Twenty year old Bryant Smith of Findlay pleaded guilty to starting the fire that destroyed Sink’s Flower Shop last summer.  Smith could face from two to 26 years in prison for his crimes.  The prosecutor’s office recommended a prison term not to exceed eight years, along with restitution for insurance deductibles or uninsured property losses.

In a new bill recently introduced in the Ohio House, a person would not need permits, training and background checks to carry and concealed firearm.  The proposal backed by 20 Republicans in the House.  Supporters say Ohio’s current concealed-carry rules are an unconstitutional restriction of a constitutional right.  Opponents are worried about the loss of training and background checks.

Registration forms are available for the 23rd annual Fostoria Glass Pageant.  Participants must between the ages of 4 and 18 and reside in the Fostoria zip code.  Forms are available at the Fostoria Mayor’s Office.  The annual event takes on April 29 at the Fostoria High School Performing Arts Center.

American Electric Power plans routine herbicide treatment to control brush along power line right of way in Hancock County between May and September.  The work will be performed by Noxious Vegetation Control Inc. of Columbus and will include spraying by truck-mounted equipment and by backpack sprayers.  According to AEP herbicide is applied in areas with woody vegetation, including areas with fence rows, tower bases and other high-density areas.

The Fostoria Athletic Boosters have announced that Sunny Farms Landfill has stepped up to sponsor the 32^nd annual East/West All-Star Football game.  Sunny Farms has committed $6000 to cover the event’s expenses.  With a game sponsor in place, this year’s players will wear upgraded jerseys, and other supplements that have been cutback because of the lack of a sponsor will be reinstalled.  The All-Star game takes place June 20 at Fostoria Memorial Stadium.

Two area schools have named new superintendents.  Bruce A. Kidder will take the helm of Arcadia Schools on July 1.  Kidder is currently the superintendent at Frontier Local Schools near New Matamoras.  Francis Scruci will be the new superintendent of Bowling Green City Schools.  Most recently, Scruci was superintendent at Gahanna-Jefferson City Schools in Franklin County.  He set to begin his new position on July 1, as well.