Lorain County Community Guide - March 31, 2022

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com

Volume 9, Issue 13

State of State of Wellington Amherst

Costilow says city’s future is ‘promising’ JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — After surviving the hardships of the pandemic last year with a $2.3 million general fund carryover, Mayor Mark Costilow said the future looks promising.

In a State of the City address Monday to Council, he said he is working to stay on budget and promote controlled growth. In 2021, that resulted in a 6.1 percent boost in income tax collections, and stable utility rates.

“We have been able to hold off any rate increases temporarily,” he said, outlining COVID relief funds and other sources that have helped keep water and electricity prices locked in.

One of those sources is American Municipal Power Transmission, a nonprofit energy Mark Costilow company that received ownership of the city’s high-voltage pass-through lines in a $9 million deal approved by Council in 2019.

The sale will result in the construction of a second main power feed into the city, set to go operational in late 2023.

Engineering for the project is halfway done, and more than $2 million in long lead time parts such as transformers have already been ordered, Costilow said.

AMP Transmission is negotiating easements and rightsof-way with three property owners, and the city is working with First Energy to design the tap-in location, he said.

Right now, Amherst has just one point of entry for First Energy power.

“When that connection goes down, the entire city is without power,” Costilow said in his address. “This seems to be happening more now than in the past.”

Five miles of city streets were repaved last year, and workers undertook emergency replacement of a culvert that crumbled, leaving Crown Hill Cemetery without access, Costilow reported.

In 2021 and 2022, the city is on track to place 1.1 miles of new or relined sanitary sewer pipes and 72 new or refurbished sewer manholes, he said. That maintenance is AMHERST PAGE A4 Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-329-7000 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Wellington Mayor Hans Schneider and Police Chief Tim Barfield shake hands after Barfield, South Lorain County Ambulance District Director Skip Gentry and Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee were presented last Thursday with keys to the village during the State of Wellington addresses.

Village, schools reflect on pandemic’s effects JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — Masks may be gone, but the dominoes set in motion by the COVID-19 pandemic are still taking a toll on budgets, capital projects and grades, town and school officials said last Thursday morning in the 5th Annual State of Wellington address.

“COVID still does significantly affect the village in many ways,” Village Manager Jonathan Greever told a crowd at Eagles Aerie 2051.

Supply chain issues and inflation have forced Wellington to be tight with budgets. Materials, supplies and manpower all cost more now, and the Ukraine war isn’t helping, already causing up-the-pipeline pressures, said Greever.

Luckily, businesses are rebounding, which means income tax collections are up 7 percent, he said.

That revenue was forecasted at $2.3 million for 2021, and the village got $2.45 million.

It also received $257,268 in the first round of American Rescue Funds approved by Congress to help towns offset pandemic-related losses. Wellington is expected to get

Wellington Schools Superintendent Ed Weber and Treasurer Mark Donnelly speak about the state of the district. that amount again this year.

The unencumbered money the village has on hand has been slowly climbing since 2016, going from $713,000 then to $2.23 million now, Greever said.

That represents more than seven months of operating expenses could be covered if an enormous problem were to raise its head.

Mayor Hans Schneider said the village has several projects planned for 2022 — at the top of that list is construction of a new police station on East Herrick Avenue.

That project was delayed by the

pandemic and is now on track for completion in August 2023, at a cost $1 million above the original estimate, he said.

Wellington’s sewage plant is next on the list for upgrades, or it will soon become obsolete, said Schneider.

Officials started working on a plan last July to replace much of its old ultraviolet treatment equipment.

Designs are expected to be finished this summer, with work done by April 2023.

In the meantime, Schneider is WELLINGTON PAGE A3

In memoriam

The State of Wellington breakfast and addresses began with a tribute to former water and wastewater Superintendent Greg Frenk, who died Feb. 26 at age 47. Starting as a firefighter and then rising through the ranks as a municipal worker, he’d given 26 years of service to the village. Frenk was remembered for his sense of humor and infectious optimism. Village Manager Jonathan Greever said a tree will be planted in Frenk’s memory at Union School Park. In the meantime, former wastewater Superintendent Mark Rosemark has come out of retirement to step into the vacant position until it can be filled.

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INSIDE THIS WEEK

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Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

S. Amherst firefighters pay tribute to former chief • B1

HS graduation won’t be back at Finney this June • A6

Duke Pride Carnival making a return after two years • B1

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

Page A2

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Independence Day planning

A Fourth of July organizational meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 11 at Main Street Wellington, 118 West Herrick Ave. Organizations, businesses and community members interested in helping put on Wellington’s July 4 events are welcome to attend.

Main Street is coordinating the 2022 Independence Day celebration after the dissolution of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, which previously planned and collected funding.

An ice cream social and Patriots Symphonic Band concert are being planned for July 3, with fireworks the next evening.

“Many of us have struggled the past two years with the COVID pandemic and are now challenged by inflation,” said Jenny Arntz, director of Main Street Wellington. “Despite the loss and pain, we have seen the beauty of collaboration and resilience of the community that has helped others in greater need. What better way to celebrate the positives than on the 3rd and 4th of July with music, fireworks, games, food and fellowship?”

Newspapers for genealogy

The Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Society will meet online at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 11.

“Using Newspapers in Genealogy” will be presented by Diana Crisman Smith. She is a researcher, speaker, writer, teacher and a lay librarian at the Westlake Ohio Family History Center.

The event is open to members and the public. Those interested in watching the presentation should email meetings@ loraincoogs.org to be added to the invitation list and receive the online link.

OBITUARIES Myron Richert Bremke Myron Richert Bremke, 92, of New Russia Township, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Keystone Pointe in LaGrange, following a full meaningful life one day before his 93rd birthday. He was born March 20, 1929, in Elyria.

Myron had made his home in New Russia Township for the last 80 years.

Myron loved farming, and loved working with family on construction work and teaching them those skills. Myron was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he formerly served on the Deacon's board. His hobbies included dancing, and he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his sons, Dean (Beth) Bremke of Wellington, Darren (Karen) Bremke of New Russia Township, Duane (Jenny) Bremke and David (Laura) Bremke, both of Wellington; grandchildren, Raymond (April) Bremke, Lynn (Mark) Gordon, Kyle (Cassie) Bremke, Meghan (Alan) Smith, Myles (Giovanna) Bremke, Matthew (Chelsea) Bremke, Mason Bremke, Morgan Bremke (fiance Hailee Plato), Taylor Bremke, Brandon Bremke, Rachel Bremke, Madison Bremke, Sarah Bremke, Alaine Bremke, and Paige Bremke; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Edward Bill (Janet) Bremke, Jr. of Amherst and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Verna Meta Bremke (nee Ruprecht) on November 14, 2021; grandson, Adam Russell; sister, Vada Maruschak and his parents, Edward William, Sr. and Frieda Julia Bremke (nee Richert).

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 26 at Grace Lutheran Church, Oberlin, with the Rev. Josh Moldenhauer officiating. Burial was at New Russia Township Cemetery. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made directly to Dean Bremke for maintaining the family tradition of placing altar flowers at Grace Lutheran Church on Myron and Verna's wedding anniversary.

Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneral home.com.

JAMES BRADLEY LEWIS, 72, a resident of Elyria, passed away Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Wesleyan Village of Elyria following a lengthy illness. Hempel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Bitterness brewing over faculty compensation at Oberlin College JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — After salary freezes in recent years and changes to health care benefits, Oberlin College professors are asking for better compensation — and feel they’re not getting far.

One request to increase salary and benefits has already been rejected by the college Board of Trustees. Now another is pending as students and faculty stage demonstrations.

“There’s talk about people leaving.

People can get competitive offers elsewhere,” said Matthew Senior, chair of the French and Italian department and president of the local American Association of University Professors chapter.

Compared to similar schools, compensation at Oberlin College “is drifting to the very bottom,” he said.

“In the last five or six years, we’re slid practically into last place.”

Other universities are acting to help faculty, he said, pointing to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland — a spokesperson there confirmed that Case Western Reserve approved a large investment in compensation last week, though they declined to provide specifics.

Oberlin faculty aren’t expecting to make enough to buy the latest BMW or Tesla models, said Yveline Alexis, associate professor of Africana studies and comparative American studies. They’re trying to stay afloat and pay down their own college debt, mortgages and routine expenses.

They’re also trying to keep up with inflation, which last year hit 4.7 percent and climbed in February to 7.9 percent.

If they can’t do that at Oberlin, they’ll find teaching positions elsewhere, Alexis said: “We’re flight risks. We will be poached by institutions that value us.”

The breaking point for many professors was a new health insurance plan that Senior described as “draconian” and “structured like a regressive tax.”

Under the previous plan, employees had options, but the new one offers the same coverage at the same rates and deductibles for deans and entry-level professors alike, he said.

With out-of-pocket maximums around $8,000 and closer to $16,000 out-of-network, the plan is hitting lower-paid staff hard, he said.

There’s even talk about needing an

emergency relief fund for those who can’t pay their medical bills, according to Senior. An anonymous poll revealed “horror stories” about the costs for some employees’ families, he said.

Mathematics professor Jeff Witmer said that on behalf of AAUP members he called on the board earlier this month to invest more in faculty.

The college is spending big money on projects such as its $140 million conversion to geothermal heating and cooling, he said. That proves the cash is there — but faculty believe it should be spent on people first.

Scott Wargo, director of media relations for the college, said faculty and staff rose to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is “a shared understanding between faculty, trustees, and administration that competitive compensation is an important part of rewarding the excellence of our faculty and staff.”

In a March 1 letter, the Oberlin College Board of Trustees rejected the AAUP’s call to return to the faculty compensation plan in place in 2013.

“Doing so would be to return to the practice of making consequential decisions without ensuring that they are consistent with financial sustainability,” wrote Chair Chris Canavan and Vice Chair Chesley MaddoxDorsey. “This practice has led to the deficits we have now.”

The college spends more on compensation than on anything else, they said. Its revenue comes from student charges and endowment contributions.

“Neither is an unequivocally secure source of revenue,” Canavan and Maddox-Dorsey wrote.

Student revenue can and does fluctuate up and down, they said.

And the endowment, which last year surpassed $1 billion, is tied to the markets.

Witmer, who specializes in statistical modeling, said he believes the college could afford to up faculty compensation by reapportioning endowment money.

The Board of Trustees disagreed: “Anything more than a very loose link between compensation and the endowment would be a mistake; it would introduce volatility into salaries that would be very difficult to manage, and it would limit our capacity to tap into the endowment to protect livelihoods during shocks

like the pandemic,” the chair and vice chair wrote.

Witmer and Senior said the AAUP has made another request for a compensation bump, which is pending.

Now the college is in the beginning stages of a compensation study that will ensure pay and benefits are competitive, equitable and financially sustainable for the long-term, said Wargo.

“While the compensation study will help us better understand where we need to go moving forward, Oberlin has not been standing still,” he said. “In the past four years, we have implemented a 2 percent raise, a second 3.25 percent raise and a third 2 percent non-base increase.

Still, the past two years have been difficult for all of us, including at Oberlin.”

The board plans to consider in July and again in January 2023 how to address compensation, according to Canavan and Maddox-Dorsey.

In the meantime, “there’s kind of a restive feeling on campus” right now, with many professors expressing resentment, Senior said.

Some canceled classes in protest earlier this month, and students staged a demonstration in a show of support.

Another was planned for yesterday after press time on Wilder Bowl, said Alexis, who has been a liaison between students and staff.

“There's a movement forming, and the campus is ready to boil over,” according to a statement posted online by the Oberlin Student Labor Action Coalition. “The endowment grows past $1 billion as our professors are denied pay, our resources are disappearing, and more cutbacks are to come. It is a dark reality; one where those who make decisions about our campus don't live here and are accountable to no one.”

The organization said students work for the school and sleep in dorms that are old and falling apart. They feel they “work in a company town” where the college owns everything while understaffing programs and underfunding resources.

“We must make demands, not just for labor, but for our entire campus,” the SLAC statement said.

“We must make demands alongside our professors, college staff, the UAW, and the workers at Scioto (the college’s custodial provider).

We must make demands for our community.”

Leadercast conference features business success stories Change can be good, and the one-day Leadercast Shift conference aims to show how it can help businesses grow.

Oberlin Business Partnership and Agon Leadership will hold the event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at the New Russia Township Lodge.

The conference will feature seven speakers who have navigated through personal

and professional shifts during the difficulties of 2020 and 2021: • David Baker, Pro Football Hall of Fame past president • Chris Carter, Ohio native and wide receiver • Todd Henry, founder of Accidental Creative • Guy Raz, a reporter, radio and podcast host, • Austin Channing Brown, author of the New York Times bestseller “I’m Still Here”

• Chuck Mingo, founder of Living Undivided • Andy Stanley, author of “Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets” Leadercast will also feature owners, founders and representatives from five local businesses: • Rob Lando of AgriNomix in Oberlin • Emily Showalter and Tom Demaline of Willoway Nurseries in Avon

• Judy Recknagel of The Mermaid’s Tale in Amherst • Shontae Jackson of Steel Magnolia Restaurant in Oberlin • Jevon Terance of Jevon Terance Fashion Design Clothing Boutique in Lorain The cost is $99 per person for $700 for a table of eight, and includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Register at www. oberlin.org by clicking on “OBP Events.”

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

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

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

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

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

Greever reports on energy price stability efforts JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON

▲ Sandy Hamilton and Bernie Raab of Well-Help are awarded the key to the village by Mayor Hans Schneider and Council President Gene Hartman.

FROM A1

getting ready for a water line replacement project on West Herrick Avenue, which has been planned since 2020. Materials have already arrived and work will begin this summer.

Another long-planned project will see design work done for development of Union School Park at the former McCormick Middle School property on Route 58. The village was gifted the land in 2017 after the old school was torn down.

Schneider said plans for the project were derailed by the pandemic. Now he has a meeting with the architect Friday morning to get back on track.

Wellington Schools Superintendent Ed Weber and Treasurer Mark Donnelly also talked about how the district has weathered the pandemic and what it is planning for 2022.

“We’ve been through a lot together, and I just want to say thank you for your partnership during our shutdown,” said Weber.

After closure then hybrid instruction, classes are back to being inperson and full-time. Kids are still recovering, however, and the district is trying to make up for lost time with academic recovery programs, free summer school and free tutoring.

Wellington Schools have also hired a full-time social worker and a fulltime mental health specialist to help kids heal from social and emotional issues that were compounded by the pandemic.

“We are in a continuous improvement model. Our school system is striving to become better and better each and every year,” Weber said.

The district has been clawing its way out of “improvement” status for years. Based on performance issues, it was required to work with state experts to correct problems.

Westwood Elementary is now completely in the clear, McCormick Middle School has issues that are still being scrutinized and the high school has corrected problems but is still being monitored to make sure it doesn’t backslide.

Donnelly said the district expects to collect $13.86 million in revenue this year, with $14.57 million in expenses.

“We’re holding our own, we’re doing OK,” he said. “We have some reserves. We’re doing fine.”

If all budgeted funds aren’t spent, Wellington Schools may break even, Donnelly said.

On his advice, the Board of Education voted to refinance its bond debt, which resulted in a $58,000 savings last year. Over 26 years, the change will save taxpayers $3 million.

Lorain County Fair Board President Rick Ternes receives the key to the village and a handshake from Wellington Mayor Hans Schneider.

The school system used federal relief dollars to hire personnel including full-time substitutes, a new bus, summer school and classroom technology, he said.

Another $1.2 million in pandemic funds are being used on 800 new Chromebooks as well as ongoing facility repairs.

The district has moved away from food service consultants to a full-time director. It also filled a skilled maintenance position that had been open several years and hired an athletics custodian.

The changes are saving the district money and improving the condition of the district’s facilities, said Donnelly.

“It’s just going to help us maintain our district better, so the students have a better classroom, the teachers have a better classroom. We’re just going to do better with our facilities,” he said.

Last week’s breakfast and presentations were organized by the Wellington Kiwanis Club. Proceeds will go toward new community playground equipment, said President Terry Mazzone.

So far, it’s raised more than $20,000 for the cause, with $7,500 contributed by younger K-Kids Club members at McCormick Middle School.

In 2020, the State of Wellington was the last major event in town before the pandemic started. For the past two years, the addresses were offered virtually.

“I think everyone will agree meeting in person is much better,” Mazzone said.

©

WELLINGTON — The energy market is especially volatile right now, but Village Manager Jonathan Greever said the member towns of AMP-Ohio are taking steps to hedge against risks.

“The bottom line is we are making sure that we keep the prices low for the Wellington residents downstream,” he told Council last week.

During a meeting earlier in the month, Greever and others who represent villages and cities in the 134-member nonprofit wholesale power supplier voted on ways to stabilize rates. They were reacting to market fluctuations that have been especially wild since the fall.

Greever told Council the goal was to keep electricity prices stable for customers, “especially in a high-volatility world.” The Russian war against Ukraine was one reason he cited for cost swings.

Some AMP-Ohio members are also pivoting to handle new questions raised by Bitcoin mining. The electronic currency can be “mined” by running large computer farms that solve computational problems — and in the process draw huge amounts of power.

“It’s very interesting stuff. It’s difficult to understand,” Greever said in response to questions from Councilman Guy Wells. “But it’s my understanding that they are beginning to come up with pieces up legislation to help municipalities such as ours if we do see that occur in our city, our village.”

Other towns have started exploring how the Bitcoin marketplace works, how it affects peak power and whether miners are breaking any laws.

“We need the legislation before we see it, so that it (is) under terms that we can live with,” Wells said.

Spring brush collection

Oberlin residents can put out brush to be collected from Monday, April 11 to Sunday, May 15. Brush must be cut to less than 6 feet long, with limbs no larger than 6 inches in diameter, and stacked neatly in the same direction at the curb. It must be free of wire, metal, stone, nails, rope and other foreign materials. Brush from major tree removal or trimming projects will not be accepted. Nor will Japanese knotweed, grapevines, stumps, root balls, rose bushes or non-woody yard waste.

2022 All-You-Can-Eat

Pancake Breakfast Herrick Memorial Library Director Janet Hollingsworth is awarded the key to the village.

Sunday, April 10, 2022 • 8:00 am –1:00 pm $6 per person, Kids 5 & under FREE

N E W L O C AT I O N : A C h a n ce to S E E Obe rl i n ’s Ne w S ch ool !

Oberlin Elementary School Cafeteria • 210 North Park St., Oberlin Proceeds to Support Oberlin Safety Town!

Collaboration between the City of Oberlin,

Village Manager Jonathan Greever talks with people in the sizable crowd that gathered at the Eagles on Route 58.

GROUND BEEF $

2.99 lb.

Oberlin City Schools, Lorain County JVS, and Rotary Club of Oberlin.

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Aged Black Angus Beef No Fillters, No Water!

AGED BEEF Fresh Meat Counter

FRESH MEAT COUNTER IN NORTHEAST OHIO ANGUS BEEF THE WAY IT USED TO BE - THE OLD WAY

Mon.-Fri.: 8AM-6PM Saturday: 8AM-4PM

Sunday: Closed

FARM TO TABLE FROZEN AVAILABLE

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1-440-775-FARM (3276) • St. Rt. 58 Oberlin, OH 44074 1/2 mi. past JVS south on 58 • Avon Location Coming Soon!

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Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

LETTER This island Earth To the editor: I’m a father and grandfather. My grandson is just 15 years old. He has his learner’s permit and will be driving soon. I know he will want to take road trips both around Ohio and across our beautiful country just like I did when I was his age.

Of course as a grandparent I’m concerned about his safety and after reading the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (issued Feb. 28). I’m worried about something else: In just one of the report’s many disturbing statements, the scientists warned that, “Increased heatwaves, droughts and floods are already exceeding plants’ and animals’ tolerance thresholds, driving mass mortalities in species such as trees and corals.” The beauty of our great country that goes from sea to shining sea is slowly being destroyed by the continued use of fossil fuels.

I’m concerned that my grandson may never see all the natural beauty of our great nation because it will be compromised, and parts of it destroyed by excess carbon that we continue to put into the air. It doesn’t need to be that way. It is not out of our control.

We can help preserve the God-given gift with which we have been entrusted. All we need to do is institute nation-wide carbon pricing. It is the only standalone policy that can reduce carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030 and avoid the disaster headed our way. We have, dare I say it, a holy obligation to preserve this fragile earth, our island home for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Chester Bowling

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

HIRING!!

Group Home Aides Needed!

Contribute to the community and enrich the lives of others by performing valuable and gratifying work!

Applications and information are available on our website:

Committee reviews four deadly crashes The Lorain County Traffic Fatality Review Committee met in March to review four fatal crashes that killed five people in late 2021.

Three of the cases have pending test results to confirm contributing circumstances. The following factors were noted: • Three crashes involved people who were not wearing seat belts.

• Three of the victims were under

the age of 55.

• Three crashes occurred in the early in the morning before 3:45 a.m.

“It’s so important to start safe habits at a young age like wearing seat belts and driving focused,” said Lorain County Health Commissioner Mark Adams.

This spring, Lorain County high schools will participate in

Easter Bunny and pancakes

A pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 3 at the Marion L. Steele High School cafeteria in Amherst.

Sponsored by the Comets girls cross country team, the event will include all-you-can-eat pancakes. Carry-outs will be available on request. There will also be baskets for raffle. Be sure to take a camera for photos with the Easter Bunny.

Tickets can be purchased from any member of the team.

They are $8 for adults, $5 for ages 3-10 and free for kids ages 2 and under.

Join the ‘Egg’-stravaganza

The Amherst Historical Society will hold its inaugural Easter ‘Egg’-stravaganza from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at the Sandstone Village, 736 Milan Ave., and at the nearby Sandstone Hall, 113 South Lake St. It will feature a scavenger hunt and trivia rally, petting zoo, pony rides, mini-games, Easter Bunny photo ops, chocolate sale and basket raffle. There will also be “family fun prize packs” with the top prize of a seven-day vacation to your choice of select timeshare destinations.

To reserve a spot in the trivia car rally, call (440) 988-7255.

The cost is $50 per car for non-members and $40 per car for members.

Leos and Lions prepare Amherst Easter egg hunt

The Amherst Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 16 at Maude Neiding Park on Cleveland Avenue.

The event is sponsored by the Amherst Lions and Leo clubs.

The Easter Bunny is scheduled to arrive at the park at 10:30 a.m., with egg hunts beginning at 11 a.m. for children ages 10 and under. There will be separate areas for toddlers to age 3, ages 4-6 and ages 7-10.

Parking at Maude Neiding is limited, so plan to either arrive early or park nearby and walk. Used, unwanted eyeglasses will also be accepted by the Lions for recycling.

Band cooks up flapjacks

The Firelands Band Boosters’ annual pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 17 at the South Amherst fire station.

The band will do the cooking. There will be a 50-50 raffle and basket raffles, with all proceeds going to the Firelands instrumental music department. →Valid

Ohio Driver’s License Driving Record →High School Diploma/GED →Must Pass Drug Test/Physical →Good

SERVICES UNIQUE TREE SERVICES Tree trims/Removal, tree planting, stump grinding, Insured/workmans/comp.

First Energy Contractor Ask for Tony: 440-864-0709 v/m or text

LEGALS Notice for Publication The Lorain County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division In Re: 1-I.A. (DOB: 10-112007) Case No. 10JC28493 Father: Nestor Ayala Mother: Deanna Towner Maternal Aunt: Patricia Flowers To: Nestor Ayala, whose prior known address was 1819 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052. The mother filed a motion to obtain emergency temporary custody of minor child I.A. (DOB: 10-11-2007) in the Lorain Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division, which is located at 225 Court Street, Elyria, OH 44035.

Mother was granted emergency temporary custody. Mother has also filed a motion for legal custody of minor child I.A. Nestor Ayala is the known father of minor child I.A. The matter is currently set for a two-day trial on April 12, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. and April 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Nestor Ayala’s attendance is required at the trial on April 12, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. and April 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at the Lorain County Justice Center, 225 Court Street, Elyria, OH 44035.

L.C.C.G. 3/31/22 20699502 PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on March 7, 2022.

The complete text of each item may be viewed or purchased in the Clerk of Council Office @ Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, during normal business hours or contact Breanna Dull @ 204-2050 (Breanna_Dull@cityoflorain. org). The following summary of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws.

Resolution 16-22 Rec & commending the Longfellow Middle School Robotics team for their success at the Vex Ro-

botic Competition. 17-22 Rec, celebrating & declaring March as “Irish Heritage Month”. 1822 Rec & declaring April as “Fair Housing Month”. Ordinance 34-22 Denying the recommendation of Planning Commission to rezone 1154 W. 17th St from B-2 to R-3.

35-22 Approving the Chief of Police to accept the award from the 2021-2022 Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Grant from Ohio AG. 36-22 Approving the Chief of Police to accept the award from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, Ohio Dept of Public Safety. 37-22* Auth the S/S Director to enter into an agrmt to purchase 2 Daikin Chillers, installed w/o bid n/t/e $87,030.

38-22 Amending Ch. 1701.05 of the City of Lorain Codified Ordinances. 39-22* Auth & directing the S/S Director to procure park pavilions from Snider Recreation to enhance community parks. 40-22 Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract w/ highest rated & ranked prof engineering firm for prof services related to E 36th St rehab project. 41-22* Auth & directing the S/S Director to enter into a 1-year software maintenance agreement w/ Tyler Technologies for Logos Software System 42-22* Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract for the provision of Engineering services w/ Osborn Engineering to conduct a structural hazard assessment of the St. Joe’s Parking Lot. 43-22 Auth the S/S Director to enter into a professional services agrmt w/ Wickens, Herzer, Panza for legal services. 44-22* Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract w/ Vasu Communications to purchase 60 portable radios, 2 multibank chargers & 15 spare batteries for LPD. 45-22* Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract w/ Vasu Communications to purchase & install radio communication system & infrastructure upgrades. 46-22* Auth City to submit request to State Transportation Bond fund program for issuance and sale by the State of OH bonds in max amt of $5.5M to refund bonds for street improvements. 4722* Appropriation. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.)

L.C.C.G. 3/31; 4/7/22 20699453 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO THE REPLACEMENT AND EXPANSION OF THE CITY OF LORAIN WATER DISTRIBUTION PARKING LOT

Sealed bids will be received by the Engineering Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio until: TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, April 15, 2022 Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor.

TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, April 15, 2022 Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor.

COMPLETION DATE: July 15, 2022 Bids must be accompanied by Certified Check or Cashier’s Check or Letter of Credit equal to ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bond for the full amount of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and a performance bond properly secured.

Should any bid be rejected, such instrument will be forthwith returned upon proper execution of a contract. Cash deposits will not be accepted.

Bid blanks and specifications may be secured online at www.cityoflorain.org.

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

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

Bidders shall submit a list of available equipment, and labor shall be paid not less than the prevailing wage rate as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor Davis Bacon requirements for Lorain County, Ohio. NO BID WILL BE OPENED WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATION OF QUALIFICATION OR THE ACCEPTABLE LETTER OF APPLICATION ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE AS DIRECTED. The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be scheduled on site prior to the beginning of construction.

By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service L.C.C.G. 3/31; 4/7/22 20698872

Place your ad: Call customer service at (440) 329-7000

Return of the bike rodeo

Amherst police have announced that their once-annual Bike Rodeo and Safety Awareness Day will make a comeback this year after being canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 18 at the south parking lot of Marion L. Steele High School on Washington Avenue.

Join police staff and their friends from the Amherst Fire Department and LifeCare Ambulance to learn about bike safety, take part in an obstacle course and sign up for a chance to

the Buckle Up Bowl to hone safe driving behaviors. The studentled competition asks teens to help change their friends’ and family members’ driving habits. Students compete for most improved seat belt rate, most creative campaign and best-buckled high school in Lorain County.

The campaign will run April 4-29.

win a new bike. Be sure to take your bike and proper safety equipment, including helmets, knee and elbow pads.

For more information, call Sgt. Jacob Perez at (440) 9882625.

Main Street to hold basket bingo at Eagles

Main Street Amherst will hold a basket bingo fundraiser Sunday, April 10 at the Amherst Eagles, 1161 Milan Ave. Doors open at noon and the first game will be at 1 p.m.

There will be 13 games, including a Chinese raffle, 50-50 raffle and instants. There will also be lunch and a cash bar.

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at Olde Town Pizza, Sandstone Candle Works, by Venmo at @ MSAmherst #2933 or at www.mainstreetamherst.org.

Phoenix AD to be honored for outstanding service

OBERLIN — John Carter, athletic director at the Oberlin City Schools, will be honored for outstanding service to youth sports in Northeast Ohio.

He has been named a recipient of the Northeast Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Citation Award for devoting exceptional time, effort and energy to the cause.

Carter will be honored Sunday, April 24 at the NEOIAAA Annual Awards Banquet in Cuyahoga Falls.

Earth Day 5K is April 16

The city of Oberlin’s 2022 Earth Day 5K will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 16 on Tappan Square.

The run is open to all ages. Registration is $20 before April 14 and $25 the day of the race. To sign up, visit www.tinyurl. com/2022EarthDay5K. There will be awards in all divisions. T-shirts will be given to the first 100 registrants.

Enjoy a little time off!

Spring break for Wellington Schools students will run from April 11-18.

Vendors needed for Black River flea market

SULLIVAN — The Black River Schools and Black River Ruriteens will hold their 2nd Annual Spring Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the Black River Education Center parking lot.

Vendors can de-clutter their homes and upcycle used items by reserving space for the market. An 18-by-18-foot space is $20 and 8-foot tables are $10. For reservations, call (419) 7363304 by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28.

Masks available

The city of Oberlin has masks available for distribution to businesses and nonprofits within the city limits. For information, call the Fire Department at (440) 774-3211.

AMHERST

FROM A1 necessary to keep rainwater out of Amherst’s sanitary sewer system.

“Less water in our sanitary pipes means less water that needs to be treated, and reduces the amount of flood water in residents’ basements,” Costilow said.

He plans to ask Council for funding to further work on flooding issues along Cooper Foster Park Road near Terra Lane.

Construction is set to begin soon on repaving of Cleveland and Milan avenues, including sanitary sewer improvements. The project will tap nearly $1.4 million in Ohio Public Works Commission, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency and COVID relief funds.

Other paving projects in the city may have to be scaled back this summer due to the rising cost of construction materials and petroleum, Costilow said, unless Council approves additional funding.

The Amherst Building Department issued 1,600 building permits and conducted more than 2,400 inspections in 2021, according to the State of the City address. There were 36 new houses were built in 2021 in the Reserve at Beaver Creek subdivision — there are prospects for 150 more, pending the approval of two new developments in the coming years, Costilow said.

The historic downtown business district is thriving, he reported, with occupancy near 100 percent.

One element is lacking: parking.

The mayor said he plans to bring a

CLOSER LOOK: UTILITIES

COVID relief cash and other funding sources have been used to pay for infrastructure projects that would have otherwise been covered by utilities accounts, Mayor Mark Costilow said Monday in his State of the City address.

Doing so has helped stave off utility rate increases for Amherst residents and businesses.

“It is a good business practice that all utility accounts should have a minimum balance of a half-year’s operating expenses,” Costilow said.

“We are safe right now, but with rising costs of doing business we will be monitoring those accounts and will be ready if those balances decline.”

Amherst’s ordinances for adjusting utility rates date back to 1972.

The mayor said he plans to bring legislation this year to update them — although that doesn’t necessarily mean a rate increase is imminent. proposal to Council soon for 60 new parking spaces on Tenney Avenue.

On the northwest side of town, plans for development are far more expansive. Akron Children’s Hospital has already opened a new facility on Cooper Foster Park Road, and University Hospitals plans to build a roughly $30 million orthopedic surgery center on Lake Street, just south of Route 2.

Costilow said he believes they will anchor further development along

CITY SERVICES and PERSONNEL

• The Amherst Fire Department has negotiated a renewal contract with Amherst Township for emergency coverage. The deal is pending Council approval, Mayor Mark Costilow said in his State of the City address.

• Mark Cawthon was promoted to serve as Amherst chief of police this year. He has now been invited to the FBI National Academy for Chiefs, and will attend in Quantico, Virginia.

• Cawthon plans to hire two additional officers this spring to fill out the Police Department roster.

• Costilow said he will ask Council this year to create a new position in the city’s Information Technology Department. Right now, Steve Bukovac is the sole IT employee. the Oak Point corridor, and he is working with the city of Lorain on a $14 million plan to restructure the roadway there to ease traffic congestion.

All signs on that front point to the construction of a roundabout, he said.

The project will be funded by a Tax Increment Financing agreement already signed between the neighboring cities. Instead of raising taxes, it earmarks them for infrastructure improvements in the area around the Route 2 interchange.

“The state of our city continues to be strong,” Costilow said.

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A5

Calls on the rise for Wellington FD Income tax levy ‘One of the smallest things we do is actually fight fire,’ says Wetherbee JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — Medical emergencies are driving an increase in work for Wellington firefighters, representing nearly a third of the 518 calls last year to the Kelly Street station.

The single-year record for the rural district, set in 2018, stands at 566 calls.

Compared to 477 in 2020, though, the WFD has seen a big uptick.

“It doesn’t seem to be slowing down any at all,” Chief Mike Wetherbee said last week, delivering his annual report to Village Council.

The Wellington Fire District covers 125 square miles in southern Lorain County, serving some 13,000 residents.

With township populations growing and COVID-19 further pushing up numbers, Wetherbee said his crews have been increasingly called to assist EMTs from the South Lorain County Ambulance District.

Crashes made up 17 percent of the fire district’s calls last year, and tripped alarms comprised another 11 percent — only

5 percent of calls involved actual flames.

“One of the smallest things we do is actually fight fire. We do so many other things,” Wetherbee told Council.

After a busy couple of years, the chief wants to bump his roster from 26 volunteer firefighters to 30. He and Assistant Chief Bill Brown will hold a candidate information night at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 31 “in search of bodies,” as Brown put it.

“It’s the first time I can recall we’ve ever really put out an advertisement saying, ‘Hey, would you like to be a firefighter?’”

Wetherbee told Council.

In terms of finances, the WFD is healthy. It’s estimating $1 million in revenue this year from a 2.75-mill levy renewed by voters in the 2020 primary.

After spending $1.9 million in 2020, which included the cost of an expansion to the Kelly Street station, the budget has dropped back down and the district is building its savings.

Wetherbee said the budget his year is $938,000 and he’s trying to put money away to purchase new fire engines. One that will need replaced soon would

cost $1.3 million.

The price of turnout gear and other equipment is also dramatically increasing, he told Council.

With calls increasing and prices going up, Wetherbee said he doesn’t know how long the fire district can go without asking voters for more money. The plan, he said, is to continue at 2.75 mills as long as possible.

In the meantime, Wellington firefighters are desperate for new digital radio equipment that would allow them to talk to other agencies.

They can’t communicate with fire departments that have already upgraded, or with sheriff’s deputies.

During former President Donald Trump’s visit last summer to the Lorain County Fairgrounds, WFD’s radios couldn’t communicate with those used by the Secret Service, either, Wetherbee said.

At a house fire Sunday, March 20 on state Route 18, Wellington firefighters weren’t able to radio other mutual aid partners, he said.

“You’re sending people in a house that’s on fire, and you don’t always have the ability to talk,” he said. “And that’s a serious issue.”

Looking for radio cash, Wellington, Oberlin and Rochester, Camden and Carlisle townships jointly applied this past year for a $1.1 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They were turned down.

It’s the second straight year the funding was denied to the southern Lorain County departments. Of the 15 locally that applied, five of the “more wealthy communities” won, Wetherbee said.

“You scratch your head sometimes and you wonder, but I guess there’s a method to the madness,” he said. “Since they’re already funding most of the wealthy communities, hopefully this year will be our turn.”

Now Wetherbee — who serves as president of the county chiefs association — has asked the Lorain County commissioners to use federal American Rescue Plan funding to buy digital radios for those communities that have not been awarded grants.

He said the request was made “figuring we’d get laughed out of the building,” but the commissioners said they’d consider about the request.

CRUSHING IT

renewals could hit ballot in fall JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Two income tax levies are set to expire at the end of 2024, but Oberlin Finance Director Sal Talarico doesn’t want to wait until the last minute to renew them.

In an overview of the city’s financial picture last week, he urged Council to get the taxes on the ballot as soon as November. “There is no sense in waiting,” he said in an interview earlier in the day.

Income taxes make up the biggest chunk by far of Oberlin’s day-to-day operating cash, at 58 percent. They pay for police, firefighters, parks, cemeteries, code enforcement and other quality of life services, said Talarico.

Losing both levies would be a disaster, he said — it would mean saying goodbye to $2.6 million per year.

Oberlin can’t afford to take that hit, Talarico said. The city is already spending down its reserve cash; after starting 2021 with $11.9 million in the bank, he expects to end 2022 with $9.9 million.

Part of the trend comes from a steady increase in actual expenses over the years, including adding new positions in city government.

And some of the deficit spending is for one-time expenses, including long-planned projects that were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now adding sidewalks and completing renovation of the Underground Railroad Center will temporarily boost spending while revenues remain flat.

There is extra money right now in the general fund to offset that spending, Talarico said. But the two income tax levies are needed to keep everything moving smoothly.

“We can bring them both at the same time. We can bring them in different elections. We can bring them… in a primary or general election,” he told Council. “…

“I need you to know this is a decision you will have to make at some point.”

The first levy, originally passed in 2005 and up for renewal every five years, is 0.2 percent. It’s on track to generate $647,333 this year.

The second, passed in 2015, is at 0.6 percent and goes back in front of voters every 10 years. This year, it will generate an estimated $1.94 million.

That levy was put on the books after Oberlin suffered several big hits in 2014: Local government funding was cut in half, the estate tax was repealed and interest revenues tanked.

Voters came to the rescue. Talarico said he’s confident they’ll keep the tax on the books — voters trust Oberlin government, as proven by a spotless levy record going back to at least 1998. The city also has an $860,500 windfall from federal COVID relief funding to fall back on.

Council has already pledged $200,000 for public transit.

Talarico said that because of Oberlin’s size, federal rules allow the remainder to be spent however Council desires, not just on infrastructure or offsetting COVID losses.

His eye is on sustaining the city’s reserves. The more money that’s kept there, unspent, the more the city will make in interest.

After the late-2000s recession caused by the subprime lending crisis, interest revenues were once again rebounding until 2020, when they were soured by the pandemic.

Photos by Angelo Angel | Wellington Enterprise

Lake Erie Crushers mascot Stomper and team intern Joe Meyer cheer Thursday, March 24 at Westwood Elementary School in Wellington, where students got a visit for showing positive behaviors and doubling down on reading. First-graders in Deb Krugman’s class celebrated winning tickets to Lake Erie Crusher Games for reading the most. Good job, kids!

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Page A6

Lorain County Community Guide

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OBERLIN — The Class of 2022 will not make a grand return to Finney Chapel for commencement this summer.

After commencement went virtual in 2020 and was held with incredibly limited capacity last year at the Oberlin High School gymnasium, many parents were hoping for a return to the longstanding Finney tradition.

But the Oberlin College venue will not be available this year, said district Superintendent David Hall and OHS librarian Kristin Miller — it will be undergoing repairs.

“They tried really hard to work with us, but it just wasn’t in the cards,” said Miller.

Instead, high school seniors will receive their diplomas at the Lorain County Community College Stocker Center in an 11 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, June 4.

“Graduation is a big moment for families, and we want them to invite as many people as they can,” said Hall.

Instead of four tickets per graduate like last year, Stocker will allow up to 12 each, and still have room for social distancing between families.

Miller said that when working with Senior Class President Ryley Steggall to narrow down options for commencement, students had one clear preference: They didn’t want to return to the OHS gym, where they felt crowded.

Stocker not only provided far more room than the high school, but it also has plenty of parking, air conditioning, a superior sound system and a projector.

Busing to and from LCCC will be provided for graduates who need it, as well as families who have no alternative transportation, said Hall.

For now, Stocker has been locked in as a one-year-only location for commencement, he and Miller emphasized. It’s still possible graduates for the Class of 2023 could march across the Finney stage, pending negotiations with the college, they said.

“Right now, I think it’s just a glitch with the repair schedule,” said Hall.

Scott Wargo, director of media relations at the college, did not have details on what repairs would affect Finney. He speculated that they might have to do with the $140 million geothermal heating and cooling project on campus.

Oberlin College’s commencement ceremony will be held Sunday, June 5.

Ohio, but what about noise?

JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — Shooting off backyard fireworks has been legalized across Ohio on a handful of holidays, leaving communities to puzzle out what local regulations to put in place.

Wellington Village Council is among those dusting off old fireworks ordinances and trying to decide what common sense limits to place on noise.

Beginning July 1, consumer-grade fireworks can be launched July 3-5 and the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays immediately before and after Independence Day. They can also be set off Labor Day weekend, on the Hindu festival of Diwali in the late fall, New Year’s Eve and day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend and Juneteenth.

“We wanted to look at whether fireworks were allowed for 24 hours on each of those days, or whether there were times of those days when exploding fireworks was something that could still be regulated,” said Guy Wells, chair of Wellington’s Police Committee.

The short answer is that under the new state law, local governments can put their

own restrictions in place, so long as they pass muster with the state fire marshal.

That means towns could bar fireworks altogether, or set acceptable hours so they aren’t lighting up the sky at 3 a.m.

Village Manager Jonathan Greever said it might make sense to tailor those hours to each holiday. New Year’s Eve is traditionally celebrated at midnight, for example, so fireworks then might be allowed later than on Labor Day. The issue was sent to the Ordinance Committee for development.

A state fireworks committee is being assembled, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. It is required to to make recommendations for rules by May 12 as a guide for towns to consider.

There are certain curbs already included in the state law. For example, drinking or being under the influence while using fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Fireworks hobbyists can only make their own after being granted express permission by the state fire marshal.

The state law also opens the door for customers to buy fireworks from licensed sellers, and requires stores to provide buyers with safety glasses either for free or for a low fee. They must also hand out pamphlets about how to safely use fireworks.

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Rotary holds pancake breakfast The Rotary Club of Oberlin’s 2022 All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 10 at Oberlin Elementary School, 210 North Park St. The cost is $6 per person. Kids ages 5 and under eat free. Tickets can be purchased at the door; by check to the Rotary Club of Oberlin, P.O. Box 123, Oberlin, OH 44074; or via VENMO. Proceeds will support the new Oberlin Safety Town, which is being built in collaboration between the school system, Lorain County JVS and Rotary Club.

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, March 31, 2022

B

Census: Deaths outpacing births DYLAN REYNOLDS and JASON HAWK

Deaths are outpacing births in half of the states and nearly three-quarters of the nation’s counties, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

In statistical terms, the trend is called a “natural decrease” in population.

In 2020, there were natural decreases in 61 percent of

Ohio counties, and that number climbed to 92 percent last year.

In Lorain County, 646 more people died than were born between the time of the 2020 census and the Census Bureau's July 1, 2021, estimates.

That puts it among the worst in the state in terms of raw numbers, yet is middle of the road when compared per capita.

Lorain County is the ninth-most populous county in Ohio.

The numbers “are likely an outcome of the COVID-19

pandemic,” according to census analysts.

The virus drove up the death rate significantly the last two years, taking the lives of 973,000 Americans, 37,608 Ohioans and 963 Lorain County residents.

For many areas — including here — the pandemic only accelerated trends that have been in motion for a long time.

Ohio’s population skews older, Graphic by Ed Betzel

DEATHS PAGE B2

Fond farewell for Faight Dukes carnival

makes a return after two years JASON HAWK EDITOR

Photos by Bruce Bishop | Amherst News-Times

The funeral procession for retired Fire Chief David Faight passes by the South Amherst station.

Former South Amherst fire chief dies at age 84 JASON HAWK EDITOR

SOUTH AMHERST — Engines and tankers were lined up at noon last Thursday at the South Amherst fire station in a show of respect for late Chief David Faight.

Firefighters from the village and neighboring Florence Township stood at attention as Faight’s funeral procession passed, heading down Route 113 to Evergreen Cemetery.

Led by Trooper Lance Deshuk of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, they offered a last, solemn salute to a man who gave 50 years of service to South Amherst.

“He was a very hardworking, dedicated person who gave his all to this department. He was a good man,” said Robert Becker, a firefighter and LifeCare Ambulance paramedic who was a pallbearer at Faight’s funeral.

He remembered the former chief as always laughing and joking, keeping up morale.

Faight pushed for the best equipment the village could get. Becker said his old boss always wanted trucks and firefighters to look their best, living by the mantra, “If you look good, you work good.”

As “just a young kid,” Becker said

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South Amherst firefighter Andrew Lawrie watches as the funeral procession for retired Fire Chief David Faight passes through the center of the village. what,” Becker said. “He dedicated his life to this place.”

Faight started as a firefighter in 1967 at age 29. He rose through the ranks, and in 1993 was named to lead the department.

Mayor David Leshinski described

he looked up to Faight and modeled his behavior on the chief’s. Growing older and more experienced, he tried to do exactly what his mentor had — pass on wisdom to younger firefighters, helping them to stand tall.

“He was always behind us. He always had our backs, no matter

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CARNIVAL PAGE B2

Oberlin offender accused in rape of Medina teen

1960-2022

Call or stop in for a FREE

WELLINGTON — After being canceled by COVID-19 for the past two years, the Duke Pride Carnival is making a comeback.

The Wellington Schools fundraiser benefits WellHelp, the nonprofit that provides food and other necessities to struggling families in southern Lorain County.

It will kick off Saturday with a free breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at Wellington High School. From 9 a.m. to noon, fun and games will reign — kids can hop in a bounce house, play putt putt golf, spin the prize wheel, win goldfish, get their faces painted, shoot hoops and jam to nonstop music.

Superintendent Ed Weber said that he’s looking forward to a lot of noise, especially the sound of laughter.

“We’re so excited to have opportunities back for the kids that they haven’t had in so long,” he said.

His favorite event is the cakewalk, which in years past has been the carnival’s best-selling game. More than 100 cakes have been donated as prizes.

Terry Mazzone is president of the Wellington Kiwanis Club, which is providing a bounce house.

He said it’s also hugely popular, in years past staying open after the carnival has closed to let children get one last romp in.

Before the pandemic, the Duke Pride Carnival would draw thousands of people

Denise Breyley

173 Depot Street Wellington, Ohio 44090

(440) 926-3312 www.beriswillins.com (440) 647-6010

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Josh Bowyer, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology

A convicted sex offender living in Oberlin is back in jail on a probation violation after he was named as a suspect in the rape of a Medina County teen in Cuyahoga County on New Year's Eve. Daniel Conrad, 33, was booked at Lorain County Jail on a probation violation this past Thursday, according to the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.

Court and jail records did not list when his next appearance in court would be and it wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.

Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Miraldi signed a search warrant Feb. 8 giving Lakewood police or Lorain County sheriff's deputies permission to search Conrad's home on West Daniel Lincoln Street in Oberlin, as well as his Conrad white 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.

Police were given permission to seize electronic devices including computers, hard drives, cellphones, external storage drives, SIM cards or other memory devices, according to the search warrant that was unsealed by the court last Wednesday.

Seized during a search of Conrad's home Feb. 10 were Conrad's iPhone, a computer, an external hard drive, multiple digital storage thumb drives, three compact disks, an Ohio driver's license in another name and two debit cards.

Authorities also took a sample of Conrad's DNA, according to the search warrant.

In an affidavit seeking the search warrant, Lakewood police Detective Gary Crumley wrote that Lakewood officers were called to the emergency room at Akron Children's Hospital in Akron on Jan. 4 to retrieve a sexual assault kit taken from a juvenile girl.

The girl showed up at the Lakewood Police Department the next day and was interviewed by police. She said she met a man named "Dan" on the Snapchat social media platform, that he said he was 22, and that the two swapped

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Hear the history of ‘Bomb City USA’

A description of the bloody Cleveland mob war that gave the city the nickname "Bomb City USA" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at Knights of Columbus Council 3269 Fr. Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Rd., Avon. toryteller, author and local historian Dennis Sutcliffe will speak. Jim Teubl will also briefly describe the benefits of becoming a knight. The talk is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served following the talk. RSVP by April 18 with your name, the number attending, phone number and email address to either (440) 930-0251 or fatherragan@gmail.com.

DEATHS

FROM B1 which shifts the balance, and the birthrate here had been slowly slipping for years before COVID surfaced.

When the nation went into lockdown in March and April 2020, there was plenty of speculation about whether close quarters would lead to a baby boom.

That’s not how it turned out. While the final data isn’t yet available, the census report suggests that births actually sloped off in every single state, no exceptions.

Sondra Palivoda, manager of research at the Cleveland-based economic development organization Team NEO, said the financial impacts of raising a child kept many millennial Americans from having kids the last two years. Rapid inflation, changing jobs and housing prices all created a lot of uncertainty, and not necessarily a lot of the flexibility that parents value, she said.

“The fact that we are encouraging our young men and women to really pursue a career, to really pursue stable jobs, and understanding that having a child can impact your career can really be a deterrent,” Palivoda said.

Personally, she said having a child was the last thing on her mind during the pandemic as she saw other women worry about bringing babies into uncertain times.

The millennial generation, roughly ages 25 to 40, also has a high rate of birth control use. Many are hesitant to have kids after seeing their own families or friends’ families go through divorce, she said.

Birthrates in most states have been dropping off since 2016. In Ohio and a majority of others, the one-year slide from 2020 to 2021 was the largest in a decade.

ACROSS 1. “We all fall down” preceder 6. Zedong of China 9. W of gridiron’s WR 13. Short for betwixt 14. Second-largest bird, by height 15. *”The Taming of the ____” 16. Godfather’s family 17. Make a choice 18. Bridal veil fabric 19. *Like Rock Hudson’s and Doris Day’s talk 21. *Katherine Heigl wore 27 of these 23. Dumbo’s big one 24. Gift for the naughty 25. *”I Was a Male ____ Bride” starring Cary Grant 28. Inauguration ball, e.g.

30. Eyelid drooping 35. Half of binary code 37. Ruptured 39. PayPal money 40. Part of colliery 41. Avoid, as in taxes 43. “The Sun ____ Rises” 44. “Colorful” announcement 46. Fifty-fifty 47. Bit of slander 48. Rookie 50. Tolstoy’s Karenina 52. Hitherto 53. Hammer part 55. Canada’s neighbor 57. *Sleepless in which city?

61. *Drew Barrymore has never been what?

64. Don’t mention it 65. Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 movie 67. Erasable programmable read only memory 69. Seize a throne 70. Gold medalist Nathan Chen’s turf 71. Smooth transition 72. Post-deductions 73. “But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas...”

74. Sound like Wilbur

Easter Bunny to visit Oberlin Police officers and firefighters will escort the Easter Bunny through Oberlin from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.

It will wind through the city’s neighborhoods, and around 10:30 a.m. will pass along the southern edge of Tappan Square on West College Street. Find the route at www.cityofoberlin.com.

FAIGHT The result: Ohio welcomed 3.42 percent fewer babies and saw a 13.85 percent spike in deaths.

Unfavorable shifts were prominent in most smaller metropolitan areas — Cleveland, Akron and Cincinnati included. Columbus, on the other hand, went the opposite direction.

Larger metro areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Dallas and Washington, D.C., all saw birthrates climb.

Additional new data showed that despite deaths outpacing births, Lorain County actually increased in population between the time of the 2020 census and the Census Bureau’s July 1, 2021, estimates, due to a net migration of 3,278 people moving in.

The vast majority of people who moved to Lorain County over that time — more than 3,100 — came from within the United States, although a net total of 146 came from outside the country, according to the data.

Lorain County was one of the few in this part of the state to gain population over that period, going from 312,964 population at the 2020 census to 315,595 at the July 2021 estimate. Medina County also gained, rising from 182,470 at the 2020 census to 183,092 at the July 2021 estimate.

Cuyahoga County lost a net total of 15,430 population over that period, including a net total of 11,636 migrating out of the county.

Tony Gallo, president of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, believes some Cuyahoga County residents are moving west to Lorain County because it generally has lower property tax rates and is still within driving range of their Cleveland-area jobs.

“I think Cuyahoga County’s loss has been Lorain County’s gain for a

long time, actually,” he said.

Part of the appeal for many families to move to Lorain County is the highquality schools, Gallo said, which he believes are just as good as the districts in Cleveland’s western suburbs.

Although Lorain County’s eastern suburbs like Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville have been affected the most by population growth, Gallo said there have been increases in new home builds in other parts of the county, too.

Given its proximity to the Cuyahoga County line, Columbia Township has become a popular spot for Cleveland suburbanites to move.

Township Trustee Dick Heidecker said many of the people who are moving there previously lived on the west side of Cleveland in suburbs like Lakewood.

Part of the appeal for some of these residents, he said, is the opportunity for country living relatively close to their employers and major shopping centers.

“Columbia is really an ideal location,” Heidecker said.

For some people moving to Columbia and other townships, the lack of an income tax is another part of the appeal.

Gallo said the population growing in Lorain County is great to see, from his perspective. It is an encouraging sign given the jobs that local employers are currently looking to fill, as well as the jobs that would come if multiple proposed economic development projects come to fruition.

“We have so many open jobs here right now,” Gallo said. “We need more bodies to fill the jobs we have right now.”

Growing a little at a time without overwhelming the county is what the area needs, he said.

FROM B1 him as “feisty,” and recalled how he told stories of working as a supervisor at Ford and keeping employees in line there just like he would at the fire station.

Leshinski admitted the two sometimes butted heads. But he said he admired the chief for his long years of service, and said he unified the South Amherst Fire Department.

Retiring in 2003 after a decade as chief, Faight became a member of the Water Board and later chaired the Board of Public Affairs.

In all, he gave a half-century to help make the village a better place to live, Leshinski said.

“Here’s a man of public service in his community. He did a commendable job,” he said.

Following an illness, Faight died Monday, March 21 at age 84. He’d been a South Amherst resident for nearly 60 years.

CARNIVAL FROM B1

to Wellington High. Mazzone noted it’s the village’s first major event to return since COVID-19 protocols and CDC masking regulations were dropped.

“I think the students really look forward to going. It brings all the groups together,” he said. “It will be great to see everybody back and smiling again, maybe even without masks.”

Last year, even though it was canceled, about $30,000 in donations were made to the school system in the carnival’s name.

The Wellington Board of Education aims to surpass that number this year. It’s already accepted an incredibly long list of gifts toward the cause, including $5,000 from top sponsor Forest City Technologies.

Well-Help has used the money in the past to fund a summer food program for kids who would otherwise rely on the school district for lunch. The nonprofit provides vouchers to eligible families, and this year the number of vouchers is increasing, said Weber.

“Our long-term goal is to even get it to $50,000 because if you’ve got 400 or kids and families in need and multiply that by $100 that’s $40,000,” per month, he said.

OFFENDER FROM B1

nude photos.

On Dec. 31, "Dan" went to the girl's home in Medina, picked her up, brought her back to his residence on Elmwood Avenue in Lakewood and raped her, she told police.

She fell asleep and woke up to him raping her a second time even though she told him to stop, according to the search warrant.

Officers said they found out that Conrad was the "Dan" who lived at the Elmwood Avenue address. The teen girl picked Conrad out of a lineup, according to the search warrant.

Officers also found out Conrad had since moved to a house on West Lincoln Street in Oberlin and that he was a Tier II sex offender who pleaded no contest to charges of pandering obscenity involving a minor and pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor in Judge Mark Betleski's courtroom on Nov. 2.

In that case, Confrad was accused of having another juvenile girl perform a sex act on him while he recorded it on video, then uploaded the video to a pornography website.

Betleski sentenced Conrad to two years of probation on Dec. 13 and ordered him to have no contact with the victim in the case. Conrad's probation supervision was transferred to Cuyahoga County, where he was living at the time.

As a Tier II sex offender, Conrad is required to register his address with his local sheriff's office every 180 days for 25 years from his conviction.

ROMANTIC COMEDIES

DOWN 1. 20s dispenser 2. Type of meet 3. Sound reproduction quality

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

4. Expatriate 5. German POW camp, slangily 6. Garfield’s cry 7. Unit of electric current 8. One up 9. “____ Afraid of Virginia Wolf?”

10. Novelist Murdoch 11. Expunge 12. Bo Peep’s females 15. Gracefully slender 20. Perform on a dais 22. Eminem’s genre 24. Wagon train, e.g.

25. *Julia Roberts played a pretty one 26. Old and feeble 27. Extend subscription 29. *It’s crazy and stupid?

31. South American tubers 32. *Who did Harry meet?

33. Question in dispute

34. Like small distance 36. Belgrade native 38. *She starred in “I Dream of Jeannie” 42. Boredom 45. A-one 49. Slippery reef dweller 51. Appraise 54. Like a haunted mansion 56. Colorado skiing destination 57. Render speechless 58. Facilitate 59. Adjoin 60. Suit material 61. Leg joint 62. “Cogito ____ sum” 63. Brooding 66. Acronym, abbr.

68. NYC art museum’s nickname, with the

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

WELLINGTON WELCOMES THE CLASS OF 2035

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Caught between COVID and Ukraine: Summit to explore economy’s future JASON HAWK EDITOR

Provided photo

Speech pathologist Joanna Broome works with future Wellington student Harper Maksym during the district's annual kindergarten screening event, held last week at the Lorain County Community College Wellington Center.

Children entering Westwood Elementary School this fall were screened.

Registration packets are still available at Westwood, 305 Union St.

‘Delay giving your child a phone’ Amherst cops, educators warn of dangers JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Smartphones have become an essential part of day-to-day life, with 97 percent of American adults owning one, according to Pew Research Center.

But should a 12-year-old own one? A 10-year-old? An 8-year-old?

“My biggest advice is to delay giving your child a phone as long as possible, and I know that is crazy hard in today’s world,” said Amherst Schools technology specialist Beth Schwartz Wednesday, March 16 in a session for parents.

Educators and police said phones and apps such as TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat aren’t necessarily bad — but for inexperienced kids, social media can be laced with dangers.

Amherst police officers Brian Lamb and Greg Ford said they worry students will fall victim to predatory adults who use fake online identities to have inappropriate relationships with kids.

Called “catfishing,” the practice can under certain circumstances lead to felony charges, they said.

Lamb said tweens and teens with phones aren’t often taught to use them safely.

Most post photos of themselves online, use their real names when talking to others, disclose their birthdays and say where they go to school — all practices that open the door to predators.

Adding strangers on Snapchat is a big problem, said Lamb: “The biggest thing we’ve seen in schools is every single kid, no matter what age, adds them back” when they receive a friend request from someone they don’t know, he said.

Many teens say they’ve been contacted online by strangers who make them feel scared or uncomfortable, he said. Others say they’ve been targeted by age-inappropriate advertising or lied about their age to get access to certain website or even dating apps.

Bullying, harassment and scams are also pitfalls waiting for kids, especially those whose parents don’t enforce rules for smartphone use, said Ford.

Schwartz said parents shouldn’t be afraid to take their child’s phone and look through it.

That’s the rule in her house, Schwartz said: She paid for the phone, and has every right to see what’s on it, which means also knowing her child’s passwords.

Parents should educate themselves on the 16 “big” apps out there that can be abused by children, she said.

They include TikTok, Snapchat, Yubo, Tumblr, Discord, YouTube, Whisper, Calculator%, Whatsapp, Monkey, Chatous, House Party, Live.Me, Bumble, Tinder and Grindr.

Perhaps the most interesting on the list is Calculator%, which masquerades as a harmless calculator. It’s actually a “vault” app, Schwartz said, designed to hide other apps from prying eyes.

For parents who do choose to give their child a phone, she pleaded for them to hold off on allowing them to have social media accounts as long as possible, and to use parental controls to monitor what kids are doing online.

She suggested requiring kids to charge their phones overnight in a common area of the home, and locking the ability to download apps without parental permission.

Another idea is to have children sign a contract that lays out expectations for responsible use before allowing them on social media, Schwartz said.

The Federal Trade Commission has some similar advice for both kids and parents.

Most cell phone carriers allow features such as web access, texting and downloading to be disabled by parents, it says.

“Some cell phones are made especially for children,” the FTC says. “They're designed to be easy to use, and have features like limited internet access, minute management, number privacy and emergency buttons.”

When venturing on to social media platforms, the commission urges kids to understand that once they make a post, they can never take back their words or images.

Even if they delete their post, it may have been downloaded or screen-captured, and could still circulate.

“Sexting,” which is sending or forwarding sexually explicit messages or images, is just a no-go, the FTC says. “Tell your kids not to do it,” the agency says. “In addition to risking their reputation and their friendships, they could be breaking the law if they create, forward or even save this kind of message.”

The most recent data from the nonprofit Common Sense Media, released at the end of 2019, said just over half of kids have their own smartphone by the time they are 11, and more than two-thirds have one by age 12. The number of 8-year-olds who have phones green from 11 percent in 2015 to 19 percent in 2019.

A much more recent report, released March 9 by Common Sense Media, does not address ownership but shows 18 percent of tweens and 38 percent of teenagers use social media every day.

The nonprofit says parents should show interest in their kids’ screen habits, and help responsibly navigate social media.

“Many teens turn to social media and online resources for mental health support and to connect with friends,” it says.

“However, social media can also have negative effects on some teens, especially girls and teens experiencing depression.”

Wellington celebrates Easter

An Easter egg hunt will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 9 on the Wellington village square. In the event of rain, it will be held inside Town Hall.

The event is sponsored by Main Street Wellington.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit with the Easter Bunny at Cherished Creations, 105 East Herrick Ave. An egg decorating contest will be held at First United Methodist Church.

ELYRIA — Two years of chaos and counting. Will the economy ever recover?

The Lorain County Economic Forum is intended to brief business owners on what kind of environment to expect in the coming year.

“We’re kind of going into the mentality of ‘COVID is coming to an end,’ but what does that mean?” said Lorain County Chamber of Commerce President Anthony Gallo. “Does it mean we just flip all the switches and everything’s going to be OK?” The sense is that recovery won’t be smooth, he said.

A keynote addressed called “Between Mask and Gun” will be delivered by Ned Hill, professor of economic development at Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

He’ll talk about inflation, supply chain disruptions and relocating production domestically as the COVID-19 pandemic winds down, and what challenges are on the horizon due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Hill has a deep understanding of Northeast Ohio’s economy, after previously teaching for 30 years at Cleveland State University.

“My connection to LCCC goes back far, and anytime I can speak to a room full of businesspeople, I am pleased to do it,” he said.

The forum will be held at 3 p.m. today at Lorain County community College’s Spitzer Conference Center.

College President Marcia Ballinger will speak on the benefits of Intel’s $20 billion microchip plant, which is coming to Licking County in late 2025.

She said the community college is the perfect place to help train the 3,000 workers needed there — it already offers a bachelor of science degree in microelectronic manufacturing, and will soon add one in smart industrial automated systems.

Sean Richardson, greater Cleveland regional president of Huntington National Bank, will talk about efforts to foster small businesses.

Huntington has partnered with 11 nonprofits in Lorain, Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties to provide coaching and skills training to help small businesses grow.

The forum is organized by the Lorain County Growth Partnership. Seating is limited, but the public can watch via Zoom by visiting www.tinyurl.com/ LCEconomicForum.

Gallo, a primary mover-and-shaker within the Growth Partnership, said he believes 2022 will hold incremental economic improvements for not just Lorain County but the entire nation.

“I think we’re going to make gains,” he said. “I think we’re going to make hires. I think we’re going to see businesses moving forward. I just don’t think we’re going to see a return to normal.”

He predicts that, unless conditions swing drastically better or worse, it will take 18 to 24 months for most businesses to completely regain their footing.

Fixing supply chains is priority No. 1, Gallo said. From fast food to masking tape, nickel, cars and chicken wings, shortages are keeping businesses from delivering products.

That’s not just a problem on grocery store shelves. Without the raw materials they need, factories can’t build products, no matter how many workers they have available, he said.

HERRICK LIBRARY 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington Countdown to kindergarten This series is geared for children ages 4-5 and their parents to help prepare for a successful school career. Upcoming sessions are at 6 p.m. on Mondays, April 4, 11, 18 and 28 in the Community Room.

Programs focus on early literacy skills.

Game on!

Tweens and teens in grades four and up can “switch” up their Saturday from 2-4 p.m. on April 9. Show off your gaming skills on the library’s Nintendo Switch and Wii. Refreshments will be provided.

To register, call the library at (440) 6472120 by Thursday, April 7.

Board meeting The Herrick Memorial Library board will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12. The meeting is open to the public. All attendees will be required to wear masks.

Children’s Book Day Take your child to Herrick Memorial Library between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 to choose a paperback to start their own home library. This event is for infants through fifth grade. Books for the event were purchased by the Friends of the Herrick Memorial Library.

Spring family story times Family story times are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through April 26. These interactive programs are designed to introduce children to a

variety of books and introduce caregivers to methods that can be used to help their children to become readers. Register by calling (440) 647-2120.

Baby story times Baby story times are designed for caregivers and their babies, up to 24 months old, to bond through books. Sessions are offered at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays through April 27. Register by calling (440) 647-2120.

Seed swap Garden lovers can enjoy the first Friends Seed Swap from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Take your own seeds, indoor or outdoor plants, bulbs, cuttings and seedlings to share. For more information, call (440) 647-2120.

Spring fairy houses Children ages 5 and up can learn to create small houses to attract fairies to their yards, and check out books on fairy stories. This session will be offered from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 23.

Registration is required by calling (440) 647-2120.

Read with Putter Putter the friendly therapy dog visits the Herrick Memorial Library from 3:15-4:30 p.m. each Thursday to listen to children read. This is a wonderful way for children to practice their reading skills as Putter listens to the stories that they read aloud.

Call the library at (440) 647-2120 to sign up your child for a 15-minute time slot.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 MARCH 31, 2022 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live MARCH 31, 2022 ................SPECIAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION – 4:00 P.M. – 2ND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, 69 S. MAIN ST. - PURPOSE: To discuss the roof replacement of a historic landmark at 189 E. College Street APRIL 4, 2022 .....................REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 5, 2022 .....................HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION – 5:15 P.M. 2ND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, 69 S. MAIN ST. APRIL 6, 2022 .....................PLANNING COMMISSION – 4:30 P.M. NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

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Lorain County Community Guide

Candy makes chemistry fun at OHS Mercy is raising $500K for Ukraine medical relief OBERLIN — Oberlin High School chemistry teacher Terra Burnette thought outside the box in early March as she used an interesting item to help with a lesson: M&M’s.

“As a way to add a fun component to the lab studying the empirical and molecular formula, I added candy into the mix,” she said.

For the past few weeks, students in Burnette’s chemistry class have been studying concepts related to percent composition, empirical formula and molecular formula.

Students used M&M’s to represent elements. Each color represented a different type of element. Kids recorded their data, then completed calculations to determine both the empirical and molecular formulas of the “candy” molecules.

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Provided photo

Aarohi Mehta, Ruby Harrison-Stubbs and Max Greenwood gather data during a chemistry lesson at Oberlin High School.

LORAIN COUNTY JVS HONOR ROLL PITTSFIELD TWP. — The Lorain County JVS has announced its second quarter honor roll for the 2021-2022 school year. Students are recognized below by their home districts: Amherst Branden Carpenter, Michaela Gayheart, Adam Henderson, John Jacobs, Brenden Kelly, Kassius King, Mason Krause, Marcus Lacey, Elia Manter, Micah Mercado, Hayden Nagy, Aaron Quickle, Caleb Schenko, Genevieve Shaffer, Mary Shively, Andrew Smith, Logan Stewart, Mason Supple, Ben Susi, Nicholas Taddeo, Danielle Teele, Carter Walton, Ryan Watkins, James Webb, Devon Wirth Avon Benjamin Carbone, Sean Dzuban, Julia Valla, Maeve Walsh, Joseph Weatherspoon Jr., Isabella Wido Avon Lake Bradley Babbitt, Nicholas Brun, Gabriel Camacaro, Gracey Crnjak, Benjamin Hale, Griffin Harrington, Isabella Higley, Jacquilyn Liston, Matthew Markutsa, Cade Mycek, Alyssa Painter, Morgan Painter, Edward Shilliday, Anthony Sisto, Zander Skiles, Ian Sweigart Brookside Carter Adkins, Mason Clapp, Griffin Copley, Haley Custer, Abigail Davis, Dawson Gainer, Matthew Gove, Carynne Hickerson, Robert Parks, Timothy Plowman, Jenna Rothman, Timothy Rowe, Danilyn Schwarz, Emilio Smith Clearview Gavin Donovan, Ni Yanna Flowers, Caleb Hammonds, Angie Ortiz Santiago, Kristhine Ortiz Santiago, Jocelyn Pallens, Gabrielle Petrisko, Emma Roach, Haylee Roach, Patrick Robles, Evangely Rosado, Siddalee

Tindale, Alina Velazquez, Erik Villar, Makenna Ward, Randy Wright Columbia Maximus Drumm, Nick Fumich, Brianna Hicks, Kaylie James, Jessen Calder, Samuel Lupica, Samantha Markosky, Nathan Matzelle, Evian Meyers, Sandra Miller, Bryan Spaniel, Evan Toth, Maya Trujillo, Owen Trujillo, Karly Wells Elyria Joshua Arnold, Jeremiah Cruz, Madison Detamore, Adrian Dotson, Cadence Eads, Ava Gastelum, Madison Griffith, Paige Hale, Dominic Hawkins, Mariae Heru, Kathryn Holliday, Jaxson Hunt, Nicole Justice, Briana Keith, Dylan Kerns, McKenzie Langford, Isaiah Maxwell, Morgan Metcalf, Jaclyn Myers, Devon Nieves, Alexis Rivera, Kamyla Rivera, Jonathan Roberts, Timothy Roberts, Samantha Ruby, Logan Rutz, Issabella Spicer, Sebastian Whitehair, Norman Wirth Firelands Chancellor Chenoweth, Gwennyth Crain, Graham Deshuk, Brain Diaz, Jadeyn Dickel, Collin Galligan, Zoe Grifford, Kody Hamilton, William Hasley, Tyler Henderson, Samuel Herchler, Shauna Kalassay, Austin Keller, Izek Manges, Benjamin Mckee, Kacey Meredith, Jason Milks, Emily Miller, Jeremy Partlow, Nevaeh Pullen, Joy Schlessman, Isaac Stokley Keystone Leah Bacsi, Camryn Broad, Jaqueline Carpenter, Serenity Deditch, Allison Dubber, Erin Friel, Olivia Gardner, Kylee Gill, Grant Harrison, Joseph Hawkinberry, Chelsea Hood, Andrea Houghton, Gavin Lee, Owen Maiden, Olivia Milam, Riley Rose, Joseph Scheiman, Lila Scyoc, Harley Slater, Brenden Torok, Maeve Vana

OBERLIN CITY COUNCIL CLERK’S OFFICE

Midview Aryanna Blakenship, Bethany Clark, Giovanni Cross, Juliana Crum, Savannah Douglas, Colt Duke, Austin Dye, Tyler Dye, Morgan Eid, Zachary Eid, Shiloh Gill, Peyton Gullett, Savana Hollingsworth, Keirsten Hummel, Kennedy Layne, Raylynn Layne, Joseph Metheney, Joseph Moore, Donavyn Pasters, Venessa Payne, Tyler Pilarczyk, Chase Ruoff, Lucas Schupp, Davin Shippy, Samuel Singleton, Zachary Smith, Emily Stonestreet, Alexis Turner, Austin Wade North Ridgeville Lauren Anderson, Chasity Basham, Robyn Buskirk, Zachary Casey, Rachael Chandler, Makena Chapman, Taylor Conaway, Joseph Dominak, Caleb Douglas, Kendel Durst, Nolan Eyman, Cody Fitch, Zackary Hart, Victoria Heinz, Tyler Jaworski, Gunnar Kamp, Ivy Kandiko, Haleigh Lightner, Anthony March, Garrett Melton, Jacob Pantalone, Evan Perez, Jaden Perez, Erin Pfeuffer, Katherine Pfeuffer, Ealiyah Prunty, Elizabeth Rickard, Abigail Ronyak, Owen Ross, Ethan Sante, Alexander Stano, Abby Terrell, Joshua Velez, Peter Vlach, Wyatt Waltjen, Madylin Waugh, Samuel Wojciechowski, Morgan Yaksic Oberlin Alexandra Adler, Airiana Holt, Mackenzie Johnson, Korey Russell, Cassandra Sirocky, William Wallace, Salem Waller, Zachary Webb, Kirk Yochum, Alyssa Zimmerman Wellington Dominic Danesi, Joseph Danesi, Michael Dietrich, Autumn Dudziak, Trevor Gasper, Nathan Glavich, Brian Hall, Abbie Hunter, Whitney Kirschner, Jocelyn Kolmorgen, Alyssa Krouse, Brayonna Leiby, Madison Mickey, Nathan Peabody, Maxwell Schatz, Mckenna Stahl, Kierstin Taylor, Jordan Wells, Sadie Willis

NOTICE OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VACANCIES

The following City commissions have vacancies for terms expiring on the dates provided below. Applications for interested parties are available at the Clerk of Council’s office, located at 85 South Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, or by submitting a form via the City’s website, at https://www.cityofoberlin.com.

Applications will be received until filled.

# OF CURRENT VANCIES

DATE TERM EXPIRES

Oberlin Community Improvement Corporation

1

12/31/2023

Resource Conservation and Recovery Commission

1

12/31/2023

Underground Railroad Center Implementation Team

1

Unlimited

BOARD NAME

LORAIN — Mercy Health is pledging $500,000 to provide relief to Ukrainians fighting and fleeing Russian attacks.

With international aid experience and contacts at the Ukraine Ministry of Health, the hospital system said Friday that it is positioned to take swift action to meet extreme need.

“It’s what we do,” said Dr. Jim Kravec, chief clinical officer at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital.

“We care for people in need here, and now the greater need has come along.”

Staff at Lorain County hospitals care every day for patients, he said. They also feel strongly pulled to help those who have been displaced from their homes abroad, said Kravec.

Northeast Ohio has many residents from Eastern Europe, he said. Likewise, Mercy staff have family ties there.

The public can help. Bon Secours Mercy Health has established a secure fundraising site at www.tinyurl.com/MercyUkraine to support its relief goal. One-hundred percent of donations made there will go toward emergency care.

“It is clear that financial resources are most needed at this time and by working with trusted partners, we can ensure that the needed supplies will be purchased and delivered directly to those who need it,” said John Starcher, CEO at Bon Secours Mercy Health. “We are also in the process of securing specific goods in the U.S. which will be sent as soon as transportation is finalized.”

The company is working with Medical Help Ukraine, a group of Ukrainian doctors working in Ireland to give medical aid, and Polish Rescue Organization, an independent nonprofit founded by doctors.

With the funding collected by Mercy, they’re buying medical supplies in Europe and sending them immediately to Ukraine.

The $500,000 pledge is in addition to $200,000 the health care system has already given through Bon Secours Ireland and Mercy Health’s Global Ministries to Catholic Relief Services, Americares and Medical Help Ukraine, according to a release from spokeswoman Kara Carter Franz.

WHS HONOR ROLL Grading for the second nine weeks at Wellington High School has been released: SENIORS High Honor Roll (4.0 or higher GPA) — Chloe Black, Annelise Broome, Natalie Calfo, McKenna Chappell, Rianna Danesi, Karlie Frenk, Lindsey Gott, Teddi Hardoby, Hannah Ingrassia, Catherine Kasicki-Rodriguez, Jacob Knapp, Macy Marley, Phillip McKee, Maile Oswald, Victoria Paramore, Melanie Solkiewicz, Miranda Sorg, Amanda Spiekerman, Jessie Teter, Kaitlyn Wright, Ava Zodorozny Honor Roll (3.5-3.99 GPA) — Julianna Brasee, Hunter Cantwell, Hailey Georgevich, Jeremiah McKee, Tyler Moore, Brandon Rutkowski, Cody Soboslai, Jacob Weegmann Merit Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA) — Jonathan Brasee, Colton Campbell, Cayden Conrad, Zoe Lawrence-Gutierrez, Karalyn Mitchell, Bryce Shaw, Riley West, Justin Yeager JUNIORS High Honor Roll (4.0 or higher GPA) — Maya Feron, Violet Haas, Josh Higgins, Marshal Mull, Adelle Pickering, Heather Reninger, McKenna Soboslai Honor Roll (3.5-3.99 GPA) — Dustin Andolsek, Rebecca Barnes, Alaina Collins, BriLee DeLima, Kayla Edwards, Alexis Kline, Abigail Lemke, Chelsea Manning, Karinna Mitterling, Brayden Nieding, Joleisa Sizer, Gwenyth Vannatter, Joshua Wright Merit Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA) — Nadia Barber, Megan Bartoto, Wayde Bowman, Joshua Buck, Bethany Capek, Haley Harper, Jessalca Hockenberger, Kyleigh Johnson, Trey Lawson, Morgan Lehmkuhl, Phylicia Lundy, Molly Lust, Riley Reyna, Mollie Shinsky, Sydney Skierski, Mikayla Standen SOPHOMORES High Honor Roll (4.0 or higher GPA) — Isabella Beck, Briana Bogan, Ethan Metheney, Hope Dudziak, Nadia Greer, Scott Hook, Taylor Morris, Kennedy Jerousek, Jaclyn Krakomperger, Jack Marsh, Lily Oswald, Sophia Palmison, Alexandria Peck, Hannah Ramirez, Sam Smith, McKenna Solkiewicz, Joyce Stallard, Taylor Standen, Jillian Stannard, Emma Wacker, Isabella Watters, Samantha Wreyford Honor Roll (3.5-3.99 GPA) — Brady Bella, Ethan Bias, Tyson Boley, Jayde Davis, Savannah Gundert, Tess McDonnel, Gabriella Miller, Jasper Parr Merit Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA) — Madaline Ausse, Elizabeth Buckingham, Isabella Johnson, Ellie Leiby, Duane Lilly, Jaelynn Meadows, Adam Michalak, Nathan Michalak, Matthew Moore, Bryant Santee, Nolan Sasack, Myranda Sickels, Christina Siwinski FRESHMEN High Honor Roll (4.0 or higher GPA) — Paige Bremke, Ayla DeLima, Drew Denger, Harper Fleming, Joseph Fox, Jackson Harris, Jadynce Jerore, Kyra McKissick, Olivia Ramirez, Lilliana Richards, Lucille Roush, Skylar Squire, Jonah Stump Honor Roll (3.5-3.99 GPA) — Haley Adkins, Noah Clark, Carlee Covington, Kitiara Hill, Grace Knapp, Kassie Kroll, Kylie Kroll, Brooke Lehmkuhl, Eva Robinette Merit Roll (3.0-3.49 GPA) — Robert Barnes, Danica Borzy, Spencer Brasee, Blake Carruthers, Kolin Dennis, Payton Harmon, Brandon Perez, Mallory Pickering

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B5

LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Campuses emptied by bomb threats STAFF REPORT

Bomb threats caused thousands of Lorain County Community College students and faculty members to evacuate last week — not once but twice.

A threat disrupted a meeting of the college board of trustees Thursday afternoon, causing officials to empty not just the Abbe Road campus in Elyria but also learning centers in Lorain, North Ridgeville and Wellington.

The Lorain County Bomb Squad and explosive-sniffing dogs were used to sweep the main campus. Elyria police officers and county sheriff’s deputies investigated for hours, and determined the threat to be unsubstantiated.

Tracy Green, LCCC’s vice president of strategic and institutional development, said she didn’t believe “there’s any credibility but until they are able to do what they need to do we

will avoid opening the buildings again."

They did open the next morning, only to close again around noon as another threat rolled in, causing hundreds of cars to flood onto Abbe, tying up traffic as they fled potential danger.

The second threat was delivered the same way as the first — through the college’s online chat system, said Green.

Again, police and sheriff’s deputies did a building-by-building search, looking for suspicious items, clearing the scene within two hours.

In a news release, Elyria police said they are investigating and added that making terrorist threats is a third-degree felony in Ohio.

“We’re seeing the impact that these threats are having on the main campus and local safety resources,” said Lt. Bill Lantz.

“We’ll continue to investigate the threats and seek to identify those responsible so that we can hold them accountable.”

Kristin Bauer | Community Guide

People were evacuated Thursday and then again Friday from all Lorain County Community College campuses after reports of a security threat.

LCCC one of just five to offer peace officer training classes in statewide partnership Lorain County Community College will be one of five regional partners to offer Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy classes in a collaboration through a program called Close to Home, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced last week.

“There is a lot of change happening in law enforcement training right now, and we are working with experts to deliver the highest-quality train-

ing available,” said Yost, whose office oversees OPOTA. “Given that it is one of the toughest times to be in law enforcement, we owe it to our officers to provide course access and options that make sense.”

Close to Home will also reduce costs for law enforcement agencies because they will not have to address as many staffing shortages and not have to pay for hotels while of-

ficers are away at training, Yost's office said.

The initial five partners were chosen from a group of applicants based on their location, space and ability to deliver the OPOTA-certified advanced training to Ohio’s 33,000 peace officers.

The training providers are: • Lorain County Community College, Elyria • Kent State University, Kent Clark State College,

Springfield • Hocking College, Nelsonville • Great Oaks Career Campuses, Cincinnati OPOTA’s main academy and Tactical Training Center in London will continue to provide advanced training.

Improving the training of Ohio’s law enforcement officers has been a top priority of Yost since he took office in 2019, resulting in the launch of several new

initiatives: • In 2020, OPOTA’s training methods were redesigned to include expanded online courses, as well as more timely courses that help officers adapt to new scenarios.

• In 2021, the STAR Academy program was established to recognize basic training academies that meet a standard of excellence defined by a seven-member peer board.

• In 2022, Yost began

implementation of CPT required of all law enforcement officers by year’s end. The General Assembly allocated $15 million — one of the largest investments in training in Ohio history.

“These operational changes enhance the highquality training officers need and Ohioans demand, and provide departments with cost-effective, convenient education,” Yost said.

Learn About Your Colon Cancer Screening Options Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in this country because only two out of three people get screened. Colon polyps hide in the colon and may not cause symptoms until they have grown and potentially turned cancerous. University Hospitals has several colon screening options available to meet your needs and comfort level.

Learn about your colon cancer screening options with a comparison chart or schedule a colonoscopy by scanning the QR code or visiting UHhospitals.org/ColonScreeningOptions.

UH Elyria Medical Center 630 East River Street, Elyria

© 2022 University Hospitals DHI 1910282

Page B6

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

© 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 17

Meet the Albatross The wandering albatross is the world’s largest flying bird.

These are big birds: An albatross wingspan can be from six to eleven feet wide!

Here’s how that compares to the armspan of two kids.

lbatross are large seabirds. Scientists have discovered that albatross chicks that live in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, far away from people, are killed by little pieces of plastic, including plastic toys. How does plastic wind up in the middle of the Pacific?

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive soup of plastic waste floating in the sea. It’s growing larger all the time, harming birds, fish and people, too!

Plastic Soup in the Pacific?

A number of years ago, scientists discovered _______ and dead albatrosses on a group of remote and isolated ___________ called

the Midway Atoll. These islands are located about 1,400 miles northwest of the Hawaiian islands in the middle of the Pacific ________.

4’

A Sea of Troubles

Plastic from the west coast of North America floats down creeks and rivers into the Pacific Ocean. There it joins the North Pacific Gyre which flows clockwise into a large circle.

3. Is there anything in the trash you really didn’t need to purchase?

4. Next to each one, write down a way you could have kept that single-use item out of the trash.

SINGLE USE INSTEAD :

When it reaches its hungry chick, the albatross regurgitates the food. The chick then pulls food out of the parent’s mouth to eat.

(Gross to us, but perfectly normal for these birds.)

But albatross are also swallowing dangerous plastic waste when scooping up seafood. One bird researcher saw an adult albatross regurgitate a toothbrush and its chick ate it. Chicks are not able to regurgitate food or other materials out of their stomachs and the plastic food stays there, making them sick and killing them.

watershed river ocean

How YOU Can Help!

YOU can stop plastic from entering the watershed by reducing the amount of plastic you use and recycling the plastic you can’t avoid using. Below each of these items, draw what you could use instead.

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS TO AVOID:

plastic cups plastic utensils paper plates plastic water bottles

4’

Albatross parents travel hundreds of miles to find food for their chicks. They scoop up squid, krill, fish eggs and other natural seafood from the surface of the ocean. They carry their food back to their chicks in their stomachs.

Few people live on Midway Atoll.

How does so much plastic get there?

The answer lies in the earth’s watershed and ocean ___________.

A watershed is not a building.

It is an area of land that collects rain and snow. The water then drains into bays and from there into the ocean where it joins large ocean currents.

2. Make a written list of the single-use containers you found: bottles, tubs, wrappers, etc.

A Dangerous Mix

Researchers found small plastic toys, toothbrushes, bottle ____ and other small pieces of plastic. These were all single-use plastics—plastic that was used just ________ and then thrown away.

What’s a watershed?

1. Look at your trash at home and count how many single-use containers you can find.

11’

Replace the missing words.

Work with a family member to think of actions you can take at home to reduce the amount of single-use plastics your family uses. It makes a big difference and makes you a superhero!

plastic bags

Homonym Hunt

Waste and waist sound the same, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings.

They are called homonyms. Look through today’s newspaper and find 5 or more sets of homonyms.

Standards Link: Language Arts: Distinguish homophones.

CREATE A MESSAGE OF PEACE Do you want to send a message of hope and peace to people in Ukraine and other victims of war? If so, send us your drawing or your poem. Children’s newspapers around the world will collect these messages and distribute them.

Kid Scoop will publish them on our websites kidscoop.com and kidscoopnews.org.

Send us your creations by email to Woodword@kidscoop.com.

Or, mail to: Kid Scoop News “I Draw for Peace” 181 Andrieux, Suite 200 Sonoma, CA 95476

ALBATROSS RECYCLING FLOATING PLASTIC MIDWAY CHICKS REMOTE PATCH AVOID ATOLL GYRE SICK EGGS TOYS CAPS

Standards Link: Reading/Writing: Draw evidence from informational text.

D I O V A Y C P R R S I C K A H C A E L

E C A W I C I T C L

T L D C A E T C Y O

M S S O R T A B L A E T O Y S P L L I A

R S G G E S P T N I

An albatross will regurgitate food for its chicks.

G N I T A O L F G E

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

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

I’m Green

Explain what you do to help the environment. Why is it important to you?

ANSWER: Salmon Says.

Standards Link: Language Arts: Write from a particular point of view.

REGURGITATE

The verb regurgitate means to bring up swallowed food again in the mouth.

O I K P S E S H C T

Planet Point of View

Find an article that shows a way in which people harm or care for our planet. Rewrite the article from the point of view of a wild animal that would be affected by the news in this article.

This week’s word: