Courier 02-16-12

Mark Mirza To Speak on Prayer - See page 6A

“Thinking Day” Puppet Show - See page 4A

Do Blondes Have More Fun??

- See page 6A Periodical’s Postage Paid

THE COURIER Conneaut own Ne wspaper Conneaut’’s Home T Town Newspaper

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

VOL. 21 NO. 7

75

CENTS

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS, INC.

Conneaut Public Library To Host “Lost Youth” Summit of the library, its parking lot and the Skate Park weekdays from mid-afternoon to early evenings.

“They come in and out in groups of five and 10 kids, and the groups interact,” she said.

by MARTHA SOROHAN Pape says they are there Gazette Newspapers because once the school day ends, they have nowhere to CONNEAUT - In nearly go and nothing to do. three years as executive diBut that, in itself, is not rector of the Conneaut Pubthe issue. lic Library, Kathy Pape has The concern, she says, is watched the escalating probthat when the youth break lem of “Conneaut’s lost chillibrary policy by being loud, dren.” destructive, or using foul SUBMITTED PHOTO Pape gives that name to language, they are asked to The Conneaut High School 2012 Valentine Dance Court consists of seniors will reign over Thursday evening’s Valentine groups of upwards of 50 leave the library and its pre- Dance.They are (left) Teaona Wadsworth, Alyssa Kardohely, Alexa Griswold, Kayla Brennan, Jennifer Oxley. The youth, ranging in age from See YOUTH page 8A queen will be announced at the girls’ basketball game Thursday night and reign over the dance.

10 to 20, who drift in and out

Community Invited Noon Feb. 22

One Will Be CHS ‘Queen of Hearts’

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - One Conneaut High School senior will reign as the “Queen of Hearts,” so to speak, at the high school Valentine Dance this weekend.

The queen will be elected from the Valentine Dance court members Kayla Brennan, Alexa Griswold, Alyssa Kardohely, Jennifer Oxley and Teaona Wadsworth.

She will be announced during the girls’ basketball game Thursday evening.

Brennan, the daughter of Michelle Brennan and Mike Brennan, is a three-year letterman in soccer voted Most Valuable Player her junior and senior years. The outstanding athlete is also a three-year letter-winner in basketball and softball. Named a Junior Elk’s Club Student of the Month and a Conneaut Optimist Club StuPHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Conneaut Public Library Executive Director Kathy Pape hopes the community will attend a 45-minute meeting at noon Feb. 22 to start discussions on Conneaut’s “lost children” who roam the streets when the school day ends.

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Conneaut resident Charles Michalos was found by a court-ordered psychiatrist to be competent to participate in his own defense on charges that he violated a 2010 Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement.

Conneaut Municipal Court Judge Thomas Harris made the determination at a hearing Monday afternoon which was attended by Michalos and his public defender, Rebecca Risley.

Dr. Thomas G. Gazley of the Forensic Psychiatric Center of Northeast Ohio examined Michalos on Jan. 12.

Michalos told Harris upon being questioned Monday that he had received a copy of the findings, per his request, and agreed with Gazley’s assessment that he is competent to participate in courtroom proceedings.

“I object to the part where he said I was delusional,” he told Harris.

Conneaut Law Director David Schroeder, representing the state, and Risley had no objections to the psychiatrist’s findings.

Harris told Michalos that since he was found competent and there were no objections to the report, he will move ahead with charges that Michalos violated the June, 2010 Pre-trial Diversion Program, by failing to pay court costs by Dec. 31 of that year.

Michalos had landed back in court on the violation charges after a public accusation at City Council in September that a councilman’s business violated health codes. Harris banned him from city buildings until the case is settled and postponed the case pending a court-ordered psychiatric exam for Michalos.

“I want to know what we’re dealing with,” he said at the time.

Hours earlier, a donor sympathetic with Michalos’ plight had paid the fines for him, Harris told Michalos on Monday that the purpose of Monday’s hearing was to present the psychiatrist’s evidence regarding Michalos’ competence.

“You have been found to be competent,” the judge said.

Harris also told Michalos that at the next hearing tentatively scheduled for March

See MICHALOS page 8A

graduate, she was named an Elk’s Club Student of the Month. She is a part-time employee of The Beef and Beer and enjoys spending time with with friends and family, volunteering with children, drawing and shopping.

Upon graduation, Alyssa plans to major in psychology at West Virginia University.

Oxley, the daughter of Carl and Darlene Oxley, is vice president of the National Honor Society, runs crosscountry and track, and is a member of the marching band. She has been awarded four cross-country letters, three track letters and was the Most Valuable Player of the cross country team. She was also drum major for the marching band. Upon graduation, Jennifer plans to major in music performance and medical technology at Baldwin-Wallace College.

See COURT page 6A

Who Will Kiss The Cow?

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

Charles Michalos Found Competent

dent of the Month, Brennan loves hanging out with her friends and family and “getting muddy with Cortney and Brittany.” Upon graduation, she will pursue a career in physical therapy.

Griswold is also a star athlete as a four-year letterman, three-time Most Valuable Player and second-tem AllNEC in girls’ golf. The daughter of Patrick and Dawn Griswold has been on the honor roll throughout high school. Outside of school, she works in the family business, Pizzi Cafe, spends time with friends, family, and pets, and enjoys going to the beach and traveling. Upon graduation, Alexa plans to major in pre-medicine at Hiram College.

Kardohely, the daughter of Tom and Sara Kardohely, has won many regional and community art awards.

An active member of the National Honor Society and a Youth Leadership

CONNEAUT - Thirteen is the lucky number for the “Kiss the Cow” Contest now underway in Conneaut to raise money to help Marty and Pat Landon with medical expenses.

Thirteen is the number of volunteers who agreed to take a chance on being selected to kiss a cow at 7:30 a.m. March 19 on Pat Williams “AM Live!” cable TV show.

The Landons face sizable medical bills following Pat’s

breast cancer diagnosis shortly before Christmas.

The unusual fund-raising idea was devised by a group of Conneaut residents who calls themselves “friends of Pat Landon” who heard about the Landons’ plight and decided it was time to give back.

Kiss the Cow Committee member Kori Marcy found this idea after going on line in search of fund-raising gimmicks.

“Marty has done a lot,” said group member and Kiss the Cow contestant Rachel Merlene. “We’d heard about

Marty’s struggles and knew Pat had been diagnosed and knew the limits of their health insurance.”

“They need the help and community support,” said Jim Furman, CEO of Port Conneaut Federal Credit Union, who helped organize a press conference on Feb. 3 to announce the effort. “Marty has given so much to this community that whatever we can do to help will be a benefit for them to make life easier.”

Landon, formerly of WWOW, has devoted hundreds of hours as a commu-

nity disc jockey as DJ Max and as a sound technician. He has also emceed numerous fund-raisers.

The 13 community leaders have volunteered to have their pictures pasted onto donation cans at businesses around town. Businesses paid $50 for the privilege of sponsoring a donation can. Residents are asked to donate by cash or check to the leader they would like to see kiss a cow on local television.

Checks should be made

See COW page 8A

Wildfire in Action in Garcia Gymnasium

PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN

Younger members of Wildfire Dance performed during half time of Tuesday evening’s basketball game at Conneaut High School. The Spartans lost to Youngstown Christian, 66-60.

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

TOWN TALK Wendy DuBey, Executive Director of the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce, reminds those who entered snowmen in the Snowman Decorating Contest that the snowmen have been removed from Main Street and are ready to be picked up from her office. The contest will return next year, she said.

UH-Conneaut Medical Center has no special heart programs during February, National Heart Month, but a Cardiac Risk Assessment program is scheduled for March 28 at the Ashtabula Medical Arts Center, 2131 Lake Avenue, Suite 4. The assessment will include blood pressure screening, lipid profile, EKG, and a 10-year risk assessment for heart disease.

To qualify for a complimentary screening, and/or schedule an appointment, call 440-998-5763. Cardiologist M. Najeeb Osman will be available for consultations.

Ashtabula County Department of Job and Family Services is planning the 5th annual Ashtabula County Senior Citizens Conference 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at Kent State University Ashtabula. The title is “Enhancing Your Total Being.� The conference will feature three professional guest speakers who will talk about keeping mentally fit at any age, coping skills to deal with aging, recognizing when to seek professional help, and exploring available community services. Local businesses and organizations that serve the senior community are invited to rent tables, $25, to educate seniors about their services (activities, clubs, recreational opportunities) that promote a healthy body, mind and spirit. The fee is waived for non-profits. Prospective vendors may contact Martha Gillespie at 440-994-2027 by April 20.

United Way of Ashtabula County is seeking “community investment volunteers� to visit about 25

non-profit social service agencies seeking United Way funds this year, and to help decide how the United Way’s 2012 funds will be allocated. Orientation is April 18; evening budget hearings with agency representatives is May 9; and an all-day allocation meeting takes place May 23. Contact Randy Jones at 998-4141 if interested. Some restrictions apply.

Citizens who are 17 years old but will be 18 by the Nov. 6, 2012, general election, and eligible to vote, will be permitted to vote in the March 6 Primary Election for candidates to be nominated to the November General Election ballot. The Ashtabula County Board of Elections notes they will not be eligible to vote on political parties’ State Central Committee or Central Committee candidates, who are elected during the Primary, or presidential delegates to the national political conventions because the delegates are also elected in the Primary. The 17-year-old Primary Election voters will be required to show the same ID as other voters when they appear to vote, and they must register. Contact the Ashtabula County Board of Elections (440-5766915) for information.

Angie and Larry Gasch will be in the kitchen Saturday evening for the Ashtabula Arts Center’s Dinner Theater. Chef Angie will prepare a meal of Wonton Soup, Asian salad, shrimp chips, honey-glazed chicken, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, and cookies and ice cream. After the meal, dinner guests will enjoy “Rumors,� a Neil Simon comedy directed by Stephen Rhodes of Conneaut. Babs Legeza of Conneaut, who has performed in many Conneaut Community Center for the Arts productions, has a leading role in the show. Call 440-964-3396 for tickets. The adult show runs weekends 8 p.m. through Feb. 25, with a Feb. 19 matinee.

Speaking

of

shows,

Edgewood Senior High School will present the Walt Disney musical, “Beauty and the Beast,� at 7 p.m.

March 2 and 3 and 2 p.m. matinees March 3 and 4. An “Enchanted Tea� will follow the 2 p.m. matinee March 3.

Directors Bill and Mary Ann Kline are leading more than 50 cast and crew members.

Call the school for tickets.

812-6280 Conneaut City Council President Tom Udell will be back on stage at the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts in “And The Winner Is....� which opens March 23. CHS graduate Amanda Latva, who has appeared in CCCA plays, is taking on her first directing role.

Goodwill of Ashtabula County plans to collect donations Feb. 24 and will distribute plastic bags to area households in advance of the date. Fill the bags and Goodwill will pick them up.

More will appear in the Feb. 23 Courier. Perhaps the community can be as enthusiastic about the collections as Conneaut Middle School, which filled over 800 bags last week for the organization. Donations are needed.

The Ashtabula County Republican Party is hosting a Judicial Gala with 6 p.m. social hour and 8 p.m. dinner Feb. 20 at Ferrante’s on Route 307 in Harpersfield Township. Guest speakers are Ohio Supreme Court JusticeTerrence O’Donnell.

Guests include 11th Court of Appeals Judge Diane Grendell and her husband, Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Grendell, plus State Representative Casey Kozlowski (R-99). Tickets are $50. Call Myra Brown at 440-2934949.

Cable Winter Sock Hop Schedule Three Weeks Away Feb. 14-20, 2012 10.00 am Conneaut City Council Mt. 10.40 am Discover Conneaut 10.50 am Hometown Happenings 11.30 am 2011 Conneaut Citizen Awards 12.30 pm Life Is Better In Conneaut 12.50 pm Conneaut Library Line 1.00 pm Middle Road Bridge Scenes 1.10 pm Life IS Better In Conneaut 6.00 pm CHS Wrestling vs Northwestern 7.00 pm Conneaut City Council Mt. 7.55 pm Discover Conneaut 7.30 pm Hometown Happenings 8.00 pm 2011 Conneaut Citizen Awards 9.45 pm Life Is Better In Conneaut 10.00 pm Our Planet 10.50 pm Family Fellowship Truth 3 11.20 pm APL Adopt-APet 12.20 am Vietnam Remembered 1.15 am City Council Mt. 1.35 am Discover Conneaut 7.00 am AM Live

Religious Services: St. Mary St. Frances Cabrini: Sun & Wed 3pm / Mon & Thurs 1am First United Church of Christ: Sun & Wed 4pm / Mon & Thurs 2am New Leaf United Methodist: Sun & Wed 5pm / Mon & Thurs 3am Good Shepherd Lutheran: Sun & Wed 6pm / Mon & Thurs 4am Family Fellowship: Mon. and Thurs 1.30pm Ashtabula Pentecostal: Mon & Thurs 2.20pm

CAHS Meets Feb. 28 Marc Hanneman, president of the Sam Wharram Nature Club, will speak at the next meeting of the Conneaut Area Historical Society 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Villa At the Lake, 48 Parrish Road.

Hanneman will discuss the Ohio Scenic River Program. A 50/50 raffle, refreshments and social time will follow. The public is invited.

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Sock Hop chair Darlyene Brisley holds up the logo on this year’s Winter Sock Hop t-shirts that will be sold at the Sock Hop March 9 and 10 at the Conneaut Human Resources Center.

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Tickets for the sixth annual Winter Sock Hop are selling well. “We still have them available, but Saturday [March 10] is really selling out,� said Darlyene Brisley, chair. “People are calling me from as far away as Youngstown, so people who want tickets should really get them now.�

The Sock Hop, a benefit this year for paralysis victim Tim Taylor’s stem cell fund, will take place 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. March 9 and 10 at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street.

The Winter Sock Hop began as a one-night event, but its popularity led the committee to expand it to two nights in 2010. After reverting it to a one-night format in 2011, the group opted to give in to public demand and offer two nights again this year. About 400 tickets are available each night.

On Friday, entertainment will be provided by local singers Steve Poros, Phil Sneary, Keith Bartlett, Colleen Serni, and Buddy Scoville.

Saturday night belongs to the local classic rock band The Kingpins.

Both nights will feature a Chinese Auction, 50/50

drawing, $50 lottery shirt.

As in the past, food will be offered. The American Legion Cowle Post #151 baseball team will be selling baked goods, and the Conneaut Cougars wrestling team will be making fresh hamburgers, French fries, and offering shrimp and chicken strip baskets and pizza. Beverages and other snacks will be available at the BYOB event.

Conneaut High School art students, under the direction of art teacher Bob Cox, will paint a background for the CHRC stage.

Photographer Frank Brown will be there snapping pictures, and Conneaut Cable TV (CAT) TV videographer Lance Drew will capture the action for the local cable channel.

Sponsorships are still being sought. Sponsors’ names will be written on replicas of 45 rpm records, which are hanging in the window of the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce and will hang in the hall at the CHRC during the Sock Hop. Sponsorship deadline is Feb. 25.

Tickets are $10 for one night or $18 for both nights, when purchased at the same time. Contact Brisley at (440) 599-8561.

Civic Meetings Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education 6 p.m. work session, 7 p.m. meeting Feb. 16 at Southeast Building, 400 Mill St., Suite B. Conneaut Port Authority, 7 p.m. Feb. 16 Conneaut City Council Economic Development Committee, 6 p.m. Feb. 22 Conneaut City Council Public Safety Committee, 7 p.m. Feb. 22 Conneaut Public Li-

brary Board, 5 p.m. Feb. 27 at CPL, 304 Buffalo Street Conneaut City Council Finance & Ordinance Committee, 6 p.m. Feb. 29 Conneaut Recreation Board, 7 p.m. Feb. 29.

Kingsville Township Trustees, 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Fire Hall, 3130 Main Street Monroe Township Trustees, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, Township Garage, 5578 S. Monroe Center Road

Farewell for Judy Yesso

Quality Heart Care.

Right in your backyard.

The Cleveland Clinic Catheterization Lab at ACMC has been providing exceptional diagnostic catheterization services in Ashtabula County for three years – and is growing to serve you better.

ACMC proudly announces the addition of Cleveland Clinic cardiologist John Stephens, MD, to the full-time medical staff at Ashtabula County Medical Center.

John Stephens, MD

Dr. Stephens earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo,

medicine. He completed his training at University of Michigan Medical Center and at William Beaumont Hospital. His clinical interests include acute coronary syndromes, structural heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and preventive cardiology.

Dr. Stephens joins Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Perry Fleisher, MD, and ACMC cardiologist James Cho, MD, in providing patients in Ashtabula County with additional access to the latest technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease used

by Cleveland Clinic, home to the nation’s #1 heart program as reported by U.S.News & World Report.

So when it comes to cardiac catheterization, and care for your heart, the best care in the nation is also the closest.

To arrange a patient referral or consult with Dr. Stephens, please call 440.994.7622. www.acmchealth.org

The community is invited to a Farewell Reception for Judy Yesso 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts, 1025 Buffalo Street.

The event is hosted by friends who have become acquainted with John and Judy Yesso since they moved to Conneaut in 2004.

Senior Calendar

The Yessos have contributed to numerous organizations and boards locally and county-wide, as well as the community in general, over the past eight years.

Stop in and wish Judy well as she and John return to Columbus to be closer to grandchildren in the next stage of their life journey.

Light refreshments will be served.

Feb. 16 – “All That Jazz� with Jim Fuller, master of keyboard improvisation, to celebrate Mardi Gras.

CHRC Seniors Together - weekdays 11 a.m. at 327 Mill Street. Free.

Special programs Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Daily walking 7:30 a.m.

Feb. 16 - Denise from Lake Pointe Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Feb. 20 - Center closed for President’s Day. People ages 50 and up are Feb. 21 - Healthy Series, welcome the first and third Nancy Hutchens, R.N., UHThursdays of the month at Conneaut Medical Center Good Shepherd Lutheran Prayer Shawl meeting 6 Church, 876 Grove Street. p.m.

Health checks 9:45 a.m., 10 Feb. 23 - South Ridge a.m. devotion, exercise and Christian Academy stulunch the first and third dents Thursdays.

GSLC Community S.E.N.I.O.R.S

Seneca Allegany Bus Trip Feb. 26

Every life deserves world class care.ÂŽ

Tracy and Mike David will host a bus trip to Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, N.Y. Feb. 26. The bus will leave Conneaut Gateway Plaza 8 a.m., and depart the casino at 4:30 p.m. Cost $25. Comps will be distributed upon arrival to the casino. Snacks, water and light dinner will be provided on the bus.

Call Tracy or Mike David at 440-594-1338 or e-mail teamdavid3day@yahoo.com to reserve your spot. Proceeds benefit the 3-Day Walk for the Cure.

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

ZBA Discusses Center Road Property

by ALLAN MONONEN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - The Conneaut Zoning Board of Appeals met Feb. 9 for its monthly meeting.

With no old or new business, the Board had no matters to act upon.

In a discussion of future topics, board member Jonathan Pulaski brought up the situation of a burnedout house on Center Road, the former McCollum residence.

That property suffered a fire several years ago and is still in disrepair. Trees on

the property were cut down and lie across the ground.

Pulaski said the property presents a potential hazard to children walking past to go to school. The downed trees have become a shelter for skunks and other animals.

Chairman Bill Cox will contact Zoning Manager Deanna Gates about the problem.

The Zoning Board of Appeals elected Bill Cox as chairman and Jim Lauer as vice-chairman for 2012.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet 7 p.m. March 8 in City Council chambers.

Best of Conneaut Pizza Returns April 15

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - The “Best of Conneaut Pizza” will return on Sunday, April 15.

The Conneaut Music Boosters are seeking contestants for a repeat of last year’s fund-raiser, which attracted large crowds on a Sunday afternoon.

Entries last year included, but were not limited to, Antonette’s, Anthony’s,

J.D.’s, Gia-Bella’s, Poco Bandito and Rainbow Cafe, along with Crazy Dave’s.

Merchants pay a fee to enter, and pizza samples are sold for 50 cents. Admission to the event is $2.

Interested merchants are to call Debbie Tisdale at 5941404.

The Conneaut High School Music Department and Music Boosters are working together on the fund-raiser.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

State Will Pay for Bridge Inspections

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Conneaut City Council Monday night passed an ordinance authorizing City Manager Tim Eggleston to enter into an agreement with the state’s Department of Transportation to inspect the Welston, Keefus, Old Main and Center Road bridges to the tune of $6,000.

In addition to bridge inspections, the work will include bridge load rating calculations, scour assessments, and fracture critical plan development in the city.

Even Eggleston said he was surprised that the city would not have to contribute funds to the project.

One other piece of legislation on the agenda, to abate a nuisance at 129 Nickel Plate Avenue, also passed unanimously, but led to a discussion about razing dilapidated structures in the city.

Law Director David Schroeder told Council that this property had been deemed “uninhabitable” by the Conneaut Health Department because it had no running water.

“The Health Department caused the residents to move, and it has been secured, but there are rodents and it cannot be saved,” Schroeder explained. “We need to abate it in order to raze it.”

At-large Councilman Neil LaRusch said he was aware that a resident had been living there for some time despite the lack of running water, and asked how the city can make sure that the water is turned on in inhabited dwellings.

“That’s a good question,” Eggleston said. “According to the code, a residence is required to have running water and sanitary facilities.

“Can a property be flagged to show that no one is using water?” LaRusch asked. “Either we help them or something happens.”

Schroeder said he did not expect the residence to come down any time soon because it takes a minimum of 60

days for the county to approve the funds to raze it, unless the city were to use General Fund money. The real problem is asbestos abatement.

“It adds thousands of dollars to the cost,” he said, noting that the value of scrap metal makes tearing down a building easy.

“So we don’t know when it will come down?” asked Ward 1 Councilman Doug Hedrick, who said he hoped it would be soon.

“The property is close to neighbors and the activity of vermin is observable daily,” he said. It presents a public health hazard. Getting it on the fast track is what we need to do.

Concurring with Hedrick’s opinion, Schroeder favors using the General Fund if possible.

Then he told Council that he had discussed over the weekend with a former Cleveland official the possibility of the city’s receiving some of the pool of $75 million in demolition money coming to the state as part of the federal government’s mortgage company settlement program.

“Some of that sum may be available for [razing] homes that were in foreclosure and then became dilapidated,” he said. “It would be a big assistance to the city.”

The razing of homes in the city has been handled by Ashtabula County’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program, but progress has been slow. Eggleston explained again on Monday that delays have been due in part to contract problems with one demolition company.

“Many houses have been razed through the Neighborhood Stabilization, but it has slowed down,” he said.

LaRusch asked Eggleston to send a list of local properties on that list to the new councilmen.

In his brief report, Eggleston announced that Public Works Director Bob Mannion has requested an additional $25,000 to work on the city’s southern roads,

although City Council President Tom Udell noted that no matter how much money is spent on the roads each year, they are always bad this time of year.

“But at least they’re making an effort,” he said.

Schroeder had two items in his Law Director’s Report.

The first was that he will ask the Finance & Ordinance Committee to consider an ordinance being prepared for the Feb. 27 meeting that requires property owners to notify the city that a house is going into foreclosure.

Schroeder said he will discuss with F&O Chair Neil LaRusch about the final draft. That committee is to meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 29.

Schroeder also told Council that the Snotrackers Snowmobile Club is preparing to present a comprehensive plan to the city to expand the number of streets where snowmobilers will be permitted to ride.

“I asked them for a ‘wish list.’ We want to encourage them to travel safely,” he said. “I recommend that they refer the list to the Public Safety Committee.”

Members of that club had met with the City Manager and Board of Tourism representatives Monday afternoon with a proposal to expand the acceptable road list because snowmobiling can bring significant tourist revenue in the winter season.

Schroeder said he had no objection to increasing the number of streets open to snowmobilers as long as it is done safely and with citizens’ approval.

“Even though the current season is almost gone, I asked for their ‘wish list’ sooner rather than later,” Schroeder said.

In his Finance Director’s Report, John Williams said that the city has the $25,000 that Mannion would like for the southern roads, and that the state’s audit of the city’s 2011 finances began last week. He also said he is working on a comparison of water consumption vs. the amount of water billed in

prior years, but a comparison list is hard to compile since under the old meter system, bills were estimated, whereas estimates have been eliminated with the new automated meter readers.

Under Committee Reports, Hedrick said that the Economic Development Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 to continue a discussion on the former Astatic property at Broad & Jackson Streets.

He told Council that the committee had agreed at its Jan. 30 meeting to “sail the course” to complete the next two of a three-phase clean-up at that property site, though funding is an issue.

At-large Councilman John Roach said that the Public Works Committee would meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 15, following the Cable Advisory Board’s 6 p.m. meeting.

LaRusch reported that the Finance & Ordinance Committee would meet at 6 p.m.

Feb. 29 to discuss a street levy, the new tree ordinance, and a parking ordinance.

Udell noted that because councilmen are beginning to work in committees, the council meetings and work sessions have been shorter.

Council could consider substituting Monday evening work sessions with committee meetings, he said, adding that such a move would benefit the citizens.

“We’ve had good discussion on all items,” he said.

Ward 2 Councilman Phil Garcia reported on the Sign Summit meeting held Monday, saying that the Board of Tourism submitted a sign application from Ohio Logos, Inc., for $2,600 signs on I-90 to bring tourists into the beach and marinas, and had also submitted a grant request to fund them. He said a request to change the city’s sign ordinance could be forthcoming and learned it should go to the Planning Commission.

Udell praised all the committee reports, saying that committee heads are doing a

See COUNCIL page 8A

Hula Snowman Wins People’s Choice Award

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

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CONNEAUT - Though Jennifer Llamas of Conneaut suspects that family members may have stuffed the ballot box, her Hula Snowman — or snow woman — took the People’s Choice Award in the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce Snowman Decorating Contest.

Chamber Director Wendy DuBey announced last week that the People’s Choice Award component, which ended Feb. 10, raised $400 for one of her favorite local charities, Storybook Acres on Creek Road.

“We need a break from this stuff,” said Llamas, alluding to the snow outside, when asked how she came up with the idea for her Hawaiian-themed snowman.

“I’ll take any relief we can get.”

Llamas’ was the only one among 16 Snowman Decorating Contest entries that strayed from a coldweather theme, the only exception being J.J. Eaton’s Conneaut Spartans’ baseball player.

Nevertheless, Llamas said she came up with the idea while visiting an Erie, Pa., party store, and seeing the grass skirt.

“It was fun,” she said.

“Nick helped me paint.”

In addition to the grass skirt and matching lei around the head, and the coconut bra, Llamas added sunglasses she picked up at a restaurant Lost & Found, and smeared suntan lotion on the carrot nose.

Finishing touches came from the closet of her grandmother, Nancy Batchelor.

In the place on the snowman form where most other decorators colored in a scarf, Llamas chose to paint in her and her son’s names, since she entered the snow woman under the “individual” category and had to identify it as hers.

With assistance from her 3-1/2-year old son, Nick, and her mother, DuBey, Llamas said the snow woman was a four-generation project.

“I just love the beach, so it was sort of a no-brainer,” added Llamas. “I’m already

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Jennifer Llamas (right) of Conneaut and her son, Nick, 3-1/2, present to Michelle Duchene-Marshall (left) of Storybook Acres, a check representing $400 in donations raised by the Peoples’ Choice Awards component of the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce Snowman Decorating Contest. Located on Creek Road, Storybook Acres is a permanent shelter for disabled farm animals. flood with ideas for next year.”

As People’s Choice winners, Llamas — who suspects the Hawaiian snow man may end up in the “man cave” her dad is fixing up in his garage — and her son had the privilege of presenting the $400 donation check to Michelle DucheneMarshall, who opened Storybook Acres as a permanent shelter for disabled farm animals about a dozen years ago.

Duchene-Marshall said she was shocked to learn

that she would be the recipient of the People’s Choice Awards segment of the Snowman Decorating Contest.

But she can use the help.

Except for occasional grants, Duchene-Marshall and her husband run the farm on their own, caring for numerous pigs, goats, dogs and horses with disabilities that prevent them from being adopted.

“Most of these animals have been abused, and we do not risk forcing them to make another adjustment,”

she said. Animals at Storybook Acres are never left alone, put up for sale or adoption, or given away.

“Our mission is to care and love all animals that come to spend their lives on Storybook Acres,” DucheneMarshall said. “We’re devoted to preventing animal abuse and neglect.”

For good measure, DuBey pressed into DucheneMarshall’s hands a bag of carrots after the picture-taking session.

“For the animals,” she told her.

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

Former Girl Scouts Invited to Thinking Day Celebration Feb. 18

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers MONROE TOWNSHIP Old-timers may know Feb. 22 as George Washington’s birthday, but for Girl Scouts worldwide, Feb. 22 is “Thinking Day,” when Girl Scouts participate in activities with global themes to honor sister Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in other countries.

To be celebrated this year on Feb. 18, “Thinking Day 2012” will be special for Conneaut and Kingsville Girl Scouts of Troop 80671.

They will not only display posters showing similarities and differences between countries with Girl Scouting and Girl Guides, but also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting.

Former Girl Scouts are invited to see how Girl SUBMITTED PHOTO Scouting has changed over Tim Taylor, of W. Springfield, Pa., with aide Lisa Howe, of the years and talk to Troop Conneaut, is shown at the beach in the Dominican 80671 members about their Republic, where he underwent a second successful stem Girl Scout experiences. cell treatment last month to help reverse paralysis Hours are 1 to 3 p.m. Satsuffered in an auto accident eight years ago. urday at the Monroe Township Fire Hall, 4095 Center Road.

An event highlight will be a fashion show of Girl Scout uniforms of the past.

“Former Girl Scouts may recognize a uniform they

Tim Taylor’s Treatment Went Well

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

that nerve endings are healing.

“He’s noticing itching inCONNEAUT - Before side his foot that he has leaving for his second stem never felt before, He can feel cell treatment in the Do- heat on his chest and arms minican Republic last which he hasn’t felt since the month, paralysis victim Tim accident,” she said.

Taylor said he hoped he Any improvement is conwould be able to stick his sidered a success for Taylor, toes into the ocean and feel who was paralyzed following the water. an auto accident eight years Two weeks ago, Taylor did ago. He would not be where indeed visit the beach in the he is without the generosity Dominican Republic, just of the Conneaut community. days after a treatment using Residents have supported his own stem cells in a Do- numerous Dairy Queen Blizminican hospital. zard blasts, fund-raising Strangers on the beach dinners, and more to help helped lift his wheelchair Taylor, whose grandmother through the sand to the is a Conneaut resident. ocean’s edge, where he was Expecting to undergo a sat on a camping chair and third stem cell treatment in put his feet in the water. the Dominican Republic in “It will be three weeks the future — the treatments tomorrow since my proce- are not offered in the United dure, and since then I’ve no- States — Taylor will be the ticed my right foot on top recipient of monies raised at feels kind of almost itchy. the 6th annual Sock Hop Also around my back and March 9 and 10 at the chest where the feeling Conneaut Human Resources meets the numbness, there’s Center, 327 Mill Street. an itchy sensation. Just last Monies will go into Tim night, my left wrist [began] Taylor’s Stem Cell Fund. tingling! These nerves are “Overall, Tim is feeling waking up!” Taylor wrote on very good and is very encourhis Facebook page last week. aged after his second stem Lisa Howe, of Conneaut, cell treatment,” Howe said. who accompanied Taylor on “He would like to thank each the trip and has been assist- and every person who has ing him with housekeeping given so much time and chores, says the tingling, many donations to make this along with itching, are signs all possible.”

Your Local Independent Pharmacy for 50 Years Kerry Gerdes, Ticey Czup & Dave Turner, Pharmacists

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ERDES PHARMACY 245 Main St., Conneaut

593-2578 • 1-800-445-2537 Monday-Friday 9-8 • Saturday 9-6 www.mygnp.com/gerdesrx

263 Liberty St. • Conneaut, OH 44030 PHONE: 440-593-5400 Mon.-Fri. 9:00am to 8:00pm Type of federal return filed is based on taxpayer’s personal situation and IRS rules/ regulations. Form 1040EZ is generally used by single/married taxpayers with taxable income under $100,000, no dependents, no itemized deductions, and certain types of income (including wages, salaries, tips, taxable scholarships or fellowship grants, and unemployment compensation). Fees apply with Earned Income Credit and for state returns. Taxpayer must meet IRS criteria to use Form 1040EZ. Available at participating U.S. locations. Offer expires February 29, 2012. ©2011 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Girl Scout’s Karly Wisnyai (left) and Crystal Stewart show a display on Brazil for “Thinking Day,” 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Monroe Township Fire Hall. once wore,” said Jodi Hautala, Troop 80671 coleader.

Using puppets that Troop 80671 donated to the library, Conneaut Public Library puppeteers Stephanie Gildone and Vickie Barker will put on an original puppet show, “Seeing the Sites,” based on what could happen when

Troop 80671 travels to the June 9 “Rock the Mall” Event in Washington, D.C., to celebrate Girl Scouts USA’s 100th birthday.

“It’s about two Girl Scouts who go site-seeing in Washington after the ‘Rock the Mall’ event and end up at the National Aquarium, where they see the seahorse exhibit. One of the Girl

Scouts, Francie, daydreams about being a mermaid and swimming with the seahorses,” Gildone said.

The event will include a 100th-year Girl Scout singalong.

“Former Girl Scouts are part of the celebration, too,” Hautala said. “But if you were never a Girl Scout, come and enjoy.”

Swampdiggity & Jungle Terry at Conneaut Public Library CONNEAUT - The Friends of the Conneaut Public Library and the American Legion are sponsoring “Swampdiggity – a Cajun Jubilee” 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Conneaut Public Library, 304 Buffalo Street.

The free program is for children in grades kindergarten through 5.

“Swampdiggity” begins at 10:30 a.m. with Jungle Terry and his exotic menagerie of animals that have been hand-raised by Jungle Terry and his children.

At 11:30, a craft and a story with a Cajun flavor are scheduled.

Lunch, consisting of pizza, cookie and a drink, will be served at 12:15 p.m. for a $1 donation. Children may also bring a sack lunch.

At 1:15 p.m., professional ventriloquist Helen Hammett brings her troupe of unique characters to the library. Hammett uses hand-carved basswood figures, as well as other characters, each with a distinct and funny personality guaranteed to tickle your funny-bone.

Another craft and Cajun story are scheduled 1:45 p.m.

The program concludes with a 45-minute movie, and free popcorn 2:40 to 3:30 p.m.

Kids in elementary grades are invited to come for one, some, or all events. For further details, call or visit the Conneaut Public Library at (440) 593-1608.

Conneaut Area City Schools will be closed Friday for the President’s Day recess.

Chili Cook-Off Coming to Monroe Township PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

The public will be the judge when the Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Department hosts its first Chili Cook-Off noon to 4 p.m.

March 10 at the Fire Hall, 4095 Center Road. To see if the public thinks your chili has what it takes, register your chili for $10 by calling John Howell (left) at (440) 912-0048 or Jimmy Cole (440) 645-4396. Chili must be in a crock pot or roaster, minimum three-gallon size, with ladle. Winners receive 50 percent of entry fees; second place, 30 percent of entry fees; and third place, 20 percent of entry fees. A Chinese Auction and 50/50 drawing will be held at 3 p.m. Admission to the event is $5 ages 9 and up, $2.50 for children 6 to 8, and free to those 5 and under.

Drive-In Girl Scout Cookies At Conneaut Plaza

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Even if Old Man Winter loosens his grip on Northeast Ohio, Girl Scout cookie lovers in Conneaut and Ashtabula will be happy to learn that they may purchase Girl Scout cookies on Feb. 25 from the comfort of their automobiles.

Girl Scout Troop 80671 will hold a Cookie Booth Marathon noon to 5 p.m.

Feb. 25 at Conneaut Save-ALot in the Conneaut Plaza on W. Main Road and at Walgreen’s, 318 W. Prospect, Ashtabula.

Drivers will receive cookie “menus” prepared by the Scouts. They will indicate their choices and pay by cash or credit card.

The multi-age troop, which meets in Monroe Township, will sell cookies at walk-up booths that day at TA Kingsville Travel Center, on Route 193 south of I-90, at Ashtabula Giant Eagle, 2390 W. Prospect, and Ashtabula Discount Drug Mart, 3032 N. Ridge Road.

Cash will be accepted at the walk-up booth locations.

The troop will also taking orders at the booths for service men and women overseas, via donation.

“Stop at a booth and order a box or two for our troops,” Hautala said.

Each year, the Girl Scouts

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Girl Scout Troop 80671, pictured here during the 2011 drive-through cookie sale, is offering a Drive-Through Cookie Sale noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 25 at Conneaut Save-A-Lot on W. Main Road. Cash or credit cards will be accepted. introduce one new cookie. The new cookie for 2012 is “Savannah Smiles,” a powderedsugar lemon-flavored cookie.

Other old favorites are back, including Thin Mint, Peanut Butter Patties, Shortbread, Carmel Delites, Do-Si-Do’s (peanut butter) and newer flavors Dulce deLeche and, Thank U Berry Much.

Troop 80671’s goal is for each troop member to sell at least 165 boxes to earn a Tshirt.

“Our troop has 40 girls from Conneaut, Kingsville and the Ashtabula area, and our goal is to get them each a T-shirt plus free [troop] registration for next year,” said co-leader Jodi Hautala.

Girls are entitled to free registration next year if they average 10 boxes in cookie sales over 2011.

“That means we need to sell 213 boxes per girl,” Hautala said. Do the math and it comes out to 8,520

boxes of cookies.

“Last year we sold 1,000 boxes in one day, so we are hoping for that big a turnout again,” said Hautala, who reminds the public that Girl Scout cookies freeze well.

“So stock up,” she advised. “Thin mints taste great right out of the freezer.”

Girl Scout cookie recipes are available on the web site littlebrowniebakers.com.

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

Pharmacy & Health Motion Sickness Treatments Motion sickness is characterized by dizziness and nausea caused by movement, commonly occurring on a boat or in a car. Other signs and symptoms of motion sickness may include feeling warm, sweating, and vomiting. Symptoms can also reappear after the offending motion stops, such as returning to land after being on a boat.

Natural neurotransmitter chemicals that are involved in producing motion sickness include norepinephrine, histamine, and acetylcholine.

Motion sickness affects different persons to varying degrees. Those who experience motion sickness may consider looking out the window to create a match between the sensations of motion and the visual experience. Lying down when possible, such as on a boat, may help decrease symptoms of motion sickness.

by Kerry Gerdes Gerdes Pharmacy 245 Main St. 593-2578 Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and meclizine (Bonine, Antivert) are antihistamine medications available overthe-counter for treatment of motion sickness.

S c o p o l a m i n e (Transderm Scop) is a patch that is available with a prescription that may be applied to the skin for 3 days to prevent motion sickness. Promethazine (Promethegan) is an antidopaminergic medication available with a prescription for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.

Conneaut’s Creative Writing Potica: A Treat From Mollie’s Kitchen (A memory of my mother-in-law’s nut roll)

At Home With.... Vickie Marcy Hi everyone! How about that weather? I know, I know, I should not have said anything about our mild weather last week, but truthfully, it was going to snow whether I said anything about the mild winter or not. I’m not superstitious so I don’t think things happen because of what someone said, did or thought.

Anyway, bad or good things don’t happen just because of another person or whatever; at least that’s what I think.

Although, there is a lot to be said for having a sixth sense or having an inkling that something may be about to happen.

Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong? I can usually tell what kind of a day it’s going to be by what happens the first few minutes after I’m up. If I can get in the bathroom and wash and dress, grab a cup of coffee and sit down to read the paper, cool. I might be off to a good start. On the other hand, if the bathroom’s tied up for close to an hour, I’ve spilled coffee on me and all over the floor and I had to trudge through the snow to the front yard to get the morning paper, it’s a good bet that today’s not going to go my way!

How do you cope with these trying days and still keep trying to smile? Right now I’m focusing on getting as much done in the house as I can so I’ll be ready to get outside and work in the yard as soon as the warm weather is here to stay. Last year I picked flower seeds all summer and into fall and winter and now I’m separating the

by Jeanne Maleckar I’ve never been able to approach Mollie Walter Maleckar’s baking skills. Our absolute favorite treat was thinly rolled yeast dough filled with a nut paste.

Each time I recall her exquisitely delicious potica (poteet-za), I remember spending the day with her in an attempt to learn the process. In spite of many tutorials over the years, the product I turn out is a poor imitation.

I wasn’t kidding about a day-long process. Early in the morning, the dough was mixed then kneaded until smooth and elastic. She placed it in a greased bowl, covered it with a linen towel and put it on top of the refrigerator (the warmest place in her kitchen) to rise.

While the dough was rising, Mollie ground walnuts up fine and mixed them with sugar, butter and egg for the filling. She smoothed a large floral linen tablecloth on her kitchen table. Since the dough usually took about an hour to rise, she hadn’t long to wait. She used half the dough and began by rolling it into a large circle.

The first time I ever watched her, I thought it was time for the filling. Wrong. Mollie proceeded to reach under the center of the circle and to stretch and coax that dough into a circle twice its size. I think she used the floral tablecloth, not only because she always had, but also because the dough was not thin enough until the pattern shown crisply through the dough.

Then and only then could the filling be spread. Next came rolling it up. Here’s where my technique really falls short. Mollie took the edge of the tablecloth and lifting it gently skyward, achieved a tightly wrapped rope. Then she either coiled it and placed it in a deep round baking pan (the traditional Slovenian style, as I later learned) or it was cut into lengths and placed in oblong pans.

When it had baked and cooled slightly, we sliced off a few pieces. What a work of art it was with the dough no thicker than the filling. With the potica’s aroma in the air and having achieved the ultimate in texture and taste, Mollie could finally relax with a cup of coffee and some memories to share with her daughter-inlaw.

Obituary

seeds from the pods. It’s very slow work but I love to do it and the yard will look so fine next summer!

With the snow and wind we’ve had for the past several days I haven’t ventured outside much, but I still love soup in this cold weather.

Bean soup and cornbread are easy to make, filling and delicious, so they are in today’s recipes. The bean Vickie Marcy soup is a shortcut but it’s still so good, you’ll want to • 1/2 Cup sugar try it. It’s time to get to our • 4 Teaspoons baking recipes. powder • 1 Teaspoon salt (opEASY BEAN SOUP tional) • 2 Cups low fat milk One large jar of cooked (we use 2%) navy beans • 1/2 Cup vegetable oil • 1 Teaspoon dried • 2 Eggs minced onion • 1 Teaspoon salt Combine dry ingredients, • 1 Tablespoon bacon drippings (optional, but whisk well. Spray 9x13 baking pan and set aside. Whisk makes the soup!) eggs and oil together, add Place beans into large pot, milk and stir to blend. Add add 1/2 jar of water and re- wet ingredients to dry and maining ingredients, stir to stir just until moistened. combine. Cook at medium Pour into prepared pan and high until almost boiling, bake at 400¡ for 20 to 25 minthen turn heat to medium low utes. Serve warm with butand cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, ter, jam or jelly, or syrup. adding water as needed.

SALTINE CRACKER Serve with corn bread for a delicious filling meal.

CANDY

CORN BREAD • 2 1/2 Cups flour • 1 1/2 Cups cornmeal

• 2 sleeves saltine crackers • 1 stick butter • 2 cups brown sugar

QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK: If the air in your home seems dry, try these easy hints: Place a small pan or bowl of water on or near your heat registers. You can also add moisture to the air by simmering a pan of water either plain or with cloves, cinnamon, etc. in it. Your home will have a great smell from the spices, and you’ll have the added benefit of moisture in the air.

Conneaut Community Center for the Arts

• 12 oz. bag chocolate chips Line a baking pan with parchment paper or foil, spray well. Lay a single layer of crackers in bottom of baking pan, set aside. In a heavy saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cook for five minutes or until smooth and golden.

Carefully spoon over saltines in baking sheet, sprinkle with bag of chocolate chips. Place in 350 degree oven for 2 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully spread melted chocolate chips over top. Cool for several hours, or until set.

Turn out onto wax paper, break into pieces and serve.

This candy can be kept in air-tight container in refrigerator for up to a week.

FROZEN STRAWBERRY SURPRISE • 1 -Ready made chocolate crust • 2 - Cups fresh or frozen strawberry • 1 - Can sweetened condensed milk • 1/4 Cup lemon juice • 16 - Oz. whipped topping In large bowl mash the strawberries. Add condensed milk and lemon juice to strawberries, mix well. Fold in half of the whipped topping, stir to combine. Pour mixture into chocolate crust, spread remainder of whipped topping over mixture, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for four hours or overnight. Remove from freezer and let set five minutes before slicing.

Kingsville Public Library Events

1025 Buffalo St. (440) 593-5888 Kingsville Public Library will host “Leap Into Fun,” a family game night, on Feb. 29 (occurring only during Leap Year) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dessert and board games will be provided. Families may bring their own favorite games.

“Hugo” will be shown at Movie Night 7 p.m. March 2 at the Simak Welcome Center, 3205 School Street. The movie is rated PG. The movie is free, and free popcorn will be served. The Friends of the Kingsville Public Library will sell other refreshments at the concession stand.

Photography by Bill West of North Kingsville remains on display in the CCCA exhibit hall through the end of the month.

The Kingsville Public Library will be open President’s Day 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

PHOTO BY BILL WEST

Upcoming Events Feb. 17, 24 - Community dinners 5 to 6 p.m. at New Leaf United Methodist Church. Free.

Feb. 21 - Shrove Tuesday A.U.C.E. Pancake Dinner, 4 to 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove St. at Lake Road. $5 adults, $2.50 children. Entertainment by Jim Fuller.

Zumba sessions resume 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, starting Feb. 20, for six weeks. Instructor is Feb. 22, 29 - Free community dinner 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Family Paula Knepp. Drop-in for $6.50 per class, or take a full Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill Street. session, twice weekly, for $60 or $30 once weekly. CCCA members receive a slight discount.

Feb. 23, 24 - Conneaut High School Vocal Music Department Madrigal Feaste, with Cornish hen dinner and play, “The King of

A new six-week session of Yoga will be offered starting Hearts,” 6 p.m. 381 Mill St. $20 adults, $15 students. 594-1404.

March 6, with Lisa Piaser. Chair yoga for those with limFeb. 25 - Benefit dinner concert for pediatric cancer patient ited mobility is 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Gentle Yoga is 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings. Fee for six sessions is $40. Dylan Christian. Sloppy joe supper 5 p.m., Southern gospel concert 6 to 8 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 389 W. Main Road.

Pop-in class $6.50.

March 2 - Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. for Student Art Show,

Adult Woodcarving is offered 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays Conneaut Community Center for the Arts, 1025 Buffalo Street. with Terri Schultz. Learn techniques of wood carving and wood burning in a casual setting. Supplies are furnished March 10 - Chili Cook-Off, noon to 4 p.m. at Monroe Fire for beginners. $28 ($25.20 for CCCA members) for each four- Hall. Adults $5, children 6 to 8 $2.50, 5 and under free. Register at 440-812-0048 by March 6. Entry fee $10. Chinese Auction, 50/ week session. The next session begins March 1.

The Student Art Exhibit will open with an awards reception on Friday evening, March 2.

Elizabeth Gere

The comedy, “And the Winner Is....” written by Mitch July 25, 1935 - Feb. 10, 2012 Albom (author of “Tuesdays With Morrie”) will be presented CONNEAUT – Elizabeth mother to her son. at the CCCA on March 23-24-25 and 30-31. Director will Gere, 76, of Parrish Road, Her survivors include her be Amanda Latva. Cast members include Tammy died Friday, February 10, son, Laszlo Gere of Conneaut Hagstrom, Alexandria Hall, Jarrod Latva, Rich Werman, 2012, at Lake Pointe Reha- and one sister, Barbara Michael Mooney and Tom Udell. bilitation and Nursing Cen- Godzsak of Sebring, Fla. There will be no dance ter. She was born July 25, She was preceded in classes at the CCCA on Feb. 1935, in Conneaut, the death by her husband, Ed17 or 20. daughter of Joseph and ward Gere; two sisters, Mary Mary (Olah) Godzsak and Godzsak and Marcella had been a Conneaut resi- Roma; and her parents. dent most of her life.

A service will be held at a A graduate of Conneaut later date. Burial will be in High School, she lived in Eu- Greenlawn Memory Garrope for several years. dens, North Kingsville.

She enjoyed flowers, croContributions may be cheting, knitting, and made to the DUCRO FUhouse-cleaning. A devout NERAL SERVICES AND Catholic, she belonged to St. CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Mary’s/St. Francis Cabrini Avenue, Ashtabula

by MARTHA SOROHAN Church. More than any- (www.ducro.com) which is in OVER Gazette Newspapers thing, she was a dedicated charge of arrangements.

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50 raffle. Voting by public. Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Department benefit.

March 16-17 - Hoagie Sale, $3, sponsored by Monroe Sirens.

Pick up 2 to 8 p.m. March 16 and 8 to 11 a.m. March 17. Order with Jodi (440) 594-1386.

March 16-17 - Spring Rummage Sale, Right Track AfterSchool Program, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

March 17. Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill St. Donations now accepted.

March 17 - Pancake breakfast 8 a.m. to noon at Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street. Fund-raiser for Pat and Marty Landon medical expenses. Adults $6, children $5.

CHRC Sponsors “Spring Into Shape: 24 Hours to Fitness” CONNEAUT - The Conneaut Human Resources Center is offering a “Spring Into Shape - 24 Hours to Fitness” program for seniors, led by a licensed instructor.

The comprehensive fitness program offers strength training to firm muscles; low-impact aerobic exercises to burn calories; and core strength training (pilates/ yoga stretches) for flexibility.

The program runs 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday from Feb. 14 to May 3.

The program offers a to-

tal of 24 class sessions, twice a week, for 12 weeks.

Each class is $4 on a payas-you-go basis, or $96 for the 12-week course. A $10 discount is offered for those committed to the 24 onehour sessions who pay in advance.

The reasons that the program works, according to a CHRC press release, are that it improves posture, increases bone density, and implements lower and middle back alignment.

The program is also designed to reduce the risk of and to relieve diabetes; increase prevention of heart

disease; minimize osteoporosis; and relieve tension-induced diseases.

Seniors should bring tennis shoes, three - to five-pound hand weights, and a mat.

Motivation is provided by the instructor.

“If you have never trained before, you will be surprised how quickly your body responds,” said CHRC Director Debbie Newcomb.

With sufficient interest by at least 10 persons, an evening session may be offered Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.

For information, call the CHRC at 440-593-5273.

6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

Do Blondes Have More Fun? Pastor Scott Walsh Isn’t Sure

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - The Rev. Scott Walsh, pastor of New Leaf United Methodist Church, looked the other way regarding the United Methodist Church’s official position against gambling when he challenged his youth group to increase its weekly attendance to 25 for four weeks in a row.

Do it, he told them, and he would bleach his dark brown hair.

Walsh knew the goal was within the group’s grasp, because youth group attendance had reached 25 three weeks in a row on three other occasions during the year.

Do it they did. By Jan. 22, attendance had exceeded 25 for the fourth straight week.

Numbers were 28, 28, 34 and 27.

According to Youth Director Sarah Wade, the group last year averaged 17 each week, but this year, average

attendance has been 26.

So, being a man of his word, Walsh followed through — with mixed results.

“When he first did it, all they did was the top, and when he came home, he looked like a skunk,” said his wife and co-pastor, Jan. “I told him ‘uh-uh.’ He said he was going to bleach his hair, and that means all of it.”

Fortunately, the challenge did not come out of Walsh’s pocket. A church member bleached it for him, professionally, several times.

New Leaf ’s empathetic Youth Director Sarah Wade also donned a blonde wig for a photograph so he would not feel so alone.

“I did not dye my hair, but I joined in on the fun and wore a blonde wig that day that Pastor Scott revealed his new hair-do to the youth,” she said.

To his wife’s relief, Walsh did not hang on to his new look very long.

Church Sign: “When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel.”

– First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Religious Briefs Greeters for 11 a.m. worship Feb. 19 at First Baptist Church, 370 State St.,are the Litwiler family, Audrey Corcoran and Jim and Geri Conroy. Guest preacher will be Mark Mirza.

At 8:30 a.m. contemporary and 11 a.m. traditional worship Feb. 19, the transfiguration of the Lord, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, readers are Marti Lillie (8:30 a.m.) and Greg Betteridge (11 a.m.). Feb. 19 is Blanket Sunday. Bring in a blanket, afghan, throw or baby blanket to help the less fortunate.

Greeters for Transfiguration Sunday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. worship at First Congregational United Church of New Leaf United Methodist Church Youth Director Sarah Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets, are Lil Monda and Barb Wade (left) and the Rev. Scott Walsh, NLUMC pastor, spent Poff. Liturgist will be Laura McCoy. Jim Fuller will be the a brief time as blondes after Walsh lost a bet with his youth pianist. Pastor Joyce Shellhammer’s message is entitled, group.

“Majesty,” based on Mark 9:2-9. The men of the church will host a Pancake Brunch immediately following worship.

“It only took $4.97 to dye “They are already close to Fellowship begins 10:30 a.m. it back,” she said.

35. It has to be something Not one to settle so eas- that is going to push them,” The Rev. Arvid Whitmore will preach at 10 a.m. worily, Walsh is now challeng- she said. ship Feb. 19 at Kingsville Presbyterian Church, 3049 ing the youth to set another No one has mentioned W. Main Street. weekly attendance record. what Walsh will do if and His wife says the number when the new goal is met in The Rev. Jan Walsh, pastor, will preach on “The Lesson is probably about 50. the next three months. of the Lamb” at 9 a.m. contemporary worship in the Worship Center and 11 a.m. traditional Sanctuary worship Feb. 19 at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street. Scripture is Romans 8:38-39. The choir, directed by Rebecca Levering, will sing, “Shine on Me.” Free brunch 8:45 to 11 a.m. All welcome. The sanctuary will be open on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, for private meditation.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

CHURCH MEALS New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street, free Friday community dinner, prepared by Dave Jones, 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 17. This week’s menu features Rigatoni & Meat Sauce, salad, rolls & butter, dessert.

Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill St., will serve a free community dinner 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 22. No obligation. Free dinner is served every Wednesday. Menu for Feb. 22 is Sloppy Joes with macaroni salad, chips, dessert and soft drink.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, will offer “Soup To Go” after worship services on Feb. 26. Several sizes will be available. Benefit for the church Evangelization Committee.

The New Leaf United Methodist Church Youth Group poses with their pastor, the Rev. Scott Walsh, after they won their bet and he carried out his promise to bleach his hair. They are (front, left) Carly Kay, McKenzie Powell, Michelle Tisdale, Ian Williams, Josh Kay, Steven Gaugh (second row, left) Laura Blood, Kyle Gaugh, Bradley Tisdale, Alex Williams, Becca Tisdale, Moria Blood, Nick Drew (third row, left): Logan, Jill Jafarace, India Davis, Marcus Barrickman, Sarah Wade, Amber Barnhart, Matt Church, Bennet Coltman, Tony Walsh, (back row, left): Matt Blood, Chris Kelly, Ariel Davis, Pastor Scott Walsh, David Jacobs, Kevin Eickle, Justin Blood

Mark Mirza To Lead “Prayer Intensive” Sunday at First Baptist Church

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Mark Mirza, of Common Thread Ministries, will lead a threesession “Prayer Intensive” Sunday morning at First Baptist Church of Conneaut.

Former leader of the “Sons of Thunder” Men’s Prayer Ministry for Dr. Charles Stanley at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Mirza will speak on “Prayer Basics” to a joint Sunday school session at 9:45 a.m., and on “Praying Scripture Back to God” at 11 a.m. worship.

His program will conclude with an informal “question-and-answer session” during a tureen dinner following worship.

Leaving the corporate world in July, 2008, to lead the prayer ministry in Atlanta, Mirza resigned from that position in November, 2010, to take his former part-time Common Thread prayer ministry full-time, serving corporate and personal clients.

According to its web site, Common Thread’s goal working with congregations is not only to present seminars, but to “come along side you in the trenches and, by God’s grace, develop a vibrant prayer ministry.”

“I like leading a one-day ‘Prayer Intensive’ because most of the congregation is

there,” Mirza said via telephone. “A ‘Prayer Intensive’ gives us the opportunity to focus on prayer in greater depth than we normally would.”

Mirza does not visit a congregation with the purpose of teaching them to pray.

Rather, he challenges how they pray using one Scripture after another.

“My message is about how you live based on what Scripture says about prayer,” he says.

Mirza acknowledges that that Bible says many things about prayer, and not all of them fall easily on human ears.

“We know the scripture that says our prayers will be answered ‘if we ask according to His will,’ and then we ask. But look at this. It’s a lack of confidence that people have, because they think that unless you’re lucky enough to ask His will, you will have no clue that He’ll hear you,” he said.

Mirza jumps to James 1:6, which says that when praying, do not doubt, then moves on to James 1:7: “‘If you do doubt, you ought not to expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

“So I begin with that,” he said. “I tell them their prayers are bankrupt. But then I move to hope, to what the Bible says, that if we pray, then we can have complete confidence. It changes

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“And we all know that, according to Scripture, we are to be unified, but everyone has a ‘Sister Betty Lou’ who, when we walk into the sanctuary on Sunday, we see on the aisle, and she gets up our nose. We are inclined to read Romans 15:56, ‘May God who gives encouragement...give you a spirit of unity among yourselves’ as long as he fixes Betty Lou,” he continued.

“But in following Christ, the issue is not with her no matter what she did 25 years ago or how she lived 25 minutes ago. It’s whether Mark Mirza I will go to the Lord and ask how I am not following His how they pray. I believe that Son.” Mirza also believes that this message can change your prayer life for the rest spiritual warfare needs to be brought back from “la-la of your life.”

Mirza, whose sister-in- land” and tackled according law says he speaks like a to Scripture.

And in addition to leavstand-up comic, sprinkles ing groups with a message his message with humor.

For example, he says of hope by quoting Scripthat he has always had tural passages describing trouble with 1 Peter 3:7, heaven, Mirza reminds which says that one’s them of Psalms’ passages prayers will be hindered if about God’s bending His ear anything stands between to hear their prayers.

“Maybe their prayers him and his spouse.

“So I jokingly look to have been bankrupt, but heaven, and I tell God, there is a way that can be ‘Lord, my wife is nearly per- done right,” Mirza says.

Once he is done talking, fect, but she gets up my nose once in awhile. That verse Mirza leaves open a quesisn’t fair,’” he said. “But the tion-and-answer session, reality is because that’s typically during the dinner, what the passage says because people have quesabout prayer, it causes me tions. “”It begins slow, but then to live a different life.” they say, ‘wait a minute,’” he says.

Mirza does not leave without talking about the joy of calling others and praying with them and for them.

“People don’t realize how you are blessed as the perProduction • Clerical son doing the calling,” he Management said. “They are always Tuesday & Wednesday blessed, but the one praying Each Week, 1-4pm gets the biggest blessing.

You don’t know that until you begin to pray.”

The sessions at First INFINITY Baptist Church on Sunday RESOURCES, INC. morning are open to all.

First Baptist Church is 34 S. Chestnut (SR 46) located at 389 State Street Jefferson, Ohio and is handicapped accessible.

440-994-9600

NEW APPLICANTS NEEDED

Free Soup, Clothing at NKPC North Kingsville Presbyterian Church, 6546 Church St., will host a Free Soup and Clothing Give-Away from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Please bring a container to carry the home-made soup. All welcome.

Benefit Concert for Dylan Christian CONNEAUT - A benefit supper concert is planned Feb. 25 at First Assembly of God, 389 W. Main Road, for 12year-old cancer victim Dylan Christian, of Conneaut.

Christian suffers from sarcoma tumor of the nasal cavity and leukemia.

A meal of Sloppy Joes, chips and beverage will be served 5 to 6 p.m.

At 6 p.m., a Southern gospel concert with the energetic Circle of Friends Quartet, of Madison, and Sherry Cornell, of Jefferson, will follow.

Supper is $5 adults and $3 children 12 and under.

Christian was recently diagnosed with cancer for the fourth time. Event proceeds will benefit him and his father, Brian Christian.

– Submitted by Connie Smith

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at GSLC Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, will serve an all-you-can-eat Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Dinner includes hash browns, sausage and beverage. Jim Fuller will entertain. Adults $5, children 10 and under $2.50.

Weekly Dinner Menus at Family Fellowship Weekly dinners began Feb. 7 at Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill Street. The Community Dinners are held 5 to 6:30 p.m. Here are upcoming menus: Feb. 22 - Sloppy Joes with macaroni salad, chips, dessert, soft drink Feb. 29 - Soup, sandwich, chips, soft drink, dessert March 7 - Pasta, salad, bread, dessert, soft drink

Weekly Suppers, Lenten Worship at GSLC Wednesday evening Soup Suppers will be held at 6 p.m. throughout the Lenten season at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road.

On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, a meal of soup and bread will be served.

Soup and Sandwich suppers will be served on Feb. 29, March 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Informal worship follows in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m.

All are welcome.

COURT Wadsworth is the daughter of Diedra Wadsworth and Reid Wadsworth. She has received numerous awards, including Five Star Student of the Month, Junior Student of the Month and Junior Student of the Year by the Conneaut Optimist Club. A member of National Honor Society and president of Stage Crew, she is a majorette, member of

From page 1A the yearbook staff and the Academic Challenge Team.

Outside of school, Wadsworth works at the Monroe Sportsman’s Club.

Interests include horseback riding, barrel racing, volunteering and working with young children. Upon graduation, she plans to major in pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Findlay.

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

Lakeshore Students Jump for their Hearts

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Lakeshore Primary School students always warm up to hearthealthy messages during the cold month of February.

They get the message loud and clear, thanks to physical education teacher Rich Shields, who organizes the annual Jump Rope for Heart week and encourages families to pledge to the American Heart Association.

Letters sent to parents a few weeks ago brought in more than $1,000 in pledges and about 177 children participating.

“It’s the first time we’ve taken pledges on line,” said Shields, happy with the response.

Parents have been invited this week to observe the “Jump Rope for Heart” sessions, in which children jump ropes and engage in other heart-healthy aerobic exercises.

Participants will receive prizes in a few weeks from the American Heart Association. But even those who did not pledge are taking part in the activities and drew posters for the gym walls to encourage everyone to take care of their hearts.

Donations collected will be sent to the American Heart Association from Lakeshore Primary School.

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

CMS math teacher Tony Pasanen (second left) holds a certificate won by eighth grade students Stephen Mauer (left), Josh Kay and Lauren Kardohley in an online math competition. They also won $350 in computer software.

CMS’ ‘Sumdog’ Non-Millionaires

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Three eighth-grade students won for Conneaut Middle School $350 in computer software in a “Sumdog” on-line math competition in December.

Stephen Mauer, Josh Kay and Lauren Kardohley took part in the 10-day math competition, which consisted of geometric images. Winners were determined by high scores.

“They spent time in the

PHOTOS BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Jaelyn Peters (top) and Austin Goudge (right), with Jason Bowers behind him, show how they are becoming physically fit to benefit their hearts during Rich Shields’ physical education classes this week at Lakeshore Primary School.

They are students in Missy Heinonen’s kindergarten class.

computer lab at school, but had to spend time at home, too,” said math teacher Tony Pasanen.

Sumdog is a free on-line math game that has caught on with students as well as teachers as an effective means of practicing math skills.

The easiest version of Sumdog consists of multiple choice problems. Math problems are presented and one drags an icon containing the right answer into the answer box. Students collect images for each correct answer. The

In The Military

Alumni Calendar Rowe High School Classes of ‘53 and ‘54

Madrigal Feaste Just One Week Away

Rowe High School Classes of 1953 and 1954 will meet for 9 a.m. breakfast Feb. 21 at Perkins Restaurant, Conneaut Plaza.

Spouses and guests welcome.

one with the most items in the “junkpile” at the end of the game is the winner.

Pasanen says encouraging students to join the on-line competition is a no-brainer for teen-agers.

This was the first year that the school participated, and Pasanen says they will probably do it again.

“They spend time on computer games anyway.

This one lets them practice their math as well,” he said.

Airman Tyler Webster Completes Basic Air Force Airman Tyler R. Webster graduated from eight weeks of basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Training includes military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

A 2011 graduate of Conneaut High School, Webster is the son of Marjo and Brad Webster of Conneaut.

Enter Into a Growing Field Horticulture & Landscaping

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Students in Conneaut High School’s Vocal Music Department are gearing up for the third annual Madrigal Feaste, “The King of Hearts,” which will be presented 6 p.m.

Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 in the high school cafeteria. The production will be interspersed with a medieval dinner of Cornish game hen, potato, and soup, prepared by Phil’s Catering. Afterward, the Conneaut High School choir will present a brief concert. Tickets for the evening are $20 adults and $15 students. Reservations are requested by Feb. 16; the school is closed Feb. 17 and 20. Shown above are cast members Jen Treadway (left), Ashley Forward, Liana Durnell, Matt Jury as the King, Caitlin Cole as the Queen, Destiny Beeman and Annagrace Shields. The production is directed by Megan Kalosky, Director of Vocal Music.

Honor/Merit Rolls CHS Conneaut Digital Academy Students 2nd - 9 weeks Honor Roll *denotes 4.0 Grade 11

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Barnes, Eric Grade 10

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Hollis, Kristopher Lane, Samantha Payne, Terissa Rettinger, Ryan Shrewsbury, Jake Waldron, Alexandria Yendriga, Donielle Hollis, Kristopher Lane, Samantha Payne, Terissa Rettinger, Ryan Shrewsbury, Jake Waldron, Alexandria Yendriga, Donielle

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8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

COW payable to the Conneaut Human Resources Center, with “Pat Landon Fund” written on the memo line.

“No amount is too small,” Landon said.

The person with the most donations as of March 17 will be kissing the cow.

The group is also sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast at the Conneaut Human Resources Center. Breakfast will be prepared by Phil’s Catering, with tickets available at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce, the Burning Stone Cafe, and Port Conneaut Federal Credit Union. Adults are $8 and children 10 and under are $5.

Phil Garcia will serve pancakes, sausage, French toast, egg strata, and juice and coffee. Various organizations have volunteered to help.

Donation cans will be moved to the CHRC for the March 17 breakfast and the winner will be announced at that time.

The group hopes to update totals weekly by a Facebook page and The Courier.

The Landons are overwhelmed by, and grateful for, the much needed fund-raising effort, even though it took some adjustment to the idea that their story would be made public.

“I didn’t set out to tell anyone but my friends and family, and they said we need to be under prayer, so it’s not private anymore,” said Pat, a private-duty nurse who will not be able to return to work under her chemotherapy has ended later this year. “I always thought of myself as quiet and behind-the-scenes.

But the support from family,

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

From page 1A friends and people I worked with has been phenomenal.”

Participants and the 13 businesses are: Penny Armeni - Chris Brecht State Farm Insurance Russ Coltman - Burning Stone Cafe Tim Eggleston, Conneaut City Manager - Orlando Brothers Golden Dawn Jim Furman - Port Conneaut Federal Credit Union Kent Houston, Superintendent, Conneaut Area City Schools - Orlando Brothers Golden Dawn Nick Iarocci, attorney Joslin-Landis Insurance Ken Johnson of Conneaut Telephone general manager - Conneaut Telephone Company Kori Marcy of Marcy Funeral Home - Conneaut Dairy Queen Lori McLaughlin Biscotti’s Restaurant Rachel Merlene - Gerdes Pharmacy Greg Sweet - Greg Sweet Chevy Store Tom Udell, City Council President - American Legion Pat Williams, “AM Live!”

— Andover Bank

MICHALOS 12, he will be asked if he wishes to plead guilty or not guilty to charges that he violated the Pre-Trial Diversion Program, designed to keep Michalos out of jail, by not paying the fines.

He also has a right to waive the hearing.

Michalos did not like Harris’ terminology that he did “not” pay the fine, and told the judge that he had been unable to pay it.

Harris briefly reviewed the case for him, saying that on June 28, 2010, Michalos signed a copy of the Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement stating that fines would be paid by the end of the year.

“It doesn’t say ‘purposely,’” Harris said. “It said it had to be done. There could be a finding at the next hearing that the condition [of the agreement] was not met and the Pre-Trial Diversion Program set aside. The hearing will determine whether or not you are guilty. Do you want a hearing?”

Risley told Harris that for the sake of clarity, a hearing would be in her client’s best interest.

Then Schroeder offered to resolve the matter with the

From page 1A

understanding that Michalos not be allowed on city property for an “indefinite” period, which Harris added would not exceed five years.

“Of course not,” Michalos said.

“Then we will set the hearing. This could go to trial,” Harris said.

“I understand. The money that you’ve had for five months will not squash the trial?” Michalos asked, referring to the fines that had been paid.

“That will be addressed at the hearing,” Harris told him.

“The next hearing will deal exclusively with that. If we find that it wasn’t paid, and find a breach of agreement, we can set a date for a trial.”

“Will I get my money back?” asked Michalos.

“We’ll discuss that at the next hearing. You can go,” Harris told him.

On Tuesday, an upbeat Michalos pointed out that the psychiatrist’s report had noted he was highly prin-

YOUTH

From page 1A

mises.

This dumps them back on the street — to nowhere.

“That’s where they hang out because they can’t come in for the rest of the evening.

My question is, where are they?” she said. “That’s when they become the city’s problem.”

In an effort to start a community dialogue, Pape has called a Youth Summit, meeting noon to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the library meeting room.

Community leaders, school officials, and con-

cerned community residents are invited to attend. The room seats 100 people, and brown bag lunches are welcome.

“The library has had a policy in place for years to deal with unacceptable behavior, and the staff is fully trained to implement the policy and does implement it, and none of that is up for discussion” Pape said. “Obviously, this is a bigger problem within the city of Conneaut that we all need to look at.”

Pape is concerned be-

COUNCIL From page 3A good job.

“No question about it,” he said.

Under Miscellaneous Business, Ward 3 Councilman Rich McBride asked about putting the traffic light at the Conneaut Plaza on a “blinker” for a longer period of time. He wants to hear public concerns before taking the matter to the Public Safety Committee. He also asked Eggleston about the pot holes on Gore Road near CSP. “People are calling. We need a game plan,” he said.

He also said that people are depositing large items and garbage in the area west off West Jackson Street.

“It’s getting pretty messy,” he said.

Hedrick asked for more police patrols around the Skate Park and asked if the city should reconsider how the problems there are being handled.

“I don’t want to close it, but we need a new approach,” he said. “Kids say there are hours when you know not to to there. It’s tragic for the kids who want to go for the purpose it was built.”

Eggleston said that the blue house adjacent to the Skate Park is to be razed, which should make monitoring the area somewhat easier.

LaRusch said the city had received quotes of $2,800 from American Alert to install security cameras. He also suggested that garbage pick-up be included in the weekly downtown run.

“Closing down the park is not the answer,” Udell said.

LaRusch also told Eggleston that a group of citizens has come forward to volunteer to search for city grants. One of them, he said, had secured $800,000 grants in the past.

“Maybe we could have a grant committee to take it off your plate,” he said.

“I’d appreciate it,” Eggleston said.

Eggleston told Council that Lake Erie Correctional Institution Warden Barry Goodrich would introduce himself at the Feb. 27 Council meeting, postponing his scheduled visit Monday night.

Council will also meet on Feb. 27 Kate Osborn, a sixthgrader whose “Name The Road” entry of Innovation Parkway has been selected

by Conneaut City Council as the name of the new street going into the East Side Industrial Park.

“Now we have to fill up the park,” Eggleston said.

Council will meet at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21, in televised work session, due to the Feb. 20 President’s Day holiday.

cipled and had an excellent vocabulary.

“But he also said I go to great matters over small things,” he said.

He also pointed out that, unlike his January 9 court date, in which he became upset because he had not been allowed to carry his black bag from the courtroom to the psychiatrist’s examination room until officers had inspected it, no one inspected or asked to take his bag from him on Monday.

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cause the youth are not eating and have no structured activities.

“Other than my yelling at them, there’s no accountability or interaction,” she said.

“We should all be concerned.”

Pape knows that youths asked to leave the library are being “released to the streets” and end up there for the rest of the day. Last week, she said two girls were jumped on nearby Mill Street.

“They can’t come back in the library for the rest of the evening, so where are they?

When I leave at 7, they’re still wandering the streets,” she said.

Pape calls the situation “heartbreaking.”

“We at the library go home with this,” she said.

“I’m at home twisting and turning for hours in the evening, worried about them. After all, we know these children. Often asked when they’re to leave, they will say, ‘You don’t understand,’ and there is a long story. There’s drama between the groups, and they all have family issues.”

Pape says the kids appear to have nothing. They also appear to be transients who live nearby, for the time being, giving multiple addresses in Conneaut and in Pennsylvania as they visit back and forth between parents and family members.

“They’re hungry. They’re not taken care of. They are lost children,” she said.

She is also curious about the age mix.

“It runs from kids about 10 up, which is ‘new,’ to kids 18 and 19 and young adults who are all hanging out with middle school kids. Why? Why would there be a mixedage group?” she said.

On one hand, Pape is grateful that the youth find the Conneaut Public Library a safe place. On the other hand, she says she has neither the tools nor the equipment to deal with them when they open up about their problems.

“We want to be here and we want them to come, but that’s not what we’re talking about,” she said. “What we are saying is that there is a problem, and whether something is implemented here or at other talking points in the city, we’re all on the same page. We’re trying to guide them in the same cohesive direction.”

Long-time library staff members say the problem has always existed, but that it is on the rise.

“There are wonderful people who reside in Conneaut, and wonderful things going on. But there’s an undercurrent here, too.

It’s heartbreaking to go home and watch these kids scuttle down a cold street.

For us to say the problem has been here, and yet no one has done anything, makes me angry,” Pape said.

Pape admits that by implementing library policy and sending youthful offenders out into the cold, her staff is contributing to the problem.

“My feeling is that if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem, so I’m part of the problem, too,” she said. “But for people who have lived here and watched what is going on, then shame on them for letting the cycle continue without trying to do something. This is our future.”

Pape does not expect solutions in Wednesday’s 45minute meeting. She wants to see who is concerned, who wants to be part of the solution, and move forward in future meetings.

“You can’t open a fourhour discussion on something we haven’t dissected and defined,” Pape said. “Do other people feel the same way? If so, when is our next

See PAPE page 9A

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

Man Arrested on Outstanding Lorain County Warrants

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - A man with warrants through Loran County was arrested Feb. 7 in an E. Main Road trailer.

According to police reports, officers were informed that the wanted man, Donald Zuchowski, was in a trailer at 413 East Main Road.

Officers who responded at 10:25 a.m. learned that Zuchowski visits Sherry Scott, the adult daughter of the resident, every day although he had been advised not to be at the trailer park for any reason.

Scott eventually responded to officers’ knocks at the door, and agreed to let them inside. When they told her they were looking for Zuchowski, and had a warrant for his arrest, she said he was not in the trailer. She

Man Injured in Sunday Morning Accident

gave them permission to look in the trailer.

In the last room officers looked, a master bedroom set up as a TV room with a couch in place of a bed, the couch was positioned blocking the opening of a double closet filled to the ceiling with clothing and other items.

Officers checked the closet and saw nothing, but looking further behind the couch, they observed a motionless male subject lying flat on the floor.

He complied with orders to show his hands and acknowledged that he was Donald Zuchowski. He advised that he knew he was wanted and said that Scott was merely trying to protect him.

Zuchowski was arrested for the warrants and Scott was arrested for Obstructing Official Business. Both were transported to the station and booked in.

PHOTO BY JORDAN WISER

At 7:31 a.m. Feb. 12, the driver of a BMW lost control of his car near Amboy and West Main Roads, and clipped a fire hydrant as he slid into a telephone pole.

The driver received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to UH-Conneaut Medical Center. His car sustained side and front-end damage. Police and Station 1 crews responded to the call.

Site Solver

One Man Arrested, Another Cited in Non-Registered Trailer Stop

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

driver’s license.

Officers stopped the car at Old Main & S. Liberty CONNEAUT - Stephanie Streets, and asked the Davis was cited for driving driver, Stephanie Davis, for under suspension, and her her driver’s license. Davis vehicle was towed, following handed over her license, a traffic stop Sunday morn- which Dispatch confirmed ing. was suspended.

At 9:13 p.m. Feb. 12, ofDavis was also found to ficers patrolling Old Main have two open suspensions, Road and Park Place one for non-compliance and checked the registration of a one for FRA (driving under white Ford Taurus in front suspension). of their cruiser, and learned Davis was cited, and her that the registered owner vehicle was towed by did not possess a valid Chuck’s Towing.

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

She began to argue with the officer, at which point Beville became upset and began yellCONNEAUT - Police pa- ing profanities. trolling W. Main and HighThe officer returned to land Avenues cited Cory the vehicle and met with Newsome on Feb. 8 for oper- Beville and asked why he ating a non-registered was yelling. He stated in obtrailer in the city. scene terms that he “hated According to police re- the cop.” ports, at 4:57 p.m. Feb. 8, ofAfter being told to cease ficers noticed a maroon Ford his actions, he was asked to Explorer pulling a vehicle on exit the vehicle for a pat-down a trailer without a license for weapons. He was then esplate or working lights. corted to the patrol car and They initiated a traffic placed in the rear seat. He stop near the car wash and was warned for his actions spoke with the driver, Cory and stated, “It’s freedom of Newsome, and told him the speech.” Though advised of reason for the stop. the consequences if he continIn the passenger’s seat ued with his tirade, he continwas Robert A. Beville, who ued yelling profanities. told police that he planned The officer then told on getting plates on the Beville that he was under artrailer the next day after rest. He yelled another loud being paid for working on anti-police obscenity. He was Newsome’s vehicle. handcuffed and placed back Newsome did not have into the patrol car. He was his driver’s license with him. transported to jail and Meanwhile, Mackensen booked in.

Newsome was cited for Britteny Donnelly arrived on the scene and questioned why display of license plate and her vehicle was pulled over. driving an unsafe vehicle.

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Do you know the location of this Site Solver? Be the first to call its location to The Courier (440) 5769125, ext. 116, starting 5 p.m. Feb. 16, and you will win a fresh doughnut from Mooney’s Bakery, 231 Broad Street. (Please note that Site Solver responses are not considered before 5 p.m.)

Last week’s Site Solver was the logo on the True North building at Mill & State Streets. Winner was Janet Clark.

CONNEAUT - Richard Williams was arrested for burglary, theft and possession of criminal tools after he was caught in a Cleveland Court residence on Feb. 8.

According to police reports, police were called at 8:16 a.m. for a report of a suspicious male entering a vacant home wearing a backpack.

Officers responded, parking south of the residence, and as they approached the rear of the building, saw a man they recognized as Williams come walking fast around from the west side of the residence dressed in camo pants, boots, jacket and wearing a camo back-

Man Arrested for DUI

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

erage coming from inside of the vehicle.

Nelson slurred his CONNEAUT - Robbie speech, and his eyes were Nelson of Conneaut was bloodshot and watery. booked into jail early SaturWhen asked if he had day morning on DUI consumed any alcoholic charges. beverages, he replied, “I Nelson was stopped on had one beer at about 3 Broad Street at 2:35 a.m. for p.m., but I’m the ‘D.D.’ driving at a high rate of though.” He then added, speed. His vehicle was also “Yeah, I think I had a few swerving back and forth be- shots too.” tween the southbound lanes, After taking field sobriety and traveled left of center tests, Nelson was advised he

by MARTHA SOROHAN She said she had been When officers stopped was under arrest for OVI Gazette Newspapers trying to get some of her be- Nelson, the vehicle’s regis- and handcuffed. longings from her apart- tered owner, and advised He was transported to CONNEAUT - Two resi- ment, but Chad Brantley him why he was being UH-Conneaut Medical Cendents were cited for Disor- would not allow her entry. stopped, they detected a ter for a blood draw, then derly Conduct Monday Brantley told police that he strong odor of alcoholic bev- booked into jail. evening in a Lake Road and Butts had been talking apartment. loudly, but were not arguing.

Officers were dispatched However, since police had to 1165 Lake Road 8:56 p.m. received two complaints in reference to a disturbance from other tenants about the complaint. noise, both were issued misAs they prepared to enter demeanor citations for Disthe apartment, Laura Butts orderly Conduct. exited her father’s apartThey were advised of ment, crying and upset. their court date.

by MARTHA SOROHAN should appear on a red Pontiac station wagon.

Gazette Newspapers Initiating a traffic stop CONNEAUT - Luke C. just south of Hayward AvFrom page 8A Todd was cited for driving enue, officers met with Todd under suspension at 5:19 and explained why he was meeting? Then we’ll begin to brainstorm to identify and p.m. Feb. 7. stopped. They asked him ferret out these issues that some people are afraid to talk Officers patrolling the about the license plate disabout. We need to have an open, frank and honest discus- area of Harbor and Jackson played on the rear of the vesion. Then, after we do that, and invest time, then we can Streets spotted a maroon hicle. come up with solutions and action plans.”

Chevy passenger car travelEntered into LEADS as Pape says the library is in it for the long haul. ing northbound on Harbor having multiple open sus“This is just lunch. Forty-five minutes. This is impor- Street. They checked the pensions, Todd was cited, tant. I hope people will take the time to discuss it,” she vehicle’s displayed registra- and a valid driver drove the said. tion and Dispatch said it vehicle from the scene.

Residents Cited for Disorderly Conduct

Man Arrested on Burglary, Theft Charges

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

Suspended Driver’s Vehicle Towed

pack.

When officers told him of the complaint they had received, he said he was “scoping” out the house and could not believe it had not been torn down yet.

He said he went inside, but did not break in.

When asked what he had in his backpack, he replied, “Things you would normally carry in a backpack.”

He consented to a search, and as soon as officers looked inside, they saw copper pipe, a large heavy industrial size pipe/tubing cutter, a hatchet-styled drywall hammer, a pair of side cut pliers and a screw driver.

Williams begged the officer not to arrest him, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

Man Cited for Driving Under Suspension

PAPE

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