News

« Older Entries

Friday, February 22nd, 2019

Lorain County/State Trooper placed on leave

An Ohio Highway Patrol trooper at the Elyria Post has been placed on administrative leave.

Corey Resendez allegedly made traffic stops and claimed a traffic citation was issued when just warnings were issued…this according to an internal review.

Resendez is on leave pending the result of an internal investigation.

 

Huron County/Monroeville later school day

A later start day for the Monroeville School District is being discussed…

The Norwalk Reflector reports that the school board there is weighing their options for next school year; including starting the day at 8:15 am, a half hour later.

The school day would still end at 2:45 pm.

Nearly 50 percent of 160 parents surveyed are in favor of the later start…and to no surprise; the majority of students would enjoy the extra sleep.

School board officials will vote on the issue at a future meeting.

 

State News/Gas tax

Ohio’s gasoline tax would be tied to inflation…if state lawmakers endorse Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed transportation-budget.

…This, in addition to a proposed increase of 18-cents-a-gallon.

Yesterday, Jack Marchbanks of the Ohio Department of Transportation submitted the budget and said that tieing the gas tax to the Consumer price Index is essential to maintain adequate revenue.

While state lawmakers debate raising the gasoline tax, many local service stations pumped up their pump prices yesterday, 15 to 30 cents a gallon…

 

Erie County/Money scams

Over the last week or so, two Erie County residents told police they were scammed out of money.

According to the Sandusky Register, a Sandusky woman said she was talked into buying $800 in gift cards at three stores…while thinking she was working as a “secret shopper”, which was not true.

Also, a 60 year-old man from Perkins Township reported to authorities that he was fooled into purchasing $550 in gift cards from a person claiming to be a loan officer…to cover “fees”.

 

Huron County/City of Willard taking applications for seasonal work

The City of Willard is hiring for some seasonal positions…

They’re taking applications for a cemetery groundskeeper, mowers and various jobs with the parks department including recreation supervisor, lifeguards and maintenance workers.

More information on the city’s website…(www.willardohio.us).

 

Ottawa County/Burning Snowman Fest is Saturday

Ready to burn down winter?

You can help try to on Saturday…at the 5th annual Burning Snowman Fest in Port Clinton.

The event features a 25-foot snowman covered in discarded Christmas trees that’s set ablaze in a winter send-off.

The festival begins at 3:00 with the burn to happen around 7:00 pm near Dock’s Beach House.

Over 6-thousand people showed up last year with more than $26,000 raised for local charities.

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

 

Saturday

Rain likely, mainly in the late afternoon.  Cloudy, with a high near 51.

 

Sunday

A chance of rain and snow showers.  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

A High Wind Watch goes into effect Sunday at 4:00 am, with gusts as high as 55 mph.

Thursday, February 21st, 2019

Bellevue/Trailer fire

A blaze in Bellevue early Thursday left a man’s home a total loss.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that the resident of the trailer on East Main Street told fire officials that it all started when he was on oxygen and fell asleep on the couch while smoking.

There were no injuries.

 

Lorain County/Lorain School threats

An Elyria man is due in court, on a charge of inducing panic.

35 year-old Brandon Green is accused of making threats on Facebook, to shoot students in the Lorain School System.

The threat led to increased police presence yesterday outside Lorain Schools.

 

Erie County/Woman charged in Sandusky house fire

A woman that authorities believe was responsible for a Sandusky house fire last May has been indicted on criminal charges.

According to the Sandusky Register, 46 year-old Tracy Schultz faces two counts of aggravated arson in connection with a blaze at her home on Wayne Street.

Another person was inside at the time of the fire but was able to escape unharmed.

 

State News/DeWine gas tax increase proposal

Governor Mike DeWine wants more of your money.

His transportation-budget that goes to state lawmakers today calls for an 18-cents-a-gallon increase in the state gasoline tax to maintain roads.

The last increase in the state gasoline tax came in 2005.

 

Lorain County/New voting machines

Lorain County voters will see new voting machines when they cast ballots in the May primary.

About 11-hundred units have arrived.

They will feature a printed ballot which is then electronically scanned.

As for the old voting machines…Lorain County is donating about 100 units to Medina County, to be used primarily for spare parts.

 

Erie-Ottawa County/Lake Erie Shores & Islands receives award

Lake Erie Shores & Islands has been recognized with a STAR Award from the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

STAR standing for…State Tourism Achievement Recognition.

They received the honor for their Amazon Alexa campaign…in which Alexa owners can ask the device “what’s happening at the lake?”…and receive local event recommendations.

 

Erie County/Sandusky’s Mylander Foundation accepting apps for grants

The Mylander Foundation in Sandusky is now accepting applications from tax-exempt organizations for grants to be distributed later this year.

Those interested in applying must do so by April 16th.

The foundation says they have around 300-thousand-dollars available, which will be awarded in May.

 

State News/Sherrod Brown and MLB

Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is asking Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred to help save union jobs.

This follows reports that the New Era Cap Company, the official provider of MLB on-field playing hats, plans to shutter its manufacturing facility in New York, and move production to a non-union facility…which Brown’s camp says will eliminate over 200 high-skilled, union jobs.

Brown has called on Manfred to urge New Era to reconsider its decision.

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

 

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

 

Saturday

A slight chance of rain and snow early, changing to all rain.

Cloudy, with a high near 52.

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019

State News/Gas taxes

Governor Mike DeWine says, we need better roads…and higher state gasoline taxes to pay for them.

The governor is expected to outline his proposal on Thursday.

 

Erie-Ottawa County/Active Shooter Civilian Response Training

The Erie and Ottawa County Sheriff’s Offices will be presenting training sessions next month on what to do in an active shooter situation.

Two options are available on March 7th to attend the “Active Shooter Response Training” event…

…A morning session in Sandusky at Castaway Bay and in the afternoon at the Holiday Inn Express in Port Clinton.

Those wishing to attend can pre-register now for $10 or register the day of the event for $20.

 

Erie County/Principal at Sandusky elementary school suspended

An elementary school principal for Sandusky Schools has been suspended with pay amid an investigation.

According to the Sandusky Register…a matter involving principal at Mills Elementary, Jude Andres, and the discipline of a student, is under review.

 

Huron County/City of Willard hiring

The City of Willard is looking to fill a position.

They’re hiring now for a Certified Water Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

The city says to check out their website, www.willardohio.us, for more info.

 

Lorain County/New deal for Wellington superintendent

The Wellington School Board has approved a new, 4 year contract for Superintendent Ed Weber…

He was initially hired in December of 2016…

 

Erie County/Sandusky race series for 2019 announced

The City of Sandusky and Firelands Regional Medical Center are partnering for seven race events in 2019.

It begins Saturday, April 6th with the Humane Society of Erie County 5k…and wraps up Saturday, November 30th with the Ohio State/Michigan themed “Dot the i, Block the M” Walk/Run.

 

Lorain County/Country music fest coming to Avon 

Concert announcement for Lorain County…

Springer Stadium will be the site of the first-ever Avon Hot Summer Nights Country Music Festival on July 5th.

The show will star country music stars Old Dominion, Lee Brice, Colt Ford and Walker Hayes.

Tickets go on sale this Friday.

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST

 *A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect now through 3:00 pm today.

*Erie and Huron County are under a Level One Snow Advisory

 

Today

A wintry mix is expected with light snow and freezing rain.  High near 41.

 

Tonight

Rain likely.  Cloudy, with a low around 32.

 

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

 

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

Huron County/Serious injury crash

A Bellevue man was seriously hurt in a two-vehicle crash Monday evening near Norwalk.

The State Highway Patrol says 42 year-old Brian Reinhart’s car was struck by a semi-truck that ran a stop sign at the intersection of State Route 601 and U.S. 20.

Reinhart was taken by Life-Flight to Cleveland Metro.

 

Erie County/Perkins active shooter drill

The Perkins School District and Police Department are joining forces for a day-long active shooter training event today at Briar Middle School.

Up to 35 teachers and staff members and 20 high school students are expected to participate.

It’s a scheduled day off for students and a development day for teachers.

The building will be closed to the public today.

 

Erie County/Perkins firefighters receive award for saving life

Four firefighters from Perkins Township have been honored for saving a life during a house fire last June.

According to the Sandusky Register, Fire Chief David Murphy recently gave the prestigious ‘Unit Commendation’ award to Captain Jim Johnson and firefighters Brad Zieber, Brian Hackenburg and John Grieve…for their heroic actions during a blaze on Camp Street in Sandusky.

 

Vermilion/Counterfeit cash

Police in Vermilion are investigating a counterfeit 100-dollar-bill that turned up last week at the Goodwill Store on Liberty Avenue.

Police say, a woman used the bill to purchase a number of items.

 

Lorain County/Oberlin Wal-Mart theft

Police in Oberlin are asking for your help in tracking down the person who concealed nearly 300-dollars of merchandise and shoved a loss-prevention-officer as he exited Wal-Mart.

The incident occurred Saturday afternoon…

You can check out a picture of the suspect in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

 

Erie County/Sandusky cop participating in international charity torch run

Sandusky Police Sergeant Tracey Susana will soon head overseas to take part in a torch run for the Special Olympics World Games.

She’ll be joining over 100 law enforcement officers from nearly 25 countries; carrying the “Flame of Hope” for the event taking place next month in Abu Dhabi.

Susana helps organize the annual Polar Plunge in Sandusky each January, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Ohio.

 

Huron County/New Chief Information Officer at Fisher-Titus

New leadership at Fisher-Titus Health in Norwalk…

Linda Stevenson joins the team as chief information officer.

Stevenson has previously worked in the technology field at the Cleveland Clinic and Southwest General Health Center.

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

 

Tonight

A chance of light snow, mainly after midnight.

Increasing clouds, with a low around 24.

 

Wednesday

Light snow, possibly mixing with freezing rain and rain.  High near 41.

 

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

Monday, February 18th, 2019

Ottawa County/Former Put-In-Bay mayor pleads guilty

Former Put-In-Bay mayor Bernard “Mac” McCann has plead guilty to two counts of Conflict of Interest in a Public Contract.

The 82 year-old agreed to step down as mayor as part of a plea agreement.

The charges stem from a joint criminal investigation conducted by the Ohio Attorney General and Ohio Ethics Commission.

McCann is scheduled to be sentenced in Ottawa County March 29th.

 

Huron County/Vehicular assault

A man formerly of New London faces possible prison time for a Huron County accident two years ago that sent multiple people to the hospital with serious injuries.

According to the Norwalk Reflector, 23 year-old Draven Matthews has pled guilty to three counts of vehicular assault.

Authorities say alcohol was a suspected factor in the crash that occurred at the intersection of State Route 60 and Cook Road near New London.

 

Sandusky County/Wrong way driver stopped

The Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office says they stopped a wrong way driver on U.S. 20 over the weekend.

The driver was pulled over on Parker Street in Clyde where they were arrested for OVI.

No injuries were reported.

 

Vermilion/Car entry thefts

A recent rash of vehicle entry thefts in Vermilion…

According to police, the incidents are occurring during the overnight hours with only unlocked vehicles being targeted, lately in the Portland Road and Vermilion-on-the-Lake areas.

Authorities say to make sure residents keep their vehicles and homes locked.

 

Erie-Huron County/Sandusky State Trooper wins award 

Honors for a Sandusky state trooper who previously worked at the Norwalk post…

Sergeant Thomas Halko has received the Colonel Thomas W. Rice Leadership Award.

The State Patrol says that under Halko’s leadership, their OVI arrests went from average to having the second largest increase in the state.

 

Huron County/Norwalk Police Department K9 passes away

The Norwalk Police Department has announced that K9 Officer, Obie, has passed away.

Police Chief Mike Conney refers to Obie as a loyal servant of the citizens of Norwalk who was always ready to place his life in jeopardy for the sake of others.

Obie was 10 years-old and passed earlier this month following an unexpected illness.

 

Huron County/Community Emergency Response Team

Huron County EMA is adding a Community Emergency Response Team for the Willard area.

The volunteer program assists area residents in the aftermath of storms with debris cleanup and supply distribution; as well as with siren testing and the support of local public safety officials.

If interested in helping out, contact the Huron County EMA.

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST

*Erie & Huron Counties: Level One Snow Advisory

 

Today – President’s Day

A chance of light snow in the morning.  Cloudy, with a high near 28.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.

 

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

 

Wednesday

A chance of snow and freezing rain, changing to all rain in the afternoon.

High near 41.

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

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)

« Older Entries