Amherst News-Times, 2003-12-24

              business in flames - page 1 o l- r x b h c 3c w rn m v 2 u t- r, 0 r- a rt amherst news-time girl avoids abduction oh, baby! jesus back time for christmas by jason hawk news-times reporter one family, the very foundation of was ripped away when baby disappeared from their yard's nativity scene. coopers run residents steven and sue mihalcik went out to dinner at 6 p.m. on dec. 13 with 11 -year-old daughter, hailc, eight-year old son, joseph, friends. they returned, missing its spot "i cried. kids cried, we couldn't believe this could happen," said sue, christian who has raised her children catholic tradition. "it's heartbreaking because whole meaning is birth christ. if it would have been santa claus, or bear, anything else, easier." that pain eased following yonder star shepherds, wise men, angels perform christmas, music thq st. joseph school's kindergarten, first, seconq, third grade concerts last friday. monday, neighbors peg dick stark, employees splashzonc obcrlin, told mihalciks figurino' matching description had found held behind workplace. immcdiatcly,thc family trav eled down route 58 find decoration. mihalciks, any act against sp rit detestable, but theft especially hurtful. 25 years married)! collected an additional orpamcnt display neighbors. until two weeks ago, 67 lighted pieces, including nativities angels, choir boys, candles, other holi day items adorned home. owned ornament 15 years, placement scene become tradition fdr hailc joseph. don't know siblings (8) haile (11) show sign made try reclaim figurine recovered field near splashzone oberlin. prank, i just wish whoever did really think how they've hurt celebrates christmas. it's heartbreaking," hard husband. "steven mr. christmas," she said. "he loves year, starting november he gets outside works everyday build tins larger-than-life our ever since small child his dad, tradition." police officck, .)fou4id no fingerprints were unable formulate anyfieads, things might different th'crc snow outgoing mayor reflects tenure personal effects dis appeared mayor's office city hall, where bound john higgins counting remaining work days 2003. while higgins's runs short, amhcrstonians arc wondering three term mayor, former council member, president will go here. certainly pay attention meetings, be attentive, twill watchdog role,, haven't up trty mind whether i'll pursue coun cil position," higgins, also opted not seek county commissioner's scat march. talked my friends both parties, although give good run, after analyzing changed mind. short window before march primaries, organize campaign committee going difficult months effective." hand, clear continue participate local government, volunteer action committees such as main street , amherst,. mherst downiown and. .betterment association, and-other bcautifi cation downtown rcviializa tion groups. may looking running tjgain next commis sioner's opens cam paign," "lm ruling out. want do too much time." take about month look ground tracks. news times recent reports generated vandals entering homes owners away. believe. case, someone riding car saw opportunity steal jesus," so final outbound waxes politics public during few office. options already between teaching gov- offered four jobs, con- erning, worked sider return classroom. machine shop arid spent 30 some u.s.- steelqo., well foe some, gpv- serving a, emtnent classes,'? aldhigglrfs'member president. now hi taught warren, mich.,' job prospects include roles 1958 1959. continued un 10 tucked under coat walked it." finding splashzonc, elated. miracle," smiled little whose only requests claus year help needy returned. :