News roundup for Sept. 10

Medina 9/11 memorial observance There will be a 9/11 memorial observance from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at 300 West Reagan Parkway in Medina. 2025-26 Medina Schools free and reduced-price meals Medina Schools announced its 2025-26 program year policy for free and reduced-price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast, After School Care Snack or Special Milk programs. Each school office and the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. Application forms are distributed to all homes in a letter to parents or guardians. To apply, households should complete an application and return it to the school. A complete application is required, and additional copies are available at the principal's office in each school. Households that currently receive Special Nutrition Assistance Program benefits or Ohio Works First funds for a child must provide the child's name, the SNAP or OWF case number and signature of an adult household member on the application. Households that do not receive SNAP or OWF funds must provide the names of all household members, the last four digits of the adult who is signing the application's Social Security Number, the amount and source of income received by each household member and the adult's signature. If any of this information is missing, the school cannot process the application. Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits regardless of the household's income. If a family has foster children living with them and wishes to apply for meals or milk for them, contact their school for more information. Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for free healthcare coverage through Medicaid or Ohio's Healthy Start & Healthy Families programs. The programs include coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse. Call 1-800-324-8680 for more information or to request an application. Leadership Medina County announces signature class of 2026 Leadership Medina County introduced its Signature Class of 2026, which is a group of 39 community leaders who officially began their yearlong journey with a retreat on Aug. 26-27 at the Blair Conference Center. The retreat was sponsored by Westfield. During the retreat, participants engaged in a variety of activities intended to deepen self-awareness, build trust and foster collaboration. It featured storytelling exercises to explore personal leadership journeys, discussions on issues facing Medina County and interactive group challenges that encouraged teamwork and reflection. "This year's class is already demonstrating the openness and commitment it takes to lead with impact," Leadership Medina County Executive Director Jennifer Bilek said. "The Signature Program is about more than professional development. It's about creating the space where leaders can learn, grow and collaborate in ways that shape our county for years to come." The Signature Class of 2026 will spend the next several months exploring Medina County through themed program days focused on areas such as business, government, education, health and social services. The purpose is for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region while strengthening their leadership skills and networks. Water main improvement project in Medina This week, the contractor for the water main improvement project in Medina will begin concrete restoration work along South Elmwood Avenue between Lafayette Road and West Smith Road. The northbound lane of South Elmwood Avenue will be closed for about six days while concrete restoration work within the roadway is being completed. Local access to all businesses and residences will be maintained during the closure using the southbound lane only. The work will include the replacement of any curb, sidewalk, curb ramps, drive aprons or pavement that was distributed with the transfer of water services associated with the project. Traffic along West Liberty Street and South Elmwood Avenue between West Liberty Street and West Washington Street will be reopened fully to traffic.