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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, June 18, 2020

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 7, Issue 25

‘We can do this fair’ Covell's confidence leads to 16-3 vote for ‘normal’ Lorain County Fair JASON HAWK EDITOR

Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell tells fair directors last Thursday how this year's event can be held with safety precautions in place.

Oberlin College unveils plans for ‘de-densification’

WELLINGTON — Faye Handrosh sobbed, but her smile was golden Thursday night as the votes rolled in — 16 in favor of holding the 2020 Lorain County Fair and three against. "My heart just went out," she said, wiping her eyes and shaking with excitement. The vote was a relief for Handrosh, who has worked at the fair for 37 years, helping with everything from quality assurance to livestock sales. She said she couldn't bear the thought of this year's event being canceled.

"It is something that I've always looked forward to," she said. "I love being around kids, being able to encourage them and tell them they're not replaceable." Booming applause filled the hall as directors celebrated the tough decision to move ahead with the 175th anniversary fair, despite uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. "We can do this fair," said President Kim Meyers. "It's not going to be 100 percent of what we normally do. It's going to be modified... But we can make this a good fair." Covell's approval Faith in the Aug. 23-30 event

was rallied by Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell. "I don't really have a fear of having the fair open and having this spread wildly. I am confident you can have a fair that's safe," he said. "If Cedar Point can open, you can get through the challenges here," he added later. While he downplayed coronavirus fears, he did warn that having the fair will demand "some common sense" changes. Grandstand seating will be knocked down to about half its normal capacity, leading to the FAIR PAGE A3

FIRELANDS CLASS OF 2020

JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Going to a yearround schedule will "de-densify" the Oberlin College campus starting this fall, in an attempt to protect students and staff from COVID-19. Colleges across the state sent students home in March as the virus spread. Now they are trying to figure out how to safely return to in-person Carmen classes. Twillie Ambar Oberlin College's idea, announced online last week by President Carmen Twillie Ambar, is to move to three semesters to limit the number of people on campus at any given time. "We are adapting to the new realities and the unknowns that we will confront," she said. The college has been working for weeks "to prepare a dynamic and flexible educational experience that allows those in COLLEGE PAGE A4

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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

Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Keith Cornwell is excited to be bound for a career in the Ohio Army National Guard, the only Firelands graduate from the Class of 2020 to enter the military.

The ‘COVID-19 class’ graduates JASON HAWK EDITOR

HENRIETTA TWP. — Forever to be remembered as the coronavirus class, the last of the 2020 public school districts in Lorain County held commencement last week inside Firelands High School. "It's unique," said senior Keith Cornwell, sharing a laugh after receiving his diploma in a nearly-empty gymnasium on Monday, June 8. "But I'm glad I graduated."

said district Superintendent Mike Von Gunten. For Brianna Toledo, the story had its ups and downs. She said ending the school year separated from friends and learning from home was a real struggle. She fell behind in her studies but was finally able to catch up, and tried to help classmates do the same. "It was so stressful," she said. She said she regretted not having the chance to say goodbye to friends. FIRELANDS PAGE A5

INSIDE THIS WEEK

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Teens spent four days crossing the stage at Firelands, culminating Thursday with addresses by student speakers Steven Iwanek Jr. and Jordan Janosik. Each student was recorded as they receive their diploma and turn their tassel. A video documenting the social-distanced graduation will be released on the district website at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26. "Our kids have done just a remarkable job of persevering through a difficult time. Every family has a story about the mark this has left on them,"

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

World War II hero gets birthday parade • B1

College students list demands on race and inclusion • B4

Judge lets First Energy skip power project meeting • B1

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • KID SCOOP A6 • CROSSWORD B4 • SUDOKU B4

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Thursday, June 18, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Dr. Fredrick Davis Shults

Billie Ann McCarty

Dr. Fredrick Davis Shults of Oberlin died Monday, June 8, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old. Born in Detroit in 1932 to Ward and Rebecca Shults, he was raised with his brother, Robe in Alma, Michigan and served in the U.S. Navy as an ensign and lieutenant J.G. Dr. Shults went to Oberlin College, where he graduated with a History degree while participating in basketball, baseball and earning All-American Athletic recognition in 1954 for soccer. His collegiate varsity soccer team never lost a game in his four years of playing. He went on to earn a M.A. in 1959 from The Ohio State University before completing his Doctorate of Physical Education fin 1967 from Indiana University writing an outstanding dissertation on "The History and Philosophy of Athletics at Oberlin College". During 31 seasons as the Oberlin College Men's Soccer coach he complied a win loss record of 200-135-49, making him the "winningest" soccer coach in the college's history. Coach Shults's team won the Conference Championship and he was named the North Coast Athletic Conference Men's soccer Coach of the Year in 1987 and 1988. As head coach of the men's lacrosse team, he earned an overall record of 93-79-5. The Robert Kahn Track and Fred Shults Field is named in his honor. Dr. Shults was a pioneer in the field of Ethics and Culture in Sport, developing the nation's first Sports Sociology class at Oberlin, where he was an early member of Oberlin's Heisman Club Hall of Fame. He was working on a book with Lee Drickamer (of Oberlin) on the History and Importance of Athletics at Oberlin College at the time of his death. Fred was a life long athlete winning multiple state championship in squash and city champions in golf. He consistently shot his age in golf throughout his 70's and 80's. Fred, as he was known to all, was beloved by his players, students friends and family. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jennifer M. Shults, DC; grandson, Devon Fairchild Shults of Oberlin and Jeffrey Fairchild Shults of San Francisco, California. Memorial thoughts can be shared through the Cowling Funeral Home's website www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com.

Billie Ann McCarty (nee Plique), 86, of Amherst, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020, at her residence while under the care of Mercy New Life Hospice following a lengthy illness. Born Dec. 25, 1933 in Ottawa, Illinois, she has called Amherst her home for the last 64 years. For many years, Billie also had a Summer home in Huron and spent her Winters in Melbourne, Florida. Billie worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the former St. Joseph Hospital in Lorain for 20 years, retiring in 1989. Following her retirement, she worked part time at Lifeshare Community Blood Services for five years as a Phlebotomist. A loving wife, mother and caregiver, Billie enjoyed sewing, crafts, gardening and canning. She spent her days enjoying the company of her family and friends, making them laugh and caring for them in any way she could. Through her entire life, and especially her last year, she taught people the meaning of strength and what it truly means to be a fighter. She constantly showed people the love she felt for them, trying to take care of her husband, David, family and making jokes even during her most weakened times. Billie was a loyal companion and caregiver to her husband, David of 66 years; their daughter, Kim Shumyla of Amherst, with whom she made her home; triplet sons, David McCarty of Elyria, Daniel (Linda) McCarty and Darrell (Denise) McCarty, both of Amherst; nine grandchildren, Christine Shumyla-Quarando, Jeremy McCarty, Lauren McCarty, Nicholas Shumyla, Anthony McCarty, Cody McCarty, Alex McCarty, Maxwell McCarty and Dillon McCarty; five great-grandchildren and two brothers, Kenneth "Kenny" and Ronald "Ronnie" Plique. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Martha (nee Goodwrich) Plique; three brothers and seven sisters. The family held private visitation and funeral services in The Dovin & Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, Amherst. Chaplain John Jackson from New Life Hospice officiated. Burial will take place in Crownhill Cemetery, Amherst. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 6111 Oak Tree Blvd. Suite 130, Independence, OH 44131.

Paul M. Hoffman Paul M. Hoffman, 57, of Huntington, Ohio, died Thursday, June 11, 2020, at his home. He was born May 28, 1963 to the late Rose Marie and Elwood Hoffman. He was a lifelong resident of the Huntington area and graduated from Black River. Paul enjoyed being outdoors, especially fly fishing, botany and collecting rocks, fossils, and arrowheads. Along with spending many of his years at his family's Greenhouse, Paul also worked for several years at Johnson Heating and Cooling. He is survived by his nephew, Brian (Leanne) Hoffman, Jr. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Brian Hoffman, Sr. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 19, 2020 at 4 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main Street, Wellington. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, our goal is to keep everyone safe, therefore, we ask visitors to be mindful of current restrictions. We encourage visitors to wear a mask if able and to follow social distancing guidelines. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nortoneastmanfuneralhome.com.

JAYNE ANN MURRAY (nee Lach), 71, of New Russia Township, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family. CHARLES DEAN ROSS, 74, of Brownhelm Township, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Sunday, June 14, 2020.Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home.

Gibsons appeal: Punitive caps are unconstitutional DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

AKRON — Legal caps on punitive damages are unconstitutional under Ohio and federal law, attorneys for Gibson's Bakery and members of the Gibson family argued last week in their appeal a year after their clients were awarded millions of dollars in judgment against Oberlin College. Less than a week after Oberlin College filed documents in support of its appeal of the more-than $35 million judgment of a Lorain County jury, attorneys for the Gibsons argued that Oberlin College is "a billion-dollar institution with power and money to bully anyone in the Oberlin community" with a "conscious disregard of the Gibsons' rights and callousness, ill will and hatred towards the Gibsons." For that reason, the college can afford the compensatory and punitive damages awarded the Gibsons, according to the brief filed in the 9th District Court of Appeals in Akron. Noting that college administrators used obscenities in internal emails and text messages directing their anger at the bakery and called Gibson's supporters "idiots," attorneys argued that the jury rightly found the college liable for defamation of the family and their more-than 100-yearold business. The college also allowed the Student Senate to publish a "libelous" resolution on campus property, where it remained posted "in a conspicuous place for more than a year." The Gibsons' attorneys made it known last year they intended to appeal on their own terms, arguing that Lorain County Common Pleas Judge John Miraldi erred when he placed a cap on punitive damages against Oberlin College. This infringes on the constitutional right to a trial by jury as well as due process rights, Gibsons attorneys argued. Punitive damages were "less than 3 percent of Oberlin College's more than $1 billion of assets," and under the law are meant "to appropriately punish and sufficiently deter" future behavior, according to the cross-appeal brief. The jury's initial award was more than $11 million in compensatory damages and more than $33 million in punitive damages, but those were capped at a maximum of $25 million by Miraldi in a June 2019 ruling. "... the Gibsons are entitled to the total punitive damage GIBSONS PAGE A4

THE POOL IS OPEN

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Issabella Kelbacher, 9, of Amherst swims on Monday, June 15 at the Anna Schmauch Memorial Pool at Maude Neiding Park. It is the only city-owned pool to open in Lorain County during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is using social distancing, reduced occupancy, recommended chlorine levels and increased sanitation to keep pool patrons safe.

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.

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B4

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE B4

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Thursday, June 18, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

Drive-through celebration for scholarship recipients, computer event The Community Foundation of Lorain County has awarded 139 scholarships to students in Lorain County for the 2020-2021 school year. The scholarships, totaling $392k, will be distributed to 64 new students and 75 students receiving scholarship renewals. To congratulate these students abiding by social distancing guidelines, the Community

Foundation has planned a drivethrough scholarship celebration from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19 at its office at 9080 Leavitt Rd., Amherst Township. Students will arrive during specific time slots according to their school district and remain outside of the Community Foundation’s offices. “The Community Foundation of Lorain County’s Class of

2020 scholarship recipients have shown pure grace and grit as they have weathered a tumultuous storm during the ending of their academic year,” said President and CEO Cynthia Andrews. “We congratulate these students and thank our generous donors and our community of mentors and nonprofit leaders. They have supported these students for many years and will continue

to provide support and guidance for their coming academic years.” PCs for People will be onsite during the scholarship celebration to collect computers for recycling. The nonprofit works with income-eligible families to provide computers and wireless hotspots at a reduced rate. The computers will be collected,

refurbished and used to serve families and students in Lorain County. You can take your electronic waste — computers, monitors and cables — to the event and help connect a family or student who needs technology. The technology will be put through a certified information destruction and hard drive sanitization program.

FAIR

FROM A1 cancellation of the bigdraw Monday and Tuesday concerts. Camping capacity will also be limited, there are questions about how rides will operate and self-serve food options — such as ketchup and mustard stations for 'dogs — will be a no-go. Shuttles to and from the back of the parking lots, which are basically hayrides, will have to change, splitting up riders to limit possible exposure. Fair board members also debated whether to have Senior Day, which gives free admission to older visitors. "Let's be honest: Seniors are the folks who are the most susceptible to the virus," Covell said. COVID-19 is a threat, make no mistake. It has killed twice as many people in eight weeks with quarantine in place as the Kim Meyers, president of the Lorain County Fair board, reads letters from flu does in a whole year, he vendors and exhibitors on Tuesday, June 9. Most voiced support for said. moving ahead with a full fair in August. But the situation is getting better and Cov"sucking their own CO2" of LaGrange, who predictchapters. ell predicted that Gov. with masks on in the heat. ed decreased attendance. It clarified the state's Mike DeWine will lift the Lorain County Public "Our money, our lifeline is rules for allowing county 10-person limit on gatherHealth will have workpeople through the gates fairs to operate during the ings in the next few weeks, ers assigned to the fair paying admission," he said. pandemic, Meyers said. so long as social distancing throughout the week, as it Steve Purdey of Elyria For example, fairs won't be is observed. has in years past. Covell Township, who handles fair forced to install expensive There will be no cap imsaid they'll provide guidfinances, said it's possible automatic sensor sinks and posed on how many people ance, but they won't be cancellation of the Monday hand sanitizer stations, he are allowed in the Lorain looking for excuses to shut and Tuesday grandstand said. County Fair gates each day, down the fair as long as concerts will drop admisThere will be extra work he said. No temperaturesafety precautions are folsions by about $6,000 — and costs — related to taking will be required lowed in good faith. people, which equates to cleaning bathrooms and — coughing, shortness of "We're going to be here $36,000. tables more often, and putbreath and known expoto help you do the fair "There's a lot of things ting up signs that promote sure to the virus are the red safely, no matter what," he that need to be done and social distancing, washing flags. said. we have to have the stomhands and staying home if Giving each other space ach to do it... This year is sick. will be the key to limiting Some hesitant a gamble," he said. "It's Purdey predicted "a the illness' spread at the Spirits raised by Coveither going to be really tremendous drop at the fair, said Covell. ell's optimism, Huntington good or really bad." gate." He also said that He said the board should Township representative Profitability shouldn't be while no one at that meetconsider making the Jed Lamb called for a vote the bottom line, Meyers ing wore a mask (a few Midway one-way or taking to have a full 2020 fair. responded. The fair's bank materialized at Thursday's other steps to control trafNot everyone was conaccount is stable and the meeting) they are more fic. Another idea is hiring vinced it was a good idea, board has a responsibility common the farther north a "COVID-19 bouncer" to however. to families, he said. you travel in the county. politely enforce distancing. "Do we want a 50 percent "I think this is something Many northern residents Cleaning high-touch sur- fair for our 175th? I know we can do," said Meyers. won't attend if they don't faces will be another key. I don't. I want a big 175th feel safe, he said. Covell said the virus lives that I can be proud of," June 9 debate "The reality is that we on hard surfaces better than said Brownhelm rep Nikki A long discussion last need those people to come soft ones, and outdoors it Claubaugh. Tuesday set the stage for here and pay the admission dies quickly. She called for a Junior the vote to hold the 2020 be able to afford what's goCirculating fans have Fair only, and said the fair. ing on," said Purdey. been labeled another public board should think "more John Born, a former Don Crawford, who rephealth enemy, since the about people than our director who served on the resents Camden Township, virus spreads through the pocketbook." board for 39 years, was has headed the finance air. Right now, the official New Russia Township the first to take a stand. He committee for several years advice is not to use them representative John Piwinsaid the fair has operated and said it's important to at all for barn ventilation, ski said he was hesitant to through floods, tornadoes keep cash flowing so the which could be a problem support the fair because of and heat waves — and fair can continue for years in the August sun. financial concerns: "We've should continue in the face A possible solution, said got to look for how many of the pandemic, which so Covell, would be to have years we want to be here far has claimed more than fans but require masks after this year, at how many 115,000 lives in the United wherever they are used. fairs we want to have," he States. Masks won't be necessaid. Born called fairs in Medisary otherwise, he said That was also the chief na and Cuyahoga counties — in fact, it could cause worry for Ron Pickworth "dysfunctional" for cancelproblems for people to be ing early on — that was a day before the Medina County Fair board reversed Medina fair reverses course course and decided to reinstate its celebration. The 175th Medina County Fair is once again scheduled Meyers made a hard sell to take place this summer. to hold a fair that's as norJust a week after the board voted to postpone the fair mal as possible, albeit with until next summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, board health precautions in place. President Chuck Stiver announced in a news release He said the Lorain last Thursday that the fair will be Aug. 3-9 as originally County Fair has survived scheduled. through wars, swine flu, The change was made in light of new guidance from the bird flu, SARS and other state. "Due to the revision and removal of several previHOUSE threats. ous mandates, the Board voted to proceed with the 2020 "This coronavirus is a PLANTS Medina County Fair," the release said. nasty virus, but it's just The state's message to fairs, included in the new rules, ARE like everything else we've BIRD is that while COVID-19 has made it “impossible to hold worked through," he said. HERE! BATHS! fairs in the way we have in the past, they are of such imEarlier that day, DeWine portance to communities that every effort should be made signed an executive order SUMMER HOURS to preserve the junior fair competitions and exhibits, as Monday-Friday 8-7pm green-lighting fairs, like well as the open-class events and competitions.” Saturday 8-5pm Lorain County's, that rally — Jack Kopanski, Medina Gazette Sunday 10-4pm around 4-H clubs and FFA

to come. "Maybe by August, maybe it will be join hands and let's all sing kumbaya. But at this point, you don't know," he said. "If these (state) mandates are in, it could really damage our bottom line... Until all this goes away, it's going to be very hard to be profitable." He speculated the fair could lose as much as 50 percent of its admissions take. Claubaugh said she is among the people who should avoid the fair because of health problems. She said having a fair with COVID-19 restrictions could hurt just as much as canceling it. "I'd love to have the county fair. I've grown up here and my family is from here," she said. "There's a reason why everybody around Lorain County has closed their fairs, or just had junior fairs." Others saw opportunities, such as Jim Smith of the LaGrange Engine Club. His opinion: With other fairs down and out, Lorain County stands to draw more people. Still others said it wouldn't make sense to cancel the fair in August if amusement parks, zoos and other big attractions are being allowed to open now, and while large protests are held in the streets. Letters of support Meyers and fair Secretary Charisse Nikel took turns reading letters from people who couldn't attend the Tuesday meeting but wanted to be heard. More than 30 were received, some from longtime vendors who rely on the fair circuit for income. Among them was Marla Goldberg, owner of Smokin Oak Jerky, which has been in business more than 30 years. "It's been a devastating year for small business owners," she wrote, asking for the fair to continue. Doug Wilbur, president of WOBL AM 1320 and 107.7 FM in Oberlin, wrote that the fair is an annual "family reunion" that brings the county together. Tom Stannard, general manager of

Wellington Implement, wrote that he sees no way to safely hold the fair and said it's in the best interests of all involved to cancel it for the year. Meyers said about 95 percent of the letters were in favor of going ahead with the fair. Even if that happens, there are some logistical headaches to deal with. For example, keeping people at a safe distance from each other could be a challenge: "The bummer that we have is this crazy American idea of human nature, of you can't tell me what to do," said Pittsfield Township representative Chris Jordan. And coronavirus problems aside, rabbit barns could be in danger of closing down because of their own deadly threat — it's called rabbit hemorrhagic disease, and it's sweeping North America. Whether other livestock exhibitors show up is anyone's guess. Some are looking for any place to show their animals, while others are saying they'll stay away for safety, fair directors said. New ideas New features could help the fair make up for lost cash — such as a fireworks show being planned for Friday, July 3. Meyers said it could be a huge draw, since COVID-19 has led many towns to cancel Independence Day displays. Donations are needed to make the launch happen. A 25-minute show will cost about $7,000. The fair board pledged up to $1,000 and Meyers said the village of Wellington is willing to front another $2,000. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce canceled its annual fireworks show in May, and do not plan to reverse course. Penfield representative Tim Sickles championed another idea, but not for August. He suggested holding a three-day demolition derby in October to help make up for lost fair revenue. "There's guys out there champing at the bit to come," he said.

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Thursday, June 18, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

GIBSONS

FROM A2

amounts awarded by the jury, without any application of the statutory punitive cap," Gibsons attorneys wrote. "A mere mechanical application of the punitive cap does not appropriately and reasonably serve the purposes of punitive damages — to punish Oberlin College and (Vice President and) Dean (of Students Meredith) Raimondo and also deter them from future tortious conduct." The monetary awards came at the end of a two-month trial. The case made history at the time with the largest monetary award by a jury for libel ever in the state of Ohio. In their appeal filed in the 9th District appeals court earlier this month, Oberlin College attorneys argued that Miraldi improperly denied motions to dismiss the case, failed to order a new trial and failed to appropriately cap punitive damages. He also allegedly enhanced attorney fees awarded to the Gibsons to $6.5 million, using an improper calculation, the college argued. In November 2016, Oberlin College students protested the bakery for two days after three students were arrested after an altercation with Allyn D. Gibson, the son of the bakery's late co-owner David Gibson, outside the store. One of the students had tried to buy alcohol with a fake ID and shoplifted two bottles of wine. Allyn D. Gibson chased the student out of the store and was assaulted on the sidewalk by all three students, who later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in municipal court. An Oberlin College Student Senate resolution declaring the bakery racists also was posted.

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Trooper released from hospital DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

AMHERST TWP. — An Ohio Highway Patrol trooper was hit last week while directing traffic at Middle Ridge Road and State Route and taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Cynthia Gehlmann, a veteran trooper of 21 years, was released from Mercy Health Lorain Hospital on Monday. Lt. Alan Dunbar, commander of the highway patrol's Elyria post, said "things are looking up" for her. She suffered fractured bones and other injuries, and she was knocked unconscious by the impact, according to media reports and a recorded 911 dispatch call. The day after the June 9 crash was a difficult one for members of the Patrol, who he said are "like a family." Gehlmann, 49, left the hospital under the watchful eyes of a number of law enforcement officers who showed up to see her released from the hospital to go home and recuperate. Dunbar said he thought there was at least one officer representing each of Lorain County's police agencies present when Gehlmann was released, and that she was headed home to be reunited with her son. "I can't thank those local partners enough, to come out and have her back," Dunbar said. "It meant the world to Cindy and means the world to us. It's awesome to see law enforcement come together when one of their sisters or brothers is injured." Gehlmann was struck around 6:10 p.m. last Tuesday by a 2020 Kia Sportage making a left turn onto Middle Ridge from the Route 2 offramp, according to a release from the highway patrol. Witnesses said the light at the intersection was not working at the time, which is why Gehlmann was out directing traffic. She was wear-

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Lorain County Sheriff's Office investigate the scene of a crash where trooper was struck on Middle Ridge near the on and exit ramps of Route 2. ing a reflective safety vest when she was struck, Dunbar said. As of press time Tuesday, charges had not been filed against 55-yearold Edward Balmert, the Lorain motorist who hit Gehlmann. Balmert will be given the benefit of the doubt until troopers complete their investigation into the crash, Dunbar said. "He's innocent until proven guilty and he deserves a fair shake," the lieutenant said. "We're still in the information-gathering portion" of the investigation, he said. Being in a vehicle that is hit is one thing, Dunbar said, due to the many safety devices and the fact a motorist is in a steel cage. Troopers try to keep their cruiser lights on at crash scenes and on traffic stops and try to "be proactive instead of reactive." "We keep our lights on and stay visible, and hope people will understanding we're out here trying to save lives," he said. "But when you're outside your vehicle, there's no protection. I'm very grateful that my officers always

wear their reflective vests," he said, adding that evidence from the scene shows that Gehlmann "was doing all the right things." Mercy Health Hospital, which has a trauma center, "did a wonderful job" caring for Gehlmann, Dunbar said, praising the staff there. Gehlmann did not need to be transferred to another hospital for treatment. "Mercy is a wonderful hospital and we are so appreciative and grateful to them for giving us back our Cindy," he said. The Lorain Police Department, at the direction of Capt. Mike Failing, also organized a support parade of police cruisers and other vehicles at the hospital on Friday night. Dunbar said he thanked Police Chief James McCann personally and said Lorain police have been "a great friend to us." He said Gehlmann's prognosis is good, and that her timeline for returning to duty is unknown and will be "up to the doctors." "We look forward to the day she comes back to work," he said.

Juneteenth celebrates the date in 1865 when the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted, abolishing slavery. It has been a holiday in Oberlin since 2004. The 2020 theme in Oberlin focuses on the stories of African-American women since 1860. Oberlin City council passed a proclamation Monday, saying Juneteenth "remains a constant reminder that despite

the tremendous gains we have made, there is still more work to be done to secure justice and equal treatment for every American." Longtime organizer Adenike Sharpley said some elements of the observance are being postponed. A monument will be dedicated on Saturday, Sept. 19 in Potter's Field at Westwood Cemetery.

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HELP WANTED WELLINGTON LAW OFFICE is seeking general office staff and/or receptionist for part-time to potential full time position. Ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and computer skills. Send cover letter & resume via fax to 440- 647-9506 or email brett@ murnerlaw.com Immediate openings.

AUTOMOBILES MG Midget 1977, 66,300 mi. New weber carb, rebuilt front shocks, $6500. 440-823-7409

SALES WELLINGTON 19940 Quarry Rd., Thurs-Sat., 9-5 furniture, clothes, tools

MISC.

GENERIC Electric start portable gas generator, never used $799; patio 9ft sunbrella & base nearly new, sm umbrella table, still in package $300. 440-985-0341

LEGALS

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of South Amherst Council, at a special meeting on Monday June 29, 2020 at 7 pm, will meet for the purpose of discussing the 2021 Tax Budget. The Public is invited. L.C.C.G. 6/18-25/20 20664670

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the South Lorain County

Ambulance District Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on their proposed financial budget for 2021, on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at 6:45 p.m. at 179 East Herrick Avenue, Wellington, Ohio. BY ORDER OF THE SOUTH LORAIN COUNTY AMBULANCE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Amy Szmania, Fiscal Officer L.C.C.G. 6/18-25/20 20664743

LEGAL NOTICE DATE: July 1st, 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. # 11-2020 6930 Staghorn Lane Variance requested to install fence ten (10) feet from right of way on corner lot. Section 1125.04 (E) No fence shall be ereceted within twenty (20) feet of right of way on corner lots. R-PUD zoning Jonathon Broz, applicant. B.A. #12-2020 5580 Boxwood Dr. Variance requested to install fence eighteen (18) feet from public right of way on corner lot. Section 1125.04 (E) No fence shall be erected within twenty (20) feet of right of way on corner lot. R-1B zoning Reuben Figueroa, applicant. PLANNING COMMISSION Disposition of minutes from previous Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission Meetings. 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. Held in abeyance from June 3rd, 2020 meeting. Richard G. Klinar, ACTING SECRETARY, LORAIN CITY PLANNING COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS IF APPLICANT UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE CALL (440) 204-2034 L.C.C.G. 6/18/20 20664826 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; 6/4-11-1825/20 20662461

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Please be advised that Lorain City Council will host a public hearing on Monday, July 13, 2020 @ 5 p.m. in the Lorain City Hall Council Chamber, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, to discuss the following items: a. An application to rezone properties located on Oak Point Road (PPN 02-03-007000-237 & 02-03-006-103020 & 05-00-001-000-298) from R-1A to R-PUD Residential Planned Unit Development, Tom Oster is the applicant (ZCA-3-2020). The Lorain City Planning Commission met on February 6, 2020, and recommend approval to Lorain City Council. b. An application to rezone PPN 02-03-006-103-019 Oak Point Road from R-1A to R-PUD, Tom Oster is the applicant. (ZCA-4-2020). c. An application to rezone property located at 3725 Grove Ave. (known as 2239 Homewood Dr.) from I-1 Light Industrial to B-2 General Business District, Drew Crawford @ City of Lorain is the applicant. (ZCA-5-2020). The Lorain City Planning Commission met on June 3, 2020 and recommended approval of items b & c to Lorain City Council Copies of all documentation related to these proposal will be on view for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Council, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Please contact Nancy_ Greer@cityoflorain.org for additional information. Due to the COVID pandemic, please contact the office for up to date attendance information prior to hearing @ 440-204-2050. NANCY GREER, CMC L.C.C.G. 6/11-18/20 20664417

Juneteenth 2020

The celebration of Juneteenth in Lorain County will look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers in Oberlin, Lorain and Elyria are planning a caravana-style event Saturday instead of festivals and observances of Maafa, the African holocaust of enslavement. Details were not available at press time — check www.chroniclet.com for information.

COLLEGE

FROM A1 high-risk groups such as people over 65 and those with pre-existing conditions to participate without feeling they are putting themselves at risk. We are reinventing our residential and classroom facilities and food services, with public health and safety at the forefront of our thinking." Normally, the college has fall and spring semesters separated by a limited winter term. Ambar's plan for 2020-21 is to have fall, spring and summer semesters — students will attend two of the three. First-years and seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences will attend in the fall and spring, along with students attending the Conservatory of Music and those seeking double degrees. Arts and sciences sophomores will attend in the fall and summer, and juniors will attend in the spring and summer. Sports seasons will dictate which semesters athletes attend. Barring new orders from Gov. Mike DeWine, classes are set to begin Aug. 31. Orientation and move-in will start in mid-August. When students arrive, they'll each be assigned their own dorm rooms, with no roommates. Shared areas, such as residence hall kitchens, will be restricted and there will be extra cleaning supplies available for restrooms.

The Oberlin Student Cooperative Association is temporarily suspending its housing and dining operations. College-operated dining services may spread out to multiple kitchens and dining rooms, and there will be grab-and-go meal options. There will be no fall or spring breaks, a move intended to reduce student travel to and from campus. When students leave for Thanksgiving break, they will not return until January. Spring term will start earlier than usual, in January, and also end early, in mid-April. Oberlin College's first summer term will begin shortly after commencement in May and extend through mid-August. Ambar said classes will be social distanced, with students seated six feet from each other. The oncampus experience will likely include a mix of in-person classes, remote work and hybrid courses. "For example, one could imagine a large class that might conduct lecture portions of the course remotely via Zoom allowing students to participate from their single dorm room but be in person for the studio or laboratory portions of the course," Ambar wrote. "We also will extend the class day as well as conduct some classes on Saturdays."

Student organizations and small events will still be allowed, but Ambar said "we should also talk about some of the things that will likely not be a part of our typical experience." They include large concerts and other gatherings, and there are talks across the North Coast Athletic Conference about how sports will work. All Oberlin College workers and students will be expected to wear masks, be tested, wash hands, and undergo daily symptom monitoring via an app. "We will ask you to bring your own thermometer to campus, and to use it before beginning each day," Ambar wrote. "We have acquired cloth masks for all students, faculty, and staff and we will distribute these when you arrive on campus and remind you when you should wear them. We will explain how to use the daily online screening tool app to help detect symptoms of COVID-19. We also will ask you to be particularly careful during the two weeks prior to coming to Oberlin, and to take great care when traveling here." The college is finalizing a contract with a private testing firm called Tempus to provide regular COVID-19 testing for everyone on campus. The type of test used will detect the virus even if there are no symptoms

presenting. The goal is to do testing for up to 25 percent of the college population each week, Ambar wrote. Oberlin College is also in negotiations with nearby Mercy Health Allen Hospital to administer tests, first during the move-in period and then weekly — that would mean testing 3,500 or more people in August and then similar numbers each month. "This won’t be easy, as it will require significant logistics and coordination, as well as a substantial financial investment," Ambar wrote. "The College will be fully funding our faculty and staff, and we will be asking for some family support in the form of a testing fee for students. We did not come to this decision lightly, but public health experts say this is the best way to help ensure viral spread does not catch us by surprise." Part of student orientation will focus on health and etiquette, as well as how to limit off-campus travel. Ambar said they will see new flows for foot traffic, including new signs, plexiglass barriers and other protections being installed in many buildings. A 65-room residential building has been set aside for students who must go into quarantine. Those rooms have private bathrooms for students who are ill.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

FIRELANDS

FROM A1 "I didn't expect it to be like this. I thought it would be different. I wish everybody could graduate together," she said. Von Gunten said it was hard, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to deprive seniors of their last games last plays, last concerts, banquets, prom and a traditional commencement ceremony in the Falcons' stadium. "To have that stripped away, that's a lot for our kids to face," he said. "Our kids, as all kids, not just in Firelands but across the country, we've seen some great stories abut our young people persevering. I think there's a lot to learn about how they've moved through this time. It's inspiring." Principal Bob Maver said senior class officers had wanted to hold off until July for a ceremony in the stadium, but as the school year wound down, all signals pointed to long-lasting restrictions on big gatherings. With just 113 graduates, the Firelands Class of 2020 is far smaller than usual, he said. That's expected to change â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the classes of 2021 through 2024 number about 150. But despite its small size, the Class of 2020 has seen great successes. Four students earned associate degrees from Lorain County Community College along with their high school diplomas: Kyle Griebe, Robert Rose and Emily Stewart each earned one, and Janosik earned two. Nearly half of the graduates celebrated membership in the National Honor Society or National Technical Honor Society. The district is also celebrating Cornwell, the only graduating senior who plans to enter the military. He's signing up for eight years in the Ohio Army National Guard, inspired by family members who spent time in the Navy. "I want to still serve but stay home," he said. "I always wanted to serve, and I come from a serving family." The decision is a very personal one, Cornwell said, but also a way to further a career in heavy construction. Commencement is also a time for Maver to say goodbye. He is leaving this summer to take the job as director of human resources for the Westlake Schools. He said he'll miss spending time with kids, and the strong bonds within the Firelands community. "It was a tough decision because I like it here," Maver said. "But it's a good move for my family, and it takes me one step closer to my goal of one day being a school district treasurer." Since his early days as a math teacher, Maver said he's wanted to oversee a small district's finances, he said. Cathy Keener, who has served as assistant principal the past four years, will step into the lead role at Firelands High.

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A5 Clockwise: Ben Britton shows off his diploma after crossing the stage Monday, June 8, inside the Firelands High School gym. Allesandra Davis waves to her family, seated a few feet away in a near-empty gymnasium. Brianna Toledo shows off her walking papers.

Page A6

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

egend says the Monkey King was born from a magic stone that sits atop the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit.

This stoneis noordinary stone.When the wind blows on the stone, it turns into a stone monkey that can crawl andwalk. His nameis SunWukong.

n the mountain, Sun Wukong becomes friendswith agroup of monkeys.

Sun Wukong dre picturres to showw a series became Monkey how he strong wind has King. But a away and mixed blown them u Number thempinthe order. coorrect order. the

One day, SunWukong and his friends climbed the mountain to a waterfall. They decided that whoever could go through the waterfall and come out again would become their king. SunWukong jumped into the waterfall. And on the other side, he found a cave.

unWukong returned to his monkey friends and convinced them to jump into the waterfall and then come to live inthe cave with him.

he Monkey King found his magic weapon in the underwater kingdom ofthe Dragon King. It was a long staffwith bands ofgold on each end and weighed 17,550 lbs (7960 kg)!

The strong Monkey King pickedup the staff and becameits master.The staff did whatever the Monkey King told itto do!

His friends joined him and declared him their king. He took the throne and called himself Handsome Monkey King.

Big, Bigger,

BIGGEST!

When the Monkey King lifted the staff, he said, “Asmaller size wouldbe easier to carry.”

HOW MANY BANANAS CANYOU FIND ONTHIS PAGE?

Look through the newspaper for an adjective. Write the adjective three different ways, such as big, bigger and biggest. Small, smaller and smallest.

t the Monkey King’s command, the staff shrank to become a shorter staff that was much lighter.When he didn’t need the staff, he would shrink itdown to the size of a tiny sewing needle. Where did he hide it? Circle every other letter to find the answer:

AIKNWSPIBDNESHQITSKEDAVR

Some say the Monkey King could leap from cloud to cloud and travel through the sky. Help the Monkey King get through the cloud maze.

WATERFALL MOUNTAIN DROUGHT SMALLER MONKEY WUKONG SHRINK STAFF MAGIC STONE KING CAVE WEST WIND

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Know the meaning of adjectives.

2. The Monkey King was born when wind blew over a magic __________. a. stone b. coconut c. lake d. cloud 3. Behindthewaterfall, the Monkey King found a ___________ . a. treasure b. cave c. crown d. rope 4. The mountain where the Monkey King was born is known as the Mountain of ________ and ________. a. Powers and Magic b. Flowersand Fruit c. Flowersand Bananas d. Power and Fruit 5. The Monkey King got his magic staff from the ____________ ________. a. Snow Queen b.Tree ofMagic c. Dragon King d. Lucky Jungle 6. When he didn’t need it, the Monkey King made his magic staffvery tiny and hid it in his ______. a. bedroom closet b. toolbox c. pocket d. ear 7. Inside the cave there is a spring that is always full of _______. a. water b. flowers c. gold d. jewels

Mount Huaguo and a real waterfall there are believed to be the inspiration for the Mountain of Flowers and Fruitwhere some of the stories of the Monkey King take place.There really is a cave hidden behind a waterfall curtain in the mountain. Insideare many ancient carvings.There is also a spring called Lingquan Spring. It is notbig, but it is always full ofwater, even when there is a drought.

L L A F R E T A W C

K V G E Y S K R G I

E E K N H I E N N G

G W N R O L I O O A F I

I O L K L E G M

This week’s word:

INSPIRATION

The noun inspiration means something that makes you feel creative.

E N I A T N U O M I

The inspiration for the painting came from nature.

S S D R O U G H T G

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

K D M N T S E W N D

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

Summer Jokes & Riddles

ANSWER: A monkey!

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

1. To become King, the stone monkey had to jump through a big _____________. a.waterfall b. ringoffire c. snowstorm d. window

M O N C Y S T A F F

Find the Monkey King a Friend

Look through the newspaper for a person you think would be a good friend for the Monkey King. Write a letter to the Monkey King telling him why this person would be a good friend.

Test your powers of reading! Can you answer all of thesequestions? The answers can be found on today’s Kid Scoop page.

Write your favorite jokes and riddles on little slips of paper and mail them to friends or family to create summer smiles across the miles!

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, June 18, 2020

Graduate overcomes disorder called selective mutism JASON HAWK EDITOR

CAMDEN TWP. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; When Savanah Murray was in preschool, she couldn't talk to anyone but close family members. In grade school, she could only whisper to a few teachers. It wasn't shyness. Murray, a resident of Camden Township, has had to work her entire life to overcome an anxiety disorder called selective mutism, which prevents people from being able to speak in social situations that Kristin Bauer | Chronicle might not give others any trouble Firelands High School graduate Savanah Murray, 18, tosses at all. "It was very hard for my first her cap Tuesday, June 9. Murray plans to attend Lorain County Community College, then continue her education at few years, and the last couple as well," she said, getting ready Ohio State to study meteorology.

Tuesday to receive her diploma and graduate from Firelands High School. Jennifer Murray said her daughter has now completely overcome selective mutism, and credits the Firelands Schools with helping. As a freshman, Savanah went to staff at the Henrietta Township high school armed with a plan: She wanted to read the announcements over the speakers. The idea was that she could have her voice heard without all eyes on her. "She was bold and wanted a breakthrough," Jennifer said. Savanah started by reading off birthdays, and made a breakthrough. After that, she started speaking in school and found it

An original anti-fascist

easier to make friends. Savanah was four when she first realized she didn't talk like other kids. She said trying brought on an intense fear of being judged, a fear so deep that she felt frozen. Speaking was the problem, not being out in public. As a dancer since age five, she felt fine performing in front of hundreds of people each year at the Lorain Palace Theater. By third grade, teachers questioned why Savanah wouldn't read aloud. Two years later, she started receiving special services at school, and her mother said Firelands teachers learned how to help. "That was a good thing, be MUTISM PAGE B2

Ambulance crews will use UV light against COVID-19 JASON HAWK EDITOR

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

OBERLIN â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ultraviolet light devices will be used to sterilize Central Ambulance District trucks, even killing COVID-19. A grant will cover the $11,985 purchase order placed last Thursday for three EvergreenUV air and surface disinfection lamps, said Jimmie Ward II, supervisor of emergency services at Mercy Health Allen Hospital. The devices look strangely like mosquito zappers, with wire mesh cages â&#x20AC;&#x201D; except instead of blood suckers, they're designed to zap bacteria and viruses, mold, yeast and bed bug eggs. The devices "will ensure the patient compartment is germ-free, keeping the patient and the staff safer in the long run," said Ward. Because of demand during the pandemic, orders are backed up for six to eight weeks, he said. Until then, the normal cleaning regimen is daily truck wipe-downs with spray and wipes. Ambulances are also cleaned with chemicals after every run during the pandemic. That process is nowhere near as effective as the UV devices, which will kill 99.99999 percent of germs and viruses, Ward said. The COVID-19 threat has changed the way emergency medical personnel operate, he said, and more is

Michael Gronsky waves as a parade passes Friday in front of his Annis Road home in South Amherst.

UV LIGHT PAGE B2

Turning 95, World War II hero recounts concentration camp rescues

JASON HAWK EDITOR

SOUTH AMHERST â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mike Gronsky got the surprise of his very long life Friday when a parade rolled by his house. The World War II veteran was sitting in the yard of his Annis Road home, celebrating his 95th birthday with family when sirens started wailing and horns began honking. "What is this?" he asked in amazement, watching fire engines, motorcycles and cars stream past. "Is this for me?" Caretaker Beckie Palella said Gronsky's loved ones planned the party for weeks as a way to celebrate

a friend and war hero. She described the 95-year-old veteran as a straight shooter, always ready to give. "My kids love him. They consider him like family," she said. Well-wishers spent time looking at photos from his days in the Army. After graduating from Henrietta High School in 1943, Gronsky spent four years in uniform, fighting in France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Japan and the Philippines. Ask him about the war and he's ready with a dozen stories: Gronsky shared what it felt like to kill a man, and estimated he took the lives of more than 100 enemy soldiers. "I didn't want to do it, but I had a job to do," he said, a faraway look in

his eyes. He talked Friday about peeling hundreds of pounds of potatoes, diving into a foxhole â&#x20AC;&#x201D; "If you want to live, you dig like a gopher" â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and rescuing 500 naked Jewish women from a German concentration camp. "I'd never seen a naked woman in my life," he said. "That 16-year-old came up, put her arms around me and kissed me. She said, 'Thank you for liberating me.'" At another death camp, his unit found men who "were just skin and bones," Gronsky said. "There were a lot of dead ones, and there was a stench from the dead flesh. I don't know, it makes your head swim just

JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON TWP. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A judge is allowing First Energy to skip further public information meetings about its plans to build 23.2 miles of transmission lines. The COVID-19 pandemic is too dangerous for a state-required information session to be held, subsid-

Near the village, two alternate routes have been proposed for taking the transmission line east. First Energy has touted the project as a way to back up power in the southern part of Lorain County, building up capacity while also preventing outages. For the project to move forward, ATSI needs a certificate from the Ohio Power Siting Board â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and public information

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meetings are a part of that process. Two such meetings were held in early January. But ATSI argued in its filings that the coronavirus orders handed down by Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton trump the need for more. The First Energy company said that "in response to the COVID-19 emergency JUDGE PAGE B2

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HERO PAGE B2

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Page B2

Season canceled

Common Ground, located in Camden Township, has canceled its summer camps and other activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes canopy tours, Life School and both team building and tree climbing adventures for the rest of the 2020 season.

MUTISM

FROM B1 cause it was definitely about a support system. We couldn't have done it alone," Jennifer Murray said. She especially credits intervention specialist Tony Reaser with making a difference in Savanah's life. "It was unbelievable how much he stuck with her, by her side, and was there for her every day," she said. "He was what she needed all along." Savanah said her faith also helped her cope with the anxiety disorder. "There were a few times I was so sad I just started praying to have a better school year," she said. As Savanah made progress, she was determined to raise awareness of selective mutism and help others. She ran campaigns like "blue-out" days to teach others about the disorder. "She wants kids to not be held back like her," said Jennifer. "She really wants other people to get better. She doesn't want anyone to be held back." Savanah also grew through 4-H, National Honor Society and classes at Lorain County Community College. She plans to continue her studies there in the fall, with the goal of earning a meteorology degree from Ohio State University. Tornadoes are "fascinating to watch" and thunderstorms are oddly calming, the 18-year-old said.

UV LIGHT

FROM B1 learned about containing the spread of the disease each day. "We have to be a little more on top of things and proactive as far as preventing it from spreading," said Ward. Paramedics wear gowns, masks, goggles and gloves to protect themselves. There is always the nagging dread that if a patient tests positive, they could get the virus too, he said. Ward also warned that medical workers can't let their guard down when COVID-19 is finally reined in. The strain is "just the beginning," he said — sure to evolve, and just one of several coronavirus strains floating around. The Central Ambulance District operates out of Mercy's Oberlin hospital, and Ward said typically handles 1,200 to 1,500 runs per year. But calls have spiked since Ohio started to reopen after two months in quarantine, said Ward. The first two weeks of June were "excessively busy," with 85 ambulance runs. Compare that to a pretty average 37 in the first two weeks of May. Ward said that in his 11 years at Mercy, he can't recall another two-week span with 85 calls.

HERO

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

FROM B1 to think about it." One of the original American anti-fascists, he still has plenty of anger for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Showing on a map how his unit marched through the Alps, Gronsky said he still regrets that the Soviets reached Hitler first, cornering him in the bunker where he ended his own life. Gronsky has much to reflect on as he approaches the century mark. Born in South Amherst in 1925, he was the son of a sandstone quarry worker. After returning from the front, he worked at General Motors, retiring after 32 years making parts. Gronsky said he's outlived two wives, survived two kinds of cancer and is now on dialysis. He told people at his birthday party that he's ready to go. Palella, who has known him since she was five years old, said that's all bravado. "He's too tough," she said. The South Amherst war hero is among the very last of the Greatest Generation. Of the 16 millions who served in World War II, only about 300,000 are still alive as of May, are alive in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. That number has fallen from 939,000 in 2015. "I'm just lucky to be one of the guys who is still alive," Gronsky said.

The big finish for Firelands seniors BROOKIE MADISON THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

HENRIETTA TWP. — Firelands Class of 2020 graduates spent four days receiving their diplomas social distance-style while the cameras rolled. Commencement culminated last Thursday. when speakers Samuel Formholtz, honored seniors Steven Iwanek Jr. and Jordan Janosik and members of the administration took the stage to deliver speeches. Formholtz, who graduated with a 4.607 GPA, said he enjoyed his Firelands experience even though he wasn't "Firelands born."' He spoke about his first day and how he had no one to eat with for lunch, until he met his friend Vince. Formholtz went on to say how Firelands taught all of its students how to interact and come to terms with reality. He also said that it is a community where everyone picks each other up when they fall. He reiterated how the Class of 2020 will always have a home in the community of Firelands. “I’m going to miss all of the teachers, my friends and all of the social parts,” he said. Iwanek, who graduated with a 4.149 GPA, said he’s going to miss seeing his closest friends who he has grown up as well as his teachers. Iwanek noted in his speech that having to speak in front of an empty gymnasium was unusual. “We dreamed of sitting on a football field, having a normal graduation,” he said. He told his classmates to embrace one another and be excited for the future. His own future starts at Bowl-

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

Jordan Janosik gets her diploma from her mother, Melisa, at Firelands graduation on June 11. ing Green State University, where he plans to study broadcast journalism and become a TV sports broadcaster. Janosik, who graduated with a 4.103 GPA, plans to attend Miami University, graduate in three years and then attend Ohio State University, with plans to become a dentist. In her speech, she questioned the purpose of school, listing that she still doesn’t know how to file taxes, apply for a loan and can barely write her name in cursive. Yet, she can use the Pythagorean theorem. “I’m excited for what my future holds, but I'm definitely going to miss everyone here, “ she said.

She made sure to point out to her classmates that “grades and scores don’t define us.” She also urged them to never give up and to have no regrets. Firelands High School Principal Bob Maver said the Class of 2020 had a tough break and thanked everyone for handling it well. “I think they’ve made this as nice as possible,” Maver said. “I think these kids who are very bright in this class are going to take this as a learning experience and hopefully go out and conquer the world.'' The full commencement ceremony will be available at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26 at www.firelandsschools.org.

Success at Ohio 4-H horse contest

Three Lorain County 4-H members competed in this year's state 4-H public speaking contest. Callie Finnegan, a sixthgrader at South Amherst Middle School, competed in individual public speaking and placed first in the state. Her topic was “Shipping Fever.” Finnegan is a member of Four Leaf Clovers 4-H Club. Chloee Howard, a sophomore at Black River High School, and Abby Lowe, a junior at Amherst Steele High School, competed in the team presentation and placed second in the state. Their topic was “The Importance of Forage in an Equine's Diet.” Both Howard and Lowe are members of Saddle-Lites 4-H Club. This year's contest was held virtually because of social distancing rules in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. CompetiProvided photos tors submitted videos of their Abby Lowe and her equine pal Maisy helped bring home an award. speeches and presentations.

Heritage Center offers online summer camp "Virtual Architecture Camp" will be offered from July 6-10 by the Oberlin Heritage Center. The program is designed for children ages eight to 13. The cost is $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Children can learn about Oberlin architecture, explore building materials, try construction challenges, sketch designs, create mini struc-

tures and envision buildings of the future. Scouts attending this camp will also complete some requirements for architecture badges. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the structure of this camp has changed from an in-person camp to a virtual one. The Heritage Center will provide pre-assembled material and activity packages for families to pick up in advance, and activities

and lessons will be administered through live online platforms and pre-recorded videos. Children will need access to a computer, tablet or smart phone for one or two hours each day. If possible, OHC will organize a walking tour of Oberlin Architecture and a lunch outing during a two-hour period on one of the camp days. Call 440-774-1700.

JUDGE

FROM B1 and its associated distancing guidelines, ATSI is not able to hold the proposed public information meeting in the area in which the project is to be located, which impedes the ability to file the Project application." Dealing with the same problem, the Ohio Legislature loosened the requirements of the state's Open Meetings Act, allowing them to be held virtually with video chat software or over the phone. City councils, planning commissions, school boards and other public bodies have made that model work. ATSI will get to use a different method, with Williams' blessing — it will send out an information package, develop a web presen-

tation and plan for one-on-one conference calls with members of the public. Ohio Assistant Attorney General Robert Eubanks wrote a letter on behalf of the siting board, saying there was no objection. He reasoned that there is still a ban on public gatherings of 10 or more people in Ohio, and the First Energy project hasn't changed since January meetings were held. Now ATSI must reveal which of the two east-west alternative routes it plans to use for the 138-kilovolt line. Wellington Village Manager Steve Dupee wrote a letter in April strongly objecting to the first of the two routes, saying it would require ATSI to double

its right-of-way through the Wellington Reservoirs Park and Parkside Reserve subdivision. Instead of 100 feet across, the right of way would be 200 feet wide where the line would pass, he said. The route would "have additional negative visual impacts to the community and could impact the use and quiet enjoyment" of the area, Dupee wrote. It could also have a structural impact on the reservoir, he said. Dupee also objected that Wellington's long-term economic development plans will require 138-kilovolt reinforcements to the north side of the village, not the south. He asked that the second proposed route, which does not

go through the village limits, be used. Resident Chris Farnsworth submitted a petition in February on behalf of landowners who would be directly affected by the project — specifically by the same route that raised Dupee's objections. "We are will not (sic) allow any further destruction of our properties," he wrote. "We will not simply not (sic) sit idle and allow our beautiful woodlands, farmlands and wetlands to be further raped at the hands of any entity." Farnsworth also argued that herbicides used by First Energy could be harmful to those who camp, fish, hunt and hike in the affected area. He also took aim at the Jan.

8 meeting First Energy held in town, calling it "a complete smoke and mirrors, dog and pony show." Blair Lanning of Huntington Township also wrote a formal objection to PUCO: "Currently I have no easement granted to the power company and intend not to have one. I see no reason to destroy my wooded hillside for a power line tower. The existing line is fine." "Many are thinking of this as a land grab," Lanning wrote. "I've worked my whole life to find this site for my retirement home. And see no reason to Grant you an easement on my property. Especially since your track record on making the public pay for your corporate mistakes."

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Wellington Kiwanis Club Oberlin Schools Endowment awards three scholarships Fund Awards $39K in grants The Kiwanis Club of Wellington continued an annual spring tradition and awarded three $1,000 scholarships to Wellington High School graduates from the Class of 2020. The awards were announced at the Wellington High graduation ceremonies May 31 and officially awarded following a special meeting conducted via Zoom on June 11. Recipients include: • Jenna Calfo, daughter of Joe and Amy Calfo. She was a four-year member of WHS Key Club including president her senior year. She played basketball, track and soccer and was a member of the Athletic Leadership Council. A member of the National Honor Society, she was a class officer, a member of the community service day committee and active with Students Against Destructive Decisions, yearbook and Friends of Rachel. Calfo plans to study early childhood education at Ashland University. • Grace Dudziak, daughter of Todd and Angela Dudziak. She was captain of the Dukes girls basketball and soccer teams, lettered in track and became the first woman to ever letter in football at WHS.

Jenna Calfo As secretary of NHS, she was active in the Athletic Leadership Council, the Lorain County JVS National Technical Honor Society and the Principal Advisory Committee. Dudziak plans to study nursing at the University of Toledo. • Alexis Starner, daughter of Ezra and Rebecca Starner. Valedictorian for the Class of 2020, she was active in NHS, soccer, cheerleading, track, served as junior class vice president and was a member of the Athletic Leadership Council. Starner plans to major in biology at Ohio Northern University, following the pre-med track. Kiwanis raised scholarship funds through its annual Morris Furcron

Grace Dudziak

Alexis Starner Memorial Nut Sale. Kiwanis has been serving the youth of Wellington 96 years. While in-person meetings have yet to resume, normal meetings are held at noon on the first and third Thursdays at Bread-N-Brew Restaurant, located on the square in downtown Wellington.

Amherst native retires as Army general after 40-year career Brig. Gen. Jeff Ireland, a native of Amherst, has retired from the Montana Army National Guard at Fort William Henry Harrison. He served as both an enlisted soldier and an officer with the Guard for the past 40 years, eight of which were spent as the director of joint staff and the state’s senior federal official. Ireland graduated from Amherst's Marion L. Steele High School in 1979 and joined the National Guard in 1980 as a student at the University of Montana. Working a full-time job while attending college and maintaining his military training and educational requirements was challenging, especially with a young family, but Ireland said that his hard work and determination paid off. He received a bachelor's degree in 1989 and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College in 2009. Ireland is a joint-qualified officer, fully credentialed to serve as a dual-status commander during any state or federal activation. Following a PTSD-related death in 2007, Ireland implemented the Montana Yellow Ribbon Program, designed to

Brig. Gen. Jeff Ireland better prepare service members and their families for deployments and to help speed readjustments afterward. Ireland also partnered with Montana congressional delegates in helping to mandate the program for all reserve components nationwide. His efforts led to the development of a joint suicide prevention and crisis intervention program and an expansion of available behavioral health resources that continue to support the Montana Guard’s 3,400 soldiers and airmen today. “It has been an honor for me to serve my state and country in uniform. What an amazing experience it’s been to be a part of a team whose trained professionals are ready to respond anytime, anywhere

and at a moment’s notice to do whatever is necessary to safeguard our states and our nation,” Ireland said. “I look forward to joining the ranks of the veterans who have come before me with the hope that my service will pay tribute to theirs, as collectively we must each do our duty to protect the freedoms and security we all enjoy as Americans, regardless of the cost.” For more than 25 years, Ireland served as a drilling guardsman working for state government and private industry, achieving senior vice president status, while maintaining his training and readiness requirements with the National Guard. “General Ireland has served his country and Montana admirably over the course of his 40-year career. His personal and professional contributions have brought credit to the state and the Soldiers and Airmen of the Montana National Guard. His efforts will have a long and lasting positive impact on our organization for years to come," said Maj. Gen. Matt Quinn, adjutant general for Montana. "Jeff is an outstanding leader and public servant and he will be missed."

Townships get $428K in storm water grants Lorain County commissioners have approved six community grants from seven townships for storm water management projects totaling $428,647. A seventh grant of $49,500 is possible if funds become available. Up to $400,000 in grants are offered each year to townships through the Lorain County Storm Water Management District. The goal is to fix water infrastructure and reduce the severity of flooding. This year there was approximately $460,000 available to award. “The grant program has really created some good results with residents seeing improvements in their neighborhoods.” Commissioner Sharon Sweda said. Awards include: • $5,596 for storm water improvement

on Hawke Road in Columbia Township. • $129,000 for a third phase of work on the Engle ditch in Amherst Township. • $134,250 for a lateral on Quarry Road in Pittsfield Township. • $60,000 for a New London-Eastern Road culvert in Huntington Township. • $91,000 for continued restoration of the Kobelt ditch in LaGrange Township. Huntington, Wellington, Pittsfield and Rochester townships also won a joint application to share in the purchase of a Gradall, a type of excavator with a telescoping boom. If funds come available, the commissioners also approved $49,500 in improvements to Gore Orphanage Road in Brownhelm Township. It will be used to install curbing to stop erosion along a hillside.

The Oberlin Schools Endowment Fund recently awarded $26,499 in grants for enrichment projects at the Oberlin City Schools. Previously, another $12,500 was awarded, for a total of $38,999 in grants for the 2019-2020 school year. Here’s a look at the awards from this spring: • $1,000 for the positive behavior program to help create a positive climate at Oberlin High School for students and staff. • $1,950 for "Inquiry Through Songwriting" for Eastwood students. • $1,543 for hands-on weather experiments with second graders at Eastwood Elementary. • $5,500 for the OHS Interact Club's Backpack Program, providing weekend meals for more than 170 students. • $2,505 to purchase instruments for Prospect and Langston students. • $4,000 for a Langston Middle School eighth-grade field trip to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg. • $2,100 for the eSports junior varsity team to provide components to build computers. • $850 for a Prospect student visit to Hale Farm, Little Red Schoolhouse and Oberlin bus tour.

• $ 1,100 for the "We Are Oberlin" student-led mural design. • $ 3,500 for recess equipment for Langston students. • $ 1,500 for a Junior Ohio Model United Nations trip to Columbus for Langston students. • $ 951 for a therapeutic sensory space at Langston to support mental and emotional health. Last fall, OSEF awarded $12,500 in grants to fund 12 programs focused on arts and music, community and helping students stay healthy. With a new school facility in the works, one particular grant was awarded to help preserve history at the high school by photographing the student paintings in the OHS building. Another was intended to help students and their families learn to prepare healthy slow-cooker meals with food from the school pantry. The Oberlin Schools Endowment Fund is in its 33rd year and operates under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. Contributions from the many generous supporters of the endowment make all of these grants possible. If you are inspired to contribute, visit www.peoplewhocare.org/funds or send a check to the Community Foundation, 9080 Leavitt Rd., Elyria, OH 44035.

OberlinKids celebrates six years OBERLIN — OberlinKids, a United Way of Greater Lorain County collaborative, is celebrating its sixth year with a giveaway. Current and new members have a chance to have gift cards mailed to them for updating their annual On Track for Kindergarten screenings in June. On Track for Kindergarten has been streamlined. It can now be done online in less than half an hour. It's also still available by paper and can be done over the phone with assistance from OberlinKids Director Jenn Keathley at 440-371-0113. OberlinKids' mission is to ensure all children in Oberlin enter school healthy and ready to learn. Children and their families take part in annual play-based developmental and social-emotional screenings through On Track for Kindergarten. Registered families have access to free literacy kits, the Lorain County Imagination Library, play groups and family programming. If a child has an identified need or

concern, the family is supported in attaining appropriate evaluations and services. A goal of OberlinKids is to have all children up to age five in Oberlin as registered members of this program. “Kindergarten readiness is vital to a child’s success in life. Research shows that kids who start school behind remain behind. Our mission is to create a positive impact on the children and families in our community,” said Keathley. “Even if a parent or caregiver does not have concerns about their child they should still complete a screening every year to make sure the child is staying on track. Everyone can benefit from knowing what ways they can boost their child’s learning through play." Families in or planning to open enroll in the Oberlin City Schools and have children age birth to kindergarten, regardless of income or ability levels, can register for the free services at www. oberlinkids.org or by calling 440-3710113.

Hydrant flushing

present, providing a look at the impact the businesses have made on the community. She will highlight the long, remarkable history of these individuals, including their accomplishments, struggles and the legacies they left behind. Advance registration is required at www.tinyurl.com/OHCManahan. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The Oberlin Water Department will flush water mains in the city to test fire hydrants and improve water quality. This routine maintenance procedure will begin Monday, June 22 and continue through Thursday, July 2. The majority of the flushing will be performed between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. to minimize inconvenience to water customers. If required, flushing may continue during daytime hours. Be sure to check tap water for discoloration before starting laundry or food preparation. If the water is cloudy, only cold water faucets should be turned on until the water clears.

History program

“A History of African-American Business Owners” will be presented at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19 in a free Zoom presentation courtesy of the Oberlin Heritage Center. Amanda Manahan, the center’s museum education and tour coordinator, will present a 30-minute illustrated program about some of the many black business owners of Oberlin’s past and

School donation

A $1,000 gift has been received by the Amherst Board of Education from Laureen Hughett. The money was donated to the cafeteria system at the Amherst Schools to help with costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Russia meeting

A special meeting of the New Russia Township Zoning Board will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23 at 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd. The purpose is to discuss a junk car resolution.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 JUNE 11, 2020 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live JUNE 23, 2020 .........OPEN SPACE COMMISSION - 5:00PM JUNE 23, 2020 .........RESOURCE CONSERVATION & RECOVERY - 6:30PM 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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Students demand Oberlin College action on race relations, diversity JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — A list of demands "calling attention to and condemning white supremacy and anti-Black racism in the United States" has been released by the Oberlin College Student Senate. The demands were posted to social media this weekend, against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement and with marches against police brutality happening all over the world. The student government wants to know about Oberlin College security's relationship with the city police department, and what jurisdiction police officers have on campus. "We work hand-in-hand with college safety and security," said Oberlin Police Lt. Mike McCloskey. "Generally things that happen on campus that are minor in nature are handled internally by campus security." Sexual assaults and other serious crimes are investigated by police. However, McCloskey said that as a private institution, Oberlin College has the right to decline police assistance. That's what typically happens, for example, when drugs or paraphernalia are found on campus. They are turned over to police for destruction, but there is no investigation. Other demands by the Student Senate call for all first-year students to take a "Power, Privilege and Oppression" training within a month of arriving on campus, for more works by black composers to be featured in large ensemble projects and more black faculty members to be hired.

The senate also voiced support for a racial justice initiative announced this month by Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar. She envisions courses, events and internships "focused on the very issues that the death of George Floyd evokes." Floyd was a 46-year-old black man killed by white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who now faces murder and manslaughter charges. Student senators said Ambar's announcement showed "courageous leadership" and they are excited to support her plan. "Oberlin has a long history of showing progressive leadership as it relates to race, and how we respond in this moment builds upon that legacy," the group wrote along with the demands. The Student Senate has planned a racial justice listening session for Monday, June 22 via Zoom for black students and faculty members to talk with student senators. Non-black senators will be required to remain silent during the event. The purpose of the session, according to the senate's post, is to give black students and faculty a chance to express concerns of white supremacy, police violence and the complacency of peers on campus. Those concerns will be addressed a racial justice task force, which will meet every two weeks starting Monday, June 29. It is intended to eventually become a Student Senate committee in the fall. The body also fully endorsed a list of 21 "demands, not suggestions" made this weekend by Abusua, the black stu-

dent union at Oberlin College, along with the Africana community. They were published over the weekend in The Oberlin Review student newspaper, expressing "anger and dissatisfaction" with the college administration. Highlights include: • Job security for United Auto Workers employees that hold jobs on campus, and who received layoff notices this winter. • COVID-19 tests that are easily accessible to all students with quick results. • A zero-tolerance policy on racial insensitivity and mandatory training on cultural diversity for college workers, and the hiring of a diversity officer to hold employees accountable. • Reinstatement of free, full psychological evaluations that are available to all students. • Monthly meetings with key college personnel to give input on how decisions affect black students. • A requirement for students to take an Africana studies class. • Further funding for Africana studies and the Afrikan Heritage House, the annual Black History Month celebration, commencement weekend activities for black families and the Africana welcoming event during orientation. • Three student assistants for the Afrikan Heritage House to help organize community events. • Options to donate to the Afrikan Heritage House and Africana studies department in all fundraising events. • $5,000 for Afrikan Heritage House renovations, and in increase in custodial services there.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

MAKAYLA SCHREIBER has graduated from Amherst Steele High School. She plans to attend Slippery Rock University to study digital media production and education.

CLAIRE THEISEN has graduated from Amherst Steele High School. She plans to attend Baldwin Wallace University to study psychology, then medical school.

Four-player scramble The Wellington Dukes Golf Parents Club and the Wellington Fullbackers will hold a four-player scramble on Saturday, July 25 at Echo Valley Golf Club. It will begin with a 9 a.m. shotgun

start. The cost is $65 per player or $260 per team. Skins $20 per team, mulligans $20 per team, skirts $10 per team. Each player will tee off. After selecting which shot

to use, players will play their own ball through the hole. Teams will use the two best scores. Cash payout is based on the number of teams entered (24 teams maximum) for

first and second places. Dinner and two drink tickets are included for each player. For tickets, call Tom Guyer Jr. at (440) 309-5016 or Rob Howells at (440) 506-7019.

COCKTAILS AND MOCKTAILS ACROSS 1. Angelou and Rudolph 6. Mason’s load 9. Bobby Pickett’s “Monster ____” 13. Infection from contaminated water or food 14. Formerly Cassius Clay 15. Slow, musically speaking 16. ____ Ste. Marie, Ontario 17. Bonding words 18. Like draft beer 19. *Cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice 21. *Tropical cocktail favorite 23. Motion of approval 24. *Home of pisco sour 25. Smoker’s residue 28. Big butte 30. *It has both white and dark rum 35. Popular BBQ side 37. Pea houses 39. *Hold your drink aloft in honor 40. “Downton Abbey” countess 41. Subject of 17th century Dutch mania 43. Cote d’Azur locale 44. Teatro alla Scala offering 46. Sushi selection 47. Kind of jeans fit 48. *She famously disliked the eponymous drink 50. Chesterfield or ulster 52. Bro’s sib 53. Long and lean 55. Petting spot 57. *Negroni and boulevardier ingredient 61. Time for the big bowl games 65. Unethical loaner’s practice 66. Designed to guarantee equal rights 68. Cooler manufacturer 69. #38 Down, pl. 70. Atlantic catch 71. Musical ensemble 72. Rodeo Drive tree 73. It’s of the beholder 74. Rosetta Stone, e.g. DOWN 1. Difficult situation 2. Antioxidant-rich berry 3. Common contraction 4. Kind of wrench

AIDAN WOODS has graduated from Amherst Steele High School. He plans to attend Cleveland State University to study film production.

MEGAN DOBOS has graduated from Oberlin High School. She plans to attend the University of Toledo to study computer science on a full scholarship provided by the Lorain County Community College Foundation.

REGINA WOLF graduated with honors from Amherst Steele High School. She plans to study communication and music theater with a double minor in dance and videography. She would like to perform at Disney World and in Broadway shows. Wolf aspires to be a dance choreographer and own her own studio someday. Congratulations to all our graduating 2020 high school seniors. We know this has been a difficult end to the year, and wish you the best as you start brave new adventures. Know that Lorain County is proud of all you have done, and the good you will do!

Spirit of Wellington raffle

Main Street Wellington is coordinating the Spirit of Wellington raffle, with proceeds to be split evenly between the participating businesses. Tickets are on sale for $10 each at many locations and at www.mainstreetwellington.org. There are three prize packages that range in value from $150 to $620 with a variety of gift certificates, cash and classes. First price is a $500 gift certificate to Krystowski's Tractor Sales and $100 donated by the Law Office of Brett Murner. Buy your ticket by June 30 and tune in to the live drawing at noon on Friday, July 3 on Main Street Wellington’s Facebook page. “This raffle is one of the many ways that Main Street Wellington supports the businesses and community," said Steve Neff, chair of the Business Enhancement Committee. "I have challenged other businesses to sell the most tickets as an added friendly competition.”

5. TV’s popular portmanteau 6. Let it down to relax? 7. *____ fashioned 8. D in LED 9. Take-out handout 10. Nay sayer 11. Sun, e.g. 12. Indigenous people of northeast Arizona 15. *Nespolino fruit 20. Highly skilled 22. Elbow rest 24. Portable lock 25. Fancy tie 26. Ski run 27. Sheik’s bevy 29. *Whiskey ___ 31. Charged particles 32. Flip side, pl. 33. Binary digits code 34. Things on a list

36. “Star Trek” speed 38. Fodder holder 42. Eloise’s residence 45. Quiets 49. Otitis organ 51. *Popular mixer, pl. 54. Brother’s daughter 56. Should 57. Turning point 58. World’s largest continent 59. *To warm wine or cider and add spices 60. Junior ball 61. Green gemstone 62. Burn-soothing plant 63. Agitate 64. Yesteryear 67. *First name in cola and grenadine

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Finances steady, Confederate flag ban for fairs voted down Amherst Schools brainstorm ways to open this fall JASON HAWK EDITOR

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Income is up $2.1 million for the Amherst Schools fiscal year, and the cash balance has improved by $443,000 over last May, according to Treasurer Amy Gioffredo. But the district's financial picture is more complicated than that snapshot. The district saw its income shoot up by $831,767 over the same month last year, while expenses also increased by $1.18 million. Revenue is expected to fall off in June, with no more property tax cash expected before the new fiscal year starts mid-summer. At the same time, Amherst is expecting to net only $145,000 in each of two remaining state funding payments for the fiscal year, Gioffredo told the Board of Education last week. That means June's costs will surpass income. "But year to date, we're still doing really well," she said. Also on the horizon is a $9,000 increase in the school system's insurance premium covering property and fleet liability, rising to about $150,000. Gioffredo said the opening of the brand-new Powers Elementary School, at 119,000 square feet, increased the insurance value of the district's holdings. A special meeting has been called for 7:30 a.m. on Monday, June 29 to close out the books for FY 2020 and approve a temporary budget for the beginning of the new school year. It will be held online due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Projects Demolition and clean-up at the old Powers Elementary School on Washington Street is on target to finish by the end of June, said Superintendent Steve Sayers. The short-term plan is to seed the empty land; there are no plans to develop the site for the next year. Sayers said Building and Grounds Supervisor Chuck Grimmett wants to carefully watch drainage on the historically wet Powers property before any plans are made for its use. The sandstone sign that marked the building will be placed in storage until a decision is made on how to use it. "We want to make sure that sign is preserved," Sayers said. Old modular classrooms have been torn down outside Nord Middle School. Some of the space will be paved for additional parking. The construction of a new concession stand and restroom facility at Mercy Health Stadium is scheduled to be completed by the end of July. Fall plans Gov. Mike DeWine wants to see schools reopen for in-person classes this fall, and Amherst administrators have been "brainstorming and looked at a lot of different scenarios as we think about what school in August could look like," Sayers said. He said Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell has urged schools to hold off until the end of June or beginning of July to make decisions. More guidance is expected by that time from state health and education officials. "The process is underway. Things are moving forward," Sayers said. Assistant Superintendent Michael Molnar said 22 Amherst teachers took part in a countywide collaborative in late May, discussing how remote learning went at the end of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Administrators from all over the county reviewed teachers' feedback to learn what materials and programs were used. Building on that input, Molnar created an Amherst teachers survey and had 139 teachers share their thoughts. The replies gave some insight into professional development teachers need and what remote learning strategies worked, he said. "We've grown quite a bit with technology and how to be engaged with students, interact," Molnar said. "I think one of the biggest things we learned was how important relationships are." The ties teachers form with their students was a topic that surfaced time and again in teacher comments, and showed what is most important in their minds, he said. Contract renewals Joe Tellier has been given a three-year contract extension to continue serving as principal at Amherst Steele High School. The extension comes early — it will be effective Aug. 1, 2021, which means he will remain in charge at the school through 2024. Also receiving three-year contract renewals starting in 2021 are district Technology Supervisor Doug Cogdell and Nutrition Services Supervisor Deanne Pastva. In July The Amherst Board of Education's next regular session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13 at Steele High School. It will be an in-person meeting — the first since the Ohio Legislature voted to suspend certain Open Meetings Act requirements and allow online meetings because of pandemic quarantine restrictions.

COLUMBUS — The same day NASCAR banned the Confederate battle flag from its events, an Ohio state representative pushed for it to also be prohibited at county and local fairs. Saying racist symbols have no place in Ohio, Rep. Juanita Brent, D-Cleveland, tried last Wednesday to amend House Bill 665, which addresses fair and amusement park safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amendment was quickly rejected by Republicans in the House Agriculture Committee, in a party-line vote. “The Confederate flag is a banner of white supremacy and a reminder of our nation’s original sin of slavery,” said Brent. "That Republicans in the Ohio House cannot bring themselves to vote to condemn and

prohibit these displays of white supremacy and outright racism at our local and county exhibitions — the places where we go to celebrate the best of Ohio — is a real shame, and a black eye on this institution. If we don’t stand up to white supremacists, we stand with them.” In a fundraising letter sent to her supporters on Thursday, Brent called the vote by Ohio House Republicans "treasonous." Sales of the Confederate flag by vendors at the Lorain County Fair have been a hot issue since 2015, leading to protests. Lorain County commissioners, all Democrats, boycotted the fair, and an "alternate fair" was even organized by residents who were upset with the decision to allow those sales to continue. The Lorain County Fair board has defended continued Confederate flag sales as a First Amendment free speech issue. "That policy has the backing

of the full fair board," then-Vice President Brian Twining said in 2015. The issue grew heated that year after nine black people were murdered during a Bible study in Charleston, S.C., by white supremacist Dylann Roof. The Ohio State Fair responded by banning merchandise with Confederate symbols. Kim Meyers, current president of the Lorain County Fair board, said he stands by 40 years of allowing "Civil War memorabilia" sales and there are no plans for now to change the policy. Brent proposed her amendment while protests are being held across the nation following the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by white police officer Derek Chauvin. In the past week, a number of companies and institutions have banned display of the Dixie flag, including NASCAR.

COLUMN

Rethinking the pledge on Flag Day “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, and with liberty and justice for all.” Really? Justice for all? Not for George Floyd — he received police brutality, an injustice that was fatal to him and which inflamed and reframed racial injustice in America, vintage 2020. For my generation, the black experience in America PAST IS PRESENT JAMES BURNS was humanized by Alex Haley’s 1977 TV miniseries "Roots: The Saga of an 1792 to 1827. His reply said: American Family." We were “Your letters and story natuintroduced to Kunta Kinte, a rally thrills a buff of history young African slave translike me. On my first trip to ported to Maryland in 1767. Ireland I heard nice clean-cut Americans of all colors youth talking matter-of-factwere galvanized by Haley’s ly how on the previous night gifted storytelling, his book some Protestants had killed winning a Pulitzer Prize and some Catholics — also the "Roots" TV series atyouth like themselves.” tracting a record 130 million Haley encouraged me viewers while also igniting to write, to “communicate a new nationwide interest in more insight into... the whole family history and genealIrish confrontation which ogy. even yet mystifies me.” I attended Haley’s speech It would take a library of at the University of Florida writing to analyze the Irish in 1981 and learned that he Troubles involving “Protesalso has white Irish ancestry. tant, Catholic and Dissenter” When Haley went to a small — and with links to British village in Ireland to docuhistory and involvement. My ment that linkage, he felt people were dissenters — uncomfortable by people non-Anglican Protestants, staring at him. But he was specifically Scotch-Irish assured by a village elder Presbyterians like Davey that the stares were not racial Crockett, Andrew Jackson, discrimination, but rather and Ulysses S. Grant. due to his being Protestant. I tried to follow Haley’s I exchanged letters with advice, making eight trips Haley, telling him of my to Belfast and immersing cache of 18 family letters myself in the conflict, often from Ireland, dating from at some peril. A plastic

bullet fired during a riot nearly took off my ear. But I did manage to write many newspaper articles about the Troubles. One of my visits in Northern Ireland was to the Mountain Lodge Pentecostal Hall, a one-room wood building with a green metal roof that was attacked by terrorists one Sunday morning. They Swiss-cheesed the church with bullets, killing three people and wounding seven. I took my family of five to a Presbyterian church service one Sunday. When I asked why only one church window was stained glass, the others being plain glass, I was told that a car bomb had shattered all but that one pane of the stained-glass window above the altar. That same the same Sunday a policeman named Stanley Wray was also taking his family to church, walking hand-in-hand with his son and daughter — when he was shot in the back by terrorists. I found these church killings the most chilling. A Catholic girl named Mary Travers was killed leaving St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Belfast. Her father was targeted because he was a Catholic judge — the bullet that killed Mary passed through her father first. When Rodney King was badly beaten in Los Angeles in 1992, I wrote an article comparing the American black minority to the Catholic Irish minority in Northern

Ireland. They were called “the blacks of Belfast,” and their march from Belfast to Derry was an Irish echo of our Selma to Montgomery civil rights march. That Rodney King article ended with a chilling quote from the Irish Republican Army’s chief of staff: “The lesson we learned from the American Negro was that they could not get anything unless they organized and demonstrated to demand their rights.” The IRA commander went on to suggest that American blacks could copy them by adding a military wing to their peaceful political movement. I pray they don’t. The IRA campaign against the British Army and Protestant paramilitaries took many lives and caused havoc for three decades. The phrase finally heard in the streets of Belfast and Derry was “Enough is enough.” Haven’t we had enough here? Can we honor the memory of George Floyd with peaceful progress in civil rights and related legislation? But the bigger question, celebrating Flag Day this past weekend, is whether we cab pledge allegiance to that flag — with or without kneeling. Rest in peace, George Floyd. James Burns is an Ohio native, a retired professor at the University of Florida, and a frequent contributor. Email him at burns@ise.ufl.edu.

CONFIDENCE IN

KNOWING HER ASSETS WILL BE PROTECTED Caring for an aging loved one is often overwhelming. Wouldn’t it be comforting to know she will receive the care she needs and her legacy will be protected? You are not alone — we will be with you every step of the way.

Donation wish list

The Lorain County Free Clinic has a need for several items to help provide care to medically underserved people in the community. It is seeking donations of hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, 90 percent alcohol, reams of copy paper, and nonperishable food and hygiene items. Call 440-277-6641 to arrange donation pick up or drop off. The free clinic is located at 5040 Oberlin Ave., Lorain.

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Thursday, June 18, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

RURAL-URBAN RECORD, June 8, 2020 Page xx

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