Andy Field
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Lorain County Reporter for @clevelanddotcom / The Plain Dealer 🇯🇵✈️🇸🇬✈️🇺🇸
Articles by Andy Field
Boys & Girls Clubs to close 5 Northeast Ohio sites, affecting 300 kids amid funding shortfall
ELYRIA, Ohio -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio will close five locations Dec. 18, including three in Lorain County, as it faces a projected funding shortfall in 2027. The closures could affect about 250 to 300 children who rely on the clubs for free after-school programs, CEO Allen Smith estimated Thursday. The affected sites are at Westwood schools in Elyria and Wellington, Lorain High School, and locations in Norwalk and Ashtabula.
Americans are drinking less. This Lorain County event has been ahead of the trend for 25 years
ELYRIA, Ohio -- As Americans drink less alcohol and sales of nonalcoholic beverages surge, Lorain County is preparing to celebrate 25 years of mixing drinks without the booze. Lorain County Public Health will host its 25th annual Zero Proof Mix Off from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 N. Abbe Road. The event began in 2001 and was skipped only in 2020 amid the pandemic. A subscription is required to read this story. Subscribe now to continue.
North Ridgeville school board approves $630K Ranger Stadium turf replacement
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- The North Ridgeville school board hasapproved a $629,631 turf replacement project at North Ridgeville High School. According to minutes released this week, the board voted unanimously on Sept. 15 to approve a contract with sports facilities construction company Vasco Group as part of its consent agenda, which allows multiple items to be approved in a single vote. Board President Frank Vacha was absent.
Lorain County rents have soared 34% in five years. Families are feeling the squeeze
ELYRIA, Ohio -- Renters in Lorain County are paying hundreds of dollars more a month than they were five years ago. And for some families, the squeeze is showing up in requests for help putting food on the table and keeping the lights on. The Salvation Army’s Lorain Corps has seen need skyrocket this year, recently reporting a 40% jump in demand at its food pantry -- something it attributes in part to rising rents.
North Ridgeville considers jail time for distracted drivers who cause crashes
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- A construction worker who lost a kidney and suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle is helping drive a push for tougher distracted driving penalties in North Ridgeville.
‘The need just blew up’: Lorain Salvation Army sees surge in demand amid donation shortage
LORAIN, Ohio -- The Salvation Army’s Lorain Corps says donations aren’t keeping pace with growing demand for food, rent and utility assistance across Lorain County. The organization has received $131,404 in general donations toward its $168,000 projection for 2026, according to Capt. Shean Bolton, the Salvation Army’s Lorain County coordinator. The figures exclude donations from the annual Red Kettle campaign, which began Monday.
Thousands rely on Lorain County’s $2 rides. Will the service survive?
ELYRIA, Ohio -- Lorain County’s low-cost, on-demand transportation service has provided more than 222,000 rides in Lorain and Elyria, and county officials are seeking $200,000 to help keep it running next year. Interim County Administrator Karen Perkins outlined the funding proposal to county commissioners Friday. The plan also calls for $125,000 each from Lorain and Elyria and about $400,000 in state transportation credits.
Judge orders competency exam for son accused of killing Oberlin professor, stepmother
ELYRIA, Ohio -- A Lorain County judge on Tuesday ordered a competency evaluation for a man accused of fatally shooting his father, an Oberlin College professor, and his stepmother last month. Daniel Jones, 31, faces six counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault, and one count of tampering with evidence in the Oct. 28 deaths of Pipo Nguyen-Duy, 64, and Tran Thi Phong, 56.
Missing North Ridgeville High School Class of 1968 photo recreated
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- A missing piece of North Ridgeville High School history has been filled in, thanks to a member of the Class of 1968. Jerry Fox, who began the project this summer, recreated his graduating class’s photo and donated it to the North Ridgeville Historical Society, which maintains a collection of high school class pictures dating from 1926 to 2008. The society announced the donation last week.
Avon Lake holiday celebration Nov. 21 features light parade, Santa, reindeer
AVON LAKE, Ohio -- Avon Lake will kick off the holiday season Nov. 21 with live reindeer, a light parade and a visit from Santa during its Light Up the Park celebration. The free event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 32756 Lake Road, with the CLE Market Holiday Craft Show at the Old Firehouse Community Center, 100 Avon Belden Road. Activities include a petting zoo, photos with holiday characters, children’s crafts at the Lake House, an ice-carving demonstration and carolers.
3 killed in wrong-way crash on I-90 after driver flees Avon police
AVON LAKE, Ohio -- Three people were killed Sunday evening when a domestic violence suspect fled police and drove the wrong way on Interstate 90, crashing into two vehicles, police said. The driver, who was in a gray Tesla, and two women in a red Chevrolet Cruze died at the scene, according to an Avon Lake Police Department news release. Their identities have not been released.
Are Lorain schools losing control of student behavior? Here’s what the data shows
LORAIN, Ohio --After an anonymous letter at a school board meeting alleged daily assaults, worsening student behavior and overcrowding at some schools, Lorain City Schools revealed it has logged 21 physical altercations involvingstaff so far this school year. The district provided those figuresto Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer following anOct.
After fights, shootings and a stabbing, Elyria bar seeks to reopen under new ownership
ELYRIA, Ohio — An Elyria bar that lost its liquor license after years of fights, shootings, overcrowding and neighborhood complaints could reopen under new ownership, but city officials are questioning whether the proposed changes are enough. Elyria City Council voted Monday to request a state hearing on a new liquor permit application for the former Bistro on Taylor Street.
After fights, shootings and a stabbing, Elyria bar seeks to reopen under new ownership
ELYRIA, Ohio -- An Elyria bar that lost its liquor license after years of fights, shootings, overcrowding and neighborhood complaints could reopen under new ownership, but city officials are questioning whether the proposed changes are enough. Elyria City Council voted Monday to request a state hearing on a new liquor permit application for the former Bistro on Taylor Street.
North Ridgeville e-bike rules: New helmet, sidewalk and cellphone restrictions
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- Electric bike riders face new rules requiring helmets for minors, prohibiting motor use on sidewalks and multi-use paths, and restricting cellphone and headphone use for riders younger than 18. The rules took effect Wednesday under an ordinance City Council passed Oct. 5. They apply to e-bikes on public streets, sidewalks, multi-use paths and parking lots open to traffic. Riders and passengers younger than 18 must wear helmets on Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.
Man wanted in fatal Lorain parking lot shooting turns himself in to police
LORAIN, Ohio -- A man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in a Lorain parking lot last week turned himself in to police Thursday. Josue Rodriguez, 44, of Lorain, surrendered to Lorain police and was arrested on an outstanding murder warrant in the Oct. 29 death of Dominic Berlingeri Jr., 41, Lorain Police Capt. Jacob Morris said in a statement. Rodriguez was booked into the Lorain County Jail, where he awaits his next court appearance. A subscription is required to read this story.
State finds no policy violations in Grafton prison lightning strike, plans new weather rules
GRAFTON, Ohio — Ohio prison officials found no departmental policy violations in their review of an August lightning strike that injured 19 incarcerated men at Grafton Correctional Institution, but the prison plans to change its severe weather policy as a result.
Democrats win county races as voters split on tax issues: Lorain County election results roundup
LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio -- Lorain County voters elected Democrats in two countywide races Tuesday while splitting their voteson a series of school, public safety and local tax issues. Democrat Carolyn White unseated Republican incumbent Jeff Riddell for county commissioner, while Democratic Auditor Craig Snodgrass won reelection. Voters also approved levies for Lorain County Children Services, Elyria City Schools and fire and emergency medical services in Sheffield Township.
Amherst schools warn of more cuts after third levy failure
AMHERST, Ohio — Amherst Exempted Village School District officials are warning of additional cuts to staffing, programs and activities following Tuesday’s defeat of Issue 1, the district’s third failed attempt in a year to secure new operating revenue. In late 2025, the district was placed under state fiscal caution, an early-warning status signaling financial problems.
Avon Lake voters reject income tax hike for $42 million road repair backlog
AVON LAKE, Ohio -- Avon Lake voters rejected a 0.4 percentage point income tax increase for road repairs Tuesday, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections. Issue 16 failed 7,155 to 6,807, or 51.2% to 48.8%, with all 18 precincts reporting. The measure would have raised the city’s income tax rate from 1.5% to 1.9% for six years starting in 2027, generating about $6.6 million a year, according to the city. At least 70% of the money would have had to go toward roads.
Sheffield Township fire and EMS levy leads in early returns
SHEFFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A new five-year levy for fire and emergency medical services in Sheffield Township was passing in early returns Tuesday night, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections. Issue 34 had 54% of the vote, 348 to 292, with one of the township’s three precincts reporting, according to the board. A subscription is required to read this story. Subscribe now to continue.
Elyria school levy narrowly trailing in early returns
ELYRIA, Ohio -- An operating levy for Elyria City Schools was narrowly trailing in early returns Tuesday night, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections. The levy had 3,832 votes for and 3,880 against, or 49.7% to 50.3%. Those totals included early votes and mail ballots. They did not yet include any of the district’s 32 precincts.
Lorain County Children Services tax levy winning voter support in early results
LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio -- A new property tax levy for Lorain County Children Services was leading in early returns Tuesday night. The five-year, 0.45 levy had 58% of the vote, 30,783 votes to 22,283, with none of the county’s 210 precincts reporting, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections. Those early returns reflect absentee and early in-person votes.
After $13 million in cuts, Amherst early voters leaning against more school funding
AMHERST, Ohio -- A property tax levy for the Amherst Exempted Village School District was trailing in early returns Tuesday night, putting the district on track for its third failed attempt in a year to win new operating money. Issue 1 had 2,360 votes in favor and 3,160 against, or 57% opposed, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections.
Democrats hold early leads in Lorain County commissioner, auditor races
LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio -- Democrat Carolyn White leads Republican incumbent Jeff Riddell in early returns in the race for Lorain County commissioner, while Democratic incumbent Craig Snodgrass leads Republican Elaine Seguin in the race for county auditor, according to unofficial results. With early and absentee ballots counted and none of the county’s 210 precincts reporting, unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections show White with 63.5% of the vote and Riddell with 34.3%.
‘Photo family’: Oberlin photography professor remembered after fatal shooting
OBERLIN, Ohio — When two Oberlin College students told photography professor Pipo Nguyen-Duy they had bought plane tickets to Vietnam, he invited them to stay at his Ho Chi Minh City apartment. He took them out for coffee and dinner, mapped out what they should see, then gave them his bed and slept on the couch. From there, the two spent a month traveling the country, including by motorcycle, taking photos along the way.
41-year-old man shot, killed in Lorain parking lot
LORAIN, Ohio — A 44-year-old Lorain man shot and killed another man in a parking lot Thursday afternoon, police said. Jose Rodriguez is wanted on a murder warrant in the death of Dominic Berlingeri Jr., 41, according to a news release from the Lorain Police Department. Police said Rodriguez is considered armed and dangerous. Officers responded about 1:24 p.m. Thursday to reports of a shooting in a parking lot on Pearl Avenue, police said. They found Berlingeri with a gunshot wound to his left leg.
12-year-old Lorain County boy says data centers threaten his dream of farming
LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — A 12-year-old Lorain County boy says data centers are putting prime farmland, and his future as a farmer, at risk. Sam Menges, a seventh grader at Keystone Middle School in Lorain County, made the case in a guest column for cleveland.com on Wednesday, calling on elected officials to create a statewide moratorium on data centers while their long-term effects are studied.
Son charged with murder in shooting deaths of Oberlin College professor, stepmother
OBERLIN, Ohio — The man charged in the shooting deaths of a longtime Oberlin College art professor and a woman inside an Oberlin home Wednesday is the professor’s son, police said. Daniel Jones, 31, of Ashland, Oregon, is charged with six counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault and one count of tampering with evidence in the deaths of Pipo Nguyen-Duy, 64, and Tran Thi Phong, 56, according to Oberlin police. Police said the victims were Jones’ father and stepmother.
Despite pause by courts, SC DMV pushes federal commercial driver’s license ban on non-citizens
COLUMBIA — The state Department of Motor Vehicles is enforcing a federal order that would require about 1,000 non-U.S. citizens with South Carolina commercial licenses or learner’s permits to show U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency or else downgrade to a noncommercial license, even though a federal court has temporarily paused the rule.
Columbia location of popular chain diner shares planned opening date
COLUMBIA — The manager of a casual dining chain has revealed a planned opening date for its upcoming location off Forest Drive. In an interview, the managing partner of the chain’s Aiken location, Brandon Coker, said leaders are targeting a Jan. 6 opening. The upcoming Columbia restaurant will be located at 106 Percival Road, Unit 100. “Everybody in the company is just excited about our new growth,” Coker said.
International partnership touts $120M Scout supplier plant, hundreds of jobs in this Midlands county
ORANGEBURG — A partnership between a Portuguese supplier and a Thai automotive manufacturer plans to invest $120 million to build a new facility in Orangeburg County and create nearly 400 jobs. In a Dec. 2 announcement, Portugal-based SODECIA and Thai AAPICO said their 400,000-square-foot plant will produce ladder frames, a type of chassis that supports a vehicle’s body, for electric vehicle maker Scout Motors’ SUV and truck models.
South Carolina’s third BJ’s store sets opening date. It joins a busy shopping area.
SUMTER — BJ's Wholesale Club will open its new Sumter store next month, marking the retailer’s third location in South Carolina. The Massachusetts-based retailer, which sells groceries, household goods, electronics, garden supplies and tires, will open at 1475 Alice Drive. The store, located at Sumter’s Harper Street intersection, includes a gas station and a liquor store. The opening date is Friday, Dec. 12.
Waking up ‘gasping’: Woman sues Prisma Health, surgeon for damaging ability to breathe
COLUMBIA — A Richland County resident is suing Prisma Health and one of its plastic surgeons, alleging he permanently injured the nerve that controls her diaphragm and left her with lasting breathing problems. In a lawsuit filed in Richland County court, Sheri Callahan, 54, alleges that Dr. Mirsad Mirza Mujadzic of Prisma Health Plastic Surgery failed to use proper surgical techniques, perform the proper surgery on two occasions and properly diagnose or treat her condition.
Inmate at SC prison in Columbia says 6-month delay in medical care left him blind in one eye
COLUMBIA — A South Carolina inmate says medical staffing companies contracted with the state delayed the care he needed, leaving him with permanent optic nerve damage and blind in his right eye. In the lawsuit filed in Richland County court, the inmate, Marvin Lee Williams, says Greenville-based Condustrial, Inc. and MedFirst Staffing of Piedmont were medically negligent by failing to follow doctor’s orders, escalate his complaints, arrange needed follow-up care and advocate for him as a patient.
Which Midlands projects got state money, which were left out when SC halted controversial earmarks?
COLUMBIA — State Rep. Hamilton R. Grant, a first-term Democratic lawmaker serving northeast Richland County, said he faced two options last session while trying to meet his community’s needs through a system that lets lawmakers fund projects in their districts. One request involved the Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center seeking money to expand its food pantry services to residents in need.
Columbia airport saw 35 shutdown-linked delays and cancellations. How’s it looking for Thanksgiving?
WEST COLUMBIA — Columbia Metropolitan Airport officials say they saw 35 cancellations during the record-breaking 43-day federal government shutdown. In response to questions from The Post and Courier, the airport said 15 American, 14 Delta and six United flights were delayed or canceled between Nov. 7 and Nov. 16, the Sunday after the federal shutdown officially ended on Nov. 12. Two additional flights were delayed during the shutdown but still departed later the same day, the airport said.
Developers say this Midlands community is growing as a retail spot. Now it has a McDonald’s.
HOPKINS — A community about 15 miles southeast of downtown Columbia has opened its first McDonald’s, with a Charleston-based developer involved in the project calling the area a growing retail corridor. In a recent social media post, Twin Rivers Capital announced the restaurant’s opening at 117 Bunch Lane, near Lower Richland High School. According to the chain’s website, the nearest McDonald’s to the site is about 10 minutes away at 7501 Garners Ferry Road, beside a Walmart.
Columbia med spa debuts, offering weight-loss injections, massages and other services
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After Charlotte ICE operation, how are Columbia advocates preparing for possible enforcement?
COLUMBIA —After federal agents made hundreds of arrests in and around Charlotte beginning last week, advocacy groups in Columbia are preparing for any operation locally and trying to verify reports of immigration and border agents in the area. ACLU of South Carolina spokesperson Paul Bowers told The Post and Courier the civil liberties group and other advocates are hearing reports of immigration enforcement in the Columbia area.
‘Work and play’: BullStreet food hall to add workspaces in early 2026
COLUMBIA — With a new outdoor dining hall nearing its debut at the BullStreet District, a local company has released new details about plans to add workspaces to the site. Coworking company SOCO said it will bring 24 private offices, collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and 1,000 square feet of covered outdoor workspace to the upcoming Gather COLA food hall in early 2026. The 32,000-square-foot, multi-level dining hall opens Dec. 5 with a mix of restaurants, retail shops and bars.
Columbia is looking to add 200 affordable housing units in this outlying area
COLUMBIA — The city’s housing authority plans to build new townhome and senior housing developments to the city’s northeast while renovating or demolishing more than 100 vacant single-family homes. In a Nov. 18 Richland County Council meeting, Columbia Housing Authority officials outlined plans for a 96-unit family townhome project and a 104-unit senior housing complex in the area.
SC mental health employee sues state agency, alleging work environment caused health scare
COLUMBIA — A former peer support specialist is suing South Carolina’s state mental health and disabilities agency, saying she was repeatedly exposed to workplace irritants despite being diagnosed with asthma and chronic lung disease.
‘Basically therapy, but cheaper’: Rural Lexington restaurant opens arcade-style game room
LEXINGTON — Although the Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve in southern Lexington County is a popular spot to decompress, a country-style restaurant about a mile away is offering its own place to unwind. In fact, The Farmhouse Grill, located near the unincorporated community of Edmund, is promoting its new game room, which it announced last week, as “therapy, but cheaper.” In a Nov.
Forest Acres moves to limit commercial growth. Residents worry rules allow for too much development.
FOREST ACRES – Residents who oppose a proposal to add restrictions around Forest Acres’ main business corridor used one of their final chances to speak out, wary the new rules would still allow more commercial activity and traffic in their neighborhoods.
Facing pushback from SC's top prosecutor, how is Richland County's hate crime law working so far?
COLUMBIA — S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson’s recent opinion questioning the legality of local hate crime ordinances has put dozens of measures passed by counties and municipalities under new scrutiny. In his opinion, Wilson, a GOP candidate for governor in 2026, said local officials can’t pass laws that criminalize activity legal elsewhere in the state and warned that local hate crime measures may violate the First Amendment.
‘Dumpster fire’: Columbia flight to major hub turned around amid government shutdown delays
Business Reporter Andy Tsubasa Field covers business and development for The Post and Courier's Columbia bureau. He has reported on business for the Albany Times Union, general assignment news in Bridgeport for the Connecticut Post, Kansas state politics for the Associated Press and city hall for the Bismarck Tribune.
‘Humiliating exit’: former SC insurance company employee alleges discrimination after getting sick
Business Reporter Andy Tsubasa Field covers business and development for The Post and Courier's Columbia bureau. He has reported on business for the Albany Times Union, general assignment news in Bridgeport for the Connecticut Post, Kansas state politics for the Associated Press and city hall for the Bismarck Tribune.
With a new name and a new CEO, Lexington Health plans to expand primary care for growing population
WEST COLUMBIA — Born in the same hospital he will now lead, incoming CEO Kirk Jenkins says he plans to continue Lexington Medical’s expansion to meet population and economic growth when he takes over next year. The plan is to meet the needs of local residents through new primary care offices, while addressing nursing shortages, managing inflation pressures and adopting AI technology.
Development pause near Columbia ends as county approves new housing design rules
COLUMBIA — Richland County approved a zoning plan setting design rules for new construction in an unincorporated part of the historic Mill District, triggering the end of the development pause there. In its Nov. 4 meeting, County Council gave final approval to a proposal creating a “Neighborhood Character Overlay” district meant to preserve the Olympia neighborhood’s historic character and architectural design.
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