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OCTOBER 2023
BE SMART, GET RINEHARDT Rinehardt Law | RinehardtLawFirm.com | 419-LAW-2020
A Halloween Haunting to Remember
It’s that time of the year again: When pumpkins grin, witches brew their potions, and the Ohio State Reformatory transforms into a haunted prison for everyone brave enough to venture inside. As we gear up for another spooky Halloween season, I thought it would be fitting to share a childhood memory that still makes me chuckle. Growing up, my older brother Aaron, who is two years older than me, was my biggest hero. As the quintessential younger sister, I was determined to emulate my big brother in every way possible. So, when I was in the fifth grade, and my brother and his friends decided to go to the Reformatory’s haunted house experience, I insisted on tagging along. I begged my mom to let me join them. She knew it would be too scary for me, but my relentless pleading eventually wore her down, and she agreed to let me go. It was a chilly October evening, the moon casting eerie shadows on the historic prison ground, and a long line was snaking around the property. Excitement was in the air as my brother and his friends exchanged spooky stories while we waited our turn. My heart raced with anticipation, but I kept reassuring my mom that I could handle anything the haunted prison threw at me. After what felt like an eternity, it was finally our turn to face the terrors within. We ascended a grand staircase that opened into a pitch-black corridor. Clutching my mom’s hand for dear life, our group ventured into the darkness. Suddenly, a terrifying clown leaped out from the shadows, and I let out a scream that could have shattered glass! In a state of panic, our group shuffled into the next room, illuminated in eerie red light and adorned with gruesome scenes and actors dressed in terrifying costumes brandishing fake chainsaws. It was too much for my young heart to handle, and I burst into tears, letting out another ear-piercing scream. My mom had no choice but to lead me out of the haunted prison through an emergency exit.
As I stood outside, trying to catch my breath and wiping away my tears, my brother and his friends continued their spine-chilling adventure without me. It was undoubtedly an embarrassing moment for a fifth- grade girl who had been so eager to prove she was cool enough to hang out with the older kids. But, as it turned out, my mom’s intuition was spot on — I was too young to handle the horrors of the haunted prison. Since that fateful night, I can proudly say that I’ve returned to the Ohio State Reformatory’s haunted prison many times, every visit filled with laughter, thrills, and unforgettable memories. So, as we gear up for another Halloween season, I want to wish everyone a fun, safe, and thrilling Halloween. May you enjoy all the spooky attractions our town offers and make cherished memories with your loved ones. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to admit when you’re not quite ready for a haunted adventure!
- Rachel
Rachel, fifth grade, with Aaron and Hannah
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THE ANNUAL HAUNTED REFORMATORY AT THE OLD MANSFIELD PRISON UNVEILING THE TERROR
Every Halloween season, the old Ohio State Reformatory transforms into a macabre wonderland, drawing thrill-seekers from near and far. A Glimpse into the Past: The Ohio State Reformatory The Ohio State Reformatory, also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, is an architectural marvel that once served as a prison. Built in the late 19th century, this imposing structure boasts Gothic architecture and is a testament to history. While it once housed prisoners in a harsh penal environment, today, it captivates visitors with its stunning and eerie ambiance. From Prison to Haunted Wonderland Every year, as the air turns crisp and leaves transform into vibrant hues, the reformatory undergoes a metamorphosis. The facility, once a symbol of discipline and punishment, is reborn into a haunted wonderland, offering an unforgettable experience for those who step through its gates. Haunted Reformatory: An Annual Tradition The Annual Haunted Reformatory event is a cornerstone of fall in Mansfield, beckoning locals and tourists to immerse themselves in a world of terror and suspense. The event runs through Halloween, featuring an array of haunted attractions, haunted houses, and immersive theatrical performances. Haunting Attractions: Beyond the Prison Walls Visitors are invited to explore the depths of the reformatory’s eerie halls, venturing into areas that prisoners once inhabited. From ghastly cells to the foreboding administration wing, the experience is designed to provoke fear and adrenaline equally.
Every year, the attraction evolves, offering fresh scares and horrifying surprises. The organizers invest time and creativity to craft an atmosphere of dread, employing talented actors, cutting-edge special effects, and meticulous attention to detail. The Immersive Experience: Beyond the Scares While the haunted attractions reign supreme, the Annual Haunted Reformatory is more than just spine-tingling scares. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the history and architecture of the reformatory. Year-round guided historical tours are offered, allowing visitors to learn about the facility’s past and the stories that have become the foundation of its haunting. Embracing the Spirits of the Past The Annual Haunted Reformatory perfectly blends history, fear, and entertainment. As visitors brace themselves for a night of chilling scares and haunting tales, they also have the privilege of stepping back in time, traversing the corridors of an iconic structure that holds an indelible place in Ohio’s history. As the sun sets and the darkness descends, the old prison comes alive with the echoes of its past and the ghostly whispers of the souls who once inhabited its cells. For those who dare to explore, a haunting experience awaits within the formidable walls of the Ohio State Reformatory.
This year’s theme is “Escape from Blood Prison,” and is open weekends, Friday through Sunday, from 7 p.m. until midnight through Oct. 29.
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CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN WINGS
APPLE UPSIDE- DOWN CAKE
The perfect food for game day, a Halloween party, or a casual fall dinner. Crispy and flavorful baked chicken
wings are easy to prepare, and you don’t have to bother with all the grease from frying. We nibbled on these while we watched Ohio State (barely) beat Notre Dame.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 pounds chicken wings, halved at joints, wingtips discarded • 2 tbsp baking powder • 3/4 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp garlic powder Buffalo sauce: • 1/3 cup Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 tbsp water
We love apple recipes this time of year! You probably already have the apples and everything else you need to make this dessert.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened • 1/2 cup light brown sugar • Pinch of salt • 2 golden delicious apples (or whatever you have), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup sugar • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp kosher salt • 2 large eggs, beaten • 1/2 cup milk • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted • 1/4 cup powdered sugar • 1 tbsp milk
DIRECTIONS
1. Adjust your oven rack to the upper-middle position. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. Spray the racks with non-stick spray. 3. Use paper towels to pat the wings dry and place them in a large bowl. It’s important to dry them completely. 4. Combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Then sprinkle the seasoning over the wings, tossing to evenly coat. 5. Arrange wings, skin side up, in a single layer on prepared wire racks. 6. Bake, turning every 20 minutes, until wings are crispy and browned. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the wings but may take up to 1 hour. 7. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer wings to bowl and toss with Buffalo sauce or your favorite barbecue sauce. 8. For Buffalo sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together hot sauce, sugar, and water. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved. 9. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature before adding to wings (or prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate).
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, blend the butter with the brown sugar and salt. Spread the mixture evenly in the lined cake pan. Arrange the apple wedges in the pan in two concentric circles. 2. In the same bowl, whisk the flour with the sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, mix the eggs with the milk and vanilla. Add the mixture to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Scrape the batter over the apples and spread evenly. Bake the cake in the lower third of the oven until golden and springy, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. 3. Transfer the pan to a rack and let cool for 30 minutes. Run the tip of a knife around the inside rim of the pan. Center a serving plate over the cake; carefully invert the cake and plate. Remove the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Let the cake cool completely. 4. For the glaze, stir powdered sugar with milk and drizzle it over the cake.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2404 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
INSIDE THIS EDITION
1 A Halloween Haunting to Remember
2 Old Mansfield Prison’s Haunted Reformatory
3 Apple Upside-Down Cake
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
4 Haunted House Liability Laws
The Scary Truth About Haunted House Liability Who’s Responsible When Things Go Bump in the Night?
Haunted houses, trails, corn mazes, and theme parks captivate adventurers seeking thrills and chills. Amidst the heart-pounding scares, what legal aspects come into play when things go bump in the night? In Ohio, haunted house operators are expected to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors. This duty of care includes ensuring the premises are free from hazards that could cause harm or injury to patrons. Hazards include uneven flooring, exposed wires, or other dangerous conditions.
Haunted houses often come with age restrictions due to their frightening nature. Operators must establish and enforce age limitations to prevent young children or individuals with medical conditions from entering, potentially causing harm or distress. Operators should adequately train their staff to ensure a safe experience for visitors. Training should cover emergency procedures, crowd control, and the importance of avoiding physical contact with visitors. Staff members should be readily available to
Reformatory Blood Prison, you must agree to terms and conditions including:
“I voluntarily assume all risks and dangers associated with participation in this attraction. In consideration and acceptance of entrance into the attraction, I agree to release Undead Studios LLC and The Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society, its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees from any liability for any harm, injury or death, cost or expense whatsoever that may arise directly or indirectly from attending this event or any of the attractions at this location.” The frightening bottom line: by purchasing a ticket and voluntarily entering the haunted house, visitors may be assuming the risks inherent in these attractions, including not only scares and startles but also injuries that may result while going through the attraction.
address concerns, help, and manage any emergencies.
The premises should also be adequately maintained, with regular inspections and repairs. Proper lighting and signage are essential to guide visitors safely through the attraction and minimize the risk of accidents.
However, before entering a haunted experience, you will likely be required to sign a liability waiver. For example, before entering the Mansfield
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