News

Governor Mike DeWine has issued another “Stay at Home” order for Ohio; running through May 1^st.

DeWine said the newly signed order includes a few new details; including one that addresses overcrowding in stores by having stores set a capacity limit and then enforcing it.

The new order goes into effect next Monday.

DeWine says if you feel frustrated with the way you have to life right now, he feels the same; with his main goal to get through this pandemic and keep Ohioans safe and healthy.

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As far as COVID-19 numbers go…

Ohio has just over 2,900 confirmed cases with 802 hospitalizations and 81 deaths….in data released Thursday.

There are now 90 confirmed cases of the Corona Virus in Lorain County and more than 200 others are in quarantine.

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In-person voting for Ohio’s primary election was postponed on March 17th due to Corona Virus precautions.

All registered voters in Ohio will soon receive a postcard informing them about how to request an absentee ballot to vote by mail and cast their vote in the primary election.

Those who already voted need not do anything.

Voting will then be completed on April 28th.

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost says the COVID-19 pandemic is stretching the state’s police force thinner.

To bolster the force, Yost has directed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy to expedite the final exams of about 300 police cadets.

Also, General Yost is working with local agencies to create a pathway for recently retired law enforcement officers in good standing to return to the streets of Ohio.
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In Vermilion, the city and the Erie County Health Department are asking so-called ‘snowbirds’ to self-quarantine for 14 days if they’ve recently returned to the city.

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A Corona Virus scam alert…

Local law enforcement is warning the public of a fake COVID-19 home testing kit that’s reportedly making the rounds.

It is a scam as there is no such thing on the market.

You’re asked to contact law enforcement if you’ve seen or purchased one of the tests.

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Oberlin College has cancelled next month’s commencement ceremony on Tappan Square.

College President Carmen Twillie Ambar says, they hope to develop a ‘virtual’ ceremony instead.

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The Corona Virus has prompted the Democratic National Committee to delay this summer’s convention in Wisconsin, from July to August.

————————————————————————————————– In light of the Corona Virus pandemic, the Village of New London is temporarily closing their recreation park including the playground, pavilions and ball fields.

The park is open to walkers who practice social distancing.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Sunny, with a high near 53.

 

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

 

Saturday

Increasing clouds, with a high near 59.

Sunday

A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.

 

Ohio has eclipsed the 2,500 mark when it comes to confirmed cases of the Corona Virus; according to data released Wednesday.

There are 65 fatalities and 679 total hospital admissions associated with the virus statewide.

County wise…

Lorain County has 85 cases with 2 deaths.

Erie County has 5 cases with 1 death.

Sandusky County has 5 confirmed cases.

Huron County has 4 cases with 1 fatality.

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Lorain County Public Health has confirmed two new Corona Virus cases, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 84.

According to the posted data, 173 people are in quarantine in Lorain County, and 45 had been quarantined at some point since March 18th but are now out.

Two patients who died are both women, one 80 years old and the other 82.

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Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton signed an order Wednesday to quicken the turnaround time of COVID-19 testing.

All Ohio hospitals that do not currently conduct their own testing must now send their specimens to one of the following laboratories…The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals in Cleveland or MetroHealth.
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A 28 year old man who collapsed outside a Sandusky store on Sunday and died shortly thereafter; tested negative for COVID-19.

According to the Sandusky Register, Ivan Combellack appeared to have issues breathing before falling over.

His cause of death is yet to be determined.

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Alcohol and high speed are suspected factors in a one-vehicle injury crash in Norwalk on Wednesday.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that 42 year old Joseph Smith of Norwalk was taken by ambulance with suspected non-life threatening injuries.

Smith reportedly drove off the left side of the road at the intersection of Routes 61 and 101 and down a hill; flipping multiple times.

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The City of Fremont has decided to close all of its fishing access to the Sandusky River; due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

Safety Service Director Kenneth Frost says the city is unable to provide adequate restroom facilities and that an influx of sportsmen would deplete their grocery stores even more than they are now.
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News from the Huron County Veteran Service Commission…

The office will be open from 8:30a m to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, except holidays, to answer phone calls for information.

All face-to-face meetings have been suspended except where deemed necessary.
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The Lorain Community Music Theater has cancelled its production of Mamma Mia (due to the Corona Virus).

It was scheduled for July.

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The Nord Family Foundation has presented a grant of 54-hundred-dollars to the Oberlin Heritage Center.

The money will be used to repair crumbling support columns and the foundation coating of the historic “1866 Monroe House”.

The Oberlin Heritage Center hopes to complete the work this year.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Sunny, with a high near 53.

 

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 34.

 

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 53.

 

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

 

The latest figures from the Corona Virus in Ohio, as of Tuesday…

There now nearly 2,200 cases of COVID-19 confirmed statewide with 55 deaths and 585 hospitalizations.

A recap, county wise…

Sandusky County has 4 cases

Huron County has 4 cases with 1 death

Erie County has 5 cases with 1 death

Lorain County has 82 cases and 2 fatalities

 

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued an order today to maintain public water service during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

The order prevents a water system from shutting off a resident’s water service due to non-payment during the declared state of emergency.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has extended their services due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

They include their Winter Reconnect Order, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Winter Crisis Program, through May 1^st and June 1^st for HEAP applications.

All home meter readings remain suspended as well.

 

Attorney General Dave Yost is urging Ohioans to watch out for thieves as stimulus payments arrive from the federal government.

Yost offers these tips to help Ohioans avoid scams related to the stimulus payments:

• • Know that you don’t have to sign up to get a stimulus payment.
  • Don’t fall for scams claiming you need to pay money to receive your stimulus payment.
  • Watch out for anyone telling you they can get you an instant payment or speed up the process.
  • Don’t click on links or download attachments unless you have verified the source.
  • The government will not call you asking for personal information.
  • If you receive a stimulus check and it is for an odd amount of money or if it states you need to verify the check online or over the phone, it’s a scam.
  • You should get a paper notice in the mail a couple weeks after your payment is sent, letting you know where it was sent and when.

 

During the last two weeks, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services had more than 470,000 new claims filed…with those numbers expected to continue.

They say they’re working hard to increase the capacity of both its website and phone lines.

If you need to file an unemployment claim, go to unemployment.ohio.gov where a step-by-step guide to file your unemployment claim is available in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

If possible, file claims during non-core business hours.

 

Afternoon gunfire shatters the silence of a quiet neighborhood in Lorain.

Police believe, a fight escalated into shots fired, at Seneca and Homewood.

It appears no one was hurt.

Lorain Police are asking anyone who witnessed the event, to come forward.

 

A resident of Parma faces charges in Elyria.

Police say they arrested 28 year old Greg Rivers, inside the boarded-up Sears building in the Midway Mall after he triggered a silent alarm.

According to police, Rivers told them, he broke into Sears, to go shopping in the mall.

Charges include ‘breaking and entering’.

A woman from Castalia has been charged with a second degree misdemeanor in violation of the state’s ‘Stay at Home’ order.

According to the Sandusky Register, a 53-year-old woman who had allegedly been caught with items in her purse at a Castalia store was later found to have purchased two ‘non-essential’ items.

Sheriff’s deputies reportedly found her at home where she allegedly told them that she was looking to buy disinfectant wipes, but they were sold out…after being asked about the ‘Stay at Home’ order and her not purchasing any essential items.

 

A couple of local eateries have closed temporarily.

Domino’s pizza in Norwalk has closed until this Saturday after it was found out an employee had tested positive for COVID-19. Restaurant franchisee Steve Gfell says that particular employee has not been in the store or worked since March 20^th.

In a letter sent to customers, Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in Sandusky has announced they’re now closed for the time being due to lack of business from the restrictions involved with the Corona Virus. The Perkins in Avon remains open.

 

The Ford Motor Company has announced, they will not re-open plants in Avon Lake and elsewhere this month.

However, the company will re-open one plant in Michigan, the week of April 20^th, to make ventilators.

 

From the National Weather Service…

 

Today

Decreasing clouds, with a high near 47.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

 

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 53.

 

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 51.

 

Huron County Board of Health President Bill Knapp is the first death in Huron County from COVID-19.

Knapp was in his late 70’s; and had served on the Huron County Board of Health for 20 years.

Knapp, who had underlying health conditions, passed away Sunday due to complications of the Corona Virus.

 

A snapshot of the latest Corona Virus numbers in Ohio…

The number of confirmed cases is now over 1,900 in the state; with 39 deaths and 475 hospitalizations.

Ottawa County has 2 cases

Huron County has 3 cases with now 1 death

Sandusky County has 3 cases

Erie County has 5 total cases with 1 death

Lorain County has 78 cases with 2 deaths

 

A man collapsed outside of the Sandusky Kroger store on East Perkins Avenue on Sunday and died shortly thereafter.

Ivan Combellack was 28.

According to the Sandusky Register, he was previously treated for a cough and upper respiratory illness…with officials now awaiting the test results for COVID-19.

 

Multiple bridges over Route 2 in Erie County will close today as part of a bridge repair project.

-At the Joppa Road bridge; between Frailey Road and Poorman Road

-At the Camp Road bridge; between Galloway Road and Rye Beach Road

-At the Hahn Road bridge; between State Route 61 and Frailey Road

Detours will be posted.

 

Norwalk City Council will meet tonight in the Ernsthausen Recreation Center gym.

Topics for discussion include entering into an agreement with the Huron County EMA to provide emergency management services as well as the estimate of costs for the 2021 City Sidewalk Program.

 

The United Way of Greater Lorain County has launched a redesign of its 2-1-1 “First Call for Help” website.

The United Way’s Ashley Hampson says, the 2-1-1 database is a composite of all available resources provided by many local agencies.

She says, the updated site is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and includes a search-feature that quickly identifies brand-new services created to address specific needs related to the Covid-19 crisis.

www.211lorain.org

Seven local foundations and community partners have joined forces, in creating the “Lorain County Cares COVID-19 Response Fund”.

The goal is to collect and distribute resources to organizations that work with people and communities that might be most adversely impacted by COVID-19.

The foundations will also use a standard online application to simplify and streamline the process for non-profits seeking emergency funds.

The first round of grants will be awarded soon, and those grants will be announced at peoplewhocare.org.

 

Tomorrow, Elyria Schools and Second Harvest will host a mobile food pantry at Eelee Stadium in Elyria.

The distribution will begin at noon.

All cars must enter into the stadium complex through the Oberlin Road gate.

Families are asked to arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to opening.

The National Guard will be onsite along with the Elyria Police Department and designated staff members from the Elyria Schools and Second Harvest, to keep traffic moving.

 

From the National Weather Service

Today

Isolated showers. Cloudy, with a high near 44.

 

Tonight

A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

 

Wednesday

Partly cloudy, with a high near 47.

 

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 51.

 

Here are the latest Corona Virus numbers in Ohio…

There are now over 1,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state; with 29 deaths; which Governor Mike DeWine said are believed to be low.

As far as local counties go…Ottawa County had their first reported case on Sunday, Sandusky County has 2 cases, Huron County has 3 cases, Erie County has 5 cases with 1 death, Lorain County has 74 cases with 1 death.

There have been a total of 403 COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide.

Meanwhile, President Trump and the White House have extended social distancing guidelines through the end of April; with Ohio’s ‘Stay at Home’ currently under effect through next Monday.

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Lorain County has lost its first resident to the Corona Virus.

Lorain County Public Health reports; the patient was an 80 year old woman with no underlying health conditions.

They say, she acquired COVID-19 through ‘community contact’.

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Governor Mike DeWine thanked President Trump and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the full approval of the use of new technology to sterilize desperately-needed surgical masks in Ohio and other parts of the United States.

The FDA has authorized Columbus-based Battelle to deploy its groundbreaking technology to sterilize surgical masks without a daily limit.

Battelle is capable of decontaminating up to 80,000 respirator masks per system each day.

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Lorain County Health and Dentistry will share a 3-million-dollar federal grant with 50 other community health centers, nationwide.

President and CEO Stephanie Wiersma says, the grant-money will help them stay open during the Corona Virus crisis.

Lorain County Health and Dentistry has already temporarily closed 4 locations and laid off 34 medical and dental staff members.

Three others remain open…on East River in Elyria, on Broadway in Lorain and on Grove Avenue in Lorain.

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Police in Fremont are urging residents to stop congregating in grocery stores during the ‘Stay at Home’ order in Ohio.

Authorities say teens are gathering in retail establishments with no essential purpose.

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In light of the Corona Virus pandemic, a local blood drive is planned.

Firelands Regional Medical Center will help host a blood collection event this Friday at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky…from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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Due to the state’s Stay-At-Home order, Norwalk High School’s Contractors Stadium and Fisher Titus Track (formerly Whitney Field) is now closed to the public.

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The Oberlin School System is expanding its distribution of free meals to students, K-thorugh-12.

Beginning today, new sites include the Dollar-General on West College and Mount Zion Church on South Pleasant.

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What would have been the very first summer edition of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit has been cancelled due to the Corona Virus.

The big event had been moved to June after many, many years in January.

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Police in Lorain are asking anyone with information about a fatal shooting, to come forward.

23 year old Altomare Austin of East 29^th remains in jail, accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend, 23 year old Cyarah Vince, last week.

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Police in Elyria are investigating a crash involving a car and a train.

It happened Saturday night on South Abbe Road.

Police say, the car was stopped on the tracks, and the driver got out safely before the crash.

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The Charles Berry Bascule Bridge in downtown Lorain re-opens today.

It was closed last week.

Traffic will be moved to the northbound lanes, with work continuing in the southbound lanes.

The Ohio Department of Transportation hopes to wrap up the three-year rehab in August

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Huron Police are reminding residents to not park across sidewalks in front of their driveways.

Police say they’ve seen multiple instances of it happening throughout the city; which they say causes pedestrians, including children, to walk in the road.
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The Huron County Sheriff’s Office wants residents to know to NOT use a law enforcement agency’s Facebook page if they need a response from authorities.

They ask residents to contact a dispatcher.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

A slight chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 46.

Tonight

Cloudy, with a low around 37.

 

Tuesday

Cloudy, with a high near 43.

 

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

 

There are now 867 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio…as of Thursday afternoon.

Out of those cases…15 deaths statewide.

60 of Ohio’s 88 counties have at least 1 confirmed case; with Huron and Erie County both with 3, Sandusky County with 1 and Lorain County with 44.

During Thursday’s news conference, Health Director Dr. Amy Acton talked about a “peak surge” in COVID-19 cases; which she says hasn’t come yet and could mean 6 to 8-thousand new cases per day.

There have been 223 hospitalizations associated with the virus so far.

 

At his news conference Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine continued to remind Ohioans of the oncoming shortage of personal protective equipment such as masks, goggles, gloves, gowns and face shields for healthcare workers and first responders.

DeWine said that taking care of a patient who is in intensive care for a 24-hour shift requires 36 pairs of gloves,14 gowns, 3 pairs of goggles and 13 N-95 face masks.

 

The Erie County Emergency Management Agency is collecting, organizing, and distributing vital supplies for first responders and long term care facilities.

Those supplies include N95 masks, gloves, goggles and thermometers.

Officials say that all resources collected will stay in Erie County and support operations in the local community.

Governor Mike DeWine’s ‘State of the State’ address has been postponed to a later date due to the Corona Virus.

It was scheduled to take place next Tuesday at the Ohio Statehouse.

 

The Vermilion Chamber has created a new page on their website dedicated to COVID-19 news along with restaurant info, food pantry information and more.

You can find it at www.vermilionohio.com.

 

More and more students are taking advantage of free, school-based meal-programs.

In Lorain, Interim CEO Greg Ring says, they’ve already distributed nearly 11-thousand meals since the schools were shut down.

and…they’ll be adding weekend meal pick-ups.

Victory Kitchen in Sandusky is looking to help those in need during the Corona Virus pandemic.

Pastor Carolyn Newbern says they are providing hot meals and food-bags to go.

Victory Kitchen is located on Hayes Avenue.

 

St. Peter Lutheran Church on Benedict Avenue in Norwalk is hosting a free drive-thru soup lunch on Saturday.

This event is free and open to the community; from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

 

No injuries from a late Thursday afternoon fire in Sandusky…

According to the Sandusky Register, the blaze took place at an apartment building on Columbus Avenue; and was contained to one apartment.

Nearby apartments received smoke and water damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Fire has damaged a home on Roosevelt Avenue in Elyria.

Firefighters believe, it began in the kitchen.

Damage is pegged at 11-thousand-dollars.

No one was hurt, but a number of pets died in the fire.

 

A Federal Judge has approved a $2.6 million settlement with
BP over alleged violations at an Ohio refinery.

The agreement signed Wednesday settles allegations that BP Products violated the Clean Air Act at a refinery in Toledo.

 

Multiple bridges will close next Tuesday in Erie County as part of a bridge repair project.

-At the Joppa Road bridge over Route 2; between Frailey Road and Poorman Road

-At the Camp Road bridge over Route 2; between Galloway Road and Rye Beach Road

-At the Hahn Road bridge over Route 2; between State Route 61 and Frailey Road

Detours will be posted.

All bridges are expected to reopen in mid-May.

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.

 

Tonight

Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible overnight.

Increasing clouds, with a low around 42.

 

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 63.

 

Sunday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Windy.

Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

 

Huron County has 2 confirmed cases of the Corona Virus…in the latest numbers released from the state on Wednesday afternoon.

Erie County now has a total of 3 confirmed cases, 1 more being confirmed after the state released their numbers.

Lorain County is up to 38 total confirmed cases.

Overall…704 total cases, up from 564 on Tuesday, with 10 deaths from COVID-19 now confirmed.

55 counties have now reported cases…with 182 hospitalizations reported.

Governor Mike DeWine, at his news conference Wednesday,…discussed how he hopes the economy gets up and going soon; but says the focus must continue to be on stopping the spread of COVID-19.

 

Parents at Pleasant Elementary in Norwalk have received a letter from Huron County Public Health concerning the Corona Virus.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that the letter tells parents that a student at their children’s school is a close contact of a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 and to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of the Corona Virus.

State lawmakers have passed a bill, allowing Governor Mike DeWine to tap Ohio’s so-called “Rainy Day Fund”, to support efforts to battle the Corona Virus.

The bill also provides for absentee voting for the cancelled March primary…with ballots accepted through April 28^th.

Huron County Public Health is emphasizing the importance of the older generation taking care of themselves during the Corona Virus pandemic.

They say the Centers for Disease Control is reporting that 8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years-old and older and are estimating that 31 to 59 percent of adults 65 to 84 years-old are requiring hospitalization for COVID-19.

 

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has joined 32 other attorneys general in urging Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Walmart and Craigslist to more rigorously fight price gouging by online sellers using their services during the CO-VID 19 pandemic.

Examples include…on Craigslist, a two-liter bottle of hand sanitizer was being sold for $250 and on Facebook Marketplace an 8-ounce bottle was being sold for $40…On eBay, packs of face masks were being sold for $40 and $50.

 

Some good news for Verizon cell phone customers…

They are automatically adding 15 gigs of data to their wireless plans and are waiving overage and late fees to those affected by the Corona Virus pandemic.

 

Cancellations due to the Corona Virus pandemic…

The Public Health Outreach Clinic scheduled for today at the Perkins Township Service Facility has been canceled.

A local community theater group is cancelling the rest of their season. The Workshop Players says, it was a difficult decision and not made lightly, but for the safety of everyone, it was necessary.

The Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio in Lorain is now on lockdown.

Spokeswoman Susan Bartosch says, that means, food will be packed and distributed by Second Harvest staff and members of the Ohio National Guard.

Volunteers have been told to stay home until the lockdown is lifted.

In the meantime, Susan says, Second Harvest is accepting donations, as they are serving three times the number of people than normal, and they’re going through thousands of pounds of food.

 

It appears, Ford workers across the country…including those in Lorain County…will be off the job, longer than expected.

Ford had hoped to re-open their plants March 30^th, but yesterday, the company issued a statement, saying, they are complying with stay-at-home orders in several states.

 

An Ashland-based meat-processing-plant has issued a voluntary recall of mushroom and Swiss Brats sold at the Crocker Park Farmers Market.

The brats were produced by Turk Brothers Custom Meats and distributed by Bluebird Meadows Farm.

The recall is due to mis-branding and unknown allergens.

The brats were sold at the Crocker Park Farmers Market between June of last year and March of this year.

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

A chance of showers, mainly in the afternoon.

Increasing clouds, with a high near 62.

 

Tonight

Showers. Low around 41.

 

Friday

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

 

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 64.

 

There are now two confirmed cases of the Corona Virus in Huron County.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that the second case is a female in her 40’s, who is recovering at home.

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The latest overall numbers from the Corona Virus pandemic…

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 564 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 49 counties…another 122 since Monday.

There are now 8 confirmed deaths from the virus.

Erie County and Sandusky County both remain with 1 case each

Lorain County now has 30 cases.

There are currently 145 hospitalizations associated with the Corona Virus.

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Other news related to the COVID-19 pandemic…

Reports say that the University of Toledo Medical Center’s pathology lab can now test for COVID-19 and provide results in less than 2 days.

The federal government has awarded the State of Ohio $8.8 million to help local communities provide meals for Ohio seniors for programs like ‘Meals on Wheels’ during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Two medical facilities in Erie County have been named recipients of federal money to help keep Ohioans healthy and safe in the Corona Virus pandemic. Family Health Services of Erie County and Erie County itself both received around $55,000 each

The American Heart Association is committing two-and-a-half-million-dollars to research…to better understand the Corona Virus and its interaction with the human body. Specifically, the Association will offer fast-tracked research-grants for short-term projects that can turn around results within 9 to 12 months, as they relate to heart and brain health.

Organizers of The Biggest Week in Birding have cancelled this year’s event in Erie and Ottawa Counties. The annual event attracts thousands of birders from around the world each May, to witness the annual migration of warblers to Canada.

The Village of New London is temporarily suspending water shut-offs in March and late-fees starting in April, until further notice, due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

Port Clinton’s city and beach-wide cleanup event planned for April 25th has been postponed.

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Reports this morning that Senate democrats and Republicans have reached a deal on a 2-trillion-dollar stimulus package…

…A vote could come today…

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As the Ohio “Stay at Home” order gets going this week, you may wonder what we’re allowed to do for fun.

A complete list of local items we’re all allowed to still do for fun can be found online at www.ShoresandIslands.com.

Those items include visiting a Metro Park, a lighthouse and African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton…plus you can find a list of all restaurants available for carry-out and delivery and www.ShoresandIslands.com.

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While Ohio’s “Stay at Home” order is happening, the City of Sandusky is asking residents to be friendly to their neighbors.

Residents are invited each evening at 7:00 pm to walk outside and wave to their neighbors.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 56.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

 

Thursday

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.

 

Friday

A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 52.

 

Ohio’s “Stay at Home” order is now in effect…until at least April 6^th.

The order states that all residents must stay home except for essential tasks.

Essential business will remain open, including grocery stores, take-out and drive-thru restaurants, gas stations and medical facilities.

Those working in necessary jobs are still permitted to go to work.

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The latest numbers from the Corona Virus pandemic…

As of yesterday afternoon, there were 442 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 46 counties…the amount of cases up 91 from Sunday and now in 6 more counties, including Sandusky County’s first case.

There are now 6 confirmed deaths from the virus.

Huron and Erie County remain with 1 case each while Lorain County now has 24 cases.

There are currently 104 hospitalizations associated with the Corona Virus.

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Mayor Dave Light has issued a “Declaration of Emergency” for the city of Norwalk.

Light says the declaration provides the City with flexibility to meet changes in response to the Corona Virus; and that the city is taking all necessary precautions in order to maintain a level of safety and security for all.
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Other news related to COVID-19…

The Erie County Veterans Service Office is now closed until further notice.

Beginning today, Sandusky city employees will begin working from home; with critical employees still required to report to work.

All non-essential businesses at the Sandusky Mall have closed.

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The Highway Patrol is investigating a one-car crash on Grafton Road in Carlisle Township.

It happened yesterday afternoon near 16^th street.

Troopers say, the driver veered off the road, struck a tree, a landscape rock, then another tree.

(The person behind the wheel was taken to UH Elyria Medical Center…his…or her…name has not been released…)

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Kent State University has cancelled May 4^th, 50^th anniversary events.

Instead, the university is developing an online program for a later date.

On May 4^th 1970, 4 students were killed and 9 others were wounded when Ohio National Guard troops fired on anti-war protestors.

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U-S Steel has announced plans to lay off 250 workers at its tubular mill in Lorain, within 2 months.

The company cites market-conditions for the move.

(A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…)

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Governor Mike DeWine has announced that Ohio will take steps to cut expenditures in state government.

DeWine ordered an immediate hiring freeze for most agencies, boards, and commissions under the control of the Governor.

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Teachers at Huron City Schools helped put a smile on their students’ faces on Monday; while still practicing “social distancing”.

A caravan of teachers in their cars drove through the city while waving and greeting their students and family members.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

 

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

Thursday

A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.

 

Governor Mike DeWine has issued a “Stay at Home” order for all Ohioans, effective at midnight tonight.

The order states that all residents must stay home except for essential tasks.

Essential business will remain open, including grocery stores, take-out and drive-thru restaurants, gas stations and medical facilities.

Residents are also encouraged to go outside and walk or visit a local or state park. Playgrounds will be closed though.

Those working in necessary jobs will still be permitted to go to work.

Beginning on Thursday, daycares must operate under a Temporary Pandemic Child Care license; and will also go down to a maximum of six children per room.

The order is in effect until April 6th.
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Numbers from the Corona Virus pandemic in Ohio…

As of Sunday afternoon, there are 351 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 40 counties.

There are 3 deaths from the virus; including the lone case in Erie County.

Huron County also has 1 case with Lorain County now having 19 Corona Virus cases.
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Other news related to COVID-19…

The Huron County Commissioners have announced that they’ll be meeting in special sessions throughout the week to discuss any new developments related to the Corona Virus pandemic.

Local authorities are in need of personal protective equipment. For example, the Huron County EMA is accepting donations of gloves, masks and hand sanitizer.

Effective today, the Huron County Recorder and Treasurer’s Offices will be closed to the public until further notice.

Cedar Point has delayed its opening until at least mid-May.

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Lorain County Health Commissioner Dave Covell has informed Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka, there are five cases of the Corona Virus in Avon Lake.

The first case was reported Wednesday.

All five are in quarantine at home.

Today, mayors from across Lorain County will join Health Commissioner Dave Covell on a conference call, for the latest on Covid 19.

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The Norwalk Police Department is advising residents on a few potential dangers related to the COVID-19 pandemic…

They say to be very weary of potential scam calls, emails, texts, and other forms of communication in connection with the Corona Virus.

Authorities say to also pay special attention to your children’s’ online activities as they spend more time online while at home more.

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A support line has been put into place in Huron County for those having trouble coping mentally with the Corona Virus pandemic.

The number is 567-560-3600…with a behavioral health professional available to listen to problems, fears and anxiety related to the COVID-19 outbreak and to advise callers of mental health and recovery services.

The number again, 567-560-3600.

This support line is not a mental health crisis hotline.

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The Charles Berry Bascule Bridge in Lorain will be closed through the week.

Crews will be checking new mechanical and electrical systems that have been installed during a 2-year renovation.

Detour signs will be posted…

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The Ohio Rail Development Commission has approved a grant to help reinforce its railway in Huron County.

The $700,000 grant will be used to perform a rail test and identify repairs along its Willard Line.

The more than $1.4 million project will involve the installation of approximately 3,000 feet of new track and other related work.

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Road work continues in Huron County…

State Route 162, between Miller Road and Section Line Road, is closed for a bridge replacement project.

The project is expected to be complete by May 1^st.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Rain likely this morning. Cloudy, with a high near 45.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

 

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

 

Wednesday

A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.