TMCNEWS.NET

MAN ON FIRE

2009-07-09T03:08:00.001-04:00

Carlisle Township – Neighbors were shocked Wednesday morning when they heard a man screaming then looked out their windows and saw a man on fire.

A neighbor, who asked to not be identified, said that the 19 year old man ran from his West River Road South home on fire. “The front of his body was on fire, he was wearing those jogging type pants – like nylon – and that was all on fire. Two people who were driving by stopped and were helping him and getting the fire out however they could.”

The neighbor said that the two people left the scene after helping the man.

Carlisle Township Firefighters and LifeCare Paramedics treated the man on scene and quickly transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital where he was flown to Cleveland with 3rd Degree Burns.

Firefighters searched the home and property for any fires but could not find any.

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the incident.

PHOTO GALLERY

AVON WALMART EVACUATES FOR FIRE

2009-07-06T22:56:00.002-04:00

Avon – Customers and Sales Associates at the Avon Wal-Mart were evacuated after a strange odor filled the store.

Chief Frank Root of the Avon Fire Department complimented the management and associates at Wal-Mart for their quick thinking and good organization in getting all of the customers out of the building. “They really did a good job evacuating everyone without causing any panic and also for being such a tremendous help to us in getting us access to various parts of the building and really just having all the answers to the questions we had to find the source of the smoke and odor.”

Root said that at first they thought the source was air-conditioning units on the roof – but after a thorough search they discovered that it was coming from inside a computer room. “After the smoke became thicker and the odor changed and became more intense we did a more extensive search and found a UPS System where their computer system is for Wal-Mart. It was actually burning a battery rack in the UPS System – causing probably $10K in damages.”

There was really no smoke damage to the showroom area Root said, but the odor was throughout the building.

Sheffield Village and North Ridgeville Fire Departments assisted Avon at the scene.

PHOTO GALLERY

PATROL: SAFEST 4th IN 11 YEARS

2009-07-06T16:18:00.001-04:00

Columbus - The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported five fatalities this Fourth of July holiday weekend, including two deaths stemming from ATV crashes and one from a motorcyclist. This is the least amount of fatalities during a July 4th holiday weekend since 1998, when four motorists were killed.

Last year 15 people were killed on Ohio roadways during the same reporting period.

This holiday weekend troopers arrested 556 impaired drivers and assisted 4,637 motorists. In addition to this year’s traffic enforcement efforts, the Patrol had 35 felony arrests, 117 drug violations and seized four weapons statewide.

The following Ohio traffic statistics are for the holiday weekend period of July 2 at 6 p.m. through July 5 at midnight.

The Breakdown:
State / Federal Highway – 1 Fatal Crash with an additional 3 injuries
County / Township Roads – 2 Fatal Crashes with 1 additional injury
City Streets – 2 Fatal Crashes with 1 additional injury

There were no reported Fatal Crashes on the Ohio Turnpike or any Interstate Highway – inside or outside a City.

Of the 5 Fatalities – 2 were not wearing their safety belts and 3 were not wearing helmets.

DON’T PUT THE FLAGS AWAY

2009-07-05T23:59:00.002-04:00

At the young age of 3 years old, Ian Oskins traveled to Lorain with his father for a Memorial Day service. The above photo was snapped during a 21-gun Salute – Oskin’s dad, who served in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, didn’t break his stance or salute while young Oskins didn’t much care for the loud shots.

Fast forward 17 years – today Ian Oskins turned 20 and just returned home Friday after Graduating as a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger. I suppose to be correct; I should say Private 2nd Class Ian Oskins.

Ian returned home for a weekend break, time to spend time with family and friends. He leaves Monday morning at 7 a.m. and will be stationed in Fort Lewis Washington. As I spoke with Ian today he talked of the grueling training process that he has had to go through to become a Ranger. I wish I could share the stories with you but he asked that I not, so I will not. However, I will say this – Ian has always impressed me – he has always been a smart, well-mannered guy who carries himself well. But today, I saw in him a true Patriot – A future leader.

As many of you know I have covered several funerals of fallen local Soldiers over the last couple years. I have posted large photo galleries of those funeral’s here on this site. Galleries and tribute videos that Oskins himself has viewed. Knowing the dangers that lie ahead Oskins does not blink when asked, “are you sure?” – he quickly replies with “Yes, I am sure.” And he says it with unwavering conviction.

I bring this up today because with Memorial Day and the 4th of July now behind us many people may start moving on with their daily routines and put their patriotism, and Flags, in the closet until Veteran’s Day. Please don’t. Please keep Ian and all of the other men and women who put their lives in harms way for our Country in your thoughts and in your prayers.

If you have a friend or family member that is currently serving in the Military, please feel free to post their name in the comment section.

FLYING INTO LORAIN THIS MONTH

2009-07-05T23:54:00.006-04:00

Lorain Palace Youth Theatre’s

PETER PAN

The Staff, Crew and Cast of the Lorain Palace Youth Theatre are excited to invite you to their production of PETER PAN later this month.

This production marks the Palace Youth Theatre’s 32nd season and Producer Jessica Smith said that the fact that tickets are moving fast shows that their reputation speaks for itself.

Directors are working hard with the huge cast and say they will be ready for the July 24th Opening Night performance.

Palace Youth Theatre strives to maintain a program that inspires, motivates and engages children with an interest or passion for theater - both on stage and off.

Palace Youth Theatre is not just some camp, workshop, or glorified daycare -- it is an experience.

To learn more about the Palace Youth Theatre you can visit them online at: http://www.palaceyouththeatre.com

For tickets you can call 440.245.2323 or online at lorainpalace.com

SHOWTIMES:
July 24 & 25 – 7pm
July 26 - 2pm

Businesses interested in supporting the Palace Youth Theatre can also visit their website for details.

TO WIN FREE TICKETS:
One of the STAFF members of the Palace Youth Theatre is a Lorain native but now lives and works as an Actor in New York City. This STAFF member returned to Lorain for the summer to work on Peter Pan.

Name the STAFF member and WIN TWO FREE TICKETS to see Peter Pan. (This one is not as easy as the others were – making you work for these tickets.)

Send your answer to tmcnews1@aol.com - Write PETER PAN in the subject line. The first two emails containing the correct answer will receive the tickets.

PHOTO GALLERY

NORTH RIDGEVILLE CRASH UPDATE

2009-07-05T23:51:00.002-04:00

North Ridgeville – Police are still investigating a crash that sent a North Ridgeville man to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland by helicopter Saturday afternoon.

Police say that 37-year-old Jeff R. Jarvis of North Ridgeville was not wearing his helmet at the time of the crash.

Jarvis remains listed in critical condition at Metro.

SCENE PHOTOS

BIKER CRASHES ON LAKE AVE CURVE

2009-07-05T23:48:00.001-04:00

Elyria – A man riding a motorcycle on West Ave lost control of his bike and crashed into a building next door to the Elyria Police Station.

Witnesses who were in the area and saw the man riding down West Ave said he was just going too fast for the curve that was ahead of him. The man left a skid mark that began near the entrance to the Police Station parking lot and showed how he went off the road and onto the sidewalk in front of the old WJTB radio station building.

LifeCare Paramedics treated the man on the scene and transported him to Elyria Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Elyria Police Department is investigating the crash.

PHOTO GALLERY

CAR BURSTS INTO FLAMES

2009-07-05T23:42:00.004-04:00

Lorain – Firefighters in Lorain extinguished a car that burst into flames in the parking lot of Flowerama Saturday evening.

Firefighters say that a woman was on Cooper Foster Park Road when she smelled smoke inside of her station wagon. The woman quickly moved the car into the parking lot at the corner of Cooper Foster and Broadway to investigate.

While in the parking lot a stranger began assisting her and opened the hood and then disconnected the battery. Once that happened the car “just burst into flames” the woman said.

Smoke could be seen from the Elyria Midway Mall area.

LifeCare Paramedics responded and treated the woman for a burn to her ankle. Firefighters believe that a piece of burning plastic from under the dash had fallen on the women’s leg before she got out of the car.

The woman refused any additional treatment or transport to the hospital.

PHOTO GALLERY

HUSBAND AND WIFE COLLIDE

2009-07-04T18:52:00.005-04:00

HUSBAND FLOWN TO METRO

IN CRITICAL CONDITION

North Ridgeville – A man was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland this afternoon after he collided with his wife on Westfield Drive in North Ridgeville.

Police are investigating the crash at this hour – but residents say that the couple had been fighting for about a month leading up to today’s crash. Witnesses tell us that the husband had left the home to take an item to the couple’s storage building earlier in the day.

As he was returning home his wife, along the couple’s small child, was backing her Durango out of their driveway – when she saw him coming down the street on his motorcycle she stopped and put the truck in park. The man then apparently tried to go around the driver’s side of the SUV and struck the driver’s side tire. The man and the bike went down and began sliding.

The bike ended up on a driveway next door while he ended up lying on the grassy area of the tree lawn near the driveway.

Neighbors rushed to him – one tells us that at first the wife began yelling at the husband until she realized how serious the situation was. Neighbors helped keep the man still until Police arrived and took over. They said a short time later Firefighters arrived and began treating the man.

The injuries were so severe that Firefighters dispatched Metro LifeFlight to meet them at a nearby field at Avon Belden Road and Sugar Ridge Road.

Olmstead Township Fire Department assisted North Ridgeville Fire in setting up a landing zone for Metro.

Police are still putting the pieces of this crash together – as details become available we will bring them to you.

PHOTO GALLERY

ROLL OVER CRASH ON I-90

2009-07-03T21:58:00.003-04:00

DRIVER STRIKES DISABLED CAR
THEN ROLLS JEEP

Elyria – A collision in the eastbound lane of I-90 early Friday morning sent three people to area hospitals and left a Jeep lying on its side.

Police say that 30 year old Zachary Ferenec of Sheffield Village was traveling east on I-90 when he lost control of his 1999 Jeep Wrangler.

Ferenec went off the right side of the road and struck Virginia Duran of Illinois. Duran, along with her passenger, Laura Duran, had pulled their Hertz rental car off to the side of the road and had their 4-way flashers activated before being struck.

After Ferenec struck Duran his Jeep turned 180 degrees back onto the roadway – flipping on its side and facing west in the eastbound lane. Duran’s car ended up off the road in a ditch.

LifeCare Paramedics and Elyria Firefighters treated all three victims at the scene for minor injuries. The Duran’s were transported to Avon Emergency Room while Ferenec was taken to Elyria Memorial.

Witnesses say that they spotted Ferenec traveling along I-90 “very recklessly, in and out of traffic” shortly before the crash.

Ferenec was charged with Reasonable Control and OVI.

PHOTO GALLERY

WELLINGTON FIREWORKS TONIGHT

2009-07-03T18:00:00.000-04:00

Wellington – We have received numerous inquiries about the Fireworks show in Wellington – people wanting to know if they are tonight or Saturday night.

Chief Robert Walker of the Wellington Fire District confirms that the show is set for tonight at the Wellington Fair Grounds at 10 p.m.

There will be a concert and ice cream social tonight in front of Town Hall – but the main attraction is set for tonight at the Fair Grounds.

Over the Limit ~ Under Arrest

2009-07-03T00:14:00.000-04:00

You’ve heard it all around the state from Cleveland to Cincinnati – law enforcement will be out in force looking for drunk and impaired drivers this July 4 holiday weekend as part of the national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest crackdown. The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is sending out one last reminder that designating a sober driver before the fun begins is the best way to stay safe.

In 2008, the July 4 holiday weekend had the second-highest number of fatalities for holiday weekends on Ohio’s roads. Almost half of the 15 fatalities were alcohol-related.

“Too many people still fail to recognize that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident, nor is it a victimless crime,” said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. “We are working to prevent needless fatalities by asking everyone to be responsible and plan ahead to designate a sober driver.”

This July 4 holiday weekend, more than 65 law enforcement agencies will be increasing patrols, conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols as well as concentrating on speed, aggressive driving and motorcycle safety. During the holiday weekend, law enforcement will be logging in more than 9,000 hours of enforcement through federal grants provided by ODPS’ Ohio Traffic Safety Office. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will have a visible presence on the state’s highways and Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) agents will be doing compliance checks in permit establishments as well as working with local law enforcement to target over-serving and underage drinking.

“This is a last reminder before the holiday weekend. Make no mistake, law enforcement will be looking for impaired drivers. If you are over the limit, you’ll be under arrest,” Guzmán said.

Impaired driving not only increases the chances of a crash that may cause death or serious injury, but it can also lead to trauma and the financial cost of a crash or arrest. For bars and establishments, over-serving or serving underage could also mean costly fines, suspension or revocation of their liquor permit. Everyone should follow these simple tips to keep themselves and others safe:

-Designate a sober driver; have a family member or friend who knows in advance you will be calling for a ride home; or call a cab.

-If you see someone about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe alternative.

-If you see an impaired driver on the roadway, call law enforcement immediately. Call 1-877-7-PATROL on state highways.

-Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against impaired drivers.

-Bar or establishment owners or employees with questions about over-serving or other liquor-permit related issues should contact OIU. Contact information is online at: http://investigativeunit.ohio.gov/. OIU offers free instruction on laws pertaining to the sale and/or consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Agents also cover topics such as false identification, employment of minors, along with penalties for those found in violation.

KIDS ON THE ROCKS

2009-07-01T23:42:00.006-04:00

ELYRIA FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE

3 KIDS IN CASCADE PARK

TMC NEWS PHOTOS/ BRIAN WOODS

Elyria – Three kids playing in Cascade Park in Elyria Wednesday afternoon got themselves stuck on a rock – screaming for help.

The boys climbed up on one rock and then each jumped to a rock just below. Their intention, said Assistant Chief Ron Brlas of the Elyria Fire Department, was to then jump from the lower rock onto a log in the river and then make their way back to shore. “When they got onto the lower rock however, they realized that the distance down to the log was further then they first thought – about 12 feet or so.”

With that the kids, ages ranging from 12 to 13 Brlas said, began to get worried about how they would get back to shore. So the next obvious step, and the smartest according to Brlas, was to sit tight and scream for help as loud as they could. “That was the smartest thing they could do in that situation. Once they realized they were in trouble they started calling for help rather than trying to get off the rock themselves – that would have only made a bad situation much worse.”

When Firefighters arrived Brlas said they knew exactly what had to be done because this type of situation is not uncommon for theses rocks. “We have been to this area of the park before to rescue people in the past. As a matter of fact, about 7 years ago kids were playing on these rocks and one young man tried to jump from one rock to the other – hit his chest and went down into the black river. He ended up drowning.” Brlas remembers that day vividly as he was part of the team that searched for the boy and he was the one who found his body in the water.

In this situation, Firefighters climbed up to the higher rock and extended a ladder down to the lower rock where the three boys were stranded. A Firefighter made his way down to the rock with the boys. One by one the Firefighter suited up each boy with a helmet and a floatation device (lifejacket) and sent him up the ladder to other Firemen.

The boys were then escorted back to the shore where their parents were waiting. “They might have wanted to stay on the rock a little longer – the parents were very upset with them and had told me that they have warned them in the past about playing on these rocks. But as upset as they were with the boys they were also very relieved that they were down and all doing ok.”

LifeCare Paramedics examined the three boys but with only minor scrapes the parents refused any treatment or transport for the children.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos by: BRIAN WOODS

HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

2009-07-01T20:13:00.001-04:00

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is encouraging drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired this weekend in an effort to have a holiday weekend free of fatal and injury crashes.

The Fourth of July weekend is traditionally a dangerous holiday period on Ohio roads, particularly for impaired driving crashes. During last year’s holiday, nearly 50 percent of the 15 people killed on Ohio roadways were involved in alcohol-related crashes.

“We are asking motorists that are partaking in holiday celebrations to designate a sober driver or call a taxi to assure that they arrive safely at their destination,” Colonel Richard H. Collins, superintendent of the Patrol, said. “Troopers will be out in full force this weekend to apprehend those that do not heed this warning. If you are driving impaired – we will arrest you.”

Motorists should also be reminded that wearing a safety belt is the single most effective tool in reducing injuries and deaths in crashes caused by impaired drivers.

The Patrol’s efforts are being conducted in conjunction with a national effort to reduce impaired driving incidents and crashes. Increased and specialized enforcement is made possible through federal overtime funding and works in conjunction with Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).

Troopers encourage the public to continue using 1-877-7-PATROL to report dangerous drivers or stranded motorists, or 1-800-GRAB DUI to report impaired drivers.

BANNED: TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

2009-06-30T01:30:00.000-04:00

Starting July 20th people driving through Cleveland will no longer will be allowed to TEXT WHILE DRIVING.

Cleveland City Council has passed legislation banning the dangerous and sometimes deadly habit. In 2008, more than 2,600 people were killed and over 300,000 people were injured due to drivers Texting While Driving.

In Cleveland, first time offenders will receive a $100.00 fine – get busted a second time the fine is $500.00.

Do you think Texting While Driving should be banned nationwide or do you think making this a law is out of line?

2009-06-30T01:27:00.000-04:00

SHOULD “TEXTING WHILE DRIVING” BE BANNED NATIONWIDE?(survey)

SEMI ROLLS – LOAD SPILLS

2009-06-29T19:13:00.004-04:00

“THOSE PLASTIC PIPES ARE SLICKER THAN SNOT” Jeff Morris, Truck Driver

Photos and Story by BRIAN WOODS
Call Time: 3:58 p.m. Monday June 29, 2009
Elyria – If you were traveling on Route 57 near the eastbound ramp to I-90 this afternoon then you might have been caught up in the huge traffic jam caused by an overturned semi.

Jeff Morris of Idaho was driving his privately owned 1996 Freightliner north on Route 57 after picking up a load of plastic pipe from A.E.G on Garden Street in Elyria. Morris said he was bound for Virginia but only made it about 5 miles before the load shifted and his truck overturned as he was making his way onto I-90 from 57. Morris’ load of pipes spilled off of his truck onto the ramp and grass area. "Those plastic pipes are slicker than snot" said Morris referring to his load. "The pipes were loaded in stacks two wide and four high and should have been better secured."

The accident closed the I-90 onramp from 57 for several hours while the mess was cleaned up.

Morris escaped without any serious injuries – only a scrape on the elbow.

Police did cite Morris for having an insecure load.

PHOTO GALLERY

FIRE HITS ELYRIA TRIPLEX

2009-06-28T23:01:00.001-04:00

Call Time: 3:34 a.m. Sunday June 28, 2009
Elyria – A fire that struck a 4th Street Triplex in Elyria early Sunday morning is being called “suspicious” by fire officials.

Captain Joseph Pronesti of the Elyria Fire Department said that the top floor was fully involved when Firefighters arrived on scene. “There was heavy fire on the third floor and on the stairwell. The third floor is basically a kitchen and two rooms and they were fully involved upon arrival. We only had an Engine and Ladder in service so they went defensive and knocked down a bulk of the fire from the outside.”

Witnesses said that the flames could be seen two blocks away on West Ave.

Along with Elyria Firefighters that were called in, Lorain and Carlisle Township Firefighters were also called to the scene. Lorain was canceled before making it to the scene and Carlisle was released shortly after arriving on the scene.

Fire investigators were on scene sifting through the ruins to discover the cause of the blaze. Pronesti said that at this point it is being considered suspicious.

There were no injuries reported.

PHOTO GALLERY

THREE BIKES DOWN

2009-06-28T22:57:00.002-04:00

Grafton Township – A husband and wife were transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital Saturday night after the collided with two other motorcycles that they were riding with on Route 83 in Grafton.

Trooper Shawn Klein of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the couple was traveling north on 83 when the crash occurred. “A car that was also traveling north on 83 had stopped and was making a left turn into a private driveway in an attempt to turn around. The vehicle traveling behind her also stopped and then behind it was the motorcycles.”

Witnesses say that the first row of motorcycles stopped but the second did not. Trooper Klein said that 44-year-old Phillip Adkins of Wakeman struck the bike ahead of him sending he and his wife, who was riding with him, to the ground.

Klein said that Adkins and his wife were both transported to Elyria Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.

Adkins performed several field sobriety tests but failed. Klein said that he would be charged with Assured Clear Distance and OVI.

PHOTO GALLERY

CHECKPOINT SHEFFIELD VILLAGE

2009-06-27T23:14:00.000-04:00

Sheffield Village – Troopers from the Ohio State Patrol and Officers from the Sheffield Village Police Department spent 4 hours on North Abbe Road just south of Detroit Road conducting an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Intoxicated) Sobriety Checkpoint.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is organized to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

“Based on provisional data, there were 427 OVI-related fatal crashes in which 466 people were killed last year in Ohio,” Lt. Glenn Peterson, commander of the Patrol’s Elyria Post, said. “State troopers made 25,520 OVI arrests last year in combating these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

Sergeant Charles Gullet of the State Patrol said that 636 cars passed through their checkpoint Friday night between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday morning. “There were 6 people arrested for OVI, 3 charged with underage consumption, a driving under suspension and one for drug possession.”

The Patrol said that there will be more checkpoints in Lorain County yet this year, the time and location will be released the morning of the detail.

PHOTO GALLERY

Editors Note: In the photo gallery only the female failed the field sobriety test and tested above the legal limit for driving. The others you see being tested passed! TMC NEWS reminds you that all suspects are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

FIRE RIPS THROUGH AMHERST HOME

2009-06-26T17:14:00.004-04:00

South Amherst – Firefighters from five communities worked to save a home on Erie Street in South Amherst - after a fire ripped through the home Friday afternoon.

Firefighters were called just after 3 Friday after the homeowner spotted flames shooting from the house.

South Amherst Fire Department was assisted by Firefighters from Amherst, Florence, Oberlin and Elyria Township.

The Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross is assiting the family with clothing and other items. The family will stay with relatives.

There were no reported injuries and officials say the house is a total loss.

PHOTO GALLERY

HIT SKIP ON CHESTNUT RIDGE RD

2009-06-24T03:13:00.002-04:00

SUV FLIPS WITH FAMILY INSIDE

Elyria – An SUV loaded with 7 family members heading home after spending the night at a drive-in movie was struck by a small car on Chestnut Ridge Road at the intersection of South Abbe. The car came off of South Abbe and struck the SUV near the passenger side rear causing it to spin and roll over onto its side.

Witnesses say that immediately after the crash the driver of the small car backed up and drove west on Chestnut Ridge.

Shawn Lauderback was just one of several neighbors who rushed out of their house when they heard the crash. “As we were coming out the car that hit the SUV was already heading away from the crash so we just ran to see if we could help. When we got to the car the people were trying to get out – so we helped get the car door open and then helped them get out.”

Lauderback said that as the family was getting out of their vehicle he was surprised to see the ages ranged from infant to adults. “It looked like the most serious injuries were just some cuts and bruises.”

LifeCare Paramedics treated and transported 3 victims with minor injuries while 4 others refused treatment or transport.

Police received a description of the car and searched the surrounding neighborhoods but were unable to locate the suspect.

Lauderback described the scene as scary and being part the group helping the family out was nerve-racking but said adrenaline took over. “When you hear the baby screaming and crying something takes over and you just do what needs to be done I guess.”

PHOTO GALLERY

NOVICE PILOT CRASHES PLANE

2009-06-23T21:15:00.006-04:00

NOSE DIVES ON SECOND SOLO FLIGHT

TMC NEWS PHOTOS / BRIAN WOODS

BREAKING NEWS
Carlisle Township – An investigation is underway at this hour to determine what caused a small plane to crash at the Elyria Airport on Middle Ave in Carlisle Township.

Lieutenant Randy Feakins of the Carlisle Township Fire Department said that the pilot was attempting to take off when the crash occurred. “We have been told a couple stories, but she was attempting to take off – she climbed too steep and lost air speed, then the plane stalled and then took a nose dive into the ground at the airport.”

Feakins said that when Firefighters arrived on scene they found the plane with front end damage, blood inside of the plane but no pilot. “We began looking for the pilot and at that time LifeCare Ambulance was at the gate so I instructed them to check the area of offices and hangars and they did find her there. She apparently walked back there with her husband and instructor who were both there when the crash occurred.”

LifeCare transported the pilot to St. John Westshore Hospital in Westlake for further evaluation.

Feakins said that the scene was turned over to the Ohio State Highway Patrol who is investigating the crash. The FAA & NTSB are expected on scene as well.

PHOTO GALLERY

COPS RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

2009-06-23T14:17:00.002-04:00

CARRY TORCH FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Police Officers from at least seven agencies and future Officers participated Monday in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

Officers from Avon, Avon Lake, Case Western Reserve University, Elyria, North Ridgeville, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the US Marshal’s Service – along with Cadets from the Lorain County Community College Police Academy joined together in running nearly 13 miles to raise money and awareness for the upcoming Special Olympic games.

Sergeant Vince Abt of the North Ridgeville Police Department said that although the exact number is not known yet, he believes they will top the $2,000.00 mark for 2009.

The run began at the old Avon Police Station on Detroit Road with Officers from Avon, Avon Lake, Case Western Reserve University and Elyria handling the first leg of the route. They then passed the Torch off at the VFW in North Ridgeville for the longest leg of the route to Officers from Ridgeville. They were met along the route by the Cadets who joined them until Troopers from Post 47 met up and finished off the route at their Post on Cletus Drive in Eaton Township.

Representatives from the Special Olympics said that the number of Officers participating was impressive and that they are always grateful for their continued support of the program.

PHOTO GALLERY

RISE IN MOTORCYCLE VIOLATIONS

2009-06-22T17:40:00.000-04:00

A statistical recap released today by Ohio State Highway Patrol shows an alarming trend: motorcyclists are riding faster and without proper licensing or endorsements.

During 2006 -2008 troopers administered 8,070 citations to motorcyclists. Forty-three percent of these citations were for speed, with an increase of 25 percent in 2008 from 2006. One in five of the citations were for a license/endorsement violation, with an increase of 32 percent of these violations in 2008 over 2006. Overall, troopers handed out 34 percent more citations to motorcyclists in 2008 than in 2006.

“In 2008, there were 215 motorcycle-related fatalities on Ohio roadways,” Colonel Richard H. Collins, Patrol superintendent said. “This is the highest number of annual motorcycle fatalities in the 25 years for which data is available. Motorcyclists need to ride trained, ride licensed, ride sober and follow the proper speed limit to help prevent these tragedies from occurring on Ohio roadways.”

Citations issued by state troopers for older age groups are on the rise as well. Citations given to 46-55 year olds rose by 43 percent and citations given to 56-65 year olds rose by 73 percent from 2006 to 2008.