News

An Ashtabula woman is due in court in Elyria…27 year-old Brea Holley faces a charge of ‘murder’.

Police say, Holley shot and killed 29 year old Stacey Albright of Sheffield Lake Friday night, in the 400 block of Beebee Avenue.

Police have not released a possible motive for the shooting.

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The latest in the hit/skip crash in Norwalk that claimed the life of a 3 year-old…

The Norwalk Reflector reports that criminal charges are expected soon in connection with the death of Melanie Lopez on July 21st that occurred outside of her trailer at the Norwalk Mobile Home Park on Jefferson Street.

Norwalk Police say the driver and vehicle involved have been identified; but they are waiting for evidence tests to come back before charges are filed.

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Police in Lorain are asking for your help in finding the person responsible for robbing and beating a 78-year-old Vietnam War veteran in his home on West 25^th.

The attack happened late Friday night.

Oscar Lang is out of the hospital…for now…

Read more in today’s Chronicle Telegram.

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Arrest warrants have been issued for a suspect who allegedly shot two men outside of a Sandusky bar last month.

According to the Sandusky Register, authorities believe the suspect is out of the state at the time.

On June 19th, two men were hospitalized and released after the suspect allegedly shot them outside of what used to be the Dog House Bar on West Jefferson and McDonough streets.

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It appears, someone might have entered the former Stoney’s bowling alley in Carlisle Township between two fires there this past weekend.

According to the Chronicle Telegram, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office is working with fire investigators, to determine the cause of the fires.

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School officials in Avon have pushed back their opening from August 20^th to August 27^th.

Superintendent Mike Laub says, the change will give teachers and administrators more time, to prepare for the coming school year.

The Keystone Schools have also delayed their opening until September 8^th.

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The Ohio High School Athletic Association has suspended school-versus-school scrimmages for football, soccer and cross-country until further notice.

The association says, they’re waiting on further instructions from the governor’s office and the Ohio Department of Health.

Meanwhile, health departments in Summit and Portage Counties have gone on record, opposing fall sports until at least October 1^st.

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It appears, Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder might not be holding onto his position in the House much longer.

Members are scheduled to vote tomorrow, to replace him.

Householder has declined to step down following his arrest on federal bribery charges.

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Checking COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, Ohio was nearly double the 21-day average in fatalities with 38 compared to the average of 20. Overall cases were basically the same as the 21-day average.

Huron County had nine reported cases on Tuesday to equal 343.

Erie County has a total of 461 cases…after 28 cases were reported this morning.

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After fair boards in Lorain and Medina counties decided to cut back their fairs in the last few days, Governor Mike DeWine made the same announcement on Tuesday for all Ohio fairs, starting this weekend…

DeWine also discussed how child care facilities will continue to receive government funding if they keep their capacity limited, but not if they expand to regular capacity.

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The list of retail stores closing on Thanksgiving this year continues to grow.

Those closing include Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

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A Sandusky-area restaurant has announced they’re reopening.

Steak-and-Shake on Route 250 is back open after being closed for a few months….now taking drive-thru, carry-out and delivery orders.

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Another event cancellation due to COVID-19…

The annual Jerry Lippus Memorial Classic Car Show in Port Clinton, planned for this Saturday, has been called off.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.

Sunny, with a high near 88.

 

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

 

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

 

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

 

Huron County Public Health has received phone calls concerning individuals going door-to-door requesting to collect blood samples for the Corona Virus.

They want residents to know that it’s part of a Corona Virus study being conducted by the Ohio Department of Health and The Ohio State University.

Around 1,200 households in Ohio have been selected to participate in the testing for current and past infection with the virus.

Only residences who received a postcard and an invitation letter will be visited by a study team…who will collect swab and blood samples for analysis during the month of July.

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A Castalia woman has been identified as the victim of a one-vehicle fatal crash Friday in Crawford County.

Hailie Leal was 19.

State Highway Patrol troopers say Leal was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 20 year-old Joseph Wells that flipped several times while driving Route 602 in Sulphur Springs.

A dog also perished in the crash.

Wells and two other passengers, 19 year-old Morgan Hodgkinson of Sandusky and a 15 year-old, were hospitalized.

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A 15 year-old boy was taken for medical treatment after reportedly falling from an indoor, four-floor balcony at Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky.

According to the Sandusky Register, the boy is from Ohio, but is not local.

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Checking COVID-19 figures…

The number of COVID 19 cases in Lorain County has surpassed 15-hundred since the pandemic began.

Lorain County Public Health says, the number of fatalities is holding steady at 70.

Erie County had 24 cases on Monday to equal 433 total. The Sandusky Register reports that between 5 and 10 Sandusky City School students and staff have tested positive for COVID-19 recently.

Huron County had 5 reported cases Monday for a total of 334.

Statewide, total cases were below the 21-day average with roughly 1,100 cases compared to the 21-day average of nearly 1,300.

Fatalities on Monday were way above the 21-day average with 37 deaths compared to the average of 20.

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Last night, the Lorain County Fair Board voted 11 to 9 to cancel the 2020 fair due to COVID 19 concerns.

Only Junior Fair activities will be held on a limited basis.

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The Medina County Fair Board has had a change of heart.

The board has cancelled this year’s fair, scheduled to open August 3^rd, due to COVID 19 safety concerns.

There will, however, be Medina County JUNIOR Fair activities.

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Cleveland will now be the site of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

It will be held at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic on September 29th.

It was moved from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana due to COVID-19 concerns.

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Some residents of Norwalk lost power yesterday evening when a car hit a utility pole.

It happened on Woodlawn Avenue, just south of Seminary Street.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the vehicle was near totaled, but there were no injuries to the driver, whose name has not been released.

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School officials across the state have been pushing back the start of the school year as they implement health and safety measures.

The latest is Amherst…with most students reporting on August 27^th.

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Elyria City Council has appointed Diane Simmons to represent the city’s 5^th ward.

Simmons replaces Marcus Madison, who stepped down from council several weeks ago.

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The Lorain Historical Society has announced its re-opening…August 4^th.

Visitors will be required to wear face masks and have their temperature checked.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Sunny, with a high near 86.

 

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

 

Wednesday

A chance of showers, mainly in the late afternoon.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

 

Thursday

A chance of afternoon showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.

 

One dead from a two vehicle crash last night in Lorain County’s Eaton Township…

Gage Carnes of Grafton Township was 20.

The Highway Patrol says, it appears Carnes tried to pass a car on his motorcycle as the car turned left, into a driveway near Routes 57 and 82.

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Norwalk Police say they now know the driver and vehicle involved in a hit/skip crash that left a 3 year-old girl dead.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, police made the announcement Friday, but did not release the driver’s name or any other information, due to an investigation.

Melanie Lopez was reportedly struck and killed by a car last Tuesday night while outside of her trailer at the Norwalk Mobile Home Park on Jefferson Street.

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A large line of tow trucks and other public safety vehicles held a special procession Saturday in tribute to a Sandusky tow truck driver who lost his life last week while on the job.

The procession began at the Erie County Fairgrounds and ended at Toft funeral home, in honor of 44 year-old Eric Ackerman.

Ackerman was struck and killed along with the driver he was assisting early Wednesday on the Ohio Turnpike in Lorain County.
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Here’s a look at the latest COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, Ohio was well under their 21-day averages, with 889 total cases compared to their average of 1,282. Ohio had 10 reported fatalities on Sunday, with the 21-day average being 19.

Huron County had just 1 case reported Sunday to equal 329.

Erie County starts the week at a Level 3 red alert, while Huron and Lorain counties are Level 2 orange in the state’s advisory system for COVID-19 spread.
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The clean-up continues on Oberlin-Elyria Road in Carlisle Township, where a weekend fire destroyed the former Stoney’s Bowling Alley.

The building had been vacant for several years.

No word yet how the fire started…

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It appears, Elyria City Council will soon be back to full strength.

Tonight, council will consider an appointment…that person will represent Ward 5 where Marcus Madison stepped down a few weeks ago.

9 people applied for the council seat…

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The latest on the Huron County Fair in Norwalk…

Fair Board members met last week and have decided to hold the Junior Fair with a modified schedule.

It will include the majority of projects being on the grounds for 24 hours only, with animals to be released after their show is over.

This year’s Huron County Fair will include select food vendors, but will operate as a Junior Fair only; with no grandstand shows or rides.

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While reservations are no longer needed to visit Cedar Point, the park has plans to cut back on the days they’ll be open.

The park will only be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting the weekend of August 21st through September 4th.

Announcement of fall hours will be made at a later date.

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Work continues on improvements at the former Whitney Field in Norwalk.

Crews have begun to install new field turf to the future home of Norwalk and St. Paul football and track.

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A road construction project is set to begin today in Erie County.

Route 61, between Routes 2 and 6, is closing for railroad crossing repairs.

It’s expected to be shut down for around a week.

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It’s time to register for the ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive at Norwalk public and parochial schools.

Those interested can go online to NorwalkTruckers.net or call the Norwalk Salvation Army to register, now through August 6th.

The Norwalk Board of Education will hold a collection event on August 10th…with distribution of supplies to be held on August 13th at Norwalk Middle School.

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The City of Willard has two pieces of property for sale.

They’re holding an open house for the land on Tuesday…

-From 10:00 am to 12 noon at 110 Myrtle Avenue

-From 1:00 to 3:00 pm at 716 Park Street

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Two Put-in-Bay establishments are in trouble for violating the state’s Corona Virus health orders.

State agents have cited both The Mist Bar and T & J’s Smokehouse after witnessing violations including not complying with social distancing.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon.

High near 89. Heat index values as high as 97.

 

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely.

Decreasing clouds. with a low around 66.

 

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 84.

 

Wednesday

A chance of showers, mainly in the afternoon.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

 

Norwalk Police are investigating a reported hit/skip crash that left a toddler dead.

Melanie Lopez was just 3 years-old.

The incident reportedly took place at the Norwalk Mobile Home Park on Jefferson Street Tuesday night.

Police are looking for the vehicle and person or persons involved.

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The investigation continues into a late night crash a day ago in Lorain County’s Henrietta Township that resulted in two deaths.

Troopers say, a pickup truck driven by 30 year old Zachary Santoro of Bellevue struck a tow truck and a disabled vehicle…and their drivers…killing them both.

The driver of the tow truck was 44 year-old Eric Ackerman of Sandusky and the driver of the disabled vehicle was 45 year-old Darren Hebner of Mentor.

Driver impairment with Santoro is suspected, according to authorities.

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A Huron man convicted of killing a 17 year-old girl over 40 years ago has been denied parole in another case.

According to the Sandusky Register, Dennis Dussell was paroled back in 1974 after serving just nine years in prison in connection with the death of Jodi Auble of Huron.

Dussell was later convicted of rape and kidnapping in 1990 in Cuyahoga County in which he’s currently serving time for, where parole was not given.

He has another parole hearing in October of 2021.

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Lorain County’s death toll from the Corona Virus has jumped to 70…

…three more deaths reported yesterday, by Lorain County Public Health…

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Masks on Ohio…that’s the message Mike DeWine had Wednesday for all residents of the Buckeye state.

An order requiring all Ohioans to wear mask indoors in public and outdoors if you can’t social distance… goes into effect this evening at 6:00.

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Governor DeWine also announced Wednesday a travel advisory for all individuals coming into Ohio from states reporting positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15 percent or higher.

Those traveling from one of the following 9 states should self-quarantine for 14 days:

-Alabama

-Arizona

-Florida

-Georgia

-Idaho

-Mississippi

-Nevada

-South Carolina

-Texas
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Fire has destroyed a home in Grafton…

No one was hurt in yesterday’s fire on Yarmouth Road.

No word yet…on how the fire started…

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Once again today, the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio will offer a drive-thru mobile pantry at Longfellow Middle School on Louisiana Avenue in Lorain.

It’ll run from 4 until 6.

The National Guard has been supporting Second Harvest at these food distributions…setting up, directing traffic, loading cars.

But…Second Harvest’s Julie Chase Morefield say, the Guard’s mission expires August 7^th, and she says, they’ll have to cut back service unless the assignment is extended.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

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The Lorain County Commissioners have joined Wellington Mayor Hans Schneider, in calling for the cancellation of this year’s Lorain County Fair, due to COVID-19 concerns.

The fair is scheduled to open in late August.

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Norwalk City Schools has set their reopening plans for the upcoming school year.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the school district has approved their “Jump Start 2020” plan that includes three possible learning models for when school opens August 31^st:

-Regular 5-day-a-week in person model with masks required and safety protocols

-A hybrid model with 2 days at school and 2 days online learning

-All-online learning model

A decision on which model will be used is expected in the next few weeks.
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It appears, East Broad Street in Elyria will be widened after years of speculation and discussion.

According to the Chronicle Telegram, work could begin next summer on widening East Broad from East Bridge to Abbe, from 2 to 3 lanes.

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A longtime road construction project is complete in Perkins Township…

The Columbus Avenue bridge over Pipe Creek is now back open to drivers.

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A long-time staple of Lorain County summers has closed early.

Yesterday, the sign at Ilene’s Dog-and-Suds read; “Closing Early, Boss Needs Surgery”.

That…and a lack of staffing…as posted on Facebook…blamed for the shutdown at the drive-in restaurant on North Ridge Road in Elyria Township…

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

 

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

 

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 86.

 

The Republican speaker of the Ohio House, Larry Householder, and four associates were arrested Tuesday in a $60 million federal bribery case.

The case…connected to a taxpayer-funded bailout of Ohio’s two nuclear power plants.

Governor Mike DeWine has called for Householder’s resignation.

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We’re used to hearing comments today from Governor Mike DeWine’s Tuesday Corona Virus news conference.

It has been postponed until today at 2:30 pm following yesterday afternoon’s briefing regarding State Speaker of the House Larry Householder’s arrest.

DeWine is expected to announce new state protocols involving COVID-19.

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The Highway Patrol is investigating a late night crash on the Ohio Turnpike in Henrietta Township that left two people, dead.

Troopers say, a pickup truck driven by 30 year old Zachary Santoro of Bellevue struck a tow truck and a disabled vehicle…and their drivers…both were killed.

The driver of the tow truck was 42 year old Eric Ackerman of Sandusky.

The name of the other person who died in the crash has not been released.

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The Corona Virus has claimed the life of another resident of Lorain County.

Lorain County Public Health says, the latest victim was a man in his 60’s.

67 Lorain County residents have now died of the virus.

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No one inside a Perkins Township funeral home was hurt when a driver reportedly suffered a medical emergency and crashed into it on Tuesday.

According to the Sandusky Register, the vehicle driver lost control and hit a mailbox before plowing through a brick wall in the side of Groff Funeral Home on East Perkins Avenue.

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No one was hurt following a six-hour standoff in Huron County on Monday.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, it happened at an apartment in Greenwich where an argument took place involving a 62 year-old man, his brother and a landlord.

The 62 year-old man reportedly pointed a gun at the two other men, with them eventually escaping unharmed.

Robots from the Ashland County Bomb Squad later went into the apartment and confirmed the man inside was no longer armed; which led to officers going in and taking the man into protective custody.
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It’s now up to the Ohio Supreme Court to decide whether…or when…a Lorain County man can have any more children.

Yesterday, the court heard arguments in the case of London Chapman.

Four years ago, Lorain County Judge James Walther ordered Chapman to take ‘reasonable efforts’ to avoid having any more children while on probation for owing more than 200-thousand-dollars in back-child-support for 11 of his 13 children.

Chapman’s attorneys argued, the order was too broad and unconstitutional.

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School systems across Ohio are making plans to re-open in the coming weeks, using the latest information from the Ohio Department of Health.

In North Ridgeville, school officials have developed a plan that includes health and safety protocols and some distance learning.

Details can be found on the North Ridgeville Schools’ website.

In Wellington, the school year will begin September 14^th, and school officials hope to have a handbook for parents ready, within 2 weeks.

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Public libraries are dealing with the effects of COVID 19, with many re-opening on a limited basis.

In Elyria…word of possible library layoffs…

According to the Chronicle Telegram…the issue is on the table.

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A reminder concerning the 2020 Census…

Starting July 30th, workers will begin to visit those who have yet to fill out their 2020 Census in Huron, Lorain and Medina County.

Officials say to look out for scammers posing as Census workers and that real Census workers will never ask questions involving the following:

-Your Social Security number

-Money or donations

-Anything on behalf of a political party

-Your bank or credit card account numbers

-Citizenship

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Cedar Point has made an announcement regarding admission.

The park says you no longer need to make a reservation to visit the park.

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Holiday shopping could look a lot different this year.

Walmart has announced they will not be open on Thanksgiving, so employees can spend time with their families during the pandemic.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely.

Cloudy, with a high near 84.

 

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.

 

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon.

Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

 

Checking area COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 23 new cases reported Monday to equal a total of 363.

Huron County had 13 cases on Monday for a total of 303 cases.

The state was slightly above the 21-day average with 1,200+ new cases. Deaths were below the 21-day average statewide on Monday with 15 fatalities, compared to 18.

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A man from Norwalk has been hospitalized in Cleveland following a motorcycle crash Sunday in Erie County.

According to the Sandusky Register, a witness told authorities that 47 year-old Scott Baker slid his cycle at Routes 6 and 61 in Berlin Township.

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A North Ridgeville man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for a drive-by shooting.

28 year-old Ryan Yatson was accused of firing a gun at a home on Lear-Nagle Road following an argument, wounding a 17 year-old girl, nearly four years ago.

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Perkins Township Police are looking to identify two people allegedly involved in the assault of a gas station employee.

Police say the two subjects were spotted driving a white SUV.

A video of the reported incident is posted on the Perkins PD’s Facebook page.

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The city of Lorain has received two grants, to help the city hire four new police officers.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

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Multiple railroad crossings in Sandusky are to be closed this week for maintenance and repair.

-Campbell Street now through Friday
-Mills Street today through Friday
-Olds Street today through Friday
-Remington Avenue Wednesday though the 28th
-Perkins Avenue Thursday through the 28th

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Residents of North Ridgeville will soon see an increase in their sewer bills.

City Council has endorsed a 10-percent hike, due in part, to higher costs passed along by the French Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

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Another event falls by the wayside due to COVID-19…

This year’s Wakeman Fishing Derby has been canceled.

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Yes, something else to worry about…

The dreaded “Spotted Lantern Fly”…

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says, the invasive species loves grape and fruit trees, and is a threat to the wine industry.

No Spotted Lantern Flies have been spotted in Ohio…but they have turned up in Pennsylvania…

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The Willard branch of the Huron County Community Library has reopened for browsing.

For those not comfortable with coming in, the library will be providing ‘grab and go’ and curbside services.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

 

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

 

Wednesday

Showers and thunderstorms likely.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

 

Thursday

A slight chance of showers.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

 

A fire Saturday afternoon in Sandusky damaged several items, including a vehicle, that were in a structure containing two garages and a shed.

According to the Sandusky Register, firefighters put out the blaze on McCartney Road before it reached a nearby home.

No one was hurt

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13 area agencies will share close to $1.9 million in funding from the Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services:

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, those organizations include:

• Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services
• Huron County Juvenile Court
• Norwalk Police Department’s drug prevention programs
• Reach Our Youth
• Services for Aging

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Many stores’ mask mandates go into effect today.

Make sure to bring a mask if you’re headed to Walmart, Kohl’s, CVS, Walgreens, Lowe’s and Sam’s Club.

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Athens County…in southeast Ohio…has become Ohio’s new hot spot for the Corona Virus.

Health officials blame the dramatic spike on house parties and bars, with students returning to the Ohio University campus.

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This afternoon, Lorain County Public Health will release its latest COVID-19 numbers…

Heading into this past weekend, the Corona Virus had claimed the lives of 66 Lorain County residents.

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The State Fire Marshall’s Office has joined the investigation into the cause of last week’s fire at the North Ridge Tennis and Golf Club in North Ridgeville.

No one was hurt, but owners say, damage to the tennis portion of the complex is substantial.

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Two people have a passing boater to thank, for helping them to safety.

Their jet-ski broke down last night about 100 yards off of Sheffield Lake.

They hopped on board the boat until the Coast Guard took them back to shore.

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The Community Foundation of Lorain County has awarded nearly 600-thousand-dollars in grants to 34 organizations.

They include:

• The Educational Service Center
• Main Street Wellington
• The Lorain Historical Society
• Leadership Lorain County
• Lorain County Urban League

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The Ohio State Highway Patrol and other members of the 6-State Trooper Project are collaborating to focus on education and enforcement of the ‘Move Over’ law.

A high-visibility enforcement campaign is underway now, running through Saturday.

From 2015 to 2019, troopers were involved in 49 reported crashes that appeared to be related to the ‘Move Over’ law.

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A man with dementia reported missing Friday from Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky has been located safe and sound.

Perkins Township Police shared the good news Saturday morning that a man known as “Pete” had been found unharmed.

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The City of Sandusky is working on what they call a ‘Downtown Master Plan’.

The city says the plan will focus on how the downtown area serves residents and the larger region…guiding future development, programming and policies past 2020.

They’re asking the community to take part in a survey about the plan, which has been posted on the City of Sandusky Government Facebook page.

The survey will be available through the end of the month.

A draft of the plan is expected to be presented this fall.

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An upcoming one-day music festival in Willard has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.

‘Hopefest’, a faith-based music event, was planned for August 16th.

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Fisher-Titus in Norwalk has been recognized for excellence in providing care to newborns, mothers and their families.

Fisher-Titus reports that they’ve been named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of ‘Best Maternity Care Hospitals’; one of 250 facilities nationwide to receive the honor.

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Road work in Norwalk this week on the east side of Old State Road, between Main and Townsend…

Starting today, access to driveways will be limited there due to the installation of a new curb and the reconstruction of driveway entrances.

Driveway access will be restricted all week; with residents asked to find other parking options.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Wednesday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

 

The Ohio Department of Health has added 8 more counties to the COVID 19 “Red Alert Level Three”.

One of those is Richland County, which includes Mansfield.

11 counties continue in that category, including Lorain and Cuyahoga counties.

Meaning…people must wear masks in public…when there are other members of the public, nearby.

Erie and Ottawa counties moved up to a Level 2, Orange county.

The Red Alert now covers about 60-percent of Ohio’s population.

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Checking state COVID-19 figures…

On Thursday, Ohio had close to 200 more cases (1,290) than the 21-day average (1,093).

Ohio had 28 fatalities reported Thursday, 12 more than the 21-day average.

The state now has more than 70,600 total cases.
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Add Target and CVS to the list of stores to mandate masks while shopping.

They join Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kohl’s, Kroger and Best Buy; among others.

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Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced Thursday that the state has awarded $20 million in grants to 68 Ohio manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Corona Virus pandemic.

The PPE production projects are expected to create over 800 new jobs and retain more than 1,100 existing jobs.

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Fisher Titus says you may see some extra activity around Norwalk Memorial Home today.

No worries though…as it will just be the staff there receiving COVID-19 tests; along with help from the Ohio National Guard.

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COVID-19 tests in Erie County are limited, says the health department.

They’re only testing those right now who are currently experiencing symptoms.

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Four employees at the Ventra factory in Sandusky have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week, according to the Sandusky Register.

This comes after a report of three Cedar Point employees testing positive a week ago.

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Road work is coming to Norwalk next week.

The city says that crews Monday will begin installing a new curb and reconstructing driveway approaches on the east side of Old State Road between Main Street and Townsend Avenue.

Access to driveways will be restricted until approximately July 27th.

Residents are asked to use other parking options as the city can-not guarantee vehicles can cross excavated areas without damage.

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A team from the Lorain Public Library System has won this year’s virtual, adult spelling bee, a fundraiser to benefit those served by the United Way of Greater Lorain County.

The Great Gats Bees won the title in 2018, and last night, defeated two other championship teams…one from the Oberlin Rotary, the other from Kendal at Oberlin.

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Lorain High School Principal Patrick Coleman has sent an email to parents, updating information about health-and-safety protocols for band camp and athletics.

Band camp begins Monday.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Patchy fog early. Otherwise, decreasing clouds, with a high near 86.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 91.

Sunday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon.

Partly sunny, with a high near 95.

 

In a statewide address last night, Governor Mike DeWine said that the state is at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic and Ohioans need to act now.

DeWine reminded Ohioans that the choices they make today will impact the spread of the virus in the coming weeks.

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The mask mandate has hit many retail locations.

Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kohl’s, Kroger and Best Buy stores nationwide have all said they will soon require all customers to wear masks while shopping.

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The latest in Corona Virus figures…

Another Corona Virus death in Lorain County…Lorain County Public Health reports; it was a man in his 70’s. The county’s death toll now stands at 66.

In Avon Lake, Mayor Greg Zilka is reporting half-a-dozen new cases. The mayor says, he was told by health officials, most of the victims are in their 20’s.

Erie County saw a big jump in COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The Erie County Health Department reported 22 new cases; taking Erie County to 308 total cases.

Health officials in Medina County are reporting a spike in new cases. They say, the increase is due in part, to 4^th of July parties and weddings.
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Two fall events have been called off due to COVID-19 concerns.

This September’s Milan Melon Festival and October’s Woolybear Festival in Vermilion have been canceled.

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A New York man faces multiple felonies after taking law enforcement on a wild ride on Wednesday.

According to the Sandusky Register, 26 year-old Terrell Stanley ignited a police pursuit following an alleged shoplifting incident in Perkins Township….causing four separate crashes before being arrested on multiple felonies in Huron.

Stanley also reportedly stole what’s believed to have been two cars during the chase.

There were no reports of serious injuries.

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Fire has damaged the North Ridge Tennis and Golf Club off of Center Ridge Road in North Ridgeville.

The building was closed…no one was hurt. However, two firefighters passed out from extreme heat yesterday afternoon.

No word yet what sparked the fire…although firefighters believe it began in the office area.

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Green Springs Police are looking into a number of recent break-ins in the village.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to give them a call

Photos of a possible suspect are posted on the police department’s Facebook page.
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The Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio will bring its Mobile Pantry to Oakwood Park in Lorain today.

Today’s drive-thru will run from noon until 3.

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Planning continues for this year’s Lorain County Fair…it’s scheduled to open August 23^rd.

However, according to the Chronicle Telegram, two more staples will be missing…

• The Wellington Band Boosters Donut stand
• And the annual kickoff breakfast.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

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The Lorain County Commissioners are moving ahead with plans that could lead to major development of the former Spiegelberg Orchards at Route 2 and Middle Ridge Road.

Yesterday, they approved 2 more contracts…one, with a focus on sanitary sewers…the other, on traffic signals.

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Local families impacted by COVID-19 will benefit from an adult spelling bee that’ll be posted at 5-p-m on the YouTube channel of the United Way of Greater Lorain County.

The hour-long fundraiser will feature a battle of the champions from the previous 3 years…teams from…

• The Oberlin Rotary Club
• Kendal at Oberlin
• And the Lorain Public Library System

Once again this year, WEOL’s Bruce Van Dyke will serve as official pronouncer.

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Your chance to buy replica vehicles used in Back to the Future, Ghostbusters and Batman is right around the corner.

On August 1^st, the U-S Marshall’s office in Cleveland will auction off those cars…forfeited by a resident of northern Ohio, convicted of buying those cars with money from Medicaid fraud.

The auction will be held in Canal Fulton…with in-person and online bidding.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

 

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

 

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

 

Saturday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

 

Police in Lorain are asking for your help in finding the person responsible for the shooting-death of a two year-old girl.

Kamila Patterson died, and two other people were wounded, when someone fired a gun late Sunday night at a home on West 21^st.

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A development in Grafton…shaken…by gunfire.

Police say, a 60 year old man is dead, and his 53 year old wife is wounded after a domestic violence incident on Hunters Chase.

Police say, the man went to the home to confront his wife about their separation.

That led to gunfire as the woman escaped in an SUV.

The man was found dead…in the garage.

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Governor Mike DeWine has called for a 5:30 pm news conference today.

He’s expected to address Ohioans with the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the recent increases in cases and virus spread.

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New numbers from the State Department of Health show another COVID-19 death in Huron County.

The person passed away on Saturday.

It puts the county at a total of three CoronaVirus fatalities.

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Lorain County is closing in on 11-hundred confirmed cases of the Corona Virus.

And…Lorain County Public Health reports; there are another 128 ‘probable’ cases.

(The death toll remains at 65.)

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Three states on the eastern seaboard are telling residents of Ohio, we don’t want your germs.

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have added Ohio to their quarantine list, meaning…if you travel to those states, you must spend the first two weeks there, in quarantine.

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A U-S Attorney says, “If you deal dope in Lorain County, you will face a federal prosecution”.

Justin Herdman made the comment after the arrests of 10 residents of Elyria.

The feds say, from January of 2018 to this month, the 10 suspects worked together to distribute crack cocaine and a cocaine/oxycodone combo.

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It’s tax day…

Today is the extended tax deadline to file your local, state and federal taxes.

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Five school systems in Lorain County will receive financial help to begin the new school year.

The State Controlling Board has released Corona Virus relief funding to the Avon Lake, Elyria, Midview, North Ridgeville and Sheffield/Sheffield Lake school systems.

The money can be used for protective equipment, cleaning and sanitation, and remote learning.

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You can drop the interim tag, in one more day.

According to the Sandusky Register, interim chief and former assistant chief, Vince Donald, will become the new Perkins Township full-time chief tomorrow evening during a swearing-in ceremony.

Donald, who started with the Perkins PD in 1996, received the interim tag when former chief Robb Parthemore retired in May.

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A blood drive has been announced for the Norwalk area.

It will take place July 28th from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at the Social Hall across from St. Paul Elementary School in Norwalk.

Appointments are needed; and can be made at www.redcrossblood.org.

Those participating receive a Cedar Point day pass, a t-shirt and a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card.

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The latest on high school sports this fall…

The Ohio High School Athletic Association says they’re working with the Governor’s Office on getting sports such as football and soccer approved for play.

The Governor’s Office has already approved competitions between schools in “low contact” sports, such as golf, tennis and volleyball.

All in all, it will be up to the schools whether they participate in approved fall sports.

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Feeling stressed during the pandemic?…That’s likely the case in Cleveland.

WalletHub has named Cleveland the most stressful city in America.

Wallethub says they determined their list on a number of factors, including how vulnerable the state is to COVID-19, average weekly work hours and divorce and suicide rates.

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A segment of road in Huron County has been named after a local Vietnam vet, who passed away more than 50 years ago.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, part of Route 99 is now named the “Lance Corporal James Sprowl Memorial Highway”.

Sprowl, from Monroeville, died in battle in 1968 at the age of 20.

A dedication ceremony is set for July 25^th at 2:00 pm at Monroeville’s Clark Park.

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The Erie County Fair Board in Sandusky has released information for this year’s fair, which begins August 11^th.

-Admission to the fair will be free this year.

-Several food vendors will be on hand.

-There will be no rides or grandstand entertainment.

-The majority of live stock shows will remain the same date and time.

-4-H and FFA members, their families and volunteers will be able to camp at the fairgrounds as usual.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Sunny, with a high near 90.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

 

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88.

 

Friday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Partly sunny, with a high near 90.