BARN BURNS IN RIDGEVILLE

TMC NEWS STORY & PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

North Ridgeville – Fire Officials say that one Firefighter suffered a minor injury to his elbow Tuesday afternoon while battling a fire in a barn on Avon Belden Road.

Dave Dudik said he was walking his dog just after 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon when he smelled smoke. While investigating where the smell was coming from he spotted smoke coming from a neighbor’s barn at 5490 Avon Belden Road. “I ran up to the barn and I could feel the heat coming off of it – extremely hot. I then went up to the house and started banging on the door to alert them to the fire but nobody was home at the time.”

Bernice Pelot, another neighbor, said she called 9-1-1 after also smelling then seeing the smoke pouring from the barn.

North Ridgeville Firefighters responded and began fighting the blaze with both water and special foam. Firefighters also had to cut out sections of the metal barn to ventilate it and to have access points to fight the fire.

Firefighters from Avon, Elyria and Sheffield Village assisted North Ridgeville in extinguishing the blaze that caused an estimated $60K in damages to the barn and its contents.

Officials do not believe there was any foul play in Tuesday’s blaze; instead they believe a “heat source” was too close to combustibles. The Department is currently investigating to determine the exact cause.

Dudik said that it was impressive watching the Firemen work. “It was really nice seeing the guys from all the different Departments working side by side like that. They did a great job.”


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STOP NETS 31 POUNDS OF POT

Lorain – An Illinois man is facing felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 31 pounds of BC Bud marijuana, valued at more than $124,000 during a traffic stop yesterday on the Ohio Turnpike in Amherst Township in Lorain County.

Troopers stopped a 2009 Toyota Prius with New York registration for speed and marked lanes violations westbound on the Ohio Turnpike near milepost 149 at approximately 4:23 p.m. Monday. Troopers observed criminal indicators and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed 31 pounds of BC Bud marijuana in the trunk.

The driver, Jose Duran, 32, of Aurora, Ill., was charged with possession of drugs, a third-degree felony. Duran was incarcerated in the Lorain County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

BC Bud marijuana is one of the most potent strains of cannabis, which is usually cultivated in British Columbia. It has a THC content of 30 percent as compared to only four percent in traditional marijuana.

Through August 2009, the Patrol seized more than 3 million grams of illegal narcotics valued at approximately $19.3 million. In 2008, the Patrol seized more than 5.2 million grams of illegal narcotics valued at approximately $47.5 million.

CAT KNOCKS OVER CANDLE

CAUSES MOBILE HOME FIRE

Elyria – An afternoon blaze in a mobile home on Delaware Ave in Colonial Oaks caused $7,000.00 in damages and left one woman looking for a place to stay.

Assistant Chief Ron Brlas of the Elyria Fire Department said the resident said she had a candle burning in a back bedroom before the fire. “She said while she was in the front of the home cleaning she heard a noise in the bedroom and went to check it out. Apparently her cat knocked over the candle and it landed on some clothing, setting it on fire.”

The woman was able to get the cat and family dog out of the home unharmed and phone the Fire Department.

When Firefighters arrived Brlas said they had moderate smoke showing from the rear of the structure. “Our Ladder crew came in and took out the windows to allow the Engine crew to get inside and confine the fire to the back bedroom. They then had the fire knocked down within about 15 minutes.”

Brlas said LifeCare Paramedics treated the woman on the scene for smoke inhalation. She received no injuries.


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CARLISLE CAR & BIKE SHOW ’09

Carlisle Township – Aside from a little bit of rain Sunday morning the 2009 Carlisle Township Fire Department Car & Bike Show was a huge hit with the community.

One of the big draws each year is the children’s water fights that the Firemen set up just outside of the Station. Children are dressed in full turnout gear and specially designed nozzles are used to push a ball across a wire about 8 feet off the ground. Push the ball to your opponent’s side and you win.

In the photo above Firefighters Rachel Rider assists a young girl in battling against a young man in a water fight. I believe the young lady won; I was busy drying off the camera lens.

Kids were also able to get up close and personal with a Lorain County Sheriff’s K9 Officer Mike Mettler and his dog, Kasper. As much as people were impressed by the demonstrations, they really loved the opportunity to sit with Kasper and pet him.

Another big draw was the special appearance by one of Metro LifeFlight’s new helicopters. Children and adults were able to closely inspect the new choppers as well as ask questions of the flight and medical team.

Aside from the car & bike show Firefighters gave a live presentation demonstrating cutting a car up like they would at the scene of a bad crash. At the end of the day they detonated the car’s airbags to show people the power behind the life saving devices.

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BATTEN DOWN THEM HATCHES

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a WIND ADVISORY for much of Northeast Ohio beginning at 5 a.m. Monday running through 5 a.m. Tuesday.

A strong Cold Front will approach the region and strong gusty winds can be expected with the front.

Winds are expected to increase to 15 to 25 MPH across western Ohio with gusts up to 45 MPH possible late into the evening. The strong winds will move east across the rest of the region during the morning hours Monday. The gusty winds will continue into Monday with sustained winds of 25 to 35 MPH and gusts up to 45 MPH.

The gusty winds and the fact that trees still have abundant foliage in place will set the stage for the possibility of some trees to be toppled or sustained damage from broken limbs.

The gusty winds are expected to continue into Monday night then finally diminish Tuesday morning.

A WIND ADVISORY is issued when sustained winds are forecast to be 31 to 39MPH or gusts will range between 46 and 57MPH. Winds of these magnitudes may cause minor property damage without extra precautions. Motorists in high profile vehicles should use caution until the winds subsides. Be sure to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away by the strong winds.


THE NEXT 48
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10am, then a chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Windy, with a west wind between 25 and 33 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Windy, with a west wind between 24 and 32 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Breezy, with a west wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Northwest wind between 14 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

POLICE NEED YOUR HELP

Detectives from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office are asking for help from the public in identifying the two suspects who held up a Circle K in Sheffield Township.

On Thursday, September 17th, the Circle K store at Broadway and North Ridge Road was robbed by two armed subjects just after 3am. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the clerk was led behind the counter and forced to open the register before being taken into a back room and tied up.

The two subjects made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes.

Anyone having information are asked to contact the Lorain County Sheriff’s Detective Bureau at 440-329-3742

DRIVER CRASHES INTO TREE ON 58

South Amherst – A man had to be extricated from his truck Thursday afternoon after he crashed into a tree on Route 58 in front of Vaughn’s Auto Repair and Towing Service.

Dave Vaughn said he was just about to pull out of his driveway when he saw the red Chevy pickup truck that was heading south on Rt. 58, go left of center and just drive right into the ditch.

After going into the ditch the truck took down a section of fence and struck a tree before stopping.

Vaughn and one of his employees, who is also a South Amherst Firefighters, rushed to the man to see if he was ok. While checking on the driver an off duty Metro LifeFlight Pilot stopped and began assessing the man’s injuries.

South Amherst Firefighters responded to the scene and although they didn’t cut anything off of the truck they did do some carful maneuvering to get the man out of the truck and onto a backboard safely.

LifeCare Paramedics treated the man at the scene then transported him to Amherst Hospital Emergency Room. The victim was flown a short time later to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

The driver was alone in the truck at the time of the crash.

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


PHOTO GALLERY

FIGHTS BREAK OUT IN ELYRIA

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – Multiple fights in Elyria’s south end kept Elyria Police Officers and LifeCare Paramedics busy Wednesday afternoon.

The first fight broke out around 3 p.m. in the area of West Ave and 11th Street. A short time later Police received calls for another fight just down the street on Oberlin Road.

Then about an hour later Police were called to 1864 Middle Ave, Midview Crossings Apartments, for a large disturbance. When Police arrived they found one man on the ground with a possible broken arm and another man that had received injuries to his head during a fight.

LifeCare Paramedics responded to the area through the South Recreation Center and treated both victims. Both men were then transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. The victim with the head injuries was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Shortly after they arrived the lobby began filling up with friends and relatives and another disturbance broke out just outside of the Emergency Room causing the hospital to go on lock down for just under an hour while Police dispersed the crowd.

Although the fights occurred during the middle of the day, Police were receiving little to no cooperation from the victims or neighbors about any possible suspects. They were given descriptions of possible vehicles involved so Police were stopping cars in the area that matched those descriptions. No arrests were made however.

Police then responded to Wilkes Villa where a woman said she had been punched in the face. LifeCare Paramedics were once again called when the woman began having breathing problems.

Police are still investigating the incidents.


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HOUSE FIRE IN AMHERST

HOMEOWNER ARRESTED AT SCENE

Amherst – A house fire at 107 Keswick Court in Amherst is under investigation today and the homeowner was arrested at the scene for misconduct.

Captain Greg Knoll of the Amherst Fire Department said that the call came in as a house fire and when they arrived on scene they had heavy smoke coming from the roof area of the home. “The fire appears to have started on the outside of the building and burned up the backside and made entrance into the attic. It set the attic on fire above the bonus room that is located above the garage.”

Knoll said that Firefighters attacked the fire from the rear of the structure and inside. “The first crew went to the rear and started knocking that down while the second crew went inside and upstairs. They pulled down the ceiling, found the fire and knocked it down as well.”

While Firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze neighbors say that the homeowner, Jimmy Finley, was seen arguing with Amherst Police Officers. One neighbor said Finley kept yelling at the Officers and became aggressive with them before they arrested him.

Lieutenant Joseph Kucirek of the Amherst Police Department confirmed today that Finley was arrested. “Finley was taken into custody at the scene of a fire, transported to the Amherst Police Department where he was processed through booking and charged with Misconduct at an Emergency, Obstructing Official Business and Resisting Arrest. He was later released on a $2,750.00 bond pending his appearance in Oberlin Municipal Court on October 7th.”

Captain Knoll said that although they believe the fire started behind the house on the deck area, they have called in the Lorain County Arson Investigators to verify that and to determine what caused the fire.

Amherst received mutual aid from South Amherst and Oberlin at the scene while Elyria Township Firefighters covered their Station.

The Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the family.

PHOTO GALLERY

FIVE CARS COLLIDE ON I-90

HEADING HOME AFTER

OHIO STATE TOLEDO GAME IN CLEVELAND

Sheffield Village – A five-car crash on I-90 near Route 254 in Sheffield Village Saturday afternoon had traffic in the westbound lanes backed up for miles.

Officer Bret Morgan of the Sheffield Village Police Department said that traffic was heavy due to people returning from the Ohio State – Toledo game in Cleveland. Traffic stopped on the highway because of a crash further ahead in another jurisdiction.

Morgan said that 19-year-old Ben Kauser did not notice the stopped traffic and rear-ended a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by 52 year old Tim Dowgiert. Dowgiert then rear-ended a 2002 Ford Windstar driven by 46 year old Dennis Zemanek.

Zemanek then rear-ended a 2008 Ford Fusion driven by 49 year old Thomas Jacob of Toledo. Jacob then brought the madness to an end when he rear-ended a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by 19-year-old Lauren Heibertshausen.

Sheffield Village Firefighters began triaging the scene sorting out who would be transported and who would be signing off. Realizing that they would have four victims going to the hospital they requested an additional squad from Avon Fire Department. With traffic being heavy and backed up for miles Sheffield Police stopped traffic and directed Avon Paramedics to enter I-90 down the exit ramp to the scene.

All four people were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.

Police say that Kauser was cited with Assured Clear Distance.


PHOTO GALLERY

THREE MEN TRAPPED AFTER CRASH

TWO FLOWN TO METRO

Three men were injured early Saturday morning after they crashed into a pole on Baird Road – two were flown to MetroHealth in Cleveland.

Trooper Lance Deshuck of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that the investigation is continuing because he was only able to have brief conversations with two of the victims at the scene of the crash. “At this time we know the car was south on Baird Road and for whatever reason the driver lost control and went off the right side of the roadway striking a ditch and a pole. The pole struck the car right on the driver’s door. The vehicle apparently spun about 90 degrees after going off the roadway before striking the pole.”

The collision caused all three occupants to become trapped inside of the small car that had rolled onto its side.

Chief William Rennie of the Florence Township Fire Department said it took about 15 to 20 minutes to free all three men from the wreckage. “My first concern was that we were getting reports of down wires around the vehicle, so of course that would cause a dangerous situation for the rescue. Fortunately the wires were cable lines so we were able to get in there right away and do our thing.”

Rennie said that even with the car on its side, mangled and with three people inside, extrication went quickly and smoothly. “Our Firefighters train for all sorts of situations all the time. Being out here on these back roads we get a lot of high speed crashes unfortunately so we do a lot of extrication training so we’re able to handle anything we’re dealt.”

Paramedics from Central Lorain County Ambulance District (CLCAD) took over patient care as soon as the victims were pulled from the car. A Supervisor from CLCAD who was on the scene directed helicopters to both Allen Community Hospital and to the scene for two of the three victims. The driver was deemed the most serious and was taken from the scene to Allen by a LifeCare Ambulance while the remaining two victims were still being extricated.

A helicopter landed and flew one of the occupants who had glass in his eyes and other minor injuries. The third victim was then transported by ambulance to Allen Community.

Trooper Deshuck said that the investigation is ongoing as he has only had an opportunity to have brief conversations with the two passengers.

The passenger that was flown from the scene has been released from Metro and is back home recovering with injuries to his eyes.


PHOTO GALLERY

LORAIN HERO HONORED

Lorain – Lorain County’s latest fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. David Hall, was honored Sunday evening at a memorial service at Lakeview beach.

Brian Woods presents the following PHOTO GALLERY as a tribute to Lance Cpl. Hall.

PHOTO GALLERY

INTOX WOMAN STRIKES POLE

COMES CLOSE TO HITTING CHURCH

Elyria – A woman was arrested early Monday morning after crashing her Jeep into a cable box on Bath Street and nearly striking St. Agnes Church.

Terry Burkes said that the woman had been arguing shortly before the crash occurred. “She was down the street fighting with people who were trying to keep her from driving cause they knew she had been drinking but she just kept fighting them. Then she left and almost hit one guy before she drove across the lawn to leave.”

Burkes and other witnesses at the scene said the woman headed up Bath Street at a high rate of speed nearly striking a pole on Bath. “When she got up to Lake Ave she blew right through the stop sign and we all thought that she was going to hit a pole on the other side of Lake Ave. Then for whatever reason she turned around to come back and that is when she went off the road by the church.”

The woman went off the left side of the road striking a cable box, utility pole and fence. Witnesses say that the fence is probably what kept her from hitting the church building.

Police had the woman perform a field sobriety test at the scene… She failed and was taken into custody for OVI.

No injuries were reported.


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For more information on next weekend’s re-launch of Great Lakes Church in Amherst visit the GLC website: www.greatlakeschurch.net

WARNING:

DON’T MESS WITH THESE GIRLS

Elyria – When Elyria High School senior AJ Vincent played a practical joke on his friend, sophomore Haley Moc; he probably didn’t imagine the retaliation would be so swift.

Police were called Sunday afternoon to the east parking lot area at Elyria Catholic after a neighbor saw two girls wrapping Saran Wrap around a car on the lot.

Moc had recruited her friend; sophomore Kendra Rosik, to assist her is carrying out the task of striking back. Moc said that Vincent not only wrapped her car but used foam and the old standard, TP as well.

The girls dodged a bullet after the Police deemed the incident a harmless prank between friends and sent the girls on their way.

While the two were wrapping the car up, Vincent was across the street visiting a friend.



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LORAIN WATER MAIN BREAK

Lorain – A water main break on East 28th Street in Lorain at the intersection of Seneca Ave caused the city to close down westbound traffic Sunday afternoon for hours while crews worked to repair the line.


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ANOTHER MARCOS ROBBED

CLERK TIED UP & KICKED IN HEAD

Sheffield Village – A Marcos Pizza deliveryman was tied up and blindfolded as he was trying to close the store late Saturday night.

Chief Larry Bliss of the Sheffield Village Police Department said they received the robbery call at 12:37 a.m. “While an employee of Marco’s Pizza was exiting the store through a side door, two men, who we believe at this time were both white, both dressed in black and wearing ski masks, grabbed him and drug him back inside the store. They tied him up and covered his face with an apron and then took cash off of him and then from the store register.”

Once they had the cash the two fled but not before getting in a few kicks to the employee’s head while he was still lying on the pizza shop floor.

The employee was able to free himself and call the Police.

Chief Bliss said that his Officers, along with Officers and a K9 from the Avon Police Department searched the surrounding area. The K9 tracked behind the store through a wooded area to the area of Waterford Drive before losing the track.

Sheffield Village Firefighters were called to the scene to check out the employee according to Bliss. “It was purely precautionary, we wanted him to be checked out by the Paramedics before we let him go home. When the suspects pushed him to the ground his glasses cause some abrasions on his face – and of course he was very shaken up so we just wanted to make sure he was ok.”

The employee refused transport to the hospital.

Chief Bliss said that the investigation continues and he said that his Detectives would speak with other local jurisdictions that have had similar robberies recently.


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HOME INVASION CALL ENDS IN CRASH

Sheffield Township – One woman was taken to the hospital Saturday afternoon after her rented 2008 Honda was struck by a man who was fleeing a Sheriff’s Deputy.

Trooper Charlie Jackson of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that it all started with a home invasion in the township. “The Deputies were responding to the call and as they were on Elfleda Street they saw a car heading towards them matching the description of the suspect car. The driver of the 2008 red Ford Focus then struck the Sheriff’s car on the right front side bumper.”

After striking the cruiser the Focus headed north on Elyria Ave where they attempted to make a turn onto Grace Ave. While making the turn the Focus struck the Honda. The impact sent the Focus off the road striking a street sign.

The driver of the Focus fled the scene on foot, reportedly with a handgun. The passenger was apprehended by Deputies.

Sheffield Township Firefighters responded to the scene and treated the driver of the silver Honda. She was transported to the emergency room for treatment.

Jackson said that he was in the area and assisted in attempting to locate the driver but was unable.

Editor’s note: Both of the vehicles involved in the crash were Enterprise rentals cars. In fact, the license plates on the cars are identical up to the final number – and those are only off by 2.

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TRUCK STRIKES MAN ON MOWER

Elyria – An Elyria man was injured Saturday afternoon after he was struck by a pickup truck while iding a lawn mower.

The man had finished cutting a lawn and was attempting to cross Chestnut Ridge Road near Pemberton. A white Ford Ranger traveling west on Chestnut struck the man throwing him from the mower.

Elyria Firefighters and LifeCare Paramedics treated the man on the scene and then transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital. The man was later flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland with serious injuries.

The Elyria Police Department is investigating the crash.


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LORAIN POLICE CAR STRUCK

Lorain – A Lorain Police Officer was taken to Community Health Partners Emergency Room Saturday afternoon after his cruiser was struck during a chase.

It is not known at this time why the Police were chasing the car but the collision between the suspect car and cruiser occurred behind Denny’s on Henderson Dr.

LifeCare Paramedics and Lorain Firefighters treated the Officer at the scene and then he was transported to Community for further evaluation.

The driver of the Chrysler 300 then fled the scene heading towards Sheffield Village.

A short time later Police received a call from a resident on Norfolk Ave in Lorain saying that they had just heard a lot of squealing tires and then saw a man run through the back yards.

Police then located the 300 parked in a driveway in the 4700 block of Norfolk Ave.

The condition of the Officer was not known.

AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE EPPA

Dear Citizens of Elyria

The Elyria Police Patrolmen’s Association would like to ask for your support of the newly proposed tax initiative that will be on the November ballot.

We would like to provide you with information regarding the current status of the Elyria Police Department and why we ask you for the support needed in November.

Last year we asked you to support Issue 15, a tax renewal, which saved jobs, and ensured the safety of our community. Since last year, the nation’s economy has dropped to an all time low. These lows have effected many communities nationwide, to include Elyria.

The City of Elyria has been struck with an abundance of lay-offs in the community. Local businesses, the city, and the county have layed off employees. Those of you reading this may also have lost your jobs.

These lay-offs have decreased the city’s income, which is where the general fund and the Police Levy are heavily funded. Auditor Pileski has shown us the monthly decreases over the last year. With these decreases the budgets of the Elyria Police Department and any other department funded from the general fund have suffered.

During the first wave of cuts made throughout the city, the Elyria Police Department lost over twenty civilian support employees. Those civilian duties are now being carried out by officers, which reduces the amount of time officers can dedicate to police duties like patrol, and investigations. Recently we have closed our jail, losing 12 Correctional Officers, 3 Correctional Supervisors, and one computer technician. All of these cuts were necessary to avoid losing Police Officers on the street.

Our problem now comes to us as the possibility of losing an additional 17 to 25 police officers if the tax initiative does not pass in November. The reason for this is that we have no more room to cut in our department without losing officers on the street.

The police department has been one of the most fiscally responsible departments in years past, even reallocating our finances to offset financial deficits in other departments in the general fund. We will not squander your hard earned money.

Our union is making contract concessions and currently working on other options to cut costs. As tax paying employees for the City of Elyria we too understand that paying higher income taxes can be a burden on our budgets. We ask you to consider making a tough decision in order to maintain your current level of police services.

We are currently working with 64 patrolmen in the EPPA. Of these, 9 are in the detective Bureau, 4 are in Narcotics/NIU, there are 2 working full time in Wilkes Villa (paid by Lorain Metro Housing Authority), one full time officer at the Elyria High School, and one full time officer in the Violent Fugitive Task Force (paid for by Federal Grant money). That leaves us with 47 patrolmen on the road to handle calls. Unfortunately we have taken on more responsibilities in the records offices and in the jail. There has actually been a “No overtime” order at EPD for some time. Any overtime worked at EPD has been and will be paid from Federal Grants. The reality for you as a citizen is that we only have, approximately 5 officers working the road at one given time, except for the short overlap between shifts. These are the officers that you see patrolling, answering calls, taking accidents, conducting traffic stops, and following up on citizen complaints.

Our city Charter authorizes council and the mayor to have a police force of 102 officers. We have never been at full-authorized strength. We have been on a continual downward trend of not replacing these vacant positions. There are many reasons for this occurrence, but the fact is we are working hard with what we have. If our police force is reduced by 25 patrolmen, then we will have only 22 patrolmen left to work the road patrol. With this reduction and our crime rate, it is not possible to police the City of Elyria with 22 patrolmen.

A very real possibility would be the closure of our detective Bureau, Narcotics, and NIU. This would put another 13 patrolmen on the road, but would leave an unimaginable overload of open cases that need investigated. Our calls for service have not reduced and our violent crime is increasing. We are not asking for you to hire more and more officers and to increase our budget, we are asking you to help us maintain the level of service and safety we currently have.

We read the local blogs and listen to your comments in passing while we work the streets. We understand your concerns and are available to you to answer questions. There have been many concerns regarding our longevity pay. In a nutshell, our longevity pay has been part of our salary package for many years. It is considered when negotiating for yearly increases and was considered during our last contract by an arbitrator when his decision was given for our pay package. Other cities that do not have longevity or have a lower longevity rate then we do have a higher base pay. So instead of us having a higher base pay, we have longevity. Our contract negotiations committee is currently having open discussions about this issue and is open to possible changes.

Other issues we have come across are that there are citizens upset with the management and spending of our administrators in city hall. We too have concerns about this and we have addressed them, but at the same time, we ask you to support us by voting for the tax. It’s not a vote for or against our mayor. It’s a vote on creating increased revenue to replace the revenue loss we have suffered to fund the police and other departments outlined in the proposal.


The Elyria Police Patrolmen’s Association Board members can be contacted by logging onto: http://www.elyriapatrolmen.org or calling the President, Tom Baracskai at 440-458-0501 and the Vice President, Dan Sumpter at 440-309-8999.

ELYRIA COLLISION CAUSES FUEL SPILL

Elyria – A crash Friday morning on Route 57 at Abbe Road sent one man to the hospital and about 40 gallons of diesel fuel all over the roadway.

Tom Kelley, Director of Lorain County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said the collision was a direct hit to the trucks saddle tank. “Apparently the truck was west on 57 and was in the turning lane to go north onto Abbe when at the last minute he changed his mind or something and decided to cut back into the straight lane and that is when the driver of the Yukon struck him broadside. The hit was direct to the saddle tank on the drivers side and that punctured a hole causing the spill.”

Kelley said the collision to the saddle tank was so hard it even sprayed diesel fuel all over the Yukon.

Firefighters arrived and found a wide area of the roadway had been covered by the fuel so they requested that Kelley be dispatched to the scene.

While LifeCare Paramedics treated the driver of the Yukon Firefighters were working to contain and clean up the spill that had already started leaking into the storm drain. The truck driver refused any treatment or transport.

A joint decision was made between Police and Fire Officials to shut down the westbound traffic on 57 between Gulf and Abbe while the clean up operation was underway. The closure lasted about an hour.

A city street sweeper then arrived to pick up the remaining absorbent that was left on the roadway.

Special absorbent was used to get up as much of the spilled fuel as possible off the roadway. Absorbent pads were dropped into the sewer drain to soak up as much fuel as possible and then the rest was removed by the old reliable Folger’s Coffee can. Kelley said a couple of booms were left inside of the sewer for a few days to soak up any remaining fuel.

A city street sweeper then arrived to pick up the remaining absorbent that was left on the roadway.

A representative from the Ohio EPA was also called to the scene to inspect the clean up. “Anytime a visible spill gets into a sewer, a ditch, a pond or whatever we notify the EPA and they will come out and take a look at the situation.”

Kelley said that because the driver of the truck was at fault his company will be responsible for all of the cleanup costs, including any materials used, manpower and any overtime. Because it was an accident and not an intentional spill the company is not likely to be cited. The driver will however be cited for the crash itself.


PHOTO GALLERY

LORAIN FALLEN HERO IS HOME

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

The body of Lorain native Lance Cpl. David R. Hall returned home today after being killed on August 31st while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.


Flanked by Police the motorcade made it’s way into Lorain where the streets were lined with hundreds of people with flags and homemade signs honoring the fallen Hero.

The motorcade ended at the new Dovin Funeral Home on Cooper Foster Park Road in Amherst. It’s there where Lance Cpl. Hall will remain until a special memorial service on Sunday.

The family invites and encourages everyone to join them Sunday evening at Lakeview Park for a celebration of Lance Cpl. Hall’s life and service to his country. The service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Hall was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.


PHOTO GALLERY

ELYRIA TEEN FALLS 50' OVER CLIFF

FIREFIGHTERS RAPEL HILL
RESCUE INJURED BOY

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – An Elyria Teen was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center Thursday night after falling approximately 50 feet off a cliff.

Paramedics and Firefighters were called to the dead end of Neufer Court at 7:26 p.m. after a 13 year old boy fell down the hill. At first rescuers were told that the boy was in the river below but when they arrived on scene he was out of the water and on the bank.

Firefighters had to lower ropes and rapel down the nearly 50 foot hill to get access to the boy to begin treating him.


Once the boy was stabilized on a backboard he was placed in a Fire Department Stokes Basket. It was then that a team consisting of Firefighters and Elyria Police Officers began slowing hoisting the basket up the hill.

When the basket reached the top of the hill Paramedics from LifeCare Ambulance began treating the teen.

The teen, who was alert and speaking to rescuers, said he could not feel his lower extremities and complained of back and neck pains.

Paramedics then transported the boy to Elyria Memorial Hospital Emergency Room where a crew from Metro LifeFlight was waiting. He was flown a shot time later in serious condition to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Neighbors who stood by and watched the rescue said that this is not the first time that a child has fallen down that hill. Neighbors say they wish a fence could be erected to prevent this from happening in the future.


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MEN CRASH WHILE FLEEING THREAT

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Avon Lake – Two men told Avon Lake Police that they crashed only after they were threatened in the parking lot of Johnny Malloys early Saturday morning.

Lieutenant Duane Streator of the Avon Lake Police Department said that the two men told Officers that they had been involved in an altercation at Johnny Mallows. After threats were made the men said they fled the shopping center parking lot at a high rate of speed to avoid any other problems. Police say however that due to the intoxicated state that the driver, 28 year old Joseph B. Hess of North Ridgeville, he was unable to negotiate his quick maneuvers and crashed.

Paramedics from the Avon Lake Fire Department responded and treated Hess and then transported him to St. John West Shore Hospital in Westlake for further evaluation.

The passenger refused any treatment or transport from Paramedics at the scene. He was then taken into custody by Police for an outstanding warrant through the North Ridgeville Police Department.

Streator said that Hess was charged with OVI and Reckless Operation.


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CRASH SENDS DRIVER TO METRO

Story & Photos by: BRIAN WOODS
LaGrange Township – A two car collision Sunday night at Nickle Plate Diagonal and Route 303 sent one driver to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Troopers say that Briana Stull was traveling north on Nickle Plate when she failed to yield a stop sign.

Stull then struck Robert Miscuda who was driving a Dodge work truck east on Route 303.

The collision sent both cars careening into a farmer’s field.

LaGrange Fire & Rescue treated Stull at the scene and then turned care over to the medical team of Metro LifeFlight who had landed at the scene. Stull was then flown to MetroHealth in stable condition for further evaluation.

Miscuda refused any treatment or transport from Firefighters.

Troopers say that Stull would likely be charged with Failure to Yield.


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NUMBER 5

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Lorain – Firefighters in Lorain battled their 5th suspicious house fire since August 19th – this fire sent one Fireman to the hospital. The fire was in a vacant home in the 1700 block of East 29th Street.

Firefighters Chris Bennett fell ill while inside fighting the fire. He was later transported by LifeCare Paramedics to Community Health Partners Emergency Room for further evaluation. Bennett will spend the night at the hospital for observation.

This fire appears to have started in an upstairs back bedroom and Fire Officials are investigating. The fire was called in just before 3 p.m. and was extinguished by Firefighters within 30 minutes.

If anyone has any information on any of the 5 suspicious fires that have occurred in the Lorain area they are encouraged to contact the Lorain Fire or Police Department.


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THAT'S ALOT OF WATER

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Lorain – As Firefighters were battling the house fire on East 29th Street they of course needed water – so they tried to tap into a hydrant on the corner of 29th and Globe. When they did the water line broke sending water high into the air.

While Firefighters went to plan b, neighborhood kids took advantage of the geyser and rode their bikes through it, played in it and just plain enjoyed the large water fountain.

Street Department employees arrived on the scene later and ticked off the kids by shutting the water line down to do repairs.


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TROOPER TASER OVI SUSPECT

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – An Elyria man was tasered early Saturday morning after trying to run from a State Trooper who had pulled him over.

Lieutenant Travis Hughes of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that the Trooper was attempting to pull the man over for a traffic violation on Antioch Drive. “Once the Trooper activated his lights and siren the man continued to drive a short distance and then pulled into private driveway. As the Trooper was getting out of his car he saw that the man was also getting out of the truck. He ordered the man to get back into his truck and the man stood there for a second, looked at the Trooper then turned and ran towards the house.”

The Trooper had already pulled out his Taser gun and when the man started to run he deployed the darts striking the man. This of course stopped the man.

LifeCare Paramedics were called to the scene at the request of the man. They treated him and then transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

Hughes said that the man would be charged with OVI and will likely be charged with Failure to Comply or Obstructing.

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