Lorain County Community Guide - Feb. 25, 2021

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 8, Issue 8

Dukes to get ‘traditional’ graduation at stadium JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — Not since the 1970s have graduation ceremonies been held at the Dickson Street stadium.

That will change June 6, when Wellington High School students receive diplomas at the outdoor venue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Change is good. If we're going to be changing, this is the year we do Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise it," Principal Tina Drake said.

Last year's seniors, shocked by Wellington graduates roll down Union Street on May 31, the sudden cancellation of spring 2020, making a victory lap through town after their comsports and closure of school doors, mencement ceremony. Last year's graduation was held with a drive-up format because of the COVID-19 pandemic. made do with a drive-up graduation

ceremony in the high school parking lot.

Cameron Brinker, president of the Class of 2021, said the fear through recent months has been that another major outbreak could lead to a similar shutdown and ruin commencement.

"Everyone was kind of skeptical because we didn't want to happen to us what unfortunately happened to the seniors last year," he said.

COVID case numbers are coming down as the population is slowly vaccinated.

Nearly 33,000 Lorain County residents — about 10.6 percent of the GRADUATION PAGE A3

PROM TOO? After the spring formal was canceled last year at the beginning of the pandemic, Wellington High School is planning to hold its 2021 prom on May 8 at Wagner's of Westlake. Principal Tina Drake said it will follow all the health guidelines set forth by Gov. Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Eagle sightings cause excitement JASON HAWK EDITOR

A

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flurry of bald eagle sightings has enthusiasts excited about the national bird's return from near-extinction.

Wildlife photographers, especially those in the southern part of Lorain County, have been finding luck spotting the giant predators this winter.

Dana Campbell, a now-retired ranger and assistant manager at Findley State Park, has sighted growing numbers of eagles from Spencer Lake to the Wellington Upground Reservoir.

He recently snapped shots of breeding-age eagles near Jones Road, just south of the Wellington village limits. There were also a number of "immatures."

Those are young eagles that probably aren't yet sexually active. They're easy to pick out, because while they have huge wingspans their head feathered don't turn white until they reach five or six years old.

The large number of immature

Photo by Dana Campbell

A bald eagle swoops over a flock of geese at the Wellington Upground Reservoir on Wednesday, Feb. 17. eagles "makes me wonder what it's going to like in our near future," Campbell said.

"I see nothing less than huge gains in the eagle population," he said.

The number of bald eagle nests across Ohio surged from 286 in 2018 to 346 in 2019, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

Numbers for 2020 haven't been

released yet — but Lorain County Metro Parks naturalist Mary Ewers-Joyner said the population is undoubtedly thriving.

The county has 10 known nests, from Avon Lake to Lo-

rain to Oberlin and Wellington.

Each nest is home to at least two eagles.

A census by citizen scientists BALD EAGLES PAGE A3

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.

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Numbers, experts say opioid deaths have surged during the pandemic

News staff Jason Hawk news@lcnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122

A dangerous cocktail of despair and drugs — especially fentanyl — caused Lorain County overdose deaths to spike in 2020.

There were at least 122 accidental overdose deaths here, making it the third worst year in a decade, according to a mortality report published by the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain

Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com

JASON HAWK and LAINA YOST

Copyright 2021 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company

oid epidemic in Ohio happened last spring. Deaths spiked to 11.01 out of every 100,000 Ohioans, according to a study released last month by the state's Scientific Committee on Opioid Prevention and Education.

That's the highest rate in 10 years.

The previous 10-year high was 10.87 per 100,000 people, which came in the first quarter of 2017.

“Opioid overdoses might have taken a back seat in our minds last OVERDOSES PAGE A3

INSIDE THIS WEEK

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

County.

Toxicology tests can trail by weeks.

The results probably will put overdose fatalities over the 130 mark and close to a record, Coroner Frank Miller said last Thursday.

Before the pandemic, opioid deaths had been falling off for two straight years. When the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, so did overdoses.

"There are a lot of idle hands and a lot of very upset people, and I think it's probably related," Miller said.

The worst three months of the opi-

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Unused DePaola Park land could be sold • A4

Rabbi talks about being Black and Jewish in America • B1

Refinancing middle school debt saves millions • B1

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

Page A2

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Difference Makers Gala goes virtual CARISSA WOYTACH THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Attendees raised a virtual glass to the Leadership Lorain County 2021 Difference Makers on Friday evening.

Leadership Lorain County celebrated the activism and dedication of Rey Carrion, Dr. John Schaeffer, Marsalis Hammons, Barb Piscopo and the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio during its first virtual gala.

Kendal at Oberlin Director of Facility Services and Lorain Councilman Rey Carrion, D-6th Ward, received the Excellence in Leadership award. Born in Puerto Rico, he considers both the island territory and Lorain his home and learned a life of service from his father, Felix. From pushing for improvements to Oakwood Park, to increasing business ventures on the city’s south side, he noted the work he does in his community comes from his heart and is thanks to the support of his friends and family.

“There are people that carry a similar conviction. … So to all the folks in South Lorain, our best is yet to come,” he said.

Schaeffer, founder of North Ohio Heart Center, also was honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award — 17 years after his wife, Suzanne, earned the same distinc-

tion.

Coming from a long line of dentists, Schaeffer’s goal was to establish a cardiologist team in the area. At the peak of his career, he had more than 300 employees at North Ohio Heart Center.

Schaeffer’s family also has owned Beaver Park Marina in Lorain for the past 100 years, lending to Schaeffer’s love of boating.

“When all is said and done, it’s what you’ve done and this award summarizes ultimately that situation where I, as a difference maker, make a difference in the leadership skills of this community,” he said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Second Harvest Food Bank earned an Excellence in Leadership Award for the organization’s work in addressing hunger in Lorain, Erie, Huron and Crawford counties for the past 39 years. President and CEO Julie Chase-Morefield noted the nonprofit’s role in providing food to children, families and the elderly is incredibly important.

2020 saw food insecurity spike amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Handwritten thank-you notes in the trunks of cars at drive-thru food pantries noted how much the meal distributions meant to those in need, she said.

Leaders of Today CEO Marsalis Hammons received the Emerald Award for Inspirational Leader-

ship. Raised in Elyria, Hammons founded Leaders of Today while attending Cleveland State University.

His work with the nonprofit, along with support for mental health initiatives, sparked him earning the accolade for young professionals.

“Being raised in Elyria and Lorain it is easy to feel looked over or underestimated,” he said. “Remember together we are the change we wish to see. We can, we will, and we must.”

Lorain Historical Society Executive Director Barb Piscopo earned the Eric Nord Award for Excellence in Leadership. Hired in 2013 as the first full-time director for the historical society, Piscopo brought experience as a teacher, administrator and small-business owner, along with a passion to the city and its history.

She said she was overwhelmed when she found out she was this year’s recipient. She may have come to Lorain for the job, but stayed because she fell in love with the people there and thanked all those who had crossed her path for the honor.

“When I look back on the life that I’ve lived, especially the 30-plus years in Lorain County to see that other people recognize that as being worthy of one of the most prestigious awards in the county and to see my name listed is just beyond humbling,” she said.

Fish fry

Sprenger Health Care Amherst Manor’s annual fish fry will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, March 5 with a drive-thru format at the front entrance, 175 North Lake St. Meals will include fried fish, french fries and coleslaw. RSVP by calling 440-988-1822 by Friday, Feb. 26.

Life-saving training

Over the past several weeks, all members of the Oberlin Police Department have received an adult and pediatric first aid update certification through the American Red Cross.

‘COVID slide’ hits hard

Many Wellington students are struggling to keep grades up while also dealing with the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While seniors are in a relatively good place for graduation credits, sophomores are especially having a hard time, said Principal Tina Drake.

In a Feb. 16 presentation to the Board of Education, she said 47 in-person students at Wellington High School are failing at least one class. That’s a huge percentage for a building with an enrollment of roughly 250.

Of those who have chosen to learn fully online due to the pandemic, 16 are in the same shape.

Of the more than 70 students from Wellington who study at the Lorain County JVS, 41 are failing at least one class, Drake said.

She attributed the difficulties to “the uniqueness of the year.”

Some students just aren’t doing the work, Drake said, but there’s a lot more to the problem — social and emotional hardships caused by isolation during the pandemic are dragging teens down.

The Ohio Department of Education has information that can help at www.tinyurl.com/OhioSchoolToolkit.

OBITUARIES Fred Miller

Fred Miller, 71, of Wellington, died Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 14, 1949, in Oil City, Pennsylvania to the late Jeanette (Olzswaka) and Robert Miller along with his three brothers, Dave, Bob and Jim. Two of whom (Dave and Bob) preceded him in death.

Fred was a graduate of Brunswick High School, Class of 1968, and a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and retired as a maintenance worker at Brunswick High School.

Fred loved animals including his three dogs and bird, hiking, canoeing and truly loved being outside and enjoying nature, but his true love was supporting his family. He was an avid Browns, Indians and Cavaliers fan.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Shirley (Skwarlo) Hargett Miller; loving son, Michael Miller of Athens; stepdaughters, Jennifer and Erica Hargett; brother, James Miller of Brunswick; sister-in-law, Dee Miller of Brunswick; nieces, Sandy, Cindy and Heather Miller; life-long friend, Gary (Barb) Moye of Brunswick; as well as five loving grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Rittman Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lorain County Humane Society through the Norton Eastman Funeral home, Wellington.

Online condolences may be made at www.eastman funeralhome.com.

SHARON LEE O'NEIL, 81, of South Amherst, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at Keystone Pointe Way in LaGrange, following a lengthy illness.

Louis E. Stegman

Louis E. Stegman, 88, of New London, Ohio, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at the Laurels of New London.

He was born in Parma on Dec. 7, 1932, the son of the late William and Erna (nee Fischer) Stegman.

After serving as a Corporal in the U.S. Army, Louis retired following a 30 year career from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.

He owned and operated his own farm. He served on the Clarksfield Zoning Committee. In addition to farming, Louis liked traveling and spending time with his family.

Louis is survived by his two sons and daughter, Mark and Bryan Stegman, both of New London and Marlene Strande of Wellington; grandson, Michael (Deanna) Marley of New London and sister, Charlotte Gemmel of Wellington.

In addition to his parents, Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie L. Stegman and siblings, William Stegman, June Stegman and Joan Steffanus.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Feb. 24 at the Brighton United Methodist Church, with a funeral service following. The Rev. James Ellis officiated. Burial followed at the Camden Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Brighton United Methodist Church.

Eastman Funeral Home, New London, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Jay Jackson Lowther Jr.

Jay Jackson Lowther, Jr., 29, of Columbus, died Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Born on March 21, 1991, in Oberlin, he was the son of Jay Sr. and Leanna (nee Sherwood) Lowther.

JJ was a 2010 graduate of Oberlin High School and attended The Ohio State University. JJ was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, having proudly served for nearly eight years.

He worked as an equipment designer with Rouge Fitness in Columbus for the past four years. JJ was very active in his local gym. He enjoyed playing basketball and going to concerts. JJ was a member of the Wellington Congregational Church. Most of all, he cherished time with his family, especially his niece and nephews and his beloved dog, Meeko.

Survivors include his parents, Jay and Leanna Lowther of Wellington; siblings, Eddie (Amanda) Buchanan, Jr. of Columbus, Janet Buchanan of Vermilion and Rebecca Lowther of Wellington; niece and nephews, Alex, Damon, Noah, Griffin, Sierra and Nathan; grandfather, John (Iva) Sherwood and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

JJ was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Marjorie Lowther; mamaw, Belva Jones and his fianceé, Keri Woods.

A private service was arranged with burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www. norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com

Our condolences go out to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one.

For information about placing an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call 440-329-7000.

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SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B2

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE B2

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

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Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

New owners at former Krystowski Tractor Sales WELLINGTON TWP. — Krystowski Tractor Sales has new ownership and a new name.

Jill Sheparovich and James McLaughlin recently finalized the purchase of the dealership, located at 47117 State Route 18, about a half mile west of the Lorain County Fairgrounds.

They have rebranded as KTS Equipment Inc. "We care about our employees and customers and want every aspect of our business to show that," said a release from KTS. The owners "want to continue the moral values that were established by Krystowski family" and instilled by each of their fathers, it said.

Sheparovich is a graduate of the Wellington High School Class of 1992. She worked for the Krystowski family for over a decade as its controller prior to becoming an owner.

Sheparovich is also a certified public accountant who has a master’s

Unemployment down

Provided photo

Pictured are KTS staff James McLaughlin, Larry Krystowski, Paul Bursley, Jill Sheparovich, Jon Gerspacher and Keith Darding. degree in business.

McLaughlin is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and has been selling equipment for more than 25 years.

He is one of the top sales representatives in the country for the Bandit

and Avant brands, according to the KTS release.

KTS also carries Kubota, New Holland, Landpride, Salford, Hustler, Grasshopper, Stihl and other lines of equipment.

As fraud claims continue in unemployment, Lorain County saw a decrease in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 13.

Of the 147,002 claims filed across the state, at least 33,000 were flagged as fraudulent, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

In Lorain County, 2,086 residents filed initial claims.

That’s a drop of about 900 from the week before, but the number still remains high.

In January, unemployment claims spiked into the 1,000s before suddenly doubling from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6.

Anyone who suspects their identity was compromised should visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click the “Report Identity Theft” button, and follow the instructions.

BALD EAGLES

plan sets that number at either 300 spectators or 15 percent of the fixed seating capacity, whichever number is lower.

"Worst case scenario, my thought is each graduate would have two tickets," and the event would be live-streamed, Drake said Lorain County Public Health will be involved in organizing the event and ensuring safety protocols are followed, she said.

Masks and social distanc-

ing will still be part of the equation.

School board President Brett Murner said the graduation plan shows "positive steps" for the district.

Brinker agreed, saying the stadium isn't an ideal plan but one that's much better than the alternative for the 83 seniors who stand to receive diplomas.

"At the beginning of the year, a lot of the students, the student body, they didn't know what was

going to happen. Now as we come full circle, we're more hopeful for what's to come," he said.

Drake said the Dickson Street stadium could become Wellington's new graduation venue, replacing the high school gymnasium.

A rain date will be set just in case the weather sours, and if it still doesn't cooperate, then the "third time's the charm," she said. "We would probably do it back inside."

OVERDOSES

FROM A1 year because of COVID-19, but make no mistake: Ohioans are dying at a devastating rate because of opioid overdoses,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.

Deaths already were rising in the months before the pandemic started, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They’ve accelerated since.

“The disruption to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use disorder hard,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said.

Synthetic opioids — mostly illegally manufactured fentanyl — appear to be the primary driver of overdose deaths. The CDC said that from June 2019 to May 2020, the last period for which statistics were complete, those deaths jumped by 38.4 percent.

That tracks locally. Elaine Georgas, interim executive director at the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board, said fentanyl played a role in about 87 percent of overdose deaths in 2020.

Assume any drugs bought on the streets are laced with fentanyl, she said.

Very few deaths have anything to do with heroin, which was the concern a decade ago, Miller said.

Now fentanyl is by far the worst offender, with cocaine and methamphetamine often present. Miller said the mix shows a big change in the root of the problem — at the start of the opioid crisis, prescription drug abuse was the big driver of opioid addiction. Now, the presence of fentanyl shows street drugs are the issue.

Over the Valentine's Day weekend, the Lorain-based nonprofit recovery organization Let’s Get Real posted an alert that there were seven overdoses at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital in one day. Executive Director Kim Eberle said a wave of overdoses typically means there’s a “bad batch” out there.

Right now, that’s drugs such as cocaine and meth spiked with fentanyl, she said, echoing Miller.

Eberle said street drugs have taken on a high fentanyl content, leading to overdoses. People may think they’ve bought meth, but it’s been spiked with fentanyl.

Every time Let’s Get Real sees a run of overdoses within 24 to 48 hours, a public health announcement is posted to its social media. Eberle said she hopes drug users will see the post and avoid buying.

“That’s the best we can do,” she said. “That’s all we can do as a recovery organization.”

Opioids accounted for 92.6 percent

School districts get second vaccine date

Lorain County school district's second vaccination date is scheduled for late March.

County school employees will receive the second vaccine on March 26. The first vaccination date is Feb. 26, and Lorain County schools will be closed that day.

Distributions of the first vaccine will take place in five pods: Avon Middle School, the North Ridgeville Academic Center, Elyria High School, Lorain High School and the Lorain County Joint Vocational School.

GRADUATION

FROM A1 population — had started vaccinations as of Feb. 16, when Drake revealed her plans for graduation to the Wellington Board of Education.

She said it's unclear how many people will be able to attend the ceremony — in a follow-up interview, Drake said it's likely attendance will have to follow the same guidelines as varsity games.

Right now, the state's Responsible RestartOhio

Page A3

NEED HELP?

If you or someone you know needs help, please call any of these numbers: • MHARS Addiction Helpline: (440) 989-4900 • 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-800-888-6161 • Crisis text line: 4hope to 741 741 • Let’s Get Real: 440-963-7042, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Place to Recover Re-entry Hotline: (440) 345-6701 of last year’s overdose deaths, the MHARS mortality report found.

After just a trickle at the start of the year, there were 15 fatalities in April and 17 in May. The numbers dropped slightly for the rest of the year, but remained sadly steady.

Lorain, as the most populous city in the county, also recorded the most deaths, with Elyria close behind.

About 65 percent of victims were male, and most were ages 25 to 34.

The good news, according to the Ohio Department of Health, is that Lorain County doesn't rank among the top 10 counties in the state for overdose deaths. Southwestern and central counties such as Scioto, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Ross, Montgomery and Clark top the list.

In Northeast Ohio, Huron, Trumbull and Mahoning counties were among the worst for deaths.

The bad news is that deaths in Lorain County far outpaced the average, reaching 13.94 per 100,000 last spring as the pandemic bore down, recently released state numbers show.

LifeCare Ambulance tracked the uptick in overdoses in Amherst, Lorain and Elyria throughout 2020, CEO David Richards said.

He said the trend parallels a similar increase in alcohol sales over the past year, which has also been chalked up to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"That lends itself to people not having much to do. They wanted an escape," he said. "They didn't have places to go. They didn't have things to do. They've been having to deal with their social situations as best they could.”

Through the darkest months of the year, with “snowy and gloomy days,” seasonal affective disorder takes a toll, Georgas said. The pandemic isn’t making the situation any easier.

“The isolation is deeper now,” she said. “Oftentimes, people who are struggling with addiction feel like they're all alone.”

It’s also choked off the ability to hold in-person support groups, which has left many people fighting ad-

diction by themselves. Georgas said there are some online support meetings, but they aren’t the same.

Getting information out to the people who need it most has been tough, she said. Health fairs and faceto-face work with counseling services just aren’t options now.

Georgas said she believes opioid abuse has grown worse because people are turning to drugs to cope with anxiety over COVID-19. Many have lost jobs, or they are worried about the always-present possibility of unemployment.

With the pandemic sending services virtual, Place to Recover Director Wendy Caldwell said it becomes harder for some to maintain recovery. Place to Recover gets people connected to resources after they go through detox and are trying to get back on their feet.

In online meetings, she said there’s no consistency to attendance, and it becomes easier to lose track of people. Cues that are easy to pick up on in person are also harder to see virtually, she said.

The added stressors of the pandemic’s impact on jobs, families and inperson meetings can lead to chronic relapses, Caldwell said.

But others have done well with the shift online, and she sees the future of recovery being a mix of virtual and in-person approaches.

“It’s really hard to gauge,” she said.

“I think we all think everything is going well, but I don’t think we’re seeing the true picture. I don’t think it’s decreasing, and I don’t think we even know true numbers, because so many people are falling off. … It’s up to the individual. We can only give them the tools. If somebody wants to be clean and sober, they will tell on themselves.”

Local organizations have resorted to making sure that if someone uses, they do it safely.

Georgas said that people who use drugs should never use them alone.

The buddy system can greatly reduce overdose deaths, she said.

"We'd like you to stay alive longer so we can help you," she said.

Let’s Get Real has a harm reduction clinic, which offers counseling, testing and safe disposal of used needles.

Eberle said maybe someone who goes to dispose needles will want to go to detox and get help. All they want is the chance to provide help.

“We are just as busy and statistically more busy during COVID than we have been,” she said. “Mental health, suicide attempts, overdoses and family health crises have skyrocketed.

It’s nuts here. But that’s OK.”

FROM A1 early last year found 707 nests across Ohio.

"We think they're pretty close to a stabilized population. They're not endangered anymore, but they're still protected," Ewers-Joyner said.

She said reservoirs, rivers, lakes and the Lake Erie shoreline are ideal places for the eagle population to recover. The water is the perfect place to hunt, since eagles primarily eat fish.

Steele said she often sees bald eagles flying over US Route 20 near Oberlin, while Campbell said the port in Lorain is one of the best spots for viewing them.

Maybe the most famous nesting site in Lorain County is at the Sandy Ridge Reservation in North Ridgeville, which has been under observation for years, said EwersJoyner.

Webcams at Redwood Elementary School in Avon Lake have made a nest there a contender for the title, though. Eagles were active on camera there Thursday, coming and going throughout the afternoon.

Warm water discharged from the nearby Avon Lake Power Plant has melted the ice, making fishing easy, said Oberlin resident Diana Steele, who is the northeast regional director for the Ohio Ornithological Society.

A large group of eagles has built nests around the power plant, she said: "If anyone is looking to find a bald eagle, they won't have to look very hard."

The use of the pesticide DDT put bald eagles close to extinction in the second half of the 20th century, Steele said.

Black River Audubon Society board member Paul Sherwood, of Sandusky, said the chemical softened eagle eggshells by causing a calcium deficiency. The eggs would be crushed by well-meaning parents.

"That problem, I think, has been solved," said Sherwood. "... Now I cannot drive around town without seeing an eagle. They're just here. But you go farther into southern Ohio, and they're just not there yet."

When he graduated from high school in 1973, there were two eagle nests in Ohio, both in Ottawa County.

Outlawing DDT worked — by 2000, there were 22 nests you could see from Route 2 between Ottawa and Sandusky.

"Here in Sandusky, they're almost like robins. They're sitting in just about every tree, it seems," he said.

When numbers were still extremely low, eagles would chase others of their species away, staking out 10-mile claims around their nests. Today, Sherwood said they've gotten used to having closer neighbors and aren't as territorial.

"The recovery has been astonishing, especially in Northwest Ohio, particularly the Huron area," said Steele.

Areas with old sycamore trees are favored by bald eagles, she said. Those tend to grow along rivers, but it can still be difficult to find sycamores large and strong enough to withstand Northeast Ohio's strong winds and support heavy eagle nests.

Mid-February through March is a great time to go out looking for eagles. This is the time of year when they lay eggs, so the raptors tend to stay close to their nests.

Ewers-Joyner said they are easier to spot since leafs have fallen, and because eagle activity is largely concentrated around open water.

"If you can tough out the cold, you're going to be rewarded with beautiful eagle sightings," she said.

Be sure to keep your distance and use binoculars or a high-powered camera to watch eagles, she said.

And don't get discouraged if you don't spot them right away — eagles have a large range, but stay put and they'll circle around to their nests.

A bald eagle can be seen nesting near Redwood Elementary School in Avon Lake. Check out the webcam at www.youtube.com/c/ avonlakeeaglecam/live.

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Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Tyson could buy unused DePaola Park acreage JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — A long, skinny stretch of public parkland could be sold to Tyson Foods to make way for expansion.

City Council voted Monday to let its Community Improvement Corporation negotiate the sale of about six acres to the Cooper Foster Park Road business.

The land in question, located between the factory and Route 2, is part of the 16-acre DePaola Park, which is mainly used by children's soccer leagues.

The portion that could be sold is treed and largely unused.

Mayor Mark Costilow said he won't allow any of the highlyused soccer fields to be sold.

Tyson Foods purchased AdvancePierre Foods, including the Amherst factory, in April 2017 for approximately $4.2 billion.

Tyson has since invested more

than $20 million in the Amherst plant. In August, it announced plans to add about 200 jobs there, bringing the total to more than 700.

"They're here to stay and they're looking to expand," Mayor Mark Costilow said in a phone interview.

He said Tyson has added a number of product lines, and he believes the factory intends to expand its parking to match.

Tyson is now possibly Amherst's largest single employer, Costilow told Council on Monday.

He said there are other nearby properties the company could be eyeing for its expansion plans if officials don't go to the bargaining table.

"I know Tyson and LCCC are anxious to conclude the matter," and want to get into negotiations as fast as possible, city Law Director Tony Pecora said.

When the DePaola Park property was gifted to Amherst in 1976, it came with a deed

More than $300K in scholarships available to Lorain County residents AMHERST TWP. — The Community Foundation of Lorain County is offering local residents the chance to seek scholarships to support their educational pursuits.

Those who attend two-year or four-year colleges, graduate school, trade or technical schools, or are planning to attend post-secondary education either after a break or for the first time, can apply for 49 unique scholarships.

Applications are due on Tuesday, March 2 and are available at peoplewhocare.org.

“We want Lorain County residents to achieve their educational goals, whether it’s medical school, college, or trade school,” said President and CEO Cynthia Andrews.

“Our scholarship program is especially unique because it matches students who need funding for their education with donors who fund scholarships meaningful to their profession, family or personal philanthropy.”

The Community Foundation's “universal grant application” automatically matches individual skills and financial needs with the criteria for each scholarship, eliminating the need to complete multiple scholarship applications.

More than $365K in scholarships were awarded last year based on field of study, merit, financial need and community involvement.

For more information or to establish a scholarship of your own, visit peoplewhocare.org or call (440) 984-7390.

CLASSIFIEDS LOST

LEGALS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO BLACK RIVER AOC REMEDIATION AND RESTORATION PROGRAM – SEEP REMEDIATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS In accordance with Ordinance No. 94-17 passed September 18, 2017, 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 12, 2021, Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor.

TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, March 12, 2021, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor.

SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION DATE: November 1, 2021 Bids must be accompanied by Certified Check or Cashier’s Check or Letter of Credit equals to ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bond for the full amount of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and a performance bond properly secured. Should any bid be rejected, such instrument will be forthwith returned upon proper execution of a contract. Cash deposits will not be accepted. The bid check/bond should be enclosed in the sealed bid, but in a separate envelope clearly marked ‘BID CHECK/ BOND’ with the bidder’s name & address on the bid check/bond envelope.

Bidding documents will be provided via PDF downloads only. Hard copies will not be provided. Requests for bidding documents may be made by emailing LorainSRS@brwncald.com. Prospective bidders will need to email their company name, address, telephone number, and the name and email address of the specific person in their company that will be the main contact. Only that person will have access to the download and upload links. There is no charge to download the bidding documents. The document package will include one full-size set of Construction Drawings and a Project Manual which includes all Bid Submittal Forms. Reference documents will be included in the document package. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available. Neither the Owner nor the Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of all items, including reference documents as part of their bid.

An on-site pre-bid conference and site visit will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 2, 2021 at 2601 W. 28th Street, Lorain, Ohio, 44055 to review the project scope and answer Bidder’s questions. Interested Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend. No other site visits will be scheduled.

This project shall be subject to State Prevailing Wage Rates set forth by Ohio Department of Commerce as stated Section 4115 of the Ohio Revised Code. Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages, as set forth in the Contract Documents must be paid on this project. Each bidder must ensure 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 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.

The use of small businesses, minority business enterprises and women’s business enterprises is encouraged.

The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

By order of the Director of Safety/Service, Sanford Washington

L.C.C.G. 2/18-25/21 20677854

L.C.C.G. 2/25; 3/4/21 20678059

LEGAL NOTICE DATE: March 3rd, 2021 TIME: 9:00 A.M. PLACE: Council Chambers ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA Disposition of minutes from previous Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission Meetings.

B.A. #4-2021 332-336 W. 14th St. Variance requested to erect fence within twenty (20) feet of right of way on corner lot. Section 10.08 (G) No fence shall be erected within twenty (20) feet of right away on corner lot. Section 10.08 (F) No fence shall be erected closer to the front lot line than the front building line. R-2 Zoning Robert Goforth and Father Alex Barton, applicant.

PLANNING COMMISSION Disposition of minutes from previous Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission Meetings.

Submission for Planning Commissions review of lot split P.P.N. #02-02-022-101-011, (012) and (014) West Erie Ave. Rob Adams, applicant.

Richard G. Klinar, ACTING SECRETARY, LORAIN CITY PLANNING COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS IF APPLICANT UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE CALL (440) 204-2034.

L.C.C.G. 2/25/21 20678124

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please be advised that Lorain City Council will host a virtual public hearing on Monday, March 29, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m. to discuss an application to rezone a property at 760 Oberlin Ave. from R-2 Residential to B-1 General Business, Jorge Chavez is the applicant, (ZCA-1-2021) To join this virtual meeting please visit www.cityoflorain.org, Government Tab, City Council, City Council and other Board’s Meetings.

The Lorain City Planning Commission met on February 1, 2021, and recommend denial to Lorain City Council. Copies of all documentation related to this proposal will be on view for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Council, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Please contact Nancy_ Greer@cityoflorain.org for additional information.

NANCY GREER, CMC

restriction: Should the land ever be put back on the market, Lorain County Community College would take possession.

Costilow said he hopes LCCC will help Amherst negotiate with Tyson to find a deal that benefits everyone.

Pecora said normally cityowned property would have to be put up for public bidding.

Letting the Community Improvement Corporation hammer out a deal sidesteps that legal requirement.

Not everyone convinced — Councilman Brian Dembinski said he wanted to give the public time to weigh in on the idea before handing negotiations over to the CIC. His bid to delay a vote by at least two weeks failed, though, and Dembinski ultimately was the lone voice out in a 6-1 decision to move ahead.

"It seems the mayor has expressed time is of the essence, and considering all we've

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Tyson is looking to expand on to part of the land owned by the city of Amherst, located behind Tyson's Cooper Foster Road location. been through with COVID it's impressive that a business is ready to expand," said Councilman David Janik, supporting a fast-track vote.

Any deal reached between the CIC, Tyson Foods and LCCC will still have to go before

Council for final approval.

Almost all of the CIC's discussions will be held in public, Pecora promised. He said he will allow only limited exceptions for behind-closed-doors talks when it comes to legal matters.

Sheriff asks for sales tax's return DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti has asked county commissioners to reinstate a quarter-percent sales tax increase rescinded in December.

Democratic commissioners Ted Kalo and Lori Kokoski voted to enact the tax increase in 2016, with Matt Lundy voting "no."

In December, Lundy, Sharon Sweda and Lori Kokoski — Sweda and Kokoski having been defeated in the November election — voted to rescind it effective April 1.

"I am asking all of you to reinstate the 1/4 (percent)," Stammitti asked Commissioners Michelle Hung, Dave Moore and Lundy in a letter dated Feb. 12, which was provided to The Chronicle-Telegram as part of a public records request. "As you also know, this 1/4 (percent) was enacted in 2016 to prevent many layoffs of numerous deputy sheriffs and also prosecutors from the County Prosecutor's Office along with other county cuts in services."

The Lorain County Sheriff's Office serves 495 square miles and more than 300,000 residents, he said. The sales tax was bringing in between $10 million and $11 million annually, the sheriff wrote.

Cities such as Avon Lake, Avon and North Ridgeville are growing and more people are moving into Lorain County from Cuyahoga County, Stammitti wrote. Columbia and Eaton townships, as well as other townships, are "growing rapidly" with additional housing developments going in.

Employee costs, equipment and supplies and gasoline costs are rising, and the original Lorain County Jail is 44 years old this year — with portions of the 1998 addition now 23 years old and and parts of it starting to break down including the sewers and inmate showers, Stammitti and his staff told commissioners during budget hearings this month.

He also has fewer road deputies and corrections officers than in the past, and he will need more of those as the population of Lorain County increases. He will also need to replace more cruisers and potentially may need to purchase body-worn cameras for all deputies if federal or state officials demand it.

Lorain County also has one of the lowest sales tax rates in the state, Stammitti said. The sales tax currently is 6.75 percent and will fall to 6.5 percent as of April 1 after the former commissioners rescinded the quarter percent added by a 2-1 vote in 2016.

"Even at our current rate until April, we are at 6.75 (percent), along with 15 other counties," Stammitti wrote. "Even at that rate, we have 70 other counties who have a sales tax higher than our present one, this is out of 88 counties in the state."

"If the current sales tax of 6.75 (percent) comes off April of 2021, we will once again fall into the bottom four in the cellar," he wrote.

Currently, Huron County pays 7.25 percent sales tax, Ashland County pays 7 percent "and people have no real issues shopping in Cuyahoga County which is the highest in the State at 8" percent, Stammitti wrote.

Stammitti said no one wants to pay more taxes "including me," but said he wants services when he needs them, including police and fire "and many other services provided by the county, so the

funding is needed."

"Thinking of putting levies on and attempting to get people to pass them for more property taxes would not go over in this county," he wrote. "People already feel they are paying a lot for property taxes to the schools, college, Children Services, MRDD, MHARS, and more, this would definitely be a hard sell and slim to none to pass," he wrote.

He thanked commissioners for holding budget meetings with every elected official, saying it provides the public with information and "helps everyone understand a little more of what each agency is responsible for and what they actually do."

Stammitti also offered "to take the blame for asking for this so we can keep our Sheriff's Office running with deputies and correction officers, ultimately to keep our communities safe," he wrote.

Commissioners respond One commissioner said Feb. 17 he wouldn't reinstate the sales tax, one said she needed more information and data before making an "informed" decision, and a third said only voters should decide.

Lundy, who voted against imposing the quarter-percent tax increase in 2016 and who voted with Kokoski and Sweda to rescind it on Dec. 16, said Wednesday that he would not vote to reinstate it.

"I would not reinstate it," he said. "I would not reinstate it."

Lundy also said there's "no way" he will support a cut to the Sheriff's Office budget should his fellow commissioners go down that road, "and I don't believe for one minute that we need to go down that road."

Lundy said the Ohio Department of Taxation requires 60 days' notice of a sales tax being approved or imposed to allow notification of vendors to recalculate their equipment.

The sales tax increase "served its purpose," he said.

"It got us through some challenging times," Lundy said, and the new commission having the benefit of a $25 million general fund carryover from 2020 "is starting our year in a strong position."

Saying there is "a lot of political spin taking place" from the two Republican commissioners, Lundy said he doesn't understand how Hung and Moore can accuse Lundy, Kokoski and Sweda of being reckless with the budget by rescinding the sales tax increase when they left the county with $25 million at year's end.

"I don't know how you can use 'reckless spending' and '$25 million carryover' in the same sentence," he said. "I don't understand why (Hung and Moore) want to scream 'fire' in the auditorium when there's no fire. We have to continue to manage the budget in a fiscally prudent and responsible way. I'm not going to apologize for a tax break for the residents of Lorain County. The old sales tax served its purpose. I believe we're in a strong financial position for 2021. That means the new members have to be very fiscally responsible, too."

Hung said she is waiting to receive different budget scenarios from county Budget Director K.C. Saunders to see where the county budget will be in 2021 and that she needs more data to make an informed decision.

"The voting public and residents

expect me to make an informed and educated decision and have all the facts before I would make that decision," she said. "We have to study all the data we're given before we make a decision."

Hung said she believes the county will be in a deficit spending situation this year, as budget expenditures exceed revenue — even with the "$21 million or $25 million carryover as Commissioner Lundy likes to talk about."

"We will be at a burn rate for the next couple of years, because we will be in a deficit situation yearly," she said.

She said she is waiting on figures from county Auditor Craig Snodgrass' office on what county revenue will be, but expects that expenditures will exceed that, cutting into the carryover "and you can only do that for so long," Hung said.

Once she has those numbers, Hung said she will be able to see what the next three years of the county budget will be like, at the very least.

"My issue with the previous board, when they stripped $10 million (by rescinding the sales tax) is that they did not do a five-year projection on what the effect would be," she said. "For me I need to see what the budget numbers will hold."

Moore said he'd prefer to see any potential tax increases be put on the ballot for voters to decide.

"I don't have a problem putting it on the ballot for a vote, but I'm not interested in reinstating a sales tax without a vote," he said.

Commissioners are trying to work within a budget, which Moore called "a living document."

"We've got a hold of it. We're trying to keep spending in line and still provide the services we're supposed to," he said.

"Who knows what's going to happen?

You don't know if we're getting another influx of money from the federal government."

"If we have a good year, great. I think we can do well with what we have now and keep providing the services we're supposed to provide," he said. "I'm looking out for 2022 as we tighten up 2021."

Auditor estimates Auditor Craig Snodgrass said Wednesday his estimate for county sales tax revenue is $26.8 million in 2021.

An additional $900,000 can be expected from Lorain County's share of casino revenues every quarter, totaling an estimated $3.6 million annually.

The county's share of statewide casino receipts for October, November and December was $899,000 as of two weeks ago, Snodgrass said — and that was during pandemic curfew hours, when casinos weren't open around the clock, he noted.

"So we have good numbers," Snodgrass said.

Real estate conveyance fees paid to the county from sales in 2020 were a record $6.2 million, he said. Those collections in January this year were $400,000 or more than double what was received in January 2020, Snodgrass said.

"Things have not slowed down in the real estate market, so I think we have room," he said, with the possibility that they will go higher if the real estate market remains brisk.

Snodgrass also is having monthly meetings about the county budget and "I feel comfortable with it, and there's room we'll go up."

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A5

UH building new cancer center in Avon STAFF REPORT

AVON — University Hospitals plans to open a new cancer center this September.

Construction is underway on the campus of the UH Avon Health Center, located near the intersection of Detroit Road and State route 83.

When comeplete, it will be the newest UH Seidman Cancer Center.

The facility will be part of the National Cancer Institutedesignated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University, one of 51 comprehensive cancer centers in the country.

The $31 million, 35,000-square-foot, two-floor facility will offer both radiation

oncology and medical oncology.

Patients who receive care there will get services at the adjacent UH Avon Health Center, including MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, digital mammography and Xrays, plus laboratory services, urgent care and a medically-based fitness center.

Approximately 40 caregivers will be employed at the new site, according to a news release from UH. “Our intent was to create a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, which will provide the residents of Lorain County and surrounding communities leading-edge cancer care close to home,” said Ted Teknos, president of UH Seidman Cancer Center, in a news release. “In addition to medical and radiation oncology services, patients will have access to a vast array

of clinical trials, as well as social work, financial counseling and a myriad of other supportive services.”

UH is using multiple womenowned businesses in the UH Seidman Cancer Center project, including Boss Union Contracting, Nova Structural Steel, H&H Land Clearing, Yerman & Young Painting, Thermotech Insulation and Mars Electric Company.

Additionally, UH is working with the following minorityowned businesses in the project: KLE Construction, Meridian Construction Services, Safeguard Associates and Bidar Construction Company.

According to the news release, UH will also finalize contracts with other minorityowned businesses for flooring materials, landscaping, cleaning and more.

Provided image

This rendering shows what a new University Hospitals cancer treatment center in Avon will look like. Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield roundly criticized the decision this weekend, saying UH did not mention it will be closing its cancer center in his city and divesting from a partnership there with Mercy Health.

Toni Morrison essayists explore effects of the pandemic JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST TWP. — Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, who grew up in Lorain, often drew on the ordinary details of extraordinary people's lives.

Twelve young essayists have been awarded for using the same approach to reflect on the people and places that have sustained them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Toni Morrison Scholars were named last week by the Community Foundation of Lorain County.

They are Abigail Clayton of Elyria High School, Ezra Jones of St. Paul Lutheran, Alena Aguayo of Ashland University, Jay Kuznar of General Johnnie

Wilson Middle School in Lorain, Alissa Van Dress of Amherst Steele High School, Jeremy Faris of St. Mary’s School, Anna Bak of Nord Middle School in Amherst, Kieshawn Elliott of Lorain High School, Arianna Alysse Buga of Toni Morrison Elementary in Lorain, Tevonte Ammons of General Johnnie Wilson Middle School, Caitlin McComas of Clearview and Zuzanna Citak of Toni Morrison Elementary.

“Toni Morrison is our hometown hero who challenged and inspired people worldwide to share their unique experiences," said Brittany Lovett, marketing and communications officer at the Community Foundation. "It’s our honor to connect the younger generation to her captivating stories while encour-

aging them to create their own.”

The winners were named just ahead of Morrison's birthday, Feb. 18, which in December was dubbed Toni Morrison Day by the Ohio Legislature.

The honor was championed by state Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, and Stephanie Howse, DCleveland, as House Bill 325 and signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine.

The Community Foundation received more than 80 essay submissions from local student writers.

Essays explored the impact of the pandemic in different ways.

For example, Van Dress wrote about the thrill of winning second place at the state cheerleading competition the day before the abrupt closure of

schools due to the spread of the virus.

"During the peak of lockdown, I decided to do some soul searching," she wrote. "In my pursuit, I discovered that self-love and self-care was the nourishment required during this time. As I focused on my well-being, I invested my time pursuing my passion of writing. Writing filled me with gratification and security. In the moment of chaos, my thoughts were collected and still."

Clayton wrote about the malaise that set in early in the pandemic. She struggled with a lack of motivation, and realized she wasn't exercising or eating healthy — just lying down all day.

"I felt my relationship with God fading away,"

Small sign of progress against COVID For the first time in months, not all of Ohio’s 88 counties are considered high-incidence for new COVID-19 cases, according to data presented in Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s coronavirus news briefing Feb. 18.

Vinton County has dropped to 99.4 new cases per 100,000

population over the last two weeks, just under the threshold of 100 per 100,000 to be highincidence according to guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vinton County is the least populous in Ohio, with U.S. Census Bureau data showing

she recalled. "At the start of COVID, when it wasn’t that big of a deal, I was going to church every Sunday and the other programs held during the week. But when COVID kept getting worse, the church was closed, we eventually started having it live, but it wasn’t the same. I missed seeing and interacting with people, and all of a sudden, I couldn’t."

Ammons wrote of learning his grandmother had contracted COVID, calling it "one of my most appalling memories" from the past year.

"I was petrified. I didn’t know what would happen and if she would be OK. It was a big shock to the family," Ammons wrote.

"My grandmother has always been the one to spoil me and make me happier

even during my saddest times. Not seeing her was hard and it worried me. ...

Thankfully, she lived to see 2021."

Established last year, the Lorain County Toni Morrison Essay Contest for Young People sought to harness the late author's energy, creativity and initiative.

The contest is a collaborative effort between the African American Community Fund, Community Foundation, Lorain Historical Society, Lorain Public Library System, Lorain County Alliance of Black School Educators, Lorain County Urban League and Lorain County Section of National Council of Negro Women.

To read the winning essays, visit www.people whocare.org.

Historical society fundraiser that just over 13,000 people live there.

Lorain County has the 17thhighest incidence rate, with 308.2 cases per 100,000 population over the previous two weeks, as of Thursday.

Brown County has the highest, at 442.1 per 100,000.

A drive-thru fundraiser dinner to benefit the Amherst Historical Society will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 20 at Pogie’s Clubhouse, 150 Jefferson St., Amherst.

Residents can drive up to be served at the curbside. The menu includes boneless lemon herb grilled chicken breast and smoked pork, au gratin potatoes, buttered baby carrots, side salad and roll.

Tickets are $20, with presale online. The deadline is March 14.

For tickets, call (440) 864-4654 or (440) 988-7555. You can also pay

by Venmo at AHS-113 (8514) or order at www.pogiescatering.com.

-Advertorial-

Local Business Spotlight: Gutter Cover Co. Jim Carbone Elyria’s Gutter Cover Company

Gutter Protection products have many different designs, but the goal has always been the same- Keep the Leaves out and let the rainwater in.

Here are some strategic details to look for when choosing a gutter cover and who to call to install it. A good gutter cover needs to perform in certain areas in order to be successful: • Must allow debris like small leaves, needles, spinners, seedpods and roof shingle grit to naturally slide off the cover.

• Must handle heavy amounts of rainwater without overflowing.

• Must be wind resistant and strong enough not to “cavein” under heavy snow loads.

• Must not require any trips up the ladder to maintain performance.

• Cannot have vertical openings like screens or filters that can clog easily.

Don’t be fooled…All screens can clog!

The Gutter Cover Company has been installing Gutter Topper for almost 23 years.

Gutter Topper is proudly manufactured right here in Ohio and made to withstand our wicked weather. It is a smooth, solid aluminum cover that has no holes or gaps on top. A sloped, self-shedding design prevents spinners, pine needles, shingle grit or

seedpods from clogging the gutter. Gutter Topper can handle heavy downpours of up to 22 inches of rain per hour and 110 mph winds. It also features a lifetime transferable performance warranty. Many competing gutter guards require full replacement of both gutters and downspouts.

Gutter Topper installs over your existing gutters, and each installation includes cleaning, tightening, resealing and properly aligning your gutters. New seamless gutters are also available.

The Gutter Cover Company also offers a safe and effective way to stop big icicles and ice damming. An optional add-on product called Heater Cap can be installed with or without Gutter Topper that gently heats the gutter area with a self-regulated heat cable. Heater Cap can be installed on most existing gutter covers.

Hiring the right company to install the cover correctly is very important. The Gutter Cover Company has a proven track record of success in Northeast Ohio and the locals have been referring their friends and neighbors for years.

“Our company takes pride in solving gutter problems the right way. Our product, experience and attention to detail really make us stand out from the big box stores and other competitors. Free estimates are always punctual and

professional, but still friendly and casual.” -Jim Carbone, Owner You can reach The Gutter Cover Company at 440-3660688 or 1-800-335- 4367.

View short videos of Gutter

Topper and Heater Cap at: www.gutterguard1.com.

The Gutter Cover Company is your locally owned and operated source for the ultimate in gutter protection.

Schedule a free estimate by March 25, 2021, and receive a $400 discount on Gutter Topper or Heater Cap when you mention this story.

Additional discounts available for seniors and veterans.

Jim Carbone is the owner of Elyria’s Gutter Cover Company,

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Heat Available For Open Gutters & Most Existing Gutter Covers

Page A6

Lorain County Community Guide

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Adams: Ballot drop boxes should be based on population JASON HAWK EDITOR

SHEFFIELD TWP. — Ballot drop boxes should be available to voters based on population, not limited to one per county, according to Lorain County Board of Elections Director Paul Adams.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose doubled down on his one-per-county order last week, despite a 2020 court ruling that he has the power to allow more.

Adams said the move caught him by surprise, since LaRose already had a standing order of one ballot drop box per county — typically, those rules stand until the secretary of state decides to reverse them.

Speculating, Adams said it's possible LaRose is signaling that the Ohio Legislature should weigh in on how many drop boxes can be used.

In October and November, ballot drop boxes played a big role in the high-stakes presidential election. They allowed voters to safely take part in the democratic process during both the pandemic a U.S. Postal Service slowdown.

Many larger counties were swamped with drop-offs, including Lorain County, which is the ninth most populous in Ohio.

Adams said it's "not necessarily fair" for the state's largest and smallest counties to each have one ballot drop box.

For example, Cuyahoga County, at the top of the list, had 888,556 registered voters as of November, while Vinton County, the smallest in Ohio, had just 8,627.

"To me, it does make logical sense that you have more, and (LaRose) is on record stating that," said Adams.

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It would take time to order, receive and install more drop boxes with appropriate security in place to prevent tampering, he said. So if the situation changes and additional drop boxes can be added, it needs to happen well ahead of a major election, he said.

The May primary isn't expected to be major in any sense of the word. Turnout will be low, since many communities in Lorain County won't have any issues or candidates on the ballot.

Adams said drive-thru ballot drop-offs, also piloted due to the unprecedented pressures of 2020, will be allowed by the state.

The Lorain County Board of Elections is likely to permit them in May, but the question has to go to a vote.

Adams said the board was "pleased with the way drive-thrus worked in November" and thinks it will at least choose to use them in place for larger elections.

They may also have to be used if another wave of COVID cases comes in the spring as new, more contagious variants of the virus spread, he said.

Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell has expressed concerns such a wave will hit in late March or early April — a time frame that could have heavy implications for the primary election.

At the very least, the Board of Elections plans to have plexiglass shields, sanitizer stations, a mask mandate and frequent voting machine wipe-downs in place this spring, said Adams.

For now, it appears there will be sufficient volunteers to help run the polls in May, he said. But that could also change based on how new COVID variants take root, which has Adams wary.

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Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

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Provided photo

Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely delivers the keynote address during the Police Academy graduation Feb. 12 at Lorain County Community College.

LCCC Police Academy graduates 18 new cadets ELYRIA — A crop of 18 cadets graduated Friday, Feb. 12 from the Lorain County Community College Police Academy.

“As you graduate today, you join the elite ranks of the hundreds of LCCC Police Academy graduates who came before you," said college President Marcia Ballinger. "Completing this program is an immense accomplishment in any year, but it must be noted that you took on this challenging program during a global pandemic. Through it all, you not only adapted, but you thrived.”

To reach graduation, cadets completed more than 750 hours, or nearly 19 work weeks.

The academy is one of the most rigorous in the state, according to LCCC. Commander Richard Thomas said that's intentional, designed so only the best future officers will rise to the top.

“Collectively, you are the embodiment of all that is right and good with this country and its youth,” he told graduates.

Among the graduates was Jim Ferment, 54, the oldest cadet in the group and class

president.

“What brought me to the academy is what brought us all here — a desire and want to serve our community and to serve others. No matter our ages, the desire to serve is the same,” Firment said.

He plans to find a part-time position in a local police department while he continues his position as vice president at Joe Firment Chevrolet.

“As you leave this academy, you will be called upon to set the standard in your community for safety, health and good behavior," Ballinger told the graduates.

"I know that each of you will wear your badge with dignity, while bringing safety and security to the communities you serve."

The academy at LCCC began in 2002 and more than 600 cadets have successfully completed the program.

The majority of those 600 graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio.

For more information about the LCCC Police Training Academy, visit www. lorainccc.edu/police.

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• Jan. 31 at 1:09 a.m.: Larry Fisher II was charged with criminal trespass after a complaint at Speedway Gas on Route 58.

• Feb. 2 at 2:05 a.m.: Morgan Smith, 26, of Lorain, was served with a warrant through the Amherst Police Department.

The original charges were petty theft and possession of criminal tools.

• Feb. 3 at 5:56 p.m.: Officers investigated a possible breaking and entering on Terra Lane. The house was not entered, but there were footprints leading to every window in the house, a report said. Another Terra Lane home was also targeted; police found a window screen ripped open.

• Feb. 3 at 10:09 p.m.: A fraud complaint was filed.

• Feb. 3 at 10:47 p.m.: Michael Corrado, 41, of Elyria, was arrested on charges of aggravated menacing and domestic violence through the Elyria Police Department.

• Feb. 4 at 2:22 p.m.: A 72-year-old woman died of natural causes at an Orchard Hill Drive residence.

• Feb. 5 at 5:16 p.m.: A man stole a 2019 Dodge Caravan off the lot at Spitzer Chevrolet on Route 58 after requesting a test drive. The suspect was described as a black male in his late 50s or early 60s. Police searched but did not find the vehicle.

• Feb. 5 at 10:45 p.m.: Officers responded to a fight between two men over money at a Jackson Street home. The report was forwarded to the city prosecutor for review.

• Feb. 6 at 1:04 a.m.: A person experiencing a mental health episode was taken from Motel 6 to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital.

• Feb. 6 at 7:12 p.m.: Jewelia Houghtland, 19, of Amherst, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

B

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

CELEBRATING FAT TUESDAY

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Making paczki has been a 38-year tradition for Kiedrowski’s Simply Delicious Bakery, and last week’s snow storm didn’t stop the Fat Tuesday crowd from getting its fix. Owners Tim and Terri Kiedrowski plan to fry more than 800 dozen paczki this year at the Cooper Foster Park Road business in Amherst. ◄ Olivia Schmitz carries a tray of paczki to be served to customers.

Here’s how the process goes down: ► David Dix balls the dough that will soon be made into paczki.

▲ Mike Kiedrowski places trays of freshly fried paczki onto a bakers rack. Then they’re filled and powdered... ▼ ... and ready for Joan Triffelliti to box up for customers.

Beginning of the end for snow days?

JASON HAWK EDITOR

The time-tested tradition of the snow day is on its last legs, Wellington High School teacher Dave Conklin predicted back in November, as an explosion of COVID-19 cases forced students to learn from home.

"It may be bittersweet, but it is a reality," he said.

A powerful winter storm that dumped six inches on the region Tuesday, Feb. 16 put his theory to the test.

While most Lorain County school districts “It’s going to canceled classes, Lorain be different. and North Ridgeville This pandemic chose another approach.

Already versed in has caused a remote learning nearly a lot of things year into the pandemic, their students went virtual to change, to ride out the storm. and to be "Just because is snows, doesn't mean they can't questioned.” be working," said Lorain David Hall Schools CEO Jeff GraSuperintendent, ham.

Oberlin City Schools He said conditions outside made it unsafe for students to travel to school. Instead, teachers ran classes in real time throughout the day, broadcasting lessons by video.

"It's something we've been practicing for during these goofy COVID times," Graham said.

The decision to continue teaching, even while school doors were closed, was an easy one, he said — and one he intends to make again.

Pandemic or not, the Ohio Department of Education still requires students in full-day kindergarten through sixth grade to complete 910 hours, and 1,001 hours for older children in grades seven to 12.

Lorain Schools got a late start in the fall, and is tight on hours, Graham said.

North Ridgeville Schools Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio said she was torn over letting kids SNOW DAYS PAGE B2

McCormick debt refinancing will save $3M in taxes JASON HAWK EDITOR

Being Black and Jewish in America JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Raised by his Jewish mother and Black Gentile father in Arizona, Yonason Perry grew up straddling two worlds.

His earliest upbringing was not deeply religious.

"Growing up, I was more connected to my father's culture. They had been more welcoming than my mother's culture in the beginning," Perry told members of Oberlin College's Chabad group in a virtual talk Monday, Feb. 15.

As part of a Black History Month series, students and alumni listened intently as Perry, now a rabbi living in Los Angeles, talked about his experiences with racism and acceptance.

"We talk so much about the length and breadth of the Jewish community and

the diversity we have," but don't always hear from Jews of color, said Rabbi Shlomo Elkan, who leads Chabad at Oberlin.

Perry said as a kid he had negative run-ins with police.

He was stopped for walking in his own neighborhood, and was treated more harshly than others because of the color of his skin, he said.

At a young age, Perry got "the talk" from his father: "These people will kill you and nothing will happen to them," he was told.

Perry said he has known people of color killed by police. Today, he still gets nervous "for no rational reason" whenever he sees officers on patrol.

At 19, Perry was introduced to Chabad and found immediate acceptance. The Black community is "very much about authenticity," he said — when he steeped

Yonason Perry himself in study of the Torah, Black peers were supportive.

The same couldn't always be said of the Jewish community. Perry said he remembers being laughed at, and told to prove he was Jewish.

Chabad, though, provided unquestioning acceptance.

Antisemitism reared its head at university, said Perry, who did not attend

Oberlin College. He said he felt more discrimination at that level than anywhere else.

There is still tension with some blood relatives over his identity, he told students.

America, said Perry, is often described as a melting pot where cultures meld together. That hasn't always worked out — the nation's history is marred by segregation, and still struggles with what it means to appreciate what makes cultures unique.

America should be about celebrating each other's cultures, he said, not being colorblind.

"God made us all different for a reason," said Perry.

His request to students: Be kind to everyone, and "a light unto the nations."

Perry said Jewish people are called to be good, to be compassionate to others and to foster unity wherever they go.

WELLINGTON — Investors scrambled to buy up Wellington Schools bonds earlier this month, handing local taxpayers an unexpected $3 million victory.

Capitalizing on low interest rates, Treasurer Mark Donnelly convinced the Board of Education in late 2020 to refinance nearly $10 million of its debt tied to the construction of McCormick Middle School.

He estimated in October that the move — which is just like refinancing a home mortgage — could save taxpayers about $100,000 per year.

Wellington hit the market at exactly the right time on Feb. 4, Donnelly said. Investors requested $27 million in bonds.

That means that instead of seeing a conservative $2.5 million in savings over the life of the debt, property owners in the district will see a reduction of $3 million.

The school district itself won't get an extra penny.

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Page B2

Lorain County Community Guide

Parade of Flags: Kiwanis wants to raise playground repair funds JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — A red, white and blue "Parade of Flags" is what the Kiwanis Club has in mind as the village of Wellington celebrates 2021's patriotic holidays.

It's offering to provide and install 3-by-5-foot American flags for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Sept. 11 and Veterans Day — club members will take down and store the flags between each.

"Small towns, when you drive through on certain holidays you see flags posted in everybody's yards.

That's what we're trying to

“It would be great to see a lot of people flying the flag, especially since this past year has been so politically divisive.”

Jenny Arntz, Main Street Wellington director do," said organizer Jennifer Post.

The goal is two-fold: First, Kiwanis wants to boost community spirit.

"It might help people to feel a little more connected, a little more patriotic," said Main Street Wellington Director and Kiwanis member Jenny Arntz. "It would be great to see a lot of people flying the flag, especially since this past year has been so politically divisive."

The second goal is to raise funds to renovate and upgrade Wellington's playgrounds.

The Wellington Recreational Park on Johns Street and Westwood Elementary School on Union Street both have playground equipment badly in need of repairs, Arntz said.

Kiwanis is also eyeing plans to eventually build a small playground at Union School Park, where the

former McCormick Middle School stood until December 2015.

Post said the Kiwanis Club has a big focus on children, and "kids are the heart of our community. Playgrounds are a place for kids, and they make our town seem more alive."

The cost to order a flag and setup and take-down service is $30. Email wellingtonkiwanis@yahoo. com, or look for the order form to be posted soon on the Kiwanis Club of Wellington's Facebook page.

The goal is to sell at least 100 flags, which would raise $3,000, Post said — but she hopes the community orders many more, saturating Wellington in patriotic colors.

Council buys Vine Street house to get at falling Plum Creek retaining wall JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Buying and tearing down an old house next to Plum Creek will clear the way for extensive repairs where a retaining wall has already fallen into the water.

In an emergency vote, Oberlin City Council fast-tracked a $15,000 purchase agreement last week for 13 East Vine St. It's located just off South Main Street, a stone's throw from City Hall.

"This property has been a code enforcement concern of ours for probably at least the last four years," said city Planning Director Carrie Handy.

She said half of a retaining wall has eroded and slid into the creek.

The sign of the former Puffer's Floral Shoppe there also tumbled into the

water a couple of years ago.

KMA Oberlin LLC bought the property in February 2020 for $35,280. Handy said the company is not interested in making costly repairs to the retaining wall, which KS Associates estimates at between $50,000 and $100,000.

It asked the city to buy the land for half the $30,000 market value assessed by the Lorain County Auditor's Office.

Demolition of the tiny house there will cost between $15,000 and $20,000 depending on whether asbestos is found, estimated Handy and Oberlin Code Administrator Chris Yates in a memo to Council.

Law Director Jon Clark said acquiring the land "makes sense" since it would give Oberlin workers legal access to the retaining wall and the nearby Vine Street bridge, which

is also beginning to show signs of deterioration.

City Manager Rob Hillard said the bridge will need repaired "someday."

It's not on Oberlin's list of 2021 capital projects.

KMA Oberlin LLC could go the cheapest route to fix the problem, "which is essentially dumping a bunch of riffraff into the creek," he said — but that wouldn't be a good option.

Clark said Oberlin officials could make the retaining wall repairs and assess the amount on the owner's property tax bill. The chances the city would ever recover the cost, which far exceeds the land value, are remote, he said.

He predicted that, if Council passed on the purchase, the land would eventually fall into the city's hands through foreclosure.

8. Choir member 9. Hammer part 10. Blunder 12. Sad, to mademoiselle 13. Radio studio sign 14. *Mid-major school that’s become major powerhouse 19. Kind of ray 22. Is no longer 23. Arabian sailing vessels 24. Restart from seed 25. Uncredited actor 26. The Wise Men 27. Acting as a prompter 28. Snow impression 29. Eric Heiden’s “shoe” 32. *Oklahoma State’s super freshman ____ Cunningham 33. Mixed breed puppy

36. *2021 NCAA Tournament location 38. What Edward Scissorhands does 40. Stout relative 41. Dream big 44. Ancient Celtic priest 46. Water nymphs 48. Fuzzy fruit, pl.

49. Deflect 50. Sanders’ campaign slogan “Feel the ____” 51. “National Velvet” author Bagnold 52. Expunge 53. Fail to mention 54. Scotia preceder 55. School-related org.

58. Liquor store pony

MARCH MADNESS ACROSS 1. Theories 5. T in Greek 8. Tarzan’s mom, e.g.

11. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, e.g.

12. Ingredient in talcum powder 13. Spectator 15. 5,280 feet 16. Tiny river 17. Note taker 18. *Last NCAA basketball winner 20. Any day now 21. Antiquarian’s concern, pl.

22. Diana Ross and Michael Jackson movie, with The 23. Saw a nightmare 26. Caribbean rattles 30. Witch’s spell 31. Flocked-to destinations 34. Goo or slime 35. Plural of ostium 37. Leo mo.

38. Eurasian goat-like antelope 39. Showing signs of use 40. “Yo, ____!”

42. *Nothing but it 43. Wrap a baby 45. *____-elimination 47. Outrage 48. Fraternity K 50. One of the Bridges 52. *____ 1 schools only 55. ____less but pennywise 56. Decanter 57. In a frenzy 59. Threesome 60. Turkish monetary unit, plural 61. Dumpy establishment 62. Common conjunction 63. New York time 64. Male deer Down 1. Singular of #1 Across 2. Rikers Island weapon 3. Burkina Faso neighbor 4. Himalayan mountaineer 5. Tarnish 6. “____ ____ fair in love and war” 7. *School with most NCAA basketball titles

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

International Festival canceled

The Lorain International Association board has announced the cancellation of the 2021 International Festival and Bazaar.

It anticipates the annual festival’s return in 2022, marking the 54th Lorain International Festival and Bazaar.

“As much as we wanted to move forward this summer, the focus had to be on keeping our members, volunteers, and community safe,” board President Christopher Rewak wrote in a statement.

The festival was also canceled in 2020.

It is normally held in late June.

SNOW DAYS

FROM B1 experience "the joy or a true snow day," but also had state requirements for hours in mind.

"We also have shortened school days. So we don't have a lot of wiggle room," she said.

North Ridgeville students had to "go" to school, but didn't have to log on at any certain time, didn't have to touch base with teachers and were still allowed to play in the snow, Ramsey-Caserio said.

The day was asynchronous, meaning students were expected to "post meaningful work," get reading done and hit goals at their own pace.

"They didn't need to get up. They didn't need to set up an alarm," Ramsey-Caserio said.

She took a beating from angry parents over the decision.

Some wanted live instruction throughout the day and others who wanted kids to have the day off completely.

"There's still something to be said for having the opportunity for a snow day as a kid," she said. But with state regulations hanging over her head, it wasn't a possibility this time.

The Oberlin City Schools were among the many who chose to take the traditional snow day route.

Superintendent David Hall said it would have been difficult and dangerous for his teachers to travel to school to get materials they'd need to run classes remotely.

Hall said his decision to cancel was finalized when Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti, alarmed by blowing and drifting snow, issued a Level 2 travel advisory.

Hall isn't ruling out trying either the Lorain or North Ridgeville models in the future. He said the pandemic is unlike anything educators have dealt with before, and Oberlin, like other districts, is feeling its way along.

The way calamity days work is almost certain to change as technology connects students and teachers more strongly than ever, Hall said.

"It's going to be different. This pandemic has caused a lot of things to change, and to be questioned," he said.

"Are we looking at no time off during snow days? Fewer snow days? It's going to be interesting to see how it evolves."

REFINANCE

FROM B1 Instead, Donnelly said the savings will lower property tax bills by $9 or $10 per year for every $100,000 of home valuation.

That might not sound like a lot, but it's an extra $466.33 residents can pocket over time.

"Those are dollars the taxpayers keep in their pockets and are spent locally in Wellington... instead of going to some investor in New York or LA," Donnelly said.

School board President Brett Murner praised the new treasurer, hired in 2020, for bringing a money-saving plan to the table.

Restructuring the debt wasn't a step the Wellington Schools had to do, he said, but it was a wise suggestion.

"The rates are down, and if you have debt, you can restructure that debt and pay way less in interest," he said.

While they aren't typically high-yield, municipal bonds are highly desirable among investors, said Donnelly.

That's because they are stable. Moody's issued the Wellington district an A1 issuer rating and Aa2 enhanced rating on Feb. 2 because of its "solid financial position supported by healthy reserves, which are expected to remain stable over the near term," and expectations of low fixed costs.

Improved enrollment in the Wellington Schools and better incomes for local residents could improve the rating even more, Moody's reported.

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

SPORTS

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B3

Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Printed as space is available.

Two new head coaches will join the Phoenix FOR THE NEWS-TRIBUNE

OBERLIN — Two new head coaches have been announced to helm Phoenix varsity programs.

Jeremy Leyva will lead the baseball team and Felicia Sanchez will lead the volleyball program.

“Throughout their careers, both coaches have demonstrated a passionate

commitment, knowledge of the game and experience to potentially bring our programs to the next level," Athletic Director John Carter said.

Leyva is a graduate of Ashland University and an intervention specialist at Hamilton Elementary in Elyria.

He arrives in Oberlin after serving five seasons as Lorain High School’s junior varsity baseball coach

in addition to serving on Lorain’s football and girls basketball coaching staffs.

Leyva’s first love is the game of baseball and his dream has always been to coach baseball like his grandfather, Albert Leyva.

“I am very excited to become a part of the Oberlin Phoenix community and family,” he said.

Sanchez is a graduate of Lindsey Wilson College and a high school

BACKYARD BATTLE

science teacher of 17 years, with the last four years at Amherst Steele High School, which is her alma mater.

She comes to Oberlin after serving three years as the head JV volleyball coach at Steele, and more than a decade of club coaching experience.

“I am looking forward to this new journey at Oberlin and cannot wait to get started,” Sanchez said.

Jeremy Leyva

Felicia Sanchez

OVERTIME VICTORY

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

The Dukes dismantled their neighboring rivals, the Black River Pirates, 5730 in conference action Saturday at home. ABOVE: Wellington’s Savannah Gundert and Black River’s Riley Kubitz battle for the ball. BELOW: Black River's Ashley Kalman gets a shot in the paint at Wellington.

A Caden Bomback layup was the icing on the cake Feb. 18 as Firelands topped Vermilion 65-61 in overtime. The Sailors suffered a slow start, behind 16-9 after one quarter, but by the half had recovered and continued to threaten the slim Firelands lead. Matt Saegert led all scorers with 25 for Vermilion, and had backup from teammate Jack Wells with 12. The Falcons were kept aloft by Mitchell Hodges with a team high 17 points, 15 more from Bomback and 11 from Alex Angle, whose defense was arguably the more important contribution. ABOVE: Vermilion's Saegert takes a shot while guarded by Firelands' Mitchell Hodges.

COMETS WIN 1-0

Thomas Fetcenko | Chronicle

Amherst's Aidan Brattoli takes the puck down the ice while defended by Avon Lake's Matt Tomaselli on Friday. After laying into Shoremen goalie AJ Jagels all day — the Comets blasted him with 29 shots — Nick Ciura capitalized on an assist from Nathan Harmych to score with 3:46 remaining in the third period. Amherst goalie Brady Grove had 23 saves in the 1-0 shutout.

Comets indoor track and field shows off at All-Star Championships The Comets competed at the NEOITC All-Star Championships this weekend.

For the girls: • Chaley Younkin placed second in the high jump with a height of 5 feet. The was also fourth in the hurdles with a time of 9.54 seconds.

• The 4x200 relay team of Alanna Woodworth, Megan Ciura, Chaley Younkin and Ella Baker placed seventh with a time of 1:53.10.

• Catherine Turner placed eighth in the 800 meters with a time of 2:28.18.

• Justine Prete placed eighth in the pole

vault with a 7-foot 6-inch clearance.

For the boys: • Brad Gregory placed fourth in the weight throw at 48 feet 10 inches.

• The 4x800 relay team of Jacob Farley, Sebastian Pecora, Devin Ramirez and Cael Walker placed fifth with a 8:39.43 finish.

• Luke Bowlsby placed sixth in the 3,200-meter race with a time of 10:05.47.

• The 4x400 relay team of Devin Ramirez, Isaac Davis, Seyveon Plaza and Jacob Farley placed sixth with a time of 3:36.32.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 FEBRUARY 25, 2021 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live MARCH 1, 2021 ..............PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION – 4:30 P.M. MARCH 1, 2021 ...............REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 7:00 P.M. MARCH 2, 2021 ..............HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION – 5:15 P.M. MARCH 3, 2021 ..............PLANNING COMMISSION – 4:30 P.M. NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

Page B4

Oberlin HS eSports still alive and well FOR THE NEWS-TRIBUNE

OBERLIN — Computer chairs sit empty, headsets are going unused. The sound of the fervent clicking of keys on a keyboard is a distant echo.

COVID-19 may have changed the landscape of our schools, but it has not stopped the Oberlin Phoenix eSports program.

Oberlin is in its fifth year of participating in the eSports arena’s “League of Legends'' competitions for high school.

Under the supervision of Oberlin High School science teacher Jason Craigo, the team started competing during the 2016-2017 school year, with a handful of interested students.

What brought the players to the screen was a national news story featuring college scholarships for players of the massively popular video game "League of Legends."

Today, more than 300 colleges and universities

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

have teams for various video games like "Rocket League," "Super Smash Brothers" and "Overwatch."

And just like traditional sports, eSports teams practice and prepare for competitions.

“Strategy, personal skill, game knowledge and team cooperation are all necessary to be an effective 'League of Legends' team,” Craigo said.

In an effort to compete and promote eSports across Ohio, Oberlin has joined esportsohio.org.

The group supports competitions in a variety of electronic games, and has the support and activity of about 20 colleges and recruiters from across the state, Craigo said.

Of those colleges, Tiffin University and the University of Akron both have hosted championships for high school players.

The group hosts two competitions every school year — one in the fall and another in the spring.

Through the support of

SEESAW VICTORY Joe Colon | Amherst News-Times

Opening with 11 unanswered points, Amherst topped Firelands 57-51 on Saturday. The Falcons' Jackson Talbott didn't make it easy — he led his team back into the mix after a disastrous first quarter to trail by just two at the half.

After sinking a trey to give the Falcons a brief 27-26 lead in the third period, Talbott ended the night with 20 points, leading all scorers. Firelands' Mitchell Hodges and Alex Angle each chipped in 11. Free throws made all the difference in the final minutes, as Amherst ran up its narrow lead to secure victory.

George Gotsis had a team high 16 points for the Comets. Torre Weatherspoon kicked in 12 and Jordan Koury had 10. Ty Weatherspoon looks to score.

grants and some tech levy help, Craigo has been able to make a small eSports lab in his classroom where students can work together and compete.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students are participating from home this season.

“This has limited the team slightly, as not every student has a computer or internet connectivity that can support gameplay,” Craigo said. “In past years, the team has been home to an average of 15 students for the five-player team. With the increase of students, I have instituted a junior varsity squad as well as the varsity group. It can be a lot to try to manage, but eSports can be a place to belong for some of the nontraditional athletes.”

The Oberlin team is scheduled to compete again this spring with more than 80 schools across the state.

“Oberlin has, and will continue, to represent strongly in these competitions with skill and sportsmanship,” Craigo said.

COACH SHAW CLASSIC

Provided photo

These computers were purchased with grant money for use in the eSports lab at Oberlin High School.

Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times

The Comets doubled up on Keystone early Friday night and never looked back. Amherst strutted away with a lopsided 76-53 win in the first Coach Shaw Classic, honoring the late Larry Shaw, who coached both teams during his 51-year career. George Gotsis put up an incredible 24 points by capitalizing on a slew of Wildcats turnovers, with Ty Weatherspoon cruising just behind him to 22. Ryan Walsh was the shining star for Keystone, racking up 21 points, with 12 more from Rocky Houston and 10 from Christian Pataky. ABOVE: Amherst's George Fayer moves with the ball under pressure from Keystone's Ryan Walsh.

COMETS BRIEFS Girls Basketball

• Kayla Ferancy carried the Comets with 22 points in a 50-41 overtime win Feb. 19 in OHSAA tournament action.

Hosting Bedford, the Comets opened 14-3 and racked up a 26-10 halftime lead.

A disastrous fourth quarter went 16-4 in Bedford's favor, as Aniyah Carey (11 points) led her team in a comeback that resulted in extra time.

Girls Bowling

• The Comets finished the season with an undefeated 17-0 record, following a Feb. 17 win over Keystone.

Sabrina Stawicki led the Comets with a 413 series (169, 244). Other scorers included Makayla Velasquez with 388 (173, 215), Allison Taylor with 369 (173, 196), Hannah Aschenbach with 349 (168, 181) and Rachel McDerment with 299 (131, 168).

Keystone was led by Jessica Gerhardinger with a 385 series (210, 175), Makayla Ortiz with 384 (201, 183) and Erin Yates with 351 (186, 165).

Boys Bowling

• Amherst defeated Keystone in the last match of the season to finish at 15-1.

Logan Stewart led the Comets with a 426 series (233, 193). Other scorers were Antonio Rodriguez with 392 (180, 212), Chandan Weinsier with 349 (154, 195) and Zachary Zakrajsek with 346 (176, 170). JP Gregory rolled a 138 and Thomas Heider bowled a 221.

Keystone’s Jacob Haun rolled a 346 series (174, 172) to lead the Wildcats.

Belak going to state

Comets junior Ethan Belak has earned his third straight trip to the Division I state diving meet.

He finished fourth last Thursday at the Northwest district meet, held at Fremont Ross High School, scoring 400.30 in the 11-dive competition.

Belak finished fifth at districts last year, and then 18th at the state meet with a score of 222.10.

As a freshman, he placed 21st in Ohio.

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

OVERTIME DEFEAT

Page B5

MUSTANGS WIN

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Mitchell Wiley nailed a three-pointer with 34 seconds left to push the Open Door Patriots to an 81-78 overtime win over Black River on Saturday. After trading off the lead more than a dozen times in regulation, the Pirates held a tenuous 72-69 lead with 5 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The Patriots' Gavin Dobbins hit a trey to send the game into extra time, but later fouled out, ending the night with a massive 31 points to his name. Jaiden HowardGuerra ran up the Black River total with 20 more, Caleb Brooks contributed 13 and Kevan Ford added 12. Peter Jeske led the Pirates point parade with 22, followed by Cayden Hinderman-Powell with 20 and 10 more from Logan Clifford. LEFT: Black River's Peter Jeske gets the reverse layup to fall against Open Door.

WINNING STREAK ENDS

Tuslaw defeated the Dukes 5323 in playoff action Feb. 17 in Stark County. ABOVE: Wellington's Tori Paramore tries to drive past Tuslaw's Brook Stookey.

LEFT: The Dukes’ Amanda Spiekerman moves with the ball at Tuslaw.

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

All good things must come to an end, and the Middies made sure that happened to Oberlin on Feb. 17, putting the brakes on the Phoenix's seven-game winning streak.

Led by Nyco Vdal with 32 points, Midview held off a second half comeback attempt by Oberlin and ran up a 65-56 victory. Tyler Dawson has 16 points and Ryan Runson put up 10 for the Middies. The Phoenix were led by Isaach Thompson with 14 and Ty Locklear with 12. Trajen Chambers contributed 11 more. RIGHT: Davion Witherspoon drives the lane.

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Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

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Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

© 2021 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 37, No. 13

What is Yoga?

In many parts of the country, team sports have been cancelled because of the pandemic. In some places it is hard to play outside because of COVID and/or the weather. But there is one sport you can do in your own home. It’s yoga!

Can you pose like a dog? How about a cat? Maybe a cobra or a butterfly?

Yoga is an ancient form of fitness with poses that help you stretch, relax and get stronger.

The Benefits of Yoga

Research shows yoga has many benefits. Use the code to find out what these are.

These poses can be fun and silly. They are also yoga poses that are good for you!

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Sometimes we feel some really big emotions. Anger, sadness or even happiness make it hard to calm down. Here are some fun breathing games that help calm those big emotions.

Smelling Flowers

Imagine you are smelling a flower, breathing in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth.

Yoga can improve Downward Facing Dog

Have you ever watched a dog when it gets up from resting? It might do this stretch which ancient yogis (people who do yoga) discovered was a good stretch for people, too.

1. Go to your hands and knees and breathe in deeply through your nose.

2. Exhale and stretch your legs and arms so that your bottom is up in the air.

3. Push the ground firmly with your hands. Stretch your legs, bending and straightening your knees very carefully.

Stop if you feel any pain!

4. Return to your hands and knees.

Relax and repeat.

Cat Pose

Move onto your hands and knees. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Round your back and lower your chin to your chest.

Exhale and lower your back and raise your head.

Rest and repeat.

Cobra

Yoga can improve

Bunny Breath

Just like a little bunny in the garden, take three quick sniffs in through your nose, and one long exhale out through the mouth.

Yoga can reduce Pigeon

Bring one leg in front of you so your shin is parallel to the top edge of a wall, draw the other leg behind so your knee is on the ground.

Yoga began in India long ago.

Ancient statues show figures in various yoga poses.

Your back foot can be flat on the ground, or your toes can be tucked under.

No reason to be afraid of this cobra! It is a great yoga pose and stretch.

Hold That Pose!

Place your hands under your shoulders and your forehead on the ground.

Breathe in through your nose and press your hands to the ground while raising your head and shoulders.

Exhale through your mouth and teeth and hiss like a snake.

Lower your body back to the ground.

Relax and repeat.

Concentrate!

Yoga takes concentration. Look at the pictures below. Which ones come from somewhere on this page?

Butterfly

Sit on the floor and bring the soles of your feet together. Let your knees fall outward so your legs look like butterfly wings.

BUTTERFLY SHOULDERS STRETCH IMPROVE BREATH EXHALE COBRA RELAX SNAKE KNEES YOGA POSE CHIN TOES DOG

Pretend to be a snake and hiss.

Inhale deeply through your nose and blow out through your mouth with a soft and low hissing sound.

Bumblebee Breath

No one knows exactly when yoga began. It’s been around for thousands of years. How yoga is practiced has changed over time as different people in different places started doing it. But one thing that people who practice different kinds of yoga agree on is that yoga can improve health and well-being for people of all ages.

Lie down with your belly on the ground.

Snake Breath

Look through the newspaper for a photograph or drawing of an animal or person.

Copy the pose and see how long you can hold it. The sports pages have great challenging poses.

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Sit comfortably and inhale through your nose, keeping your mouth closed. Next, with your mouth still closed, make a humming or buzzing noise (like a bumblebee) as you exhale.

Dragon Fire Breath

Place your fingers under your chin, and as you inhale, raise your elbows as high as you can around your neck and face. On the exhale, lower your elbows back down.

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I M S E L A H X E C

E P R T O V A G O Y

V E Y O R U R B H E

O B U T T E R F L Y

This week’s word:

EXHALE

R R N X E A T A C K

The verb exhale means to breathe out.

M A H G H L A O H E

Peter exhaled a long breath when he heard he had passed the test.

P E I A A K T C L N I T C P O S E N E E

S H O U L D E R S S

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

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

Health News

Look through the newspaper for an article about health. Read the article and then make a list of things that the article says keep people healthy.

ANSWER: It’s a chance for them to paws and reflect.

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

What is your favorite sport or exercise? Write a paragraph describing why you like it.