Lorain County Community Guide - Dec. 12, 2019

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 6, Issue 50

CHRISTMAS 'Who-tiful' drink wins Mix Off F•E•V•E•R JASON HAWK EDITOR

Check out this edition for a ton of holiday photos — and be on the lookout for even more next week!

BULLETIN BOARD Thursday, Dec. 12 • OBERLIN: The Oberlin Public Library board of trustees will hold a regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, followed by a 2020 organizational meeting. Both will be at the library and are open to the public. • AMHERST: The annual cookie walk at Amherst United Methodist Church will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 396 Park Place. The monthly soup lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring vegetable beef soup, chicken dumpling soup and sloppy joes, pie and salad bar. • WELLINGTON: The Afternoon Book Group will meet at noon on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Herrick Memorial Library. Readers will discuss the “Taste of Home: Grandma’s Favorites” cookbook as they provide a dish of one of the book’s recipes for the group to sample. A copy of the book is available at the circulation desk. • OBERLIN: The Low-Vision Support Group will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Green Room for the audio presentation “Reclaiming Independence: Staying in the Driver’s Seat When You No Longer Drive.” All are welcome. • OBERLIN: A lecture on Cleveland’s new Environmental Dashboard exhibit at the Great Lakes Science Center will be offered at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium. John Petersen’s environmental communications class from Oberlin College will talk about the dashboard and Oberlin’s revised Climate Action Plan. The event is free and open to the public. • OBERLIN: “Giant Pulses from Tiny Stars” will be presented at 4:35 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Wright Physics Laboratory, room 201, 110 North Professor St. Natalia Lewandowska, postdoctoral researcher at West Virginia University, will speak. A reception in her honor will be held at 4:10 p.m. in the Anderson Lounge on the second floor. • AMHERST: A holiday craft night will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Amherst Public BULLETIN BOARD PAGE A3

ELYRIA — Knocking back 22 sugar shots in rapid order will give you the shakes. That's what I discovered last Thursday night at the 18th Annual Zero Proof Mix-Off, where I was asked to help judge drinks. The challenge was a fun one — try a host of non-alcoholic drinks with fun themes at the Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College. Confession time: Sorry, fruit punches, but I'll openly admit my bias toward all the coffee-based drinks that were served, especially after a long day on the beat. That gave drinks like the "Iced Peppermint Mocha Mock-tail" an edge. It was made by folks at the Mercy-Metro trauma program, which provides high-level care to patients after crashes and other life-threatening emergencies. "Farley's Frappe" was another coffee-based drink, and it had by far the cutest mascot. Farley is the a therapy dog for Project Outreach at the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office. The three-yearold yellow Labrador retriever helps traumatized victims and witnesses relax and keep their composure. There were plenty of non-coffee entries that got big acclaim, too. One was "Christmas at Hogwarts," which used pineapple juice and coconut to take it to another level. Also impressive was "Wiggenweld Potion," a concoction brewed by students from St. Mary Sschool in Elyria. What self-respecting geek wouldn't throw a few points Gryffindor's way? The Ohio State Highway Patrol got a points bump for using mini-martini glasses and little umbrellas to make "Cuddles on the Beach." (I gave them points for the name, too.) And take note: The winner of the Best Overall title was "Recovery is

Jason Hawk | Lorain County Community Guide

Austin Kohler, dressed in his pink bunny suit from "A Christmas Story," and Joseph Wojciak pose at the Zero Proof Mix Off. Both are students at the Lorain County Police Academy and were feeling "frajeelay."

Mix Off winners

• Best overall: "Recovery is Who-tiful,” mixed by Lorain County Recovery Court • People's Choice: "Pumpkin King's Cider," mixed by Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services • Best Taste: "Metro Park Maple Cider," mixed by Lorain County Metro Parks • Best Student Drink: "Christmas at Hogwarts," mixed by the Lorain County JVS FFA • Best name: "Farley's Frappe," mixed by Lorain County Prosecutor's Office: Project Outreach • Best presentation: "Methyl Ethyl Mistletoe," mixed by Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Who-tiful." Created by a team from the Lorain County Recovery Court, the green Grinch-themed drink drew a crowd. Twenty-two groups competed, offering up drinks based around ingredients such as pumpkin, blueberry, peanut butter, peppermint, cider, cranberry and chocolate. The one thing they had in common? No alcohol. The idea is to come up with plenty

of recipes that you can make but won't add to the danger on Lorain County roadways. Alcohol played a role in nearly half of fatal crashes here this year, according to the Safe Communities Coalition, which sponsors the event along with Lorain County Public Health. Last year, nine people were killed in the 372 crashes countywide that were linked to alcohol use.

PAWS AND CLAUS

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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

Steve Manheim | Chronicle

Debbie Pelton of Amherst takes her dogs Honey and Shelby for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 8 at Paw and Claus Pet Parade at Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center. Pet food donations were given to the Friendship APL at the free event.

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 Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Copyright 2019 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company

INSIDE THIS WEEK Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Raises en route for city workers, officials • B1

The Phoenix have a firey new school mascot • C1

Grafton inmates warn WHS students about choices • D1

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • CROSSWORD B2 • SUDOKU B2 • KID SCOOP C4

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

UH Elyria opens urgent care center ELYRIA — An urgent care specializing in treating minor illnesses and injuries for walk-in patients is now open at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center. The facility is located next to the East River Street hospital's emergency department and has its own staff. An urgent care center differs from an emergency department in the types of ailments that can be treated there. Common symptoms or conditions treated at an urgent care include allergies (except severe reactions), bee stings, insect bites, coughs, colds, sore throats, cuts and lacerations including those requiring stitches, ear infections, ear wax removal, fever and flu-like symptoms, head lice, minor burns, rashes, pink eye, poison ivy, sinus infections, skin irritation, scabies, sports injuries, sprains, strains, deep bruises, STD checks, tuberculosis testing, urinary tract infections, and work-related injuries. UH Elyria Urgent Care also features a separate, private area for gynecological treatment. There are seven treatment bays. Triage, patient registration, and care can all happen at the bedside, which allows for fast treatment, said Kieran Kercher, director of clinical operations at UH Elyria Medical Center. “At UH Elyria Urgent Care, patients are seen by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant, who along with the entire staff are trained in urgent and/or emergency care,” Kercher said. UH Elyria Urgent Care is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

LCCAA Winter Crisis Program underway Need a little help paying for heat? Had your heat turned off? Through March 31, the Lorain County Community Action Agency is offering help to residents who live at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. Last year, LCCAA helped more than 2,000 clients during the winter crisis period. Customers who have received a disconnection notice are especially urged to call 855-806-9620 or visit www.capappointments.com to make an appointment. Residents trying to restore, reconnect or transfer services also qualify for the program. Utility companies will stop a service disconnection if an appointment to determine eligibility has been made. LCCAA assists clients at four locations: 936 Broadway Ave. in downtown Lorain; at OhioMeansJobs, 42495 North Ridge Rd., Elyria; at Wellington Town Hall, 115 Willard Memorial Square; and in North Ridgeville on the Lorain County Community College campus, 32121 Lorain Rd. At the Lorain office, walk-ins and appointments are seen from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The main location also provides a resource room, enabling clients to print information about Social Security, child support, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services food stamp and temporary assistance for needy families income received. The Elyria location sees only those with appointments from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Wellington location is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and sees walk-ins in the morning only; appointments are required in the afternoon. The North Ridgeville location is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, seeing walk-ins in the morning and appointments in the afternoon. Documentation must be presented. Visit www. lccaa.net or call 440-245-2009 during business hours for a detailed list. Customers may also complete an application at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

LETTERS Letters to the editor should be: • Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific community members, 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. Letters submitted at our office or by postal mail should bear a signature. Those submitted via e-mail should include the author’s name, address, and daytime phone number for our records. Letters submitted electronically are preferred. We accept up to two signatures per letter. We also accept letters of thanks, which highlight the generosity and gratitude that are the hallmarks of our small-town communities. 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.

OBITUARIES Ruth "Evelyn" Caldwell

William Wendell Harlan

Ruth "Evelyn" Caldwell, 80, of Norwalk, went to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at Gaymont Nursing Center. Born on March 31, 1939, in Fredericktown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Mary Virginia (nee Kehrwecker) Seif. She was a 1957 Fredericktown High School graduate and went on to earn her Diploma in Nursing from Mt. Carmel School of Nursing, Columbus in 1960. Having a passion for helping others, Evelyn worked as a Registered Nurse at Fisher Titus Medical Center in Norwalk and Mercy Hospital/Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon. She was a member of Brighton Congregational Church in Wellington, where she served as the Missions Director and was a member of the Prayer Circle. For many years, she and her husband supported Compassion International children through monthly giving. In her spare time, she enjoyed her family and grandchildren and her hobbies included sewing, quilting, gardening and playing cards. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and spending time with family celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus. Evelyn leaves behind her loving husband, Robert Caldwell of 40 years; sister, Wilma Lepore of Norwalk; children, Paul (Lorraine Caldwell ) Burt of Atlanta, Janet (Jake) Ballard of Collins, Lou Ann (Mark) Wiegand of Oberlin, Rob (Gerry) Caldwell of Wellington. She was loved and cherished by many and was the kindest and most gentle grandmother to 14 grandchildren, Rachel (Paul) Hodges, Gina (Jason) Woody, Magen (Jason) Powell, Shawna (Chad) Schofield, Matthew (Rachel) Caldwell, Zach Caldwell, Bethany (Trent) Lowenstein, Derek Zook, JesseBurt, Brenna (Mitchell) Brewer, Zachary Caldwell, Heidi Wiegand, Jacob Wiegand, McKenzie Caldwell and Riley Caldwell and 11 great-grandchildren. Of interest, Evelyn met her husband, Robert (father of Lorraine) at her son, Paul's wedding to Lorraine Caldwell and the two were married that same year. Services were held Sunday, Dec. 8 at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, Wellington, and she was laid to rest at Brighton Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nortoneastmanfuneralhome.com.

Having lived a long and meaningful life, William Wendell Harlan, 95, of Amherst, passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, at the North Carolina State Veterans' Home. Bill was born Valentine's Day (quite fitting as he was born with bright red hair) Feb. 14, 1924. He was a native of Lorain, graduating from Lorain High in 1942. Bill served his Country in World War II as an Aviation Electronic Technician's Mate, First Class. After returning from his tour in England, he married Elaine Bruce in 1947. He was called back into the U.S. Navy Reserves during the Korean War and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated with a DDS degree in 1957 from Western Reserve University, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity. He and his family settled in Amherst, where he practiced dentistry until retiring in 1990. He was a member of the First Methodist Church and the Masonic Order 552 of Lorain. He was a community volunteer, was an active member of the Amherst Historical Society, and was instrumental in establishing the Amherst Community Chest. He was a member of the service organization Amherst Noon Day and belonged to the Oberlin Golf Club. Bill served as President of the Lorain County Dental Society. He was an avid antique clock collector, hunter and fisherman. He will be best remembered by his sense of humor, his many friends and his many parties, including hosting 50 annual clambakes with his wife, Elaine. His many funny nicknames included "Red," "Good Time Charlie," "Pa," "Willy" and "Stubby." His parents, Walter and Thelma Harlan; his sister, Betty; brother, Tom and many close friends preceded him in death. He was a devoted husband, a darling redheaded sailor to his wife, Elaine, who passed away in 2011. Bill is survived by his children, Pamela Ribic of Centerville, Ohio, Hallie Krieg (Scott) of Austin, Texas, Kirk Harlan (Gale) of Clemmons, North Carolina; four grandchildren and spouses, Slate Ribic (Katie Tansky), Sasha Ribic (Nate Farley), Quinn Dowling (James) and Carly Ferguson (Mike) and seven great-grandchildren, Parker and Henry Ribic, James, Lainey and Grace Dowling and Rhett and Colton Ferguson. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. There will be a private memorial for family. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Harlan family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersett

Everyone deserves to be recognized when they pass away. We offer obituary and death notices at reasonable rates. For information, call 440-775-1611.

KIMBERLY KEESEE HRIVNAK, 54, of Elyria, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, at UH-Elyria Medical Center, following lengthy illness. Hempel Funeral Home in Amherst was in charge of the arrangements.

LCCC students inducted into Veterans National Honorary Society ELYRIA — Seventeen Lorain County Community College students who are veterans have been inducted into the LCCC chapter of SALUTE, the Veterans National Honorary Society. This is the first group of student veterans to be inducted into the new chapter, which was founded in June. Each of the student veterans received a certificate and Challenge coin before taking their membership oath. A Challenge coin is specific to each veteran with their particular branch of service, campaign or event emblazoned on the coin. The student veterans received a SALUTE National Honorary Society Challenge coin. “One of the things we find at LCCC is we have a large community of veterans,” said Tim Teets, surgical technology program director and instructor, and faculty advisor for the society. “As a veteran myself, I know it can be a difficult transi-

tion from military life to civilian life. LCCC is committed to helping veterans and this takes an additional step in acknowledging their achievements and providing further resources to help achieve their goals in support of our local veteran community.” One of the students, Tarryn Williams, 31, said “it was pretty awesome to be recognized. I feel the college not only acknowledges my academic achievements but also my veteran status.” Also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year students, she appreciates that the college puts “so much thought into our success.” SALUTE was founded by Colorado State University in 2009 with grants from the American Council on Education and the Walmart Foundation. It is the first and only National Honors Society specifically for veteran students.

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B2

Members of SALUTE are students who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces and have achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher. “Through SALUTE we recognize our students’ dedication to their education and their service to our country,” said Marisa Vernon White, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services. The students inducted were Audrey Bell, Christopher Blevins, Amber Chaudry, Aaron Coleman, Anika Coleman, Charles Ferenchak, Peter Lugas, Vanessa McClaine, Glen Morse, Anthony Mottley, Ronald Ramsey, Kacie Schultz, Clair Simko, John Sutcliffe, Robert Tobicash, Tarryn Williams and Sabrina Williams. The LCCC Veterans and Military Service Members Center serves more than 300 student veterans a year. Services include career and academic advising, counseling, verifying of veterans benefits, a veterans club and lounge.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU 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.

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

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BULLETIN BOARD FROM A1 Library. Choose from two projects. All supplies will be provided to create and customize a felt ornament or a holiday tree card made from rolled wrapping paper. This program is intended for ages 12 and up and registration is required. Visit www.amherstpubliclibrary.org or call 440-988-4230. • WELLINGTON: The Wellington Schools bands will perform their holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts. • OBERLIN: Oberlin Branch 3196 of the NAACP will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Oberlin Public Library. The Executive Committee will meet at the same venue an hour earlier. This month’s meeting will include further discussion of the possible consolidation of NAACP branches in Lorain County, as well as casting a ballot for National Board of Directors.

Friday, Dec. 13 • OBERLIN: The Empty Mugs Holiday Brass and Organ Spectacular will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at the First Church in Oberlin, 106 North Main St. Enjoy a performance by Oberlin Brass, Percussion, and Organ. A pottery sale will begin immediately after the concert. There will also be an auction for a Feve Food Truck experience and more. All proceeds benefit Oberlin Community Services. • OBERLIN: Oberlin Conservatory faculty members Sibbi Bernhardsson (violin) and Peter Takacs (piano) will play sonatinas by Franz Schubert at 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Dec. 14 • AMHERST: Breakfast with Santa will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Amherst fire station, 414 Church St. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Cash donations will be accepted at the door. • OBERLIN: Food distribution will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Oberlin Community Services, 285 South Professor St. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Be sure to take photo ID and grocery bags if you have them. A cooking demonstration will be offered while you wait. • OBERLIN: “Songs for the Season” will be presented by the Oberlin Choristers from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Finney Chapel, 90 North Professor St. The annual holiday concert will include arrangements of new music and familiar carols. The concert will close with a traditional singing of “Night of Silence.” To purchase tickets, visit www.ochoristers.org. • ELYRIA: A brunch with Santa will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Lorain County Community College Spitzer Center, 1005 North Abbe Rd. In addition to brunch, activities include cookie decorating, ornament making and pictures with Santa. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Children under three are free. Tickets include a complementary photo with Santa. Proceeds will directly benefit the community through the LCCC Foundation. To reserve seats, call 440-366-4100 or visit www. lorainccc.edu/Santa. • CARLISLE TWP.: A breakfast with Santa will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Lorain County Metro Parks Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd. Two sessions will be offered: from 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee, tea or milk. The cost is $10 per person, free for children ages two and under. Add a professional photo with Santa for $4 and each child receives a gift from Santa. Reservations must be prepaid by Monday, Dec. 9; call 440-458-5121. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Metro Parks in Lorain County, with proceeds benefiting the park system. • WELLINGTON: A “Dialogue with the Board” meeting will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Bread-N-Brew, 100 South Main St. Meet the Wellington Board of Education. The topic will be school improvement grants. • OBERLIN: The Oberlin chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Oberlin Public Library.

The Lorain County Community Guide bulletin board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events. Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for news style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@ lcnewspapers.com. The guest speaker via video conference will be Dr. Carolyn Woo, former CEO of Catholic Relief Services. She will talk about using carbon pricing to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while protecting those least able to pay. The group will discuss actions it can take to advance current bipartisan climate legislation in Congress. For more information, go to www.citizensclimatelobby.org, write to aricker@oberlin.edu, or call Alison Ricker at 440-775-4582. • OBERLIN: Greater Oberlin Community Voices will meet at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Oberlin Public Library. It is a monthly forum for open civil, civic conversation about concerns and situations affecting groups of residents, large and small, in the greater Oberlin area. Land use will be a subject for continued discussion this month, as well as the results of the November election and the composition of the incoming City Council. • OBERLIN: The 3rd Annual Children’s Holiday Concert will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at Warner Concert Hall, 77 West College St. This free event is presented by the Oberlin Conservatory Council of Students. Activities will start at 2:30 p.m. with the concert at 4 p.m. There will be holiday crafts, face painting, a conducting stand, instrument petting zoo and sing-along carols. The concert will feature musicians from the Oberlin Conservatory classical and jazz departments as well as guests from the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra. • AMHERST: “A Christmas Fantasia” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 115 Central Dr. The TrueNorth Cultural Arts Christmas Concert will feature the TrueNorth Chorale and Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Rick Fortney and Anthony Trifiletti. Enjoy Christmas carols and holiday classics including “’Twas A Night Before Christmas,” “Home Alone Suite,” “Polar Express,” “The Nutcracker Suite” and choral arrangements. Tickets are available at the door, at www.tncarts.org or by calling 440-653-5353.

Sunday, Dec. 15 • AMHERST: The Amherst Community Chorus will present “A Holiday To Remember” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 515 North Leavitt Rd. Enjoy traditional and classic carols as well as popular songs of the holidays enjoyed by all ages. Dancers will add energy to the medleys, and soloists will enhance the joy and meaning of this Christmastime music. The concert’s traditional presentation of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” will highlight the program. The chorus is beginning its 24th year under the direction of Simone and Steve Gall. Included in the price of admission are homemade refreshments and a raffle at the conclusion of the program. Tickets are available at the door. They are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students and free for children ages five and under. • OBERLIN: The 12th Annual Messiah Sing-Along will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Finney Chapel, 90 North Professor St. The annual sing-along was an important tradition at Oberlin for most of the 20th century. Credo Music Artistic Director Peter Slowik revived the tradition a dozen years ago and it’s now presented as a partnership between Credo, the Conservatory and the Oberlin College Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Conservatory vocalists audition for soloist roles, the orchestra is made of Oberlin students and Credo alumni and the chorus, usually numbering around 500, is drawn from all over Northeast Ohio. Proceeds from an offering at the event will benefit the homeless shelter of Neighborhood Alliance. All are welcome to attend this family-friendly event. If you’d like to practice your part ahead of time, help is available at www.credomusic.org/messiah.

Senior Years subscription drive and raffle

The Senior Years Newspaper has a special limited time introductory offer. First-time subscribers can sign up for $10 and renewal rates are $14. The Senior Years, a nonprofit monthly publication provided by the Lorain County Office on Aging, contains information about today’s health issues, recipes, current events, club news and senior services. It is supported by local advertisers. Sign up now and be entered into a gift card raffle. See ad coupon and mail today. For more information about senior programs, volunteer or advertising opportunities, or if you need assistance, call 440-326-4800 or visit www.lcooa.org.

• WELLINGTON: A concert of Christmas music will be presented at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at First United Methodist Church, 127 Park Place. It will feature Solid Brass of Lorain County, Wellington High School Concert Choir and Women’s Chorus, and the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir. The concert offers a mix of traditional and contemporary carols and sacred music designed to tell the story of Christmas. • OBERLIN: The Oberlin Community Music School Holiday Bazaar will he held from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Oberlin Conservatory, 77 West College St. All sales support a scholarship fund that benefits students of all ages in life-long music study. Live holiday music will be played by students, unique homemade items and baked goods will be sold and there will also be a silent auction of themed gift baskets. • OBERLIN: Oberlin Conservatory percussion students will present “Marimba Christmas” at noon on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Lounge. The concert is free and open to the public.

Monday, Dec. 16 • LORAIN: The Steele High School choirs’ annual Alumni Christmas Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16 at the Lorain Palace Theater, 617 Broadway. Tickets are $3. Steele’s new choir director, Eric Watts, will continue the tradition of having an alumni chorus close out the concert with “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” and the Amherst alma mater. Alumni of the Madrigals are also invited to join in singing “Carol of the Bells.”

Thursday, Dec. 19 • WELLINGTON: The Wellington Schools choirs will perform their holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts.

Saturday, Dec. 21 • WELLINGTON: Learn to code Ozobot robots from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Herrick Memorial Library. Teens ages 11 to 16 can get started learning the Ozobot programming language that will make the library’s ‘bots go. Learn about logic, functions and other programming elements. All materials are provided for this free workshop. Space is limited. Register at the library or call 440-6472120. • OBERLIN: A gingerbread party will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Oberlin Public Library. Build a holiday house using candies, crackers and creativity. The event will be available while supplies last. No registration is required. This activity is geared toward children, but all ages are welcome.

Monday, Dec. 23 • OBERLIN: “Life After Guantanamo” will be presented at 7;15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23 at Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium. Katie Taylor, daughter of Kendal residents Tom and Shirley Taylor, will speak. She is an international human rights activist. The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Dec. 28 • AMHERST: A spaghetti benefit dinner for Sherry Casto will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Amherst Eagles Club, 1161 Milan Ave. The menu will feature choices of sauce and meat with bread, salad and dessert. There will be a basket raffle, liquor bottle raffles, a 50-50 raffle, cash bar and DJ. Casto was rushed to the emergency room Nov. 10 with a migraine, then flown to Cleveland and diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. The fundraiser dinner will help her family pay for basic needs while she is recovering and unable to work. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and younger. To order, call Laura at 440-654-1800 or Steve at 440-420-7265. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Lorain County Community Guide

Suicide deaths Spotlight: Christmas in Wellington increased by 45 percent in Ohio Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Wellington was alive with holiday spirit Saturday for "Christmas In the Village." There were crafters, doughnuts and kids activities along with hot chocolate and plenty of holiday cheer at Town Hall.

Five people die by suicide every day and one youth ends their life every 33 hours, according to a report released this fall by the Ohio Department of Health. It counted 1,836 suicides last year, and noted the highest rate was among adults ages 45 to 64. Males end their own lives at a rate nearly four times that of females. “If you know someone is struggling, you may be able to help save someone’s life by recognizing the warning signs and steps to take," said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Suicide in Ohio and nationally is a growing public health epidemic, particularly among young people,” said ODH Director Amy Acton. “Suicide is the leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10 to 14 and the second leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 15 to 34.” Warning signs of suicide include: • A major change in mood or behavior, appearing consistently unhappy or depressed, irritable and withdrawn from family or friends. • Poor grades in school or other bad performance in extra-curricular activities. • High-risk behaviors, including use of alcohol or other substances. • Problems with concentration, and changes in energy level, appetite or sleep schedule. • Expressing feelings of hopeless or not wanting to live anymore. • Self-harm, including wrist-cutting and burning yourself. • A history of depression or family history of depression. If someone you know is showing signs of suicide, here are some things you can do: • Ask them directly about thoughts of suicide. Asking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide but does open up conversation, according to the Department of Health. • Listen to what they need. • Keep them safe by keeping lethal means away from them. • Call 911 if necessary. • Help them connect with ongoing support, such as a local crisis line, the National Suicide Prevention Life line at 800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line — text “4hope” to 741 741. • Check back the next day to see how they are doing. • Encourage them to seek out a counselor for more help. Other highlights of the ODH report include: • From 2007 to 2018, the number of suicide deaths increased nearly 45 percent in Ohio. • Suicide rates are highest among white, nonHispanic males. • From 2007 to 2018 the number of suicides among youth ages 10 to 24 increased by 56 percent. In 2018, 271 of Ohio’s suicide deaths were in this age group. • From 2014 to 2018 the suicide rate among black non-Hispanic males increased nearly 54 percent. • From 2007 to 2018, the suicide rate among adults ages 65 and older increased nearly 48 percent. DeWine has created the RecoveryOhio initiative and a RecoveryOhio Advisory Council that includes a diverse group of people working to address mental illness and substance use issues in prevention, treatment, advocacy or support services; government; private industry; law enforcement; health care; learning institutions; and faith organizations. In an initial report, the council issued more than 70 recommendations in the areas of stigma, parity, workforce development, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports, and data and outcomes measurement. Information and resources on where to get help are available at www.recoveryohio.gov. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services offers suicide prevention information and resources at mha.ohio.gov.

▲ Aubrey and Cayden Gardner are Santa's little helpers.

◄ Mariah Watters and Rose Wingard build paper snowmen.

▼ Bob and Jeanene Collins, along with Bella the dog, show their Buckeye spirit. They snagged some new gear at a craft sale at Town Hall.

▲ Young Jedi Jaxson Mann has the Force, he does, yes.

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LEGALS

LEGAL NOTICE (CITATION BY PUBLICATION) To: Jose Fernandez Last Known Address: Jardines de Arroyo, Apt 302 Manzana B-3 Sector Buena Venturanza Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana You are hereby notified that a Complaint or Motion containing a request for Divorce has been filed in the Lorain County Domestic Relations Court. A hearing on this Complaint or

Motion is scheduled for: the 12th day of February, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. before the Honorable Lisa Swenski of the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations located at 225 Court St. Elyria, OH 44053. L.C.C.G. 11/28; 12/5-12-1926/19; 1/2/20 20654208 DIVORCE NOTICE 19DR086772- Jeffery Ross, Sr. vs. Patricia Ross Patricia Ross whose last known address was 633 Blossom Drive, Lorain, Ohio 44052 and present address is unknown, will take notice that on October 2, 2019, Jeffery Ross, Jr. filed his Complaint for Divorce against Patricia Ross in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035. The Plaintiff has alleged that he and the Defendant were married on June 2, 2012 at Lorain, Ohio; that he and the Defendant have lived separate and apart for greater than one year and that he and Defendant are incompatible. The matter is set for a Discovery Conference/Final Hearing on February 28, 2020 at 9:00

a.m. at the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, 225 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Elyria , Ohio 44035. NOTE: THE DEFENDANT HEREIN, PATRICIA ROSS, HAS TWENTY EIGHT (28) DAYS IN WHICH TO RESPOND TO THE ABOVE COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE AFTER THE POSTING. L.C.C.G. 12/5-12-1926/19; 1/2-9/20 20654603

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please be advised that Lorain City Council will host a public hearing on Monday, January 13, 2020 @ 6 p.m. in the Lorain City Hall Council Chamber, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, to consider an application to rezone property located at 5109 - 5153 Leavitt Road from R-1A Residential to B-1 General Business to allow for retail/office building., John Reyes, applicant. ZCA4-2019. The Lorain City Planning Commission met on December 4, 2019 and recommended approval of the rezoning application to Lorain City Council. Copies of all documentation related to these proposals will be on view for public inspec-

tion in the Office of the Clerk of Council, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Please contact Nancy_Greer@ cityoflorain.org for additional information. NANCY GREER, CMC L.C.C.G. 12/12-19/19 20654873

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO STREET PATCHING WITHIN THE CITY OF LORAIN Sealed bids will be received by the Utilities Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio until: TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, Friday, January 11, 2020 Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor. TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor. WORK: Contract for street patching within the City of Lorain for a one-year period with one optional one year extension, all in accordance with the plans and specifications now on file in the Engineering Department.

Bidders must be listed on the ODOT pre-qualified list for highway construction. Bidders shall submit a list of available equipment, and labor shall be paid not less than the prevailing wage rate as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce as state in Section 4115 of the Ohio Revised Code. NO BID WILL BE OPENED WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATION OF QUALIFICATION OR THE ACCEPTABLE LETTER OF APPLICATION ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE AS DIRECTED. Bids must be accompanied by Certified Check or Cashier’s Check or Letter of Credit equals to ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bond for the full amount of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and a performance bond properly secured. Should any bid be rejected, such instrument will be forthwith returned upon proper execution of a contract. Cash deposits will not be accepted. The bid check/bond should be enclosed in the sealed bid, but in a separate envelope clearly marked ‘BID CHECK/BOND’ with the bidders name & address on the bid check/ bond envelope.

Bid blanks and specifications may be secured at the Engineering Department, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio, 44052 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday. A nonrefundable fee of $50.00 either by check or money order is required for each set taken out. Checks are to be made payable to the City of Lorain. The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. By order of the Director of Safety/Service L.C.C.G. 12/12-19/19 20654840

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on December 2, 2019. 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 has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws.

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P.O. Box 626, Elyria, OH 44036 Reso. #47-19 Recognition & Commendation of Lorain Police Chief Celestino Rivera for outstanding public service. Ord. #156-19 Auth the Auditor to pay invoices submitted by the Fire Dept that invoke the Then & Now Process. 157-19 Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract with the lowest

and best bidder for the 2020 Sewer Rehab Program. 15819 Auth the S/S Director to enter into an agreement w/ CT Consultants for the Elyria/ Sheffield Township sewer fee analysis. 159-19 Amending Chapter 192 Tax Code, Section 192.23 Violations, Penalties of the Lorain Codified Ordinances. 160-19 Accept-

ing the plat of Cornerstone Farms Subdivision #3. 16119 Accepting the plat of Cornerstone Farms Subdivision #4. 162-19 Accepting the plat of The Landings at Martin’s Run Subdivision #5. 163-19 Appropriation. L.C.C.G. 12/12-19/19 20654843

INSIDE: DRIVERS ENDANGERING SCHOOL BUS RIDERS • B4

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES THURSDAY, DEC. 12, 2019 • SERVING AMHERST SINCE 1919

Development would 'destroy our way of life'

Township denies variance for massive housing plan, hotels and shopping area SEAN McDONNELL THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

After angry residents packed the Amherst Township hall last week, the Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5-0 to deny a variance that would have allowed for a massive development near the Ohio Turnpike. “All it's going to do is destroy our way of life,” said Jeff Pilarsh, a resident who lives near the potential development. “Just the traffic aspect alone, trying to jam that in there, it’s going to be a frickin' nightmare.”

Amherst Consolidated Properties LLC was asking the board to grant it a variance for over 260 acres it is looking to develop at the corner of state Route 58 and the Turnpike. John Eavenson of Amherst Consolidated Properties LLC is the potential developer, and is in a contract to buy the land. He is looking to build a planned development district, or PDD, on the property. The project would need other rezoning requests to move forward, but Eavenson said this variance would have been the first step. The company has preliminary

plans to build two hotels, a medical building, office buildings, a grocery store, restaurants and more mixed with residential. The development could also have around 600 multiple-family homes, and about 500 singlefamily homes. The variance would also let the company sidestep rules for minimum lot sizes, which in the township is one acre or more. A PDD in Amherst Township needs to be 600 acres unless there’s a variance. Eavenson said the property’s 260 acres would be

Report breaks down police efforts in 2018

TOWNSHIP PAGE B2

A conceptual plan of the development that was proposed at the corner of State Route 58 and the Ohio Turnpike.

MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET

JASON HAWK EDITOR

A report detailing the Amherst Police Department's activities in 2018 was released Friday by Chief Joseph Kucirek. The information includes crime statistics, traffic enforcement numbers and gives insight into cases handled by the Detectives Bureau. It also looks back at operational changes — many that we've previously reported on — made by the department last year, such as staffing changes, vehicle and weapons purchases, repairs at the North Lake Street station and evidence that was handled by officers. The annual report lists a number of goals for 2019. It was to be released in March, according to Mayor Mark Costilow's State of the City address, but was delayed. Here is a look at trends tracked in the report:

POLICING BY THE NUMBERS • 10,781 total calls for service, down slightly from 11,140 the year prior • 1,519 citations issued • 2,594 warnings written • 0 fatal crashes • 54 injury crashes • 587 total crashes • 19 overdose calls • 12 times police used naloxone • 55 hours of training on average for department personnel • 160 miles traveled by bike patrol officers • 495 hours put in by auxiliary officers • 7 incidents in which force was used by officers, the most serious involving a stun gun • 0 reported injuries to officers or suspects

Photos by Joe Colon | Amherst News-Times

Downtown Amherst was aglow with holiday cheer Friday night as Santa Claus came to town in the annual Miracle on Main Street parade. The Madrigals of Steele High sang carols from atop the bandstand at Town Hall, festive lights made the season bright and businesses offered specials. The annual event is organized by the nonprofit Main Street Amherst. ABOVE: Santa makes jos way down Main Street with Mrs. Claus. LEFT: Master of ceremonies Olivia Sliman waves to the crowd. BELOW: Emersyn Vidovich and her cousin Logen Fortner show their excitement as they wait for Santa’s arrival.

CRIME IN AMHERST

• 616 total criminal offenses tracked • 169 charges for drug offenses • 59 arrests for theft • 50 arrests for disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace • 42 charges for intoxicated driving • 34 arrests for disorderly conduct • 23 arrests for domestic violence • 17 arrests for liquor control • 16 arrests for obstructing official business of obstructing justice • 13 arrests for unruly children • 12 arrests for assault • 12 arrests for vandalism, criminal damaging and criminal mischief • 12 arrests for trespassing • 10 charges for resisting arrest or failure to comply • 9 arrests for menacing • 9 arrests for passing bad checks, misuse of credit cards and forgery • 7 for carrying a concealed weapon

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

• 904 total traffic offenses tracked • 352 cases of driving under suspension • 142 problems with plates and registration • 129 general operation offenses • 89 safety equipment violations • 64 speeding infractions • 32 licensing and crashes incidents • 31 willful misconduct arrests • 27 seat belt violations

Pay raises en route for city workers JASON HAWK EDITOR

City Council is expected to give a 2.5 percent pay increase over the next three years to Amherst union and non-union workers as well as elected officials. A long list of votes for raises — covering everyone from police officers

to snow plow drivers to a part-time tax assistant — are coming before the end of the year. By 2022, Mayor Mark Costilow's salary will increase to $60,336 and Safety Services Director John Jeffreys' salary will rise to $19,622. Council members will each make $7,235 per year and the president will make

$8,108 by 2021. Costilow said Council's pay has "fallen behind the times" compared to other cities. Amherst's representatives do not make the minimum amount to qualify for Ohio public employee retirement credit. Council Clerk Olga Sivinski's compensation will increase to $22,337 by 2021.

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sivinski "brings a wealth of knowledge to this position and she is looking after the interest of the city as best as anyone in this room," Council President Jennifer Wasilk said. Pay for Police Chief Joseph Kucirek will increase to $110,569 within three years. Lieutenants Dan Makruski and Mark RAISES PAGE B2

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Amherst News-Times

HOLIDAY HUNGER Provided photo

FFA members from Firelands High School recently helped teach South Amherst Middle School students about hunger. The visit was part of a service project to raise awareness of hunger in the district. Sixth-graders put together the largest recorded number of food baskets filled with donated items in the district's history — almost 70. Thanksgiving food baskets were delivered Thursday, Nov. 21. The effort was made possible by students, staff and others, including members of First United Methodist Church, Church of the Open Door Vermilion Campus and the Amherst Eagles.

RAISES

FROM B1 Cawthon will see raises to $92,220. By comparison, Amherst Fire Chief Jim Wilhelm's pay is low and needs a substantial increase, said Costilow. If Council agrees, Wilhelm's pay will rise to $88,353 by 2022. City firefighters took on responsibility for covering all of Amherst Township earlier this year. "We grew 25 percent in size," Costilow said. Right now, Wilhelm holds the only full-time position within the volunteer fire department. The mayor said he may ask in the near future for a second full-timer to be added to the roster to handle fire inspections. Councilman Chuck Winiarski sided against some raises in preliminary votes over the past few weeks — but not when it came to the fire chief.

If there is large-scale development in Amherst Township, it will require more from the city fire chief, he said, agreeing the position deserves a raise. However, he asked for the next chief that is hired to be assessed and credentialed by a panel of their peers — other fire chiefs — within 16 months of taking the job. "I hope you're not underestimating the type of quality and the talent and the experience we have on our fire department," said Costilow. Changes are also being made in the office of Law Director Tony Pecora. Prosecuting Attorney John Wheeler have given up some of his pay so Assistant Prosecutor Samuel Dodoo can get an increase.

Pecora said he realized pay in his office "was too top-heavy" and needed to be shifted to reflect where work was being done. Meanwhile, Assistant Law Director Patrick Ward has been efficiently handling the many issues that always cross his desk. "Instead of putting out fires, we're preventing them," Pecora said. The law director's salary is set to increase to $53,543 and the assistant law director's pay to $40,538 by 2022, pending Council approval. Information technology manager Steve Bukovac's pay is also being eyed for an increase to $72,484. It will be the first time since the position was created in 2017 that the wage has come under review.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ACROSS 1. Taken where? 6. Vegas bandit’s body part 9. Titian’s Venus or Collier’s Godiva 13. Indian metropolis 14. Flapper’s neckwear 15. E-cigarette output 16. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____,” pl. 17. Bovine hangout 18. UV light absorber 19. *Scrooge’s late partner 21. *December 26th, a.k.a. ____ Day 23. Ideas worth spreading, acr. 24. Great deal 25. *Like Santa’s suit 28. “____ Las Vegas,” Presley song 30. 1/100th of a ruble 35. Pupil’s place 37. *Sleigh bell sound 39. Fairytale dust-sprinkler 40. German Mrs. 41. Chose between competitors 43. Type of ballistic missile, acr. 44. Not a gregarious one 46. Castaway’s home 47. Fungal spore sacs 48. Pencil end, often 50. ____-a-Sketch 52. Summer color 53. Cuckoo 55. “____ the ramparts...” 57. *Santa’s call 60. *Welcoming holiday decor 63. Bird of prey’s hunting tool 64. 16th birthday gift? 66. Engages the services 68. Skirt shape 69. Beehive State native 70. Bikini, e.g. 71. Bibliophile’s concern, sing. 72. D.C. bigwig 73. Australian Aboriginal’s war club DOWN 1. *Do holiday ones start earlier every year? 2. Show pleasure 3. Aquarium organism 4. Navigational aid 5. *Hanukkah month 6. Competently

7. Wade’s 1973 opponent 8. Not yes, nor no 9. Like Hitler’s Germany 10. Second word in fairytale 11. *Ding follower in “Wonderful Christmastime” 12. *”But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight...” 15. Public opinion, in Great Britain 20. Changes to a manuscript 22. Sturdy tree 24. Telephone part 25. *Ralphie’s wish 26. Trial’s partner 27. Late Princess of Wales 29. IV+IV 31. Type of cotton fiber 32. Exit plus s 33. Around 34. *Macaulay’s famous char-

Schools announce moving day

There will be no school for students in prekindergarten through third grade on Friday, Dec. 20, giving staff time to move into their new classrooms at Powers Elementary School. A water leak this fall at the nearly-complete construction site on South Lake Street caused occupancy delays, shortening the time teachers had to prepare their rooms before classes begin Monday, Jan. 6. The school day will remain the same on Dec. 20 for kids in grades four to 12, with a two-hour early dismissal for students.

Playhouse Square performance

The Firelands Honors Choir has been invited to perform at Playhouse Square on Friday, Dec. 13 before the production of "A Christmas Carol." Discounted seating for friends and family is being offered in rows J, K and L, seats 101 to 110. To get 50 percent off A-level tickets, you must use promotional code HOLLY when ordering. Call the ticket office at 216-241-6000 or visit www.greatlakestheater.org.

TOWNSHIP

FROM B1 enough in neighboring municipalities. He said in Elyria that limit is 50 acres, and in places like Grafton and Sheffield the requirement is as low as five acres. South Amherst, which borders the township, requires 140 acres. Eavenson said the finished project would bring about $39 million of sales to tax and over $20 million of taxable income, along with millions of dollars of property tax. Pilarsh was one of many property owners who attended the public hearing to object to the variance. “We don’t want to live in Crocker Park,” Pilarsh said. “That’s why we live here.” Many residents echoed Pilarsh’s sentiments, saying they moved to Amherst Township because of its one-acre minimums, and because, as Pilarsh put it, it guaranteed the township stayed a rural area. “We moved out here for this reason,” Michael Bryda, a resident on Oberlin Road said. “To have our country life.” One of the selling points of the development was bringing shops and businesses closer to residents. Resident Dewey Hembree said that what he moved away from. “I didn't want to be in Elyria,” he said. “I don’t want to be in a city that has a lot of restaurants and shops. I came out here to drive to those.” Residents brought up issues relating to sewers, retaining water and traffic. Eavenson said the county engineer Ken Carney confirmed sewers had capacity for the development. He said engineers would be able to plan for water issues as the project moved forward, and the additional roads put in could actually alleviate traffic. “We have not engineered the project yet, but we are aware of the township's concerns,” he said. When asked by the Board of Zoning Appeals, he did say the residential would differ from the surrounding area. “Obviously, what we’re proposing is nowhere near what the current housing stock that is around there,” he said. The Board of Zoning Appeals did not discuss its decision to deny the variance. However, when its members did vote, the majority of the about 80 people in the room applauded.

acter 36. Takes to court 38. *Hanukkah gift 42. “Magnolia” ware 45. Not in its original form 49. Pep rally syllable 51. TV variety show classic 54. Concentrate 56. Yogurt-based dip 57. *Manger’s glow 58. Dish of stewed meat 59. “____ if you...,” on a bumper sticker 60. Small songbird 61. Trampled 62. In custody 63. Coca Cola’s first diet drink 65. *What Whos did to roast beast? 67. Silvester Stallone’s nickname

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SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Amherst News-Times

Page B3

Post 118 veterans will never forget Pearl Harbor JASON HAWK EDITOR

Every Dec. 7, Amherst veterans come together to share a lunch of Navy beans and cornbread. The simple meal has been a tradition since the days of the Revolutionary War. And it's a fitting one to continue each Pearl Harbor Day. It was shared Saturday as members of American Legion Post 118 paid their respects to the 2,403 Americans killed in the Japanese attack that sent the United States roaring into World War II. At 6 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941 — that day that lives on in infamy, even 78 years later — the imperial Japanese attack fleet lay about 220 miles off the Hawaiian coast. "The goal was to destroy the United States Pacific fleet moored at Pearl Harbor, along with various military facilities and airfields throughout the island," said Post

Commander Tom Hauck during the Amherst Legion's ceremony. Americans were caught completely unprepared for the horrible damage inflicted on U.S. sailors, ships and aircraft, he said. After the attack, Congress declared war and the entire nation mobilized. At home, the American economy was reshaped to support the war effort, while 16 million men and women served in the armed forces. From Amherst, nearly 1,200 men and women became part of the Allied fighting force. Thirty-two never returned. "They gave their lives in defense of this great nation," Hauck said. Their names are cast in brass and set in stone outside the Legion post, where a rifle salute was offered Saturday. In addition to veterans, Amherst police officers, firefighters and Mayor Mark Costilow stood by in a show of silent solidarity.

POLICE REPORTS • Nov. 21 at 5:46 p.m.: A resident said they were receiving unwanted messages, calls and voicemails from an ex-boyfriend. Police called the suspect and advised he cease contact. • Nov. 21 at 6:21 p.m.: Kaelah Williams, 20, of Huron, was arrested on a warrant through the Huron Police Department for failure to appear in court. • Nov. 23 at 12:11 a.m.: Nathan Childers, 35, of Elyria, was arrested on multiple warrants through the Adult Parole Authority for being at large. • Nov. 23 at 6:22 p.m.: Ryan Chobody, 29, of Elyria, was arrested on a warrant through Lorain County 911 for child-nonsupport. • Nov. 24 at 6:47 a.m.: Police responded to a drug overdose at Days Inn on Route 58, where a 42-year-old man died. • Nov. 24 at 11:35 a.m.: An Enterprise Rent-a-Car customer who didn't have the proper paperwork to rent a vehicle allegedly slapped an employee in the face.

• Nov. 27 at 12:12 a.m.: Glenn Bragg, 43, of Lorain, was arrested on a warrant through the North Olmsted Police Department. A report said he was wanted on warrants through several agencies. • Nov. 28 at 12:34 a.m.: Erin Bunn, no age or city of residence listed, was charged with disorderly conduct by intoxication after a complaint at RC's Brewhouse on Church Street. • Nov. 28 at 1:09 a.m.: Peter Boden, 38, of Amherst, was arrested on a warrant through the Lorain County Sheriff's Office for contempt of court. • Nov. 29 at 3:09 a.m.: Alexandria Calderas, no age or city of residence listed, was arrested on a warrant through the Amherst Police Department for failure to appear in court on child endangering charges. Editor’s note: Though charged, defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

COMETS BRIEFS Girls Bowling • Midview defeated Amherst 1,982 to 1,817. Amherst was led by Makayla Velasquez with 382. Other scores: Hannah Aschenbach 332, Katelynn Romancak 274, Trinity Miller 260 and Katherine Dull 258. • Amherst placed sixth at the Southwestern Conference Preview and Eagle Challenge with 2,926 points. Makayla Velasquez made the AllTournament team with a 543 series and leads the All-SWC team with the SWC finals remaining. Other scores: Hannah Aschenbach 417, Katherine Dull 409, Katelynn Romancak 380 and Trinity Miller 319. Boys Bowling • Midview defeated Amherst 2,225 to 2,075. Amherst was led by Antonio Rodriguez with 388. Other scores: Zach Dull 371, Chandon Weinser 346, J.P. Gregory 340 and Thomas Heider 291. • Amherst placed seventh at the Southwestern Preview and Eagle Challenge with 3,583 points. J.P. Gregory led the team with a 587 series. Other scores: Antonio Rodriguez 529, Chandan Weinser 445, Zachary Zakrajek 321 and Zachary Dull 156. Girls Basketball • Amaya Staton posted 19 points against Avon, leading all players but the Comets overall suffered a 48-36 loss. Avon's Abby Liber had 15 and Brooke Laub put up 10, but no other players broke the double-digit barrier in the Southwestern Conference showdown. • Chalk another one up to Amaya Staton, who had 18 points in Amherst's

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

The Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard fires a volley in remembrance of those lives lost in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

61-32 victory over Lakewood. This time she had help. Faith Lewis and Nora Wright each chipped in a big 13, while Lexi Alston contributed 11. The Comets jumped out to a 15-4 first period lead and never looked back. The Rangers were never allowed more than 10 points in a quarter, and gave up a ton of free throws. Boys Basketball • George Fayer racked up 18 points for the Comets, half the team's points in a 36-49 loss to Lakewood. No other Amherst player scored more than six, and the Rangers defense held the Comets to single digits in all but the third period. Hockey • Mentor ran roughshod over the Comets boys for a 4-0 win, capitalizing on an incredible 39 shots on goal. By comparison, Amherst managed just 14. Goalie Brady Grove had 35 saves. • Mentor put up another agonizing win over the Amherst squad, this time going 5-0, forcing goalie Brady Grove to make 34 saves. • A one-two punch by Michael Hughes and Nick Ciura in the first period gave Amherst the lead needed to keep up with Hudson. But it was Joey Kramer's overtime goal that gave the Comets a 3-2 victory. Goalie Brady Grove withstood a 26-shot torrent from the Explorers and came up with 24 saves. • Another close one — Amherst held off Parma 5-4 on the strength of a third period goal by Logan Eicher. Others came from Nick Ciura, Michael Hughes, Jacob Kramer and Joey Kramer.

Architects, community members talk vision for new Firelands HS DYLAN REYNOLDS THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

The vision for the new Firelands High School started coming into focus last Thursday evening at a public meeting in the current school’s band room. With planning for the school still in its early phases, parents and community members were given a chance to tell architects what they want to see in the building. Superintendent Mike Von Gunten opened the meeting by detailing what work has already been done on the project, and why it is behind schedule 13 months after voters approved the new school by passing a 4.28 mill bond issue. “The Facilities Construction Commission at the state did not give their final approval for funding of our project,� Von Gunten said. “There was never a question that we were going to get the money, but they had to take one last vote, and that vote didn’t happen until July.� Before the $5.3 million in state money was approved, Firelands was able to do a site survey, soil testing and some environmental studies but not much else. Since then, the Board of Education has chosen BSHM Architects to design the project and is planning to announce a construction manager around the start of the new year. The district’s plan is to build the new 106,000-square-foot high school as an attachment to the existing building, then move students in grades six to eight and the Board of Education into the current high school. At that time, South Amherst Middle School will be closed. John Orsini, the project management lead for design, said the “visioning� and educational planning portion of the project, when

big-picture ideas are discussed, is taking place now through sometime in February. “At that time, that’s when we start to get the layout going,� he said. “But after that, we go to the design phase, and that’s going to go through the rest of the year.� Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2021 with the building potentially opening for the 2022-2023 school year. Attendees at the meeting were asked to form groups of five to six people and respond to two questions: How the new high school can serve as a community hub? And what characteristics and skills are needed to prepare Firelands students for a successful future? Several suggested designing the gym with suitable acoustics for musical performances, while others hoped for a social space to use for gathering after sporting events at the school. “There’s nowhere to hang out around here unless you’re in the middle of a field,� one man said. Multi-use spaces and environments conducive to learning technical and life skills were other popular ideas among attendees. Their suggestions were written on large sheets of paper and collected by Chuck Warner, the educational visioning design lead, after the meeting to use while planning the school's design. One student in the district, kindergartner Elle Pycraft, drew her own vision of the school on one of the papers. It was a three-story building with a swimming pool attached to the exterior between the second and third floors. While architects may struggle with the feasibility of that pool, Warner said it is important to him that students, as well as teachers and community members, play a role in the vision process. “This is not going to be lost. This is important,� he said.

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SCHOLARS LAUREN DONAT of Amherst has earned a degree from the University of Dayton.

• JESSICA MOORE earned a bachelor of science degree in long-term care administration.

The following Amherst students have earned graduate and undergraduate degrees from Youngstown State University: • KASSADY CARRIER earned a master's degree in public health. • BROOKE HASSEN earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. • LAURA KILZER earned a bachelor's degree in social work.

KRYSTEN LILLY of Amherst has graduated magna cum laude with bachelor of arts degrees in theater and biology from Heidelberg University. The following Amherst students have graduated from Miami University: JONATHAN MARCALY and QUINN MILLER.

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Amherst News-Times

Drivers out of control, says Amherst school bus chief JASON HAWK EDITOR

Problems with drivers who refuse to obey bus stop signs are growing in Amherst, said an increasingly-worried Cathy Gale. As head of the school district's transportation office, she said every day there are incidents that put students in jeopardy. "I don't know if it's the stress of the season, the holidays, work travel — people are just not paying attention," she said. Bus drivers report traffic passing stopped buses illegally on both the left and right, sometimes even driving on the berm, said Gale.

They curse out buses as they whiz by. Some drivers, seeing a school bus' yellow lights start to flash, will hit the gas and try to speed past instead of stopping. Some are talking on their cell phones, and seem oblivious to the danger they pose, according to Gale. "People say they didn't see the bus. That's the number one statement," she said. "It's big. It's yellow. It's right there." In early November, a child was hit by a driver who Gale said was not following the law in a busy drop-off location near Cooper Foster Park Road. The middleschooler later went to the

“People say they didn’t see the bus... It’s big. It’s yellow. It’s right there.” Cathy Gale, Transportation Director hospital but is now OK, she said. In a 30-day window, Gale estimated there were between 20 and 30 incidents. Amherst police consider protecting school buses a top priority, said officer Eric Layfield, who is one of the district's resource officers. For a long time, city police have done ridealongs to witness issues and write tickets to viola-

tors. When a bus driver reports a violation, police will take their testimony and use it to track down the suspect. Layfield said that using the LEADS driver identification database, it's possible to verify such complaints and serve a suspect with a ticket at their home. We talked with both Gale and Layfield last week at Oberlin Municipal Court, where bus

driver Donald Landman was prepared to testify in a traffic case. Landman was upset about the danger his young charges are placed in by drivers who won't obey the law, saying it seems to be getting worse and worse. "Every time I stop, I worry something is going to happen," he said. That case didn't make it to the courtroom. Instead, Gale said the driver agreed to plead guilty rather than go before Judge Thomas Januzzi. Gale said school bus drivers across the United States transport about 1.1 million children every day. She is begging drivers to be part of a team

effort to be more responsible while sharing the roadways. Keep your distance from school buses and make sure you have room to yield, she said. If a school bus comes to a halt with its sign out and lights on, that means stop. But if her plea falls on deaf ears, Gale said wants Amherst City Council to mirror legislation that was passed earlier this year in Avon Lake. Officials there decided to throw the book at violators who don't respect school buses. They raised misdemeanor fines from $500 to $750 and can also levy up to 30 days of jail time.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS

Provided photo

Forty-one new members were inducted Nov. 19 into the National Honor Society at Amherst Steele High School. They are Hannah Aschemeier, Brent Baumgartner, Matthew Bennet, Ryan Biedenbach, Kendall Cawthon, McKenzie Cornwell, Brendan Coughlin, Savanna Dalton, Isaac Davis, Spencer Deremer, Aum Desai, Dominic Deshuk, Mariana Gilles, Brady Grove, Nathan Harmych, Nathan Hudzinski, Michael Hughes, Sydney Hyde, Cecilia Iliff, Kaelin Jenkins, Sierra Kelly, Kylie Lawson, Madelyn Lewis, Olivia Lopez, Abigail Lowe, Jacob Mantin, Kylee McGraw, Matthew Mendak, Merrik Mihalek, Madeline Miller, Alexandra Moore, Derek Odelli, Aubrey Pluta, Jordyn Schill, Emma Sekerak, Morgan Snodgrass, Eliza Stojkov, Alissa Van Dress, Daniel Vitelli, Christian Von Kaenel and Nora Wright.

PRIMARY CARE FOR THE UNIVERSE OF YOU If you or a loved one need care, Mercy Health is close to home with the health care services you need. And we’re always accepting new patients at all of our convenient locations throughout Lorain County. From walk-in care to online scheduling, we’re here when you need us. To schedule an appointment, call 440-988-3705 or visit mercy.com

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INSIDE: SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PLANS GO TO CITY • C2

OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE THURSDAY, DEC. 12, 2019 • SERVING OBERLIN SINCE 1930

REZONING APPROVED

MEET THE PHOENIX

Council unanimous on Oberlin Crossing shopping center vote JASON HAWK EDITOR

Opponents of a new shopping center at the intersection of US Route 20 and State Route 58 threw down challenge after challenge last week. Over their objections, City Council voted to rezone a 28-acre parcel to make way for what Carnegie Management & Development Corp. of Westlake is calling "Oberlin Crossing." The company wants to spend between $10 million and $15 million to create a large retail strip, medical office building and small restaurant — a move that could bring as many as 300 full-time jobs. To make that happen, Council agreed to change the land use to C-3, which is used for commercial areas along highways. The property had been tabbed for office space since 2009, but there have been no proposals to develop it that way, according to Planning and Development Director Carrie Handy. Resident David Ashenhurst was among those who stood against rezoning. "If we had some shortage of C-3 land already, zoned properly, I wouldn't have a problem. But we do have land already zoned that way," he said. "I say we have other places we could put this in. I am not against development of this parcel," he said. "But this is the least sustainable category of zoning that we have." Another resident, Aliza Weidenbaum, said a 7-0 vote by Council to rezone the land would not accurately reflect the lack of consensus in the community over the issue. She called Carnegie's retail-heavy plan "a generic looking shopping area that's hard to get to." "There's un-enthusiasm for a mall," as well as doubts and serious opposition, she said. "I believe that this is because we are not ready to give in to the temptation of building another mall. Because we can't be very proud of another mall," said Weidenbaum. A plea for more hearings was rejected by Council, which voted unanimously to rezone with emergency status. Burgess said the zoning request has been moving through public meetings for three months and there has been ample opportunity for concerned parties to comment. One by one, Council members spoke about why the support development on Oberlin's border with Pittsfield Township. Here's what they had to say: • Sharon Pearson said it's her fiduciary responsibility to look at economic development opportunities. "I personally believe that with this project, we can find a balance between economic development and sustainability," she said. Pearson said she trusts Council to hold the developers' feet to the fire and make sure Oberlin Crossing is built in an environmentally responsible way. She supports the project because the city can reap the benefits of commercial development while also controlling it. • Kelley Singleton said the site is where Carnegie wants to build because "that's where the people are," meaning busy highway traffic. He is concerned by the prospect of declining enrollment at Oberlin College or the possibility of losing the Federal Aviation Administration complex in the next few years. "We need tax revenue. Forty-seven percent of this town is tax-exempt when it comes to property. That's not sustainable," said Singleton. • Ronnie Rimbert said he supports development because 300 new jobs would help foster social equity. "I'm sure there's a lot of Oberlin people who would love to be able to drive a mile, a mile and a half, to go to work instead of 12 or 15 miles," he said. REZONING PAGE C2

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The Oberlin Phoenix have a new mascot, a firebird that students hope sets school spirit afire.

New mascot is on a mission to hype Oberlin’s school spirit

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Wings flaming, the Oberlin Phoenix smiled at us and flexed its muscles. The costumed mascot has joined the roster over at Oberlin High School, making its debut at Friday night's basketball game. There's some mystery surrounding the six-foot-tall firebird. For one, only a very few people know who is under the mask. We're keeping the secret too.

A second puzzle that needs solving: The Phoenix doesn't have a name yet. Oh, it's got some ideas. Fawkes, as in Albus Dumbledore's beloved pet in the "Harry Potter" series. Or maybe Thunder. Even Blister. The Phoenix said it might eventually ask the community at large for help finding the perfect name. That name would have to match its personality. Asked to describe itself, the mascot had a few words in mind, and they're all about attitude — cocky, playful, funny, kind of wild and a

'Psychic vampires' ask city to grant them temple status

musclehead. Responsible is another the Phoenix used. It said it has taken up a quest to reignite fire in the hearts of Oberlin fans, "Bringing pride back to our schools and seeing the smiles on the children's faces." The past couple of years, there hasn't been enough pride in Oberlin City Schools hallways, according to the Phoenix. It said the community seems bored with the same old sports and routines. MASCOT PAGE C2

TOYS FOR TOTS

JASON HAWK EDITOR

They call themselves "psychic vampires" and they want their home to be designated as a temple. Michelle Belanger and her wife Elyria Little asked the Oberlin Planning Commission last Wednesday to treat their South Street residence just like it would a church or synagogue. Under the name Inspiration House LLC, the couple has owned the property for the past year and a half. They host religious classes on meditation, developing psychic powers, communicating with spirits and faith healing. Belanger has been registered as clergy in Ohio since 1999 and is the author of about 30 books, including "The Psychic Vampire Codex." She also travels extensively to work on television projects such as "Portals to Hell: Eastern State Penitentiary" and "Paranormal State." She said six to 12 people gather at her home a couple of times each month to talk about their beliefs and worship privately. Members of The Temple of Wisdom are mostly women ages 30 to 60 who are college TEMPLE PAGE C2

“I think God’s too big for one religion. We come to the divine when we communicate openly about our perspectives.” Michelle Belanger

Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin firefighters Tristan Kelley and Eric Clark collect presents Saturday for Toys for Tots at Walmart on US Route 20. Oberlin police were also in on the action.

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

TEMPLE

FROM C1 educated, she said. he wants the city to offer them a measure of protection by voting to recognize the temple. Belanger said that when she moved to Medina in 2004, "enough neighbors were very leery, based simply on rumor" that it caused problems. One called the police, hoping officers would find drugs or other contraband, she said. The couple said they went to the Oberlin Planning Commission to avoid similar problems. "We really just wanted transparency," Belanger said. They want to stave off any "Satanic Panic"-type response to their faith. In an interview prior to the meeting, Belanger said she feels Oberlin is more accepting than Medina. Still, "Anybody who calls themselves a vampire, much like anybody who calls themselves a witch, there's a lot of baggage that comes with that," she said. Qi, prana, chi, mana, the Force — many cultures believe in an energy that surrounds us and binds living things together. Those who worship at The Temple of Wisdom think some people have an ability to shape that energy. "Magic isn't the right word. I think it gives the wrong impression. But to be able to influence the world around them," Belanger said. Psychic vampirism even comes with a code of ethics, and Belanger literally wrote the book on them: "Respect anybody you take energy from. Do so only with permission. And make it a celebration of the life that you're sharing, because they're giving you a gift." Religion wasn't the Planning Commission's sticking point Wednesday. Money was. Commission member Tony Mealy said the couple's property is listed on Airbnb as a short-term rental for up to five people. Under Oberlin's ordinances, it should be regulated as a "rooming house," he argued. Churches and other places of worship can have living quarters such as rectories, but they can't charge patrons to stay there, he said. "I don't see where we give a designation of a church if it's actually a residential unit," said Mealy. Planning Director Carrie Handy said the matter went to the commission as a religious use request at the advice of Law Director Jon Clark. Mealy stuck to his guns, saying The Temple of Wisdom would have to abide by city code. After lengthy debate, the Planning Commission tabled the issue until January and is awaiting a written opinion from Clark about how to proceed. "I don't think it's reasonable to consider these folks a problem," said commission chair Matt Adelman. He said at first blush he'd worried the temple request was a ploy to avoid paying property taxes, but after looking into it decided that was not the case. Belanger and Little said they are a for-profit organization and happy to pay taxes to support the community. "I love everything about Oberlin," Belanger said.

MASCOT

FROM C1

"I will get more people in to watch the games," the mascot promised. "I feel responsibility. It's my job to get the school up, to make everybody happy." Putting on its red and yellow costume, the Phoenix said it feels a sense of empowerment. "It's a whole new role, a new identity," it said. "It gets everybody hyped." "It might make the team excited, too," the bird said ahead of Friday's boys varsity basketball game. "They'll want to play harder." More energy in the bleachers means more noise, and that can be felt on the court. The Phoenix said it hopes the extra energy will translate into wins. But the firebird's mission isn't just about basketball games. The Phoenix wants to be there for volleyball matches, fundraisers, literacy nights and sporadically surprise younger kids with classroom visits. "Since you're representing the whole school, you have to give off positive energy at all times. You have to be the light in the darkness," it said.

Time for Some New Year’s Financial Resolutions Have you thought about your New Year’s resolutions for 2020? When many of us make these promises, we focus on ways we can improve some form of our health. We vow to get more physically healthy by going to the gym, or we promise to improve our mental health by learning a new language or instrument. But it’s also important to think about our financial health – so it’s a good idea to develop some appropriate resolutions for this area, too. What kinds of financial resolutions might you make? Here are a few suggestions: • Increase your retirement plan contributions. One of the best financial moves you can make is to take full advantage of your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. If you contribute pre-tax dollars to your plan, the more you put in, the lower your taxable income will be for the year, and your earnings can grow on a tax-deferred basis. So, if your salary goes up in 2020, increase the amount you put into to your plan. Most people don’t come close to reaching the annual contribution limit, which, in 2019, was $19,000, or $25,000 for those 50 or older. You might not reach these levels, either, but it’s certainly worthwhile to invest as much as you can possibly afford. • Use “found” money wisely. During the course of the next year, you may well receive some money outside your normal paychecks, such as a bonus or a tax refund. It can be tempting to spend this money, but you may help yourself in the long run by investing it. You could use it to help fund your IRA for the year or to fill a gap in another investment account.

• Don’t overreact to market downturns. You’ve probably heard stories about people who lamented not getting in “on the ground floor” of what is now a mega-company. But a far more common investment mistake is overreacting to temporary market downturns by selling investments at the wrong time (when their prices are down) and staying out of the market until things calm down (and possibly missing the next rally). The financial markets always fluctuate, but if you can resolve to stay invested and follow a consistent, longterm strategy, you can avoid making some costly errors. • Be financially prepared for the unexpected. Even if you’re diligent about saving and investing for your long-term goals, you can encounter obstacles along the way. And one of these roadblocks could come in the form of large, unexpected expenses, such as the sudden need for a new car or some costly medical bills. If you aren’t prepared for these costs, you might have to dip in to your long-term investments to pay for them. To prevent this from happening, you may want to keep sufficient cash, or cash equivalents, in your investment accounts. Or you might want to maintain a completely separate account as an emergency fund, with the money kept in low-risk, liquid vehicles. If possible, try to maintain at least six months’ worth of living expenses in this account. It will take some effort but following these resolutions could help you move closer to your financial goals in 2020 – and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Michael E. Verda AAMS Financial Adviser 12289 Leavitt Rd. Suite E. Oberlin, OH 44074 Bus.: 440-774-4625 Fax: 866-486-8146

Steve Schmittle

mike.verda@edwardjones.com

steve.schmittle@edwardjones.com

Financial Adviser 20 South Main Street Oberlin, OH 44074-1627 Bus.: 440-775-4357 Fax: 888-204-0352 Fax: 800-755-4944

Site plan for Oberlin's new elementary school approved JASON HAWK EDITOR

Drawings showing how a new elementary school will be situated on North Pleasant Street with parking, vehicle access and landscaping were approved unanimously last Wednesday by the Oberlin Planning Commission. The site plan is the first hurdle the public school system must clear. ThenDesign Architecture will return in January to show what the building will look like and what materials will be used. "I've got to say I'm pretty impressed by the work you do," commission Vice Chair Eric Gaines told architect Brad Gellert. He said he hopes the preschool-through-fifth grade building turns out Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune as well as other ThenDe- Brad Gellert of ThenDesign Architecture shows the Oberlin Planning Comsign projects such as mission where parking spots are located around the city's new elementary the North Olmsted High school. School Performing Arts Center. Operations Manager Dan tion where enrollment it would come with an The new school will be DeNicola, who is helpincreases," Superintenestimated $3.5 million built just south of Oberlin ing plan the new school, dent David Hall told the price tag. High School, where the said the state approved a Planning Commission. Nor is there any new Phoenix football stadium waiver shrinking the floor The Oberlin City Schools stadium in the works for is already being torn space of each classroom have a total of just under the Phoenix at the modown to make room. by about 10 percent. That 1,000 students in all ment. Hall said the footThe two-story building means more classrooms grades. ball team will continue to will span 41,233 square can be included, so there Outside, the site plan play at Oberlin College feet — that's about half will be flexibility if enshows two playgrounds, "for now." the size of OHS. rollment goes up. 184 parking spaces, a stuAthletic Director John It will include an However, Gellert dent bus drop-off on the Carner is negotiating a 8,000-square-foot gymna- said the state believes south side of the school contract with the college sium, cafeteria seating for the number of Oberlin and a loading dock for for next year. Hall said about 200 students and students will continue to semi trucks. it's possible the Board mounted solar panels in slope off for the next 10 It does not show a field of Education will opt to addition to other energyyears. house, which the Board build a stadium, but it conscious features. "We hope to have a of Education decided would be six or seven Inside, former district North Ridgeville situato forego after learning years down the road.

LETTER Students should form their own opinions To the editor: The Oberlin City Schools mission statement reads, “In collaboration with our community,Oberlin City Schools educates students to excel academically while providing support for their social and emotional needs in an open and inclusive environment.” You will find at www.ibo.org that “The IB offers an education... that

focuses on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic. The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish....” Therefore, it is alarming that certain members of the Oberlin Board of Education would urge residents to

call State Sen. Nathan Manning to oppose HB 164. How can students “inquire with care and logic” in an “open and inclusive environment” if students are not allowed to examine all of the facts and fiction, ask the right questions and form their own opinions?” Betty Wyman Parent, Teacher, Community Member

REZONING

FROM C1 A shopping center in Oberlin could keep residents from leaving to spend their money elsewhere, and from pumping their dollars into the economies of other cities, he said. • Linda Slocum said she wrestled with the issue but came to the conclusion the Route 20 property is the perfect spot for development. The site will attract more people to explore Oberlin, supporting businesses already here, and it

won't compete with unique downtown businesses, she said. Slocum wants development to be used to make Oberlin a destination city. She also said Council must think about people who are economically challenged and don't have the means to "travel far and wide to get the products they need at the price they need." • Kristin Peterson said that if there is to be commercial development, US Route 20 is the place for it.

"It's been zoned at least 10 years for office and there's been nothing," she said. Other developments such as the industrial park on Artino Street and Lorain County Health & Dentistry on South Main Street have had positive effects on the community, she said. • Heather Adelman said, "I think it makes sense. There's a lot of other commercial in that area and it seems like the right place to put that for our community."

Notice The City of Oberlin is accepting 2020 applications from community organizations for possible contracts related to the provision of service(s) to Oberlin residents. Applications are available at the City of Oberlin Finance Office, 69 S. Main St.

Submission Deadline is January 24, 2020 OH-70097431

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"Too often, the desires of people who value sustainability are pitted against the low-income people. That's often the debate. I think Oberlin needs to look at that," she said. The city needs more income and more jobs, and development needs to be handled smartly, according to Adelman. • Bryan Burgess said that 50 years ago, Oberlin rejected a landfill and so it was built just outside the city limits in New Russia Township. "And we got the stink. And we got the seagulls and traffic and none of the associated revenue," he said. "City Council learned its lesson from that." Later, Oberlin formed a Joint Economic Development District with Pittsfield Township to prepare for responsible development along US Route 20. "I don't see any difference between that parcel being zoned office space or that parcel being zoned some other form of commercial. I do see the benefit of maintaining residential areas, maintaining surrounding rural farmland and putting development where it belongs," said Burgess.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

Page C3

Mercy Health opens new Chuang Medical Center SEAN McDONNELL THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

In a canopy filled with people he knew, in front of a new medical center being named after him and his wife, Dr. Wuu-Shung Chuang had a lot of hands to shake last Tuesday afternoon. Chuang and his wife Amy are the namesakes of the new Mercy Health Chuang Medical Center, a 20,000-square-foot medical office building next to Mercy Health Allen Hospital. Chuang said the two of them started practicing at the Oberlin Clinic in 1978 and retired after more than 35 years. The room was filled with former physicians Chuang worked with, as well as former patients. One of those hands he shook was former patient David Orr, who went to Chuang for about 15 years before he retired. “Wuu-Shung was a great doctor, and he was missed when he retired,” he said. Along with the patients, many

of the physicians Chuang worked with came out too. Dr. Rick Hetsko worked with Chuang at the Oberlin Clinic up until it closed in 1999. He said Chuang was the right mix of caring and capable. “He always had a positive attitude,” Hetsko said. “He was always a very happy guy to be around. But he knew he stuff inside out.” Mercy Health Market President Ed Oley first met Chuang when he became the head of Allen Hospital in late 2000. Working together to save the hospital, which was in financial distress at the time, he said it was evident Chuang was a no-nonsense businessman while also being a compassionate doctor. Oley said throughout the process the Chuang family members were ambassadors, confidants and cheerleaders for the saving of the hospital. He said the naming of the building will be a testament to the family’s firm commitment. Mercy Health Allen Hospital President and COO Char Wray said the new medical building will bring specialists to Oberlin in a

Ryan D'Amicone | Special to The News-Tribune

The Chuang family and Mercy Health leaders cut the ribbon on a new medical center. new state-of-the-art facility. Along with a variety of types of care, the clinic will offer walk-in appointments and a community room. The new building is part of the Mercy Health family and it will continue to help bring care to Oberlin and Lorain County. “Our goal is to meet the patients

HARD START, HARD FINISH

where they are at,” Wray said. In the community room, Wray said she is working with Dr. W. Jeanne McKibben on a display that will show both the history of the hospital, as well as the history of medicine in Oberlin. The new building sits next to what used to be the Oberlin Clinic,

now owned by the hospital. Now that the new building is complete, the practices in the old building will move into the new one. Wray said previously that the Oberlin Clinic would be torn down when the weather breaks in the spring. Hetsko still practices part-time in the Oberlin Clinic building and will be making the move. “I think it's going to be kind of bittersweet,” he said. “The facility was getting old, but it has a lot of great memories.” Oley agreed, saying the dedication was a joyous occasion, but also a sentimental one. He said the Oberlin Clinic was one of the finest practices in Ohio, and it, along with the doctors who worked there, made a lasting impact. “We will never forget the contributions of the Oberlin Clinic,” he said. While the clinic will be going, McKibben said the Chuang Medical Center makes an important statement. “The building says that medicine is important in Oberlin,” she said.

YOUNG CAROLERS

Provided photo

Students from Oberlin's Prospect Elementary School went caroling downtown under the direction of music teacher Bronwen Fox. The event was put together with local businesses by Elizabeth Elrod and Blue Rooster Bakery provided free hot cocoa and cookies for the kids.

City must look at repealing more local gun ordinances SEAN McDONNELL THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Columbia's Allyson Ross was unstoppable last week, scoring 20 points as the Raiders topped the Phoenix 57-38 in Lorain County League action. Oberlin was held to single-digit gains in the first and second periods, finishing the first half with just 10 points. The girls came alive in the third, going 17-15 over the Raiders, but fell behind another seven in the final quarter. ABOVE: Junior Casey Amato, who led Oberlin with 14 points, drives hard on the baseline. She also had 11 rebounds.

DAVIS SINKS THE WINNER

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Senior James Davis, above, drove to the lane to deliver Oberlin's final two points with four ticks on the clock for a thrilling 62-61 victory over Lorain County League foe Columbia in Friday's home opener. Trajen Chambers, who got Oberlin on the board with an easy layup to start the game, led the Phoenix with 17 points on the night. The Oberlin boys had a 60-55 lead with a minute to go, but watched that advantage evaporate under the Raiders' attack. Columbia had possession with 19 seconds remaining but a Phoenix steal set up Davis.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 DECEMBER 5, 2019

BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 85 SOUTH MAIN STREET DECEMBER 16, 2019 ........ REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 7:00 P.M. – COUNCIL CHAMBERS DECEMBER 18, 2019 ........ 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.

Changes to the Ohio Revised Code are leading Oberlin City Council to make more changes to its local gun legislation. Law Director Jon Clark said that changes needed to be made because of Section 9.68, a part of the Ohio Revised Code that has forced Oberlin to make changes to repeal firearms related ordinances in the past. Now more changes have been made, he said, further taking away the city’s ability to regulate firearms at the local level. “Earlier this year, Section 9.68 was amended,” Clark said in a memo to council. “While poorly drafted, the amendments expand upon state legislature’s preemption of the ability of local governments to regulate firearms in any manner.” Clark said the amended Ohio Revised Code weakens local rule further, and gives persons “adversely affected” by regulations to recover substantial penalties from local jurisdictions. Because of it, he has advised City Council to repeal any existing local code that might attempt to regulate firearms. The changes to Section 9.68 are not specific to Oberlin, Clark said, and other communities have been taking similar actions. Council President Bryan Burgess criticized the state amendments because they

further take away local control, saying the city “can regulate smoking, but not smoking guns.” “The concept of home rule is that those closest to the people are more (representative) of what people want,” Burgess said. “We understand what it takes to run a city, not Columbus.” Councilman Kelley Singleton said the changes were a great example of why it’s important to vote. He said the elected state representatives have a “gun fetish” and are taking away the city’s ability to do the right thing. “Right now Columbus is breaking Ohio,” Singleton said. “This is just wrong and we’re being forced to do it and I feel horrible about it.” Members of Moms Demand Action attended the meeting and called the repeal of the ordinances “failing forward.” Laura Irvin, a co-leader of the Lorain County chapter, said the group may not win every fight, but it aims to win the battle. “This is not a step back, this is a call to action,” Irvin said. “A call to vote for state legislators who will vote for local control.” Burgess, who wore his own Moms Demand Action shirt to Council, agreed. “I take issue with the state telling us how to run our communities,” Burgess said. “Not every community is the same. Not every corner of Ohio wants their communities to be run in the same manner.”

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Page C4

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Oberlin News-Tribune

© 2019 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 36, No. 1

Valuable Headlines

The number code below assigns a value to every letter of the alphabet. Figure out the “value” of a headline in the newspaper. Then see if you can find another headline with a higher value. Reading is powerful! If you read 20 minutes a day just for the fun of it, you would read about 1.8 million words in year! That amount of reading gives kids an edge in school.

A=1 B=2 C=3 D=4 E=5 F=6

The newspaper offers great ways to play games that help you read more. A subscription to a newspaper brings reading opportunities to your doorstep every day!

G=7 H= 8 I =9 J = 10 K = 11 L = 12

M= 13 N = 14 O = 15 P = 16 Q = 17 R = 18

S = 19 T = 20 U = 21 V = 22

W = 23 X = 24 Y = 25 Z = 26

Work with a family member to put the parts of this story in the correct order.

Rockstar Reader

00 Books B4 ,0 1 ia rg o e G the m, which a r g o r P n te r Kinderga s to read 1,000 id challenges k their first day of books before . kindergarten

Her story caught the attent ion Carla Hayden, the 14th Li of brarian of Congress. a regular Daliyah Marie Arana is Ga. at her local Gainesville, eted mpl library. Recently she co

Draw a line connecting each gift with its exact twin.Circle the gift that is one-of-a-kind.

librarian and w an children learn to ts to help read at a young age.

Word Game

Can you find the letters that spell the Su b word SUBSCRIPTION on one page s a pub gree cript lica men ion: of the newspaper? Circle each letter then connect the letters per tion f t to bu An iod or a y a in the order that spells of c e S-U-B-S-C-R-I-P-T-I-O-N. tim rtai n e. Color in the design made by the lines.

1. After you finish reading the 2. Fold the square over. newspaper, cut a square out of onepage.

4. Cut the edges of the folded paper.

How many snowflakes can you count on this page?

Just for Laughs

Save a few days’ worth of your favorite comic strip. At your holiday gathering, have family members help you put on a show by acting out the comic strips for family and friends.

3. Fold it a secondtime.

biggest library e th ed it is v ah iy al D ow Hayden in the world to shad ay.” She ed as “librarian for th being a day has dreams of one

5. Carefully unfoldthe paper to reveal a snowflake shape!

6. Make more newspaper snowflakes to decorate your home for the holidays!

Find Happy

Look through the newspaper for words and pictures that show what is, in your opinion, an example of: • a happy word • a happy picture • a happy person • a happy group • a happy occasion

Daliyah with Carla Hayden at the Library of Congress.

The Kid Scoop book for puzzle lovers! A great giftidea!Order from your local bookstore,Target.com, BarnesandNoble.comor Amazon.comtoday!

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Make as many words as you can using the letters in

“READ NEWSPAPERS EVERY DAY”

1-5 WORDS: GOOD START 5-15 WORDS: WORDFUL WONDER 16 WORDS OR MORE: HEADLINE HERO Standards Link: Spelling: Spell grade-level appropriate words correctly.

the words in the puzzle. NEWSPAPER Find How many of them can you find on this page? ALPHABET READING A L U F R E W O P R POWERFUL N L D O I R E P O E ASSIGN G R P W S U E W D P PERIOD SQUARE A R E H L R O O A A WORDS M A O A A R C S G P VALUE E E V U D B S U I S GROUP B Y Q S P I E S F W GAME CODE C S R I G P N T T E EDGE T I O N N E D G E N GIFT Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical YEAR eading. Recall spelling patterns.

ASSIGN

The verb assign means to give out with authority. The teacher began to assign detention to students late for class. Try to use the word assign in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family.

No Money Gifts

Before and After Look at a photograph in the newspaper.

Discuss with a partner what you think happened before the picture was taken. Write about what you think happened after? ANSWER: The library.

Standards Link: Writing Applications: Write a narrative that develops a plot and setting and an appropriate point of view.

This week’s word:

What can you give as a Christmas present that doesn’t cost money to buy?

INSIDE: McCORMICK ‘LAWYERS’ AT MOCK TRIALS • D2

WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE THURSDAY, DEC. 12, 2019 • SERVING WELLINGTON SINCE 1864

PATHWAYS No more siren accidents, say police TO PRISON STAFF REPORT

Odd and accidental blasts by Wellington's emergency warning siren are hopefully a thing of the past. Police Chief Tim Barfield announced Dec. 4 that the siren system has been upgraded in a joint effort

between the village, Wellington Fire District, South Lorain County Ambulance District and Lorain County 911. The system consists of three new warning sirens as well as an older one at Town Hall. They emit two distinct warning tones. The first is an "attack" or

"air raid" signal that will sound in the event of a severe weather event such as a tornado. The sirens will sound in an on-and-off pattern for three minutes to indicate approaching bad weather. If you hear that pattern, seek shelter immediately, put your family's emergency readiness plan into

action and watch local media for updates. The sirens will not sound an all-clear when danger has passed. The second scenario entails a continuous siren blast for non-weatherrelated emergencies. The nonstop sirens signal that

SIRENS PAGE D2

CHRISTMAS CELEBRITIES

Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Jarrett McDaniel is serving time for felonious assault, having weapons under disability and discharging a firearm near a prohibited area in Erie County.

Grafton inmates tell WHS kids how early decisions led to life behind bars JASON HAWK EDITOR

Growing up poor in Canton, Matthew Richey didn't like going to school. He didn't like getting picked on because he needed a haircut, or because his shoes were cheap. "Who would want to go to school and deal with that every day?" he said. So Richey started skipping school — a decision that put him on the path to prison. As part of the "Dope Is for Dopes" youth outreach program, Richey and fellow Grafton Correctional Institution inmate Jarrett McDaniel told Wellington teens Tuesday how small choices had big consequences. In middle school, Richey was admittedly a slacker, sleeping through “We don’t know the decisions classes and acting out if teachers called out his that we’re behavior. Even though making can he was bright and did lead us down well on tests, he started the path of skipping school, smoking weed and hanging out misery.” with friends all day in an Jarrett McDaniels abandoned house. He was in and out of jail until he was caught in a stolen car, "and that was pretty much it." A fast-track court hearing landed him behind bars for a year, and Richey said he blamed everyone but himself — even his grandmother, who "should have done something" to save him. It looked like Richey was finally ready to fly straight. Released from jail, his school counselor laid out a seemingly-impossible road to getting a high school diploma. Richey defied expectations and earned his diploma. "Well, I didn't make the right choices afterward," he told Wellington High School students. "Nobody explained to me that after high school there's this whole other life you have to live. They call it adulthood." The military didn't want him. And Richey said he hadn't learned anything from being in lock-up. He ruined a job prospect by getting high and failing a drug test, then spent years floating aimlessly on the streets.

Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Santa Claus arrived in Wellington with a police and firefighter escort on Saturday, waving to children who lined South Main Street to greet him. The Claus' horsedrawn carriage was accompanied by elves and some miniature horses, too.

INMATES PAGE D2

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It's nearly time to count the birds for Black River Audubon's Annual Christmas Bird Count. This year’s Elyria-area count will take place Saturday, Dec. 14 and will be organized by Marty Ackermann. To take part, call him at 608-334-2552. The Wellington-area count will take place Saturday, Dec. 28. The leader is Paul Sherwood, who can be reached at 419-202-6080. You do not have to be an experienced birder to take part in the event and you may be able to count the birds in your own backyard. Call now for more information and be an important part of citizen science by providing important data about birds and our environment.

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: NEWS@LCNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page D2

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Wellington Enterprise

Mock trials play out at the Justice Center

Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

◄ Bella Beck, an eighth-grader from McCormick Middle School in Wellington, takes the stand Thursday as an expert witness in a mock trial held at the Lorain County Justice Center in Elyria.

She took on the role of an investigator to testify in the dramatized trial of Beck Martin, who was found guilty of first-degree murder. The practice case was one of 17 played out at the courthouse in an event sponsored by the Educational Service Center of Lorain County. The cases were prosecuted, defended and weighed by students from Amherst, Avon Lake, Columbia, Firelands, North Ridgeville, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Perkins and Wellington. In all, more than 375 kids in grades five to eight were involved in the exercise, which was designed to teach about how the legal system works and spark interest in trial law. ▼ Wellington middle-schoolers in the State v. Martin case pose for a picture.

► Joseph Tipka, a student at Ranger High-Tech Academy in North Ridgeville, is called to play the role of a coroner. Wellington students “won” the verdict by arguing the merits in front of attorney Zachary Simonoff, who stood in as judge. “Each of you is a storyteller and you’re telling your story through your witnesses,” he coached students.

Provided photo

SkillsUSA student members smile in front of the donation table during a food drive at the Lorain County JVS.

JVS food drive provides thousands of meals More than 6,000 pounds of food was collected by Lorain County JVS students and staff in the annual Vocational Youth Council Second Harvest Food Drive. Seniors in the industrial equipment mechanics program donated the most food by weight — a whopping 1,344.6 pounds — and will be rewarded with a class pizza party

later this month. Food donations were also collected during the annual JVS Craft Show in October. Being able to give back to those in need in the local community means a lot to the JVS community. Students said everyone should have food on the table, especially during the holidays. This year’s drive was

hosted by the SkillsUSA and FFA groups, which worked at donation tables before school and during lunch periods and also weighed food each day. Located in Lorain, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, is a nonprofit food bank that supplies service agencies with food for needy families in Lorain, Crawford, Erie and Huron counties.

SIRENS

FROM D1 you should shelter in place, look to media for detailed information regarding the situation and await further instructions. If you hear the sirens go off, do not call 911 or the Wellington Police Department, fire station or ambulance headquarters unless you are need of emergency help. Residents are reminded the sirens are

meant to be an outdoor warning system and won't necessarily be heard indoors. To get alerts wherever you are, sign up for Lorain County's Wireless Emergency Notification System by visiting www. tinyurl.com/wenslc. Sirens will still be tested at noon on the first Saturday of each month from March to October.

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Matthew Richey is serving time for aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, hit-skip, and burglary in Stark County.

INMATES

FROM D1 Richey said he learned to hate his life. And so one dark night in February 2010, he found himself drunk and behind the wheel in Canton. Richey ran a red light and slammed into two cars, killing 55-year-old Earl Morrison and injuring two children. He remembered watching Morrison bleed to death. "I didn't know I had the power to take someone's life like that. That's the truth," said Richey, now 36 years old. "I'm serving a just sentence. I deserve 10 years in prison." Convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, leaving the scene of a crash and burglary, Richey said Tuesday he has 35 days left before his time is done. Yet all he can think about is that when he walks free, Morrison will still be dead, and one of the other young victims will forever be horribly scarred. McDaniel, 33, said he was 135 days away from completing his seven-year sentence. He was convicted in 2013 of felonious assault and having a gun he wasn't supposed to. "I had a reputation on the streets and nobody was going to take it from me," he said, remembering the anger that led him to hunt down and try to shoot a rival outside a Sandusky bar. "By the grace of the creator, the bullet went through his shirt" — but it hit an innocent bystander. Violence was part of McDaniel's family life from an early age. When he was eight, he started hanging out with uncles who were in gangs and sold drugs. "Looking back now I realize my uncles were selfish. They didn't really care," he said.

When his nephew was sentenced to prison two years ago, McDaniel said he finally understood that his family was continuing a horrific cycle. And in prison, he found family members he hadn't seen in years. "See, we don't realize who we're influencing, especially when we're young," he told the Wellington High School students who listened in shocked silence. "We don't know the decisions that we're making can lead us down the path of misery." McDaniel said he became a father at age 17 and didn't know how to be a dad — he didn't have one. Where he comes from, nobody has one, he said. In prison, he missed 10 years of his oldest son's childhood, a failure that broke him inside. Today, his son is 17 and calls him the best dad in the world, "And that breaks my heart, because I know the truth," McDaniel said. When he leaves the Grafton prison, he hopes to be reunited with his family. But McDaniel said he might not get that chance, because federal authorities may be waiting to arrest him on additional charges that could mean another decade behind bars. "Some of you guys may be taking this as a joke, but I'm telling you I lost a lot," he said. "Don't feel sorry for me. Just make sure you don't be me. That's the best thing you can do for me." Richey's future looks bright. He is sober and earned a bachelor's degree in communications. Five days after release, he plans to be back in school pursuing a master's degree, and said he has some job offers. "It's always going to be your choice where you end up in life," he told students.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Wellington Enterprise

‘CATS DECLAWED

Page D3

WON AT THE LINE THE GIBBS SHOW

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Wellington's Brooklinn Damiano gets two points off of a steal at Keystone. It's not often you see the talented Wildcats fall this hard. The Dukes, led by Lexi Alston's 11 points, dismantled them for a huge 45-15 win.

The Dukes' Noah Diermyer (pictured) and Ben Bliss each knocked back a pair of free throws in the final 34 seconds of Friday's game for a thrilling 57-56 win over Clearview. Coming out hot, the Clippers led 18-8 late in the opening period, but that's the most distance that emerged between the two teams in the heated Lorain County League boys opener. For the rest of the night, the teams tilted back and forth, with Wellington trailing by one at the half but leading by one when the final buzzer sounded. Mason McClellan led the team with 22 points, followed by Bliss with 15 and Diermyer with 10.

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Jalen Gibbs was the star of Wellington's Lorain County League basketball debut, putting up 30 points on the way to a 44-40 victory over the Clippers. She almost single-handedly won the game for the Dukes, pulling down 23 rebounds and blocking three Clippers shots while breaking her own single-game record of 27 points. Wellington's first 19 points of the night came from Gibbs. Brooke Rebman was the points leader for Clearview; on any other night, her 15 would have looked good, but her performance was eclipsed.

Delivering fresh milk made this man a part of history Kristin Bauer | Chronicle “He was one of these guys

SEAN McDONNELL

Jim Seely of Rochester Township is one of the last milkmen, and he spoke about his career last Wednesday at his home. Seely delivered to residents in the southern end of Lorain County for both Smith's and Parson's dairies.

When he got laid off from Ridge Tool, Jim Seeley needed to find a new profession. The job he landed, being a milkman, had more openings at the time. But before he could go door-to-door for Parsons’ Jersey Dairy, he had to learn a particular skill. “You had to learn to knock on a stranger’s door and hope there were no dogs,” Seeley said. Seeley, 87, started knocking on doors for Parsons’ Jersey Dairy in 1957, which he said later became Parsons’ Dairy when the dairy factory stopped getting milk from Jersey cows. He became a familiar face in and out of Lorain County, making frequent stops in Wellington, New London, Sullivan and Nova Township. “We weren’t a big dairy, but what we had, the people liked it,” Seeley said. Eventually Seeley said Claude Parsons, owner of the dairy factory, sold the business to Smith’s Dairy, which still operates out of Orrville. Seeley started delivering for Smith’s and stayed on the job until December 1989. Delivering milk had its challenges, he said. Lots of getting in-and-out of the truck, collecting money from milk-drinkers that were holding out and making sure to sell enough ice cream to keep the boss happy. Still, when Ridge Tool gave him the chance to return to the factory, he didn’t sway. “They called me back two years later, but I didn't go back,” he said. “It was one of those jobs that I didn’t really love at the shop.” Being a milkman wasn’t boring. Seeley had to work holidays, and he recalled one holiday when a lot of people missed their delivery. “I put the truck in the ditch on Christmas Eve,” Seeley said. He said he was driving that night when another driver had both lanes blocked. Seeley eased the truck off the side of the road a bit too far, and he

had to let his bosses know the truck wouldn’t make it back the night. “They were happy I didn’t turn it over,” he said. Seeley ended his delivering days with excitement, too. On his second to last day before retirement, he was on the wholesale route when he fell from the truck’s lift gate. He said his bosses were nice enough to give him a helper, but made him show up his last day. “I had a few hurts, but

we made it,” Seeley said. The milkman, who said he’s “old as hills” now, worked a few dynamic decades in the milk business. Smaller dairies were bought or closed, and more and more people got their milk at the store. Seeley said for people in cities, store’s were closer and cheaper. “It made it harder for us to sell milk,” he said. The bottles Seeley carried started to get a little lighter, too. He said in the 1970s, he started to see

the switch from glass to plastic bottles. Customers were mad at first, saying it changed the taste, but he said they eventually accepted it. He also saw the product go from “regular milk” to homogenized milk, which almost all milk is now. Customers complained about that, too, he said, saying they used the cream that rose to the top of raw milk for their coffee. Seeley is part of history both for his profession, and for his place in Wellington.

Local historian Al Leiby said he has a ton of reference material on things in Wellington, but Parsons’ Dairy isn’t one of them. He said Seeley is a face everyone remembers and associates with the dairy. “Being a milkman, you wouldn’t think the guy has a legacy,” Leiby said. “But he kind of does.” Leiby grew up in Wellington, where his family got its milk delivered by Seeley. “He has always been a super nice guy. Always had a smile,” Leiby said.

when you meet him, you like him.” Seeley said the job did have its perks. He said Parsons’ made good chocolate milk and the best vanilla ice cream. He had freedom to work how he wanted, and the company always had a “party for the troops” each Christmas, where he said they didn’t just serve milk. Despite the time handmaking ice cream sandwiches, or starting early, or the dog bites, or the days the truck got snowed in, Seeley said he enjoyed his time delivering. And when he does leave Rochester and head back into town, he said people still call him “the milkman.” “You meet a lot of people that maybe you would’ve never before,” he said, “all because you delivered milk.”

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Page D4

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019

Wellington Enterprise

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BEST CHOICE ALWAYS BEST CHOICE BEST CHOICE BEST CHOICE BEST CHOICE DAIRYMEN’S WE CARRY ALL PURPOSE SAVE ASSORTED REGULAR OR MINI BROWN OR POWDERED EVAPORATED GALLON FRUIT FILLINGS FLOUR GRANULATED PINEAPPLE MARSHMALLOWS SUGAR MILK FRUIT PUNCH SUGAR FOR BAKING! PINEAPPLE ¢ ¢ APRICOT 10 OZ. 5 LB. 2 LB. 12 OZ. 20 OZ. 4 LB. RASPBERRY BEST CHOICE BEST CHOICE RAGU BEST CHOICE DAIRYMEN'S PILLSBURY ASSORTED 2 PACK TRADITIONAL OR MEAT REGULAR OR SALTED 16 OUNCE REGULAR 9 INCH CHERRY PASTA CREAM BUTTER CHIP DIP FROZEN STRAWBERRY SPAGHETTI CHEESE SAUCE PIE SHELLS LEKVAR ¢ POPPY SEED ¢ RICOTTA CHEESE 16 OZ. 45 OZ. 16 OZ. 16 OZ. 2 CT. LIMIT 6