Lorain County Community Guide - July 2, 2020

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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, July 2, 2020

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 7, Issue 27

Coronavirus isn’t going away Cases start climbing at a faster clip, younger adults getting sick JASON HAWK EDITOR

COVID-19 is starting to spread at a faster pace again in Ohio.

The number of hospital beds filled by coronavirus patients started to increase last week for the first time in more than two months, Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday.

Intensive care unit volume and the number of people using ventilators to stay alive are holding steady across Ohio. But hospitals in the Cleveland, Dayton and Cincinnati areas have seen an increase in patients, he said.

And the trend can't be just chalked up to expanded testing.

Yes, more tests have been done, but the number of positive results per 100,000 tests has risen steeply, which means the virus is getting around.

In hard-hit Hamilton County, for example, the rate has more than tripled, from about 30 positives per 100,000 tests to 100.

The good news is that no region so far has hit the 80 percent "concern threshold" for full hospital beds, DeWine said. He said Monday that he's worried after seeing problems overwhelm doctors in New York, Texas and Arizona.

Here in Lorain County, there were 39 more confirmed and probable cases added to the count over the weekend, with no more deaths.

CORONAVIRUS PAGE A4 ▼ This graph shows, week by week, the close contacts on average each Lorain County resident diagnosed with COVID-19 had. That’s the number of people who stayed within six feet of an infected person for at least 10 minutes, and it’s spiked again.

Cases by state or territory Alabama - 35,441 Alaska - 1,060 Arizona - 73,961 Arkansas - 19,818 California - 217,000 Colorado - 32,290 Connecticut - 46,303 Delaware - 11,226 Florida - 141,000 Georgia - 72,800 Hawaii - 883 Idaho - 5,350 Illinois - 143,000

Indiana - 46,071 Iowa - 28,520 Kansas - 14,016 Kentucky - 15,480 Louisiana - 56,349 Maine - 3,191 Maryland - 67,360 Massachusetts - 109,000 Michigan - 70,042 Minnesota - 35,584 Mississippi - 25,899 Missouri - 21,254 Montana - 863

Nebraska - 18,900 Nevada - 17,187 New Hampshire - 5,747 New Jersey - 173,000 New Mexico - 11,809 New York - 397,000 North Carolina - 62,178 North Dakota - 3,504 Ohio - 50,309 Oklahoma - 12,944 Oregon - 8,348 Pennsylvania - 89,785 Puerto Rico - 7189

Rhode Island - 16,661 South Carolina - 33,320 South Dakota - 6,681 Tennessee - 39,945 Texas - 152,000 Utah - 21,155 Vermont - 1,202 Virginia - 61,736 Washington - 33,341 Washington, D.C. - 10,248 West Virginia - 2,832 Wisconsin - 30,723 Wyoming - 1,417

Shake, rattle, anxiety...

Weeks of fireworks in Lorain County skies JASON HAWK and LAINA YOST

U.S. Postal Service Use Only

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

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

When fireworks go off in Betsy Amador Ramos’ neighborhood, she’s prepared for how it can affect both her husband and son.

They have been a constant source of stress over the last few weeks, as the skies over Lorain County towns light up with amateur — and illegal — displays when darkness falls.

Amador Ramos is a program coordinator at the National Alliance on Mental Illness Lorain County, but she has a personal stake. Her husband is a combat veteran and her son has an anxiety disorder.

At her job, she works with patients who live with the same nightly battle.

“It definitely triggers,” she said.

“It’s very much of a trigger. It doesn’t cause the condition, but it aggravates. It makes you think File there’s a war going on outside.”

Oberlin residents watch fireworks July 4, 2017. Like many Lorain FIREWORKS PAGE A3 County communities, Oberlin has canceled its display this year.

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Submit advertising to chama@chroniclet.com Copyright 2020 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

New Meijer supercenter sets opening date • B1

NASA engineer rides across nation for a good cause • B1

Drew Guyer’s parents give to Dukes sports teams • B5

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A2 • CROSSWORD B3 • SUDOKU B3 • KID SCOOP B6

Page A2

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES

LETTER

Robert K. "B.J." Jones

Stuart Friebert

Robert K. "B.J." Jones, 81, of Lorain, died unexpectedly at his home Monday, May 4, 2020. He was born March 18, 1939 in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, the product of a sharecropper’s family.

After completing Military Service as a paratrooper in Germany, he moved to Oberlin in 1958. He started his employment with the City of Oberlin as a police dispatcher in 1966, was appointed to patrolman in 1967, was promoted to sergeant in 1972 and was appointed to the position of Chief of Police in 1980. B.J. was the first African American police chief in Lorain County. B.J. retired from the Police Department after 33 years of service with the City -- 20 of those years as Chief. After an eight-month retirement, he became the Director of Safety and Security at Oberlin College and served eight years in that capacity. B.J. also worked as a part time assistant with the Cowling Funeral Home in Oberlin.

He was a graduate of Lorain County Community College, the National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia and the Southern Police Academy in Louisville, Kentucky.

B.J. served as president of numerous organizations, including the Lorain County Police Chiefs Association, the Cleveland Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the Community Foundation of Lorain County’s African American Community Fund (AACF). While serving with the AACF, B.J. cochaired the Council on Foundations national committee on diversifying community funds, an initiative sponsored by the Ford Foundation. He has also served as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc. and the Oberlin Head Start Program. B.J. is past president and lifetime member of the Oberlin Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was the Finance Officer for Oberlin’s Willard Holmes American Legion Post 656.

B.J. was a graduate of Leadership Lorain County (LLC).

He was a member of the Elyria-Lorain YWCA’s Community Anti-hate Taskforce and the 100 Men of Lorain County serving in their mentoring program. B.J. chaired the Oberlin Community Services Capital Campaign when they were raising money for the current building. He also received many honors and awards from organizations throughout the county for his service.

B.J. is survived by his wife of 30 years, Claudia (nee Watson); his children, Rosalind (Barry) O’Brien of Power Springs, Georgia, Rolanda Jones of Marietta, Georgia, Jordan (Michelle) Jones of Douglasville, Georgia and Keith Jones of Austell, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Terrell, Craig and Brittany O’Brien, Trenton, Cameron, Kalyn, Kyndal and Jacob Jones; former wife, Bonita Quinn Jones and loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Gladys (Johnson) Jones; brothers, William (Pete), Earl, Milford and sister, Minnie Jones Walker.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 10, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Westwood Cemetery, 455 Morgan Street, Oberlin. The Reverend Fred L. Bell of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Oberlin, will preside. Family and friends are encouraged to wear facial masks and socially distance themselves.

Memorial contributions may be made to the African American Community Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Lorain County, 9080 Leavitt Road, Elyria, OH 44035.

Online condolences may be made to www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com.

Stuart Friebert died peacefully in his sleep at Hospice of the Western Reserve in the early morning of Tuesday, June 23, due to the aftereffects of a fall.

He was born in Milwaukee and educated at the University of Wisconsin.

After spending an undergraduate year in Germany as one of its first exchange students after World War II, he completed a Ph.D. in German Language and Literature and taught German at Mt. Holyoke, Harvard and finally, Oberlin College. Subsequently, his passion for writing and teaching poetry led to his establishing the Creative Writing Program at Oberlin and cofounding Field Magazine, the Field Translation Series, and Oberlin College Press.

With an avidity that only increased as he aged, Stuart wrote or translated every day, publishing in all 15 books of poems, 16 volumes of translations and four of prose.

Even after retirement, he was a mentor to many, who thank him for his careful criticism and the exuberant encouragement that fostered not only their development as writers and readers but also their growth of spirit. With his infectious curiosity, he delighted in the natural world; with his spontaneity and wacky humor, he delighted all who knew him. A fiercely devoted father, soul mate and friend, he was unfailingly generous and loving.

He is mourned by his wife, Diane Vreuls; his children, Sarah (Rita) and Stephen (Naomi); his adored grandchild, Kazu; his brother, Steve (Jane); his sister, Phyllis Levy (Mort); his brother-in-law, Don Vreuls (Peggy, deceased); his cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends, some lifelong, others only briefly-met, yet each taken deeply into his heart.

A teacher to the end, Stuart donated his body to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. We will hold a gathering to honor Stuart at a later date. Meanwhile, we remember, and are thankful.

DEVIN S. HAYES, 17, of Lorain, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020 following an ATV accident. Arrangements handled by Hempel Funeral Home.

Our condolences go out to to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one.

For information about placing an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call 440-329-7000.

County fair should follow NASCAR's lead To the editor: Thank you very much for printing in full on June 11 the statements provided by the Oberlin Heritage Center and the president of the Lorain County Chiefs’ Law Enforcement Officers Association in response to the current situation in our community and our country. They helped readers put in perspective many other commentaries and references contained in local reporting since.

I only wish you had printed in full last week the NASCAR statement regarding display of the Confederate battle flag; it would have helped readers gain perspective on the Lorain County Fair’s continued refusal to end its practice (mislabeled a “policy”) of welcoming trade in white nationalist iconography in its so-called “family friendly” venue: “The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry. Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.” This is the statement with which the Lorain County Agricultural Society in 2020 finds itself in proud and arrogant dissonance.

The Lorain County Fair is not a free speech zone.

“Protests” or “public demonstrations” welcomed by Lorain County law enforcement are classed with “confrontational or threatening conduct, fighting or inciting riot” as “prohibited activities” justifying immediate and unappealable removal from the fairgrounds at the discretion of the Lorain County Agricultural Society and its agents. There is nothing wrong with the fair’s policy regarding vendors: “Under no circumstances will privileges or concessions of questionable nature be sold or in any manner tolerated on the grounds or in the buildings.” That the concessions chairman finds the Confederate battle flag no more questionable than a Pittsburgh Steelers pennant is a failure of leadership — not of a policy but of its application.

David R. Ashenhurst

Make sure kids are vaccinated Some families have fallen behind on child vaccinations.

Declines in vaccine coverage levels can leave children and communities at risk, said Lorain County Public Health.

Herd immunity may be too low to provide protection to those not completely vaccinated.

LCPH provides vaccines at 9880 South Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria Township. Appointments are always preferred

to limit the number of clients in the waiting room.

Call 440-284-3206 to make an appointment and to have your questions answered. All staff are required to wear masks, and masks are available for clients if they choose to wear one.

Getting routine vaccines during the pandemic is critical, LCPH said.

Children age 24 months or younger, pregnant women, seniors and people

with chronic diseases especially need the protection vaccines provide.

LCPH participates in the Vaccines for Children Program. No child in the VFC program is denied a vaccine for inability to pay.

Remember to take vaccination records if available, photo ID, insurance card, and cash, check, or Visa/MasterCard. All children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES

LEGALS

Floor Repair/install carpet, wood, laminate, vinyl or ceramic. 440-935-4778

FORFEITURE NOTICE: State of Ohio v. Todd E. Coleman, Jr., civil forfeiture in Lorain County Common Pleas Court case 20CV201322. The State gives O.R.C. 2981.05(F) notice that on 6/22/2018, the Lorain Police seized and held one 2005 Toyota Avalon (VIN #4T1BK36B15U037583) titled to Todd E. Coleman, Jr. and a Glock Model 22 pistol as instrumentalities to trafficking in drugs. Subject to any innocent owner claims, within 30 days of the last published notice on 7/9/2020, any Claimant to the vehicle or pistol must file a sworn affidavit/petition with the Court (225 Court Street, Elyria, OH 44035) under case 20CV201322 (see O.R.C. section 2981.03(A)(4)) and serve the State of Ohio/Prosecutor a copy of such claim. Further hearing(s) may be set by Court as shown on the website of the

FOR RENT

FREE HEAT Cozy and Convenient 1 and 2 bdrm MAPLE GROVE APTS 186-192 N. Oberlin Rd. 440-775-3098

WELLINGTON 2 apartments for rent above Pfeiffer Chiropractic Clinic across from Fort's Tavern.

Two bdrm/1 bath, has fridge/stove, very good condition. Call 440-647-5200 smoke/pet free, application to fill out.

Lorain County Clerk of Court.

Contact Asst. Prosecutor Richard Gronsky (440) 329-5456.

DENNIS P. WILL, LORAIN COUNTY PROSECUTOR BY: Assistant Prosecutor Richard A. Gronsky

L.C.C.G. 7/2-9/20 20665311

Public Notice City of Lorain, Ohio Request for Proposals Baseball Stadium Lease at the Pipe Yard 2840 Meister Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053 The City of Lorain is requesting proposals from those interested in providing baseball programs at The Pipe Yard, PP# 202-018-000-033, also known as, 2840 Meister Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053.

Proposals must include a detailed outline of programs and capital improvement plan with financial endorsement from those submitting the proposal.

The City will be open to negotiations for future possibilities based on the proposals received. The City of Lorain may cancel this Request for Proposals or reject proposals at any time prior to an award.

Those interested must supply the City with their statement of proposal no later than 3:00 PM, July 20, 2020. Statements received after this deadline will not be considered. For additional information, please contact the Lorain Department of Public Property, 114 E 35th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055 or via email to: lori_garcia@cityoflorain.org mail to: elva_flowers@cityoflorain.org or phone: (440) 244-4294.

L.C.C.G. 7/2-9/20 20665250

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on June 1 & June 15 2020. The com-

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

Reso. 24-20 Proudly recognizing & commending the efforts, dedication and professionalism displayed by the Lorain Police Dept and staff during the recent protests in the City of Lorain. 25-20 Declaring racism a public health crisis in the City of Lorain and committing full attention to improving the quality of life of communities of color, business owners and visitors.

26-20 Requesting the City of Lorain share funds from the County Coronavirus Relief Distribution fund. Ord. 51-20* Assessing the cost to abate nuisance by removal of nox-

ious vegetation & trees in the City of Lorain. 52-20* Amending Ord. 26-20 & Section 913.303 of the Codified Ordinances (Sanitary Sewer Rental Charge) 53-20 Auth the S/S Director to accept a mini grant from the Nord Family Foundation to be used by the 2020 Complete Count Committee ($1075). 54-20* Establishing the compensation, benefits and terms of employment for the Police Support Specialist.

55-20 Auth S/S Director to apply for and enter into a wastewater pollution control loan fund agrmt on behalf for the Black River WWTP primary clarifiers. 56-20 Auth the S/S Director to apply for, accept and enter into a water supply revolving loan acct agrmt for rehab & construction of the Red Hill Booster pressure zone. 57-20* Transfer. 5820* Appropriation. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.)

L.C.C.G. 6/25; 7/2/20 20665041

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 SUDOKU ON PAGE B3

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B3

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

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

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Commissioners to support Children Services levy DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — Lorain County commissioners resolved last week to support a 1.8-mill renewal levy for Lorain County Children Services on the November ballot.

A resolution in support of the levy passed unanimously. If passed, the levy would not raise taxes and would cost $63 for every $100,000 of value on a home.

It would cost such a homeowner 17 cents a day to support the levy, said Kristen Fox Berki, executive director of Lorain County Children Services, who gave a presentation on the levy request to commissioners at their weekly video meeting.

Fox Berki said the levy provides 54 percent of her agency's total budget. Another 35 percent comes from federal sources, 11 percent from the state and less than 1 percent from other sources.

The agency had 4,525 referrals for suspected abuse and neglect in 2019, which meant providing investigative and protective services to abused and neglected children every two-and-a-half hours, 24/7, Fox Berki said.

In addition, the agency supports adoption services, has programs for families dealing with addiction and assists teens leaving foster care as well as arranging visitation

and kinship services, such as for grandparents taking care of their grandchildren.

The number of newly licensed foster families has risen since last year, and sign-ups to foster children surpassed the number of foster parents who retired last year, Fox Berki said.

The agency has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Families since 1999, and is regularly reviewed for compliance by federal, state and local organizations.

"Our commitment to quality and continuous improvement is only surpassed by our commitment to the abused and neglected children we serve," she said. "We want to do the right things right the first time, every time, on time, one child at a time."

"You guys do incredible work and thank God you're there for those children who need you the most," Commissioner Lori Kokoski said. "You're such a needed organization and thank you for all you guys do."

Commissioner Matt Lundy said a renewal levy was the "responsible" thing to do. He said there remains a troublesome opioid epidemic in the United States that can sometimes split families apart and result in children being removed from their homes, placed in foster care or in the care of other family members.

The Bridge

Oberlin's community technology center at 82 South Main St. will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday starting in July.

Use of the facility will be limited to four patrons at a time, and a one-hour time limit will be observed if needed. To ensure the safety of the staff and patrons, all will be required to wear a face mask, use hand sanitizer and keep a minimum six feet from each other. Do not enter if you are symptomatic.

FIREWORKS

FROM A1

Fireworks going off at random over neighborhoods can cause old traumas to resurface, Amador Ramos said.

“It’s bringing all that back,” she said.

Her family isn’t alone — responding to a question posted by reporters last week on Facebook, dozens of people from all over the county and beyond said they’ve been bombarded with big booms that rattle the windows.

A couple said the noise is difficult for children with autism or sensory issues.

Khalid Akbar, a pediatrician for Mercy Health, said it really depends on where a child is on the autism spectrum. Many parents, he said, know how to respond when their child gets scared by fireworks.

"It is hard to control because you don't know who is doing a firework," Akbar said. "In those situations, because the child is still indoors, they may get scared, but parents should be able to control the situation better because they're inside and in a controlled environment."

Many others’ concerns were focused on how fireworks affect pets.

"This is a terrible time for animals, and it's really important to make sure your animals are secure at night," said Greg Willey, director of the Friendship Animal Protective League in Elyria.

Dogs in particular are sensitive to sound, so fireworks season can be “an extraordinarily stressful time” for furry pals.

In mid-June and early July, shelters tend to see spikes in dogs that will do just about anything to get loose in an attempt to escape the noise, Willey said.

He said they’ll dig under fences, crash through screen doors or even jump through plate glass windows.

If you have a dog with anxiety, he said it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about medication that will make the next couple of weeks easier.

There’s nothing new about spontaneous fireworks in late June. They’re

a summer staple.

But there’s plenty of speculation about why they feel louder and longer in 2020: People have grown restless during the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s also political unrest with the presidential election on the horizon and demonstrators in the streets calling for social justice.

The effects of those are hard to measure. There’s a more concrete reason the booms may seem far more frequent this year: Customers have been surging into fireworks stores across the region, where sales reportedly are up.

“We're doubling the number of people who are coming in this time of year," said Wes Martin, assistant manager at Phantom Fireworks of West Salem.

Part of the rush, he said, is due to the buzz around Ohio House Bill 253. Right now, you can buy fireworks here but have to cross state lines to set them off — a rule that is pretty much ignored.

The proposed bill would make it legal to launch in Ohio.

The change passed the House in mid-June and was introduced in the Senate, where it seems to have stalled.

Customers also are tired of being cooped up due to COVID-19 restrictions, Martin said.

Ron Gyurke, a manager at Sandusky Fireworks SuperStore, agreed.

"A lot of cities aren't doing fireworks this year, so we're seeing people buy a lot more," he said. "They're just happy to get it. A lot of other fireworks stores are running out already."

Complaints about nightly launches have bombarded Lorain County 911 dispatchers.

In a June 20 Facebook post, the agency asked residents not to call 911 to report fireworks.

"We understand that the fireworks around the county can be a nuisance, and yes they are still illegal,” it said. ”... 911 is to be used for life-threatening emergencies. If we are on a fireworks complaint call

we are unable to answer the next call and that call could be a life-or-death situation.

Please contact your local police department to report these complaints.”

A flood of calls is pretty typical every year when July 4 nears, said David Richards, CEO of LifeCare Ambulance.

Luckily, playing with fireworks didn't seem to have caused many medical emergencies as of last week, he said. Richards said he wasn’t aware of any recent fireworks-related injuries.

LifeCare paramedics typically see about a half-dozen fireworks-related injuries in its Lorain County coverage areas during the holiday week, he said.

"There's always one we talk about because it's the most severe,” he said.

Not all harm is physical, as Amador Ramos’ family knows.

People with PTSD, sensory disorders or anxiety have symptoms that include sweating and extreme nervousness. Amador Ramos said they can also be easily agitated because they’re trying to cope with emotions rising to the surface.

Fireworks also can affect people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, she said.

Headphones, white noise machines, fans and air conditioners can help drown out the noise. It also helps if people are there to reassure those affected, Amador Ramos said, to remind them that it’s just fireworks and that they are safe.

“I’m not against fireworks,” she said. “But regulate it. After midnight or so, be cautious. Try to be aware of how people respond to it.”

Amador Ramos said waking someone up from a deep sleep can be a big trigger to the emotions. When the surprise element is taken away, it can be a little better, she said.

“You don’t need to eliminate fireworks,” Amador Ramos said. “It’s just a balance.”

Reporter Dylan Reynolds contributed to this article.

Page A3

Where can I still see fireworks this year?

JASON HAWK EDITOR

About 16,000 Independence Day fireworks displays happen across the nation each year, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. Of those, "only a scant few will occur this year" because of the pandemic, the organization said.

Because of the pandemic, a ban on large gatherings remains in place across Ohio until July 1. Last week, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted talked as though it will be renewed.

"Fireworks shows are not prohibited.

They can proceed. But what we're not encouraging are large gatherings," he said during a coronavirus news briefing from the Statehouse.

"You can still celebrate. You can just watch from your porch or car or backyard," Husted, said, urging residents to use common sense and balance freedoms with social responsibility.

Only a few local towns will hold their own fireworks shows.

Among them is the village of Grafton, which will begin between 9:45 and 10 p.m. July 3, with a 20-minute display visible from both Willow Park and Reservoir Park. Capacity will be limited because of social distancing rules.

A rain date has been set for July 10.

Avon will partner with the Lake Erie Crushers for what Mayor Bryan Jensen predicted will be the city’s “biggest fireworks display ever” at 9:30 p.m. July 4 from Crushers Stadium, and there is potential for about 2,000 vehicles to show up.

If you plan to watch from the stadium, be prepared to stay in your car or the immediate vicinity of your vehicle. Social distancing and masks are encouraged, and the stadium itself will not be open to the public.

The Lorain Port Authority also plans to launch that night from the Mile Long Pier at Black River Landing. If there’s bad weather, the show will be moved to Sunday, July 5.

After the Wellington Chamber of Commerce canceled its July 3 fireworks show, the Lorain County Fair board decided to try for its own that same night.

Over the weekend, the fair announced it will launch after receiving some big corporate sponsorships, and even donations from kids selling lemonade.

A "Save the Fireworks" online fundraiser collected $3,140 in donations as of Monday, as well.

In addition, the fair board voted to give $1,000 and the village of Wellington pledged another $2,000.

Canceled for sure: the Rochester Homecoming, a patriotic event held the

past 100 years in southwestern Lorain County. That means no fireworks there, either.

The independent Homecoming Committee that puts on the event debated how it could hold the event with COVID-19 restrictions, and what to do if huge numbers of people drove in to see the fireworks.

"They looked at every avenue of everything that could be done. There was just no way we could ensure the social distancing would be upheld,” said Rochester Mayor Cindy Kurpely. “Am I disappointed? Sure I am. But did they make the right call? Absolutely."

Sheffield Lake also canceled its annual fireworks display at the boat launch, citing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

But Mayor Dennis Bring said he was concerned about a resident or group who suggested residents take matters into their own hands, using a satirical Facebook page to promote a fake free-for-all fireworks event at the Shoreway Shopping Center parking lot.

Bring said he couldn’t believe anyone would take the event seriously, but he may have no choice other than to make more police officers work July 4 to make sure nobody sets off pyrotechnics in the city-owned parking lot.

“Common sense tells you, why would a city allow somebody to do that stuff?

It’s still illegal in the state of Ohio, for one thing,” he said, adding that there is no way all members of the public who show up would have the proper insurance and training. “... There is no way we would allow something like that to happen.”

Columbia Station, Elyria and Oberlin have also outright canceled their events.

North Ridgeville has postponed its Star-Spangled Celebration and Fireworks with no new date announced.

Avon Lake will hold a Birthday USA 2020 "unparade" instead of fireworks.

The event is set for 10 a.m. to noon on July 4 at Beach Park Station, 33489 Lake Road.

To take part, decorate your car with a patriotic theme, and drive in from the Electric Boulevard entrance. Be sure to preregister at www.avonlakerec.com or by calling 440-549-4425.

Cedar Point plans to “Light Up the Point” on July 4. For $20 per car, you can park in the main lot, with proceeds benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Ohio, OH Go and the Sandusky State Theatre.

The Cedar Point parking lot will open at 8 p.m. with fireworks starting two hours later. Tickets are being sold in advance only at www.cedarpoint.com — no food or beverages will be sold at the park, and no alcohol is allowed.

Farm Bureau campaign The Ohio Farm Bureau has seen as membership increase as a result of its 2020 campaign.

Active members are farmers or other Ohioans whose jobs or livelihoods are directly impacted by the agricultural industry. As active members, they are eligible to vote on Farm Bureau policies and hold elective office in the organization.

“This has no doubt been one of the most challenging membership campaigns we have ever had and to be able to continue to grow the membership of this organization despite the unforeseen

circumstances of a global pandemic is remarkable,” said Paul Lyons, Ohio Farm Bureau’s vice president of membership.

“Without the strong leadership of our county membership coordinators and the commitment of their dedicated teams of volunteers, gaining active membership would have been a much tougher task.”

Just as the 2020 achievements are being acknowledged, the 2021 membership campaign is already underway. To learn more or to volunteer to help the grassroots organization grow, visit www.ofbf. org/membership.

CHARGERS UNDEFEATED

Provided photo

The Chargers dominated the field at the U14 Polar Bear Classic. They outscored their competition 66-1 in route to a 6-0 record concluding with a 5-0 shutout victory over the Lady 83s. This raised the team's season record to 16-2. The roster includes (back row) Hannah Brooks, Kristen Kelley, Delaney Garcia, Sierra Dorobek, Ruari Dever, (front row) Ashley Brewster, Jazelle Fraise, Mackenna Dorobek, Leah DiFranco and Lilly Edwards. Coaches are Andrew Dever, Wally Dorobek and Jason DiFranco.

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Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Vehicles roll, but few injuries in Route 58 crash JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST TWP. — Two vehicles tumbled and rolled Friday afternoon on a hazardous stretch of Route 58, but injuries were miraculously minor, according to investigators.

Mark Sherrod, 46, of Oberlin, was heading south in an Active Rooter Plumbing van toward New Russia Township just after 1 p.m.

His son, 30-year-old Mark Sherrod Jr. of Elyria, followed in a Dodge Dakota pickup.

They had just passed Midway Golf Club when a gray Regal Buick driven by Alexander Zolli, 70, of Elyria, allegedly went left of center, said Trooper Lance Deshuk of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

All three vehicles went off the west side of the road and into a farm field.

Zolli's Buick landed on its roof.

Pat Fridenstine, who lives across the street, said he didn't see the crash but heard it. He and Dave Molnar, who operates Molnar's Outdoor sporting goods next door, ran outside to

help.

"He wasn't moving. We got the door open and that's when everyone came," said Fridenstine.

Zolli was reportedly dazed at first but later stood up. Deshuk said he was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The elder Sherrod's van rolled and landed on its side, while his son's truck jumped the roadside ditch and rolled to a stop. Neither of the Sherrods appeared to be injured, said Deshuk.

Fridenstine said in that in the 15 years he has lived on the straightaway south of Route 113, he's seen far too many crashes due to speeding and attempts to pass.

He's counted at least six this year.

"They're using this as a raceway and they don't realize there's homes and businesses here," he said. "You see them speed and zip around each other."

The speed limit used to be 40 mph on the stretch of Route 58, and when it went up so did the number of crashes, he said.

Amherst firefighters helped

clean up the debris scattered across the highway, which was closed for about an hour, while wrecked vehicles were hauled out of the field by D&A Towing and Vaughn's Auto Repair and 24-Hour Towing.

Everyone involved was wearing seat belts, and the incident didn't appear to involve alcohol or other drugs, Deshuk said.

Zolli was charged with failure to maintain the lane of travel, minor misdemeanor.

Michitsch is CAFE's Educator of the Year PITTSFIELD TWP. — Chef Timothy Michitsch has been named Sysco's 2020 Educator of the Year.

The Lorain County JVS culinary arts instructor was presented the award through the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education.

“I was surprised when I heard I was being nominated for the award,” said Michitsch. “I'm very grateful that others recognize the Tim Michitsch passion and dedication that so many of us have toward education. I just finished my 32nd year of teaching and to receive this award after all these years in education is a very humbling experience.”

Michitsch was nominated by JVS Director of Curriculum Jill Petitti and hospitality services instructor Maurina Driscoll.

They provided CAFE with samples of the chef's teaching techniques, along with evidence of his commitment to the educational community and food service industry, ongoing professional development and leadership.

Colleagues, peers, industry partners, students and members of the community wrote letters highlighting many of Michitsch’s accomplishments.

Among them was Oberlin College Professor Emeritus James Leo Walsh.

“Tim is a unique and exceptional educator who ties the JVS to its wider community, impacts its students with care and professionalism and prepares them for their entry into the culinary world," he wrote.

Former culinary arts student Julia Spondike said she was able to compete on the WorldSkills USA Team in Russia because of Michitsch.

“I would not have been able to compete on that stage without his continuous support in my life and genuine interest in my career," she wrote.

“The application was an inspiration to all who read it,” said Mary Petersen, president of CAFE. “We appreciate all that Tim and his program does to ensure that culinary education is held in high esteem and focuses on great outcomes."

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A Buick Regal rolled on its roof and a Nissan van landed on its side during a crash Friday, June 26 on Route 58 in Amherst Township.

◄ Cases in Lorain County have risen at a slightly faster pace than recoveries have, as shown by this graph starting in late March and continuing through the end of June.

It should be noted that Lorain County Public Health started adding the number of probable cases to 100 percent confirmed cases in April, and in June stopped reporting cases on Saturdays and Sundays.

Graphs by Jason Hawk Lorain County case data tracked by Dylan Reynolds

▼This graph shows the increasing death toll of COVID-19 in Ohio since March 16. The number of daily deaths is still increasing, but started growing smaller each day in June.

▲ This map of Ohio cases shows that COVID-19 spreads where people live closely together.

That may sound obvious, but it also shows the benefits of social distancing.

CORONAVIRUS

FROM A1

The total number of cases here Monday stood at 935, with 556 people deemed fully recovered.

Statewide, there were 51,046 total cases, 7,746 hospitalizations and 2,818 deaths.

Locally, there has been a disturbing rise in cases among 20-somethings, according to Lorain County Public Health Commissioner David Covell.

He said testing has been made available to younger people through pop-up sites and clinics, while many in the age group have also returned to work.

The concern is that they could spread the virus to vulnerable older populations — taking it home to parents or grandparents, for example.

More people are being quarantined in Lorain County, which Covell called "worrisome."

The spike in cases came as no surprise to anyone in the medical community, said Amy Edwards, an infectious disease specialist at UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital.

Pediatric cases of COVID-19 have been rising for weeks — they went in a few months from two symptomatic kids out of 100 testing positive to as many as seven out of 100 — and that meant adult cases would follow, she said.

"This is something that was always going to happen," said Edwards, the question was always how big the ex-

plosion would be. "The virus didn't magically stop existing."

Part of the problem is fatigue, she said. Ohioans are tired of dealing with the stress of the coronavirus, so they're pretending it's no longer a problem.

"People just don't want to hear it anymore," she said. "A lot of these things, like returning to school and returning to life, can be done if they are done safely. But I think people are tired of being careful."

Covell agreed. "It's just takes so much out of you to go through this every day, that people are dying to go out there and socialize," he said.

"This virus hasn't gone away yet, so let's trying to be cautious," he said.

It won't be time to relax until there is a vaccine and 100 percent immunity, said Edwards.

In general, about one in 10 drug or vaccine trials are effective, she said.

There are about 180 COVID-19 trials going on around the world right now, so statistically there is hope one of them will work.

That leads to two big questions: How effective will the eventual vaccine be, and how many people will get it?

Until a vaccine is widely available, Edwards expects case numbers to rise and fall as the public goes through cycles of being vigilant with social distancing, hand-washing and wearing masks.

For her, a lack of people willing to wear masks in public is a huge red flag.

"You go to the store, and it's really frustrating to watch people ignore the best medical advice that we have," she said. "... Northeast Ohio is going slower than other places, but we're all moving in the same direction, which is up, up, up."

Edwards said masks shouldn't be politicized — everyone should wear them.

Polling doesn't reflect that mindset, though. Pew Research found Democrats are far more more likely than Republicans to wear masks, and minorities are more likely than white Americans.

The medical evidence is irrefutable, said Edwards: Masks stop downstream COVID-19 transmission, and the myth they can cause carbon dioxide poisoning has been completely debunked.

The next big test will come in the fall, when Edwards believes cases will spike again.

That's when weather will start driving people inside again, and close quarters are where the coronavirus is most easily passed from person to person.

It's also when schools plan to reopen, and they are vectors for communicable disease.

DeWine said he plans to introduce plans for safely reopening schools Thursday.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A5

Cops worry license Crushers’ season officially canceled plate change will Frontier League says COVID-19 crisis made the decision ‘inevitable’ hurt enforcement SHAUN BENNETT THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Goodbye, front license plates.

There is no longer a legal requirement for drivers to keep them on Ohio's 13.2 million vehicles as of July 1.

Only rear license plates must still be displayed, although there's nothing to stop you from having two if you want.

The exception is commercial tractors, which must still keep front plates visible.

That decision is due to Ohio House Bill 62, the two-year transportation budget passed last April. It will reportedly save the state $1.5 million.

Thirty states require two license plates, which puts Ohio in the minority.

It also puts offices in a bind, according to law enforcement groups around the state.

Their objections were included in testimony last year for Ohio Senate Bill 179, introduced by Sen. Jay Hottinger, R-Newark, who wants to reverse gears and go back to the two-plate requirement.

He argued in Senate testimony in December that "the front license plate plays a critical role in our criminal justice system."

While his bill has been stuck in committee, some local police offciers said they share Hottinger's reservations.

"It certainly limits our ability to identify a vehicle or an operator if we need to," said Oberlin Police Lt. Mike McCloskey.

While on the lookout for a suspect — one that recklessly passed a school bus or may be stolen, for example — officers will have to get behind the vehicle to see its numbers, he said.

Of course, because of Oberlin College students, the city's police are used to dealing with out-of-state cars that have one license plate, McCloskey said.

Serious crimes such as hit-skip crashes and homicides weighed on the mind of Elyria Police Capt. Bill Pelko.

"There's tons of crimes where we're going to the scene and they're going away. It's a lot easier to get them coming toward us" than to try to get behind a fleeing vehicle, he said.

Front license plates are a "great resource" that Pelko can't imagine any police agency wanting to get rid of.

The law change concerns Elyria police, he said: "We'll still have to live with the law... It's just going to hinder us in certain situations."

Amherst Police Lt. Dan Makruski said he does not believe the change will drastically alter officers' ability to enforce the law.

"But it will make little situations here and there different — the difference between solving a crime and not solving a crime," he said.

For instance, rear license plates will be enough to run speed enforcement on Route 2 where it passes through Amherst, he said.

But catching shoplifters zipping away from Target or Giant Eagle could be another story. Often, a witness will catch a partial plate number that can help cops track down a suspect — going from two plates to just one will make it even harder, said Makruski.

Businesses also don't necessarily have security cameras in the right places to catch the rear plates on a shoplifter or robber's getaway vehicle, he said.

$585K in grants approved to help nonprofits deal with COVID-19

The Community Foundation of Lorain County has announced $585,000 more in grants for 12 organizations.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Lorain County nonprofits are operating at capacity to meet the needs of the community. They applied for grants in January with the expectation that decisions would be made by July.

“During this time, we know that our local nonprofits are facing daily challenges,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Cindy Andrews. “Thanks to our generous donors and our grants committee, we wanted to be as responsive as possible to meet those emergency needs as quickly as possible.”

The need for home delivered meals throughout the county has increased significantly over the last several years, said Alicia Foss, President and CEO at Neighborhood Alliance. The wait list there topped out at nearly 500 older community members waiting for food.

“The age of our fleet of vehicles and our capacity for each truck limits how many people we can serve," she said. "The Community Foundation of Lorain County has provided us with a great opportunity to begin the replacement of our outdated fleet to help ensure home delivered meals continue to run within the county.”

Awards include: • $50,000 for the Alzheimer's Association • $70,000 for Catholic Charities Corporation • $35,000 for the Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center • $55,000 for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland • $25,000 for Let's Get Real • $65,000 for the Lorain County Free Clinic • $75,000 for Lorain County Health & Dentistry • $50,000 for the Lorain County Safe Harbor Genesis House • $25,000 for Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry • $14,000 for the Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center • $96,000 for Neighborhood Alliance • $25,000 for the Oberlin Community Services Council

AVON — A day after Major League Baseball announced it will play this season, the independent Frontier League officially canceled its 2020 season.

The league’s area franchise — the Lake Erie Crushers in Avon — sent out a news release about the decision June 24.

“The owners had been meeting on a weekly basis since early March, discussing this and exploring different options,” Crushers co-owner Tom Kramig said. “Honestly, it has become inevitable over the last few weeks that holding a league season with 14 teams — five of them in Illinois that are shut down and two of them in Canada that can’t cross the border — wasn’t going to be possible. But, personally, it really stunk having to send out that press release this morning.”

The release also included an official statement from the Frontier League.

“We fully understand and respect the seriousness of the COVID-19 epidemic,” commissioner Bill Lee said. “With all of the excitement surrounding the addition of five former Can-Am League teams for 2020, everybody was primed for our best season ever. That being said, our league-wide focus now shifts to carrying this momentum into 2021.”

Kramig said hope began waning when the start of the season was postponed in May, and as the virus continued to spread the organization realized it would not be able to put 3,000 people in the ballpark.

“I will say that the last two weeks with the spikes (of COVID-19 cases) up again in various parts of the country it was sort of the final death knell, and the closing of the border with Canada, knowing that we weren’t going to get two teams at all from there this year,” Kramig said. “If there had to be a final straw, those were it.”

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city’s Fourth of July fireworks show. It will be closed for the event, but the parking lot will be open.

“We have been doing youth baseball since the last week of May, since it was opened up by the governor, and we’re booked solid through July, virtually every day in July,” Kramig said. “Financially, it’s not the same obviously but at least we’re trying to get some use out of the ballpark and generate some revenue.”

Which is one of the biggest needs for the organization after the season was canceled.

“Oh, it’s going to be a significant hit on the financial side. We’re going to take it in the teeth this year,” Kramig said. “We got some government money through the paycheck protection program, which has allowed us to keep some of the staff around longer this summer, but, yeah, it’s going to be a financial hit.

“We’ll survive. We’re not in danger of going bankrupt or shutting down or anything like that. All things being equal and the world being a little healthier and safer next spring, we’re going to be here.

We think next year could be a tremendous year for the league. I think there’s going to be a tremendous craving to go out and watch live baseball since no one is going to see it this year. So as tough as today is, we’re optimistic about the future going forward.”

As far as the Frontier League announcement coming on the heels of MLB declaring it will play the rest of the summer? That was just an unfortunate coincidence according to Kramig.

“Their model is so different than ours,” Kramig said. “We don’t have a billion dollar contract — boy, I need to get one of those — so we knew from the get-go when MLB started talking about playing their plan was always to play without fans and to play for TV. “So it’s really sort of an apples and oranges comparison, but the timing of it following MLB’s announcement … it does stink a little bit.”

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sations with host families, employees and the players, so not many people involved with the organization were flattened by Wednesday’s news.

“We’ve been prepping people all through the month of June with the possibility of, hey, we may not play,” he said. “You don’t want to shock people, you don’t want to lead them on and say, ‘Yeah, everything’s great’ and then abruptly change course. So we’ve been very upfront with our host families, with our players, with our sponsors, with everybody.”

That didn’t make the news easier to take.

“You’re seeing Little Leagues around here playing, I just coached last weekend in Atlanta, they’re all playing like nothing’s happening,” said Crushers infielder Dale Burdick, who is home in Nashville, Tenn. “I’m happy for them, but I joke with them, ‘You guys are playing and I’m not … and we’re on the professional side of it.’

“It’s crazy how long it’s been going and they’re saying in the fall it could be worse, you just don’t know.”

The loss of an entire season is tough for a professional athlete, especially in the Frontier League where the players are in their 20s and still in the prime of their careers.

“I’m 24, so I’ll be 25 next season and that 24-25 range you’re still amped up and ready to go,” Burdick said. “Thankfully I’m not 26, 27 where you’re trying to think is it worth going back for another year after you just lost a whole year and you are trying to figure out if you can move on to the next stage of your life.”

Crushers Stadium, the team’s home venue, won’t be collecting dust, however. The stadium hosted the Salute to Seniors three-day high school baseball event and has hosted youth baseball events for weeks. The team also noted on its Facebook page that the stadium is available to rent for events.

The stadium will also host the

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Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

County arms for fight over NEXUS tax rate JASON HAWK EDITOR

ELYRIA — They say you can't fight City Hall. The Lorain County commissioners feel the same way about the gas company.

Frustrated, they railed last week against NEXUS Gas Transmission, which is trying to drastically lower the taxes it owes for its new pipeline through the county.

"It feels so much like a bait and switch," said Commissioner Matt Lundy, listening to Lorain County Auditor Craig Snodgrass report on a series of NEXUS appeals that could cut millions out from under area school districts, libraries and agencies.

Making its pitch back in 2014, the company estimated it would pay $7.3 million per year. That figure rose at one point to $9.5 million.

Now NEXUS has asked the state tax commission to be allowed to pay just $3.6 million to Lorain County to start — less than half the original number.

A ruling is expected this week, and it's anyone's guess what dollar amount it will fall on.

NEXUS first appealed its tax responsibility in November and has tried twice more since then. The most recent came into Snodgrass' hands earlier this month.

But under Ohio law, the gas company can appeal again and again.

And again. There is no limit.

The amount NEXUS wants to pay this year to the 14 counties its pipeline runs across has dropped already from $110 million to $41 million.

"At some point in time, if we keep on dragging this out, we might end up owing them," Snodgrass quipped.

Lundy called the cycle "absurd."

"We can't simply have people continuously coming back to the table to appeal their value," he said.

Commissioner Sharon Sweda agreed. Pipelines are rarely popular, so when property owners consent to them, they are trading on the tax benefits, she said — namely, the big dollars promised to school districts.

But if NEXUS doesn't pay up, "the schools get hurt the worst, which means the kids get hurt the worst. So who's going to support something like that?" said Commissioner Lori Kokoski.

"The kicker is that the gas flowing through doesn't even benefit our communities. It goes elsewhere," she said. "So we're not even getting that benefit, along with the fact that they're trying to reduce their commitment. It's just a bad situation all around."

Snodgrass said NEXUS is telling officials in Columbus that counties should just be happy to be getting something.

That didn't sit well with Lundy: "You can't just say something is better than nothing. That's not the case here," he said. "We were told something. Honor your word and deliver on it."

Budgets were built around the expectation of NEXUS money, he said.

Some communities have been planning for new schools or fire stations.

Without the cash, it's the homeowners and businesses that will end up bearing the brunt of the costs, said

WHERE THEY STAND Here's where local Ohio General Assembly members stand on NEXUS' appeals: • Rep. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, said Ohio needs to look at other states' legislation to see what options may work here.

If other state legislators are not already working on a solution to limit the appeals process, Manning said she would be willing to carry the torch.

"I'm very disappointed in NEXUS," she said.

"They've basically gone back on their word."

At the very least, she believes the law should be changed to allow class action suits by counties to oppose big utilities companies.

"We've got to look into this and see if there's a way to fix it," Manning said.

• Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, said he is open to making tax appeals a "cleaner" process.

He said property owners should pay a fair share, but values do change over time.

If there is a market value change companies should be able to appeal.

"But if there is no reason and they're just finding loopholes... that's something I'm definitely open to looking at," Manning said.

He did not take a hard stance on whether counties should be allowed to band together to take on large companies, saying that "at first glance, it would make sense, just for efficiency purposes" but he reserves judgment until he has more information.

• Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, said everyone — whether a large business or a homeowner — should have the right to appeal property taxes once.

But NEXUS is keeping its appeals rolling while profits flow in, and not paying the full amount due to schools and other recipients, he said.

"That's a problem.

Right now, we're already cutting funds (to schools) at the state level," he said. "... They need to stop the appeals and pay what was promised."

"Aggregious," "near-criminal" and "unethical" were terms Miller used to describe NEXUS' appeals strategy, and he said the company "needs to be held to account."

Counties should be able to do so by banding together to sue utilities companies jointly, he said.

• Rep. Dick Stein, R-Norwalk, called NEXUS' appeals "disingenuous at the least" after selling its pipeline as a way to benefit school districts along the route.

To "turn around before the iron's even in the ground to rust" and file an appeal is a disappointing move, he said.

Stein said he is willing to fight for a legislative cap to appeals, but an effort would also require support from Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder, RGlenford, and Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina.

He said he would welcome draft legislation from county auditors — and in his opinion, it should limit appeals in the first few years after a utility opens.

Snodgrass.

There are limitations on how NEXUS can be fought. Under state law, counties can't join forces to sue utilities companies.

Snodgrass said "divide and conquer" is how multi-billion-dollar companies like NEXUS profit, and residents should call their representatives to try to have the law changed.

For now, he said he's willing to go to battle David and Goliath-style on Lorain County's behalf.

"I we need to, I will do so," Snodgrass said — but he acknowledged that no one county has the resources to fight NEXUS by itself.

He found support from

the commissioners, who told him to arm up and stand his ground.

"We really are counting on whatever you can do to ensure that Lorain County isn't totally duped by this project," Sweda told him.

If the fight is lost and NEXUS gets to pay a hugely-reduced amount, that will be the baseline for future years, Snodgrass warned. Tax payments will never go up, only down as the pipeline depreciates.

"The problem is this is brand new pipe in the ground, brand new equipment," said Kokoski.

"So when it is older, you know, what are they going to ask for?"

B

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, July 2, 2020

Meijer on Amherst border gets July opening date JASON HAWK EDITOR

LORAIN — At long last, after months of speculation by eager shoppers, a new Meijer supercenter at 5350 Leavitt Rd. has an opening date.

Doors will open at 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 9 at the store, perched on the LorainAmherst border, the company announced Friday.

The 155,000-square-foot building features a grocery section with a bakery and fresh meat and deli counters. It also has a garden center, pharmacy, electrics department, toys, sports and clothing.

Meijer had planned to open in May. That was before the coronavirus outbreak that shut down businesses in Ohio and across Kristin Bauer | Chronicle the nation.

Now it will open with safety in mind. A A new Meijer, located at Route 58 and Cooper Foster Park Road in Lorain, statement from Meijer said the store will is scheduled to open July 9.

observe state social distancing requirements, will have decals on the floor where customers might typically gather and there will be plexiglass shields at all checkout stations.

Employees will get daily health screenings and temperature checks, and are recommended to wear masks.

Customers are "requested to wear masks according to any applicable state guidelines," a release from Meijer said.

The new store is located on the former Super Kmart property at the corner of Route 58 and Cooper Foster Park Road.

The old building was demolished last year.

Lorain Councilman Josh Thornsberry, D-Ward 8, was excited to see an opening date named — he's been bombarded with questions in the last three months about when it would happen.

"It's definitely going to help the economy in Lorain," he said. "Right now you've got MEIJER PAGE B2

From sea to shining sea

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

State troopers investigate a semi vs. car crash at the intersection of state routes 303 and 511 in Camden Township on June 24.

Valley City man dies in Camden crash with semi Provided photos

Erik Andrews of Oberlin starts his cross-country bike ride on June 7 from within sight of the Pacific Ocean at Lompoc-Surf, California.

NASA engineer rides to raise money that will help Appalachian families JASON HAWK EDITOR

Were it not for COVID-19, Erik Andrews would be hefting a hammer right now to help families in rural West Virginia.

Instead, he found himself watching the sun rise Friday over Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.

He was just over 1,000 miles into a roughly 3,300-mile trip from Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California to Cape Canaveral in Florida.

"I've always wanted to bike across the country," said Andrews, 60, who has called Oberlin home the past 14 years.

"But it's not something you do in a week or two. Once you start getting CYCLING PAGE B2

OBERLIN — Leo Braido will never forget the panic-buying that cleared his store shelves in March when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Ohio.

"Our sales volume skyrocketed and the store was just decimated, wiped out of product in many, many

CAMDEN TWP. — One person died last week in a crash between a car and a semi truck at the intersection of state routes 511 and 303.

Sgt. Paul March of the Ohio Highway Patrol said witnesses said the driver of the car went through a stop sign without braking. Rescue workers were called about 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, and a LifeFlight helicopter arrived about a half-hour later.

Isaiah Gohagan, 24, of Valley City, was never transported from the scene and was pronounced dead at 2:47 p.m.

He was driving a 2008 Ford Focus east on State Route 303.

Earl Smith, 51 of Amherst, was driving a 2015 semi north on 511. Both vehicles ended off the east side of 511 in a field. Smith had no serious injuries.

Live electrical wires also were down as a result of the crash, and Ohio Edison workers were there working to repair them.

Both drivers were wearing their seat belts. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected with Smith, and as of Wednesday evening, were unknown with Gohagan.

The crash is under investigation by the Ohio Highway Patrol. Route 511 southbound was shut down to traffic for several hours.

1960-2020

Celebrating 60 years in service!

Andrews' bike, a Trek 520, gets a view of the Grand Canyon.

Recording the oral history of a pandemic JASON HAWK EDITOR

LAINA YOST THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

areas, especially at the very beginning," he recalled.

The small-town grocer's memories have been recorded for posterity as part of "Oberlin In the Time of Coronavirus," a series of oral histories intended to help future generations understand the events of 2020.

The Oberlin Heritage Center is working with Oberlin College and the

Oberlin African-American Genealogy and History Group to capture on video the stories of how everyday people lived through the pandemic.

More than 20 interviews have been captured already on video, to be placed in the OHC's archives.

Laurel Price Jones, an OHC trustee who is coordinating the project, said she has more lined up

through the fall and wants more. On her wish list are the oral histories of health care workers, business owners, college faculty and students, school teachers and patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

"We're just trying to look at how one small town in Ohio coped with this," she said.

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Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

PNC branch closes

The PNC Bank branch inside Giant Eagle on Kresge Drive in Amherst has closed permanently.

It is one of 39 branches in 11 states and the District of Columbia caught up in a recent round of closures for PNC Financial Services Group. Others closing in Ohio are located in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Springfield, Columbus and Chillicothe.

PNC is expecting to close about 200 branches this year.

MEIJER

FROM B1 a lot of people going outside the city to shop, and it's nice to have those jobs inside the city."

Teresa Gilles, director of Main Street Amherst, said she believes the store will draw customers from Lorain, Vermilion, Sheffield and other nearby communities.

Her hope is that they'll also discover nearby small businesses such as Kiedrowski's Bakery and Sal & Al's Diner.

"I think it will help the businesses around there," she said. "On that corner, it's been dead for so long. I think people miss having a store on the corner."

Meijer, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, operates 248 supercenters in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin. In 2019, the company opened stores in Avon, Mentor and Stow.

The same day the Lorain store opens, another 155,000-square-foot Meijer location will open in Brimfield in Portage County.

HISTORY

FROM B1

Braido's story is one that stands out. The owner of Oberlin IGA on Route 511, he remembered the fear that gripped residents and led to a rush on toilet paper.

Months later, shelves are full again, but it's still impossible to order many varieties of dry beans, rice, soup and other staples. Disinfecting wipes are still almost impossible to find.

People are eating at home more, which has been great for the supermarket industry, Braido said in his interview. But it's brought big changes: People are making fewer trips to the store and buying far more each time, he's noticed.

Tad Cowling, owner of Cowling Funeral Home on Route 58, is another of the interviewees.

He talked about the learning curve as the pandemic began — at first, no one was sure how to protect themselves from the virus.

Take embalming, for example.

"I thought, truthfully, in the early going, that it was like an AIDS case," Cowling said. When a person with AIDS dies, the virus can't survive, so handling the body is not dangerous.

The coronavirus is different. It affects the lungs, and stays alive in the air inside, so funeral home workers have to aspirate bodies.

Cynthia Andrews talked in her oral history interview about the social aspects of dealing with the coronavirus.

As president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, her concern was helping the safety nets in place to protect local residents. Andrews talked about pivoting to make grants available immediately to agencies such as El Centro and Second Harvest Food Bank.

In all, the foundation has made about $1 million available to nonprofits so far during the pandemic.

Price Jones said she has learned a tremendous amount from conducting some of the interviews.

"We're learning about how different parts of Oberlin have been affected, how very disruptive it's been, and how much time people are spending trying to plan and adapt," she said.

"They don't know what is going to happen next. They plan for one thing and then they have to plan, because things don't always turn out the way you hope."

Several businesses have closed doors in town in the past few months, and Price Jones said the writing appears to be on the wall for others.

Some interviews showed how residents are having trouble balancing work and personal life as they've converted kitchen tables into makeshift offices.

Others said they appreciated the sudden quiet brought on by quarantine. They found relief in having busy calendars cleared.

The work continues, and Price Jones is looking for both more people to interview and volunteers to help with the project.

Anyone interested can reach out by email to lpricejones@gmail.com.

Interviews are based on a list of 10 basic questions, but can range beyond the script. They generally last about an hour and can be conducted by phone or via video chat.

It's important to include diverse points of view, said Price Jones "We'd like to find out from every area, from people who have retired, from kids, just everybody — what was it like?" she said.

In 50 years, or during the next pandemic, the oral histories could give invaluable insights into how different generations survived similar challenges.

The Oberlin Heritage Center is also welcoming the written stories that document how residents endured the pandemic.

Topics can cover how daily life has changed in the past few months, what it was like to be labeled an essential worker, how it felt for students to move from the classroom to the bedroom, the impacts of social distancing on everyday life, milestones that have been missed or sacrifices made, how COVID-19 has touched you or a loved one personally, and what experiences you are looking forward to most once the virus is no longer a threat.

Documents, photographs and other submissions are being welcomed.

That project is being headed up by OHC Collections Manager Maren McKee. Submissions can be sent to history@oberlinheritage.org, and should include your full name and phone number.

Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Don Cisar buys a dish of ice cream scooped by Abri White on Wednesday, June 24 at the new L&E Sugar Buzz in downtown Amherst.

Here's what the 'Sugar Buzz' is about JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — No one has more street cred than a couple of kids who own a candy and ice cream shop.

That's the claim to fame for Lena and Eleanor Foltin, ages 10 and 5, who helped their parents open L&E Sugar Buzz in downtown Amherst last Wednesday.

"They're the coolest kids on the block right now," said their mom, Karen Foltin.

Their initials are even used in the store's name.

And inside, the shelves are stocked with retro and novelty candy Lena and Eleanor help pick out — taffy and Tootsie Rolls, bottle caps and M&Ms, circus peanuts and suckers.

"Everyone has a memory with candy," said Karen. It takes us back to childhood

Lena Foltin helps her grandmother pick out retrostyle hard candy that will go to her cousins. and reminds us of loved ones.

The store also sells Toft's hard-serve ice cream. There are 24 flavors in stock, and others will be rotated in.

Lena said her favorite is blueberry waffle cone, and Karen's is lemon blueberry cheesecake. Dad, former Lorain Mayor Craig Foltin,

said he goes for black raspberry chocolate chunk.

There's also a party room that can be reserved for birthdays and other special events, for parties up to 16 people. Karen said part of the fun there is making crafts out of candy.

While the kids are eager to help, the store is Karen's,

who had once worked as a temp agency recruiter.

After 10 years as a stay-athome mom, she didn't want to return to the corporate lifestyle.

So she decided to make a favorite Foltin pastime a business. The family loves to travel and always manages to find a candy store along the way — and when the corner space at Church Street and Park Avenue in historic downtown Amherst became available, they decided to open one of their own.

The gamble seemed to be paying off Wednesday.

People were knocking on the door an hour before opening, and parents flocked to the shop with kids in tow through the sunny afternoon hours.

"Candy and ice cream make people happy," Karen said. "And it's great to see people happy."

CYCLING

FROM B1

serious about having kids, suddenly taking two or three months out of the summer and stopping your work related activities, that becomes problematic."

With the nest empty now, the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unlikely opportunity to get out on the road.

The virus canceled a pilgrimage that Andrews has made every summer since 1997 — he was supposed to leave June 7 to take part in the Appalachia Service Project, a Christian ministry that puts thousands of volunteers to work repairing homes in impoverished communities in remote areas from Pennsylvania to Alabama.

The annual missions project was halted, and Andrews said ASP has taken a huge hit to the income it uses to support people in need.

So he decided to still strap on his work boots, and he's wearing them as he cycles from sea to shining sea in honor of the Appalachia Service Project.

The trip is also a way to raise funds for ASP. Online donations have poured in for his cause, with $3,093 pledged as of Friday.

You can use www.tinyurl.com/ ErikAndrews to reach his fundraising page, where a $10,000 goal has been set.

Andrews started pedaling from the Pacific Ocean's edge near Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on June 7, the day he had originally planned to depart for duty in West Virginia.

The trek started with flat riding south along the coast in the salty ocean breeze. Then Andrews turned east, taking the famous Route 66 through the Mojave Desert and Sierra Nevadas.

"That's where your uncertainty is," he said. "I said, 'Am I going to be up to this?' I'm not 30 anymore. That first 90-mile ride across the desert, you're not sure how your body is going to react."

When he was younger, Andrews was no stranger to the road. In high

This sign marks Arizona's highest point along the Route 66 corridor. "Good climb!" said Andrews. school, he toured the Midwest and Canada, and in 1981, during college, he completed a months-long ride with his brother, Geoff.

These days he's a mission software systems engineer working with NASA on satellite launches. Most recently, he helped put ICESAT-2 in orbit to study the retreat of ice at the poles.

His job has taken him to both Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral before, and during prolonged trips for launches in Florida, Andrews said he kept up his stamina by cycling.

Still, at 60 and with an ankle that needs surgery, he said he's not pressuring himself to set a record pace.

"A lot of people I talk to along route, I say, 'Boy, this would have felt different when I was 25,' " Andrews said.

On Friday, he had made his first big climb through the mountains, hitting the thin air at 7,000 feet above sea level, and was preparing to cross the Continental Divide.

It was not an experience that riding the flat streets of Oberlin had pre-

pared him for. But it felt good.

"Once you've done that first big climb, and once you've done those first 90- or 100-mile days, the confidence builds," Andrews said. "You go up and down a lot of hills. You work your way into shape if you're not already in shape."

Approaching the New Mexico border, he marveled at the geological wonders he'd seen in the past week.

They included the Grand Canyon, all but deserted because of the pandemic.

While the national park was open, COVID-19 travel restrictions were keeping tourists away, Andrews said.

"There was no one there. It was just me and the canyon. It was remarkable, he said.

Andrews said his wife, Michele, has been incredibly supportive, rearranging summer activities to travel with him to California to kick off the odyssey. "I'm not sure this would be possible without her support," he said.

His trip is set to wrap up by Labor Day.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B3

Firelands FFA holds 66th Parent-Member Banquet virtually MORGAN DICESARE FIRELANDS FFA

This year represents the 66th year for the Firelands FFA Parent-Member Banquet. Due to restrictions on large gatherings because of COVID-19, the banquet speakers were pre-recorded and a YouTube video was created from the recordings.

The banquet premiered on May 26. Viewers were encouraged to tune in and have dinner with their family during the banquet.

The video can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/FirelandsFFA. The annual banquet shows the progress and achievements of members in the chapter. It also focuses on members’ leadership, personal growth, career planning and success.

The retiring 2019-2020 officers were President Chance Coultrip, Vice President Donald Crawford, Secretary Kelsey Hardwick, Treasurer Katelyn Konicek, Reporter Taylor Kenska, Sentinel Keith Conwell, Student Adviser Jacob Schmitz and assistants Noah Galloway, Steven Jessel and Tad Miller.

Newly inducted 20202021 officers are President Donald Crawford, Vice President Steven Jessel, Secretary Kelsey Hardwick, Treasurer Katelyn Konicek, Reporter Morgan DiCesare, Sentinel Logan Galloway, Student Adviser Noah Galloway and assistants Holden Harker, Randi Johanssen and Matthew Schnell.

Star Awards are for students who have gone above and beyond in the chapter by showing effort, leadership and dedication. To win a Star Award you must apply and then be evaluated by your peers on scholarship, leadership and plans for Supervised Agricultural Experience projects. There is a Star Award for each grade.

The Star Greenhand is Holden Harker. Star Chapter is Madison Chenoweth.

Star Junior is Donald Crawford and the Star Senior is Taylor Kenska.

AgCredit also awards one member the 110 Percent Award for consistently going above and beyond. The student who earned this award is Chance Coultrip.

The Greenhand Degree is earned by first-year members. They must meet the requirements of reciting the FFA Creed, passing the Greenhand test, and having sufficient plans for an SAE

project.

The Greenhand Ceremony was in November, but they were recognized during the virtual banquet and received certificates.

Greenhands are Brandon Bowyer, Adrianna Buchanan, Madeline Byrd, Mark Cumberledge, Owen Davis, Evin Denney, Maria DiCesare, Parker Frey, Gracyn Gifford, Zoe Gifford, Gracie Groot, Holden Harker, Madisyn Jessel, Lexi Mack, MJ McCann, Gavin Nance, Mark Papp, Joel Polen, Caleb Ross, Nina Sauer, Joshua Scheeres, Matthew Schnell, Grace Stanley, Tristin Stipe, Weston Strader, Lauren Valerius, Rylan Votruba, Taylor Wood and Garrett Yakunovich.

To earn your Chapter Degree you must be a member for two years and have your Greenhand Degree along with other requirements in community service and SAE projects.

The recipients earned pins and certificates. They are Christopher Berthold, Collin Berthold, Hannah Brandt, Madison Chenoweth, Morgan DiCesare, Jadeyn Dickel, Caden Domin, Noah Galloway, Gabriel Gargasz, Gavin Gede, Gavin Gifford, Liberty Gonia, Aiden Harker, Teah Hildebrandt, Matthew Huston, Randi Johanssen, Shauna Kalassay, Peytin Linn, Abraham Mastellone, Michael Ranney, Mason Stanley, Mitchell Sweinhagen and Gabrielle Zadorozny.

The next degree you can earn as a member is the State Degree. To earn your state degree you must be a junior or senior in high school or recent graduate.

Recipients have to make a certain amount of money through their SAE, have 25 hours of community service, meet certain leadership requirements and have good grades.

Only about 2.5 percent of all FFA members will earn this degree.

The recipients were awarded the State Degree at virtual Ohio FFA Convention in May. The members from Firelands that earned the degree are Donald Crawford, Steven Jessel, Kelsey Hardwick, Katelyn Konicek, Chance Coultrip and Kaleb Carver.

The highest degree a member can earn is the American Degree. To earn this you must be a high school graduate, no more than 21 years old. Members must have earned $10,000 in SAE projects and have invested $7,500 productively. Members

Submitted photos

Kaleb Carver shows his banquet awards. Due to the pandemic, this year's awards were delivered

by Firelands FFA adviser Shanna Finnegan to students’ porches. must have at least 50 hours of community service along with other requirements.

Only about 0.5 percent of FFA members will earn this degree.

Sean Miller, Zach Born, and Morgan Nance have submitted applications which are being evaluated at the national level.

Degrees will be awarded at the National Convention in October in Indianapolis.

The Scholarship Award is for students who have gotten A’s for the last three quarters. The members that have maintained straight A’s in class are seniors Kaleb Carver, Chance Coultrip, Luke Dempsey, Taylor Kenska and Nate Kraus; junior Kelsey Hardwick; sophomores Madison Chenoweth, Morgan DiCesare, Teah Hildebrandt, Noah Galloway, Randi Johans-

son and Michael Ranney; and freshmen Adrianna Buchanan, Madeline Byrd, Maria DiCesare, Holden

• Kaleb Carver, second in the district for Outdoor Recreation Placement.

• Steven Jessel, third in the district for Outdoor Recreation Placement.

The chapter has had great success in Career Development Events, which help ready the young adults in certain areas of agriculture and career planning. The top competitors in each CDE received pins and recognition at the banquet.

The chapter did not get to compete at district or state animal CDEs, so those that did well on state online tests and invitationals were recognized instead. They are: • Forestry (third in district team) — Luke Dempsey (fourth overall in district), Aiden Harker, Kaleb Carver, Katelyn Konicek.

• Rural Soils — Chance Coultrip, Noah Galloway Josh Scheeres, Owen Davis.

• Urban Soils (third in district team) — Kaleb Carver (first in the district), FIRELANDS PAGE B5

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 JULY 2, 2020 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live

JULY 2, 2020 .......... CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION - 5:30PM JULY 3, 2020 .......... CITY HALL CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 6, 2020 .......... REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 7:00PM JULY 7, 2020 .......... HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - 5:15PM JULY 8, 2020 .......... OCIC - 8:00AM JULY 9, 2020 .......... OURCIT - 3:00PM NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

HUMAN BODY ACROSS 1. It’s often breaking 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca 8. Bog deposit 12. Mine entrance 13. *Blood fluids 14. Sinbad the Sailor’s home 15. Delhi dress 16. Ball of yarn 17. On the radio 18. *Brain’s “fear factory” 20. Gulf War missile 21. Monkeys, in Spain 22. “____ Elise” 23. Capital of Tasmania 26. Unlike Pinocchio 29. Be mistaken 30. Meteorologist’s line 33. Radiant light 35. Popular horse breed, pl.

37. VIII predecessor 38. Lit test format 39. Prima donna 40. Like meters and kilograms 42. Step on it 43. a.k.a. association football 45. ____ Hood and Christopher ____ 47. *Result of UV exposure 48. Southern chicken stew 50. Staff leader 52. *The smallest bones 56. Social media button 57. Mange carrier 58. Plumber’s sealant 59. Fuzzy fruit, pl.

60. a.k.a. The Islamic State 61. Antioxidants-rich berry 62. Tolstoy’s Karenina 63. Grazing spot 64. Country singer-songwriter Loretta DOWN 1. “For the Benefit of All” org.

2. Cheese in red casing 3. Lean like an athlete 4. Bad rep 5. Address to Kitty 6. A in A=ab, pl.

7. *Location of strongest muscle 8. *Part of both digestive and endocrine systems

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Harker, MJ McCann, Nina Sauer and Lauren Valerius.

Proficiency Awards are given to the members with strongest Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. To be considered, a member must fill out the National Proficiency Award Application and meet national minimum standards for applying.

The winners at the banquet were: • Zach Born, second in the district for Ag Mechanics Placement, first in the district for Beef Production Placement, second in the state for Fiber and Oil Crop Placement, second in the district for Diversified Crop Production, third in the state for Grain Crop Production Placement, third in the state for Diversified Ag Production Placement and first in the district for Forage Crop Placement.

• Katelyn Konicek, third in the state for Equine Management Placement.

• Keith Cornwell, first in the district for Landscape Management Placement, Community Service.

9. Genesis twin 10. Like a desert 11. Used to fix a leaky roof 13. Limit in quality 14. Same as boatswain 19. “Pillow Talk” (1960) star 22. Same as #22 Across, in English 23. *It loses 80% of body heat 24. Root of iris 25. Music to a performer’s ears 26. *Fastest growing tissue 27. Popular Japanese dish 28. Orient Express, e.g.

31. Walkie-talkie word 32. *The teeth did it 34. “The ____ have it”

36. *Gut dwellers 38. *One of #36 Down 40. Males 41. Van Gogh’s famous flower painting 44. Coffee shops 46. *____ cavity, a.k.a. mouth 48. Aplomb 49. Harbor city of Ancient Rome 50. *Humans are the only animals that have it 51. Field of grass 53. Having lace 54. Zeal 55. *The largest organ 56. Reggae precursor 57. mL

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Page B4

Best Newscast

Steele News Live, the daily show produced by students at Amherst Steele High School, has won the Best Newscast Award from the Lower Great Lakes chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The following students were recognized at the 51st Regional Emmy Awards, which were held virtually: Aidan Woods, Macy Dimacchia, Anthony LaRosa, Aidan Johnson, Joseph Butchko, Aliyha Vidovich, Jordan Harcula, Marissa Anaya, Hallie Gornall, Kylie Olney, Juliana Stoyka, Kyle Ferguson, Ellie Schenk, Courtney Schneider, Hailee McHugh, Dominic Deshuk, MaKayla Schreiber and Troy Branchen.

Junior high cheer

Registration is open for Amherst Junior High cheerleading for the fall season.

Upcoming seventh- and eighth-graders who want to try out must register by July 12. Use the form at www. tinyurl.com/AJHcheer.

School grants

Two grants totaling $4,000 have been awarded to the Amherst Schools, and another $1,985 has been awarded to Easterseals Northern Ohio in Lorain to help kids with special needs.

They are part of a $292,972 wave of grants across Northeast Ohio this summer from The GPD Group Employees' Foundation, which aims to make a difference in the lives of children.

With the impacts of COVID-19 in mind, the foundation is allowing unrestricted use of the grants.

College holds teach-in on the Floyd uprising OBERLIN COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS

"After Minneapolis: A Teach-in on the George Floyd Uprising," was held for the Oberlin College community on June 9.

Moderated by Gina Perez, professor of comparative American studies, the cross-departmental discussion was prompted by the killing of George Floyd on May 25, and the subsequent social uprising.

The hour-long panel session included presentations by six faculty members and served as a space for faculty to share their perspectives and insights about the recent events, along with information and context for understanding the history of white supremacy in the United States, as well as the ongoing calls for justice that are currently taking place across the country.

Through their presentations, the panelists demonstrated that systems of racial and social control are actually nothing new in the United States.

In individual talks, both Matthew Rarey, assistant professor of art history, and Charles Peterson, associate professor of Africana studies, examined the media’s framing of the events in recent weeks.

Using historical photographs, paintings, and images from today, Rarey challenged viewers to resist the urge to classify images from the protests as “depictions of baseless black anger,” explaining that, “Actions by black protesters and artists are often, if not always, occurring in the context of deep histories of colonial violence, directed at specific locations and memories.”

Peterson examined the concept of “militant black action” and explained that, in most cases, certain types of civil disobedience have been interwoven with militant action. “I encourage you to not fall into the idea that it’s a sign of a lack of control or is a complete contradiction to how African peoples have been fighting for their freedom for the past 400 years,” he said.

Both Renee Romano, professor of history, comparative American studies, and Africana studies, and Jenny Garcia, assistant professor of politics and comparative American studies, each see the possibility for sustained change as a result of the recent events.

Romano said that the current events feel historically familiar, but the movement also feels new and disruptive. She cited a recent shift in attitudes, explaining that the number of Americans who say that racism and discrimination is a big problem in the U.S. is up 26 points since 2015.

“It feels like this could be a historical moment,” she said. “This is everyone’s fight for justice and a truly democratic country.”

Garcia explained that she sees possibilities for real change, citing research that examines how emotions, particularly anger, are important when it comes to participating in politics. Garcia said that political research has shown that when there are greater levels of anger among black individuals, it translates into greater political protests and demonstrations, similar to what we’re seeing now.

Assistant Professor of Politics David Forrest offered a glimpse into Floyd’s home town of Minneapolis and the city’s widespread efforts during the last 30 years to gentrify low-income neighborhoods. He also gave an overview of the city’s collective organizers who have helped bring about recent social change.

Justin Emeka, associate professor of theater and Africana studies, closed the presentations by reminding the Oberlin community that they are part of a legacy— Oberlin has essentially been part of the Black Lives Matter movement since the 19th century.

He suggested that if individuals want to contribute to social change, there are some steps they should take, including studying the history of black people, examining policies for fairness, and investing in changing hearts and minds.

Lorain County Community Guide

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain, Amherst Twp. group pushing for charter government CARISSA WOYTACH THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

LORAIN — A local citizen group wants to change the way the city is governed.

Lorain and Amherst Citizens for Fair Water and Sewer Bills is circulating petitions to get an issue on the November ballot that would form a 15-member charter commission — the first step at changing the city's governing style.

Currently, Lorain and Amherst are the only statutory cities in the county — meaning they are bound by Ohio Revised Code in terms of government structure and procedures.

The rest of the county's cities have charters, meaning they have adopted their own procedures and administrative structure. Charter cities are subject to the Ohio Constitution.

Tia Hilton, of Amherst Township, is one of the petition organizers. Her mobile home park receives its sewer service from Lorain, which prompted her involvement.

“I pay sewer to them, nobody will listen to me and it's always the same old story, 'We don't know what's going on... We'll lower the fees and then they're going to jack them back up in '21,'” she said. “The City Council president shuts us up at two minutes (during public comments at Council meetings), that's not fair. We deserve to have a voice, we deserve to know just like any other city what's being increased and everybody should have a say in voting on that.”

Council added a public comment period at its regular meetings in September. It sets aside 20 minutes total, giving speakers two minutes each, both of which can be extended

by Council vote.

Council members also set sewer rates — recently lowering the readiness-to-serve charge for the rest of 2020 and 2021 from $15 to $9. The safety/service director controls the water rates. Former Safety/Service Director Max Upton dropped the water readiness-to-serve charge from $22 to $9 in March.

Hilton, along with Avon Lakebased attorney Gerald Phillips and Lorain resident Garon Petty, are part of the latest push for a charter government. Hilton estimated the group has collected more than 800 signatures on the petition, with a final goal of 3,000 to 4,000 by the Aug. 5 Board of Elections filing deadline.

Three City Council members have signed the petition: Rey Carrion, DWard 6, Tony Dimacchia, D-at large, and Mary Springowski, D-at large.

All three said they signed the petition with the belief voters have a right to have their voice heard.

“I believe in the people making the decision, especially something of that magnitude,” Springowski said. “So put it on the ballot and let the people decide.”

Dimacchia added that while he supports letting the residents decide, he doesn't believe a charter government is what’s best for the city.

Carrion agreed.

“I personally do not support a charter at this time,” he said. “If folks are not happy with mayor-Council representation they can easily make a change at election time.”

According to the Ohio Secretary of State's office, it takes multiple rounds of votes to get a charter in place.

First, the issue to create a charter commission must make it on the ballot, either with two-thirds sup-

port from City Council, or petition signatures from 10 percent of voters who participated in the last general municipal election.

To reach that 10 percent, Hilton’s group would need about 830 valid signatures. Petition signatures are only valid when they are from registered voters who live within the city.

In the same election, voters will need to approve the commission members, selected usually via nominating petition, according to the secretary of state’s guidelines. The votes for whether there should be a commission, and who should serve on that commission if formed, must be counted separately.

If the formation of a charter is approved, those elected to serve on it will have one year to draft a charter. The final charter proposal will go back on the ballot. It must get a simple majority vote to pass, and, if approved, would take effect on a date specified within the charter itself.

Petty said Lorain residents have attempted to become a charter city three times in the past 30 years, but the efforts were unsuccessful. He said a charter could shrink the number of Council members or could require nonpartisan elections.

“A charter, as far as I know, the people are more transparent,” he said. “They have to be or they're booted out. So this is one of the main reasons for the charter. The other one is all the cities around here, other than Canton, Parma and Amherst, are charters... It's about time Lorain became a charter.”

Hilton’s group is at Jaime’s Flea Market on Saturdays collecting signatures. For more information, contact her at 440-541-7294.

LCCC shifts modes for fall semester LAINA YOST THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — In response to COVID-19's continued impact on gatherings, Lorain County Community College has broadened its course delivery options for the fall semester.

The college will now offer four ways to take classes so students can choose what they are most comfortable with the pandemic.

Students can go entirely online with no scheduled class times and no in-person meetings. They can also do an online, on-time option, which is entirely online but has virtual web conference-style classes that meet at designated times.

LCCC students would be required to be online at the designated class times and participate, but there would be no in-person meeting.

There is also a blended option, where classes are partially online and partially through in-person classes.

An entirely in-person option also will be available. Physical distancing guide-

lines will be followed at the campuses.

Fall classes start on or after Aug. 24.

"Offering flexible class options is just one way that we are meeting students where they are and adapting to the current state of our world, said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger in a news release. "This pandemic should not stop any students from reaching their goals for higher education.”

Vice President of Strategic and Institutional Development Tracy Green said because LCCC is a community college, it has smaller classes and it's easier to keep to physical distances.

While she said the class offerings are the largest components of LCCC's changes for fall, there are still other changes that are being ironed out and worked on.

The other large component to reopening in the fall is finances, Green said.

LCCC is in the process of rolling out a $500 stipend to Class of 2020 high school graduates. More information will be available on that next week.

"Financially, we know it's a hard time," Green said. "... We don't want anyone to stop their higher education

plans. Don't stop your progress."

LCCC is also offering short-term certificates and fast-track programs for free if a person meets a particular criteria, including being dislocated from a job due to COVID-19.

During the summer, Green said the college is trying to make sure core transfer courses are available for either new college students or students between their freshman and sophomore years of college.

Normally during recessions, community colleges see spikes in enrollment, but Green said this recession is so different officials aren't sure what to compare it to.

"We want to make sure we have those courses in place so that people are able to continue education," Green said. "This is a huge change for everyone, but in that change there's always opportunity."

Current students are encouraged to contact their academic adviser with questions about the new class formats.

New students can find information on enrollment and more at www.lorainccc. edu/summerfall20.

HERRICK MEMORIAL LIBRARY Summer reading The Herrick Memorial Library’s summer reading programs continue through July 31.

There is still time to register, read and win prizes through the online Reader Zone app, or go to www. readerzone.com and use the password ead32.

Five adults will be awarded prizes for reading the most books checked out from Herrick. Three teens will receive prizes for the most hours spent reading books checked out from the library and children will receive prizes for completing the Children’s Reading Challenge.

Call 440-647-2120 for more information or for help registering.

Browsing access The library is offering limited access to the public. People who want to browse the collection can call the library at 440-647-2120 to set up an appointment.

Access into the library is at the top of the hour and limited to 30 minutes to provide time for the staff to clean between public visits. A face mask must be worn at all times while in the library and a health assessment

will be completed at the door.

The library will continue to offer curbside pick-up for patrons who enjoy this service. These measures and others are set in place to protect our staff and the public.

Computer use Patrons who need to use a computer for income tax filing (the deadline is July 15), unemployment benefits or other critical needs can call the library at 440-647-2120 to reserve a computer.

Reservations are a must and can be for a specific time or 48 hours in advance. There is a limit of 30 minutes of computer use and one person to a computer, but exceptions can be made at the discretion of staff. Customers must have their library card (no guest passes) and must wear a mask or facial covering over their nose and mouth while in the library.

Be sure to arrive at the library 15 minutes prior to your reserved time so that the staff can complete a health assessment.

Story times Baby story times for ages up to 24 months, and family story times

for ages two to six, are available at www.herrickliboh.org and the library's Facebook page for your viewing on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (babies) and Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., although you can participate at any time.

There will be a link for you to print out a finger play sheet within the YouTube video. Story times are in week five, plus four additional weeks for your child’s viewing this summer.

Board meeting The Herrick Memorial Library board of trustees will hold a budget meeting immediately followed by its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 14 at 10:30 a.m. Meetings will be held at the Wellington Town Hall in the southwest meeting room on the second floor, and virtually on Team Link. Visit www.herrickliboh. org on July 13 to get the TeamLink code to virtually join in the meetings on July 14.

The public attending these meetings will be required to wear a face mask that covers the nose, mouth and chin and take a health assessment before entering the room.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Guyers keep son's memory alive while helping Dukes sports thrive SHAUN BENNETT THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

WELLINGTON — Years from now, athletes from Wellington may discover a dust-covered basketball in the corner of their garage or come across a Tshirt with the DG13 logo emblazoned across it at the bottom of a dresser drawer... and smile.

Countless sports memories over the past seven years, since the unexpected death of eighth-grader Drew Guyer, have been made possible by the foundation set up by the two-sport standout's parents.

Tom and Brandi Guyer have donated nearly $40,000 to Wellington sports groups through the Drew Guyer Memorial Foundation, with the most recent ceremony coming last week, when they gave $1,000 checks to six groups — the high school boys and girls basketball teams, the high school boys and girls soccer teams and the basketball and soccer youth teams.

“We always title whatever it is we’re doing ‘The Drew Guyer Celebration’ so we most definitely look forward to it, we honor and acknowledge Drew during the event and being able to help our programs in the community in his name... I can’t describe the feeling,” Brandi said. “It’s bittersweet to say the least, but there’s a huge sense of pride and we absolutely enjoy doing it. We hate the fact that we’re able to do it, but we enjoy doing it.”

Guyer played multiple sports growing up but fell in love with basketball and soccer. He played a basketball game for McCormick Middle School against Keystone on Dec. 17, 2013, then headed to a soccer open gym, where he collapsed near the end of the session.

“His coronary artery just collapsed,” Brandi said. “The doctor said it could not have been detected. He had just had a physical a few weeks before. He said that it is something that unfortunately is detected through an autopsy.”

The current Dukes varsity basketball coaches — Dan Gundert on the boys side and Nate Morris on the girls — were close to Guyer. Gundert was his third-grade teacher the same year Guyer began serving as a Dukes ball boy when Morris was the varsity boys coach.

Gundert eventually took over the varsity program and Morris coached Guyer’s eighth-grade team.

“The worst day of school ever,” Morris said of the day following Guyer’s death. “I was over here at the high school but went over to the middle school to be with the team and it was... not a great day.”

The giving back began within hours.

Mexican restaurant work continues after slowed by COVID-19 JASON HAWK EDITOR

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Wellington coaches Nathan Morris and Dan Gundert bookend Brandi Guyer a day after the Drew Guyer Memorial Foundation awarded its third annual scholarship.

Drew Guyer was an organ donor.

“He donated his corneas, his connective tissues — we have heard of six recipients,” Brandi said. “Both of his corneas were received, his pulmonary artery went to an eight-month-old boy in Missouri, three males between the ages of 16 and 51 received connective tissue. Drew, as of last fall, was still in the LifeBank federal brochure teaching about organ donations.”

The Guyers wanted to keep the charity going after their son’s death, giving money to the high school and its basketball and soccer programs, the middle school, Wellington’s youth soccer and basketball associations and recently setting up scholar-athlete scholarship awards.

“They do a really good job of finding ways to keep his name alive,” Gundert said. “The youth is a big thing for them. They want all the kids to have the opportunities that Drew had. The sound system in the high school gym was a donation of the Drew Guyer Memorial Foundation, the scorer’s table at the high school, also from the foundation, locker room chairs, uniforms, jerseys, boys and girls soccer nets.

“Now his dad is an assistant coach on my staff and does a great job, which I know can’t be easy for him. Brandi and Tom, just the strength that they show is truly amazing in our community.”

The Guyers organize an annual golf outing every year to help raise money for the foundation — except a couple years ago, which would have been Drew’s graduation year.

“They decided to do duck races because his favorite animal was a duck,” Gundert said, referring to the popular Night at the Races fundraiser. “So instead of horse races they did duck

races, and that was really cool.”

The family also recently began sponsoring a youth basketball camp for boys and girls between third and eighth grades.

“I think it’s something they are looking to do every year,” Morris said.

“Every kid got to go for free, got a T-shirt and a basketball as well as a week’s worth of instruction through the foundation. We had close to 100 kids participating... it was just awesome.”

The camp T-shirts had the DG13 logo on the front — the letter G being made with the numerals 1 and 3.

“Two of his friends came up with that for us a few years ago,” Brandi said. “The blue is the G with a maroon 13 outlined around it. Blue was always Drew’s favorite color and maroon is for Wellington.”

“Brandi’s from Kansas, went to the University of Kansas, and Drew was a huge Jayhawks fan, so that’s where the blue comes from,” Gundert said.

“We still try to honor that as much as we can.”

Last Wednesday night’s ceremony took place at Wellington Community Park near Guyer’s memorial, which includes a blue bench, a massive rock and walkway stones that friends and family purchased.

The Dukes basketball team plays a game every season in Guyer’s honor, with Tom and Brandi presenting the game ball before tipoff.

It’s clear the city of Wellington will not forget Drew Guyer, but instead celebrate his memory often throughout the year.

“You’ll just see all the time, kids walking through town with 13 on their back or the logo on their shirt … and, to me, that’s really cool,” Gundert said.

FIRELANDS

FROM B3

Maria DiCesare (seventh in the district), Steven Jessel, Holden Harker.

• Tractor Troubleshooting (fifth in district) — Aiden Harker and Chance Coultrip.

• Ag Mechanics Skills (first place in district team) — Aiden Harker (first in district), Donald Crawford (second in district), Chance Coultrip (fourth in the district).

• General Livestock Judging — Noah Galloway, Keith Cornwell, Aiden Harker and Krystal Scheeres.

• Equine Management — Maddy Witter (first overall at District 1 Invitational), Kelsey Hardwick, Katelyn Konicek, Maria DiCesare.

• Equine State Test — Maddy Witter, Kelsey Hardwick, Maddy Chenoweth, Maria DiCesare.

• Wildlife Management — Kaleb Carver (second in district), Luke Dempsy, Gavin Nance, Mark Papp.

• State Greenhand Test (second in district) — Maddie Byrd, Holden Harker, Caleb Ross, Adrianna Buchanan.

• National Stay at Home Quiz (second in state as a team) — Kaleb Carver, Maddie Byrd, Steven Jessel, Stella Baxter.

• Parliamentary Proce-

Page B5

WELLINGTON — La Troje Mexican Bar & Grille is one step closer to opening on East Herrick Avenue.

No date has been set, but spokesman Bill Baumhardt said he believes the restaurant will open this summer.

"I expect sooner than later," he said. "Just with the way everything has been with the virus, that has thrown a loop in a lot of stuff."

Excitement has been building for La Troje since late 2019, when rumors that a new Don Tequila franchise would move into the space vacated by East of Chicago Pizza.

The new restaurant's owner, Manuel Angel, is the owner of Don Tequila in Medina — but chose to give the Wellington location a different name. At first, it had tentatively been called Los Broncos.

"It's going to be the nicest restaurant in town, that I can guarantee," said Baumhardt, praising Angel's work in Medina. "Their food is excellent and their service is outstanding, and that will be coming to Wellington, too."

Signs have gone up in the windows, and tile was being placed in the floor Friday. A new bar and booths are ready to go, but electrical work needs to be finished.

Baumhardt said La Troje was also still waiting for liquor license approval. He expected it this week.

Shoe drive

The Wellington Police Department has teamed up with PolicePictures,org to serve as a collection center for a shoe drive.

Shoes will be given to people in need. They will be redistributed by the Funds2Orgs network, which works with partners in developing nations to help people who are impoverished to start, maintain and grow businesses.

Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and house families in Central American and African nations.

To learn more, visit www.policepictures.org/ shoedrive.

Wellington police officers are willing to provide pickup service in the village. They are taking gently used and new shoes.

The drive also raises funds for Frontline United, formed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to help support police needs for protective equipment.

Grab and go at library

The Amherst Public Library will be open for graband-go checkout services beginning Monday, July 6.

In addition to curbside pickup service, patrons will be able to enter the building to quickly grab and check out materials.

For the health and safety of patrons and staff, face masks are required inside the building. The first hour of the day will be reserved for elderly and vulnerable patrons; those hours are 9-10 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 10-11 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Curbside pickup service has updated hours: 1-7 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and 1-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Limited services will continue to be provided by appointment. Call 440-988-4230 to make an appointment for individual computer sessions, notary services and faxing services.

Full details about the health and safety protocols are available at www.amherstpubliclibrary.org.

Nearing Retirement?

What Questions Should I Ask?

Firelands FFA member Katelyn Konicek poses with her banquet awards. dure CDE, Novice Team A — President Grace Stanley, Vice President Madisyn Jessel, Secretary Gracyn Gifford, Treasurer Joel Polen, Reporter Garret Yakunovich, Sentinel Rylan Votruba, Student Advisor Grace Groot.

• Novice Team B — President Holden Harker, Vice

President Maria DiCesare, Secretary Gavin Nance, Treasurer Zoe Gifford, Reporter Nina Sauer, Sentinel Matthew Schnell, Student Advisor Owen Davis.

• Senior Team — President Donald Crawford, Secretary Logan Galloway, Kaleb Carver, Steven Jessel, Mitchell Sweinhagen,

Noah Galloway, Morgan DiCesare, Olivia Galloway.

• Beginning Prepared Public Speaking — Michael Ranney (seventh in state semifinals, first in sub-district, first in district).

• Extemporaneous Speaking — Kaleb Carver (third in sub-district).

The recent market volatility has affected just about everybody’s financial and investment situations so, if you were planning to retire soon, will it still be possible?

Of course, the answer depends somewhat on your employment situation. With so many people’s jobs being affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic, your retirement plans may also have been thrown into confusion.

But assuming your employment is still stable, what adjustments in your financial and investment strategies might you need to make for your retirement?

Here are a few areas to consider, and some questions to ask yourself: - Retirement Goals - You probably created your investment strategy with a particular type of retirement lifestyle in mind. Perhaps you had planned to become a world traveler when your working days were over. Of course, in the near term, extensive travel may not be possible, anyway, but once we move past the pandemic, your freedom to roam will likely return. But if your investment portfolio is not where you thought it might be, can you (or do you want to) adapt your lifestyle plans? And can you accept the same flexibility with your other lifestyle goals, such as purchasing a vacation home, pursuing hobbies, and so on ?

- Tradeoffs - Based on your retirement goals and your willingness to adjust your retirement lifestyle, you’ll want to consider your options and tradeoffs. For example, would you be willing to work more years then you had originally planned in exchange

OH-70097431

for greater confidence in your ability to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle? By working longer, you can continue adding to your IRA and 401(k) or similar retirement plan, and you may be able to push back the date you start receiving Social Security to receive bigger monthly benefits. You might also review your budget for opportunities to reduce spending today and potentially save more toward your retirement goals.

- Social security - You can file for Social Security benefits as early as 62, but you can get 25% to 30% more if you wait until your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. As you created your retirement plans, you likely also calculated when you would take Social Security, but you may need to review that choice. If you postpone retirement a few years, what effect will that have on when you choose to take Social Security and, consequently, the size of your benefits? You won’t want to make a hasty decision, because once you start taking Social Security, you can’t undo that choice.

This is certainly a challenging time to be entering retirement, and you’ll have some questions to answer. But even in the midst of uncertainty, you still have many choices. Consider them carefully and make the decisions that work for you.

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

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

Steve Schmittle

mike.verda@edwardjones.com

steve.schmittle@edwardjones.com

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

Member SIPC

Page B6

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 36, No. 31

The Little Mermaid

any people know the story of The Little Mermaid because of the Disney animated movie.

The tale, first told by Hans Christian Anderson, is about a mermaid who risks her life to save a human prince. With the help of an evil witch, she trades her tongue for legs.

In the original story, the prince does not marry the mermaid and she evaporates into sea foam!

Find the two ideentical merrmaids.

tories of creatures that are part fish and part human have been told by people around the world for hundreds of years. Today, their stories are told in movies and their images decorate clothing, toys, bedding and more!

=A =C =E =F =G =H

Use the code to discover the city in = N Denmark where there is a famous = O statue of The Little Mermaid sitting on a rock in the harbor. =P =S

The Sirens

In the classical _______, Odyssey, the hero Odysseus is __________ about sea sirens whose _________ lures sailors towards _______ where they become shipwrecked. Odysseus and his crew put _____ in their ears so they wouldn’t _________ the songs and they survived.

nnes

es was a mythical being he Persian Gulf who mankind wisdom.

He had the body of a fish with a man underneath. It is said he would rise out of the waters in the daytime and teach people writing, arts and science.

Help Oannes find his way to the shore.

Coffee Mermaid A popular coffee company uses a mermaid in its logo. Circle every other letter to discover which coffee company.

The Fiji Mermaid

How many differences can you find between these two mermaids?

In thee summer of 1842 1842, a rreport went out that there was proof that mermaids were Cut out different real. What body parts from peopple looked like and animals in phottos a mummified creature was displayed at P.T. Barnum’s in today’s newspapeer.

Combine these in neew American Museum of Oddities for w many years. Was it real? No. The dried ways to make a new ur creature.

Give you skeleton was manmade by combining the skeletons of two animals. Unscram- creature a name annd write a story about it. ble the letters to find out which two.

Create a Creature

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Fo ollow simple written instructionss.

Cross out the one thing in each row that does not belong.

CREATURES EVAPORATE MERMAID ODYSSEY SAILORS OANNES WISDOM TONGUE PRINCE LURES RISKS LEGS SONG TALE WAX

Y E S S Y D O C G E

S G E L E E L D N T

A W R S L R I A O A I

I U A E A U N S R

MYTHICAL

L S T S M N G L I O

The adjective mythical means a story existing only in imagination.

R O E I E C K A S A

The child’s story was about riding a mythical dragon.

O D A R S U N S W P

S M R T O S X R O V I E C N I R P E S E

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

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

If I Were an Animal

WordsThat GoTogether

Look through the newspaper and cut out 10 nouns. Then put the nouns into groups. Give each group a name. Can you group the nouns in different ways?

ANSWER: On porpoise!

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Students extract and group information from text.

This week’s word:

Which kind of animal are you the most like? What kind of animal would you like to be?

Write about it!