Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024
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Oberlin steps up search for manager Garrett Looker The Community Guide
Oberlin City Council on Monday green lit a request for proposal for a search firm to aid the council in its attempts to hire a new city manager. “We’ve been working on this for a long time,” said Oberlin Council President Eboni A. Johnson. “Now we’re at the point where we can start now advertising publicly that we are looking to hire a city manager and receiving applications from candidates.”
Monday’s unanimous vote was the latest step in the city’s search for a new manager since Robert Hillard stepped down from the position in May. Hillard had served Oberlin since 2016. “Hopefully within not too long, we’ll have a pile of candidates that we can consider and then move on with the interviewing process,” Johnson said. The advantage Oberlin will gain by hiring a search firm is a broader access to quality candidates nationwide, Johnson said. A search firm will also help speed up
the process, she said. “They’re helping us to kind of extend our reach,” Johnson said. “Speed is a concern, but I think not as much of a concern as the quality of candidates.” Since Hillard stepped down to become the city manager of Charlotte, Michigan, Jon Clark has served as Oberlin’s interim city manager. Council members expressed their desire to move forward in the city’s attempts to find a new manager during Monday’s meeting. Council member Jessa D. New
said the Council had been “kind of chomping at the bit.” Before the Council voted, discussion revolved around certain language of the request proposal, specifically with the job description. “The one thing I wanted search firms to know is that we have a finalized job description that’s been approved by Council,” said Councilman Ray English. “And I did not see reference to that in the RFP (request for proposal). And I think that needs to be there.”
Amherst gathers to remember boy killed by mother remarks from Alex’s father, Guy Louks, as well as words from Powers ElAMHERST — Comementary Principal Brian munity members gathered Teppner and a poetry readSunday to remember and ing from Alex’s teacher, celebrate the life of Alex Julie Hammond. Louks. Stories of Alex’s life were On Nov. 20, Louks was shared Sunday, including shot and killed by his mother, Risa Louks, accord- his love for doughnut holes — his favorite food, Molnar ing to the Lorain County said — and animals. Sheriff’s Office. She then “He had a joy for life,” set their Amherst Township Molnar said. “Just grateful house on fire and took her we could do that today.” own life, authorities said. Sunday’s remembrance Alex Louks was a third service also was attended grader at Powers Elemenby Amherst Police Chief tary School, where family, Mark Cawthon. first responders and other In his 32 years of service, members of the community Cawthon said he has seen met to remember him. the community face similar “We felt like we wanted to do something here, obvi- moments of trauma and hardships. ously with our community “It’s rough,” Cawthon who wanted to celebrate said. “It’s rough on the Alex’s life,” said Mike folks that have to deal Molnar, superintendent of Amherst Schools. “Today’s with it, first responders, of course, and the teachers. ceremony was to do just You just see the pain. It’s that.” an unfortunate, unfortunate The ceremony was held scenario that, obviously, we near a pollinator garden don’t ever want to see anyjust south of the school and a plaque was placed to body have to go through.” But in some of those commemorate Alex, Molnar hardest moments, Cawthon said. The service included said he’s seen the commuGarrett Looker The Community Guide
GARRETT LOOKER / CHRONICLE PHOTOS
Amherst community members gather Sunday to donate stuffed animals in memory of Powers Elementary School third grader Alex Louks. According to the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, Alex was shot and killed by his mother, Risa Louks. Authorities said she later set their Amherst Township house on fire and took her own life. nity come together. On Sunday, community members brought stuffed animals, one of Alex’s favorite things growing up. They placed them on a bench outside the school to be donated to the Amherst Police Department. One day, those stuffed animals will be used to help other children going through moments of crisis — something to give them
comfort and relief, officials said Sunday. “It’s all just a touching tribute to Alex’s love of life, and Alex’s desire to just spread joy and care to everyone,” Molnar said. “It was a meaningful way we could continue Alex’s love for life and animals and friends.” Cawthon agreed, saying the tribute to Alex will have an impact moving forward.
A plaque commemorating Alex Louks’ life was placed at Powers Elementary School in Amherst on Sunday. Mike Molnar, superintendent of Amherst Schools, said it’s all a touching tribute to Alex’s love of life and Alex’s desire to just spread joy and care to everyone.
Wellington shares in tax-credit ‘giveaway’ Garrett Looker The Community Guide
WELLINGTON — The ES Tripp House has been awarded a historical preservation tax credit worth $103,000, part of an effort to rehabilitate historic buildings throughout Ohio. Built in 1848, the ES Tripp House, 210 S. Main St. in Wellington’s Historic District, is a home that “has a few lines in every chapter in the history of Wellington,” said Rick Hatton, who owns the property
with his wife, Linda, and applied for the historical preservation tax credit. “I’m excited as a citizen of Wellington to see the renovation completed,” Hatton said. “It’s going to be a great addition to the history of the town.” Over the years, the Hattons — who live across the street from the historic Tripp House — watched as it fell into disrepair. Following the spring of 2023, Rick and Linda bought
the property at auction for $54,000 in the hopes of renovating it, Hatton said. Even though the Hattons have begun renovations, a full restoration would be impossible without the “essential” tax credits. Wellington’s ES Tripp House was one of 37 historic preservation projects awarded a collective $56 million in tax credits to aid rehabilitation initiatives throughout the state. It is part of the Ohio Department of Development’s
Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. “By preserving our historic buildings, we’re retaining the unique identity of Ohio’s communities,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. Since the 1950s, about a century after it was first constructed, the building was split into seven apartment units. Since purchasing the property, the Hattons have had to demolish parts of the home for reasons of safety and restoration.
PHOTO PROVIDED
This photo shows the exterior of a historic house at 210 S. Main Street in Wellington.
INSIDE THIS WEEK Hoops for the holiday
Amherst
Christmas tree contest
High schools’ seasons underway. A6
John Penton turns 99, celebrated. A3
Langston kids help hurricane victims. A4
SPORTS A6 • CROSSWORD A7 • SUDOKU A7 • KID SCOOP A8