Lorain County Community Guide - Feb. 6, 2020

COMMUNITY GUIDE

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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 7, Issue 6

2020 census workers face full-count challenges LAINA YOST THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — The National U.S. Census director stopped at Lorain County Community College on Friday to light a spark on the start of the national count that determines government representation, grant distribution, low-income housing distribution, among others.

It's "the most used data in the Kristin Bauer | Chronicle country," according to the naCensus Bureau Director tional U.S. Census Director Steve Steven Dillingham speaks Dillingham. during a town hall Friday at He said Lorain presents chalLorain County Community lenges unique to the county with College.

BULLETIN BOARD Thursday, Feb. 6 • AMHERST: The MLS Theatre Company will present “Much Ado About Murder” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Amherst Steele High School.

General admission tickets are $10. Students and senior citizens are $5.

Rich but rotten Carlton Larraby’s latest joke is a Halloween party where everyone dresses as a character from Shakespeare’s plays. Guests arrive, unaware that he has been gruesomely bludgeoned to death in his study. Since this is an audience-participation play, the murder is revealed to the audience before the characters of the play know about it, but all might not be as it seems. You can help question the characters and solve the crime!

• OBERLIN: The “Huge Linen Sale” will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the main lobby of Mercy Health Allen Hospital.

It is sponsored by the Mercy Allen Auxiliary.

• OBERLIN: More than 100 Japanese woodblock prints will be on display through June 14 at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 North Main St. New information about the works will be presented in an Allen After Hours program at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6. The lecture, “Many Ways of Seeing: The Mary Ainsworth Collection,” will be given by Kevin Greenwood, Joan L. Danforth Curator of Asian Art. A reception will follow this free program and galleries remain open until 7:30 p.m.

MORE BULLETIN BOARD PAGE A4

U.S. Postal Service Use Only

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 Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Copyright 2019 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company

its large Hispanic population.

Nationally, Hispanics are often under-counted on the census. Past surveys have shown up to 31 percent non-participation in Lorain.

African-Americans also have been historically under-counted on the census.

Dillingham said it's important for people to know that the census is secure and that no information is shared with other agencies or law enforcement.

President Donald Trump has wanted a citizenship question on the 2020 census, but it was shot down by three federal judges.

Dillingham said the census does not include a citizenship ques-

tion.

"We share aggregate statistics and we share it to everyone in the country, but not personal information," Dillingham said. "That is kept confidential always and always will be."

He also said census officials held several focus groups to determine what all they can do to make sure minorities are counted.

Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield said it's also important for the local community to step in and inform residents of the upcoming census.

"Part of that is also the strategy of relying on local partner," Whitfield said. "So, not only are

you pushing it, but you've got us as a city pushing it, you've got non-profits who are already connected to these populations who are pushing that message as well."

Rural areas, like Wellington, LaGrange, Oberlin and other communities, also are often under-counted.

This decade's census will feature something the census has never had before — you can now fill out the nine questions online.

Dillingham said census officials are also working to give people access to computers who either may not have one or people who CENSUS PAGE A3

‘People gotta be woke’

Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin Police Chief Ryan Warfield tells high-schoolers Monday that he worries for the safety of his children when they go out, because as a black man and a police officer, "I know how it is."

Oberlin chief, magistrate talk race JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — There may not be segregated bathrooms anymore, but a collection of community leaders and Oberlin High School students agreed Monday that racism remains a part of

the American culture.

Police Chief Ryan Warfield told the students they are right to be frustrated.

He said like any parent, he worries when his three sons head out on the town. Fearing for their safety, Warfield has taught his children what to do if they are stopped by the police:

Keep hands on the steering wheel, don't argue and do as you are told, no matter what.

It's a lesson he learned from experience, and one reason he became a police officer.

Warfield recalled when, during a break from college, he was pulled RACE TALK PAGE A3

Mardi Gras festival planned for Feb. 20-29 STAFF REPORT

AMHERST TWP. — Can't make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras?

Celebrate it right here in Lorain County starting Thursday, Feb. 20, with special events and deals planned from Avon Lake to Oberlin.

Sponsored by the Lorain County Visitors Bureau, the fun will include

Cajun and Creole food and drink specials, lodging deals, special shopping experiences and a “parade” of festive storefronts.

Think jambalaya, muffuletta, beignets, gumbo and red beans and rice, all topped off with New Orleans-style music and art.

The party will peak on Saturday, Feb. 29 with an extravaganza at Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Arts Center.

It will include a culinary food showcase, followed by the Grammy Award-winning music of Terrance Simien and the Zydeco experience.

The band will fly in from the Big Easy to share its music.

Concert tickets are $10 and can be ordered by calling the Stocker Arts Box Office at 440-366-4040.

Want to make the night even better?

MARDI GRAS PAGE A3

INSIDE THIS WEEK Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

‘Cleveland Mike’ to get a new murder trial • B1

1,000 career points for the Phoenix’s Jackson • C1

Police officer, dispatcher and firefighter of the year • D1

CLASSIFIEDS A2 • OBITUARIES A2 • CROSSWORD A3 • SUDOKU A3 • KID SCOOP B4

Page A2

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

COLUMN

OBITUARIES

Employees with babies still getting axed

David Jones

GILLIAN THOMAS

WOMEN’S RIGHTS PROJECT

Forty years ago, working women in the United States won the legal protection to become working mothers.

On Oct. 31, 1978, Congress enacted the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, making it illegal for employers to deny a woman a job — or promotion, or higher pay, or any other opportunity — because she is pregnant.

Although on-the-job sex discrimination had been outlawed more than a decade earlier, pregnancy wasn’t legally recognized as a type of sex discrimination. As a result, a pregnancy often resulted in a pink slip. The act had an immediate, dramatic impact on women’s ability to participate fully in the workforce.

In the mid-1970s, fewer than half of women with children under 18 were in the labor force.

Today, 70 percent of those mothers work outside the home.

But in addition to protecting the job security of millions of women, the PDA ended a century of legal precedent that treated women as mothers first and workers second.

The possibility of a

woman becoming pregnant drove both legislation and Supreme Court precedent beginning in the late 1800s. Most states enacted so-called “protective statutes” that barred women from holding jobs deemed too strenuous for them. In 1908, the Supreme Court considered a challenge to one such statute in Oregon, which limited the number of hours women in commercial laundries could work each day.

In upholding the law, the court reasoned, “(A)s healthy mothers are essential to vigorous offspring, the physical well-being of woman becomes an object of public interest and care in order to preserve the strength and vigor of the race.” Of course, it was very clear to which race the court was referring.

Black and brown women’s bodies, both on and off the job, never have elicited the same concern.

Such “protectionism” persisted even after the PDA was enacted. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Supreme Court finally recognized this as a form of unlawful discrimination.

It did so in the case of battery maker Johnson Controls, rejecting the company’s “fetal protection policy” that forced

women out of higher-paid jobs deemed hazardous to their reproductive capacity and moved them into lower-paid roles. The court explained, “It is no more appropriate for the courts than it is for the individual employers to decide whether a woman’s reproductive role is more important to herself and her family than her economic role.” This landmark decision opened the way for women to do work that used to be exclusively done by men — like policing, firefighting, or construction, to name a few.

Sadly, despite these strides, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act has not been a cure-all for working women.

The number of pregnancy discrimination charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission between 1997 and 2011 increased by 50 percent and has remained relatively steady in recent years. Some of that increase can be attributed to the influx of women into riskier jobs because they may require modified duties during pregnancy and employers may be unwilling to accommodate those limitations. Women who labor in physically strenuous, female-dominated fields

— like retail, nursing, and hospitality — face the same problem. And white collar workers face barriers as well. As The New York Times recently noted, “Many of the country’s largest and most prestigious companies still systematically sideline pregnant women.”

Such disparate treatment does not end after an employee gives birth.

Far too many companies still make it difficult to impossible for employees who are nursing a child to pump at work.

And research shows that mothers’ wages decrease by four percent per child.

In contrast, fathers’ pay tends to go up by six percent when a child is born.

These economic consequences don’t just harm women. Nearly half of all working mothers — and 70 percent of black mothers — are the sole or primary breadwinners in their households, so pregnancy discrimination can result in economic disaster for the whole family.

Pregnancy is a fact of life for the vast majority of women; it’s long past time that employers treat it like one as well.

Gillian Thomas is senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union.

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LEGALS

PUBLIC NOTICE TO THE OWNERS, OCCUPANTS, MORTGAGEES, LESSEES AND ALL PARTIES HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY LISTED HEREIN BELOW: The list of the properties below have been deemed dangerous buildings in the City of Lorain.

As a dangerous building, the building constitutes a public nuisance. City of Lorain Ordinance Chapter 1523 defines these properties as Unsafe Buildings, according to Lorain Codified Ordinance 1523.01.

These properties are considered Dangerous Buildings and according to LCO 1523.03 shall be considered Nuisances to the City of Lorain. Pursuant to LCO 1523.05, the Chief Building Official (CBO) of the City of Lorain has declared the properties listed below as dangerous buildings and by virtue thereof public nuisances.

A hearing is scheduled on the 3rd Thursday of February the 20th 2020 at 9 AM at Lorain City Council Chambers on the first floor located at: 200 W. Erie Ave Lorain, Oh 44052 before the Lorain Demolition Board (Board) pursuant to LCO 1523.06 for the purpose of presenting the determination of the CBO to the Board for its determination. All parties who have an interest in such parcels are entitled to attend and participate in the hearing.

3363 Livingston Ave. 2071/2069 E 29th St. 1725/1727 E 30th St. 520 E 33rd St. 1316 Oberlin Ave. 1322 W 19th St. 802/804 S. Central Dr.

L.C.C.G. 2/6-13/20 20658082

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 • 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 three (3) copies of 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 21, 2020 by 3PM.

L.C.C.G. 2/6-13/20 20657027

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO LOR-LORAIN TLCI PID 110315 Sealed bids will be received by the Engineering Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio until: TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, March 6, 2020, Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor.

TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, March 6, 2020, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor.

COMPLETION DATE: November 30, 2020 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.

Bid blanks and specifications may be secured at the Engineering Department, 200 West Erie Ave. 4th Floor, Lorain, OH, 44052 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. A nonrefundable fee of $50.00 either by check or money order is required for each set taken out. Checks are to be made payable to the City of Lorain.

Each bidder must insure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, sex or national origin. All bidders must comply with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act. All federal minority business enterprise and women business enterprise requirements shall be met. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will to the extent practicable use Ohio products, materials, services and labor in the implementation of their project.

Bidders must be listed on the ODOT pre-qualified list for highway construction. Bidders

shall submit a list of available equipment, and labor shall be paid not less than the prevailing wage rate as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor Davis Bacon requirements for Lorain County, Ohio.

NO BID WILL BE OPENED WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATION OF QUALIFICATION OR THE ACCEPTABLE LETTER OF APPLICATION ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE AS DIRECTED. The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

No Pre-Bid meeting is scheduled.

By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service

L.C.C.G. 2/6-13-20/20 20656472

NOTICE Plaintiff, State of Ohio, filed a Complaint in Lorain County Common Pleas Court at 225 Court St., Elyria, Ohio 44035, Case No. 19 CV 198523, against Defendants Master Landscaping Sprinklers, LLC and Alejandro Sanchez, both of who are believed to have last resided at 1031 Tower Blvd.

Apt. 104, Lorain, Ohio 44052.

The lawsuit was brought in the public interest and on behalf of the State of Ohio, having reasonable cause to believe that Defendants’ conduct violated the Consumer Sales Practices Act, R.C. 1345.01 et seq., and the Home Solicitation Sales Act, R.C. 1345.23, et seq. Defendants failed to deliver goods and services, performed substandard and shoddy work, failed to make refunds, and failed to provide required disclosure statements to prospective purchasers. Plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, reimbursement for consumers, and civil penalties pursuant to R.C. 1345.07(D), costs, and other just relief as deemed appropriate by the Court.

Defendant is notified to answer or respond to Plaintiff’s Complaint within 28 days of final publication of this notice.

Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General, Christopher Ramdeen, Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section, 30 East Broad Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, (614) 995-1577.

L.C.C.G. 2/6-13-20-27; 3/5-12/20 20657806

INVITATION FOR BIDS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO ONE-TIME PURCHASE OF SCOTT SCBAs (SCOTT PAKS) AND RELATED Sealed bids will be received by the Fire Department, City of Lorain, OH:

TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: Until 11:00 a.m. EST, February 13, 2020, Lorain Fire Department, 1350 Broadway Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052.

TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 A.M., EST, February 13, 2020. Lorain Fire Department, First Floor Meeting Room, 1350 Broadway Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052.

For the purchase of approximately: 28 Scott Air Pak X3 Pros, including: Backpack, Harness and Regulator Assy,, two 45-minute 4500 psi cylinders, 1 mask and one radio interfaced voice amplifier; 48 Additional Face Pieces 27 Vehicle mountings to be adjusted to accept new Equipment (four Tower 1), (four Pumper 1), (four Pumper 3), (three Pumper 4), (four Pumper 7), (four Pumper 5), and (four Pumper 2) All in accordance with specifications now on file at the Fire Department.

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

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 Fire Department (440) 204-2220. Bidders are required to use the printed form which will be available upon application.

The Fire Chief 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 Fire Chief.

L.C.C.G. 1/30; 2/6/20 20657619

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on January 21, 2020. The complete text of each item may be viewed or purchased in the Clerk of Council Office @ Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, during normal business hours or contact Nancy Greer @ 204-2050 (Nancy_ Greer@cityoflorain.org). The following summary has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws.

Reso. 7-20 Recognizing & commending the Lorain Steele City Youth Football League for their success at the 2019 United Youth Football National Championship. 8-20* Designating the award of active and interim funds for the City of Lorain. 9-20 Intent to acquire & improve the private roadway adjacent to Oak Hill Blvd & auth the Engineering Dept to proceed w/ prep of plans, specifications, estimate of construction costs and property assessments. Ord. 4-20* Auth Lorain Municipal Court to accept a grant of $50k from Ohio Supreme Court & execute all necessary documents. 5-20* Amending Ord. 69-17 & Section 913.303 (Sanitary Sewer Rental Charge). 6-20* Appropriation.

7-20 Authorizing payment of a moral claim to Barbara Watson @ 4134 Woodstock Drive not to exceed $1800 (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.)

L.C.C.G. 1/30; 2/6/20 20657509

LEGAL NOTICE (Citation by Publication) To: Loretta Neff 14735 Lorain Ave. Lot 106, Cleveland Ohio 44135 You are hereby notified that a Complaint or Motion containing a request for Divorce has been filed in the Lorain County Domestic Relations Court regarding case #19DR086800.

A hearing on this Complaint or Motion is scheduled for: the 9th day of March 2020 at 10:30 a.m. before the Honorable Magistrate Adam J. Bryda of the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division, located at 225 Court St. Elyria, Ohio 44035 You are hereby ordered to appear before said Court on the date at the time listed to show cause why this request for divorce should not be granted by the court.

By: Michael C. Neff

L.C.C.G. 1/16-23-30; 2/613-20/20 20656664

David Jones, 72, of Ashland, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Ashland. Born on May 9, 1947, in Somerville, South Carolina, David was raised by his mother, Betty Smith and lived most of his life in Ohio.

David was a 1966 graduate of Wellington High School. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Marines from 1966-1969 during Vietnam. He worked at Headstrum in Ashland for 13 years. He was a proud member of the American Legion. David gave his time to causes that supported Vietnam veterans.

He loved hunting and fishing. A true jack of all trades, David was very laid back and liked sitting on his front porch chatting with his neighbors. He enjoyed his life to the fullest, and treasured his time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Patti (nee Masters) Jones of Ashland; daughters, Lindsay (Tristain) Jones-Cole of New London and Courtney Jones of Ashland; grandchildren, Hannah Harris, Xavier, Wylie and Enya Cole; mother, Betty Smith of Wellington; siblings, Teara Buren of West Salem, Tim Brownson of Polk, Trudy (Jim) Frames of Ashland, Angelia Daves of Greenwood, Mississippi, Tonya (Bryan) Smith of Homerville, Susanne Rollins of Wellington, Lynn Ricks of Manderville, Louisiana, Debby Riffle of Newport News, Virginia, Leslie (Tim) Simonson of Wellington, Betty Hultz of Wellington, John (Jane) Jones of Shelby, Laura (Tim) Jones Butti of Wellington, Philip (Caroline) Jones of Troy, Virginia; a multitude of nieces and nephews and lifelong friends, Bob and Jeani Porter of Wellington.

David was preceded in death by his birth mother, Clara Mae Jones; father, Eslie Jones; twin brother, Davis Jones; stepfather, Delbert "Pete" Smith and sister, Bonnie Jones.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, January 30, 2020, from 4-7 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main St., Wellington, where services will be held Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, beginning at 11 a.m.

Condolences for David's family can be given at www. norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Frederick C. Yunker Fred Yunker passed away at home in Eugene, Oregon on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. Fred was born Sept. 17, 1950, in Lorain, to parents George and Joan (Pacer) Yunker.

He graduated in 1969 from Marion L. Steele High School and attended the University of Michigan. Fred's career began with a laser manufacturer in Ann Arbor, Michigan and then as technical manager of a Las Vegas, Nevada gaming company. In 1976, he moved to Oregon to focus on internet design, programming and consulting. His company, ESSEFF digital design, operated in Eugene until early 2019.

Fred was an advocate of STEM education in schools and at retirement donated all of his company's technical equipment and vintage components to the Eugene Science Company, a non-profit organization that provides the community's children and families with a wide range of educational science programs.

Fred is survived by his wife of 49 years, Denise (Tarnowski) Yunker; his sister, Debbie Yunker and his five sisters-in-law and their families.

A private service will be held at the Oregon coast.

RICHARD D. CORBIN, 73, of Lorain, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Lorain, following a lengthy illness. Hempel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Richard Corbin.

HOLLY GAE HENDERSON, 65, of Amherst, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at Amherst Manor Nursing Home. Hempel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Holly Henderson.

RICHARD JOHN "SLIDER" MACK, 79, a resident of Amherst, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Hempel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

NORMA JEAN SEXTON (nee Gawne), 88, a lifetime resident of Amherst, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, at Elmcroft Assisted Living, following a lengthy illness. Hempel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Be part of the news team

You can help cover the news! We love covering events, but our staff can only do so much in a week. If you have a passion for an area we haven't been covering and would like to submit routine photos or write-ups, call editor Jason Hawk at 440-329-7122!

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.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $40 for 52 weeks in Lorain County; $45 in Erie, Huron, Ashland, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties; $50 in all other Ohio counties; $55 outside Ohio.

Periodical postage paid at Wellington OH.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Lorain County Community Guide, PO Box 4010, Elyria OH 44036.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

CENSUS

FROM A1 struggle using technology.

Grant funds for cities are based on census data, as well as housing assistance, national disaster relief funding and lowincome rehabilitation loans.

More than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support are based on census data.

In January, Lorain County organized a Complete Count Committee to make sure everyone in the county is counted.

Commissioner Sharon Sweda said they've tried to make it like a grassroots campaign to get the word out and get people counted.

Part of that count committee is El Centro Executive Director Victor Leandry, who said he

uses census data everyday for programs and grants.

"I know the importance of the census," Leandry said. "... I live in a community where we have many challenges; we have many challenges here in Lorain County. However, we'll come together as a community... It is a collective work."

The number of congressional seats each state gets is also

dependent on population counts that come from the census. If not everyone gets counted, it could skew representation in Congress.

The Census Bureau is also still seeking about 500,000 people to work on the census for their communities. presents: Dillingham is counting on communities to get the residents counted for a successful 2020

The Patricia Lindley Center

MARDI GRAS

FROM A1 Sample authentic Creole fare during the Final Fete culinary buffet for $25 per person, including concert ticket with preferred seating.

Northeast Ohio’s own Cats on Holiday will also bring their “swamp pop” fun to the Final Fete.

Immerse yourself in the fun and go dressed in your best Mardi Gras attire — the best costumes will win a prize. Participants will even be able to take Zydeco dance lessons.

Page A3 census.

"It's the trusted voices from the local communities and from the leadership of those communities that makes a difference," Dillingham said. "The census is not a federal agency census.

It is not a federal census. It is everyone's census. And it's so important to have the trusted voices the people of the communities know and respect."

The Patricia Lindley Center presents:

Pick up your Mardi Gras passport at Visit Lorain County, 8025 Leavitt Rd., Amherst Township, or at any participating location.

Your passport will guide you to the special meals, deals, drinks, exhibits and performances being offered across the county.

Take part in Mardi Gras deals and you’ll get a stamp and a bead necklace.

For more information, go to www.visit loraincounty.com/mardigras.

Tickets for the Final Fete can be purchased at www.lorainccc.edu.

A “Caring Hearts” Concert Saturday, February 8, 2020

A “Caring Hearts” Concert Saturday, February 8, 2020

RACE TALK

FROM A1 over by police in Lorain.

His father was a prominent union member and the family could afford a nice car, he said — the officer in charge noted the vehicle, but wouldn't say why the stop was made, or why Warfield and his friends were forced onto their knees with hands behind their heads.

Warfield and other community leaders joined about 40 high school students in the school library to talk about race relations after a field trip Friday to see the new film "Just Mercy" starring Jamie Foxx, Michael B. Jordan and Brie Larson.

The movie tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who was sent immediately to Alabama's Death Row while awaiting pretrial for the murder of 18-yearold Ronda Morrison. A black man, McMillian was wrongfully targeted as a suspect because he was having an affair with a white woman, and police coerced a witness to lie under oath at trial to make the murder charge stick.

The jury, presented with fake testimony, recommended a life sentence. A judge overrode it and demanded that McMillian be executed. McMillian was set free after six years when the case was overturned on appeal. He died in 2013 at age 71 due to dementia, believed to have been spurred by trauma suffered in prison.

"Someone told me that Jim Crow is dead, but his children are still alive," teacher Kurt Russell told the students.

Russell told students 627guilty, and after eachStreet police North Main the case was an example Wellington, shooting she calls her adult 627 North Main Street Ohio 44090 of how prejudice is still son to make sure he is safe. Wellington, Ohio 44090 an issue today, leading to "I don't want you to walk A here Concert to Bene it Social Services for Social senior residents inresidents the Lorain a conversation about its out of being afraid AAConcert to Social Services forsenior senior residents theLorain Lorain Concert to Benefit Bene it Services for ininthe role in not just the justice of police," she told high County Office on Aging Southern Satellite Office (SSO) area.

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CARING HEARTS MUSICIANS

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SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A4

CARING HEARTS MUSICIANS

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A4

Page A4

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

BULLETIN BOARD Friday, Feb. 7 • ELYRIA: Bishop Nelson Perez will speak at the inaugural First Friday Forum of 2020 on Feb. 7 at the Spitzer Conference Center, Lorain County Community College, 1005 North Abbe Rd. A luncheon buffet will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the speaker at noon. Reservations are $20 and must be made be 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3. You can pay at the door or mail your check to First Friday Forum of Lorain County, 320 Middle Ave., Elyria, OH 44035; call the reservation line at 440-244-0643; or email ffflorain@gmail.com.

• OBERLIN: Slow Train Storytellers will host an event at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at Slow Train Cafe, 55 East College St. The theme is hibernation. Email kgwaite@gmail.com to secure a place to tell your story.

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

Toddlers and their caregivers can drop in. No registration is required.

• OBERLIN: Soulful Sundown, an informal, interactive spiritual circle, will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Oberlin Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 355 East Lorain St. It will feature stories, music and activities for all ages.

Saturday, Feb. 8 • NEW RUSSIA TWP.: A Firelands Band Bosters and Firelands Lions Club reverse raffle will be held from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the New Russia Township Hall, 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd. Each raffle ticket costs $75 and gets an individual admission to the raffle, a chance to win cash and dinner catered by Sterks. There is a one and 300 chance to win $10,000 and a one in 30 chance to win $100 or more. You do not have to be present to win.

• WELLINGTON: The Black River Band Boosters will hold a night at the races fundraiser from 6-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Wellington Eagles, 631 South Main St. Enjoy betting on funny horse names, 50-50 raffle, side boards and basket raffles. Admission is $25 and is for ages 21 and over. It inclueds dinner, dessert, beverages, snacks, keg beer and one drink ticket for the cash bar. It’s $20 to name a horse that you’ll hear the MC announce throughout the race.

Tickets are available from the Black River Band Boosters members or at www.blackriverbands.org.

• WELLINGTON: A “Caring Hearts” concert will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts, 627 North Main St. Local musicians will perform to benefit social services for seniors in the Lorain County Office on Aging Southern Satellite Office coverage area. There will be music, raffles and refreshments.

Acts include Ava Rowland, Mike and Lauren Phillips, Conk Band, Alex Coker accompanied by Jeffrey Jaskolka, Maddie Karban, Drew Burns, and Dave Parsh. Kiwanis member Terry Mazzone will serve as master of ceremonies.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Senior Citizens and Lorain County Office on Aging.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Oberlin Public Library, 65 South Main St. The guest speaker via video conference will be Bob Inglis, director of republicEn.org, a group trying to fix climate change using market-based solutions. He is also a former Republican congressperson from South Carolina.

Inglis will speak about working with conservatives on climate issues. The group will then discuss actions it can take to advance current bipartisan climate legislation in Congress.

For more information, go to www.citizensclimatelobby. org, write to oberlin@citizensclimatelobby.org, or call John Sabin at 440-574-1570.

• OBERLIN: A food distribution will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Oberlin Community Services, 285 South Professor St. Doors open at 9:15 a.m., when there will be a cooking demonstration. Be sure to take a photo ID and grocery bags if you have them.

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

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

Land use will be a subject for continued discussion, as well as vacancies and changes in downtown occupancy; the first actions of the year by the new City Council and school board will also be reviewed.

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

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

• OBERLIN: Meatless Mondays and Beyond will gather at 6 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Oberlin Public Library.

This month’s vegan potluck focus will be on dining out.

Attendees will talk about the challenges and overcoming them, favorite local restaurants and what dishes to order.

All are welcome.

• ELYRIA: “Next Stop Freedom! Stories from Ohio’s Underground Railroad” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 at the Elyria Arts Council, 336 Broad St. Ohio was a hotbed of activity on the Underground Railroad and Elyria was a part of it. This is a free program and open to the public. For more information, call 440-328-3025.

• NORTH RIDGEVILLE: The Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Rd. “Organizing your Genealogical Material” will be presented by author and historian Amanda Epperson. A social time will start at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

• OBERLIN: American Civil Liberties Union members will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 at the Oberlin Public Library.

The public is welcome. Discussion will include the “Twenty in ‘20” tour started in Youngstown and coming to Oberlin on March 3, and the constitutional amendment proposed by the ACLU last month as a “suite” of voting reform measures, including automatic voter registration and same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 • AMHERST: The C.S. Lewis and Friends Book Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Amherst Public Library.

Readers will discuss “The Screwtape Letters.” For more information, contact Marcia Geary at mgeary@gearylawllc.com or 440-988-9803. All are welcome.

• OBERLIN: A Tuesday Tea program on the exhibition “Boredom Aesthetics: The Early Videos of Zhang Peili” will be held at 3 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 North Main St. Curatorial assistant Emma Laube will discuss her exhibition. In 1988, the artist borrowed a camcorder and recorded himself breaking and repairing a mirror over three painstaking hours in a video titled “30 x 30,” considered the first video art by an artist in China. Laube discusses Zhang’s work in the context of television and avant-garde culture in late-20th century China.

Tea and cookies follow this free talk.

• OBERLIN: “Mindful Parenting” will be presented from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Oberlin Public Library, 65 South Main St. Psychologist Harry Pepper, director of adult programs at Common Ground’s Cindy Nord Center for Renewal, will speak. Learn how parents who practice mindfulness can become more relaxed and effective in this free program. Light refreshments will be provided. Childcare is not available for this event.

Reservations are not required but are appreciated. Text or call Jenn at 440-371-0113 or email jkeathley@oberlinkids.org.

Thursday, Feb. 13 • AMHERST: Learn about the history of presidential gardens at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Amherst Public Library.

Presidents John F. Kennedy, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and others all had a crazy connection to gardening. Join presenter Shelly Hill for some fun facts about presidential gardens.

• OBERLIN: “The True Cost of Plastics and What Ohio Valley People Are Doing To Counter It” will be presented at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

Randi Pokladnik, an environmental scientist, research chemist, teacher, columnist and a leader of the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, will speak. The Ohio Valley Environmental Council has been winning environmental and social justice campaigns since 1987 and now is focused on the hazards of ethane “cracker” plants producing plastic from fracked gas.

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

• OBERLIN: The Low-Vision Support Group will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Green Room for the audio presentation “Stem Cell Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.” All are welcome.

Friday, Feb. 14 • AMHERST: A Valentine’s Day babysitting fundraiser will be held by the youth group at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at 115 Central Dr. Proceeds will benefit a mission trip to Puerto Rico this summer. There will be high school youth there to play games, make crafts and watch a movie with your children while you enjoy a kid-free evening out. There will also be a church staff member who is fingerprinted and background-checked, along with at least one teen certified in CPR and first aid. All ages are welcome.

The cost is a $20 minimum donation for the first child, $35 for two or more children from the same immediate family. Register by emailing dce@stpaulamherst.com.

Saturday, Feb. 15 • AMHERST: A Lego playtime will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Amherst Public Library.

Children ages six and up are invited to exercise their creativity. Seating will be available for caregivers.

• WELLINGTON: A “Dialogue with the Board” will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 at BreadN-Brew, 100 South Main St. It is a chance to talk with Wellington Board of Education members and superintendent. The topic will be the Boys & Girls Club.

• OBERLIN: The annul Santa Elena Project of Accompaniment Guatemalan Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 410 West Lorain St. The mean will be enchiladas, rice, beans, chips, salsa, guacamole and salad. There will also be a program and dessert auction.

The cost is $12.50 for adults and free for children under age 12. Tickets can be purchased at Ben Franklin or by calling 440-213-7991.

Ongoing • WELLINGTON: Coffee with a Cop is held at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Wellington McDonald’s on Rt. 58. Stop in and meet village police officers and have a conversation over a cup of coffee.

• AMHERST: The Meals on Wheels Program provides delivered meals five days a week between 11 a.m. and noon within the city limits. The cost is $5 a meal. The Amherst Office on Aging can meet most dietary requirements: heart healthy, diabetic, soft. You can receive meals one day a week or multiple days — it’s up to you. Call 440-988-2817.

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

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

• WELLINGTON: St. Patrick Church offers a Helping Hands Food Pantry from noon to 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month and from 6-8 p.m. on the following Tuesday. It’s located in the old St. Patrick Church at the corner of Adams and North Main streets.

The pantry is available to residents of the 44090 zip code area who meet federal eligibility guidelines.

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.

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SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE A3

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE A3

INSIDE: SECRETS OF COMETS HOCKEY SUCCESS • B2

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES THURSDAY, FEB. 6, 2020 • SERVING AMHERST SINCE 1919

‘Cleveland Mike’ will get second murder trial JASON HAWK EDITOR

An Amherst man convicted in the February 2003 gangland-style slaying of a drug informant in rural Pennsylvania will get a new trial.

"Cleveland Mike" Duncan, 43, was arrested by Amherst police in 2011 at his grandparents' home on Cooper Foster Park Road.

At his trial the following year, prosecutors said he Steve Manheim | File executed 45-yearMichael Duncan enters old John Newman the Lorain County Court in retaliation for of Common Pleas for an snitching on drug extradition hearing after his arrest by Amherst police in kingpin Jon Bron2011. son Jr. The murder happened in a car in the small town of California, about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh.

Duncan was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy and sentenced to life.

"I'm an innocent man. I'll believe that 'til I die," he told Judge Janet Moschetta Bell at his sentencing hearing — the same claim he made to Judge Christopher Rothgery during his extradition hearing in Lorain County.

Stephen Paul, who now represents Duncan, said his client has maintained his innocence from the time he MURDER TRIAL PAGE B2

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

The Rev. Tim O'Connor stands inside the St. Joseph Catholic Church sanctuary, which is in the midst of a $2 million renovation.

St. Joseph celebrates 50 years with $2M project JASON HAWK EDITOR

Pews and carpet are gone, the smell of sawdust fills the air and light now floods the once dark St. Joseph Church sanctuary.

A $2 million project is underway inside as parishioners celebrate the Catholic church's 50th anniversary.

"After 50 years of wear and tear, she's showing her age," said the Rev.

Tim O'Connor.

The parish was founded in 1864 but the present church was built in 1970, just after the Second Vatican Council.

Trying to interpret new edicts while designing the church, builders made some good decisions and some poor ones, O'Connor said.

High on his list of regrets is that St. Joseph Church was not built with mobility issues in mind. Granted, it was 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed by

Congress, but getting around the church hasn't been easy for people who use wheelchairs and walkers.

The decision hasn't aged well, said O'Connor — today there are many seniors in the parish. Renovations, or "enhancements," as he prefers to call them, include removing pew seating for about 50 to make way for wheelchairs.

O'Connor said it's no big loss. The ST. JOSEPH PAGE B2

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Dziama and Greer become the first Comets to ever be inducted twice JASON HAWK EDITOR

A 16-year fight for justice has ended in victory for an Amherst woman whose husband died serving his country in Iraq.

Kimberly Hazelgrove has been part of an army of lobbyists who stormed Capitol Hill time and again seeking the repeal of the "widow's tax."

They demanded payouts for some 67,000 military spouses whose families bought into the Survivor Benefit Plan. It was supposed to ensure the spouse of a deceased military service member would receive up to 55 percent of the partner's retirement pay — but whose claims were denied.

"These champions, these women had paid every

Breaking both her legs right before her senior year of high school was a blessing in disguise, said former cross country star Sue Dziama.

"My injuries pushed me, made me dig deep. And after I came back, they came with me," she said.

Bouncing back under the guidance of Comets coach Terry Kemp, Dziama said she found a resolve she didn't know was buried within.

Remembered as fourtime state qualifier and the 3,200-meter state runner-up as a senior, Dziama was inducted Saturday night into the Amherst Athletic Hall of Fame at Steele High School.

She was the first athlete to be inducted twice, ushered into the hall of fame last year as a member of the 1991 state champion Comets cross country team.

She wasn't alone for long.

Ken Greer, a 1963 graduate, was also inducted for a second time.

As an individual, he was the 880-yard state champion as a senior, and was

WIDOW’S TAX PAGE B3

INDUCTED PAGE B2

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Kimberly Hazelgrove of Amherst has fought the past 16 years since the death of her husband to win a victory for surviving military spouses.

Hazelgrove finds justice in repeal of widow’s tax JASON HAWK EDITOR

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

a

Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

▲ Sue Dziama is inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for the second time on Saturday night.

She said overcoming two broken legs inspired her to try harder than ever to succeed on the cross country course. ◄ Ken Greer talks about his love for Amherst during Steele High School’s hall of fame ceremony, where he was inducted for the second time.

Page B2

New bucket truck

The purchase of a $120,000 bucket truck for the Amherst Electric Department was approved Jan. 27 in a fast-track vote by City Council.

Mayor Mark Costilow said the new vehicle will keep city workers safe and help them get a lot done — but orders are backed up, and it could be a year before the truck is built and delivered.

He said the truck crews use now is a 1993 model with many miles on the odometer, and its bucket doesn't reach as high as the new one will. It is used five or six hours a day, five days a week.

"This would be a truck that we could use to work on the high wires that (American Municipal Power Transmission) just purchased. We're going to have a maintenance agreement with AMP to take care of those wires," said Costilow.

Money for the purchase won't come from electric rates, but from the sale of Amherst's 69-kilovolt transmission lines last year, he said.

SCHOLARS The following Amherst and South Amherst students have graduated from Bowling Green State University: • HOPE JANIK earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.

• STEPHANIE HOUSTON earned a bachelor of science degree.

• OLIVIA HENDERSON earned a bachelor of science degree in education, graduating summa cum laude with president's distinction.

• MATT CARROLL earned a bachelor of science degree in applied health.

• RYLEE WHEATON earned a bachelor of science degree in dietetics, graduating summa cum laude with president's distinction.

• JULIA MANTIN earned a bachelor of science degree in education, graduating summa cum laude.

• ANNA DiASIO earned a master of science degree.

ENJOY A FREEBIE We recently learned that every time Ptl. Brian Bowers' picture is in the paper, he has to buy drinks for all his fellow Amherst police officers. Enjoy this round, guys!

MURDER TRIAL

FROM B1 was charged through every level of appeal.

Duncan filed an appeal in December 2018 under the state's Post-Conviction Relief Act, claiming he was wrongfully convicted.

Paul argues that Duncan's prior defense attorney knew an immunity deal had been reached with a key witness, "and usually when someone is offered immunity, it affects their credibility with jurors," he said.

But prosecutors never mentioned that deal to jurors, and neither did the defense, Paul said.

Pennsylvania Superior Court judges apparently agree that one side or the other should have brought it up, deciding the omission is grounds for a retrial.

While Paul stands by his client's innocence, investigators said Duncan bragged to his associates in phone conversations about killing Newman, according to court papers.

They said he all but admitted to pulling the trigger during a 2003 interview by police.

He seemed to have inside knowledge of the crime scene, and Duncan allegedly told police he had never been to California, Pennsylvania. He later changed his story, according to court documents.

"I can't do 20 years. I'm a young guy. You can't party in the clubs at 45 or 46," he said.

When an officer asked why Duncan thought he'd have to serve 20 years, he replied, "Come on, man. You seen the crime scene. It couldn't have been self-defense."

For whatever reason, Duncan wasn't charged after that interview.

It took seven years and an informant to build the case against him. Police said that when they started to close in, Duncan fled Pennsylvania in a stolen truck and laid low at his grandparents' home for about a year.

Duncan was a 1994 graduate of Amherst Steele High School. Amherst police knew him as a local drug dealer with previous trafficking convictions.

They raided the Cooper Foster house about 15 minutes after Pennsylvania authorities arrested Howard Irwin, another conspirator who also dealt drugs.

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Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Amherst News-Times

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Prime Rib or 1/2 Herb Crusted Chicken both with Jumbo Scampi

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Sunday Brunch

Feb. 23rd 11am-2pm

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MORE THAN FLASHY SHOOTING

Secrets behind Comets’ success JASON HAWK EDITOR

Brothers Jacob and Joey Kramer have a fearsome reputation on the ice, and for good reason.

They've rattled every defense the Comets have gone up against this year, leading the team to its third straight Southwestern Conference title.

But forwards alone don't win hockey games. Amherst's winning ways can be chalked up to far more than just the Kramers' flashy shooting.

A big part of the equation is junior goalie Brady Grove, who has 10 shutouts to his name this season.

He loves watching the Comets offense fire slapshots on the other end of the ice — "It's great to see them continuously attack and put the puck in the net," he said — but if the forwards make a mistake, they're allowed to skate it off.

Not so for Grove.

Once the puck gets past him, there's no shaking it, he said.

Amherst is notorious in the league for denying scoring opportunities, and Brady is the reason. It's common for him to make 25 saves in a game, and this year he's sent half of the Comets' opponents home scoreless.

"That's a good feeling, when that final buzzer sounds and you know you've stopped them," he said.

Amherst is also winning due to young talent.

Take Nathan Harmych, another junior who is becoming one of the Comets' most reliable puck-handlers.

He still sees himself as a developing player, far down the roster and in the Kramers' shadows. "Jacob's still the guy... he's the go-to player. He

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Nathan Harmych and Brady Grove might not lead the Comets in scoring, but they show how well-rounded the Amherst roster is, and why the hockey team dominates. barely ever comes off the ice, he's going to score and he's well respected," he said.

But this season Harmych's learned how to wait for an opponent to slip up, lose their cool and head to the penalty box — and if there's one thing the Comets thrive on, it's a power play.

Grove and Harmych said other underclassmen are powering up, too, like Michael Hughes, Nick Ciura and Aidan Brattoli.

Both called out Logan Eicher as the freshman with the most raw potential, though he's benched for now due to injury.

Last year, the Comets lost star players Michael Giannuzzi, Jacob Fekete and Tyler Waldecki. Grove said he expected a painful rebuilding

year but that hasn't proven to be the case.

Even with a relatively small roster of 13 — some other schools have 25 — and a slew of injuries from broken collarbones to bruised ribs, the Comets have dominated.

The boys are now setting their sights on the Baron's Cup, followed by a run at state.

Grove and Harmych said they expect both Avon Lake and North Olmsted to provide stiff competition The Eagles may be the biggest threat.

Amherst has downed them a couple of times this season, but those games have been close. In their most recent meeting, Amherst managed to eke out a win with only three seconds on the clock.

amplify the volume.

After 20 years , a new sound system is being installed, and a loop induction system is being added.

The technology delivers sound to people with hearing impairment. The church's electric organ and speakers will also be replaced.

Marble and tile will take the place of worn-out carpet, pews will be padded, two retractable projection screens will be installed and the aisle will be widened at the altar to ease Communion processions.

Two small confessionals, a baptismal area and a "quieting" room are also being reworked to suit the parish's needs, and an outdoor canopy will be built over a drop-off lane at the main entrance.

The church steeple and bell tower, both badly damaged by the elements, will also be repaired.

O'Connor said the enhancements

will be done by May 11, but he is hopeful that some Easter services may be held there.

The project was made possible by two estates worth a combined $476,000 that were left to the parish. O'Connor said it didn't seem right to use those gifts for parking lot repairs — he wanted to use them for something more visible to mark the church's anniversary.

So far, $1.5 million in pledges have been made by a little more than 300 donors, and 91 percent of those pledges have been paid.

"Projects are great when they're popular," O'Connor said.

Services have been held the past few months in the St. Joseph social hall. Some parishioners have taken the chance to worship at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in South Amherst, which is part of the parish.

ST. JOSEPH

FROM B1 sanctuary can seat 700 and good turnout for Mass is around 400.

The reconfigured space was designed by architect Rick Ziska, and work is being done by John G. Johnson.

Crews have come a long way since November. New lighting has already been installed, revealing a beautiful wooden ceiling once hidden by shadows.

"It was so dark in here you couldn't even see it," said O'Connor.

A set of risers is being erected on the west side of the sanctuary, and will elevate the choir.

O'Connor said that, based on a Vatican Council edict, musicians were originally placed level to the congregation's seating. That meant sound didn't carry well, though.

The new area is raised high enough for voices to carry, and the extra elevation allows the canted ceiling to

INDUCTED

FROM B1 member of the 1963 milerelay team that went to state.

Greer was part of the first class to be inducted into the Amherst Athletic Hall of Fame four years ago, that time as a member of the 1962 state champion boys cross country team.

Greer said he didn't set out to break records. "My goal was to win, and that's what I did."

He remembered the influence of legendary coach Richard Cooley, and the discipline his runners learned.

The ceremony was emotional for Comets alumni, including 1989 graduate Brad Draga.

A football, basketball and baseball star for the Comets, he choked back tears while recalling the bonds forged with teammates and words of wisdom passed down by coaches.

"Can't win a game by yourself, can't lose a game by yourself. Can't win an award like this by yourself," he said.

With Draga on the roster, the Comets won back-toback Southwestern Confer-

Sherrill "Cookie" McCloda was presented Saturday with the 2020 Comet Spirit Award for volunteerism. "I feel that Amherst is the place to be," she told a crowd gathered at Steele High School.

"Keep up the fantastic work you do to make our school system the very best." ence titles in baseball, as well as the SWC basketball championship in 1987. In football, he set a singlegame receiving record of 146 yards, and finished his career as Amherst's leading receiver with 593 yards.

Inductee Beth (nee Huffman) Nagy, a 1982 graduate, was another cross country and track standout, who won several champi-

onship races and set numerous records.

She was the 1980 Lakeland Conference champion in the 1,600-meter race as a sophomore.

Dominic Pellittieri, a 2001 graduate, was the state pole vault champion in his senior year. He set the OHSAA Division I pole vault record at 16 feet 1/4 inches, which remains the

SWC and Lorain County record.

At quarterback, he led the Comets football team to back-to-back state playoff appearances.

Norris Smith, a 1992 graduate, was a baseball, basketball, and tennis coach at Steele High School.

He led the Comets baseball team to eight conference championships — five in the Lakeland Conference and three in the Southwestern Conference. He posted 292 career wins as baseball coach in a career that spanned four decades.

The entire 1991 Comets volleyball squad was inducted together. Led by coach Laurie Cogan, its players were the first in school history to reach the state Final Four, and the first to win conference, sectional, and district titles.

Team members included Nancy (Bescak) Geraghty, Emily Cooper, Rita (Foreman) Kamoutsis, Sheri (Horvath) Scanlon, Christina (Missy) Johnson, Jen (Shinsky) Stevens, Jennifer (Solak) Marshall, Heather Zehel and Holly (Zehel) Preece.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Amherst News-Times

SHORT WORK

Page B3

WINTER DANCE

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Amherst's Kyle Ferguson drives the ball to the hoop as Olmsted Falls' Joe Lippus guards him on Friday. Ty Weatherspoon and company made short work of the Bulldogs, crushing them 60-35.

After a decent 17-10 start, Amherst blew out their opponents 13-3 in the second quarter and 17-10 in third, then slowed the pace. Weatherspoon had a game-high 18 points and Christian Pfeiffer scored 15.

COMETS BRIEFS Ice Hockey • Avon struck three times in the third period Jan. 28 for a near-comeback, but the Comets held steady and protected their lead for a 5-4 victory.

It was a shootout from face-off. Nathan Harmych opened the scoring for Amherst on a first period power play. The tally was quickly evened by the Eagles' Mike Perusek.

Harmych scored two, as did Joey Kramer, and Jacob Kramer rounded out the Amherst goals.

In the third period, Cole Emerine, Mike Perusek and Jack Goetz each beat Comets goalie Brady Grove.

He ended the gave with 19 saves on 23 shots. Avon's Ben Boka had 17 saves on 22 shots.

Boys Basketball • Austin Bray had an outstanding night Jan. 28, leading the Comets with 23 points in a 9062 blowout over North Olmsted.

Amherst worked all night to neutralize Eagles senior guard Jared Strong, who ended up with 22 points. He was backed by Michel Meyer with 14.

George Fayer put up 15 points for the Comets and Christian Pfeiffer had 12.

The Eagles ended the first quarter up 22-18, but it was all Amherst all night from then on.

The Comets went 26-15, 29-13, 17-12 for the remaining periods.

Girls Basketball • Amaya Staton had a game-high 17 points and Faith Lewis contributed 14 more as the Comets ran roughshod over North Olmsted.

The game didn't start out that way — the Southwestern Conference foes clawed out an 8-8 tie to end the first half. Amherst picked up steam in the second and never looked back. • Led by Paige Kohler, the Bulldogs took a 62-47 bite out of the Comets.

Amherst's Faith Lewis rose to the challenge with 19 points of her own, but the rest of the Comets struggled to keep pace. After a 15-10 Comets first period, Olmsted Falls found a burst of energy and went on a 24-7 tear, and rode the lead through the second half.

Girls Bowling • Amherst defeated Wellington 1,890 to 1,554. The Comets were led by Hannah Aschenbach with a 399 series. Other scores: Makayla Velasquez 339, Katherine Dull 332, Katelynn Romancak 312, Trinity Miller 210. • Amherst finished second at the NSBC Tournament on Sunday with 3,434 points. The Comets were led by Makayla Velasquez with a 569 series to place first overall. Other scores: Hannah Aschenbach 542, fourth overall; Katelynn Romancak 443, 20th overall; Katherine Dull 430, 22nd overall; Trinity Miller 419, 24th overall.

Boys Bowling • Amherst defeated Wellington 2,275 to 2,031. The Comets were led by Zachary Zakrajsek with a 418 series. Other scores: Antonio Rodriguez 390, Zachary Dull 384, J.P. Gregory 367, Logan Stewart 332. • Amherst finished sixth at the NSBC Tournament on Sunday with 3,492 points. The Comets were led by Antonio Rodriguez with a 550 series to place 16th overall. Other scores: J.P. Gregory 533, 19th overall; Zachary Dull 518, 23rd overall; Logan Stewart 426, 34th overall; Zachary Zakrajsek 141, Saw 149-129.

Wrestling Amherst defeated North Olmsted 48-25. • 113: Searles Kean (NO) tech fall Aiden Santiago (A) • 120: Mahdi Shoman (NO) maj. dec. Ayden Rivers (A), 13-4 • 126: Elijah Mendez (A) pins Keegan Huska (NO), 0:56 • 138: Noah Mendez (A) pins Spencer Ammons (NO), 5:04 • 145: Zach Machesky (A) pins Jiovenni Rodriguez (NO), 5:27 • 152: Brandon Bratovich (A) pins Gavin Beasley, 5:17 • 160: Avery Jones (NO) maj. dec. Rich Tennant (A), 15-3 • 170: Teadon Beasley (NO) pins Bishop Fryson (A), 1:02 • 182: Nick Jackson (A) dec. Kent Albert (NO), 10-4 • 195: Clay Carpenter (A) dec. Karim Abdul Silmi (NO), 5-3

WIDOW’S TAX

FROM B1 month for the insurance — to have that stripped away for the last couple of decades is criminal," Hazelgrove said.

In December, the Senate passed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which restored an up to $15,000 per year benefit to war widows.

Hazelgrove and other survivors gathered in the Senate gallery, fingers crossed that at last the bill would go through.

"It was monumental for all of us sitting there. We were from all across the country, those of us assembled there for the vote that day to watch them go up one by one to cast their votes," she said.

President Donald Trump signed the act into law just before Christmas.

This week, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, is celebrating the victory with a reception in Washington, D.C. Hazelgrove said TAPS and Gold Star Wives of America have been there for her and her children since Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian Hazelgrove, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, was killed in a crash in 2004 near Mosul, Iraq.

"It destroyed our lives when my husband died, and we had to rebuild it," she said.

She is also an Army veteran, but gave up her military career when Brian died.

She's spent years seeking meetings with congressmen and senators, arguing passionately for the cause.

In April 2015, she traveled to the White House to ask for help on behalf of the Gold Star Wives of America, and in 2017 she and her children met with Trump for about 10 minutes, then spent an hour with Vice President Mike Pence.

She was often greeted with warmth and promises of support, especially from Rep. Marcy Kaptur, DToledo. But inevitably the widow's tax repeal would be scrapped by the House.

"So every year we would have to start over," Hazelgrove said, reintroducing the issue and campaigning for it, lining up sponsors and watching and the House would throw it back to committee to die.

Many times she thought about walking away from the fight in disgust, especially when the costs of traveling to Washington stacked up.

"That is not a cheap endeavor for someone who isn't paid. Many times I thought about stepping away for my own mental health," Hazelgrove said.

She also struggled to

cover the costs of raising two young children. Her daughter was six months old when Brian died and her son was three.

There were many days when the $15,000 survivor benefit would have covered expenses — like the time she begged the VFW for $1,000 to help with her daughter's braces, or when high school sports fees were due.

Now her kids are 16 and 19, and Hazelgrove is staring down college expenses.

But despite the Capitol Hill win, she is still not receiving Survivor Benefit Plan payments.

Benefits will be restored in phases through 2024, starting next year. This month, federal officials are starting talks about how they'll pay the $5.7 billion owed over the next 10 years.

Hazelgrove said she expects to receive a couple hundred dollars per month in 2021.

She said the long fight has been a lesson in civics.

Justice doesn't come quickly, but Hazelgrove said she the system does work if you make enough phone calls, write enough letters, shake enough hands — and spend enough money.

"I'm glad no spouse is going to have to endure the trauma that we've had to endure," she said.

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Guess who we found dressed to impress Saturday night at Amherst Steele High School's winter formal? It's Devanne Richards, George Gotsis, Jace Perez and Emily Behm.

Woman rescued after jumping into quarry CARISSA WOYTACH THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

A woman was pulled from an Amherst Township quarry Monday evening.

Lorain County Sheriff's Office Lt. Josh Croston said the 55-year-old New Russia Township woman was reported missing around 7:30 p.m.

Her car was found along Quarry Road between State Route 113 and Middle Ridge Road at 8:03 p.m., and items found near the scene showed she'd intentionally

jumped into the quarry, he said.

She was found about 30 feet down on the side of the rock cliff near the water.

Members of the county dive team and area fire departments including North Ridgeville, Wellington and Elyria got her back onto the roadway for further medical treatment at 9:26 p.m.

LifeFlight provided a spotlight to help crews while in the water.

The woman was alert and conscious when taken from the scene. She was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

POLICE REPORTS • Jan. 19 at 12:14 p.m.: Joseph Csincsar, 46, of Lorain, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, driving under suspension and failure to control.

Officers found him unconscious at the wheel and suspected a drug overdose.

Csincsar was give naloxone and taken to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital for treatment. • Jan. 290 at 7:23 p.m.: Kelly Burroughs, 26, of Wellington, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and expired plates. • Jan. 21 at 10:39 p.m.: Rainey Moscato, 42, of Lorain, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and traffic violations. • Jan. 23 at 2:41 p.m.: A juvenile was charged with assault, domestic violence and aggravated menacing, all felonies.

The boy allegedly attacked his grandmother at a Middle Ridge Road home. • Jan. 24 at 9:50 p.m.: Allen Beach, 54, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Lorain County Sheriff's Office for child support. • Jan. 25 at 2:34 a.m.: Kourtney Youngless, 42, of Amherst, was served with a warrant for failure to appear in court on an original charge of domestic violence. • Jan. 25 at 7:42 p.m.: Mark Mcvay, 60, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the Lorain Police Department for

petty theft. • Jan. 25 at 10:42 p.m.: Luis Hernandez, 27, of Elyria, was charged with having an open container in a motor vehicle. • Jan. 25 at 10:48 p.m.: Officers responded to a reported fight between a man and woman at Cedar Pub on Park Avenue. • Jan. 25 at 11:05 p.m.: Officers went to Linn Road for a 911 hangup call, and a woman there agreed to leave for the night. • Jan. 26 at 9:26 a.m.: A woman said her cell phone was stolen while she was at a bar. • Jan. 26 at 6:50 p.m.: A woman said her ex-boyfriend was harassing her with unwanted messages. • Jan. 27, time undisclosed by police: A student was cited into a diversion program after an investigation into criminal damages at Amherst Junior High School. • Jan. 27 at 8:34 a.m.: A large pile of trash and building debris was illegally dumped in the middle of a new roadway created by Ryan Homes on Pebble Creek Court. The complaint was filed by the project manager.

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

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Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Amherst News-Times

© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 36, No. 9

2 0 2 0

Open Wide and Meet Your Teeth Read the descriptions of each kind of tooth and then label the tooth chart at right.

upper teeth

• Incisors—The teeth at the front of your mouth are called incisors. They have sharp edges to help you bite into food, like a pear.

Howmany toothbrushes canyoufindon thispage?

• Canines—The really pointy teeth on either side of your incisors are called canines and they help to tear off food into bites, like meat.

lower teeth

• Molars—At the back, are your molar teeth. These big, bumpy teeth help you chew food before swallowing it.

Dental decay in baby teeth can negatively affect permanent teeth and lead to future dental problems.

The information on today’s page was provided by the American Dental Association.

For more great information and ideas for starting your children on a healthy oral care program go to ada.org

Nothing But the Tooth Teeth stay in the mouth because, like trees, they have roots that hold them in our jaws. Tooth roots are usually long and smooth. Front teeth usually have only one root. Back teeth can have as many as three.

Do the math to complete this diagram of a tooth.

People only have two sets of teeth, so we have to do our best to look after them by brushing twice a day with toothpaste and avoiding sweet drinks and snacks.

When will I get permanent tee my th?

Incisors: 6-8 years old Canine 9-12 yearss:old First mola 9-11 years orsld: Second m 10-12 yearsolaorsld:

17 - 4 10 + 4 18 + 3 9+9 12 + 4 11 + 9

= = = = = =

root pulp crown enamel dentin nerves and blood vessels

18

Why do we lose our baby teeth?

People get two sets of teeth because as you grow, your mouth gets bigger.

3. Which is the right amount of toothpaste to use?

A. A“pea-size”amount B. A thumb sized amount C. A big-toe sized amount

16 21

14

20

13

Give Kids A Smile® Morethan 5.5million children have received free oral health services through Give Kids ASmile sincethe national program began in 2003.

To get contactinformation forthe Give Kids A Smile program nearest you,call 844-490-4527 or visit adafoundation.org

Healthy teeth give you a great smile and prevent painful problems. Use this chart to keep track of your brushing this week.

1. Find a brushing buddy at home.

2. Ask your buddy to color a sun in the correct box each time you brush your teeth in the morning and a moon each night. Can you earn both each day?

Note to Parents: An adult should brush andfloss a child’s teeth until he orshe is at least 6 years old. By age 6 or 7, children shouldbe able tobrushtheir own teeth twice a day with adult supervision. Brush your own teeth with your children. Practice flossing together and stay healthy as a family!

Look through today’s newspaper to find: a big smile a healthy drink a healthy food a healthy person someone getting exercise Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

7. Should I brush my gums and tongue?

A. Never B. Every day C. When you feel like it

W E H C H R O O T S

B R U S C T C S H R

R T W R W A U O T O I A O M N T D O E S

This week’s word:

DECAY

J W L I S E P E M I

The verb decay means to weaken in health.

C E H T M T U I D N

Her eyesight was beginning to decay with age.

N E N O N E L T A C S L A R O H P B M I

A L U F N I A P Y S Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

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

Tooth Fairy ANSWER: Braces himself!

Standards Link: Language Arts: Understand and use antonyms.

6. How often should I visit a dentist?

A. Every 6 months B. Once a year C. Every two years

1. Answer: A Brush your teeth at least two times each day, morning and night.

INCISORS CANINES PAINFUL DENTAL TEETH SMILE MOLAR MOUTH ROOTS CROWN ORAL JAWS PULP BITE CHEW

Healthy Search

Opposites

Select and clip a photo from today’s paper and glue it to a piece of paper. Next to the photo, write five words that describe it. Next to each word write its antonym.

5. When should I floss my teeth?

A. Once a month B. Once a week C. Every evening

6. Answer: A You need regular dental visits — every 6 months unless your dentist needs to see you more often.

A Great Smile Starts with Healthy Teeth

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

4. The best way to brush your teeth is: A. Straight up and down B. In small circles C. Side to side

2. Answer: B Use a timer or hum the alphabet song to be sure you are brushing long enough. Use toothpaste with fluoride — it cleans and protects your teeth and makes your mouth taste good.

Some people think that cavities in baby teeth don’t matter, because they’ll be lost anyway. But that’s not true.

2. How long should you brush your teeth?

A. Less than 30 seconds B. At least 2 minutes C. 4 hours or more

3. Answer: A A pea-size amount is the right amount of toothpaste to get the job done.

Baby Teeth On Board

1. How often should you brush your teeth?

A. At least two times a day, morning and night B. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only C. No more than once a day

4. Answer: B In small circles. Your teeth are precious, imagine you are gently brushing and polishing a treasure.

H E A LT H

5. Answer: C Floss your teeth before you brush your teeth every night. Slip the dental floss between your teeth and along the gumline. Then move it back and forth to remove any food lodged between your teeth.

D E N TA L

Can you pass the Toothbrush Test? Are you as bright as your teeth? Take this quiz to find out!

7. Answer: B You should use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush your gums and tongue gently to remove any bacteria.

Page B4

What does the Tooth Fairy do with all those teeth?

What are your ideas?

Write about them!

INSIDE: COLLEGE GIVES ‘ONE OBERLIN’ UPDATE • C3

OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE THURSDAY, FEB. 6, 2020 • SERVING OBERLIN SINCE 1930

Nonprofits brace for changes to food stamps JASON HAWK EDITOR

More hungry stomachs among Lorain County's poorest residents — that's what nonprofits expect when stricter rules for food stamps go into effect this April.

"Taking food away from people who are struggling to get by, struggling to find work is never the answer," said Julie Chase-Morefield, President and CEO of SecJulie Chase-Morfield ond Harvest Food Bank in Lorain.

Her organization serves 56,000 people in our county who seek help each year.

There were already significant increases in demand at food pantries during the second half of 2019, ChaseMorefield said.

Now she and others are bracing for another hit.

FOOD STAMPS PAGE C2

Credit rating call for new school costs is Tuesday JASON HAWK EDITOR

Getting ready to borrow about $7.95 million to fund construction of a new elementary school, the Oberlin Board of Education is hoping to keep its rating with credit giant Moody's.

District officials have a conference call scheduled for Tuesday to talk to a panel in Chicago.

They aim to retain the school system's excellent Aa2 rating for another year, which would continue low interest rates on construction capital.

"I'm 90 percent sure they'll allow the same (rating)," said Oberlin City Schools Treasurer Robert Rinehart.

But with millions of dollars in new property taxes expected from the NEXUS gas transmission pipeline that runs through Oberlin, Moody's might push the district's rating up even further, he said.

How much the Oberlin schools will get from the NEXUS line is a point of contention.

Before construction, its owners estimated it would pay Lorain County $9.5 million per year in taxes, with a big CREDIT RATING PAGE C2

What's in a name?

Oberlin's new PK-5 elementary school needs a name. The Board of Education hasn't publicly talked about one, though — we asked Facebook users what name suggestions they have.

• Julie Hill: "I think it should be named after one of our educators. Someone like Jeanne Bay. Even Eleanor Owen, who captivated many of us as elementary students. I think one of our exceptional educators should be honored by naming the school for them."

• Miriam Shepard O'Mahony: "I love the idea of honoring Mrs. Owen. She may not have been a teacher, but every elementary kid for many years had field trips to the library to hear her read a story."

• Cheryl Katharine: "Something related to Oberlin’s rich history!Maybe something like John Price Elementary School?"

• Mistinguette Smith: "What was the code name for Oberlin on the Underground Railroad? That would be a great name."

• Robin Lounsborough Meadows: "I was thinking about who and what influenced me as a young child and I personally thought of two people. First came to mind was Marianne and her brother Jack Cochran that owned Ben Franklin's/Powers & Dawley. I used to get my school supplies and workbooks, at Ben Franklin's as a young child with my parents. The second person I thought of was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Shepherd."

• Todd Rasmussen: "Anyone willing to pay a million dollars for naming rights? This way everyone wins."

Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Teacher Justin Boe shows the sign for "What's up?" during class Jan. 30 at Oberlin High School.

New OHS course teaches sign language JASON HAWK EDITOR

Raeleigh Vincent's hearing is just fine — but she wants to understand what deaf people experience every day.

The junior is one of 97 students taking a new American Sign Language class this year at Oberlin High School.

"I think it's really cool that we don't just learn about the language. We

learn about the culture, too," Vincent said.

The class has already paid off, she said — she said a deaf customer who sought help at the downtown Oberlin store where she works and was surprised when Vincent was able to speak with her.

"She didn't think there would be anyone who could talk to her. But when I asked her if she spoke ASL, I could see how happy that made her," Vincent said.

That's exactly the kind of revela-

tion teacher Justin Boe is hoping his students will have.

"The main thing I want them to take away from this class is that we have a group of people that's a minority, and that not a lot of people can communicate with," he said.

There are about one million deaf people in the United States, less than a half-percent of the population.

Experts estimate that only 250,000 to 500,000 Americans know sign language, which means many deaf SIGNING PAGE C2

1,000 points for Jackson, but bad night for Phoenix STAFF REPORT

The Phoenix may have lost 47-40 to First Baptist on Monday night, but for Victoria Jackson, it was still a personal win.

The senior forward racked up her 1,000th career point early in the game, sending Oberlin fans into a frenzy.

Jackson started the game with 997 points. She tried to hit 1,000 even on a couple of treys at the top of the game, but it was a pair of free throws that edged her to 999 and then a high-arced bucket that did the trick.

Jackson ended the game with a team-high 14 points. Casey Amato had 13.

First Baptist's Sidney Iler had 15 points and Sarah Iler led all scorers with 16.

The Sabres suffered from turnovers but the Phoenix just couldn't turn convert them into scoring opportunities. First Baptist held Oberlin to six points in the second quarter and five in the third, building a lead that couldn't be overcome.

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

► Oberlin's Victoria Jackson shoots and scores the 1,000th point of her career over First Baptist's Abbey Williams.

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page C2

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

Martz is Oberlin Rotary's January senior honoree The Oberlin Rotary Club honors a high school senior each month during the school year.

These young people are recognized for character and positive attitudes.

The Oberlin Rotary Club will donate $25 to a charity or project of the student’s choosing in their name.

DONNA SHURR OBERLIN ROTARY

The Oberlin High School senior honored for the month of January was Daria Martz.

She is president and a founding member of the Oberlin High School Eco Club, helping unite and motivate students to care for the environment and create sustainable change. This year, Martz was a speaker at the Oberlin Climate Strike on Tappan Square. Along with Eco Club, she is a member of Sunrise Oberlin, an organization that works on a national scale to unite youth and communities around climate change legislation.

Martz participated in Ohio Model United Nations for all four years of high school, winning multiple awards for her group’s resolutions addressing various issues such as the climate crisis and government corrup-

Daria Martz tion.

She also participated in the National History Day Club and competition. With her peers, she created a website in her sophomore year focusing on the first group of women to attend and graduate from Oberlin College, as well as a group documentary during her junior year on the rise and fall of the steel industry in Lorain and Cleveland. This documentary won the Early Settlers Prize at the annual NHD competition.

Martz worked with Oberlin Community Services to help tutor elementary and middle school kids in math and reading. She has been a member of the Interact/ Backpack Club, sponsored by the Oberlin Rotary Club, since her sophomore year of high school. It provides small weekend meals to sup-

plement more than 150 kids across the Oberlin school district. Every Thursday, Martz and other Interact Club members bag and deliver food to Eastwood and Prospect elementary schools.

At OHS, Martz has been a member of the volleyball team and marching band. She plays cello in the high school orchestra and has been a member of Drama Club all four year of high school. Martz acted in several productions and was a part of the tech crew. This year she serves as president of Drama Club, helping to create an environment where new and old members have a creative space to feel safe and welcome.

Martz is a member of the International Baccalaureate Art program and has received three Scholastic Keys for her artwork entered into the Regional Scholastic Art Competition.

An honor roll student, Martz is a member of the National Honor Society and is a full IB diploma candidate, meaning she is taking the most rigorous programs offered at Oberlin High School.

Martz plans to attend a four-year university to major in environmental studies and sustainable design.

CREDIT RATING

FROM C1 chunk going to the Oberlin schools.

Now that the pipeline is in the ground, NEXUS owners have filed an appeal seeking to roll back its tax debt to $5.8 million.

If successful, it would cut the amount due to the school district by $744,000 per year — and that's money the Board of Education has eyed eagerly to help pay for new buildings.

But the NEXUS boost, whatever its size, isn't the only factor weighing in the district's favor.

Rinehart said he plans to hammer home with Moody's how stable the district's finances are.

He said it's rare for a small district like Oberlin to have more than three years operating costs set aside in reserves.

And while the five-year forecast shows deficit spending starting four years down the line, Rinehart said that's due in large part to uncertainty over Ohio's school funding system.

In January, the Oberlin Board of Education approved the sale of up to $7.95 million in bonds and notes to fund construction of its new elementary school for preschool through fifth grade.

Rinehart said he expects to sell about $3 million worth of bonds in late February, with the balance as notes.

Both are a form of debt that provide cash upfront but eventually have to be paid back. The difference is in how fast

the value matures — bonds usually have a 20- to 30-year maturity rate while notes are typically for up to 10 years.

Land for the new school has been cleared south of Oberlin High School on South Pleasant Street — including demolition of the Phoenix football stadium — and foundation work will start this spring.

Superintendent David Hall said the construction team is working on a pitch to city officials for Sustainable Reserve Fund cash. The district has talked about how the city's $2.5 million fund could be tapped to help pay for composting, outdoor educational facilities or solar panels at the new school.

The next big milestone in the construction process will be a Feb. 18 presentation by ThenDesign Architecture. It will feature a virtual tour of the inside of the new building.

In the meantime, crews have been cleaning out the vacant Pleasant Street School to get it ready for demolition.

Bids for the job will be opened March 3, said Hall.

Construction money won't pay for the building to be knocked down — the Board of Education will have to cover the expense from its general fund.

Hall said the old school is in bad shape, resulting in concerns from both city and Lorain County Public Health officials.

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FOOD STAMPS

FROM C1

Nearly 700,000 people across the nation are expected to lose access to nutrition benefits under a crackdown by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

At the direction of President Donald Trump, the agency is renewing work requirements for what it considers "able-bodied adults" with no children.

Food stamps — the informal name for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program debit cards — come with strings attached. If you don't work 80 hours a month for three months in a three-year window, your access is cut off.

There are exceptions. States like Ohio can provide waivers to certain areas, but under the new USDA rules those waivers will be much harder to get.

Lorain County will lose its waiver.

"Government can be a powerful force for good, but government dependency has never been the American dream. We need to encourage people by giving them a helping hand but not allowing it to become an indefinitely giving hand,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, announcing the changes late last year. “Now, in the midst of the strongest economy in a generation, we need everyone who can work, to work. This rule lays the groundwork for the expectation that able-bodied Americans re-enter the workforce where there are currently more job openings than people to fill them.”

That's a simple answer to a nuanced problem, said Kathy Burns of Oberlin Community Services, which helps residents in the southern half of the county.

When she started working there in 2006, putting food in the hands of 25 hungry people was considered a busy day.

"Now we don't even bat an eye at 70 people coming through," she said. Burns sees at least 300 families each week who need help putting food on the table.

"We do see a lot of people who work, trying to manage with their job, what they have, and who come here to supplement what little they have with other items," she said.

But many food pantry patrons don't work for plenty of reasons the USDA might not take into account, said Burns.

Some have criminal records that make it nearly impossible to get jobs. Transportation is another huge issue — Burns said it doesn't matter how much you want to work if you can't afford a car in a county where public transportation is scarce. Mental illness is another factor.

"It's easy to sit back and say they should be able to get a job, but until you talk to that person you have no idea what might be holding them back," she said.

Losing the SNAP work waiver will be tough on Lorain County, both inside and outside its largest cities, said Chose-Morefield.

The county has had the waiver off and on.

It just got it back in 2018 when a study found Ohio's waivers were mostly going to predominantly white and rural communities, she said.

"Now, going off again, it's going to be a challenge. Especially in Lorain County be-

cause of significant transportation issues," she said, echoing Burns.

A household needs to make $15 per hour to afford a car, she said. And for most people here, no car means no job.

The larger problem is that most people going to food pantries for help are employed.

They're the working poor, toiling away 40 hours a week and stopping at Second Harvest on the way home in scrubs or uniforms, Chase-Morefield said.

According to Policy Matters Ohio, a nonprofit research institute, five of the most common jobs in the Greater Cleveland area don't pay enough for people to afford food without getting help from either the government or food pantries.

Those jobs are retail sales, custodial work, food service, servers and cashiers.

The Trump Administration's policy doesn't target those workers, though — it seems to be aimed at the mythical "welfare queen," Chase-Morefield said.

That image "was crafted as this person who was taking advantage of the system. But that doesn't exist. It's not what we see. No one wants to stand in line at a food pantry," she said.

The USDA disagrees. It cites more than 798,000 fraud investigations in fiscal year 2011. They resulted in more than 46,000 people being kicked off food stamps and over $72 million in collections from claims.

In the past decade, more than 8,300 retail stores have been permanently disqualified from taking part in the SNAP program for allegedly abusing it.

Opponents of the stricter work requirements question the moves behind the impending changes.

"It seems like there is an effort to change the safety net system. It's a bit scary," ChaseMorefield said.

The USDA says that a booming economy with the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years should mean fewer mouths to feed. The latest U.S. Department of Labor figures show the unemployment rate at 3.6 percent with 7 million job openings.

Announcing the changes in December, the USDA quoted former President Bill Clinton: “First and foremost, it should be about moving people from welfare to work. It should impose time limits on welfare... (Work) gives structure, meaning and dignity to most of our lives," Clinton said in 1996, when he signed a welfare reform bill.

Chase-Morefield said unemployment statistics don't represent everyone, just those actively looking for jobs. Many have given up, encountering problems because they are older, lack of a vehicle or face other obstacles.

Second Harvest has petitioned legislators, arguing the clamp-down on food stamps shouldn't be allowed.

It's not alone. Fourteen states are suing the Trump administration to block the new rules from taking effect in April. New York City and the District of Columbia have also filed lawsuits.

SIGNING

FROM C1 people live in isolation.

Students asked for the chance to learn sign language as a second language. Boe said almost none had any direct experience with deaf people, though a couple do have family members with severe hearing loss.

"Students look at it as a very fun language," he said — and they're right. But ASL is also difficult because it's structured much differently than English.

Teens spent the first half of the year learning the alphabet, numbers, basic conversational phrases and instructions like, "Put the bottle on the table," said Boe. They're also learning about issues verbal people never have to deal with.

For example, Vincent said it never occurred to her how easy it is to get someone's attention — a simple "hey" works.

But the deaf community has had to invent its own rules for politely asking for

attention, such as tapping on a shoulder.

Boe's class is open to all grade levels and the curriculum is introductory. His plan is to expand next year with a second, more advanced course.

In the meantime, he is completing a master's degree in ASL education.

His experience with the language started in 2012, when a friend asked Boe to join her ASL group.

What struck him most was finding out that 85 percent of deaf children have hearing parents, but a lot of the time those parents don't put in the effort to learn how to communicate with their child.

Disturbed by that revelation, Boe decided he would put in the effort.

After learning sign language, he led an interpretation class at a library in 2017.

"That's when I knew I wanted to be a teacher," Boe said.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 FEBRUARY 6, 2020 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 85 SOUTH MAIN STREET FEBRUARY 6, 2020 ..... CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION – 5:30 P.M. – CONFERENCE ROOM 1 FEBRUARY 11, 2020 ... PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION – 6:00 P.M. – CONFERENCE ROOM 1 FEBRUARY 12, 2020 ... OURCIT – 4:30 P.M. – CONFERENCE ROOM 1 FEBRUARY 14, 2020 ... SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 5:30 P.M. – COWORK OBERLIN Located at: 235 Artino Street, Oberlin,OH Purpose: This is an informal goal-setting retreat of council. Procedural aspects of the conduct of Council meetings and legislative enactment may also be discussed.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 ... SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 8:45 A.M. – COWORK OBERLIN Located at: 235 Artino Street, Oberlin,OH

Purpose: This is an informal goal-setting retreat of council. Procedural aspects of the conduct of Council meetings and legislative enactment may also be discussed.

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.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

Page C3

HOPKINS HITS HARD

Are you registered?

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

Oberlin's Ty Locklear drives to the hoop past Wellington's Drew Unangast and Cole Standen on Friday. The Phoenix shed firsthalf problems with fouls and rose to a 52-45 victory, largely thanks to the efforts of senior Aaron Hopkins. He scored five points and had three assists in the final quarter, finishing with 14 points.

Giles Harrell also put up 14, and Andre Yarber had 11. For the Dukes, Mason McClellan led with 16 points and Noah Diermyer had 13.

College gives alumni update on One Oberlin initiative CARISSA WOYTACH THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Oberlin College alumni and community members got an update on the One Oberlin initiative via a webinar last Thursday evening.

Launched in 2018, One Oberlin looks to better align the college's resources, increase collaboration between the college and conservatory and balance providing a liberal arts education with practical career experiences for its students.

Its timeline includes recommendations for the next five years.

The update brought College President Carmen Twillie Ambar, along with David Kamitsuka, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Bill Quillen, dean of the Conservatory of Music, to report back toward the tail end of the trio's 20-city tour and explain some of the changes made in the past year and a half.

Ambar said during the process she has challenged the skeptics to stop saying something "isn't Oberlin," and instead, "figure out what the

right thing to do in the Oberlin way."

The group explained the One Oberlin plan is in part a response to the changing landscapes within higher education, where fewer students are attending liberal arts programs.

Oberlin College is facing competition from state schools with small honors programs, or online degree programs, she said. That, along with deficit spending for decades, caused some tough decisions to be implemented — like taking a look at how the co-op housing program is implemented, as well as staff reductions and pay freezes.

As students and their families are weighing the investment of a liberal arts college against its lower-cost competitors, Ambar noted many of the questions they've gotten are about life after Oberlin, professionally and personally.

The college has placed a focus on funded internships and integrated business into some of its offerings.

Quillen gave an update on changes at the conservatory, including implementation of "the 100 student

shift," a move to lessen the number of students by 100, while increasing enrollment at the college by the same amount.

The shift would take conservatory enrollment down to about 450, in the hopes of offering students smaller ensembles, more specialized or intensive classes and shorter wait lists.

Through its renewed collaboration, the conservatory will start offering a music minor in the fall — open to students at the college — and conservatory students will be able to take advantage of minors in college subjects as well.

Kamitsuka said a lot of questions the trio got during the tour was what was happening with winter term.

Every January, students are able to participate in on- or off-campus group projects, study abroad, or other self-directed research.

The four-week term isn't going anywhere, but under One Oberlin, faculty created some new projects and there are community building events on and off campus, he said.

The group has six cities left on its 20-city tour.

The League of Women Voters of the Oberlin Area will register voters on Thursday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 8 at Oberlin Community Services, 285 South Professor St. Verify or renew your registration, register to vote for the first time or just find out where you go to vote. Be sure to take your driver's license or state ID. Ohio's voter registration deadline for the spring primary is Feb. 18.

For more information, call 440-774-6579.

Donations needed

Oberlin Community Services is in need of baby diapers (size four and up), soup (not tomato), prepared meals and black means during the month of February.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 285 South Professor St. For more information, call 440-774-6579.

Free job search assistance

Need help writing your resume, cover letter or job application?

Get one-on-one help from 2:30-4:30 p.m. every Wednesday, and other times by appointment at Oberlin Community Services, 285 South Professor St. For more information or to reserve a time slot, call 440774-6579.

School donations

The following gifts have been accepted by the Oberlin Board of Education: • $1,000 from Claudine Carlton to be used at Oberlin High School.

• $100 from Pradnya Martz for the OHS Orchestra.

• $2,500 from Tammy Gilbert for the OHS Marching Band.

• $25 from Prudence Richards for the Helen Thompson Taylor Memorial Fund.

• $1,000 from the GL Newman Fund for the Superintendent Discretionary Fund.

New cafeteria service

The Oberlin City Schools are in the process of choosing a food services contractor.

The district's contract with Sodexo is set to expire soon.

Superintendent David Hall said five companies made walk-throughs of school dining facilities. Bids were set to be opened Thursday, Feb. 6 and the Board of Education is expected to vote on a contract at its March 10 meeting.

JVS Honor Roll

The Lorain County JVS has released its second quarter Honor Roll for the 2019-2020 school year. It recognizes students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

From Oberlin: Matthias Bates, Angel Bishop, Braydon Dobos, Catherine Grotto, Brandon Jackson, Gabriel Jackson, Demi Ramos, Soria Rodriguez, Cassandra Sirocky, Andrew Streator.

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Page C4

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

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John Clawson has been named Wellington's Firefighter of the Year, an award puts him in the company of heroes.

Clawson moved to earn a place next to his friend, Smosny, Brasee earn top honors Buzz Anderson Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Jen Brasee is named Wellington's Dispatcher of the Year on Monday and presented with an award

by Police Chief Tim Barfield.

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Rolling out to a bank robbery or making a drug bust can be exciting, but everyday logistics are just as important, Wellington Police Chief Tim Barfield said Monday.

In a ceremony with Village Council, he named Cpl. Adam Smosny Officer of the Year.

Smosny's technical skills have been invaluable, from working on the department's reporting system and entering state and federal reporting codes to supervising weekend shifts, Barfield said.

"It's always a tough choice, but behind the scenes there's a lot of technical work that goes into police work," he said.

"We just thought that he had done enough to kind of make the depart-

ment move forward."

Smosny was not present to receive the award.

Jen Brasee was named Dispatcher of the Year.

She was recognized along with dispatcher Carole Weegmann and officers Ryan McClellan and Brandon Avilles for their efforts during a leak that killed natural gas heating across

POLICE PAGE D2

DANCING INTO THE NEW YEAR

Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

A handcrafted Chinese dragon parades down the hallway of Wellington' McCormick Middle School on Friday, Jan. 31 to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Westwood kids learn about the Chinese calendar, myths and food

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Blake Irwin had an important job Friday. He was in charge of getting the crowd noisy.

With a gong in hand, the second-grader marched through the halls of Westwood Elementary School, leading an impressivelooking dragon.

"This is the time when you don't have to be quiet," teacher Catherine Selzer told her students, and they erupted in cheers.

As they studied Chinese New Year, Wellington kids learned about myths that say loud noises, such as firecracker explosions, scare away evil spirits.

Some carried pellet drums and rattled them down the hallways, chasing

Selzer's undulating dragon.

Of course, not everyone needs noise to scare off the monsters. Jasper Barnes, an eight-year-old in Kim Foster's second grade class, said he has a dog named Joker that sleeps close to his bed and keeps him safe.

"I sleep pretty well because he's right there next to me," Barnes said.

To celebrate the holiday, students were also treated

to a Chinese food feast for lunch and learned to use chopsticks.

"It was really cool. On the back of the package there was a little thing that taught you how to use them," said Josephine Kazmierczak. "That's good because I didn't know."

"They were hard to use," said her classmate, NEW YEAR PAGE D2

JASON HAWK EDITOR

John Clawson has been named the Wellington Fire District's 2019 Firefighter of the Year, joining the ranks of 18 others who have earned the award since 2000.

"There's a lot of heroes on the list of firefighters of the year already, so it's nice to be with them," he said.

The award is especially meaningful to Clawson because it was once won by his good friend Allan "Buzz" Anderson.

When Clawson married his high school sweetheart, Donna, Anderson was right there next to him as a groomsman.

And on the horrific day in 2006 that Anderson died rescuing two teenagers from floodwaters on Pitts Road, Clawson was on call with him.

He said he is thankful to the fire district members who trust and respect him enough to place him in the ranks of heroes like Anderson.

Clawson joined the WFD 23 years ago, after serving 13 years with the Apple Creek Fire Department.

He recalled being new to Apple Creek about 35 years ago, when he was asked about joining the fire department. As a farmer, he was available throughout the day and stationed close by, which made him a great candidate for a volunteer firefighter.

"I'd never given it any thought before, but I did then, and I said yes. The bug bit me, and I've been serving ever since," he said.

Today, Clawson has the highest firefighter certification available in Ohio, and is also qualified as a rope rescue and ice rescue technician. He is a tender and provides shore support for the Lorain County Dive Team.

He has also provided invaluable service to the Wellington Firefighters' Association, including time as president.

Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee said Clawson's expertise in the areas of heating and cooling as well as plumbing has saved the WFD thousands of dollars.

Clawson said the timing of the Firefighter of the Year award is awkward, though.

He had been thinking about retiring in March, "but this award probably screwed up my exit strategy," he CLAWSON PAGE D2

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Page D2

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Wellington Enterprise

Connector trail gets $500K green light JASON HAWK EDITOR

A half-million dollars has been approved by Ohio officials to make it easier to hike from the Wellington Reservation Metro Park to Findley State Park.

The State Controlling Board agreed last week to release the money for a

Nicholas Sword, a fourthgrader at McCormick Middle School, will take part in the National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM program this summer in Bowling Green.

He is the second student from the Wellington school to be nominated by Principal Nathan Baxendale to attend.

Sword was selected because he demonstrates exceptional maturity, scholastic merit, and leadership potential, according to Baxendale.

Sword will have the opportunity to explore career possibilities in three medicine, engineering, and crime scene investigation.

He will also practice medical techniques during a realistic simulation called “When Care is Hours

POLICE

FROM D1 the entire village in November.

Officer Kayla Chrosniak was also honored for her work during a Jan. 10 traffic stop involving a vehicle full of firearms.

Barfield said the driver was a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. But a large cache of weapons causes alarm during any encounter, and Chrosniak tackled the situation responsibily.

She made sure the driver wasn't in violation of any law, and did so in a manner that didn't turn a routine stop into a confrontation, the chief said.

In the same ceremony Monday, officer Josh Poling was formally promoted to lieutenant.

After serving with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office and Metro Parks, he was hired by the Wellington Police Department in 2009. He now steps into the large shoes of retired Lt. Jeff Shelton.

Also taking an oath to serve and protect was officer Jeffrey Mecklenburg, a K-9 handler who retired after a decorated career in Cleveland Heights.

He signed on six months ago to work part-time in Wellington, and Monday took a full-time position.

Officer Jeffrey Mecklenburg joins the Wellington Police Department full-time.

CLAWSON

FROM D1 laughed. "I'm not Peyton Manning, so I can't do that."

www.footdocohio.com

Kareem R. Dolce DPM

Marc D. Dolce DPM, FACFAS

Nicholas A. Brown DPM, FACFAS

Provided photo

Nicholas Sword, 10, won the chance to go to a STEM forum this summer in Bowling Green because of his leadership potential.

Provided photos

Northern Ohio Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC

(Next to Bob Evans)

Away.” This special session was created in collaboration with wilderness medicine expert Paul Auerbach and simulation expert Rebecca Smith-Coggins, professors in the Department of Medicine at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

“I was very happy to hear I would be going to the STEM program,” said Sword. “Math is my favorite subject and I am excited to do that this summer. All of these activities will help me as I would like to create an electronic tractor when I grow-up.”

Sword, 10, is also active in baseball, basketball, soccer and Cub Scouts. He is a member of 4-H and shows dairy animals at local events, including the Lorain County Fair. His family raises 30 beef cows, as well as other animals.

Kids in Jill Stone's kindergarten class at Westwood Elementary were treated to a "Chicka Boom" and Beach Day on Friday.

They did science and math activities, made rhyming hats, painted fish, played a memory game with sight words, tasted coconuts, dressed up and did the limbo!

Foot & Ankle Pain?

Norwalk

electric company were given others near Lorain's steel mill.

The Metro Parks have been working for four years now to make the project happen, he said.

Ziemnik has also been working to connect Findley to the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington.

The Griggs Road connector will make up part of that trail, he said in 2019.

A DAY AT THE BEACH

NEW YEAR

368 Milan Avenue Suite A

and construction phases of this project, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The total cost of the trail will be $1.2 million.

Jim Ziemnik, director of the Lorain County Metro Parks, said last year that the trail is possible because First Energy agreed to swap easements. In exchange for easements near Griggs Road, the

Sword going to STEM leadership forum

Police officer Josh Poling raises his right hand as he is promoted to lieutenant.

FROM D1 Samantha Sprowls. Both said they were experts by the time the meal ended.

Chinese New Year — or Lunar New Year, since North and South Korea celebrate it too — isn't a single day, like our American New Year.

Preparations started Jan. 17 with the "Little Year" and the Spring Festival ran from Jan. 25 to Feb. 4.

Now comes the Lantern Festival, a four-day observance of family reunions and ancient spiritual traditions that ends Feb. 8.

According to the Zodiac, 2020 is the Year of the Rat. The rat is the first of the Zodiac animals and represents a brand new day, a period of renewal. Clever and industrious, rats are also considered a sign of wealth in Chinese culture.

1.7-mile paved trail.

It will connect Wellington's Upper Reservoir trailhead to Griggs Road, providing easy access to the state park.

“This trail will diversify the outdoor recreational activities our parks have to offer,” said State Rep. Dick Stein, R-Norwalk.

Help from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund pay for the design, engineering

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He said much of the credit for his service should go to his wife, Donna. "She's put up with me all these years and she's been a great supporter," Clawson said.

The award was conferred at the Wellington Fire District's annual recognition dinner on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The event started with a moment of silence for public servants who died in 2019.

Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee noted three major resignations and retirements at the dinner — firefighter Logan Spence served the WFD for four years; Dan Shinsky was a firefighter for 21 years, and was certified in top rescue operations; and Kim Bowen served as medical director for both the WFD

and South Lorain County Ambulance District for 13 years.

Firefighter Dave Roser was also honored for going to the aid of Chip Benton and his family in Huntington Township.

Benton was diagnosed about a year ago with Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His prognosis is bad — doctors believe he has only a few more years to live.

Roser has been Benton's lifelong friend, and proved it. He's stopped in to change oil in the family's car, wash dishes and folded laundry.

Assistant Chief Bill Brown and Lt. Chad Regal were awarded for taking command during last May's train derailment in the center of town.

During a village-wide natural gas outage in November, Lt. Dusty Reynolds, Regal, and firefighter Jason Dumke stepped up.

Each was awarded a Merit Award.

Reynolds and Dumke also earned praise for their work battling a kitchen fire in Huntington Township last spring.

Located about 2,000 back from Baker Road, getting to the home presented a problem.

Reynolds and firefighter Jole Mahek were awarded for their roles in a rooftop rescue of a patient with mental challenges.

Clawson and firefighters Steve Higgins, Mike Barlow, Tyler Honoshofsky, Ken Knapp and Ryan Thorn were also awarded for their efforts to douse structure fires in 2019.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Wellington Enterprise

FALCONS TAKE LEAGUE CROWN

Page D3

ROAD WARRIORS

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Noah Diermyer (pictured) put up 23 points, including four three-pointers, to lead the Dukes to a 70-65 nonconference win over Chippewa in Doylestown. Mason McClellan added 17 points and Ben Bliss contributed 13.

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Wellington’s Grace Dudziak and Firelands Isabella Zvara chase down a a loose ball. Firelands clinched the first Lorain County League basketball title on Saturday with a 60-40 win over Wellington. While much of the game was a fast-paced battle, the Falcons stopped up the lanes to prevent the Dukes from scoring a basket for the last half the second period, going into the break with a 30-18 lead. Abbey Schmitz and Isabella Zvara cleaned up at the free throw line. Jalen Gibbs finished the night with 14 points for the Dukes. Zvara led the Falcons with 18 points and Schmitz backed her up with 13.

TEST OF STRENGTH

POLAR BEARS WIN Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Black River's Devon McLean gets help from a Gavin Ford pick against Monroeville. He led the Pirates with 17 points and Daniel Jeske chipped in 14 more, but the team fell to the Polar Bears 68-56 in nonconference play.

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

The Dukes' Robert Parsons fends of an attack by Keystone's Luke Moore last week in the 285-pound weight class.

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RESIDENTIAL SERVICES ONLINE SAVINGS

HOME ENERGY REBATES

Get instant discounts on energy efficient products

Get money back for purchasing qualifying efficient products

APPLIANCE RECYCLING REWARDS

ONLINE HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT

Schedule a free pickup to earn $50 for responsibly recycling an eligible appliance

Complete a free online assessment to identify ways to save energy in your home

ELECTRIC BILL ADVICE

ELECTRIC USAGE MONITOR

Receive free advice on reducing your energy use to lower your electric bill

Borrow a device for free to measure how much energy household items use

BUSINESS SERVICES SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

LARGE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Receive energy efficiency services and rebates tailored to the needs of your small business

Receive expert technical assistance and financial incentives customized for your large business

CALL 877.889.3777 OR VISIT WELLINGTON’S PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE TO GET STARTED

efficiencysmart.org/wellington-ohio Energy efficiency services available in partnership between the Village of Wellington Utilities and:

Page D4

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020

Wellington Enterprise

1854 Broadway • Lorain, OH • (440) 244-5173 Prices Good for These Days in FEBRUARY 2020 www.FlignersMarket.com

Ohio’s #1 Independent Grocery Store

Fligners/MeatUsHere

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

By Ohio Grocers Association

We Honor All W.I.C. And EBT

OPEN Daily 7:30am - 6pm • Sunday 7:30am - 2pm

COMPARE OUR NEW LOW PRICES IN EVERY DEPARTMENT To receive up to the minute specials, text “Fligners” to 64600

Hind Qtr. 180-200 lbs. $319

FREEZER BEEF

Ohio Beef from Ohio Farmers

CHUCK ROAST

$ 99

6

LB.

6

4

$

Side Dishes Available along with full line of catering!

4

99 $

$

3

$

GREEN

4

TROYER

SWISS CHEESE

3

lb.

$

49 lb.

99 12 CT.

JUMBO

TACO BELL'S

DINNER KITS

3 1 $

4/$

8.85-15 OZ.

18-19 OZ.

DAWN ASSORTED

DISH LIQUID

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

5 5

2/$ 19.4 OZ.

ARM & HAMMER CLEAN BURST

We Carry A Fine Selection of Beer, Wine & Tobacco at State Minimum Prices

$

99 150 OZ.

Fligner's Gift Cards and Gift Certificates Available

lb.

GREEN BEANS

3 LB. BAG

99 99 99

¢

¢

lb.

FRITO LAY'S ASSORTED

TAMPICO ASSORTED

FRUIT PUNCH

5 1

99

99

FRESH

ONIONS

¢

3 Pack

CANNED SOUP

lb.

ALL PURPOSE

RED PEPPERS

99

PROGRESSO ASSORTED

1

¢ $

Each

HEARTS

lb.

Full Service Carry Outs For ALL Customers

lb.

¢

10 LB. BAG

39 1 30-35.3 OZ.

HEART CUT-OUT COOKIES WITH RED & PINK DRIZZLE

99 99

99

¢ $

4

2

lb.

ROMAINE

CABBAGE

99

lb.

LB.

LB.

99

99 $

99 $

1 2

3/$

$

2

99 $

CHOPPED HAM

RUSSET

NAVEL ORANGES

COFFEE CREAMER

2

$ 99

JUMBO ROMA NEW CROP HI-COLOR MANGOS POTATOES OR HASS AVOCADOS TOMATOES ASPARAGUS

CALIFORNIA

12 CT. COFFEEMATE ORIGINAL OR FRENCH VANILLA

4 4BAKERY

BLACK FOREST HAM

ISLEY'S

HARD SALAMI

www.flignersmarket.com

2/$

lb.

LB.

CUBE STEAKS

$ 19

LB.

VIRGINIA HAM

PATRICK CUDAHAY

Special Events like weddings, graduations and more!

TACO SHELLS

LB. NOT FROM TUBES OUR OWN FRESH

- LOWEST DELI PRICES AROUND KRETSCHMAR ARMOUR KRETSCHMAR

We use only the finest and freshest ingredients in all our recipes.

$ 99

GROUND CHUCK

5

BEEF PASTRAMI, CORNED BEEF OR ROAST BEEF

3

1

$ 99

LB.

SLICED FREE

$ 49

WHOLE CATFISH

LB.

TOP ROUND ROAST

CUT FREE

LB.

¢

BONELESS

PORK LOIN

FRESH H&G

$ 99

Fligner’s Catering...

TACO BELL'S HARD

1

LB.

OCEAN PERCH FILLETS

LB.

WHOLE BONE-IN

$ 99

FRESH

$ 99

LB.

PORK SIRLOIN CHOPS

SEAFOOD SPECIALS

COD FILLETS

WITH $5 OR MORE FRESH MEAT PURCHASE!

BONELESS

$ 99

$ 49

99 40 LB. BOX

4

FLANK STEAKS

PORK STEAKS

FRESH

CHICKEN BREAST

$ 19

LB.

1

FRESH BONELESS

CENTER-CUT

RIBEYE STEAKS

LEAN MEATY

Full Side 380-400 lbs. $299

ALL OUR FRESH MEAT IS CUT BY ONE OF OUR “ARTISAN MEAT PROFESSIONALS”

SEMI-BONELESS

7

Front Qtr. 200-220 lbs. $279

69

$

1 GAL.

ZIPPERED

LAUNDRY BAGS

1

$

MT DEW OR FRITOS OR PEPSI CHEETOS

We Accept Debit, Master Card, Visa, Discover & American Express.

4 5 $

2/$

7-9.25 OZ.

RONCADIN 3 COUNT

ARUGUAL PIZZAS

3

29 $ EACH

18 PACK

99

36.98 OZ.

ATM Available Money Orders 69¢ Each

Play Ohio Lottery and Mega Millions Here

12 OZ.

CHEESE SLICES

5

2/$ We Carry Ohio Beef From Ohio Farmers

3

49 $

VELVEETA ASSORTED

12 OZ.

FIORA

PAPER TOWELS 6PK OR BATHROOM TISSUE 12 PK

lb.

DAIRYMEN’S

GALLON FRUIT DRINKS

99 2 PLY

DANNON ASSORTED

YOGURT

5 1

10/$ 5.3 OZ.

You Can Now Pay Your Gas, Light, Cable And Many Major Credit Card Payments At Fligners!

$

29

NO LIMIT

Not Responsible for Typographical Errors

We Reserve the right to Limit Quantities

©The Chronicle-Telegram

No Family Pack Required For Savings