GONE FISHN’

TMC NEWS / BRIAN WOODS

Eaton Township – People driving along Route 10 through Eaton Township Saturday morning might have thought there was a rescue operation going on in a local pond – What they saw was a team that had been assembled to remove a 1996 Buick from the bottom of the pond.

Troopers say that Friday morning 26 year old Tim Wilson of Lorain was traveling east on Route 10 when he lost control of his car. Wilson west off the right side of the road, down a hill, through a fence and ended up in a pond. Wilson was able to get out of the car on his own before rescue crews from Eaton Township Fire Department arrived on scene.

The car remained in the pond until Saturday morning when Specialized Divers from the Wellington Fire District assisted in hooking up the car. Technicians from D&A Towing worked with the Divers in pulling the car from the water. Paramedics from Eaton Township Fire Department stood by with an ambulance while the Divers were in the water.

Wilson was charged Friday with Failure to Control and Seatbelt.


PHOTO GALLERY

9 YEAR OLD GIRL DIES AT ICE RINK

Elyria – Tragedy struck Friday night at Elyria North Recreation Center on Duffy Road in Elyria when just minutes before 9 p.m. a 9 year old girl fell on the ice and went unconscious.

Witnesses say that the girl’s mother, who was at the rink at the time she fell, went to her daughter and began performing CPR before Paramedics from LifeCare Ambulance arrived.

The girl was transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital Emergency Room where for almost one hour Doctors and Nurses attempted to revive the girl but were unsuccessful.

The girl was pronounced dead at 10:22 p.m.
****

UPDATE:Authorities have released the victims name as 9 year old Kiersten Sump of Elyira.
It will be weeks before an official cause of death is determined but the Lorain County Coroner’s Office is looking at a possible natural disease processes. An autopsey was planned for this weekend.

MAN RUNS FROM COPS DURING STOP

Elyria – A Grafton man was arrested early Thursday morning after running from a State Trooper during a traffic stop on Cleveland Street in Elyria.

Sergeant Chris Midkiff of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that he performed a traffic stop on Michael Krasienko of Grafton Thursday morning. The stop occurred in the parking lot of KFC on Cleveland Street and North Abbe Road in Elyria. During the stop Midkiff was about to have Krasienko perform a field sobriety test when Krasienko ran from him.

Elyria Police were notified by the State Patrol Dispatch about the foot pursuit and Officers began flooding the area south of Cleveland Street in search of Krasienko.

One Officer pulled into a parking lot on South Abbe near the railroad tracks and spotted the suspect climbing the hill heading to the Route 57 Bridge over the railroad tracks. Other Officers from Elyria were able to get into position as Krasienko climbed over the guardrail at the top of the hill. Krasienko, intox and muddy, refused Officers orders to lie on the ground was taken into custody by Trooper J.P. Toth of the State Patrol.

Midkiff said that Krasienko was charged with OVI, Driving Under Suspension, Marked Lanes, Seat Belt and Failure to Comply. Although Krasienko vomited in Trooper Toth’s car while being transported to the County Jail, Midkiff said there are no additional charges for that.


PHOTO GALLERY

WOMAN INJURED IN ROLL OVER

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Eaton Township – A single car crash on Giles Road in Eaton Township Wednesday night sent one woman to the hospital with minor injuries.

Troopers say that Nicole Homoki was traveling north on Giles Road when she failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the car she was driving. The car went off the right side of the road, rolled over and came to rest in the front yard of 37299 Giles Road.

Eaton Township Firefighters treated Homoki at the scene and transported her to Elyria Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

Troopers say that Homoki, who was driving her mother’s car, was under the influence at the time of the crash and had been speeding before losing control and crashing. Charges are pending.


PHOTO GALLERY

THANK YOU CAPTAIN BERAN

South Amherst – Firefighters from around Lorain County came together Wednesday morning to pay their final respects to one of their own – Captain Kenneth R. Beran of the South Amherst Fire Department.

Captain Beran passed away Sunday at the Cleveland Clinic after a two year battle with Amyloid and Multiple Myeloma.

Beran was born October 23, 1956 in Oberlin and was a lifelong resident of South Amherst. He graduated from South Amherst High School in 1975. Beran graduated from Baldwin Wallace College in 1980 with a Bachelors degree in Arts and Education.

Along with being very involved in his Church and community, Beran served 35 years as a member of the South Amherst Fire Department where he was active as a training Officer. He was a Past President of the South Amherst Fireman’s Association, a member of the Lorain County HAZMAT Team, a member and the treasurer of the Lorain County Association of Fire Investigators, a member of the Lorain County USR Team, a member of the Ford Emergency Rescue Team and a member of the Ohio State Fire Fighters Association. While not at the Fire Station, Beran enjoyed playing in a traveling softball team which he did for many years. He also enjoyed watching his children play sports and enjoyed attending their church activities.

Survivors include his wife of sixteen years Laurie J. Beran (nee: Lalonde); his son Nate Beran and his daughter Jessica Beran both of South Amherst; his mother Nancy Beran (nee: Palmer) of South Amherst; his brothers Richard Beran and his wife Jane of La Grange, Kentucky; Thomas Beran of South Amherst; his nieces Rachel Collier and her husband Mike of South Amherst; Rebekah Beran of La Grange, Kentucky; Jennifer and Katherine Langevin of Poolesville, Maryland; his nephews Richard Beran Jr. and his wife Josette of Avon, Simon Corrigan of Atlanta, Georgia and Tucker Corrigan of Michigan and two great nieces and one great nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father Ray Beran.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Amherst Fifth Third Bank to the Nate and Jessica Beran Education Fund.


PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by: BRIAN WOODS

FIRE DESTROYS SHEFFIELD GARAGE

SMOKE SEEN MILES AWAY

Sheffield Village – Smoke could be seen from miles away as a large garage burned to the ground in Sheffield Village Monday afternoon.

Captain Greg David of the Sheffield Village Fire Department said that Firefighters responded to calls of garage fire at 4769 French Creek Road at 2:42 p.m. Monday. When Firefighters arrived they found the detached with heavy smoke and fire.

One neighbor said that people had been working in the garage earlier in the day hanging drywall and doing general renovations but had left a couple hours before the fire was spotted. Davis said that the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and that there is no indication that the work that was being done started the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Sheffield Village received automatic mutual aid assistance from Avon, Sheffield Lake and Sheffield Township Fire Departments.

Davis said that Firefighters had the blaze out at 3:31 p.m.

There were no injuries reported.

Firefighters estimate the damage at $25,000.00.


PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by: BRIAN WOODS & TMC

GREAT TURKEY GIVE AWAY II

Amherst – Sunday was the 2nd Annual Great Turkey Give Away in Amherst and many families in need this holiday season took advantage of the event.

Rich Johnson, Pastor of Great Lakes Church in Amherst, said that the event is just another way their church family gives back to the community. “It was even more important this year as the unemployment rate has grown and families in our community have a greater need for help like this and we’re very happy to lend a hand.”

Johnson said that his church has also given away free hams in the past and also passed out bottles of cold water during hot days to total strangers. They have one more event planned for the day after Thanksgiving. “Out Church is a “go and do” Church – just interrupting people’s lives with small acts of kindness so we’re going to load up the van with gallons of hot cocoa and go to the Midway Mall and pass out cocoa to people waiting in line around Sears and Best Buy.”

Last year Great Lakes Church passes out around 120 turkeys, this year they collected enough money to buy 160 turkeys.

Johnson said it’s their belief that going out into the community is the best way to build a solid Church. “We believe it’s better to show people Jesus then just talking about it – there are people who just talk about it in a room but as we read and study the Bible we feel that going out and giving back to the community and being more Christ like. We do for others as much as we do for ourselves.”

Deacon Paul Swartz of Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Amherst, said his Church joined forces with Great Lakes Church this year to help the community. “There is such a need for this type of event in our area so when we got the call and the request from Great Lakes Church we were happy to help them. We went into our outreach money and donated but we also felt it was important to be here today too – just another way we like to connect with the community.”

This year there were more turkeys then people at the door so the volunteers went to the streets. Johnson had the volunteers passing out turkeys to people passing through downtown Amherst. “We’re asking people if they know of someone who is in need of a turkey for this holiday and they will take it to them and experience how that feels. Our last turkey went to a man who rode up on his bicycle and said that he needed one so I was glad that last one went to him.”

One of the best quotes of the day came from Chuck Humel, Chronicle Telegram Photographer; “There are a lot of hungry people in this world – today, with these people there are fewer.”

To learn more about Great Lakes Church click their link and visit their website.

PHOTO GALLERY

SCORE ONE FOR “YesElyria”

After more than a year of hitting the streets collecting signatures to recall Elyria Mayor Bill Grace, the group Stand Up Elyria has been riding a high since they found out that they had enough signatures to force an election. This week though something happened that earns them the D’OH Award. They did not renew their domain name standupelyria.com. I’ll give you one guess who now owns that name.

Craig Bevan, co-chair of Stand Up Elyria, said that after collecting all the names needed for the recall election they moved past Stand Up Elyria and onto the next stage. “We’re now in the recall Grace stage so our new website name is RecallGrace.com.”

YesElyria.com noticed that Bevan’s group had let the standupelyria.com site go so they quickly snagged it up. Now when you logon to standupelyria.com, instead of seeing reasons why the recall group wants to remove Mayor Grace, you see Vote Yes Elyria – Keep Our Mayor!

“I have no problem with them using the name,” Bevan said. “It’s like they’re joining our side. People have stood up by signing the petition and now it looks like they’re confirming what the people have said.”

CRASH WRAP

Time to do a little house cleaning here – Here are several crashes that we’ve shot but haven’t shown you yet.
Carlisle Township – A single car crash early Saturday morning sent one man to the hospital after he rolled his car on LaGrange Road just north of Route 20.

Trooper J.P. Toth of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that 26-year-old Richard Banks of Sullivan was traveling north on LaGrange road around 3:40 a.m. when he lost control of his car. “Mr. Banks was traveling at a what appears to be a high rate of speed when he said a deer ran out in front of him, although I did not see any evidence of a deer. He went off the right side of the road struck a mailbox, went over a driveway hit a rock then took out a fence and some yard décor. He then struck a utility pole where he twisted the vehicle and rolled it over onto its top.”

Neighbors say that Banks was able to get out of the car on his own and was talking to people as the Medics arrived on scene.

A LifeCare Ambulance that was traveling on LaGrange Road returning from a transport rolled up on the crash and began treating Banks.

Carlisle Township Firefighters responded and assisted LifeCare with Banks and secured the area where the lines were down across the road.

Banks told Toth that he had just left his girlfriends house and believes that he may have dozed off while driving just before the crash.

Toth said that Banks would likely be charged with Failure to Control and Seatbelt. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash according to Toth.

PHOTO GALLERY

TWO VANS COLLIDE ON POPLAR

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS
Elyria – A collision between two vans Tuesday afternoon sent one woman and a small child to the hospital. The woman had minor injuries and the child was just shaken up according to Police.

The driver of the silver minivan was north on Hawthorne and was attempting to cross Poplar Street when he drove into the path of the larger van that was traveling east on Poplar.

Police say that the man said he watched as one truck made a right turn onto Hawthorn and thought the coast was clear so he made his way across the intersection. The collision took both vans across the intersection causing front-end damage to the blue van and heavy driver’s side damage to the silver van.

The driver was charged with the Stop Sign violation.

PHOTO GALLERY


KEEP THE WHEELS ON THE GROUND

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – Two pick up trucks ended up with their wheels in the air in Elyria after the drivers lost control and crashed. In both cases no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.

On Wednesday the driver of a red pick up truck lost control on Bell Ave near Route 57 and crashed at the entrance to the Shell Gas Station. The crash brought down a light pole in the parking lot of Shell but no other damage and no injuries.

PHOTO GALLERY

On Thursday the driver of a blue pick up truck lost control and crashed on 57 just east of Abbe Road. No poles were taken down in this crash and there were no reported injuries.

PHOTO GALLERY

FIRE HITS WELDING SHOP

Elyria – A late night fire with the threat of exploding propane tanks had Elyria Firefighters battling the fire defensively with their newest weapon – Tower 8.

An alert Elyria Police Officer, Sgt. Ryan Warfield, while on patrol spotted the fire behind a fence at A-1 Welding on Infirmary Road across the street from Westway Garden apartments. Warfield radioed for his Dispatcher to contact the Fire Department. Warfield also warned other Officers responding to the area to stay back due to large propane tanks near the fire. Police then secured the area so nobody would get close to the blaze in case of an explosion.

When Firefighters arrived they held at a safe distance while they investigated the safety of the area. It was decided by Captain Tim Mitchell of the Elyria Fire Department to fight the fire in a defensive mode by using their new Tower 8.

Tower 8 was set up a safe distance away and the Tower was extended out to its limit to shoot water onto the fire from above. Mitchell said that the Tower worked out very well for them in getting the fire under control.

While watching the fire from down the street we could hear several small exploding noises – Mitchell said that those were caused by aerosol cans. There was one point where the propane tank began venting causing a loud noise and fire was shooting high into the air. That was all brought under control shortly after Tower 8 began hitting it with water. Once the area was deemed safe Firefighters approached and finished the job with hand lines.

The property houses A1 Welding and Rowe Towing and Salvage. Mitchell said the fire started in a office building and although the cause has not yet been determined he said that according to the property owner there was a propane heater inside the structure.

There were no injuries reported.

PHOTO GALLERY

SPECIAL ELECTION DATE SET

RECALL ELECTION – DECEMBER 22nd

Elyria – Members of Elyria City Council voted tonight to set the date for the Recall Election for Tuesday December 22nd. Council Members also voted to support the Mayor in the recall election 7-3. Councilmen Garry Gibbs, Mark Craig and Larry Tanner.

Responding to the news of the December 22nd date, Craig Bevan, co-chair of Stand Up Elyria, said that he was disappointed. “Council could have selected any date between December 13th and the 22nd and they went with the date closest to Christmas meaning that the poll workers will now have to be working when they could be with their families and getting ready for the holiday.”

Now with a little over one month until the election both sides are working to get their message out to the voters before they go to the polls. Nobody knows how this will turn out but one thing is for sure, someone’s camp will not have a Merry Christmas this year.

WORK BARN DESTROYED BY FIRE

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Henrietta Township – Fire ripped through an equipment barn Monday morning on Gifford Road – destroying the structure and the contents.

The fire broke out 11645 Gifford Road, the home of H.A. Born Farms, just after 10 a.m. and was spotted by employees who were working in another building.


Firefighters from South Amherst responded to the call and found heavy fire shooting from the building. Mutual aid assistance was already responding from several area communities but Fire Officials quickly realized that they would need additional resources – including a water shuttle.

Firefighters, Engines and Tankers responded from Florence, Amherst, Camden, Rochester, Vermilion and Vermilion Township to assist in the battle. Elyria Township Firefighters covered South Amherst’s Fire Station during the blaze.

The building, which was used as a workshop where Born repaired equipment, also housed a tractor, equipment and propane tanks.

Several loud explosions shook the area as oil barrels and propane tanks let blew up and sent debris flying through the air. One local photographer was hit with oil during one of the explosions – covering himself and his camera. The photographer consulted with our own Brian Woods, who escaped any injury to himself or his camera, about how to clean his camera and lens.

Even with the explosions and flying debris, no injuries were reported during the blaze.

Fire Investigators will inspect the site to determine the cause of the blaze.


PHOTO GALLERY

CLUB HOUSE DESTROYED BY FLAMES

Columbia Township – A suspicious fire destroyed an old clubhouse at the now vacant Riverside Golf Club on East River Road in Columbia Station.

Chief Ray Anthony of the Columbia Township Fire Department said that someone driving by the old Golf Course spotted smoke coming from the building that sits close to the road. “When we arrived we had heavy smoke and flames showing from the roof of the building.”

With the lack of hydrants close to the structure a water shuttle was called to the scene.

Anthony said he received assistance from several area Departments with manpower, Engines and Tankers. One of the key pieces of equipment arrived when Olmsted Falls sent their new Tower truck. Anthony had them back up into the parking lot and dump water down into the center of the structure – completing the extinguishing of the fire.

Other Departments assisting Columbia included, Eaton Township, Valley City, Grafton Township and Carlisle Township Fire with their 7,000 gallon Tanker.

The fire was brought under control within the hour but due to the size of the structure Firefighters were on scene well into the early morning hours.

No injuries were reported.

TMC NEWS reported on a field fire on the grounds of the Riverside Golf Club back in July of 2007. To see that story: CLICK HERE

PHOTO GALLERY

POLICE CUTS ARE IN PLACE

Elyria – The Elyria Police Department notified 5 Officers today by phone that they will receive layoff notices.

In a letter released today by Elyria Police Chief Michael Medders he informed his Department the results of a meeting that he and his command staff had with Elyria Safety Service Director Chris Eichenlaub. “The Safety Service Director advised the police department that the 2010 budget was being cut 1.8 million from the General Fund and $250,000.00 from the Police Levy Fund”, Medders wrote. “The total cuts would amount to $ 2,050,000.00 from the police budget for 2010. The amount will include the amount that the police department has already cut from the budget during 2009. The jail amounts to about $1,000,000.00 of the budget cuts.”

With an Officer recently accepting a job offer with the Avon Police Department and with the recent retirement of Captain Robert Hood, the Elyria Police Department is now down to 85 Police Officers. Another Officer will soon be deployed to Afghanistan, which will further reduce the Department’s staffing.

Medders stated that with his retirement the staffing level will be at 83.

Medders then spelled out the plans that he and his Captains presented to Director Eichenlaub this morning and they are as follows:
Four Supervisor positions will be cut, Two Captains positions will not be filled which will amount to $220,000.00 in savings and Two Sergeants positions should be reduced which will result in about $15,000.00 savings.
There will be a reduction of 5 Patrolmen.

The Officers affected by this were contacted by phone today at 1 p.m.

Medders said that the Police Department does not have any information on how long the layoffs will be in place. “However, it is my understanding that the economy will have to turn around before the officers and civilians can be called back. Please keep the officers in your thoughts during this difficult time. I wish that I had some good news to pass on, however I do not.”

Elyria Police Officer and Police Union President Tom Baracskai said that he is disappointed to see any Officers let go, but understands the situation the City is in at this time. “Obviously I would rather not see any Officers lose their jobs. I am glad to see that the Department has decided to make reductions in the Command Staff (Captains and Sergeants) so that it’s just not the Officers taking the brunt of the cuts.”

One of the Officers cut today just returned to the Department within the last month after serving overseas in the Military for the last year.

Mayor Bill Grace is expected to announce these numbers tonight during a City Council meeting at 7:30.


The Chronicle Telegram will be running a LIVE stream from inside the Council Chambers – log onto their site at 7 p.m. to watch as Mayor Grace explains his plans for the 2010 budget. Chroniclet.com

BARN FIRE ON GIFFORD ROAD

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / KYLE WORK

HAPPENING NOW
South Amherst – Firefighters from South Amherst are battling a fully involved barn fire on Gifford Road just south of Route 113.

The fire broke out just after 10 a.m. this morning at 11645 Gifford Road. Workers at Born Implement noticed smoke shortly after 10 coming from a maintenance building and called for the Fire Department.

South Amherst Fire Department is being assisted by Firefighters from Amherst, Camden, Rochester, Vermilion and Vermilion Township. A water shuttle has also been set up on scene.

Brian Woods is on scene at this hour and has reported two large explosions.


Check back later today for a complete story and PHOTO GALLERY

FIRE HITS CLUB HOUSE

DEVELOPING
Columbia Township – A fire ripped through an old Golf Course Club House late Sunday night keeping Firefighters from multiple districts busy well into the night.

Check back later today for the complete story and PHOTO GALLERY

60 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG

Elyria – The halls and Auditorium of Elyria High School were filled with young and old Saturday as the Theatre Alumni came together to celebrate the Theatre’s 60th birthday.

Tom Kelley, one of the events organizers, said that the reunion celebration planning began about a year ago. “We knew that they would be demolishing the Theatre and we knew that there would be a lot of alumni that would love to see the place one more time.” Kelley said the group really kicked into gear within the last couple months and the event grew larger then they had expected. “We provided tours for people through the school that ended inside of the Theatre. We thought maybe we’d have 30 to 50 people go through but we ended up with over 100 people, some were graduates from the 50’s and 60’s who haven’t been back to the school since then.”

Kelley said that many of the alumni traveled from all over the United States and around the world. Although there were alumni who flew in from as far away as North and South Dakota, David Weiss was the hands down winner of the “Who traveled the farthest” award. Weiss flew in Friday from Singapore and was due to fly back Monday morning.

Weiss, a 1975 graduate, was involved in Theatre at EHS for 3 years. “I knew growing up as a child that I wanted to be an actor. It wasn’t until I came to Elyria High in 1973 that I was able to actually pursue that dream. Being here I also learned to have a passion for Theatre because it was so important to everyone involved and because I realized that this was going to be my life’s work.”

Weiss jumped right in his first year playing a small part with one line. He went onto his larger rolls during his second year and then had a lead roll during his senior year in the production of The Miracle Worker. Throughout his time at EHS he not only acted but he worked on set designs and anything else that was needed. “Everybody did what needed to be done to make the productions successful. That is something that has helped me in my professional life today – I still rely on the sense of community that we had in this Theatre of how do you get a whole bunch of people to work together to put on a show. Now I do multi-million dollar shows – I create theme park attractions, they’re huge shows but it’s the same thing. They’re huge shows, I have a number of people and we have a show that has to get done, we have an opening date and we have an audience that’s going to come through so my work here really prepared me for my current profession.”

Traveling so far was not going to stop Weiss from attending the reunion celebration; he said this was too important to miss. “It was very important because of what this time in my life meant to me and how it really established who I was as a person and in my career. It was also to see people that I haven’t seen in 35 years – these people were very special and it’s great reconnecting with them this weekend.”

Pam Christian has served as the Drama Director at Elyria High School now for 12 years. Christian graduated in 1974 and dreamed of the day that she would have the chance to hold the job as Drama Director. Christian said that being part of the Drama Department is more of a cultural environment. “Not just in terms of cultural arts, but a culture of growth, support and respect. A place for kids to grow and to be comfortable with who they are and accept each other – all walks of life. These kids not only accept each other, but they celebrate their differences.”

Christian said that Elyria has been very supportive of the Theatre going back 6 decades. “Back in the very beginnings of this school they had The Players Club and the fact that tonight we’re celebrating our 60th anniversary when other schools their programs wax and wane over time – this community and the administration has always supported our Theatre. I think it’s because they understand the innate value of it – I think they understand the value of the program to the kids.”

Allen Marcum Jr. is a senior at EHS and has been with the Drama Department for only two years but says he has benefited greatly from the short time. “I was attending the Beck Center studying acting when I was a junior here when Mrs. C asked me to join Drama. My first time on stage was here in my junior year and although I was very nervous just before the show, as soon as I stepped on that stage it all went away and I was fine.”

Marcum, who plans to double major in college in Theatre and Pre-Med, said that being in Drama Club has helped him be more confident in himself. “Before drama I would be nervous about giving a presentation in class or doing anything in front of people – afraid of what they might say or think. Now I just don’t care, I can stand in front of an audience and give it my all without worrying.” Members of the Drama Club spend so much time together Marcum said, that everybody becomes like family. Just 3 weeks ago one of the cast members found out that his sister was killed in a car crash in southern Ohio, Marcum said that was a difficult time for everyone. “That was a rough couple of weeks. He was suffering so we were suffering. He’s family to us so everyone came together and did whatever we could for him. For the first two weeks it was hard for us to concentrate but since we had each other, we were able to get it together. I also think that it shows how much this group means to him that he was able to go through rehearsals and he is here tonight performing. That is how much we are attached to this Theatre and to each other. It’s very special.”

Gene Dulmage was the Drama Director at EHS for 6 years. Dulmage and other past Directors were presented with a gift Saturday night for their part in building the Drama Club. During his speech Dulmage stole a line from The King and I that brought a tear to the eye many of the alumni. Dulmage said that he found this to be true through his years of teaching; “That if you become a teacher, By your pupils you’ll be taught.”


PHOTO GALLERY

Editors Note: Two quick notes… If you check out the PHOTO GALLERY you will see what activity the cast members participated in shortly after Saturday night’s performance. They made a quick trip to Mrs. Christian’s home.

Finally, when Mrs. Christian was passing out the gifts to former Directors, she presented one to the wife and son of Frank Toth. Mr. Toth, who passed away earlier this year, was a force in keeping the Theatre alive at Elyria High School. While attending EHS I remember having Mr. Toth as a teacher and remember him to be a funny, kind and caring man. He helped me in side projects that I worked on while at EHS and I remember him to be one of the teachers that always encouraged students to pursue their dreams. RIP Mr. Toth.

LET'S TRY THIS AGAIN

On Thursday we posted a POLL asking our readers, SHOULD Mayor Bill Grace be recalled?

Although no poll online like this is scientific or accurate we would like it to be as fair as possible. When the poll was posted it was not set to block repeat voting from one computer. We could tell by the numbers that people were voting numerous times. We also knew this to be true because people told us they were voting repeatedly.

With that, we are reposting the poll question and it should be set now where only one vote per computer will be allowed.

People also said we should consider posting a second poll question removing the word SHOULD and replacing it with WILL. Many say that they do not think he should be recalled but fear that he might be. So please take a moment and place your vote for both questions.

CRASH INJURES AND TRAPS MAN

Sheffield Township – A two-car crash on Cooper Foster & North Ridge Road Friday afternoon left one man injured after a Ford Focus struck his Ford Expedition.

Witnesses say the driver of the Ford Focus was attempting to pull out onto Cooper Foster when she struck the Expedition as it was making a left turn onto North Ridge Road.

The driver of the Focus said she thought that all traffic had passed and added that she didn’t think the large SUV had their turn signal on at the time of the crash.

Firefighters from Sheffield Township Fire Department had to cut the driver’s side door off in order to safely remove the driver. The driver was then transported to Community Health Partners for evaluation.

The driver of the Focus and the passengers of the Expedition refused any treatment or transport.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.



PHOTO GALLERY

FIRE FORCES FAMILY FROM HOME

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – An Elyria man was shocked Thursday night as he opened the front door of his Highland Court home and was met by fire.

Elyria Firefighters responded to Highland Court home, located between Gateway Blvd and West River Road South, just before 9.m. and found fire showing inside the main level of the structure.


Firefighters were able to knock down the blaze within minutes and then began pulling debris from the house, including a burnt out couch.

A family dog was pulled from the house by Firefighters and was given oxygen through a mask while being comforted by family members.

The family, who has lived in the home for half a decade, will have to find temporary housing due to the amount of damage the fire caused.

Although Fire Inspectors were on scene within minutes of the fire, the cause is still being listed as undetermined. The investigation by Fire Officials continues.


PHOTO GALLERY

ELYRIA SET FOR RECALL ELECTION

Elyria – The Lorain County Board of Elections declared that Stand Up Elyria has obtained enough signatures to force a recall election of Elyria Mayor William Grace.

The group fell short initially by just over 400 valid signatures when they turned in their petition the first time in mid October. The group hit the streets and returned on November 2nd with 902 signatures to be validated.

Today the Board of Elections said that of the 902 names 530 were valid signatures.

A group was just formed recently to combat Stand Up Elyria and their recall efforts. YesElyria.com said they will work to inform citizens why they feel Mayor Grace should not be recalled and that he has done nothing to warrant such actions by citizens. YesElyria.com also says that a recall now would cost the city too much money and now with talks of layoffs we shouldn’t be spending money on such things.

Craig Bevan, co-chair of Stand Up Elyria, says that now is the time to spend that money. “This Mayor and his administration has wasted so much money over the years, if he is allowed to spend another two, who knows how much more he’ll waste. It’s time for him to go and it’s time for the citizens of this town to stand up for Elyria.”

With the petition now being certified Mayor Grace would have 5 days to step down according to the rules of a recall. Mayor Grace has said that he will not step down rather he will fight to keep his job by telling citizens about the accomplishments of his administration. Grace said that he believes that he will win a recall election saying; “The group will find out that it is one thing to get enough names to force a recall election but it’s another to get enough votes to overturn an election that happened less than two years ago.”

TMC NEWS POLL

WARNING: DEFROST YOUR WINDOWS

Eaton Township – Troopers say that a mixture of alcohol and a frosted window were contributing factors in a crash that sent a woman to the hospital after an early morning crash on Route 82.

Trooper AJ Torres of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that 43-year-old Katharine Wisniewski of Columbia Station had just left work as a bartender at an Eaton Township bar and was heading home at the time of the crash. “Wisniewski was east on 82 and lost control of her car just after she crossed the railroad tracks and went off the left side of the road where she struck a mailbox and a utility pole.”

Eaton Township Firefighters were first toned out for a report of a car that had crashed into a train at the crossing. When Firefighters arrived they found Wisniewski lying on the ground next to her car.

Firefighters treated Wisniewski at the scene and then transported her to Elyria memorial Hospital for further evaluations. Torres said the injuries did not appear to be serious.

Witnesses who were on scene just after the crash told Troopers that the windows of the car were still frosted over with only a partial hole near the passenger side. Torres stressed how important it is, especially with winter fast approaching, to clear off ALL of your windows before hitting the roadways.

No charges have been filed yet but Torres said that Wisniewski would likely be charged with OVI and Failure to Control.



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CRUSHERS 2010 SCHEDULE

Avon - The defending Frontier League Champion Lake Erie Crushers are pleased to announce their 2010 regular season schedule. The Crushers will open the season at home on Friday, May 21. The team has received an extra home stand and will be able to provide the people of Northeast Ohio more opportunities to enjoy themselves at the stadium by offering 51 home games as opposed to the standard 48. The 2010 regular season campaign will conclude at All Pro Freight Stadium during Labor Day weekend against division rival the Kalamazoo Kings.

The 2010 schedule features many weekend series with seven Friday night Fireworks Shows. The team will have more nights of lights in the sky as the team will be home for the 4th of July weekend and are honored to celebrate Independence Day with Crushers Fans. The Crushers’ busiest day in 2010 will be Family Sundays with ten total games on Sunday.

General Manager Ryan Gates made a concentrated effort to get Sunday games and was very pleased with the result, “We are very happy to have so many games on Sunday. We try to provide an atmosphere that is great for the family and having ten games on our family night is an excellent fit.”

The Frontier League Divisions have had a small shuffle this year going from East and West to North and South Divisions. The North Division Crushers will be able to offer fans the opportunity to see every other team in the league because the team will host at least one series against all South Division teams and host at least two series against all North Division foes. Their longest road trip will be from July 22 to July 30 when the team will play nine straight games away from All Pro Freight Stadium.

Everyone should keep their eyes, telephone lines, and email open because group outings and mini plans are coming soon; so have your dates ready. To reserve the date you want, or to get more information about mini plans, group outings, and season seats call (440) 934-3636 or check out the website at www.lakeeriecrushers.com. The team has decided to reward fans who sign up early and will be providing the three (3) extra home games free of charge for people that reserve their season seats before the end of 2009. Game times and promotions will be announced this winter.

The Lake Erie Crushers are the 2009 Frontier League Champions who play out of All Pro Freight Stadium, located in Avon, OH. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 12 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2010 season are on sale now!

For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.

MAN ROLLS TRUCK ON 58

South Amherst – A man was flown to Metro early Wednesday morning after he rolled his pick up truck on Route 58 in South Amherst.

Trooper AJ Torres of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that 41-year-old Tim Roach of Oberlin was traveling at a high rate of speed south on 58 when he failed to negotiate a curve. “He lost control after the curve and went off the right side of the road where he first took out a road sign and then struck a utility pole and sheered it in half. The truck continued and struck a tree cutting it in half as well before coming to rest on its roof in the middle of the roadway.”

Torres said that Roach was able to crawl out of the wreckage on his own before Firefighters and Paramedics arrived on scene.

South Amherst Firefighters found Roach lying in a yard when they arrived. Paramedics from Central Lorain County Ambulance District and LifeCare Ambulance treated Roach on the scene for a head injury and then transported him to Allen Community Hospital. Roach was then flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland for further treatment and evaluation.

Torres said that he was not able to speak to Roach before he was taken to the hospital but believes that alcohol played was a factor in the crash. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

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THREE INJURED IN LORAIN ROLL OVER

Lorain – Two people that were struck by a drunk driver early Saturday morning had to be taken by ambulance to Elyria Memorial Hospital while Police searched for the driver that hit them.

Police say 22-year-old Charles Montgomery of Lorain was traveling north on Grove Ave when he struck a van driven by Mary Shaffer. Shaffer’s minivan went off the right side of the road after being struck while Montgomery’s car rolled several times before coming to rest in the median in the area of Joe Firment Chevrolet.

When Police and Firefighters arrived they found Montgomery’s car resting on its top but nobody inside. There was also a large debris field in the northbound lane from Fairless stretching about 300 yards.

LifeCare Paramedics were directed to Shaffer’s van when they arrived and found both Mary and her husband, William, in good condition. William, who is paralyzed from the waist down, slide down to the floor of the van during the crash. Paramedics treated both on scene and transported them to Elyria Memorial Hospital Emergency room where they were treated and released.

Police found Montgomery hiding in the parking lot of Firment Chevrolet. Montgomery claimed injuries from the crash so he was taken by ambulance to Community Health Partners in Lorain and was also treated and released.

Montgomery was then taken to the Lorain County Jail where he was charged with OVI, Failure to Control, Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Marked Lanes and Obstructing Official Business.

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THANKS DRAGO!

Elyria – Last weekend I had the opportunity to ride along with Lorain County Sheriff’s Deputy Bob Perkins and his K9 Partner Drago. It was Friday October 30th, the last night of Drago’s career.

After 7 years with the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department Drago retired. The day before the Lorain County Commissioners recognized him during a regular meeting at the County Administration building. Along with the Commissioners applauding Drago’s career fellow K9 Handlers were also on hand in a show of support. Elyria Police Officers Tom Baracskai and Rick Walker presented Perkins and Drago with a personalized photo blanket.

Perkins is a life long resident of Lorain County. Born and raised in Lorain he moved to Elyria 7 years ago where he still resides. Perkins joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1980 as an Auxiliary. He then moved to the Jail as a Corrections Officer in 1987 where he stayed for two years before being promoted to Deputy Sheriff in 1989.

Perkins said that 14 years ago he saw the notice that the Sheriff was looking for someone to become a K9 Officer and he jumped at the chance. Perkins won the spot and became the Handler for Moe, a black Lab narcotics dog. Moe had been with the Department already but his Handler at the time was going into the Drug Task Force and could no longer continue as his Handler. Perkins and Moe worked together for 7 years when Moe retired at the age of 10. After retirement Moe continued to live with Perkins until he passed away in 2005 after a battle with Cancer.

During Moe’s last days on the Department former Lorain County Prosecutor Greg White’s Officer purchased a dog for the Sheriff’s Department. Enter Drago. Perkins trained with Drago while Moe was still working so when retirement day came for Moe – Drago stepped right in.

Drago, imported from West Germany, was 2 at the time and after nearly 1,500 hours of training he was certified as a multiple purpose Police Dog. Just some of his certifications were narcotics, building searches, apprehention, tracking and area searches.

STARTS OUT WITH A FELONY APPREHENTION
The day Drago was certified he and Perkins were heading back into Lorain County and Perkins said he heard radio traffic in Amherst of a search for two burglary suspects. Perkins got permission from his boss to, on his own time, assist in the search. While searching the area the two men broke into a home to hide out. As Perkins and Drago closed in the two men fled their hide out and headed back out into the woods on foot. A decision that one of them would soon regret as they crossed paths with the newly certified K9. Drago jumped on the one suspect as he tried to run and Perkins took him into custody.

Perkins said that while working with both Moe and Drago he believes in making your dog feel like a winner. “The bottom line is making your dog a winner. I tell guys all the time that the three most important things to making your dog productive is make the dog a winner – make the dog a winner – make the dog a winner. You can’t ask for anything more then that – he does something then you praise him, it’s the love and affection that you show the dog. The dog has to become part of you and your family – and that’s the way it is.”

DRAGO’S LAST NIGHT – ONE LAST FELONY
While riding along with Perkins and Drago the night was fairly quiet, certainly not much for Drago to do. Then with less than an hour left on the shift a call came in for a man assaulting his Grandmother in Elyria Township. The Dispatcher advised that the man was holding people in the house against their will.

When we arrived at the house Perkins, Drago and one other Deputy approached the house. Two victims came running from the house and said the suspect was still inside. As we entered the home the man fell to the floor and the Deputy got on top of him as Drago stood guard, eyes focused on the suspect and barking loudly. As the Deputy escorted the suspect, the victims Grandson, to the patrol car Drago marched right behind, still focused and still barking as if to say – “go ahead and try something stupid.”

The suspect kept falling to the ground and when the Deputy said stop resisting the man said – “I ain’t resisting, you got that dog, you think I would resist?”

Perkins then led Drago back to his car and for the last time Drago jumped into the back seat as a working Police Dog.

EARLY RETIREMENT
Although Drago is certified until March of 2010, the Sheriff’s Department made him retire early. Perkins also retired as a K9 Handler as the Sheriff’s Office told him he would not get another dog. Perkins was not happy to hear that news. “I didn’t understand it, the only reason they gave was that they wanted to give someone else a chance. My thinking is, if you have a guy on the SWAT Team who is highly trained and does he job well – I don’t care if I want to get on the SWAT Team, if that guy is highly trained and is doing his job he should be allowed to continue doing his job. If it’s not broke, why fix it?”

THE TRANSITION
The transition for both Drago and Perkins has not been easy. Perkins says that he will start getting dressed at the Sheriff’s Department because when Drago sees him at home getting into uniform he still thinks it’s time for him to go to work. For Perkins he said that several times a night he’d look back to talk to Drago, but he’s not there anymore.

During the Commissioners meeting Perkins presented the Sheriff’s Office with a check for one dollar to purchase Drago. Officers at the meeting joked that a collection was taken up to help Perkins buy Drago.

Perkins said that now Drago is a household pet. “I’ll probably still get him out and do stuff with him – maybe go back to my old training group every once in a while when he gets a little antsy and take him out and let him play. It’s all fun for him, it’s like a game. I obviously won’t have access to narcotics to train with but there are plenty of other things we can do and keep him active. Most importantly though he will be our family pet and will get a lot of love from me and the rest of my family – because he is part of the family.”

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CHASE ENDS IN CRASH

DRIVER TO FACE FELONY CHARGES

Sheffield Township – A Lorain man is in jail facing multiple felony charges after he fled from an Ohio State Trooper early Saturday morning.

Trooper J.P. Toth of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that while on patrol in Sheffield Township he observed a mini van make a wide turn from 254 onto West River Road. Toth said that during the turn the van went off the road near the car lot and almost struck vehicles. Toth made an attempt to stop the van but the driver fled south on West River into Elyria.

Toth said that the van, driven by 44-year-old William Kallas of Lorain, went off the right side of the road again and this time struck a female pedestrian.

Kallas continued south on West River after striking the woman and made a left turn onto Route 57. Kallas made another right turn onto 57 going north towards Lorain. By this time Officers from Elyria and the Sheriff’s Department have joined in the pursuit.

As Kallas was making his way north on 57 Deputy Perkins and Trooper AJ Torres were laying out Spike Strips on 57 at the intersection of Route 254. When Kallas began approaching the intersection he found stopped traffic in all but one lane, the left turning lane. What he didn’t see was the pointy metal spikes waiting on the road for his tires. As he made his way through the intersection the spikes hit all 4 tires deflating each.

Now heading west on North Ridge Road through Elyria Township Kallas was riding on just rims throwing pieces of shredded tire all over the roadway. He also had the Spike Strip tangled up under his van so spike pieces were also being thrown about.

Once into the Sheffield Township area Kallas could no longer control the van and went off the left side of the road and crashed into a mailbox.

Sheffield Township Firefighters were called to the scene to check on Kallas’ injuries. According to Chief Joe Bandagski Kallas refused any medical treatment or transport to the hospital. “Although he has some cuts on his head and blood on his face, he was able to answer all of our questions appropriately so we accepted his refusal of treatment.”

During the pursuit Officers from Elyria found the female that Kallas had struck on West River near the Golden Corral. LifeCare Paramedics treated the woman for injuries to her shoulder and then transported her to Elyria Memorial hospital.

Also during the final moments of the pursuit, a Troopers car hit one of the spikes that was came out from under Kallas’ van. A rear tire suffered the blow and had to be changed at the scene. Troopers were grateful to Rich’s Towing for changing the tire before towing the van.

Troopers say that this is not the first time Kallas has fled from Troopers. In February of 2008 Kallas refused to stop for Trooper Jackson, also in the area of the Midway Mall. During that pursuit Kallas led Troopers into Lorain where he pulled into his driveway on Oakdale Ave. Court records show that Kallas was fined $500.00, which was suspended, and had to pay court costs and do community service. It was also ordered that he obey all laws for 2 years.

Trooper Toth said that Kallas was charged with the following:
Felony Fleeing / Eluding, Felony Hit Skip, Aggravated Vehicular Assault (Felony), OVI, Speeding, Seatbelt, and Stop Sign.


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Photos by TMC & BRIAN WOODS