RIDING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The Axemen MC Ohio Chapter 2 and The Lorain Fire Department are hosting the 6th Annual Pat Caruso Memorial Poker Run this Sunday, Aug. 2nd.

The run starts out at Lorain Fire Station #7 at 2111 West Park Dr., registration begins at 10:00am with the first bikes leaving at 11:00am.

Cost of the run is $15 per single rider and $25 with passenger. This cost includes food, beer, pop, and music at final stop.

Winner with best hand will receive $150 and the one with worst hand will get $50.

R U Listening DJ service will be providing the music.

Profits from poker run will be donated to Lorain County Vietnam Memorial Fund.

Ever year, the money raised from this run is donated to help people or organizations in Lorain County. The run is held the first Sunday in August every year, rain or shine.

So far, The Pat Caruso Memorial Poker Run has raised close to $10,000 in the past 5 years. This run was organized in memory of our fallen brother, Pat Caruso, who was a Firefighter for the Lorain Fire Department.

STFD STEAK FRY SATURDAY

Sheffield Township Firefighters invite you to join them this Saturday at St. Lad’s Picnic Grounds for some of the finest steaks you’ll ever eat. (With the exception of Maggiano’s in Vegas and Benjamin’s in NYC)

The Steak Fry runs from 5 to 8pm with dancing and socializing until 11pm.

Your $18.00 ticket gets you the steak dinner with all the fixin’s and drinks. Kids get a free hotdog with an adult ticket purchase.

For tickets / information please call Steve or Diane at 440.277.7077 – or see any Sheffield Township Firefighter.

WOMAN CRITICAL AFTER HOUSE FIRE

WOMAN TRAPPED IN BURING HOUSE

ON HER 50th BIRTHDAY

Elyria – As fire ripped through a back bedroom at 208 Brandston Street neighbors worked to do what they could to help a woman that was trapped inside of the home.

Mike Grisez lives just down the street from 208 and was heading home from a day of golfing when he saw the smoke. “I parked next door and ran to the house to see if I could help – there were already some neighbors at the back of the house with hoses spraying around the back window.”

Irene Kalkbrenner lives right next door to 208 and said she heard her neighbors yelling for someone to call 9-1-1. “I went outside and saw the smoke and you can see that the back room was on fire so I started getting the hoses out and we started shooting water on the house.”

Grisez said there was a brief disagreement about breaking the window out or not. “Some of the people there said that we shouldn’t but with there being a woman trapped inside I just felt that it was best to open it up.”

They did break the window and began putting water into the back room with two small garden hoses – the neighbors admitted that it probably didn’t help, and Grisez even cut his hand on broken glass, but they say when a neighbor is in need of help – you do everything you can.

Captain Joseph Pronesti of the Elyria Fire Department said that when his crews arrived on scene smoke was coming from all around the home. “While we were responding I was advised that we had people trapped inside of the home – we immediately laid a line to attack the fire and I had a crew begin a search. While they were doing that I had a neighbor come up and say that there could be as many as two more people trapped inside.”

During the search Firefighters found 50 year old Nancy Dohanos in the rear of the house. Firefighters pulled Dohanos from the home and turned her over to Paramedics from LifeCare Ambulance.

Herb de la Porte, Vice President of LifeCare Ambulance, was on scene supervising his crews during the rescue. “The victim that was pulled from the house is in critical condition. She was taken to Elyria Memorial and has already been flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.”

Dohanos’ husband and son were also treated by LifeCare Paramedics on the scene then transported to Elyria Memorial with minor burns and smoke inhalation – injuries they received while trying to rescue Dohanos.

Grisez and Kalkbrenner both praised the work of Firefighters and Paramedics on their speed and professionalism. “It was amazing watching them work, here we were with this little hose standing outside and they got here right away – went in and blasted the fire with their hoses and put it out” said Grisez. “We watched as they pulled her out and the Medics started working on her – it was all just very sad to see I hope she will pull through.”

Pronesti spoke about the neighbors pulling together and working to save the woman and breaking out the window. “It’s always hard to say no, don’t do it when there’s a life at stake. I will say that sometimes it adversely affects the fire – it will allow it to grow. But it’s always a life and death situation, I’m never going to fault anybody but also we don’t anybody putting themselves in harms way. The more people in harms way, the tougher it is for us, especially when we’re understaffed, the tougher it is for us to rescue them.”

Pronesti said that Firefighters were able to knock the fire down in about 10 minutes.

Mutual Aid was provided to Elyria by Sheffield Village with a Truck and their Chief and Avon with a Pumper.

Investigators from the Elyria Fire Department as well as from the State Fire Marshall’s Office were on scene conducting their investigation into what started the blaze.

Today, July 26, 2009, is Nancy Dohanos’s 50th birthday.

PHOTO GALLERY

MAN SHOT ON MIDDLE AVE

Elyria – An Elyria man was shot on Middle Ave Saturday afternoon – this was the second time he has been shot in the same location this year.

Police first received calls that someone in a white Pontiac Sunfire in the area was shooting a gun. While Officers were searching the area they were advised that Alverno Howse Jr. was at Elyria Memorial Hospital reporting that he had been shot near Burger King on Broad Street.

While Officers responded to the area of Burger King another Officer went to interview Howse. The Officer reported that Howse was “confrontational and very uncooperative” and when asked what happened he stated that he had been shot while walking down Middle Ave near 13th Street. The Officer asked if he was sure reminding him that he had already told the ER staff that the shooting had occurred by Burger King at which time Howse began screaming at the Officer.

Howse stated that he was walking on Middle by the old school when he heard a loud bang and felt a pain in his arm. Howse began cursing at the Officer as he asked him if he felt the shooting was related to the last time he was shot in the same area on 5-5-2009. Howse said he didn’t know who shot him then either.

The Officer asked Howse if he was riding in the white Pontiac when he was shot – Howse again began yelling at the Officer stating again that he was walking along Middle Ave when he was shot. He said he began walking to the ER by himself. He said he had called a man known only as “JJ” from Detroit to meet him at the hospital and walk him in. When the Officer asked for JJ’s number Howse said he did not remember it. Then when the Officer asked Howse to look at his phone to get the number he screamed that he did not want to talk to the Police.

Friends and family of Howse showed up at the ER and all stated that they knew nothing about the shooting.

Other Officers searched the area of Middle Ave and 13th Street and found shell casings on the street.

Officers also found the white Pontiac Sunfire a block away from the ER in front of 116 Lincoln Street. Police discovered that the car was registered to Mr. Howse. An Officer observed a bullet hole in the back passenger side of the car. The path of the bullet traveled into the vehicle and through the right side of the driver’s seat and “would have clearly struck the driver in the right side or arm.”

Residents in the area told Police that they saw 5 black males exit the car and walked towards East River, then turned north towards the hospital. One of the residents advised that one of the males was mad and screaming about seeing a man “cocking” a gun and said he made a motion of pulling a slide on a gun. He said they were making comments about how they “all had guns.”

Officers advised Howse that his car had been located with a bullet hole in it and that it had been impounded. Howse insisted that he was not in the car and that he did not have a driver’s license to even drive the car.

Howse then admitted that he was driving east on 13th Street and turned north on Middle – he stated that he then heard a loud bang and felt stinging in his right arm, He said he then drove to the hospital alone and got out of the car alone.

The Officer advised Howse that he would investigate and charge the person who shot him if he would only cooperate. Howse refused and the Officer advised him that it would not be wise to be mad and retaliate. Howse’s father then stated that “Al isn’t mad, this was an accident.” The Officer advised the father the shooting was obviously not an accident and the father looked at his son and again reminded him that it was an accident.


PHOTO GALLERY

ONE INJURED IN CRASH ON PROSPECT

Elyria – A single car crash on Prospect in Elyria early Saturday morning sent one teen to the emergency room.

Police say that 19 year old Chris Vidovich of Elyria was traveling north on Prospect Ave around 1:20 a.m. Saturday morning when he lost control of the 2001 Nissan Xterra that he was driving. Vidovich drove off the right side of the road and struck a street sign and sideswiped a tree before striking another tree head on.

Roger Tanner of Elyria said he was standing outside with his dog Pebbles and heard the crash. “I heard it then looked around and saw the car into the tree. When I got over there the driver had already gotten out and he just kept saying “I just took my eyes off the road for a minute.” The girl got out and she looked like she was real dazed.”

LifeCare Paramedics treated Vidovich’s 17 year old passenger and transported her to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

Vidovich was charged with Reasonable Control.


PHOTO GALLERY

CHEERS TO SAFE SERVING

A professional luncheon will be held on August 5, 2009, noon to 1:00 p.m. at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center, at no-cost to Lorain County liquor establishment owners and servers, and public service officials. In an effort to decrease impaired driving and alcohol-related traffic injuries and fatalities, servers will receive lifesaving information on how to serve safely and keep Lorain County communities safe.

During the event, attendees will be introduced to intervention methods of alcohol serving, consumption and impaired driving by a local TIPS (Training Intervention ProcedureS) trainer. In addition, responsibility and liability issues regarding serving and impaired driving will be addressed. Information on local community resources will also be available for establishment owners and public service officials.

This is an event that liquor license holders, servers and public service officials can’t afford to miss. The luncheon will assist to create safer communities and roadways, and increase local business!

Register at loraincountysafecommunity.com or call 440.284.6173 by July 28.

This event will serve to kick-off the national impaired driving enforcement and awareness campaign, Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK for Lake Erie, Northwest, North Central and Northeast Ohio.

Showers and Thunderstorms will develop across the region today in advance of a strong cold front. Storms could become severe with damaging winds and large hail being the primary threats.

Stay tuned updated will be posted as they become available.


The Next 48:
Today: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. High near 83. Breezy, with a south wind between 14 and 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind between 8 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. West wind between 9 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. West wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

SUMMER IS “TRAUMA SEASON”

ODPS Stresses Caution with Children
In or Around Cars

Columbus – The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of EMS along with Safe Kids Ohio, is warning parents and caregivers this summer that leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is never appropriate and can lead to deadly consequences.

The total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars is 11 for 2009. Most of the children were strapped in child safety seats and left behind or forgotten by an adult, while others gained access to an unlocked car and could not escape.

“Leaving a child in a vehicle, even for a ‘quick’ errand, is never a good idea. A delay of just a few minutes on a warm day can lead to tragedy,” said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. “Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults and leaving a child in a hot vehicle could cause permanent injury or even death.”

When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature may increase three to five times faster than that of an adult. According to research conducted by San Francisco State University, even with relatively cool temperatures outside - 70 degrees - the inside of a car can reach a dangerous temperature in just minutes.

The research also revealed that more than a third of the children studied were accidentally left behind in a closed, parked car by parents or caregivers and another third of these children were trapped while playing in a vehicle unattended. One in five children who died was intentionally left in the vehicle by an adult.

To avoid these tragedies in Ohio, the Division of EMS and Safe Kids Ohio is offering the following tips to keeps kids safe this summer:

Teach children not to play in, on or around vehicles.

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open.

Always lock a vehicle’s doors and trunk - especially at home. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children’s reach.

Watch children closely around vehicles, particularly when loading and unloading. Check to ensure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.

Be especially careful if you’re dropping off infants or children at day care and that’s not part of your normal routine.

Place something that you’ll need at your next stop - for example a purse, lunch, gym bag or briefcase - on the floor of the backseat where the child is sitting. This simple act could prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.

If you see an unattended child in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.

CHEERS TO “SAFE SERVING”

A professional luncheon will be held on August 5, 2009, noon to 1:00 p.m. at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center, at no-cost to Lorain County liquor establishment owners and servers, and public service officials. In an effort to decrease impaired driving and alcohol-related traffic injuries and fatalities, servers will receive lifesaving information on how to serve safely and keep Lorain County communities safe.

During the event, attendees will be introduced to intervention methods of alcohol serving, consumption and impaired driving by a local TIPS (Training Intervention ProcedureS) trainer. In addition, responsibility and liability issues regarding serving and impaired driving will be addressed. Information on local community resources will also be available for establishment owners and public service officials.

This is an event that liquor license holders, servers and public service officials can’t afford to miss. The luncheon will assist to create safer communities and roadways, and increase local business!

Register at loraincountysafecommunity.com or call 440.284.6173 by July 28.

This event will serve to kick-off the national impaired driving enforcement and awareness campaign, Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

REMEMBERING RENEE`

In August of 2007, I was invited to cover a speech by Renee` at the Annual “Horizon of Hope” fundraiser in Westlake. Renee` had been chosen to be the Keynote speaker for that event.

Renee` spoke about how she found out the first time she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

A phone call with her Doctor on a November morning is how she found out. “I am told over the phone at 8 in the morning that I have to go in and see the Doctor because I have Breast Cancer. My body and my mind feel numb, I could not breathe, I could not speak. All I could feel is numbness and the thought; I am going to die.” Laubenthal beat it, only to discover 5 years later that it had returned.

From beginning to end Renee` had the audience glued to her every word during her 20 minute speech. Throughout the speech there was laughter and of course tears. Perhaps the most touching moment of the speech came at the end when she spoke of the support she received from her family and friends.

Near the end of her speech she invited a number of family members, including her Aunt, and friends to stand so she could thank them for their continued support. She called them her “team”; “Without them I would not have had the will, the strength, the courage or the motivation to overcome my bouts with Breast Cancer. Gandhi said; “Some people say courage takes incredible difficult strength” I say it takes indomitable will.”

To read the complete story: CLICK HERE

FUNERAL PHOTO GALLERY

NOW THAT'S BUILT FORD TOUGH

MAN TAKES DOWN POLE ON WASHINGTON

Elyria – A 21 year old Elyria man was arrested for OVI Sunday evening after he crashed his 2009 Ford truck into a utility pole on Washington Ave in front of the old YMCA.

Police say that James O’Donnell was traveling south on Washington Ave when he went off the left side of the road and struck the pole – severing it into two pieces. O’Donnell got back on the road and continued south before he parked his truck in a parking space.

LifeCare Paramedics were called to check out O’Donnell but he refused any treatment or transport.

Police then administered a series of Field Sobriety Tests – all of which Police say O’Donnell failed. He was taken into custody and transported to the Elyria City Jail.

During the booking process O’Donnell consented to a breath test – the test results showed O’Donnell’s blood alcohol level was .114%.

While neighbors stood by watching the scene many were amazed by the apparent minor damage done to the Ford truck – especially since the truck had just taken out a utility pole. One neighbor, while looking at the truck said; “Now that’s built FORD TOUGH.”


PHOTO GALLERY

HOUSE FIRE ON BUTTERNUT

DEVELOPING
Eaton Township – A fire ripped through a house in the 36000 block of Butternut Ridge Road this morning keeping Firefighters from 3 departments busy.

Chief Phil Slack of the Eaton Township Fire Department said when his crews arrived they found heavy fire coming from the west and rear sides of the home.

Firefighters from Columbia Station and Carlisle Township assisted Eaton with manpower and tankers.

A bank had taken over the home last fall and within the last couple months neighbors say someone had broken in and stolen all of the copper pipes.

The Lorain County Fire Investigators are on scene at this hour sifting through the rubble trying to determine a cause of the blaze.

PHOTO GALLERY

FIRE GUTS 2nd FL OF LORAIN HOME

Lorain – A fire that broke out in the second floor of an East 36th Street home in Lorain caused approximately 35 to 40K dollars in damage Sunday night.

Emmanuel Detres was heading home from Church when he saw flames shooting from his neighbor’s second floor windows. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, there was so much fire coming out of the windows. I had my friends stop the car and I ran up to the house. I saw three cars in the driveway and no lights were on so I was thinking the worst – I thought there were still people inside so I started pounding on the front door yelling that the house was on fire.”

Detres then backed off when the smoke was getting too intense. It was then that he spotted the homeowner running towards the house. “I had to stop him because he was so upset and frantic, I was afraid of what he was going to do.”

The homeowner told Detres that he had just left the house a short time before to walk to the neighborhood grocery store to pick up a few things.

Assistant Chief Roy Cochran of the Lorain Fire Department said when Firefighters arrived they found heavy fire coming from the second floor – both sides. “Our crews went inside to do an interior attack but quickly found out that the stairwell leading up to the second floor had burned through and that they wouldn’t be able to continue that way so they backed out and we began a defensive attack. Then we were able to gain entry to the second floor through the upstairs windows and at that time we were able to knock down the fire.”

Cochran said that during the operation two Firefighters were injured. The first one was on the initial attack. “In that case he hit one of the first steps leading upstairs and it gave way and his foot went through the step. Then after the fire was knocked down and we were in overhaul mode, one of the guys was coming down from the second floor, stepped on steps that were further up, that they thought were good and fell through to the basement.”

The Firefighter was taken to Community Health Partners and Cochran said he believes that he will be fine.

Cochran said that between the second floor being destroyed and the damage to the roof, he estimates that the fire caused between 35 to 40K dollars in damages. He said that all of the contents were a total loss as well.

Art Mead Sr., Disaster Chairman of the American Red Cross, said that his agency would be assisting the family by putting up two adults in a motel and providing clothing and other essentials.

Standing and watching the Firefighters rolling up hoses and cleaning up, Detres said that he was just happy that nobody was injured. “This could have been so much worse, I am just glad that nobody was inside of the home at the time of the fire.”

PHOTO GALLERY

TO SERVE… TO PROTECT…

…TO HAUL THE GROCERIES HOME

Elyria – Just when you are ready to give up on humanity – someone comes along and does something nice for a complete stranger and you’re right there to see it.

While on patrol Sunday afternoon Elyria Police Officer Dan Marsico was traveling up East Bridge Street when his attention was drawn to a man in an apparent need of assistance. But not the normal type of assistance Police Officers normally offer.

The man was walking south on East Bridge near the Blood Bank and was carrying groceries that he had just purchased from Save A-Lot on Cleveland Street.

The groceries that the man had purchased filled three paper bags – not plastic, but paper. The man was having a hard time carrying all three bags while walking so he devised a plan to get the bags home. He would carry two of the bags about 100 feet, set them down and return for the 3rd bag and walk it to where he had set the other two down. Then repeat the process.

Marsico noticed this and realized that the man needed help. He drove to the Blood Bank parking lot and offered the man a ride home, the man happily accepted. Marsico helped him load the bags into the car and off they went.

I won’t give away the man’s home address but I will say it was in the area of the old Firehouse on Winkles Street. That is just about 1 mile from the Post Office.

With the way the man was going, I’m not sure he would have made it home yet without the kindness of a stranger.

PHOTO GALLERY

MAN AVOIDS CAT IN ROAD - ROLLS CAR

Elyria – Police cited an Elyria man for Reasonable Control after he rolled his Mazda 626 on Colgate Ave early Sunday morning. The driver, 32-year-old Joseph Charley, said he swerved to miss a cat that was walking across the street.

Police say Charley was east on Colgate when he made the move to avoid striking the cat. Charley’s car went to the left and struck a parked 2002 Honda SUV – the car then rolled over onto its top, coming to rest in the middle of the roadway just inches from another parked car.

LifeCare Paramedics checked out both Charley and his passenger but both refused any treatment or transport to the hospital.


PHOTO GALLERY

COLLISION AT LEXINGTON & CLARK

Elyria – A two-car collision sent one man to the hospital and a neighborhood fed up.

The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night at the intersection of Lexington and Clark Street in Elyria. Neighbors say they are fed up with people “blowing through stop signs” while their kids are at play.

Kattie Farkas has lived on the corner of Lexington and Clark for nearly two years and she says it’s time to go. “We’re moving and it’s because of things like this. We have seen too many crashes, some with injuries some without and we have also seen many near misses. My son was almost hit while crossing the street and it was the same situation, the driver of the car did not stop for the sign. That was too close for me so we are out of here on the first.”

Farkas said that she was on her porch and saw the black BMW stop for the sign and then began to proceed west on Clark when the red car, that was traveling south on Lexington, blew through the stop sign and T-Boned the BMW.

“Once the cars stopped, the driver of the BMW got out yelling at the kids – “That’s a stop sign, you know you’re suppose to stop” – he yelled some other stuff but you can’t print that.”

Farkas said that there were initially 4 kids in the red car but one fled right after the crash. “The driver handed him something and said take this to my house and he took off.”

LifeCare Paramedics treated and transported only one victim from the red car – all other occupants refused any treatment or transport.

PHOTO GALLERY

Editors note: This morning I received an Email from one of the victim’s parents informing me that parts of the article are wrong. So in fairness to the people inside of the car, I will run the letter in full here.

Hello I am the parent of the PASSENGER that you misidentified as the DRIVER my son Brandon Epps was the passenger in the car driven by Sam Culberson and he and 1 other boy were taken to the Hospital (2 boys not 1) by the ambulance and MY son gave the other rear passenger his house key and told him to run to our house on Fairlawn to get me nothing was passed off and Norman (the guy who ran to my house) returned to the scene and is in your picture #4 so please fix your article as it is totally wrong

Thank you for your time I appreciate it.

Tracy Barbee

BOY FALLS 45 FEET INTO PARK

10-YEAR-OLD BOY FLOWN TO METRO

AFTER TUMBLE INTO CASCADE

Elyria – A 10 year old Elyria boy was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland after he took an approximately 45 foot fall off a rock into Cascade Park.

Witnesses say the boy was walking along the edge of a cliff near Cascade Street, off of Lake Ave, around 6:30 when he fell. He first fell about 30 feet then struck a log and fell the remaining 10 to 15 feet to the trail below.

LifeCare Paramedics responded and made their way down to the boy where they began treating him. Elyria Firefighters were called to the scene to assist in getting the boy out of the park.

Assistant Chief Robert Dempsey of the Elyria Fire Department said that after exploring several options of extricating the boy from the park it was decided to place him in a stokes basket and walk him out. Firefighters, Paramedics and Police began making the long walk to the other side – another Ambulance was responding into Cascade and along the old Ford Road to meet up with the victim and rescuers.

The trek took the rescuers through the woods and across the observation bridge near Lake Ave to the awaiting Ambulance.

The victim was loaded into the Ambulance and transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital where he was flown a short time later to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Supervisor Michael Bridge of LifeCare Ambulance said the boy had a fractured femur along with head injuries. Bridge said that Paramedics could not determine if the boy had lost consciousness or not after the fall – but the boy was alert and speaking with the Medics during the rescue.


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OBITUARY NOTICE

Lorain- Anthony J. Motto Sr., 82, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2009.

Anthony was born on March 3, 1927 in Lorain, OH, a son of Nick and Concetta (nee: Rosso) Motto.

He was a life long member of St. Peter Church and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Polish Fisherman’s Club, a social member of the VFW Post #451 and a past member of both the IAV Post #1 and Knights of St. John’s.

READ COMPLETE OBITUARY

“And That’s The Way It Is”

Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr

November 4, 1916 - July 17, 2009

Once known as “The Most Trusted Man in America,” Veteran CBS Newsman Walter Cronkite died today after a lengthy battle with Cerebrovascular Disease.

Cronkite is probably best known for being the Newsman who informed the Nation about the death of President John F. Kennedy.

From Dallas, Texas, the flash, apparently official: (reading AP flash) "President Kennedy died at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time." (glancing up at clock) 2 o'clock Eastern Standard Time, some 38 minutes ago.

"Vice President Johnson *cough* has left the hospital in Dallas, but we do not know to where he has proceeded. Presumably, he will be taking the oath of office shortly and become the 36th president of the United States."

Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr. dead at the age of 92.

And that’s the way it is, July 17, 2009

CRASH VICTIM DIES AT METRO

Michael C. Kelley died Wednesday afternoon at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland where he has been since Monday after crashing on his Scooter on Route 57 in Elyria.

Kelley attended St. Peter’s grade school and played CYO football for four years. He graduated in 1980 from Marion L. Steele High School where he excelled in sports.

He worked as an Insurance Agent for New York Life, where he was named “New Agent of the Year” and won many sales and service accolades. Later he went to work for his father Jack Kelley, CLU & Associates Insurance Agency as Sales Manager.

For the complete Obituary on Michael Kelley: CLICK HERE

SOMEONE’S GETTING GROUNDED

Elyria – A ride to a friend’s house Tuesday ended with a crash on Middle Ave and 15th Street.

Jake Glover said that he and his brother were riding in a friend’s 2001 Audi south on Middle Ave Tuesday afternoon when the crash occurred. “I was in the front seat and my brother was in the back seat. When we got to 15th Street we wanted to turn left and this van was stopped in the opposite lane like she was going to turn left too – well, she waived us to go ahead so we did and that is when another car hit us.”

LifeCare Paramedics treated and transported two of the occupants of the other car while the third refused treatment or transport. Glover, his brother and the driver also all refused treatment or transport.

The driver of the Audi was charged with Failure to Yield a Left Turn. Police say that even if another driver waives you on it is always your responsibility to make sure everything is clear before proceeding.

When Kyle Glover told his younger brother Jake that their friend was getting charged with the crash he responded; “Yeah and he’s getting grounded for a long time too.”

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CRASH VICTIM REMAINS CRITICAL

Police have released the name of Monday’s Scooter crash victim as 47 year old Michael C. Kelley of Amherst.

Kelley was traveling on east on Route 57 when he crashed his black Scooter between Furnace and West River.

Police continue to believe that Kelley was in some type of medical distress at the time of the crash. He remains in critical condition at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

HISTORIC CAR INVOLVED IN CRASH

VICTIM FLOWN TO METRO WITH HEAD INJURY

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – A driver running a red light was the cause of a two car crash Tuesday morning at the intersection of Cleveland Street & Olive in Elyria.

Police say that 75 year old Goodie Salvi of Elyria ran a red light and struck 69 year old Robert Franks of North Ridgeville as he was traveling west on Cleveland Street crossing the intersection.

Franks was driving a 1934 Ford with suicide doors.

Howard Bruce works at the Convenient Food Mart on Cleveland Street and heard the crash. “We went outside to see if anyone was hurt and if there was anything we could do to help. When the door opened he (Franks) just rolled out and onto the ground. The car was still in gear and moving so I jumped in and put my foot on the brake until someone was able to figure out how to turn the car off.”

Police arrived on scene and secured Franks car and began tending to him until Paramedics arrived.

LifeCare and Firefighters treated the man on scene for head injuries and transported him to Elyria Memorial where he was later flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Salvi was cited for failure to yield.


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PREGNANT WOMAN INJURED IN CRASH

Elyria – While Elyria Police were already busy at the scene of the male who crashed his Scooter on Route 57 near Furnace Monday afternoon, a two car crash occurred just blocks away.

Police say that 20 year old Pansy Raymore of Elyria was traveling north on Furnace Street near Hillsdale Court when she rear ended 32 year old Sarah McElroy.

McElroy was driving a 1994 Ford 150 and was stopped waiting to make a left turn at the time of the collision.

McElroy, who is 7 months pregnant, was complaining of neck pains at the scene. She was treated and transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

Raymore was complained about head and knee pains and was also treated at the scene and transported to the Emergency Room.

Police cited Raymore with Assured Clear Distance and McElroy with not wearing her seatbelt.

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FIREFIGHTER LAID TO REST

Carlisle Township – Family, friends and fellow Firefighters from around Lorain County said Goodbye Monday morning to Carlisle Township Firefighter Ed Shepherd.

After a short service inside of Laubenthal Funeral Home on Chestnut Ridge Road, Shepherd’s casket, draped in an American Flag, was hoisted onto a vintage Carlisle Township Fire Engine.

The procession, lead by a Lorain County Sheriff’s Deputy, included Engines from Carlisle, Eaton, LaGrange and Wellington. Command vehicles driven by their respective Chief’s came from Avon, Sheffield Village and North Ridgeville. LifeCare Ambulance had Squads in the procession and at various intersections along the route.

The route included a drive past the new Carlisle Fire Station, that was being staffed by Oberlin Firefighters during the service, and then around the old Fire Station across the street before ending up in the LaPorte Cemetery on Butternut Ridge Road – just down from Shepherd’s home.

After a few prayers the Flag was removed from Shepherd’s casket, folded and handed to Shepherd’s wife by Carlisle Fire Chief Kevin Dembiec.

There was about a minute of silence after Dembiec presented Mrs. Shepherd with the Flag – the silence was then broken with loud alert tones from the Firefighters radios. It was a Lorain County 9-1-1 Dispatcher announcing a “Final Alarm” for Firefighter Ed Shepherd.

Rest in Peace Ed

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ALERT C-T WORKERS FOIL THIEF

Elyria – Several alert employees working late Saturday night around the Chronicle Telegram loading docks spotted a man breaking into a car on the County Administration Building parking deck.

The deck butts up against the CT parking lot so the employees had a good view of the man as he busted out a window on a PT Cruiser. The employees called 9-1-1 and notified the Elyria Police Department of what was happening.

Police arrived quickly and found the man on the second level of the parking deck. The man was taken into custody by Officers and then turned over to Sheriff’s Deputies.

A large rock and a busted out window was found on the second level on the east end of the garage.

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Department is investigating.


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MAN CRITICAL AFTER CRASH ON 57

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – Elyria Police are currently investigating a crash that occurred on Route 57 between West River and Furnace Street. The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of 57. Witnesses say that the man went down and flipped his scooter.

LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters responded and treated the man on the scene then transported him in Trauma Arrest to Elyria Memorial Hospital.

Police have blocked eastbound traffic, between Furnace and West River, while Traffic Investigators piece together what took place.

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UPDATE – 2:45 p.m. – All lanes are now open on Route 57.

.

Ed Shepherd

Carlisle Township Firefighter
And Friend

Carlisle Township Firefighter Ed Shepherd, who passed away last week, will be laid to rest today in LaPorte.

Shepherd served with the Carlisle Fire Department since 1956. His casket will travel from Laubenthal Funeral Home on Chestnut Ridge Road to the cemetery on the back of a vintage Carlisle Fire Truck. The procession will go past the old and new Fire Stations before ending up at the cemetery.

CAR FLIES THROUGH THE AIR

THREE PEOPLE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

Camden Township – One man was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center with serious injuries after he crashed his car on Baird Road Saturday night.

Trooper Dylag of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that 31 year old Timothy Gregory, was traveling south on Baird at the time of the crash. “He came across a narrow bridge at a high rate of speed – he popped the bridge, kinda went air born at that point. When he came down he lost control and went sideways off the west side of the road.”

Dylag said that when Gregory went off the road his car struck an embankment at the edge of a driveway. “He flipped like a barrel roll air born and went completely over top of the utility phone box – hitting and severed the pole in half. He continued rolling until he came to a stop in the yard.”

Nick Gremba was attending a graduation party just across the street at the time of the crash and said he couldn’t believe what he had seen. “At first we heard the loud screeching tires – then it was nothing and then a bunch of crashing sounds. When we looked over we saw him rolling in the front yard. A bunch of us ran over to check on them, to make sure everybody was ok.”

James McCann and his wife were in bed when the noises woke them up as the crash ran through their front yard. “We could hear the car coming, you could hear skidding and then silence for a moment. Then we could hear the car’s under carriage hitting the pavement then I heard it again, so they probably bounced once or twice before coming into our yard.”

McCann’s wife looked out the window just in time to see the car barrel rolling and then landing in their front yard. “We jumped up and went outside, I made sure someone was calling 9-1-1 and then we went over to the car to check on the people inside. The passenger was completely unconscious for about 3 minutes or so and then when he came to I just tried to keep him calm and still until the ambulance got here. While this was going on, the driver kept telling people to not call 9-1-1 saying he didn’t need this trouble.”

McCann said that the passenger in the back seat crawled out through the back window.

Central Lorain County Ambulance District Paramedics and Camden Township Firefighters treated Gregory and his two passengers – David Johnson of Rochester and back seat passenger James Wagner of Spencer. All three were transported to Allen Community Hospital Emergency Room where Gregory was flown a short time later to MetroHealth in Cleveland.

Gremba and several of his friends watched as the three were taken away in ambulances and watched as D&A Towing recovered the car. “It’s just sad that this still happens – just a bunch of drunk ass dumb people. I’m just glad they didn’t hit anyone else.”

Trooper Dylag said that Gregory will be charged with Reckless Operation and that alcohol is suspected – that charge is pending due to the ongoing investigation.

Although most homeowners would be worrying about the mess they would have to start cleaning up after the crash – the McCann’s didn’t have the concern. “We’re out of here in a couple of hours. The house has been sold and we’re moving to Missouri at 5 a.m. – we’ll call and let the new homeowners know what to expect though.”



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MAN ON FIRE

Carlisle Township – Neighbors were shocked Wednesday morning when they heard a man screaming then looked out their windows and saw a man on fire.

A neighbor, who asked to not be identified, said that the 19 year old man ran from his West River Road South home on fire. “The front of his body was on fire, he was wearing those jogging type pants – like nylon – and that was all on fire. Two people who were driving by stopped and were helping him and getting the fire out however they could.”

The neighbor said that the two people left the scene after helping the man.

Carlisle Township Firefighters and LifeCare Paramedics treated the man on scene and quickly transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital where he was flown to Cleveland with 3rd Degree Burns.

Firefighters searched the home and property for any fires but could not find any.

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the incident.


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AVON WALMART EVACUATES FOR FIRE

Avon – Customers and Sales Associates at the Avon Wal-Mart were evacuated after a strange odor filled the store.

Chief Frank Root of the Avon Fire Department complimented the management and associates at Wal-Mart for their quick thinking and good organization in getting all of the customers out of the building. “They really did a good job evacuating everyone without causing any panic and also for being such a tremendous help to us in getting us access to various parts of the building and really just having all the answers to the questions we had to find the source of the smoke and odor.”

Root said that at first they thought the source was air-conditioning units on the roof – but after a thorough search they discovered that it was coming from inside a computer room. “After the smoke became thicker and the odor changed and became more intense we did a more extensive search and found a UPS System where their computer system is for Wal-Mart. It was actually burning a battery rack in the UPS System – causing probably $10K in damages.”

There was really no smoke damage to the showroom area Root said, but the odor was throughout the building.

Sheffield Village and North Ridgeville Fire Departments assisted Avon at the scene.

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PATROL: SAFEST 4th IN 11 YEARS

Columbus - The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported five fatalities this Fourth of July holiday weekend, including two deaths stemming from ATV crashes and one from a motorcyclist. This is the least amount of fatalities during a July 4th holiday weekend since 1998, when four motorists were killed.

Last year 15 people were killed on Ohio roadways during the same reporting period.

This holiday weekend troopers arrested 556 impaired drivers and assisted 4,637 motorists. In addition to this year’s traffic enforcement efforts, the Patrol had 35 felony arrests, 117 drug violations and seized four weapons statewide.

The following Ohio traffic statistics are for the holiday weekend period of July 2 at 6 p.m. through July 5 at midnight.

The Breakdown:
State / Federal Highway – 1 Fatal Crash with an additional 3 injuries
County / Township Roads – 2 Fatal Crashes with 1 additional injury
City Streets – 2 Fatal Crashes with 1 additional injury

There were no reported Fatal Crashes on the Ohio Turnpike or any Interstate Highway – inside or outside a City.

Of the 5 Fatalities – 2 were not wearing their safety belts and 3 were not wearing helmets.

DON’T PUT THE FLAGS AWAY

At the young age of 3 years old, Ian Oskins traveled to Lorain with his father for a Memorial Day service. The above photo was snapped during a 21-gun Salute – Oskin’s dad, who served in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, didn’t break his stance or salute while young Oskins didn’t much care for the loud shots.

Fast forward 17 years – today Ian Oskins turned 20 and just returned home Friday after Graduating as a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger. I suppose to be correct; I should say Private 2nd Class Ian Oskins.

Ian returned home for a weekend break, time to spend time with family and friends. He leaves Monday morning at 7 a.m. and will be stationed in Fort Lewis Washington. As I spoke with Ian today he talked of the grueling training process that he has had to go through to become a Ranger. I wish I could share the stories with you but he asked that I not, so I will not. However, I will say this – Ian has always impressed me – he has always been a smart, well-mannered guy who carries himself well. But today, I saw in him a true Patriot – A future leader.

As many of you know I have covered several funerals of fallen local Soldiers over the last couple years. I have posted large photo galleries of those funeral’s here on this site. Galleries and tribute videos that Oskins himself has viewed. Knowing the dangers that lie ahead Oskins does not blink when asked, “are you sure?” – he quickly replies with “Yes, I am sure.” And he says it with unwavering conviction.

I bring this up today because with Memorial Day and the 4th of July now behind us many people may start moving on with their daily routines and put their patriotism, and Flags, in the closet until Veteran’s Day. Please don’t. Please keep Ian and all of the other men and women who put their lives in harms way for our Country in your thoughts and in your prayers.

If you have a friend or family member that is currently serving in the Military, please feel free to post their name in the comment section.

FLYING INTO LORAIN THIS MONTH

Lorain Palace Youth Theatre’s

PETER PAN

The Staff, Crew and Cast of the Lorain Palace Youth Theatre are excited to invite you to their production of PETER PAN later this month.

This production marks the Palace Youth Theatre’s 32nd season and Producer Jessica Smith said that the fact that tickets are moving fast shows that their reputation speaks for itself.

Directors are working hard with the huge cast and say they will be ready for the July 24th Opening Night performance.

Palace Youth Theatre strives to maintain a program that inspires, motivates and engages children with an interest or passion for theater - both on stage and off.

Palace Youth Theatre is not just some camp, workshop, or glorified daycare -- it is an experience.

To learn more about the Palace Youth Theatre you can visit them online at: http://www.palaceyouththeatre.com

For tickets you can call 440.245.2323 or online at lorainpalace.com

SHOWTIMES:
July 24 & 25 – 7pm
July 26 - 2pm

Businesses interested in supporting the Palace Youth Theatre can also visit their website for details.


TO WIN FREE TICKETS:
One of the STAFF members of the Palace Youth Theatre is a Lorain native but now lives and works as an Actor in New York City. This STAFF member returned to Lorain for the summer to work on Peter Pan.

Name the STAFF member and WIN TWO FREE TICKETS to see Peter Pan. (This one is not as easy as the others were – making you work for these tickets.)

Send your answer to tmcnews1@aol.com - Write PETER PAN in the subject line. The first two emails containing the correct answer will receive the tickets.

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NORTH RIDGEVILLE CRASH UPDATE

North Ridgeville – Police are still investigating a crash that sent a North Ridgeville man to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland by helicopter Saturday afternoon.

Police say that 37-year-old Jeff R. Jarvis of North Ridgeville was not wearing his helmet at the time of the crash.

Jarvis remains listed in critical condition at Metro.


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BIKER CRASHES ON LAKE AVE CURVE

Elyria – A man riding a motorcycle on West Ave lost control of his bike and crashed into a building next door to the Elyria Police Station.

Witnesses who were in the area and saw the man riding down West Ave said he was just going too fast for the curve that was ahead of him. The man left a skid mark that began near the entrance to the Police Station parking lot and showed how he went off the road and onto the sidewalk in front of the old WJTB radio station building.

LifeCare Paramedics treated the man on the scene and transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Elyria Police Department is investigating the crash.


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CAR BURSTS INTO FLAMES

Lorain – Firefighters in Lorain extinguished a car that burst into flames in the parking lot of Flowerama Saturday evening.

Firefighters say that a woman was on Cooper Foster Park Road when she smelled smoke inside of her station wagon. The woman quickly moved the car into the parking lot at the corner of Cooper Foster and Broadway to investigate.

While in the parking lot a stranger began assisting her and opened the hood and then disconnected the battery. Once that happened the car “just burst into flames” the woman said.

Smoke could be seen from the Elyria Midway Mall area.

LifeCare Paramedics responded and treated the woman for a burn to her ankle. Firefighters believe that a piece of burning plastic from under the dash had fallen on the women’s leg before she got out of the car.

The woman refused any additional treatment or transport to the hospital.


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HUSBAND AND WIFE COLLIDE

HUSBAND FLOWN TO METRO

IN CRITICAL CONDITION

North Ridgeville – A man was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland this afternoon after he collided with his wife on Westfield Drive in North Ridgeville.

Police are investigating the crash at this hour – but residents say that the couple had been fighting for about a month leading up to today’s crash. Witnesses tell us that the husband had left the home to take an item to the couple’s storage building earlier in the day.

As he was returning home his wife, along the couple’s small child, was backing her Durango out of their driveway – when she saw him coming down the street on his motorcycle she stopped and put the truck in park. The man then apparently tried to go around the driver’s side of the SUV and struck the driver’s side tire. The man and the bike went down and began sliding.

The bike ended up on a driveway next door while he ended up lying on the grassy area of the tree lawn near the driveway.

Neighbors rushed to him – one tells us that at first the wife began yelling at the husband until she realized how serious the situation was. Neighbors helped keep the man still until Police arrived and took over. They said a short time later Firefighters arrived and began treating the man.

The injuries were so severe that Firefighters dispatched Metro LifeFlight to meet them at a nearby field at Avon Belden Road and Sugar Ridge Road.

Olmstead Township Fire Department assisted North Ridgeville Fire in setting up a landing zone for Metro.

Police are still putting the pieces of this crash together – as details become available we will bring them to you.



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