HOW DO YOU PUNISH A CHILD THIEF?

Elyria – If you happened to pass by the Elyria Police Station on West Ave this morning you might have been wondering what the girl with the sign was doing there. She was being punished by her Mother – that’s what she was doing there.

Trina, a 17 year old Elyria girl, was busted stealing by her Mother and part of her punishment was to sit out front of the Police Station Sunday with a sign that read; “I’m a thief, don’t trust me.”

Trina said that she was quickly learning her lesson as the cold rain began to fall on her umbrella. When asked how long she was supposed to sit with her sign she said; “My mom is picking me up when she is done at Church.”

Does this type of punishment work? How does it sit with you?

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FIREFIGHTERS RETURN DALLAS

Lorain – Lorain Firefighters returned to 1011 East 33rd Street this morning to fight a fire at the same house they fought a blaze at on Friday night.

Neighbors said they first noticed the light smoke filling the neighborhood, one said it looked like fog filling the area. “I live behind the house on the next street and we ran over here when we realized that it was a fire. We called 9-1-1 right away when we saw the flames shooting up the front of the house.”

Although the home had been boarded up after the last fire, neighbors say that the boards covering the back door had been forcibly removed.

When Firefighters arrived they found the front of the home fully involed. They were able to extinguish the blaze quickly and worked to check for extensions and perform overhaul of the home.

Firefighters from surrounding communities responded to the same home Friday night around 10pm to battle a fire while other Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze at Freddy’s Auto on East 28th and Denver. The Friday fire was listed as suspicious and today’s will likely be deemed the same.

PHOTO GALLERY

Top Photo Credit: Kyle Work

MIDWAY MALL T.G.I. FRIDAY’S CLOSES

EMPLOYEES TOLD EARLY THIS MORNING

Elyria – Management of T.G.I. Friday’s, located at Elyria’s Midway Mall, made phone calls this morning around 8am notifying employees that they did not have to show up for work today – the store is closed for good.

The news came as a shock to the employees who just last night told TMC NEWS that although they have had some slow periods, the business had been picking up during the holiday season.

With an off duty Elyria Police Officer, hired by Friday’s, on hand the signs went up on the doors telling employees and customers about the closing. A large Ryder truck arrived around 9am to start removing items from the store.

The sign read: “Although it is a very difficult decision, we have made the business decision to close this location. We thank our employees and guests for their years of support and we invite you to continue to enjoy T.G.I. Friday’s at Westlake, Brooklyn, Strongsville or any of the other 9 locations in the Cleveland/Akron area. Be reassured that all gift certificates will be accepted these or any of the other 660 T.G.I. Friday’s across the United States.”

LAKE AVE HOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE

Elyria Township – A fire in an abandoned house on Lake Ave was the fourth structure fire that Firefighters in Lorain County battled on Friday night.

Assistant Chief Russ Scarbrough of the Elyria Township Fire Department said that his department received a all of a possible house fire around 11:30pm Friday night. “When we arrived we found heavy fire on the front part of the structure and the south part of the structure. The house was boarded up so we decided to make it a defensive attack also, due to the amount of other fires going on in the county we immediately had mutual aid coming from Carlisle Township Fire as we were leaving our station.”

Although one of Elyria Township’s Engines was in Amherst assisting at a fire there, Scarbrough said that while they were responding that Engine was clearing Amherst and began responding to the Lake Ave fire. “Even though they were responding it was obviously going to be a delayed response. We have an automatic mutual aid agreement with Sheffield Township but they were in the city of Lorain and their two structure fires. We were fortunate that even with all that was going on in the county we had a good response from our crews and Carlisle Township. We also requested mutual aid from Sheffield Village for their aerial truck and also their Chief, Chief Jeff Young, to have another Chief Officer on scene.”

Firefighters were able to knock down much of the fire but there was still heavy fire in the roof. “Sheffield Village’s aerial truck was able get up there, cut a hole in the roof and knock the rest of the fire down.”

Scarbrough said Del Lumber owns the home and the people who had been renting it showed up to the scene. They told officials on scene that the house has been vacant and boarded up for about two weeks.

A crew remained on scene overnight on fire watch and the Lorain County Fire Investigators were scheduled to arrive on the scene at 8am Saturday morning to attempt to locate the cause of the blaze.

PHOTO GALLERY

BUNDLED UP & READY TO SHOP

Elyria – Shoppers proved that they are willing to do just about anything to get a great bargain this Holiday season – even camping out.

Joe Smith of Elyria said that he has his eye on a new computer. “I have a couple things that I would like to walk away with but primarily it’s the computer so camping out here is no big deal.” Smith arrived at 8PM to the Elyria Midway Mall and joined others who had already set up their campsites at the Best Buy store. “I was a little worried about the others ahead of me but I have been canvassing the line and I think I am in pretty good shape.”

Roger Prather won his spot as First In Line by getting there early – really early – too early. “I first got here at 2AM Thursday morning and I was told that I was way too early so I left and came back at 7AM.” Prather sat in the parking lot eyeing his spot and decided at 10AM that he couldn’t wait any longer. “I decided to go ahead and get set up and begin the wait at 10, so I got the tent out and marked my spot. I have been here ever since.”

Like many of the others campers, Prather is in line for a computer and some accessories. A friend of his, Art Thomas Mead, stopped by for moral support throughout the day and night but said he had his reasons for not joining his friend for the long haul. “It’s just not worth freezing your balls off, no computer is worth that.”

Smith said that with the recent slump in the economy he feels that by standing in line to spend his hard earned money, he feels he is doing his part to help out. Many retailers are hoping many others will be doing the same as Smith this holiday season. Some experts believe that if shoppers don’t drop some serious cash over the next moth several big name retail stores will be closing their doors in 2009.

So get out there and shop till you drop.

CRASH IN LAGRANGE INJURES 9

TWO CHILDREN FLOWN TO METRO

LaGrange Township – A two car crash Thursday afternoon has injured 9 people – two kids flown to Cleveland.

LaGrange Fire & Rescue responded to Route 303 and Nickel Plate Diagonal Road after a car and a minivan collided in the intersection. Chief James Rader of the LaGrange Fire Department said that they treated and transported 9 victims from the scene. “In the minivan we had a family of 6; Mom and Dad with their four kids and two Cousins – the kids ranged in age from 5 to 16 years old. The driver of the white car was also transported.”

Two of the children from the minivan, one 16 and the other 12, were both transported to LaGrange Community Park where they met a medical team from Metro LifeFlight. Both children were then flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating the crash.


PHOTO GALLERY

UPDATE: Troopers say that 19-year-old Jared Reinhart of Elyria was driving a white Ford Focus northbound on Diagonal Road failed to yield at a stop sign at the intersection of Diagonal and Route 303. Ray Rader was traveling eastbound in a Dodge minivan on Route 303 at the time along with his wife, four children and two cousins when the collision occurred.

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What are you Thankful for today?

MAN FLEES POLICE – KILLS HIMSELF

Dover - A Massillon man apparently shot himself after fleeing from authorities earlier Monday morning on Interstate 77. Sean D. Gingras, 32, of Massillon, suffered an apparent self-inflicted fatal gunshot wound after a brief standoff on North Wooster Avenue with troopers and Dover Police Officers.

Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s New Philadelphia Post attempted to stop a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier being driven by Gingras for a registration violation northbound near milepost 83 at approximately 1:13 a.m. Monday morning. The driver exited the interstate and fled from authorities into the city of Dover. Both the driver and passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Authorities were able to locate Gingras after a North Wooster Avenue resident contacted Dover Police and reported their garage light, motion activated, came on and they believed there was a man in their vehicle.

The second suspect was later located by Strasburg Police Department at a Marathon Gas Station.
The Tuscarawas County Coroner responded to the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN CRASH

DEVELOPING STORY
Elyria – Two Elyria Police Officers responding to an Armed Robbery at the Red Roof Inn Monday night were involved in a crash on Route 57 at Bell Ave.

Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol who were called to investigate the crash say the Officers were northbound on Route 57 with emergency lights and sirens activated. The Officers, both in one car, attempted to cross Bell Ave when they collided with a small pick up truck.

LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics treated the driver of the truck and transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital with non-serious injuries. Both of the Officers refused any treatment or transport. A LifeCare Wheel Chair Van received minor damage during the collision. The driver of the van also refused any treatment or transport.

Troopers say that at the time of the crash the Officers had a right light and although they did have the emergency lights and sirens going, they did not drive with “due regard for safety.”

Troopers say the Officer driving will likely be charged.

DRIVER FLEES AFTER CRASH

Eaton Township – Firefighters were called to Chestnut Ridge Road late Sunday night after someone reported that a car had crashed into a utility pole.

Firefighters and State Troopers arrived they found the car, the broken utility pole, an empty can of beer next to the car, but they couldn’t find the driver. A search of the immediate area by Firefighters, some with Thermo-Imagers, turned up nothing.

The car suffered heavy damage with both driver & passenger side airbags deploying.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating.


PHOTO GALLERY

HOLIDAY CARDS FOR SOLDIERS

There is an Email going around suggesting that people send Christmas cards to “A Recovering American Soldier” to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Although this is truly a great idea – this is not a sanctioned program through the Medical Center. Walter Reed has issued a release saying that they are not accepting mail addressed to “A Recovering American Soldier.”

However…

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a national "Holiday Mail for Heroes" campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to service members and veterans both in the United States and abroad.

Holiday Mail for Heroes, which began Tuesday, Veterans Day, is a follow-up to the 2007 effort that resulted in the collection and distribution of more than 600,000 cards to hospitalized service members. This year's program will expand its reach to not only wounded service members but also veterans and their families.

The goal is to collect and distribute 1 million pieces of holiday mail.

"As we enter this holiday season-a time to celebrate with family and friends-it's important to remember the thousands of men and women who serve our nation in harm's way and those who are recovering in military and veterans hospitals," said Army Col. Norvell V. Coots, Commander, Walter Reed Health Care System. "The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is a wonderful outreach effort and a great way to acknowledge the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform."

Holiday cards should be mailed to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456

All cards must be postmarked no later than Dec. 10. Cards should not be mailed or delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. For more information, visit www.wramc.amedd.army.mil or www.redcross.org/holidaymail for Holiday Mail for Heroes program guidelines.

Walter Reed is not accepting mail addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier."

“This is what it’s all about…

…people helping people.”

Amherst – More than 100 people started forming a line in downtown Amherst Sunday afternoon, not to see a movie but to receive a free Thanksgiving Day Turkey.

The Turkey Giveaway was organized by Amherst’s newly formed Great Lakes Church. Trina Johnson of Great Lakes Church said that with the economy as bad as it is, people in our community are hurting. “We meet people every Sunday who come to Church and they will us about the hard times they are going through, some will even fill out the prayer cards during the service and ask other to pray for them during this difficult time. We read those cards and we understand that they need help so we talked with 3 other Churches in Amherst and with some local businesses about offering people at least a turkey for the holiday.”

With the money they raised and with a generous discount from a local Wal-Mart, the group had enough to purchase about 70 turkeys by Saturday night. After an article ran in the Lorain Morning Journal however the phones began to ring with questions about the giveaway leaving the group to wonder if 70 would be enough. Hearing about the dilemma, LifeCare Ambulance – who is currently constructing a new station in downtown Amherst – kicked in enough to purchase an addition 10 turkeys.

Rich Johnson, the Lead Pastor of Great Lakes Church, said that the event and turn out far exceeded his expectations. “As you can see we had people lining up about 45 minutes early and we ended up with about 40 people who were unable to leave here today with a turkey.”

Johnson said that his staff took down the names and phone numbers of the 40 people and assured them that they would have a turkey for them Monday night. “Once we saw that we were short we all kind of huddled up and came up with the plan to invite the people back Monday night to pick up their turkeys – then we had to start figuring out how we were going to come up with the money for the extra birds.”


While Johnson was telling the 40 people about their plan b, his volunteer staff from the church began digging into their pockets. Some approached Trina Johnson with cash, others with checkbooks in hand. “We already have such good church family that is very giving and care so much for their community and their neighbors. We collected more than half of what we need to purchase the extra turkeys, so we will take care of getting the rest tomorrow and make sure the people that came here today to get a turkey – will have one for Thanksgiving. This is what it’s all about – people helping people.”



PHOTO GALLERY

EMERGENCY LANDING IN AVON LAKE

Avon Lake – Avon Lake Firefighters and Police were called to the area of Walker Road Park after a small plane made an emergency landing.

Officials say that neither the pilot, 71-year-old Roger Johnston, nor his passenger, 34-year-old Matthew Wilson, were injured during the landing.

The men took off in a 2006 Flight Design CTSW from Burke Lakefront Airport and were returning to Lorain County Regional Airport when they began experiencing engine trouble over the Lake. Johnston was attempting to return to Burke and had been granted clearance to land but was unable to make it due to worsening engine troubles. That is when Johnston put the small plane down in a field on the eastern edge of Avon Lake.

The plane will remain in the field until the FAA can inspect it – once that is done the plane will be disassembled and returned to his hanger at the Lorain County Airport.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is also investigating the crash.

WOMAN PLOWS INTO 6-PARKED CARS

Elyria – A woman driving on Broad Street through downtown Elyria Saturday night drove into a line of cars parked on the side of the road.

Ray Hanini owns Hanini’s Sub & Corned Beef shop on Broad Street between East Ave and Washington Ave. – he and his employees said they heard the crash and ran outside. “It was crazy to see the damage – there was a truck up on the sidewalk right next door and busted up cars were everywhere.”

Robin Redel was standing outside of the Tattoo Lounge and watched as the crash happened. “We saw her coming from East Ave towards us (westbound) in the eastbound lane. She had to be going between 40 & 45 MPH. Then when she got near Hanini’s a car passed her going the opposite way and that’s when she veered left and into the cars.”

When the woman’s car struck the first car the rest fell like dominos. Cars and trucks were thrown around with a Ford Explorer ending up on the sidewalk near the entrance to Bugsy’s. The woman’s car came to rest in the center of Broad Street – Redel, a former EMT, ran to provide aid to the driver. “I could tell that she seemed out of it before she even struck the first car and when I got to her she was very confused. She said she wasn’t aware of the crash and wasn’t sure where she was, although I think she might have been coming from school cause she was wearing a college ID around her neck.”

An Elyria Police Officer who was traveling on Broad Street rolled up on the crash just after it happened and called for an ambulance.

LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters responded to the scene and treated the woman. Paramedics then transported her to Elyria Memorial Hospital.

Broad Street remained closed for about an hour, between Washington Ave and East Ave, while Elyria Police Officers worked to put the pieces of the puzzle together and Mug’s Towing Technicians worked to pull the cars apart and off the sidewalk.

The crash remains under investigation.


PHOTO GALLERY

WANNA FREE DR. PEPPER?

The folks at Dr Pepper never thought it would happen, but now that it is they are paying up. You see, back in March the makers of the pop (soft-drink for our Texas readers) said that if the band Guns N Roses’ “Chinese Democracy” album dropped in 2008, they would give everyone a free bottle of Dr Pepper.

In a written release from Dr Pepper’s Vice President of Marketing, Tony Jacob said; “We never thought the day would come, but now that it’s here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper’s on us.”

If you would like your FREE Dr Pepper just logon: www.drpepper.com to obtain your coupon. The coupons will available for only 24 hours and will be honored until February 28th.

APARTMENT FIRE KILLS FAMILY CAT

Elyria – An apartment fire in Elyria kept Firefighters busy Saturday evening and has taken the life of the family cat.

Elyria Firefighters were called to Evergreen Village Apartments at 1100 Oakwood Dr. Saturday just after 5pm for a reported smell of smoke in the building. When Firefighters arrived they found smoke coming from apartment 203. Firefighters had to kick down the door after receiving no response.

Several pieces of furniture were on fire in the apartment and they were quickly extinguished by Firefighters.

Captain Jim Cawley of the Elyria Fire Department said that the man who lives in the apartment told him that he had left for work at about 4:30pm. The damage estimate is being placed at $15,000.00. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

PHOTO GALLERY

THREE CAR COLLISION ON ROUTE 58

TWO MEN EXTRICTAED

FROM OVER TURNED TRUCK

New Russia Township – A three car collision in New Russia Township Friday afternoon sent two people to the hospital – one to Cleveland by helicopter.

Troopers say that the three vehicles were all traveling north on Route 58, north of Russia Road when the crash occurred. The first vehicle, a red Chevy Pick Up, was driven by David Brown Jr. of Lorain. Brown, with his father, David Brown Sr., were slowing down to make a right hand turn into parking lot when a red Honda, driven by 18 year old Jacob Hambly, rear-ended the truck. A silver Mercury then rear-ended the Honda.

The collision sent the truck rolling onto its driver’s side and coming to rest in the Parking lot of Molnar Outdoor, while the Honda went off the left side of the road ending up in a ditch. The Mercury came to rest off the right side of the road in a yard with moderate front end damage.

The Brown’s were trapped for about 30 minutes before Firefighters were able to safely extricate them.Paramedics from Central Lorain County Ambulance District treated the two men, who had been lying on top of one another during the extrication process. Both were transported to Allen Medical Center in Oberlin.

The elder Brown was flown from Allen to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland a short time later. Both he and his son were treated and released from their repective hospitals. Hambly and the 17 year old driver of the Mercury refused treatment or transport at the scene. Both teen drivers were cited for Assured Cleared Distance Ahead.

Owners of Molnar Outdoor and other residents said that they have seen too many crashes on that stretch opf road and they believe the State should make it all a double yellow line prohibiting drivers from attempting to pass other cars.

PHOTO GALLERY

TROUBLED TEEN TALKED DOWN

AFTER CLIMBING INTO GYM RAFTERS

Wellington – A troubled student was talked down from the Wellington High School gymnasium rafters Thursday afternoon.

Officers from the Wellington Fire District and the Wellington Police Department were called in to assist the school staff in talking the student down.

Wellington Superintendent Francis Scruci said that the student was able to gain access to the rafters by climbing a section of overflow bleachers from one end of the gymnasium. “Measures are already in place to assure that the access to the rafters will no longer be possible.”

Scruci said that the successful negotiation with the student was a collaborative effort between school staff, Police & Fire officials. “I want to commend our staff for following the proper procedures and working with the emergency officials. I also want to thank the Wellington Fire District, The Wellington Police Department and the Paramedics from Southern Lorain County Ambulance District.”

Once the student was safely talked down he was taken away by ambulance along with his mother. During the hour and a half long incident the gym, along with the hallways surrounding the gym were locked down. The rest of the school went about their day without interruption.


Scruci said that counselors would be on hand Friday if any students need to talk about what happened.

“TIE ONE ON FOR SAFETY”

Columbus - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), The Motorists Insurance Group, a key sponsor of the campaign in Ohio, and other safety advocates gathered this morning to launch the annual “Tie One on for Safety” campaign with a message to drive safe, sober and buckled up.

Bob Kent, whose son and two friends were killed by a drunk driver on Christmas day 2004, shared his story as a reminder that driving drunk affects everyone. The Franklin County DUI Task Force also participated in the event to show law enforcement’s support for the campaign.

This is the 22nd year for the holiday ribbon campaign, which encourages motorists to tie the MADD ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to be safe on the roadways. The campaign also reminds drivers to buckle up, because a seatbelt is the best defense against a drunk driver.

“ ‘Tie One On For Safety’ is MADD's largest public awareness campaign to heighten awareness about the dangerous consequences of drinking and driving over the holidays,” said Doug Scoles, MADDMid-Valley executive director. “We’re pleased to be partnering with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and for The Motorists Insurance Group’s sponsorship. Together, their support and outreach will save lives in Ohio!”

According to ODPS crash statistics, 473 Ohioans were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2007. Of those crashes, 37 of the fatalities occurred between Thanksgiving and New Years. Of those killed in car crashes in 2007, 482 were not wearing their seatbelts.

“I encourage everyone to do their part to be a visible reminder of the dangers of drunk driving by displaying a red ribbon and by making good decisions about driving safe and sober every day of the year,” said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. “Together we can help reduce deaths and injuries so that no family has to experience this preventable tragedy.”

All of ODPS’ divisions are working to remind people to drive safe and sober. The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU), Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) and OSHP and local law enforcement are using stepped up enforcement and educational efforts to prevent injuries and deaths. OIU and OTSO have teamed up and Investigative Unit agents are using alcohol-related crash data to target liquor permit establishments in addition to working with DUI Task Forces to trace the source of alcohol if impaired drivers are stopped at sobriety checkpoints.

Local law enforcement around the state are planning more than 13,000 hours of enforcement this holiday season including 18 sobriety checkpoints and more than 3,000 hours of saturation patrols. These efforts are funded and coordinated by OTSO. OSHP will have a visible presence on the state’s highways and OIU will be enforcing liquor laws, including over-serving and underage consumption.

"We need each person’s help by actively influencing friends and family to make safe, responsible decisions that save lives," Colonel Richard H. Collins, OSHP superintendent, said. "Simple things like planning ahead to designate a driver if you choose to consume alcohol, and insisting that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up before you leave, can go a long way toward ensuring tragedies do not occur."

SO LONG SZUCS

We at TMCNEWS.NET would like to wish a fond farewell and best wishes to Steve Szucs (pronounced zooks) who is spending his last day today at the Elyria Chronicle Telegram.

After three years as the Chronicle’s Ace Reporter, Szucs will leave his $12.88 an hour gig to pursue a new career in the advertising world.

For the last three years Szucs has spent his days in the bitter cold and scorching heat to bring his readers breaking news stories from throughout Lorain County. He will now move indoors to air conditioning and all the comforts of a new office. The move will allow Szucs to spend more time with his wife and 6-week-old baby.

Szucs has been a good friend and Gold Card Member of TMC NEWS for years, I also understand he is up for a possible Platinum Card membership – we’ll see how that goes.

He will be missed out on the road but we wish him and his family all the best.

As the Irish would say, Slánté! (Google it)

SLIPPIN & A SLIDIN

As the snow flies – so do the cars off the highways. Eaton Township Firefighters were called to Route 20, just east of Route 57 for a roll over traffic crash. A man traveling westbound on Route 20, around 1:30pm, lost control of his SUV and crossed the median into the eastbound lanes. The truck then went off the road rolling over before coming to rest on its wheels down in a ditch.

Firefighters evaluated the driver in the ambulance but the man refused any treatment or transport.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has updated its SNOW ADVISORY for our area.

Occasional lake effect snow showers will continue tonight. A trough of low pressure will move across Lake Erie toward morning, likely increasing the intensity of the lake effect late tonight and Tuesday morning as winds shift from the northwest to the north.

Snowfall amounts from tonight through early Tuesday afternoon will range from 5 to 8 inches.

WEATHER ALERT

A Lake Effect SNOW ADVISORY remains in effect from 4PM Monday through 4PM Tuesday for Lorain and Medina Counties.

As a disturbance passes over Northern Ohio today there will be another surge of cold air that will spill across Lake Erie. As winds shift to the northeast and north overnight, expect to see lake effect snow reach further inland.

Snowfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches will be possible by Tuesday afternoon.

If the northerly winds can tap moisture off of Lake Huron there could be an intense band that sets up across Lorain, Medina and Summit counties tonight. If this does occur then snowfall amounts could be much higher through Tuesday morning.

Expect to see additional accumulations into Tuesday night before gradually ending on Wednesday.

Precautions / preparedness actions offered by the National Weather Service:
IN LAKE EFFECT SNOW THE WEATHER CAN VARY FROM LOCALLY HEAVY SNOW IN NARROW BANDS TO CLEAR SKIES JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING ACROSS THE REGION BE PREPARED FOR RAPID CHANGES IN ROAD AND VISIBILITY CONDITIONS.

The next 48
This Afternoon: Snow showers. High near 36. West wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight: Snow showers. Low around 25. Northwest wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Tuesday: Snow showers. High near 33. North wind between 13 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: A chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 21. North wind between 8 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

WOMAN ATTACKED & MACED IN HOME

POLICE SEARCH FOR SUSPECTS

Elyria – A 67 year old Elyria woman was attacked in her Hawthorne Street home Tuesday afternoon and Police are now searching for two suspects.

Diana Eglin lives across the street from the victim and was watching through her window as the suspects pulled into the driveway. “There were two men in the van; the younger of the two got out of the passenger side first then the driver. The driver was on a cell phone the entire time and was carrying a big briefcase with handles and I figured they must be like insurance men or something.”

Eglin says that the man on the cell phone first walked up to the front door while the younger man paced around in the yard. Within a minute the victim opened the door and the two men went inside. “At that point I went back into the kitchen to do something then a couple minutes later I looked back out and I saw them leaving. When they came outside the tall guy was still on his phone and the other one walked into the yard next door and stood there for a minute – then they both got back into the van and just drove away.”

Eglin was unaware that inside the home the two men had forced the woman into a bedroom, beat her, sprayed her with mace, duct taped her mouth and tried to tie her up. The victim had been able to free her hands and began screaming.

It was at this point that the victim fled the house and ran to a used car lot located just next door to the home crying and screaming. The employees were unable to understand the woman’s words as she only speaks Chinese but were able to gather that she had been assaulted and contacted the Police.

Officers quickly arrived at the woman’s home and with the help of her son were able to start piecing the story together to begin their investigation.

LifeCare Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene to access the victim and as a precaution transported her to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

In the meantime Eglin stood across the street shaken and disturbed by what she had seen. “I really feel bad, I watched it happen but I didn’t know. The men from the car lot said that the men shot mace at her and hit her in the face. When I saw her I could see where they hit her by her eye. They tried to tie her up but she started screaming and apparently that made them leave.”

Eglin said that although there is no Block Watch in her neighborhood she always keeps an eye on her neighbors. “It’s just what a neighbor should do for another neighbor. I hope and I think they will keep an eye on me and my house too.”

The Elyria Police Department Detective Bureau was on scene and continues to investigate the crime.

Suspect 1: 40-year-old white male, or possibly Asian according to Elgin, approximately 6 feet tall with black hair and a mustache – stocky build and wearing light colored dress pants, sweater and jacket.
Suspect 2: 30-year-old white male, short hair wearing blue jeans and a jacket.

Anyone with information on the two suspects are asked to contact the Elyria Police Department at 440.323.3302.

PHOTO GALLERY

DRIVER GOES OFF ROAD – CLIPS HOUSE

Elyria – Neighbors on East Ave near Wooster were shaken out of their beds late Thursday night after a car went off the road and into a yard clipping a house.

Jerry Gross has lived on the corner of East Ave and Wooster for 18 years – this was the 3rd time that a car has gone off the road and ended up right outside his door. “I was sound asleep when the crashing noise woke us up and at first I thought I was dreaming. I went downstairs and looked out the side window and there was the car up against my house.”

The car was traveling north on East Ave at a high rate of speed before the driver lost control and went off the left side of the road. The car took out a street sign (the kind with a flashing yellow light telling people to slow down around the turn), a fire hydrant, a Pear tree and several shrubs before coming to rest against Gross’ house.

The crash also woke up Jeff Yeager who lives across the street. “When I heard the noise I just ran for the window to see what had happened and I saw the two guys standing near the car talking – then they both stumbled away, each in a different direction.”

The driver fled southbound on foot while his passenger headed north – both were found by Police a short time later. The driver of the car was returned to the scene for Yeager to make a positive identification. “It was him for sure and he looked drunk as hell.”

Neither of the two men sustained any injuries in the crash and were both taken to the Police Station.


PHOTO GALLERY

THREE STUDENTS CREATED “HIT LIST”

18 MALE & FEMALE STUDENTS WERE ON “LIST”

The Amherst Police Department have taken three Marion L. Steele High School students into custody and have charged them with Unruliness, Inducing Panic, and Aggravated Menacing.

The charges followed an investigation after a “hit list” was discovered and turned over to Police according to Lieutenant Joseph Kucirek of the Amherst Police Department. “On the morning of November 4th 2008 the Amherst Police Department received information in which three underclassmen students of Marion L Steele High School had created what they termed a “hit list” the previous day during their lunch period.”

The “hit list” was eventually recovered by the Police Department and the parents of the 18 male and female students whose names appeared on the list were notified of the situation. Several interviews with witnesses and/or suspects were conducted which lead to three underclassmen being charged with Unruliness, Inducing Panic, and Aggravated Menacing.

The case will be referred to the Lorain County Juvenile Court.

The three underclassmen suspects were cooperative with Officers during the investigation and were later expelled by school authorities. The underclassmen were later released to the custody of their parents.

At this time, the Amherst Police Department is unable to release specific details on this incident other than there were no injuries to any students, no alleged acts of violence were ever carried out by the suspects and there were no weapons brought to school or otherwise recovered as a result of the investigation.

BELOVED ER NURSE PASSES AWAY

Judy Phillips, (nee Bevan) of Lorain, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at New Life Hospice Residential Center, Lorain, following a brief illness.

She was born on July 19, 1941 in Lorain, where she has been a lifelong resident.

Judy was employed at St. Joseph Hospital & Lorain Community Hospital as a registered nurse in the emergency room for 28 years, retiring in February 2008.

To read the complete Obituary: CLICK HERE

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

“I’m Asking You To Believe.
Not Just In My Ability To Bring About Real Change In Washington …
I’m Asking You To Believe In Yours.”
Barack Obama

PRESIDENTIAL RACE RESULTS

UPDATED 11/5/2008 2:30am 100% Reporting


PRESIDENT
(D) BARACK OBAMA / JOE BIDEN
Lorain County 77,719 57.42%


(R) JOHN MCCAIN / SARAH PALIN
Lorain County 55,031 40.66%

Editors note: Take a look at the percentages here – then scroll down and see final results of the TMC NEWS Final Presidential poll.

Complete coverage: TMC NEWS 2008 ELECTION CENTER

HOT LOCAL CANDIDATE RACES

UPDATED 11/5/2008 2:30am 100% Reporting

COUNTY COMMISSIONER
TERM COMM. 1/2/09
(D) LORI KOKOSKI 74,124
(R) MARTIN E. O'DONNELL 46,134


COUNTY COMMISSIONER
TERM COMM. 1/3/09
(D) TED KALO 71,029
(R) NICHOLAS W. BRUSKY 47,796


ATTORNEY GENERAL
(Unexpired Term Ending 1/9/11)
(D) RICHARD CORDRAY 75,487
(R) MIKE CRITES 38,005
ROBERT M. OWENS 5,803


Complete coverage: TMC NEWS 2008 ELECTION CENTER

HOT LOCAL ISSUES

UPDATED 11/5/2008 2:30am 100% Reporting

5 Payday Lending
Yes 85,129
No 40,917

6 Casino
Yes 46,643
No 85,583

15 PROPOSED MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX RENEWAL
ELYRIA CITY 100% reporting
FOR THE INCOME TAX 11869
AGAINST THE INCOME TAX 8797

20 REFERENDUM ON ORDINANCE NO. 70-08
LORAIN CITY 100% reporting
YES 9529
NO 13583

37 ELYRIA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 100%
FOR THE TAX LEVY 13482
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY 7362

38 PROPOSED TAX LEVY - (ADDITIONAL)
LORAIN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 100%
FOR THE TAX LEVY 9521
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY 9799

39 PROPOSED TAX LEVY - (ADDITIONAL)
MIDVIEW LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 100%
FOR THE TAX LEVY 4158
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY 5360


Complete coverage: TMC NEWS 2008 ELECTION CENTER

TMC NEWS 2008 ELECTION CENTER

TMC NEWS has set up an ELECTION WAR ROOM to bring you the 2008 Election results as they come in. With an expected record turn out this could be a long night before all of the results are released.

The TMC NEWS ELECTION WAR ROOM will be open ALL night long and will have all of the results for you when you wake up tomorrow morning.

Keep checking back as the results will be updated frequently throughout the night.

DIXVILLE HAS SPOKEN

Not to keep you from VOTING today – but with 100% turnout, the results are in from Dixville Notch, New Hampshire and Democrat Barack Obama wins receiving 15 votes with Republican John McCain taking the remaining 6 votes.

Although Ralph Nader was on the ballot in Dixville he did not receive any of the votes.

Dixville, population of under 100, has been voting at 12:01am since 1960 and today is the first time that they have voted for a democrat since 1968 when they selected Hubert Humphrey over Richard Nixon.

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ELECTION DAY FORECAST

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 70. South wind between 7 and 9 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South wind around 8 mph.

ELYRIA DRIVER CRASHES INTO TREE

INJURES MOTHER IN PASSENGER SEAT

Elyria – An Elyria woman was transported to the hospital after her son crashed the car she was riding in into a tree.

Witnesses say that they saw the man driving north on West River Road North at a high rate of speed before he attempted to make a left turn onto Mussey Ave. After making a wide turn onto Mussey the driver lost control and slammed into a tree on the right side of Mussey sending his mother into the dashboard.

LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated the woman at the scene for the chest injuries and she was transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital. The driver refused treatment or transport.

The Elyria Police Department is investigating the crash.


PHOTO GALLERY

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CIRCUIT CITY TO CLOSE 155 STORES

Circuit City Stores, Inc. today provided an update on its liquidity position and its previously announced ongoing comprehensive business review. Due in part to its deteriorating liquidity position and the continued weak macroeconomic environment, the company has decided to take certain restructuring actions immediately, including closing 155 domestic segment stores, reducing future store openings and aggressively renegotiating certain leases. The company also is considering all available options and alternatives to restructure its business.

Over the past several weeks, a number of factors have impacted severely the company's liquidity position. These factors include the following:
-- Waning consumer confidence and a significantly weakened retail environment have impacted negatively the company's sales and gross profit margin rate to a greater degree than management had anticipated previously.
-- Following the company's second quarter results announcement, the company's liquidity position and the sharply worsened overall economic environment led some of Circuit City's vendors to take restrictive actions with respect to payment terms and the credit they make available to the company.

Additionally, the recent disruption in the financial markets has contributed to certain of the company's vendors experiencing insurmountable challenges with obtaining credit insurance for the company's purchases. As a result of this and other considerations, certain of the company's vendors have set more restrictive payment terms than in previous quarters, including in some cases requiring payment before shipment. Vendors also have limited the credit available to the company for purchases, including in some cases not providing customary increases in credit lines for holiday purchases. While management is working diligently to secure the support of its vendors and believes it has maintained good relationships with these important partners, the current mix of terms and credit availability is becoming unmanageable for the company.

-- To date, the company has been unable to collect an income tax refund of approximately $80 million that the company believes it is owed from the federal government.

James A. Marcum, vice chairman and acting president and chief executive officer of Circuit City Stores, Inc. said, "Since late September, unprecedented events have occurred in the financial and consumer markets causing macroeconomic trends to worsen sharply. The weakened environment has resulted in a slowdown of consumer spending, further impacting our business as well as the business of our vendors. The combination of these trends has strained severely our working capital and liquidity, and so we are making a number of difficult, but necessary, decisions to address the company's financial situation as quickly as possible."

The list of closing stores can be found by visiting the company's investor information home page at http://investor.circuitcity.com and clicking the link regarding today's announcements. The company expects that impacted stores will not open on Tuesday, November 4, and the store closing sales will begin on Wednesday, November 5. The company expects the sales to be completed no later than calendar year end.

Circuit City will continue to honor its customer commitments and serve its guests through 566 stores in 153 U.S. media markets, via its Web site at www.circuitcity.com and via phone at 1-800-THE-CITY (1-800-843-2489). During this transitional period, Circuit City is executing a plan to minimize disruption to the operations of stores that are remaining open. No international segment stores are closing as a result of the real estate plans announced today.

UPCOMING EVENTS TO CHECK OUT

Lorain Firefighters and friends of John “JV” Volak invite you to join them on Sunday, November 9th at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lorain from 3 to 9pm for a Pasta Dinner Benefit.

Your $20.00 donation will not only get you the Pasta Dinner but it also includes beer and other beverages. Dinners will be furnished by: Dimacchia’s at The Corner & Jackalope Lakeside.

Tickets available at the Lorain Central Fire Station, Dimacchia’s at The Corner & Jackalope Lakeside.

John “JV” Volak Pasta Dinner Benefit
Sunday, November 9th – 3 to 7pm.
Knights of Columbus Hall
4720 Oberlin Ave.

***
Cub Scout Pack 111 will be holding a canned food drive at Schild's IGA on Nov. 8, 2008 from 11:00 till 3:00. Along with the canned food drive the kids will be having a bake sale. All the canned foods items will be donated to the North Eaton Christian Church Food Pantry.

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The North Ridgeville Boy Scout Troop 175 cordially invites you to attend their 2nd semi annual Spaghetti Dinner Friday November 14, 2008 at the North Ridgeville VFW Post 9871 Hall, 6805 Lear Nagle Road.

Dinner will be served from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Dinners will include Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad, Bread, Dessert, and Beverage.

Adults: $8 Children (12 and under): $6

Walk-ups Welcome - Carry out orders are available

$1 discount tickets are available from any Troop member or by calling 440-756-5701

TEENS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

AND THERE IS AWAY “YOU” CAN HELP

While the LaGrange and Grafton communities are still mourning and trying to come to grips with the loss of three teenagers to traffic crashes – a group of teens continue their work to try and prevent such tragedies.

CARTEENS is a traffic safety program conducted by 4-H teen leaders and their program partners for juvenile traffic offenders.

4-H CARTEENS goals include:

- reducing the number of repeat juvenile traffic offenders,
- decreasing the number of teen traffic offenders, and
- increasing teen awareness of traffic/vehicular safety.

Rebecca Brummer is a 2006 graduate of Midview High School and is a 4-H CARTEENS Leader. Brummer invited TMC NEWS to their Fall Fest Open House last week to introduce us to their program. “The open house is an opportunity for us to inform the community about our program and how we try to help educate teens about safe driving practices. This is also an evening for our group to have fun with different activities such as apple bobbing and egg caring contests – but with a twist.”

The twist is that the kids were supposed to perform the seemingly simple tasks but while wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles. The goggles are meant to simulate an intoxicated condition to those wearing them.

CARTEENS began in 1986 in Brown County, Ohio – Lorain County’s CARTEENS program started about 10 years ago according to Brummer.

While speaking about the most recent traffic fatalities in Lorain County, neither of which involved alcohol or drugs, Brummer said that more education is needed about careless and reckless driving. “I think everybody knows by know how harmful and deadly driving while intoxicated can be – but I don’t think enough education is aimed at reckless driving. Teens need to be educated about fatalities caused by speed, fatalities caused by not paying attention and it’s not only just fatalities a lot of youth don’t understand how expensive an accident or a speeding ticket can become. I’m hoping that if we can educate the community then we will see a difference on the roadways.”

The Lorain County Juvenile Court sends traffic offenders to CARTEENS twice a month for classes. Brummer said this is where the First Responders from throughout Lorain County can help their program. “Any Firefighter, Police Officer, EMS Personnel, anyone who responds to these calls that can give a couple hours of their time to come to the class and share their first hand experiences is so valuable and very much needed. I can tell you that we work very closely with the local Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol; Lieutenant Glenn Peterson has been a wonderful partner with our group. Lt. Peterson will send a Trooper, when one is available; to speak at our classes and it is always very effective. But we know there are Firefighters and other Police Officers out there who have experiences that would greatly benefit the kids that are sent to us and we encourage them to call and get involved.”

If you are interested in getting involved or have any questions about CARTEENS you can call Rebecca Brummer at 440.326.5851.

To learn more about CARTEENS you can visit their website at: http://www.ohio4h.org/youth/carteens.html

DRIVER GOES WRONG WAY ON 2

COLLIDES WITH CAR & TRUCK

Amherst – A man driving east in the westbound lane of Route 2 late Saturday night dodged semis and other cars before colliding head-on with two cars.

Don Wheeler and his family were driving east on Route 2 in their red minivan Saturday night – heading home to Medina after a long day at Cedar Point. Wheeler said everything was normal until they looked over in the westbound lane and saw a car traveling eastbound. “We immediately got on the phone with 9-1-1 telling them what we were seeing. We were flashing our lights and honking our horn along with others around us but the guy just kept going.”

Wheeler said they traveled about 10 miles and were switched 3 times to different 9-1-1 Operators as they traveled through different jurisdictions. “During this time we saw semis coming at him, at full speed, flashing their lights at him and somehow able to miss him. Then someone from behind us crossed over and sped up to get along side of the car to try to alert him. He tried to bump him with his car a little bit but then when the guy bumped back into him he just backed off and crossed back into our lanes.”

Troopers and Police were notified and on the way but just moments too late. “As the guy got up her to the curve we saw the white Grand Am and green pick up truck coming at him and we just couldn’t see how this collision could be avoided.”

Wheeler said the Grand Am was in the left lane and was struck head-on by the wrong way driver. The collision broke off the passenger side front tire of the Grand Am and sent the car into the median. The wrong way driver’s car was spun into the right lane colliding with the pick up truck.

Wheeler said he ran to the scene to see if he could offer any help. “I thought for sure somebody was going to be dead, especially the guy that was going the wrong way but when we got to his car he was alert but had head injuries, you can see where his head hit the windshield.”

LifeCare Paramedics and Amherst Firefighters responded to the scene and went car to car providing care to the three victims.


Firefighters said that although damage was heavy no extrication was needed.

Amherst Police Officers were investigating the scene along with help from Troopers from the State Patrol and Officers from Vermilion Police Department.

LifeCare transported the driver of the wrong way car and the driver of the Grand Am, both to Community Health Partners in Lorain. The driver of the pick up truck refused any treatment or transport.

Standing along the side of the road watching the clean up process and writing witness statements, the Wheeler family reflected on what they had just gone through. “It was like we were in the Steve Martin, John Candy movie “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” where they were going the wrong way on the highway. I’m still shocked that nobody was killed, very happy that nobody was but with what we saw – well, they were all very lucky.”


PHOTO GALLERY

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.

DID YOU CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES?

By now you have turned your clocks back 1 hour – but have you taken the time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms? If not, what are you waiting for?