News

Checking state and local COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, 32,477 cases, up about 500 on Monday…a total of 1,987 fatalities after 26 deaths reported Monday.

Erie County had 2 COVID-19 deaths reported over the weekend to equal 7 fatalities. The county has a total of 152 cases overall; an increase of 21 during the 3-day holiday weekend.

Lorain County Public Health reports; more than one-half of county residents who had tested positive for the Corona Virus, have since recovered. The local death toll stands at 52…34 of those residents were 80 years of age and older.

Huron County has 55 cases, up 3 on Monday.

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More businesses may reopen today in Ohio.

Those include state BMV’s, gyms, pools, mini-golf and batting cage facilities, and bowling alleys.

Skills training for all high school sports may also begin today.

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Close to 100 people practiced social distancing for the most part, while paying their respects during a Memorial Day service at the Bellevue Cemetery on Monday.

The event included the reading of the nearly 100 fallen military members from Bellevue as well as the playing of ‘Taps’ from Bellevue High School band members.

Monday’s memorial in Bellevue was one of the only area services to not be cancelled.

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has released the 2019 Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse Report…

The clearinghouse documented over 24,000 missing people in 2019; 1,300 fewer than the year before.

Of those, nearly 19,000 were reports of missing children with 97.9 percent recovered safely by year’s end.

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The Norwalk Fire Chief Selection Committee has picked five candidates to take part in the testing part of the selection process.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the remaining nine who applied could still go through the testing if the committee is not pleased with any of the five originally chosen.

After a study period for the test, the test itself, and interviews, it could be as long as three months before Norwalk’ next fire chief is chosen.

Former chief John Soisson retired in March.

Captain Rick Perry is serving as interim chief.
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We begin the week with Ohio’s jobless rate at 16.8 percent.

It’s the highest rate since the current data-system was put in place in the early 1970’s.

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Look for possible slowdowns for several weeks along Route 303 in LaGrange…

The state is resurfacing the road, and traffic will be down to one lane at times.

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Two local free food distribution events are set for this week from Second Harvest Food Bank…

-Wednesday 12:00 to 3:00 pm at Ely Stadium in Elyria

-Wednesday 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Western Reserve High School in Collins

-Thursday 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Longfellow School in Lorain

-Thursday 3:30 to 6:00 pm at Strobel Field in Sandusky
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Tonight, the three finalists for the CEO position in the Lorain City Schools will take part in a question-and-answer session with a community committee.

The recorded session will be available to view on the district website.

The finalists are;

• Jeff Graham, former Lorain Schools’ Superintendent
• James Grubbs Junior, Superintendent of schools in Galion
• Tracy Reed, a Cleveland native who now works in Fort Wayne, Indiana

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon.

Sunny, with a high near 89.

 

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

 

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

 

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Partly sunny, with a high near 83.

 

A look at local COVID-19 numbers…

Lorain County Public Health confirms another death from the Corona Virus. The county’s death toll now stands at 51.

Erie County had 2 reported cases this morning for a total of 127.

Huron County has 2 more cases reported Thursday to equal 46.

 

The Erie County Health Department has announced that its partnering with Firelands Regional Medical Center and Family Health Services to offer COVID-19 testing in Erie County.

The testing is open to the first 1,500 registrants from those who live or work in Erie County that sign up at www.CovidErieOhio.com.

Testing is available to see if you currently have COVID-19 or have had it in the past.

 

After several months of construction, Sandusky’s Jackson Street Pier will begin to welcome pedestrians in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

While construction will still be ongoing… beginning today, pedestrians will have access to the boardwalk for fishing, and walking, and access to the swinging benches and the curved “sun stairs.”

 

The Huron County Treasurer will open its office on Tuesday; after being closed due to COVID-19.

Although the office is open, taxpayers are still encouraged either to mail payments to the Huron County Treasurer’s Office, use the 24/7 accessible night deposit box located inside the front door of the Treasurer’s Office vestibule, or make a payment online.

 

Summer events continued to be canceled due to the Corona Virus.

The latest…the Ohio State Fair in Columbus.

Also, Ohio’s first county fair of the season has been scrubbed. The Paulding County Fair in northwest Ohio has been cancelled. It was supposed to open June 13^th.

 

Lorain County Fair Board President Kim Meyers tells the Chronicle Telegram, their team is still preparing for this year’s fair in Wellington.

Meyers says that several statewide task forces are working on all aspects of county fairs, and how to make them safe for everyone.

The 175^th Lorain County Fair is scheduled to open August 23^rd.

 

Some upgrades are set to be put into place at Huron County Juvenile Court.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, a near $27,000 grant from the Ohio Supreme Court has been used to purchase video-conferencing equipment that is being installed in both courtrooms.

 

Most Memorial Day observations have been affected by COVID-19, but organizers are doing their best to make the most of it.

In Bellevue, there will not be a parade, but a ceremony will be open to the public at the Bellevue Cemetery at 10:00 am on Monday. Officials say there is ample room at the cemetery for social distancing.

In Berlin Heights, a short memorial service will be held, but not open to the public. Instead, it will be broadcasted live on Facebook.

In Huron, AmVets Post #49 will not be holding ceremonies; but flags will be placed on veterans’ graves and cemeteries will be open for those to pay their respects.

In Monroeville, there will be no services, but Honor Guard members will place a wreath on veterans’ graves at local cemeteries.

 

The U-S Army Corps of Engineers has begun work on the Lorain breakwater.

A portion was removed several years ago when it fell into disrepair.

The 2-million-dollar restoration will also include the addition of solar powered lights on both sides of the entire breakwater.

 

The Lorain County Metro Parks has announced the re-opening of several sites…all with health and safety protocols.

Today, Sunset Café at Lakeview Park and the Miller Nature Preserve in Avon will re-open.

Future re-openings include Lakeview Beach in Lorain on June 12, and on June 22^nd, the INDOOR pool at the Splash Zone in Oberlin.

The state has given the go ahead for the construction of six wind turbines in Lake Erie; 8 to 10 miles off the shore of Cleveland.

If constructed, the project will be the first freshwater offshore wind farm in North America.

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible in the afternoon.

Cloudy, with a high near 66.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

 

Saturday

Patchy fog early.

Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.

 

Sunday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon.

Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

 

Ohio now has over 29,400 total cases of COVID-19; with nearly 1,800 deaths.

Erie County had 4 reported cases Wednesday for a total of 124.

Huron County had 1 more case reported Wednesday to equal 44.

 

Indoor dining opens up to customers today as part of the overall reopening of Ohio.

Of course, health and safety protocols as well as social distancing restrictions do apply.

 

Gyms and fitness centers may now open; despite the state setting a reopening date of next Tuesday.

An Ohio judge has issued an injunction allowing for the reopening now…after a number of fitness centers filed a civil lawsuit.

Gyms must follow health and safety guidelines.

Police in Lorain are asking for your help in solving a fatal shooting.

Dimehz Phillips was 21.

Police say, his body was found yesterday afternoon in a yard on Denver Avenue, and they’re investigating whether his death might be connected to a report of ‘shots fired’ Tuesday night.

One juvenile was taken to the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Facility.

 

Police in Avon say, they will charge a teenager with triggering this week’s crash on I-90 that shutdown the freeway for nearly 12 hours.

Police say, 18 year old Kaitlyn Holsclaw of Avon Lake made an illegal U-TURN in a turn-around spot in the median, pulling into traffic without yielding.

Police say, the driver of a tanker truck swerved to avoid a crash, veered off the road and overturned, spilling ethanol.

The trucker is being treated at Metro.

A black eye…for a company hired by the State of Ohio to help process “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” claims…

Deloitte Consulting has announced; they inadvertently exposed applicants’ personal information to other claimants.

Deloitte says, that includes applicants’ names, addresses, and social security numbers

Deloitte recommended that those affected, monitor their credit report for any suspicious activity.

 

The Lorain Schools’ Academic Distress Commission has named their three finalists, for the school system’s CEO position.

Jeff Graham is a former superintendent in Lorain.

James Grubbs Junior is superintendent of the Galion Schools.

Tracy Reed is the Chief Academic Officer in the Fort Wayne, Indiana Schools.

The Academic Distress Commission hopes to name their top choice next week. (May 27^th).

 

Second Harvest Food Bank will be on hand for two free food distribution events today.

-In Lorain at Oakwood Park from noon to 3:00 pm

-In Sandusky at Strobel Field from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, with help from OHGo

 

A Huron County dispatcher has been recognized after she was credited with saving the life of the wife of a judge.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, Jessica Williamson has received the “Life Saving Award” from Sheriff Todd Corbin.

Williamson took a call concerning Kelly Weisenberger, the wife of Norwalk Municipal Judge, Eric, when Weisenberger had internal bleeding from a routine surgery.

Williamson dispatched an ambulance and law enforcement official while giving out appropriate instructions on how to apply pressure to control the bleed.

 

A scam alert from the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office…

Authorities say that if you receive a call asking for donations for the Sandusky County Vets Memorial Park, do not give out your information; as funds for the project are never solicited over the phone.

 

Gas line work is planned for today in Norwalk.

Crews will be out making repairs on the Woodlawn Avenue gas line; closing Woodlawn from Seminary Street to Main.

It’s expected to reopen after the workday.

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

A slight chance of showers after noon.

Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

 

Tonight

A chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

 

Friday

Showers likely in the morning, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.

 

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

 

Governor Mike DeWine Tuesday announced that the current ‘Stay Safe Ohio’ order has now been rescinded to a more voluntary set of “strong suggestions”.

The health order now strongly recommends that citizens, especially those who are high-risk, stay at home as much as possible; but does not change the mass gathering restrictions, which remain at a 10-person limit.

The new health advisory also lifts overall travel restrictions and the requirement to quarantine if someone travels to or returns to Ohio; but unnecessary travel within or outside of Ohio is not encouraged.

 

The latest on the Corona Virus on a local level…

Governor DeWine announced Tuesday that 1 resident of the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky has passed away from COVID-19; while 28 residents have tested positive; as well as 5 staff members.

Overall, 2 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Erie County Tuesday for a total of 120.

Lorain County Public Health is reporting four more confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one more “probable” case… bringing the county’s case total to 611. Some good news, though, as no new deaths were reported on Tuesday

Huron County had 1 more reported case of COVID-19 Tuesday to equal 43.

 

Norwalk City Schools have approved their 5-year forecast.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the district faces a $1.2 million deficit heading into next school year.

District Treasurer Joyce Dupont said the deficit isn’t something to be alarmed over because of the large amount of uncertainty going forward during the pandemic.

 

26 votes was the difference as Clyde-Green Springs Schools voters have passed a half-percent earned income tax levy.

The Fremont News-Messenger reports that both the Sandusky and Seneca County Board of Elections have approved the final numbers.

It’s the first passing of an operating levy for Clyde-Green Springs Schools in the last 15 years.

 

Cedar Point is recognizing those on the front lines of the pandemic.

Now through May 29th, Cedar Point invites communities and individuals to nominate their ‘everyday hero’ for a chance to win a lifetime season ticket.

A total of ten heroes will be selected.

 

Some good news for local business owners… a second round of grants for the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Program has been announced by the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, and, the Small Business Development Center at Lorain County Community College.

Businesses with 3 to 20 employees may apply for a grant worth up to $2,500.

 

Starting next Tuesday, Abbe Road will be closed where it intersects with Poplar Street.

Residents north of the intersection can get to their homes from Route 57, and those south will have to enter from Cleveland Street.

 

More festivals have been called off due to COVID-19.

Officials in Greenwich have cancelled this year’s Fireman’s Festival; which was planned for July.

The Elyria Kiwanis Club’s annual Strawberry Festival has also been cancelled; but the Parade of Flags program, however, will continue

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

 

Thursday

A slight chance of showers in the afternoon.

Partly sunny, with a high near 64.

 

Friday

A chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.

 

An outbreak of COVID-19 has hit the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky.

Governor Mike DeWine shared the details during Monday’s news conference; which included 24 residents being infected.

Officials are still waiting on more than 200 tests results to come back.

 

Checking other local COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 9 new reported cases Monday for a total of 121

Huron County – 42 total cases after 4 were reported Monday

Lorain County has lost 57 residents to the Corona Virus …The county now has over 600 cases.

Statewide…28,400+ total cases and over 1,650 deaths

 

Governor DeWine announced Monday that he is assembling an enforcement team to ensure that bars and restaurants are operating safely under the Responsible RestartOhio plan.

Bars and restaurants reopened to patrons for outdoor dining on Friday.

Dine-in service is scheduled to resume on May 21.

Businesses found violating the ‘Stay Safe Ohio’ order will receive administrative citations that could result in the loss of liquor licenses.

 

It’s that time again…time to buckle up!

Law enforcement officials have announced that the national ‘Click it or Ticket’ seat belt campaign is now underway.

Extra officers will be on the road, thanks to grant money.

 

Elyria Municipal Court is scheduled to re-open tomorrow morning after a scrub-down.

Yesterday, the court was closed after a security person tested ‘positive’ for COVID-19.

 

A free food distribution event is planned for this afternoon in Norwalk.

Second Harvest Food Bank will be on hand at the Huron County Fairgrounds from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

 

Another summer event has been affected by COVID-19…

The Vermilion Festival of the Fish planned for next month has been postponed; with hopes to hold the event later this summer.

 

Prices at the pump are inching upwards in advance of Memorial Day travel, although Triple-A says, the amount of that travel is too sketchy to predict.

Triple-A says, the biggest prices increases in the nation are found right here in the Great Lakes region…but still, about 75-cents-a-gallon below a year ago.

 

Officials in the city of Lorain continue their discussion about possibly reducing sewer rates.

Last night, Lorain City Council sent several options to committee for further review.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

 

Weather, making news today, with the National Weather Service posting a flood warning for the Black River at Elyria until this afternoon.

They expect minor flooding through the day, especially south of Elyria in Carlisle Township along Woodside Drive.

 

From the National Weather Service

*A Flood Watch and Lakeshore Flood Warning are currently in effect.

Today

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm.

Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.

Cloudy, with a high near 67.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

 

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 62.

 

Thursday

A slight chance of showers.

Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

 

Checking local COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 16 new reported cases on Sunday; with 8 residents of the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky reportedly testing positive.

Huron County was free of COVID-19 cases over the last week.

Lorain County has lost 51 residents to the Corona Virus…the latest case, posted Saturday by Lorain County Public Health…

In Sandusky County, the Sandusky Register reports that the Clyde Whirlpool plant has confirmed its second case of COVID-19 among workers.

 

One person was injured during a fire that caused severe damage to two units at the Sandusky K-O-A Campground on Cleveland Road.

According to the Sandusky Register, the Saturday night blaze caused $30,000 in damage to one unit and $10,000 to the other.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

 

An Avon man who works at the Elyria Walmart faces inducing panic and terroristic threat charges after allegedly causing a bomb scare on Saturday.

According to the Chronicle Telegram, 26 year-old Nicholas Rashedi allegedly texted a family member about a bomb threat at the store; with the family member then contacting police.

The store was evacuated; with no sign of a bomb found.

 

Firefighters in Carlisle Township are investigating what caused a house fire on Banks Road.

The fire was reported just after 11 o’clock yesterday morning.

One firefighter was treated for minor injuries.

No one else was hurt…

 

The Ohio Department of Transportation has re-opened I-90 in Avon.

It had been closed for nearly 12 hours after a tanker-truck veered off the road and overturned in the median yesterday-afternoon.

The trucker was taken to Metro in Cleveland.

 

Governor Mike DeWine says, the state will crack down on restaurants if necessary…

…this, after many re-opened their outdoor dining facilities Friday…and after several reports of huge crowds that pretty much ignored every health-and-safety guideline on the books.

Inside dining is scheduled to resume Thursday…

 

For the first time in 20 years, Triple A says, they will not issue a Memorial Day travel forecast due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Triple A says, the accuracy of available data is too much in doubt

 

Today is the day U-S automakers have been given the green light to begin to re-open their facilities…and there’s new activity at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake…with some workers reporting overnight, and entering new screening tents placed near the plant’s entrances.

 

More free food distribution events are planned for this week from Second Harvest Food Bank.

-Today at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

-Tuesday at the Huron County Fairgrounds in Norwalk from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

-Thursday at Strobel Field in Sandusky from 3:30 to 6:00 pm; with help from OHGo

 

In library news…

Today, branches of the Lorain Public Library System will begin curbside pick-up. And, once more, holds can be placed, online.

The Elyria Public Library System might be closed, but workers are heading back to work today for training on the use of PPE and sanitizing products, along with new library procedures and protocols. Effective June 1^st, the Elyria Public Library System will begin curbside or holds-locker pick-up at its West River branch.

 

Another summer festival, cancelled, due to COVID-19…

There will be NO North Ridgeville Corn Festival this year…

Organizers are looking toward August of 2021…

 

From the National Weather Service…

A Flood Watch is in effect now through 10:00 am Tuesday.

A Lakeshore Flood Warning is in effect now through 4:00 pm Tuesday.

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely.

Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.

High near 72.

 

Tonight

Showers. Low around 57.

Tuesday

Showers likely early.

Cloudy, with a high near 63.

 

Wednesday

A slight chance of showers.

Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

 

A look at area and state COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, another 600-plus cases were reported Thursday to give the state more than 25,700 total cases while the number of deaths increased by around 40.

Locally, there were no new cases for the second straight day in Erie County while Huron County had 1 new case on Thursday to equal 40

Lorain County Public Health has confirmed another 3 deaths from the Corona Virus. The death toll now stands at 50…27 of those were residents of various long-term care facilities.

 

While the state prepares to reopen outdoor dining and personal care services tomorrow, Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced even more openings for later this month…including child care centers on May 31^st.

Also, reopening…

-Campgrounds May 21^st

-Horse racing on May 22^nd with no spectators

-Gyms on May 26^th as well as pools and low to no-contact sports, also Ohio BMV’s

 

Another event has been called off due to the Corona Virus…

The Norwalk Police Department says that for the first time since 1966, Safety Town has been cancelled.

 

A new hire at Great Lakes Honda in Elyria faces charges…

21 year-old David Maldonado of Westlake is accused of taking a van and 7 key fobs for other vehicles, from the dealership, without authorization.

A reminder about gas line work in Norwalk next Tuesday…

City officials say Columbia Gas will be making repairs; leading to the closure of Woodlawn Avenue, from Seminary to Main Street.

The street will reopen after the workday.

 

Perkins Township has been named a recipient of funds from the CARES Act.

According to the Sandusky Register, the funds will be used for fire operations to help provide protection to residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

CARES stands for “Corona-Virus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security.

 

Something’s afoot at the Midway Mall in Elyria, but according to the Chronicle Telegram, it’s not clear what it is…

A Solon-based company that owned the parcel that included the former Sears store and Red Lobster, has apparently split the parcel, and transferred the properties to two domestic liability companies.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

 

The Lorain County Board of Elections has certified results of the extended primary election.

No change in results in races, nor issues…

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Breezy.

High near 74.

 

Tonight

Showers likely, and possibly a thunderstorm.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.

 

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

Sunday

Showers likely, and possibly a thunderstorm in the afternoon.

High near 72.

 

A look at area and state COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, another 700-plus cases were reported Wednesday to give the state more than 25,700 total cases while the number of deaths increased by 47 to nearly 1,500.

Locally, there were no new cases in Huron and Erie Counties on Wednesday.

Lorain County Public Health confirms…three more deaths from theCorona Virus…bringing the county-total to 47.

Of those 47, 30 were people, 80 years of age and older.

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More summer event cancellations due to Corona Virus concerns…

The Huron Rotary Fine Arts and Food Truck Festival in late June has been called off…and there will be no Lions Club 4th of July Parade in Norwalk this year.

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A man was arrested in Sandusky on Tuesday evening in connection with a suspected shooting in Lima earlier that day.

According to the Sandusky Register, 29 year-old Cameron Rogers of Lima was arrested close to the Milan Road overpass.

Rogers is accused of shooting another man in the leg; whose injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

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The Ohio Department of Aging has announced a free, daily check-in phone service for Ohio’s older residents to ensure their well-being amid the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency and beyond.

The “Staying Connected” service is open to Ohio residents age 60 or older who have a valid phone number.

The automated service, which is available 7:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week, contacts participants each day within a one-hour window selected by them during sign-up.

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The ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive in Erie County is back for next school year.

The drive is expected to see an increased need in 2020 as families emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those looking to help out can do so by encouraging employees and customers at your workplace to hold a drive as well as make a monetary donation.

Those with children in need of school supplies can contact VacationLand Credit Union or go to their website to sign up.

The drive is for students entering kindergarten through 5th grades.

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The state of Ohio says, it’s ready to accept applications from self-employed and part-time workers who might qualify for federal unemployment benefits.

The “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” program was created under the federal “CARES Act”, and offers up to 39 weeks of benefits.

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The Lorain County, COVID-19, Response Fund, Community Advisory Committee has announced the third round of grants to support Lorain County non-profits.

40-thousand-dollars was awarded to five organizations, to provide support during the pandemic, within the priorities of emergency assistance and basic needs, education and youth services, and infrastructure.

Among the recipients;

• The Lorain County Office on Aging
• The Neighborhood Alliance
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lorain County

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Showers likely, with thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.

Mostly cloudy, breezy, with a high near 75.

 

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm.

Cloudy, with a low around 63.

 

Friday

Showers likely.

Cloudy, with a high near 74.

 

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

 

Two Huron County men have been arrested on child pornography charges in what’s believed to be separate incidents.

The Huron County Sheriff’s Office says they executed search warrants at two different locations, resulting in the arrests of 25 year-old Christopher Anderson of Wakeman and 42 year-old James Arnold of Willard.

Both men are being held without bond and are awaiting court appearances.

 

In COVID-19 related news, the state says there are now over 25,000 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,436 total deaths related to the virus.

Locally, Huron County sits at 39 cases after 1 was reported Tuesday while Erie County also had 1 more confirmed case Tuesday for a total of 81.

Another COVID 19 death in Lorain County…a resident of Avon Lake…So far, 44 residents of Lorain County have died from the virus…

 

More closings, delays and cancellations related to COVID-19…

Common Ground in Oberlin suspending its programs through June.

The Lorain County Metro Parks has canceled the rest of this season’s theater productions at French Creek in Sheffield Village.

 

New health-and-safety protocol for Elyria Municipal Court…

Judge Gary Bennett says, all visitors must wear face masks, and you must be at least 18 years of age.

 

Bellevue’s annual Memorial Day parade has been cancelled due to Corona Virus concerns; but a ceremony will still take place in the Veteran’s section at the Bellevue Cemetery on May 25th at 10:00 am.

Officials say there is ample room at the cemetery to practice social distancing.

 

Help is coming to 850,000 students across Ohio who relied on free or reduced-price meal programs when school was in session.

It was announced Tuesday that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture for its Pandemic EBT plan.

Families will receive approximately $300 to purchase healthy and nutritious foods to feed their children.

 

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced that more businesses are allowed to open back up on May 15th as part of the reopening of Ohio.

Those include cosmetic and massage therapy and tattoo and body piercing services; with all agreeing to follow safety guidelines and protocols.

 

U-S Senator Sherrod Brown is introducing legislation, to help renters pay their rent and avoid eviction.

The bill would establish a federal emergency fund of 100-billion-dollars which could be tapped during the COVID-19 crisis.

 

The application deadline has come and gone, for the top job in the Lorain City School System.

According to the Chronicle Telegram, a dozen people have applied for the CEO position.

Among them…former Lorain superintendents Jeff Graham and Tom Tucker…and current Wellington Schools Superintendent Ed Weber.

Read all about it, in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

 

Lorain County Community College will be virtually celebrating the accomplishments of its largest graduating class in the college’s 57 year history.

LCCC previously announced the cancellation of the in-person commencement- ceremony originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

That date will now be the launch of a two-week tribute and celebration of the Class of 2020 on LCCC’s Facebook page.

 

A number of free food distribution events will be held over the next week.

OHgo and Second Harvest Food Bank will hand out items on Thursday at Strobel Field in Sandusky from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

East of Chicago Pizza and The Chapel are distributing 400 personal pizzas with cookies and water at The Chapel’s Norwalk location on Sunday from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.

Second Harvest will give out food to those in need next Tuesday at the Huron County Fairgrounds in Norwalk from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

A Frost Advisory is in effect until 9:00 am.

Areas of frost early. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 59.

 

Tonight

A chance of showers, mainly overnight.

Increasing clouds, with a low around 46.

 

Thursday

Showers, with thunderstorms also possible in the afternoon.

Breezy, with a high near 74.

 

Friday

Showers. High near 71.

 

In local COVID-19 numbers, Erie County has 2 more confirmed cases on Monday for a total of 80.

Huron County had no new cases Monday to remain at 38.

Lorain County Public Health reports; another resident of Lorain County has died from the Corona Virus. The death toll now stands at 43. On the plus side, twice as many people were reported to have recovered than the number of new cases.

Statewide, Ohio now has more than 24,700 total cases, up 700 from Sunday… with more than 1,350 deaths, up about 50 on Monday.

 

No news Monday from Mike DeWine regarding the opening of daycares across the state…

DeWine said the state needs more time as they look at proper safety protocols.

 

A 19 year-old woman from Elyria is being held on a 2-million-dollar bond after her first appearance in court.

Eboni McElroy was arrested this past weekend…

Prosecutors say, McElroy stabbed and killed 20 year-old Isis Bennett Jones of Elyria after an argument that began on Facebook, and ended on Middle Avenue.

 

Police in Sandusky are investigating nine different shooting incidents.

According to the Sandusky Register, no suspects have been identified and there’s been no reports of injuries.

50 shell casings were reportedly found throughout the city from last Thursday through Saturday.

 

The Lorain County Board of Elections will meet Thursday to certify results from the extended primary election.

Yesterday, the board rejected more than 700 ballots for various reasons.

More than 43-thousand residents of Lorain County voted in the primary.

 

The Lorain Public Library System will begin curbside pick-up, May 18^th.

Detail on how it’ll work…on the Lorain Public Library System website…

 

The 2020 Street Resurfacing Project is set to begin Wednesday in Norwalk.

City officials say up to 20 streets will have some work done, lasting around 5 days for the project.

Barrels and no parking signs will be posted the night before construction.

 

Retail stores are opening their doors back up today as part of the reopening of Ohio.

The Sandusky Mall is part of those; but they do say to check with the individual store to find out if they’re open for business as the mall is leaving it up to each store’s discretion.

 

Another summer event cancellation due to COVID-19 concerns…

Huron River Fest, planned for July, will not happen this year because of gathering restrictions and social distancing orders.

 

More road work in Huron County…

Fitchville River Road is closed now at Prospect Road for intersection improvements.

It will be shut down to traffic for close to 60 days.

 

Residents of Avon will have to find another way to cool off this summer.

The City of Avon has joined a growing list of communities to announce, the city’s Aquatics Facility will remain closed for the summer.

Mayor Bryan Jensen says, it was a difficult decision, but given state-and- federal health-and-safety guidelines, it was not practical to open.

Mayor Jensen says, residents who bought season passes will receive a full refund.

 

From the National Weather Service…

A Freeze Warning is in effect until 9:00 am today.

Today

Patchy frost this morning.

Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

 

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

 

Wednesday

Patchy frost early. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 57.

Thursday

Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible.

Cloudy, with a high near 72.