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LORAIN COUNTY
AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, May 26, 2022
Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com
Volume 9, Issue 21
Sudden jump Beating her big brother to ‘orange’ Molnar is JASON HAWK EDITOR
As one of just two Ohio counties where spread of COVID-19 is suddenly rated “high,” Lorain County has again emerged as a hot spot for the virus. It rocketed from green “low” status and straight to orange last Thursday night on a tracking map used by the Centers for Disease Control This map shows and Prevention. where the CDC has Sixteen other Ohio counties deemed COVID-19 were upgraded to “medium” spread to be low yellow status, including (green), medium Cuyahoga, Erie and Huron. (yellow) and high (orange). Neighboring Medina and Ashland are among the 70 counties that still have low transmission rates. The new data shows there are now 229 cases for every 100,000 residents in Lorain County — that means there COVID PAGE A4
Commissioners being investigated by state auditor KEVIN MARTIN and DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM
County officials have confirmed State Auditor Keith Faber's office is actively investigating the Lorain County Board of Commissioners over matters related to county contracts and has asked the commissioners to preserve documents and records as evidence while it does. According to copies reviewed by The ChronicleTelegram, one subpoena was sent specifically to Commissioner Michelle Hung, a Republican, by a fraud investigator with Faber's Special Investigations Unit in Columbus. The other was sent more broadly to the entire board, including Republican Commissioner David Moore and Democratic Commissioner Matt Lundy. Both subpoenas were dated Jan. 11 and directed the commissioners
Amherst Class of 2022 valedictorian JASON HAWK EDITOR
CLEVELAND — Sibling rivalry will get you to the top. Just ask Mackenzie Molnar. She took the spotlight Saturday as the valedictorian of the Marion L. Steele High School Class of 2022, standing proudly before 325 fellow graduates during a graduation ceremony held at Cleveland State University Wolstein Center. “When I was a freshman, I never thought about being valedictorian,” she told the thousands gathered in the stadium seats. But she put in the effort for one simple reason: to beat her brother, Ethan Molnar, who graduated as Amherst’s salutatorian in 2020. “So in honor of my sibling rivalry, Ethan, this one’s for you,” Mackenzie said, getting the last laugh. In her commencement speech, she reflected on high school highlights, but also on regrets — Molnar said she wishes she would have spent more time with the people she loves, doing activities that get her excited about life rather than staring at a textbook to prepare for a test. Finding the right balance has been difficult, she said. Class President John Belak joked that the most memorable experiences in high school weren’t ones he could share on stage. “But I hope you hold on to those, because they sure do make a good story,” he said. Belak recalled the “extended spring break” of Spring 2020 and talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic cast a pall over school for many of his classmates. Some lost family members or had to cope with mental health and financial crises while juggling homework. Life is constantly changing and
Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times
Mackenzie Molnar said her rivalry with older brother Ethan, the 2020 class salutatorian, drove her to work hard to become valedictorian. She led the Marion L. Steele High School Class of 2022, which graduated 326 members in a ceremony Saturday at the Cleveland State University Wolstein Center.
STEELE PAGE A3
INVESTIGATED PAGE A4
▲ Adelisa DeJesus receives her diploma during Marion L. Steele High School commencement exercises, held Saturday at the Cleveland State University Wolstein Center.
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◄ Students enter the arena as “Pomp and Circumstance” plays. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse opened its doors last year to local high school graduations, but Amherst educators said the Wolstein Center has been an excellent venue, since it offers unlimited seating.
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Amherst
Oberlin
Wellington
Brew Kettle owners settle accusation-filled suit • B3
College appeals Gibson’s ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court • B2
Ambulance district hires Life Flight veteran • B3
OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • BULLETIN BOARD A5 • KID SCOOP A6 • SPORTS B5
Page A2
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
OBITUARIES James and Deborah Raesler
HERRICK MEMORIAL LIBRARY 101 Willard Memorial Square Read to Putter Putter the visiting therapy dog will be at the library at 3:15 p.m. on Thursdays, May 26 and June 2 to listen to kids practice their reading skills. To sign up your child for a 15-minute time slot, call (440) 647-2120. Board meeting The board of trustees will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14 at the library. This meeting is open to the public.
Join the Raesler family to celebrate the lives of Jim and Debbie Raesler on Sunday, June 5, 2022, from 1-4 p.m. at The Lodge at new Russia Township, 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd., Oberlin. ROY JONES, 81, of Amherst, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May, 18, 2022, at his home following a sudden illness.
Children’s Summer Reading Club: Oceans of Possibilities All children up to age 11 can join the
Herrick Memorial Library’s reading club by registering in the Children’s Room. Then pick up a reading log and track the time you spend reading books you’ve checked out from June 1 to July 30. Earn a paperback book of your choice for every five days you spend reading. Ages 12-17 can join by registering at the front desk. Librarians will fill out an entry for each book that you read and enter you into our summer prize drawing that will take place Aug. 1. Adults can also take part in the summer reading fun. Register at the front desk and librarians will fill out a ticket when you check out our books, audio books, magazines or digital reading
materials. On Aug. 1, they’ll draw one ticket for a prize. Teen scavenger hunt From June 1-25, register and pick up your scavenger hunt packet. Can you find where the pictures were taken? Walk around Wellington to find them. Prizes will be award to three people with the most correct answers. Game on! “Switch” up your Saturday afternoon starting at 2 p.m. on June 4 and show off your gaming skills as you play the library’s Nintendo Switch and Wii games. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
HOVERCRAFTING THEIR HEARTS OUT
JAMES ROE DILLON, 82, of Lorain, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Davidson Hospice House in Cleveland, following a full and meaningful life. Hempel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. WILBERT A REED, 90, of Grafton, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Wilbert was born June 11, 1931, in Normantown, West Virginia to the late Elder Scott and Ruth (Moss) Reed. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home. MARGARET ANN PIKEY (nee Shumaker), of Amherst, was born in Lorain on April 25, 1923. She passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Wesleyan Village in Elyria, at the age of 99. At the time of her death, she was under the care of Harmony Hospice. Hempel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. DONN “SARGE” ALBERT EBERHARDT, 77, of South Amherst, passed away Friday, May 20, 2022, at Amherst Manor following a brief illness. Hempel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
LETTERS Censure was unwise To the editor: One wonders what the Oberlin City Council was thinking when it hauled out its biggest stick to whack Councilman Ray English for a minor infraction – and one for which he apologized, no less. Given that censuring a councilperson has almost never been invoked by Council, I have to question not only why this action was taken, but what else is going on in Council. In a city that prides itself on its ability to resolve differences through discussion, in which the goal is understanding, not retribution, it seems obvious that the matter should have been handled differently. Steven Volk
Leave it to parents To the editor: Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act specifies that classroom education should not include lessons about sexual orientation and gender identity to children at an early age, i.e. kindergarten through third grade. The act indicates that parents are the primary decisionmakers for their children and have the fundamental right to preserve their children’s innocence. Further, the act stipulates that parents are given options on what school-related health care services their children use as well as having access to all their children’s education and health records. Ohio House Bill 616 is similar to the Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act but in addition prohibits the teaching of concepts, e.g. critical race theory, that the Ohio Board of Education defines as divisive or inherently racist. The Avon/Avon Lake Republican Club encourages supporting bills like HB 616 that prevent the sexualization of children and the teaching of racist and divisive concepts. Preserve parents' rights and protect our children! Tomie Patton President of Avon/Avon Lake Republican Club 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.
Photos by Angelo Angel | Wellington Enterprise
McCormick Middle School students in grades five and six spent Tuesday, May 17 building hovercraft with help from Chase Educational Consulting. The science and engineering project was designed to make kids use problem-solving and teamwork along with what they’ve learned in the classroom. The day was funded by an Ohio STEM grant. “We’ve taught this program in many schools and found that the students learn to love to learn,” said Matthew Chase, director of the Hovercraft Project. About 50,000 students have taken part in the one-day project since it launched in 2009.
OPINION
Dealing with messes in this world A young girl was working so diligently at her homework that her father became curious and asked her what she was doing. “I’m writing a report on the condition of the world and how to bring world peace,” she replied. “Isn’t that a pretty tall order for a young girl?” her father asked. “Oh no,” she answered, “and don’t worry. There are three of us in the class working on it.” We smile, amused. Yet, don’t we all carry some naive and grandiose thoughts? Some of us think that we remember “the good ol’ days,” but can’t we pretty much agree that the world has always been in a mess somewhere and for someone? There are always the ugly, the utterly evil and wrongs pervading the human experience. Even so, the beautiful, the good and the righteous behavior flow and bubble up within the messes that have been made. Those are just as real. Thank heavens for the God-inspired lights that show in the darkness of any season. The spiritual lights help us to hold
JOYCE PARKER COMMUNITY PEACE BUILDERS
on to hope and motivate us to surround our selves and spaces with as much good, right, true and beautiful as we can muster. We work as teams and we work individually. Do you remember the fable about the two wolves that live within each of us? An old grandfather was teaching his grandson about life: “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil — he is resentment, envy, greed, arrogance, fear, lies, false pride, vengefulness.” He continued, “The other
is good — he is compassion, hope, humility, kindness, generosity, truth and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf will win?” The grandfather simply replied, “The one you feed.” Discouragement over culture wars, misinformation, family tensions, injustices, violence and division confront us frequently. Now we have a dangerous and horrible new situation in Ukraine. It could be generally acknowledged that every time human beings resort to violence and war, it is a sign that they have failed at some other time to do the things that make for peace. No nation or community has been free from failures of actions that make for peace. If I am inclined to point fingers at people or nations that cause the problems, then I must observe that I have three fingers that are pointing back toward me. I must
check my attitudes and actions whether they are personal or a part of systemic societal issues. On a different note, I’m reminded of a song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Part of the lyrics read like this: “Sing us a song full of the faith the dark past has taught us; Sing a song of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won.” On this earth we see a lot of marching going on, but not all is consistent with advancing a just and peaceful world. People in many organizations and projects are either working together to clean up a societal mess or trying to prevent a mess from further spreading. What mess bothers you the most? Join hands. You are needed because “many hands make light work.” Joyce Parker is a Kendal resident and longtime member of Community Peace Builders. Carry on the conversation at communitypeacebuilders@ aol.com.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE (USPS 673-960) is published every Thursday, 52 weeks per year by Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company, 225 East Ave., Elyria OH 44035.
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Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
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STEELE FROM A1
▲ Getting ready for graduation behind the scenes are Katelynn Sanders, Avianna Samples, Mark Poalson, Seyueon Plaza, Brianna Sadler, Tristan Pijor and Alicia Salgado.
unpredictable, Belak said — but it’s yours. “Remember: You’re not stuck in one place,” he told fellow graduates. “You can always change directions.” Changing directions was a hard decision for Genevieve Shaffer, this year’s top-graduating Lorain County JVS senior from Amherst. She said leaving her friends behind to attend the vocational school was difficult, but worth it. “JVS gives us the opportunity to graduate ready to start our careers and to dig John Belak, president of the Amherst Class of deep into the skills needed 2022, delivers a commencement speech. for it,” she said. “It also serves as an opportunity SAYERS SAYS for people who may not see college in their future.” Amherst’s 134th commencement ceremony was the last With some college credits for Superintendent Steven Sayers, who is also saying already in hand, Shaffer, goodbye to education and hello to retirement at the end who studied cosmetology, of 2022. said she plans to attend Taking the microphone only briefly, Sayers told students Lorain County Community they will always have to juggle work, family, friends, health College to earn an associand spirit — but work is the only one that won’t break if ate’s degree in business. dropped. Jobs may come and go, careers may change, Together, 130 Amherst he told graduating seniors. His advice: Always keep marstudents have racked up riages, children and friends in the air. 2,587 early college credits “I hope and pray for your ability to juggle well,” Sayers said. through a partnership with Lorain County Community College. According created a special bond, he to Principal Joe Tellier, said. that’s equivalent to sav“You all have demoning $385,463 at LCCC, or strated what strong indi$998,582 at a four-year viduals you are,” Tellier state university in Ohio. told seniors. “However, Two Steele graduates — never forget there is power Brianna Sadler and Lindsey in numbers. You can’t do Stamco — earned enough everything yourself. You to receive associate degrees need others to help you along the way.” even before they marched Tellier told graduates to across the stage Saturday to pick up their high school look around the Wolstein Center at the faces gathdiplomas. ered there to celebrate their Beaming with pride, accomplishment. “You see Tellier told the Class of 18 years of relationships,” 2022 that it will always be Salutatorian Reid special to him. Its members he said, urging the newlyOpel plans to attend minted alumni to pay forwere freshmen when he Ashland University to ward the love and support became principal at Steele study math and they were given, and to High, and spending the business analytics, last four years together has always build up others. and to play tennis.
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▲ The “back of the line crowd” waits backstage for graduation begins. Since seniors line up for the ceremony in alphabetical order, it’s become a Community Guide tradition to take a photograph of the last in line — those whose surnames start with W, X, Y or Z. The final three graduates in line this year were Alina Younkin, Justin Zakrajsek and Zachary Zakrajsek.
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Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
COVID
Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times
John Sekletar, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and is now a member of the Amherst Veterans Honor Guard, watches a video recognizing his efforts to build Patriots Park during an Amherst City Council meeting Monday.
Amherst Council thanks Patriots Park visionary JASON HAWK EDITOR
AMHERST — John Sekletar has always been the man behind the scenes. Thrust into the spotlight Monday night, he looked bashful as he accepted a commendation from Amherst City Council. It recognized more than a decade of hard work to transform an unremarkable Park Avenue parking lot view into Patriots Park, an art installation that honors the American heroes of wars past. “We have a lot to offer in our little city. And it’s really nice and makes me feel good to be part of it,” Sekletar told Council, smiling sheepishly. Back in 2011, his son, Mike Sekletar, began painting a mural of the Iwo Jima flag raising during World War II. Over the years, more were added as tributes to the veterans who fought in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. When artists ran out of space, John Sekletar hatched a plan to build a 68-foot-long, 8-foot-tall sandstone wall to serve as a revolving art exhibit. It was dedicated on Veterans Day in 2021, showcasing 11 paintings by local artists. This November, all-new works will be unveiled there. “Here we are 10 years later, and I never imagined or expected this would happen,” said Sekletar, who raised thousands to make the wall a reality. While he didn’t do it alone, Sekletar was always the one doing the heavy lifting, said Councilman Chuck Winiarski: “Tasks like this don’t happen in a vacuum. It takes a lot of people,” he said, thanking a dozen people who gathered Monday to see Sekletar honored. Council put its business on the back burner for a few minutes to watch an emotional video tribute to Sekletar’s efforts, created by videographer Tony Melendez. It featured Lee Greenwood’s classic patriotic standard “God Bless the USA,” and even a few words from the singer. Sekletar “surely created an unforgettable destination point,” he said. Sekletar said people from all over the nation have traveled to downtown Amherst to see the Patriots Park. The video tribute showed him with tourists, veterans, television news personality Lou Maglio, Congressman Jim Jordan, Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti and many others. Barb Smith, an Oberlin resident and retired Elyria Schools teacher, said the art installations have been inspiring to thousands — its been a teaching tool for not only hundreds of Amherst students, but many more from North Ridgeville who have bused in for Veterans Day observances. The building-sized murals have helped 21st century kids learn about the 20th century sacrifices made by their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, she said. “It’s been such an amazing story. If those walls could talk, it would be amazing,” said Smith.
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FROM A1 are 723 active cases here that state and federal agencies know about. There are actually many more asymptomatic people carrying COVID around, and still others who have tested positive but not reported their diagnoses, said Lorain County Health Commissioner Mark Adams. “This is extremely fast-spreading,” he said Friday, after learning of the new CDC designation. “We knew it was fast-spreading. We knew there was going to be a surge again. There’s still a pandemic going on.” On Tuesday, Adams told an advisory group called the Lorain County Community Protection Team that there were 131 cases per 100,000 residents here. That number was based on CDC data from May 11 that as of his report had not been updated, he said. But now the case count is swinging upward fast. Ohio Department of Health numbers show the official count this week will put the case rate at 269 per 100,000 in Lorain County. The CDC’s county-by-county data is updated late every Thursday night. As of this past Friday morning, new weekly cases across the nation were trending sharply upward, hitting a level not seen since February. The CDC recorded 144,840. Cases aren’t the only metric health experts are watching. Hospitalizations are also key. In Lorain County, there have been
more than 30 new COVID-19 admissions, and 2.7 percent of staffed inpatient beds are now filled with those patients. That’s not a tremendously high number, but the increase is enough to raise red flags for the CDC. After a conference call with local hospital leadership Friday morning, Adams said the uptick in admissions isn’t putting undue stress on their ability to treat other patients. Overwhelmingly, those in the hospital and seeking intensive care are those who have never been vaccinated at all, he said. Adams said we are heading into the fifth week of what is expected to be a nine-week surge. That’s based on how surges have played out locally over the past two years. Lorain County’s current trend also mirrors closely what has happened in Michigan and New York, he said. Health officials are closely watching those states for signs of what is to come — they are also testing sewage samples in Elyria and Lorain to see how much of the virus is in circulation. It’s loaded with as much COVID as was seen in late December and early January, when the omicron variant hit the hardest, he said. Hospitalizations and deaths are not mounting up nearly as fast as they were then, however. While the United States has recently passed the 1 million mark
for COVID fatalities, Lorain County stands now at 983. The last here came about three weeks ago. Sewage tests are also revealing strange patterns that Adams said he can’t explain: “One week it will go high and the next it will drop by 50 percent” to 60 percent, and repeat the cycle. The pattern doesn’t match any other data. That differs from late 2021, when sewage samples were spot-on in predicting how cases and hospitalizations would rise and fall. The spring surge also doesn’t square with the onset of warm weather, when people are naturally social distancing by being outside more often. Instead, Adams said the surge is more the product of subvariants that, while weaker and less harmful to humans, have learned to spread faster. There’s also waning immunity to factor in. Protection offered by the original vaccines is slowly eroding, and many people have not gotten booster shots. Right now, the first round of boosters is open to most Americans, and recommended at least five months after getting the initial shots. The second round of boosters is reserved for people who are age 50 and older, and those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. The CDC says people are of course free to mask up anytime, but said people with symptoms, positive tests or exposure should definitely do so.
INVESTIGATED FROM A1 to produce documents to investigators on or before Feb. 14. Hung, Lundy, Moore and their legal counsel, Chief Assistant Lorain County Prosecutor Dan Petticord, confirmed Saturday that the board had been subpoenaed by state investigators. The Chronicle-Telegram contacted Faber's office for further comment. Hung has admitted recommending her brother Ed Dobias' resume be reviewed by the county IT department when it was hiring. He was not hired, but questions remain if any rules against nepotism were broken. The state auditor also reportedly is looking into potential contracts for county 911 services. Commissioners have been discussing 911 and radio upgrades for many months, with Moore criticizing the process and publicly speculating about corruption. Hung and Moore also took shots at each other in interviews with a Chronicle reporter Saturday. Asked if she could confirm an investigation by Faber's office and if she was asked to preserve documents, Hung provided the following statement to The Chronicle on Saturday: "The Lorain County Board of Commissioners was asked to maintain the integrity of the emails and associated documents and (Assistant) County Prosector Dan Petticord has handled the matter on behalf of the board," she said. "Unlike Commissioner Moore, who collects shred garbage in his closet, we at the Board of Commissioners are fully aware of how electronic communications are maintained and available through our IT department." The "shred garbage" comment was in reference to a comment Moore made to a Cleveland TV station last week, saying he had retrieved and saved in his office a bag of shredded documents he found outside Hung's office in the County Administration Building in Elyria. Hung called Moore's comments about county employees "walking on eggshells" at work "highly offensive." "The employees who work for Lorain County are some of the hardest-
working people I have ever met in my life. I am so appreciative of their dedication to our residents. The allegation that Moore made saying that they are walking on eggshells at work is highly offensive to them and the work they perform daily to keep our government running smoothly. I want them to know that this commissioner holds their work in high regard," Hung said. "The self-serving, headline-grabbing comments by Commissioner Moore about our employees is highly offensive." Hung added: "I continue to come to work and do the work the residents of Lorain County asked me to do." Moore, who has publicly called for Hung's resignation, said her accusations are "not worth responding to." "The public knows she's a liar. The public knows she's a cheater. And now the public knows she's under criminal investigation," he said. Moore said he has been hesitant to move forward on contracts involving Lorain County 911 radio system upgrades for the past nine months, and the bidding process has now been "tainted" by the ongoing investigation. "It’s always been about the process, and the process, I believe, has been jeopardized. The legitimacy of any and all these radios they want to talk about,” he said. "Basically, my position is now that it's public I'm not interested in moving forward on any radios until this issue has been resolved with the state because any decision made in regards to radios is going to be tainted. And the fact that there's an open criminal investigation involving contracts in regards to what's going on at (Lorain County) 911, and we've got a levy coming up which is important for the county I think you're gonna see me take a position of not supporting moving forward on Motorola, or (L3) Harris, or Kenwood, or Johnson, because right now the process has been tainted, the process cannot be trusted." Moore said until the investigation is completed, the county should focus its efforts on passing three renewal levies in the November election.
Lundy took issue with the characterization of the auditor's investigation as a criminal one, pointing to a report by WKYC-3 TV in Cleveland on Friday. He said the county has only been asked to preserve documents, and that he has not been interviewed as part of a criminal investigation. "I just think that this is something that the auditor's office has been asked to take a look at. They're taking a look at it, but nobody has indicated to me or said that they want to interview me because there's a criminal investigation. The only thing that has been indicated to the Board of Commissioners has been that the auditor wanted records retained that related to, I guess, some issues of concern that were raised," Lundy said. He said a consultant, Mission Critical, is putting together a request for proposals on 911 radio contracts through state purchasing. The claim in the WKYC report that the contract was not properly bid is not factual, Lundy said, as the equipment was already available. "As far as Channel 3, I mean, I haven't been informed by anyone that there's a criminal investigation. There is no situation where we're talking about a no-bid contract. So let's just strike both of those off the list. So I'm a little confused by some of these assertions that are being made. I don't know if they're being made to grab headlines but I think when people start making such assertions they need to know what they're talking about, and they certainly need to be correct in their assertions. But at this point, those assertions aren't correct," Lundy said. Lundy also took aim at the claim about a bag of shredded documents being kept in Moore’s closet that were allegedly found outside Hung's office. He said he did not appreciate Lorain County being portrayed in a negative light. "There’s no way to confirm those shredded documents is what someone claims it is. So I don't see how you make the assertion that the shredded document represents some important documents that were shredded when you have no clue what those documents are,"
Lundy said. "I don't appreciate the county being put in a negative light by assertions that are misrepresentations," he added. "It doesn't help the county, when you're trying to attract jobs, when you want people to live here, if there are assertions being made that are without foundation." In a recent deposition as part of a federal civil lawsuit filed by former County Administrator Tom Williams in August, Hung admitted she voted to hire Harry Williamson as Lorain County 911 director in January 2021 — four months after starting a sexual relationship with him. She did not tell her fellow commissioners about the relationship until after it was revealed publicly by The Chronicle in summer 2021. Both Hung and Williamson were married to others at the time, and were still in a relationship as of April 29, according to testimony Hung gave at the deposition. She also admitted having sex in her county office, and she and Williamson were caught on camera kissing in a county building early last year. Hung filed for divorce from her husband, Jeff, in Lorain County Domestic Relations Court on May 11, according to court records. Williamson and his wife — also named Michelle — had their marriage dissolved in March, according to Lorain County court records. Williams said last week that he had reached a tentative settlement with the county that would pay him $450,000 — the approximate amount commissioners promised in his severance package in January 2021 (Lundy was against Williams' severance package, but was outvoted 2-1). The commissioners have yet to vote whether to accept the arrangement. Williamson, who was fired at the same time Williams was in August 2021, sued the county, Lundy, Moore, Williams, former County Administrator Jim Cordes and the county's outside legal counsel in Lorain County Common Pleas Court in January, alleging retaliation, wrongful termination and several other civil matters.
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
Page A5
BULLETIN BOARD Blessing House Diaper drive
Trinity Lutheran Church is holding a diaper drive to benefit Blessing House Children’s Crisis Care Center. It is collecting diapers for newborns to size 6 through Saturday, June 11. Donations may be placed in the drop off box at the front door at the church, 3747 Liberty Ave., Vermilion. Monetary donations are also welcome.
Historical society barbecue
A “Pogie’s Barbecue Fundraiser” to benefit the Amherst Historical Society will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 27 at the Sandstone Event Hall, 113 South Lake St., Amherst. The cost is $20 per person or $18 for Amherst Historical Society members, and includes entertainment and dinner.
Coffee with the Mayor
Coffee With the Mayor will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 at the Kelly Street fire station in Wellington. The informal event allows residents to approach Mayor Hans Schneider with ideas and concerns, and learn about developments in the village. Lorain County Administrator J.R. White will also take part.
Brownhelm memorial parade
Brownhelm Township will kick off Memorial Day observances early, with a parade at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, traveling from Claus and North Ridge roads to Brownhelm Cemetery. “The Shortest Parade in Town” invites participants to line up by 1:30 p.m. Amherst American Legion Post 118 will lead the parade, followed by the Brownhelm Historical Association, Brownhelm 4-H Club, antique cars, tractors and more. A short ceremony will be held at the township’s veterans memorial site.
Amherst Memorial Day events
Amherst veterans will pay respect to brothers and sisters in arms during a ceremony at 9:55 a.m. on Monday, May 30 at Cleveland Avenue Cemetery. Line-up for the city’s annual Memorial Day parade will start at 9 a.m., and the parade will kick off at 10 a.m. It will travel down Forest Street to Park Avenue and on to Town Hall, where a program will be held. Groups interested in marching in the parade should call Gerri Rice at (440) 714-1213. No political groups or images are allowed to participate — Rice said the parade is about veterans, not politics.
Memorial Day in Oberlin
Oberlin veterans organizations will observe Memorial Day with a 10 a.m. program on Monday, May 30 at Oberlin Elementary School. Note that the location has been changed. The service will not be held at Wright Memorial Park. The keynote speaker will be Lorain County Health Commissioner Mark Adams, who is a Coast Guard veteran. The event will also be streamed live at stream.oberlinschools.net.
Memorial Day in Wellington
Exercises in honor of those who fought and died for the United States will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 30 at the Wellington Town Hall gazebo. A Memorial Day parade will also kick off at 10:30 a.m. from Union School Park on Route 58. It will travel to Greenwood Cemetery, where a ceremony will be held, and then the parade will return to the park. Veterans are encouraged to join in the parade; for a ride, call (440) 225-2741. Children of all ages are also invited to ride their patriotically-decorated bikes.
South Amherst parade
The South Amherst Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30. It will travel down Route 113 to Evergreen Cemetery.
Bike brigade on parade
North Ridgeville’s Memorial Day parade will step off at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, May 30, starting from the North Ridgeville Senior Center parking lot on Bainbridge Road. Participants should arrive by 9:15 a.m. Kids in first grade and up are invited to take part in the decorated bike brigade. Parents must accompany children through the entire parade route to Ranger Stadium. There will be trophies for the bestdecorated. A short ceremony will take place at the stadium to honor military members.
The Lorain County Community Guide Bulletin Board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events. Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@lcnewspapers.com.
Republican breakfast
The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will hold a breakfast from 8-9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1 at Sugar Creek Restaurant, 5196 Detroit Rd., Sheffield. Barbara Whitmore of Ohio Votes Count will speak about fair and honest elections, violations of election procedures and ensuring election integrity. Attendees are responsible for their meals.
Heritage Center tours
During Oberlin College’s commencement weekend, the Oberlin Heritage Center will offer several public tour options. Guided walks include: • “Scholars and Settlers” at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 • “Freedom Friends” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 • “Civil War to Civil Rights” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 Self-guided tablet tours are also available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Advance registration is required for guided history walks. Visit www.oberlinheritagecenter.org for start locations and pricing.
Explore the unexplained
Main Street Wellington will hold its First Friday event from 4-7 p.m. on June 3 with a theme of “Unexplained Phenomena.” People can visit businesses in downtown Wellington, looking for clues about Bigfoot while shopping. At 7 p.m., Ohio Department of Natural Resources naturalist John Hickenbottom will share stories from the trails near Cambridge, Ohio. The presentation will be held either at the gazebo on the village green or inside Town Hall.
Learn to clean headstones
The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 at the Father Ragan Knights of Columbus Hall, 1783 Moore Rd., Avon. A candidates night will feature state Sen. Nathan Manning and primary challenger Kristen Hill; state representative primary candidates Sarah McGervey and Marty Gallagher; and state representatives Gayle Manning and Dick Stein. The cost is $5 for guests.
Second Saturdays return
“Discover Oberlin” will be theme when Second Saturdays return to the city starting June 11. The Oberlin Business Partnership invites families downtown for fun, music, shopping and a chance to win prizes. The June 11 event will kick off at 9 a.m. with the opening of the Oberlin Farmers Market. There will also be family activities at that time in the East College Street courtyard. There will be sales and promotional events, tables for community and nonprofit organizations, a white squirrel scavenger hunt from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a guided “Freedom’s Friends” history tour starting at 11 a.m. at First Church in Oberlin.
Amherst library meeting
The Amherst Public Library board will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 13 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.
Find your Slovak roots
Lisa Alzo will present “Find Your Slovak Roots Online” at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 13 in a virtual meeting of the Ohio Genealogical Society’s Lorain County chapter. Alzo is a researcher, speaker, writer and teacher who has developed several courses that can be found at www.researchwriteconnect.com. The chapter meeting is open to members and the general public. Those interested in watching the presentation should email meetings@loraincoogs.org to be added to the invitation list and to receive the online link.
Graduation parade
Learn to ride like a pro
Residents can line village streets to celebrate the Wellington High School Class of 2022, which will hold a graduation parade at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 following commencement exercises. The parade will travel south on Route 58, jog west on Route 18, head south on Depot Street to Prospect Street. Then it will turn west on Kent before continuing south on Parkside Reserve and then turn east on Jones Road. Then it will travel back north on Route 58 to Dickson Street and east to the stadium. The graduation ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the WHS gym.
Oberlin holds sports camps
Summer sports camps for boys and girls in grades 3-8 will be held in June at Oberlin High School. Kids will work with high school coaches to learn skills. • Baseball and softball camp will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on June 7-9. • Basketball camp will run from 6-7:30 p.m. on June 7-9. • Volleyball camp will run from 1-2:30 p.m. on June 14-16. • Football camp will run from 1-2:30 p.m. on June 14-16. • Soccer camp will run from 5:30-7 p.m. on June 21-23. All camps are free. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/ OberlinCamps.
Walkin’ on Wednesdays
Main Street Amherst’s annual Walkin’ on Wednesdays events will run from 4-7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from June to September. Starting June 8, visit historic downtown Amherst to enjoy family-friendly entertainment. There will also be vendors and a car show, and many shops will remain open later than normal.
Mon - Fri 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday-9am-5pm
OBERLIN HOURS: Mon.-Thurs.: 8AM-6PM Friday 8AM-6PM Saturday: 8AM-5PM Sunday: Closed
Republican club meeting
Artistic summer camp
35840 Chester Rd.
FRESH MEAT COUNTER IN NORTHEAST OHIO WE AGE MEAT THE WAY IT USED TO BE!
The Oberlin Public Library board will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.
A gravestone cleaning workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 4 at Rugby Cemetery on North Ridge Road in Brownhelm Township. The Brownhelm Historical Association will teach participants how to properly and safely clean and treat headstones. The admission fee includes instruction as well as a small cleaning kit to take home for use on family headstones. Tickets are $25. Purchase them at www.tinyurl.com/ RugbyCemetery.
NOW OPEN IN AVON!
FARM TO TABLE MEAT BUTCHER
Oberlin library meeting
A Growing Artists Summer Camp will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon from June 13-17 at The People’s Garden, 285 South Professor St., Oberlin. The event, sponsored by Oberlin Community Services and the Allen Memorial Art Museum, is for children ages 8 to 10. The free camp will celebrate art and gardening, exploring connections between people and the land they live on. To register, visit www.bit.ly/Growing_Artists.
The Amherst Police Department’s Bike Rodeo and SelfAwareness Day will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 18 in the south parking lot at Marion L. Steele High School. Join police staff to learn about bike fun and safety, ride through a course designed to test and teach skills, and sign up for a chance to win a new bike. Be sure to take your bike, helmet, knee and elbow pads. Amherst firefighters and LifCare Ambulance paramedics will also be on hand. In the event of rain, the bike rodeo will be held Saturday, July 9.
South Amherst alumni banquet The South Amherst alumni board has announced its annual banquet will be held on Saturday, July 16. It will honor the classes of 1970,1971 and 1972. Invitations will be sent out after Memorial Day and must be returned by June 24. If you have changed your address, be sure to contact Barbie Standen at (440) 988-3505. Donations are also being accepted for the alumni scholarship fund.
Sandstone fundraisers
The Amherst Historical Society will hold garage sale fundraisers at its Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through October.
Meeting cancellation
The New Russia Township trustees have voted to cancel their regular business meeting on Tuesday, July 5. The next trustees’ meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd.
BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK, LAMB & SALMON
FROZEN OR FRESH Ours is Not the Same! Taste the Difference!
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Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
© 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 25
This information is from www.usmemorialday.org Memorial Day should be observed: by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes
Draw and color the American flag here. he last Monday in May was chosen for the holiday since this is the time that most ____________ are in bloom. In many places, flowers are used to decorate the graves of fallen service men and women. In other cemeteries, American __________ are placed on gravesites. Memorial Day should not be confused with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day to _________________ and honor those who died while serving their country. Veterans Day celebrates those who served in the _______________. Memorial Day was originally a day to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It had a different name to begin with. To find out what Memorial Day was originally called, circle every third letter on the flagpole. The first one is done for you. Write the letters on the lines below.
On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is ___________ to full staff and then ___________ lowered to half-staff, where it will remain until noon. It is raised at _________ to show that the sacrifice of lives was not in vain and that we will continue to fight for liberty and justice for all.
Replace the missing vowels to reveal this honored location.
The USS Arizona Memorial is the final resting place for many of the ship’s 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941. The 184-foot-long Memorial structure is above the mid-portion of the sunken battleship which still rests below the water’s surface. The names of those killed are engraved on a marble wall.
Do you see four American flags here? Look again. Only one of them is correct—the other three each have something missing or in the wrong place. Which one is the real deal?
Standards Link: Science Investigation: Find similarities and differences in common objects.
Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.
Where is the USS Arizona Memorial located? Circle every third letter to find out.
by participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3:00 p.m. to pause and think about the true meaning of the day and to listen to “Taps” by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers and orphans of our fallen dead and to aid disabled veterans
Standards Link: Visual Art: Know how subject matter, symbols and ideas are used to communicate meaning.
Standards Link: Spelling: Spell grade-level appropriate words correctly.
Create a collage of newspaper words and pictures to illustrate Memorial Day. Display the collages and discuss how they honor the past and the memories of fallen soldiers.
by flying the POW/MIA Flag to honor soldiers who are Prisoners Of War or Missing In Action
Use pictures and words cut from the newspaper to design your own Memorial Day flag. Display your flag in your classroom or in a window at home.
Write the name of each picnic food shown in the correct boxes on this picnic blanket.
Memorial Day Collages
by flying the US Flag at half-staff until noon
Every year, Memorial Day is observed at Arlington National Cemetary with the president or vice-president laying a wreath at the:
Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.
Memorial Day weekend is seen as the start of the summer vacation season. Many people spend the weekend outdoors, enjoying barbecues and picnics.
by visiting memorials
SACRIFICE MEMORIAL FLAGPOLE ARIZONA SERVICE WREATH SUMMER MARBLE HONOR LIVES STAFF VAIN TOMB SHIP LOST
F F A T S E F H A O
N O R B H C L E N M
M E M O R I A L O S
This week’s word:
T O M E A I P R I R
The verb designate means to choose for a particular job or purpose.
I A L T N C L M A I
The last Monday in May is designated as Memorial Day.
L O N E V F G B Z E
R O S R I R O A R V D A Y H T A E R W C R E M M U S H I P E
Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman
DESIGNATE
Try to use the word designate in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
Thank a Veteran
What would you say to a veteran to thank them for their service?
B
OUR TOWNS
Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, May 26, 2022
Perseverance pays off
JVS seniors reflect on tough years as they say goodbye JASON HAWK EDITOR
LORAIN — Get tough and keep pushing. That’s the lesson Midview senior Donavyn Pasters learned during his four years at the Lorain County JVS — a stint turned upside-down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Choosing to leave familiar faces behind to attend the vocational school was hard enough, Pasters told 377 fellow soon-to-begraduates who gathered last Thursday morning at Black River Landing to be recognized for their hard work. They are all survivors of the unprecedented interruption wrought by the virus. Pasters recalled the sudden shock of the March 2020 shutdown, slogging through virtual classes, then returning in person only a couple of days a week. The ordeal was academically, financially, mentally, emotionally and physically draining, he said. “We never got the same experiences as we could have had,” he said in an address to classmates, family and friends. “It still feels unfair that almost a third of our high school experience was robbed from us as we faced the pandemic.” The Class of 2022 persevered, and now its experiences are part of history. Despite the two-year interruption caused by COVID, graduates will leave the JVS with valuable skills, said Principal Tina Pelto. They’ve learned to program CNC machines,
ABOVE: Kassius King of Amherst is greeted by JVS Superintendent Glenn Faircloth as his name is called during the school’s Senior Recognition Day. LEFT: Isabella Higley sings the National Anthem while JVS Principal Tina Pelto looks on. BELOW: Senior speaker Donavyn Pasters, a culinary arts student from Midview, delivers an address. BOTTOM: Public safety students present the colors to begin the ceremony.
JVS PAGE B2
85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 MAY 26, 2022 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live MAY 30, 2022 ........................ OFFICE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY JUNE 1, 2022 ......................... PLANNING COMMISSION – 4:30 P.M. – 36 PROSPECT ST. JUNE 6, 2022 ......................... PUBLIC HEARING – 6:30 P.M. – COUNCIL CHAMBERS PURPOSE: To consider recommendations from the Planning Commission to amend the Zoning Map from “R-1”/Single - family Dwelling District to “P-1”/Public Park & Recreation District located at 66 and 69 South Park St. in Oberlin, Ohio; and to consider amendments to the Zoning Map for 27 residential properties in the City, partially or wholly zoned “P-1” Public Park & Recreation District including 291 Morgan St., various properties in the Willowbrook Farms Subdivision No. 2, 141 S. Professor ST., 493 E. College St., and 425 E. College St., all located in the City of Oberlin, Ohio.
JUNE 6, 2022 ......................... REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 7:00 P.M. – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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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SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page B2
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
IN MEMORIAM
Carter leaves for Cleveland
After six years with the Oberlin City Schools, Athletic Director John Carter is leaving the Phoenix to helm the sports program at Benedictine High School in Cleveland. He was recognized by the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association on April 24 and received the NEOIAAA Citation Award, which honors members for their exceptional time, effort and energy toward the organization in Northeast Ohio. Prior to serving as athletic director in Oberlin, Carter served as a director of athletics at Fairview Park City Schools. “We appreciate all Mr. Carter has done for Oberlin City School District athletics and his positive impact on our student athletes,” said Superintendent David Hall. “I commend Mr. Carter for all of his hard work and dedication to our athletic program, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Now that’s a lot of ‘mail’
National Association of Letter Carriers Cascade Branch 196 collected 15,500 pounds of food from local residents on Saturday, May 14 as part of its annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive, according to Secretary and Treasurer William Rolfe. With the help of clerks, rural postal workers, retirees and family members, mail carriers collected 6,500 pounds from residents in Elyria; 2,800 pounds from Grafton; 2,100 pounds from North Ridgeville; 1,700 pounds from Oberlin; 1,400 pounds from Wellington; and 1,000 pounds from New London. All donations were given to food pantries in the city or village in which they were collected.
THE 4-H REPORT The Brighton Buckeyes 4-H Club held officer elections on April 7. The officers who were elected are President Jillian Stannard, Vice President Adele Dowdell, Secretary Heather Reininger, Treasurer Adam Dowdell, Education Officer Katherine Stannard, Historian/News Reporter Daisy Bockmore and Recreation Officer Cadence Zietlow. Many things were discussed at the meeting including a clean-up day and planning for preparing flowers for the Brighton Memorial Day parade and ceremony. Meeting again May 12, the club started planning for displays at the fair. — Club Reporter Daisy Bockmore
JVS
FROM B1 troubleshoot furnaces, build stairs and draw blood. Pelto hasn’t stopped learning, either. She thanked the Class of 2022 for helping her learn to build walls, make smoothies, fly drones and know what a catalytic converter is. Listening and learning don’t stop at graduation, said Pelto. They are critical to adulthood — new technology, relationships, budgeting and buying houses will always present new opportunities to learn, she said. “The most important skill that we develop as human beings is the ability to learn from one another, to accept that there are many things that we do not know and to embrace different perspectives we encounter along the way,” Pelto said, challenging students keep their hearts and minds open. JVS Superintendent Glenn Faircloth said teachers have provided training that has helped students become credentialed, disciplined and courageous. He cautioned graduates not to sit idly by and waste what they have learned, but to go out and change the status quo. They are joining a family of JVS alumni, he said — in time of need, that’s a bond they can always fall back on for help. “We did everything in our power to make sure that they were safe. We did everything our power to make sure that they were challenged,” Faircloth said of graduating seniors. “We did everything in our power to make sure that they are properly prepared.” Pasters, who studied culinary arts and plans to attend Lorain County Community College, seemed sure the Class of 2022 will live up to that investment. “We will be a class that changes the world,” he said. “And if I’ve noticed one thing this year, it would be that it’s very hard to accept change, but that doesn’t mean that change is bad.” While everyone dreams of becoming rich, Pasters reminded his classmates that the key to happiness is showing each other love, and urged them to live with purpose.
Angelo Angel | Wellington Enterprise
Eva Rowland sings a song on Tuesday, May 17 for children attending at Union School Park in Wellington. It was held to dedicate a bench in memory of former Westwood Elementary School teacher Nancy Ratliff, who taught for 35 years before passing away in 2019. Rowland sang “Jolene” by Dolly Parton because she’s an advocate for early childhood reading and Rowland felt the song honored the occasion.
Oberlin College appeals Gibson’s ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court KEVIN MARTIN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM
OBERLIN — Oberlin College has appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court a $25 million judgment awarded to Gibson’s Bakery in another chapter of the long-standing legal battle. In a 20-page memorandum in support of jurisdiction filed on behalf of Oberlin College, attorneys blasted a March decision by Ohio’s Ninth District Court of Appeals as an attack on free speech and the first amendment. The lawsuit and subsequent appeals stem from a November 2016 shoplifting incident and arrests at Gibson's sparked protests by Oberlin College students who alleged racist behavior by the bakery owners. The memo laid out four separate propositions of law, addressing freedom of expression and damages awarded to Gibson’s. “The constitutional protection of opinion speech applies equally to oral and written statements during protests, regardless of the tort theory. A viewpoint or interpretation of events that is protected when spoken is also protected when expressed in writing,” the Oberlin College memo stated. The lower court, Oberlin college argues, erred in not reaching the same conclusion about constitutionally protected speech in a flier distributed during a peaceful protest calling for a boycott of Gibson’s. The appeal notes Gibson’s did not challenge the constitutionally protected speech of protest chants from students and argued the contents of the flier should be held to the same standard. The appeal also argued the Ninth District erred in awarding relief for facilitating speech “even though facilitating speech is part of a college’s mission.”
“Imposing liability on a college for facilitating student speech contravenes First Amendment principles and cannot survive an appellate court’s independent review of the whole record, including whether: the plaintiff is a public figure; there is clear and convincing proof of constitutional actual malice; and the damages awarded are limited to unprotected conduct.” The Ninth District ruled that Oberlin College published a resolution in support of the boycott passed by the student senate because it recognized the student senate by providing an adviser, allowing it to use its email, and because it did not remove the resolution from a student government bulletin board. “The Ninth District compounded this error by failing to conduct an independent appellate review of the summary judgment and trial record to ensure that the judgment for libel and IIED satisfies the Constitution. The First Amendment requires not only clear liability standards, but also “an independent examination of the record to ensure against forbidden intrusions into constitutionally protected expression,” the appeal stated. Oberlin College presented two additional claims arguing the court erred in awarding damages. Other organizations including the NAACP, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and National Coalition Against Censorship and Defending Rights submitted amicus briefs in support of Oberlin College. In a statement, Lee Plakas, an attorney for Gibson's Bakery, said the appeal by Oberlin College has no merit. "Any further appeal has no merit — the wrongful conduct of Oberlin College administrators has already been clearly confirmed by the Lorain
County jury, well respected trial court Judge John Miraldi, and a unanimous decision from a politically balanced three judge court of appeals panel," Plakas said. "Oberlin College’s appeal raises no new issues that have not already been decided by the jury, Judge Miraldi and the 9th District Court of Appeals. Because the facts and evidence submitted in the trial clearly prove the outrageous conduct of Oberlin College, knowledgeable legal commentators have pointed out that Oberlin College is now attempting to justify its further appeal by making claims of non-existent trial court evidence," Plakas added. Gibson's Bakery owner Lorna Gibson said on behalf of the family she believes Oberlin College is pursuing a "war of attrition" in continuing to pursue what she calls meritless appeals until it drives Gibson's out of business. Gibson, the widow of David Gibson, said she promised her late husband she would do everything in her power to continue the 137-year legacy of Gibson's, but feels she is in a "David vs. Goliath" battle. In a 3-0 decision in late March, the Ninth District Court of Appeals rejected Oberlin College’s arguments in a 50-page ruling. The court unanimously upheld all of Lorain County Common Pleas Judge John Miraldi's rulings in the bakery's long-running civil case against the college. A jury awarded the bakery and its owners, the late David and Allyn W. "Grandpa" Gibson, more than $44 million in damages in June 2019. Miraldi lowered that to $25 million to conform with state law, but he also awarded more than $6.2 million in fees to the Gibsons' attorneys. The monetary award has been stayed pending the appeals process.
SIMULATED CRASH
Provided photo
Health sciences senior Katelyn Trickle from Keystone hugs instructor Michelle Denham.
Wellington High School Student Council members recently hosted a mock crash assembly event with assistance from Wellington safety personnel and Metro Life Flight. The purpose was to raise awareness regarding the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The event simulated an actual crash caused by an individual driving under the influence, including the arrest of the people responsible.
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
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Battle for The Brew Kettle Nobel winner to settled after accusations address college JASON HAWK EDITOR
AMHERST — Brew Kettle owners Christopher Russo and Rodney Davis have agreed to walk away from their minority stake in the business, ending a legal fight with investors who accused the duo of a “pattern of manager misconduct, self-dealing and misappropriation.” An April 29 lawsuit filed by TBK Property Co. in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas said investors put nearly $15 million into the restaurant chain that has locations in Amherst, Strongsville, Mentor and Hudson. It accuses Russo and Davis, who ran its day-today operations, of concealing that the business is in “dire” financial condition and causing loans to default. “Under Russo and Davis' control and actions, ven-
dors are terminating their contracts and relationships with Brew Kettle, employees are threatening to quit and beer distributors are not willing to do business with Brew Kettle,” the suit alleged. It also claimed Russo and Davis used The Brew Kettle’s cash to fund their own personal ventures. Russo is owner of Amherst Cinema, Hastee Tastee and Hot Dog Heaven in Amherst. Davis, an Amherst native, is now an attorney in Kentucky with business interests in Northeast Ohio. The suit alleged that Brew Kettle employees were used as contractors, carpenters and laborers on Russo’s home and for his and Davis’ other business ventures. It went on to say that plaintiffs discovered Russo had charged more than $1 million in Brew Kettle expenses to his personal credit card without disclosures or accounting
controls. Investors had filed an earlier civil complaint against Russo and Davis in December, asserting they had violated the Ohio Securities Act and making allegations of fraud. No criminal charges have been brought, however. After that suit was filed, Russo and Davis denied any wrongdoing and promised to provide clear and accurate financial records — so plaintiffs agreed to dismiss that suit without prejudice. But the defendants allegedly didn’t meet the deadline to produce those records, and instead held a January meeting with investor Bryan Weber to ask for a buyout of their 25 percent stake, according to court documents. Investors voted unanimously to remove Russo and Davis as Brew Kettle managers, and sought a court order to confirm that course of action.
Attorneys for Russo and Davis responded with a filing saying the claims have no merit and “are based on a false narrative.” They said investors were seeking to force a hostile takeover of the Brew Kettle. “There is no ‘emergency,’” they wrote in a court filing. “Instead, this entire matter is nothing more than a sensationalized and insincere attempt to litigate through the press, to denigrate and bully two small-business owners, and to negotiate a better price in a business deal.” Last week, the parties involved filed a joint motion to stay action for 60 days, saying an agreement had been reached to resolve the case. They also released a joint statement to the media saying the allegations “were borne out of reasonable misunderstandings” and Russo and Davis would sell their portions of the business.
Life Flight veteran hired to lead South Lorain County Ambulance JASON HAWK EDITOR
WELLINGTON — After a dozen years as a critical care paramedic for Metro Life Flight, Henry Smitley is looking to spend some time on the ground as the new director of the South Lorain County Ambulance District. He’ll take over for retiring Director Skip Gentry — another Life Flight veteran — on Wednesday, June 1. “It’s a little bit of a learning curve because everybody does things a little differently,” said Smitley. He was one of three finalists to head ambulance service in the southernmost reaches of the county, Wellington Council President Gene Hartman, who represents the village’s interests on the SLCAD board. “We must be born under a lucky star in Wellington, that’s all I have to say,” he said. “All the stars aligned and Hank Smitley kind of fell in our lap.” He was the perfect fit for the job, according to Hartman. A resident of Sullivan Township, Smitley has worked part-time for the district for a couple of years and knows it’s personnel. He’s also worked closely with Gentry to airlift patients, and previously served as captain for Lafayette Township Fire and Rescue for 14 years. Smitley said he had a lot of good years and tight friendships there, but wanted a new challenge. Ken Ziegler, president of the SLCAD board, said Smitley was impressively assertive in interviews, is well-rounded and has demonstrated
Kristin Bauer | Wellington Enterprise
Henry Smitley is the new director of the South Lorain County Ambulance District. He started May 9 to ease into the position and will officially take the reins June 1. his ability to lead and inspire. “He was the right fit. He had the demeanor that we wanted in a director,” Ziegler said. Doubling down on training will be the big priority for the South Lorain County Ambulance District in the next few years, according to Hartman and Ziegler. They’ll be relying on Smitley to carry on Gentry’s push to beef up paramedics’ clinical skills, which are especially important because of long transport times from remote rural locations to hospitals in Norwalk, Oberlin, Lorain and Elyria.
Smitley said he also wants to relaunch CPR and first aid classes for the public, which were held regularly until axed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hiring is another goal, he said. While SLCAD has an active roster of 31 employees, it is still operating with a staff shortage like many other health care providers across the nation. “A lot of it is pandemic driven. Some people have gone in different fields,” Smitley said.
Class of 2022 JASON HAWK EDITOR
OBERLIN — Nobel Prize winner Joshua Angrist will take the stage to address the Oberlin College Class of 2022 as the keynote speaker at commencement. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 5 on Tappan Square. Born in Columbus and raised in Pittsburgh, Angrist earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Oberlin in 1982 and completed a doctorate at Princeton in 1989. A dual United States and Israeli citizen, he has taught at both Harvard University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Today, Angrist serves as Ford Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Photo courtesy of Technology. MIT Blueprint Labs Along with collaborator Joshua Angrist, a 1982 Guido Imbens of the Stan- alumnus of Oberlin ford Graduate School of College who in the fall Business and David Card was awarded the Nobel of the University of Cali- Prize in Economics, will fornia at Berkeley, he was be the keynote speaker awarded the Nobel Prize at commencement. in October for research that advances the way economists understand complex problems that affect education, health care, immigration and the workforce. Angrist is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Econometric Society, is co-editor of The Journal of Labor Economics and in 2007 was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. He will receive an honorary doctor of social sciences degree from Oberlin College as well during commencement exercises. The college will also present honorary degrees to George E. Lewis, a composer and trombonist who helped pioneer the field of computer music in the 1970s and 1980s; and John Brombaugh, an acoustic engineer known for changing the way pipe organs are constructed. The Distinguished Service to the Community Award will be presented to Dr. James Anthony, a 1975 alumnus who now serves as system medical director of occupational health for Bon Secours Mercy Health, Harness Health Partners and Mercy Health Lorain. While at Oberlin, Anthony majored in chemistry. He went on to earn a doctor of medicine degree in 1979 from the University of Cincinnati Medical School. A diploma will be posthumously awarded to Mary Edmonia Lewis, the first sculptor of African-American and Native American descent to achieve international recognition for her work. She began studying at Oberlin College at the age of 15 but did not graduate. Biographers say she was subjected to racism and sexism during her time there and in 1862 was accused of poisoning two friends. Charges were dismissed after she was defended by John Mercer Langston, the first Black lawyer in Ohio and an Oberlin College graduate. After being acquitted, Lewis was assaulted by white vigilantes and left for dead. A year later, she was accused of stealing art supplies from the college and was again acquitted, and then months later was charged in connection to a burglary. Barred from enrolling for her final semester, Lewis moved to Boston to further her studies. She died in England in 1907. “It is in recognition of her great accomplishments and tragic denial of completion of her studies that Mary Edmonia Lewis is awarded the Diploma of the Ladies Course,” the college announced. While commencement is held on Memorial Day in most years, this year’s ceremony was pushed back due to adjustments made to the academic calendar because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Director of Media Relations Scott Wargo. Fall classes did not start until Oct. 4, pushing back winter term and causing the spring term to end June 4.
Life-saving drone pilot praised for Wellington rescue JASON HAWK EDITOR
WELLINGTON — Drone operator Nathan Thorn was celebrated as a hero last week for his role in the May 10 rescue of an injured man lying in a Brookside Drive ditch. Invoking a standing ovation from Village Council, Wellington safety forces praised Thorn for his skills and presented him with commendations for his role in saving the man’s life. At 2:27 p.m. that day, a man who had been working in his yard was reported missing by his
fiance, according to Wellington police Chief Tim Barfield. “The circumstances were unusual and potentially suspicious,” so police started a search, he said. Two and a half hours later, police and firefighters still hadn’t found the missing man. So they listened to social media users who urged them to tap Thorn’s expertise with eyes in the sky. Within 10 minutes of arriving on the scene, Thorn and his drone had found the victim lying in a ditch about 100 yards from his home, Barfield said. The man was taken
by Metro Life Flight to Cleveland, where his wounds were treated. He’s now returned home and has fully recovered, according to Barfield. “Nathan, it is with the highest respect that we recognize your selfless response and your willingness to be a true example of leadership, compassion and a good neighbor,” he told Thorn on Monday, calling him a true servant to others. Additional accolades were presented by Wellington fire Chief Mike Wetherbee and newlyProvided image hired South Lorain Coun- Nathan Thorn, who used a drone to find an injured man on May 10, gets ty Ambulance District a hearty handshake from Wellington fire Chief Mike Wetherbee during a Director Henry Smitley. Monday meeting of Village Council where he was celebrated as a hero.
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Lorain County Community Guide
Kramer named Elections board rejects 68 one of the top ballots due to various errors students in Ohio JASON HAWK EDITOR
KIM CARRASQUILLO LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ELYRIA — Brittany Kramer, 36, of Oberlin, who recemtly graduated from Lorain County Community College, has been named one of the top community college students in Ohio. She was named to the 2022 All-Ohio Second Academic Team. Kramer was nominated for the award based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service. “Brittany is a leader in the classroom and in our community. The entire LCCC community joins me in congratulating Brittany Brittany Kramer on this award,” said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger. Kramer earned an associate degree in real estate at the college’s commencement exercises earlier this month. She previously earned an associate of arts degree and an associate degree in business management. She plans to continue her education through LCCC’s University Partnership for a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Miami University. A first-generation college student, Kramer originally attended a four-year university after graduating high school. Lacking the support she needed, she was forced to drop out. She returned home, started a family and joined the workforce. After more than a decade working for the same company, Kramer found herself laid off and in need of additional training and education. “At LCCC, I’ve found the support I was looking for as I pursue my goals,” Kramer said. “I’ve been able to give back to my community at the same time I earn my degree.” Kramer is the treasurer of LCCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, where she leads community service projects. She also works part-time in LCCC’s Social Sciences and Human Services division. Off campus, Kramer is involved with the Oberlin Baseball Softball Federation, where she serves on the board and coaches multiple teams. She is also skilled in home renovation and remodeling.
SHEFFIELD TWP. — Sorting through a list of errors made by voters, the Lorain County Board of Elections last week rejected 68 ballots cast in the spring primary. While most were clearcut cases under Ohio law, a couple resulted in debate between Democrats and Republicans who equally make up the board. “People are not aware of the great lengths we go to after an election to try to find somebody” to solve any issues before rejecting ballots,” said board President Marilyn Jacobcik, a Republican. Five were absentee ballots that didn’t include the proper identification. Official forms were sent to those voters asking them to fix the ID problems, but none responded, according to elections Director Paul Adams. Three were absentee ballots that were returned without the identification envelope at all. Those voters when contacted also did not move to fix the issue. Twelve absentee ballots were postmarked after the deadline and were therefore not valid. Four absentee ballots
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the would-be voter had made “an honest mistake” by writing the correct license numbers but using OH for the two required letters, ostensibly thinking they would stand for Ohio. The goal of the review process is to prevent fraud, and Giardini said that with all other correct information provided there was indication of voter fraud in this case. “We’re going to toss his ballot because he read his driver’s license number wrong,” he said. Giardini was the lone board member to vote against rejecting that ballot. In the final case, Board of Elections members debated whether to accept the ballot of a person who was supposed to write their driver’s license number but instead put the reference number from the bottom of the card. Making an exception would open a door best left closed, Jacobcik said. “I have a problem with opening the door and setting a precedent to something that’s going to create us issues in the future,” she said. Adams said that after the rejections, 99.4 percent of absentee and 88.9 percent of provisional ballots were accepted.
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dress, and another wrote in a house number but failed to include the street name. In that batch, elections officials rejected the provisional ballot of a person who showed up at an Amherst polling location and demanded to vote there even though he lives in Westlake, according to Adams. The man allegedly said he pays taxes in Amherst — Adams said records show he owns a house there, but it is not the man’s legal residence. Another provisional ballot was rejected because the voter failed to sign the envelope. Ten provisional ballots were rejected because voters failed to provide identification or their personal information did not check out. Several of those were due to expired driver’s licenses. Those people were given seven days after the election to provide valid ID’s but did not. Other rejections were due to failure to provide Social Security numbers. Two of those provisional ballots were thrown out because voters did not write down driver’s license numbers correctly. Board member Anthony Giardini, a Democrat, strongly objected to tossing one of the ballots, arguing
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were returned without signatures. One other ID envelope was received with no ballot inside. There was nothing there to reject, Adams said, but the situation was noted by the board. The board rejected 22 provisional ballots cast by people who were not registered to vote in Ohio. Eight ballots were rejected because they were cast at the wrong polling location and wrong precinct. Of those, Adams noted that one person refused to go to the correct polling place when asked by workers. Another arrived at exactly 7:30 p.m. — closing time — and could not get to their correct voting place in time to take part in the election. A third insisted on trying to cast his ballot at the wrong location so that he could vote with his girlfriend. The Board of Elections was more lenient for eight other provisional voters who were in the right polling location but the wrong precinct. Adams said those instances may have been the result of mistakes made by poll workers — all eight were allowed to stand. A few ballots with invalid or incomplete addresses were also rejected; one tried to use a post office box instead of a home ad-
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ISAAC DAVIS, a recent graduate of Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, has been selected to be an Ashbrook Scholar. The academic program includes an annual and renewable scholarship to attend Ashland University. The Ashbrook Scholar Program is an honors program for undergraduates studying political science, history, or political economy at Ashland University. KARLY BRYNER and MIRIAM MAKRUSKI of Amherst have been named to the honors list for the Summer 2021 semester at Mercy College of Ohio, where they study nursing. GARET RIVERA of Amherst has been awarded a $19,000 Trustees’ Scholarship at Baldwin Wallace University. The scholarship is based on outstanding academic achievements at Marion L. Steele High School. A freshman, Rivera is majoring in computer science. LINDSEY STUMPP of Amherst has been named to the president’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Capital University. JASON MONOS and ISABEL SOLOWIEJ of Amherst have been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Ohio Wesleyan University. LEAH SUNDERMAN of Wellington has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Baldwin Wallace University. She is a graduate of Elyria Catholic High School majoring in finance. TROY PARKS of Wellington has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Miami University. Parks is studying public administration. FAITH ALLEY and JENNA KRAKOMPERGER of Wellington have been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at the University of Findlay. AUTUMN RIDDLE of Wellington has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Cedarville University. Riddle is studying theater. RENEE MOORE of Wellington has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Ohio University. MELANIE GOTT of Wellington has graduated magna cum laude from Columbus State Community College.
CATHERINE MASSIE of Wakeman has been inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society at Bowling Green State University. BRETT SCHUSTER of Oberlin has graduated from Miami University with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and health in nutrition. JAMES STEINDL of Oberlin has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at DePauw University. JANAE JOHNSON of Oberlin has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Westminster College. Johnson is majoring in Spanish and English. JERIEL BYRON-DIXON of Oberlin has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Berea College. MICHELLE GREGORY of Oberlin has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Mercy College of Ohio. Gregory is majoring in health care administration. RYAN CALVERT of Oberlin has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Shorter University. Calvert is majoring in business. COLE THOMPSON of Oberlin has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Baldwin Wallace University. He is a graduate of Oberlin High School majoring in management and innovation and human resource management. COREY JONES Of Wakeman has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Baldwin Wallace University. Jones is a graduate of Firelands High School majoring in sports management and finance. JORDAN WILLIAMS of Oberlin has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at the University of Findlay. MARLA BREWER of Oberlin has been named to the dean and president’s lists for the Fall 2021 semester at Youngstown State University. Brewer is majoring in social work. CRYSTAL THOMPSON of Oberlin has graduated with a nursing degree from Ohio University. ANNA DEDACEK and VICTORIA JACKSON, both of Oberlin, have been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at Hiram College.
Thursday, May 26, 2022
SPORTS
Lorain County Community Guide
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Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Printed as space is available.
Dykin’s Eagles win
Photos by Kristin Bauer | Amherst News-Times
With a 5-1 win over Amherst, the Avon girls softball team won the district title last week — its first since 1979. Senior Kayla Dykin threw 19 strikeouts and hit two home runs to lead the Eagles to victory. The Comets’ lone run came by way of Rachel Miller, who reached first on a right field single and made it around the bases courtesy of hits from teammates Brianna Waldecki and Eliza Marcano. ABOVE: Amherst Steele shortstop Cassidy Kettleman tthrows to first baseman Brianna Waldecki to make an out against Avon High School last Thursday.
SOFTBALL SENIORS
REDBIRDS LEFT IN THE DUST
Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise
Riley Reyna gave up four hits and a run but delivered eight strikeouts in six innings as Wellington doled out the pain in a 7-1 slugfest over Loudonville last week. The Redbirds took an early lead but were quickly overwhelmed. ABOVE: Reyna sends the ball to the plate against Loudonville.
BROOKSIDE BLOWOUT
Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise
Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune
Phoenix softball players Emerson Freas, Mariah Thompson and Emily Emerich were honored on Senior Day.
Wellington's Maile Oswald makes the throw to first base for an out during a 10-0 loss to Brookside, ending the regular season. Madison Lewis and Tori Paramore had hits, but otherwise the Dukes offense just could keep up. The Cardinals’ Leah Musall pitched the win for five innings, striking out nine.
TWO DAYS, ONE SCORE
Kristin Bauer | Wellington Enterprise
When weather cut play short in last week’s Division III sectional final after just five innings, the Pirates were leading 4-0 over the Dukes. When play resumed the following day, so did the Black River dominance. Wellington lost 7-0. LEFT: Wellington High School’s third baseman Drew Unangst fields a ground ball hit. RIGHT: Black River High School's Noah Hopek slides safely into home.
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Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lorain County Community Guide
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