Lorain County Community Guide - Oct. 13, 2022

Golden Acres coming down

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST TWP. — No more delays. After months of setbacks, demolition has finally started at the former Golden Acres Nursing Home even though it’s not yet easy for the public to see.

While the building looks sound from Route 58, ex cavators are tearing away on the far side. Gaping holes in the exterior are visible only from a narrow angle on North Ridge Road.

“We did it so people can’t see the ugly eyesore while we work,” said J.J. Janson, president and CEO of A1 Land Development.

His four-person crew plans to have the entire building down by mid-December.

The face of the old nursing home and tuberculosis clinic could start being razed this week.

As of Monday, the entrance was still intact, but debris was piled against the outside walls and thick dust clung to everything. Daylight shone through the windows where rear walls have already been eviscerated.

After Lorain County commissioners signed a $238,500 contract in May, the original plan was to start demolition June 1.

Anger boils over

Protesters rally for Oberlin College profs

JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Hoping to halt a vote that would end a nearly twocentury-old agreement with Oberlin College faculty, hundreds of protest ers gathered Thursday evening in front of Wilder Hall.

Their frustrations quickly boiled over into anger. The crowd of students and employees turned on members of the Board of Trustees who had congregated outside the nearby Mudd Center.

“F--- the trustees,” the protesters roared in unison.

Christina Neilsen, chair of art history and a member of the local American Association of University Professors chapter, stood under a homecoming banner on Wilder’s

steps. Over it was taped a cardboard sign that said, “Abolish the trust ees.”

Neilsen said the board planned to strip faculty of the right to manage the internal affairs of the college.

Known as the Finney Compact, the arrangement was first made with college President Charles Finney in 1835.

The vote would limit profes sors to decisions strictly related to curriculum. Neilsen said that cuts them out of decisions about student well-being and mental health, as well as staffing and contracts for key services.

Protesters railed against the 2020 layoffs of unionized dining and custodial workers and the recent decision to replace campus health workers with Bon Secours Mercy

‘You are hurting the businesses’

Main Street Wellington board president takes aim at Village Council

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Hans Schneider later la beled “more of an attack,” Saccardi said elected of ficials have shown indif ference to the direction the historic shopping district is heading.

“If you do nothing, it will continue to disintegrate. It’s not a nice look, any of this,” he said.

While it is an indepen dent nonprofit, Main Street is given time for a report during Village Council’s bimonthly meetings. Sac cardi used that time to ask

Oberlin

Council to draft an ordi nance requiring downtown building owners to seek tenants.

Other Ohio towns levy fines against owners whose buildings sit vacant for years at a time, he said. More businesses attract more shoppers.

“You’re allowing people to sit on their properties for 5, 10, 20, 30 years and not fine them,” he said. “You are hurting the businesses of downtown Wellington by protecting landlords

who sit on their proper ties.”

No response was offered by Council members or administrators during the meeting.

Council has several times in recent years discussed whether to penalize the owners of commercial spaces that sit empty for years on end, but no ordi nance has resulted.

There “just hasn’t been an agreement on how to do

Photos by Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

An estimated 300 people gathered last Thursday afternoon on Wilder Bowl, including professors, union reps, other employees and students. Many held signs like the one below, defending the involvement of faculty in operational and strategic decisions about the college’s future.

Bruce Bishop | Amherst News-Times Demolition crews have begun tearing down the exterior of the former Golden Acres Nursing Home in Amherst.

OBITUARIES

Thomas Orvin Brown

Thomas Orvin Brown, 90, of Wellington, died Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at Keystone Pointe in LaGrange. Tom was born Aug. 26, 1932, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Nelis Davis and Wil lie Frances (nee Buckley) Brown.

He graduated from high school in Jackson, Missis sippi and earned his bach elor's and master's degrees from Mississippi State. He later earned his PhD from Kent State in 1969. During the Korean War, Tom served his Country in the U.S. Navy.

He taught high school history in Lakewood, Colorado, where he was also the coowner of a Tastee-Freez. He moved to Akron in 1964 and worked for the next 30 years at the University of Akron. He was the Director of the Counselling and Testing Center until his retirement in 1994. Thomas loved antiques and turned his treasured hobby into a business. He began at Windham Church Antiques, eventually took a booth at the Medina Antique Mall and then in 2002 opened Black River Antiques in Wellington. Alongside his wife, Betty, Tom ran Black River Antiques until retirement in 2014.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Ann (nee Moore) Brown; children, Amie Brown of Fairlawn, Mason Brown of Portland, Oregon and Andrew Brown of Middleburg Heights; son-in-law, Greg Hartig of Phoenix, Arizona and grandson, Sonny Bolender of Fairlawn.

Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Hartig and brothers, Edward and Davis Brown.

Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main St., Wellington, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. A luncheon will follow at Wel lington Fire Department, 202 Kelly Street.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Brown family may be given online at: www.norton-east manfuneralhome.com.

Our condolences go out to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one. To place an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call (440) 329-7000.

Hospice seeks volunteers

Volunteers are needed at Hospice of the Western Reserve. Various opportunities are available and may vary by location; there are also virtual and non-clinical opportunities to serve.

To start the process of joining the team, visit www.hospicewr. org/volunteer or call (216) 255-9090.

Back the best-value in Ohio

To the editor:

As a proud three-time Lorain County Community Col lege alumnus, I am respectfully requesting and strongly encouraging you to join me in voting for Issue 10, LCCC’s University Partnership levy. Issue 10 is a renewal levy, not a tax increase.

Launched in 1996, the UP began with five partner col leges and universities delivering 12 bachelors and mas ter’s degrees. It has now expanded to 14 colleges and uni versities delivering more than 100 bachelor and master’s degrees. Fifty percent of the UP program bachelor degrees are designed as 3+1 programs, where students take three years at LCCC’s low tuition rates and one year from the partnering institution, all on the LCCC campus. This re sults in an average savings to the student of $74,000.

The levy supports not only the UP, but continuing edu cation programs, services, technology, labs, College Cred it Plus, apprenticeship programs, first responder training and 65 Fast Track education and training programs. Please support the best value for a bachelor’s degree in the state of Ohio. Vote for Issue 10.

Michael Sherman

AAUP speaks out over change to Finney Compact

The Oberlin College chapter of the American Association of University Professors’ key complaint is the end the Finney Compact, an employment agreement made college President Charles Finney in 1835, ensuring faculty have a say in strategic and operational decisions.

The board was scheduled to vote to remove it from Oberlin’s bylaws, where it had been enshrined since 1903.

“They give us no real say over the conditions in which we work and our students learn,” said a statement issued by the AAUP.

“I absolutely believe that the trustees

PROTEST

FROM A1

Health, a Catholic company that does not provide access to con traception, morning-after pills or gender-affirming health care.

Neilsen said those decisions “are destroying Oberlin College, and I believe it’s destroying our reputation as a place that values its workers.”

Cynthia Taylor, associate professor of computer science and an alumna, told protesters she loves the college — it’s become her home. That’s why she wants to have a say in its future.

“I want to be in the room and have a voice in discussions about laying off our custodians and our cafeteria workers,” she said. “I want to have a voice in conversations about cutting the health care benefits and the pay of the people I work alongside.”

Gregory Solow, a board member for the Oberlin College Office and Professional Employees union, said the college’s endowment has surpassed $1 billion, while tenured positions are lost, union positions are kept empty, workloads for all in crease and staff and faculty appoint ments are seen as increasingly short and precarious.

Oberlin College welcomed its largest incoming class ever this fall, leading to hastily divided dorm rooms and more faculty than ever on one-year contracts, he said.

“What a noble road has led us to this moment,” Solow said in disgust.

He read a prepared statement by the OCOPE board, supporting faculty involvement in the college’s strategic and operational decisionmaking processes.

“When the educators lead, it is edu cation that will flourish,” Solow said.

have the best interests of the college at heart,” said classics professor Kirk Ormand, president of Oberlin’s AAUP chapter. Faculty do not feel the proposed bylaw changes are malicious, but intend ed to create the top-down decisionmaking structure most companies use, said Ormand.

Yet Oberlin College isn’t like other companies, he said. Faculty dedicate their careers to educating students, while trustees are business people “who fly into Oberlin College four times a year,” he said.

The Board of Trustees has always had the final say in decisions affecting the

“When the administrators lead, it is the administration that will flourish, and the students of this college are not paying for an administration.”

A long string of speakers aimed contempt at members of Oberlin’s Board of Trustees — Solow said they “see Oberlin as a balance sheet rather than a place to live, learn, labor and thrive.”

Faculty work with students and know their needs, said Natalie Darfour, vice president of academic affairs for the Student Senate.

“Do we see the Board of Trustees every day? Do we even know where they live?” she asked, and was an swered by a roar of “no.”

“Just think about it for a second: The Board of Trustees is voting to give more power to the Board of Trustees,” said Nicolas Zamora, who also serves on the Student Senate.

The crowd’s response: thundering boos.

OCOPE President Julie Weir said a vote to do away with the Finney Compact would be “nothing more than a power grab.”

She said she was told the change is intended as a “clarification” to Oberlin’s bylaws.

“When somebody in power wants to change bylaws or rules or gover nance, it’s not because it’s ‘clarifica tion.’ It’s because they want to dilute somebody’s power,” Weir said.

Scott Wargo, the college’s director of media relations, stood behind the crowd close to several trustees and administrators. Asked whether any would comment, he said no.

As the rally drew to a close, pro testers turned their frustrations in the

GOLDEN ACRES

FROM A1

Removal from asbestos pushed that start date back, and discovery of more of the cancer-causing insula tion caused more delays. Fencing went up around the building, but scheduling issues caused August and September starts to come and go.

Equipment started grinding at the walls Monday, with little noticeable progress until last Wednesday.

Lorain County Deputy Administra tor Karen Perkins told commissioners in a meeting early Wednesday that she was sad to see Golden Acres go.

"It's a beautiful building" that was part of Lorain County for a long time, she said. "It's been part of our history.”

Perkins told commissioners a contractor removed $30,000 in scrap

copper from the building. Janson was unable to verify that figure.

From this point on, demolition is expected to be a relatively easy job, according to Janson. Sandstone cov ers the building, but block and brick underneath so far hasn’t provided much of a challenge.

Sorting the rubble and hauling it away will take more work than actu ally razing the structure, he said.

One surprise has already cropped up: Workers discovered a crawlspace under Golden Acres. Janson said it’s unlikely anyone has been in there for many years.

“You always keep your eyes open, because you never know what you’re going to find,” he said. “You

college’s direction, according to Ormand. Any faculty decision could be vetoed.

The bylaw change takes a much fur ther leap, keeping faculty out of all deci sions except those about curriculum, he said. With the compact repealed, professors no longer have a say on admissions requirements, Ormand said. They were responsible in the 1970s for a policy that does not discriminate against applicants based on sexual orientation.

The bylaw changes would also cut faculty out of decisions on environmental protections, Ormand argued. They were responsible for a plan to make the col lege carbon-neutral by 2025.

trustees’ direction. They marched on the Mudd Center with signs that read “Power to Professors,” “O! is not for oligarchy,” “Let profs choose their leaders” and “College not corpora tion.”

Board members retreated inside.

Mark Sapara, assistant vice president and dean for intercultural engagement, remained outside, where he’d spent about half an hour talking to students.

He declined to comment on what he’d seen and heard at the rally.

Protesters crowded the entrances, chanting profanities and holding up signs to be seen through the windows.

The building was not closed off, but security blocked stairwells inside.

In an op-ed published in the student newspaper, The Review, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Lillie Edwards wrote that Oberlin College faces “economic, administrative, regulatory, statutory and even politi cal constraints that were unfamiliar decades ago.”

A lack of clarity in the bylaws “has hampered our ability to respond nimbly to extraordinary challenges (like a pandemic) and plan responsi bly for the future,” she said.

The board isn’t making the chang es on a whim, but to realign with criteria from the college’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, Edwards wrote.

“The amendments are meant to clarify responsibilities without elimi nating channels for valuable faculty input,” she said. “Oberlin’s ongoing success depends on faculty advice to the administration and the board on matters of long-term strategic importance.”

could go through that building with a fine-toothed comb before you knock it down, but once you start pulling walls down it’s hard to say what you’ll find.”

For now, A1 Land Development is using two excavators and skid steers to rip Golden Acres apart. Janson said he may resort to using a wreck ing ball if parts of the foundation prove difficult to remove.

Several people have expressed interest in removing sandstone from the building to be reused, Janson said, but so far no deals have been made.

Time is rapidly running out. “I’m not going to hold up the project hop ing that somebody might want it,” he said.

Sheriff's Auxiliary taking applications for 2023

The next training class for the Lorain County Sheriff's Auxiliary is scheduled to begin in January, Sheriff Phil Stammitti announced.

Applications are due Dec. 31. Anyone inter ested in applying for the next class may get an application in person at the sheriff's office, 9896 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, by calling (440) 329-3709 or going online to www.lorain countysheriff.com.

Organized in 1957, the auxiliary is a volun teer organization that supports the sheriff's office and supplements regular deputies and corrections officers.

The class is open to all people age 19 and

HURTING

FROM A1

it,” Schneider said in an interview after the meeting. “I mean, how do you pun ish somebody if they can’t rent their building?”

At the same time, a recent decision to crack down on downtown parking vio lations has caused anger among Main Street members, Saccardi said — tick ets are bad for business.

Schneider later said the village re ceives frequent complaints from busi ness owners about parking violations.

“It’s unfortunate, and a lot of time it’s the employees who are parking in those spots,” he said.

Schneider walked the downtown area a few weeks ago with Police Chief Tim Barfield to let businesses know officers would start enforcing parking rules as of Oct. 1.

He said they don’t want to write tick ets, which because of Oberlin Municipal Court fees usually amount to about $80. Schneider said village employees do not set ticket prices — that’s half the story. Village Council can set fees, but the court charges additional amounts for each case that appears before the judge.

Saccardi also criticized village of ficials for allegedly slow-walking building inspections. Councilman Mark Bughman later pushed back against that claims — Wellington relies on a state building inspector who makes a circuit of a large area, he said.

“That’s all we’ve got. That’s not our fault. That goes back to what the state is doing,” he said.

Saccardi pitched hard for officials to take a hand in helping to create a stra tegic vision for the downtown district’s future, saying change must happen if businesses are to survive.

older with a high school diploma, United States citizenship and "impeccable character."

The Sheriff's Auxiliary donates thousands of hours to the sheriff's office and Lorain County residents by assisting road deputies on cruiser duty, corrections officers on jail duty, and spe cial duty such as traffic control and security at special events like the Lorain County Fair.

All applicants will be required to pass a background check and an interview by auxiliary commanders.

The Auxiliary Training Academy is 110 hours of procedures, self-defense, search-and-sei zure training and instruction on Ohio law.

Main Street was recently awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant worth an estimated $13,000 in consult ing services.

It will pay for Ben Levenger of Ravenna-based Downtown Redevelop ment Services to visit Wellington later this month. He will tour businesses, assess the village’s needs and offer rec ommendations.

Main Street is also conducting a sur vey at tinyurl.com/FutureWellington. It asks questions about what stores resi dents and visitors would find helpful, housing needs and how to make the community more vibrant.

An open house is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the LCCC Wellington Center, 151 Commerce Drive. It will give residents a chance to give their ideas about what the future of downtown Wellington should look like.

Saccardi said the shopping district needs long-term revitalization, and that village officials need to invest in it.

“We know what the problem is. We’ve known it for years,” he said. “We know what the solutions are. We’ve known that for years. We’ve just done nothing about it.”

Schneider said said he understands the pressure the town’s businesses are under. Perched on the southern end of the county, surrounded by farmland, at tracting customers can be hard, he said.

He said the village will “absolutely” have representatives take part in Main Street’s planning process. Both Schnei der and Bughman said they plan to attend.

“They made clear the important meet ings we should be at. It’s our intent to do that,” Schneider said.

Amherst resident killed in car wreck

PITTSFIELD TWP. — A 24-year-old Amherst resident was killed last Tuesday evening in a head-on crash at the intersection of U.S. Route 20 and Quarry Road.

Avery Susak was driving a gold 2009 Ford Focus east on U.S. Route 20 just before 6 p.m. and tried to pass a sedan that was stopped and preparing to turn onto Quarry Road, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Susak collided with a 2020 Dodge Ram driven by Travis Butler, 29, of Erie, Michigan, the Patrol said in a news release.

The Ford went off the highway, and the Dodge also went off the road, striking multiple trees.

Susak later died of injuries sustained in the crash. The Patrol did not specify any injuries to Butler.

The intersection was closed for about 4 hours as a result of the crash.

Assisting on the scene were Lorain County Sheriff’s deputies, Wellington firefighters, Central Lorain County Ambulance paramedics, Metro LifeFlight medics, Ohio Department of Transportation personnel and L and M Towing operators.

ALL

LEGALS

relating to the State Route 58 Corridor Planning Study With Crash Analysis; and declaring an emergency. 0-22-38 An Ordinance autho rizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the City of Lorain for the Am herst/Lorain Leavitt Road Traf fic Improvement Study; and declaring an emergency.

0-22-39

of

Safety - Ohio Traffic Safety

fice. 164-22 Approving the Chief of Police, to accept a $51,136.90 award from the Ohio Department of Public Safety - Ohio Traffic Safety Office. 165-22* Auth the S/S Director to file, receive & execute all necessary paper work to apply for & receive, if awarded, grant funding for the planning & design of the 36th Street corridor improvements. 166-22* Auth the S/S Director to enter into contract for repair work to be done to the tube settlers at the water purifica tion plant w/o formal bidding and advertising. 167-22* Auth the S/S Dir to advertise & enter into a contract for a 2-yr period w/ 2 optional 1-yr ext for the hauling & disposal of liquid sludge &/or filter cake from 2 WWTP operated by the city. 168-22* Auth the S/S Dir to advertise & enter contract for a 1-year period w/2 optional 1-yr ext for the purchase of stone & disposal of concrete for the Lorain Utilities Dept. 169-22* Auth the S/S Direc tor to enter into contracts for the purchase of chemicals for use in the Utilities Dept, water and water pollution control di

0-22-28

An Ordinance vacat ing a portion of North Dewey Road and retaining utility and drainage easements on a por tion of the area vacated. (A22-32) (Previously advertised as 0-22-29) 0-22-29 Number skipped 0-22-30

An Ordinance autho rizing and directing the Safety Service Director to submit an application for federal grant funds in the amount of $8,200.00 for the purchase of bulletproof vests for the City of Amherst Police Department and accept such funds when awarded; and declaring an emergency 0-22-31

An Ordinance levying upon certain lots and lands assessments for the cost of repairing and replacing various public sidewalks under the City of Amherst, Ohio’s 2021 Side walk Program; and declaring an emergency. 0-22-32

An Ordinance amend ing Chapter 1121 of the Codi fied Ordinances of the City of Amherst, Ohio to include a new Section 1121.08 regard ing notices and hearings relat ing to zoning regulations. 0-22-33

An Ordinance autho rizing and directing the Safety Service Director to submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission for State Issue I (Round 37) Funds for the Year 2023 for roadway improvements and repairs on North Ridge Road and various other streets; and declaring an emergency. 0-22-34

An Ordinance au thorizing the City of Amherst Community Improvement Cor poration, acting as agent for the City, to negotiate the terms of an agreement to sell or ease Parcel No. 05-00-003-106-018 and Parcel No. 05-00-003106-020 to AMP Transmission, LLC for the purpose of estab lishing a second electric con nection point; and declaring an emergency. 0-22-35

An Ordinance autho rizing an increase In appropria tions for the Park & Pool Fund; and declaring an emergency. 0-22-36

An Ordinance au thorizing the Safety Service Director to purchase two 2022 Ford Explorer Cruisers for the Amherst Police Department through the State Purchasing Program and other equipment for such cruisers at a total cost not to exceed $113,000.00; and declaring an emergency. 0-22-37 An Ordinance autho rizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for professional services with Bramhall Engi neering & Surveying Company

An Ordinance con senting to ODOT for Bridge Inspection Services and de claring an emergency. 0-22-40 An Ordinance reappropriating funds in the Of fice on Aging to cover Meals on Wheels food expenses through the end of 2022; and declaring an emergency. The complete text of the above listed ordinances and resolu tions may be viewed in the office of the Clerk of Council during regular business hours. Olga Sivinski, Clerk of Council 206 S. Main St. Amherst, OH. 440-988-2420

LCCG 10/13/22 20710011

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Please be advised that Lorain City Council will host a public hearing on Monday, Novem ber 14, 2022 in the Lorain City Council Chamber at 200 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio.

The hearing will commence at 6p.m. to discuss the addition of 40 homes to the Sandy Spring TIF district. Please contact Breanna_Dull@cityoflorain. org for additional informa tion. BREANNA DULL, CMC

LCCG 10/13,20/22 20710013

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Please be advised that Lorain City Council will host a public hearing on Monday, Novem ber 14, 2022 in the Lorain City Council Chamber at 200 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio.

The hearing will commence at 5:30p.m. to discuss the follow ing items:

ZCA 5-2022 - An application to rezone PPN: 02-01-003-139023 @ 1548 Reid Ave. from R-2 to R-3. Swipe USA, LLC is the applicant.

ZCA 6-2022- An application to rezone PPN: 06-21-001-101067 @ 6130 Broadway Ave. from B-2 to HMD. Norcare En terprises, Inc. is the applicant.

The Lorain City Planning Commission met on October 5, 2022 and recommended approval of the items above to Lorain City Council. Copies of all documentation related to this proposal will be on file for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Coun cil, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Please contact Breanna_Dull@cityoflorain. org for additional informa tion. BREANNA DULL, CMC LCCG 10/13, 20/22 20709935

WELLINGTON — Con struction of the village’s new police station on East Herrick Avenue won’t wrap up this year.

Supply chain issues have pushed back its opening, likely to mid-2023, accord ing to Village Manager Jonathan Greever.

“There’s nothing in my mind that moves that esti mate,” he said.

UP FOR THE DANCE

The main hold-up now is the delivery of a genera tor, which is expected in March, he told Wellington Council last week.

That stalls parking lot paving, since the weight of the generator and a crane needed to lift it into place would likely damage the asphalt, Greever said.

A domino effect from there pushes back other por

tions of the project, he said.

Otherwise, work inside the new station is coming along “at a good pace,” Greever said.

Other supply chain short ages are starting to ease, he said. The front portion of the building is expected to be finished first, which means police officers may be able to start using offices there ahead of the

official opening. But “you can’t house pris oners without full-service capacity,” Greever said.

Studer-Obringer Con struction of New Washing ton is building the police station at a cost of $2.37 million.

That cost was more than $1 million over projec tions, run up because of runaway inflation.

Grab a costume and get ready for the Skeleton Run 5K

AMHERST — The 24th Annual Skeleton Run will be held Sunday, Oct. 30, starting and ending at Mar ion L. Steele High School’s Richard S. Cooley Track.

The first 300 registered 5K partici pants will receive a long-sleeve syn thetic shirt and refreshments after the race, as well as a participant medal.

The 5K race will be chip timed, which means runners will receive a computerized chip to put into their bib and accurately record all race in formation. There are overall men and women's trophies and grand mas

ters men and women's trophies in addition to medals for the top three finishers in each of 14 age groups.

There is a stroller division, a dog division, expanded youth races, a water stop in the park, free pic tures, massages by Watson Well ness, free items from Lorain County Public Health, snacks and drinks and awards for the best Halloween costumes.

All proceeds go to RunAmherst. com, which aims to inspire wellness in children through races and events by promoting competition, com

munication, connectivity and Comet pride.

Pre-registration, course map and all race information can be found at tinyurl.com/SkeletonRun5K. Register by Oct. 29 to receive the discounted rate of $25.

Kindergartners will start the event at 8:30 a.m. with a one-lap run. Grade levels will join throughout the hour, with one-lap races for first through fifth grades and a two-lap race for sixth- through eighth-grad ers. The 5K Skeleton Run will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Oberlin launches ‘Promise Program’ this fall with LCCC

ELYRIA — Lorain County Community College and the city of Oberlin have partnered to provide free short-term certificate programs to city residents.

The new Oberlin Social Equity and Skill Devel

opment Promise offers 16- and 32-week academic programs focused on indemand fields like infor mation technology, cyber security, advanced manu facturing, micro-electron ics and health care.

“While this program

is designed for adults who are looking to train quickly to advance their career, or retrain for a new, in-demand job, it also works well for recent high school graduates who need a skill to get on a career path,” said Cindy Kushner,

LCCC’s director of school and community partner ships.

Information sessions will be held at noon on Friday, Oct. 14, and at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main St.

Get a free flu shot this fall from Lorain County Public Health

Before fall illnesses gain a foot hold, Lorain County Public Health will start offering flu shot clinics on Monday, Oct. 17.

Residents can also make appoint ments at the health department’s headquarters at 9800 Murray Ridge Rd. in Elyria to be vaccinated be tween 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule a free shot, visit loraincountyhealth.com/ flu or call (440) 284-3206.

“Getting a flu shot every fall is an important way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your communi ty from severe sickness,” said county Health Commissioner Mark Adams.

“It’s easy to get a flu shot, whether at a nearby pharmacy, a flu shot clinic or at the LCPH office.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone ages six months and older receive a flu shot every year.

LCPH offers different flu shot options, including one for ages six months through 64 years, a highdose flu shot for adults 65 years and older and nasal flumist for ages two years through 49 years.

Flu shots are free to Lorain County residents, and were paid for by ARPA funding through the Lorain County commissioners.

You can also call or go online to make an appointment for upcoming flu shot clinics:

• Avon — Monday, Oct. 17 from 1-4 p.m. at Avon Middle School, 3445 Long Rd.

• Columbia — Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Co lumbia Township Fire Department, 25540 Royalton Rd.

• Wellington — Thursday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon and 2-6 p.m. at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, 23000 Fairgrounds Rd.

• Elyria — Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northwood Middle School, 570 Abbe Rd. North

• Lorain — Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lorain High School, 2600 Ashland Ave.

• New Russia Township — Tues day, Oct. 25 from 2-6 p.m. at The Lodge of New Russia Township, 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd.

• Elyria — Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Rd.

• Elyria — Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 4-7 p.m. at Lorain County Pub lic Health, 9880 Murray Ridge Rd.

• Lorain — Sunday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cha pel, 4301 Pearl Ave.

• Elyria — Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lorain County Pub lic Health, 9880 Murray Ridge Rd.

Wellington’s new police station opening pushed back to 2023

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

One of the best parts of homecoming is dressing the part. These Wellington High School students got their glamour on for photos at the Wellington Reservation Metro Park on Jones Road before the big dance. ABOVE LEFT: Braden Hamer and Ellie Leiby. ABOVE RIGHT: Ned Gott and Hope Dudziak. BELOW LEFT: Brooke Lehmkuhl and Declan Bracken. BELOW RIGHT: Morgan Lehmkuhl and Talon Hynes.

Rental fees for old Prospect school to get Council vote

JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — The public may soon be allowed to rent the former Prospect Elementary School gym, cafeteria or classrooms at an hourly rate.

In a deal with the Oberlin Schools, the city took owner ship of the empty building in December 2021.

Now it houses Oberlin’s recreation and information technology departments. City boards and commissions use conference rooms for meetings, and the old school is again being used by the Lorain County Board of Elections as a polling location.

Senior citizens, youth groups and nonprofits have shown tremendous interest in using Prospect’s 13,566 square feet, said Recreation Superintendent Ian Yarber.

The Recreation Commission is proposing a fee schedule to use certain rooms in the school. Pending City Council approval, it would set prices at:

• $40 per hour on weekdays and $45 per hour on week ends to use the gymnasium.

• $30 to $45 per hour to use meeting rooms

• $25 per hour to use crafting rooms.

A $150 deposit would be required for use, said Yarber. It would be returned, provided renters leave no damage behind.

The fees are based on comparisons to what other cities and organizations charge in Lorain County.

For example, Elyria charges $45 per hour to use gyms at its three recreation centers, with package deals for gyms and meeting rooms. The Ridgeville Recreation Center in North Ridgeville charges between $195 and $355 for activity room rentals, depending on how many people at tend an event. And Wellington charges $250 for a 4-hour private event at Town Hall, including use of its outdoor gazebo.

Councilwoman Kristin Peterson asked whether there are rates for dedicated spaces groups can use, such as senior citizens.

“There’s always been talk about possibly some other organizations having office space in the building. That would be something different” involving written agree ments, Yarber said.

The Recreation Department has not yet suggested a monthly rental fee for nonprofit groups. That may be a topic of discussion in November.

Last week, Council unanimously supported the hourly fee schedule in a preliminary vote. The next reading is set for Monday, Oct. 17.

Boardwalk gets quick approval by City Council

JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Permission to build a boardwalk connect ing to the Ramsey right-of-way was granted last week by Oberlin City Council.

The Western Reserve Land Conservancy plans to build the 175-foot walkway by Thanksgiving. It will cut across a wooded area and along the edge of a large wetland on West Hamilton Street.

The conservancy owns a 62-acre preserve there. About half is part of the Great South Woods, and the other half is covered in prairie plant life.

Funding to build the boardwalk was provided by Lorain County Public Health, said Kate Pilacky, associate direc tor of the land conservancy.

The plan to build the boardwalk does not involve any city funds, said Oberlin Planning Director Carrie Porter. Council’s approval was required because it will connect to the Ramsey right-of-way, a former railroad track that today is paved and maintained by the city for recreational use.

“I happen to think it’s one of the nicest walks in the city of Oberlin,” Pilacky said. “… It’s kind of like a well-kept secret that the Ramsey Right-of-Way and the wetland even exist.”

The boardwalk plan was fast-tracked and approved by Council unanimously.

Clean-up underway at Wellington water plant damaged by Sept. fire

JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — The smell of smoke is being scrubbed from the fire-damaged Wellington water plant, according to Water Superintendent Jon Love.

A 10-person Service Master crew was tapped to immediately start wip ing away soot inside the undamaged portion of the plant where filtration equipment has been brought back online, he said in a report to Village Council last week.

“They’ve got lifts and they’re cleaning it top to the bottom,” said Love. “They’re going to bring in air scrubbers, and then they’re going to bust through the ceiling — 7,000 square feet — and suck out all that insulation.”

A utility vehicle parked in the Pitts Road building’s garage caught fire the evening of Sept. 26, destroying offices, the plant’s laboratory and kitchen.

In his report, Love gave a clearer picture of how the fire was discov ered and how quick-thinking Wel lington firefighters stopped flames from reaching sensitive equipment.

The vehicle that ignited the blaze had been in use for many years, he said. It had been taken to Harrison Ford for new tires and other repairs, but the verdict was a cracked engine block.

It was returned to the plant and parked inside. A smoke alarm sound ed at 6:50 p.m., and an employee responded, finding the garage door open about 2 feet, Love said.

Flames were shooting out of the opening. By the time firefighters arrived, the front portion of the plant was engulfed, with flames shooting out of the roof, said Love.

Wellington fire crews attacked the blaze from inside, keeping it from reaching water processing tanks and sensitive electronic controls, he said. But when the floor started to give way, they were forced to retreat outside.

Fifteen fire departments from across the county provided aid dur ing the disaster, he said.

“The fact that your electric crew and your water staff had us back in business literally 12 hours after they were allowed to start their repairs is remarkable,” said former Water

Superintendent Mark Rosemark, who also showed up to lend a hand during the crisis.

He said an Environmental Protec tion Agency requirement to have an up-to-date disaster response plan in place helped save the plant, and to quickly get it back in service.

Rosemark said the most important outcome was that the village water system was never depressurized, thanks to aid from the Lorain County Rural Water Authority. That meant no boil alerts, water safety issues or loss of service.

Councilman Guy Wells said the situation proves that vehicles should not be parked under the same roof as critical infrastructure. When the facility is rebuilt, it should include a separate parking garage, he said.

Village Manager Jonathan Greever said he has already started drawing up a list of modifications that should be made to the plant during reconstruction.

How that process will play out relies largely on insurance. Greever said it’s unclear what Wellington’s underwriters will cover.

“The hard part after any loss like this is coming up with a full list of things you want to be paid for,” said Wells.

With insurance adjusters, the EPA and clean-up crews still getting a handle on the problem, Schneider

said it’s unrealistic to expect rebuild ing to begin in 2022.

“We don’t want to rush it, but in due time,” he said.

In the meantime, Oberlin is test ing Wellington’s water samples for bacteria.

That work isn’t cheap. Love said Oberlin will invoice Wellington for the service with the hope that insur ance will pay for it.

Love said it will be a long while before that work is done again on Pitts Road.

Refrigerators and generators have already been set up inside the water plant, he said, and interior walls are being built to keep dust from con taminating the filtration area during clean-up and construction. Labora tory equipment must be ordered and installed, however.

A 60-foot “command vehicle” rolled onto the property last week. The mobile office will be used until the plant can be occupied once more, said Love.

“I’m astonished at the way this thing came together,” Council President Gene Hartman said, prais ing village workers’ response to the catastrophe.

“When things like this happen, the response is overwhelming,” he added later.

Angelo Angel | Enterprise

Provided photo

Crews are busy cleaning the mess after a fire destroyed the front portion of Wellington’s water filtration plant on Pitts Road last month.

A tractor hauling students for the Wellington Homecoming Parade passes down the street on Friday on its way to the Dukes’ Dickson Street stadium, where the football team beat Clearview.

BULLETIN BOARD

Learn Greenwood’s secrets

Did you know there are Confederate soldiers buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington? Did you know what a “rup tured duck” insignia means?

Teens ages 11 and up can learn more during an after-school cemetery walk at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. Registration is required by calling (440) 647-2120. Attendees will meet at the entrance of Greenwood Cemetery.

Oberlin library meeting

The Oberlin Public Library board will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.

Republican club meeting

Charter School and Voter Integrity Night” will be held Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Father Ragan Knights of Columbus Hall, 1783 Moore Rd., Avon.

Speakers will be available at 5 p.m. and include Liz Griffiths on a new Hillsdale College-affiliated charter school with teacherled classrooms and American classical educational curriculum that emphasizes virtue, moral character, responsible citizenship and study content that is rich and balanced. Marilyn Jacobcik, Lorain County Board of Elections chair, will discuss voter integ rity topics in Lorain County. The cost is $5 for guests.

Dinner and Civil War talk

The Southern Lorain County Historical Society’s annual din ner meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Wellington Eagles, 631 S. Main St., Wellington.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes beef tips with noodles, turkey breast with dressing, green beans with almonds, whipped potatoes and dessert. John Perry will speak on the life of a Civil War soldier in the Pennsylvania Bucktail Brigade. The cost is $20 per person. Payment must be received by Monday, Oct. 3 at Spirit of ‘76 Museum, P.O. Box 76, Wellington, OH 44090.

Membership dues for 2022-2023 must also be paid by Friday, Oct. 14.

Shupe homestead history

A free program on the historic Shupe homestead in Amherst will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 at Pittsfield Township Hall, 45934 State Route 303.

Local historian Matt Nahorn will talk about those who called his Cooper Foster Park Road house their own home 200 years ago, while uncovering a connection to mysterious plans over a century ago for the land around nearby Oak Point Road. Discussion and tips on how to research your own home and property will also be provided. The event is sponsored by the Pittsfield Township Historical Society.

Open house at SAFD

The South Amherst Fire Department will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 105 W. Main St. It will feature a kids’ safety house, fire station tours, informa tion on new engines, free handouts, bounce house, hot dogs and chips, job opportunities, an agility course, live demonstra tions and a chance to visit with Lorain County Emergency Management Agency, Metro LifeFlight and LifeCare Ambulance personnel.

Library friends book sale

The Friends of the Herrick Memorial Library fall book sale will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 at the library.

A special friends members-only shopping night will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. Friends member ships can be purchased at the door.

Crafting supplies swap

Here’s a chance for crafters to clean out their closets. The Amherst Public Library will hold a craft supply swap from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Drop off new and gently used craft supplies to Community Room A during library open hours from Tuesday, Oct. 11 through Friday, Oct. 14. Donations will not be accepted before Tuesday, Oct. 11. The day of the swap, canned goods and other nonperishable food items will be collected to benefit a local food bank. While a donation isn’t required to take part, those who give will have the first chance to “shop” at the swap.

Pancakes with firefighters

The Amherst Fire Department will host a pancake breakfast

from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Church Street station.

The breakfast is for Fire Prevention Week, and includes an open house. The menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, coffee, orange juice and milk.

The cost is $9 per person. Kids ages 5 and under eat free. No tickets are required; pay at the door.

Make dazzling bras

A Bra Bedazzling Celebration will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17 at Mercy Health Cancer Cancer, 41201 Schadden Rd., Elyria.

Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event hon ors breast cancer survivors and women currently undergoing treatment.

Participants are encouraged to take their own bra, new or used in any color or style. Sequins, ribbons, glitter and bows are among the items guests will have on hand to help bling out their bras. Light refreshments will also be served at the event.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting the diagnosis of about 264,000 cases in women and 2,400 cases in men annually.

Use Halloween makeup

Learn to create fake wounds with stage makeup during a Halloween-themed seminar at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17 at the Amherst Public Library.

Sarah Swanzer will walk attendees through the materials and methods needed to create gruesome and ghastly wounds, and provide the materials for attendees to practice on themselves following her demonstration. This program is suitable for ages 14 and older. Registration is required at www.amherstpublicli brary.org.

Make a Halloween wreath

Making a seasonal wreath to decorate a door or wall for Halloween at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the Herrick Memorial Library in Wellington.

All materials will be provided. Ribbon colors will vary, but a ghost is still a ghost. Seating is limited to 20 participants due to available supplies. Registration is required by calling the library at (440) 647-2120.

Candidates night in Amherst

The Amherst Area Republican Organization will hold a candidates night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the Amherst Public Library.

The public is invited to meet candidates for county, state and judicial offices. For more information, email Amherst City Council President Jennifer Wasilk at wasilknj@linkup.us.

Agent talks social media

Send me a Snap!” “Hit me up on Inta!” What do these things even mean? Find out at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, where retired FBI Special Agent Kelly Liberti will present “Social Mania” in an effort to promote social media awareness. Liberti worked for the Cleveland FBI’s Crimes Against Children Unit.

This event is open to everyone with an interest in keeping kids safe online. For more information, call (440) 988-1990.

Author luncheon returns

The Friends of the Amherst Public Library’s annual author lun cheon will be held at noon on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Sunset Terrace at Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain.

This is the first author luncheon held by the group in two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will feature Ohio-based author and artist Julie Zickefoose. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the information desk in the first floor lobby at the library.

For more information, call (440) 988-4230.

JVS to hold homecoming

The Lorain County JVS will host its first homecoming event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at its Route 58 cam

pus in Pittsfield Township.

This family-friendly event is fall-themed and open to the public. It will include trick-or-treating throughout the building for children 10 and under. Children’s costumes are encouraged. Kids can get close-up looks at trucks, decorate cookies and cupcakes, get their faces painted, play on inflatable slides and obstacle courses, visit a petting zoo and paint pumpkins.

The homecoming day is free, but the school is asking for visi tors to consider taking a canned good or other non-perishable food item for donation to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Registration is required at www.lcjvs.com/homecoming.

Clambake fundraiser

The Brownhelm Historical Association’s 2nd Annual Clambake will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Historic Brownhelm School, 1950 North Ridge Rd.

The drive-thru event will be catered by Pogie’s Catering of Amherst. Dinners are $40 and include a dozen clams, a halfdozen mussels, lemon chicken breast, corn on the cob, red-skin potatoes, coleslaw, claw chowder and a roll. An extra dozen clams can be purchased for $15.

Order with a credit card at www.bit.ly/BHAClambake2022 or send checks payable to Brownhelm Historical Association, attn: Clambake Order, 1950 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089. Purchase by Oct. 14.

Trunk-or-treat at Wellington HS

A first responders and community trunk-or-treat will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Wellington High School, 629 N. Main St.

Take costumed kids to get candy from Northeast Ohio first responders. There will be a DJ and refreshments will be provided.

Heritage House opens doors

A fall open house will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Amherst Heritage House, 439 Shupe Ave.

Visit this historic Amherst home and learn about middle class American life in the 20th century. The public is welcome. There is no admission fee.

Amherst Heritage House was established by Valerie Gerstenberger in 2002. The goals of this organization are to understand life in the 20th century through the use of artifacts, documents and photos and to promote the importance of pres ervation and community action through education and example.

Delve into spooky history

“By My Lantern’s Light” will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Amherst Historical Society’s Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave.

Take a guided tour, hear spooky tales of history and enjoy cider and doughnuts in the Grange Hall. Admission is $5 per person; children ages 5 and under are free. Kids will not be admitted without an adult. RSVP by Oct. 14 by calling (440) 988-7255.

Infectious diseases talk

Medical lecturer and patient advocate Tom Strong will speak at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24 at the Amherst Public Library.

Learn about the history of infectious diseases and the various drugs, treatments and vaccines that have evolved in the last century to help eradicate these deadly germs.

Watch Japanese TV

The Tokusatsu Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Amherst Public Library.

Recommended for ages 15 and older. Learn about, watch and discuss Japanese Tokusatsu films and television shows like Ultraman, Godzilla, Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and more. Tokusatsu Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. You do not need to have attended previous sessions to attend.

Get drive-thru lasagna dinners

The Amherst Lions and Leo clubs will host a drive-thru lasagna dinner fundraiser from 4:30-6:30 p.m. or until meals are sold out on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst.

Proceeds will benefit Project LifeSaver, a Lorain County pro gram that provides local law enforcement the ability to quickly locate lost people who have dementia or disabilities.

This is a take-out only event. Customers can drive to the high school’s main entrance on Washington Street, where orders will be taken and dinners delivered with no need to get out of the car. There will be no pre-sales; only cash orders will be accept ed. The Lions will also collect unwanted, used eyeglasses, including sunglasses.

For more information, email amherstohiolions@gmail.com.

Celebrating native people, not Columbus

JASON HAWK EDITOR

In a loud voice, he said the lands that would become the Americas were occupied long before European colo nists arrived. What was claimed by settlers in 1833 once belonged to the Erielhna or Erie Tribe.

While much of the United States celebrated Columbus Day, Oberlin did not. It abolished the holiday in 2017, and has since observed Indigenous People’s Day. It was the first city in Ohio to break from the federal holiday.

Many of the people who crowded the corner of Tap pan Square Monday did not hold explorer Christopher

Fans bring the joy of Star Wars

JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — The electric glow of red and blue and green lightsabers lit up Wellington Town Hall on Friday.

For just a little while, kids and adults alike were transported to worlds of imagination in a galaxy far, far away.

Wellington resident Jim Schubert and his friends from Galactic Rebel Forces brought Star Wars characters to life, giving families a chance to take pictures of themselves in movie poses.

“It’s something people grew up

with and they can feel comfortable reliving a little bit of their child hood,” said Bob Seiter of Wickliffe, who wore the uniform of an evil Imperial officer.

Seiter said he loves to put on costumes for science fiction con ventions, and has even acted in a forthcoming fan film titled “The Han Solo Chronicles,” shot in Pennsyl vania.

“Bobby-Wan Kenobi,” as some friends call him, doesn’t always choose the side of Darth Vader’s Empire. Sometimes he becomes a Tusken raider from the desert planet of Tatooine, or Han Solo’s Wookie sidekick Chewbacca.

Joyce Pagley and her fiance Glenn

25-year Halloween tradition saved

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Firefight ers made a 25-year tradi tion of welcoming kids downtown each October for Amherst’s Halloween parade and costume con test. It was a tradition that almost died.

The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pan demic.

This year, Amherst firefighters have been too swamped to make the

parade work, said Assistant Chief Brandon Dimacchia.

“As anybody else, our workload has increased. That’s one of several events throughout the year that’s all volunteer. At some point, something had to give,” he said.

Fire Chief Jim Wilhelm said his crews had made about 900 emergency runs for the year as of the end of September. They are on track to set a new record by New Year’s Eve.

The volunteer depart ment is resuming its fall pancake breakfast and open

house from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Church Street station. The cost is $9 per person, and kids ages 5 and under eat free.

Firefighters will also still hold a Halloween steak fry for ages 21 and up from 5:30-8 p.m. with music until 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Church Street station. Tickets are $35.

But the parade and cos tume contest that’s been a Halloween hallmark for a quarter-century just can’t be pulled off, Dimacchia

said.

When Michael Ciu of Studio Q Photography heard the event would be canceled, it didn’t sit well. The parade has been special to his family since moving to Amherst 9 years ago, when his three chil dren were little.

“My family always liked being part of it, and there are not many parades kids get to walk in,” he said.

Now Ciu’s son is a high school junior and his twin daughters are in seventh

Smith dressed as Jedi knights and welcomed kids to take pictures in front of a backdrop showing the inside of the Death Star.

Pagley said she saw the first Star Wars film in 1977 and was immedi ately hooked. She’s been a lifelong fan, but didn’t get into wearing costumes until she met Smith.

Today they do charity appearances for groups such as Make a Wish Foundation.

“It’s fun. I like to make kids smile and enjoy it,” Pagley said. “It is very fulfilling. You wouldn’t believe how much it means to the kids.”

Schubert has traveled to fan con ventions all over the United States,

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Marshall Mull was crowned king and Bethany Capek was crowned queen during Wellington High School’s homecoming celebration Friday night at the Dukes’ Dickson Street stadium.

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin homecoming queen Pippa Brandt and king Chris Walker bask in the spotlight after being crowned Friday night during the Phoenix’s game at Oberlin College.

OBERLIN — A bald eagle flew overhead Monday as City Council President Bryan Burgess read a proclama tion honoring Native Americans.

Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune Sundance and Jean Foggo Simon stand in front of a crowd that gathered Monday on the corner of Tappan Square for Oberlin’s Indig enous People’s Day celebration.

Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise Margarita Qiunones of North Ridgeville poses with Jedi knights Joyce Pagley and Glenn Smith on Friday during a Star Wars cosplay event held in conjunction with Main Street Wellington.

Wellington Kiwanis annual nut sale underway

The Wellington Kiwanis Club’s annual Morris Furcron Peterson’s Nut Sale is underway, with proceeds going toward scholarships and com munity playground equipment.

Throughout October, members of Kiwanis and its service leadership programs, which include Welling ton High’s Key Club, the K-Kids of McCormick Middle School and

Westwood Elementary School, will be selling nuts.

The club set a sales record of nearly $12,600 last year and has set a goal of clearing that mark in 2022.

The annual nut sale was named after longtime Kiwanian and civic servant Morris Furcron, who died in 2017. The former village police

chief was always the top seller — before he passed, Kiwanis named the annual sale in his honor and today many people continue to buy nuts out of loyalty to Furcron. Sales forms can be found at many Wellington businesses, at the vil lage’s three schools and from any Kiwanian. Nuts are expected to be delivered by Thanksgiving.

Amherst students collect food

AMHERST — Students at Powers Elementary, Nord Middle and Amherst Junior High School are competing to fill food pantry shelves before Thanksgiving.

From Oct. 17 to Nov. 11, they are collecting for Second Harvest Food Bank. Canned vegetables will be collected the first week, boxed pasta and canned meat the second week, canned soup and beef stew the third week and cereal and peanut butter will be collected the final week. Residents can drop off donations at the offices of each building. Donations will be taken to Second Harvest each Friday; food will be weighed and totals displayed in the schools.

INDIGENOUS

Columbus in high esteem. They held signs calling him a murderer. Sundance, an Oberlin resident who is director of the Cleveland American Indian Movement, held a sign that said, “Stop lying to our children about Columbus.”

“What happened to Indian people reflects what will eventually happen to everyone here,” he later warned.

The crowd, which included a large number of indig enous people, also demanded the return of land, including national parks, to native hands.

That may sound far-fetched, but Australia is doing so. National Geographic reported last week that the Australian government has just returned huge tracts of ancestral lands — larger than the state of Delaware — to aboriginal people.

Jean Foggo Simon, a native woman from Oberlin, said there was more exciting news for indigenous people this month. On Oct. 6, NASA astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann be came the first Native American woman to travel into space, commanding a mission to the International Space Station.

Meanwhile, television shows such as “Reservation Dogs” have found critical acclaim, and indigenous fashion designers have found industry success, said Oberlin resi dent Cindy Byron-Dixon.

Yet native people still face tremendous ills, she said, pointing to ongoing problems with indigenous women go ing missing or being murdered at an alarming rate.

“We’re making a little bit of progress in making that more known and a national movement,” she said.

Light has also been shone on the dark history of Ameri can Indian boarding schools, where indigenous children were forced to go to assimilate. Byron-Dixon said mass graves have been uncovered on the grounds of such for mer schools.

STAR WARS

FROM B1

Among them are life-sized reproductions of the franchise’s “droids,” including R2-D2, C-3PO and BB-8, which made appear ances at Town Hall. Kids were also able to get up close to suits of Mandalorian armor and Baby

Yoda.

Just before the COVID-19 pan demic started, Schubert bought large metal frames from which to hang backdrops of Star Wars locales. The plan was to take them to conventions.

The virus prevented that from happening until Friday. Now Schubert is planning to hold a

small celebration called “A Galaxy Far, Far Away Day” in Wellington in 2023.

Dressed as an Imperial officer, Bob Seiter appears Friday at a Star Wars-themed photo op at Wellington Town Hall. and for the past 25 years has made a lucrative hobby of building his own props.

“I want people to enjoy them selves, and I want to promote Star Wars, because I love Star Wars,” he said, slipping into a complicated Boba Fett costume he built, com plete with helmet, gauntlets, armor and blaster.

David Finke, an Oberlin resident who is part of the Quak ers at Kendal at Oberlin, said those schools were the “unholy alliance of many churches and the federal government.”

His group is petitioning the federal government to establish a commission on healing and reconciliation on boarding schools, Finke announced.

Byron-Dixon urged the crowd on Tappan Square to read accounts of Native American history so they better under stand how her people have been treated down through the centuries.

“It doesn’t matter if it takes 5 days, 5 years or 500 years, truth rises,” she said.

PARADE

FROM B1

— and they didn’t want the parade to fade into

So Ciu asked for the Amherst Fire Department’s bless ing to revive the Halloween parade. Dimacchia said firefighters were excited about the idea.

Now the event is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, starting from the parking lot of Amherst’s utilities building at 480 Park Ave.

Judges there will award costume contest winners in age groups for up to 5 years, 6-10 years, 11-18 years and families or organizations. Downtown businesses will provide prizes.

Then police and the Amherst Marching Comets will lead the parade down Park Avenue to Town Hall, where Kiedrowski’s Bakery will provide doughnuts.

Ciu said he is keeping the event’s traditional format, and hopes it feels just the same as it always has.

If weather cooperates, the day will be perfect for the pa rade, he said. That’s because there will be no competition from the Cleveland Browns, who have the day off — they play a Halloween game versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.

Falcons win LCL title

LOST THE BATTLE, WON THE WAR

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise Touchdowns in each of the first three quarters gave the Dukes a homecoming win Friday, though Clearview threatened to take it away late in the game. Nathan Patfield opened with a 3-yard run into the end zone. Johnnie Kinter widened the Dukes lead in the second quarter with a 6-yard TD reception from QB Landon Wright, who sneaked the ball across the goal line in the third quarter. Alex Frenk added PATs in all three cases. The Clippers’ Cy Christensen mounted a comeback attempt, pass ing for big yardage, scoring three times, but the Dukes held off the attack for a 21-20 final. Patfield and Joshua Nocella combined for 137 rushing yards to get the job done on the ground.

ABOVE: Wellington takes the field.

RIGHT: The Dukes’ Devan Diedrick drags down Clearview's Dominic Jackson.

Firelands hit a strange hitch in Lorain County League play last week against Columbia — the girls won the match 3-1, while also losing their first set in the conference for the entire season. The Falcons went 25-14, 25-22, 23-25, 25-18 over the Raiders. ABOVE: Firelands' Lauren Valerius puts the ball down for a point. BELOW: Firelands' Grace Tansey stretches to keep the ball alive.

TWIN LOSSES

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

a 9-1 win over Oberlin, the Firelands girls soccer team outright claimed the 2022 Lorain County League championship, breaking a three-year title run by the Wellington Dukes. In their victory over the Phoenix, the Falcons’ firepower was on full display as they cashed in scores from senior captain Bella Simmons (3), junior captain Morgan Janicek (2), Mia Sutorius, Ariannah Floyd and Cara Mitch ell. Oberlin (2-10-1, 1-7-1 in the LCL) picked up a tally late when senior captain Pippa Brandt tick led the twine in the 84th minute. The regular season for both squads concludes this week and the tournament trail begins next with Oberlin traveling to Wellington for a Division 3 sectional semifinal matchup with the Dukes. Saturday's match is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. ABOVE: Firelands' Lydia Dougan outraces Oberlin's Katlyn Streator to the ball.

Photos by Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

The Phoenix dropped both of their matches last week, falling 0-3 (10-25, 12-25, 18-25) to Brookside and 1-3 (25-23, 17-25, 13-25, 14-25) to Keystone. Oberlin (2-17, 0-12 in the LCL) wraps up its regular season Saturday when they host Lake Ridge Academy at 11 a.m. ABOVE: Junior Deatrice Barnes hits.

Comets pick four athletes, 1982 team for Hall of Fame

The seventh class of Amherst Athletic Hall of Fame inductees has been announced.

Its members, all graduates of Marion L. Steele High School, will be inducted the week end of Jan. 27-28. Honorees include:

• Kathy (Aros) Jenkins, a 1993 graduate who was a Comets girls soccer standout.

She was 1st Team All-Ohio, 1st Team AllNortheast Ohio, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Southwestern Conference and the Southwestern Conference MVP as a senior.

Jenkins scored 65 career goals and holds the school record in assists with 46.

After high school, she attended Wittenberg University where she continued her soccer career, earning a spot in that school’s Hall of Honor in 2014.

Jenkins was a four-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference Selection. Her junior year was full of accolades as she was named a 2nd Team NCAA Division III All-American, 1st Team All-Midwest, and was named the NCAC Offensive Player of the Year. She is the Wit tenberg women’s soccer single season record holder for assists with 10 and is fourth all-time for total points with 66.

She was also a two-time Academic AllAmerican.

• Nick Bigrigg, a 2001 graduate, participated in Comets track and field from 1997 to 2001.

He was the OHSAA Division 1 pole vault state runner-up in 2001, and was the OHSAA district and the Lorain County pole vault cham pion. Bigrigg holds a portion of the record for three man pole vault relay. He was an integral part of the 2001 Southwestern Conference champion track and field team.

On the football field, he was a member of the 1999 and 2000 Southwestern Conference champion teams. Bigrigg was a member of the football team at Kent State University, where he was a three-year letter-winner as a tight end and a key member on special teams.

• Antone DeJesus, a 2004 graduate who was a Comets baseball standout.

He was twice named an All-Ohioan: 1st Team All-Ohio as a senior, and 2nd Team All-Ohio as a junior. He finished his career with a .460 batting average with 124 hits, 50 RBIs and 71 stolen bases. DeJesus holds seven program records: single season batting aver age (.537), single season hits (51), career hits (124), single season runs scored (48), career runs scored (118), career stolen bases (71) and single season triples (5).

DeJesus attended the University of Kentucky, where he continued his baseball career. He was named to the freshman All-Southeastern Con ference baseball team. He had 202 career hits and is third all-time in Kentucky history with 14 sacrifice flies.

After his junior season, he was a 16th round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals. Over his nine-year pro baseball career, he hit 26 home runs with 249 RBIs in 1,372 games played.

• Kristi (Keplinger) Nichols, a 1987 graduate, ran track for the Comets and was a three-time OHSAA state qualifier: twice in the 100-meter hurdles and once in the 300-meter low hurdles.

In 1987, Kristi was the OHSAA state runnerup in the 100-meter hurdles, for which she still holds the school record. She was part of four conference championship teams (three Southwestern Conference and one Lakeland Conference). In 1987, she was All-Southwest ern Conference in four events: 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter and 110-meter hurdles. She shares this rare accomplishment with two other females in school history, and also set the Comet Relays 100-meter record in 1987.

• The 1982 Comets softball team won the Lakeland Conference Championship.

It had an 18-1 record, going a perfect 15-0 overall in the regular season with a 9-0 confer ence record. It is the first team from Marion L. Steele High School to qualify for regionals in any sport and only the second softball team to take home the Lakeland Conference title, fol lowing the 1981 team.

The 1982 team’s success came just four years after the inception of the softball program. This team’s astonishing 95 percent winning percent age stands second among all Amherst softball teams from 1978-2022, trailing only the 2009 club (96 percent).

The team outscored opponents 265-108. The 265 runs scored exceeds the 240 runs scored by the 1998 team that played eight additional games and finished the year ranked ninth in Ohio.

Defense was strong, with a .902 fielding percentage, and pitching showed depth. Four pitchers had a combined 3.78 ERA, giving up only 85 hits on the season, an average of 4.5 per game. That included a mere 11 extra base hits and zero home runs.

Four players from this team earned First Team All-Conference honors: Mary Ann Leon ard, Chris Molnar, Michele Muska and Celina Solis. Leonard and Molnar were unanimous picks, two of the four unanimous selections that year.

Doug Howdieshell coached the 1982 team.

FIRST STRIKE, BUT OVERWHELMED

On homecoming weekend, Oberlin jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead, but Columbia soon reeled in the hosts and dampened the crowd's celebrations, pulling away for a 50-16 victory.

Phoenix quarterback Julian Anderson connected with wide receiver Chris Walker for a 68-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the first. The Raiders (8-0, 5-0 in the Lorain County League) responded, led by tailback Marcoo Cirigliano, who rushed for six of Columbia's seven touchdowns. The Phoenix (0-8, 0-5 in the LCL) put up a late touchdown on a pass from Walker to Kevyn Steen, but it wasn't enough. Oberlin hosts Clearview this Friday at 7 p.m. on Senior Night. Senior members of the team will be recognized prior to the game at 6:45 p.m.

ABOVE: Phoenix players Kevyn Steen, Isaiah Jones-Smith and Julian Anderson celebrate an early score and Oberlin’s short-lived 8-0 lead.

RIGHT: Phoenix QB Julian Anderson runs for a first down with this race up the left side.

MILLER GETS THE JOB DONE

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Photos by Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times

Freshman Paige Miller had the game-winning goal in a 1-0 Comets Senior Night victory over Lakewood last week in Southwestern Conference action. Amherst goalie Natalie Pleban stopped a Rangers penalty kick in the first half, and earned the win again in the second by shutting down the only Lakewood breakaway that threatened her territory. ABOVE: Amherst's Kamille Coleman fights for the ball.

celebrated Senior Day in style, with a convincing 9-2 win over Oberlin. With the victory, the Falcons claimed the 2022 Lorain County League boys soccer title. It is their fourth consecutive title, winning each since the dawn of this edition of the Lorain County League. The Falcons were led by junior captain Alec Urbansky's three goals and a pair from senior Ty Griebe. Chipping in with tallies of their own were Garrett Yakunovich, Jamie Yorko, Trace Karolak and Mikey Janosik. Oberlin picked up scores off the boots of sophomore Justin Chambers and senior captain Kaden Thornhill. ABOVE: Oberlin’s Kaden Thornhill and FIrelands' Trace Karolak.

PIONEERS VICTORIOUS

CUSON, YOHO EXCEL

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Joe Colon | Amherst News-Times Elyria’s Jaelon Shepherd and Gavin Heighberger had goals in a 2-0 shutout over Amherst last Wednesday. Comets goalkeeper John Janosik had nine saves. ABOVE: Comet Blake Kubasak and Pioneer Jaden McCall.

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise Savannah Gundert put the Dukes on the board in the first half, but Keystone’s power was overwhelming last week as the Wildcats roared to a 9-1 victory. Grace Hagerman and Attalie Updegrove each had hat tricks for Keystone, while Ella Olic, Gabrielle Hagerman and Lyla Yoho each put the ball in the back of the net once. Wellington goalie Whitney Kirschner was busy, racking up 19 saves, while ‘Cats keeper Caitlyn Minney had an easier time with six. ABOVE: Wellington keeper Whitney Kirschner slides to block a Keystone run on the goal.

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise Keystone put the ball past Wellington goalkeeper Robert Barnes five times in the first half, en route to an 8-3 win. Chase Cuson and Zander Yoho each had hat tricks for the Wildcats, while Dylan Sackett and Callum Davies put up a point each. For the Dukes, Spencer Brasee, Max Schatz and Henry Abram each had second-half goals, but Wellington was too deep in the hole for a comeback. Barnes ended with 12 saves, while Zach Longacre and Braylon Miller combined for four in the Wildcats net. ABOVE: Wellington's Aidin Mominee moves forward with the ball at Keystone.

What if you could ask a skunk any question you wanted? What would you ask? Kid Scoop spoke with skunk authority P.U. Stenchmuch to learn about these smelly creatures from a safe distance.

We skunks are shy and gentle creatures. Yet the sight of a skunk is a fearful sight to many animals!

That’s because skunks have a powerful and stinky weapon right under our tails—a VERY stinky spray!

However, we only use this weapon when threatened. Even then, we do everything possible to avoid sending the nal stinky spray.

We hiss and stamp our feet. If this doesn’t work, we raise our tail over our head as a threat.

To find each answer, start at the compass square each time and follow the directions.

Q: How far can skunks spray?

A: Start at compass. Go 1 square north, then 1 square west.

Q: Do skunks ever run out of stinky spray?

A: Start at compass. Go 3 squares north, then 1 square west, then 1 square north.

Q: Where is the skunk’s secret weapon?

A: Start at compass. Go 3 squares north. Next, go 1 square east. Then go 1 square south.

Q: What color is the musk skunks spray?

A: Start at compass. Go 4 squares north. Then go 1 square west. Next, go 1 square south.

Q: What are baby skunks called?

A: Start at compass, go 2 squares north.

Q: What is another name for a skunk?

A: Start at compass and go 1 square north. Next, go 1 square west. Then go 2 squares north and then 1 east.

Q: A skunk is about the same size as a ____________.

If those warnings don’t work, well, LOOK OUT!

There are three kinds of skunks. Do the math problems to match the name of each kind of skunk with its description.

15. It has a broad, hairless muzzle, like that of a pig. The back and tail are white.

10. The smallest of all skunks, it has a dot in the middle of its forehead. The stripes go in lots of different and wiggly directions.

23. The face is black except for one white stripe that runs from the nose to the shoulders. At the shoulders, the stripe splits in two parts, one running down each side of the body

Black & White and Read All Over

Select a page of the newspaper. Find all of the words you can read, and if you know what they mean, circle them in red.

A: From compass, go 2 squares north. Then, go 1 east and 1 south.

Chi Ca Go

an Ojibwa legend Tells the story of a Hunter and his wife who lived on the Shores of lake michigan.

one day, the hunter’s wife caught a Beaver by the Tail and called to her husband to come and kill it before it could escape. but the hunter refused. He had already killed many beaver in his Traps and said if he killed Another one, The others would all run away.

she let the beaver go but she was very Angry and that Night, When her husband had gone to sleep, she ran away.

the next morning the Hunter saw her Tracks in the snow and feeling badly about their quarrel, decided to follow them. as he followed the tracks, They gradually changed and became the tracks of a Skunk. the trail ended in a Marsh where there were many skunks.

he turned and went home but called the Place, “The Place of the Skunk” and it is where chicago now stands.

Make a list of words that describe how things smell – for example: odor, putrid, musty, sour.

Using one page of the newspaper, have students find and circle the letters that spell five of the smelly words.

If I Were an Animal

Which kind of animal are you most like? Why? If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?