Brown, who was born Sept. 7, 1908, at 7 W. Elm St. in Norwalk, was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, according to a news release from Mark Hazelwood, media coordinator for the Paul Brown Birthplace Committee.

The fundraising efforts began in 2022, and the statue as well as a new Ohio Historical Marker commemorating his birth in Norwalk, were unveiled Oct. 21 at Suhr Park, 29 W. Main St. across from the Norwalk Public Library.

The event, hosted by the committee, included Brown’s family members in addition to a large number of citizens.

“The statue is just amazing,” said Norwalk Mayor Dave Light. “I’m just astounded at what a good likeness it is of Paul Brown.

“It’s remarkable, and the whole thing will be a great addition to uptown Norwalk.”

Fundraising by the committee kicked off in September 2022, with a campaign that included corporate sponsorships along with engraved paving bricks and granite blocks.

“I’m pleasantly surprised by how quickly it all happened,” Light said. “I really didn’t think it would go this fast, and a big thank-you to everyone who participated.

“It’s just great.”

Approximately 200 individual donations were collected toward the $100,000 goal to commission the statue and pay for other elements, including the granite wall that lists information about Brown’s career in football, the release noted.

“That, too, is a good-looking addition to the streetscape,” said Kathy Root, chair of the Paul Brown Birthplace Committee. “It provides context and information about Paul Brown that is perhaps not so widely known by everyone.”

Sponsors who donated $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000 have their business or name engraved on the front of the stadium wall.

Three of the 23 benefactors wished to remain anonymous for their combined total of $105,000.

Dozens of donors bought a brick paver or a granite square, the release noted.

“We’re so grateful to every single donor for their generosity,” Root said.

The life-size likeness of Brown stands nearly 7 feet tall.

The design was approved by Mike Brown, owner and general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mike Brown is the only surviving son of Paul Eugene and Ida Belle Brown, who lived on West Elm Street.

The likeness of Brown is based on an artist’s rendering created by Norwalk business owners Kevin Hipp of Franklin Monument and Trevor Rood of Foghorn Designs, the release stated.

The granite wall behind the statue lists the coach’s notable accomplishments and innovations to the game of football.

The back side of the wall is etched to look like the façade of a football stadium.

“I think people will really enjoy having this here,” Light said. “I hope that visitors to Norwalk take advantage of the opportunity to see the statue, read about Paul Brown and his impact on pro football, and learn something.

“We want people to come here and see this.”

First coach of the namesake Cleveland NFL team, and a co-founder and first coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, Brown began his Ohio coaching career at Massillon High School before moving on to Ohio State University.

Brown led the Buckeyes to the first of their eight national championships in 1942.

With the Cleveland Browns, Brown was the team’s general manager, head coach and part owner from 1946 until 1962.

During that time, the Browns won four All-America Football Conference championships and three National Football League championships, the release stated.

With the Bengals, he retired from coaching in 1975, but remained as president of that organization until his death in 1991.

The Bengals reached two Super Bowls during his time with the team.

Brown’s all-time coaching record in the NFL stands at 167-53-8 over 17 seasons, with eight league championships.

Mark Adams, commissioner of Lorain County Public Health, told the commissioners during their meeting that the state’s plan to begin inspections of residential septic tank systems has been in the works for years.

The primary concern of not inspecting the septic tank systems can result in negative impacts on local watersheds with the addition of harmful bacteria and pollution, Adams said.

In fact, several counties adopted the new unfunded mandate in 2019 that was handed down by Ohio Department of Health in 2015, but Adams said he decided to hold off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The county has drafted a map of the residences with septic tanks, he said.

A significant number of properties contain the tanks which haven’t been registered with the county, and subsequently, officials have no knowledge of the condition of the septic systems, which is the goal of the new program, Adams said.

The health department has been tasked with verifying each septic tank system in the county, whether it’s contacting the homeowner personally, or via telephone, he said.

“We have to do that,” he said as part of the new mandate.

Homeowners now are required to purchase permits for their septic tank systems, which has brought criticism from several residents.

A handful of residents spoke at the county commission meeting Jan. 16 regarding their opposition and concerns about the new program.

Lorain County Public Health has received about 2,600 voicemails since residents began receiving notice of the new fees.

A one-year fee costs the homeowner $40 and a three-year permit can be obtained for $120, due by April 30.

Adams maintains that the new mandate is not a plan to force people to replace their septic tank systems.

However, if a problem is discovered, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to correct the problem, he said.

Those homeowners who have abandoned septic tank systems on their property are legally responsible to report them to the health department.

The health department’s goal is to have each system inspected and catalogued, Adams said.

Additionally, the health department will test waterways around the individual septic systems as part of another phase of the project, he said.

While financial assistance is available for those who qualify, the health department thus far only has $100,000 to work with, Adams said.

The health department estimates there are 20,000 home sewage treatment systems throughout the county.

The health board meets at 6 p.m., every second Wednesday of the month, at Lorain County Public Health, 9880 Murray Ridge Road in Elyria.

Lorain County Public Health also can be contacted via email at EH@loraincountyhealth.com or by phone at 440-322-6367.

At 3:22 a.m., firefighters responded to the 300 block of Parmely Avenue, according to a news release from Elyria fire Chief Joseph Pronesti.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed that all occupants were safe, uninjured and had evacuated the single-family residence, the release stated.

Moderate fire conditions were found on the exterior southeast corner of the residence, according to the release.

The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews checked the interior and attic for extension and none was found, the release stated.

Pronesti requested the state Fire Marshal office to take charge of the investigation.

“Subsequent findings revealed that the cause of the fire was attributed to an occupant smoking inside the residence and discarding the cigarette outside a window,” the release stated.

Damages to the residence are estimated at $3,000, the release stated.

The Elyria Fire Department emphasizes the critical importance of fire safety, particularly regarding smoking materials, the release noted.

Smoking remains the leading cause of fire deaths, making it imperative to share vital prevention measures.

Whether an individual smokes or hosts guests who smoke, the Fire Department recommends smoking outdoors because furniture, bedding and papers inside the home can catch fire from burning cigarettes.

Also, keep a sturdy ashtray or bucket of sand available for smokers, according to the release.

“Smoke only when you are alert; if you take medicine or get sleepy, don’t smoke,” the release noted.

And, finally, never smoke near anyone who uses medical oxygen, the release stated.

If a fire starts, the oxygen will cause it to burn hotter and faster, according to the release.

“There is no safe way to smoke when oxygen is in use,” the release noted.

Tina Pauley, 38, was indicted secretly Oct. 5, 2022, under her maiden name of Smith on a charge of grand theft, a first-degree felony, and election falsification, a fifth-degree felony, according to Lorain County Common Pleas Court records.

At a court hearing Jan. 12, Smith was ordered to pay the remaining $7,790 left of her payments back to the court, which then will be returned to Bradley.

The felony charges were dismissed as part of the agreement, court records show.

Bradley fired Smith on July 13, 2022, as allegations arose regarding her misuse of funds.

The Lorain Police Department investigated the allegations on request of Bradley, which uncovered the theft of more than $20,000, the mayor said.

Based on surveillance video of Smith withdrawing cash from the election account and other evidence, investigators believe she’d been making the illegal transactions for two years, Bradley has said.

Following the police investigation, the matter was referred to the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office for its review, which lead to the secret indictment.

Authorities arrested Smith on Oct. 11 and released her from the Lorain County Jail the same day, according to jail and court records.

At the time, Bradley expressed his disappointment in Smith’s actions.

Bradley said the stolen funds were donations from his supporters who donated to his campaign while he was seeking re-election during the May primary last year.

Pauley was hired Jan. 2, 2020, and was paid $28.85 per hour at the time of her departure from the city’s payroll.

She also worked for Bradley at his private law firm before he took office as mayor in 2020.

Smith couldn’t be reached for comment Jan. 18.

When the investigation began, she declined to comment.

At 8:46 p.m., Huron County sheriff deputies responded to the Havana Tavern, located at 176 Gregory Road, near Willard, for a report of shots fired, according to a news release issued by Sheriff Todd Corbin’s office.

Two people were shot and transported to the hospital, the release stated

Kyle Vanderpool, 24, of the 3200 block of Baseline Road, was taken into custody, medically treated and transported to the Huron County Jail.

Vanderpool is facing two counts of felonious assault.

“We want to thank the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 39, Willard Fire Department and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for all their assistance,” the release stated.

Vanderpool appeared in Norwalk Municipal Court for an arraignment hearing Jan. 17, where a $100,000 bond was set by the court.

The court also ordered Vanderpool not to touch or possess any deadly weapon, consume alcohol or enter the premise of the Havana Tavern, records show.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Jan. 26.

The tavern addressed the situation in a social media post after temporarily closing the bar following the incident.

“As many of you have heard, our business has experienced a situation we never dreamed could have happened in our small community,” according to the post. “Tuesday evening two people were shot in a senseless act at Havana Tavern.

“Both men are in surgery. We thank you for your support in this difficult time and ask you to join us in praying for the full recovery of the victims of this tragedy.”

In January 2015, the Ohio Department of Health adopted new rules for home sewage treatment systems (HSTS) which require each health department across the state to implement a local operation and maintenance program to monitor and ensure the proper function of HSTS in their jurisdictions, according to the Lorain County Public Health website.

“Lorain County Public Health works to protect people and the environment by making sure that HSTS work as designed — if HSTS don’t work properly, they may negatively impact local watersheds by adding bacteria and pollution,” the website stated.

Health departments are responsible for overseeing the proper maintenance of more than 20,000 home sewage treatment systems, many of which the health departments have limited information about.

Therefore, the state enacted legislation allowing for a new permit to be issued to each homeowner who uses a home sewage treatment systems.

Newly enrolled homeowners were given the option to select a one-year permit for $40 or a three-year permit which costs $120.

The payments are due by April 30, according to the local health department’s website.

“The definition of robbery is taking something by force,” said Leslie Ahrens, who resides on Dunton Road in Sheffield Township and owns a septic tank. “This permit fee by Lorain County Health is nothing less than robbery.

“I am adamantly opposed to this $40 fee. It has not been voted on. It is not a permit. It’s plain robbery.”

Ahrens also told the commissioners that every resident on Dunton Road has had their septic tanks installed between 50 and 100 years ago.

The Dunton Road residents didn’t have a choice because there is no access to a sewer system in that area, he said.

John Meade, a neighbor of Ahrens, questioned how many new inspectors the county would have to employ and at what cost to the taxpayers.

Meade also voiced concerns about the cost of the new vehicles the county likely would need to purchase in order for the inspectors to conduct their duties.

“All of a sudden, I see us going in a hole right off the bat,” he said.

Debra Williams, of LaGrange, told the commissioners that initially when she received notice of the required permit, she believed it was a scam.

“The last thing I’m going to do is take my phone and scan over a QR code that I’m not sure where this actually came from, and I was afraid to call from phone on that number,” Williams said. “Usually when the word permit comes up, you usually apply for a permit before you build something, before you put something in a home, not when something is already in existence.

“It’s like putting the cart before the horse.”

Commission President Jeffrey Riddell recently attended a meeting with about 50 people, and about 30 of them voiced their concerns about the new permitting program.

“You are not alone; the three of you are not alone,” Riddell told the residents who spoke. “I’m afraid we don’t have all the answers yet.”

Riddell also questioned the significant amount of money that will be collected to eventually inspect each of the septic tank systems in the county.

Meanwhile, Commission Vice President David Moore referred to the new program as another “famous Columbus unfunded mandates.”

Moore said the commission heard about the program from the news media, just like the residents.

“How do we mitigate the future alarm of people when they realize that maybe their septic system has failed and they can’t even afford the $120?” he asked. “Can you imagine what’s going to happen if they can’t even afford to bring it up to code.”

Moore speculated that upgrading septic systems could cost upward of between $8,000 and $15,000.

Commission Michelle Hung explained that the program was put in place because “unfortunately, there are people who are doing things they shouldn’t be doing.”

The commission referred the residents to Lorain County Public Health.

“They need to hear you, and they will listen,” Moore told the residents.

The health board meets at 6 p.m., every second Wednesday of the month, at the health department located at 9880 Murray Ridge Road in Elyria, according to a staff member.

Lorain County Public Health also can be contacted via email at EH@loraincountyhealth.com or by phone at 440-322-6367.

CHN Housing Partners and Emerald Development and Economic Network are the developers of the planned housing facility slated for the intersection of Broadway and East 21st Street.

No children will be allowed at the facility.

The proposal has been discussed in great detail for years, and one of the final steps to move the project forward included a memorandum of understanding between the Lorain Police Department and the development groups.

The agreement calls for an increase of the project’s cost from approximately $16 million to about $20 million to offset costs of building a police substation in the complex where an officer would be stationed to work four hours a day.

The hours when the officer will be required to work will depend on when the police are called to the facility, officials have said.

Initially, the agreement called for an eight-hour shift, but that plan was altered to decrease the hours.

During the public speaking forum, Jerry Donovan, of Lorain, told Council, “The citizens have said it’s a good idea, but it’s a bad location.”

Surrounding business owners, such as Fligner’s Market, have vowed to leave Lorain if the homeless shelter is built at the planned location.

“I can only presume to believe that the mayor’s great game plan for economic development is to turn us into the largest social services city in the state,” said Mary Springowski, former Lorain councilwoman.

Springowski said Lorain is being “played for chumps” because no other community wants the facility built in their vicinity.

“Do not come to us asking for more income tax increases or any type of levy renewals,” she said. “As for the threat of a lawsuit against the city, it is an empty threat as no other community would ever do business with them again if they chose to do that.

“So, vote wisely.”

At a prior meeting, a representative of the development group threatened legal action against the city if the city didn’t approve the proposed site plan.

Councilwoman at-large Sylvia DuVall, Ward 2 Councilwoman Victoria Kempton, Ward 3 Councilwoman Pamela Carter, Ward 5 Councilwoman JoAnne Moon and Ward 7 Councilwoman Mary Spellacy voted in favor of the proposed permanent housing complex.

Council members at-large Joseph Koziura and Tony Dimacchia as well as Ward 1 Councilwoman Beth Henley, Ward 4 Councilman Dan Nutt and Ward 8 Councilman Joshua Thornsberry voted against the proposal.

Council didn’t discuss the matter either before or after its vote.

However, following the tally of the vote, Council President Joel Arredondo said, “Welcome to Lorain.”

The developers have not disclosed when construction will begin.

Kimbrough, 36, of Lorain, received his sentence Jan. 16 during a hearing before Lorain County Common Pleas Judge D. Chris Cook.

Lopez’s birthday fell on the same day as Kimbrough’s sentence hearing, according to Lorain County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Pierre.

The family and friends of both Lopez, who was 24, and Kimbrough filled Cook’s courtroom to capacity.

As Cook took the bench, he warned the audience that although he understood the emotional atmosphere, he would not hesitate to have anyone who was disruptive escorted from his courtroom “at the minimum.”

Kimbrough fatally shot Lopez with five rounds to her back while she was sitting in her vehicle Jan. 6, 2022, while taking a break from her manager’s job at the McDonald’s restaurant, 5250 Detroit Road in Sheffield Village.

One of the rounds went into Lopez’s arm and she attempted to fend off the onslaught of bullets, Pierre said.

Lopez lost consciousness as she died very quickly after the attack, he said.

Kimbrough and Lopez had an long-term ongoing “toxic” relationship during which they had two children together, said Kimbrough’s attorney, Michael Stepanik.

The two had scheduled to meet at the restaurant, because a few days prior to her homicide, Kimbrough broke into her residence and stole all of her shoes, Pierre said.

Kimbrough had promised Lopez to bring her shoes to her at their 9:45 a.m. meeting, Pierre said.

“But he didn’t bring the shoes, judge,” the prosecutor said. “He brought a gun.”

While Lopez was being attacked, there were multiple restaurant patrons in the area, police said.

Following Lopez’s murder, Kimbrough fled from authorities for 101 days until his capture in April 2022.

While Kimbrough was running from the law, Lopez’s family lived in fear that he would “strike again,” said Lopez’s mother, Jessica Mojica.

“She was a fierce protector,” Mojica said of her daughter. “She was a dedicated worker from the age of 16.

“She had the best sense of humor, always joking and flashing her beautiful smile.”

Mojica wore a purple shirt with her daughter’s picture on it as did many of Lopez’s supporters.

The family chose the color purple because its the tint of domestic abuse awareness, Pierre said.

Others in the audience wore green shirts because green was Lopez’s favorite color.

Lopez’s young children, accompanied by their aunt, Erika Padilla, also attended the hearing and spoke of the sorrow they felt over the sudden loss of their mother.

Lopez’s younger brother and older sister also spoke out against Kimbrough, admonishing him for the loss of Lopez.

Meanwhile, Pierre told the court that Kimbrough had exhibited “a complete lack of remorse” following Lopez’s murder.

Stepanik disagreed telling the court that Kimbrough, in fact, felt remorseful for his actions.

“I’m sad for James because of what he did,” Stepanik told the court.

Kimbrough also spoke during the hearing.

“My actions were very selfish …. I can only believe that I did what I did to get her out of my life,” he said. “However, in doing so, I did more than I ever could imagine.

“I did not just take her life from her, but I took her out of the lives of her children and her family and her friends. Not only did she not deserve it, but they didn’t either. There’s nothing I can ever say or do that can make up for that.

“I can say that I’m sorry and I don’t expect forgiveness, but I’ll spend the rest of my life begging for it.”

Kimbrough was the last to speak before Cook handed down the sentencing.

“All I can say is my heart goes out to the family for this tragic loss,” the judge said.

On Jan. 11, Kimbrough pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated murder; three counts of murder charges, each with different legal specifications; two counts of felonious assault; tampering with evidence; having weapons while under disability and violation of a protection order, which all are felonies.

As part of the plea agreement, two other felony cases were dismissed.

Kimbrough will be eligible for early release after he serves 31 years in prison, which will exclude the time he’s spent in the Lorain County Jail since April 2022, Cook said.

Cook also ordered Kimbrough to pay $9,900 for Lopez’s funeral expenses as part of the sentence.

Editor’s note: This story was edited at 9:15 a.m. Jan. 17, 2024, to correct the spelling of the victim’s name.

Brian Dawson, 59, of Elyria, died during a standoff after he pointed a gun at a Lorain County Metro Parks Ranger who was attempting to speak with him while in his vehicle at the Sheldon Woods, Indian Hollow Reservation, at 38744 Parson Road in Grafton, according to a news release.

Dawson pointed a handgun at the ranger who retreated for cover as he called for backup, the release said.

The Lorain County SWAT team was called and negotiations continued for hours.

As Dawson fired a handgun at SWAT officers, they returned fire and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Elyria Police Department was asked to investigate the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this is encouraged to contact Lt. Gerald Lantz at lantz@cityofelyria.org.

Tipsters also may submit an anonymous tip by texting TIPELYRIA and your tip to 847411.

In Elyria Municipal Court, Glynn was charged with intimidation, a third-degree felony, according to court records.

At 11:17 p.m., Dec. 25, Lorain County sheriff’s deputies were sent to JC Huffman Inn and Motor Lodge, at 44077 Oberlin-Elyria Road in New Russia Township, for a domestic violence incident, according to a Lorain County Sheriff’s Office report.

Glynn and a woman had an argument regarding a conversation between the woman and her daughter while the couple was visiting family in the area, she told deputies.

The woman also told deputies that Glynn had had several alcoholic beverages before the two argued on the way back to the hotel, and that Glynn became violent in the vehicle, yelling and threatened to beat her, the report stated.

When they arrived at the motel, Glynn got out of the vehicle and the woman “locked the vehicle doors to stay separated from him,” the report stated.

Glynn began punching the window, kicking the car and jumping on the hood.

The woman told deputies she “attempted to plead and reason with Vincent to stop, at which time he told her to get out of the vehicle and he wouldn’t hurt her,” the report stated.

However, as she began to get out of the vehicle Glynn pulled her out, dragged her into their motel room where he kicked and punched her in her face, the report stated.

The woman said she was screaming for help and attempted to call 911 on the motel phone when Glynn took the phone and struck her with it, the report stated.

The woman attempted to call 911 with Glynn’s cell phone.

The woman told the deputies she doesn’t have a cell phone due to Glynn breaking it during a prior domestic violence incident in Florida where it is alleged that he assaulted, strangled and attempted to stab her.

Deputies noted in the report that Glynn had an active warrant out of Florida for strangulation and domestic battery.

LifeCare Ambulance paramedics transported the woman to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center.

Glynn left the area in the woman’s 2009 Subaru Tribeca which contained her belongings.

Deputies searched for Glynn but were unsuccessful in locating him until Dec. 30 when he was apprehended at Homewood Suites, the report stated.

While in Lorain County Jail, Glynn allegedly contacted the victim.

During the phone call, Glynn is heard yelling at the victim for speaking to deputies and making statements such as, “I threatened to kill you, you said you never told,” the report stated.

Glynn also was recorded on another phone call to a family member instructing her to reach out to the victim to persuade her not to appear at the court hearing.

On Dec. 31, Glynn again called the same family member and instructed her to remove the license plate from the victim’s vehicle so that she would be forced to “drive it without any plate and get stopped by the police,” the report stated.

Glynn remains in the Lorain County Jail on a $275,000 bond, records show.

Each of the charges against Glynn have been bound over by Oberlin and Elyria Municipal courts.

Further court hearings have not yet been scheduled.