News roundup for March 16

Dennis Kucinich to file for Congress Dennis Kucinich, who served Greater Cleveland for 16 years in the U.S. House, says he will file petitions at 3 p.m. Monday at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections to be on the November ballot for the 7th Congressional District. He is running as an independent without a party label. Author Telgemeier attracts hundreds to library event The Medina County District Library hosted its largest author event ever on Wednesday. The event featured Raina Telgemeier, who is the New York Times No. 1 bestselling author and illustrator of graphic novels like "Smile," "Sisters," "Guts" and her "Baby-Sitters Club" adaptation. "Everyone felt these books and this author was worth their precious time," Readers Advisory Librarian Mary Olson said. "Not a single person was impatient, with some waiting in the book signing line for nearly three hours. It's the power of Raina's stories that brings people in." The event was held at the Medina High School middle auditorium with a capacity of just under 400. Once full, people gathered around the open doors to listen. "Several kids were jumping up and down and hugging their book after they got it signed," Children's Acquisitions Librarian Catie Taylor said. Telgemeier also visited with and presented to more than 500 students at Applewood and Huntington elementary schools in Brunswick earlier in the day. Local students named to Walsh University fall dean's list Walsh University announced the 576 students who qualified for the fall 2023 dean's list. Students enrolled for at least 12 credits who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in any semester are included on the dean's list. The following Medina County students were named to the dean's list: Christian Beltran of Spencer Mackenna Blackburn of Wadsworth Logan Clifford of Spencer Allison Dewees of Medina Caroline Dewees of Medina Lauren Farkas of Wadsworth Natalie Gerig of Medina Daniel Gorski of Hinckley Calvin Gwinn of Wadsworth Olivia Herrington of Wadsworth Oakley Kemp of Lodi Gregory McKee of Medina Maria Messina of Medina Ashli Snider of Brunswick Alyssa Stoner of Westfield Center Alex Sullin of Medina Kara Teubl of Medina Logan Tierney of Westfield Center OVI search on St. Patrick's Day in Brunswick The Ohio State Highway Patrol's Medina Post in conjunction with the Brunswick Division of Police will conduct a saturation patrol in Brunswick on Sunday. The primary areas of focus will be Interstate 71, Pearl Road and Center Road. During this time, motorists should expect to see increased patrol presence in the area. The saturation patrol's purpose is to remove impaired drivers from Medina County's roadways and ensure all motorists are safe in their travels over the St. Patrick's Day holiday. Medina County Safe Communities Coalition encourages sober driving The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with the Medina County Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement to encourage residents to not drink and drive this St. Patrick's Day. There were 272 people killed in drunken-driving crashes during the holiday period between 2017 and 2021. During that same time, there were 31 daytime drunken driving fatalities. "Because St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol consumption will increase both on that day and throughout the weekend," Medina County Safe Communities Project Director Mike Metcalf said. "We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly. That should begin even before you go out to celebrate by deciding who will be your sober designated driver or whether you'll be using a ride-sharing service or taxi." West Smith Road reconstruction project update The contractor for the West Smith Road reconstruction project in Medina completed the existing pavement removal and grading of the roadway from the entry drive to 232 W. Smith Road going west on the bridge located near 325 W. Smith Road. Next week, the contractor hopes to stabilize the subgrade in preparation for the installation of the new concrete pavement. Due to the upcoming below -freezing temperatures that are predicted, the stabilization work is tentatively scheduled to occur on Thursday. During the week, West Smith Road between South Elmwood Avenue and Prospect Street will remain closed to through traffic, but local residents and business patrons located in the work zone will be permitted to use the roadway to access their properties. On Thursday, when the stabilization process occurs, local access will be limited since the work will necessitate the removal of the drive access ramps. Residents are asked to park away from their drives at the designated parking location during this time.