News

Friday, January 17th, 2020

A community memorial has been planned to remember 14-year-old Harley Dilly of Port Clinton.

Dilly, who had been missing since December 10th, was found Monday in the chimney of an unoccupied house across from Dilly’s home.

The community is invited to the memorial on Saturday, January 25th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home in Port Clinton.

A memorial luncheon will also take place on the 25th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church.

15 people have been arrested in Sandusky County on charges related to prostitution.

The names of those involved and the locations of the alleged criminal activity have not been released.

According to the Sandusky Register, detectives and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force received tips about prostitution taking place, resulting in an investigation that was overseen by the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has authorized the Ohio National Guard to provide emergency aid to Puerto Rico after a series of powerful earthquakes caused massive destruction and widespread power outages.

The Ohio Air National Guard 200th RED HORSE Squadron, headquartered in Port Clinton with a detachment in Mansfield, will support earthquake relief efforts.

Yesterday marked the 1-year anniversary of the beginning of medical marijuana sales in Ohio…which brings some statistics.

Numbers released by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program show that close to 78,000 people have received physician recommendations and have registered with the state to use medical marijuana.

55,000 people have made purchases; with early numbers showing 71 percent of those who have registered being 40 or older and 29 percent are over the age of 59.

As the search begins for Norwalk’s next finance director, the city has hired a familiar face to help out in the meantime.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that one-time finance director Diane Eschen has been brought back as a part-time financial assistant to assist acting finance director, Sandi Weltlin.

Previous finance director Michelle Reeder recently accepted a similar job with the City of Sandusky.

The Sandusky-based NOMS Healthcare is expanding its base in Lorain County.

The company has bought the former TeleTech building on Route 58 in Amherst Township for just over 2-million-dollars.

Phase One of the renovation will focus on administrative office-space…

Phase Two might include outpatient medical care.

Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield gets to do some ‘fun’ things today…

The mayor will help cut the ribbon at two new businesses…

Expresso Bakery at East River and 4^th…and
The Dawg House Bar and Grill near Lorain County Community College.

The Penfield Historical Society has a new project…restoring a 180-year old school building.

Yesterday, the small red structure was moved from farm-property to the Penfield Township Hall area.

The Historical Society hopes to restore the schoolhouse, and open it for tours.

A prestigious competitive shooting event gets underway today in Port Clinton.

The 14th annual Camp Perry Open will feature some of the most talented marksmen in the country, including members of the Army Marksmanship Unit and the USA Shooting team.

It runs through Sunday.

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32.

Tonight

Snow showers, mainly overnight. 1 to 2 inches possible.

Low around 28.

Saturday

Rain and snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain.

Windy, with gusts near 45 miles-per-hour.

A high near 45 degrees.

Sunday

Cloudy and breezy, with a slight chance of snow.

High near 21.

Thursday, January 16th, 2020

A Norwalk structure fire Monday night resulted in $300,000 in content and property damage.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that the blaze occurred near Cleveland and Old South State roads at a storage building being used for extra inventory of a car dealership.

No one was hurt…with the cause of the fire remaining under investigation.

A man from Port Clinton has pled not guilty to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

According to the Sandusky Register, the charge against 30-year-old Benjamin Salvers is in connection with a Port Clinton Police Department investigation in September of 2018.

A road closure to report in Huron County…

County officials say that Hasbrock Road between New State and Ridge roads will be shut down today and Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

School buses and emergency vehicles will still have access.

The City of Norwalk is now accepting resumes for Director of Finance.

The city says that qualifications include 3 years of experience in Ohio Public Finance as a Director of Finance or Assistant Director of Finance…and a Bachelor degree or higher in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.

The position became open recently after former Finance Director Michelle Reeder left to take the same job with the City of Sandusky.

It appears a Menard’s will be coming to Granger Township in Medina County.

The township’s zoning commission has endorsed the project.

The store would be built at Route 18 and Medina Line Road.

It’s mid-January, and you know what that means…

Lorain County real estate and special assessment bills are in the mail!

Payments must be made…or postmarked…by Valentine’s Day.

With winter here, Huron County Public Health says that colder weather doesn’t mean you have to turn into a couch potato.

They say continuing to move during the winter months helps you feel more energetic during darker days; and can even help you fight off the winter blues.

They offer suggestions such as:

-Consider walking in large indoor spaces such as malls.

-Add an exercise to any daily activity.

-Take the stairs.

-If you’re able to leave the house, consider joining a gym or trying a new fitness class.

From the National Weather Service…

Today

A slight chance of snow showers this afternoon.

Cloudy, with a high near 33.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30.

Saturday

Rain and snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain.

High near 44.

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020

Authorities in Port Clinton say, there is no evidence of foul play in the death of 14-year-old Harley Dilly.

Harley was last seen several weeks ago, heading to school.

Late Monday, they found his body, trapped in the chimney of a nearby, vacant, summer house.

The coroner says it appears he died of ‘compressed asphyxiation’, or suffocation.

Police in Vermilion continue their investigation…and are asking the public for help…in finding a suspected rapist.

In October, a woman called police and said, a man wearing a ski-mask had forced his way into her home and attacked her, after she answered a knock at the door.

Two people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a car theft in Sandusky over the weekend.

According to the Sandusky Register, 23-year-old Terrance Wickliffe and a juvenile were charged with receiving stolen property after a woman said her Ford Fiesta was taken; which later was spotted at a convenience store.

Fire has damaged two condominium units in North Ridgeville.

Yesterday’s fire at the Forest Ridge Condos near Jaycox Road broke out just after noon time.

Firefighters believe the fire began in a laundry area.

No one was hurt.

A Fremont man has been arrested in connection with 2 recent armed robberies of convenient stores.

34-year-old Zachary Garlock, formerly of Clyde, allegedly entered 2 different Fremont stores with a weapon where he demanded money and then fled.

No one was hurt in either incident.

School officials in Wellington are debating when to begin the 2020/2021 school year, and whether any changes need to be made to the current school-calendar.

At issue is the Lorain County Fair…which runs from August 23^rd through August 30^th…about a week later than usual.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

Basketball for lunch…that’s what’s being offered in Willard starting next Wednesday.

Willard City Schools and the City of Willard are partnering together for “Lunchtime Basketball for Adults”, an open gym style of hoops at Haas Gymnasium, starting next Wednesday.

It’s for adults 18 and up, who are out of school, running from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm every Wednesday that school is in session, through March.

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Patchy fog early.

A chance of showers, mainly in the afternoon.

Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.

Tonight

A slight chance of rain showers, possibly mixing with snow overnight.

Cloudy and breezy, with a low around 31.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.

Friday

Cloudy, with a high near 31.

Tuesday, January 14th, 2020

Port Clinton Police Chief Rob Hickman has called for a noon press conference today to provide an update on the case of missing 14-year-old Harley Dilly.

This comes after a number of law enforcement officials were seen investigating an abandoned home on Fulton Street across from Dilly’s house last night.

Dilly was last seen December 10^th…while walking to school.

An Erie County man faces aggravated menacing and felonious assault charges.

According to the Sandusky Register, 70-year-old John Whyde Sr. of Margaretta Township has been accused of pointing a gun at a woman.

This comes after an unknown caller told authorities about the alleged incident; which the woman said was true.

Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin released a letter yesterday to residents regarding Second Amendment rights.

Corbin says there’s a growing concern locally about the right to keep and bear arms.

Corbin says that as part of his sworn oath to protect and serve, it includes the upholding of the Second Amendment.

Both school districts in Norwalk, St. Paul and Norwalk City, do not have a resource officer; and newly elected mayor Dave Light wants to change that.

Light tells the Norwalk Reflector that he wants the city to partner with the schools…with a goal of having an armed officer that could be shared between Norwalk High School and Middle School and St. Paul.

Mayor Light pointed out that both Perkins and Willard schools already have School Resource Officers in place.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has released information they’ve received from First-Energy regarding an increase in scam calls.

They say calls have become increasingly sophisticated…spoofing actual company phone numbers and using exact audio from First-Energy’s calling system.

Here recently, scammers have been offering customers discounts or refunds on their electric bills in exchange for private information.

The Village of Milan is still accepting letters of interest for the open Village Council seat that was occupied by Ben Smith, who was elected Mayor.

Those interested need to turn in their letters by this Friday at noon.

Interviews will then be held on January 21st.

The Lorain County Commissioners have gone on-record, supporting a levy for Lorain County Community College, that’ll be on the March primary ballot.

The issue is a renewal, with some additional money.

From the outside, the new Meijer store at Route 58 and Cooper-Foster-Park in Lorain looks just about ready to go.

However, according to the Chronicle Telegram, a grand opening is months-away as construction continues inside.

Read all about it, in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

Sandusky Police Chief John Orzech says they have a strong potential for 4 to 5 openings in the next round of testing for a job in law enforcement.

Those interested can sign up online at NationalTestingNetwork.com and schedule a written test at the two closest locations, EHOVE Career Center in Milan or Owens Community College in Maumee.

Testing runs January 15th through March 1st.

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.

Tonight

Patchy fog overnight.

Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Wednesday

Patchy fog early, with a chance of afternoon showers.

Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.

Monday, January 13th, 2020

Western Reserve Schools has announced the death of a student.

The school district says freshman Ethan DeChant died this last Friday evening.

Grief counselors will be on hand today to talk with students.

This follows last November’s death of Western Reserve junior Damian Henning; whose passing was ruled a suicide after he was found under a Toledo bridge.

A Port Clinton man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in connection with several thefts in multiple counties in 2018.

The Fremont News-Messenger reports that 40-year-old Rosco Neff was found guilty on Friday on 28 of 49 charges; including a felony of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

Neff was believed to have been part of a theft ring in Ottawa, Sandusky and Erie Counties that included stolen items such as firearms, hunting and fishing equipment, a dirt bike and four-wheeler.

The state has scheduled a public hearing regarding a proposed electric transmission line in Erie and Huron Counties that would deliver power generated by a planned wind farm.

It’s set for April 6th at 6:00 pm at the Bellevue VFW on U.S. 20.

The 9-mile long Emerson Creek Transmission Line would be located in Oxford Township in Erie County and Lyme and Ridgefield townships in Huron County.

The proposed Emerson Creek Wind Farm would consist of up around 70 wind turbines at nearly 90 locations…located in Erie and Huron Counties.

Huron County has announced their off-site tax collection schedule for residents.

-Monday, February 3rd, at Wakeman Village Offices.
-Tuesday, February 4th, at New London Village Offices.
-Thursday, February 6th, at the Willard Senior Enrichment Center.

All run from 9 to noon.

Sandusky Transit is set to put some new services in motion today.

A new “Orange Line” begins running; taking riders from downtown Sandusky to the BGSU Firelands campus in Huron…from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Also, the “Blue Line” will run every half-hour between 5:00 am and midnight; instead of every hour.

A popular restaurant and tavern in Avon Lake was apparently not popular enough.

The Breakwall on Walker Road has closed after moving to that location from Lear Road, about 6 months ago.

The Ohio Department of Taxation suspended the Breakwall’s liquor license due to delinquent taxes.

You can read a full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram.

National Weather Service Forecast

Today

A slight chance of rain this morning. Cloudy, with a high near 45.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Tuesday

A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.

Wednesday

A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Aretha Franklin Slams Dionne Warwick for Saying She Was Whitney Houston’s Godmother Five Years Ago

Some people think that ARETHA FRANKLIN was WHITNEY HOUSTON’s godmother . . . but according to Aretha, that’s FAKE NEWS.

DIONNE WARWICK was Whitney’s cousin . . . and even she called Aretha Whitney’s godmother at Whitney’s funeral. It’s unclear whether she misspoke, or if she was under that assumption like a lot of other people . . .

But Aretha thinks it was intentional, and she’s still FUMING about it.

She said, quote, “She blatantly lied on me . . . fully well knowing what she was doing.”

For some reason, Aretha held her anger inside all this time, but she finally set the record straight this week with a fax to the Associated Press. And she thinks what Dionne said is somehow LIBELOUS.

Yes, it’s been five years since Whitney’s funeral . . . and 15 years since fax machines were used . . . but that didn’t stop her.

To be clear, DARLENE LOVE was Whitney’s godmother, and Aretha was her “honorary aunt.” It’s unclear why Aretha is so upset about this . . . but it sounds like the beef between her and Dionne goes WAY back.

Win a Contest to Brunch with Ringo Starr!

Ringo Starr will host one charitable fan at his 77th birthday brunch on July 7th in Los Angeles to benefit the David Lynch Foundation. By making a minimum $10 donation through Omaze, participants will be entered into a giveaway; the winner (and a guest) will be flown to the event, where they’ll join Starr and his friends at brunch, say “peace and love” alongside VIP guests in front of Capitol Records and stay at a four-star hotel.

In a video announcing the campaign, Starr promoted his yearly birthday tradition, encouraging everyone to spread “peace and love” on July 7th noon local time. “Wherever you are: on the bus, in the factory, having dinner, having lunch,” he says. “No matter what part of the world you’re in.”

Filmmaker David Lynch founded his titular organization in 2005 to help “prevent and eradicate the all-pervasive epidemic of trauma and toxic stress among at-risk population” through promoting the implementation of Transcendental Meditation.

The Original Bananarama is BACK and Elton John is Recovering…

Elton John Is Recovering from a “Rare and Potentially Deadly” Infection

ELTON JOHN canceled nine upcoming shows, including his remaining dates at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas. And he has a good excuse: He almost DIED.

He recently performed a series of shows in South America, and he became “violently ill” on the flight back. As it turned out, he’d contracted a “harmful and unusual” bacterial infection.

His rep says, quote, “Upon returning to the U.K., his doctors admitted him to hospital, where he underwent immediate treatment to remove the infection . . . Infections of this nature are rare and potentially deadly.”

Fortunately, it sounds like Elton will be all right. He was discharged on Saturday, and is now resting at home, where he’s expected to make a full recovery.

At this point, he’s planning on being able to perform again in June, when he launches a European tour. Refunds are available for all the canceled shows.

The Original Bananarama is Back Together for the First Time in 30 Years!

BANANARAMA: They were the ’80s band whose name you could spell for DAYS if you weren’t careful. And now they’re back in their original form for their first tour in almost 30 YEARS.

After hitting the charts with songs like “Cruel Summer“ and “Venus“, SIOBHAN FAHEY left the group in 1998 to form Shakespears Sister. Their biggest hit was “Stay“.

The two remaining Banarama members, SARAH DALLIN and KEREN WOODWARD, kept going with a replacement for a few years . . . but they’ve been a duo ever since.

So far, the only activity announced for the reunited Bananarama is a brief U.K. tour in November and December. But hopefully, there’ll be more.

Kenny G Helped Raise Money for the American Cancer Society and The Top 10 Albums of the Week

Kenny G Played Smooth Jazz on a Flight from Tampa to L.A.

Today, we have a story of a NEW kind of airline torture to share with you . . . Passengers on a Delta flight from Tampa to Los Angeles were treated to a live KENNY G performance on Saturday.

The flight crew was raising money for the American Cancer Society, and he promised to play his saxophone if passengers helped hit their goal of $2,000. Apparently, there were enough smooth jazz fans on board to get it done.

Kendrick Lamar Is #1 After Scoring the Best Sales Week of the Year

KENDRICK LAMAR just landed his third #1 album. His latest, “Damn”, sold 603,000 copies in its first week, which is the best sales week for ANY album so far this year.

In fact, it’s the biggest week since DRAKE sold over a million copies of “Views” in its first week back in May of last year.

JOHN MAYER came in second. His new album sold 132,000 copies in its first week out.

Here are this week’s Top 10 albums . . .

1. NEW: “Damn”, Kendrick Lamar . . . 603,000 copies

2. NEW: “The Search for Everything”, John Mayer . . . 132,000 copies

3. “More Life”, Drake . . . 87,000 copies

4. “Divide”, Ed Sheeran . . . 66,000 copies

5. “Memories . . . Do Not Open”, The Chainsmokers . . . 61,000 copies

6. The “Moana” soundtrack . . . 50,000 copies

7. “24K Magic”, Bruno Mars . . . 44,000 copies

8. “Future”, Future . . . 38,000 copies

9. The “Beauty and the Beast” soundtrack . . . more than 37,000 copies

10. NEW: The “Fate of the Furious” soundtrack . . . 37,000 copies

Cuba Gooding Sr. has Died, Prince Sold More Albums Last Year, and Bill Murray is Back at it..

Singer Cuba Gooding Sr. Has Died

Soul singer CUBA GOODING SR. was found dead in a parked car in the L.A. area yesterday. He was 72.

Cuba is the father of actor CUBA GOODING JR., but he was a big deal himself back in the ’70s. He was the lead singer of the group THE MAIN INGREDIENT, and they had hits with “Everybody Plays the Fool“ and “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely“.

He also did some solo stuff, and had a few minor acting roles.

There’s no cause of death yet. There were no signs of foul play. He was found slumped over the wheel . . . and officials say there were empty alcohol bottles and drug paraphernalia in the car.

So, there’s some talk that it might have been an overdose. Surveillance video shows his car pulling up to the area around 3:30 in the morning. A witness saw him sitting in the car at 10:00 A.M. wiping his brow.

And it was around 1:00 P.M. that the police were called to the scene. They tried to revive him, but unfortunately, it was too late.

Prince Sold More Albums in 2016 Than Anyone Else

Today is the one-year anniversary of PRINCE’s death. And I don’t want to say anything good came of it, but whoever’s collecting his royalties sure made some bank.

In the year since his death, Prince has sold 7.7 million albums and songs. Most of that happened in the MONTH after his death.

In all of 2016, Prince sold 2.23 million albums. That’s more than ANY OTHER ARTIST. Even ADELE couldn’t match him. She sold 2.21 million. His best-selling albums were “The Very Best of Prince”, “Purple Rain”, and “1999”. (Billboard)

Bill Murray is Working on a Musical Stage Show

BILL MURRAY is working on a musical stage show called “New Worlds”. He’ll sing songs, including selections from “West Side Story” . . . and also read stuff like Walt Whitman and Ernest Hemingway.

He’ll be backed by a trio that performs classical music and standards. In one segment, Bill will read from “Huckleberry Finn” while the trio plays “Moon River”.

The show will make its debut on July 20th at an event called Festival Napa Valley. There will be a North American tour after that, but dates haven’t been announced. (Rolling Stone)