Lorain County Community Guide - Dec. 16, 2021

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com

Brick by brick

Volume 8, Issue 50

AMHERST POLICE

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Amherst police Sgt. Mike Rosebeck (left) was promoted to lieutenant and Lt. Mark Cawthon was promoted to chief in votes last Wednesday by the Civil Service Commission.

Cawthon is named new chief Bruce Bishop | Wellington Enterprise

Wellington Town Hall was built in 1885. The village is making sure it lasts for generations to come.

Brasee wants Wellington Town Hall to last JASON HAWK EDITOR

U.S. Postal Service Use Only

WELLINGTON — Four hundred bricks have been replaced on the exterior of Wellington’s iconic Town Hall in a bid to extend the building life for generations to come.

The village has recently spent $22,670 on tuckpointing, brick replacement and sealing the sandstone base around the

building’s gymnasium.

“What we’re trying to do is basically take care of the building so it will last another 200, 300 years, who knows?” Public Works Superintendent Bob Brasee told Village Council last week.

Quality Masonry of Marion, Ohio, was hired for the job. Brasee said other companies in the past have simply added mortar — “some good, some not so good,” he

later added — but this time Quality Masonry ground out the mortar and replaced it.

Replacement bricks for the lowest part of the building were easy to come by, he said. There’s a stockpile in the Town Hall basement.

They were salvaged from the wreckage of a Dewolf Street warehouse that burned down in November 2007, Brasee said.

“We scavenged truck-

loads of brick,” he said.

“We brought them back to our shop and we cleaned them. Matter of fact, we still have probably thousands of them.”

At the village’s request, Quality Masonry completed a full assessment of Town Hall and found the structure is in excellent shape, especially for its age.

It was built in 1885 to TOWN HALL PAGE A3

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Mark Cawthon was named the next Amherst police chief last Wednesday night by the city’s Civil Service Commission.

A swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for last night after press time.

“He will make a good police chief,” said Lt. Dan Makruski, the runner-up for the position.

He threw his support behind Cawthon and pledged to work together to take the department in a new direction.

“I trust he’ll take the time to develop and prepare his lieutenants and sergeants for positions of great responsibility,” Makruski said. “I trust he’ll prioritize people over things and show his concern for what is going on outside the station as much as what is going on inside the station.”

Of the pair, Cawthon had the higher score when assessed by members of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police this fall. Just before Thanksgiving, Makruski lodged a formal protest, saying the scores were CAWTHON PAGE A3

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

City Council may repeal long-standing snow ban

News staff Jason Hawk news@LCnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122

OBERLIN — An overnight parking ban that has existed since 1973 appears to be on the way out.

No parking is allowed on residential streets from 2-6 a.m. between Nov. 1 and April 1, to make sure Oberlin plows can remove snow and ice.

But City Manager Rob Hillard has recommended repealing the rule, and City Council seems open to the idea.

Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Copyright 2021 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company

“The main reason is that significant amounts of streets presently have no parking restrictions on at least one side of the street all year long,” Hillard told Council last week.

In a memo, he also provided a chart showing the rarity of snowfalls of more than two inches on any given day since 2014.

As it stands, vehicles that violate the ban can be towed during a snowstorm.

Hillard said that’s simply not practical, SNOW BAN PAGE A3

Check out the full recipes from this year’s Zero Proof Mix-Off, so you can serve safe and tasty non-alcoholic drinks to your holiday party designated drivers.

PAGE A5

INSIDE THIS WEEK

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Cheers!

Sports

Oberlin

Wellington

High school teams get into winter stride • B4-B5

College presents plans for 2022 geothermal work • B1

Water meters are losing the village big money • B1

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • CROSSWORD B2 • SUDOKU B2 • KID SCOOP B6

Page A2

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Patrick D. Brubaker

Steve Allen Burgett Sr.

James Albert Regal

Patrick D. Brubaker, formerly of Oberlin, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at his home in North Ridgeville. Patrick was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania on Feb. 13, 1953, to Gail A. and Marybelle Brubaker.

He graduated from Conneaut High School in Conneaut, Ohio in 1971. Pat attended Kent State and Bowling Green Universities.

He was an U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and a life member of AMVETS Post 32 in Elyria.

He was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 778 in Elyria.

His passions in life were golf and fishing. He spent his summers on the golf course participating in golf leagues in Lorain County and on Lake Erie fishing for walleye and perch.

Patrick was an avid football fan of the Cleveland Browns.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gail A. Brubaker and mother, Marybelle Brubaker.

He is survived by his sister, Gayle Schmuhl (Matthew) of Grafton and brother, Christopher Brubaker (Rosie) of Vermilion. He is also survived by his niece, Theresa Didion of Sandusky (Chris) and nephews, Timothy and Daniel Schmuhl of Grafton.

Burial will take place for family and friends on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at 11 a.m. in Westwood Cemetery, Oberlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moose Charities by email at request@moosecharities.org.

Online condolences may be made to www.cowling funeralhomeoh.com.

Steve Allen Burgett Sr., 69, of Plymouth, passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 at Mansfield Ohio Health hospital from complications with brain cancer. He was born in Fremont, Ohio on Aug. 11, 1952, to Jack and Patricia Burgett.

He grew up in Oberlin and graduated from Oberlin High School. He was drafted in 1972 and served in the U.S. Army for two years. In 1972, he married his now ex-wife, Susan Burgett and together they had his only four children.

Steve worked in the trades as a roofer, sheet metal worker and HVAC mechanic. He started and operated his own HVAC business. Outside of work he loved being an artist, musician and spending time with family and friends.

Steve is survived by his four children, Steve (Anna) Burgett, Jr. of North Fairfield, Scott Burgett of Medina, Sunshine (Julian) Mena of Michigan and Shawn Burgett of Plymouth; seven grandchildren, Steve Burgett III, Hernan Burgett, Caleb Burgett, Sol Mena, Emily Burgett, Debora Mena and Atalia Mena and five siblings, John (Ruth) Burgett, Candy (Ron) Martin, Amy (Ron) Webber, Cynthia Burgett and Marjorie (Richard) Lisle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Patricia Burgett and his siblings, Dawn Lebanik and David Burgett.

To honor Steve's wishes there will be no formal service.

However, Steve's children will offer a Celebration of Life Gathering for him on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at the Crossroads Community Church, 43824 OH-511, Oberlin from 4 to 8 p.m. We welcome you to come visit and enjoy some finger foods as we remember our father, Steve Allen Burgett Sr. Arrangements entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.

James Albert Regal, 87, of Wellington, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at the Elms Retirement Village.

Born on July 12, 1934, in Elyria, he was the son of the late Theodore and Fern (nee Horton) Regal-Wolfe.

Jim grew up in Huntington and lived most of his life in Wellington. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959.

Jim was a driver and salesman for Nickles Bakery for 25 years, retiring in 1996. In retirement, he delivered flowers for the local flower shops. Jim was an active member of both the Wellington Eagles and the Wellington First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop and tending his lawn with his beloved tractor.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Marilyn (nee Anderson); sons, Scott (Sharon) Regal and Chad (Angie) Regal, both of Wellington; granddaughters, Shannon, Nessa and Taylor; great-grandchildren, Axel, Stella and Kyleigh and sisters, Marilyn Foster of Florida and Cheryl Gallatin of Ashland.

Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, Shirley Riddle, William and Philip Regal and stepfather, Lewis Wolfe.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, December 16, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street, Wellington, OH 44090, where services will be held Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Paul Wilson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Sprenger Hospice, Wellington First United Methodist Church of Wellington or Wellington Fire Department.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.nortoneastmanfuneralhome.com.

Charles Edward Rutherford Charles Edward Rutherford, 88, of Wellington, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Lorain.

A son of the late Thomas and Margaret (nee Sheffield) Rutherford, Charles was born April 30, 1933, in Bristol, Virginia.

Charles proudly served his Country in the United States Army during the Korean War. During his Military Service, he was stationed in Germany. He worked for Ford Motor in the Brook Park plant as a Foreman.

He was a member of the Wellington VFW and American Legion. Charles was also a member of the Wellington Eagles and the Wellington Masonic Lodge. He attended the Free Will Baptist Church in Wellington. In his spare time, Charles enjoyed hunting, especially deer. He also had a passion for restoring old cars and operated Chuck's Auto Body for 40 years.

He was fondly known as 'big Poppa' to his great-grandsons, Tucker, Blake and Ethan and enjoyed Facetiming with them on a regular basis.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce; children, Lisa (Dennis) Norton of Olympia, Washington, Dennis (Michelle) Rutherford of Bristol, Tennessee and Sandy (Don) Plaskett of Norwalk; grandchildren, Melissa, Douglas, Rebecca, Hannah, Jordan, Jackie, Jimmy, Brandon, Kelly, Adam and Carly; great-grandchildren, Tucker, Blake, Ethan and Gannon and siblings, Louise Wineberger, Carol Edwards, David Rutherford and Johnny Rutherford. Charles is also survived by Christoper Woch, a good friend who was like a son to him; he enjoyed visiting with Chris weekly.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Roger, Dale and Steven Rutherford and his brothers, Mike, Gene and Fain Rutherford.

A private service will be held.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

MARY JANE MILLER (nee Ely), 73, of Perrysville, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster following a long illness. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home.

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, or to order reprints of obituaries, call (440) 329-7000.

Mystery donor gives $1.4M for Oberlin Conservatory flutists OBERLIN — An anonymous donor has given $1.4 million to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, allowing a full-ride flute scholarship to be awarded each year.

“This gift will make an Oberlin Conservatory education available to deserving students for years to come,” said Dean of the Conservatory William Quillen. “We are grateful beyond words to the donor for their extraordinary gift and for helping transform the lives of students.”

The gift was put toward the Robert Willoughby Flute Scholarship Fund, which supports flutists at Oberlin College. Its namesake had an impact on the world of classical music, teaching some 200 musicians at the conservatory over the course of 37 years, and many more after his departure.

Born in Iowa, Willoughby started playing the flute as a fifth-grader, and though he dabbled with the idea of a career in law instead accepted a full

scholarship to the Eastman School of Music.

“A scholarship recipient himself, my father understood the importance of making music education available, regardless of financial constraints,” said his son, John Willoughby. “… His success speaks for itself, as his students have gone on to staff the world’s leading orchestras and educational institutions. This incredibly generous donation is a huge step toward making even more aspiring flutists’ dreams come true.”

After graduating in 1942, the elder Willoughby enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and flew B-24 bombers from Great Britain, including a run over the English Channel to Normandy on D-Day, according to the college.

He studied at the New England Conservatory after World War II, and quickly became assistant principal flute of the Cleveland Orchestra. He started teaching at Oberlin in 1949.

Willoughby left Oberlin in 1987 for an island home off the coast of New Hampshire, and continued teaching at the Peabody Institute and then the Longy School of Music in Boston. He died in March 2018 at age 96.

“Bob seemed to look for potential students who had their own musical voices, and to encourage us to develop as intelligent artists,” said Wendy Rolfe, a professor of flute at the Berklee College of Music and a driving force behind the establishment of the Willoughby Scholarship Fund, upon his death.

Oberlin flute professor Alexa Still was also involved in the establishment of the scholarship fund.

“I cannot find words to describe the joy and relief that this gift will bring to the flute students who deserve to be at Oberlin but would otherwise be prevented by financial challenges,” she said. “This gift is literally a life-changer for them.”

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.

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• The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

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, Dec. 16, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

KIDS ENJOY STEAM LAB

Wyatt Collins

Thomas Keller

William Keller

Three JVS alumni are FFA American Degree recipients PITTSFIELD TWP. — Each year, the National FFA Organization honors its members who develop their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence.

This year, three Lorain County JVS alumni received this distinguished award.

Wyatt Collins, a 2020 graduate of the industrial equipment mechanics program; and Thomas and William Keller of Midview, 2019 graduates of the landscape and greenhouse management program, were awarded the American FFA Degree at the 94th National Convention and Expo this

October.

Each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.

“It was great to see three of our students earn American Degrees in one year, and it is impressive to have two brothers get it at the same time,” said JVS instructor Beth Berthold. “Tommy and Billy have always been hard workers who are willing to put the time in and they deserve the accolades for their hard work.”

Instructor Mason Bremke said Collins consistently stepped up in his career-tech program and for the FFA chapter at the JVS as well: “Wyatt is a hard-working and dedicated individual who does not stop until his task is finished to best of his ability.”

Bike and toy giveaway is Saturday, Dec. 18 Lorain County Sheriff’s Office employees have bought 50 bikes and a stack of toys to give away from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or while supplies last on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Elyria Bicycle Center, 419 Middle Ave. Snacks will be provided and coffee and other hot drinks will be sold by a local vendor.

Parents are welcome to either take their children to choose a gift, or to take it home and wrap it for Christmas. All Lorain County residents are welcome to take part. There are no eligibility qualifications.

Sheriff’s office staff have a history of giving to make the holidays brighter. Last year, they made 22 donations of $500 to local nonprofits and churches.

For more information, call (440) 329-3844.

CAWTHON FROM A1

suspiciously low.

He withdrew that protest last week, but reiterated his complaints in remarks to the commission.

Makruski said he was not convinced the scores were accurate, and voiced frustration that grading reports were not released at his request.

Cawthon steps into the position vacated by former Chief Joseph Kucirek, who retired in early October during an investigation into low morale at the department.

As a result of the investigation, Amherst Safety Service Director John Jeffreys filed a 19-page report detailing allegations of insubordination, code of conduct problems, friction with other employees and potential labor law violations.

Makruski said that during interviews with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, assessors made it clear they were aware of the situation that led to Kucirek’s departure.

That included media reports detailing employee complaints about the former chief’s “military-like” leadership style, he said.

Those complaints were pulled from public records created during the investigation. Makruski, who serves in the Army National Guard, said they may have swayed the decision made by former chiefs from across the state.

However, he said he is not bitter and holds no ill will toward Cawthon for getting the promotion — he believes the new chief will raise both job satisfaction and morale at the Police Department.

After Makruski’s remarks, the Civil Service Commission briefly adjourned to a private session with two city lawyers, then returned to vote with no conversation.

Afterward, commission member Gina Grasso provided a written statement on behalf of the body.

“Comprehensive assessments were conducted in partnership with an assessment center to select for promotion the best possible candidates within our Police Department,” it said. “We stand behind these decisions.”

Cawthon spoke briefly, saying the weeks since Makruski’s protest have been challenging, but thanking him for him words of support.

“We’ve grown up through the department together, have a lot of good memories together and I look forward to working side by side with him,” Cawthon said.

The same night, Sgt. Mike Rosebeck was promoted to lieutenant. It is unclear whether he will step into Cawthon’s role in charge of the road patrol or take on more administrative tasks.

Rosebeck has served the Amherst Police Department for 21 years. He was promoted to sergeant in 2013, served on the Lorain County SWAT team for a short time and has also been a field training officer.

“It’s great that now we’re going to be able to focus on the road forward,” he said after the vote naming Cawthon chief.

Division over the investigation into Kucirek has been hard, Rosebeck said, but feels like the wounds have started to heal.

SNOW BAN

FROM A1 since police would have other issues to handle — “It’s just not going to happen,” he said.

The recommendation was made after discussions with Police Chief Ryan Warfield, Law Director Jon Clark and Public Works Director Jeff Baumann.

Hillard was transparent that not all agreed repealing the snow ban is the right move, though.

He said city staff raised “substantial concerns” about removing the parking restriction, saying it would hamper the ability to remove snow and ice.

Yet it’s unclear whether those conditions are actually a problem in residential neighborhoods, said Councilwoman Heather Adelman. If the ordinance is repealed, and if a harsh winter reveals the ban is necessary, “we can legislate from there,” she said.

Provided photo

Student Theo McGuire, STEAM lab teacher Brandi Hicks-Watson and students Yaniel Robles and Ezra Shuck work on building a small village using LEGO bricks at Oberlin Elementary School. On Dec. 2, students sat in small groups working on projects: The goal for the day was to create a small-scale design of their own creation. “It’s important that students have opportunities to express their creativity and talk about what they are doing,” Hicks-Watson said. “The only thing more interesting than the designs are the stories behind them!”

TOWN HALL

FROM A1 serve not only as the seat of village government, but also as an opera house.

At the time, it was the largest performing arts space in northern Ohio, according to the archives of the Wellington Enterprise.

Town Hall was designed by architect Oscar Cobb of Chicago and boasts a mix of Byzantine, Greek, Gothic, and Spanish features. It cost $40,000, which adjusted for 136 years of inflation would be about $1.14 million today.

Town Hall was restored in 1950 and underwent a major remodeling campaign in 1983.

Brasee said keeping it in shape is an ongoing project. Fundamentally, the building is sound and poses no danger. It does however require a great deal of cosmetic

work, he said.

“A lot of the distinctive parts of the Town Hall’s superstructure are basically sheet metal on a frame,” Councilman Guy Wells said during discussion of potential projects.

Brasee plans to get an estimate for painting the upper portion of the building in 2022. Last year, the windows there were all repainted.

Roof repair is also a must. Councilman Mark Bughman noted insulation and woodwork deterioration in pictures of the roof.

Tuck-pointing must also continue, Brasee said.

“Being the caretakers of this building, why we’re here, we have to keep on it,” he said.

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Albany Hillard said residents would understand when they need to move their vehicles.

When a storm moves in, warnings are already sent to those registered at www. tinyurl.com/OberlinWENS to receive the city’s emergency alerts.

“I guess at some level, we are counting on folks to do what’s in their best interest, which frankly would be to get the car off the street if they can,” he said.

Or as Councilman Kelley Singleton put it: “Basically, if it’s snowing a lot, get your car off the street or it’s going to get plowed in.”

A preliminary vote showed Council may support repealing the snow ban, but it will take at least one more to pass.

The proposed repeal is scheduled for a second reading on Monday, Dec. 20, and it’s possible it could be fast-tracked that evening.

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Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

FIRELANDS SCHOOLS

Christmas Eve services • A candlelight Christmas Eve service of word and song will be held at 7 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 140 South Main St., Wellington. A musical prelude concert will start at 6:30 p.m.

Send your church’s Christmas Eve service information to news@lcnewspapers.com no later than Monday, Dec. 20.

All-brass Christmas concert The 2021 Sacred Heart Honors Series, founded by Oberlin Conservatory musicians, will conclude with an all-brass Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 410 West Lorain St., Oberlin. The concert is free and open to the public. Guests must wear masks. An offering will be accepted to help fund 2022 concerts.

Benefit dinner A spaghetti dinner to benefit chiropractor Jack Coates will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Wellington Eagles, 631 South Main St. The cost is $10 per plate; there will also be raffles.

Proceeds will help offset Coates’ medical expenses due to a serious injury.

Hear the Christmas choir The Wellington First United Methodist Church choir in conjunction with Solid Brass will present their annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19 at the church, 127 Park Place. All are welcome.

Year-end school board dates • The Wellington Board of Education has changed its Tuesday, Dec. 21 meeting to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at Westwood Elementary School.

• The Amherst Board of Education has called a special meeting for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at Powers Elementary School in lieu of its scheduled Dec. 13 meeting.

New truck for Public Works The purchase of a 2022 Ford F600 dump truck with a hook lift system at a cost of $125,230 was approved in a fast-tracked Oberlin City Council vote last week.

It will be bought from Valley Ford Truck of Cleveland and used by the city Public Works Department.

The department bought its first hook lift truck in 2004 and a second in 2009. It is equipped with a hydraulically operated arm that allows quick connection of other equipment, such as salt spreaders, flatbed bodies or a brine tank.

The new truck will replace the 2004 model, which has about 9,500 operating hours on it, according to Public Works Director Jeff Baumann.

“After 17 years, it’s not in great operating shape, but we intend to keep it in service until the new truck arrives,” he said in a memo to Council.

The cost of the purchase will come from his budget.

Baumann said his department was expected to end the year with about $305,000 in surplus funds.

Hospice seeks volunteers Hospice of the Western Reserve is seeking new volunteers to serve patients and families throughout northern Ohio. To start the process of joining the team, visit www. hospicewr.org/volunteer or call (216) 255-9090.

CLASSIFIEDS ESTATE SALES OBERLIN 739 E. Lorain St Sat., Dec. 18th, 9 to 2pm.

Furniture: New Love Seat, Armchair, High Top Dining Set & Chairs, China & Curio Cabinets, 4pc bdrm Set, New Queen bed Set, Draft Desk. Lester Upright Piano. Upright Freezer, Washer, Dryer, & kitchen counter top appliances.

Electronics: 62" LCD TV, Record Player/ Radio/ Cassette/DVD combo unit, VCR. Collectibles, including African Art & Longaberger baskets.

Misc: Shelving Units, Filing Cabinets, Housewares, Pressure Washer, Lawn Mower, Folding Ladder, Bicycle, DVDs, Music CDs, area rugs, books and more. Everything As-Is. Cash only. Reserve right to limit number in house.

LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Please be advised that Lorain City Council will host public hearings on Monday, January 24, 2022 in the Lorain City Council Chamber at 200 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio.

The hearings will commence at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the following items: ZCA-17-2021 - An application to rezone the Colorado Industrial Park PPN#: 03-000-561290-02, 03-000-571-120-02 & 03-000-581-020-22 from I-1 to B-2. The City of Lorain is the applicant.

ZCA 18-2021- An application to rezone 6301 West Erie Avenue, the Waste Water Treat-

ment Plant, from R-3, B2 & R-1B to I-1. PPN#: 02-03-002103-001, 02-03-004-000-037 & 02-03-004-000-044. The City of Lorain is the applicant.

ZCA 19-2021- An application to rezone Lorain Country Club PPN# 02-03-001-104-020 from R-3A to B-2 and OS to MU, PPN# 02-03-001-104019 from R-3A and OS to MU and PPN# 02-03-005-101-063 from B-2 to MU. The City of Lorain is the applicant.

ZCA 20-2021- An application to rezone the SE Corner of Broadway and E. 22nd Street from B-2 to MU. PPN# 02-01003-169-001,-002, -003, -004, -005, -006, -013, -014, -015 and -016. The City of Lorain is the applicant.

The Lorain City Planning Commission met on December 8, 2021 and recommend 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 Council, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Please contact Nancy_Greer@cityoflorain.org for additional information. NANCY GREER, CMC L.C.C.G. 12/16-23/21 20694791

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on December 6, 2021. The complete 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 of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved

by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws.

Ordinance 206-21* Auth the Mayor to accept the material terms of the One Ohio Subdivision settlement pursuant to the One Ohio MOU consistent to the 7/21/21 Opioid Settlement agrmt. 207-21 Auth the S/S Director to advertise for bids and enter agreements for the purchase of supplies for use by the Lorain Utilities Dept. 208-21* Amending Cod. Ord Section 1537.06 Registration of Rental Dwelling Unit of Ord 92-21 passed 6/7/21.

209-21* Auth an inter-local agrmt between Lorain, Elyria & Lorain County for funding of the Byrne Justice grant award for 2021. 210-21 Auth the S/S Director to enter into MOU w/ FOP #3 for provisions in Article 31 (Support Service Captain) 211-21* Ratifying the MOU between Lorain and FOP Ohio Labor Council, Inc. for 1/1/20 through 12/31/20 and 1/1/21 through 12/31/21. 21221 Auth S/S Director to enter into MOU w/ FOP Ohio Labor Council, Inc. for 1/1/22 through 12/31/22. 213-21* Creating a TIF declaring the improvement of certain property to be a public purpose, exempt from taxation, etc. & est Sandy Springs Public Improvement TIF fund. 214-21* Amending Section 557.01(a) of the Codified Ordinances- Notice to cut weeds or high grass. 215-21* Amending Ord. 112-21, auth the City to enter into a CRA Tax Abatement agreement w/ RCK Investments LLC. 216-21* Appropriation. 217-21* Auth the City to enter into a CRA Tax Abatement agreement w/ Nuestro Tempo. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.)

L.C.C.G. 12/16-23/21 20694548

Photos by Angelo Angel | Community Guide

Supporters of wrestling coach Josh Walbom show up Monday to a Firelands Board of Education meeting at South Amherst Middle School.

Wrestling coach on leave, parents largely shut down JASON HAWK EDITOR

SOUTH AMHERST — Alarmed by an investigation into Falcons wrestling coach Josh Walbom, a crowd of parents and teens showed up Monday to vent to the Firelands Board of Education.

Only one was allowed to speak, and not freely.

Attorney Giovanna Scaletta-Bremke, whose son is a wrestler, was the sole member of the public who signed up before a Friday deadline to voice concerns after Walbom was placed on administrative leave.

No details of the incident that sidelined the coach have been released, and district Superintendent Mike Von Gunten declined again Monday to shed light on “allegations of misconduct” against Walbom, who has coached Firelands wrestlers since 2017.

Asked whether the incident involved a student, or whether any students were put in danger, he would

Giovanna Scaletta-Bremke speaks. not comment.

“I think I’m frustrated because these are adults who are witnesses to this incident,” Scaletta-Bremke told the board. She alleged none had been interviewed by district officials or law enforcement.

“I think the things I would tell you, you would want to know. And they would maybe surprise you and steer” the investigation’s direction, she said.

Her comments were cut short when she attempted to mention Walbom by name.

President Mike O’Keefe said board policy prevents complaints targeting any specific person from being voiced in public session.

The board also did not agree to a request to let Scaletta-Bremke make her case in a behind-closeddoors session.

Others who attempted

Progress report: Amid supply shortages, Firelands HS construction moves ahead JASON HAWK EDITOR

HENRIETTA TWP. — Despite supply chain headaches, work on the new Firelands High School on Vermilion Road is on track, Tim Rini of Greenspace Construction told the Board of Education on Monday.

“We’re a couple of days behind schedule, but working overtime to catch up,” he said.

The goal is to have teachers moved in by June 30. The school board has bumped the start of the Fall 2022 semester back a week to ensure there are no issues.

In a progress report, Rini said: • The concrete contractor has pulled off site for the winter, and will return in the spring.

• Brickwork should be completed around the middle of January.

• Structural steel is complete.

Workers were at the new school Monday to finish their punch list.

• Roofing is substantially complete in all areas; final detailing is underway and will be completed by February.

• About half the glass around the building is installed.

• Drywall installation is underway inside. Most areas have been taped.

• All flooring is now in storage.

Installation will begin after the first of the year, likely in February.

• Lockers should be installed in January.

• Fire protection installation and testing is ongoing. Once it is finished, ceiling work can begin.

• Large heating and cooling equipment has arrived. The building’s chiller will be installed in late December.

• Wiring for the school’s security

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to speak were not allowed to do so because they did not sign up by the deadline. Those who attempted to speak anyway were silenced.

The Ohio Open Meetings Act guarantees the right of the public to witness public business as it is conducted, with few exceptions. It does not, however, require school boards, councils and other public bodies to allot any time for public comment.

The district briefly addressed the incident in a message on its website last week, saying it is standard policy to place staff members who are under investigation on administrative leave. It did not disclose any information about what may have taken place at a Nov. 23 practice.

After the meeting, Von Gunten did respond to a question about how long the investigation could take.

“We’ll make sure that the investigation is complete,” he said. “I don’t have a timetable in place, but we hopefully intend to move it along quickly.”

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system and technology needs started this week.

• Wastewater treatment plant relocation will start in February.

The Greenspace team discussed its struggles with availability and delivery of certain materials due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Rini, obtaining the new school’s walk-in cooler and freezer has been difficult. “There seems to be a shortage of spray foam, Styrofoam, that goes in the sandwich panels of those,” he said.

Board of Education member Ben Gibson said he understands the problems plaguing contractors everywhere. He said work on the new Firelands High School got underway just before severe shortages that are crippling projects elsewhere.

“I know it hasn’t been easy,” he told Rini.

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Page A5

Driving? Mix yourself a holiday drink with these Zero Proof recipes Alcohol can be a lot of fun, but it's not for everyone all of the time.

There's any number of good reasons to stay sober when enjoying the holidays — designated drivers, for example, still get thirsty when partying the night away.

Here are the 10 recipes whipped up by local organizations for the 2021 Zero Proof Mix-Off, held Thursday, Dec. 2 at Lorain County Community College. For 20 years, the Safe Communities Coalition and Lorain County Public Health have worked to keep roads safer by encouraging hosts to make non-alcoholic drinks.

Candy Cane Delight — People's Choice Award Elyria Catholic High School • 4 scoops vanilla ice cream • Splash of eggnog • 4 chocolate mint cookies • 1 tsp. cinnamon • Dash of pumpkin spice • 1 cup 2 percent milk Blend all ingredients together. Garnish with crushed candy canes. Sprinkle with pumpkin spice. Sip and enjoy.

Chocolate Coquito Firelands Regional Medical Center Counseling & Recovery Services • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa • 1 tbsp. instant coffee powder • 1/3 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips • 4 (12 oz.) cans evaporated milk, divided • 1 (15 oz.) can cream of coconut liquid portion • 2 (13.5 oz.) cans coconut milk, unsweetened • 14 oz. can condensed milk • 1 tbsp. cinnamon • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract In a sauce pan, mix the coffee, cocoa and chocolate chips with one can of evaporated milk. Heat on medium and stir until chocolate chips melt together with cocoa and milk. Stir constantly. Into the pan, add the remaining can of evaporated milk with the cooled chocolate mixture. Blend together. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix until all are combined well. Heat, stirring until the cream of coconut is blended in well. Cool and then serve.

Feelin’ Frosty Let’s Get Real Inc. • 1 gal. blue Hawaiian punch • 1 (2 liter) sprite • 12 oz. pineapple juice • 1 pint vanilla ice cream • 1 can of whipped cream • Festive sprinkles Chill first three ingredients. In a large punch bowl, stir together the punch, Sprite and pineapple juice. Just before serving, drop in the scoops of ice cream. Gently stir until slightly frothy. Ladle punch into glasses to serve, topping each glass off with a small scoop of ice cream. Top off with a dollop of whipped cream and festive sprinkles.

High Sobriety — Best Presentation Award

Photos by Kristin Bauer | Community Guide

Candy Cane Delight

Supercell-Abration Cider Lorain County Emergency Management Agency • 1/2 galon apple cider • 1 (2 liter) ginger ale • 4 tsp. salted caramel syrup • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon • Cinnamon sticks and sliced apples for garnish

Declawed — Best Taste Winner

In a large punch bowl, thoroughly mix chilled apple cider and ginger ale. Add caramel syrup and ground cinnamon. Mix gently. Garnish with a few cinnamon sticks and sliced apples.

Fruit-Tail Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County • 4 packages of Kool-Aid unsweetened tropical flavored drink mix • 4 qts. of water • 3 cups organic cane sugar • 1 (2 liter) of ginger ale • 1 (106 oz.) juice drained from can of fruit cocktail in light syrup

Ohio Station Highway Patrol • 2 lemon wedges • 2 lime wedges • 2 orange wedges • 4 tsp. simple syrup • 4 oz. sparkling water or club soda • 2 tsp. lemon juice • 1 tsp. lime juice • 1 oz. orange juice Lemon-Lime Declawed Place one lemon wedge and one lime wedge in an empty glass and mash. Fill glass with ice as desired. Pour 4 oz. of sparkling water or club soda. Add 4 tsp. simple syrup. Add 2 tsp. lemon juice and 1 tsp. lime juice. Stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wedge and lime wedge.

Mix Kool-Aid, sugar and ginger ale to taste. Add drained juice from fruit cocktail. Blend drained fruit and ice. Poor crushed ice and fruit into glass and add punch.

Orange Declawed Place an orange wedge in an empty glass and mash. Fill glass with ice as desired. Pour 4 oz. Of sparkling water or club soda. Add 4 tsp. of simple syrup. Add 1 oz. orange juice. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Rudolph’s Red Nose

Groove United

NAMI Lorain County • 1/3 cup white sugar • 1 qt. of cranberry juice • 2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice • 3 tbsp. almond extract • 1 (2 liter) of ginger ale Mix sugar, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and almond extract. Refrigerate for one day. Mix juice mix and ginger ale and serve.

United Way of Greater Lorain County • 1 cup ginger ale • 1 cup berry lemonade • 1/2 cup Hawaiian punch • 3 oz. pineapple juice • 6 oz. lemon sparking water • 2 scoops blended raspberry sherbet Combine the ingredients. Top with raspberry sherbet and frozen raspberries.

Lorain County Court of Common Pleas • 1 qt. lemonade • 2 cup pineapple juice • 2 cup Sprite • Maraschino cherry Add ingredients and mix. Add ice. Top with a maraschino cherry.

Sunset in the Park Lorain County Metro Parks • 1 carton (59 oz.) pineapple juice • 1 liter cream soda (preferably clear) • Dash of grenadine • Maraschino cherries • Pineapple slices • Shaved ice Mix pineapple juice and cream soda; let set in freezer for 30 minutes. Mound shaved ice into cup, add pineapple/cream soda mix on top, enough to cover ice. Add a dash of grenadine on top for color. Garnish with maraschino cherry and pineapple slice.

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Services Serving the needs of Lorain County in Amherst and Avon Blending compassionate patient care with exceptional medical expertise and advanced technology, Cleveland Clinic provides a full spectrum of cancer services in Lorain County. These include: • Cancer screenings.

• Retail pharmacy (Richard E. Jacobs).

• Chemotherapy.

• Patient support services.

• Personalized infusion therapy.

• Financial navigators.

• Biopsies and testing.

• Care coordinators.

While the coronavirus is still in our communities, Cleveland Clinic is among the safest places in healthcare today.

Amherst Family Health Center 5172 Leavitt Road, Lorain 440.204.7400

Richard E. Jacobs Health Center at Richard E. Jacobs Campus 33100 Cleveland Clinic Blvd., Avon 440.695.4000

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County health chief bows out JASON HAWK EDITOR

ELYRIA — David Covell couldn’t wait Friday to hit the golf course.

Clocking out at 4:30 p.m., he ended a nine-year run as Lorain County health commissioner that capped a 35-year career.

The home stretch wasn’t an easy one.

Though he was aware of the potential for disaster before most of the population, Covell was as surprised as anyone in early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic exploded.

But when needed most, Covell stepped up as a leader whose expertise was valued across Northeast Ohio, said Cuyahoga County Health Commissioner Terry Allen.

“We knew the big one would come. We just didn’t know if it would come in our time,” he said.

Covell took that praise and reflected it on the small army of Lorain County Public Health employees who gathered at the agency's Murray Ridge Road headquarters

to send him off.

“I can’t thank you all enough for making my life a little easier,” he told them.

Now his second in command, Mark Adams, must shoulder the mantle of leadership. He was hired in the fall of 2020 in anticipation of stepping into the health commissioner role.

As a parting gift, Covell gave Adams a survival kit. It held a bottle of Ibuprofin — expired, but never mind that, he joked — some antacids and a gold badge left in his desk by his own predecessor, former Health Commissioner Ken Pearce.

In turn, state Rep. Gayle Manning, RNorth Ridgeville, delivered proclamations from both the Ohio House and Senate to Covell. He was also presented with golf gift certificates from the county health board and co-workers.

“We are going to be saddened by his departure. We know he will not be,” laughed Lorain County Board of Health President Edward McNamara.

In retirement, Covell said he plans to hit the links more often and travel, starting with visits to Georgia, Florida and Texas.

Oberlin: Federal aid will keep expanded bus service running through 2023 JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — American Rescue Plan funds will be used to keep expanded bus service rolling through 2023.

A two-year, $200,000 deal with Lorain County Transit was approved by Oberlin City Council last week in a fast-tracked vote.

The cash will come from federal COVID-19 relief dollars. Oberlin officials are justifying the decision as a way to soften the economic impact of the pandemic.

“Due to unique difficulties in access to employment, medical and other needs and services, the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency has had a disproportional impact upon patrons of the Oberlin Connector,” said the ordinance passed by a 7-0 vote.

A large part of the city’s population does not own their own vehicles, according to Kathy Burns, client services coordinator at the nonprofit Oberlin Community Services.

She said LCT service allows many of her clients to travel to the edge of town or outside of Oberlin to shop at less expensive stores — Walmart and Aldi are popular destinations, for example.

Rides to the Amherst-Lorain border and to Elyria have also been important, allowing Oberlin residents to get to doctor appointments, Burns said.

“It’s given people more freedom,” she

said.

Bus service throughout Lorain County suffered a blow in 2010, when budget concerns forced commissioners to make cuts.

Using local funds, City Council paid for the Oberlin Connector service to keep rides available.

Its hours and service area were expanded in 2021 after Oberlin won a $100,000 Paradox Prize grant from The Fund for Our Economic Future. Now rides are available 15 hours each weekday, carrying passengers north to Route 254 and east to Abbe Road and Route 57.

As a result, use this year has boomed.

According to Oberlin Planning and Development Director Carrie Handy, the Oberlin Connector had been used 3,408 times as of the end of October.

“By helping residents get to work and to health services, the Oberlin Connector service will support the (American Rescue Plan) goals of economic stabilization for households and businesses, job retention, and increased access to health services/ vaccinations to bring the pandemic under control,” she wrote in a memo to Council.

The ride service costs about $140,000 per year to run, including marketing. That means that with the current metrics the city is paying roughly $41 per trip and $848 per unique rider for the service.

Handy said the city will continue to ask donors to financially back the service. In previous years, Oberlin Community Services, Kendal at Oberlin and others have chipped in.

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Kristin Bauer | Community Guide

Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell poses for a photo with his wife, Laurel, on Friday, Dec. 10 during a retirement celebration.

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An Oberlin Council farewell

A reception for outbound members of Oberlin City Council will be held from 5:30-6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20 at the Council chambers lobby, 85 South Main St. Council members Mary Price and Linda Slocum will say farewell. They chose not to run for reelection this fall, clearing the way for new members Bryan Burgess and Eboni Johnson without contest. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is open to the public.

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

B

Oberlin College outlines 2022 geothermal plans JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Miles of pipe were constructed in the first year of Oberlin College’s $140 million plan to switch to geothermal power.

Plans for Summer 2022 are now being finalized and bid out, with more digging on the north side of town, according to Chief Facilities Officer Kevin Brown.

In a presentation to City Council last week, he said to expect less pipe installation and more building modernization next year.

Excavation will start in the spring, and a channel for heating and cooling pipes will be dug starting on Union Street around June 10, right after Oberlin College’s commencement celebration, he said.

The geothermal pipes replace the college’s old and disintegrating steam system.

“I’ve done a few (distribution) systems around the world, and this one’s just as challenging as any of those, because we’re trying to keep an existing system operational, bring in a new system, do it in a phased approach,” said Brown.

The logistics are complicated because contractors must work around the college’s academic schedule, he said — that means work involving dorms and other high-traffic buildings must be

done during the summer, when the fewest students are on campus.

Already, modernization efforts have affected Finney Chapel, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the college’s heating plant and South Hall.

Brown said energy-efficient windows were installed this summer at South Hall during the geothermal conversion process, and more of the same can be expected at other buildings as they

Need increasing again

are tackled.

On the 2022 agenda are several dormitories around Wilder Bowl, where geothermal delivery lines have already been laid. Brown said the Lord-Saunders House, Bibbins Hall and Dascomb Hall are all on the list this coming summer.

“The distribution network’s been built, but now we’ve got to do the building conversions next GEOTHERMAL PAGE B3

Frenk to Council: Old water meters are leaking cash JASON HAWK EDITOR

Photos by Jason Hawk | Community Guide

Mark Ballard II, liaison for Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield; Caroline Bick of U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan’s office; and Lorain Safety Services Director Sanford Washington wash cans of nonperishable food at SecondHarvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio on Baumhart Road.

Sorting cans, officials see just how deep need runs at Second Harvest

in the long run.”

He wasn’t alone. Rolling up their sleeves for the morning were a number of elected officials, appointees and aides — State Rep. Dick

Stein, R-Norwalk, Lorain Safety Services Director Sanford Washington, Sandusky Community Development Director Jonathan Holody, representatives from U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan’s offices and others joined in.

South Amherst Mayor David Leshinski was part of a group that checked expiration dates and wiped down canned goods to be packed.

The village of 1,650 is home to an older population that is hurting, he said.

“The needs are there. We can see those needs. Like anyone, we have them too,” Leshinski said.

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WATER PAGE B2

◄ State Rep. Dick Stein, R-Norwalk, whose district covers southern Lorain County, volunteers Friday morning at Second Harvest Food Bank.

JASON HAWK EDITOR

LORAIN — Nathan Manning’s hands flew Friday as he filled cardboard boxes with beans, pasta, beef jerky and other nonperishables.

For an hour, the Republican state senator from North Ridgeville helped sort cans on the warehouse floor at Second Harvest Food Bank on Baumhart Road.

Afterward, he said he’d awed by the row upon row of shelves stacked to the rafters with boxes — it showed just how important legislative support for food banks is as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to do damage.

Helping feed the hungry is good for everyone, Manning said: “If so many people are turning to other means to get food, or if their health gets worse, it will cost us all more

WELLINGTON — Ancient water meters are costing the village loads of money, and it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace them all.

More than 1,100 of Wellington’s water meters are two decades old, and the vast majority are at least 24 years old, Water Superintendent Greg Frenk told Village Council last week.

The older they are and the more water that flows through them, the less accurate. Frenk said the best practice is to replace meters after 20 years — much more often for industrial customers — but in many cases that simply hasn’t happened, leading to lost revenue.

“Look how much money we’re leaving on the table,” he said. “We know we’re leaving money on the table.”

Aging meters aren’t a new problem. The village has known for years they would have to eventually be replaced.

But the cost is high. Frenk said the Electric Department can afford to replace its meters, while his can’t — and it makes no financial sense to replace only one set.

Wellington faces hard choices: If water revenue continues to be lost because of bad meters, it will mean raising rates even higher. And without raising rates at least a bit, there will be no funds to buy new meters.

“The problem is to raise rates and continue to do nothing just compounds the problem,” said Councilman Gene Hartman. “You’ll lose more and more and more because the meters get older and older and older.”

The village clearly needs to control the expense before it

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Elyria Municipal Judge Gary Bennett, right, presides over the video arraignment of LifeCare President David Richards, left, on Friday.

LifeCare CEO David Richards faces theft count STAFF REPORT

ELYRIA — David Richards was arraigned Friday morning in Elyria Municipal Court on a single count of theft by deception, which police said is related to his job as CEO of LifeCare.

During a brief proceeding, Judge Gary Bennett said Richards could face a maximum of 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 for the charge.

Elyria Police Chief Bill Pelko said last Thursday the dollar amount of the alleged theft is between $7,500 and $150,000, making it a fourth-degree felony.

Because Richards had no previous criminal history and is a Lorain County resident, Bennett set a personal bond, and also issued a no-contact order banning Richard from LifeCare property.

Richards, who's been with LifeCare since 2012, was arrested last Thursday morning as the result of a monthlong investigation Pelko said was related to unauthorized expenses at LifeCare.

The private ambulance company provides emergency medical services for the cities of Elyria, Amherst, Lorain and surrounding communities.

Richards became president and CEO in 2019, the same year the private company transitioned to an employee stock-ownership plan.

RICHARDS PAGE B2

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Page B2

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

I was exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19. Now what?

Correction

Lorain County Public Health has advice for those preparing to gather with friends and family for the holidays about what to do if you or a loved one tests positive or have been exposed to COVID-19.

You’ve been exposed to COVID-19 if you live with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.

If you’re fully vaccinated and show no symptoms, you don’t need to quarantine, accord-

Organizers of the Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association incorrectly sent a news release about student Gavin Gay to the Community Guide. He is a student at Wellington High School in Columbus, not Lorain County.

ing to LCPH. Get tested five to seven days after exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. Wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

If you're not vaccinated, quarantine yourself at home for 10 to 14 days from the day of last exposure. Monitor for symptoms, and call your health care provider if you do get symptoms. Tell your employer or school district that you might have been exposed to COVID-19.

When it comes to COVID-19 holiday safety, vaccines are still the best way to protect yourself against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Get a COVID-19 vaccine, or booster, if eligible. Encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Get a vaccine at LCPH or with a local provider. Anyone can call (440) 284-3206 or visit www.loraincountyhealth.com/ coronavirus for an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine of any type or dose at LCPH. The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention still recommend wearing a mask: • In an indoor public place if you are unvaccinated or in an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.

• In crowded outdoor settings if you are in contact with unvaccinated people or in an area with high numbers of COVID19 cases.

• If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, whether you’re vaccinated or not, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

FOOD

FROM B1 Senior citizens are where Second Harvest is seeing need spike the most, according to President and CEO Julie Chase-Morefield. In the past year, the number of seniors asking for help has jumped by 60 percent, she said.

Times aren’t getting easy for many others. There is a depth of need that no one understood until the pandemic hit, Chase-Morefield said. The COVID crisis threw into stark relief just how many people had been living on the edge, especially in rural communities.

About 40 percent of the families seeking food from Second Harvest had never done so before March 2020, she said. And after plateauing this summer, demand for food assistance is now rising again.

The difference is that now there’s no longer an Ohio National Guard presence to help distribute boxes of fruit, vegetables and other staples.

Food and transportation costs are also rising. Everything costs a few cents more compared to last year, but price tags on some items have shot through the roof — overall, going to the grocery store costs 5.3 percent more now than it did this time last year, according to the Consumer Price Index.

Chase-Morefield said there are murmurs that food prices will jump another 6 to 8 percent in 2022.

“It’s terrifying because it means we can’t go out and buy as much,” she said.

One of the main concerns she voiced Friday to officials is the end of the Child Tax Credit. Under the American Rescue Plan, it’s advanced tax return deductions to parents in monthly payments of $250 to $300 since the summer.

But December’s credit will be the last unless Congress acts to extend it.

Democrats are mobilizing to stretch it through 2022, but if that effort fails Chase-Morefield fears another surge in need among Lorain County families with kids.

Those families are already facing tough decisions, she told officials.

Quarantines in 2020 caused many child care providers to fold or downsize; now parents are desperate for child care again but have few options.

That means more moms and dads are staying home instead of returning to the workforce, which only worsens supply chain issues, said Chase-Morefield.

And without enough workers to make and deliver goods, prices rise even further.

Her voice broke as she told officials that Second Harvest workers are also feeling the strain.

“We’re struggling,” Chase-Morefield said. “It’s been a long road and we don’t see the end. I think that’s a feeling a lot of people have right now.”

When the nonprofit’s 40,900-squarefoot distribution facility opened in 2015, she never thought it would run out of space, but pushed by the pan-

demic it’s reaching that point.

Boxes of food are stacked high not only in the warehouse, but also crowd the dock. Second Harvest is looking to expand both its dock and dry storage, and hoping federal American Rescue Plan funding is available.

But as fast as food arrives, it’s shipped back out, said Susan Bartosch, director of external affairs. The big needs are always peanut butter, cereal, tuna, soup, rice, pasta and canned fruit and vegetables.

“Anything that would be nutritious,” Bartosch said, “and especially protein.”

All manner of items filled sorting bins Friday: hot sauce, baby food, macaroni and cheese, hot chocolate, peas, yams, canned mushrooms and bottled water.

At one table, officials folded donated clothing, while boxes along a wall held diapers, notebooks, backpacks, rugs — even an electric lawnmower.

Food is what keeps people going, though, said Mark Ballard II, who is both a member of Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield’s administration and the Second Harvest board.

“It’s good to see food being repurposed,” he said. “My big thing is eliminating food waste, seeing how you can clean off some of this stuff and provide a little TLC, then send it to people in need… If you want to go biblical, it says the poor will always be among us. It’s our due diligence and our duty to take care of those who need a little support.”

Winter Fun ACROSS 1. Rope fiber 5. Mai ____ 8. Russia’s Terrible one, e.g.

12. “What ____ Happened to Baby Jane?”

13. Tattled 14. Actress Reed 15. Internet share-able 16. Inwardly 17. Black tropical hardwood 18. *Winged impression in winter 20. Home of the Hawkeyes 21. Investigative report 22. Chicken or this?

23. Not dense 26. Early-day supercontinent 30. Afternoon shut-eye 31. Even though 34. Picture on a coat 35. Anti-seniors sentiment 37. Jean of Dadaism 38. Crewneck alternative 39. Half-man, half-goat 40. Arm cover 42. Victoria Beckham ____ Adams 43. Lacking sense of moral standards 45. Flying high 47. Often part of disguise 48. Queen-like 50. Wood file 52. *____ ____ Plunge 56. Secret stash 57. Damien’s prediction 58. Not at work 59. Opposite of cation 60. Abbreviated seconds 61. Precedes stated rank 62. Moon pull 63. *Like toddy or cocoa 64. Trans-Siberian Railroad city DOWN 1. Shortens pants 2. Like fair share 3. Short for memorandum 4. Antebellum 5. Polynesian kingdom 6. Ten-pin establishment 7. Bucolic poem 8. *Ride on runners

WATER FROM B1

spirals out of control, he said.

Like other towns across the entire United States, Wellington has already received a windfall from the American Rescue Plan to help offset losses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finance Director Vanya Pfeiffer said the village has about $257,000 to work with.

She said roughly the same amount again is expected to come from President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which will send billions to Ohio.

In the meantime, Frenk said he is worried that costs will soar and price the village out of meters if it doesn’t move quickly enough.

He wants to raise rates now — a bump has already been suggested that would provide his department with another $63,000 per year. Frustrated, he told Council that the Lorain County Rural Water Authority raises its rates every year, while the village does not.

That leaves Wellington always trailing inflation, which in the last two years has hit hard.

For example, a fire hydrant that two years ago would have cost $2,200 is now $3,800, Frenk said.

“When it comes to inflation, we don’t know where this is going to end,” Councilman Mark Bughman said. “We have no clue.”

The village’s former ordinance called for water rates to be raised every year to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index, said Pfeiffer. Though they were raised in recent years, they did not go up in 2021, and costs will outpace revenue if no additional hikes are passed by 2025, according to Hartman.

Officials showed interest in locking down the specifics of how much a mass-metering project would cost. That’s no easy task, though.

Frenk said it’s hard to tell how many of which type of meters would be needed. Between 1987 and 1997, Wellington underwent a big meter replacement project, but now it’s unclear what was replaced and exactly when.

What’s clear is that housing developments such as Parkside Reserve and the Meadows are now in the right age range to need new meters, he said.

The equipment also ranges vastly in price based on size.

A standard residential meter is $210, while larger-volume models can hit the $5,000 mark.

Frenk also thinks it’s worth springing for high-tech models. AMI meters — that’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure — are the future, he said.

They can be read remotely, alert village workers to malfunctions or leaks and residents can even track their usage through an online portal on some systems.

Mark Rosemark, who retired as Wellington’s water superintendent and now serves as its interim manager, said the condition of the village water distribution system also needs to be part of the conversation.

Ruptures and leaks can be costly, he said, pointing to a water main break in November on North Main Street as proof. Money needs to be plugged into water lines to prevent catastrophic breaks, Rosemark said.

RICHARDS

FROM B1 In a statement issued by LifeCare on Friday, the company said it has and will continue to cooperate with the authorities to resolve this matter.

“We are extremely disappointed with the actions of one of our own,” said Richard S. Pozywak, who is handling some of the operations in Richards' absence. “It is important to note that at no time was any LifeCare client impacted; our ambulances continue running and patient care remains our top concern. Our company is employeeowned and we will all continue working hard for the people we serve.”

Pozywak and Kimberly Mason were named by Lifecare's Board of Directors to handle operations in the interim and the company said there will be no interruption of service.

Police said the case remains under investigation.

9. *Winter building material 10. Tolstoy’s Karenina 11. R&B Charles 13. *Glittery decor 14. Condescend 19. Indian black tea 22. Nibble 23. Big mess 24. Like a Druid, e.g.

25. Celery, technically 26. *Snowman’s corn cob accessory 27. Are not 28. Wedding singer, e.g.

29. Questioned 32. *Snow____, ammunition 33. *”But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight...”

36. *Winter walking aid 38. Type of consonant 40. Actors’ grp.

41. a.k.a. strict vegetarians 44. Mature, as in fruit 46. Like Silas of “The Da Vinci Code” 48. Young Montague 49. Decide at the polls 50. Jasmine of “Aladdin” 51. Turns blue litmus red 52. #42 Across, once 53. Cheese from Netherlands 54. Contributions to the poor 55. Stink to high heaven 56. *Arctic ____, snowmobile brand

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

MURAL BEAUTIFIES LANGSTON

Page B3

Pitch for AirBNB regulations raises Council questions JASON HAWK EDITOR

Provided photos

Within the halls of Oberlin’s Langston Middle School, eighth-grade International Baccalaureate students have designed and painted a mural to beautify the building.

They’ve also created artwork for Oberlin High School.

OBERLIN — AirBNB and other short-term rental units could soon face a list of new regulations, depending on how Oberlin City Council swings.

The Planning Commission has put forward a long list of rules for controlling rentals of 30 days or less in the college town.

It calls for Council to establish inspections, permits, limits on visitors, fire extinguishers and other requirements.

“These types of rentals have been issues in other communities.

I’m not saying they’re an issue in Oberlin right now,” Planning and Development Director Carrie Handy told Council last week.

Using two of the most popular sites — AirBNB and Vrbo — she found 37 short-term rental units in Oberlin.

A proposed ordinance would require each to have off-street parking for two vehicles, a paved driveway and safety inspections by city personnel.

Handy said it would also create a registry of owners and mandate an authorized agent to be available within a 30-minute drive in case they are needed by police.

Council has reservations, and immediately started picking apart the draft rules.

The biggest flag is a restriction on the number of occupants allowed inside a rental unit.

The Planning Commission has suggested visitors can’t outnumber renters — Councilwoman Kristin Peterson said it would bar a couple from having three people over to their AirBNB for dinner, and stop many family gettogethers.

Councilwoman Mary Price called the proposed occupancy limitation unreasonable. She grew up in a house with eight brothers and sisters along with extended family, and said having 13 residents in a 1,500-squarefoot home never resulted in an inspection.

Councilwoman Heather Adelman recused herself from the discussion but voiced concerns during a public hearing. She said the city has a right to “and probably should” regulate short-term rentals, but believes the proposal is “a bit of an overreach and very difficult to enforce.”

Permit fees are not stated in the draft ordinance, and it’s unclear what the city is trying to accomplish with the proposed rules, Adelman said. There have been almost no complaints raised to necessitate regulation — Handy

could only recall one complaint being filed.

“When I buy a home, no one comes in and makes sure that it’s an appropriate number of people per bedroom,” Adelman said. “I don’t know why that would be different in a rental.”

Because Oberlin College draws visitors, there are plenty of threemonth, nine-month and one-year rental properties in the city. Price said none would be affected by the AirBNB rules if they are passed.

“I think we should consider whether we want to so highly regulate this very specific type of rental compared to all the other types of rental situations that go on in the community,” she said.

Nor are AirBNBs limited to residential zones, which are the only areas the proposed regulations address. Councilman Kelley Singleton said there are shortterm rentals in the downtown commercial district, for example.

Oberlin doesn’t have much of a handle on how many rental properties it has, period, said Councilman Ray English — and while Lorain County has a registry requirement, he said it’s not effective.

“We have no particular way of knowing, at least not comprehensively, who is renting in Oberlin and who the landlords are,” he said. “To me, that’s a long-term problem.”

Similar Council discussions in previous years have gone nowhere. The conclusion, said President Linda Slocum, has been that the city does not have the personnel to enforce such rules.

Fairness is also a major concern, she said. While guests at The Hotel at Oberlin pay a bed tax, AirBNBs and bed and breakfasts do not.

Slocum said she’d like to see that change.

Public Works Director Jeff Baumann and his wife operate an AirBNB unit. He agreed with many of the objections raised by Council, and called the proposed permit requirement into question.

“We’re happy to pay the bed tax as well as income tax on this, if that’s where this goes,” he said, however.

A vote to send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission for further work failed after ending in a 3-3 tie, with Singleton, English and Slocum dissenting.

It was instead sent to a second reading by a 4-2 vote, with Peterson and Price in opposition.

Debate is expected to continue either Dec. 20 or in January.

GEOTHERMAL FROM B1 summer,” he told Council.

Right now, only one dorm has air conditioning, Brown said. That will change — in coming years, five or six will be cooled, allowing them to be used year-round.

In all, about 55 buildings will be retrofitted and upgraded by the time the four- or five-year project is finished. The exact number has not been finalized — for example, Fairchild House, one of the smallest dorms at Oberlin, stands to be thoroughly renovated or completely replaced, he said.

Brown said the college plans to work on twice as many buildings in 2022 as it did in 2021.

This summer, crews will install geothermal pipes across Route 511 and follow Woodland Street before jogging east around Langston Hall to Union Street. Phillips Gym will be connected during another phase, Brown said.

A supply and return pipe

will be drilled north and south past Hales Gym and the Heisman Fieldhouse, then under the college’s track, he said.

The work will disrupt traffic around Mercy Health Allen Hospital.

Brown said he is working with Oberlin Fire Chief Robert Hanmer and the hospital to make sure ambulances and other emergency vehicles have access during construction.

He also told Council talks are underway with Mercy Health about potentially connecting the hospital to the geothermal system. The First Church in Oberlin United Church of Christ is also heated by the college’s old steam system, and Brown said plans are being weighed for the future of that building as well.

Construction of a geothermal field with some 1,100 wells will begin on the far northern side of campus in 2023, he estimated.

“We’re waiting that long so we can put more buildings on our new system, so we can collect the data on the system… so we can size the well field appropriately, to not overbuild the well field,” Brown told Council.

When complete, the college will save at least 5 million gallons of water a year, and 4 million gallons in sewer discharge, according to Brown. The geothermal system will also provide an energy savings around 30 percent.

There is give and take with regard to the college’s relationship with the city.

The project caused traffic snarls this past year, Brown admitted, and though they are expected to be smaller more are on the horizon. Work also requires a large number of trees to be removed, both on the college’s private property and in the public right-of-way.

The college is currently

replacing trees it removed during the first phase of construction, work that will continue through December. Some of the new trees have already toppled because they were improperly staked by the contractor, and will have

to be replaced again, Brown said.

Another crop of trees will be cut down starting in late January or early February, he said. They too will eventually be replaced.

Oberlin City Manager

Rob Hillard called the project “really exciting,” but also addressed issues.

He said he wants concerns about foot and cycling traffic to be addressed, including how contractors signal when sidewalks are closed.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 DECEMBER 16, 2021 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 85 SOUTH MAIN STREET UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

DECEMBER 20, 2021 �����CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - 6:00 P�M� COUNCIL CHAMBERS - PURPOSE: To Discuss the Social Equity Provisional Plan DECEMBER 20, 2021 �����REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P�M� - COUNCIL CHAMBERS DECEMBER 23, 2021 �����OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24, 2021 �����OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS DAY 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.

Page B4

Lorain County Community Guide

SPORTS

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Printed as space is available.

TIPPING POINT Oberlin senior Andre Yarber fights through traffic to the lane for the scoop lay-in at close range against Midview.

BRAY LEADS THE WAY

Photos by Thomas Fetcenko | Amherst News-Times

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Phoenix junior Silas Brandt rises above the crowded lane for a short jumper.

The Oberlin Phoenix split their games this past week, falling 68-62 to Midview before traveling to Wellington and securing a thrilling 54+51 overtime win against the Dukes. In the latter contest, which was a back-and-forth affair, the Phoenix raced back to knot the score at 45 on a Ty Locklear put-back as the final seconds of regulation ticked away. In OT, Locklear again held the hot hand as he pumped in 5 of the Phoenix's 9 points to secure the win. Wellington's Jayden Roberts led all scorers with 22 on the night. Oberlin, now (2-2, 2-0 in the Lorain County League) travels to Firelands tomorrow for a key early season match-up. The Pheonix will close the pre-holiday schedule with a trip to Westlake on Tuesday. Wellington (2-3, 0-2 in LC8) travels to Columbia tomorrow before returning home to face Firelands in its final game before the break.

After going neck and neck the first half, the Comets solved the Middies’ puzzle in the third quarter Friday, surging ahead for a 57-44 win in Southwestern Conference play. Amherst’s Austin Bray was on fire, hitting for 17 points to lead all scorers. Teammates George Gotsis and Jordan Koury also broke the double-digit threshold, scoring 12 each. Aden Gregory led Midview with 16 points, and Michael Hazzard had 10.

ABOVE: Midview's Ryan Runser takes a shot as Amherst's Austin Bray tries to block.

BELOW: Amherst's Nick Hamrlik goes to the hoop.

STALLED IN OVERTIME

Angelo Angel | Amherst News-Times

Building on a Joey Kramer goal in the first period, a pair from Nick Ciura in the second lifted the Comets to a 3-3 overtime stalemate against Benedictine at North Park Rec in Elyria this weekend.

Amherst certainly put in the effort, leveling 39 shots on the Benedictine goal, only to have Michael Pelc make 36 saves.

River Ambroz had 26 saves in the net for the Comets.

ABOVE: Kramer fights to regain possession of the puck.

RIGHT: Amherst’s Avery Winkelman (right) scrambles to find an open teammate while warding off Benedictine defenders.

Amherst's Trent Branchen takes a shot from the field while guarded by Midview's Ryan Runser and Aden Gregory.

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

CHAMPAGNE ALL AROUND

Page B5

PHOENIX HUNT FOR A WIN

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin's girls dropped a pair of games this past week, falling to Firelands and Rittman. The Phoenix continue the hunt for their first win of the season as they close out their pre-holiday schedule hosting Open Door on Dec. 20 and Brookside on Dec. 22.

ABOVE: Firelands’ Abbey Schmitz looks to solve the Phoenix press against Oberlin's Emerson Freas. Schmitz led all scorers, with 24 points on the night.

BELOW: Oberlin's Pippa Brandt drives into the lane.

Photos by Thomas Fetcenko | Wellington Enterprise

The Raiders needed just one half to make their mark last week, outscoring the Dukes girls 34-15 in the first two periods. They held Wellington to single digits in three of the four frames, and ran roughshod to a 50-33 victory. Columbia’s Elise Champagne was at the front of the point parade with 23. For the Dukes, Brooke Lehmkuhl had a team-high 12 points.

ABOVE: Wellington's Savannah Gundert takes a shot while guarded by Columbia's Elise Champagne.

BELOW: The Dukes’ Brooke Lehmkuhl gets a handful of Raider Rachel Washburn’s jumper.

BOWLING • The Comets varsity girls defeated with a record score of 2,471. Allison Taylor led the way with a team best 499 series on games of 256 and 243. Makayla Velasquez rolled a 431 series on games of 204 and 227 and Hannah Aschenbach had a 416 series on games of 246 and 170 — all cracking the 400 mark. Melissa Nunez added a 383 series on games of 181 and 202 and Sabrina Stawicki had a 367 series with games of 146 and 221.

• Amherst’s girls bowlers took first place at the North Olmsted Eagle Challenge for the second straight year. Makayla Velasquez and Allison Taylor earned All-Tournament honors for their 554 and 539 series, respectively. Velasquez had games of 185, 177 and 192 while Taylor added games of 173, 179 and 187. Sabrina Stawicki rolled a 514 series, Hannah Aschenbach had a 477 series and Melissa Nunez finished with a 446 series.

The Falcons’ Riyley Etherton drives toward the hole on the fast break as Phoenix Sanayah Wilborn gives chase.

SCHOLARS EDWARD "NICK" IMBROGNO of Amherst earned the Graduate Teaching Award for the 2020-2021 academic year at John Carroll University.

ALEJANDRO REYES of Amherst earned the Timothy J. Fenske Award from John Carroll University for outstanding academic persistence and improvement.

MICHELLE KISSANE of Amherst was named to the dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester at the University of Mount Zion.

DOMINIC ZAPPA of Amherst was named to the dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester at the University of Mount Zion.

MICHELLE GREGORY of Oberlin was named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at Mercy College of Ohio.

NICHOLAS HEIST of Oberlin graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Cedarville University.

ROBERT COBB of Oberlin was named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at the University of Mount Zion.

CHRISTA BARNES of Oberlin was named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at Baldwin Wallace University.

A graduate of First Baptist Christian School, she is majoring

in instrumental performance.

MORGAN McCAFFERTY of Wellington graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a master of arts degree from the Office of Graduate Studies.

ALEXIS POJMAN of Wellington was named to the provost’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at Capital University.

EZRA OHLY of Wellington was elected earlier in 2021 by the undergraduate student body to serve as the 109th Baldwin Wallace University student body president.

A junior, Ohly is a digital marketing major with a minor in management. She is also an

account specialist with BW’s Digital Marketing Clinic, working with the Cleveland Leadership Center, a sister of Alpha Phi Sorority, and BW student ambassador. She has served as a student senator, sophomore class president, chair of the Senate diversity committee and Student Senate president.

HANNAH KARDAR of Amherst was named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at Grove City College.

The daughter of Peter and Cindy Kardar of Amherst, she is majoring in psychology.

JOHN DOUGHERTY of Amherst was named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at

Tiffin University.

MATT LEE of Amherst was named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at Tiffin University.

MELISSA MALEK of Amherst graduated with a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University.

JADDEN YOUNG of Oberlin was named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2021 semester at the University of Findlay.

LILLIAN BLASKO of Wellington received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Youngstown State University.

Page B6

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

© 2021 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 2

4

People call them peacocks, but that’s the correct name for only the male peafowl.

Females are called peahens.

Fancy Feathers

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Peacocks have long, colorful tail feathers that trail behind them to form a train.

To attract females, they lift and spread out the tail feathers like a big fan that can change color and seem to 4 3 sparkle in the light.

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Color By Numbers: 1 = dark green 2 = blue 3 = orange 4 = light green ent e 11 differ are v a h l w fo ks Pea he peacoc calls, but tat really yell. They h the ones t ud call that carries lo a e nd hav distance a E! g n lo a r fo e “may-AW sounds lik -AWE!” may

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What’s for dinner?

Peafowl eat grain, insects, small reptiles, mammals, berries, figs, leaves, seeds, and flowers. This means they are:

Peahens: Fewer Colors = Safety!

Cut out each part of this paragraph and paste them in the correct order.

Omnivores eat plants and animals.

Herbivores eat only plants.

Carnivores eat only meat.

ANSWER: Omnivores

Do the math to match each word with its definition.

11 + 4 = a crown feather of s peafow on a l’s head

3. A crown of feathers on a peafowl’s head is called a crest.

TRUE FALSE 4. Peacocks shed their feathers every year.

TRUE FALSE 5. Peacocks only eat plants.

TRUE FALSE 6. Peacocks are tiny birds.

TRUE FALSE 7. A peacock’s train can grow to be 5 feet long.

TRUE FALSE 8. Peacocks sleep in trees.

TRUE FALSE

Bird Words 21 = FOWL 10 = PARTY 15 = CREST

1. Only males are called peacocks.

TRUE FALSE 2. Peahens are mostly red and yellow.

TRUE FALSE

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Read today’s Kid Scoop page and then answer the following True or False questions.

7 = TRAIN 12 = ROOST 24 = HATCH

baby g a n whe t of its eg = 2 1 u 12 + comes o bird

es to rest for the night 18 - 6 = where a bird settl

8 + 2 = a group of pe afowl — 9-2= long tail feathers of

Peafowl have sharp eyes.

When they see a predator, they make a loud call which alerts 2 other wildlife.

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Use your sharp eyes to find1 where each of2 these images came from 1on 2 3 this Kid Scoop page.

also called a “pride” ord for a bird w r e th o n a = 7 + 14

a peacock

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Standards Link: Spelling: Spell grade-level words correctly.

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OMNIVORES FEATHERS 4 EYESPOTS 3 PEAFOWL BLENDS 2 ALERTS SHARP SHEDS YEAR LOUD BODY TAIL TAN FAN

Look through the newspaper and count all of the eyes you can find. Categorize the eyes. Are some animal eyes? People eyes? Eye decorations? Other?

Make a graph to show the kinds of eyes you found in the newspaper.

Standards Link: Organize data and display as a graph.

10. Peacocks fan out their tail feathers to attract females.

TRUE FALSE

E S A L E R T S F A

K B T N S P D U O L R O A O S D S N W I

This week’s word:

P Y A T E S F E E T

The noun predator means an animal that hunts other animals.

P N S A E E A Y D B

The predators were silent, waiting for the smaller animals to gather.

A D T H P D N O A A S R E H T A E F L R P L U P R N M A E G

S E R O V I N M O E

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

PREDATOR

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

My Hero

Dressing Up

Peacocks aren’t the only animals that like to look bright and flashy. Look through the newspaper for some examples of ways people dress up for special occassions.

ANSWER: A re-tail store!

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written instructions.

9. Peacocks can’t fly.

TRUE FALSE

ANSWERS: 1. True 6. False 2. False 7. True 3. True 8. True 4. True 9. False 5. False 10. True

When spread out like a fan, you can see eyespots on the feathers. The colors and eyespots attract females.

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Peacocks are one of the world’s largest birds. Its tail is longer than its body! Males can grow to 8 feet long. Their train can 4 grow to 5 feet long!

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Write about someone who is your hero. Why is this person special to you?