The Hardin County sheriff and his deputies might look a little scruffy in November, but it's all for a good cause. The traditional No-Shave-November campaign brings awareness to the plight of cancer sufferers nationwide.
However, this year the proceeds of the campaign will be given to the Eastman and McDonald familes of the South East Hardin EMS squad to assist in offsetting the medical bills of Peggy Eastman and the funeral expenses of Krista McDonald.
Today, Wednesday, Nov. 1, law enforcement officers in Hardin County will begin keeping a keen eye on drivers, looking for all manor of violations during the month because six people have been killed on roads and highways here this year.
State highway patrol, sheriff's officers, Ada and Kenton police today will begin a Hardin County target enforcement of driving laws focusing on failure-to-yield, which caused 3 fatalities; seat-belt violations; and distracted driving, which occurs more now with texting.
Hardin County police departments, including Ada, will conduct targeted enforcement during November because fatalities have increased. There have been six deaths this year in six separate accidents, 50 percent the result of failure-to-yield.
The Ohio State Patrol, Hardin County Sheriff's Office, and Ada and Kenton Police Departments will focus on failure-to-yield, seat-belt violations, and distracted driving.
Ada Police Sgt. Matt Purdy and K9 Oakley were certified on Friday as an Ohio Peace Officer K9 Team.
K9 Oakley was brought on due to the accidental death of K9 Jaeger earlier this year.
"Today we remember K9 Jaeger and thank him for his service, while we welcome K9 Oakley and look forward to a long life of service to the Village of Ada," said Police Chief Michael Harnishfeger.
K9 Oakley is a 3- year old female German Shephard who will serve as a Patrol/Special Service K9.
Services for Krista McDonald will be at 1 p.m. Friday at First Church of God, 1000 E. Brown Ave., Bellefontaine.
Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday at the church.
She died Saturday as the result of an accident in southeast Hardin County.
EMT McDonald was driving an ambulance when another vehicle failed to yield the right of way and struck the ambulance broadside. More details about the accident were reported in the Ada Icon last Sunday.
Joel Hauenstein, 36, died in a car-motorcycle accident on SR 81 that occurred at 9:05 p.m. on Friday.
Hauenstein was riding his motorcycle eastbound on SR 81 east of Ada when a car operated by Kyle Burnett turned into his path while pulling into a private driveway.
Hauenstein's motorcycle hit the side of the car. He was taken to Lima Memorial Hospital where he died early Saturday morning. Burnett and two passengers were treated at the scene.
Hauenstein enjoyed designing, fabricating, and painting motorcycles. His artwork was featured in several national motorcycle publications.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Ada.
