Former U.S. Rep. Delbert “Del” Latta, who represented Ohio’s 5th Congressional District for 30 years, died Thursday morning in Bowling Green. He was 96.  Latta was born in Weston, and attended school in both North Baltimore and McComb.  He graduated from McComb High School in 1938, and later attended Findlay College and Ohio Northern University. 
In 1952, while teaching at ONU and practicing law, Latta won a seat in the Ohio Senate, where he served three terms. He then ran for and was elected to the 5th District seat in 1958. Latta was re-elected to Congress 14 times before he retired in 1989.
 

The Paint the Town Foundation in Fostoria is looking for volunteers to help renovate Jackson Park.  Next Wednesday, local contractors will replace the pavilion roof and install a new electrical system and lighting.  Meanwhile, volunteers will be assigned with painting all the metal playground equipment, repairing benches and tables and installing rubberized mulch.  The group is just shy of their $10,000 goal to do all the work and needs a little financial push and as many volunteers as possible to get the work done in one day. 

59 year old Clinton D. Berry of Findlay was sentenced to 36 years in prison on two counts of rape, and one count each of aggravated burglary and kidnapping with a sexual motivation specification.  Berry broke into a Mount Cory woman’s home in March 2015, handcuffed her to a bed and raped her.  He received credit for 232 days served, and he was also classified as a Tier III sex offender.  He will be 95 when he completes his sentence. 

The City of Fostoria is looking at different avenues to deal with the massive deficit from last year.  One possible solution looked at was eliminating local dispatchers from the Fostoria Police Department.  A savings of between $200,000 and $300,000 could be made.  Officials emphasized that the move is not a certainty, but one possibility being explored.

The Hancock County commissioners will to travel to the Buffalo offices of the Army Corps of Engineers next week to discuss the local flood-control plan.  All three commissioners and Steve Wilson, a project manager for the Hancock County Engineer’s Office, will make the trip on May 20.  Commissioner Brian Robertson said the trip will be the quickest way to get the corps’ team and all three commissioners at the same table.