News roundup for April 22

Medina County Safe Communities traffic fatalities report Medina County Safe Communities reports five fatal crashes have occurred in the county during the first three months of 2026. It matches the number of fatal crashes for the same period in 2025. As of April 6, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office reports 231 confirmed traffic crash fatalities in all of Ohio for 2026, while 207 fatalities occurred in the same time period in 2025. It is a 12 percent increase in fatalities, but the data is preliminary and could change in the coming weeks. Valley City Community Group awards Barb and Rod Knight Citizenship Award scholarships The Valley City Community Group awarded scholarships to Buckeye High School seniors Turner Dolata and Claire Miller. Dolata supports the Valley City Frog Jump, Buckeye Youth Football and Unified Champions. He plays football and basketball and often volunteers his time. Following graduation, he plans to pursue degrees in construction management and business management at a college yet to be selected. Miller is part of Buckeye's varsity volleyball program and also volunteers and coaches youth volleyball camps. She serves as president of the Buckeye Student Visionary Program's Student Advisory Panel, where she has helped design a new school building. She also participated in the Valley City Frog Jump as Mayor Froggington. Following graduation, she will attend the University of South Carolina to major in civil engineering. Since 1974, the Valley City Community Group and its predecessors have awarded a scholarship to a graduating Buckeye High School senior residing in Liverpool Township. The $2,000 scholarship is presented annually by the Valley City Community Group and funded through proceeds from Valley City festivals and events. It is awarded to the student who best exemplifies the ideal Buckeye student. Scholarship winners demonstrate academic excellence while balancing school activities, helping others and contributing to community projects. Lodi Harrisville Historical Society meeting The Lodi Harrisville Historical Society will have its quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Waite Harris House at 111 Harris St. in Lodi. The program is "The Case of Lucy Bagby: The Last Fugitive Slave" by Brian Kowell. The program will follow the meeting, and all are welcome to attend. Road closure Bear Swamp Road will be closed Thursday for pavement repairs between Fixler Road and Sharon-Copley Road during daytime hours or while crews are present. Medina County Park District event Hear and learn about bird and insect vocalizations in the spring 9-10 a.m. today in River Styx Park. All ages are welcome. No registration is required for the free event.