severed finger was found in Seneca County early afternoon Sunday, (Nov. 5, 2023).. At about 11:31 a.m., a caller reported their cat brought them a severed finger in the 2600 block of E SR 18. There were no traumatic calls reported in the area. However, Seneca County Sheriff's deputies checked with Tiffin-Mercy Hospital, Fostoria Community Hospital, Willard-Mercy Hospital, Promedica Memorial Hospital in Fremont and the Bellevue Hospital to see if there were any patients this finger may belong to. There were no patients at any of the hospitals to which the finger could belong. Local funeral director Eric Shook and Seneca County Coroner Dr. Mark Akers were contacted to examine the finger. Deputies delivered the possible missing appendage to Shook and it was turned over to him at about 12:59 p.m. *Fatal crash under investigation (4,523 views) Taiah Douglas, Staff Writer Nov. 18, 2023 SENECA COUNTY ---- A single-vehicle crash near the 3000 block of North State Route 53 occurred Friday (Nov. 17, 2023), causing the vehicle to fully engulf in flames. The driver Cody Cook, 28, of Tiffin was killed in the crash. The incident occurred around 6:49 p.m. when Cook, who was driving a 2007 Dodge Caliber, was traveling southbound near the 3000 block of North State Route 53. Cook's vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway before striking a telephone pole and a tree. It is unknown if Cook was wearing a seatbelt or if drugs/alcohol were involved in the incident. Speed is a suspected factor in the crash based on investigations at the scene. The incident still remains under investigation by the Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. *Attica man killed Friday (4,174 views) Staff reports Dec. 10, 2023 SENECA COUNTY – An Attica man was killed in a fatal one-vehicle accident Friday (Dec. 8, 2023) evening. According to the Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at about 8:47 p.m. on CR 35, north of TR 44 in Venice Township. Heath Mahl, 41, of Attica was driving north on CR 35 when he entered a curve, drove off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence, authorities said. His vehicle then continued over an embankment and struck several trees. The investigation determined Mahl was wearing a seatbelt and alcohol is considered a factor in the crash. He died from his injuries and was transported to Tiffin-Mercy Hospital via Seneca County EMS. Seneca County Sheriff's Office, Attica Fire Department, Seneca County EMS and Hess Towing and Recovery all assisted at the scene. *Sixes Corners area to get major improvements (3,911 views) Kayla Trevino, Staff Writer Nov. 24, 2023 TIFFIN - The area of Sixes Corners and SR 53 is scheduled for major improvements in the future; City Engineer Matt Watson discussed upcoming projects. The projects, to be done in tandem, include the resurfacing of N. Sandusky Street (SR 53) between Hall Street and the city's northerly corporation limits and safety improvements to Sixes Corners. An ODOT grant through the Abbreviated Safety Program the city will receive up to $437,725 in funding from the Highway Safety Improvement Program's - Abbreviated Safety this funding will be combined with the Small Cities Program funding of $1,658,961 and Urban Paving funding $500,000 for a combined total of $2,596,686 to cover a project with an estimated construction cost of $2,764,931. *Rosie's to close (3,557 views) Kayla Trevino, Staff Writer Dec. 3, 2023 TIFFIN - Local restaurant Rosie's Soup 'n' Such, 122 Miami St., announced its last day of business will be Dec. 31. The eatery, which has been known under several different names, has been around for much of Tiffin's history. It was purchased by Lori Brown back in 2007. Brown estimates the location has been a restaurant for 90 - 100 years. According to information available on the Seneca County Auditor's website, the building was constructed in 1900. It was most recently purchased by Perriott Rentals, LLC in 2020 for $106,370. As Rosie's Soup 'n' Such, the business offers breakfast items and, of course, soup. In the past, it has also offered handmade items like bows and homemade food stuffs such as hot cocoa mix and seasoning. *Missing Tiffin woman found (3,176 views) Staff reports Sept. 22, 2023 The Tiffin Police Department and the Fostoria Police Division worked together to resolve the case of the missing Tiffin woman, Jessica Higgins, 43. Higgins was initially reported missing on Aug. 22, but appeared not to be in any danger and was staying in different places. On Sept. 22, Higgins was found safely in Fostoria with a friend by Captain Daniel Dell of the Fostoria Police Division. According to the Police Department, Higgins was unaware that anyone was looking for her until today. *TPD responds to gunshot wound (3,158 views) Staff reports Oct. 29, 2023 TIFFIN --- At approximately 7:55 p.m., the Tiffin Police Department received a 911 call from a resident on Riverlea Park, Tiffin regarding an individual who suffered a gunshot wound to the head. According to the Tiffin Police Department, an ambulance was requested to respond. Tiffin Police and Tiffin EMS arrived at the scene to provide medical treatment and found the female to be deceased from her injury. The scene was immediately secured and Tiffin Police Detectives were called to the scene to investigate the incident further, according to a release provided by TPD. Additionally, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation were contacted to assist with the processing of the scene at the residence. *Heavenly Pizza announces launch of national franchise (2,903 views) Vicki Johnson, Staff Writer Sept. 22, 2023 TIFFIN – Heavenly Pizza Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023) announced the launch of its national franchise expansion, aptly named "Heavenly Pizza®." Founded in Tiffin in 1981 on a deep-seated desire for a better life filled with potential, purpose and significance, Heavenly Pizza has always aimed to offer meaning, happiness and a sense of belonging to patrons and staff, according to a Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership new release. The franchise expansion represents Heavenly Pizza's dedication to spreading this belief far and wide. The 4,300-square-foot one-story facility is being designed for dine-in, carry-out, drive-through and other ongoing services on the 2.8-acre site, according to Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce. The new location is to open May 1, 2024. *TC escapes with wild 42-35 win at Sandusky (2,496 views) Billy Heyen/For the A-T Sept. 22, 2023 SANDUSKY — Neither coach had ever seen it before. With about five minutes left, Columbian lined up to punt on fourth-and-15, and the kick flew almost straight up in the air. A punt recovered behind the line of scrimmage can be advanced. TC's 6-foot-1, 257-pound personal protector Bradley Willman didn't know that. But the ensuing bounces looked like it might've been muffed, and it came to Willman, and he ran. "I didn't see the ball, but then I saw it fall, and it rolled right to me," the junior Willman said. "I picked it up, and nobody blew the whistle, so I just started running." Twenty yards later, the Tornadoes' had the most bizarre turn of momentum imaginable. And about 40 more yards later, Damien Brockington was in the end zone with the winning touchdown.