NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- The North Ridgeville Police Department is part of the Lorain County Bomb Squad, a specialized unit that responds to potentially explosive or hazardous materials across Lorain, Erie and Huron counties.
The squad is run through the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
North Ridgeville Police Sgt. Ian Wilkshire, who recently served as interim commander, shared that each team member completes six weeks of intensive training at the FBI's Hazard Devices School in Alabama to become Certified Bomb Technicians.
They also receive hazardous materials training and must re-certify every three years.
The current Certified Bomb Technicians are Wilkshire, Officer Andy Kehl of the Avon Police Department and Deputy Nate Krueger of the Lorain County Sheriff's Office, the current commander.
In addition, Jason Strah from the Sheffield Fire Department serves as the medic and hazardous materials adviser.
The squad's service area is wide-ranging; they have responded to calls as far away as Cedar Point and Kelleys Island.
The work is highly technical and physically demanding. Bomb technicians learn to use disruptors and x-ray equipment, and don 90-pound protective suits.
The squad has handled everything from suspicious packages to old hand grenades, booby-trapped gun collections and even the unusual task of retrieving a grenade from a cistern.
Finding old dynamite, sold freely to the public in local hardware stores until 1968, remains surprisingly common.
Dynamite requires careful destruction under controlled conditions, with fire and ambulance crews on standby.
The training is provided at no cost to local departments, thanks to federal funding.
The North Ridgeville Police Department utilizes two remotely operated robots as part of their bomb response equipment.
The squad also collaborates with neighboring agencies, occasionally working with Cuyahoga County and utilizing bomb-detection dogs from the RTA, TSA and even the military.
AVON
Job Crushing: The Lake Erie Crushers are hosting a job fair for prospective part-time roles, seasonal positions and internships for the 2026 baseball season.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at ForeFront Field, 2009 Baseball Blvd. in Avon.
The Crushers are looking to make over 100 hires ahead of the season, including in the areas of concessions, parking attendants, ushers, in-game production, stadium operations, marketing, retail and more.
At the job fair, participants can make connections with the supervisors in various aspects of the organization.
Hosting more than 200 events per calendar year, the Crushers organization is excited to add local, dedicated talent to the team.
Relaxation guide: The Avon Lake Recreation Department's 2026 Spring/Summer Program Guide is available now.
This spring and summer in Avon Lake are packed with programs for all ages, including the 250 Jubilee, youth summer camps, activities for seniors, concerts in the park, swim lessons, sports and much more.
Folks can access the guide at www.AvonLake.org.
Also in the guide is information on volunteer and seasonal employment opportunities.
The 2026 Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center hours, guidelines and membership fees schedule is also included, as is a schedule of senior activities at the Old Firehouse Community Center.
There's also information on facilities rental opportunities.
No Discovery: DiscoveryWorks at the Avon Lake Public Library is temporarily closed until further notice due to a heating issue.
The team is working quickly and diligently to get everything back up and running so that they can welcome patrons back as soon as possible.
In the meantime, staff suggests the children's section, where little ones can play, explore and discover.
Teacher feature: Westview Elementary School students recently showed their school spirit by participating in "Dress Like Your Teacher Day."
Displaying creativity and humor, students showed their appreciation for their teachers and staff with an array of outfits and accessories.
Some wore homemade name badges to complement their look.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Building bridges: The City of North Ridgeville has secured funding to support planned maintenance on the Lorain Road bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
Up to $739,000 has been awarded through the Ohio Department of Transportation's Local Major Bridge Program to help maintain this important roadway connection.
The project was identified in the city's Capital Improvement Plan, helping position North Ridgeville to pursue funding and address long-term infrastructure needs.
Planned improvements will focus on targeted maintenance to address age-related wear while maintaining safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Work is expected to include sidewalk and parapet wall repairs, approach slab and abutment repairs, deck resealing, replacement of the vandal fence and guardrail, and upgrades to traffic safety features.
Construction is anticipated in 2029 and updates will be shared as the project moves forward.
Safety improvements: The city continues to advance pedestrian safety improvements in the Lorain Road and Lear Nagle roads area.
Preliminary plans for additional crosswalks, pedestrian signals and signage at the Lorain and Lear Nagle intersection are currently under review, with the improvement package expected to be advertised for bid later this month.
The city is also coordinating with FirstEnergy on additional lighting installation and LED upgrades in the corridor.
Council has authorized the city to apply to the Ohio Department of Transportation for funding of broader pedestrian safety improvements along the Lorain Road corridor, with the potential to receive up to $2 million.
Meet Your Elected Officials: Meet Your Elected Officials will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23, sponsored by the North Ridgeville Branch Library.
Final details are being completed and more information will be shared soon.
Coffee and Conversation: February's Coffee and Conversation with the Mayor will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 25 in Council Chambers at City Hall.
This month's guest is Kevin Fougerousse, parks and recreation director, who will share updates and be available to answer questions.
Instagram effect: The City of North Ridgeville has expanded its communications channels and is now on Instagram.
This platform will be used to share updates on city services, projects and initiatives along with timely information and highlights from across the community.
Prevention grant: The North Ridgeville Firefighters IAFF Local 2129 and the city recently partnered to apply for a community safety grant through Columbia Gas.
They were awarded $5,000 to support fire prevention materials, equipment and community education efforts.
This award represents an early step in a broader initiative focused on strengthening prevention, preparedness and public awareness across the community.
New meters: North Ridgeville recently completed its Water Meter Replacement Project -- four months ahead of schedule and under budget -- delivering meaningful savings for the community.
Originally expected to take up to 14 months, the project was finished in just 10 months through the dedication and coordination of the Division of Public Utilities and the Public Works Water Division.
The project came in $1.3 million under budget. These savings will be reallocated to the city's Water Debt Service Fund, allowing North Ridgeville to move one full year ahead in repaying the debt issued to fund this critical infrastructure upgrade.
Officials said completing the project early and under budget strengthens the long-term financial position of the city's water system; helps reduce future costs; ensures continued reliable water service for residents and businesses.
Adulting 101: The North Ridgeville Office for Older Adults (NROOA) offers a wide range of programs designed to support healthy, active and engaged living.
Opportunities include fitness classes, meals, crafts, games and a variety of educational programs that encourage both physical activity and social connection.
Staying active and socially connected plays an important role in overall health and well-being; these programs provide a wonderful way to stay involved with friends and neighbors.
For a full listing of programs and events, stop by to pick up a newsletter or view it online. If you have questions or want to register for programs or events, call 440-490-2056.
On Feb. 27, NROOA will be hosting an informative session with Archwell Health.
Attendees will discover how their senior-focused primary care model promotes healthy aging, personalized care and community connection.
Learn about wellness programs and resources designed to help folks live their best life. Register by Feb. 23.
America 250:
During February, America 250 will honor Ohio's long tradition of innovation, industry and the hard-working people behind it.
In North Ridgeville, they are proud to highlight local businesses that reflect this legacy and continue to drive progress in the community today.
Throughout the month, the North Ridgeville High School Broadcast Journalism class will share weekly video profiles featuring R.W. Beckett, RGI Creative, Riddell and Worcester's (who happens to be celebrating 100 years).
These student-produced stories spotlight local ingenuity, workforce excellence and the important role the business community plays in shaping North Ridgeville's future.
Future careers:
On Feb. 25, North Ridgeville City Schools will host FutureNow: Destination College Bound and Career Fields, a career and college exploration event connecting high school students with professionals and organizations across a range of fields.
This year's focus includes education, government, legal, agency, finance and sales, with an emphasis on college and career pathways.
North Ridgeville City Schools is seeking panelists and booth representatives interested in sharing their experience, expertise and career opportunities with students.
Participation provides an opportunity to support students as they explore postsecondary options and future careers.
Panelist sessions will be held from 9:50 to 11:08 a.m. and will include discussion of career pathways, education or training backgrounds and day-to-day work experiences along with a moderated question-and-answer session with students.
Booth sessions will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Organizations, businesses and colleges may host a booth to share information about careers, programs and pathways and engage directly with students.
Kindergarten enrollment:
If your child will be entering kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year, please plan to attend the March into Kindergarten event at 5 p.m. Feb. 23.
At this event, you'll hear from the principal about the enrollment process, curriculum, nursing services and more.
Kindergarten enrollment will open March 2, beginning at 9 a.m.
Gov. Mike DeWine recently signed House Bill 114, which updates the age requirements for students entering Kindergarten across the state of Ohio.
Under House Bill 114, students must be 5 years old on or before the first day of school to be eligible for kindergarten. The cutoff date in North Ridgeville is Aug. 20 for the 2026-27 school year.
Please contact the Early Childhood Learning Community for more information about kindergarten programs.
Veterans music:
Operation Guitar is a program provided by Flight of the Flags for veterans living in Lorain County.
It's more than just music lessons. It's a chance to experience the therapeutic and mental health benefits of learning an instrument.
Playing guitar can reduce stress, improve focus and provide a creative outlet.
Over the course of 10 weeks, you'll gain new skills in a supportive veteran-friendly environment.
And to top it off, every participant will receive a free guitar at the end of the class as a keepsake and tool to continue their musical journey.