Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that he has asked the Ohio Department of Health to remove most pandemic health orders on June 2nd. 

Measures being removed will include facial covering protocols, social distancing guidelines, and capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor events.

Measures related to nursing homes and assisted living facilities will remain in effect for the time being.

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Incentives to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Ohio…

Governor DeWine said that a series of statewide drawings will be held, starting May 26th, for those receiving a vaccine.

Those under 18 that receive a vaccine will be entered into a weekly drawing for a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohio’s state colleges and universities.

People over 18 who receive a vaccine will be entered into a weekly drawing with a prize of up to $1 million.

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An appointment-only COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held today at Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky.

It will take place from 8 am to 3 pm.

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Lorain County Public Health confirms two additional deaths from COVID-19…

…both men, one in their 60’s, the other in their 40’s.

Lorain County’s death toll now stands at 431.

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In Huron County COVID-19 numbers…

4 new cases and no new fatalities were reported on Wednesday.

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Warrants have been issued for 4 men from Greater Cleveland…suspects in more than 20 stolen cars from Bay Village.

The vehicles were taken from July through September of last year.

Police say, they are also investigating whether 3 juveniles might have been involved.

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Ottawa County has decided to remove themselves from the mental health board that they currently partner with Erie County.

According to the Sandusky Register, Ottawa County will join a mental health board with Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot Counties.

Meanwhile, Erie County is planning to create their own mental health board.

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Sheri’s Coffee House in Norwalk is hosting a Huron County military veteran’s event today.

The event features a meet-and-greet with members of the Huron County Veteran Services Office, who’ll be there to answer any questions vets may have.

Other activities include special guests, information on community events, giveaways and free coffee and refreshments.

The event runs from 11 am to 2 pm.

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The Lorain County Commissioners have voted 2 to 1, to replace a local website development company with another from Kansas.

Commissioners David Moore and Michelle Hung believe the new vendor will provide a better, user-friendly product.

Commissioner Matt Lundy disagreed, saying the county should have gone with a lower, local bid.

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The Lorain County Commissioners have voted 2 to 1, to annex nearly 42 acres of Eaton Township to Grafton Village, for construction of a new housing development.

Commissioners David Moore and Michelle Hung believe, the request met all 6 criteria set by the state.

Commissioner Matt Lundy disagreed.

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The annual FireFish Festival will return to downtown Lorain in September…with the grand finale…the “Burning of the Fish”…taking place north of the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge.

In recent years, it had been near the Black River Landing, south of the bridge.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in 10 innings on Wednesday.

-The Cleveland Cavaliers won their home finale last night against Boston, 102-94.

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From the National Weather Service…

*A Frost Advisory is in effect until 8:00 am today.

Today

Patchy frost early.

Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 64.

 

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 42.

 

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 67.

 

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

In Huron County COVID-19 numbers…

4 new cases were reported on Tuesday, with no fatalities.

The death toll remains at 119 since the pandemic began.

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Over $10.6 billion in federal assistance is on its way to Ohio.

It’s part of the American Rescue Plan, which goes to help state and local governments recover from the pandemic.

Among the entities receiving funds:

-Erie County: $14.4 million

-Huron County: $11.3 million

-Sandusky: $18 million

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The Norwalk City School Board has voted in favor of updating their mask policy.

The Norwalk Reflector reports that starting today, students can remove their masks for outdoor classes and outdoor phys-ed classes as well as recess.

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The City of Sandusky will resume in-person public meetings at City Hall beginning with the City Commission meeting on Monday, May 24th. 

Due to COVID-19 and related safety protocols, all public meetings up to now have been conducted virtually.

In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, there will be a limit of 20 people (25 percent room capacity) allowed in the Commission Chamber at one time.

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This morning, roads are open in Avon.

Yesterday, portions of two were closed, due to separate fires.

First, Avon firefighters put out a fire at a housing construction site on Caymus Court, off of Chester.

Then, a house fire at Nagel and Willo…the homeowner was treated for smoke inhalation.

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Lorain Schools CEO, Dr. Jeff Graham, says, when families lose trust in their school systems, they vote with their feet and leave…enrollment down about 10-percent since the state took control several years ago.

Yesterday, Dr. Graham was in Columbus, testifying in support of Senate Bill 165.

The bill would allow the Lorain Schools to return to local control, if state-approved benchmarks are made over 3 years.

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Road-closed signs are going up today at the entrance and exits ramps of I-480 to and from Lorain Road in North Ridgeville.

The Ohio Department of Transportation hopes, crews can wrap up their repairs in about 10 days.

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Final preparations are underway, to welcome the Kiwanis International President, Art Riley, to Lorain County.

Terry Mazzone of the Wellington Kiwanis says, President Riley will be in the area tomorrow…and he’ll have an opportunity to check out a local service program, in cooperation with the “Good Knights”.

The “Good Knights” build beds for children, of families in need.

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Today, the Lorain County Commissioners are expected to vote on a request from developer Kevin Flanigan, to have nearly 42 acres of Eaton Township, annexed to Grafton Village for a housing development.

This…after several public hearings involving officials from both communities…

…Grafton Village supporting the request…Eaton Township opposing it.

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SPORTS

-The Cleveland Indians defeated the Chicago Cubs last night, 3-2, at Progressive Field.  The same 2 teams play again today at 1 o’clock.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Sunny, with a high near 59.

 

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 38.

 

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 65.

 

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

In Huron County COVID-19 numbers…

There were 4 new reported cases on Monday.

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The FDA has approved the usage of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 15. 

Governor Mike DeWine said that following recommendations from the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, as soon as Wednesday, Ohio will immediately expand vaccine eligibility to youth ages 12 to 15 and provide appropriate guidance for parents, guardians, and vaccine providers across the state.

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The Erie County Health Department issued an ‘Overdose Spike Alert’ on Monday.  

They say there were 4 drug overdose incidents this past weekend in Erie County, with all 4 incidents successfully reversed due to the use of Narcan.

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and more than 40 of his colleagues are demanding that Facebook abandon its plan to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13 because it threatens their safety and well-being.

In a letter to Facebook/Instagram owner Mark Zuckerberg, a coalition of 44 attorneys general contend that social media can be detrimental to children for multiple reasons including the dangers of online predators and cyber bullying.

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The latest stimulus package has the federal government sending out more than 350-BILLION-dollars to state and local governments across the country to address pandemic-related issues.

The first allocation has been announced…

It includes…

• Nearly 19-million-dollars for the city of Elyria
• More than 32-million-dollars for the city of Lorain
• And more than 60-million-dollars for Lorain County

Officials have begun reviewing guidelines and restrictions on how that money can be spent.

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In a plea deal, a Norwalk-area car dealer has been sentenced to probation.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, 49-year-old Ernest Jenkins, owner of Jenkins Auto Sales on Route 18, has pled guilty to 2 counts of receiving stolen property and violation of metal-scrapping laws.

The plea deal involved the dismissal of 19 other charges against Jenkins.

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In recent months, the city of Lorain wanted to hear from residents regarding the future of the city’s parks.

More than 12-hundred responded, and according to the survey-results, most said, they would support a minimal levy, to improve and expand opportunities.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

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Beginning the week of May 23rd, Ohioans will be required to resume weekly work-search activities as part of future applications for unemployment-payments.

At the height of the pandemic…from mid-March through Dec. 1st of last year…the federal government authorized states to waive work-search requirements.

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted says, businesses are creating jobs faster than the amount of employees returning to the workforce.

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Another step taken…to bring a roundabout to Avon Lake…City council has authorized an engineering firm to apply for funding, for roundabout construction at Lake and Miller…

The city hopes to improve safety and traffic flow.

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Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine spent part of her day, Monday, in Lorain County.

She cut the ribbon at a new “Storybook Trail” at Findlay State Park in Wellington.

The trail is designed to encourage reading at an early age…and is a partnership between the state and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

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A road closure in Huron County…

Collins Road, between Hartland Center Road and DeRussey Road, is closed for a bridge deck replacement.

It’s expected to remain closed for 3 weeks.

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A summer concert series is coming to Oakwood Park in South Lorain.

The family-friendly event will run from 4 until 9, Saturdays, beginning June 5th.

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The city of Elyria has begun testing the new fountain on Ely Square.

The city wants to make sure, it’s all-systems-go, for dedication ceremonies later this month.

Work on the new fountain began several years ago under former mayor Holly Brinda.

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SPORTS

-The Cavs lost to Indiana last night, 111-102.

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From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 53.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

 

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 58.

 

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 65.

Weather making news today…

A Frost Advisory is in effect this morning; and a Flood Warning remains in effect until this afternoon

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Authorities in Erie County are on the lookout for a man wanted in a motor vehicle pursuit on Sunday afternoon.  

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office says that 39-year-old James Thompson took them on a chase in his vehicle, which ended at Route 6 and Risden Road in Vermilion Township.

Authorities say Thompson then fled by foot, and was not located.

His photo can be seen on the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

If seen, authorities ask you to not approach him, but to call 9-1-1.

Thompson could be armed.

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Looking at area COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County saw 99 new reported cases from April 30th to May 7th, with no new deaths.  The death toll sits at 209 in Erie County.

In Huron County, 1 new case was reported from Saturday to Sunday, with no new deaths as well.  The death toll remains at 119 since the pandemic began.

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The CDC says, about one-third of all Americans are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Numbers here in Ohio…a bit above that.

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Work on the Old State Widening Phase 5 Project in Norwalk is slated to begin today.

Old State Road, between Main Street and Gallup Avenue, will be closed to through traffic, with access to Sofios Park to be allowed from the north end only.

The project is expected to be completed by August 1st.

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Some light maintenance will begin today in Willard.  

Officials say AEP will be downtown to replace light poles.

The work will result in the intersection of Woodland and Myrtle becoming a 4-way stop.

The work could take a few weeks.

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Second Harvest Food Bank brings its drive-thru food pantry to Erie County today.

They’ll be at Huron High School from 4 to 6 pm.

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This week, the United Way of Lorain County will premiere “A Week at the Bee” on their YouTube channel.

The pre-recorded competitions of teams of adults have them trying to answer middle-school-level questions about history, art, STEM, and spelling.

The United Way’s Ashley Hampson says, proceeds will benefit their six , educational community collaboratives.

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SPORTS

-The Indians and Reds were rained out in Cleveland on Sunday.  They’ll make it up in August.

-Dallas dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers last night 124-97.

-Martin Truex Jr. won Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington.

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From the National Weather Service…

*A Flood Warning is in effect until this afternoon.

*A Frost Advisory is in effect this morning.

 

Today

Patchy fog and patchy frost this morning.

Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

 

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

 

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 61.