Schools await meaning of ‘fair’
Carissa Woytach
The Community Guide
While Ohio looks to fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan in the upcoming budget cycle, several Lorain County schools may lose state money in the process.
Of the 14 public school districts in Lorain County, only a handful would see a boon in funds from the governor’s funding proposal, according to an analysis released by the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission.
Statewide, Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed budget would spend $23.4 billion over two years on education and fully fund the final phases of the Fair School Funding Plan first implemented in 2021. But that plan would also see students in Ohio’s traditional public schools lose funding while more is funneled to vouchers programs and community schools.
Funding is based on 2024-25 school year enrollment numbers.
That $23.4 billion in funding is a $606 million increase compared to the current fiscal year, Howard Fleeter, a consultant for the Ohio Education Policy Institute said.
His analysis of the legislation included a breakdown of how the state plans to fund traditional public schools and other entities in the governor’s budget.
While the Fair School Funding Plan was initiated in 2021 to provide more equitable funding for school districts and rectify a
The Amherst High School cheerleading squads have brought home more trophies this year, including the State Championship title for the second year in a row for its Division ll Game Day Non-Building team. The other squad, the Division ll Traditional Non-Building team came home as runner ups. The Game Day team finished the season undefeated in Ohio, with six first-place finishes and three Grand Champion titles. At the Ohio Athletic Commitee competition on Jan. 12, they beat 37 other teams -- including Dl, Dll, Dlll building and non-building teams -- for the Grand Champion title. Coaches Lauren Szabo and Emily Forster hold the hardware at right.
Richard Perrins
The Community Guide
LORAIN — Over 50 people crowded into Harrison Cultural Community Centre on Saturday morning for a Black History Month celebration. The day included benedictions, reminders to stay politically active and celebrations of valued com-
munity members, all reflecting the theme of “honoring our roots, celebrating our future.”
“When we talk about standing on the shoulders of giants, we don’t have to look far,” said keynote speaker Parris Smith, who is Lorain County Urban League CEO. “In Lorain County, we have been
blessed with trailblazers who have shaped our community, our state and our nation.”
One of the trailblazers Smith was referring to, longtime community advocate Sally Peoples, was recognized on Saturday morning with a video tribute and proclamations. Peoples, who worked
throughout her life on community initiatives in Lorain and sat on Harrison Cultural Community Centre’s board until she retired last year, was presented with bouquets of flowers and two proclamations — one from Harrison and one read by Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley that declared Feb. 22, 2025, as Sally Peoples Day in the
city.
nearly 30-year-old court ruling that found Ohio school funding was too reliant on local property taxes, the implementation of the final phases in the governor’s proposal has caused some concern.
Fleeter broke down the funding formula, complicated in its own right, into two main parts — an adequacy component determining how much money each district receives based on the base cost provided by enrollment and additional dollars tied to
... and try to figure out DEI memo
Carissa Woytach
The Community Guide
As the Trump administration moves to strip diversity, equity and inclusion programming from public K-12 schools, colleges and universities, educators in Lorain County await further guidance from federal authorities.
Last week the U.S. Department of Education issued a memo for schools and universities to end “racial preferences” as factors in admissions, financial aid, hiring and other areas, giving schools two weeks to end any practice that gives differential treatment to students or staff based on race.
The memo threatened to withhold federal funding from institutions that fail to comply.
“With this guidance, the Trump administration is directing schools to end the use of racial preferences and race stereotypes in their programs and activities — a victory for justice, civil rights laws, and the Constitution,” Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said.
“For decades, schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race.
No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment, and character — not prejudged by the color of their skin.”
The memo is an extension of President Donald Trump’s previous executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs hours into his second term as president.
In Lorain County, Oberlin College, a private institution, previously came under scrutiny while Trump and then-Senator JD Vance were on the campaign trail for concerns it may defy a Supreme Court ruling on college admissions.
“Thank you, Sally, for being a beacon of service and an inspiration to us all,” center board member Rhonda Pettie said after recognizing Peoples. Bradley kneeled in front of Peoples’ chair to be on her level as he read the city’s proclamation.
“In this time of trouble in
our country, we need strong individuals in our community who we can follow and who can lead us,” Bradley said. “She deserves recognition.” For Smith, celebrating the future of Black people in Lorain means remembering the past and refusing to give up putting effort into advocacy.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN SZABO
FROM THE PUBLISHER
This is our last Lorain County Community Guide
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of the Lorain County Community Guide, your weekly source of news and stories from Amherst, Wellington, and Oberlin.
For years, it has been our privilege to serve your community, bringing you updates, insights and a shared sense of connection through our pages.
This has not been an easy decision, but we want to take a moment to say a big thank you.
To all of you — our readers, advertisers, contributors and supporters — thank you for sticking with us over the years. Your support, your stories, and your love for this paper have meant the world to us. Amherst, Wellington, and Oberlin are great communities and we know you’ll continue to thrive — because we’ll be watching and writing about your cities on the pages of The Chronicle-Telegram.
From the whole team here at the Lorain County Community Guide, it has been an honor to tell your stories in this weekly newspaper.
Bill Hudnutt, publisher and president of Lorain County Printing and Publishing
FUNDING
students with disabilities or economically-disadvantaged students — and the equity component, or the state and local split of that funding.
If adequacy determines the whole pie, equity determines how it is sliced.
Part of the piece determining the split of state and local funding is inputs, or the cost of doing business for a school, such as salaries and benefits.
Ideally, Fleeter said, those inputs would be updated each year, but the governor’s proposal does not update them in fiscal years 2026 or 2027 — meaning the data used to calculate costs is from 2022.
“That means it’s hard for districts to even keep up with inflation,” he said. “But the story gets worse.”
While the inputs may be frozen to 2022, the local property and income values used to determine the state and local split is updated each year.
That causes the state share of funding to decrease, and local shares to increase, he said.
And as the state share of funding across the board decreases, it is putting less money into the funding formula than it is now, he said.
“In the first year (fiscal year 2026) its a $31.6 million reduction, and (in fiscal year 2027) a $71.8 million reduction compared to 2025. That’s the
net loss. And there’s going to be winners and losers — there’s several hundred (districts) that get more money, but there’s more districts that get less.”
Those districts proposed to get less include Amherst, Avon, Columbia, Firelands, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake and Wellington schools in Lorain County.
The Legislative Service Commission released funding estimates that include preschool special education and special education transportation funding for each district.
Those funds are outside of the Fair School Funding plan, but are increasing by about $104 million statewide, Fleeter said.
Keystone would receive a $50,000 boost in fiscal year 2026, but lose $190,000 the next year, according to estimates from the Legislative Service Commission shared with Ohio Association of School Business Official (OASBO) members and obtained by The ChronicleTelegram.
Avon Schools would lose about $665,000 in fiscal year 2026, but gain $305,000 the next. By fiscal year 2027, six districts in Lorain County are projected to be at that minimum (Avon Lake, Avon, Columbia, Midview, North Ridgeville and Oberlin), compared to only one now (Avon Lake).
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An enthusiastic send-off
Petey Pioneer leads the Elyria High School cheerleaders during a clap-out at the school Friday Varsity cheerleaders were on their way to compete in the state championship Sunday. They placed 4th in the Division 1 Small Non-Building Game Day Division at Big
Difference Makers honored
Local leaders
Owen MacMillan The Community Guide
ELYRIA — Members of the community came together Friday to honor a few local leaders at Leadership Lorain County’s 22nd annual Difference Makers gala.
The black-tie affair at the Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center honored four individuals and one organization for their work in the county.
The invocation to open the event was delivered by Pastor Tenielle Power, who reminded those in attendance that generosity and community service are their own reward.
“One person gives freely, is a call to also continue to be that difference maker who gives freely of our resources, of our time, of our wisdom, of our knowledge, of the things that we can give so that others could become better,” Power said. “... When we refresh others, we ourselves are also refreshed in one way or the other.”
Receiving the Excellence in Leadership Awards were Neighborhood Alliance President and CEO Alicia Foss, Fire Fish Arts Executive Director Joan Perch and the Good Knights of Lorain County.
“I look at this as a collective achievement,” Foss said. “A reflection of the work that we’ve done together, and the perseverance of those that we are privileged to serve.”
recognized at LCCC gala
In her speech, Perch said that her award was not a recognition just of her or her organization’s work but of the idea that protecting and empowering the arts is crucial.
“This award matters deeply to me because it recognizes something profound: that the arts are essential,” she said. “They are not just entertainment. They are work. They are impact. They shape lives, communities and futures. They make a difference.”
Chase Farris, executive director of Save Our Children of Elyria, achieved the Emerald Award for Inspirational Leadership, signifying his impact and commitment to his
community.
“It’s OK to fail, as long as you fail forward,” Farris said. “As leaders we aren’t always going to have all of the answers. And that’s OK, as long as we keep pushing towards our purpose.”
Dolores “Dee” Baker, director of civic engagement and outreach for the Lorain County Urban League, received the final award of the evening; the Eric Nord Award for Excellence in Leadership. Baker lives in Lorain and has worked in nonprofit organizations across Ohio and beyond, pushing for equity and the empowerment of underserved communities.
“My purpose is to seek positive solutions, my purpose is to inspire change, my purpose is to be fearless and strong, my purpose is to be the author of my own story,” Baker said. “My purpose is service. Won’t you join me?”
Tony Gallo, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce president, delivered a toast.
“So let us raise our glasses to those who have been leaders and mentors, who have helped us grow, adapt and shine, and to Miss Dee, Alicia, Joan, Chase and the Good Knights,” Gallo said. “May those that have come before and after tonight’s honorees continue to pay it forward, nurturing the next generation of dreamers and doers.”
BRUCE BISHOP / COMMUNITY GUIDE
Walnut High School in Sunbury.
COMMUNITY GUIDE
Lorain County Chamber of Commerce President Tony Gallo leads a toast at the gala.
Roosevelt Benton, right, stands next to attorney Chris Rewak, left, as the jury in Benton’s murder trial re-enters Common Pleas Judge Melissa Kobasher’s courtroom on Friday after reaching a verdict. The jury found Benton guilty on all counts in the death of Nick Tubbs in November 2023.
Benton found guilty of murder at Walmart
Dave O’Brien
The Community Guide
ELYRIA — A Lorain County Common Pleas jury took three hours Friday to find Roosevelt Benton guilty of seven felony charges in the 2023 death of Nick Tubbs, whom Benton fatally shot in the parking lot of the Elyria Walmart.
The verdict on Benton, 20, of Oberlin, came after a week-long trial. A jury of seven men and five women found him guilty of two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, two counts of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and one count of carrying a concealed weapon.
Benton had no reaction as Judge Melissa Kobasher read the verdicts against him. He will be held without bond in Lorain County Jail until sentencing, tentatively scheduled for March 4 in Kobasher’s courtroom.
Benton also was found guilty of multiple firearms and drive-by shooting specifications that will add mandatory prison time to his sentence.
Under the law, the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office had the burden to prove that Benton didn’t act in self defense as he claimed he did, and jurors rejected Benton’s story that he acted in self defense when he shot Nick Tubbs when the victim tried to rob him and a friend.
Nick Tubbs’ father, Robert Tubbs Jr., declined comment after the verdict, saying he wanted a chance to speak to his family before speaking to the media.
Attorney Chris Rewak, who represented Benton, said he would reserve comment until sentencing.
Multiple charges of murder can be filed in a case with a single victim. They can allege that a killing happened different ways, such as with “prior calculation and design,” also known as premeditation, or during the commission of another crime.
The Elyria Police Department and
Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office said Benton shot and fatally wounded Nick Tubbs, 21, of Grafton during an illegal marijuana deal gone wrong in the parking lot of Walmart, 1000 Chestnut Commons Drive in Elyria, on Nov. 2, 2023,
Benton drove his friend, Michael Riggins, to the Walmart. Testifying in his own defense, he claimed he didn’t know Riggins planned to buy marijuana until minutes before the deal went down.
Benton and Riggins sat in Benton’s black Honda Accord as Nick Tubbs arrived in his girlfriend’s gray Kia Soul, parked, and got into the back passenger seat of the Honda.
What happened inside the car is disputed: Benton, who testified in his own defense, claimed Nick Tubbs got upset that he and Riggins wouldn’t buy marijuana and THC cartridges, pulled a knife and tried to stab Riggins in a robbery attempt.
Benton admitted shooting Nick Tubbs one time, but claimed he was acting to defend Riggins. He then drove away and didn’t wait for or contact police, who used video evidence to track him down and arrest him at his Oberlin home hours later.
The two other men who knew what happened in the car couldn’t or wouldn’t testify: Nick Tubbs died early the following morning at a Cleveland hospital, and Elyria police said Riggins’ memory of the events wasn’t good when they questioned him two weeks after the shooting.
At trial, prosecutors played recorded calls from Lorain County Jail that they alleged showed Benton telling mutual friends that Riggins needed to be keep quiet about what happened that day.
Riggins later invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination and declined to testify at trial. He has not been charged with any crimes.
Lorain County JVS impresses Rep. Latta
PITTSFIELD TWP. — U.S. Rep. Bob Latta visited Lorain County Joint Vocational School on Friday to tour classes and meet with teachers and students.
The visit was part of an effort by Latta, R-Bowling Green, to meet constituents across his district this week.
“This is the second time I’ve been here at the JVS, and I am always just totally impressed with all the students who are learning.”
Alongside local leaders, including Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley and Lorain County Chamber of Commerce president Tony Gallo, Latta toured JVS classrooms before speaking in front of students at the tour’s conclusion.
Latta encouraged students to become engaged civically and make the most of the opportunities the JVS can offer.
“Don’t ever get up in the morning after 5, 10, 15 years and look in the mirror and say, ‘I wish,’” Latta told the room of students. “That means you didn’t accomplish something… You’re not going to be guaranteed success here in this country, but you’re going to be guaranteed a chance to succeed.”
The JVS offers career-technical education for high school students in grades 9-12 and adult learners. Its campus spans 100 acres and accepts students from 13 school districts across the county.
Latta’s tour Friday highlighted several of the school’s flagship programs.
JVS Superintendent Glenn Faircloth showed off a classroom for 9th- and 10th-graders. The JVS started a pilot
program for those grade levels before the 2012 school year, Faircloth said — now, the school has well over 200 in each grade for the 2024-25 school year.
“We’ve opened that door quite widely,” Faircloth said. In one classroom on the tour, a wide warehouse-style space that houses the school’s electrical, welding and engraving programs, Latta strapped on a welding helmet as he observed several students working on projects.
Latta then moved to one of the school’s engineering classrooms, where instructor Stormy Rush said students get hands-on experience with tools that are industry standard before going off on internships and work experiences.
“What this will offer them is not only the mechanical, the electrical and machining background, but also equipment maintenance and programming,” Rush said. “Things like that that makes the industry run as a whole.”
Mitchell Rice, a JVS senior in engineering design and technology, worked at Absolute Machine Tools in Lorain over the summer. He said he obtained his professional drone operator license through JVS classes.
Rice and another engineering design student, junior Zoe Scheithauer, showed Latta a project the class worked on — a 3D-printed Braille book intended for visually impaired elementary school students.
In the school’s machinery and metalworking lab, students showed Latta how they operate machines that cut and engrave metal with intricate designs or for practical purposes.
DAVE O’BRIEN / COMMUNITY GUIDE
‘Orchids: Love in Bloom’
More than 3,000 orchids on display at Cleveland Botanical Garden
The Community Guide
Valentine’s Day gave it its identity but it doesn’t take the day of love to love all the orchids on display at the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s annual flower show that runs through March 30 at the University Circle campus.
This year’s themed affair
“Orchids: Love in Bloom” provides a perfect celebration of love and romance.
“People are obsessed with orchids. They have all of these different cultural meanings behind them that have been interpreted in different ways throughout the years,” Ryan Sandy, manager of Holden Forests & Gardens Exhibitions, said.
“There’s just really something for everyone with orchids, and they’re kind of alien-looking. So if you’re looking for something really unique that’s from the natural world, orchids have it.”
While the 10-acre venue includes themed outdoor gardens, this time of year it’s the exotic glasshouse and indoor gardens that draw visitors.
“In the late winter, we pride ourselves on being a destination that you can go and really feel like it’s an escape from winter,” he said.
The show has vibrant displays of heart-shaped arrangements and romantic backdrops. The orchid exhibit features romantic blossoms with species like Dendrobium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis in hues of pink, purple and yellow.
“Orchids have long been
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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IF YOU GO WHAT: The Cleveland Botanical Garden presents “Orchids: Love in Bloom” WHEN: Through March 30 (times vary) WHERE: Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland TICKETS: $20 per adult, $14 per child (ages 3 to 12) and free for children 2 and under INFO: Holdenfg.org
symbols of love, beauty and devotion, captivating hearts and inspiring admiration across cultures and centuries,”
Amanda Hannah, director of Botanical Garden Horticulture at the Cleveland Botanical Garden said.
“Caring for orchids demands patience, dedication, and nurturing touch. Qualities that mirror the essence of love itself. Beyond their beauty, orchids have sparked creativity in art, poetry and storytelling, serving as timeless muses for passion and connection.”
Flower lovers are certain to be amazed by the more than 3,000 flowers spread throughout the venue.
“This specific show really does have a lot of those ‘Wow’ moments,” Sandy said.
“These aren’t orchids you’re going to find at the local grocery store. We have some really cool ones.
“On top of that, we’re trying to expand what we’re doing with the other unusual plants that you can think about buying in our gift shop and taking home.”
In addition to special programming scheduled throughout the exhibit’s run, there are two immersive artist spotlights.
Inspired by the natural world experimenting with color, texture and shape-making, Akron’s Kimberly Lavery presents “Sun Prink Alphabet.”
Also, Cleveland Heightsbased fiber artist Gunter Schwegler features silk painting.
Still, taking center stage during “Orchids: Love in Bloom” is the unique titular flower that beguiles the mind with its endless colors.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS
The orchids at the Cleveland Botanical Garden show are sure to be very different than the ones you find at the grocery
The alien-looking paphiopedilum, known as the Venus slipper, is a crowd favorite, Ryan Sandy, manager of Holden Forests & Gardens Exhibitions, said.
You’ll be surrounded by color at the flower show.
Attempted killer gets 10 years
Victim
Dave O’Brien The Community Guide
ELYRIA — Holly Hall stood up in Lorain County Common Pleas Court and told the near-silent courtroom Monday about the day her former boyfriend, Shawn Poe, tried to kill her.
His eyes “cold” and “soulless,” she said Poe stabbed her nearly a dozen times on April 23, 2024, inside their home on Colfax Drive in Columbia Township.
He stabbed her in the mouth, which filled with blood and poured from her face “like if someone dumped a bucket of water over your head.”
Poe “had every intention of taking my life,” Holly Hall said in her victim impact statement.
Refusing that day to close her eyes because she was afraid she might not open them again, Holly Hall survived after being rushed to the hospital.
The knife Poe used to stab her remained stuck in her head until medical personnel removed it.
She still has nerve damage in her face, she said.
As his mother lay bleeding in the house, and without concern for his own safety, Owen Hall tackled Poe and held him down for nearly 10 minutes until responding Lorain County sheriff’s deputies arrived and arrested Poe.
Poe pleaded guilty Jan. 6 to attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault, all felonies, as well as three counts of aggravated menacing and two counts of domestic violence, all misdemeanors.
Judge Chris Cook sentenced Poe, 47, of Columbia Township, to 10 to 15 years in prison. The sentence is mandatory, meaning Poe will be required to serve all 10 years minus credit for time already served in jail.
Upon release from prison, Poe will be placed on the state Violent Offender registry for 10 years and must serve two to five years on post-release control, also known as parole.
Defense attorney Jason Harless said it was clear that his client, who originally pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but was found competent to stand trial and later dropped the insanity defense, clearly had mental health issues but accepted responsibility for his crimes.
Poe “knew he had done wrong,” Harless said, asking Cook for a “fair” and “reasonable” sentence that was less than the maximum of 11 years.
“I never intended to hurt anybody,” Poe told Cook. He said he had “a lot of love” for Holly Hall and her family but “didn’t know what was happening” the day he stabbed her.
“There were days leading up to this I recall things being foggy, and I called my counselor and told her something wasn’t right,” Poe said. “I just knew something was not right with my mental state of health.”
“Every day and every night I think about the pain that I caused her mentally and physically,” Poe said. “I
Owen
“I’ve been called a hero.
I’m just a boy who loved his mom.”
Owen Hall
pray for the best for her, and I never meant to hurt anybody.”
There is “no question” Poe’s mental health contributed to what happened, Cook said before pronouncing the sentence.
He said he wished members of the Ohio General Assembly “could see or hear what is going on in this courtroom, could see the lack of care and lack of treatment and lack of ability to help people in this state, and really the country, with serious mental health issues.”
And while not an excuse, Poe’s mental state had a lot to do with his crime and the signs he wasn’t acting right “should have provoked and created an avenue for you to get immediate care and treatment,” Cook told him.
“The fact that there is so little assistance for people in your situation is really an embarrassment to the state,” he said, “Proper care and treatment could’ve prevented what happened to that lovely woman.”
Holly Hall said she and Poe had been together since 2019, that he accepted her family as his own and that he cared for and loved her for years until two days before the stabbing.
That day, Poe told Holly Hall he had cheated on her, she recalled. They tried to work it out, but early on the morning of April 23, 2024, Poe ordered her and her son to move out of the house.
Poe was “the most coldest, soulless being I’ve ever seen in my life” as he ordered her out of the house and told her he didn’t love her anymore, Holly Hall said in court.
Holly Hall said Poe took her medications from her and when she went to get them back, he began acting strange and yelled at her to get out.
Shortly after, Poe then grabbed her by the head and stabbed her at least 11 times, though she later counted 13, including two stab wounds inside her mouth.
Poe called her a vulgar word and
Oberlin still looking for firm that will look
Garrett Looker
The Community Guide
OBERLIN — On Monday afternoon, City Council returned to the discussion of hiring a search firm to aid Council in finding its next city manager — a decision that was nearly final two weeks ago.
While Council members previously agreed to move forward with the search firm Raftelis at a cost of $37,300, questions were raised regarding potential additional fees that could be incurred if a chosen candidate for city manager fell through within the first year.
If that were the case, the city could be charged more than $11,000 in additional costs for Raftelis to “conduct a replacement search for the position without charging a Professional Services Fee.”
According to Oberlin City Council President Eboni Johnson, the additional “guarantee language” was not present in the drafted contract and was sent separately in an email from Raftelis.
“That’s a big divide for me,” said Councilmember Kristin Peterson during the meeting. “If you’re a professional firm, what you’re saying you’re going to do should be what you’re going to do, not change between the proposal and the contract.”
arrived.
also threatened her son, Holly Hall said in court.
Holly Hall’s daughter, Kaylee Peet, said her mother had told her Poe was acting strange in the days leading up to the stabbing.
“My daughter called that man ‘grandpa,’” Peet said, her voice breaking. “He ruined our lives that day.”
Owen Hall called that day the worst of his life.
In his own victim impact statement, Owen Hall said Poe screamed: “I’m gonna kill you all!” and told his mother he was “gonna finish” her.
“He was going nuts,” Owen Hall said. “I heard my mom screaming to get him off her.”
Owen Hall said he grabbed a weapon of his own, tackled Poe and held him down until deputies arrived. He said he wasn’t even sure if his mother was still alive at that point.
“To my knowledge my mom was just killed,” Owen Hall said, but she survived.
For weeks after, Owen Hall said he couldn’t look at sharp objects or red liquids because they reminded him of knives and blood.
“I have nightmares,” he said. “In my nightmares I killed (Poe) ... and I was the monster, I was no better than him.”
Following Monday’s hearing, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office presented Owen Hall with a lifesaving certificate signed by Sheriff Jack Hall. (The two are not related).
Deputy Craig Ali previously received a Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association Lifesaving Award for his actions that day. Ali and Deputy Brandon Strinka, who responded to the scene, both were in court Monday to see Owen Hall get his award.
“I’ve been called a hero,” Owen Hall said. “I’m just a boy who loved his mom.”
“I think you saved a lot of people,” Cook told him.
He also told Holly Hall she was brave for telling her story in court.
“Your strength in being here is impressive, and I wish the best for you and your family going forward,” Cook told her.
Before Monday’s meeting, Johnson raised concerns regarding Council’s tentative decision to hire Raftelis.
“Last Monday at our special meeting, we decided to move forward with Raftelis,” Johnson wrote in a Feb. 18 email. “However, since then, I’ve received their contract and guarantee language. … I do not wish to move forward with signing the contract with Raftelis without talking about the questions and concerns that these documents may raise for Council members.”
Council members debated for more than half an hour as they weighed the potential need for a guarantee in finding a city manager if their initial candidate was terminated or resigned.
“This added a bit of a twist that I didn’t think about before,” said Councilmember Libni Lopez. “The price, we had already thought, was a significant potential reason to move to Pracademic,” referencing another search firm that had applied to work with Oberlin.
“But I think the initial review of Raftelis was really attractive,” Lopez continued.
Regardless of the potential additional charge, Council members discussed whether Raftelis was still the best option.
Man to be sentenced in child rape case
The Chronicle-Telegram
Sentencing is to be scheduled in the case of a Wellington man convicted earlier this month by a jury of raping and molesting a preteen girl last year.
Jurors in Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Chris Cook’s courtroom found Edward L. Born Jr., 30, of Union Street, guilty Feb. 4 of eight charges including rape and gross sexual imposition, all felonies.
Convicted of five counts of rape and three counts of gross sexual imposition, Born faces life in prison and was being held without bond in the Lorain County Jail ahead of sentencing at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to court records.
The four-day trial began Jan. 30. The case was based on a Wellington Police Department investigation into crimes that took place between July 4 and Oct. 17, 2024, against a victim under the age of 13.
According to a search warrant unsealed in Com-
mon Pleas Court, Wellington police officers took a report at Mercy Health Allen Hospital in Oberlin on Oct. 18 after Born raped the victim. The victim’s mother caught Born in the act and took her child to the hospital, where she was treated then taken to Riveon Mental Health & Recovery for a sexual assault examination, according to court records. The victim told police about several previous incidents, and officers found evidence of “inappropriate” messages Born sent her on social media, according to the search warrant.
Born was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office in Coshocton County, approximately 100 miles south of Wellington, on Oct. 21 and indicted by a Lorain County grand jury on Nov. 27 according to court records.
Shawn Poe looks at his attorney, Jason Harless, during the sentencing for attempted murder.
BRUCE BISHOP / COMMUNITY GUIDE
Hall gets an award for his heroism from Sheriff’s Capt. Robert Vansant after the sentencing. Hall tackled Poe and pinned him to the ground until deputies
Wellington girls can’t capitalize on second chance to get in tourney
After Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas forfeited in the Sectionals, it allowed 17th seeded Wellington to move into a Division VI District Semifinal against 3rd seeded Richmond Heights.
Richmond Heights opened the game with an 11-1 run and Wellington couldn’t recover.
Wellington falls 50-26 to close out the season.
At left, Wellington’s Brooke Lehmkuhl moves the ball as she is pressured by Richmond Heights’ Honor Hall.
Wellington’s Mallory Pickering heads for the lane past Richmond Heights’ Honor Hall.
At left, Wellington’s Kalynne Pickering gets tied up by Richmond Heights Mya Johnson, left, and Nalasha Comer.
Keystone’s Liam Goran gets past Wellington’s Bryce Lehmkuhl for two points.
Wellington’s Connor Kinser brings the ball up the court past Keystone’s Colt Cowling.
Wellington’s Landon Whitehouse blocks a layup attempt by Keystone’s Emor Fedor.
Wellington traveled to LaGrange for its final regular season game. Keystone celebrated its Winter Sports Seniors and then took control of the game overpowering Wellington. Keystone led the entire game and cruise to a 67-34 win.
Keystone celebrates its seniors with win against Wellington
Photos by Russ Gifford, The Community Guide
BULLETIN BOARD
Learn about the deadly 1916 train crash
Amherst historian Tom Jewell will give a presentation on the tragic train wreck that took place in Amherst, one early foggy morning on March 29, 1916.
Three trains collided, resulting in 27 people being killed and 47 injured. Countless people heroically assisted that day. This crash even has a connection with silent movie actress Mary Pickford.
The free comunity presentation will be held at 7 p.m. March 18 at the AHS Hall, 113 South Lake Street, Amherst. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Please RSVP at (440) 988-7255 or office@amhersthistoricalsociety.org.
Seeking actors for ‘Sister Act: The Musical’ Lorain Community Music Theater is holding auditions for “Sister Act, The Musical!”
The role of Deloris Van Cartier has been cast but there are many other roles to fill.
Auditions will be held from 2-4 p.m. March 9 and 6-8 p.m. March 11. Callbacks will be made March 16. Sign up at loraincommunitymusictheater.org starting Saturday. The auditions will be held at St. Peter School Gym, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain.
Talented performers of all ethnicities ar sought for the roles of Mother Superior, Sister Mary Robert, Sister Mary Patrick, Sister Mary Lazarus, Eddie, Curtis Jackson, TJ, Joey, and Pablo (Curtis’s Henchmen), The Sisters of the Convent and Ensemble. A complete list of characters and more information can be found at loraincommunitymusictheater.org or from the director, Luke Scattergood at lukescattergood@yahoo.com.
Black History Month artwork to be honored
The City of Oberlin has once again partnered with the Oberlin High School Art Department and FAVA to coordinate an exhibition of artwork depicting historical figures created by Oberlin High School art students.
The Black History Month Gallery Exhibition will be on display at FAVA, 39 South Main St., Oberlin through Sunday.
Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. All are free. For more information, please contact City of Oberlin Communications Manager Diane Ramos at (440) 775-7217 or DRamos@CityofOberlin.com.
Lost homes of Lorain County
It is a tragedy when an old house is demolished. But, when a house is demolished, architectural salvage is important, as these structures contain beautifully handcrafted features. Col. Matthew Nahorn, who has salvaged materials from old houses, will give a talk at the Historic Brownhelm School & Museum, 1950 N. Ridge Road, Vermilion, Wednesday. Doors open at 6 p.m. The business meeting runs from 6:30-7 p.m. Social time startsat 7 p.m. and the historical program begins at 7:15 p.m. For more informtion, contact Grant Thompson at (440) 309-8302.
DANCE MOVES
Bruin legend Bobby ____
50. Dracula’s bane
52. *Dancer’s gardening tool simulation
56. Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips
57. Eon, alt. sp.
58. Reminiscent of certain hardwood, to sommelier
59. In a tilted position
60. Flower holder
61. Cartoon lightbulb
Police informer 63. Before, poetically
Koppel and Turner, e.g.
1. Use cat o’nine tails
German industrial valley
“Heat of the Moment” band
Sir Thomas More’s famous book
Actress Viola ____
____ provocateur
Oberlin sets PreK/Kindergarten enrollment
Enrollment for Oberlin City School District’s PreK/ Kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year is being held at the Board of Education Office, 153 North Main Street, Oberlin, to pick up the enrollment packet.
To be considered for preschool, your child must turn 3 by August 1 and be toilet trained.
In order to enroll for kindergarten, your child must be 5 by August 1. For more information, contact mcoffaro@oberlinschools.net or call (440) 774-2213.
Kiwanis plans State of Wellington breakfast
The Wellington Kiwanis Club will hold its seventh annual State of Wellington breakfast on March 27 at the Wellington Eagles.
Tickets are $15 and available at Bremke Insurance, 104 S. Main St.; Fifth-Third Bank, 161 E. Herrick Ave., Main St. Wellington, 118 W. Herrick Ave., Colonial Barber Shop,121 W. Herrick Ave. or the Office on Aging on the third floor of the Town Hall.
Tickets can also be purchased at wellingtonkiwanis@ yahoo.com or www.wellingtonohkiwanis.org.
Western Reserve Toy/Collectible Show returns
The annual Western Reserve Toy and Collectible Show will have its 34th year from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Sunday at Western Reserve Elementary School, 3851 US Route 20, three miles west of Wakeman.
Sponsored by the Western Reserve Ruritan Club, the show features new farm toys, old farm toys, railroad, antique, construction, dolls, Nascar, wood toys, sports cards, Pokemon, signs, books, manuals, die cast, Matchbox, Hot wheels, action figures, Tonka, Buddy L, pressed steel, peddle cars, Hallmark, custom made trucks, Marx play sets, as well as many other unique, some strange, and interesting toys, collectibles and other miscellaneous items.
Vendors will have sought-after Oliver toy tractors and new Ertl farm toys.
Admission is $3; children under 12 are free.
For more information, contact Rich Ruess at (419) 7069612 or Steve Zimmerman at (419) 744-0796.
Program planned for tornado anniversary
A program marking the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado that roared through Pittsfield and LaGrange will be held from noon to 4 p.m. April 26 at Pittsfield Town Hall.
The program will include discussions with survivors and families, including those who helped during and after the event with the cleanup.
Pictures and newspaper articles will be available for viewing. Light refreshments will be provided.
The Pittsfield Township and LaGrange Historical Societies are asking the public to help by providing pictures or newspapers of the destruction that you would be willing to share.
Email pthshistory@gmail.com for more information.
Immediately, to a doctor
Salt, in Mexico
Olde Towne Theatre plans fundraiser
The North Ridgeville Olde Towne Hall Theatre will host a fundraising gala from 6-9 p.m. March 14 at the 8820 Event Center; 8820 Bender Road, North Ridgeville. Tickets are $50 and include music by Summer of ’65, two drinks (beer or wine) and hot & cold appetizers. There will be raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing. More information on Facebook or email oldetownehall@gmail.com or go to oththeatre.com/gala-fundraiser.
Amherst Garden Club to meet
The Amherst Garden Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. March 6 at the Amherst Historical Society building, 113 S. Lake St., for its first meeting of 2025, the 91st anniversary year. Sue Schilling, Master Gardener, will present “Planning Your Garden.”
Anyone interested in gardening and plants is welcome to attend, or join. Annual dues are $15. Additional parking is at Quigley House across the street. For more info, contact Ruth Yuhasz at (440) 452-5756.
‘Show and Tell’ your history on Zoom
The Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Society will have an online “Show and Tell” event at 7 p.m. March 10. Please dig into your stash of memorabilia and prepare a short explanation about what it is and how it came to you.
Share things such as a recipe, song, family photo, marriage certificate, immigration paper, postcard, old journal or a handwritten letter from an ancestor Geta link to this Zoom meeting by emailing meetings@loraincoogs.org. Republicans to meet in Avon-Avon Lake
The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. March 13 in Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Road, Avon).
Lorain County Commissioner Marty Gallagher will give an update on what’s happening in Lorain County.
Keith Davey, Citizens for Property Tax Reform, will talk on his plans to reverse the dramatic rise in property taxes. Refreshments available. Guests are $5.
Resource Fair offers mental, behavioral help
The Lorain County Resource Fair will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 18 at the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road N., Elyria.
It will provide local resources for those 0-22 years who are experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, academic struggles, developmental delays or disabilities. This is one of the largest resource fairs offered in Northeast Ohio.
According to a Health Policy Institute of Ohio December 2024 study, approximately one in four children, ages 3-17, across the country reported one or more mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral problems in 2021 and 2022.
And, in Ohio, a fifth of middle school students and a third of high school students reported that their mental health was not good most or all of the time in 2023.
Pittsfield Community Church fish fry, 5-7 p.m. March 7 at 17026 state Route 58, Wellington. Alaskan cod, au gratin potatoes, coleslaw and homemade desserts. Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for younger than 12. Dine in and carryout available. Veterans Mural Association pasta lunch, noon to 3 p.m. March 9 at VFW Post 1662, 165 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Tickets are $15 per person. Raffle baskets. Call John at (440) 988-5353 for more information. VFW Post 1662 Auxiliary remembrance and honor bricks sale, bricks will be placed by the post flagpole. Bricks are $40 each, cash or check and can be personalized with or without a graphic. Brochures with more information and order forms are available at VFW Post 1662, 165 Cleveland Ave., Amherst.
Pet Pantry of Lorain County, 10 a.m. to noon the third Saturday of each month at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 300 Third St., Elyria. Contact (440) 721-7531. Well-Help food pantry, 10 a.m. to noon every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at 127 Park Place, Wellington. Call (440) 647-2689. Sandstone Community Church food pantry 9-10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 201 W. Main St., South Amherst. Call (440) 986-2461. Firelands school district and/ or Amherst residents only. Oberlin Community Services drive-up service, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 500 E. Lorain St., Oberlin. Indoor choice pantry 1:304:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 1:30-3:30 p.m. each Friday. Call (440) 774-6579.
Nine-day Christian devotion
Aquatic scum
Like some necessities 8. *Michael Jackson’s backward move 9. Maisie Williams on “Game of Thrones”
Authoritative proclamation
“____ Me a River”
Not those
*a.k.a. caterpillar, with The
9 a.m. prayer
Ancient
Follow as a consequence
Sturgeon output, pl.
Lingerie staple
*Serena Williams’ Super Bowl LIX move (2 words)
Theater, to Socrates
Sis’ sibling
King’s mantle fur
Painter
Danger!
Don’tlet theirgentle appearancefool you. The hippopotamusisconsidered the world’sdeadliestlarge land mammal.These giants kill an estimated 500people per year in Africa
©2025byVickiWhiting,Editor Je Schinkel,Graphics Vol. 41,No. 13
HowHipposKeepTheir Cool
Help me nd some grass to munch!
To staycool in theAfrican heat, hippos spend most of their dayinrivers and lakes. Theireyes, nose and ears arelocated on thetop of their head, which means they cansee and breathe while therestof their bodies areunder water
are under
TheHippo Code
Usethe code to discover some facts about hippos.
=CALF =RIVER =BULL =HORSE =COW =TUSK
Hipposare found in these regionsof Africa.
Howmanyhippos can you nd on this page?
Howmany di erences canyou nd between thesetwo hippos?
Look
Hipposleave thewater at nighttolookfor food They liketoeat grasses lotsofgrass.They eat80 lbs(35 kg) of vegetation each night.
What does theword hippopotamus mean? Q: A:
What is ababyhippocalled?
What is afemale hippo called?
What is amale hippo called?
Arehippos slow? Quite the opposite! Even though their legs areshort, and their bodies arelarge and heavy,ahippo can run fast! Hippos have been clocked running at speeds of 19to25mph (30-40 km/h).
Open Wide!
Hippos have ahuge mouth,measuring up to 4ft(1.2 m) whenopened wide!
Hippos have apair of huge incisors in each jaw. Thelarge,cur vedlower canine teeth arelike tusks as they grow throughout ahippo’s life. They can reach alengthof1foot 8inches (50 cm)! These teeth areused forcombat, not eating.When ahippo yawns, it ’s not tired but it isasignofa threat.
Sweaty, Sweaty Hippos?
Hippos have an oily red liquid thatoozes outof their skin. It isn’t sweat. Sweatevaporatesand cools abody.This liquid looks redinsunlightand it stays on theskinand protects it from drying out —and acts as asunblock,too!
When early European explorers rst noticed this reddish liquid on the hippos they observed, they gave it aname
Circle every other letter to seewhatthey called it
Opposites
Find thewords by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sidewaysand diagonally
With hundreds of topics,every KidScoop printable activitypack features six-to-seven pages of high-interest extra learning activities forhomeand school! Getyour free sample todayat:
week’sword:
The verb combat meansto fight with or struggle against.
Whenyou haveto combat acold,plenty of fluids and lots of restare helpful
Trytouse theword combat in asentence today when talking with your friends and familymembers.
Hipposhardly hold hankies is asentence where every word startswith thesame letter.This is an alliteration. Write three alliterations