News

A look at COVID numbers…

Nearly 5,000 new, reported cases on Thursday; more than the 21-day rolling average of 3,700 cases.

Huron County saw 39 new cases reported on Thursday.

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Many programs, services and ceremonies were held nationally and locally yesterday in observance of Veteran’s Day. 

The Sandusky Register reports that one of those took place in Milan at Edison High School, where Governor Mike DeWine and wife, Fran, made a visit.

The Veteran’s Day program there was put together by Edison High School’s Teen Leadership Corps, who volunteer to help improve the community.

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Back in July, a video went ‘viral’, showing now-former Sheffield Lake Police Chief Anthony Campo placing a “Ku Klux Klan” sign on the rain jacket of Officer Keith Poole, who is black.

Yesterday, Poole went public for the first time, during a nationwide video news conference…

The City of Sheffield Lake will have an opportunity to respond, as Poole’s attorneys are filing a ‘charge of discrimination’ with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission…and in court…as they’re asking the Ohio Supreme Court for the release of public records.

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Something new in downtown Amherst…

Dedication ceremonies yesterday…on Veterans Day…for Patriots Park.

The sandstone wall on Park Avenue salutes those who have served our country.

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Some holiday celebrations are coming up…

In Willard, their 34th annual Christmas parade has been planned for Friday, November 19th at 6:30 pm.  After the parade, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place along with Santa on hand, food trucks and live music.

Also, Main Street Vermilion will kick off the holiday season Saturday, November 27th, when Santa arrives by boat at East Exchange Park.  A “Community Tree Lighting” ceremony will then be held Thursday, December 2nd…part of “Light Up Vermilion”.

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Travel is expected to be increasing this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, according to Triple-A (AAA). 

The travel agency says that 53.4 million people will be travelling this Thanksgiving, up 13 percent from a year ago.

If that number holds, travel will be back to within 5 percent of pre-pandemic numbers in 2019, with air travel close to recovering from a drastic fall during the pandemic, an 80 percent increase over a year ago.

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The makers of electric vehicles are electrifying Wall Street.

The top-valued U-S Automakers are now;

• Tesla
• Rivian
• And General Motors.

Ford follows, in the number 4 spot.

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It’s that time again…citywide leaf collection in Sandusky.

It starts Monday, with the schedule of streets/zones online at CityofSandusky.com.

Leaves must be set within 6 feet of the curb on the first scheduled day of pickup in the street/zone.

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SPORTS

-In State Semi-Final volleyball yesterday, Monroeville lost to St. Henry 3 sets to 1.  Amherst also lost to Olentangy Liberty 3-0.

-In Thursday Night Football, it was Miami defeating Baltimore 22-10.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Increasing clouds, breezy, with a high near 53.

Tonight

A chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Saturday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

Sunday

Rain and light snow showers.

Cloudy, with a high near 42.

Today is Veterans Day.  

…A day to honor those who have served or those currently serving in the U.S. Military.

Many ceremonies and observances are taking place today, including one in Sandusky at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church on Jackson Street, followed by a rifle salute and wreath laying at Vets Memorial Park.

A ceremony will also happen at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial in Bellevue at 11 am today.

Schools throughout the area will be holding Veterans Day programs as well.

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An Erie County restaurant owner died in a single vehicle crash in Sandusky on Wednesday afternoon.

Cesare Avallone of Huron was 45.

Authorities say that Avallone was driving on West Water Street, between Lawrence and Fulton, when he failed to control his vehicle and struck a utility pole.

A passenger with Avallone, 28-year-old Ariel Palmer of Sandusky, was seriously hurt and life-flighted to Cleveland Metro hospital.

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In COVID-19 figures…

Huron County reported 46 new cases on Wednesday.

Statewide, numbers were up on Wednesday, with 5,500; compared to the 21-day rolling average of 3,700.

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On this Veterans Day…

Word today that a U-S Army veteran from Elyria will receive a new roof on his West River Road home, thanks to the Owens-Corning “National Roof Deployment Project”.

Weather-permitting, work will be done in one day…next Monday…at the home of Dexter Gray Junior.

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Two men face charges after leading police on a chase from Rocky River to Avon.

They were accused of shoplifting and stealing an SUV.

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The parent company of Speedway says, they are investigating possible ‘tainted gas’ at their service station at Route 83 and Walker Road in Avon Lake.

According to WKYC-TV, the suspected fuel was sold Tuesday.

Pumps were closed yesterday.

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Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk has again been recognized for hospital safety.

They recently earned an “A” for the Fall 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade as well as a Straight A designation from Leapfrog for having “A” ratings since Fall 2019.

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It appears the city of Elyria is moving ahead with plans to bring down the former Shane Furniture Building in the 300-block of Broad Street.

The city has published a public notice in the Chronicle Telegram, soliciting bids for demolition and clean-up.

A pre-bid survey of the downtown site is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

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The Second Harvest Food Bank will offer a Thanksgiving-themed drive-thru mobile food pantry at Lorain County Community College on Saturday, November 20th.

They will have 3-thousand meals available…but you must register in advance…by calling Second Harvest in Lorain…or by scanning the Q-R code on their website.

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The 10^th annual Toy Drive from VacationLand Federal Credit Union is underway. 

The toy drive continues through December 10^th, followed by a wrap-up event at the Sandusky Mall on December 11^th.

The drive benefits children in Erie and Huron Counties.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Cavaliers lost last night to Washington, 97-94.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today – Veterans Day

Showers, mainly in the late afternoon.

Breezy.

High near 69.

Tonight

Showers.

Low around 40.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

The Erie County Health Department has released their latest COVID weekly update.

2 new deaths and 301 new cases were reported during the time frame of October 31st to November 6th.  That puts the death toll at 244 since the pandemic began.

Nearly 54 percent of Erie County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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In other local and state COVID numbers…

4,900 cases were reported state wide on Tuesday, more than the 21-day rolling average of 3,600.

Huron County had 1 new reported death and 31 new cases on Tuesday, putting the death toll at 149 since the beginning of the pandemic.

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The Erie County Healthcare Coalition has announced that they will soon be conducting a disaster preparedness exercise with local Erie County healthcare partners.

It’s scheduled for November 16th, and will simulate a series of bomb threats at healthcare facilities throughout the county.

Each facility will be exercising internal plans as well as coordinating across agencies for functions, such as evacuation.

The exercise will not interrupt normal operations at participating facilities.

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Willard authorities have charged a man with multiple counts of breaking and entering and burglary. 

The Norwalk Reflector reports that Nicholas Hamman was found to be a suspect in a rash of crimes on September 10th that included burglaries of homes and cars.

Hamman also spent 4 years behind bars for burglary in 2017.

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A federal judge has sentenced a former priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Strongsville to life in prison.

41-year-old Robert McWilliams had pled ‘guilty’ to various sex charges, including sex trafficking of a minor and sexual exploitation of a child.

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An apparently frustrated Cincinnati Bengals fan is in trouble with the law.

According to the Sandusky Register, 40-year-old Troy Witkowski of Toledo has been charged with disorderly conduct while intoxicated and felony vandalism after allegedly punching and shattering a door window at the Texas Roadhouse in Sandusky on Sunday.

Witkowski was reportedly upset that the Browns beat the Bengals.

He suffered a hand fracture in the incident.

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Officials from the cities of Amherst and Lorain have opened discussions on easing traffic issues along Oak Point Road near Route 2.

Yesterday, Bramhall Engineering of Avon unveiled several options during a public forum.

One would be to widen Oak Point…another would be to add a roundabout or two.

A second public hearing is scheduled for next month in Lorain

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SPORTS

-In college hoops, Ohio State won their season opener last night over Akron, 67-66, on a buzzer-beater.

-Ohio State is now in the 4^th and final spot in the new College Football Playoff ratings, released last night.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Veterans Day – Thursday

Showers in the afternoon.

Breezy.

High near 67.

Checking COVID-19 figures…

26 new cases were reported in Huron County on Monday.

Statewide, there were 3,100 reported cases on Monday, similar to the 21-day rolling average of 3,600.

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Today, Lorain County Public Health will host another Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

This one will run from 3 until 6 pm, at the LaGrange United Methodist Church on West Main.

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A missing woman from Seneca County has been found. 

The Sheriff’s Office there says that 62-year-old Kathleen Kiesel of Republic has some medical issues, but they are not life threatening.

She was first reported missing on Saturday.

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Health officials in Cuyahoga County are putting out the word…

There are some very bad drugs on the street…

This past weekend, there were at least a dozen fatal overdoses.

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A former athletics volunteer at Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville has pled ‘guilty’ to six counts of ‘sexual battery’.

38-year-old Jason Dimacchia of North Ridgeville was accused of sexually assaulting a female student during the 2020/2021 school year.

He’ll be sentenced next month.

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Damage is pegged at 50-thousand-dollars from a condo fire in Avon.

It happened yesterday on Shakespeare Lane, south of Detroit.

Firefighters believe, it was sparked by a property owner, working on plumbing, in an adjacent unit.

No one was hurt.

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Us here at WKFM and WLKR Radio are once again collecting items for military members and their families through our 14th annual Step Up For Soldiers Program to benefit USO Ohio.

USO Care Packages, including various health and wellness items, will be sent to bases and military installations.

Donations will be accepted until December 18th at various locations across Erie and Huron Counties.

Check out one of our station’s websites for more information.

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Extra Sheriff’s Office patrols will be on the roads of Sandusky County this month, thanks to a state grant.

The Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office says that overtime shifts will be scheduled to promote safety among drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday.

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With Veterans Day on Thursday, country singer-songwriter John Rich will perform tomorrow night at the Lorain Palace Theater…to benefit the Travis Mills Foundation.

The foundation supports post-9/11 veterans through its nationally recognized retreat in Maine.

Founder Travis Mills will join John Rich on stage…

Travis lost his arms and legs to an I-E-D while serving in Afghanistan in 2012.

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Another accolade for a local bank…

Sandusky-based Civista has again been named one of the ‘Best Banks to Work For’ in 2021.

This is the ninth straight year Civista Bank has been recognized by American Banker for the honor.

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A committee of Elyria City Council has opened discussion, on possibly raising water and sewer rates in 2023, to meet unfunded, federal mandates from the U-S E-P-A.

A full report…in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

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Main Street Vermilion will kick off the holiday season Saturday, November 27th, when Santa arrives by boat at East Exchange Park.

A “Community Tree Lighting” ceremony will be held Thursday, December 2nd…part of “Light Up Vermilion”.

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SPORTS

-It was Pittsburgh over Chicago 29-27 in Monday Night Football.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Increasing clouds, with a high near 62.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

A look at the new weekly Huron County Public Health COVID Update…

The case count for the reporting period of October 29th through November 4th was 206, less than the previous weeks’ total of 217.

The average age of cases increased from 35 to 40, with the highest number of reported cases in the 21 to 30 age group.

All Huron County zip codes are currently reporting cases, with the highest positivity rate in the Norwalk zip code with 91 positive cases for the reporting period.

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In COVID numbers on Sunday…

There were 4,300 cases reported statewide, more than the 21-day rolling average of about 3,600.

Huron County saw 26 new reported cases on Sunday.

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Authorities are seeking the whereabouts of a missing woman from Republic, in Seneca County.

62-year-old Kathleen Kiesel was reported missing on Saturday.

Law enforcement is asking for anyone with information on Kiesel’s location to contact them.

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Today, Lorain County Public Health will host another flu and COVID-19 clinic.

It’ll run from 9 am until noon at The Anchor on Lake Road in Avon Lake, and will include the new vaccine for children.

There will be a second clinic…later in the day…from 3 until 7…at the New Russia Township Lodge on Butternut Ridge Road.

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More and more electric vehicles are hitting the road, and transportation officials are trying to address the shortage of charging stations.

A 5-county planning agency wants to hear from you, regarding plans to install charging stations at 48 sites in Lorain, Medina, Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties, neat year.

You can check out the website of the Northeast Ohio Area-wide Coordinating Agency for details.

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Financial help could be on the way to small businesses in Avon Lake, impacted by the pandemic.

The city earmarked 150-thousand-dollars from so-called federal rescue money, for grants up to 25-hundred-dollars.

Applications may be made through the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce.

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Willard High School is set to host a Veteran’s Day program on Wednesday.

The drive-in program and parade will get underway at 9 am, with cars allowed to begin parking at 8:30 am in the north parking lot behind the Haas Gym.

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A railroad crossing in Vermilion will close today.

The Norfolk-Southern crossing at Vermilion Road in Erie County will shut down to traffic starting at 7:30 am.

It’s planned to be reopened by Friday the 12th, weather permitting.

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The holidays are fast approaching and Willard is ready to celebrate. 

Their 34th annual Christmas parade has been planned for Friday, November 19th at 6:30 pm.

The parade route will run from Perry to Myrtle to Woodland.

After the parade, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place along with Santa on hand, food trucks and live music.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Browns won big at Cincinnati on Sunday, 41-16.

-The Cleveland Cavaliers beat New York yesterday, 126-109.

-Kyle Larson is your NASCAR Cup Series champion for this season, as he won Sunday at Phoenix in the series’ season finale.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Sunny, with a high near 66.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 64.

In COVID numbers…

Huron County had 36 new cases reported on Wednesday.

Statewide cases were up on Wednesday with 4,500…more than the 21-day rolling average of 3,600.

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Huron County Public Health has announced that they’ll be hosting a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic in Willard. 

It’s set for next Tuesday, November 9th from 9 to 11 am at Willard City Park on West Laurel Street; for those eligible.

Those attending are asked to bring a valid insurance card, valid ID and a COVID vaccine record card.

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The Erie County Health Department will soon begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11.

To schedule an appointment for your child go to www.coviderieohio.com to utilize their scheduling system.

Appointment availability begins this Monday.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to their appointment.

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Today, Lorain County Public Health will offer two COVID vaccine clinics, for children ages 5 to 11.

Both will be held at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington.

The first…from 10 until noon.

The other…from 2 until 6 pm.

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Lorain County Public Health will offer additional vaccine clinics for children, ages 5 to 11, Saturday.

One at Lorain County Community College…

The other…at Elyria High School.

Both will run from 9 am until 1 pm.

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A woman from Cleveland has been sentenced to two years in prison, for her role in an armed robbery 2 years ago, at the Rally’s restaurant on Cleveland Street in Elyria.

Investigators called it, an ‘inside job’, with Alonda Bryant working at the restaurant, knowing the suspects, and letting them in a side door.

Both men are already serving time behind bars.

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In North Ridgeville…

The Mills Road Bridge will be closed today (from 8:45 am) until 3 pm this afternoon for repairs.

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The opening of a new roundabout in Huron County has been delayed by a week.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com and ODOT, the traffic circle at Routes 20 and 601 was planned to open to drivers this Saturday, but has been pushed back to November 12th.

ODOT says the delay is due to weather issues…and that the new opening date is also weather permitting.

The intersection has been closed since early September.

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New housing could be coming to South Lorain…

City council will consider a recommendation from the Planning Commission, to rezone land at Grove and Homewood from ‘business’ to ‘mixed-use’.

A development company from Cleveland wants to build apartments on the site…which most recently has served as a salvage yard.

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Today, the Second Harvest Food Bank will host a drive-thru mobile food pantry at Longfellow School in Lorain.

It’ll run from 4:30 until 6 pm.

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The State Highway Patrol has been awarded over 5 million dollars in federal funding for High Visibility Enforcement Programs.

The funds will help authorities focus on traffic safety priority areas such as restraint use, impaired driving, distracted driving, drugged driving and speed enforcement.

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The City of Sandusky is getting ready for the holiday season.  

According to the Sandusky Register, the city’s new Christmas tree has been placed in Schade-Mylander Plaza.

The 23 foot, 2,000 pound-plus blue spruce was donated by The Merry Go-Round Museum in Sandusky.

Lights will be added here soon, with the official lighting ceremony set for November 26th.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Cavaliers beat Portland last night 107-104.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 48.

Yesterday was Election Day, and here are your results…

Stephen Euton, Bryan Lamb, Stephen Schumm and Samantha Wilhelm took the 4 seats for Norwalk City Council At-Large.

Allison Crawford, Ralph Ritzenthaler and Jeremy Norris were the winners in the Norwalk Schools Board of Education race.

In Huron County, voters shot down the New London Schools levy request, but approved a levy renewal for Monroeville Schools and the levy for the Wakeman Fire District.

In a multi-county vote, the City of Bellevue Tax Levy for Parks was approved.

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In Erie County voting results, 

For Sandusky City Commissioner seats, the 3 winners were Stephen Poggiali, Dennis Murray Jr. and Dick Brady.

The 3 winners for Huron School Board were Stacey Hartley, Stacy Hinners and Elizabeth Laffay.

The 2 seats for Perkins School Board went to Eric Lapata and Ted Kastor.

As far as Erie County levies go, passing was the Erie County General Health District, Berlin Heights Tax levy, and both Perkins safety services levies.  Huron City Schools levy failed.

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In a couple of multi-county mayoral races…

Jim Forthofer will stay as the mayor in Vermilion and the same for Mary Crosby in Milan.

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In Lorain County, voters endorsed two countywide issues and rejected 2 countywide issues.

Passing were a renewal for Lorain County Public Health and a decrease in millage for the T-B clinic.

Failing were new levies for the Crime Lab and a convention bureau.

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A big day for Democrats in Lorain…filling every seat on city council.

In Elyria…two council members, ousted;

• In Ward One…Democrat Judy Keys loses to Independent Andrew Lipian
• In Ward 3…Democrat Mark Jessie loses to Republican Maurice Corbin The Third

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As for voter turnout in Lorain County…about 43-thousand people voted early or cast ballots yesterday.

That’s just under 20-percent.

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Erie County Public Health has released their latest COVID-19 update. 

There were 6 new reported deaths and 268 new reported cases during the time frame of October 24th to 30th.

That puts the death toll at 242 since the pandemic began.

53 ½ percent of Erie County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID.

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In other COVID numbers…

2 new deaths and 36 new cases were reported in Huron County on Tuesday.

The death count in Huron County now sits at 146 since the start of the pandemic.

In state numbers, there were 3,900 cases reported Tuesday; compared to the 21-day rolling average of 3,600.

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Last night, the CDC approved lower-dose Pfizer COVID vaccines for children, ages 5 to 11.

Today, Lorain County Public Health will begin offering those vaccines by appointment, and tomorrow, will post online, a list of pop-up clinics.

Health Commissioner Dave Covell says, they have 25-hundred doses, on hand.

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A man from Port Clinton faces 8 years behind bars in connection with a fatal drug overdose last year.  

According to the Sandusky Register, 27-year-old Brandon Spathelf had previously pled guilty to fentanyl trafficking and manslaughter charges in the death of Roger Riffle last November.

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The City of Sandusky says that they’ve added 6 more streets to this year’s paving program…due to the 2021 Local Street Resurfacing Project costing less than planned. 

Portions of the following streets are set to be paved this week: Adams, Cable, Dorn, Ferndale, Finch and Thorpe.

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Today, you’ll notice a traffic pattern change at a high accident area in New Russia Township.

The intersection of Russia Road and Oberlin Road becomes a 4-way stop.

Drivers will see advance warning signs for the first month.

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A Chipotle restaurant is coming to Norwalk.  

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the developer who plans to construct the restaurant at 346 Milan Avenue has acquired the proper building permits from city hall.

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The countdown is on, to this year’s Business Expo, presented by the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s Tony Gallo says, tomorrow’s Business Expo will run from 3:30 until 6:30 pm at Tom’s Country Place on Stoney Ridge Road in Avon.

The event will feature more than 80 exhibitors.

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SPORTS

-The Atlanta Braves are baseball’s World Champions. They shutout Houston last night 7-0 in World Series Game 6 to capture their first championship since 1995.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

It’s Election Day…

Polls open 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

In Erie and Huron County, there are several races on the ballot including those for school boards and Township Trustees.

Issues/levies on the ballot in Erie County include those for the County Health District, Huron City School District, Sandusky City Charter Amendment, Ritter Public Library, and 2 levies for fire/ems/police in Perkins Township.

Issues/levies in Huron County include those for Monroeville Schools, New London Schools, City of Bellevue tax renewal and Village of Greenwich current expenses.

In Lorain County, voters will consider 4 countywide issues, along with various local races and issues.

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Police in Westlake and state investigators are trying to sort out what happened in a home at Cinnamon Way and Willow Run.

Yesterday, police found three people inside the home, dead.

All 3 suffered bullet wounds.

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One year probation, a suspended driver’s license for 6 months, and nearly 34-hundred-dollars in restitution…the sentence for 23-year-old Allison Spoerl of Avon Lake…

In September, Spoerl pled ‘guilty’ to several charges from a hit-skip accident on Lake Road, with a bicyclist from Bay Village.

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In COVID numbers…

Huron County saw 15 new reported cases on Monday.

Statewide, 2,400 cases were reported Monday; below the 21-day rolling average of 3,600.

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A drive-thru Moderna COVID booster clinic will take place later today in Norwalk. 

It’s hosted by Huron County Public Health and will run from 10 am to 12 noon at the Huron County Fairgrounds.

No registration is required for those eligible.

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In other COVID news…

Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff of the Ohio Department of Health says, despite a recent downturn, Ohio’s COVID-19 cases remain at a very high level…and he recommends that children in school continue wearing masks.

He says, once vaccines are available for 5 to 11-year-olds, it’ll take a full five weeks before the vaccine provides the highest level of immunity.

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Tomorrow, Lorain County Public Health will kick off its annual flu clinics…first up…at the Health Department on Murray Ridge Road…

Program Manager Jillian Spreestersbach says, they will offer three types of flu vaccines…including a high-dose flu shot, for adults 65 and over…

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The U-S Army Core of Engineers has announced, they’ve wrapped up work on the Vermilion Harbor east pier.

The 2-million-dollar overhaul began in June, and includes upgrades to 70-feet of the pier.

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A traffic alert in Erie County…

Those set to take River and Mason Roads should be aware that from 9 am to 2 pm today, law enforcement will be escorting several oversized loads in those locations, resulting in the closure of the mentioned roads.

The exact route will be south on River Road from Huron to Mason Road, west on Mason Road to the NASA Gate west of EHOVE Career Center.

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A roundabout in Huron County is close to being completed.  

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com and ODOT, the project on Routes 20 and 601 is set to be open to traffic this Saturday, but that date is weather permitting.

The intersection of 601 and 20 has been closed since September 7th.

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Fresh off an appearance by Bobby Rydell…

The Lorain Palace has announced, Stars of the 60’s will return to the Palace on Friday April 22nd.

Your headlines will be Gary Puckett and Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Cavaliers won last night at Charlotte, 113-110.

-In Monday Night Football, Kansas City beat the New York Giants 20-17.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 29.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

In COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, 2,400 cases were reported Sunday, much lower than the 21-day rolling average of 3,700.

Huron County had 14 new reported cases on Sunday.

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Huron County Public Health has released their latest, weekly COVID report. 

Cases are up somewhat, as 217 new cases were reported during the time frame of October 22nd through 28th…compared to the previous week’s case count of 196.

The average age of cases for this reporting period increased from 32 to 35, with the highest number of cases for this week reported in the 11 to 20 age group.

All Huron County zip codes are currently reporting cases, with the highest positivity rate in Collins.

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No sign of any trouble…

The Coast Guard suspended its search off Lorain yesterday morning, after boats and helicopters found nothing unusual.

They were responding to a possible distress signal, seen Saturday night.

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Three people are due in court, from an arrest in Lorain.

60-year-old Claude McCall of West 19th is charged with trafficking in cocaine.

Police say, they confiscated suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and a stolen gun.

2 other people were arrested on various charges.

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Once again this year, Shirley Messaros of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit in Elyria will be collecting new winter coats, gloves, hats and mittens for children-in-need, in the Elyria School System.

Shirley says, the drive-thru drop-off will be held Saturday and Sunday from noon until 3, at the American Legion on Gulf Road.

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With Election Day looming tomorrow, today is the final day to vote early. 

Your local Board of Elections Office will be open today from 8 am to 2 pm.

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A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Sunday for the improvements made at Norwalk’s McGuan Park, including a new, all-abilities playground.

Improvements at the park also include new outdoor basketball courts and two pump tracks.

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A road closure begins today in Willard. 

Starting today, Main Street will be closed for maintenance at the double underpass.

The City says the closure should last 2 days, but could take up to 4 days to open back up.

Signage will be posted that indicates whether the road is open or closed.

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Today, the Second Harvest Food Bank will host a drive-thru mobile food pantry at Ely Stadium in Elyria.

It’ll run from 3:30 until 5:30 pm.

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Second Harvest Food Bank is teaming up with the City of Willard for a special Thanksgiving drive-thru mobile food pantry.  

The pantry will feature Thanksgiving-themed assorted boxes of food that feature turkey, pies, produce and more…for those eligible.

Registration is required, and begins today.

Distribution will take place on November 22nd from 3 to 5 pm at Willard Parks and Rec on West Laurel Street.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Browns fell at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, 15-10.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Increasing clouds, with a high near 51.

Tonight

Cloudy, with a low around 35.

Tuesday

A chance of showers, mainly in the afternoon.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.

Just a few days are left to vote early for the November 2nd general election. 

Hours include:

-8 to 7 today

-Saturday 8 to 4

-Sunday 1 to 5

-and Monday from 8 to 2

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A check of COVID numbers…

More than 24,000 Ohio residents have died of COVID since the pandemic began.

…Statewide, close to 4,200 cases on Thursday, higher than the 21-day rolling average of about 4,000.

In Huron County, 35 new cases were reported on Thursday.

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A longtime Cleveland radio talk show host has died. 

WTAM’s Mike Trivisonno was 74.

Trivisonno started his career in talk radio in 1986.

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A woman who was severely burned in an explosion and fire at a mobile home in Amherst Township has died.

Rebecca Squires was 53.

Investigators believe, a gas leak led to Wednesday afternoon’s incident at Westwood Estates.

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Miss Maple City 2022 will be crowned Saturday night in Norwalk. 

The Norwalk Reflector reports that 7 ladies will be vying for the title, with the event to take place at The Main Street School.

3 teenage girls will also be vying for the Miss Maple City’s Outstanding Teen 2022.

The winner of Miss Maple City takes home a $1,000 scholarship while the ‘Teen’ winner receives a $100 scholarship.

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A road closure reminder to Willard residents…

Starting Monday, the City says that Main Street will be closed at the double underpass for maintenance.

Officials hope the closure will last just 2 days, but could last 4.

The underpass will likely be closed from 8 am to 4 pm.

Signage will be posted indicating whether the road is open or closed.

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The Ohio Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine for the “Spotted Lanternfly” in Cuyahoga and Jefferson Counties.

That means, residents must exercise caution when moving nursery stock, firewood and logs.

The “Spotted Lanterfly” was first found in eastern Pennsylvania in 2014, and authorities say, it was probably brought to the U-S by imported goods.

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A big time endurance-driven event is headed to the north coast next summer.

It’s just been announced that IronMan 70.3 Ohio will be hosted by Sandusky and Erie County on July 24th, 2022.

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He charted 19 Top-40 hits from 1959 to 1964…

Bobby Rydell plays the Lorain Palace tonight.

Also on the bill;

• The Flamingos
• The Marvelettes
• and the Reflections

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The 22nd annual Skeleton Run will return to Amherst Sunday morning.

The 5K and other fun-runs will begin at Marion-L-Steel High School.

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SPORTS

In Thursday Night Football, it was Green Bay over Arizona 24-21, giving the Cardinals their first loss of the season.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Patchy fog early.

Rain.

High near 58.

Tonight

A chance of showers, mainly overnight.

Cloudy, with a low around 50.

Saturday

Patchy, morning fog.

Showers likely.

Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 56.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 59.