Lorain County Community Guide - March 12, 2020

COMMUNITY GUIDE

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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, March 12, 2020

BULLETIN BOARD Thursday, March 12 • AMHERST: Spend a spooky evening with “Haunted Lorain County” author Eric Defibaugh at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at the Amherst Public Library.

He will talk about his book and local legends. A signing will follow the presentation. Copies of “Haunted Lorain County” will be available to purchase for $22.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin Public Library board will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at the library.

The meeting is open to the public.

• ELYRIA: Lorain County Resource Fair 2020 will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 North Abbe Rd. The fair is a chance for families to find programs, camps and adaptive sports for their loved ones with special needs. It will feature more than 80 exhibitors with resources for anxiety, ADHD, communication issues, behavior problems, IEP support and social skills deficits for newborn up to 22 years old.

To register, visit www.connectingforkids.org or call 440-570-5908.

There will be free shuttle service, a free pasta dinner and on-site Spanish translation. The event will serve as the kick-off for the new Connecting for Kids Spanish iniative.

• OBERLIN: The Low-Vision Support Group will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Green Room for the group activity “What Do You Know?” All are welcome.

• OBERLIN: Oberlin Branch 3196 of the NAACP will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at the Oberlin Public Library. The Executive Committee meets at the same venue an hour earlier.

The agenda includes developments following up on a recent membership renewal effort, plans for working with allied organizations as requested by the national office and precautionary cancellation of the regional Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institutes because of the novel coronavirus situation.

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 7, Issue 11

Coronavirus forcing voting changes JASON HAWK EDITOR

SHEFFIELD TWP. — Eight polling stations across the county will be moved for primary voters because of coronavirus worries.

A directive handed down Monday by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose bars voting at any residential nursing home facility.

The decision was made after the state's first three cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Cuyahoga

County.

Senior citizens have a higher risk of contracting the disease, which manifests flu-like symptoms but can make it difficult to breathe.

Adams said the order will affect voters who would have gone to The 1907 at Central School in Amherst, Avenbury Lakes Lodge in Avon, The Abbewood in Elyria, Elyria Retirement Community, Wesleyan Village in Elyria, Kendal at Oberlin, O'Neill Healthcare in North Ridgeville and Pioneer Ridge Community

Center in North Ridgeville.

An emergency meeting was called for Wednesday after press time to finalize where affected voters will now have to go. Visit www. chroniclet.com for updated coverage.

Putting a price tag on how much the changes will cost taxpayers is difficult, said Adams. He estimated that moving locations and notifying voters at the last minute will cost at least $23,000.

Because of coronavirus concerns, a large number of people are voting by mail,

he said.

"I would encourage those people who are looking to do that instead of going to a polling location to do so as soon as possible because the window is closing," said Adams.

Saturday is the deadline to request an absentee voter ballot at the board office.

Counters and voting machines are being frequently cleaned with sanitary wipes to prevent the spread of any illness. Hand sanitizer is available to the public, and poll workers are also being instructed to use it heavily.

FAST FIRE RESPONSE

March 12 to 14 • WELLINGTON: The Friends of the Herrick Memorial Library book sale will start with a preview night for members from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.

You can join at the door for a small fee.

The public sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14.

Friday, March 13 • AMHERST: A toddler playtime will be held at 10;30 a.m. on Friday, March 13 at the Amherst Public Library.

No registration is required for this drop-in playtime BULLETIN BOARD PAGE A3

U.S. Postal Service Use Only

Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-329-7000 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday News staff Jason Hawk news@lcnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122 Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

Camden Township, Wakeman and Wellington firefighters quickly extinguished flames that ripped through a house Monday on Gifford Road. No one was hurt. Camden Township Fire Chief Adam Woodrum said crews "knocked it down pretty quickly" after arriving.

Issue 17: LCCC asks for tax increase LAINA YOST THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — Lorain County Community College is working to keep in place the levy it's had since the college's founding in the early 1960s.

Issue 17 is a 2.3-mill levy renewal with an addition, a 0.5-mill increase from the last levy the college put on the ballot. That levy will expire in December.

It is a 10-year operating levy, and it will last through 2030 if passed. The renewal would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $72 a year.

Copyright 2020 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company

The college would receive about $15.6 million per year with its passage.

Tracy Green, vice president of strategic and institutional develop-

ment at LCCC, said college officials never have put a permanent levy on the ballot to stay accountable to the community.

"The majority of this funding keeps us doing what we've done to impact this community and deliver what we've delivered to this community for 57 years," Green said. "It's essential to who we are, our mission and what we've been able to accomplish... We come back to taxpayers and we tell them 'This is what we've done in the last 10 years. Here's what we've accomplished, here's how we've utilized the funding to impact our local LCCC INCREASE PAGE A2

INSIDE THIS WEEK

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

What it is: A 2.3-mill levy renewal with an addition Duration: 10 years How much would it raise: $15.6 million Purpose: To fund LCCC's general operating budget Cost to homeowner: The owner of a $100,000 home will pay about $72 annually

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Public library asks for expansion money • B1

City manager calls for ‘social equity plan’ • C1

Schools pushing hard for a levy to save Westwood • D1

OBITUARIES A2 • CROSSWORD B2 • SUDOKU B2 • CLASSIFIEDS B4 • KID SCOOP C4

Page A2

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Maxine Mary Mann

Rebecca Lynn Brummer

Maxine Mary Mann (nee Sterna), 82, of Amherst, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family Tuesday, March 3, 2020. She was born September 15, 1937, in Amherst, where she lived most of her life.

She married James E. Mann in December of 1955.

He preceded her in death in 2001. First and foremost, Maxine was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as grandma. She nurtured 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was their biggest fan, attending numerous sporting events, concerts and celebrations.

She absolutely loved planning gatherings with her family and friends. Her loving and compassionate heart will be forever imprinted on the hearts and lives of her family.

Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 "and be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

Maxine worked for the Amherst Exempted School District for approximately 30 years in various roles. She also enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. She maintained a large farm and sold produce during the summer with her husband. She was an active member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Amherst, Amherst Garden Club, Senior Citizens of Amherst and an avid volunteer in the community.

She was the loving and devoted mother to Eleanor "Twink" (Terrence) Traster, Margaret "Peggy" (George) Settle, Douglas Mann, Marcia (Joel) Miller and Thomas Mann, all of Amherst. She is survived by her sisters, Virginia (George) Vasci, Shirley (Raymond) Sterk and Sharon (Gary) Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eleanor Sterna and brothers, Robert, John "Jack" and Donald Sterna and great-grandson, Lucas Varady of Texas.

In keeping with Maxine's wishes, the family held a private graveside service and burial at the Brownhelm Cemetery in Vermilion.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter's UCC in Amherst or to cancer research.

For those unable to attend, please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

Rebecca Lynn Brummer, 31, of Grafton Township, joined God in Heaven on Friday, March 6, 2020, at her home following a long hard struggle with her health.

Rebecca never gave up hope that she would overcome the many setbacks she endured over the last five plus years.

She was born September 13, 1988, to Joyce and Mark Brummer in Oberlin.

Rebecca spent her early life attending Firelands Schools, living in Russia Township and at the age of 8, her parents fulfilled one of her early dreams by establishing a farm in Grafton Township. She could have her beloved horse, Gunner with her. There were many days she could be found out riding or just sitting in the barn sharing time with her animals. She brought a variety animal friends there to live throughout the many years she participated in Lorain County 4H. She raised turkeys, a lamb, numerous horses, and even a goat or two. She loved the competition of horse showing above all other things and practiced her western, english and barrel racing skills every 4H show each summer in Lorain County. She was honored to represent 4H as Lorain County's Horsemanship Queen, earn awards at the state level and continued that showing desire with the American Quarter Horse Association. She set her goal of showing at All American Quarter Horse Congress this past October and even though she was very ill she pushed herself and attended with her new horse, Flip. It was an experience she cherished with her mom and daughter, made possible by the support of her dad and fiance.

She graduated from Midview High School, class of 2006 and attended Cuyahoga Community College under the High School College program earning her Associate of Arts degree at the same time. She then enrolled in the RN Nursing Program at LCCC but was unable to complete that degree due to illness. Rebecca worked the whole time she was in high school and college, first as a student volunteer for Ohio State University and the Lorain County CarTeens Program, then as an instructor for that program.

She also managed an area cookie store at the Midway Mall and soon became a traveling district manager for "The Cookie Store". Both experiences enabled her to further her career and she became employed by Ohio Savings Bank, now known as New York Community Bank in management.

In 2013, Rebecca's life changed as she welcomed her beloved daughter, Alexandria into her heart and life. Her focus became Alexandria and establishing a home with her new family. Unfortunately, her health declined after an auto accident and she had to give up many of her cherished activities, especially those with her horses. But on those good days, Rebecca could be found with Alexandria, teaching her the love of horses. She considered that to be one of the most precious gifts she was given and could share with Alex. She was looking forward to Alex and her showing her Quarter horses this summer at AQHA shows and watching Alex become a rider like she was as Terry Eugene Cypher, a child.

51, of Wellington, died Besides her daughter, Alexandria and parents, Mark Monday, March 2, 2020. and Joyce Brummer (nee VanPelt); her niece and nephew, Born on March 6, 1968, in Cora and Nathaniel Pryor; her grandmother, Frances Oberlin, he was the son of Grimmett; her aunt, Debbie Toth (Chris). Rebecca leaves Grant and Patsy Jane (nee Atkinson) Cypher. Terry was her fiance', Lyle Gast to heal their broken hearts and chera lifelong resident of Wellington and a 1987 graduate of ish the memories they have built over a much too short Wellington High School. lifetime with her.

Terry worked for United Airlines. He served briefly in She was preceded in death by her young brother, Mithe U.S. Army before receiving a medical discharge and chael Brummer; grandparents, Carol and Karl Brummer; was a member of the Wellington VFW. Terry's passion grandfather, Mel Grimmett and her uncle, Rick Aites. was racing, he drove stock car and modified race cars, Friends may call Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 11 he especially enjoyed being able to share this love with a.m. until the time of the funeral at 2 p.m. at Hempel his father and his son. When he wasn't racing he enjoyed Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Burial will traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Trisha (nee Timko); children, follow at Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers a memorial Ryan Cypher and Noelle Cypher, both of Wellington; contribution may be made to Huntington Bank for Alexparents, Grant and Patsy Jane Cypher and brother, Jeff andria's educational scholarship fund. Rebecca valued her (Joyce) Cypher of Wellington. education and has instilled in Alex at her young age the Friends and family were received Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main importance of learning.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's St., Wellington. website to share a memory and sign the guest register, Expressions of sympathy may be expressed online at www.hempelfuneralhome.com. www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Terry Eugene Cypher

JUANA RENDON ORTEGA, 82, of Lorain, went home to be with the Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Ames Hospice House in Westlake, following a full and meaningful life. Arrangements are being handled

by Hempel Funeral Home.

JULIA GRACE DAMON (nee Foster), 93, of Lorain, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Anchor Lodge Nursing Home, following a full and meaningful life.

Arrangements are being handled by Hempel Funeral Home.

Cynthia Ann Dede Passing quietly, comfortably and surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, was Cynthia Ann Dede, known to her friends as Cindy. Born June 11, 1935, in Utica, New York to George and Gertrude McNally.

Cindy is survived by her children, the 4 K's, Kevin, Kisten, Keith and Kathleen; her loving companion, Hirschel Kasper; sister, Carolyn Streitwieser; seven grandchildren; two nieces and Hirsch's daughter, Daivia Kasper, who became her own.

Services were held Friday, March 6, 2020, at 11 a.m. at The Cowling Funeral Home in Oberlin with burial following in Westwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in remembrance of Cynthia A. Dede to the Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074.

Online condolences may be made to www.cowling funeralhomeoh.com.

MARGARET BERTHA DOSTALL (nee Socotch), most recently of Welcome Nursing Home in Oberlin, died Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home.

MICHAEL "MIKE" KESTERSON, 46, joined the Lord peacefully while in the arms of his loving wife on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at their home in Elyria, after a courageous three year battle with cancer.

LCCC LEVY

FROM A1

community and here's what we see going forward.'"

The 0.5-mill addition, which amounts to about $17.50 per $100,000 home, allows the college to "keep pace with this changing economy," Green said.

She said LCCC works to keep on top of what's relevant for jobs.

"There's such an economic transformation right now," Green said. "We weren't talking about, even five years ago, programs like block chain. We weren't talking about programs like the industrial internet of things. But there's a complete reset of the economy."

In the next 10 years, Green said the college will have to continue to look at what new programs need to be put in place and what current programs need to evolve. That includes investing in new labs, new technology and new equipment.

Because the state put parameters on the tuition colleges charge, Green said the issue of an increase in tuition will have to come out of the state Legislature first, likely when legislators work on another state budget.

When the levy originally was passed, it was supposed to be evenly split with funding from students and the state. But now 23 percent of the college's funding comes from the levy, while 44 percent of funding is from the state and 29 percent comes from tuition.

New county-wide levies have not performed well in the last few elections such as the Lorain County Crime Lab levy, but Green said LCCC's levy is not really new.

If it's not renewed, Green said the college would not be able to keep with the economy's pace of change, but it would also make the college thin out the programs it offers.

"It strips out an existing core base of funding that we've had in place since 1963," Green said. "We would have to cut existing programs and services... There's no way we could be the same institution we are today without this base of funding."

Donations needed

Oberlin Community Services is seeking donations of baby diapers (sizes four and up) and canned goods. Items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. on weekdays at 285 South Professor St.

LETTERS Letters to the editor should be: • Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific residents, politicians, or groups.

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SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B2

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE B2

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Thursday, March 12, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

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

FROM A1 that takes place in the children’s storytime area.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin Friday Music Club will perform at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

It is comprised of musicians from the area including Kendal. The event is free and open to the public.

March 13 and 14 • WELLINGTON: The McCormick Middle School Drama Club will present “The Addams Family” at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts, 627 North Main St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.

Saturday, March 14 • WELLINGTON: “A Night with Wellington Fire” will be held from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at the Wellington Eagles, 631 South Main St. There will be horse races and 50-50 raffles. Mission Barbeque will cater; draft beer is included and there will be a cash bar. No BYOB. Tickets are $30. Buy a horse for $20. A ticket and a horse can be had for $45. Reserve a table for eight for $10. The event is for ages 21 and older.

• AMHERST: A Lego playtime will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 at the Amherst Public Library.

Children ages six and up are invited to exercise their creativity in the library’s “kids only” construction zone.

Seating will be available for caregivers.

• OBERLIN: A food distribution event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Oberlin Community Services, 285 South Professor St. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Watch a cooking demonstration while you wait. Be sure to take photo ID and grocery bags if you have them.

For more information, call 440-774-6579.

• VERMILION: Learn about the planning, strategy and equipment required for D Day at noon on Saturday, March 14 at the Ritter Public Library’s community room.

The program will be given by Eric Rivet, curator of collections and exhibits at the Western Reserve Historical Museum. The event is sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution, Firelands Bicentennial Chapter.

The public is welcome to attend.

• OBERLIN: Make your own dream catcher with the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14 at the Oberlin Public Library.

Instructor Mary “High Elk” Lopez learned the art of beading from her mother at age 10. She is skilled at making jewelry, medicine bags, moccasins and more. On her own, she learned to make dream catchers. Lopez grew up

on the Cheyenne River/Sioux Reservation. She is a tribally enrolled member of the Sioux Nation.

Supplies will be available. There’s a recommended donation for beads, feathers, leather, grapevine, and other materials: $10 for children age 12 and under and $20 for ages 13 and up.

The deadline to registeris Thursday, March 12. Contact Jean Foggo Simon at foggo@oberlin.net or Cindi ByronDixon at xcindilou@live.com.

• OBERLIN: The Oberlin chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at the Oberlin Public Library craft room.

The guest speaker via video conference will be Hannah Pickard, manager at National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation. She will teach ways to talk about climate change in a more positive and solutions-centered way. The group will then discuss actions members can take to advance current bipartisan climate legislation in Congress.

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

Starting March 14 • LORAIN: Lorain Community Music Theater will hold auditions for its summer musical, “Mamma Mia.” Auditions will be from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14; 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 15; and 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at St. Peter School, 3655 Oberlin Ave. Those auditioning should sign in at the school gym. A list of character roles can be found at www.loraincommunitymusictheater.org. Questions regarding auditions can be sent to lcmtshows@gmail.com, and updates can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.

Those auditioning will be asked to sing a 32-bar cut in a vocal selection that reflects the style of the show. Take your sheet music in the proper key. Auditions will not be permitted with any electronic accompaniment, nor in a capella format. Dress for movement, as a dance sequence will be taught. Plan on staying for the entire time indicated on the audition date. All roles are open, and a multi-generational cast of performers, ages 10 and up, is needed. Performances will be held at the Lorain High

University Hospitals earns ethics award University Hospitals has been recognized as one of the 2020 World's Most Ethical Companies.

The award was given by Ethisphere, a company that advances standards in ethical business practices.

This is the eighth year UH has received the recognition. It is one of only five

honorees in the health care providers category.

“We strive to maintain high professional and ethical standards as we deliver the highest-quality care to our patients by living according to our core values: Excellence. Diversity. Integrity. Compassion.

Teamwork,” said CEO Thomas Zenty III.

School Performing Arts Center on July 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m. and July 19 at 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 15 • OBERLIN: A Sunday Object Talk will be given at 2 p.m. on March 15 at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 North Main St. Margo McLean will speak on “Mask Series #7,” a painting by Chinese contemporary artist Zeng Fanzhi.

Wednesday, March 18 • PITTSFIELD TWP.: Learn about post-secondary career training for adults from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the Lorain County JVS, 15181 State Route 58.

Learn about education and training for adults at the JVS beginning this summer and fall. This event is for adults, including seniors in high school and their parents. Refreshments will be provided.

Register at www.lcjvs.com.

• ROCHESTER TWP.: A chicken gravy and biscuits dinner will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at Rochester United Methodist Church, 201 South State St. The cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages six to 12 and free for kids under six. Take-outs will be available.

• AMHERST: A Family First Fun Night will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the Amherst Public Library.

Work together to create your own custom mixed “floam” with the library’s special slime. All supplies will be provided, and the event is for all ages.

• WELLINGTON: A free self-defense workshop will be offered at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the LCCC Wellington Center, 151 Commerce Dr. Jeff Ellis, an eighth-degree black belt and self-defense expert with more than 45 years experience, will lead guests in hands-on training and teach techniques to stop an attacker.

No registration is required for this event. For more information, call 440-647-1776.

• OBERLIN: “Green New Deal 101” will be presented at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

Oberlin College Sunrise officers will speak. The event is free and open to the public.

• WELLINGTON: “What’s Cookin’ Wednesday” will be held from 4-7 p.m. on March 18 at the First Congregational Church, 140 South Main St. Pick up a home-cooked, nutritious evening meal quickly and easily, ready for carry-out in convenient containers.

The menu includes lasagna, salad, garlic bread and dessert, with no pre-purchase required. Meals are $10 per person.

For more information, call 440-647-3308 or 440-3717103.

SAVE NOW STAY WARM

GET COOL

END-OF-SEASON

PRE-SEASON

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

Firelands Falcons girls basketball All-County Division II awards went to the following members of the Firelands girls varsity basketball team: • Isabella Zvara — First Team and Player of the Year • Megan Sutton — First Team • Abbey Schmitz — Second Team

• Madison Sutton — Second Team • Emily Stewart — Honorable Mention • Lexy Coggins — Honorable Mention Northeast Ohio district awards: • Isabella Zvara — Third Team • Megan Sutton — Honorable Mention • Abbey Schmitz — Honorable Mention

Coronavirus affects Oberlin College study abroad programs BROOKIE MADISON

THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

With the coronavirus making headlines worldwide, some Oberlin College students’ study abroad programs have decided to suspend the in-country portion of their semesters.

A total of 178 Oberlin students started spring semester in 81 study abroad programs around the world and six of those programs have been suspended, affecting 12 students.

“Those decisions to cancel were not made by Oberlin, but by partner organizations on the ground in China, South Korea, Italy, and France,” Scott Wargo, director of media relations for Oberlin College, said.

The students affected by the suspensions have chosen to either relocate to new study abroad destinations or return home to continue pursuing the remainder of their coursework online through their study abroad organiza-

tions or through partnership with the Oberlin Registrar and Oberlin faculty.

“The college is working with each student to review their current academic situation and explore options, a process unique to each students’ circumstances,” Wargo said.

As stated on the Ohio Department of Health’s website March 2, there are currently 212 people in Ohio who have returned to

the U.S. after having been in China within the past 14 days.

On March 6, the Ohio Department of Health opened a call center to answer questions regarding the virus. The call center will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 833-427-5634.

For results updates about Ohio testing and cases under investigation, go to coronavirus.ohio.gov.

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Lorain County Community Guide

COLUMN

LETTERS

What’s at stake in this election?

The issues confronting Americans as a people in the forthcoming election are just beginning to be formulated.

But signs are appearing that indicate how the discussion may shape up.

These signs are a cause for concern.

To understand what is happening, we need to draw a distinction between attention to matters that affect our physical and financial well being (matters of money) and matters that determine what it means to sustain political health and cultural dignity (matters of constitutional import).

Drawing attention to either while neglecting the other will fail to make the election a referendum on the kind of future we will have as a nation.

Matters of personal and public economic well-being clearly deserve attention. Public policies affect the financial conditions of our citizens. Widespread income adequacy is important. Health care financing warrants major attention. Access to employment for all who seek it and qualify should be a matter of public nurture.

ED LONG

COMMUNITY PEACE BUILDERS

Education that prepares upcoming generations to cope with increasingly complex and challenging ways of producing goods and services has major economic significance. The care of the earth inevitably determines the economic viability of the future. The use of privilege to render human beings subservient should be relegated to past history, along with slavery.

Raping the earth for present profit while ignoring the future consequences is economic suicide. Allowing infrastructures to rot to the point of no repair is financial folly Groups may disagree as

to how these challenges are best coped with, but any assumption that they will take care of themselves without political attention is misguided. The issue as to how money can be directed to serve humanity has never been more momentous.

But something even more consequential is at stake in the forthcoming election — namely, the quality and future of democracy itself.

The assumption that government is only a matter of power rather than of principle, that deals are more important than covenants, that exercising office eliminates the need to respect due process and precedent, must be scrutinized in the campaign before us. Integrity in dealing with facts and ideas must be achieved.

Rhetoric that appeals to the crude and vengeful side of human impulses needs to be repudiated.

The very quality of public life is at stake, along with constitutional provisions that protect it. A descent into a view that the administration of justice can be a tool of partisanship must be turned around. Societies collapse or become cruel when people act on

the premise that securing something for themselves is more important than preserving the health of all segments of society. Without a vision of the public good, private malfeasance runs wild.

So we all must listen carefully. Are the campaigns concentrating on money matters to the neglect of concerns about governance? Is the pursuit or the preservation of power and privilege overriding the view that the restraint on power is necessary to the operation of democracy? Is money (or mammon) in the saddle?

Life is not sustained or enriched by bread alone, but by those sensitivities that protect the human quality of the life that bread sustains. Unless we know this, or relearn it if necessary, what happens in elections may make little difference.

Edward LeRoy Long Jr. is a resident of Kendal and professor emeritus of Christian ethics and theology culture of Drew University. He taught religion at Oberlin College for two decades.

San Antonio volunteer trip Jill Wood of Amherst was one of 29 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who dedicated their 2019 winter break to helping others.

A graduate of Steele High School majoring in pre-physical therapy, she volunteered to take part in the alterna-

tive break experience in San Antonio.

Her group explored how food insecurity impacts low-income households and impoverished communities.

Students served in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, which fights hunger in Southwest Texas

Thursday, March 12, 2020

through food distribution, programs, education and advocacy.

The BW Alternative Break service program gives students the opportunity to volunteer, meet with community leaders and learn about social justice issues around the U.S.

Economy relies on LCCC To the editor: A college education is key to our economic future.

Our local economy is stronger because of Lorain County Community College.

High school students in our county are graduating with college credits, saving families millions of dollars.

LCCC’s tuition is third lowest in Ohio. This makes it possible for our family members to be trained for the jobs of today and the future.

Our families and our local economy rely on LCCC. Issue 17 is a wise investment in the jobs of today and the future. As a proud graduate of LCCC, I am writing to urge you to support our community college. Please vote yes for Issue 17.

Matt Lundy Lorain County Commissioner

Will has a proven record To the editor: I will be voting for Dennis Will as Lorain County prosecutor in the primary this year. There is nobody more committed to the safety of Lorain County citizens than Will.

As Lorain County prosecutor, Dennis Will has fought to ensure justice for our community, serving 12 years as assistant county prosecutor and 15 years as our Lorain County prosecutor. During his time as a prosecutor, he has tried thousands of cases and has a 90 percent conviction rate. Dennis Will is an asset to Lorain County, and I will be voting for him again this March.

Lisa Ortiz

LCCC has a proven record To the editor: I felt very fortunate in my early years as co-founder of Banyan Technology to benefit from Lorain County Community College and all the wonderful support as a young entrepreneurial company. With this assistance, Banyan Technology is now a very prosperous and thriving company that employs more than 50 people.

When talking about Lorain County Community College, we reference this institution as a jewel to this county and this region. I’m supporting voting for Issue 17 to keep our community strong by keeping Lorain County Community College strong. In today’s economy, access to high quality, affordable higher education is important to everyone in our community.

Jim Walborn

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020 • SERVING AMHERST SINCE 1919

Issue 11: Library levy Q&A JASON HAWK EDITOR

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Mayor Mark Costilow delivers the 2020 State of the City address to City Council on Monday, March 9.

STATE OF THE CITY

A $5 million bid to build onto the Amherst Public Library will appear on the March 17 primary ballot as Issue 11.

It calls for a 0.73-mill property tax increase for 15 years, which would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $2.13 per month or $25.55 per year.

If successful, the library board wants to create a 10,000-square-foot addition on the south side of the building, taking over eight parking spots.

The two-story space would allow staff to rear-

range the layout to allow more separation between children's areas and quieter areas. It would provide study rooms, a business center and give more room for programs to be held.

We sat down with library Director Don Dovala to for a Q&A about the levy: Q: What's the biggest need you see every day that will be addressed by Issue 11?

A: "Space. Just space in general. We need space for not only the new things we want to do but also just to do what we're doing now.

There's no demark between the areas, so we have things that are overlapping, either soundwise or even

people, it's crowded by sounds. So our quiet readings areas, some people call it, I don't think it really is because it's within 30 feet of our circulation desk. We don't have any other place to move it if we wanted to. It's not like we put it there just because.

We've rearranged things multiple times and that's the best location we've come up with."

Don Dovala just visibly-wise."

Q: Is the library really that crowded?

A: "It depends on the time of day, say from like 3-6 p.m., yes. But even when it's not crowded by

Q: Who do you think will benefit most if the levy passes?

A: "I would say families, because we're going to have much more for the children and young adults, LIBRARY PAGE B2

FURRY FRIENDS AT THE LIBRARY

Mayor Mark Costilow delivered the annual State of the City address on Monday at Town Hall. It has been lightly edited for length.

A

mherst citizens, president of council, council members, and members of the press: Welcome to the 2020 State of the City address. First, I would like to express how excited I am to be serving a second term and to thank the residents of Amherst for this opportunity.

The past four years have seen many significant accomplishments and I am grateful to have been a part of them.

The city has repaved many streets and completed miles of infrastructure improvements. We have replaced many aged pieces of equipment. We have made great strides in modernizing our city’s technology.

Amherst utilities are reliable and remain affordable.

Our tremendous safety forces are at full staff.

Last year alone, these invaluable partnerships we have built with the Amherst Schools, neighboring communities, businesses, residents and churches have allowed us to accomplish considerably more than we could have done alone. These partnerships have resulted in storm and sanitary sewer improvements; intersections and roadway widening that significantly improved traffic flow, especially on Cooper Foster Park Road East; the turn lane and widening of Milan Avenue; the North Main and Cooper Foster Park Road turn lane; the rehabilitation of a beautiful old abandoned building, the former Central School, which is now The 1907; and a new elementary school.

I would like to thank the city of Lorain, the Lorain County engineer's office, Amherst Schools, and the Sprenger family for making these projects a reality.

I recently met with Lorain’s Mayor (Jack) Bradley to discuss improving the traffic flow at Cooper Foster, State Route 2, and North Main Street. The discussion was promising and I look forward to continuing a productive working relationship with Lorain on this matter as well as others that will benefit both our communities.

As I have stated in years past, residents rightly expect the city to stay within its budget, and only spend within its means. I am pleased to announce that I have kept that promise again. In fact, last year we did better than that. The general fund operated well under budget, and the city’s general fund had the largest carryover in recent years. This accomplishment was due to wise spending by every department and every city employee efficiently working together.

I am also pleased to announce that the city of Amherst will receive the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. This certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition given in government accounting and financial reporting. Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by Amherst city government and its management.

My administration as well as all the city’s employees take pride in the services we provide, and we are well aware that the funds we spend come from our resident’s tax dollars. Therefore, we always strive to do more for STATE OF THE CITY PAGE B3

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Molly Maher of Amherst pets a therapy dog on Saturday at the Amherst Public Library while her dad, Gabriel Maher, reads her a book. Therapy dogs are frequent visitors to the library and love to give kids attention. However, one of two companies that provides the canine companions canceled this weekend amid the coronavirus outbreak because COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease — it can be transmitted through animals. Librarians said they are unsure whether the dogs will return in April because of the coronavirus as the companies take steps to prevent their animals from becoming sick.

Avon Lake principal job will go to May JASON HAWK EDITOR

Michael May was hired Tuesday to serve as the new principal at Avon Lake High School.

An Amherst native and a graduate of Marion L. Steele High School, May started his career as a social studies teacher.

He had stints as assistant principal at Vermilion and

Westlake before being named principal at Steele in 2013.

After five years, he left to become personnel director for the Maple Heights Schools in Cuyahoga County.

Just one problem — May said he missed being around teens every day.

As principal, "you see that growth over a fouryear period. You get to support them over that time,"

he said.

May said he especially missed taking his family to cheer for students at games and meets, concerts, art exhibits and ceremonies where kids were honored for their hard work.

Being students' number one fan was his favorite part of the job in Amherst, he said. "You get to show them you're there for them.

PRINCIPAL PAGE B2

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Michael May

Page B2

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Amherst News-Times

LIBRARY

FROM B1 and then also just for the general purpose of programming and after-school needs."

Q: What do you tell someone who is on the fence about the levy?

A: "The library is the center of the community, and the more that you can do for the community in general, it benefits everybody."

Q: How are libraries changing, and how will the new space allow you to keep up?

A: "Collaborative study and collaborative working spaces, period. We're going to have areas designated just for that, and also for the noise level to be separated from the traditional aspects of the library."

Q: What are some of the

misconceptions you've seen and heard about Issue 11?

A: "I haven't heard anything negative up to this point... The only one would be that some people were concerned about if we were going to be following the trend we did last time of taking over the street."

When the Amherst Public Library last asked voters for expansion money in 2012, the project called for closing Spring Street. "That's not the case this time."

Q: Do you really need to expand the library, or is this more of a want?

A: "You can make do, the best you can, always with what you have. But I think it is a need to do what the community deserves."

Q: If the levy passes, $

when would we see construction start, and when would the new section open?

A: "I would say it would take at least a year before construction would start, and anywhere from a year to two years for completion... We have to hire architects, and we want to make sure we get the most with the budget we have.

So we don't want to rush into anything until we can find out, with the money we have, how we can do this the best."

Q: Is the plan you have in mind elaborate, or is it really a pretty simple plan?

A: "I believe it's pretty simple, I do. I believe it's going to be opening up spaces and rearranging a few things."

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Land bank success due to Will To the editor: Over the past eight years, the Lorain County Land Bank has demolished nearly 800 abandoned and decaying houses and buildings around Lorain County. This has significantly improved the safety of some of our most at-risk neighborhoods and helped to stabilize housing values in the wake of the Great Recession.

There are many components to the operation of the Lorain County Land Bank.

One crucially important part is the work done by Lorain County Prosecutor Dennis Will's office. The work his office does

to acquire tax delinquent — often abandoned — properties and move them into the possession of the Land Bank is one of the keys to the overwhelming success of the program. If it weren't for Prosecutor Will, the Land Bank could not have been as successful as it has been, and our neighborhoods would most certainly be less safe.

On March 17, let's continue the progress and re-elect Dennis Will for Lorain County prosecutor.

Cory L. Shawver Lorain 7th Ward Councilman

Tomlinson is the most qualified To the editor: I love Lorain County residents and that’s why I’m proud to express my support for J.D. Tomlinson for county prosecutor.

Tomlinson is a personal friend and has always supported me as a friend and as a businessman. He is a fine family man who knows the power of family. He is compassionate, caring and a loving human being with the awesome ability to listen to others. He has been a winning defense attorney in the county for 13 years and as a servant to his community has helped the less fortunate.

Tomlinson is the most qualified and is the best choice for county prosecutor to keep our citizens safe, to develop programs that fit today’s issues and to bring young new ideas to the county prosecutors office and our community. His love and

passion for our community is evident and his commitment to the people is strong.

During his campaign I have witnessed him walking door-to-door to meet and listen to his future constituents, so he can learn what he needs to know to better serve them.

I’m asking voters for help and to do what’s best for the county. Be responsible residents and voters.

Vote for Tomlinson. He possesses the educational background, the skill set, leadership, character and a personal values system that we need in our prosecutor. He will bring a new and fresh perspective to the office and the political landscape.

Make your vote count. Join me and many others in voting for the next county prosecutor, J.D. Tomlinson.

Scotti C. Campana

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the best community college in Ohio located right here in Lorain County. As superintendent of the Amherst Schools, I appreciate the partnership we have with LCCC. Many of our students graduate from high school with many LCCC credits toward their college degree.

Send letters to the editor at: news@lcnewspapers.com

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high school graduates starting their college experiences with LCCC and the highest student success rate of any community college in Ohio, it is important that we support Issue 17 on March 17.

Steve Sayers Superintendent Amherst Schools

PRINCIPAL

FROM B1 You hope they see you as a caring person, not just as a principal," he said. "You want to create a culture of acceptance and togetherness."

The Shoremen community made taking the job an easy choice, said May. He said it's a district that supports academics, sports and the arts, and where people are excited to get involved.

May called Avon Lake "one of the best school districts in Ohio," a rating borne out by state report card grades.

The Board of Education offered May a three-year contract.

"We are excited to have Mike as a new member of our team," said Avon Lake Superintendent Robert Scott. "This search process was very rigorous. We have found our leader of the future for our high school."

May will take the place of interim Principal Melissa Isaly-Johns in July.

RENAISSANCE FAIRE ACROSS 1. Wing it 6. Salvatore, to his friends 9. Bigger than tsp.

13. Swedish money 14. Snoop 15. Hold the floor 16. Predict from an omen 17. More of the same 18. Cell dweller 19. *Good ____, as in morning 21. *Gathering of rogues and ____, sing.

23. What engineer and auctioneer have in common 24. Japanese vodka 25. Gourmet mushroom 28. Sheer profit 30. *Set up a tent 35. “Best ____ schemes o’ mice an’ men” 37. Attention-getting interjection 39. One who looks at the stars, e.g.

40. Eye up and down 41. Train stop 43. Laughing on the inside 44. Remember this battle site!

46. Isaac’s firstborn 47. Zelensky’s capital 48. Fermented milk drink, pl.

50. Billy Joel’s “____ the Good Die Young” 52. Use lacrimal glands 53. Weakest in chess 55. Burmese neighbor 57. *Please 61. *Men’s vest 64. Child-eating daemon, Greek mythology 65. Call to Bo-peep 67. Andretti or Lauda 69. Colorado ski resort 70. “Slippery” tree 71. Phantom’s genre 72. Scotland’s famous lake 73. Johnny’s other nickname 74. Martha Washington post 1799, e.g.

of 2019 graduated with a total of 3,020 college credits from LCCC. This has saved Amherst families thousands in college costs. Student loan debt is a huge problem and LCCC provides students and families with a high-quality educational option that can help minimize or eliminate

State bowling

Comets standout Makayla Velasquez competed in the OHSAA state girls bowling tournament on Saturday at Wayne Webb’s lanes in Columbus.

In her first state competition, she placed 43rd with a score of 185-180-153 for a 518 series.

5. Like infertile land 6. Do like volcano 7. *Are 8. Swimsuit fabric 9. Not kosher 10. Island east of Java 11. Roofed colonnade 12. One of the Ivies 15. Murdering, slangily 20. Artemis’ companion 22. Island strings 24. Blended family family member 25. *Longer than a cape 26. Two under par 27. a.k.a. pilau 29. *Fare ____ well 31. *Horseshoe cleat 32. Pre-life 33. *Shakespeare’s pattern

34. *Restroom 36. Actress Moore 38. Sound of pain 42. Tutu fabric 45. Annie or Oliver, e.g.

49. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 51. Peter of Peter, Paul and Mary 54. Big name in grills 56. Giraffe’s striped-leg cousin 57. Blueprint 58. Tear down 59. Mischievous sprites 60. Decorative neckwear, pl.

61. Doorframe part 62. Tea choice 63. Infamous Roman 66. *Popular Renaissance Faire beverage 68. Like sashimi

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Amherst News-Times

Page B3

Deshuk going to nationals in NYC for 60-meter hurdles

Dominic Deshuk

Dominic Deshuk will compete in the 60-meter hurdles at the national championship meet this weekend in New York.

The Steele High School senior finished 13th in the event at the Division I indoor state track competition with a time of 8.42 seconds. He also placed 17th in the long

jump with a leap of 19 feet 4 inches.

"Let's just say he's a very hard worker. He's passionate about track and field, and I admire that," Comets coach Rob Glatz said.

He praised Deshuk's technique, and said he's learned a great deal from his coach, former

Comets champion Kara Glowacki.

Amherst sent eight athletes to the indoor state meet this past weekend.

High-jumper Caleb Stempowski also qualified for the New York City trip, but can't compete due to a hamstring injury.

"I feel so bad for him.

He's devastated," said Glatz.

Other Comets: • Chaley Younkin tied for sixth in the high jump at 5 feet 2 inches, earning All-Ohio honors.

• Michal McFall finished 10th in the 60-meter hurdles and tied the school record with a personal record time of

9.25 seconds.

• The girls 4x800 relay team of Aurora Wilson, Marisa Del Valle, Leah Gerke and Catherine Turner had a 10 second personal record time of 9:58.97 to finish 17th.

• Jessica Hamrick finished 21st in the weight throw with a distance of 32 feet 11 1/2 inches.

and the completion of the new Powers Elementary School.

The Building Department was tasked to implement and oversee the 2019 sidewalk replacement program as authorized by Council.

Although smaller in scope than the previous year, over 15,000 square feet of sidewalk was removed and replaced along with the upgrade of nine Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps.

The city continues the modernization of its technology. The city’s user hardware update was 95 percent completed during 2019. We replaced old, outdated hardware with more reliable and faster computers, printers and associated hardware, which has had a positive impact on the city employees' ability to better serve our residents.

A new financial systems deployment was completed, which included new payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and utilities billing. We have eliminated much of the old paper-based processes, and are able to provide more accurate and real-time analytical information to better process and budget the city’s overall financials.

The city is currently taking the necessary steps to implement a customer portal that will allow for online access to your utilities account. Utilities customers will be able to make online payments, view and print current and past bills and sign up for paperless billing. These services will be voluntary and should be available by the end of this year.

In the city’s effort to continue to improve transparency, the city’s website at www.amherstohio.org is now mobile responsive, making information searchable and easier to find on any device. Part of the new website was the introduction of the live and archived streaming of all Council and committee meetings. Archived meetings can be searched to retrieve past video and agenda items.

The remodel of these Council chambers has preserved the historic beauty of this room, and added technology which vastly improved the audio and video equipment for broadcasts, and allows for better presentations during meetings.

The city has been working to limit the power outages in the city. Last year, I promised to present a plan to Council that would add a second point of entry for electricity delivery to the city, thereby insuring a more reliable source of power. Part of the issue that needed to be addressed included the fact that there was only one point of entry that supplies the entire city.

It should be remembered that some power outages are not in the city’s control.

The electric distribution system that delivers the electricity to our city has exclusive control over delivery. I presented a solution and it was approved

by City Council in 2019.

A partnership effort with AMP Transmission, a $7.5 million project, at no cost to the city, will significantly improve reliability by providing a second interconnection for the city’s distribution system. This will reduce the number, duration and impacts of transmission-related outages.

AMPT has presented this project and received support and approval from the regional transmission operator, PJM, which oversees the regional transmission expansion plan for the state of Ohio’s footprint.

This important step is necessary to ensure the transmission reinforcement project proceeds forward in a timely manner.

The project entails the construction of a new 0.3mile 138-kilovolt transmission line terminating at the city’s west substation.

In the following months, AMPT, in coordination with the city, will begin detailed engineering of the project. Amherst residents can expect formal project announcements in local media and the city’s website, which will include contact information for AMPT’s representatives, additional project details and dates of future planned open houses where residents can engage with the

representatives of the project team. The city is looking forward to the bright future of this partnership for improved transmission reliability to Amherst residents.

The city’s own highly skilled linemen continue to upgrade our power grid all year long, sometimes working in the worst of weather conditions to keep our electricity on. Last year, these improvements included changing primary feeds to more equally distribute the load, installing critter guards, changing out condemned utility poles, having the whole system checked with infrared heat detectors to identify any overloads and then making any necessary repairs.

The city continues to invest in our wastewater collection and water department infrastructure. Many projects are completed with the city’s own skilled labor.

These employees often work during very inclement weather conditions to keep these quality services that Amherst citizens have been accustomed to receiving. We can all be proud of the work our employees do.

My administration is constantly looking for better and more efficient ways to serve residents and to save money. In an effort

to do so, the waste water treatment plant did an indepth biosolids disposal process and cost analysis.

I am happy to report that the study proved that we are already performing this part of our operation at the highest efficiency possible.

2019 proved to be a good year to build a new salt dome. Thanks to Mother Nature and her mild winter, our new salt storage dome will still be filled to capacity with salt waiting for next year’s snow plowing season. The savings to the city this year was in the form of overtime and equipment wear. There will be savings next year as the city will not need to order as much salt. Our roads have appeared to make it through this winter in better than usual condition.

In summation, I am extremely pleased to report that the State of our City is strong. Together as a city and in collaboration with our many valuable partnerships, we have realized a sizable number of notable accomplishments, a few of which I have enumerated in this annual report. We look forward to continuing to work with our residents, schools, businesses, churches, elected officials and other valued partners in providing excellent service to our community.

STATE OF THE CITY meet the needs of our community.

The Amherst Schools and the city worked together to add a second school resource officer. The primary mission of the SRO program aims to create and maintain a safe, secure and orderly learning environment for students, teachers and staff while reducing school-related violence and crime committed by juveniles and young adults.

Thank you, officers Layfield and Bowers for your commitment to our community and our schools.

With the addition of (all of) Amherst Township to its fire protection service area, the Amherst Fire Department answered 840 calls last year and continues to provide exceptional emergency response services. New radios that were funded with a $330,000 grant were put into service in 2019.

Firefighters Kevin Henceroth, Dean Feldcamp and Larry Rudy all retired from the department last year, taking with them almost 100 years of combined service.

Firefighters Rob Giacobbe and Jeff Shamhart were both proudly awarded community service citations for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Firefighters Majesky, Knowlton, Parsons, Cook and Baumann raised their right hand and swore to serve and protect the citizens of Amherst as our newest hires to the department. The city sincerely thanks each of you for answering the call.

The Amherst Office on Aging continues to address the needs of senior citizens residing in our community.

Many seniors receive assistance though this program getting to places such as their doctor, dialysis, cancer treatments, banks, the post office and even the veterinarian. It should be noted that with the help of many volunteers, Meals on Wheels, the program most of us are most familiar with, served over 5,000 meals last year.

The Building Department had another positive year in 2019 with the issuance of more than 1,400 residential and commercial permits. New home construction continued its brisk pace with 71 new home starts. The parks and utilities departments received over $100,000 in impact fees due to this new construction. New home construction is expected to remain strong in 2020 with the opening of the final phase at the Reserve at Beaver Creek and after approval, the start of construction on a new 59 unit development, Eagle Ridge, which was granted general development approval through the Planning Commission.

Commercial construction remained constant throughout 2019 with the start of a medical office building at the corner of North Main and Cooper Foster, several large scale projects at Tyson Foods, the completion of The 1907 at the former Central School building

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FROM B1 you while spending less.

The City’s income tax collection is the primary funding source for our general fund. I am able to report that 2019 saw a significant increase in tax collections. Adding this higher tax revenue to last year’s healthy carryover puts Amherst in a very strong financial position entering 2020.

The 2020 city budget has been presented to Council for approval. This is my fifth balanced budget, and it provides for the full funding of all the services we as Amherst residents are accustomed to receiving. There are increased spending proposals for the police department, streets, information technology and storm water management.

City Council has already approved the engineering for a portion of this year’s street and infrastructure improvements program.

Bramhall Engineering is preparing the bid packets, and upon approval of the final budget I will be requesting funds for the program itself and advertise it for bidding.

Small portions of North and South Main streets have been repaved over the last couple years. Shortly, I will be presenting an Ohio Public Works Commission project for funding to repave the remainder of both of these streets.

Although this year’s road rehab program schedule is full, the projects are not as extensive as in the past couple of years as they entail mostly resurfacing. This means there should not be as many road closures, thereby offering relief for this summers’ traveling public. Further, the program should be accomplished in a shorter time period than the past few years.

The Police Department is one of the city’s important services that is supported by the general fund.

We have recently sworn three new officers into the department. So if you see officers Giardini, Lepisto or Weaver, please welcome them to our community, and thank them for their career choice.

The 2019 annual report of the Amherst Police Department will be published and available soon. That report will include some of the following: • A slight decrease in opioid overdoses.

• Overall criminal offense arrests dropped 11 percent.

• There was a five percent decrease in automobile accident reports and a nine percent reduction in injuries related to those accidents.

After being shot in the line of duty, and enduring 55 days in the hospital, numerous surgeries, and 18 months of total recovery, Officer JR Ptacek was awarded the law enforcement Medal of Honor. I am extremely pleased to report that he returned to full duty last year. We can all be very proud of our entire Police Department and the commitment they have made to continue to

Page B4

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Amherst News-Times

A simple ‘thank you’ for Vietnam vets at Post 118 JASON HAWK EDITOR

An eagle representing honor and dedication was pinned to the shirts of 22 area veterans in a ceremony Saturday at Amherst American Legion Post 118.

All are members of the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard, which provides last rites for fallen heroes.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, we thank you for your service," said Robbie Brown, regent of the Daughters of the American RevolutionNathan Perry Chapter. "We thank you for your valor, and we thank you and your families for your sacrifice."

DAR members visited the North Lake Street post, just down the street from the Lorain County Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The ceremony was held ahead of National Vietnam Veterans Day, which is March 29.

More than 300,000 veterans nationwide have been recognized by the DAR since 2013.

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Twenty-two Vietnam veterans honored Saturday include John Gelenius, Ken Parsons, Daniel Shotter, William Hoff, Daniel Kuzniar, Ben Rader, John Meehan, Edgar Serrano, Vic Vrbancic, Dick Bogardy, Marty Moore, Jack McNaughton, Mike Rewak, Jack Critelli, Bill Drexler, Billy Green, Don Collins, Jeff Osko, John Adkins, John Sekletar, Rick Cullen and Rick Jacobs. Some were not able to attend.

The nonprofit group's members are descended from people involved in the fight for independence from Great Britain, and they strive to cultivate patriotism.

The Lorain County chapter was established in 1918.

The Daughters of the American Revolution say they are "in many ways turning back the pages of history and righting a wrong for some of these veterans and families by simply saying 'thank you for your service and sacrifice,'" according to

a press statement about the pins.

"It is always a surprise to hear a veteran tell you that no one has ever said 'thank you' to them; sometimes the reaction is very emotional, especially when you present that veteran a lapel pin or a certificate

of honor to family members who lost a loved one," the organization's release said.

The DAR hopes pinnings will promote healing for Vietnam service members and their families.

Pins feature the bald eagle inside a blue circle with a laurel wreath and the stars and stripes.

They are presented to veterans who served between November 1955 and May 1975. The Nathan Perry Chapter has pinned more than 800 veterans.

At Saturday's ceremony, Brown expressed gratitude to the honor guard for the moving work its members do at cemeteries and services across Northeast Ohio.

"It brings tears," she said. "We appreciate you for all your efforts that you go through still, serving your country and community."

Retired Amherst teacher Deb Gelenius helped organize the event.

"It was important to me because I'm one of those Americans who is very thankful for my freedoms, and what they sacrificed to help me be able to celebrate those freedoms," she said.

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LEGALS

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

Apt. 104, Lorain, Ohio 44052.

The lawsuit was brought in the

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

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

Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General, Christopher Ramdeen, Assistant Attorney General,

Consumer Protection Section, 30 East Broad Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, (614) 995-1577.

L.C.C.G. 2/6-13-20-27; 3/512/20 20657806

LEGAL NOTICE The 2019 AFR for the Village of Wellington, Ohio, Lorain County has been completed. It is available for public review at the Village of Wellington, Finance Department, 115 Willard Mem Sq., Wellington between 8 am to 4 pm. A copy of the report can be provided upon request. Ordered

by Mayor Hans Schneider, FD Vanya Pfeiffer.

L.C.C.G. 3/5-12/20 20659611

LEGAL NOTICE

The 2019 AFR for the Wellington Community Fire District has been completed. It is available for review by appointment, 440-647-2245. Ordered by President Fred Pitts, FO Vanya Pfeiffer.

L.C.C.G. 3/5-12/20 20659612

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for Tree Service in the City of Oberlin will be received at 85 South Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020 at which time and place said bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained from the office of the Oberlin Municipal Light and Power building, 289 South Professor Street, Oberlin, Ohio. Bid doc-

uments may also be obtained on the City of Oberlin's website at www.cityofoberlin.com, under Quick Links and RFP and Projects out for Bid. All bids shall be signed and submitted on the forms bound in the contract documents. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Bid for Tree Service". Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Guaranty which shall be either a certified check payable to the City of Oberlin, or a bid bond satisfactory to the City, in the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000).

All bidders must comply with the provisions of Ordinance No. 951 AC CMS (Equal Employment Opportunity Reports) and with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

The City of Oberlin reserves the right to accept the lowest and/or best bid, to reject any or all bids, and to waive any

informalities in the bids received, and to purchase those services which, in the sole judgment of the City, will best suit the City's needs.

Robert Hillard, City Manager City of Oberlin, Ohio

L.C.C.G. 3/5-12/20 20659550

Notice of Election on Issue of Bond R.C. 133.18, 3501.11 (G) Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a Resolution of the WELLINGTON EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, Ohio, passed on the DECEMBER 17, 2019, there will be submitted to a vote of the people at the PRIMARY ELECTION to be held at the regular places of voting on Tuesday, the 17th day of March, 2020 the question of issuing bonds:

Shall the Wellington Exempted Village School District be authorized to do the following: 1. Issue bonds for the purpose of constructing, renovating and improving school facilities, including safety and security improvements; furnishing and equipping the same; improving the sites thereof; and acquiring land and interests in land in the principal amount of $8,700,000, to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 37 years, and levy a property tax outside of the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the bond repayment period 1.89 mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to $0.189 for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?

2. Levy an additional property tax to provide funds for gen-

eral permanent improvements at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to $0.10 for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, for a continuing period of time?

The polls for the election will be open 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on election day.

By order of the Board of Elections, of Lorain County, Ohio.

Marilyn Jacobcik, Chair Paul R. Adams, Director

Dated 1/8/2020

L.C.C.G. 3/5-12/20 20656667

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INSIDE: RALLIES OVER COLLEGE LAYOFFS CONTINUE • C2

OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020 • SERVING OBERLIN SINCE 1930

Hillard: More equality, more voices

City manager calls for ‘social equity plan’ to level playing field JASON HAWK EDITOR

Rob Hillard

Fighting discriminatory practices and historic injustices are the goals of a "social equity plan" being developed in Oberlin.

City Manager Rob Hillard wants to spend the next two years mapping out

Council approves funds to help nine local nonprofits

ways to level the playing field for minorities.

"I don't want this just to be theoretical. I don't want this just to be something we can agree to in concept, but never accomplish real active fairness opportunities," he told City Council on Monday, March 2.

The plan will look at low and moderate income

housing needs, enhancing public transit, seeking a more diverse pool of city workers, finding ways to incentivize minority business ownership, protections for LGBTQ people and revisions to Oberlin's fair housing ordinance.

"Tangible results are the key," said Hillard.

The social equity plan

has to be more than words, he said — it needs to bring a new balance to economic opportunities, legislation, public infrastructure and health.

Hillard's goal is to make conditions more fair regardless of race, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, family status and national

origin.

Councilman Ray English said he strongly approves of the effort.

"I think we have many issues of social equity in Oberlin that we have not found a good way to discuss in ways that are respectful and caring of

EQUITY PAGE C2

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRESS

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Nearly $110,000 in funding was approved by City Council last week for Oberlin nonprofits.

The lion's share of the cash will go to Oberlin Community Services, which was awarded $50,000. The money will help provide food assistance to people in need, help utilities customers who experience hardships and pay for pool passes at Splash Zone.

The award is $3,286 less than OCS received last year, but a officials noted it was the full amount requested by the organization.

Other awards include: • $26,450 for the Oberlin Early Childhood Center, a three percent increase over 2019. The OECC offers income-based reduced fees to help families keep employment by providing safe and reliable child care.

• $8,045 for the Oberlin Baseball/Softball Federation.

• $6,500 for Oberlin Weekday Meals, which works NONPROFITS PAGE C2

Summer theater festival ends after a decade-long run The Oberlin Summer Theater Festival is closing its doors and will not offer a 2020 season.

"Nagging fiscal and staffing problems that we’ve found increasingly challenging to overcome have finally come to a head and made the operation unsustainable," said Producing Artistic Director Paul Moser.

The summer theater program started as an experiment in 2009.

It was launched to provide free performances of masterpieces that would attract audiences of all ages and backgounds, Moser said.

The program was also intended to develop a core company of performers in a venue associated with Oberlin College's theater department, and to put artists first.

Another goal was to attract visitors to Oberlin to enjoy not only shows but the small-town setting, shops and restaurants.

"I believe we were able to accomplish all of these goals," Moser said.

By 2018, the total season draw was just shy of 13,000 THEATER PAGE C2

ThenDesign Architecture

A virtual fly-over of Oberlin's new public elementary school helped members of the city Planning Commission approve exterior elevation drawings last week. See the full video on the News-Tribune's Facebook page.

Planning Commission approves new school’s exterior drawings JASON HAWK EDITOR

Exterior designs for Oberlin's new public elementary school were approved last week after Planning Commission members saw a computergenerated fly-over of how the campus will look.

Brad Gellert of ThenDesign Architecture showed how the $15 million, two-story building will be situated on Pleasant Street just south of Oberlin High School.

The Phoenix stadium, track and tennis courts have been torn down to

make room for the preschool-through-fifth grade building.

Elevation drawings show red and tan brick on the exterior, two playgrounds and entrances on both sides of the school.

"There's no front and back of the building. There are really two fronts," Gellert said.

Oberlin Planning Director Carrie Handy said city staff have no issues with the elevation drawings, and recommended approval.

The vote was unanimous, with the exception of member Bryan Burgess. As a contractor who plans to bid on construction work, he

Brad Gellert recused himself.

"It would be inappropriate for me to have a business relationship with the schools and still vote on any of their applications," he said.

The Planning Commission saw a video showing just the outside of the new school. A longer version showing mock-ups of the inside can be found on the News-Tribune's Facebook page.

It shows how classrooms, cafeteria, music and art rooms, library and gymnasium will look, as well as open spaces where students can work together.

"It puts things in perspective, gives us a visual," said Oberlin City Schools Superintendent David Hall.

There is just a little elbow room left to make EXTERIOR PAGE C2

Adapting toys for kids with disabilities STAFF REPORT

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Ninth-graders at the Lorain County JVS recently worked on a project with a lot of meaning.

It started when instructor Deb Dohner got a call from RePlay for Kids, asking whether her students would be help adapt some toys for children who havedisabilities.

Dohner didn’t hesitate.

“My background, my first job, was working at the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and this project reminded me of all the things we did there," she said. "I thought this project would be great for the ninth grade students because honestly they are teenagers, and what ADAPTING PAGE C2

Provided photo

Tailer Bartlebaugh of Firelands adapts toys for RePlay for Kids.

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page C2

Local cyclists survey

The city of Oberlin has applied to be recognized again as a bicycle-friendly community through the League of American Bicyclists, and is asking for help.

A survey has been posted to help the LAB better understand local bicyclists' experiences in Oberlin. Take it at www.surveymonkey.com/r/app_BFC_Sp2020.

Oberlin Farmers' Market

Vendors who sell fresh produce each Saturday at the Oberlin Farmers' Market aren't going anywhere.

A conditional use permit for the open-air venue in the public parking lot next to City Hall on South Main Street has been renewed.

It was originally granted in 2017 and expired at the end of 2019, according to city Planning Director Carrie Handy. "They're not changing anything as far as the layout," and there have been no issues with the market, she assured the Oberlin Planning Commission last week.

John Gates, who runs the market, said the market can handle up to 30 vendors and there are usually 15 to 20 on site each weekend.

"We're happy with the way it's been running, and want to continue in the same manner," he said.

The Planning Commission was convinced — it renewed Gates' permit for five years, not just three.

Phoenix Orchestra

A superior rating was given by judges to the Phoenix Orchestra during the Ohio Music Educators Association state competition on Feb. 21 and 22. It was held at Hudson High School.

NONPROFITS

FROM C1 with other agencies to provide healthy meals where needed. • $5,180 for the Juneteenth festival, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. • $4,630 for Oberlin Youth Soccer. • $3,500 for the Oberlin Underground Railroad Society. • $3,415 for the MAD Factory drama program. • $2,000 for OberlinKids for help families prepare for kindergarten.

Another large-dollar request — $60,000 for the Neighborhood Alliance — will be considered when Council meets on Monday, March 16.

Also known as Oberlin Seniors, the nonprofit offers services to older residents and offers a food pantry.

The organization has operated at a loss for some time and is looking to close the gap, according to a memo provided to Council.

THEATER

FROM C1 people – about 80 percent of whom were from out of town.

Moser said his personal goal was to run the Oberlin Summer Theater Festival for 10 years.

After 11 seasons and 32 shows, it's time to move on, he said.

"This has truly been a labor of love for me, and so the decision to close the theater was extremely difficult," he said. "I am very proud of the artistic work that our company did over these seasons. I will forever cherish the collaborations and deep friendships that have developed in the company. Every summer, a family of actors, designers and technicians worked tirelessly to make these productions happen. Eventually up to 50 people per season, literally hundreds over 11 years."

Moser said the festival workers feel honored that so many patrons supported the productions, returning year after year. "I know that the actors always felt that our OSTF audience was very unique – as demonstrated through your wonderful ovations and kind words," he said.

Don’t Let Coronavirus Infect Your Investment Strategy As you know, the coronavirus has become a major health concern, not just in China, but in other parts of the world, too – and it’s also shaken up the financial markets. As an individual investor, how concerned should you be? The impact of the coronavirus on the markets isn’t surprising. China is the world’s second-largest economy, and when it experiences factory closures, supply chain disruptions and city lock- downs, the ripple effect on the world’s other economies is considerable. Plus, the financial markets simply don’t like uncertainty – and there’s a lot of that associated with this outbreak and the efforts to contain it. Nonetheless, instead of worrying over events you can’t control, try to focus on what you can do in this investment climate.

Here are a few suggestions: • Don’t panic. The coronavirus may well cause continued market volatility over the next several weeks, or even months. But it’s important for investors to take a long-term view. Market corrections – typically defined as a drop in investment prices of 10% or more – are a fairly common occurrence, and we may have been overdue for one even before the coronavirus scare. In any case, it’s generally a good idea not to radically revamp your investment strategy unless you experience a major change in your personal life – a significant career move, medical condition, change in family situation, etc. • Be aware of history. The coronavirus is certainly serious, but it’s not the only viral outbreak we’ve seen in recent decades. During these earlier pandemics, the financial markets also took a hit, but they bounced back. For example, from late April 2003, in the midst of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) until late April 2004, the S&P 500 rose about 21 percent.* And other large gains were recorded following the outbreak and decline of the Ebola and

Zika viruses. Of course, the past performance of the markets in pandemic situations can’t necessarily predict future market developments; every situation is different, and over the next year, returns might be modest, as prices have already soared in the 11 years since they bottomed out during the financial crisis of 2008-09. • Don’t try to time the market. We may well see coronavirus-based volatility in the near future – but volatility implies “upsâ€? as well as “downs.â€? If you try to time the market by guessing at highs and lows, and then “buying high and selling low,â€? you might get lucky once in a while, but you could just as easily miss the mark. • Keep a diversified portfolio. In addition to avoiding efforts to time the market, you should also stay away from trying to pick “winnersâ€? and “losersâ€? among individual investments in the marketplace of viruses.

Instead, try to build and main- tain a diversified portfolio, consisting of an array of different asset classes, with the allocation of these assets based on your risk tolerance and time horizon. Diversification doesn’t prevent losses or guarantee profits in a declining market, but it may help reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio. You may not be able to totally quarantine your portfolio from this serious virus in the short term, but by following a consistent, longterm investment strategy that’s appropriate for your individual needs, you’ll be doing what you can to help yourself move toward your financial goals. * The S&P 500 is unmanaged, not available for direct investment and is not meant to depict an actual investment.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Michael E. Verda AAMS Financial Adviser 12289 Leavitt Rd. Suite E. Oberlin, OH 44074 Bus.: 440-774-4625 Fax: 866-486-8146

Steve Schmittle

mike.verda@edwardjones.com

steve.schmittle@edwardjones.com

Rallies continue over UAW layoffs BROOKIE MADISON THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

An estimated 400 Oberlin College students, community members, alumni, faculty and United Automobile Workers marched last Thursday from Wilder Hall to The Hotel at Oberlin to show support for 108 union custodial and dining services workers at risk for layoffs come June 30.

Five student organization leaders met with Oberlin College’s board of trustees to present petitions with more than 4,000 signatures in hopes that they’d reconsider the layoffs.

Students started the rally with a Japanese ceremonial chant dedicated to the UAW workers and their ongoing negotiations for their jobs.

Speakers included UAW chair Eric Villar; UAW co-chair and campus dining services bargain representative Matt Kubach; chair of student senate Henry Hicks IV, and many others.

Workers held signs and showed gratitude for the students' support.

One affected worker is custodian Kimberly Poling, who started at the college in December 2015 and worked 13 months as a temporary worker. She said she proved herself to the college before being hired full-time. “I absolutely love my job," Poling said. "I love these students. They are my family. I spend more time with them than I do my own children. I’m perfect for the job along with all of my other coworkers. We are here because we love these students and we love what we do. Oberlin College may sign our checks, but we know we wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t

for these students.�

A letter from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Cleveland, was read to the crowd Thursday. Brown described his strong conviction that it would be wrong to layoff the 108 employees and he urged the college to live up to the motto of "Learning and Labor."

State Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, also wrote a letter that was read to the crowd.

Claire Solomon, professor of Latin American and Comparative Literature, sarcastically said Oberlin College is right to go the cheaper route with nonunion employees. She compared what the institution is doing to forced labor in mines and factories for 18 hours a day in the 19th century. “The administration is right, because if we didn't have the union we could all work 24 hours a day until we dropped dead and that would be a real value

added,� Solomon said.

David Finke, a 1963 graduate, said he was impressed by the students and faculty rallying behind the union workers.

"I think what is needed now is for the college to take very seriously the requests, demands, concerns laid out here and come to a negotiated agreement where everyone gives something, but no one loses," Finke said. "I think it can be done."

The crowd walked together, chanted and then dispersed silently as five student organization leaders entered the hotel.

Second year psychology student Avi Hurewitz said he hopes that the UAW workers keep their jobs as a result of the meeting. “They really deserve to, and I hope that the college figures out other ways to fix our financial issues,� Hurewitz said.

EQUITY

one another," he said.

English asked Hillard to include workforce development in the plan. It's been a target for public schools the past few years as well, and English said he wants to see the Oberlin City Schools, Lorain County JVS and

Lorain County Community College brought into the conversation.

"I think there are things that we can do to provide more economic opportunity, particularly for young people in Oberlin who seem often not to think that

they have a future here and wind up leaving," he said.

The social equity plan will be written with help from the public and community leaders.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Meadows said the biggest challenge will be getting

people who "feel they have no place at the table" to take part.

Hillard agreed. "We need more voices, and those voices might not be evident. So we want to make sure we get them in," he said.

ADAPTING

FROM C1 teenager doesn’t like to take things apart?"

Natalie Wardega, director of operations at RePlay for Kids, said the organization adapts and distributes toys free of charge to help raise awareness and increase the number and variety of toys available to the children who need them. “We are taking battery-operated toys and rewiring them so that a

child with disabilities, who might not have the fine motor skills to operate the toys, will be able to use them," she said.

Cole Inman, a ninth-grader from Avon, had amazing concentration as he shared what he was working on: “I’m soldering the wire back on to the toy and then we will plug it in to see if it will work. This project has been really fun.�

RePlay for Kids conducts hun-

dreds of workshops every year throughout Northeast Ohio, and, according to Wardega, places like Murray Ridge School will get the toys once they have been adapted.

Last year, RePlay for Kids adapted over 1,900 toys.

The Community Foundation of Lorain County provides funds for the nonprofit to go into schools to teach students STEM technology, said Wardega.

EXTERIORS

FROM C1 minor changes to the building's design at this stage, said Hall.

One teacher asked him recently to move a wall

— "It's too late for that," Hall said after the Planning Commission meeting.

"We're way past that."

But younger-grade

teachers are still giving input about their needs, including the kind of furniture they want to use, he said.

Financial Adviser 20 South Main Street Oberlin, OH 44074-1627 Bus.: 440-775-4357 Fax: 888-204-0352 Fax: 800-755-4944

Member SIPC

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

Oberlin College students, UAW workers and supporters gather at Oberlin College to protest layoffs at the college on March 5.

FROM C1

OH-70097431

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

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Construction is expected to begin in June.

A pre-bid open house for contractors is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the Oberlin fire station.

The district is looking for companies to bid on concrete, masonry, structural steel, carpentry, roofing, glass and glazing, interiors, food service, casework, furnishings, fire suppression, plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical, security, technology, site preparation, asphalt and final site development.

Now architects are working on more detailed drawings, showing how mechanical, electrical, plumbing and information technology systems will be situated inside the school.

Hall said the district is still working to make the building as sustainable as possible on a budget, including applying for a share of city funds from the sale of Renewable Energy Credits.

"We have a lot of moving parts. We're working with a couple of solar panel companies, and on sustainability we're working with the college," Hall said.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

POLICE REPORTS • Feb. 5 at 4:59 p.m.: William Winder was charged with obstructing official business and disorderly conduct by intoxication. The charges came after a complaint at Lorenzo's Pizzeria on South Main Street.

• Feb. 6 at 9:48 p.m.: Police found a man asleep at the wheel of a pickup truck at Certified Gas on US Route 20. There was no evidence he was intoxicated, but police confiscated a bag of suspected marijuana and two marijuana cigarettes.

• Feb. 7 at 11:36 p.m.: A man was admitted to Mercy Health Allen Hospital with a stab wound. He told police that after cutting up a carrot, and while intoxicated, he tripped and stabbed himself in the lower abdominal area.

• Feb. 8 at 9:24 p.m.: Nathaniel Everhart was charged with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Police said they found a mason jar with suspected marijuana, 17 glass smoking devices, nine grinders and a vaporizer smoking device containing suspected marijuana in his vehicle.

• Feb. 8 at 8:45 a.m.: Matthew Kaminoski was charged with domestic violence.

• Feb. 11 at 1:12 p.m.: A bong was turned over to police by Oberlin College security.

• Feb. 12 at 11:15 a.m.: A Jane Doe reported a sexual assault and the Nord Center in Lorain provided police with a sexual assault kit and a statement. The kit was sent to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

• Feb. 13 at 10:27 a.m.: Skylar Howell, 20, of Lorain, was served with a warrant through the Oberlin Police Department for failure to appear in court.

• Feb. 14 at 1:44 a.m.: Amber Santiago, 30, of Elyria, was served with a warrant through Oberlin Municipal Court for contempt on charges of petty theft and criminal trespass.

• Feb. 14 at 9:37 a.m.: Oberlin College security requested police assistance in locating a student who they believed was going to take his own life. He was found by officers and turned over to security.

• Feb. 14 at 5:21 p.m.: A man and woman allegedly stole a home theater projector valued at $79 from Walmart.

• Feb. 15 at 2:20 a.m.: Shelly Ware was served with a warrant through Oberlin Municipal Court for contempt.

• Feb. 15 at 11:18 p.m.: A man said he was assaulted by about nine people on East Vine Street. Several males were throw-

ing a football in the street and asked if he wanted to play. When he walked over, they attacked, the victim told police.

• Feb. 18 at 12:17 a.m.: Ross Stahl was charged with theft after a complaint at Walmart. Police said they recovered steaks valued at $60.

• Feb. 18 at 3:31 p.m.: A man said a girl attacked his 12-year-old son on South Main Street. "We were just playing," the girl told police.

• Feb. 21 at 9:13 a.m.: A window was broken at the Ginko Gallery on South Main Street and police said it appeared someone had tried to gain entry. The tray from the cash register was missing.

• Feb. 22 at 4 p.m.: Oberlin College security reported a wallet had been stolen during a party.

• Feb. 23 at 7:59 p.m.: David Werdebaugh was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and blood-alcohol content over .17 percent. The BAC was nearly three times the legal limit, police said.

• Feb. 23 at 7:03 p.m.: A group of juveniles reportedly caused a disturbance at Oberlin Kitchen on North Professor Street.

Police responded twice the same day for similar problems involving the same suspects. The matter was referred to Lorain County Juvenile Court for consideration of a menacing charge.

• Feb. 24 at 5:58 p.m.: A bong, two pipes, and a medicine container all containing suspected marijuana residue were turned over to police by Oberlin College security.

• Feb. 25 at 7:19 a.m.: Anthony Simpson, 24, of Norwalk, was served with a warrant through Oberlin Municipal Court for failure to appear.

• Feb. 25 at 1:09 p.m.: A resident was found deceased at Kendal at Oberlin.

• Feb. 25 at 8:19 p.m.: A woman's tires were deflated at Oberlin High School.

There were slash marks or puncture wounds, police said.

• Feb. 26 at 11:31 p.m.: A female said she was sent a picture online showing a male cutting himself. The male was an Oberlin resident and told police he was upset over a break-up. He was taken to Mercy Health Allen Hospital.

• Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.: A person reported more than 100 tablets of prescription medication stolen from a backpack while at Mudd Library.

Page C3

New look for McDonald’s JASON HAWK EDITOR

McDonald's will get a major facelift this year, receiving approval last Wednesday from the Oberlin Planning Commission.

The plan doesn't call for a complete tear-down and rebuild, like the fast food franchise often does with older buildings, according to commission chair Matt Adelman.

Jim Ptacek of Larsen Architects said the facade will be updated with McDonald's more modern style.

He negotiated the details of the project, asking for leeway when it came to handicap parking spaces.

In October, the city asked the company to move the spaces, but Ptacek said doing so would be "almost technically infeasible" without digging up and moving a significant amount of infrastructure.

He promised that accommodating people with mobility issues are a priority and said McDonald's leadership will withhold funding if all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements aren't addressed.

One regular parking spot must be eliminated to make sure fire trucks can roll in.

Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Jim Ptacek of Larsen Architects shows his plans for the site.

The site plan for the South Main Street restaurant also calls for minor changes to the patio space, which will be ringed with landscaping to separate diners from the parking lot.

Planning Commission members asked for more bike spaces to be added as well. Drawings call for six to eight, but Adelman said 30 would be more appropriate.

McDonald's is located next to the Oberlin Bike Path, which is a segment of the 65-mile North Coast Inland Trail connecting Elyria to Toledo.

Commission member Eric Gaines said McDonald's is a "landing spot" for area cycling clubs.

City officials can't require more bike parking on

the site, because there's no code on the books mandating a certain number. But Gaines asked Ptacek to consider a "strong suggestion" from the commission.

Commission member Bryan Burgess expressed concern about pedestrian access to the restaurant.

With a parking lot on one side and a fence on the other, he said landscaping could make "the site very difficult to access from the adjacent park."

Ptacek said he would take the city's requests back to his client, and thanked the Planning Commission for its approval.

"This has been a moving target for a while now and I'm glad we're finally there," he said.

Kendal art galleries

• An exhibit of large colorful abstract oil paintings by Moroccan-born artist Taha Benadada, entitled “Between Light and Dark,” will be on display in the Kendal Gallery through March 30. An artist reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20 in the Heiser Lounge.

• Photographer Roy Jenkins will display landscapes, seascapes and other nature images in the Friends Gallery through April 2.

• Katie Kreuger’s vibrant acrylic paintings on wood are on display in the Friends Gallery through March.

City moves on 'active transportation' Oberlin City Council took the first step last week in developing an "active transportation plan" for 2020-2021.

It calls for an analysis of where sidewalks already exist and where new ones should be built.

The goal is to better accommodate walkers, runners and cyclists.

City Manager Rob Hillard said it's an issue officials have wanted to address for several years.

Now he will team up with police, public works, recreation, sustainability,

engineering and planning heads. Together they'll look at rules for sidewalk upkeep, bike routes, recreation plans and locations where accidents occur.

Hillard's plan calls for a long string of meetings. They include four public listening sessions to gather feedback from the residents on all sides of the city. The meetings have not yet been scheduled.

Council voted March 2 to direct Hillard to start mapping out when and where meetings will be held.

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Page C4

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Oberlin News-Tribune

© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 36, No. 15

March is Women’s History Month

Can you imagine a woorld in which women do not have the right to vote?

Meeting for f Wom W men’s Rights In 1848, a group of people m met in Seneca Falls, N.Y. to talk abbout the problems women faced beccause they didn’t have the same rights as men.

At that time, women could not own property, they could not vote v and very few coould go to school.

men in this How long do you think wom country have had the right too vote?

300 years? 200 years? 150 years??

In thhe United States, women have had that right for only 100 years of the 244 yearrs we have been a country. y And gettiing the right to vote toook decades of pr prrotestingg and writing too lawmakers – whhho were alll men at the time.

c each Draw lines too connect identical pprootest sign.

Victory!

This meetinng was the first woomen’s rights convention ed in the United States. At that meeting, men and women signed a document called the “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.”

By signing, these people agreed to the goals of what was becoming the woman’s movement.

On May 21, 19119, the U.S S. House off Representatives finally appproved the 19th Amendment, also known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote.

That was just the first step. The U.S. Senate and at least three quarters of the states had to approve it before it would become the law of the land.

For more than 70 years, women and men marched, wrote letters and articles, protested and picketed to get an Amendment to the Constitution the right too which would givve women th vote. Thhese peopple were knoown as suffraggists.

One week later, on August 226, the 19th Amendment officially became nstitutiion n forever part of the U.S. Constituti onn, menn’’s right i h proteecting Americaan wom to voote.

y How maanyyVOTE buttoonss caan youu find on o this t paage??

n Election Day, Nov. 5, 1872, Susan B. Annthony walked into her polling place and voted.

Todayy,more than68 millioonwomenvotein electionsbecauseofthe courageous g suffragists who never nevergaveupthe ggave up the fi for equa fightf

Why waas Susan B. Anthony arrested for f voting?

Use the code to find out!

Two weeks later, a U.S. marshal knocked on heer door.

“I have a warrant for your arrest,” he told Susan. “You are charged with voting without the lawful right to vote.”

In 1872, by U.S. law, a person had to be 21 years or older to vote. Susan was born in 1820. Was she old enough to vote?

=A =C =E

=H =K =L

=M =N =O

=R =S =W

Susan met two other requirements for the right to vote.

She was a U.S. citizen and she had never been convicted Would Susan B. Anthony have been arrestedfor the of a felony crime. Why was she arrested for voting? same reason in 1921? ❏YES ❏ NO

n 1920, exactly 100 years after Susan was born, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, giving women the right to vote.

While Susan did not live to see women get the right to vote, in 1979 she became the first woman to appear on U.S. money.

Look closely to find the coin that is different.

Standards Link: Investigation: Find similarities and differences in common objects.

PROTESTED PROPERTY PICKETED RATIFIED SUFFRAGE SENECA GHTS RIG OMEN WO ARS YEA SAN SUS HIINK THI OTE TE VO VE GIV ALK TA WN OW

Woomen in Leaadership

Todaay, women can vote and a hold elected office. For several weeks, look through the newspaper for pictures of women who are leaders in the government.

Make a scrapbook with the photos.

Label each one with the woman’s name, her job title and if she was elected to the job.

4. How many years have American women had the right to vote?? ____________________ ____________________ 5. Where and wheen did the first women’s rights meeting take place? ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ 6. What does suffrage mean? ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ____________________ _____________________

S D W K N I H T S P

U E U O F A A F R R

F T R W M L S O A O

F E S N K E P U G T

This weeek’s word:

RAT TIFIED

A C A I R I G H T S

The verb rratify means to give formal consent to make something officially valid.

E P Y I G E V I G E

The law was ratified by a popular vote.

R K R A C E N E S E

G I E T S T S O F T H T R A T I F I E D Standarrds Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns. words. S

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

Woman I Admire

ANSWER: At the North poll.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Know the difference between cause and effect.

2. Who is it about? ___________________ ___________________

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

Cause and Effect

Draw a line down the center of a pieece of paper. Label the left side CAUSE. L Label the right side EFFECT. Read a newspaper artticle and find the cause (an event that makes something ething happen) and the effect (what the cause made happen).

1. What W is this page about? ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

3. Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives women the right to vote? ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

The United States Senate approved the amendment a week after the House.

On August 18, 1920, Tenneessee became the last state neededd to ratify the 19th Amendment.

Afterr reading this page, answer thee questions below. Have an addult check your answers.

Disccuss any that you got wrong.

Describe a woman you admire and your reasons for choosing this woman.

INSIDE: TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE A BEE CITY USA • D3

WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020 • SERVING WELLINGTON SINCE 1864

‘We're winning people over’ School board crossing fingers that voters will be swayed on Issue 16 JASON HAWK EDITOR

With millions of dollars on the line, Ed Weber believes the Wellington Schools' levy campaign is making headway as the March 17 primary draws near.

"I feel we're winning people over," the superintendent told Board of Education members last week.

The school board met March 3 in a last strategy session for Issue 16.

The district is asking voters to approve an $8.7 million bond issue to pay for building repairs, mostly at Westwood Elementary School.

The request includes another $224,478 per year for routine upkeep.

Combined, the two measures would cost the owner of a $100,000 house an

▲ Board of Education President Brett Murner expresses optimism for the Wellington Schools’ levy chances. ► Superintendent Ed Weber speaks about the need for money at Wellington’s aging school buildings. extra $101.15 per year or $8.43 per month.

It's almost exactly the same pitch that voters rejected in November, with ISSUE 16 PAGE D2

► This graph provided by the district shows how Wellington's effective millage stacks up against other school systems in Lorain County. "Even if we were to add the 2.99 mills (the levy requests), we're still 15 mills behind the next lowest school in the county," said school board President Brett Murner.

Report card grades expected to rise JASON HAWK EDITOR

The days of awful state report card ratings are almost over for the Wellington Schools, according to Superintendent Ed Weber.

The district will earn an A for its improved graduation rates this fall when the next grades are released, he said in a report last week to the Board of Education.

"We're looking at our first report

The State of Wellington breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. today at the Eagles Club, 631 South Main St. Tickets were by pre-sale. card without an F in several years," he said.

The about-face will be a key part of Weber's address this morning at the State of Wellington breakfast.

He's hoping the positive news will resonate with voters ahead of the March 17 primary, which includes a

school repair levy.

The state report card released last fall gave Wellington an F in the "prepared for success" measure, which shows whether kids are ready for college or the workforce.

This year, Weber said that metric will rise to a "high D" or possibly even a C. The grade for literacy at Westwood has gone from an F to a C over the last couple of years, and Weber said it needs to be an A. REPORT CARD PAGE D2

Rochester seeks to renew its fire levy CHRISTINA JOLIFFE THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Having a fire department of your own is a perk for those living in a small township, according to officials.

“We’re such a little place,” said Fiscal Officer Laura Brady. “People appreciate us having it. It’s an all-volunteer fire department, but for us, it’s wonderful to have in our area.”

The levy has been on the books for more than 20 years.

It will raise $39,000 each year over five years, costing the owner of a $100,000 about $20 annually, according to Brady.

“We don’t put it on very often,” she said. “It’s used for the upkeep of equipment, maintenance and ROCHESTER PAGE D3

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Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Wellington High School students knot up during an exercise Friday about the value of communication. It was part of a lesson on mental health.

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Twisting their bodies around and joining arms in a cats' cradle on Friday, Wellington high-schoolers started a discussion on mental health.

"It was a mess," teacher Roberta McCarty told teens. "Yours was a good knot. I don't think I've ever seen one tangled up so well before."

The lesson was about communication, and how it's a vital part of solving any problem.

As part of the Olweus bullying prevention program, Wellington High takes one day a week — usually Thursday — to explore social issues that can throw kids off track.

Taking the effort a step further, teachers dedicated all of last week to an exploration of mental health issues.

From boosting self-confidence to raising awareness of suicide, educators encouraged students to think about the often-invisible problems that can haunt classmates.

In the United States, about 4.4 mil-

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lion children ages three to 17 have diagnosed anxiety, and 1.9 million have diagnosed depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It's the third leading cause for children ages 10 to 14.

In teacher Patrick Gallion's class, students were asked Friday to think MENTAL HEALTH PAGE D2

Page D2

Sign up for yard help

Teens at Wellington High School will hold their annual Clean-Up Day on May 20.

Do you need help with your yard or around the outside of your house? Students are willing to help by planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, washing windows and doing other odd jobs. The deadline to sign up is April 3. Call Principal Tina Drake at 440-647-7402.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR LCCC has removed barriers to education To the editor: In today’s challenging and complex world, it is important that those interested have access to post-secondary education. As a Lorain County resident and administrator at Murray Ridge, I have been impressed by the commitment of Lorain County Community College to removing barriers to higher education for local citizens, including those with developmental disabilities.

Recently, LCCC became the venue for echoingU, a program designed to prepare young people with special needs to pursue their goals through individualized learning, community integration, and social and professional networking. By providing the site for this program, LCCC enabled echoingU participants to have an immersive experience, with access to

resources and relationships available to other college students.

This is only one of many examples of LCCC’s commitment to partnering and creativity in the service of all Lorain County residents.

Since its establishment in 1963, LCCC has served 50 percent of families in Lorain County and it has the highest success rate of any community college in Ohio. LCCC also plays a vital role in fueling our local economy with a talented workforce, while continuously supporting opportunities for those in our community.

Now LCCC needs our support.

On March 17, please join me in helping LCCC to continue its vital work by voting for Issue 17.

Amber L. Fisher

Students deserve Issue 16 support To the editor: I stepped up to the plate and filled the position to be a school board member two years ago, and over these past two years I have learned so much about the village of Wellington and our Wellington Schools.

We need Issue 16. Our students deserve the best we can give them. Westwood is the perfect school for our youngest school chil-

dren. Without Issue 16, the much-needed repairs at Westwood and Wellington High School will not be met. I am confident this community will step up and look at the future and not keep living in the past.

Please vote for Issue 16 on March 17.

Penny Mcclaflin Vice President Wellington Board of Education

Levy would support improvements To the editor: An important issue appears on the March 17 ballot for voters served by Wellington Schools.

A combined 1.89-mill bond and 1-mill permanent improvement levy would help provide much-needed improvements to aging district facilities. The bond would generate $8.7 million to make repairs to two of the district’s oldest buildings, Westwood Elementary School and Wellington High School. The repairs at the elementary school

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Wellington Enterprise

include a new roof, boilers and heating and cooling equipment and replacing the parking lot. The high school is in need of a new roof and new parking lot. Other repairs include the elementary playground and kitchen.

Before making a decision, remember that strong schools make a community a great place to live, raise a family or start a business.

Rick Lewis Note: Rick Lewis is CEO of the Ohio School Boards Association.

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK We asked residents on social media what they think about Issue 16. Here's what some had to say: Linda Simonson Gott "It comes down to if we don’t have a maintenance fund marked for improvement and maintenance when something breaks, we have to take funds from the education of our students. In order to increase our level of education, we need to make sure this no longer happens. We need to increase education of the students.

I know mismanagement has happened in the past. Time to fix the past."

Aaron Caswell "The district would probably save a few dollars if the people that want their children to attend a different school didn't rely on the taxpayers to bus them to different districts. It's out of hand!"

Allison Zander "The schools have no maintenance fund to maintain the facilities. I would be interested to know if and when there was one and why it disappeared. Regardless, they are trying to fund one now and it is needed for the education of our children and the community if we want to maintain property values and continue to live in a thriving and vibrant village. If you are concerned about where the money is going, don't forget about school board meetings after Election Day. Keep going and asking questions."

Ron Seredich "The way I see it, Wellington, Ohio, can prosper or become a horrible retirement community and when the old folks all die off, so will Wellington, Ohio.

Everyone cares in their hearts until it hits the pockets."

ISSUE 16

FROM D1 777 people for and 1,090 against the levy — a nearly 17 percent difference.

School board member Ayers Ratliff said he's seeing a difference in residents' attitudes toward the levy.

He's been stumping for Issue 16, circulating a letter that stressed Westwood could close without major fixes.

"We should not think about closing Westwood and moving our students into our two remaining school buildings," the letter says.

"Our upcoming levy is so important.

Let's show our children we support them by approving our double-barrel levy that will fix our buildings and keep them repaired for our students," it says.

Ratliff said some voters didn't understand closing Westwood is on the table.

After hearing his message, three couples who voted against the levy in November said they are reversing their position.

"I honestly hope and pray that we have a chance of passing this," Ratliff told his fellow board members.

Westwood, which is more than 60 years old, is where the bulk of the levy cash would be used — but Wellington High School also needs renovations.

In an open letter to the community, Principal Tina Drake said her building needs a new roof, new parking lot and complete replacement of locker rooms and restrooms to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. "These are large expenses and we need your help funding them. If we let these needed improvements go much longer, the cost could be even more costly for our district and community," she wrote.

Weber said the repairs at both buildings are part of a four-year facilities

plan.

They are crucial to the long-term financial stability of the Wellington Schools, he said. Issue 16 will make the district's buildings last longer and keep maintenance costs from doubling up over time.

The money would also help protect the district from economic fluctuations, Weber told the school board.

He said revenue to the schools from income taxes can rise when the economy is good but fall when a recession hits.

The school system needs to responsibly build its reserves when times are good, he said.

But Weber warned the public schools will never be able to stop asking residents for money under Ohio's unconstitutional funding system. The fight to pass levies won't end until state lawmakers change their ways, he said.

"This levy is hopefully a successful one for us. That doesn't mean another levy doesn't come down the road in the future," he said.

Open houses and tours of Westwood and WHS have been eye-opening for residents, Weber said. They've been a time to answer questions, admit to past mistakes and promise levy money will be spent only on buildings, not salaries.

One more Issue 16 event is planned.

It will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. tonight at WHS. Treasurer Tina Gabler said the Wellington Schools' finances are open for the public to view at www.ohiotreasurer.gov, with the exception of special education line items.

"I like to think we're open and transparent with everybody. Doors are always open," she said.

REPORT CARD

FROM D1 "It's getting close to that, if it can show another year of improvement," he said.

The district has put a lot of effort into getting grades up, introducing courses like green architecture and coding at McCormick Middle School and Advanced Placement classes like biology at Wellington High School.

"We don't want to stop adding AP courses until every kid has an AP course they can self-select themselves into," Weber said.

He said the goal is to match students to "their inherent talents," so they all find a subject they love.

At the same time, a slew of grants are giving principals at each of Wellington's schools more tools to work with.

Weber said Westwood Elementary and WHS have both moved out of state oversight after showing significant testing improvement, and McCormick could be removed from federal oversight next year if the building makes another leap forward like it did in 2019.

"We desire to deliver to our community great results. We want to be a great school system for the citizens of this community, and we believe it's a partnership," Weber said.

MENTAL HEALTH

FROM D1 about rumors and the damage they do.

"The telephone game" of gossip can do a lot of harm, he said: "The more people in the chain that information goes through, the more it changes and often the worse it becomes."

Gallion and McCarty passed out mental health goodie bags. Among the items inside were "safe tags" with contact information for a mental health hotline.

"This is important. Maybe it's not something you need, but maybe it's something you have a friend that needs it," Gallion

told students.

The hotline gives students a chance to confide in a crisis counselor anytime. Gallion said he personally knows people who have worked the line, helping people through life-and-death situations.

In Lorain County, you can call the Nord Center's 24/7 crisis hotline at 800-8886161 or sexual assault services hotline at 440-204-4359.

You can also use the Ohio Crisis Text Line by texting "4Hope" to 741741.

JVS HONOR ROLL The Lorain County JVS has released its second quarter Honor Roll for the 20192020 school year. It recognizes students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

From Wellington: Taylor Bealer, Christopher Beat, Landon Bella, Cheyenne Cartwright, Kinsey Grose, Brian Hall, Eva Hartwig, Morgan Hunter, Rachel Kropff,

Brayonna Leiby, Madam Wispermari Lewis, Cooper McConnell, Audrey Mckinley, Travis Mcquate, Madison Mickey, Skyler Mitchell, Madison Mull, Ryan Munyan, Sara Patterson, Haleigh Polen, Lorean Scott, Tanner Smith, Zachary Snyder, Kaleb Taylor, Kailee Whitehouse, Thomas Williams, Daniel Wilson.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Wellington Enterprise

Page D3

To bee or not to Bee City USA BROOKIE MADISON THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

The Lorain County Beekeepers Association is asking Wellington to become a “bee city” to ensure the survival of thousands of species of pollinators, like bees, butterflies and moths.

Fifty-five of Lorain County's 165 beehives are in Wellington.

If adopted, Wellington would be the sixth bee city in Ohio.

Last year marked the 100-year anniversary of the Beekeepers Association and its members thought bringing the Bee City USA initiative from the Xerces Society to Wellington was the next best thing to do.

“We would like to do more for the village, Lorain County and the fairgrounds,” said Sheila St. Clair, building fund director for the Beekeepers Association.

The Beekeepers Association would work with the village and community to plant pollinator

friendly trees, bushes and shrubs and is even looking to take over the old McCormick School area.

“We hope we can turn it into a beautiful park for bees and butterflies,” St. Clair said.

The association would cover the annual $100 bee city fee, so long as the village's population stays under 5,000. Population affects the fee amount.

St. Clair also told Village Council last week that farmers see an increase of five bushels to the acres using bees on their soybeans.

Barbara Bloetscher, the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s state apiarist, said the state is working to promote beekeeping and encourage more awareness of pollinators.

“Ninety percent of plants in the U.S. require some insect or living thing to pollinate it and bees make up the majority of them. You need all of the pollinators for balance,” Bloetscher said.

There are 45,000 bee colonies in Ohio, 9,300 apiaries and 310 beekeepers in Lorain County.

Officials from the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Beekeepers Association mentioned how pollinators contribute to the food chain, noting they help seed crops and how fruits like apples and peaches are 90 percent reliant on honey bees for pollination.

“If we keep the bees going it’s a cycle,” St. Clair said.

The Beekeepers Association wants to teach classes about honey bees throughout the year. It will host a Pollination Week starting June 20 and group is involved in Main Street Wellington’s First Fridays to educate the community on beekeeping.

In addition, the Beekeepers Association is teaching classes every Friday in March at the Life Church, 1033 Elm St., Grafton.

“Within five years, we’re going to be proud of what we’ve done,” St. Clair said.

Wellington's status as a potential bee city will be discussed again when Village Council meets on Monday, March 16.

Fisher-Titus awards grant to help with fitness at Wellington Schools Nine local schools were awarded a total of $36,000 by Fisher-Titus Medical Center during its annual Health Education Grant Luncheon in February.

Each received up to $4,000.

Wellington High School will use the funding to continue development of a fitness facility that is used for athletics, physical education and faculty and staff wellness.

The district has invested about $29,000 into the fitness center through

various grants and donations.

Superintendent Ed Weber said having a fitness facility at the high school has allowed the physical education teacher to add new courses for the student body. A strength and conditioning class is now available for students promoting healthy lifestyles and education for weightlifting and exercising. The physical education teacher has also been able to incorporate both weight training and cardiovascular fitness into

regular classes as well.

The high school’s varsity athletic teams use weight training as part of their practices now that the weight room is readily available. Additionally, faculty members use the facility to increase their own health and wellness.

Fisher-Titus’s Health Education Grants have supported health and science initiatives in the classroom since 1996.

Also receiving grants this year were the Edison, Monroeville, New London, Norwalk Catholic,

Cemetery clean-up

Greenwood Cemetery, 101 Cemetery Rd., will be cleaned up on Wednesday, April 1. The cemetery board is asking for families and loved ones to dispose of any items they no longer want at the cemetery before the clean-up date.

Helping Hands Food Pantry

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

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

ROCHESTER

FROM D1

training.”

The township relies on the South Lorain County Ambulance District for emergency medical services, but its firefighters are first responders.

“Voters always pass it,” Brady said. “They appreciate us having it.”

If the levy does not pass next week, the department will continue to operate using the funds it already has in place, but likely will go back to the voters in November.

Without the levy, the department would not have funds to operate.

Luckily that hasn’t been a problem in the past, according to Brady.

“We really haven’t had a problem with it,” she said.

“People are grateful to have what we have down here.

If it wouldn’t pass in November, or ever again, we pretty much wouldn’t be able to have a volunteer fire department.”

What it is: A 2.0-mill renewal levy Duration: Five years How much would it raise: $39,000 annually Purpose: Fire operations Cost to homeowner: The owner of a $100,000 home pays $20 annually

Norwalk, South Central, Western Reserve and Willard school systems.

They will use their grant money to achieve goals related to math, science, and health education and make the subjects fun for their students.

“As we celebrate our 24th Health Education Grant program today, we raise our historic distribution total to over $1 million dollars to help our area academic programs,” Denny Doughty, chairman of the board said.

NRA CCW Class One Day $75

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Please support the

Wellington Fire District

Fire District Seeks Replacement Levy

On Tuesday, March 17, residents in the Village of Wellington and the townships of Brighton, Huntington, Penfield, Pittsfield and Wellington will be asked to support a five-year, 2.75 mill replacement levy for the Wellington Community Fire District. This levy, as in the past, will appear on the ballot as a replacement issue. Your board of trustees, which represents the village and each township, opted to replace the 2015 levy, which expires December 31, 2020.

Levy History

In its 50th year as a fire district, the Wellington Fire District was formed in 1970 when voters approved a 1.5 mil levy. The levy increased to 2.0 mils in November 1979. The levy stayed at 2.0 mils until March 2000 when voters approved a 2.75 mil levy.

In February 2005 voters approved a reduced, 2.50 mil levy, due largely in-part to the economy.

However, with rising costs of fuel, equipment and protective gear, the need to supplement the budget is necessary. Keeping the levy at 2.75 mils, the Fire District can continue to operate effectively, efficiently and financially sound for years to come.

The funding from this levy will be used to maintain the day-to-day operations of the Fire District, as well as provide for some much-needed capital expenditures.

In this levy period, refurbishment of the oldest vehicle in the fleet, a 1992 Pierce Rescue truck will take place, saving approximately $350,000; allowing for another ten years of service.

Other capital expenditures: 2021:

Brush truck replacement; $60,000

Radio replacement, Phase 1; $75,000 Replacement 2001, Engine 153; $476,000 Radio replacement, Phase 2; $75,000 2023: Refurbish Rescue 154; $75,000 Radio replacement, Phase 3; $75,000 2024: Turnout gear replacement; $25,200 Radio replacement, Phase 4; $75,000 2025: Turnout gear replacement: $25,200 Most importantly, the Fire Board of Trustees wisely manages YOUR money. With cost of most things increasing, the Fire District is striving to insure the financial stability for the future. If the levy is not increased, within several years, the district will be forced to operate on a good portion of the savings, which is held in reserve for unforeseen circumstances. The capital planning model is constantly reviewed to ensure the responsible use of YOUR tax dollars!

2022:

Issue 15 Summary Millage...............................................2.75 Length ............................................5 years Generates Annually ....................$922,000 Annual Cost for $100,000 home......$96.25 Annual Cost for $150,00 home......$144.00 Annual Cost for $200,000 home....$192.50 Paid for by Committee to Support the Wellington Fire District Levy, Ken Knapp, Treasurer.

©The Chronicle-Telegram

Capital Expenditure Five-Year Strategic Plan

Page D4

Thursday, March 12, 2020

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