News roundup for July 30

Brunswick woman dies in Wayne County crash A Brunswick woman was killed in a crash in Wayne County on Friday morning. At 11:47 a.m., the State Highway Patrol's Wooster Post was notified of a severe two-vehicle crash at the intersection of state Route 604 and Friendsville Road in Canaan Township. The investigation revealed a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan was north on Friendsville Road when it failed to yield at a stop sign and attempted to turn left onto Route 604. A 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup had the right of way. It was driving east on Route 604 and struck the Tiguan in the driver's side doors. The Tiguan spun off the northeast corner of the intersection and struck a ditch. The F-250 also traveled off the northeast corner and struck the ditch. The driver of the Tiguan, Tracey D. Votchko, 49, of Brunswick, was killed in the crash. The driver of the F-250, Darin L. Steiner, 23, of Smithville, was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing seat belts and neither vehicle had additional passengers. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected in the crash. The State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Wayne County Sheriff, Canaan Township fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation and Bear's Towing. This is the 10th fatal crash that resulted in the 11th person killed this year in Wayne County. Traffic on some routes adjacent to state Route 83 has increased due to motorists self-detouring around closures. Area motorists and people traveling through the area are reminded to exercise additional care at all intersections surrounding area detours as other motorists may be unfamiliar with roads and intersections in the affected areas. Medina County Fair to participate in statewide food drive contest Ashland, Medina and Wayne counties have committed to participating in a statewide food drive contest this summer. Now in its second year, Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer is a friendly competition that helps junior fairs raise food donations for local food banks across Ohio. "Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer has grown from a pilot project to a statewide initiative that encourages the local community to come out and help stock the shelves at local food banks," said Evan Hahn, regional vice president of agricultural lending for Farm Credit Mid-America in Ohio. "Last year, eight counties across central and southeast Ohio collected more than 21,000 pounds of food that went on to benefit 18 local food banks. We're very excited to see what the growth and impact will look like as the contest expands across Ohio this summer." Local community members may bring nonperishable food items to the Medina County Fair from Aug. 1-7. There will be boxes at the gates and a trailer located by the community center for donations. The total weight of all donations will be calculated at the end of the fair, with first, second and third place and cash prizes awarded to the county fairs that raise the most food at the end of the summer. Prizes include a $500 award for each county fair that contributes, followed by a $5,000 donation to the fair that raises the most food, $3,500 for second place and $1,500 for third place. All prize money awarded will support local junior fair activities. Results given from Valley City Frog Jump Festival 707 frogs were jumped in 37 flights at the 2022 Valley City Frog Jump Festival. Rhys Conway, of Westlake, was named grand champion. His frog Run-away had a Grand Jump Off distance of 15 feet 9 inches. Other winners included: Stacey Thornton of Brunswick, who won the reserve champion Trophy with her frog, Positive Vibes, completing a jump of 14 feet. Tristan Householder of Valley City, who took the award for the longest jump of the day, with his frog, Jimmy Geroid, jumping 16 feet 2 inches. The shortest jump trophy winner was Jefferson Vondruska of River Corners, whose frog, Buddy, jumped 12 inches. Lego tournament today at Buckeye Library Build creations using Lego bricks today from 1-4 p.m. at the Buckeye Library. Invite friends and family to vote on creations from today until Aug. 13. Prizes are available for those with the most votes. Register at mcdl.info/LEGO. Medina Rec to close for summer maintenance The Medina Community Recreation Center will close from Monday through Aug. 9 for maintenance and repairs to the pools and the pool pump rooms. Deep cleaning of the HVAC vents and floors, power washing the locker rooms and cleaning out the drains will also be done. A new rubberized floor will be installed in the free weight area, and carpet will be replaced in some offices. Those attending summer camp and Cleveland Clinic physical therapy appointments will still be able to access the building. Medina County receives state funding for wetlands The Medina County Park District received $900,000 in state funding for wetland restoration of Little Killbuck Creek Wetlands. 25 new wetland projects will launch in 22 counties throughout Ohio. These projects are funded through ODNR's $25 million H2Ohio allocation in the current state operating budget. The purpose of the funding is to naturally improve water quality across the state. Gov. Mike DeWine created H2Ohio in 2019 as a comprehensive, data-driven approach to combating algal blooms, enhancing water quality and improving water infrastructure over the long term. "Our water is such an incredibly valuable resource and building and restoring wetlands brings us closer to having cleaner water throughout the state," DeWine said. "We are making great strides through the work of H2Ohio, and I look forward to seeing even more progress in the years to come." Closure to effect state Route 94 next week State Route 94, just north of state Route 162, will be closed on Monday for a culvert replacement. The estimated completion is Friday. A detour route for northbound motorists will be Route 94 to state Route 162, west on state Route 162 to state Route 57, north on Route 57 to state Route 18, east on Route 18 to state Route 94 and reverse for southbound motorists. New impacts announced of state Route 18 reconstruction State Route 18, from just west of Alber Drive to Nettleton Road, will have single lane closures as crews widen and reconstruct the roadway. New impacts include: Crews continue to remove pavement along the south side of state Route 18. Grading, storm sewer work and waterline work are also being done throughout the phase three limits. Traffic on River Styx will switch to the west side of the road as crews begin to reconstruct the east side. — from staff reports