Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Judge closes hearing related to baby's death

By Margie Wuebker
A Mercer County judge closed a Tuesday hearing to the public and the media at which a coroner was to answer questions regarding the July 6 death of a St. Henry area infant.
Trevor James Stammen, 6-month-old son of Brian and Angela Stammen, 2066 Fleetfoot Road, died at Children's Medical Center in Dayton after reportedly being found unresponsive at the home of a baby sitter.
The death certificate signed by Dr. Kent Edward Harshbarger of the Montgomery County Coroner's Office listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death as a homicide. No details have been released as yet to indicate when or where the injuries occurred.
The hearing in the juvenile court of Judge Mary Pat Zitter was scheduled to commence at 11:30 a.m., but attorneys met behind closed doors after a Daily Standard reporter arrived. Mercer County Prosecutor Andrew Hinders subsequently filed a motion to close the court proceeding on behalf of the Mercer County Department of Job and Family Services.
Hinders stated closure to the public would be in the best interest of the infant's three siblings, adding the matter involves internal family relationships and the department's services to the family.
Although juvenile court cases are considered open, the court may exclude the general public if a separate hearing is held to determine whether exclusion is appropriate. This hearing was held Tuesday afternoon, with the closed hearing conducted immediately afterward.
"Public interest and the welfare of the children have to be weighed in deciding to close the hearing," Zitter said prior to granting Hinders' motion.
She noted no one has been accused of anything at this point and the publishing of sensitive information could open the siblings to ridicule.
The Daily Standard sought to listen to the testimony of Dr. Harshbarger and not to publish family information. While outside of the courtroom, Harshbarger was asked to comment, but said he could not because the case was still under investigation.
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Subscriber and paid stories on this date
Roughly 500 rainbow trout will be released Thursday into an enclosed channel off state Route 364 at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, providing a rare fishing opportunity for anglers.
Two area women are seeking one vacant seat on the State Board of Education for District 1, which includes Mercer and Auglaize counties.
The candidates hope to fill the position of current board representative Lou Ann Harrold of Ada, who is not seeking re-election.
WAPAKONETA - A recently-completed health assessment survey revealed information that Auglaize County officials already suspected: the county has a drinking problem.
NEW BREMEN - Greg Myers approached the podium Tuesday night carrying a large, worn black briefcase.
Myers told those attending the chamber's 10th a
NEW BREMEN - Local officials, like their counterparts across the state and the Midwest, are hoping for a mild winter with little ice and snow in the wake of a salt shortage.
Mercer County commissioners agreed to give an additional $15,000 to the county's veterans' services agency to help offset higher-than-normal fuel and salary expenses that have squeezed their budget.
COLDWATER - A group of teachers continue to fight the Ohio Education Association (OEA) and local union affiliates with lawsuits in order to have their union fees diverted to charities and not the state and national unions.
Students from St. Henry, Fort Recovery and New Bremen schools interested in engineering and trade skills may attend an Oct. 22 presentation at New Bremen High School's James Dicke Auditorium.
FINDLAY - The Celina girls soccer team opened Division I sectional play in fine style, shutting out Shawnee 4-0 at Elmer Graham Soccer Stadium in Findlay.
ROCKFORD - Coldwater volleyball head coach Mandy Diller said she was used to watching the Division III sectional semifinals because the Cavaliers usually had a bye to open the postseason.
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
The Versailles volleyball team advanced to the sectional finals at the Division III Brookville Sectional on Tuesday with a three-game sweep of Dayton Christian.
SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP - It was not exactly the way the St. Marys boys soccer team wanted their season to end, but it was a fitting way for the season to end.