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THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014
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VOL. 23 NO.27
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New Track Is Open
Fourth of July Festival In Full Swing
PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
The Conneaut Area City Schools’ brand new Eighmy Field & Track is open at Maple & Stadium Avenue. The facility is open to the public from dawn till dusk. A grand opening ceremony will be held Friday evening, Aug. 29, at the first Conneaut High School football game of the 2014 season, with a golf outing the following day to raise money for the SPARC (Social Place for Athletics, Recreation, Community) campaign.
Fourth of July Festival Chair Marty Landon overcame a few last- By MARTHA SOROHAN minute planning glitches for the 2014 Festival that opens 4 p.m. Gazette Newspapers Wednesday at Lakeview Park. It concludes with fireworks 10:15 p.m. Saturday, July 5. Read more on page 2A. CONNEAUT – Much to the delight of Conneaut Area City Schools Superintendent Kent Houston, the next piece of the city schools’ SPARC athletic complex is open.
W. E. Dalton Studio Under Water
Gates to the Eighmy Track & Field facility opened Friday morning at 6 a.m., in keeping with the “dawn to dusk” hours established on the sign at the Maple Avenue entrance. “I’m so excited it sends chills,” Houston told the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education
upon announcing the track’s pending opening at the board’s June 26 monthly meeting at the Southeast Building. “The track was lined today, so we’ll take the lock off the main gate and open it to the public.”
See TRACK pg 8A
Joshua Million Changes Plea To Guilty; Faces Life In Prison Without Parole
PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
Bill Dalton, a retired Conneaut educator and artist who opened a studio and gift shop late last fall on Broad Street, stands amidst the fall-out from a collapsed rooftop drain pipe that sent water cascading into the store after heavy rains on June 25. No word on when he will reopen. vented the leak, he would have fixed it himself. But hindsight is always 20/20, CONNEAUT – Bill Dalton and Dalton had no way of knowsaid after surveying water dam- ing that June 24 heavy overnight age to his Broad Street studio rains night would do in the suclast week that if he had known See STUDIO pg 12A that a $20 part could have pre-
By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers
Buckeye Local Schools Hires Interim Superintendent Tom Diringer, a former principal with Buckeye Local Schools, was hired as the district’s one-year interim superintendent Monday evening at a special meeting of the Buckeye Board of Education. Derringer replaces Joseph Spiccia, who resigned after two years to become superintendent of Wickliffe City Schools. Additional details were not available at press time.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Ashtabula County sheriff’s deputies escort Joshua Million, 25, of Conneaut, into the Ashtabula County Common Pleas Courtroom of Judge Gary Yost, where on June 26, Million entered an Alford plea of guilty to the Feb. 6 murder and rape of 4-year-old Melanie Powell of Conneaut. by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers
Enjoy The Parks of Ashtabula County, a 12-page section showcasing the beauty of Ashtabula County parks - Inside this week
CONNEAUT - Joshua Million escaped the death penalty, but will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole after changing his plea to guilty via an “Alford Plea” in the February rape and murder of four-year-old Melanie “Lainie” Powell of Conneaut. The change in plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” came Thursday
afternoon in Judge Gary Yost’s courtroom in Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court. Dressed in white dress shirt and black slacks, Million was escorted by sheriff ’s deputies to the hour-long hearing, where family and friends of the victim and her mother, Macie Powell, filled the spectator ’s chambers wearing matching pink or white “Love for Lainie” T-shirts. The shirts’ message was so
strong that moments before the hearing got underway, a female relative of Million’s left the courtroom sobbing, saying, “It’s like a circus in there.” But no circus atmosphere prevailed once Yost began the hearing, enforcing iron-clad regulations leading to the ejection of one reporter whom Yost thought had disregarded his “two camera” rule. Seated with counsel Marie
See GUILTY pg 10A
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 2A
Conneaut Foundation Awards 12 Grants nizations in Ashtabula County and Springfield Township, Pa. Before awarding the CONNEAUT - The Conneaut Foundation is grants, Conneaut Foundaawarding $75,000 in grants tion board members visited this year to 12 non-profit or- applicant agencies to beganizations throughout come acquainted with what Iarocci called their “amazAshtabula County. Though fewer than half ing” work in the region. Among the recipients are of this year’s grant recipients are located in Conneaut Firefighters LoConneaut, all impact cal 651 for the purchase of fire prevention education Conneaut families. Conneaut Foundation materials for the 2014 Fire Board of Trustees President Prevention week program Nick Iarocci called the re- offered at Lakeshore Pricipients a “diverse group.” mary School. Also receiving a grant “The Board is pleased to be able to support such a di- was The Conneaut Human verse group of non-profits in Resources Center, which apthe region,” he said. “ We plied for assistance in rereceived requests from moving and replacing a 15many deserving organiza- ton rooftop heating and air conditioning unit. tions.” New Leaf United MethThe Conneaut Foundation accepts funding re- odist Church received a quests from non-profit orga- grant to help purchase food
by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers
supplies for its free Friday evening community dinners. The LEAF Project, a week-long ecumenical effort offering home repairs to lowincome and elderly residents, received a grant for materials and supplies, while the Conneaut Community Kitchen received money for groceries and supplies for its Soup Kitchen held the third Saturday of the month at the IOOF Hall. Out-of-town grant recipients are * American Red Cross Ashtabula County Chapter for disaster assistance in the county; * Ashtabula County Continued Education Support Services (ACCESS) to support college and career advisory services for Ashtabula County students; *Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas to estab-
lish a child-centered education/support group for local children of divorce; * Ashtabula County Family YMCA for financial assistance to give low-income children, adults, seniors and families access to YMCA programming *Beatitude House for masonry repairs to A House of Blessing apartments in Ashtabula * Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County to purchase and install a new phone system * Homesafe, Inc., in support of the emergency shelter A non-profit, private foundation serving Ashtabula County and Springfield Township, Pa., since 1997, the Conneaut Foundation builds a legacy through permanent community endowment.
Ready for the Fourth of July Festival of inflatables, including big slides, and a bounce house, a bungee jump, rock-climbing CONNEAUT - Marty wall, and gyro spear. “He’s even got jousting, Landon has been given plenty of lemons over the last where two people get on pedweek regarding the Fourth of estals with jousting poles and July Festival, but with knock each other off the peddogged determination, the estal,” Landon said. A Cleveland ride company result should be sweet lemwill be bringing in a few meonade. The first of the massive chanical rides, perhaps a changes is returning the en- Scrambler, but Landon did tire festival to Lakeview not have specifics. “But when the festival Park. Nothing will take place on opens, it’s all going to be ready to go,” he said. the ball field this year. Landon said 17 food venLandon said he drove by the park last week and no- dors will be on site with evticed improvements to the erything from perogies to the stage. Checking with the city famous Taylor Doughboy -- a about the possibility of add- mainstay at the Albion, Pa., ing a cover, Landon was given fair -- Saigon Pearl Chinese the go-ahead to put up stage Food, steak sandwiches, lights and a canopy, to save Cherry Hill Ice Cream, lemthe expense of bringing in the onade shakes and Miller’s portable stage from Cleve- Corn Dogs. For the first time, Family land that last year went up Fellowship Foursquare Gosat the ball field. The Miss Fourth of July pel Church will be selling hot Pageants that start at 5 p.m. dogs. The fireworks show will go Wednesday, followed by two rounds of the 2014 DQ on Saturday evening, even Conneaut Idol, will be held though Landon is about on the stage in the center of $3,000 short of the $10,000 he sought. the park. After cancelling a fireThe biggest hurdle that came up was cancellation works fund-raising event at last week by the original the Port Conneaut Federal amusement company, Mid- Credit Union on Friday, Landon has decided to pass ways of Utica, N.Y. In its place will be Dino donation cans during the weekend festival. Jump of Erie, Pa. The $10,000 fireworks Landon explained that the New York company show is expected to go on, afowner recently had cancer ter a 9 p.m. show by surgery and fell behind in Matchpoint. Landon is optimistic seeking permits, especially in the State of Ohio, and missed about weather reports forecasting sunshine for the free the deadline. But Landon is excited, festival July 2, 4 and 5, with saying the park will be full a slight chance of showers
by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers
July 3. “The parade is good,” he said, of the noon July 4 event heading north on Broad Street and west on Erie Street to Lakeview Park. The public is invited to
enter the “Minute to Win It” games 5 p.m. July 3, watermelon eating and pizza eating at 6 p.m. July 3, by coming to the Lakeview Park bandstand. Game finals will take place 1 p.m. July 5.
2014 CONNEAUT 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL THURSDAY JULY 3, 2014 FESTIVAL HOURS 4 pm –MIDNIGHT First Round Minute-to-Win-It Games 5 p.m. First Round Watermelon Eating and Pizza Eating 6 p.m. Third round Dairy Queen Conneaut Idol (ELIMINATE 1) 7 p.m. BAND 9 p.m.
FRIDAY JULY 4 – FESTIVAL HOURS NOON – MIDNIGHT PARADE (Depot St to Broad St to Erie St to Lakeview Park) Noon LARRY, DARRYL & CHERYL 1:30 p.m. Fourth Round Dairy Queen Conneaut Idol (ELIMINATE 1) 5:30 p.m. BAND 8:00pm Fifth Round Dairy Queen Conneaut Idol (ELIMINATE 1) 9:00pm BAND 10:00pm
SATURDAY JULY 5 – FESTIVAL HOURS NOON - MIDNIGHT FINALS Minute-To-Win-It Games (children & adults) 1 p.m. Semi-Final Round Dairy Queen Conneaut Idol (ELIMINATE 1) 2 p.m. BAND 3 p.m. Dairy Queen Conneaut Idol Finale 8 p.m. Band: Matchpoint (classic rock) 9 p.m. Fireworks 10:15 p.m. Band: Matchpoint 11 p.m.
TOWN TALK Sunday evenings storms washed out the Conneaut Arts Center’s first Outdoor Summer Concert of the 2014 season featuring the Motown band “Contra.” CAC Director Penny Armeni said the band is so fabulous that she wasted no time in rescheduling for 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24. “Cross your fingers from here on out the sun shines all day on Sundays,” Armeni said. “Good Question” will play 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6. Connie Naylor, head of the Signs for Conneaut Committee, heard from Michael Panion of Ohio Logos, Inc., that his firm is still waiting on support beams for the "Lake Erie beaches" sign to be posted on the blue "attractions" signs at the Route 7 exit of I-90. Beams have been on order for several months. Naylor was hoping the "Lake Erie beaches" sign, long paid for by the Board of Tourism, would be up by July 4. Matt Crawford received good news on June 25. A Cleveland businessman who read about Crawford’s efforts to raise money to purchase GPS units for students using the Outdoor Learning Center has pledged to make a donation. Crawford also received good participation for the OLC’s volunteer clean-up day on June 21. About 20 volunteers showed up. The work party was to last from 9 till noon, but when Phil Garcia showed up at 11:30 a.m. with donated lunches volunteers tackled the meal instead. Just as they were finishing, Keith Schreiber of Conneaut Dairy Queen arrived with free Dilly bars. A good time was had by all. Crawford’s next fund-raising OLC event will be Aug. 2. Guided tours will be offered. New and aspiring business owners are invited to attend “The Business Compass,” ongoing series for business navigation sponsored by the Ashtabula County Chambers of Commerce. The first session will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 9 at the Jefferson Community Center, 11 E. Jefferson Street. Two Conneaut natives Small Business Development Consultant Roy H. Bean and Hattie Grubke-Barnard of Growth Partnership will discuss the right ways and wrong ways of doing business in Ashtabula County. Payment of $10, which includes a box lunch from Deli In the Rye, is due July 7. Call Pamela Harting at 440-344-1769. FYI, the Scenic Railroad in Jefferson has closed. The Ashtabula Carson & Jefferson Railroad which ran the operation decided to close the tourist attraction after 23 years in order to concentrate on its freight line. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, will begin taking donations July 21 for its annual Summer Rummage Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2. Conneaut Rotary Club will soon be selling tickets to the annual Duck Derby, to be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Kelsey’s Run at Township Park. Friends of MaryEllen Higley are invited to send cards to her at ACMC Skilled Nursing, 2420 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. MaryEllen is spending several weeks in rehab after breaking her pelvis in a recent fall. She was transferred there over the weekend. Belated happy 90th birthday to Frank Behling, who was surprised at a birthday party in his honor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Behling’s birthday was June 3. And just in time for the holiday, the Conneaut Spartan flags are up on flag poles on Main Street, alternating with American flags. Have a happy Fourth of July.
Senior Calendar Seniors Together
Civic Meetings A memorial service for
*meetings in Council Chambers at City Hall unless noted
Richard J. Metcalf
Conneaut City Council work session, 6 p.m. July 7 Board of Tourism, 6:30 p.m. July 8 at Buccia’s, 518 Gore Road Planning Commission, 6:30 p.m. July 8 Board of Health, 8:30 a.m. July 9 at Health Department, 327 Mill Street Downtown Clean-Up Committee 6 p.m. July 9 Conneaut Township Park Board, 6:30 p.m. July 9 at Park Office, 480 Lake Road Zoning Board of Appeals 7 p.m. July 10
who passed away May 17th, will be held at The United Church of Christ in Conneaut on Saturday, July 5th at 2:30 in the afternoon. He is survived by his wife, Fran; daughter, Lynn (Judge James Alexander); and grandson, Scott (Beckie). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as several brother and sister-in-laws in the area. He was a lifelong resident of Conneaut until recently when he moved to Michigan to be near his immediate family.
North Kingsville Village Council 7 p.m. July 7 at Municipal Building, 3541 Center Road Monroe Township Trustees, 7:30 p.m. July 8 at Township Garage, 5578 S. Monroe Center Road. Kingsville Township Trustees 7 p.m. July 9 at Fire Hall, 3130 Main Street
Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill St. 7:30-10:30 a.m. Senior Soles morning walkers 9:30 - 11:30 - Crazy Crafters: knitting, looming, crocheting 10:30 a.m. - Programs 11:30 a.m. - Senior Nutrition lunch program Noon to 12:30 - Social time July 2 - Bingo July 3 - Brown bag lunch (no meal site) July 4 - CLOSED July 7 - Bingo July 8 - July birthdays party with Angel of Ashtabula County Nursing Home July 9 - Bible study with Bud and Sheila Brooker July 10 - Trivia Day/treats with Kelly of UHHS July 11 - Bingo
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 3A
Preliminary State Test Results Show Slim Improvement for Schools By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT – Conneaut Area City Schools will add another section to its pre-school for at-risk children at Lakeshore Primary School. The announcement was made at the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education meeting June 26 at the Southeast Building. Conneaut Area City Schools Superintendent Kent Houston noted that former Special Services Director Karen Kehoe, who has resigned to take a post out of town, came in on her own time to help apply for the “ECE Expansion Grant.” The grant, which was received, will fund one fulltime teacher and one aide for a new 16-student section of pre-school. “We can expand. It’s exciting,” Houston said. Houston also announced that while preliminary results of the State of Ohio Department of Education’s spring, 2014, Ohio Achievement Assessment and Ohio Graduation Tests released on June 23 show that Conneaut schools met 16 out of 24 “indicators,” he has his fingers crossed that the district could meet 19 out of 24 once final results are in. Last year, the district met 18 out of 24. “But the results show the same critical areas, year in
and year out,” he said. Results do not include the “value added” weight to the scoring which is given to economically depressed districts. Houston said some of the scores were outstanding. Conneaut High School students scored 94.1 percent in reading and 91.5 percent in writing – the best in Ashtabula County. Science scores, however, were at 76.3 percent. Houston said third grade reading scores were up from 83.6 percent a year ago to 89 percent, and fourth grade math scores jumped from 63 percent last year up to 75 percent this year. But 75 percent is not good enough for “passing.” The school district is in the midst of a summer school program for Gateway Elementary School third graders who must pass the reading portion of the OAA to be promoted to fourth grade, along with a few second grade at-risk readers. Houston said if five of the 14 students in summer school pass the science portion of the test when they retake it next week, the scores could jump to 80 percent passing, which is another indicator. A complete ranking of scores may be found on the Ohio Department of Education web site. Houston also told the board of corrective action
needed in the EEA audit of computer technology. Houston said minor issues, such as a computer notebook that turned up missing in 2007, and a computer monitor that turned up missing in 2009, turned out to be caused by failure of the district to swap out inventory tags when the items were exchanged with others in a conference room. “We have to develop with staff, supervisors and administrators how to dispose of inventory,” he said. Houston said the board is also required to have a public hearing on spending technology grant money. He said the two findings were “minor,” yet upsetting and promised that the district would take care of the mistakes and see that they do not happen again. Houston also announced in his report to the school board that Ohio House Bill #487 has established new graduation requirements. In addition to students completing a specified number of credit hours in high school, and passing end-ofthe-year exams, students have the option of earning a diploma if they score high on the American College Test (ACT) or earn industryrecommended credentials at vocational schools such as A-Tech. “Each is separate, so it’s one of three ways,” Houston said.
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Max Seymour has been hired to oversee the videotaping of Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education meetings, in addition to other tech duties. He replaces Corey Watts, who resigned. Houston also announced the school district will pursue a lawsuit against Lake Pointe Rehabilitation & Nursing Center on Parrish Road for tuition owed for an out-of-district student residing at Lake Pointe who is attending Conneaut Area City Schools. A hearing is set for Sept. 29.
See STATE TEST pg 8A
Trash Vs. Treasure: Lyla Kightlinger is Senior of the Month NK Playground Heads to Geneva ground for years, Geneva Recreation Director Myke Anderson sold Geneva City Council on the opportunity NORTH KINGSVILLE - to obtain the playground Categorized as “trash” ear- at its June 23 meeting. “We looked at [a Leathlier this year by the Buckeye Local Schools Board of ers & Associates playEducation, the North ground] in 2002, but the Kingsville Elementary cost was $150,000,” AnderSchool playground has been deemed “treasure” by “Things like this the City of Geneva and is on its way to Memorial add to the source Park. Volunteers from the of community City of Geneva began last pride. It would be Thursday dismantling the sizable wooden Leathers & a great asset for Associates playground from behind the vacant the community.” school. Geneva City Council “They’re in the process President Jeff Piotrowski of removing it, and had planned to finish by the son said. “It would cost us weekend, but they’re not $200,000 to $250,000 new done yet,” said Buckeye to get this playground. Schools’ maintenance chief North Kingsville spent a Rich Kreisher. lot of money on this playThe Buckeye Schools ground and now they are determined last winter going to demo it, which is that the playground was a a real shame.” liability and agreed to deThe school district had molish it along with the sent Anderson a letter sayvacant elementary school. ing that the city was wel“The posts were rotted, come to take the equipand our insurance com- ment, but it had to act fast. pany deemed it unsafe and Once the Buckeye Schools a liability,” Kreisher said. award a school demolition “We had other groups look bid, no one will be allowed at it and they didn’t want on school property. Bids it because it was in such are due July 9. bad shape.” Anderson proposes movNot so Geneva, which ing the playground to Mehas been seeking a Leathers & Associates play- See PLAYGROUND pg 12A
by MARTHA SOROHAN and ZACH DZURICH Gazette Newspapers
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Sixty-five year Conneaut resident Lyla Kightlinger was honored as Senior of the Month June 23 by Conneaut City Council. Kightlinger has been employed at numerous local establishments, including six years at Hercules Packing, 16 years at Kingsville Truck Stop (including 12 years as head waitress and four years as restaurant manager); and substitute lunchroom monitor at Happy Hearts School. A 30-year member and former Sunday school and Missionette teacher and funeral dinner supervisor at First Assembly of God, Kightlinger enjoys ceramics, crocheting, gardening, cooking, crafts and playing the piano and organ. The TOPS member also likes to make Christmas and Easter cards for residents of Villa At the Lake, Lake Pointe Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and Ashtabula County Nursing Home. Kightlinger and her husband, Leroy have been married 47 years. They have three children, Mark, Victoria and Autumn, and nine grandchildren, whom Kightlinger enjoys baby-sitting. The couple is raising an autistic nephew. Upon receiving her award, Kightlinger said she is doing what grandparents are “supposed” to do. “This award should be accepted on behalf of all grandparents in Conneaut who have stepped up to bat and did what needed to be done,” she said. With Kightlinger are her numerous grandchildren and her nephew. City Council President Nic Church (left) presented her with flowers.
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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 4A
Wildfire Dancers Wow Showcase America by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Showcase America dance instructor Lindsay Lancaster was moved to tears by the 50 Wildfire dancers who attended Showcase America Dance Camp June 18 and 19 at the Wildfire Dance Center. “The kids reminded me of when I was in camp,” she
PHOTOS BY MARTHA SOROHAN
Showcase America Dance Instructor Katie Farry of Cincinnati offers instruction during Showcase America’s workshop at the Wildfire Dance Center last month.
told parents attending a mini-performance at the camp’s concluding session June 19. “This is how I started in dance when I was 10 years old.” The agile Lancaster -who has danced with the XFactor, Dancing With the Stars, and a music video featuring Beyonce -- joined instructors Katie Farry, of Cincinnati and Lauren Daidone, of Dayton, in leading the students through two days of paces in the Wildfire Dance Center gymnasium. The annual camp offers Wildfire students an opportunity to learn moves from professionals in nationally recognized dance programs who started in local dance programs. And for dance students with passion and drive, meeting young women in the dance industry is an inspiration. Farry, an Exhale Dance Company member who has been leading summer camps for Showcase America for four or five years, said the Wildfire dancers are “lucky” to have the camp opportunity. “It’s awesome,” she said. Daidone, who studied dance performance and choreography at Ohio University, was in Conneaut with Showcase America for her
Wildfire founder and director Mary Murtha (left) and Showcase America Instructors Katie Farry and Lauren Daidone take a breather near the end of a two-day workshop for Wildfire students at the Wildfire Dance Center.
third year as part of a team that offers summer workshops in Ohio and Michigan. “I love teaching the kids, giving back,” she said. “I can see how they’ve improved over the past year.” Daidone said an advantage of summer workshops is the low student/teacher ratio and the two-day time frame. “Just having it one day can be too long,” she said. For Lancaster, who has moved back to Cincinnati, instructing the camp is “coming full circle” from the time she began attending camps, dancing with a drill team, dancing at the prestigious Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles at age 18, and eventually choreographing all over the country. “ I like choreographing more than dancing, which is why I left California. I got out of the dancing part because I wanted to create. Being here is amazing. This is how I learned to dance. That was me 10 years ago,” she said, pointing to young dancers as enthusiastic as the teachers. Eleven-year-old Rachel Bensky, of Madison, with Wildfire for six years, said she learned a lot.
“I enjoyed coming,” she said. Lancaster, who admitted paying her dues by waiting tables prior to landing a job as a professional dancer, was thrilled with the Wildfire students’. “They’ve grown 10 times,” she told parents about the girls’ progress.
Showcase America Instructor Lindsay Lancaster shows moves that landed her dancing contracts in California on XFactor, Dancing With the Stars, and a Beyonce music video.
Food, Glorious Food PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
Six-year-old Gracie Vasey, 6, of Conneaut, enjoyed a free hot dog lunch courtesy of Ashtabula County Children Services on June 25 during a Community Event at Conneaut Plaza. In addition to the ACCS’ lunches, served to bring awareness to the free Ashtabula County Summer Meals Program, non-profits such as Homesafe, WIC, Head Start and Help Me Grow, and businesses such as Scentsy, US Bank, and Amish bakers set up tables. Goodwill parked at truck at the Plaza to accept donations. Unfortunately, rain curtailed the number of people who took advantage of the 90minute event. The ACCS serves free lunch at 9 a.m. and free lunch at noon at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill St., to anyone under 18 years of age.
Conneaut Family Health Center Wins Project Pride Award
Eleven-year-old Rachel Bensky shows what she learned as a Wildfire dancer during a two-day workshop sponsored by Showcase America.
Dorothy Shumake Arboretum Donors 2014 by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - At the city’s Arbor Day ceremony June 21 at the Dorothy Shumake Arboretum at Malek Park, Conneaut Tree Commission President and Arbor Day ceremony emcee Rod Raker announced the following memorial donations to the Arboretum over the past year. Contact Raker for information on donating a living memorial.
Honoree Anthony J. Liocano Braden, Hicks & Whiting Families Evelyn Froelicher Louise Smith Mary Adams
Contributors Bonita & Richard Kiser Braden, Hicks & Whiting Families North Kingsville Garden Club North Kingsville Garden Club North Kingsville Garden
Present & Past Residents Present & Past Residents Ciarra Rhodes N. Keith & Miriam Ander-
Club Natasha & David Roosa, Loved Ones, Familes & Friends The Ardis Kremer Home The Ardis Kremer Home Gramma Rhodes The Anderson Family
son John & Thelma Szalai Ed & Dorothy Malek The Anderson Family Hank & Anne Ogrodnichek Bluestone Perennials
Gary & Pamela Anderson The Anderson Family Rod Raker The Ogrodnichek Family Bill Boonstra & Family
Melanie “Lanie” Powell
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Himalayan Pine Shellbark Hickory
Conneaut Rotary Club members Pam Stump, Kori Campbell and Jeanette Speer (left) present the "Project Pride Award" sign to June Project Pride Business winner Conneaut Family Health Center. Accepting the award are CFHC employees (fourth left) Michelle Minor, Jenny Teter, Chandel Rettinger, Amanda Shahan, Karen Spence, and Dr. Anthony Ruffa. Next to Ruffa, at right, is Conneaut Rotarian Kerry Gerdes. The CFHC is located in the Conneaut Plaza.
Merlot Rose
by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers
Plant
Suzanne Weigela Rubidor Weigela Summer Fun Dogwood
Miss Grace Dawn Redwood Wingle's Weeping Spruce Celestial Shadow Dogwood Butterflies Magnolia Merrill Magnolia California Incense Cedar Mimosa Tree Jack Callery Pear
Family Health Center's clean, sleek facade has given the Conneaut Plaza a muchCONNEAUT - Conneaut needed boost, most of the Family Health Center fam- physical improvements are ily physician Dr. Anthony visible upon entering the Ruffa could not be more state-of-the-art facility. "When designing the ofpleased that the brand new facility has won the June fices, much attention was Project Pride Award in the paid to creating a welcoming business category just three environment for patients as months after its grand open- well as a high-tech, efficient work space for staff," Ruffa ing. Ruffa views it as a sign said. "Both were accomthat Ashtabula County plished. The health center Medical Center's decision to also makes easier access to bring health care services all of the services provided directly to the Conneaut by Ashtabula County Medicommunity was the right cal Center. In addition to seeing a physician, patients one. "The award tells us that may receive an x-ray, mamConneaut has embraced us mogram or have blood work just as much as we have done right here. Our locaembraced Conneaut," he tion is conveniently located and has abundant parking." said. Beyond the aesthetics, Though the Conneaut
Ruffa said that the medical facility has created jobs and had an impact on local businesses. His staff enjoys working in the new space, too. "I feel very privileged to work for Ashtabula County Medical Center at the Conneaut Family Health Center. Everyone who has visited the office has been impressed," Ruffa said. Three seasons of the year, Marcy Funeral Home and Conneaut Rotary Club present the "Project Pride Award" to residences and businesses that bring pride to the city. Winners receive a permanent plaque and a 30-day “Project Pride Award Winner” sign. Project Pride nominations may be submitted to Kori Campbell at Marcy Funeral Home.
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 5A
Conneaut Public Library Events 304 Buffalo St. 593-1608
Upcoming Events July 3, 10, 17 - Cruise-In 6 to 9 p.m. at Township Park’s lower pavilion. Sponsored by Lighthouse Cruisers. Concessions available.
July 4, 11 - AA, open, 8 p.m. at Amboy United Methodist Don’t miss today’s drawing (July 3) for two tickets to Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls. Stop in at the li- Church, 554 W. Main Road. brary and enter. Winner chooses the concert date and pavilJuly 5, 12 - Farmer’s Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moose ion or lawn seats. Club, Broad Street & Park Avenue. The “Literary Elements” Adult Summer Reading proJuly 3 - Fourth of July Festival at Lakeview Park. Games gram offers an entry into the drawing for a Kindle Fire HD for each book read June 9 to July 31 by adults 18 and over. begin 5 p.m. Round 3 of DQ-Conneaut Idol 7 p.m. Fill out a comment card to rate the book and offer an opinion. July 4 - Fourth of July Parade, noon from Depot Street to Cards will be posted in the library. No registration is required. Broad Street to Lakeview Park. Festival opens at noon. DQ Conneaut Idol Round 5 at 9 p.m.
Kingsville Public Library Events
6006 Academy St., 224-0239
July 5 - Fourth of July Festival at Lakeview Park noon to midnight. DQ-Conneaut Idol semi-finals 2 p.m. and final round 8 p.m. July 5 - Fireworks, 10:15 p.m. over Lake Erie
July 6 - “Good Question,” Free outdoor concert 7 p.m. at The next movie in Kingsville Public Library’s 2014 Summer Movie Schedule is “The Lego Movie” (PG) at 9 p.m. Conneaut Arts Center, 1025 Buffalo Street. Bring blanket or July 20, followed by “Rio 2,” (G); 8:30 p.m. Aug. 10, “Diver- lawn chair. Concessions. Music of today and yesterday. gent,” (PG-13);“Mr. Peabody and Sherman,” at 8:30 p.m. July 7 - Tennis Camp begins 10 a.m. to noon all week at Aug. 24. Free popcorn is served and other concessions are available. Bring a blanket or lawn chair plus bug spray. In Liberty Street Tennis Courts for ages 4th through 8th grade. case of rain, movies will be rescheduled. July 7 - Produce-to-People Food Distribution 10 a.m. to noon The Kingsville Public Library five-week Independent at Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street. Bring Summer Reading Program is underway through July a bag. 18 for children ages 5 to 12. Pick up a reading log at the July 7 - Meet & greet with Ohio Rep. John Patterson (Dlibrary, return the log and spin for prizes. Prizes include restaurant and iTunes gift cards and more. Call 224-0239. 99) 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Conneaut Human Resources Center
Conneaut Arts Center 1025 Buffalo St. (440) 593-5888
“Good Question,” a local band featuring a mix of songs of today and yesterday, will appear at the 7 p.m. July 6 Summer Concert at the Newcomb Performing Arts Center. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Concert sponsor is Villa At the Lake. Coming July 13: An Evening of Jazz with Buzz Cronquist Trio and Charles Schlaich on keyboard. Concert sponsor is Conneaut Savings Bank. Series co-sponsor is Gazette Newspapers.
July 9 - “Frozen” (PG) “Movies Under the Stars” 9 p.m. at Conneaut Arts Center, 1025 Buffalo Street. Free. Bring lawn chairs or blanket. Co-sponsored by Conneaut Public Library. Rain date: July 11.
Site Solver
July 12 - Benefit Bike Run for Shaun Hosken-LaRusch & Karen Pouewells 11 a.m. from Moose Club. Dinner, DJ at 5 p.m. return. Call 440-344-5863.
Ramblin’ Rose is Certified Free Library
Have you seen this Site Solver in Conneaut? Be the first to call its location to The Courier (440) 576-9125, ext. 116, starting 5 p.m. July 3, and you will win a free meal (excluding beverage) at Angela’s Cafe, 268 Lake Road. Last week’s Site Solver was an old building on Daniels Road, which Site Solver winner Darlyene Brisley recognized as the garage where her late father, Red Wilson, loved to tinker and work on old cars.
Conneaut’s Creative Writing Equitable Justice
Instructor Chris Angerman will teach "Barn Quilt" classes 10 a.m. to noon July 22 and July 23. Evening classes 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 and Wed., Aug. 6. Fee $20 includes a 2x2foot primed board, paint, tape and brushes. Call 593-5888 to register.
by Meryl Taylor Conneaut Taken at face value a dollar goes to waste. what is delicious on the lips is a matter of one’s taste. A thing of beauty to one man may be junk to another’s eye. We must all reconcile our griefs if we are to get by. What is the truth, what might be fair may not seem right at all when the wrong man is asked to answer and thereby, take the fall. All things being equal to be level, keep things square. One must stand in another’s shoes to know just what is fair.
Stop in and see the multi-media art show, “Portraits,” which opens July 3, with painting, photography, fiber art, sculpture, drawing. Vote for People’s Choice. Show ends Aug. 4.
Wilderness Program Applications Due July 12 Schiavone, firefighter and paramedic; Dragonfly and Spirit Walker VanPelt, members of the United Eastern Lenape Nation; Bryan Bailey, medicine council member of the United Eastern Lenape Nation; and Ryan Tattrie, firefighter and paramedic with Conneaut Fire Department. The camp is limited to 12 students ages 13 to 17. The program concludes with a public demonstration and graduation Aug. 2. Visit trilliumctr@gmail .com for applications.
High levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, so called “bad” cholesterol, can cause fatty deposits in the blood vessels. When this happens the risk of a heart attack or stroke may increase. Unhealthy lifestyle choices are often the reason for by Kerry Gerdes high cholesterol, although Gerdes Pharmacy it can be inherited. A person is more likely to have 245 Main St. high cholesterol if they are 593-2578 a smoker, obese, do not exercise, eat a poor diet and if they have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. New treatment guidelines recently identified four groups that can benefit from taking one of the drugs commonly referred to as a “statin”. Statins work to lower the bad cholesterol in the body by blocking a substance that leads to cholesterol production in the liver. New guidelines indicate that the groups that can benefit from statin therapy have 1) a history of heart attack, chest pain, stroke, or have had surgery to restore blood flow in the heart, 2) a low density lipoprotein (LDL) level equal or greater than 190 mg/dL, 3) diabetics aged 40-75 with LDL between 70-189 mg/dL and 4) a LDL between 70-189 mg/dL plus an estimated 10 year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk greater than 7.5%. It is suggested that people in these four groups be placed on high or moderate intensity statin therapy.
July 12 - D-Day Meeting 9 a.m. at Hungarian Reformed Church (future D-Day Museum) at Lake Road and Harbor Streets.
Summer Youth Theater classes for children in grades 3 to 8 will be offered 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays July 15 through Aug. 19. Madeleine Plosila will teach stage presence, line memorization and delivery, and role-playing, with performance on Aug. 20. $45 CAC members/$50 non-members.
CONNEAUT - Application deadline is July 12 for the Youth Wilderness Program offering basic first aid, wilderness survival skills, and introduction to first aid plants at the nonprofit Trillium Center on Furnace Road. The five-day program on July 19, 23, 27, 30 and Aug. 2 is taught by community members Leah Wolfe, MPH, herbalist and community health educator; Ian Hamilton, a survival skills and earth living instructor with a passion for youth mentoring; Charles
Who Should Be Taking a “Statin”?
July 11 - Chicken sandwich & salad luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets. $6.
Classes begin the week of July 7 in zumba, ballroom dancJuly 13 - Buzz Cronquist Jazz Band, with Charles Schlaich, ing, Pilates, and Dance Department offerings of ballet, jazz, keyboard, 7 p.m. at Conneaut Community Arts Center, 1025 pointe, world dance, hip hop, “intro to guys dance” and Buffalo Street. Free. Bring blanket or lawn chair. Concessions. “Tankersize. ” movement classes taught by “Tank” Jackson. The popular “Illustration Across the Board” will meet in July for middle-school students. Voice and instrumental music lessons also available. Call 593-5888. Don’t miss a chance to see the animated Disney film, “Frozen,” (PG) 9 p.m. July 9 at “Movies Under the Stars” at the CAC, co-sponsored by the Conneaut Public Library. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. The movie is free. Concessions available. Rain date: July 11.
Pharmacy & Health
PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
Glenda Lowe of Ramblin’ Rose Alpaca Farm, 6316 Root Road, Monroe, shows the farm’s new Little Free Library which is now registered as a national Little Free Library. Little Free Libraries are popping up all over the country. Books are free for the taking and may be dropped off at any Little Free Library in any state. Lowe said the first call she received after the wooden structure built by her husband, Terry, went onto the Little Free Library National Register came from Conneaut.
Golf Outings July 11 - Conneaut Rotary Club Golf Tournament Four-person scramble July 11 at Village Green Golf Course, North Kingsville. Registration 10 a.m., shotgun start 11 a.m. $60 per person for 18 holes with cart, beverages, hot dogs at the turn, steak dinner, and prize bags. Call Scott Landis or any Rotary member.
Religion
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 6A
LEAF Project Seeks Volunteers by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers
because they’re permanent, and they are engineered to code, but we don’t do handiCONNEAUT - If it’s July, capped bathrooms any more. LEAF week in Conneaut We don’t do roofs on secondcan’t be far behind. story houses because they The LEAF committee will are simply too high. We don’t hold one more “quick” meet- do garages.” ing July 8 at New Leaf LEAF will set up headUnited Methodist Church to quarters at Corpus Christi make sure everything is Parish Hall on Mill Street, ready for volunteers to begin where volunteers are fed tackling owner-occupied breakfast and dinner each home repair projects in the day, under the coordination city July 19 and July 21 to of Judy Pew, taking over this 26. year from kitchen veteran Volunteers of all ages are Marcia Palm. in high demand to paint, atBox lunches are fed to tach drywall, do roofing, car- volunteers on the job. pentry and landscaping. A slight change in this “If you have any skill, year’s LEAF program will be show up,” said LEAF co- tackling several homes in a chair Jeff Raines said. “You single area to improve a don’t have to work the entire neighborhood, an idea borweek. You can do a couple of rowed from Ashtabula. hours or a day.” This year’s focus will be Now in its tenth year, Poplar Street, after an apLEAF acquired its acronym peal by Frank Brown, new to from the four former United that neighborhood. Methodist Churches that “It’s an interesting, takefounded the program: back-your-neighborhood Lakeview, East Conneaut, concept, even though we’re Amboy and First United not really about doing work Methodist Churches. for people who are told by Five years later, in 2010, the city that they must clean it changed its acronym to up their property,” said “Loving Equally All Fami- Raines, co-directing the lies” when three of the 2014 LEAF Project with reUnited Methodist Churches tired engineer Jeff merged and leaders sought Pritchard, of Kingsville. an acronym to represent vol- “We’re about quality of life. unteers from additional con- We have an applicant who gregations inside and out- was told he needed to get a side the city. railing up in order to qualify But the group’s goal, to do for homeowners’ insurance.” Christ’s work in the commuLEAF projects are always nity, did not change. at the mercy of the weather, “We got about 60 applica- but most of the work gets tions for project this year, done. but we’ve learned over the “We always finish what years that some things we we start, even if it means just can’t do,” said Raines, a going back after the week is member of New Leaf. over,” Raines said. “It would “Single projects that cost be a bad mark if we can’t get $4,000 are beyond our scope. it done. But if there’s time, We’ll do handicapped ramps and we have finished 10
projects that are done right, it’s better than 20 and ‘look out.’” Monetary donations to LEAF are as important as donations of labor. Raines says the group might not be able to continue if not for loyal businesses donors such as Conneaut Dairy Queen, Orlando Brothers, Gerdes -to name a few. “We always hate to ask again, but they always say yes. I work for Conneaut Telephone, and they donate, too” he said. Now that LEAF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with an EIN [employee identification number], Raines wishes it could hire a full-time fund-raiser. “We have a lot of expenses,” he said. “People have sent us money. Sometimes we ask that people buy the paint and we’ll supply the labor. Paint can be costly, though.” This year’s closing dinner will take place not on Saturday evening, as in past years, but 6 p.m. Friday, July 25, the day before LEAF’s “official” July 26 end date. “That gives us Saturday as a day to finish up, pick up and move out of Corpus Christi,”
Raines said. “And on Saturday, the out-of-town volunteers want to go home.” Out-of-town volunteers usually include young people who camp all week at Amboy United Methodist Church. “We’ve invited five or six groups from Northeast Ohio, including Mentor and Painesville, but they have to raise money to come because it costs to feed them and buy the materials,” Raines said. “But we’re also trying to get more Conneaut youth.” The LEAF committee hopes more residents will consider volunteering. Nearly all LEAF volunteers find it rewarding even if, as in 2013, LEAF week falls during the hottest week of the year. “We don’t believe in working anyone to death, but you get three good meals a day,” Raines said with a smile. “It gets you working with people you don’t know. You talk things out, work together, and hopefully make a difference.” Those interested in volunteering with LEAF may call Corpus Christi Parish at 599-8570 or New Leaf United Methodist Church at 5932525.
“Most entanglements are caused by vocal cords.” --Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene.
Religious Briefs First Assembly of God, 389 W. Main Road, will host a “Celebrate America” worship service 10:30 a.m. July 6. Greeters for 10 a.m. July 6 worship with Holy Communion at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets, are Tom and Janet Smith. Paul Shellhammer is liturgist. The “God Moment” will be presented by Connie Thompson. Pastor Joyce Shellhammer will speak on “A Lifeline.” Organist is Harry Casey. A family-style pot luck luncheon will follow worship. The Rev. William Burkett of Elyria will preach at 8:30 outdoor contemporary worship and 11 a.m. traditional sanctuary worship on July 6 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road. Holy Communion is offered at all services. The Rev. Scott Walsh, pastor, will preach at 9 a.m. contemporary and 11 a.m. traditional worship July 6 at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street. Music by soprano Megan Kalosky, Vocal Music Instructor with Conneaut Area City Schools, and organist Sue Marcy. Free brunch 8:30 to 10:50 a.m. People in Prayer for Progress 10 a.m. July 5 at New Leaf South on Gateway Avenue. Junior and senior high youth outdoor work 3 to 5 p.m. July 6 at New Leaf South. At 11 a.m. worship July 7 at First Baptist Church, 370 State St., interim pastor Brian Ewig will preach. Greeters are Dixie Onion, Gerri Ewig and the Gross family. At 11 a.m. worship July 6 at First Baptist Church, 370 State St., interim pastor Brian Ewig will preach. Greeters are Dixie Onion, Gerri Ewig and the Gross family.
Church Meals: New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street, free Community Dinners 5 to 6 p.m. Fridays. Meal will be served July 4, with new summer menu. Chicken Sandwich and Salad Lunch will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets. Donation $6. Next lunch: Aug. 1. The next Men’s Community Breakfast is 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. July 12 at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street. Free food and fellowship.
Church Softball: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will play Federated Red at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and New Leaf United Methodist Church at 6:15 p.m. July 8 at Lakeview Park. New Leaf United Methodist Church will play Albion, Pa., Church of the Nazarene 6:15 p.m. July 10 at Lakeview Park.
American Heritage Girls Day Camp Girls ages 5 to 18 are invited to attend the American Heritage Girls’ “Birds, Butterflies and Blossoms” Day Camp July 7 to 11 at Conneaut Fish & Game Club, 80 Keefus Road. The camp, which promotes Christian values, runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering archery, cooking, crafts, swimming, creeking, fire-building, fishing, hiking, tie-dye, nature and more. Cost is $60 for five days or $12 per day. Contact Boneita Paradis at 593-5984 or Kim Cole at 440-594-1760.
Church sign:
Vacation Bible School: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church/Corpus Christi Parish July 9 a.m. to noon July 14 to 18 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Look for the VBS float in the Conneaut Fourth of July parade. Register 599-8908. Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene “Weird Animals” Vacation Bible school 6 to 9 p.m. July 14 to 18 for ages pre-K to grade 8. Snacks. Transportation available. Call 224-1415.
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LEAF co-chair Jeff Raines holds up the 2014 LEAF poster
“Take A Walk on the Wild Side of Weird Animals” Vacation Bible School will be offered at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets, 10 a.m. to noon July 21 to 25, followed by lunch until 12:30. Ages 4 through fifth grade are welcome. Call 599-8744.
Scholarship Recipients at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
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The Mission and Education Endowment of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church awarded five $1,000 educational scholarships late last month. Standing with Mission and Education Endowment Committee Chair Mark Lytle (back) are scholarship recipients (from left) Michael Nelson, Bryan Gildone, and Shae Brink. Recipients not pictured are Michelle Logan and Scott Racut.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church recognized with gift certificates its 2014 high school graduates. They are (from left) Megan Blackwell, Bryan Gildone, and Shae Brink.
Education Alumni Calendar
Rowe Classes of '53/54 Rowe High School Classes of 1953/54 will meet for breakfast 9 a.m. and July 15 at Perkins Restaurant, Conneaut Plaza. Guests welcome. Breakfasts the first/ third Tuesdays. CHS Class of 1955 Conneaut High School Class of 1955 will host its annual picnic at 4 p.m. July 12 at DiPlacidos, 106 Main Street, Conneaut. Call 593-2662 or e-mail Jean Woods meanjean@suite224.net for more information. CHS Class of 1964 Conneaut High School Class of 1964 will meet for lunch 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, at Township Park's lower pavilion. Rowe High School /62/’63 Rowe High School Classes of 1962/63 will meet for breakfast 9 a.m. July 22 at Perkins Restaurant, Conneaut Plaza. Guests welcome. Classes meet the fourth Tuesday. CHS Class of 1958 Conneaut High School Class of 1958 Picnic will be held 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the upper pavilion of Township Park. Bring a covered dish to share and drinks. Guests are welcome. Monthly lunches resume Oct. 6. (No luncheon July 7.)
Summer High School Reunions Conneaut High School Class of 1999 Conneaut High School Class of 1999 will host its 15-year Class Reunion 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the Conneaut Moose Lodge and is looking for classmates. Register at www.classof1999.com. Contact Stephanie Nesbitt (440)5997686, on Facebook, or email at shallfd@hotmail.com. Conneaut High School Class of 1979 Conneaut High School Class of 1979 will hold a casual 35year BYOB Pizza Party reunion 6 p.m. July 19 at the Conneaut Arts Center, 1025 Buffalo Street. $15 per person. Send reservations to Dana Raisian, 587 Harbor St., Conneaut, Ohio 44030. Conneaut High School Class of 1974 Conneaut High School Class of 1974 will celebrate its 40year reunion 6 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at the American Legion Hall (downstairs), Broad Street, Conneaut, with buffet dinner and cash bar. $25 per person. Reserve Mona Lauer at (440) 593.5161. Conneaut High School Class of 1964 Conneaut High School Class of 1964 will hold its 50-year reunion weekend Aug. 15 to 17. The weekend kicks off Aug. 15 with a social at Pat's Fireside Lounge. On Aug. 16, morning tours and the reunion dinner that evening at the American Legion, 272 Broad Street. Farewell breakfast Aug. 17 at the upper pavilion of Township Park. Call Connie Williams 5997512.
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 7A
CLASS OF 2014 AWARD RECOGNITION AACCI Gender Initiative Award Alex Spangler AACCI Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Scholarship Carrie Pascarella ACMC Academy Scholarship Mallorie Barker American Red Cross Scholarship Erik Hodges Juliana Kosik Arion Award Emily Petro Ashtabula County Business Exchange Scholarship Antoinette Jackson AWBA Anchors Aweigh Scholarship Erik Hodges Buckeye Band Booster Memorial Scholarship Anna Applebee Erik Hodges Buckeye Community Midget Football League Scholarship Matthew Fitchet Buckeye Education Association Scholarship Christopher Davis Cindy Patterson Memorial Scholarship Christopher Davis Erik Hodges Cortney Humphrey Civic Leadership Awards Mallorie Barker Juliana Kosik David Richards Nicholas Rose Kane Swanson Class of 2014 Speakers Hannah Coon Juliana Kosik David Richards Community Service Volunteer Recognition Gary Bartlett Mercedes Burns Hannah Coon Matthew Fitchet Cynthia Hackathorn Erik Hodges Antoinette Jackson Alyssa Johnson Juliana Kosik Zachariah Laugen Connor McLaughlin Randi Myers Kayla Perry Carrie Pascarella Gia Saturday
Riis Smith Alex Spangler Cory Stewart Kane Swanson Heather Weaver East Ashtabula Educational Assistance Corp. Scholarship Anna Applebee Riis Smith East Ashtabula Sportsmen’s Club Scholarship Matthew Fitchet Edgewood Alumni Scholarship Erik Hodges Antoinette Jackson Randi Myers Edgewood Booster Scholarship Hanna Coon Kayla Perry Edgewood Dr. Pepper/ Snapple Scholarship Cynthia Hackathorn Erik Hodges Juliana Kosik Allison Mascatelli Carrie Pascarella Edgewood French Club Scholarship Antoinette Jackson Edward Jones Scholarship Connor McLaughlin ESHS First Year Scholarship Award Anthony Barger Maryah Brewer Lance Butler Taylor Fetters Benjamin Good Elitra Loyd Haley Price Te’Amo Quickley Jasmine Schiedel Hannah Siekkinen ESHS Second Year Scholarship Award Gabrielle Frasure Sakinah Kareem Anthonie Magda Anthony Monda Hayley Sichko Alex Spangler James Stouffer ESHS Third Year Scholarship Award Alexis Brunty Mercedes Burns Kylie Caudill Cynthia Hackathorn Kayla Perry
Tara Pozum ESHS Fourth Year Scholarship Award Anna Applebee Mallorie Barker Hannah Coon Christopher Davis Jeroen Ellis Matthew Fitchet Shawn Hodge Erik Hodges Cortney Humphrey Jillian Jafarace Juliana Kosik Connor McLaughlin Rachel Metcalf Randi Myers David Richards Gia Saturday Riis Smith Kane Swanson Jacob Trenn Hanna VanLoocke Joseph Zappitelli Edgewood Senior C.L.A.S.S. Project Juliana Kosik Honors Diploma Anna Applebee Mallorie Barker Taylor Chapman Hannah Coon Jordan Cowger Jeroen Ellis Matthew Fitchet Gabrielle Frasure Shawn Hodge Erik Hodges Cortney Humphrey Antoinette Jackson Jillian Jafarace Amanda Lago Rachel Metcalf Randi Myers Emily Petro David Richards Gia Saturday Anthony Spano Kane Swanson Hanna VanLoocke Heather Weaver Imagine America Scholarship Bridgette Bentley James W. Wentling Memorial Scholarship Carrie Pascarella Jane Knowlton Scholarship Kylee Caudill John Fisk Memorial Scholarship Alex Spangler John Phillip Sousa Award
Mitchell Thompson Kathy Dean Spirit Award Alex Spangler Kiwanis Scholarship Juliana Kosik Library Service Award Anna Applebee Samerra Kirk Anthony Monda Louis Armstrong Jazz Award Alex Kisha Mark Estock Memorial Scholarship Anna Applebee Melanie Moretti Memorial Scholarship Juliana Kosik Melinda Smyth Scholarship Foundation Kailie Caudill Michael J. Lemmo Memorial Scholarship Erik Hodges OHSAA Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award Connor McLaughlin Carrie Pascarella OHSAA Courageous Student Award Alex Spangler OHSAA NFHS National Award of Excellence Matthew Fitchet Cortney Humphrey OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award Matthew Fitchet Gia Saturday Outstanding Senior Artist Christopher Davis Outstanding Vocal Musician Aaron Ball Emily Petro Phi Beta Kappa Merit Scholar Heather Weaver President’s Education Award Anna Applebee Aaron Ball Scott Bancroft Mallorie Barker Patrick Barrett Morgan Boggs Maryah Brewer
See AWARDS pg 8A
Megan Blackwell A State Finalist In Library of Congress Contest by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Winning second place in the state in the Library of Congress' national story-writing competition, "Letters About Literature," taught Megan Blackwell that anything is possible as long as you try your hardest and keep an open mind. Blackwell, Conneaut High School Class of 2014, learned in the spring that she was a state finalist. "I instantly started crying because I was extremely happy and I couldn't believe I had placed," she said. Blackwell's winning entry was a letter she wrote to Rick Yancey, best-selling author of the 2013 young adult novel "The 5th Wave," in keeping with contest rules to write a personal letter of 600 to 1,500 words to an author whose work of fiction or nonfiction changed one's view of the world or oneself. "The Fifth Wave" is the first in a trilogy about a 16year-old girl who is among the last survivors on Earth following an alien invasion that knocked human society back to the Stone Age. "I was attracted to 'The 5th Wave' because I connected so well with the main
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Megan Blackwell, of Conneaut, accepts her secondplace award in Ohio in the Library of Congress' national story-writing competition. The ceremony took place May 3 at Cleveland Public Library. character, Cassie," Blackwell said. "I picked up the book because I had heard so much praise about it and wanted to see what was so great about it." Blackwell had no idea of the notoriety that would come after reading the book. In her winning story published on page 8A, Blackwell writes of connecting with a heroine who overcame isolation and the unknown in order to survive. Blackwell faced her own
feelings of isolation upon moving from Florida to Ohio at age 12 with her mother after her parents divorced. She learned about the national story-writing contest from Conneaut High School librarian Tammy Bowman, who received information about it from Cleveland Public Library. "She was encouraging people to participate," Blackwell said. "I decided to participate in the contest because I love reading and
writing and thought this would be an excellent opportunity and experience." Blackwell discovered writing in middle school, when essays became frequent classroom assignments. "My love of writing probably started because I liked looking at my own handwriting," Blackwell said. "Then I realized that my writing wasn't too bad, either, and that I enjoyed it. I also began writing because I read so much and thought maybe I'd be good at it if I tried." That led Blackwell to begin posting her own book-review blog as a Conneaut High School freshman. She was eventually chosen as CHS’ student reporter for the Star-Beacon, for which she received the highest recognition, the "Excellence in Journalism" award. Though her favorite academic subject has been English, Blackwell says her writing talent was not inherited. "My parents aren't interested in writing, although my mom kind of likes to read," Blackwell said. Her dad, Daniel, is a truck driver who loves to dabble in construction work. Her mother, Pamela, cares full-time for
Blackwell's brother, Reese, who has cerebral palsy. Blackwell most recently has resided with her grandmother, Jane Dodd, a lifelong city resident. “She’s not really into writing, either,” Blackwell said. Blackwell credits Bowman for sponsoring her throughout the story-writing contest. "She constantly encouraged and supported me," she said. "[Conneaut High School teacher Glenda] Betteridge was a good mentor as well. Though she wasn't directly involved in the contest, she helped me become a better writer. If I hadn't had her for an English teacher, I don't think my writing would have been good enough. She helped me fix little grammar mistakes." Blackwell leaves July 21 for Gainesville, Fla., to begin her freshman year at Santa Fe College, where she has been accepted in the Honors Program and as a computer science major. "My career plan is to become a computer programmer because I absolutely love working with HTML coding and I greatly enjoy working with computers," she said. But she is not closing the
door on writing. "I'd like to minor in and have something to do with journalism," she said. "I haven't quite figured that out yet." Busy preparing to move this month, Blackwell has not entered any more writing contests, but she expects to do so in the future. "I do plan to keep writing and I would love one day to write a book," she said. As second-place winner in the Library of Congress competition's Ohio high school division -- the contest was also open to students in upper elementary and middle school -Blackwell was presented $75 and two books at the May 3 awards ceremony at Cleveland Public Library. On a giant screen behind her was a graphic of her name and a quote from her winning story, “If I live my life the right way, I won’t regret any choices that I’ve made.” Blackwell called that moment one of her greatest achievements. “Being on the stage in front of all those people with my name on the screen made me feel extremely accomplished and proud of myself,” she said.
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 8A
AWARDS: Alexis Brunty Mercedes Burns Lance Butler Jacob Cardona Austin Clark Hannah Coon Jordan Cowger Christopher Davis Thomas Daye Jeroen Ellis Taylor Fetters Matthew Fitchet Gabrielle Frasure Andrew Graeb Cynthia Hackathorn Jarrod Harrah Shawn Hodge Erik Hodges Cortney Humphrey Antoinette Jackson Jillian Jafarace Alyssa Johnson Alexander Kisha Juliana Kosik Amanda Lago Rachel Metcalf Carrie Pascarella Emily Petro Tara Pozum David Richards Gia Saturday Hayley Sichko Riis Smith Anthony Spano Aaron Starcher Kane Swanson Jacob Trenn Hanna VanLoocke Heather Weaver Timothy Zee Principal’s Award Kristiana Brown Brittany Lefik Anthony Monda Steven Perkio Renee Drefahl Spirit of Life Award Antoinette Jackson Robert B. Fodor Service Award Anna Applebee
From page 7A Erik Hodges Brittany Lefik Anthony Monda Riis Smith Robert R. Hill & Mildred Carol Hill Scholarship Fund Carrie Pascarella Roger A. Colucci Memorial Scholarship Christopher Davis Star Beacon Best in Photography Award Scott Bancroft Star Beacon Excellence in Journalism Award David Richards Straight “A” Award Erik Hodges Jillian Jafarace Juliana Kosik Gia Saturday Anthony Spano James Stouffer Jacob Trenn Hanna VanLoocke Heather Weaver Timothy Zee Students of the Year Anthony Spano Heather Weaver Student Council Certificate
Heather Weaver Timothy Zee Mallorie Barker Hanna VanLoocke Cortney Humphrey Amanda Lago Kane Swanson U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete Award Matthew Fitchet Gia Saturday U.S. Marines Distinguished Athlete Award Connor McLaughlin Gia Saturday U.S. Army ROTC Scholarship David Richards U.S. Marines Scholastic Excellence Award Anna Applebee U.S. Marines “Semper Fi” Award Erik Hodges Wallace H. Braden Scholarship Erik Hodges Warriors of the Year Cortney Humphrey Connor McLaughlin West Point Leadership Award Lance Butler Widing Hedberg Memorial Scholarship Anna Applebee William H. Phillips Scholar/ Athlete Memorial Scholarship Riis Smith William H. Searcy Memorial Foundation Scholarship Cortney Humphrey WEWS Best of Class Heather Weaver Yearbook Managing Editor
Erik Hodges Antoinette Jackson Juliana Kosik Allison Mascatelli Isaac Park David Richards James Stouffer Student Council Service Award Erik Hodges Allison Mascatelli Top Ten Students Valedictorian: Anna Applebee Salutatorian: Anthony Spano Honor Students: Gia Saturday
Hannah Siekkinen Yearbook Service Award Cynthia Hackathorn
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TRACK: The track is more than ready. A new sign identifying the SPARC project is posted above and behind a large urn of flowers that breathes new life into a formerly abandoned field where Gerald Eighmy’s manufacturing plant once sat. The track is named for Gerald and Mary Eighmy’s generous donation of land which, until the track construction started a year ago, football fans used as parking lot. Houston made several other announcements related to the SPARC (Social Place for Athletics, Recreation, Community) campaign at last week’s school board meeting. He said that SPARC had received a $60,000 donation from the Robert Morrison Foundation and a $10,000 check from Chuck Harden for a total of $70,000 in recent donations. “That covers the concession stand,” Houston said, of the building including new restrooms that was completed late last fall at the football field. Houston told the board that he had met with U.S. Rep. David Joyce that afternoon to discuss a federal grant that helps school districts in economically distressed areas. And he also talked of having been contacted by a resident on the southeast corner of Madison and Center Street who is offering to donate property to the school district. The lot is right in the area
From page 1A where the district hopes to create a parking lot for the track facility. The woman said she pays $65 per year in property taxes on the land, but admitted that she owes the city $5,000 in mowing fees. “She said we could take it and pay it, and she’d pay us back, or we could wait until she paid the fees,” Houston said. That led school board member Joan Norton to ask if the city would waive the mowing fees. “We’re tax exempt,” Houston said. “I say go for it and get her to pay back as much as possible.” Back to the new track, the school district plans a grand opening over Labor Day weekend to coincide with the Conneaut High School Spartans 2014 football season home opener Aug. 29 against Grand Valley High School. The catered event could include a first official “Mile Run” a ceremonial loop to which Gov. John Kasich may be invited. “We’re making a big splash,” Houston said. “All track record-holders have been invited, and we’re also inviting high school runners in the past 15 years who never had a chance to run on a local track to come back and run around the new track.” SPARC is also hosting a fund-raising Golf Scramble on Saturday, Aug. 30. “It’s going to be a big SPARC weekend,” he said. Houston and several school board members
STATE TEST: He said that Kehoe said that 100 percent of IEP, or Individual Educational Plans, has been approved for the 2014-15 school year for all 305 students in the Conneaut district who are on IEPs. Houston said just one child with an IEP is not being funded due to parental opposition. In other news, the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education approved the 2014-15 hiring of former district employee Sarah Baumgardner, who will replace Kehoe as Director of Special Services. Board member Mike Kennedy was the only member to vote against the hire, later explaining he objected to the $77,182 salary, which was considerably higher than Kehoe had been paid. The board also approved extended day contracts for Baumgardner, five days in July for $380.21 per day, and for new Superintendent Michael Notar, who plans to work in the district for five days in July as well, and will be paid $373.08 per day. His contract goes into effect Aug. 1. The board issued oneyear limited contracts to teachers Kelly Jones, $33,050, and to Gabriel Cellini, $33,353. It approved a raise for Conneaut Area City Schools Vocal Music Instructor Megan Kalosky to $41,891, due to additional education. It accepted 2014-15 supplemental resignations from Cory Taylor, assistant
baseball coach; John Hagstrom, head girls soccer coach; Tom Ritari, assistant girls basketball coach and assistant girls track coach; and Anne Markijohn, senior class advisor. Markijohn’s resignation as Conneaut High School science teacher was also accepted. She notified the board that day that she had taken a job teaching science at Geneva High School. The board issued oneyear supplemental contracts for the 2014/15 school year to Anthony Pasanen, assistant football coach, $3,639; John Coccitto, head girls soccer coach, $4,851; Joe Chadwick, assistant girls soccer coach, $3,639; Daniel Sommers, CHS Band Director, $6,064; Chris Brown, head boys soccer coach, $4,851; and Tyler Rice, assistant wrestling coach, $3,639. The board hired Cathy Gebhardt as lead teacher for Summer Reading Camp at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, June 17 to Aug. 18, at $25 per hour, with instructors Allyson Clark, Steve Wahonick and Sara Gleason, $20 per hour for no more than 44 hours. The board accepted the resignation of Beth Carlisle as a substitute teacher, and approved classified contracts for Barb Coe, bus aide, $13.10/hour at 3.75 hours per day, May 19 to June 5; and Angeline Zappitelli as summer computer tech aide, $10 per hour, not more than six hours per day, July 1 to Aug. 15. Houston explained that
PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
The rules and regulations are clearly posted outside the new Eighmy Track and Field. School officials ask the public to call numbers listed on the sign if they witness rule violations. pleaded with the public to treat the new facility with respect. So did Conneaut High School Board of Education vice president Suzanne Bernardini. “A lot of folks put a lot of time and effort into this community facility. Take pride in it as if it’s your own,” she said. Houston asked the public to abide by rules and regulations clearly posted on the sign by the main gate at Maple and Stadium Avenues, the only one open to the public. “We want the public to use it, but look out for it. Help us police it. Let us know if it’s being abused. The phone numbers [of local authorities] are posted on the sign,” he said.
From page 3A Coe was needed to ride the bus with an IEP student who was unable to ride without a monitor. “We just ran out of options,” Houston said. The school district approved a contract with Bimbo Foods for cafeteria bread products for 2014-15 and to Meadowbrook for milk products. Conneaut Area City Schools Treasurer Lindsey Elly said that Meadowbrook gives free straws along with credit for milk not used. She also said Bimbo and Meadowbrook were the only bids, respectively, and each went up slightly over last year. “But they went up just a little. It was not worth it to rebid,” she said. Breakfast and lunch prices were approved for the upcoming school year. Student lunches with milk will be $2.75 at Conneaut High School and Conneaut Middle School and $2.50 at Gateway and Lakeshore. Adult trays are $3.25, with milk additional. Salad bar is $27.5 only at Conneaut High School. Student breakfasts are $1.50 at the high school and middle school and $1.25 at the primary and elementary school. The board, which had met in executive session after a brief 5 p.m. work session, and prior to convening the regular meeting at 6 p.m. June 26, will meet in regular work session 5 p.m. and regular meeting 6 p.m. July 16 at the Southeast Building, 400 Mill Street.
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 9A
56 MILLION REASONS TO SEEK HEALTHCARE LOCALLY. CUYAHOGA COUNTY
ERIE COUNTY
LAKE COUNTY
GEAUGA COUNTY
TRUMBULL COUNTY
Very few people think about hospitals contributing to the local economy. There are 56 million reasons why they should. Because more than 5,000 of your friends and neighbors chose Ashtabula County Medical Center last year when they needed hospital care, ACMC Healthcare System was able to: y Provide 1,100 jobs in Ashtabula County y Add more than $77 million in salaries and benefits into Ashtabula County’s economy y Spend more than $1 million to buy goods and services from Ashtabula County businesses y Invest $1.5 million to build the Conneaut Family Health Center y Invest $1.5 million to expand the Jefferson Family Health Center
y Contribute $680,000 in income tax revenue to the City of Ashtabula – money that helps fix roads and keep police officers and fire fighters on the street y Recruit physicians and providers who practice full time in our communities so you don’t have to leave Ashtabula County to receive care y Spend more than $3.6 million to bring advanced technology to Ashtabula County, including a new MRI, surgical equipment, digital mammography, IV pumps and much more
Do you know where $56 million of Ashtabula County’s healthcare dollars went? Because more than 8,000 Ashtabula County residents leave our county for care, all of that money went to hospitals in Lake, Geauga, Erie, Cuyahoga and Trumbull counties. Imagine how Ashtabula County – you, your family, your friends and neighbors – would benefit if even one-half of those residents chose ACMC: More physicians recruited. More jobs created. More tax dollars for our cities and schools. We are committed to keeping healthcare local. Every healthcare dollar that remains at ACMC is another dollar that fuels Ashtabula County’s economy. ACMC is the only hospital in our county with advanced technology and a team of full-time physician specialists that make it possible for you to receive outstanding care and stay close to family and friends.
Keep healthcare dollars working for you. Choose ACMC: it’s good for you, and good for Ashtabula County.
www.acmchealth.org
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 10A
GUILTY: Lane of Ashtabula and Greg Myers of the Ohio Public Defenders Office, Million turned in his chair just once, when the camera man was ejected from the courtroom. Yost painstakingly took Million through the process of explaining what he would be forfeiting by pleading guilty, including filing a motion to suppress case information gathered unconstitutionally, and making sure he understood legal terms of “purposely,” and “knowingly.” He wanted Million to know that the burden would be on the State of Ohio to prove that he had caused the death of another person. He told Million that if he pleads guilty, he would be incarcerated for the rest of his life with no trial by jury. “Most important are the trial rights,” Yost said. “You would have a right to a jury trial before 12 people. If you give up the rights, there will be no trial, and no witnesses.” Yost said that by pleading guilty, Million for the rest of his life would be barred from serving on a jury, serving as a public official, and from acquiring a license for certain occupations. “It would be a permanent record,” Yost said. Even so, Million nodded when Yost asked if he had discussed the repercussions of the plea with counsel, and asked if he had had sufficient time to think about the decision to plead guilty. “Yes, sir,” Million responded.
From page 1A Before Million spoke, Ashtabula County Prosecutor Nicholas Iarocci rose and offered Yost what he thought was sufficient evidence to support the state’s charges, which were reduced in a plea deal to remove the death penalty specification. Neither Iarocci, Assistant Prosecutor Harold Specht nor Conneaut Police Detective Michael Colby seated at the table with him had questions for Yost. Iarocci presented evidence of the events of Feb. 6, starting with Million’s taking Lainie and her mother, Macie, with whom he lives, to a Conneaut credit union, where Iarocci said a credit union video camera had captured the child in the back seat, happily licking a lollipop. After dropping Macie off at her second-shift job at CSP, Million was supposed to have taken the child to the home of her maternal grandmother, Michelle “Missi” Williams, who watched her every day. But Lainie never arrived there or at a Conneaut High School basketball game. Iarocci told the court that when she failed to arrive, frantic texts and calls flew between Macie and Williams, questioning the child’s welfare. He said that when Million picked up his girlfriend at CSP at 11 p.m. that evening, the child was in the booster seat, her head tilted slightly to the right as if sleeping.
Million removed the child from the car seat upon returning home at 11:15 p.m. “Due to Macie’s ‘substantial pregnancy,’ it was normal for him to take her out,” Iarocci explained. Once in the house, Macey noticed her daughter was “extra floppy” and knew something was wrong. Undressing her in the bedroom, she noticed spots on her back and bruises on her stomach. “The child was cold and unresponsive,” Iarocci said. Iarocci said she yelled at Million, and took the child by herself to the emergency room at UH-Conneaut Medical Center. She told Million that she was going to call the police, and he said he would wait at their E. Main Street home for police to arrive. Iarocci said that when hospital staff saw bruises on the child’s upper thighs, injuries to private areas, and noted her unresponsive state, hypothermia, and dilated pupils, they life-flighted her to UH-Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, where she died the following morning at 9:32 a.m. Speaking above sniffles and suppressed sobs in the courtroom, Iarocci told the judge that the coroner’s report concluded the child died from blunt impact to the head, with evidence of cerebral adema and subdermal hemorrhage. There had also been angiogenital trauma, though Iarocci noted that there had been a prior incident about a year ago in
which the Ashtabula County Children Services had become involved. “The defendant had exclusive control of this child for eight hours and he admitted repeatedly to several officers that no one else had access to the child,” Iarocci said. “Do you understand the nature of the charges?” Yost then asked Million, after asking his counsel if they wished to dispute anything they had heard. “By voluntarily entering a plea of guilty, you are giving up rights.” After the defense declined to present evidence, Yost invited the family of the victim to make a statement, either seated or standing. Williams rose and walked several steps up front to a microphone, where she read to Million a piece she had written from the victim’s perspective. “I was four years old and had a happy life,” she read to Million, who kept his eyes fixed down on the table. “Why did you do this to me? I thought we were friends. I was just a little girl. Why did you do this? You will never be forgiven by my family or me. Some day I will be with my family. Why did you make this choice? You ruined everything.” Iarocci then said that the incident was a tragedy for everyone involved. “It’s a tragedy for the extended family of Lainie, and a tragedy for the defendant’s family. The defendant has ruined his life and that of his family. The quick and prompt resolution emanated from
the family and their need for closure,” he said, asking the judge to impose a sentence of life imprisonment without parole. Silence prevailed in the courtroom for several minutes. It was 4:17 p.m. The next one to speak was Yost. “You are not required to make a statement, but you can,” Yost told Million. Million rose, but directed his remarks to the judge. “I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I took the plea only for our family and for my mom,” he said. By pleading guilty with an Alford plea, however, Million is not admitting that he committed the crime. By formal definition, the defendant in an Alford plea admits that the prosecution could likely prove the charge. Another legal definition cites that it is a formal claim of neither guilt nor innocence but does bring to a halt a formal trial that could be painful for all involved. The plea also means the defendant accepts ramifications of a guilty plea without having attested to committing the crime. With the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the initial charge of felonious assault and dismissed the capital components of the aggravated murder and rape charges. Million had pleaded not guilty to charges of two counts of aggravated murder with specification, murder with specification, felonious assault, and rape with specification at an April 4 hearing. In pleading guilty last
week, Million will forever withhold his version of the events of Feb. 6, though he has 30 days to appeal, and Yost said that some parole board could decide differently. “That is out of the hands of this court,” he said. After the hearing ended at 4:30 p.m., Iarocci said he was grateful that the gruesome capital case was resolved at “lightning speed.” “I’m pleased with the plea agreement,” he said, “I sense that Mr. Million recognized the overwhelming evidence and acted to work quickly. I’m pleased there will be no need for a trial to prolong this. It would be a traumatic trial for Lainie’s family. I read the coroner’s report, and I don’t know how the fatal blow was done or what was used. The photographs were horrifying. So I can only say as a prosecutor that it’s good we don’t have to present it at trial.”
PHOTO BY WILLIAM A. WEST
Defendant Joshua Million reacts to Judge Yost’s ejecting a cameraman from the courtroom during his hearing on rape and murder charges.
"A Letter to Rick Yancey" by Megan Blackwell, Conneaut second-place winner, state of Ohio high school division Library of Congress Story-Writing Contest *Entrants were required to write a letter to an author who had changed their views of themselves or the world. Dear Rick Yancey, Throughout my high school career, I’ve constantly struggled to find someone who was able to understand me, even connect with the way that I feel. It’s been hard throughout the years, having my parents separate and whatnot. I’ve come to terms with that and I don’t let it bother me like it used to. It was hard trying to cope with everything, from being separated from my dad (the one I got along with better) to eventually being separated from my little brother who has
cerebral palsy. Everything was very hard to adapt to, like moving to the freezing cold temperatures of Ohio when I was used to the blistering heat of Florida; adapting to the climate wasn’t even close to my biggest problem. When I lived in Florida, I had several friends, I just didn’t really care to spend time with them outside of school; at that point in my life, I enjoyed spending time with my family. Once I switched to junior high, I saw all of the other kids talking about hanging out and going places together. I felt left out since I had never wanted to do any of those things. I made some friends and started hanging out with them occasionally and talking to them on the phone daily. I felt like I was just like everyone else. I felt connected. I only spent time with my family when I wasn’t talking or hanging
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out with my friends, which was a very small amount of time. Before I could snap my fingers. things started to fall apart. My parents argued more frequently and my mother threw more and more threats to my father about leaving him. I never believed we would actually leave him behind; we never had before. I thought nothing of it and continued on with my daily routines, until one day my mother randomly decided we were leaving my dad and never coming back. My first reaction was that I’d never see my friends again. I didn’t even think of my dad; I never got the opportunity to say my final goodbye and hug him. I took every moment I could have spent with him for granted, but I didn’t realize that until years later. Upon arrival in Ohio. I made some friends, but it was nothing like the friends I had before. My mother met another man and they started dating. After realizing that I should have spent
more time with my family while they were still together, I tried to spend time with my mother when she wasn’t with her boyfriend, but she never wanted to do anything together. The only person who wanted to spend time with me was my little brother. Since my brother has a disability, he had a very hard time understanding everything that was happening. Nothing seemed wrong to him. When my mother decided to move in with her boyfriend, I stayed behind with my grandmother because I was tired of starting my life over. Over the past four years, I’ve felt more like a burden to everyone than a joy. My high school friends have been there for me, but they haven’t been able to understand everything because they haven’t lived anything close to what I’ve been through. My feelings of not being understood and not connecting with anyone changed as soon as I picked up a copy of "The 5th Wave." I stumbled across an adver-
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Megan Blackwell, Conneaut second-place winner, state of Ohio high school division story writing contest. tisement for it while I was flipping through a People magazine in my school library and thought I should at least give it a shot since it had received such great praise. I was not disappointed. I instantly felt connected with Cassie and as I kept flipping pages, the connection grew. While I was reading, I noticed how similar I was to Cassie, from her losing her father to her being separated from her little brother whom she adores so much. I also noticed how much I have taken for granted my entire life; I couldn’t even begin to think how I would react if an alien invasion happened, if my brother was taken to a death camp, or watched both my parents die in front of me. I wouldn’t be able to cope with the guilt of not spending every available moment I had with them. There was one particular quote that really captured me, “We’re here, and we’re gone, and it’s not about the time we’re here, but what we do with the time.” That quote is so re-
markably true. it doesn’t matter how long you live, but what you do with that time. After reading "The 5th Wave," I started to change the way that I go about doing things. I’ve been visiting my mother and my brother as much as I can; I haven’t taken one single moment with them for granted. Although I’m not able to see my father as much as I’d like, I talk to him on the phone daily, sometimes more than once. I’m letting every member of my family know how much I love them and how much they mean to me. I’ve come to realize horrible things can happen in an instant, but if I live my life the right way I won’t regret any choices that I’ve made. I wish I would have had the opportunity to read "The 5th Wave" sooner. Maybe my eyes would have been opened earlier. I know that I can’t change what’s happened in the past, but I can change the future and I will. Sincerely, Megan Blackwell
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 11A
Ooey-Gooey Science Week of Science at KPL Summer Reading Camp by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers KINGSVILLE - Goo and oobleck were plentiful at Kingsville Public Library's outdoor Summer Reading Camp, "Fizz Boom READ!" held June 23 to 27 at Kingsville Township Park. After three days of exciting science-related activities, the 85 campers ages 5 to 12, along with 25 junior and senior high school volunteer helpers, watched "Dr. Awesome," aka Gary Pearlman, of Mayfield Heights, mix fizzing substances that spilled over the beakers onto the grass at Kingsville Township Park and wait for the boom. "This is what I call 'elephant toothpaste," he said, mixing yeast, which he compared to gun powder, with high-strength peroxide, which acted as a gas as it mixed with the yeast. "Blast off!" Looking every bit the part of a mad scientist in a stereotypical white lab coat, Pearlman said that mixing two chemicals causes a heated "exothermic reaction." The same thing could be done at home, he said, using baking soda and peroxide. He created a superstrength power-scrub hand cleaner by combining dishwashing liquid, baking soda and lemon juice. "If you touch it, it will feel grimy," he said. "That's why it's good for washing off dirty hands. The soda is abrasive.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
KPL Summer Reading Camper J.J. Dufour makes a volcano.
PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
Dr. Awesome (right) helps Sophia Paolillo (left), Aspen Thomas, Jon Schlick and Zachary Hines mix lemon juice, baking soda and dishwashing liquid.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
KPL Summer Reading Camper Jillian Newbold shakes ice cream she made in a baggie. It's great scrub powder." Pearlman's wife, Grace, said her husband has been creating the "Dr. Awesome" persona for the last three years. "He does balloons and bubbles and magic workshops," she said. "I drive him in and take photos." Grace said her husband was self-taught in magic. "He gets his material by reading a ton of stuff on line," she said. "And yes, that's his real hair. He's thrilled with it, let me tell you." Held from 10 a.m. to noon last week, the camp began each morning with an exercise routine to the tune of, "Go, You Chicken Fat, Go!" Dr. Awesome was not the Olivia Sposito sports her "mad scientist" glasses only entertainer. New York banjoist, guitar- during Kingsville Public ist and song-writer Tom Library's "Fizz Boom READ" Sieling entertained on Mon- Summer Reading Camp. BY MARTHA day, while campers on Tues- PHOTO day participated in an "as- SOROHAN semble the skeleton" relay,
SUBMITTED PHOTO
KPL Summer Reading campers show off their mad scientists glasses. sensory games and book block art and a magic show. "It was an exciting -- and trivia during "human body "We did spin art with exhausting-- week!" and senses" day June 24. salad spinners and made Kingsville Public Rain forced activities in- rockets out of Mentos and Library's independent side on June 25, but didn't Diet Pop," said Kingsville summer reading program dampen enthusiasm for mak- Public Library's Youth Ser- continues through July 18. ing volcanoes, "goo," and ice vices/Community Outreach Call 224-0234 for informacream in baggies using half- Director Bethany Juncker. tion. and-half, rock salt and ice. Kids left Dr. Awesome's presentation on Thursday with bags of "oobleck," as in Dr. Seuss' imaginative tale, and on Friday, JoJo the Clown presented balloon
Conneaut Arts Center Summer Concert Series 2014 Newcomb Performing Terrace 1025 Buffalo St. — Port of Conneaut, Ohio Co-Sponsored by Gazette Newspapers, Inc.
Sunday, July 6
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Sunday, July 13 Buzz Cronquist Jazz Band 7pm featuring Charles Schlaich on Keyboard - Jazz at its best
Concessions Available! 50/50 drawing each week! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy!
To honor our American Veterans: D-Day Weekend Friday, August 22 • Don Disantis Band • 6pm PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN
In his "wonders of science" show, Dr. Awesome demonstrates by having campers hold hands in a circle that a circuit is necessary for the flow of electricity.
Concerts are FREE Dinner will be available at the Aug. 22 concert beginning at 5pm
Be ready... with 4 newspapers across 2 counties, not to mention our website posting, it won’t take long to sell! **Item must be $1,000 or less.
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 12A
PLAYGROUND: morial Field in Geneva. “There’s a huge area where the shot put used to be,” Anderson said. “It sits far enough back so you could put the whole playground there. It is visible from the road and has easy access to the bathrooms. There are lights over there.” Council member Michael Shupska visited the playground and said transferring the equipment would be no problem if the city were able to obtain flatbed trucks. The city could take its time setting it up. “It is all bolted together,” Shupska said. “There is no concrete. We would dig around the poles, get a crane and pull it out.”
From page 3A
Shupska said he was willing to do whatever he could to help move the equipment and recruit volunteers. “I think it would be a mistake to pass up a $250,000 value that we might end up getting for free, assuming we get enough volunteers,” said Geneva City Council President Jeff Piotrowski. “Things like this add to the source of community pride. It would be a great asset for the community.” Geneva inspectors Willard Raymond and Rich Finney called the structure as well as the opportunity to obtain it “fabulous.” Raymond said he could not believe the playground when he first saw it.
Kryystyphyyr and Donofrio Cited in Disturbance by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Two local men were cited for disturbing customers following a June 27 incident at Circle K on Mill Street. According to police reports, officers were called at 1:05 a.m. for a report of two male subjects causing a disturbance and harassing customers. Officers went to the scene and met with one customer, who said that his truck had broken down, and as they were attempting to check the brakes, two males at 326 Mill Street next door to the Circle K began cussing at and threatening them. The witness then went into Circle K to report the incident to the clerk. The clerk told police that she has been having problems with the male. identified as Alyxx Kryystyphyyr. She said that he con-
stantly is asking Circle K customers for money and cigarettes and comes on the property digging through trash. She has told him several times to leave and after this incident, decided to contact the police. Officers went back outside to talk to the truck owner, and could hear Kryystyphyyr and the other suspect, Patrick Donofrio, yelling obscenities across the parking lot, saying things such as, "I'll rip his throat out!” Both males were highly intoxicated. Officers approached both suspects and advised they were receiving citations for causing a disturbance to customers, since the officer observed their behavior while on scene. Kryystyphyyr and Donofrio signed for their citations and were urged to cease similiar behavior and stay off Circle K property that night.
“The Community Development Corp (CDC) gave N or t h Ki ngs vi l l e $100,000 for this playground. Kingsville raised a lot of money. We’ve got trucks. Let’s get it out there and get it here. It is a quarter of million dollars of playground equipment. This is an opportunity we will never get again,” Raymond said. Despite being part of the wooden playground’s original construction crew, Kreisher is not sorry to see
it go. Its exit will save the district in playground demolition costs. But Kreisher said that if the North Kingsville Elementary School PTA had kept its end of the maintenance bargain, the 25year-old playground might have remained in North Kingsville. “Part of the problem is that it’s been closed, and prior to that -- the second 10 years -- the PTA did not maintain it the way they had for the first 10 years,
John Burdette Arrested on ACSO Warrant by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - After his car landed in a ditch, John Burdette was arrested on an outstanding warrant from the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office. According to police reports, officers were dispatched to Center Road and Underridge Road West at 11:22 p.m. June 26 where a car was reported to be in a ditch. Upon arrival, they found a green Dodge van disabled in a grass embankment on the southeast side of the road. The driver, Burdette, said he had been driving down the dead-end section of Center Road and put the truck in reverse to back out when he got stuck in a ditch. He said that after the vehicle had been disabled for a period of time, he called a relative to help tow his vehicle from the roadway. While waiting for the relative to arrive, he decided to consume a beer with his passenger, Teddy Burdette, who was also his uncle. Officers observed an open can of beer in the vehicle. They also asked him to per-
form a field sobriety test to determine his ability to drive. He admitted to drinking a beer while stationary while he was waiting for his friend to arrive on the scene to help, and the test showed that he was not highly intoxicated. He was cited for minor misdemeanor for Open Container and Failure to Control. Officers then called the police department's on-call wrecker to remove the vehicle. Mac's Towing arrived and towed Burdette's van from the embankment back onto the roadway. Because the van had sustained no damage, the vehicle was driven away by a nephew. Upon checking Burdette's information, however, police found he had a warrant from the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office, which was contacted and confirmed they wanted him arrested on the warrant. Burdette was escorted to the police cruiser and taken to the Conneaut police station, where he waited an Ashtabula County Sheriff's deputy to take him into custody.
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staining it and keeping the wood in shape. Therefore, they were limiting its life span. We in maintenance did inspections and replaced chains, and so forth, but their end of the bargain, maintaining the wood part, fell through.” Kreisher said that all outdoor wooden equipment -- playgrounds and decks - has a limited life span.
“We had a playground similar to the one at North Kingsville, but not that size, at Ridgeview Elementary School, which we had to take out for safety reasons three or four years ago. Those playgrounds only have a limited life,” Kreisher said. “But if Geneva thinks they can salvage it, we’ll find out.”
STUDIO: cessful studio and gift shop that he and his wife, Connie, opened last November. Word spread quickly on Facebook of the Daltons’ plight, their coming into the store Wednesday morning and discovering that water had leaked through the roof of the free-standing three-story building and through the vacant second and third floors into their first-floor studio. Just six months ago, it was filled with local crafts, jewelry, gift items, greeting cards, paintings, photographs, party items, and more, celebrating a grand opening. The shop had fulfilled the couple’s long-time retirement dream and filled a much-needed retail niche downtown. “Luckily, most of the stuff on the south side, the local artists’ crafts, was saved,” Dalton said. “A lot of the sewing and crafts items were ruined. The cards and bags were okay, but due to the water and the moisture, all are gone.” When asked if some of the artists had heard the news that their work had been destroyed and had called the store, irate, Dalton said, “No. I was irate and had to call them.” Dalton said all of the carpet was ruined and will have to come up, which is
Looking for a copy of
From page 1A why he, his wife and son spent all day Wednesday emptying the store. “The building is insured, but the agent said it might be two weeks,” said Dalton, then looking skeptical “Luckily no one was here.” He blamed the problem on a corrugated L-shaped drain pipe that pooled water in its folds. When it became waterlogged, it pulled away from the building, so water collected on the flat roof and eventually made its way to the first floor. Dalton said the building owner repaired the pipe on Wednesday. Still, Dalton is not sure when the store will reopen. Art classes for the studio’s 40 students will continue, however, at Chris Brecht State Farm Insurance on Liberty Street. Brecht’s wife, Jody, is one of the art teachers. Dalton does plan to reopen because the community has been so supportive. He’d like to be open by the late August D-Day Event due to the number of visitors who come into the city. “That’s what you bank on,” he said. “Stay tuned,” he continued. “Maybe there will be another grand re-opening at Christmas.”
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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 13A
Conneaut Major League Softball BY ALLAN MONONEN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - The summer softball season has begun its tournament trail. Sunday, June 29, the Conneaut Major league squad hosted the PV team to begin the tourney trail. Major League players are 11-12 and at this level the kids are just learning and make mistakes. The team that pitches, catches and fields the best usually wins. PV went scoreless in their first at-bat. Then Conneaut warmed up and six runs crossed the plate. Sidney Carpenter singled with one out, stole second and third and on a bad throw to third went home. Hannah Clark walked, Lillian Spees blooped a single over second, Allyson Tattrie walked, Abbie Webster struck out but reached first on a passed ball, then Tara Myers doubled to
clear the bases. 6-0. PV answered with two runs in their second. Conneaut hurler Clark temporarily lost her control and walked three batters. One run scored on a passed ball and another on a bases loaded walk. 6-2. The next inning was a long, hot half hour in the sun for PV as Conneaut batted around plus seven batters to put up 12 runs. Leadoff hitter Michaela Notte, walked, Jaden Drew walked, Clark reached on an error, Spees walked, Annalee Hagstrom walked, Abby Webster was hit by a pitch. Tara Myers was hit by pitch then Samantha Maenpaa walked. Notte drove a liner over the left fielder's head for a grand slam to clear the bases. Drew again walked, Clark was hit by pitch then Spees homered to end the scoring. 17-2. Conneaut added two runs
PV pitcher Allison Graves prepares for the pitch, at shortstop is Emily Reed.
in the third as Notte singled and Drew walked, then Spees singled them home. 19-2. PV went down in their fourth to end the game. Conneaut will go to Geneva Tuesday to continue the tourney trail. "I am really proud of this team. It is hard to find a weakness. We have bats, good defense, good speed, good arms, good coaches," Coach John Notte said. "The girls have come up together, they play multiple sports together, they are fantastic athletes with fantastic coaches. The parents are great supporters. Thanks to our sponsors, IOOF, Dairy Queen, American Legion, Eagles; the citizens of PHOTOS BY ALLAN MONONEN Conneaut have been very generous, as always," Notte said. Hannah Clark, of Conneaut, looks in for the sign, at shortstop is Abby Webster and in left field is Sidney Carpenter.
Conneaut Major League team, left to right: Allyson Tattrie, Annalee Hagstrom, Katie Jo Hass, Samantha Maenpaa, Rylee Mickle, catcher Michaela Notte, Lilllian Spees, Abby Webster, Hannah Clark, Jaden Drew, Tara Myers, Sidney Carpenter. Coaches in back are: John Notte and Ryan Tattrie. Scott Spees also helps.
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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 14A
Conneaut Arrows fall to Cardinals
Jasiah Ring pitches for the Conneaut Arrows during a game against the Youngstown Cardinals.
Bullets rally for win BY BYRON C. WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON – The True Timber 16U team hosted the Northern Ohio Bullets in a recent great lakes baseball league game. Kevin Cost started on the mound for True Timber, while Jaret Pustai started for the Northern Ohio Bullets. True Timber held a 3-0 lead for most of the game, but the Northern Ohio Bullets were able to come back for a 4-3 win. True Timber kept the Bullets off the board early on thanks to a pair of outs at the plate. True Timber was also kept off the board early after a caught stealing in the first inning and a pick off in the second inning. The first runs of the game came in the fourth inning as Brent Bell, of True Timber, was hit by a pitch. After a pair of passed balls, Bell was Brian Lettrich bats for the Northern Ohio Bullets during a game against True Timber.
Dawson Knight plays first base for the Conneaut arrows during a recent wooden bat league game.
PHOTOS BY BYRON C. WESSELL
Kevin Cost pitches for True Timber during a game against the Northern Ohio Bullets. Ed Stocker bats for True Timber during a recent 16U baseball game. able to score on an RBI single by Jack Frye. Frye went on to score on another passed ball, making it 2-0. Seth Smith would draw a walk and eventually scored on an RBI single by Ed
Stocker. The three runs in the fourth inning would be all the runs True Timber would score in the game. Northern Ohio cut the lead to 3-2 in the fifth in-
ning. Brian Lettrich picked up an RBI single to plate the Bullets first run of the game. Mike Murphy followed with an RBI double, making it a one-run ball game. The Bullets tied the game and then took a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning.
Mike Murphy and Andy Henderson each singled in the final inning for the Bullets. A throw to second and an error helped the Bullets take a 4-3 lead. The Bullets closed out the game in the bottom of the seventh inning to hold on for the win.
Pat Stantial plays shortstop for the Conneaut Arrows during a recent game.
PHOTOS BY BYRON C. WESSELL
Cody Blood bats for the Conneaut Arrows during a game Anthony Crum bats for True Timber during a 16U game against the Youngstown Cardinals. against the Northern Ohio Bullets.
Jaret Pustai pitches for the Northern Ohio Bullets during a recent game.
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014 • 15A
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