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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Spooky season means fall fun Dark is falling earlier, trees are shedding their leaves and kids are craving candy. You know what that means — Halloween is nearly here. Americans plan to spend a record $10.1 billion on the holiday this year, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s an increase of more than $2 billion over last year. Google Trends has released its 2021 “Frightgeist” list of the most popular costumes based on searches in the United States. At the top nationAngelo Angel wide is an all-time clasThe Grafton Halloween sic — the witch. Other Parade marched this popular entries in the top past Saturday. 10 are rabbit, dinosaur, Spider-Man, Cruella de Vil, fairt, Harley Quinn, cowboy, clown and Chucky. Local favorites are a bit different though, according to Google: dinosaur, Cruella de Vil, pirate, witch and the Joker top the list here. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the spookiest holiday with costumes and candy in Lorain County over the next couple of weeks:

Trick-or-treating

Communities across Lorain County have set trick-ortreat from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. The major exception is Elyria, where it will be held those same hours on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Trunk or Treat at The 1907

Enjoy trunk-or-treating at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28 at The 1907 at Central School, 474 Church St., Amherst. There will be music, games, snacks and pumpkin painting. A fall bake sale will also be held to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation, and Muttley Crue Rescue will be on hand for pet adoptions. To take part, RSVP by calling (440) 984-6999.

Learn about scary history

Local tour guides and authors Sherry Spenzer and Eric Defibaugh will talk about some of the spookiest sites in the region during a presentation called “Scary Lorain County” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28 at the Avon Lake Public Library’s Waugaman Gallery, 32649 Electric Blvd. There will be an opportunity to purchase their books HALLOWEEN PAGE A5

U.S. Postal Service Use Only

Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-329-7000 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday News staff Jason Hawk news@LCnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122 Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com

Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com

By My Lantern’s Light

Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Tom Jewell plays the part of Anton Stiwald, a Civil War soldier who was there when President Abraham Lincoln died and who went on to serve as mayor of Amherst for 19 years. The re-enactment was part of the Amherst Historical Society’s “By My Lantern’s Light” event Saturday at the Cleveland Avenue Cemetery.

Sunset cemetery tours tell tales of Amherst settlers

◄ Tim Branscum and Chara Jakubisin portray Richard and Anna Mischka, whose family operated butcher shops throughout Lorain County in the late 1800s.

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Wearing black hoods and flowing cloaks, Jessicka Castro and Lashane Hughley led the way Saturday night past gravestones where familiar names were etched. They were tour guides through Cleveland Avenue Cemetery, where many important people from Amherst’s past made their final resting place. As the setting sun cast long shadows over the graveyard, stories of early settlers such as Josiah Harris and Joseph Quigley were told by members of the Amherst Historical Society. “It’s a trip through history to hear stories of the people who helped develop Amherst and make it what it is today,” said President Sandy Kaiser, dressed in late-1800s garb.

The society’s “By My Lantern’s Light” has been a popular October attraction for years, often sharing spooky local legends and tall tales. Instead of a Halloween haunt, this year’s event featured re-enactors who described the lives of those who lend their names to Amherst’s city streets, school buildings and businesses.

Among them were Richard and Anna Mischka, interred on Cleveland Avenue nearly 100 years ago. In the 1870s, there was a terrible depression in Germany that caused mass migration to Lorain County — the Mischkas made their home where Hastee Tastee stands today next to the cemetery, and their living as butchers who fed immigrants at the Lorain steel mills and area sandstone quarries. Portrayed by Tim Branscum and Chara Jakubisin, the pair described how their descendants ran businesses that fed, clothed and entertained generations of Amherst families. A CEMETERY PAGE A3

Oberlin rejects JVS annexation attempt JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — For now at least, the Lorain County JVS will not be allowed to become part of the city of Oberlin. In a 7-0 decision last week, a seemingly annoyed City Council rejected the vocational school’s bid to have its 98.37 acres be folded into the city limits. The vote marked the

“They would have saved money by annexing, and the taxpayers should know that.” Oberlin Councilman Kelley Singleton

end of a long and bizarre conflict between the two governmental bodies. Oberlin’s attorneys waged a five-year legal fight to try to force the JVS to annex from Pittsfield Township. But after the JVS filed a petition that would have given it lower

utility rates as part of the city while also barring Oberlin from collecting income taxes from its workers, Council cried foul. Frustrated, city Law Director Jon Clark pointed out the JVS itself would not have paid any taxes at all — in fact, it’s sanitary

sewer fees would have dropped considerably. “This would have cost them nothing,” he said. The JVS school board has a fiduciary responsibility to its taxpayers across the county, “and they have failed miserably,” said Councilman Kelley Singleton. He lambasted the JVS Board of Education and administration for allowing ANNEXATION PAGE A3

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Submit advertising to chama@chroniclet.com

Volume 8, Issue 43

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Kucirek’s administrative assistant blasts city • B1

Deal giving control of Prospect Elementary is still alive • B1

Roofing worker dies in a 60-70 foot fall • B1

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • KID SCOOP A8 • CROSSWORD B2 • SUDOKU B2

Page A2

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Oberlin library meeting

The Oberlin Public Library board of trustees will meet at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.

Enrichment program moving

Oberlin’s after-school enrichment program will move from the former Prospect Elementary School to the new Oberlin Elementary School starting Nov. 1. Parents picking up students should enter from North Park Street and exit onto North Pleasant. For more information, call the Oberlin Recreation Office at (440) 775-7254.

Fall leaf collection

Curbside leaf collection is now underway in the city of Oberlin and will continue until a majority of leaves are picked up or until there is a substantial snowfall. Be sure to rake leaves to the curb lawn only, not into the street. For more information, call the Public Works Department at (440) 775-7218.

Flu shots at the fairgrounds

Lorain County Public Health will offer free flu shots from 10 a.m. to noon and 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4 at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome. To schedule an appointment, visit www.loraincountyhealth.com/flu or call (440) 284-3206.

LETTERS Messer and Wachholz for Amherst school board To the editor: I am the mother of four children who attend the Amherst Schools. I spent the past seven years as a PTO volunteer and was the campaign manager for the bond issue in 2016 which allowed the district to build the new Powers Elementary School. With excitement and confidence, I give my full support to Amanda Messer and Morgan Waccholz for school board. Every school board should have members who currently have children attending the school district. Amherst currently has none. Messer and Wachholz both have children currently enrolled in the Amherst Schools. School board members should be active in our school buildings, and not just in the weeks leading up to their re-election. Messer and Waccholz are both active volunteers in the schools on a consistent basis and have built relationships with students, staff and other parents. Throughout this entire campaign they have made themselves accessible to staff, parents and community members. They respect and value concerns and opinions of all who have a stake or interest in the schools including teachers. Presently there is a legitimate concern about the lack of transparency in information given to staff, parents and the community. Fresh eyes and perspective is needed to remedy this concern. Let’s come together as a community to put Amherst back on the path to a better and brighter future. Please join me in voting Messer and Wachholz for the Amherst school board. Sarah Kucbel

Amherst teachers PAC endorses candidates To the editor: The Amherst Teachers Association Political Action Committee is pleased to announce our endorsement and support for the following candidates in the upcoming November 2021 election for Amherst Exempted Village school board: Amanda Messer and Morgan Wachholz. ATA PAC feels that these candidates represent the best interests of our students, our faculty and staff, and a bright future for our school district. This decision was made by the ATA PAC Screening/ Interview Committee based on candidates’ responses and interviews regarding issues of importance to the Amherst Schools. Lisa Schenk, ATA President Megan Kalchert, ATA Vice President

Amherst Council votes to up its pay JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — City Council has given itself a pay hike, and tied future raises to the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. In a 6-0 vote Monday, Council fast-tracked a vote without discussion that will increase its members’ compensation from $7,235 to $8,218 per year. That will be enough to earn one full retirement credit each year from OPERS. Right now, Council members only make enough to qualify for 85 percent of a credit, according to Councilman Brian Dembinski. “That does a couple of things. One, it’s a benefit

to Council,” he told the Finance Committee last week — and two, it would halt the need for a vote on salaries every two years, right before local elections. In conversation earlier this month, Councilman David Janik said pay should be increased as “a recruitment tactic” to convince more candidates to seek office. Having a full retirement credit may be more attractive than the salary for some people, he said. The measure was intentionally passed ahead of the Nov. 2 election. All three Amherst Council at-large seats and four ward seats are on the fall ballot. Most sitting Council members, with the exceptions of at-large Phil

Breakfast with Republicans

Share breakfast with the Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club from 8-9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at Sugar Creek Restaurant, 5196 Detroit Rd., Sheffield Village Plaza. Don Ortner, vice-chair of the board of trustees at Lorain County Community College will explain the relationship between the county commissioners and LCCC. Each attendee is responsible for their meal.

Learn about shorebirds

Join the Black River Audubon Society for an exploration into the “Magnificent Behavior of Shorebirds” presented by Brian Zweibel at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center, 12282 Nickle Plate Diagonal Rd., Carlisle Township.

Van Treuren and Ward 4 rep Matt Nahorn, are seeking re-election. Approving pay raises during election season hasn’t always been a good look for Amherst officials, and there has been debate over whether waiting until after Election Day is legal. Assistant Law Director Patrick Ward said the Ohio Ethics Commission has put forward a legal opinion on how raises should be handled. In short, if they know the results of the election, officials can’t vote for a pay increase they know will benefit themselves directly in the next term. “I see the logic behind that,” said Law Director Tony Pecora. Council President Jennifer Wasilk agreed that

“from an ethical point of view, it’s cleaner” to make sure it’s passed before ballots are counted. Included in the legislation is pay increase for the president of Council. Wasilk is unopposed on the fall ballot. The Finance Committee discussed setting the president’s salary at 12 percent higher than other members, based on a precedent set in 2014. Dembinski said 12 percent is a “weird number” and asked for the difference to be lowered to 10 percent — that effort failed by a 5-2 vote. Councilman Jake Wachholz said 10 percent is a “feel good” round number, but there was no practical reason to make the change.

From migration to the breeding grounds and beyond, Zweibel will share his passion for shorebird behavior through his award-winning photography and personal experiences on the breeding grounds of the high Arctic. This program is free to the public. It may be changed to Zoom; visit www.blackriveraudubon.org for updates on the program status.

New school officer

Patrolman Ryan Lamb was introduced Sept. 27 as a new officer assigned to the Amherst Schools. An Amherst native and graduate of Marion L. Steele High School and Kent State University, Lamb takes the position recently vacated by former school resource officer Eric Layfield. Lamb joined the department in 2018.

OBITUARIES Richard Schoonmaker

Richard Schoonmaker, after a long and fulfilling 90 year life, died peacefully at Kendal at Oberlin on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. Richard was born during the Great Depression and was raised in a working class neighborhood of Schenectady, New York by parents who had a deep respect and appreciation for education. He attended Yale University on an ROTC scholarship, where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering. He served as a junior officer for three years in the U.S. Navy, mostly at sea. He completed his PhD in Physical Chemistry at Cornell University and then spent a postdoctoral year at Columbia University. In 1960, Richard accepted a position in the Chemistry Department at Oberlin College, where he would teach and conduct significant research, often with undergraduate students, for the next 33 years until his retirement. He also spent five enjoyable sabbatical years at the universities of Oxford and York in England and at UC Berkeley and twice at the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin. Richard had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, backpacking, skiing, biking and hiking with his wife and children until late in life. Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen. He is survived by Dina (Bikerman), his wife of 65 years; sons, Dirk, Timothy and Jonathan; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His body was donated to CWRU Medical School.

ADAM C. MILLS, 37, of Wellington, passed away suddenly on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, as a result of a work related accident. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral BETTY JEAN WASSERMAN (nee Kothe), 90, a lifetime resident of Henrietta Township, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at Welcome Nursing Home in Oberlin, following a full and meaningful life. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home. VERONICA “RONNIE” KELNER (nee Gardner), 81, of North Ridgeville, passed away Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, at St. Mary of the Woods, following a full and meaningful life. Hempel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangeSANDRA G. JARAM (nee Jones), 63, of Lorain, passed away at her home Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. Hempel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. JOAN MARIE MEYER (nee Penfound), 89, of Amherst, passed away Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at her home following a long and full life. Hempel Funeral Home is handling arrangements. SHELLY M. ZIPp (nee Van Niel), 55, of Bedford, passed away Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at home following a two year illness. Hempel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. JIMMIE NELSON BROWN, 74, of Amherst, passed away Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at his home. Hempel funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Our condolences go out to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one. For information about placing an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call (440) 329-7000.

LETTER RULES Letters to the editor should be: • Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific residents, politicians, or groups. • Concise. There is a limit of 350 words on letters. • Polite. Letters that use crude language or show poor taste will be rejected. • Opinions. We reserve space for letters that share a unique perspective. Press releases are not letters and will be considered for publication in other parts of the paper. • Free of advertising, product or service endorsements or complaints, poetry, language that could raise legal problems, or claims that are measurably false. • Signed. Include your name, address, and daytime telephone number for our records. Up to two signatures. • The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE B2

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B2

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE (USPS 673-960) is published every Thursday, 52 weeks per year by Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company, 225 East Ave., Elyria OH 44035.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $40 for 52 weeks in Lorain County; $45 in Erie, Huron, Ashland, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties; $50 in all other Ohio counties; $55 outside Ohio. Periodical postage paid at Wellington OH.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Lorain County Community Guide, PO Box 4010, Elyria OH 44036.

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

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CEMETERY

FROM A1 downtown dry cleaner that had served customers for decades was the last of those shops, closing in 2020. At a plot just a few feet away, Rich Papay dressed as Manley Axtel, an influential local doctor, and Kay Clark played his wife Catherine. In the same row lies Anton Stiwald, who was portrayed by Tom Jewell. Born in 1842, he enlisted at age 20 to fight in the Civil War. One day his troop was visited by a tall, skinny man with a goatee and a stovepipe hat who turned out President Abraham Lincoln. “He put his hand on our shoulders and thanked us for doing our part to save the country,” said Jewell, in character. Lincoln was fatally shot by actor John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, while attending a play. Stiwald and other soldiers had the honor of sitting with the president the next morning when he died from his wound at Petersen House, Washington, D.C. Later, he and his brother Conrad opened a dry goods store. With his second wife, Stiwald later bought a house at the corner

of Milan Avenue and Crocker Street in Amherst — it is the third-oldest house in the city — and went on to serve as mayor for 19 years. Longtime Marion L. Steele High School drama teacher Valerie Farschman portrayed Sophia Beesing, mother of Herman Beesing. Born in 1872, in the days before electricity, he helped light the city’s kerosene streetlamps each evening. Later, he went to work in the sandstone quarries for the princely sum of 14 cents per hour. But Herman was most famous for working for the U.S. Postal Service in its earliest days. He delivered mail for 21 years, walking 9 to 14 miles per day for a total of 65,000 over his career. “He was one of the most beloved of, I guess what you’d call the mailmen today,” said Farschman, in character. “By My Lantern’s Light” continues tonight from 4-6 p.m. Guided tours begin every 15 minutes. Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling (440) 988-7255. The cost is $5, or free for children under age five.

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Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

FOCUS ON THE FALL ELECTION

Five candidates vying for Firelands school board seats CHRISTINA JOLLIFFE CORRESPONDENT

Five candidates are vying for three spots on the Firelands school board this November. Incumbents Bob Danicki, Ben Gibson and Dan Pycraft will face educators Ellen Gundersen and Kenneth Nodes. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Danicki: I have experience as a school board member for the last four years. I've been involved with the Firelands school district since my kids started attending Firelands 19 years ago. I've been a volunteer coach for baseball and basketball. I've been president, vice president, and treasurer for the Firelands Athletic Boosters and president of the Parents for a Safe After Prom Environment. I've also been on the building advisory committee and the building bond levy committee for the Firelands Schools. I'm currently a trustee on the Firelands Endowment Fund. I have a passion for helping the education of our youth. Gibson: My nearly 10 years of school board experience, including service as vice president and president of the board, demonstrates my dedication and ability to lead the district in the right direction. With years of construction management experience, my background has proven to be instrumental during the planning and construction of the new school. As a parent of three children attending Firelands Schools, I am vested and see the challenges and successes of the district first hand. Gundersen: I am the candidate most invested in the

Bob Danicki Age: 54 Education: Marion L. Steele High School graduate Family: Married 32 years, Jean; four children, all Firelands graduates Job history: Controls engineer, Nordson Corp., 27 years; controls engineer, GLA Finishing Systems, eight years people of Firelands. I have served on the front lines of this district for over 34 years as a parent, educator, coach, class trip coordinator and volunteer. I have worked on district committees and several levy campaigns. I am founder of Friends of Firelands and have held many leadership roles within the district, including contract negotiations. One would be hard pressed to locate a person with my experience, but I promise you will not find someone who will be more invested in the students, staff and families that make up the Firelands community. Nodes: My educational and business experience allows me to provide a unique understanding of the school district’s operation. I am comfortable looking at financial reports and have experience teaching many types of students, from those wishing to continue further with college courses to those with learning disabilities. I know that

CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS

Fixer-Upper - Partially Finished Home 60 x 60 Detached Garage Columbia Twp. - Columbia LSD Online and On-Site Bidding Available Absolute Auction, all sells to the highest bidder Location: 24778 Riverview Dr. Columbia Station, OH 44028 Directions: From Sprague Rd. head south on OH-60 or from North Royalton Rd. head north on OH-60, then west onto Riverview Dr. to the property. Watch for KIKO signs. TUESDAY, NOV. 16, 2021 - 5 PM Visit www.kikoauctions.com for full details Auction by order of: The Corlett Family Revocable Trust Chad Wilhite, Trustee Auctioneers/Realtors: Ashley Ritchey, 330-495-3474 ashley@kikocompany.com Eric Bevington, 330-417-5471 eric@kikocompany.com KIKO Auctioneers 330-455-9357 www.kikoauctions.com LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS SNOW REMOVAL Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the South Lorain County Ambulance District Board of Trustees until 11:00 AM on November 8, 2021 at 179 East Herrick Avenue, Wellington, OH 44090 for snow plowing of the District driveways, parking lot and sidewalks when snow is a minimum of two inches for the 2021-2022 winter season. Bids shall indicate a per plowing fee plus de-icer materials needed. For bids to be con-

sidered, they must be accompanied by proof of insurance ($1 million minimum coverage) and Ohio BWC certificate of coverage. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality of bids in the best interest of the District. BY ORDER OF THE SOUTH LORAIN COUNTY AMBULANCE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Amy Szmania, Fiscal Officer L.C.C.G. 10/28/21 20691809 PUBLICATION OF

LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on October 11 & 18, 2021. The complete text of each item may be viewed or purchased in the Clerk of Council Office @ Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, during normal business hours or contact Nancy Greer @ 204-2050 (Nancy_Greer@ cityoflorain.org). The following summary of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws. October 11-Ordinance 178-21* Approving the MOU between the City of Lorain and telecommunicators effective 1/1/2012/31/22 and repealing Ord. 172-21. 179-21* Auth the S/S Director to enter into an MOU between the City of Lorain and USW6621 and repealing 171-21. October 18- Resolution 39-21 Acknowledging October as national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 40-21 Accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and auth the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor.41-21* Concurring w/ expenditure of $2,939,404.39 of the American Rescue Plan Act. Ordinance 180-21 Accepting grant money from the Nord Family Foundation to be used for the recovery court coordinator position. 181-21* Auth & approving the commencement of the process to create a shoreline special improvement district for the levy of special assessments for shoreline erosion control. 182-21*Auth the S/S Director to advts & enter into contract for a 2 year period w/ 2 optional 1 year extensions for street patching within the city. 183-21 Ratifying & approving the payment & provision of compensation & benefits to the person appointed to the HR Generalist for the period of 8/1/21 to 10/8/21. 184-21* Auth the S/S Director to request proposals and enter into a contract to conduct and preparation of a compensation survey for all nonbargaining unit employees. 185-21* Appropriation. 186-21 Repealing Ord. 69-16 and Ch. 1302 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances “Registration of Vacant Commercial Buildings” & est new Ch. 1515. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.) L.C.C.G. 10/28; 11/4/21 20691958

Ben Gibson Age: 50danicki Education: Bachelor’s degree, Ashland University Family: Wife, Kristi; three children in the district’s middle and high schools Job history: Thirty years of construction management I can make a difference in helping math and science scores improve throughout our schools. Being a part-time college professor, I can spend time listening to parents’ concerns about students’ education. Pycraft: In addition to my strong feelings for Firelands Schools, what makes me the best candidate for school board is experience and common sense. I try to communicate with our superintendent and treasurer enough so that I know what is going on and what may be coming up, but not so much as to take time away from doing what they need to do. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is when you make a change in one area, it often affects something else that may not even be closely related. You have to think through every scenario before changing or making new policies. What is the biggest challenge facing the school district and how would you address it? Danicki: Educating our children during the COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest challenge facing the school district right now. I think we have a solid plan in place, and I will continue to support that plan. Keeping our in-classroom education available in our district is very important to the overall development of our children.

Ellen Gundersen Age: 56 Education: Master’s degree in education Family: Married 34 years; eight children/grandchild have attended/attending Firelands Schools Job history: Retired educator, Firelands Schools, 1987-2021 Gibson: Successfully completing the new school project on time and within budget is the biggest challenge facing the district. We have entrusted a great team of professionals to design and construct this new school to be a reflection of our community. It’s exciting to see years of the district’s hard work, planning, and dedication come to fruition. Last year’s remote learning was extremely challenging. It’s nice to have the kids back in the building with their peers and teachers and getting their education back on track. Gundersen: There are many well-documented challenges facing public education today; fiscal responsibility, a safe and productive learning environment for all types of learners, facility management, providing meaningful resources to our educators, and listening to all of the stakeholders, especially the parents/guardians. The top challenge facing not only Firelands but all school districts is the amplified gaps in learning that need to be identified, addressed and corrected. It is time we think outside the box of the “normal” classroom setting to assure we meet the needs of our students before we launch them into this ever-changing world. Nodes: We face short-

Kenneth Nodes Education: Executive master’s of business administration health care, Baldwin Wallace University; master’s degree, clinical chemistry, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree, chemistry, Wake Forest University; Medical Technologist School, St. Vincent Charity Hospital, Cleveland Family: Married 45 years, Cora; two adult sons Job history: Cuyahoga Community College, biology professor 2002-present; Lorain Community College, biology professor 2010-19; adjunct biology professor at both community colleges, teaching nursing and allied healthcare students core courses as well as providing introductory biology instruction for all students; St. Vincent Charity Hospital, 197383, lecturing students on basics of laboratory medicine, biology, and clinical chemistry; manager, Cleveland Clinic Family Health Centers 2010-15; chief operating officer, OncoDiagnostics Cancer Testing Laboratory, Cleveland, 2008-10; laboratory director, Firelands Regional Medical Center 2006-08; laboratory director, St. Vincent Charity Hospital and St. John Medical Center, more than 15 years, chief operating officer at St. John, 2003-04. term and long-term challenges in our district. The short term is keeping staff and students safe, not just from COVID, but from changing traffic patterns due to construction projects. Asking parents’ input, as well as following Lorain County Health Department recommendations, is the best way to address COVID. School traffic patterns need additional organiza-

Dan Pycraft Education: Associate degree in engineering technology, Lorain County Community College; Firelands High School graduate Family: Married 48 years, Bev; son and daughter, both Firelands graduates; granddaughter attending Firelands Schools and a grandson in preschool Job history: Retired; used equipment manager for Shearer Equipment’s seven store dealerships; worked for four different John Deere dealers, mostly in sales; served in the National Guard six years, honorable discharge with a rank of Sergeant E5 tion. Our long-term challenge is increasing our state proficiency scores, especially in math. Newer educational programs making math and science learning more interesting will help increase our scores. Using STEM programs will help younger students enjoy learning math and science. Pycraft: For years, if you asked me the biggest challenge facing the school district, the answer would have been finances. The biggest challenge today is COVID-19. It has affected every phase of our schools, from classrooms to sports, busing and everything in between. Data from last year clearly shows students in school surpassed students working from home, so we are following recommendations from the Lorain County Health Board. Every citizen has an opinion on how things should be, and they are not afraid to give their opinion on this. The recommendations are hard for some to accept, and can make policy decisions a tough job.

Eight in South Amherst Council race Dennis Burdue Age: 69 Education: Associate degree in business from Lorain County Community College; 1970 graudate of South Amherst High School Family: Married with two grown children and nine grandchildren. Job history: Retired tool repairman from Invacare Corp. in Elyria; appointed to Council in 1986 SOUTH AMHERST — Four seats on South Amherst Village Council are up for election this year, and the four incumbent council members — Dennis Burdue, Robert James, Stuart Jones and Jeri Leigh Siss — all are running for reelection. They are facing four challengers: Michele Jeffers, Scott Jones, Rosemary Leshinski and Jeanne Maschari. James, Jeffers, Stuart Jones and Siss did not respond to requests for participation. Burdue did not provide a photo. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Burdue: As a lifelong

Scott Jones Age: 34 Education: Film school at Columbia University Family: Wife Katie, two daughters Job history: Marketing director at A David Anthony Salon in Lorain. Human resources and administrative roles Website: www.facebook. com/SJforSA resident of the village, I have felt the need to try to serve it and the residents. With over 30 years of experience and knowledge of the village, I feel I have more to offer. Jones: I am a young and hungry individual that wants to serve my community. I feel that I can add a lot of new ideas and practice see them through. If the Council is not on a

Rosemary Leshinski Education: St. Joseph’s School of Practical Nursing; South Amherst High School Family: Husband, David; children Mark and Dawn Job history: Lorain County Savings and Trust; Lorain St. Joseph/Mercy Hospital united front we won’t be able to finish anything. Leshinski: I am a highly focused individual, willing to go the extra mile to achieve the goals set in front of me. My 39 years of nursing taught me the importance of working together as a team to accomplish the best outcome. I am currently on the South Amherst Board of Cemetery Trustees, which responsibilities include the maintenance and operation of the village cemeteries.

Jeanne Maschari Age: 68 Education: Associate’s degrees in banking and finance from Lorain County Community College; Lorain High School Family: Sons Chad and Dustin Braley Job history: Recently retired; employed with the village of South Amherst for 10 years. Lorain National Bank for 24 years I am a member of The South Amherst Historical Society, whose mission is to promote South Amherst history and unite the community. Maschari: I retired from the village after 10 years of service. I have 35 years of experience in finance and served on nonprofit boards during my career. Living in VILLAGE PAGE A7

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

HALLOWEEN

FROM A1 and have them signed. No registration is required. Masks are required, regardless of vaccination status, for anyone age two or older attending.

Tots trick-or-treat

Take your little witches and goblins to North Ridgeville City Hall at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29 to march in a parade and receive ghoulish treats. Be sure to pre-register at www.nridgeville.org/parksandrec.

Trunk or Treat at Open Door

A “cops and community” trunk or treat event will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29 at Church of the Open Door, 43275 Telegraph Rd., Elyria. Kids can wear costumes to get candy in an event sponsored by Amherst, Wellington, Avon, Avon Lake and Olmsted Falls police and the Lorain County Deputies Association. Refreshments will be provided.

Oberlin parade

The Oberlin Halloween parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 from the former Eastwood Elementary School on East College Street. It will end at Langston Middle School on North Pleasant Street. Head downtown after the parade to trick or treat at businesses from 12:30-3 p.m. Oberlin police officers and firefighters will also offer treats at City Hall.

You’re a wizard, Harry!

A Harry Potter Wizarding Walk will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Lorain Public Library’s Columbia Branch, 13824 West River Rd., Columbia Township. Play the “Harry Potter: Wizards Unite” phone app with friends. Stock up on spell energy at special event inns, unlock portkeys, battle at special event fortresses with friends, and gather potion ingredients from the library greenhouse. Swag prizes are first come first serve. Additional parking at Columbia Park. Pre-registration is required at www.tinyurl.com/LibraryPotter.

Downtown Wellington event

Daylight trick-or-treating will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 30 in downtown Wellington. Kids can wear costumes and collect candy, coupons, trinkets and more from participating businesses in this event sponsored by the village and Main Street Wellington. Residents will also hand out treats at The Elms Retirement Village.

Party down

A family Halloween party will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Elyria Public Library System’s Keystone Branch, 133 East Commerce Dr., Lagrange. Stop by in costume for a treat and to play Halloween games.

Boo Bash

The Lorain County Metro Parks will host the “Boo Bash” from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave, Sheffield Village. It will feature games, crafts and a costume parade. The cost is $5 per child and free for adults.

Lorain County Community Guide Register by Oct. 30 to receive the discounted rate of $25.

Penfield park event

Trunk or treat will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31 at Penfield Rec Park on Route 18. Residents can park and hand out treats or take the kids to fill their buckets.

South Amherst parade

Line-up for the South Amherst Halloween parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31 at South Amherst Middle School on State Route 113. The parade will kick off at 3 p.m.

Amherst parade canceled

The Amherst Fire Department has decided for the second year in a row to cancel its Halloween costume contest and parade due to the dangers posed by COVID-19. “Ultimately, we’re in the business of keeping people safe,” said an announcement from firefighters. “If one kid were to get sick, that’s one too many.” The parade is typically held in the city’s downtown, starting from the San Springs building and traveling to Town Hall. The Fire Department event’s cancellation has no connection to trick-or-treating.

Trunk-or-treat in Kipton

Kipton Community Church will hold its 2nd Annual Trunk-or-Treat from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 511 Church St. There will be a food truck, candy, games and activities, a photo booth and contests for best costume and trunk displays. This free family friendly event is open to the public.

Fall flowerpots

Take a walk through downtown Wellington and see flowerpots decorated in seasonal themes, including scarecrows, pumpkins and spooky skeletons. You can vote for the best-decorated pots in Main Street Wellington’s contest at www.mainstreetwellington.org. Voting closes on Halloween, and winners will be announced at the First Friday event the evening of Nov. 5.

Brasee’s Corn Maze

A 27-acre corn maze can be found at Brasee Farms, 18421 State Route 58 just north of Wellington. It’s open 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Halloween. Flashlights are mandatory at dusk. Admission is free for up to two kids ages four and under with a paid adult admission; $6 for ages 5 and up; and $5 for seniors ages 65 and up and military, police, firefighters or EMS with ID. Hayrides are also available, weather permitting, for an extra cost of $2 per person. The last ride leaves an hour before closing.

Page A5 are $12 for the day and free for children ages two and under. Visit www.clevelandhayride.com for more information. At dark, the property turns into the “Spooky Ranch” with haunted attractions such as the Extreme Nightmares Haunted House. It’s billed as “a theatrical production that will linger in your mind and cause you sleepless nights.” The cost is $22 and up, with a variety of packages available at www.spookyranch.com.

Hillcrest Orchards

Located at 50336 Telegraph Rd. in Henrietta Township, Hillcrest Orchards is home to a corn maze featuring a yeti, barrel train, corn box play area, hayrides, apple picking, a hay tunnel, pedal carts, sandbox, playground and climbing nets. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30. Admission is $12 per person. Ages 0-3 and 73 and up are free. There is a discount for buying tickets at www. hillcrestfarm.com. Apple-picking is extra.

Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch

Find hayrides, a petting zoo, the Pumpkin Theater, a children’s “spooky” maze and more at Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch, 8638 Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fall activities run through Saturday, Oct. 30. Admission and many attractions are free, but there are costs for hayrides and pumpkin picking.

Red Wagon Farm

The 38th Pumpkin Festival at Red Wagon Farm, 16081 East River Rd., Columbia Township, has activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Halloween. There’s a kids play area with a straw jump, corn kernel pit, straw bale maze and slides, as well as family games like corn hole, ladder toss and checkers. Admission is $10, and free for children ages two and under. Wagon rides are $5. There is also face painting and an “all you can carry” pumpkin patch. Get tickets at www.redwagonfarm.com.

Scary movie night

A family movie night will start at 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 at the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In, 33395 Lorain Rd., North Ridgeville. The event is free for North Ridgeville School families. “Trolls 2” and “Gremlins” will be shown simultaneously, with fireworks following the shows. Registration is required and will open at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28 at www.tinyurl.com/ScaryNR.

Old West Pumpkin Fest

Pick pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, pony rides, a family fun house, kids activities, an animal petting farm, a straw mountain, costumed characters and more at the Rockin’ R Ranch, 19066 East River Rd., Columbia Township. The Old West Pumpkin Fest runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the fall season. Tickets

Bruce Bishop | Community Guide

Candy in downtown Amherst

Businesses in downtown Amherst, mostly centered along Park Avenue, Church and Main streets, will hold trick-or-treating for families from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30.

A history of ghost films

Dive into the haunting history of films about ghosts with “I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Lorain Public Library’s Domonkas Branch, 4125 East Lake Rd., Sheffield Lake. Explore movies such as “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and “Poltergeist.” Preregistration is required — visit www.tinyurl.com/DomonkasGhosts.

Trunk or treat at First Baptist

Kids can get treats from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at First Baptist Church of Elyria, 11400 Lagrange Rd. There will be a bouncy house, games, and lots of candy at this free event. More than 80 themed and decorated vehicles are expected to be parked in the north lot, which will be closed to moving traffic. Family-friendly costumes only. Costumes are not required.

Skeleton Run

The 22nd Annual Skeleton Run will return in person on Sunday, Oct. 31 at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst. The event includes a 5K, a stroller division, a dog division, youth races for each grade level, free items from Lorain County Public Health and free snacks and drinks for all runners. The Skeleton run is also special because many choose to take part in full costumes, with prizes for the best. A free quarter-mile silly run for kindergarten through fifth grade starts the fun at 8:30 a.m. The first 300 registered 5K participants will receive a long-sleeve shirt. The 5K race will be chip timed, which means that runners will receive a computerized chip to put into their bib that will accurately record all race information. There are overall men and women’s trophies and grand masters men and women’s trophies in addition to medals for the top three finishers in each of 14 age groups. Pre-registration, course map and all race information can be found at www.tinyurl.com/AmherstSkeleton.

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1-7 p.m. Lorain County Public Health 9880 S Murray Ridge Road, Elyria Thursday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. AND 2-6 p.m. Lorain County Fairgrounds 23000 Fairgrounds Road, Wellington Monday, Nov. 8, 3-7 p.m. The Lodge of New Russia Township 46300 Butternut Ridge Road, Oberlin Tuesday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Old Stone Church 553 S Main Street, Amherst Make an appointment at LorainCountyHealth.com/flu or call 440-284-3206.

Flu vaccine options: shot for ages 6 months and older, high-dose shot for ages 65 and older, nasal flumist for ages 2 - 49. COVID-19 vaccines (all doses and all types) are also available. No cost. COVID-19 vaccines are free. Flu shots paid for by CARES Act funding through the Lorain County Commissioners.

Find more clinics at LorainCountyHealth.com/flu or call 440-284-3206 09/21

Page A6

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Steele juniors learn ‘combat medicine’ County ready for as UH donates nearly $35K in supplies rollout of COVID

vaccine to kids

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Emma Bruewer didn’t have a light touch as she pulled a tourniquet strap hard Friday morning. Her “patient,” Lindsey McConihe, held a pool noodle against her leg, with a deep hole gouged out of the foam to simulate a wound. The two juniors and their medical technology classmates at Marion L. Steele High School have been learning how to stop severe bleeding. With the recent donation of nearly $35,000 in emergency medical supplies from University Hospitals, they’d be able to step up and help save lives in the event of a school shooting or natural disaster. “If anything ever happened, we’d have the right stuff to take care of it,” said junior Alexis Alflen, practicing stuffing a wound on a hallway floor. Today’s high-schoolers have grown up in a post-Columbine world where school attacks have become frequent. Alflen and Bruewer said they sometimes forget that classrooms can be targeted, and then a new shooting or bomb threat will bring that reality crashing home again. They’d pushed the danger out of their minds early this year, and then a bullet placed on a Steele hallway floor Oct. 1 revived their anxieties. Now, thanks to UH, emergency response kits have been placed in every classroom in the Amherst school district, as well as the board office,

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Lindsey McConich’s fake wound — a hole gouged in a pool noodle — is bandaged by Emma Bruewer. The juniors are learning to stop bleeding after University Hospitals donated nearly $35,000 in life-saving supplies to stock Amherst classrooms. bus garage and common areas. The white buckets are stuffed with gauze, tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, bandages, duct tape, surgical scissors and gloves. “It’s combat medicine,” said teacher Kim Haney, who has taught introductory health care at Steele for 23 years. There are no Band-Aids included. “This is not first aid,” said Haney — they are survival kits for the worst disasters, and won’t be opened for routine incidents. The buckets can be used during prolonged lockdowns. They include toilet paper, clothesline, door-stop-

pers, canvas blankets and glucose for people who have diabetes. Haney said it’s sad that schools need to prepare against threats, but reassuring to know the correct supplies are on hand if needed. Her students are being trained as part of the nationwide Stop the Bleed initiative, which includes instruction in CPR. They’ll put their training to the test Wednesday morning in a “mock code” exercise. Each year, Haney stages an elaborate scenario — zombie or shark attacks, for example — and students use what they’ve learned to treat actors’ injuries.

Funding available to help manage winter heating costs

Federal Funding Programs

HOME Investment Partnership Program

OF LORA

Parisi. “It is crucial we provide customers with the means to pay their energy bills, because no one should have to spend the cold winter months without heat.” Household income must be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Applications for HEAP

ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

(Additional qualifications apply)

Applicant must own and live in the home Applicant must be current on the mortgage Home must have insurance Household must income qualify (see income guidelines below) Loan Type: Partially repayable low interest rate loans Interest Rate: 0%-5% Term: 5-15 Years Loan Amount: Up to $45,000 Repayment: Partial repayment based on household income Income Limits: Homeowners whose income is at or below 80% AMI Eligible Structures: 1-4 Family owner-occupied homes Geographic Area: City of Lorain

2021 HUD INCOME GUIDELINES Family Size

50% of Area Median Income

PR O

IA AR

BILITACION REHA DO DE MI CI LI

Estamos aqui para ayudar

Esilegaldiscriminar contracualquierpersonaporque deraza,color,religión,sexo, discapacidad,situaciónfamiliar, uorigennacional

OF LORA

Code violations; health & safety conditions Structural hazards Plumbing Roof and gutters Electrical and other fire hazards Heating systems Gas lines

STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL REHAB Submit Complete Application

Financial Review

Bidding Process

Loan Closing

For more information contact the City of Lorain Building, Housing & Planning Dept. 200 West Erie Ave., 5th Floor Lorain, OH 44052 440-204-2020 | www.cityoflorain.org

It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin

CUIDAD DE LORAIN

Programa de rehabilitación HOME MEJORAS ELEGIBLES

(Se aplican calificaciones adicionales)

El solicitante debe ser propietario y vivir en la casa El solicitante debe estar al día en la hipoteca El hogar debe tener seguro Los ingresos del hogar deben calificar (consulte las pautas de ingresos a continuación) Tipo de préstamo: Préstamos a tasas de interés bajas parcialmente reembolsables Tasa de interés: 0%-5% Condiciones: 5-15 Anos

Reembolso: Reembolso parcial basado en los ingresos del hogar Límites de ingresos: Propietarios cuyos ingresos sean iguales o inferiores al 80% del AMI Estructuras elegibles: 1-4 Viviendas familiares ocupadas por el propietario Área geográfica: Ciudad de Lorain

2021 HUD pautas de ingresos

Violaciones del código; condiciones de salud y seguridad Riesgos estructurales Plomería Techo y canalones Riesgos eléctricos y de otro tipo de incendio Sistemas de calefacción Líneas de gas

PASOS PARA UNA REHABILITACIÓN EXITOSA

Monto del préstamo: Hasta $45,000

(sujeto a actualizaciones anuales)

Tamaño de 50% of Ingreso Medio del área 60% of ingreso medio del área la familia

$27,550 $31,450 $35,400 $39,300 $42,450 $45,600 $48,750 $51,900

Begin rehab

CALIFICACIONES BÁSICAS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Loan Review

80% of Area Median Income

$44,050 $50,350 $56,650 $62,900 $67,950 $73,000 $78,000 $83,050

Conduct Rehab Scope

(Subject to annual updates)

60% of Area Median Income

$33,060 $37,740 $42,480 $47,160 $50,940 $54,720 $58,500 $62,280

$27,550 $31,450 $35,400 $39,300 $42,450 $45,600 $48,750 $51,900

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

MA RA G

can be started by visiting energyhelp.ohio.gov, but must be completed at your local energy assistance provider. To find a list of local energy assistance providers or to see if you qualify for the program, click here, call 211 or Columbia Gas at (800) 344-4077.

HOME Rehabilita�on Program

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

their home energy bills. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill. “So many of the households we serve have occupants that are children, seniors or those with disabilities — we need to be advocates for them,” said President and COO Vince

CITY OF LORAIN

BILITATION P HA RO RE G

M RA

HO M

Columbia Gas is reminding customers that funding is available this winter season through the Home Energy Assistance Program to help manage heating costs for those who qualify. HEAP is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans financial assistance with

$33,060 $37,740 $42,480 $47,160 $50,940 $54,720 $58,500 $62,280

80% of ingreso medio del área

$44,050 $50,350 $56,650 $62,900 $67,950 $73,000 $78,000 $83,050

Conducta Alcance de rehabilitación

Enviar Completo Solicitud

Comenzar rehabilitación

Revisión de préstamos

Revisión financiera

Proceso de licitación

Cierre del préstamo

Es ilegal discriminar Para más información contra cualquier persona porque de raza, color, religión, Contacta el Cuidad de Lorain sexo, discapacidad, situación familiar, u origen nacional Building, Housing & Planning Dept. 200 West Erie Ave., 5th Floor Lorain, OH 44052 440-204-2020 | www.cityoflorain.org

OBERLIN — The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for young children is imminent, the doses are ordered and clinics are scheduled, according to Lorain County Deputy Health Commissioner Mark Adams. If all goes well, vaccines for kids ages 5 to 11 will receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization early next month, he told parents who gathered Oct. 19 for an Oberlin Board of Education meeting held outdoors at the city’s Hamilton Street recreation complex. As soon as authorization is granted, links will go live about 90 minutes later on the Lorain County Public Health website for families to start scheduling shots, said Adams. The county health agency anticipates demand for about 2,500 vaccines for that age group — and if there’s a clamor then additional doses will be available within a day. Adams said there will be clinics across the entire county by the end of November. Those first adopters will have full antibody protection by January. The timeline was spelled out in a meeting where parents were invited to discuss the future of COVID-19 policies in the Oberlin City Schools. School board President Jason Williams said the meeting was scheduled because there have been so many questions lately about masks and mandates. As of the meeting, the district had recorded just 10 student cases and two staff cases this fall, according to Superintendent David Hall. Jason Hawk | The last was Sept. 15. He compared Oberlin’s Oberlin News-Tribune numbers to those in select Mark Adams, Lorain other school systems, noting County deputy health commissioner, speaks some have many more students. Amherst, for example, last week about the future of the COVID-19 had reported 153 total cases to the Ohio Department of pandemic and school Health, Lorain had 131, safety. He took quesNorth Ridgeville had 123, tions in a meeting of Sheffield had 48 and Columthe Oberlin Board of bia had 17 as of the night of Education held at the the meeting. city’s Hamilton Street Oberlin is at the very recreation complex. bottom of the list for the county’s public school districts, due in large part to its mandatory masks and other safety rules, Hall said. The district is not requiring COVID vaccinations for staff or students, he said. While some schools across the nation are requiring teachers and other workers to get shots, doing so in Oberlin may not be feasible due to staffing levels, especially with substitutes, he said. Hall said the Oberlin City Schools and Ohio Department of Health require students to receive any number of other vaccines to attend. But for now there is no plan to add the COVID vaccine to that list. Answering questions, Adams said there has been a significant drop in new cases recently. That is a pattern Ohio’s health experts predicted, based on trends they are seeing in other states, he said. Hospitalization numbers typically lag behind several weeks. By mid-November, they will start to show Lorain County’s most serious cases declining sharply. The advent of cold weather in Fall 2020, which moved people inside and closer together, gave rise to a spike in COVID cases and led to widespread school closures. Adams said he does not feel history will repeat itself this year. He said there will likely be two more significant waves, but they won’t compare the November and December 2020 spike, and there don’t appear to be more variants that changed the game the way delta did in early 2021. There is not hard data showing how the virus is spreading from student to student in school, Adams told parents. There does appear, from casual observation, to be a link, however: “The schools that are masking have half the cases than the schools that are not masking,” he said. Parents wanted to know when masks will no longer be required. That entirely depends on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which sets national health policy, Adams said. Some parents were fired up about politics, but he shared no opinions, only medical facts. “The disease is endemic at this point,” he said. That means COVID will probably never fully go away. Like the flu or other communicable diseases, it will become less virulent over time — “good” viruses don’t kill their hosts, as Lorain County Community College microbiologist Harry Kestler has said in interviews — and COVID will also be less of a concern as vaccination becomes routine. Parents also questioned Adams about mental health, which they said is an aspect of the pandemic they feel isn’t being addressed. But there was not a consensus. Some parents said they believe wearing masks is harming children, leading to depression and anxiety, while others said their kids feel stressed when they enter a room where people aren’t wearing masks.

Plastic bag swap

In celebration of America Recycles Day, the city of Oberlin will hold a plastic bag swap. Take three or more plastic shopping bags to Oberlin IGA, 331 East Lorain St., between 3-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, and they’ll be swapped out for a reusable shopping bag. For more information, contact Oberlin Recycling Coordinator Lori Sprosty at (440) 935-0096 or recycling@ cityofoberlin.com.

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

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Oberlin unveils historical marker for suffragette CARISSA WOYTACH THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

OBERLIN — Where Mary Burnett Talbert’s childhood home once was, a new historical marker now stands. Oberlin city and civic officials gathered Friday afternoon to unveil the new placard, part of the National Votes for Women Trail. Talbert, an Oberlin native and Oberlin College alumna, was a suffragette, NAACP leader and activist. Born in 1866, Talbert was raised in Oberlin, receiving her degree from Oberlin College before taking a teaching position in Little Rock, Arkansas. She married William Talbert in 1891 and moved to Buffalo, New York, where she was a founding member of the Phyllis Wheatley Club, an affiliate to the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, according to the Women Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in 2005. While in New York she was part of the founding of the Niagara Movement, hosting W.E.B. Du Bois and other intellectuals in her home when they were denied a venue. The Niagara Movement in the early 1900s was a precursor to the NAACP. The group held its last formal meeting in Oberlin in 1908, with the NAACP founded two years later. Talbert also served as a Red Cross nurse during World War I in France, and was on the Women’s Committee of National

Angelo Angel | Oberlin News-Tribune

Claudia Jones unveils a placard honoring the late Mary Burnett Talbert on South Main Street in Oberlin on Friday afternoon. Defense. In 1922 she was awarded the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, the first woman to receive the group’s highest honor. She died a year later at the age of 57. Standing on the lawn of the Union Center for the Arts, Oberlin NAACP President Claudia Jones said Talbert’s life is one of dedication. “The example set by Mary Burnett Talbert is one we can carry over into our lives today,” Jones

said. “She was certainly what we could hold up as an example for ourselves as we look around and see issues to which we can move our voices and hands. The struggle for gender equality goes on, as well as protecting voting rights for all.” Looking at the Girl Scout troop that helped set up the event, she said she was heartened to see the young girls there and there may be another Mary Burnett Talbert in their ranks.

VILLAGE

FROM A4 the village for 32 years, serving as the clerk for Council, implementing accounting software and audit functions, administrator to the water department, and clerk for Evergreen Cemetery has educated me in every function of the village government. I feel there are some big decisions on the horizon for the Council and mayor. My education and experience will allow me to listen to the residents and make the best decisions to serve them. What is the biggest challenge facing the village and how would you address it? Burdue: Budget and sewers. With the theft in office by our previous fiscal officer, the village has had to adjust its budgetary spending in all accounts. State budget cuts to the village and the loss of tax dollars soon to be realized by the loss of the Firelands Middle School add to the problem. Another problem hurting the budget is a seemingly undetectable water loss. The new (Board of Public Affairs) has some new ideas to explore the situation. The need for sewers is stifling growth now and for the future. It would also be nice to increase our police force. Jones: Finishing things. We need to finish what is started. I can say that the roads need to be worked on but, without following through on it will just be another thing dis-

Lions lasagna dinner

The Amherst Lions and the Amherst Steele Leo clubs will host a drive-thru lasagna dinner fundraiser from 4:30-6:30 p.m. or until meals are sold out on Thursday, Oct. 28 at Marion L. Steele High School. Dinners are $10 each and include meat or vegetable lasagna, apple sauce, roll and dessert. Proceeds will benefit the Leo Club BackPack project, which helps provide weekend meals for Amherst students in need, and other Lions Club community projects. This is a take-out and cash-only event. Customers are asked to drive-up to the Washington Street main entrance of the high school, where orders will be taken and dinners delivered without the need to get out of your car.

Hop aboard the Jingle Bell Bus

Take a ride through Amherst to visit the city’s most beautiful light displays aboard the Jingle Bell Bus this winter. Tickets go on sale at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at the Main Street Amherst Community Center, 255 Park Ave. Residents can purchase tickets there from Main Street Amherst staff from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday until they are sold out. Tickets are $5 each.

Jolly Seniors

Do you enjoy playing cards? Amherst Jolly Seniors meet from noon to 3:30 p.m.

City Council President Linda Slocum agreed. Oberlin has a long history as part of the women’s suffrage movement, and its Council recognized 100 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment last year. “We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us and fought many of the battles before us,” Slocum said. “Yet we still have work that lies ahead to carry on the traditions that they have defined.”

Liz Schultz, Oberlin Heritage Center director, noted the marker was sponsored by her organization, the NAACP Oberlin Unit, the city, and the Oberlin AfricanAmerican Genealogy and History Group. The effort received funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s National Women’s Suffrage Marker Grant Program. Schultz read a letter from the Foundation, which noted markers encourage pride in place. “Now the city of Oberlin joins a select group across the United States with Pomeroy Foundation-funded markers,” she read. “These markers are well researched, with primary sources reviewed by professional historians.” Jordann Sadler, president of the Oberlin African-American Genealogy and History Group, gave a brief history on Talbert, including her strides in the suffrage movement. Quoting the turn-of-thecentury activist, Sadler said “‘It should not be necessary to struggle forever against popular prejudice and with us as colored women, the struggle becomes twofold. First, because we are women, and second because we are colored women. ... By her peculiar position, the colored woman has gained clear powers of observation and judgement, exactly the sort of powers which are today … necessary to the building of an ideal country.’” The marker is near 9 South Main St. in Oberlin.

Stuffed animal sleepover at Amherst library cussed at a Council meeting and not finished. Leshinski: The biggest challenge facing the village is ensuring revenue to supply essential services to the village residents. We need to look for different paths to secure our future. The demographics of the village is changing, as younger families are moving in. Welcoming the input and involvement of younger people into local government can introduce innovative ideas in the community. Multi-generational members would bring experience as well as insights into the kinds of future that younger community members envision, which could strengthen economic development. Maschari: The overhead to operate the village and provide services to the residents is a difficult task. We have an aging infrastructure with limited revenue. We will need to work with the county on projects such as sewers, storm sewers, and develop a plan to bring small businesses into the village to generate revenue for services to the residents. It’s time that we stop doing what we have always done and expecting things will just work out. The new body of Council needs to develop a five-year budget that includes tightening spending on operations and balance that with small business growth. each Monday at the Amherst Historical Society’s Sandstone Hall on South Lake Street. If you are interested in joining them, call Elaine at (440) 309-6312.

‘Screwtape Letters’ discussion

The C.S. Lewis and Friends Book Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 at First Lutheran Church, 1019 West 5th St., Lorain. Readers will continue their discussion of “The Screwtape Letters,” beginning with letter 13. All are welcome. For more information, call Marcia Geary at (440) 988-9803.

Coffee with the Mayor

Wellington Mayor Hans Schneider will hold a “Coffee with the Mayor” meet-andgreet session from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Kelly Street fire station. Meet candidates for the Wellington Board of Education and Village Council.

Free meal for veterans

A free Italian dinner will be served for Lorain County veterans from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at the Italian American Veterans, 4567 Oberlin Ave., Lorain. The meal is limited to the first 400 veterans, as well as their spouses and children under 18. Veteran ID is required. The menu includes stuffed shells, Italian sausage and meatballs. There will also be live music. For more information, call (440) 284-4625.

Celebrate Plush Animal Lover’s Day with the Amherst Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28. Drop off your favorite plush friend at the steps of the old library on Park Avenue. Weather permitting, there will be a special outdoor bedtime story and then kids can pick out a sleeping bag to tuck their plush friends into for an overnight sleepover in the library. They can discover what their favorite friend did at pick-up after 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, or have an adult help follow along with their adventures on Facebook or Instagram. No registration is required for this program.

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Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

neHalloweenday,thestudentsinMs.Lively’s classshowed upintheir costumes.Well, all butone student. Daviddidn’thave hewasn’t had Daviddidn’t haveaacostume.But costume. Buthe wasn’t _____. He Hehad aasecretive secretive_________ on his face.What face.Whatwas to, _________on was he up upto, wondered the other students? At lunchtime, Ms. Livelysaid,“David, Atlunchtime,Ms.Livelysaid,“David, please stay in atlunch. at lunch.”The otherkids other kids pleasestayin wondered ifDavid was in some kind of _______. if Davidwas

aluminum foil scrap

Creative Reuse Costume Ideas

paper cup cardboard boxes

Somethings that might end up in landfills could be used to make clever Halloween costumes and props. Here are just afew ideas! Giant Mac & Cheese painted cardboard toilet paper tubes painted cardboard box

garden gloves

ut alittle later,Davidcameout totheplayground Ms.Livelyand in acool robot costume—one Ms. Livelyand hehad puttogether with _______________ he hadputtogether with_______________ boxes, aluminumfoil, newspaper, construction aluminum foil,newspaper,construction paperand ______. paper and paper paper______. Davidbeamed David beamed as he told hisfriends,“I asked Ms.Lively to helpme Ms.Livelytohelp me makemyReuse Robot costumefrom costume from things headingto heading to the ____________ bin! I wanted to show how _____________ how_____________ can be made from reusable things. And after madefrom Halloween, I’ll recycle allthe all the parts of mycostume!” my costume!” I’llrecycle

construction paper scraps, cardboard, newspaper and magazine photos to create gauges, video screens, lights, buttons

PirateTelescope and Binoculars ExplorerBinoculars createdwithh paper towel tubes and toilet paper tubes

Jellyfish umbrella

strips of newspaper, ribbons

Broomstick

What can you create with some of these things? Draw your costume idea! • plastic bottles • egg cartons • large envelopes • paper bags • cereal boxes • fruitstickers • newspapers • pizza boxes • yogurt cups • magazines • popsicle sticks • buttertubs • shoe boxes • paper cups • milk cartons

newspaper strips

paper towel tubes

Astronaut Jet Pack 2 litre plastic bottles cardboard/construction paper plastic bottle caps for dials and buttons construction paper flames How many bats can you find on this page? Have a friend try, too!

HALLOWEEN WEE HATS: A paper sack andscrappaper canbecomea silly Halloween hat!Each picture pic has a match, exceptone. Can youfind it?

Look through the newspaper for: • A word that means the opposite of scary • A Halloween costume • A scary large number • An adjective that describes Halloween Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

Draw the itemthat shouldcome nextto continue the patternin each row.

Standards Link: Mathematics: Understand simple patterns.

MATERIALS COSTUMES MACARONI UMBRELLA ALUMINUM STUDENT RECYCLE ROBOT IDEAS SMILE VIDEO SCRAP BOX BIN CUPS

H I T A O E D I V S

S D N L L R R S A L

C E E O A O E M L A R A D C R M C I L I

LANDFILL

A S U W U A Y L E R S E S O E I L A B T

It’s better to reuse materials than have them end up in landfills.

P P T T X N C E R E

T O B O R B E N M A

C X A L U M I N U M Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Try to use the word landfill in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.

Halloween Costume Ideas

ANSWER: She wanted to be like mummy.

Standards Link: Visual Arts: Use a variety of mediums for art.

This week’s word:

The noun landfill means an area where waste is buried between layers of earth.

NewspaperCreatures

Look through the newspaper to find photos or cartoons with people and animals. Cut out different parts and paste them together to create an all-new creature.

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Can you give other kids advice and idea recommendations for Halloween costumes that don’t cost too much money?

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Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Chief’s administrative assistant leaves, blasting city JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — The administrative assistant to former police Chief Joseph Kucirek has retired, and blasted city officials last week on the way out the door. Keri Celik was hired as a parttime dispatcher in August 2000 under former Chief Lonnie Dillon. She gave two weeks’ notice

Oct. 8, but on Oct. 19 said she would not finish out the week. “The unwarranted attacks on the chief’s character have made this situation untenable for me,” Celik wrote. “I feel that the city reached a conclusion prior to the latest investigation and then looked for evidence to support such conclusion.” Kucirek chose to retire Oct. 11, during a long investigation into low morale at the Amherst Police

Department. In his resignation letter, he accused Mayor Mark Costilow of forcing him out of the job. A 19-page report by Amherst Safety Service Director John Jeffreys, with 83 pages of supporting documents, recounted ongoing issues of alleged insubordination. It said Kucirek ignored orders from City Hall, didn’t cooperate well with other co-workers, violated standards

of conduct and potentially broke state or federal labor laws. Celik, in a written statement to police Lt. Mark Cawthon, Costilow and the media, took issue with the contents of the report and said the intent from the start was to get rid of Kucirek. She alleged that some people made appointments with Costilow or Jeffreys to refute allegations against the chief, but those same people “indicated the city

Winter is coming

was uninterested in anything that would contradict their desired outcome.” City officials never sought to interview her as part of its 11week investigation into the inner workings of the station, Celik said. She also painted complaints against Kucirek as a plot by workers who “stand to gain by KUCIREK PAGE B2

Wellington man dies in 60-70 foot workplace fall JASON HAWK and DAVE O’BRIEN

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Workers inspect every inch of the 24 snowplows at the Ohio Turnpike garage on Oberlin Road on Friday to get them ready for winter duty.

Turnpike gears up for snow with plow inspections JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST TWP. — Inspectors ran down a checklist of 136 safety items Friday, examining every inch of the 24 Ohio Turnpike snowplows kept at the maintenance garage on Oberlin Road. Snow and ice are on the way. With 1,395 lane miles and 14 service plazas to cover between the Pennsylvania and Indiana state lines, Turnpike workers want to make sure they’re ready. They checked plow blades, raised and lowered beds, looked at hydraulic systems, made sure tail lights were in working order, and double-checked radios. “Anything that you would use on an everyday

automobile at home to the special controls you have on these big machines, we need to make sure they work perfectly,” said Maintenance Superintendent Rex Underwood, who has 30 years of experience. Special attention went to inspecting the mechanisms that regulate how much salt goes down on the roadway. “When we turn it on and it says it’s going to drop 200 pounds per lane mile, we want it to truly drop 200 pounds per lane mile,” said Underwood. In an average year, crews use an average of 65,000 tons of salt and 293,000 gallons of liquid de-icer along the Turnpike. Last year, its 241 miles were hit with 54 winter storm events. Drivers spent more than 36,000 hours to clear ice and snow. “Our experienced and

Name a snowplow

The Ohio Turnpike is rolling out a contest to name one snowplow at each of its eight maintenance garages across the state. Sponsored by the Northern Ohio Buick GM Dealers, the contest runs through Dec. 1 and is billed as a way for drivers to have a little fun. “It’s grueling out here in the wintertime, and they can be working seven days a week for months sometimes,” said Adam Greenslade, director of government affairs for the Turnpike. “So this is fun, gives a little levity to their really serious jobs.” The public can suggest names at ohioturnpike.org, and eight winners will each receive a $100 gift card. Names must be no longer than 15 characters, and Plow McPlowface is already out of the running, said Greenslade. “I already got it,” he laughed. “It took about five minutes for the first Plow McPlowface to come in.” dedicated crews will be working hard to make sure customers have a safe driving experience on the Ohio Turnpike,” said Director of Field Operations Chris Matta. “After all, the safest place to be on the road is behind a snow plow.”

Underwood said plow drivers and Turnpike customers share responsibility for safety. He said that if a storm is on the way and you absolutely must still travel, be sure to allow PLOWS PAGE B3

County hires new Crime Lab director DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — Lorain County commissioners hired Gillian Camera last week as the new director of the Lorain County Crime/Drug Lab. The vote was 2-1 with commissioners Michelle Hung and Matt Lundy voting to hire Camera. Commissioner David Moore voted no over Camera's compensation package, he said. Camera, whose most recent work experience is as a laboratory manager in the Mercy Health system, will make $40.86 per hour when she begins her job on Nov. 1, according to board documents. Camera "is looking forward to further her career in her original desired career path of forensic science," Hung said in an emailed statement. "Gillian’s career drive and sense of purpose to serve the residents of Lorain County came shining through to

us during her interview process." According to her public LinkedIn profile, Camera has been a lab manager at Mercy Health in Lorain since September 2020. Prior to that, she was a supervisor with the MetroHealth System in Cleveland from February 2018 to September 2020 and a laboratory team leader with the Cleveland Clinic from November 2016 to January 2018. Camera is working on getting an MBA from Purdue University Global and has a bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University, according to her LinkedIn profile and information provided by Hung. The Crime/Drug Lab is now up to a staff of seven, including Assistant Director Chelsea Lang, who was promoted to that position Sept. 27. Hung said that will help remedy a backlog of test results. Camera "definitely was very knowledgeable (in her interviews) and has a very strong background and she's

already managing a large number of people," Lundy said. "She already has strong management skills and good experience at the hospital and she interviewed extremely well. Very sharp, very professional and very engaging. So I think she's someone who will do well." "Obviously the lab has to work with other offices and the public and be out educating the community, and I'm very confident she'll fit the role for all those responsibilities," he added. Camera replaces former lab director Elizabeth Doyle, who resigned effective Sept. 16 to take a new job as a client services representative with Matrix Pointe Software in Westlake, according to her public LinkedIn profile. Moore said his concerns over the hiring were with how much Camera was to be paid: $20,000 more, he said, than her predecessor. CRIME LAB PAGE B2

A 37-year-old Lorain County man died Oct. 18 in a workplace accident in southeastern Ohio near the West Virginia border. The Wellington resident was working for a company called West Roofing Systems at the Hannibal Industrial Park in Clarington when the incident happened, according to Chief Deputy Jason Rinard, of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. He said the victim "was in an area of the roof where he wasn't supposed to be” around 10:45 a.m. and fell 60 to 70 feet to his death. Three other workers had been on the roof with him at the time. Those Adam Mills present gave him first aid until firefighters and paramedics took over, and by the time a medical helicopter arrived about 15 minutes later, the man had died. Rinard and others at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office refused to provide the victim’s name, even though the family had been notified and the information is public record under Ohio law. An obituary identified Adam Mills, 37, of Wellington, MILLS PAGE B2

After deadline, Prospect deal gets Council go-ahead JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Though the deadline has technically lapsed, a land swap that would give City Council control of the former Prospect Elementary School is still in the works. City Manager Rob Hillard was given the go-ahead last week to continue talks with Oberlin Schools Superintendent David Hall. The city has been doing due diligence on the property for months and debating how it would use the old building, which was vacated when the new Oberlin Elementary opened this fall. In doing so, it missed the Sept. 30 closing date the two parties had agreed upon. After waiting patiently, the district has been looking for the city to make a solid commitment on the land transfer, said Law Director Jon Clark. It got its answer in a 6-0 vote, with Councilwoman Mary Price abstaining. PROSPECT PAGE B3 1960-2021

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Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

CRIME LAB

FROM B1 "It just doesn't send the right message when somebody leaves and then you bring someone new in and they offer her 20 grand more," Moore said. "She may be a great person and able to do the job but I didn't want to support her. Hopefully she'll succeed but I wasn't about to support that kind of money when we just lost someone" making $65,000 annually. The Crime/Drug Lab and Lorain County Coroner's Office are the focus of Issue 1, a 0.3-mill, five-year levy on the Nov. 2 ballot that would raise slightly more than $2.3 million per year annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 an additional $10.50 per year. The main purpose of the levy is to move the Crime/Drug Lab out of a former employee cafeteria in the basement of the County Administration Building on Middle Avenue in Elyria so that it can achieve accreditation status.

BACK TO THE 1800s Bruce Bishop | Amherst News-Times

Ryan Sawyer, a blacksmith at the Amherst Sandstone Village on Milan Avenue, talks to kids from Powers Elementary School last week about the importance a blacksmith to the area’s earliest families. The Amherst Historical Society welcomed thirdgraders to visit the Village and learn about the town’s past, including an inside look at a one-room schoolhouse. This award winning educational project started in 1993 and won the Amherst Board of Education Crystal Apple Award the same year.

KUCIREK

FROM B1 the chief’s premature retirement.” Kucirek is not perfect and she disagreed with him at times — but the Police Department was well run under his leadership, Celik said. As Costilow became more involved, it undermined the chief’s authority, she said. Celik also wrote about being present at a July 21 meeting where consultant Cindy LeBrun gave the results of an assessment of the climate at the North Lake Street station. “I felt that she presented this as a factual document without the caveat that the chief was never given an opportunity to provide context or clarity into any of the allegations, furthering

my belief that his removal was a predetermined outcome,” Celik said. In a follow-up email, she clarified she decided to retire "a lot earlier than I intended, but it was due to this situation." Costilow chose to say little in response to Celik’s departure from city employment. “I stand by our report,” he said. “I disagree with all her allegations, and I really, truly wish her the best of luck in retirement.” His attention is now on choosing the next chief of police. The Civil Service Commission already met to lay the groundwork for that process. Costilow said he intended to hire

the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police to conduct interviews of Cawthon and Dan Makruski, the two lieutenants eligible to step into the position. He said that process would likely not involve a written test, but daylong interviews conducted by people who have experience as chiefs of police. Costilow and Jeffreys will also have input into the decision. “We’ll talk about the need to have a different style of management,” Costilow said, and urge the need for a chief who can “be more motivational” to officers and dispatchers. He hopes to choose a chief by the end of the calendar year.

At work, he had always been a stickler for safety rules. “Why we’re all shocked is because he was very safety-oriented,” Feron said. When he was on the road traveling for work, Mills longed to be home with those he loved, said his sister, Maya Feron. “He died supporting his family, and he was very family oriented,” she said. “Adam was a brother, a friend, a son, a husband and a wonderful father,” wrote Kelsie Dunn, a family member of Mills’ fiancé, on a GoFundMe page seeking donations

in his memory. “He was one of the happiest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and he loved to love.” The donation page can be found at tinyurl.com/MillsFund. A funeral was held Saturday. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at hempelfuneralhome.com. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made directly to the family. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the fall, according to Rinard.

MILLS

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Ohio

LORAINCOUNTY.US/CLERK

Tom Orlando

Lorain County Clerk of Courts

FROM B1 as an employee of West Roofing Systems who died in a workplace accident the same day. His family confirmed last Thursday night that Mills was the man who died in the incident. “Adam was a gentle soul. We always talked about what a big heart he had,” said his mother, Tracey Feron of Wellington. Mills was a 2002 graduate of Wellington High School, had worked for West Roofing for five years, was a cat lover who was in a long-term committed relationship with his fiance and doted on his daughter. CANDY ACROSS 1. Good earth 5. Pea soup bone 8. Transport, with a U 12. Top notch 13. Copenhagen native 14. Boggy 15. Who would 16. Play parts 17. “Sesame Street” roommate 18. *World’s best-selling candy bar 20. Law school entry requirement, acr. 21. Use a garrote 22. Homer Simpson’s exclamation 23. *”Gimme a break” bar 26. Scrimmage line group 30. Dollar 31. Saltwater game fish 34. Hindu workout 35. 4 years for a U.S. President, pl. 37. *Hyde & ___ Boutique candy 38. Seize a throne 39. Popular aquarium performer 40. Germany’s National Socialism, for short 42. Ryder Cup peg 43. Excellent 45. Jet setters’ vessels 47. Scientist’s office 48. Game ragout 50. One from Glasgow 52. *Twizzlers competitor 55. There’s none like home? 56. Vocal piece for one 57. Small ladies’ handbag 59. Black cat crossing the street, e.g. 60. One with biggest share? 61. Actor Wahlberg 62. Secondary school 63. Follow ems 64. Sheltered, nautically DOWN 1. Order’s partner? 2. Sounds of amazement 3. Any day now 4. a.k.a. hop clover or nonesuch 5. Certain consonant marker 6. Cavern or cave

7. Army ____ hall, or dining room 8. *Who’s Kisses? 9. Pavlova or Kournikova 10. Newton, e.g. 11. Caustic chemical 13. One of Fanning sisters 14. Cell dweller 19. Online conversations 22. Cacophony 23. Japanese string instrument, pl. 24. Apathetic 25. 9 a.m. prayer 26. Mischievous Norse deity 27. *Pop Rocks sizzle and pop in it 28. Kind of heron 29. Back of the neck, pl. 32. Back of military formation

33. *Short for Pfefferminz 36. *Chocolate-covered whipped marshmallow (2 words) 38. Savory taste sensation 40. Apprehend 41. Spirit of the woods 44. Not now 46. Auteur’s art 48. European finch 49. Goodbye, in Puerto Vallarta 50. Hurtful remark 51. Zoo room 52. Respiratory rattling 53. Et alibi, abbr. 54. “You betcha!” 55. OB-GYN test 58. *Mike and ____ fruity, chewy candy

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

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Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B3

Alumni take last shot at saving old S.A. school JASON HAWK EDITOR

SOUTH AMHERST — Seeing his old high school torn down would break James Slack’s heart. When he graduated in 1971, it was called South Amherst High School. Today, the 111-year-old building on the west side of town serves as Firelands’ middle school — and it’s likely to be demolished unless someone comes up with a plan fast. Slack and other alumni have formed the Old Sandstone School-House Project in hopes of preserving the building. They formed a board of directors Friday, have hired an attorney and are now seeking nonprofit status. “I would like to see something done with that building to serve the community. And I’d like to see the community to help determine that,” Slack said in a phone interview Friday from his home in Alabama. By Thanksgiving, he wants to have a plan ready for the Firelands Board of Education that would keep the State Route 113 building standing

Bruce Bishop | Amherst News-Times

South Amherst Middle School is pictured Friday. Alumni of the former South Amherst High School hope to save the building from demolition. and in use. There’s no concrete business in mind to occupy what today is South Amherst Middle School, but Slack said it could be a civic center, senior center, free clinic, home to any number of companies or a mix. School board President Mike O’Keefe said the middle school’s future hasn’t been decided. What’s certain is that it will no longer be needed next year when the

new Firelands High School opens its doors, making room for all grades to be housed on the Vermilion Road campus. “We’re weighing our options. We’d love to see it repurposed in some way,” O’Keefe said — but if no viable plan is put forward, SAMS will not be allowed to sit there as a vacant eyesore. South Amherst village officials have turned down an offer to take ownership of the building for $1.

“It adds up to economics,” said Mayor Dave Leshinski. Even if acquired virtually for free, there would be legal costs and liability the village just can’t shoulder right, he said. Nor does he believe a proposal from Justin Lichter of Industrial Realty Group — the company that has long planned to develop portions of the former sandstone quarries — would pay off right now. “As far as repurposing that

building, we all know it has some sort of potential,” said Leshinski. “What it is, we don’t know, and when it is, that might be the bigger question.” Slack has for years been seeking help from the village to preserve the old building once its life as a school is over. Leshinski said the problem hasn’t been whether the school is usable, but who would pay the significant bills to overhaul it. Slack is similarly frustrated on his end of the deal. He said the village and the South Amherst Historical Society “have demonstrated no capacity — and have expressed no realistic plan — for saving, preserving, and re-tasking the building.” Neither has O’Keefe heard a presentation that brings all the right ingredients together, though there has been plenty of talk and a long executive session on the topic. Lichter has approached Superintendent Mike Von Gunten with ideas, but no proposal yet, he said. “We haven’t really gotten anything solid from anybody about that property,” O’Keefe said Friday. Slack, a retired professor who taught public adminis-

tration at several universities in the South, said there are options, and grant and historic preservation tax credits to help pay for them. He wants to open the door for developers to submit proposals. If a company like Sprenger Health Care — which turned the long-vacant Central School in Amherst into a thriving senior living center using state tax credits — had come forward, that might have been a possibility, said Leshinski. While many have expressed interest in the building, none have floated a workable way to pay for it, though, he said. Firelands doesn’t necessarily have time to wait for developers to step forward, said O’Keefe. The new school is on track to open in August, and the district is on a deadline to let its construction team know whether South Amherst Middle School will be demolished. “People are interested in keeping it. The village really can’t do anything with it,” he said. “That leaves us in a strange position. But I can tell you it won’t sit empty. We promised people we wouldn’t let it just sit there for years, and we like to keep our promises.”

PLOWS

FROM B1 extra time, stay off your phone and keep extra distance from other vehicles. Ideally, motorists should keep at least 100 feet behind plows, he said. That gives enough room for salt to spread without damaging other vehicles, and enough time to stop if there’s an emergency. Most importantly, slow down when winter weather strikes, said Underwood. “If I had a magic wand and I could, probably the biggest thing I would change is the speed some of these commercial trucks are traveling,” he said — no matter how large your vehicle, follow-

ing the speed limit will go a long way toward assuring everyone gets home. With enough experience, plow drivers become great forecasters. Underwood said he believes this winter will be average, “as long as those wind directions don’t change over the Great Lakes.” Adam Greenslade, director of government affairs for the Turnpike, agreed. He said Northeast Ohio has lucked out over the past five years with mostly mild snowfalls, and he hopes it stays that way. The Ohio Turnpike uses all full-time drivers — none are sea-

sonal. Underwood said his crews are already well-staffed, with only five more needed across the breadth of the state. That puts the Turnpike in a better spot that the Ohio Department of Transportation, which is desperate for seasonal help to bolster its full-time and auxiliary drivers. ODOT has been scrambling to fill about 500 positions in the past week. That task hasn’t been easy, given the pressures COVID-19 has placed on the labor market. “Like every other employer right now, we are struggling to find qualified workers to fill these

PROSPECT

FROM B1 “I am 100 percent on board with the acquisition of this property. I think it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for both the community and city, said Councilwoman Heather Adelman. Councilman Ray English also threw his support behind taking over the former school, but gave a warning. “I do want the public to understand that there are certain uncertainties involved in the acquisition of the building,” he said. “We may run into problems.” The city has not decided — at least not openly — how Prospect would be used. Among the possibilities are a new home for the Recreation Department, affordable housing, art studio space, afterschool care, an animal shelter and many other ideas put forward by residents this

summer in an open house. City officials have said Prospect could be renovated, partially torn down or completely demolished. The cost of a full tear-down with asbestos removal would be $496,900, according to Hillard. If the city were to raze the school and put a public park there, he said it would be fair to assume there would be additional costs. If the transfer goes ahead, Prospect will be traded for a small strip of cityowned and landlocked property on Pleasant Street. This year, the district tore down the dilapidated Pleasant Street School across the street from the Oberlin High School and new elementary campus. Clark declined to name a new closing date for the deal.

positions this year,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “We’re doing everything we can to recruit the help we need to supplement our winter operations, but we do have concerns about finding drivers and mechanics in this challenging job market.” The need in Lorain County isn’t quite so dire as elsewhere, but there are open positions that need to be filled, according to spokeswoman Kaitlyn Thompson. Twenty full-time drivers are based out of the local ODOT garage on State Route 511 just

west of Oberlin, she said. Eight seasonal drivers had been hired there as of Thursday, but several more are needed. Statewide, ODOT is conducting 150-point inspections on its plow trucks and winter equipment over the next couple of weeks. In Lorain County, those inspections are scheduled for Tuesday, said Thompson. In a typical year, 3,300 drivers take to the state’s fleet of 1,698 trucks to clear roads of snow. Last year, ODOT crews put 9.1 million winter miles on the tires, logging more than 1 million hours.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 OCTOBER 28, 2021 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 85 SOUTH MAIN STREET NOVEMBER 1, 2021 �� CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING – 6:00 P�M� – COUNCIL CHAMBERS - PURPOSE: To hear a recommendation of the Oberlin Planning Commission to amend the Zoning Code related to Alternative Energy Systems, Fence Regulations, Sign Code Changes and Agricultural Use Regulations� NOVEMBER 1, 2021 �� REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 7:00 P�M� – COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 2, 2021 �� HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION – 5:15 P�M� – CONFERENCE ROOM 1 NOVEMBER 3, 2021 �� PLANNING COMMISSION – 4:30 P�M� – CONFERENCE ROOM 2 NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

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Page B4

SPORTS

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Printed as space is available.

Top stats, just not a win

COMETS’ FINAL BOW SOURS

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Senior quarterback Andre Yarber throws up a stiffarm in first half action against the Cardinals.

Yarber ends as LCL pass leader ERIK ANDREWS CORRESPONDENT

OBERLIN — Both Oberlin and Brookside hit paydirt with five touchdowns Friday. But the Cardinals went 5-for-5 on 2-point conversions, while Oberlin mustered only one successful PAT attempt, giving the visitors the 40-32 win over the host Phoenix in Week 10. To close the season, Oberlin's Andre Yarber generated a highlight reel of his own, completing 19 of 34 passing attempts for a whopping 315 yards, including throwing for three touchdowns. The big night thrust Yarber to the top of the Lorain County League passing leaderboard in both completions and yardage. His main target, wide receiver Jonny Frazier, hauled in eight catches for 131 yards and three trips across the goal line, burnishing his season numbers as one of the top wideouts in the conference. Oberlin wraps the season with a 2-8

Jonny Frazier is pushed out of bounds after one of several receptions good for first downs against Brookside. He caught eight passes, three going for touchdowns. record (1-6 in the LC8) and several of the players will turn their attention to the basketball court or the wrestling mat as the winter seasons kick off early next month.

Photos by Joe Colon | Amherst News-Times

Mason Fisher took a short touchdown pass from George Gotsis to right the Comets at 7-7 in the second quarter Friday against Avon, and for a moment, Amherst looked like it stood a chance. The Eagles weren’t put off their rhythm, though, and went on a fivetouchdown tear on the way to a 42-13 victory. Jeremiah Taylor scored a final TD for the Comets on a 28-yard run. Gotsis ended the night with 115 yards on 18 carries and 115 more on 11 of 20 completions in the quarterback slot. Torre Weatherspoon had 62 yards on the ground and 72 receiving. The loss — on Senior Night — rounded out a winless 0-10 season for Amherst. ABOVE: Gotsis goes airborne in an attempt to make the first down marker. LEFT: Senior Tristian Pijor tries to turn the corner around Avon defensive back Colin Kaufmann in Friday’s 42-13 loss to Avon.

OBERLIN CITY COUNCIL - CLERK’S OFFICE

Phoenix defensive lineman Jameson Clark puts the heat on Cardinals quarterback Kenny Grobolsek in early action Friday. Grobolsek picked up 52 yards on three passes against Oberlin, but was more effective on the ground, where he rushed for 194 yards on 21 carries.

BRIEFS Volleyball

• Amherst defeated North Ridgeville 3-1 in the sectional semifinal. After losing the first set 21-25, the Comets came back for a 25-15, 25-10, 25-23 victory. Ava Haddix recorded 30 assists, Lindsey McConihe had 23 digs, Nia Hall had 21 serve receives and Kia Hall had 18 kills.

Boys Soccer

• The Comets dismantled Parma 6-0 in the first round of the sectional playoffs. Sean McQuate led the Amherst squad with two goals, while Jayden Karnik, Kadin Love, Landon Plumb, and Andrew McDonald each tallied one. Goalkeepers Kyle Dumais and John Perez-Strohmeyer combined efforts to ensure the shutout.

Cross Country

• The Amherst girls team placed ninth among 27 teams at the district meet Saturday, qualifying for the regional championships. Catherine Turner led the team with a 21st place finish, followed by Aurora Wilson in 35th and Marisa Del Valle in 37th. • The Amherst boys team placed 10th at the district championships, with Luke Bowlsby pacing the team. He finished in 16:33.1 for fifth place among a field of 177 runners. Ty Perez finished 10th in 16:42.2 and Sebastian Pecora was 67th in 17:57.8. Bowlsby and Perez each qualified for the regional race, which will be held this Saturday at Boardman.

CITY OF OBERLIN NOTICE OF BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE VACANCIES Oberlin City Council will be accepting applications to fill the following vacancies: City Records Commission (1) Civil Service Commission (1) Fire Code Appeal Board (1) Fire Fighters Dependents Fund Board (2) Historic Preservation Commission (1) Housing Renewal Commission (1) Human Relations Commission (2) Income Tax Board of Review (3) Oberlin Community Improvement Corporation (OCIC) (5) Planning Commission (2) Public utilities Commission (1) Recreation Commission (1) Resource Conservation and Recovery Commission (1) Underground Railroad Center Implementation Team (1) Zoning Board of Appeals (2) Persons interested in serving can contact: Oberlin City Clerk Belinda Anderson, MMC 85 South Main Street Oberlin, Ohio 44074 Phone#: (440) 775-7203 Fax#: (440) 775-7208 The deadline for applications will be November 8, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B5

ONWARD AND UPWARD TO STATE

Joe Colon | Amherst News-Times

The Amherst Marching Comets perform Friday night during halftime at the Senior Night varsity football game against Avon. This season, the band has been defeated in every local contest. After taking first place in their division and being named grand champion earlier this month at the Copley Band Competition, the Marching Comets are heading to state this Saturday at Hilliard Bradley High School. The band is scheduled to perform at 8:15 p.m.

PIRATES GET HOMECOMING WIN

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Black River closed out a tremendous season by dominating Wellington 27-6, making for a happy Pirates homecoming. Tyler Mrakuzic took a four-yard pass from Andon O’Neal to open the scoring, then the pair connected again for 53 yards to give the Pirates room. Joseph McKean stretched the lead to 20-0 on a 22-yard run and Brandon Rollin rolled out a third quarter insurance touchdown on a one-yard run. Eric Groesser was successful in three PATs on the night. Jon Brasee made sure the Dukes at least got on the board with a late touchdown reception for 72 yards from Landon Wright, but a 2-point conversion attempt fell flat. Wellington ended the season 4-6 (2-5 in the Lorain County League), while Black River had a 7-3 season (5-2 in the LCL). ABOVE: Black River’s Joseph McKean escapes from Welington’s Nate Patfield. LEFT: Ty Moore gets the handoff.

WELLINGTON RECYCLES!

Did you know, everything you recycle in your green recycling tote is weighed and recorded? The village of Wellington receives grant dollars from the Lorain County Commissioners, and Lorain County Solid Waste Management District, because you recycle. The more you recycle, the more grant money the village is eligible for! Grant dollars have been used to purchase recycled content park benches, trash/recycling receptacles, crushed red brick for the ball fields at the Rec. Park, the sun shade at the splash pad, and playground equipment.

What to Recycle in your Green Curbside Tote • Glass Bottles & Jars (all colors) • Metal Cans: Aluminum, and steel cans and lids • Paper: Newspaper, magazines, cardboard, mixed office paper and envelopes, paperboard (cereal boxes), telephone books, and catalogs

• Plastics #1 -#7 (reattach lid): Bottles and jugs that have a small mouth and wider base, such as milk jugs, soda bottles, laundry detergent bottles, water bottles, and shampoo bottles • Cartons (paper fiber): Juice, Milk, Soy Milk, Soup and Broth, Cream, and Wine

Recycling Tips – • Mix all items together – no separation required • Empty and rinse all bottles, jugs, cartons, and cans • No Need to remove labels • For plastic bottles, empty, crush and reattach lids

• For cartons, remove plastic caps and straws • Never place medical sharps or needles in the recycling • Do Not use plastic bags

Not for Recycling –

No plastic bags, cassette tapes, bed sheets, hangers, metal chains, garden hoses, batteries, needles, syringes, electronics, polystyrene foam, buckets, car parts, food, yard waste, light bulbs, drinking glasses, ceramics, pots, pans, and scrap metal.

Hard to Recycle Items Lorain County Solid Waste Management District Collection Center

540 South Abbe Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035, 440-329-5440 Hours of Operation: Wednesday 12 PM – 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM (Lorain County Residents Only) • Household Hazardous Waste (see website for accepted materials) www.loraincounty.us/commissioners-department/solid-waste-management/collection-center • Fluorescent Lamps & Ballasts • Papers to Be Shredded • Cooking Oils • Scrap Tires • Electronic Waste

Lorain County Habitat for Humanity –

If you have items such as new paint, used paint that is half full, construction or building items – you can donate them to the Lorain County Habitat for Humanity, www.loraincountyhabitat.org, 440-322-2355.

Page B6

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

MARCHING TOWARD GRADUATION

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin High School’s marching band celebrated its seven seniors during the halftime show at Friday's varsity football game, recognizing them for their dedication and commitment to the band during their Oberlin careers. Pictured are Katrina Ganson, Emerson Freas, Anna Fritz, Emily Emerich, Katherine Doane, Julian Anderson and Cassie Sirocky.

D3 CROSS COUNTRY AT LCCC Photos by Russ Gifford | Community Guide

The Northeast District Division 3 cross country races were held this weekend at Lorain County Community College.

Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Junior Asa Rosen Jones moves downfield in Oberlin’s ill-fated 3-1 Division 3 contest with Lake Ridge Academy.

Wellington's Bella Watters nears the finish. She placed 36th.

Oberlin's Faith Dull nears the finish line.

Black River's Jared Bradford finished in fourth place.

Catherine Turner races to a 21st place finish, the highest for Amherst.

END OF THE ROAD FOR DUKES GIRLS Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

The sixth-seeded Dukes were caught off guard by the competition from Northwestern in the Division III sectional last week. Wellington won the Lorain County League title and advanced to the playoffs with a 10-0 record, but the Huskies dished out a 6-1 punishment to advance to the district semifinals. The Dukes’ lone goal came from Amanda Spiekerman with an assist from Savannah Gundert. RIGHT: Wellington's Amanda Spiekerman makes a run against Northwestern.

OVERTIME WIN

Phoenix end with 3-1 loss to Lions ERIK ANDREWS CORRESPONDENT

Oberlin and Lake Ridge Academy squared off in the opening round of the Division 3 playoffs. In a back-andforth affair, the Lions placed their shots on frame with more consistency than the Phoenix, ultimately yielding a 3-1 edge early in the second half. Oberlin's lone tally arose from the boot of Asa Rosen Jones off the right side of the attack. With a two-goal margin in hand, Lake Ridge resisted the Oberlin late game onslaught to advance to the sectional final game against Hanoverton. Several good looks on net for the Phoenix produced no result as solid shots were delivered just high or wide of the goalmouth, or, into the open arms of the Royals’ keeper. Host Oberlin arranged for the contest to be held at the beautifully manicured Fred Shults Field at Oberlin College. Both coaches and players as well as fans appreciated the venue upgrade. The Phoenix close the 2021 season at 5-11-1 overall, 3-4-1 in the Lorain County League. With eight student-athletes leaving with the Class of 2022, head coach Dan Kulp said, "We're graduating a wonderful group of seniors and will miss them both on the pitch and practice fields. We'll begin the off-season working to fill some of those big shoes as our underclassmen rise to meet the challenge."

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Mechanical Pumpkin Oct. 2,3,9,10,16,17 (Weather Permitting)

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Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times

Firelands' Bella Simmons battles Woodridge's Anna Rorrer for the ball in playoff action. The Falcons went on to defeat the Bulldogs 2-1 in overtime.

* Westwinds Massage-Amherst * The Pit Stop Mini Mart-Oberlin * Brickyard Bar & Grill-Oberlin * Claremar Twin Lakes Camping Resort-New London

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

HOMECOMING ROYALTY

Page B3

BIG POSTSEASON OPENER

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Treyce Wood and Noelle Cross were crowned Black River’s homecoming king and queen Friday night as the Pirates battled the Dukes to a 27-6 victory.

PHOENIX END AT 2-13 Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Photos by Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times

The Comets routed the Bedford Bearcats 12-0 in the Division I sectional final to open playoff action. ABOVE: Amherst's Elly Vorhees accelerates with the ball in the Bedford box. BELOW: Amherst's Kamille Coleman shoots and scores against Bedford.

To open Division 3 tournament play, Oberlin traveled to Elyria to face Open Door. The 19th-seeded Patriots jumped out to a first half lead and controlled the run of play throughout, resulting in a 5-1 win over the Phoenix. Senior co-captain Emerson Freas collected Oberlin's lone score as she delivered a left boot touch to the back of the net in the 75th minute. Coach Ben Eiskamp's charges conclude the 2021 season at 2-13-1 overall, 0-7-1 in the Lorain County League. Oberlin graduates five senior student-athletes from this year's squad and will look to begin the off-season program after a short break. RIGHT: Senior forward Anna Fritz finds room to take a shot.

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Page B4

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Check Out Our Website! www.hooksgreenhouse.com

50740 State Rt. 18 Wellington, OH 44090

HOURS: MON.-SAT. 10-6 SUN. 12-5

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Last Week Open!

Dear Valued Customers, Family and Friends, The weather has been beautiful and it is a wonderful time to decorate. We have a nice selection of all things squash and pumpkins! If your family is still in need of a carving pumpkin, we have all sizes and shapes. Send us your pictures on Facebook, we would love to spread the inspiration! Now is the time to make stuffed acorn squash or even stuffed cabbage, YUM ! A Hook favorite is warm butternut squash soup around the campfire. Closing October 31st. Stay tuned to social media for Christmas Open House. Have a Safe and Cozy Fall!

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