New Ohio law speeds up child adoptions and removals
A new law signed by Gov. George Voinovich accelerates removal of abused children from parents and shortens the path to adoption. Agencies now have 12 months after taking temporary custody to decide on permanent custody or adoption, reversing a prior two year plus wait. Advocates welcome clarity but warn of more foster care if adoptive homes are scarce.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Voinovich
Fhult
Soronen
Protecting children from online predators and signs of risk
Guidance for parents on spotting online threats to children. Warns about finding pornography, late-night use, unknown callers or gifts, withdrawal, and steps to take. Advises talking about dangers, reviewing devices, using caller ID, monitoring email and chats, and contacting authorities if sexual contact or solicitation occurs. Encourage spending time with children online and knowing their favorite sites.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Center For Missing and Exploited Children
FBI
Pete Gulotta
Baltimore
Fenders
Burglar breaks into Elyria Avenue home as autistic teen watches
A man crawled through a basement window at a Lorain home on Saturday and stole a Sony PlayStation and several video games while a 15-year-old autistic boy watched. The intruder ordered the boy to play with a remote control car as he disconnected the system. The 37-year-old homeowner Jacqueline E. Jones reported the break in and her 9-year-old daughter saw the burglar leave.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lorain
Elyria Avenue
Sony Play
Jacqueline E. Jones
Jones
Firefighters battle Christmas blaze on Howell Avenue in Sheffield Lake
Three fire departments responded to a house fire at 749 Howell Ave on Christmas morning. Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames, with the fire under control about 1.5 hours later. No occupants were home, and the cause remains undetermined. A firefighter sustained a minor back injury, and residents were away visiting relatives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sheffield Lake
Howell Avenue
Howell Ave
Sheffield and
Avon Lake
Fire Department
Blue Christmas services help bereaved cope with holidays
In Cincinnati and across North America churches are offering Blue Christmas services to ease holiday grief. Norwood Presbyterian Church pastor Rev Joanne Sizoo notes the focus on happiness can heighten pain for mourners. The service features Bible readings prayers and comforting songs to acknowledge loss and provide reassurance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cincinnati
U.S
Canada
Joanne Sizoo
Norwood Presbyterian Church
Gunshots ring out on Christmas in Lorain
Police investigated shots fired near West 14th Street and Lexington Avenue on Christmas evening. A 20-year-old Lorain man, John L Armstrong, said a gunman fired six to seven rounds at his car but did not strike him. no bullets or bullet holes were found in the Thunderbird. Armstrong, who knew the shooter from prison, was arrested for driving under suspension after authorities questioned him. A 19-year-old witness saw Armstrong and the alleged gunman arguing before the gunfire.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lorain
West 14Th Street
Lexington Avenue
John L Armstrong
Caroline Avenue
Armstrong
West 1Th Street
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