Lorain County Community Guide - Feb. 4, 2021 by Lorain County Printing and Publishing

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

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Volume 8, Issue 5

OBERLIN ELEMENTARY CONSTRUCTION

Schools think solar farm is bright idea JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — A cash-saving solar array could be built next to Oberlin's new elementary school on North Pleasant Street. Third Sun Solar has proposed a $218,000 sun farm, and the idea seems to have Board of Education members energized.

Ground-mounted panels, when combined with more that will already be installed on the new prekindergarten through fifth grade school's roof, would provide 100 percent of the power needed for the building each year, said Brad Gellert of ThenDesign Architecture. "Obviously, it wouldn't happen every day because the efficiency varies greatly by the amount of

sun," he said. In a Jan. 26 meeting, Gellert said the array could go in the far northeast corner of the school district's property, next to Oberlin High School. He pointed to an area long used by the Oberlin Marching Band. Land closer to the school would also put the solar panels near a baseball diamond — and foul balls. Gellert said the south side

Breyley gets Main Street Volunteer of the Year honor

of the property has too much shade. The Board of Education has not approved Third Sun's contract. First, the district plans to meet with city officials and apply for clean energy grants from Oberlin's Sustainable Reserve Fund. Linda Arbogast, Oberlin's sustainability coordinator, said the grant application would ultimately go to City Council for

approval. "What everybody hopes for these funds is they get used to support all of the community, and who better than the public schools when you're talking about that kind of benefit?" she said. The district has also discussed using city green energy funds to SOLAR PAGE A3

LCCC VIRUS EXPERT

A brutal year without festivals has the Wellington nonprofit watching finances JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — Denise Breyley was named the Patricia Lindley Volunteer of the Year Award winner Tuesday by Main Street Wellington. Breyley, owner of Beriswill Insurance, was a founding member of the nonprofit that supports the downtown business community. She is known for showing random acts of kindness around town, supports 4-H events and is a driving force behind the Helping Hands food pantry at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wellington, said newly-elected Main Street President Richard Denise Breyley Saccardi. In Main Street's annual business meeting, Saccardi was elevated to the leadership role along with Vice President Teresa Bosela. Reese Dunton will continue to serve as treasurer in 2021 and outbound President Anthony Savage was chosen as secretary. Two new members, Greg Jones and Amy Kiley, were also named to the Main Street board. They will be faced with difficult decisions this year. MAIN STREET PAGE A3

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Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-329-7000 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday News staff Jason Hawk news@lcnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122 Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Harry Kestler, professor of microbiology at Lorain County Community College, speaks about the COVID-19 vaccine in an interview on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Kestler talks about how science is making newest vaccines safer

JASON HAWK EDITOR

ELYRIA — As a child, Harry Kestler remembers drinking a polio vaccine. "It was like an orange-flavored candy, basically. It had a virus in there, and I got sick from it," he said. He's lucky he did. Kestler, a microbiologist who is now teaching a new generation of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the uncomfortable after-effects of a vaccine mean the body is mounting an immune response. In a discussion Thursday, Jan. 28 near his lab at Lorain County Community College, Kestler shared his thoughts on the rollout of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that will help

What is a vaccine? Vaccines are like the "lite" version of a disease. They usually involve injecting either a live or dead specimen into a person, helping the body's defense system a chance to learn how to effectively fight it off. Kestler, in teaching mode, said vaccines have been around a long, long time — they've successfully eliminated smallpox and a lot of other childhood diseases. The two vaccines being used in the United States to fight COVID are RNA vaccines, and Kestler called them "revolutionary." RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is present

in all living cells and carries instructions around the body about how to handle proteins. "This vaccine is just a naked piece of RNA that's wrapped in fat," Kestler said. "We take that and inject it in your arm." Like two soap bubbles merging together, RNA dumps what it's carrying into the body's cells then melts away. But are they safe? The new vaccines are not only safe, said Kestler, but also unbelievably effective compared to older vaccines. The biggest danger they carry is allergic reaction, which is exceedingly rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the KESTLER PAGE A3

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Submit advertising to chama@chroniclet.com

end the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which has killed more than two million people worldwide in the past 10 months.

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Council approves $500K for sidewalk repairs • B1

Shooting on South Park hospitalizes one • B1

Lindley stage prepares for ‘Middle School Manifesto’ • B2

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • CROSSWORD B2 • SUDOKU B2 • KID SCOOP B6

Page A2

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Alvin Paul Friend

Dorothy Naomi Walker

Elizabeth Annable

Alvin Paul Friend died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at the Grant Medical Center in Columbus after complications with Covid-19. He was born Feb. 18, 1958, in Augsburg, Germany, to Wilmer Carlton and Hildegard Lubke Friend, he later graduated from Wellington High School, Class of 1977. Longtime resident of Wellington, he married Cindy Evans April 20, 2015, and moved to New Holland in 2016. He was an employee of the Candle-Lite Company in Leesburg, Ohio. Alvin attended the New Holland Church of Christ in Christian Union and was a former member of Lincoln Street Chapel (CCCU) in Wellington. Alvin loved bowling at Strike Out Lanes, eating at local diners, trout fishing in the rapids of Maryland and greeting strangers. He was preceded in death by his parents, including his stepfather, Gary Quarles. Alvin is survived by his wife, Cindy Evans, whom he married April 20, 2015; stepson and step-daughter-in-law, Brandon and Jena Adair of Mount Sterling, Ohio; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Marcia Friend of Wellington; sister and brother-in-law, Erica and Andy Nemeth of Elyria; mother-in-law, Linda Evans of Chillicothe; several nieces and nephews, Ryan Friend, Kevin Friend, Benjamin Friend, Christopher Johnson, Ashley Honney, April (Tony) Shackleford and Sheila (Shawn) Hill; great-nieces and nephews and his special canine buddy, Lea. In keeping with his wishes, cremation had taken place and a memorial service will be held on a later date at New Holland Church and Lincoln Street Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

Dorothy Naomi Walker, 100 and a half, of Wellington Township, quietly, but contently passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, at her Walnut Valley Farm home, where she lived and made countless memories for almost 75 years. Born on May 21, 1920, in Pittsfield Township, she was one of six siblings. She would go on to live a full life that would include much time spent at the county fair, adventures along many country roads, romance with the love of her life, “Corb”, driving tractor in the fields, fiber arts of all varieties and many generations of family who were on the receiving end of her wisdom, wit and unconditional love. She was petite, but fierce in her resilience, gratitude, and compassion. She was a veritable legend when it came to her pies and miscellaneous baked creations. She had impeccable style, was a voracious reader and mentally acute throughout her life, able to recollect the most meticulous of details about family, friends and strangers who would eventually become one or both. Survivors include her children, Iva Walker, Terry (Donna) Walker and sons-in-law, Dave (Pam) Crawford, John (Megan Apple) Bidlake and Neil Casper; grandchildren, Curt (Cindy) Casper, Leah (Rich) Goedel, Jennifer (Rob) McKillips, Shea Alltmont, Adam (Erin) Walker; great-grandchildren, Rhett (Kristen), Melany, Abby, Seth, Emma, Austin, Kevin, Cara, Seth, Cait, Jordan, Jack, Sophia and Brendan and great-great-grandchildren, Xzavier, Riley, Arlo, Everly and John. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, J. Corbett 'Corb'; siblings, Norman, Ida, Howard, Elsie and Hazel; daughters, Priscilla Bidlake and Marie Casper and granddaughter, Kelli Hall. Her family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Charlotte Brill from Preferred Care for her friendship and care of Dorothy. As Dorothy would have wanted, there will be no wake, funeral or celebration. She passed quietly as she lived her life - privately, simply and content. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy's name may be made to the James & Roena McConnell 4-H Scholarship Fund, Herrick Memorial Library or you're encouraged to plant a tree in her memory. Condolences may be expressed online at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/wellington.

Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Annable of Oberlin, passed away at the Cleveland Clinic Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family. She was married to her devoted husband, William David, for 63 wonderful years. Betty was born in Lorain on July 26, 1933. Betty worked as a manager at Laverne's dress shop in Oberlin and then was a Warranty Administrator at Parker Hannifin for many years. In retirement, Betty and Bill enjoyed being in the antique business and traveled to many antique shows in the Midwest. In addition to antiques, Betty was an amazing cook, an avid reader and excellent piano and organ player. In addition to her husband, Bill; Betty is survived by her son, Kenneth (Kathy Sue) Annable; daughters, Kim (Kelly Cameron) Annable and Kathy (Rob Shick) Olson; four grandchildren and sister, Mary Lou (Frank) Altomare. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Eleanor Duskey and a brother, Glenn Duskey. A private burial at Westwood Cemetery will take place, followed by a memorial service at a later date. Though you are no longer with us on earth, you are forever in our hearts. Online condolences may be made to www.cowling funeralhomeoh.com.

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B2

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE B2

Julianne Byrd Julianne Byrd (nee West), 66, of Amherst, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Mercy Regional Medical Center following a sudden illness. Hempel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Our condolences go out to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one. For information about placing an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call 440-329-7000.

People's Garden workshop

The People’s Garden at Oberlin Community Services will hold a virtual workshop at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11. In “Using Native Plants in your Garden,” Barb Holtz of Ohio Prairie Nursery will teach how to create pocket pollinator gardens and demonstrate easy methods to introduce native plants. After working as a naturalist for the Cleveland Metroparks, Holtz joined OPN Seed and provides education through the organization’s blog and workshops. The People’s Garden is a community garden that encourages individuals and families to harvest free produce grown by lead gardener Sarah Tyler. All other produce grown supplements food programs at Oberlin Community Services. Register at www.oberlincommunityservices.org/ events. The workshop will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact Tyler at sarah@ oberlincommunityservices.org or (440) 774-6579.

Kenneth W. Hyde

Kenneth W. Hyde, otherwise known by his friends as “Smoke”, 88, of Norwalk, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center. He was born in Lorain on Oct. 18, 1932, to the late Elmyra and Herbert Hyde. Shortly after graduating high school in Amherst, he married his beloved wife, Patricia and relocated to Florida. From there, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Ken proudly served in active duty on the USS Forrestal. He was also a member of the Naval Reserves. He lived in Florida/Alabama for 17 years, where he worked as an MELENA 'FRAN' (NEE BOGGESS) HEDRICK, 81, automobile mechanic. He then returned to the Amherst, of Lorain County, was called home by her Lord and Sav- Ohio area and finished his career at the Amherst Electric ior Jesus Christ on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, at UH Elyria Department, retiring in the Norwalk area. Medical following a brief and sudden illness. ArrangeIn his early adult life, Ken could be seen around town ments by Hempel Funeral Home. on his Harley-Davidson. This activity was replaced by bowling and dancing at the Elks Club once the children THOMAS WAYNE WEST, 80, of Lorain, went home arrived. Ken was a committed husband and dad and enjoyed to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, spending free time with his family. He enjoyed taking care at Mercy Regional Health Care Center, following a full of the yard and cultivating his amazing vegetable gardens and meaningful life. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral with one of his many canine companions at his side. He Home. was an avid watcher of western and war movies and could often be found in front of the TV on a hot afternoon. Ken ANITA WIGTON (NEE VALLETTA), 80, of Amherst, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at Elm- also enjoyed the water: whether boating, fishing or just croft Nursing Home in Lorain. Arrangements by Hempel sitting at the water's edge. Ken is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Peter) Johnson, Funeral Home. Susan (Donald) Sterling; his step-grandchildren, Benjamin, Jacob and Mathew Sterling and his 'adopted Syrian KENNETH WILLIAM PUSKAS, 66, a lifetime son' as he was fondly referred to Danny George. resident of Elyria, went home to be with his Lord and In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in Savior, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at University Hospital Elyria Medical Center following a sudden illness. Hempel death by the love of his life of 68 years, Patricia L. Hyde in November of 2020. Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Per Kenneth's wishes, there will be no formal services, ANTHONY ALLEN SIMBOLI, 56, a lifetime resident rather his family encourages those who loved him to of Lorain, passed away Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, at Mercy honor his life in their own way and to hold dear to their Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. Hem- heart the fond memories they have of him. pel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home is entrusted with Ken's arrangements. LOIS CAROL MANES, 88, of Amherst, passed away Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at Independent Village in Avon Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Lake following a full and meaningful life. Hempel FuOnline expressions of sympathy may be made by visitneral Home is in charge of arrangements. ing WalkerEastmanHeydingerFH.com.

LETTERS Letters to the editor should be: • Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific residents, politicians, or groups. • Concise. There is a limit of 350 words on letters. • Polite. Letters that use crude language or show poor taste will be rejected. • Opinions. We reserve space for letters that share a unique perspective. Press releases are not letters and will be considered for publication in other parts of the paper. • Free of advertising, product or service endorsements or complaints, poetry, language that could raise legal problems, or claims that are measurably false. • Signed. Include your name, address, and daytime telephone number for our records. Up to two signatures. • The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE (USPS 673-960) is published every Thursday, 52 weeks per year by Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company, 225 East Ave., Elyria OH 44035.

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Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

Oberlin looks to sell several Taking stock of Oberlin abandoned lots to bidders students' first week back JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Abandoned, foreclosed on and seized, now several vacant lots are going up for sale. The city of Oberlin has put out a call for bids on 230 Lincoln St., a 26,000-squarefoot property bordering the North Coast Inland Trail a stone's throw from the Oberlin Arboretum. The residential land was signed over to the city a year ago due to tax delinquency and a home there was demolished, said Oberlin Planning Director Carrie Handy. Lorain County auditor's records show the property has a market value of $14,180. Bids will be accepted until 4 p.m. on March 12 at City Hall, 69 South Main St. Handy said the Lincoln land is the first of eight buildable lots that will go up for sale in 2021. All fell into the city's possession through tax foreclosure except one on Groveland Street, which was donated voluntarily after

Oberlin Story Stroll

OberlinKids and Lorain County Creating Healthy Communities have collaborated to create a story stroll family engagement activity in Oberlin. You can now take a journey through downtown Oberlin while stopping at participating businesses’ windows to read a new children’s book along the way. Each participating business has two pages of a storybook. It is approximately one mile from the beginning at America’s Origami Shop and OberlinKids, 23 Eric Nord Way, to the end. The Story Stroll also offers an interactive map and additional activities related to the current story offered. The story will continue to be changed out seasonally.

a house there was condemned. "We're responsible for taking care of lots that basically people aren't taking care of," Handy said — it starts with mowing lawns. Like other cities and villages, Oberlin often ends up sending workers to mow yards with overgrown grass. Over time, said Handy, it became obvious that some of those properties were abandoned. That could mean the owners died and had no heirs, or the owners moved away and washed their hands of the situation, she said. A short list of those properties — all residential — was sent to the prosecutor and acquired by the city. Handy said the goal is to "get them back to tax-producing status." Her hope is that buyers will build new homes and inject both new life and income into Oberlin. There are also several small strips of land, just a few feet wide, that the city has taken possession of. Handy said they will probably end up being ceded to neighbors. Visit www.oberlinkids.org or call (440) 371-0113 for more information.

Special BOE meeting

The Wellington Board of Education has called a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10 via Zoom. The purpose is to discuss mid-year evaluations of the superintendent and treasurer. There will be no action taken and no hearing of the public.

New stoplight

A new stoplight goes into operation Thursday, Feb. 4 at the intersection of Middle Ridge and West Ridge roads in Amherst Township.

KESTLER

FROM A1

Moderna vaccine has caused just 2.5 anaphylactic reactions per million doses given. The Pfizer vaccine is slightly higher, with 11.1 cases per million. That's why, at COVID vaccination clinics held in Lorain County in recent weeks, reporters have observed patients under watch for 15 minutes after getting their shots. Many people report going home and experiencing arm pain around the injection site, running a fever or feeling down for one or two days. That's not a danger sign, but a natural reaction as the immune system goes into overdrive, Kestler said. The new vaccines were not rushed to market, he said. Rather, they are the result of 40 years of work. Kestler said their technology has been tested extensively — only the formula specific to COVID is "new," in much the same way the flu shot is reformulated every year to handle new strains. Compared to their predecessors, he considers the COVID vaccines to be miracles of science. "Let's talk about old vaccines versus new ones," Kestler said. "Old vaccines — they're terrible. The old vaccine I got for smallpox ended up killing a lot of people, because it was a dangerous vaccine. We have gotten so much better and making vaccines, making them safer." Compared to the risks associated with the COVID virus — not just death, but long-term respiratory and cognitive problems — the risks posed by the vaccines are nearly zero, he said. That includes unfounded concerns that the new vaccines could cause infertility. There is no factual evidence of any such link, according to Kestler, Johns Hopikins Medicine, Harvard University, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and dozens of other experts. Fertility has been a false flag raised with any number of previous vaccines, including those meant to fight the mumps and AIDS, Kestler said. "Give me a choice between the real deal and the vaccine? I take that vaccine every single day," he said. The next major advancement is expected to be the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is nearing the end of trials and could be approved within weeks. It's different from the Pfizer and Moderna versions. It's a live vaccine, doesn't require extreme cold storage and best of all is expensive. "You get a cold from this, and that helps build a longer-lasting immune response," Kestler said. The path forward More than 24 million COVID vaccine doses have been injected in the United

States since December, including more than 714,000 in Ohio — that's about 6 percent of the state's population. In the same period, new cases have started to fall off significantly. Kestler said vaccines are partially responsible for the improving situation. But masks and social distancing are doing most of the heavy lifting. The key to ending the pandemic and getting back to normal will be getting as many people vaccinated as possible, he said. Inoculating half the population won't be enough. In fact, that would just drag out the situation longer, said Kestler. "We should all be running to get the vaccine right now," he said. "Shutting down the virus is way important, because you want to shut it down before it has a chance to generate new mutations." People are "viral Ubers," he said — viruses need a way to get around, and if you deny them rides they won't be able to get from point A to point B, from person to person. The best-case scenario would be returning to normal by August, Kestler said. That would require just about everybody to get their shots. But a much lower vaccination rate could make the struggle last another year, and the worst thing that could happen would be allowing the virus to proliferate through another winter. The coronavirus will even die off on its own if people do nothing to curb its spread, he said: "Eventually, all diseases lose." That's what happened with the Spanish flu of 1918, for which there was never a vaccine. That disease was an incredibly good killer — the CDC puts the worldwide death toll at 50 million, and other estimates are as high as 100 million. The Spanish flu was so effective that it killed off its own food supply. A good vaccine, Kestler said, will put itself out of business by stopping a virus before it can cause so many deaths. The smallpox vaccine was a good one, which is why children no longer have to get it. But the world is in a race against the clock to stop COVID-19 before it has the chance to evolve, Kestler said. There are already new variants making their way to the United States, and natural selection has made them more infectious. Two months ago in England, COVID was about to be eliminated, he said. Then the B.1.1.7 variant reared its head and spread like wildfire, quickly becoming the dominant version of the disease. So far, existing vaccines have proven effective against the new variants, too, he said.

JASON HAWK EDITOR

In the first week back inside school walls since the pandemic started, Oberlin City Schools students had a 93 percent attendance rate, according to Superintendent David Hall. He told the Board of Education last week that more families, who were at first hesitant for kids to return to in-person learning, are now interested in going hybrid. Those students are being allowed back into school as safety allows, he said. "We don't want to overload our class size(s)," Hall said. "Some classes have

15 kids in there, some may have six in there." The hybrid mix looks different at each grade level and each school building, he told the board. In walk-throughs during the reopening week, Hall said he saw students reacting positively to the situation. There was a level of anxiety at the start, especially surrounding news of new COVID variants emerging, but those feelings relaxed throughout the week, he said. "They're ready to come back," he said of students. "They were happy they were in class. Students were wearing masks. They were outside for recess. They were engaged. There's really not a lot of the problems we thought may happen."

Expanded bus service

The Oberlin connector bus service has expanded and is now available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Call (800) 406-7541 to schedule a ride. Trips are $2, one way. Discounts are available. The service area includes the city of Oberlin and portions of New Russia Township, Amherst Township, the city of Amherst, Lorain, Sheffield Township, Elyria and Carlisle Township. Learn more at www.cityofoberlin.com/oberlin-connector.

SOLAR

FROM A1 purchase electric car charging stations at the new school, and plant native tree species in the landscaping, said Arbogast. She said Third Sun has has done extensive residential work in Oberlin already — the company installed solar panels on her own home — and "would be a great company to work with for Oberlin." John Petersen, professor of environmental studies at Oberlin College, will be involved in the grant application. He said it's important to show City Concil

the solar farm would benefit more than just those inside the school's walls. "There's enormous educational benefit. It's also cost savings, which obviously the schools can (use for) books and teachers," he advised the Board of Education. Solar power has traditionally been an option only for people with the financial means to use it, he said. Using it in the public school system would make the case "that this is serving the full economic diversity of the Oberlin community," Petersen said.

MAIN STREET

FROM A1

A brutal 2020, without festival fundraisers, has left Main Street Wellington's budget in a pinch. The downtown nonprofit's budget suffered a $15,600 drop in revenue over the past two years, Dunton said. It is now operating at a roughly $10,000 deficit. There is good news: $30,000 in grants and $11,000 in donations have helped offset some losses. And with a COVID-19 vaccine rolling out, there's a good chance Main Street will hold a large-scale fall event, said Director Jenny Arntz. The traditional Gazebo Garden Walk — usually a big source of income — will have to be canceled this spring, she said.

In the meantime, small, socially-distanced events like First Fridays will be Main Street's bread and butter. The themed nights, held from 4-7 p. m. the first Friday of each month, have done a good job of driving foot traffic to participating businesses, she said. "Even though we have lost so much, if we work together, we can keep moving forward and keep moving up," said Arntz. Several new businesses are expected to open in Wellington in 2021, Saccardi said. They include La Troje Mexican Eatery, Donny's Gourmet Pizza and Tym's — a makerspace and frisbee golf center.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sale of City-Owned Real Estate by the City of Oberlin 230 Lincoln Street, Oberlin, OH 44074 Lorain County Permanent Parcel Number 09-00-095-102-009 Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received at the office of the Oberlin City Manager at 69 South Main Street, Oberlin Ohio 44074 until 4:00 p.m. on March 12, 2021 for the purchase of certain real estate owned by the City of Oberlin located at 230 Lincoln Street in Oberlin. The property consists of a vacant lot of approximately 26,029 square feet (parcel dimensions approximately 62.42 ft. x 417 ft. per the Lorain County Auditor). The subject property is zoned “R1-B”/Single-Family Residential District and is a buildable lot per the City of Oberlin Zoning Code. The property will be sold and conveyed to the highest and best bidderas determined by the City Manager pursuant to written contract. Acertified check payable to the City of Oberlin in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid shall accompany the bid. The balance shall be paid within thirty (30) days of acceptance of the bid. The propertyshall be sold and conveyed by quit claim deed in its then “as is” condition without warranty of any kind. The purchaser shall pay for any desired assurance of title, escrow and other costs of closing. There shall be no bid contingencies and no broker fees will be paid by the City. Bid acceptance will requirethe approval of the City Manager. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The property will be sold subject to all encumbrances and conditions of title. Bids shall be written and shall contain the full name, address, contact number and email address (if applicable) of the bidder. All bids shall be sealed and endorsed as “230 Lincoln Street Bid” and delivered via U.S. regular mail, UPS or FedEx to the City Manager, City of Oberlin, 69 S. Main Street, Oberlin, OH 44074. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total bid price for the property, payable to the City of Oberlin, as earnest money to be applied to the purchase price upon transfer of title or retained by the City as liquidated damages in the event of the Bidder’s failure to conclude the transaction. No escalation clauses will be honored. If the bidder intends to finance the purchase, a lender’s prequalification letter shall be submitted with the bid. All bidders are responsible for checking the City of Oberlin’s website (www.cityofoberlin.com) for addendums up to and including the bid due date. All questions regarding the subject property shall be submitted in writing and shall be e-mailed to chandy@cityofoberlin.com or mailed to Carrie Handy at 69 S. Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio, 44074 prior to March 5, 2021.

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Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Tax volunteers Prayer vigil over commissioner votes prep for filing season modified for COVID JASON HAWK and DAVE O’BRIEN

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Volunteer tax preparers would help 2,000 local families get $2 million in refunds in a normal year. But this is anything but a normal year, said Matt Brady, who organizes the efforts of the Lorain County Free Tax Prep Coalition on behalf of the United Way. With the challenges of the pandemic in mind, he's marshaling a small army to help lowincome families file. "These are people who really, really need the help and can't afford to go to a paid preparer," he said. Households that ask for Coalition volunteers' help have an average adjusted gross income of just $23,280. Brady said they rely on tax refunds to make ends meet, and most use the money to pay bills. Accountant Emily Rhoad, who used to run the program and continues to volunteer, said one client's story has stayed in her mind for years. Rhoad was on duty at Riverview Plaza in downtown Elyria on a slow day one tax season. "This young woman walked in and she looked like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders," she remembered. The woman thumped a stack of papers on the desk and said she hadn't filed taxes in seven years. She was carrying an immense sense of guilt, said Rhoad, especially because she owed back child support. Going through the woman's paperwork, it became apparent that she was due a refund for every year she hadn't filed. Rhoad said that client left walking tall, her child support debt completely wiped out. Brady said the volunteer tax prep program was launched years ago to help working families living in poverty claim the earned income tax credit. United Way volunteers discovered a lot of families were eligible, but weren't claiming the "extremely beneficial" credit, he said. With the help of community partners like the Elyria and Lorain public library systems, tax volunteers have righted that issue for thousands of households. Jennifer Harmon, marketing and program coordinator for the Elyria Public Library System, said tax assistance fits into the library's mission of providing timely and accurate information to the community. Susan Spivey, main branch manager for the Lorain Public Library, said it makes sense to help, since librarians have been providing tax forms to residents for decades. Phones have been ringing off the hook in recent weeks, with callers asking when tax filing assistance will become available, she said. Appointments are now underway. Call 211 or (800) 275-6106. Because of the pandemic, masks and social distancing will be required this year. Clients will be allowed to drop off paperwork, or set up in-person appointments.

Genealogy meeting

The Ohio Genealogical Society's Lorain County Chapter will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8 Secretary John Kolb will present a program titled "Using Excel with your Genealogy." This online program is open to OGS members and the public. Those interested in joining the program should contact lcc-ogsmeetings@loraincoogs.org to be added to the invitation list.

Oberlin library meeting

The Oberlin Public Library board will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11 via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public. Visit www.oberlinlibrary.org for access information.

ELYRIA — Dismayed by $4.6 million in pandemic relief rollbacks to area nonprofits, a small group gathered on the sidewalk last Wednesday morning to bow their heads in prayer. They stood in a circle in front of the Lorain County Administration Building, and nodded in agreement as the Rev. Carl Small of Second Baptist Church in Elyria asked for divine guidance. The brief service was held just before the start of the county commissioners' weekly meeting, with hopes that elected officials inside would restore at least a portion of the money that had been promised in 2020 to fight homelessness, drug addiction, hunger and other problems that have intensified since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. "I feel so badly because I know we gave people so much hope," said former Commissioner Sharon Sweda, who had voted for millions in funding through before the end of her term. In November, voters backed Republican candidates Michelle Hung and David Moore, unseating Democratic incumbents Sweda and Lori Kokoski. Rescinding funding was one of the new commissioners' first acts in office, done over the objections of Democratic Commissioner Matt Lundy. Despite a nearly $22 million budget carryover from 2020, Moore and Hung said the county couldn't afford to fund nonprofit initiatives. They also argued the funding was not directly tied to federal CARES Act funding designated specifically for pandemic relief. The prayer meeting was not a show of opposition against the commissioners, said Martin Leibas, chair of the Lorain County Race & Equity Alliance, which was disbanded when the new board's Republican majority took office. "It's really not about us. It's about the community. Everybody is affected by these decisions," Leibas said. He said he hopes commissioners will sit down at the table with the REA and other groups and allow them to be heard. Transparency is important, Leibas said, and right now he does not believe decisions are being made with input from groups that should have a place at the table. Pandemic relief is not a partisan issue, said Sister Mary Jane Vovk of the Blessing House children's crisis care center, which had $150,000 revoked this month. "I think it's so important that people stand up for those who can't speak for themselves," she said. "… Love conquers all. We are not here to make a difficult time. We are here to let them know that we believe in helping people." Jeanine Donaldson, executive director of the Elyria and Lorain YWCA and a member of the Race & Equity Alliance, said later in the day that she wished the prayer vigil had not been held. "It would have been my preference that our group attempted to meet with

Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Martin Leibas, chair of the Lorain County Race & Equity Alliance, speaks with a small group that gathered to pray the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 27 outside the Lorain County Administration Building. the commissioners," she said. Donaldson said she feared the vigil would be viewed by the commissioners as adversarial. Though rooted together in many ways, she said revoking the REA and pandemic relief funding are separate issues, and she is not convinced the commissioners' votes were intended to be malicious. Commissioners did not discuss or acknowledge the prayer vigil during their meeting last week. Moore said $16.6 million in CARES Act funding went out into the Lorain County community, and he asked Assistant Lorain County Prosecutor Dan Petticord for clarity on the more than $4 million in disputed funds. "To my knowledge, based on the documents I've reviewed and talking to the people who were involved in the original grants back in November and December, the money that was rescinded, I believe two weeks ago now, came from general fund dollars," Petticord replied. "There's nothing to indicate that's CARES Act dollars." Moore said he has been clear for more than two weeks now that what the former commissioners spent was "not COVID dollars" and criticized the Chronicle-Telegram for its reporting. "I was very clear that we had proof that it was not COVID dollars," he said, "And I was very clear when I told the reporter that I understand you have two months of saying that this was COVID money. So the newspaper already invested two months of telling the people it was COVID money. It is not, I told him it was not, I said I have proof it was not." Despite Moore's contention, The Chronicle has not said the money was CARES Act money, aside from a November story when the former commissioners discussed the distributions and referred to them as coming from CARES Act funding and a story Jan. 27 about U.S. Rep. Marcy

Kaptur calling on the commissioners to restore the grants in which the paper said the Democratic commissioners called it CARES Act money, while the new commissioners said the money came from the general fund. In all stories referencing the pullback of the funding by the current commissioners, the paper has reported that the former commissioners routed CARES money through the general fund, used it to pay for allowable expenses that would have been paid for through the general fund and then earmarked that general fund money that was unspent as a result for distribution to the nonprofits. Moore also criticized a Chronicle reporter, whom he talked with the prior Saturday night and who he said disputed that it was general fund money. The reporter's story the next day referred to the money as general fund money, not CARES Act funding. "… I was elected to look out for the taxpayers' funds, and certainly we're going to have some budget hearings pretty soon, to make sure we can make it out throughout the year," Moore said. "I'm looking forward to those budget discussions, and I'm looking forward to creating a position that we will talk about in executive session, in regard to, it's like an ombudsman position, so maybe we can maybe communicate a little easier to our nonprofit friends, to make sure that what are we, what can we do to help you because you know more about what's going on in your communities than we do. We need your help. these nonprofits, we do, we need their help to help us to know what those needs are in our community." Moore also said now that Democrats control Congress and the presidency, they can vote to spend federal dollars on nonprofits if they so choose. "I'll take as much federal money as I can, but I'm not going to take operational money" away from the county budget, he said.

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LEGALS

QUALIFICATIONS STATEMENT FROM INTERESTED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, AND SURVEYING FIRMS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES The City of Lorain, Ohio requests qualification statements from any interested professional engineering, architectural, and surveying firms to provide professional design, construction administration or field survey services. The purpose is to pre-qualify firms in the following areas for possible City contracts: • Storm Water Improvements • Sanitary Sewer Improvements • Waterline Improvements • Street Infrastructure Improvements • Brownfield

• Environmental • Architectural Improvements • Wastewater / Water Treatment Plant Improvements • Construction Administration and Inspection • Field Survey Services • Geotechnical and Soils Investigation • Geographic Information Services (GIS) • Other The Qualification Statements should include the following information: 1. A COVER LETTER INDICATING THE PREQUALIFICATION AREA/AREAS FOR WHICH YOU ARE REQUESTING CONSIDERATION. 2. A brief history of the firm. Please include information pertaining to major areas of expertise of the company. 3. Resumes for Key Personnel of the firm. 4. A list of clients and representative projects worked on in the last five (5) years per area seeking pre-qualification. 5. A list of other public authorities that have deemed the firm pre-qualified. Include a listing of ODOT pre-qualification areas. 6. A description of the firm's approach to managing workload, project scheduling, and deadline adherence. Include a list of available qualified personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the services.

7. Provide any further information that may be helpful to the City of Lorain to determine the qualifications of your firm. Please submit one (1) qualification statement. Any statement that does not include all the requested information will not be deemed responsive. Please limit the qualifications statement to 75 pages and include an electronic version as well. The City of Lorain reserves the right to request additional or supplemental statements, as it deems necessary. Professional design firms must annually submit an update of its statement to maintain or modify its qualification status with the City. This request does not constitute a commitment on the part of the City of Lorain to award any contract to any pre-qualified firm. Submit your Statements of Qualification to Dale Vandersommen, PE, City Engineer, City of Lorain, 200 West Erie Avenue, 4th Floor, Lorain, Ohio 44052 by February 19, 2021 by 3PM. L.C.C.G. 2/4-11/21 20677135

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO PURCHASE OF MATERIALS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF

PUBLIC PROPERTY 2021 Sealed bid packages will be received by the Engineering Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio until: TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, Friday February 19, 2021 Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor. TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor. All in accordance with specifications now on file at the Engineering Department. Bids must be accompanied by Certified Check or Cashier's Check or Letter of Credit equals to ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bond for the full amount of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and a performance bond properly secured. Should any bid be rejected, such instrument will be forthwith returned upon proper execution of a contract. Cash deposits will not be accepted. The bid check/bond should be enclosed in the sealed bid, but in a separate envelope clearly marked 'BID CHECK/ BOND' with the bidders name & address on the bid check/bond envelope.

Each bidder must ensure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, handicap, sex or national origin. All bidders must comply with the provisions of the American with Disabilities Act. Bidders shall be required to comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations concerning these matters. Bid blanks and specifications may be secured at the Engineering Department, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio, 44052 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30PM Monday thru Friday. Electronic packages may be secured, via email Matt_Kusznir@ cityoflorain.org or the city website, www.cityoflorain.org. The Director of Public Safety/ Service reserves the right to make separate or combination awards and to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bids received. By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service L.C.C.G. 2/4-11/21 20677234

INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids for Tree Service in the City of Oberlin will be received at the Oberlin Police Department at 85 South Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074,

until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021. The said bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 289 S. Professor Street at 10:15am. Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained from the office of the Oberlin Municipal Light and Power building, 289 South Professor Street, Oberlin, Ohio. Bid documents may also be obtained on the City of Oberlin's website at www.cityofoberlin.com, under Quick Links and RFP and Projects out for Bid. All bids shall be signed and submitted on the forms bound in the contract documents. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Bid for Tree Service". Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Guaranty which shall be either a certified check payable to the City of Oberlin, or a bid bond satisfactory to the City, in the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000). All bidders must comply with the provisions of Ordinance No. 951 AC CMS (Equal Employment Opportunity Reports) and with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The City of Oberlin reserves the right to accept the lowest and/or best bid, to reject any or all bids, to waive any informalities in the bids received, and to purchase those services which, in the sole judgment of the City, will best suit the City's

needs.

Robert Hillard, City Manager City of Oberlin, Ohio

L.C.C.G. 2/4-11/21 20676898

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on Jan. 21, 2021and January 25, 2021. 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 of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws. Resolution 2-21 Recognizing & commending Pat Morrisson & Footprint Tours for 34 years of operations in the City of Lorain. 3-21 Recognizing & commending Marilyn Lopez & Sun Novelty for 41 years of operations in the City of Lorain. 4-21 Auth the S/S Director to sell obsolete equipment by internet auction. 5-21* Declaring it necessary to levy a renewal of the 1.7 Mill property tax to supplement the General Fund for the providing and maintaining adequate and consistent

fire service, apparatus, buildings or sites. 6-21* Repeal Reso 5-21 and declaring it necessary to levy a renewal 1.7 mill property tax levy to supplement the General Fund for providing adequate fire service, apparatus, buildings or sites. Ordinance 5-21* Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract w/ Medical Mutual for the renewal of health care insurance and stop loss coverage for Lorain employees healthcare. 6-21 Auth the purchase of materials, supplies and asphalt from Kokosing Inc. 7-21* Appropriation. 8-21* Auth the S/S Director to enter into an agreement w/ Southeast Security fir the installation of security cameras at Oakwood & Central Parks. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.) L.C.C.G. 2/4-11/21 20676977

LEGAL NOTICE In the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, 44035. Case No. 20DR088644. Natasha TownsendSeymour, 2342 East 35th Street, Lorain, OH 44055, Plaintiff vs. Irving Seymour, Defendant. Irving Seymour, whose last known address 340 Cornell Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035

but whose address other than as set forth is unknown and cannot with the exercise of reasonable diligence be ascertained, and upon whom service of summons cannot be had in the State of Ohio, will take notice that on December 17, 2020, Natasha TownsendSeymour, as Plaintiff, filed her complaint against him in the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, of Lorain County, Ohio, being Case No. 20DR088644, requesting a divorce from Defendant, that the Court make a fair and equitable distribution of the parities' property and debt, and an award of a reasonable sum for any costs, expenses, and attorney's fees in this action, and for such other relief as shall be proper and necessary, based upon the grounds that the parties are incompatible, and for other grounds under RC § 3105.01 Said above named defendant will further take notice that he is required to answer the complaint on or before the 4th day of March, 2021. NATASHA TOWNSENDSEYMOUR, Plaintiff By: CHRISTOPHER P. REWAK, (#0085957), 300 Fourth Street, Elyria, OH 44035, Attorney for Plaintiff L.C.C.G. 12/31/20; 1/7-14-2128; 2/4/21 20675680

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A5

— CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC —

County’s teachers face long vaccine wait for shots JASON HAWK and CARISSA WOYTACH

No Lorain County districts have been included in the first week of vaccinations for teachers and other school employees. Instead, they will be among the last in Ohio to be vaccinated, with all 5,500 personnel getting shots at five clinic locations on Feb. 26. A schedule released Friday by the Ohio Department of Health raised questions about how the pecking order was chosen. While Lorain and Erie counties are at the end of the list, neighboring Medina County is in the first week. Cuyahoga and Huron schools will get vaccines next week, and Ashland County will get them the third week of February. Lorain County has a higher case count than Medina, Ashland and Huron counties, according to Ohio Department of Health data.

Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell had little input on how the order was determined. "That would be a good question for the governor," he said. Press secretary Dan Tierney told The Cincinnati Enquirer on Friday that districts were ordered based on a variety of factors including how many staff worked there and whether neighboring districts could be vaccinated at the same time. Reached by email Friday night, he said he did not have additional information, directing the question to the Ohio Department of Health. In a statement, Ohio Department of Health press secretary Melanie Amato said the vaccine is scarce and the department simply doesn't have enough for every teacher in the first week. "The governor has said the goal is for every teacher to have the opportunity to receive their first dose by March 1," she said.

"Just as administration for other groups is a rolling process, vaccinating school personnel will be a rolling process. The logistics of coordinating providers and public, private, charter and career-tech schools are challenging with such a limited vaccine supply." Roughly 91,000 school personnel are eligible to get shots starting this week. They work at 567 districts and private schools in Allen, Athens, Butler, Columbiana, Delaware, Franklin, Hamilton, Mahoning, Medina, Montgomery and Summit counties. As many as 3,500 people from school districts in Medina County will receive COVID-19 vaccinations on Thursday, Feb. 4, according to Robert Hlasko of the county's Education Service Center. “Everyone seems super excited to be one of the first counties to receive (the vaccines),” he said. “This is one more (step) in getting the kids back in school in

person." Black River Schools, headquartered in Sullivan, has portions in Ashland and Lorain counties, but is considered a Medina County district and is on the list for the first week. Superintendent Chris Clark said more than 80 percent of his employees have said they are interested in getting the vaccine. He is undecided. "There's an awful lot of folks who need that ahead of us," he said — Black River has reported just four student cases and one staff case to the state. Covell said 78 percent of adult school employees in Lorain County are willing to be vaccinated, based on surveys sent out in January. That number fluctuates from district to district — for example, in a report to the Oberlin Board of Education last week, Superintendent David Hall said 85 percent of his staff want the vaccine.

"I'm constantly sending out information about the vaccine to our staff to get them up to date, so they can make an informed decision," he said. Lorain County Educational Service Center Superintendent Franco Gallo is helping coordinate vaccinations for staff at the 61 local schools listed by the state. Public, private and charter staff are eligible, from the largest schools in the county to those with only a handful of staff. Individuals will be given a time slot and location to go to based on which is closest to their work place. Gallo does not know which type of vaccine Lorain County educators will receive. Given how far down the list Lorain County is, it is unclear whether it will receive every dose requested, or if its distribution will drag into weeks five, six or seven, Gallo said. Bob Finnan of the Medina Gazette contributed to this article.

Experimenting with the right balance for vaccine clinics JASON HAWK EDITOR

ELYRIA TWP. — Finding the right balance for large vaccination clinics hasn't been easy. Lorain County Public Health had to turn away people Jan. 23 after burning through 1,915 doses at one walk-in and two drive-thru clinics. Not enough people showed up for another clinic three days later at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington, so health workers picked up the phone called around, trying to find about 200 more to vaccinate. "It's going to be a little bumpy for the next few weeks as we figure out what our normal amount of vaccine is," said county Health Commissioner David Covell. Many people are desperate to be vaccinated against COVID, so they sign up with the county, with Discount Drug Mart, with Giant Eagle, with University Hospitals — Covell they sign up with every vaccine distributor they can think of, hoping their name hits the top of a list, any list. Once they get the shot, they

break the other appointments. Covell said LCPH tried to game the system over the weekend by inviting 5,000 people, and expecting the vast majority not to show. The gambit didn't work perfectly. In his mind, running out of vaccine is better than wasting it, he said. "The big key is we're never going to throw out a dose," said Covell, discarding rumors that his agency has had to get rid of any expired doses. Based on what they've learned so far, organizers plan to pull back on drive-thru clinics because walk-ins are much more efficient. Covell estimated that his teams can vaccinate twice as many people that way, especially when the time comes for younger age groups with fewer mobility considerations. There will be plenty more tests in the coming weeks. A big one will be vaccinating teachers this month. Covell said that if supply is available, the goal will be to vaccinate all 5,300 primary and secondary school staff in one day. It's entirely likely the doses will arrive in multiple shipments,

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Skip Gentry, director of the South Lorain County Ambulance District, administers a vaccine to Todd Forbush of Carlisle Township on Jan. 26 during a vaccine clinic held at the Lorain County Fairgrounds. Katie Bevan of Lorain County Public Health said 615 vaccine doses were administered at the clinic. Covell said he'll want to hold two education massive worker clinics over the course of two weeks. He's also looking ahead to warmer weather, and starting to coach mayors about the return of parades, festivals and other gatherings.

April will be too early for those large-scale events to resume, Covell said. "We'll have a decent amount of vaccine out in the community, but it's going to be really hard," he said. But if enough people are vaccinated, Memorial Day parades

could be in play. By July and August, life will "look much more normal than not. "The Lorain County Fair should be on business as usual, I would think," but with masks and other safety precautions in place,

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Lorain County Community Guide

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SHEFFIELD TWP. — Midwest Direct, the company that bungled absentee ballot mailings for thousands of Ohio and Pennsylvania voters in the fall, may be dropped by the Lorain County Board of Elections. Paul Adams, director of the county elections board, said he had multiple conversations with the Cleveland-based company in late January, focusing on quality control. If elections officials decide not to cancel Midwest's contract to provide voting materials, they want to know delivery will be timely and accurate, he said. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is looking to crack down on problems caused by third-party vendors like Midwest Direct. He's floating a proposed revision to the Ohio Election Official Manual. It would bar local elections boards from outsourcing the printing and mailing of absentee ballots without written permission from LaRose's office. Before choosing a vendor, the Board of Elections would have to "consider any action, appearance of impropriety or political bias that the choice of vendor might impute," the proposed language says. It would also force the vendor to give assurances they have the human resources, technology and supplies to fulfill contracts on time. In mid-October, Lorain County voters grew restless waiting for absentee ballots to arrive in the lead-up to the high-stakes presidential election. It turned out that fewer than half the 63,000 absentee ballots that should have been mailed out Oct. 6 actually made it to the post office. Midwest Direct eventually copped to the problem, and Adams and a bipartisan team of officials traveled to Cleveland to make sure it was fixed. By the time mailings were caught up, the ballots were 10 days late.

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Midwest Direct also faced national criticism because a flag supporting President Donald Trump flew over its Cleveland plant, raising questions about whether it was fulfilling its contract in a nonpartisan manner. CEO Richard Gebbie denied wrongdoing. “For the 10 years we’ve been producing ballots, Midwest has never held or prioritized ballot printing for any reason," he wrote. "This year, we processed every ballot without regard to party, geography or county, as we always do. Any suggestion that our personal political beliefs prompted us to slow down ballot production and distribution is absolutely false." Like all in Ohio, the Lorain County Board of Elections is bipartisan. In December, its Republican and Democrat members directed Adams to evaluate Midwest and look for possible alternative vendors. Adams said there aren't many who can do what Midwest does — maybe three vendors in Ohio can print, sort, fold, insert and mail absentee ballot materials, he believes. A decision is coming, but not pressing, said Adams. Midwest Direct's help will not be needed for the spring primary, which is expected to have low turnout. Of the 158,732 ballots case in the Nov. 3 election in Lorain County, 62,406 were absentee by mail. Adams said he "can't imagine more than 4,000 or 5,000" being needed for the May 4 primary, which includes a handful of municipal elections and local issues. It's like some areas of the county won't have anything to vote on at all, he said. The Lorain County Board of Elections has the printers and personnel necessary to make and mail all the ballots for the 2021 primary, Adams said. Some small-population Ohio counties can print all their ballots in-house, even during bigger elections, he said — but that's not logistically possible here. A third-party vendor will be needed to share the load.

Youth Brigade sets dates for summer volunteer work JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — The Lorain County Youth Brigade is gearing up for a second year of community clean-up volunteer work. All they need now is the gear. Amherst City Councilman Martin Heberling III, who heads up the Brigade, told fellow elected officials last week about big plans for this summer, cleaning up overgrown and trash-infested locations across the county. In a Jan. 25 presentation, he said kids plan to work from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout June. "If there's more of a need, we're open to make that happen for the month of July," Heberling said. In scorching summer heat, and in the middle of a pandemic, we caught up with a small band of young volunteers in July 2020 who filled bag after trash bag with litter at Amherst's Depaola Park on Kresge Drive. Volunteers also cleaned up Veterans Memorial Park in Lorain, sweeping the

grounds for garbage, mowing, weeding and edging. Heberling, who chairs Amherst Council's Recycling Committee and teaches at Longfellow Middle School in Lorain, said the Youth Brigade teaches valuable lessons about community service and the responsibilities residents have toward each other. When surveying students, he found many had an interest in environmental action. So he partnered with former Lorain County Commissioner Sharon Sweda, of Amherst, to lead the youth organization. They've approached every city in the county, asking where volunteers can help municipal workers with beautification efforts. Since last year, the Youth Brigade has earned nonprofit status with the state of Ohio. Now it is accepting donations to buy equipment that can help kids cover more ground: a trailer, riding mower, shirts, lunches and water containers. To lend a hand, call (440) 522-8091 or email lcyouthbrigade@gmail.com.

HERRICK LIBRARY 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington

49 $

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Library opening Beginning Sunday, Feb. 7, the Herrick Memorial Library will be open for browsing, checking out materials and computer use. Patrons who wish to use the library must call (440) 647-2120 to set up a 30-minute appointment. As part of COVID-19 guidelines, face masks must be properly worn to enter the library and there will be a limit of five patrons at any given time. People with concerns about wearing face masks are encouraged to use the library's curbside service. Patrons who aren’t feeling well should refrain from visiting. Holiday closure The library will close Monday, Feb. 15 in observance of Presidents Day. Family and Tween Winter Read Aloud There is still time to participate in the Herrick Memorial Library’s winter reading program.

Call the library to register and request a bingo game board for curbside pick-up. You will also be able to print out a game board from the library’s website. The program will run until Feb. 27. Prize pick-up will need to be scheduled when you have completed your bingo sheet. Library board meeting The Herrick Memorial Library board of trustees will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 , virtually via TeamLink. The meeting link will be posted on the library’s website on Monday, Feb. 8. This meeting is open to the public. Teen Winter Reading Challenge Teens ages 12 to 17 can enter the Herrick Memorial Library’s Reading Challenge for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch Light gaming bundle when they enter the challenge and read new books or old favorites. The challenge runs through Feb. 27. Call the library to request a log sheet and instructions for curb-side pick-up, or print off the form from the library’s website.

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Raimondo $500,000 in sidewalk repairs approved by Amherst Council steps down Leaving as Oberlin VP and dean, will return as tenured faculty STAFF REPORT

OBERLIN â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Oberlin College Vice President and Dean of Students Meredith Raimondo will step down from those roles, take a sabbatical at the end of the spring semester. She will return to Oberlin College as a tenured faculty member, the college announced Friday. A replacement will be named after a national search, college President Carmen Twillie Ambar wrote in a letter to the Oberlin community posted on the college's website Friday. She thanked Raimondo "for her role safeguarding students during this pandemic." "Her tireless efforts in support of students have been invaluable these past several months," Ambar Meredith wrote. Raimondo Ambar said Raimondo "developed an invaluable perspective and sensitivity that she brought to our leadership team and applied when working with students and enhancing our campus culture," helping to improve dining options, collaborations between Student Senate and other student organizations and college leadership. Raimondo, who spent five years as dean during her 18 years in both teaching and administrative roles, and the

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST â&#x20AC;&#x201D; City Council authorized $500,000 in a fast-tracked vote last week, with eyes on a massive summer sidewalk repair program. This is the fourth year Amherst has required residents to fix aging, crum-

bling walkways. They got a reprieve in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now Mayor Mark Costilow said he intends to make up for lost time. The city is seeking bids from sidewalk contractors to handle two years worth of repairs. Residents can do their own or hire workers they

prefer, but stretches left untouched by June will be fixed on the city's dime and the cost added to property tax bills. Letters are expected to go out this spring to the owners of hundreds of properties, mostly south of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks that bisect town. According to Amherst

Building Official David Macartney, there are 523 properties that have been identified as having substandard sidewalks. Any number of maintenance issues could land a sidewalk slab on the list: any condition that could be considered a safety hazard, being sunk or upheaved more than 3/4 of an inch, SIDEWALKS PAGE B2

OBERLIN POLICE INVESTIGATE

RAIMONDO PAGE B2

Emergency grant to help homeless as shelters reel STAFF REPORT

AMHERST TWP. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A grant of $75,000 has been given to Neighborhood Alliance for hotel vouchers and to hire a case manager to work exclusively with people who are homeless in Lorain County. The Community Foundation of Lorain County announced Jan. 27 that its board of directors approved the funding with an emergency vote. During the COVID-19 pandemic, homeless shelters must comply with state rules by reducing their capacity by at least 50 percent. Many agencies have paid for hotel vouchers to accommodate the homeless to provide refuge during these cold months. "Neighborhood Alliance is deeply appreciative of the generosity of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. These funds will provide support for additional case HOMELESS PAGE B2

Bond revoked for woman accused in 2017 fatal crash DYLAN REYNOLDS THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Angelo Angel | Chronicle

Police set up a presence after a shooting on South Park Street in Oberlin on Sunday.

South Park Street shooting DYLAN REYNOLDS THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

OBERLIN â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A 20-year-old man was shot in the upper thigh Sunday afternoon on the 200 block of South Park Street. Oberlin Police Chief Ryan Warfield said a call for shots fired was received at 4:08 p.m. following an altercation at a residence. A police report released Monday said the victim, whose name was not released as of press time, was â&#x20AC;&#x153;moving slightlyâ&#x20AC;? when officers found him lying outside in the bloodstained snow, surrounded by a small group of witnesses. He wouldn't respond to questions, according to the report, and lost consciousness at some point. Officers applied gauze in an attempt to stop the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wound from bleeding and also applied a tourniquet. Oberlin police Sgt. Steven Chapman began chest compressions on the victim because a pulse could not be located, the report said. The victim was then taken to Mercy HealthAllen Hospital and later transported

to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Police said they believe two suspects were involved in a dispute with the victim. At some point, shots were fired and the struggle between the assailants and victim spilled into the driveway. The suspects are believed to have fled on foot. All of the witnesses told police they did not know the assailants. One female witness said a Black male ran from the residence into a wooded area to the east. Another witness told police a vehicle in the driveway belonged to two Black male suspects who had come to â&#x20AC;&#x153;smokeâ&#x20AC;? with the victim. Everything seemed fine, the witness told police, until the suspects demanded the victim â&#x20AC;&#x153;get down on the groundâ&#x20AC;? inside the residence and the shooting ensued at some point. Police found a semiautomatic handgun in the snow in the driveway, as well as spots of blood that could not immediately be identified as being from the victim or the suspects. Detectives blocked an area around

the residence with police line tape. The road was blocked by Lorain County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office vehicles. Later, police said a vehicle of interest was impounded and three firearms recovered. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Crime Scene Unit was called to the scene where they assisted in collecting evidence. Kane Papania of Lorain was visiting family in Oberlin around the time of the shooting and recalled seeing when police pulled up to the scene. He said he had to make sure his brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house was not hit by gunshots. Papania described the neighborhood as generally quiet when he has been around. By 6:30 p.m., police issued a notice asking for residents to be cautious and lock their doors because the suspects were still at large. The Oberlin City Schools started Monday in a Level 1 lockdown, meaning all exterior doors were locked. Parents were told they could keep their children home while the search for the alleged shooter continued.

1960-2021

ELYRIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A woman accused of causing a fatal 2017 crash while driving impaired had her bond revoked last week by Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Raymond Ewers. Kristi Fitch, 43, of Amherst, reportedly tested positive for fentanyl while awaiting a verdict in the case. Fitch is facing a second-degree felony charge of aggravated vehicular homicide and a first-degree misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs in connection with the crash at West Avenue and Third Street. Kristi Fitch She previously pleaded guilty to a third count in the case, a thirddegree felony charge of aggravated vehicular homicide. Because Fitch waived her right to a jury trial and opted for a bench trial instead, Ewers must now issue a ruling on FITCH PAGE B2

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Page B2

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

McCormick middle-schoolers prep 'Manifesto' debute at Lindley PAC JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — There's no business like show business, and after a long, dark season the lights are coming back on at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts. The McCormick Drama Club is rehearsing for "Middle School Manifesto," with show dates planned for March 26 and 27. When the pandemic struck last March, Wellington's young theater stars were forced to cancel their spring production of "The Addams Family: Young @part." The decision stung, said drama club adviser Emily Campofredano. A core group of students spent July and August spread out in her yard, working on a comeback plan. Campofredano said she handpicked kids with experience to write four original works that can play out on stage with 10 or fewer characters and social distancing. The exercise proved to be a chance for serious self-exploration. Produced and directed by McCormick students, they talk about stereotypes, learning who people really are and the masks everyone wears to protect themselves. "So yes, it's some pretty heavy material we're working with," Campofredano said.

Provided photo

Students rehearse for the spring production of "Middle School Manifesto" at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts in Wellington. Students also plan to perform "Box," an already-produced play about the metaphorical boxes that adults sometimes try to put kids into. "Characters hold cardboard boxes, jewelry boxes, fancy boxes and confess to the ideas they are often told to have," Campofredano said. "They're saying, 'This is not my box. It's not who I am. This is someone else's box they've put me in.'" When the theater doors open to the

public, the Lindley Center will still have COVID-19 safety restrictions in place. Audience capacity will likely be limited to 90 people instead of the regular 600, Campofredano said. The limitations are tough, but she said students are just happy to be back in action: "They're anxious, but they want this. It's good to know we haven't lost them, and they're ready."

out this afternoon, the sidewalks look to be in good shape, very good shape," Janik said. In a phone interview, Costilow said he does not believe there will be many appeals. The rules are clearly laid out, he said. "It starts with the ordinance. There's an ordinance that says we need to keep the sidewalks in good condition," he said.

That ordinance wasn't enforced for decades. Now that it has been, Costilow said he sees more Amherst residents using sidewalks, running, pushing strollers and walking "without having to look at their feet the whole time, wondering if they're going to trip and fall on their faces." The goal, Costilow told Council, is to start repair work in June and complete it by early July at the latest.

SIDEWALKS

FROM B1 holes more than an inch deep, buckling and cracks. Councilman David Janik previously voiced concerns over the list, saying many addresses are in newer subdivisions. There is a formal process for appealing a sidewalk repair letter. "I think we may see some more objections, because a couple of neighborhoods that I went to check U.S. PRESIDENTS ACROSS 1. Newton’s first name 6. Part of smog 9. Hissy fit 13. Human trunk 14. Form of “to be” 15. Illegal booze 16. Editorial changes 17. Crematorium jar 18. #56 Down, alt. sp. 19. *One of six Presidents named James 21. *First President previously divorced 23. Civil War’s Johnny 24. Manage without help 25. Military procedures 28. Cone-shaped quarters 30. MLB bench 35. Cowboy’s necktie 37. A whole lot 39. *Whig, e.g. 40. Resembling wings 41. Nightly necessity 43. Experience emotion 44. Large ray 46. Glacier’s deposit 47. “Watch out!” on a golf course 48. Traditional sock pattern 50. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 52. Knight’s title 53. Bypass 55. Foot digit 57. *President Chester ____ 60. *He signed legislation to create Medicare 64. Fauna, Merryweather and ____, fairy godmothers 65. Expert 67. Convex molding 68. Bumpkins 69. Café alternative 70. Car ways 71. Trans-Siberian Railroad city 72. Piercing part 73. Slightly drunk DOWN 1. Any thing 2. *Trump had button on desk to order his favorite one 3. Desertlike 4. Up and about 5. Coddle

6. Half-man, half-goat 7. Legendary NHLer 8. Tragedy, or comedy, or satire 9. Cheap form of payment? 10. Before Scotia 11. Clickable picture 12. Olden day “your” 15. Be in charge, two words 20. Newspaper notices 22. What all of #70 Across do 24. Painting or poetry 25. *He beat McCain and Romney 26. Kind of cap 27. Colloquialisms 29. *First “dark horse” 31. Gamecock’s spur 32. Dessert sandwiches 33. Wombs 34. *#29 Down predecessor

RAIMONDO

FROM B1 college were defendants in a lawsuit brought against the college by the Gibson family and Gibson's Bakery. The Gibsons argued in court that Oberlin College allowed its Student Senate to pass a resolution calling the bakery and its owners racists, and that Raimondo handed out protest flyers saying the same during two days of student protests in November 2016. Students were protesting the treatment and arrest of fellow students after a shoplifting incident that month. The bakery won its lawsuit in Lorain County Common Pleas Court in 2019 and was awarded $44 million in damages by a jury, an amount that was later reduced to $25 million under Ohio law. Both the Gibsons and the college filed appeals, and their arguments are under consideration by a three-judge panel of the 9th District Court of Appeals in Akron. Ambar said Raimondo's change in jobs was one of two changes to college leadership that will happen this year. She also announced Friday that Ben Jones (Oberlin College class of 1996) will become the college's first assistant vice president of admissions communications. Jones "threw himself wholeheartedly into this work of recruiting and yielding new students through innovative ways of storytelling, both excelling at and enjoying this new focus" during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambar said. His new position starts at the end of the summer semester, she wrote. Jones spent 13 years in charge of the college's Communications Office, where he overhauled the college website three times, redesigned the college's two magazines and supported the campus capital campaign, Ambar wrote.

HOMELESS

FROM B1

management services and emergency assistance to help those experiencing homelessness in Lorain County," said Alicia Foss, president and CEO of Neighborhood Alliance. The pandemic's economic impact has closed businesses and led to increased unemployment, evictions, and rising numbers of homeless people seeking emergency housing and case management services through social service providers. Foss said one of her nonprofit's most significant challenges right now is to provide shelter to those experiencing homelessness in larger numbers than ever before, and help everyone stay safe from the virus while seeking long-term housing options. The number of calls for emergency shelter in October increased more than 900 percent compared to the previous year, according to a news release about the emergency funding. For more information or to assist people in the local community, visit www.peoplewhocare.org or call (440) 984-7390.

FITCH

FROM B1 the case. The positive drug test was “obviously concerning” to Assistant Lorain County Prosecutor Chris Pierre, he told Ewers in a hearing last week, because Fitch reportedly drove a vehicle to the testing facility. She was booked into the Lorain County Jail on Jan. 12 on a bench warrant following the positive drug test. Prosecutors argued in Fitch’s bench trial last fall that she was impaired and driving at extremely high speeds when her Buick Century crashed into a Jeep Liberty driven by Elyria resident Vicki Hill, causing the Jeep to catch fire. Both women were on their way to work. Hill died in the crash. Toxicology reports on blood samples Fitch had taken after the crash, which were presented during the trial, showed multiple substances in her system including less than 0.20 nanograms per milliliter of the synthetic opioid carfentanil. But a toxicologist testified in the trial that the findings from the blood samples alone could not determine Fitch was certainly impaired when the crash happened. Given the circumstances of the case, Pierre said in a hearing that he believes Fitch poses a danger to the community and herself, and she should have her bond revoked for that reason. Her attorney, J. Anthony Rich, told Ewers he understands that Fitch pleaded guilty to the second-degree felony aggravated vehicular homicide count last fall, but he thinks she is entitled to bond. Rich said Jan. 26 he still believes no evidence presented in the case can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Fitch was driving impaired when the crash happened. Another motion by prosecutors, to deny bond entirely for Fitch, was not granted.

36. Creative 38. 18-wheeler 42. Green pasta sauce 45. Big Island greetings 49. Australian flightless bird 51. Group of people, often in research 54. Extremely angry 56. Concluding stanza in poetry 57. *G. W. Bush to Yale, e.g. 58. Schneider and Lowe, e.g. 59. Major bike maker 60. Audience’s rejection 61. Sold in bars 62. Auto pioneer 63. Like a busybody 64. Back, to a pendulum 66. Latin dance three-step move, once

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

SPORTS

Page B3

GROVE LOCKS IT DOWN

HS BASKETBALL

Phoenix boys top Cardinals twice ERIK ANDREWS CORRESPONDENT

Oberlin’s boys varsity squad got back on the winning track last week, sweeping a pair of contests against the Brookside Cardinals. In the home-and-home series, the Phoenix hosted the initial match-up and wasted little time in taking charge, jumping out to a double-digit lead after one quarter and a 45-21 cushion at the halfway point. Oberlin coasted through the final two quarters to the final 75-46 win. All 11 Phoenix players who saw action put points on the board. Senior Trajen Chambers led the parade with 18 while Andre Yarber chipped in with 12. Three days later, the two teams squared off in Sheffield Lake — however the end result remained the same. After a sluggish first quarter, Oberlin went on a 12-2 run midway through the second stanza to claim the halftime lead, 23-20. In the second half, it was all Phoenix all the time, as Oberlin outscored the Cardinals, 37-12 the rest of the way, resulting in a 60-32 final. Chambers again was the top point man with 23, followed in double digits by Isaac Thompson and Marius Harrell chipping in with 11 points apiece.

Angelo Angel | Chronicle

Amherst's Aidan Brattoli, left, tries to keep the puck away from Olmsted Falls' Ethan IIko. The Comets built a 2-1 lead in the second period on the strength of goals by Joey Kramer and Nick Ciura. Noah Voelker struck at the end of the period, getting the Bulldogs on the board, but Amherst goalie Brady Grove buckled down, picking up 15 saves for the win to ruin the Olmsted Falls Senior Night celebration.

SENIOR POWER

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin Phoenix girls basketball team stars Casey Amato and Mar'khila Holloway are honored on Senior Day, with support from assistant coaches Tai Dotson and David Payne, and head coach Tiffany Dotson.

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin's Elizabeth Canseco glides down the lane, seeking an opening against the Brookside Cardinals.

Cardinals deal twin as Phoenix struggle ERIK ANDREWS CORRESPONDENT

Competing with a six-person roster is always an added challenge and this past week was no different. In the first of two games against Brookside, Oberlin pulled ahead, entering halftime up 25-18. But fatigue and some improved Cardinals shotmaking spelled trouble for the hosts as Brookside came back to take the game, 60-48.

@SteelePrincipal

Amherst’s Logan Janik is one of 14 Ohio students to receive a full ride to college from the Western Golf Association.

Janik wins full scholarship to Ohio State University Logan Janik, a senior at Amherst Steele High School, is one of 14 winners of the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholarship, which provides full tuition and housing. Janik has committed to attend Ohio State University. Four of this year's scholarship recipients caddie at Elyria Country Club. In addition to Janik, they include winners Samantha Hruby of Keystone, who will attend Miami University, and Vermilion High School students Evan Humphrey

and Braden Walczak, who plan to attend OSU. Other winners hail from Shaker Heights, Sylvania, Toledo, Waterville, Waseon and Westlake. “Each of these deserving young students epitomizes what our Program has been about since its creation in 1930,” said WGA Chairman Kevin Buggy. “Their dedication, hard work and sacrifice is humbling, and we are honored to be able to help them pursue their dreams.”

Oberlin's two seniors led the way: Casey Amato tallied 15 points and Mar'khila Holloway added 13. In a rematch, the Phoenix held the lead after one quarter, 11-9, but a cold shooting spell combined with turnovers opened the door for the Cardinals to roar back for a 24-14 lead at break. The Phoenix continued to play hard, but couldn't close the gap. As the final buzzer sounded, Brookside had secured a 47-33 victory. Holloway (13 points) and Amato (12) led the Phoenix in defeat.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 FEBRUARY 4, 2021 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live FEBRUARY 4, 2021 .......CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION – 5:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 9, 2021........PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION – 4:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 10, 2021 .....OCIC – 8:00 A.M. FEBRUARY 10, 2021 .....OURCIT – 3:00 P.M. NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

Page B4

COMETS BRIEFS Indoor Track Amherst scored 58 points to place fourth overall in competition Friday at Spire. Top girls performances included: • Chaley Younkin placed first in the high jump at 5 feet 0 inches and second in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9.98 seconds. • Leah Gerke placed second in the 3,200 with a time of 12:25.44. • Catherine Turner placed third in the 800 in 2:32.12. • Marisa Del Valle placed third in the 1,600 race with a time of 5:31.55. • Justine Prete placed fourth in the pole vault, clearing 7 feet 6 inches. • The 4x400 relay team of Alanna Woodworth, Aurora Wilson, Chaley Younkin and Catherine Turner placed fourth, finishing in 4:28.07. Top boys performances included: • Brad Gregory took second place in the weight throw with a personal best of 51 feet 0 inches. • Jacob Farley placed third in the 800-meter race with a time of 2:02.97. • The 4x800 relay team of Jacob Raesler, Nick Glahn, Ryan Szczepanik and Zane Demercurio placed third with a 9:09.95 finish. • Luke Bowlsby placed third in the 1,600 with a time of 4:39.14. • The 4x400 team of Danny Vitelli, Sea McQuate, Isaac Davis and Devin Ramirez placed fourth with a 3:45.64 finishing time. • Zane Demercurio placed fourth in the 3,200 race with a time of 11:10.34, and Dillon Jones placed fifth in 11:10.34. • Sean McQuate placed fifth in the 200-meter race with a time of 23.91 seconds. • Devin Ramirez placed fifth in the 400 meters at 54.76 seconds. • Evan Draga placed fifth in the pole vault at 9 feet. • The 4x800 team of Evan Draga, Dillon Jones, Brent Baumgartner and Rayan Zaidi placed fifth with a time of 9:53.28.

Lorain County Community Guide

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

CARTER WINS FOR PHOENIX

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Senior Leo Carter scored a pinfall victory in his match last week to record Oberlin's only points of the match. Carter picked up the win against his Clearview opponent in the first period. Carter, Lashell Bell and Sean Eichelberger all dropped their matches against Black River in the front-end of the double-dual.

BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

Girls Bowling • Amherst placed first with 3,696 points Saturday at the NSBC Tournament at Rebman's Recreation. Sophomore Hannah Aschenbach bowled a tournament high 715 series and junior Makayla Velasquez followed closely with a 692 series. Allison Taylor added a 521 series, Racehel McDerment rolled a 407 series, Kendall Bott added a 146 and Amanda McElheny bowled 135. • Amherst defeated Open Door 1,849 to 1,396 on Jan. 27. Allison Taylor led the Comets with a 381 series. Other Amherst scorers included Makayla Velasquez (329), Hannah Aschenbach (319), Rachel McDerment (295) and Amanda McElheny (223). Open Door scores: Bri Brudai (258), Shu Shu Harp (255), Allison Skalba (179), Makenzie Duncker (115), Allison Holan (113), Alyssa Badillo (98) and Lia Cruz (76). Boys Bowling • Amherst defeated Open Door 2,039 to 1,702 on Jan. 27. For the Comets, Chandan Weinsier rolled a 396 series, Antonio Rodriguez bowled 377, Logan Stewart had a 339, Zach Zakrajsek bowled 312, JP Gregory had 148 and Thomas Heider scored 144. Open Door scores included Jose Howard-Guerra (367), Drew Johnson (336), Aleksander Boardwine (273), Parker Loescher (261) and Richard Ralich (199). Swimming The Comets won six events this weekend at the Southwestern Conference championship meet, held at Westlake Recreation Center: • Ethan Belak took the title in one-meter diving. • Sierra Dorobek won the 50-meter freestyle and the 500-meter freestyle. • Belak, Justin Farmer, Michael Petrillo and Chase Aruskevicius won the 200-meter freestyle relay and the 400-meter freestyle relay. • Aruskevicius successfully defended his 100-meter backstroke title.

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Struggling back after being sidelined for most of January, Wellington went 59-51 over Black River on Friday, then hit up their Lorain County League foes 81-78 in a second game Saturday. In the latter meeting, fouls made all the difference. Cole Standen and teammate Jacob Weegman made free their throws count, each hitting 11 as they ran up big tallies — 27 total points for Standen and 20 for Weegman — and Jay Roberts kicked in 12 to round out the Dukes' offensive leaderboard. For the Pirates, Caydin Hinderman-Powell notched 22 points, Daniel Jeske had 15, Peter Jeske had 14 and John Kray put up 10. ABOVE LEFT: Black River’s Cayden Hinderman-Powel runs a fast break against Wellington. Wellington's Jay Roberts gets two points.

BACK-TO-BACK BLOWOUTS

Boys Basketball • Copley put the hurt on Amherst, winning 77-64 in nonconference action Saturday. George Fayer led the Comets with 17 points, Ty Weatherspoon put up 13 and Austin Bray had 10. Copley's Khoi Thurmon and Admore Robinson each scored 19 points, with ample backup from Matthrew Dente with 18. • A 23-8 first quarter advantage gave the Comets the steam they needed Friday to roll over Olmsted Falls 73-65. The Bulldogs turned the tables in the second half, but Amherst hedged enough to hold them off. For Amherst, Austin Bray notched 19 points on the night, with 17 more from Ty Weatherspoon, 16 from George Fayer and 12 from George Gotsis. Olmsted's Charlie Ciolek posed a danger on the court with 19 points, and Luke Dieckman put up 16. Girls Basketball • Kayla Ferancy scored 14 points, leading Amherst to a 49-37 win over North Olmsted on Jan. 27. Kristin Kelley kicked in 11 for the Comets. Brooklyn Beeman led all scorers, putting 16 on the board for the Eagles. • Amherst held North Olmsted to just four points in the second period and seven more in the third on Jan. 26, helping to seal a 48-35 victory at home. Kayla Ferancy and Kristen Kelley each put up 12 points for the Comets. Brooklyn Beeman had 14 for the Eagles. Ice Hockey • Nathan Harmych and Joey Kramer each scored two goals for a 4-1 rout of Benedictine on Jan. 26. Peyton Nagle gave the Bengals a 1-0 lead until the Comets cracked the code in the third period. Kramer, Logan Eicher, Michael Hughes, Nick Ciura and Gavyn Cumberledge were all credited with assists for Amherst. Goalie Brady Grove had 24 saves — but he didn't have it nearly as bad as Michael Pelc. The Benedictine netminder was pelted with 40 shots by the Comets offense.

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Firelands dished out a pair of big-deficit losses this past week to Lorain County League opponent Black River, first with a 64-25 blowout and then 72-39 three days later. Megan Sutton scored an unheard-of 26 points for the Falcons in the later game, and Riley Kubitz had what on any other night would have been an outstanding 20 for the Pirates. Abbey Schmitz, Madison Sutton, Megan Sutton and Lauren Valerius were all pace-setters for the Firelands team in the two-game series. ABOVE LEFT: Black River’s Riley Kubitz drives past Firelands’ Megan Sutton. ABOVE RIGHT: Firelands’ Abbey Schmitz hits for three points.

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

CHAMBERS CHEWS 'EM UP

Page B5

Wellington bowlers win division at NSBC tourney The Dukes girls won a divisional title for the first time Sunday at the North Shore Bowling Conference Tournament held at Rebman Recreation in Lorain. Wellington took home the trophy for Division 2, defeating Keystone by 122 pins. Whitney Kirschner, a freshman, led the Dukes with a 532 series, the

fourth-best in the tournament. Trinity Farr followed with a 459, while Heather Reininger had 435, Nicole Sparks 418 and Abbie Michalak 412. They all finished in the top 14. Last year, the Wellington bowlers finished third in the tournament, behind both Keystone and Black River. Before that, they'd gone five straight years in fifth place.

SCHOLARS

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Trajen Chambers soared with a game-high 18 points against Brookside, helping Oberlin secure a 75-46 win Jan. 26 in Lorain County League action. The Phoenix ruled the court from the first whistle, taking a 20-10 lead at the end of the first period and ballooning it to 45-21 at the half. Andre Yarber had 12 points, and the full bench contributed to Oberlin's tally. Avery Young led Brookside with 16 points, and Kenny Grobolsek provided backup with 10. ABOVE: Oberlin’s Trajen Chambers drives baseline against the Cardinals’ Gabe Pawloski. BELOW: Oberlin’s Andre Yarber drains a jumper from the top of the key.

ABBEY DRAKE of Wellington has been named a Brain Fellow by Baldwin Wallace University's David and Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement. Drake, a graduate of Wellington High School, is majoring in political science. Brain Fellows are student leaders addressing today's most complex and challenging social issues while working to educate and empower the community to take action. During the yearlong program, Brain Fellows explore the nuances related to social change and leadership during weekly meetings, community events and discussions with community leaders. VALERIE LOWREY of Wellington has graduated with a master of science degree in school psychology from Miami University. MORGAN TADARICH of Wellington has been named to the dean's list for the Fall 2020 semester at Davis & Elkins College. HANNAH LEMKE of Wellington has been named to the president's list for the Fall 2020 semester at Capital University. ALEXIS POJMAN of Wellington has been named to the provost's list for the Fall 2020 semester at Capital University. AUTUMN COLLINS of Wellington has been named to the dean's list for the Fall 2020 semester at Slippery Rock University.

HODGES HEAPS IT ON

The following Oberlin students have been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2020 semester at Baldwin Wallace University: • CHRISTA BARNES, a graduate of First Baptist Christian School, majoring in instrumental performance. • KATLYN HERSHBERGER, a graduate of Oberlin High School, majoring in early childhood education. • ADRIANNA YOUNG, a graduate of Oberlin High School, majoring in communication. ALENA AGUAYO, GABRIEL DEL VALLE and ANNE TORKELSON, all recent graduates of Amherst Steele High School, have been selected to be Ashbrook Scholars, according to an announcement from the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University. The program focuses on politics, history and economics, and includes an annual scholarship to attend Ashland University. The following Amherst students have been named to the dean’s list for the Summer 2020 semester at Mercy College of Ohio: • MIKAYLA FAUTH is studying nursing. • TAMHRA PHELPS is studying nursing. ERIN GALLOGLY of Amherst has

been named to the dean’s list for the Summer 2020 semester at Ohio University. The following Amherst students have graduated from Ohio University: • NATALIE FORTINO earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing. • SCOTT LANHAM earned a master of science degree in athletic administration. • JENNIFER ONACILA earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing. • AMANDA RECHNER earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing. • DANA SWIFT earned a bachelor of science degree in integrated healthcare studies. • MARISSA WHITE earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing. TYLER NEUHOFF and LINDSEY STUMPP of Amherst have been named to the president’s list for the Fall 2020 semester at Capital University. TORI GRASSO of Amherst has been named to the provost’s list for the Fall 2020 semester at Capital University. MICHELLE KISSANE and DOMINIC ZAPPA of Amherst have been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2020 semester at the University of Mount Union. MASON DOLL of Amherst has been named to the dean’s honor roll for the Fall 2020 semester at Lawrence Technological University. RILEY DOLL of Amherst, a forensic science major, has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2020 semester at Trine University. MICHAEL ROACH of Amherst, a design engineering technology major, has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2020 semester at Trine University. JASON MONOS and ISABEL SOLOWIEJ of Amherst have been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2020 semester at Ohio Wesleyan University. TAMHRA PHELPS of Amherst has been named to the honors list for the Fall 2020 semester at Mercy College of Ohio. Phelps is majoring in nursing. HALEY LOONEY of Amherst has graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor of science degree in allied health. The following Amherst students have recently received degrees from Miami University: • KELSEA MCGRAW graduated with a bachelor of science degree in software engineering. • ALEXIS SZIVAN graduated with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and health, majoring in sport leadership and management.

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Photos by Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times

Mitchell Hodges dunked his way to a big 25-point night on Jan. 26, leading Firelands in a 92-65 stomp over Lorain County League foe Columbia. He had help — Caden Bomback put 20 on the scoreboard, Jackson Talbott had 14 points, and Alex Angle and Casey Kelley each had 10 in the Falcons' high-scoring win. The Raiders didn't do badly, with Caleb Borling's 18-point performance and 16 more from George Wilson. Trevor Hottell scored 11 and Brandon Fisher put up 10. But while that offense has run roughshod over opponents this season, it was held in check by the Falcons defense. After taking the first quarter to stabilize, the Firelands boys solved the Columbia problem by slowing down the pace and holding the Raiders at midcourt. ABOVE: Firelands' Mitchell Hodges gets a dunk against Columbia.

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Page B6

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

reate some healthy Valentine cards by filling in the missing vowels. Then cut out each message, paste it on some construction paper and give to a good friend!

TO:

FROM:

Are you an eagle-eyed reader? Read the article below and correct the ten errors you find. The first one is done for you.

Do you feel with your heart? Is you making pictures of hearts and fiving little heart-shaped candies to your friends for valentine’s Day?

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

When you make a promise

TO: How do you love your heart? Well, first of all you need to understand that your heart is a muscle. And, like all of your muscles, it works best when you exercise, rest, drink water and eat healthy food.

you really, really meant, do

FROM:

you cross your heart? do you listen to songs about feelings and emotions?

Circle the healthy food item that should come next in each row.

This time of year, we hear about and saw hearts Which two hearts are exactly the same?

everywhere. Long ago, people thought our feelings came from our hearts, maybe because strong feelings can make our hearts beated faster. now we know feelings come

Ad Transformer Look for newspaper ads that encourage kids to eat or drink things that are unhealthy. Rewrite the ad so that it is advertising something good for your health.

Cut out the 10 cards at right. (Paste them onto construction paper to make them sturdier if you wish.) A watch with a second hand will be needed as well. Give the stack of activity cards to the person who is “It.” When “It” tags someone, that person selects a card and performs the named activity for the amount of time stated. After the person completes the activity, he or she becomes “It.”

Standards Link: Language Arts: Identify compound words.

VALENTINE HEART MUSCLE EXERCISE HEALTHY TEACHER CARDS PLACE SECONDS STACK FITNESS GOOD REST CARE

Complete the grid by using all the letters in the word LOVE in each vertical and horizontal row. Each letter should only be used once in each row. Some spaces have been filled in for you.

S E E X E T R K C H S N E E I S R C E E

E I R T C M P A X R

N T A E U N L T E E

This week’s word:

I E C D H T C D C C

The noun health means being without sickness or pain.

F L R Y O H E E I A

E A S D N O C E S E

Exercise and eating right will keep you in good health.

C V H E A R G T E T

Try to use the word health in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.

T N C S S T A S R H

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

HEALTH

Valentine Surprise

Valentines from the Headlines

Cut out five or more words from the headlines in today’s newspaper. Use these to write a Valentine message to your teacher! ANSWER: “I love you with all of my art.”

Standards Link: Writing Applications: Write in a variety of genres and forms.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Understand the meaning of words from context clues.

Standards Link: Health: Students understand essential concepts about nutrition and diet; know healthy eating practices.

Standards Link: Physical Education: Use a variety of basic and advanced movement forms.

Draw a line from each piece of broken heart below to its other half. What compound words did you create?

from the brane, not the hart.

Make up a story about a Valentine’s Day surprise. Who was surprised? What was the surprise? Use five or more adjectives in your story.