Courier 12-15-11

Norris Kelly LeadsChoir at First UCC- See page 6A

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2011 GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS, INC.VOL. 20 NO. 50

THE COURIERTHE COURIERConneautConneautConneautConneautConneaut’’’’’s Home Ts Home Ts Home Ts Home Ts Home Town Neown Neown Neown Neown Newspaperwspaperwspaperwspaperwspaper

Inside this weekLetters to Santawritten by thechildren ofAshtabula County

Lights of Love List 1- See page 9A

A Madcap Merry Christmas

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHANAt Monday night’s Conneaut City Council meeting, Conneaut Finance Director John Williams (left) andCity Manager Tim Eggleston accepted a plaque for outstanding reporting in the city’s 2010Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from Jim Armeni (second right), regional representative ofAuditor of State David Yost’s office. Also pictured is City Council President Tom Udell.

by MARTHA SOROHANGazette Newspapers

CONNEAUT - Still battling theremnants of pneumonia, ConneautFinance Director John Williamswas well enough to stand in frontof Conneaut City Council on Mon-day night to receive what has be-come an annual award from Audi-tor of State Dave Yost’s Office.

Auditor representative JimArmeni presented the Award of Dis-tinction to Williams for excellence inpreparing the 2010 ComprehensiveAnnual Financial Report (CAFR).

John Williams Does It Again:City Recognized for Financial Reporting Excellence

“This report goes to those witha timely, clean report with no find-ings and no material weaknessesor deficiencies,” Armeni explained.

As Armeni shook Williams’hand and handed him the plaque,the always-modest Williams re-sponded that it was his staff thathad done an excellent job.

“But it’s an honor and a privi-lege to receive this on behalf of thecity,” he said.

After the meeting, Williamsadmitted that the Award of Dis-tinction is not easy to achieve.

“If there is anything wrong,

even one little thing, then you don’tget it,” he said.

At the end of the Council meet-ing, councilors one by one congratu-lated Williams for his fine work.

“Keep up the good work,” saidAt-large Councilman John Roach,while City Council President TomUdell said that he has thankedWilliams many times over.

Ward 3 Councilman Greg Mooneymay have said it best, however,

“Congratulations to Mr. Will-iams,” he said. “I bet you’ve run outof room on the wall for yourplaques.”

DaveSchroederRunning

for CountyProsecutor

Frank GoreAppointed

to PortAuthority


CONNEAUT - The Rev. FrankGore was appointed by ConneautCity Council Monday night to a 15-month term on the Conneaut PortAuthority.

Despite rumored behind-the-scenes efforts to secure anotherrecommendation from City Man-ager Timothy Eggleston, Gore willfill the remaining months of a termvacated by the retiring John Palo,and was present Monday eveningto accept congratulations of coun-

See APPOINTMENTSpage 11A


CONNEAUT - With July 4 fall-ing on a Wednesday next year,Fourth of July Festival ChairShelley Bailey was presented withtwo options for the four-day 2012Fourth of July Festival: the week-end before Independence Day, orthe weekend after.

She chose the weekend after.“We could not get the ride com-

pany the weekend before, and Ididn’t want to scramble to find anew one,” she said.

That means that on July 4, lo-cal residents will have to hit thebeach or backyard picnics ratherthan Lakeview Park.

“We tried a five-day festival oneyear, and it was too long,” saidformer Fourth of July FestivalChair Tom Udell.

Except for the calendar date,the Festival will look and feel likethose of other years. Sam’s Amuse-ments will fill Lakeview Park withgames and rides for a fifth year.DQ-Conneaut Idol, Miss Fourth ofJuly Pageants, live entertainmentand the parade will return.

The parade date is Saturday,July 7.

Fireworks over Lake Erie willclose out the festival on Sunday,July 8.

Conneaut Area Chamber ofCommerce executive directorWendy DuBey released the Fourthof July Festival schedule earlierthis week, saying she knows thatpeople are beginning to make 2012summer plans.

“I realize it’s only December, butwe’ve already gotten several calls,and I think it’s because the 4thfalls on a Wednesday,” she said.

Nor is it too early to think aboutdonating to the city’s FireworksFund, via the Chamber, by contact-ing DuBey at the Chamber at 440-593-2402.

Fourth ofJuly FestivalJuly 5 to 8


CONNEAUT — Who standsout in your mind as a person whoseservice to the community hashelped move Conneaut forwardduring 2011?

The Conneaut Area Chamber ofCommerce is eager for names ofsuch persons as it opens nomina-tions for the city’s coveted “Citizenof the Year” award.

You have just a few weeks —until Dec. 30 — to submit yournomination.

The Citizen of the Year awardrecognizes outstanding communityservice, preferably over a period ofyears and over and above what onedoes for a living. Services shouldinclude current community ser-vice.

“We’re seeking individuals whoreally stand out in the community,those whose contributions, in ac-cordance with our mission, havemade Conneaut a better place tolive, work and play,” said WendyDuBey, executive director of theConneaut Area Chamber of Com-merce.

Recent winners have been2010’s Lori McLaughlin, whosecommunity and county leadershiphelped grow the annual D-DayEvent, and 2009’s Penny Armeni,a tireless behind-the-scenesworker for multiple organizationsand director of the Conneaut Com-munity Center for the Arts.

Nominations must be made inwriting and include biographicalinformation pertinent to theaward. Nominations are open tothe community, but selection willbe made by past Chamber presi-dents and former Citizens of theYear.

The Chamber is also acceptingnominations, from Chamber mem-bers only, for the 2011 Chamber


CONNEAUT - Conneaut LawDirector David Schroeder will bethe Republican challenger toDemocratic incumbent ThomasSartini in the Ashtabula CountyProsecutor’s race next November.

Schroeder filed petitions withthe Ashtabula County Board ofElections last week.

“It’s the right thing to do,” hesaid.

Schroeder explained that he haslooked at the situation in thecounty and decided he was the bet-ter qualified person for the posi-tion “at this point in time.”

A native of Erie, Pa., Schroeder

See SCHROEDER page 4A

ChamberAccepting

‘Citizen of theYear’ Nominations

See NOMINATIONS page 10A

The Rev. Frank Gore

Law Director Dave Schroeder

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHANThe biggest giant of them all appeared near the end of the Madcap Puppets’ “Jack and theGentle Giant,” performed Tuesday evening at the American Legion by the Conneaut Public Li-brary as a Christmas present to the community. The free program attracted about 100 people,and included punch and cookies and a visit from Santa Claus. Read more on page 12A.

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

TOWN TALK

Civic MeetingsConneaut Port Authority, 7 p.m. Dec. 15Conneaut Public Library board, 5 p.m. Dec. 19 at

304 Buffalo StreetConneaut City Council, 7 p.m. Dec. 19 with swear-

ing-in of new councilmenConneaut Area City Schools Board of Education,

6 p.m. work session, 7 p.m. meeting Dec. 21 at SoutheastBuilding, 2nd Floor, 400 Mill Street

Conneaut City Council 7 p.m., Dec. 27Conneaut Recreation Board, 7 p.m. Dec. 28

North Kingsville Village Council, 7 p.m. Dec. 21 atMunicipal Building, 3541 Center Rd.

Monroe Township Trustees, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at 5578S. Monroe Center Road

Kingsville Township Trustees, 7 p.m. Dec. 28 at FireHall, 3130 Main Street

Christmas Events forConneaut

Dec. 16-17 - Christmas program presented by theConneaut Community Center for the Arts Dance De-partment, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17, 1025Buffalo Street..

Dec. 17 - Santa’s Workshop and carriage rides, 5 to7 p.m. at Lakeview Park. Free.

Dec. 20 - Holiday Band/Choral Concert, 7 p.m. atConneaut High School, 381 Mill Street.

Dec. 25 - Free community Christmas dinner, noonto 2 p.m. at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283Buffalo Street.

GSLC CommunityS.E.N.I.O.R.S

People ages 50 and up arewelcome the first and thirdThursdays of the month atGood Shepherd LutheranChurch, 876 Grove Street.Health checks 9:45 a.m., 10a.m. devotion, exercise andlunch the first and third

Thursdays The next gather-ing is Nov. 3.

Dec. 15 - ChristmasParty, with singing led byDuffy Guthrie. Watch out forSanta Claus!

CHRC SeniorsTogether

Weekdays 11 a.m. at 327Mill Street. Free.

Daily walking 7:30 a.m.

Dec. 15 - South RidgeChristian Academy students

Dec. 16 - NO LUNCHWILL BE SERVED.

Dec. 20 - NancyHutchens, R.N., “HealthySeries”

Dec. 22 - Visit to “Christ-mas Past”

Dec. 26 - CENTERCLOSED

SeniorCalendar

CableSchedule

Dec 13-20, 2011

10.00 am Conneaut CityCouncil Meeting

10.55 am DiscoverConneaut, Ohio

11.00 am HometownHappenings & Sports

11.20 am CommunityChristmas Music Program

12.55 pm First BaptistKids Christmas

3.00 pm Mufon II Pre-sentation

4.55 pm Life Is Better InConneaut

5.15 pm ArmyNewswatch

5.40 pm Conneaut Boardof Education Meeting

6.40 pm Come Wassail-ing

7.00 pm Conneaut CityCouncil Meeting

7.55 pm Hometown Hap-penings & Sports

8.15 pm CommunityChristmas Music Program

9.50 pm First BaptistKids Christmas

10.25 pm Come Wassail-ing

10.40 pm Conneaut Li-brary Line

11.30 pm ConneautChristmas Parade

12.20 am ConneautBoard of Education

1.20 am Voices of HopeChristmas Concert

3.15 am Conneaut CityCouncil Meeting

4.10 am DiscoverConneaut, Ohio

4.15 am Hometown Hap-penings & Sports

4.40 am ArmyNewswatch

5.05 am First BaptistKids Christmas

5.40 am CommunityChristmas Music Program

7.00 am AM Live

Religious Services:St. Mary St. Frances

Cabrini: Sun & Wed 3pm /Mon & Thurs 1am

First United Church ofChrist: Sun & Wed 4pm /Mon & Thurs 2am

New Leaf United Meth-odist: Sun & Wed 5pm / Mon& Thurs 3am

Good ShepherdLutheran: Sun & Wed 6pm/ Mon & Thurs 4am

Family Fellowship:Mon and Thurs 1.30pm

Ashtabula Pentecos-tal: Mon and Thurs 2.20pm

Mike & Gail Kenyonreport that the “specialneeds” daughter, “Daisey,”they plan to adopt from anEastern European orphan-age will not be in Conneautin time for Christmas. Nowthat the couple’s paperworkhas been accepted in thatcountry, they await an in-vitation in three or fourweeks to visit and meetDaisey for the first time.They expect to bring Daiseyhome four to six months fol-lowing that trip, or aroundnext May or June.

Richard Lucas was re-cently interviewed byNBC’s Chuck Scarboroughabout his book on MillardGillars, “Axis Sally: TheAmercian Voice of Nazi Ger-many” who lived for a timein Conneaut. Lucas at-tended the 2011 D-DayEvent and will return in2012 to sell and sign hisbook.

Renee Palagyi, direc-tor of the Ashtabula CountyChapter of the AmericanRed Cross, said that morethan 5,000 cards were sentfrom Ashtabula County tomilitary members servingoverseas. The Red Crosshad made a pitch to indi-viduals and organizations

throughout the county thisyear, and they camethrough. Last year, Palagyisaid fewer than 2,000 cardswere sent. The Red Crossset up at its office tableswith cards and supplies forvolunteers to come in andcreate their own messages.Students at ConneautMiddle School, made cardsat school, which were deliv-ered to the Red Cross.Palagyi, of NorthKingsville, said the re-sponse was phenomenal.

Conneaut Area CitySchools Board of EducationPresident Nick Iarocci of-fered sympathy at the Nov.22 school board meeting tothe family of former BOEmember John Specht .Specht, recently deceased,had served on the board for24 years. “He will bemissed,” Iarocci said.

Also at the CBOE meet-ing, Gateway ElementarySchool Principal LieslBlackwell thanked MikeAllshouse for building aballet barre for students inthe ballet class that is partof the end-of-the-day artsprogram at Gateway.Blackwell said Allshousealso donated the materials.

Conneaut Area CitySchools SuperintendentKent Houston has invitedLt. Joseph McHenry tospeak at a teachers’ assem-bly 9 a.m. Jan. 3 that isopen to the community.McHenry will discussschool lock-down proce-dures. Houston invitedMcHenry after he heardhim speak at an adminis-trators’ conference in Au-gust. “He was the highlightof the program,” Houstonsaid. Jan. 3 is “waiver day,”the last day of WinterBreak before students andteachers return to classeson Jan. 4.

Girl Scout Cookiesales begin on Dec. 18. Theentire Girl Scout cookiesale has been moved upthis year by at least sixweeks. Cookies may be or-dered but will not be in be-fore Christmas, of course.Order them through yourfavorite Girl Scout. And re-member — Girl Scout Troop80671 has cookbooks forsale featuring local recipes.Call Becky Hautala forcookbook information.

Two area churches —South Ridge Baptist andKelloggsville Church ofthe Nazarene — are hold-ing “Christmas Eve” ser-vices on Wednesday, Dec.21. Listings of Christmasworship services will be inThe Courier this week andon Dec. 22.

Ward 2 CouncilmanCharlie Lewis wasdressed for the season atMonday night’s Councilmeeting, wearing a red tiewith white snowflakes.

If you see Lance Drewon Dec. 20, wish him aHappy Birthday. And thankhim for volunteering manyhours of filming and editingthe Conneaut Christmaslights CDs for this season’sdonors to the ConneautFood Pantry. He and hiswife, Debbie, are awaitingthe imminent birth of an-other grandson.

The Courier office will beclosed for Christmas on Dec.23.

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City Manager’s ReportDec. 12, 2011

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SITEIMPROVEMENT PROJECT

To beautify the Public Works Department property onBroad and 16th St., the Public Works Director is lookingto remove the concrete slabs exposed at the intersectionand grade the property to a four-in-one slope so the areacan be mowed.

North Coast Construction will do the work at nocharge other than they would like the concrete that isremoved. This is a win/win for the city in that City crewsdo not have the time to do the work and the contractor isusing his fuel and equipment which is a saving to thecity budgets, and the project will enhance the look of theintersection.

I believe this is just one small step in showing thecommunity and potential investors and residents thatthe city is also taking stock in improving its facilities toimprove the visual charter of the city which in turn en-hances the quality of life in the community. This projectwill not have a negative impact on the use of the prop-erty.

EAST SIDE INDUSTRIAL PARK GAS SERVICEI have contacted Dominion East Ohio Gas to start dis-

cussion on the cost of installing a gas line down the newroad to provide gas service to anyone wishing to locatein Conneaut.

ZONING REPORT3 - Demolitions permits were issued3 – Properties cited for trash and garbage2 – Zoning permits for accessory structures issued1 – Property maintenance to fix deteriorate stairs

WIND TURBINEWork has not started yet but still hopeful that the com-

pany will have the work completed within the next twoweeks barring any adverse weather.


CONNEAUT - ConneautArea City Schools Board ofEducation granted at itsNov. 22 regular meeting flex-ibility in mathematicsgraduation requirements forConneaut High School(CHS) students to accommo-date those attending A-Tech(formerly the AshtabulaCounty Joint VocationalSchool).

CHS Principal DawnZappitelli told the board dur-


CONNEAUT - Non-union city employees arebreathing a sigh of relief af-ter Conneaut City Councilpassed an ordinance autho-rizing new “maximum ratesof pay” at Monday night’sregular meeting.

The passage of the ordi-nance was relatively easydespite questions at the Nov.29 Finance & OrdinanceCommittee Meeting and atCouncil’s Dec. 5 work sessionregarding the city’s ability toafford it, considering its an-nouncement last month that

CBOE Refinances Stadium Loanwith Conneaut Savings Bank

ing a pre-meeting work ses-sion that students complet-ing their junior and senioryears at A-Tech must takecomputer classes there,rather than math classesrequired at CHS.

The Board also approvedthe refinancing of a $440,000loan from Dave York Sportsof Louisville, Ky., for newbleachers and press box builtat Conneaut Municipal Sta-dium in 2010. The originalloan between the school dis-trict and York had called forfour annual payments due

July 1.But Gerald Eighmy, co-

chair of the project’s fund-raising arm, the ConneautArea Recreational Endow-ment (CARE), explained tothe board during the worksession that while pledgeshave been received to coverthe cost of the project, thepayment plan with York wasnot in synch with pledge re-ceipts of the privately-funded project.

As a result, he ap-proached Conneaut SavingsBank, which agreed to refi-

nance the loan at 3 percentinterest, down two pointsfrom the 5 percent interestrate of York’s loan.

Because he will be paid infull by the end of the year,York agreed to forego the in-terest accrued on his loan sofar.

Conneaut Area CitySchools SuperintendentKent Houston called it apositive move.

“This better aligns thepledges to the payment

Non-Union City Employees Get Their Pay Raiseit had to find ways to over-come a budget shortfall inexcess of $400,000 in 2012.

On Monday, Ward 1Councilman Dave Campbellasked during a discussion ofthe ordinance, in its firstreading, whether the citymight consider dividing the4 percent raises into a three-year program.

“It’s easier to hand moneyout than take it away,” hesaid, aware that the 2013budget shortfall is predictedto be considerably higherthan that of 2012. “There area lot of uncertainties withthe prison and the economy.”

Campbell said if he were

voting with his heart, he’dsay yes to a 6 percent raise.

“I could support this di-vided into thirds. I knowthat $2,000 raises are worthevery penny but with today’seconomics? No one is getting3 percent pay raises. Let’stalk about it another week,”he said.

Campbell was the lonehold-out, however. Ward 3Councilman Greg Mooneytempered his “yes” vote bystating, “We’re approvingthese rates and you will dowith them as you see fit?”

City Manager TimEggleston responded that hewill, since the ordinance

technically sets a maximumpay raise for the positionsbut guarantees no employeeis granted one. However,Eggleston argued last weekin favor of the raises, sayingthe non-union employeeshad not had a raise in sev-eral years, that their sala-ries were below those of cityworkers in other communi-ties, and that raises werefair because union employ-ees’ contracts guaranteedraises in 2012.

Finance Director JohnWilliams had said last weekthat the non-union employ-

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHANThe Dec. 22 meeting of the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education will be the last meeting for the currentschool board. Pictured (left) are Sonny Heinonen, Connie Jury, Nick Iarocci, Rob Eager and Mike Kennedy. Jury,Iarocci and Eager did not seek re-election in November. They will be replaced in January by Suzanne Bernardini,Joan Norton and Cris Newcomb.


CONNEAUT - A littleover two years ago, a head-line nearly identical to theone above graced the frontpage of The Courier afterthen-councilman RobertNaylor used a yellow chartto explain to City Councilwhy a sewer rate hike wasadvisable — for one yearonly.

After much discussionthat year, City Councilpassed a 15 percent one-yearsewer rate hike. Councilpassed it again a year agoand will likely pass it a thirdtime before year’s end, eventhough lame-duck Council-men Dave Campbell, Greg

Mooney and Charlie Lewisare giving the rate hike ideaa run for its money.

Mooney argued at Mon-day night’s City Councilmeeting that he opposedkeeping the 2010 rates inplace for a third year be-cause when the rate hikewas passed in 2010, the un-derstanding was that itwould be used to pay offdebt.

“That debt has been paidoff, so [if we pass this] we’lljust roll the 15 percent tospend more. It’s done, and Iwon’t support it,” he said.

Mooney was referring tothree major sewer depart-ment debts that go back to1971. Annual payments of$53,000, $51,000 and

$215,000 have been duesince the debt was incurredin 1971, 1987 and 1988, re-spectively. City Finance Di-rector John Williams saidwhen the sewer rates wentup in 2010 that the debtwould not be paid off until2013, and could not be paidearly.

He said Monday nightthat $100,000 remains to bepaid off next year.

When Council firstpassed the rate hike, Waste-water Manager Craig Pearcehad said that without it, hewould have to lay off twoemployees, or one-fifth of thedepartment.

No such assertions havebeen made this year, butWilliams said that withoutmaintaining the status quo— the 15 percent is not anincrease — the year-endcarry-over would be in jeop-ardy and that the year-endcarry-over is crucial to keepfrom having to borrow to payfor small projects withoutissuing notes.

Williams said by keepingthe current sewer rates, thecarry-over from 2012 to 2013will be $330,000, down fromthe ideal carry-over of$500,000 based on a $3 mil-lion sewer fund.

“We still have a debtload,” he said. “Every fiftycents of every dollar goes topay debt.”

Campbell suggesteddropping the rates by 3 or 5percent to carry out a prom-ise to voters, but Williamssaid that for every 5 percentdrop in rates, the revenuegoes down by $100,000. Sucha drop would leave $233,000in the carry-over fund, orless than 10 percent of theannual budget at the end of2012.

“I can do more studies ifthat’s how you want to go,”Williams said. “But if thecarry-over gets too low, it’sdifficult to maintain a posi-tive fund balance.”

He said that in 2010, theSewer Department experi-enced only four months of apositive fund balance. Heanticipates the current bal-ance of $83,000 to nearly

double by year’s end.“It’s still below what we

want,” he said. “But it’s upto Council.”

Williams recommendedto Council that the rates beunchanged, emphasizingthat the city has had no wa-ter rate hike for three years.He said he has comparedwater rates in neighboringcommunities and foundsome are higher and otherslower than Conneaut’s, buthas done little research onsewer rates, counteringCampbell’s contention thatconstituents have called himsaying other communities’sewer rates are 30 percentless.

Lewis said he could sup-port the maintaining of thecurrent rates for no morethan one year.

“That way, there’s somehope that we’ll reduce themas we said two years ago. Orwas it three? I lost track oftime,” he said.

“Yes, we said we’d lookinto it each year,” said Coun-cil President Tom Udell.

City Manager TimEggleston suggested thatcouncil’s new Public UtilityCommittee study the ratesearly next year and proposea plan after reviewing themand what is needed in thesewer fund.

Campbell said he wasupset that when new PublicWorks equipment was pur-chased during the adminis-tration of former City Man-ager Robert Schaumleffel,the costs were dividedamong several city depart-ments, including the SewerDepartment. Campbellcalled it a “public stunt,” andWilliams said that projectcost the sewer fund $20,000.

“I agree it wasn’t the bestapproach, but it was an at-tempt to consolidate the de-partments,” he said. “It can’thappen against becausecharter changes havechanged it so the PublicWorks Director no longerhas oversight over the sewerdepartment.”

Williams said the repay-

Sewer Rate Ordinance Moved to Second Reading

by ALLAN MONONENGazette Newspapers

CONNEAUT - Cable Ad-visory Board member BillLundgren submitted his res-ignation to the board at its 6p.m. meeting Dec. 7, citingwork commitments.

Anyone interested incompleting the remainingyear of Lundgren’s appoint-ment may submit a letter ofinterest to the City Manager.

The CAB meets the thirdWednesday of the month todiscuss local cable opera-tions, programming andequipment. Members arenot compensated.

The board also formallyapproved its 2012 budget.After cutting the budget forthe three previous years, theboard submitted the sameamounts as 2011.

The professional servicecontract for the part-time co-ordinator will remain at$20,540; telephone/commu-nications $350; incidentals,$500; and equipment pur-chase stays at $5,000 for atotal of $26,390. Franchisefees paid to the city fromcable TV subscribers throughmonthly cable TV bills ex-

Cable AdvisoryBoard Has A Vacancy

ceed by about four times thecost of local cable operations.

During discussion, CABmember Jim Supplee in-formed the board that themini T purchased last yearhas not been installed. It re-quires an IP license, whichhas not been purchased. TheMini T enables the system tobe accessed from outside theoffice, making it easier forthe coordinator, who lives inErie, Pa., or members tomanage the system, espe-cially during an emergency.Supplee will check into theproblem before the Januarymeeting.

Currently, if the systemgoes down, someone must goto the office and manuallyrestart it. The system mayremain out of service forsome time if no one is imme-diately available.

The board repeated itsinterest in residents’ submit-ting programs to air on thelocal access channel. Cam-eras are available to lend forlocal use to responsible andknowledgeable people. Coor-dinator Regis Galvin willtrain them.

The CAB will meet 6 p.m.Jan. 18 in council chambers.

See CBOE page 10A

See RAISE page 4A

See SEWER page 4A

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Sandra and Lawrence Ogren are proud to an-nounce the birth of their son Richard James Ogren,on Aug. 15. Richard was born at Hillcrest Hospitalin Mayfield Heights. He has an older brother, Adam,18. Grandparents are Richard and Elizabeth Ogren,and the late Arlin & Emma Champlin of Conneaut.

Welcome, Richard Ogren

Children packed the Kingsville Public Library’s SimakWelcome Center on Dec. 3 for three sessions of Christmasparties, where Santa Claus (below, right) was a highlightof the event.

Pictured right, Cheryl Brunnel and her daughter,Hannah, of Kingsville, enjoyed making ornaments, while(below) Edgewood Senior High School volunteers happilyposed for a picture after assisting all day. They are: (front,with puppet) Kane Swanson; (middle, left) Jessica Reed,Sara Wilpula, Matt Burch and Kayla Wright; and (backrow) Eric Hodges and Sierre Stadalsky.

Kingsville Public Library will offer a Winter Break Movie“Smurfs” (PG) 2 p.m. Dec. 28. The movie is free. Free pop-corn is given to those who bring a Kingsville Public Li-brary card.

Kingsville Library Christmas

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The Jesus Idealby Meryl Taylor

Jesus is the ideal,not the ideology...not statuary in sweet reposeor icon revered.Even if the epitome of howwe should respond to one another.Even if the belief is not in the man,even if religion does not come into play,adhering to a concept of kindnessis the next best move.A fellowship of understanding,a kinship of love, a brotherhood of caring...what it means to be a human being,evolved from a central idea,lessons sent across the agesby good men, vulnerable womenA wisdom wrought from gentle purposedispersed to the masses -not a belief but an action.

Conneaut’sCreative Writing

ees’ raises would cost the city$31,000, while new unioncontract raises were costingthe city $200,000.

When the vote was taken,the raises passed by 6-to-1.

In his City Manager ’sReport, Eggleston said thatrepair work on the lakefrontwind turbine that was struckby lightning in August hadnot yet begun even thoughNexGen had promised to be-gin on Dec. 5.

He also said that a firmdoing “noisy” testing in thecity was gone. That exten-sion cords had been placeddown Broad Street to testseismic activity raised sug-gestions of enacting cityguidelines regarding“fracking,” the controversialgas well drilling method.

Law Director DavidSchroeder said that discus-

RAISE From page 3A

sions with the Ohiogovernor ’s office toremediate the question oflaw enforcement at LakeErie Correctional Institutiononce state ownership endsJan. 1 are not resolved, buthe is optimistic they will be“successfully concluded” onbehalf of the city.

He said that per thegovernor’s word, agenciesand directors involved in thesolutions have been in regu-lar contact.

Council passed an ordi-nance prohibiting truckers’use of engine, or “jake”brakes in the city, with theexception of I-90. Councilhad been prepared to passan ordinance prohibitingthese brakes within city lim-its until Campbell on Dec. 5questioned impact on I-90and Route 7.

Law Director DavidSchroeder last week re-searched engine brake ordi-nances in other communi-ties with interstate high-ways and told Council suchan ordinance could outlinethe areas exempt from pro-hibition or signs could beposted in those exempt ar-eas. Council opted to ex-empt not only vehicles on I-90, but commercial vehicleswhich utilize the enginebrake in response to anemergency situation. Emer-gency vehicles are also ex-empt.

Council also approved anordinance authorizing theCity Manager to apply forthe Clean Ohio AssistanceFund to begin Phase II of theAstatic property at Broad &Jackson to determine whathas to be done to clean up thesite.

The 2012 city budget or-dinance was also in firstreading on Monday night,but it was moved to a secondreading because some coun-cil members had just re-ceived copies prior to themeeting and needed time tolook at it.

Council approved tworesolutions. One opposescentral collection of munici-

pal income taxes by the stateof Ohio.

“I reiterate my opposi-tion. This is not a good idea,”said Finance Director JohnWilliams.

The second is an annualOhio Revised Code-man-dated exercise to acceptamounts determined by theBudget Commission and au-thorizing tax levies and cer-tifying them to theAshtabula County Auditor.

Williams recommendedthat council move to a secondreading an ordinance toamend the 2011 budgetthrough interfund transfers.He had missed work due to ill-ness and said that he wantedmore time to go over it.

Council approved a gen-eral fund transfer of $36,250to the Street Department,Litter Control, Cemeteries,Fire Pension Fund, and theTree Commission.

Council adjourned to ex-ecutive session at 7:55 p.m.to discuss personnel and realestate.

The Dec. 19 7 p.m. worksession will include theswearing-in of new council-men Doug Hedrick, PhilGarcia and Rich McBride.They will take their seats inJanuary.

has lived in Ohio since 1977.A graduate of ClevelandMarshall Law School, he be-gan practicing law in thestate in 1981.

He recently moved toAshtabula County.

Schroeder is no strangerto the county prosecutor’soffice. He worked there un-der former county prosecu-tor Greg Brown, and stayedthrough Sartini’s transition.

Since 1996, he has had aprivate law office inAshtabula with attorneyWilliam Bobulsky.

If Schroeder is elected,Conneaut will be looking fora new part-time law director.

“Council is aware of it,”he said.

Schroeder said he could

not help noticing that at themeeting with more than 30state, county and city offi-cials at Kent State Univer-sity Nov. 16 to discuss lawenforcement matters per-taining to the sale of LakeErie Correctional Institutionto Corrections Corporationof America, not a single at-torney from Sartini’s officewas in attendance.

“This is a $72.3 milliondollar sale in this county,”Schroeder said. “Who wasmissing from the meet-ing?”

Schroeder, who is makinghis first bid for public office,expects a tough campaign.

“Any time you take on acareer politician, it’s an up-hill fight,” he said.

ment plan charging thesewer department for PublicWorks purchases cannot bechanged.

“The payments have tocome out in equal propor-tion,” he said.

“We’ve let our citizensdown,” Campbell said.

Mooney said that he hadnever seen a year-end carry-over of more than 20 percentand could not support theordinance to maintain thecurrent rates.

Two years ago, councilmembers had expected theautomated meter readers

(AMRs) might result in morewater and sewer revenue byreplacing aging meters, butthis has not materialized,due in part to the loss of in-dustry and lower water us-age by residents.

“We needed 15 percenthike to retire the debt, andwe retired the debt,”Mooney said. “I can’t sup-port it.”

With that, at-LargeCouncilman Neil LaRuschended the discussion by mov-ing Ordinance #112-11 tosecond reading, which de-lays it to Dec. 27.

SEWER From page 3A

SCHROEDER From page 1A

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440-576-6015 extension 1009

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . WWW.ATECH.EDU The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center Board of Education and its staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal

employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy, handicap or disability.

Learn more about what your Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus has to offer to start a new career, help you

advance your current career or continue your education. Enroll now in one of our Adult Career Technical Education

Programs and start your career soon!

Find out everything you need to know about classes by visiting us 24/7 online @ WWW.ATECH.EDU

BUSINESS OFFICE SPECIALIST

Develop business training & educational competencies for entry-level

office careers.

Days: Monday - Thursday Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Class Begins: 01/09/12

CNC—Computerized Numerical Controls

The Industrial Welding program offers training in stick, MIG, and

TIG processes.

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Times: 6:00 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

Class begins: 01/23/12

Microsoft Word I & II

Introduction to processing computerized documents such as letters,

newsletters, flyers.

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Class begins: 03/14/12

Microsoft Excel I & II

Introduction to processing computerized spreadsheets

(i.e. building, setup & format)

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.


SolidWorks

A 60-hour integrated course in SolidWorks Essentials,

Drawing Creation and Advance Part Modeling.

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Times: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.


Online Ed2go

Online learning anytime, anywhere … just a click away!

Informative, fun, convenient and highly interactive online courses, most running for only six weeks and only cost $95.

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Medical Readiness Class

A FREE course to help you prepare for success in any health-related educational program!

36—Hour Class Beginning January 9, 2012

You must attend an ABLE Orientation session prior to the first day of class.

TO ENROLL CONTACT THE ABLE OFFICE @ 440-576-5599

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Do you know the location of this Site Solver? Be thefirst to call its location to The Courier (440) 576-9125,ext. 116, starting 5 p.m. Dec. 15, and you will win an oilchange (cars only) from Osburn Tire & Automotive, 4804Caleb Ave., Kelloggsville.

Last week’s Site Solver was a fish on the wall of theConneaut Public Library. Winner was Janet Clark.(Please note that Site Solver responses are not consid-ered before 5 p.m.)

Site Solver


Pharmacy & Health

by Kerry GerdesGerdes Pharmacy

245 Main St.593-2578

Vickie Marcy

At Home With.... Vickie Marcy

The Conneaut Community Center for the Arts’ DanceDepartment will present a Christmas program, “How theGrinch Stole Christmas & LesPatineurs” at 7:30 p.m.Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 under the direction of dancedirector Tessa Deutsch, Meghann Stell and Penny Armeni.This program is free, with donations accepted.

New four-week session of adult Woodcarving classes,with instructor Terri Schultz, begins Jan. 5. Woodcarvingis held 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Supplies are furnished forbeginners. Fee is $28 non-members and $25.20 CCCA mem-bers.

New session of “PM Workout,” with Sally Mucci, getsunderway the week of Jan. 9. Seven week session rangesfrom $27.50 for once a week, $38.50 for twice a week or$6.50 per “pop-in” class. Classes are held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Mondays and Wednesdays.

Holiday Hours at the CCCA: Dec. 23 - 9 a.m. to noon;Dec. 24, 25, 26 - Closed; Dec. 27-29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec.30, 31, Jan. 1, 2 - Closed. Classes resume Jan. 3.

Last chance for Conneaut Public Library raffles!Drawings will take place at the Conneaut Public

Library’s Christmas party Dec. 22 for the Jewelry Raffleand the Childrens’ Holiday Basket Raffle. Tickets are $1apiece or six for $5.

Jewelry RaffleThe SEA (Sea Horse Education) program’s jewelry raffle

will help care for the library’s male and female seahorses,Coral and Stormy. Winner receives a crystal seahorse neck-lace and sea life jelly bracelets by Cookie Lee valued at $40.

Children’s Holiday Basket RaffleThe Friends of the Conneaut Public Library are spon-

soring a Children’s Holiday Basket Raffle. The basket in-cludes a Folkmanis Fox Puppet, the book Fantastic Mr.Fox by Roald Dahl, and a DVD The Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Holiday PartyThe Conneaut Public Library will celebrate Christmas

all day on Dec. 22, with raffle drawings and more. Comedressed in your favorite Christmas sweater to be eligibleto win a special prize.

Conneaut Public Library will be closed on Dec. 23and Dec. 26.

Kingsville Public Library “Movie Matinee”Kingsville Public Library will offer a Movie Matinee 2

p.m. Dec. 28 at the Simak Welcome Center, 3205 SchoolStreet. The free movie is “Smurfs,” rated PG. Free popcornwill be handed out to those with Kingsville Public Librarycards. The Friends of the Kingsville Public Library willsell other refreshments.

Hi everyone! Wow, herewe are just nine days awayfrom Christmas and I’m notready! I’ve been a little un-der the weather and the timehas just slipped away so nowI’ve really got to hustle to getthings done. How the heckdid fifty weeks zip by sofast?!? We were just talkingabout getting the groundready for the spring plant-ing, followed by the heat ofsummer and now we’reheading into another newyear in a couple of weeks.

Help!! I need to find a wayto slow time down a little soI can enjoy every day insteadof getting up and rushingaround and the days blurinto one another and thenext thing you know, youlook around and wonder:where did the time go?

Just because I’m retireddoesn’t mean I’ve got longendless days of nothing todo, in fact, it seems likethere’s more to do now thatI’m not working outside thehome anymore. How doesthat work?!? I never seem toget caught up with what Iwant to do (and have to do)so it seems like the day justflies by and the next thingyou know it’s time for bed.

Do you think it has any-thing to do with getting

older? If that’s the answerthen I only have one thingto say about that: NO!! I’mtoo young to feel so old andtired, I need to find a way toslow time down.

PECAN TARTS• 3 cups flour• 1 1/2 cups butter• 8 oz. cream cheeseCut butter and cream

cheese into flour, form intoball, cover and chill for onehour. Shape into 1" balls,place in miniature muffinpans, and press down and upsides. Set aside while youmake the following filling:

• 2 large eggs• 1/2 cup corn syrup• 1/2 cup sugar• 1 tbs. melted butter• 1 tsp. vanilla• 1 cup chopped pe-

cans

Mix together all of theabove ingredients, fill muf-fin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 375¡for 10 - 12 minutes until fill-ing is set and tarts aregolden brown.

GREEN PEPPER SOUP• 2# ground chuck,

browned until no longerpink

• 1- small onion, diced

• 2- green pepper,diced

• 1/2- Cup long grainrice

• 1 tsp. seasoned salt• 1-large can tomato

juice• 2-15 oz. cans tomato

sauce• 1-med. head cabbage,

coarsely chopped

Mix all ingredients to-gether in crock pot, cover.Turn heat to high until bub-bling, turn heat to low andcook 6 - 8 hours.

Before you begin baking,assemble all of the ingredi-ents, bowls, utensils, etc. onyour work surface so youwon’t have to run back andforth between your fridgeand cupboards. Keep thekitchen sink full of hot soapywater, and wash utensils,bowls, etc. as you go and youwon’t have a lot of clean-upwhen you’re done baking.

Breast Cancer SupportGroup meets Jan. 16The “P-in-C Warriors,” the local breast cancer sup-

port group, will celebrate with a post-hoilday party6 p.m. Jan. 16 at 6000 Furnace Road.

A light dinner will be provided. Attendees are askedto bring dessert. A white elephant gift exchange willbe offered.

Everyone who attends will receive a gift.Anyone touched by breast cancer in any way is

welcome to enjoy holiday spirit in a private setting.To RSVP or for more information, contact Tracy

or Mike David (440-594-1338) or [email protected].

Rec Basketball Sign Ups UnderwayThe Conneaut Recreation Board Basketball League for

boys and girls in grades three to six is holding sign-upsthrough Dec. 19 for league play that begins in January.Forms are available at the schools and the Conneaut Pub-lic Library, 304 Buffalo Street. For further information,contact Jason Picard (440-969-4866).

Pneumonia:Risk Factors& Treatment

Pneumonia is an infec-tion of the lower respira-tory tract, which is mostcommonly caused by thebacteria Streptococcuspneumoniae. Influenza vi-rus infection can also leadto pneumonia, particularlyin persons at an increasedrisk for developing the con-dition.

Pneumonia occursmost commonly during thewinter months. The condi-tion may affect persons inthe community (CAP orc o m m u n i t y - a c q u i r e dpneumonia) or hospital-ized persons (hospital-ac-quired pneumonia).Symptoms include short-ness of breath, increasedheart rate, cough, and fe-ver.

Persons who smoke areencouraged to stop. Thepneumococcal vaccine maybe recommended for cer-tain persons based on therisk of infection.

Antibiotics are usuallyprescribed for the treat-ment of pneumonia.

Amoxicillin (Moxatag)

may be prescribed for chil-dren. A macrolide antibi-otic, such as azithromycin(Zithromax), clarith-romycin (Biaxin), or eryth-romycin (Erythrocin) maybe prescribed for eligiblepersons who are otherwisehealthy.

Other medications thatmight be prescribed in-clude doxycycline(Vibramycin), or fluoro-quinolones such asmoxifloxacin (Avelox) orlevofloxacin (Levaquin). Ifinfluenza infection occurswith the pneumonia,oseltamivir (Tamiflu) andzanamivir (Relenza) areantiviral medications thatmay be prescribed.

CondolencesDear Editor:On behalf of Conneaut City Council and the City of

Conneaut, we would like to extend our condolences tothe family of Cindy (Wick) Benn from Conneaut,who sadly died in a farm-related accident in SpringfieldTownship, Pa., on Dec. 7.

Dave Campbell, Ward 1 CouncilmanConneaut

Letter To The Editor

Conneaut CommunityCenter for the Arts

1025 Buffalo St. (440) 593-5888

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CONNEAUT - Thanks tothe direction of Norris Kelly,a choir has returned to FirstCongregational UnitedChurch of Christ.

Kelly, an Akron PublicSchools administrator witha powerful voice, is back inhis home town directing theadult choir at the urging oflay pastor JoyceShellhammer.

Her request was hard toturn down, Kelly said, be-cause he has known her al-most all his life.

“I’ve known her since Iwas 8 or 9. She was a kin-dergarten teacher at MonroeElementary School when Iwas in third grade,” saidKelly.

When he eventually en-tered the educational field,after earning a Bachelor ofMusic Degree in vocal per-formance at Oberlin CollegeConservatory of Music, theirpaths crossed again.

“She was the principal atSoutheast Elementary,” saidKelly, “and I ended up as aprincipal in Elyria and Ak-ron. We kept in touchthrough her son, Paul, whois an organist.”

But it was a random

Soup Kitchen Open Dec. 17Due to Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve falling on

Saturdays, the Soup Kitchen, “Mary’s Kitchen,” run by St.Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Parish will serve lunch thismonth from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17. Homemade soup,breads and dessert will be served. All are welcome.

SUBMITTED PHOTONorris Kelly, new choir director at First CongregationalUnited Church of Christ, rehearses the choir during aSunday morning rehearsal.

meeting at the White Turkeythis past summer that led toKelly’s hiring at First UCC.

“‘Norris!’ Joyce said to me.“‘I have something to talk toyou about,’” he said.

The chance meeting cameat the perfect time for Kellyas well as Shellhammer, whowas anxious to honor churchmembers’ requests to resur-rect a choir. And after yearsin educational administra-tion, Kelly had come to thepoint in his life where hewanted to sing.

Kelly had earned a sec-ond degree in communica-tive disorders at Oberlin,and had gone on to studyspeech/language pathologyand audiology at the Univer-sity of Denver.

“I had a ‘full ride’ to Den-ver, so I couldn’t really affordto turn down the opportu-nity,” he said.

Studying in Denver un-der Dr. Richard Berry, aTexas university provost,Kelly recalls that his room-mate was so impressed withhis voice that he questionedwhy he was studying educa-tion.

“I had to support myself.I couldn’t just wait for my‘big break,’” Kelly told him.Another factor was that hecomes from a line of educa-

tors. His mother was ateacher.

“Education is important,”he said.

And the years were notwasted. Kelly’s Master’s De-gree in Speech Pathologyhas given him not only an ex-pertise in vocal health and

vocal pedagogy, but is lead-ing him to pursue a Ph.D. atThe Ohio State University totie in vocal performance andpathology at the collegelevel.

“I can continue my stud-ies or finish my PhD. to com-plete my love of education by

teaching voice on the collegelevel, by specializing in theatmosphere of vocal peda-gogy,” he said. “or, from pa-thology to professional voicefor singers. I want to helpstudents — maybe thosewho are engineers, but whowant to sign — have the ‘ah-ha!’ moments about whatthey can do, to have them lis-ten to the old guy who saysyou have lots of opportuni-ties. There is a place for ev-eryone in the arts.”

Kelly loves all aspects ofmusic. A recent performer inthe acclaimed musical,“Paul: A Musical Journey,”with the Arlington Church ofGod in Akron, he is formerpersonnel manager with theHouston, Tex., Symphonyand also serves on the voicefaculty at the ClevelandMusic Settlement, where heworks with adolescents toadults.

“Many adolescents comefrom the Cleveland School ofPerforming Arts. I also haveworkshops in vocal healthand pedagogy, including vo-cal care for professionalswho use their voices everyday,” he said.

For his newest part-timeposition that began in Octo-ber, Kelly drives toConneaut —where his wid-

owed father, Norris, stilllives — to lead a 15-mem-ber choir the second andfourth Sundays of themonth.

He calls 15 a healthynumber.

“Some people want tosing in the choir, but can’t,due to their schedules. Somecome when they can. Wehave more women, but atleast five men, both tenorsand basses,” he said. “Someread music and others donot, and those who do helpthe others along.”

The choir is slowly build-ing up a repertoire consist-ing of music sung by pastFirst UCC choirs and morecomplex music as skills de-velop.

That there are no mid-week choir rehearsals is abonus for some, but it doesmean members’ getting upon Sundays for 9 a.m. re-hearsals under the accompa-niment of Janet Smith.

Kelly likes to keep things“democratic,” with the groupreaching consensus on is-sues. He is also teachingthem vocal “tricks of thetrade.”

“It’s user-friendly,” hesaid. “I explain things and

A Children’s Christmas program will be held 6 p.m. Dec.18 at First Assembly of God, 389 W. Main Road, featur-ing the Children’s Bell Choir with recitations and music.Christmas cookies and milk will follow in Fellowship Hall.

Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641Mill Street, will hold a special Christmas service at 4 p.m.Dec. 18, followed by a ham and turkey dinner. All we wel-come.

At 11 a.m. worship Dec. 18, the fourth Sunday of Ad-vent at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Streetat Lake Road, readers are Mike Bidwell (8:30 a.m. contem-porary worship) and Shirley Harco (11 a.m. traditional wor-ship). No mid-week Advent service will be held this week.

The Rev. Scott Walsh, pastor, will preach on ‘ChristmasSurprise!” at 9 a.m. contemporary worship and on “JesusGenes II” at 11 a.m. traditional worship for the fourth Sun-day of Advent Dec. 18 at New Leaf United MethodistChurch, 283 Buffalo Street. Becky Levering will directthe choir in “The Carol of the Star.”

Greeters for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Dec. 18 atFirst Congregational United Church of Christ, Main& Buffalo Streets, are Audrey Punkar and NancyBaker. Liturgist will be Shane Brown. The Sunday Schoolchildren will present a Christmas program under the di-rection of Janet Smith. The Jim Kennedy family will lightthe Angel Candle on the Advent Wreath. Pastor JoyceShellhammer’s meditation is entitled, “Angels from theRealm of Glory.” Pianist is Jim Fuller. A Christmas dinnerhosted by the church family will welcome HALO familiesafter worship.

Greeters for 11 a.m. worship Dec. 18 at First BaptistChurch, 370 State St., are Kathy Drew, Audrey Corcoranand Jim & Gerri Conroy. At 4 p.m. Dec. 18, church mem-bers will go caroling at homes of shut-ins and nursinghomes, then return to church for food and fellowship.

Friday Night Live! Advent worship is held 6 to 6:45p.m. in the Sanctuary of New Leaf United MethodistChurch, 283 Buffalo Street, following free dinner at 5 p.m.All are welcome.

CHURCH MEALSNew Leaf United Methodist Church, Main & Buffalo

Streets, will serve its free Friday dinner, prepared byDave Jones, from 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16. This week’s menu isRoast Pork and Stuffing, real mashed potatoes & gravy,Crazy Dave’s Dinner Rolls and assorted desserts. Casual,contemporary worship follows 6 p.m.

New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street,will offer free Christmas dinner in Fellowship Hall fromnoon to 2 p.m. Dec. 25. The community is welcome.

Religious Briefs

Church Sign:Help is just a prayer away.

- New Leaf United Methodist Church

“Friday Night Live” Continues During Advent at NLUMCby MARTHA SOROHANGazette Newspapers

CONNEAUT - The Rev. ScottWalsh, pastor of New Leaf UnitedMethodist Church, says that the “Fri-day Night Live” services offered 6 p.m.during Advent may continue in Janu-ary.

Walsh said the idea to offer Fridaynight worship came after the over-whelming success of the free Fridayevening community dinners, servedfrom 5 to 6 p.m., along with comments

from people who said they would liketo attend church, but their work sched-ules do not permit it.

“I have heard from nurses, espe-cially, who have to work Sunday morn-ings,” he said.

With so many people in FellowshipHall on Friday night, that eveningseemed like a logical time to offer ca-sual, contemporary worship.

“It’s something we’re trying, duringAdvent,” he said. “We’ll see whetherpeople want it to continue.”

Pleased with the growth and activ-

ity at New Leaf, Walsh stressed thata new building is definitely needed tohandle it. The church purchased prop-erty last year on Gateway Avenue.

“Have you seen our parking lots onSunday mornings?” he asked, refer-ring not only to the small church lot,but the lot behind the old CarnegieLibrary on State Street. “There is sim-ply no more room.”

“Friday Night Live” Worship Ser-vice will be held in the sanctuary from6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. through Dec. 23

Amboy United Methodist ChurchAmboy United Methodist Church, 554 W. Main Road,

will hold Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m., witha skit, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Christmas Dayworship is 11 a.m.

Church of GodChurch of God, 5327 Center Road, will offer 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service, and10:30 a.m. worship Christmas morning. No service Christ-mas night.

Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel ChurchFamily Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill

St., will hold a Christmas service 4 p.m. Dec. 18, followedby ham and turkey dinner. Christmas Day worship is 10:30a.m. No evening service will be held Dec. 25.

First Assembly of GodFirst Assembly of God, 389 W. Main Road, will celebrate

Christmas Eve with 6 p.m. Candlelight Service with anillustrated sermon, “One Christmas Candle.”

On Christmas Day, Pastor George Fink will preach on“Christmas and Communion” at the Christmas FamilyCommunion Service at 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church, ConneautFirst Baptist Church, 370 State St., will hold a Candle-

light Christmas Eve service 6:30 p.m., and Christmas morn-ing worship 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church, KingsvilleFirst Baptist Church, 6003 Route 193, will celebrate

Christmas Eve with 7 p.m. candlelight service. One ser-vice will be held Christmas Day at 10:45 a.m.

First Congregational United Church of ChristFirst Congregational United Church of Christ will have

Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service at 9 p.m.

Christmas morning worship is 11 a.m. in the Dining Room.

Good Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake

Road, will hold Christmas Eve contemporary family wor-ship 4 p.m. and traditional Candlelight Worship 7 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 25, a “unity worship service” will beheld 10 a.m. featuring Blessing of the Toys. Children areencouraged to bring a Christmas toy. Holy Communion iscelebrated at all services.

Kelloggsville Church of the NazareneKelloggsville Church of the Nazarene, 4841 Route 84,

will have a candlelight service 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21,and 11 a.m. service Christmas Day.

Kingsville Presbyterian ChurchChristmas Eve worship is 7 p.m. at Kingsville Presby-

terian Church, 3056 W. Main Street, Christmas Day wor-ship is 10 a.m.

New Leaf United Methodist ChurchNew Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street,

will hold 6 and 11 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve services.Christmas Day worship is 9 a.m. contemporary in Fellow-ship Hall and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary.

North Kingsville Presbyterian ChurchNorth Kingsville Presbyterian Church, 6546 Church St.,

will host 7 p.m. Candlelight Communion service on Christ-mas Eve. On Christmas Day, worshippers may attend 10:30a.m. service at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1342 W. Pros-pect, Ashtabula.

South Ridge Baptist ChurchSouth Ridge Baptist Church will celebrate Christmas

Eve with a candlelight service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.21. Christmas morning worship is 10:30 a.m. There willbe no evening worship on Dec. 25.

Christmas Worship in Conneaut

SUBMITTED PHOTOSSunday was a special day at FirstCongregational United Church ofChrist, where the youth group wasbusy wrapping gifts for the HALOfamily adopted this holiday season.They are (front, left) Tiffany Ferl, ClayBrown, Luke Lundgren, Matt McBride,Jonathan West, and Ben Mittlestadt;and (standing, left) Alyssa Bennett,Mackenzie Carraher, John Lower,Adam Laitinen, Jake Kehoe, JuliaKrieg and Pam Laitinen.Santa Claus (left) also paid a visitduring morning worship, remindingchildren how sad it is that someyoungsters do not understand thatthe real meaning of Christmas is thecelebration of Jesus’ birth.

The Real Meaning of Christmas at First UCC

Norris Kelly Leading Choir at First UCC

See KELLY page 7A

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“Day In Court”Today I was going to court

with a few of my classmates.Upon arrival to court, wewere welcomed by JudgeHarris. He started off byreading the defendants theirrights. As the day pressedon, we experienced trafficcases and theft.

Though none of thesewent to trial, I had a goodtime and thought the judgehandled his courtroom welland enforced the rules.

There are a lot of goodbenefits from this courtroom

experience, like finding a new career, learning wrong fromright and learning what not to do.

In a real courtroom, the judge does a better job than theones on television.

In between about a few cases, he had allowed us to askquestions in order to help us understand what his job isabout. I asked about the name of the accused. He told methe proper name of the accused is called the defendant.

In conclusion, I appreciated listening for the first time,Ms. Bernay for giving us the chance to experience this, thejudge for showing us his job, and the Rotary Club.

I hope I never go to court for something bad. I enjoyedthe experience and respect the court allowed me to have.

Sprinkle’s is one of six winning essays written byConneaut Middle School eighth-graders following the “MyDay In Court” field trip to Conneaut Municipal Court.


CONNEAUT - Do youremember “Reading Rain-bow?”

Conneaut PublicLibrary’s teen volunteers,dubbed “VolunTeens,” arefilming book trailers,“Reading Rainbow” style,which premiered over thelibrary’s “Library Line”program airing onConneaut Cable TV chan-nels and posted ontoYouTube.

The first trailer theycompleted, for “Green An-gel,” by Alice Holtman, hasbeen posted on YouTube. Itwas followed in Novemberby “Ghost and the Goth,”the last of a trilogy bySacey Kade of Columbus.

“It’s just like a videobook ‘teaser,’ with snippets

“Showtime” for Conneaut Public Library Teens

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHANConneaut Public Library “volunteens” Ryan Burdette (left), Lyle Sallade, Rebecca Sallade, and Heather Weaverare filming “book trailers” under the guidance of Stephanie Gildone (left), Conneaut Public Library YouthServices Coordinator.

of the book,” saidConneaut Public LibraryYouth Services Coordina-tor Stephanie Gildone, whois coordinating the effortand oversees theVolunTeens. “It’s been somuch fun.”

Giving “snippets” of thebook means acting outsome of the parts, ratherthan showing teens speak-ing directly into the cam-era, raving about the book.

For the “Ghost and theGoth” trailer, the group ob-tained a ouija board as aprop to spell out “Ghost”and “Goth.” They alsoacted out some of thescenes.

“Ryan does his magic,and — oh my gosh! — weall got chills at the end,”said Gildone.

That would be RyanBurdette, a senior at

Conneaut High School, whohas a way with editing.

Heather Weaver, aConneaut High Schoolsophomore, has been set-ting up the shots andscenes, while RyanBurdette, a CHS senior,has been doing much of theediting.

Gildone said the teensselect the books by re-searching on line for some-thing with the right bal-ance — not too simple, butnot too complicated — thatworks well in a one- or two-minute teaser.

“We give enough tomake people want to readthe book,” said Gildone. “Ifit’s too long, it’s not as ef-fective.”

“They are all learninghow to film,” said Gildone.

Also participating in themost recent project were

Lyle Sallade, ConneautMiddle School 7th grader;and his sister, Rebecca, aCHS sophomore.

“We are looking for morestudents to join the effort,”Gildone said.

The number ofVolunTeens usually peaksin the summer, Gildonesaid, to help with thelibrary’s Summer Readingprogram, but the programcontinues year-round.Teens meet about once aweek, usually after schoolon Fridays, to work on theproject using library videocameras.

Gildone said the exer-cise is a good means ofteaching the teens aboutfilming and video produc-tion.

All teens are welcome. Ifinterested, call Gildone atthe library (440) 593-1608.


CONNEAUT - Theshelves of the ConneautFood Pantry will soon befilled with non-perishablefood items collected duringConneaut Middle School’s“Cap-A-Bowl” food drive.

Organized by school sec-retary Julie Sedmak, theDecember drive has broughtin about 19 boxes of food,making it one of the mostsuccessful holiday fooddrives in school history.

Sedmak credits its suc-cess to the motivator.Homerooms that collect atleast 20 cans are eligible toselect three representa-tives to participate in abowling tournament thattakes place in the schoolhalls from the time stu-dents begin arriving eachmorning, about 7:40 a.m.,until the first bell ringstwenty minutes later.

El Camp Lanes’ PatCifelli donated the bowlingpins.

Tournament bracketsare posted on the wall andupdated daily.

Since the bowling tour-nament began on Dec. 6,45 students have qualified.

The homeroom of thetournament winner willearn a pizza party.

“We’ve been bowling ev-ery day,” Sedmak said.“Sometimes entirehomerooms will comedown and watch their rep-resentatives.”

Sedmak expects to windup the fund-raiser prior to

SUBMITTED PHOTOConneaut Middle School 7th graders Adam Laitinen (left), Brianna Oatman and AlexisNelson help with the school’s morning bowling tournaments that are serving as areward for CMS homerooms that collected at least 20 cans of food during a holidaydrive for the Conneaut Food Pantry.

CMS Students Bowling for Food

the start of Winter Breakon Dec. 23.

“I want to wind up be-fore Christmas so that wecan take the canned goodsover the Conneaut FoodPantry. It should be a nicesurprise,” she said.

Sedmak said that whilefood contributions arewinding down, the bowlingtournament is a hot topic

of conversation.“The kids talk every day

and ask who won, but I tellthem they have to listen tothe afternoon announce-ments to find out,” Sedmaksaid.

Though she has orga-nized the food drive,Sedmak says the gimmickthat has eased the count-down to Winter Break did

not originate with her.“It’s kind of a spin-off

from the Turkey Bowl onFox8 News [in Cleveland],”she said. “When PrincipalLinda Bernay said shewanted to do a food drivefor the holidays, I sug-gested that we make it likethe Turkey Bowl. We’vehad a lot of food drives, butthis is our biggest one yet.”

Air Force Airman NagleGraduates From Basic Training

Air Force Airman Bryon A. Nagle graduated from aneight-week program of basic military training at LacklandAir Force Base, San Antonio, Tex.

The airman studied military discipline and studies, AirForce core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare prin-ciples and skills.

The son of Jami Greer of Conneaut, Nagle is a 2011graduate of Edgewood Senior High School.

In TheMilitary

Alumni Calendar

Rowe High School ‘53-54Rowe High School Classes of 1953/54 will meet for break-

fast 9 a.m. Dec. 20 at Perkins in Conneaut. Spouses andguests are welcome.

The class will meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, atPerkins in Conneaut.

keep it moving. It’s a greatcollaboration.”

Just two months into thenew position, Kelly envi-sions the choir growing be-yond its two-Sundays-a-month worship serviceschedule.

The choir sang with themass choir numbers atSunday’s CommunityChristmas Concert at FirstAssembly of God, and plansto sing on Christmas Eve.

“It’s a joy to sing in theFirst UCC sanctuary be-cause there are absolutelyno sound problems,” Kellysaid. “There’s a lot ofmarble.”

Kelly says he grew up

singing at all the churchesin Conneaut and has workedat many others in Coloradoand Northeast Ohio, includ-ing Trinity Cathedral indowntown Cleveland.

But this is his first timedirecting a church choir.

“I enjoy the humor thatyou can use with adults, andI like their commitment,” hesaid. “They want to sing andthey’re singing to glorifyGod.”

Shellhammer could notagree more.

“Norris has done a greatjob with our choir and he isvery nice person. We areblessed to have him,” shesaid.

KELLY From page 6

SUBMITTED PHOTOHarpist Sue Krieg accompanies Norris Kelly, tenor.

by Breana Sprinkle


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Lights of Love 2011In memory of W.M. “Gibby” Kauppila - The Kauppila Fam-

ilyIn memory of Alyce M. Kauppila - The Kauppila FamilyIn memory of Erika Kauppilla - The Kauppila FamilyIn memory of Donald Blakeslee - Son, TimothyIn memory of Clinton Pugh - John & Darlene PughIn memory of Jeanne Pugh - John & Darlene PughIn memory of Charles Moyer - Little GracieIn memory of Betty Moyer - Little GracieIn memory of Paula Brundage - Ron & Char BrundageIn memory of Sandy Mann - Ron & Char BrundageIn memory of Ronnie Williams - Grace, Ethan & Connor

WilliamsIn memory of Birdena Williams - David WilliamsIn memory of Alice Gilbraith - David WilliamsIn memory of Dan Georgia - Debbie, Beth, & ChrisIn memory of Dan Georgia - Steph, Doug, Tanner & DJIn memory of Cliff Holbrook - Holly DrewIn memory of Mark Gologram - Michael GologramIn memory of Elizabeth Ryan - William Ryan & FamilyIn memory of Lois Hart - William Ryan & FamilyIn memory of Rose Ryan - William Ryan & FamilyIn memory of Jon & Sandra Mosier - The Ernest Hall FamilyIn memory of Rita J. Carlucci - Armand CarlucciIn memory of George Peterson - Willard & Linda HallIn memory of Mother Ruth Baker - Sherry & Jack VignalIn memory of Father Nick Vignal - Sherry & Jack VignalIn memory of Mother Bertha Vignal - Sherry & Jack VignalIn memory of Sister Mal Warren - Sherry & Jack VignalIn memory of Sister Marie Sabo - Sherry & Jack VignalIn memory of Patricia Jenkinson - Alice M. SnyderIn memory of Neomi D. Hammon - Alice M. SnyderIn memory of Nelson G. Williamson - Alice M. SnyderIn memory of Carol P. Snyder - John Snyder, Jr.In memory of Mark A. Snyder - John Snyder, Jr.In memory of Roy E. Richards - Mary A. RichardsIn memory of James T. Richards - Mary A. RichardsIn memory of Roy E. Richards - Ron, Marie, & Holly

RichardsIn memory of James T. Richards - Ron, Marie, & Holly

RichardsIn memory of Marvin Maire - Mom, Dad, & FamilyIn memory of Mary Karal - Betty Staley & FamilyIn memory of Deborah Litwiler-Church - Nic ChurchIn memory of Roger Litwiler - Nic ChurchIn memory of Bill & Bernice Hallett - Gary & Gladys HallettIn memory of Charles & Eloise Beaver - Beaver FamilyIn memory of Walter & Margaret Novinski - Beaver Fam-

ilyIn memory of Shirley McCroskey - McCroskey FamilyIn memory of George McCroskey - McCroskey FamilyIn memory of Ralph Fails - Laura Fails & FamilyIn memory of Randy Fails - Laura Fails & FamilyIn memory of Grandma Delores Notte - Emily Zimmerman

& Carrie AikenIn memory of Delores Notte -Jean Zimmerman, DaughterIn memory of Wife, Delores Notte - James Notte, HusbandIn memory of Tracy Batchelor-Walker - Mom, Dad, Jared,

Cole & PaytonIn memory of Harold K. Chess - June ChessIn memory of Stanley Ward - Shirley WardIn memory of Parents - Bert DrennenIn memory of Parents - Carol DrennenIn memory of Lisa Iarocci - Mom, Dad & FamilyIn memory of Iarocci & Cicone Family - Pete, Elsa & Fam-

ilyIn memory of Henry H. Belnap - Carol A. Miller, Scott &

Christine, Tim & April, Leslie, Dan, & Thomas HenryIn memory of Violet M. Belnap - Carol A. Miller, Scott &

Christine, Tim & April, Leslie, Dan, & Thomas HenryIn memory of Richard (Dick) Belnap - Carol A. Miller, Scott

& Christine, Tim & April, Leslie, Dan, & Thomas HenryIn memory of Lynn Lockwood - Mom, Bro, Sis, Daughters

& GrandchildrenIn memory of Richard Baugher - ParentsIn memory of William Baugher - ParentsIn memory of Matthew Oldaker - Doug & Mary OldakerIn memory of Stanley Mitchell - Wife, PatriciaIn memory of Howard & Thelma Henderson - Daughter,

PatriciaIn memory of H. Jim Henderson - Sister, PatriciaIn memory of Helge & Mary Alice Jussila - Chuck & Carol

Herb; Mike, Mary Beth, Braden & Matthew Holdford;Garret, Kelly, & Laina Gaydosh

In memory of The Jussila & Cousins Families - Chuck &Carol Herb; Mike, Mary Beth, Braden & MatthewHoldford; Garret, Kelly, & Laina Gaydosh

In memory of Robert & Ruth Herb - Bob & Judy Kent &Family; Ike & Bonnie Herb & Family; Chuck & CarolHerb & Family; Mike Herb Family; Bill, Nancy, &

Mikayla Herb; & Carol Marie HerbIn memory of The Herb & Thompson Families - Bob & Judy

Kent & Family; Ike & Bonnie Herb & Family; Chuck &Carol Herb & Family; Mike Herb Family; Bill, Nancy, &Mikayla Herb; & Carol Marie Herb

In memory of Theresa Wahonick - Isabella & HarrisonCleveland

In memory of Jack Antila - Isabella & Harrison ClevelandIn memory of Hank Castrilla - Isabella & Harrison Cleve-

landIn memory of Peggy Means - Holdson & Davis FamilyIn memory of Charles Means - Holdson & Davis FamilyIn memory of Jean Holdson - Holdson FamilyIn memory of Elvira Rankin - Scott & Cindy Slocum &

FamilyIn memory of Melvin Rankin - Scott & Cindy Slocum &

FamilyIn memory of James R. Slocum - Scott & Cindy Slocum &

FamilyIn memory of Anthony Madonna - Scott & Cindy Slocum &

FamilyIn memory of John Zappitello - Nick MorrisIn memory of Lester Plank - Scott, Wendy & Steve ThomasIn memory of Charles “Buzz” Thomas - Scott, Wendy &

Steve ThomasIn memory of Robert “Bob” Burdick - Roger & Karen

BurdickIn memory of Nick Williams - Mike & Cheryl AllshouseIn memory of Beverly Burdick - Roger & Karen BurdickIn memory of Melodie Morris - Morris FamilyIn memory of Leo & Mary Iffert - Morris FamilyIn memory of Helen Zappitello - Morris FamilyIn memory of Mrs. Zeppettella - Nick & Olivia MorrisIn memory of Vincent Rose, Sr. - Vinnie & Shelly RoseIn memory of Our Grandparents - Bob & Amy McClintockIn memory of Our Grandparents - Bob & Melissa

McClintockIn memory of Alice Kehoe - Bud & Noretta DaleIn memory of Harry C. Dale - Bud & Noretta DaleIn memory of Chester Dale - Bud & Noretta DaleIn memory of George DeWalt - Bud & Noretta DaleIn memory of Uba Dale - Bud & Noretta DaleIn memory of Mom Lois Johnson - Betsy & Bob MolineIn memory of Lois & Larry Johnson - TammyIn memory of Grandma Great - Brady DaleIn memory of Gram Lois Johnson - Marcia & Brian DaleIn memory of Delores Marker - Shannon SollerIn memory of Zeda Grubke - Shannon SollerIn memory of Theodore Grubke - Shannon SollerIn memory of Ivan Thomas - Darrell & Tracy ThomasIn memory of Jerry Thomas - Darrell & Tracy ThomasIn memory of Marla McBride - Bob, Annette, Matt, Mitchell,

& Macey McBrideIn memory of Husband, Michael Guarino - Wife, ConnieIn memory of Dad, Fred DeMarco - Daughter, ConnieIn memory of Papa Michael Guarino - Grandchildren,

Carlie, Michael, & AnthonyIn memory of Husband, Fred DeMarco - Wife, Theresa

DeMarcoIn memory of Dad, Fred A. DeMarco - Daughter, Mary

BarnardIn memory of Mom & Dad, Mary & Tony Julio - Daughter,

Theresa DeMarcoIn memory of Cats, Spike, Abby & Rocky - Mary & Rich

BarnardIn memory of Rhonda Kelly - Herb & Mary KellyIn memory of Grandma Kelly - Gina & Phil DickinsonIn memory of Fred Distelrath - Lisa NurkkaIn memory of Linda Distelrath - Lisa NurkkaIn memory of Bruce Koski - Eric KoskiIn memory of Grandma Jean - Matt, Jodie, Nathan &

Jozlyne PapeIn memory of Grandma Bea - Matt, Jodie, Nathan & Jozlyne

PapeIn memory of Mom, Jean Loomis - Amy & Bob McClintockIn memory of Dad & Mom - Don & Bea McClintock, Bob &

Amy McClintockIn memory of Mom, Jean Loomis - Sue LoomisIn memory of Loved Ones - Satch & Marilyn HathyIn memory of Loved Ones - Kim, Rueben, Kylee, Gunnar &

Moses SchwartzIn memory of Grandma Shirley - Melissa BortIn memory of Harold Summers - Linda SummersIn memory of Bonnie Campbell - John E. CampbellIn memory of Doloris McDonald - Deanne J. WebberIn memory of Maurice (Jake) Bort - Virginia L. BortIn memory of Jeffrey Bort - Virginia L. BortIn memory of Andy Bort - Virginia L. BortIn memory of Doreen Mathews - Virginia L. BortIn memory of Robin Barnhart - Nancy Weaver

In memory of Edward Weaver - Nancy WeaverIn memory of Robin Barnhart - Amber & Ashlee BarnhartIn memory of Syd Abernathy - Lynette DamesIn memory of Beth Lundgren - Lundgren FamilyIn memory of Don Lundgren - Lundgren FamilyIn memory of Frank Lundgren - Lundgren FamilyIn memory of Frank Lundgren - Helen LundgrenIn memory of Richard Leardi - Mom, Dad, Brother & Sis-

tersIn memory of Felix & Rose Castrilla - Terry & Rosalie MoisioIn memory of Marion Dewey - Terry & Rosalie MoisioIn memory of The Moisio Family - Terry & Rosalie MoisioIn memory of Marcia Barnhart - Cindy ZorattiIn honor of Lucille L. Zoratti - Cynthia ZorattiIn memory of Raymond S. Zoratti - Cynthia ZorattiIn honor of Cindy Lou Zoratti - Shelly ZorattiIn memory of Raymond S. Zoratti - Lucille L. ZorattiIn memory of Ramona Zoratti - Lucille L. ZorattiIn memory of John & Carmel Cusano - Lucille L. ZorattiIn memory of Silvio & Beatrice Zoratti - Lucille L. ZorattiIn memory of Marcia Barnhart - Lucille L. ZorattiIn memory of Richard & Emma Zoratti - Lucille L. ZorattiIn memory of Robert & Josephine Zoratti - Lucille L. ZorattiIn honor of Allivia & Gramaw Z. - Michelle R.M.ZorattiIn memory of Harry Rockwell - Jim & Sue RobisonIn memory of Dominic Blanco - Jim & Sue RobisonIn memory of Cody James Robison - Jim & Sue RobisonIn memory of James W. Robison -Jim & Sue RobisonIn memory of A.H. “Tubby” Dittler - Jim & Sue RobisonIn memory of Lynn & Ruby Lucas - Jim & Margaret LyonIn memory of Willis & Marguerite Lyon - Jim & Margaret

LyonIn memory of Frank & Janice Sedmak - Mark & Julie

Sedmak & MarkyIn memory of Mike Jackson - Mark & Julie Sedmak &

MarkyIn memory of Ted Bernay - Linda BernayIn memory of Betty Bernay - Linda BernayIn memory of Elmer Carlisle, Sr. - Beth CarlisleIn memory of Dorothy Carlisle - Beth CarlisleIn memory of John Szalai - Gary & Pam AndersonIn memory of Miriam Anderson - Gary & Pam AndersonIn memory of Elizabeth Kalosky - Megan KaloskyIn memory of Chuck & Ginny Sweeney - Megan KaloskyIn memory of Norma Nine - Dick & Denise WheelerIn memory of Felix “Poppy” Paneto - Teresa & Kristina

Pape & Nick PanetoIn memory of Anthony “Nean” & Marceline Pape - Teresa

& Kristina Pape & Nick PanetoIn memory of Marc Sandella - Dad, Sister, BrothersIn memory of Katie Whitman - Mary Sandella & FamilyIn memory of Mary Morano - Bernie Sandella & FamilyIn memory of Ralph & Maggie Sandella - Bernie Sandella

& FamilyIn memory of John & Alice Blanar - Bernie Sandella &

FamilyIn honor of Bernie Sandella - Stephanie SandellaIn memory of Marc Sandella - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of Norma Mickle - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of John & Alice Blanar - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of Faye Rice - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of Angel Dreslinski - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of Mary Morano - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of Pop & Granny Sandella - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of Brianna Rivera - Mary & Pat MickleIn memory of John & Alice Blanar - Ann CosnerIn memory of Mark Sandella - Ann CosnerIn memory of John Casalina - Ann CosnerIn memory of Pam Anderson - Ann CosnerIn memory of Ethel E’Paves - Ann CosnerIn memory of Carrie & Carl Knauff - Bob & Brenda Knauff-

GoldenIn memory of Lyle & Clara Knauff - Bob & Brenda Knauff-

GoldenIn memory of Rober & Mary Golden - Bob & Brenda Knauff-

GoldenIn memory of Earl & Dorothy Colby - Bob & Brenda Knauff-

GoldenIn honor of The Troops - Girard-Lake City Chambers of

CommerceIn memory of Husband, Charlie Speer - Jeanette SpeerIn memory of L.R. & Barbara Naylor - Jeanette SpeerIn memory of Dad & Mom - Jeanette SpeerIn memory of Aunt Catherine & Uncle Walter - Jeanette

SpeerIn memory of Nathan S. Evans - Dad & GrandmaIn memory of Roger Evans - Son, Rod & Wife, ElizabethIn memory of Michael J. Schreiber - Melodie & Maggie

BimleIn memory of Michael J. Schreiber - Diane Schreiber

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CONNEAUT:

Bushnell Store - 5915 Rt. 7

Conneaut Rite-Aid - 364 Main St.

Shell Station - 281 State St.

Circle K - 306 Mill St.

Mooney Bakery - 231 Broad St.

Conneaut Courthouse

Golden Dawn - 281 Main St.

City News - 214 Washington St.

Gerdes Pharmacy - 245 Main St.

Clark Station

Broad St. Mini Mart - Broad St.

Basil’s Café - 182 Park Ave.

Harbor Beverage - 985 Broad St.

Anthony’s - Lake Rd.

M & R Food - 1033 Lake Rd.

Ron’s Meats - 926 Main St.

UH ConneautMedical Center - 2nd Flr

Quality Cleaners

Perkins - 348 W. Main St.

Conneaut Save-A-Lot350 W. Main St.

Burger KingRt. 7 & Gateway Ave.

Amboy Mart - 512 W. Main St.

City Center Garden Market

Crazy Dave’s Sugar Bowl518 Mill Street

KINGSVILLE:

Village Food Mart - Rt. 193

Orlando’s Golden DawnRt. 193

Grab & Go

ASHTABULA:

Grumpy Grandpa’s3300 State Rd.

Perry Park News4910 Main Ave.

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Country Fair2 W. State St., Albion, PA

Deli Mart - Rt. 20 E.

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NOMINATIONS From page 1A

Champions. Chamber Champions are

individuals, organizations,businesses, or industriesthat have demonstrated ex-cellence in contributing tothe goals and objectives ofthe Conneaut Area Chamberof Commerce. Awards crite-ria are broad so as to recog-nize efforts in economic orcivic improvements. A prod-

uct or service, an idea or in-novation, a success or invest-ment that demonstratescommitment to theConneaut area communitymay be deemed a ChamberChampion. Awards are:

Professional Achieve-ment Award is presented toa business or individualdemonstrating a superbrecord of distinguished ca-reer accomplishments andwho has made outstandingcontributions to a profession,industry, or community. The2010 recipient was formerState RepresentativeDeborah Newcomb. The2009 recipients were ChrisBrecht, Chris Brecht StateFarm Insurance, and KerryGerdes, Gerdes Pharmacy.

Leadership Award ispresented to a business, in-dustry or individual withoutstanding achievementsin economic development,jobs creation, enterprisegrowth, or start-up entrepre-neurship. Burning StoneCafe owners Neal and NikkiLaRusch were the 2010 win-ners while Eric Nesbitt,Conneaut Port Authorityand Sonny Heinonen,Conneaut School Board ac-cepted the 2009 Award fortheir efforts bringing windturbines to Conneaut.

President’s Award ispresented to an individual,organization, or businessthat has exemplified thestrategic objective of theConneaut Area Chamber ofCommerce: to makeConneaut a better place inwhich to work, live, and play.The Conneaut Public Li-brary was the 2010 winnerand the ecumenical homeimprovement projectL.E.A.F. (Loving Equally AllFamilies) was the 2009 win-ner.

Chamber Championrecipients are chosen by theChamber Board of Directors.The Directors may choosenot to present every awardeach year and may makespecial presentations fromtime to time.

Nominations for allawards will be accepted inperson at the Chamber of-fice, 235 Main Street (10a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays) orvia e-mail [email protected].

The 2011 Citizen of theYear and the ChamberChampions will be an-nounced at the Chamber’sAnnual Annual MembershipDinner Feb. 7, 2012.

Contact Wendy DuBeywith questions at (440) 593-2402 or via e-mail.

schedule,” he said. “Now wehave money to pay for thebleachers and to move for-ward.”

“It’s nice that ConneautSavings Bank stepped up, so[the loan] is a local hold,”added CBOE member MikeKennedy.

The school board also ap-proved a Conneaut HighSchool National Honor Soci-ety trip to New Orleans May17 to 19.

In presenting the pro-posed trip to the board, NHSAdvisor Emily Wacker saidshe offered the group optionsof visiting Toronto,Gettysburg/Philadelphia,San Francisco or New Or-leans.

New Orleans was pre-ferred, she said. The groupplans to fly from Akron/Can-ton and return via a nightflight on Saturday, May 19.Round-trip air fare is about$315.

“Safety is our number oneconcern,” she said, assuringthe board that teachers willchaperone and there will benighttime supervision at thehotel. The booking companyhas been used in past yearsand she described it as“reputable.”

“We will have the sametour guide as last year [inNew York City,” she said. “Ifeel comfortable takingthem.”

Wacker hopes that fund-raisers will whittle the per-student cost to about $425,comparable to the 2011 trip.She hopes to offer “not yourtypical” fund-raisers such asspaghetti dinners and adance, something people“like to do” rather than sell-ing.

The trip excluding airfare will cost about $555 perstudent, based on roughly 50people.

Approving the request, theboard wished Wacker “lots ofluck,” then complimented her

directing of the successful CHSdrama, “The Mousetrap,”staged by the Thespians inmid-November.

The board also adoptednew procedures and policiesfor tracheotomy care andsuctioning, gastrostomy tubefeeding, and mechanical ven-tilator usage with regard to apatient attending theConneaut schools while resid-ing at Lake Pointe Rehabili-tation & Nursing Center.

Just two days after she be-gan attending classes, how-ever, her private nurse re-signed. Karen Kehoe, Directorof Special Services, noted dur-ing the work session that thestudent is unable to attendschool without a nurse. Theprivate nurse job had beenposted.

The board approved a newcopying and postage systemcontract with Pitney Boweswhich saves the district $5 permonth while providing a brandnew machine.

In personnel matters, cer-tified employee JessicaKennedy was issued a continu-ing contract, $50,679, effectiveSept. 30. Kennedy had had acontinuing contract in the dis-trict where she was formerlyemployed, and according toOhio Revised Code, continuingcontracts are transferable tonew districts for teachersmarking two years of employ-ment.

Kennedy’s father-in-law,CBOE member Mike Kennedyabstained from the vote.

Certified teachers re-warded with pay increases forcompleting additional educa-tion, effective with the start ofthe 2011-2012 school year, areLisa Andrejack ($49,045),Courtney Case ($45,775) andDenise Miller ($45,775).

Miller was also approvedfor maternity leave Jan. 3through May 21, using sickleave, if necessary, until herreturn. Maternity leave wasapproved for certified em-

ployee Katie Newcomb fromMarch 30 to May 29, and forclassified employee JodieWnoroski from Oct. 27 to Jan.14.

Substitute teachers hiredwere Megan Ciolek, MarthaLaurila, Jeff Raisian, DavidGuglielmo, RhiannonMcCorkle, Jenna Waid, AdamHoldson, Olympia Maenpaaand Mollie Weisman.

Catherine Glosser washired as a home tutor at $20per hour, as-needed, for notmore than 72 hours or $1,440,for the 2011-2012 school year.

The board approved a con-tract change from 3.75 to 4hours for bus driver StaceyLibbey, effective Oct. 31, andin the next motion, acceptedher resignation as a full-timeemployee effective Nov. 16.She was rehired as a substi-tute driver, later in the meet-ing.

The board approved con-tract changes for driver JeffLowery to bus mechanic, 8hours a day, for 12 months, at$13.57 per hour, effective Nov.7.

Changes to the contract ofbus driver Jane Simpson, from6.75 to 7 hours, were approved,effective Nov. 21.

The board also hired sub-stitute classified personnel forthe 2011-2012 school year:Pamela Thomas, cafeteria,$7.40 per hour; custodial, $8per hour, Gary Duris, FeliciaKnox, Julie Gritzer, MarySteighner, Nancy Henson,George Zahler;Parapfofessional $7,40/hourMark Reffner; transportation$11.50 per hour, WilliamMcFadden;

The school district alsoawarded to low-bidderPolchosky Excavating a snow-plow contract for the 2011-2012 school year. Polchoskywas hired for $10,000 to plowConneaut High School,Lakeshore Primary Schooland the bus garage; and for$4,750 to plow Gateway El-

ementary and ConneautMiddle Schools.

The snow plow contractgoes into effect in January andends at Spring Break (April 2-9). As he did last year, Hous-ton is banking on low snowtotals in December. School dis-trict maintenance crews willhandle this month’s plowingand the Southeast Building lotthroughout the winter.

“You’re gambling again,”joked CBOE member SonnyHeinonen.

“We have trucks,” Houstonsaid, to which Heinonen re-plied that the district had “wonthe last two times,” meaningthe two previous Decembers.

The board tabled a motionto approve revisions to theConneaut Music Boosters By-Laws, requesting more time toperuse them.

In school board committeereports, board member NickIarocci reported that the schoolboard is waiting for the City ofConneaut to approve thetransfer of a small portion ofLiberty Street Park. Meetingsbetween the school board andCity Council will resume inJanuary.

The board plans to sell avacant parcel of land at the busgarage on Rowe Street. In hisschool board president’s re-port, Iarocci said the land willbe sold at auction. If it does notsell, it will be listed for privatesale with Rick Furmage ofPrudential.

There was no report on theAthletic Council or City Coun-cil, but a committee will workwith the new school board nextmonth to put a new drugs andalcohol athletic policy in placefor the 2012-2013 school year.

In his Superintendent’sReport, Houston said the re-pairs to the roof above the sev-enth and eighth grade wingsof Conneaut Middle Schoolwere completed in three days,courtesy of the Ohio SchoolsFacilities Commission. Hous-ton said one more repair is

CBOE From page 3A

needed at CMS and one atGateway.

He was happy to reportthat the problem of noisy handdryers in Conneaut MiddleSchool restrooms have beenrepaired. Discovering thenoise was due to vibrationsagainst the wall, school districtmaintenance supervisor KevinMiller suggested putting rub-ber washers behind the handdryers. That solved the prob-lem.

He reported that DennyBowman, an architect withSmolen, donated time to studyinfrastructure solutions for theeast side of the stadium, andhoped to start the work beforeChristmas. Repairs are beingfunded through a grant fromthe Conneaut Foundation.

In administrators’ reports,Director of Curriculum andTesting Kris Mucci reportedthat half the third grade stu-dents at Gateway ElementarySchool passed the fall OhioAchievement Assessment.She thanked second gradeteachers at Lakeshore Pri-mary for having prepared thestudents well. Fall tests areadministered to third gradersonly, she said. Mucci said as-sessments will be moving to“on-line” only in the near fu-ture.

Lakeshore Primary SchoolPrincipal Jim Kennedy re-ported that the Parent/Teacher Council-sponsored“Rock Out Hunger” event

brought in three boxes ofcanned food. Average daily at-tendance has been 96 percent.

Conneaut Middle SchoolPrincipal Linda Bernay de-scribed numerous activities atthe school, including students’writing to servicemen as partof a Red Cross project.

Gateway ElementarySchool Principal LieslBlackwell announced that theFamily Book Club Nightbrought in 45 to 50 people onNov. 14 and that Ohio Achieve-ment Assessments scores fromOctober showed 51 percentpassing. The fourth grade willsponsor a Food Drive for theConneaut Food Pantry as itsholiday project. A future GameNight is in the works..

Conneaut High SchoolPrincipal Dawn Zappitelli an-nounced that the NationalHonor Society is selling multi-colored wrist bands as a can-cer awareness project.

Board member Rob Eageroffered his monthly thank-youto cafeteria workers.

Leaving office at the end ofthe month, Eager said he hadgiven these workers his firstschool board meeting “thankyou” upon joining the board in2008.

“I love to eat,” he said.The board voted to change

its December meeting from thethird Thursday of the monthto Wed., Dec. 21. Work sessionis 6 p.m., followed by 7 p.m.meeting.

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CONNEAUT - A driver’sfailure to stop at a stop signresulted in a two-vehicle ac-cident, without injuries,8:04 a.m. Dec. 9 at the in-tersection of Mill and Madi-son Streets.

Officers arrived to find alight blue 2004 Ford parkedfacing north on the westside of Mill Street, north ofMadison Street, with dam-age to the driver’s side frontend and side. A black 2008Ford SW was parked in theyard at the northwest cor-ner of Mill and MadisonStreet with damage to thedriver ’s side mirror and

Incoherent Driver Injured After Hitting I-90 BridgeRailroad Right-of-WayRide Ends in Arrest


CONNEAUT - JeffreyDalrymple was arrested af-ter driving his vehicle onthe north side of the CSXRailroad right-of-way onDec. 9

Officers came uponDalrymple 1:11 a.m. Dec. 9while on patrol near theChestnut Street crossing.After observing whitelights from a vehicle beingdriven on the north side ofthe railroad right-of-way,they turned around onChestnut at Depot Streetand headed northbound onChestnut Street.

Upon reaching the rail-road crossing a secondtime, they observed a cartraveling westbound on thenorth side of the tracks ata high rate of speed. A sub-ject was running next tothe car on the passenger

side.An officer proceeded to

travel down Clark Street totry to get in front of the car,then observed that the ve-hicle was stopped on thetracks just east of WhitneyRoad.

The officer reached thevehicle and observed amale driver with a sur-prised look on his face.Identified as Dalrymple,the driver did not answerwhen asked where theother subject went.

Dalrymple was placedin the rear seat the patrolunit. A check of his vehiclefound several pieces ofrusty drain pipe and othermetals in the front andback seats that were foundto have been stolen fromthe City Water Works onClark Street.

Dalrymple was ar-rested, and booked into thejail.

Ignoring Stop SignCauses Accident at Mill

& Madison Streetsfront end.

The driver of the lightblue Ford, AliceBlankenship, told officersshe did not think she hadbeen injured in the accident,but did not know what hadhappened to have caused it.

A witness approached,according to police reports,who had observed the lightblue Ford SW travelingwestbound on MadisonStreet fail to stop at the stopsign at Mill St.Blankenship’s car wasstruck by the black Fordtraveling northbound onMill.

Blankenship was citedfor failing to stop at the stopsign.


CONNEAUT - Officersstopped at the Sanduskyand Depot Street intersec-tion at 3:14 p.m. Dec. 6spotted Brandon Haley be-hind the wheel of a greenSUV, approaching on DepotStreet from the east.

Aware that Haley had

Another DUS Citationfor Local Man

been cited recently for Driv-ing Under Suspension, of-ficers contacted dispatch. Acheck of Haley’s licenseconfirmed that he was un-der several license suspen-sions.

A traffic stop was initi-ated in the driveway of 441Mill St., where Haley wascited.

His vehicle was towed.

APPOINTMENTS From page 1A

cil members.“Welcome, Rev. Gore, to

the Port Authority. He’s agood man,” said Ward 1Councilman Dave Campbell.

“I’m happy to be able toserve our community on thisboard,” Gore said. “I look for-ward to the challenges weface and hope that I can beof service to the people ofConneaut. Our lakefront isone of the greatest assets forour community.”

Gore’s appointment Mon-day marked his first successin three attempts to benamed to the Port Authority.

In October, 2009, Goreand Bill Kennedy were ap-pointed the Port Authorityby former City ManagerRobert Schaumleffel, butSchaumleffel rescinded theappointments the followingweek.

Three months later, Gorewas the first of 12 candidatesto be interviewed for thesame two Port Authority va-cancies. City Council, whichmakes Port Authority ap-pointments upon the recom-mendation of the City Man-ager, selected veteran PAmember Bill Cooper and BillFleischman in the absence ofa City Manager, sinceSchaumleffel resigned effec-tive Dec. 31.

Gore told the panel lastJanuary that as one wholives and works in PortConneaut, he desired toserve on the board becauseof economic developmentand his interest in buildingthe community.

Good Shepherd LutheranChurch, which Gore pastors,sits on Lake Road acrossfrom Township Park.

Gore said Monday nighthe had a real vision for theport, but did not elaborate.He added that he does notown a boat.

“My goal is to be support-ive and to help the commu-nity,” he said. “With mychurch on the lake, I have avested interest in developingthe area.”

In other board appoint-ments at Monday’s Councilmeeting, City Council reap-pointed Connie Naylor toanother four-year term onthe Board of Tourism, whichshe chairs. Her appointmentruns Jan. 14, 2012, to Jan.13, 2016.

Council also appointedthree new members to theConneaut Tree Commission.Jason Dalton, LibbyNewbern and Frank Lamontare part of one of the city’s

largest boards charged withhelping the city maintain its25-year distinction as a TreeCity USA.

City Council also unani-mously appointed CityCouncil Clerk Pam Harperto her eighth two-year term.All but six Mondays eachyear, she faithfully takes at-tendance, reads ordinances,records votes, and takesmeeting minutes known asthe Journal of Council.

Harper had submitted toCouncil last week a letter ofinterest in serving anothertwo-year term.

After Council membersrenamed Harper to the post,she thanked them.

“She keeps me out oftrouble,” said City CouncilPresident Tom Udell, seatedat her left in Council cham-bers.


CONNEAUT - A woman drivingunder the influence of narcotics wasinjured after causing a two-vehiclecrash 1:46 p.m. Dec. 11 on the west-bound lane of I-90 at the Furnace Roadbridge.

Police and EMS units dispatched tothe scene near the city’s east limits ar-rived to find two vehicles at rest at thebridge that spans Furnace Rd. Thefirst, a Honda Accord, was facing north-west with heavy front-end damage. Per-sonnel from Station One were attend-ing to a female in the driver’s seat.

Minutes later, an officer observedthe same female exit the Honda andrun toward the ambulance parked di-rectly in front of her damaged car.

A witness to the crash was sittingin a silver Chevy stopped several yardsin front of the Honda. He had been trav-eling westbound and observed the

Honda drive through the median fromthe eastbound lanes of travel. The ve-hicle appeared to be traveling at a highrate of speed before it began spinningaround. After the vehicle entered thewestbound lanes of travel, it struck thenorth side of the bridge wall beforebouncing off and around his vehicle. Hewas not injured nor was his vehicledamaged as a result of the crash.

At the end of the officer’s conversa-tion with him, he said, “Officer, I thinkyou should know the female driver ofthat car told me she had done some bad[stuff].”

The officer then entered the ambu-lance and observed the female, who bythen was completely naked and thrash-ing about as squad members tried torender aid. The officer told EMTs thatshe may be under the influence of anarcotic. Personnel said they had al-ready suspected the same, since thefemale aggressively stripped off all ofher clothing immediately after enter-

ing the squad. She was extremely in-coherent and and had mumbled some-thing about using heroin, police reportssaid.

Numerous prescription medicationswere found in her vehicle.

Once the paperwork was completedfor the vehicle’s removal, the officeragain spoke with EMS personnel, whoadvised the female had uttered numer-ous sexual remarks while inside theambulance. One EMT said she ap-peared to think that he was her boy-friend, and could not “wait” for him andbegan touching herself inappropriatelywhile secured to the gurney. Identifiedas Brooke A. Wilson, she was taken tothe hospital for treatment.

At 2:30 p.m., officers located anothervehicle involved in the crash. The oc-cupants stated that Wilson’s vehiclehad struck theirs, then fled before strik-ing the bridge.

Charges were referred for OVI onWilson.

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Lights of Love StillAvailable

The Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce will sellLights of Love through Dec. 16 at Andover Bank,Conneaut Savings Bank, Key Bank, Port Conneaut Fed-eral Credit Union, and the Chamber office, 235 MainSt. Each “light” is $5 and may be purchased in honor ormemory of a loved one. Names of honorees and donorswill be published in The Courier, starting Dec. 15, andcontinue through the holiday season.

A Madcap Merry Christmas

Kids and parents alike flocked to the punch-and-cookies table after the 50-minutepresentation, “Jack and the Gentle Giant,” presented by the Madcap Puppets ofCincinnati Tuesday afternoon at the American Legion, hosted by the Conneaut Pub-lic Library.

Local children volunteered to help Madcap Puppets’Rachel Christianson during the presentation. One volun-teer had the privilege of returning his heart to the hugegiant. “Give me a heart, and I’ll never be cruel again,”the Giant said. Once he had it, he said, “How good itfeels to have a heart... warm and tingly.” The moral ofthe story? The heartless giant became peaceful and lov-ing once again.

Bevin White enjoyed attending the program with hisgrandmother, Connie Smith.

PHOTOS BYMARTHA SOROHAN

Christmasis coming!New Leaf will offera variety of opportunitiesto worship...

Friday, Dec. 23 at 6:00 p.m.Can’t make it on Christmas Eve? Come and join us on theEve of Christmas Eve for a Candlelit Worship Experience.

Sat., Dec. 24 • Christmas Eve6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.Come for our Christmas Eve Candlelit Worship Experience.

We love the Lord, love one another and make disciples of Jesus Christ!

(Across from McDonald’s)283 Buffalo Street | Conneaut | [email protected] | http://newleafumc.com

New LeafUnited Methodist Church

We invite you to join us for our

Live Nativity SceneDec. 18 • 5:00-7:00 p.m.Drive by or walk through. Live animals andcostumed actors! Hot chocolate and Christmastreats will be served in our Worship Center.

Christmas Day

Brunch8:45-11:00 a.m.

Worship9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

Courier 12-15-11

Documents

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