News

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8th, 2020

Stay out of the heat, if and all possible; today, and tomorrow.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a heat index of 98 both days.

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Masks, mandated in Ohio counties where spread of COVID-19 is high…

That includes Huron County…

Governor Mike DeWine said the mask mandate is for all counties who are red or purple “high level” states, which have escalated cases of the Corona Virus.

The masks order goes into effect this evening at 6:00 pm.

If you’re heading to Put-In-Bay on one of the local ferry lines, make sure you bring a mask. They are now required…

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Current COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, Ohio had 948 new cases Tuesday; above the 21-day average of 804. Ohio now sits at over 58,900 total cases and close to 3,000 fatalities.

Huron County had just 3 new cases reported Tuesday, for a total of 223; but have had over 50 cases so far in July.

The Corona Virus has taken the life of another resident of Lorain County. The countywide death-toll now stands at 63.

Erie County has a total of 246 cases.

The Corona Virus is catching up with young people o have been ignoring health and safety protocols. According to new information from the Ohio Department of Health, one-third of new cases are from people under the age of 30.

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A Sandusky man faces multiple arson charges along with burglary and vandalism.

According to the Sandusky Register, 45 year-old Brian Mickens allegedly vandalized the inside of a home on Hollyrood Road on Monday and set fire to the outside of it.
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The Lorain County Fair has lost two major sponsors…

Meijer has pulled out, citing the fair board’s policy of allowing the Confederate Flag to be displayed and sold…

University Hospitals has withdrawn, citing COVID-19 concerns…

The Lorain County Fair is scheduled to open August 23^rd.

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Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has rolled out plans for the November election and sent them to all 88 county boards.

They include guidelines for;

Recruiting more poll workers
Personal protective Equipment for poll workers
And increasing the number of printed ballots, including absentee

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Once again today, the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio will host a drive-thru mobile pantry at Ely Stadium in Elyria.

Food will be distributed from 4 until 6.

Tomorrow, the mobile pantry will stop in Lorain…at General Johnnie Wilson School on Washington Avenue…also from 4 until 6.

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The City of Sandusky has put out a survey they say will help them understand how to become a more inclusive and internationally diverse city.

The survey is available on the City of Sandusky – Government Facebook page.

The city plans to use programming and support, based on the results of the survey.

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There’s a new social media campaign regarding Ohio student athletes…and the hopes of having high school sports this fall…

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted introduced the #I WantASeason” campaign, which encourages athletes to social distance, wear a mask and sanitize regularly; with a goal of high school fall sports being played.

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is encouraging Ohioans to notify his office if they haven’t received ticket refunds for events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yost says, depending on the cancellation and refund policies in place, Ohio’s consumer protection laws may provide an avenue to obtain refunds.
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From the National Weather Service…

Today

A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 98.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Thursday

A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 98.

Friday

Showers and thunderstorms likely.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8th, 2020

Stay out of the heat, if and all possible; today, and tomorrow.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a heat index of 98 both days.

—————————————————————————————————

Masks, mandated in Ohio counties where spread of COVID-19 is high…

That includes Huron County…

Governor Mike DeWine said the mask mandate is for all counties who are red or purple “high level” states, which have escalated cases of the Corona Virus.

The masks order goes into effect this evening at 6:00 pm.

If you’re heading to Put-In-Bay on one of the local ferry lines, make sure you bring a mask. They are now required…

—————————————————————————————————

Current COVID-19 numbers…

Statewide, Ohio had 948 new cases Tuesday; above the 21-day average of 804. Ohio now sits at over 58,900 total cases and close to 3,000 fatalities.

Huron County had just 3 new cases reported Tuesday, for a total of 223; but have had over 50 cases so far in July.

The Corona Virus has taken the life of another resident of Lorain County. The countywide death-toll now stands at 63.

Erie County has a total of 246 cases.

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A Sandusky man faces multiple arson charges along with burglary and vandalism.

The Lorain County Fair has lost two major sponsors…

Meijer has pulled out, citing the fair board’s policy of allowing the Confederate Flag to be displayed and sold…

University Hospitals has withdrawn, citing COVID-19 concerns…

The Lorain County Fair is scheduled to open August 23^rd.

—————————————————————————————————

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has rolled out plans for the November election and sent them to all 88 county boards.

They include guidelines for;

Recruiting more poll workers
Personal protective Equipment for poll workers
And increasing the number of printed ballots, including absentee

—————————————————————————————————

Once again today, the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio will host a drive-thru mobile pantry at Ely Stadium in Elyria.

Food will be distributed from 4 until 6.

Tomorrow, the mobile pantry will stop in Lorain…at General Johnnie Wilson School on Washington Avenue…also from 4 until 6.

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The City of Sandusky has put out a survey they say will help them understand how to become a more inclusive and internationally diverse city.

The survey is available on the City of Sandusky – Government Facebook page.

The city plans to use programming and support, based on the results of the survey.

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There’s a new social media campaign regarding Ohio student athletes…and the hopes of having high school sports this fall…

—————————————————————————————————

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is encouraging Ohioans to notify his office if they haven’t received ticket refunds for events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the National Weather Service…

Today

A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 98.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Thursday

A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 98.

Friday

Showers and thunderstorms likely.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

TUESDAY, JULY 7th, 2020

A 67 year-old man was arrested Monday afternoon in connection with a reported shooting in Sandusky.

According to the Sandusky Register, Curtis Harris of Sandusky was charged with felonious assault; while the victim, a 21 year-old male from Sandusky, was hospitalized Monday with what was believed to be non life-threatening injuries.

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The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released traffic statistics from the July 4th holiday period.

Authorities say that 22 people lost their lives in 21 traffic crashes between last Thursday and Sunday in Ohio.

Impairment was determined to be a factor in at least five of those crashes.

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In local Corona Virus figures…

The state had 805 new cases Monday, slightly above the 21-day average of 780.

Lorain County has surpassed the 1-thousand-mark of cases of the Corona Virus. 61 new cases were reported this past weekend. The local death toll remains at 62.

Huron County now has 220 cases after 5 more were reported Monday.

Erie County has 242 cases following 14 more cases reported Monday.

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A memorial service will be held Friday for former Oberlin Police Chief Robert Jones.

Jones died 2 months ago at the age of 81.

He was Lorain County’s first African American police chief in 1980.

Friday’s service will begin at 11 at Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin.

Family and friends are encouraged to wear masks and keep social-distance.

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A ‘celebration of life’ will be held at a later date for a long-time educator who spent much of his time in the Elyria City School System.

Ken Mundorf Junior was 82.

Ken spent 35 years in education…31 of them in Elyria…and later, was elected to the Elyria School Board.

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A warning regarding hand sanitizer from the Erie County Health Department…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have advised consumers not to use any alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs which contain methanol as an active ingredient.

Officials say that methanol can cause blindness and/or death when absorbed through the skin or when swallowed.

The FDA is working on a voluntary recall of methanol-containing products.
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It’s a no-go for the Sandusky Jet Express in 2020.

Officials yesterday announced that due to high water at their facilities as well as COVID-19 restrictions, they will not be in operation this summer.

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A road closing in Huron County…

Snyder Road, between State Route 61 and Peru Center Road, is set to be closed for eight weeks for a culvert replacement.

The road will be shut down to through-traffic during construction.

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Elyria City Council is accepting applications from residents of Ward 5 who want to serve on council.

The person chosen by council Democrats would replace Marcus Madison, who has resigned after 10 years of service.

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Lorain City Schools CEO Jeff Graham is encouraging parents to take part in a survey, to determine their needs and concerns leading up to the new school year next month.

Dr. Graham also wants feedback on remote learning that was used in the spring.

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Another roundabout could be coming to North Ridgeville…

According to the Chronicle Telegram, city council has opened discussions of building a roundabout at Mills and Stoney Ridge, near Avalon.

The goal is to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes.

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Detour signs are posted on West Road, south of Route 162, in Huntington Township…

Railroad crossing repairs are scheduled to continue through the week…

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the late afternoon.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 96.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 98.

Thursday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

MONDAY, JULY 6th, 2020

The summer heat is settling down on the listening area this week.

Temperatures are forecasted in the 90’s all week long.

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A Willard man died Saturday from injuries suffered in a one-vehicle crash Friday night in Huron County.

Authorities say that Franklin Nester was driving on Ladow Road in New Haven Township when he went off the roadway, struck a ditch and stop sign.

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Police in Sandusky are looking for who shot another Sandusky man amidst a large gathering Saturday night on Hancock Street.

According to the Sandusky Register, 26 year-old Tristan Jeffries was taken to Firelands Regional Medical Center after his cell phone apparently was hit by a bullet in his leg, thus saving him from being more seriously hurt.

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Fire has destroyed a vacant house on East Erie Avenue in Lorain.

No one was hurt in last night’s fire…

No word yet how it started…

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Local COVID-19 numbers…

As more and more states re-open, more and more states report a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases…including Ohio.

Statewide, there were 968 new cases on Sunday, well above the 21-day average of 762.

In Lorain County, the death toll from the virus now stands at 62.

Huron County had 4 new cases Sunday to equal 215.

Erie County has a total of 242 cases, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

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In case you missed it this past weekend…

This year’s Elyria Apple Festival in September has been cancelled.

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Norwalk Police are looking for those responsible for four reported stolen mailboxes on Sunday.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the boxes were located in the neighborhood of Fairway Circle and Sycamore Drive.

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Due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, the ‘Days of Wreckoning 3’ demo derby event at the Huron County Fairgrounds has been called off.

It was scheduled for July 17th to 19th.

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Civista Bank was recently named as one of the 2020 Best Employers in Ohio.

The annual list was created by Crain’s Cleveland Business and Best Companies Group.

This is the tenth consecutive year the Sandusky-headquartered bank has been named to the list.

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Beginning today, residents of Avon will have an opportunity to cool off at the city’s “Spray Ground” near the closed Aquatic Facility.

Online, Mayor Bryan Jensen announced that he made the decision after consulting with Lorain County Public Health.

Avon’s Spray Ground will be open 10:30 am until 7:30 pm at no charge.

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Levin Furniture stores are back in business…including the one on Nagel Road in Avon…

Former owner Robert Levin came out of retirement bought back the business from Art Van Furniture, which filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

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A major fishing tournament has been shifted to Sandusky.

FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, has announced that due to travel restrictions, the organization has moved its event this Thursday through Saturday from the St. Lawrence River in New York, to the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Sunny, with a high near 92.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 69.

Tuesday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Increasing clouds, with a high near 92.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

It’s not a forecast that we like.

But the National Weather Service Office in Cleveland says we could get between 2 and 4 inches of snow tomorrow night.

A two-car crash in New London Township sent two people to two different hospitals.

It happened at 4:45 yesterday afternoon, at the intersection of State Route 162 and Butler Road. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post, 18-year-old Nicholas Herner of Huron failed to yield at a stop sign, and was hit on the driver’s side by 41-year-old Marandie Kruki of Wakeman.

Herner suffered incapacitating injuries, and was taken to Fisher-Titus Medical Center. Kruki suffered serious injuries as well, and was flown to Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center. Their conditions are unknown. Yesterday’s crash remains under investigation.

A head-on crash in Sandusky County claimed a northwest Ohio man, and injured a Milan man.

As we first told you yesterday, the crash occurred just before 6:30am on U.S. Route 6 near Fremont. The highway patrol said 49-year-old Kenneth Saam of Bradner went left of center, and hit a pickup truck driven by 58-year-old Alexander Winkler Jr. of Milan. Saam, who wasn’t wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Winkler was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Sandusky Mall is losing one of its anchor stores.

Longtime tenant Sears will close, mostly likely by late June. The decision will affect the department store itself and the Sears Auto Center. More than 40 people will be out of work. A liquidation sale will begin later this month.

Next Tuesday’s meeting of the Huron County Commissioners will be held at Norwalk High School…The commissioners will convene at 9am.

The Huron County Board of Elections will conduct a post-election audit of the March 15^th primary, starting at 8:30 this morning in the board office in Norwalk.

Two Republican state lawmakers will gather with area school officials, to announce new legislation to give school districts a second option in participating in the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission.

State Senator Randy Gardner and State Representative Steve Arndt will discuss the proposal at 11 this morning, at Port Clinton High School. A statement from Gardner’s office says the new program would allow districts which have not received state funds for school construction or renovations to qualify for technology infrastructure or security funding sooner than the current construction and renovation program would allow.

An armed standoff at a home in Port Clinton ended peacefully last night.

31-year-old Melissa Muirhead surrendered at approximately 8pm, after holding authorities at bay for seven hours. Officials said Muirhead is an Iraq veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She was taken to a VA hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

It appears the city of Norwalk will not spray for mosquitoes this summer, because of the expense and a question of effectiveness.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

It’s not a forecast that we like.

But the National Weather Service Office in Cleveland says we could get between 2 and 4 inches of snow tomorrow night.

A two-car crash in New London Township sent two people to two different hospitals.

A head-on crash in Sandusky County claimed a northwest Ohio man, and injured a Milan man.

The Sandusky Mall is losing one of its anchor stores.

Next Tuesday’s meeting of the Huron County Commissioners will be held at Norwalk High School…The commissioners will convene at 9am.

The Huron County Board of Elections will conduct a post-election audit of the March 15^th primary, starting at 8:30 this morning in the board office in Norwalk.

An armed standoff at a home in Port Clinton ended peacefully last night.

It appears the city of Norwalk will not spray for mosquitoes this summer, because of the expense and a question of effectiveness.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

They’ll try again today.

The Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox will open this season this afternoon, at 1:10. The game will air on 95.3 WLKR. Yesterday’s game was postponed shortly after 2:30. The club issued a statement, blaming a changed forecast and wind chills dropping into the teens.

A convicted child rapist from Sandusky will spend the rest of his life in prison.

51-year-old Michael Walls was sentenced yesterday to eight life sentences. He has no chance at parole. Walls stood trial last month in Erie County Common Pleas Court, and was found guilty on more than 20 counts of rape. Officials said Walls raped a girl multiple times a week from the time she was 3 or 4, into her teens. During yesterday’s hearing, Walls said he was innocent, and said he plans to appeal his conviction and sentence.

Norwalk police are still looking for a man who swiped more than $1,200 worth of beer and liquor from Gardner’s SuperValue.

It happened at 4pm last Tuesday. According to Captain Mike Conney, the man loaded up his cart twice, and left the store undetected both times.

He made off in a gray newer-model Toyota Camry. The man is described as heavy-set, bald and 40 to 45. Pictures of the man have been posted on the Norwalk Police Department’s Facebook page. Anyone with information should contact the Norwalk Police Department.

Ground will be broken this Friday, for the Cedar Point Sports Center at the former Griffing- Sandusky Airport site on Cleveland Road.

Officials said phase one of the youth sports facility will include nine multipurpose synthetic turf fields, four NCAA regulation baseball fields, a championship baseball and softball stadium, eight NCAA regulation lacrosse fields, sports-specific training areas and an ADA-accessible community use field. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 2 Friday afternoon. Phase one is expected to be complete by this fall, with spring and summer of 2017 serving as the inaugural season for Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center.

Former Ohio State University marching band director Jonathon Waters will again lead a college band.

He’s been hired as an assistant professor of music, and director of bands at Heidelberg University in Tiffin. Waters was dismissed by Ohio State in the summer of 2014, after an investigation revealed the OSU band contained a ‘sexualized culture.’

Monday, April 4, 2016

It’ll be a cold, blustery day for Cleveland Indians baseball.

The season opener against the Boston Red Sox is scheduled to begin at 4:10 this afternoon. The forecast for Cleveland calls for rain and snow showers to move out by game time, but windy conditions will continue, with temperatures falling to about 33. We’ll broadcast live from Progressive Field, starting at 1 this afternoon. You’ll hear comments from Cleveland Indians players and front office personnel, and we’ll get you ready for today’s game. Then we’ll join the Indians Radio Network for Indians Warm-Up at 3:37, leading up to today’s scheduled 4:10 start time on 95.3 WLKR.

Two Norwalk High School students are facing charges, for allegedly selling marijuana at school last month.

The girls, ages 16 and 17 are charged with marijuana trafficking. They’ll answer to the charges in Huron County Juvenile Court.

A Huron County grand jury has charged two local men, in connection with different sex crimes.

19-year-old Nathanial ‘JR’ Parsons of New London is charged with two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The charges stem from two alleged incidents with a now 15-year-old girl. One occurred last fall, the other in February.

Also charged by the grand jury: 62-year-old Thomas J. McDaniel of Willard. He’s facing a single count of sexual battery, for the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in late February.

Governor John Kasich is in New York today.

On the schedule: campaign stops at Hofstra University and Huntington.

An elected official in Sandusky says he has doubts about the future of Ohio Bike Week, which typically runs between late May and early June.

Dennis Murray Jr. serves as a city commissioner and ex-officio mayor. According to the Sandusky Register, Murray said one of the chief complaints about Ohio Bike Week is excessive noise caused by hundreds of motorcycles. The city of Sandusky recently signed a five-year contract extension with Ohio Bike Week, through 2021. In the story, Murray said the city would honor the contract, but may not renew it unless changes are made.

More news from Sandusky…

It appears a city commissioner is going to jail, for not paying child support.

Court paperwork shows Greg Lockhart must report to the Erie County Jail by April 15^th, to begin serving a 30-day sentence. His attorney appealed the sentence to the Ohio Supreme Court, but the motion was denied. Lockhart won a four-year term last fall. Despite the pending jail term, it appears Lockhart’s spot on the commission is safe.

A decision won’t be made tomorrow night, but Norwalk City Council will hear the first reading of legislation allowing golf carts on city streets.

As we told you last week, members of city council will debate the pros and cons. The measure could be approved as is, modified or voted down.

Friday, April 1, 2016

State regulators have approved a plan that will lead to higher electric bills for many Ohio consumers.

Despite opposition from the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio okayed the plan yesterday. FirstEnergy customers will pay more to subsidize the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant, while American Electric Power customers will pay more to subsidize an aging coal-fired plant. The average residential customer will see an average monthly bill increase of about $10. The rate hike will begin in June.

Another victory, for supporters of medical marijuana…

The Ohio Ballot Board has certified a proposal to establish a comprehensive medical marijuana program in the Buckeye State. The group Ohioans for Medical Marijuana must now collect more than 300,000 valid signatures of Ohio voters by early July to qualify for the November ballot.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a recent fire in Clyde.

The March 6^th blaze damaged the Clyde Car Wash on West Maple Street, and nearby storage units. Investigators quickly ruled the cause as arson. Anyone with information should contact the Clyde Police Department.

Perkins school officials appear close to hiring a new treasurer.

Out of 33 applicants, two are finalists. One is Daniel Bowman, current treasurer of the Parma Schools. The other is Cheryl Swisher, treasurer of Van Buren Schools. A decision could come this month.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation has honored eight Huron County employers for their strong workplace safety records.

To receive an award, a business must have at least 500,000 hours and six months without an injury resulting in a day or more away from work.

Leading the list: David Price Metal Services in Norwalk…The company worked nearly 1.2 million hours without a serious injury. Also on the list: Delany Staffing Group, Kaiser-Wells, LakePark Industries, New Horizons Baking Company, the Norwalk Public Library, PolyOne, and Wiers Farm.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Could golf carts be allowed on Norwalk city streets?

This week, city council discussed proposed legislation that would give the green light to golf-carts and other “under-speed” vehicles on the streets of Norwalk. According to Councilman Chris Mushett, the legislation will be up for first reading next week. Mushett also said the measure could eventually be approved as-is, modified or voted down.

A Willard resident is in critical condition, after crashing her pickup truck in New Haven Township.

According to the Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 65-year-old Joyce Zellner suffered serious head injuries, after driving off State Route 99 at Fisher Street late Tuesday night. Troopers said her truck vaulted over Fisher Street, and came to rest in a nearby yard.

As we first told you yesterday, Zellner was taken by ambulance to Mercy Willard Hospital, then was air-lifted to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo. The crash remains under investigation.

A vote scheduled for later today could have an impact on your electric bill.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio will decide if consumers should pay more to subsidize certain aging coal-fired and nuclear power plants, modernize the power grid, reduce carbon emissions and guarantee profits. First Energy and AEP want the PUCO to approve a plan that would charge customers higher rates over the next eight years. The average increase would be approximately $100 a year. If approved, the plan would take effect June 1^st.

The Edison school board will meet in special session at 6 tonight, at Edison Elementary…Public action is expected.

She’s being called a serial thief of tip jars, and now, she’s in jail.

29-year-old Stefanie Eshack of Norton is accused of stealing tip jars from businesses in Rocky River, Garfield Heights, Fairview Park, Westlake, Parma, North Olmsted and Avon. Police were able to connect Eshack to the string of thefts, by reviewing video footage at each location. She was arrested Tuesday.

Scenes for the ‘Fast and Furious 8’ will be shot in Cleveland.

Filming could begin as soon as next month. The movie is scheduled to be released in April of next year.