February 25, 2026
Payment upgrades: Upgrades are being made to the city’s online utility payment system. Residents will receive information in their March water bills regarding the new Xpress Bill Pay as the upgrade will require registration on the new site to continue online payments, effective April 1.
Author tribute: Congratulations to Avon High School freshman Betty Darnell, winner for the annual Toni Morrison poster contest (high school category), sponsored by the Lorain Public Library System.
Lorain County students in kindergarten through college were invited to express their creativity through a pre-selected inspiring Toni Morrison quotation and create an original piece of artwork reflecting what it means to them.
No retirement: Avon High School Principal Kristina Buller was notified by the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) that her pension benefit “would not be as she previously anticipated,” and she therefore canceled her application for retirement benefits from STRS.
She rescinded her intent to retire and expressed a desire to continue her preretirement employment under the May 20, 2025 contract (extended through July 31, 2028). The school district’s Board of Education recently voted to accept Buller's recission, and both parties agreed to void and terminate her January 6, 2026 reemployment contract, and reinstate in full force and effect the original contract.
In other personnel news from the school district, Debora Eckert (Heritage Elementary teacher) Michelle Lance (Early Learning Center teacher) and Tim Wearsch (Avon Middle School teacher) will be retiring at the end of the school year.
Passport applications: Planning a trip out of the country? The Avon Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, processes passport applications regularly by appointment, but during the Passport Acceptance Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28, you can just drop in to apply. Passport Services information is available online, or call 440-934-4743.
Tree show: The third annual Bonsai Silhouette Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 at the Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road.
The free event includes an opportunity to explore bonsai trees, connect with knowledgeable bonsai enthusiasts, and enjoy the preserve. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Orchid Café.
Learn more at ClevelandBonsaiClub.org
Election season: In advance of the May 5 Primary/Special Election, the Avon Democratic Club will host a Candidate Forum on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Library, 37485 Harvest Drive.
School update: Plans are moving along for construction of the new grades 5-8 middle school in the Avon Lake City Schools. ThenDesign Architecture (TDA), the firm hired by the district for the building project, provided a comprehensive update on the design progress for the new school during a recent Board of Education meeting (Feb. 17).
With the schematic design phase completed, the process is transitioning into design development. During this stage, architects and engineers will be refining the building's layout, developing the sizing for mechanical systems, and detailing the interior infrastructure. The project remains on schedule for a 2028-2029 school year opening, and after the first construction estimate, it is on budget.
Also, during the meeting, the Board of Education and audience were given a first look at the evolving exterior design. The site plan, material selections, and preliminary color palettes were reviewed.
Upon completion of the next design phase, TDA will release interior renderings to give the community a first look at the indoor learning environment.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new school is scheduled for late spring/early summer this year.
A video animation of an outside view of the new middle school is available on the district’s website; as well as project updates, and renderings of outdoor spaces and facilities.
Irish eyes are smiling: Avon Lake High School student Connor Lardie recently competed in the All-Ireland National Championships of Irish Dance in Killarney, Ireland.
He is a four-time Mid-America Regional Oireachtas Champion. Next up, Lardie is preparing to compete in the World Championships in April in Chicago.
Tree pruning: The city’s Public Works Department will begin tree pruning throughout the community this week.
Crews will remove all pruning waste from the right of ways. Work is expected to take two to four weeks (weather permitting).
Tax issue information: The city is proposing an additional 0.4% municipal income tax on the May 5 ballot. If passed, the income tax rate would be adjusted from 1.5% to 1.9% for a five-year period.
The approximately $6.6 million in revenue generated by the 0.4% increase would go into a Roads and Capital Improvements Fund. A minimum of 65% of the revenue would be specifically designated for road improvements and associated debt, and a maximum of 35% designated to stormwater management projects, capital equipment, and payments on capital-related debt.
An opportunity to hear straight from city officials regarding the proposal (not social media) is available for residents at 7 p.m. March 11 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd.
Information is also available on the city’s website, which also includes an income tax calculator.
Sewer system: According to city officials, preparations for a second round of testing will be underway this year to further evaluate the sewer collection system. Priority areas for this testing were determined by historical reporting, surveys, and coordination with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's work on the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plan (RRWWTP).
Additional details are available on the city’s website.
Music teacher recognized: Congratulations to Bay High School Choir Director Dr. Devon Gess, named a semifinalist for the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation's "Music Teachers of Excellence Award." The 30 final awardees will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
Love is blind: Netflix recently released season 10 of its popular reality show, “Love Is Blind.” The all-Ohio cast features contestant Connor Spies, a 2011 Bay High School graduate.
Entrance signs: Thanks to a successful public-private partnership, a new entrance sign was recently installed at Mills Industrial Parkway. Donated by Rudolph Libbe Group, the sign replaces an older wooden sign and increases the visibility of the industrial park.
Best soups: The Kiwanis Club of North Ridgeville is hosting a Soup Cook-off and Basket Raffle fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. March 7 at Fields United Methodist Church, 34077 Lorain Road.
The event features soup samples from community members, city officials, service organizations, local businesses and others. Meals include soup, salad, roll, dessert and beverage.
Tickets are available at the door and cost $15 for adults; $14 for seniors (65 and over), and $7 for children (6 and under).
Presale tickets can be purchased by calling 440-327-0111, and cost $13 for adults and $12 for seniors.
Dedicated to service: Congratulations to Sgt. Matt Downing on his well-deserved retirement. He began serving in the city’s police department in 1998. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years active and 32 years reserve until he retired as a Command Master Chief.
He has filled many roles in the department including Range Officer, Field Training Officer, in charge of our Active Threat Training, ELCERT Commander, and Training Officer.
Trail extension: The Ohio Controlling Board approved $148K in Clean Ohio Trail Fund Grants for the purpose of constructing a trail around the Rocky River Senior Center.
Replacement project: Enbridge Gas is planning to begin work on the Wooster/Parkview gas main replacement project March 2. The work includes replacing approximately 9,000 linear feet of gas main and 144 gas service connections along Wooster Road (between Parkview and Westover), as well as on the dead-end streets in this area east of Wooster Road, including Parkview, Bonnie Bank, Parklane, and Westover. As part of the project, existing interior gas meters will be relocated to the exterior of homes.
For immediate assistance, residents may contact Enbridge’s 24-hour emergency line at 800-521-2600.
Additional construction updates are posted on the city’s website.
Post-pandemic kids: Parents are invited to attend a conversation on the lasting effects of COVID-19 on kids’ anxiety, social development and emotional well-being from Rob Adams, of Barlow & Adams Behavioral Health, at 6:30 p.m. March 12 at the Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road. The event is hosted by Connecting for Kids.
Golf facility update: Groundbreaking will take place next month for the brand-new practice facility at Meadowood Golf Course, 29800 Center Ridge Road.
Updates include18 indoor heated bays for year-round practice, one indoor training bay with advanced swing technology, outdoor open-air tees and grass tees, and clubhouse renovations to complement the new facility
The project reflects resident feedback from the 2015 Master Plan Study, which ranked golf among the most desired recreational amenities in Westlake. The facility is designed for players of all ages and skill levels.
Work is expected to be completed in late fall 2027 (weather permitting).
City Council approved the construction contract with Town Center Construction on December 18, 2025. During construction, Meadowood will remain open with two 9-hole par-3 courses, and discounted rates and additional specials will be offered. Clubhouse rentals will end March 31.
What's next? The city is surveying residents and Meadowood patrons on Phase 2 course redevelopment options — including a 9-hole regulation course or an 18-hole par-3/executive course. To participate in the survey, click here.
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Julie A. Short
