Burch

HOLLIDAYSBURG – A Blair County jury on Thursday acquitted the former Bellwood-Antis School District athletic director of the felony victim/witness intimidation charge filed against him in January 2024 that developed after a middle school wrestling coach was convicted of sexually assaulting two middle school students.

Charles Burch, 53, Bellwood, exhaled a sigh of relief in the courtroom upon hearing the “not guilty” verdict announced about an hour after the jury was dismissed for deliberations.

“I have never felt more relief in my entire life,” Burch said outside the courtroom, where he embraced supportive family and friends who attended his two-day trial. “I’m on top of the world.”

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old victim who said Burch told him in early 2020 not to talk to anyone about what was going on at wrestling practice – because he could be suspended or benched from the football team – acknowledged his disappointment with the verdict.

The victim, his mother and their friends, who clasped hands in the courtroom as they waited for the verdict, congregated a short time later outside the courthouse where they struggled to describe their disappointment.

“Very disappointed,” the mother and son agreed.

“It’s the system,” one of their friends added. “If there’s doubt, there’s doubt.”

Defense attorney Thomas Hooper told the jury that the case was full of reasonable doubt and presented a tsunami of cause for hesitation.

Hooper repeatedly reminded the jurors of how the teenager’s version of what happened changed as the defense uncovered contradictory evidence.

“This case should never have been in court,” Hooper said.

The defense attorney took that same position when asking President Judge Wade A. Kagarise to dismiss the charge without giving the case to the jury. But Kagarise declined because he said credibility issues should rest with a jury.

“The speed with which they reached the verdicts speaks volumes,” Hooper said later.

The state Office of Attorney General filed the third degree felony charge against Burch, with supporting documents indicating that the threat occured in Burch’s office on Feb. 20, 2020, after Burch summoned the youth from his mid-morning third period English class.

Hooper, however, collected records from the school district and called in witnesses to confirm that no phone calls were made between Burch’s office and the youth’s third period English classroom.

The youth, however, said he was upset by his conversation with Burch and used his cellphone to telephone his mother from the school restroom.

To check into that claim, Hooper secured cellphone records showing the youth made one call – at 7:51 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2020 – to his mother’s phone – lasting 25 seconds.

Hooper also challenged the idea that Burch had threatened the youth before that call by reviewing a work schedule showing Burch had hall monitoring duty starting at 7:30 a.m. In addition, he called in a retired high school secretary to tell the jury she rarely left her desk and never saw the youth go into Burch’s office.

When the mother testified, she confirmed that her son had called her from school and said Burch threatened to keep him from playing football.

The mother, in trying to figure out what was going on, subsequently turned to another parent to get the name of a state police detective investigating sexual assault allegations against wrestling coach Ryan Blazier.

Blazier, convicted in October 2020 of seven sexual assault offenses, is serving a sentence of 21 to 42 years’ incarceration.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger asked the jury in her closing argument to remember that the mother subsequently sent an email to her brother – the youth’s uncle – who in response said her son should tell the detective everything and “f- playing football for them.”

Eichelberger also challenged witnesses who testified about Burch’s hall monitoring duty and the secretary who said she never saw the youth go into Burch’s office.

“Can you list everyone you encounter within a day … everyone you walk by or walks by you … as much as two weeks ago?” Eichelberger said.

She likened the typical lack of recall to not being able to remember what you ate for breakfast.

“But if you had worms in your oatmeal, you’d remember that,” she said.

Burch, who took the witness stand in his own defense, told the jury that he never summoned the youth to his office. Burch also said he never missed his hall monitoring assignments.

“I want to thank attorney Hooper for leaving no stone unturned,” he added outside court. “He’s been amazing.”

Hooper said he initiated a civil suit on Burch’s behalf against the state AG’s office for filing the charge based on false allegations.

Burch also expressed gratitude for the community’s support.

While he has been on leave because of the pending charge, Burch said he intends to return to his job with the district – which includes teaching and coaching duties in addition to athletic director.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.

FLINT – Flint Carman-Ainsworth athletic director Austin Brinkman has a vision for his athletic programs.

His idea since being hired back in September has been to establish a pipeline for youth athletes from elementary and middle school to be prepared and energized for Carman-Ainsworth sports.

As the Cavaliers were in search of a head football coach that could help establish a youth movement, there was one name to come across his desk that fit best.

Carman-Ainsworth announced Mario Harris, a former star quarterback for Flint Northern (2002 graduate) and University of Akron signee, will lead the sidelines this season.

Harris has served the past three seasons as an offensive coordinator at Lansing Sexton High School and has experience coaching youth football in Lansing as well, helping the Lansing Warriors win back-to-back American Youth Football National Championships.

Harris spent four years with the Warriors (8U and 9U), two years with the Lansing Cowboys, which were 10U Battle National Champions, and one year with the Southfield Falcons, which posted an 82-2 record overall.

“One of my biggest goals was to redevelop the pipeline for youth in all sports,” Brinkman said. “Being able to bring him on board really ignited the opportunity for our youth to be a part of the Carman-Ainsworth system growing up.”

Harris’ offenses at Lansing Sexton averaged 20.5 points in 2023, 30.5 in 2024, and 21.6 this past season.

After Lansing Sexton head coach Johnel Davis, who held the position since 2018, resigned following the end of this season, Harris said it was time to come home.

The day he decided to start looking for a position, Carman-Ainsworth posted the job. The rest has been history from there.

“The whole goal once I got into youth was to come back to my city and coach football,” Harris said. “After this season, the head coach at (Lansing) Sexton decided to retire. I figured it was time for me to go on my own path. I was ready to come home and coach.”

Harris said Carman-Ainsworth felt like a perfect fit given its emphasis on building a strong foundation from the lower schools to high school.

“The goal for me is to build a feeder system like all other programs,” Harris said. “I think that’s the best way that we catch-up and we can compete immediately instead of waiting. Yes, you take care of your seniors and your varsity group to make sure they’re prepared to do something different, but to build a program you have to take care of the youth. That’s what sold me because that’s my number one goal.”

The Cavaliers’ football program has struggled in recent years, going 0-9 last season and failing to tally a winning season since 2016.

With 30 returning players and the majority of its starting offense back, Harris is hoping to hit the ground running with his squad.

“When people come out on August 28, they’ll see a bigger and stronger team, they’ll see a faster team, they’ll see a more disciplined team, and they’ll see a more hungry team,” Harris said. “They’re going to see a community that’s engaged for Carman football and an administration that’s engaged in football. They’re going to see a product that’s here to win and get into the playoffs. I don’t think because we were 0-9 last year that we have to come in here and win three games and everyone is happy.”

Carman-Ainsworth will open the season Aug. 28 when it hosts Bay City Central and will have three-straight home games to open the year with Bay City Central, Grand Blanc, and Holt.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2025 at 5:54 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kairo Bennett holds up a sign trying to get people to buy a burger, hot dog or other food today. The Masonic Lodge was serving up the grilled and fried goodies in the parking lot at Save-A-Lot as a fundraiser towards a new concession stand at Bullard Park.

The Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program (AYSAP) is pushing the project and wants a two-story building with concessions and storage in the first floor and a second-floor for a press box.

Geno Allport, AYSAP president, said the building is likely $20,000 to $30,000. The concessions stand would be available to be used by other organizations doing events at Bullard, he said.

“We want everyone to enjoy it – not just football,” Allport said.

The building would be positioned close to the 50-yard line of the football field.

The Masonic Lodge served up food from the grill. From left include Ed Wolfe, John Hollenbeck and Jeff Holler in back.

The next fundraiser for the concessions stand will be a beef on weck dinner on Saturday, May 31, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Albion Elks Lodge. There are 300 ticket available at $15 each. There will also be a basket raffle and 50/50 drawings.

Many businesses and service organizations are donating and assisting with the event.

These kids were out drumming up support for today’s fundraiser. From left include Oliver Dillard, Zurie Dillard, Gavin Jackson, Gunner Jackson and Kaito Bennett.

Jennifer (Jenn) Lynn Brown, 48, passed away peacefully at her home in Coral Springs, Florida, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family and friends, following a courageous nine-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. 

Born on January 12, 1977, in Pittsburg, Kansas, Jenn was the daughter of Dennis Hurt and the late Wanda Hurt. From a young age, Jenn’s zest for life was evident. She was an avid athlete, involved in volleyball and softball during her youth. Whether playing under the guidance of her parents or competing with her friends, her passion for sports was a key part of her character. She attended Pittsburg High School. 

In 1996, Jenn made South Florida her home. She began working for Bally Total Fitness, where her passion for helping others shone through, and later chose to dedicate herself fully to her greatest joy: her family. 

In 2005, Jenn met the love of her life, Greg Brown. The two were married on October 18, 2008, and built a beautiful life together grounded in shared values, laughter, and adventure. Their love was one of deep companionship, mutual respect, and unwavering support—a bond that inspired all who knew them. 

Jenn’s legacy lives most vividly in her three beloved children: Addison, Ella, and Cooper. She poured every ounce of her strength, spirit, and love into their lives. Addi, her oldest, shared Jenn’s loyalty, resilience, and drive. Ella, with her bravery and sensitivity, echoed Jenn’s caring heart, while Cooper embodied Jenn’s adventurous spirit, always surrounded by friends and full of energy. 

Jenn was deeply committed to her children’s education and school communities. She was an active member of the Riverside Elementary PTO and a dedicated volunteer at Coral Springs Charter School, where her involvement and care made a lasting impact on countless students, parents, and staff. 

She also gave generously to her community through her love of sports. Jenn was the active President of the Youth Softball Association of Coral Springs (YSACS), where she not only supported young athletes, but also helped shape the program with the same dedication, leadership, and heart she brought to every part of her life. 

Jenn made time for others—offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear to friends facing their own life-altering diagnoses. Her grace, strength, and willingness to support others became an inspiration within the community and beyond. 

In recognition of her generous spirit and commitment to others, Jenn was honored with the prestigious Lynne Johnson Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in 2023, a testament to the many lives she touched and the difference she made. 

Jenn lived by the words: “Effort, focus, and attitude—UNSTOPPABLE.” This mindset guided her through life’s biggest challenges and inspired everyone around her to face adversity with strength and determination. 

Jenn was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Wanda Hurt, who also bravely battled breast cancer, and by her maternal grandmother, Peggy Headley. 

She is survived by her husband Greg Brown and their three children, Addison, Ella, and Cooper, all of the home. Also surviving are her father Dennis Hurt and Elena Bernal of Pittsburg, KS; her brother Aaron Hurt and wife Kim of Pittsburg, and their children: Lauren and Ryan McNeely of Pittsburg with daughters Josie and Saylor; Taylor Hurt and Jesse Stover of Kansas City, MO, and Landon Hurt of Pittsburg. Her paternal grandparents Robert and Elma Hurt of Pittsburg; her aunts Deborah Hurt Walker and Bill Ehmke of Pittsburg; Diana and Kevin Blake of Manhattan, KS; cousins Susan and Shawn Badart of Pittsburg, Mandy and Dan Stevens of Pittsburg, and Jen and Justin Schlegel of Manhattan, KS; Roxanne and Harold Squire of Lee’s Summit, MO. 

Jenn is also survived by her loving in-laws: Robert and Patricia Brown of The Villages, FL; Todd Brown and Laura of Westmont, IL; Tim Brown of Chattanooga, TN; Tracey Brown of Canton, GA; and Melissa Brown Gulotta and daughter Makayla of Bradenton, FL. 

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Visitation from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at North Creek Presbyterian Church in Coconut Creek, Florida, with a service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will resume following the service until 6:45 p.m. The funeral is under the direction of Alexander-Levitt Funeral and Cremation Center. 

A celebration of life will also be planned in Pittsburg, Kansas, at a later date to allow Jenn’s hometown family and friends to gather and honor her memory. 

Jenn’s strength, compassion, and boundless love will continue to echo in the lives of everyone she touched. Her spirit remains firmly rooted in the family she so fiercely loved and protected. To know Jenn was to love her—and her light will never fade. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to her children’s education fund.