News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21st, 2021

A look at local COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 5 new deaths and 137 new cases reported from last Friday through Wednesday. The death toll is now 129.

In Huron County, 32 new cases were reported from Tuesday to Wednesday, with the number of fatalities remaining at 38.

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In daily state Corona Virus numbers…

The state reported 6,300 cases Wednesday, below the 21-day average of 7,200.

73 deaths were reported Wednesday, compared to the 21-day average of 74.

Hospitalizations were well above average at 404, with the 21-day average being 286.

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Nearly 900 doses of the vaccine have gone to waste in the Columbus area.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the Specialty R X company failed to monitor temperatures in their refrigerator and freezer.

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Funeral arrangements have been made for a New London Police Officer and Cleveland Firefighter.

Wilson Velazquez was 59.

Taking place Sunday…with visitation hours from 2 to 4 pm and services at 5 pm at New London Alliance Church.

Velazquez died while on duty Sunday from an unconfirmed medical emergency.

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With a possible strike looming, employees of Borgers USA auto parts supplier in Norwalk were at work on Wednesday…as reported by the Norwalk Reflector.

Earlier this week, workers reportedly voted to authorize a union recognition strike.

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Law enforcement in Perkins Township is now better equipped to protect and serve.

According to the Sandusky Register, the Perkins PD has bought new bulletproof vests for their officers…purchased through a state grant of about $12,000 and around $3,000 from their local budget.

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North Ridgeville City Council has returned to full strength.

Republicans have named Jason Jacobs to replace Michele Hung, who was elected in November to the county commission.

Jacobs works for O’Neill Heathcare and serves on North Ridgeville’s Planning commission.

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In Elyria…

Washington Avenue at Broad Street will be closed again through the day, as crews remove debris from a building demolition on the northeast corner.

Detour signs are posted.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up a big win on Wednesday night. The Cavs defeated the Brooklyn Nets 147-135 in double overtime, behind a career-high 42 points from Collin Sexton.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow showers overnight.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 26

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21st, 2021

A look at local COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 5 new deaths and 137 new cases reported from last Friday through Wednesday. The death toll is now 129.

In Huron County, 32 new cases were reported from Tuesday to Wednesday, with the number of fatalities remaining at 38.

—————————————————————————-

In daily state Corona Virus numbers…

The state reported 6,300 cases Wednesday, below the 21-day average of 7,200.

73 deaths were reported Wednesday, compared to the 21-day average of 74.

Hospitalizations were well above average at 404, with the 21-day average being 286.

—————————————————————————-

Nearly 900 doses of the vaccine have gone to waste in the Columbus area.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the Specialty R X company failed to monitor temperatures in their refrigerator and freezer.

—————————————————————————-

Funeral arrangements have been made for a New London Police Officer and Cleveland Firefighter.

Wilson Velazquez was 59.

Taking place Sunday…with visitation hours from 2 to 4 pm and services at 5 pm at New London Alliance Church.

Velazquez died while on duty Sunday from an unconfirmed medical emergency.

—————————————————————————-

With a possible strike looming, employees of Borgers USA auto parts supplier in Norwalk were at work on Wednesday…as reported by the Norwalk Reflector.

Earlier this week, workers reportedly voted to authorize a union recognition strike.

—————————————————————————-

Law enforcement in Perkins Township is now better equipped to protect and serve.

According to the Sandusky Register, the Perkins PD has bought new bulletproof vests for their officers…purchased through a state grant of about $12,000 and around $3,000 from their local budget.

—————————————————————————-

North Ridgeville City Council has returned to full strength.

Republicans have named Jason Jacobs to replace Michele Hung, who was elected in November to the county commission.

Jacobs works for O’Neill Heathcare and serves on North Ridgeville’s Planning commission.

—————————————————————————-

In Elyria…

Washington Avenue at Broad Street will be closed again through the day, as crews remove debris from a building demolition on the northeast corner.

Detour signs are posted.

—————————————————————————-

SPORTS

-The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up a big win on Wednesday night. The Cavs defeated the Brooklyn Nets 147-135 in double overtime, behind a career-high 42 points from Collin Sexton.

—————————————————————————-

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow showers overnight.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 26

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21st, 2021

A look at local COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 5 new deaths and 137 new cases reported from last Friday through Wednesday. The death toll is now 129.

In Huron County, 32 new cases were reported from Tuesday to Wednesday, with the number of fatalities remaining at 38.

—————————————————————————-

In daily state Corona Virus numbers…

The state reported 6,300 cases Wednesday, below the 21-day average of 7,200.

73 deaths were reported Wednesday, compared to the 21-day average of 74.

Hospitalizations were well above average at 404, with the 21-day average being 286.

—————————————————————————-

Nearly 900 doses of the vaccine have gone to waste in the Columbus area.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the Specialty R X company failed to monitor temperatures in their refrigerator and freezer.

—————————————————————————-

Funeral arrangements have been made for a New London Police Officer and Cleveland Firefighter.

Wilson Velazquez was 59.

Taking place Sunday…with visitation hours from 2 to 4 pm and services at 5 pm at New London Alliance Church.

Velazquez died while on duty Sunday from an unconfirmed medical emergency.

—————————————————————————-

With a possible strike looming, employees of Borgers USA auto parts supplier in Norwalk were at work on Wednesday…as reported by the Norwalk Reflector.

Earlier this week, workers reportedly voted to authorize a union recognition strike.

—————————————————————————-

Law enforcement in Perkins Township is now better equipped to protect and serve.

According to the Sandusky Register, the Perkins PD has bought new bulletproof vests for their officers…purchased through a state grant of about $12,000 and around $3,000 from their local budget.

—————————————————————————-

North Ridgeville City Council has returned to full strength.

Republicans have named Jason Jacobs to replace Michele Hung, who was elected in November to the county commission.

Jacobs works for O’Neill Heathcare and serves on North Ridgeville’s Planning commission.

—————————————————————————-

In Elyria…

Washington Avenue at Broad Street will be closed again through the day, as crews remove debris from a building demolition on the northeast corner.

Detour signs are posted.

—————————————————————————-

SPORTS

-The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up a big win on Wednesday night. The Cavs defeated the Brooklyn Nets 147-135 in double overtime, behind a career-high 42 points from Collin Sexton.

—————————————————————————-

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow showers overnight.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 26

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20th, 2021

Be careful on your way out this morning, as roads may be snow covered, especially on secondary and side roads.

Erie County has issued a Level 1 Snow Advisory to start the day.

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Firefighters in Brownhelm Township are investigating what sparked last night’s fire that damaged a barn at Miller Orchards on Vermilion Road.

No one was hurt.

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Fire has damaged a home on Hawk Road in Columbia Township.

No one was hurt.

No word how yesterday’s fire started, although firefighters are looking at a wood-burning stove as a possible cause.

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On Tuesday, Governor DeWine highlighted the vaccine distribution timeline for Phase 1B of Ohio’s vaccination program, which began yesterday for those ages 80 and up.

Week of January 25th: Vaccinations are anticipated to begin for those ages 75 and up, and to those with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders, and who have a developmental or intellectual disability.

Week of February 1^st: Vaccinations are anticipated to begin for those ages 70 and up.

Week of February 8^th: Vaccinations are anticipated to begin for those ages 65 and up.

Vaccinations will also be available for personnel in Ohio schools in Phase 1B.

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There were 25 new COVID-19 cases reported on Tuesday in Huron County, to send the total to 4,161.

The death toll remains at 38.

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The numbers are in from a recent COVID-19 pop-up testing event in Norwalk.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, there were 31 positive tests out of 168 given on January 7^th at the event at the Huron County Fairgrounds.

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Elyria Police say, a resident of Middle Avenue has been arrested in Pennsylvania after allegedly making online threats against Joe Biden and several others.

61-year-old Kris Kinsey is being held on a 4-and-a-half-million-dollar bond.

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A Sandusky man faces charges after he allegedly crashed his car into a school fence while intoxicated on Tuesday morning.

According to the Sandusky Register, 35-year-old Andrew Beier is believed by authorities to have been under the influence of a narcotic when the alleged incident happened at the baseball field between Sandusky Intermediate and Sandusky High School.

Two witnesses say Beier drove his vehicle through a stop sign on its way into the fence.

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Police in Lorain are investigating whether a car, crashing into a house near Harriet and Clinton, was accidental or intentional.

It happened last night, with police saying, the driver of the car is a relative of those who live there.

No one was seriously hurt…

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A strike appears to be likely at a Norwalk auto-parts supplier factory.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that Borgers USA workers have voted to authorize a union recognition strike, with a picket line expected to begin this morning.

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The May primary ballot is taking shape…with Lorain City Council agreeing to move forward with a renewal levy for the fire department.

It brings in about 1-and-a-half-million-dollars-a-year for fire operations.

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President Trump is reportedly issuing 70 full pardons on his final, partial day in office…bringing his 4-year total to approximately 100.

Former President Obama issued more than 200 during his 8 years in office.

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It’s now up to Elyria City Council to decide whether to add a new zoning classification to the Midway Mall.

A council committee has endorsed the plan.

According to the Chronicle Telegram, the city hopes, the new zoning classification would provide more flexibility in attracting new business to the area.

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SPORTS

In college basketball last night, number 15 Ohio State lost at home to Purdue, 67-65.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 29.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, breezy, with a low around 25.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th, 2021

In honor of the life and service of Toledo Police Officer Brandon Stalker who was killed in the line of duty, Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that all U.S. and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Lucas County and at certain state buildings in Columbus.

Stalker was shot and killed last night in a standoff with an arson suspect.

He was 24.

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According to the Ohio Department of Health, Huron County had 33 new COVID-19 cases reported on Monday.

The county’s death toll currently sits at 38.

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A look at state COVID-19 numbers…

There were 4,300 new reported cases on Monday, well below the 21-day average of 7,400.

81 new deaths were reported, equaling the 21-day average.

162 new hospitalizations were reported Monday, below the 21-day average of 299.

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The Lorain City Schools and Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio have partnered to provide free childcare, including transportation, to families whose students are enrolled in the Lorain City Schools.

Boys & Girls Clubs has approximately 30 seats available for students of working families who need support as they address the hours and remote days within the schools’ Phase 2 schedule.

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Martin Luther King Junior Day has come and gone, but not efforts to honor his legacy through community service.

This month, the Domonkas Branch of the Lorain Public Library System in Sheffield Lake is collecting blankets, hats and scarves for those-in-need.

The items should be hand-made, new or gently-used.

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The Fisher-Titus Foundation in Norwalk has announced that they’re holding their second annual $10,000 Blooming Cash Raffle.

It runs now through March 26^th, with the money going towards new technology, equipment, and a redesign for a state-of-the-art cardiovascular cath lab.

Ticket information and other details are available online at www.fishertitus.org/donate.

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In Avon Lake…residents might notice a helicopter hovering over the city.

City officials say, no worries. First Energy is doing aerial inspections of its power lines.

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Tomorrow, the Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership will host a ‘virtual’ open house from Thogus Products in Avon.

The Partnership recently received a state grant to ‘grow the pipeline of skilled workers’ through workforce strategies.

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A goal has been exceeded by a local non-profit.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that the Salvation Army in Norwalk has surpassed its 2020 Red Kettle Campaign goal by over 20 percent, which will be used for their operations and programs in 2021.

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A unique ordinance is on the agenda tonight for Norwalk City Council…landscaped mounding.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the second reading for the ordinance would put rules into effect for landscaped mounding, which has become more prevalent in Norwalk recently.

Right now, city rules do not address the mounds, which have caused an issue at a location on Benedict Avenue involving flooding in resident’s backyards.

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Next month, Columbia Gas will begin replacing old gas lines in South Lorain.

Thursday, the utility will hold two ‘virtual’ meetings, to explain the process.

More than 200 customers will be impacted through the spring.

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SPORTS

-In boys high school basketball last night, Western Reserve defeated Plymouth 100-61.

-In girls high school hoops on Monday, Bellevue beat Vermilion 50-44.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.

Tonight

Light snow showers likely.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29.

Thursday

Partly sunny, with a high near 40.

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.