Lorain County Community Guide 6-6-24

Amherst pays $90K to settle suit

Charged 77-year-old man who let 12-year-old sit in his 1970s sports car

Dave O’Brien

The Community Guide

Amherst has paid a $90,000 settlement to a man who was wrongfully arrested at age 77 in 2022 for a crime that didn’t exist.

Donald Margolis, of Amherst, was charged with criminal child enticement after being accused of trying to lure two boys into his car.

Margolis denied offering the boys a ride, Amherst Police Sgt. Brian Griffin said at the time. “He denied he was going to do anything with them, and said the kids wanted to look inside the car.”

The criminal charges were dismissed in October 2022 by Oberlin Municipal Judge Thomas Januzzi, who ruled that the law Amherst police used to charge Margolis had been deemed unconstitutional by the

Ohio Supreme Court eight years earlier.

“Since it is not a law, there is no charge. Since there is no charge, there is no charge to be dismissed. Case closed,” Januzzi wrote in his ruling.

The $90,000 settlement was reached during mediation in February before a federal magistrate.

In a statement posted to his website on May 22, Margolis’s attorney, Subodh Chandra, wrote that the $90,000 payment settled his client’s lawsuit against Amherst Police Chief Mark Cawthon, police sergeants Brian Griffin and Deven Small and officers Kyle Ancog and Jeffry Zemanek.

Chandra said his client is a married and retired small businessman and U.S. Air Force veteran who was wrongfully arrested and maliciously prosecuted when he let a

12-year-old boy sit in his vintage 1970s MG sports car outside the Dairy Mart on Cleveland Avenue in Amherst for 30 seconds on Aug. 24, 2022.

Chandra said Margolis’ “kind and innocent gesture” was reported to police by a witness. The boy was interviewed on video and told police nothing inappropriate had happened, but Margolis was arrested the next day and charged in Oberlin Municipal Court.

Margolis was placed on house arrest for 52 days, his wallet containing $1,300 in cash was seized by police, and he was ordered to wear a GPS monitor while awaiting trial, according to his attorney and court records.

“To the best of our knowledge, no one in Amherst city government has been held

OHS grads told ‘finish what you start’

Carissa Woytach

The Community Guide

OBERLIN — More than a decade since he crossed the stage at Finney Chapel, Jason Moore Jr. returned to give the commencement address at his alma mater.

Moore, Oberlin High School Class of 2013, gave the commencement speech at the class of 2024’s ceremony on Saturday.

Formerly an NFL wide receiver, philanthropist and model, Moore told graduates everything that has happened over the past 13 years is beyond them.

“This is the next step,” he said.

He thanked his mother for everything she’s done, and grateful for his family that taught him how to be wealthy in mind and spirit.

“Those who know me, know the love I have for Oberlin, and those who know my family know the love they have for Oberlin as well,” he said.

He imparted words of wisdom his mother and grandmother told him over and over: finish what you start.

That mindset helped Moore overcome an early career setback when his leg broke during a scrimmage during his first regular year on the team at the Unversity of Findlay, after sitting

out his freshman year.

“I began to question if it was even worth it,” he said after he was injured.

“But I remember my mom and grandma telling me not to question why things happen to me, always trust

that God is working in your favor even when you feel like he’s not.”

One day at a time, Moore went through physical therapy while at the University of Findlay.

accountable for this atrocity — not a police officer, not the prosecutor,” Chandra wrote. Amherst Mayor Mark Costilow said he wasn’t aware a settlement had been reached and had no comment on it. No disciplinary matters resulting from the August 2022 incident had reached his desk, Costilow said.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in August 2023, alleging violations of his client’s Fourth and Sixth Amendment rights, false arrest, failure to train officers, intentional infliction of emotional distress, attempting to influence a public servant and destruction of public records, among others.

The lawsuit demanded all of Margolis’ $1,300 back, compensatory and punitive damages with interest, attorney fees and other costs and expenses.

Contact Dave O’Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@

Man who police chased for 2 days faces 13 charges

O’Brien

The Community Guide

A South Amherst man who allegedly assaulted Lorain County sheriff’s deputies and led local and state law enforcement on a two-day chase across the county is facing 13 felony and misdemeanor charges in Lorain County Common Pleas Court.

Matt Dillion, 32, of Wallu Drive, was indicted May 23 on two counts of felonious assault on a law enforcement officer, one count of attempted felonious assault on a law enforcement officer, two felony counts of failure to comply, four felony counts of obstruction, a felony charge of inducing panic, and misdemeanor charges of failure to comply, criminal damaging and resisting arrest, according to court records.

Bond was set at $250,000 cash by Judge Melissa Kobasher.

Attorney Kenneth Nelson said his client is set for arraignment today in Common Pleas Court on the felony charges. Additional charges are headed to a Lorain County grand jury from Oberlin Municipal Court, Nelson said, declining further comment.

Dillion also has pleaded not guilty in Lorain Municipal Court to a misdemeanor charge of sexual imposition, filed by the Mercy Health Police Department, and was wanted on a warrant through Lorain Municipal Court for failure to appear in court to answer for a misdemeanor speeding ticket, according to court records.

Retired deputy charged with kidnap, rape

Dave O’Brien

The Comunity Guide

A retired Lorain County sheriff’s deputy is facing felony kidnapping and rape charges in connection with an incident earlier this month.

Charles “Chuck” Crausaz, 52, of Columbia Township was booked May 12 into the Lorain County Jail on charges of rape and kidnapping, both felonies, and misdemeanor charges of

domestic violence and using weapons while intoxicated.

He was being held on $550,000 bond, according to jail records. It wasn’t immediately clear when or under what circumstances Crausaz left the sheriff’s office, though sheriff’s Capt. Robert Vansant said Crausaz was retired

from the sheriff’s office.

Defense attorney Matthew Bobrowski said he was aware of the allegations against his client but had not received evidence as part of discovery. He said the case was bound over to a Lorain County grand jury for consideration of additional charges, but had no further comment.

Bobrowski also filed a bondreduction motion and asked in Common Pleas Court for an

evaluation to determine his client’s competency to stand trial, according to court records.

Crausaz made headlines when he was shot and wounded in the line of duty during a December 2011 gun battle in LaGrange Township.

An investigation revealed that fellow deputy Steve Fuller accidentally shot Crausaz once with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle as deputies exchanged gunfire

with Travis Stidham, who shot at Crausaz.

Stidham’s shots missed Crausaz, who shot at Stidham with a shotgun and also missed,. Stidham, whose behavior had led family to call police, fled. He later shot and killed himself as a massive police manhunt closed in, according to reports at the time. Crausaz recovered and returned to duty, and Fuller was not charged with shooting his colleague.

Finney Chapel on

Dillion

Crausaz

OBITUARIES

Charles Zacharias

Charles Zacharias, 91, of Wellington, went home to be with his Lord Sunday, May 26, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by family.

Charles was born August 24, 1932, in Valley City, to Wilmer and Winnie (nee Sauerbrei) Zacharias.

He served two years in the Army from 1954-1956 as a tank commander at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Charles married his beloved wife, Frances (nee Flick), August 19, 1956, at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Valley City. They moved to Wellington in 1957.

Charles was a retired dairy farmer and was a private pilot. He served as township trustee, secretary to Landmark Co-Op, and was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Wellington, where he held many offices. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Frances; children, Mark (Beth) Zacharias, of Wellington, Bonnie (Robert) Schanz, of Medina, and Beth (Dean) Bremke, of Penfield; eleven grandchildren, Joseph (Esther) Zacharias, Jared (Melissa) Zacharias, John (Ashley) Zacharias, Anne (Andy) Zacharias, Abigail (Matt) Hoven, Richard (Kaylee) Schanz, Kathy (Brad) Weller, Raymond (April) Bremke, Lynn (Mark) Gordon, Kyle (Cassie) Bremke, and Meghan (Alan) Smith; nineteen great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Emery, Caroline, and Joshua Zacharias, Colton, Corbin, Ayla, Samuel, Elleana, and Luke Bremke, Charlie, Jack, Elsie, and Maggie Gordon, Natalie Smith, Franklin and Callum Schanz, Josiah, and Amara Weller.

Charles was preceded in death by his brothers, Howard, Stuart, and Ralph Zacharias; and a sister, Carol (Larry) Mitchell.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 231 East Hamilton St, Wellington, from 10 a.m. until the time of services beginning at 12 Noon. Burial will follow at Wellington Greenwood Cemetery. Rev. Garret Buvinghausen will officiate.

Donations in Charles memory may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church.

A livestream of the service will be available at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome, where expressions of sympathy may be shared as well.

OHS

Moore took the opportunity to come back his third year personally, he said, and soon found his footing and by his final year owned records for receiving yards and touchdowns, according to the Oilers’ website.

“Adversity taught me everybody’s journey is different,” he said. “Your journey isn’t meant to be like the next person … life is 10 percent what happens to us, 90 percent how we choose to respond to it.”

He told the class of 2024 to always go after what they want in life.

“Remember where you’re from, but don’t loose sight of where you’re going,” he said.

Oberlin High School had three valedictorians this year: Evan Hudson, Oliver Knijnenburg and Helen Levy. Each addressed their fellow graduates and their families. Hudson, who recently secured a repeat title as state champion in the 400-meter championship, and added 200-meter championship, thanked his friends and family for their support the past 13 years.

“Graduating high school is a large milestone in all of our lives … I believe every one of us will continue to have goals and aspirations. And for me, I truly believe the largest factor in achieving these goals is the effort and discipline.”

Knijnenburg used statistics to remind his fellow graduates they were anything but average — as the average resident of the United States, according to most recent Census data, was a 30-to-34-year-old white woman, he

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Lorain County to host 53rd annual Democratic women convention

Richard Perrins

The Community Guide

Last year, the National Federation of Democratic Women held its annual convention in New Orleans. The most recent in-person convention before that was in Albany, New York, in 2019.

This year, the organization’s 53rd annual convention will be coming to Lorain County.

The Lorain County Democratic Women’s Club submitted a successful bid for the convention, with the NFDW choosing the county over Puerto Rico. Set to take place from Wednesday to Saturday this week, the convention will follow the theme of “empowering Democratic women state to state.”

For Inez James, the president of the Lorain County group, that theme means mobilizing Democratic wom-

en and encouraging civic action.

“If we lead by example, and have people willing to step up and not just be the voice but also do the work, it catches fire,” James said. “We have to take that clarion call. Democratic women, we’re the ones who’re going to make it happen. And we’ve got to stick together, we have to hold down the line for our party.”

The convention will be co-hosted by the Lorain County Democratic Women’s Club and the Federated Democratic Women of Ohio. Events will primarily take place at the Ariel Broadway Hotel in Lorain. James said the club’s goal was 200 attendees, and expects those attending to come “fired up.”

The guest speakers for the 2024 convention include: n Terri Jamison, judge for Ohio’s 10th District Court of Appeals, at noon Friday;

n Meredith Turner, council member for Cuyahoga County’s 9th District, at 8 a.m. Saturday; n Nina Turner, former Ohio state senator, at noon Saturday; n Alicia Cole, Lorain County native and national advocate for patient safety, at 7 p.m. Saturday.

James said this year will mark the first time in decades that the convention has come to Ohio. She said she hopes the speakers and conversations throughout the weekend will energize Democratic women in the county and beyond.

“We want to hear the highs and lows of where we’ve been as women in the party,” James said. “Bringing more diversity into the room of the Democratic Party, making things more equitable … but the emerging understanding is that we all need each other.”

Firetruck sideswipes school bus

Minor bus damage, no injuries

Owen MacMillan

The Community Guide

A Vermilion fire engine headed to the scene of a fire last week struck and damaged a Vermilion Schools bus carrying more than 30 students, but no injuries were reported.

The Vermilion Fire Department engine, driven by firefighter Dominic Stratford, attempted to pass the school bus as it stood stationary in front of the railroad crossing on Douglas Street on Friday, May 24.

The engine attempted to overtake the stationary bus on the left, but struck and damaged the front driver’s side of the school bus at about 11:30 a.m.

According to an accident report from the Vermilion Police Department, the incident was a sideswipe caused by “improper passing.” The report also said that the engine was traveling only 5 mph when the crash occurred.

said with a laugh.

“Each one of you is unique and I ask you to be brave enough to follow your dreams,” he said.

Levy hoped her classmates left an impact on the community around them, while growing as individuals.

She was reminded of a day last fall when the class was tempted with a block of newly poured, wet concrete.

After initially joking about writing their names in the block — and being told not to by a teacher — they were soon each smudging their names in the concrete, a way to be remembered by future classes.

“I am beyond excited to see what the future holds for each of us,” she said.

Lorain County Joint Vocational School speaker Marianna Frank said when she first arrived at the Joint Vocational School her freshman year, she questioned what she had gotten herself into at the sight of her new classmates’ cowboy boots covered in dirt and oil.

“Thanks to the JVS I can confidently answer the huge question that all students are asked: What on Earth are you doing after graduation?” she said, an STNA and phlebotomist license already under her belt. “Without JVS, I would be miles away from my goal of becoming a registered nurse and I would still be lost.”

Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.

Fire Chief William Brown said his department regretted the incident and that Stratford “will be the first to tell you it was his fault.”

“He knew it was tight, he made a judgment call (and) thought he could make it,” Brown said. “On the lefthand side of him was a very deep ditch where the road is actually falling away, so he was making sure not to hit that and they caught mirrors.”

Police Chief Chris Hartung said that his department was not informed of the crash until the engine had arrived at the fire scene, when a member of the fire department reported the crash to a police officer at the scene.

According to a passenger list included with the report, which Hartung said was provided by Vermilion Schools, the school bus was carrying 34 students and three staff members.

No injuries were reported by anyone in either vehicle.

Brown said that the mirrors of the two vehicles were all that collided. He said the bus’s mirror was broken but there was no discernible damage to the fire engine.

“The district was able to replace the glass and the bus was back in service the same day,” Brown said.

Stratford was not cited by police.

Brown said that the department does “quite a bit” of driver training throughout the year, but he would be instituting more and would have a focus on handling school buses.

Contact Owen MacMillan at (440) 329-7123 or omacmillan@chroniclet.com.

Charles Zacharias

Carissa Woytach

The Community Guide

LORAIN — The thirdgeneration owner of Fligner’s Market has died.

Kel Fligner, 84, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, his son, Ben Fligner, said Monday.

The elder Fligner worked at the family namesake’s market for more than 70 years and expanded it to include fresh meat when he took ownership in the early 1960s.

“I don’t think you’ll find anyone who gave back more to the community than he did,” Ben Fligner said.

“He really … tried to help out as many people as he can — giving them jobs, getting them out of situations they were in or just trying to help people move forward in the next stage of their lives.”

Known to offer people their first jobs, or a fresh start, Kel Fligner enjoyed watching his employees get married and start careers, Ben Fligner said.

“He treated the market like a harvest of goodwill in the community,” Ben Fligner said.

Most of all, Kel Fligner had been looking forward to the store’s 100th anniversary on June 22, his son said. “This whole thing was really about him,” Ben Fligner said of the upcoming anniversary celebration.

Kel Fligner’s grandfather and father, Harry and Morris Fligner, opened the Lorain Cut-Rate Fruit Company in 1924; its name changed to Fligner’s Market in the early 1940s. At just 13, Kel started working in the store and eventually became a partner in the market in the early 1960s.

After graduating from Lorain High with the Class of 1957B, Kel Fligner dipped his toes into teaching, Ben Fligner said, but always came back to his family’s Broadway storefront and soon focused his energy there full time.

Once Kel Fligner took the reins, the market added its iconic 73-foot-long meat counter and expanded the

space. Ben Fligner remembered his father closing the store on Wednesdays to deliver meals to the Coast Guard stations across the state; or offering customers down on their luck a pound of bologna, a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk to get them on their feet.

It was a trait Kel Fligner learned from his grandparents, who had kept the store running during the Great Depression. When people were losing everything, Morris Fligner was left with deeds to houses throughout Lorain in exchange for market items. As World War II drew to a close, Morris Fligner returned those deeds rather than profiting off the community’s misery, Ben Fligner said.

“I think that really (resonated) with my dad back in the day and that’s why he was always trying to help out everybody,” Ben Fligner said. “You don’t profit off somebody else’s misery.”

Kel Fligner was at the store Saturday, Ben Fligner said, talking to customers just like he always did — despite reportedly retiring

in 2017.

While Kel Fligner was not much of a cook himself, his son said, he would happily give out family recipes that he remembered his mother and grandmother making when he was growing up.

Even his hobbies revolved around the store, his son said, with time spent driving to other locally owned grocers to see what they were doing.

“The store was his No. 1 love in life,” Ben Fligner said. “… He had such a passion for the business.”

In 2014, the Ohio Grocers Association named Fligner’s Market the best in the state with its Pinnacle Award — a crown jewel for Kel Fligner’s supermarket career, his son said. Kel Fligner was an active member of the association, Ben Fligner said.

The family plans to set up a memorial scholarship for Lorain County Community College students in Kel Fligner’s honor. Kel Fligner served on the college’s board of trustees from 1987 to 1992.

Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 3297245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.

the woman voluntarily went with medical personnel to the hospital for care.

Saturday, May 11 4:46 p.m. — Cooper Foster Park Road, traffic stop; driver was taken into custody on an active warrant and released to Ohio Highway Patrol.

Lorain County Sheriff’s Office resumed custody of the juvenile.

8:06 p.m. — Coopers Run, internet fraud reported.

8:44 p.m. — 799 N. Leavitt Road, theft reported at Sheetz. Corey Newark, 20, of Amherst, issued a summons and two misdemeanor complaints of theft and underage possession of alcohol, both misdemeanors.

10:09 p.m. — 500 block Jackson Street, dispute; parties were separated for the evening.

Thursday, May 9 6:23 p.m. — South Main Street, fraudulent bank activity and missing checks reported; the incident is under investigation.

7:30 p.m. — state Route 58, traffic stop; driver taken into custody on an active warrant and taken to Lorain County Jail pending pickup from Cleveland police. 9:45 p.m. — Sands Avenue, hitskip accident. Justin Wilde, 24, of Amherst, charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, failure to stop after an accident and failure to control, all misdemeanors.

Friday, May 10

12:09 a.m. — Cooper Foster Park Road, report of a suicidal female; rendered assistance and

Sunday, May 12 1:51 a.m. — 100 block Park Avenue, a group of people was seen littering and five people, ages 20, 19, and 18, were issued summonses for disorderly conduct. No time given — 155 N. Leavitt Road, a man reported his wallet was stolen from his vehicle while he was at work inside O’Reilly Auto Parts and his credit cards were used at a nearby business. An investigation identified a suspect and charges are being forwarded to a grand jury for review.

Monday, May 13 1:33 p.m. — police department, a complainant at a local car wash reported a menacing complaint; the suspect was contacted, told of the complaint and told not to return to the business.

Tuesday, May 14 2:38 p.m. — 7580 Leavitt Road, a customer at Sunoco was experiencing a medical emergency and police and medical personnel were called in to provide assistance; the person was taken to the hospital.

8:33 p.m. — 700 N. Leavitt Road, accident reported at Bob Evans restaurant. See AMHERST POLICE, A4

Underground railroad house gets Park Service grant

Christina Jolliffe The Community Guide OBERLIN — Changes are happening at 33 E. Vine St. this summer. Residents already may have heard the buzzing of saws and pounding of nails thanks to a $740,000 award from the National Park Service to continue work on the rehabilitation of the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society. “What a gift,” said Carol Lasser, professor emeritus of history at Oberlin College, who serves as the executive director of the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society. “We are thrilled. The NPS funds are limited, so we were not expecting this.”

health crisis; she was taken to the hospital for assistance. Sunday, May 19 8:09 p.m. — Kresge Drive; traffic stop; driver taken into custody on an active warrant and released to Elyria police.

8:26 p.m. — North Leavitt Road, menacing complaints regarding text messages between juveniles; all parties were contacted and advised not to contact each other anymore. 10:35 p.m. — 100 block Milan Avenue, disturbance reported; determined not to be physical and the parties were separated for the evening.

11:07 p.m. — state Route 58, traffic stop; Amanda Hamilton was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and turning at intersections.

Tuesday, May 21 4:11 p.m. — state Route 2, traffic stop; citation issued for speeding.

5:57 p.m. — state Route 2, traffic stop; citation issued for speeding.

7:40 p.m. — 700 Lincoln St., police were called for a trespassing violation and harassment complaint; while investigating the complaint, a neighbor requested charges be filed for a protection order violation. An investigation was conducted and a report will be forwarded to the city prosecutor for possible charges.

Thursday, May 23 2:22 a.m. — 200 block Jackson St., unwanted person reported; the person left voluntarily.

5:29 p.m. — police department, a man reported an ongoing civil dispute with ex-members of his band. The man said he was advised by his attorney to file a police report about it.

— Cooper Foster Park Road, officers were called to assist a woman in a mental

5:57 p.m. — police department, a man turned himself in for a bench warrant for violating a protection order.

The historical society applied for the grant more than six months ago.

“This award really allows us to do this rehabilitation,” Lasser said.

Built before the Civil War, the Evans HHS honors the legacy of Wilson Bruce Evans (1824-1898), Sarah Jane Leary Evans (18291898) and their descendants

Friday, May 24 7:41 p.m. — 400 block N. Leavitt Road, police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel were called to assist an unresponsive elderly male; he was taken to the hospital.

9:39 p.m. — 500 block Golden Russett Blvd., traffic stop; citation issued for following too closely.

Saturday, May 25

6:20 p.m. — Elyria Avenue, Thomas Tansey, 50, of Amherst, charged with domestic violence, obstructing official business, railroad trespass, all misdemeanors, and disrupting public service, a fourth-degree felony.

Sunday, May 26 1:51 a.m. — 799 N. Leavitt Road, large disturbance reported at Sheetz; Alyssa McNally, 32, of Kipton, Malaya Simmons-Watkins, 25, of Lorain, and Amber Abbe, 31, of Oberlin, all were charged with disorderly conduct. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

2:30 a.m. — officers witnessed a woman leaving Cedar Pub at 200 Park Ave. with an alcoholic beverage. They called to her but she quickly turned the corner while they jogged to catch up with her. They found her and located the discarded can. She denied it was hers, but they told her if they had caught up to her they would have simply advised her to pour it out, but now they issued her a citation for open container.

2:25 p.m. — Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, police picked up a patient being discharged from the hospital with an active warrant from Amherst to be taken to Lorain County Jail.

7:22 p.m. — Cooper Foster Park Road, report of a woman walking in the road without any shoes while a white Land Rover followed; it was determined to be an argument between two parties and they were separated for the night.

LARGEST SELECTION OF SHOES and INSERTS

and has a connection to the Underground Railroad and the long struggle for racial equality.

“There are lots of ways it connects to important pieces of African American history,” Lasser said.

The historical society is finishing up stage one of the project by taking off the porch that was added in 1927 and making repairs outside the house, such as completing reconstruction of the 1880s porch.

This latest grant will allow for the rehabilitation of the rear wing as well as foundation and facade work.

“The rear wing will be rehabilitated to serve our education wing, where we will have classes, films and exhibits,” Lasser said. “The historic rooms will remain intact with some technological upgrade to help tell the story of the house.”

Additionally, an ADAcompliant entryway and restroom will be added.

Even with the most recent funding, the project will need money to move on to the third phase, which

will be an outdoor interpretive campus.

“The house is about more than the Oberlin-Wellington rescue and its ties to the Underground Railroad,” Lasser said.

“It’s about the long struggle for racial justice in the neighborhood, community and country. We will use the landscape, signage and amenities to tell this amazing story of the Black struggle, resistance and resilience.”

Lasser admits the historical society and its board have “big dreams” for phase three.

“We want to have a play area with a Henry Box Brown box and a picnic pavilion that can be used as a stage with the natural amphitheater in the back of the house. We hope to have solar panels on the roof of the pavilion as well.” The board is heavily planning for the third phase, she said.

George Jones farm back in action through City Fresh collaboration

The Community Guide

OBERLIN — Progress is sprouting this summer at George Jones Farm in Oberlin, starting with the unveiling of City Fresh’s allelectric local veggie delivery vehicle and an open house for the farm’s new farmers.

City Fresh, a farm box program working to boost food access in Northeast Ohio while building community and supporting local farmers, operates out of George Jones Farm in partnership with Oberlin College and Lorain County Community College.

A food study partnership grant has Oberlin College, which has a food study concentration, and LCCC, which has a sustainable agriculture focus, working together for food justice and seeing the Oberlin College-owned farm being toiled.

“The land was not farmed last year,” said Anna Kiss Mauser-Martinez, executive director of City Fresh. “This grant is an opportunity to use the resources we have to support the work both colleges are doing and get around hurdles new farmers face in order to build a more sustainable food system.”

The average age of a farmer in America is 60. Access to land and the expense of that land are barriers to new farmers trying to get started, according to Kiss.

“As a result of this grant, we have five new farmers, all women, who each receive shared space, resources, land, tools and a $1,500 stipend to purchase anything they may need to get to work making food available to the most vulnerable,” Kiss said.

Applications for farming at George Jones opened in January, with selections announced in February. Work began in March.

Each farmer has a different project. Archers of Arcadia is a native plant nursery.

Octavia’s Garden & Farm, Black Stag Farm, and Staci grow vegetables using sustainable agriculture practices and Cleveland Tea Revival focuses on herbs and flowers.

“They grow what they want and then sell it at market,” Kiss said.

“City Fresh is able to help through its wholesale connections.”

City Fresh has a new delivery van.

In 2020, City Fresh was awarded $110,000 to decommission its diesel delivery vehicle in favor of an allelectric one. That vehicle, a Motiv Power Systems sixth-generation all-electric step van, is now ready to hit the road.

“Currently, we drive about 19,000 miles per year using 3,000 gallons of diesel,” Kiss said.

“We will be able to cut our carbon emissions by 73 percent with this new van.”

City Fresh, which was

started by an Oberlin College student in 2005, delivers farm fresh fruit and vegetables throughout Lorain and Cuyahoga counties, making 16 stops to underserved areas and supporting a half-dozen farmers in the process. Produce is ordered at cityfresh.org and delivered to various community locations, such as libraries and churches, in underserved areas. Cost varies.

“We will be growing George Jones,” Kiss said. “Friday will be an opportunity to see all we’ve done. We will have a lot of native plants for sale from Archers and a lot of starter plants, too.

“Come check out the leanest, greenest veggie machine, walk around and see what we’re doing.”

Money from the plant sale goes right back to the farmers.

Additionally, City Fresh has a matching fundraiser going on now with the opportunity to earn $2,500 from a private donor.

For more information about City Fresh, to order shares, to volunteer or to donate, visit cityfresh.org. Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@ chroniclet.com.

Steering Committee

JUNE 11, 2024

JUNE 12, 2024

Christina Jolliffe

David Pilger, of Sheffield Lake, seated, receives a blessing Saturday from Pastor Dan Johnson, far right, for his 1959 Edsel “Daisy” as part of the Hungarian Reformed Church’s annual Blessing of the Fleet.

HOT RODS, LEAD SLEDS AND COOL CHROME

Blessing of Fleet annual tradition that draws classic cars

LORAIN — Dozens of classic cars and a few motorcycles lined up Saturday for the Hungarian Reformed Church’s sixth annual Blessing of the Fleet. Visiting pastors Jimmy Madsen and Dan Johnson went vehicle by vehicle praying for the driver’s safety.

The tradition dates, informally, back about 20 years, Men’s Brotherhood President and church Vice Elder Greg Smith said. Smith said it started with only motorcycles, thanks to then-Pastor Peter Toth’s enthusiasm for them and grew from there.

About seven years ago, the Men’s Brotherhood began working with Styler’s Car Club to co-sponsor the event. Smith said the annual cruise-in and blessing also promotes the church’s continued existence, 123 years after its founding in South Lorain.

David Pilger, of Sheffield Lake, brought his bright yellow 1959 Ford Edsel (named Daisy by his children) which he bought in 1968, to the Blessing, just as he has every year he has been able. Fewer than 6,000 remain, he said.

John Benson The Community Guide

Nearly two decades after its debut, “In The Heights” is still “Que calor!” Just ask director James Vásquez, who is directing the Cleveland Play House’s upcoming production appearing through Sunday at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre.

In fact, this is the fourth time in seven years the Southern California native has helmed Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Awardwinning en fuego musical.

Wellington hires 2 new principals

The Community Guide WELLINGTON — The Wellington Exempted Village School District has hired two new principals.

Shyla Urban will be at Wellington High School and Kimberley Milks will be at Westwood Elementary School.

Both begin Aug. 1.

and owners

Huron, await a blessing for Newsome’s 1953 Pontiac.

chance to see ‘In The Heights’ IF YOU GO WHAT: Cleveland Play House presents “In The Heights” WHEN: through Sunday WHERE: Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland TICKETS: $35 to $95 INFO: (216) 241-6000 or clevelandplayhouse. com

“First and foremost, this music just draws you in and brings life,” he said. “Also, it’s a story about legacy, it’s a story about family and it’s a story about community. And every time I’ve had the chance to do it, I find something new. As I get older, I understand the idea of legacy and generation a little more. The story gets deeper and the story gets

more personal.”

The popular musical explores the once vibrant community of New York’s Washington Heights, which is a neighborhood with a changing demographic, increasing housing costs and building racial tensions.

The award-winning score examines what it takes to make a living, the cost of having a dream and how to move forward without forgetting your past.

“Everybody has a community, everybody has a family, everybody has hopes and dreams,” he said.

“We all had an abuela or a grandmother or a family leader who we’ve lost.

“We’ve all had hopes and dreams that we’ve had to struggle to fight for. We all have that goofy cousin who drives us up the wall that we love. Though the faces may look a little different, we know those people. We all have that family, we all

have that neighborhood.”

“In the Heights” is one of those unique shows — there was also a 2021 feature film — that despite the fact it’s close to 20 years old still is gaining new audiences thanks to the fact Miranda fans are interested in seeing what preceded his smash Broadway hit “Hamilton.”

“There’s a whole new generation that is now embracing it,” he said.

“For those of us who loved

it back then, how great to revisit these themes of authenticity and finding your place in the world. Those never go away.”

Vásquez, who noted he had the good fortune of meeting Miranda while he was in New York City casting for a Dallas production of “In the Heights,” said he’s excited for audiences to see the upcoming Cleveland Play House production.

In fact, he has homework for them after the show.

“I always like to talk about the Act 3 of a show, the one that the cast is not a part of, that I’m not a part of,” he said. “Hopefully we’ve inspired the audience on the car ride home to continue the conversation and create their own Act 3.

“What are they going to do with it now that they’ve seen the story? I hope we move them, I hope we give them hope.”

Urban comes to Wellington from Wickliffe High School, where she served as principal for five years. Before that, whe was assistant principal in Garfield Heights for two years. Milks has a background in teaching and leadership development.

into sending $1,000 to someone posing as a deputy sheriff. The incident was under investigation. 4:02 p.m. — North Mill Street, theft. A resident reported the theft of a delivered package containing three iPhone 15 cellphones worth a total of $3,600. The incident was under investigation. Friday, March 29 10:34 a.m. — Apples Market, East Herrick Avenue, fraud. Cynthia Schoenberger, 32, of Union Street, was cited with passing bad checks, a misdemeanor. Schoenberger reportedly bought $153.34 worth of groceries and asked for $20 cash back, for a total of $173.34. She paid with a check that was later returned for insufficient funds, and a return fee was added on to the cost for a total of $199.34 loss to the store. Schoenberger reportedly told a store employee she would pay the total by March 25 but

Outgoing principal Donna Keena will begin a new role as curriculum director, a newly established administrative position. For more information about Wellington Exempted Village School District, please visit wellingtonvillageschools.org.

Carissa Woytach The Community Guide

CARISSA WOYTACH / COMMUNITY GUIDE PHOTOS

Dave Newsome and Randy Jones, both from

Joe and Donna Suerth, of LaGrange, receive a blessing for their 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air from Pastor Jimmy Madsen.

Urban Milks

History for Hudson

Oberlin’s Evan Hudson repeats with 400 title; sister, sophomore Olivia also wins the 400

Paul Heyse

The Community Guide

DAYTON — Evan Hudson got a little mad. Then he settled down and took care of business Friday at the Division III state track and field meet at Welcome Stadium.

The Oberlin senior successfully defended his 400-meter championship as he clocked 47.97 seconds to defeat North Adams senior Cody Hessler (48.99). Hudson is the first in Lorain County history to repeat as state champion in the 400. The feat didn’t come without adversity.

Hudson wanted to sweep the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes, but those hopes were dashed.

“It feels great,” said Hudson. “I really wanted to get all three. Losing the 100 motivated me to go get the other two. The guy that beat me in the 100 was a little bit to the outside of me (in the 200) so I just decided to

go get him. I didn’t run the time I wanted to run today, but at the end of the day it’s about where you are on the podium.

“I wanted to go for the state record, but at the end of the day I repeated my title and I’m very happy and grateful for that.” Hudson was second in the 200 (22.10) last year and 12th in the 100 (11.18). Jay (Jehu) Anderson was Oberlin’s last three-time state track champion. He won the 100 in 1997 and ’98 and the 200 in ‘98.

“It takes a little bit to set in,” Hudson said. “I won, but it takes a little while until it totally kicks in, like ‘oh, state champion.’”

He got a little inspiration along the way.

Evan’s sister, Olivia, a sophomore, won the girls 400 meters just prior to his 400 championship. She clocked a personal-record 56.38 to defeat Fairlawn senior Addison Swearin-

gen (56.69) and Smithville senior Maddy Lengacher (56.82).

Evan and Olivia swept Division II-III 400 state indoor titles in March.

“I’m going to be very grateful with what I was able to accomplish,” said Evan. “Looking at her and seeing what she can accomplish is great for me.

“For indoor track we did it, too.

“She runs right before me. I’m like, she wins, that means I’ve got to win. I can’t let her win and me not win. We push each other. It’s great we’re both able to go out there and do it.”

Olivia is the Oberlin girls’ first state champion since 1985 when Marnele Jackson won the 100 and 200. Jackson also anchored the winning 400 relay in 1985 that included Vetta Alston, Crystale Tolbert and Dawn Ross.

“That was a lot of motivation for my race was to

win it so we could both be 400-meter state champs,” said Olivia. “I’m glad the indoor 400, but it feels better winning the outdoor 400. I felt like that I needed to go out there and do what I could.”

Olivia was seeded No. 2 (57.91) in the 400 final behind Swearingen (57.79) after Thursday’s prelims.

“The difference was just running my race,” said Olivia. “I didn’t go out too fast. It was about running my race and running it how I wanted.”

Olivia earned two other All-Ohio honors (top eight). She teamed with Aubrey Abeyta, Melody Cyrus and Alyssa Webb for a fourth (1:44.09) in the 800 relay.

Olivia added a sixth in the 200 (25.97).

Wellington boys, Baron Turner, Dulse Diaz-Gomez, Joe Fox and Spencer Brasee also came through huge in Friday’s final, finishing fourth (3:26.65).

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Comets, Rangers, Falcons, ’Cats rule

Shaun Bennett

The Community Guide

Amherst and North Ridgeville were the only softball programs from Lorain County to win district championships this season so it was no surprise Comets and Rangers were littered all over the All-Lorain County softball lists.

And Amherst’s Lacey Reichert and North Ridgeville’s Amy McMillan were the Division I CoCoaches of the Year.

McMillan took over the program three years ago and has been named the county’s top coach the past three years.

Keystone, like the Falcons, swept its division’s awards.

The Wildcats’ Brooklyn Modock was named the Divisions III-IV Pitcher of the Year, Hannah Gurich was named the Player of the Year and Gina Gibson was named the Coach of the Year.

“It makes me so happy that (the sweep) shows how much work Keystone puts in to keep this tradition rolling and how much work we put in for each other,” Gurich said.

It was Gurich’s third straight first-team selection and she was named the Division II Player of the Year in 2022. .

A trio of seniors — Keystone’s Jalyn Owca and Black River teammates Lilly Stief and Jordan Bradford —were named to the All-Lorain County first team for the fourth straight season.

TRACKING WELLINGTON CHAMPS

The Wellington Dukes Boys 4×400 relay team, from left, Spencer Brasee, Baron Turner, Joe Fox and Dulse Diaz Gomez, competed in the OHSAA state finals on Friday in Dayton. The team finished an outstanding 4th place and broke their previous school record with a 3:26 time This is the first time since 2005 that Wellington has placed in the top 8 at track and this is the first time a boys relay team has ever podiumed at Wellington.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

AARON JOSEFCZYK / COMMUNITY GUIDE

Oberlin’s Evan Hudson reacts as he crosses the finish line to win the 400 meters at state.

Oberlin’s Olivia Hudson pushes

Joyce Stallard, a senior, No. 173, at left, is heading to Ashland University in the fall to compete on their track and field team. Stallard was

Taste history in Amherst Taste of History, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14 and June 15 at Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave., Amherst. A unique military living history event focusing on the food and rations that fed soldiers across all eras. Sample military chow through the ages available for donation. Military displays, shooting demonstrations, home front and camp follower displays, kids’ activities, vendors and more. Free shuttle and parking at Amherst Junior High School, 548 Milan Ave., Amherst. Registration to be a reenactor or a field kitchen for the event is free. Vendor registration is $50. Registration is available at https://www. mhpg.us/tasteofhistory. For more information, please contact the Amherst Historical Society (440) 988-7255 or office@amhersthistoricalsociety.org.

UCC making stuffed cabbage

Hungarian cabbage roll sale, 9 a.m. to noon, Friday and Saturday at Community of Faith UCC, 9715 East River Road, Elyria. Cost is $15 per uncooked dozen. Orders accepted through May 24 by calling (440)309-6828 or the church office at (440)322-3781. Please specify pick up date when placing your order.

Sports Foundation fundraiser June 18 T3 Sports Foundation fundraiser, gates open at 6 p.m., first pitch at 7:05 p.m. June 18 at the Lake Erie Crushers Stadium, 2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon. Tickets are $13 each. Proceeds benefit athletes in need as a portion of ticket sales and 50/50 Raffle proceeds will go directly to the T3 Sports Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at fevo-enterprise.com/event/T3Foundation.

The Ohio Genealogy Society, Lorain County Chapter, will present a program called “Have you Written your Story?” online on June 10 at 7 pm.

Write the story of your own genealogy

The Ohio Genealogy Society, Lorain County Chapter, will present a program called “Have you Written your Story?” online on Monday at 7 pm.

Margaret Cheney, Chapter president, will guide us through the steps of writing your unique story as a legacy of our descendants.

We all have a story to tell and with modern technology it makes it that much easier to do.

This virtual presentation is free and open to the public. To join, request a link by emailing meetings@loraincoogs.org and ask to be added to the list.

Amherst library invites kids’ stories

Desperately needed: Junior scribes to go on an adventure with the staff of the Amherst Public Library as it launches the summer short story contest.

Children, tweens and teens are invited to write a short story that includes an adventure, a hot air balloon, slime, and the author’s favorite library book character. Staff will choose five favorites to be featured on social media and win a prize. Stories can be typed, handwritten or transcribed by a grown-up.

responder, acr. 9. Meme dance moves

Below, prefix

Swimmer’s distance

Grazing spot

Stressful or unnerving

*Clint Eastwood’s “Space

21. *First U.S. space station

23. Salty dog’s domain

24. Fail to mention

25. Spermatozoa counterpart

28. Ukrainian person, e.g.

30. State of submission

35. Network of nerves

37. Muscle or strength

39. ____ Mara, Africa

40. Shapeless form

41. Cliffside dwelling

43. *Saturn’s environs, sing.

44. Poetic feet

46. Darn a sock, e.g.

47. Per person

48. Rendezvouses

50. Mine entrance

52. After-tax amount

53. Litter’s littlest

55. French vineyard

57. *Sun’s outer layer, not beer brand

60. *Second S in ISS

64. Ancient Celtic priest

65. Sun kiss

67. “Mea ____,” or “my fault”

68. *”From the Earth to the Moon” author

69. In the past

70. Judge 71. Education station

72. Order’s partner

73. Food between meals

1. Reduced Instruction Set

“I’m ____ you!” 3. Not many (2 words) 4. Dungeness and snow, e.g.

5. *Circles of light around sun and moon 6. 90-degree pipes, e.g.

*____ Jamison, the first Afri-

BULLETIN BOARD

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 style,

Bonus points will be awarded for illustrations.

Entries should be turned in at the second-floor information desk by 8:30 p.m. July 24. Winners will be chosen July 31.

Adventure is the theme of its summer reading program’s kickoff party from 4-6 p.m. Monday on the library’s front lawn. Drop in to run an inflatable obstacle course, spin to win fun library swag, enjoy a sweet treat and start your summer reading adventure.

The library is at 221 Spring St. For information, visit amherst.lib.oh.us or call (440) 988-4230.

County food pantry needs donations

The Lorain County Office on Aging is asking residents for help as its food pantry runs low on supplies, according to a release.

“Our shelves are much depleted as donations have slowed down,” the release on Friday said. “We are currently looking for more food and personal care items.”

The office said it will accept “almost any” food or personal care items, but that there are a few items in particular it needs most.

The most-requested items are:

- Pineapple - Pudding

- Cake mix

- Soup

- Laundry detergent

- Pancake syrup

- Dish soap

- Peanut butter

- Tuna - Bleach

- Shampoo

- Cereal

Clients of the office’s food pantry are mostly elderly and living alone so smaller items are better than family or value-sized food items that can go stale.

All donations can be dropped off at the Lorain County Office on Aging, 534 Abbe Road S., Elyria from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, call (440) 326-4800.

EHS class of 1969 to hold reunion

The Elyria High School Class of 1969 will host its 55th class reunion at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at Greyhawk Golf Club/The Nest, 665 U.S. Grant St., LaGrange. Reservations are $25 per person and are due by July 15. Make checks payable to Harry Tulk and mail to 240 Stanford Ave., Elyria, Ohio 44035.

woman in space

Jousting pole

*____-year

Boys and Girls Clubs faces $3M budget gap

Federal

The Community Guide Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio faces a $3 million budget gap due to the nonrenewal of federal funds. According to a news release from the nonprofit, the organization may be forced to cut back its services if the gap cannot be filled, which could mean closing clubs.

Director of Communications Ken Wood said in an email the organization lost $2.5 million in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds previously allocated to the state through the Ohio Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, and another $500,000 in federal passthrough funds it expected from local school systems.

There has been a reduction or elimination in after-school programs in Lorain Schools and Cleveland Schools, according to a news release.

BGCNEO operates 49 clubs in six counties in Northeast Ohio; including 38 clubs in schools in Lorain and Cleveland Schools.

The organization has

launched a corporate campaign and is seeking state and local funding before the 202425 school year.

“We are facing a difficult challenge, one that could have life-altering consequences for some of our most vulnerable children,” CEO Allen Smith said in the release. “Families across Northeast Ohio count on us to provide a safe place for their children at no cost. The prospect of having to close even one club, let alone several, is disconcerting. We continue to hope the community will rally behind our kids.”

According to the release, Boys and Girls Clubs typically reduce the number of clubs open in the summer by consolidating nearby sites; but the budget gap could result in some of those clubs not reopening this fall.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio was formed in 2019 by a merger of the clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky, making it one of the largest clubs in the Midwest.

Ex-LaGrange fire chief agrees to pay back city

The Community Guide

Former LaGrange Township Fire Chief James Rader has come to an agreement with his former employers at the township to pay back more than $23,000 in wages he was improperly paid while working there.

In an agreement signed by Rader and approved Monday night at a meeting of the LaGrange Township Board of Trustees, the former chief and the township agreed to the following:

- Rader will pay $23,023.72 in wages “for which a corresponding time sheet was not available” or for which he was paid when the work already was covered by his salary.

- Rader will pay back the money in a single lump sum within 30 days of the agreement, which is dated May 23.

Township Trustee Rita Canfield referred a reporter’s questions to the township’s attorney. Messages seeking comment also were left Tuesday for her fellow LaGrange Township trustees, Gary Burnett and

Roger Kuhl. According to a copy of the agreement reviewed by The Chronicle-Telegram, a settlement was reached “in lieu of the expense and time involved in further legal proceedings” including any findings for recovery by the state Auditor’s Office, which investigated allegations Rader had been padding his time card. Rader retains his rights to file for Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation benefits from any jobrelated illnesses allegedly caused by his employment, according to the agreement. If the state Auditor’s Office makes any findings for recovery in the township’s subsequent audit that aren’t covered beyond the $23,023.72 overpayment, the township may take action to recover that from Rader, according to the agreement.

As part of the repayment agreement, Rader also acknowledged he had turned over all township property and public records still in his possession.

Model-builder’s purchase

Gorge oneself

*Planet’s path

Type of consonant

Skeleton, archaic

Attention-getting interjection

Like pink steak

Of the Orient

Whytakea banana to the beach? At the beach, abanana canbemorethan asnack.Itcan teach youabout agroup of animals called echinoderms!

Echinoderms areagroup of animals that liveon the ocean oor.Some examples of echinoderms include sea stars (star sh), sea urchins and sea cucumbers

Banana and aSea Star

Peel abanana.Carefully split abanana peel into five fairlyequal strips. Leavethemconnected at oneend.

Lay your banana peelout flat, and youhave thedesign of asea star

Where do echinoderms live?

Many echinoderms live in tide pools.Tide pools are pools thatare leftbehind when the oceanmoves away from theshore at low tide. Each timethe tide returns, the tide poolsare covered with water,and new plants and animalscan get it.You can visit thesametide pool andsee something different each time!

Banana and aSea Urchin

Pull the tipsofyourbananapeel and hold them together on both ends.

Imaginethe empty spaces arefilled in and that thewhole thing is covered with spines

What do you have? Asea urchin!

What’s in aname?

Banana and aSea Cucumber

Turn your banana “urchin” on itssideand stretchitout. Younow have abanana peel sea cucumber!

Howmany di erences canyou nd between the twotide

Walking on Tube Feet

Echinodermsdon’t have legsorfeet. Howdothey movefromone place to another?

They have hundreds of tiny tube feet on the underside of theirbodie Tube feetare liketiny suction cup hat helpthe echinodermsgrip onto surfaces and move. They can mov he landand up and downrocky

What’s inside a mermaid’s purse? Sometimes

sea cucumber sea urchin

sea star

©2024byVickiWhiting,Editor Je Schinkel,Graphics Vol. 40,No. 27