Thursday, July 4, 2024
Lake Erie algal blooms a worry
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Volume 10, Issue YY
Happy 4th of July
The Community Guide
Richard Perrins The Chronicle-Telegram
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that Lake Erie will have moderate harmful algal blooms this summer. NOAA’s forecast was released at a conference hosted by Ohio Sea Grant and The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory on Thursday. It predicted a moderate to larger-thanmoderate bloom. Rick Stumpf, an oceanographer for the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), which is part of NOAA, provided the forecast. Stumpf said harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie will measure a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10.5. That’s based on statistical data from 2012 to 2023. The numerical value the NCCOS assesses to the forecast refers to the biomass of the area’s algal bloom. Stumpf said the algal blooms this summer are forecast to register between 4.5 and 6 on the scale, with a small risk of a high-intensity event in July. A high-intensity event is defined by the NCCOS as an increased likelihood of a larger-than-moderate bloom, which can reach a 7 on the organization’s scale. When algae blooms become out of control, they can produce toxins that are dangerous for marine life, other animals and even See ALGAL, A2
Monkeys racing on dogs to end at Avon festival Richard Perrins The Community Guide
The organizers of the Avon Summer Festival will no longer host the Banana Derby at events in the future after PETA expressed concern over the act. The Banana Derby is an act that involves capuchin monkeys strapped to dogs and racing around a track, according to videos on its website. The Banana Derby company is based in South Carolina, but travels to festivals nationwide. The Avon Summer Festival, which took place from June 14 to 23 at the Crushers Stadium, held the Banana Derby twice every weekday, and three times on weekends. The festival was hosted by KevaWorks, an event consultant and management company that organizes events across the country.
Amherst sues ODOT over Rt. 2 upkeep
CHRONICLE FILE
Where to watch fireworks tonight around Lorain County Oberlin Independence Day fireworks, beginning at dusk today at the Oberlin Recreation Center, 225 W. Hamilton St. Rain date is July 5. For more information, contact Oberlin Recreation Department at (440) 775-7254 or recreation@ cityofoberlin.com.
Wellington The Fourth of July celebration at Main Street Wellington runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Village Square, 115 Willard Memorial Square. Fireworks were Wednesday.
Avon Fireworks at approximately 10 p.m. at All Pro Freight Stadium, 2009 Baseball Blvd. The Great Fourth of July Bike Parade is at 10 a.m. today at
Healthway Road. Start and finish the 1-mile parade at Avon Aquatic Center. Decorate a bike, wagon or stroller. Cool treats and a complimentary pool ticket available to participants. Special escort by the Avon Police and Fire departments.
between 9:45-10 p.m. at Willow Park, 1127-1157 Main St., and Reservoir Park, 1116 Main St. Parking at Willow Park and Reservoir Park will be available with capacity limit to be determined by police the day of the event. Rain date is July 10.
Elyria
Lorain
Independence Day celebration & fireworks, 7 p.m. Friday at West Park, 1200 Foster Ave. Food trucks, live music, bounce houses, chalk art area and basketball activities. Fireworks begin at 10:15 p.m. Event entrances: Lowell Street lot, Foster Avenue walkway, Oakwood walkway. Accessible parking at former Oakwood School, 925 Spruce St.
Grafton Fireworks, show to begin
Lorain July Fourth fireworks tonight at Mile-Long Pier, 301 Lakeside Ave., Lorain. Fireworks start at 10:30 p.m. Lorain Lighthouse Foundation Fourth of July “Fireworks Picnic” is before the fireworks, from 7-11 p.m., at 319 Black River Lane, Lorain. The picnic offers a view of the annual fireworks display held at the Lighthouse. Dinner includes lemon pepper baked chicken, glazed barbecue ribs, pulled pork, honey bacon baked beans, macaroni salad, coleslaw and apple pie with beer, wine, soft
drinks and water. The cost per person is $125 (includes tip). For information, call (440) 752-8955.
Rochester The Rochester Homecoming Celebration starts at 9 a.m. today until the fireworks at dusk. Parade registration is 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. From noon to 4 p.m., the Rochester Historical Society will have an open house on South Street. At 5 p.m. there will be rides and games and at 5:30 p.m., there will be old-time contests for kids. From 6-9 p.m., music will be provided by Ethan Hayes and fireworks will occur in the evening. Events happen at the Eagle Street Park and Fire Station. Note: Some cities had fireworks Wednesday night; other cities have no display.
Amherst has sued the Ohio Department of Transportation in a fight over the financial responsibility for the continued maintenance, repairs and snow and ice removal, on state Route 2 within the city limits. The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus against ODOT and its director, Jack Marchbanks, asks a judge to enforce a 1963 agreement between Amherst and ODOT’s predecessor, the Ohio Department of Highways. The agreement, reached between then-Gov. James Rhodes and Amherst Mayor Frank Janik, requires ODOT to maintain and repair the portions of Route 2 within city limits at state cost, with Amherst paying the state $2,000 annually. Mayor Mark Costilow said ODOT has been trying for years to get Amherst to renegotiate that 1963 contract. The cost of maintaining the road was one of the reasons Amherst opposed the construction of Route 2 through the city, Costilow said. The city eventually relented after agreeing the state would maintain it at $2,000 a year. In December, ODOT notified Costilow that unless Amherst agrees to renegotiate, ODOT won’t plow ice and snow off Route 2 or do roadway maintenance within city limits. Costilow said the 1963 contract has no expiration date and, under a new agreement, Amherst would have to reimburse the state for “whatever they say it cost,” which is estimated most recently at about $175,000 a year. (The charge amount would be formulaic.) “I think we have a valid contract. We didn’t want the road in the first place and we certainly can’t get our land back. “Counties and townships don’t have to pay (for maintence of state routes), just cities,” he said. A trial date has not yet been set.
INSIDE THIS WEEK Amherst
Self-defense likely for shooter. A3
Animal lovers
A glance at area activists. A6
International fun
Lorain annual festival. A3
CROSSWORD A7 • SUDOKU A7 • KID SCOOP A8