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LORAIN COUNTY
AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, May 21, 2020
www.lcnewspapers.com
Volume 7, Issue 21
COVID-ULATIONS, GRADS Class of 2020 gets pomp, despite the circumstances JASON HAWK EDITOR
Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times
Amarissa Amador has the support of her family after playing her part in Amherst's rolling graduation ceremony.
Black River and Firelands schedule graduation times
AMHERST — There were mixed feelings of triumph and defeat on display last week as the Marion L. Steele High School Class of 2020 received diplomas. "It's weird. It was really awkward walking on stage," said Amarissa Amador after playing her part Wednesday in the strange commencement remix forced by the COVID-19 crisis. Only a few people were allowed inside at a time to limit exposure to the virus. Some graduates wore face masks, and parents, not teachers, were the ones handing out diplomas in
near silence. It took about 18 hours spread over three days for the 313 graduates to cross the cafeteria stage during the rolling ceremony. The venue wasn't what seniors envisioned when they started the year. Amherst usually holds commencement at the Cleveland State Wolstein Center, where there is room for thousands to attend and fill the air with cheers. "We tried to keep as much tradition as we could," said Principal Joe Tellier, standing in front of the stage, which was decorated with the school's green and gold colors. Shaking his head, Tellier said students deserved more and wished he could have given them
more. "At least we have it," said senior Sydney Bennett, waiting for her turn to march. The end of the year has been tough for the class, she said — missing prom was especially difficult for Bennett, who had been excited to dance the night away with her boyfriend. Classmate Sierra Bellisario said she is glad she moved to Amherst in her sophomore year. Expressing relief that there would be at least some pomp despite the circumstances, she described the graduation experience as "one-of-a-kind." And while the ceremony was AMHERST PAGE A2
‘We have to social distance instead’
STAFF REPORT
SULLIVAN — A three-day graduation process will roll out for Black River High School seniors, with tentative plans for a district viewing celebration in June. Students and their families will report in scheduled time slots to return digital devices, pay fees, receive diplomas and have family pictures taken. The staggered commencement is an end to the year that no one could have envisioned, said Principal Tracey Lambdin. At Black River, as across the rest of the state, seniors finished their high school careers with no spring sports, canceled plays and without spending time with friends. "I wish you could have had the traditional ending you deserved. Trust me when I say that I, and all of your teachers, have felt the loss of not sharing these experiences with you," she wrote in a letter to the Class of 2020. SCHEDULE PAGE A2
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Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-329-7000 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday News staff Jason Hawk news@lcnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122 Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com
Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune
Chevonne Bullocks exits Oberlin High School, head held high and diploma in hand last Wednesday.
Masks up, OHS seniors march JASON HAWK EDITOR
OBERLIN — An exultant cheer echoed down the almost-empty hallways every time a senior stepped foot last week inside Oberlin High School. The cries went up every 10 minutes or so as the Class of 2020 entered one by one, wearing masks. "It's just so weird, you know?" said senior Chevonne Bullocks, reflecting on a year cut short by the COVID-19
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After having temperatures taken by a nurse at the door, seniors and just a few family members were allowed into the OHS auditorium. The 89 graduates took turns in 10-minute slots, Wednesday through Friday, walking past empty seats and crossing the stage to receive diplomas and red carnations. Avery Harssema was one of the seniors to complete the ceremony Wednesday. "I'm just happy I graduated at all," OBERLIN PAGE A3
INSIDE THIS WEEK
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pandemic. She had dreamed about receiving her diploma under the lights at Finney Chapel, but the Oberlin College building is closed during the health crisis. What hurt more, she said, is that seniors weren't able to walk together, united, as they normally would have. "Graduation, you just don't imagine it like this. You want a huge crowd, and people to be together, family to visit and a big graduation party," Bullocks said. "We have to social distance instead."
Amherst
Oberlin
Wellington
Virus takes center stage in student speeches • B1
United Way CEO: What it means to be an OHS grad • B1
Weber applies for Lorain Schools CEO job • A3
OBITUARIES A2 • CELEBRATING SENIORS A4 • CLASSIFIEDS A6 • KID SCOOP B6
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Thursday, May 21, 2020
Lorain County Community Guide
OBITUARIES Shirley Marie Linden
AMHERST
FROM A1 small, she said family planned to make graduation memorable by gathering for dinner at her grandparents' home. "It's different but exciting. It's something new and it's fun," said Amherst Board of Education member Teresa Gilles, who wore a mask to congratulate each senior. "I think the kids are surprised by what is set up for them, and I think they really like everything," she said. Each student's turn on stage was recorded, and will be edited into a complete video. A DVD of the ceremony will be sent to their families. Tellier and company will also hold a send-off parade for seniors. It will start at 6 p.m. tonight — Thursday, May 21 — from Amherst Junior High. As the vehicle parade winds through town, it will visit each school building, where teachers will be waiting to say goodbye. The rain date is May 22.
▲ Alexis Alston marches down the main hallway at Amherst Steele High School with her family, en route to receive her diploma.
Shirley Marie Linden, 62, of Wellington, and formerly of Sullivan, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, May 10, 2020. Born on March 13, 1958, in Elyria, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy (nee Nuhn) and Andrew Veres. A graduate of Wellington High School, she later went on to become a specialty cake decorator. She was a member of Wellington Fellowship Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Wellington. In her spare time, she enjoyed making candles and jewelry, raising animals including donkeys, horses and chickens and had a great love for the country life. To know her was to love her and she will be remembered for her sense of humor and compassion for others. Shirley is survived by her siblings, Tom (Gloria) Veres, Lois (John) Fridenstine and Edward Veres; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Craig Linden. A private family gathering will take place with a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.
Nancy L. Roth
▲ Gianni Dimacchia poses just outside the cafeteria, where an ad hoc graduation ceremony was held. ▼ Sydney Bennett waits for her turn to graduate.
LETTERS Letters to the editor should be: • Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific residents, politicians, or groups. • Concise. There is a limit of 350 words on letters. • Polite. Letters that use crude language or show poor taste will be rejected. • Opinions. We reserve space for letters that share a unique perspective. Press releases are not letters and will be considered for publication in other parts of the paper. • Free of advertising, product or service endorsements or complaints, poetry, language that could raise legal problems, or claims that are measurably false. • Signed. Include your name, address, and daytime telephone number for our records. Up to two signatures. • The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.
SCHEDULE
FROM A1 A rolling graduation ceremony will be filmed from 5-8:30 p.m. from May 26-28. Families will each have about seven minutes to pass through the gymnasium. Each graduate will be allowed six family members. Seniors won't be allowed to congregate in the parking lot after receiving their diplomas. Attendees are encouraged to wear protective gear, and every senior will receive a black and gold mask as a keepsake. FIRELANDS Firelands' graduation week will be held in 10-minute time slots from 4-9 p.m. from June 8-11, except for the last day, which will be blocked off for speakers to record their speeches. As of Monday, 91 seniors had signed up to receive their diplomas at scheduled times. Tomorrow is the final day to sign up, with the window closing at 3 p.m. Diplomas will be available on Monday, June 15 for students who do not want to have an individual ceremony.
Nancy L. Roth, Episcopal Priest, author, spiritual director, dancer, musician and avid gardener, who found her calling by combining all of these passions, died from complications of a stroke Saturday, May 9, 2020, at her home in Oberlin, surrounded with love by her family. Nancy, daughter of Robert and Gertrude Moore was born March 30, 1936, in New York City, grew up in Scarsdale, New York, and remained there after college, marrying Robert Roth, organist and choirmaster at St. James the Less Church in 1959. They raised two sons and relocated to Oberlin in 1991. Nancy was on the staff of Trinity Church, Wall Street, taught meditation at Manhattan Plaza in New York City, and was a program coordinator at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York. For many years, she was on the staff at Christ Church, Oberlin and the CREDO project. She served as Chaplain to the Spouses, House of Bishops and was an affiliate scholar at Oberlin College. She also served as an Interim Priest in the parish of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Elyria. An author of 13 books, Nancy focused on spirituality, meditation, music, the earth and of course children. Among her publications were Grounded In Love (2008), a spiritual call to environmental action, Organic Prayer (1993), A New Christian Yoga (1989) and We Sing Of God: A Hymnal For Children (1989), co-authored with her husband, Robert. With Robert she frequently led travel groups to England to explore spirituality and music. Her diverse training included piano studies at Juilliard, a B.A. from Oberlin College and a M.Div. Cum Laude from General Theological Seminary. She was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree, Honoris Causa, from the Seminary in 2010. Nancy never stopped dancing, whether in ballet class, liturgical dance, teaching creative movement for children, or dancing in her heart, watching the playful wildlife inhabiting her beautiful backyard. She was loved by flora and fauna unconditionally. From her early days as a piano teacher and accompanist, harpsichordist, triangle-striker and member of the choir, to the music in her eyes when discussing her family and friends, her heart never stopped singing. And we hope her garden never stops growing. Nancy is survived by her husband, Robert; sons, Christopher, a writer and editor, and Michael, a violinist; grandchildren, Gabriel and Anna; daughter-in-law Sarah and brothers Robert and Philip Moore. In lieu of flowers, the Roth family asks that memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome. com.
Unemployment assistance
Ohioans can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Created under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act, the program offers up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to self-employed individuals, 1099 filers and part-time workers — with amounts similar to traditional unemployment payments plus an additional $600 per week through July 25. For more information, visit unemployment.ohio.gov/ expandedeligibility.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE (USPS 673-960) is published every Thursday, 52 weeks per year by Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company, 225 East Ave., Elyria OH 44035.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $40 for 52 weeks in Lorain County; $45 in Erie, Huron, Ashland, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties; $50 in all other Ohio counties; $55 outside Ohio. Periodical postage paid at Wellington OH.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Lorain County Community Guide, PO Box 4010, Elyria OH 44036.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Lorain County Community Guide
Page A3
Weber applies for CEO job at Lorain Schools JASON HAWK CARISSA WOYTACH
OBERLIN
FROM A1 he said, putting on a brave face. "I'm not one for needing an extravagant, formal graduation. As long as I get my diploma, I'm fine." "It does help with anxiety when instead of having a giant crowd it's just four people," he said. Taking a breather after hours in the auditorium, Principal Chris Frank also looked at the bright side. "It's going well. We're getting positive feedback from families," he said through a mask. Class adviser Brittnay Palermo was there to send off seniors, and said it is important in 2020 to focus
Taking off his mask for a moment, Riley Horning is surrounded by family inside Oberlin High School. on graduates' accomplishments, not the restrictions they finish the year under. "I'm really proud of them for overcoming all the adversity that they've been given this year, and I can't wait to see how they conquer the world," she said. Oberlin Superintendent David Hall also stood by outside to offer words of support to families. He said his job during the three-day commencement event is to make graduates feel safe and appreciated. "I would tell them to stay strong," he said. "They're going to be known
as the class that made it through adversity, through COVID-19, and it's going to make them stronger." His best piece of advice to the Class of 2020 would be much the same even under different circumstances, had seniors been able to assemble as normal at Finney Chapel. "Live the dream," said Hall. "This is the next chapter of their lives. Whatever they want to pursue, they need to make it happen. Walt Disney once stated that all your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them."
WELLINGTON — After three years in Wellington, school Superintendent Ed Weber has applied for the job of CEO of the Lorain Schools. But that doesn't necessarily mean he's looking to leave, he said. The high-profile and politically fraught Lorain job is the only position he has applied for, Weber said, and only at the urging of a colleague in Columbus. "The urban environment is where I spent much of my career at," he said. Before being hired at Wellington in 2017, Weber served as a principal for the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools for nearly 15 years. He said he's had three great years in Wellington and wants to continue. "I love it here. I live here and have had good early success here," he said. Weber said he is proud of locking in a "kid-friendly" contract with teachers, increasing student programming and raising test scores, helping to lift the Wellington Schools out of a state watch. From the district's perspective, the COVID-19 crisis has been a frustrating interruption "because we were on such a good train ride," he said. Weber has also faced defeat. Back-to-back levy attempts have been rejected by voters, leaving questions about the fate of Westwood Elementary School. It will still be open in the fall, even though voters did not approve money for repairs, he said. Whether it will remain open for one more year or two is in play, however. Weber said he believes the Board of Education should try again, this time asking for money for specific projects. The top priority should be sealing Westwood's roof to end leaks, followed by replacing the aging boiler system. The Lorain Schools Academic Distress Commission was expected to winnow down applicants to a few finalists this week after press time.
Ward resigns as principal at Westwood JASON HAWK EDITOR
ABOVE: Greta Arbogast, one of Oberlin High School's valedictorians, receives her diploma and a carnation Friday. TOP LEFT: Siblings Rosalie and Johnathan Turner stand together after receiving their diplomas. LEFT: Student Council President London Dejarnette delivers a speech to graduates in the Oberlin High School Class of 2020: “Although we are apart in these times, this community couldn’t be closer.”
COVID-19 Collecting Project
The Oberlin Heritage Center is collecting tales of quarantine, toilet paper shortages and crafters making masks for loved ones. Its staff members are seeking firsthand accounts of Oberlinians' experiences during the pandemic. This resource will help future generations understand what life was like during the outbreak. The OHC is looking for donations of writings and images that capture daily life during the pandemic. These can be as formal or as informal as you choose. For more information and some suggested writing topics, visit www.oberlinheritagecenter.org. To learn more about the project or to donate, contact Collections Manager Maren McKee at history@oberlinheritage.org. Be sure to include your full name and a phone number where you can be reached.
WELLINGTON — Erica Ward has resigned from her job as principal at Westwood Elementary School, effective July 31. The Wellington Board of Education accepted her resignation with no discussion after a long behind-closeddoors discussion last week. "I think she did an excellent job with academics," board President Brett Murner said in a brief statement, wishing Ward well in her future endeavors. Superintendent Ed Weber said Ward tendered a brief resignation letter, "all of three sentences, I think." He said he believes the small support team at the elementary building — it doesn't have an assistant principal, for example — played a role in her decision to leave. The bigger factor, he said, is distance. Ward has commuted from Port Clinton the past two years. "Her last couple of jobs she's had to travel for," he said. Weber said he believes Ward may have been offered another job, though he did not have specifics. Under Ward's watch, Westwood showed improvement in some of the key areas that were needed, including reading proficiency, he said.
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Lorain County Community Guide
CELEBRATING SENIORS
We’re featuring local seniors whose final year has been cut short by the COVID-19 crisis! Your senior can be included in an upcoming edition: Send a photo and the student's name, the name of the high school they’re graduating from, plans (college, major, military, work options) and an idea of their aspirations for the future to news@lcnewspapers.com.
BLAISE IGNAGNI will graduate from Oberlin High School. He plans to attend Ohio University to study chemical and biomedical engineering. He would like to pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering to make medical innovations readily accessible to rural and low income communities.
JONATHAN TURNER will graduate from Oberlin High School. He plans to attend Kenyon College.
NICKHOLAS IGNAGNI will graduate from Oberlin High School. He plans to attend Ohio University to study music therapy and will be a member of the Marching 110 band. During his breaks from college, Nickholas hopes to hike the entire Appalachian Trail.
ROSALIE TURNER will graduate from Oberlin High School. She plans to attend Franklin and Marshall College.
NOELLE IGNAGNI will graduate from Oberlin High School. She plans to attend the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University to major in international studies and public policy analysis. She aspires to pursue a career in international economic policy and diplomacy.
QUINN KRUECK will graduate from Oberlin High School. He plans to join the United States Army.
VINCENZO IGNAGNI will graduate from Oberlin High School. He plans to attend Montana State University to study fish and wildlife conservation biology and play ice hockey. His aspires to do research with fresh water fisheries in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
JADEN SZANTAY will graduate from Amherst Steele High School. She plans to attend Kent State University to study criminology.
ASHLEY RHINEHART will graduate from Amherst Steele High School. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to major in criminal justice. She also hopes to participate in the Disney College Program in Orlando.
MEGHAN BERRIOS will graduate from Amherst Steele High School. She plans to attend Ross Medical Center to earn a Certified Medical Assistant license. Her dream is to become a registered nurse in pediatrics.
KELSEY TRAUT will graduate from Amherst Steele High School. She plans to attend Ohio State University and will choose a major in the medical field.
MADISON SZAKACS will graduate from Wellington High School. She plans to attend Akron University, eventually earning a doctorate. She aspires to be a pharmacist.
Health commissioner updates county on COVID-19 DAVE O’BRIEN
THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM
ELYRIA — Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell met via video with county commissioners last week to update them on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Covell said he had hoped to retire from public health long before facing a challenging public health crisis like this pandemic again. His office had planned a pandemic drill in June, but he said he doesn't believe that will happen now — or be necessary — with all the experience gained fighting a real pandemic. Covell has been working with Gov. Mike DeWine's office on a panel to work out best practices for helping restaurants and bars reopen, focusing on how best to manage crowds. The Restart Ohio Restaurant and Bar Group had about 50 members includ-
ing six local health directors and stakeholders from the industry, representing small and large concerns. They gave feedback to health officials while also asking questions and for advice on how to properly manage reopening. Outdoor dining resumed Friday, and indoor dining is allowed to resume today. Covell said he was "pleasantly surprised" with restaurant and bar owners who gave input, with many telling state officials they want to get it right the first time. It's about "figuring out how to open safely," Covell said. He also said Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, has been open about recognizing that the pandemic is not just about the coronavirus, but how to balance the economic impact and social isolation many are facing at this time. "These are not easy decisions," Covell said.
"Leadership is not easy. They've done a good job with wrestling with the decisions. I have a lot of respect for them for what they've been doing." One important job during the pandemic has been tracking how and where patients became ill. A team of nurses, sanitarians and epidemiologists at Lorain County Public Health are contacting everyone who contracted the virus, and identifying those with whom they had close contact, Covell said in a phone interview. They then call and interview those contacts. Anyone showing symptoms was quarantined for 14 days from their exposure, and a nurse followed up with each to monitor their symptoms for up to 14 days. Some may have been exposed, but not developed the virus or symptoms. The definition of a "probable case" of COVID-19 is someone who was in
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quarantine and developed symptoms. Some did not get tested, but had they not quarantined could have been out in the community with the potential to spread the illness. People who contacted their doctors complaining of mild symptoms but weren't tested are not counted as official probable cases, even though they probably had the disease, Covell said. Contact tracers also include a number of off-work school nurses, who typically are provided to local districts by contract with the local health department. Covell said they have been filling valuable roles because they are used to communicating with people and understanding how to diagnose symptoms. The Ohio Department of Health also is providing some contract workers to help fill in as needs be. In the event those school nurses go back to work in the fall, Covell said he will be looking to hire people with good communication skills and a good background in or understanding of science to fill in as contact tracers. Covell said anyone who fulfills those requirements and is willing to go through some additional training on contact tracing may call Lorain County Public Health at 440-3226367 to sign up. Covell also has been meeting with school superintendents, giving regular updates to Lorain County mayors and speaking with hospital administrators throughout the last several months. It remains important for people to stay at least six feet away from each other, wear their masks, wash their hands and if sick, to stay home. People without symptoms, or asymptomatic, may still pass the
disease on to others and should practice protective behaviors as well. The state is moving into the second phase of testing, which Covell calls "the most important in my opinion." That is working to determine if people have the antibodies for COVID-19 and if so, are they immune. "We're not exactly sure about" how the disease works that way, he said. The earliest round of tests told doctors, public health officials and patients only if they had been exposed to a coronavirus — of which there are many kinds — not specifically this coronavirus. Tests are "getting more and more accurate. The Ohio Department of Health is doing antibody work to see how many were exposed and didn't know it and how many had light symptoms and didn't know it," he said. "They found people who in January may have been getting it and didn't know what it was." People who have made it through quarantine with the disease, from Ohio, New York and Washington state, also have now volunteered to be reintroduced to the virus so health officials can see if they are now immune. "Talk about bravery," he told commissioners. The more testing is done, the more experts can determine if patients are immune for life or just a few months. That will help science develop a vaccine, get people inoculated and help speed up herd immunity, Covell said. Covell said COVID-19 is constantly on his mind and that many people are working hard on a solution to the crisis, but they still need the public to follow recommendations to stop the spread. Washing your hands frequently with soap and
water, which Covell said easily kills the virus, or using hand sanitizer when possible are two of the easiest steps to keep healthy. When you might come in contact with others, wear a mask. "It's a courtesy thing," Covell said. "It's not about protecting yourself from your neighbor, it's about protecting your neighbor from yourself. No one is saying you can't go out for a run, but stay six feet away." Lorain County Public Health also tracks the number of "contacts per case," meaning the number of people who came in contact with those with confirmed cases on a per case basis. Covell said that number dipped "dramatically" once the stay-athome order went into effect, "but if people start not wearing masks and not paying attention, those contacts per case will go up again." "That's another really important reason, especially in a business setting, to wear those masks," he said. "Stay six feet away because if you start working too close, one case could turn into a number of people quarantined." State epidemiologists continue to recommend against creating a list or chart of positive cases of the virus by ZIP code, because it has spread so widely, Covell said. "We don't, at this point, plan on doing that," he said. Commissioner Sharon Sweda said she gained confidence from Covell's presentation. "For those who are going to ignore the advice, there's nothing you can do about that," she said. "Those taking the advice are walking away knowing they're doing the best they can and reducing the likelihood of contracting the virus."
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Lorain County Community Guide
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Lawsuit over Martin Robinson raid in May 2018 dismissed by judge DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM
ELYRIA — A lawsuit by the girlfriend of Martin Robinson on behalf of herself and two other women against various police agencies and public officials has been dismissed by a Lorain County judge because she didn't have the proper legal standing. Maiya McCoy sued the Sheffield Police Department, Lorain County SWAT team, former Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda, Sheffield Village Mayor John Hunter and Lorain County Board of Elections Director Paul Adams pro se — on her own and without an attorney — over the warrant they served on Martin Robinson at his Sheffield Lake home in May 2018. The incident resulted in Amherst police officer JR Ptacek being shot
and seriously wounded and a standoff that ended when Robinson was arrested and charged with attempted murder, among other felonies. In the suit, filed April 27, McCoy listed as fellow plaintiffs two Sheffield Lake women: Jennifer Ginley and Laura Thompson, both of the 700 block of Oliver Street in that city. In dismissing McCoy's lawsuit, Judge Chris Cook ruled that McCoy is allowed to file a lawsuit on her own behalf, but that she "is not an attorney" and is therefore not allowed to file a lawsuit on behalf of others. "As such, while she can represent herself, she cannot represent Thompson and/or Ginley and to attempt to do so subjects her to possible sanctions for the unauthorized practice of law," Cook wrote, citing Ohio Supreme Court rulings on the issue. The unauthorized practice of law can also be a criminal offense, Cook
noted. "Clearly, allowing this complaint to proceed where a non-lawyer purports to 'represent' two other individuals would assist (McCoy) in engaging in the unauthorized practice of law and would result in conduct that is 'prejudicial to the administration of justice,'" he wrote. Cook further wrote that he had no choice but to dismiss the lawsuit, but that McCoy may refile the suit without paying any additional costs should she wish to represent only herself, or the other plaintiffs represent themselves and sign her complaint. Cook also reported his obligation to report the matter to the Lorain County Bar Association's Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. The lawsuit sought more than $25,000 in damages. It was unclear why, when the incident happened in Sheffield Lake, McCoy named Shef-
field Village police, Brinda, Hunter and Adams when none of those individuals or that police department had any control over the raid. Multiple police officers went to Robinson's house to arrest him on behalf of Cuyahoga County authorities on May 31, 2018, when they were met with gunfire. Ptacek, a longtime Amherst officer who served on the SWAT team, was hit with a 20-gauge shotgun slug fired by Robinson but survived, requiring numerous surgeries in the aftermath. McCoy alleged that police and the other defendants "decided to take a scorched-earth approach when they rammed an armored personal (sic) carrier/mine resistant MRAP (MineResistant Ambush Protected vehicle) into Robinson's home. They came equipped with machine guns, snipers, and other displays of militarized policing."
She further accused the defendants of dereliction of duty, "fraud and deceit," "breach of peace," "violating First Amendment rights," "gross negligence when they used the force that was used," intentionally causing severe emotional distress on McCoy and the other plaintiffs and members of the community and exposing the plaintiffs to "unnecessary danger" while "obstructing justice and (causing) intimidation to witnesses." At trial, Robinson testified in his own defense and denied he knew who McCoy was. He replied "I don't know" to many of Assistant Lorain County Prosecutor Tony Cillo's questions when cross-examined, The Chronicle-Telegram reported. Robinson was convicted of attempted murder and felonious assault charges following a trial in Lorain County Common Pleas Court in March 2019 and sentenced to 55 years in prison.
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LEGALS
LEGAL NOTICE DONNELL RUSSELL, whose last known address is 1430
W. 23rd Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052, is hereby notified that Eva M. Hall has filed a Complaint naming Donnell Russell as a Defendant in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Case Number 20 CV 200605, and is asking that the Court grant an award for damages arising from the motor vehicle accident that occurred on February 25, 2018. Donnell Russell is required to answer within twenty-eight days following six successive weeks of publication of this notice to the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Stephen G. Meckler (#0014013) Attorney for Plaintiff 1551 West River Road, North Elyria, Ohio 44035 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of 2020 L.C.C.G. 5/21-28; 6/4-1118-25/20 20662461
LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on Monday June 1st, 2020 at 7 pm a public hearing will be held on Facebook from the Village of Wellington Council Chambers to review the pro-
posed 2020 Tax Budget. A copy is available for inspection at the Finance Director’s office. Anyone with any questions or comments is invited to call in. By order of the Council of the Village of Wellington Hans Schneider, Mayor Vanya Pfeiffer, Finance Director L.C.C.G. 5/21-28/20 20663475
LEGAL NOTICE DATE: June 3rd, 2020 TIME: 9:00 A.M. PLACE: Council Chambers ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA Disposition of minutes from previous Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission Meetings. B.A. # 10-2020 PPN# 0203-007-000-237 Variance requested to reduce wetland setback from seventy five (75) feet zero (0) setback for the installation of roadway and utilities. R-1A Zoning Tom Oster, applicant for Perpetual Development LLC. PLANNING
COMMISSION Disposition of minutes from previous Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission Meetings. Z.C.A. #4-2020 Submission for Planning Commission's recommendation to Lorain City Council, for the rezoning of property PPN # 02-03-006103-019 Oak Point Rd. from R-1A to R-PUD. Tom Oster, applicant for Perpetual Development. Z.C.A. #5-2020 Submission for Planning Commission's recommendation to Lorain City Council, for the rezoning of the property located at 3725 Grove Ave. also known as 2239 Homewood Dr. from I-1 Light Industrial to B-2 General Business. Drew Crawford, applicant for the City of Lorain. Z.C.A. #6-2020 Submission for Planning Commission's recommendation to Lorain City Council, for the rezoning of property PPN # 02-01-006124-014, 015, 016, 017, 018, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024 and PPN # 02-01-006-124030, 031, n.w. corner of Long Ave. and W. 13th St., from I-1 Light Industrial to R-2 Residential. Drew Crawford, applicant for the City of Lorain. Richard G. Klinar, ACT-
ING SECRETARY, LORAIN CITY PLANNING COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS IF APPLICANT UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE CALL (440) 204-2034
DANIEL J. GIBBONS (0065811) DEERY & GIBBONS LLC 300 4th Street Elyria, OH 44035 Tel.: 440-323-9500 Fax: 440-284-1705 dangibbons@deery gibbons.com Attorney for Donna Pugh
L.C.C.G. 5/21/20 20663417
L.C.C.G. 5/21/20 20663239
LEGAL NOTICE Autumn Hembree, Defendant, whose last known address is 2162 Lorain Drive, Lorain, OH 44052, is hereby notified that on May 12, 2020, Donna Pugh filed a Motion to Intervene and Motion for Custody of the minor child B.H-L. in the Lorain County Juvenile Court case captioned LeParis Willis v. Autumn Hembree, Case No. 18 JG 55043. A Hearing on said Motions is scheduled before the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, 225 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Elyria, Ohio, on the 16th day of June, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. Autumn Hembree is required to appear on that date and time. Daniel J. Gibbons
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO 610 BROADWAY SIDEWALK REHABILITATION 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, Thursday, May 29, 2020 Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor by mail or with security personnel on the first floor. TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lo-
rain City Hall 1st Floor. COMPLETION DATE: July 31, 2020 Bidders shall submit a list of available equipment, and labor shall be paid not less than the prevailing wage rate as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce for Lorain County Bids must be accompanied by Certified Check or Cashier's Check or Letter of Credit equals to ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bond for the full amount of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and a performance bond properly secured. Should any bid be rejected, such instrument will be forthwith returned upon proper execution of a contract. Cash deposits will not be accepted. 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 subcontrac-
tors involved with the project will to the extent practicable use Ohio products, materials, services and labor in the implementation of their project. Electronic packages may be secured from the Engineering Department, via email Dale_ Vandersommen@cityoflorain. org or the city website, www. cityoflorain.org. The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. By order of the Director of Safety/Service L.C.C.G. 5/14-21/20 20663087 LEGAL NOTICE In the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, 44035. Case No. 20DR087552. Lena Clifford, 165 Groveland Street, Oberlin, OH 44074, Plaintiff vs. Charles Irvin Clifford, Defendant. Charles Irvin Clifford, whose last known address was Las Vegas, NV but whose address other than as set forth is unknown and cannot with the exercise of reasonable
diligence be ascertained, and upon whom service of summons cannot be had in the State of Ohio, will take notice that on April 6, 2020, Lena Clifford, as Plaintiff, filed her complaint against him in the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, of Lorain County, Ohio, being Case No. 20DR087552, requesting a divorce from Defendant, and an award of a reasonable sum for any costs, expenses, and attorney's fees in this action, and for such other relief as shall be proper and necessary, based upon the grounds that the parties are incompatible, and that the parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without interruption for at least one year. Said above named defendant will further take notice that he is required to answer the complaint on or before the 18th day of June, 2020. LENA CLIFFORD, Plaintiff By: CHRISTOPHER P. REWAK, (#0085957), 300 Fourth Street, Elyria, OH 44035, Attorney for Plaintiff L.C.C.G. 4/16-23-30; 5/714-21/20 20661752
B
OUR TOWNS
Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, May 21, 2020
KEYNOTE AND VALEDICTORIANS
Steve Manheim | Chronicle
Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune
Valedictorian Lauren Sands is part of Friday's virtual commencement address recordings at OHS. She chose to reflect on the time classmates spent together: "We have much to be thankful for. We can be thankful for the education we've received that will prepare us for the challenges ahead," she said. "We can be thankful for our families for their support and guidance through the ups and downs of high school. And we can be thankful for each other."
Alyssa Montgomery of Amherst, a gym owner and personal trainer, discusses her plans to reopen.
Fit to reopen: You can hit Aroney: 'This is what it means the gym May 26
to be an Oberlin HS graduate' JASON HAWK EDITOR
OBERLIN — Ryan Aroney didn't see himself as a great student or destined for success when he graduated from Oberlin High School. He was just "a regular kid from Oberlin, from a regular, hardworking family," he said. In the more than two decades since then, he's come to appreciate all that he learned in the small liberal town, the United Way of Lorain County president and CEO said Friday. In an address to the Class of 2020 — made from the stage at his alma mater in a nearly-empty auditorium and captured on video — Aroney said he now understands his views on justice and equality are the product of a town that's different from many others. "It took me a while to realize that I was the one who grew up in a bubble, right here in Oberlin," he said. Aroney said that realization motivated him "to be the change that I wanted to see in the world and really dedicate my life to making a difference in the community." That is what it means to be an Oberlin graduate, he said.
Kristin Bauer | Chronicle
Ryan Aroney, new United Way of Greater Lorain County president and CEO, records the keynote address for the Oberlin High School Class of 2020 on Friday. Seniors turning their tassels need to keep growing while staying positive and focused on goals, he said. And they must remember that graduation is a beginning, not an end. For this year's 89 Oberlin High School graduates, Aroney said the COVID-19 pandemic will be a great test of character.
It's a lesson that "challenges will not stop," he said. "They won't stop in your personal life in your career. The important part, really, is about how do you respond to these challenges." In a final challenge, Aroney told the
Gym and fitness center owners across Lorain County say their clients are eager to get back to the workout routines that were disrupted when the COVID-19 pandemic forced Gov. Mike DeWine to temporarily shut down businesses. DeWine has announced that gyms can reopen their doors May 26, and owners are working to ensure they are safe and ready for customers to come back. Though sanitation is key, what that reopening looks like will be different for every facility. Some will require patrons to wear masks while working out and others are moving equipment to maintain social distancing. "We've had our members calling and bugging us about coming back because they miss it so much," said Shannon Douglas, operations manager at Grafton Health, Fitness & Events Center. "Everybody's going to be tickled pink." The 24-hour gym and recreation center — which features a mixed martial arts room, basketball court, indoor track, gaming area, bounce houses and more — will reopen May 26. Douglas said staff are “scrubbing the place top to GYMS REOPENING PAGE B2
RINGING IN YOUR
OBERLIN PAGE B2
Virus features heavily in Amherst grads' speeches JASON HAWK EDITOR
AMHERST — "This is the most unusual of circumstances," began Ethan London on Friday, standing on stage to deliver his valedictory address. He was referring to the COVID-19 crisis and the unceremonious end to the school year, of the sudden halt to the winter sports season and a spring season that never started, of missing daily contact with friends and teachers. And for the first time ever, being part of Amherst Steele High School's commencement ceremony in a nearempty cafeteria with cameras rolling. As he spoke, London didn't yet know he had been named valedictorian. Principal Joe Tellier delivered the news later in the afternoon, after both London and salutatorian Ethan Molnar delivered their addresses. The top students' grade point averages were separated by the barest fraction, he said. The coronavirus pandemic's effects weighed heavily on the minds of a
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Steele High School valedictorian Ethan London, 18, records his speech to the graduating class on Friday afternoon, May 15. He plans to attend Ohio State University to study engineering. number of star students who spoke Friday at Steele. Molnar, named salutatorian, looked ahead to life in the coming months, when COVID-19 and face masks have fallen by the wayside.
"Our present may be tumultuous, but we remain resolute. However, the resolve to build our own future does not stem from a pandemic or crisis, but from within ourselves," he said. SPEECHES PAGE B2
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Page B2
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Lorain County Community Guide
OBERLIN
FROM B1
▲ Senior Class President Asher Cipinko speaks in the OHS auditorium. ► Valedictorian Megan Dobos wears a protective mask as she walks across the OHS auditorium stage to receive her diploma.
Class of 2020 to find a way to fight to make the world a better place. Keeping social distancing protocols in place, the high school also recorded speeches from eight valedictorians on Friday. They are Greta Arbogast, Megan Dobos, Mattias Fritz, Shadae Lee, Lauren Sands, Rosalie Turner, Noelle Ignagni and Vincenzo Ignagni. "I know this isn't how we all expected our senior year to end, but if there's any class who can handle all of this, I know it's the Class of 2020," said Arbogast. She talked about all she will miss — stepping out with the marching band, spending time in the art room, putting on plays. "I know our class will be able to handle the rest of the chaos life throws at us, as we have shown we are already tough enough to deal with the craziness of our senior year," she said. Noelle Ignagni talked about how the Class of 2020 was the first to go through the International Baccalaureate program starting in kindergarten, the class that as sophomores walked out in a demonstration against gun violence and as seniors protested to draw attention to climate change. "We have stood together and learned from each other. We have fought for what we believe in, and we will continue to fight," she said. Student Council President London Dejarnette said most of the body's events and projects for the year were canceled due to COVID-19. But Dejarnette learned skills that will be used to promote social change. "Although we are apart in these times, this community couldn't be closer," Dejarnette said. Over the course of three days, OHS graduates reported one by one to receive their diplomas and to be recorded walking across the stage. The footage will be edited together as a complete ceremony and posted to the district's website at 7 p.m. on May 30.
SPEECHES
FROM B1
Graduates' power lies in their choices, he said — they can choose not to be swayed from their goals, not to doubt, not to hold back. Matthew Arcuri, Amherst's top Lorain County JVS student, said seniors may feel they've been dealt a raw deal by the virus. "We're quarantined while we're meant to be together, celebrating our biggest accomplishments. I, however, think that we are creating a great story to tell in years to come," he said. Arcuri quoted Viktor Frankl, a concentration camp survivor who found himself at Auschwitz from 1942 to 1945, and went on to publish more than 30 books on psychology. "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves," Frankl said. Arcuri's challenge to fellow graduates: Find meaning in the global crisis and grow because of it. "We can't change what's going on, but we can change to how we react to it," he said. Class President Kevin Heyd said that with the strange end to the year, seniors can't lose track of the positives that have come from the past four years. He urged classmates to remember the teachers who have pushed for the very best students can achieve, coaches who taught teens to never back down from a challenge and friends who were there through thick and thin. While challenges may be intimidating, overcoming them will always be part of life, Heyd said. "With this being said, COVID-19 is perhaps the biggest challenge of our lives, and it will be for the foreseeable future," he said. "While we have seen it up to his point as the final challenge of high school, we must now view it as they first challenge of our lives after high school. We have officially joined the rest of the adult world in the fight against COVID-19. Every day, essential workers put their lives on the line in an attempt to beat COVID for the greater good. While we may not be doctors just yet, we can still help the fight by stopping the spread so that we can save the people who have saved us for months."
▲ Class President Kevin Heyd delivers an address from the lonely cafeteria stage at Amherst Steele High School. ◄ Salutatorian Ethan Molnar, 18, records his speech to the graduating class. ► Outstanding JVS graduate Matthew Arcuri.
GYMS REOPENING
FROM B1 bottom” and have installed tanning beds during the forced closure. She expects a surge of clients who are tired of being cooped up at home and are ready to get back to their workouts. "When you get yourself into fitness and working out, it becomes part of your daily routine. You get up at a certain time, have breakfast at a certain time, go to work at a certain time — you work out at a certain time,” she said. "When you're used to working out on a daily basis and you can't, you're missing something.” Similarly, staff at Method Sports and Fitness in North Ridgeville have been thinking ahead to their reopening since being forced to close, said Amie O’Brien, who co-owns the business with her husband, Tom. The first thing they did was deep clean every surface and piece of equipment in the facility. As an additional layer, the gym brought in the company MicroShield 360 to apply an anti-microbial coating that is sprayed on every surface to kill germs between cleanings. “Normally, we do the main areas,” O’Brien said. “This time we had them go in and do absolutely everything that could possibly be touched by a human.” She even had the facility’s heating and cooling filters changed as a precaution. Method Sports and Fitness staff coordinate the fitness programs for each customer, which gives coaches enough control over clients workouts to make sure everyone
is practicing proper social distancing. Equipment that is too close together to allow for proper social distancing will be blocked off. O’Brien is not ready to commit to May 26 as Method Sports and Fitness’ opening day in case state guidelines mandate a change in setup that would require more time to make, but she is still eager to get back to work as soon as possible. The same is the case for Leffew Fastpitch, her softball training complex next door. “We covered everything from bathrooms, every ball, every piece of equipment was disinfected,” O’Brien said. Whenever Leffew Fastpitch opens, the number of batting cages in use will be limited. “Instructors and coaches for both Method and (Leffew Fastpitch) will be wearing masks and gloves,” she said. “We’ll practice social distancing and still get the work done. We’re going to get it done.” The governor’s announcement caught Lorain County Metro Parks officials off guard, said Assistant Director Jennifer Bracken. "We have a lot to figure out," she said Thursday evening — but without access to specific guidelines for how recreation and fitness facilities will be expected to operate as the pandemic continues, she had few answers. There are “delicate decisions” to make before reopening fitness centers such as Splash Zone in Oberlin and the Mercy Health
Amherst Healthplex, said Bracken, and the park system plans to move forward “in a conservative manner.” All indoor park facilities remain closed for now, and she said it’s unclear whether its gyms will open before nature centers and meeting spaces. Metro Parks must also decide how to handle pool and beach reopenings. DeWine specified Thursday that pools will be able to open May 26, though some cities across the state, such as Avon, already announced summer-long closures. Alyssa Montgomery, owner of Lift with Lyss personal training in Elyria, said the initial order to close came just as she moved into her new space— and she’s contacted state and local officials to try to be allowed to reopen sooner. Being the only employee, Montgomery’s facility on Broad Street services one-on-one training sessions or small groups of two to three people at a time, making social distancing and sanitization relatively easy. The biggest change will be her and her clients wearing masks during their workouts, which will limit some of their activities, like steering away from cardio workouts. She will also be reevaluating what weights individuals are lifting, as she won’t be able to get close enough to spot them. Once open, she plans to space out appointments to allow for extra cleaning in between and will be working seven days a week to
accommodate the new schedule. It’s been a mix of losing and gaining clients during the shutdown, she said, with Thursday’s announcement bringing a flood of messages from people who might’ve stocked up on comfort food during the stay-at-home order and are looking to get back into shape, while some with preexisting conditions are postponing when they’ll be back in. “Honestly, it's up to the client,” she said. “They won't lose any sessions, there won't be any repercussions for them, nothing's going to expire, it's going to be based off of how they feel and if they're comfortable coming in and working out.” For Crystal Schneider, owner of Anytime Fitness in Elyria and Amherst, the past two months have been a struggle emotionally and financially, leaving her feeling like she is on a roller coaster. “Every time the governor is getting ready to open something, I’m getting emails, Facebook messages, personal calls and texts,” she said. Schneider, with the help of her husband, John, has been using the down time to be productive and stock up on supplies to prepare for reopening — adding more disinfectant bottles and hand sanitizer stations, as well as rearranging equipment. Her employees will be gloved and masked, but it is unclear what the facility’s hours will be. Before the shutdown, it was open to members at all times with a key-
fob system. “We will be curious to see what guidelines come out regarding 24hour facilities and if they’re only allowed open during staffed hours or not,” she said. There are some who are scared to come back, she said, but she plans to show members that staff will do everything in their power to keep the facility clean. “We want to let people know it is a safe and healthy environment,” he said. “As long as people are following gym etiquette: cleaning equipment when they are done, washing hands when they come in and leave and using hand sanitizer, then it is absolutely going to be safe for everyone.” The governor's reopening announcement came after 33 gyms filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn DeWine's closure order. Two Lorain County facilities — Coca Crossfit in North Ridgeville and Hoisting Steel Strength and Fitness Club in Amherst — were part of the suit. The plaintiffs alleged that state officials “continue to obstruct rather than advance Ohioans’ health, all the while having continuously overinflated the risk of harm to the general public.” “The gist is really there is nothing so peculiar or unique about a gym or fitness center that they cannot open up and operate safely in this environment,” said attorney Curt Hartman, who represents the plaintiffs. “They probably can operate more safely than an Home Depot, Lowe's or Walmart.”
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Lorain County Community Guide
Page B3
Freas is senior of April Teppner hired as principal The Oberlin Rotary Club honors a high school senior each month during the school year. These young people are recognized for character and positive attitudes. The Oberlin Rotary Club will donate $25 to a charity or project of the student’s choosing in their name. DONNA SHURR OBERLIN ROTARY
The Oberlin High School senior honored for the month of April was Jack Freas. Starting in eighth grade, he participated in marching band, playing the trombone and acting as assistant field commander during his senior year. Other activities included playing varsity soccer all four years and participating in varsity track for two years. He also played summer and winter soccer almost every year of high school. Freas is a member of the drama club and portrayed Wadsworth in the production of "Clue." He was also a member of the ski club since seventh grade. His strong academic standing, his character and service also merited Freas membership in National Honor Society. Outside of school, Freas has worked at Welcome
Jack Freas Nursing Home since his sophomore year. He has participated in the Olde Towne Hall Theatre group in North Ridgeville and enjoyed acting in shows every year since eighth grade. He also acted with the Junior Theater Festival with his youth theater group for five years, taking a show to perform in Atlanta, Georgia, to be judged against troupes from around the world. Believing in service, Freas is a member of the Interact Club, the community service club of Oberlin High School, sponsored by the Oberlin Rotary Club. He has participated in many service projects, including the BackPack Program. He is an active volunteer in the “Feed Everyone Every Day Program” at Oberlin High School. This program was started by Una Laubscher-Bauman in
the 2018-2019 school year to reduce food waste from lunch served at OHS by providing a space to donate their fruit and milk that is not eaten. Freas also volunteers at First United Methodist in Oberlin to maintain the church and parsonage landscape. Freas and his family hosted an international exchange student, Azaad Canaan, from Mexico. He enjoyed getting to hear about the differences of living in another country. He is grateful for the friendship he developed through this opportunity. Over his four years of high school, Freas has won many recognitions. His theater group won an excellence in ensemble review for two years and in a four man team won the tech Olympics in the Junior Theater Festival twice. Varsity soccer brought Freas the honor of First Teams All-County and Conference and Second Team Greater Cleveland and the Coaches Award. Freas was an academic athlete all four years. He plans to attend Bowling Green University, where he has received the Presidential Scholarship, but is still undecided as to a major. Freas plans to continue participating in marching band and in the theater program.
Interim no longer, Frank named OHS principal for next two years JASON HAWK EDITOR
OBERLIN — Chris Frank has been given a two-year contract to serve as principal at Oberlin High School. This fall, he was named interim after the departure of Michael Scott, who held the job for two years. The Oberlin Board of Education agreed to pay Frank $87,260 per year. Other administrative contracts approved on April 28: • Celina Bigio will serve two more
years as assistant principal at OHS at a rate of $78,200 per year. • Jim Eibel was awarded a two-year contract extension as principal at Prospect Elementary School, for $93,417 per year. • Susan Alig was given a one-year contract for $92,200 to serve as pupil services director. • William Baylis was given a two-year contract to continue as the district's curriculum director at $99,587 per year. • John Carter will serve another two years as athletic director and operations coordinator for $65,132 per year.
Walmart will get rid of green touches at its US 20 location JASON HAWK EDITOR
OBERLIN — Green touches on the facade of Walmart on US Route 20 are going away, to be replaced with blue and tan. "Walmart's looking to kind of rebrand nationwide, to go back to what they were doing originally with their color scheme," Ben Dariano of WD Partners told the Oberlin Planning Commission on Wednesday, May 6. With the company relying more on its old gray and blue motif, keeping any green would look "goofy," he said. For the Oberlin location, the change is a symbolic one.
When the retailer applied for site approval about 15 years ago, the public asked for green to be incorporated into the color scheme, said Planning Commission member Bryan Burgess. "There were other Walmarts around the country at the time that were putting in skylights and solar panels and energy efficiency measures," he said. "Somebody said, 'Yeah, a green Walmart, that's a great idea. That's what we should have.' And so our Walmart here in Oberlin has a green logo." Now, with unanimous approval from the city, wall signs will go blue and awnings will become tan. Oberlin Planning Director Carrie Handy said the changes will actually result
Great Mask Giveaway
Did you sew masks and have some to share? Drop them off in containers in front of the Phillis Wheatley Center, 89 South Pleasant St., Oberlin, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 to help with the "Great Mask Giveaway." You can also call 440-990-6500 to arrange another drop-off time and place. Do you need a mask? Go to Oberlin's Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 17 East Vine St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 to pick up a mask. This free mask giveaway is organized by local sewers Janet and Dominique Michal and made possible by other area sewers and contributors.
in slightly less space taken up by signage, since smaller versions will replace the ones there now. Dariano said Walmart will also rebrand some of its signs — "Market" will change to "Grocery" and "Outdoor Living" will change to ""Lawn and Garden," for example. "I don't have any problem with it. I just thought when they originally came in with the new colors, they were kind of trying to upscale it a little bit, make it a little less in your face," said Planning Commission member Eric Gaines, adding that he didn't particularly like the proposed change. "But if they want to go back to that, that's their business," he said.
Oberlin Public Library
The Oberlin Public Library will have curbside pickup from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. It will be assessing the chance to open up to the public on a weekly basis. The library is willing to work with patrons who are not able to pick up their materials between those times. Materials can be requested by phone and email.
Construction cam
A live “construction cam” has been installed on the work site for Oberlin’s new elementary school. Watch at www. tinyurl.com/OberlinConstruction.
at new Powers Elementary JASON HAWK EDITOR
AMHERST — A veteran principal and teacher from Washington state is relocating to take the head job at Powers Elementary School. Brian Teppner was hired last Monday night to take the reins at the brand-new school, which opened in January. Joining the Board of Education by video call, he said he is excited to move across the country. "I have learned over the years that talk is cheap. I'm going to put my words to action, and you are going to see a person who is deeply embedded in the Amherst community," he said. Teppner has been an educator for 21 years, including nine as a principal. He most recently served as principal at McKnight Middle School in Washington's Renton school
Brian Teppner district, which takes in some 16,000 students at 28 buildings. He also served seven years on Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s STEM Education Innovation Alliance and was on the Renton school system’s Special Education Advisory Committee. Emerging at the top of a pool of 70 applicants, he was hired unanimously by the school board. Teppner has "proved to be a natural fit for our district and was our
consensus choice to be the new principal of Powers Elementary School," said Amherst Superintendent Steve Sayers. The principal position at Powers will be vacated this summer by Beth Schwartz, who led the school the past three years. She is stepping away to spend more time with her young children, but will stay on as a technology specialist, helping teachers develop ways to effectively reach kids with modern tools. "I'm glad that she's still going to be a Comet," school board member Teresa Gilles said, praising Schwartz's work. "Beth set the bar pretty high," echoed fellow board member Ron Yacobozzi. Teppner, who has spent time getting to know Schwartz the past couple of weeks, agreed. "She's such a quality person, somebody who is willing to share information and just a great spirit," he said.
Concession stand project gets a few change orders JASON HAWK EDITOR
AMHERST — Some changes are being made during construction of a new concession stand and restrooms at Mercy Health Stadium, home of the Comets. The roughly $500,000 project, approved long before the COVID-19 crisis, is underway now behind Steele High School. Clark and Post Architects asked the Amherst Board of Education last week to update the scope of work to handle "unexpected situations that developed," said district Superintendent Steve Sayers. While excavating, workers unearthed cables running across the area from the Comets' field house, he said. They were not marked and not in a conduit, and must be addressed. Where the new building was going to tap into the city water supply, workers discovered the line was abandoned and can't provide water, said Sayers. The school system worked with the city to connect a water line from Axtel Street, he said.
A small block building off to the side has also been marked for demolition as part of the project, Sayers told the school board. Used to store hurdles, the building was in bad condition, he said. Finally, concrete at the entrance to the stadium will also be replaced. Sayers said "now would be the time" to redo the area where spectators purchase tickets and approach the former concession stand. About half the cost of the new concession stand will be covered by money from Mercy Health, which is paying the Amherst Schools $240,000 over 12 years for naming rights at the stadium. The remainder of the project is covered from permanent improvement funds — not operating cash — earmarked for buildings, equipment and supplies. The new building, which includes restrooms to replace portable toilets, will be located on the southeast side of the football field and track. The spot was chosen to alleviate congestion around the main entrance. The old concession stand building will be repurposed as a spirit store, and lines there are expected to be much shorter.
FREE OHIO RALLY
Steve Manheim | Chronicle
Protesters hold a Free Ohio Now rally Saturday on Cooper Foster Park Road and Route 58 on the AmherstLorain border. The group circulated a list of demands that include lifting the state of emergency, revoking Ohio’s stay-athome order, holding in-person voting in November, stopping all contact-tracing efforts, and opening all businesses without restrictions.
85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 MAY 21, 2020
BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live MAY 27, 2020 ...RECORDS COMMISSION - 6:00PM 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
Amherst Council: Should utility late fees be waived? JASON HAWK EDITOR
AMHERST — No fees have been collected for late utility bill payments since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis by order of Mayor Mark Costilow. But when Amherst City Council was asked last Monday to back that policy with legislation, the attempt fell short of getting emergency approval. "I feel that this is one way we can work together with our residents and help those in need," said Councilman Martin Heberling, who saw canceling fees as a way to help residents struggling through the pandemic. "This is a great opportunity for City Council to show our residents that we understand what they're going through. This is something none of us could have foreseen." In a typical month, there are more than 300 accounts past
60 days due in Amherst, said Costilow. As of the meeting, there were about 470 accounts past due — a roughly 57 percent increase in delinquent bills. In the past two months, that's amounted to $28,000 in uncollected late fees, Costilow said. Overall, there were about $600,000 in bills that had not been paid to the city, he said, and that amount was expected to drop to $200,000 by Friday as the billing cycle ended. If the situation continues through July, he estimated Amherst would not collect $75,000 in waived late fees. Worst case scenario, unpaid bills could total $750,000. The late fee break would give people time to receive federal stimulus checks and unemployment benefits, Costilow said. Councilman Phil Van Treuren questioned whether many residents legitimately need help. "I guess I'm missing some-
thing," he said. "Why do we think that these same people who haven't been paying their bills are now not paying their bills because of the health crisis?" Costilow said there is a clear increase in delinquent bills, and he believes a lot of customers who are late on a regular basis are probably those being hurt the most by the crisis. Some residents have already expressed thanks for the waived late fees, he said. Others have a different take. "Actually, I have heard some feedback from people that are upset about removing the late fee because they pay on time and they don't understand why there's not a discount for paying on time," said Costilow. Van Treuren later said he supports waiving late fees for people who are really struggling because of the health crisis. But he called failing to ask for proof of hardship "laziness" on the part of the city.
Fourth of July celebration canceled Fouth of July festivities have already been canceled by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. That means fireworks, parade and events at the village's recreation park are all off, as well as the annual ice cream social and Patriots Band concert on the downtown square. "I know it wasn’t an easy decision for them to make but I respect the reasons behind it," Mayor Hans Schneider said.
"Without a doubt the current pandemic has upended all of our lives in one way or another. Unfortunately, it appears that it will continue to do so, at least in the short-term," said Schneider. The Chamber of Commerce anticipates that things will be back to normal by July 2021 and the festivities will return then, perhaps even bigger and better than ever after the one-year absence, he said.
"I'm having a really hard time seeing how this is not rewarding people who are usually late with their utility payments, who are providing no proof at all that this pandemic is causing them to be later than usual," he said. Costilow said he is willing to accept that some people will abuse the system. "You're here to protect the people who really need it, and sometimes other people reap the benefits," he said. "There's really nothing you can do about it. It's worth protecting the few that really need this for the collateral damage of the ones who are going to take advantage, I'm afraid." Heberling also addressed Van Treuren's criticisms, saying waiving late fees would not be a reward or freebie, but a way to show compassion. The economic harm caused by the virus could not have been predicted by anyone, he said, and no one planned to lose their
jobs. The unemployment rate in the United States rose to 14.7 percent after 20.5 million workers were laid off in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Councilman Ed Cowger also raised objections to waiving late fees. He said the legislation presented to Council wouldn't protect landlords if renters chose to move out and leave unpaid bills behind. "I am not comfortable jumping on this halfheartedly. I think that we need to understand how this is going to affect everyone and make sure we are doing things to benefit the entire city," he said. Cowger and Van Treuren blocked emergency passage of the late fee waiver policy, which means the issue will be discussed again May 25. In the meantime, Costilow said he will not start collecting fees until the legislation is hashed out by Council.
SEEN FROM THE SKY
Transfer station to open Republic Services plans to open its Amherst transfer station June 3. It will operate through Nov. 21. The station accepts only municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris and yard waste from Amherst residents only. No recyclable materials, appliances or scrap steel will be received. No contractors or non-residents will be allowed to dump anything but yard-waste. Hours of opera-
tion will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The facility is closed on holidays, and in the event of a holiday it does not run a day behind. The fee schedule is $9 per yard for yard waste, $32.30 per yard for construction and demolition debris and $7.50 per bag for municipal solid waste. Non-residents can dispose of yard waste only for $15 per yard.
Provided photo
Firelands Transportation Director Milt Sayler and the district's bus drivers used the fleet to pay tribute to the Class of 2020 on Wednesday, May 6 next to the high school in Henrietta Township.
Bill Long Foundation gives more than $45K in grants GARDEN CENTER
• Seeds & Bulbs • Trees & Shrubs • Lawn & Plant Care • Insect & Pest Control • Raised Garden Beds • Greenhouses • Pots, Planters & Hanging Baskets • Watering & Irrigation • Garden & Landscaping Tools AND MUCH MORE!
READY, SET,
GROW!
OBERLIN — The Bill Long Foundation has awarded $43,350 in grants and its members gave another $2,120 to fund projects in Oberlin. This year's awards: • $1,500 to Barefoot Dialogue for a small stipend to dialogue facilitators and workshop materials. • $600 to the Bonner Center for Service and Learning for three or more local community studentinitiated projects. • $1,250 to Common Ground's Cindy Nord Center for Renewal for healthy snacks. • $1,250 to Community Action to Save Strays for assistance for care of cats in stressed need homes. • $1,100 to Credo Music for its summer program. • $1,000 to the Oberlin Community Mural Project. • $1,200 to the Firelands Association for the Visual Arts in support of a comic art exhibition. • $1,250 to The Mad Factory for a school arts residency program at Eastwood Elementary. • $3,000 to Neighborhood Alliance/Senior Services for in-home wellness checks to at-risk older members. • $3,000 to Neighborhood Alliance/Senior Services for general operating expenses. • $2,000 to Neos Dance
Theatre and OberlinKids for the LEAP! into Literacy program. • $750 to Neos Dance Theatre for a six-week high school dance-based course. • $850 to the Ninde Scholars Program for lunches and healthy snacks for two summer programs. • $2,120 to the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra for financial aid for musicians to participate in music camps. • $1,300 to the Oberlin Center for the Arts for the Girls Electronic Arts Retreat Camp. • $750 to the Oberlin Choristers to upgrade videography and archival equipment. • $800 to Oberlin Community Music School for scholarships for students who need assistance for summer camp. • $6,100 to Oberlin Community Services for emergency assistance services such as rent, food and prescriptions. • $3,000 to the Oberlin High School Interact Club's Backpack Program, supplying needy students with backpacks of food for weekends. • $4,550 to Oberlin Weekday Community Meals for operating expenses. • $1,500 to Providing Oberlin With Efficiency Responsibly for home re-
pair materials and labor to improve energy efficiency. • $1,850 to the Road to Hope Margeau House for removal and replacement of a fence to provide security and privacy. • $1,700 to the Ruby N. Jones Community Scholarship Fund to provide higher education support for three to five students. • $3,000 to Tools and Training, providing direct mini-grants up to $500 for tools that will help make or save money. Applications for grants are submitted in early February with determination of funding at the annual membership meeting in April. Detailed information about the Bill Long Foundation, photographs from past projects, and the grant process for next year can be found at sites.google. com/site/billlong foundationorg. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Bill Long Foundation’s annual membership meeting was held through email and online participation. It included election of new board members Zahida Sherman, Jill Sawyer and an Oberlin Student Cooperative Association designee to be named later, and returning board members Richard Baznik and John Memmott.
WELLINGTON POLICE REPORTS
Open Monday–Saturday 6AM-8PM, Sunday 8AM-7PM
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• May 1 at 1:52 a.m.: Michael Tamburn II was served with a warrant through the Wellington Police Department for failure to appear in court. • May 1 at 1:09 p.m.: James McDonald, 18, of Elyria, was charged with attempting to purchase alcohol while underage. He was arrested after a complaint at Mickey Mart on South Main Street. • May 1 at 10:02 p.m.: Pills were seized during a traffic stop and charges were
pending an investigation. • May 3 at 8:54 p.m.: Officers responded to a report of an overdose on Heritage Drive. • May 6 at 3:56 p.m.: Police investigated a domestic violence complaint on North Main Street. Editor's note: Though charged, defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Lorain County Community Guide
A Letter to Our Community At Tyson Foods, we are proud of our team members and the work they are doing to help feed America.
John
Herli nda
Maria
Their safety is our top priority during this national crisis. It’s why we’ve put in place a host of safeguards and guidelines at all our facilities to protect our teams. It’s also why we will not hesitate to idle any plant for deep cleaning when the need arises. We understand that we don’t feed a nation alone. Legislators, health officials, unions and others are all working hard as partners to help keep our communities safe. To all of these leaders and organizations – and, most of all, to our team members – thank you. Working together, we’re confident we can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, help keep it out of our plants and help keep the food supply chain intact. Because if one thing is clear in these uncertain times, it’s this: the only way forward is together.
Hector Gonzalez Sr. Vice President US Human Resources
What we’re doing to protect our team members is significant: • Implementing stringent safety measures, including: checking worker temperatures, screening for symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath, and requiring company-provided facial coverings. • Implementing social distancing measures, including: workstation dividers, barriers in breakrooms and tents for additional breakroom space, and social distancing monitors who will help remind our team members of best practices. • Educating team members on the importance of following CDC social distancing practices at home, in transit, or wherever they may be in their communities. • Sanitizing our facilities daily with increased sanitizing for frequently touched surfaces such as doors and tables, while encouraging frequent and increased hand washing. • Relaxed our attendance policy to encourage people to stay home when they’re sick. • Waived a five consecutive day waiting period for short-term disability benefits so employees can receive pay while they’re sick with the flu or COVID-19. • Increased short-term disability coverage to 90% of normal pay until June 30, 2020, for team members who are unable to work due to illness. • Waived the co-pay, co-insurance and deductible for doctor visits for COVID-19 testing and eliminating pre-approval or preauthorization steps. • Waived co-pays for the use of telemedicine and relaxing refill limits for 30-day prescriptions of maintenance medication. • Paying eligible team members a $500 “thank you” bonus in early May and an additional $500 “thank you” bonus in early July.
Tyson Foods 2200 W. Don Tyson Parkway, Springdale, Arkansas 72762 tysonfoods.com
®/
/© 2020 Tyson Foods, Inc.
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Lorain County Community Guide
© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 36, No. 24
Circle every other letter. A lighthouse is a tall building with a light near the top. Lighthouses are built on the coast of an ocean or lake. The light from a lighthouse warns ships when they are too close to shore to help them avoid crashing into rocks or land. The light usually turns in a circle, so ships see a flashing light.
DSGTFAQTPUVELOS FYLRISBMEZRNTLY
A beacon of light in the Lighthouses have night alerts ships to where different sizes, shapes, a shoreline is located. heights and colors to Lighthouses can tell a identify them. These sailor the location of the are called daymarks. ship by the way the Here is a list of styles of lighthouses. lighthouse looks in the Read the description of each. daytime. Then label each drawing of a lighthouse.
on: Skelet ade out ouse m A lighth tal framework of a me ts wind pass that le sily. It usually ea through ds on land. stan
One winter day, his funny habit saved the mailboat.
Wedding Cake: A lighthouse with layers that look like a wedding cake. (also called a sparkplug)
the rope to make the lighthouse bell ring loud and clear.
Screwpile: A lighthouse which stands in water on huge iron legs. Wind and storm waves can pass through it.
Thank you to the United States Lighthouse Society and Elinor DeWire for allowing us to adapt some of their many educational resources. For more lighthouse fun & learning visit: ElinorDeWire.com and elinordewire.blogspot.com and the United States Lighthouse Kid’s Corner at uslhs.org/fun/kids-corner
he color and design on a lighthouse tell sailors where the lighthouse is located. West Quoddy Lighthouse in Maine has red and white stripes. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina has a black stripe that wraps around the lighthouse like a barber pole. Cape Lookout Lighthouse, also in North Carolina, is painted in a black and white checkerboard pattern. Montauk Lighthouse in Long Island, New York has a big brown band around its base.
How many differences can you find between these two lighthouses? Score yourself: 1-5: Sandcrab 6-10: Seahorse 11-15: Flying Fish 15+: Tiger Shark
Safety First
Lighthouses provide safety for ships. What provides safety in your community? What makes it safer for people walking or traveling in cars, trucks or trains? Look through the newspaper for examples of these safety measures. Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.
Color the lighthouse at the end of each row to continue the pattern.
Scrambled Articles
Cut out an article from the newspaper. Cut it into four or five segments. Give the article to another person to see if they can put it back in the right order. Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow written directions.
Spot would watch for ships nearing the entrance of the bay. As they passed, he jumped and swung on Spot could not find the rope in the deep snow. He dug and dug and finally found it. He tugged as hard as he could, he rang the bell, but the snow muffled the sound.
Lighthouses Help Ships Night and Day
Housetop: A lighthouse with a light tower rising from the roof of a house.
The story below is all out of order. Work with a family member to put it back in the correct order.
LIGHTHOUSE SCREWPILE FLASHING E L S H O R E I R F FRESNEL L G F G E S K N E R DAYTIME I N O E P L A T W S CIRCLE BEACON P I G I G E C H O N SHIPS W H H O C U N R T E OCEAN E S U O H T H G I L SHORE R A D A Y T I M E C TOWER LENS C L U S N O C A E B HUGE S F R E S N E L E S CAKE Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical FOG words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Then Spot had another idea. He ran to the edge of the water and starting barking. Hamor joined Spot and started yelling and soon the mailboat gave three short blasts – the signal that it had heard them and saw the way to safety. On that day, a strong storm lashed the harbor and the mailboat did not appear on schedule. Hamor called Spot to have him clang the bell so the mailboat operator would Spot loved being a lighthouse dog. Spot belonged to Pauline Hamor, daughter of the lightkeeper, August Hamor. The Hamor family lived and worked in one of Maine’s most beautiful lighthouses on the busy Penobscot Bay. know where to bring the mailboat. You see, the storm was so strong that it was hard to see the light from the lighthouse tower.
This week’s word:
BEACON
The noun beacon means a light set up to serve as a warning or signal. The lighthouse was a beacon for ships at sea. Try to use the word beacon in a sentence today when talking with friends and family members.
Explorer Report
Pretend you’re a news reporter on a trip with a group of explorers. Write about what you are exploring. Be sure to tell who, what, when, where and why.