TMC NEWS TOP STORY FOR 2006

As with other news outlets TMC NEWS has taken time to reflect back on the stories we covered in 2006 to choose our TOP STORY. Now remember, TMC NEWS began in July so our selection is from the last 6 months.

The top story, without a doubt, occurred on the morning of October 12th in Eaton Township along Route 57 just a little south of Capel Road. That morning around 9:30 9-1-1 received a frantic call from a road worker reporting that his friend was trapped in a hole. Eaton Township Fire Department responded and quickly realized that they would need assistance from specially trained rescuers. Elyria Fire Department Officials who are specially trained in trench rescues responded to the scene as well. Lorain County Emergency Management Director Tom Kelly responded to the scene to help coordinate the resources needed to rescue the 28 year old that was trapped in the trench. In a short amount of time emergency vehicles began arriving from all over the area, Strongsville, Independence, Parma, just to name a few.

As the minutes ticked by the rescue turned into a media event with photographers surrounding the scene and TV helicopters flying overhead. CNN had even picked up the rescue and ran portions of it live.

About 2 hours after the call for help went out; the rescuers removed Buddy Barton from the trench and placed him in an awaiting ambulance that was positioned near the hole. The medical team from Metro Life Flight worked on Barton in the back of the ambulance for a short period of time before he was loaded onto the helicopter and taken to MetroHealth Medical Center.

The drama that day certainly made for good TV and nice pictures for the media, but the reason this story tops all others is how agencies from throughout northeast Ohio came together to save one man.

To see all the photos from the rescue: CLICK HERE

ABDUCTED CHILDREN FOUND SAFE

BREAKING NEWS
Less than 24 hours ago the Wooster Police Department and the State of Ohio sent out an Amber Alert searching for 3 young females after they were abducted by their mother. In the alert it was noted that the mother had threatened to commit suicide, increasing the urgency of finding the children.

Tonight the Ohio State Highway Patrol received a call tonight around 6pm stating that there was a woman hitch-hiking with her three small children Route 303 near the intersection of Indian Hollow Road in LaGrange Township. The caller, Kristen Lake, told the State Patrol Dispatcher that the woman appeared disoriented, did not know where she was, but did not want the help that was offered to her by Ms. Lake. When the Trooper arrived he found the woman standing at the edge of a driveway on 303. During a conversation with the children, it was revealed they were the victims of the Amber Alert issued yesterday by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. The State Patrol turned the woman and her children over to the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department.

TMC NEWS learned that Lisa Wallace, the mother, parked the burgundy colored Sebring, which was described in the Amber Alert, in a garage of an unoccupied house a short distance away from where her and the children were discovered.

The State Patrol tells TMC NEWS that the children were unharmed.

CELL PHONE VIDEO RELEASED

Not that this will surprise anyone but, one of the hooded men in the Gallows during the hanging of Saddam Hussein had a cell phone camera and that footage is now out.

You can view that version in our SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT section.

NEW WHEELS FOR AMHERST FIRE

Amherst Fire Department will be ringing in 2007 with a brand new truck, Engine 56. A committee spent more than a year researching companies and options to find their new truck but finally chose the 2006 Sutphen. This truck, which is replacing a 1989 Pierce, is a combo Fire & Rescue truck that has a 6-man cab, 1500gpm Hale pump and 50gal Foam tank. One of the reasons that they chose Sutphen was that they are located in the Columbus Ohio area. If anything goes wrong representatives can be at the Firehouse in about 2 hours to check it out.

One of the most beneficial features is located in the front bumper where the Rescue Jaws and Cutters are found. "Having the Jaws and Cutters mounted in the front bumper means we can roll right up on the scene of a car crash and have our extrication tools at the front of the vehicle. In the past we would have to drive past the crash pulling equipment from the rear of the vehicle, then spend time hooking up the hydraulic-hoses. Having the tools in the front bumper saves us 4 to 5 minutes at the scene of a crash because the tools are already hooked to the hoses and ready for a quick deployment. It also provides a safer work area for our Firefighters working off the front of the truck because if a car traveling past a scene crashes into us we have the truck as our cover."

Another feature that will save time at scenes is having the EMS cabinets in the rear portion of the cab. Firefighters can exit the truck with items pulled from those cabinets in hand. Having the EMS equipment inside the cab helps, for one it keeps the equipment out of the elements and gives us more room for firefighting equipment in the outside compartments.

Engine 56 should be on the road in about two weeks. Representatives from Sutphen will visit Amherst Fire Department, once all of the equipment is loaded on the truck, and will give an in service to all Firefighters. Once that is done the truck will get the green light to hit the road.

Quotes are from Amherst Fire Department Captain Ron Snizek

To view all photos of Engine 56: CLICK HERE

AMBER ALERT FROM WOOSTER

AMBER ALERT
The Wooster Police Department and the State of Ohio issued an Amber Alert on December 30, 2006 after three children were abducted and the suspect threatened suicide. All three children were last seen at 544 Emerick Street in Wooster.

Emily Wallace, 4 years old. She's a white female 3 feet tall and weighs 40 pounds. She has blonde or strawberry hair and blue eyes.
Charisty Wallace, 14 years of age. She's a white female, 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. She also has blonde or strawberry hair and blue eyes.
Hannah Wallace, 10 years of age. She's a white female 4 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds. She also has blonde or strawberry hair and gray eyes.

The suspect is Lisa J. Wallace, 38 years of age. She has blonde or strawberry hair and blue eyes. She's 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds.

The vehicle is a Burgundy 2002 Chrysler Sebring 4 door with license plate dnq4104.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-262-3764 or dial 911.

EXECUTION VIDEO SHOWN

Photo from Arab State TV

Arab TV stations are now running portions of Saddam Hussein’s execution. The video shows Hussein being led into the Gallows with hooded men escorting him. The video stops short of showing the moment of the actual execution, it is believed that the entire video will be released soon.

UPDATE... 2:14pm
We have added a portion of the video from Saddam’s hanging to our SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT section. This video stops just before the moment of the hanging.

HUSSEIN EXECUTED

BREAKING NEWS

Arab TV, Alhurra & Alarabiya have announced that Saddam Hussein was executed in Iraq tonight at 9:50pm our time, just before sunrise Iraq time. Alarabiya has reported that there was a video and still camera in the room during the execution.

Just 56 days after being sentenced to death coalition forces turned Saddam Hussein over to Iraqi Officals at 5:30am, the Judge then read the sentence to Hussein. Hussein, wearing all black and carrying a Quran, refused to wear the hood that is traditionally worn during a hanging. He yelled, “God is great” just before he was put to death. An Iraqi Offical who was a witness to the execution stated that Hussein was dead “in the blink of en eye”.

Two other men, Barzan Hassan and Awad Bandar, were suppose to have been hanged along with Hussein but Iraq Officals chose to reserve this day for Hussein only. The two men will be put to death at another date.

President George W. Bush released a statement after hearing the news of Hussein’s execution, it said in part,
Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial -- the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime. Saddam Hussein's execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops. Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself, and be an ally in the War on Terror. We are reminded today of how far the Iraqi people have come since the end of Saddam Hussein's rule - and that the progress they have made would not have been possible without the continued service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead. Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq's young democracy continues to progress.

The Iraqi Government will be releasing still photos and video of the execution to the media at an undertermined time.

PRESIDENT BUSH ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT FORD

President George W. Bush officially announced this morning the death of former President Gerald R. Ford from his ranch in Crawford Texas.

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, all of us are saddened by the news that former President Gerald R. Ford passed away last night. I spoke with Betty Ford. On behalf of all Americans Laura and I extend to Mrs. Ford and all President Ford's family our prayers and our condolences.

President Ford was a great man who devoted the best years of his life in serving the United States. He was a true gentleman who reflected the best in America's character. Before the world knew his name, he served with distinction in the United States Navy and in the United States Congress.

As a congressman from Michigan, and then as Vice President, he commanded the respect and earned the good will of all who had the privilege of knowing him. On August 9, 1974, he stepped into the presidency without ever having sought the office. He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most.

During his time in office, the American people came to know President Ford as a man of complete integrity who led our country with common sense and kind instincts.
Americans will always admire Gerald Ford's unflinching performance of duty and the honorable conduct of his administration, and the great rectitude of the man himself.
We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th President will always have a special place in our nation's memory.

President Ford lived 93 years, and his life was a blessing to America. And now this fine man will be taken to his rest by a family that will love him always, and by a nation that will be grateful to him forever.

May God bless Gerald Ford.

SADDAM'S EXECUTION, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE?

Saddam Hussein is to be executed by hanging any day now. It is still unclear if his execution will be done in a public forum or in private inside of a prison. If the execution is help in public should the media show the hanging? With YouTube bringing you video from every corner of the world it is almost a sure thing that a video of his hanging will be floating around on the Internet.

If the execution is held in public, should the media show the video of the hanging?

Poll from CWT

MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN CARLISLE

Carlisle Township Fire and LifeCare Ambulance responded to the area of West Ridge Road south of Russia late last night for a motorcycle crash. A man riding a Suzuki 600 sport bike at a high speeds traveling north on West Ridge Road failed to negotiate a small curve and went off the right side of the road and through the yards for several hundred feet before hitting a roadside marker. The rider was then thrown from the bike and landed in a driveway, the bike continued down the road on its side for several hundred feet before coming to rest in a front yard.

Carlisle fire officials dispatched Metro Life Flight for the biker and had them land at the nearby Lorain County Regional Airport on Russia Road. LifeCare Paramedics transported the biker to the airport and transferred care to the medical team of Life Flight. The man, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland with facial trauma and head injuries.

MAN WALKS THROUGH WINDOW

Updated

Elyria Police were called to Rockers on Antioch near the college for a man causing a disturbance outside of the bar. It was reported that the man was punching patrons as they were entering the bar. When the first officer arrived the scene the suspect was being held down by several males in the parking lot of Rockers. The men holding the suspect got off the man after the officer arrievd at which point the officer observed the suspect had blood covering his face and was shirtless. The suspect, Joseph Meacham, refused orders from the officer to sit back down on the parking lot. Meacham took off running through the parking lot, Officers were unable to grab him due to the amount of blood covering his body. One officer running along side applied a 1-2 second burst of oleoresin capsicum to Meacham’s left side facial area. Meacham did not stop running and instead ran straight into the glass door of Price Wise, shattering the glass. Meachma bounced off of the metal door handle, striking him across the chest, before bouncing back onto the sidewalk. Meacham, ignoring orders by Officers to stay on the ground, got back up and ran through the parking lot where he tripped on the asphalt falling face first. Officers tried to take control of Meacham as he continued to resist arrest and ignored repeated requests by Officers to stop resisting. Officers were able to take control of Meacham and he was arrested. LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated the man for the multiple cuts and then transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

It was noted in the Police report that the initial Officer on scene had blood covering his hands, arms, duty shirt, duty pants, radio, pepper spray can and holder. The Officer sustained several small cuts and scrapes on his hands and arms from the glass. The Officer went to Elyria Memorial and was treated for exposure to blood and a sprain to the lower back.

Meacham has been charged with Resisting Arrest (M1) and Disorderly Conduct (M4).

PRESIDENT FORD DIES AT 93

White House Photograph Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library

1913-2006

Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, has died in his California home with his wife Betty and family by his side. Gerald Ford was 93.

“My family joins me in sharing the difficult news that Gerald Ford, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather has passed away at 93 years of age. His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country." Betty Ford

President Bush released this statement upon hearing of President Ford's death:

Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford. President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as Vice President, he assumed the Presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division. With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the Presidency.

The American people will always admire Gerald Ford's devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th President will always have a special place in our Nation's memory. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford's family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead.

Details of Ford's death were not immediately available, though he had checked in and out of hospitals for months. Ford's chief of staff called Bush Chief of Staff Josh Bolten at 10:25 p.m. to inform the president of the death. The president called Betty Ford, to express condolences just after midnight.

HAPPY KWANZAA

Kwanzaa

A Celebration of Family, Community & Culture

Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday, which celebrates family, community and culture. Celebrated from 26 December thru 1 January, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language.

The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia and appear in ancient and modern times in other classical African civilizations such as Ashantiland and Yorubaland. These celebrations are also found in ancient and modern times among societies as large as empires (the Zulu or kingdoms (Swaziland) or smaller societies and groups like the Matabele, Thonga and Lovedu, all of southeastern Africa. Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of Continental African "first fruit" celebrations: ingathering; reverence; commemoration; recommitment; and celebration. Kwanzaa, then, is:

a time of ingathering of the people to reaffirm the bonds between them;
a time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation;
a time for commemoration of the past in pursuit of its lessons and in honor of its models of human excellence, our ancestors;
a time of recommitment to our highest cultural ideals in our ongoing effort to always bring forth the best of African cultural thought and practice; anda time for celebration of the Good, the good of life and of existence itself, the good of family, community and culture, the good of the awesome and the ordinary, in a word the good of the divine, natural and social.

Happy Kwanzaa from TMC NEWS

SADDAM TO HANG WITHIN 30 DAYS

Saddam Hussein received a late Christmas present from Iraq’s highest appeals court Tuesday when they upheld his death sentence, saying he must be hanged within 30 days. Chief Judge Aref Shahin said the sentence “must be implemented within 30 days. From tomorrow, any day could be the day of implementation.”

When asked for a response to the news the White House had this to say: Today marks an important milestone in the Iraqi people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law, and the Iraqis deserve praise for continuing to utilize the institutions of democracy to pursue justice. Saddam Hussein has received due process and legal rights that he denied the Iraqi people for so long. So this is an important day for the Iraqi people.

Saddam was sentenced on November 5 to hang for ordering the 1982 killing of 148 Shiites in the central city of Dujail following an attempt on his life.

SEMI SLAMS INTO CAR

One man was taken to Elyria Memorial Hospital this afternoon after his Park Ave is T-boned by a semi at West River and Second Street. LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated the driver of the Park Ave for injuries that could have been much worse. The collision smashed in the driver’s side of the Park Ave flattening two tires, somehow the driver was able to extricate himself from his car with only minor injuries.

The crash is being investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

To see more photos: CLICK HERE

GODFATHER OF SOUL DIES

James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul”, the hardest working man in show business, died eary Christmas morning at the age of 73.

Frank Copsidas of Intrique Music, Browns agent, said that Brown was hospitalized with pneumonia at Emory Crowford Long Hospital on Sunday and died around 1:45am Monday morning. The cause of death is still unknown at this time.

Brown was born May 3, 1933 in Macon Georgia. He leaves behind hus companion Rolonda; kids: Deanna, Terry, Daryl, Venisha and Yamma. Brown ranks #2 of all time with hit records behind Elvis Presly. He is #1 in R&B hits with over 116 charted his during hits career. He won a Grammy award for lifetime achievement in 1992, as well as Grammys in 1965 for "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (best R&B recording) and for "Living In America" in 1987 (best R&B vocal performance, male.) He was one of the initial artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, along with Presley, Chuck Berry and other founding fathers.

President George Bush released the following statement after hearing of Brown's death. "Laura and I are saddened by the death of James Brown. For half a century, the innovative talent of the "Godfather of Soul" enriched our culture and influenced generations of musicians. An American original, his fans came from all walks of life and backgrounds. James Brown's family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas."

Brown was scheduled for two performances on New Years Eve in New York at the B.B. King Blues Club.

The Candle in the Window

It is a symbolic gesture to those ancient travelers who could find no shelter that there is room in this home for them and the coming child.

The candle in the Window, still a favorite traditional Irish Christmas decoration, harkens back to that ancient Christmas Eve, when Mary and Joseph could find no shelter. It is a symbol of Irish hospitality, their way of welcoming Mary and Joseph...and any travelers who might happen to pass by looking for a warm place to stay.

In the days when it was illegal (and dangerous) to practice the Catholic faith in Ireland because of the oppressive Penal Laws, the candle in the window of Irish homes at Christmas also signaled traveling priests that this was a home where they would be welcome and where they could safely conduct the traditional Irish Catholic Christmas Mass.

After dinner Christmas Eve, the table is set again with bread and milk. Then, the youngest member of the household is given the honor of striking the ceremonial match and lighting a very large candle to be placed in the front window.

Later, when it is time to extinguish the flame, only a girl named Mary is supposed to have that honor. Some carry out an alternative to this custom and have someone named Mary light the candle, and then have the youngest blow it out. Perhaps this modern twist is better for those safety-conscious parents out there who really don't want their youngest child lighting a match at all, no matter what the tradition says!

Merry Christmas from TMC NEWS

CHRISTMAS IN EVERY ROOM

Saturday afternoon I headed out to South Amherst to take pictures of a Christmas display set up in front of Dave & Joy Vaughn’s home on Annis Road. Several people had told me that the Vaughn’s set up a really nice display so I figured I would shoot it and use it as a piece for Christmas. When I arrived I found a lot of inflatable decorations in the front yard with a zillion lights but I quickly realized that the story was more inside Vaughn home then outside.

Walk through the front door at the Vaughn’s home and you’re greeted by Christmas decorations wall to wall. Each room you walk into there is at least one Christmas tree, bathrooms and laundry room included. Decorations that light up, sing, dance, ride bicycles, ski and play music are in every room, Joy joked about how they go through about as many Tylenol’s as they do batteries over the holiday. When I first walked in I was speechless by the amount of decorations that they had put out, and only a fraction of what they own. During my tour of the home many questions were going through my head, how much money was spent over the years buying all these items, how much is the electric bill in this home and how can I swipe one of these ornaments without Dave seeing me? However, the main question was why? Why spend weeks putting up all the trees with the hundreds and hundreds of ornaments, all the decorations, inside and out? You see Dave and Joy run Vaughn’s Auto Towing and Service Garage on Leavitt Road in South Amherst, a very successful and very busy Garage. For them to take this much time away from the business there must be a good reason.

When asked why, Joy said that until 1972, the year she married Dave, she had never had a Christmas at least not a good one. So, on their first Christmas 35 years ago, they decked out their home and have not stopped building. Joy said that the amount of time it takes to get everything in place and working just right means nothing when she sees the faces of her children and grandchildren on Christmas. When everybody is together in the home it adds up to between 15 to 20 people, a little tight with the decorations taking up so much room, but having the family close is what it’s all about.

There are many gifts stuffed under the tree, the main tree that is, but there is one for everyone that does not fit under the tree, one that is not even wrapped. That is the gift Dave & Joy give to everyone who is welcome in their home at this time of year, and that is the “Spirit of Christmas”.


To see more photos: CLICK HERE

DEUCE GOES HOME

Hours after a vicious attack by a pit bull Deuce the German Sheppard mix returned home to a very happy and relieved family.

Deuce had just been put on his chain in the front yard of his Foster Ave home when a pit bull began the attack. The family tried to stop the pit bull by pouring bleach on the dog and by striking it with broom handles and even a torque wrench, none of which had any affect on the dog. A mailman driving by the home witnessing the attack got out of his truck and ran to Deuces rescue. The mailman first struck the pit with gold clubs provided by a next door neighbor, all that did was bend the clubs. The mailman then ended the attack by pepper spraying the pit bull. Family and neighbors said that the spray was the only thing to get the dog to retreat. The entire attack lasted about 15 to 20 minutes leaving Deuce bleeding profusely and with a bone poking out of his 11 week old body. A neighbor quickly grabbed Deuce and took him into his house right after the pit was hit with the pepper spray. This was the same neighbor who offered up his gold clubs, anyone have a 5 iron they aren’t using anymore? Family rushed Deuce to a local Vet ER and although the ER shot Deuce with Morphine to ease his pain they would do anything else until they had cash in hand. The family started making phone calls and was able to gather enough money to get the treatment going. Surgery went well and by 11pm Deuce was on his way home to a tearful reunion with the Baum family. Deuce is suffering from a lot of blood loss, may puncture wounds but surprisingly no fractures.

The Baum family was able to reach the local post office yesterday afternoon to thank the mailman who stopped. They were not able to speak to him but told his supervisor what happened and asked that they please pass on the family’s gratitude for what he did. His stopping helped save Christmas 2006 for this family.

PIT BULL ATTACK ON FOSTER AVE

Veronica Baum was asleep in her Foster Ave. home after working overnight last night when the screams of her children woke her up. When she ran to the front of the house she found that her dog, Deuce, was being attacked by a pit bull. Baum’s children had just put Deuce on his chain in the front yard before the attack. The children had all gone back into the home before the pit bull went after their dog.

“My children were screaming, my husband was screaming and neighbors were even screaming. Neighbors were hitting the dog with golf clubs and sticks to try and get him off of Deuce but nothing was working. My husband even swung a torque wrench so hard that he hurt his side but it seemed to not have any effect on the pit bull.”

It took the Mailman using his pepper spray to get the pit bull to back off of Deuce. One neighbor said that if it hadn’t been for the Mailman he’s not sure what would have happened. A family member rushed Deuce, a 3-month-old German Sheppard mix, off to a Vet for treatment. The Lorain County Dog Warden was called to the scene and took control of the pit bull. Police were unable to locate the owner of the pit bull.

The Baum family, having 4 children, moved to Elyria about two years ago from Lorain because of all the problems there involving pit bulls running loose attacking people. They have seen pit bulls in the neighborhood here but have had no problems until this morning.

We know what the Baum family and their neighbors who went through this experience feel should happen to the pit bull, but we would like to know what you think should happen. We will update you on Deuce’s condition as soon as we get word from the family.

Poll from CWT

DIRT BIKE CRASH IN ORCHARD

Florence Township and South Amherst Fire responded to an orchard on Gifford Road for a male who was pinned under his dirt bike after he had crashed. Justin Geyer was treated at the scene then flown by Metro Life Flight to Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland where he is in critical condition.

The orchard where Geyer was riding his bike has signs posted prohibiting recreational vehicles. The Lorain County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation.

GRAVELLES FOUND GUILTY

The Huron County Jury came back today at 11:15, 3 days after beginning deliberations, with GUILTY verdicts in the States case against Michael & Sharon Gravelle.

Michael & Sharon Gravelle were found guilty of two out of eight misdemeanor counts of child abuse, four out of eight felony counts of child endangering and five out of eight misdemeanor counts of child endangering.

The case began after a complaint was made that the children were being kept in cages sending a social worker went to the Gravelle home to investigate. That same Huron County Social worker has testified that the cages reminded her of slave quarters. The Gravelle defense team insists that the “enclosures” were built to protect the children.

The children, who range in age from 1 to 14, suffer from problems such as fetal alcohol syndrome and a disorder that involves eating nonfood items. Authorities removed the children from the home in September 2005 and the Gravelles lost custody of the children in March.

SHOOTING IN ELYRIA

Bill Basham walked into the Elyria Police Department lobby last night around 11pm and reported that he had just shot his friend Michael Owens. Basham, 23, told the Police that Owens, 17, was at the Emergency Room and that the gun he used to shoot Owens was in his vehicle in the Police Department parking lot.

Police Officials observed that Basham had a large amount of blood on his pants, jacket and white tennis shoes. Basham also had blood covering his hands. The Shooting occurred at 609 Furnace Street where Owens resides.

Basham was arrested and booked for Felonious Assault and is currently being held in the Elyria City Jail.

POLICE CHASE ENDS IN ELYRIA

Police cuff suspect Abdul Bari

Student Crossing Guards run for the school after being told of the lockdown
Police search suspect Bobby Jo Baker, 26

Updated: 6pm

Two men, reportedly from the Elyria area, headed off to Westlake this morning and robbed a person at knifepoint while that person was waiting to see their dentist. Westlake Police responded to the office, located in the 26000 block of Center Ridge Road, and put out the description of the vehicle the two men were using to all surrounding departments. An alert North Ridgeville Police Officer spotted the vehicle a short time later in their city on Center Ridge Road heading Westbound and began the pursuit. The chase moved into southeast side of Elyria on Chestnut Ridge Road weaving through the Eastern Heights area while children were making their way to school. Elyria Police Officers and Lorain County Sheriff's Deputies joined the pursuit at this point. One suspect jumped out of the vehicle in the area of Prospect Street near the East Recreation Center and fled through the woods. Police continued their chase of the vehicle ending with the driver crashing into a tree on Cambridge and Park Ave. The driver attempted to flee after crashing but was apprehended by Officers.

The search continued for the second suspect while local school went into lock down. Officers acting on a tip from a neighbor found the second suspect on University Ave just east of Prospect. The second suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The suspects were identified as Abdul Bari, 40 of Elyria and Bobby Jo Baker, 26, who Poilce identified as a sex offender out of Michigan.

To see all photos: CLICK HERE

SHOOTING DRUG RELATED, ARREST MADE

“Jimmy, Jimmy, I’ve been shot.” Those are the words of Jenny Maxwell to neighbor Jimmy Darovich last night around 6:30 in Colonial Oaks Mobile Home Park. Darovich quickly told his wife to get Maxwell a blanket and contacted 9-1-1. Elyria Police responded to the scene along with Elyria Fire Department and LifeCare Ambulance. Maxwell had reported that the shooter was still inside the trailer so Firefighters and Paramedics remained staged about a block away until the Police could secure the scene. Police brought Maxwell to the staging area for treatment while the second victim was still inside the trailer. Once the area was secured Paramedics and Firefighters went into the trailer but discovered that Williams was already dead.

Maxwell was transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital and was then flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland where she remains in fair condition.

Elyria Police Lt. A.D. Eichenlaub said that as a result of this investigation Terrance Kimbro, 34, of Elyria was arrested at his home without incident. Kimbro has been charged with Murder, Felony 1, and Felonious Assault, Felony 2. The gun, a handgun was recovered near the scene as Kimbro discarded it. The initial investigation has determined the shooting to be drug related.

MICHAEL ROSS CHARGED

Michael Ross was in court Monday morning for a hearing when he received the news that he was being charged in a bribery indictment along with two local businessmen. The indictment, unsealed Monday morning, states that Ross, when he was a Lorain County Commissioner, received money from Randall Gordon and Vincent Carbone between 1999 and 2002. Gordon was a partner in an architectural firm, which designed the Justice Center. Carbone is the president of R.P. Carbone Construction, the construction manager on the Justice Center. The indictment also lists Larry Jones, a local businessman.

Ross, who already faces other criminal charges for business conducted during his 1997 to 2000 term, is being held at the Lorain County Jail on $500.000 bond. Ross is facing 10 counts of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy, money laundering, bribery and unlawful interest in a public contract.

SHOOTING IN MOBILE HOME PARK

DEVELOPING STORY

Elyria Police responded to Colonial Oaks Mobile Home Park on Middle Ave after receiving a call of a woman being shot in the area of 118 Virginia Ave. Police found a woman shot laying in the yard and reports of a male shot inside of 117 Virginia Ave., surrounding homes were evacuated as the Police secured the area. The woman was taken by LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics to Elyria Memorial Hospital with Metro Life Flight on the way to take the victim to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The second victim was found dead inside of 117 Virginia. Elyria Police remain on scene conducting the investigation.

Jimmy Darovich said that he heard the woman screaming and when he went outside he found her covered in blood. “I asked her, where have you been shot at and she told me on my side and my arm and I think she said my leg. I asked her who shot her and she mumbled some name that I couldn’t understand because her words were slurred. Then I asked her where the guy was who shot her and she said he was still in the trailer.”

This is a developing story, please check back here at TMC NEWS and watch NEWSCHANNEL 5 tonight at 11 for full details with a LIVE report from the scene.

LORAIN ASSEMBLY PLANT SITE SOLD

Ford Motor Company today announced the sale of the Lorain Assembly Plant property to Industrial Reality Group (IRG), a Downey, California based company that specializes in transforming industrial sites into commercial and industrial centers.

Ford worked closely with the city of Lorain and the state of Ohio to ensure the future of the Lorain Assembly Plant site would continue to serve the local community.

“We are pleased that the sale of the property to IRG will result in new development that will bring tax revenue and jobs to the surrounding communities,” said Jay Gardner, vice president, Development and Strategy, Ford Land. “IRG has a good track record transforming sites into productive commercial and industrial centers.”

This is a unique site and we are delighted to be involved in its redevelopment,” said Stuart Lichter, president of IRG. “This site is one of the only options in the Midwest for large industrial tenants and we are hopeful we’ll be able to announce the arrival of new companies and jobs to the city of Lorain in the near future.”

Lorain Mayor Craig Foltin expressed his praise to Ford and IRG on the transaction. “Too many times in the past, when jobs have left the community, nothing was done to fill the void. Ford's Lorain Plant is a prime example of cities and corporations can work together to ensure successful redevelopments. I am proud to welcome IRG to Lorain.”

A little about our new neighbor, IRG:
Industrial Realty Group, LLC (“IRG”) is a 30 year old real estate development firm specializing in the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of closed government facilities and closed or underutilized corporate campuses. With a portfolio of 50 million square feet within 70 projects across the United States, IRG is among the largest private owners of industrial real estate in the country and is widely recognized as one of the leaders in repositioning under-performing assets though adaptive use.

BASKETBALL BRAWL DRAWS SUSPENSIONS

NBA Commissioner David Stern drops the hammer on the Nuggets and Knicks after last Saturdays brawl at Madison Square Garden. Stern said in his statement, "It is our obligation to take the strongest possible steps to avoid such failures in the future and to make a statement to all who follow the game of basketball that we understand our obligations and take them seriously."

Stern suspended Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony for 15 games for delivering a sucker punch to New York Knicks Mardy Collins. Collins was given a 6 game suspension. Nugget J.R. Smith and Knicks Nate Robinson were each given 10 game suspensions. Each team was given fines of $500.000.00 each.

Carmelo Anthony released the following statement: "Last night's altercation with the Knicks escalated further than it should have. I take full responsibility for my actions in the matter," Anthony said in a statement. "My actions were inexcusable, and I am sorry for making this an even more embarrassing situation."

To view the fight, visit our SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT section.

Free Poll Script from CWT

HOUSE FIRE IN AMHERST

Amherst Firefighters responded to a home on Middle Ridge Road about a mile west of Quarry Road Sunday morning after a homeowner discovered a fire in his ranch style home. Firefighters arrived scene and as one Firefighter put it, “flames were pouring out of the windows.” The fire was apparently caused by electrical problems in the basement. South Amherst and Florence Township Fire Departments responded with tankers and manpower to assist Amherst in fighting the blaze. LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics responded to treat a Firefighter after taking in too much smoke while fighting the fire. That Firefighter was taken to the hospital and was released a short time later.

ONE CLIMBER FOUND DEAD

Oregon National Guard Captain Mike Braibish announced today that one of the three mountain climbers who went missing 7 days ago was found dead in a snow cave on Mount Hood.

Around noon today a CH-47 Chinook helicopter lifted off with pararescue team members, being flown by pilots who flew in Afghanistan and Iraq. Rescuers have been searching the mountain under extremely hazardous conditions since one of the hikers made a distress call to a family member on December 10th. Temperatures have dipped down to 18 degrees below zero near the 11,239-foot summit during the night. The search today focused on an area where a cell phone tower had picked up a signal from the hikers cell phone which is located about 300’ below the mountain summit. A search of one snow cave turned up clothing and other personal effects but none of the hikers. A short time later at a second snow cave searchers discovered the body of one of the three hikers.

The three families have been notified of the discovery and are together at this time. Captain Braibish said during the brief press conference that they would not speculate on the condition of the remaining two hikers. “We remain optimistic, we remain hopeful for the remaining two hikers.”

FOR OUR "YOU'RE AN IDIOT" FILE...

COMMENTARY

Last Friday the local newspaper and other media outlets reported on a so called “artist” setting up a display of Nazi Gingerbread men in a Wellington store front. The artist, Keith McGuckin, had set up a similar display in an Oberlin store front but the store owner deemed it offensive and had it removed. Imagine how bad a display must be when it is found offensive in the city of Oberlin.

McGuckin said that he “relies on edgy material” to grab people’s attention. Previous displays have shown a caroler bashing snowman, a boy making crystal meth from a Chemistry set that he received for Christmas and in 2004 a display of a suicide was in another store window. McGuckin, who thinks his Nazi Gingerbread men are cute, can’t understand why people would be offended by the display. Is he serious? Is it possible you can be 50 years old and be that ignorant? The owner of the Wellington store has said that he was not aware of what the display would contain but that McGuckin had the right of freedom of expression and artistic expression. He has also refused to give his name to reporters, so much for full support eh?

Timing is also in question with this most recent display, it was unveiled on the eve of Hanukkah. The 50 year old artist however claims that he was unaware of the timing. Perhaps that is because he is busy working on his new display, a gay snowman who is attempting suicide after being outed. Idiot!

Now we at TMC NEWS believe that this man has every right to do what he is doing, however idiotic and offensive as it may be. We do wonder if the media would stop providing this man with all of the attention, how much longer he would be creating these displays. Start counting the days until we see McGuckin on The O’Reilley Factor.

TRAINING DAY

Click here to see all photos

Imagine being a Firefighter wearing full turnout gear and trying to find your way around the inside of a strange home that is blacked out and filled with smoke. Elyria Firefighters were training today at a vacant house on East Ave, training for just such a situation.

With full turnout gear, their Scott Air Pack strapped to their backs and their facemasks blacked out, Firefighters worked their way through a maze set up for training. The house is on loan to the Elyria Fire Department from the Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority until they have the funds to demolish the structure. In the meantime Elyria Fire Officials plan on using the house as much as possible to train not only Elyria Firefighters but as many other Departments throughout Lorain County as possible.

Elyria Assistant Fire Chief Ron Brlas gave TMC NEWS a brief summary about the training exercise.
We’re putting all the Firefighters from the Elyria Fire Department through an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) competency drill, which is learning to use their breathing apparatus in different situations. Each man follows a lifeline through this building set up with the following obstacles;
First: Firefighters go through an area where the floor has been cut away that they have to maneuver over.
Second: They have to go through a 13” tall hole cut through the wall.
Third: A simulated roof was constructed that they have to get over to the other side.
Fourth: Going through a partitioned wall through a stud pocket that is 16” wide.
Fifth: Go through a narrow chute where they have to take their SCBA off to maneuver through.
Sixth: Go through a 4-foot wide window
Seventh: Up a ladder to the attic
Final: Crawl through an entanglement section recreating a ceiling drop.

When asked what the hardest part of the course was Chief Brlas said probably the final stage where Firefighters go through the entanglement section. “It probably is the most difficult because it can become very frustrating because there are wires looped through there that they have to maneuver that they will think they are out of harms way then all of a sudden they will get a wire wrapped around a part of their tank, so that is probably the most frustrating.”

What are the long range goals for the house? “To open it up to every Firefighter in Lorain County, we have actually had some guys from out of the county go through the house already. Our plans are to have all the fire departments in Lorain County begin training with us.”

When asked about the short term goals Chief Brlas said that with Departments budgets nearing the end of the year, most are low on funds for training exercises like this one. “We’re hoping that after the first of the year budgets will be freed up to allow other departments to put their Firefighters through the exercise.”

How long did it take to set up the house with all the obstacles? “It took about a week to get everything set up. Our lead instructor is a Cleveland Firefighter, Jeff Shupe. The Cleveland Fire Department is putting all of their Firefighters through a course similar to this and that is where the idea came from."

With that we left Chief Brlas and tracked down Jeff Shupe, who along with being a Cleveland Firefighter owns his own business focusing on training Firefighters throughout the state of Ohio and across the country. Shupe has been a trainer / instructor since 1980 and has been an instructor at the State Fire Academy since 1987.

What is the most requested type of training you called for?
"A lot of the specialty training now centers around your Rapid Intervention Technique, going after Firefighters who are lost in a building or like we were doing here was survival training for Firefighters if they get lost themselves in a building what do they do?"

In an exercise like this one, what are the Firefighters told to keep in the front of their minds, what is the top one or two things they need to remember?
"This training is set up to make it difficult yet educating. In the real world of firefighting we’re telling the Firefighters that they have a forcible entry tool with them because that forcible entry tool can also be used as a forcible exit tool. Like with this house here, it is a wood framed structure so a guy can knock out windows or breach walls. We also want them to have their personal light so they can see the way, sometimes smoke conditions are so heavy that you can only see a couple of inches ahead of you. Of course we also want each Firefighter to have a radio, in the past many departments didn’t have enough radios for each guy at the scene. The fire service is moving forward where departments do have radios for the communications and if a Firefighter inside is in trouble they can trigger a May Day signal that will alert other Firefighters that someone is in trouble."

You might be slightly biased for this question, but do you think Cities provide enough money for training?
"Defiantly not! We’ve been hurt over the last several years there use to be more money available but now because of other programs and so forth our money has diminished. You have to look at it this way, if we can provide better-trained Firefighters; they can provide better service to the community. The job of the Firefighter is to save lives and property and if we are not properly trained to do that number one we put ourselves at risk and the public and we can’t save the property. A lot of governmental leaders complain that the cost of training is too expensive, well look at the alternative, injuries or fatalities either to a Firefighter or civilian. Loss of property means loss of tax revenue coming into your community. The community you live in and you pay your taxes to, you’re proud to be a member of that community if a problem happens you call your Fire Department you want them to do the best job they possibly can; you want to give them your support."

To see more photos from the training course: CLICK HERE

EVERYBODY OUT OF THE CAR

A new law approved by the Senate 29-3, now allows drivers under 17 only one passenger who is not a relative in their vehicle. More passengers will be allowed if a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle.

The Ohio House approved the new law and it now goes to Governor Bob Taft, who plans to sign it. The law would also block drivers under 17 from driving between the hours of midnight and 6 without a parent of guardian. Drivers 17 & 18 will not be allowed on the road between the hours of 1am & 5am unless they are driving to or from work and would need documentation from employers.

The new, which will go into effect in March, will be a misdemeanor violation with potential fines up to $150.00. Police will not be allowed to pull cars over just to investigate whether there are too many teens in the car. Police can cite drivers with violations of the new law only after spotting another violation. AAA believes that the new law will prevent approximately 20 percent of the fatalities that would have occurred.

Area high school students hearing about the new law have mixed feelings.

Gage Hume, Senior at Elyria High School:
I don’t think this law should pass. I think young adults have to take on their own responsibility and driving with other teenagers is a great way to take responsibility. It may be dangerous but there are only the select few that don’t drive properly, the rest have already learned lessons or are more prepared. I learned it the hard way. I wrecked my car and almost killed someone who means a lot to me, and after all of that I still don’t think this law should be passed.

Shawn Silvis, Junior at Elyria High School
Honestly, I think its ludicrous, cause not every teenage kid drives, and kids need rides to places and school, like I got out to lunch with my friends and we alternate drivers to save gas, and so not one person gets stuck driving all the time. It might be safer, and I could see where they are coming from....I mean it defiantly has its Pros, but more cons than pros in my opinion.

WELLINGTON HOUSE FIRE

Wellington Fire District responded to a structure fire last night around 11pm on Hawley Road in Wellington Township. When Firefighters arrived they found heavy heat and smoke coming from the basement of a two-story home. Robert and Karen Bennett own the home; both were home this morning along with two of their children, all escaped without injury.

The first unit arrived on scene 3 minutes after the call from 9-1-1 was received finding the family outside of the home. Firefighters immediately entered the home and discovered a fire in a basement bedroom. The structure was valued at $216,000.00 with a primary loss figure set at $60,000.00. The home sustained heavy smoke damage with fire damage being contained to the basement bedroom.

Fire Investigators from the Wellington Fire District are in charge of the investigation. Pending further investigation, the cause of the fire is currently listed as undetermined.

"HOLY CRAP"

Peter Boyle, best known for his recent role as Frank Barone on the TV series, “Everybody Loves Raymond” has died at the age of 71. Boyle’s publicist, Jennifer Plante said that Boyle died Tuesday night at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Boyle had been suffering from multiple myeloma and heart disease. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Myeloma is called "multiple myeloma" because multiple patches or areas of bone marrow are typically affected.

Many people remember him from the Mel Brooks film, "Young Frankenstein", but his fame grew from playing Frank Barone for 10 years. His signature line, “Holy Crap” has been listed in the top one hundred most memorable lines from TV & movies.

ROCK THROWER ARRESTED

For the past three months motorists driving along state route 422 & 528 in Geauga County have been dodging rocks that had been coming out of nowhere smashing windshields along those highways. According to the Ohio Highway Patrol and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Department several motorists have reported smashed and cracked windshields from rocks that had struck their cars while they were in those areas.

You may wonder why this story is appearing on TMC NEWS; well The Sheriff’s Department has made an arrest in the case. Elyria resident Glenn Rogers, 40, is accused of throwing things purposely to smash motorists’ windshields. Police say Rogers has been throwing “taconite” rocks from the cab of his dump truck. One person suffered minor injuries after one of the rocks struck their vehicle.

For those of you not familiar with this type of rock: Taconite is an iron-bearing, high-silica, flint-like rock. It is a Precambrian sedimentary rock referred to as a banded iron formation due to the typical alternating iron-rich layers and shale or chert layers. Class dismissed.

TSA STOPS TROY SMITH

TSA took a moment away from strip searching Grandmothers to stop The Ohio State University’s qurterback and Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith. Smith was told by security personell that he would not be allowed to take the trophy on board with him. When Eddie George won the trophy in 1995 he carried it on the plane and it sat on the seat next to him during the flight home. George’s trophy however got stuck while going through the exray machine breaking off its right index finger. Smith had the trophy shipped home.

KUCINICH ANNOUNCES RUN

Dennis Kucinich announced today that he would try a second run for the White House. Speaking at City Hall in Cleveland this afternoon Kucinich, 60, said that the Democrats who took power after this last election, largely because of their anti war stance, have abandoned that stance and will continue to fund the war signing off on another 100+ Billion dollars. Kucinich said that his city, constituency, country and his conscience have called him to run.

CRASH ON 301 IN LAGRANGE

LaGrange Fire & EMS responded this morning to Rt. 301 & Webster Road for a single car crash. LaGrange Fire Chief Rader said a female was driving south on Rt. 301, crossed the northbound lane and went into a yard striking a tree and a mailbox then rolling over landing on the roof trapping the female inside the car. Firefighters had to remove the passenger side door to extricate the woman from the vehicle for their Paramedics to treat her. Metro Life Flight landed a shot time later and flew the woman to Cleveland Metro Health Medical Center.

Tom Johnson, who lives on Webster Road and was turning onto Rt. 301 at the time of the crash, said that he saw the car air born before landing on its roof. Johnson immediately contacted 9-1-1 and stayed in contact with them until he got up to the car accessing that there was one person in the vehicle and that she was conscious. Johnson, an Elyria Fireman, said he talked to the woman until LaGrange Fire & EMS arrived. “I did not touch the vehicle or try to open the doors, that is about the worse thing you can do without the proper tools and man power. You can cause further injury to the victim or yourself. All of the Officers and Firefighters acted very professionally and did an excellent job with the victim.”

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

To see more photos: CLICK HERE

LIFT OFF

The Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off tonight at 8:47pm on mission STS-116 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The shuttle's seven astronauts are on a mission to rewire the international space station, one leg of a three-year race to finish construction on the orbiting outpost before shuttles are retired in 2010.

TROY SMITH WINS HEISMAN

Troy Smith went to New York this weekend as the favorite to win the Heisman trophy and the Senior QB from The Ohio State University did just that. Smith is fourth in the nation in passer rating (167.9) and has thrown for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions, leading his team to the national title game against the Florida Gators next month.

Smith jumped out front of the Heisman race early in the season when he led his team in Ohio State’s first #1 vs. #2 games against the Texas Longhorns in September. In that game, as people continue to remind me, Smith threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns against the Longhorns whippin them 24-7. In the second #1 vs. #2 in the regular season against Michigan, Smith was even better throwing for 316 yards and four touchdowns beating the Wolverines 42-39.

Smith, who blew away McFadden & Quinn, receiving 2540 point to McFadden’s 878 and Quinn’s 782, received 801 first place votes, the second most ever, second only to O.J. Simpson in 1968. Smith thanked his head coach Jim Tressel for putting the ball in his hands and letting him know that he had trust in him in being his quarterback to lead The Ohio State University. Smith then thanked Ted Ginn Sr., calling him his father, his dad and making him into the man that he is today.

Smith is the sixth player from Ohio State to win the Heisman, first since Eddie George won in 1995. Ohio State’s Archie Griffin is the only two-time Heisman winner. Smith winning this year breaks a three-year streak of junior players winning; the last senior player to win was USC QB Carson Palmer.