Lorain County Community Guide - June 6, 2019

COMMUNITY GUIDE

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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES

Thursday, June 6, 2019

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OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE

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WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 6, Issue 23

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT

BULLETIN BOARD Thursday, June 6 • AMHERST: Commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 at the Amherst Public Library.

Janet Bird of the Lorain County Historical Society will speak on the invasion of Normandy, which was the turning point in World War II. She will share museum artifacts that illustrate what was happening at home and abroad from December 1941 to August 1945. Attendees are encouraged to take any World War II artifacts they would like to share.

• WELLINGTON: The Praisemen will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 at First Baptist Church, 125 Grand Ave. Hailing from Maranatha Baptist University in Wisconsin, the five-member men’s group is on a 12-week summer tour through 12 states.

The group will minster in churches and Christian schools, using vocal and trumpet music and preaching to challenge both teens and adults spiritually and to promote the university.

The concert is open to the public.

For more information, call 440-647-2477 on weekday mornings or visit www.firstbaptistwellington.org.

• OBERLIN: “Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Tips: Be Your Own Best Advocate” will be presented at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

Breast surgeon oncologist Mita Patel, medical director of the breast program at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital, will speak.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Friday, June 7 • AMHERST: A toddler playtime will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7 at the Amherst Public Library.

Toddlers and their caregivers can drop in for fun in the children’s storytime area.

• OBERLIN: Al Carroll will present “Nuclear Negotiations: Back to the Future” at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

This program is part of Kendal’s News and Views series. There is no registration or fee. All are welcome.

June 7 and 8

• AMHERST: A rummage and bake sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 7 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at BULLETIN BOARD PAGE A3

Classifieds, legals, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-7751611

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Display advertising Mandy Saluk 937-564-8005 mandy@lcnews papers.com News staff Jason Hawk Jonathan Delozier Submit news to news@lcnews papers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. each Tuesday Visit us online lcnewspapers.com

YOUR HEALTH Daniel Sone | National Institutes of Health

Overweight? Smoker? Depressed? You're not alone JASON HAWK EDITOR

Too many Lorain County residents are without health coverage, while at the same time a staggering number are dealing with depression, weight, and addiction.

Those are the key findings of a sweeping study by Lorain County Public Health, which every five years completes a community health assessment.

The agency collected a huge amount of data throughout 2018 via anonymous surveys, census numbers, hospital discharge statistics, and other health sources.

“The Lorain County health partners and other community organizations use this data to plan programs, start initiatives, and apply for grants,” said David Covell, commission at LCPH. Findings were released May 23 at the Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College.

The surveys showed that almost exactly half of Lorain County adults feel their health is excellent or very good, while by contrast 11 percent described it as fair or poor.

They also revealed a number of issues that need to be addressed.

Representatives from a number of area agencies and health care

businesses identified access to care, obesity, infant mortality, drug use, and mental health as priorities.

Here are some highlights from the 157-page report: QUALITY OF LIFE • 38 percent of Lorain County adults were limited in 2018 due to a physical, mental, or emotional problem.

• 49 percent said they were limited by back and neck issues.

• 40 percent were limited by arthritis.

• 29 percent were limited by chronic pain.

• 26 percent had walking problems.

• 22 percent were limited by stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues.

• 7 percent of adults were abused in the prior year.

• 60 percent of parents discussed bullying with their 12- to 17-year-olds in the past year.

ACCESS TO CARE • 10 percent of adults in Lorain County have no health care coverage. Adults under age 30 are the largest demographic at 26 percent.

• 15 percent of adults have no primary care physician, which is down from 18 percent in 2015.

• 71 percent have had a routine checkup in the past year.

• 55 percent of women over the

age of 40 reported having a mammogram in the prior year.

• 58 percent of women ages 19 and up had a clinical breast exam.

• 36 percent had a pap smear to detect cancer of the cervix.

• 46 percent of men over the age of 50 had a prostate-specific antigen test.

• 7 percent of men survived a heart attack.

• 40 percent had been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

• 40 percent of men had high blood cholesterol.

• 69 percent of adults in Lorain County had visited a dentist or dental clinic in the prior year but that number dropped to 47 percent among those who make less than $25,000 per year. Nearly a third said cost was the reason they didn't go to the dentist.

INFANT MORTALITY • Lorain County had six infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018, up from 5.9 in 2015. While that number is below the Ohio rate, experts say reducing infant deaths is of course a priority.

WEIGHT AND OBESITY • 70 percent of adults in Lorain County are overweight or obese, up slightly from 69 percent in 2015.

• 38 percent of men and women are obese.

YOUR HEALTH PAGE A2

INSIDE Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Firelands graduates take center stage

OHS grads overcame hurdles on way to success

Follow-up: Train crash caused diesel leak

OBITUARIES A2 • CROSSWORD B3 • CLASSIFIEDS C4

Page A2

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Jean L. Eglin Jean L. Eglin, of Penfield, Ohio, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019.

She was born on Pelee Island, Ontario, Canada, on Dec. 18, 1928, and lived every day of her 90 years to the fullest. Jean and Paul were married in 1958 and raised their three girls in Penfield on the farm where he was born.

Jean cared for people as demonstrated through the support of many causes that helped both people and the community. She was a member of Spencer United Methodist Church and was very active in the Women’s Fellowship. Jean especially enjoyed Bible study. She was president of Well-Help of Wellington for many years, and the causes it supported were close to her heart. Jean supported Penfield Township through service throughout her life on boards and with events such as Pride Day. In the summer, Jean enjoyed working outdoors in her flower gardens.

She was predeceased by her husband Paul and is survived by her daughters, Jenny, Judy, and Paula; and her grandchildren, Rachel, Amanda, Edward, Tommy, and Ben. A memorial visitation will be held Friday June 7 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday June 8 from 10-11 a.m. at the Spencer United Methodist Church, 201 East Main St., Spencer. Services will be Saturday, June 8 at 11 a.m. at the church. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the memorial service in the church community hall. A private family service will be held at Penfield Cemetery.

Contributions are suggested to Penfield Township in support of community events, Well-Help of Wellington, or Spencer United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.parkerfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by Parker Funeral Home, Spencer, 330-648-2180.

Janice J. Dlugos Janice (Jan) Jean Dlugos (nee Matusik), 78, of Lorain, passed away Monday, May 27, 2019, at Lake Pointe Health Center in Lorain, following a lengthy illness. Services were held privately by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst.

Homer G. Dalton

Homer Glenn Dalton, 97, of Wellington, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Metro Healthcare in Cleveland following a full and meaningful life. Services were held Monday, June 3 at Camden Baptist Church, Wellington. Burial was at Wakeman Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst.

Eleanor M. Michalski

Eleanor "Ellie" M. Michalski (nee Petrencak), 89, of Amherst, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Amherst Manor Nursing home following a full and meaningful life. Private graveside services will be held by the family. Arrangements were entrusted to Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst.

James Gatlin

James “Jim” Gatlin,74, passed away at his residence Monday May 20, 2019. Son of Delores Carter and is survived by his three children Pete, Stevie, and Samantha along with five grandchildren. A celebration of life will take place June 8 at 1 p.m. at O’Bryan’s Pub in Ashland, Ohio. Burial will be private. Arrangements were handled by Cowling Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Oberlin.

Ira S. Steinberg

A memorial service for Ira S. Steinberg will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 at Kendal at Oberlin.

Kendal Collects

All three Kendal at Oberlin galleries are devoted to Kendal Collects, a biennial summer show that rotates with Kendal Creates. This summer's show includes more than 70 drawings, watercolors, photographs, sculptures, quilts, textiles, and other items from 39 residents. The show will run until Aug. 19.

Do your part to prevent tick bites and diseases As Ohioans begin spending more time outdoors, the Ohio Department of Health is urging people to take precautions to prevent tick bites and the diseases they may carry.

“Diseases spread by ticks are an increasing concern in Ohio,” said ODH director Amy Acton.

“The best way to prevent tickborne diseases is to prevent tick bites by taking simple precautions at home and when working or playing in wooded or brushy areas from early spring to late fall.”

Acton recommends people who get sick after being bitten by a tick contact their health care provider, particularly if they have symptoms like a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, or a rash.

Here are some tips from the ODH: • Walk in the middle of trails.

Avoid tall grass, brush, and leaf litter.

• Use EPA-registered repellents labeled for use against ticks on skin. Always follow the label

instructions.

• Treat clothing and gear such as pants, boots, socks, and tents with a product containing permethrin, or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks. Tuck pant legs into socks.

• Wear light colors to make it easier to see ticks.

• Check yourself, your children, and pets thoroughly for ticks after spending time in areas that may contain ticks.

Order fresh fruits and veggies this summer Get healthy food from City Fresh, a local service that lets you “subscribe” to receive fruits and vegetables every week.

“Lorain County Public Health works with partners like City Fresh to help make it easier to eat healthy, especially in areas with limited access to grocery stores,” said health commissioner David Covell.

“Eating fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk for developing chronic diseases — like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.”

Visit www.cityfresh.org to order and then you can pick up affordable farm fresh produce at a location near you.

Orders can be placed between June 12 and Oct. 23 and

picked up at: • Lorain Public Library Main Branch, Lorain, Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m.

• Cascade Horizon Education Center, Elyria, Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m.

• El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Lorain, Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m.

• LCCC College Center lunch area, Elyria, Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

• Lorain County Urban League, Elyria, Wednesdays from 2:30-4 p.m.

• Oberlin College Adam Joseph Lewis Center, Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m.

• Cleveland Clinic Lorain Family Health Center, Thursdays from 3-5 p.m.

• Willard Memorial Square,

Wellington, Mondays from 5-6:30 p.m., June 24 through Aug. 26 only.

Times and locations are subject to change between now and the start of the season.

Order for the whole growing season or one week at a time; no commitment is necessary.

Orders start as low as $10 per week, depending on income and family size. SNAP/ EBT card, cash, check, and credit card are all accepted.

Learn more at www.cityfresh. org or by calling 440-7076606.

Lorain County “Fresh Stops” are available as a result of partnerships between City Fresh and Lorain County Public Health community collaboratives and coalitions.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Manuel and Barbara Coleman will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

They were married June 5, 1969. The couple met at Lorain High School.

They have four children: Melynda, LaJean, Manuel III (Jody), and Manda (Buffy); and six grandchildren, three great-grandsons; and several nieces and nephews.

The family is celebrating the Colemans' strong vows of standing in faith with loving hearts while tending to their loved ones.

"Many more years of blissfulness. We can only have faith to find the love you two have shown us all. This is us," their children said.

YOUR HEALTH

FROM A1 • 54 percent of adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least three days per week, also up by a percent over a three-year period.

• 52 percent of adults said they are trying to lose weight.

• Obesity is the largest single cardiovascular disease risk factor here, surpassing high blood pressure, cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or diabetes.

• 81 percent of eighth-graders said they'd taken part in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on three or more days in the prior week.

• 31 percent of 10th-graders said they were overweight.

DRUG USE • 12 percent of Lorain County adults are smokers, far down from 22 percent in 2015. "Smoker" is defined as some-

one who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smokes on some or all days.

• 24 percent of adults are former smokers.

• 8 percent said they had used e-cigarettes or vape pens in the prior year.

• 8 percent of high school seniors in Lorian County said they had smoked cigarettes in the past month.

• 37 percent of high school seniors said they had used an e-cigarette, vape pen, or e-liquid rig in the prior 30 days.

• 62 percent of adults said they'd had at least one alcoholic drink in the past month.

• 21 percent said they'd consumed enough to be considered binge drinkers. That's five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past month for men, or four for women.

• 17 percent of eighth-graders said they had alcohol in the past year.

• 32 percent of 12th-graders said they had alcohol in the past year.

• 10 percent of adults said they'd used recreational marijuana in the prior six months.

• 8 percent said they'd used medication not prescribed to them or took more than prescribed to feel good, high, or more active or alert in the preceding six months.

MENTAL HEALTH • 4 percent of adults in Lorain County said they had considered taking their own lives, up a percent from 2015.

• 13 percent used a program or service for themselves or a loved one to help with depression, anxiety, or emotional issues.

• The most depressed

group was adults under 30 — 25 percent described themselves as depressed or often sad.

• 17 percent of adults reported obstacles that interfere with getting mental health services.

• 25 percent of sixth-graders in Lorain County reported feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they'd stopped doing some usual activities.

• That number grew to 48 percent among high school seniors.

• 28 percent of 12th-graders said they had seriously considered ending their own lives in the prior 12 months.

• 7 percent of 12th-graders had carried a knife, club, or other weapon at school in 2018.

The full county health assessment can be found at www.loraincountyhealth.com/cha.

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Thursday, June 6, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

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BULLETIN BOARD FROM A1 Amherst United Methodist Church, 396 Park Ave. It will feature cabbage and noodles and many other sweet treats.

Saturday, June 8 • AMHERST: A Friendship Animal Protective League pet adoption day and fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at Premier Toyota, 47190 Cooper Foster Park Rd. For every test drive, Premier Toyota will donate $10 to the APL. There will also be 50-50 and picka-prize raffles.

• OBERLIN: The First Church Open House and Organ Rave will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at 106 North Main St. Hear the First Church organ, have your picture taken with Charles Finney, stand where Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr. once stood, and buy dinner from The Feve’s food truck and beverages from the Temperance Tent.

All proceeds support the preservation of the Meeting House.

• AMHERST: A bike rodeo and safety awareness day will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 8 at Steele High School’s south lot, 450 Washington St. Amherst police will show kids how to be safe while riding. Take your bike and go through a series of events to test your skills and learn. Participants will need proper safety equipment — helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and their own bikes.

Sign up for a chance to win a new bike. There will also be food, fun, and prizes.

For more information, call Sgt. Jacob Perez at 440-988-2625.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at the Oberlin Public Library craft room.

The guest speaker via video conference will be Shi-Ling Hsu, law professor and author of “The Case for a Carbon Tax: Getting Past our Hang-ups to Effective Climate Policy.” The group will discuss actions we can take to advance current bipartisan climate legislation in Congress. All are welcome.

For more information, go to www.citizensclimate lobby.org, write to jwsabin@gmail.com, or call John Sabin at 440-574-1570.

• AMHERST: The Amherst Historical Society will hold a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at its Long Barn at the Sandstone Village, 753 Milan Ave. Proceeds benefit development of the historical village. Items of special interest include furniture, vintage tools, glassware, purses, hats and accessories, children’s dolls, toys, games, puzzles, books, bed linens, small kitchen appliances, and more.

• WELLINGTON: Wellington Youth Football sign-ups will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at the auxiliary police building on Kelly Street.

Players should be at sign-ups for equipment sizing.

This year there is flag football for kindergarten through second grade for $55 ($10 sibling discount); third and fourth grade padded flag for $125; fourth and fifth grade rookie tackle for $125; and fifth and sixth grade varsity tackle for $125. Grades three to six get a $20 sibling discount. There will be a late fee of $25 assessed on all tackle sign-ups and a $10 late fee assessed on all K-2 sign-ups after July 1. There will be an additional $25 equipment deposit for all padded flag, rookie tackle, and varsity players and a $10 deposit for all K-2 players.

Deposits will be returned when equipment is turned in.

The Lorain County Community Guide bulletin board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events. Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for news style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@lcnewspapers.com.

Summer reading

The Oberlin Public Library's "Summer Reading Mission" is underway through Aug. 4 for all ages. Read a book from anywhere — ebooks and audiobooks count, too — then fill out an entry form for each book and turn them in.

When you've read five books, pick up a prize from the library. Keep reading and turn in bonus entries. The more you read, the better your chances of winning.

All players in grades three to six will need a wallet-sized photo, birth certificate copy, and a current report card as proof of district. K-2 flag players will need only to present either a birth certificate or a current report card.

For more information, email wellingtonyouthfootball@yahoo.com or call or text Amanda at 440-864-1312.

• VERMILION: The Mike German Memorial Steak Fry and Silent Auction to benefit the Children’s Education Funds will be held from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at German’s Villa, 3330 Liberty Ave. For tickets, call 440-967-1770. The cost is $30.

There will also be a cash bar with $2 drafts.

The event is sponsored by the friends of the German family. Donations are accepted and silent auction items welcome. Call Jerry Schrenk at 440-315-0848 or Wade LaForce at 440-653-0816 to contribute. Make checks payable to the Mike German Children’s Education Fund.

• OBERLIN: A “Freedom’s Friends: Underground Railroad and Abolition History Walk” will be offered at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, starting from the front steps of the First Church in Oberlin UCCC, 106 North Main St. Hear stories about Oberlin’s most famous freedom seekers and people known to have helped them make their way to freedom on this 90-minute tour hosted by the Oberlin Heritage Center every Saturday morning through the end of August.

Advance reservations are required. The fee is $6 for adults or free to OHC members, any college student, and children accompanied by an adult.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 440-774-1700 or visit www.oberlinheritagecenter.org.

• OBERLIN: Greater Oberlin Community Voices will meet at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 8 at the Oberlin Public Library.

It is a monthly forum for open civil, civic conversation about concerns and situations affecting groups of residents, large and small, in the greater Oberlin area.

Land use will be a subject for continued discussion this month, including the status of community gardens and open spaces in and around Oberlin.

June 8 and 9 • BROWNHELM TWP.: A 200th anniversary celebration is planned for Brownhelm United Church of Christ, 2144 North Ridge Rd.

A catered celebration dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at the church fellowship hall.

The reservation deadline is Friday, May 24. The cost is $25 for adults and $12 for children under 10.

Call Connie Ruth at 440-552-1013 or Barb Becthel at 440-213-9263.

The Rev. Leah Matthews, former pastor, will speak Sunday, June 9. A dedication and reception will follow the service.

Monday, June 10 • AMHERST: The Amherst Public Library board of trustees will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 10 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.

• OBERLIN: “The Secret Reason We Eat Meat” will be presented Monday, June 10 at the gathering of Meatless Mondays and Beyond at the Oberlin Public Library.

Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. for a vegan potluck. The video presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. and attendees can consider why people eat meat and tips for shifting that choice.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Kimberly Thompson at kimmert2001@yahoo.com or 805-2450730.

• NORTH RIDGEVILLE: The Lorain County chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will hold its 2019 meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 10 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Rd. “I Have My DNA Results, Now What?” will be presented by DNA specialist Kelli Bergheimer.

Learn the basics of genetic genealogy, important vocabulary, and some valuable resources. Hear some basics about mitochondrial DNA tests, y-tests, and autosomal tests. Learn about common third-party tools and sites to help you understand your autosomal matches.

For more information, call Norm at 440-8565170.

• OBERLIN: Cellists Una Moon Laubsher Baumann and Bailey Jones, accompanied by pianist Jesse Jones, will perform at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, June 10 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Starting June 10 • WELLINGTON: Maker Mondays will run from 1-4 p.m. on June 10, 17, 24, and July 8, 15, and 22 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

This special drop-in crafting time is designed for children ages five to 10. Kids will be provided with materials to create their own “space” creations.

No registration is necessary.

• WELLINGTON: A coding camp will be held at 1 p.m. on Mondays, June 10, 17, 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29, and Aug. 5 and 12 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

Teens ages 11 to 16 can learn to code Ozobots with color codes and the OzoBlockly programming language. They’ll also learn about logic, programming elements and structure, and robotics.

Registration is required as there are a limited number of Ozobot robots. Call 440-647-2120 or visit the library.

• WELLINGTON: “GiddyUp Junction” will be theme of Vacation Bible School, which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14 at First Baptist Church, 125 Grand Ave. Children will “go west” as they take God’s love to new frontiers. VBS is open to children ages four up to those entering sixth grade. It will include games, MORE ON PAGE A4

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Thursday, June 6, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

Public invited to Kendal at Oberlin fine art sale Visit Kendal at Oberlin and the public spaces will give you a glimpse into the heart and soul of the community.

Walls, tables, cases and other public spaces are decorated with all sorts of paintings, ceramics, photographs, fiber pieces, and other art work that reflect the residents’ interests, experiences, and travels.

In all, about 600 pieces have been donated by residents and are on display.

But the storage bins are full, too, which is why Kendal is holding a fine arts sale from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 7.

About five dozen pieces will be sold, with many priced as low as a couple dollars. Some of the artwork is faded or damaged, not suitable for public space, or just needs a new home.

Items for sale include a Japanese scroll, spinning whorls,

a ceramic pot, watercolors, photographs, and more. The sale is also a good place to pick up inexpensive frames.

The artwork will be priced and on display Thursday afternoon in the Heiser Lounge.

The sale on Friday is cash or check only.

Kendal's art committee will use the proceeds for framing and other materials to maintain the ever-changing collection.

Submitted photo

◄ Kendal resident Mary Behm displays artwork that will be for sale at Kendal on Friday, June 7.

BULLETIN BOARD FROM A3 crafts, Bible stories, music, snacks, and prizes.

Parson Dan Gass and the church’s teen puppet team will minster in the chapel each morning.

VBS is open to the public. Registration will be held each day at 8:45 a.m.

For more information, call 440-647-2477 or visit www.firstbaptistwellington.org.

Monday, June 11 • OBERLIN: American Civil Liberties Union members will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 11 at the Oberlin Public Library.

Agenda items include redistricting, women’s reproductive freedom, and recent Supreme Court decisions.

ACLU members meet monthly to review and discuss the current civil-liberties situation and the calendar, and to hold office hours and provide drop-in guidance to anyone concerned about local potential threats to civil liberties or violations of civil rights.

• OBERLIN: The Caregivers Support Group will meet from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 at Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 355 East Lorain St. Do you care for a spouse, partner, parent, friend, or child? Join the group, which has a drop-in format.

• OBERLIN: Meditation, drawing on many traditions, will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 at Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 355 East Lorain St.

Starting June 11 • AMHERST: Join Michael Stadul for six weekly class sessions of “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention” at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays from June 11 to July 16 at the Amherst Public Library.

Attendees should come prepared to participate in a series of simple exercises. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes.

Registration is required. Visit www.amherstpublicpibrary.org or call 440-988-4230.

Wednesday, June 12 • AMHERST: A Vitalant blood drive will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the Amherst Public Library.

The company’s mobile donation unit will be in the parking lot, rain or shine. Blood donations save 12,000 lives each day — and you can help save a life, too.

Starting June 12 • WELLINGTON: “Train Like an Astronaut” will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 12, 19, 26, and July 10 and 17 at Wellington town hall.

This Herrick Memorial Library program is for ages eight to 11. Do what astronauts do when they are training to prepare for a space flighyt. Learn how and why astronauts keep fit while they are in

space. Take shoes for running and walking, as well as a water bottle.

Registration is required. Call 440-647-2120 or visit the library.

Thursday, June 13 • LORAIN: A Hungarian Friends Society bacon fry will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at St. Lad’s Picnic Grounds, 4221 Clinton Ave. It will be held rain or shine and is open to the public. The menu includes bacon, sausage, lecso, paprikas potatoes, bread, and refreshments. The cost is $12; Langos $2.

For more information, call Ilona Kiss at 440-9851183 or Laszlo Somogyi at 440-322-7689.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin Public Library board of trustees will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.

• WELLINGTON: Meet local children’s book author Andi C. Kryszak at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 13 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

Learn about her first book, “My Name is Curly.”

Copies will be for sale for $23.99 after the program.

Registration is required and can be done by calling 440-647-2120 or by visiting the library.

Following the presentation, Putter the therapy dog will be available to listen to young readers from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

• WELLINGTON: A summer kickoff with Mr. Puppet will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at the Herrick Memorial Library.

The destination is Imagination Station. Mr. Puppet is open to all ages. Register at the library or by calling 440-647-2120.

• OBERLIN: The Low-Vision Support Group will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Green Room for the audio presentation, “Summary of Research and Development 2019.”

All are welcome.

• OBERLIN: NAACP Branch 3196 will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at the Oberlin Public Library. The executive committee will meet an hour earlier.

The agenda includes the status of two resolutions submitted for consideration by the NAACP at its national convention in July, representation at the convention, and recognition of graduating seniors who received college book scholarships last month from the branch.

Saturday, June 15 • SOUTH AMHERST: The South Amherst Historical Society’s 2nd Annual Cruise-In will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 at South Amherst Middle School, 152 West Main St. The family-friendly community event will feature food, music, and vehicles of all types. It will be held rain or shine.

Registration is $5 and all years, makes, and models are welcome. There will be door prizes, a 50-50 drawing, and dash plaques.

For more information, call Larry Jones at 440-3097767.

• AVON LAKE: The 4th Annual Design Engineer-

ing and City of Avon Lake Cruise-In will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 at the Weiss baseball fields, 33401 Webber Rd. The event will benefit the Valor Home of Lorain County, which provides transitional housing and support services to homeless veterans.

Organizers are expecting 350 to 400 cars, motorcycles, race cars, luxury and exotics section from the North Olmsted Auto Collection, and more. There will be a vintage first responder and military section with vehicles from different cities and departments from northern Ohio. There will also be event T-shirts, raffles, product giveaways, food trucks, music, face painting, and coloring books for kids, local vendors, and more. Admission and parking is free. For more information, call 800-264-9472.

The rain date will be from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 16.

Starting June 17 • ELYRIA: A free six-week class for children with family members, loved ones, or friends of individuals with mental illness will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p;.m. on Mondays starting June 17 at the Catholic Charities Elyria meeting room, 628 Poplar St. These classes are taught by highly trained and certified facilitators. The course deals with exploring coping skills through hands-on activities. They are a safe place for children to find support while interacting and connecting with other children living through similar situations.

You must register for this class by contacting NAMI Lorain County at 440-233-8181 ext. 224 or by email at office@nami-lc.org.

Tuesday, June 18 • AMHERST: A dine-to-donate event to benefit the Friends of the Amherst Public Library will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at Olde Town Pizza House, 195 Cleveland Ave. No flyers are needed. The Friends will earn a percentage of total sales to support free programs and services for the library.

For more information, call 440-988-4280.

• OBERLIN: “The Importance of Salt in Health and Disease” will be presented at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

Elyria nephrologist Vivek Nadkami will speak about the role of sodium in maintaining healthy tissues and risk factors for common diseases such as hypertension.

Wednesday, June 19 • OBERLIN: “Road Scholar Adventures” will be presented at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

Road Scholar ambassador Jerry Polizzi will talk about how trips through the former Elderhostel can help the curious and adventurous discover the world in the company of like-minded travelers.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

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INSIDE: ARE YOU ‘STREET SMART’? • B3

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 • SERVING AMHERST SINCE 1919

‘THE END IS A BEGINNING’

Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Trevor Weller leads the men of the Firelands Class of 2019 into Falcons Stadium for commencement exercises.

Firelands seniors step into a bright future Chad Hieb is fired up as classmates cheer for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings who helped them along their journey through school.

ABOVE: Brandon Mele has the biggest grin in the stadium. RIGHT: Anna Denes steps down from the stage after receiving her diploma.

Madison Flanagan, Carlie Wotton, Emma Sherban, Isabel Solowiej, and Cora Lynn Born have front row seats.

JASON HAWK EDITOR

"Tonight is not the end."

Principal Robert Maver faced the Firelands High School Class of 2019 on Friday, May 24 and provided the 138 seniors a few final words of encouragement as they prepared to receive their diplomas.

"It is the beginning of the next part of your lifelong journey with college, career, and family all in your bright futures," he said. "Let your family, friends, classmates, and FHS staff constantly be a resource as you progress into one of the most exciting times in any person's life."

This year's graduating Falcons earned $1.6 million in scholarships. When combined with College Credit Plus achievements, that's a total of $2.33 million toward four-year degrees.

Thirty-five seniors were decorated with Latin honors. Thirty-four were members of National Honor Society, four belonged to the National Technical Honor Society at the Lorain County JVS, and six received FFA state degrees.

Five students — Cora Lynn Born, Sarah Drury, Emma Sherban, Trevor Weller, and Carlie Wotton — graduated from FHS with associate degrees already in hand.

A trio of high-performing students were invited to deliver commencement addresses.

"You have the freedom to define who you are," Joshua Kelly told the capacity crowd.

He first thanked his parents and then extended praise to the teachers, coaches, bus drivers, aids, cleaning staff, principals, secretaries, and counselors who made an unforgettable impact on graduates' success.

Then Kelly gave the Class of 2019 a few pearls of wisdom: "Find your passion. You will fail but don't give up," he said. "Life is hard work and there is no easy way out. Be responsible and respect this world.

Believe in yourself."

Isabel Solowiej urged fellow graduates to have the courage to follow their hearts and intuition. "Everything else is secondary," she said.

"Individuality will provide this class with a successful future. We will be able to embrace who we truly are in growth through adversity," she said.

"Every graduate here this evening has such great potential and I am excited to see the great things we will achieve. Continue to learn about what you love.

Do not live in fear but life will help you grow."

FIRELANDS PAGE B2

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page B2

Amherst News-Times

Thursday, June 6, 2019

New contract gives school staff raises JASON HAWK EDITOR

A new deal has been inked with non-teaching Amherst school employees following a May 29 vote by the board of education.

They'll get a 4.5 percent raise over the next three years, according to a contract approved by unanimous consent.

"Both sides emerged with the belief that the agreement is both fair to employees and fiscally responsible with taxpayers' dollars," according to a statement provided by the district.

Members of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees 208 will see salary increases of 1.25 percent in 2019-2020, 1.5 percent in 2020-2021, and 1.75 percent in 2021-2022.

As part of the agreement, staff hired prior to July 1, 2011, have agreed to pick up an additional two percent of their medical premiums. Starting in 2021, they'll pay 15 percent.

That rate applies to those who take part in the district's wellness program. Those who opt out must pay an additional five percent.

All staff hired since 2011 must cover 20 percent toward their medical premiums.

Schools superintendent Steven Sayers called negotiations a "very positive, very professional, very collaborative process" and said he was impressed with the "big picture perspective" of bargaining representatives.

"Our goal was to negotiate a contract that keeps wages and benefits competitive but at the same time keeps the district on track financially," said OAPSE Local 208 president Nora Hicks.

The Amherst Teachers Association continues to negotiate for its own contract.

Volunteers needed

NAMI has various volunteer positions available to families, partners, and friends of individuals with mental illness.

NAMI will train volunteers to facilitate support groups and educational classes. There are also other opportunities to volunteer by sharing your story (public speaking), office and reception work, outreach, or serving as a member of the LOSS team.

If you are interested, contact NAMI Lorain County at 440-233-8181 ext. 224 or office@ nami-lc.org.

Ice cream trail launches It's heating up outside as summer approaches — but Visit Lorain County is promoting a tasty way to keep cool.

The tourism bureau's annual "Here's the Scoop" ice cream trail promotion is underway through Sept. 2 at these participating locations: • Cathy’s Ice Cream, 2115 North Ridge Rd., Lorain • Dairy Grove, 35455 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville • Divine Scoops, 140 Lear Rd., Avon Lake • Hastee Tastee, 466 Cleveland Ave., Amherst • Hot Dog Heaven, 493 Cleveland Ave., Amherst • Krieg's It'z the Berries Frozen Custard, 46045 Telegraph Rd., Amherst • Krieg's It'z the Berries Frozen Custard, 3175 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion • Nancy’s Main Street Diner, 426 Main St., Grafton • Scoops and More Ice Cream Emporium, 528 West River Rd., Elyria • Sundae Funday’s, 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station • The Hotel at Oberlin, 10 East College St., Oberlin To get started, stop at the Lorain County Visitors Center, 8025 Leavitt Rd., Amherst, and pick up a lanyard and passport for $1.

You'll also get a map showing the participating ice cream eateries.

Then you can hit the trail, receiving a 25 cent discount on ice cream products and getting your passport marked.

Note that the discount can only be used by one person one time and can only be used for icecream products — not slushies or any other type of food or beverage.

Return to the Lorain County Visitors Center with your completed passport and you’ll receive a cute commemorative pin.

You’ll also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free ice cream for a year.

The ice cream trail is sponsored by Visit Lorain County and the Lorain County commissioners.

To learn more, go to www.visitloraincounty. com/heresthescoop.

ABOVE LEFT: Joshua Kelly delivers a few words of wisdom. ABOVE RIGHT: Emma Sherban speaks to the Class of 2019.

FIRELANDS

FROM B1 Emma Sherban said she always thought the word commencement, which can be defined as beginning or start, was an odd word to use when discussing the end of one's primary and secondary education.

"Up until today, I did not understand why a graduation ceremony would be called a beginning or start," she said. "Today, graduation is marking a goodbye to some of the people we have played with, learned with, and really grown up with and they have formed us into the people we are today. I realize graduation is not an end but a beginning and the next step in our lives."

It's also a new start for English teacher Anne Callahan.

"After 38 years of teaching at Firelands High School, she is finally leaving high school forever and graduating with the Class of 2019," said Sherban. "It is said that teachers can change lives and Mrs. Callahan is a living example of this for myself and many of my ABOVE: Ryan Ortner’s future is so bright he has to wear fellow classmates. I would not be shades. BELOW: Teacher Anne Callahan is honored as the person I am today without her." she retires.

Callahan graduated from Firelands High School in 1977. After studying at Ohio State University, she returned to teach for nearly four decades.

That illustrious career focused on the importance of words. It takes tremendous effort and time to say something exactly the way we want it to be perceived, she said.

"I believe we've all heard about words and that 'sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.' Oh my friends, yes, they can," Callahan said.

"They can start wars or break up relationships. They can ruin reputations and persuade others to make incalculable errors. But conversely they can create peace, build pathways to understanding, and persuade others to do the right thing."

Choose your words wisely, she counseled the Class of 2019.

Brave men and women have fought died to protect our freedom of speech — but with great freedom comes great responsibility, and that includes the knowledge that words are powerful, she said.

POLICE REPORTS • May 20 at 8:38 a.m.: Breaking and entering complaints were filed on Fall Lake Lane and Springvale Drive. Power tools and hand tools were reported stolen from a Ryan Homes construction site.

• May 20 at 8:38 a.m.: Mario Gabel, 52, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Elyria police department for failure to appear in court.

• May 20 at 3:03 p.m.: Money was reported stolen from a cash box at University Hospitals on Cooper Foster Park Road.

• May 21, time undisclosed by police: A worker at Jimmy John's on Kresge Drive reported being the victim of a quick-change scam when a customer purchased a sandwich.

• May 21 at 9:21 a.m.: A woman said her ex-boyfriend would not stop contacting her and his messages were becoming more threatening.

• May 21 at 11:55 a.m.: Caleb Corcoran, 18, of Amherst, was arrested on a warrant.

• May 21 at 2:12 p.m.: A person told police that a family member stolen their identity.

• May 22 at 4:52 p.m.: Tools were reported stolen from a Habant Drive garage.

• May 22 at 5:25 p.m.: A man who moved to Amherst said while he was unpacking boxes he noticed his prescription medications were missing.

• May 23 at 10:15 a.m.: Emily Schreiber, 38, of Milan, was

arrested on a warrant for failure to appear in Oberlin Municipal Court to face a charge of petty theft.

• May 24 at 3:10 p.m.: A theft was reported at Tractor Supply Company on Cooper Foster Park Road.

• May 26 at 8:16 p.m.: A woman said she saw two juveniles sprayed a vehicle with a fire extinguisher, then ran into a wooded area north of Cooper Foster Park Road.

• May 27 at 1:34 p.m.: Music equipment was reported stolen from a home.

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

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Amherst News-Times

Page B3

ARE YOU STREET SMART?

How some kids are outsmarting their parents when it comes to hiding drug abuse JASON HAWK EDITOR

Kids can be incredibly smart and inventive, which are great qualities — unless they're using their know-how to hide illicit drugs.

Take for example a simple lipstick container.

In the hands of Sgt. Michael Powell, it looked perfectly normal. But with a flick of his fingers, the longtime narcotics investigator revealed it to be a cleverly-rigged container for carrying drugs in plain sight.

A highlighter hollowed out to serve as a pipe.

A fake cell phone shell hiding a digital scale within.

A metal bolt with a hollow head just large enough for an ecstasy tablet.

A plastic Ritz Bits container with a false bottom.

Peanut butter jars, chewing gum bottles, table salt containers — all converted into "diversion safes" for concealing pot, meth, or cocaine.

"We show you these items to show how good kids are at concealment.

Much smarter than us as adults," said retired Capt.

Shawn Bain.

Powell and Bain are retired from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, where they have decades of experience in special investigations, including drug interdiction.

Powell is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, served as a supervisor with the FBI Drug Task Force in Columbus, has taught police narcotics courses all over the state since 1984, and is now detailed to the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

Bain is also a grad of the FBI National Academy as well as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Unit Commanders Academy.

He's served on numerous task forces with the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshal's Office.

They brought their knowledge and experience May 29 to Amherst Steele High School for "Operation: Street Smart."

The two-hour program revealed drug trends for young people, the way paraphernalia is being marketed and moved, and disturbing statistics.

In speaking to seventh- and eighth-graders, the investigators have discovered they often know far more about the illegal drug market than their parents — what drugs are out there, how to get them, and how to hide them.

Middle and high school students often have the tacit assistance of head shops where the right buzzwords can grant buyers access to all kinds of paraphernalia.

Powell and Bain have firsthand knowledge of those practices, going undercover in head shops all over the state to make buys.

They directed us to www.headshopfinder. com, which lists more than two dozen smoke shops, vape stores, and

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Retired Franklin County Sheriff's Office Capt. Michael Powell speaks on the ways some teenagers have invented to hide drugs and paraphernalia around the house. dispensaries in our area.

Such places often have workers "trained by their attorneys on what they can say and not say" about products that while legal can aid illegal drug use, according to Bain.

He and Powell advise parents to be incredibly cautious about normal-seeming objects found in odd places. For example, a highlighter found in the bathroom should throw up a red flag — it could be a covert smoking device, they said, holding up an example of a real one used for just that purpose.

The number one hot spot parents and teachers should check for evidence of drug use is the trash can, they said.

About 10 percent of high school seniors across the nation have admitted to smoking marijuana within the past month, they said.

Marijuana itself has changed drastically. In the past few decades, its THC content has gone from about three percent to as high as 18, he said.

It's also taken on new shapes: Extracts can be formed to look like beeswax, cheese, glass, or powder.

Very few are lighting up blunts. Green, leafy pot is "for old people" and the trend among younger users is e-cigarettes and vape pens, said Powell.

Whether used for marijuana, cocaine, meth, or tobacco, vaping is dangerous for young people.

It's been found to stiffen and narrow arteries, damage the decision-making part of the brain, and cause severe respiratory problems.

Bain said Juul is the most popular brand and he's encountered cases of kids using them right in the classroom because they are so small and easy to conceal — they can be easily smuggled around in markers or disguised as USB sticks.

But the dangers of pot are dwarfed by those

posed by alcohol.

When you look at the big picture, alcohol remains the number two overdose killer after fentanyl, said Powell.

It can look different too, said Bain: BuzzBallz look like juice containers but the drinks are 40 proof. "Pocket shots" look like energy drinks that can be slipped into

a pocket easily and can weigh in at 80 proof.

And never estimate the ingenuity of underage drinkers looking for a quick buzz.

The investigators said they've discovered all kinds of strange methods of ingesting alcohol — some incredibly twisted.

Have you heard of eyeballing? That's using

saline eye drop containers to shoot alcohol into the bloodstream via the eyes.

Other methods include snorting syringes full of vodka, making alcohol popsicles, soaking gummy bears in booze overnight, vaporizing alcohol, and "power-blasting" bottles of hand sanitizer.

Flasks can be hidden in pompoms, mittens, tampons, or moisturizing lotion containers, said Powell.

The drug experts have even seen cases where kids have pulled alcohol from vanilla extract, perfumes, and household cleaners.

There is some good news in all this.

Opioid overdose deaths are down in Ohio for a few reasons: First, there's a prescription reporting system in place to make it harder for addicts to "shop" for pain pills by going from doctor to doctor. Both physicians and the general public are better educated about the dangers posed by heroin and prescription painkillers. Expansion of Medicaid has allowed more people to get treatment for addiction. And naloxone is also far more readily available for those who do overdose.

Heroin deaths statewide are at a four-year low. If preliminary data from 2018 holds up to close analysis, the state will have seen a 21 percent decrease in deaths.

That would give Ohio

the largest decrease in drug deaths in the nation.

Cuyahoga, Summit, and Montgomery counties all show huge drop-offs in OD fatalities.

But Bain said the bad news is that every opiate epidemic in U.S. history has been followed immediately by a stimulant epidemic — and that's what Ohio is experiencing now.

Cocaine and methamphetamine deaths are on the upswing and fentanyl is being found in 71 percent of all overdose death victims.

An average of 13 people a day in our state die by overdose.

More than 200 Americans are killed by overdoses every day.

Where are the drugs coming from?

Powell said almost all illicit drugs come into the United States across the Mexico border. They're brought here by powerful cartels that not only flood the market with drugs but also commit mass murders to consolidate their power.

But Powell offered an interesting take on the political aspect of the crisis: "A lot of people feel Mexico is our drug problem," he said. "The truth of the matter is the reverse. We're Mexico's drug problem."

We're "also Canada's drug problem" with illegal substances flowing easily back and forth along our northern border, he said.

FATHER’S DAY ACROSS 1. Use elbow grease 6. Goody bag stuff 10. “_e_ _ect,” song 13. Singer Lenya 14. Band’s work-related trip 15. Capt.’s prediction 16. Assumed name 17. Debate side 18. Schumer or McConnell, abbr.

19. *Founding father with no biological children 21. Runs, as on TV 22. Last letter 23. *Dad’s mom 25. Ready for confrontation 29. *This before becoming father?

31. Lakes in Scotland 32. Opposite of post33. Henry VI had 6 37. Not in port 38. Have a bug 39. ____ of faith 40. *Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor’s dad 42. Layer 43. Ouzo flavor 44. Like farm-to-table 46. Made 50-50 47. Phony 50. “Wheel of Fortune” vowel request 51. Parts of play 52. *Dad to Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack 59. However, poetically 60. Coconut fiber 61. Dostoyevsky novel, with “The” 62. Once around 63. Japanese zither 64. It can be firma or incognita 65. Ill temper 66. Place at an angle 67. Ten of these before a first down DOWN 1. BBQ side 2. Fizzy drink 3. “The Dock of the Bay” singer

4. Four Corners state 5. Turns large into medium 6. “All the world’s a ____” 7. Refuses to 8. Grand theft target 9. Disparaging term for foreigners in Mexico 10. Pine product 11. Harsh 12. Popular annual flower 20. *Dad to Rod and Todd on “The Simpsons” 21. *Christopher Robin’s father 24. Column’s counterpart 25. Boring 26. Santa ____, CA 27. Tennis serving whiz 28. *Prince William’s dad 29. *Dad’s favorite cooking device?

30. Bank on 32. *The biggest bear 34. Tube in a body 35. Convenience 36. Hightailed it 41. ____Tube 43. Eagerness 45. Painful body spasms 46. Between NE and E 47. *What patriot and patriarch have in common 48. Autumn color 49. Ben Franklin invention 50. Found in a quiver 53. Cozy corner 54. Make a reference 55. Over head light?

56. 100 cents in Ethiopia 57. Master of his castle 58. #15 Across, pl.

Page B4

Baseball run ends

The Comets baseball team ended its postseason run with a 1-0 loss to St. Ignatius.

Other than a pair of stolen bases by Jacob Lezon, the Comets struggled. Dylan Eaton pitched five innings for Amherst, striking out four and allowing four hits.

Amherst News-Times

Thursday, June 6, 2019

FLOWER POWER

Submitted photo

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B3

It's that time of the year again and the ladies in the Amherst Garden Club have been busy planting at Quigley Museum and Sandstone Village on Milan Avenue. If you know any beautiful gardens that deserve an Awesome Garden Award, call Sue at 440-396-2739.

INSIDE: SCHOOLS SAY GOODBYE TO RETIREES • C3

OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 • SERVING OBERLIN SINCE 1930

‘WE SHALL OVERCOME’

Photos by Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Elias Bullock, Logan Rivera, and Brendan Ortiz gather on the steps of Finney Chapel to prepare for Oberlin High School commencement.

OHS Class of 2019 ready for challenges JASON HAWK EDITOR

► Keynote speaker Marcus Bailey, a graduate of Oberlin High School, said he started out life on the wrong path, with run-ins with the law. Changing was uncomfortable but extremely rewarding, he said. When choosing a better path to follow, he asked himself what made him happy and realized his mother, a longtime nurse, had exposed him to the world of medicine and patient care.

◄Ajia Witherspoon, who graduated from the Lorain County JVS, said there were times when she dreaded school. Now, she will miss the friendships she forged during her high school career and said she has learned to be professional and to manage her time — skills that will serve her well in the business world.

Around age 12, Marcus Bailey started breaking rules.

His rebellion grew into felony and misdemeanor charges, into house arrests and probation.

"I was beginning to lose sight of who I was and had no idea who I was becoming or where I was going," he told the Oberlin High School Class of 2019 on Friday night.

As the 74 graduates gathered in caps and gowns inside Finney Chapel, they cheered for Bailey, a 2013 alumnus.

They also looked to him for both words of warning and inspiration.

Bailey recounted his decision to change his tragectory, to "make things right" for his mother.

He said he grew to understand his purpose — an uncomfortable journey but also a refreshing new lease on life.

Reassessing what made him happy, Bailey reflected on growing up in the home of a nurse. He decided to attend Hiram College to study pre-physical therapy and geriatrics.

Now he aspires to work in a child cancer ward.

"You have to be open to exploring this new side of you and not be afraid to take on that challenge as well," he told graduates.

"Where we come from, success does not come comfortably. The world is yours and now is definitely the time go and take it."

Moments of laughter, exhilaration, difficulties, and even sorrow are valuable experiences — they make life worth living, principal Michael Scott told the senior class.

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special," he said.

Scott challenged students not to rest on their accomplishments but to "continue striving for collective community greatness."

School may have been a long and often difficult journey but it was the spirit of the adventure that counted, district superintendent David Hall said.

The Class of 2019 overcame obstacles and unforeseen challenges along the way. Its members took rigorous exams, demanded advanced courses, and earned Lorain County JVS certifications.

Five senior graduated with arts honors diplomas, seven with International Baccalaureate diplomas, 18 with academic honors diplomas, and more than half with some form of college credit. Eight graduated from the JVS; two are joining the armed services.

All are destined for greatness, Hall said.

Student council president Mar'Reiyonna Froust GRADUATION PAGE C2

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page C2

GRADUATION

FROM C1 said her peers succeeded by making its "haters our elevators."

The same people who challenged them most were those gathered in the pews to watch them graduate, she said.

"This graduating class is like a family. We've been together so long but we've helped each other grow," said Froust.

Ajia Witherspoon was the class' honored Lorain County JVS student representative, graduating from the allied health sciences program.

She, too talked about adversity overcome and hard work on the path to commencement. Witherspoon reflected on the fact that though she complained about having to go to school, she knows now she will miss it.

The JVS taught her to be a professional and helped her grow up; she learned to make to new friends while also earning college credits and learning time management, medical terminology, anatomy, phlebotomy, and other disciplines.

Jaxson Baker receives his diploma from Oberlin board of education president Anne Schaum.

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Oberlin News-Tribune

Thursday, June 6, 2019

MEET THE VALEDICTORIANS

COBY DeLEON said moving to Oberlin was a terrific turn of events that changed her life for the better. Now, leaving Oberlin High School behind, the world seems scary but there is hope for graduates as they prepare to take the next steps. As long as they work toward what they want to achieve with the support of their adoptive school family, they are sure to succeed, she said.

JAN LUCA HUNTING said four years ago, his wide-traveling family was looking to move to Ohio. Compared to Beijing, China, the town is tiny. "I realized Oberlin never matched my images of New York or Los Angeles," but he grew to love the tiny town and now he is sad to leave. "Now we move on to bigger and better things," he said.

MAYA SCHANE moved to Oberlin in her freshman year but is now thankful her "awkward teen years" are behind her. "In my head, I still feel like I'm not ready to go out in the world alone. The truth is, I still don't know how to do my own laundry yet," she quipped. At Oberlin High School, she grew and matured, gained confidence, learned about the world, built important friendships, developed a valuable work ethic, and pushed her boundaries. "There are many more challenges that lie ahead, room to grow, and times when our values will be tested," she said.

JACKSON SCHAUM, senior class president, said he entered kindergarten in 2006 as a snot-nosed, dinosaur-loving, pizza-obsessed kid — now he's leaving a lot bigger and only slightly smarter, he joked.

He spoke of the community's outpouring of support and said its warmth meant more than any accolade he could earn.

Ruby Denneen, Alison Chan, and Elizabeth Baker get ready for their big moment on stage.

Jeff Wong shakes hands with district curriculum director William Baylis.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

Page C3

Goodbye to a century of experience JASON HAWK EDITOR

Four giants of education with a combined 102 years of experience were honored May 21.

Preparing to retire from the Oberlin City Schools, they were feted by the board of education.

Larry Thomas boasts the most longevity with 39 years of service.

During his career, Thomas has worked as a teacher, a coach, athletic director, and in various administrative roles. He retires as assistant principal at Langston Middle School.

A proclamation read by curriculum director William Baylis shared important life skills with many student-athletes and called him a mentor.

When he first came to Oberlin, Thomas thought he'd be here just one year before returning to a Dayton classroom, he told the board. He

thanked parents for trusting him with their children through nearly four decades.

High school and middle school physical education teacher Scott Sheffield is also retiring.

He has served the Oberlin City Schools for 33 years, touching the lives of many through both instruction and emotional support, Baylis said.

Marlee Wobser is stepping down from her job as a math teacher at Oberlin High School after 14 years.

"I'm just thankful I'm still standing," she joked.

Wobser said she hopes to carry forward what she's learned as a teacher and help other communities.

Finally, William Roniger will retire after 16 years. He has taught social studies at Langston and OHS. Roniger was not present to be honored but a proclamation was read to commemorate his contributions to the schools.

Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

District curriculum director William Baylis and Oberlin High School assistant principal Chris Frank honor the retiring Larry Thomas, who has worked in many positions in his 39 years.

School pocketbook robust through 2023: Treasurer JASON HAWK EDITOR

Declining cash reserves are projected for the Oberlin City Schools over the next five years.

But don't be fooled — a closer inspection of the numbers reveals a remarkably robust financial picture.

The public school system anticipates deficit spending to begin in 2021, when expenses outpace income by about $92,000, according to a mid-year report by treasurer Angela Dotson.

Left unchecked, that gap will grow to $691,000 the following year and $1.2 million in 2023.

That doesn't mean the district will be out of money.

Rather, it will have to spend down its cash reserves, which right now sit at over $7 million. At the end of five years, those reserves are projected to be depleted to about $5.3 million.

That's also a bit misleading, though — even if it's lower, the five-year reserve balance is much healthier than had been expected, Dotson said.

School finances tend to be cyclical, meaning that after a property tax levy is passed there is a boost, then a long spend-down as land values slope off.

Good school districts don't let expenditures push reserves too low before seeking renewals, cutting costs, or finding new revenue streams.

In Oberlin's case, the district has gotten relief from income taxes.

Receipts grew by more than five percent this past year, surpassing the three percent that had been budgeted, Dotson said.

Once you compound that extra money over the next four years, it's the reason for most of the increase in the bottom line for the five-year forecast, she said.

Her report shows income tax will become an increasingly important component as real estate valuations decline. By 2023, it's expected to be the largest single source of income for the district.

Overall, the school system's revenue has increased by an average of three percent over the past five years and is holding steady.

When it comes to costs,

salaries are projected to eat up about two percent less of the revenue share over the next five years. But the cost of providing benefits is the fastest growing expense, expected to make up a full quarter of all costs by 2022 if changes aren't made.

There are also windfalls on the way that haven't been worked into the figures.

The forecast does not reflect property tax money that should be coming as a result of the construction of the NEXUS pipeline, for example.

The natural gas transmission company behind the pipeline has claimed the Oberlin City Schools will get $1.38 million in the first year of collections and $6.5 million over five years.

The forecast also doesn't take into account the impact of opening a new PK-5 elementary school in 2021. Officials have said the building could save $1 million per year.

One more caveat: The forecast assumes a five-year emergency levy that expires in 2021 will be renewed, and that a 0.75 percent income tax that expires at the end of 2022 will also be renewed by voters.

Submitted photo

History Day competitors from Oberlin High School did very well in this year's competition.

Oberlin students excel at National History Day Seven Oberlin High School students completed projects for District 3 History Day at Case Western Reserve University and defended their projects on the theme "Triumph and Tragedy in History."

Emma Kim and Daria Martz created a documentary entitled “Rust on Erie: How Economic Triumph and Tragedy Shaped a Nation.”

Their project received the Early Settlers Association Award sponsored by the Early Setters Association of the Western Reserve.

Leah Bratton, Nolle Ignagni, and Rosalie Turner were also awarded a monetary prize from the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve.

They received the third place trophy for their group website, “The Triumph and Tragedy of the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue,” which traced the historic rescue

of fugitive slave John Price.

They moved on to the state competition at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.

Ewan Inglis presented his website, “Destiny and Defeat: Saladin, Richard the First, and the Third Crusade” and received excellent and superior ratings from judges.

Asher Cipinko created a website titled “The King-Crane Commission: 100 Years of Triumph and Tragedy in the Middle East.” He took home the Oberlin Heritage Center’s Hubbard Prize, created by Gail and Ned Hubbard of Centreville to recognize student historians who live in Lorain County and present an outstanding paper, documentary, or website project.

Teacher and History Day adviser Donna Shurr accompanied the students to the competition in Cleveland.

POLICE REPORTS • May 17 at 9:47 a.m.: A lawn womer was reported stolen on Union Street.

• May 17 at 5 p.m.: Namon Oliver was arrested on a warrant for contempt of court through Oberlin Municipal Court on an original charge of theft.

• May 18 at 12:59 p.m.: Patience Link, 40, of Oberlin, was charged with domestic violence.

• May 19 at 2:04 a.m.: Tobacco grinders, a glass smoking device, and a plastic bag containing suspected marijuana were turned over to police by Oberlin College security.

• May 19 at 1:40 p.m.: A woman took suspected narcotics allegedly belonging to her son to police.

• May 19 at 3:45 p.m.: A lawn mower was reported stolen from a Locust Street garage.

• May 20 at 8:05 a.m.: A female was found unresponsive by Oberlin firefighters and later pronounced dead

by paramedics on Groveland Street. No foul play was suspected.

• May 20 at 2:24 p.m.: Robert James, 23, of North Ridgeville, was arrested on a warrant for contempt of court through the North Ridgeville police department.

• May 20 at 9:11 p.m.: Safus Belachew, 38, of Lorain, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

• May 21 at 7:25 a.m.: A 13-year-old girl who allegedly refused to go to school was taken into custody by police and transported to Langston Middle School.

• May 21 at 9:22 a.m.: Ani Tingting, 20, of Cleveland, was arrested on a warrant through Oberlin Municipal Court for failure to appear.

• May 21 at 3:13 p.m.: A man reported that he lost his passport from Mexico.

• May 22 at 9:22 a.m.: A person allegedly threatened to jump out of a moving vehicle because he was angry. He was taken to Mercy

Health Lorain Hospital for evaluation.

• May 23 at 11:11 a.m.: Paramedics used naloxone to revive an overdose victim on East Hamilton Street. Police found items consistent with marijuana, meth, and cocaine abuse.

• May 23 at 1:27 p.m.: Brittany Tidd, 29, of Oberlin, was charged with domestic violence.

• May 23 at 3:36 p.m.: Kaitlin Ruiz, 23, of Elyria, was charged with theft following a complaint at Wal-Mart. She is accused of stealing various food items.

• May 24 at 9:25 p.m.: Jose Algarin, 37, of Wellington, was arrested on a warrant through the Elyria police department for failure to appear in court.

• May 25 at 9:18 a.m.: A woman playing an instrument at the Oberlin Farmer's Market said a man violated a temporary protection order by appearing there.

• May 25 at 9:26 a.m.: Eric

Fawkner, 49, of Walton Hills, was charged with domestic violence, a third-degree felony due to prior convictions.

• May 25 at 8:46 p.m.: Carl Zifeak, 54, of Oberlin, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, BAC over 0.17, expired plates, and improper handling of a firearm in a vehicle.

• May 26 at 2:55 a.m.: Three juveniles were stopped because they were out after curfew.

• May 26 at 4:27 a.m.: Police found a small plastic bag containing suspected marijuana lying on the sidewalk on East College Street.

• May 26 at 6:14 p.m.: An employee of Wal-Mart reported a shoplifting case and showed surveillance camera footage to police.

• May 27 at 1:15 p.m.: Maqwe Lawson, 39, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through Lorain County 911 and the sheriff's office for contempt of court. He was also charged with resisting

arrest and obstructing official business.

• May 27 at 4:13 p.m.: An overdose victim was revived on South Pleasant Street and taken to Mercy Health Allen Hospital for treatment.

• May 27 at 7:06 p.m.: James Kocak, 57, of Lorain, was charged with theft after a complaint at Wal-Mart.

According to a report, Kocak returned a television when confronted by security but did not return a weed trimmer found in his truck.

• May 28 at 2:36 p.m.: Crystal Strauser, 39, of Oberlin, was charged with theft.

She is accused of stealing items from Wal-Mart.

• May 29 at 4:54 a.m.: Curtis Gray, 43, of Oberlin, turned himself in on a warrant through the Lorain police department for contempt of court.

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

Page C4

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

Zenda granted early release after 10 months JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

Early release has been granted to Elizabeth Zenda, a Pittsfield Township resident found guilt last year of involuntary manslaughter and endangering children after the drowning death of a toddler at her home.

Zenda had served roughly 10 months of a four-year jail sentence.

The decision for early release was made May 29 by judge James

Miraldi in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas.

Zenda will remain on probation for a maximum of five years and will not be permitted to supervise children on a volunteer or for-profit basis unless the child is a member of her family.

A violation of those and other conditions could result in a return to jail for the remainder of her sentence, according to court filings.

Toddlers Annie and Jaxon Flynn were found

Elizabeth Zenda submerged in Zenda's backyard pool on Oct. 5, 2016.

Annie was pronounced dead at Mercy Health Allen Hospital

in Oberlin while Jaxon was revived but suffered brain damage.

Zenda had looked after the children for a year leading up to the incident and had operated a day care center for six years at her West Road home.

The children slid through a seven-inch gap between Zenda's pool deck and a protective gate while Zenda remained indoors.

Annie had gone under the gate at least one other time before that,

which led Zenda to lean a plastic baby gate against it, investigators said.

The baby gate was found tipped over the day of the drowning. Prosecutors and medical examiners determined the baby gate was an inadequate response to the danger of a pool.

Zenda's daughter-inlaw, 22-year-old Tanya Zenda, was also present at the home the day of the incident and was found guilty Feb. 13

in Oberlin Municipal Court of misdemeanor child endangering.

Tanya was sentenced to 30 days in jail but that term was suspended by judge Thomas Januzzi on the condition she “lives a law-abiding life” with no similar incidents or domestic violence charges for three years and attends a parenting class.

The younger Zenda was also fined $250 and will serve 10 months probation.

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SALES GARAGE SALE Clean Out Sale at 240 Heritage Drive, Wellington (behind Burger King) on Thursday June 13 and Friday June 14 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(6:6, 13) Moving Sale in Vermillion, 309 Wine Street, June 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Too much to list!!!

Some furniture, household items and seasonal.

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HELP WANTED Weed pulling needed for my property in Amherst.

Must be 18 years of age. $10 per hour. Call 440985-0298.

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LPN Part-time You can have the opportunity help others and make an impact in the community. You can get paid to do meaningful work that makes a real difference! We are seeking LPNs to provide nursing services to individuals with disabilities in a residential setting 16 hours a week, one week night (Tuesday or Wednesday) and every other weekend. Must possess Ohio LPN licensure, must be certified to dispense medications and have a good driving record. Candidates may apply in person, by email, or fax. Applications are available on our website at www.murrayridgecenter.org.

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LEGALS PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on May 20, 2019. The complete text of each item may be viewed or purchased in the Clerk of Council Office @ Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, during normal business hours or contact Nancy Greer @ 204-2050 (Nancy_ Greer@cityoflorain.org).

The following summary has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws.

Reso.10-19 Recognizing & commending Palm Elementary School Chess Team on their victory at the 2019 Ohio Elementary Chess Championship; 11-19 Recognizing & commending recipients of the 2019 Lorain City Schools All City Art Show People’s Choice Awards; 12-19 Recognizing & commending Mayor Chase M. Ritenauer for outstanding public service; 13-19 Supporting the establishment and implementation of the Administration’s new Tobacco Free policy in the City of Lorain. 14-19 Opposing HB 174 & 178 which seek to diminish or eliminate restrictions on the concealed carry of deadly weapons; 15-19 Accepting the donation of material and

labor valued at $50,000 from the Falbo Family of Terminal Ready Mix for the construction of walkways and a parking area at Falbo Park; 16-19 Accepting the donation of $1,000 from Lorain Rising Titans for the purchase of two benches; 17-19 Accepting the donation of $5,329.68 from Lorain Rotary the purchase of a three bay swingset for Falbo Park; 18-19 Accepting the donation of $1,153.34 from the National Council of Negro Women Inc. for the purchase of self-watering planters for the City of Lorain Observation Deck on Broadway; Ordinance No. 65-19 adopting the recommendation of the Lorain City Planning Commission to approve the request to rezone parcels and real property commonly known as 2130, 2140, 2150 West Park Drive for the construction of the City of Lorain Central Service Complex; 66-19 Auth the S/S Dir. To permit AllPhase Service Station Equip. Inc. to furnish and install 2 above ground tanks systems @ Central Service Complex; 67-19 Auth the S/S Director to purchases two Spartan Leaf Collection units w/o bid from state purchasing; 68-19 Auth Mayor to submit application to OPWC for year 2020 Roadway funding (Round 34) for replacement/rehab of certain roadways; 69-19 Auth S/S Dir. To enter into an agreement w/Azteca Systems for a management system for the Util. Dept.; 70-19 Auth the S/S Dir. To enter into a contract w/lowest and best bidder PQM WWTP sludge holding tank and grit building modification; 71-19 Auth S/S Dir. to enter into agreement with Paymentus for IVR/ IWR interactive voice response and interactive Web Responses service for Util. Dept.; 72- 19 De-appropriating; 73-19 Appropriation; 74-19 Auth City of Lorain to enter into MOU with the FOP Lodge #3, Patrolmen, Sergeants & above and repeal Ord. 54-19; 75-19 Appropriation (BHP); 76-19 Auth the S/S Dir. to enter into MOU’s with the US Steelworkers Local 6621, regarding BHP personnel wage increases.

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INSIDE: GROUND BROKEN ON NEW TRACK • D4

WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 • SERVING WELLINGTON SINCE 1864

Dukes seniors get ready to walk JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

Eighty-two Dukes will say goodbye to Wellington High School at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, turning their tassels in the gymnasium as part of the school's 144th commencement ceremony.

The Class of 2019 has earned nearly $84,000 in local scholarship money, a total principal Tina Drake said is a testament to hard work and keeping an eye on the finish line.

“This class excelled both academically and athletically,” she said. “It's Jonathan Delozier | Wellington Enterprise one of the smartest classes I've ever Wellington High School seniors Grace Broome, Rianna Rosecrans, had the opportunity to work with in Troy Cole, and Savannah McKee will graduate June 9 along with 78 my years as principal. We'll all miss them but we know they're going on to of their peers.

Say cheese!

Main Street wins $25K grand prize

big things.”

A few seniors sat down with us May 30 — their last day as WHS students — to discuss what comes next and what they'll miss about Wellington.

Savannah McKee will attend Liberty University this fall as a zoo and wildlife biology major. Her perfect ACT score and recognition as a National Merit Scholarship finalist helped pave the way to the Virginia school. McKee has also been a member of FFA, the principal's advisory committee, National Honor Society, and Civil War club.

“I'll just miss laughing in class at all the stupid things the boys say,” she said. “All of the joking around and having fun with people I know will be the biggest thing I miss about here.

CLASS OF 2019 PAGE D2

TRAIN CRASH FOLLOW-UP

STAFF REPORT

The $25,000 grand prize in the America's Main Streets Contest has been won by the beautiful town of Wellington.

Historic Herrick Avenue will benefit after local voters helped Main Street Wellington beat 232 entrants to take the grand prize.

The "cheese" sign atop the Horr-Warner Cheese Company building will be restored with the prize money, preserving the village's proud past as the Cheese Capital of the World.

It hearkens back to the day when more than 40 factories produced cheese and shipped it all over the world.

“We know the Herrick Avenues of America help build a sense of place in their communities and are home to countless small, locally owned businesses,” said Bill Brunell, co-founder of Independent We Stand, which ran the contest. “They are also, oftentimes, rich in history. Independent We Stand wants to help draw attention to these MAIN STREET PAGE D2

Photos by Jonathan Delozier | Wellington Enterprise

Crews continue the cleanup near Wheeling Street on May 29 after the previous day's CSX train derailment. The incident resulted in no injures and minimal property damage but caused the leak of diesel fuel into a nearby stream.

Derailment led to diesel leak JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A train derailment May 28 caused no injuries — but what's been described as a “minor amount” of diesel fuel from some of the train's 22 cars has leaked into a nearby stream.

The leak does not pose a threat to residents or the surrounding area but did flow all the way to the village's wastewater treatment plant, according to officials.

“The contamination at the wastewater plant is very small,” said village manager Steve Dupee. “We're working with the EPA and CSX to address those

issues. We don't envision any ill effects from that and we're managing the situation.”

“Our staff was out there quickly putting in dikes and other absorbent materials to address the issue,” he said. “But we have seen some infiltration of that. It will dissipate but it's my understanding there will be some aeration done in the stream that it entered in order to dissipate that fuel.”

CSX Transportation and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency are formulating a cleanup plan while the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates a cause for the crash.

Most cars on the train, which TRAIN CRASH PAGE D2

Scrap from the crash has been cleared off the tracks into piles while larger equipment will be moved to the Lorain County Fairgrounds and property owned by Whirlaway Corporation.

OHIO EPA RESPONSE The following statement was provided by Anthony Chenault, regional media coordinator for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency: "The agency responded to address any environmental concerns and support the local fire department, CSX, and the company’s environmental contractor. An unknown amount of diesel fuel was released from several derailed refrigeration cars and one locomotive. As a precautionary measure, the agency and the environmental contractor installed sorbent booms and hard booms in an unnamed tributary of Charlemont Creek.

The unnamed tributary also received firefighting suppression water, turning the water dark brown, and causing lowered dissolved oxygen levels.

The environmental contractor is evaluating the waterway and has installed aeration pumps to bring the dissolved oxygen levels back up to normal. There have been no reported impacts to aquatic life. The Wellington wastewater treatment plant contained and recovered a small amount of fuel at the head waters of the plant, with no anticipated impacts to operations. Ohio EPA will continue to monitor the incident until remediation is complete."

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page D2

Wellington Enterprise

POLICE REPORTS • May 25 at 6 p.m.: All four tires of a Chevrolet Silverado were slashed on North Main Street.

The victim said he had broken up a fight the prior night at the Mosey Inn. • May 27 at 2:50 a.m.: Five 16-year-olds were seen watching along Magyar Street in violation of village curfew, according to police. They were taken to the police station and released to their parents.

• May 30 at 8 a.m.: Damage was found to the Wellington High School concession building. It included damage to a down spout and the wooden door over the concession window was pulled off.

Nothing appeared to be taken from the building.

The netting behind home plate was cut.

• May 30 at 7:20 p.m.: A 17-year-old boy was arrested after police responded to a domestic violence incident in progress.

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

MAIN STREET

FROM D1 special places and recognize their economic impact. This contest is a chance to share those stories.”

In addition to restoring the cheese sign, Main Street Wellington will use the $25,000 prize to continue its "Paint the Town Proud" program, created in 2018 to spruce up the downtown area.

The program offers paint and supply grants to businesses to refresh their facades.

Main Street plans to add signage downtown to help celebrate the history of Herrick Avenue while also directing visitors to free public parking so they can enjoy local shops, restaurants, and events.

“We are proud of our heritage and of our recent business growth and embrace the opportunity for additional growth and improvement,” said Jenny Arntz, director of Main Street Wellington. “We believe so much in the Wellington community and are touched by its support in the ‘America’s Main Streets’ contest. The impact of this honor and prize will be visible and greatly appreciated by many.”

To celebrate, a "Main Streets Make Us Better" event will be held July 3 in conjunction with the annual Patriots Band and ice cream social.

Independent We Stand plans to make a giant check presentation there and celebrate the Fourth of July with the folks of Wellington.

The presenting sponsor of this year's contest is Stihl Inc., seller of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment.

Submitted photo

Wellington residents "Paint the Town Proud," sprucing up the downtown area.

They'll be able to continue painting with a $25,000 prize from the America's Main Streets Contest.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Schools stress need for levy JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

An $856,915 budget deficit has been predicted for the Wellington Schools for fiscal year 2019 in the district's latest five-year forecast.

Treasurer Tina Gabler presented the figures to the board of education May 21, expecting to finish 2019 with $13.6 million in revenue and $14.5 million in expenses.

Projected deficit spending in the forecast dips to $451,702 in 2020 but steadily rises to $1.17 million by 2023.

An unreserved fund balance of just over $3.3 million to end 2019 is on pace to shrink to $1.4 million by 2022 and $231,309 the following year.

A call for the district's first permanent improvement levy was repeated by Gabler.

“We can't continue on the path we're on,” she said. “Westwood needs a new HVAC system and if it dies we don't have the money to replace it. Our parking lots are in disarray and they're about $1 million apiece. We also have to look at our roofs. Certain things have been let go for too long and it's past the point of maintenance. They need to be replaced.”

“The board needs to make a decision. I would recommend

a levy this year or next year,” Gabler added.

Talks have pointed to a 1.95mill measure that would raise roughly $400,000 annually but no final figure or time frame for the levy has been determined.

Permanent improvements are now paid for with an annual general fund transfer, with $623,726 spent on such measures during fiscal year 2018 and another $614,581 going out this past year.

Board members and superintendent Ed Weber are working to finalize a four-year facilities improvement plan. Gabler and other officials have said the district needs about $11 million in permanent improvements, almost entirely at Westwood Elementary School and Wellington High School.

Income tax revenue jumped between 2018 and 2019 from $2.08 million to $2.2 million.

Such revenue has steadily risen from $1.8 million since 2014 but that year also marked the first time the district collected as much since the economic crash of 2008, said Gabler.

Last year's county property tax valuation increase spelled roughly $168,000 in additional revenue for the Wellington Schools. A roughly $22,000 increase in state aid in 2019 came after three years of cuts, which took the district from $5.39 mil-

lion down to $4.97 million.

Gabler said students who choose to open enroll to the Wellington currently outnumber those who opt to leave for other districts or charter schools.

In 2020, the district could receive about $211,000 in new state funding, according to drafts of Gov. Mike DeWine's biennial budget. Provisions call for that number to jump to more than $250,000 in 2021 but Gabler said those funds cannot be used for permanent improvement projects and are limited to measures including social programs and guidance counselor pay.

“From the parking lots we've paved to new buses we've purchased to some of our new security upgrades, all that you see done comes from the general fund,” she said. “At some point, the board will need to decide that we need some sort of additional funding.”

Three-year agreements with the Wellington Education Association and Wellington Support Staff expire at the conclusion of this school year.

Funds going toward pay and benefits for staff currently represent 46 percent of district expenditures, which is below margins seen in comparable areas such as 56 percent in Oberlin, 55 percent in Keystone, and 54 percent in Firelands, according to Gabler.

CLASS OF 2019

FROM D1 I'm nervous about not knowing a single soul in Virginia. I'll have to push myself to actually go out there and meet people.”

Grace Broome has chosen to move on to Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, to study economics and international business.

She is a member of National Honor Society, Civil War Club, marching band, sits on the WHS endowment board, and has served as president of the Community Foundation of Lorain County's Youth Fund advisory board.

“Working with the Community Foundation has got me really interested in philanthropy,” said Broome. “I also love sociology since taking it last year at LCCC. There's so many different components to economics and helping people and tying philanthropy in with that. Economics is like an umbrella term for a lot of things that I want to do.”

“Riding the bus to football games with the band might be my favorite memory,” she added.

“We'd screw around a lot and it was always just loud and fun.

Don't lose sight of what you want. If your goal is to go to

college or a trade school, if you work hard here you'll work hard there.”

Rianna Rosecrans will stay a bit closer to home at Cleveland State University, where she will pursue a career in physical therapy. The senior has participated in marching band, yearbook, Drama Club, Civil War Club, volleyball, and earned county recognition on the softball field.

“It's most likely going to be physical therapy,” she said. “I'm still making a final choice on a major, though. Last year I had issues with my shoulder and the rehab for that made physical therapy seem really interesting to me.”

In 2017, Rosecrans' singing and guitar playing earned her first place among entrants of all ages in The STAR talent competition at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts.

“Band gave me a love for music and that love kind of transferred into my other classes,” she said. “Whenever I was having trouble in a class I'd study to a specific song that got my brain to work. Band gets gears to turn in

your brain and it helps in ways you don't expect.”

Troy Cole will major in biological engineering at the University of Toledo.

When asked about what steered him toward the medical field, Cole talked about a passion to help people living with disabilities and cited the experience of his older sister, Landry Cole. In 2014, Landry was diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer.

“All the support from my friends and everyone had meant so much to me and my family,” Troy said. “The community has been so nice to us. I know my parents are astounded by how many people have reached out to help her.”

He has been a member of the Dukes basketball, cross country, and track and field squads.

“This is a small community but everyone here has a big heart,” he said. “I'll miss it very much. For future seniors, I'd say to remember to make a plan and know what you're going for. There's been a lot of people here that have given support to me and I'm thankful for that.”

TRAIN CRASH

FROM D1 also included two locomotives, were carrying produce. Large swaths of the surrounding neighborhood were left with a strong onion smell in the days after the crash.

Dupee said talks with CSX have led him to believe that the company will reimburse the village for costs associated with the derailment and clean-up.

Those efforts included police and fire response to a blaze just after the crash, closing several streets around the crash site, and the efforts to contain spilled fuel.

“It's my understanding that CSX will compensate for village time related to those efforts,” he said. “We're tracking our time and materials for that purpose.”

A water main near the derailment site broke Tuesday after a hydrant began drawing from it but had been fixed by Wednesday, Dupee said.

WHAT COMES NEXT The Maygar Street crossing will remain closed for approximately four weeks, according to mayor Hans Schneider.

Train cars had been cleared from the track by Wednesday

afternoon with large piles of torn metal and car parts being organized into piles. Crushed onions could be seen across large areas of the ground.

Whirlaway Corporation at 720 Shiloh Ave. and the Lorain County Fairgrounds are providing crews with space to store larger equipment during the clean-up process.

Wellington police have reported attempted nighttime break-ins to some train cars and said the area is under video surveillance.

Officials urge residents to remain clear of the site and the village public works department has put up a no trespassing sign at the lot on the corner of Maygar and Bennett Streets.

“This could have been so much worse, like happening at the underpass or the Rt. 18 intersection,” said Schneider.

“We have the best safety forces that you can hope for in this community and they prep for these kinds of things. You hope you never have to use it but if you do, we have full confidence.

Today showed these men and women really know what they're doing.”

HISTORY OF DERAILMENTS The last train derailment in the area occurred on March 17, 2012, near Hawley Road in Wellington Township, also resulting in no injuries.

On Jan. 10, 1960, the derailment of a passenger train within the village of Wellington left four people dead and more than 40 injured. Excess speed was blamed for that accident.

Flooding caused the collapse of a railroad bridge two miles west of the village in 1913, resulting in a locomotive and seven cars crashing into the river. The engineer, fireman, and brakeman on the train drowned in the incident.

Three people were injured and many farm animals were killed on July 26, 1903, when the Big Four Flyer No. 18 derailed just south of the village after colliding with a freight train while rounding a curve.

Information on these crashes was provided by Al Leiby of The Spirit of '76 Museum.

There have been 49 train derailments in Ohio since the start of 2018, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Wellington Enterprise

Page D3

Softball players want to keep coach Two arrested JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

Earnest Wellington High School softball players strongly urged the board of education to keep Duane Sunagel on as their coach May 21, telling officials they've heard steady talk that he could be replaced.

Sunagel just finished his fifth year in the dugout and has led the Dukes girls to back-toback sectional championships as well as this year's district championship, the program's first since 2009.

Freshman Maile Oswald read a prepared statement to the board while surrounded by teammates.

“We've heard many rumors recently of coach Sunagel not having his contract renewed,” she said. “We want to share with you our experiences of playing for him.

"As a first-year player in high school softball, I expected to be pushed to my limits, held to high standards, and achieve greatness. This is exactly what we did this season

Jonathan Delozier | Wellington Enterprise

Wellington High School softball player Maile Oswald reads a statement May 21 in defense of coach Duane Sunagel. under coach Sunagel.

None of us were guaranteed anything. We all worked hard to get to where this team is right now. Sunagel treated each player with respect and equality. It didn't matter if you were a freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior. Everyone had the same chances.”

After the meeting, superintendent Ed Weber said he had not heard of any conversations to not renew Sunagel's contract.

“I think they're correct when they say rumor,”

he said. “I'm not sure where that rumor came from. It didn't come from our office. This could be the beginning and end of this discussion.”

Sunagel did not confirm or deny the rumors as he prepared for the Dukes' regional semifinal matchup against Northwestern, which ended in a 4-0 defeat.

“It's a year-to-year contract so I guess I'll be evaluated at the end of the year. It's the way it is every year," he said.

"I can let it roll where it goes but I'm not going to

answer any more questions about it right now.”

In 2017, no action against Sunagel followed a three-hour meeting between district officials and the family of a student who had filed a complaint against him.

According to parents, that situation involved two seniors who had been cut from the team as well as “tough” coaching practices but those views were never confirmed by the district.

Parents spoke up passionately in Sunagel's defense during public meetings leading up to that decision, lauding the coach in a manner very similar to Oswald's recent comments.

“Every player on the varsity team was removed or switched at some point during the season,” she said. “This relates to the fact that (Sunagel's) intentions were always to put us in the best position to win.”

“Why try to fix something that isn't broken?”

Oswald asked the board.

“This Dukes softball team would not be going to the regional semifinals without coach Sunagel.”

SUMMER LIBRARY PROGRAMS There's plenty to do this summer at the Herrick Memorial Library in downtown Wellington!

READ TO PUTTER Read to Putter the therapy dog at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, June 20, 27, and July 11, 18, and 25.

Putter visits the library to listen to children as they read. Kids can spend 15 minutes reading a book or story to him and build their reading skills. He absolutely adores listening to a good story and does not mind if the child makes reading mistakes.

Stop in to reserve a reading spot or call the library at 440647-2120.

On Thursday, June 13, Putter will visit at a special 11:45 a.m. time.

THURSDAY SPECIALS Presented at 1:30 p.m. this summer, these programs are designed for children ages five and up. Registration is required and

can be done at the library or by calling 440-647-2120.

These once-a-week programs include: • June 13 — Kick-off the summer with Mr. Puppet.

• June 20 — Craig Williams, aerospace engineer from the NASA Glenn Research Center, will share stories and information about the Apollo 11 mission, moon landing, and moon walk.

• June 27 — "Trekking Across the Universe" will feature stories and interesting facts, games, Readers' Theater, and crafts.

• July 11 — Mad Science of Northeast Ohio will present a workshop for children ages five and up on space technology.

• July 18 — "A Sky Full of Stories" asks what a queen, a hunter, a scorpion, and a bull all have in common. They are star patterns we know as constellations. Discover the stories and more about them and enjoy games, Readers' Theater, and crafts.

MOON WATCH A lunar watch will be held at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and moon walk.

Take a telescope or binoculars to view the moon through one of the telescopes that the library will provide.

This program depends upon the weather and will not be rescheduled.

Call the Library at 440-6472120 to register and to pick up the directions to the viewing site.

MEDINA RAPTOR CENTER Celebrate the end of the summer reading program at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 with a visit from some residents of the Medina Raptor Center to Wellington town hall.

Registration is required and can be done at the library or by calling 440-647-2120.

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

• First United Methodist Church, 127 Park Place, has summer worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays and contemporary services at 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Caregivers Support Group meets at 2 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. Free community meals are offered from 5-6 p.m. on the last Monday of each month.

• St. Patrick Church, 512 North Main St., has Masses at 6 p.m.

Saturday and 8:15 a.m. Sunday.

Weekday Masses are at 8:45 a.m.

Monday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

For more information, call 440647-4375.

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

• First Congregational United Church of Christ, 140 South Main St., has Sunday service at 10 a.m.

The first Sunday of each month is family worship and communion.

• Camden Baptist Church, 17901 St. Rt. 511, Camden Township, has Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays. AWANA and “Ignite” (junior and senior high), meet at 6:45

p.m. on Wednesdays. Adult prayer meeting and Bible study begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. A nursery is provided for Sunday services.

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

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

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

• United Church of Huntington, 26677 Rt. 58, has Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., as well as Sunday school classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m. Nursery care is available during worship services and the Sunday school hour.

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

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

• Penfield Community Church, 40775 St. Rt. 18, has Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. Kidz Klubhouse for children and Fusion for

youth will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Sundays.

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

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

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

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

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

• Pittsfield Community Church has Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m. There is a new Mothers of Preschool children’s group. For more information, call 440-7742162.

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

after ‘credible’ school threat STAFF REPORT

Two children were arrested Friday following a school threat investigation, according to Wellington police.

McCormick Middle School was the target, confirmed principal Nathan Baxendale.

The danger was deemed "credible" after investigators interviewed students, faculty, and staff, said village police chief Tim Barfield.

After conferring with the prosecutor's office, the two suspects were taken to juvenile detention facilities to await possible charges.

"Wellington Schools and the Wellington police believe that there is no longer a threat to students, faculty, or staff," Barfield said in a release Monday.

Baxendale sent a message to parents Saturday to affirm that the safety of everyone at McCormick is his top priority.

By Tuesday morning, everything was "back to normal, 100 percent," he said.

"Everybody is going around with business as normal. Kids are happy to be outside for field day on a beautiful day. Teachers and kids alike are excited for the end of the school year as normal.

Everything is just a great mood," he said.

Schools get $900K in state grants JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

Newly-approved grant money for improvements at Wellington High School and McCormick Middle School will infuse $900,000 into the district over the next three-plus years.

Wellington board of education president Dan Rosecrans praised district superintendent Ed Weber in May for seeking out the funds and working to secure them.

“I think we owe our superintendent a thank you for taking this upon himself,” Rosecrans said. “He really went out there and got this done and our kids are going to benefit.”

The district will receive the first grant installment of $150,000 this year.

That will be followed by $300,000 in 2020, $300,000 in 2021, and another $150,000 in 2022.

Funding comes through the Ohio Department of Education's School Quality Improvement Grants program. A proposal for the grant was submitted in November.

“We're happy to reach out there and find these kinds of new opportunities for our district,” Weber said. “We're also waiting to hear back on a couple of other grant proposals. One is an expanded opportunities grant for the high school and the other is for McCormick, a building leadership grant. We should hear about those by mid- to late summer.”

Planned spending for the funding includes expansion of STEM and gifted curriculum as well as technology training for staff. The new money will also cover the purchase of interactive touch boards, graphic calculators, and other school supplies.

Weber said the grants will allow for new and expanded partnerships between the district and the National Math and Science Initiative, Making Middle Grades Work, National Project Lead the Way, Teaching Teachers with Technology, and Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.

“Over the years, we have increased our Advanced Placement course offerings for out students and this grant will allow us to continue preparing our students for college and future careers,” said WHS principal Tina Drake.

CONTACTS Village council • Bill Bogan, at-large: 440-864-3445 • Guy Wells, at-large: 440-647-2672 • Keith Rowland, at-large: 440-647-0822 • Helen Dronsfield, at-large: 440-647-2959 • Mark Bughman, at-large: 440-647-4076 • Gene Hartman, at-large: 440-420-5898 Services • Tim Barfield, police chief: 440-647-2244 • Mike Wetherbee, fire chief: 440-647-2245 • Vanya Hales, finance director: 440-647-4626 • Bob Brasee, public works superintendent: 440-647-3836 • David Bealer, electric superintendent: 440647-3827 • Mark Rosemark, wastewater superintendent: 440-647-3164

Page D4

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Wellington Enterprise

BREAKING GROUND

Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Ceremonial shovels in hand, Wellington athletes gather around coach Matt Kimmich on Monday at the Dickson Street stadium to celebrate the beginning of construction on a game-changing track.

Dukes excited as new track construction begins JASON HAWK EDITOR

An excavator tore a wide gash Monday in the earth where the Dukes' 30-year-old track used to lie.

Standing in the dirt at the Dickson Street stadium, two dozen Wellington athletes celebrated the beginning of

construction on a new running surface.

"You can't do good without a track that's going to work as hard as you do," said sophomore Troy Smith, who runs the mile and two-mile events.

He recalled teammates' strains and sprains caused by the old asphalt track's pitted surface.

Student athletes are looking

forward to safer running and faster times once they can take to the new all-weather surface this fall, he said.

The $650,000 project include new irrigation infrastructure under parts of the Dukes Stadium football field.

Heiberger Paving of Canal Winchester was chosen for the job.

The six-lane track will debut this fall along with the new Lorain County League, which replaces the Patriot Athletic Conference.

Officials say they want it ready in time for the start of football season. However, the work could take longer.

The update is a welcome one, coming on the heels on new bleachers and stadium

lighting since 2017.

With a new track ready for the 2020 track season, Wellington will be able to host meets for the first time since the turn of the century.

Still left to be made are decisions on long-discussed renovations or replacements to locker room and field house facilities on Dickson Street.

WHS senior sets a varsity letter record JONATHAN DELOZIER REPORTER

A new varsity letter record at Wellington High School has been set by Emily Watters, a soon-to-be graduate in the Class of 2019.

The senior has earned 20 letters across five sports.

She points to her work on the field as an important tool in dealing with the stresses of life as a young adult.

“It definitely can Courtesy photo help with your menClass of 2019 member Emily Watters's tal health,” Watters 20 varsity letters is a new Welligton High said. “That's not talked School record. about often but it really can. It helps you get fourth in the 106-pound Outside of school, out into the world and weight class at the Patri- Watters has competed in push yourself. Pushing ot Athletic Conference national dance competiyourself can help you championship. In the tions since she was four get things out that you 2017-2018 season, she years old. wouldn't have otherplaced third overall at Watters has also been wise.” the PAC tournament. one of Wellington's most “I wasn't planning on That success has outspoken students regetting all these varsity earned her a college garding an expansion of letters but it just kind scholarship through the mental health services. of came up as I went Lorain County Coaches She delivered a statealong,” she said.

Association, which she ment on the matter to Across cross country, plans to use this fall at the board of education wrestling, track and Eastern Michigan Uniin 2017, a few months field, as well as both versity. There she will before Cleveland-based football and basketball major in occupational LifeAct was contracted cheerleading, Watters therapy while continufor mental health and has managed to stand ing her sports through anti-bullying work in out. cheerleading. the district.

She has earned “I hope to specialize “Definitely don't keep All-Lorain County secin pediatrics,” Watters to yourself,” she said. ond team and All-Consaid. “I babysit a little “It never helps. Go out ference third team girl named Zoey Sengand involve yourself no recognition for cross has and my relationship matter how much you country. On the mats, with her made me want don't want to. You start Watters landed a spot to go into this kind of conversing with people in this season's district field. She's very special and find motivation you tournament after placing to me.” didn't know was there.”