Ohio now has over 29,400 total cases of COVID-19; with nearly 1,800 deaths.

Erie County had 4 reported cases Wednesday for a total of 124.

Huron County had 1 more case reported Wednesday to equal 44.

 

Indoor dining opens up to customers today as part of the overall reopening of Ohio.

Of course, health and safety protocols as well as social distancing restrictions do apply.

 

Gyms and fitness centers may now open; despite the state setting a reopening date of next Tuesday.

An Ohio judge has issued an injunction allowing for the reopening now…after a number of fitness centers filed a civil lawsuit.

Gyms must follow health and safety guidelines.

 

Police in Lorain are asking for your help in solving a fatal shooting.

Dimehz Phillips was 21.

Police say, his body was found yesterday afternoon in a yard on Denver Avenue, and they’re investigating whether his death might be connected to a report of ‘shots fired’ Tuesday night.

One juvenile was taken to the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Facility.

 

Police in Avon say, they will charge a teenager with triggering this week’s crash on I-90 that shutdown the freeway for nearly 12 hours.

Police say, 18 year old Kaitlyn Holsclaw of Avon Lake made an illegal U-TURN in a turn-around spot in the median, pulling into traffic without yielding.

Police say, the driver of a tanker truck swerved to avoid a crash, veered off the road and overturned, spilling ethanol.

The trucker is being treated at Metro.

 

A black eye…for a company hired by the State of Ohio to help process “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” claims…

Deloitte Consulting has announced; they inadvertently exposed applicants’ personal information to other claimants.

Deloitte says, that includes applicants’ names, addresses, and social security numbers

Deloitte recommended that those affected, monitor their credit report for any suspicious activity.

 

The Lorain Schools’ Academic Distress Commission has named their three finalists, for the school system’s CEO position.

Jeff Graham is a former superintendent in Lorain.

James Grubbs Junior is superintendent of the Galion Schools.

Tracy Reed is the Chief Academic Officer in the Fort Wayne, Indiana Schools.

The Academic Distress Commission hopes to name their top choice next week.  (May 27^th).

 

Second Harvest Food Bank will be on hand for two free food distribution events today.

-In Lorain at Oakwood Park from noon to 3:00 pm

-In Sandusky at Strobel Field from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, with help from OHGo

 

A Huron County dispatcher has been recognized after she was credited with saving the life of the wife of a judge.

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, Jessica Williamson has received the “Life Saving Award” from Sheriff Todd Corbin.

Williamson took a call concerning Kelly Weisenberger, the wife of Norwalk Municipal Judge, Eric, when Weisenberger had internal bleeding from a routine surgery.

Williamson dispatched an ambulance and law enforcement official while giving out appropriate instructions on how to apply pressure to control the bleed.

 

A scam alert from the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office…

Authorities say that if you receive a call asking for donations for the Sandusky County Vets Memorial Park, do not give out your information; as funds for the project are never solicited over the phone.

 

Gas line work is planned for today in Norwalk.

Crews will be out making repairs on the Woodlawn Avenue gas line; closing Woodlawn from Seminary Street to Main.

It’s expected to reopen after the workday.

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

A slight chance of showers after noon.

Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

 

Tonight

A chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

 

Friday

Showers likely in the morning, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.

 

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

Governor Mike DeWine Tuesday announced that the current ‘Stay Safe Ohio’ order has now been rescinded to a more voluntary set of “strong suggestions”.

The health order now strongly recommends that citizens, especially those who are high-risk, stay at home as much as possible; but does not change the mass gathering restrictions, which remain at a 10-person limit.

The new health advisory also lifts overall travel restrictions and the requirement to quarantine if someone travels to or returns to Ohio; but unnecessary travel within or outside of Ohio is not encouraged.

 

The latest on the Corona Virus on a local level…

Governor DeWine announced Tuesday that 1 resident of the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky has passed away from COVID-19; while 28 residents have tested positive; as well as 5 staff members.

Overall, 2 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Erie County Tuesday for a total of 120.

Lorain County Public Health is reporting four more confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one more “probable” case… bringing the county’s case total to 611.  Some good news, though, as no new deaths were reported on Tuesday

Huron County had 1 more reported case of COVID-19 Tuesday to equal 43.

 

Norwalk City Schools have approved their 5-year forecast. 

According to Norwalk Ohio News.com, the district faces a $1.2 million deficit heading into next school year.

District Treasurer Joyce Dupont said the deficit isn’t something to be alarmed over because of the large amount of uncertainty going forward during the pandemic.

 

26 votes was the difference as Clyde-Green Springs Schools voters have passed a half-percent earned income tax levy.

The Fremont News-Messenger reports that both the Sandusky and Seneca County Board of Elections have approved the final numbers.

It’s the first passing of an operating levy for Clyde-Green Springs Schools in the last 15 years.

 

Cedar Point is recognizing those on the front lines of the pandemic.

Now through May 29th, Cedar Point invites communities and individuals to nominate their ‘everyday hero’ for a chance to win a lifetime season ticket.

A total of ten heroes will be selected.

 

Some good news for local business owners… a second round of grants for the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Program has been announced by the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, and, the Small Business Development Center at Lorain County Community College.

Businesses with 3 to 20 employees may apply for a grant worth up to $2,500.

 

Starting next Tuesday, Abbe Road will be closed where it intersects with Poplar Street.

Residents north of the intersection can get to their homes from Route 57, and those south will have to enter from Cleveland Street.

 

More festivals have been called off due to COVID-19.

Officials in Greenwich have cancelled this year’s Fireman’s Festival; which was planned for July.

The Elyria Kiwanis Club’s annual Strawberry Festival has also been cancelled; but the Parade of Flags program, however, will continue

 

From the National Weather Service…

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

 

Thursday

A slight chance of showers in the afternoon.

Partly sunny, with a high near 64.

 

Friday

A chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.

An outbreak of COVID-19 has hit the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. 

Governor Mike DeWine shared the details during Monday’s news conference; which included 23 residents being infected.

Officials are still waiting on more than 200 tests results to come back.

 

Checking other local COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 9 new reported cases Monday for a total of 121

Huron County – 42 total cases after 4 were reported Monday

Lorain County has lost 57 residents to the Corona Virus …The county now has over 600 cases.

Statewide…28,400+ total cases and over 1,650 deaths

 

Governor DeWine announced Monday that he is assembling an enforcement team to ensure that bars and restaurants are operating safely under the Responsible RestartOhio plan. 

Bars and restaurants reopened to patrons for outdoor dining on Friday.

Dine-in service is scheduled to resume on May 21.

Businesses found violating the ‘Stay Safe Ohio’ order will receive administrative citations that could result in the loss of liquor licenses.

 

It’s that time again…time to buckle up!

Law enforcement officials have announced that the national ‘Click it or Ticket’ seat belt campaign is now underway.

Extra officers will be on the road, thanks to grant money.

 

Elyria Municipal Court is scheduled to re-open tomorrow morning after a scrub-down.

Yesterday, the court was closed after a security person tested ‘positive’ for COVID-19.

 

A free food distribution event is planned for this afternoon in Norwalk.

Second Harvest Food Bank will be on hand at the Huron County Fairgrounds from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

 

Another summer event has been affected by COVID-19…

The Vermilion Festival of the Fish planned for next month has been postponed; with hopes to hold the event later this summer.

 

Prices at the pump are inching upwards in advance of Memorial Day travel, although Triple-A says, the amount of that travel is too sketchy to predict.

Triple-A says, the biggest prices increases in the nation are found right here in the Great Lakes region…but still, about 75-cents-a-gallon below a year ago.

 

Officials in the city of Lorain continue their discussion about possibly reducing sewer rates.

Last night, Lorain City Council sent several options to committee for further review.

A full report in today’s Chronicle Telegram…

 

Weather, making news today, with the National Weather Service posting a flood warning for the Black River at Elyria until this afternoon.

They expect minor flooding through the day, especially south of Elyria in Carlisle Township along Woodside Drive.

 

From the National Weather Service

*A Flood Watch and Lakeshore Flood Warning are currently in effect.

 

Today

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm.

Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.

Cloudy, with a high near 67.

 

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

 

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 62.

 

Thursday

A slight chance of showers.

Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

Checking local COVID-19 numbers…

Erie County had 16 new reported cases on Sunday; with 8 residents of the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky reportedly testing positive. 

Huron County was free of COVID-19 cases over the last week. 

Lorain County has lost 51 residents to the Corona Virus…the latest case, posted Saturday by Lorain County Public Health…

In Sandusky County, the Sandusky Register reports that the Clyde Whirlpool plant has confirmed its second case of COVID-19 among workers.

 

One person was injured during a fire that caused severe damage to two units at the Sandusky K-O-A Campground on Cleveland Road.

According to the Sandusky Register, the Saturday night blaze caused $30,000 in damage to one unit and $10,000 to the other.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

 

An Avon man who works at the Elyria Walmart faces inducing panic and terroristic threat charges after allegedly causing a bomb scare on Saturday.

According to the Chronicle Telegram, 26 year-old Nicholas Rashedi allegedly texted a family member about a bomb threat at the store; with the family member then contacting police.

The store was evacuated; with no sign of a bomb found.

 

Firefighters in Carlisle Township are investigating what caused a house fire on Banks Road.

The fire was reported just after 11 o’clock yesterday morning.

One firefighter was treated for minor injuries.

No one else was hurt…

 

The Ohio Department of Transportation has re-opened I-90 in Avon.

It had been closed for nearly 12 hours after a tanker-truck veered off the road and overturned in the median yesterday-afternoon.

The trucker was taken to Metro in Cleveland.

 

Governor Mike DeWine says, the state will crack down on restaurants if necessary…

…this, after many re-opened their outdoor dining facilities Friday…and after several reports of huge crowds that pretty much ignored every health-and-safety guideline on the books.

Inside dining is scheduled to resume Thursday…

 

For the first time in 20 years, Triple A says, they will not issue a Memorial Day travel forecast due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Triple A says, the accuracy of available data is too much in doubt

 

Today is the day U-S automakers have been given the green light to begin to re-open their facilities…and there’s new activity at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant  in Avon Lake…with some workers reporting overnight, and entering new screening  tents placed  near the plant’s entrances.

 

More free food distribution events are planned for this week from Second Harvest Food Bank.

-Today at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

-Tuesday at the Huron County Fairgrounds in Norwalk from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

-Thursday at Strobel Field in Sandusky from 3:30 to 6:00 pm; with help from OHGo

 

In library news…

Today, branches of the Lorain Public Library System will begin curbside pick-up.  And, once more, holds can be placed, online.

The Elyria Public Library System might be closed, but workers are heading back to work today for training on the use of PPE and sanitizing products, along with new library procedures and protocols.  Effective June 1^st, the Elyria Public Library System will begin curbside or holds-locker pick-up at its West River branch.

 

Another summer festival, cancelled, due to COVID-19…

There will be NO North Ridgeville Corn Festival this year…

Organizers are looking toward August of 2021…

 

From the National Weather Service…

A Flood Watch is in effect now through 10:00 am Tuesday. 

A Lakeshore Flood Warning is in effect now through 4:00 pm Tuesday.

 

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely. 

Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.

High near 72.

 

Tonight

Showers.  Low around 57.

 

Tuesday

Showers likely early.

Cloudy, with a high near 63.

 

Wednesday

A slight chance of showers.

Partly sunny, with a high near 63.