CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENTS

UPDATE: WEDNESDAY
The list of Locally-Owned Independent businesses in Lorain County is growing – Keep the names of these businesses coming.

If you want to recommend a local business to our readers just click on the comments button and tell us about them. It can be a favorite restaurant, appliance store, clothing shop, auto-shop or flower shop – any type of business as long as it is locally owned and independent.

Keep the list growing and then get out there and support our neighbors.
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July 1st through July 7th is “Celebrate Our Independents” week all across the nation. Studies show that money you spend with locally-owned independent businesses keeps approximately 3.5 times more money in our community than spending it with chains.

With this, we encourage you to make a special effort this week to stop by and support a locally-owned independent business.

If you are looking in the Elyria area for a nice meal in a relaxing atmosphere I would like to suggest the following joints.

Zaki's Restaurant & Deli 301 Broad St Elyria – (440) 323-6000 – I suggest the Swiss Melt & Fries for lunch. Ask for the fries well done.

Old Town Pizza House 195 Cleveland Ave, Amherst – (440) 984-2468 – I suggest the spaghetti with meatballs.

Krieg’s Ice Cream Stand – On Route 113 – just west of Route 58 – I suggest the Chili Dogs.

Master Pizza 427 Cleveland Street – Elyria 365-7383 – I suggest the Master Pizza Classic

The Pizza House 106 S Main St, Wellington – (440) 647-4348

Twist & Shake Ice Cream – 230 Cleveland Street – Elyria

Stewart Appliance & Electronics 468 Cleveland Street, Elyria – 440-365-7321

Vaughn’s Auto Repair and Towing – South Amherst 440-986-5125

If you are a purchaser for EMS supplies: Discount EMS Supplies 608 Cleveland Street Elyria www.discountemssupplies.com

Bishop Photography Elyria 440-284-0113 www.loraincountybridal.com

Ok, so there is a common theme to my suggestions.

Now please add your own suggestions of any locally-owned Independent businesses to the comments section below. Let’s help support our local businesses by spreading the word that they are there.

I will end here because for some reason I am very hungry.

DID THAT GO OUT?

Vermilion – For those of you who are not familiar with Lorain County’s LISA Alert System it is the Lorain County Information Sharing Agreement. This service has been established to provide the sharing of information between all of the Law Enforcement Agencies within Lorain County. It has also been designed to make the public aware of those Alerts that these Law enforcement agencies want to make available to the public.

This morning an Email from the LISA Alert System was received at 8:25am and read as follows:

New Lisa Alert Received!

Alert Level:High

Date: 6/30/2008

City: vermilion pd

Type: Robbery

Locaion: main st

Message: someone just stole the mayors brain

Apparently, while being trained on the LISA Alert System, an employee of the Vermilion Police Department was practicing entering information. Accidentally, the information that she entered was broadcast across the system. When reached by phone the employee stated that it was simply a mistake and that it was never meant to be broadcasted.

A message was left with the Mayor for a response to the broadcast, we’ll bring you that when we receive it.

To learn more about the LISA Alert System: http://www.lisaalerts.com

HOMETOWN HERO LAID TO REST

Elyria – Hundreds lined the streets Saturday afternoon to pay respects for a man they never met. People of all ages stood quietly as the funeral procession of Army SPC. Jason Cox left the First Baptist Church in Carlisle Township and made its way through downtown Elyria before heading to Brookdale Cemetery.

As the procession traveled north on West Ave – Veterans, who are now residents of the Wesleyan Village, saluted as the hearse passed. An employee said the residents wanted to wear their military uniforms but were unable. “They just really wanted to be out here as the procession passed by – they said they wanted to do this for the Soldier and for his family.”

Jason Cox was killed on June 16th in Iraq by an improvised explosive device. He was due to return home on leave in July – He was due to marry his sweetheart, Erika Kranek, next year.

If you were one of the many who were unable to attend Saturday’s service but wanted to – we have posted over 100 photos from the services. The best way to view the gallery is by clicking on the “SLIDESHOW” button on the top right hand corner of the photo page.


To view the photos: CLICK HERE

7 PEOPLE INJURED IN REAR-ENDER

Eaton Township – A three car crash Saturday night on Route 82 just east of Durkee sent seven people to the hospital – all with non-life threatening injuries.

Trooper Clifton Dowell of the Ohio State Patrol said that the crash occurred as Therese Lanzara of Willoughby was traveling east on Route 82 in her Nissan Rogue and came to a stop and was getting ready to make a left turn into a private driveway to attend a graduation party.

A Jeep Cherokee, driven by 25-year-old Robert Lebinsky of Oberlin, directly behind the Lanzara also stopped. The problems started when a Ford F-250 Extended Cab behind the Jeep failed to stop.

The F-250, driven by 36-year-old Jennifer Martin of Grafton, crashed into the rear of the Jeep sending it into the back of the Nissan. There were no skids marks left on the road from Martin’s F-250 indicating that she never hit her brakes prior to the crash.

Firefighters from Eaton Township, Grafton Village and Columbia Station treated and transported seven victims – 5 to Elyria Memorial Hospital and 2 to Southwest General. Most of victims were complaining of neck and back injuries. Even with extensive damage to the Jeep, none of the victims were trapped.

Route 82 was closed down in both directions while Firefighters treated the victims and Troopers investigated the scene. The road reopened about one hour later.

Trooper Dowell said that Martin was charged with “Assured Clear Distance Ahead”.

Troopers continue to investigate the crash and further charges could be filed.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

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"WHO ORDERED THE SCREWDRIVER"

Carlisle Township – Lorain County Sheriff’s Deputies & EMS were called to the LaPorte Inn on Grafton Road Sunday afternoon for a woman who had been stabbed with a screwdriver.

Carlisle Township Fire Department officials said that the woman received a small puncture wound to her back – she refused treatment or transport from Paramedics.

While Firefighters and Medics were taking care of the victim Deputies were busy taking a suspect into custody. The incident took place on a patio that is set up at the rear of the business.

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

FIRE AT GENERAL INDUSTRIES

Elyria – A motorist passing by the General Industries building on Taylor Street Thursday afternoon may well have prevented a large fire.

Assistant Chief Glenn Saddler of the Elyria Fire Department said workers using a cutting torch on pipes in the building probably sparked the fire. The workers didn’t notice anything wrong when they took a break and left for lunch but a man passing by called 9-1-1 and said there was a lot of smoke coming off the building.

Saddler said that the fire started where two buildings were joined together and that Firefighters had to open a wall cavity to get to the fire. The fire was extinguished quickly and there were no injuries.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

CRASH IN LORAIN INJURES 3

LEFT ONE TRAPPED IN CAR

Lorain – A two car crash in Lorain sent three people to the hospital with minor to serious injuries.

The crash occurred just after 1PM Thursday afternoon on Tower Blvd and Ashland Ave. Neighbors say excessive speed and someone not paying attention was the cause of the wreck.

LifeCare Paramedics treated and transported two victims to Community Health Partners while Lorain Fire Fighters worked to extricate a third victim. Metro LifeFlight was called to fly two of the victims to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Neighbors say that the crash is one of many that have been occurring at the intersection of Tower and Ashland, they say today’s crash should prove to city officials that a light is desperately needed for the intersection.

The Lorain Police Department Traffic Division is investigating the crash.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

UPDATE: 5:05PM
At 5:00PM The National Weather Service in Cleveland has extended the SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Southwestern Lorain County until 6PM.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has also issued an Urban and Small Stream FLOOD ADVISORY for Minor Flooding of poor drainage areas in Lorain County.

Radar indicated that 1 to 2 inches of rainfall has occurred with Thunderstorms moving across Lorain and Western Medina Counties. Additional rainfall amounts in excess of 1 inch may occur which could lead to street flooding in poor drainage areas.
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The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING at 4:23PM for Lorain County.

Doppler radar indicated a severe Thunderstorm capable of producing nickel size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60MPH.

DRIVER RUNS STOP SIGN

CAUSES CRASH – 4 INJURED

Elyria Township – A driver blowing a stop sign was the cause of a two car crash in Elyria Township Wednesday afternoon – sending 4 people to the hospital.

Tammy Lee lives at the corner of Rosewood & Ethel and said that although the speed limit is 25MPH she estimates that 90% of the vehicles traveling through her neighborhood exceed the limit. “People will fly through here because it is a straight shot even though there are kids all through this neighborhood.”

Lee was in her yard Wednesday afternoon when she heard a car’s engine coming closer. “I looked over and saw the white car coming west on Rosewood towards Ethel at a high rate of speed – the driver never slowed down at the stop sign and as she crossed the intersection a truck crashed into her.”

The truck was traveling south on Ethel at the time of the crash and did not have a stop sign.
Lee said the crash ended up in her front yard near where her young son usually puts his lemonade stand. “I ran towards the cars after the crash and two girls in the white car were climbing out through the windows – the car was smoking really bad.”

Elyria Township Firefighters treated and transported the two girls from the car, while Sheffield Township Firefighters treated and transported two young children that were riding in the truck.

Lee said that her and other neighbors have been trying to get the township to do something about the traffic through their neighborhood – they say that although this was very unfortunate what happened today maybe this will make the issue a higher priority for the township.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

ATTENTION GOLFERS

Sheffield Village Fire Fighters Local #4275 invite you to join them at their annual Golf Outing on Saturday August 16th at the Indian Hollow Golf Course in Grafton.

The event is a 4-man scramble and your entry of $60.00 gets you 18-Holes of golf with a cart, lunch and a steak dinner. Beer and wash also provided.

Golfers will also be participating in a Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin contest. Skins Game and 50/50 Raffles will also be available.

For More Information Call 949-6053, ask for Pete Rudkin, Aaron Lewis, or Chad Bowman. You can purchase Golf Tickets from any Sheffield Village Firefighter – 4340 Colorado Ave. Sheffield Village.

If you have a business and would like to sponsor a Tee Box or you would just like to send a personal message – Tee Box signs are available for only $100.00. Contact Pete Rudkin for more information on the signs: 440.949.6053.

MAN RUNS FROM POLICE

AFTER TRYING TO BREAK INTO BUSINESS

Elyria – An alert neighbor on Elyria’s northwest side help foil a break in at the Lowell Street Café Sunday night.

The resident called the Elyria Police after witnessing a man attempting to get into the closed business – they were able to provide Police Dispatchers with a clear description of the man and his vehicle. Police say nearby traffic spooked the suspect and he fled the scene but with the description they had from the witness a responding Officer spotted the suspect and attempted to pull him over.

The suspect fled and after a short chase he pulled into a driveway on Dewey Ave off Lake Ave and was taken into custody.

Police say that the suspect, Ricky Michaels of Elyria, has a lengthy record of theft, breaking and entering and passing bad checks.

Ironically, the driveway he pulled into on Dewey belongs to an employee of the Lowell Street Café.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

CARLIN DIES OF HEART FAILURE

George Carlin

1937 ~ 2008

Grammy Award winning Comedian George Carlin died at the age of 71 in Santa Monica, California Sunday night according to his publicist Jeff Abraham.

Carlin, who had a history of heart problems, went to the hospital Sunday afternoon complaining of heart trouble. The cause of death has been ruled as heart failure.

Carlin is survived by his wife, Sally Wade; daughter Kelly; son-in-law, Bob McCall, brother Patrick and sister-in-law, Marlene. Carlin’s first wife, Brenda Hosbrook, died in 1997.

RESCUING TIMBER

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE DOG IN SEWER

Sheffield Village – Bob Kwasny and his son were out picking lettuce in their back yard Sunday afternoon as the rains started rolling in. Everything was going well until Kwasny looked around for his dog, 10 year old Timber.

“He had been outside with us and he usually doesn’t leave the yard, so when we couldn’t find him we started getting worried.” Kwasny said that after a 45 minute search they could hear Timber barking – that led them to the sewer in the back yard. “He must have been looking for shelter when it started raining really hard and got down into the sewer. We could hear him but we couldn’t see him through the grate because he was stopped in the middle of the pipe – so we got one of his toys and lured him to us with the squeaking noise.”

Once they got Timber close enough they were able to hook his lease to his collar but still weren’t able to get him out through the grate. Kwasny called 9-1-1 and explained the situation to the Police – a short time later Firefighters from Sheffield Village Fire Department arrived and accessed the situation.

Firefighters were able to use a saw and cut around the grate in order to free Timber. After a few minutes Timber was reunited with his happy and relieved family.

To see more photos from the rescue scene: CLICK HERE

ROUND TWO SET & READY

PROMOTERS: “NO TOLERANCE” POLICY IN PLACE

TMCNEWS/Christopher Willemin

Fight fans mark your calendars! Superior Cage Fighting and Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield Village have announced the date for Round Two of the Quaker Fight Series as Friday, July 11th, 2008 at 7PM.

Anyone who attended the first round of the Quaker Fight Series probably thought it was an awesome event, and will most likely return for Round Two. It is also likely, however, that many people who attended the first round would remember the incident following the final fight. Apparently there was an interaction between the losing fighter and a crowd member, which resulted in a disturbance and the police being called. While promoters say this incident was widely blown out of proportion and made to sound worse than it actually was, they still have every intention of preventing anything like this from happening again. Officials from Superior Cage Fighting and management from Quaker Steak & Lube have made many improvements this time around to ensure the safety and well being of everyone who attends.

One major improvement for the event will be the layout of the venue. They’ve redesigned the entrance area for the fighters so that there can be no interaction between them and the crowd. In addition to this, promoters will also have a security team three times larger than the original, and they’ve already instated a “No Tolerance” policy, declaring that any misbehavior will result in immediate removal from the event.

Quaker Steak also drastically improved the layout by adding 14,400 square feet of tent covered seats, as well as ushers who are available to escort customers to their seats. Customers can also purchase tickets that allow them to be seated in the VIP section.

The restaurant and bar will also be open – complete with televisions broadcasting the fight live from right outside.

It’s true that the promoters have been working relentlessly to ensure that this next event is completely safe, but they haven’t sacrificed any of the fun aspects to do so. At Round Two of the Quaker Fight series, the first two hundred and fifty customers through the door will receive a free T-Shirt courtesy of UVstreetwear.com.

Fans planning to arrive late shouldn’t worry one bit – apparel from the brands Ultra Violent and Black and Blue will be available for sale. Free raffles will also be available and include prizes like fight gloves autographed by UFC Veteran Jason “Dynamite” Dent – an event T-Shirt autographed by every fighter from ROUND TWO and the grand prize will be a VIP Table for the next Superior Cage Fighting Event.

To learn more about Superior Cage Fighting’s ROUND TWO in the QUAKER FIGHT SERIES: www.superiorcagefighting.com

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

UPDATE:
The National Weather Service now has Lorain County under a Severe Thunderstorm WATCH until 8PM.
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The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for East Central Lorain County.

At 1:14 PM the National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a Severe Thunderstorm near Medina moving northeast at 20MPH.

The Warning is in effect until 2:15PM.

Please report hail or strong winds to the National Weather Service by calling toll free – 877.633.6772 – When you can do so SAFELY!

WEATHER ALERT: TORNADO WARNING

The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WARNING for extreme northwestern Ashland County, East Central Huron County and Southern Lorain County and West Central Medina County.

At 5:01 PM National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM caspable of producing a TORNADO near WELLINGTON – or about 10 miles east of Fitchville and moving east at 34MPH.

Other locations in the WARNING include, but are not limited to, LaGrange & Spencer.

The Warning is in effect until 5:45PM.

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS AVAILABLE.SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

SEARCH SUSPENDED

The Coast Guard has suspended its search today for a person that was reported in distress and in the water last night.

The nearly 12 hour search included Firefighters from Lorain, Paramedics from LifeCare Ambulance, Lorain Police Officers, members of the Lorain County Urban Search & Rescue Team and the Coast Guard with a Dolphin Helicopter and 41-foot utility boat, turned up nothing and will not resume unless new information comes into authorities.

NINE YEAR OLD CRASHES VAN

HEADING TO SEE DAD WITH LITTLE SISTER

Lorain – A 9 year old boy and his 5 year old sister just wanted to go find their dad this morning – they just went about getting there the wrong way.

The precocious kids grabbed the keys to the family van, left a note for their sleeping mom and took off. The kid’s destination was BFI in Carlisle Township where their father worked. They only made it about two miles before crashing into a fence in the 3700 block of Elyria Ave.

LifeCare Paramedics had the two children in the ambulance while Police Officers went to their home, picked up mom and brought her to the scene. She traveled in the ambulance as the kids were taken to Community Health Partners for evaluation. Herb de la Porte, Vice President of LifeCare Ambulance said that both children received only minor injuries during the crash.

At this time no charges have been filed.

Photo courtesy wkyc.com

SEARCH CALLED OFF FOR THE NIGHT

Lorain – An extensive search of the shoreline late Tuesday night turned up nothing by rescuers.

Assistant Chief Randy Hupp of the Lorain Fire Department said that their operation would end shortly after 3am – ending a nearly 4 hour search for a man that witnesses say was in the water and in distress. “Someone called the Police and reported that he had heard and seen a person in the lake in the area of 5000 West Erie Ave. He stated the man was about 50 to 100 yards out in the water and that he followed him along the shoreline for about 5 minutes before he lost sight of him.”

Firefighters began doing shoreline searches while the Coast Guard searched with a boat and a helicopter. Members from the Lorain County Technical Rescue Response Team arrived on scene to assist with manpower. “They will use their team to research certain areas thoroughly and I would imagine that when they finish we will wrap things up tonight and then reevaluate the situation first thing in the morning.”

Hupp said he believed the Coast Guard would continue searching throughout the night.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

SEARCH FOR MAN SPOTTED IN LAKE

HAPPENING NOW
Lorain – Members of the United States Coast Guard, Lorain Fire Department, LifeCare Ambulance and Lorain Police are all on scene in the 5000 block of West Erie Ave. searching for a man in Lake Erie.

Officials received word of a man in the water behind the trailer park at 5000 West Erie and witnesses said he was seen signaling that he was in trouble. The man was last seen drifting east.

Firefighters and Coast Guard officials are setting up a search perimeter.

More details as they become available.

WELLINGTON BIKE PARADE

ATTEMPTS TO BREAK WORLD RECORD

Wellington – Thousands flocked to Wellington on Saturday for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure’s 20th annual event in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of bicycles. Sadly, even though they had almost 2,000 bicycles they still fell short.

Riding in the parade was open to the general public as well as to all GOBA riders. All parade participants had to ride a 2-wheeled bicycle, be able to ride 2 to 3 miles, and had to wear helmets.

The Wellington Police Department led the parade from the Wellington Fair Grounds through downtown ending at the Village Hall where the opening ceremonies took place.

Riders began cycling on Sunday, June 15th, covering an average of 50 miles per day, and will overnight in Galion on Sunday, Mt. Vernon on Monday and Tuesday, Coshocton on Wednesday and Thursday, and Orrville on Friday, and will return to Wellington on Saturday.

The tour is owned and operated by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, a non-profit organization, for the benefit of bicycle-related projects in Ohio. GOBA's long time sponsor is Bob Evans Restaurants, whose contributions have made the tour possible. In 2007, 2,400 people from 38 states, England, Japan, the Virgin Islands, and Canada took part in the tour. Included in this number were many families: typically, nearly 20% of the participants are children traveling with their parents, making GOBA the largest family-oriented bicycle tour in the world.

The hallmark of the weeklong tour is the partnership with each of the host towns. Planning for the bicycle parade as well as the other festivities on the first weekend are the culmination of the cooperation and hard work of local organizations, such as Main Street Wellington, the Village of Wellington, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

To see more photos from the parade: CLICK HERE
For best viewing click the “slideshow” button on the top right of the photo page

HONORING QIANA

VIGIL PHOTOS

Elyria – Family and friends of Qiana Walton gathered together Sunday night in the parking lot of GAS USA to pay respects to their friend and to show support to the her family.

People began arriving around 9:30 and by ten the crowd grew to over 100. Friends and people who never met Qiana placed flowers, teddy bears and other items in a make shift memorial by the station’s front doors. People were also lined up to sign a large card that had been taped to the front window.

As the crowd waited for the family to arrive from Lorain they talked to one another – some talking to total strangers expressing their anger, their hurt and their confusion on how this crime could have happened and why such a sweet girl could have been taken from them.

About a half hour into it the conversations stopped – the area was silent as several calls pulled into the parking lot with Qiana’s family. As family members began the walk to the building to see the memorial, the crowd parted – making a clear aisle for the grieving family. Qiana’s father & mother had to have assistance in getting through the crowd – struggling to make the walk they said it was something they knew they had to do.

A young family member expressed the gratitude of Qiana’s mother and father and the entire family. He said that their love and support has helped the family get through this weekend.

Along with Mom and Dad, several family members entered the station – dad was escorted to the office area where his daughter was found early Saturday morning.

The family then returned to their cars and headed for home. Monday they begin making arrangements for Qiana’s funeral.

Matt Swabb, Coordinator of the South Elyria Block Watch, said that as tragic as this is, the Southside of Elyria is showing improvement from what it once was and believes it will again be a great neighborhood. “This was an absolutely horrible thing that happened but I am proud of the neighborhood and how they have rallied around her friends and co-workers. This shows that there are very good people living and raising families on the Southside of town.”


Swabb said that the owners of GAS USA have said in the past that they would hire security for the store, if they were only allowed to obtain a liquor license. “I am firmly against them selling liquor here and they know that but they did come to our recent Block Watch meeting, so they are showing that they want to be a part of the neighborhood. I just wish they had gotten that security anyway. I am concerned that they don’t have better security measures in place, the idea of having one person closing the store on a Friday night at midnight all alone is just wrong and I hope they change that policy.”

Swabb said he and his group from the neighborhood will continue to work with the owners of GAS USA and try to get them to improve their security policies.

Eric Jones grew up in the neighborhood and now lives a little further north. He says that the neighborhood had gone down hill over the years and became a very dangerous place to live.

Rosetta Lankey, a very close friend and fellow employee at GAS USA said that Qiana had an infectious smile and that it was almost impossible to make her mad. “You could try to make her mad, but she would just smile or laugh at you and just move on. She was so full of life and was just the best friend you could ever have, I will miss her so much. This is a painful time for so many people because she touched so many lives.”

The photo page link has been corrected
To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

TEEN CITED IN ROLL OVER CRASH

Eaton Township – State Troopers say that a teen driving with a temporary permit turned into the path of a Ford Ranger Saturday night in Eaton Township.

The Windstar van was traveling east on Route 82 in Eaton when the teen, with the family in the van with him, attempted to make a left turn onto Hawke Road – causing a collision with the Ranger that was traveling west on 82.

The collision sent the Ranger off the road and rolling it onto its top. The van spun around and came to rest on Hawke Road.

Chief Phil Slack of the Eaton Township Fire Department said that although there was some minor scrapes none of the 6 people involved wanted to be transported to the hospital.

Trooper Lance Deshuk of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that the young driver, who had his father in the passenger seat, was cited for Failure to Yield a Left Turn.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

Remember if you are driving and see an accident scene ahead, “SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER” – Allow Police, Fire, EMS and Tow Services to do their jobs without becoming a victim.

SHUFFLE UP AND DEAL

Operation Open Heart and Father Ragan Charitable Foundation invite all Texas Hold Em players to their tournament on June 21st at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Avon.

When: June 21st, 2008 at 6 pm, doors open at 5:00 pm for registration, if you have pre-registered please be there by 5:30 pm.

Where: Knights of Columbus Hall - 1783 Moore Rd. - Avon

Benefit: The tournament will benefit Operation Open Heart. A 501(c)(3) charity helping orphaned and foster children of Lorain County.

Buy in: $60, no re-buys or add-ons. Food and pop will be provided with the entrance fee. If you pre-register by June 18th you will receive an additional 500 in chips.

No alcohol will be allowed at the tournament.

Structure: 2500 in starting chips, unless you register and pay by June 17th which will give a 500 chip bonus. Blinds will be half hour (30 minute) increments as follows: 25/50, 50/100, 150/300, 250/500, (20 minute break) 500/1000, 1000/2000, 2000/4000, 3000/6000, (15 minute break) 4000/8000, 5000/10,000

Payout: Based on 100 players, may change based on attendance. 1st-$1500, 2nd-$800, 3rd-$440, 4th-$220, 5th-$140, 6th-$120, 7th- $100, 8th-$60, 9th-$60, 10th-$60.


For more information or to register contact:
Visit www.OperationOpenHeart.org - Register and pay online!

Tony Lee at tonylee43@yahoo.com or 440-371-0625
Tom Dunegan at tdunegan@avonpd.com or 440-541-4750
Richard Pozywak at rpozywak@graftonpolice.net or 440-315-2044

THE FACE OF EVIL

Elyria – Elyria Police have released the name of the suspect in the robbery – homicide at GAS USA early Saturday morning.

Police have charged 27-year-old Vincent W. Jackson of Chicago Illinois today with Aggravated Murder (F-1) and Aggravated Robbery (F-1). Jackson is currently being held in the Elyria City Jail and will appear in Elyria Municipal Court Monday morning for his arraignment. Jackson is being held without bond.

Police say that Jackson was seen on surveillance video instructing the victim, 27-year-old Qiana Walton of Lorain, to take him to and give him the money from the store. The video shows that it appears Walton followed all of Jackson’s instructions – giving him an undisclosed amount of money from the business. It was then that Jackson pointed his gun at Walton and shot her once in the head – killing her. Jackson then fled the scene on foot.

At 7:30 Sunday morning Police located Jackson at the home of his sister at 1020 West Ave. Jackson remained in the attic of the home for nearly four hours with a four-year-old child and four month old child. The children belonged to the suspect’s sister. After lengthy negotiations with Elyria Police Jackson released the four year old first and then turned himself in – Police returned both children to the mother unharmed.

Police believe they have retrieved the firearm used in the crime. Police also say there is no indication that the suspect and victim knew each other.

Family and friends are planning a candlelight vigil for Qiana Walton at the GAS USA in Elyria located at 824 Middle Ave.

POLICE CAPTURE HOMICIDE SUSPECT

Elyria – Less than 24 hours after a man robbed and murdered a GAS USA clerk in Elyria – Police have taken a man into custody.

Lieutenant Andy Eichenlaub of the Elyria Police Department said that the investigation by Detectives led Police to a residence on West Ave early this morning. “At 12:17 last night we investigated a robbery – homicide at GAS USA at 824 Middle Ave. The video coverage of that led us to this address at 1020 West Ave. We contacted the owners here and learned that the suspect that we were looking for was located in the upstairs of the house. The suspect had a 4-year-old child and a 4-month-old child with him in the upstairs of the house. The negotiators talked to him for some time and convinced him to let the 4 year old go – the 4 year old came down and he was released to his mother. A short time after that he turned himself in without incident and the 4 month old was returned unharmed to his mom.”

Lt. Eichenlaub said that at this point Officers are waiting for a search warrant to arrive so they can execute that and begin their search for the weapon used and any additional evidence.

Continue to check back as information comes in we’ll bring it to you.

SCENE PHOTOS

STORE CLERK SHOT AND KILLED

BREAKING NEWS

Elyria – Elyria Police are working at this hour to identify the suspect in a late night robbery – homicide that took place at GAS USA on Middle Ave just after midnight.

Police and Paramedics were called to the gas station around 12:30am after friends of the victim called Police and said they could see the victim lying unresponsive and bleeding. When Officers and Paramedics arrived they found the 26-year-old clerk dead on the floor inside of the station office.

Police expect to release surveillance video from inside the station later today in an attempt to get help from the public in identifying the suspect.

Check back with TMCNEWS.NET for more information and the photos of the suspect later today.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

RUSSERT DEAD AT 58

TIM RUSSERT

1950 - 2008

Tim Russert, long time bureau chief of NBC NEWS and host of Meet the Press, died today while at work. NBC reports that Russert was doing voice over work for this Sunday’s program when he collapsed. Russert was rushed to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, said Russert’s physician, Michael Newman.

Russert was born May 7, 1950 and was a graduate of John Carroll University and the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He joined NBC in 1984 and took over Meet the Press in 1991. Russert has been praised one of the best political minds of his generation. Earlier this year, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

WOMAN DRIVES OFF ROAD

TAKES DOWN UTILITY POLE & WIRES

Elyria Township – Fred Shepherd was heading out to get the mail from his street side mailbox on Murray Ridge Road Friday afternoon at the same time an Elyria woman lost control of her vehicle just up the road. Shepherd said he heard a noise and looked over and saw the car going sideways off the road. “I saw it leave the road and strike the pole then it rolled over. Then the power lines started coming down so I just ran like hell back towards the house.” Even with a cell phone in his pocket Shepherd said that he yelled for his wife to call 9-1-1.

According to Trooper Jeff Kaess of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that the driver, 43 year old Melissa Rosemond of Elyria was traveling south on Murray Ridge Road in her 2007 Dodge Nitro when she drifted off of the left side of the road. “We are not sure at this point if she blacked out before drifting off the road or not. She struck the utility pole head on, the vehicle overturned after striking the pole causing the power lines to come down.”

Captain Brian Bell of the Elyria Township Fire Department said that Rosemond was out of the vehicle when Firefighters arrived. Bell said Rosemond was restrained at the time of the crash and that although she had no apparent visible injuries she was taken to Elyria Memorial for evaluation.

Trooper Kaess said that Rosemond will be charged with Failure to Control.


To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

WEEKEND WEATHER – WET

The National Weather Service in Cleveland is forecasting Thunderstorms for our area this weekend.

Warm, moist and unstable air will continue across the region today and tonight. The heat during the day will make the atmosphere even more unstable creating a slight risk of Severe Thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight.

The Thunderstorms have the potential to dump locally heavy rain – small streams and creeks may reach or exceed the banks if the storms remain persistent over an area.


THE WEEKEND
This Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. South wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 67. South wind between 10 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. West wind between 9 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. West wind around 6 mph.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southwest wind between 8 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

BUILDING EVACUATION DRILL

Elyria – If you happened to be driving through downtown Elyria Thursday afternoon and wondered why there were so many people in Ely Square and roads were blocked off around the Justice Center – Not to worry, it was just a safety drill.

Tom Kelley, Director of Lorain County Emergency Management and Homeland Security said that today’s drill was just one part of an ongoing effort to ensure safety in all County buildings. “Today’s drill was organized between our office, the Elyria Fire Department, Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and the County Safety and Risk Office. Last month we met with every employee in the Justice Center for 30 minutes and went over safety and evacuation plans for the building.”

Kelley said that the drill was triggered, not by a fire alarm, but a telephone alert system through his office. “We wanted something distinct for this type of evacuation so we utilized the telephone alert system and it worked out very well today.”

The way it worked:
Once the telephone alert system sounded all employees evacuated the Justice Center and headed for their designated spot inside of Ely Square. Once everyone was in the Square each Department Head did a roll call to make sure their people were all accounted for. The Department Head then headed to the Command Post to report in either that all of their people were accounted for or that they had people missing.

Kelley said that with the Department Heads reporting into the Command Post letting Officials know if everyone is accounted for or not saves time searching the building unnecessarily.

The building’s Safety Committee is headed up by Lorain County Judge Mark Betleski and they will meet next month to review today’s drill and to get ready for the next building. Next up is the County Administration Building at 226 Middle Ave.

POWER OUTAGE IN ELYRIA

Elyria – Another hot day – Another day without power. Many residents and businesses in Elyria’s south side and much of Carlisle Township’s north side was without power Thursday afternoon after a power surge blew transformers along Oberlin-Elyria Road.

Carlisle Township Fire Department received multiple calls of an “electrical explosion” in front of 628 Oberlin-Elyria Road. Lieutenant Randy Feakins of the Carlisle Township Fire Department said when he arrived he found that primary lines had come loose and were wrapped around the secondary lines below. “Much of the power was out along that stretch as we were responding to the area. The traffic lights at Route 20 & 301 were knocked out so the State has set up a generator to help keep them running until Ohio Edison restores full power to the area.”

The outage caused surges throughout the area causing damage to residences homes and in some cases appliances. Feakins said Firefighters responded to a home on LaGrange Road after the homeowners heard several “popping” noises from inside their home. “As soon as we entered the home we smelled that very distinct electrical burning odor. We found that a computer had blown up during the surge but there was no other damage to the home.”

Elyria Police Officers were called to Colonial Oaks on Middle Ave after a resident thought he saw a man shooting at a transformer just before the power outage. Officers found several electrical connection boxes to vacant lots had blown their caps during the surge and found nobody with a gun.

By late afternoon most of the affected area had power restored with some customers along Middle Ave waiting for the juice.

To see more photos: CLICK HERE

TWO MEN SHOT IN LORAIN

Lorain – Police in Lorain are working to find out who pulled the trigger in a double shooting in Lorain’s Southside Wednesday night.

Police responded to the area of East 29th and Fulton shortly before 9PM after they received calls of a shooting.

Both victims are in their 20’s and were treated on scene by LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics and transported to Community Health Partners Emergency Room. Both victims are being treated for gunshot wounds to their legs.

Both men have been flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

PLAYING A DEADLY GAME

WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES

LaGrange Township – Someone pulling trashcans from people’s yards and placing them in the street in part caused a motorcycle crash in LaGrange early this morning on Biggs Road.

Chief James Rader of LaGrange Township Fire & Rescue said the victim, 20-year-old Samuel Spector of Grafton, lost control of his bike after striking the trashcans that were on the roadway. “We found him and his bike lying in a ditch about a half mile east of Route 301 on Biggs Road. The victim was conscious and alert the entire time speaking with us and other then a fractured femur it appears that any other injuries are all minor in nature.”

Firefighters treated Spector at the scene – then transported him to Community Park in LaGrange where they were met by a LifeFlight team. Spector was then flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Troopers cited Spector for “operating a vehicle without reasonable control”.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE



Remember if you are driving and see an accident scene ahead, “SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER” – Allow Police, Fire, EMS and Tow Services to do their jobs without becoming a victim.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST INVITE

The Vermilion Firefighters invite you to join them for a Pancake Breakfast this Saturday – June 14th – at their Firehouse #1 located at 5467 Ohio Street.

The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage & eggs. Toppings for the pancakes include fruit, whipped cream and for the traditionalists, syrup. To wash your breakfast down the Firefighters will be offering coffee, juice and milk.

The cost for all this – the Firefighters are asking only for a donation from their morning diners. Please be generous.

Firefighters will start flappin the jacks at 8am – Get in early and dig in.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Cleveland issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING at 7:57 PM for North Central Ohio – the warning will be in effect until 9:00 PM.

The Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM capable of producing penny size hail and destructive winds in excess of 70MPH. This storm was located 7 miles east of New London, about near Fitchville, and moving at 53MPH.

The National Weather Service states that this is a DANGEROUS STORM. They warn that if you are in the path prepare immediately for damaging winds, destructive hail and DEADLY CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTENING. People outside should move to shelter – preferably inside a strong building but away from windows.

Please report6 HAIL or STRONG WINDS to the National Weather Service (When you can do so SAFELY) by calling toll free – 877.633.6772

HUNDREDS LOSE POWER IN ELYRIA

Elyria – With the temperatures hitting 90 again today many people took refuge in their homes with the air conditioners and fans going on high speed. Hundreds of homes on Elyria’s southeast side remained HOT though when the power went off.

Lieutenant Jamie Norris of the Elyria Fire Department said that a large tree that fell on Prospect Street brought some power lines down with it, causing the power outage. “When we arrived we found that the tree had fallen, probably due to the winds and insect infestation. When it fell it pulled down the power lines from Case to Harvard Ave. The affected area was from East Broad Street to Ashland Ave.”

Elyria Police Officers were directing traffic around the area and at East Broad & South Abbe for several hours.

Lt. Norris said that they were very fortunate today tha Ohio Edison arrived on scene just after the tree had fallen. “They were enroute there to actually do routine maintenance work on the light pole that was brought down by the tree. So it was a coincidence that they were there, but it worked out very well for us.”

Most of the power has been restored and Ohio Edison believes that the area should be back to 100% by this evening.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

CRASH SENDS MOM TO HOSPITAL

Carlisle Township – A collision Sunday afternoon on Route 301 sent a mother and her two children to the hospital.

Trooper Lance Deshuk of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that the investigation is ongoing, but at this point it appears the woman driving the van pulled in front of the other vehicle. “She was traveling south on Route 301 and was going to make a left turn onto the ramp to go east on Route 20 when she collided with the Honda.”

Witnesses riding motorcycles right behind the mini-van said the woman “just turned right in front of the car.” The Honda CRV was traveling north on 301 at the time of the crash.

The woman was transported with her two children to Elyria Memorial for evaluation. Neither of the children were injured in the crash. The driver of the Honda was treated at the scene for injuries to his hand but refused transport to the hospital.

For the pet lovers out there – the dog you see in the photos was riding in the Honda and also escaped without injury.

Trooper Deshuk said that charges are likely for the driver of the van.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE

COOLIN' OFF

Elyria – With temperatures hitting in the 90’s throughout the area people were looking for ways to cool off. A group of kids in Elyria took advantage of an open fire hydrant on Tedman Court in Wilkes Villa Sunday.

The National Weather Service is forecasting another day in the 90’s for Monday with a chance of Thunderstorms Monday night.

To see more photos: CLICK HERE

PLANE CRASH IN FREMONT ~ 6 KILLED

FREMONT – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has responded to a fatal plane crash that occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. today that killed six people in Sandusky County.

A single-engine 68 Cessna fixed-wing airplane departed to the east from the Fremont airport and for an unknown reason crashed shortly after take-off into a residential area on the west side of Fremont, south of Hayes Avenue, killing all on-board. There is no indication of any ground structures being impacted and no one on the ground was affected.

Killed in the crash were:
Gene Damschroder Sr., 86, of Fremont (pilot)
Bill Anstead, 62, of Lindsay
Allison Anstead, 23, of Lindsay
Daniel Gerwin, 31, of Gibsonburg
Emily Gerwin, 4, of Gibsonburg
Matt Clearman, 25, of Maumee

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are en-route to the scene. The Fremont Police Department, Fremont Fire Department, Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, Balleville Fire Department, and Clyde Fire Department Communications Center are also on-scene.

Damschroder served as a Republican State Representative from 1973 to 1983. He ran for State Representative again in 1984 and then for Sandusky Commissioner in 1990 – both attempts were unsuccessful. Damschroder was also the owner of Fremont Progress Field Airport; Steel Panel Building Company.

LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER DIES

Jim McKay

1921 ~ 2008

Legendary sportscaster Jim McKay died Saturday morning in Monkton, Maryland of natural causes.

McKay, born September 24, 1921 in Philadelphia as James Kenneth McManus, was best known for hosting ABC’s Wide World of Sports from 1961 to 1998. His signature line, “…the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat” is one of the most quotable lines in the sports world. McKay was also known for his coverage of 12 Olympics, the Kentucky Derby, the British Open and the Indianapolis 500 to just name a few.

McKay’s son, Sean McManus, is President of CBS Sports and News Division.

Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports . . .

the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat . . .

the human drama of athletic competition.

This is ABC's Wide World of Sports.

Spoken by Jim McKay

TOO MANY KIDS IN THE VAN?

Since the crash in Carlisle Township Thursday morning, many people having been questioning if the new teen driving law was broken with the 17 year old driver having 4 other teens in the van at the time of the crash.

The law (House Bill 343) that went into effect in April of 2007 applies to drivers under the age of 17. Some of the changes in the law included the following:

- Probationary driver license holders under the age of 17 will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle with more than one person who is not a family member in the vehicle, unless accompanied by the license holder's parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have shown that one passenger doubles the risk of a crash among teen drivers, two passengers triple the risk, and three or more passengers increase the risk by more than six.

- Probationary driver license holders between 17 and 18 years of age will be restricted from driving between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless the holder is accompanied by a parent or guardian, with the following exceptions: an emergency situation, driving to or from a school activity, or driving to or from work. Travel to or from work is permitted provided the teen has written documentation from the employer.

- Probationary license holders under the age of 17 are prohibited from driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian with the same exceptions as above. This is a change to the previous restriction of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

- Permit holders under the age of 18 will be prohibited from driving between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or legal custodian who holds a valid license. This is a change to the previous restriction of 1a.m. to 5 a.m.

- If a probationary driver license holder under the age of 17 is convicted of having committed one moving violation during the first six months of having a driver's license, the person must be accompanied by a parent or guardian whenever operating a motor vehicle during the six-month period commencing on the date on which the person is convicted of or pleads guilty to the moving violation or until the person turns 17.