Nov.
15 charged in fentanyl bust
Owen MacMillan
The Community Guide
The Department of Justice announced 15 arrests in an alleged drug trafficking network following an 18-month investigation by numerous agencies.
The operation is accused of distributing counterfeit pills containing fentanyl in Lorain County and elsewhere in Northeast Ohio.
Fourteen of the 15 charged are from Lorain County.
Authorities also seized cash, three illegal firearms and thousands of fentanyl pills “made to look like legitimate pre-
Car slams into house on Rt. 113
Just before dawn on Friday, a car traveling westbound on Route 113 in Amherst Township, crossed over the center line and went up a hill on the south side of the road, hitting a three-story farmhouse that was built in 1903 on the Baus Family’s soybean and wheat farm. The crash took down two of the home’s four pillars. The driver, who wasn’t injured, was charged with OVI. Story on Page A2.
scription medications.”
“Given its extreme potency, fentanyl is extraordinarily dangerous — it has poisoned and killed over 3,500 Ohioans in 2023 alone,” U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko said. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that is about 50 times more potent than heroin.
According to the indictment, Ronald Whittaker, 31, of Cleveland and Tyvez McCullum, 30, of Elyria, were the leaders of the trafficking operation.
“After receiving pill supplies from Whittaker, McCullum would redistribute the fentanyl pills to the others listed in
the indictment,” the release said. “Those individuals would, in turn, further distribute the fentanyl pills to their own networks throughout the Elyria and Lorain region.”
The release said the 15 named defendants are suspected of distributing an estimated 4,406.25 grams of fentanyl in over 42,000 blue pills.
“Illegal drugs are devastating lives and corrupting communities all across northern Ohio,” FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen said in a release. “This indictment underscores the commitment not only of the FBI, but our
multi-agency partners who work collaboratively to identify local drug traffickers and disrupt and dismantle their drug trafficking networks.”
Some nine agencies participated including the FBI, DEA and Homeland Security.
Investigations, Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service, Ohio Adult Parole Authority and Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office participated.
The Elyria Police Department is proud to have contributed to the collaborative efforts that led to this significant opera-
Carissa Woytach
The Community Guide AVON — An Avon business owner’s political signs have caused some controversy in the suburb. Frank Balunek’s front yard is filled with political signs, almost all against Democratic candidates and lawmakers. Those signs’ slogans include “Kalama planet of the apes,” “Commie Peloski,” “Sherrod Brown out of the closet!” “Impeach laughing hyena,” and “Impeach sleepy
Joe.” Others include two “white lives matter” signs, a “blue lives matter” sign, “Oprah planet of the apes,” “Hunter Biden crackhead” and “Michelle planet of the apes” signs. “I’ve got the right to put these up,” Balunek, 80, said Sunday. The signs are on his private property and visible from state Route 83.
Balunek has lived on and operated Center Road Farm for nearly 60 years, he said, and has put out political campaign signs in
previous election cycles.
He said Mayor Bryan Jensen called about complaints from neighbors about the signs, but Balunek was not fazed.
“They can complain all they want,” Balunek said of neighbors. It was his freedom of speech to have the signs out, he said, and he and stood by the messaging — even when passers-by have “given him the finger” or “thrown rocks” at his property, he said.
Richard Perrins
The Community Guide AVON LAKE — A September change to a homeowners’ association rules regarding flags and signs residents can post has divided the community and proven costly for at least one resident.
The association representing Belden Point in Avon Lake made the change Sept. 12 — banning the flying of any flags, signs or messaging for social causes and allowing only those
authorized under Ohio or federal law.
Residents not in compliance with the policy will be fined $500, continuing monthly until the messaging is removed.
That means flags, signs and other messaging supporting LGBTQ+ causes are not permitted, nor are those supporting autism awareness.
The change was made after 15 complaints were made in the last few months about messaging being displayed. Details of
the messaging in question were not provided.
The amendment, which the HOA’s board announced through written notification to residents, specifically prohibits signs and other messaging that relates to “politics,” “divisive issues or subject matter,” “issues on, or contemplated to be on, any voting ballot” and “issues subject to an election or vote.”
The board said the intent of that section of the
See HOA, A2
Charged
Ronald Whittaker, 31, Cleveland
Tyvez McCullum, 30, Elyria
Ivan Barrios, 45, Lorain
Tavon Martin, 28, Lorain
Jaivon Wint, 27, Lorain Katlynn Caudill, 22, Lorain Nicholas Thomson, 47, Elyria
Max Kennedy, 19, Wellington Jordan Johnson, 29, Elyria
Angela Shuck, 35, Lorain Stacey Thomson, 48, Elyria Tyrone Phillips, 25, Elyria
Joseph Kushner, 32, Berea
Nicholas Burkholder, 29, Elyria
Aubrey Brown, 29, Elyria
OBITUARIES
Charlotte Norton
Man faces DUI charge after hitting Amherst Twp. house
Rini Jeffers
The Community Guide
Charlotte Norton (nee Mogren), was born April 8, 1933, in Whitesboro, New York to Jalmer (Jack) and Allie Mogren. Charlotte graduated with honors from Whitesboro High School in 1951, took some business courses, and then went to work as a teller at the Savings Bank of Utica until she married the love of her life, George Robert (Bob) Norton in 1955. They settled in Alfred, New York where Bob was finishing his degree in Ceramic Engineering. They lived in a third story walk-up apartment and Charlotte worked in a jewelry store.
When Bob graduated from college, they moved to Rochester, New York and soon welcomed their first child, Eileen, in 1956. Charlotte and Bob then built a house in Scottsville, New York and welcomed their second daughter, Kathleen (Kathy) in December of 1957. Their first son, Robert (Bob) was born in 1960, and their second son, William (Bill) was born in 1962.
Charlotte and Bob were members of the First United Presbyterian Church in Scottsville, where Bob was a Mason, and Charlotte was a member of Eastern Star. Charlotte was very artistic and painted wonderful Christmas, Easter, and Halloween scenes on the large picture window each year. She was a member of women’s bowling leagues and golf leagues. Charlotte became an assistant Girl Scout leader, and she was a statistician for her sons’ little league baseball teams. In 1970, Charlotte, Bob, and the family moved to LaGrange, Ohio, when Bob’s company transferred him to Elyria. Charlotte continued to volunteer as a Girl Scout leader, and to bowl and play golf.
In 1978, Charlotte, Bob, and their youngest son moved to Carey, Ohio, where they remained until their son, Bill, graduated from high school. They then moved to Athens when Bob began to teach engineering courses at Hocking Technical College in Nelsonville, and Charlotte became the secretary to the president of the bank in Nelsonville. Several years later, they moved to Wellington, Ohio, where Bob accepted a teaching position at LCCC, and Charlotte became the clerk-treasurer of the Herrick Memorial Library, until she retired and began to work as a receptionist at Kathy’s and Bill’s law and tax office, until they closed in 2014.
Charlotte enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, camping, hiking, bowling, playing golf, and traveling throughout the United States and Europe with Carolyn’s Travels.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Allie Mogren; her husband, Bob Norton; and son-inlaw, Dr. William (Bill) Fox.
She is survived by her children, Eileen (David) French, Kathleen Fox, Robert (Tami) Norton, and William (Sharon) Norton; her grandchildren, Crystal (Dean) Zusmer, of Florida, Dr. Lisa Fox, Thomas (Dr. Joyce Bore) Norton, Vincent Norton, Robert (Julie) Norton, Nicholas Norton, of Virginia, Christopher French, of Maryland, and Dakota (Kaitlyn) Fox; and her great-grandchildren, Aidan Wright, Landon Norton, Adelynn Norton, Carson Norton, Cooper Norton, Elaina Norton, and Arya Norton. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a service beginning at 6 p.m. at the Norton Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main Street, Wellington, Ohio, 44090. A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the LaGrange Lions Club Hall, 240 Glendale Street, Lagrange, Ohio, 44050. Memorial Contributions may be made to the friends of the Herrick Memorial Library, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, Ohio, 44090 or Wellington School Endowment Fund (Memo Line: Athletic Endeavors), 305 Union Street, Wellington, Ohio, 44090.
Charlotte’s family would like to thank Whitney Home Care, the staff of Keystone Pointe, and Traditions Health Hospice for their kindness and compassion, and NortonEastman Funeral Home for handling the necessary arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.
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A Lorain man has been charged with OVI after he was accused of driving a car off the road and hitting an unoccupied house.
According to a news release from the Ohio Highway Patrol, Bryan T. Ellis Sr. was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado west on state Route 113 in Amherst Township about 4:30 a.m. Friday. The release stated that Ellis went left of center and off the road, hitting a home.
Ellis, 36, was uninjured in the crash. Lorain County Jail records indicate he was charged with OVI as well as disorderly conduct. A passenger in the vehi-
cle, identified as Therrick L. Graham, 47, of Lorain, was taken to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center for what were termed serious but not life-threatening injuries.
The release stated that neither Ellis nor Graham were wearing seat belts.
The property is owned by Greg Baus, who declined to comment for the article.
The three-story farmhouse was built in 1903 on the family’s soybean and wheat farm.
The crash took out the living room, front room and the staircase leading to the second floor.
It also took down two of the pillars that hold up the
Dillard’s at Midway Mall coming down
The Chronicle-Telegram
ELYRIA — The longvacant Dillard’s department store at Midway Mall is coming down.
Demolition of the department store was one of more than 1,000 buildings awarded state funding for demolition, according to an Ohio Department of Development news release on Monday.
The project received $1.4 million, a fraction of the state’s total $33.2 million
in demolition projects for vacant, dilapidated buildings across 65 counties.
Industrial Commercial Properties owns the former department store after it purchased the building in late 2019. Prior to that, the Dillard’s property last sold in 2016 for $225,000 — far lower than its assessed value at the time of nearly $3.2 million.
Dillard’s closed in 2007 and the building has remained vacant since then.
FREE SPEECH
Jensen confirmed he reached out to Balunek in early October about the signs. While they do not violate city ordinances, he said the hurtful rhetoric has caused a divide in the city.
Jensen said Balunek has the right to support whichever political candidate he wants but did not feel the language on his signs was necessary.
“It hurts me because I just think we’re better than this,” Jensen said. This is the black eye that makes the city look bad and hurts people.”
Balunek said he complained to Jensen about Democrat signs in the public right-of-way closer to
Detroit Road on state Route 83 that were moved back by city workers. Balunek thought the signs should have been removed.
Balunek removed his signs for about a week after he complained about the pro-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris signs farther down on state Route 83, he said, but after those signs were not removed, he put his display back up.
Jensen defended the choice to move the signs back. He said the signs were close to the edge of the right of way, and he felt moving the signs back would avoid unneeded conflict.
home’s enormous twostory front porch.
Another family home, built by Bryan and Linda Baus on West Ridge Road nearby in Elyria Township, made headlines this summer after a car missed a curve, hit an embankment and went airborne, slamming into the side of their home’s chimney.
The driver, Holly Houle, 47, died at the hospital.
Investigators later said alcohol and excessive speed were believed to be contributing factors.
Seven weeks later, it happened again.
This time, a driver took the same route — missing the curve and hitting the rise before ending up
of the declaration is to “avoid divisiveness and discourse within the community.”
The statement said the amendment doesn’t prohibit specific messages, but only authorizes those specifically allowed under federal or Ohio law, including the American flag, Ohio flag and the POW/ MIA flag.
“The board agreed that it will not choose winners and losers,” the statement read. “Rather, it must create an amendment that applies equally to all residents.”
A group of residents in the neighborhood said the policy, while intended to “encompass a variety of expressions,” has resulted in targeting symbols promoting inclusivity — specifically, flags promoting LGBTQ+ and autism causes.
One resident, Clare Oliver, received a fine from the HOA for refusing to take down a flag in her front garden stating “Human Kind,” according to a GoFundMe campaign she started to pay for the fine.
In the GoFundMe campaign, Oliver said she put up the flag as a “message of love, inclusivity and community.” The campaign continues to read that organizers will match contributions up to $1,000 to donate to the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.
in the Baus’s side yard, a dozen feet or so short of hitting the home.
Last week the couple, after seeking help from the county, constructed their own “guardrail” of sorts after the county said the curve near their home didn’t warrant one. They constructed a concrete wall 80 feet long and 9 feet high in their side yard between their home and the curve.
New high-visibility signs warn drivers of the curve, and new light poles were installed near the site.
The Bauses say they hope it helps keep them safe.
Contact Rini Jeffers at rinijeffers@ gmail.com.
The campaign has raised $375 as of Monday.
A written statement from the group of Belden Pointe residents said they filed a petition to the board requesting it revert to the previous language of the policy, which, according to the Lorain County recorder’s office, was recorded in October 2023.
The board said it had previously amended the policy to prohibit political viewpoints without issue but decided another amendment was necessary to “eliminate or resolve any ambiguity and to clarify the intent” of the policy.
The residents’ statement said that the policy’s amendment created a divide in the neighborhood founded on messages that “should unite us,” referring to symbols promoting inclusivity like pride flags.
“We urge the board to reconsider its recent actions and engage in open dialogue with us,” the group’s statement read.
“It’s essential that we return to the values of love and support that have always defined Belden Pointe, celebrating our rich diversity and commitment to fostering individuality.”
Contact Richard Perrins at (440) 6875172 or rperrins@chroniclet.com.
COLLECTOR paying top dollar, cash, for your old Toy Trains. 440-258-2615
Norton
Amherst man, 76, found dead
The Community Guide
AMHERST — A man died in a house fire late Saturday evening.
Amherst fire crews, along with mutual aid from Elyria Township and Sheffield Township fire departments, responded to 1255 Chapel Court about 11:15 p.m. Saturday for a single-story home engulfed in flames.
Homeowner Charles Warhola, 76, was found dead in a rear bedroom once the fire was under control about 11:40 p.m., Fire Chief Brandon Dimacchia said.
A neighbor called to report the fire.
When firefighters arrived, the fire had spread through the front and back of the 65-year-old home and collapsed the roof, Dimacchia said.
The state fire marshal and Lorain County coroner were called to the scene.
Chapel Court is located just east of Route 58 between Route 2 and the Rock Creek Run subdivision.
The fire remains under investigation.
Felony theft, tampering trial delayed for ex-head of LifeCare
Dave O’Brien
The Community Guide
ELYRIA — The ongoing trial of David Richards, former head of LifeCare Ambulance, on felony theft and tampering with records charges has been delayed for at least six weeks.
After about a week of testimony in late September and early October, Richards’ trial was scheduled to resume in Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Miraldi’s courtroom Dec. 16, according to Susie Martin, Miraldi’s bailiff.
Defense attorney Brent English requested a continuation of the trial for medical reasons, according to Miraldi’s office and court records.
Testimony, which started Sept. 30, has been on hold since Oct. 9 when the trial was paused because prosecution witnesses were not available.
The trial is a bench trial, meaning there is no jury. Miraldi will decide Richards’ innocence or guilt.
The trial has to be completed by the end of the year because Miraldi is leaving the bench, having reached the age at which judges may no longer run for another term.
Richards, 54, of Lorain, was charged by Elyria police after he allegedly used company expense reports to justify improperly charging $27,000 in personal expenses to the company.
Richards has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
He has admitted to sloppy accounting and comingling of personal and professional accounts.
LifeCare is a private, employee-owned business that provides ambulance and medical transport services to multiple Lorain County communities.
Richards was removed as president and CEO in 2021 after criminal charges were filed.
English said in his opening statement Sept. 30 that Richards led LifeCare through the COVID-19 pandemic and didn’t do anything his predecessors didn’t also do.
That included using credit cards for monthly expenses, including food and equipment.
The Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office has pointed to multiple questionable purchases that Richards made and expensed to LifeCare, allegedly including meals and a membership to the Elyria Country Club.
Former LifeCare president and CEO Pete De La Porte testified at the trial that Richards filed expense reports for business lunches or dinners with De La Porte that never happened.
Contact Dave O’Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@ chroniclet.com.
The Community Guide Amtrak will launch a new rail line next month connecting Chicago to Miami while running through dozens of Midwest and East Coast stations, including Elyria. Tickets are now available for the new line, called the Floridian, that will combine the routes of two popular lines: the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star. \
The Floridian will make its inaugural journey on Sunday and will run for a limited time.
Floridian will make a total of 46 stops along its journey, including at the Amtrak station in Elyria, where the line will arrive for the first time at 3:29 a.m. Sunday.
A trip from Elyria to Miami on the Floridian line would take just under 41 hours and cost $95 for a coach seat.
“Our members have had a longstanding dream of restoring a one-seat ride from the Midwest to Florida, and we’re thrilled
The full trip from Chicago to Miami will take approximately 47 hours, with stops in Toledo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and Orlando.
president and CEO of the Rail Passengers
Richards
Some mighty big thrills
Prehistoric monsters in ‘Jurassic Quest’ move like they’re real
John Benson The Community Guide
There’s something about seeing dinosaurs up close and personal that will mess you up.
That’s what Dino Trainer Suave Lovely promises folks will experience when time traveling through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods at Jurassic Quest, which returns to Northeast Ohio this weekend at the I-X Center.
“We have more than a dozen animatronic dinosaurs for you guys to see,” said Lovely, calling from El Paso, Texas. “I’m a dinosaur trainer. We train the raptors and help put on shows for the kids.
“We also have baby dinosaurs that come out. So it’s a whole lot that comes with Jurassic Quest. We make it a wonderful experience.”
Since 2013, Jurassic Quest — billed as North America’s biggest dinosaur
IF YOU GO WHAT: Jurassic Quest WHEN: noon to 6 p.m. today; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday WHERE: I-X Center (located on Route 237, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins Airport) TICKETS: $22 to $36 INFO: Jurassicquest.com
event — has entertained more than 10 million fans in more than 250 cities with an up close and personal look at the giants that once ruled Earth. Developed with the help of leading paleontologists, each dinosaur, from the menacing T-Rex to the sky-scraping Spinosaurus, is brought to life using realistic likenesses, movement and sound. The attraction includes a lifelike and scientificallyaccurate dinosaur herd, dinosaur shows, rideable dinosaurs and other
Whatever dinosaur is your favorite is sure to be at “Jurassic Quest.”
interactive science and art activities, including a fossil dig featuring T. Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and a life-size dino skull.
There is also a “Triceratots” soft play area and bounce houses and interactive baby dinosaurs for small children.
Lovely said his love of dinosaurs began as a kid growing up in Dallas and watching movies like “The Land Before Time” and “Jurassic Park.”
“Some of the kids are too scared to come in but once they’re in, and they get the activities going, it’s
a wonderful experience,” he said.
Even though he’s been with the show for roughly two years, Lovely said there are still moments where he has to catch his breath.
“It’s just amazing because they’re life-sized and you don’t imagine these dinosaurs being as big as they are,” he said. “Then when you see them you’re like, ‘Wow.’ And sometimes they move without you knowing. It kind of messes you up a little bit.” Reach John Benson at ndiffrence@ att.net
Christina Jolliffe The Community Guide
OBERLIN — The Ohio Department of Development and TourismOhio recently announced the expansion of the Ohio Historical Underground Railroad Trail, nearly doubling the number of historic sites along the trail and adding a new stop in Oberlin.
Started in 2023, the Underground Railroad Trail now includes 40 stops across the state.
Monroe House at the Oberlin Heritage Center and Westwood Cemetery are the two sites listed in Oberlin.
Locations were selected based on their focus on Ohio’s Underground Railroad sites or direct relation to either the Underground Railroad or known abolitionists in Ohio, according to TourismOhio. Additional consideration was given
to sites that are open to the public, host tours and provide educational or experiential elements for visitors.
Historical markers, Civil War sites, private homes and/or sites not currently open to the public were not considered for the trail.
“We worked with county
visitors bureaus across the state to gather information to put together the initial Underground Railroad Trail map and we had a great response last year,” said Alyssa Atkins, public information officer with the Ohio Department of Development and Tourism and TourismOhio.
“A lot of people wanted to be added, so we worked with them again to identify monuments, memorials, walking tours and museums relevant to the Underground Railroad. We have a little bit bigger audience than the local agencies, which helps increase visibility to these sites from around the state.”
Increased visibility means increased tourism dollars coming into the county.
Garry Gibbs, director of the Lorain County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said he gets many inquiries about the Underground Railroad.
“We actually have five routes that go through Oberlin,” he said.
“Visitors to town sometimes think they are looking for a physical railroad, when really it is a secret path slaves used to escape to freedom,” he said.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Bronco Brian has a chat with one of the many baby dinosaurs that are part of the attraction.
Owen MacMillan
The Community Guide
Patriot band members play on
Christina Jolliffe
The Community Guide
The friendship, the camaraderie, the music — anyone who has been a part of a band knows it is difficult to leave it behind, but what if you didn’t have to?
The Patriots Symphonic Band offers musicians of all levels the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
Tracey Maxwell, a flutist, is one of those musicians. She joined the band for the first time in the ‘90s, participating for several years before taking a break and starting back up again about nine years ago.
“I’ve been in band all of my life, middle school, high school, college,” she said. “Band is something you do when you’re young, but there are community bands all over the country. It’s something you can still enjoy after you’re done with school and be with other musicians.”
The Patriots Symphonic Band is just that band. Founded in 1977, the band is composed of volunteer musicians from around the county and beyond, and ranging in age from teenagers to octogenarians. And they are always looking for new members.
“A lot of the people have been here a long time,” said Maxwell, who serves as president of the band. “We don’t get new players all that often because people stay. They really only leave if they move away or retire.”
Sixty-six percent of members have been with the band for six years or more, according to Maxwell. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want new musicians.
Always looking to grow the band, John Knight, band director, hopes to
ELYRIA — The Lorain County Solid Waste Management District recently unveiled its new Sustainability Learning Center.
The center, located at 538 South Abbe Road in Elyria, will host tours for local students that teach why it is important to recycle, reuse or compost waste and other sustainability topics.
“(The Center) represents the next stage in teaching the community the proper ways to reduce, reuse and recycle in the community,” Waste District Director David Blevins said.
Brian and Carol Burke, of Wellington, both are longtime members of the Patriots Symphonic Band.
Carol, who plays bassoon, joined in the mid-1990sm and Brian Burke, who plays clarinet, signed on a few years later. Both were music education majors at Bowling Green State University, where they met. “It’s part of who we are to make music,” Brian Burke said. “This became an opportunity for us to get back to playing our instruments.”
increase its 75 members to 100. He is specifically looking for a string bass player, he said.
“Anyone with a personal instrument and a background in music is welcome,” Knight said. “You don’t have to be perfect.”
While the musicians don’t have to be perfect, they are pretty darn good.
“It’s one of the best groups I’ve ever played with,” Maxwell said. “We are focused on Americana, tradition, and a lot of patriotic music. But we also have a Christmas concert every year to help people get into the spirit, and we have a spring concert as well.”
Brian and Carol Burke, of Wellington, both are longtime members of the Patriots Symphonic Band. oon, joined in the mid’90s with friends, and Brian Burke, who plays clarinet, signed on a few years later.
The couple, who are in their early 70s, have been playing instruments since
“It is my hope that this center will prove to be an excellent way to reinforce lessons taught to children and adults alike on how to prolong the life of our landfills, all the while sustaining vital natural resources.”
Blevins said work on the center began when he became head of the district in 2021, picking up an idea that Community Outreach Coordinator Brandi Schnell had been kicking around for several years.
“Nobody really ever took that idea very seriously, so I thought well, that’s that,” Schnell said.
“And then Dave (Blevins) came in and he was like, let’s do it. I was like ‘Are you serious? Oh my God.’ And now we’re
(877) 258-4825. n A musical program designed for children ages 2-6 and their caregivers will be at 11:15 a.m. at the Amherst Library. Registration is required at www.amherstpublicpibrary.org or (440) 988-4230.
n The Oberlin Heritage Center has tours planned for Oberlin College’s parents and family weekend. Register at: secure. oberlinheritage.org/. n Oberlin Origins Self-Guided Tour of the Monroe House 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. n Guided tour of the Jewett House 1:30-2:15 p.m.
the fifth grade. Both were music education majors at Bowling Green State University, where they met.
“It’s part of who we are to make music,” Brian Burke said. “This became an opportunity for us to get back to playing our instruments.”
“We have a love of performing,” Carol Burke added.
“When you’ve been involved in music for so long, it becomes a part of you,” Brian Burke said. “It’s one of your primary outlets. Plus, we’re able to do it together. As you get older, you can’t play football like you used to, but you can still play music. Two bad knees doesn’t stop you from doing that.”
Knight, who is retired from the Oberlin Conservatory, spent 35 years there starting as a conductor and retiring as professor emeritus of conducting.
He has served as the director of the Patriots for the past seven years.
“It’s really exciting,”
Knight said of the band.
“It’s fun. The members love music so much and they practice hard. They have developed into a wonderful band.”
Knight offers a challenging repertoire to the musicians, which helps them grow musically, he said.
“We are grateful to have him in his retirement,” Brian Burke said. “He keeps us going. He continues to be an educator.”
The Patriots will perform two Christmas shows this year on Dec. 9 and Dec. 14.
“It’s going to be great,” Knight said. “It definitely gets the audience into the Christmas spirit.”
The band performs about seven concerts each year, practicing once a week, every other week. Rehearsals start in January for the spring concert, then it’s time to focus on the summer patriotic concerts.
“The music is chosen from all types of repertories,” Knight said. “I like finding pieces that people like and recognize to keep the music pleasing for all audiences. You will find music you like. We are a good band with good music and we are very accessible to the audience.” Anyone interested in joining the band can find more information at www. patriotsband.com.
“We’re always looking for good, talented people,” Maxwell said. “Anyone interested in playing at a pretty good level and are available Sunday afternoons are welcome. It’s a lot of fun to perform before an audience. We really enjoy it and like to make music. We work really hard to try to provide quality entertainment for a small ticket price, or no ticket price.”
Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@ chroniclet.com.
here, it’s happening.”
The center features a number of games, stations and visuals to impart to kids how important being conscious of their daily waste can be.
State Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, said that as a former teacher the center “tugged on the heartstrings.
“Not only are children gonna understand how important it is to go ahead and be one with the environment by recycling and being responsible and bringing that in their livelihoods as they grow older, it is (also) going to be an opportunity for Lorain Countians to see how important that we put the environment in front of every-
thing,” he said.
While the center is geared toward younger students, Schnell said that the District plans to expand its existing tours of the Lorain County Waste Collection Center for older students and adults.
“This was a shell of a building in 2021 when we started,” Lorain County Commissioner Michelle Hung said.
“I remember fondly going through here with (Blevins and Schnell) and having the vision for what this was going to be.
“I remember saying to them clearly I wanted it to be something for our school kids to come in and tour and see what Lorain County provides for our residents.”
Saturday
n Oberlin Origins Self-Guided Tour of the Monroe House
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Freedom’s Friends History Walk 10:30 a.m. to noon.
n Civil
PHOTO PROVIDED
Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Monday. Printed as space is available.
Hudson knocks off Amherst in Regional playoffs
Amherst battled Hudson in a scoreless first half in the DII Regional Semifinal at Niles High School. In the second half, Hudson capitalized on a couple of early openings to go up 2-0 and eventually scored another goal for a 3-0 win to advance to the Regional Final.
Amherst had some chances to take back momentum in the second half but could not get the ball into the net. Amherst was not able to crack the Hudson defense for most of the game. This was the first Amherst Girls Soccer appearance in a Regional playoff game.
Wellington’s Joe Fox is cross country All-Ohio
Cross country coach watches his protege break record he held for 31 years as a Duke
The Community Guide High school cross country state finals were held Saturday at Fortress Obetz, Central Ohio’s newest entertainment and sports venue that is located just outside Columbus.
Competing for the third straight year, was Wellington Duke’s senior Joe Fox.
Fox is the first male runner for Wellington to compete at the state competition in multiple years. His three appearances tie the school record with Shelley Poleska from 1985.
The temperature was a crisp 33 degrees Saturday morning, but by race time it had warmed to about 45.
“It was perfect weather for running,” Fox said.
“Coach (Jeff Hook) and I talked about what I wanted to accomplish today. We knew I needed to stay in the front pack.” Fox went out fast and clocked a 4:55 time at the first mile and was sitting in 24th place. By the second mile, Fox had dropped off just a bit to 30th place with a 5:48 split time.
“I saw Joe at about the 2 3/4 mile point,” Hook said.
“That’s where I knew he needed to make a move. Joe is a strong runner with an
awesome finishing kick. I told him his place and he did the rest. He just took off.”
That is exactly what Fox did, passing three runners within the last quarter mile to finish 27th overall.
That place earned him an All-Ohio recognition, only the second in the Duke’s cross country history.
Fox was also All-Ohio last year in the 4x400 relay for track.
Fox’s final goal of his cross country career was to break the Cross Country school record (16:23) from 1993 held by Coach Hook.
Fox shattered that record by 12 seconds and is now the new school record holder at 16:09. When asked about the new school record, Hook said, “I knew he could do it. I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m proud to have coached the new record holder.”
“This feels amazing. We worked so hard for it, me and coach throughout the last 6 years. It was all built up for this. It was just amazing,” Fox said.
“I just want to thank him so much for the help he has given me and his advice.”
Next up for Joe is the Mideast Cross Country Championship race where he hopes to qualify to compete against seniors from other states.
“I knew he could do it. I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m proud to have
Amherst’s Isabelle McGee gets the ball past Hudson’s Molly Grady.
Amherst’s Kamille Coleman turns upfield with the ball against Hudson.
Amherst’s Abbey Cooke knocks the ball away from Hudson’s Maya Lake.
Amherst’s Maddie Gates makes a diving save against Hudson.
Photos by Russ Gifford / LCCG
PHOTO PROVIDED
Wellington senior Joe Fox with his coach, Jeff Hook.
coached the new record holder.”
Jeff Hook, who held the school’s cross country record from 1993 to 2004 when Joe Fox, a runner he coached, beat his record by 12 seconds
Amherst Lions, Leos hold lasagna fundraiser
The Amherst Lions and the Amherst Steele Leo Clubs are hosting their 16th annual Lasagna Dinner fundraiser at Amherst Junior High School on today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m, or until meals are sold out.
Dinners are $15 and include a choice of meat or vegetable lasagna, apple sauce, roll and dessert. Cash or check only. Dine in or carry out.
Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Amherst Weekend Food Program, providing weekend meals for Amherst students in need, and other Lions and Leo community projects.
Living History 1945: ‘Best Years of Our Lives’
The American Veterans Remembrance Association and the Amherst Historical Society present “The Best Years of Our Lives” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Avenue, Amherst. Free shuttle and parking at Amherst Junior High, 548 Milan Ave.
For more info, please contact the Amherst Historical Society atm (440) 988-7255 or office@amhersthistoricalsociety.org
“Marines Toys for Tots” drive begins
Join Tom Orlando, the Lorain County Clerk of Court, and his staff in supporting their 10th Annual “Marines Toys for Tots” toy drive at all of the Clerk of Courts locations throughout the county.
There are “Toys for Tots” donation boxes in rooms 105, 106, and 108 of the Clerk of Courts’ Legal Division departments located on the first floor of the Lorain County Justice Center in Elyria, and at the Auto Title and Passport Offices in Elyria and Lorain.
Please consider donating unwrapped toys for children ages infant to 17 years. Donated toys will be accepted through Dec. 6.
For more info, visit loraincountyohio.gov/clerk.
Ebony and Ivory Piano Wars
The Rotary Club of Oberlin will hold a piano wars program at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Oh-Ky Adc of Bricklayers, 45960 Telegraph Road, Amherst.
Enjoy a fun night of fellowship and fundraising. Cocktails, dinner and entertainment are included with your ticket. $75 each. Venmo @OberlinRotaryClub, PayPal @ Rotary Club of Oberlin OH, DACdb, or Check to PO Box 123 Oberlin, OH 44074. No tickets sold at door.
This is OC Parents Weekend
Oberlin Heritage Center offers these tours:
Friday:
Self-Guided Tour of the Monroe House 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Guided tour of the Jewett House 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Saturday: Self-Guided Tour of the Monroe House 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Freedom’s Friends History Walk 10:30 a.m. - noon Civil War to Civil Rights History Walk 1:30-3 p.m.
FAMOUS ACTORS
BULLETIN BOARD
space-available basis and items will be edited for style, length, and clarity. Items must be submitted to news@lcnewspapers.com by 11 a.m. the Monday before publication.
Architecture History Walk 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Sunday: Self-Guided Tour of the Monroe House 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Morning History Hustle 9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Architecture History Walk 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Freedom’s Friends History Walk 1:30-3 p.m.
Brownhelm Station Church to hold open house
Hear a whimsical story, “Hark! The Aardvark Angels Sing” by Teri Sloat, read by Brownhelm Historical member, Sandra Lingler at the old German Reformed Church building that will be decorated for Christmas from 1- 3 p.m. on Nov. 17. “Aardvark angels” are mail carriers who deliver cards and gifts during the busy holiday time. There will also be a special table for children to use to write letters to Santa, refreshments and Christmas carols. North Pointe Ballet to perform ‘Nutcracker’ North Point Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” Dec. 13-15 at the Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Shows will be at 7 p.m. all three days with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
The company’s production of the holiday classic is an imaginative staging unlike you’ve ever seen before. For more info, visit northpointeballet.org/nutcracker. Workshop Players back to ’40s for Christmas
The year is 1943 and the Feddington Players are geared up to present their contemporary take on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Performances are November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7:30 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees on November 17, 24 at 3 p.m. Doors open 45 minutes before show time. Tickets, which are $18.50, are available at workshopplayers.org or by calling the box office: (440) 634-0472. German’s Villa craft show Nov. 9
German’s Villa is holding its annual craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 3330 Liberty Ave., Vermilion. Admission is $2.
Pittsfield church to sell pies; walk in to get You’ve tasted the pies at its dinners.
Now you can have one at your own Thanksgiving dinner but you’ll have to pick it up.
There are no pre-orders.
Assorted pies will be available available from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 26 at Pittsfield Community Church, 17026 state Route 58, Wellington.
Celebrate 100-year-old pipe organ
Community Congregational United Church of Christ in Amherst will be celebrating its pipe organ’s 100-year anniversary after its 10 a.m. service Sunday.
Please contact Pastor Brian Russell at (336) 420-7840 or pastor@theccucc.org.
Donate toys, food in LaGrange
The Keystone Empowers You (KEY) collaborative is hosting its first ever food and toy drive at two walk-in locations through Nov. 27.
The food will be donated to Our Lady Queen of Peace church in Grafton. The toys will be donated to the LaGrange Lions Club.
Bring non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at Keystone Elementary School, 531 Opportunity Way, Lagrange; or Mondays through Thursdays from 9-19:30 a.m. at LaGrange Village Hall, 301 Liberty Street, LaGrange.
Oberlin to honor veterans
The Veterans Day Appreciation Ceremony, a yearly collaborative initiative between the Oberlin City School District, Oberlin College, and The City of Oberlin, will be held at 4 p.m. Monday in the Oberlin Elementary School gymnasium, 210 North Park Street, Oberlin.
The event will feature keynote speakers, speeches and musical selections by the student band and choir. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The public is invited to attend.
Kids invited to design the official card Highway Patrol will send at Christmas
The Ohio Highway Patrol is oce again accepting submissions for its annual holiday card contest from children ages 12 and under.
Since 2019, children have had the opportunity to design the patrol’s annual holiday card.
In order to be considered for this year’s contest, the artwork must be submitted no later than 8 a.m. Nov. 15.
The rules are the following:
The child must be 12 years old or younger.
• The design must be submitted on a standard 8½-by11-inch sheet of paper.
The design must include the Highway Patrol’s new therapy dog, K-9 Hope, as well as the message, “May Your Holidays be Filled with Hope and Joy.”
• The artwork must also depict the Ohio Highway Patrol’s Flying Wheel symbol, along with the “Service with a Purpose” banner.
• The child’s name cannot be written on the artwork directly.
Once a child’s artwork is ready to be submitted, email a well-lit photo of the artwork to HolidayCard@dps.ohio. gov.
The email should include the photo of the artwork, the child’s name and grade, the child’s school name (include city and county) and a parent’s or guardian’s contact information (email and phone number).
The winning artwork will be used as patrol Superintendent Col. Charles Jones’ official holiday card, and will be featured in the Ohio Highway Patrol’s quarterly Flying Wheel magazine and displayed on Highway Patrol social media accounts.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Submissions must feature patrol K-9 Hope, at left, and the patrol symbol and banner at the upper right.
When youthink of birds thatcan’t y,you probably think about ME.But penguins aren’t the only birds thatcan’t y.Let me introduceyou to some of my ne feathered cousins who,likeme, aregrounded!
Underwater “Flight”
Sure,we are unabletofly up in thesky Butunderwater, penguins zoom and zip like jetpilots as we chase aseafood lunch! Add up thenumbers along the correct path throughthis maze to see how fast some penguins can swim.
Replacethe missing wordstolearn about my cousin the kiwi, an unusual birdfrom NewZealand
Meet the Kiwi
hey’rethe twotallest birds on the planet, andbothare fast runners.Emuscan reacha top speed of 31 milesper hour,while ostriches cansprintatburstsof up to 43 miles per hour!
Whenitcomes to being tough, these big birdsare not chickens. Whenthreatened, bothostriches and emuscan delivera mighty kick. Theirkickcan hurt or even kill apredator!
The Cassowary
Howmany di erences canyou nd between the emuand ostrich?
Howmany similarities do yousee?
Somespeciesofcassowarieshave ahard, fin-shapedhelmet on their heads, called a casque.The casque is made of keratin, thesubstance found in itsbeakand claws. Scientists aren’t really sure of the casque’spurpose.
The steamer duck is nativeto therocky shores of the Falkland Islands. Theway these ducks splash water behind them when swimming reminded explorers of old steamer ships.
Look closely.Can youfind the twoidenticalsteamer ducks?
Kiwis have soft fluffy feathers that feel almost like The feathers around their longbeaks act likea cat’swhiskers,keeping them from getting in tight spaces.
NativetoAustralia and NewGuinea, these birds are fast runners eveninthe rainforest
Akiwi uses its legsand feetfor digging. Kiwis havea great sense of smellthanks to the at the endoftheir beaks.Akiwi uses its great sense of hearing to avoid_ andfindfood.
Kiwisare omnivores, eatingworms, insects, snails, frogs, berries,seedsand
he kakapo (kay-kay-po),orowl parrot, is the world’sheaviest parrot They can live to be 100 yearsold. They are excellent climbers. And whilethey cannot fly,theirwings helpthem make softlandings when jumping from trees
Sadly, they areendangered.Circle every otherletter to reveal how few arestill in thewild.
8+8= red
3+4= dark blue
9+2= dark gray
6+3=yellow
2+2=light blue
4+1=light gray
Flights of Fancy
Imagine
BERRIES CASQUE CLAWS EMU FAST FLY FUR KICK KIWIS MILES OSTRICH PILOTS SKY SWIM TOUGH
With hundreds of topics,every KidScoop printable activitypack features six-to-seven pages of high-interest extra learning activities forhomeand school! Getyour free sample todayat:
THREATENED
The verb threatened means to putsomething in danger of being harmed.
Theloss of rainforestland threatened many species of birds and animals. This week’sword:
Tryto use the word threatened in asentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
Imagine youhad wingsand couldfly Where would you go? What would youdo?
Color this cassowary by the numbers
©2024 by VickiWhiting,Editor Je Schinkel,Graphics Vol. 40, No.49