Lorain County Community Guide - March 14, 2019

The “Arrive Alive” campaign sponsored by the Lorain County prosecutor’s office and Project Outreach urges you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly. Have a designated sober driver or use Arrive Alive.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! Call for a cab at 800-461-9357 and mention Arrive Alive or use Lyft with the code LCPOUT to get a free ride home in Lorain County on rides up to $60. The offer is valid from noon on Saturday, March 16 to 3 a.m. on Monday, March 18. Rides must begin and end in Lorain County.

COMMUNITY GUIDE

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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES

Thursday, March 14, 2019

BULLETIN BOARD

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OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE

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WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 6, Issue 11

NATIONAL BLACK BALLOON DAY

Thursday, March 14 • AMHERST: An “Instant Irish” cooking demonstration will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the Amherst Public Library.

Need ideas for new things to make with your Instant Pot? Looking for an easy recipe to impress your friends and family on St. Patrick’s Day this year? Learn how to put everything together for a delicious Dublin Coddle. Get a taste of the final product along with the recipe so you can make it at home.

Registration is required for this program.

• WELLINGTON: The 2nd Annual State of Wellington Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the Wellington Eagles Aerie, 631 South Main St. Mayor Hans Schneider, village administrator Steve Dupee, and Wellington Schools superintendent Ed Weber and treasurer Tina Gabler will provide a look back at 2018 and then speak about initiatives in 2019.

Breakfast tickets are $110 and are available at the mayor’s office, Bremke Insurance, Main Street Wellington, Fifth Third Bank, and the LCCC Wellington Center.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin Public Library board of trustees will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the library.

The meeting is open to the public.

• OBERLIN: The Low-Vision Support Group will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Green Room for the audio presentation “Everybody Can Be an Advocate.”

All are welcome.

• WELLINGTON: The Wellington Township zoning commission will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the township garage and office, 105 Maple St. The organizational meeting will include a report from the zoning inspector and discussion of temporary sludge ponds. It is open to the public.

• PITTSFIELD TWP.: “Clocks: Their History, Styles, and Repair” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the Pittsfield Township hall, routes 58 and 303.

Tim Simonson will speak. If you take a photo of an actual antique clock, he will discuss its history, condition, and possible value.

This Pittsfield Township Historical Society program is free and open to the public.

• OBERLIN: NAACP Branch 3196 will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the Oberlin Public Library.

The executive committee will meet at 5 p.m.

The agenda includes a report on the most recent state quarterly meeting, discussion of support for and involvement with the Oberlin City Schools, and consideration of a resolution concerning BULLETIN BOARD PAGE A3

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Jason Hawk | Lorain County Community Guide

Ramdy Sherrill of Elyria writes a name on the memorial board at the Lorain County Community College CARE Center. He said he lost a friend, Clarence, to a heroin overdose.

NOT FORGOTTEN JASON HAWK EDITOR

The names of the dead mounted with terrifying speed.

Nick, Ashley, Angel, Joe, Sara, Ryan, Scott, Aaron, Megan, Joshua, Matt. Larissa, Alicia, Edwin, Dan, Jeff, Bobby, Murray, Chris, John, Ben. On and on they were added in chalk — victims of drug overdoses. Friends. Family. Real people, not just statistics.

They were mourned as part of National Black Balloon Day on March 6, which recognized those lost to the opioid crisis.

“I hold all of you close to my heart,” wrote Sung Yoon on a black board outside the CARE Center for Addiction Recovery at Lorain County Community College. “I know that you all watch over me. I hope to see you all again.”

He and friends scrawled long lists of heroin and fentanyl victims. Yoon, who lives in a sober house and runs Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, said he’s lost so many friends he had trouble remembering all of their names.

“All of these people I knew closely,” he said, pointing to the board. “They all died.

Every day I try to help some-

“This fight is a fight we need to all do together.”

ELAINE GEORGAS ADAS BOARD OF LORAIN COUNTY

NEED HELP? 24 HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION 440-989-4900

one stay sober and I stay sober.

That’s all I can do.”

The event was sponsored locally by the CARE Center, which gave black balloons to all attendees who have lost a loved one to opioids.

Elaine Georgas, director of the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County, spoke.

Fortunately, the trend here and across the rest of the country shows a decline in deaths due to opioid overdoses, she said — but that doesn’t mean the crisis is

over.

“This fight is a fight we need to all do together,” Georgas said.

Experts are taking a “no wrong doors” approach to saving lives.

That means people struggling with substance abuse should find help wherever they wind up, whether it’s the justice system, a hospital, or a church.

Addiction is a disease attacking the brain and needs to be treated as such, said Georgas.

In Lorain County, there are now quick response teams that work in conjunction with many local police departments. Officers are connected with The LCADA Way and Firelands Counseling to provide follow-up calls to victims of overdoses.

All first-responders countywide carry naloxone, the life-saving anti-opioid spray, and as early as possible, health experts are teaming up with schools to teach students about drug dangers.

Georgas said the opioid epidemic has also pulled focus from how dangerous alcohol can be, the effects of marijuana on children, and a rise in vaping among sixth- through eighth-graders.

All need to be addressed to protect the lives of Lorain County residents, she said.

INSIDE Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Robinson sentenced in cop shooting case

Personal treasures shown at OHC’s pop-up museum

Village offers scholarships in new essay contest

OBITUARIES A2 • CROSSWORD C3 • CLASSIFIEDS D4

Page A2

Lorain County Community Guide

Thursday, March 14, 2019

OBITUARIES David R. Workman

David R. Workman, 76, of Wellington, passed away Monday, March 4, 2019, at Mercy Allen Medical Center in Oberlin.

David was born at home in Wellington on July 3, 1942, and lived most of his life in Wellington, with the exception of several years in Indiana.

He was a 1960 graduate of Wellington High School. David enjoyed reading, television news, sports, and puzzle books. He walked everywhere and he adored his grandchildren.

David is survived by his former wife, Judy (nee Straw) of Indiana; sons Christopher “James,” Michael, Mark, and Lane, all of Indiana, and Anthony “Tony” of London, Ky.; five grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren; sisters Wanda Nesbett of Wellington and Nola Jungeberg of Elyria; brothers Wayne and Neal, both of Wellington, and Donald of Hinckley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross J. and Wanda I. (nee Miller).

Funeral services were held Friday, March 8, 2019, at Cowling Funeral Home, Oberlin, and were officiated by Pastor Gary West of Christ Community Church, Wellington. Interment followed in Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington.

Memorial contributions may be made to WellHelp Inc., 127 Park Place, Wellington; or Wellington Senior Citizens Bus.

Joseph S. Bailey

Joseph S. Bailey, 95, of Penfield, Ohio, passed away at 4:03 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2019.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 14, 1923. He attended public school in Cleveland and Parma and graduated from Brunswick High School in 1940.

He attended Fenn College (now Cleveland State University) and Lorain County Community College.

Joe worked for Ohio Bell Telephone Company for 44 years as central office repairman in TV and fiber optics. While an employee, he served 10 years as executive secretary of the of CWA Local 4304 and retired as second level manager.

He served as trustee and auditor of Spencer United Methodist Church and was a member of the Penfield Township Zoning Board.

Joe served three years during World War II (Army Air Corps), setting up high-frequency direction devices collecting radio intercepts from the enemy to be decoded.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Inez (Tippett); daughters Jo Alice (Donald) Povolny of Gahanna, Ohio, and Linda (Michael) Shannon of Worthington, Ohio; granddaughters Rebecca On Jan. 7, 2019, (Pete) DeWeese of Woodstock, Ga., and Rachel James (Jimmie) Bry(Chris) Terlop of Alexandria, Va.; and niece, Doran Irish, age 56, went othy Bailey Pastura of Westlake, Ohio. He was home to be with his preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Clara Lord and savior, Jesus (Rankin) Bailey; his brother, Rufus; and sister, Christ. He died in his Blanche Hendricks. sleep in South Carolina Visitation will be Friday, March 15 from 4:30after a lengthy battle 6 p.m. at the Spencer United Methodist Church, with congestive heart 201 East Main St., Spencer, OH 44275. Funeral failure. service will be held immediately after, beginning Jim is the son of at 6 p.m. The Rev. Jeremy Roseberry will offiBarbara Irish Rogers ciate. Military honors will be held on Saturday, and the late S. James March 16 at 10 a.m. at the Penfield Township Irish. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Irish Cemetery, corner of Rt. 18 and Indian Hollow Rogers (Jim); wife, Kendra Nee (Hooks) Irish; Road. daughter, Kara Irish Ard; husband, Ron; son, In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribuJames Bryan Irish II, sister, Jill K. Irish; and tions be made to the Wellington Salvation Army, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

181 East Herrick Ave., Wellington, OH 44090.

He was preceded in death by his father, S. Arrangements by Parker Funeral Home, SpenJames Irish; paternal grandfather, Floyd A. Irish; cer, Ohio, 330-648-2180. paternal grandmother, Helene Snyder Nee (Irish); Online condolences may be shared at www. maternal grandfather, Karl E. Grose; and materparkerfuneralhomes.com. nal grandmother, Jane Nee Shively Grose Irish.

Jimmy was a 1980 graduate of Wellington High School. He was active in band, track, cross country, DeMolay, and Scouts. He was a MurEllen Jones, 91, of Oberlin, passed away March ray State University alumnus, where he played 10, 2019, at Elyria Memorial Hospital after a short percussion in the band, was the captain of the illness. cheerleading squad, and a member of the Phi She was born in Jenkins, Ky., on March 15, 1928.

Kappa Tau fraternity. He was a sought-after inde- She worked for many years as a cook and a seampendent percussion instructor and music writer, stress. Ellen was a member of Crossroads Christian and taught percussion in multiple high schools in Center of Oberlin. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, South Carolina. and travel. She is survived by her sons, Toney L. On March 17, 2019, a celebration of his life Earl, Morris Jones, and Donald Earl; daughters will be held at the Jones Road Metro Park/Old Maggie Earl, Chinethia Belcher, and Brenda Eddie; Reservoir, 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio, from 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; 1-4 p.m. brothers Willie and Kenny Lamb; and sisters Beulah Williams and Bishop Sally Miller.

Visitation will be March 15 from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Crossroads Christian Center of Shirley Jean Romelfanger (nee Smith), 94, of Oberlin with Pastor Santo Dabila officiating. Burial South Amherst, passed away Monday, Feb. 25, will follow at Westwood Cemetery.

2019, at Welcome Nursing Home in Oberlin, folOnline condolences may be made at www.cowling lowing a full and meaningful life. Friends may call funeralhomeoh.com.

Friday, March 15 from 5-8 p.m. at Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John United Church of Christ, 416 Leonard St., South Amherst. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

A special service commendation was presented March 4 to Oberlin police officer Henry Wallace on his retirement.

As seen here, Ohio Rep. Joe Miller Birdie Etta Everett (nee Hambley), 99, of Ver(D-Amherst) presented the honor with milion, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019, at police chief Ryan Warfield. “You have Kingston of Vermilion following a full and meangone above and beyond to champion ingful life. Funeral services were held Wednesday, safety and peace of mind for the public, March 13 at Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst. Buri- including creating the widely-praised Operation Checkmate,” Miller told Walal was at Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst. lace. The initiative was designed to care for senior citizens. It provides a police Everyone deserves to be recognized when they pass away. We offer obituary publishing services at check-up at least once a week to assess their needs and concerns. “It is thanks a low rate of $8 per column inch. For families that to the dedicated service of individuals do not wish to pay for an obituary, we offer free like you that our state continues to grow death notices. and prosper,” Miller said.

For information, call 440-775-1611.

James B. Irish

Ellen Jones

Shirley J. Romelfanger

James R. Baker

James Ray Baker, 87, of Wellington, passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of Friday, March 1, 2019, after a long illness.

Jim was born to the late John Baker and Gertrude Utley on May 3, 1931, in West Jefferson, Ohio.

He attended Montpelier High School before enlisting in the Navy, where he served nine years, which included the Korean War. Jim was an aircraft mechanic foreman on the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier and earned his GED while in the Navy. It is in the Navy where he also became a prominent boxer, winning the 5th Fleet championship while fighting under the ring name "Battling Biff" Baker.

He was a member of the Carpenters Union and also spent numerous years in law enforcement.

He began his career as a military police officer in Hawaii before coming back to the states to serve as a Wellington auxiliary policeman and would eventually become the police chief of Kipton. He was also a member of the Blue Knights Motor Cycle Club and was a founding member of the R.A.T. Patrol, a CB radio affiliated group that would aid and assist the police in traffic control during accidents and any other police or fire emergency.

He was active member in the Wellington community, coaching and umpiring Little League baseball for many years. He was a scout master for the Weblos Scout Program. He was a longtime member of the Wellington Eagles for 62 years and served as president in 1966-1967.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Jim loved to go on annual deer hunting trips in West Virginia with his relatives and friends, and fish farm ponds whenever he could find the time. Even with his recent health issues, if he was able to walk, he would go fishing with his youngest son, Ben. He would hardly ever come home empty-handed, but when he did, he'd have an interesting story about the one that got away.

Jim is survived by his children, Debbie Renfro, James Jr. (Suzanne) of North Ridgeville, Mark (Kimberly) of Wellington, Greg of Wellington, Ben (Kathy) of Wellington, Rosemarie (Joe) Macnamara of Ashland, Carrie Hitchcock of Ashland, and Antoinette (Don) Novotny of Wellington. He is also survived by sisters Mary Tressler, Dolly Viers, Carol Parsons, Jewell Head, and Cheri Utley.

Jim leaves behind 17 grandchildren: Josh Baker, Mark, Brooks, Jake and Connor Baker, Trey, Zach and Devon Baker, Grace and Lily Macnamara, Allison Hyde, Renee Manocchio, George and Gabby Hitchcock, Danielle Novotny, and Jason and Jennifer; and 15 great-grandchildren: Keagan Armitage, Kennedy and Karter Baker, Emily and Aaron Hyde, Ava, Gianna, Drew and Dominic Manocchio, Campbell Baker and Camden Baker, Grayson Livingston, and McKenna and Reese Baker and Lucian Baker.

In addition to his mother and father, Jim was preceded in death by the mother of his seven children, Mary Eleanor Baker; sisters Dorothy Harmon, Virginia Utley, and Audrey; and brothers John, Pete and Russ Baker.

A private family service was held Wednesday, March 6 at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home in Wellington, followed by a military burial at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baker family to assist in funeral costs.

OFFICER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Birdie E. Everett

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE THE COMMUNITY GUIDE is published every Thursday.

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Thursday, March 14, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

BULLETIN BOARD FROM A1 climate change proposed for the National Convention this July in Detroit.

• OBERLIN: Jessie Reeder will discuss the evolution of slave songs and spirituals, perform selections, and lead the audience in song at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

Reeder is the choir director at Oberlin High School.

The concert is free and open to the public.

• OBERLIN: “Birding Adventures in Ecuador” will be presented at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at Kendal at Oberlin.

Tammy Martin, avid birder and Oberlin College library cataloger, will lecture. The event is free and open to the public.

Starting March 14 • AMHERST TWP.: The Workshop Players production of “Charlotte’s Web” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on March 14, 15, 22, and 23; and 3 p.m. on March 16, 17, and 24 at the Theater-in-theRound, 44820 Middle Ridge Rd. Adults and children have the chance to experience the classic story based on the book by E.B. White.

This beautiful, knowing play about friendship will give audiences an evening of nostalgic enchantment.

Doors open 45 minutes prior to show time. Tickets are $15 each. Group rates are available. Call the box office at 440-988-5613 or visit www.workshopplayers.com.

March 14 and 28 • WELLINGTON: The Wellington Writers Group will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, March 14 and 28 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

Join this group if you have a passion for writing in all venues. Take samples of your writing to share. New members are welcome.

Registration is encouraged. To register, call the library at 440-647-2120.

Friday, March 15 • OBERLIN: Andrea Gyorody will give a gallery talk at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, March 15 at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 North Main St. It is part of the AMAM in the AM series held on the third Friday of each month. Gyorody is the museum’s Ellen Johnson ’33 Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Saturday, March 16 • AMHERST: The 5th Annual Sportsman’s Dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 46485 Middle Ridge Rd. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The dinner will feature wild game foods of local hunters and fishermen and includes cheesy potatoes, salad, pie, and beverage.

The guest speaker will be Roger Raglin of the Outdoor Channel.

More than $2,500 in door prizes will be awarded.

Winners must be present.

Tickets are $20. Seating is limited.

For tickets or more information, call beth at 440-985-2419 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; or between 4-8 p.m. call Dan at 440-276-1617 or Del at 440-230-3178.

• OBERLIN: The movie “Kumano Kodo: At the

Other End of the World” will be shown at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Oberlin College Science Center’s Nancy Dye Lecture Hall.

The 32-minute film tells the story of a nine-day hike along a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route in Japan.

For more information, contact Michael Reynolds at mreynolds@oberlin.edu.

• WELLINGTON: The Wellington High School Formal Dress Resale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 16 at First United Methodist Church, 127 Park Place.

Do you have a formal dress from homecoming, the prom, a wedding, or another engagement just lying around, never to be worn again? Donate it and accessories at WHS or The Platinum Petal by March 15.

For more information, call principal Tina Drake at 440-647-7402.

• SULLIVAN TWP.: A Black River Audubon Society field trip to Hurdle Waterfall Park and Sprinkle Serenity will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16.

Meet at 297 Township Rd. 581, Sullivan Township. All are welcome to attend.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin Jazz Ensemble will perform with guest director Maria Schneider at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at Finney Chapel, 90 North Professor St. The Grammy Award-winning composer will collaborate with Oberlin College jazz students. The concert is free and open to the public.

• WELLINGTON: A dumpster day for Wellington Township residents will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the township maintenance facility, 105 Maple St. Complimentary donuts and coffee will be available inside the Township maintenance building.

Recycled items will be distributed. Supplies are limited.

Acceptable items for disposal include freon appliances, scrap steel, electronic devices, computers, and batteries. You may also drop off canes, wheelchairs, walkers, eye glasses, and cell phones.

Canned goods are accepted and donated to WellHelp.

No hazardous or infectious wastes, medications, brush, waste oil, bricks, rocks or concrete, dirt, or any materials prohibited by the state or federal law.

No tires will be collected. Tires may be dropped off at Grafton Township hall, 17109 Avon-Belden Rd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Lorain County Collection Center accepts scrap tires and household hazardous waste items all year at 540 South Abbe Rd., Elyria. Collection Center hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays For more information, call 440-329-5440.

• WELLINGTON: Teens and tweens ages 11 to 17 can learn to play Mah Jong, the ancient Chinese game of chance, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

There will be snacks and door prizes. Call 440647-2120 to register.

• OBERLIN: The Lorain County Spinners and Weavers Guild will present an interactive display of spinning, weaving, and other fiber arts from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Firelands Association for the Visual Arts, 39 South Main St. You can observe these traditional skills and guests of all ages will be able to interact with tools of the trade, including spinning wheels, drop spindles, floor looms, and assorted small looms. Spinners, weavers, crocheters, and knitters from the guild will be available to demonstrate and assist guests who would like to try their hands at these art forms.

• AMHERST: A free movie screening will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Amherst Public Library.

In this recent DVD release, a couple finds themselves in over their heads when they adopt three young children. Adults, older children, and teens will enjoy this heartfelt comedy. This film is rated PG-13.

• LORAIN: A Lorain Historical Society talk will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Carnegie Center, 329 West 10th St. Tom Berry, archivist of the Historical Construction Equipment Association, will speak on Thew Shovel, including Capt. Richard Thew, the creation of the company, and the lasting influence of machines that were developed in Lorain.

The cost is $5. Space is limited; make reservations by calling 440-245-2563 or emailing info@ lorainhistory.org.

Sunday, March 17 • OBERLIN: A Sunday Object Talk will be given at 2 p.m. on March 17 at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 North Main St. Oberlin College student Lucy Soth will speak on “Fall of Icarus,” a dynamic bronze sculpture on view at the museum. Meet in the King Sculpture Court.

• OBERLIN: Pianist Scott Cuellar will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 at Warner Concert Hall, 77 West College St. The concert is free and open to the public.

• WELLINGTON: The inaugural Dukes Pump and Run 5K fundraiser will be held Sunday, March 17 at the Dukes stadium and track, 398 Dickson St. Doors open and registration will begin at 8 a.m.

Registration is $20; the first 50 will receive a Dukes track T-shirt. The top three finishers in each age group (four for men and four for women) will receive a top finisher medal. The overall winner will receive a trophy and medal.

The bench press portion of the event will be run

by Inner Circle Fitness.

All proceeds will go toward the 2019 varsity track team for student-athletes to purchase warm-ups, blocks, batons, new shot and discs for throwers, and other practice and game-day needs.

Monday, March 18 • SOUTH AMHERST: Want to be more active in your community? The village of South Amherst is hosting a committee open house at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 18 at village hall.

Learn about committees and other opportunities in South Amherst.

To have your organization included, contact Jeri Leigh at 440-610-2403 or jerileigh15@gmail.com.

• AMHERST: An adult coloring night will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 18 at the Amherst Public Library.

All supplies will be provided along with a variety of coloring page options for all levels of skills.

Relax and color your stress away.

The program is intended for ages 14 and up.

Starting March 18 • WELLINGTON: Spring story times will begin Monday, March 18 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

Call 440-647-2120 to register your child for any of the following story times: Baby Lap Sit, ages birth to 24 months at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays; Family Story Times, ages two to five accompanied by an adult at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays or 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

MORE ON PAGE A4

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Thursday, March 14, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

BULLETIN BOARD FROM A3 • WELLINGTON: “Countdown to Kindergarten” will be held at 6 p.m. on Mondays, March 18 through April 22 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

This six-week storytime will focus on the five early literacy skills of talking, playing, reading, writing, and singing that children will need before going to school. These sessions are geared toward ages three to five and their parents, but you’re never too young to attend.

To register, call 440-647-2120.

Tuesday, March 19 • OBERLIN: You know the Wright brothers — but here’s a chance to learn about their sister, Katharine Wright, at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

Wright was born in Dayton and attended Oberlin College from 1893 to 1898. She was the only Wright sibling to pursue a college education and when she joined her brothers’ travels in Europe her language skills and diplomacy helped charm their new acquaintances and opened cultural, political, and financial doors.

The Oberlin Heritage Center will present actress Stephanie Kramer in a portrayal of Wright as part of Women’s History Month.

The event is free and open to the public.

• WELLINGTON: “Preparing for a Successful Planting Season” will be presented from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19 at the LCCC Wellington Center, 151 Commerce Dr. Producers will get updated for monitor and planter hardware and software systems as well as coaching from implement and manufacture representatives.

A light dinner is served. The event is open to the public.

Wednesday, March 20 • OBERLIN: The Oberlin College Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at Finney Chapel, 90 North Professor St. Conductor Gregory Ristow will lead the ensemble in music composed for the reigning queens of England — Mary, Elizabeth I and II, and Victoria. The free concert will feature works by Purcell, Weelkes, Elgar, Britten, and others.

• OBERLIN: The Sodexo Future Chefs Challenge will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at Langston Middle School, 150 North Pleasant St. Oberlin elementary school students will show off their culinary skills and creativity to make healthy Mexican-inspired recipes. The initiative, now in its ninth year, was created to get students thinking about healthy food choices while encouraging them to experiment in the kitchen. Six finalists will prepare and present their creations, which will be judged on originality, taste, kid-friendliness, and use of healthy ingredients.

• AMHERST: A free writing seminar and workshop will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at the Amherst Public Library.

Natalie Richards, author of “What You Hide” and other young adult novels, will share tips and tricks of the trade and steps to final publication. This program is suitable for adults and children ages 10 and up. No registration is required.

Ongoing • VERMILION: Grace’s Kitchen provides meals and companionship for those in need in the Vermilion area. Meals are served from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Ave. Eight local volunteer groups provide assistance in this collaborative outreach. Meals are prepared by churches on a rotating basis, operating under the umbrella of Grace United Methodist Church All are welcome.

• ELYRIA: The Lorain County Waste Collection Center, 540 South Abbe Rd., takes household hazardous waste. It is open from noon to 4 p.m. each Monday, noon to 6 p.m. each Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday.

• WELLINGTON: Coffee with a Cop is held at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Wellington McDonald’s on Rt. 58.

Stop in and meet village police officers and have a conversation over a cup of coffee.

• AMHERST: The Meals on Wheels Program provides delivered meals five days a week between 11 a.m. and noon within the city limits.

The cost is $5 a meal. The Amherst Office on Aging can meet most dietary requirements: heart healthy, diabetic, soft. You can receive meals one day a week or multiple days — it’s up to you. Call 440-988-2817.

Volunteers are needed to help deliver meals, both regular route drivers and substitutes. Routes take about an hour. Meal pick up time is at 10:30 a.m.

Volunteers are also needed to work with the Learning Farm, a school and workplace for those with developmental disabilities. They are interested in having volunteers visit and read stories, cook a meal with them, or do crafts.

• AMHERST: The Amherst Office on Aging has medical equipment for loan.

With Medicare not always paying for health equipment that you may need, residents of Amherst are able to borrow donated medical equip-

Seeking directors and play pitches Workshop Players Theater is accepting applications for directors for the 2020-2021 season.

"Directing in our unique space is a truly rewarding experience," said a release from play reading committee chair Pat Price. "Though we are a volunteer theater and there is no stipend for directing, the proximity of the audience, the challenge of converting our black box into varying locations, (and) the pool of talent who frequent our theater make directing here a terrific experience."

Here are some guides for applicants: • If you have not directed for Workshop Players previously, submit a theatrical resume detailing your experience and including two references of people you have worked with. If you have directed with Workshop Players previously, this step is not necessary.

• All applicants should submit a list of three to five plays you are interested in directing, along with a description of the play, which may be copied and pasted from the licensing website.

• Add to the description of each play why you believe it would work in the theater's

unique space (a theater-in-theround, close proximity to the audience, very little backstage storage space, and four possible entrances, two of which are accessed from wings outside of the theater).

• Include within that list at least one family-friendly or children’s show.

Applications are due by April 1 to Pat Price at joeandpatprice@centurytel.net.

POTENTIAL SHOWS This is a list of shows that Workshop Players is interested in producing. Applicants' suggestions need not be limited to this list but it should be used as a resource: Musicals "Chicago" "Godspell" "Man of LaMancha" "Baby" "The Last 5 Years" "Title of Show" "Sweeney Todd" "Big Fish" "Footloose" Musicals appropriate for children and adults "Honk" "Suessical" "Plaid Tidings" "Li'l Abner" "Scrooge"

Dramas "Glass Menagerie" "Death of a Salesman" "A Streetcar Named Desire" "Bus Stop" "Crimes of the Heart" "Lion in Winter" "Doubt" "Proof" "Lost in Yonkers" Comedies "The Humans" "Sunshine Boys" "The Good Doctor" "Boeing Boeing" "Butterflies Are Free" "Ten Nights in a Barroom" "Panache" "Artifice" "Brighton Beach Memoirs" Christmas plays "Scrooge" "Dashing Through the Snow" "The Hallelujah Girls" "A Nice Family Christmas" "Ken Ludwig's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" "1940s Radio Christmas Hour" Comedies or dramas appropriate for children and adults "Harvey" "Anne of Green Gables" "Alice in Wonderland" "James and the Giant Peach" "The Wind and the Willows"

The Lorain County Community Guide bulletin board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events.

Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for news style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@lcnewspapers.com. ment while recuperating from surgery or an injury.

Available equipment includes walkers, canes, shower benches, and more at no charge.

Call 988-2817 for more information or to request or donate equipment.

• BROWNHELM TWP.: The Brownhelm Historical Association holds meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at the historic Brownhelm School and Museum, 1940 North Ridge Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., a business meeting is held from 6:30-7 p.m., followed by refreshments and social time, and programs begin at 7:30 p.m.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin African American Genealogy and History Group offers free walk-in genealogy assistance from 1-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at The Bridge (in the Backspace), 82 South Main St. • OBERLIN: The Connections peer support group for those suffering from mental illness, depression, and anxiety is offered from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each moth at Family Promise, 440 West Lorain St. The group is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. You must RSVP to office@ nami-lc.org or 440-233-8181 ext. 224.

• WELLINGTON: St. Patrick Church offers a Helping Hands Food Pantry from noon to 3 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month and from 6-8 p.m. on the following Tuesday. It’s located in the old St. Patrick Church at the corner of Adams and North Main streets.

The pantry is available to residents of the 44090 zip code area who meet federal eligibility guidelines of $24,119 annual income for a household of one, $32,479 for two, etc. Identification and proof of residency (a current utility bill) are also required.

For more information, visit www.helpinghands. stpatrickwellington.com.

• OBERLIN: Oberlin Community Services offers an open food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday for residents of southern Lorain County who need help meeting their food needs.

A large food distribution is held the second Saturday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

OCS serves eligible residents of Oberlin, Wellington, and New Russia, Carlisle, Kipton, LaGrange, Brighton, Penfield, Camden, Huntington, Rochester, and Pittsfield townships.

A picture ID and proof of address is requested.

For more information, call 440-774-6579.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin Drum Circle meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 355 East Lorain St. Take your instruments if desired; there are always plenty of extras. People new to drumming are welcome.

• AMHERST: Use the fitness room and walking track for free starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Mercy Health and Recreation Center, 41760 Hollstein Dr. The program aims to encourage people to exercise throughout the year. It is sponsored by the Lorain County Metro Parks, WOBL, Mercy

Regional Medical Center, and the Lorain County Public Health.

• OBERLIN: The Lorax Committee meets from 7-8:15 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Oberlin Public Library.

All are welcome to join this group, with its mission of protecting the well-being of the trees of Oberlin. The monthly meetings help members emulate the Lorax of Dr. Seuss’s popular book by “speaking for the trees” of Oberlin, which has been awarded recognition as a Tree City, USA. • WELLINGTON: Kiwanis meetings are held at noon each Thursday at Bread-N-Brew, 100 South Main St. • OBERLIN: A reading group meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Peace Community Church, 44 East Lorain St. • AMHERST: Soup and salad lunches are held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at Amherst United Methodist Church, 396 Park Ave. The low-cost lunch includes soup, sloppy joes, salad bar, hot dogs, and pie.

The church also has a community free pancake breakfast from 8:30-10:30 a.m. the last Saturday of each month. All are welcome.

• OBERLIN: An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group meets at 2 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the First Church in Oberlin UCC, 106 North Main St. The group is designed to provide emotional, educational, and social support for caregivers. It will encourage caregivers to maintain their own physical and emotional health while optimally caring for people with dementia.

For more information, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.

• AMHERST: Senior Citizens of Amherst is for the city’s seniors to socialize, dine, and be entertained from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Friday of every month at the Amherst Eagles on Milan Avenue.

For reservations and memberships, call Sharon at 440-984-3162. Catered meals are served for $11, followed by a meeting. There are also $10 raffles.

• OBERLIN: Visit the scenic sculpture garden at the Oberlin Green Arts Corner, located in the .13acre site at the intersection of South Professor and Lincoln streets.

It is free and open to the public during daylight hours. OGAC is a not-for-profit dedicated to enhancing outdoor public art and culture.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com or www.travelagencyguide.com.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin Business Partnership hosts monthly meetings for residents, business owners, and nonprofit organizations to discuss events around town.

“Good Morning Oberlin” is held at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month. Meetings are held at the Oberlin Public Library community room.

• WELLINGTON: The Afternoon Book Discussion Group meets at 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Herrick Memorial Library.

Pick up the book at the circulation desk and join in on the lively discussions.

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INSIDE: ANGER OVER NORTH MAIN ST. PLANS • B3

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019 • SERVING AMHERST SINCE 1919

POLICE SHOOTING TRIAL

Photo by Yann Caradec

Jessica Beard edges Stephenie Ann Mcpherson at the Meeting de Paris, Stade Charlety.

World champ will headline Comet Clinic JASON HAWK EDITOR

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

World champion Jessica Beard will be the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual ASICS Comet Clinic this Saturday at Amherst Steele High School.

Born and raised in Euclid, the Panthers track and field star was a four-time Ohio High School Athletic Association state champion in the 400-meter dash and set the state record in 2007.

She also lettered in basketball and cross country.

At Texas A&M, she became the Big 12’s standout sprinter and set a school record of 50.56 seconds in the 400-meter event at the NCAA championships.

Beard won bronze at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Later that year, she helped win the gold in the 4x400 relay at the World Championships in COMET CLINIC PAGE B2

Martin Robinson doubles down on his actions during a sentencing hearing March 11, saying he did not feel remorse for shooting Amherst police officer and SWAT team member J.R. Ptacek. Judge Chris Cook had the option of sentencing Robinson to a maximum 126 years in prison but settled on 55.

55-YEAR SENTENCE No remorse from Robinson Outburst, JASON HAWK EDITOR

Martin Robinson would not apologize.

Given a chance Monday to show contrition — any amount at all — for shooting Amherst police officer J.R. Ptacek, the 40-yearold prisoner refused and instead maintained his innocence.

“I’m not going to sit here and say I showed any remorse for the so-called victims or victim,” Robinson said. “If someone came to his house and did what he did, I’m sure he would feel just like I did. It’s human nature.”

The Sheffield Lake was convicted Friday of aggravated attempted murder and attempted murder stemming from a shooting at his home on May 31, 2018, as county SWAT officers and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugituve Task Force attempted to arrest him on weapons warrants.

A 12-hour standoff ended with Ptacek and Robinson both down in a hail of gunfire.

Robinson told Lorain County

Court of Common Pleas judge Chris Cook that he felt he was being judged on “one sole incident” after living the rest of his life by the rules.

“This justice system has failed me and I’ve watched it fail others over the years,” he said.

Cook handed down a 55-year sentence, including 18 years specifically for shooting Ptacek.

Seated with family and rows of fellow officers in the Elyria courtroom’s gallery, the wounded patrolman nodded his head approvingly but declined to make a statement to the court.

Robinson’s aunt, Sandy Baker, did ask to speak.

“It’s been an unfortunate situation for everyone here and I think we’re all victims in one way or another,” she said. “I feel bad for those who were injured and all they went through. But I also think Marty’s a victim — not necessarily from what happened that day but life in general.”

As a freshman in college, SENTENCING PAGE B2

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

singing marked closing

JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

The trial of Martin Robinson wrapped up with an outcry from the defendant, another look at jarring physical evidence, and the use of song.

An hour-long closing by assistant county prosecutor Laura Dezort included the presentation of Robinson’s recorded police statement, in which he admitted to firing a shotgun and handgun from inside his Sheffield Lake home.

Dezort held a bullet-riddled ballistic shield used by police in the May 31 standoff and accused Robinson of aiming CLOSING PAGE B2

Page B2

Amherst News-Times

Street sweeper

Amherst city council is expected to enter into a lease-to-own agreement for a 2019 Johnston street sweeper.

It would cost about $60,000 per year for five years.

The existing model is 12 years old and extremely slow — it moves at around seven miles per hour and has a trade-in value of around $8,000.

Last year, the street sweeper made a total of 51 trips and picked up 42.5 tons of debris, leaves, and grass. The goal is to keep debris out of the storm sewer system and Beaver Creek while keeping the city looking clean.

Because the new model can go the speed limit, mayor Mark Costilow hopes to vastly improve on clean-up work around town.

Right now, the existing sweeper runs from 3 a.m. to daylight so it doesn't slow down traffic. the new one will be used a lot more and often during daylight hours, Costilow said.

SENTENCING

FROM B1 Robinson’s grandfather died suddenly; then his mother had a heart attack and suffered severe brain damage.

Baker called Robinson “a good kid” who treated her children and grandchildren well and offered solace after deaths in her family.

“I think the day this happened, I’m sure he probably felt like an animal trapped in his own home. I wasn’t there. I don’t know,” she said.

“And I just think it’s a bad situation for everyone and I just want you to know, all in all, he’s not a bad person.”

Baker said her nephew needed psychological help in his early 20s “and we as a family missed that.”

Attorney Reid Yoder blamed his client’s actions on post-traumatic stress disorder, which he said stemmed from an alleged 2009 beating at the hands of Cleveland police officers.

He gave Cook a photo of Robinson as a corrections department captain, clean shaven with short hair, prior to the alleged attack.

“The PTSD consumed his life and none of us who have ever had PTSD can understand the significant consequences and impact that they have on a person’s life,” Yoder said. “This is a man that would drive around the street numerous times because he felt that he was being followed by police officers, specifically Cleveland police officers who were trying to come and kill him again.”

He painted a picture of an increasingly paranoid Robinson who wouldn’t often leave his house, always had the blinds drawn, and started carrying firearms inside because he feared intruders.

While Yoder spoke, Robinon started cry, wiping his red eyes on his sleeve.

Cook had the ability to sentence the felon to a maximum of 126 years behind bars.

He acknowledged that Robinson led “a pretty normal life” up until 2009.

“But what happened to him, as tragic as that was, is not a defense or even a justification to what occurred,” the judge said. “The events of May 2018 were avoidable and senseless. In fact, they were orchestrated by Mr. Robinson. Your conduct that day changed many people’s lives, almost killed a police officer doing nothing but his job.”

Cook also responded to criticisms and questions throughout the trial about how police conducted themselves.

“I think the officers in this case showed tremendous patience over the hours they waited and the efforts they made to see that this ended peacefully. They showed tremendous restraint, even after being shot and only fired to protect themselves and to protect the fallen officers, or officers who were trapped,” he said.

In fact, there were two officers who had clean shots at Robinson that evening — one through a window and another when he went to his backyard — but chose not to pull the trigger.

In giving his sentence, Cook said his responsibility is to protect the community, especially considering Robinson showed no remorse and accepted no responsibility.

Yoder said he plans to file an appeal.

Amherst police chief Joseph Kucirek said he was satisfied with the outcome of the case.

“First, we’re glad this was an attempted murder trial rather than a murder trial,” he said.

“Number two, we’re glad that justice was served, that the defendant was held accountable.”

Thursday, March 14, 2019

POLICE REPORTS • March 4 at 7:46 p.m.: Ryan Phillips, 35, of Lorain, was charged with improper handling of a firearm in a vehicle, a fourth-degree felony.

• March 4 at 11:22 p.m.: Demitrus Thompson, 26, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Amherst police department for failure to appear in court on an original charge of driving under suspension.

• March 5 at 9:22 p.m.: Justin Hauerman, 27, of Cleveland, was charged with weaving course, driving in marked lanes, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.

• March 5 at 11:49 p.m.: Amaria Cardona, 20, of Cleveland, was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

• March 6 at 1:16 a.m.: A 17-year-old Lorain girl was charged with curfew violation and underage consumption of alcohol.

• March 6 at 12:01 p.m.: Officers responded to a dispute in

a vehicle at the Amherst Plaza area. A caller said someone was hanging onto the vehicle as it drove away. Police determined there had been a verbal dispute.

Andracia Grant, 20, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Erie County Sheriff's Office for failure to appear in court on a drug abuse charge.

• March 8 at 10:13 a.m.: A belated robbery complaint was filed.

• March 8 at 10:35 a.m.: A woman said her bank card was fraudulently used in several transactions.

• March 8 at 12:17 p.m.: Kelly Jones, 46, of Cleveland, was arrested on a warrant through the Amherst police department for failure to report to jail. The original charges were operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• March 8 at 5:59 p.m.: Joshua Workman, 34, of Elyria, was arrested on a warrant through the Amherst police department for failure to appear in court on an

original charge of driving under suspension.

• March 9 at 1:35 a.m.: Hilary Cashell, 24, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Huron police department for contempt of court.

• March 9 at 11:53 a.m.: A wallet and phone charger were reported stolen from a person at Motel 6 on Rt. 58.

• March 10 at 11:59 p.m.: Kacy Thorpe, 52, of Cleveland, was arrested on a warrant through the North Olmsted police department on theft charges and a felony warrant through the Columbus Adult Parole Authority for parole violation.

• March 11 at 4:02 a.m.: An intoxicated man with a knot on his head and bleeding from his eyebrow sought help at Days Inn. He could not tell police how he was injured. The man was taken to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital.

video. Of course it was him on the tape. You can see that.”

In an unusual display, defense attorney Reid Yoder began his closing statement by singing a portion of the song “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield.

He said the protest anthem’s lyrics mirrored “government overreach” that his client has fallen victim to.

“There’s a man with a gun over there,” Yoder sang. “Telling me I got to beware. I think it’s time we stop, children — what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down.”

He painted the decision by marshals to call in SWAT before making contact with Robinson as an overreaction that escalated the situation.

According to testimony, marshal David Siler called SWAT after being warned that Robinson was dangerous by Sheffield Lake police chief Anthony Campo and the Cuyahoga County warrant office.

Response to Robinson’s home included the use of a public address system and an armored vehicle gifted to the county by the U.S. Army.

Yoder went on to characterize testimony from responding officers during the trial, including Siler’s, as “biased” against Robinson.

He also referenced an attack Robinson allegedly suffered in 2009 at the hands of Cleveland police officers that resulted in traumatic brain injury. Unable to return to work as a prison security guard,

Robinson was eventually awarded a $900,000 cash settlement.

“As police officers, they go through training on how to testify,” Yoder said. “They come in and they tell you all a little bit different stories, little inconsistencies.

Maybe it’s just their decision at the time. Maybe it’s just what they heard or what they can recall.”

“Why is it that most, if not all, local law enforcement have the ability to use video cameras so they can record things that happen with suspects but the SWAT team chooses not to?” he asked. “Not one officer who took the stand could actually answer that question.”

Cook directed the jury not to consider self-defense, insanity, or post-traumatic stress disorder as factors in deciding Robinson’s fate.

In the final statements from either side, Cillo said Robinson made a conscious decision to lethally attack officers as they entered his home.

“Martin knew where he had loaded guns and shot where he saw movement,” he said. “He shot where the person was that opened the door. That’s purpose. That is an intent to kill, to try and end someone’s life. Martin Robinson made a decision that he didn’t want to come out. He did barricade himself in the house. He did arm himself with two guns. I submit that he would have kept shooting except that he loaded one of them backward.”

Editor’s note: Though charged, defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

CLOSING

FROM B1 for its visor windows.

“From inside my house,” the defendant interrupted her.

Lorain County Court of Common Pleas judge Chris Cook stopped proceedings to warn Robinson.

“I want you to hear everything that’s going on,” Cook said. “You have a right to be here. You have a right to participate but I’m not going to have you interrupt. I don’t want to do anything to remove you. I don’t want to do anything to prevent you from speaking. I want you to be here but you’re going to be quiet.”

Other evidence presented by Dezort and prosecutor Tony Cillo included a 20-gauge shotgun found in Robinson’s home and the residence’s front door, which had been heavily damaged by crossfire.

Robinson, 40, was convicted of trying to kill Amherst police officer and Lorain County SWAT team member J.R. Ptacek during the standoff outside of his home.

At approximately 8:36 p.m. that night, Ptacek was shot in the abdomen as he used a battering ram in an attempt to break down the front door.

A shotgun slug was pulled from Ptacek’s abdomen, according to testimony.

“He knew there were guys at his window, at that door,” Dezort said after showing the jury a portion of Robinson’s police statement. “He saw them and he fired. He told you himself. He may not have known on the stand if that was him in the

COMET CLINIC

FROM B1 Germany.

As a senior, she won twin NCAA titles and relay golds in 2011, taking home the Bowerman Award as the country’s top collegiate track athlete.

Beard, now 30, also holds a psychology degree.

The free Comet Clinic has become a spring tradition, with a list of high-profile experts offering workshops and hands-on advice on more than 45 topics for both coaches and athletes.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the clinic will run until 4 p.m.

Registration is limited to the first 1,000 attendees.

Offerings include sessions on mentality of a champion, per-

formance preparation, how to communicate with coaches and teammates, setting goals, event strategy and motivation, and competing with a purpose. The theme for this year’s clinic is “Become a coachable athlete and trust your coach.”

There are also sessions specifically for parents, focusing on nutrition, sports psychology, injury prevention, and scholarship negotiation.

Speakers include Olympian and World Championships bronze medalist Jim Spivey; 2014 MAC Women’s Coach of the Year Linh Nguyen; Olympic coach Lee LaBadie; Mike Schober of Kent State University, who has coached 17 MAC

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champions and four national qualifiers; orthopedic surgeon Victor Strimbu; Muskingham University sports science professor Tim Berger; NCAA Division III indoor champion Ryan Ladd, now director of the Mercy Health Amherst Healthplex; Findley University pole vault coach Clint Dillon; Amherst’s Alan Roark, founder of the Pole Vault Factory Club; Olympic coach Ralph White; and many more.

Attendees can enjoy team-building activities, get autographs, talk to college representatives, and buy ASICS gear at a discount.

For more information or to register, visit www.cometclinic.com.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Amherst News-Times

Page B3

TEMPERS ERODE ON NORTH MAIN Residents are upset about a plan to shift the road away from creek JASON HAWK EDITOR

Harsh words hit city council’s finance committee March 4 as angry residents stepped forward to rail against an expansive project on North Main Street.

Bramhall Engineering is designing a plan to revamp the intersection at Cooper Foster Park Road this summer, adding a turn lane, realigning others, and replacing the traffic light.

For a stretch running 1,000 feet southward, the firm also wants to widen and actually move the path of North Main.

“The safety problem is that that road is too close to Beaver Creek and the slope on the edge there is a problem, so we need to shift it to the east,” said engineer Aaron Appell. “There will be some widening at the intersection as well and we’re working through that engineering right now.”

Amherst officials are setting aside $688,000 in local money and using a $625,000 Ohio Public Works Commission grant for the project.

Residents who live along the impacted area have watched marker flags for gas lines and other utilities sprout up in their yards.

For some, they were warning flags.

Lucy Jara told council she believes moving the road to the east will destroy her front yard.

“We won’t have a driveway anymore,” she said.

Over the last few years, the Jaras have improved their home with a new roof and windows. Now she worries she won’t be able to sell the house.

“I doubt very seriously that you’re considering compensating any of us for what we will lose in property value if this goes ahead, is that correct?” she asked.

Appell said the entire project is expected to happen within the public right-of-way — the zone along a private property’s frontage where the city has the right to place roads, sidewalks, and utility poles.

Mayor Mark Costilow assured Jara and others that the flags in their yards do not show the new position of the road.

In fact, neither Costilow nor Appell nor anyone else knows that yet because the project has yet to be engineered.

Neighbor Rhonda Henthorne said she expects to lose two century-old shade trees in the project.

“We spent well over $2,000 putting a culvert under our driveway. Who’s going to reimburse me for that, because that will be taken out?” she asked.

Henthorne said she is concerned about the value of her property but also worried about high-speed crashes.

“I am going to have somebody in my living room, the way they come flying around there and we have had multiple accidents, tons of damage

Rhonda Henthorn, Lucy Jara, and John Shumyla were among those who voiced anger at Amherst city council over plans to widen and shift North Main Street.

They fear the change will increase crashes, move the road too close to their homes, impact property values, and destroy trees. to our property as it is,” she said.

Another resident, John Shumyla, said he’s had crashed cars in his yard many times. “Once they move the road closer, you might as well kiss my house goodbye,” he said.

He claimed there is a crash “every three weeks” and most are caused by drunk drivers and speeders. Shumyla complained that police do not enforce the speed limit on North Main and estimated a lot of traffic to be traveling at 50 mph.

“You ought to live in our shoes over there. Then you’d know what I’m talking about,” he told Costilow.

Appell promised residents there would restoration work on drains and lawns within the right-of-way and said Bramhall would also focus on safety improvements. “If there is a guardrail required,

we will work with you on that,” he said.

Appell stressed that the eroding hillside is a concern and said the project is aimed at “making this a safer scenario out there.”

Core and soil samples have been taken and a subgrade analysis has been done under the road. They show a longterm solution is needed and Appell said the project will address concerns for 15 to 20 years.

“Deep down inside, I’m telling you the honest truth.

I believe this is going to improve that area and it’s not going to devaluate your property. It’s going to be a really nice road,” Costilow said.

Later, he told residents: “I mean, your properties are worth nothing if that road falls in and you’ve got a little gravel passageway coming to your house. If that road goes away... this is what we have

Guilty plea in 2017 violence case JASON HAWK EDITOR

Kevin Cairns, 48, has pleaded guilty to abduction and domestic violence stemming from a 2017 incident at his Rome Beauty Drive home in Amherst.

He changed his plea ahead of a March 12 trial in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas in Elyria.

Cairns was accused of holding a gun to his wife’s head, then firing shots in their home in a Jan. 15 incident two years ago.

He also copped to using weapons while in-

toxicated — however, prosecutors agreed to throw out firearms specifications on the third-degree felony abduction count.

A sentencing date has been set for 10 a.m. on Friday, March 29 before judge James Miraldi.

Cairns’ case originally went to Oberlin Municipal Court with counts of felonious assault, aggravated menacing, and possession of criminal tools. It was bound over in early 2017 to the common pleas court where the suspect was indicted by a grand jury.

According to police,

CAIRNS gunshots prompted a 911 call around 1:32 a.m. and police responded to the Apple Orchard subdivision, where the 44-yearold victim said Cairns threatened to kill her.

Court documents

alleged that Cairns, who was drunk at the time, held the woman hostage in a bedroom, resulting in a standoff.

Officers negotiated with him for 20 minutes before taking Cairns into custody peacefully, said Amherst Sgt. Mike Murphy.

In March 2017, Cairns was released on $500,000 bond, which had been reduced from $1 million set by municipal court judge Thomas Januzzi.

The victim filed for divorce but in 2018 dismissed her request, according to court records.

to do to keep your property values up and your houses accessible and safe.”

He vowed to improve communication and said once engineering is complete there will be a public meeting to answer questions and get input.

“It’s awful, these projects are, to people that live within the zone there. But these are necessary things and you’ve got my promise we’re going to make this as good as absolutely possible,” the mayor said.

State funding will be released July 1 and Appell said the plan is to start construction shortly after.

The project will be substantially complete by the end of the year but could continue into 2020.

During that time, there will be a combination of road closures and one-lane restrictions.

Firelands food drive

The results are in for the Share the Love Food Drive sponsored by the Firelands FFA, Firelands Alumni, and Firelands Schools.

Firelands High School brought in an estimated one ton — that's 2000 pounds — of food. South Amherst Middle School donated about 210 pounds.

Firelands Elementary donated around 1,000 pounds. The board of education and Firelands Alumni had about 100 pounds.

In total, the donations have a retail value of about $5,560 and will provide roughly 2,800 meals to people in the school district, according to Feeding America. The top donating classes in each building will receive a breakfast courtesy of the Friends of Firelands.

Donations can be sent any time of the year to South Amherst First United Methodist Church, 201 West Main St., South Amherst, OH 44001. Be sure to write "Food Bank" in the memo of your check.

Spring break

Amherst students will have spring break from Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29.

They will return to classes on Monday, April 1.

CHURCH DIRECTORY All Amherst-area churches are invited to post service times in the News-Times.

Send your listing to us via email at news@lcnewspapers .com.

• St. Paul Lutheran Church, 115 Central Dr., has traditional worship services each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and informal services at 11 a.m. Sunday school and Bible study begin at 9:45 a.m. Nursery care is available during worship services and Bible study.

Community prayer box and dog station available.

• Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1100 Cleveland Ave., has Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. each Sunday. Bible study for all ages is at 9:45 a.m. on Sundays. Bible class is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• Faith Baptist Church, 440 North Lake St., has Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:45 a.m. Nursery care is available during both. Ablaze

Youth Group meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• Family Fellowship, 780 Cooper Foster Park Rd., has Sunday services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• New Beginnings Church of Christ, 591 Washington St., has Bible classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. A training room class for ages two to four and junior worship for kindergarten through fifth grade is available.

• St. John’s United Church of Christ, 204 Leonard St., South Amherst, has worship at 9 a.m. each Sunday.

Sunday school for children is held during the service.

• Freedom House, 1240 Park Ave., has services at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Prayer meetings are held at noon on Wednesdays.

• Amherst Church of the Nazarene, 210 Cooper Foster Park Rd., has Bible classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. A prayer service is held

at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Next Step services are held at 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

• Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 46485 Middle Ridge Rd., has a traditional Sunday worship service at 9 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:45 a.m. There is children’s programming during both services. Grades six to 12 meet at 9 a.m. only. Summit (young adults ages 18 to 30) meets from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays at the church.

• Eversprings Missionary Baptist Church, 49536 Middle Ridge Rd., has Sunday school at 10 a.m., Sunday worship at 11 a.m., and Sunday evening services at 6 p.m.

Wednesday services are at 6 p.m.

• Heritage Presbyterian Church, 515 North Leavitt Rd., has Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.

• South Amherst First United Methodist Church, 201 West Main St., offers a contemporary worship service at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday.

• Elyria Zion United

Methodist Church, 43720 Telegraph Rd., Amherst Township, offers a traditional service at 9 a.m. each Sunday.

• Cornerstone Community Church, 111 South Lake St., has Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday service is at 6:30 p.m.

• St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Dr., has Masses at 4 p.m Saturdays (St. Joseph Church, Amherst); 5:30 p.m. Saturdays (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, South Amherst); 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m.

Sundays (St. Joseph); 9 a.m.

Mondays (St. Joseph); 8 a.m.

Tuesdays (Nativity); 7 p.m.

Thursdays (St. Joseph); and 9 a.m. Fridays (St. Joseph).

• Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 379 South Main St., has Sunday worship and Sunday school for ages three and up at 10 a.m. Nursery care is provided for those three and under. Communion is offered the first Sunday of every month.

• St. Peter’s United Church

of Christ, 582 Church St., has Sunday worship service and church school at 10 a.m.

• A Fresh Wind Church, 1115 Milan Ave., has Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. and Solomon’s Porch youth ministry at 6 p.m.

• Amherst United Methodist Church, 396 Park Ave., has Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. For information, call 440-988-8330 or visit www. amherstchurches.org.

• Old Stone Evangelical Church, 553 South Main St., has adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. A free community supper is offered from 5-7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. A free community breakfast is served from 8:30-10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of each month. Carry-outs are available at either meal.

• Brownhelm United Church of Christ, 2144 North Ridge Rd., worships each Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday school for children is held during the service.

Page B4

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Amherst News-Times

FUNNY MONEY

COMETS BRIEFS Coaches of the Year Amherst Comets swimming coach Mary Bartek has been named Southwestern Conference Boys Coach of the Year. Coach Steve Morris was named Hockey Coach of the Year by both the SWC and the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League White Division.

Diving Into It Steele High School's Ethan Belak placed 21st at the OHSAA state diving tournament. The freshman went in seeded 23rd and finished the preliminaries with a score of 151.55 in Division 1 action.

A-M-H-E-R-S-T Varsoty cheerleaders for the green and gold placed third at the OHSAA state meet this past weekend. They competed against eight teams in their division.

Indoor Nationals Comets track and field standouts Jaret Prete and Taylor Hooks each qualified for championship brackets in their events this past weekend at the New Balance national meet in New York City. Prete placed 15th in the nation in the weight throw with a distance of 65 feet 6 inches. Hooks finished 35th in the 60-meter race with a time of 7.83 seconds.

VINCE STANDS OUT Submitted photo

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Comedian Liz Blanc gets funny for a full house Saturday at Main Street Amherst’s Comedy Night at Amherst Cinema. “I’m not used to friendly crowds. I’m a high school teacher,” she joked.

Blanc teaches English on the east side of Cleveland and joked about classroom gaffes as well as the rigors of dating. Also taking the stage were merry-makers Mary Santora, Chris Harvey, and Mike Polk Jr. The annual event is a fundraiser for Main Street, a nonprofit that supports the city’s business community.

THE CAT IN THE HAT!

Courtesy photo

Kelly Escher’s kindergarten class at Powers Elementary School enjoyed a special visit March 7 from the Cat in the Hat. It came after Dr. Seuss Day celebrated the late author’s birthday a few days earlier.

AFFIDAVIT REQUIRED ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO THE BLACK RIVER AREA OF CONCERN: RECLAMATION SITE RESTORATION PROJECT

Former Comet Cassie Vince achieved her second All-America performance of the 2018-2019 academic year Friday night. The Albion College senior was the fifth woman to finish the 5,000 meters in the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships.

She completed her race in 16:48.92. Vince is the Great Lakes Region Indoor Track Athlete of the Year as selected by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association of America. She enjoyed a remarkable indoor track season, posting the second-fastest times on the Division III performance list in the mile, 3,000 meters, and 5,000 meters prior to the NCAA championships. Her qualifying time of 16:27.99 is the fifth-fastest all-time by a Division III women’s runner. Vince earned her first All-America award in November with a 10th place finish in the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship.

KINGS OF THE COURT

In accordance with Ordinance No. 94-17 passed September 18, 2017, sealed bids will be received by the Engineering Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio until: TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, Friday, April 5th, 2019 Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor.

TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor.

SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION DATE: September 30, 2019 Bids must be accompanied by Certified Check or Cashier’s Check or Letter of Credit equals to ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bond for the full amount of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and a performance bond properly secured. Should any bid be rejected, such instrument will be forthwith returned upon proper execution of a contract. Cash deposits will not be accepted. The bid check/bond should be enclosed in the sealed bid, but in a separate envelope clearly marked ‘BID CHECK/BOND’ with the bidder’s name & address on the bid check/bond envelope.

Bidding documents will be provided via PDF downloads only. Hard copies will not be provided. Requests for bidding documents may be made by emailing info@coldwaterconsultants.com and providing name, email address, and company name. There is no charge to download the bidding documents. The document package will include one full-size set of Construction Drawings and a Project Manual which includes all Bid Submittal Forms. Reference documents will be included in the document package. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available. Neither the Owner nor the Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of all items, including reference documents as part of their bid.

Please note that this is a re-bid of this project. Bidding requirements have been updated from the previous advertisement, however the scope of work has not.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to thoroughly review the updated bid documents to ensure compliance.

This project shall be subject to State Prevailing Wage Rates set forth by Ohio Department of Commerce as stated Section 4115 of the Ohio Revised Code. Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as set forth in the Contract Documents must be paid on this project. Each bidder must insure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, sex or national origin. All bidders must comply with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will to the extent practicable use Ohio products, materials, services and labor in the implementation of their project.

@SteelePrincipal

The Amherst Steele Class of 2019 won the inaugural Comets PowderBuff championship on March 6. The tournament, which educators plan to make a tradition, pitted students against faculty on the volleyball court in a show of skill and school spirit.

Plan your detour

The Gifford Road bridge over the Ohio Turnpike in Brownhelm Township will be closed April 1 through Aug. 15 for deck repairs. State Rt. 60 will also be closed, so officials have warned drivers to plan accordingly.

The use of small businesses, minority business enterprises and women’s business enterprises is encouraged.

The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

By order of the Director of Safety/Service, Daniel W. Given.

To be advertised: Thursdays, March 14th, and March 21st

Open 6 am - 10 pm

INSIDE: NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT OPENS • C3

OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019 • SERVING OBERLIN SINCE 1930

Insanity plea in quadruple killing case

NEW SPIN ON LOCAL HISTORY

JASON HAWK EDITOR

A long-expected insanity plea has been entered on behalf of accused killer Orion Krause, a May 2017 graduate of Oberlin College.

An attorney for the 23-year-old entered the plea on his client’s behalf March 7 in Middlesex County Superior Court in Lowell, Mass.

A murder trial slated for April 22 will now be moved back as prosecutors conduct a mental evaluation.

A judge in October 2017 already deemed Krause competent to stand trial after a psychiatric evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

But the plea addresses a different question — whether he can be held legally responsible for his alleged actions.

Krause pleaded not guilty a year ago after being indicted by a grand jury on four counts of first-degree murder.

If convicted, he will receive a mandatory life prison sentence.

The counts stem from the deaths of his mother, Elizabeth Krause, 60; grandfather, Frank Lackey III, 89; grandmother, Elizabeth Lackey, 85; and his grandparents’ caretaker, Bertha Mae Parker, 68.

Their bodies were found Sept. 8, 2017, in the small town of Groton about 40 miles northwest of Boston.

All had died of blunt force trauma, according to investigators.

They said a neighbor called police after Krause showed up on his doorstep naked and covered in mud and cuts.

“I killed my family with a baseball bat,” PLEA PAGE C2

Council hesitant to require home lead water line replacements JASON HAWK EDITOR

City council is reluctant to jump on board with a proposed water line policy that could saddle homeowners with thousands of dollars in surprise costs.

In a discussion of new Environmental Protection Agency regulations March 4, Oberlin public works director Jeff Baumann asked for a rule requiring property owners to replace lead pipes any time they are found in the course of city projects.

As many as 300 properties citywide could have lead laterals — water lines that run from the curb to your home — and Baumann estimated each replacement could cost $2,000 to $6,000.

He wants the rule enacted in time for the Elm Street water line project, due to be bid out in April and start June 3.

Lead does pose a potential health risk if it’s present in drinking water.

But here’s the catch: Every test has shown Oberlin’s water supply is perfectly safe.

Baumann made that clear from the start of the conversation, saying he doesn’t want residents to panic.

Public works staff met recently with Lorain County health commissioner Dave Covell and learned there is no documented evidence of elevated blood lead levels in Oberlin from water, paint, or other environmental sources.

Two of 242 children tested in a three-year span showed an elevated level of lead, but not enough to warrant action — and neither case was the result of water quality.

The concern is that lead in the water system could be dislodged, travel downstream, and cause a problem, Baumann said. Even flushing fire hydrants could cause lead to be washed loose from pipe linings.

However, he stressed there is no imminent LEAD LINES PAGE C2

Photos by Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Bob Kasayka talks about a relatives’ treasure trove of World War II clippings and newspaper editions marking some of the most important events of the last century.

DAY AT THE ‘YOU’SEUM JASON HAWK EDITOR

Bob Kasayka was animated as he showed off newspapers from some of the world’s most important days.

“One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind” screamed the banner of a July 21, 1969, edition of The Cleveland Press in triumphant red.

Another bore far worse news.

“We mourn 7 heroes” The Plain Dealer’s front page on Jan. 29, 1986, after the Challenger space shuttle exploded on liftoff, killing seven crew members.

Others marked days that will live in infamy — from 1942, a vote by Congress to enter the fray of World War II, and from 2001, too fresh still in hearts and minds, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

“They were in a box in the basement,” Kasayka said, running his hands over the yellowed pages.

Many such home treasures

Nancy Harper talks about books displayed at Sunday’s pop-up museum at the First Church in Oberlin. were shown Sunday afternoon at a historical “pop-up” museum at the First Church in Oberlin.

The event was co-sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center and Oberlin African American Genealogy and History Group.

It invited residents to become

curators for a day by displaying their keepsakes and heirlooms with the theme “Older Than I Am.” The idea: Not every artifact has to be unearthed in a pyramid, painted by Monet, or worn ‘YOU’SEUM PAGE C2

Hammonds retiring from Peace Church JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A lifelong partnership in ministry will come to an end for pastors Steve and Mary Hammond this summer as they plan to retire from Peace Community Church on East Lorain Street.

This year marks the 40th anniversary for the Hammonds, both 66, leading Sunday worship at the church.

Steve was ordained in 1979 just before coming to Oberlin and Mary followed in 1988.

They have enjoyed 44 years of marriage after meeting by chance during a college Bible study.

The Hammonds plan to step down July 1 and the search for their successor is already underway.

“Steve and I co-led student groups with many students going through crises senior year,” said HAMMONDS PAGE C2

Jonathan Delozier | Oberlin News Tribune

Steve and Mary Hammond reminisce on four decades of leadership at Peace Community Church. They plan to retire July 1 and are already looking for a successor.

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page C2

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

POLICE REPORTS • Feb. 26 at 10 p.m.: Lydia Gayton was charged with domestic violence.

• Feb. 26 at 11:54 p.m.: Contraband items, including suspected marijuana, were turned over to police by Oberlin College security.

• Feb. 27 at 1:54 a.m.: Tosha Camel was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and theft.

Sam Burrell Jr. was charged with complicity to theft. The charges stemmed from a shoplifting complaint at Wal-Mart.

• March 1 at 8:09 p.m.: Brandon Gorham was charged with violating a protection order through the Lorain police department.

• March 2 at 2:01 a.m.: Anthony Wilson was charged with open container in a motor vehicle, driving without a license, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and BAC over 0.08.

• March 4 at 10:06 a.m.: A woman told police her "so-called boyfriend" fraudulently used her debit card. Anthony Zakowski, 45, of Lorain, was charged with misuse of credit cards.

• March 4 at 8:35 p.m.: Someone shot a BB gun at windows on North Professor Street.

• March 6 at 5:33 p.m.: Police made contact with a girl who was reportedly unruly. She said she was depressed and sometimes thinks about ending her life.

Editor’s note: Though charged, defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

City administration contacts

• Rob Hillard, city manager: 440-775-7206 • Sal Talarico, finance director: 440-775-7213 • Jon Clark, law director: 440-774-8519 • Belinda Anderson, council clerk: 440-775-7203

‘YOU’SEUM

FROM C1

by the emperors of China to have value.

Some are passed down and have great personal value, such as a Swiss-made cylinder music box owned by Bethany Hobbs’ great-grandparents. Dating to the late 1800s, it tinkled away on a table, the silvery sounds drawing curious museum-goers.

Some treasures are discovered by accident, as Nancy Harper can tell you — when she bought a new home in 1996, she found a 1950 Roy Rogers comic book.

And some are objects of family pride. Laurel Price-Jones displayed a World War II naval aviator flight suit and leather helmet worn in the Pacific theater by her father, William Galbraith.

Other interesting entries included a 1946 Underwood typewriter, a poster hawking war bonds, a 1943 General Electric patent for a gaseous discharge lamp, and an early 1900s beer stein painted with images of dancing German villagers.

NOYO honors Dunns

The Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra is renaming its composer-in-residence program, which commissions a young composer annually to write new music for the organization.

It will now be known as the Arlene and Larry Dunn Composer-In-Residence program in honor of a major gift from the couple.

The Dunns' contribution to NOYO’s 50th anniversary endowment campaign will provide for the commissioning of a new premiere from an Oberlin Conservatory composition student each season. The program is specifically intended to promote the music of composers from underrepresented groups.

Larry Dunn was a board member when NOYO instituted its composer-in-residence program.

“I was an ardent supporter of starting this program because it so closely aligns with what Arlene and I find essential about contemporary music,” he said. “For most of the selected composers, this will be their first commission, which is so exciting for us and them. NOYO's 50th anniversary is the perfect time for Arlene and I to ensure the program’s funding for the future, as this is also the year of our 50th wedding anniversary.”

Arlene Dunn added that “as a lifelong social justice activist, I am particularly excited that the composer-in-residence program is providing opportunities to young people from communities too often excluded from the ranks of composers, including people of color, women, and other gender identities.”

PLEA

FROM C1 Krause allegedly said and started to sing quietly, according to police.

On the night of the killings, he reportedly called a former college professor — it’s unclear whether in Oberlin or elsewhere — and said, “I have to kill my mom.”

Krause has been behind bars for more than a year and a half while awaiting trial.

The tragedy occurred just a few months after he graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where as a drummer he studied jazz.

HAMMONDS

FROM C1 Mary. “I think that’s when we both realized how well we work together. It was an interesting kind of way to come together.”

Peace Community was founded in 1866 as First Baptist Church of Oberlin. The Hammonds and church officials decided to change the building’s name in 2000, citing a desire “reflect the evolving nature of the church.”

“I’ve loved watching people go on from this church to be ordained,” Steve said. “We’ve done a lot of peace and justice initiatives over the years. For me, the most gratifying moment has been when the church decided to join the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, which is a group that’s fully inclusive of gay, lesbian, and transgender people.”

Joining that organization in 2004 led to a strained relationship with the church’s overarching network, American Baptist Churches of Ohio. Talks between the sides got to the point where the Hammonds felt they were in danger of losing control of the church, Steve said.

One year later, the Hammonds left the AMC Ohio region to join the New York-based Rochester-Genesee branch, making Peace Community one of 15 churches located outside of New York to do so.

“We knew there was a chance we could lose the building by

joining (AWAB) but we went ahead and did it anyway,” said Steve. “It was a decision made by consensus here. It was important to do it no matter what. There was a threat made to take the building. We were willing to take that risk because we knew it was the right thing to do.”

“We’ve done a lot here recently about white privilege and issues of race,” he added. “It’s been hard but it’s been good. People seem more and more willing to have that conversation.”

Both Steve and Mary credited former Oberlin city councilman Bob Thomas with raising $4,000 to make Steve’s hiring possible in 1979 when the church was in dire financial straits.

Thomas was the first black precinct representative in Lorain County; his other work included seats on the Oberlin Community Welfare Council, Lorain Democratic Club, Oberlin NAACP, and newspaper reporting.

“Bob was a civil rights and public housing leader through and through,” said Steve. “He was the one who got Oberlin celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day before it was a national holiday. He had such an impact on this community and on mine and Mary’s lives directly. He was a great, great man.”

The Hammonds have stayed active in other areas throughout their tenure at Peace Community.

Mary taught piano at the couple’s

home for 30 years while Steve served as chaplain of the Lorain County Detention Home for 10 years and director of Ohio Campus Ministries for 21 years.

Upon retirement, the Hammonds plan to temporarily step away from all community activity, including volunteer campus ministry work and leading Sunday night student worship groups at Oberlin College.

However, they want the community to know they’re staying in Oberlin.

“There’s a plaque on our mantel at home,” Mary said. “It says, ‘I wasn’t born here in Oberlin but I got here as fast as I could.’

It’s such a deep and engaged community. There are riches that money can’t buy. I always come away thinking, ‘Yes, we’re a small church. Yes, there are financial challenges. But there’s a richness here in Oberlin I’d much rather have and have gotten to lace together a life with.”

“Oberlin has an amazing history and an amazing place in American religious history,” said Steve. “We want to continue to be a part of such a forward-thinking community.

It’s never afraid to take on big things. We’re stepping away from everything for a little while, at least for this first year of retirement. But what it means to be a progressive Christian will remain important to us and we’ll find ways to stay involved.”

LEAD LINES

FROM C1

hazard. “The water is absolutely safe to drink,” he said.

No one on council stepped forward to champion the proposal.

“We’ve been doing regular water testing for decades now and our water is safe,” president Bryan Burgess said.

“It’s been demonstrated to be safe through regular testing. I don’t feel good requiring someone

to replace a water line that isn’t a problem.”

If a city worker found a lead water line at his home, Burgess said he’d want to replace it.

Requiring residents do so at their own expense is another story, he said.

Councilman Ronnie Rimbert called Baumann’s report “a gloomy picture” and asked again whether the water is safe to drink,

Recreation Commission Vacancy The Oberlin City Recreation Commission has a vacancy for an unexpired term ending on December 31, 2019. Applications for interested parties are available at the Clerk of Council’s office, located at 85 South Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, or by downloading from the City’s website, at www.cityofoberlin.com.

Applications will be received until the position is filled.

which the public works director confirmed.

“When I look at things like, wow, we’re getting ready to implement a storm water utility and some of the other things — the school board just passed a huge tax to build a new school,” he said. “Now we’re telling people we’re going to put another $5,000 or $6,000 on your tax bill... I have a concern.”

Rimbert indicated he wants more information and time before casting a vote: “To me it’s a lot to chew over,” he said.

Councilman Kelley

Singleton also expressed worry about the costs involved.

“I understand both sides of this and it’s a difficult position to be in to demand a resident who’s, say, on a fixed income to take on this expense,” he said, voicing interest in options to help affected residents.

“Not everybody makes a lot of money so it would be nice to make sure that they can afford it if they have to do it.”

Councilwoman Sharon Pearson was also among those uncomfort-

able with the proposal.

She asked Baumann what options might exist to help homeowners deal with the financial burden of a water line replacement.

At the top of the list is an extended payment plan of up to 10 years, Baumann said. Interest rates on payments could be zeroed out, and it’s possible that Community Development Block Grant funds could be used to help individuals.

Another option is to set a price cap — say a limit of $2,000 that would be billed — and

absorb the rest of the cost via the utilities budget, he said.

City council seemed more open to other ordinance updates to comply with new EPA rules.

For example, Baumann and law director Jon Clark have been working on suggestions to better define what a water service lateral is, as well as the city’s right of entry for inspection on private property.

A proposed revision would actually cement homeowners’ rights to protect their privacy, Baumann said.

In any case, city workers will now be required to give 45day advance notice for projects in areas where lead pipes are known to exist.

It must include this warning: “The construction activity may cause changes in water quality, including the possibility of a temporary increase in lead levels in the drinking water.”

Oberlin and other cities must offer to provide Ohio EPA-approved water filtration devices and cartridges for 90 days and must offer to replace private lead service lines when they are found.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

Page C3

Catrina’s sets up shop on West College JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A new locally-owned option for Mexican food has opened its doors in downtown Oberlin.

Catrina’s Tacos y Margaritas began operating Feb. 18 at 27 West College St., in a space formerly occupied by Red Chinese Bistro.

The restaurant offers a variety of street tacos, burritos, salads, and a lunch menu that includes rice bowls and quesadillas.

Owner Nico Vazquez said business has remained steady during both lunch and dinner.

“There’s been a lot of people coming in to see what everything looks like,” he said.

“I looked at the town and looked at the people and everything was so nice. It was a good place to come to. I like it.”

A Cleveland resident, Vazquez said he has also owned and operated restaurants in that area as well as Berea, Parma,

and Independence.

Catrina’s sit-down dining room features authentic Mexican artwork as well as wall paintings made specially for the restaurant.

Alcoholic drinks are not yet available but liquor license approval is expected to come within 90 days, Vazquez said.

Freshly-squeezed juices and specialty coffees as well as horchata are already on the menu.

Vazquez said putting in long days and shining a spotlight on the finer details are key components in any restaurant start-up.

“Working hard, that’s it,” he said. “Right now, it’s 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. That’s what it takes. You have to make sure everything is good for guests in every area.”

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Jonathan Delozier | Oberlin News Tribune

Owner Nico Vazquez prepares for dinner at Catrina’s Tacos y Margaritas, which opened recently on West College Street.

CHURCH DIRECTORY All Oberlin-area churches are invited to post service times in the News-Tribune. Send your listing to us via email at news@lcnewspapers.com.

• Park Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, 99 South Park St., has Sabbath school at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Prayer meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays via the prayer line (details on the church website). Visit www.parkstreetsda.org for more information.

March 16 is Youth Day. Lunch will be served after church and will be followed by AY. • Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets at 355 East Lorain St. at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays for worship. Childcare is available.

The Caregivers Support Group will meet from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12 for those who care for a spouse, partner, friend, or child. Meditation, drawing from many traditions, will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19.

• Christ Episcopal Church, 162 South Main St., holds Sunday services of the Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Adult Christian formation is held at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. Adult choir rehearsals are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

• Grace Lutheran Church, 310 West Lorain St., holds worship service and Sunday school at 10 a.m. on Sundays followed by fellowship and adult Bible study at 11:40 a.m.

• Sacred Heart Church, 410 West Lorain St., has a vigil Mass at 4 p.m. on Saturdays; Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m.; and weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays and 8:45 a.m. Fridays.

• The First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ, 106 North Main St., has Sunday worship at 10 a.m. with communion the first Sunday of each month. Childcare provided. Children’s church is at 10:15 a.m. Sunday school will be held for all ages at 11 a.m. For weekly information, visit www. firstchurchoberlin.org.

• The Empty Field Buddhist Community, 5 South Main St., Suite 212, meets at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays. Meetings include two 25-minute meditation periods and book study until 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact John Sabin at 440-574-1570 or jwsabin@gmail.com.

• First United Methodist Church, 45 South Professor St., has adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. with infant care available.

• Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 370 West Lincoln St., has free hot breakfast from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday prayer from 9-9:30 a.m. Sunday Academy is at 9:30 a.m. with classes for preschool to adults, followed by concession and refreshments. Worship and children’s church is at 11 a.m. Tuesday Bible study is at 7 p.m. Wednesday prayer is from noon to 1 p.m. First Friday prayer is from 7-8 p.m. Prison ministry at Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton is at 6 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month. For transportation, call pastor Laurence Nevels at 440-774-1909.

• Pittsfield Community Church has Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m. There is a new Mothers of Preschool children’s group. For more information, call 440-774-2162.

• Rust United Methodist Church meets Sundays with a free community breakfast at 9 a.m., church school for all ages at 9:30 a.m., and worship at 11 a.m. A noon prayer service is held each Wednesday.

Sparrow Bible Study is held Wednesdays at 7 p.m., 133 Smith St. Gospel Choir practices at 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

• Peace Community Church, 44 East Lorain St., has worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays. There is a children’s class during service. A peace vigil is held at noon on Saturday on Tappan Square.

• House of Praise International Church meets at 11 a.m. each Sunday at Oberlin High School with a service as well as children and youth ministries. For details, visit www.hopchurch.org.

• Mount Zion Baptist Church, 185 South Pleasant St., has the Church at Study service at 9:30 a.m.

Sundays with the Church at Worship at 10:30 a.m.

The Church at Prayer is held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• Calvary Baptist Church, 414 South Main St., has Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. with children’s church for preschool through third grade. Bible study is held at 6 p.m. on Sundays, with teens meeting at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday is family night with Men of Action Bible study, Women of Faith Bible study, and teen and JOY Club meetings at 6:30 p.m.

• East Oberlin Community Church has Sunday school at 10 a.m. and Sunday worship at 11 a.m.

A friends and family meal is held at noon on the last Sunday of each month; take a dish to share.

Pastor Chris Vough has office hours at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, followed by Bible study at 6 p.m.

For more information, call 440-774-3443.

• Life Builders Foursquare Church meets at the pastor’s residence, 43 East Vine St. Sunday praise and worship starts at 11 a.m. Men’s Bible study is at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. A women’s meeting is held twice each month on Sunday after church.

• Oberlin Missionary Alliance Church, 125

South Pleasant St., holds Sunday school for children and adults at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning worship begins at 10:45 a.m. Weekly workshop begins with Wednesday prayer services at noon and Bible studies at 7 p.m. with pastor Lester Allen.

• Oberlin Friends (Quakers) meet for worship from 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Sunday in the education center at Kendal at Oberlin, 600 Kendal Dr. • Glorious Faith Tabernacle, 45637 East Hamilton St., has services Sundays at 11 a.m. with pastors Allan and Rochelle Carter. Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. Intercessory prayer is held at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays with Bible study at 7 p.m.

• Green Pastures Baptist Church, 12404 Leavitt Rd., has Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship service on Sundays at 11 a.m. A Sunday evening service is held at 6 p.m.

• The Kipton Community Church, 511 Church St., has Sunday services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 am. with youth Sunday school at 10:45 a.m.

Communion is the first Sunday of the month. The church food pantry is open every Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m. for our area.

THE 1940s ACROSS 1. *Japanese attack locale 5. *Chairman of the Communist Party of China 8. Parent group 11. Horsefly 12. Voldemort’s title 13. Ohio city 15. Saintly glow 16. Never a UK currency 17. Disapproved by audience 18. *American concentration camp 20. Peters out 21. *Harry Truman to Margaret 22. Feedbag morsel 23. Mountain climber’s tool 26. Overplay in front of audience 30. Negative conjunction 31. Within a building 34. Leafy green 35. Captain America actor 37. Party bowlful 38. Dictum, pl.

39. Network of nerves 40. Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest 42. “To ____ is human” 43. *#23 Across victim 45. Like a human 47. “Never ____ never” 48. Raccoon’s South American cousin 50. Mount Olympus’ famous dweller 52. *Manhattan Project site 55. Does like a sponge 56. Horizontal wall beam 57. Pelvic parts 59. Actress Parker 60. Geologic time divisions 61. Steve Urkel, e.g.

62. Eat, past tense 63. Lt.’s subordinate 64. “____ Louise” DOWN 1. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” 2. Homecoming guest 3. #50 Across wife 4. Kenya’s neighbor

5. Native American earthen structure 6. Orderly arrangement 7. Shoe emanation 8. Circus trainer’s poker 9. Zac Brown Band’s body part hit 10. A in FANBOYS 12. Like weighed down with metal 13. At right angle to a ship 14. *Thor Heyerdahl’s raft 19. Third axis 22. Dinghy propeller 23. Unable to move 24. Don’t judge a book by it 25. Muse of love poetry 26. Shoshonean people 27. “It is silent” in sheet music 28. U in UV

29. *____ Harbor 32. *a.k.a. Operation Neptune 33. Black gold 36. Miniature Japanese carving 38. Hindu garment 40. Blue overhead 41. Intelligence 44. Impudent 46. Horse-involved activity 48. Man-made stone pile 49. Ladies’ fingers 50. *Popular 1940s suit 51. “Ill at ____” 52. Type of molding 53. High school club 54. Ireland’s previous name 55. Hot springs 58. Wood-shaping tool

Page C4

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

At last? Park rezoning hits council floor

OBERLIN COLLEGE

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Fifteen years in the making, a rezoning hearing on public parks will be held March 18.

Seven properties held by the city of Oberlin, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and Lorain County Metro Parks are being targeted for a zoning change.

"It's kind of a housekeeping thing just to get our ducks in a row," planning director Carrie Handy told city council last month.

The Gasholder property on South Main Street, for example, is zoned for commercial use. It's the future home of the Oberlin Underground Railroad Center and will serve as the trailhead for the bike path that runs northeast and southwest through the city limits.

The only trouble is that public parks are not allowed in a C-1 district.

Other sites include Splash Zone on Hamilton Street, Depot Park on South Main, and a portion of the Great South Woods due south of Reserve Avenue.

The city planning commission has recommended that all be brought into compliance with code under a P-1 public park and recreation district.

This is not a new question for city leaders.

"When I first came on council in 2004, we looked at some of these things and obviously it's taken quite a while for them to come full-circle," councilman Ronnie Rimbert said.

Council vice president Linda Slocum serves as liaison to the planning commission. "They've been talking about this rezoning for a long time and they found they were getting hung up on certain properties," she explained.

After 15 years, the commission is trying to get "easy" properties rezoned while continuing to debate ones that raise questions.

For instance, Legion Field presents an issue since it's located on the Oberlin fire station property at the corner of Hamilton and South Main. It could require a zoning split, which is rare.

The Ramsey right-of-way, which is zoned residential, is also still being reviewed by the planning commission. Handy said the north side is not yet developed as a park and there is a question of whether now is the right time to rezone it.

Open enrollment

The Oberlin City Schools will begin accepting open enrollment applications at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 25 at the district office, 153 North Main St. Hand delivery is strongly recommended to ensure receipt and accuracy of documents. The deadline for open enrollment applications is 3 p.m. on Friday, May 31. Acceptance letters will be mailed June 1 through July 31 for grades one to 12 and Aug. 1 to 24 for kindergarten.

Photo by Michael Hartman

Twice a week, college sophomore Bridget Conway serves as a tutor for writing and composition at Oberlin High School.

Writing tutors lend expertise at OHS HILLARY HEMPSTEAD OBERLIN COLLEGE

Students who go to school in the city of Oberlin have access to high-caliber resources, many of which include collaborations with Oberlin College.

The Ninde Scholars and Spanish in the Elementary School programs offer tutoring and language services, respectively. But until Fall 2018, there was no program dedicated to offering high school students consistent in-classroom assistance with writing and composition.

A graduate of both Oberlin High School and the college, Liam McMillin worked as a tutor on his own and in several programs, including the Ninde Scholars Program and the Oberlin College Writing and Speaking Associates Program.

Through this involvement, he identified a gap in the type of assistance offered to OHS students.

“While there were tutors for languages, there was a lack of English writing tutors,” said McMillin.

Identifying this opportunity led to the creation of Oberlin Writing Partnership, a program that places Oberlin College students as tutors in OHS. The Oberlin Writing Partnership works in collaboration with the Oberlin College Writing Associates Program, which provides the training framework for tutors.

The new program is part of the Bonner Center’s Community Based Work-Study Program,

which enables students with a federal work-study award to earn their work-study with one of the Bonner Center’s community partner organizations.

“The Community Based WorkStudy Program is essentially at capacity, but through a competitive application process, we were able to take on a few new partners this fall,” said Tania Boster, associate director of the Bonner Center. “What was so appealing about Liam’s program is that he wasn’t just presenting this idea that he had and wanted to impose upon the high school; he had existing relationships and the trust of the teachers there. He knew there was a need in the community, and he created a program that allowed him to address the need.”

When he launched Oberlin Writing Partnership, McMillin had two primary goals. First, he wanted to improve writing aptitude for students in Oberlin’s public schools. His other intention was to create an additional bridge between the college and town that would further ally the two entities.

During the fall semester, the program operated as a pilot, with three tutors placed both in the classroom and in the library’s writing center. In the classroom, tutors operate similarly to a traditional teaching assistant and provide ongoing support to the teacher. Tutors are also stationed in the school’s library and are available for drop-in sessions where any student can seek tutors for assistance.

Sophomore comparative literature and studio art major Bridget Conway joined the program as a tutor in order to participate in the community.

“I have been working as an English tutor for the past four or five years, so coming into my second year at Oberlin, I knew I wanted to dedicate more time to the Oberlin community,” said Conway. “When I saw the job posting for this, I thought that it would be the perfect meeting of those two interests of mine. It’s been super rewarding, and I really like working in the community and in the high school.”

Conway goes to the high school twice a week and assists for two periods in an 11th grade classroom and for two periods in the library’s writing center.

“In the classroom, I’m helping the teacher with activities and I’m helping the students with brainstorming and how to write presentations or essays. In the library’s writing center, I get to work with the entire school.

Students there have gotten more comfortable coming up to me over the course of the semester and I’ve built a relationship with a handful of the them. It’s really useful to be available so consistently.”

When thinking beyond the program’s inaugural year, McMillin has aspirations to grow the program beyond its current level of classroom tutors.

“I would love to have three tutors in all of the departments,” he said.

New police cruisers SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE C3

FOOT & ANKLE PAIN?

Oberlin city council fast-tracked the purchase of two new police vehicles on March 4. Members cast an emergency vote to spend $84,538 for 2019 Ford Police Interceptors from Statewide Ford of Van Wert.

Chief Ryan Warfield said council had already budgeted for the purchase of Fords with hybrid engines but "unfortunately these vehicles are not currently in production and the build date has been extended on multiple occasions and is uncertain."

The two utility vehicles replace an aging Ford Crown Victoria used by auxiliary officers and a Chevy Tahoe. The purchase cost falls far under the $120,000 set aside in the budget. Warfield expects delivery in less than three months.

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INSIDE: COUNCIL PASSES NEW PAY PLAN • D3

WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019 • SERVING WELLINGTON SINCE 1864

Police field more calls, write fewer tickets JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

Jonathan Delozier | Wellington Enterprise

The Wellington police department fielded 43,014 incoming calls in 2018, a drastic rise from 2017’s total of 32,284.

Village offers scholarships to 2019 graduates

Inbound calls to the Wellington police department rose sharply for the second straight year in 2018, according to a recently released annual report.

The department finished the year with 43,014 calls compared to 32,284 in 2017 and 22,290 in 2016.

Chief Tim Barfield attributed last year’s rise to the switch to a new phone system but said 2018’s uptick is simply a matter of having more

foot traffic in the village and southern Lorain County.

“Incoming calls can be a matter of someone needing help or just having a question,” he said. “It’s a growing community with more activity, whether it’s people living here or more traffic coming through. I know there’s definitely an increase in traffic not just related to police.”

Calls for service in 2018 were down slightly at 6,446 compared to 6615 in 2017.

Meanwhile, the rate of assistance to other safety services nearly doubled this past

year from 126 to 307 calls.

Those can encompass giving help to firefighters, Southern Lorain County Ambulance District paramedics, or other law enforcement agencies.

“That has a lot to do with helping fire and ambulance,” Barfield said. “Obviously, we’re involved in trying to keep drug activity down and that can mean collaboration with other agencies. We’re here to assist in any way that we can.”

Reported vehicle crashes POLICE PAGE D2

DUKES WRESTLING

JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

Four one-time scholarships have been made available through the village for the Wellington High School Class of 2019.

College-bound graduates are eligible for one of two $400 scholarships while two students entering the military can win $100.

Winners will be decided through a 500-word essay contest.

Those heading to college can write about what Wellington means to them. Future military members are asked to share their feelings on serving in the armed forces.

The scholarship program has been dubbed “Founders to Futures” by mayor Hans Schneider.

“We’ve been talking about different ways to give back to the community,” he said. “It’s a chance to give back to the next generation. It’s pretty exciting and we hoped to be very inclusive SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE D2

Courtesy photos

Mike Casella enjoys a pair of dual wins at home with his biggest fans, including his mother, Jennifer Kirkland, to his immediate right.

Triumphant return: Casella ends championship season

JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

ATTENTION

If you or someone you know worked for Spencer Forge & Mfg. Co. in Spencer between 1969 and 1971 or at Sectional Die in Wellington between 1976 and 1984 please call Rebecca at Simmons Hanly Conroy toll free at (855) 988-2537.

You can also email Rebecca rcockrell@simmonsfirm.com

A two-year break from wrestling wasn’t long enough for Wellington High School senior Mike Casella to lose his touch.

In a triumphant return, the grappler won this year’s Patriot Athletic Conference championship and individual Division III sectional title in the 220-pound class and helped the Dukes to a fourth place overall sectional finish.

Casella wrestled as a freshman at Firelands before transferring to Wellington and stepping away from the mats.

“Wrestling has always come kind of naturally to me,” he said after finishing this season with a 38-14 record including 37 pins.

“I also wrestled in fifth and eighth grade and I really liked it.

It’s a matter of staying determined and competitive. It keeps you sharp physically and mentally.”

Wellington’s squad ended sectional competition with a Lorain County-high 126 points, besting Lutheran West, Black River, Elyria Catholic, Columbia, Oberlin, and Clearview.

Four straight wins March 1 and 2 in district competition at Garfield Heights earned Casella a spot as Wellington’s sole 2019 state qualifier.

Casella’s hand is raised March 1 after one of four district tournament wins that earned him a spot in this year’s state competition in Columbus.

He is the 51st from WHS to do so in the past 47 years and the first under head coach Bill Watters, who took over this season for the retiring John Sedlick.

“We’re just down here getting ready for everything but Mike and all of us are very happy with what’s happened this year,” Watters said just before the state tournament. “He’s put in the work and gotten results. There’s

not much more you can ask.”

Although Casella was pinned in both of his state tourney matches this weekend in Columbus, he is still happy with the season as a whole and grateful for the experience.

Part of that journey was cutting 18 pounds in three days mid-season to move from the 285-pound class to the CASELLA PAGE D2

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page D2

Road and ditch work

Community grants for the following area projects were approved Feb. 26 by Lorain County officials: • $10,000 for lateral relief on Quarry Road in Pittfield Township • $9,240 for drainage on Webster Road in Wellington Township • $31,600 for various work on Clark and Griggs Roads in Huntington Township • $5,475 for a culvert on Stewart Road in Huntington Township.

Requests for $65,000 for Camden Township's Gifford Road ditch, $75,000 for Buck Creek in Rochester Township, $44,370 for drainage on Peck Wadsworth Road in Wellington Township, and an undisclosed amount for pond drainage on Route 58 in Pittsfield Township were not approved.

POLICE

FROM D1 also remained steady at 120 after rising from 94 to 118 between 2016 and 2017.

A total of 858 traffic stops last year represented a drastic decline from 2017’s 1,267. Barfield said at least some of that difference is due to staffing issues in his department.

“Obviously, we have turnover here and we struggle with it,” he said. “We’ve also tried to make a bigger effort to stress corrective behavior. We’re writing tickets where we need to but we’re trying to give more warnings and would rather have voluntary compliance. That doesn’t guarantee a warning ticket for anyone but sometimes it makes sense.”

The department handed out 261 traffic citations in 2018 and 238 in 2017. Written warnings more than doubled over the previous year from 38 to 96.

Barfield said police response to overdoses were not as frequent last year.

“People were dying in astronomical numbers,” he said. “The drug problem hasn’t changed much but the drug of choice has. We still have a real problem, but we’re seeing a lot more meth use. We still want to help and we’re thankful they’re not dying as often.”

A National Night Out was held in August by the WPD and other village safety services for the second straight year, which included filming portions of a lip sync challenge video.

In November, the passage of an income tax adjustment set a clear avenue for the department to move to a new station. It will be located at 147 and 149 East Herrick Ave., with renovation work expected to begin in 2020.

Combined purchase and construction costs at the building are expected to fall around $1.5 million.

“We’re thankful to our citizens for that,” Barfield said. “We’ve struggled with space for a long time and getting that levy passed was a huge vote of confidence from them.”

The chief said he will continue to advocate for training dealing with post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems that responders are prone to.

“As long as I’m here we will do annual training in mental health first aid,” Barfield said. “You see it in all the newspapers and headlines. First responders are killing themselves in astronomical numbers.

There’s a lot of reasons for that. Our society doesn’t help by making evil people out of people who are really good.”

SCHOLARSHIPS

FROM D1 through the use of an essay.”

Entry forms can be picked up in the WHS guidance office and essays are due March 22.

Personal donations from Schneider, village manager Steve Dupee, every member of village council, and every village department head have funded the initiative with no use of public funds.

Schneider said everyone who contributed to the scholarship fund will read each essay submitted and rate them on a scale of one to 10 with point totals deciding who wins.

“Everyone will get a chance to judge it,” he said. “Whether you’re going to college or the military, we want that student to feel like they’re leaving the village with some help from the community they grew up in.”

CASELLA

FROM D1 220-pound class.

“That was kind of a matter of what I ate and when I ate it,” Casella said. “Besides that, it was just normal wrestling preparation as far as exercise. I still ate but just not a lot and cut out my water a little bit.”

The 18-year-old has not settled on college plans — but he is considering a walk-on attempt at the next level. He’s also planning to run track this spring for the first time.

High turnout at WHS’ lone home wrestling meet this season, including the presence of “Casella’s Crew” T-shirts in the audience, meant a lot to him.

“That felt very good,” Casella said. “We won both of the duals at home that day and there’s so many people in this town who come out no matter how the team is doing. It felt good to give them some wins.”

“Wrestling changes your life,” he added. “It helps a lot with discipline. It’s like having a job and learning to do something when someone tells you to do it.”

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Wellington Enterprise

‘Imagination Library’ children's book service in financial trouble JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A service delivering free books to area children is in danger of shutting down.

The Lorain County Imagination Library has announced it will cease operating July 1 unless it can raise $95,000 in the meantime.

The organization says it needs 3,800 donations of $25 each to stay viable.

Children signed up to the program receive free books delivered to their homes from birth until age five.

Services in Lorain County are part of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which was established as a national nonprofit in 1995 and has since delivered more than 80 million books to kids in the U.S., Candada, and United Kingdom.

Wellington children began receiving books in 2017, two years after the Lorain County Imagination Library was established. Local operations are administered through Elyria's Stocker Foundation.

“I was very sad to hear about these difficulties,” said district superintendent Ed Weber. “I'm not really sure what's led to a shortage but we're here to help out as much as we can.

We want to do everything possible to make sure our children begin reading as early as possible.”

Donations can be made at www.facebook.com/LorainCountyImaginationLibrary or by going to www.goo.gl/ Nz9KRX. Gifts can also be mailed to or dropped off at 1005 Abbe Rd. North, Elyria.

Nancy Ratliff, a beloved former Wellington teacher and community volunteer who passed away Jan. 6, served as the library's southern Lorain County coordinator.

During a Feb. 19 meeting, Nancy's husband and board of education member Ayers Ratliff presented a $2,500 donation to the Stocker Foundation on behalf of the district to go toward helping the service stay afloat.

“This was so important to (Nancy) and it's important to all of us to keep our young ones reading,” Ratliff said as he presented the check. “She worked night and day to make sure that happened around here and we want to keep that going, so please help out if you can.”

The organization serves 7,187 children in Lorain County and 93,632 in Ohio. Weber said that Nancy Ratliff managed to sign up roughly 70 percent of eligible kids in Wellington.

Fire destroys house on West Road JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A fire Tuesday morning caused at least $100,000 in damage to a Pittsfield Township home.

A husband and wife escaped the blaze at 16199 West Rd. without injuries, according to Wellington assistant fire chief Bill Brown.

The fire was likely caused by fire from a wood-burning stove escaping its chimney, he said.

Wellington firefighters responded to the fire at 5:03 a.m. and later received aid from Oberlin, LaGrange, Rochester, Camden Township, Carlisle Township, and the Central Lorain County Ambulance District.

Three of four dogs escaped safely during the fire while the fourth was found unharmed in a basement area after the situation was under control, said Brown.

POLICE REPORTS • Feb. 21 at 9:33 a.m.: Officers handled a psychiatric situation at Wellington High School.

• Feb. 21 at 5:06 p.m.: Police responded to a psychiatric situation on East Herrick Avenue.

• Feb. 21 at 5:01 p.m.: A woman reported being harassed.

• Feb. 22 at 10:07 a.m.: Ernie Ortiz, 34, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant.

• Feb. 22 at 12:30 p.m.: A bomb threat was reported at Whirlaway Corporation on Shiloh Avenue.

• Feb. 22 at 12:41 p.m.: A woman alleged that her ex-husband violated a protection order.

• Feb. 22 at 3:19 a.m.: A bank card was reported stolen at McDonald's on Rt. 58.

• Feb. 22 at 5:21 p.m.: After a harassment complaint, police called two suspects and advised them to stop.

• Feb. 24 at 11:19 p.m.: Officers made a welfare check on an

87-year-old man. They found he had passed away.

• Feb. 25 at 7:44 a.m.: Police contacted the railroad after a train blocked the tracks more than 15 minutes.

• Feb. 25 at 5:56 p.m.: Officers talked to the father of a 13-yearold boy about options for handling habitually unruly behavior.

• Feb. 26 at 2:56 a.m.: Cory Ward, 29, of Elyria, was charged with possession of marijuana, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating without reasonable control, and no seat belt. The charges stemmed from an incident that involved a crash on East Hamilton Street.

• Feb. 26 at 6:28 a.m.: A woman reported a theft from a vehicle on Jones Road.

• Feb. 26 at 4:04 p.m.: A parent reported a child being harassed at Westwood Elementary School.

• Feb. 26 at 5:08 p.m.: Officers

handled a psychiatric situation. A man was taken for evaluation.

• Feb. 27 at 8:23 a.m.: A theft from a vehicle was reported on Vine Street.

• Feb. 27 at 11:06 a.m.: A 60-year-old man died after going into full arrest.

• Feb. 27 at 4:51 p.m.: A vehicle break-in was reported on Barker Street.

• Feb. 27 at 6:06 p.m.: A vehicle break-in was reported on Jones Street.

• Feb. 27 at 7:04 p.m.: Officers investigated a domestic dispute complaint.

• Feb. 28 at 6:49 p.m.: A man told police he felt like ending his life.

• Feb. 28 at 5:32 p.m.: A case of fraud was reported to police.

Editor’s note: Though charged, defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

CHURCH DIRECTORY All Wellington-area churches are invited to post service times in the Enterprise. Send your listing to us via email at news@ lcnewspapers.com.

• First United Methodist Church, 127 Park Place, Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:30 a.m. with worship at 10:45 a.m. Choir rehearsal is from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Caregivers Support Group meets at 2 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. Free community meals are offered from 5-6 p.m. on the last Monday of each month. Praise service starts Saturdays with fellowship at 5 p.m. and the service at 5:30 p.m.

• St. Patrick Church, 512 North Main St., has Masses at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8:15 a.m.

Sunday. Weekday Masses are at 8:45 a.m. Monday and 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday. For more information, call 440-647-4375.

• Fellowship Church, 44777 St. Rt. 18, Wellington, has Sunday worship at 10 a.m. with kids’ classes. Wednesday night group study and Foundation Youth ministry meets at 7 p.m.

• First Congregational United Church of Christ, 140 South Main St., has Sunday service at 10 a.m. The first Sunday of each month is family worship and communion.

• Camden Baptist Church, 17901 St. Rt. 511, Camden Township, has Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays.

AWANA and “Ignite” (junior and senior high), meet at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. Adult prayer meeting and Bible study begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

A nursery is provided for Sunday services.

• Brighton United Methodist Church has Sunday worship at 11 a.m. Bible study is held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. For more information, call 440-828-0773.

• Rochester United Methodist Church has Sunday worship at 9 a.m.

• Wellington Freewill Baptist Church, 205 Woodland St., has Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sunday evening services are held at 6 p.m. and Wednesday services are at 7 p.m.

• United Church of Huntington, 26677 Rt. 58, has Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., as well as Sunday school classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m.

Nursery care is available during worship services and the Sunday school hour.

• Lincoln Street Chapel, 139 Lincoln St., has Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m.

• New Life Assembly of God, 108 West St., has Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. A Wednesday evening family night at 7 p.m. includes Bible study, youth group, girls ministries, and Royal Rangers.

• Penfield Community Church, 40775 St. Rt. 18, has Sunday

school at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. Kidz Klubhouse for children and Fusion for youth will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Sundays.

• Bethany Lutheran Church, 231 East Hamilton St., has Sunday worship at 10:15 a.m. with Sunday school and adult Bible class at 9 a.m. For more information, call 440-647-3736.

• First Baptist Church, 125 Grand Ave., has Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays. The 24/7 Youth Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the youth barn.

Children’s programs and adult prayer meeting and Bible study are at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the church. A nursery is provided for all services.

• Christ Community Church, 212 West Herrick Ave., has Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. For more information, call 440-647-7641.

• Brighton Congregational Church, 22086 State Rt. 511, has Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m.

• Pittsfield Community Church has Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m. There is a new Mothers of Preschool children’s group. For more information, call 440-774-2162.

• Angels Unaware Bible study is held at 7 p.m. on Mondays at the LCCC Wellington Center. It provides a study from Genesis to Revelation. For more information, call 419-681-6753.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Wellington Enterprise

Page D3

New pay plan, cost-of-living raise approved JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A new compensation plan and three percent cost of living wage increase for village employees were approved March 4 by Wellington council members.

Effective immediately, a nine-category points system will be used to evaluate each employee's job and place them into one of nine pay ranges, or “A” through “I.” The move will mean immediate raises for four part-time police officers, five police dispatchers, and one apprentice lineman.

Points will be awarded based on education, experience, supervision exercised, communications, responsibility of assets and consequence of errors, independence of work and discretion, responsibility for policies and procedures, work environment and health and safety, and responsibility for accurate records and reports.

The cost of living pay bump will begin showing up on checks April 1.

Last year, the village elected to institute a one percent increase.

During the meeting, it was announced that work has begun to include a tiered pay system in the 2020 budget for all non-salaried village employees based on time served.

In late 2017, a tiered pay system was instituted for police but then frozen last May due to expected pay disparities between village departments, “We're certainly don't want to implement a tiered plan that only affects one department,” said mayor Hans Schneider. “We would like a tiered concept that fits the footprint of every employee.

We have some months to come up with the best way

Jonathan Delozier | Wellington Enterprise

Village council approved a new pay scale and annual cost of living wage increase March 4. Plans were also announced to institute a tiered, time-based pay system next year for all village employees. to do that. I know that it is very important to the police department.”

Estimated yearly cost for police tiered pay is $25,000.

Police chief Tim Barfield voiced his concerns to council regarding a lack of tiered pay for police, saying it continues to contribute to high turnover among officers.

“People stayed because I told them where we were going and then we got there,” Barfield said. “Then we froze it and now we're going to go back to how it was. The faith thing only goes so far.

I'm glad that we're at least moving in this direction.”

Under police tiered pay, part-time dispatchers would have started at $13.64 with a ceiling of $16.20 after 54 months. A full-time dispatcher would begin at $16.20 with the chance to move to $18.28. Part-time officers moved between $15.45 and $21.15 and full-time would have made $21.15 to $24.57.

The pay plan approved March 4 places part-time officers and dispatchers in the “G” and “H” pay ranges, with compensation falling between $15.53 and $26.78 per hour.

Full-time police officers and police corporals will fall in the “F” pay range at $21.24, $26.02, and $30.80 per hour.

“We can't do everything tomorrow,” councilman William Bogan told Barfield.

“You're going to get what you want. I know teachers that are going to leave Lorain because of things that have happened. People come and people go. I understand it makes it difficult for you. We don't want anyone to leave.”

“For 2019, the police department is in better shape financially than it would have been under the tiered system chief Barfield developed last year,” said Schneider following the meeting. “We'll take this time to come up with a five-year tiered system starting in 2020 and we'll be able to project out over 2021, 2022, and so on.”

In a letter to Schneider, Barfield wrote that moving to a tiered system now will be less costly than making the switch after Wellington is possibly reclassified as a city in the next U.S. census, which would likely result in employees unionizing.

He added that merit-based

pay will also continue to cause difficulty in planning, budgeting, and employee turnover.

“I am exhausted in my labors,” Barfield wrote. “I have many tasks to improve in the police department and the excessive turnover only makes those labors seem impossible. I have been able to skim the cream off the top so many times but we lost too many good people to a system that has proven itself defective. I have the hopes of leaving a legacy of service that included a well-tuned and staffed department that serves the village well for many years. Putting this off for even one more year will be detrimental to that effort.”

The new “A” pay range category will set a minimum hourly wage of $38.96, middle wage of $46.76, and maximum wage of $54.55.

Village manager Steve Dupee is the only village employee to fall into this scale, which requires a final point total above 880.

For the “B” range, hourly wages are set at $32.15, $38.57, and $45.00 for minimum, mid-range, and maximum respectively. Barfield is

the only village employee in this range. This category requires a point total between 800 and 879.

Wages for “C” fall at $26.29, $33.06, and $39.13.

These wages will apply to director of finance Vanya Hales, electric superintendent Dave Bealer, public works superintendent Bob Brasee, and water/wastewater superintendent Greg Frenk. Seven-hundred to 799 points are needed for this scale.

Police lieutenant Jeff Shelton is the only employee listed in the “D” range, coming in at $24.54, $30.06, and $35.58 and requiring 500-599 points.

Line and public works foremen, police sergeants, chief water operator, and chief wastewater operator fall into the “E” range at $22.30, $27.32, and $32.34.

This scale calls for 400-499 points.

Planning and zoning coordinator Marla Lent, fulltime police officers, police corporals, journeyman linemen, and metering foremen will be in the “F range” at $21.24, $26.02, and $30.80 Along with certain police employees, “G” and “H” jobs include apprentice lineman and administrative assistants and pay between $15.53 and $26.78.

All seasonal positions make up range “I” with pay of $8.55, $12.20, and $15.50.

After the meeting, Barfield said he believes police tiered pay could be implemented with the newly approved plan simultaneously.

“I'm going to let the system work itself out,” he said.

“The plan now is to implement a tiered system next year. If we accomplish that it will be a good thing for everyone who works in this village.”

A GOLDEN TICKET TO THE SHOW Photos by Jonathan Delozier | Wellington Enterprise

A production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” March 8 and 9 by the McCormick Middle School drama club welcomed many to the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from attendance go toward supporting future projects for the McCormick club, now in its fifth year of operation.

▲ A pair of Oompa Loompas, played by Adelina Robinette and Hope Hadoba, go about their daily work. ► Maya Feron, as Willie Wonka, welcomes guests to a tour of the mysterious chocolate factory. ◄ Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe, played

by Madison Minutello and Jonah Stump, weigh their options on the factory tour.

Board of education OKs Latin honors system JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A Latin honors system for Wellington graduates will be phased in over the next few years and eventually replace the naming of a valedictorian and salutatorian.

The move was unanimously approved Feb. 19 at the board of education's monthly business meeting.

Current seniors will gradu-

ate in June still only naming a valedictorian and salutatorian.

Current eighth graders in the Class of 2023 will be the first at Wellington High School to only use Latin honors. Graduates in 2020, 2021, and 2022 will use both systems.

WHS principal Tina Drake has publicly advocated for the change.

She has also discussed the switch in meetings with

parents of eighth-graders.

“Fifteen or 20 years ago, high school was still a level playing field where everyone took the same classes,” she said. “Or they at least had the opportunity to take the same classes here at the high school. Now, with College Credit Plus options, kids taking those courses can take more total courses than others. It's just not even anymore. Kids are getting too stressed out coming in

and strategically figuring out what classes they need to take and not take in order to keep their GPA up.”

“The old way was stopping kids from taking certain electives they may have really been interested in,” Drake said, “just because it's not a weighted course.

So the kids who don't do CCP or don't necessarily focus on weighted classes may be equally as intelligent but they're never in line for

valedictorian or salutatorian.”

Under Latin honors, 25 to 30 percent of graduates are typically named as cum laude, 10 to 15 percent as magna cum laude, and one to five percent as summa cum laude.

Firelands High School moved to the Latin honors system in the 2016-2017 school year and has been joined by Midview High School.

Page D4

Wellington Enterprise

Thursday, March 14, 2019

To advertise in the classifieds, call 440-775-1611, 9-4 M-F RENTALS FREE HEAT Cozy and Convenient 1 and 2 bdrm MAPLE GROVE APTS 186–192 N. Oberlin Rd. 440-775-3098 Large 2 bedroom apt.

Wellington. 440-6472672. (3:22)

SERVICES Old refrigerators, appliances, scrap metal, batteries, cars--will pick up for free. Brian (440)2812516. (4:25) Floor repair and install carpet, wood, laminate, vinyl or ceramic. Call Joe Parr Sr. 440-647-4374 or cell 440-935-4778.

(12:26)

HELP WANTED Blue Sky Restaurant – Looking for all positions: server, bussers, hostesses and dishwashers.

Apply between 2 and 4 p.m. in Amherst.

(3:14, 21) Intermittent Group Home Aides – Are you a caring and dependable person?

If so, you may be a good fit for this opportunity.

We are seeking several responsible individuals to provide care for persons with disabilities in a residential setting.

You must have a high school diploma or GED, an Ohio driver license with a good driving record and the ability to provide assistance to others.

Background check and drug screen are completed during hiring process.

Candidates may apply in person, by e-mail, or fax.

Applications are available on our website at www. murrayridgecenter.org.

Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities Murray Ridge Center 1091 Infirmary Road Elyria, OH 44035 Fax: (440) 284-0001 hrdept@murrayridge center.org (3:14) LPN Part-Time – We are seeking LPNs to provide nursing services to individuals with disabilities in a residential setting 16 hours a week, one week night (Tuesday or Wednesday) and every other weekend. Must possess Ohio LPN licensure, must be certified to dispense medications and have a good driving record. Candidates may apply in person, by e-mail, or fax. Applications are available on our website at www.murrayridgecenter.org.

Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities Murray Ridge Center 1091 Infirmary Road Elyria, OH 44035 Fax: (440) 284-0001 hrdept@murrayridge center.org (3:14) Substitute Cook – Do you have cooking skills, are you able to work with kitchen appliances, can you complete food inventories, do you have the compassion to work with our residents (with developmental disabilities)?

If you answered YES, you are the candidate to apply for the position.

You must have a high school diploma or GED, an Ohio drive license with a good driving record.

Background check and drug screen are completed during hiring process.

Candidates may apply in person, by e-mail, or fax.

Applications are available on our website at www. murrayridgecenter.org Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Murray Ridge Center 1091 Infirmary Road Elyria, OH 44035 Fax: (440) 284-0001 hrdept@murrayridge center.org (3:14) Substitute LPN – We are seeking candidates to provide nursing services to individuals with disabilities in a residential setting or in our opportunity/ vocational centers. Must possess Ohio LPN licensure, must be certified to dispense medications and have a good driving record. For confidential consideration, apply in person, fax, or by e-mail: Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities Murray Ridge Center 1091 Infirmary Road Elyria, OH 44035 Fax: (440) 284-0001 hrdept@murrayridge center.org (3:14) Group Home Aides PartTime – We are looking for valued team members with the talent and compassion to provide services to adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting.

We have early mornings or late afternoon times available, 19 to 21.5 hours weekly. You must have a high school diploma or GED, an Ohio driver license with a good driving record and the ability to provide assistance to others.

Background check and drug screen are completed during hiring process.

Candidates may apply in person, by e-mail, or fax.

Applications are available on our website at www. murrayridgecenter.org.

Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities Murray Ridge Center 1091 Infirmary Road Elyria, OH 44035 Fax: (440) 284-0001 hrdept@murrayridge center.org (3:14) Full Time Maintenance Technician – We have a need for a reliable person to perform a variety of maintenance and custodial duties during the week, 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Experience in plumbing, electrical, basic carpentry, floor care and general facility cleaning. Background check and drug screen are a part of hiring process. Must have a valid Ohio driver license and a good driving record.

Candidates may apply in person, by e-mail, or fax.

Applications are available on our website at www. murrayridgecenter.org Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities Murray Ridge Center 1091 Infirmary Road Elyria, OH 44035 Fax: (440) 284-0001 hrdept@murrayridge center.org (3:14)

LEGALS LEGAL NOTICE Wayne Antonio Ray Lyon, whose last known place of residence is 115 Elbethel Road, Shelbyville, Tennessee 37160, otherwise whose place of residence is unknown, will take notice that on July 11, 2018, the Undersigned, Elisabeth K. Lyon, filed her complaint Against him in the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035, of Lorain County, Ohio praying for a divorce, designated the residential parent and legal custodian over the unemancipated children, awarded reasonable child and spousal support, allocated an equitable division of property, restored to her maiden name and other relief on the grounds that she and the defendant have,

for more than one year without interruption, lived separate and apart without cohabitation and incompatibility.

The defendant named above is required to on or before the 7th day of March 2019.

Elisabeth K. Lyon

By Loretta A. Coyne, Esq., her Attorney (1:31, 2:7, 14, 21, 28, 3:7) LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO SALE OF CITY PARCEL The City of Lorain will be accepting bids for a City owned parcel of land located at 1325 WEST 10TH STREET, LORAIN, OHIO PP#0202026117005.

Parcel is sold in as-is condition with the stipulation the garage located on the real estate will be demolished within sixty (60) days following the property transfer to the purchaser.

The bidder is responsible for all costs. These costs include but are not limited to: transfer costs, survey, title fees, closing costs, recording fees and all other costs associated with the deed preparation and title transfer.

The City of Lorain will be accepting bids for a City owned parcel of land located at 1808 EAST 31ST STREET, LORAIN, OHIO PP#0300096118002. Parcel is sold in as-is condition. The bidder is responsible for all costs. These costs include but are not limited to: transfer costs, survey, title fees, closing costs, recording fees and all other costs associated with the deed preparation and title transfer.

Bids are due March 14, 2019 @ 11:00 AM to the Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor.

The opening of the bids will take place March 15, 2019 @ 11:15 AM in the City of Lorain Council Chambers. In the event no bids are received for the individual parcel prior to 11:00 AM on March 15, 2019, then the bidding process shall remain open for the parcel and the City may thereafter, at its sole discretion, accept or reject any bid received for the parcel after March 15, 2019. Any materials or objects that are found on the parcel will become property of the bidder and be the bidder’s responsibility. The City is not liable for any materials or objects that may be found on the parcel property.

All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the bidder’s name and contact information on the outside of the envelope and be accompanied by a certified check on a solvent bank, drawn and made payable to the City of Lorain, Ohio, in the amount of 10% of the total bid in good faith. Should any bid be rejected, such check will be forthwith returned to the bidder; and should any bid be accepted, such bond or check will be returned upon proper execution and securing of the contract.

Bid forms and specifications may be obtained by contacting the City of Lorain Engineering Department @ 440.204.2003 or at 200 West Erie Avenue, City Hall- 4th Floor Lorain, Ohio 44052. All bids shall be subject to the additional items and conditions set forth on the bid forms.

By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service To be advertised: 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, 03/07 & 03/14 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO SALE OF CITY PARCEL The City of Lorain will be accepting bids for a City owned parcel of land.

Parcel is sold in as-is condition with the stipulation the garage located on the real estate will be demolished within sixty (60) days following the property transfer to the purchaser.

The bidder is responsible for all costs. These costs

include but are not limited to: transfer costs, survey, title fees, closing costs, recording fees and all other costs associated with the deed preparation and title transfer.

Bids are due March 14, 2019 @ 11:00 AM to the Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor.

The opening of the bids will take place March 15, 2019 @ 11:15 AM in the City of Lorain Council Chambers. In the event no bids are received for the individual parcel prior to 11:00 AM on March 15, 2019, then the bidding process shall remain open for the parcel and the City may thereafter, at its sole discretion, accept or reject any bid received for the parcel after March 15, 2019. Any materials or objects that are found on the parcel will become property of the bidder and be the bidder’s responsibility. The City is not liable for any materials or objects that may be found on the parcel property.

All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the bidder’s name and contact information on the outside of the envelope and be accompanied by a certified check on a solvent bank, drawn and made payable to the City of Lorain, Ohio, in the amount of 10% of the total bid in good faith. Should any bid be rejected, such check will be forthwith returned to the bidder; and should any bid be accepted, such bond or check will be returned upon proper execution and securing of the contract.

1325 WEST 10TH STREET, LORAIN, OHIO PP#0202026117005 Bid forms and specifications may be obtained by contacting the City of Lorain Engineering Department @ 440.204.2003 or at 200 West Erie Avenue, City Hall- 4th Floor Lorain, Ohio 44052. Phone #440204-2003. All bids shall be subject to the additional items and conditions set forth on the bid forms.

By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service To be advertised: 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, 03/07 & 03/14 DIVORCE NOTICE 19DR085659 – Jose Otero vs. Frances Otero.

Frances Otero whose last known place of residence was 1910 Reeves, Lorain, Ohio, 44052 and present place of residence is unknown, will take notice that on February 11, 2019, that Jose Otero filed his Complaint for Divorce against Frances Otero in the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035 of Lorain County, Ohio praying for a divorce and other relief upon the grounds of incompatibility and gross neglect of duty.

That Frances Otero is required to answer on or before the March 11, 2019.

The matter is set as follows, which all hearings will occur at the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035 – 2nd Floor for a pretrial on April 9, 2019, at 11:30 a.m.

By Michael J. Tony, Attorney for Jose Otero on February 18, 2019 (2:21, 28, 3:7, 14, 21, 28) LEGAL NOTICE Storage Contents Auction!

Pursuant to the requirements of the ORC, section 5322.02. Notice is given to John Lott, last known address 65 E. Sprucewood St., Sandusky, OH 44870 that contents of storage unit 69, of Wellington Self-Storage, 512 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 will be offered at auction on March 29, 2019. Time of auction will be 6:00 p.m. The following is summary of those items to be auctioned: Furniture, rocking chairs, metal shelving, roll top desk, wood work bench, filing cabinets, guitar, old time radio, many miscellaneous boxes.

Storage Contents Auc-

tion! Pursuant to the requirements of the ORC, section 5322.02. Notice is given to Charles Santee, last known address 6024 County Rd. 93, Mt. Gilead, OH 43338 that contents of storage unit 72, of Wellington Self-Storage, 512 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 will be offered at auction on March 29, 2019. Time of auction will be 6:00 p.m. The following is summary of those items to be auctioned: Metal studs, tables and chairs, shop vac, assorted tools.

Storage Contents Auction! Pursuant to the requirements of the ORC, section 5322.02. Notice is given to Jim Leonardi, last known address147 East St., Wellington, OH 44090 that contents of storage unit 79, of Wellington Self-Storage, 512 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 will be offered at auction on March 29, 2019. Time of auction will be 6:00 p.m.

The following is summary of those items to be auctioned: Home fitness station-cage rack, weight bench, air hockey table, pool sticks and balls, kids toys, bassinet, office chair, end tables, fishing poles, shop vac, generator.

Storage Contents Auction! Pursuant to the requirements of the ORC, section 5322.02. Notice is given to Emily Sherrill, last known address 424 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 that contents of storage unit 99, of Wellington Self-Storage, 512 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 will be offered at auction on March 29, 2019. Time of auction will be 6:00 p.m. The following is summary of those items to be auctioned: Kenmore oven, table, Cedar hope chest, Little Tykes shipping cart.

Storage Contents Auction!

Pursuant to the requirements of the ORC, section 5322.02. Notice is given to Andrea Peterman, last known address 12 County Rd. 700, West Salem, OH 44287 that contents of storage unit 113, of Wellington Self-Storage, 512 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 will be offered at auction on March 29, 2019. Time of auction will be 6:00 p.m. The following is summary of those items to be auctioned: Rod iron shelves, piano, headboard, bike stroller.

Storage Contents Auction!

Pursuant to the requirements of the ORC, section 5322.02. Notice is given to Melissa Conley, last known address 42 N. Park St., Oberlin, OH 44074 that contents of storage unit 110, of Wellington Self-Storage, 512 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 will be offered at auction on March 29, 2019. Time of auction will be 6:00 p.m. The following is summary of those items to be auctioned: Level, bottle jack, Wagner spray paint gun, camo back pack, dresser, bed, bed frames, log chain, assorted boxes and garbage bags.

(3:7, 14) Notice of Public Hearing Please be advised a public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2019, to begin at 5:30 p.m. to discuss a request for the reclassification of property, a 3.94 acre parcel located on the north side of Cooper Foster Park Road PPN #02-02-003-102-018 from B-1 General Business to B-2 for the construction of a mini self storage facility (ZCA-2-2019) The Lorain City Planning Commission met on March 6, 2019 to consider this application and has recommended approval to Lorain City Council. Copies of all documentation related to this proposal will be on file for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Council, 200 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio. Please contact Nancy_Greer@ cityoflorain.org for additional information.

N. Greer, CMC (3:14) PUBLICATION OF

LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted

by Lorain City Council on March 4, 2019. The complete text of each item may be viewed or purchased in the Clerk of Council Office @ Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, during normal business hours or contact Nancy Greer @ 204-2050 (Nancy_Greer@cityoflorain. org). The following summary has been reviewed/ approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws.

Ord 25-19 Accepting a Law Enforcement Body Armor grant from the Ohio Atty General for $27,711 to purchase 15 tactical vests for the SWAT Team. 26-19 Auth the City of Lorain to enter into a MOU w/ FOP Lorain City Corrections Officers to change the effective date of insurance contributions. 27-19 Assessing the cost to abate nuisance by removing litter & deposit of garbage, rubbish, junk, etc. during the current calendar year.

28-19 Modifying Ord 28-94 for the purpose of opening up Nantucket Drive to thru traffic and interconnecting Williamsburg Heights subdivision and St. James Reserve subdivision. 2919 Amending Ord 176-18 by increasing funding needed for design-build services for the new fire station. 30-19 Auth the S/S Director to modify an agrmt w/ highest rated & ranked engineering firm for prof services related to the construction of new water lines in West Lorain. 3119 Auth the Auditor to pay invoices submitted by the Parks Dept that invoke the Then & Now certification exception process. 32-19 Appropriation.

(3:14, 21) PUBLIC NOTICE To all property owners, Chapter 557 of the City of Lorain Codified Ordinances requires property owners to maintain their property free of noxious weeds and high grass. As set forth in Ordinance #8816, all property owners are hereby duly notified that the City of Lorain may take action necessary to abate high grass and/or noxious weeds exceeding eight (8) inches in height during the 2018 calendar year.

Property owners will be assessed a minimum of $300.00 every time the City must contract to abate high grass and/or noxious weeds on private property. The City is authorized to lien properties for any and all unpaid abatement costs.

For more information regarding code enforcement, please call 440-2042283 or write the Building, Housing and Planning Department, City of Lorain, 200 West Erie Avenue, 5th Floor, Lorain, OH 44052 By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service Daniel W. Given TO BE ADVERTISED: 3/14/19 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SEIZED & UNCLAIMED CURRENCY AND SIX CELL PHONES: In April of 2017 and upon a lawful traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike in Lorain County, the Ohio State Highway Patrol seized a substantial amount of U.S. currency, six cell phones and a small amount of contraband narcotics in vehicle owned and operated by De’Andre Leshawn York (OSHP #17-610004-2090). Any claimant to the property must make a sworn claim to OSHP Lt. Lawrence Firmi of the Bucyrus Dist.

HQ of the OSHP (ph.

419-562-8040) within 30 days of 3/14/2019. Said currency/phones shall be subject to lawful unclaimed disposal by the OSHP after that time. O.R.C. 2981.11(C) publication; O.R.C. 2981.12(B).

Dennis P.Will, Lorain County Prosectuor By: Assistant Prosecutor Richard A. Gronsky Ph. 440-329-5456 (3:14)